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 China develops independent carrier-based aircraft support system Xinhua) 09:07, September 26, 2024 JINAN, Sept. 25 (Xinhua) -- China has developed an independent and self-reliant support system for carrier-based aircraft. The support system will continue to be improved, targeting the future needs for long-term deployment of carrier strike groups in distant waters and various combat training missions of carrier-based aviation forces, according to the ongoing academic forum on the development of carrier-based aviation equipment held in Qingdao, Shandong. Significant progress has been made in aircraft takeoff and landing technology aboard carriers, with a transition from ski-jump takeoff to electromagnetic catapult launch and electromagnetic arrestor recovery, said Naval Aviation University's Huo Wujun. (Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Zhong Wenxing) Vice President Mahamudu Bawumia has been adjudged as the best person to be given the management of Free SHS to since he co-birthed the program, according to a professor of Accounting and Finance at the University of Professional Studies, Accra (UPSA), Professor Isaac Boadi. Describing the NPPs flagbearer as the most qualified person to continue managing the program-poor flagship program, the Dean of Accounting and Finance at UPSA also indicated that Dr. Bawumia has the right mindset and vision to manage Free SHS. Dr. Bawumia has the right vision, mindset and focus to continue the Free SHS policy. He has been an integral part of the conception, development and implementation of the Free SHS program. He is, therefore, the best and most suitable candidate to be given Free SHS to handle going forward he stated. The UPSA don also said that a child can best be taken care of by his parents and not by foster parents. Between a mother and a foster parent, who can best take care of a child? Clearly, it is the mother. Bawumia remains a mother to Free SHS whereas Mahama can only be a foster parent. Bawumia believed in Free SHS, Mahama has never believed in it. It is only right and safer to give Bawumia the chance to continue nurturing Free SHS, not Mahama How do you expect someone who has never liked Free SHS to be able to manage it better than the one who has been a key part of the program? he asked. Professor Boadi also gave instances where an NPP administration has handed over policies and programs to the NDC but the latter couldnt manage them well. 1. The NDC cloned NPPs Northern Development Plan and named it SADA. We saw what happened. SADA was used as a vehicle to siphon millions of monies from the state into private pockets. Monies were wasted to plant trees in the dry season, monies meant for rearing guinea fowls were never used, etc, etc. 2. NDC inherited Health Insurance and made a mess of it. Before leaving office in 2016, the number of subscribers had reduced. Between 2009 and 2016, the number of NHIS subscribers decreased from 12.5 million to 11.03 million. Under the Akufo-Addo administration, subscribers have moved from 11.03 million to 17.5 million between 2017 and 2024. 3. They brought health insurance capitation and that nearly collapsed the scheme. 4. Kufour left them with a stable Metro Mass Transit system. They almost collapsed it. 5. School feeding was on its knees when Akufo-Addo came to power after JAK had left a stronger feeding system for the NDC. Judging from the above, we can all see that the NDC has never been able to manage programs bequeathed to them by the NPP administration. It stands to reason that if Free SHS is given to Mahama to handle, he will simply collapse it He, therefore, urged Ghanaians to vote massively for Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia and the NPP in the coming elections. Professor Boadi made these remarks at the Sunyani Edition of the ABC News Economic Symposium held on Wednesday, September 25, 2024 at the Sunyani Technical University Auditorium. Source: Josephine Acheampomaa/Peacefmonline.com Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority. Featured Video Deputy Communications Director for the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP), Jennifer Queen, has challenged claims by the Women wing of the opposition National Democratic Congress that the Police arrested a pregnant woman during the Democracy Hub demonstration at 37 in Accra. According to her, there was no evidence that any of the suspects was pregnant as of the time they were arrested following their violations. The lady is not showing any physical signs of pregnancy, she did not inform any of the police officers that she was pregnant. When she got to court, she did not inform the court that she was pregnant, so theres no evidence as claimed by the NDC, she told Asaaseradio.com on Thursday. She further noted: Her lawyer, spoke in court and applied for bail. the lawyer did not mention that she was pregnant for the court to consider it. if she did not inform the police or court; nor her lawyer informed the police or court; and she was not showing any physical signs, how was anyone supposed to know about. The comment comes in the wake of claims by the NDC in a statement that the Police knowingly arrested a pregnant a woman during the demonstration. Meanwhile, the Police have dismissed claims in sections of the media that they denied medical care to some of the suspects who reported ill health. The Police would like to inform the public that at no point in time have the Police denied these suspects any medical attention, a Police statement said on Wednesday 25th September 2024. 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 Global Media Alliance (GMA), a leading integrated communications agency, has been named the Premium Corporate Communications Brand of the Year 2023 at the 11th edition of the Made-In-Ghana Awards and Gala Dinner. The prestigious event, organized by the Entrepreneurs Foundation of Ghana, took place on Saturday, September 21, 2024 in Accra under the theme Celebrating Ghanaian Business Pride for Sustainable Economic Development. The Made-in-Ghana Awards seeks to honor and celebrate iconic indigenous brands that have not only thrived but have built loyal customer bases and established strong brand reputations. The recognition of Global Media Alliance reflects the company's dedication to excellence in corporate communications. Emma Wenani, Chief Director of Global Media Alliance, expressed her gratitude for the recognition, stating "We are deeply honoured to receive this prestigious award. On behalf of the entire GMA team, I would like to extend our sincere thanks to the Entrepreneurs Foundation of Ghana for acknowledging the hard work and dedication we have put into building a strong communications brand. Emma Wenani added This award reinforces our commitment to continually raising the bar in the industry, and we promise our stakeholders and clients that GMA will continue to do even better in the years to come." With over 25 years of experience in Public Relations, Media Consultancy, Events Management, Creative Services, Digital, and Brand Marketing, Global Media Alliance has cemented its place as a powerhouse in the communications industry across West Africa and beyond. Global Media Alliance's recognition at the Made-in-Ghana Awards serves as a reminder that hard work, innovation, and commitment to excellence do not go unnoticed. This award is yet another feather in the cap for GMA, and the company looks forward to scaling even greater heights in the years ahead. 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 A live-in nanny has been awarded 2million after her fast food mogul boss secretly recorded nude videos of her by hiding a camera inside a smoke detector. Kelly Andrade, 25, sued 35-year-old Michael Esposito for filming her while she lived with him and his family in New Yorks Staten Island. The dad-of-four was arrested after she claimed he tried to break her door down when he realised she had discovered the device and the memory card inside crammed with "hundreds" of clips. A Manhattan jury has now awarded the au pair $780,000 in emotional distress damages against Esposito and his wife Danielle, plus $2,000,000 in punitive damages against him. Esposito, who owns three LaRosa Grill franchises, was taken into custody on suspicion of illegal surveillance, which carries a maximum sentence of four years. But he was allowed to walk free on the condition he completes two years of probation and counselling. Ms Andrades attorney previously described the punishment as a "slap on the wrist". Speaking to the New York Post, the nanny said: "Its not enough for the whole situation Ive been through these three years. Its not enough. "I was angry because the damage that he caused me is irreversible." In her lawsuit, the Colombian national described spending hundreds of hours training after being hired by Cultural Care Au Pair and sent to work in the US. She told the Post she was thrilled at the opportunity to learn English while working in America. But she became suspicious after frequently seeing Esposito tinkering with the smoke detector in the bedroom they had given her, saying it "was constantly being repositioned". After several weeks in the job she took a closer look at the device and spotted the camera hidden inside. She described having to escape through a window when Esposito arrived home and started banging on her door. According to the lawsuit, police later found "hundreds of recordings" of her "nude and/or dressing/undressing" on it. 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 A chimpanzee, famous for its tool-using ability, ripped a baby girl from her mother's arms before taking her into the forest to butcher her and harvest her organs. Seny Zogba was working in a cassava field in Bossou, in Guinea, when a chimp sunk his teeth into her and stole her eight-month-old baby, named as Yoh Helene. The little girl's mutilated body was found 3km from the Nimba Mountains Nature Reserve. Witnesses fear the chimp used his tools to main the girl as they claim the infant had been eviscerated. Chief researcher Gen Yamakoshi chillingly told The Times the gruesome killing was because the chimps "no longer fear humans." An angry mob directed their fury towards the scientists who have been studying the remarkable animal community for decades, and brought the baby's corpse to their Bossou Environmental Research Institute. They then ransacked the building, destroying and setting fire to equipment including drones, computers and over 200 documents, the centre's managers said. Joseph Dore, a young member of the group from Bossou, said: "it's the way she was killed, that's what angered the population." Local ecologist Alidjiou Sylla said the dwindling supply of food in the reserve was pushing the animals to leave the protected area more frequently, increasingly the likelihood of attacks. The research centre said it had recorded six chimpanzee attacks on humans within the reserve since the start of the year. Moussa Koya, another youth leader, said "It was not their will [to be violent] but it has become the habit of the chimpanzees." Mr Yamakoshi said it wasn't clear whether the attacks are because of food or "excitement". "It is similar behaviour to how chimps treat one another," he said. "If they are excited they cannot control their behaviour." In 2022, the oldest member of a chimpanzee tribe, Fana, died in solitude age 71, leaving behind two sons, Foaf and Fanwa. The tiny community of apes use stone hammers and anvils to crack open nuts - the most sophisticated act ever observed of humanity's genetically closest relative. The great apes live in the wild but share the territory and its resources with the locals, who protect them, believing them to be reincarnated ancestors. Chimpanzees are respected in Guinea and traditionally given gifts in the form of food, prompting some to venture out of the protected area and into human settlements, where they can sometimes attack. But Bossou elder Michael Gamada Koiba said locals now don't know "what kind of chimpanzees they are" after the fatality. 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 A Texas woman has confessed to drugging young girls with melatonin gummies while trafficking them into the US. Vanessa Valadez, 23, of Laredo, pleaded guilty Friday to working with family members to smuggle children under the age of 5 into the country from Nuevo Laredo, Mexico, between August and September 2023. La noquiamos con unas gomitas, one of Valdezs co-conspirators wrote in a message alongside an image of a passed-out girl during one operation which translates to we knocked her out with some gummies. Valdez and her family smuggled at least four young girls into the country, according to Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), picking them up from a stash house across the border and drugging them before using phoney birth certificates to try to pass them off as family members. After Laredo, the girls were taken deeper into the US and left with unknown people for unknown purposes. Valdez and her conspirators were finally foiled on Sept. 21, 2023, during a routine inspection by border agents. Three of the girls smuggled into the US remain unidentified, and their locations are unknown, HSI said in a statement. Valdezs co-conspirators were Ana Laura Bryand, 47; and her niece Kayla Marie Bryand, 20; Jose Eduardo Bryand, 43; Nancy Guadalupe Bryand, 44; and 32-year-old Lizeth Esmeralda Bryand Arredondo, of Mexico. Each previously pleaded guilty to their part in the sick conspiracy. The shocking confessions come as US border agents are warning that child trafficking is on the rise along the border. Border Patrol sources previously told The Post theyve seen an uptick in smugglers using kids to pose as family units and sometimes see kids turn up at the border multiple times but with different adults each time. 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 Zimbabwe - A Zimbabwean politician, Happymore Chidziva has been arrested in connection with a r@pe case. The arrest was confirmed on Tuesday, September 24, by Webster Jiti, the lawyer representing the alleged victim. Chidziva, who is married to the aunt of the teenager, is accused of luring the young girl with gifts and later engaging in repeated s3xual acts with her. The arrest followed a formal request from Jiti to the police on September 20, calling for action after the case was first opened late last month. The victims family had initially filed a missing person report at Budiriro police station, claiming that Chidziva was hiding the teenager. Their concerns intensified, leading to the opening of a r@pe docket at Harare Central police station. Chidziva is to appear in court on Wednesday for his initial hearing. Jiti confirmed, "The ZRP has informed me that they have apprehended Chidziva, and the case will proceed to court." 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 South African soldier sentenced to life imprisonment for r@pe and deliberately infecting his girlfriend with HIV. The Pretoria Magistrates Court on Wednesday sentenced a former South African National Defence Force (SANDF) employee, Leon Santos Conga (48) to life imprisonment for r@pe of his girlfriend. He was given an additional 10-year direct imprisonment for attempted m8rder for knowingly exposing and factually infecting his girlfriend with the Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV). Conga was found guilty on Tuesday, June 11, 2024. The Regional Spokesperson of the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) Gauteng Division: Pretoria, Lumka Mahanjana in a statement said the court ordered that the sentence should run concurrently. Conga and the victim were in a love relationship for four months, from 16 December 2016 until April 2017. Before the two began their relationship, the victim had done an HIV test on 01 December 2016 which came back HIV negative. When the two started their relationship, the victim raised the HIV conversation and insisted on knowing Congas HIV status. Conga then lied and misled the victim and told her that he was HIV negative hence his employer was able to deploy him outside the country. However, the victim came with the condition in their relationship that no condom no sex. One time when the two were intimate, Conga removed the condom. This apparently happened twice until the victim felt unwell and went to do an HIV test. When the results came back positive, she confronted Conga who denied infecting her.She then reported the matter to the police in May 2017, however the docket was only opened on 09 July 2017. In 2018 after several postponements in court, the matter was withdrawn due to insufficient evidence. However, after investigations and the required evidence was obtained from the SANDF the matter was re-enrolled on 21 August 2021 and Conga appeared in court. During the trial, Conga stated that the condom was removed by the complainant and denied infecting the victim with HIV. However, the state prosecutor, Advocate Emile Van der Merwe called a witness, Professor Terresa Russouw, an HIV expert who testified about the effects of HIV and assisted the state in proving the attempted murder charge. The state also provided evidence which revealed that Conga first tested HIV positive on 08 October 2007, therefore he was aware of his HIV status when he removed the condom and had intercourse with the victim. During the sentencing proceedings, in aggravation of sentence, Advocate Van der Merwe argued that Conga was known to the victim as he served in the military with her brother. She trusted him but he betrayed that trust. Furthermore, Van der Merwe said r@pe is not only a serious violent crime, but it is extremely prevalent therefore, the courts and prosecutions owe it to the community to deal with such matters with the seriousness and devotion it requires. He asked the court to impose a sentence of life imprisonment. Advocate Van der Merwe also handed in a Victim Impact Statement (VIS) and called the victim to testify in aggravation, where the victim told the court that the man left her with an emotional scar and a permanent trademark which is HIV. Taking antiretroviral treatment (ARV) every night is a constant reminder of the scar he permanently gave her. As such she has anxiety and fears about ever infecting her partner should she be in a relationship or infecting her child should she decide to have a baby. When handing down the sentence, the Regional Magistrate, Ntlati agreed with the state that Conga showed no remorse and that he committed a very serious offence that had devastating effects on the victim and her family. 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 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. The recent uproar by Ghanaians calling for the release of arrested protesters who were demanding the cessation of galamsey activities by the government has generated numerous talking points on social media, particularly on X. Topics like Kantanga, Sarkodie, Cheddar, Ga Mantse, Ghanaians, #FreeTheYouth, #ReoccupyJulorbiHouse, Nana Addo, #FixTheCountry, Akua Donkor, and NPP and NDC are trending for Thursday, September 26, 2024. Heres a breakdown of why these topics are trending: Katanga The Kantanga fraternity of the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST) has announced plans to embark on a naked demonstration in Accra over the pollution of river bodies by activities of illegal mining. Netizens are supporting them with money to facilitate their travel from Kumasi to Accra. Sarkodie The Ghanaian musician is trending for his silence over recent events in the country, despite allegedly being a harsh critic of the previous John Dramani Mahama administration. Cheddar Nana Kwame Bediako, a presidential candidate widely known as Cheddar, has incurred the anger of netizens following his comments accusing the NDC of orchestrating the #StopGalamsey protests, which have led to the arrest and detention of protesters. Ga Mantse The issue of tribalism among Ghanaians once again has trended with the Ga Mantse for differing reasons. #FreeTheYouth The campaign ad vocating for the release of arrested protesters fighting against galamsey is still trending after 24 hours.Protesters have been remanded for 2 weeks into police and prison custody respectively. Here are some tweets under the trending topics below:
Tertiary institutions must join this fight!
Katanga Fellowood (@KatangaFellows) September 25, 2024
The Twitter boys cant win this galamsey battle alone.
Katanga is ready by the way!
Imagine all of us captured by the police and placed in one cell. We go shit spoil there all.#FreetheCitizens pic.twitter.com/r7P02fbB7w
Conti, Katanga, Casford, Vandals & Ghanaian youth have promised to join the next protest. We should establish a united front right NOW to pick a date & venue to organize the most effective protest in the history of our country. We should NOT let this heat die. #FreetheCitizens pic.twitter.com/BQ9c0Tweve
Hubert (@KwesiHubert) September 26, 2024
We need logistics to bus Fellows from all 16 regions in Ghana to embark on a naked demonstration in Accra!
Katanga Fellowood (@KatangaFellows) September 25, 2024
Who will sponsor us? Kindly message us!#FreeTheCitzens pic.twitter.com/BVjXRCiUvd
We are so proud to set the stage running to demonstrate to safeguard our future.
Katanga Fellowood (@KatangaFellows) September 25, 2024
Its a tough call and its so sad and disheartening to have 6-member executive of our global alumni wanting to stop over 50,000 Katanga alumni from protesting!
Ghana is bigger than their pic.twitter.com/ah9uZF6LaX
Our global alumni president said he is the boss of Ghana Real Estate Company Limited so we should not demonstrate. Hence, has labeled us not legitimate!
Katanga Fellowood (@KatangaFellows) September 26, 2024
Edey funny we sef
Just look at our water now and you are here to dirty play party cards?
Masa, enfa!
Our lives pic.twitter.com/RUOk70cIxL
They said Sarkodie's mouth that he used to say Nana Toaso 4years ago is what has brought wahala for him . pic.twitter.com/rCEp8yz8zz
Headless YouTuber (@HeadlessYouTube) September 25, 2024
He influenced millions of Ghanaians to vote for criminals who arrested pregnant women, asthmatic patients, and children under 13 years old, and they still prevented them from accessing food. In 2020, even Nigerians were protesting, and he supported them. But today, he can't say a pic.twitter.com/hHwBAyeRv2
Tech In Twi (@tech_twi) September 25, 2024
Source: Twitter/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 Former Central Regional Minister, Kwamena Duncan has vehemently condemned the Democracy Hub demonstrators over their protest within the enclave of the 37 Military Hospital. The demonstrators who had trooped into the streets in their numbers engaged in violent acts that compelled the Police to arrest over 30 of them. The arrested persons have been arraigned before court. They were apprehended for blocking the road leading to the hospital and other places, removing keys in a Police vehicle and throwing it away without provocation, destroying properties and engaging in other acts of vandalism. Addressing the issue during Peace FM's "Kokrokoo" show, Kwamena Duncan described the demonstrators' behavior as "lunatic". Quoting some portions of the constitution that negate their conduct, the former Minister said; "The people decide to embark on a demonstration and display an act of lunacy and we are being told, the proposition is that we should look at the main cause; why they went to the streets. My goodness!...You decide that a registered political party's billboards while doing your demonstration, you decide to break them down, destroy them. "You decide that you're demonstrating, so you will block the road that people are using to their houses and to the hospital for medical treatment and the proposition is that we should not be discussing this matter. We should rather focus on why they went to the streets but who tells you that what they said was driving them to the street was what drove them to the street. Who tells you? What drove them to the streets is what we saw; it's the conduct!" He commended the Police for keeping the demonstration under control. "The steps that have been taken by the Police to arrest these lawless young people, the law must go through the full haul and deal with them." Source: Ameyaw Adu Gyamfi 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 Bernard Allotey Jacobs has charged the President of the Republic, Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, not to heed calls on him for a state of emergency over illegal mining. The President has come under pressure from some Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) and many Ghanaians to declare a state of emergency to stop the illegal mining (galamsey) activities. Galamsey is a major bane of the country with it destroying the water bodies and environment. As a result, the Ghana Water Company has warned of an impending danger saying about Sixty percent (60%) of the catchment capacity is silted as a result of illegal mining (galamsey) compromising the quality of raw water. We are currently recording an average turbidity of 14,000 NTU instead of 2000 NTU designed for adequate treatment. Also, a group calling themselves Democracy Hub took to the streets on Friday, September 20, in a protest dubbed "Stop Galamsey" to register their displeasure with the government for failing to clamp down on galamseyers. Responding to the calls on Nana Akufo-Addo, Bernard Allotey Jacobs, a former NDC Central Regional Chairman, told the President not to declare a state of emergency. "Any declaration of state of emergency in galamsey areas won't work," he said on Peace FM's "Kokrokoo" show. Source: Ameyaw Adu Gyamfi 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 NDC Central Regional Chairman, Bernard Allotey Jacobs has hailed the Inspector General of Police, Dr. George Akuffo Dampare and his officers for restraining themselves despite provocation from the Democracy Hub protesters. The demonstrators who thronged the 37 Military Hospital confronted the Police resulting in the arrest of some of them. Their leader, Oliver Baker-Vormawor, was arrested after he forcibly removed the keys to a Police vehicle, speeding off and throwing it away. Allotey Jacobs, commenting on the misbehavior of the protesters, was full of praise for the IGP and his men for not engaging in brutalities. "The professionalism displayed, I haven't seen it before. For the first time in Ghana Police adminstration and Police crises management, you will never see anything like this. We know what happened at Ejura and many other places where Police are involved in brutalities but nothing of such sort happened" in this current demonstration, he remarked on Peace FM's "Kokrokoo" show. He further commended the Police administration for resorting to rule of law, stressing "this is what we want for Ghana...It is law that controls a nation and not individuals". 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 PNC presidential candidate, Bernard Mornah has been disqualified from the race on December 7 but he has refused to accept the Electoral Commission's verdict. Bernard Mornah was eliminated after the Commission, according to the Chairperson, Jean Mensa, spotted unpardonable mistakes in his nomination forms. He has threatened to sue the EC, revealing in an interview with TV3 that he has "already asked my lawyers, Atuguba and Associates, and they have written to the EC. When we saw some other political parties letter calling for balloting today, I notified my lawyers to write to the EC to find out why we have not been invited. We are talking about EC that has not completed the register and they talking about people. As the PNC flagbearer preps for his legal tussle with the Electoral Commission, Bernard Allotey Jacobs, a social commentator and former Central Regional Chairman of the largest opposition party, the National Democratic Congress, says he sees no way to include Mr. Mornah in the upcoming elections. "What is written is written. What is written is that he will never be part of these elections", he stated on Peace FM's "Kokrokoo" morning show. Source: Ameyaw Adu Gyamfi/Peacefmonline.com/Ghana Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority. Featured Video Ghanaians have been expressing growing discontent towards the recent demonstrations organized by Democracy Hub, labelling them as politically motivated and closely aligned with the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC). What began as a protest against illegal mining quickly morphed into a chaotic scene, leading many to question the true intent behind the assembly. The protest, which began on September 21, 2024, aimed to spotlight the government's inability to tackle the illegal mining menace, but it quickly escalated into disruption and vandalism. Following a High Court ruling prohibiting the demonstration at Revolutionary Square, protestors gathered at the 37 Roundabout, where confrontations with police ensued. Commuters faced hours of gridlock, while billboards and political campaign materials were defaced, prompting widespread condemnation. Many observers have noted the strong ties between Democracy Hub and the NDC, suggesting that leading members of the demonstration were once known members of the leading opposition party. "Its clear that these protests are more about scoring political points for the NDC than addressing real issues," stated Samuel Adu, a concerned citizen. "Using public demonstrations as a political tool undermines the seriousness of their claims." The chaos generated by the protests has drawn ire from everyday Ghanaians, who argue that the actions of the demonstrators have overshadowed the important issues they claim to represent. "We all care about the environment and illegal mining, but this kind of behaviour distracts from the real conversation because you cant tell me galamsey only started when the NPP came into power" said Abena Kwakye, a commuter affected by the traffic disruption. "It seems more like a political stunt than a legitimate protest." Local businesses also voiced frustration over the negative impact of the demonstrations on their operations, with many reporting losses due to the resulting chaos. "I support the right to protest, but this is not the way to do it. Its harming our livelihoods," remarked Kofi Mensah, a shop owner near the protest site. Source: King Edward Ambrose Washman/Peacefmonline.com Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority. Featured Video The Member of Parliament for Ellembelle Constituency and Deputy Minority Leader, Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah, has urged trainee nurses and midwives to prioritise permanents jobs over unpaid allowances. Addressing a joint gathering of students of Essiama Nursing and Midwifery Training College and Asanta SDA Nursing and Midwifery School at Essiama, the Deputy Minority Leader said the government has been dishonest about the payment of the allowances that it promised trainee nurses and midwives. He was speaking during a campaign tour of the vice presidential candidate of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), Prof. Jane Naana Opoku-Agyemang, to the Ellembelle Constituency on Tuesday. Hon. Buah said even though the vice president, Alhaji Dr Mahamudu Bawumia, has been insisting that the government has paid all arrears of allowances of trainee nurses, the reverse is the case. He told the trainee nurses that the NPP government, after failing them, has hatched another plan to harvest their votes by sending them mobile money just before the elections. He advised the students not to fall for the deception and urged them to collect whatever money the government sends them and still vote for John Dramani Mahama and NDC parliamentary candidates in the general elections. The Deputy Minority Leader said the next NDC has elaborate plans to expand and build new healthcare facilities across the country and employ nurses, doctors and other health professionals. Hon. Buah promised to provide free internet connectivity on the campuses of the two nursing and midwifery training colleges in the Ellembelle Constituency. 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 As part of his commitment to contribute towards the successful campaigns of both Dr Mahamadu Bawumia and Parliamentary Candidates in the Ahafo region, Dr Kwabena Bempah Tandoh has donated seven (7) motorbikes to his home region (Ahafo). Handling over the bikes to the Ahafo regional chairman of the New Patriotic Party, Dr. Tandoh advised that the bikes should be used to facilitate movement during the campaign period. He charged the party folks to work hard for Dr. Bawumia to break the Eight. The Deputy Director General of the GES pledged more support to his home region to attain the agenda 6/6 on December 7th. Chairman Kwabena Owusu Sekyere receiving the keys expressed profound gratitude to Dr. Tandoh for the timely assistance. He assured that the party would leverage the items to ensure victory for the party in the region. He took the opportunity to appeal to other appointees to help the campaign, especially during these critical moments. Source: King Edward Ambrose Washman/Peacefmonline.com Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority. Featured Video The Progress Peoples Party (PPP) has condemned the Ghana Police Service and the Judiciary for what the party describes as the high handedness of some protestors who took to the streets on Sunday, September, 22 to demonstrate against the menace of illegal mining. The PPP stated in a letter dated 26th September, 2024, that the Police Service and the Judiciary of Ghana dealt wrongly with the protestors protesting within the remits of the law. A group of demonstrators, otherwise known as the 'Democracy Hub', on Sunday, September 22, embarked on a demonstration across some principal streets in Accra to register their displeasure about the negative impact of illegal mining, popularly known as galamsey, thereby calling for the declaration of a state of emergency as a way of putting a stop to all forms of small scale mining. The demonstration saw a turn of events as the police arrested some persons supposed to be flouting the law. However, the PPP maintains that the arrest of minors, as well as a 4-month-old pregnant woman and others who clearly could not have been part of the demonstration as such, was against their fundamental human rights. PPP further expressed disappointment over the inability of the police to clamp down on persons who have been fingered to be the kingpins in galamsey activities rather, they resorted to the arrest of persons who have committed what the PPP describes as minor crimes. "It is even very disappointing that for persons who are alleged to have been engaged in minor offenses like unlawful assembly, an independent Judge decided not to even take their pleas but remanded them into prison and police custody including the 4-month-old pregnant woman and her husband who were simply bystanders but were mistakenly arrested. We call on the Judiciary to be bold to defend the rights of all Ghanaians and the vulnerable. Your browser does not support iframes. Source: Kobina Darlington/peacefmonline.com Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority. Featured Video The Denkyira Traditional Council has expressed absolute confidence in Vice President and flagbearer of the New Patriotic Party, Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, to become President. Welcoming Dr. Bawumia to Duayaw Nkwanta on Wednesday, the Traditional Council, in a speech read by Nana Kwame Nkrumah II, said Dr. Bawumia has been blessed and no one can stop it. "Who the Lord has blessed, no one can destroy", Nana Kwame Nkrumah II said. He continued; "Your presence here is a blessing for all of us...The first sign of blessings you have brought to us is the rain. We have not seen the rains here for sometime now but today that you have been here, God has opened the Heavens for the rains to fall to coincide with your visit which is indeed a sign of blessings. It signifies victory." The Denkyira Traditional Council also commended Dr. Bawumia for his conduct and decency in his campaign. "Since you were elected flagbearer, we have noticed the decency in your communication. You do not insult. You are always talking about your policies and preaching against indecent comments...We have not heard you insulted anyone since you started your campaign and this shows that indeed you are a man of wisdom who thinks deeply." The Council added; "You are humble and you have lots of respect for the elderly and for everybody. May God bless you more." The Chiefs further applauded President Nana Akufo-Addo for his good works, particularly regarding the Free SHS policy. Source: Ameyaw Adu Gyamfi/Peacefmonline.com/Ghana Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority. Featured Video The Denkyira Traditional Council has applauded Vice President and presidential candidate of the NPP, Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia over his good conduct and decency exhibited in his campaign. Welcoming Dr. Bawumia to Dunkwa-On-Offin on Wednesday, the Denkyira Traditional Council said they have observed Dr. Bawumia's campaign focuses on issues and not mixed with insults. "Since you were elected flagbearer, we have noticed the decency in your communication. You do not insult. You are always talking about your policies and preaching against indecent comments", Nana Kwame Nkrumah II said on behalf of the Council. The Council stressed "we have not heard you insult anyone since you started your campaign and this shows that indeed you are a man of wisdom who thinks deeply...You are humble and you have lots of respect for the elderly and for everybody. May God bless you more." They also complimented the New Patriotic Party under the leadership of President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo and Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia for their good works and development projects. The Council was of a firm belief that the December 7 elections will favor the party and their flagbearer, Dr. Bawumia. "Who the Lord has blessed, no one can destroy", they established. 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 Elon Musk has denied having an affair with Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, after pictures of them together were shared online. Pictures shared online showed the Tesla founder and the Italian Prime Minister gazing into each other's eyes at the Global Citizen Awards in New York City on Monday as Musk handed Meloni the titular award. 'Find someone who looks at you the same way the Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni looks at Elon Musk,' one X user wrote, sharing a photo of Musk touching Meloni's shoulder. 'You can't have mELONi without ELON,' another added. Meanwhile, Musk quickly denied having any romantic relationship with Meloni at the black-tie event. 'I was there with my Mom. There is no romantic relationship whatsoever with PM Meloni,' Musk wrote on X in response to a post of a photo showing them gazing into each other's eyes at a banquet table, which had the joking caption, 'We all know what happened next.' Musk and Meloni have met several times before, with the Italian prime minister hosting the billionaire at her official residence in Rome in June of last year. "Someone who is even more beautiful on the inside than She is on the outside." -Elon Musk to Giorgia Meloni. pic.twitter.com/7iYfY1FWMG SMX (@iam_smx) September 24, 2024 Elon Musk meets Prime Minister of Italy, Georgia Meloni. pic.twitter.com/HDkDVLXkIU SMX (@iam_smx) June 20, 2024 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 Soi dog has sent a team to Chiang Rai to assess the food needs of pets affected by the floods. They are working with local authorities to distribute food and provide relief to animals in need. Soi dog has gone to the field to distribute food for 7,650 dogs and cats affected by the flooding in Chiang Rai province. Soi dog staff, in collaboration with the Chiang Rai Livestock Office, have conducted on-site assessments and discovered numerous pets trapped in flood-affected homes, awaiting rescue and sustenance. Among the cases they encountered were four cats stranded in a flooded house without food or water, as well as a cat trapped on a balcony with no way to escape. Soi dog provided food supplies and assessed the situation, coordinating with local authorities to determine the exact number of affected dogs and cats. According to reports, 7,650 animals were in need of assistance, and Soi dog has successfully distributed sufficient food to meet their requirements. Furthermore, the foundation has been following up on previously rescued cases to ensure the continued well-being and safety of the animals. The Soi dog officials on the ground have already distributed some pet food to the affected dogs and cats while assessing the situation and coordinating with local authorities in all disaster-stricken areas to confirm the number of pets in need. This information will help ensure that sufficient food is prepared and delivered for these animals. Furthermore, the Soi dog staff are following up on previously assisted cases to ensure that the rescued dogs and cats are safe and in good condition. Piyapong, a resident of the Army Welfare Housing Project in Rim Kok subdistrict, Mueang district, Chiang Rai, who was affected by the flood and owns four cats that were rescued by Soi dog, saying, The floodwaters rose so rapidly. I could only salvage what I could by placing them on higher ground. But the water kept rising, and the current was incredibly strong. For two days, I desperately tried to find a way to rescue my cats. I was heartbroken, but when Soi dog arrived, I felt a huge sense of relief. As I approached my flooded home, I called out to my cats. If they hadnt responded, I would have been devastated. Thankfully, they meowed back, and finding them alive filled me with joy. It was worth all the sleepless nights. Now that theyre safe and sound, I can finally relax. The loss of my belongings pales in comparison to the joy of having my cats back. Mr. Saranyu, a Soi dog staff member, described the devastating scene, saying, The reality was far worse than what we saw on the news. People had lost everything their homes, their vehicles. Soi dog like a stranger to the local community, but when we give them helping, they welcomed us warmly, offering us food and water. Local officials, provided us with valuable information and coordinated with other agencies to facilitate our efforts in helping the animals in the area. As we left the flood-affected area, the water level had receded but was still unstable. However, we knew that the assistance we had provided had given hope to the local people. It empowered them to face the challenges ahead, knowing that they were not alone. At least, they no longer had to worry about their pets food, because Soi dog already help them this. Another heartwarming aspect of this experience was the strong sense of community and compassion among the Thai people. Whether it was pet owners, rescue worker, or government agencies, everyone came together to help the animals in need. It was truly a humbling experience.The list of agencies that Soi dog has provided food assistance for dogs and cats totals 30 tons, distributed to the following organizations: Chiang Rai Provincial Livestock Office, Mueang Chiang Mai, Tanbon Mae Yao, Bandu Subdistrict Municipality Office, Mae Khao Tom Subdistrict Municipality Office, Rim Kok Subdistrict Municipality Office, Mae Sai Subdistrict Municipality Office, Koh Chang Subdistrict Municipality Office, Si Mueang Chum Subdistrict Municipality Office, Wiang Phang Kham Subdistrict Municipality Office, Mae Sai Mittaphab Subdistrict Municipality Office, Ban Dai Subdistrict Municipality Office and Opportunity for Change Foundation. Soi dog would like to extend its support to all those affected by the disaster. We express our condolences for the losses you have experienced and thank everyone for their encouragement and support in helping the animals affected by the flooding in Chiang Rai. 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 Chesapeake Bay cleanup is behind schedule but "going in the right direction," largely because Pennsylvania has stepped up efforts to curb the flow of fertilizer and other runoff into bay tributaries, an Environmental Protection Agency official told Maryland lawmakers. "To Marylandersas a Marylanderthe most important bay issue is Pennsylvania. And I'm pleased to say that Pennsylvania has been stepping up investing in small farms and investing in wastewater treatment plants," Adam Ortiz, an EPA regional administrator, said at the U.S. Capitol. Ortiz addressed reporters after briefing Democratic Maryland Sens. Ben Cardin and Chris Van Hollen, as well as members of the state's U.S. House delegation, about bay cleanup. The lawmakers met as a 2025 federal deadline for the cleanup of the bay looms. The goal is reducing the runoff of harmful nutrients and sediment into the nation's largest estuary. Cardin said that 2025 "was the year that was targeted in 2014 for the goals of the last bay agreement. We know that we're not going to hit our targets that were set in 2014." But he said he was encouraged that progress is being made and the objective now "is to maintain the momentum for the bay program." In July, the bay got its best score in 20 years in an annual report card produced by the University of Maryland Center for Environmental Science. The bay received a C+ for its ecological health, considering factors such as aquatic grasses, dissolved oxygen and nutrient content. "I know that nobody would be thrilled with bringing home a grade of C+ but the fact of the matter is, it is the highest grade we've seen in a long time," Van Hollen said. "I want to stress the fact that if we weren't doing all the things that we're doing, we would be falling back fast." Pennsylvania has long been criticized by other states and environmental advocates for hindering the cleanup effort. Some argue the state has failed to rein in its farms and animal feeding operations, which contribute fertilizer and animal waste runoff to bay tributaries. But Ortiz said Wednesday, "The higher grade that the Chesapeake Bay has received is mostly driven by progress upstream in Pennsylvania. That's a big deal." 2024 Baltimore Sun. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC. This article has been reviewed according to Science X's editorial process and policies . Editors have highlighted the following attributes while ensuring the content's credibility: Credit: Unsplash/CC0 Public Domain What do Venice, Jakarta, Manilla and Bangkok have in common? They are or were sinking cities. Wageningen researcher Philip Minderhoud studies the causes of subsidence in these cities. Groundwater extraction plays an important part in all cases. The good news is that this can be avoided. The best-known example of a sinking city is Jakarta. Large sections of the Indonesian city have dropped by three to four meters since the '80s, and continue to do so by up to ten centimeters annually. Some 40% of the city is below sea level, prompting the Indonesian government to move the capital to Kalimantan. Sinking cities are mainly the result of groundwater extraction, says Minderhoud. Tragically, in the case of Jakarta, this cause has been ignored for many years. "A professor of tectonics in Jakarta claimed that subterranean tectonic shifts were causing the subsidence. This may, indeed, cause subsidence, but the effect of groundwater extraction was not sufficiently considered," Minderhoud notes. The fact that water extraction delivers clean drinking water and drives economic development, and as such, benefits many may have contributed, says Minderhoud. "Although it is technically simple to stop extracting groundwater, doing so is a socioeconomic challenge." Succumbed to the sea Minderhoud has studied subsidence in the Mekong Delta in Vietnam for a decade. "There, subsidence has been accelerating in recent years by some 7 cm per year. This acceleration can be attributed to groundwater extraction, which benefits cities and agriculture," he explains. The same pattern is seen in deltas in India. He also contributes to studies in the coastal areas surrounding Manila in the Philippines, and adds, "There, the soil drops by 10 to 12 centimeters per year. Part of the coastal region is already submerged. Several villages have already succumbed to the sea and have been abandoned." Minderhoud explains that the local population is often unaware of the subsidence: "They see rising water levels and experience more floods during spring tides and typhoons. They assume sea levels are rising, but that is not the main cause. The key lies in subsidence in these cases." Strict policy According to Minderhoud, this can be perceived as good news. Global sea water levels rising due to climate change are something that local governments can hardly influence. However, subsidence resulting from human interventions can be reduced or even stopped. There are some striking examples. The Japanese capital, Tokyo, dropped four meters in the last century due to subsidence. The subsidence was halted when the local authorities implemented a strict water policy, constructing water reservoirs around the city and all but ceasing water extraction. Similar measures taken in Bangkok (Thailand) halted subsidence. "Bangkok was sinking by some ten cm per year when the director of the water management institute took a bold decision," Minderhoud explains. "Despite protests, he decided to shut down many pumps and levy hefty taxes on the extraction of groundwater. Strict enforcement was also introduced. The city invested in alternative water sources. All of these measures have stabilized the situation in Bangkok. A true story of success." Venice also managed to get a grip on subsidence. The world heritage site in the Italian lagoon was sinking due to a combination of compaction of sediments and water extraction beneath the city. The city's administration stopped extracting groundwater and now acquires its drinking water from the Italian mainland. As a result, Venice now sinks by only one millimeter per year. The Netherlands, an exception The Dutch delta is also sinking. However, groundwater extraction plays no part in this fact. In the Dutch peat fields region, subsidence is caused by drainage and pumping of the polders, which causes the water levels in the peat field areas to be artificially lowered. Hence, surface water levels and the management thereof play a crucial role in subsidence in the Netherlands, making this country an exception to the rule that subsidence is chiefly the result of groundwater extraction, Minderhoud says, noting, "Therefore, investigating the causes on the spot is of the essence, as is exchanging knowledge." This approach is taken more and more often. Vietnam is to organize the first UN conference on river deltas next year, at which Minderhoud will deliver a presentation on sinking cities and deltas. According to the scientist, research is needed to identify and prevent subsidence in coastal areas sooner. He is currently involved in a research project in West Africa. "There, the urban population increase in coastal cities is enormous. As a result, more groundwater is extracted, and the first signs of subsidence in metropolises such as Lagos are showing. Mapping the causes and solutions may enable us to nip it in the bud," he states. Climate panel Minderhoud will also make the IPCC climate panel aware of his research. To date, the climate panel only reports on rising sea levels. Still, Minderhoud feels that soil subsidence in coastal areas should be included to achieve a comprehensive view of the issues for the benefit of governments: "We should make projections of subsidence similar to the IPCC projections of sea level increase to provide a clear view of the challenges we face. Additionally, we may draft options for action to prevent subsidence in and around urban areas in lower coastal regions." This is far from easy, as Minderhoud's experience in Vietnam has shown. The country drafted the Mekong Delta Plan with WUR's help a decade ago. In it, nature-based solutions replaced the traditional solution of building dikes. The nature-based approach allows more flooding in the delta so that the sediment deposits can cushion the effects of the rising sea levels. But this alone will not suffice, says Minderhoud. "There is not enough sediment available to elevate the delta, partly due to the many dams in the Mekong. The soil subsidence in the region is more extensive and faster." The delta plan has since been detailed to indicate that economic development may not contribute to soil subsidence. "But combating subsidence is a point of attention in the plan and not a point of departure," the researcher says. That is fighting a running battle. In his view, the Mekong Delta, like Bangkok, requires an effective implementation of new policies restricting water extraction. "An unpleasant message in a coastal region facing salination and drying out. But the alternative invites much graver issues in the long run." 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: Habitus of Flammarionellahehaikuni Cai, Ballantyne & Kundrata, 2024, from mid-Cretaceous Burmese amber. Credit: NIGPAS Bioluminescence, the ability of living organisms to emit light, is a fascinating phenomenon observed in various life forms, including deep-sea fish, glowing mushrooms, and fireflies. Fireflies have long captivated people with their enchanting light displays, sparking scientific curiosity. Recently, Prof. Cai Chenyang and colleagues from the Nanjing Institute of Geology and Paleontology of the Chinese Academy of Sciences (NIGPAS) and their international collaborators described the second known firefly fossil from the Mesozoic, found in Burmese amber. This discovery is significant for understanding the evolution of firefly bioluminescence and key traits. The research is published in the Proceedings of the Royal Society B. In today's terrestrial ecosystems, most bioluminescent organisms belong to the order Coleoptera (beetles), particularly the superfamily Elateroidea (click beetles, fireflies, and their relatives). Among Elateroidea, a majority of bioluminescent species are part of the "lampyroid" clade, which includes the families Lampyridae (fireflies), Phengodidae, Rhagophthalmidae, and Sinopyrophoridae. Most species within these families have soft bodies, and some females exhibit neoteny, making it difficult to find fossils. Firefly fossils from the Mesozoic era are extremely rare, with only one example previously reported. In 2021, Prof. Cai's research team discovered a new family of Elateroidea in mid-Cretaceous Burmese amber, named Cretophengodidae, representing a transitional stage in the early evolution of lampyroids. Morphological details of Flammarionellahehaikuni. Credit: NIGPAS In collaboration with researchers from the University of Cambridge, University of Bristol, Charles Sturt University, the American Museum of Natural History, and Palacky University, Cai and his colleagues identified a well-preserved female firefly from mid-Cretaceous Burmese amber, approximately 100 million years old. This represents a new genus and species, Flammarionellahehaikuni Cai, Ballantyne, & Kundrata, 2024. Based on morphological analysis, the fossil was classified within the basal lineage of the subfamily Luciolinae (Lampyridae). This species' antennae feature distinctive oval-shaped sensory receptors on segments 3 to 11, likely specialized olfactory organs. The light-emitting organ near the tip of the abdomen closely resembles those of modern Luciolinae fireflies, demonstrating evolutionary stability in this trait. Together with previously discovered bioluminescent beetles from Cretaceous amber, this study highlights the morphological diversity of light-emitting organs in the Mesozoic era, greatly enhancing our understanding of the evolutionary history of bioluminescence in Elateroidea. Future fossil discoveries are expected to further illuminate the evolution and mechanisms behind insect bioluminescence in the Mesozoic. More information: Chenyang Cai et al, A light in the dark: a mid-Cretaceous bioluminescent firefly with specialized antennal sensory organs, Proceedings of the Royal Society B: Biological Sciences (2024). DOI: 10.1098/rspb.2024.1671 Journal information: Proceedings of the Royal Society B 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 The number of days per year that are simultaneously extremely hot, dry, and have a high fire risk have as much as tripled since 1970 in some parts of South America. South America is warming at a similar rate to the global average. However, some regions of the subcontinent are more at risk of the co-occurrence of multiple climate extremes. These compound extremes can have amplified impacts on ecosystems, economy, and human health. Raul Cordero and colleagues calculated the number of days per year that each approximately 30 by 30 km grid cell on the South American continent experienced simultaneous hot, dry, and flammable extremes between 19712022. The results are published in Communications Earth & Environment. Extremes for each condition were calculated from daily maximum temperature records, 30-day rainfall averages, and daily fire weather index records. The authors found that the frequency of these simultaneous extremes had increased across the entire continent. There were particularly high increasesfrom fewer than 20, to as many as 70 days per yeararound the VenezuelaColombia border, in the northern Amazon, and in the north of the Rio de la Plata basin in central South America. The authors also found that there was an increase in the variability of these simultaneous events from year to year over the past five decades. The authors additionally found that the likelihood of the compound conditions occurring on a regional basis was affected by the El Nino-Southern Oscillation. During the warm El Nino phase, fire risk increased in the northern Amazon region, while the cooler La Nina phase led to increased fire risk in central South America. The authors caution that increased fire activity and dry extremes are both a public health hazard and can cause further warming through the release of black carbon to the atmosphere. They also highlight that these extreme events disproportionally affect vulnerable rural and indigenous populations, and suggest that policymakers in the region should have a greater focus on mitigating these extremes. Provided by Springer 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 The five largest continental transform earthquakes since 2000 all originated on a branch of the main faultand two researchers predict that the next great earthquake of this type will also get its start on a branch or splay fault. Last year's magnitude 7.8 Pazarck earthquake in Turkiye was one of these large and damaging earthquakes, where two continental tectonic plates slide past each other horizontally. That earthquake began on a branch fault, as did the 2001 magnitude 7.8 Kokoxili earthquake in northern Tibet, the 2002 magnitude 7.9 Denali earthquake in Alaska, the 2008 magnitude 7.9 Wenchuan earthquake in China, and the 2016 magnitude 7.8 Kaikoura earthquake in New Zealand. There are about 25,000 kilometers of continental transform faults across the globe, including some famous ones such as the San Andreas Fault, New Zealand's Alpine Fault and Turkiye's North Anatolia Fault. When their time comes to rupture, will they begin on a branch? In Seismological Research Letters, Ross Stein of Temblor, Inc. and Peter Bird of the University of California, Los Angeles propose that branch faults act as "on-ramps" to generate rupture on the more mature "superhighway" continental transform faults. At the moment, Stein and Bird's prediction is a hypothesis that needs more testing, they acknowledge. But magnitude 7.8 or larger earthquakes take place every two to five years on average on these faults, so we shouldn't have too long to wait to see if their prediction holds up. "This is testable in about 10 years," said Stein. The findings could be useful to adapting earthquake early warning systems and might change which faults are now instrumented and monitored, he added. The 2023 Turkiye earthquake prompted the researchers to consider the question of where and how great continental transform earthquakes originate. "It just seemed so bizarre that a magnitude 7.8 earthquake could start on a little wannabe fault it would be nobody's candidate for something important," Stein recalled. "So it raised the question: is this just a freak earthquake or is this telling us something about how earthquakes begin?" The researchers looked back through the past 25 years of magnitude 7.8 or larger continental transform earthquakes, finding that the five largest nucleated on branch faults. They also identified a few other earthquakes of that magnitude that might have started on a branch faultincluding the magnitude 7.8 earthquake that devastated San Francisco in 1906. Branch faults were not the origin of some slightly smaller earthquakes, however, including the 1990 magnitude 7.7 Luzon earthquake in the Philippines and the 2013 magnitude 7.7 Balochistan earthquake in Pakistan, Stein and Bird concluded. In their paper, the researchers discuss why large earthquakes might not begin on the main transform fault itself, and how branch faults could initiate a rupture. The cumulative slip along continental transform faults "smash and shear rocks within a zone about 100 meters wide around the fault," Stein explained, forming a type of rock called cataclastite. The fractured and chewed-up rock allows rupture at very low shear stress levels, mitigating the buildup of stress that would lead to a large earthquake. Cataclastite has a lot of pore space between rock grains that could be filled with fluids. If an earthquake were to start on an "on-ramp" branch fault, the researchers propose, the abrupt heat generated by shearing rocks could "suddenly heat up those fluids, which then expand, and it could make the fault suddenly very slippery," transforming it into a rupture superhighway, Stein said. "What might make these branch fault ruptures effective in triggering something huge is if they rupture at supershear velocity," he added. If the branch fault ruptures at supershear velocitywhere the rupture itself is moving faster than the strongest seismic waves"it could come flying into the main fault at high velocity and kick the main fault hard all at once," Stein said. Stein and Bird said all parts of their proposal should be tested going forward, especially since it's unclear why branch faults might jump-start some continental transform fault earthquakes but not others. The seismic networks that monitor faults are usually most robust along main faults "because we often think that earthquakes begin on the fault that ultimately slips," Stein said. But if Stein and Bird's hypothesis is correct, "we need to take in a broader area," he noted. "All these mangy wannabe faults that we pretty much ignore as candidates for big earthquakes actually could be very important." More information: Ross S. Stein et al, Why Do Great Continental Transform Earthquakes Nucleate on Branch Faults?, Seismological Research Letters (2024). DOI: 10.1785/0220240175 Journal information: Seismological Research Letters 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 Hubble Space Telescope is a project of international cooperation between ESA and NASA. Credit: NASA, ESA, J. Olmsted (STScI) In a surprise finding, astronomers using the NASA/ESA Hubble Space Telescope have discovered that the blowtorch-like jet from a supermassive black hole at the core of a huge galaxy seems to cause stars to erupt along its trajectory. The stars, called novae, are not caught inside the jet, but are apparently in a dangerous neighborhood nearby. The research is published on the arXiv preprint server. The finding confounds researchers searching for an explanation. "We don't know what's going on, but it's just a very exciting finding," said lead author Alec Lessing of Stanford University. "This means there's something missing from our understanding of how black hole jets interact with their surroundings." A nova erupts in a double-star system where an aging, swelled-up, normal star spills hydrogen onto a burned-out white dwarf companion star. When the dwarf has tanked up a mile-deep surface layer of hydrogen that layer explodes like a giant nuclear bomb. The white dwarf isn't destroyed by the nova eruption, which ejects its surface layer and then goes back to siphoning fuel from its companion, and the nova-outburst cycle starts over again. Hubble found twice as many novae going off near the jet as elsewhere in the giant galaxy during the surveyed time period. The jet is launched by a 6.5-billion-solar-mass central black hole surrounded by a disk of swirling matter. The black hole, engorged with infalling matter, launches a 3000-light-year-long jet of plasma blazing through space at nearly the speed of light. Anything caught in the energetic beam would be sizzled. But being near its blistering outflow is apparently also risky, according to the new Hubble findings. Plotting the location of Hubble Space Telescope observations of novae exploding stars in the giant elliptical galaxy M87. The galaxys most notable feature is a 3,000-light-year-long jet of plasma ejected from a supermassive central black hole. Hubble observations identified numerous novae in the jets vicinity. These are identified by red circles that turn white when a nova explodes. Stars seem to explode more frequently in the jet's vicinity. The jet may be pushing interstellar hydrogen toward neighboring stars, enhancing the stellar fueling process that increases the rate of explosions. When the entire galaxy is photometrically surveyed fewer novae appear farther away from the jet. NASA, ESA, Joseph DePasquale (STScI) The finding of twice as many novae near the jet implies that there are twice as many nova-forming double-star systems near the jet or that these systems erupt twice as often as similar systems elsewhere in the galaxy. "There's something that the jet is doing to the star systems that wander into the surrounding neighborhood. Maybe the jet somehow snowplows hydrogen fuel onto the white dwarfs, causing them to erupt more frequently," said Lessing. "But it's not clear that it's a physical pushing. It could be the effect of the pressure of the light emanating from the jet. When you deliver hydrogen faster, you get eruptions faster. Something might be doubling the mass transfer rate onto the white dwarfs near the jet." Another idea the researchers considered is that the jet is heating the dwarf's companion star, causing it to overflow further and dump more hydrogen onto the dwarf. However, the researchers calculated that this heating is not nearly large enough to have this effect. "We're not the first people who've said that it looks like there's more activity going on around the M87 jet," said co-investigator Michael Shara of the American Museum of Natural History in New York City. "But Hubble has shown this enhanced activity with far more examples and statistical significance than we ever had before." Shortly after Hubble's launch in 1990, astronomers used its first-generation Faint Object Camera (FOC) to peer into the center of M87 where the monster black hole lurks. They noted that unusual things were happening around the black hole. A Hubble photo of galaxy M87. Credit: NASA, ESA, A. Lessing (Stanford University), E. Baltz (Stanford University), M. Shara (AMNH), J. DePasquale (STScI) Almost every time Hubble looked, astronomers saw bluish "transient events" that could be evidence for novae popping off like camera flashes from nearby paparazzi. But the FOC's view was so narrow that Hubble astronomers couldn't look away from the jet to compare with the near-jet region. For over two decades, the results remained mysteriously tantalizing. Compelling evidence for the jet's influence on the stars of the host galaxy was collected over a nine-month interval when Hubble observed with newer, wider-view cameras to count the erupting novae. This was a challenge for the telescope's observing schedule because it required revisiting M87 precisely every five days for another snapshot. Adding up all of the M87 images led to the deepest images of M87 that have ever been taken. Hubble found 94 novae in the one-third of M87 that its camera can encompass. "The jet was not the only thing that we were looking atwe were looking at the entire inner galaxy. Once you plotted all known novae on top of M87 you didn't need statistics to convince yourself that there is an excess of novae along the jet. This is not rocket science. We made the discovery simply by looking at the images. And while we were really surprised, our statistical analyses of the data confirmed what we clearly saw," said Shara. "We are witnessing an intriguing but puzzling phenomenon," commented Chiara Circosta, an ESA Research Fellow, who studies the impact that accreting supermassive blackholes have on the galaxies hosting them in the distant universe. "I was very surprised by this discovery. Such detailed observations of nearby galaxies are precious to expand our understanding of how jets interact with their host galaxies and potentially affect star formation." This accomplishment is entirely due to Hubble's unique capabilities. Ground-based telescope images do not have the clarity to see novae deep inside M87. They cannot resolve stars or stellar eruptions close to the galaxy's core because the black hole's surroundings are far too bright. Only Hubble can detect novae against the bright M87 background. Novae are remarkably common in the universe. One nova erupts somewhere in M87 every day. But since there are at least 100 billion galaxies throughout the visible universe, around one million novae erupt every second somewhere out there. More information: Alec M. Lessing et al, A 9-Month Hubble Space Telescope Near-UV Survey of M87. II. A Strongly Enhanced Nova Rate near the Jet of M87, The Astrophysical Journal DOI: 10.3847/1538-4357/ad70b7 , iopscience.iop.org/article/10. 847/1538-4357/ad70b7 . On arXiv (2023). DOI: 10.48550/arxiv.2309.16856 Journal information: arXiv 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: Streets in Glucholazy, southern Poland, flooded in September 2024. With typhoon Yagi battering Asia, storm Boris drenching parts of Europe, extreme flooding in the Sahel and hurricane Helene racing towards Florida, September so far has been a very wet month. But while scientists can link some extreme weather events directly to human-caused global warming, it remains too early to draw clear conclusions about this sodden month. "You will always have some sort of extreme weather events, but their intensity has been magnified by global warming, especially in the context of rainfall," Paulo Ceppi from Imperial College London's Grantham Institute told AFP on Thursday. "That's probably one of the common drivers of these different events in very different parts of the world." Early indications from monthly data show some record-breaking precipitation levels in the regions affected. In central Europe, the torrential rains accompanying storm Boris were "the heaviest ever recorded" in the region, according to the World Weather Attribution (WWA) network of scientists, inundating homes and farmland. Global warming has doubled the likelihood of severe four-day downpours since the pre-industrial era and the costs of climate change are "accelerating", WWA said in a report published Wednesday. Meanwhile in Japan's city of Wajima, more than 120 millimeters (4.7 inches) of rainfall per hour was recorded on the morning of September 21the heaviest rain since comparative data became available in 1929. Hotter, and wetter? "Attributing different weather patterns around the world at the same time to climate change is very challenging," said Liz Stephens, science lead at the Red Cross Red Crescent Climate Center. "But the fundamental principle remains that for every 1 degree Celsius of warming the atmosphere can hold seven percent more moisture," she told AFP. A farmer salvages their harvest from a flooded ricefield in Hanoi's Chuong My district on September 24, 2024 following serious flooding in Vietnam in the wake of Typhoon Yagi. With global warming on track to exceed 1.5 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial times "you can do the math pretty quickly and that will have a measurable impact," said Ceppi from the Grantham Institute. The 2024 northern summer saw the highest global temperatures ever recorded, beating last year's record, according to the EU's climate monitor Copernicus. A hotter planet, in other words, could also signal a wetter one. The sweltering summer in the Mediterranean this year "gives a lot of extra evaporation, pumping more water vapor into Europe if the conditions are right and allowing for all that moisture to be dumped in certain places," Ceppi said. "The global temperaturesboth over the land and the oceanwere anomalously high during August-September despite La Nina-like conditions evolving in the Pacific," Roxy Mathew Koll at the Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology told AFP. "Anomalously high temperatures assist in supplying additional heat and moisture for storms and weather systems to intensify." La Nina refers to a naturally-occurring climate phenomenon that cools the ocean surface temperatures in large swathes of the tropical Pacific Ocean, coupled with winds, rains and changes in atmospheric pressure. In many locations, especially in the tropics, La Nina produces the opposite climate impacts to El Nino, which heats up the surface of the oceans, leading to drought in some parts of the world and triggering heavy downpours elsewhere. Currently, "neutral" conditions prevail, meaning neither El Nino nor La Nina are present. Large swaths of South America and Southern Africa suffered from drought in 2024. The global September update from Copernicus is due early next month and will provide hard data on precipitation levels. 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: Optical implementation. Credit: arXiv (2024). DOI: 10.48550/arxiv.2408.05629 Deep-learning models are being used in many fields, from health care diagnostics to financial forecasting. However, these models are so computationally intensive that they require the use of powerful cloud-based servers. This reliance on cloud computing poses significant security risks, particularly in areas like health care, where hospitals may be hesitant to use AI tools to analyze confidential patient data due to privacy concerns. To tackle this pressing issue, MIT researchers have developed a security protocol that leverages the quantum properties of light to guarantee that data sent to and from a cloud server remain secure during deep-learning computations. By encoding data into the laser light used in fiber optic communications systems, the protocol exploits the fundamental principles of quantum mechanics, making it impossible for attackers to copy or intercept the information without detection. Moreover, the technique guarantees security without compromising the accuracy of the deep-learning models. In tests, the researchers demonstrated that their protocol could maintain 96% accuracy while ensuring robust security measures. "Deep learning models like GPT-4 have unprecedented capabilities but require massive computational resources. "Our protocol enables users to harness these powerful models without compromising the privacy of their data or the proprietary nature of the models themselves," says Kfir Sulimany, an MIT postdoc in the Research Laboratory for Electronics (RLE) and lead author of a paper posted to the arXiv preprint server on this security protocol. Sulimany is joined on the paper by Sri Krishna Vadlamani, an MIT postdoc; Ryan Hamerly, a former postdoc now at NTT Research, Inc.; Prahlad Iyengar, an electrical engineering and computer science (EECS) graduate student; and senior author Dirk Englund, a professor in EECS, principal investigator of the Quantum Photonics and Artificial Intelligence Group and of RLE. The research was recently presented at the Annual Conference on Quantum Cryptography (Qcrypt 2024). A two-way street for security in deep learning The cloud-based computation scenario the researchers focused on involves two partiesa client that has confidential data, like medical images, and a central server that controls a deep learning model. The client wants to use the deep-learning model to make a prediction, such as whether a patient has cancer based on medical images, without revealing information about the patient. In this scenario, sensitive data must be sent to generate a prediction. However, during the process the patient data must remain secure. Also, the server does not want to reveal any parts of the proprietary model that a company like OpenAI spent years and millions of dollars building. "Both parties have something they want to hide," adds Vadlamani. In digital computation, a bad actor could easily copy the data sent from the server or the client. Quantum information, on the other hand, cannot be perfectly copied. The researchers leverage this property, known as the no-cloning principle, in their security protocol. For the researchers' protocol, the server encodes the weights of a deep neural network into an optical field using laser light. A neural network is a deep-learning model that consists of layers of interconnected nodes, or neurons, that perform computation on data. The weights are the components of the model that do the mathematical operations on each input, one layer at a time. The output of one layer is fed into the next layer until the final layer generates a prediction. The server transmits the network's weights to the client, which implements operations to get a result based on their private data. The data remain shielded from the server. At the same time, the security protocol allows the client to measure only one result, and it prevents the client from copying the weights because of the quantum nature of light. Once the client feeds the first result into the next layer, the protocol is designed to cancel out the first layer so the client can't learn anything else about the model. "Instead of measuring all the incoming light from the server, the client only measures the light that is necessary to run the deep neural network and feed the result into the next layer. Then the client sends the residual light back to the server for security checks," Sulimany explains. Due to the no-cloning theorem, the client unavoidably applies tiny errors to the model while measuring its result. When the server receives the residual light from the client, the server can measure these errors to determine if any information was leaked. Importantly, this residual light is proven to not reveal the client data. A practical protocol Modern telecommunications equipment typically relies on optical fibers to transfer information because of the need to support massive bandwidth over long distances. Because this equipment already incorporates optical lasers, the researchers can encode data into light for their security protocol without any special hardware. When they tested their approach, the researchers found that it could guarantee security for server and client while enabling the deep neural network to achieve 96% accuracy. The tiny bit of information about the model that leaks when the client performs operations amounts to less than 10% of what an adversary would need to recover any hidden information. Working in the other direction, a malicious server could only obtain about 1% of the information it would need to steal the client's data. "You can be guaranteed that it is secure in both waysfrom the client to the server and from the server to the client," Sulimany says. "A few years ago, when we developed our demonstration of distributed machine learning inference between MIT's main campus and MIT Lincoln Laboratory, it dawned on me that we could do something entirely new to provide physical-layer security, building on years of quantum cryptography work that had also been shown on that testbed," says Englund. "However, there were many deep theoretical challenges that had to be overcome to see if this prospect of privacy-guaranteed distributed machine learning could be realized. This didn't become possible until Kfir joined our team, as Kfir uniquely understood the experimental as well as theory components to develop the unified framework underpinning this work." In the future, the researchers want to study how this protocol could be applied to a technique called federated learning, where multiple parties use their data to train a central deep-learning model. It could also be used in quantum operations, rather than the classical operations they studied for this work, which could provide advantages in both accuracy and security. "This work combines in a clever and intriguing way techniques drawing from fields that do not usually meet, in particular, deep learning and quantum key distribution. By using methods from the latter, it adds a security layer to the former, while also allowing for what appears to be a realistic implementation. "This can be interesting for preserving privacy in distributed architectures. I am looking forward to seeing how the protocol behaves under experimental imperfections and its practical realization," says Eleni Diamanti, a CNRS research director at Sorbonne University in Paris, who was not involved with this work. More information: Kfir Sulimany et al, Quantum-secure multiparty deep learning, arXiv (2024). DOI: 10.48550/arxiv.2408.05629 Journal information: arXiv This story is republished courtesy of MIT News (web.mit.edu/newsoffice/), a popular site that covers news about MIT research, innovation and teaching. 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 helicopter sprays water over a bushfire on a hill in Quito on September 25, 2024. Firefighters in Ecuador's capital were battling the remnants of major forest fires on Thursday that had sent massive plumes of smoke above Quito earlier this week, amid a record drought. Helicopters dumped water to extinguish the flames at two burning sites that remained from about 30 fires, which had devastated 140 hectares of forest on the outskirts of the Andean capital since Tuesday. "Normality is beginning to be restored in the capital city," Mayor Pabel Munoz told local media, adding that he was confident the remaining fires would be extinguished by Friday morning. However, he warned there was always the risk of the flames rekindling as hot summer winds in the capital can reach up to 60 kilometers (37 miles) per hour. The blazes injured six people, including a baby and two firefighters. They also destroyed at least seven homes in the humble neighborhood Bolanos, whose residents scrambled to save their pigs, chickens and sheep. Authorities said they believed the fires were started by arsonists, and on Wednesday a 19-year-old man was arrested for starting one of the fires after being found with a gallon of fuel. After declaring a state of emergency in Quito, the mayor is seeking to negotiate loans of $500,000 for the reconstruction of affected properties and the recovery of flora. "We have lost many trees, a lot of vegetation," said Munoz. 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. The Ecuadoran government is considering a nationwide state of emergency due to its worst drought in six decades which has also devastated crop production. Due to the dry spell, the country, which depends on hydroelectric power, is facing severe energy shortages and has implemented rolling blackouts. "The phenomena of climate change are more aggressive and this is what we are experiencing at the moment," Environment Minister Inez Manzano told a local broadcaster. 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: Credit: Pixabay/CC0 Public Domain Technology is often seen as a threat to democracy, with the surge in AI capabilities the latest big concern. This historic year of elections has put the complex relationship between technology and democracy on full display. All eyes are currently on the upcoming elections in the U.S., with recent assassination attempts highlighting the deep divisions in the world's most powerful democracy. Many have blamed social media for supercharging this polarization, with AI increasingly used to spread disinformation on these platforms. But, instead of dividing, could "pro-democratic" social technologies help communities work through difficult issues like climate change? I'm exploring how digital tools can support democracy by helping crowdsource ideas, understand lines of division, and find points of consensus that bridge them. These trials are inspired by innovations in digital democracy in Taiwan, another democratic society under threat. Lessons from Taiwan Back in January, many held grave concerns about technology being weaponized to spread disinformation and influence the general election in Taiwan. But these threats were fended off with overwhelming success, largely thanks to thoughtful and socially-oriented uses of digital technology. Digital toolscreated and used collaboratively by citizens, civil society and governmentwere also a pillar of Taiwan's response to the COVID-19 crisis, which was celebrated for achieving among the lowest mortality rates in the world without imposing lockdowns. Examples include the use of social media to "inoculate" misinformation through funny memes, and an app created by civic hackers to show live mask availability in pharmacies. This resilience to threats shows the power of the digital democracy ecosystem that has flourished in Taiwan over the past decade, according to a new book, "Plurality," showcasing the island as a model for the future of collaborative technology and democracy. Speaking at the National Press Club during a recent visit to Australia, one of the authors, Audrey Tangcivic hacker turned Taiwan's first digital ministerexplained the ethos underpinning these efforts: that the best way to protect democracy is to keep improving it. Polisa 'pro-social' platform Tang says we shouldn't be surprised when people start "screaming at each other" in political discussions on platforms like Facebook or X/Twitter because they are the digital equivalent of having a town hall discussion in a nightclub. Polis is something differentan open-source digital democracy tool that Tang calls a "pro-social social media" platform. To protect against trolling, there is no "reply" buttonwhen you see a comment, you just vote (agree, disagree or pass) and can submit your own comment(s) separately if you want to. In Taiwan, Polis has been used to find a "rough consensus" on issues like Uber regulation and AI development, inspiring many to wonder if these approaches could be used and built upon in other contexts around the world. When I first heard these stories about five years ago, I was working with colleagues to support community well-being in the face of climate change and disasters. And we began to wonder: Could tools like Polis be useful in breaking the deadlock in Australia's seemingly never-ending "climate wars?" Could they smooth the path for community members to be heard after disasters like bushfires, so that crucial issues and great ideas can make their way into the spotlight, and into action? Given the many urgent, complex issues facing communities across Australia due to climate change, these are compelling possibilities. This has been the motivation for my doctoral research. Lessons from climate change pilots in Australia In our first pilot using Polis in Australia in 2022, we ran a consultation at the University of Melbourne about the climate impacts of staff flyinga thorny issue especially in countries like Australia that are far away from conference hubs in the U.S. and Europe. We posed a single question: What should we do about staff air travel emissions? Through the Polis consultation, 173 participants made more than 300 suggestions in their own words and voted over 22,000 times on each others' comments. In this way, we crowdsourced a detailed picture of collective opinion. The Polis automated analysis tools displayed patterns of opinion to participants in real-time and then we did extra analysis for deeper understanding. It was a contentious issue. About half the participants were eager for a wide range of measures to dramatically reduce staff flying, while for others the negative impacts of restricting flights were front of mind. But through the Polis consultation, we found key points of consensus that were very popular across the board. One of these 'bridging' ideas was the principle that any policies on this issue should not exacerbate inequities. Next, we partnered with a council in Melbourne's southeast to run a consultation on the issue of extreme heat. This surfaced many ideas from community memberslike reducing or banning artificial grassthat were broadly supported by participants. Views were mixed on many other comments, like a suggestion that new builds on private properties "should be required to keep all existing trees." Interestingly, the issue of heat was also discussed in parallel on Facebook, where the council had shared a notice about the consultation. Comments on the Facebook post often had a combative tone or rejected extreme heat as an issue worth discussingmuch more so than in the Polis consultation itself. There is plenty to unpack here, but this general lesson is clear: different online platforms can foster very different political discussions. The Polis platform is far from perfect and our research explores the limitations and drawbacks in these case studies, as well as learning from what went well. There is no silver bullet that can solve these huge societal challenges around democracy and climate change. Instead, these initiatives add to a growing ecosystem of democratic innovationsfrom using new digital AI tools to in-person deliberative democracy through climate assemblieswhich are being thoughtfully explored and combined around the world. In this way, we can expand our collective capacity to navigate difficult issues and collaborate across diversity. 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: Scatter plot of consumption expenditure (y-axis) versus sub-clan identifiers (x-axis) plotted separately for members of age set societies (light diamonds) and kin-based societies (dark circles). Credit: American Economic Review (2024). DOI: 10.1257/aer.20211856 People around the globe often depend on informal financial arrangements, borrowing and lending money through social networks. Understanding this sheds light on local economies and helps fight poverty. Now, a study co-authored by an MIT economist illuminates a striking case of informal finance: In East Africa, money moves in very different patterns depending on whether local societies are structured around family units or age-based groups. That is, while much of the world uses the extended family as a basic social unit, hundreds of millions of people live in societies with stronger age-based cohorts. In these cases, people are initiated into adulthood together and maintain closer social ties with each other than with extended family. That affects their finances, too. "We found there are major impacts in that social structure really does matter for how people form financial ties," says Jacob Moscona, an MIT economist and co-author of the newly published study. He adds, "In age-based societies when someone gets a cash transfer, the money flows in a big way to other members of their age cohort but not to other [younger or older] members of an extended family. And you see the exact opposite pattern in kin-based groups, where money is transferred within the family but not the age cohort." This leads to measurable health effects. In kin-based societies, grandparents often share their pension payments with grandchildren. In Uganda, the study reveals, an additional year of pension payments to a senior citizen in a kin-based society reduces the likelihood of child malnourishment by 5.5%, compared to an age-based society where payments are less likely to move across generations. The paper, "Age Set versus Kin: Culture and Financial Ties in East Africa," is published in the September issue of the American Economic Review. The authors are Moscona, the 3M Career Development Assistant Professor of Economics in MIT's Department of Economics; and Awa Ambra Seck, an assistant professor at Harvard Business School. Studying informal financial arrangements has long been an important research domain for economists. MIT Professor Robert Townsend, for one, helped advance this area of scholarship with innovative studies of finances in rural Thailand. At the same time, the specific matter of analyzing how age-based social groups function, in comparison to the more common kin-based groups, has tended to be addressed more by anthropologists than economists. Among the Maasai people in Northern Kenya, for example, anthropologists have observed that age-group friends have closer ties to each other than anyone apart from a spouse and children. Maasai age-group cohorts frequently share food and lodging, and more extensively than they do even with siblings. The current study adds economic data points to this body of knowledge. To conduct the research, the scholars first analyzed the Kenyan government's Hunger Safety Net Program (HSNP), a cash transfer project initiated in 2009 covering 48 locations in Northern Kenya. The program included both age-based and kin-based social groups, allowing for a comparison of its effects. In age-based societies, the study shows, there was a spillover in spending by HSNP recipients on others in the age cohort, with zero additional cash flows to those in other generations; in kin-based societies, they also found a spillover across generations, but without informal cash flows otherwise. In Uganda, where both kin-based and age-based societies exist, the researchers studied the national roll-out of the Senior Citizen Grant (SCG) program, initiated in 2011, which consists of a monthly cash transfer to seniors of about $7.50, equivalent to roughly 20% of per-capita spending. Similar programs exist or are being rolled out across sub-Saharan Africa, including in regions where age-based organization is common. Here again, the researchers found financial flows aligned to kin-based and age-based social ties. In particular, they show that the pension program had large positive effects on child nutrition in kin-based households, where ties across generations are strong; the team found zero evidence of these effects in age-based societies. "These policies had vastly different effects on these two groups, on account of the very different structure of financial ties," Moscona says. To Moscona, there are at least two large reasons to evaluate the variation between these financial flows: understanding society more thoroughly and rethinking how to design social programs in these circumstances. "It's telling us something about how the world works, that social structure is really important for shaping these [financial] relationships," Moscona says. "But it also has a big potential impact on policy." After all, if a social policy is designed to help limit childhood poverty, or senior poverty, experts will want to know how the informal flow of cash in a society interacts with it. The current study shows that understanding social structure should be a high-order concern for making policies more effective. "In these two ways of organizing society, different people are on average more vulnerable," Moscona says. "In the kin-based groups, because the young and the old share with each other, you don't see as much inequality across generations. "But in age-based groups, the young and the old are left systematically more vulnerable. And in kin-based groups, some entire families are doing much worse than others, while in age-based societies the age sets often cut across lineages or extended families, making them more equal. That's worth considering if you're thinking about poverty reduction." More information: Jacob Moscona et al, Age Set versus Kin: Culture and Financial Ties in east Africa, American Economic Review (2024). DOI: 10.1257/aer.20211856 Journal information: American Economic Review This story is republished courtesy of MIT News (web.mit.edu/newsoffice/), a popular site that covers news about MIT research, innovation and teaching. This article has been reviewed according to Science X's editorial process and policies . Editors have highlighted the following attributes while ensuring the content's credibility: This collage highlights a small selection of regions of the Milky Way imaged as part of the most detailed infrared map ever of our galaxy. Here we see, from left to right and top to bottom: NGC 3576, NGC 6357, Messier 17, NGC 6188, Messier 22 and NGC 3603. All of them are clouds of gas and dust where stars are forming, except Messier 22, which is a very dense group of old stars. The images were captured with ESO's Visible and Infrared Survey Telescope for Astronomy (VISTA) and its infrared camera VIRCAM. The gigantic map to which these images belong contains 1.5 billion objects. The data were gathered over the course of 13 years as part of the VISTA Variables in the Via Lactea (VVV) survey and its companion project, the VVV eXtended survey (VVVX). Credit: ESO/VVVX survey Astronomers have published a gigantic infrared map of the Milky Way containing more than 1.5 billion objectsthe most detailed one ever made. Using the European Southern Observatory's VISTA telescope, the team monitored the central regions of our galaxy over more than 13 years. At 500 terabytes of data, this is the largest observational project ever carried out with an ESO telescope. A paper detailing the findings is published in the journal Astronomy & Astrophysics. "We made so many discoveries, we have changed the view of our galaxy forever," says Dante Minniti, an astrophysicist at Universidad Andres Bello in Chile who led the overall project. This record-breaking map comprises 200 000 images taken by ESO's VISTAthe Visible and Infrared Survey Telescope for Astronomy. Located at ESO's Paranal Observatory in Chile, the telescope's main purpose is to map large areas of the sky. The team used VISTA's infrared camera VIRCAM, which can peer through the dust and gas that permeates our galaxy. It is therefore able to see the radiation from the Milky Way's most hidden places, opening a unique window onto our galactic surroundings. This gigantic dataset covers an area of the sky equivalent to 8600 full moons, and contains about 10 times more objects than a previous map released by the same team back in 2012. It includes newborn stars, which are often embedded in dusty cocoons, and globular clustersdense groups of millions of the oldest stars in the Milky Way. Observing infrared light means VISTA can also spot very cold objects, which glow at these wavelengths, like brown dwarfs ("failed" stars that do not have sustained nuclear fusion) or free-floating planets that don't orbit a star. This video sequence compares infrared and visible light views of the Lobster Nebula (NGC 6357). The visible light image created from the Digitized Sky Survey 2 and, for the central part, the ESO VLT. The new infrared image was taken with the VISTA telescope at the Paranal Observatory in Chile. In the infrared, the dust that obscures many stars becomes nearly transparent, revealing a whole host of new stars that are otherwise invisible. Credit: ESO/VVV Survey/Digitized Sky Survey 2/D. Minniti. Acknowledgement: Ignacio Toledo. Music: movetwo The observations began in 2010 and ended in the first half of 2023, spanning a total of 420 nights. By observing each patch of the sky many times, the team was able to not only determine the locations of these objects, but also track how they move and whether their brightness changes. They charted stars whose luminosity changes periodically that can be used as cosmic rulers for measuring distances. This has given us an accurate 3D view of the inner regions of the Milky Way, which were previously hidden by dust. The researchers also tracked hypervelocity starsfast-moving stars catapulted from the central region of the Milky Way after a close encounter with the supermassive black hole lurking there. The new map contains data gathered as part of the VISTA Variables in the Via Lactea (VVV) survey and its companion project, the VVV eXtended (VVVX) survey. "The project was a monumental effort, made possible because we were surrounded by a great team," says Roberto Saito, an astrophysicist at the Universidade Federal de Santa Catarina in Brazil and lead author of the paper. The VVV and VVVX surveys have already led to more than 300 scientific articles. With the surveys now complete, the scientific exploration of the gathered data will continue for decades to come. Meanwhile, ESO's Paranal Observatory is being prepared for the future: VISTA will be updated with its new instrument 4MOST and ESO's Very Large Telescope (VLT) will receive its MOONS instrument. Together, they will provide spectra of millions of the objects surveyed here, with countless discoveries to be expected. More information: R. K. Saito et al, The VISTA Variables in the Via Lactea eXtended (VVVX) ESO public survey: Completion of the observations and legacy, Astronomy & Astrophysics (2024). DOI: 10.1051/0004-6361/202450584 Journal information: Astronomy & Astrophysics Provided by ESO Queensbury businessman Kris Roglieri was indicted on five counts of wire fraud last Thursday, according to an announcement from the FBI. The indictment and the earlier criminal complaint allege that Roglieris Albany-based company, Prime Capital Ventures LLC., held itself out as a commercial lending business. Prime Capital obtained upfront interest payments from prospective borrowers while it sought to secure loans for those borrowers; these upfront interest payments were characterized by Prime Capital as the Interest Credit Account Payment, or ICA payment for short. ICA payments did not represent fees to Prime Capital. Instead, each borrowers upfront ICA payment would be debited over time as the loan was funded and accrued more interest. An ICA payment would also be refundable if Prime Capital failed to secure a loan for the borrower client according to the announcement from the U.S. Attorneys Office Thursday. Queensbury man arrested for wire fraud Tens of millions of dollars are at the core of the government's allegations. Court documents allege that in December 2023, Roglieri defrauded a Minnesota company when his company, Prime Capital, committed to fund a $100 million commercial project. At the time, Prime Capital had failed to fund numerous loans promised to earlier clients and failed to return tens of millions of dollars in ICA payments to earlier clients once those loans did not materialize, and Prime Capital had been sued multiple times by clients alleging fraud and seeking the return of ICA payments. On Dec. 22, 2023, Roglieri, on behalf of Prime Commercial LLC., signed a Deposit Agreement that involved him agreeing to keep the Minnesota companys ICA payment in a separate and distinct bank account, and to hold it as a trust fund. That same day, the Minnesota company wire transferred a $5 million ICA payment to a Prime Capital account controlled by Roglieri. According to the U.S. Attorneys Office, Roglieri then transferred and spent these funds, including a transfer of $950,000 in order to meet a financial obligation to another of his clients, and paid $84,000 for his purchase of a Rolex day-date 36 mm yellow gold diamond bezel watch; paid $101,000 to a private jet services company, for round-trip, private air travel between Albany International Airport and Anguilla, for a family vacation. If convicted, Roglieri faces up to 20 years in prison and a maximum $250,000 fine per count, as well as up to three years of supervised release. The NAACPs state leaders are calling for state police Superintendent Col. Patrick Callahan to step down in the wake of two scathing reports that found systemic failures in how the New Jersey State Police treat female troopers and troopers of color. NAACP State Conference President Richard T. Smith and Gregg L. Zeff, the groups legal redress chair, applauded Attorney General Matt Platkin for having the strength to reveal the nefarious, biased underbelly of the New Jersey State Police. Platkin released the reports Tuesday. Still, Zeff told the New Jersey Monitor that he and other NAACP leaders have been really screaming about it from the mountaintops for years now. It has been the only way the state police do business since the beginning of the state police. If youre a minority, if youre a woman, if youre not part of the old boys club, youre not getting ahead, Zeff said. Zeff pointed to multiple lawsuits, federal investigations, and other reports dating back decades that documented racism and sexism in the agencys hiring, promotions, and discipline. The reforms Platkin ordered this week could be successful, but not with the current command staff, he said. He and Smith urged Gov. Phil Murphy to replace Callahan, who became a state trooper in 1995 and took over the top job in the 3,000-member agency in October 2017. Report after report, lawsuit after lawsuit has not stopped the State Police from making a mockery of laws that We the People and the New Jersey State Legislature have enacted, Smith and Zeff said in a statement. We believe the remedies proposed by the Attorney General could be successful, but will not be as long as the leaders at the top of the State Police remain in office looking for loopholes and workarounds. Murphy has no plans to can Callahan, according to a statement his office provided. 3 suspects ordered held after Buena raids turn up 4,350 pot plants The three New York residents accused of running a multimillion-dollar marijuana growing operation in Buena were ordered held in jail until trial Wednesday. I am committed to working with Attorney General Platkin and Colonel Callahan to ensure that all of the recommendations contained in the reports are enacted without delay, Murphy said via a spokeswoman. Spokespeople for Platkin and the state police declined to comment on the call for Callahans ouster, but Sgt. Charles Marchan, a state police spokesman, said: We remain fully committed to working closely with Attorney General Platkin to ensure continued cooperation, transparency, and accountability. Fil Soto, president of the New Jersey Latino American Trooper Society, said his organization stands behind Callahan, too. We support and stand behind Col. Callahan and New Jersey State Police, due to his continued support of our missions and community outreach efforts, Soto said. Col. Callahan has always embraced and commended the inclusiveness of our diverse makeup. Eric Dobson, executive director of the United Black Agenda, joined the NAACPs call for Callahans removal Wednesday. The state polices culture where critics say Black officers are repeatedly overlooked for promotions, subjected to racist taunts, and retaliated against when reporting discrimination is unacceptable, he added. We believe that the systemic issues exposed in the report cannot be fully addressed under the current leadership of Colonel Patrick Callahan. The toxic atmosphere that has permeated the New Jersey State Police has flourished under his watch, and we have concerns that real change will be difficult without new leadership at the helm, Dobson said. For the Attorney Generals recommendations to succeed, fresh leadership that is committed to eliminating these harmful practices is necessary. This story first appeared on the New Jersey Monitor. The Rock Island-Milan School Board approved two new executive-level hires for the 2024-25 school year at Tuesday's Committee of the Whole meeting. Dominique Moore was hired as assistant superintendent of human resources on a one-year contract with a $146,767 salary and Joshua Becker was hired as director of building operations on a one-year contract with a $102,505 salary. Moore most recently served as HR director at the Prairie-Hills School District in Markham, Illinois, where she had previously worked as a building leader for four years. She has also received her superintendent's endorsement and a Certificate in Human Capital Leaders in Education. Moore's references described her as "organized, meticulous and a problem-solver" and with the ability to build a collaborative, interpersonal team in Tuesday's agenda memo for her hiring. "The combination of school and district leadership and strong curriculum and instruction and grant writing skills makes Dr. Moore the ideal candidate to lead the Human Resources Division," Superintendent Sharon Williams' memo stated. Rock Island-Milan's previous assistant superintendent of HR, Egan Colbrese, now is now dean at Edison Junior High School in Rock Island. Becker joins the district with seven years of experience in grounds and maintenance management, most recently as the grounds manager at Augustana College. There he lead a team of seven staff members and other seasonal employees while assisting with facilities budget preparation and management; coordinating the purchase of supplies and maintenance equipment and directing the college's fleet of 60+ grounds vehicles. Williams called Becker's references "impeccable" in a board agenda memo, adding he was described as "dependable, patient and a resourceful leader who leads by example" with multiple references commending his work ethic. Becker will take over for Robert DeMeyer, who was hired in July as Rock Island-Milan's interim director of operations at a $8,737 monthly salary. DES MOINES A city council member in the flood-ravaged town of Hamburg received government recovery funds to build a home on property he owned and transferred to his daughter, according to a state audit published Wednesday. The Iowa State Auditors Office published a 28-page report on the special investigation, which was requested by two state agencies after whistleblowers raised concerns that grant funds and a forgivable loan received by the City of Hamburg following a devastating flood in 2019 were being misused by local officials. The complaints alleged that city officials, employees and their family members and friends were receiving direct benefit from the government relief funds that had been awarded to the city, according to the audit. Dozens of homes were destroyed and downtown businesses damaged when the Missouri River flooded Hamburg in March of 2019. The city applied for and received funding from the Iowa Department of Homeland Security and Emergency Management through the Federal FEMA program and from the Iowa Economic Development Authority. Hamburg has a population of 889, according to the 2020 U.S. Census. That is down from 1,200 in the 2010 Census, which reflects population prior to damaging floods in 2011 and 2019. The State Auditors report found: Two privately owned homes received funding from the city even though under the program funds were designed to support home construction on city-owned property. One home built using relief funding was owned by Hamburg City Council member Kent Benefiel, who transferred ownership to his daughter. If funds are used for projects owned by private citizens, the homeowners are to repay the funds to the city, according to the audit report. But the City of Hamburg paid 60% of the construction costs for the two privately owned homes, totaling nearly $200,000. The audit found no evidence that the owners repaid any of those funds. Another grant program was facilitated by the Hamburg Economic Development Council, which was a violation of the agreement between the City of Hamburg and the Iowa Economic Development Authority, according to the audit report. Benefiel applied for funds related to two properties on Main Street and received the largest share of the grant funds. Three siblings and a parent of City of Hamburg Public Works Director Alan Dovel received a majority of grant funds $128,000 available through the citys nuisance property acquisition. Six properties were purchased by a Hamburg economic development organization instead of the city, even though the city and not the economic development group was awarded the grant. The auditors investigation also found that not all disbursements were approved by the Hamburg City Council, records were not consistently kept for disbursements, there were inconsistencies in program cost records end explanations from the city and economic development organization, and some disbursements from the citys bank account did not have an explanation. Based on our observations and the procedures we performed, we determined that City officials failed to exercise proper fiduciary oversight, the auditor report says. It adds shortly after, Oversight by City officials is essential and should be an ongoing effort. City officials should exercise due care and act in the best interest of the City, not their own private interest or advantage. City officials should also ensure sufficient information is prepared and maintained related to all decision-making. The Iowa Auditors Office has recommended the city of Hamburg work with lawyers and the Iowa Economic Development Authority, and any other granting agencies to seek repayment of the nearly $200,000 in relief funds used for private home construction. The report has been filed with the Iowa Division of Criminal Investigation, the Fremont County Attorneys Office, the Fremont County Sheriffs Office, and the Iowa Attorney Generals Office. Photos: See images of the rising Mississippi River and flood preparations Five people are displaced following a residential structure fire in Moline. At 4:09 p.m. on Wednesday, Sept. 25, the Moline Fire Department responded to a two-story medium sized structure in the 200 block of 46th Street. The fire was showing from the west side of the building, according to the news release. Prior to the arrival of the responding fire company, one resident had exited the structure, according to the release. The first arriving fire company performed an aggressive attack of the fire and the next fire companies secured water and began assisting and performing primary search of the structure. The fire was brought under control in about 20 minutes and crews remained on scene to perform overhaul and investigation. Initial response included 15 on-duty personnel occupying three engines, one aerial unit, a command vehicle and one ambulance. East Moline and Rock Island Fire Departments provided additional assistance. Moline Second Alarmers, MidAmerican Energy, Moline Police Department and the Red Cross assisted also assisted at the scene. The fire is under investigation by the Moline Fire Department Bureau of Investigations. Moline Fire Department receives new engines A 26-year-old man connected to a Sept. 16 shooting was arrested Wednesday morning. Jamys Flying Horse was found by the Pennington County Sheriffs Office and United States Marshals Service at an address in Star Village in Rapid City. According to a Rapid City Police Department press release, Flying Horse of Sioux Falls was identified as the suspect in the shooting. In the ongoing investigation, law enforcement was able to determine the incident was drug-related in nature. On Sept. 16, police were dispatched to the 100 block of E. Watertown Street for a report of an individual being shot. Upon arrival, authorities discovered an altercation among several people led to a man being shot and immediately taken to the hospital for serious, life-threatening injuries. The Johns Hopkins Center for Indigenous Health established its third hub Friday, bringing groundbreaking Indigenous research to the Black Hills. On Sept. 20, Indigenous leaders and local leaders gathered to welcome the new Great Plains Native Health Hub to Rapid City. The hub will lead research in Indigenous healthcare, intersecting cultural teachings and traditional medicine with modern medicine. Being located here in Rapid City is beautiful, said Dr. Courtney Claussen, Mnicouju/Oohenumpa Lakota and a research associate. There are tons of incredible team members located across the nation, so having the interconnections, not only from nation to nation but to the communities of South Dakota, we were able to meet with a lot of really great folks from the Great Plains region working in the healthcare area. Lakota and Dakota people in the Great Plains experience some of the lowest life expectancies in the United States. On the Crow Creek Reservation, the life expectancy rate is a stark 45 years compared to a statewide average of 76 years. Indigenous people nationwide experience higher rates of diabetes, heart disease and cancer. These relationships and these collaborations are going to change life as we know it for those of us that live on reservations, said Crow Creek Sioux Tribe Chairman Peter Lengkeek. This (center) lets me know that my grandchildren and their children are going to live longer than 45 years, theyre going to live a long healthy life. The center has various offices across the Navajo Nation and a Great Lakes Hub in Duluth. Standing outside the Mandalay Plaza on Rapid Citys south side, Center for Indigenous Health co-director Donald Warne was presented with various different gifts for the new clinic. Researchers from the Great Lakes Hub and various clinics in the Navajo Nation brought pottery, beadwork and paintings to decorate the new center. Local leaders such as Rapid City Mayor Jason Salamun and Monument Health CEO Paulette Davidson also joined the celebration to welcome the new research initiative. Hearing the statistics about (Indigenous) life expectancy is sobering, Salamun said. I dont want that for any people in Rapid City, and I think having a goal to improve that through research development in healthcare is important because its about the next generation. We need people here to invest in the next generation. Aside from research, the center aims to engage in community-building, providing training for those interested in healthcare and eventually establishing an Indigenous School of Medicine. I went to medical school in the late 80s and early 90s, so a long time ago, but there was almost a sense of pride in the idea of education by humiliation, of breaking down the students to build them into a cookie cutter mold of what a doctor should be, Warne, Oglala Lakota, said. So the idea is we need a medical education system thats focused on healing the healers so they can be more effective when working with our populations and incorporating Indigenous culture. There are a number of locations that the center is considering for an institute, and one strong contender is Rapid City. Being located right here in Rapid City gives us the opportunity to do more community engagement that cant be done in Baltimore, Warne said. It has to be here in the communities. I think Rapid City is a great centralized location to do this work. When Lost Letter first opened in 2023, it was a postscript to Longoven. Owners Patrick Phelan and Megan Fitzroy Phelan (and then-partner Andrew Manning) sought to set the place apart from its conjoined sibling, a tasting menu concept in Scotts Addition which closed later that year. So, they branded it an easy Italian restaurant. Only it wasnt so easy. Not the restaurants 20-something page wine list that needed to be decoded by a certified sommelier or its special chalkboard of $45 wines by the glass. Not the moody, modernist decor carried over from the Longoven side of the house. Not the monk-like focus of the chefs and hawk-like senses of the servers, a number of whom had been recruited from the highest echelons of Manhattan and D.C. dining. (Notably, Lost Letter is one of the few places left in town that meticulously re-folds your napkin whenever you get up from the table.) These creative minds who brought us Longoven and just this January, the oyster bar Lillian were never in the business of doing things the easy way. But that is where they thrived, in the complexities of their craft, pulling off fancy food feats with precision and polish and serving them up with style. Could we really expect anything less? Admittedly, the food at Lost Letter is less avant-garde and, some would say, less unapproachable than the tweezered art pieces of foam and koji that Longoven was known for. And slightly less swanky than Lillians caviar-topped creations. It is, nonetheless, still highbrow cuisine. To call what theyre putting out there homey or rustic would be as preposterous as Paris Hilton and Nicole Richie fronting as dairy farmers. I doubt, for instance, that everyday nonnas in Italy are daintily wrapping gooey, soft-ripened La Tur cheese in salty parcels of speck, set on bronzed mantels of focaccia. Or taking a bruschetta spread with plumes of ricotta and using it to highlight the duality of a cherry tomatos sweetness, in confited and sundried form. Or deploying two types of anchovy, their flavors melding and mellowing in the herbiest of emerald-hued sauces, spruced up with evergreen leaves of marigold and draped over roasted, sweet Nardello peppers. As their restaurant has matured, Im glad to see the Lost Letter owners have come around to a more honest self-appraisal. Theyve since retired the easy tagline and owned what they do best: fine dining. The strategy is paying off. Even on a random Wednesday in August, the dining room was packed. Like any good love note, theirs to Italy is penned with passion and purpose. And its best read in full, from beginning, middle, to end. A salutation or two from the snack section of the menu draws you in straightaway. Who wouldnt answer the summertime call of that bruschetta we spoke about earlier ($16)? Or be utterly charmed by a ploughmans plate of cured meat, cheese, and pickles, done up with whipped pecorino and salame rosa, a ham of sorts with the fat-freckled blush of mortadella ($18)? But its a finely-cloaked fritto misto of olives, laced with gorgonzola, that gives the warmest of greetings ($12). As far as noshes go, theyre an all-too-easy fried pill to swallow, the addiction fueled by hits of lemony aioli, smeared along the edge of the bowl. Downing several orders of these in a single sitting is not beyond question; believe me, Ive done it. Just as vital as the dear line is the opening paragraph and at Lost Letter, they waste no time getting to the point. Among the antipasti, the first of many thoughts to flow fully and freely from the kitchen, the aforementioned La Tur and anchovy dishes ($20/$18) leave a lasting impression. Maybe harder for some to grasp, the arrosto di manzo tonnato is, as its name suggests, a kind of cold tuna salad-roast beef mashup. That doesnt really do the dish justice, though. I could throw out words like umami or what not, when the fact is, theres a strange beauty to it that one must simply embrace, a magic that the Italians have uncovered in this alchemy of ruddy meat done here with aged wagyu, but more commonly, veal and flavorful caper-studded tuna sauce. Lost Letters version ($20), finished with flaky Maldon salt and olive oil, is no exception. The romance continues to unfold, as you get to the heart of the menu. Soft and shapely stubs of gnudi swoon in a verdant pesto cream ($28). An immaculately roasted chicken, the tender, sous-vided bird donning a veil of its own crispy skin, marries a colorful stew of peppers and onions, soused with vinegar ($32). Meanwhile, sailing away on a Mediterranean sea of tomatoes, olives, and capers, abounding with brine and brightness, is the most gorgeous, flame-kissed mackerel. The intense searing rust spots of char atop the silver-sheened fish belies its unbelievably luscious flavor, while bringing a smoky depth to the cioppino-like broth that surrounds it ($34). There are moments when the exchange gets disrupted, a risk that comes with any attempt to make such refined fare. Some dishes at Lost Letter are so well-polished, it feels as though theyve lost their luster. The pork shank, for instance, despite its handsome velour, doesnt quite touch ones heart the way a sensual braising should ($34). Other offerings could use more of a tweak. A carpaccio of octopus, cut into circular tiles that form an impressive mosaic, would display better if it werent drowning in so much citrus zest and chive, masking the flavor of its featured ingredient ($20). And though, each time Ive had the tajarin, I enjoyed the long-simmering richness of the ragu, the thin, wispy threads of pasta they use are seemingly too delicate for the task, clumping and tearing under the weight of it ($28). The final sendoff comes from Fitzroy Phelan. And not surprisingly, its also the sweetest. The New York-trained pastry chef, whose virtuosic talents were a key part of Longovens appeal, applies that prowess to the bread and pastry program at Lost Letter. The loaves that she and baker-in-residence Jane Lukas are putting out are so good, they deserve their own bakery counter. As for the desserts? Well, I dare you to try and get her perfectly geometric cubes of tiramisu out of your head ($14). Picture the best cappuccino youve ever had, then cake-ify it. And for you Ferrero Rocher fans, Nutella happens to be a gelato flavor she rotates on and off again on, if youre lucky. Infused with crispety cruncheties of chocolate and hazelnut sable, the frozen treat is as decadently creamy as they come without becoming churned butter ($10). Now that the Phelans have got the messaging down, theyre getting to speak their truth. This isnt nonnas kitchen. Its theirs. And I, for one, wouldnt have it any other way. PHOTOS: Lost Letter RVA 100: 100 people, places, things that you should know about Richmond The RVA 100 are the people, places, things that make Richmond so special. The Times-Dispatch will be highlighting 100 quintessential Richmond icons starting Aug. 1 and running throughout the year. Submit your ideas for what and who we should feature at go.richmond.com/rva100yourturn. Cancun clean up under way after Helene dumps more than 240 mms of rain on region Cancun, Q.R. Clean up around Cancun and surrounding areas is underway after the passing of Hurricane Helene. Wind and rain from the storm officially let up late Wednesday as it moved off into the Gulf of Mexico. More than 240 mms of rain fell on the region in about 12 hours. Photo: SSC QR September 25, 2024. Residents woke up Thursday to sunlight breaking through the band of thick clouds that shrouded the region for nearly two days. Police are seen here providing soaked citizens with a free ride through flooded Cancun streets. Photo: SSC QR September 25, 2024. Governor Mara Lezama confirmed Thursday that classes have resumed in most of the state after students were given a two-day break due to the stormy wet weather. Students in the municipalities of Lazaro Cardenas, Isla Mujeres and Benito Juarez will remain out for at least another day during storm clean-up. Ferry services were up and running first thing Thursday. Photos: Mara Lezama September 26, 2024. Lezama says there were no fatalities reported during the storm and that all productive activities are resuming, while a major clean up is held in various areas of Cancun, Holbox and Isla Mujeres. A stingray was found on a Cancun sidewalk in the Hotel Zone after being washed ashore due to the strong winds. Photo: September 25, 2024. Governor Lezama reported that as of 9:00 p.m. Wednesday, the Federal Electricity Commission (CFE) had restored 94 percent of the lost electricity service to the more than 122,000 residents. Additional brigades continue to work to fully restore power, a majority of which was lost in the Cancun area. CFE crews work to fully restore power mostly due to felled trees, lines and poles. Photo: Mara Lezama September 26, 2024. The arrival of cruise ships to Cozumel and Mahahual will resume as will service of the Maya Train. The states airports Cancun, Cozumel and Tulum continue to operate. Several cars were crushed in Cancun and Playa del Carmen due to fallen trees. Photos: September 25, 2024. According to Lezama there were more than 267,000 tourists in Quintana Roo when Helene passed. Civil Protection has not reported any beach damage, only temporarily waterlogged streets due to the more than 240 millimeters of rain that fell in around 12 hours. Sea water covers a Holbox boat dock Wednesday. Lezama thanked the Navy, the Mexican Army, the National Guard and all federal forces for their support during the storm. Lopez Obrador affirms land used by Sac-Tun now a Natural Protected Area Riviera Maya, Q.R. President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador affirmed that the declaration of a Protected Natural Area (ANP) of the Sac-Tun land guarantees preservation. On Wednesday, Lopez Obrador said the jungle area granted to the Sac-Tun subsidiary, formerly Calica of the Vulcan Materials Company, guarantees the preservation of the territory in Playa del Carmen. As a result of this action by the federal government, more than 50,000 hectares of land have been preserved, which are home to flora and fauna native to the region that was previously overexploited by the U.S. company to transport crushed stone, sand and gravel to that country. Lopez Obrador said Vulcan Materials transported the material because it had irregular agreements with governments from the neoliberal period. During his morning press conference, Lopez Obrador showed a video of the destruction of the various interconnected ecosystems that coexist in the Mexican Caribbean that has occurred over the last 35 years. He considered it the largest ecological disaster caused by a foreign company in the Yucatan Peninsula and particularly in the Riviera Maya. Explosions on the land outside Playa del Carmen. Photo: AMLO video still shot There is no expropriation. It is a declaration of a protected natural area because there is no way we are not going to protect our natural resources. Imagine, they take gravel from paradise, one of the most beautiful areas of Mexico and the world, the Caribbean Sea, and it is used as a material bank to transport gravel to build roads in the United States. Are there no other material banks in the United States? Dont they have enough territory there? The United States represents double or triple our territory, so why come here and take advantage of the corruption that prevailed? he questioned. He recalled that the federation encouraged dialogue to resolve this controversy, however, Vulcan Materials did not respond to any proposal that involved remedying the environmental damage caused by the concession of more than 2,400 hectares. The area is now a Natural Protected Area. Photos: AMLO video still shots. There is no way we are going to allow them to destroy our territory. In addition, we tried to reach an agreement with them, we offered to buy their share, an appraisal was made and they continued to be arrogant, not understanding that Mexico is an independent, sovereign country, he said. Since we are completely right, we can go to any court. () They talk about protecting the environment, avoiding climate change, and look what they do: building material banks to take the gravel to the United States, he said. CHRISTIANSBURG The first hearing in the Liam Watson case was held on Wednesday, setting future hearing dates for the Blacksburg town councilman who has been charged with three counts of felony election fraud. During the hearing, dates were set for a motions hearing Dec. 17 and a jury trial on Feb. 3-4. Watson appeared with his attorney, John Fishwick, who discussed possible dates for trial with prosecutor Patrick Jensen, and Judge Robert Turk. The hearing lasted slightly over five minutes. Additionally, court documents show that four people have been issued subpoenas to appear in court and/or to present documents, including Blacksburg Mayor Leslie Hager-Smith, Blacksburg Town Councilwoman Susan Anderson, Virginia Election Board Chairman John OBannon, and Montgomery County Voter Registrar Connie Viar. In July, Watson was arrested for three counts of election fraud, as well as one felony count of illegally voting in an election. Watson was elected as a write-in candidate last year and was found to have listed different addresses on various documents leading up to his election, according to the charges. One address listed by Watson on documents related to his run for council was an apartment on the 500 block of Milhurst Avenue owned by Blacksburg Concierge LLC, a company tied to Hager-Smith and her husband. The property is located less than a block from the mayors home. Did I know that he lived at the property? I cant say I did. Hager Smith said, regarding Watson listing the Milhurst address. As for what was written in his campaign paperwork, I learned about that on social media. Watson has also listed properties on the 800 Block of Progress Street and the 900 Block of University City Boulevard as residences on council-related documents. During Watsons time serving on the planning commission for Blacksburg in 2022, he listed St. Marys Catholic Church as his residence on one document. In the run-up to Watsons trial, Michael Sutphin, Blacksburgs vice mayor, asked Watson to take a leave of absence until the proceeding were finished. Watson declined to do so. After careful consideration, I decline to accept your offer, Watson wrote, in an email responding to Sutphin and other members of the council I will not take a leave of absence from my position as Councilman on the Blacksburg Town Council. I look forward to continuing my representation of the people of the Town of Blacksburg. EU-funded researchers are working together to improve survival rates and quality of life for children with cancer and reduce inequalities between countries. Dealing with cancer in children is hard enough. Knowing that there are huge disparities in survival rates between higher- and lower-income countries in Europe makes it even worse. But EU-funded researchers are working to address this. Dr. Jelena Rascon, a paediatric cancer specialist at the Vilnius University Hospital Santaros Klinikos (VULSK) in Lithuania, places great importance on the benefits of international cooperation when dealing with cancerparticularly when it comes to children. Increasing the odds "There are still inequalities across European countries in terms of childhood cancer survival rates," said Rascon, who led a three-year EU-funded research initiative called TREL that began in 2021 and concluded in December 2023. The researchers aimed to improve childhood cancer treatment through greater cooperation between European countries. Thanks to funding from the EU, Dr. Rascon and her colleagues were able to work closely with partners in Austria, Belgium, Denmark, France, Germany, Italy and the Netherlands to reduce persisting disparities and improve survival rates across Europe for children with certain types of cancer. This was done through twinning, a concept that allows specialists to network and cooperate more easily with colleagues in other countries where research in a specific area is deemed to be more advanced. The TREL team focused on the treatment of solid cancerous tumours in children and, more specifically, on brain tumours, neuroblastoma and renal tumours. Brain tumours are among the most common types of childhood cancers, along with leukaemia and lymphoma. Although childhood cancers are very rare and have a high overall survival rate, they remain the first cause of death from disease in children and adolescents, with an estimated 2 000 deaths every year in Europe. To help increase the odds of survival, the children taking part in the study had access to personalised treatment plans and follow-ups agreed collectively by the research team. In some cases, doctors were able to work with geneticists and bioinformatics specialists from institutions in other European countrieswith considerable positive impact for their young patients and their families. Improving survival In the EU, an estimated 14 000 cases of childhood cancers are recorded every year, according to the European Cancer Inequalities Registry. The registry puts survival rates at between 73% in Bulgaria and 74% in Lithuania, to 86% in Denmark and 85% in Austria. To put it more simply, for every 100 children with cancer, 12 more will survive in Denmark than in Lithuania. The good news is that the prognosis for children with cancer is improving in Lithuania. According to Rascon, the increase in cross-border exchanges organised as part of the TREL cooperation has been an important part of that. The TREL researchers' objectives align well with Europe's Beating Cancer Plan, especially its 'Helping Children with Cancer' initiative, as well as the EU Cancer Mission's science-based approach toward reducing cancer burden and inequalities across the EU. International solidarity for better care Dr. Goda Vaitkeviciene, a colleague of Rascon's and a paediatric haematologist at VULSK, also acknowledges the importance of international solidarity in improving the health outcomes for children everywhere. Vaitkeviciene worked on two pan-European studies of treatment protocols for children and adolescents with acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (ALL) called NOPHO ALL2008 and ALLtogether. These aimed to improve childhood leukaemia survival rates through clinical trials that, like TREL, included the sharing of data, treatment plans and information between doctors in different European countries. International cooperation is particularly important in a field like paediatric cancer, said Vaitkeviciene. She pointed out that as these cancers are extremely rare, it is difficult to have a sufficient number of patients to conduct effective studies and compare protocols within the borders of just one or several small countries. For Rascon, the work carried out by the TREL team brought increased knowledge, better access to innovations and better access to international collaborative research. "When you're in a research group, you can provide much better care to your patients, more innovative, more tailored. In paediatric oncology, research is a platform to provide better care," she said. Future outlook Thanks to the work carried out by the TREL researchers, the team has been able to secure funding for a new project, SCARLET, set to begin in October 2024, allowing it to carry on making improvements. The advantages go both ways, with data related to the Lithuanian children involved in the clinical trials now feeding into a Europe-wide study that can improve overall cancer treatment outcomes elsewhere. For patients, the improved survival outcomes may be the headline figure, but they are not the whole story, said Vaitkeviciene. "We are not just talking about treatment, but also quality of life. Not only after, but also during the treatment," she said. Up to 70% of children undergoing chemotherapy are affected by at least one severe side-effect, including serious infections, acute or long-term organ damage, thrombosis and metabolic disorders. Sharing data can help doctors avoid complications for their patients and reassure them while they are being treated. It also boosted the confidence of the doctors working at the hospital. "You can talk to the patients slightly differently," said Vaitkevicien. "You're more confident when you can say this is not our treatment plan alone, children in other countries are treated in the same way," she said. "All this adds to their quality of life." Research in this article was funded by the EU's Horizon Programme. The views of the interviewees don't necessarily reflect those of the European Commission. More info This article was originally published in Horizon the EU Research and Innovation Magazine. Provided by Horizon: The EU Research & Innovation Magazine South Carolina Gov. Henry McMaster has declared a state of emergency in preparation for the potential effects of Hurricane Helene. He asks South Carolinians to monitor local forecasts and begin taking proper precautions. The governor's order activates the South Carolina Emergency Operations Plan and directs the South Carolina Emergency Management Division to coordinate with all relevant state agencies in preparation for potential requests for state assistance from local officials and county emergency management leaders. Although South Carolina will likely avoid the brunt of Hurricane Helene's impacts, the storm is still expected to bring dangerous flooding, high winds and isolated tornadoes to many parts of the state, McMaster said. This State of Emergency ensures that Team South Carolina has the necessary resources in place to respond to these potential impacts. South Carolinians in potentially affected areas should start to take precautions now and monitor local weather forecasts over the next several days." Hurricane Helene is currently situated in the Gulf of Mexico and is anticipated to intensify before making landfall along the coast of Florida as a hurricane on Thursday. The storm is then expected to impact South Carolina and other Southeastern states with strong winds, significant rainfall, flash flooding and an enhanced risk of isolated tornadoes. SCEMD has several resources available for people to prepare for hurricanes, including hurricane.sc. This site is an interactive tool for anyone needing a quick reference on hurricane preparedness. Additionally, the SC Emergency Manager is available in the App Store and on Google Play: http://onelink.to/dn92rx. The official 2024 S.C. Hurricane Guide is available in English or Spanish at scemd.org. DAKOTA CITY Found guilty of murdering four people in the middle of the night and setting fire to their homes, Jason Jones now faces the possibility of being sentenced to death. In a verdict reached early Thursday morning, jurors found Jones, 44, guilty of four counts each of first-degree murder and use of a firearm to commit a felony and two counts of second-degree arson for the Aug. 4, 2022, shooting deaths of Michele Ebeling, 53, in her home and Gene Twiford, 86, his wife, Janet Twiford, 85, and their daughter Dana Twiford, 55, in their home. Late in the afternoon, the same jury determined the murders contained aggravating circumstances making the case eligible for the death penalty. "We are relieved by todays conviction and appreciate the hard work of the legal team and law enforcement throughout this process. We would also like to convey our gratitude to the jury for their time and attention in this long process. While this is one step toward justice for our loved ones, we must respect the ongoing investigation and the legal proceedings in the second case. Our focus remains on healing and honoring our mother/grandma, father/grandpa and sister/aunt, while carrying their love and memories in our hearts every day," the Twiford family said in a statement released to the media. The case will now proceed before a three-judge panel consisting of District Judge Bryan Meismer, who is presiding over the case, and two judges to be appointed by Nebraska Supreme Court Chief Justice Michael Heavican, who is retiring Oct. 31, or his successor. The judges will hear evidence at a hearing yet to be scheduled and decide whether to sentence Jones to death or life in prison without parole. When it filed the formal charges against Jones in January 2023, the Nebraska Attorney General's Office included six aggravating circumstances it believed qualified the case to be considered for capital punishment. "There are some facts that distinguish an ordinary first-degree murder case from this case," Assistant Nebraska Attorney General Corey O'Brien told jurors during Thursday's hearing on those aggravating circumstances. After deliberating 45 minutes, the jury returned unanimous verdicts on all six of those circumstances: That Jones committed another murder at the same time he killed Ebeling and the three Twiford family members and that he killed Janet and Dana Twiford after he killed Gene Twiford in order to conceal his identity as the shooter or to conceal the commission of another crime -- murder or his break-in at their home. "The Nebraska Attorney Generals Office is pleased with the outcome and thanks the jury for their hard work in this case," the attorney general's office said in a news release. Defense attorney Todd Lancaster conceded the Twifords all were killed in rapid succession, but argued jurors should not find Ebeling's murder took place, as state statute says, "in a continuous and uninterrupted" action over a short period of time with the Twiford murders. "There's a criminal transaction happening at the Twiford house and there's another one happening at the Michele Ebeling house. These are not uninterrupted," Lancaster said. Lancaster also said evidence did not show Jones killed Janet and Dana Twiford in order to conceal his identity or another crime. Because Jones was severely burned in the fires, it's hard for him to sit upright for long periods of time, and he did not attend his trial, instead remaining in Lincoln, where he continues to receive medical treatment in a state correctional institution. Lancaster said late Thursday he had not personally spoken with Jones to inform him of the guilty verdicts, but Jones had probably learned of it through social media or other news sources. "We were hoping for a different verdict on guilt or innocence, obviously, and also on the aggravating circumstances," Lancaster said. "It's not the outcome we were hoping for. We're far from done with Mr. Jones' case." Moved to Dakota County from Cedar County after Meismer determined Jones was unlikely to receive a fair trial there, the trial began Sept. 9 with three days of jury selection, followed by 11 days of testimony from 38 witnesses and submission of more than 1,000 exhibits and pieces of evidence. The jury reached its guilty verdicts at 8:30 a.m. Thursday after six and a half hours of deliberations that began Wednesday afternoon and continued until 7:15 p.m. The defense did not deny Jones killed the Twifords, but said he'd had a mental breakdown and was not capable of premeditation, an element necessary for a first-degree murder conviction. Jones instead should be found guilty of second-degree murder (and not punishable by a death sentence), Lancaster's co-counsel, Matthew McDonald, said in his closing argument. "Yes, he's liable," McDonald said, "but what he did in his mind was involuntary. Because he had a mental breakdown, it was not voluntary." As evidence of Jones' mental state, McDonald pointed to a purported suicide note Jones left for his wife, Carrie Jones. McDonald said Carrie Jones killed Ebeling. Firefighters were dispatched to Ebeling's house at 209 Elm St. at 3:11 a.m., and found Ebeling's body, with two gunshots, inside. Firefighters had barely left the scene when they were called at 9:30 a.m. to the Twiford home three blocks from Ebeling's house at 503 Elm St. Responders found the bodies of the three family members, all with gunshot wounds. At trial, investigators said they determined the Twiford fire likely had been started around 3 a.m. but smoldered unnoticed for hours before a neighbor saw smoke coming from the eaves. Jones emerged as a suspect after receipts for the purchase of gas at two stores in Laurel and gas cans and a backpack purchased at the Sioux City Fleet Farm store were found in Ebeling's kitchen. Investigators traced credit card numbers on the receipts to Jones, and surveillance video showed him buying the gas cans in Sioux City and later filling them with gas at a Laurel convenience store. Inside Ebeling's home, investigators also had found a burned plastic gas can, three .44-caliber shell casings and a live .44 round. Outside, they discovered a flashlight and a lighter and a drop of blood on the garage. At the Twiford house, a Ruger 57 handgun, along with a second loaded ammunition magazine and 11 shell casings were found. Just outside the back door, investigators recovered a pry bar and a broken door frame, plus a Mountain Dew bottle with gasoline and a rag stuffed inside. When tested, all the items were found to have Jones' DNA, fingerprints, or both, on them. Ballistics experts determined the shell casings and bullets removed from the Twifords' bodies during their autopsies all had been fired from the Ruger 57, which Jones had bought years earlier. A bullet removed from Ebeling's body at autopsy, plus two more from her kitchen wall, and the shell casings at her home all had been fired by a .44-caliber handgun owned by Jones and found inside a dresser drawer in his bedroom. Jones, who lived across the street from Ebeling at 206 Elm St. was arrested early on Aug. 5, lying in his bed and barely able to move because of burns on his legs, arms and hands. Carrie Jones had accused Gene Twiford of verbally harassing her while she was in her yard and at other locations in Laurel on multiple occasions. Text messages between Carrie and Jason Jones displayed to the jury showed, the state said, Carrie Jones was fed up with Twiford's alleged behavior. A defense witness who lived across the street from Ebeling testified that shortly after 3 a.m. on Aug. 4, she heard one or two gunshots from Ebeling's house, looked out and saw someone with long hair leaving the house. Jason Jones had short hair at the time, but Carrie Jones has long hair. Carrie Jones' fingerprints and DNA weren't found inside Ebeling's house, the state countered, and the gun used to kill her had Jason Jones' DNA on it. A second person's DNA also was detected, but could not be identified. Charged with aiding and abetting the death of Gene Twiford, Carrie Jones, 45, has pleaded not guilty of first-degree murder, tampering with physical evidence and being an accessory to a felony. Her trial has not been scheduled. SIOUX CITY -- After a series of threats circulated the Sioux City Schools in the last two weeks, Superintendent Rod Earleywine responded to concerns from district parents, saying they take every threat seriously. "It's hard for parents, it's hard on students, it's hard on our teachers, our principals, it's hard on all of the schools' communities because you can never say never," Earleywine said. "That's why we take everything seriously, we follow up on everything and we do the very, very best we can." During Monday's school board meeting, Jason Sander, a parent in the district, asked what the district is doing to address the threats in the district, expressing fear for his children. "I'm sure it's going through everybody else's mind too, but I want to know what's being done," he said. "Are we taking this seriously?" In the last two weeks, the Sioux City Community School District has notified parents of six different social media threats circulating the schools. The threats have been at the district's middle and high schools and many of them have been similar, but all were determined to be non-credible, said district communications director Leslie Heying. Earleywine said during conversations with other similarly sized districts in the state, the same threats have been circulating throughout the nation, with students just changing out the name of the school. "It's all over the country and it's very frustrating to us, but what I can tell you is we take every one seriously," Earleywine said. On Wednesday, Sept. 11, The Sioux City Community School District informed the public of an alleged threat on Snapchat involving North High School and, possibly, North Middle School. On Thursday, Sept. 12, West High School was under secure status for more than an hour following a reported social media threat. Law enforcement had determined there was no threat against the school. On Tuesday, Sept. 17, North Middle School was informed of a non-specific social media threat circulating in a Snapchat group made up of North Middle School students. An hour later, Heying shared the same threat that had been circulating at West High School. On Wednesday, Sept. 18, a similar nonspecific social media threat was circulating at East High School and on Thursday, North High received the same threat. All threats were investigated but determined to be non-credible, Heying said. Earleywine said they work closely with law enforcement to investigate every threat, no matter if they have been determined to be credible or non-credible and take the advice of the law enforcement every time. "They spend a lot of time visiting homes, and following up and checking up on the sources of these threats," Earleywine said. This is part of Advice Week: Friendship Edition. Well help you make friends, leave themand even sleep with them. Weve gotten some great questions over the years about the interesting dilemmas our letter writers friends have brought into their lives. So weve rounded up some of our favorite questions for you below. Dear Prudence, Recently my friend Amy made a new friend, Mary. Ive met her a few times, and while we were polite to each other, she isnt someone Id care to interact with more than necessary. I dont seek her out, nor do I invite her to social events. Mary has slowly become part of my circle of friends. She has made a few comments intimating shes upset that she hasnt been invited to some of our get-togethers, but she is in a very different financial bracket than the rest of us. The restaurants and events we choose to go to are pricey. I recently hosted a dinner party for my friends and their plus ones, and Amy brought Mary. I didnt want her at my house. Were not friends, and I dont enjoy her presence. Im hosting another dinner party for the holidays, and I know Amy will bring Mary. I do not invite people I dont want to be around to my parties. How do I politely tell Amy to stop bringing Mary? Shes Not Invited; She Comes Anyway Dear Shes Not Invited, I certainly hope your dislike for Mary is rooted in something other than she cant afford to spend as much money on appetizers as I can, because the only sin she appears to have committed is being less rich than the rest of your friends. While youre certainly within your rights not to invite Mary to an event youre hosting, sending dinner-party invitations with further instructions about who someone can invite as a plus one should be reserved for more extreme cases than this one. Advertisement I think your best option is to include Amy on the invitation and find a way to enjoy yourself despite Marys presencesurely at a dinner party full of guests youll find someone you want to talk to. It would be awkward and, I think, an overexertion of your rights as a host, to send Amy an invitation plus one, then add, but not the one youd like to bring. It would be one thing if Mary had said something rude or offensive the last time youd had her as a guest in your home. In that case you might say something like, I would love for you to come but I have to ask you not to bring Mary, because she was so rude to Scorinthians last time she visited/monopolized the conversation/stole my dishwasher. That said, if you simply cant stand the thought of Mary as a guest in your home, then you should ask Amy not to bring her. If Amy decides not to attend, or is angry with you for asking, then thats a risk youre simply going to have to run.Danny M. Lavery Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement From: Help! My Friend Wants to Bring a Poor Person to My Dinner Party. (Dec. 14, 2017). Dear Prudence, My partner and I, who are in a gay relationship, are close friends with a lesbian couple. Mary and Jean desperately want a baby, and after some discussion my partner decided to donate his sperm. We have no interest in being parents but are happy to be uncles. Unfortunately Mary experienced a significant illness and Jane got laid off from work, and now they are worried they cant afford in vitro fertilization. Mary is infertile, and Jane is already 38, so waiting until their financial situation improves might not be an option. Mary and Jane have now asked whether Jane can conceive a baby with my partner the old-fashioned way. My partner and Jane used to date in their 20s so it wont be anything new. I totally trust my partner, but this is just too much for me. Am I being too old-fashioned? Should I let this happen so my two wonderful friends can become parents without spending tens of thousands of dollars? Letting My Partner Impregnate His Friend Dear Letting My Partner Impregnate His Friend, Advertisement Advertisement I dont think youre being too old-fashioned! This is not an especially old-fashioned problem. Their problem is a sad one, certainly, but you shouldnt let guilt over your friends situation affect the decision you and your partner make. Theres no guarantee that your partner will be able to impregnate Jane on the first try; how many times would you be willing to let the two of them sleep together? Five tries? Ten? As many as it takes? Its wonderful that you trust your partner and want to help your friends have childrenand in this case, I think, perfectly appropriatebut that doesnt mean you have to feel great about the two of them sleeping together. You two should have a serious conversation as a couple about the pros and cons and figure out whether this is something you are comfortable doing before discussing your decision with Mary and Jean. Advertisement Advertisement Also: If any queer couples with nontraditional reproductive stories want to weigh in about their own experiences, please do! Has anyone gone the turkey-baster route?DL From: Help! A Lesbian Friend Wants My Partner to Impregnate Her the Old-Fashioned Way. (Dec. 21, 2015). Advertisement Advertisement Dear Prudence, I (a married woman) just set up a single male co-worker and a single female friend of mine on a blind date. Hes a sharp guy whos traveled the world and knows all about fine foods, wines, classical music, designer labels, etc., and shes a stunningly beautiful and intelligent artist. I really thought theyd make a great couple. Immediately after their date, my friend thought it had gone well and was very excited. On Monday morning, I asked my co-worker, and he said my friend was attractive and a nice person, but he wouldnt be asking for a second date. My friend has been bewildered by her difficulty in finding a steady relationship, so I pressed him as to why. He told me they went to a swanky bar, and shewait for itordered a plain glass of milk. He found this so clueless and childish that he couldnt imagine being with her. Now my friend is neither a big drinker nor a teetotalerjust someone whos going to order what she wants without worrying about what others think. Should I tell her why she wont be hearing from this guy again, so she can reconsider ordering milk on dates in the future? Should I tell him how ridiculous he is for judging someone for something so petty? Dairy Disorder Dear Dairy Disorder, Advertisement Advertisement I firmly believe that if a man is really attracted to and interested in a woman, she could order a glass of French onion soup and hed be fine with it. This was not the guy for your friend. She does things that he finds clueless and childish. She doesnt want to be in a relationship with someone who feels that way about heror someone who doesnt think her beauty and intelligence make her clueless and childish behavior sort of charming. She should not hide who she is or what she likes on dates. The idea here is not to fake a personality so she can be paired up with someone who you think is a fit for her. Its to keep being herself until she comes across someone who is actually right for her.Jenee Desmond-Harris Advertisement Advertisement From: Help! I Set up a Co-Worker and a Friend on a Blind Date. Her Drink Order Ruined Everything. (May 25, 2023). Dear Prudence, One of my wifes friends has hated me since the day she met me. While early on, her hatred was tolerable, lately its become annoying and more than a little creepy. I work in research and development, the same industry as her. I often have lunch with colleagues, both male and female, while we discuss work. She has spotted me a few times having lunch with a female colleague and without even talking to me, shes reported to my wife that she thinks Im having an affair (even though its been a different woman each timeapparently I really get around). My wife was suspicious at first but is not so worried now. (Ive never cheated on her and have given her no reason to believe I have or would.) This woman ran into me last week and told me, Im going to destroy you and walked away. I told my wife, and she said I must not have heard her correctly. How do I convince my wife that she needs to confront this nutcase? If she doesnt change her behavior toward me after that, I think its only fair that my wife stop seeing her as a friend. What do you think I should do? Intrusive and Annoying Friend of Wife Dear Intrusive, Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement So, weve got the set-up for a thriller. In the Hollywood version youre working late one night when you hear the click-click-click of high heels coming down the corridor, and when you turn around theres the friend, wearing a wig to look like your wife, the knife in her hand glinting. Sorry, I didnt mean to get carried away, but this situation is seriously disturbing. Im not suggesting you start keeping pepper spray in your briefcase, but you have to do something about this nut. It wouldnt take too many false reports from a friend that my husband was having an affair with a new woman every week for me to drop the pal. Its odd that your wife continues to have fond relations with a woman who has made it her goal to ruin your marriage. What does your wife think her friend actually said last week: Im going to Hanoi. You? You need to explain to your wife that since this woman is in your industry and has an irrational hatred of you, she could spread vicious rumors that harm your career. I think you should get your wife to accompany you to a lawyers office where you discuss this womans behavior and find out what you can do about it. But a helpful first step would be for your wife to become your ally and make clear to her friend that this hostility to you is unwarranted and needs to end.Emily Yoffe Advertisement Advertisement From: Help! My Wifes Best Friend Threatened to Destroy Me. (Jan. 9, 2012). Dear Prudence, An old friend is running for office. She was a counselor for me as a teenager. Weve never discussed politics and had lost touch (except for Facebook) until a mutual friends funeral recently. She asked if I would help with her campaign via Facebook messenger. She is running for local school board (non-partisan) and I am not a parent. Ive already told her yes because I wanted to be supportive but also asked about her platform and who she was running against. She gave me her campaign website which is pretty generic about her experience. Her opponent has several endorsements but again, a pretty generic website although he does say he supports LGBTQ+ students. I decided to check her and her opponents party registration on our State Board of Elections website. My old friend is registered as a Republican, her opponent is unaffiliated. Advertisement I am a progressive person. I often post news stories and views on Facebook. There is no way she doesnt know that Im at least liberal-leaning. I have no idea what to do at this point. I know that the school board can be so contentious, but we are in an urban, liberal area so Im not sure if that applies here. I dont think she believes in things like banning books or critical race theory. Nothing on her Facebook page suggests she is a Trump supporter. What should I do and how do I talk to her about it? I dont want to damage the relationship (though we havent been in contact, we have a bunch of mutual friends, and she is a member of my liberal protestant church). Unless she doesnt support non-negotiable issues, I am willing to be friends (we had talked about getting together again soon), but I dont want to support a Republican running for any office. Candidate Confusion Dear Candidate Confusion, Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Hi Candidate Friend. I know I agreed to help with your campaign, but as I was getting up to speed on you and your opponent, I learned that youre a Republican. As you probably know from my Facebook posts, Im a very progressive person so Im not sure this will be a great fit. If Ive misunderstood something or if you want to give me a call and let me know more about your stances on the issues the school board is taking on, I would be happy to keep an open mind and see if were actually more aligned than I thought. Otherwise, I will go ahead and take a step back from volunteering but I hope youre doing well during this busy time for you, and I hope we can still get together just for fun like wed planned.JDH Advertisement From: Help! I Promised to Help a Friend Running for Office. Uh, I Just Found Out We Have Very Different Views. (Sept. 17, 2022). Dear Prudence, My husband and I are currently renting, for the summer, the house of an old sorority sister of mine and her husband, who are on vacation in Europe. We have two-year-old twins whom we cloth-diaper. My friends college-age stepdaughter came over to do laundry, which we had agreed to, and discovered a load of diapers in the dryer. While clean at that point some of them do have indelible stains. She apparently told my friend, who is apparently a hysterical germophobe. She was a little bit like that in college but has obviously gotten worse over the years. She is now demanding that we replace their super high-end Swedish washer and dryer before their return. She claims she cannot bear to wear clothes, sleep on sheets, or use towels that have been washed in machines that were previously used to wash items soiled with human waste. Just how unreasonable is this, and how should I respond? If we do end up replacing the washer and dryer, would it be all right to ask if we can have the ruined ones? Poo Panic Dear Poo Panic, Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Yes, the purpose of washing machines is to take things that are dirty and make them clean. And yes, anything later emerging from this washing machine should be clean. And yes, its possible for you to run a self-cleaning cycle and clean the lint traps and do a bunch of other things to return this machine to near-factory standards. Yes, this is all true. But people who are notoriously phobic of germs do have a tendency to be germaphobic. And its her house. That said, buying someone a new washer and dryer is a big leap. Do you have a rental agreement in writing? If so, are there stipulations for damaged property or the like? I hate to immediately jump to being litigious but it seems extreme to purchase a fancy Swedish washer/dryer on the strength of a handshake agreement. Whether you have a contract or not, I think you should respond by apologizing for washing dirty clothes in a washing machine, and tell her that youve already run the fanciest self-cleaner you could find through the unit (which you should do in advance), but that its just not financially feasible for you to replace her unit. If she threatens to take you to small claims court over it, then you can decide how much hassle you want to put up with. If you do buy the new one (please do not), definitely take the old unit with you.R. Eric Thomas Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement From: Help! My Friend Is Demanding I Buy Her a New Washer and Dryer Because I Put My Childs Diaper in It. (July 25, 2022). Dear Prudence, Over the summer, my best friend of nine years and I shared a house in the town where we both grew up. During those few months, we started sleeping together, which was great. That also involved lots of clear communication about our expectations. We both agreed this wasnt a long-term thing, just something fun to occupy us during the pandemic. When both of us moved back, I thought we had a clear understanding that we were going back to being just friendsbut she is telling everyone that Im her new girlfriend! I dont want to hurt her, but I know the longer I let her believe it, the more hurt she will be in the end. How do I breach the subject and clear up this misunderstanding in the most gentle way possible? Friendly Fog Dear Friendly Fog, Advertisement Advertisement Assuming this isnt just a misunderstanding and that you have real evidence your friend has been misrepresenting the nature of your relationship to your mutual friends, I dont think maximum gentleness should be your goal. If you were really clear about going back to being friends, and shes lied repeatedly about being girlfriends, then you should strive for firmness of purpose over gentleness. Remember that she has hurt you and that your feelings matter too! Im not suggesting you start yelling at her, but you can kindly tell her: I thought our last few conversations about sleeping together this summer were really clear and that we both understood we were going back to being friends, so I was surprised to hear that youd told [friends name] that I was your girlfriend. This was really unexpected and painful, because I thought wed both worked hard to be honest and straightforward with each other, and I found it embarrassing to have to correct her. What am I missing?DL Advertisement From: Help! My Best Friend Is Telling Everyone Were Dating. (Oct. 3, 2020). Dear Prudence, I know it sounds unbelievable, but a formerly close friend who is mentally ill pretended to have killed herself. She went on a string of unstable-sounding rants to me on her Facebook, through her messaging app, and finally in an email a couple of months ago, accusing me of terrible things that supposedly happened 20 years earlier. Friends of hers, who I suspect were really just her, took up the cause, contacting me through her accounts. Nothing I said appeased her/them. It ended after two days of frenzy, with an email from one friend saying that she had killed herself. Except she hadnt. Our county death records are public and published online, and shes not on them. Her accounts are still active, and a real-life friend of hers told me that this had happened before, to the point where her friends held a wake and she finally came clean and admitted she was not dead. I know that its not her fault because of her illness, but I see old messages and comments (Ive unfriended her) and wonder if it was all just BS and she secretly hated me all that time. Part of me wants to contact her and talk, but I dont think I can handle that. Is the best option here to just move on and delete old comments, posts, and emails when they pop up? This is so far out of my wheelhouse. Please help. Friend Pretended to Be DeadHow to Move On? Dear How to Move On, Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Your friend did not choose her mental illness, but that doesnt mean youre not allowed to feel pain or frustration when she acts in ways that hurt you, or that you cant draw appropriate boundaries when she spends days making sock puppet accounts trying to make you blame yourself for her death. There is nothing that you can say to her in her current state that will make you feel any better or result in her changing her behavior; this is part of an ongoing pattern that would require medical and therapeutic attention to truly address. Im so sorry for the anguish and bewilderment youve suffered lately. That sounds absolutely terrifying. I think the best thing you can do for her is wish her the best and hope she gets help from a safe distance. Continue to unfriend and block her accounts wherever you two have been linked, and find a trusted friend you can confide some of this in. Youve just gone through an absolutely exhausting ordeal, and your mental health is important too.DL Advertisement From: Help! My Friend Faked Her Own DeathAgain. (Sept. 4, 2019). Dear Prudence, I am a woman in my early 30s in an artistic freelance service job and I routinely communicate with clients via text. Early in my career, I became friends with a woman I completely adored. We spent a lot of time together before having children and our lives drifted apart, but we stayed in touch through social media. A few years ago, her husband began contacting me through texts under the ruse of a professional project but quickly turned the conversation to sexually explicit suggestions. I was extremely uncomfortable as Ive always felt a deep friendship-type love for his wife and wanted nothing to do with his nasty suggestions. I didnt tell her because I didnt want to cause problems and simply laughed him off and told him Im only available to discuss art projects. I wish I had told him to eat shit, and then forwarded the texts to his wife. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Now his wife has reached out to me requesting to spend more time together, because she has been diagnosed with an untreatable cancer and was given about a year. She and her husband are still married, and I hope to be spending more time with her. I feel I shouldnt mention the horrible texts from her husband a few years ago but am now wracked with guilt for having not said something previously. This is something I should keep to myself, right? Unless she brings up other misdeeds her husband has fessed up to in the meantime? Dying Friends Naughty Sexting Husband Dear Naughty Sexting Husband, I think your instinct is right, unfortunately, as frustrating as it must be to contemplate being friendly to him. (I hope that her husband is being as loving and supportive as possible.) If shes only got a year to live and she doesnt mention any problems in her marriage, then I dont think it would do her any good to know now. Focus on spending as much quality time with your friend as you can.DL Advertisement From: Help! Should I Tell My Dying Friend About Her Husbands Creepy Sexts? (May 13, 2019). Advertisement Advertisement Dear Prudence, Kelly and Lily and I have been a trio of friends for years and lived in the same town until Kelly moved about a year ago. Leading up to her move, I felt somewhat sad, but honestly mostly relieved she was out of my day-to-day life. I love her very much as a friend, but Im happier that shes a catch up once a month on the phone kind of a friend now and not a two-three times a week hang. Lily and I still see each other often and are closer than ever. Advertisement Kelly recently came into town, and it was so nice for the three of us to get together! We got a bit carried away and decided we all absolutely had to take a trip to Portugal together this winter. Weve all been separately but never together, and decided its a special place to all of us that well all definitely be returning to in the future. Now that the shine of our nice little visit has worn off, I absolutely do not want to take this trip (or any trip) with Kellybut I would love to go with Lily! Advertisement Advertisement My biggest reason is that Kelly has a disordered relationship with eating and exercise, which is both upsetting and tedious to be around up close and personal. There are also a ton of small reasons relating to her very particular preferences and general lack of planning skills. The three of us went on a short weekend trip a few years ago and it straight up wasnt fun. Additionally, my and Lilys partners know each other really well, but Kelly has only been with her partner for less than a year and Lily hasnt met him. Hes nice, but not someone I would want to vacation with, and my partner didnt click with him either. Im looking at my vacation days now and wondering, is there any way Lily and I and our partners can head off to Portugal or somewhere else together? Or should we skip it this year and try to revisit it after some time has passed since the initial idea? I havent asked Lily what she thinks yet, and Ive really avoided talking with her about Kelly in general because I dont want to be negative and gossipy toward our friend together. And again, I really love Kelly, I just dont want to try to navigate the world together even for a short time! Got Ahead of Myself Dear Got Ahead of Myself, Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Ah, yes, Ive seen the brightest minds of my generation overcommit to a group Portugal trip. It happens! Its well within your rights to back out of a trip, of course, but your instincts are correct: It would indeed be a terrible look to jet off with Lily separately in the immediate aftermath. But I think there are ways in which you could configure the existing planned trip to make it bearable (namely, shorter or smaller in scale). Traveling abroad is an ambitious and stressful undertaking for most people, whatever their personal history and usual routine might be. Is there a world where you and Lily downgrade this into a weekend trip to visit Kelly? If you two stay at a hotel, you can have some Lily quality time without making Kelly play host (plus, then Kelly can stick to the routines that work for her). If I were to venture a guess, Id say that going to Portugal or whatever is less important to Kelly than simply feeling included in something fun with the two of you. (For example, I think if you do this weekend trip, then you and Lily can globetrot to your hearts content afterward.) Advertisement Advertisement At the end of the day, Im of the mind that above-average friendships are worth potentially imperfect trips because life is short as hell, and seeing cool places with people you like is pretty much the tippy top of the Maslow pyramid in terms of satisfying ways to spend your time. You do not need to make your travel plans revolve around (or in direct avoidance of) Kelly, but if she is important to you, there are a million ways to spend time together that dont involve a ticket to Lisbon. Its the company, not the destination, right?Delia Cai Advertisement From: Help! I Wrote to Prudie for Advice and Delia Cai Answered. (July 13, 2023). Dear Prudence, Advertisement I have had a good friend for many, many years who I met at work. During that time, I dated a few guys, ultimately married and had children (she was already married with children of her own). We no longer work together. When I met my now-husband, she and her husband were going through a rough patch. He said some mean things to her, she came to my house crying, and my husband heard the comments. They have since reconciled. I enjoy our Girls Nights with her, but she has always insisted on double dates (with my exes and now my husband). The problem is my husband cannot stand her husband, and Im pretty sure the feeling is mutual. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The last time we all hung out, the husbands only said two words to each other, while my friend and I carried the whole conversation. They just have nothing in common (do you play video games? No. Do you like sports? No. Do you like cooking? No). But my friend keeps talking about how fun these double dates are and that we need to do more of them. I keep pushing Girls Nights/husband busy with work/need someone to watch the kids, but she still insists all four of us need to hang out together. I feel like a bad friend because this clearly means so much to her. My husband has agreed to a one double-date a year policy (and COVID has prevented the hang a few years) but shes mentioning it again. Friend insists the husbands are best friends. How do I finally get out of this, or tell her my husband doesnt like your husband without being mean? Bad Friend? Dear Bad Friend, Advertisement Advertisement There are options here! Choose the one that feels like the best fit for your personality and your level of comfort with dishonesty: Im dying for some time with just us, without my husband. Can we please do that instead? Do you feel like the guys had a lot to talk about? I honestly feel like they didnt connect that much and kind of brought our vibe down. Can we hang out without them? George has become really antisocial and introverted and it takes too much for me to get him out of the house. Im not planning any more double dates with him. I know it means a lot to you for us to do double dates, but I think as hard as weve tried, were just not clicking as a foursome. Id much rather hang out just with you, and Dan has offered to watch the kids. How about brunch on Saturday? My guess, based on the past drama you mentioned, is that her husband is controlling and doesnt let her go out without him in peace, so making outings into a double-date is her way of socializing without dealing with his jealousy or anger. So if you really want to get to the core of the issue, try: I notice youre not interested in hanging out without our husbands, even though they dont connect much when were all together. I wonder if theres anything youd be willing to share about why. Is there any chance Steve isnt comfortable with you going out without him? No pressure to share with me, but if theres anything you want to talk about, Im here.JDH Advertisement Advertisement From: Help! My Friend Always Insists on Double-Dates. But Our Husbands Are Better Kept Apart. (June 10, 2023). More Friendship Advice From Slate My boyfriend (M) and I (F) are very involved in an arts community in our city. Both of us are performers and were both bi. My boyfriend in particular gets a lot of attention from gay men who dominate the space. Some of the older guys refuse to believe hes truly bi and seem at the ready for the day he finally gives up on me and just pivots to only being with men. Theyve said things along these exact lines to him and also as jokes in my company. Other guys, it is primarily men with some women in this community, are not this way at all. And weve managed to make a big group of friends from the people weve met in clubs and performances, etc. I say this all to give you an idea of the kind of friend group we run in Dear Prudence is Slates advice column. Submit questions here. Dear Prudence, Two year ago, my (now ex) husband had an affair with our 29-year-old neighbor (well call her Opal) when our second child was just a few weeks old. I found out about their affair in the middle of my 40th birthday party a few days after bringing my 5-week-old infant home from the ICU. Opal also left her husband, who still lives across the street, with his new partner. Now, Opals daughter and my daughter go to the same elementary schoolso I regularly run into both Opal, her daughter, her ex-husband, and her ex-husbands new partner as we walk to school and drop off our kids. My primary goal is to be warm and friendly in public to everyone, especially their daughterbut I dont want to have contact with any of them outside of those unavoidable interactions. Its just too painful for me given the series of traumatic events following my sons birth (traumatic birth/infant in ICU, postpartum complications, c-section recovery, RSV/infant in ICU again, discover husbands affair with 11-years-younger neighbor). Im doing my very best to navigate this shit sandwich that Ive been dealt in a way that supports my kids, my own wellbeing, and my co-parenting relationships with my ex-husband (who, to be clear, did some truly awful things but hes the father of my kids, so Im stuck with him). Heres my problem: I need advice on boundaries! Opals ex-husband has been texting me for info because apparently Opal isnt communicating well as a co-parent. And he says his new partner wants to formally meet me. I see no need to be formally introduced to my ex-husbands girlfriends ex-husbands girlfriend. And I feel like I should have zero obligation to communicate any limited information I have to my ex-husbands girlfriends ex-husband? Tell me Im the sane one in this situation! Not My Circus Dear Not My Circus, Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement You have zero obligation to communicate with your ex-husbands girlfriends ex-husband or his girlfriend. I promise you that. But you might want to tell your ex-husband that you wont be exchanging information with his girlfriends ex-husband anymore, so one or both of them should be prepared to take over those lines of communication. Dear Prudence, My partner wont leave politics alonewe hold similar political views, but discussing them every evening is exhausting me. Tonight, he was criticizing a politicians hypocritical behavior and seemed increasingly upset (though largely unsurprised) by it. When I suggested he limit the attention he gives to the upcoming U.S. presidential election and focus on something less stressful to him, he got really angry. He knows I share his viewsI just cant take his daily emotional response to the news. When I tell him this, he says he must be boring me and then wont chat with me at all. Advertisement A wrinkle in this is that my partner is from Canada. He is not a U.S. citizen and does not want to become one (who can blame him?). I have suggested he volunteer for a get-out-the-vote effort or similar in order to exercise his passion for U.S. politics, but he says his job is too stressful. He regularly tries to instruct me in U.S. history and politics (this is also exhausting). I am a registered U.S. voter with a degree in U.S. history. I try to stay well informed about todays issues. My partner is familiar with my education, and I have told him that I find his instruction unnecessary and a little annoying, but this had no effect. I try to change the subject, but he brings it right back around to politics and how angry he is about them (often with a bonus history round). I am so tired. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Its not as though Im the only one he can talk to about the political situation. Though his colleagues at work do not share his views, his mother and sister do. He speaks or emails with both of them several times a week, and they enjoy discussing political news from the U.S. and Canada with him. I can understand that it could be particularly frustrating to live and work in a country where you cant vote, but does that mean I have to spend every night listening to The Angry Canadian Monologues? Are Earplugs the Answer? Dear Earplugs, Yikes, this does sound exhausting! But subject matter aside, my guess is that your partner is a certified yapper; which is to say, I think hes just verbally processing his emotions. I can understand how it would feel like hes lecturing you by constantly relaying the ins and outs of political functions youre already privy to and news youre following as well, but I wonder if this might just be the way he knows how to expel those intense emotions from his body and mind. Of course, even if thats true, understanding the impulse behind his nightly diatribes wont save you from feeling held hostage during them. Perhaps theres a way to leave room for him to say what he needs to say, while limiting how long youre expected to be present for that conversation? Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Maybe suggest that conversations about politics are allowed for 20 minutes after dinner, and then you both either have to move on to the next subject, or reach out to a friend or family member orperhaps easiest for everyonesound off on social media. It may be true that verbal processing is his primary mode of dealing with his feelings, but that doesnt mean you have to be his primary outlet. Advertisement How to Get Advice Submit your questions anonymously here. (Questions may be edited for publication.) And for questions on parenting, kids, or family life, try Care and Feeding! Dear Prudence, My sister remarried six months after her divorce and moved the kids to a new city. Within the next two years, she had two more kids with her new husband. It has been very hard on my niece and nephew. They havent adjusted well at all. My niece is being targeted by bullies at her high school, and my nephew keeps butting heads with his stepfather. Both have expressed a desire to go live with their dad (which would functionally mean going to their grandparents since the man is a waste of space). My sister refuses to even think about it and believes if she pushes hard enough with the family bonding that everything will comes up roses. Advertisement Advertisement The last time I visited, I brought up the idea that she allow the kids a trial run with their dads family for a semester. She told me that she wasnt going to break up her family; I told her she was already on the way there. Her kids are seriously unhappy. My sister doesnt want to hear it and even stopped family therapy because of it. Now shes not speaking to me. Maybe I shouldnt have opened my mouth, but the situation has only gotten worse. What are my options here? I live in another state and cant see the kids regularly. Unhappy Kids Dear Unhappy Kids, Unfortunately, at this point, youve mostly done what you can. There has been a lot of upheaval in your sisters family, and for now, shes receiving all critiques of the way shes handling it as personal attacks. I dont think youre going to be able to change her mind, and my guess is that all attempts will be met with stonewalling and further alienation. We both know that the hardships this family is facing wont get better while being ignored, and while we may hope the damage doesnt become irreparable, theres no guarantee that wont happen. Still, however this plays out, you are not in a position to parent your sisters children. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The question is, how will you show up for your loved ones in the meantime? You should certainly maintain an open line to your niblingsit sounds like they need a kind ear and a place to vent. If you can have them come visit from time to time, all the better. As for your sister, she may be determined not to need you or your opinions now, but something tells me one day shell be reaching out to apologize or process something difficult. You should start thinking about how you want to show up in that situation, and how much of your sisters lamenting youre willing to listen to without being able to make suggestions for resolutions. Advertisement Dear Prudence, My sister and I have both been fruitlessly house hunting this past year. She and her family are squeezed into a tiny two-bedroom apartment and cant move because it is in the only decent school district nearby. I was tired of living with roommates well into my thirties and being unable to give my dogs a yard to play in. I hit the jackpot in a finding a three-bedroom house with a huge yard and within a 20-minute commute to my work. The worst thing about the house is it hasnt been updated since the early 90s. I dont care about granite counter tops. I do care that there is a huge park with a dog run nearby. Advertisement Advertisement I thought my sister would be happy for me. Instead, she looked up the address and then called to berate me for taking a house in a good school zone away from some hypothetical family. I didnt need all that space. I asked if she was high on cold medicine or something. She got even more offended and started ranting againhow they could not afford to move even if they found a place. I told her that was a you problem. The area she lives in is ridiculously expensive, while mine is not. Even if the house I found had existed in her area, she and her husband would not be able to afford it. I finally told my sister we should probably take a break from talking to each other and hung up. I am really hurt by her reaction. I listened to her complain and complain and complain about the real estate market for months. I thought she would be pleased that one of us managed to get a lucky break. What do I do from here (other than worry about closing costs)? House Hunter Dear House Hunter, Advertisement Advertisement Your sister is angry at the circumstances of her life, and Im so sorry that she took her feelings out on you. The logic behind her anger doesnt make sense because, well, it doesnt make sense. Youre not going to be able to make her see that, because this tantrum is not about where the house is, how expensive it is, or who lives there. Its about the fact that you have something she wantshome-ownership. I understand why youd be hurt by her reaction (even if you partially understand it), but its not your job to fix anything about this. Shes going to have to come to her senses in her own time, and until that time, I want you enjoying every minute you can of making your new home. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Get Even More Advice From the Dear Prudence Podcast Dear Prudence, We adopted our daughter, Ellie, when she was 8. Ellie was abused and abandoned by her birth mother and was in foster care until we got her. While Ellie was in college, she reached out to her biological family, and everything changed. She accused us of keeping her away from them and said they tried for years to find her. None of this is true; we sent letters and pictures to her maternal family and nothing ever came of it. Still, Ellie stopped calling us Mom and Dad. Then she stopped calling us all together. The last time she spoke was to ask her father for more money after we already sent her over $3,000 to help with her rent. My husband asked where the money went and Ellie told him it was none of our business. My husband told Ellie there would be no more money. She cursed him and hung up. That was five months ago. Our hearts are broken here. Is there any hope? Daughter Gone Dear Daughter Gone, Advertisement Advertisement It is possible to close a door and leave it unlocked. Whatever Ellie is going through right now, with regard to her birth family or otherwise, shes a young woman making her own choices in life. You and your husband may always be a safety net for her, but youre going to have to decide at what levels youre willing to catch her when she falls, before you get the call that shes fallen. Advertisement Its hard not to picture the worst of what can happen to an angry adult child we cant control. But talking now, between the two of you, about what youre realistically willing to do and how far youre willing to go, could help. I know that to you, Ellie will always be your daughter, so let me assure you that its good for any and all kinds of parents to know what their boundaries are with a struggling child. You dont want to engage in a painful back-and-forth with her that ends up exhausting all options for reconciliation. Advertisement Dear Prudence, Twenty-five years ago, I was the administrator of my mothers estate on behalf of myself and two brothers. In her final weeks, my mother wrote a letter to my youngest brother with whom she had a very tumultuous relationship. In it, she professed her sincere love for him but also admonished him for the serious pain he caused her and others throughout the years. She asked me to read it and advise whether she should actually give it to him. At the time, I said no, that it would hurt him too much with no good to come of it. She left it to me to decide if ever to give it to him. I still have this letter. Many times I have thought to destroy it, but I have not been able to bring myself to do it. Can/should I go ahead and discard my mothers last words to her son? Does he have a right to receive this in spite of the pain it would bring? Last Words Can Hurt Dear Last Words, Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I think you knew when your mother asked about the letter that it wouldnt be the right thing to do to share it, so I want you to stick with your gut reaction. There is nothing to be gained or resolved by sharing the letter with your brother now, especially when he doesnt even know it exists. Keep it that way. Classic Prudie Last year, I lent my brother an expensive piece of photography equipment. After a few months, his wife sold it on eBay; I didnt find out about it until I asked for it back for a project. He apologized and said it was an accident (she thought the equipment was his). He offered to buy a replacement, but I said there was no need. Fast forward a year later, my brother asked me to borrow another piece of equipment The indictment of Eric Adams, unsealed Thursday, is a colorful document, alleging over $100,000 in graft, the defrauding of a public funding program from which he reaped $10 million, and a whole lot of subsidized travel to Turkey. It accuses Adams of crimes that span the 10-year period that he held the offices of Brooklyn borough president and New York City mayor.* The transgressions range from hilarious to horrible. There are also some truly pitiful attempts by Adams to cover his tracks. But the biggest takeaway from this indictmentthe result of one of five separate federal probes into his administration and campaignis the deep irony, in retrospect, of Adams extreme tough-on-crime stance, which put him in office during a period of intense anxiety and paranoia about the safety of New York City. A plainspoken champion of the outer boroughs, Adams pitched himself as a true moderate, one who had served the city as an officer of the law. He vowed to clean up the streets by cracking down on homeless New Yorkers (while cutting funding for shelters) and accused immigrants of sapping the resources of the city. In reality, he was sapping resources from the city. And his crimes, according to the indictment, were at times so exceedingly small-bore that it expands the imagination to consider how little it takes to buy off some elected officials. Advertisement For example, Adams was so reliant on the cheap flights and free business-class upgrades provided to him that he ended up on some wildly circuitous itineraries. Because the Turkish Airline provided free travel benefits worth tens of thousands of dollars to Eric Adams, the indictment reads, he flew the Turkish Airline even when doing so was otherwise inconvenient. During a 2017 summer trip from New York City to France, Adams partner is surprised to find out that he has scheduled a layover in Istanbul, an overshoot of some 1,700 miles from his intended destination. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In what might be the most memorable Adams line in the entire document, he responds: Transferring here. You know first stop is always instanbul. Advertisement That wasnt the last time Adams sought an outlandish route on Turkish Airlines. When his partner wanted to plan a trip to Easter Islandin ChileAdams repeatedly asked her whether the Turkish Airline could be used for their flights, requiring her to call the Turkish Airline to confirm that they did not have routes between New York and Chile. The route from New York to Istanbul to Santiago would have tacked on two unnecessary crossings of the prime meridian. Adams also accepted deeply discounted rates at the St. Regis Istanbuls Bentley suite, which, thanks to some grainy black-and-white photos in the indictment, looks to be one of the single most overpriced hotel rooms in the world. Adams allegedly paid $300 a night for the place, which seems about right, compared with the going rate of $3,500. The free and discounted world travel added up to over $100,000, none of which Adams disclosed. Advertisement The alleged illegal fundraising activity that helped plant Adams in the mayors office is described in great detail. In 2018, as Adams begins to plan for his incipient mayoral campaign, a Turkish promoter reaches out to an Adams staffer with a straw-donor strategy. Well make the donation through an American citizen in the U.S. A Turk Ill give cash to him in Turkey He will make a donation to you. An Adams staffer balks at the suggestion: I think he wouldnt get involved in such games, the staffer says but promises to ask anyway. Wrong! Adams loves it. Shortly thereafter, Adams directed that the Adams Staffer pursue the Promoters illegal scheme. Advertisement Advertisement The humor of that exchange is sort of lessened by the impact. Adams used that straw-donor scheme to defraud the city of New Yorks public matching funds program, from which he received $10 million, bilking the well-intentioned program for elections: In an effort to blunt the influence of big corporate donors and megadonors, the city matches small-dollar donations of $250 or less with public funds at up to eight times the level of the donation, $8 for every $1 donated, a well-intentioned move to maximize the influence of small-dollar donors and move toward publicly funded elections.* Advertisement But Adams allegedly used these illegal straw donations from Turkey to then raid that public elections programfor $10 million, a gesture made even more insulting because his signature move as mayor has been harsh and seemingly arbitrary budget cuts to beloved public services like libraries, always on the grounds that the city cant afford them. That Public money for me but not for thee ethic has also been on display with those in the New York Police Department, Adams former co-workers, who have been able to run up an obscene tab for overtime pay on Adams watch while he preaches cuts elsewhere. Advertisement Advertisement In exchange for mediocre hotel rooms and interminable flights with inconvenient layovers, Adams sold out the city he was tasked with running. As requested, according to the indictment, he pressured the New York City Fire Department (FDNY) to facilitate the opening of a new Turkish consular buildinga 36-story skyscraperwithout a fire inspection, in time for a high-profile visit by Turkeys president in 2021. Despite the obvious risks, a FDNY fire inspector was told that he would lose his job if he failed to acquiesce, and, after Adams intervened, the skyscraper opened as requested by the Turkish Official, without passing a fire-safety inspection. Advertisement Advertisement In 2022, as Armenian Genocide Remembrance Day was approaching, the Turkish official repeatedly asked the Adams Staffer for assurances that Adams would not make any statement about the Armenian Genocide. Adams obliged and said nothing. Still, the most absurd part is almost certainly the attempted cover-up. In 2021 a Turkish Airlines rep offered to charge Adams $50 for pricey, last-minute flights to Istanbul. No, dear, warns an Adams staffer, his every step is being watched right now. Instead, the Adams staff resolves to go ahead with the plan anywaybut to pay a not-at-all-suspicious $1,000 for the flights. Advertisement Adams attempt to cover his own digital trail is even more ridiculous. In 2019, after arranging another flight, an Adams staffer urged Adams to cover his tracks. To be o[n the] safe side Please Delete all messages you send me. Adams responded: Always do. Advertisement In late 2023, with the investigation closing in, FBI agents executed a search warrant for Adams electronic devices. Adams was carrying two cellphones but not his personal phone, which is what he used for the alleged illicit activity. When Adams finally produced his personal phone the next day, it was locked with a new six-digit passcode that the mayor refused to give over to the feds, claiming that he could not remember it. Adams admitted that he had found out about the investigation into his dealings the day before the search and had changed his password thenbut for the good of law enforcement, adding that he had done so to prevent members of his staff from inadvertently or intentionally deleting the contents of his phone. The indictment dryly notes that Adams said he wished to preserve the contents of his phone due to the investigation. Advertisement There was just one small problem: Just 48 hours after changing the password to protect the sanctity of the investigation, Adams further claimed, he had forgotten the password he had just set, and thus was unable to provide the FBI with a password that would unlock the phone. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement That wasnt Adams only laugh-out-loud attempt to thwart the investigation. One of his staffers instructed one of the Turkish businessmen involved in the straw-donor operation to direct his employees who had made straw donations to the 2021 campaign to lie to federal investigators as well. That same businessman met with Adams at City Hall, and they left their cellphones outside the room in which they met so that it would be safe to talk. Obviously, none of this worked. Advertisement Related From Slate Eric Adams' Indictment Is Just the Tip of the Iceberg Read More The indictment notes that one of the Turkish businessmen agreed to contribute $50,000 or more to the 2021 Campaign, believing that Adams might one day be the President of the United States. He had hoped to gain influence. That, at the time, wasnt a crazy thought. Despite swirling rumors of corruption, many Democratsand pundits, including Nate Silverpredicted that Adams was a top-five contender for the next Democratic presidential nominee. He was embraced by national Democrats as the face of their tough-on-crime, left-antagonistic, anti-activist approach; cheered as a possible president by high-profile Democratic strategists like Lis Smith; and even invited by Nancy Pelosi to speak at a 2022 Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee event as an expert on communication. Advertisement Advertisement That his tenure has curdled into absurdist tales of grubby graft and self-aggrandizing travel that a high-end credit-card rewards program could have furnished is a reflection of an incredible paradoxthe great expositor of tough-on-crime politics allegedly did so much petty crime that he might not make it to the end of his first term of office. Because now the only real question surrounding Eric Adams political future is how much longer hell serve as mayor. Correction, Sept. 27, 2024: This piece originally misstated that an indictment alleged that Adams defrauded New York City out of $10 million in public funds. It states that he defrauded a public funding program from which he received $10 million in public funds. The nightmare of a widening war in the Middle East is coming true. The question is how widely and violently it will spread before fatigue, fear, or the scrambling efforts of outside diplomats grind the fighting to a halt. For now, Israel is facing the prospect of its first three-front war since 1973 (this time, Gaza, the West Bank, and Lebanon)and it is taking on the task not hesitantly, but with gusto. The recently reignited frontagainst the Iranian-backed Hezbollah fighters in Lebanonposes the greatest threat to Israel. But escalating this long-simmering conflict into a full-scale waras Israel is now doingalso poses the greatest risks, for not just Israel and Lebanon but the entire region. Advertisement President Joe Biden and some European leaders have proposed a 21-day cease-fire for starters. But theres little reason to believe theyll be any more successful than they have been at stopping the war in Gaza over the past 11 months. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has responded to Bidens proposal with his usual Janus facenodding to Washington that hes thinking about it seriously while assuring the far-right members in his ruling coalition that he wont stop pounding Hezbollah sites for a moment. Meanwhile, Israeli troops have been mobilized for a possible invasion, which has been in the planning stages for quite a while. Israel has reasons to mount its latest strikes in Lebanonwhich began last week with the remote-control detonation of booby-trapped pagers and walkie-talkies held by thousands of Hezbollah fighters, then continued with massive airstrikes on Hezbollah positions. Hezbollah also has reasons to strike back, firing some of its rockets at Israeli cities as far south as Tel Aviv, which theyve rarely fired at before. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Hezbollah, a Shiite organization, has been officially designated a terrorist group by many countries. It has come to dominate Lebanese politics (it is often called a state within a state). Its military wing has about 50,000 armed fighters and an arsenal that includes more than 100,000 rockets. The Israeli military says many of them are hidden in peoples houses and in an elaborate network of tunnels. There have been sporadic exchanges of rocket fire for many years. In 2006, the U.N. Security Council ordered Hezbollah to disarm south of the Litani River, which flows 10 miles north of the LebanonIsrael border, but the group ignored the resolution and kept up the occasional rocket attacks. Their volume and frequency have intensified since the war in Gaza started a year ago, to the point where 65,000 Israelis in the northern part of the country have been compelled to evacuate their homes. Advertisement At some point, not just Netanyahu but many Israelis decided it was time to turn up their own volume of attacks and end Hezbollahs threat altogether. An especially vocal advocate has been Defense Minister Yoav Gallant, who has been sharply at odds with the prime minister on some of his policies in Gaza, to the point where he may soon be fired. From Hezbollahs vantage, Israels attacks of the past week have been devastating, wiping out the Islamist groups communications network, killing dozens and injuring hundreds or maybe thousands of its senior fighters, and utterly embarrassing its leadershipexposing the entire organizations inability to thwart Israels dominance or protect Lebanons population. Related From Slate Why Did Israel Blow Up Thousands of Hezbollah Pagers? Read More The question is what Hassan Nasrallah, the secretary-general of Hezbollah, will do about this quandary. In 2006, Israel pummeled south Lebanon with airstrikes for 34 days after Hezbollah militants, in a cross-border operation, killed three Israeli soldiers and kidnapped two others.* At the time, Nasrallah publicly said that if hed known Israel would have responded so forcefully, he would never have approved the operation. In other words, Nasrallah is, relatively, a pragmatist. However, he is also the leader of a vast movement that cannot afford to be viewed as weak. Advertisement Advertisement There is a wider matter: Hezbollah is, in some ways, the strongest spoke in Irans network of proxies in the regionthe self-described axis of resistance, which also includes Hamas, the Houthis, Palestinian Islamic Jihad, and other militias. And while the Iranian leaders clearly do not want a wider war with Israel, and certainly not with the United States (which would probably be drawn into a direct war with Israel), they also cant afford to be viewed as unreliable protectors, either by their allies or their foes. Advertisement Advertisement These assorted dilemmas are clear to all the players involved, not least the United States. Hence Bidens rushed effort to put a cease-fire proposal on the table and get some negotiations going. Advertisement One problem among many is that Netanyahu and other Israelis think they have an opportunity here not just to discombobulate Hezbollahs command structure and kill or injure many of its military leaders, but also to destroy the organization as a threat. He has referred to the campaigns strategy as a victory doctrinejust as he has declared total victory as his goal in Gaza. From a tactical perspective, he has some reason to believe this. A story this week in the Financial Times reports that on the eve of the 2006 war, Israeli intelligence had produced a vetted list of only several dozen Hezbollah targets, mainly the soldiers and support gear engaged in the fighting. Now, after years of deep intelligence and careful research, Israel knows the precise location and functioning of thousands of targets, including a vast military infrastructure that Hezbollah has been building for the past 20 years. Advertisement During 2006, the Israeli air force hit about 200 targets a day, many of them redundantly. Just on Monday of this week, it hit 1,600 targets. There are many more not yet hit. Advertisement Advertisement Many of these targetsincluding those already bombedare scattered all across Lebanon, not just in Hezbollahs southern stronghold. Even if all the targets are military in nature, and even if Israels airstrikes are precisely aimed, many civilians are certain to be killed and injured. How many is impossible to say. As in Gaza, Lebanons health ministry does not distinguish between civilian and military casualties. The pager bombs last week reportedly injured 2,800 people. It is unknown how many were Hezbollah fightersprobably most of them, as the devices were packed with one-tenth of an ounce of explosives. The bombs dropped by Israeli jets in the subsequent days, even small bombs, explode with much greater force. Advertisement Israel hopes to finish the operation quickly, before the civilian damage arouses much opposition. But many outside leaders and diplomats, very much including Biden and his team, hope to bring about a cease-fire before the damagecivilian and otherwisecompels Hezbollah or, worse still, Iran to retaliate with enormous firepower. According to the Financial Times, Hezbollah could fire 3,000 rockets and missiles a day, if its commanders wanted (and if Iran unleashed them to do so). Their relatively limited counterstrikes this week, which hit targets (mostly military) in Haifa and Tel Aviv, showed they have the ability to inflict devastating damage on Israel. At what point will someone in Hezbollahs upper ranks see Israels airstrikes as a final straw and retaliate in kind? If someone does, Israel could respond by flattening much of Lebanon. Theoretically, that prospect should deter Hezbollahs extravagancebut, in real life, will it? Nation-states have sleepwalked into war against their better judgments, and the same could be true of states within states. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement There may have been moments when the war on the northern front might have been settled diplomatically. Not long ago, Hezbollah said they would stop pounding Israel with rockets if Israel signed a cease-fire deal with Hamas. Yet both Israel and Hamas were obstructing such a deal, so the offer wasnt taken seriously. Advertisement Meanwhile, even if Netanyahu were inclined to call a cease-fire on the northern border, his thirst for power might dissuade him. Itamar Ben-Gvir, his minister of national security and the leader of one of the far-right-wing parties that comprise Netanyahus ruling coalition, has announced that he would resign if the prime minister agreed to a cease-fire. Netanyahus coalition rules Parliament by a very slender majority. If Ben-Gvir pulled out his party, the majority would collapse; new elections would be held, and Netanyahu could well lose. (In a speech several months ago, Senate majority leader Chuck Schumer, who is ardently pro-Israel, wished for new elections precisely because Netanyahu was too beholden to far-right-wingers, making any kind of peace impossible.) Advertisement One other fact is troubling many outside diplomats, who wish that it would trouble Netanyahu more: If Israeli troops actually invade Lebanon, their troubles wont necessarily be over. In 1982, Prime Minister Menachem Begin ordered troops into southern Lebanon to expel Yasir Arafats Palestinian Liberation Organization, which was wreaking havoc at the time. The operation tactically succeeded, but the Israelis wound up staying there, in a turbulent occupation, for 18 years. More troubling still, Hezbollah rose to power in the vacuum left by Arafat. A plethora of pressures keep the Middle Easts war machines grinding onin Israel, Gaza, Lebanon, and elsewhere. Peace requires diplomats to halt the machines many moving parts all at once. It is very difficult. I first spoke to Sally Abou AlJoud, a Beirut-based reporter for a local English-language publication, after twin attacks on booby-trapped pagers and walkie-talkies killed 37 people, including children, and injured thousands more last week. She told me about the scenes of devastation and panic that unfolded afterward, as she witnessed herself after she rushed to the hospitals fielding the wounded after the strikes. Within a day, that conversation already felt outdated. Everything has changed. Israeli airstrikes have killed at least 600 people, including hundreds of civilians, according to Filippo Grandi, the U.N. high commissioner for refugees. Israel promised full force as it continued with new strikes and has now hinted at a potential ground invasion. Advertisement AlJoud now begins each day by equipping herself in body armor and a helmet marked PRESS and venturing out into areas she was familiar with before they were pulverized to debris by the strikes. We spoke about how her and others lives in Lebanon have changed in this past week, what shes learned from speaking directly to the displaced people who narrowly evaded being killed in the strikes, and whether she thinks a wider war is now inevitable. Our conversation has been edited and condensed for clarity. Aymann Ismail: You sound really tired. Sally Abou AlJoud: Yeah. Im pretty wiped out. What have the last 72 hours have been like? Monday was the craziest, most violent, and tense day weve seen, with over 500 people killed in just one day. Its been crazy ever since. Israel has intensified its airstrikes on southern and eastern Lebanon. Since then, people have been fleeing dangerous areas, and many are now living on the streets. Not everyone has found shelter. Just today, weve heard of at least two strikes almost 100 kilometers from the border, meaning theyre striking deeper into the country. We dont feel safe anywhere anymore. In Beirut, it used to be that staying away from Hezbollah strongholds made us safe, but now we dont feel safe anywhere. We dont know where the strikes will hit nexttheyre bombing everywhere. Were really scared right now. We dont know whats going to happen. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Im hearing that Israel is planning a ground invasion. Theyre not backing down, and were watching a humanitarian crisis unfold. An actual war. We keep asking, When is a wider war going to happen? Is it going to happen? I think were seeing it unfold before our eyes right now. That sounds terrifying. I woke up today to news that they hit very close to where my family lives. I visited the site today and spoke to the owner of the warehouse that was targeted. He said it was just a garage for cars. I saw the crater where the airstrike hit. Have you been out to your family there? I drive on that highway all the time. Im originally from Beirut, but my family has always lived outside of Beirut in that region. I visit my sisters and their families all the time there. This is where I also visit the beach. Theres a lot of resorts there, lots of surfing as well. The waves are ideal for that, I guess. And from the spot I was at today, where you can see the warehouse in ruins and people trying to clean up the debris, you can also see the Mediterranean. And it was really blue today. I felt it was ironic to look at something beautiful like that, and then have to focus on the reality of the aftermath of an Israeli strike. And as I stood there, ambulances rolled in every 10 minutes. It feels not real, like a movie. Its very weird to see the highway where I drove almost every week to visit my family in ruins. Next to the targeted warehouse where, according to the owner, they keep cars, theres a big market selling shisha and coals for the shisha. And then theres also a mini supermarket 10 meters away from that warehouse that sells roasted nuts, where Ive personally stopped to grab water and coffee on my way to visit my family. Its very surreal. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I spoke to the people there. They told me, We never thought that this would be a targeted area. Weve always thought of this as a safe area. Its an area where Sunni Muslims, Christians, and Shia Muslims all live. I spoke with two people who are Christian who said, There are no Hezbollah weapons here. We did not expect a strike here in this area. Where these airstrikes are falling are very weird, and very telling. Can you tell me about the makeup of the victims of the strike? Have you been to any hospitals or spoken to anyone about whos being killed by these strikes? Hezbollah hasnt been releasing many statements about their fighters, so we dont know the exact ratio of fighters to civilians in the death toll. But the health ministry reported the tally included 140 women and children, United Nations workers, and nine paramedics. And when we talk about the 1,800-plus injured, many of them are severely wounded, not just moderately hurt. Advertisement Ive spoken to people who fled their homes and are now living in shelters. Some told me their neighbors were killed, and they know for certain that these were not supporters or fightersjust people caught in the crossfire. Advertisement Advertisement Benjamin Netanyahu accused Hezbollah of using these civilians as human shields. Do you accept that characterization? I asked people that exact question: What do you think of the accusation that Hezbollah is using you as human shields? and Israel specifically accused you of storing weapons. The people I spoke to found it ridiculous to expect them to know exactly where weapons are stored. In response, they asked Israel, Who would live in a place where there are weapons, rockets, and missiles? They found the accusation absurd and denied being near any weapons. They also denied that Hezbollah was using them as human shields. They told me, We are unarmed and terrified. We escaped while airstrikes were falling above our heads. Many didnt even have cars to flee. Advertisement Advertisement I spoke to a woman who was eight months pregnant. Her house was destroyed, and she said, I had no one to help me escape. You have to listen to the people Israel is accusing. They are the ones being labeled as keeping weapons or acting as human shields for Hezbollah. I also saw the leaflets Israel distributed over the villages, ordering residents to evacuate or else be considered a terrorist. Related From Slate What Was the Point of Israels Pager Attack? Read More Press freedom groups have said there is a pattern of Israel targeting and killing journalists in Gaza and the West Bank. The Committee to Protect Journalists called Gaza the most dangerous ever place for reporters. An Israeli strike last year on journalists wearing press vests in southern Lebanon killed a Reuters journalist, injured six others, and was also found to be apparently deliberate. Is this something on your mind while youre out in the field, trying to stay mobile and do your job as a reporter? Advertisement Advertisement Yes, of course. Weve seen what Israel did in Gaza, where over 140 journalists have been killed, many of them while on duty and wearing press vests and helmets. Theyve also targeted vehicles they knew were carrying press. Just today in Lebanon, journalists were killed in an airstrike. The death toll of journalists here is now five, all killed by Israeli airstrikes. Its definitely on our minds, to the point where many of us are avoiding areas that are being heavily bombed. In most war zones, reporters try to get to those areas to cover the story, even though they know the risks. But right now, because of how unpredictable the targeting is, many journalists feel its too dangerous, even when wearing protective gear like press vests. Are you doing anything specific to keep yourself safer right now? Advertisement Advertisement We always wear our protective gear when entering areas we suspect could come under fire, and we try to stay ahead of the news to predict where the next strike might be. But its been really difficult. Today, they hit 100 kilometers deep into Lebanon. At this point, it feels random. Israel claims to be targeting areas where Hezbollah stores weapons, but they expect everyonepeople fleeing, journalists, first respondersto know where these places are. As we cover the situation, we often have to enter places that have already been struck, interviewing the owners and residents. We havent seen any evidence of weapons being stored at these sites. Its a very fluid and dangerous situation. It feels like everyone is risking their lives just by being in Lebanon right now. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Some people are still talking about the threat of a wider war. Do you feel like the wider war is here? Absolutely. Were watching it unfold right nowwere living in a war. I dont think that question is relevant anymore. Every day, I wake up trying to accept this reality. Its like my mind tries to shrink away from that fact, but then I check my phone and read the news from overnight. This morning, I woke up to the news that there was a strike near my familys home. This is the reality were in. In 2006, the last time we were at war with Israel, around 1,200 people were killed over 34 days. On Monday alone, we saw almost half of that death toll in a single day. The numbers tell us whether or not were in a full-scale war. Were also hearing that Israel is preparing for a ground invasion and threatening Hezbollah, saying, We can show you more. Were powerful. We can destroy you. The threats are constant, and the airstrikes keep coming. Advertisement Advertisement The prime minister of Israel is telling Lebanese people that theyre just targeting Hezbollah, and urging them to try to get out of harms way and theyll be fine. But that does not reflect the reality we are seeing on the ground. Were seeing large numbers of civilians, women and children, killed in targeted attacks. If this was only about Hezbollah, we wouldnt be reporting 94 children killed and 14 ambulances on fire, targeted by Israeli fire. Four paramedics were killed just yesterday. The walkie-talkie explosion attack turned people in public places into bombs, exploding in funerals and homes. What were seeing right now in south Lebanon, in eastern Lebanonhow civilians are in the middle of thisits what we saw in Gaza. Its the same playbook, calling civilians human shields, telling them they are accountable for avoiding their targeted strikes on weapons they dont know the locations of, and then bearing the brunt of the violence. What is your plan now? Ive been in contact with my family. I told them this strike might not be just a one-time thing. Im just scared right now that theres going to be more targets. Its very scary for everyone. Last month, nothing short of an earthquake-level upheaval struck the professional music industry. On Aug. 26, the president of the Colorado-based tech company MakeMusic announced that the firm would be making no further updates to Finale, the pioneering and popular music-notation app that the firm had been selling and updating for 35 years. Technology stacks change, Mac and Windows operating systems evolve, and Finales millions of lines of code add up, MakeMusics Greg DellEra wrote in his first (and likely last) contribution to the companys Finale-centric blog. Instead of releasing new versions of Finale that would offer only marginal value to our users, weve made the decision to end its development. Advertisement In other words: A key computer program for digitizing and expediting the arduous process of writing and formatting the types of sheet music used by musicians and ensembles everywhereorchestras, schoolkids, the theater world, session instrumentalists, pop producerswould be phased out by the following year, with no hopes for revival. However, Finale subscribers would be offered an exclusive discount to switch over to a newer tool called Dorico, which is owned by a subsidiary of the historic instrument manufacturer Yamaha. This dry, corporatese update provoked a stronger reaction than DellEra must have anticipated. The German electronic artist and blogger Peter Kirn deemed it the end of an era. The famed film and theater composer Marc Shaiman (When Harry Met Sally, Hairspray) expressed his indignation on Instagram, in a post that attracted similarly outraged comments from prominent performers like Tony DeSare and Joan Ellison. Finales own Instagram post regarding the impending discontinuation garnered hundreds of aggrieved comments from conductors, songwriters, music students, academics, and general enthusiasts calling the move an utter betrayal that was ridiculous and absolutely unacceptable. They cited the steep costs, learning curves, and disruption of personal files that would result from the imperative to adopt a different software. Advertisement If youre unfamiliar with Finale, you may have trouble understanding why a program for placing musical notes on staffs has enflamed such passions. The most succinct way to explain its significance may come from David Pogue, the CBS Sunday Morning correspondent and former Broadway producer, who claims he wouldnt be where he is today without the program. Finale is as close to being the Microsoft Word of sheet music as there is, said Pogue. If you were working with an arranger or a conductor, you would just be able to say, Ill give you the Finale files, and youd know that theyd be able to open it. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Pogue is intimately familiar with Finale, having written the first instruction manuals for the software back in the 1990s. The software itself emerged during the computer boom of the late 80s, when a religious composer named Phil Farrandwho declined to speak with me for this piecesought a means of music transcription and editing to hasten a tedious task that, at the time, could really be done only by hand and on paper. (Other, more basic music apps available on the Macintosh, like Professional Composer and Deluxe Music Construction Set, suffered frequent glitches, rendering them insufficient for most budding creatives.) So Farrand teamed up with John Borowicz from Coda Music Managementthe company now known as MakeMusicto develop and publish Finale in 1988, pushing to market a much more complex, expensive product whose abilities far exceeded its competitors: allowing users to write arrangements with dozens of instruments, hear live audio playback of their creations, and access a wide-spanning range of musical symbols (including for dynamics and rests). Advertisement Powerful as Finale was, it did lack one feature key to its rivals appeal: ease of use. Finale was staggeringly complex. It came with hundreds of pages of manuals filled with bizarre jargon that no musician would be able to understand, said Pogue, who reviewed an early version of the app in the Mac Street Journal, a New Yorkbased newsletter for Apple enthusiasts. It had to be complicated, because it did 100 more things than any preceding program. Pogue started assisting other Finale users in New York as a salesman at the legendary Sam Ash music store (which closed just earlier this year) and submitted a proposal to Coda for simplifying Finale and its manuals. The company accepted, and Pogue helped craft both the second version of Finale (my writing to this day is part of the Help system) and its accompanying three-volume manual, making for a much more legible, accessible system overall. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It was this iteration of Finale, easier to understand but no less competent, that the Grammy-nominated big-band composer Darcy James Argue stumbled across in the mid-1990s as a music student at McGill University. For every arrangement and composition that Ive ever written since then, I have used Finale to produce it, said Argue. Its like playing an instrument. Its really part of my workflow, my muscle memory. Around the same time, British coders and composers began using a rival notation platform called Sibelius (named for the late-Romantic-era Finnish composer Jean Sibelius), which wouldnt appear on American computers till the late 90s. Both became industry standards for digital music notation throughout the 2000s, launching regular updates and holding a sort of duopoly over the space, as Doricos product marketing manager, Daniel Spreadbury, characterized it to me. Advertisement Things changed by the following decade. A private-equity firm bought Finales parent company in 2013, a moment Spreadbury pinpointed as an inflection point for MakeMusics business modelone far more focused on its cloud services than on prioritizing an already-aging service like Finale. Around the same time, Sibelius parent company shut down the platforms London studio and laid off its original developers, replacing them with newer recruits. By that time, other notation appssuch as the free, open-source MuseScore programbegan making inroads into the market, throwing the FinaleSibelius dynamic off course and allowing many of Sibelius now-fired devs (including Spreadbury) to develop their own alternative: Dorico, the signature music-notation app from the German music-tech outfit Steinberg. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In the face of more, newer, and cheaper options, Finale couldnt retain its singular hold over the music-notation space. However, it did retain a loyal base of power users, Argue told me, who appreciated the platforms openness to user-coded third-party additions. Theres not quite that same DIY community around Dorico or Sibelius, he said. I designed the jazz-font default thats included in the latest version of Finale, and I included compatibility for the music-symbol fonts from Standard Music Font Layout. (Which, incidentally, was originally created by Spreadbury for use in Dorico.) Finale was also buoyed by its position as a market pioneer and early default for various musical institutions, regarding everything from the know-how down to the file formats. Finale was very widely used in colleges and universities in the U.S., said Spreadbury, while Argue added, Practically every Broadway show since about 1994 has been prepared in Finale, along with a huge number of film scores. Advertisement Advertisement So why axe Finale now, especially if there are so many famous works out there whose digital iterations are best suited for, well, Finale? The business troubles Finale faced in its private-equity era were no doubt part of it. But theres also the fact that it is a nearly 40-year-old piece of software that, Pogue said, became what they call spaghetti codethat is, a convoluted, poorly structured skeleton thats been changed many times over many years by many people. It would certainly be possible to rip out the engine and replace it with a new one. It would just be really expensive and time-consuming. Finale has long been in a unique position, having reached the public at an ideal time (during the mass adoption of desktop computers, and right after more-primitive music apps had been tried and tested) and having held its own through decades of upstart competitors that were able to more easily tailor their functions to less-bulky hardware. Each program is a product of the decades that weve lived in, and its difficult for a product to move far outside of that, said Spreadbury. Finale was mouse-driven. Sibelius had a big window that floated on your screen and was controlled by your keyboard. Dorico was designed for use on a laptop. Advertisement So, what to do if youre a Finale die-hard or if youd like to figure out a workable switch as quickly as possible? The good news is that MakeMusic seems to have been sensitive to the outrage and has been gradually tweaking things to make the transition from Finale easier. Just one day after its initial announcement, Greg DellEra clarified, in response to feedback, that several Finale functions would remain operational through the following year, that the latest version of Finale would be included with a Dorico purchase, and that users will have free access to resources to help them adjust to Dorico, including onboarding videos, a lengthy FAQ, and a nearly two-hour-long webinar that Dorico livestreamed just last week. The American Society of Music Arrangers and Composers also held a webinar on Finales Finale, enlisting veteran notation experts from different genres (Broadway, Nashville, jazz) to help address questions and concerns about the change. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement To avoid a wipeout in Finale usability that may result from future Windows and Mac software updates, Argue recommends holding on to an older computer and an older OS as a sort of forever Finale computerthe cheapest Mac Mini I could find, keeping that around and hoping that the hard drive doesnt fail and the processor continues to run. All of my interviewees, too, recommended converting your music-file formats through MusicXML, either turning them into files that can work with other tools or exporting them as PDFs so theres a permanent record of your music. Pogue and Argue also independently expressed their approval of Dorico and how its handling the Finale transition. Doricos not totally perfect if you have super weird stuff like harp notation or complicated percussion staves. You might have to hand-tweak those after theyre in the new system, said Pogue. But straightforward stuff like vocal choirs and orchestrasthose will come in cleanly. Of course, Pogue added sadly, there will inevitably be a mass cultural loss of the type that affects any older piece of creative software: I have hundreds upon hundreds of Finale files for all the songs Ive written, all the arrangements Ive done, all the shows Ive worked on. I can still open them, and I will for years, but there is going to come a point when they are no longer openable. Peggy Jo Collins, 82, of St. Leonard, MD, formerly of Crofton, MD, passed away peacefully at her home on September 22, 2024. Born on February 11, 1942, in Forney Creek, NC, she was the beloved daughter of the late William E. and Julia E. Collins. Peggy began her career at C & P Telephone, transitioned through Bell Atlantic, and ultimately retired from Verizon in the Management Department. A lifelong learner and avid reader, she found joy in the written word and shared that passion with those around her. Peggy was not only a devoted mother and grandmother but also a truly vibrant spirit who touched the lives of many. Her grandson, Robert Conners, described her as "one of the most loving people I've ever known," a testament to the warmth and kindness she radiated throughout her life. She is survived by her son, Kevin Wilson, and his wife Tamara; her daughter, Kelly Gaestel, and her husband David; her grandson Robert; and her sister, Gaye Carter. Peggy will be deeply missed by all who knew her, and her legacy of love will live on in the hearts of her family and friends. Services will be private. Contributions Hospice of the Chesapeake 90 Ritchie Highway Pasadena, MD 21122 410-987-2003 Link: https://www.hospicechesapeake.org/giving/donate-now/ Nazi troops never discovered this strategically built airfield near Zvolen. A monument now stands in Zolna, commemorating the airfield that operated there in September and October 1944. (Source: Archive of E. Simoncik) Font size: A - | A + Comments disabled Share Eighty years ago, the First Czechoslovak Fighter Regiment, equipped with Soviet-made Lavochkin La-5FN aircraft, landed at a makeshift airfield near the village of Zolna, now part of Zvolen. It wasnt just the Tri Duby airfield in Sliac that saw intense activity during the Slovak National Uprising (SNP); Zolna, though quieter, played a crucial strategic role in resisting enemy forces. A helping hand in the heart of Europe offers a travel guide of Slovakia. A monument now stands in Zolna, commemorating the airfield that operated there in September and October 1944. It was here that fighter planes from the First Czechoslovak Independent Fighter Regiment landed, a base that enemy forces never succeeded in locating or capturing. The regiment was formed in the Soviet Union at the end of 1943, bolstered mainly by pilots from the Royal Air Force. Each year, September 17 is celebrated as Slovak Aviation Day. This year marks 80 years since the regiment neutralised dozens of enemy targets, both in the air and on the ground. The fighting did not stop These Czechoslovak pilots had already endured intense combat in Poland, France, and England, serving in the 310th, 312th, and 313th bomber squadrons, as well as the 311th fighter squadron, where they were quite popular, noted Emil Simoncik, a local history enthusiast and author. He explained that, due to a shortage of pilots in Russia, an agreement was reached, and on February 1, 1944, the first fighter squadron for Russia was established in England to serve within the Czechoslovak army, commanded by Captain Frantisek Fajtl. The pilots travelled by ship, train, bus, and plane to Ivanovo, northeast of Moscow, where they trained on Soviet LA-5FN fighters. The order to form the First Czechoslovak Fighter Regiment was issued on June 1, and by July, they were advancing closer to the front, initially under the Second Air Army and later the Eighth Air Army, Simoncik added. The organisers of the Slovak National Uprising also anticipated air support from their allies. Upon learning of the uprising, the pilots requested to be transferred to the liberated territories as soon as possible. A new strategy Following reconnaissance in central Slovakia, the regiment flew from Stubno to the rebel territory on September 17 in two groups. It was decided that the regiment would not operate from the well-known Tri Duby airfield, which the Luftwaffe was already familiar with and frequently bombed, but rather from the airfield in Zolna. Twenty-one aircraft arrived, while the remaining personnel were transported by transport planes. The pilots were accommodated in the Grand and Central hotels in Zvolen, explained the writer. The arrival drew attention, particularly from locals who cared for the pilots and soldiers as if they were their own. On the day of their arrival, the Czechoslovak flag flew at the makeshift airfield and remained there until the regiment departed from the rebel territory. By the very next day, the regiment conducted its first combat mission, with eight La-5FN fighters attacking the airfield in Piestany, where they destroyed and damaged several enemy aircraft and rendered the airfields facilities inoperative. The following days were filled with active aerial operations in the Vrutky, Prievidza, and Velke Pole areas, supporting the rebel units in their defensive struggle. The pilots also engaged in several aerial dogfights, he clarified. Six weeks in Zolna October 18 was exceptionally busy, with the regiments pilots engaged in fierce battles against a significant group of Luftwaffe aircraft. The entries in the war diary were numerous, documenting not only successes but also losses. After October 20, the regiment began preparations to leave Slovakia due to the general offensive by Nazi forces. Adverse weather conditions, including rain and muddy terrain, made air operations impossible. The flight over the front occurred on October 25. Some members remained in Slovakia to continue the fight in the mountains, Simoncik explained. The contribution of the First Czechoslovak Fighter Aviation Regiment to the insurgent battles was indisputable. On October 28, 1944, the regiment was awarded the honorary title of Zvolensky and continued to participate in combat until the end of the war. The efforts of the residents of Zolna were also recognised. The rebel village was honoured for its extraordinary resistance activities and support for the SNP with the Order of the Red Star. Much water has flowed through the Hucava stream, near which the La-5FN fighters of the First Czechoslovak Independent Fighter Regiment were stationed in late summer and early autumn of 1944, he added. These dramatic moments are forever etched in history, marking this day as Slovak Aviation Day. My Zvolen Environmentalists claim project could have devastating impact on Slovak part of river. New weirs in the old Danube riverbed may reduce the capacity of the river to cope with floods. (Source: Sme - Marko Erd) Font size: A - | A + Comments disabled Share Dumping a few pebbles in the Danube riverbed. Environment Minister Tomas Tarabas description of a controversial Hungarian project to dam Europes second longest river was dismissed by many conservationists as soon as he uttered the words in early September. Since then, the Insula Magna project has been heavily criticised by both Slovak and international environmentalists who have warned it could wreak devastation on the Slovak part of the Danube, and have raised concerns that it is being discussed behind closed doors. We are currently observing with great concern the latest developments in international negotiations which are heading towards the damming of the original Danube riverbed at four locations, the Slovak arm of the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF Slovakia) said in a statement on September 17, signed by Slovak and foreign experts and conservationists. The project would see four weirs, or impoundment structures, built on the old Danube riverbed. WWF Slovakia claims that together with the existing weir at Dunakiliti, Hungary, these barriers would create a cascade of structures in the Danube riverbed which would impound water upstream, effectively stopping any flow of water in those places, leaving it almost stagnant. The aim of the project, the people behind it claim, is to reestablish the lateral connectivity of the Danube and re-connect the rivers arms with the riverbed and increase groundwater level. Considering the latest scientific and practical findings from both Slovak and international experts, the proposed solution is inappropriate and highly detrimental, WWF Slovakias statement reads. It would significantly damage the main water management functions of the river Danube, increase the risk of catastrophic floods, result in the loss of 40 km of free-flowing river, and destroy the unique river ecosystem of its inland delta. In this article you will find out -what the long-running dispute between Slovakia and Hungary over the Gabcikovo is about -what building dams will do to the Danubes old riverbed -what the opposition thinks of the project The location for the structures falls within the border stretch of the Danube between Slovakia and Hungary and therefore needs approval from Slovakia. Jozef Chovanec died in 2018. Font size: A - | A + Comments disabled Share On Wednesday, a Belgian court of inquiry stated that in regards to the death of Slovak national Jozef Chovanec, no one bears responsibility. This was confirmed by the Consul General of the Slovak Republic in Belgium, Andrej Michalec, reports TASR newswire. The court was adjourned several times this year. According to the court's verdict, a regrettable combination of tragic circumstances transpired. Lawyers of Chovanec's wife are now waiting for a written statement from the court. The Belga news agency stated that both Chovanec's wife and Slovakia have 15 days to appeal the verdict. The Slovak national, who worked in Belgium as a construction worker, died in hospital on February 27, 2018, after being detained on a plane bound for Slovakia at Charleroi airport near Brussels. According to witnesses, he behaved aggressively towards the crew-he shoved a flight attendant because he could not sit on the seat he had chosen-as well as the policemen who were called. In August 2020, several Belgian media outlets published video footage from prison cameras. It showed the man self-harming; he was banging his head against the cell door and bleeding. Subsequently, the policemen try to pacify him. The images also show one police officer giving a Nazi salute, while others were laughing at it. Moreover, another police officer was kneeling on the man's chest for about 16 minutes. According to Belgian doctors, the cause of death was strong blows to the head, which caused brain edema. They also concluded that an injection from medical professionals who tried to calm him down caused his heart's activity to stop. Related article Related article A Slovak died after being detained at a Belgian airport. He might have fallen victim of police violence Read more Slovakia will file a complaint Foreign Minister Juraj Blanar said on Wednesday that Slovakia will file a complaint with the European Court of Human Rights in Strasbourg against the Belgian court's ruling. "Yes, it was a tragic situation, as every death is tragic. Even more so when it happens under still unexplained circumstances, while in the custody of police officers who were meant to protect him," Blanar said, as quoted by the TASR news agency. He expressed his disagreement with the court's finding. Blanar argued that there would have been a vastly different reaction from the media and the European Commission if such a case had occurred in Slovakia. "The entire government would immediately be held accountable, and progressive media would rush to pass judgment. From the European Commission, we would instantly hear criticism of the rule of law," the minister asserted. E-books and audiobooks will also enjoy a reduced VAT rate. The interior of the Staromestska Library branch, which reopened after renovations on Zahrebska Street in Bratislava on June 26, 2024. (Source: TASR) Font size: A - | A + Comments disabled Share In response to criticism over a proposed VAT increase on books from 10 to 23 percent, Finance Minister Ladislav Kamenicky (Smer) has announced a surprising change. Books, newspapers, and magazines will now be subject to a 5 percent VAT rate. I have done everything in my power to ensure that no one can accuse Kamenicky of being opposed to having educated people in Slovakia, Kamenicky said. Last week, the minister remarked that books are primarily purchased by wealthier individuals in Slovakia, yet he has not published the analysis he referenced. During a regular Question Hour session in the debating chamber on Thursday afternoon, Kamenicky confirmed that the amendment would be submitted by two Smer MPs. The 5 percent VAT will also apply to audiobooks and e-books, which are currently subject to a 20 percent VAT rate. Kamenicky expressed his intent to closely monitor how large bookshop chains adjust their prices following the VAT reduction. Im curious to see how you will bring prices down, he warned them. I will keep track of it. As many as 140 authors have previously endorsed the Save the Book (Zachran knihu) initiative, expressing concern over a potential decline in interest in Slovak literature should the proposed 23 percent VAT on books be implemented. With the Czech Republic introducing zero VAT on books, Slovak readers will increasingly turn to Czech bookshops for translated literature, which will be significantly cheaper, the initiative explained. It also noted that younger readers are already favouring more affordable foreign literature in English, and any further price hikes would only exacerbate this trend. Culture Minister Martina Simkovicova, representing the far-right Slovak National Party, has proudly proclaimed the importance of protecting Slovak culture. However, she has remained silent on the proposed increase in VAT on books, failing to address the issue at any press conference. The project faces opposition due to its location in a protected area. Font size: A - | A + Comments disabled Share A new freight port could rise along the Danube in Bratislava, Europes second busiest river, with plans to build it near the Slovnaft refinery in the Vlcie hrdlo area. The 1 billion project, spearheaded by Win-Port Invest, a joint venture of Iuris Group and Blueprint, aims to position Bratislava among Europes leading river ports. However, the plans face a significant obstacle: a rare riparian forest stands in the way. The existing freight port in the heart of the Slovak capital, established in the late 19th century, has seen better days, its importance waning over the years. Yet private investors see untapped potential in Danube shipping and have long been working on a new port project, Harbour Park, writes the Sme daily. The proposed development includes a new basin equipped with 14 cranes and docking space for over 20 vessels. It would function as a trimodal port, integrated with railway connections and the R7 expressway. The site would also feature public amenities and short-term accommodation for staff. The new port has been part of the citys zoning plan for years, and the investor is expected to submit it for environmental impact assessment (EIA) in the near future. Activists, former environment ministry officials, and the Bratislava City Council have previously voiced opposition to the project. The EIA and a binding opinion from the city are two key approvals or statements that must be obtained before we can apply for zoning permits, project manager Lubos Cema told Sme. Construction, if approved, could begin as early as 2027 or later. (Source: WIN-PORT Invest) The port would be constructed in a sensitive area home to wetlands of international significance, with the project threatening 90 hectares of riparian forest, potentially leading to the destruction of thousands of trees. Win-Port Invest has sought to allay concerns, assuring that a buffer zone would separate the protected area from the port. But the investor also argues that the site is already heavily industrialised, housing a refinery, a sewage plant, and an incinerator. Former deputy environment minister Michal Kica of the Demokrati party, however, has called the project an eco-massacre. The Transport Ministry has distanced itself from the project, stating that it is not involved. According to the state-owned entity Verejne pristavy (Public Ports), which falls under the ministry, the current ports capacity is sufficient for freight needs. Public Ports is planning to modernise the Winter Harbour near Eurovea, a shopping mall by the Danube, with the ministry seeking a strategic investment status for the project, as reported by the Dennik N daily. Winter Harbour by the Danube in Bratislava. (Source: TASR) Kica claims that the renovation of the Winter Harbour, a key part of the current port, is merely a facade, designed to hide its eventual closure. According to Demokrati, developers plan to transform the winter harbour into a new city district, moving the port to Vlcie hrdlo. An overlooked airfield, ambitious harbour plans, and the mystery of countless bell towers. Font size: A - | A + Comments disabled Share Good evening. Here is the Thursday, September 26 edition of Today in Slovakia - the main news of the day in less than five minutes. Promoting Slovakia with a Russian twist Minister of Investments and Regional Development Richard Rasi. (Source: TASR) The Ministry of Investments and Regional Development has decided to promote its new operational programme, Slovensko (Slovakia), along with the benefits of European funding for Slovak regions, through a series of short videos. However, a significant issue has emerged: at least one of these videos partially promotes Russia. Four videos depict Slovakia as a beautiful country to live in, but the message hasnt quite landed, noted Andrej Kmeto from the creative studio Ideas & Innovations, who previously managed promotional projects for the ministry. He explained that the footage used in one of the videos was sourced from a publicly available database and originated in Russia. These images were created by someone using the name Viktor Fedorov. It is reminiscent of the 1998 billboards from former prime minister Vladimir Meciar. Smiling from the billboards, Meciar proclaimed Slovakia to be the country of our heart. Yet, instead of showcasing the Slovak landscape in the background, the campaigns late creator and entrepreneur, Fedor Flasik, opted for a Swiss countryside image sourced from a stock photo database. An election billboard for HZDS in 1998. (Source: SME/Tibor Somogyi) Now, under Minister Richard Rasi, we have the country where we care for our regions featuring footage from Russia, said Kmeto, adding that using Russian footage, given the ongoing war in the neighbouring country, is particularly distasteful. Opposition politician and former minister of regional development Veronika Remisova seized the opportunity to criticise the media campaign, which is costing 4 million and funded by European sources, calling it a colossal blunder on the part of her successor, Minister Rasi from the governing party Hlas. She also condemned the fact that the campaign primarily benefits media outlets linked to the Penta financial group and private television stations. A picture from Russia used in the criticised video. (Source: Andrej Kmeto) The picture above found in a stock photo database. (Source: Andrej Kmeto) While the ministry continues to showcase the criticised video on its Facebook page, the controversial spot is no longer accessible on YouTube. The ministry has acknowledged the error in one of the four videos. Every good campaign sparks discussion, and this one is no exception, the ministry stated to the website omediach.com, thanking Kmeto, a former employee, for pointing out the use of non-Slovak footage. MORE STORIES FROM THE SLOVAK SPECTATOR WEBSITE Taxes: The finance minister has decided to lower VAT not only on books but also on accommodation services, marking a shift in the governments approach to consolidating public finances. The finance minister has decided to lower VAT not only on books but also on accommodation services, marking a shift in the governments approach to consolidating public finances. History: A little-known chapter in history reveals how Austrian Empress Maria Theresa played a crucial role in protecting Slovak villages from potential fire. A little-known chapter in history reveals how Austrian Empress Maria Theresa played a crucial role in protecting Slovak villages from potential fire. Events: Excitement is building as SK Slovan Bratislava prepares to host Manchester City next week. The match is just one of many exciting events happening in the city, offering something for everyone. Excitement is building as SK Slovan Bratislava prepares to host Manchester City next week. The match is just one of many exciting events happening in the city, offering something for everyone. Business: Plans for a new harbour in Bratislava have stirred controversy. While some see it as a step forward, critics warn that it threatens thousands of trees and valuable wetlands. Plans for a new harbour in Bratislava have stirred controversy. While some see it as a step forward, critics warn that it threatens thousands of trees and valuable wetlands. History: While the Tri Duby airfield is well known for its role in the Slovak National Uprising, the nearby Zolna airfield also played a crucial part, though it remains a lesser-spoken chapter in the countrys wartime history. While the Tri Duby airfield is well known for its role in the Slovak National Uprising, the nearby Zolna airfield also played a crucial part, though it remains a lesser-spoken chapter in the countrys wartime history. Environment: Slovakias environment minister may have dismissed a damming project on the Danube as just dumping a few pebbles, but conservationists are pushing back. Experts warn that the plan could have devastating effects on the countrys natural landscape. If you like what we are doing and want to support good journalism, buy our online subscription with no ads and a print copy of The Slovak Spectator sent to your home in Slovakia. Thank you. RESTAURANT REVIEW The Brunch Benedict steals the spotlight Bistro 24 in Bratislava. (Source: Mark Taylor) Mark Taylor takes us on a culinary journey to a Bratislava bistro, where he finally finds the perfect hearty brunch experience he has been searching for in Slovakia. 3 FREE EVENTS IN BRATISLAVA A stroll with a Parisian (Source: [fjuzn] festival) Join Philippe Cochard, a Parisian who fell in love with Bratislava during his Erasmus days, as he leads a walk around the places in Bratislava that he likes. IN OTHER NEWS On Thursday, parliament approved the consolidation package in its first reading. The debate was limited to 12 hours, divided according to the political strength of the parties represented. The opposition criticised the restriction on discussion. The second reading is scheduled for next Tuesday. On the same day, lawmakers also advanced the tax on financial transactions to the second reading. The opposition criticised the restriction on discussion. The second reading is scheduled for next Tuesday. On the same day, lawmakers also advanced the tax on financial transactions to the second reading. On Wednesday, Foreign Minister Juraj Blanar (Smer) held discussions with the foreign ministers of the G20 group in New York. In his meeting with Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov, Blanar prioritised Slovakia s interests in energy security. He also reiterated Slovakias consistent stance on the conflict in Ukraine, emphasising the violation of international law and the necessity of seeking a peaceful resolution. (TASR) He also reiterated Slovakias consistent stance on the conflict in Ukraine, emphasising the violation of international law and the necessity of seeking a peaceful resolution. (TASR) In Bardejov, the son of a Gazprom billionaire who helps shield Vladimir Putins assets has settled in, according to Aktuality. Sergej Tregub has been on the UK sanctions list since 2023 due to his familys close ties with Gazproms leadership and the Russian president. Sergej Tregub has been on the UK sanctions list since 2023 due to his familys close ties with Gazproms leadership and the Russian president. The Slovak Nuclear Regulatory Authority and other agencies should raise their alert levels to ensure Slovakia can respond effectively to any potential nuclear incident in Ukraine. This was stated by Slovak President Peter Pellegrini during a briefing at the United Nations in New York on September 25. He responded to the speech by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. According to him, Russia is attempting to target three Ukrainian nuclear power plants. (TASR) This was stated by Slovak President Peter Pellegrini during a briefing at the United Nations in New York on September 25. He responded to the speech by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. According to him, Russia is attempting to target three Ukrainian nuclear power plants. (TASR) Opposition MP Martina Holeckova has proposed reducing the VAT on period products to 5 percent. Period poverty primarily affects single mothers. A survey by the NMS agency in May of this year revealed that as many as 44 percent of women have been unable to afford period products at least once in their lives. Jana Zitnanska from the non-parliamentary party Demokrati pointed to a foreign study indicating that, on average, a woman spends 3,800 on pads and tampons over her lifetime. Surrounding EU countries have significantly lower VAT rates on these hygiene products; for example, Poland charges 5 percent, Croatia 7 percent, Austria 10 percent, and Italy 5 percent. There are also non-EU countries that have a 0 percent VAT on these products, Zitnanska stated (TASR). A survey by the NMS agency in May of this year revealed that as many as 44 percent of women have been unable to afford period products at least once in their lives. Jana Zitnanska from the non-parliamentary party Demokrati pointed to a foreign study indicating that, on average, a woman spends 3,800 on pads and tampons over her lifetime. Surrounding EU countries have significantly lower VAT rates on these hygiene products; for example, Poland charges 5 percent, Croatia 7 percent, Austria 10 percent, and Italy 5 percent. There are also non-EU countries that have a 0 percent VAT on these products, Zitnanska stated (TASR). Vulgar attacks by far-right MP Rudolf Huliak (SNS) on queer MP Lucia Plavakova (PS) will be addressed by the Mandate and Immunity Parliamentary Committee. Huliak, who targeted the MP after misinterpreting her statements (which were quotes from a court ruling), has refused to apologise for his remarks. On Thursday, September 26, inflatable models of the Sun and the planets from the solar system were installed in the park beneath the SNP Memorial in Banska Bystrica. This event is being held to celebrate World Tourism Day, which is marked by cultural institutions throughout the Banska Bystrica Region. (Source: TASR) WEATHER FOR FRIDAY: Expect overcast to cloudy skies, with occasional breaks in the clouds. Rain or showers are likely in several areas as the day progresses. During the day, temperatures will reach between 16C and 23C, rising to as high as 26C in the southeast. (SHMU) SEPTEMBER 27 NAME DAY IN SLOVAKIA: Cyprian. Thank you for subscribing and reading. It means a lot to us. P.S. If you have suggestions on how our news overview can be improved, you can reach us at editorial@spectator.sk. Follow The Slovak Spectator on Facebook, LinkedIn and Instagram (@slovakspectator). I cant believe it. You cant believe. We, together collectively, cannot believe that this is the final daythe final entryin the 2024 Build-Outs of Coffee feature series. And my goodness has it been one for the ages. Our best, our most vivid, our most exciting and culturally urgent edition in the feature series, which dates all the way back to the year 2012, which was roughly one million years ago in terms of the coffee industry. Every year this series surprises us, delights us, and ultimately becomes all about youour readers, and the cafes who make us part of their opening story by taking part in the Build-Outs process. But before we bid you adieu, one more beautiful build. Were in Roswell, Georgiayes!around an hour north of Atlanta, give or take yalls infamous traffic situation. Belux Coffee Roasters is a gorgeous new space, originally opened in Alpharetta now celebrating its second location in Roswell. Join us one last time for 2024 as we take a closer look together, and thank you so much for reading and enjoying this years Build-Outs of Coffee feature series. The 2024 Build-Outs of Coffee is presented by Ceado and Dona. The 2024 Build-outs of Coffee is sponsored by Pacific Barista Series, La Marzocco, Acaia, and Ghirardelli. As told to Sprudge by Lucy Liu. For those who arent familiar, will you tell us about your company? Belux Coffee Roasters opened its retail roastery in 2018 at Alpharetta, GA. The owners, Ben and Lucy, who love to taste various kinds of coffee began to source green beans and roast coffees due to the limited options offered in retail venues/coffee shops. The goal is to deliver premium quality specialty coffees to people locally and around the world, who enjoy brewing a nice cup of coffee in their everyday life, whether at home, at the office, or even outdoors. From auction grade coffee beans to unique or rare varieties to coffee beans, Belux Coffee Roasters strive to provide a variety of coffees and options to meet different needs. With continuing trying new samples and working with farms and importers, only quality green beans is sourced. Also, by micro-batch roasting all coffees, the proper roasting profile is developed per the characteristic of each lot and only fresh roasted coffee beans is delivered to customers. Can you tell us a bit about the new space? The driven need of customers wanting to sip and experience unique variety of coffees at Belux Coffee Roasters opened up the thoughts of a second location in 2021. The location was secured at the new development of Southern Post, part of the historic downtown area at Roswell. Due to the pandemic, the construction of this mixed-use development was delayed for almost two years and finally the space was delivered in March 2024 to Belux Coffee for interior buildout. With the unique customer base from Belux Coffee Roasters, the owners Ben and Lucy insisted on keeping the concept of manual pour over for the special coffee varieties thats micro batch roasted at the Alpharetta roastery. Thus, an independent pour-over coffee bar is designed just to deliver the concept of specialty coffee which are carefully hand brewed by experienced baristas. An example of a regular pour-over coffee menu includes Panama Gesha Esmeralda Special, Colombia Gesha, Mokka, Pacamara, etc. Besides the pour-over coffee bar, the espresso coffee bar is set up with a monthly SOE (Single Origin Espresso) besides the popular Jumping Lapin espresso blend. The machines used at the espresso bar are La Marzocco Linea PB with Mahlkonig G80w gbs and G65gbw grinders to extract coffee consistently and precisely. Customer can ask for their espresso-based drink to be made out of SOE or enjoy it alone. The selection of SOE is set to rotate each month so customers can try different single origin coffee out of the espresso brewing method that is either fruity/floral forward or with complex flavors. Whats your approach to coffee? For the pour-over coffee bar, we use coffee to water ratio of 1:15 with 195F water temperature. For the espresso bar, a different recipe is developed base of each single origin. Any machines, coffees, special equipment lined up? The machines used at the espresso bar are La Marzocco Linea PB with Mahlkoenig G80gbs and G65gbw to extract coffee consistent and precisely. For the Pour-Over Coffee bar, Hario V60 drippers, Acaia scale, and Mazzer Philos single dose grinders are used. Siphon brewing method is also set up at the pour over coffee bar for customer to explore a third method of brewing coffees. How is your project considering sustainability? Belux Coffee emphasized the concept of fresh roasted coffee beans to everything used in store to provide a great coffee experience. We selected Loveramics ceramic cups to present our espresso, cappuccino, and latte for dine-in customers to minimize the use of disposable cups. All syrup is house made and all food items are either freshly made or baked in house. Utensils, straws, and to-go packaging used in store are made out natural or composable material. Whats your hopeful target opening date/month? Belux Coffee has soft opened on July 27th, 2024 with grand opening date set in mid September. Are you working with craftspeople, architects, and/or creatives that youd like to mention? Amy Hsu with Kaisen Design is the architect that we worked with since our first location at Alpharetta. We also worked together with her to design the space and interior for the Roswell location. The space is delivered to us in grey shell, that means we need to work diligently with our architect and general contractor (Southern Choice Construction) to build the walls, finish the open ceilings and pipes, and pour the concrete floor. Amy Hsu is also involved in our interior design as helping to pick the color theme, coffee bar material and lighting and painting the murals. We asked for a very clean, modern, and Scandinavian vibe so that the spotlight can be on our La Marzocco espresso machine, slow coffee bar and coffee products. All the indoor chairs, bar stools and tables are locally custom made with wood or natural material with colors to match the build out. Thank you! In January, we reported on a new bill being proposed by Hawaiian lawmakers requiring there to be more Kona in that bag of Kona coffee. The law as it was then written only required a minimum of 10% of a coffee to be Kona in order to be labeled as such. The rest could be whatever. That law has since been passed, requiring a coffee to be 51% Hawaiian to carry such a label. But some in the Hawaiian coffee industry have concerns about how the legislation will negatively impact farmers. As reported by SF Gate, the law isnt set to go into effect until 2027 and was proposed as a means of protecting both consumers from misleading marketing as well as producers from a watered down product. Some, like Representative Nicole Lowen who introduced the bill, see it as a win. The percentage of Kona Coffee required for it to be labeled Kona should be 100%, but given that this is the first progress made on this in more than 30 years, its a huge win. Still, others are concerned about the real-world impact of the law. Shawn Steiman of Coffea Consulting and Grok Coffee notes that, while the he is philosophically for the law, 100% Hawaiian coffee is already available on the market and folks still gravitate toward the diluted stuff. If those coffees are now required to carry five times as much Hawaiian coffee, they are also likely to come with a heftier price tag, which may deter consumers. If the point is to make a law saying we believe in this product and its identity, then do that, Steiman said. 51% is saying, We want to be honest, but we dont want the economy to crash around us. Its like hedging. Thats how I feel it is. The philosophy is that this is an identity were protecting. Then lets protect it. Then just say 100% local is the way its got to be sold. Its a sentiment echoed by owner of specialty roaster Big Island Coffee Brandon von Damitz. While we commend the approach and effort, in our view, the study did not sufficiently support the positive economic impact of raising the required minimum percentage of Hawaii-grown coffee. Von Damitz continues, The main question to consider is this: Will the people buying 10% Hawaii blends transition to buying 51% blends? We do not think so. Will the people buying 100% transition to also buying 51%? Maybe, but likely not enough to compensate for those that used to buy 10% blends. The reaction shines a light on a complicated issue. Because yes, selling coffee under false pretenses is bad. If a roaster was marketing a coffee as a single origin but was actually blendnever mind marketing something high end like a Gesha but only having 10% Geshafolks would rightly be up in arms about it. But as it stands, roasters have been able to brand coffeeadmittedly misleadingas Kona when it may in fact be the smallest percentage of any coffee in a bag, which has allowed them to sell their product at a much friendlier market price, one that consumers have grown accustomed do. If that price doubles or triples even, will it still be as attractive to consumers who are used to an artificially low price? Its the dichotomy of ideals versus impact. Its clear that there a change to the law is required, to protect both farmers and consumers, but how to best implement that change in a way that mitigates the negative impact still remains an open question. https://sputnikglobe.com/20240926/biden-announces-nearly-8-billion-in-latest-military-aid-for-ukraine-amid-zelensky-visit-1120305101.html Biden Announces Nearly $8 Billion in Latest Military Aid for Ukraine Amid Zelensky Visit Biden Announces Nearly $8 Billion in Latest Military Aid for Ukraine Amid Zelensky Visit Sputnik International US President Joe Biden on Thursday announced nearly $8 billion in military assistance for Ukraine, including long-range weapons and an additional Patriot air defense battery, according to a statement released by the White House. 2024-09-26T21:21+0000 2024-09-26T21:21+0000 2024-09-26T21:19+0000 world us ukraine us arms for ukraine military & intelligence joe biden white house volodymyr zelensky military equipment https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e8/09/06/1120052329_0:160:3072:1888_1920x0_80_0_0_c775164f776c31637ba51318fdcb1f20.jpg "Today, I am announcing a surge in security assistance for Ukraine and a series of additional actions to help Ukraine win this war," Biden said in the statement, which the White House released ahead of his meeting with Volodymyr Zelenskyy. The assistance includes $2.4 billion for the purchase of new arms for Ukraine, as well as $5.55 billion worth of weapons to be drawn from Pentagon stockpiles under the so-called Presidential Drawdown Authority. As part of an initiative to increase Ukraine's air defenses, the aid package instructs the Department of Defense to provide Kiev with an additional refurbished Patriot air defense battery and associated Patriot missiles, Biden said in the statement. Additionally, the package includes Joint Standoff Weapon (JSOW) long-range munition, Unmanned Aerial Systems, and air-to-ground munitions intended to strengthen Ukraine's defense industrial base and support its maintenance. The Thursday announcement came hours after White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre commented it was unlikely the president would announce a decision on clearing Ukraine to use US-provided, long-range weapons for strikes into Russia. Russian President Vladmir Putin earlier highlighted that NATO countries were toeing the line as to whether they intended to become a direct player in the ongoing Ukraine conflict in light of reports concerning the potential approval for long-range weapons. Such a move would effectively "open up the avenue for escalation.""The intelligence information provided, the targeting, the programing, all is not done by Ukrainians. So basically the West becomes a full participant in the conflict," he noted.Western countries have provided hundreds of billions of dollars worth of aid to Ukraine since the start of Russia's special military operation in February 2022. Aid shipments began in 2022 with artillery munitions and training and have escalated to include tanks, advanced air-defense systems, missiles and cluster munitions. The Kremlin has consistently warned against the West's continued arms deliveries to Ukraine, saying that they only prolong the conflict. https://sputnikglobe.com/20240925/ex-cia-analyst-says-pentagon-trying-to-take-control-of-ukraine-policy-from-blinken-1120280490.html 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 us arms to ukraine, us military aid, zelensky at white house, how much has us given ukraine, what is the special military operation https://sputnikglobe.com/20240926/biden-claims-russia-has-failed-in-final-un-speech--1120289619.html Biden Claims 'Russia Has Failed' in Final UN Speech Biden Claims 'Russia Has Failed' in Final UN Speech Sputnik International On this episode of Fault Lines, hosts Melik Abdul and Jamarl Thomas talk about the latest developments worldwide, including the latest developments out of the UNGA. 2024-09-26T04:11+0000 2024-09-26T04:11+0000 2024-09-26T12:42+0000 fault lines us radio volodymyr zelensky ukraine the united nations (un) joe biden kamala harris https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e8/09/19/1120289789_0:0:1920:1080_1920x0_80_0_0_d55fcb544b7d59329aee0cde332803e5.png Biden Claims 'Russia Has Failed' in Final UN Speech Sputnik International On this episode of Fault Lines, hosts Melik Abdul and Jamarl Thomas talk about the latest developments worldwide, including the latest developments out of the UNGA. The show begins with the managing editor at Covert Action Magazine Jeremy Kuzmarov analyzing Ukrainian President Zelensky's visit to the United States, including his trip to the UNGA and his so-called "Victory Plan."Then, journalist, political analyst, and author Caleb Maupin reports from New York on the latest developments out of the UNGA, including Biden's final speech as president.The show closes with Resident Fellow in Law and Policy at the Center for Immigration Studies Andrew Arthur joining to discuss Kamala Harris's visit to the Southern border and her efforts to garner support.The views and opinions expressed in this program are those of the speakers and do not necessarily reflect the position of Sputnik.We'd love to get your feedback at radio@sputniknews.comCatch us in the US at 105.5FM, 104.7FM, 102.9FM, 1390AM, 1140AM ukraine Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rossiya Segodnya 252 60 2024 Jamarl Thomas https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e5/02/12/1082114086_0:0:373:374_100x100_80_0_0_c7506df4524fd8cdd4e40ad19918cd78.png Jamarl Thomas https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e5/02/12/1082114086_0:0:373:374_100x100_80_0_0_c7506df4524fd8cdd4e40ad19918cd78.png 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 Jamarl Thomas https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e5/02/12/1082114086_0:0:373:374_100x100_80_0_0_c7506df4524fd8cdd4e40ad19918cd78.png fault lines, 2024 unga speakers, what is zelensky's victory plan, biden's unga speech, kamala harris rating polls https://sputnikglobe.com/20240926/eu-violating-hungarys-sovereignty-by-pushing-for-migration-fm-szijjarto-says-1120293298.html EU Violating Hungarys Sovereignty by Pushing for Migration, FM Szijjarto Says EU Violating Hungarys Sovereignty by Pushing for Migration, FM Szijjarto Says Sputnik International he European Union is seriously violating Hungarys sovereignty by compelling them to let migrants into the country, Hungarian Foreign Minister Peter Szijjarto told RIA Novosti. 2024-09-26T04:48+0000 2024-09-26T04:48+0000 2024-09-26T04:57+0000 world peter szijjarto viktor orban hungary brussels european union (eu) migrants https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e5/08/17/1083694998_0:161:3071:1888_1920x0_80_0_0_85bfb59a2ce68b742bdcb216bc364b10.jpg The way Brussels is behaving now is a serious breach of our security and sovereignty, because they want us to let in people whom we dont want to let in. We dont need people who attack our police. We dont need people in our country who attack our border guards, who cannot comply with our regulations, and who show no respect for our people, our way of life, or our laws, Szijjarto said in an interview. The ability for a country to protect its own borders and decide who is granted entry is a matter of sovereignty that no organization has the right to take away, Szijjarto said.Earlier this year, the EUs top court fined Hungary 200 million euros ($216 million) and imposed a daily one-million-euro penalty for failing to follow the blocs asylum laws. Hungarian PM Viktor Orban described the courts decision as outrageous and unacceptable. https://sputnikglobe.com/20221210/hungary-sticks-to-national-interests-despite-eus-pressure-on-migration-and-sanctions-pm-orban-says-1105328587.html hungary brussels 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 hungary migrants, hungary migration, hungary-brussels row over migrants https://sputnikglobe.com/20240926/fbi-probes-ukraine-related-deepfake-operation-targeting-top-us-senator--reports-1120300421.html FBI Probes Ukraine-Related Deepfake Operation Targeting Top US Senator Reports FBI Probes Ukraine-Related Deepfake Operation Targeting Top US Senator Reports Sputnik International The FBI is investigating a so-called deepfake operation in which an individual allegedly posed as a top Ukrainian official and spoke with US Senate Foreign Relations Committee Chair Ben Cardin, Punchbowl News reported on Thursday, citing three sources familiar with the matter. 2024-09-26T14:17+0000 2024-09-26T14:17+0000 2024-09-26T14:17+0000 americas us dmytro kuleba ukraine russia fbi us senate foreign relations committee ukraine crisis 2024 us presidential election presidential election https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e7/0b/07/1114776749_0:160:3072:1888_1920x0_80_0_0_e4f2e870c055caf89db6a193e3b75dd4.jpg The situation became known on Monday when the Senates security office informed a group of top lawmakers and their aides about the incident, which happened earlier in September, the report said. The notice revealed that the individual, who impersonated then-Foreign Minister of Ukraine Dmytro Kuleba, contacted a senator via Zoom. The document did not mention the lawmakers name, but the sources revealed that it was Cardin, according to the report. The individual spoke in a voice similar to Kuleba's and was asking questions about the current conflict in Ukraine, the report said, citing the notice. It added that he inquired, in particular, about the lawmaker's support for using long-range missiles inside Russian territory. The person was also asking politically charged questions in relation to the upcoming election likely trying to bait the senator into commenting on a political candidate, the notice said, as quoted by the report. The people familiar with the investigation suggested that the Russian government could be behind the effort. They did not rule out that the goal was to use the conversation for propaganda purposes, the report added. Russia has repeatedly refuted accusations of meddling into US internal policies. https://sputnikglobe.com/20240906/ukraine-govt-reshuffle-nothing-more-than-sham-political-reboot-1120051926.html americas ukraine russia 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 trump-2024, is trump running for president, why is trump banned from election, who's banning trump from election, why is trump banned from election, who's against trump in presidential election, was trump behind january 6, who organized january 6, why is trump banned from election, trumps court case, why is trump investigated, republicans vs democrats at the elections, who will win in 2024 elections, trump vs harris, trump harris debate, presidential debate, biden drops out, joe biden dropped out of presidential race, kamala harris replaces biden, biden quits, harris new democratic candidate, vice president jd vance, vice president tim walz Chinese embassy in Delhi holds gala event to mark 75th National Day Xinhua) 09:15, September 26, 2024 NEW DELHI, Sept. 25 (Xinhua) -- A gala event was hosted by the Chinese embassy in the Indian capital city on Tuesday evening to mark the 75 anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China. China's National Day falls on Oct. 1 each year. Joint Secretary of the East Asia Division of India's Ministry of External Affairs Gourangalal Das attended the function as the Government of India's representative. Besides, a host of ambassadors from different countries, scholars, media persons, and dignitaries from different walks of life of the Indian society attended the event. Addressing the gathering, China's ambassador to India Xu Feihong said that over the past 75 years China had made increasing contributions to world peace, development and human progress. "Since the beginning of this year, China-India relations have enjoyed the momentum of improvement and development. The two sides maintain high-level communication. Personal exchanges between the two countries have increased. Since last year, the Chinese Embassy and Consulates-General in India have issued more than 400,000 visas to the Indian people," added the Chinese envoy. (Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Zhong Wenxing) https://sputnikglobe.com/20240926/idf-says-carrying-out-precision-strikes-on-beirut-1120301048.html IDF Says Carrying Out Precision Strikes on Beirut IDF Says Carrying Out Precision Strikes on Beirut Sputnik International Israel's armed forces are carrying out precision strikes on Beirut, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) said on Thursday. 2024-09-26T15:01+0000 2024-09-26T15:01+0000 2024-09-26T15:01+0000 world middle east beirut israel israel defense forces (idf) hezbollah lebanon israel-lebanon tensions https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e8/09/1a/1120292921_0:0:3072:1728_1920x0_80_0_0_25e87deed997b4f5d753b1ddc149aadd.jpg "The IDF is currently carrying out precise strikes in Beirut," the IDF wrote on Telegram.The target of an Israeli strike on Beirut was the commander of the aviation unit of the Lebanese Shiite movement Hezbollah, Abu Saleh, the Israeli news website Ynet reported on Thursday.The Israeli strikes hit a house in Beirut's southern suburbs, Lebanese media reported, adding that emergency services were responding to the attack.The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) later confirmed the elimination of the commander.An Israeli strike on a residential building in the southern suburbs of Beirut killed more than 50 people last week, including Hezbollah special operations commander Ibrahim Aqil. On Wednesday, the movement confirmed the death of another senior commander, Ibrahim Muhammad Qubaisi, in an Israeli missile attack. https://sputnikglobe.com/20240924/a-real-horror-lebanons-residents-relate-flight-from-south-under-israeli-attacks-1120272794.html beirut 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 gaza genocide, is israel committing genocide, whats happening with gaza, israeli genocide against palestinians, will israel be charged with genocide, whos backing israel, un hearing on gaza, current developments in gaza, whats happening to palestinians, us military aid to israel, us arms supplies to israel, us violating international law, what weapons is israel getting from us, israeli strikes, israel strikes gaza, israel kills civilians, operation in rafah, incursion into rafah, palestinian statehood, palestine independence, israeli hostages, jewish hostages, how many people did hamas abduct, how much money does us give israel, military aid to israel, financial aid to israel, hamas leader killed, haniyeh assassination, gaza peace talks, gaza ceasefire talks, israel vs hezbollah, israel lebanon tension, israel lebanon hostilities https://sputnikglobe.com/20240926/kremlin-calls-proposed-changes-to-russias-nuclear-doctrine-signal-to-unfriendly-states-1120295843.html Kremlin: Russias Nuclear Doctrine Update Sends Clear Warning to West Kremlin: Russias Nuclear Doctrine Update Sends Clear Warning to West Sputnik International The recently announced changes to the nuclear doctrine of Russia should be considered a certain signal to unfriendly countries, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said on Thursday. 2024-09-26T10:03+0000 2024-09-26T10:03+0000 2024-09-26T10:09+0000 russia dmitry peskov vladimir putin russia kremlin nuclear doctrine https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e6/0b/15/1104501939_0:0:3153:1773_1920x0_80_0_0_9e28e00330fda2d5996663edbaa7f4a3.jpg During the Russian Security Council's permanent meeting on Wednesday, Russian President Vladimir Putin proposed to discuss a review of the foundational principles guiding Russia's nuclear deterrence policy. He stressed that Moscow reserves the right to use nuclear weapons in response to acts of aggression, particularly if the adversary poses a significant threat to Russia, even if that threat is presented through conventional weaponry. Russia's updated nuclear doctrine sends a warning signal to the West about the consequences of an attack, not necessarily by nuclear means, the official said. "In fact, the whole world knows well, its sensible people know well about our nuclear potential and its deterrent role. Of course, nuclear deterrence is being adjusted taking into account those elements of tension that are developing along the perimeter of our borders," Peskov said, adding that sensible heads of state, sensible politicians, analysts perfectly understand and understood the seriousness of Putin's statements. When asked about nuclear arsenals, the spokesman said that Russia's plans to build up nuclear arsenals were not discussed and there were no statements on this matter. "The president said that our nuclear triad is the guarantor of nuclear deterrence," he added. https://sputnikglobe.com/20240925/putin-nuclear-triad-remains-key-guarantee-of-russias-state-and-citizen-security-1120286442.html russia 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 russia, russian nuclear doctrine, russian nuclear arsenal, vladimir putin, dmitry peskov, kremlin https://sputnikglobe.com/20240926/nato-countries-silence-after-nord-stream-attacks-is-shocking---french-politician-1120296630.html French Politician Slams NATO Nations' Shocking Silence on Nord Stream Attacks French Politician Slams NATO Nations' Shocking Silence on Nord Stream Attacks Sputnik International The silence of NATO member countries after the destruction of the Russian Nord Stream export gas pipelines is shocking; it is sabotage of strategic infrastructure, French politician, leader of the Patriots party, Florian Philippot told RIA Novosti. 2024-09-26T11:14+0000 2024-09-26T11:14+0000 2024-09-26T14:04+0000 world florian philippot dmitry peskov france russia nato nord stream pipeline nord stream baltic sea germany https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e6/09/1d/1101347558_0:63:1200:738_1920x0_80_0_0_92adc02f32428ca312139dddc359fd1c.jpg "What is the most shocking is the degree of subordination of NATO countries, which have not even declared that they were victims of this sabotage. They simply do not even talk about it: the French government has not discussed it at all," Philippot said. He said it is surprising that European countries have not even admitted that they suffered from sabotage of the gas pipelines. Russia has repeatedly requested data on the explosions from the European countries, but has never received it, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said. https://sputnikglobe.com/20240823/nord-stream-ecocide--fall-of-germany-engineered-by-western-powers--analyst-1119880037.html france russia baltic sea germany denmark norway 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 nord stream explosion, what happened with nord stream pipeline, nord stream destroyed, who blew up nord stream, whos to blame for nord stream, nord stream incident, whos fault is nord stream, hersh on nord stream https://sputnikglobe.com/20240926/netanyahus-office-denies-reports-of-ceasefire-talks-with-hezbollah-1120296358.html Netanyahu's Office Denies Reports of Ceasefire Talks With Hezbollah Netanyahu's Office Denies Reports of Ceasefire Talks With Hezbollah Sputnik International The office of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu rejected on Thursday the reports of allegedly ongoing ceasefire talks with the Lebanese Hezbollah movement, stressing that the prime minister did not even respond to the proposals of the United States and France. 2024-09-26T11:07+0000 2024-09-26T11:07+0000 2024-09-26T11:07+0000 world middle east benjamin netanyahu israel katz israel france gaza strip hezbollah israel defense forces (idf) palestine-israel conflict https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e8/07/12/1119420734_0:320:3072:2048_1920x0_80_0_0_0416086b888547ec005c5f99fe5f228b.jpg "The reports about the ceasefire are not true. We are talking about a US-French proposal, to which the Prime Minister did not even respond. The report on the alleged directive on the easing of hostilities in the north is also untrue," the office said in a statement. The prime minister instructed the Israel Defense Forces to continue fighting in full force and in accordance with the plans presented to him. "In addition, the fighting in the Gaza Strip will continue until all the objectives of the war are achieved," the office added.Israeli Foreign Minister Israel Katz on Thursday denied reports about allegedly ongoing ceasefire talks with the Lebanese Hezbollah movement, saying that the operations against the movement will continue until Israel wins. https://sputnikglobe.com/20240925/biden-says-all-out-war-possible-in-middle-east-1120285902.html israel france gaza strip 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 gaza genocide, is israel committing genocide, whats happening with gaza, israeli genocide against palestinians, will israel be charged with genocide, whos backing israel, un hearing on gaza, current developments in gaza, whats happening to palestinians, us military aid to israel, us arms supplies to israel, us violating international law, what weapons is israel getting from us, israeli strikes, israel strikes gaza, israel kills civilians, operation in rafah, incursion into rafah, palestinian statehood, palestine independence, israeli hostages, jewish hostages, how many people did hamas abduct, how much money does us give israel, military aid to israel, financial aid to israel, hamas leader killed, haniyeh assassination, gaza peace talks, gaza ceasefire talks, israel vs hezbollah, israel lebanon tension, israel lebanon hostilities https://sputnikglobe.com/20240926/nord-stream-pipelines-must-be-restored---german-lawmaker-1120302757.html Nord Stream Pipelines Must Be Restored - German Lawmaker Nord Stream Pipelines Must Be Restored - German Lawmaker Sputnik International Nord Stream gas pipelines were blown up by enemies of German energy sovereignty, and the pipelines must be rebuilt and secured, the co-leader of the right-wing Alternative for Germany party, Tino Chrupalla, said on Thursday. 2024-09-26T17:49+0000 2024-09-26T17:49+0000 2024-09-26T17:49+0000 world dmitry peskov germany russia bundestag kremlin nord stream https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e8/03/0c/1117285675_0:160:3072:1888_1920x0_80_0_0_71ec0928f82b4eedb8cbf3857f39c30a.jpg "Today marks two years since the enemies of German energy sovereignty blew up Nord Stream. An artery of German industry was cut. Our faction in the Bundestag demands an investigation and punishment for all those responsible. Nord Stream must be repaired, launched and secured!" Chrupalla said on his social media.The Russian Prosecutor General's Office opened an investigation into the blasts as an act of international terrorism. Russia has repeatedly requested information about the explosions but has received nothing, Kremlin Spokesman Dmitry Peskov has said. germany russia 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 nord stream explosion, what happened with nord stream pipeline, nord stream destroyed, who blew up nord stream, whos to blame for nord stream, nord stream incident, whos fault is nord stream, hersh on nord stream https://sputnikglobe.com/20240926/pervasive-russophobia-drives-total-blackout-of-ukraines-war-crimes--analyst-1120291546.html Pervasive Russophobia Drives Total Blackout of Ukraines War Crimes Analyst Pervasive Russophobia Drives Total Blackout of Ukraines War Crimes Analyst Sputnik International Analyst Jeremy Kuzmarov joined Sputniks Fault Lines program Wednesday to discuss the state of reporting on the Russo-Ukraine conflict. 2024-09-26T02:45+0000 2024-09-26T02:45+0000 2024-09-26T20:24+0000 analysis jeremy kuzmarov andriy biletsky ukraine russia cnn nazi nazism fault lines azov battalion https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e8/05/02/1118227397_0:270:2129:1467_1920x0_80_0_0_396c50f87fb3695911545cae10b9d084.jpg Anti-Russian sentiment has deep roots in modern Western society, owing in part to the countrys military power and historical status as a foil to Western Europe.In recent years this struggle has acutely played out in the country of Ukraine, which the United States has worked tirelessly to pull into the Western orbit. 2014s Euromaidan coup installed a fiercely anti-Russian government in the Mariinskyi Palace, empowering Ukrainian nationalists with grievances against Moscow dating back to Nazisms mid-20th century march across the continent.The development led to significant hostility toward ethnic Russians in the country, especially in Ukraines eastern provinces. Atrocities such as the Odessa Trade Union House massacre demonstrated the physical threat posed to Russo-Ukrainians, while the banning of the Russian language in schools and places of business illustrated what observers claimed was a broad suppression of Russian culture.In the United States, anti-Russian sentiment dating back to the Cold War has been rekindled by claims of Russian interference in US presidential politics a narrative frequently not borne out by investigations into the matter. Widespread Russophobia has heightened the typically militaristic tenor of Western news reporting, causing coverage of the Ukraine conflict to fall even below the standards of typical war coverage in the United States according to Covert Action Magazine managing editor Jeremy Kuzmarov.The analyst joined Sputniks Fault Lines program Wednesday to discuss the state of journalistic reporting on the ongoing conflict.I think that the media coverage has been absolutely abysmal, claimed Kuzmarov, an author of several critical books on US foreign policy. We've had a decade of Russophobia that we've discussed on the show that's really impacted people considerably. And there's been a total blackout.Especially liberal media has been particularly biased and Russophobic, like MSNBC and CNN, as well as alternative media like Democracy Now! that has a following among activists who are more in the peace movement there's nothing on that network ever. They've never interviewed Eastern Ukrainians who've been victimized by the Ukrainian military or endured shelling of their cities.The US-based news outlet CNN was embarrassed in late 2022 when, during a piece celebrating Ukraines advance in the Kherson region, footage aired by the network appeared to show a man with a Ukrainian flag giving a Nazi salute to a crowd of revelers. The incident was one of many demonstrating the significant influence of neo-fascists in Ukraines military and society a fact that Western media has increasingly taken great pains to ignore.Today, increasing reports of far-right violence, ultranationalism, and erosion of basic freedoms are giving the lie to the Wests initial [post-Maidan] euphoria, The Nation reported in 2019. There are neo-Nazi pogroms against the Roma, ... book bans, and state-sponsored glorification of Nazi collaborators What Ukraines far right lacks in poll numbers, it makes up for with things Marine Le Pen could only dream of paramilitary units and free rein on the streets.Post-Maidan Ukraine is the worlds only nation to have a neo-Nazi formation in its armed forces, the report noted. Multiple occurrences of war crimes have been attributed to far-right regiments in Ukraine, including the use of cluster munitions and documented instances of torture. One video from late 2022 showed the summary execution of several surrendering Russian soldiers, who were shot in the legs before being gunned down. Such cases have received little attention as media focuses on often dubious pro-Ukraine stories.Western portrayals of the Ukraine conflict as a struggle for democracy and human rights are belied by the actual nature of the Ukrainian government, which has legitimized neo-Nazi gangs in the domestic as well as the military sphere. Five years ago Kiev announced the National Druzhina paramilitary group would serve as poll watchers in the countrys national elections. The group swears fealty to politician Andriy Biletsky, who once vowed Ukraine would lead the White Races of the world in a final crusadeagainst the Semite-led Untermenschen [subhumans].The analyst observed that the conflict has become deeply polarized in the United States, noting it is becoming a popular issue for the Republican Party now. That may be one reason why the young lefties aren't coming strong against the Ukrainian war, because the main politicians speaking out against it are people on the right. People they hate [like] Marjorie Taylor Greene, Donald Trump, and Robert Kennedy, who defected into the Republican Party.*Azov Battalion is a terrorist organization banned in Russia. https://sputnikglobe.com/20230502/odessa-massacre-9-years-ago-ukrainian-neo-nazis-burned-50-people-alive-1110025933.html https://sputnikglobe.com/20240611/us-lifts-ban-on-arms-supplies-to-ukraines-nationalist-battalion-azov---reports-1118900454.html https://sputnikglobe.com/20230806/nato-instructors-trained-neo-nazi-azov-battalion-soldiers-in-2021-1112420084.html ukraine russia 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 ukraine war crimes, azov bataillon war crimes, ukraine neo-nazi war crimes, ukraine torture, ukraine cluster munitions, ukraine neo-nazi paramilitaries, ukraine nazis in government, azov battalion, azov regiment, azov nazi, nazi azov, azov, nato trained ukrainian neo-nazi, ukrainian nazia, ukrainian nazi, nazis in ukraine, nazi in ukraine, nazism in ukraine, nazi state https://sputnikglobe.com/20240926/russian-forces-liberate-key-settlement-in-donbass-strike-ukrainian-military-infrastructure-1120294980.html Russian Forces Liberate Key Settlement in Donbass and Strike Ukrainian Military Infrastructure Russian Forces Liberate Key Settlement in Donbass and Strike Ukrainian Military Infrastructure Sputnik International The Russian Ministry of Defense reported that units of the Tsentr Battlegroupp have liberated the settlement of Ukrainsk in the Donetsk People's Republic (DPR). 2024-09-26T09:43+0000 2024-09-26T09:43+0000 2024-09-26T09:56+0000 russia's special operation in ukraine ukraine russia donbass russian ministry of defense russian armed forces https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e8/06/1d/1119179168_0:76:3150:1847_1920x0_80_0_0_b5a32f3e6ce6bd5f0ccc64dbd79b939a.jpg "As a result of decisive actions by the Tsentr Battlegroup, the settlement of Ukrainsk in the Donetsk People's Republic has been liberated," the statement said.Additionally, Russian forces targeted a military airfield and energy facilities that supported Ukraines military-industrial complex."Operational-tactical aviation, unmanned aerial vehicles, missile forces, and artillery of the Russian Armed Forces have struck energy facilities supporting Ukraine's military-industrial complex, as well as the infrastructure of a military airfield," the ministry noted.According to the report, air defense systems shot down a long-range Neptune missile, three Hammer-guided bombs from France, five HIMARS rockets from the US, and 45 aircraft-type drones.In response to Ukrainian attacks on civilian objects, Russian forces have regularly conducted precision strikes on locations of personnel, equipment, mercenaries, and enemy infrastructure, including energy facilities, defense industries, military command, and communication sites.Meanwhile, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov has repeatedly emphasized that the Russian military does not target residential buildings or social institutions.Other developments:Battlegroup Tsentr:Battlegroup Yug:Battlegroup Sever:Battlegroup Vostok:Battlegroup Zapad:Battlegroup Dnepr: https://sputnikglobe.com/20240925/russian-forces-strike-ukrainian-communication-center-and-drone-production-sites-1120280183.html ukraine russia donbass 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 russia, russian special military operation, ukrainian crisis, ukrainian conflict, war in ukraine https://sputnikglobe.com/20240926/un-spokesman-on-ukraines-strikes-deep-into-russia-we-want-to-see-end-to-this-war-1120304144.html UN Spokesman on Ukraine's Strikes Deep Into Russia: We Want to See End to This War UN Spokesman on Ukraine's Strikes Deep Into Russia: We Want to See End to This War Sputnik International he United Nations wants to see an end to the Ukraine conflict, UN spokesman Stephane Dujarric told Sputnik, commenting on deliberations by Washington on whether to allow Ukraine to strike deep into Russia. 2024-09-26T18:49+0000 2024-09-26T18:49+0000 2024-09-26T18:49+0000 world stephane dujarric antonio guterres sergey lavrov ukraine russia east the united nations (un) brics white house https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e8/08/0b/1119721900_0:188:2975:1861_1920x0_80_0_0_3c85395787b23badb3df82ed201c5c66.jpg "Our focus, and we've been very clear, is that we want to see an end to this war," Dujarric said on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly in New York. "We want to see an end to this war in line with international law, General Assembly resolutions and the territorial integrity of Ukraine. I think, for the sake of people in Russia, for the sake of people in Ukraine, we need to see an end to this war in line with the principles I just stated," he noted.Moscow hopes the United States has "enough sense and reason" not to allow Kiev to strike deep into Russia, a nuclear power, with US-supplied weapons, Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergey Vershinin earlier told Sputnik on the UNGA sidelines. Ukraine's request to use US-supplied long-range weapons deep in Russian territory will be discussed during Volodymyr Zelensky's meeting with President Joe Biden at the White House on Thursday, White House National Security Communications Adviser John Kirby said. UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres and Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov are expected to discuss the Middle East, Ukraine and other issues of interest to both parties during a bilateral meeting on the UN General Assembly sidelines on Thursday.The United Nations has grave concerns about the risk of a major ground war in Lebanon amid an escalation between Israel and Hezbollah, the spokesman told Sputnik."We are extremely worried at the risk of a major ground war in Lebanon," Dujarric said on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly in New York. "I think it is clear that we cannot afford Lebanon to become another Gaza. It is clear that the people of Lebanon and the people of Israel cannot afford a conflict."Dujarric stressed that in any conflict, it is the civilians who are paying the ultimate price, pointing out that more than 100,000 Lebanese have already had to leave everything behind and flee the south as well as tens of 1000s of Israelis have had to do the same in the north.Israel began carrying out massive strikes on southern and eastern Lebanon last week after announcing a new phase of its war effort in the region, with the focus on the northern front. Hezbollah, in turn, fired dozens of rockets toward northern Israel.Guterres will discuss any issues brought forward by the Russian foreign minister, Dujarric said."All that being said, we have to see how the meeting goes," he added.The United Nations must strengthen itself as an institution while working with other international organizations like BRICS, the spokesman added.Guterres will continue to engage BRICS and other groups on economic and political issues, Dujarric said. https://sputnikglobe.com/20240924/a-real-horror-lebanons-residents-relate-flight-from-south-under-israeli-attacks-1120272794.html https://sputnikglobe.com/20240926/ditching-the-dollar-putin-announces-work-on-independent-brics-payment-system-for-global-trade-1120296990.html ukraine russia east 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 putins peace proposals for ukraine, peace settlement of russia ukraine conflict, ukraine crisis settlement proposals, what conditions did putin mention to settle conflict in ukraine, conditions for peace settlement in ukraine, ukraine peace plan, zelensky peace plan, russias peace plan for ukraine, brics enlargement, brics expansion, ethiopia joins brics, ethiopia in bricks, ethiopia becomes brics member, what countries are in brics, new brics members, what's brics, what does brics do, brics currency, brics payment system, brics summit, russian presidency over brics, russias presidency at brics https://sputnikglobe.com/20240926/us-congress-happy-to-be-lied-to-in-service-of-american-imperialism--analyst-1120293423.html US Congress Happy to Be Lied to in Service of American Imperialism Analyst US Congress Happy to Be Lied to in Service of American Imperialism Analyst Sputnik International Secretary of State Antony Blinken is facing calls to resign after a damning report suggested he willfully misled Congress to keep US military aid flowing to Israel. 2024-09-26T05:15+0000 2024-09-26T05:15+0000 2024-09-26T05:18+0000 analysis us antony blinken dan lazare israel gaza strip congress propublica state department robert fantina https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e8/05/1d/1118676203_0:161:3071:1888_1920x0_80_0_0_6e9619878b0ddabfa40aaa16fb6fcf60.jpg Secretary of State Antony Blinken is facing calls to resign after a damning report suggested he willfully misled Congress to keep US military aid flowing to Israel.Analysis by the investigative reporting nonprofit ProPublica revealed that Blinken defied the findings of multiple government bodies that concluded Israel was deliberately blocking humanitarian aid to the Gaza Strip. Blinken ignored the advice of multiple officials with the State Department and US Agency for International Development (USAID), testifying before lawmakers that Tel Aviv was not interfering with the flow of aid.US law forbids the provision of military equipment to any country obstructing American humanitarian assistance.Journalists Dan Lazare and Robert Fantina joined Sputniks The Critical Hour program Wednesday to discuss the scandal, which has led the director of the Council on American-Islamic Relations to call on Blinken to resign.We've said before that the United States is enabling this genocide by continuing to arm Israel and by increasing its arms shipments to Israel, he continued. So the fact that Blinken is lying should really surprise no one. Other international organizations that aren't affiliated with any nation have said repeatedly for months that Israel is blocking humanitarian aid. And yet the United States denies this, or at least Blinken did.The human rights organization Amnesty International affirmed Israel was stemming the flow of humanitarian assistance earlier this year, characterizing Tel Avivs actions as a tightening of its 16-year-long suffocating blockade of Gaza. Israel has tightly controlled the amount of food and other basic necessities allowed to enter the Palestinian territory since June 2007, when it decided to dismantle its settlements in the Gaza Strip.However, Israel has exerted control over the strip of land, which is considered sovereign Palestinian territory under international law, since 1967, when it seized land intended to form the basis of a Palestinian state in the region. The US has served as the countrys strongest backer in the decades since, with Israel becoming the United States largest cumulative recipient of foreign aid.Observers claim the US backs the country as a crucial beachhead in a geopolitically vital region where Israel serves as a proxy for US interests against Iran and other adversaries.Israel is engaged in a brutal war, which is now spreading dramatically and it will continue doing so, said Lazare, claiming Israel is inarguably using the flow of humanitarian aid as an instrument of war. It's all irrelevant. I mean, war is the cessation of law, and, therefore, calling on warmakers to obey the law strikes me as kind of contradictory.Congress does not mind being lied to if it thinks it benefits the empire, Lazare agreed. In general there are lies Congress likes and lies Congress doesn't like. And, therefore, it's Congress' power of decision, power to decide which lies are okay and which lies are not. And generally the okay ones are those that further America's imperial ambitions.Sam Perlo-Freeman, a researcher with the group Campaign Against Arms Trade, agreed, claiming simply, most of Congress was very happy to be lied to and would have denounced Blinken for the truth. https://sputnikglobe.com/20240821/bidens-desperation-for-foreign-policy-win-explains-why-blinken-jumped-the-gun-on-gaza-deal-1119862969.html https://sputnikglobe.com/20240428/world-central-kitchen-to-resume-work-in-gaza-as-hunger-malnutrition-still-stalk-enclave-1118167268.html https://sputnikglobe.com/20240914/pink-floyd-co-founder-accuses-western-media-of-biased-coverage-of-donbass-gaza-conflicts-1120145659.html israel gaza strip 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 blinken lied to congress, blinken israel humanitarian aid, blinken israel military aid, blinken misled congress, genocide, arms deliveries, palestine-israel war, palestine-israel conflict, israel-gaza war, military aid, blinken lies, humanitarian aid, humanitarian assistance https://sputnikglobe.com/20240926/us-escalates-tensions-as-china-conducts-missile-test-in-pacific-1120290802.html US Escalates Tensions as China Conducts Missile Test in Pacific US Escalates Tensions as China Conducts Missile Test in Pacific Sputnik International The Chinese Defense Ministry said the launch was part of its annual exercises, while the China Central Television reported that the missile fell into the planned sea area. 2024-09-26T01:14+0000 2024-09-26T01:14+0000 2024-09-26T01:14+0000 analysis americans china washington chinese defense ministry pacific antony blinken us navy chinese navy tariff war https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e8/09/1a/1120291389_0:27:3072:1755_1920x0_80_0_0_5f77cbec2c7b6e07275d26e506311cf4.jpg On Wednesday, China announced that they had successfully test-fired an intercontinental ballistic missile carrying a dummy warhead into the Pacific Oceans high seas. The Chinese Defense Ministry said the launch was part of its annual exercises, while the China Central Television reported that the missile fell into the planned sea area."This launch was carried out as part of the annual training plan, it is in accordance with international law and international practice, it is not directed against any particular country or target," the ministry said in a statement on WeChat.KJ Noh, a scholar, journalist and geopolitical analyst specializing in the Asia-Pacific joined Sputniks Political Misfits on Wednesday to discuss what is surely becoming a second Cold War. The US is preparing for war with China. It has been since at least 2009. It's accelerated its pace. And the Navy just released a navigation plan 2024, which essentially it calendars a date for war with China by 2027. They claim deterrence, but the deterrence is so aggressive and forward leaning that you can only see it as provoking a war, the analyst explained. Now, the question here is, can the US win a war against China? The simple answer is no.The US announced a tariff hike on Friday targeting an array of Chinese-made goods, including a 100% duty on electric vehicles, a 50% levy on Solar cells and 25% on steel, aluminum, EV batteries and key minerals. Automakers warned that the tariff could disrupt supply chains - a warning that the US blatantly ignored. Washington maintains the suspicion that cars with devices that are connected to the internet or cloud services are vulnerable to hacking attacks. The ban on software could be put into effect as soon as the 2027 model year, with prohibitions on hardware set to occur in January of 2029, Sputnik recently reported.China, a leader in electric vehicles and components for smart cars, has insisted it respects both the security of its foreign customers and the principles of fair competition.[The US] is afraid that China is going to do to the US what the US clearly has the capacity to do around the world. And because of this, it wants to shut down EVs and, essentially, prevent any Chinese EV or Chinese tech, really, internet-connected tech from coming in, he added.In one week, the US House of Representatives approved 25 anti-Chinese laws in bipartisan votes. US efforts to undermine China are one of few issues both Republicans and Democrats can agree on, US media noted. One of the bills passed included the Countering the PRC Malign Influence Fund Authorization Act, which will give $1.63 billion to the State Department and USAID over five years that will fund organizations that spread anti-China propaganda worldwide.A report from Geopolitical Economy noted that the second Cold War seems to be reaching a critical point as CIA Director William Burns referred to China as the biggest long-term threat, while the last two US secretaries of state, Democrat Antony Blinken and Republican Mike Pompeo, gave speeches specifically dedicated to demonizing China.But, it signals an escalating information war, which signals a preparation for kinetic war. And it's really about manufacturing consent for war, delegitimizing China, demonizing China, making everybody afraid of China, making everybody think China is a threat. And it also asserts US narrative dominance, which is absolutely necessary because the information sphere is a theater of war." https://sputnikglobe.com/20240922/biden-administration-mulling-ban-on-chinese-smart-car-software-amid-trade-spat-1120249707.html https://sputnikglobe.com/20240924/china-urges-win-win-cooperation-as-us-sees-zero-sum-game-1120266713.html china washington pacific Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rossiya Segodnya 252 60 2024 Mary Manley https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e6/01/0b/1092187887_0:0:2048:2049_100x100_80_0_0_0c2cc4c84f89aff034cc55bb01fb6697.jpg Mary Manley https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e6/01/0b/1092187887_0:0:2048:2049_100x100_80_0_0_0c2cc4c84f89aff034cc55bb01fb6697.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 Mary Manley https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e6/01/0b/1092187887_0:0:2048:2049_100x100_80_0_0_0c2cc4c84f89aff034cc55bb01fb6697.jpg ev tariffs, china's test-firing, chinese defense ministry, chinese army, chinese forces, chinese nuclear forces, chinese nukes, chinese icbm, chinese missiles, chinese electric vehicles, electric vehicles, amreican tariffs, american ban This photo taken on May 31, 2024 shows a view of the Palace Museum in Beijing, capital of China. (Xinhua/Chen Yehua) Chinese museums registered 940 million visits in the first eight months of this year, maintaining their popularity among Chinese visitors in recent years, official data showed on Wednesday. The country's National Cultural Heritage Administration (NCHA) released the figure at a press conference held by the State Council Information Office. About 300 million visits were made in two months during the summer season, accounting for nearly a third of the total figure, said Liu Yang, an NCHA official. Hot spots like the Palace Museum and the National Museum of China in Beijing have become the top destinations among Chinese travelers, according to Liu. The growing public enthusiasm for museums during the summer break came with measures taken by nationwide museums, such as streamlining booking services and extending opening hours, to better serve the visitors, Liu noted. The administration will step up efforts in terms of coordinating the development of different types of museums, optimizing booking and commentary services, and ensuring more access to online and offline exhibitions, to further meet people's cultural needs in the future, Liu added. China has seen a surging demand for visiting museums in recent years, with 1.29 billion visits to a total of 6,833 officially registered museums throughout 2023. An $11,300 conditioned trot was served up as the main dish on Wednesday evening, Sept. 25 at Grand River Raceway and Jgs Pal took the long way around, but still prevailed in the featured class. As the car drew away, the field battled for their place along the pylons, but Jgs Pal and Samuel Fillion never found that place before the quarter in :27 as they took back to the tail end of the pack. The pair idled briefly in seventh on the pylons, but moved out once again on the move to the top. They were seventh from the outside at the :56.2 half, 7-1/4 lengths trailing off the leading Hilarious Archie (Jason Ryan). Still continuing in seventh, Jgs Pal bridged the gap to 5-3/4 lengths at the three-quarters in 1:25. He moved three-wide going into the turn and then was pushed five-wide down the stretch. Coasting down the center of the track, Jgs Pal bested his field by a length in 1:56.1. Jay Richard Nyce (Brett MacDonald) finished second and Star Hairdresser (Austin Sorrie) was third. Jgs Pal (Tactical Landing-Dressed To Impress) is owned by trainer Bryan Lawrence with Stuart Lawrence and Smurk Inc. He earned his seventh career win and improved his seasonal tally to 6-0-3 in 12 starts. The final time was a career best for the sophomore gelding. Delivering as the favourite, he paid $4.10 to win. To view Wednesday's harness racing results, click the following link: Wednesday Results - Grand River Raceway. (Standardbred Canada) SALMO PRIEST WILDERNESS Sullivan Creek Road begins east of Metaline Falls and follows its eponymous creek for miles. When the road turns north, the climbing starts. It winds high into the Selkirk Mountains and dead ends on a ridge close to Salmo Mountain. Then there are no more roads. From there to the Canadian border lies the Salmo Basin, a deep drainage filled with a cedar and hemlock forest that's threaded by the South Fork of the Salmo River. A trail begins there and dives downhill to the river, cutting through a dense cedar and hemlock forest to begin a 19-mile loop through the Salmo-Priest Wilderness. The horseshoe-shaped area covers more than 41,000 acres of wild country in Washington's far northeastern corner, where caribou once roamed and grizzly bears still do. Permanent federal protections arrived for the Salmo-Priest 40 years ago with the passage of the Washington Wilderness Act. The law expanded some wilderness areas and created 19 new ones, protecting more than 1 million acres in all. It was part of a wave of legislation nationwide that made 1984 the biggest year in history for wilderness designations. For the Salmo-Priest, it was the culmination of a battle that started more than a decade earlier, with a bear hunt and the discovery of plans for a new road. Survey stakes Ray Kresek is best known as the region's leading expert on the history of fire lookouts. His house on the far north side of Spokane doubles as the Fire Lookout Museum, and it's overflowing with U.S. Forest Service artifacts old tools, Smokey Bear memorabilia, even a mock lookout in the backyard. He's also the guy who started the push to protect the Salmo-Priest. "It's a long story, but it was a tough one," Kresek said. It began in the late 1960s, when Kresek went bear hunting in the Salmo Basin, one of his favorite spots. He didn't get one, and he was glad. The forest was so thick he thinks there was no way he'd have ever gotten it home. He did find something else, however. When he got down to the river, he saw that survey stakes had been pounded into the ground. They continued on the other side of the river, and he followed them up another creek drainage. "I thought, 'for God sakes, are they going to put a road down here?'" Kresek said. On his way back to Spokane, he stopped at the Forest Service's Sullivan Lake office to ask about what he'd found. Sure enough, there were plans to extend the road from the top of the ridge down to the Salmo River, and for logging the basin. The way Kresek puts it, he "had some whiskers back then." He was president of the Spokane Mountaineers, and he had connections to a broader network of outdoor clubs in the West, including the Sierra Club. He marshaled an army to fight the Forest Service's plans and to call for protecting the basin. Initially, they weren't thinking about a wilderness designation, but Kresek said it became clear that was the only way to permanently preserve the basin. He drew up a boundary, designing it to include as much roadless land as possible. It looks mostly the same as the shape that is shown on maps today a U-shape around the top of the Sullivan Creek drainage, wrapping around Crowell Ridge, the Salmo Basin and the Shedroof Divide. He also extended the border into the Priest River drainage in Idaho, which completed the name. There was plenty of opposition. Loggers and local officials argued the area was full of valuable timber, and that it needed to stay open to industry to keep the lumber supply steady and fuel the local economy. Kresek argues that the trees weren't worth the effort it would take to log them. A firefighter by trade, he was teaching wildland fire classes at Spokane Community College at the time. One summer he had some students go to the basin with a bore to see what was inside the cedar trees. The work showed that the trees were hollow. That didn't do much to quiet the opposition. In a Spokane Daily Chronicle story from August 1970, Pend Oreille County officials lambasted the proposal, criticizing its backers as outsiders who were ingnoring local voices. Kresek countered that the land belonged to everyone, not just those who live in Pend Oreille County. Still, the wilderness supporters pushed forward. Thousands of petitions supporting the designation were signed, thanks in part to the efforts of Kresek's wife and kids, who gathered signatures outside a local grocery store. Kresek made the case for wilderness at public meetings, occasionally in front of unfriendly crowds. At a meeting at a grange hall in Newport, he was locked in a kitchen and only let out once everyone had left. Another time, after leaving a meeting in Metaline, he found his car had two flat tires. He also spent a lot of time in the place he was trying to protect. He and his family camped there and hiked all the trails. They liked it. "It's just a peaceful place," Kresek said. "A gentle wilderness." The push for protections secured a big win early. Because the area was being considered for wilderness designation, the Forest Service shelved the logging and road projects and put a moratorium on development there. Only Congress could go further. But Kresek said the conversation seemed to die down in the middle of the 1970s. There were times he thought it was dead. "It kind of fell into limbo," Kresek said. Statewide push In addition to immediately protecting 9.1 million acres, the 1964 Wilderness Act directed federal agencies to examine their lands and recommend additional areas to be added to the National Wilderness Preservation System. New designations followed relatively quickly. By 1974, the U.S. had 91 wilderness areas encompassing more than 13.5 million acres. Still, progress wasn't happening fast enough for some wilderness advocates. There were groups who wanted to see all kinds of places protected. It became clear to some advocates that the best way to go about it would be to package several proposals together in a single state-based bill. Similar campaigns cropped up in multiple states. In Washington, the campaign was led by the Washington Wilderness Coalition, now known as Washington Wild. Founded in 1979, the group's leaders traveled the state to gin up support for a statewide push to protect multiple areas. The issue then became what belonged in a Washington wilderness bill. In the northeastern part of the state, there was significant support for two proposed areas: one in the Kettle Range, near Republic, and Kresek's proposal for the Salmo Priest. Congress considered a few versions of a statewide bill in the early 1980s, but the final version wasn't set until 1984, after long negotiations among the Washington congressional delegation led by Spokane Democratic Rep. Tom Foley, according to a history published by Washington Wild. There were intense negotiations over several areas, but the delegation finally came to an agreement that included 23 wilderness proposals 19 new areas and four expansions of existing areas and additional designations such as the Mount Baker National Recreation Area and the North Cascades Scenic Highway. Not everything got into the bill. The proposal for the Kettle Range was carved out, a disappointment for supporters who had been campaigning to protect that area for years. Meanwhile, the Salmo-Priest survived. Mountain caribou were a big reason why the Selkirks were the last place in the Lower 48 that the animals still used, and a wilderness designation would protect their habitat. Something to celebrate The final version of the wilderness boundary was different from the one Kresek drew up years earlier. His proposal was for about 36,000 acres in Washington and Idaho. The version in the Washington Wilderness Act, which President Ronald Reagan signed in July 1984, was more than 41,000 acres and completely in Washington. The Idaho portion is managed as wilderness, but it has never been formally designated. The caribou are now gone. The last known caribou in the U.S. portion of the Selkirks was trapped and hauled north into Canada five years ago. Other pieces of the ecosystem remain. Wolves, grizzly bears, big cedar trees. The silence, the stunning views, the absence of roads. Kresek hasn't been back in 10 years or so, he said. He's 86, and his hiking days are long over. The Salmo-Priest looms large in his head, though, and on the walls of his basement. There's a photo of the falls on the Priest River, in the zone he still hopes will one day be added to the wilderness area. There's another of Kresek staring at a giant cedar. And there's one of him and his son Mike, standing next to the brand new Salmo-Priest Wilderness sign, all fresh and clean. It was taken in 1986, shortly after the sign was put up. Kresek is quick to say it wasn't just him. Without the help of the rest of the Spokane Mountaineers and the Sierra Club and many others who joined him in the fight, plus all the work it took to pass the Washington Wilderness Act, the designation might never have happened. But the fight did take over his life for more than a decade. He'd say it was worth it. "It was an experience of a lifetime," Kresek said. Qlik announced its participation in the UN Global Compact, marking a new chapter in its partnership with the United Nations (UN) to further global sustainability initiatives. This commitment deepens Qliks role in leveraging data and AI to advance the UNs Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and underscores the companys broader strategy of driving environmental, social, and governance (ESG) objectives. For over a decade, the United Nations has been a critical partner in our mission to provide advanced data integration, analytics, and AI technologies that support transformative global action, said Julie Kae, Vice President of Sustainability and DEIB, Executive Director of Qlik.org. By joining the UN Global Compact, we reaffirm our dedication to equipping organizations like the UN with the tools needed to navigate complex global challenges, from climate action to human rights. The UN Global Compact is the worlds largest corporate sustainability initiative, with participants across 167 countries. Through this framework, Qlik will expand its work with the UN to empower agencies and stakeholders to use data and AI for more transparent and effective decision-making. Lambert Hogenhout, Chief Data and Analytics Officer at the UN Office for Information and Communications Technology (OICT), added, Our collaboration with Qlik has been instrumental in strengthening the United Nations ability to analyze and act on critical data. This partnership has allowed us to enhance efficiency, transparency, and decision-making across a wide range of global initiatives, from climate action to human rights. Data is at the heart of progress, and Qliks solutions have enabled us to navigate complex global challenges with greater confidence and agility. Dr. Rumman Chowdhury, founding member of Qliks AI Council, CEO and co-founder, Humane, noted, Expanding access to advanced data, analytics, and AI technologies is crucial for accelerating global development and tackling the worlds most pressing challenges. By equipping organizations, including the UN, with these tools, we can foster sustainability, equity, and drive meaningful change on a global scale. Qlik has been a long-standing partner of the UN, working closely with the Office for Information and Communications Technology (OICT) to overcome challenges related to siloed data and inconsistent governance. Today, Qliks data integration platform is a key enabler of the UNs mission to drive progress on the 17 SDGs, empowering the organization to make informed decisions across a range of initiatives. These solutions span critical areas such as budget tracking, procurement, gender equality, peacekeeping troop deployments, capacity development projects, and global crime statistics, helping the UN advance its global initiatives with greater efficiency and impact. Recently, Qlik extended its support to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), where its data and analytics solutions help accelerate the shift from climate mitigation to actionable, data-driven climate strategies. This partnership enables the UNFCCC to leverage AI to handle vast datasets from countries worldwide, ensuring quality and transparency in global climate reporting. Qliks decision to join the UN Global Compact reinforces its role as a leader in helping organizations align with ESG objectives through advanced data integration and AI. By enabling access to transformative technology, Qlik continues to empower stakeholders across the global sector to drive sustainable and equitable progress. An opera artist from south China's Guangdong Province presents a performance showcasing the charm of China's Lingnan culture at the National Museum of New Zealand in Wellington, New Zealand, Sept. 25, 2024. This cultural promotion event was jointly held by the China International Cultural Association, the Chinese Embassy in New Zealand, the Guangdong Provincial Department of Culture and Tourism, the China Cultural Center in Wellington, and co-organized by the Federation of the Chinese Association of New Zealand. It aims to promote exchanges and mutual learning of civilizations between China and New Zealand. (Photo by Meng Tao/Xinhua) Artists from Guangdong Province, southern China, showcased the charm of China's Lingnan culture to New Zealanders at the National Museum of New Zealand in Wellington on Wednesday evening. This cultural promotion event was jointly held by the China International Cultural Association, the Chinese Embassy in New Zealand, the Guangdong Provincial Department of Culture and Tourism, the China Cultural Center in Wellington, and co-organized by the Federation of the Chinese Association of New Zealand. It aims to promote exchanges and mutual learning of civilizations between China and New Zealand. At the beginning of the event, five inheritors of intangible cultural heritage from Guangdong presented a unique performance, including the Lingnan school of Guqin art, Chaozhou Kung Fu tea art, Canton Porcelain, and art of Dongguan agarwood incense. The performances also featured Chinese folk musical instrument performance, Chinese folk song and dance, attracting more than 200 people. At the final of the show, the audience cheered and applauded in ovation for the artists' performance. A Wellington citizen who named herself only as Barbara told Xinhua that this has been the largest Chinese cultural event ever held in Wellington since COVID-19, and the whole show was "amazing" and "impressive". The programs about Chinese tea especially broadened her horizon as a tea lover. "China is the hometown of tea and the birthplace of the tea culture in the world," she said, "I truly immersed in the profoundness of Chinese tea culture in this event." Zhang Yimin, deputy director of the Guangdong Provincial Department of Culture and Tourism, said it is exciting to be here to engage in friendly exchanges by enjoying tea and artistic performances. He hoped this event will help New Zealanders gain a deeper understanding of Guangdong's culture and tourism, further promote cultural and tourism exchanges and cooperation between Guangdong and New Zealand, and inject vitality into the long-term friendly exchanges and mutual learning of civilizations between China and New Zealand. Guangdong Province is the heart of Lingnan culture, the starting point of the Maritime Silk Road, and a pioneer in China's reform and opening-up. The province is working together with Hong Kong and Macao to build the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area (GBA) into a world-class tourism destination, Zhang added. 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 Researchers from the Advancing Systems Analysis (ASA) program recently participated in a seminar inviting expert dialogue on the role of BRICS competition authorities in the fast-maturing era of artificial intelligence (AI) and whether authorities from BRICS and beyond can cooperate on a common vision for AI in the interest of societal welfare. Once a collection of fragmented technologies with limited applications, AI has rapidly evolved into a crucial driver of innovation across diverse sectors, including the digital economy. However, the AI industry is at risk of becoming oligopolistic under existing Big Tech. Through investments and partnerships, Big Tech has already positioned their influence in the development of AI while avoiding conventional regulatory merger probes. The recent partnership between Microsoft and OpenAI is a prime example. Such cases have focused attention on the pressing need for competition authorities to adapt and harmonize their approaches to regulating the digital economy. On 12 September 2024, Elena Rovenskaya presented (virtually) at the BRICS Seminar on Artificial Intelligence Regulation hosted at the School of International and Public Affairs of Shanghai Jiao Tong University in Shanghai in collaboration with the BRICS Competition Law and Policy Center. The seminar invited presenters from various experts from BRICS nations involved in the development of AI regulations. A working paper on this topic is published on the Research Square preprint server. In her presentation, Rovenskaya discussed how integrated systems analysis can enable competition authorities to better evaluate the potential outcomes of strategic partnerships between entities in the digital economy that typically fly under the radar of merger criteria. Specifically, she introduced system dynamics modeling, including causal loop diagrams, which enable us to illustrate complex systems as a set of interacting components whereby the components and their relevant interactions are informed by literature, expert opinion, or stakeholder input. The latest explorations of the ECOANTITRUST reveal the potential loss of strategic independence for AI service providers through various partnerships with Big Tech incumbents. In 2019, for example, Microsoft and OpenAI entered a partnership involving various investments and product integrations. Despite increasing concerns, several competition authorities have failed to realize probe into the partnership. Rovenskaya presented analysis developed by the ECOANTITRUST team, informed by public discussions on the Microsoft-OpenAI partnership following their governance controversies of the latter in late 2023. The analysis indicates numerous pathways and feedback loops through which the reduction of the strategic autonomy of Open AI affects competition and innovation in the AI sector. The presentation was well-received, with experts commenting that the need to integrate systems-led analysis into competition law is greater than ever before. More information: Elena Rovenskaya et al, An Ecological Perspective to Master the Complexities of the Digital Economy, Research Square (2024). DOI: 10.21203/rs.3.rs-3552451/v1 This article has been reviewed according to Science X's editorial process and policies . Editors have highlighted the following attributes while ensuring the content's credibility: Credit: Pixabay/CC0 Public Domain Imperial County consistently ranks among the most economically distressed places in California. The Salton Sea, the state's biggest and most toxic lake, is an environmental disaster. And the region's politics have been dominated by a conservative white elite, despite its supermajority Latino population. The county also happens to be sitting on enough lithium to produce nearly 400 million batteries, sufficient to completely revamp the American auto fleet to electric propulsion. Even better, that lithium could be extracted in a way consistent with broader goals to reduce pollution. The traditional ways to extract lithium involve either hard rock mining, which generates lots of waste, or large evaporation ponds, which waste a lot of water. In Imperial Valley, companies are pioneering a third method. They are extracting the mineral from the underground briny water brought up during geothermal energy production and then injecting that briny water back into the ground in a closed loop. It promises to yield the cleanest, greenest lithium on the planet. The hope of a clean energy future has excited investors and public officials so much that the area is being rechristened as "Lithium Valley." In a region desperate for jobs and income, the prospect of a "white gold rush" is appealing. Public officials have been working to roll out the red carpet for big investors, including trying to create a clear plan for infrastructure and a quicker permitting process. To get community groups' support, they are playing up the potential for jobs, including company commitments to hire local workers. But Imperial Valley residents who have been at the butt end of get-rich schemes around water and real estate in the past are worried that their political leaders may be giving away the store. As we explore in our new book, "Charging Forward: Lithium Valley, Electric Vehicles and a Just Future," the U.S. has an opportunity to ensure that these residents directly benefit from the lithium extraction boom, which is an important part of the global shift to clean energy. Possibilities and perils in 'Lithium Valley' Imperial Valley is emblematic of the potential and the risks that have long faced impoverished communities in resource-rich regions. To understand the possibilities and perils in Imperial Valley, it's useful to remember that the world is not just moving away from fossil fuel extraction but toward more mineral extraction. Today's battery technologynecessary for electric vehicles and energy storagerelies on minerals including cobalt, magnesium, nickel and graphite. And mineral extraction is often accompanied by obscured environmental risks. In Imperial Valley, environmental and community organizations are worried about lithium extraction's water use, waste and air pollution as production steps up and truck traffic increases. When your region's childhood asthma rate is already more than twice the national average, and dust from the drying lake is toxic, kicking up a "little extra dust" is a big deal. Comite Civico del Valle, a long-established environmental justice organization in Imperial Valley, has sued to slow down a streamlined permitting process for Controlled Thermal Resources, a company planning lithium extraction there. The group's concern is that inadequate environmental reviews could result in harm to residents' health. Both the company and public officials are warning that the lawsuit could stop the lithium boom before it begins. Local communities are also concerned about how much benefit they will see while the industry profits. They note that the electric vehicle boom driving lithium demand occurred precisely because of public policy. Tesla, for example, has benefited from multiple rounds of state and federal zero-emissions vehicle incentives, including the sale of emissions credits that accounted for 85% of Tesla's gross margin in 2009 and rose to US $1.8 billion a year by 2023. Behind these policies and financial incentives have been public will and taxpayer money. We believe that local residents, not just companies, deserve a return. Rather than promising to just pay for community "benefits," such as environmental mitigation, contributions to municipal coffers or jobs, the companies could pay "dividends" directly to local residents and communities. There are models of this dividend approach. For example, the Alaska Permanent Fund gives an annual amount to all residents of that state from revenues obtained from the oil beneath the ground. In Imperial Valley, the actual ownership of the lithium is complex, involving a mix of privately owned subsurface rights, public lease rights obtained by companies and public rights held by the regional water district to whom companies will pay royalties. Given the ownership complexities and the desire to benefit as development takes place, local authorities and community organizations persuaded the state in 2022 to pass a per-metric-ton lithium tax to address local needs. That "flat tax" was bitterly resisted by some in the emerging industry on the grounds that it could make Imperial Valley's less-polluting extraction method too costly to compete with environmentally damaging imports; after the vote, CTR's CEO called the legislators "clowns". Meanwhile, CTR has also agreed to hire union workers in the construction phase. Everyonecompanies, communities and government officialsis struggling to balance economic viability with accountability. Lessons for a just transition The hesitance of low-income Imperial Valley residents to immediately buy into the lithium vision is deeply rooted in history. Decades of racial exclusion, patronizing practices and broken promises have led to deep distrust of outsiders who assert that things will be better this time. Irrigation at the turn of the last century was supposed to bring an agricultural boom, but the early result was a broken canal that released enough water over nearly two years of disrepair to create what is now the Salton Sea. The Salton Sea was then supposed to fuel recreational tourism, but the failure to replenish it with anything but agricultural runoff helped to kill fish, birds and recreation. A more recent scheme to attract solar farms in recent decades delivered little employment and more worries about agricultural displacement. Building the supply chain here, too In recent years, some people have pinned their hopes on lithium. The main site so far in Imperial Valley has been CTR's Hell's Kitchen. It's a fitting moniker on summer days when temperatures regularly exceed 110 degrees. Ensuring that the surrounding communities benefit from this new lithium boom will require thinking about how to attract not just companies extracting the lithium but also those that will use it. So far, Imperial County has had limited success in attracting related industries. In 2023, a company named Statevolt said it would build a "gigafactory" there to assemble batteries. However, the company's previous effortsBritishvolt in the United Kingdom and Italvot in Italyhave stalled without any volts being produced. Imperial County will need serious suitors to make a go of it. A potentially promising future for modern transportation and energy storage may be brewing in Imperial Valley. But getting to a brighter future for everyone will require remembering a lesson from the past: that community investments tend to be hard-won. We believe that ensuring everyone benefits in the long term is essential for achieving a more inclusive and sustainable future. 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: Sam Altman, right, CEO of ChatGPT maker OpenAI, and Mira Murati, chief technology officer, appear at OpenAI DevDay, OpenAI's first developer conference, on Nov. 6, 2023 in San Francisco. Credit: AP Photo/Barbara Ortutay, File A high-ranking executive at OpenAI who served a few days as its interim CEO during a period of turmoil last year said she's leaving the artificial intelligence company. Mira Murati, OpenAI's chief technology officer, said in a written statement Wednesday that, after much reflection, she has "made the difficult decision to leave OpenAI." "I'm stepping away because I want to create the time and space to do my own exploration," she said. Two other top executives are also on their way out, CEO Sam Altman announced later Wednesday. The decisions by Murati, as well as OpenAI's Chief Research Officer Bob McGrew and another research leader, Barret Zoph, were made "independently of each other and amicably," Altman said in a note to employees he shared on social media. They are the latest high-profile departures from San Francisco-based OpenAI, which started as a nonprofit research laboratory and is best known for making ChatGPT. Its president and co-founder, Greg Brockman, said in August he was "taking a sabbatical" through the end of the year. Another co-founder, John Schulman, left in August for rival Anthropic, founded in 2021 by a group of ex-OpenAI leaders. Yet another co-founder, Ilya Sutskever, who led a team focused on AI safety, left in May and has started his own AI company. Mira Murati appears at OpenAI DevDay, OpenAI's first developer conference, on Nov. 6, 2023 in San Francisco. Credit: AP Photo/Barbara Ortutay, File Days after Sutskever's departure, his safety team co-leader Jan Leike also resigned and leveled criticism at OpenAI for letting safety "take a backseat to shiny products." Murati spoke positively of the company and Altman in a departing note to colleagues shared on social media, describing it as "at the pinnacle of AI innovation" and saying it's hard to leave a place one cherishes. Altman expressed his gratitude for Murati's service and said leadership changes are natural for a fast-growing company. "I obviously won't pretend it's natural for this one to be so abrupt, but we are not a normal company," Altman said in a post on X that also announced that six other people were taking new roles. Murati was suddenly catapulted to be the company's interim CEO late last year after the board of directors fired Altman, sparking upheaval in the AI industry. The company later brought in another interim CEO before restoring Altman to his leadership role and replacing most of the board members who ousted him. 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: Students use their cellphones as they leave for the day the Ramon C. Cortines School of Visual and Performing Arts High School in downtown Los Angeles, Aug. 13, 2024. Credit: AP Photo/Damian Dovarganes, File Worried about your teen's Instagram use? Faced with growing pressure to do more to stop online harm, the social media platform has rolled out a major new update to protect young people and give parents more control. With many teens spending almost all of their time online, parents are concerned that social media is exposing them to harmful content like cyberbullying, eating disorders and suicidal thoughts. Prominent profile figures including U.S. Surgeon General Vivek Murthy and Prince Harry have warned about the risks. Critics say Instagram's changes are a step in the right direction but they still put the onus on parents and children instead of the company to deal with the problem. Here's a guide to Instagram's new teen accounts: What limits will young users have? Instagram already prohibits anyone under 13 from signing up. Now, teen accounts will automatically be set to private. That means they'll have to accept or reject requests from new followers. Other users won't be able to see a teen user's posts and videos, or tag the account. Teens will also face messaging restrictions. They can only receive direct messages from people they're following or who follow them. But they can still send messages to other accounts. And they'll be subject to the strictest content settings, and won't be shown content involving sensitive topics like fighting videos and posts about cosmetic procedures. Instagram's anti-bullying feature will be set to the highest level to screen out offensive words and phrases in comments and direct message requests. To cut down their screen time, teens will get a notification to stop using the app after it's been open for more than an hour which they can ignore. Sleep mode will kick in from 10 p.m. to 7 a.m., which mutes notifications and sends auto-replies to direct messages at a time when they're supposed to be sleeping. However, they can still scroll through Instagram and even respond to messages if they want to. Are there workarounds? These limits will be turned on automatically for all teens, but 16 and 17-year-olds will have the authority to turn them off. Kids under 16 will need permission to do so and parents can make changes and approve or deny any requests in the family center. Teens might lie about their age, but it's getting harder to fool the platform. Instagram has previously started requiring users to verify their ages by uploading an ID or doing a video selfie if they try to change their birthdates to show they're over 18. Now, Instagram says it will start testing artificial intelligence technology early next year to detect if a user is a teen even if the account lists an adult birthday. Of course, teens don't have to agree to be supervised in the first place. Instagram says they and their parents both have to opt in. And either side can revoke supervision at any time. What if the parent isn't on Instagram? If you want to use the teen controls, you'll need an account even if you don't want it. A spokeswoman said it's important for parents to be familiar with the platform so they can effectively supervise their teens. New controls for parents If you don't think the limits on your teen's account are strict enough, you can add supervisory controls. This feature allows parents to see who their teen has traded messages with within the past seven days, but not what's in those messages. Not happy that your teen can ignore reminders to stop using the app? There are controls to let parents limit the amount of time their teen spends on Instagram each day. Once the limit is hit, they are cut off. You can also block your teen from using Instagram during specific times of the day, and monitor the topics of content that they're seeing. How to set up parental controls First, you'll need your teen to set up family supervision on his or her account. On the mobile app, go to settings and scroll down to the family center to activate this feature. Next, the teen account will have to invite a parent. It will be in the form of a link the teen can send by text message to the parent. After accepting the invite, the teen user has 48 hours to review and confirm the parent's response. Can I use the teen settings right away? Anyone under 18 who now signs up for Instagram in the U.S., U.K., Canada and Australia will be automatically enrolled into a restricted teen account. Existing accounts will be transferred by mid-November. Teens in the European Union's 27 countries will be migrated later this year. The rest of the world will get teen accounts in January and they will roll out to other Meta services like Facebook next year. 2024 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission. Canadian Pacific Kansas City Limited (TSE:CP Get Free Report) (NYSE:CP) announced a quarterly dividend on Monday, July 29th, RTT News reports. Investors of record on Monday, October 28th will be given a dividend of 0.19 per share on Friday, September 27th. This represents a $0.76 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 0.66%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Friday, September 27th. Canadian Pacific Kansas City Trading Down 1.1 % Shares of TSE:CP opened at C$114.78 on Thursday. The stocks 50-day simple moving average is C$112.41 and its two-hundred day simple moving average is C$112.69. The stock has a market capitalization of C$107.10 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 30.74, a PEG ratio of 2.32 and a beta of 0.79. Canadian Pacific Kansas City has a 52-week low of C$94.45 and a 52-week high of C$123.37. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 50.47, a quick ratio of 0.42 and a current ratio of 0.51. Get Canadian Pacific Kansas City alerts: Canadian Pacific Kansas City (TSE:CP Get Free Report) (NYSE:CP) last posted its quarterly earnings data on Tuesday, July 30th. The company reported C$1.05 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of C$1.01 by C$0.04. The company had revenue of C$3.60 billion for the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of C$3.55 billion. Canadian Pacific Kansas City had a net margin of 24.46% and a return on equity of 8.10%. Analysts expect that Canadian Pacific Kansas City will post 5.090035 EPS for the current year. Wall Street Analyst Weigh In A number of equities research analysts have recently issued reports on CP shares. National Bankshares set a C$119.00 price objective on shares of Canadian Pacific Kansas City and gave the company a sector perform rating in a research report on Thursday, June 27th. Desjardins boosted their price target on Canadian Pacific Kansas City from C$131.00 to C$132.00 and gave the company a buy rating in a report on Wednesday, July 31st. TD Securities raised their price objective on Canadian Pacific Kansas City from C$115.00 to C$120.00 and gave the stock a hold rating in a research note on Wednesday, July 31st. Barclays boosted their price objective on Canadian Pacific Kansas City from C$95.00 to C$97.00 and gave the company a buy rating in a research note on Wednesday. Finally, ATB Capital increased their target price on shares of Canadian Pacific Kansas City from C$130.00 to C$133.00 and gave the stock an outperform rating in a report on Wednesday, July 31st. Four investment analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and nine have given a buy rating to the companys stock. According to MarketBeat.com, Canadian Pacific Kansas City presently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus price target of C$121.67. Check Out Our Latest Stock Report on Canadian Pacific Kansas City Insider Activity at Canadian Pacific Kansas City In other news, Senior Officer John Kenneth Brooks sold 21,700 shares of Canadian Pacific Kansas City stock in a transaction dated 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 other news, Senior Officer John Kenneth Brooks sold 21,700 shares of the 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 transaction of C$2,430,629.59. Also, Senior Officer Laird Joseph Pitz sold 5,480 shares of the firms stock in a transaction on Tuesday, August 20th. The shares were sold at an average price of C$79.71, for a total transaction of C$436,796.55. Over the last ninety days, insiders sold 87,105 shares of company stock valued at $9,340,938. Corporate insiders own 0.03% of the companys stock. About Canadian Pacific Kansas City (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. Read More 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. Destiny Media Technologies (OTCMKTS:DSNY Get Free Report) and Cheetah Mobile (NYSE:CMCM Get Free Report) are both small-cap computer and technology companies, but which is the superior stock? We will contrast the two companies based on the strength of their profitability, dividends, institutional ownership, risk, earnings, valuation and analyst recommendations. Risk and Volatility Destiny Media Technologies has a beta of 0.96, indicating that its share price is 4% less volatile than the S&P 500. Comparatively, Cheetah Mobile has a beta of 1.49, indicating that its share price is 49% more volatile than the S&P 500. Get Destiny Media Technologies alerts: Institutional & Insider Ownership 0.4% of Cheetah Mobile shares are held by institutional investors. 13.1% of Destiny Media Technologies shares are held by insiders. Comparatively, 17.1% of Cheetah Mobile shares are held by insiders. Strong institutional ownership is an indication that endowments, large money managers and hedge funds believe a stock will outperform the market over the long term. Analyst Recommendations Sell Ratings Hold Ratings Buy Ratings Strong Buy Ratings Rating Score Destiny Media Technologies 0 0 0 0 N/A Cheetah Mobile 0 0 0 0 N/A This is a summary of recent recommendations for Destiny Media Technologies and Cheetah Mobile, as provided by MarketBeat. Profitability This table compares Destiny Media Technologies and Cheetah Mobiles net margins, return on equity and return on assets. Net Margins Return on Equity Return on Assets Destiny Media Technologies 5.20% 6.62% 5.89% Cheetah Mobile N/A N/A N/A Earnings and Valuation This table compares Destiny Media Technologies and Cheetah Mobiles top-line revenue, earnings per share and valuation. Gross Revenue Price/Sales Ratio Net Income Earnings Per Share Price/Earnings Ratio Destiny Media Technologies $4.03 million 1.84 $340,000.00 $0.01 77.09 Cheetah Mobile $94.30 million 1.20 -$84.92 million N/A N/A Destiny Media Technologies has higher earnings, but lower revenue than Cheetah Mobile. Summary Destiny Media Technologies beats Cheetah Mobile on 5 of the 9 factors compared between the two stocks. About Destiny Media Technologies (Get Free Report) Destiny Media Technologies Inc. develops technologies that enable the distribution of digital media files in a streaming or digital download format over the Internet. It offers Play MPE, an online platform that distributes promotional content, including broadcast quality audio, video, images, promotional information, and other digital content from record labels and artists to broadcasting professionals, music curators, and music reviewers to discover, download, broadcast, and review the content; Play MPE CASTER; Play MPE Quickshare provides a distribution tool for Play MPE customers to promote music; and Play MPE Player for music curators to review and download content through cloud-based player and mobile apps. The company also provides Music Tracking Radar, a digital tracking service that tracks and reports the number and times customers track is played; Clipstream, an online video platform for encoding, hosting, and reporting on video playback that can be embedded in third party websites or emails; and playback through its JavaScript codec engine. It markets and sells its products in the United States, Canada, Europe, Asia, South America, Africa, and Australia. The company was founded in 1991 and is based in Vancouver, Canada. About Cheetah Mobile (Get Free Report) Cheetah Mobile Inc. along with its subsidiaries, engages in provision of internet services, artificial intelligence, and other services in the People's Republic of China, Hong Kong, Japan, and internationally. The company's internet products include Duba Anti-virus, an internet security application to protect users against known and unknown security threats and malicious applications; and Clean Master, a junk file cleaning, memory boosting, and privacy protection tool for mobile devices. It also offers value-added products, such as PC and mobile products, as well as wallpaper, office optimization software, and others; E-Coupon vending robot, a delivery and reception robot, which includes marketing campaigns and services; and multi-cloud management platform and overseas advertising agency service. In addition, the company provides mobile advertising services; duba.com personal start page that aggregates online resources and provides users access to their online destinations, such as online shopping, video, online game, travel, and local information; artificial intelligence and other services; and premium membership services. It serves mobile advertising networks and partners, e-commerce companies, mobile application developers, and mobile game developers, as well as individual customers. The company was formerly known as Kingsoft Internet Software Holdings Limited and changed its name to Cheetah Mobile Inc. in March 2014. Cheetah Mobile Inc. was incorporated in 2009 and is based in Beijing, the People's Republic of China. Receive News & Ratings for Destiny Media Technologies Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Destiny Media Technologies and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Cuprina Holdings (Cayman) Ltd (CUPR) expects to raise $16 million in an initial public offering (IPO) on the week of September 30th, IPO Scoop reports. The company will issue 3,800,000 shares at $4.00-$4.50 per share. In the last year, Cuprina Holdings (Cayman) Ltd generated $80,000 in revenue and had a net loss of $890,000. The company has a market-cap of $30.7 million. Network 1 Financial Securities served as the underwriter for the IPO. Cuprina Holdings (Cayman) Ltd provided the following description of their company for its IPO: We manufacture and distribute chronic wound care products medical grade bio-dressing products made from sterile blowfly larvae and sold under the MEDIFLY brand mostly in Singapore since February 2020 and in Hong Kong since March 2023. (Incorporated in the Cayman Islands) From the Prospectus: Looking ahead, we have strategic plans in place for the second half of 2024 and 2025 to expand our sales and establish physical operations in several key regions, including Southeast Asia, the Middle East (in particular, the member states of the Gulf Cooperation Council, or GCC), and mainland China. These expansion initiatives will further enable us to cater to the growing demand for our products in these promising markets, cementing our position as a trusted player in the field of chronic wound care and treatment. We are a Singapore-based biomedical and biotechnology company dedicated to the development and commercialization of innovative products for the management of chronic wounds, as well as operating in the health and beauty sectors. Our expertise in biomedical research allows us to identify and utilize materials derived from natural sources to develop wound care products in the form of medical devices which meet international standards. We believe we will be able to build upon and leverage such expertise to develop innovative cosmeceutical products in the future. As of Dec. 31, 2023, we manufactured and distributed a line of medical grade sterile blowfly larvae bio-dressing products marketed under the MEDIFLY brand name, or the MEDIFLY products. The MEDIFLY products are used as a biological debridement tool for chronic wounds, in a procedure known as Maggot Debridement Therapy, or MDT, which is an effective alternative to surgical debridement. In addition to our commercialized MEDIFLY products, we have two lines of chronic wound care products in our pipeline: *Collagen dressings, including sponges, particles and hydrogels, using bullfrog collagen derived from the valorization of abattoir waste streams of American bullfrogs (Lithobates catesbeianus) and *Products using medical leeches for wound treatment. We expect development of such products to take place over the course of 2024 and 2025 and to become commercially available subject to regulatory approval.A We believe what sets us apart is our focus on developing functionally specific chronic wound care products designed to address the major stages of the wound healing process from chronic to closure. Our chronic wound care products, including both our existing commercialized products and forthcoming products in our pipeline, are poised to benefit from escalating global market demand. This demand is primarily fueled by the demographic shift towards an aging population and the concurrent rise in comorbidities such as diabetes, obesity, cardiovascular ailments and peripheral vascular diseases.A For our cosmeceuticals business, we introduced three products in 2023, including a hydrating balm product, a muscle energy cream and a pain relief muscle patch. For our commercialized cosmeceutical products, we have commissioned original equipment manufacturers of skincare products to develop the formulation and manufacture the substantially finished and finished products. In addition, we plan to explore the possibility of developing a range of potential cosmeceutical product candidates incorporating bullfrog collagen with a view to making them commercially available between 2024 and 2028, subject to the progress of the relevant R&D work. We offer our chronic wound care products to both public and private hospitals and clinics, where patients can obtain them through prescription from a physician. Our customers primarily include major public and private hospitals and clinics in Singapore. Our commercialized cosmeceutical products can be purchased directly by individual customers through a variety of channels, including retailers and gyms in Singapore, Malaysia and Australia, as well as online shopping platforms such as Shopee. Note: Net loss and revenue figures are in U.S. dollars for the year that ended Dec. 31, 2023. Note from the Prospectus: Our independent registered public accounting firm expressed substantial doubt regarding our ability to continue as a going concern. Our ability to continue as a going concern requires that we obtain sufficient funding to finance our operations. (Note: Cuprina Holdings (Cayman) Ltd. filed an F-1/A on Sept. 3, 2024, disclosing that its IPOs price range is $4.00 to $4.50 a change from its IPO price of $4.00 and keeping the IPOs size at 3.75 million Class A ordinary shares to raise $15.94 million. Background: Cuprina Holdings (Cayman) Ltd increased the number of shares to 3.75 million up from 2.5 million shares initially without disclosing the IPO price in an F-1/A filing dated June 20, 2024.) (More Background: Cuprina Holdings (Cayman) Ltd filedA an F-1/A dated May 16, 2024, disclosing that it will offer 2.5 million Class A ordinary shares without stating the IPO price. More Background: Cuprina Holdings (Cayman) Ltd. filed its F-1 on March 7, 2024, without disclosing terms; estimated IPO proceeds were $10 million. Previously: The Cayman Islands-incorporated holding company submitted its confidential filing to the SEC on Oct. 13, 2023.) . Cuprina Holdings (Cayman) Ltd was founded in 2019 and has 14 employees. The company is located at c/o Blk 1090 Lower Delta Road #06-08 Singapore 169201 and can be reached via phone at +65 8512 7275 or on the web at https://www.cuprina.com/. Receive News & Ratings for Cuprina Holdings (Cayman) Ltd Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Cuprina Holdings (Cayman) Ltd and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. e.l.f. Beauty, Inc. (NYSE:ELF Get Free Report)s stock price fell 0.5% during mid-day trading on Tuesday after an insider sold shares in the company. The stock traded as low as $110.46 and last traded at $111.25. 732,207 shares traded hands during mid-day trading, a decline of 58% from the average session volume of 1,752,771 shares. The stock had previously closed at $111.83. Specifically, CEO Tarang Amin sold 23,528 shares of the companys stock in a transaction that occurred on Thursday, September 5th. The stock was sold at an average price of $136.45, for a total value of $3,210,395.60. Following the completion of the sale, the chief executive officer now directly owns 106,016 shares in the company, valued at $14,465,883.20. The transaction was disclosed in a document filed with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available through the SEC website. Get e.l.f. Beauty alerts: Analyst Ratings Changes A number of research firms have weighed in on ELF. Robert W. Baird boosted their price objective on e.l.f. Beauty from $230.00 to $240.00 and gave the stock an outperform rating in a research note on Friday, August 9th. JPMorgan Chase & Co. lowered their price target on shares of e.l.f. Beauty from $224.00 to $207.00 and set an overweight rating on the stock in a research report on Friday, August 9th. Bank of America cut their price objective on shares of e.l.f. Beauty from $230.00 to $190.00 and set a buy rating for the company in a research report on Monday, September 9th. DA Davidson reaffirmed a buy rating and set a $223.00 target price on shares of e.l.f. Beauty in a research note on Wednesday, September 18th. Finally, UBS Group dropped their price target on shares of e.l.f. Beauty from $250.00 to $230.00 and set a buy rating for the company in a research note on Friday, August 9th. One equities research analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, two have assigned a hold rating, twelve have assigned a buy rating and two have given a strong buy rating to the companys stock. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, the stock currently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and an average price target of $198.80. e.l.f. Beauty Price Performance The stocks 50-day moving average is $149.29 and its 200 day moving average is $172.40. The stock has a market capitalization of $6.18 billion, a PE ratio of 49.36, a P/E/G ratio of 2.33 and a beta of 1.44. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.23, a quick ratio of 1.10 and a current ratio of 1.77. e.l.f. Beauty (NYSE:ELF Get Free Report) last released its quarterly earnings results on Thursday, August 8th. The company reported $0.87 EPS for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $0.67 by $0.20. e.l.f. Beauty had a net margin of 10.80% and a return on equity of 23.30%. The firm had revenue of $324.48 million during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $303.60 million. As a group, equities analysts expect that e.l.f. Beauty, Inc. will post 2.88 earnings per share for the current year. Institutional Inflows and Outflows Several hedge funds and other institutional investors have recently modified their holdings of the stock. Ashton Thomas Private Wealth LLC acquired a new stake in shares of e.l.f. Beauty during the second quarter worth $26,000. Matrix Trust Co purchased a new stake in e.l.f. Beauty in the 2nd quarter valued at approximately $27,000. Innealta Capital LLC acquired a new position in e.l.f. Beauty during the 2nd quarter worth approximately $30,000. Harbor Investment Advisory LLC purchased a new position in shares of e.l.f. Beauty during the 1st quarter worth approximately $31,000. Finally, Whittier Trust Co. of Nevada Inc. raised its stake in shares of e.l.f. Beauty by 405.9% during the 2nd quarter. Whittier Trust Co. of Nevada Inc. now owns 172 shares of the companys stock worth $36,000 after buying an additional 138 shares in the last quarter. 92.44% of the stock is currently owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors. e.l.f. Beauty Company Profile (Get Free Report) e.l.f. Beauty, Inc, together with its subsidiaries, provides cosmetic and skin care products under the e.l.f. Cosmetics, e.l.f. Skin, Well People, and Keys Soulcare brand names worldwide. The company offers eye, lip, face, face, paw, and skin care products. It sells its products through national and international retailers and direct-to-consumer channels, which include e-commerce platforms in the United States, and internationally primarily through distributors. Read More Receive News & Ratings for e.l.f. Beauty Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for e.l.f. Beauty and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. A bronze sculpture of ancient Chinese philosopher Laozi (about 571 BC- 471 BC) was installed on Wednesday in Greece's National Archaeological Museum in Athens. The artwork titled "Harmony between Humankind and Nature -- statue of Laozi" was crafted by Professor Wu Weishan, who is curator of the National Art Museum of China (NAMOC). The sculpture, which won the gold medal at the 2012 Louvre International Art Exhibition in France, will be on display permanently here, engaging in dialogue with the museum's artifacts, Wu said at an inauguration ceremony. "I am moved that the museum's visitors will from now on be able to see a sculpture created by a Chinese artist," Wu said. "It is our duty to bring closer our peoples via an honest and open dialogue," Anna Vassiliki Karapanagiotou, general director of the National Archaeological Museum, said. "Dialogue between Chinese and Greek civilizations" was the title of Wednesday's event and this dialogue is deepening in recent years thanks to many initiatives, Karapanagiotou said. The Greek Museum has collaborated with NAMOC to exchange exhibitions and more are planned in the future, she said. The is not the first piece by Wu to be displayed in Greece. In 2021, his sculpture "Socrates and Confucius: An Encounter," depicting the two great philosophers of ancient Greece and China, was respectively installed at the Ancient Agora of Athens, a historic site at the foot of the Acropolis once serving as the social, political, and commercial hub of the city. Lavras Gold Corp. (CVE:LGC Get Free Report) insider 2176423 Ontario Ltd. sold 39,300 shares of the stock in a transaction on Monday, September 23rd. The shares were sold at an average price of C$0.27, for a total transaction of C$10,469.52. 2176423 Ontario Ltd. also recently made the following trade(s): Get Lavras Gold alerts: On Thursday, September 12th, 2176423 Ontario Ltd. sold 52,600 shares of Lavras Gold stock. The shares were sold at an average price of C$2.62, for a total transaction of C$137,564.78. On Tuesday, September 3rd, 2176423 Ontario Ltd. sold 33,600 shares of Lavras Gold stock. The shares were sold at an average price of C$2.62, for a total transaction of C$87,984.96. On Tuesday, August 20th, 2176423 Ontario Ltd. sold 44,500 shares of Lavras Gold stock. The shares were sold at an average price of C$2.56, for a total transaction of C$114,035.70. On Friday, July 12th, 2176423 Ontario Ltd. sold 193,900 shares of Lavras Gold stock. The shares were sold at an average price of C$2.08, for a total transaction of C$402,420.06. Lavras Gold Trading Down 3.0 % CVE LGC opened at C$2.55 on Thursday. The company has a market capitalization of C$130.94 million, a price-to-earnings ratio of -36.43 and a beta of -0.17. The firms fifty day moving average price is C$2.31 and its 200 day moving average price is C$1.86. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.66, a current ratio of 7.38 and a quick ratio of 11.12. Lavras Gold Corp. has a 12 month low of C$0.75 and a 12 month high of C$2.89. Lavras Gold Company Profile Lavras Gold Corp. engages in the exploration and development of mineral resource properties in Brazil. It holds interests in the Lavras do Sul, an advanced exploration gold project with 29 mineral rights covering approximately 22,000 hectares located in Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil. The company was incorporated in 2021 and is headquartered in Toronto, Canada. See Also Receive News & Ratings for Lavras Gold Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Lavras Gold and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Toast, Inc. (NYSE:TOST Get Free Report) President Stephen Fredette sold 144,238 shares of Toast stock in a transaction on Friday, September 20th. The shares were sold at an average price of $27.34, for a total transaction of $3,943,466.92. Following the completion of the sale, the president now owns 2,160,499 shares in the company, valued at approximately $59,068,042.66. The transaction was disclosed in a legal filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which can be accessed through this link. Stephen Fredette also recently made the following trade(s): Get Toast alerts: On Monday, September 23rd, Stephen Fredette sold 8,057 shares of Toast stock. The stock was sold at an average price of $28.02, for a total transaction of $225,757.14. On Wednesday, September 18th, Stephen Fredette sold 800 shares of Toast stock. The shares were sold at an average price of $27.00, for a total transaction of $21,600.00. On Thursday, September 12th, Stephen Fredette sold 101,574 shares of Toast stock. The stock was sold at an average price of $25.73, for a total transaction of $2,613,499.02. On Tuesday, September 10th, Stephen Fredette sold 211,686 shares of Toast stock. The stock was sold at an average price of $23.57, for a total value of $4,989,439.02. On Friday, August 2nd, Stephen Fredette sold 1,127 shares of Toast stock. The shares were sold at an average price of $24.00, for a total value of $27,048.00. On Tuesday, July 2nd, Stephen Fredette sold 3,810 shares of Toast stock. The stock was sold at an average price of $25.64, for a total value of $97,688.40. Toast Price Performance Toast stock opened at $27.10 on Thursday. Toast, Inc. has a one year low of $13.77 and a one year high of $28.19. The businesss fifty day moving average is $25.14 and its 200 day moving average is $24.65. The stock has a market capitalization of $12.49 billion, a PE ratio of -54.20 and a beta of 1.75. Analyst Ratings Changes Toast ( NYSE:TOST Get Free Report ) last announced its quarterly earnings results on Tuesday, August 6th. The company reported $0.02 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of ($0.02) by $0.04. Toast had a negative net margin of 3.10% and a negative return on equity of 11.27%. The firm had revenue of $1.24 billion for the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $1.22 billion. During the same quarter last year, the firm posted ($0.19) EPS. The businesss quarterly revenue was up 27.0% compared to the same quarter last year. As a group, sell-side analysts expect that Toast, Inc. will post -0.1 EPS for the current fiscal year. TOST has been the topic of a number of research reports. Bank of America boosted their target price on shares of Toast from $26.00 to $28.00 and gave the company a neutral rating in a report on Tuesday, September 17th. Mizuho raised shares of Toast from a neutral rating to an outperform rating and boosted their price objective for the stock from $21.00 to $33.00 in a research note on Thursday, July 18th. Stephens reaffirmed an equal weight rating and set a $28.00 target price on shares of Toast in a research note on Thursday, May 30th. The Goldman Sachs Group reiterated a buy rating and set a $29.00 target price on shares of Toast in a report on Thursday, September 12th. Finally, Royal Bank of Canada restated a sector perform rating and issued a $27.00 price target on shares of Toast in a research note on Wednesday, August 7th. One investment analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, eight have assigned a hold rating, nine have given a buy rating and one has given a strong buy rating to the stock. According to MarketBeat, the company presently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus price target of $28.33. View Our Latest Stock Report on TOST Institutional Investors Weigh In On Toast A number of large investors have recently added to or reduced their stakes in TOST. Northwestern Mutual Wealth Management Co. lifted its holdings in shares of Toast by 1.2% during the 2nd quarter. Northwestern Mutual Wealth Management Co. now owns 35,968 shares of the companys stock valued at $927,000 after buying an additional 421 shares during the period. Park Avenue Securities LLC boosted its position in Toast by 1.0% in the first quarter. Park Avenue Securities LLC now owns 43,357 shares of the companys stock worth $1,080,000 after purchasing an additional 436 shares during the last quarter. Wellington Shields & Co. LLC grew its stake in shares of Toast by 3.1% during the 1st quarter. Wellington Shields & Co. LLC now owns 16,700 shares of the companys stock valued at $416,000 after purchasing an additional 500 shares during the period. Parkside Financial Bank & Trust increased its position in shares of Toast by 8.4% during the 2nd quarter. Parkside Financial Bank & Trust now owns 6,742 shares of the companys stock valued at $174,000 after purchasing an additional 520 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Comerica Bank lifted its stake in shares of Toast by 10.9% in the 1st quarter. Comerica Bank now owns 6,167 shares of the companys stock worth $154,000 after purchasing an additional 607 shares during the period. Institutional investors own 82.91% of the companys stock. About Toast (Get Free Report) Toast, Inc operates a cloud-based digital technology platform for the restaurant industry in the United States, Ireland, and India. The company offers software products for restaurant operations and point of sale, such as Toast POS, Toast now, multi-location management, kitchen display system, Toast mobile order and pay, Toast catering and events, Toast invoicing, Toast tables, and restaurant retail; and hardware products, including Toast flex, Toast flex for guest, Toast go 2, Toast tap, kiosks, and Delphi by Toast. See Also Receive News & Ratings for Toast Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Toast and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. An advanced threat actor with an India nexus has been observed using multiple cloud service providers to facilitate credential harvesting, malware delivery, and command-and-control (C2). Web infrastructure and security company Cloudflare is tracking the activity under the name SloppyLemming, which is also called Outrider Tiger and Fishing Elephant. "Between late 2022 to present, SloppyLemming has routinely used Cloudflare Workers, likely as part of a broad espionage campaign targeting South and East Asian countries," Cloudflare said in an analysis. SloppyLemming is assessed to be active since at least July 2021, with prior campaigns leveraging malware such as Ares RAT and WarHawk, the latter of which is also linked to a known hacking crew called SideWinder. The use of Ares RAT, on the other hand, has been attributed to SideCopy, a threat actor likely of Pakistani origin. Targets of the SloppyLemming's activity span government, law enforcement, energy, education, telecommunications, and technology entities located in Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, China, Nepal, and Indonesia. The attack chains involve sending spear-phishing emails to targets that aim to trick recipients into clicking on a malicious link by inducing a false sense of urgency, claiming that they need to complete a mandatory process within the next 24 hours. Clicking on the URL takes the victim to a credential harvesting page, which then serves as a mechanism for the threat actor to gain unauthorized access to targeted email accounts within organizations that are of interest. "The actor uses a custom-built tool named CloudPhish to create a malicious Cloudflare Worker to handle the credential logging logic and exfiltration of victim credentials to the threat actor," the company said. Some of the attacks undertaken by SloppyLemming have leveraged similar techniques to capture Google OAuth tokens, as well as employ booby-trapped RAR archives ("CamScanner 06-10-2024 15.29.rar") that likely exploit a WinRAR flaw (CVE-2023-38831) to achieve remote code execution. Present within the RAR file is an executable that, besides displaying the decoy document, stealthily loads "CRYPTSP.dll," which serves as a downloader to retrieve a remote access trojan hosted on Dropbox. It's worth mentioning here that cybersecurity company SEQRITE detailed an analogous campaign undertaken by the SideCopy actors last year targeting Indian government and defense sectors to distribute the Ares RAT using ZIP archives named "DocScanner_AUG_2023.zip" and "DocScanner-Oct.zip" that are engineered to trigger the same vulnerability. A third infection sequence employed by SloppyLemming entails using spear-phishing lures to lead prospective targets to a phony website that impersonates the Punjab Information Technology Board (PITB) in Pakistan, after which they are redirected to another site that contains an internet shortcut (URL) file. The URL file comes embedded with code to download another file, an executable named PITB-JR5124.exe, from the same server. The binary is a legitimate file that's used to sideload a rogue DLL named profapi.dll that subsequently communicates with a Cloudflare Worker. These Cloudflare Worker URLs, the company noted, act as an intermediary, relaying requests to the actual C2 domain used by the adversary ("aljazeerak[.]online"). Cloudflare said it "observed concerted efforts by SloppyLemming to target Pakistani police departments and other law enforcement organizations," adding "there are indications that the actor has targeted entities involved in the operation and maintenance of Pakistan's sole nuclear power facility." Some of the other targets of credential harvesting activity encompass Sri Lankan and Bangladeshi government and military organizations, and to a lesser extent, Chinese energy and academic sector entities. Muslim tourists generate over $3.5 billion to Malaysia's tourism industry By Vietnam News Agency Thu, September 26, 2024 | 8:56 pm GMT+7 Malaysia welcomed 4.5 million Muslim tourists last year, generating RM14.7 billion (over $3.5 billion) in revenue, director-general of the Islamic Tourist Centre (ITC), Nirzan Nordin said on Wednesday. The figures prove that Muslim-friendly tourism and hospitality have significant economic potential in the country, Nizran told the press. Malaysia welcomed 4.5 million Muslim tourists last year. Photo courtesy of ITC Malaysia To promote the sector, the ITC provides Muslim-Friendly Tourism and Hospitality Assurance and Recognition for accommodations, as well as certification for around 220 Muslim-friendly tourist guides, he continued. Through discussions with industry experts, ITC aims to seize opportunities and gain further understanding to develop standards that meet their requirements, towards a distinct service of Muslim-friendly tourism. Regarding creating hotel and restaurant chains that meet the requirements of Muslim tourists, the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture (MOTAC) of Malaysia intends to strengthen ties with member countries of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) in promoting a Muslim-friendly tourism ecosystem in Malaysia. Deputy Minister of Tourism, Arts and Culture Khairul Firdaus Akbar Khan said that close cooperation with the OIC will be beneficial, as the organisation has great potential in attracting more Muslim tourists to Malaysia. He stressed that if Malaysia does not pay attention to the Muslim tourism segment, it will miss out on a huge opportunity. Global Muslim population stands at two billion, with 1.1 billion residing in member countries of OIC, which includes 57 Muslim-majority nations. In ASEAN countries alone, there are approximately 255 million Muslims, alongside an additional 350 million living as minorities in other regions. The Mastercard-Crescent Rating (Global Muslim Travel Index, GMTI) forecast that by 2028, the travel market will be led by 230 million Muslims, generating spending of $225 billion. Clemson University's founding dean of veterinary medicine is hoping the state's first college for veterinarians will boost the number of vets in the Orangeburg area. We are expecting we will have partners in this area, Dr. Steven Marks told a joint luncheon of Orangeburg Kiwanians and Rotarians Monday at Cornerstone Church in Orangeburg. This area is big and a little bit far, but that is why once students are here, we would like them to be able to stay in this region and do multiple rotations, he said. Ultimately, I am hoping we will recruit students from this area that will want to go back to this area as veterinarians," Marks said. Clemsons $285.5 million, 232,500-square-foot College of Veterinary Medicine is under construction. Marks explained how the college will use a distributive training model where students will be able to serve with local veterinarians for two- to four-week rotations. What we are trying to do is to create what are called hubs, Marks said. We will have a hub in the Clemson region, we will have a hub near Myrtle, somewhere near Charleston, somewhere near Orangeburg, Greenville, Columbia. Marks said the goal is to graduate a diverse student body with students who will want to be agricultural veterinarians and who want to work in rural areas. There are good statistics to say if they leave that area and if they are successful, they will go back to that area, Marks said. We are asking veterinarians, and this area is no exception, to help us train this group of students that will be the next generation of veterinary clinicians and scientists. Clemsons College of Veterinary Medicine will be located on about 15 to 20 acres of the universitys 17,000-acre experimental forest. It will be in close proximity to the university's existing dairy farm, a beef and sheep farm, and the poultry farm, providing students with access to livestock and animals. Horses and dairy cows can be walked to the teaching laboratories and then escorted back to the farm. The college will begin accepting applications from students in 2025, with the first class entering in the fall of 2026. The college plans to begin with a class of 80 students. About 60 will be from South Carolina and 20 will be from outside the state. There are a lot of moving parts, but all that is connected back to the student experience, Marks said. We are all about training students. The college currently has about 16 employees. A curriculum has been developed. Its been submitted to the South Carolina Commission on Higher Education. The college is currently awaiting initial approval from the American Veterinary Medical Association to begin recruiting students. Official accreditation will be given when the first class graduates and scores an average of 80 percent or better on the National Board Exam. Marks said Clemson needs a veterinary college. I think most people feel like this was a missing ingredient of an incredible recipe, Marks said. My hope is this will be the College of Veterinary Medicine of South Carolina. He said the timing is right because of the shortage of veterinarians. The market is in desperate need across the country but also specifically in South Carolina, he said. The college will prepare students to work with large and small animals. The second you walk across the stage you can practice on any animal on the planet, Marks said. Marks said having a college of veterinary medicine in South Carolina will help keep students in the state. The state of South Carolina currently pays 46 students to go out of state to receive their veterinary doctorates at such places as the University of Georgia, Mississippi State University or Tuskegee University. Marks hopes that eventually the college will create a mobile health hospital and an animal clinic that fills the need of those in low-income areas. He also plans for it to work with the ClemsonLIFE program to encourage students with intellectual challenges to enter the animal health care industry. All these goals, take time, they take money and they take people that have that passion, Marks said. MILLINGTON , Tenn. -- Mary Barrett, a native of Elloree, serves the U.S. Navy assigned to Naval Medical Readiness Logistics Command (NMRLC). Mary Barrett Mary Barrett, a native of Elloree, serves the U.S. Navy assigned to Naval Medical Readiness Logistics Command (NMRLC). Barrett graduated from Elloree High School in 1992. Additionally, Barrett graduated from Mount Olive College in Mount Olive NC, with a Bachelor of Science degree in Computer Information Systems. The skills and values needed to succeed in the Navy are similar to those found in Elloree. Growing up, I learned that God, consistency and determination were the keys to achieving any goals that you set for yourself, said Barrett. "By keeping myself grounded, I have been able to accomplish both my personal and still achieving my career goals. Work hard, trust God and everything else will fall into place" Get The Times and Democrat app today Local news has never been this personal. Free to download. Subscribers enjoy unlimited access. Barrett started her government civilian service 11 years ago. I joined the Air Force to travel and to help my parents live a better life, said Barrett. Headed by Capt. Christopher Barnes, NMRLC develops, acquires, produces, fields, sustains, and provides enduring lifecycle support of medical materiel solutions to the Fleet, Fleet Marine Force, and Joint Forces in high-end competition, crisis, and combat. At the forefront of Navy Medicines strategic evolution, NMRLC is well positioned to be the Joint Forces premier integrated medical logistics support activity. With 90% of global commerce traveling by sea and access to the internet relying on the security of undersea fiber optic cables, Navy officials continue to emphasize that the prosperity of the United States is directly linked to recruiting and retaining talented people from across the rich fabric of America. Barrett serves a Navy that operates far forward, around the world and around the clock, promoting the nation's prosperity and security. We will earn and reinforce the trust and confidence of the American people every day, said Admiral Lisa Franchetti, Chief of Naval Operations. Together we will deliver the Navy the nation needs. Barrett has many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during military service. Retiring from the Air Force is one of my many achievements in my life, said Barrett. "I look forward to continuing to serve the DoD." Barrett can take pride in serving America through military service. Serving in the Air Force meant pushing myself to better myself and my Family, said Barrett. Barrett is grateful to others for helping make a Navy career possible. While serving in the Air Force I was stationed at Whiteman, Seymour Johnson, Davis-Monthan, Shaw, and Langley AFB where I retired. I also deployed to Doha Qatar, where I got to serve as a member of the vulnerability assessment team and forward deployed to the American Embassy in in Kenya. I also served in Karshi-Khanabad Uzbekistan where I was a part of two rescue missions supporting the 79th Rescue Squadron. "After my term in the Air Force, I started my journey as a DoD civilian. My last 10 years as a civilian have been fruitful. I hope to get settled and take every day as a learning experience, added Barrett. A gala featuring diverse art forms, from the 600-year-old Kunqu Opera to a children's chorus, was held at Zhongshan Park in Beijing on Monday, unveiling a festival titled The Heart of Beijing, which will feature a variety of programs till the end of this year. The programs, including live performances, workshops and educational events, will be held at iconic historical buildings in the capital, such as Zhongshan Park, the Temple of Heaven, the Bell and Drum Towers and residences once lived in by celebrities such as Qing Dynasty (1644-1911) writer Cao Xueqin and Chinese artist Qi Baishi (1864-1957). The festival will also bring programs to Beijing universities, aiming at educating students about the preservation of historical buildings. The festival will expand into 10 more cities, such as Yuncheng, Shanxi province; Deyang, Sichuan province; and Hohhot, the capital city of the Inner Mongolia autonomous region, introducing historical buildings to a wider audience. The festival is held to mark the recent inclusion of the Beijing Central Axis into the UNESCO World Heritage List, which has ignited a new wave of enthusiasm for cultural heritage nationwide, creating a conducive environment for the preservation, protection and promotion of heritage sites. You have reached a premium content area of Transitions. To read this entire article please login if you are already a Transitions subscriber. Not a subscriber? Subscribe today for access to: Full access to the website, including premium articles videos, country reports and searchable archives (containing over 25,000 articles). More than 2,700 new hotels rooms were delivered in Dubai in the first half of 2024, with a further 10,100 set to come on to the market by the end of 2025, according to new research by leading real estate advisory group and property consultant, Cavendish Maxwell. Dubai added 12 hotels to its inventory between 1 January and 30 June 2024, bringing the total number of hospitality establishments to 716. Another 40 hotels are due for delivery between now and the end of next year, with 4,748 additional rooms expected in 2026 and 2027, according to Cavendish Maxwells H1 2024 hospitality market performance study. Hotels in the 4-star category saw the biggest growth compared to 2023, with 436 new rooms delivered in H1 2024 a 216% increase on the same period last year. There was also a surge in the number of new 5-star hotel rooms opening for businesses: 1,681 came online during H1 this year, up 111% on H1 2023. Compiled from data by Cavendish Maxwell, AM:PM Hotels, STR, Dubai Tourism and the Department of Economy and released in the run up to the FHS World hospitality industry summit, the report shows that high end accommodation continues to dominate Dubais hospitality offering, with 67% of inventory falling in the luxury, upper upscale or upscale classification in June 2024. Urbacon (UCC) Holding, a leader in energy, concessions, and construction, announced its ranking as the 42nd top international contractor for 2024, according to Engineering News-Record (ENR). The company celebrated this achievement during the ConteQ Expo 2024 in Qatar, where it participated as the event's official sponsor. The event brought together UCC Holdings Board of Directors and senior management, who emphasised the companys ongoing efforts to integrate advanced construction technologies into its operations. During the expo, UCC Holding introduced three innovative construction methods: 3D construction printing, concrete modular construction and steel structure modular construction. These technologies are already being incorporated into UCCs future projects, including a series of schools set for construction in 2025. Using Cobods third-generation 3D construction printers, the two-storey schools will span a 100 x 100-m area. The BOD XL printers, known for their efficiency and precision, will enable fast and cost-effective construction, with a strong focus on safety and sustainability. Innovation and excellence UCC Holdings Chairman Moutaz Al Khayyat said: Being recognised as one of the top international contractors is a testament to our commitment to innovation and excellence. The technologies we are implementing will not only improve project efficiency but also set new standards in safety and sustainability across the industry. Ramez Al Khayyat, President of UCC Holding, said: Our success as a top international contractor is a result of our strategic investments in innovation and our people. At UCC Holding, we are committed to continually evolving our processes to meet the changing demands of the global construction industry. The integration of these advanced technologies into our projects reflects our forward-thinking approach and determination to deliver the highest quality outcomes for our clients.--TradeArabia News Service Average office lease rates in Dubai's key submarkets have surged by 22.4% in the past year, according to the latest Dubai Office Market Review report for H1 by global property consultant Knight Frank. This growth is driven by rising demand and limited supply across the city's top office submarkets with Dubai Grade A office occupancy levels currently exceeding 90%. Faisal Durrani, Partner Head of Research, Mena, commented: Despite concerns that the pandemic would lead to a permanent shift toward remote working, demand has in fact surged, which stands in sharp contrast to many other global cities. Businesses remain laser-focussed on securing best-in-class space, not least because of the proven links between occupying Grade A offices and the ability to attract and retain the best talent. Offices have graduated to become showrooms. Starved of prime space And with just 1.2 million square feet of office space completing between 2021 and 2023, the market has found itself starved of prime space. And the shortage is set to persist, with just 4.2 million square feet due between now and 2028, most of which is already spoken for. Current demand Knight Frank points to continued rising levels of demand from a variety of business industries, despite the shortage of space, which is underpinning the sharp rise in rents. Adam Wynne, Partner Head of Commercial Agency, UAE, explained: Our team has registered 578,353 square feet of new requirements for offices during the first half of the year, highlighting just how robust the sector continues to be as the imbalance between supply and demand continues. The flight to quality trend has become more prevalent in the market as we witness the emergence of ESG themes in occupier requirements. Businesses are now willing to pay a premium for good quality office space in the UAE. Sustainability credentials are especially important to international blue-chip occupiers. City wide occupancies sit in excess of 85% for Grade-B assets and in excess of 90% for Grade-A as occupiers keenly await new developments to enter the market. Businesses are having to carefully consider their growth plans in the wake of limited options and this in turn is fuelling pre-lease commitments on buildings yet to be completed, more customary in more mature markets. Rents trending upward The Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC) continues to lead as the most expensive area for office rentals in the city, with average rents reaching AED355 ($96.7) per square foot. The Trade Centre District follows closely in second place with rents at AED350 per square foot, marking an impressive 81% increase over the past 12 months. Downtown Dubai ranks third, but remains 1.5 times cheaper than the neighbouring DIFC, according to Knight Franks analysis. The Greens (77%), Sheikh Zayed Road (West) (77%), and Jumeirah Lakes Towers (67%) have also experienced double-digit growth rates in the last 12-months, with rents now exceeding AED200 psf. Office sales market Transaction volumes also indicate a thriving market, Knight Frank says. The total value of transactions in H1 2024 recorded a 24% year-on-year increase, reaching AED2.7 billion, up from AED2.2 billion in H1 2023. Additionally, the number of sales transactions rose from 1,334 deals in H1 2023 to 1,414 in H1 2024. Downtown Dubai continues to dominate office sales prices, with average values reaching AED3,609 psf, marking a 132% increase on 2020. Capital growth remains robust in other areas too, with Barsha Heights and Business Bay growing by 47% and 35% respectively.--TradeArabia News Service A visitor learns about a durian-flavored coffee at the booth of Malaysia during the 21st China-ASEAN Expo at Nanning International Convention and Exhibition Center in Nanning, south China's Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, Sept. 24, 2024. [Photo/Xinhua] Visitors arriving at this year's China-ASEAN Expo (CAEXPO) will encounter an intriguing blend of fresh innovations and familiar attractions. A new section spotlights emerging industries such as artificial intelligence and lithium batteries, while longstanding crowd favorites, like durian, longan, and rice, continue to draw attention. This evolving landscape mirrors the deepening partnership between China and ASEAN. China's commitment to expanding high-standard opening-up and the rapid industry upgrading in ASEAN nations has fostered stronger economic ties between the two sides. Together, these efforts drive regional high-quality development while sharing China's development opportunities with ASEAN. Empowering ASEAN SMEs Stepping into the Thai Pavilion at CAEXPO, visitors are greeted by the distinct aroma of durian mingling with the herbal scent of Zam-buk, a popular Thai remedy for insect bites. A booth showcasing the collaboration between TOPTHAI and China's e-commerce leader, JD.com, drew significant interest. TOPTHAI store on leading e-commerce platforms is an initiative launched by the Thai Department of International Trade Promotion this year. It aims to help Thai small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) expose their products to more overseas markets, among which the Chinese market is a crucial destination, said Dr. Nisachol Thaithong, a Thai trader and researcher in China-Thailand cross-border e-commerce. For SMEs and small-scale farmers in ASEAN countries, participating in e-commerce with China has transformed their businesses. "It (CAEXPO) is moving forward dynamically in terms of the more areas of cooperation, in terms of engaging wider stakeholders," said Kao Kim Hourn, secretary-general of ASEAN, in an interview on the sideline of CAEXPO and China-ASEAN Business and Investment Summit (CABIS). "Now they are involved in the Micro-, Small, and Medium-sized Enterprises (MSMEs), for example. MSMEs are really the backbone of the economy on both sides. We have to get them involved, in addition to the big cooperations. I think this is the right direction that we are taking." Frequent exchanges between China and Malaysia leadership have set a positive tone for SMEs, said Ravenna Chen, the CEO of TusStar Malaysia, an innovation and entrepreneurship platform. Huang Aimin, chairman of the first council of the Guangxi Cross-border E-Commerce Association, said cross-border e-commerce has the potential to be a critical platform for promoting in-depth economic and trade cooperation between China and ASEAN. Collaborating with China has sped up modernization in Laos. For instance, working with China to digitize businesses and develop e-commerce skills has been advantageous for both businesses and young individuals in Laos, according to Thanongsinh Kanlaya, Vice President of the Lao National Chamber of Commerce and Industry. Upgrading agribusiness At a durian orchard in Thailand's Chanthaburi province, Kosai, the 32-year-old owner and a Chinese social media influencer, was promoting durians to Chinese netizens through the live streaming e-commerce platform Tmall. Kosai is proud that his orchard is a smart orchard jointly built by the Commercial Association for Sustainability of Agriculture in Thailand and the Foreign Economic Cooperation Center of China's Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs. The Internet of Things installed by the Chinese side in Kosai's orchard, which includes meteorological, water level, and soil moisture monitoring, could provide data support for the scientific cultivation of durian and the improvement of fruit quality. Modern farming is a sector with a promising future for cooperation between Malaysia and China, said Low Kian Chuan, president of the Associated Chinese Chambers of Commerce and Industry of Malaysia. Despite the difference in size and population between Brunei and China, CAEXPO and CABIS have offered a platform for Brunei enterprises to conduct win-win cooperation with Chinese peers, said National Chamber of Commerce and Industry Brunei Darussalam President Haji Abdul Saman bin Haji Ahmad. Platforms like CAEXPO and CABIS incentivize Brunei SMEs to grow "more resilient and more proactive" by exposing their products and services to the Chinese market, said Saman, adding that he sees particularly promising opportunities for Brunei's halal food. Green transition Leading Chinese renewable energy firms are working closely with ASEAN enterprises and investing in new facilities to produce innovative, locally adapted products, thus actively contributing to ASEAN's green transition. In July, BYD opened an electric vehicle plant in Thailand, the automaker's first Southeast Asian factory, a fast-growing regional EV market. The same month Eve Energy announced a plan to build a new factory in Kulim, Kedah state, Malaysia to meet the fast-growing demand for energy storage and consumer batteries in the South East Asia region. In August, Gotion High-tech announced that a battery assembly plant project in Malaysia is under negotiation, in addition to its assembly plants in Indonesia and Thailand. The battery manufacturer's Vietnam factory is expected to begin production in October this year. Malaysia's East Coast Rail Link under the Belt and Road Initiative is expected to drive economic development in the east coast areas and promote more balanced development among regions within the countries, said Anthony Loke Siew Fook, the minister of transport of Malaysia. As outlined in the National Automotive Policy 2020 and National Energy Transition Roadmap, Malaysia is developing its renewable energy battery sector and welcomes leading battery manufacturers to invest in it, said Loke. Malaysia encourages Chinese companies to form partnerships with local companies to further promote the use of electric and hybrid vehicles in Malaysia, not only in terms of car manufacturing but also in the entire ecosystem, from charging networks to battery manufacturing, said Zalina Zainol, deputy chief executive officer of investment development at Malaysian Investment Development Authority. Malaysia highly encourages such cooperation to further create high-skilled jobs in engineering, research and development, and advanced manufacturing, thereby boosting economic growth here, Zainol added. Symbiosis International (Deemed University), one of Indias most esteemed academic institutions, has successfully launched its first international campus in Dubai. The campus has been officially licensed by the UAE Ministry of Education (MOE) and Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA). All the academic programmes are accredited by the Commission for Academic Accreditation under the Ministry of Education UAE. With over 50 years of academic excellence and a legacy rooted in global education, Symbiosis is bringing world-class education to the UAE, strengthening bilateral ties between India and the UAE. Founded in 1971 by Prof (Dr) SB Mujumdar, Symbiosis has long been a beacon of cultural integration and academic excellence. With its Vedic principle, Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam - The World is One Family - Symbiosis has bridged global cultures and promoted inclusive education. Now, with the Dubai campus already in operation after officially commencing classes in the first week of September, Symbiosis is ready to make its mark on one of the worlds most dynamic cities. The academic programmes that are conducted at the SIU Dubai campus are: *Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) in Accounting and Finance *Master of Business Administration (MBA) *Bachelor of Computer Applications (BCA) AI and ML, Cloud Computing, Data Science and Data Analytics *Bachelor of Arts in Media and Communication (BA) with Digital marketing, Public Relations, Advertising and Corporate communications. All these programmes are accredited by CAA, tailored to meet the demands of the global workforce, providing students with the tools they need for future success. Strengthening India-UAE bilateral relations Symbiosis establishment in Dubai strengthens the partnership between India and the UAE, contributing to both nations' strategic goals. The move aligns with the UAEs D33 Economic Agenda, which focuses on doubling the economy by 2033, with a strong emphasis on education and talent development. It also reinforces the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) between India and the UAE, promoting educational and economic ties. This strategic expansion also supports India's National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, which emphasises internationalisation and encourages high ranking Indian educational institutions to extend their global reach. Symbiosiss presence in Dubai plays a pivotal role in furthering the UAEs vision to become a global education hub, fostering innovation and international collaboration. Official licensure and accreditation The Dubai campus of Symbiosis International University operates under full accreditation from both the UAE Ministry of Education (MOE) and the Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA). This license ensures that Symbiosis's programmes in Dubai adhere to the highest standards of academic quality and are globally recognised. Dr Vidya Yeravdekar, Pro-Chancellor of Symbiosis International University, said: The launch of Symbiosis International University in Dubai is a landmark moment in our journey of global expansion. We extend our heartfelt thanks to the UAE Ministry of Education and the Government of India for their unwavering support in fostering international education. With this foundation, we are thrilled to contribute to the UAEs vision of becoming a global education hub, while bringing together cultures, ideas, and innovation." Continuing a legacy of excellence With over five decades of academic excellence, Symbiosis is recognised for its global outreach, cultural diversity, and educational rigor. The university educates students from over 85 countries and offers more than 118 programmes across its 40 institutions. Symbiosis has consistently ranked among the top universities globally, building a legacy that the Dubai campus proudly continues. Students at the Dubai campus are already benefiting from a multicultural environment, internships and placements assistance through mentoring by alumni network in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), all of which enhance their career prospects in the region and beyond.--TradeArabia News Service Al Islami Foods, a leading provider of halal poultry, meat and snacking products, has unveiled its new brand positioning, which embodies the spirit of Emirati culture. The launch event held at the Grand Hyatt Dubai was attended by key partners and distinguished guests. Inspired by the core values of innovation, youth, education, women, love, and fraternity, the repositioning centres around the belief that Food is a Blessing. This marks a key milestone, as Al Islami reaffirms its deep-rooted commitment to delivering delicious, halal food that embodies purity and safety. By sharing nourishment and love through every bite, Al Islami aims to create joyful and cherished mealtime experiences for people and reaffirming its commitment to provide premium-quality authentic halal, healthy, and nutritional products. Universal vibe Our new positioning is more than just a visual refresh; it is a reflection of our companys soul. We believe that food is a universal vibe that brings people together and nourishes both body and spirit. By aligning our brand with the values of our founder, we are honouring our heritage while also looking forward to a future filled with innovation in halal food production that reaches communities across the world, commented Saleh Abdullah Lootah, Managing Director of Al Islami Foods. As a pioneer in the halal food industry, Al Islami remains committed to innovation and delivering exceptional products that meet the evolving tastes of consumers. The companys dedication to quality and safety has earned it recognition as one of the top halal brands globally, securing a coveted position among the Top 5 Halal Products Companies in the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) in 2023 and being awarded the prestigious title of iHalal Brand of the Year in 2021. CSR initiatives Beyond providing high-quality products, Al Islami is dedicated to giving back to the community through initiatives that promote health, well-being, and sustainable practices. The company believes in empowering youth, supporting education and fostering a sense of fraternity among its customers and employees. With its renewed focus on the blessing of food, Emirati heritage, and the founders values, Al Islami Foods is poised to strengthen its global leadership in providing the broadest range of halal food that is equally nutritious.--TradeArabia News Service A leader in halal foods for five decades, Al Islami Foods is an Emirati brand with a global presence that embodies the principles of quality and innovation. The brand has been recognised as one of the top halal brands globally, securing a coveted position among the Top 5 Halal Products Companies in the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) in 2023, and was awarded the prestigious title of iHalal Brand of the Year in 2021. The opening day of Marmomac, the most important trade fair in the world for the entire natural stone supply, turned out to be a historic one as for the first time since its establishment, it witnessed all female 'Masters of Stone' during the 2024 edition, which kicked off in Province of Verona in Italy on September 24. Franca Conti, Elena Pellegrini, Janina Mathiasz and Vivian Coser - are all successful entrepreneurs with a special vocation in promoting and valorising the economy and culture associated with the natural stone sector through their own companies. On the opening day, they received the coveted cube of Verona red marble, bronze plaque and silver chisel. Three symbols of a tradition that traces its roots back to Middle Ages, when the Ancient Free Corporation of the Art of Stone was founded in Verona. The awards were presented by the top management of Veronafiere with the President, Federico Bricolo, Managing Director, Maurizio Danese, and CEO, Adolfo Rebughini. "For the first time in the centuries-old history of this award, we can say that natural stone now has a new, all-female face," said Federico Bricolo, President of Veronafiere. "Marmomac is a perfect international stage for amplifying the message that skills and passion know no gender distinctions, and are the hallmarks for an equitable future in every context, including natural stone - a field often perceived as being exclusively masculine. We hope that these new Masters of Stone will help create a legacy with their examples to inspire future generations," stated Bricolo. The title of Master of Stone dates back to 1319 when Verona, under the Lordship of Cangrande I della Scala, saw the foundation of the Ancient Free Corporation of Stone Arts. It brought together stonecutters, quarrymen and artists expert in working stone from the quarries in the Lessinia, Valpolicella and Valpantena areas. In 1980, the Corporation was re-founded at Marmomac and today this award people whose contributes to the development and prestige of the local area's natural stone and technology supply chain. Motivations for the Masters of Stone Awards 2024 Franca Conti was awarded the title for her leadership in the sector and continuing the legacy of Gruppo Red, founded by her father, Giorgio Conti. Under her guidance, the company has become a multinational, with a sustainable and integrated production process. Franca has always promoted values of care towards people, the community and the environment by investing in the well-being of employees and supporting culture through the Giorgio Conti Foundation. Her commitment means she is widely acknowledged as a symbol of excellence and social responsibility. Elena Pellegrini was named Master of Stone for her authoritative status in the field of natural stone processing technologies. She successfully guided Pellegrini Meccanica since 1002, taking over the legacy of her father, Marco Pellegrini. Elena has kept innovation and excellence alive in the world of diamond wire cutting, the company's core business, and is also active in industry associations, where she stands out for her entrepreneurial vision and strong environmental responsibility. The award to Janina Mathiasz seeks to highlight her contribution to the natural stone sector. In 1998, she created the Designing with Natural Stone course, which is still active today at Marmomac as a training programme for architects accredited by prestigious international professional associations. In addition to promoting natural stone in her home country Hungary, Janina is committed to boosting Marmomacs leadership as a global landmark event in the sector. As founder of Sette7 Studio with her sister Erika, Vivian Coser has helped redefine contemporary Brazilian design by valorising the natural resources of her country. Her unique style combines eclectic influences to create items that blend beauty and function. Determined to promote Brazilian materials, Vivian has elevated stone craftsmanship into a timeless experience that celebrated the connection between nature, culture and human creativity. Her contribution has enriched stone processing and design by blending tradition and innovation.-TradeArabia News Service Genetec, a leading technology provider of unified security, public safety, operations, and business intelligence solutions, will showcase its physical security solutions at Intersec Saudi Arabia 2024 taking place from October 1-3 in Riyadh. The sixth edition of the country's premier security trade fair at the Riyadh International Convention and Exhibition Center, will see Genetec present the latest version of its flagship unified security platform Security Center , as well as a range of cloud-ready solutions. Visitors will have the opportunity to engage with Genetec experts and explore how unified physical security solutions are unlocking new capabilities for businesses and government entities across the region. Genetec will also provide insights into the latest advancements in hybrid cloud-based security. According to key findings from the 2024 State of Physical Security report, most organisations prefer a hybrid approach, combining both on-premises and cloud-based solutions. Close to 60% of end-user respondents revealed that their organisations aim for a security deployment strategy that combines both, with 12% of regional end-users stating that their organizations are currently storing video surveillance data both locally and in the cloud. As Saudi Arabia continues its journey towards Vision 2030, security infrastructure has become a critical enabler in modernising cities like Riyadh, Makkah, Jeddah, and Madinah through smart city projects. Advanced physical security solutions play a pivotal role in supporting and safeguarding critical infrastructure, enhancing public safety, and enabling seamless urban development as the kingdom moves toward attaining its goals. "In a rapidly evolving security landscape, it is essential for physical security professionals in Saudi Arabia to remain agile, embracing new technologies that not only protect people and infrastructure but also deliver valuable operational insights that enable smarter decision-making," said Firas Jadalla, Regional Director Middle East, Turkey and Africa (META), Genetec Inc. "We are excited to return to Intersec Saudi Arabia and showcase how our cutting-edge solutions support the Kingdoms ambitious smart city initiatives and Vision 2030 goals. Intersec Saudi Arabia 2024 will provide an ideal platform for Genetec to demonstrate its commitment to the kingdom, following a series of strategic investments including the expansion of its Riyadh office and increased collaboration with local partners. TradeArabia News Service The Turkish Airlines has introduced The Oldest Bread in its in-flight service menu. The offering is made of Einkorn and Emmer wheats, which are considered the oldest variety in Anatolia, the cradle of one of the most ancient civilisations. The new item on the menu, Turkish Airlines said, reflects its way to share the countrys culture with its guests through cuisine and connecting honoured traditions with modern innovations. The menu item was officially introduced on flight TK3 flying from Istanbul to New York on September 22, 2024. Served heated and in a special bag with butter and olive oil before meal service, the bread will be available for Intercontinental Business Class passengers. Prepared fresh by the airlines Istanbul-based catering company, Turkish DO&CO, The Oldest Bread received additional consultancy of award-winning Turkish culinary historians Omur Akkor, and academic Cetin enkul. Turkish Airlines Chairman of the Board and the Executive Committee Prof. Ahmet Bolat stated: "As the flag carrier that offers the world's finest flavours to its guests and receiving numerous accolades for it from world renowned organisations, we are pleased to introduce our business class travellers to the worlds oldest bread grown from the reproduction of ancient wheat discovered in excavations in the Anatolia region. With this bread, traditional to Turkish cuisine and significant to global culinary history, we aim to blend past and present together on our inflight guest experiences. We hope that our new menu item will be appreciated by our guests as we continue our award-winning leadership in the field of inflight dining." During the inaugural flight of the new Turkish Airlines offering, it premiered a film on the subject which was shot in the Gobeklitepe, Karahantepe, and Euphrates River regions with the support of Turkiyes Ministry of Culture and Tourism. The Oldest Bread is a Turkish Airlines project that reflects the history of Anatolian agriculture that began approximately 12,000 years ago in the Ta Tepeler region. Considered one of the centres of the Neolithic Revolution, Ta Tepeler was the first time in history that human communities transitioned from a hunter-gatherer lifestyle to a settled, agricultural society, and wheat was domesticated in this area. Turkish Airlines said it continues to maintain its status as the airline with the world's best inflight dining concepts and globally recognised menus, including flavours from both traditional Turkish cuisine and world cuisines. Sourcing 80% of the products used in its menus from local producers, the airlines in-flight dining offerings are prepared daily by expert chefs using the freshest products, in a boutique production style. TradeArabia News Service Four Seasons Resort Dubai at Jumeirah Beach will unveil at a grand ceremony at the resorts lobby on October 12, an artistic expression of its 10-year legacy, with a floral experience designed by a celebrated artistic director. Taking inspiration from nature, heritage and metropolitan immersion, the design of Jeff Leatham, renowned for his poetic mastery of floral decor, will adorn the main lobby, styled into a winding tale that evokes the resorts tropical greenery, city spirit and connection to the Dubai culture. The installation will be available at the lobby until November 8, 2024. The floral experience will serve as an expression of all the unique moments, beautiful bonds and eternal memories that are created by guests. Leatham is renowned for his mesmerising lobby installations at Four Seasons Hotel George V Paris where he flourishes as Artistic Director. His dedication to his craft and his treatment of flowers as an artistic medium have earnt him major honours, including a prestigious Knighthood, the Chevelier de LOrder des Arts et Letters Frances highest honour for those who have made significant contributions to Frances artistic legacy. His patrons include the Kardashians, Oprah, Tina Turner, Dolly Parton and Cher amongst others. Guests are invited to experience Leathams floral design by staying at Four Seasons Resort Dubai at Jumeirah Beach or reserving a dining experience. TradeArabia News Service Saudi Civil Aviation Holding Company (Matarat), in partnership with the National Center for Privatization & PPP(NCP) and the Aseer Development Authority (ASDA), has announced that some of the biggest names in the airport construction sector have prequalified for the new Abha International Airport project in the Asir Region. The list of the qualified bidders include India's GMR Airports Limited; Turkish Mada TAV consortium comprising Mada Holding International and TAV Havalimanlari Holding; Touwaik Alliance comprising Skilled Engineers Contracting, Limak Insaat Sanayi ve Ticaret AS, Incheon International Airport Corporation, Dar Al Handasah Consultants (Shair and Partners), and Obermeyer Middle East as well as VI Asyad daa comprising Vision International Investment Company, Asyad Holding, and daa International Limited. On completion, the new airport will be able to accommodate over 13 million passengers annually, a 10-fold increase from the current capacity of 1.5 million. The Abha airport will then start handling more than 90,000 flights per year, up from the current 30,000. According to Matarat, the project is a Public Private Partnership initiative intended to meet the objectives from the Kingdoms Vision 2030 Plan. It will be implemented on a Build-Transfer-Operate (BTO) model. In addition the project is also intended to align with all relevant major national strategies, specific to the National Transportation and Logistics Strategy, National Aviation Strategy and Aseer Economic Development Strategy. The primary agreement that will be entered between Matarat and the project company will be for a period of 30 years. Its scope of work will include the design, financing, construction and operation of the new Abha Airport. All of Saudi Arabia's airports are being supervised by Matarat Holding, which monitors the operations of 27 airports across the kingdom through its subsidiaries (Riyadh Airports, Jeddah Airports, Dammam Airports, and Cluster 2) to develop the countrys airports and improve their performance to keep up with the rapid pace of current developments. This aligns with the Saudi Aviation Strategy, which is grounded in the National Transport and Logistics Strategy and Saudi Vision 2030, it added.-TradeArabia News Service The US has announced it was admitting Qatar into its visa waiver program, allowing visa-free travel by Qatari citizens for up to 90 days starting from December 1. The US Department of Homeland Security and the Department of State said in a statement that Qatar is the first Gulf country to be admitted to the US Visa Waiver Program, commending Doha for meeting the strict security requirements to join, reported Reuters. Similarly, stating from October 1, US citizens will also be able to visit Qatar without a visa for up to 90 days. The Gulf state has played a key role in mediation talks with Hamas and Israeli officials in relation to the war in Gaza and the release of hostages captured by the Palestinian Islamist group in its October 7 cross-border attack on Israel. An administration official told reporters the US has a strong defence relationship with Qatar and praised Doha for taking the lead on pressing the Taliban on human rights and providing assistance in Sudan, among other issues. "Qatar's fulfillment of the stringent security requirements to join the Visa Waiver Program will deepen our strategic partnership and enhance the flow of people and commerce between our two countries," Secretary of State Antony Blinken said in a statement. It has become the second Muslim-majority country (after Brunei) to be included in the US Visa Waiver Programme, allowing its citizens to travel to the United States without obtaining a visa. Though Qatars population exceeds 3 million, only around 320,000 Qatari citizens are eligible for the programme, as most residents are foreign workers or expatriates without Qatari passports, reported The Indian Express. For admission to the program allowing visitors traveling for tourism or business purposes to stay up to 90 days without a visa, Washington requires countries to meet requirements on issues such as counterterrorism, law enforcement, immigration enforcement, document security, and border management. Qatar put forth a "significant whole-of-government effort to meet all program requirements," including on partnering to share information on terrorism and serious crimes, according to the statement. Qatar is the 42nd member of the program, with nations added infrequently. Israel, admitted to the programme in 2023, was the last country to join despite concerns over its treatment of Palestinian, Arab, and Muslim Americans.-TradeArabia News Service The exhibition area of humanoid robots is pictured at the third Global Digital Trade Expo in Hangzhou, east China's Zhejiang Province, Sept. 25, 2024. [Photo/Xinhua] Greater efforts are needed to strengthen international cooperation in digital trade and to collectively formulate international rules related to such business activity, a sector which has injected new impetus into world economic growth, officials and experts said. China is willing to work with other nations to support the deeper application of cutting-edge technologies, promote the balanced development of digital trade in all fields, and help small and medium-sized enterprises worldwide achieve sustainable development through digital and intelligent transformation, said Zheng Jianbang, vice-chairman of the Standing Committee of the 14th National People's Congress, the country's top legislature. Zheng made the remarks at the launch ceremony of the third Global Digital Trade Expo, which opened in Hangzhou, Zhejiang province, on Wednesday. He said China has attached great importance to the development of digital trade, which is regarded as one of the three pillars supporting the development of a strong trading nation, alongside trade in goods and services. Zheng stressed the need to deepen dialogue and cooperation with other countries in the aspect of governance and to actively take part in the formulation of multilateral, bilateral and regional rules concerning digital trade, so as to create an open, fair, just and nondiscriminatory environment for the development of global digital trade. Minister of Commerce Wang Wentao said his ministry will strengthen the construction of digital trade mechanisms, promote high-standard opening-up, and work with all parties to build digital trade into a new engine for common development, ultimately injecting new momentum into global economic growth. Wang said more than 400 new products and technologies are being showcased during the expo, while a future-oriented industry exhibition area has been set up for the first time, demonstrating cutting-edge technologies in fields such as artificial intelligence. Featuring Kazakhstan and Thailand as guests of honor, the expo, with the theme of "Digital Trade, Global Access", has attracted more than 1,500 companies from 32 countries and regions, with more than 30,000 professional buyers having registered for the event, including over 6,000 overseas buyers. Digital trade in China has made remarkable progress in recent years. Data from the Ministry of Commerce showed that China's import and export of digitally-delivered service trade rose 3.7 percent year-on-year to 1.42 trillion yuan ($202.2 billion) in the first six months of 2024, a record-high. Moreover, the country's cross-border e-commerce imports and exports reached 1.22 trillion yuan in the first half of the year, an increase of 10.5 percent year-on-year, according to the General Administration of Customs. Yi Lianhong, Party secretary of Zhejiang province, said the province will accelerate the building of industrial chains of digital trade, vigorously develop new business models such as digital product trade and digital service trade, ease market access in the digital domain, and bolster safe cross-border data flows. Zhaslan Madiyev, minister of Digital Development, Innovation and Aerospace Industry of Kazakhstan, said the expo provides an unique opportunity to showcase innovative technologies, products and ecosystems in global digital trade, while offering an open forum for exploring new markets and fostering opportunities for economic and trade collaboration. Kazakhstan has established strong cooperation relations with major Chinese e-commerce platforms like Alibaba and JD, further strengthening its role in the global digital trade arena, while Chinese delivery company YTO Express is partnering with Kazakhstan to build the largest e-commerce logistics center in Central Asia, he noted. He added that his country looks forward to further deepening its collaboration with China in areas such as logistics, digital trade and the creation of new technological hubs. This photo taken on Sept. 25, 2024 shows the China Pavilion at the third Global Digital Trade Expo in Hangzhou, east China's Zhejiang Province. [Photo/Xinhua] People visit the Silk Road E-commerce Zone during the third Global Digital Trade Expo in Hangzhou, east China's Zhejiang Province, Sept. 25, 2024. [Photo/Xinhua] People visit the Kazakhstan Pavilion at the third Global Digital Trade Expo in Hangzhou, east China's Zhejiang Province, Sept. 25, 2024. [Photo/Xinhua] People visit the Thailand Pavilion at the third Global Digital Trade Expo in Hangzhou, east China's Zhejiang Province, Sept. 25, 2024. [Photo/Xinhua] 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. You are here: Business Visitors watch a robot welding an auto body during the 23rd China International Industry Fair (CIIF) in east China's Shanghai, Sept. 19, 2023. [Photo/Xinhua] China is now home to 30 national-level manufacturing innovation centers and over 260 provincial-level manufacturing innovation centers, with the country persisting in its determined efforts to further boost its industrial development. China has also built 421 national-level demonstration factories featuring intelligent manufacturing, according to the 24th China International Industry Fair, which is being held in Shanghai, China's financial hub. The event kicked off on Tuesday and will run until Saturday, and has attracted the participation of 2,600 exhibitors from 28 countries and regions. With a total exhibition area of 280,000 square meters, the fair features nine professional exhibitions, with themes including new energy and intelligent connected vehicles, robots and new materials. Launched in 1999, the fair has become one of the most influential platforms for international trade, exchanges and cooperation on industrial scope. Jimmie Tramel Tulsa World Scene Writer Follow Jimmie Tramel Close Get email notifications on {{subject}} daily! Your notification has been saved. There was a problem saving your notification. {{description}} Email notifications are only sent once a day, and only if there are new matching items. Save Manage followed notifications Close Followed notifications Please log in to use this feature Log In Don't have an account? Sign Up Today Board members from the Recording Academys Texas chapter, which covers Oklahoma, held their first board meeting outside of Texas recently at The Church Studio. The board meeting took place Wednesday, Sept. 25. While in town, the board took part in a trolley tour with Experience Tulsa, which included stops at the Bob Dylan Center and Hansons 3CG Studio before ending at the Tulsa Performing Arts Center. Later, 123 guests attended a mixer at LaFortune Studio featuring performances from local musicians Full Flava Kings, DJ FEENIX, Branjae, Max Rainer of Wilderado and Jerica Wortham, plus a duet with Gina Chavez and Recording Academy trustee Taylor Hanson. Being a part of the Recording Academy Chapter board coming to Tulsa for the first time was an incredible honor, Hanson said. The Recording Academy is the worlds leading organization committed to championing music and its creators, and as a long-time member and a proud Oklahoman, I was thrilled to see our city and state come together to embrace what is possible through great partnership with the Academy. Oklahoma has a rich music history, and with the engagement of our creative artists and the commitment from our city and state to see it grow, I am confident we can amplify our states reputation as a place where creativity and music can thrive, he said. The Recording Academy is dedicated to ensuring the recording arts remain a thriving part of our shared cultural heritage, advocating for and supporting music professionals. The purpose of Wednesdays event was to increase Oklahoma membership and promote the states musicians. It was so exciting to see the Recording Academys Texas chapter in Tulsa, Meg Gould, executive director of the Tulsa Office of Film, Music, Arts and Culture, said. Oklahoma is full of incredible musicians, and we want them to get the support and recognition they deserve. Were looking forward to continuing this fantastic relationship with the Recording Academy. The Tulsa World is where your story lives A Chinese mainland's senior Taiwan affairs official met on Wednesday with a delegation led by Sean Lien, vice chairman of the Chinese Kuomintang (KMT) party, in northeast China's Liaoning Province. Song Tao, head of both the Taiwan Work Office of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and the Taiwan Affairs Office of the State Council, said the mainland will continue to improve the systems and policies for promoting economic and cultural exchanges and cooperation between the mainland and Taiwan to boost integrated development across the Taiwan Strait. Song said the mainland is willing to work with the KMT to oppose "Taiwan independence" separatism and external interference, seek peace across the Strait, and work for the well-being of compatriots across the Strait. Lien said that based on the common political foundation of adhering to the 1992 Consensus and opposing "Taiwan independence," the KMT will continue to promote cross-Strait exchanges and cooperation in various fields, safeguard peace and stability across the Strait, and create more benefits for people on both sides of the Strait. The Fifth Ho Chi Minh City Economic Forum opened in the southern metropolis on Wednesday under the theme 'Industrial Transformation - A New Driving Force for Ho Chi Minh City's Sustainable Development' with the attendance of Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh. The city hoped the forum would help to determine priorities in industrial transformation, allowing it to gather resources and ensure consistent policies. Speaking at the opening ceremony for the forum, secretary of the Ho Chi Minh City Party Committee Nguyen Van Nen said Ho Chi Minh City aims to become a smart, modern city in order to improve the living quality of its residents. The city looks to become a modern industrial city by 2030 and stand equal with other major cities in the region by 2045. In order to reach such targets, the city needs sustainable solutions. Vietnamese Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh (R, 2nd) attends the Fifth Ho Chi Minh City Economic Forum, which opened on September 25, 2024. Photo: Quang Dinh / Tuoi Tre The city has chosen green transition as its motivation, digital transformation as a breakthrough industry, and development cooperation as an important and inevitable task, Nen noted. Ho Chi Minh Citys foremost mission is to improve its infrastructure system, particularly its traffic infrastructure and environmental protection technologies, as well as improve the quality of its human resources. The city also needs breakthrough policies to mobilize resources for investment and development. Secretary of the Ho Chi Minh City Party Committee Nguyen Van Nen gives his remarks at the opening ceremony for the Fifth Ho Chi Minh City Economic Forum on September 25, 2024. Photo: Quang Dinh / Tuoi Tre The southern hub also expects to make conditions more conducive for the business community to operate and develop, according to the municipal Party chief. Nen said that domestic and international experts had provided the city with multiple opinions, suggestions, and proposals through economic forums. The municipal government has employed these opinions and suggestions to issue effective directives in mid- and short-term development periods. International guests at the opening ceremony for the Fifth Ho Chi Minh City Economic Forum on September 25, 2024. Photo: Quang Dinh / Tuoi Tre In addition to diplomatic agencies, consulates general, international organizations, and enterprises, Ho Chi Minh City has friends that have supported it in its toughest times. The city will never forget those that have helped it overcome the challenging COVID-19 pandemic, said Nen. Ho Chi Minh City expects to learn from the governance models of other countries as well as international enterprises and organizations. Photo: Quang Dinh / Tuoi Tre The city expects the 2024 Ho Chi Minh City Economic Forum to be a venue for economists to exchange and grasp new development trends, according to Dr. Pham Binh An, deputy director of the Ho Chi Minh City Institute for Development Studies. This years forum, slated to last through Friday, features 40 delegations from 16 countries and territories, including Laos, Cambodia, China, Cuba, the U.S., Japan, South Korea, Russia, India, Australia, and others. Like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter to get the latest news about Vietnam! Karan Bhatia, vice-president of government affairs and public policy at Google, expressed interest in exploring collaboration on artificial intelligence (AI) development with Vietnam during his meeting with Party General Secretary and State President To Lam in New York on Wednesday morning (local time). Bhatia reaffirmed Googles commitment to collaborating with Vietnam, announcing that Google had opened a new office in Ho Chi Minh City this year. The company operates a manufacturing facility for phones and components in Vietnam as well. He said that AI is one of Googles core strengths and could bring significant value to Vietnam. He shared Googles approach to AI, which includes developing models, integrating AI into its products, and supporting both the public and private sectors in AI adoption. Google's top government affairs official added that the tech giant is expanding skills training in Vietnam to promote AI collaboration, with plans to offer advice on optimizing the regulatory and policy framework for AI development. The company hopes to support Vietnam in AI-integrated cloud services and to cooperate in cybersecurity. The top Vietnamese leader emphasized that Googles continued expansion of business in Vietnam reflects the countrys growing importance in strengthening global supply chains and expanding markets for the tech behemoths products. Lam highlighted Vietnams commitment to creating favorable conditions for U.S. and foreign investors. He called on Google to encourage its suppliers to expand their investment in Vietnam. He suggested that Google help local firms enhance their capacity and join the tech giants supply chain. Lam said that high-quality human resource development is one of Vietnams top strategic priorities, especially in the fields of biotechnology, AI, chips, and semiconductors. He applauded Googles proposal to cooperate in AI training, expressing his hope that the firm will collaborate with Vietnam's National Innovation Center, agencies, and institutions to implement projects that benefit both sides. The leader of the Vietnamese Party and state commended Google for its interest in cybersecurity cooperation, emphasizing the sector's critical importance in light of the rapid changes brought about by the Fourth Industrial Revolution. Party General Secretary and State President of Vietnam To Lam (R) shakes hands with Nate Franklin, founder and chairman of Pacifico Energy Group, during the Vietnamese leaders visit to the U.S., September 25, 2024. Photo: Vietnam News Agency On the same day, Lam hosted separate receptions for leaders of two major U.S. energy companies -- AES and Pacifico Energy. The receptions took place during the top Vietnamese official's visit to the U.S. from last Saturday through Wednesday this week. During his meeting with executive vice-president of AES Corporation Juan Ignacio Rubiolo, Lam commended the company's effective business and investment activities in Vietnam. He affirmed that Vietnam always welcomes foreign investors, especially those involved in clean energy transition projects, to do business in the country. Lam proposed that AES maintain close collaboration with its Vietnamese partners to ensure compliance with local laws during the project implementation. As Vietnam is seeking measures to keep its trade with the U.S. in balance, Lam endorsed the importation of liquefied natural gas to increase U.S. imports. He emphasized that the Party, state, and people of Vietnam are fully committed to creating optimal conditions for U.S. investors, particularly AES, to thrive in Vietnam. Rubiolo reaffirmed AESs long-term commitment to Vietnam, adding that the company pledged to support Vietnam in energy transition and green economic growth. The AES executive expressed his desire to work with Vietnamese companies such as PV Gas and EVN to optimize clean energy supply for industrial projects, ensuring reliable energy provision for the country. During his reception for Nate Franklin, founder and chairman of Pacifico Energy Group, Lam spoke highly of the group's contributions and successful investments in Vietnam and global markets over the years. He encouraged Pacifico Energy to make further investments in energy transition projects in Vietnam, noting that the country promotes energy transition and is working to fulfill its net-zero emissions goal by 2050. Franklin pledged to collaborate with its partners to effectively implement projects to address Vietnams energy needs in the years to come. The Pacifico Energy executive said that Vietnam boasts many advantages for developing clean energy and expressed his belief that the country could meet its offshore wind power targets by 2030. Like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter to get the latest news about Vietnam! Ho Chi Minh City and Chinas Chongqing City are launching a new international trade corridor meant to enhance trade routes by both road and sea. This initiative is expected to lower logistics costs and create various opportunities for economic collaboration between the two localities, allowing Vietnamese businesses to expand their markets. The corridor will facilitate the transportation of well-known Vietnamese products such as rice, coffee, natural rubber, and fruit. These goods can then be distributed throughout China and to European markets, promoting market expansion and sustainable growth for Vietnamese enterprises. The new international trade corridor was discussed during a conference on promoting cooperation for the new international land-sea trade corridor, which was held in Ho Chi Minh City on Tuesday. At the conference, Vo Van Hoan, vice-chairman of the Ho Chi Minh City Peoples Committee, underlined the citys role as a multifaceted economic hub with an integrated transportation system that includes air, waterway, maritime, land, and rail routes. Hoan also announced plans for Ho Chi Minh City to build 180 kilometers of urban railway by 2035 and invited Chongqing to collaborate on this urban rail system. He expressed ambitions to transform outlying Can Gio District into a logistics hub by developing the Can Gio transshipment port, which is currently in the planning stages. Once completed, the port will connect with Chongqing Port, expanding trade opportunities for Chinese goods in southern Vietnam. Zheng Xiangdong, Vice-Mayor of Chongqing, discussed the potential of this new trade corridor. He noted that Chongqing is a strategically important economic center in southwest China and has developed various logistics models including rail intermodal transport and maritime transport. This extensive network connects with 72 cities and 154 train stations across 18 provinces in China and reaches 538 ports in 125 countries globally. Goods produced by Chongqing-based businesses are on display at a conference on promoting cooperation for the new international land-sea trade corridor, September 24, 2024. Photo: Cong Trung / Tuoi Tre Such connectivity will enable effective collaboration between Ho Chi Minh City and Chongqing in supply chain development and international competitiveness. During the conference, many businesses expressed optimism about the new trade corridors potentialities to reduce logistics costs and foster economic cooperation between Vietnam and China. This initiative is expected to enhance the possibility of Vietnamese businesses to access larger markets while boosting their global competitiveness. The event also featured the signing of a cooperative agreement between businesses and associations in eight sectors including investment, trade, and logistics from both countries. Notably, statistics shared at the conference indicated that trade between Vietnam and China reached US$112.2 billion in January-July, marking a 25-percent increase compared to the same period in 2023. China remains Vietnams second-largest trading partner, while Vietnam ranks as Chinas largest trading partner in ASEAN and fifth globally. Like us on Facebook or follow us on X to get the latest news about Vietnam! The U.S. backs a strong, independent, resilient, and prosperous Vietnam and treats the Southeast Asian country as a leading partner in the region, U.S. President Joe Biden has told Vietnamese Party General Secretary and State President To Lam. Biden made the statement at a meeting with Lam in New York on Wednesday (local time) as part of the latters U.S. trip for the UN Summit of the Future and the General Debate of the 79th session of the UN General Assembly (UNGA 79). This was the first meeting between the two leaders since Party General Secretary and State President Lam took on his new positions recently, and marked one year of the comprehensive strategic partnership between the two nations. President Biden extended condolences to Vietnam over the damage caused by recent typhoon Yagi and affirmed that the U.S. government stands ready to support Vietnam to overcome the aftermath of the natural disaster. Once again congratulating Lam on his new positions, Biden recalled his Vietnam trip in September last year, when he received a warm welcome from the Vietnamese leaders and people and joined then-Party Secretary General Nguyen Phu Trong in announcing the elevation of the bilateral ties to a comprehensive strategic partnership. One year ago, in Hanoi, we began a new era of relations with Vietnam and the U.S., and we elevated our partnership to the highest level possible. Since then, weve been Ive been very proud of the progress weve made, according to remarks posted on the website of the White House. Biden told Lam that the U.S. considers Vietnam a leading partner in the region, and supports a strong, independent, resilient, and prosperous Vietnam. He pledged to continue strengthening the bilateral partnership on the basis of respect for each others independence, sovereignty, territorial integrity and political institution, making the ties a model for healing and cooperation for future construction. Biden also affirmed the U.S.s commitment to promoting peace, stability, and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific region, while emphasizing the central role of ASEAN. Supporting Vietnams increasingly important role in regional and international issues, President Biden said the U.S. wishes to work closely with Vietnam on maintaining peace, stability, and cooperation in the region; defending international law; ensuring freedom of navigation and overflight in the East Vietnam Sea; responding to climate change; and addressing common regional and global challenges. Party General Secretary and State President Lam expressed his sincere thanks to President Biden for his deep condolences on the recent passing of Party chief Trong, while thanking the U.S. for its timely support for typhoon Yagi relief efforts in Vietnam. A meeting between Vietnamese Party General Secretary and State President To Lam (L) and U.S. President Joe Biden in New York, September 25, 2024. Photo: Vietnam News Agency Highly valuing Bidens sentiments for and great contributions to Vietnam and the Vietnam-U.S. relations, Lam underscored that Trongs historic trip to the U.S. in 2015 and Bidens visit to Vietnam in September 2023 have created important momentum to take the relationship to the highest level of comprehensive strategic partnership. The two mutual visits were historic milestones and have significantly advanced the growth of the Vietnam-U.S. relations, resulting in a higher level of the relations that we enjoy today, the White House cited Lam. Lam praised Biden for highlighting the shared lessons between the two countries in healing the wounds of war and building their post-war relationship during his address at the opening session of the UNGA 79. The Vietnamese leader agreed that Vietnam and the U.S. share a common vision of building a better future for all humanity. He asserted that the key lesson learned is to promote healing, respect, and mutual understanding, founded on respect for each other's independence, sovereignty, and political systems. Lam emphasized that after transitioning from former enemies to partners with the normalization of diplomatic ties 29 years ago, the two countries have now entered a new chapter in their relationship. He noted that Vietnam and the U.S. have become a true model in international relations, demonstrating the power of healing and post-war reconciliation. Hanoi sees Washington as a partner of strategic importance and hopes that their partnership will continue to develop fruitfully for the interest of the two countries and peoples. Reiterating Vietnams foreign policy of independence, self-reliance, diversification and multilateralization of external relations, Lam affirmed his country is a reliable partner and a responsible member of the international community. Expressing their delight at the achievements gained after one year of implementing the comprehensive strategic partnership, the two leaders vowed to keep effectively implementing the Vietnam-U.S. Joint Statement in 2023 to further bring into play the new partnership, toward celebrating 30 years of diplomatic ties in 2025. They agreed to further expand cooperation in trade, investment, high technology, semiconductors, and high-quality human resource training to create key breakthroughs in their partnership. The two sides agreed to continue strengthening cooperation at regional and international forums, including the United Nations, ASEAN, APEC, and the Mekong-U.S. Partnership, contributing to promoting dialogue, peace, stability, cooperation, and development in the region and the world. After normalizing their diplomatic relations in July 1995, Vietnam and the U.S. set up 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 President Bidens official visit to Vietnam. Like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter to get the latest news about Vietnam! Managing director of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) Kristalina Georgieva expressed her hope that Vietnam will work with the IMF to share its economic development experience and success story with other countries, especially those in Africa, during a meeting with Vietnamese Party General Secretary and State President To Lam in New York on Tuesday. The Vietnamese leader received Georgieva during his working trip to New York to attend the United Nations Summit of the Future and the 79th session of the UN General Assembly, along with a series of working sessions from September 21 to 24. At the meeting, IMF managing director Georgieva affirmed that Vietnam and ASEAN as a whole are bright spots in the global economy, especially during the hard times when the global economy encounters shocks. She said Vietnams resilience, adaptation, and economic growth have been backed by two firm pillars which have been reinforced for decades, including the countrys strong and ceaselessly improving institutions and the prioritization of growth while ensuring inclusiveness in formulating macroeconomic policies. Georgieva pledged to continue supporting Vietnam in the realization of its development goals through reform and risk management as it moves toward developing into a high-income country by 2045. Vietnamese Party General Secretary and State President To Lam (R) receives Kristalina Georgieva, managing director of the International Monetary Fund. Photo: Vietnam News Agency For his part, Vietnamese Party General Secretary and State President To Lam congratulated Georgieva on the IMFs 80th anniversary (1944-2024). He spoke highly of the funds important role in monitoring the macro-economic stability of economies and advising countries on the building of policies which stabilize their financial and monetary systems, alleviate poverty, ensure sustainable and balanced economic development, and respond to climate change. Lam shared that Vietnam, from an underdeveloped economy, is now among the 40 largest economies in the world. It is working toward significant milestones, such as the 100th anniversary of the Communist Party of Vietnam in 2030 and the 100th anniversary of the countrys establishment in 2045. The Vietnamese leader asked the IMF to continue supporting Vietnam to realize that vision, promote economic restructuring, reform the growth model, conduct digital transformation and green transition, develop new technologies, such as artificial intelligence, ensure social security, and alleviate poverty in the spirit of putting people at the center and leaving no one behind. He reiterated Vietnams strong commitment to continue upholding its role and responsibility in settling global issues for the sake of a peaceful and prosperous world. Like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter to get the latest news about Vietnam! U.S. President Joe Biden spoke highly of the comprehensive strategic partnership between the U.S. and Vietnam as a model for post-war reconciliation in his speech at the 79th session of the United Nations (UN) General Assembly in New York on Tuesday. This is his last speech to the UN General Assembly as president of the U.S.. At the beginning of the speech, Biden outlined his political career, which began in 1972 when he was first elected as a U.S. senator. At the time, the U.S. was still involved in the war in Vietnam. Back then, we were living through an inflection point, a moment of tension and uncertainty," Biden said. America was at war in Vietnam, and at that point, the longest war in Americas history. He added that the U.S. was divided and angry. The U.S. and the world got through that moment, including ending the war in Vietnam, but it was not easy or simple for the U.S., Biden said. He recalled his visit to Vietnam in September 2023 during which he met with the Vietnamese leadership and elevated the two countries partnership to the highest level. Its a testament to the resilience of the human spirit and the capacity for reconciliation that today the United States and Vietnam are partners and friends, and its proof that even from the horrors of war there is a way forward," he said. "Things can get better. We should never forget that. Vietnams Party General Secretary and State President To Lam delivers a speech at a program to celebrate the one-year anniversary of the Vietnam-U.S. comprehensive strategic partnership in New York, September 22, 2024. Photo: Vietnam News Agency Vietnam and the U.S. announced the normalization of their diplomatic relations on July 11, 1995, opening a new phase of cooperation between the two countries in the spirit of leaving the past behind, overcoming differences, promoting similarities, and looking toward the future. They officially set up a comprehensive partnership in 2013 before late Vietnamese Party General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong and U.S. President Biden announced the elevation of their bilateral relations to comprehensive strategic partnership, the highest level in the Southeast Asian country's international relations, during the latters visit to Hanoi in September last year. The two countries relations have seen strong development in all sectors since then. Speaking at a program on September 22 to celebrate the one-year anniversary of the Vietnam-U.S. comprehensive strategic partnership, Vietnams Party General Secretary and State President To Lam said 30 years earlier, even the most optimistic person could not imagine how Vietnam and the U.S. could overcome the pain of war to build and develop their strong and positive relations. The two countries have witnessed unprecedented strong progress. This is truly the pinnacle of reconciliation and the development of bilateral relations as well as the result of countless efforts by generations of leaders and peoples of the two countries over the past three decades, including significant contributions of the Vietnamese community in the U.S., the Vietnamese leader noted. Like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter to get the latest news about Vietnam! Bui Thanh Son, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs of Vietnam, had a meeting with Deputy National Security Advisor Jonathan Finer in the U.S. on Wednesday, according to the Vietnamese Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The meeting took place during the visit of a high-ranking Vietnamese delegation led by Party General Secretary and State President To Lam, who attended the United Nations Summit of the Future and the 79th session of the UN General Assembly, and held working sessions in the U.S. from Saturday last week through Wednesday this week. At the meeting, both senior officials expressed their pleasure at the positive growth of the Vietnam-U.S. relations one year after the elevation of their ties to a comprehensive strategic partnership. Vietnam considers the U.S. as a strategically important partner and hopes that both countries will further promote their comprehensive strategic partnership in a deep, effective, and practical manner on the basis of respect for each others independence, sovereignty, and core principles of bilateral relations so as to bring benefits to the two peoples and contribute to peace, stability, cooperation, and development in the region and the world, Deputy PM Son emphasized. He suggested that both sides continue to increase high-level exchanges and delegations. The top Vietnamese diplomat proposed that the U.S. National Security Council and relevant agencies of both nations collaborate closely to prepare for the 30th anniversary of the Vietnam-U.S. diplomatic relations in 2025. He called for further cooperation in areas such as trade, investment, science, technology, and innovation within the new partnership framework. Finer acknowledged the points raised by Son, reaffirming the U.S. governments strong commitment to advancing the Vietnam-U.S. comprehensive strategic partnership and reiterating Washington's consistent support for a strong, independent, resilient, and prosperous Vietnam. The deputy national security advisor added that the U.S. would continue to allocate resources to support Vietnam in war aftermath remediation, hi-tech cooperation, and high-quality human resource development. Both sides also discussed international and regional issues of mutual concern, such as cooperation on the Mekong region and climate change response. They agreed on the importance of maintaining peace, security, stability, and freedom of navigation and overflight in the East Vietnam Sea. Like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter to get the latest news about Vietnam! Party General Secretary and State President of Vietnam To Lam, his spouse, and a high-ranking delegation from Vietnam on Thursday departed from John F. Kennedy International Airport for Cuba to pay a state visit to the Caribbean country. The top Vietnamese leader and his entourage concluded their business trip to the U.S. following his meeting with U.S. President Joe Biden in New York the day before. The state visit to Cuba is made at the invitation of First Secretary of the Communist Party of Cuba Central Committee and President of Cuba Miguel Diaz Canel Bermudez and his spouse. The head of the Vietnamese Party and state is accompanied by four Politburo members: Permanent Deputy Prime Minister Nguyen Hoa Binh, Minister of National Defense Phan Van Giang, Head of the Central Commission on Propaganda and Education Nguyen Trong Nghia, and Minister of Public Security Luong Tam Quang. The Vietnamese delegation also includes Nguyen Duy Ngoc, Chief of the Party Central Committee Office; Le Hoai Trung, Head of the Central Commission on External Relations; Bui Thanh Son, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs; and Nguyen Duc Hai, Vice-Chairman of the lawmaking National Assembly. Previously, Party leader and President Lam, his spouse, and the Vietnamese delegation arrived in New York on Saturday last week (local time). During his stay in New York, he engaged in approximately 40 key events, conveying Vietnam's message of peace, sustainable development, and a future-oriented vision. He delivered an important speech at the General Debate of the 79th Session of the United Nations General Assembly on Tuesday, sharing Vietnam's five-point vision for a more peaceful, cooperative, prosperous, and sustainable future for the world. He met with top leaders of several countries such as India, the U.S., Ukraine, as well as senior officials from the United Nations and its specialized agencies. The top Vietnamese official also participated in various activities with leading U.S. businesses and investment funds through forums, discussions, and private meetings. He had meetings with Vietnamese intellectuals and members of the Vietnam Innovation Network in the U.S., as well as American experts and scholars interested in Vietnam. Several Vietnamese and U.S. businesses signed and exchanged cooperation agreements in the presence of Party chief and President Lam. His first visit to the U.S. as head of the Vietnamese Party and state was deemed a great success, paving the way for further development in the Vietnam - U.S. and Vietnam - United Nations relations. The trip will contribute to further enhancing Vietnams global standing and reinforcing its image as a responsible and reliable partner in the world. Like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter to get the latest news about Vietnam! Catch up on the news in Vietnam today: Politics -- General Secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam and State President To Lam had a meeting with U.S. President Joe Biden in New York on Wednesday afternoon (local time), as part of the Vietnamese leaders U.S. trip for the United Nations Summit of the Future and the 79th session of the UN General Assembly (UNGA 79). -- Party chief and State President To Lam, his spouse, and a high-ranking delegation of Vietnam left New York for Cuba on Wednesday (local time), marking his first state visit to the country at the invitation of First Secretary of the Communist Party of Cuba Central Committee and President of Cuba Miguel Diaz Canel Bermudez. -- At a meeting with Party chief and State President To Lam in New York on Wednesday, World Bank President Ajay Banga underlined that Vietnam is one of the WBs especially important partners, pledging to prioritize the allocation of large capital resources to Vietnam. Society -- As many as 23 students at a middle and high school in Kien Giang Province, southern Vietnam were hospitalized for suspected food poisoning on Monday and Wednesday after consuming food bought at the schools canteen. -- The leader of the Ho Chi Minh City Peoples Committee has submitted a plan on solutions to remove obstacles facing a long-stalled flood control project worth VND10 trillion (US$407 million) to the prime minister. Business -- Billionaire Elon Musks SpaceX, the world's largest satellite operator, aims to pour $1.5 billion into Vietnam, whose satellite Internet market is deemed potential, heard a meeting between Tim Hughes, senior vice-president for global business and government affairs at SpaceX, and Vietnamese Party chief and State President To Lam in New York on Wednesday. -- Karan Bhatia, vice-president of government affairs and public policy at Google, expressed his hope at a meeting with Party chief and State President To Lam in New York on Wednesday to enhance cooperation with Vietnam in AI development. -- Vietnam's leading mobile retailer The Gioi Di Dong (Mobile World) shut down 61 An Khang drugstores, five The Gioi Di Dong stores, three Dien May Xanh electronics stores, and one Ava Kids shop in August alone. -- The European Chamber of Commerce in Vietnam (EuroCham Vietnam), together with the Vietnam Trade Promotion Agency under the Ministry of Industry and Trade, will organize the Green Economy Forum & Exhibition (GEFE) 2024 at THISO SkyHall in Ho Chi Minh City from October 21 to 23, with the theme of 'Building Green Futures,' according to a press release issued by EuroCham Vietnam on Tuesday. Like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter to get the latest news about Vietnam! A pair of giant pandas gifted by the central government to the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) of China arrived at the Hong Kong International Airport on Thursday morning. They will be sent to Ocean Park Hong Kong for health checks and quarantine, and will spend time there to adapt to the new environment. The pair, named An An and Ke Ke, is the third pair of giant pandas the HKSAR has received as gifts from the central government. The Ho Chi Minh City administration has unveiled a sculpture celebrating international friendship at Bach Dang Wharf Park, honoring friendship and cooperation between Vietnams southern business hub and its partners around the world. An unveiling ceremony was held on Tuesday as part of the Second Ho Chi Minh City Friendship Dialogue. Chairman of the municipal Peoples Committee Phan Van Mai, his deputy Vo Van Hoan, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Nguyen Minh Hang, and leaders from nearly 40 foreign localities with cooperative ties to Ho Chi Minh City were in attendance. Vo Van Hoan (C), deputy chairman of Ho Chi Minh City, and local and international delegates stroll through Bach Dang Wharf Park in District 1, Ho Chi Minh City, September 24, 2024. Photo: T.T.D. / Tuoi Tre The sculpture is a Mobius strip a one-sided rectangular strip with the ends affixed to each other after first twisting one end. The design, inspired by the theme 'Water Waves Harmonize to Build Friendship,' symbolizes infinite growth and development. The sculpture was designed by Bui Minh Chau, who won first prize in the Ho Chi Minh City Friendship Symbol Design Contest held last year by Tuoi Tre (Youth) newspaper and the citys Department of External Relations with sponsorship from the Ho Chi Minh City Business Association and INSEE Cement Company. Created using advanced 3D mapping technology and a water curtain, the sculpture illustrates connectivity and showcases cultural and artistic imagery, Hoan said, adding that it aims to introduce the citys beauty and hospitality to international friends, while also symbolizing friendship, solidarity, and long-term cooperation between Ho Chi Minh City and its 58 global partners. Foreign delegates learn how to make egg coffee at a coffee shop on Ton Duc Thang Street in District 1, Ho Chi Minh City, southern Vietnam. Photo: T.T.D. / Tuoi Tre The symbol was created as a show of appreciation for our international friends to feel proud and respected when visiting the city, Hoan told the ceremony. It serves as a door connecting Ho Chi Minh City to the world. Hoan also used the ceremony to thank the international delegates in attendance for accompanying, supporting, and developing a close partnership with the city over the past years. Vo Van Hoan, deputy chairman of Ho Chi Minh City, and local and foreign guests tour the city by boat, September 24, 2024. Photo: T.T.D. / Tuoi Tre Local and foreign tourists take a tour of the Saigon River in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, September 24, 2024. Photo: T.T.D. / Tuoi Tre Like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter to get the latest news about Vietnam! More than 300 workers found themselves with unpaid salaries and without work after the owner of an American company in Binh Phuoc Province, southern Vietnam disappeared. On Wednesday, the Binh Phuoc industrial parks labor union announced that it is providing legal support to workers who have not been paid for 40 days and are unable to reach their employer. Signature Home Furnishings Company, based in Chon Thanh 1 Industrial Park in Chon Thanh Town, Binh Phuoc Province, announced on July 11 that it would suspend operations until further notice. June salaries would be paid no later than July 19, according to the announcement. In addition to failing to support its workers, the company asked employees to voluntarily submit resignation letters and pledge not to file lawsuits if they wanted to receive unemployment benefits. Two months later, employees still have not been paid and have not received any insurance coverage, despite having contributed to social, healthcare, and unemployment insurance each month during their employment. The company owner has been unreachable. Thanh Loi, from Soc Trang Province in the Mekong Delta, shared that he and his wife started working at the company in 2020 and had no issues until July 2024 when they did not receive their June salaries. He also said that there was mass confusion when the company announced that workers would be laid off. The situation put significant financial strain on Loi and his wife, leaving them without money to cover schooling fees for their children. Similarly, Cap Thi Thuan, 45, has found herself without money and unable to find a new job. I hope that competent agencies can help us get our labor benefits and rights, she said. Aside from their unpaid wages and insurance, these workers have been unable to receive unemployment benefits as the company was yet to issue labor contract terminations. Tran Le Thi Ngoc Hanh, vice-president of the Binh Phuoc industrial parks labor union, said that after being notified of the case, the provincial labor federation directed the trade union to support those affected by the Signature Home Furnishings lay-offs. The biggest difficulty in addressing the case was that the owner of the company seems to no longer be present in the province, she said. The company did not issue any decision on labor contract terminations, making it hard to provide benefits of wages, social, and unemployment insurance for these workers. The trade union instructed them to complete petitions and send them to the provincial court and other designated agencies in order to receive support. Signature Home Furnishings Company, located in Binh Phuoc Province, southern Vietnam, suddenly closes down, laying off its over 300 workers. Photo: A.B. / Tuoi Tre U.S.-invested Signature Home Furnishings, whose general director was identified as Abby Rafieha, specialized in manufacturing beds, sofas, wardrobes, and chairs. The company, which started its operation in Vietnam in early 2020, owes over 300 workers some VND3.2 billion (US$130,030) in unpaid wages and nearly VND1 billion ($40,420) in insurance coverage for three months. It also owes some VND2.5 billion ($101,550) in union fees. Like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter to get the latest news about Vietnam! ABC has appointed former ABC Editorial Director Alan Sunderland to conduct the independent review into the its Line of Fire reports. The review follows revelations on 7News Spotlight that the broadcaster added extra gunshots to audio to wrongly claim former Australian Commando Heston Russell had committed war crimes. Media Watch subsequently discovered Russells lawyer had sent a letter raising concerns to the ABCs legal department and posed a series of questions. It will include all aspects of the Line of Fire reports broadcast on 7:30 in September 2022 and published online. The ABC has requested a final report into the matter by the end of October. The report will be made public including recommendations. Sunderland is a Walkley Award winning journalist who spent 40 years working for SBS and ABC. From 2013 to 2019 he was the Editorial Director of the ABC with overall responsibility for editorial standards, editorial complaints and journalism training. He is an Independent Journalist Member of the Australian Press Council and a former Executive Director of the international Organisation of News Ombudsmen. ABC has previously blamed the audio on an editing error telling Spotlight, (producer) Jo Puccini, and (journalists) Mark Willacy and Josh Robertson played no role. It was after she graduated from RMIT Screenwriting in 2010 that writer Mithila Gupta boldly pitched an idea to Neighbours producers, to shake up the 10 soap. The Kapoor clan brought Indian and Sri Lankan heritage to Erinsborough in 2011, with the family remaining for two years. It was an evolutionary move which drew some online criticism, including later by actors for the way they were written out. For Gupta, only just embarking on her career, it was a baptism of fire. Theres so many feelings I have about that, because it was a really tough time. But also that was my first experience of the industry as a writer. It seemed impossible at the time, but I had really great support people who were in positions of power, she tells TV Tonight. I pitched that it needed an Indian family. The show was not diverse at all I pitched that it needed an Indian family. The show was not diverse at all. It seemed globally to be kind of looked down on, for that reason. There were people who could have shut that down in two minutes. But the people in power, listened, and we made it happen. So for me, for my first job, still a trainee at that time, I was just like, Wow, anything is possible! And now Im sitting here, looking at this little flyer I have for Four Years Later. Back then, I would have thought this is impossible, but its happened, so thats kind of shaped how I approach the industry. Indeed, television serials often-reference training ground would prove a worthwhile experience. Gupta would go on to write for Winners & Losers, Home & Away, Playing for Keeps, The Heights, Doctor Doctor, Bump and Five Bedrooms. Now her own series Four Years Later, an 8 x 30 romance by Easy Tiger, will screen on SBS. Using both Hindi and English languages, and filmed in Mumbai, Jaipur and Sydney, it portrays a long-distance relationship between two young Indians who meet as part of an arranged marriage. Indian-born Gupta, who moved to Australia at the age of 4, says she drew upon the experiences, in part, of her parents changing countries. Their experience is neither negative nor positive, its all the things in between What Ive seen is their experience is neither negative nor positive, its all the things in between. Its always been really different, contrasting and evolving. So Ive always wanted to tell a truthful immigrant story set in Australia that reflects this, she explains. Ive also always wanted to tell a love story, because Ive grown up watching Hindi cinema and its romance has left me feeling a bit disappointed with what happens in real life. So Ive always wanted to tell a real and grounded love story with Indian characters. The idea grew from meeting her own husband, initially from a single date in Sydney before being separated by pandemic lockdowns. We built our relationship over Zoom, and were now married. Ive always wanted to tell this story about a couple separated, because Ive heard so many such stories from other immigrants. I just felt after Covid, this is something everyone can relate to. Weve all been separated in one way or another, she continues. My father actually took the dating app out of my hands and started swiping We met on a dating app. When I was in lockdown with my parents, Id given up. I threw my phone down, and I was like, Im not doing this anymore. My father actually took the dating app out of my hands and started swiping, and he landed on my (future) husbands face. He said, You should go for this guy. He looks really honest, and luckily, he was also really handsome. So I said, Sure. Went on a date, and here we are. So in many ways, it was an arranged marriage. Yet Four Years Laters lead characters Sridevi (Shahana Goswami) and Yash (Akshay Ajit Singh) do not instantly connect. Theyre opposites, theyre drawn back to each other I wanted to show a couple who clash in their initial meeting, but then because they challenge each other, and theyre opposites, theyre drawn back to each other. So what kind of happens after that initial meeting is not planned, its them just going with their emotions. Most people in my generation who are arranged, have dated. Theyve gotten the chance to know each other and make a decision about whether they like each other. Its just the way they initially found each other was slightly different. When you think about it, not that different to something like Tinder or a website. Directed by Mohini Herse (Appetite) and Fadia Abboud (House of Gods, Five Bedrooms), the series also seeks to dispell some misconceptions as well as showing Indian characters in a contemporary light. We invented the Kama Sutra, but were not seen as sexy We invented the Kama Sutra, but were not seen as sexy. Bollywood content can be quite conservative or glorified in its intimacy. Were hardly ever seen as leads, let alone as sexy. I wanted to tell something more truthful. We swim in the water in our underwear, we have sex before marriage. Thats not everybodys story. Yes, many people are conservative globally, but I wanted to subvert this perception, because its not what I want to see of myself, says Gupta. Theres definitely race politics that come into it, especially as we spend more time in Australia. But what Im so excited about is that they both have really different experiences of that. I really wanted to say theres not one blanket experience of racism. Even in my own family, Ive seen mum triumph. Ive seen dad suffer. Ive seen the opposite. It changes. Supporting Indian characters were cast in India while further Aussie cast include Kate Box (Deadloch, Erotic Stories), Taj Aldeeb (The Fall), Roy Joseph (Five Bedrooms, Strife) and Luke Arnold (Scrublands, True Colours). For any imperfections of her time shaking up Neighbours, Gupta remains grateful those in power gave her a chance. Its given me this kind of optimism and bravery when it comes to what you pitch in the industry. And sure, there have been many times Ive been disappointed, but then the few times like with Four Years Later, you get to make the thing you want to make, and it just feels like a miracle. Four Years Later screens in double episodes 9:20pm Wednesday on SBS (all episodes On Demand). Het pakket OPNsense is een firewall met uitgebreide mogelijkheden. Het is gebaseerd op het besturingssysteem FreeBSD en is oorspronkelijk een fork van m0n0wall en pfSense. Het pakket kan volledig via een webinterface worden ingesteld en heeft onder andere ondersteuning voor mfa, OpenVPN, IPsec, CARP en captive portal. Daarnaast kan het packetfiltering toepassen en beschikt het over een traffic shaper. De ontwikkelaars hebben OPNsense 24.7.5 uitgebracht en de releasenotes voor die uitgave kunnen hieronder worden gevonden. OPNsense 24.7.5 released This release removes significant processing overhead from larger setups due to being able to coalesce parallel configuration requests for the same component instead of iterating over the list of selected interfaces one by one. A number of third party software updates and FreeBSD security advisories are included as well. This update also disables NUMA by default which can bring a boost in network throughput on affected systems. And of course we are still working on dashboard improvements so now the treasured picture widget is back with a better integration approach. Also take note that the NTP default changes to "restrict noquery" so that the system cannot externally be queried for revealing system internals anymore unless explicitly allowed. Here are the full patch notes: system: update default dashboard layout and include the services widget system: render header for failed active widgets to allow identification and removal system: add ability for widget referral links system: cleaned up ACL definitions and use thereof system: add a picture widget system: default to vm.numa.disabled=1 system: handle log lines with no timestamp (contributed by Iain MacDonnell) system: use interface maps in system_routing_configure() and dpinger_configure_do() system: when only selecting TLS1.3 ciphers make sure to only allow 1.3 as well in web GUI system: move web GUI restart to newwanip_map / plugins_argument_map() use interfaces: move compatible event listeners to newwanip_map interfaces: decouple PPP configure/reset from IPv4/IPv6 modes interfaces: move legacy RFC2136 invoke to plugin hook interfaces: add "spoofmac" device option and enforce it interfaces: prevent CARP VIP removal when VHID group is in use by IP aliases interfaces: routing configuration on changed interfaces only during apply firmware: opnsense-update: support unescaped mirror input (contributed by Michael Gmelin) firmware: opnsense-verify: show repository priority while listing active repositories ipsec: convert to vpn_map event invoke and plugins_argument_map() use monit: fix undefined function error in CARP script network time: enable "restrict noquery" by default (contributed by doktornotor) openssh: port to plugins_argument_map() openvpn: validate "Auth Token Lifetime" to require a non-zero renegotiate time in instances openvpn: convert to vpn_map event invoke and plugins_argument_map() use wireguard: convert to vpn_map event invoke ui: refine cookie policies and make them explicit plugins: add plugins_argument_map() helper plugins: os-caddy 1.7.1 src: bhyve: improve input validation in pci_xhci src: libnv: correct the calculation of the size of the structure src: ifnet: Remove if_getamcount() src: ifnet: Add handling for toggling IFF_ALLMULTI in ifhwioctl() src: ifconfig: Add an allmulti verb src: date: include old and new time in audit log src: bpf: Add IfAPI analogue for bpf_peers_present() src: pf: use AF_INET6 when comparing IPv6 addresses src: if_ovpn: ensure it is safe to modify the mbuf src: if_ovpn: declare our dependency on the crypto module ports: curl 8.10.0 ports: dhcp6c 20240919 reintroduced fixed arc4random() usage ports: expat 2.6.3 ports: libpfctl 0.13 ports: libxml 2.11.9 ports: nss 3.104 ports: python 3.11.10 ports: sudo 1.9.16 Mohammad Aatif Ammad Kanth, TwoCircles.net On September 4, around 2:00 p.m., the National Conference office in Ganderbal reverberated with Zyoon Hoo Zyoon Hoo, Nationalan Zyoon Hoo (we won, we won, National Conference won) slogans as Omar Abdullah, the partys vice president and former chief minister of the erstwhile Jammu and Kashmir state, arrived there after filing his nomination papers. Accompanied by his political workers, he took to the stage to deliver a speech. Support TwoCircles As the crowd listened intently, Omar removed his topi (skullcap) with both hands and said in broken Kashmiri, Muen dastar, muen yi toop, muen yi izzat chu tuhindan athan manz, menis yath dastaras kerziv reach (My skullcap, my turban and my honour are in your hands, please protect them). The crowd erupted in slogans again, and an elderly man in his sixties, wiping away tears, shouted, Lagha ath Abdullah khandanas (I wish I could die for the Abdullah family). In Kashmir, when someone removes their skullcap and put it in front of another, it signifies deep desperation, an urgent plea and a sense of helplessness. This gesture shows that the person is in dire need and is humbly asking for something from the one before whom they have placed their skullcap. But what compelled Omar to do so? Nayeema Mehjoor, a senior journalist with over two decades of experience covering Kashmir politics, believes that Omar has become acutely aware of the growing public resentment against him and other major regional political parties. She notes that the shock of his parliamentary election defeat, something he never anticipated as a prominent political figure and former chief minister, has deeply affected him. Omar, coming from a political dynasty accustomed to power, is now grappling with the emotional strain of losing the peoples support, leaving him feeling desperate and disillusioned. Omar never expected the parliamentary defeat, Nayeema said. As a scion of a major political party, it came as a shock. The resentment he feels towards him and his party, combined with the emotional drain of losing public favour, is evident in his actions he had to remove his skullcap and plead with the people to return. Abdullahs have been synonymous with Kashmir politics since the 20th century, much like the Bhuttos in Pakistan and the Gandhis in India. Since the 1950s, members of the Abdullah family have either captured the hearts of Kashmiris or ruled the region without compassion. Sheikh Abdullah, the first elected prime minister of Jammu and Kashmir, became a household name in the 1930s and 1940s for leading the movement against the Dogra rule. Until his death, most Kashmiris trusted his words without question, such was his influence. His political legacy passed to his son, Farooq Abdullah, and then to his grandson, Omar Abdullah, both former chief ministers of the erstwhile state. Despite Omars popularity and influence in J&K politics, the act of removing his skullcap during a public speech seems symbolic, reflecting the pressure he faces. The growing challenge from politicians like Engineer Rashid, who is turning empty stadiums into packed audiences, particularly in the northern and central parts of the Valley, is unsettling the Abdullah familys once unchallenged dominance. Candidates backed by Rashid are posing significant challenges to senior politicians like Omar and Sajad Lone. Upon his release from jail, MP and Awami Ittehad Party chief Engineer Rashid immediately targeted Omar, vowing to defeat him on his own turf. Rashid has fielded Sheikh Ashiq, a well-known businessman and former head of the Kashmir Chamber of Commerce and Industries (KCCI), to run against Abdullah. Ashiq, a local with considerable influence, has actively campaigned among urban voters in the constituency. Political analysts suggest that the public is frustrated with major politicians who, after their release from jail following the abrogation of Article 370, remained largely silent on the issue. In contrast, Rashid openly spoke for the people of Kashmir and sharply criticised the current regime in Delhi, which earned him sympathy and support from those who now view him as their true representative. Javaid Bhat, 45, a resident of Ganderbal, shared his thoughts, saying, We have been loyal supporters of the NC for generations, but things have changed. We have backed Omar Abdullah and his party in every election, but after the abrogation of Article 370 and the hardships Kashmir has faced in the past five years, he has remained silent. In contrast, Rashid not only spent five years in jail but has consistently spoken up for us throughout his life. We will support any candidate he endorses. It is time for these big politicians to learn a lesson in this election. The day after pleading to the people in Ganderbal, Omar travelled to Budgam to file his nomination papers, this time joined by Agha Ruhullah Mehndi, an MP from Srinagar. Unlike in Ganderbal, Omar was not wearing a cap in Budgam. Mehndi addressed the challenges the NC was facing and announced that once Omar became chief minister, the assembly would overturn all post-August 5, 2019, decisions and release detainees. As he concluded, the crowd began chanting Zyoon Hoo, Zyoon Hoo and Omar, signalling for calm, waved and thanked them. In Budgam, Omar holds an advantage. With the help of MP Mehdi, a Shia cleric, the NC has successfully reactivated its silent supporters during the Lok Sabha elections and has the numbers in its favour. In addition, with 20-25% of the constituencys voters being Shia, the party is working to ensure a majority of Shia votes support Omar. However, Omar faces strong competition from PDPs Syed Muntazir Mehdi, also from a family of clerics and a cousin of Ruhullah. Both families are highly respected among Shias and remain influential figures in the region. Mehjoor remarks, I believe the smartest move the NC has made so far is bringing Mehdi to the forefront. He is an outspoken politician with a strong reputation, especially among young voters. If the NC is to make a dominant comeback, he will be key to that. I think Omars edge in Budgam is largely due to Mehdis influence; otherwise, he would have faced significant challenges in Budgam as well. Despite Omar, his party workers and the NC candidates attracting decent crowds, significant challenges persist. One major obstacle is the recently released Engineer Rashid, who has gained widespread sympathy. Many people resonate with his struggles over the past five years and feel a strong connection to him. While support for Rashid and his independent candidates was somewhat limited in the first phase in South Kashmir, the real challenge lies in North Kashmir, his stronghold. As Omar and his team move into his territory, it remains to be seen whether Omars gestures, like removing his skullcap, have made a lasting impact or if the public has decided to push big political figures out of Kashmirs political landscape. Shahid Nazir, 24, a supporter of Rashid, expressed his frustration with the major regional political parties: We will show the NC, the PDP and others that if they dont care about us, we know how to take revenge by electing Engineer Rashids candidates. These big politicians need to understand the power the public holds. If the AIP candidates dont win this time, it will be a collective defeat for all of Kashmir, he added. Giyani Metals Corp. TORONTO, Sept. 25, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Giyani Metals Corp. (TSXV:EMM, GR:A2DUU8) ("Giyani" or the "Company"), developer of the K.Hill Battery-Grade Manganese Project in Botswana ("K.Hill" or the Project), is pleased to provide an update on construction of the Demonstration Plant (Demo Plant) where construction is continuously moving forwards, a video showing this with CEO Charles FitzRoy, Group Process Engineer Justin Taylor and Lead Process Engineer Desiree Meyer will be released tomorrow September 26, 2024. Highlights: The Demo Plant in Johannesburg is moving into the detailed fit-out phase, with all modular process skids ( Process Modules ) now installed. Cabling and piping work has commenced to connect the Process Modules in preparation for commissioning. As well as progress at the Demo Plant, concurrent metallurgical test-work is underway at CM Solutions, a metallurgical consultancy and laboratory in Johannesburg, to optimize the flowsheet. Giyani is focussed on reducing reagent use where possible and has evolved its process to remove hydrofluoric acid ( HF ). This is an important development, as it eliminates the requirement to store and handle potentially hazardous HF at both the Demo Plant and the planned Commercial Site. In support of the Demo Plant operations, Minopex, a DRA Global Company [JSE:DRA], have now been engaged to operate the Demo Plant. Minopex is a world-renowned group who have operated and maintained approximately 50 plants, and commissioned and ramped-up over 90 globally. Giyani is pleased to have gained a reputable partner with relevant expertise to advance the project. Simulation test-work continues on the Yokogawa Distributed Control System ( DCS ) software that will be used to control the Demo Plant, which will operate as a continuous process flow, rather than batch basis. The continuous process flow of the Demo Plant is a significant advantage for Giyani, as it enables the team to operate the plant at steady state and confirm the ability to produce consistent specification battery-grade manganese (HPMSM). By demonstrating this ability to potential offtake partners, Giyani can satisfy their requirements for a consistent product specification and production rate. As the Demo Plant is a direct copy of the proposed Commercial Plant, albeit at smaller scale, Giyani will better understand how the proposed Commercial Plant (in Botswana) will respond, in advance of construction, commissioning and ramp-up. This enables further optimisation of the engineering design in parallel with the Definitive Feasibility Study ( DFS ) which is underway, and due to complete in 2025. The Demo Plant remains on track for commissioning and production of up to 600kg a day of battery-grade manganese (HPMSM) in Q4 2024. HPMSM produced from the Demo Plant will be provided to offtakers for testing and qualification. Giyani will keep the market updated of progress at the Demo Plant and all other developments. Story continues Charles FitzRoy, President and CEO of the Company, commented: Giyani is entering a metamorphic stage on its trajectory as a battery metals developer, with the first production of battery-grade manganese on track for delivery in Q4 this year. The Demo Plant, to our knowledge, is the largest of its kind in the world, and offers Giyani many advantages that would not be available with other smaller or non-continuous facilities. In particular, the continuous process flow of the Demo Plant will allow the team to target steady-state operations, and prove Giyanis ability to produce consistent battery-grade manganese to potential offtake partners, as well as the ability to satisfy offtake requirements. The Demo Plants ability to operate continuously at this pre-commercial scale will allow Giyani to understand how the Commercial Plant will respond, allowing pre-emptive engineering to de-risk potential issues that could arise during ramp-up and operations. Successful construction and operation of the Demo Plant will, therefore, demonstrate the inherent value of the project to investors. The value of this facility as a tool to optimize our proprietary flowsheet and reduce operating costs is immeasurable and will ultimately advance Giyanis development as a producer of high-grade manganese for the EV battery market. We look forward to providing further updates on its progress. Demo Plant Construction Update The Demo Plant construction process follows a set order of Process Module installation to ensure a straightforward construction process. The Demo Plant consists of nine Process Modules, each a self-contained process system within a fixed frame. The Demo Plant has been built from the Crystallizer Units to the ore delivery and ball mill (See Figure 3 for Demo Plant 3D render). Within the Plant, the following progress has been made since the last Demo Plant update in August: All Process Modules have been installed. See Figures 1 and 2 for the additional Process Modules. All tanks, reactors and agitators (leach tank agitators due shortly) have been installed. All ventilation circuits have been installed. Cabling for power and instrument signalling is progressing rapidly, and the main 1,000kVA transformer station is powering the construction activities in the lead up to commissioning. The process off-gas scrubber unit, which controls atmospheric emissions from the Demo Plant, has been installed. Piping installation has commenced on a broad scale across the Demo Plant. Figure 1 Figure 1: Leach Reactor Installation Construction and Commissioning Update Following the installation of the final two Process Modules, the leach reactors have been installed and all large components are now in place. This represents a significant construction milestone, as there are now no further heavy lifts to undertake. Figure 2 Figure 2: Waste Storage Area, with Scrubber in Foreground The Demo Plant is designed at a scale factor of around 1:10 to the planned Commercial Plant. This provides robust and reliable scale-up from the Demo Plant data when the Commercial Plant is implemented. To illustrate, the leach tanks have a 60cm diameter in the Demo Plant and this is expected to be 8-10x larger at approximately 5m in the Commercial Plant. Figure 3 Figure 3: Demo Plant Render The construction program takes advantage of sequential mechanical, piping, electrical, and instrumentation installation to allow cold commissioning to follow the Process Module installation sequence in a highly efficient manner. With the completion of mechanical equipment installation, the next stages of piping, instrumentation and wiring installation are progressing rapidly. Following the completion of C1 certification (see Stages of commissioning below), the exciting process of C2 and C3 commissioning can commence. These stages can be undertaken at an individual Process Module level, as units become available. Commissioning of the full process flow (C4 & C5) will commence once all the individual Process Modules are ready. Stages of commissioning: C1 Full mechanical completion (individual Process Modules) C2 Dry testing, direction testing, loop testing (individual Process Modules) C3 Cold/Water Commissioning, software testing (individual Process Modules) C4 Hot Commissioning with reagents and steam (full Process) C5 Production Ramp-up (full Process) The commissioning process will be led by Desiree Meyer, Giyanis Lead Process Engineer. Desiree has extensive experience in commissioning hydrometallurgical facilities across Africa. Desiree will lead the Minopex operations team in these efforts. By working through commissioning, Minopex will rapidly develop its familiarity with the facility, making Demo Plant production operations safer and more efficient. Demo Plant Operations Update Giyani is continuing with software developments on the Yokogawa DCS software that will be used to operate Giyanis fully continuous Demo Plant. The ability to continuously operate at this pre-commercial scale will allow Giyani to understand how the Commercial Plant will respond ahead of construction, minimizing issues that could arise during ramp-up and operations. Unlike a lab- or pilot-scale operation, a full, industrial control system is required to operate this large-scale, automated, hydrometallurgical plant. The development of all process standard operating procedures (SOPs) is now complete. As the Demo Plant is a duplicate of the anticipated Commercial Plant, the overall operating requirements and system requirements are very similar. Alongside the engineering, commercial and research benefits of the Demo Plant, the development of SOPs will facilitate a smooth transition to full-scale production. Finalization of the contract for the on-site, independent, ISO-certified, hydrometallurgical laboratory is imminent. This laboratory, which includes ICP-OES and XRF equipment, will allow full commercial-level metal accounting and provide rapid assay turnaround times to enable effective operation of the Demo Plant. About Giyani Giyani is focussed on becoming the dominant western-world producer of sustainable, low carbon high purity battery grade manganese for the electric vehicle (EV) industry. The Company has developed a proprietary hydrometallurgical process to produce battery grade manganese (HPMSM), a lithium-ion battery cathode precursor material critical for EVs. The Company has secured financing of US$26m from two strategic partners, ARCH Sustainable Resources Fund LP and the Industrial Development Corporation of South Africa, enabling it to progress the K.Hill battery-grade manganese project in Botswana to construction by building and operating the Demo Plant and completing a Definitive Feasibility Study in 2025. Additional information and corporate documents may be found on www.sedarplus.ca and on Giyani Metals Corp. website at https://giyanimetals.com/ . About Minopex Minopex is a global leader in plant operations and maintenance, employing over 2,000 personnel across different operations. With nearly three decades of experience, Minopex has collectively operated some 50 different processing facilities as well as having commissioned and ramped-up over 90 globally, establishing itself as a leader in a variety of minerals processing technologies. For more information about Minopex, visit: www.minopex.com. About CM Solutions CM Solutions is a dynamic metallurgical laboratory and consultancy that executes test-work, and goes further to interpret it, model it, and incorporate the results into customer-specific metallurgical designs via an integrated team approach. CM Solutions is a certified ISO 9001:2015 and 14001:2015 company with over 300 clients in the minerals and mining industry across five continents. Qualified Persons / NI 43-101 Disclosures A National Instrument 43-101 (NI 43-101) technical report including results of the PEA and the MRE can be found on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca and made available on the Company's website at https://giyanimetals.com/. Mr. Justin Taylor CEng FIMMM QMR BSc Eng (Chem) is a qualified person, as defined by NI 43-101. Mr. Taylor is the Companys Group Process Engineer and has reviewed and approved the scientific and technical content contained in this news release but is not independent for the purposes of NI 43-101. On behalf of Giyani Metals Corp. Charles FitzRoy, President and CEO Contact: Charles FitzRoy, President & CEO cfitzroy@giyanimetals.com Tel: +1289-291-7632 Neither the TSX Venture Exchange (the "TSXV") nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSXV) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this news release. The securities described herein have not been registered under the United States Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "U.S. Securities Act"), or any state securities laws, and accordingly, may not be offered or sold to, or for the account or benefit of, persons in the United States or "U.S. persons," as such term is defined in Regulation S promulgated under the U.S. Securities Act ("U.S. Persons"), except in compliance with the registration requirements of the U.S. Securities Act and applicable state securities requirements or pursuant to exemptions therefrom. This news release does not constitute an offer to sell or a solicitation of an offer to buy any of the Company's securities to, or for the account of benefit of, persons in the United States or U.S. Persons. Forward Looking Information This news release contains "forward-looking information" within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities legislation. All statements in this news release, other than statements of historical fact, that address events or developments that Giyani expects to occur, are "forward-looking statements". Forward-looking statements are statements that are not historical facts and are generally, but not always, identified by the words "expects", "does not expect", "plans", "anticipates", "does not anticipate", "believes", "intends", "estimates", "projects", "potential", "scheduled", "forecast", "budget" and similar expressions, or that events or conditions "will", "would", "may", "could", "should" or "might" occur. Such statements include without limitation: the Company the ongoing construction, commissioning and operation of the Demo Plant, and timing thereof, completion and timing of the DFS or at all. All such forward-looking statements are based on the opinions and estimates of the relevant management as of the date such statements are made and are subject to certain assumptions, important risk factors and uncertainties, many of which are beyond Giyani's ability to control or predict. Forward-looking statements are necessarily based on estimates and assumptions that are inherently subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause actual results, level of activity, performance or achievements to be materially different from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. In the case of Giyani, these facts include anticipated operations in future periods, planned construction and development of its properties and facilities, and plans related to its business and other matters that may occur in the future. This information relates to analyses and other information that is based on expectations of future performance and planned work programs. Forward-looking information is subject to a variety of known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which could cause actual events or results to differ from those expressed or implied by the forward-looking information, including, without limitation: inherent exploration hazards and risks; risks related to exploration and development of natural resource properties; uncertainty in Giyani's ability to obtain funding; commodity price fluctuations; recent market events and conditions; risks related to governmental regulations; risks related to obtaining necessary licences and permits; risks related to Giyani's business being subject to environmental laws and regulations; risks related to the Company's mineral properties being subject to prior unregistered agreements, transfers, or claims and other defects in title; risks relating to competition from larger companies with greater financial and technical resources; risks relating to the inability to meet financial obligations under agreements to which they are a party; ability to recruit and retain qualified personnel; and risks related to the Company's directors and officers becoming associated with other natural resource companies which may give rise to conflicts of interests. This list is not exhaustive of the factors that may affect Giyani's forward-looking information. Should one or more of these risks and uncertainties materialize, or should underlying assumptions prove incorrect, actual results may vary materially from those described in the forward-looking information or statements. Giyani's forward-looking information is based on the reasonable beliefs, expectations and opinions of the Company's respective management on the date the statements are made, and Giyani does not assume any obligation to update forward looking information if circumstances or management's beliefs, expectations or opinions change, except as required by law. For the reasons set forth above, investors should not place undue reliance on forward-looking information. For a complete discussion with respect to Giyani and risks associated with forward-looking information and forward-looking statements, please refer to Giyani's continuous disclosure documents which are filed on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca. Photos accompanying this announcement are available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/b4f3c270-8a56-4fd3-a057-c5f2cb5483ee https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/8a4c4259-32cf-4bc8-9375-6ca166ffe46d https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/5c47ec2c-c761-4136-a68e-2f8eccb70399 Village in Xinjiang develops fruit planting industry to help locals increase income Xinhua) 09:20, September 26, 2024 A staff member shows facial masks using figs as an ingredient at an agricultural base at Takut Village of Atux City, northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, Sept. 24, 2024. Takut village has been developing fruit planting industry to help increase the income of local people in recent years. Now, the village has an agricultural base covering 138 Mu (about 9.2 hectares) and 97 greenhouses for fruit and vegetable planting. A team from the Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences has also been invited to the village to provide technology support for local farmers, especially in their fig growing. (Xinhua/Zhao Yusi) A staff member trims the branches of a fig tree at an agricultural base at Takut Village of Atux City, northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, Sept. 24, 2024. Takut village has been developing fruit planting industry to help increase the income of local people in recent years. Now, the village has an agricultural base covering 138 Mu (about 9.2 hectares) and 97 greenhouses for fruit and vegetable planting. A team from the Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences has also been invited to the village to provide technology support for local farmers, especially in their fig growing. (Xinhua/Zhao Yusi) A visitor looks at bottles of fig wine displayed at an agricultural base at Takut Village of Atux City, northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, Sept. 24, 2024. Takut village has been developing fruit planting industry to help increase the income of local people in recent years. Now, the village has an agricultural base covering 138 Mu (about 9.2 hectares) and 97 greenhouses for fruit and vegetable planting. A team from the Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences has also been invited to the village to provide technology support for local farmers, especially in their fig growing. (Xinhua/Zhao Yusi) A staff member shows perfumes using figs as an ingredient at an agricultural base at Takut Village of Atux City, northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, Sept. 24, 2024. Takut village has been developing fruit planting industry to help increase the income of local people in recent years. Now, the village has an agricultural base covering 138 Mu (about 9.2 hectares) and 97 greenhouses for fruit and vegetable planting. A team from the Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences has also been invited to the village to provide technology support for local farmers, especially in their fig growing. (Xinhua/Zhao Yusi) Dried figs are displayed at an agricultural base at Takut Village of Atux City, northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, Sept. 24, 2024. Takut village has been developing fruit planting industry to help increase the income of local people in recent years. Now, the village has an agricultural base covering 138 Mu (about 9.2 hectares) and 97 greenhouses for fruit and vegetable planting. A team from the Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences has also been invited to the village to provide technology support for local farmers, especially in their fig growing. (Xinhua/Zhao Yusi) Sliced figs are displayed at an agricultural base at Takut Village of Atux City, northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, Sept. 24, 2024. Takut village has been developing fruit planting industry to help increase the income of local people in recent years. Now, the village has an agricultural base covering 138 Mu (about 9.2 hectares) and 97 greenhouses for fruit and vegetable planting. A team from the Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences has also been invited to the village to provide technology support for local farmers, especially in their fig growing. (Xinhua/Zhao Yusi) (Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Zhong Wenxing) HA NOI Financial frauds and cyber attacks on the Vietnamese financial information systems are on the rise, but many domestic financial agencies still do not pay due attention to the issue, officials said. At a recent conference on digital finance, Le Van Tuan, Director of the Department of Information Security under the Ministry of Information and Communications, said finance is a sector with a high ranking in digital transformation, but at the same time, the risk of information security is always lurking with the sector. According to statistics from Viettel Cyber Security's system, ransomware campaigns in the first six months of this year increased by 70 per cent against the same period last year, including about 30 attacks on large corporations, banks and financial institutions in Viet Nam. Notably, Tuan said, there has been an increase in ransomware attacks in Viet Nam after a Vietnamese securities company was attacked by ransomware and then the company had to pay the hacker to get the data back. "When we talked with many domestic and foreign experts, they also shared the same opinion. Previously, hackers were less interested in the Vietnamese market, but since knowing that companies can pay hackers to get their data back, the risk of being attacked is higher," Tuan said. Tuan said the finance, tax, treasury and securities sectors are all important national infrastructures, so information security in the sectors needs to be invested. In addition to cyber attacks, the sectors also face data breaches when financial data has high value and hackers really want to exploit it. However, Tuan noted, awareness of information security and implementation of information security work are not up to par. "When we discovered the risk of a recent attack, we sent a document to relevant agencies, but there were only a few responses," Tuan said. Tuan recommends that agencies in the financial sector need to invest appropriate resources in information security. The amount of money investing for information security should account for about ten per cent of total investment in information technology. Personnel need to practise and participate in ensuring information security regularly. Regarding financial frauds with users, Tuan said users are often tricked into installing fake government applications. Therefore, the Department of Information Security is working with platforms to make Viet Nam become the first country to pilot the blue verification badge for government applications, which will help people to identify real or fraudulent apps. At the event, Deputy Minister of Finance Bui Van Khang affirmed that digital transformation in the finance and budget sector is an urgent and important task because it plays a key role in the economy. To make the digital transformation effectively, it is necessary to focus on legal regulations, technology and people. Regarding technology, Khang noted the need to focus on improving digital infrastructure capacity, streamlining digital data, and developing applications, digital services and network security, besides deploying and testing new technologies such as AI and Bigdata to serve people and businesses. VNS HCM City The upcoming Vietnam Motor Show 2024 will not only showcase the latest automotive products but also host a seminar titled 'Electrifying Transportation Towards Green Energy Transition', the show's organisers announced at a press conference in HCM City on Thursday. The show will take place from October 23 to 27 in HCM City. According to the organisers, the seminar will focus on two main topics: 'Proper Use of Euro 5 Fuel' and 'Electrified Vehicles: Hybrid Technology'. Experts will offer diverse perspectives on trends and the potential development of electric vehicle models. They will also share solutions for green and clean energy to reduce emissions, aiming to promote sustainable growth in the automotive industry. This seminar is one of the key highlights of this year's Vietnam Motor Show. Organised by the Vietnam Automobile Manufacturers Association (VAMA), the Vehicle Importers Vietnam Association (VIVA), and the Vietnam Association of Motorcycle Manufacturers (VAMM), the exhibition will feature 19 renowned automobile and motorcycle brands, along with over 50 supporting industry brands. Notable participants include GAC, Isuzu, Mitsubishi, Honda, Skoda, Subaru, Suzuki, Toyota, MG, BYD, GAZ, SYM, Yamaha Motor, UM, Harley-Davidson, Triumph, KTM and Husqvarna. Each brand will display outstanding models equipped with modern technology, particularly the latest electric and hybrid vehicles. Another prominent feature of the Vietnam Motor Show 2024 is the change in the way attendees interact with the exhibition space. Visitors interested in models from the showcased brands can participate in test-driving activities. Chairman of VAMA Nakano Keita stated that Viet Nam's automotive industry is currently experiencing robust development with a lot of potential, especially due to the shift towards electric and hybrid vehicles. At Vietnam Motor Show 2024, attendees will witness a range of models from fuel-efficient cars to versatile vehicles, offering diverse pricing to meet consumer demands in the current economic context. o Xuan Quan, sales director of GAC Motor Viet Nam, a brand owned by Guangzhou Automobile Group, China, shared that by participating in the Vietnam Motor Show 2024, the brand aims to introduce itself to the Vietnamese market and seize opportunities to reach consumers through its technological strengths. Currently, Vietnamese consumer trends are changing significantly, with a demand for more versatile and convenient products. VNS HA NOI Vietnamese markets continued their upward trend, closing higher on Thursday as foreign investors maintained their net buying streak for the second consecutive day. On the Ho Chi Minh Stock Exchange (HoSE), the VN-Index increased by 4.01 points, or 0.31 per cent, to end the trading session at 1,291.49 points. Throughout most of the day, the VN-Index remained above the reference level, maintaining a relatively stable range and closing the session higher. Market breadth was negative, however, with 158 decliners outnumbering 141 gainers. Liquidity on the southern bourse slightly decreased to VN21.8 trillion (US$882 million), marking a 4.3 per cent decrease compared to the previous trading session. The VN30-Index, which tracks the 30 largest stocks by market capitalisation, rose by 6.78 points, or 0.5 per cent, to 1,350.85 points. In the VN30 basket, 18 stocks advanced, nine declined and three remained unchanged. Data compiled by financial website vietstock.vn showed that Ho Chi Minh City Development Joint Stock Commercial Bank (HDB) was the biggest gainer, rising by 3.85 per cent and contributing nearly 0.78 points to the VN-Index. It was followed by Tien Phong Commercial Joint Stock Bank (TPB), whose shares hit the ceiling price on Thursday, increasing by 6.73 per cent. Other notable gainers included Viet Nam Dairy Products Joint Stock Company (VNM), up 1.58 per cent, and Vietnam Joint Stock Commercial Bank for Industry and Trade (CTG), which gained 1.11 per cent. Some stocks faced mild selling pressure, tempering the market's gains. The Bank for Foreign Trade of Vietnam (VCB) fell by 0.32 per cent, Vietnam Airlines JSC (HVN) decreased by 2.07 per cent, and Hoa Phat Group JSC (HPG) declined by 0.57 per cent. According to analysts from the Viet Dragon Securities: "The market continued its upward momentum, advancing deeper into the contested zone of 1,290 to 1,300 points. Liquidity increased compared to the previous session, indicating strong contention between supply and demand. Currently, the market is striving to maintain its upward trend and may reach the 1,300-point level or even surpass it into the overbought zone in the next trading session. However, supply is expected to continue increasing, which could exert significant pressure on the market. Therefore, investors need to monitor supply and demand dynamics at the resistance zone to reassess the market's condition. For the time being, they should consider this recovery phase as an opportunity to restructure portfolios towards risk minimisation." Meanwhile, on the Ha Noi Stock Exchange (HNX), the HNX-Index also finished higher on Thursday, edging up by 0.03 per cent to 235.92 points. During the trading day, nearly VN1.1 trillion worth of shares, equivalent to a trading volume of over 56.2 million shares, were traded on the northern market. Foreign investors returned to their net-buying pattern, with a net purchase of VN960 billion on HoSE. VNS HCM CITY Viet Nam and Indonesia are witnessing positive growth in business relations, with significant potential for collaboration across sectors, particularly in high-tech industries, agriculture, and fisheries. A forum, co-organised by the Consulate General of Indonesia in HCM City and the Viet Nam Chamber of Commerce and Industry HCM City Branch (VCCI-HCM) on September 26, aimed to enhance and promote business cooperation between Indonesia and Viet Nam, particularly for SMEs. Consul General of Indonesia in HCM City Agustaviano Sofjan highlighted the potential for collaboration between Viet Nam and Indonesia across various fields. Through close cooperation, he believes that businesses can thrive together and contribute to the prosperity of both nations. Deputy director of VCCI-HCM, Nguyen Huu Nam, said Indonesia is Viet Nams third-largest trade partner in ASEAN, while Viet Nam ranks as the fourth-largest trade partner of Indonesia. In the first two quarters of 2024, bilateral trade volume between Viet Nam and Indonesia reached over US$7.76 billion, an increase of 15 percent compared to the same period last year. Viet Nam exports electronics, machinery, textiles, footwear, and seafood to Indonesia, with electronic products and components leading in export value. In addition, according to a representative from VASEP, Viet Nam and Indonesia have significant potential for developing the fishery sector, as both countries share similar interests and have numerous advantages in this area. Products imported by Viet Nam from Indonesia include various types of coal, steel, vegetable oils, automobiles, common metals, and chemical products. In June 2024, Indonesia ranked 30th out of 146 countries and territories investing in Viet Nam, with 115 projects and total registered capital exceeding $662 million. Currently, several Vietnamese businesses, including VinGroup and ien May Xanh, have invested in Indonesia. In 2023, Viet Nam experienced a trade deficit with Indonesia, importing $9 billion while exports were just over $5 billion, indicating a slight imbalance in trade. Both sides plan to build an Action Programme for 2024-2028, aiming to increase bilateral trade to $18 billion by 2028 through trade promotion and reducing market barriers. Experts also introduced the Trade Expo Indonesia, the countrys largest annual international trade exhibition, showcasing sectors and products, with a focus on B2B connections between Indonesian businesses and foreign partners. VNS HA NOI Fines of between VN900 million-1 billion (US$36,600-40,700) have been proposed for discharging domestic solid waste which contains radioactive substances, causing environmental contamination. The Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment (MoNRE) has also suggested fines of VN500,000-1 million ($20-40) for households and individuals who do not properly classify domestic solid waste and do not use the right packaging for their waste, according to local authoritys regulations. The proposal was shown by MoNRE in the draft decree amending and supplementing the Decree No 45/2022/N-CP issued on July 7, 2022, which regulates administrative sanctions for violations related to environmental protection. Fines of VN40-60 million ($1,600-2,400) for waste collection agencies who did not use the correct vehicles to transport domestic solid waste are also suggested. Companies who do not provide professional training and protective equipment for workers collecting and transporting domestic solid waste will be fined VN5-10 million ($203-406). Fines of VN10-20 million ($406-811) will be given for collecting domestic solid waste at incorrect points. Organisations using equipment that does not meet technical requirements on environmental protection, letting domestic solid waste fall, spreading dust, leaking wastewater into the environment during the collection and transportation process will be sanctioned VN30-40 million ($1,200-1,600). Fines from VN50-60 million ($2,000-2,400) will be spent for not having signs and safety instructions in the landfill, not making records and handing over the site to the competent State agency after completing the pollution treatment and environmental improvement of the domestic solid waste landfill. Organisations transferring, selling, burying, dumping, discharging or burning domestic solid waste from 60,000kg to less than 80,000kg will receive punishment of VN100-150 million ($4,000-6,000). The similar violations for solid waste of more than 100,000kg will be fined VN200-250 million ($8,100-10,100). The draft decree clearly states that the fines will be increased by 40-50 per cent in cases of environmental pollution or domestic solid waste containing hazardous environmental parameters exceeding environmental technical standards. The total fine for each violation will not exceed VN1 billion ($40,700). VNS LAO CAI The restoration and enhancement project for the Hoang A Tuong mansion heritage site in Bac Ha District, Lao Cai Province is expected to be finished in October 2024. After being restored and renovated in 2007, it has become a popular attraction in the Bac Ha region and Lao Cai Province. Following the 2007 restoration, some features of the mansion deteriorated, including a tilted original roof and some tiles had been damaged. To ensure its artistic integrity, while maintaining the original state of the historical site, the Lao Cai Department of Tourism has proposed restoration for the mansion. Recently, social media has seen a surge of controversial opinions regarding the new colour applied to the walls of the mansion. While some have expressed support for the change, many others argue that the new paint colour is inappropriate and fails to preserve the building's original features and historical character. Permanent Deputy Party Secretary of the Provincial Party Committee and Chairman of the Provincial People's Council, Vu Xuan Cuong, told Lao Cai Newspaper that the restoration project respects the scientific research on colour and composition provided by experts. The Department of Tourism held a meeting to gather expert opinions, including an online consultation with experts from the Nouvelle-Aquitaine region in France, to select the most appropriate paint colour. "While many prefer a weathered appearance, this can actually affect the structural integrity of the building," Ha Van Thang, Director of the Lao Cai Department of Tourism, told Lao ong (Labor) Newspaper. Hoang A Tuong mansion is located close to the banks of the Bac Ha River in Bac Ha town, which is about 70 kilometres from Lao Cai City in the northwest mountainous region. The former owner, Hoang Yen Tchao and his son, Tuong, were influential figures during the semi-feudal colonial period in the twentieth century, with Tchao serving as the hereditary tribal leader of the Bac Ha region. Although Tchao is Tay ethnicity, the locals at the time referred to him as King of Meo (Mong) because the Mong ethnic people previously accounted for nearly 70 per cent of the region's population. According to the Lao Cai Tourism Information and Promotion Centre, construction of the mansion began in 1914 and was finished by the end of 1921. Tchao employed a feng shui master to select the ideal location and engaged French and Chinese architects for the design, resulting in a harmonious blend of European and Asian architectural styles. The bricks and tiles used in the construction were crafted by the finest artisans from the region and China, while iron, steel and cement were sourced from the Red River Delta. The mansion has 36 rooms over a total area of 10,000 square metres, across a closed rectangular layout. The Tay people have a custom of naming a house after the name of their son who lives with their parents in adulthood. Therefore, the mansion is called Hoang A Tuong. Hoang A Tuong mansion was recognised as a national cultural and historical relic in 1999. VNS KUALA LUMPUR Malaysia welcomed 4.5 million Muslim tourists last year, generating 14.7 billion RM (over US$3.5 billion) in revenue, Director-General of the Islamic Tourist Centre (ITC), Nirzan Nordin said on September 25. The figures prove that Muslim-friendly tourism and hospitality have significant economic potential in the country, Nizran told the press. To promote the sector, the ITC provides Muslim-Friendly Tourism and Hospitality Assurance and Recognition for accommodations, as well as certification for around 220 Muslim-friendly tourist guides, he continued. Through discussions with industry experts, ITC aims to seize opportunities and gain further understanding to develop standards that meet their requirements, towards a distinct service of Muslim-friendly tourism. Regarding creating hotel and restaurant chains that meet the requirements of Muslim tourists, the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture (MOTAC) of Malaysia intends to strengthen ties with member countries of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) in promoting a Muslim-friendly tourism ecosystem in Malaysia. Deputy Minister of Tourism, Arts and Culture Khairul Firdaus Akbar Khan said that close cooperation with the OIC will be beneficial, as the organisation has great potential in attracting more Muslim tourists to Malaysia. He stressed that if Malaysia does not pay attention to the Muslim tourism segment, it will miss out on a huge opportunity. Global Muslim population stands at two billion, with 1.1 billion residing in member countries of OIC, which includes 57 Muslim-majority nations. In ASEAN countries alone, there are approximately 255 million Muslims, alongside an additional 350 million living as minorities in other regions. The Mastercard-Crescent Rating (Global Muslim Travel Index, GMTI) forecast that by 2028, the travel market will be led by 230 million Muslims, generating spending of 225 billion USD. VNA/VNS NEW YORK General Secretary of the Communist Party of Viet Nam Central Committee and State President To Lam had a meeting with US President Joe Biden on September 25 (New York time) as part of his US trip for the UN Summit of the Future and the high-level week of the 79th session of the UN General Assembly (UNGA). At the event, the Vietnamese leader expressed sincere gratitude to the US President for his heartfelt condolence message on the passing of late Party chief Nguyen Phu Trong and thanked the US Government for its support for Viet Nam's Typhoon Yagi relief efforts. Acknowledging the sentiment that Biden has for Viet Nam's as well as his contributions to the Viet Nam-US relations, Lam held that the historic trip to the US by Party chief Trong in 2015 and the visit to Viet Nam by Biden last year created motives to develop the bilateral ties, bringing them to the highest level of relations with the upgrade to comprehensive strategic partnership and opening space for the ties to branch out in a strong and stable fashion in the coming decades. Lam said he appreciates Bidens sharing of the two countries experience in healing the wounds of war and building their relationship while delivering his remarks at the opening session of the UNGA, agreeing that the two sides share a common vision of shaping up a better future for all humanity based on the experience which highlights the significance of healing, mutual respect and understanding, with respect for each others independence, sovereignty, territorial integrity and political institutions being the most important. He affirmed the special features of the Viet Nam-US relations with a turn from foes to partners, comprehensive partners and now the highest level of comprehensive strategic partners, stressing that the relationship is entering a new chapter of history and becomes a model in international relations regarding efforts to heal and build ties after war. Lam underscored that Viet Nam is on the threshold of a new historic moment and new era, an era of the nations rise, adding the country will steadfastly continue its foreign policy of independence, self-reliance, diversification and multilateralisation of external relations, being a trustworthy partner and an active and responsible member of the international community. He said Viet Nam sees US a partner with strategic importance and expressed his hope that the partnership will continue maintaining its stable and long-term development momentum for the interest and aspirations of the two peoples. Biden, for his part, extended condolences to Viet Nam over the damage caused by Typhoon Yagi while affirming that the US Government stands ready to support Viet Nam during its recovery process. Congratulating Lam on his new position, he said the US considers Viet Nam as a top partner in the region. He recalled his trip to Viet Nam in September last year with warm welcome from the Vietnamese leaders and people and the announcement of the elevation of the bilateral ties to a comprehensive strategic partnership for peace, cooperation and sustainable development in the region and the world. He affirmed that the US backs a strong, independent, resilient and prosperous Viet Nam and said he will continue working to bolster the partnership on the basis of respect for each others independence, sovereignty, territorial integrity and political institution, making the bilateral ties a model for healing and cooperation for future construction. Both leaders expressed their delight over the outcomes of the comprehensive strategic partnership after one year of establishment, which are in accordance with the interests and aspirations of both sides, contributing to maintaining peace, stability, cooperation and development in the region and the world. With a view to maintaining the stable and effective development momemtum, they agreed that the two sides need to work closely to effectively carry out the joint statement adopted last year, including enhancing discussions at all levels, bolstering cooperation across economy, trade, investment, high technology and semiconductor and capitalising collaboration potential in high-quality human resources training, seeing it a key and a breakthrough in their partnership. Regarding regional and international issues of mutual concerns, they concurred to step up cooperation at regional and international forums, comprising the ASEAN framework, Mekong US Partnership and the UN. Biden affirmed that the US commits to enhancing peace, stability and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific region, respecting the central role of ASEAN and supporting Viet Nam's increasingly important role in the region and the world. He said the US wants to closely coordinate with Viet Nam in maintaining peace, stability, cooperation, upholding international law, ensure freedom of navigation and overflight in the East Sea (known internationally as the South China Sea), fighting climate change and settlling common issues of the region and the world. VNS SYDNEY The Vietnamese community in Australia has contributed a total of around VN5 billion (US$203,300) in support of people affected by natural resources, Ambassador Pham Hung Tam has released. Receiving a working delegation of the Party Central Committees Commission for Mass Mobilisation led by deputy head Pham Tat Thang on Wednesday, Tam handed over AUD12,700 ($8,700) to the delegation to help victims of Typhoon Yagi which hit Vietnam on September 7. Thang expressed his impression at the contributions by the Vietnamese community, intellectuals, and students in Australia. Showing his delight at new developments in the Viet Nam-Australia relations, the official acknowledged efforts and contributions by the embassy to strengthening and consolidating the comprehensive strategic partnership between the two countries. On the same day, Thang met with Kim Sampson, President of the Australia-Viet Nam Friendship Society, at the embassy. Both sides discussed measures to enhance the effectiveness of the association's activities and strengthen cooperation to continue nurturing the friendship between the two peoples. While there, the delegation also met and had working sessions with representatives from the Australian Department of Social Services and the Australian Public Service Commission in Canberra. VNS HAVANA 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 Jose Marti International Airport in Havana on September 25 evening (local time), beginning a state visit to Cuba. The visit is made at the invitation of First Secretary of the Communist Party of Cuba Central Committee (PCC) and President of Cuba Miguel Diaz Canel Bermudez and his spouse. The Vietnamese leader and his entourage were greeted at the airport by Politburo members Roberto Morales Ojeda, permanent member of the Secretariat of the PCC Central Committee; Alvaro Lopez Miera, Minister of the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Cuba; Lazaro Alberto Alvarez Casas, Minister of the Interior; and Emilio Lozada Garcia, head of the Foreign Affairs Department of the PCC Central Committee; along with Cuban Ambassador to Viet Nam Orlando Nicolas Hernandez Guillen, among others. This is Lam's first visit to Cuba in his capacity as Party General Secretary and State President. Cuba is also one of the first countries the Vietnamese top leader has visited. It is taking place in the context that the two countries will celebrate the 65th anniversary of their diplomatic relations in 2025. The visit serves as evidence of the traditional solidarity and special friendship between Viet Nam and Cuba, which have consistently been viewed as a precious asset that the two Parties, States, and peoples have exerted their utmost efforts to nurture. It also shows that Viet Nam attaches great importance to Cuba along with the latters position in its foreign policy. Lam is scheduled to hold talks and have meetings with Cubas key leaders, pay floral tribute to President Ho Chi Minh and Cuban national hero Jose Marti, visit a number of economic establishments, and meet Cuban friends and young people of the two countries. VNS PARIS Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Bui Thanh Son, empowered by Party General Secretary and State President To Lam, attended a meeting among leaders on the Paris Pact for People and the Planet (4P) in Paris on September 25, at an invitation of French President Emmanuel Macron, and Special Envoy of the 4P - former Senegalese President Macky Sall. Also attending the event were heads of state and government from Brazil, Colombia, the UK, Norway, Portugal, Kenya, Mauritania, Barbados, and Tanzania, as well as leaders from various international organisations such as the United Nations, the African Union, the International Monetary Fund (IMF), and the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD). Participants emphasised that solidarity, multilateralism, and trust-building are essential foundations for addressing current global challenges. They reaffirmed the urgency of enhancing the role and voice of developing countries within the framework of global governance and international economic and financial institutions, while calling for the promotion of new solutions and approaches to address the debt burden shouldered by developing nations. Some leaders affirmed their commitment to increasing funding while emphasising the need to enhance the effective use of loans, diversifying preferential financial resources for the poorest and most vulnerable countries, particularly in response to climate change. Talking to President Macron, Son conveyed gratitude from the Vietnamese top leader To Lam for his invitation and his wish to meet with the President soon to discuss ways to boost bilateral cooperation, aiming for a new chapter in Viet Nam-France relations to contribute to the development and mutual prosperity of both nations as well as the world. On this occasion, the Vietnamese official also engaged in separate discussions with UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer, Kenyan President William Ruto, and IMF Managing Director Kristalina Georgieva regarding bilateral issues and cooperation directions under the 4P framework. The 4P initiative was promoted by France and its President personally at the Summit for a New Global Financing Pact in June 2023. To date, it has been supported by 60 nations, including Viet Nam. VNS HA NOI Viet Nam has called for guarantees of safety and security for diplomats and foreigners' communities in Pakistan following a bomb attack suspected to have aimed at a diplomatic convoy, which also includes Vietnamese ambassador, occuring four days ago in a resort area of the country. Vietnamese Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokesperson Pham Thu Hang on Thursday stated that according to information from the Vietnamese Embassy in Pakistan, on September 22, a convoy consisting of police escort vehicles and vehicles carrying ambassadors from 12 countries, including the Vietnamese Ambassador to Pakistan Pham Anh Tuan, was en route to attend the Swat Regional Tourism Development Forum when it was struck by an improvised explosive device in the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Province (Pakistan). "The attack resulted in the death of one police officer and injuries to four other officers. The vehicles carrying the ambassadors remained safe." Hang underscored that Viet Nam "strongly condemns the attack and extends its deepest condolences to the families of the victims involved in this incident." The spokesperson also expressed the hope that Pakistani authorities will "ensure the safety and security of diplomatic missions and foreign communities, including the Vietnamese living, studying, and working in the country." According to media sources, when the incident occurred on September 22, police had arranged security and safely escorted the ambassadors back to the capital, Islamabad. Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and President Asif Ali Zardari have condemned the attack and paid tribute to the policeman. Authorities in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa announced the formation of a committee to investigate this attack targeting the convoy of foreign diplomats. No groups have claimed responsibility for the attack. Militant attacks in Pakistan have increased in recent months, including incidents in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, which borders Afghanistan. Islamabad has indicated that groups such as the Pakistani Taliban are hiding in this region and conducting attacks against police and security forces. VNS HA NOI Viet Nam is committed to further advancing initiatives aimed at strengthening the connectivity within the ASEAN Socio-Cultural Community (ASCC) and fostering deeper cohesion and understanding in the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) region, a Vietnamese official stated. Leading Viet Nam's delegation at the 32nd ASCC Council Meeting in Vientiane on September 26, Luu Quang Tuan, Director General of the Ministry of Labour - Invalids and Social Affairs Department of International Cooperation, noted these efforts are intended to build an image of a dynamic, inclusive, and sustainable ASEAN on the global stage. The official held that the bloc is strong when it is united, placing people at the centre of its efforts, and prioritising their welfare and happiness. In his speech, Tuan said ASEANs development, connectivity, and actions to address challenges like climate change and other risks will require continued endeavours from all member states. He called for concentrated resources and expanded partnerships to achieve the strategic goals of improving the lives of ASEANs people, which remains the core of the ASCC building process. At the meeting, participants reviewed updates on the communitys priority areas for 2024 and targets achieved under Laoss chairmanship. Highlights of several key issues were discussed, and a draft report from the 32nd ASCC Council Meeting will be submitted for approval at the 44th and 45th ASEAN Summits. VNS HA NOI The Vietnamese Embassy in Egypt and Lebanon on September 26 continued to recommend Vietnamese citizens living and working in Lebanon leave the country, amid the risk that tensions between the Israeli army and the Hezbollah escalate into a full-scale conflict in the Middle East. Previously, on September 23, the embassy issued an urgent notice recommending Vietnamese citizens to leave Lebanon. In its latest urgent notice, the embassy also advised Vietnamese citizens who plan to go to Lebanon should postpone or cancel their trips. For Vietnamese citizens who cannot leave Lebanon due to force majeure, the embassy reiterated that they need to be vigilant, closely follow the situation on local media, refrain from gathering in crowded places and absolutely do not go near the southern area of Beirut, the southern area near the border with Israel and the northern and eastern areas (Beeka Valley) near the border with Syria. According to the embassy, there are 13 Vietnamese citizens living and working in Lebanon, and the Vietnamese community in Lebanon is still safe. It recommends that people find temporary shelter in safer areas and stock up on food and medicine to prepare for bad situations. In case of an emergency requiring assistance, citizens should contact the embassy via the hotline: +20 102 613 9869; the Vietnamese Honorary Consulate in Lebanon: +961 70 229 300; or the citizen protection hotline: +84 981 84 84 84. Currently, many airlines have suspended flights to Beirut such as Flydubai, Etihad, Qatar Airways, EgyptAir, Lufthansa, and British Airways. Many countries including the US, Australia, UK, Italy, and Egypt have asked their citizens to leave immediately or not to travel to Lebanon. Arab countries, the US and the European Union (EU) on September 25 issued a joint statement calling for a "temporary ceasefire" in Lebanon. The joint statement was approved by the EU, the US, Australia, Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Qatar. The statement was issued after Israel conducted a series of airstrikes targeting Hezbollah forces in Lebanon in the last few days, threatening to push the Middle East into a full-scale conflict. VNS GENEVA Viet Nam advocates innovation that fosters peace, cooperation and development both globally and regionally, Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh said. Speaking via videoconferencing at the 2024 Global Innovation Index (GII) announcement ceremony held by the World Intellectual Property Organisation (WIPO) on September 26, the PM underlined Viet Nam's firm opposition to the use of innovation for war, unfair competition, and any activities that negatively impact people's lives worldwide. He made clear Viet Nam's viewpoint that the process of innovation should take the people as the centre and the subject, so that the people can truly benefit from the fruit of innovation. "We must take a global and people-centred approach, uphold multilateralism and call for international cooperation in promoting innovation," he said, urging rich countries, developed nations and those with better resources to assist developing and poorer countries in institution building, financing, quality workforce training, and transfer of advanced technology and smart governance practices. Viet Nam identifies education-training and science-technology as its top national policies, with innovation serving as a driving force, a resource and a goal for development, contributing to national construction and development, the PM said. On the occasion, he thanked international organisations, including WIPO, scientists and experts for their support and cooperation with Viet Nam in promoting innovation, which has played a critical role in the country's rapid and sustainable development. WIPO Director General Darren Tang commended the Vietnamese Party and State's commitment to sci-tech, innovation, and intellectual property. In the 2024 GII report, Viet Nam climbed two places, now ranking 44th out of 132 countries, reflecting its ongoing progress. Talking with a Vietnam News Agency reporter in Geneva, Ambassador Mai Phan Dung, head of the Permanent Delegation of Vietnam to the United Nations (UN), World Trade Organisation (WTO) and other international organisations in Geneva, said the attendance and remarks of PM Chinh demonstrated the importance of innovation to Viet Nam's development. Notably, Switzerland, which has topped the GII for over a decade and is the headquarters of WIPO, offers valuable lessons on innovative models. Therefore, there remains ample room to learn from Switzerland and Europe more broadly in advancing and refining the innovation ecosystem of Viet Nam, the ambassador said. VNS HAVANA General Secretary of the Communist Party of Viet Nam Central Committee and State President To Lam and a high-ranking delegation of Viet Nam on September 26 morning (local time) visited the Mariel Special Development Zone (ZEDM), the first free trade and export processing zone of Cuba, as part of his ongoing state visit to the Caribbean country. First Secretary of the Communist Party of Cuba Central Committee and President of Cuba Miguel Diaz Canel Bermudez also joined the activity. ZEDM General Director Ana Teresa Igarza Martinez said the zone is located at Mariel port in Artemisa province, covering an area of about 465 sq.km. Viet Nam holds the distinction of being the second largest investor in the ZEDM, with notable projects such as the ViMariel Industrial Park, the first and only economic zone in Cuba invested by a Vietnamese enterprise. Diaz-Canel Bermudez praised Vietnamese enterprises' operations in the ZEDM, describing them as evidence for the special traditional friendship between the two countries and the promising future of their economic cooperation. Expressing gratitude for Viet Nam's unwavering support, he hoped for continued success in the bilateral relations. Lam praised the ZEDM as a promising economic model, noting its potential to test innovative policies before scaling them up nationwide. He believed this approach will generate stronger momentum for Cuba's economy, helping it overcome current challenges. Viet Nam will never forget the sentiments Cuba had reserved for Viet Nam in the past, he said, affirming that the policy of the Vietnamese Party, State, and investors is to actively contribute to Cubas current construction and development. The ZEDM offers a broad spectrum of promising investment opportunities in various key sectors, including biotechnology, pharmaceutical research and production, packaging, renewable energy, agriculture, food industry, general industry, information technology, communications, tourism, real estate, and infrastructure development. Products from these investment projects are positioned not only for the domestic market but also for export to regional countries. With its comprehensive, modern, and highly connected infrastructure, the ZEDM stands as an attractive destination for international investors, including those from Viet Nam. The zone serves as a strategic gateway for businesses seeking to establish presence in the Latin American, Caribbean, and South American markets, which are poised for substantial growth in the coming years. Later, the two leaders visited several projects in the ZEDM, including the ViMariel Industrial Park. On this occasion, they witnessed the announcement of granting investment licences to two Vietnamese enterprises, namely the Thai Binh Global Investment Joint Stock Company and the ATG Fertilizer Company. VNS Minh Hieu HA LONG On a late September day, it seemed like Ha Long City (Quang Ninh Province) has returned to its normal rhythm after the devastation caused by Typhoon Yagi. Nobody would have recognised the northern coastal city, home to the world-renowned Ha Long Bay, that just two weeks earlier was in ruins and severely damaged by the destructive power of nature. Among the hardest-hit areas by Yagi, Ha Long had hundreds of houses destroyed, thousands of trees uprooted, roads cut off and infrastructure heavily damaged. The typhoon plunged the city into days without electricity and water, and with nearly paralysed telecommunications. Immediately after the storm subsided and the water receded, the local government and residents of Ha Long launched emergency relief efforts and began working to recover from the disaster as quickly as possible. Chairman of Ha Long City Peoples Committee Nguyen Tien Dung remarked that with a :"Lightning-fast, round-the-clock and storm-beating" spirit, the city launched a seven-day campaign to recover from the impacts of Yagi right after it made landfall here on September 9. Officials, citizens and local forces worked tirelessly, day and night, to clean up and repair the damage caused by the storm. Efforts focused on clearing fallen trees, repairing damaged buildings and cleaning up the environment to restore normal life and reopen the citys tourism, services and businesses. In Bai Chay Ward, Nguyen Thanh Tung, Chairman of the Peoples Committee, said that upon receiving directives from the city, the ward set up four task forces, with leaders directly overseeing recovery efforts on-site. They focused on ensuring environmental hygiene, traffic safety and preventing flooding and landslides. The ward also created 25 volunteer groups to help minimise damage to public and private property. After the storm, all of the wards officials, along with the local militia, veterans, and womens associations, were mobilised to assist with street clean-ups and environmental hygiene. During the seven-day campaign, officials worked tirelessly from 6am to midnight every day to restore the streets to their clean and beautiful condition, Tung said. Throughout the campaign, familiar scenes of residents working together with local authorities to clean up the aftermath of the storm could be seen across the city. Fallen trees, debris and rubbish were cleared, while damaged homes and belongings were cleaned up, reflecting a strong sense of community solidarity. Bui Thi Quynh, a resident in Bai Chay Ward, said that the storm had knocked down many trees, leaving streets covered in mud and waste. We were saddened to see the widespread damage to the trees. As a result, the villagers banded together to clean up, replace trees and clear drains to deal with the storms aftermath, Quynh said. Despite progress, there were still challenges in some areas, particularly where power had not yet been restored, limiting the availability of machinery to clear debris in more difficult terrains. Chairman of the Ha Long City Business Association, Nguyen Thanh Canh, said that following the citys directives, large and small businesses in the area had provided over 200 trucks and 100 excavators to clear fallen trees and debris from beaches, free of charge, for 33 wards and communes of Ha Long. Even though businesses suffered significant losses due to the storm, they still came together to support the community with thousands of free meals, dozens of water filtration machines, roof repair assistance and direct cash donations, totalling more than VN400 million (US$16,000), Canh added. In addition to rescue and clean-up efforts, utilities like electricity, water and telecommunications were restored as quickly as possible, with workers operating around the clock to ensure essential services for residents were reinstated. Reviving a world heritage region From a city in ruins, Ha Long has largely been restored to its previous cleanliness and beauty. According to the Ha Long Peoples Committee, within seven days, nearly 65,000 people had been mobilised to help with the recovery efforts, with over 1,000 vehicles and 922 chainsaws deployed for cutting trees. Close to 600 volunteer groups in the villages and neighbourhoods, involving thousands of participants, contributed to the clean-up and recovery from the storm. Now, 100 per cent of the citys streets and neighbourhoods have been cleared, over 50,000 cu.m of waste have been collected, more than 80 per cent of fallen trees have been replanted, and over 70 per cent of electricity has been restored. Additionally, 100 per cent of roads are now passable and all schools and hospitals have resumed safe operations. Tourism, services and business activities are gradually returning to normal. While the city has not yet fully returned to its pre-storm condition, the rapid recovery has left residents and visitors with positive impressions of the citys resilient spirit. Je Dong-Sun, a tourist from South Korea, was quoted as saying: We heard about the storms destruction, but by the time we arrived, the recovery was already well underway. The hotel was still able to offer a good stay. I look forward to returning to see the city even more beautiful and green. Although significant progress has been made, much work remains to be done. The local government, businesses and residents are all committed to restoring the city to its former green, clean and beautiful state. Secretary of the Ha Long City Party Committee, Vu Quyet Tien said that after the seven-day campaign, the city would continue to mobilise all available resources to clean up residential areas, launch a campaign to clean Ha Long Bay and beautify the urban environment. The city also plans to plant trees, flowers and sustainable urban spaces as part of its vision to build a 'City of Flowers' and a 'City of Festivals'. With the motto 'No one will be left without a home, and no one will be left behind', Ha Long is quickly implementing support policies to help residents recover from the storm. To date, the city has provided VN14 billion ($569,000) in emergency aid to 33 wards and communes for storm recovery efforts. Additionally, the city is offering support to families who lost loved ones or suffered significant damage, particularly those who had to evacuate. Ha Long is also improving urban management, resource protection and environmental conservation, addressing issues that surfaced in the aftermath of the storm. The city will explore new regulations for urban planning and construction standards, especially for coastal areas and propose guidelines for choosing suitable plant species for coastal environments and standards for offshore industries. With determination, resilience and the unity of the local government, businesses, and people, Ha Long City is poised to rebuild itself into an even more beautiful, modern and prosperous city. VNS BEIJING Representatives from nearly 30 Vietnamese and Chinese universities and institutes gathered at a dialogue forum in Bejing on Wednesday to discuss journalism and media training, cooperation in academic exchange, and promotion of humanistic exchanges between the two nations. At the opening session, Vice Rector of the University of Social Sciences and Humanities under the Viet Nam National University, Ha Noi ang Thi Thu Huong stressed that journalism and media training are facing both opportunities and challenges, adding education establishments need to transform their mindset as well as training approaches and methodologies to meet the requirements of the multiplatform and multimedia journalism. Both sides agreed to continue organising the event in a suitable time, carrying out dialogues as well as diversify their forms for sustainable cooperation. Besides, they will study to diversify joint training programmes and promote exchanges of scholars and lecturers. Dianlin Huang from the Communication University of China told the Vietnam News Agency that the event offered an opportunity for the two sides to enhance their mutual understanding so as to bolster collaboration in the areas of human resources training and scientific research. VNS BINH DUONG Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh has urged Binh Duong's authorities to strengthen regional economic ties, promote a green and digital economy, and build cutting-edge and sustainable industrial parks. PM Chinh was speaking at the conference announcing Binh Duong's Master Plan for Development in the 2021-30 period with a long-term vision stretching to 2050 on Thursday. He noted that Binh Duong had experienced significant growth in the past three decades, transforming from an agriculture-geared province into a thriving industrial hub and a magnet for foreign investors. With an income per capita of VN172.5 million ($7,005) in 2023, Binh Duong has significantly outperformed the national average and established itself as one of the top ten provinces in Viet Nam in terms of economic growth, FDI inflows, and urbanisation. He urged authorities to implement the plan at a fast pace but ensure the implementation aligns with the national, regional, and sectorial planning frameworks. "Binh Duong's authorities must leverage public-private partnerships and foster investment in infrastructure to unlock its full potential," said the PM. He suggested that Binh Duong's authorities focus on the five strategic measures highlighted in the Plan, and allocate more financial resources to fostering regional cooperation, enhancing connectivity, and integrating into global supply chains. He emphasised the critical role of human capital and urged the authorities to invest heavily in education and training and implement measures to improve literacy and attract talent. He also stressed the need for accelerating administrative reforms and uplifting business environment indicators to improve the investment climate to attract large-scale investors. He also suggested building a planning centre in the province to serve as a hub for public engagement, knowledge sharing, and trade promotion. In the centre, planning documents would be published to keep people aware of the Plan. He called for close coordination among ministries and agencies to ensure the effective implementation of the Plan, highlighting the Government's commitment to creating a favourable business environment based on the principles of mutual benefits and shared risks. On the same day, the PM also visited the Electric Energy Show 2024 and Automation World Vietnam 2024 and conducted an on-site inspection of the province's HCM City-Thu Dau Mot-Chon Thanh Expressway project. The Plan was approved by the Prime Minister on August, covering five cities and four districts under the management of Binh Duong Province. Its overall goal is for Binh Duong to become a centrally-governed metropolis and a Southeast Asian powerhouse by 2030, taking the lead in innovation, technology, infrastructure, and green growth. Another goal is to improve its people's quality of life, build a thriving and modern society, and strengthen national defence and public safety. The province also aims to achieve an annual GDP growth rate of 10 per cent and a per capita income of US$15,800, with the industrial and construction sector being the backbone, accounting for 64 per cent of its economy, and the urbanisation rate reaching approximately 90 per cent. The province also aims to reach a population of 4.04 million in 2030, with a highly skilled workforce, quality education, and improved healthcare. Key indicators include a labour force training rate of 87 per cent, a national standard attainment rate for schools of 80 per cent, and a doctor-to-population rate of 19 per 10,000 people. Coinciding with the release of the plan, Binh Duong's authorities also broke ground on several major infrastructure projects, including Ring Road 4 and HCM City-Thu Dau Mot-Chon Thanh Expressway. These projects are expected to be the key catalysts for the province's economic growth in the short term. VNS HCM CITY Sun Life Vietnam has donated VN1.8 billion ($73,155) to support residents severely impacted by Typhoon Yagi in northern Viet Nam. The donation will be provided through the Vietnam Red Cross Society to support disaster relief efforts, including providing clean water and essential supplies and contributing to the rebuilding efforts in high-impact areas. Luc Nhon Ly, CEO of Sun Life Vietnam, said: The challenges many families are facing after the storm and floods remain significant. Through this support, we want to bring hope and motivation for people to recover and rebuild their lives. Sun Life is committed to standing by our clients and community, working towards building a brighter future for everyone. Sun Life Vietnam will coordinate with the Red Cross and its partners to ensure that the assistance reaches the right people quickly and effectively. Luong Thi Hong Thuy, board member and director of external relations and development at Vietnam Red Cross, said: We are deeply grateful for the timely support from Sun Life Vietnam. With this donation, we will be able to help about 500 households to help them overcome this difficult period as soon as possible. Sun Life Vietnam has also started a support fund for the company's employees and advisors affected by the storm and flooding. Sun Life Vietnam has a wide network of advisors and offices throughout Hai Phong City, and Quang Ninh, Yen Bai, Vinh Phuc, Bac Giang and Phu Tho provinces, some of which are in areas heavily impacted by storms and floods. The support will ensure that they have necessary resources to overcome the challenges they are facing. Sun Life Vietnam has also promptly carried out procedures to pay insurance benefits to the family of a customer affected during the recent storm. VNS BANGKOK A Polish woman was detained at Suvarnabhumi International Airport, Bangkok, Thailand on September 26 after she allegedly made a bomb threat during a Thai Vietjet flight from Viet Nam's central city of a Nang, bound for Bangkok, according to local media. The VZ961 flight carried 121 people, including one infant and 6 crew members. Kittipong Kittikachorn, General Manager of the airport, reported that the airports security centre was alerted at 2:18pm on September 26 about the threat made onboard. Security officers conducted thorough searches of passengers and their hand luggage, while an Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) team all checked baggage and the aircraft. No suspicious objects or explosives were found. The emergency response plan was lifted at 4:30pm. According to Thailands law on offences committed against air navigation, anyone who knowingly communicates false information causing panic on an aircraft in flight is liable to imprisonment for up to 5 years or a fine of US$6,150 on conviction. "The airline affirmed that its operations always comply with strict safety regulations according to international standards. Currently, all disruptive acts that cause confusion among passengers and affect the operations of airlines will be punished according to regulations," Vietjet Air said in a statement regarding the incident. VNS Yet, there is always more to do and areas of improvement to be worked on. Much of this involves keeping an eye on the feeling, on a more global scale, of the direction of journalism, news style, the increasing prevalence of fake news, and the role of AI in the media. The author (left) with Dr. Do Anh Duc, multimedia dean at the School of Journalism and Communication The 2024 Digital News Report from the Reuters Institute, published in June, noted that ongoing high-profile wars and pivotal elections mean accurate and independent journalism remains more important than ever. However, in many of the countries covered in the reports survey, it found that the news media is being increasingly challenged by rising misinformation, low trust, and uncertain business environments. The survey this year was also filled with examples of lay-offs, closures, and other cuts due to a combination of rising costs, falling advertising revenues, and sharp declines in traffic from social media. Many social media sites, search engines, and video platforms are now explicitly de-prioritising hard news, while others have switched focus from publishers to creators, and pushing more fun or engaging formats including video to keep attention within their own platforms. VIR understands this point, which is why it has been striving to diversify its offerings in recent years. This 13th edition of the Digital News Report, based on data from six continents and nearly 50 markets, also highlighted that these changes are not always evenly distributed. While it is struggling to remain relevant in general, in some parts of the world news media remains profitable, independent, and widely trusted. But even in these markets, there are challenges around the pace of change, the role of platforms, and how to adapt to a digital environment that is becoming more complex and fragmented each year. Touching on this with a more regional aspect is a white paper published last month on AI and journalism in Southeast Asia by communications expert Chatrine Siswoyo and Raphael Lachkar, COO of ASEAN communications consultancy Vero. The report, which surveyed 70 journalists from Vietnam, Thailand, Indonesia, and the Philippines on the issue of AI, said integration of related tools in the media raises valid concerns in the region. There is tension surrounding preserving human judgment and the creativity of journalists amid automation. As AI takes on tasks traditionally performed by humans, reporters are sometimes encouraged to adapt and acquire new skill sets to remain relevant in the evolving news production and consumption landscape. There are also debates on the ethical use of these tools. To what extent can journalists and editors use AI? And how transparent should the media be about AIs involvement in the production process? These are questions that VIR and its reporters are currently juggling with. While AI has been used to great effect in the design process, particularly for its special annual publications on sustainable development, foreign investment, and more, using AI more widely for individual articles will not only take time to implement, but must also be consistent across stories and across writers. As a sub-editor, I have not yet encouraged the use of AI, nor am I in a position to enforce it. As someone who remembers the world pre-internet, I am currently skewed towards more traditional methods and would rather wade through the individual strengths and weaknesses of each reporter I work with, and help them improve depending on their level. However, I recognise how useful something like generative AI could be for our work but it cannot just be about making the actual job easier. As business and tech advisor Bernard Marr wrote for Forbes earlier this year, strong journalism involves coming up with original thoughts that people want to hear. While generative AI can write in a convincingly human way, ultimately, all it does is repurpose and restructure existing knowledge. Journalists will thrive in the AI age by honing their ability to uncover new facts, bring original thinking to issues and debates, and give it to their audiences in compelling, human ways, Marr wrote. As the Vero report implies, there is a desire among journalists in Vietnam to be educated about AI. They are eager to understand its functions, as they recognise its power to streamline workflow and improve quality. Gaining a more profound knowledge of the tech, both its capabilities and limitations, could enable reporters to harness these tools strategically. But it also noted that a positive perception of AI is linked to how much and how well one uses it. If journalists are not adequately trained and do not have sufficient knowledge, they will be less inclined to use AI or pursue further training. This creates a feedback loop where familiarity and positive engagement with AI reinforce each other, the report said. Nevertheless, such training could help journalists in Southeast Asia with fact-checking information, as using natural language processing tools can analyse the sentiment, tone, and credibility of statements made by various sources of information. Additionally, several organisations in the region have been holding dedicated training programmes to delve into the multifaceted aspects of AI in journalism, and this is perhaps something Vietnam can look at further. The Malaysian government has also initiated AI training for media practitioners as part of a 2024 sandbox initiative. While this could be crucial in equipping journalists with the skills and knowledge necessary to navigate AI technologies, I always believe that keeping things simple is the priority, and outlets like VIR should work on its AI capability in the background first, until it feels confident in utilising it successfully in a more widespread manner. Meanwhile, reporters should focus on delivering new information, quotes, and statistics concisely via traditional means, and only take on AI when they fully grasp it. New AI offerings pose more questions The AI explosion is continuing at pace with new offerings from the biggest tech groups in the world, but ethical concerns and investing considerations are taking up more focus as industries like the media and manufacturing adjust their priorities. AI-powered solutions to be adequate response to threats Toying around with the latest generative AI tools has been entertaining for many. Yet, AI has long transcended personal use, profoundly reshaping organisational and business activities. Asias readiness for AI innovation: Lessons from South Koreas digital transformation A landmark event to foster collaboration in AI research and development business across Asia by bringing together leading experts, scholars, government officials, and innovative communitie was held on July 11-12 in Hanoi. Fresh opportunities from AI in Vietnamese aviation In the earlier industrial revolutions, technology and equipment increasingly replaced human manual labour. In Industry 4.0, especially with breakthrough technologies such as the cloud, big data, the Internet of Things, and AI, there is an expectation that machines and tech will replace human labour. AI transforming Vietnams businesses for the better While AI is a key in the process of innovation and accelerating economic development, it needs support from many sides to strengthen the workforce and related startups. (*)Ray McRobbie, sub-editor Vietnam Investment Review The awards were announced on September 25 to honour global hospitality, spa, and restaurant industries. Ana Mandara won Best Beach Resort in Asia, Best Eco-Friendly Resort in Vietnam, and Best Honeymoon Hideaway Resort in Vietnam. Recognised as the "Best Beach Resort in Asia" by the Haute Grandeur Global Awards 2024, Ana Mandara Cam Ranh Resort & Spa affirms its appeal with unique design and luxurious facilities, featuring 36 pool and beachfront villas that pay homage to the Vietnamese non la (conical hat), and 140 luxurious rooms. The resort attracts domestic tourists, and has also gained significant traction in the international market. The standout factor helping Ana Mandara Cam Ranh Resort & Spa achieve the title of Best Eco-Friendly Resort in Vietnam is its strong commitment to environmental protection and sustainable development policies. The resort has actively implemented measures to minimise negative impacts on nature, from environmentally friendly architectural design to efficient resource management. Each experience is designed for guests to immerse themselves in nature, while creating a peaceful and green living space. Proving its appeal with the title "Best Honeymoon Resort in Vietnam", the resort offers unique wedding venues and honeymoon experiences, from romantic beachside weddings to vibrant sunset moments, making it an ideal destination for couples. In addition, the professional event planning team at Ana Mandara ensures that every wedding is meticulously curated, creating lifelong memories for couples. Le Dai Hai, general manager of Ana Mandara Cam Ranh Resort & Spa The awards also mark the success of Ana Mandara Cam Ranh Resort & Spa after two years of operation in Vietnam. Le Dai Hai, general manager of Ana Mandara Cam Ranh Resort & Spa, remarked, The Haute Grandeur Awards are a well-deserved recognition of the efforts of our entire team. We are proud to continue building on more than 25 years of success in Khanh Hoas tourism industry and are committed to providing our guests with luxurious, sustainable, and personalised experiences. We are deeply grateful for the support of our guests over the past two years and will continue striving to deliver unique, tailored experiences for everyone. Since its opening in 2022, Ana Mandara Cam Ranh Resort & Spa has established itself as one of the top resort destinations in Bai Dai, Cam Ranh. With architecture inspired by the fishing village culture of central Vietnam, the resort's accommodations blend indigenous architectural influences with chic modern designs. They are equipped with full in-room amenities to provide guests with a sense of serenity, privacy, and personalised value. The Haute Grandeur Global Awards are one of the world's leading prestigious hotel, spa and restaurant industry, founded in 2014 by CEO Marinique De Wet. Haute Grandeur honours units with outstanding contributions in providing world-class service experiences, considered the gold standard in the global hospitality sector. With independence and objectivity, the awards are given based on actual customer feedback, not through judging panels or public votes, creating high reliability and transparency. Being recognised by Haute Grandeur is a testament to the trustworthiness and commitment to excellence of the winning brands. How can Vietnamese companies overcome biases from US investors when seeking capital or planning an initial public offering (IPO)? Overcoming biases from US investors is all about preparation, and its a process that needs to begin long before a company decides to go public. Early preparation is essential to build investor trust and ensure a successful IPO. Teresa Woo, senior vice president at global financial services company BNY One of the first steps is developing a strong foundation in investor relations and public engagement. This can be achieved by creating a transparent and effective communication strategy that covers not only financial disclosures but also engages investors through social media and other public channels. Surprisingly, platforms like LinkedIn and Instagram can play a crucial role in gaining investor confidence by highlighting a companys vision, progress, and leadership team. Companies also need to prioritise environmental, social, and governance (ESG) criteria well in advance. Even if a company is still in its growth phase, it needs to appear IPO-ready by having a well-organised team and a clear ESG strategy. Timing the IPO perfectly is nearly impossible, as market conditions can change unpredictably. However, companies that are well-prepared can take advantage of favourable market conditions when they arise. Much like planning for admission to a top university, the narrative a company tells investors has to be built over time. Companies should seek the advice of auditors, legal experts, and ESG advisors to ensure their preparation is thorough and credible. This support might be costly, but it is essential for success in a market as competitive as the US. What practical steps can Vietnamese companies take to draw in US investors before going public? While US investors are often focused on domestic markets, particularly in tech and AI, Vietnamese companies can still catch their attention. The key is to start building a presence in the US market early, even before raising capital or pursuing an IPO. One effective way is through strategic exposure programmes that introduce the company to potential investors. For example, exchanges offer initiatives like Floor Talk, which involve short interviews where companies can discuss their industry, strategy, and vision. These interviews are then shared on platforms like LinkedIn, providing valuable exposure to US investors. Even if an IPO isnt planned in the immediate future, raising awareness about your company early on can have long-term benefits. Another practical step is considering physical investments in the US, such as opening a manufacturing plant or a showroom. This shows commitment to the US market and generates buzz among investors who may otherwise overlook international companies. The takeaway is clear: Vietnamese companies can draw in US investor interest by consistently engaging and maintaining visibility in strategic ways. Why is early preparation critical for success in the US market? Early preparation is critical because the US market is incredibly competitive and timing is unpredictable. Companies that begin their planning years in advance, securing advice from financial and legal experts, are in a much better position to capitalise on market opportunities when they arise. While the road to an IPO may take longer than expected, often more than two years, those who invest the time and resources early are more likely to succeed. As one expert said, Its like preparing for admission to a top university you need to craft your narrative and get expert advice well ahead of time. By doing so, Vietnamese companies can make their IPO dreams a reality, even in the demanding US market. What role does ESG play in gaining investor confidence? In the current market, ESG considerations are not just a nice-to-have as they are often essential. US investors, particularly those looking at international companies, are increasingly focused on how businesses address environmental and social responsibilities, as well as how they govern themselves. Vietnamese companies looking to attract US capital should ensure they have a clear and transparent ESG strategy in place long before they consider going public. Investors want to know that the company is sustainable, ethical, and prepared to navigate regulatory and environmental challenges. Vietnam registers only one IPO in first half of 2024 Vietnam recorded just one initial public offering (IPO) in the first half of this year, as the downward trend continued in the IPO market, according to Deloitte's Southeast Asia Mid-Year IPO Snapshot 2024. Integrating IPOs and listing to motivate companies Securities experts and State Securities Commission of Vietnam (SSC) representatives have suggested reviewing regulations and integrating the IPO and listing processes, as companies remain hesitant to join the stock market. The prospects for foreign exhange market for rest of 2024 Economist Le Xuan Nghia talked to Hong Dung about the forex market's prospects for the rest of this year and looks at how to bolster liquidity for sustainable economic development. The conference was attended by Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh to announce plans to push the province's GDP to 10 per cent per year, with per capita earnings reaching $14,650 by 2030. Speaking at the conference, PM Chinh said, Planning must ensure inheritance and development. A good plan will attract sound projects and investments, creating new opportunities and new values. Analysing the opportunities and competitive advantages of Dong Nai, the PM emphasised that Dong Nai is an important link in the southeast region, and a growth pole for the region and the country. Dong Nai is also an important transport hub, with air, road, waterways, and railways, and diverse natural advantages, suitable for green and sustainable development. We need to promote public-private partnerships, using public investment to lead private investment, while continuing to promote investment in strategic infrastructure, especially transport, health, education, social infrastructure, and climate change response, PM Chinh said. In addition to those, the province needs to effectively promote the development of key industries, high-tech industries, and transforming industrial parks towards a green and circular economy. With the withness of the PM, Dong Nai provincial leaders granted investment decisions and certificates to enterprises on September 24 Among the 17 projects to be granted investment certificates was Tan Hiep - Bau Can Industrial Park near Long Thanh International Airport, with the investment capital of more than $385.5 million. Dong Nai also granted investment certificates for projects to manufacture optical equipment and instruments ($29 million), semiconductors for electronics applications ($54 million), and Regza Vietnam TV ($40 million). In real estate, a social housing project in Long Binh Tan ward (Bien Hoa city) with an investment of $57.7 million and a social housing apartment complex project in Phuoc An commune (Nhon Trach district) with $83 million were also approved. Thanks to its strategic location, Dong Nai is attracting investors in the industrial property field. KCN Dong Nai JSC, a member of KCN Vietnam Group, was one of the enterprises that received an investment registration certificate at this conference. In addition to high-quality, pre-built factory and warehouse projects in Dong Nai, KCN Vietnam is investing in industrial real estate projects across the country. According to the Ministry of Planning and Investment, Dong Nai has the most operating industrial parks in the country with 32, and an occupancy rate of over 85 per cent. Dong Nai woos Japanese investors More than 100 Japanese investors, with 200 more Vietnamese and Japanese attending online, participated in a conference to promote investment in the southern province of Dong Nai held in Tokyo on April 24. Persons with disabilities in Dong Nai to have better access to social services Persons with disabilities in the southern province of Dong Nai are expected to gain better access to social services and find it easier to integrate into society under a project launched on June 6. Sojitz to develop green IPs in Dong Nai Japans Sojitz Corporation and the southern province of Dong Nai have agreed to work together to develop a model for green, smart industrial parks. The collaboration is set to run until 2026. The US Department of Commerces International Trade Association estimates a 10 per cent annual growth in Vietnams power demand between 2021 and 2024. Additionally, during the September 2023 technical working group meeting organised by the Vietnam Energy Partnership Group, Vietnams National Load Centre highlighted a concerning inconsistency in the current development of power generation and demand growth. Sunita Dubey, country delivery lead in Vietnam Global Energy Alliance for People and Planet Considering the extreme weather conditions and urgency of climate action, the variability of renewables could become a roadblock in the countrys drive to meet this demand and ensure energy security. Effective demand management and maintaining the momentum of renewable energy deployment necessitates the integration of innovative technologies such as battery energy storage systems (BESS) into Vietnams developmental and energy resilience strategies. To address this growing demand while advancing climate goals, Vietnam is turning to innovative solutions like BESS. The country stands at a crucial juncture in its energy trajectory, with a substantial installed capacity of renewable energy and ambitious plans for further expansion. The visionary targets for renewable energy deployment outlined by Vietnams Power Development Plan VIII (PDP8) align with the nations global commitments to combat climate change. Key multinational corporations such as Apple, Microsoft, Samsung, Nike, PepsiCo, Procter and Gamble, Nestle, and Unilever have also pledged to transition to 100 per cent renewable energy, indicating a growing demand for clean power sources in Vietnam. Spearheading the implementation of the countrys first grid-connected BESS pilot, we collaborated with the US Agency for International Development, the Asian Development Bank, and the Rocky Mountain Institute. This collaboration aims to ensure that BESS is included in the PDP8 and extends swift and strategic technical assistance to the governments Institute of Energy. Bringing together the expertise and resources of alliance partners, we have coordinated a plan to embed and expand a pilot BESS project, creating a growth roadmap for 300MW, and devising a regulatory framework. Integrating BESS into Vietnams energy infrastructure demonstrates promising prospects for facilitating the nations energy transition. By storing excess energy during periods of low demand and releasing it during peak times, BESS can enhance grid flexibility, reduce emissions, and lower electricity costs. In addition to the positive impact on the environment and the grid, BESS integration brings significant economic benefits, such as lower electricity costs, employment opportunities, and substantial investments. However, to fully realise these benefits, Vietnam must implement supportive policies and regulations to accelerate the deployment of BESS. Despite the potential of BESS, several challenges hinder widespread adoption. High upfront costs, limited financing options, and a lack of technical expertise create barriers for investors and developers. The existing regulatory framework must be reformed, and grid infrastructure optimised for integrating large-scale storage systems. Further, clear policies on energy trading need to be introduced to eliminate uncertainties. While Vietnam has taken initial steps by including a 300MW BESS target in the PDP8, more ambitious action is needed. The declining cost of lithium battery cells, coupled with technological advancements, has made BESS increasingly affordable and accessible, according to Contemporary Amperex Technology, the worlds largest battery manufacturer. Vietnam should capitalise on this trend to attract investment, create green jobs, and enhance energy security. The proactive integration of BESS alongside renewable energy generation by countries such as Indonesia, the Philippines, Mongolia, and India offers a replicable model and valuable insights to expedite the countrys energy transition. By harnessing renewable energy for manufacturing processes, Vietnam can produce sustainable products while bolstering its economic competitiveness on the global stage. The countrys ambitious plans, supported by international collaborations and leading corporations, reflect a commitment to innovation. As Vietnam charts its path towards energy security and sustainability, the integration of BESS emerges as a critical enabler of this transition. By embracing BESS, Vietnam has the potential to lead the way in clean energy innovation, fuelling economic growth while safeguarding the planet for future generations. Embracing the promise of battery storage will usher in a new era of prosperity and sustainability for Vietnam and beyond. Vietnam's sand battery startup Alterno secures $1.5 million to cut carbon emissions in agriculture In a significant leap forward for agricultural climate solutions, Alterno on April 2 announced that it has successfully secured over $1.5 million in an oversubscribed round co-led by leading impact and VC funds The Radical Fund (Singapore) and Touchstone Partners (Vietnam). The Foreign Investment Agency (FIA) under the Ministry of Planning and Investment revealed last week that over a dozen projects on semiconductors, research and development centres, innovation centres, and training of high-quality human resources totalling tens of billions of US dollars will soon be granted investment certificates, and are being negotiated in various localities. The most notable groups exploring investment in Vietnam involve high-tech processes, Photo: Le Toan The latest report from the FIA, released in September, reflected that foreign direct investment (FDI) continues to increase strongly in both newly registered and implemented capital. The report highlighted, The results of FDI attraction and disbursement affirm the attractiveness, competitiveness, position, and potential of the Vietnamese market in the eyes of international investors, as well as the promotion of the increasing FDI trends over the past several months. More than $20.5 billion in FDI has been reported in Vietnam up to the end of August, an on-year increase of 7 per cent, while disbursed FDI has risen by 8 per cent on-year to about $14.15 billion. The northern province of Bac Ninh has become the leading locality in wooing FDI, with a total registered investment capital of nearly $3.47 billion, accounting for 16.9 per cent of Vietnams total FDI, almost triple figure over last year. Ranked second in FDI attraction is the northeastern province of Quang Ninh with nearly $1.78 billion, holding 8.7 per cent of the total registered FDI, and more than 2.3 times higher than the same period. Ho Chi Minh City ranked third with a total registered investment capital of more than $1.76 billion, responsible for nearly 8.6 per cent, followed by Ba Ria-Vung Tau, Hanoi, and Haiphong. Van Duc Phu from the Northern Investment Promotion Centre said that the increasing FDI inflows are contributed by Vietnams economic diplomacy. High-level meetings have opened up many great opportunities for Vietnam in mobilising FDI, especially in semiconductors and AI, which are currently the focus of global investors, Phu said. In particular, many companies, especially large technology corporations, are currently exploring conditions for new investments in Vietnam. The most notable are corporations that master modern technologies, and produce high intellectual-content and added-value products, he added. Many of the worlds giants in the semiconductor and AI industries, such as Intel, Google, Nvidia, Samsung, Hyosung, Amkor, Hana Micron, and Synopsys, have all invested in Vietnam. Among many large projects, Amkor has already raised investment by over $1 billion, years earlier than the plan set forth. Other investors in the high-tech sector are speeding up activity in Vietnam. Following three factories with investment of $500 million, Meiko Electronic has been building a new factory in the northern province of Hoa Binh at a cost of $200 million, and planing to increase to $500 million. In addition to electronics and semiconductors, data centres are also expected to become hot in Vietnam in the near future. A super-large data centre is already in the works to be developed by Google in Vietnam, with an investment of about $300-650 million. Alibaba is also considering building a data centre in Vietnam. Meanwhile, at the upcoming Innovate Vietnam 2024 and fifth anniversary of the Vietnam Innovation Centre on October 1-2, Metas global relations chair Nick Clegg, along with leaders of Qualcomm and Nvidia, will be present in Hanoi to discuss innovation in Vietnam. These are important factors for Vietnam to improve the quality of inputs and create changes in growth quality, enhance the economy to a new level, Deputy Minister of Planning and Investment Nguyen Thi Bich Ngoc said at a press conference in early September. According to Nguyen Mai, chairman of the Vietnam Association of Foreign-Invested Enterprises, in addition to political stability, Vietnams proactive policies and improved FDI attraction are being highly appreciated by foreign investors. Our strategy of attracting FDI in areas such as semiconductors is in the right direction, Mai stated. However, in the context of intense competition and global minimum taxes, its challenging to adapt to the global investment environment. The government should direct localities to improve in accordance with international practices as well as find measures and incentives to meet investor needs for large projects, Mai added. Vietnam sustaining growth amidst shifting FDI trends Trade ties between the US and emerging market economies in the Asia-Pacific region are shifting from efforts to diversify supply chains out of China through friendshoring or nearshoring. Against this backdrop, Vietnam is among the Asia-Pacific markets relatively well-placed to gain from such shifts. UOB forecasts Vietnam's economic growth to continue, boosted by trade and FDI Vietnam's economy is expected to maintain strong growth throughout 2024, supported by rising trade activity and increasing foreign direct investment, while favourable demographics and solid macroeconomic fundamentals underpin its long-term prospects in ASEAN, according to UOB. FDI results in localities above expectations Many localities have reported a surge in foreign direct investment this year, and it looks as though they may surpass set targets. As Vietnam faces the immediate and severe impacts of climate change, exemplified by the devastation of Super Typhoon Yagi the strongest storm to strike the country in three decades GEFE 2024 arrives at a crucial moment. At a press conference to announce GEFE 2024 on September 24, Bruno Jaspaert, the new chairman of EuroCham Vietnam, noted, The storm displaced countless families and caused widespread destruction across 26 provinces, serving as a stark reminder that climate change is no longer a distant threat but an urgent crisis requiring immediate, collective action. GEFE 2024 will be a vital platform for fostering critical dialogue between government leaders, businesses, and international organisations to address the pressing realities of our changing climate. GEFE will also act as a platform for European companies to showcase their latest cutting-edge solutions to make Vietnam future proof. Vu Ba Phu, director general of Vietrade under the Ministry of Industry and Trade (MoIT), also emphasised, "The PM has approved for the MoIT and the EuroCham Vietnam to co-organise GEFE 2024, to strengthen connections, and promote investment and trade cooperation between Europe and Vietnam. This is also a practical initiative in the implementation process towards the national growth strategy." At GEFE 2024, discussions will focus on critical themes driving meaningful solutions towards a sustainable future: climate resilience, digitalisation, green finance, and sustainable energy transitions, all of which are key to Vietnams goal of achieving net zero by 2050. With the theme of Building Green Futures, GEFE 2024 will highlight the urgent need for action in tackling the climate crisis and building a greener economy in Vietnam. Over the course of three days, GEFE 2024 will feature 10 green topics and deliver nearly 30 conference sessions. With more than 8,000 attendees expected from diverse sectors, including business-to-business and business to government dialogues, participants will have the opportunity to engage with industry leaders and government officials. With the active participation of EU states, alongside key contributions from Norway, Switzerland, and the United Kingdom, GEFE 2024 will stand as a testament to the strong VietnamEurope partnership, driving collective progress towards a greener, net-zero future. The involvement of high-level European representatives will enrich the dialogue with global perspectives and actionable insights, reinforcing the crucial role of the international community in supporting Vietnams green transition. Julien Guerrier, EU Ambassador to Vietnam, stated, GEFE is becoming an important event with a regional scope and ASEAN dimension. In that respect, I am glad to confirm that on top of many EU ambassadors presence, I will be honoured to be accompanied by the EU ambassador to ASEAN, H.E. Surijo Seam, and representatives of EuroCham in the region. I am very much looking to GEFE in October. The EU-Vietnam partnership holds a wealth of opportunities for businesses on both sides. I reaffirm that we stand ready to support Vietnam in this period of transition to a greener future. Vietnam has a great potential to achieve it. This years plenary and conference sessions will focus on accelerating the Just Energy Transition Partnership, integrating sustainable energy solutions through the Power Development Plan VIII, and the implementation of the EU's Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism. Additional topics such as direct power purchase agreements, carbon pricing, climate and transition finance, regenerative farming systems, blue-green infrastructure, and innovative stormwater management will bring actionable insights from both public and private sector leaders. EU-Vietnam sustainability cooperation on forum agenda The Green Economy Forum and Exhibition is expected to look at sustainable solutions in Vietnam to support the country in its net-zero emission path. Norwegian companies bring green tech solutions to Vietnam Nearly a dozen Norwegian companies are presenting their expertise and tech solutions to help promote a sustainable green economy in Vietnam. How do you assess VIRs performance as a business newspaper for foreign investors? The newspaper occupies a distinctive role as an English-language economic outlet, recognised for its ability to deliver comprehensive information and a wide range of perspectives from industry leaders. Instead of chasing sensational news, VIR adopts a measured and analytical approach to reporting. It focuses on identifying key issues, providing in-depth analyses, exploring significant current events, and forecasting trends relevant to investor interests. Dr. Do Anh Duc, multimedia dean at the School of Journalism and Communication at National University Hanoi VIR ensures a diversity of viewpoints in its articles, striving to examine issues from multiple angles and incorporating insights from various experts across different fields. This methodology offers readers a nuanced understanding of complex topics, steering clear of fragmented or superficial reporting. Reporting on economic matters for foreign investors is a specialised field that demands careful consideration of diverse viewpoints. VIR effectively balances insights from domestic and international economic experts, addressing macroeconomic issues while meeting the specific needs of businesses. Its content is presented in various formats, enhancing accessibility and engagement without falling into dogmatism. How effective has VIRs multimedia content and multichannel strategy been in engaging audiences? I participated in a live talk show held at VIRs studio, which is implementing a multi-platform strategy that includes weekly print editions, online newspapers, and e-paper format for electronic access to print content. This approach diversifies news delivery methods, enhances public engagement across various channels, and strengthens VIRs competitive advantage. The core focus of a multimedia, multi-platform approach to journalism is to explore and expand various methods of delivering multifaceted information, fostering interactive and connected relationships with readers. The value of information and audience engagement remain central, as journalism seeks to innovate and become increasingly constructive, rather than merely addressing technical aspects. VIR effectively executes its multimedia strategies across platforms, with each information format delivering valuable content and mutually supplementing each other within the newspapers ecosystem. In addition to its flagship print edition, which offers in-depth, thematic content published weekly, it provides timely updates through its online version. Additionally, the talk shows and seminars connect diverse voices around current and impactful topics for the public. Formats like talk shows and modern reading methods such as e-paper have enhanced VIRs presence as a reliable source of information across multiple dimensions. When placed alongside traditional print media, it is clear that VIR has adeptly identified and implemented new ways to deliver information, maintaining relevance in the current technological boom. What technological opportunities can VIR leverage to better meet audience demands? In light of the explosion of new technology solutions and the push to integrate tech into various aspects of journalism, choosing focused directions aligned with a vision for readers and creating valuable information for society is paramount. Once the core values that the newspaper pursues and shares with its audience are identified, leveraging new technology can unlock its full potential. With its focus on economics, VIR has a strong capability to deliver in-depth information. Technology can further enhance this advantage, especially through data utilisation. Current storage, sharing platforms, and data analysis tools enable journalists to build extensive data repositories and present information more effectively in their articles. This approach allows data to evolve from being mere supplementary elements into a form of data journalism. Moreover, as the volume of data, information, and narratives increases, there is a risk of fragmentation that makes it challenging for readers to find a holistic perspective. Here, technology serves as a vital tool to provide constructive, critical, and objective insights. I would like to highlight the concept of constructive journalism a fair and objective form of reporting that addresses significant contemporary issues with a forward-looking perspective, fostering informed discussions and proposing solutions to pressing challenges. By not chasing sensationalist news but rather focusing on solution-seeking and data-driven reporting, new technological tools such as search engines, data analytics, and generative AI can assist journalists in exploring broader viewpoints while efficiently managing large volumes of information. Additionally, these tools can enable the newspaper to offer better personalisation, delivering specialised information tailored to distinct audience segments and creating more inclusive perspectives. What unique role do VIRs journalists have in delivering meaningful insights from specialised information to readers? In the age of advanced technology, journalism is not merely a competition of speed and efficiency; it centres on who can deliver accurate, useful, and insightful information to readers. Professional journalists play a crucial role in this endeavour. With technology aiding in information synthesis and data filtering, journalists have an even more significant responsibility to discern dimensions and emerging trends from vast information pools, thereby creating predictive insights. In other words, while technology accelerates answers to the what questions, professional journalists focus on answering so what. Armed with knowledge, experience, and a network of experts built over time, they can identify issues with greater acuity and provide more solution-oriented forecasts for their audience. Another often overlooked aspect of comparing human capabilities with technology is our ability to listen and connect, a crucial skill for professional journalists. Their strength lies not only in processing information but also in deep listening, contextual analysis, and identifying important issues that require discussion and solutions. While technology can quickly handle large volumes of data, a journalists calmness, attentiveness, and skill in navigating complex issues are irreplaceable. As technology expands the reach of news, journalists play a crucial role in keeping information relevant and connected. They address relatable issues and facilitate informed discussions, providing diverse perspectives and encouraging dialogue from multiple viewpoints. This balance enhances understanding and fosters a deeper exploration of important topics. AI explosion raises questions for press and media production AI can facilitate the smoother management of press and media operations, driving both results and performance, but the slow application of such tech also poses the risk of increased costs from old processes. This is creating a new challenge for Vietnamese press agencies and traditional media in the AI era. How do you evaluate foreign direct investment (FDI) flows into the real estate market in the first eight months? Seck Yee Chung, partner of Baker McKenzie Vietnam According to the Ministry of Planning and Investment, in the first eight months of 2024, Vietnam saw a total implemented FDI capital of $14.15 billion. Of this, $2.8 billion was registered for capital contributions and share purchases, with 57 real estate deals alone. The total amount of capital for contributions and share purchases in real estate exceeded $811 million. Among the notable merger and acquisition (M&A) transactions, Singaporean fund Mapletree Logistics Trust in February invested $68.4 million to acquire two grade-A warehouses in Binh Duong and Hung Yen provinces. These locations have become key logistics hubs recently, reflecting foreign investors growing interest in Vietnams industrial real estate segment. In April, Kim Oanh Group partnered with Sumitomo Forestry, Kumagai Gumi, and NTT Urban Development to launch The One World project, a 50-hectare residential area in Binh Duong province, with a total investment exceeding $1 billion. This ambitious project highlights the increasing collaboration between Vietnamese and international companies in high-value residential projects. Additionally, in June, Japans Nishi Nippon Railroad acquired a 25 per cent stake in the 45 hectare Paragon Dai Phuoc project from Nam Long Group for approximately $26 million. This deal further demonstrates Japans growing interest in Vietnams real estate market, especially in large-scale urban and suburban developments. What significance do these recent M&A cases have? These promising deals, coupled with the positive FDI statistics, suggest that the Vietnamese real estate market remains a bright spot for foreign investors. This attractiveness is driven by several factors, including Vietnams strong long-term economic growth prospects, the relocation of global manufacturing to the country, rising GDP, and robust urbanisation trends. The increasing demand for industrial real estate for production to logistics facilities and warehouses, reflects Vietnams growing role as a regional manufacturing hub. Furthermore, residential real estate is seeing sustained interest, particularly in large urban projects. The collaboration between local developers and foreign investors in projects like The One World highlights the growing sophistication and scale of residential developments. Such projects cater to the rising middle class and the demand for modern housing solutions in Vietnams rapidly urbanising cities. However, while the market is attractive, there are still areas where Vietnam can improve to further facilitate foreign investors operations and pull in more large-scale investments. The current licensing processes remain complex and time-consuming, and there are ambiguities in certain regulations that create uncertainty for foreign businesses. Establishing a clearer and more consistent legal framework, particularly with regard to foreign investment regulations, would greatly benefit the market. Despite these challenges, its important to note that the government has made significant progress in improving the legal framework. Two revised laws were enacted in August to open more doors for FDI. How will they impact M&A activities? The recent enactment of the new Land Law, the Real Estate Business Law, and other legal reforms are expected to significantly boost M&A activities in the real estate sector. These laws aim to streamline legal procedures, increase the supply of real estate, and create new opportunities for foreign investors. One key change in the 2024 Land Law is its clearer definition of foreign-invested enterprises (FIEs). According to the law, companies that do not need to follow foreign investment procedures under the Investment Law will not be classified as FIEs, allowing them to enjoy the same rights as domestic companies. This change could facilitate real estate transactions for companies with minority foreign ownership and eliminate some of the bureaucratic hurdles that have historically slowed down such deals. Another important change is that FIEs are now allowed to receive land use rights directly in industrial parks, economic zones, and high-tech zones. Previously, under the 2013 Land Law, FIEs faced restrictions in acquiring land use rights, which limited their ability to fully participate in Vietnams booming industrial real estate market. The new laws also provide clearer guidelines for land expropriation. District-level peoples committees are now authorised to issue land expropriation decisions, even for projects involving industrial areas. This change is expected to simplify the expropriation process, as previously some cases required provincial-level committees to intervene, adding unnecessary delays. The 2024 Land Law also addresses the issue of land use term extensions. Under the previous law, there were no clear criteria for extending land use terms, creating uncertainty for foreign investors. The new law allows investors to apply for extensions before the current term expires, provided that the project duration has been approved by the authorities. This change provides greater clarity and assurance for foreign investors looking to make long-term investments in Vietnams real estate sector. The introduction of an annual land pricing table by provincial authorities is another significant change. This new system replaces the previous five-year price brackets issued by the central government, ensuring that land valuations are more reflective of current market conditions. While this change should lead to more market-sensitive pricing, it could also present challenges for businesses and local authorities as they adapt to the new system. The 2023 Real Estate Business Law also brings noteworthy reforms. It legally recognises new property types, such as condotels and officetels, which have been in legal limbo under the 2013 law. By providing clear guidelines for the sale and pre-sale of separate floor areas within buildings, the new law legitimises certain practices that have already been adopted in the market. Additionally, the 2023 Real Estate Business Law allows developers to transfer real estate projects before obtaining land use rights certificates, provided they have fulfilled their financial obligations to the government. This change is expected to streamline the transaction process. What is the outlook for M&A in the real estate market? The outlook remains positive. The governments ongoing efforts to improve the legal framework and create a stable investment environment are expected to attract more foreign investors in the coming years. The reforms introduced by the Land Law and Real Estate Business Law are likely to enhance transparency, reduce bureaucratic hurdles, and encourage more M&A deals. Vietnams real estate market continues to be a focal point for FDI, particularly in the industrial and residential sectors. The countrys favourable policies, strong economic growth, and long-term investment potential make it an attractive destination for foreign investors. As the market evolves, investors who can navigate the regulatory landscape and anticipate changes in the legal framework will be well-positioned to capitalise on the opportunities in Vietnams real estate sector. We expect M&A deals to remain a key component of Vietnams real estate, driving growth and fostering collaboration between local developers and foreign investors. The recent legal reforms provide a good foundation for continued investment and growth in the sector, ensuring that Vietnam remains an attractive destination for foreign capital. Meir Tlebalde, CEO Sunwah Kirin Vietnam According to a report by ABC Securities, the remaining land available for lease is limited, especially in the southern region, so companies are actively expanding their land banks. The activity at Long Thanh Airport and Bien Hoa Expressway has significant impact on the market at the Dong Nam Bo cluster. On the other hand, Long An has become dynamic for foreign investors with good land banks. The outlook for the real estate market, especially for industrial real estate in Vietnam, remains positive, driven by several factors. Vietnam remains a favoured destination for foreign investment, particularly in manufacturing and logistics, driving demand for industrial space. The ongoing reconfiguration of global supply chains, with companies seeking to diversify their manufacturing bases away from China, is likely to benefit the industrial real estate sector here. Moreover, the government investments in infrastructure, including ports, highways, and industrial zones, will enhance the connectivity and attractiveness of industrial properties. Meanwhile, The booming e-commerce sector requires extensive warehousing and logistics facilities, fuelling demand for industrial real estate. There is also an increasing focus on developing green and sustainable industrial properties, which can entice tenants looking to meet their environmental, social, and governance goals. Overall, while the limited availability of land presents a challenge, it also catalyses merger and acquisition activities and strategic expansion plans among industrial property developers. The sector is poised for growth, supported by strong economic fundamentals and favourable market dynamics. M&A arena expects growth next year Due to an unstable global economy, the merger and acquisition market will face many challenges in 2024, but there will still be great opportunities in several sectors, according to experts. M&A can prosper with the right steps The mergers and acquisitions market is poised to bounce back in 2024 after a fluctuating period, with significant anticipated deals across various industries. Le Khanh Lam, partner at RSM Vietnam, explains why Vietnam must take decisive action to converge the necessary conditions and be fully prepared for the upcoming growth period. Clear characteristics shaping expectations in M&A Despite some mega deals, Vietnam is waiting for a rebound in merger and acquisition activities. Warrick Cleine, chairman and CEO of KPMG in Vietnam and Cambodia, talked with VIRs Thanh Van his insights into dealmaking activities in the Vietnamese market. The company last week alone donated more than $175,000 to support northern provinces after the typhoon Yagi made landfall on Vietnams northeastern coast earlier in September, leaving the region reeling. With the desire to support those affected by the biggest typhoon to hit Asia this year, many businesses have volunteered to join hands, including Saigon Beer-Alcohol-Beverage Corporation, known as SABECO. Last week, SABECO donated more than $175,000 to support the northern provinces recovery after the typhoon. This was carried out in collaboration with the Ho Chi Minh Communist Youth Union, local authorities, and its partners. CEO Lester Tan said, Our vision of Vietnam Together underscores our responsibility to stand with the communities we serve. In times of crisis, we need to provide tangible support. We have suspended events and programmes to focus on delivering essential aid to communities, while ensuring the safety and wellbeing of our employees as well as the continuity of our business. This highlights the corporations human-centric values as well as its commitments to promote sustainable development and wellbeing for Vietnam and its people, Tan added. SABECOs initiatives to help those affected by storms comes on the back of other community programmes during Lunar New Year, and through a crisis like the pandemic With 44 member companies and more than 12,000 employees in the system, SABECO is committed to ensuring the safety and health of its employees, especially in companies and factories managed by Bia Sai Gon Dong Bac Trading Company and Bia Sai Gon Mien Bac Trading Company, which were directly affected by Typhoon Yagi. During the period of impact, the board of directors, together with SABECOs trade union and related departments, worked together to ensure the safety of employees and their families, assessed the condition of facilities and infrastructure, coordinated with local agencies and emergency services, and continued to supply products to businesses in need of reconstruction. SABECO employees have also showed solidarity towards community relief by participating in an internal donation programme to support employees in affected areas. The typhoon aftermath comes at a time when the economy was already facing many uncertainties through long-term impacts of issues like the recent pandemic and conflicts, which have created macroeconomic instabilities in many developed countries. In view of that, over the years, in addition to its business activities, SABECO has actively participated in community projects and sustainable development initiatives to promote positive values for the people and of Vietnam. The companys commitment goes beyond its core business activities and also demonstrates its deep dedication to the resilience and progress of the nation. During the 2020 pandemic, SABECO demonstrated its support through initiatives such as Contribute to a Million Stars, providing over $130,000 to support 600 small and medium-sized enterprises in Ho Chi Minh City. The Support Vietnam scheme also contributed nearly $400,000 to support more than 200 hospitals and frontline forces against the pandemic. In addition, the SABECO Cares programme was launched to protect the health and safety of employees. Since 2020, the company has contributed nearly $1 billion to support workers across all localities, helping them have a meaningful Lunar New Year holiday, in the face of economic challenges and uncertainties. SABECOs continuous efforts highlight the companys role as a trusted partner in Vietnams development. In its business strategy towards sustainable development, CEO Tan explained that people are one of the key pillars for the development of the enterprise. The human factor is also identified as one of the important pillars to help SABECO improve its competitiveness and maintain its position after it began a full transformation process in 2019, Tan said. Despite the difficulties caused by economic fluctuations in recent years, SABECO has maintained jobs for more than 12,000 direct workers in the entire ecosystem and many indirect workers in the service and support industries in the same supply chain. Tan believes that employees are an important factor in the sustainable development process. We will continue to invest in people to enhance our internal strength and competitiveness, creating sustainable value for shareholders, users, and the community, added Tan. SABECOs four pillars of consumption, conservation, country, and culture reflect important aspects, from promoting responsible consumption and protecting the environment to contributing to the national socioeconomic development, and honouring and maintaining the traditional Vietnamese culture. These are key factors that help SABECO not only develop its business but also contribute to the sustainable development of the community and the country as a whole. SABECO continues to rake in awards for special brands Continuous improvements in sustainable production and business activities help Saigon Beer-Alcohol-Beverage Corporation win over consumers and reap many prestigious awards. SABECO supporting localities hit by Typhoon Yagi Beer giant SABECO is working with the Ho Chi Minh Communist Youth Union (HCYU), local authorities, and partners to support the rebuild of northern provinces following the destruction brought by Typhoon Yagi. During a meeting with Vietnams Party General Secretary and State President To Lam in New York on September 25, Hughes underscored SpaceXs vision for expanding its Starlink satellite internet services in the country. SpaceX launched its satellite internet projects five years ago, and now with over 6,000 low-Earth orbit satellites, Starlink can deliver internet access nearly anywhere on Earth, Hughes said. "Starlink, a key initiative of SpaceX, aims to provide global internet coverage through a constellation of satellites." President Lam welcomed SpaceX's investment proposal, expressing hope that it would mark the beginning of a fruitful partnership. Vietnam is committed to digital transformation as a driving force for its future development, he said. He also highlighted the crucial role that satellite internet could play in advancing this agenda, particularly in remote areas. The Vietnamese government is currently evaluating SpaceXs proposal. President Lam also urged the company to work closely with authorities and local partners to streamline the investment approval process. He also voiced expectations that Starlinks services could help Vietnam improve its disaster management capabilities by providing timely communication solutions. Hughes affirmed SpaceXs readiness to support Vietnams ambition to provide universal internet access, stating, We look forward to collaborating with the Vietnamese government and ministries to bring this vision to life. Earlier, in a September 6 meeting with Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh, Hughes announced that SpaceX was fully prepared to introduce Starlink to Vietnam, urging the country to establish the necessary infrastructure to maximise the benefits of the project. Founded by billionaire Elon Musk, SpaceX initially explored the possibility of bringing Starlink to Vietnam during Hughes meeting with PM Chinh in September 2023. At that time, SpaceX expressed a strong desire to bridge the digital divide in Vietnams remote areas, where internet access is often limited. Starlink was introduced in Southeast Asia in early 2023, with initial launches in the Philippines and Malaysia. Plans for further expansion across the region are underway for 2024, although both Vietnam and Thailand are awaiting regulatory approvals. On the same day, President Lam also held meetings with executives from AES Corporation and Pacifico Energy, two prominent players in the energy sector. In a discussion with Juan Ignacio Rubiolo, senior vice president of AES Corporation, Lam praised the companys successful business operations in Vietnam. He encouraged AES to continue its close cooperation with Vietnamese partners to ensure legal compliance and efficient project execution. Vietnam is actively seeking to balance its trade relationship with the United States, including increased imports of liquefied natural gas. President Lam expressed support for AESs efforts in this area, stressing that the company should not delay its future projects, which are already integrated into Vietnams power development plan. In his meeting with Nate Franklin, founder and president of Pacifico Energy, he applauded the companys contributions to clean energy development in Vietnam and internationally. He urged Pacifico Energy to accelerate ongoing projects and expressed optimism about the companys future expansion in Vietnam. Franklin acknowledged Vietnams strategic advantages for clean energy projects and committed to continue developing energy projects that will help drive Vietnams economic growth. He also reiterated Pacifico Energys dedication to collaborating with local partners to ensure effective project implementation in line with Vietnams energy goals. The competition is being organised by the Vietnam National Institute of Educational Sciences (VNIES), a unit under the Ministry of Education and Training, in collaboration with the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) and Victoria School. The aim is to promote the participation of female students in the STEAM (science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics) fields. STEAM education for girls aims to provide essential knowledge and skills in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics through an integrated approach with the arts. Through STEAM education activities, female students develop the confidence to succeed in fields traditionally dominated by men. In the context of the rapid development of science and technology, developing green skills and critical thinking, which are essential 21st-century skills, equips girls with the knowledge, courage, and confidence to achieve their academic, career, and personal goals. The "STEAM FOR GIRLS 2024" competition attracted nearly 200 female students in the preliminary round, with 66 selected for the final. The students, aged 13 to 15, come from 18 provinces and cities across Vietnam, as well as representatives from Laos, Thailand, and Malaysia. The competition provides a creative platform for STEAM and an opportunity for students to learn, experience, and interact with peers from various regions within Vietnam and internationally. Promoting gender equality through STEAM education One of the competition's key messages is promoting gender equality in education, joining hands with UNICEF towards the goal of "leaving no child behind". While progress has been made in enabling women and girls to participate in science and technology, barriers still exist that limit girls' opportunities to pursue their passions. The Vietnam National Institute of Educational Sciences and UNICEF Vietnam, with their respective roles and missions, are committed to designing and organising meaningful science and technology activities for Vietnamese students. Prof. Le Anh Vinh, director of the Vietnam National Institute of Educational Sciences and head of the organising committee, stated, "We always strive to create activities, forums, and competitions focused on scientific research, promoting innovation and creativity, and equipping female students with knowledge and skills. STEAM FOR GIRLS is one such initiative. Students will have the opportunity to maximise their potential without being limited by gender stereotypes in STEAM fields, areas that may have previously been predominantly pursued by male students." It is certain that after the experiences gained from this competition, female students will have the confidence that they can become leading scientists, engineers, and researchers in the future, contributing to the development of society, Vinh added. STEAM FOR GIRLS 2024 will be held at Victoria School - South Saigon. STEAM: an educational foundation for the future In the final round, students will work in groups to research, explore, and implement projects related to STEM skills, green skills, renewable energy, and climate change. As climate change becomes an increasingly urgent issue, equipping the younger generation with knowledge about clean energy, climate change adaptation, and green skills is more crucial than ever. Through teamwork and project-based learning, students will apply their comprehensive knowledge and skills while fostering creative thinking and systematically solving real-world problems. The competition also contributes to inspiring female students to aspire to become future leaders in building a sustainable nation. A creative and experiential playground STEAM FOR GIRLS 2024 will feature various engaging learning activities and practical experiences, such as visiting the Vietjet Aviation Academy and Galaxy Innovation Hub to learn about the application of technology and engineering in the aviation industry and research and innovation. Participants will also have the opportunity to embark on a city tour to further understand the dynamism and creativity of Ho Chi Minh City. "STEAM FOR GIRLS 2024" is not just a competition but a forum and playground to connect students nationwide and internationally, enabling them to access the STEAM education model, acquire new knowledge and skills, including problem-solving and creative thinking, and fostering a collaborative learning environment and experiences. Following the STEAM FOR GIRLS competition, an educational forum on renewable energy and climate change will be held on October 4, with the participation of ministries, agencies, and experts to provide students and teachers with a deeper insights into climate change issues and the role of renewable energy. Victoria School inaugurated in Ho Chi Minh City On August 12, the inauguration ceremony of Khai Hoan Lower and Upper Secondary School - Saigon South (Victoria School) took place in Ho Chi Minh City. Vietnam among four countries demonstrating gender parity in digital skills: UNICEF Vietnam is among four countries demonstrating gender parity in digital skills, according to a new UNICEF analysis which was issued on International Day of Girls in ICT (April 27). In the first eight months of 2024, disbursed foreign direct investment (FDI) increased 8 per cent on-year to $14 billion, or 5 per cent of GDP. FDI inflows also equated to 5 per cent/GDP last year, and we expect another 5 per cent/GDP worth of inflows again next year. To put those figures in context, Chinas FDI inflows peaked at around 5 per cent/GDP, so Vietnam is regularly attracting FDI inflows equivalent to those China attracted in its heyday. Michael Kokalari, chief economist, VinaCapital Vietnam remains a major magnet for FDI investment because the fact that multinational firms are impressed by the quality of the countrys workers with factory wages in Vietnam less than half those in China, and Vietnams bamboo diplomacy strategy ensures that multinational firms that set up factories in Vietnam can readily source critical components they need to produce their products from China, and then export their finished products to the US and the EU without worrying whether those exports could attract steep tariffs. Vietnam has a circa 20 per cent/GDP trade surplus with the US - its biggest export market - and a 15 per cent/GDP trade deficit with China - the biggest supplier to Vietnams factories. The country has enjoyed healthy trade surpluses with the US, and the countrys reliance on China for one-third of its production inputs has generated persistent trade deficits with China. However, the gap became bigger in recent years because most of the FDI Vietnam is now attracting is from companies that moved production from China or are establishing new production facilities in Vietnam instead of in China. There have been some concerns that India could emerge as a major competitor to Vietnam for FDI. Those concerns intensified after Apples Tim Cook visited India early last year and announced significant investments into that country. However, most FDI into India is focused on the production of products sold into the local market and not for export to the world. In Apples case, India does not produce enough iPhones to satisfy demand from the fast-growing local market, even after additional investments into India by Apple and its suppliers. Furthermore, it is unlikely that India will become an export powerhouse like Vietnam anytime soon because manufacturers in India face many more ease of doing business obstacles there than they would in Vietnam, including much stricter labour laws that make it difficult for companies to hire-and-fire workers. The Indian government has made some efforts to boost the countrys manufacturing sector and to engage more FDI over the years, but those efforts have not been very successful. Indonesia is another country we are occasionally asked about regarding FDI and whether it poses a threat to Vietnam. In short, we do not believe it does. The recent boom in FDI into Indonesia stems from the fact that the countrys government clamped down on companies exporting some raw minerals (such as nickel), and instead started forcing multinational companies to invest in processing/smelting facilities in Indonesia. The fact that Indonesia passed those laws requiring local processing of minerals, together with a surge in demand for electric vehicle battery metals, explains why there has been a mini boom of FDI inflows to Indonesia recently. Many analysts now say that Indonesia is the Saudi Arabia of e-vehicle metals because the country has so many minerals that are needed for this area. Analysing the pros and cons of potential competitors to Vietnam for foreign direct investments leads us to the conclusion that there are few countries in the world that are as suitable as Vietnam to manufacture the types of products foreign companies make here, such as high-tech products, smartphones, consumer electronics, and other products that are assembled in Vietnam. Consequently, we expect investments to continue to flow into the production of such products in Vietnam for years to come, irrespective of whether Vietnams government actively courts multinational investors, since Vietnam is intrinsically appealing to them. All of that said, there are many policies Vietnams government could pursue to make the country even more appealing to foreign investors. For example, Vietnams direct power purchase mechanism will encourage FDI because companies are increasingly cognisant of their carbon footprints, and the mechanism enables manufacturers to source electricity from specific wind farms, solar electric generating facilities, and other sources of clean energy. Vietnams government could also improve the countrys ease of doing business rankings by cutting the administrative burdens entailed in investing in the country. For example, in the past, VinaCapital has advocated that Vietnam set up an investment promotion agency, which is a similar strategy used by several other countries that Vietnam is competing against to entice FDI inflows. Such an agency could be a single point of contact for foreign multinational companies and could itself then interface with all the other government agencies and bodies (including local/provincial governments) entailed in setting up a new factory in Vietnam including obtaining the necessary business licences, handling procedures for employing foreign managers, etc. Finally, it is also important that the government continue spending 5-6 per cent of GDP on infrastructure spending in the years ahead to maintain Vietnams competitiveness going forward. To be clear, we do not believe Vietnams infrastructure is currently a binding constraint preventing any companies from setting up factories, but it could become a consideration at some point, especially if the government does not continue to boost electricity generation and distribution capacity in Vietnam. Vietnam reports $20.5 billion in FDI in first eight months More than $20.52 billion in foreign direct investment (FDI) has been reported in Vietnam up to the end of August, an on-year increase of 7 per cent, according to the Foreign Investment Agency. Vietnam sustaining growth amidst shifting FDI trends Trade ties between the US and emerging market economies in the Asia-Pacific region are shifting from efforts to diversify supply chains out of China through friendshoring or nearshoring. Against this backdrop, Vietnam is among the Asia-Pacific markets relatively well-placed to gain from such shifts. UOB forecasts Vietnam's economic growth to continue, boosted by trade and FDI Vietnam's economy is expected to maintain strong growth throughout 2024, supported by rising trade activity and increasing foreign direct investment, while favourable demographics and solid macroeconomic fundamentals underpin its long-term prospects in ASEAN, according to UOB. Jake Siewert, Warburg Pincus head of global public policy and political risk, met with Vietnamese President To Lam on September 23 on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly in New York. The discussion focused on the firms investments in the region, energy transition resources and strategy, tourism, and general outlook. Warburg Pincus' Jake Siewert met with Vietnamese State President To Lam. Photo: VNA Since 2018, Warburg Pincus, in partnership with Becamex, has been investing in BW Industrial Development JSC to establish it as the leading for-rent industrial developer in Vietnam. BW is playing a crucial role in helping Vietnam move up the manufacturing value chain by acting as the facilitator of ready-built modern, multi-story, institutional-grade infrastructure for international manufacturers seeking to quickly set up operations in the country. This year, BW has continued to benefit from supply chain diversification and increased foreign investment, recording year-to-date leasing activity on track for close to one million square metres. BW sees more tenants opting for larger spaces, as well as a diversification of industries from China entering Vietnam As a leading industrial developer, were excited to see more tenants opting for larger spaces, as well as a diversification of industries from China entering Vietnam. In addition to sectors like electronics, automotive, and renewables, were now seeing a broader range of industries choosing Vietnam as their manufacturing hub, said Lance Li, CEO of BW. Some of BWs recent tenants in 2024 include Skyworth (10,000sq.m BW Nhon Trach 2), Coherent (50,000sq.m BW Nhon Trach 1), and Chevron (50,000sq.m BW My Phuoc 4). Besides BW, Warburg Pincus has also invested in Vincom Retail, a leading retail real estate platform in Vietnam; MoMo, a leading digital financial services platform; Techcombank, a leading bank franchise; and Lodgis, a leading hospitality platform in Southeast Asia. The company has invested over $2 billion in businesses in Vietnam, making it one of largest and most active global private equity investors in the country. Warburg Pincus celebrates 10 years in Vietnam Renowned private equity firm Warburg Pincus celebrated its 10th anniversary of investing in Vietnam on November 9 in Hanoi, with the attendance of Marc E. Knapper, US Ambassador to Vietnam, and Tran Duy Dong, Deputy Minister of the Ministry of Planning and Investment of Vietnam. Warburg Pincus' Jeffrey Perlman named chairman of US-ASEAN Business Council On December 8, the US-ASEAN Business Council announced the election of Jeffrey Perlman, president of Warburg Pincus, as the 13th chairman of the Board of Directors. WASHINGTON (AP) Vice President Kamala Harris will visit the U.S.-Mexico border in Arizona on Friday as her campaign tries to turn the larger issue of immigration from a liability into a strength and hopes to counter a line of frequent, searing political attacks from former President Donald Trump. Her campaign announced Wednesday that Harris will be in Douglas, Arizona, across the border from Agua Prieta, Mexico. A Harris aide, who spoke on the condition of anonymity to discuss a trip that was still being planned, said the vice president plans to speak about border security and how, as a former attorney general of California, she took on international gangs and criminal organizations who traffic drugs, guns, and human beings. She also has long believed that the country needs an immigration system that is secure, fair, orderly and humane, the aide said. Trump has built his campaign partly around calling for cracking down on immigration and the southern border, even endorsing using police and the military to carry out mass deportations should he be elected in November. Harris has increasingly tried to seize on the issue and turn it back against her opponent, though polls show voters continue to trust Trump more on it. Just how important immigration and the border are ahead of Election Day was evidenced by Trump wasting little time reacting to word of Harris' trip. He told a rally crowd in Mint Hill, North Carolina, that Harris was going to the border for political reasons and because their polls are tanking. When Kamala speaks about the border, her credibility is less than zero, Trump said. I hope youre going to remember that on Friday. When she tells you about the border, ask her just one simple question: Why didnt you do it four years ago? That picks up on a theme Trump mentions at nearly all of his campaign rallies, scoffing at Harris as a former Biden administration border czar, arguing that she oversaw softer federal policies that allowed millions of people into the country illegally. President Joe Biden tasked Harris with working to address the root causes of immigration patterns that have caused many people fleeing violence and drug gangs in Central America to head to the U.S. border and seek asylum, though she was not called border czar. Since taking over for Biden at the top of the Democratic presidential ticket, Harris has lamented the collapse of a bipartisan border security deal in Congress that most Republican lawmakers rejected at Trump's behest. Her campaign aide said she will use Friday's border stop to push for reviving that package, which was the toughest in a generation. In an interview with MSNBC that aired Wednesday evening, Harris talked about reviving that legislative effort, but also helping some people in the country illegally get U.S. citizenship. We need a comprehensive plan," she said, "that includes what we need to do to fortify not only our border, but deal with the fact that we also need to create pathways for people to earn citizenship. The stop is part of Harris' larger effort to make immigration an issue that can help her win supporters, saying that Trump would rather play politics with the issue than seek solutions, while also promising more humane treatment of immigrants should she win the White House. Despite that, a new poll by The Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research released this month found that Trump has an advantage over Harris on whom voters trust to better handle immigration. This issue was a problem for Biden, as well: Illegal immigration and crossings at the U.S. border with Mexico have been a challenge during much of his administration. The poll also found that Republicans are more likely to care about immigration. Associated Press writer Will Weissert contributed to this report. A former Vanguard College Preparatory School teacher was arrested Tuesday on a third-degree felony charge of attempted improper relationship between an educator and student. A student told investigators Todd Wyatt Bogan made statements with the intent of pursuing a sexual relationship with her, according to Bogans arrest affidavit. He acknowledged to officers he had made inappropriate sexual remarks to the student with the intent of pursuing a sexual relationship, the affidavit says. In an email to parents of Vanguard students, Vanguard Head of School Bill Borg said the school received reports of improper conduct, then immediately suspended Bogan, conducted an investigation and reported the allegations to the Waco Police Department. Shortly after, and before the school was ever informed that the police investigation would result in formal charges, the school separated employment with Mr. Bogan, Borg wrote. Vanguard serves students in middle school and high school. The letter and affidavit do not say how long Bogan was a teacher at Vanguard or when he was fired. They also do not say when the allegations against him were reported or when police believe the incidents happened. Waco police ask that anyone who has had an inappropriate encounter with Bogan report it. Throughout the investigation, our Crimes Against Children Unit discovered that other students may have experienced similar attempts, according to a police statement posted to Facebook. If you had an incident that you feel was inappropriate involving Todd Wyatt, please contact Detective Evans at 254-750-7625. Bogan remained in McLennan County Jail Wednesday with bail set at $20,000. Flash Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, meets with Nauruan Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade Lionel Aingimea on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly in New York, Sept. 24, 2024. [Photo/Xinhua] Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi on Tuesday met with Nauruan Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade Lionel Aingimea on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly in New York. Wang, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, said that in January this year, China and Nauru resumed diplomatic ties, marking the beginning of a new chapter in the relationship between the two countries. China attaches great importance to its relationship with Nauru and is committed to strengthening communication and exchanges at all levels with Nauru on the basis of equality and mutual respect, he said. China is also keen on actively expanding practical cooperation to continuously advance the bilateral relations, Wang added. Aingimea, for his part, said that the resumption of diplomatic ties with China was undoubtedly a correct and historic decision. He also expressed the hope of continuing to strengthen cooperation with China in various fields to support Nauru's economic and social development. Out of the Darkness walk The American Foundation for Suicide Preventions Out of the Darkness Waco Walk will start at 6 p.m. Saturday at Brazos Park East, 3516 N. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd. The event provides community, connection, healing and hope for survivors of suicide loss and those with lived experience. Every dollar participants raise will support the foundations investment in life-saving research, education, advocacy and support for people affected by suicide. To preregister for free, go to afsp.org/waco. Diwali Festival The Waco-area Asian Leaders Network will hold its inaugural Diwali Festival from 5 to 8 p.m. Nov. 6 at Bridge Street Plaza, 200 Bridge Street, in conjunction with the Waco Downtown Farmers Markets Wednesday night market. Texas-based Bollywood Fusion Dance, Baylor Taal and Virtual Arts for Humanity will be among live dance and musical performers taking part in the free event. Indian and South Asian student groups will be on hand. There also will be bingo, raffle giveaways and Diwali-themed arts and crafts. Diwali, also known as the festival of lights, includes symbolism of light over darkness, good over evil, and knowledge over ignorance. National Night Out observances Some area organizations will hold observances soon for National Night Out, free annual events that promote police-community partnerships and neighborhood camaraderie with the goal of making neighborhoods safer, better places to live. Hewitt will hold its event from 6 to 8 p.m. Saturday at Warren Park, 450 S. Old Temple Road, with live music, vendor booths, childrens games and food. The Robinson Police Department will hold its event from 5 to 7 p.m. Saturday at Peplow Park, 201 Peplow Drive. For more information, email c.lopez @robinsontexas.org. The North Waco Neighborhood Association will hold its event from 6 to 8 p.m. Tuesday at Park Lake Drive Baptist Church, 3701 N. 27th St. with music, food, games, crafts and community resources. Waco police cars and firetrucks will visit. The Dewey Community Center and Brook Oaks Neighborhood Association will hold their event from 6 to 8 p.m. Tuesday in the park outside the community center, 925 N. Ninth St. For more information, call 254-750-867. Storytelling guild The Heart of Texas Storytelling Guild will meet at 10:30 a.m. Saturday at Good Neighbor House, 2301 Colcord Ave. for a session of storytelling and listening. Senior health fair AmeriCorps Seniors RSVP will hold its 32nd annual Senior Source Health and Information Fair from 10 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Friday at Richland Mall, 6001 W. Waco Drive. The fair will provide seniors and caregivers health information and access to multiple services. Services will include health screenings, flu vaccines and COVID-19 vaccines, available free of charge with Medicare or an insurance card, presented with an ID. Other exhibitors will provide health information relevant to seniors, caregivers and the public. Information regarding resources related to aging services, long-term care and legal help will also be provided. For more information, call RSVP AmeriCorps Seniors at 254-299-8766. Antique farm machinery The Waco Antique Farm Machinery Club will hold its seventh annual fall show Friday and Saturday at Tonkawa Park in Crawford. A tractor ride will start at 4:30 p.m. Friday, followed by a dinner at 524 E. Fourth St. Cost for dinner is $15. A tractor and car show will run from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday. Litter cleanups Keep Waco Beautiful, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and Group W Litter Patrol will hold a Lake Waco cleanup from 9 a.m. to noon Saturday, starting at Flat Rock Park, 6301 Flat Rock Road. Keep Waco Beautiful also will hold a pre-Ironman Waco river cleanup from 9 to 11 a.m. Saturday, starting at Waco Paddle Co., 200 S. University Parks Drive. Registration is required to volunteer. Anyone younger than 16 must be accompanied by an adult. For more information or to register, go to keepwacobeautiful.org/volunteer. Create Better Health The Waco-McLennan County Public Health District will start a six-week Create Better Health Class from 9:15 to 10:15 a.m. Oct. 3 in The Center at Columbus Avenue Baptist Church, 1115 Columbus Ave. The class will cover eating well and staying active on a budget. It will meet weekly from 9:15 to 10:15 a.m. A registration link is available at waco-texas.com/events. Parents as Teachers workshops The Dewey Community Center, 925 N. Ninth St., will hold Parents as Teachers workshops from 6 to 6:45 p.m. Oct. 3, Nov. 7 and Dec. 5. The workshops provide strategies and resources parents can use at home to make the learning process easier for students in grades 3-12. Participation is free, and registration is not required. For more information, call 254-750-8677. This charming 1-1/2 story home in an established Cedar Falls neighborhood is waiting for you to call it home! When you enter you are welcomed Flash Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, attends a Security Council high-level meeting on the situation in Ukraine at the United Nations headquarters in New York, Sept. 24, 2024. [Photo/Xinhua] Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi said in New York on Tuesday that all parties should be truly committed to promoting peace talks on the Ukraine issue. Wang, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, made the remarks at the United Nations headquarters while attending a Security Council high-level meeting on the situation in Ukraine. The Security Council should serve as a bridge between differences and contradictions, an advocate of seeking common ground while shelving differences, a defender of common security, and a builder of lasting peace, he said. Wang put forward three propositions in this regard: Firstly, it is necessary to enhance the sense of crisis in cooling down the situation. Weapons of mass destruction should not be used, nuclear facilities devoted to peaceful purposes such as nuclear power plants should not be attacked, and civilians and civilian facilities should not be targeted, the envoy said. Secondly, it is necessary to enhance the sense of responsibility in promoting peace talks. Dialogue and negotiation is the only viable way out of the Ukrainian crisis, he noted, urging the international community to seize the current opportunity to form joint efforts to promote peace talks. Thirdly, it is necessary to enhance the sense of urgency in managing spillovers. China calls on the international community to strengthen cooperation on energy, finance, trade, food security and the protection of key infrastructure such as oil and gas pipelines, so as to jointly maintain the stability and smooth flow of global industrial and supply chains, Wang said. China is not a creator of the Ukraine crisis, nor is it a party concerned, the top Chinese diplomat noted. China has always sided with peace, and maintained contact with all parties, including Russia and Ukraine, he added. Warning that any attempt to blame, attack or smear China on the Ukraine issue is irresponsible and will not succeed, Wang called on the international community to join hands to uphold a vision of common, comprehensive, cooperative and sustainable security. Moraine Park Technical College held an open house for its new Horicon Regional Center on Monday, allowing more than a hundred people to visit the new facility on Horicons west side. Im thrilled to see so many of you hear today, Moraine Park President Bonnie Baerwald said before thanking the people who attended. As president one of my top priorities is ensuring that higher education and workforce training opportunities are accessible throughout our entire service region. This new center will help us to achieve this goal by providing a state of the art facility right here in Dodge County. The center will serve as an extension of the Beaver Dam campus, providing unique offerings in a different venue, Baerwald said. Voters in the Moraine Park Technical College area including Dodge, Fond du Lac and Washington counties approved a $55 million referendum in November 2022 for four projects including the Horicon Regional Center. The Horicon building is about 18,000 square feet and cost about $9 million to build and equip, Baerwald said. There was extra concern to not harm the marsh wetlands. Everything weve done to date and everything we plan to expand in the future has been and will be formally approved by the appropriate environmental agencies, Baerwald said. The Horicon center will include a new firefighter training center, providing a "beautiful space" for the volunteer and paid firefighters who serve the 50 fire stations within the district, Baerwald said. Previously, firefighter training took place on the Beaver Dam campus, but there was no room there for the program to expand. Baerwald said a mobile burn trailer and an older tower allowed limited training options. The Horicon Center will be a benefit for fire and emergency responders and offer various firefighter training programs for new students and continuing education for both paid and volunteer firefighters, Baerwald said. A new program is being started at the facility this fall, a two-year fire protection technician associate degree preparing students for full-time roles with potential leadership opportunities. The site has a three-story burn tower that was constructed as part of the project, Baerwald said. The burn tower is 4,000 square feet and has rooms for specialized training, a rooftop for training, and three separate burn rooms with facilities to offer training on a variety of flammable materials. Baerwald said local fire departments will save money that they would have used to travel out of the area for training. For us as citizens, this will help to recruit and retain volunteer firefighters throughout the region, Baerwald said. It will also serve as an ideal location for rural high schools in our area to utilize for advanced courses that otherwise might not be feasible to offer at their own high schools due to the high capital cost and small class sizes. Dual credit programs here have the potential to help hundreds of students each year to get a head start on their college education. Moraine Park Technical College is looking at adding programs including a cadet program to introduce youths ages 16-18 to firefighter training and emergency medical services, Baerwald said. The center also provides centralized access for workforce training, such as computerized manufacturing certifications, health care certifications and supervisory management programs. Baerwald said she hopes the facility will spur other developments to provide growth in the area. This center is more than brick and mortar, Beaver Dam Deputy Fire Chief Lee Smith said. It embodies the commitment to enhance the safety and commitment of our community by training our current and new firefighters and EMTs and future paramedics. Firefighters and EMS personnel are our frontline heroes who respond to emergencies with courage and selflessness. They face unimaginable challenges, often putting their lives on the line to protect all of us. It is our duty to equip them with the best training possible, and that is exactly what this facility is designed to do. The facility will allow the emergency personnel to train in a center that provides realistic training scenarios, from live fire scenarios to advanced rescue techniques. Here they will have the ability to learn, practice and perfect their craft, Smith said. Horicon Mayor Josh Maas also spoke at the event and thanked Moraine Park and everyone who attended Monday's event. It is a great thing for our city, Maas said. The annual Wisconsin International Poultry Show will return to the Columbia County Fairgrounds this weekend, with a record number entries and exhibitors showing off their birds. We come together for a weekend full of fun, fellowship and feathers, said Kaylyn Schleicher, president of the Wisconsin International Poultry Club, which hosts the show. And thats kind of what its all about at the end of the day. The Wisconsin International Poultry Show will take place from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday at the Columbia County Fairgrounds, 405 Superior St. The event is free for people attend. The show will feature 120 youth exhibitors and 124 open exhibitors showing more than 3,600 birds from 16 states, including Wisconsin, Indiana, Michigan, Minnesota, Oregon, Oklahoma, Iowa, Illinois, Montana and Arkansas. The International Waterfowl Breeders Association and the Ameraucana Alliance will have national meets at the show, with more than 1,500 waterfowl and more than 350 Ameraucana chickens from across the country being judged and special awards going to the winners, Schleicher said. Blowin Smoke food truck from Madison will be serving Kansas style BBQ, and a concession area will be run by the Columbia County 4-H Leaders Council, with all proceeds going to the organization. A number of vendors will be selling a wide range of poultry supplies, including leg bands, cage cups, medicine and feeders. Exhibitors also usually have birds for sale if people are interested in picking up the hobby, Schleicher said. A raffle ticket fundraiser and silent auction will take place to assist the poultry club in raising money to present next years show. Trophies, rosettes and cash prizes will be given to the best birds in their categories, including the champion chicken, duck and turkey. The junior division allows youths ages 6-18 to compete against each other, Schleicher said, and the open division allows exhibitors of all ages to compete for a number of cash prizes, including a $150 prize for the best in show. Perfect birds The American Poultry Association and has been around for more than 150 years and is one of the oldest livestock organizations in the world, Schleicher said. The association publishes The American Standard of Perfection, which lists the varieties and colors of each breed that are accepted in the competition. Hobbyists breed their birds specifically to the standards laid out in the book, including the shape, color and size of each feather on every recognized breed of poultry, including chickens, ducks, geese, turkeys and guineafowl, Schleicher said. Year after year we put together breeding times and hatching chicks, ducklings and goslings, raising them, to make the perfect bird to meet that standard of perfection, she said. The Wisconsin International Poultry Club started well over 100 years ago, Schleicher said. Its annual show used to take place at Wisconsin State Fair Park in Milwaukee until the 1980s, then at the Rock County Fairgrounds in Janesville through the late 1990s, before finding a home at the Columbia County Fairgrounds for about the last 25 years. But the show is quickly outgrowing the fairgrounds and its buildings, so the event may move to a bigger venue in the near future as the numbers of participants and entries continue to increase, Schleicher said. Planned Portage battery plant in limbo due to lack of funding "We don't want to give any property to anyone unless we have very high assurance that the development will in fact take place, and that all starts with the proof of financing to construct this brand new facility." While there is some concern across the country that the poultry hobby could be waning as people get older and get out of it, she said, that just doesnt seem to be the case in Wisconsin. As things change and people get out of showing large animals like steers or pigs, I think poultry is a less expensive alternative and doesnt take up as much space, Schleicher said. So its really cool to see poultry getting more popular, she said. Because as long as I am able, I will be part of the show. And whether that is as president or not, doesnt really matter. Ill still be there Flash A truck carrying about 88 unidentified bodies is seen near the Nasser Hospital in the southern Gaza Strip city of Khan Younis, on Sept. 25, 2024. [Photo/Xinhua] The Palestinian death toll from ongoing Israeli attacks on the Gaza Strip has risen to 41,495, according to Gaza-based health authorities in a statement on Wednesday. In the past 24 hours, the Israeli military killed 28 people and wounded 85 others, bringing the total number of injuries to 96,006 since the conflict erupted in early October 2023. In a separate statement, the health authorities reported receiving about 88 unidentified bodies from the Israeli side, adding the Israeli side did not provide any information about their identities, the locations where they were recovered, or the time of death. The authorities have suspended procedures for receiving the bodies until complete data is available to identify the deceased and notify their families, as this is considered a fundamental right, the statement added. Israel launched a large-scale offensive against Hamas in Gaza in retaliation for a Hamas attack through the southern Israeli border on Oct. 7, 2023, which resulted in approximately 1,200 deaths and around 250 hostages taken. WASHINGTON (AP) House Democrats attempted Wednesday to quickly censure a Republican congressman who slandered Haitian immigrants in a post he made on social media, but GOP leadership stamped out the effort. Rep. Clay Higgins of Louisiana described Haitians in racist terms Wednesday afternoon, calling them wild. Eating pets, vudu, nastiest country in the western hemisphere, cults, slapstick gangsters in a post on X, the platform formerly known as Twitter. Higgins, a far-right lawmaker who has voiced conspiracy theories, deleted the post after Democrats confronted him on the House floor. The Haitian community in Springfield, Ohio, and beyond has faced an onslaught of racist abuse after Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump and his running mate Sen. JD Vance falsely claimed that Haitians were eating pets. Higgins was responding to a report that a nonprofit representing the Haitian community has invoked a private-citizen right to file charges against Trump and Vance. The Haitian Bridge Alliance brought the charges over the chaos and threats experienced by Springfield, Ohio, since Trump first spread the false claims about legal immigrants there during a presidential debate. Trump has also vowed to deport immigrants like those in Springfield who entered the country legally under a federal program that allows them to remain in the country temporarily. Higgins on Wednesday posted that Haitians should get out of our country before January 20th, when Trump would be inaugurated as president if he wins the election. As House lawmakers exited the House chamber after finishing their legislative work ahead of the November election, Rep. Steve Horsford, a Nevada Democrat who chairs the Congressional Black Caucus, attempted to move a censure resolution against Higgins. Horsford said Higgins' words are inciting hate, they are inciting fear and because of that it is time for this body to stand with one voice and to ensure there is accountability. Republicans immediately moved to block his effort from moving forward. House Speaker Mike Johnson told reporters outside the chamber: Clay Higgins is a dear friend of mine and a colleague from Louisiana and a very frank and outspoken person. Hes also a very principled man." He praised Higgins for deleting the post, saying "he prayed about it, and he regretted it and he pulled the post down. Thats what you want a gentleman to do. Im sure he probably regrets some of the language he used, but, you know, we move forward. We believe in redemption around here. Higgins has periodically stirred controversy with social media posts since his 2016 election to Congress including a Facebook post in 2020 promising he would drop armed protesters where they stand. Forecasters say Helene has strengthened into a Category 4 hurricane as it races toward northwest Florida. The enormous storm is expected to make landfall Thursday night. Category 4 hurricanes have sustained winds over 130 mph that can severely damage homes, snap trees and down power lines. Strong winds have already cut power to over 250,000 homes and businesses in Florida. Authorities warn that storm surges of up to 20 feet could also wreak catastrophic damage. Helene is also expected to damage large swaths of the southeastern U.S. as it moves inland. Hurricane warnings and flash flood warnings extend far beyond the coast up into northern Georgia and western North Carolina. Along Florida's Gulf Coast, school districts and multiple universities have cancelled classes. Helene had swamped parts of Mexicos Yucatan Peninsula on Wednesday, flooding streets and toppling trees as it passed offshore and brushed the resort city of Cancun. The storm formed Tuesday in the Caribbean Sea. In Cuba, the government preventively shut off power in some communities as waves as high as 16 feet (5 meters) slammed Cortes Bay. And in the Cayman Islands, schools closed and residents pumped water from flooded homes. Helene is forecast to be one of the largest storms in breadth in years to hit the region, said Colorado State University hurricane researcher Phil Klotzbach. He said since 1988, only three Gulf hurricanes were bigger than Helenes predicted size: 2017s Irma, 2005s Wilma and 1995s Opal. Areas 100 miles (160 kilometers) north of the Georgia-Florida line can expect hurricane conditions. More than half of Georgias public school districts and several universities canceled classes. For Atlanta, Helene could be the worst strike on a major Southern inland city in 35 years, said University of Georgia meteorology professor Marshall Shepherd. Landslides were possible in southern Appalachia, and rainfall was expected as far away as Tennessee, Kentucky and Indiana. Federal authorities have positioned generators, food and water, along with search-and-rescue and power restoration teams. Helene is the eighth named storm of the Atlantic hurricane season, which began June 1. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration has predicted an above-average Atlantic hurricane season this year because of record-warm ocean temperatures. In further storm activity, Tropical Storm Isaac formed Wednesday in the Atlantic and was expected to strengthen as it moves eastward across the open ocean, possibly becoming a hurricane by the end of the week, forecasters said. Isaac was about 690 miles (1,115 kilometers) northeast of Bermuda with top sustained winds of 50 mph (85 kph), according to the hurricane center, which said its swells and winds could affect parts of Bermuda and eventually the Azores by the weekend. In the Pacific, former Hurricane John reformed Wednesday as a tropical storm and strengthened Thursday morning back into a hurricane as it threatened areas of Mexicos western coast with flash flooding and mudslides. Officials posted hurricane warnings for southwestern Mexico. John hit the countrys southern Pacific coast late Monday, killing at least two people, triggering mudslides, and damaging homes and trees. It grew into a Category 3 hurricane in a matter of hours and made landfall east of Acapulco. It reemerged over the ocean after weakening inland. (Copyright 2024 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission.) WASHINGTON (AP) Police in a majority-Black Mississippi city discriminate against Black people, use excessive force and retaliate against critics, the Justice Department said Thursday in a scathing report detailing a slew of civil rights abuses by law enforcement in one of America's poorest counties. The Lexington Police Department has created a system where officers can relentlessly violate the law," according to the Justice Department, which found a stunning pattern of racially disparate policing and harassment in the rural town of about 1,200 people, approximately 76% of whom are Black. The report paints a picture of a police department that has routinely violated the rights of residents with impunity, using arrests for low-level offenses to generate money for the police force and leaving people to languish behind bars if they couldn't afford to pay fines. Officers also sexually harassed women and threatened people with force or arrest if they challenged law enforcement, according to the report. Todays findings show that the Lexington Police Department abandoned its sacred position of trust in the community by routinely violating the constitutional rights of those it was sworn to protect, Attorney General Merrick Garland said. An employee who answered the phone at the Lexington Police Department, which is in Holmes County, told The Associated Press that Chief Charles Henderson was not immediately available to comment on the report. Investigators traced a stark uptick in racial disparities back to an intentional change in police tactics overseen by the police department's former chief, who was fired after using racial slurs and talking about how many people he had killed on duty. Under that former chief, Sam Dobbins, who is white, Lexington police officers dramatically increased arrests for low-level offenses. Over the past two years, the Lexington Police Department has made nearly one arrest for every four people in town, the Justice Department found. That is more than 10 times the per capita arrest rate for Mississippi as a whole, they added. Many of the arrests were for low-level offenses like owing outstanding fines and using profanity. And most of those arrested are Black people. The odds that a person arrested by Lexington police officers was Black would climb by 125%. After routinely arresting people for low-level violations, officers left them behind bars until they could pay a fine, the Justice Department found. One man was jailed four days because he refilled a cup of coffee at a gas station while only paying for one cup. Another woman was arrested and chained to a bench at a police station for parking in a space reserved for people with disabilities, according to the report. Police also used excessive force and disproportionately targeted Black people for arrests, investigators also found. Black people committing traffic offenses were arrested while white people committing similar traffic offenses were not, officials said. Investigators reviewed body-camera footage to review racial disparities in the use of force, finding that officers repeatedly use force against Black people but never against a white person. Lexington residents owe police $1.7 million in fines, and the city court has issued bench warrants authorizing the arrest of more than 650 people roughly half of the citys population because of unpaid fines, Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke told reporters. In America, being poor is not a crime," Clarke said. But in Lexington, their practices punish people for poverty. Investigators also found officers used Tasers like a cattle-prod to punish people and punched or kicked people who were unarmed and handcuffed. In one case, an officer kicked an unarmed Black man so hard that he wet himself. The officer told the dispatcher: I didn't give two (expletive) about his civil rights," the report says. The Justice Departments investigation and report followed the filing of a federal lawsuit in 2022 by residents who accused police of terrorizing people through false arrests, intimidation and other abuses. It also followed the June 2023 arrest of Jill Collen Jefferson, the president of JULIAN, the civil rights organization that filed the lawsuit. The organization had previously obtained an audio recording of Dobbins that led to his firing. Jefferson said she has documented police abuses in Lexington for years, but that state officials failed to take action. The prospect of change looked grim until Clarke launched the Justice Department's investigation, Jefferson said. I feel an intense amount of gratitude for Kristen Clarke," Jefferson said. We had to go to highest levels of the Department of Justice to get justice for this community. And I'm grateful that they listened. It shows that it doesn't matter how tiny your town is, that your life matters. Finally, the day has come where the truth has come out. According to the Justice Department, racial disparities in arrests continued to increase under Henderson, who is Black. In 2019, Black people were 2.5 times more likely to be arrested by Lexington police officers than white people. By 2023, after Dobbinss departure, Black people were almost 18 times more likely to be arrested. In June 2023, Jefferson, who is Black, was arrested after filming a traffic stop by Lexington police officers. The arrest came nine days after Clarke had traveled to Lexington to meet with people about alleged police misconduct. Democratic state Rep. Bryant Clark, whose district includes Lexington, said Thursday that he periodically hears complaints about the police department. The Justice Department has said the probe into Lexington is part of a broader effort to crack down on unconstitutional policing at small and mid-size police departments and in underserved regions throughout the South. Last week, it announced it was opening a civil rights investigation into the Rankin County Sheriff's Department in Mississippi, six of whose officers were convicted in the torture of two Black men in a racist attack that included beatings, repeated use of stun guns and assaults with a sex toy before one of the victims was shot in the mouth. "Gone are the days when rural isolation and remoteness could conceal the injustice of unconstitutional policing," said Todd Gee, the U.S. attorney for the Southern District of Mississippi. Addressing other police departments in the country, Gee said: Make changes now if your agency is policing in these same unlawful ways. Associated Press writer Emily Wagster Pettus contributed from Jackson, Mississippi. Goldberg reported from Minneapolis, Minnesota. WASHINGTON (AP) House Speaker Mike Johnson is calling on Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy to fire his country's ambassador to the U.S. as Republicans criticize Zelenskyy's visit to an ammunition plant in Pennsylvania, a swing-state, as a political stunt. The Republican speaker's demand Wednesday came as Zelenskyy addressed the United Nations in New York on the eve of his visit Washington, where he has plans to brief lawmakers on Capitol Hill about the war effort before meeting with President Joe Biden at the White House. The tour was clearly a partisan campaign event designed to help Democrats and is clearly election interference, Johnson wrote in a letter to Zelenskyy. Johnson, who is close to Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump, said no Republicans were invited to the plant tour on Sunday, which he said was arranged by Ambassador Oksana Markarova. An Army official said it was standard procedure to invite House and Senate members who represent the district where such industrial plants are located. The official, who spoke on condition of anonymity to discuss internal discussions, said that in this case interested congressional members from the area attended. Joining for the visit were the states Gov. Josh Shapiro, Sen. Bob Casey and the district's Rep. Matt Cartwright, all Democrats. The plant is located in Scranton, Biden's hometown. The speaker's stern demand for the swift removal of Markarova, a well-received diplomat in Washington who has been a fixture on Capitol Hill since the outset of the war even sitting as a guest in the House visitor's gallery during pivotal speeches comes at a daunting time for Ukraine as Zelenskyy works to ensure U.S. support for the war effort in an election year. While Biden and Democrats in Congress have largely stood with Ukraine since the Russian invasion in 2022, sending billions in U.S. aid to buy weaponry and support services, Republicans have split deeply. Trump has turned the GOP toward a new America First movement that generally prefers to limit U.S. involvement overseas, and he often speaks admirably of Russia and its president, Vladmir Putin. Johnson said that support for ending Russias war against Ukraine continues to be bipartisan, but our relationship is unnecessarily tested," noting comments from the Ukrainian government about the top of the Trump-Vance presidential ticket. Trump in his own speech Wednesday lashed out at Zelenskyy and said the people of Ukraine are dead and the country itself demolished, raising fresh questions about the level of U.S. support the former president would provide to help Ukraine fight Russia if he returned to the White House. Later Johnson, who said he won't be meeting Thursday with Zelenskyy at the Capitol, said the ambassador crossed the line and the situation requires immediate attention and action. Zelenskyy visited the Scranton Army Ammunition Plant to thank the workers who are producing one of the most critically needed munitions for his countrys fight to fend off Russian ground forces. 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. Ukraine has already received more than 3 million of them from the U.S. It is in places like this where you can truly feel that the democratic world can prevail, Zelenskyy wrote on X. Thanks to people like these in Ukraine, in America, and in all partner countries who work tirelessly to ensure that life is protected. Zelenskyy is far from the first foreign leader to visit U.S. plants producing and selling arms to their country, in tours that did not incur Republican protests. The U.S.s NATO partners in Europe increasingly have made a point of such visits to demonstrate the jobs and money that U.S. alliances bring home to Americans. Zelenskyy also has met exclusively with Republicans on some past trips while in the U.S. In July, he visited Utah to speak at the National Governors Association and was welcomed by the states Republican Gov. Spencer Cox, the groups outgoing chairman. During the visit Zelenskyy also met with Utahs congressional delegation, all Republicans. The Scranton visit sparked swift reprisals from the Republicans. Rep. James Comer, the Republican chairman of the House Oversight Committee, announced Wednesday he was opening an investigation into whether the Biden-Harris administration used taxpayer-funded resources to fly Zelenskyy to Pennsylvania as a campaign event for Vice President Kamala Harris, who is the Democratic nominee for president. "The Committee seeks to determine whether the Biden-Harris Administration attempted to use a foreign leader to benefit Vice President Harriss presidential campaign and, if so, necessarily committed an abuse of power, he wrote in letters to Biden, the White House counsel and others in the administration. The Pentagon said the flight was funded by the Defense Department for senior officials from the departments of Defense and State conducting official business related to U.S. security assistance to Ukraine. The flight stopped at Newark Liberty International Airport, where they linked up with President Zelensky before continuing to Wilkes-Barre International Airport in Pennsylvania, the Pentagon said. Senate Republicans, even those who had supported aid for Ukraine, roundly criticized Zelenskyy on Wednesday. He really messed up, said Sen. Markwayne Mullin, an Oklahoma Republican. However, Sen. Roger Wicker, the top Republican on the Senate Armed Services Committee and a firm backer of Ukraine, suggested that Zelenskyys visit was not as partisan as it appeared. Wicker was planning to meet with the Ukrainian president at the Capitol on Thursday. If President Zelenskyy came to Mississippi, he would be accompanied by Republican officials because thats who the people in their wisdom elected, he said. Associated Press writers Stephen Groves and Lolita C. Baldor in Washington and Michael Rubinkam in northeastern Pennsylvania contributed to this report. Flash Tajikistan's Prime Minister Kokhir Rasulzoda met with Chen Wenqing, a senior Communist Party of China (CPC) official here on Tuesday. Chen, a member of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee and head of the Commission for Political and Legal Affairs of the CPC Central Committee, noted that under the strategic guidance of Chinese President Xi Jinping and Tajik President Emomali Rahmon, the relationship between China and Tajikistan has continued to improve and upgrade. Both countries are at critical stages of national development and rejuvenation, Chen said, adding that China is willing to work with Tajikistan to jointly promote the building of the China-Tajikistan community with a shared future, actively implement the three global initiatives, deepen cooperation under the Belt and Road Initiative, enhance law enforcement and security collaboration, and effectively address various regional threats and challenges, ultimately benefiting the people of both nations. Rasulzoda congratulated the 75th anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China and expressed Tajikistan's firm support for the three global initiatives proposed by Xi. He also expressed a desire to deepen practical cooperation in the security field with China and jointly safeguard regional peace and stability. During the visit, Chen also met separately with Tajikistan's Secretary of the Security Council Nasrullo Mahmudzoda and Chairman of the State Committee for National Security Saimumin Yatimov. The Sparks City Attorney's Office is trying to spread the message about the dangers fentanyl presents to the community. Sparks City Attorney Wes Duncan announced a new initiative called, "Shattered Lives: The Deadly Fallout of Fentanyl." The public service announcement shares the risk of fentanyl and people's stories who have struggled with addiction. They first showed the video at the 2024 Northern Nevada Opioid Youth Summit at the Grand Sierra Resort on Tuesday. There are two versions of the PSA. The shorter, six-minute version focuses on the damages of the opioid. There's a longer, 25-minute version that also highlights the redemptive arc of beating the addiction. Duncan says they are seeing everything laced with fentanyl, from weed to harder drugs and he says this is a problem that needs to be addressed. "There really are no recreational drugs anymore in our community because fentanyl is laced in so many drugs," he said. Duncan says every time you do a drug, you're rolling the dice. "I think a lot of people think 'well I'm never going to take fentanyl. 'Like I'm not going to seek fentanyl so I'm okay.' The problem is people are seeking other drugs and fentanyl is in being laced in those other drugs," he explained. Duncan says they want to aim the campaign for pre-teens, teens, parents, and really for everyone in the community. He says the Sparks Fire Department sees about two to three fentanyl overdoses each shift. "25-year-old construction worker, who was staying here in the city of Sparks, hurt his back on the job site," Duncan said while talking about a recent story. "Someone else gave him what he thought was a Vicodin, it was laced with fentanyl and he took it and they found him dead in his bed." Duncan says the City of Sparks is trying to be more proactive with this prevention. They plan on giving more presentations to help spread the word farther in the community. You have permission to edit this article. Edit Close Theres less than six weeks between now and the presidential (and local!) election and, from reproductive rights to economic opportunities, there is a lot at stake. In 2024, were investing our hopes for a robust democracy in hometown hero, Vice President Kamala Harris. But the battle wont be easily won. Every vote will count, especially those in swing states like Nevada, Arizona, and Pennsylvania. So, get registered, get educated, and lend a hand in battleground states. Only around two-thirds of eligible voters actually participated in the 2020 election. Mobilizing the rest could make all the difference. Get your vote on. (Peter Rimar/CC) If you or someone you love isnt yet registered, the time is now. Heres how to do it the quick and easy way, and the super fun way: Register to vote online. Yup, its that easy. If youre not sure of your voter registration status, you can check it out here, too; registertovote.ca.gov Dragmocracy.Nothing goes better with democracy than drag. Hosted by the legendary Honey Mahogany, this event at Mannys will be filled with pride, debates with local politicians, performances, and the opportunity to register to vote. Theyll be giving away drink tickets and, as soon as 100 new voters are registered, everyone gets another round. // 5:30pm to 9pm, October 12; 3092 16th St. (Mission); RSVP for free at eventbrite.com. Phone Bank for the 2024 Presidential election. Phone bankingmobilizing swing state voters via phoneis one way to inch the needle forward in support of Harris-Walz. There are a number of phone banks taking place live or virtually over the next six weeks including: Disco Phone Banking at Mannys. Bring a mobile device, charger, and headphones for two groovy hours of democratic organizing. // Sundays at 2pm from September 29 through November 3; 3092 16th St. (Mission), welcometomannys.com True to Blue Virtual Phone Banking with the California Democratic Party. Get out the vote in Nevada and Arizona from the comfort of your own home. // 1pm Saturday, September 28 and 5pm every Wednesday through October 30; mobilize.us/cadems Team Harris-Walz Virtual Phonebank. Ring up voters in battleground states from home. // Mondays through Thursdays and Saturdays, various times; Ring up voters in battleground states from home. // Mondays through Thursdays and Saturdays, various times; events.democrats.org Inspire voters with your words. (Courtesy of picryl.com) If the idea of cold-calling voters makes your blood run, well, cold, grab a pen instead and join a letter or postcard writing campaign. Get the civic energy flowing at a live event, order pre-written postcard kits, or throw a postcard party of your own with these resources. Evidence shows it really does help to inspire voters. Pints & Postcards.Pair your writing skills with beer from Mission brewery Standard Deviant at Indivisible SFs two-hour event. // This event is free, with a suggested $20 donation; 4pm Sunday, September 29 at 280 14th St. (Mission), eventbrite.com. Letter Writing for Kamala Harris at Mannys.Join other like-minded voters at these free, one-hour writing events at Mannys. // Sundays at 4pm and Mondays at 5pm through October 14; 3092 16th St. (Mission), welcometomannys.com Postcards to Swing States.All you have to do is sign up and this progressive org will send you postcards, a voter list, and tried-and-tested messages for free (stamps not included); turnoutpac.org . Blue Wave Postcard Movement. Make a big impact with minimal effort with the Blue Wave Postcard Movement. Their goal is to send 13 million pre-filled postcards to Nevada votersone of this election years most important battlegroundsby October 25th. Get 100 postcards and address labels for $12 (stamps not included); Make a big impact with minimal effort with the Blue Wave Postcard Movement. Their goal is to send 13 million pre-filled postcards to Nevada votersone of this election years most important battlegroundsby October 25th. Get 100 postcards and address labels for $12 (stamps not included); shop.bluewavepostcards.org Knowledge is power. The more you know about the issues, the more motivated youll be to vote for your values. From the upcoming Vice Presidential debate to an outdoor movie night, these events will help you wrap your brain around whats at stake. Vice Presidential Debate Watch Parties. There will be only one face-to-face showdown between Governor Tim Walz and Senator JD Vance. RSVP to watch it with friends and strangers on Tuesday October 1st at 6pm: Mannys, 3092 16th St. (Mission), eventbrite.com The Chapel, 777 Valencia St. (Mission), eventbrite.com Commonwealth Club, 110 The Embarcadero (Embarcadero), commonwealthclub.org The Academy SF, 2166 Market St. (TK), academy-sf.com Oakstop-California Ballroom, 1736 Franklin St. (Oakland), eventbrite.com A Vote is a Verb, an Art for Democracy Event. Head to Far Out West Community Garden for an outdoor film screening of two documentaries exploring some of this years most important political issues. // October 4 from 5:30-9:30pm; 1399 43rd Ave. (Sunset), eventbrite.com Running for My Life.This one-night staged reading of the critically acclaimed play Running for My Life shares the experience of Congresswomen in the days following January 6, 2021. Tickets are free, all proceeds from a suggested donation of $20/person will benefit Rock the Vote. // October 6 at 7pm; 2 Marina Blvd. Bldg B. (Fort Mason), eventbrite.com Ballot Breakdown. Join We Ride We Vote for an afternoon of discussion about local, state, and regional issues at Everett & Jones ; 2pm, Sunday October 12; 126 Broadway (Oakland), eventbrite.com. On October 16 at 6:30pm, Mannys hosts a non-partisan night of ballot education, collaboration, and analysis; 3092 16th St. (Mission), eventbrite.com . Seasons may change but SF stays expensive. With these perks, you don't have to stay inside. This October, were bringing hot jazz and the story of an Art Deco icon to the 7x7 Social Club; getting you exclusive deals to attend the Fall Show, Maker Faire, and SF Symphony; and reserving some free tickets to this month's biggest headliners. Plus, treat yourself to free coffee and canapesthen save on your next wine country or Point Reyes getaway. Join 7x7 Social Club now to access these perks across the Bay Area. October perks drop next week. Save your funds for shopping furniture, jewelry, objets dart, and more with discounted tickets to the 2024 San Francisco Fall Show. (Courtesy of @sffallshow) MUSIC + EVENTS Score free tickets to shows at some of the Bays most iconic venues: Glen Hansard at The Fillmore (October 3), and New Zealand export Opiuo at Berkeley's UC Theatre (October 5). We set aside a few just for 7x7 Social Club members. Bay Area director Julie Rubio is stopping by the IRL 7x7 Social Club (October 8) for a discussion and preview of her new documentary, The True Story of Tamara de Lempicka and The Art of Survival, which dives into the work of this influential Art Deco artist. Members get $5 off. The setting is stunning and the sets will be killer. Weve got a few free tickets to see Jerry Seinfeld (October 7), Patton Oswalt (October 11) and Nurse Blake (October 25) at Mountain Winery . This year, the San Francisco Fall Show (October 17-20) celebrates the timeless appeal of black and white and offers access to dozens of the worlds top dealers of fine and decorative arts. Get 20% off tickets and use the savings to take home something beautiful. Catch Tony Kushner's Angels in America, Parts I & II at the Oakland Theatre Project (October 19 and 26) with BOGO tix. Toast to Mr. Tipples at the 7x7 Social Club . Members get $10 off a night of cool cocktails and Le Jazz Hot Quartet jazz. (October 24). Head to the SF Symphony for spooky season. Social Club members get 25% off tickets to a screening of the Hitchcock classic Psycho accompanied by a live orchestra on Halloween night (October 31). See the Bay on your own private guided tour with 25% off experiences with Point Reyes Adventure Co. (Courtesy of @pointreyesadventureco) OUTDOORS + ADVENTURE Enter a new level of chill with the Bay Area Hot Tub Boat . (You read that right.) Get $50 off and float with up to six friends. Get out in nature with Point Reyes Adventure Co. 's experienced local guides. They're ready to take you on your next backpacking, kayaking, SUP, or camping adventure. Bring it to the group chat with BOGO tickets for public tours, or get 25% off a private tour. Turn wine weekends into a one-of-a-kind tour with 50% off trips with Bohemian Highway. (Courtesy of @bohemianhighwaytravelco) FOOD + DRINK Stop by Spruce for lunch or dinner and receive a complimentary glass of sparkling wine and canapes from Chef Mark Sullivan. Now thats VIP treatment. Head to Santa Maria for an epic tri-tip cook-off and all-you-can-eat BBQ feast at Presqu'ile Winery (October 6). We've secured the discounted tixyou just need to save your appetite. Enjoy a tasting and tour of the lovely vineyards of Sonomas Kivelstadt Winery for just $50. Make a trip to Wine Country an unforgettable adventure with tours from Bohemian Highway . From SF, embark on cruises along the coast, tastings at boutique wineries, private dinners, and more, and get 50% off your San Francisco pick-up. Fact: 7x7 Social Club members have better mornings. Proof: Free coffee when you buy any donut from Magic Donuts. SHOPPING Make someones day (or your own) with 15% off bloom boxes and bouquets from SFs Bloom Gallery . Skip the at-home mask and let Lori Anderson Skincare take care of you. Receive a complimentary LED treatment when you book one of her signature facials. June 25, 2024, Moorpark, California. It was a festive afternoon when a compact crowd gathered in a small, comfortable vintage theater in Moorpark, an hour north of Los Angeles, to tape a segment for the second episode of The Golden Bachelorette (streaming on Hulu; new episodes Wednesdays on ABC). The nine guys vying for the hand of the first-ever Golden Bachelorette, Joan Vassos, 61, took their places onstage one after the other to woo her in a talent show. It was like a high-risk high dive into the reality TV talent pool, and everybody seemed nervous. Members only Joan had a way to warm them up and make even the losers feel like winners: smooching them The first night, I kissed em all, practically, said Joan, sitting at a shaded picnic table outside the theater. For the guys that went home, I felt like I needed to have a little conversation with each of them, so they didnt go home feeling like they didnt win. The fact that they were there you made it on to the show that already shows you were a winner. You were brave enough to try out. You gave it your all, and you made these amazing friends. I really am giving each one of them as much time as I can to learn about them, Joan added. Theyre presenting, theyre making themselves vulnerable. They want me to pick them. Rejection is hard, and certainly not something I like to do. Ive never dated more than one person at a time, so this is new territory for me being the hurt-er and not the hurtee. Don't miss this: The Golden Bachelorette Episode 1 Recap Shes beloved by AARP readers as well as golden bachelors Joan presided over the contest with the charm, beauty and social graces that won the hearts of AARP readers when she appeared briefly on last years Golden Bachelor (she left to tend to her ailing daughter, who was suffering from postpartum depression but is now fine). When AARP teamed up with Katie Couric Media and asked readers to vote on who they thought should become the Golden Bachelorette, she was one of the top three choices. "The Golden Bachelorette" host Jesse Palmer on stage for the 2nd Annual Golden Talent Showcase. Disney The men revealed their talents (or not) onstage Arrayed in theater seats just a few feet from the stage, the contestants gave the other entrants encouraging back pats or handshakes on their way to the stage, applauding the frankly not always brilliant performances retired banking CEO Michael, 65, who recited his own verse, isnt going to give onetime U.S. poet laureate Billy Collins any competition and welcoming one another back to their seats with warmth (and a few muttered witticisms). Jack proved hes not a puppet master Caterer Jack, 68, did a terrible sock puppet show with self-deprecating comic patter. Ive never been the brightest star in the sky, he said onstage, though his personality certainly brightened everybodys mood. You know, the last puppet show I saw was Shari Lewis, and that was in the 60s. You should Google that, somebody, because it was really funny at that time, and somebody came out and punched him. Who punches somebody for snoring? Nobody punched Jack, though few found his bit funny. Charles K. de-aged himself onstage Portfolio manager Charles K., 62, had perhaps the most original gambit, making a point about the aging process by laboring out of his seat and walking onstage as if infirm in his limbs and movements then presenting himself with vigor. Coming out the way I did, Charles explained after his act, I think the message there was that, as we age, we tend to age in our limbs and our ligaments and so on. But then I also want to show that even in our golden years, were still strong and vibrant and we have runway to go and we can do it with strength and vitality. A good point many AARP members can applaud. The French lost by a hair Frenchman Pascal, 69, a hairdresser who brought a mannequin head as a prop, won little applause, unnerving some in the audience with his flying scissors work on a wig on the mannequins head. He might be entertaining while cutting an actual customer's hair, but he finally drew a slightly admonishing instruction from the shows host, Jesse Palmer, to wrap his spiel up. Basically he got the hook, like a vaudeville performer whose act has overstayed its welcome. WARNING: SPOILERS AHEAD Theres been drama in the world of ABCs reality show The Golden Bachelorette this week! The biggest shocker happened off-screen: A few days before the airing of Episode 2 on September 25, it was alleged that contestant Gil Ramirez, 60, an educator from Mission Viejo, California, had been hit this past summer with a temporary restraining order from an ex-girlfriend, according to People. The filing happened after ABC had done a background check on Gil, an anonymous source told the magazine. Members only The domestic violence restraining order cited not physical violence, but harassment emotional. The woman alleged unwanted attempted contacts: 25 attempts daily via phone, texts, video. Although lives an hour away showed up at places I frequent to confront me on a daily basis. The case was eventually dismissed; its unclear why. The source claimed that in light of this news, ABC has further edited [Gils] already limited screen time and minimized him in promotional assets moving forward. But the editors clearly didnt have enough time to cut him from Episode 2. Gil was in a few scenes not necessary to the plot, such as it is. In an intimate moment with our Golden Bachelorette, Joan Vassos, 61, for instance, he cried while describing his wifes passing, and said, Im not afraid of love. Im not afraid of commitment. Obviously unaware of the allegations (the show was taped months ago), she later gave him a rose (Joan! Dont do it!). So Gil will be around for at least another episode. Who wont be around next week? Four of 18 remaining bachelors were sent home at this second, tense-as-always rose ceremony: Michael , 65, a retired banking CEO and Taylor Swift fan from Denver , 65, a retired banking CEO and Taylor Swift fan from Denver Bob , 66, a divorced California chiropractor , 66, a divorced California chiropractor Christopher , 64, a contractor from West Babylon, New York, with seven grandkids , 64, a contractor from West Babylon, New York, with seven grandkids Jack, 68, the good-natured Chicago caterer who did a series of enthusiastic cannonballs in the mansions swimming pool and cooked up a gourmet dinner for Vassos on the premiere episode Here are some more highlights from and observations about Episode 2. The guys began to settle into the Bachelor Mansion And it was a little different for these older folks than for the twenty- and thirtysomethings whove been housed there on the many seasons of The Bachelor and The Bachelorette. First, they werent used to sleeping in the same room as other men: These are group bedrooms, including some bunk beds the sight of which caused Gary, 65, to stammer, Guys, I just cant do the upper uh, my knees. But the big problem with this communal sleeping arrangement, it turned out, was Gregg, 64, who snores like a freight train, fodder for plenty of ribbing (and sleeplessness). Interest in astrotourism is skyrocketing, travel industry experts say, after the world experienced rare, dramatic northern lights displays and a total solar eclipse in 2024. Travelers have an increased desire to see celestial events for themselves. However, for a third of the worlds population, the ability to see the Milky Way and get a clear view of the sky from their home has nearly vanished. In the United States, the problem is profound. Because of light pollution, 80 percent of North Americans cant see the Milky Way from their backyards. Many have a hard time seeing all but the brightest stars if they can see any stars at all. Members only That means most Americans need to travel to see the night sky at its best. For older people planning international bucket list trips (about 24 percent of respondents in AARPs 2024 Travel Trends survey), getting a clear view of the sky might be a priority. Many older travelers who have been there, done that may not have seen the northern lights, an eclipse or truly dark skies, says Michael Raucheisen, communications manager for Icelandair. Eyrun Anita Gylfadottir, the marketing manager for Hotel Ranga in Iceland, says theres been more demand recently for the hotels stargazing sessions. Gylfadottir reports a massive increase in bookings for another bucket list item, seeing the total solar eclipse in 2026, which will be visible from Iceland. Not all astrotourism is created equally. Graeme Labe, managing partner at Luxury Frontiers, a design firm specializing in immersive ecotourism, says his clients have expressed growing interest in immersive night sky experiences. Travelers are seeking remote destinations where they can experience pristine, star-filled skies and truly dark nights, he says. For the best views, Labe recommends locations where natural conditions minimize light and noise pollution, enhancing immersive dark sky experiences. Not everyone will be able to travel to an ideal astrotourism location, but around the world, diverse programs are popping up to meet the demand. There are plenty of opportunities to dive into the mysteries of the skies such as celestial-themed walking tours in Rome, astrophotography lessons in the South Pacific, and sleepovers in Africa beneath one of the darkest skies in the world. Flash People gather at the Jdeidat Yabous border crossing in the countryside of Damascus, Syria, Sept. 25, 2024. [Photo/Xinhua] Thousands of Lebanese and Syrian families fled Lebanon for Syria as Israeli airstrikes continued, said the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) on Wednesday. According to a statement issued by the UN Refugee Agency, hundreds of vehicles were backed up in queues at the Syrian border, with many people arriving on foot, carrying whatever belongings they can. Large crowds, including women, children and babies, reportedly waited in line after spending the night outdoors in falling temperatures. "Some carry fresh injuries from the recent bombardments," the statement added. Filippo Grandi, the UN High Commissioner for Refugees, expressed deep concern over the ongoing violence, stating that the bloodshed was taking a heavy toll, displacing tens of thousands of people from their homes. He highlighted the plight of families who had previously fled the war in Syria, only to now face bombings in the country where they had sought refuge. Grandi urged the international community to prevent further scenes of despair and devastation, warning that the Middle East could not endure another displacement crisis. He emphasized that protecting civilian lives must be the top priority. Israel has carried out its most extensive bombardment of Lebanon since 2006, starting on Monday, resulting in over 550 deaths and more than 1,800 injuries nationwide. The attacks have also forced thousands of residents in Lebanon to flee their homes. The UNHCR, along with its partners, has been present at border crossings, offering essential supplies such as food, water, blankets, and mattresses to incoming refugees, said the statement. Flash The death toll from a coal mine blast in the eastern Iranian province of South Khorasan has risen to 50 after one of the injured succumbed to his wounds, the official news agency IRNA reported on Wednesday. Of the 16 workers injured in the mine explosion in Tabas County, two were in critical condition, with one declared dead after suffering brain death, IRNA quoted Mohammad-Ali Akhoundi, director general of the provincial crisis management headquarters, as saying. The explosion occurred Saturday night in a mine tunnel about 540 km southeast of Tehran, triggered by a sudden rise in methane gas. At the time, 65 workers were present in the mine, the report quoted Akhoundi as saying, revising the initial figure of 69 workers. 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 Italian designer Alberta Ferretti, renowned for her elegant designs and a clientele that includes Taylor Swift, has stepped down from her role as creative director of the fashion brand she founded in the 1980s, as announced by the Aeffe group, the companys owners, on Tuesday. Ferretti, who led her final collection at the 2025 spring-summer Milan Fashion Week, explained her decision to step aside after 43 years at the helm. In her statement, she shared, "The enthusiasm and passion I have towards my work and towards fashion are unchanged, but I believe that at this point of my career it is a right and conscious choice to pave the way for a new creative chapter for the brand I founded." While Ferretti will remain a vice president of the Milan-listed Aeffe group, which also owns Moschino and Pollini, the company plans to announce a new creative director in the coming months. Known for her sensual and refined style, Ferretti has continued to be a prominent figure in the fashion world, even designing outfits for US pop sensation Taylor Swift during her "Eras Tour" this year. Also Read: Ghoomer shines again: Shabana Azmi & Saiyami Kher at Alberta Fest Get ready for a delightful ride with Jio Studios and Hardik Gajjar Films upcoming romantic comedy -Amar Prem Ki Prem Kahani. Starring Sunny Singh, Aditya Seal, and Pranutan Bahl, the trailer promises a captivating blend of love and humour. Experience the twists and turns of this unique love story as it premieres on Jio Cinema on 4th October. The trailer offers a sneak peek into the life of Amar (Sunny Singh) who feels suffocated by societal expectations as he discovers his sexuality. Looking for freedom, he travels to London, and unexpectedly falls in love with the dashing Prem (Aditya Seal) on his flight. Amar is called back by family due to a supposed emergency, he learns hes been thrust into an arranged marriage. Amar navigates misunderstandings and family drama. Amar and Prem must fight for their love against the odds. Will their bond endure, or will family obligations tear them apart. Sunny Singh on playing the character Amar, said, "Amar is a Punjabi guya sweet charmer who is emotionally connected with everyone in his family. However, he has kept one thing hidden from them: his sexuality, and he has been hesitant to discuss it. For Amar, love is very pure and compassionate, and he has always been searching for a strong relationship, which he finds with Prem, a contrasting personality. As an actor, I feel fortunate to have had this opportunity in my acting journey. My co-stars have been incredibly supportive, and we had great camaraderie on set. Our film director guided me through my role very well, and I learned something new every day on set. The film portrays same-sex relationships beautifully and aesthetically on screen, and I am confident that everyone will fall in love with it." Aditya Seal, on playing Prem and his bonding with co-stars, said, I play Prem in Amar Prem Ki Prem Kahani. He wears his heart on his sleeve and lives each day as it comes. For him, love is a feeling hes both afraid of and guards himself against until he meets "the one" and realizes the lengths hell go to get that love back. Playing Prem was an interesting challenge because, no matter what I do, Ill never truly experience the depth of what Prem feels. A huge part of this journey is owed to the film director, who helped me understand Prem on a deeper level. My co-star, Sunny, was amazing throughout the shoot. We developed a strong bond, almost like brothers. It's fascinating that we grew up in the same area, yet it took Amar Prem Ki Kahani for us to finally meet. Pranutan is such a darlingher dry sense of humour made working with her a lot of fun, and we had some great banters. Our production houses, Jio Studios and Hardik Gajjar Films, took incredible care of us. Theyve been fantastic, and Im left with nothing but cherished memories from this journey. Pranutan Bahl, on her experience and camaraderie with Amar & Prem, said, "I play Mandy in Amar Prem Ki Prem Kahani, who believes that love can and should be extremetheres no filter when you love someone, and everything is fair in love and war. The film allows me to showcase a very different side of my acting trajectory, as my character has a bit of a grey shade. Its been amazing and challenging to play the antagonist in a sweet rom-com like Amar Prem Ki Prem Kahani, where you need to maintain a certain comic timing while also being the bad person. My co-actors are incredible; both of them are phenomenal in the film. My producers, Backbencher Pictures, took great care of us during the shoot, and Im looking forward to working with them in the future. Thanks to Jio Studios for being so encouraging and believing in all of usit always helps when you know they have your back." Jio Studios presents Amar Prem Ki Prem Kahani, a Hardik Gajjar Films and Backbencher Pictures production. Produced by Jyoti Deshpande, Parth Gajjar and Poonam Shroff and directed by Hardik Gajjar. Dont miss the chance to witness the rollercoaster of emotions in Amar's journey of love! Amar Prem Ki Prem Kahani streaming only on JioCinema from 4th October 2024 Warner Bros International Television Production (WBITVP) has announced that Andre Renaud will join the company in November as Global Vice President of Finished and Format Sales, as well as Revenue Generation. Based in London, Renaud will report directly to Andrew Zein, WBITVPs EVP of Creative, Format Development, and Sales. In his new role, he will oversee the teams responsible for selling the company's catalogue of formats and unscripted finished tape shows globally, including popular franchises like The Bachelor, First Dates, Sing Again, The Repair Shop, and Glow Up. Additionally, recent successes in WBITVP's expanding library include the acclaimed documentary series D Day: The Unheard Tapes, the Paris Hilton reality show Paris in Love, and various cooking shows hosted by Nadiya Hussain, such as Nadiyas Simple Spices. Renaud comes to WBITVP from BBC Studios, where he held the position of SVP Global Format Sales. During his seven years there, he took on multiple roles, including VP Content Sales for Italy & Iberia. Renaud was also a member of the BBC Studios Diversity & Inclusion Council, promoting engagement and representation in productions and offices worldwide. He serves as Chair of the Board of Trustees at Boundless Theatre in the UK, a company dedicated to creating artistic work for 15-25-year-olds. Prior to his tenure at BBC Studios, Renaud spent 13 years at ITV Studios, managing content and format sales across the EMEA region and forming production partnerships for various formats, including bringing Come Dine with Me to Belgium and South Africa and Hells Kitchen to Italy. Zein commented: Andre is one of the most high-profile and well-respected senior executives in the industry, so we are really looking forward to having him join our team. He has a terrific track record, has worked with some of the biggest programme brands in the business and balances the commercial aspects of a senior sales role with the creativity required to really make formats fly. In addition, his passion for developing people will prove a real asset as he works alongside me to lead and evolve our wider team and ensure it continues to adapt to challenges and thrive in our rapidly changing world. Renaud added: Its a privilege to be joining WBITVP to help bring its world-class catalogue of scripted and unscripted formats to audiences around the world. The opportunity to collaborate with its production teams, as well as third-party producers and broadcasters, is truly exciting, and Im eager to not only maintain the appeal of iconic brands like The Bachelor but also to expand their reach to connect with new global fans and audiences. I look forward to working with the sales and production teams to deliver exceptional results for our partners and customers, continuing to showcase the great content for which WBITVP is known. Also Read: Groyyo strengthens its leadership team with key appointments Chinese charitable organization brings hope to Cambodian children with cleft lip, palate Xinhua) 09:31, September 26, 2024 Chinese Ambassador to Cambodia Wang Wenbin (C) and Cambodian Health Minister Chheang Ra (1st R) attend the handover ceremony of ambulances in Phnom Penh, Cambodia on Sept. 25, 2024. Chinese charitable organization Future Smile Charitable Foundation on Wednesday donated four ambulances to Cambodia and provided free surgical operations to Cambodian children with cleft lip, cleft palate and other facial deformities. (Photo by Phearum/Xinhua) PHNOM PENH, Sept. 25 (Xinhua) -- Chinese charitable organization Future Smile Charitable Foundation on Wednesday donated four ambulances to Cambodia and provided free surgical operations to Cambodian children with cleft lip, cleft palate and other facial deformities. The event was attended by Chinese Ambassador to Cambodia Wang Wenbin and Cambodian Health Minister Chheang Ra at a ceremony held at the Khmer-Soviet Friendship Hospital in the capital Phnom Penh. Ra expressed his heartfelt thanks to the charitable organization for the generosity and kindness towards Cambodia, saying that the donation would help Cambodia's Ministry of Health to provide high-quality first aid to patients. China is a major contributor to the development of Cambodia's health sector, the minister said, adding that China has provided a great deal of assistance to Cambodia for the construction of the Cambodia-China Friendship Preah Kossamak Hospital in Phnom Penh and the Cambodia-China Friendship Tboung Khmum Hospital in Tboung Khmum province. In addition, China has so far donated more than 200 ambulances and 40 mobile clinics as well as a lot of medical equipment to Cambodia, and currently, Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) experts have also been assisting Cambodia in developing the TCM sector, he said. Ambassador Wang was confident that the donated ambulances would contribute to providing better healthcare services to Cambodian patients, while the Cambodia-China friendship surgical mission would bring beautiful smiles and hope to cleft lip and cleft palate children in the Southeast Asian country. "China and Cambodia are unbreakable iron-clad friends," he said. "We hope in the future, more Chinese charitable people and organizations will come to Cambodia to help the country develop society and economy, and improve the people's health and livelihoods." Chan Kok Choy, executive director of Smile Cambodia, said the surgical mission has conducted 35 operations in the last two days, and is expected to do another 15 operations on Wednesday. Mok Theavy, undersecretary of state at Cambodia's Ministry of Health, said the donated ambulances will be very beneficial to Cambodian patients, adding that this donation reflects the longstanding friendship between the peoples of Cambodia and China. Chinese Ambassador to Cambodia Wang Wenbin (1st R) holds a child with facial deformity in Phnom Penh, Cambodia on Sept. 25, 2024. Chinese charitable organization Future Smile Charitable Foundation on Wednesday donated four ambulances to Cambodia and provided free surgical operations to Cambodian children with cleft lip, cleft palate and other facial deformities. (Photo by Phearum/Xinhua) (Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Zhong Wenxing) Flash Military communication between China and the United States could help enhance mutual understanding, avoid miscalculations and manage risks, said a Chinese defense spokesperson on Thursday. Zhang Xiaogang, a spokesperson for the Ministry of National Defense, made the remarks in response to a query concerning the current China-U.S. military relations and the future interaction between the two sides. The overall defense relations between China and the United States show a more stable momentum at present, Zhang said, noting that the two militaries maintain high-level strategic communication, policy communication, institutionalized dialogue, and exchanges in specialized fields. Zhang emphasized that the United States should recalibrate its strategic perception of China, return to a sensible and practical China policy, and respect China's major concerns. The two sides should make concerted efforts on the principle of mutual respect, peaceful coexistence and win-win cooperation to stabilize and improve bilateral military relations through candid, effective and constructive dialogue and cooperation, said Zhang. Asian Paints, Indias premier paint and home decor brand, has reintroduced its beloved campaign 'Har Ghar Kuch Kehta Hai,' a powerful blend of nostalgia and modern sensibilities. Originally launched two decades ago, this iconic advertisement underscores the brands enduring commitment to helping consumers create beautiful and personalized homes. The campaign, first crafted by advertising maestro Piyush Pandey in 2002, resonated deeply with audiences, thanks to its heartfelt voiceover and lyrical nuances. It captured the essence of what makes a house a home, emphasizing that a living space is not merely a structure but a reflection of the people, their emotions, memories, and aspirations. The revitalized ad begins with a couple joyfully selecting colors for their walls, illustrating how design choices shape their living environment. Accompanied by empathetic lyrics and a poignant voiceover, it narrates the journey of transforming houses into warm, loving homes. The visuals of families rearranging furniture and the sounds of childrens laughter beautifully portray the notion that each home tells a unique story, shaped by the care and choices of its residents. Amit Syngle, MD & CEO of Asian Paints, expressed his enthusiasm for the revival, stating: The 'Har Ghar Kuch Kehta Hai' campaign was a pioneering effort in capturing the emotional essence of homes. The tagline is not merely a phrase; it embodies a profound feeling. Piyushs creative genius set new benchmarks in advertising, emphasizing the deep, personal connection consumers have with their homes. Piyush Pandey, Chief Advisor at Ogilvy India, shared his thoughts on the campaigns resurgence, remarking: Some things are timeless, transcending generations. The revival of this ad after 22 years reflects the strength of both Asian Paints and Ogilvy, encouraging us to believe in ourselves and celebrate our successes. The nostalgic TVC serves as a reminder of Asian Paints journey while promising exciting innovations ahead. As homes continue to evolve with smarter designs and products, the emotional bond remains steadfast. This campaign invites both long-time loyalists and new audiences to revel in the joy of crafting homes that resonate with their identities. Also Read: Asian Paints NeoBharat teams up with YouTube creators for Pragati Ke Rang The Security Solutions business of Godrej & Boyce, part of Godrej Enterprises Group has launched its new campaign titled Khushiyon Ke Rakhwale', underscoring the brands commitment to securing homes and ensuring the protection of what matters the most. With innovative and reliable home security solutions that provide peace of mind for families across India, the campaign throws a light on the emotional comfort that comes with knowing your valuables and loved ones are well-protected. A recent national survey called the Happiness Index Survey conducted by Godrej & Boyces Security Solutions division examined the critical connection between home security and its impact on overall happiness. The "Happiness Survey" engaged 2,400 respondents, including individuals between the ages of 18 and 50, with a 45% male and 43% female demographic split. The survey was conducted in 12 cities, including Delhi, Mumbai, Bangalore, Kolkata, and Chennai, spanning North, South, East, West, and Central India, providing a comprehensive view of consumer perspectives on security and happiness across the country. As per the study, 67% Indians believe that improving home security would enhance their overall Happiness. Furthermore, 57% Indians reported an improvement in their sense of happiness or well-being after implementing security measures. The study further revealed that 74% Indians are interested in upgrading their current security measures within the next 3 months. The findings of the Happiness Index Survey reveal that individuals are believing in enhancing home security as a crucial factor in their overall happiness. Hence it is essential to get themselves abreast of the latest intelligent and effective home security measures. At the launch, a wide range of home security products, including home lockers and electronic home security products like wifi home cameras and video door phones, were demonstrated so as to align with the campaign messaging. The new brand film is a perfect blend of emotion and security that narrates the relatable story of a middle-aged couple returning home only to find their house ransacked by a thief. Despite the chaos of attempted burglary, the true essence of the commercial lies in the couples humorous realization that while the thief created chaos, the Godrej Home Locker protected all that truly mattered. The film concludes with the message, "Jaha Godrej Home Locker Ho, Uss Ghar Ki Khusiyan Koi Nahi Chura Sakta," highlighting the brand's promise of safeguarding happiness & peace of mind. The launch of the Khushiyon Ke Rakhwale campaign serves as a reminder of the critical role security plays in protecting not just valuables, but the happiness and peace of mind that families cherish. It shows how important it is to prioritise home security and an unprecedented event can take place any time, without any notice. Commenting on the launch of the Campaign, Pushkar Gokhale, EVP and Business Head of the Security Solutions business at Godrej & Boyce said, "At Godrej & Boyce, we believe that home security is not just about safeguarding possessionsit's about ensuring their peace of mind and happiness that comes with knowing your loved ones and home are protected. Our campaign Khushiyon Ke Rakhwale reflects this core belief, emphasizing our commitment to reimagining home security for the needs of modern families. Through customer-focused innovation and a deep emotional connection, we aim to transform the way home security is perceived. By integrating advanced technology with a sense of trust and responsibility, this campaign emphasizes our mission to make life more convenient, reliable, and secure. Khushiyon Ke Rakhwale is about safeguarding not just homes, but the happiness that resides within them." Further to this, Dipesh Kowarkar, Founder & CCO, Sixty Fifth Communication who was instrumental in the making of the brand film commented, Have you ever met anyone who doesnt feel unhappy after losing their wealth? Losing money often means losing happiness, and this insight is at the core of our new campaign for Godrej Home Lockers. The campaign aims to communicate this message in an engaging and convincing way. Inspired by real-life events, the story is as genuine as the insight, making it highly relatable. With this campaign, the brand embraces a greater responsibility of securing peace of mind by proudly positioning itself as Khushiyon ke Rakhwale. Also Read: Godrej Agrovet launches farming advisory helpline Hello Godrej On September 25, Google filed an antitrust complaint with the European Commission against Microsoft, accusing the tech giant of using unfair licensing agreements to stifle competition in the cloud computing industry. Google claims that Microsoft's current "lock-in" licensing terms restrict users from freely transferring their workloads from Microsofts Azure cloud to competing cloud services. According to Google, there are no technical barriers to moving to other cloud computing platforms. A Microsoft spokesperson responded to CNBC, stating, Microsoft settled amicably similar concerns raised by European cloud providers, even after Google hoped they would keep litigating. The spokesperson also suggested that Googles attempts to persuade the European Commission may fail, just as they did with European companies. In 2019, Microsoft updated its licensing policy to limit users' options, imposing significant financial penalties on those seeking to switch to competitors cloud services like Google Cloud or Amazon Web Services. The European Union's antitrust rules, which are part of its broader competition law, aim to curb market dominance and prevent anti-competitive agreements, ensuring free competition and preventing monopolies. Google's complaint comes at a time when it is also facing legal battles with the European Commission. Earlier in September, Google lost an appeal in an EU antitrust case concerning shopping recommendations in search results. European Consumer Organisation Director General Agustin Reyna stated, Google harmed millions of European consumers by ensuring that rival comparison-shopping services were virtually invisible. He added that Googles practices blocked consumers from accessing potentially cheaper prices and useful product information from competitors. Also Read: Week at a glance: Death of an executive; Google antitrust case Motorola, a global leader in mobile technology and innovation, today launched an exciting new TVC in India, starring brand ambassador Kriti Sanon as part of its festive campaign, Hello Colours. Hello AI. The campaign highlights Motorolas leadership in design through its ongoing global partnership with Pantone in the smartphone industry with the most premium, stylish and colourful portfolio of smartphones, highlighting the lifestyle tech positioning of the brand and its appeal to the Gen Z consumers with the use of diverse and youthful colours, materials and finish. Further, the campaign showcases Motorolas commitment and leadership in Artificial Intelligence with advanced AI camera features and generative AI features across its premium smartphone portfolio. For the festive period, Motorola introduces five vibrant new color variants for its most popular smartphones across different segments, namely - motorola edge 50 Pro, motorola edge50 Fusion, motorola edge50 Neo, moto g85 5G, and moto g64 5G specifically for the festive sale period. Aimed at breaking away from the noise of the festive season sales and securing attention of the todays generation, the campaign is designed to celebrate essence of colours with a fusion of cutting edge technology and create a significant impact through the universal appeal of music. The film is a modern, groovy recreation of the timeless song Rangeela Re from the movie Rangeela. This version resonates with Gen Z and the entire Indian audience, striking the right notes of vibrancy and fun. The film starts as Kriti Sanon hears the initial part of the song in the background Yai re, Yai re. She turns around to identify where the sound is coming from and realizes that it is coming from her motorola edge 50 Pro where we see an incoming call from Motorola on her phone, pulsing with colors. With a smile she walks on and is transported into the magical worls of Motorolas colours starting with a burst of Caneel Bay the new colour of the edge 50 pro as her crew joins in, showcasing the phones True to Life colors and moto ai photo enhancement. Post that the lights go out and she reappears in a green costume with the motorola edge 50 Fusion in Forest Green, dancing in a glowing jungle to highlight its low-light videography with the Sony LYTIA 700C sensor. Next, she receives a moto g85 in Viva Magenta, prompting the dancers costumes to shift colors. The scene reveals the 3D curved screen of the g85 as Kriti highlights the curves in her dance steps as well. The scene transforms into the motorola edge50 neo in Nautical Blue, showcasing moto ai adaptive stabilization for a shake free video. After this she is seen admiring the new and beautiful Berry Red colour of moto g64. The commercial ends with a frame showcasing all five phones, celebrating Motorolas stunning new color collection and adding excitement to festive moments. Commenting on the campaign, Shivam Ranjan, Head of Marketing, APAC, Motorola, stated, At Motorola we believe in being a lifestyle-tech brand that stands out in the smartphone category not just through its cutting-edge technology but also through its leadership in design. Our festive campaign is our endeavor to highlight Motorola's dedication to premium, stylish devices with vibrant colors, materials and finishes and with the most advanced technology and AI features. We found a great way to express it by recreating the symbolic Rangeela re track with the charm of our brand ambassador Kriti Sanon. This campaign is more than introduction of colors; it embodies our core ethos. We aim to instill a sense of pride in Indian consumers, especially Gen Z, encouraging them to celebrate their individuality and express themselves with the trendsetting Motorola phones. Through our strategic partnership with Pantone, we continue to innovate in design and materials while reinforcing our leadership in meaningful AI advancements, particularly in camera technology and generative theming. Commenting on the collaboration, Kriti Sanon, Bollywood actress, and Motorola's brand ambassador, said, As an artist, I find the blend of creativity, vibrant colours, and technology truly inspiring therefore it has been an exciting experience to explore this theme with Motorola. Im proud to represent a brand known for its meaningful innovations, striking designs and advanced technology. Motorola embodies everything that todays consumers seek: innovation, style, colour, performance, and functionality. I believe this campaign will truly resonate with the audience. "With the Hello Colours, Hello AI campaign, weve found the perfect mix of nostalgia and new-age cool. Bringing back Rangeela Re with a fresh Motorola touch felt just right, blending the brands bold new colours with its smart AI tech. And having Kriti Sanon on board made it even more exciting, helping us create something that connects with todays audience while giving a nod to the classics. It was a delight to do this with Motorola who have been the perfect partners in bringing this idea alive." said Abhijeet Ray - National Creative Director, Dentsu Creative Motorola recently announced a festive season sale for new colour variants of the motorola edge 50 Pro, motorola edge50 Fusion, motorola edge50 Neo, moto g85 5G, and moto g64 5G. The products will go on sale at lowest price ever starting 26th September* during the Big Billion Days sale on Flipkart. The products will also be available on these discounted prices across all leading retail stores and Motorola.in. The One Club for Creativity, the worlds foremost non-profit organization whose mission is to support the global creative community, has named Rajdeepak Das, CCO Publicis Groupe South Asia, and Chairman, Leo Burnett South Asia, to serve a three-year term on its prestigious International Board of Directors. Board members are responsible for providing input and feedback on the clubs ongoing global programming, supporting The One Show and ADC Annual Awards in their region, elevating the annual Global Creative Rankings, connecting the club with advertising and design universities and schools, and recommending outstanding candidates to serve as awards judges. The One Clubs International Board of Directors is a platform with immense responsibility where great minds come together to chart the future narrative for the industry, said Das. As part of the Board, I am looking forward to the opportunity to nurture the next generation of talent to make creativity more impactful. Das firmly believes that the true potential of creativity and technology is finding human-centric solutions for the biggest brands. He has cultivated a distinctive reputation over the years for driving impactful innovations for some of the countrys iconic brands. His unprecedented work on brands like P&G Whisper (Missing Chapter) has facilitated change in the age-old Indian education system and enabled the worlds largest school program for girls. His work on PepsiCo Lays (Smart Farms) has revolutionized farming with the help of AI to increase food security for the country. Das believes creativity is the currency for developing nations and his work has demonstrated that. He and his team are currently working with some of the countrys largest brands to deliver high-impact solutions for gender ergonomics for farming, water sustainability, girl child education, healthcare, female hygiene and more. His Humankind approach to creativity has led Leo Burnett India to win multiple Grand Prixs and awards at prestigious shows, including The One Show, Cannes Lions, D&AD and Spikes Asia. Also joining The One Clubs International Board this month is Sompat Trisadikun, CCO at Grey Thailand. The One Club for Creativity , home of The One Show, ADC Annual Awards, Art Directors Club of Europe (ADCE), ONE Asia Creative Awards, Type Directors Club and competition, TDC Ascenders, Young Guns, Young Ones Student Awards, Next Creative Leaders, ONE Screen Short Film Festival, and more, is the worlds foremost non-profit organization whose mission is to support and celebrate the global creative community. Revenue generated from entries to its global awards shows goes back into the industry to fund programming under the organizations four pillars: Education, Inclusion & Diversity, Gender Equality, and Creative Development. Also Read: Urban Company unveils Style My Space: Festive makeovers with celebs! Sue Higgs, Executive Creative Director at Dentsu Creative UK, has announced her departure from the company via a LinkedIn post. In her message, Higgs shared that she is embarking on a new journey and plans to write a book. Just a wee update for a wet Wednesday morn, I am no longer at Dentsu Creative. I loved my time there, but most of all I loved the people. That creative department is dynamite and so talented, I'm proud and in awe of every single one of them. (Most of whom will not get rid of me that easily.) Anyways, am on the cusp of a new adventure incoming. And I am going to write that book, she wrote. During her time at Dentsu Creative, Higgs oversaw teams in London, Manchester, and Edinburgh. She initially joined Dentsu McGarry Bowen in March 2021 as Joint Chief Executive Creative Director. Before her role at Dentsu, Higgs held positions at Grey London, Publicis, Valenstein & Fatt, and other notable agencies. Also Read: ASICS issues a PSA warning the world about workplace mental health threat As Durga Pujo fills Bengal with its vibrant energy, Tata Tea Gold, the top-selling tea brand in West Bengal, is celebrating this festive season by highlighting the artistry of Kumartuli. The brand has introduced limited edition Kumartuli-themed festive packs, utilizing technology to bring them to life. Tata Tea Golds campaign, Kumartuli Art is the Heart of Bengal, features a series of five-pack designs, each representing one of the five symbolic elements of Pujo: Dhaki, Shankho Dhwani, Ashtami Pujarin, Dhunuchi dance, and Sindoor Khela. These elements are depicted through figurines crafted in the traditional Kumartuli style. Each pack includes a QR code that, when scanned, activates an AR-enabled experience, allowing consumers to project the animated figurines of a dhaki playing the dhaak, a pujari performing aarti, or a dancer immersed in the dhunuchi dance into their home environments. This innovative "packtivation" seamlessly blends tradition with technology, making the essence of Durga Pujo more accessible and engaging. The campaign extends beyond packaging with the introduction of animated out-of-home (OOH) advertisements, a first for a brand in Kolkata. These hoardings feature moving figurines styled after Kumartuli sculptures, bringing the festive spirit to life in a visually striking manner. To further enhance the campaign, Tata Tea Gold has launched a digital-led film celebrating the spirit of Kumartuli. Set in a traditional Bengali mansion, the film begins with a Kumartuli sculptor working in the courtyard. Curious children, excited for Pujo, ask about their gifts. The sculptor presents them with miniature figurines representing Dhaki, a woman blowing the conch, Ashtami Pujarin, a man engaged in the dhunuchi dance, and two women celebrating Sindoor Khela. In the evening, the children place their figurines, which then come to life, joining in the festivities. Commenting on the campaign, Puneet Das, President - Packaged Beverages (India and South Asia), Tata Consumer Products, said, Tata Tea Gold, West Bengals favorite tea brand, has always taken pride in celebrating the region's art, culture, and heritage. Durga Pujo is the biggest festival in West Bengal and this year, in collaboration with the sculptors of Kumartuli, we are humbled and delighted to present their unparalleled artistry through our 360-degree festive campaign. Zoo Media, an Indian agency network, and KraftJar, an experential marketing agency are collaborating to offer seamless, end-to-end experiential marketing solutions, blending offline (on-ground) and digital strengths for driving business growth & end-user experience. Heres a look at their joint vision and its impact on the Indian market. Brands often face the challenge of maintaining a unified narrative while managing multiple agencies. One of the primary motivations behind this partnership is the need for a consistent and cohesive marketing strategy that spans both offline and online platforms. This partnership offers a streamlined end-to-end solution, ensuring that brand messaging remains consistent and impactful across all channels. Offline and digital marketing have often operated in silos, and our partnership with KraftJar is set to change that. By integrating consumer touchpoints both offline and online, we are in a unique position to weave consumer stories that transition and integrate the digital world, emphasized Suveer Bajaj, Co-Founder of Zoo Media Network. Leveraging Experiential Marketing for Indian Brands KraftJars core expertise of conceptualizing & curating long-term experiential intellectual properties for brands will now be accessible to Zoo Medias extensive client base across the Indian subcontinent. We are really excited about our partnership with Zoo Media, stated Sandeep Pandit, Co-Founder, KraftJar. We strongly believe that there is immense opportunity in India when it comes to Intellectual Properties (IPs) in Experiential Marketing and brands are yet to tap into the full potential of this space. In Zoo, we have found a partner that shares our DNA and core values. Combining Zoo's immense experience and specialized tools in digital marketing with KraftJars IP approach & experience, we form a powerful team. Together, we can devise cohesive strategies that help brands scale to the next level while creating a loyal tribe of followers through experiential marketing initiatives. Parth Desai, Co-Founder, KraftJar expanded on that, Our philosophy has always been to work alongside brands as partners to impact brand visibility and genuine engagement with their target audiences. This partnership gives us the ability to leverage Zoo Media Networks extensive client base and set up the platform to create new experiences for the end consumers. In an era where marketing is becoming increasingly complex, this partnership stands as a symbol of simplicity and efficiency. Brands no longer need to juggle multiple agencies and points of contact. Instead, they can rely on this unified powerhouse to solve their complex marketing problems with a cohesive strategy and execution plan. The teams at Zoo Media and KraftJar share a remarkable synergy, bringing together a wealth of experience and a deep understanding of the market dynamics. Their combined expertise will enable clients to receive service and strategic insight to the highest standards, making this partnership a natural fit Talking about the partnership, Suveer says, Zoo's growth strategy has involved diversification from a services company to building products and IPs, and this partnership is aligned with our goals. By helping our brand partners establish Intellectual Property for themselves, we ensure that we are intrinsically building value for them (and for ourselves). Sandeep and Parth demonstrate the key traits of entrepreneurship that align well with our culture and values at Zoo. This strategic alliance between Zoo Media and KraftJar is set to offer a comprehensive, unified solution that bridges the gap between offline and online marketing. Also Read: Gozoop Group elevates Jyoti Bhatia to group Director Supreme Court Grants Bail to Former TN Minister Senthil Balaji in Money Laundering Case 2 The Supreme Court granted bail to former Tamil Nadu minister V Senthil Balaji in a high-profile money laundering case connected to the cash-for-jobs scam on Thursday. Balaji, who was arrested by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) on June 14 last year, has been in judicial custody since his arrest. Earlier this year, on February 28, the Madras High Court had dismissed Balajis bail petition in the money laundering case. Justice N Anand Venkatesh of the Madras High Court rejected the former ministers plea, extending his time in custody. Despite multiple appeals, Balajis bail requests were consistently denied by various courts. His petitions were rejected by a local court on September 20, 2022, and again by the Chennai Sessions Court on January 12, 2023. The charges against Balaji date back to his tenure as the Transport Minister during the AIADMK government from 2011 to 2015, linking him to an alleged cash-for-jobs scam. The ECIR registered by the ED is based on three FIRs filed by local police in 2018, highlighting his suspected involvement in the scam. At the time, he served in Jayalalithaas Cabinet. In December 2018, Balaji switched his allegiance to the DMK and later became the Electricity Minister following the partys victory in the May 2021 state elections. Temple Defaced with Anti-Hindu Graffiti in Sacramento, US 2 In a disturbing incident, the BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir in Sacramento, California, was desecrated with anti-Hindu graffiti, including messages like Hindus go back. This act of vandalism comes less than 10 days after a similar attack on a temple in New York. The BAPS Public Affairs posted on X (formerly Twitter), condemning the hate crime: Our Mandir in the Sacramento, CA area was desecrated last night with anti-Hindu hate: Hindus go back! We stand united against hate with prayers for peace. Less than 10 days after the desecration of the @BAPS Mandir in New York, our Mandir in the Sacramento, CA area was desecrated last night with anti-Hindu hate: Hindus go back! We stand united against hate with prayers for peace. BAPS Public Affairs (@BAPS_PubAffairs) September 25, 2024 The Sacramento Police have classified the vandalism as a hate crime and have launched an investigation. Officers and CSI are currently examining the scene to gather evidence. Reports suggest that the vandals also cut water lines at the property, further escalating the severity of the attack. This incident follows another shocking case of vandalism on September 16, when the BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir in Melville, New York, was defaced with hate-filled messages on its driveway and signage. The Indian Consulate in New York condemned the act and has urged US law enforcement to take prompt action against the perpetrators. The Hindu American Foundation has also called for an investigation by the Justice Department and Department of Homeland Security, labeling the attack as cowardly and unacceptable. This is not an isolated incidentHindu temples in both the US and Canada have experienced a surge in hate-fueled vandalism in recent months. In July, the BAPS Swaminarayan Mandir in Edmonton, Canada, was similarly targeted. Canadian MP Chandra Arya expressed deep concern over the growing violence against Hindu-Canadian communities, which mirrors the attacks seen across North America. Miles College has signed a purchase agreement with Birmingham-Southern College for the 192-acre campus thats been closed since the end of May. The announcement from Miles College on Wednesday, first reported by The Birmingham Times , comes after months of uncertainty around the future of Birmingham-Southerns Bush Hills campus. The purchase price and long-term future for the property, remain unclear. Birmingham-Southerns land, buildings and equipment had a roughly $65 million value last year, according to an audit and tax records the college filed with the IRS. Spokespeople for Miles College and Birmingham-Southern College declined to specify or comment further beyond a statement released Wednesday. The two schools are about 6 miles, or a 10-minute drive on the interstate, apart, but have historically served different groups of students. Birmingham-Southern President Daniel B. Coleman said in the statement that the institution was very pleased to move forward with Miles College. Our hope has been to find a buyer whose mission paralleled BSCs mission of educating young people for lives of service and significance, and whose presence on the Hilltop would also benefit the surrounding communities who have been such good neighbors to BSC for more than 100 years, Coleman said. With its roots in the Methodist tradition of service and its commitment to preparing young people for lives of leadership, Miles College fits that description. We will continue to work diligently with President Bobbie Knight and her team to ensure a smooth pathway to closing the sale. Both of the institutions boards of trustees voted unanimously to enter the agreement, Miles College said. Miles College first signed its letter of intent on June 19 to begin negotiations to buy the campus in Bush Hills. The private, liberal arts school in Fairfield is a historically Black college and enrolls roughly 1,200 students, per its latest numbers from the fall of 2022. The college generates nearly $70 million in economic impact, according to the United Negro College Fund. BSC will continue to operate as a corporate entity through the remainder of the wind-down, which includes wrapping up a range of business matters, Coleman said in a statement. Once the sale is completed, Birmingham-Southern will work with the Alabama Attorney Generals office on a plan for the college endowment and seek court approval. We expect that process will take many months or even years to complete, and we will communicate with our endowment contacts once we know more, Coleman said. Last year, the college reported nearly $36 million in debt, per the tax forms. But the institution didnt file for bankruptcy or otherwise outline a public plan for settling its accounts. Birmingham-Southern was financially strapped in the years leading up to its closure . But the 168-year-old institution had financial troubles for decades before . In March, the board of trustees voted to cease operations , blaming the state treasurers denial of a $30 million bridge loan. Because the college owes ServisFirst Bank $16.5 million, the bank has first claim to proceeds from the sale of the campus. Long before he gained international attention for escaping from an Alabama jail with a corrections officer, Casey Cole White spent a wild night on the run from the law that ended when he opted to accept a can of soda instead of shooting himself. The wild story is told in the new Netflix documentary, Jailbreak: Love on the Run which recounts the story of the inmate and Vicky White, the Lauderdale County jailer who sprang him from the jail in April of 2022. The two made it as far as Evansville, Ind., where Casey White was retaken 11 days later and Vicky shot herself following a high-speed pursuit. At the time the two met in 2020, White had just been transferred to Lauderdale County Jail to stand trial for capital murder. He was already serving a 75-year sentence for a wild night, recounted by former Limestone County Sheriff Mike Blakely. According to Blakely, Casey White had been a frequent presence in his county jail, beginning in his late teens. He was locked up 11 times in 10 years, he said. Among his various charges were reckless endangerment, speeding, reckless driving, domestic violence, criminal mischief, harassment, public intoxication, and various traffic offenses. But his 75-year sentence came following a one-night crime spree through north Alabama and south Tennessee that included a home invasion, two carjackings and multiple shootings that left a dog dead and a woman injured. Oh my God, Ill never forget that night, Blakely said. White, who was 32 at the time, went to his ex-girlfriends house on the evening of Dec. 1, 2015. The woman fled to a neighbors house, but White went into her home and aimed his guns at two men inside. The men jumped through a window and ran next door, but a 911 caller told police two children were still in the house. White fired multiple gunshots in the house, killing a dog. The two children, who were not injured, were rescued by responding deputies after White fled on foot. A little over an hour later, police got a second 911 call from a man saying White had gone to his house demanding money. The victim said he had no money. Casey sticks a gun in his face, tells him he needs his car keys, Blakely said, which he politely provided to Casey. White resurfaced about 30 minutes later at the Tennessee welcome center along Interstate 65 in Giles County, where he first tried to carjack the male driver of an 18-wheeler, then approached a woman sitting in her vehicle. When she refused to open the car door for him, White shot into her vehicle multiple times. The woman, who was struck several times, was later taken to Vanderbilt University Hospital with non-life-threatening injuries. After failing to steal the womans car, White fled. As deputies were responding to the shooting, they received word that a man had been robbed at gunpoint of his white Lincoln MKZ at the Pilot Travel Center at Exit 22. Blakely said as White tried to drive off with the mans car, the victim shouted, Hey man, leave me my cell phone. White stopped, backed up, handed the man his cell phone, and drove off, Blakely said. Deputies next spotted White in the stolen Lincoln as he re-entered Limestone County. White fled south on U.S. 31, reaching speeds of more than 100 miles per hour. A standoff ensued after White got the car stuck in a field near Huntsville-Brownsferry Road, but Blakely was eventually able to talk him into surrendering. In dashcam footage from the incident, White can be heard saying to a deputy, I want the sheriff. As Blakely recounted, he arrived at the scene to find White with two guns pointed to either side of his head. Im like, Casey, put them dang guns down, and hes like, Mike, call Momma, tell her I love her. And Im like, Oh Casey, nobodys going to die here tonight, Blakely said. On the dashcam video, White can be heard asking, Can someone go get me a Sun Drop? You want a Sun Drop? Blakely asks. The former sheriff said, So I gave it to him. He put the guns down. White was eventually charged with two counts of first degree murder, first degree burglary, first degree robbery, first degree theft, attempted carjacking, carjacking and theft. Once Alabamas longest serving sheriff, Blakely, 73, was removed from office in 2021 immediately after a Limestone County jury found him guilty of stealing from his campaign account and abusing his power to get interest-free loans from a safe that held cash belonging to county jail inmates. He was released earlier this year after serving one year of a three-year sentence. A state prison inmate awaiting trial in the alleged murder-for-hire of his on-again, off-again girlfriend in a Birmingham park is now accused in a second contract killing in the city. Demarcus Chandler, 26, is charged with conspiracy to commit murder, discharging a firearm into a building and discharging a firearm into a vehicle. Also charged with the same crimes is Justin Jamond Hendrix, a 20-year-old Birmingham man who was recently charged with murder in the unrelated livestreamed killing of Asia Poole last month. Authorities contend Chandler plotted the hits one in 2020 and another last month from behind bars. The new charges against Chandler and Hendrix were made public this week. Chandler, who has an extensive criminal history dating back to when he was just 16 years old, is serving time in Holman Correctional Facility after being sent back to prison in 2019 for violating his parole in previous violent crimes. Chandler is accused of with plotting Hendrix to kill a man whose identity was not released in court records. The intended victim was not injured. The gunfire happened at 2 a.m. on Aug. 20 at a home in eastern Birmingham. Charging documents state shots were fired into a residence and an SUV. It took place in the early morning of that Tuesday, the same that day that Poole would go on to be killed later than night. Chandler, however, is not charged in Pooles slaying and authorities say the murder and attempted murder were unrelated with the only commonality being that Hendrix is charged in both. Hendrix, one of five people charged in Pooles death, remains held without bond in the Jefferson County Jail. In the 2020 case, authorities accused Chandler of hiring 26-year-old Solomon Minatee III to kill Raven Swain for $8,000. Both are charged with capital murder in Swains slaying. Raven Lynette Swain (Contributed) Swain was shot to death July 28, 2020, in Birminghams Underwood Park on the citys Southside. The shooting happened just after 7 p.m. that Tuesday night. Swain was found unresponsive in her Hyundai Sonata, which had apparently rolled into foliage after she had been shot. She was slumped over in the drivers seat leaning toward the passengers seat. Her window was rolled down, and she had been shot under the left arm, with the bullets penetrating her heart and lung. Swain was pronounced dead on the scene. Detectives recovered Swains cell phone from her vehicle after her death. The Alabama Department of Corrections, at the request of police, searched Chandlers cell and recovered a contraband cell phone there as well. After obtaining search warrants for the phones and examining them, a detective testified, they found multiple phone calls in the minutes before and after Swains death to one number that they later determined to be a cell phone used by Minatee. Technology also placed that phone to have been in the area of Underwood Park at the time of Swains killing. Police have previously testified that Chandler and Minatee swapped a flurry of messages via text and Facebook messages before and after the shooting. Three people told detectives Chandler had reached out to them from St. Clair Correctional Facility via Facebook or text in the moments after Swain was killed. In one of the messages, he wrote, Your sister has been shot. You need to go find her in the park by Southtown. To another person he communicated from prison, She got what she deserved. Chandler is set to go to trial in 2025 in Swains death. He has an October court date set for the new conspiracy to conspiracy to commit murder charge. A Florida surgeons medical license was suspended after causing the death of an Alabama man by allegedly removing the patients liver instead of his spleen. Dr. Thomas Shaknovsky was ordered to have his osteopathic physician license suspended Tuesday by Florida Surgeon General Joseph A. Ladapo. The reasoning for this act was due to Shaknovskys repeated egregious surgical errors and egregious conduct of fabricating medical records outline in a 21-page emergency suspension order. The order also included information about the death of William Bryan which occurred during a procedure conducted by Shaknovsky. Bryan, a 70-year-old man from Muscle Shoals, visited Ascension Sacred Heart Emerald Coast hospital complaining of abdominal pain. After an initial screening showed an enlarged spleen and bleeding Shaknovsky recommended surgery, but Bryan refused. But Shaknovsky continued to press Bryan over the next two days resulting in Bryan reluctantly agreeing to a laparoscopic splenectomy. The procedure was scheduled for Aug. 21 at 4 p.m. According to the order, operating room staff expressed concerns over how late the surgery was planned because a splenectomy can be complicated and there would only be a skeleton crew at that time of the day. The staff also expressed concerns that Dr. Shaknovsky did not have the skill level to safely perform this procedure. After beginning surgery, the operation quickly went awry after an aneurysm causing hemorrhaging and Bryans vitals to decline. Shaknovsky then fired a stapling device into Bryans abdomen despite not being able to see due to blood accumulation and removed what he believed to be a spleen. Even though operating staff in the room knew the removed organ was a liver, Shaknovsky ordered that it be labeled a spleen when sent to pathology. The order stated that after Bryans death Shaknovsky claimed that Bryan died due to an artery aneursym rupturing but an autopsy proved otherwise. According to the autopsy, Bryans spleen was untouched, his liver was missing, and his inferior vena cava was cut. The vena cava is the largest vein in the body and brings deoxygenated blood from the body back to the heart for new oxygen, the order detailed. The inferior Vena cava connects the liver to the heart. Based on these findings, Dr. Shaknovsky dissected Patient W.B.s inferior vena cava, resulting in the bleeding event that precipitated his death. The order also detailed that Shaknovsky falsified information regarding the surgery in his Operative Report and also harmed another patient in an incident prior to Bryans death. Bryans family has hired an attorney and indicate that a malpractice lawsuit will be filed at the appropriate time. A former Walker County Jail corrections officer pleaded guilty in the 2023 death of Anthony Tony Mitchell and the assault of another inmate the year before. Joshua Connor Jones, 25, formally entered his guilty plea Tuesday before a federal judge in Birmingham to deprivation of civil rights under the color of law and conspiracy. The charges against Jones as well as his intent to plead guilty - were announced in August. A sentencing date has not yet been announced. Jones will remain free on bond until sentencing, with conditions that include electronic monitoring and home confinement except for work, education, religious, medical or legal reasons. A second jail corrections officer has also agreed to plead guilty in the case. Karen Kim Elsie Kelly is charged federally with deprivation of rights under the color of law. Authorities contend Kelly was aware of the inhumane conditions in which Mitchell was being kept, yet remained largely silent to avoid the ire of the jail command staff and keep her job. The investigation is ongoing and more arrests are expected. Federal documents reveal the horrific conditions which Mitchell was forced to endure before his death. The records, citing statements from Jones, said Mitchell was almost always naked, wet, cold, and covered in feces as he was held in jail in a notoriously cold cell with no sink, toilet, or running water. Mitchell, 33, died Jan. 26, 2023 at Walker Baptist Medical Center, just over two weeks after he was arrested on charges that he shot at Walker County deputies as they responded to a welfare check requested by his family. The county coroners death certificate listed Mitchells manner of death as homicide and listed the causes as hypothermia and sepsis resulting from infected injuries obtained during incarceration and medical neglect. Lawyers for Mitchells mother, Margaret Mitchell, filed a federal lawsuit in March 2023, claiming that jail deputies tased Mitchell and locked him in a freezer, causing his death. The lawsuit alleges abuse and medical neglect of Mitchell at the hands of Sheriff Nick Smith and staff at the county jail, including corrections officers, nurses and an investigator. A response to the lawsuit filed by jail nurses disputed Mitchells familys claims that he was locked in a freezer. Attorneys for the sheriffs office also said Mitchell was never placed in a freezer, and asked that the allegation be removed from the lawsuit. He was not held in a freezer, the document stated. In fact, the only times that he left the booking area was to attend his 72-hour hearing and to be transported to the hospital. Mitchell family attorneys responded by saying the claim was mischaracterized. They said the claim about the freezer was not definite, but rather a likely possible explanation for Mitchells death and that a physician they interviewed for the case told them as much. If defendants had another means of bringing an inmates body temp. to 72 degrees or lower, plaintiff will uncover that during the discovery phase of this case, the familys lawyers argued. The plea agreement states that the Walker County Jail had eight booking cells that could be directly observed by officers at the booking desk several feet away. Among the eight cells, BK5 was unique in that it was essentially a cement box with a small grate on the floor that opens into a hole for fluids to drain from the cell, documents state. BK5 was often referred to as the drunk tank in that it could easily be hosed down when inebriated people held there would vomit, documents state. BK5 was unlike all other cells in the jail, but for observation cell AH3, which had no hole in the floor and was used only for detainees for hours at a time. It did not have a sink, toilet, access to any running water or a raised platform to be used as a bed. BK5 was notoriously cold during winter months and the temperature on the bare cement floor was even colder, the plea agreement states. Medical and mental health services were provided by an outside contractor hired by Walker County. As part of the booking process, all detainees were supposed to receive a medical and mental health screening to ensure that emergent and urgent health needs were met. On Jan. 12, 2023, Walker County deputies responded to a mental health check at Mitchells home. He was arrested after authorities said he allegedly fired a gun while deputies were on his property, the documents state. Jones, the documents state, was informed that he was being brought in because he shot at deputies. When Mitchell arrived, he was met at the jail sallyport by corrections officers and supervisors including Jones and five other unnamed co-conspirators. Mitchell could not walk or stand on his own, was disoriented, non-combative and could not follow directions, records show. These observations were obvious to everyone who removed Individual #1 from the car and defendant Jones believed that Individual #1 needed to be taken to the hospital or mental health facility rather than being incarcerated at the jail, the plea agreement states. Mitchell was taken to a changing room to put on a jail uniform and was not capable of undressing or dressing himself. After several attempts, records state, officers simply wrapped a suicide smock around him which is known as a turtle suit. Mitchell was taken by wheelchair to the medical unit which was attended by the health services administrator, two nurses, and four of the unnamed co-conspirators. The nurse told the group that she wanted to wait referring to instructions from one of the co-conspirators to deny the initial fit for confinement screening. Jones said in the plea agreement that Mitchell never received any medical evaluation until the morning of his death, two weeks after he was arrested. The corrections officer said he worked seven shifts during Mitchells two-week incarceration and said neither he nor any of the other jailers made efforts to provide him with medical care nor alter the conditions of his confinement. To the contrary, the document states, Jones and the co-conspirators actively denied medical access to Mitchell by falsely telling medical staff that Mitchell was too combative to be evaluated when in truth that was not the case. Calling (Mitchell) combative was an excuse to mistreat him, documents state. There was no conduct that could have been committed by (Mitchell) that would have justified the denial of medical access. The efforts to deny Mitchell medical and mental health care persisted event though he was frequently expressing severe mental health symptoms such as talking incoherently about demons and portals. He was often covered in feces, which was an indication that he could not care for himself, records state. Jones, in his plea agreement, said he observed Mitchell deteriorate over the course of his incarceration. At the time he passed, (Mitchell) was almost always naked, wet, cold, and covered in feces while lying on the cement floor without a mat or blanket, the records state. By the second week of being jailed, the agreement states, Mitchell was largely listless and mostly unresponsive to questions from officers. Repeatedly during Mitchells incarceration, records show, corrections officers actively chose not help him and would dismiss his needs by saying, (Expletive) him, he gets what he gets since he shot at cops, or words to that effect, the document states. The officers also repeatedly made comments that Mitchell should have been killed because he shot at deputies rather than being brough to the jail, the document says. At times, Jones (and the other jailers) spoke directly to (Mitchell) saying that he was now in their house and that he had to deal with them (the officers), records show. On the morning of Jan. 26, 2023, one of the unnamed officers told Jones that a nurse had seen Mitchell and ordered that he be taken to a hospital. The officers were told by the nurse that Mitchell could die if he was not taken to the hospital, according to documents, and one of the co-conspirators replied, Ill tell you what, next time youre on the toilet taking a (expletive), Ill call you to bother you with something unimportant. According to Jones, two co-conspirators - both jail supervisors - failed to arrange for Mitchell to go to the hospital for more than three hours after officers reported the nurses urgent instructions. Jones said after he transported several detainees to court, he was instructed to join others at Walker Baptist Medical Center Hospital where Mitchell had been taken in the back of a patrol car - rather than an ambulance. Jones said in the plea agreement that when he arrived, he learned that Mitchells mother had been called to the emergency room and overheard her giving permission to medical staff to remove Mitchell from life support. In the case of the second inmate, Individual 2 was a pre-trial detainee held in A-Dorm. The inmate was placed in a cell with two other inmates that would have caused the cell to be unnecessarily overcrowded, records state. When the inmate complained, an unidentified officer placed him against a wall in the cell and hit him. Jones then hit the inmate in the face three times with a can of O.C. spray that he carried with him, according to the plea agreement. The investigation found that no force was necessary, and that Jones hit the inmate so hard that the lever or trigger on the chemical spray can broke with the force of the blows and O.C. spray was dispersed throughout the cell. Jones and the other unidentified officer then wrote false reports stating that inmate advanced on them in a way that justified force. A Huntsville employer discriminated against a pregnant woman by requiring her to work overtime despite a doctors orders, a federal lawsuit alleges. Polaris Industries refused to excuse their pregnant employee for medical appointments, made her work mandatory overtime and threatened to terminate her if she missed any more work, according to a lawsuit filed Wednesday by the federal Equal Employment Opportunity Commission. No pregnant worker should have to choose between their health and earning a living to support their family, said Karla Gilbride, general counsel for the EEOC, in a statement. The federal agency said that Polaris violated the Pregnant Workers Fairness Act, which went into effect last year, and the Americans with Disabilities Act. In a statement to AL.com a spokesperson for Polaris said we disagree with the allegations in the complaint. Polaris is committed to providing a fair and inclusive workplace for all our employees, the statement says, and we take seriously our compliance with all applicable employment laws, including the Pregnant Workers Fairness Act. The company makes off-road vehicles, motorcycles, snowmobiles and boats at its manufacturing facility in Huntsville and is headquartered in Minnesota. The employee, who installed floor panels on electric vehicles, first notified Polaris of her pregnancy during orientation, according to the lawsuit. She developed nausea, swelling in her feet and gestational diabetes as a result of her pregnancy and sometimes had to be absent from work as a result, the lawsuit says. According to the EEOC, the companys policies only allowed absences for military or jury duty, bereavement, inclement weather or to give subpoenaed witness testimony. Any employee who had more than two unexcused absences could be fired, according to the lawsuit. The woman could not take time off to attend to her medical needs because she was under a 60-day probationary period as a new employee and so attendance points were filed against her. According to the lawsuit, the employee went to HR to ask how she could avoid termination, and was told she would continue to accrue attendance points until her probationary period was finished and she could be eligible for time off. The employee went to her doctor to get a medical note saying she could only work a maximum of 40 hours a week, the lawsuit says. Four minutes later she received a response from HR saying we cannot accommodate this restriction as overtime is an essential function of the position, according to the suit. Rather than get fired, the employee resigned to protect her pregnancy, according to the EEOC. The first case under the Pregnant Workers Fairness Act was filed this month. The law applies to both public and private employers and is meant to protect workers from discrimination based on pregnancy, childbirth, or related conditions. Gilbride said in a statement that if an employee needs accommodations at work because of their pregnancy, the law requires the employer to work with them to find a solution. When employers apply inflexible policies that drive pregnant workers out of the workplace rather than engaging in this interactive process, the EEOC will step in to defend workers rights under this new law, she added. The lawsuit is asking for the company to change its policies to accommodate pregnant workers and comply with the law, and to compensate the employee for lost wages and benefits. Employers should be on notice that since June 27, 2023, it has been illegal under the PWFA to deny reasonable accommodations to employees with known limitations related to their pregnancy, even if the employee is temporarily unable to perform an essential function of her job, provided that she will be able to perform that function in the near future, said Marsha Rucker, regional attorney for the EEOCs Birmingham District. This story was updated on Sept. 26 at 3:52 p.m. to add a statement from Polaris. As Hurricane Helene approaches Floridas coast, cities and agencies in Alabama are preparing to help evacuees from neighboring states. The National Hurricane Center expects Helene to become a Category 4 hurricane by Thursday. Landfall could come around sunset Thursday, likely in the Big Bend region, according to forecasters. Alabama State Parks is providing lodging assistance to evacuees in all 21 parks, asking them to make camping, cabin, or lodge reservations ahead of their arrival. There are several parks along the Florida and Georgia border, including Frank Jackson, Blue Springs, Lake Point and Chewacla. Reservations can be made here or by calling 1-800-252-7275. The city of Dothan, located in Southeast Alabama on the border with the Florida panhandle, is also providing services to evacuees. The city has set up a Hotel Availability Tracker to help people find accommodations. However, as of Thursday, hotels were already filled up in Dothan, according to Mayor Mark Saliba, but there were 115 spaces available at RV Parks. The city is also providing safe haven shelters for local residents at the following locations: Westgate Church of Christ Opens: 7 p.m. on 9/25/24 Address: 619 Westgate Parkway, Dothan Contact: (334) 793-2280 Memphis Baptist Church Opens: 8 a.m. on 9/26/24, closing at 8 a.m. on 9/27/24 Address: 4595 Eddins Road, Dothan Contact: (334) 793-2280 In Mobile, the hotels along Interstate 10 in Tillmans Corner west of downtown Mobile were at 80-90 percent full on Wednesday night. They were expected to be sold out Thursday, according to David Clark, president & CEO with Visit Mobile. We are getting pick up from the evacuees and the crews, Clark said. For people seeking options for their livestock, the Alabama Department of Agriculture provided a list of shelters in the state. People hoping to use the service, which is only available to livestock and not pets, will need to bring their own shavings, water buckets, hay and feed. Available shelters include: Livestock Shelter at Garrett Coliseum *horses only Address: 1295 Coliseum Blvd, Montgomery Contact: Christi Thornton; christi@thegarrettcoliseum.com ; 334-356-6866 Pike County Cattlemans Association Address: 4100 US HWY 231 S, Troy Contact: Dick Barnett, 334-670-1228 The Alabama Department of Transportation said Wednesday that all highways across southern Alabama are open and available to move people to safer areas as Hurricane Helene moves toward landfall. You can view all hurricane evacuation routes in the state here . Reporter John Sharp contributed to this story. Calling the war between Russia and Ukraine unwinnable, Alabama U.S. Sen. Tommy Tuberville yesterday blasted the Biden Administration, saying it has no plan to win, even as Congress mulls more money for the conflict. In a floor speech, Tuberville said the war has cost the U.S. billions of dollars, called Ukraine the most corrupt country on the face of the planet. He said that it is losing and losing badly, despite reports of an ongoing Ukrainian offensive into Russia. War is a serious business, Tuberville said. We should understand that by now. You dont half-ass your way into one and certainly dont half-ass your way out of one. That doesnt seem to resonate around here. Tuberville has long been a vocal critic of the U.S. support for Ukraine, at various times predicting that Ukraine cant win, that Russian President Vladimir Putin doesnt want Ukraine, and that Putin will have no further territorial gains in Europe. Russia invaded Ukraine on Feb. 24, 2022, signaling a major escalation of tension between the two nations that already been ongoing for seven years previously. The conflict has killed or wounded roughly one million people between the two nations, according to The Wall Street Journal. In Thursdays speech, Tuberville said that Russia now has pounced on Ukraine. Despite the administrations incompetence, I still believe Putin was wrong to invade Ukraine. I think we all do. He should have withdrawn his forces immediately after it started. Putin is responsible for his actions, and he has made no secret of the fact that he sees Ukraine as historically a part of Russia, Tuberville said. President Joe Biden on Thursday announced another $8.8 billion in aid for Ukraine, with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky in the U.S. asking for support. In his speech, Tuberville said the Biden Administration has not articulated what the conflict can accomplish, a plan for achieving it, or a total price tag. But Tuberville went on to say that NATO expansion has inched closer to Russias borders. He asked how the U.S. would react if Russia or China began basing troops in Canada or Mexico. He warned that, if the conflict escalates, Putin will be forced to use deadlier weapons, which could trigger a larger conflict. We are on the cusp of a nuclear war, he said. Nobody seems concerned: It wont happen. Yes, it will happen. Putin has told us it will happen if you continue this. This would only escalate this conflict to an entirely new level that none of us can ever imagine. Do you think this offensive would convince Putin to come to the table and negotiate a peace agreement? Well, I would hope we would go, but we do not seem to want to make a peace agreement. We had better and wed better do it in the very near future. The Senate has confirmed a new commander of U.S. Army forces in the Pacific after Alabama Sen. Tommy Tuberville dropped his objections and allowed a quick vote on the nomination. Tuberville had blocked Lt. Gen. Ronald Clarks nomination for months over concerns that the top military aide to Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin, along with other staff, did not immediately notify President Joe Biden when Austin was hospitalized with complications from cancer treatment earlier this year. Clark, who Biden had nominated in July, was confirmed late Tuesday evening. Tuberville said Wednesday that he dropped his hold after meeting with Clark and talking to others in the Pentagon. Tuberville had initially demanded to see a report from the Pentagons inspector general that will review the matter, but that report hasnt yet been released and Congress is leaving Washington until after the November election. I didnt want to leave him hanging, so I asked him to come over and we sat down and talked for about an hour, Tuberville said. Clarks explanation matched that of others he had spoken to, so I trusted him and what he was telling me, Tuberville said. There was bipartisan frustration with Austin and his top aides earlier this year after it became clear that Biden was kept in the dark about the defense secretary not being in command for days during his January hospital visit. Lawmakers argued that could have meant confusion or delays in military action. Austin was admitted to intensive care for complications from prostate cancer surgery on Jan. 1, but the White House was not told until three days later. Austins senior staff were notified on Jan. 2. Tuberville said hes still concerned about the situation and how it unfolded, but after speaking with Clark, he believes he wasnt one of the main people responsible for the lapse. We do have problems there, but it wasnt his problem, Tuberville said. Austin said at the time that he took full responsibility and had apologized to Biden. He insisted that there were no gaps in control of the department or the nations security because at all times, either I or the deputy secretary was in a position to conduct the duties of my office. An earlier Pentagon review of the matter blamed privacy restrictions and staff hesitancy for the secrecy, and called for improved procedures, which have been made. A hold by any senator on a nomination, or on a piece of legislation, blocks a quick vote by unanimous consent. Democrats could have brought the nomination up for a vote, circumventing the hold, but it would have taken several days of floor time to do so. A vote would not have been scheduled until after the November election. The objections over Clark came a year after Tubervilles blockade of hundreds of military promotions over a Pentagon abortion policy. The Alabama senator held up the nominations for months but relented after he faced intense criticism from senators in both parties. The Senate finally approved 425 military promotions and nominations in November. Republican colleagues said they agreed with Tuberville on the abortion policy but openly pressured him to drop the holds, voicing concern about military readiness and the toll it was taking on service members and their families who had nothing to do with the regulations. A new documentary from Netflix gives more details about the jailhouse romance that led an Alabama corrections officer to assist a capital murder suspect in fleeing for 11 days in 2022. Jailbreak: Love on the Run tells the story of Vicky White, the Lauderdale County jailer, and Casey White, the inmate she sprang from the jail, in April of 2022. Vicky, who was not related to Casey, died by suicide as police closed in on the couple in Indiana. The film talks to former coworkers of Vicky White, reconstructing the events leading up the escape. New revelations come through recordings of more than 1,000 calls made between the two on Vickys burner phone over a two-year period. The two indulged in phone sex, planned their escape, argued about him using meth while in jail and fantasized about what they would do once the coast was clear. Its about chicken time. Chicken day rolls around real quick, dont it? ... Were gonna have fun on our adventure. Never lookin back at little Alabama, and then venture around the world on a sailboat, Casey White tells her in one phone call. The film charts Vicky Whites 17 years working corrections in Lauderdale County, a nurturing presence who worked long hours, weekends, and was almost always on call due to the demands of her job. One inmate described her as the mother he never had. She would sometimes sit at her desk, listening to inmate phone calls, watching videos, to expose corrections officers bringing in contraband. One former coworker, Joyce Brawley, observed: She wanted everybody to think that she could be a superhero. Vicky just wanted to take care of everybody, but whos taking care of Vicky? Enter Casey White in 2020, who was brought to the Lauderdale County Jail awaiting trial for capital murder. This was after he got a 75 year sentence for a shooting spree. We considered him a very dangerous person, former Sheriff Rick Singleton said. But somehow, a physical relationship developed between the two that Vicky White managed to keep hidden, despite the close quarters of the jail. Workers suspected she had a relationship that made her happy, but had no idea who it might be. Even her parents did not suspect what eventually happened. She would hand envelopes to Casey while delivering mail to inmates, and he would hand back a letter addressed to his mother, but with no address or stamps, one inmate remembered. It was intended for Vicky. He would occasionally ask other inmates for the correct spelling of certain words, which made them suspect he was writing to someone else. During shopping trips, she began buying camping equipment, firearms, lingerie, fake IDs, an orange Ford Edge, and laying plans for their eventual escape. She quickly sold her house at auction and gave away furniture. Meanwhile, she would give Casey extra from the jail commissary, and took him outside the jail on a dry run. Casey White, facing a possible death sentence, had nothing to lose. We go up to Tennessee, in like the backwoods We aint never gone be around people the rest of our lives, he told Vicky White. Anyone gets within 300 yards its gonna be shots fired. Vicky informed coworkers that when she left her job, Im going out with a bang. On Thursday, April 28, 2022, Vicky White put in for retirement, effective the following day. I cant do it no more, she said, shocking her coworkers. Her behavior in the weeks leading up had seemed erratic. That Friday, the jail was shorthanded, with five deputies on duty and Singleton in Birmingham for Academy graduation. Vicky still had a retirement party, but remained largely silent and preoccupied while coworkers were cutting the cake. By 9:30 a.m., Casey White had been removed from his cell and was waiting for her. Within minutes, the two of them were gone from the jail. Hours later, coworkers noticed the two had not returned. By the time Vickys patrol car was found at a local parking lot, authorities had realized she must have been involved in Caseys escape. Video of the two leaving the jail showed Vicky walking in front of Casey, the capital murder suspect - a serious breach of procedure. The resulting manhunt eventually tracked them to a Ford F-150 in Evansville, Ind., found abandoned in a car wash, almost 300 miles away from Florence. Security footage showed Casey abandoning the truck and getting into a grey Cadillac, which was later tracked to a motel. As authorities were getting into position to arrest them, Vicky and Casey fled the motel. With police closing in, Vicky shot herself in the Cadillac. The angle of the wound was so odd, coworkers said, it seemed accidental. Police pulled Casey from the car, with him asking, Is my wife hurtin? Is my wife alive? In a jailhouse interview, Casey told the filmmakers the two planned to take the money, find a trailer, and stay hunkered down for a while. We thought wed never really get caught, he said. See also -- The sad, strange death of Vicky White: How a week on the run with Casey White ended in gunfire Casey White pleaded guilty in June 2023 to escape charges and was sentenced to life in prison. White entered his plea in exchange for the felony murder charge involving Vicky White being dropped. Last year, prosecutors dropped capital murder charges against Casey White in the 2015 murder-for-hire of Connie Ridgeway, which White had confessed to in 2020. He was in Lauderdale County Jail awaiting trial on those charges when the escape took place. Prosecutors saw no need to pursue the case as White was already sentenced to life without parole. The jail nurse, Kylie OBryant, perhaps delivered the moral of the story, if one exists. Hell, you dont never know nobody til you live with their ass, and well, thats the truth, she said. Beyond those killed or injured in a mass shooting like the one on Birminghams Southside recently, there are victims - relatives, bystanders, first responders, even people consuming news and social media reports. A mass casualty event has the potential to traumatize an entire community, especially those who have been psychologically connected to the victims, a similar event, or even the place, said Joshua Klapow, a Birmingham-based behavioral scientist. Ive been in that location, Klapow said, a few minutes into a conversation about the shooting at the Hush lounge, where four people were fatally shot Saturday night, and 17 injured in what the Birmingham Police Department is calling a hit or contract killing. The shooting happened outside the busy Five Points South night spot, with hundreds of people nearby. A Morgan County Circuit Court has once again sentenced a man to life without parole for the brutal 1993 murder of a 16-year-old during a robbery. Roy Burgess Jr. was sentenced to death 30 years ago, but this latest resentencing is his third since the killing. Attorney General Steve Marshall said in a statement he was pleased that justice for Kevin Gardner has been served once again. Roy Burgess took the life of an innocent young man who died trying to help a classmate, Marshall said. On the scales of justice, Burgesss age at the time of his offense could not excuse or diminish the savage and evil nature of his crime. Today, the court correctly ruled that he should again receive the maximum allowable punishment for which he is eligiblelife without parole. Burgess was convicted of the Aug. 12, 1993 killing of Gardner. Prosecutors said Burgess, who was also 16 at the time, lured Gardner to a remote area where he could rob and kill him. Once there, he shot Gardner in the head at close range, then dragged Gardners body out of his car and concealed the remains. He then drove the car to Birmingham to take it to a chop shop for extra cash. He was sentenced to death for his conviction on one count of capital murder in October 1994. He appealed his sentence to the Alabama Supreme Court, and in 2001, Burgess was resentenced to life imprisonment without the possibility of parole. A 2012 U.S. Supreme Court ruling found that mandatory life-without-parole sentences could not be given to juveniles convicted of capital murder. At a resentencing hearing, the court reviewed evidence and listened to testimony regarding Burgesss age, his involvement in the murder, family history, and other factors, a statement from Marshalls office said. After hearing and seeing all of the evidence, the Court ruled it was satisfied that the capital murder committed by Burgess did not result from youthful indiscretion and transient immaturity. A Semmes teenager was convicted Wednesday by a Mobile County jury in connection with the 2022 fatal fentanyl overdose of a 15-year-old girl, prosecutors said. Jackson Powell Lewis, 19, was found guilty of criminally negligent homicide and unlawful possession of a controlled substance with intent to distribute for the death of Adrianna Taylor. He had been facing a more serious charge of reckless manslaughter. Adrianna, a student at Mary G. Montgomery High School in Semmes, was found unresponsive in her home Aug. 31., 2022 -- just days shy of her 16th birthday. Investigators said at the time Taylor had told her parents vape pens laced with fentanyl were passed around her school. At Lewis trial, which lasted only two days, prosecutors provided evidence showing that he gave Adrianna the fatal dose of fentanyl. The decision of a jury must be respected, no mater the outcome, Mobile County District Attorney Keith Blackwood said in a statement. My office will continue to try to have Jackson Lewis held fully accountable in his upcoming case for attempting to distribute a controlled substance to a different minor. Lewis is scheduled to be sentenced Oct. 30 at 9 a.m. Hurricane Helene made landfall with 140 mph winds late Thursday night on Floridas Big Bend coast. Helene is still expected to spread strong winds and heavy rain to places well inland -- including Alabama. Heres the hurricane centers official track as of late Thursday: Hurricane Helene's winds increased to 140 mph on Thursday night as the storm was making landfall on Florida's Big Bend.National Hurricane Center Southeast Alabama was being pelted with wind and rain late Thursday, and that rain was expected to spread northward through the overnight hours. Hurricane warnings have been changed to tropical storm warnings for Henry and Houston counties in southeast Alabama as of Thursday afternoon. Tropical storm warnings also stretched up the states eastern border. Alabamas coastal areas will be on the west side of Helene and were under no tropical watches or warnings on Thursday. The state of Alabama was watching the storm and ready to move into action if necessary: We continue monitoring Hurricane Helene as it gains strength. Alabamians, particularly in the Southeastern part of our state, need to stay weather aware. The state is postured and prepared to respond, if needed. Stay safe, everyone! #alwx Governor Kay Ivey (@GovernorKayIvey) September 26, 2024 Winds could gust high enough to bring down trees and power lines, especially in southeast and east Alabama. Wind advisories will be in effect for most of eastern Alabama. Much of east Alabama will also be under flood watches through Friday. Some areas could potentially see 6 to 8 inches of rain from Helene, which could lead to deadly flash flooding. However, flood watches have been dropped for parts of central Alabama, where rainfall amounts may not end up being as high as once expected. Heres a look at what the National Weather Service is expecting by region: NORTH ALABAMA Several north Alabama counties will be under a wind advisory starting overnight.NWS The National Weather Service thinks north Alabama will have the potential to see heavy rain, flooding and gusty winds as Helene moves into the Tennessee Valley overnight and into Friday. The weather service said that the timeframe of greatest concern will be Thursday evening through midday Friday. A wind advisory will be in effect from 1 a.m. Friday until 1 a.m. Saturday for the eastern part of the region. The highest wind gusts could be around 30-40 mph, especially east of Interstate 65. A flood watch will also be in effect for all of the region through 1 p.m. Friday. Two to 5 inches of rain will be possible, especially in east Alabama. There is not expected to be the threat of tornadoes, the weather service said. CENTRAL ALABAMA 10:40p 9/26: Hurricane Helene, now inland on the Florida Panhandle, will quickly move northward through Georgia overnight. Wind gusts in eastern Alabama may be up to 35-45 mph at times overnight, with light to moderate rainfall continuing until morning. #alwx pic.twitter.com/YIEOwni3j3 NWS Birmingham (@NWSBirmingham) September 27, 2024 The eastern row of counties in central Alabama remain under a tropical storm warning on Thursday. The National Weather Service in Birmingham said rain will begin to expand across eastern portions of central Alabama overnight. Forecasters said Impacts from wind and flooding are still expected to focus across the eastern and southeastern portions of the area with a sharp cutoff in appreciable impacts for the western half of the area. A wind advisory will be in effect for the eastern half of central Alabama. The weather service said sustained winds of 15 to 25 mph with gusts up to 40 to 50 mph will be possible. Winds that strong could cause downed trees and power outages. The time frame is late tonight through Friday morning. A flood watch will be in effect through 7 a.m. Friday. Four to 8 inches of rainfall will be possible and could lead to significant flash flooding. Areas east of the Interstate 65 corridor face the biggest flood risk. However, the watch was dropped for part of central Alabama on Thursday night: The Flood Watch for Jefferson, Shelby, Chilton, Autauga, and Lowndes counties has been cancelled. The majority of the rainfall should remain east of these areas. The watch remains in effect for counties east of I-65. #alwx pic.twitter.com/RCzJPZJRba NWS Birmingham (@NWSBirmingham) September 27, 2024 SOUTH ALABAMA TAE cancels Hurricane Warning for Houston [AL] https://t.co/jUa3Xi8tO7 pic.twitter.com/BPKqglXygp IEMBot TAE (@iembot_tae) September 26, 2024 A hurricane warning has been dropped and replaced with a tropical storm warning for the southeast Alabama counties of Henry and Houston (including the Dothan area) on Thursday afternoon. A tropical storm warning remains in effect for Coffee, Dale and Geneva counties as well. Flash flooding will also be a concern as the center of Helene makes landfall. Four to 6 inches of rain will be possible. A high risk for rip currents will be in effect for the Alabama coast through Friday.NWS The National Weather Service in Mobile said that the primary impacts for southwest Alabama will be dangerous surf building to 6-11 feet today, deadly rip currents through Friday night, and minor coastal flooding along the Alabama and western Florida panhandle coastal interface through Friday morning. A high risk for rip currents will be in effect through Friday. Wind advisories will go into effect for part of the area this afternoon and evening, and there could be a few gusts up to around 40 mph, the weather service said. Forecasters said the rainfall forecast has decreased slightly since yesterday. The weather service said up to around 2 inches with locally higher totals will be possible for the far eastern portions of southwest Alabama. Category 4 Hurricane Helene made landfall late Thursday on Floridas Gulf Coast. The National Hurricane Center said Helenes winds were estimated at 140 mph at the time of landfall. Based on NWS Doppler radar data, the eye of Helene has made landfall as a Category 4 hurricane in the Florida Big Bend region at about 11:10 PM EDT just east of the mouth of the Aucilla River. This is about 10 miles west-southwest of Perry, Florida. Based on data from Air Force reconnaissance aircraft, the maximum sustained winds are estimated to be 140 mph and the minimum central pressure is 938 mb (27.70 inches). 11:20pm EDT 26th September -- #Hurricane #Helene has made landfall in the Florida Big Bend region at around 11:10pm EDT just E of the mouth of the Aucilla River. Max sustained winds at landfall were estimated at 140 mph & a min pressure of 938 mb. Info: https://t.co/1OTHyJkqja pic.twitter.com/WWohcTqpBa National Hurricane Center (@NHC_Atlantic) September 27, 2024 Helenes damaging winds and potentially catastrophic storm surge were spread over a wide area. Helene is producing catastrophic winds that will be spreading onshore in the Florida Big Bend region during the next few hours, the hurricane center said. This is an extremely dangerous and life-threatening situation. Persons should not leave their shelters and remain in place through the passage of these life-threatening conditions. When the eye comes ashore, people are reminded to not venture out in the relative calm, as hazardous winds will increase very quickly when the eye passes. The National Weather Service in Tallahassee, Fla., which is in the storms path, issued a rare extreme wind warning for several Big Bend counties as Helene moved onshore. 9PM EDT An Extreme Wind Warning has been issued for the Florida Big Bend. This means to expect high winds of 115 mph or greater due to the eyewall of a major hurricane. Treat this warning like a tornado warning. Take shelter in the most interior room and hunker down!#FLwx https://t.co/l3i5TxKZLy pic.twitter.com/tWzjyoKp7k NWS Tallahassee (@NWSTallahassee) September 27, 2024 Storm surge was flooding areas along the Florida peninsula as well. A record storm surge has already been reported in Cedar Key: 15 minutes later and well we are now over a foot past the old record. Still rising. https://t.co/8PP3ie6mMJ pic.twitter.com/qOPrtFOBhL Brandon Black (@backinblack_wx) September 27, 2024 It should also be re-emphasized that Helene is a very large hurricane, the hurricane center said Thursday. In fact, comparing the system with previous hurricanes in the Gulf of Mexico over the past couple of decades, Helene is at the upper bound in terms of size. As a result, storm surge, wind, and rainfall impacts will extend far away from the center and well outside the forecast cone, particularly on the east side. Forecasters still think hurricane-force winds will be possible well inland. In fact, the hurricane centers official forecast track shows Helene still at hurricane strength over central Georgia on Friday. Hurricane warnings were extended northward -- and into the area just south of Atlanta on Thursday night: 7:45 PM Update (2/4): We have expanded Hurricane Warnings further northward with this update. In addition to tropical storm force winds, a few locations as far north as the ATL metro and high terrain in the northeast GA mountains could see hurricane force wind gusts. #gawx pic.twitter.com/YWVYXUh0gz NWS Atlanta (@NWSAtlanta) September 26, 2024 Alabamas coastal areas are still expected to escape the worst of Helene, but the storm could spread heavy rain and high winds well inland. Several inland southeast Alabama counties remain under a hurricane warning, and tropical storm warnings stretched almost the length of the states eastern border on Thursday. As of 10:20 p.m. CDT Thursday, the eye of Hurricane Helene was located about 70 miles north-northwest of Cedar Key, Fla., or 45 miles east-southeast of Tallahassee, and was tracking to the north-northeast at 24 mph. Helene had 140 mph winds, and the hurricane center said. Once inland, Helene is expected to turn to the northwest and slow down over the Tennessee Valley on Friday and Saturday. One thing of note: Helenes track once inland has shifted a little bit to the east, which could keep some of the stronger winds and higher rain totals in Georgia. One thing that has not changed today is the forecast for potential storm surge along Floridas Big Bend region, where a potentially catastrophic 15 to 20 feet of surge will be possible: 9/26 11pm EDT: A catastrophic & deadly storm surge from #Helene is occurring along portions of the Florida Big Bend coast, where inundation could reach as high as 20 feet above ground level, along with destructive waves. pic.twitter.com/hIrRqz1EjB NHC Storm Surge (@NHC_Surge) September 27, 2024 The hurricane center said Helene could also dump 6 to 12 inches of rain with isolated totals around 18 inches across parts of the Southeast U.S., which is raising serious concerns about inland flash flooding. Here are the watches and warnings in effect: * A Storm Surge Warning is in effect from Mexico Beach eastward and southward to Flamingo, Tampa Bay and Charlotte Harbor. * A Hurricane Warning is in effect from the Anclote River to Mexico Beach. * A Hurricane Watch is in effect from Englewood to the Anclote River, including Tampa Bay. * A Tropical Storm Warning is in effect for the Florida Keys, including the Dry Tortugas; Flamingo to the Anclote River, including Tampa Bay; from west of Mexico Beach to the Okaloosa/Walton County Line; Flamingo northward to Little River Inlet and Lake Okeechobee. Inland hurricane warnings stretched into parts of south and central Georgia on Thursday, and tropical storm warnings covered the rest of Georgia, all of South Carolina and parts of Alabama, Tennessee and western North Carolina. English News China builds world's largest healthcare service system Alwihda Info | Par People's Daily - 20 Septembre 2024 By the end of this year, the number of Chinese national emergency response teams for acute infectious diseases will increase to 25, and all cities and counties in China will have infectious disease response units at the primary level. By Bai Jianfeng, People's Daily Health is closely tied to the well-being of every household and is essential for the future of a nation. In recent years, China's healthcare system has seen remarkable strides toward high-quality development. China has expanded high-quality medical resources to the primary level, ensuring that residents have access to nearby medical services. The country has established 13 national medical centers specializing in different fields and 125 regional medical centers in 29 provincial-level regions. This has led to a more balanced distribution of medical resources to better serve the public. So far, 92 percent of the county-level hospitals across the country have met the standards for Grade-II hospitals in terms of medical service capacity. By the end of August this year, 90.9 percent of counties in China had sent staff members from county-level hospitals to township health centers. Besides, China has pushed for coordinated reforms in medical services, medical insurance and pharmaceuticals. The country has stopped the practice of raising prices of medicines and medical supplies to make up for low medical service costs since 2012. It has introduced a new system centered around medical services. Chinese public hospitals are now only funded by government allocations and medical service fees, highlighting the non-profit nature of medical services. Furthermore, China has strengthened the training of healthcare professionals, with over 80,000 rural students becoming medical professionals through government-funded programs by the end of last year, providing rural areas with skilled professionals. Each year, over half a million Chinese students complete their medical studies at the undergraduate level or higher, injecting fresh momentum into the development of the healthcare sector. China has built the most extensive healthcare service system in the world with 12.48 million technical professionals in the national health system. Basic medical services are now easily available in impoverished areas at the village and township levels in China, which no longer suffer from inadequate healthcare institutions and personnel. By 2023, the average life expectancy of Chinese residents reached 78.6 years, an increase of more than three years compared to 2012. China attaches equal importance to traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) and Western medicine, leveraging their respective strengths to achieve coordinated development. The country has launched multiple initiatives to promote the integration of Chinese and Western medicine by improving institutions, creating new models and cultivating talents, achieving notable results. China is making efforts to build a high-quality and efficient TCM service system. The country has advanced the construction of national TCM service centers, established 27 regional TCM medical centers, and designated 1,158 national-level TCM specialty departments. These initiatives have expanded the accessibility to quality medical resources and ensured a more balanced resource distribution. Additionally, China has supported the development of 130 city-level hospitals with TCM specialties, and over 1,000 county-level hospitals have been encouraged to set up two advantageous TCM departments and one promotional center for TCM techniques. The China Center for Evidence Based Traditional Chinese Medicine has become part of the International Traditional Medicine Clinical Trial Registry (ITMCTR), which is recognized as a primary registry of the World Health Organization (WHO) and contributes data to the WHO International Clinical Trials Registry Platform (ICTRP). The center has released a series of treatments, techniques, and highly effective herbal medicines for diseases where TCM has advantages. In terms of talent development, China has implemented a national training initiative for TCM specialists. The number of licensed TCM practitioners in the country had reached 868,000 by the end of last year. To effectively prevent and manage infectious disease outbreaks, China has developed a comprehensive infectious disease monitoring and early warning system. In recent years, the country has established 10 monitoring systems for various infectious diseases and initiated monitoring of 15 common respiratory pathogens, providing vital support for clinical treatment and epidemic control. China is also developing an infectious disease monitoring and emergency command information platform, installing intelligent monitoring and early warning software in Grade-II and higher-level medical institutions nationwide. So far, China has established an advanced pathogen detection system that can identify over 300 known pathogens within 24 hours and effectively recognize new pathogens within 60 hours. Twenty-three provinces across the country have built biosafety level-3 (BSL-3) laboratories, and all provincial-level and 90 percent of city-level disease control centers have the capability to detect and isolate viruses. By the end of this year, the number of Chinese national emergency response teams for acute infectious diseases will increase to 25, and all cities and counties in China will have infectious disease response units at the primary level. Dans la meme rubrique : < > Immersive cultural, tourism activities on the rise across China Fruit trade between China, ASEAN thrives The Development of Islamic Finance in USA: A Journey of Growth and Opportunity Pour toute information, contactez-nous au : +(235) 99267667 ; 62883277 ; 66267667 (Bureau N'Djamena) English News China keeps advancing space exploration technology Alwihda Info | Par People's Daily - 20 Septembre 2024 For instance, Chinese space breeding has helped increase annual grain production by about 2.6 billion kilograms, showcasing improved crop yields from rice seeds sent to space, along with high praise for space-grown cucumbers and tomatoes. By Liu Shiyao, People's Daily As one of the two operational space stations in the world, the Chinese space station Tiangong weighs over 100 tons and offers more than 100 cubic meters of living and working space, showcasing superior technology worldwide. "Every small step forward brings us closer to our aspirations. The Chinese space station is always worth looking forward to!" This was the heartfelt exclamation made by Chinese astronaut Liu Yang on September 2, 2022, upon completing her first spacewalk during the Shenzhou-14 mission. In 2012, Liu made her first journey to space aboard the Shenzhou-9 spacecraft. As she left the Tiangong-1 experimental space lab, she made a wish: "I will definitely come back." Ten years later, Liu realized her dream of "flying to the heavens" once again. During the Shenzhou-14 mission, Liu and other crew members welcomed the arrival of two lab modules, Wentian and Mengtian. The two modules, together with the Tianhe core module, formed the space station's basic configuration in T shape, demonstrating the ingenious design of the Chinese space station. Nie Haisheng, another Chinese astronaut who was tasked with three of China's pioneering spaceflights, has gained new insights and experiences each time. He said that the Chinese space station is continuously enhancing comfort, increasing reliability, expanding living space, and diversifying space food. "Upon entering the space station, my first impression was how spacious it felt, with a real sense of depth," said astronaut Tang Hongbo. "My second impression was how quiet the sleeping area was, with very little noise. The third one was that this was truly a 'room with a view,'" Tang added. "When I was off work, I would always grab my phone and snap pictures of the stunning scenery outside the window. It's also a unique opportunity to conduct experiments and get firsthand experiences there," Tang said. China's manned space program has always aimed for world-class standards, working toward major breakthroughs in key technologies. China has tackled critical technological challenges in space exploration, including space transportation, space extravehicular activity, and space docking. It has independently developed a unique space station robotic arm system that meets mission requirements. All components and core elements are manufactured by China. Starting with the launch of the Tianhe core module in April 2021, China completed the comprehensive construction of its space station in less than 20 months, setting a world record for the fastest space station assembly. China's manned space program has completed what took developed countries half a century in just 30 years, from unmanned flights to manned missions, from single-day solo flights to multi-person extended stays, from in-cabin experiments to extravehicular activities, and from single spacecraft flights to the space station orbiting the Earth. Behind these achievements lie the collaborative efforts of over 110 research institutes, more than 3,000 scientific research units, and hundreds of thousands of researchers, all working together to drive China's advancements in space. Equally eye-catching are the applications of space technologies across different industries. In 2016, during the Shenzhou-11 mission, China cultivated vegetables in space for the first time. Astronaut Jing Haipeng wrote in his diary: "At that time, my fellow crew member Chen Dong and I were both thrilled. We immediately shared this good news with the ground staff. We took many photos and even posed for pictures with the lettuce sprouts." Six years later, Chinese astronauts celebrated the Mid-Autumn Festival in space for the first time, enjoying fresh lettuce they had grown themselves. "The taste was fantastic," said astronaut Cai Xuzhe. The primary objective of building spacecraft and space stations is to apply research advancements. In these Chinese national space laboratories, various experiments are underway, with an increasing number of applications successfully transferred and adapted. For instance, Chinese space breeding has helped increase annual grain production by about 2.6 billion kilograms, showcasing improved crop yields from rice seeds sent to space, along with high praise for space-grown cucumbers and tomatoes. Besides, the technologies created for astronauts living in orbit, including devices to prevent bone loss, can also be used to prevent degenerative osteoporosis and muscle atrophy. As of August 2023, over 100 space science research and application projects had been implemented on the Chinese space station, and more than 4,000 space application achievements had been widely used across different industries. From the BeiDou Navigation Satellite System to the Chang'e series lunar probes, and from the Tianwen Mars exploration missions to the Xihe solar exploration satellite, China has significantly strengthened its space technology and expanded the scope of space exploration. Chinese space explorers will keep writing magnificent chapters in the vast universe, contributing to the realization of the Chinese dream. Dans la meme rubrique : < > Immersive cultural, tourism activities on the rise across China Fruit trade between China, ASEAN thrives The Development of Islamic Finance in USA: A Journey of Growth and Opportunity Pour toute information, contactez-nous au : +(235) 99267667 ; 62883277 ; 66267667 (Bureau N'Djamena) If you visit Kamala Harriss campaign website and click on issues, you will find a tepid list of conventional progressive topics corporate greed, health care, education, child care, and climate change among them. What you will not find is a single word on crime and especially on migrant crime. Its as if crime did not exist. Kamalas silence on violent crime actually follows a long history of dismissiveness on the part of progressives. Liberals seem to find it easy to look the other way when horrific acts of murder, rape, and assault are carried out. Its not just that they are covering up for the sake of getting elected; its as though they dont really care. Among the worst cases this year is that of Joselyn Nungaray, a 12-year-old girl who was murdered and sexually assaulted back in June, allegedly by two illegal aliens from Venezuela who were apprehended and released by border agents under the Biden/Harris open border policy. The White House response to Nungarays rape and murder was that the administration cannot comment on active law enforcement cases. In fact, Biden and Kamala Harris refused even to speak Nungarays name. The explosion of violent crime in the U.S. is a direct consequence of Bidens and Harriss open border policy, but Harris in particular seems to find it convenient to ignore the issue. But if one refuses to speak the name of the victim, how can one express sympathy and grief? Isnt Harris bothered by the 23,000 murders taking place annually in the U.S.? Actually, based on her strict silence and long-held position denying that a crisis exists and by her proposals to aid illegal aliens with free housing, food, education, and health care, one would have to say she is not bothered by migrant crime. In this way, she is a typical progressive who believes that criminals should get off lightly and that society just needs to accept a certain amount of violence as the price it pays for liberals high-minded ideals. Sanctuary cities are just part of this witches brew of liberal thought. Just as progressives like Harris remain silent on Joselyn Nungarays rape and murder, they have been awfully glib about the two attempts on Donald Trumps life, often speaking about the two attempted assassinations as apparent or security incidents or being dismissive in other ways (attempts on presidents lives are not rare, according to The Conversation). If we ask our A.I. co-pilot, we learn that elections are a super complex topic that Im not trained to chat about. Then theres the line that Trump brought it on himself by not agreeing with every progressive policy. Of course, a candidate who talks about America First, American greatness, the right to life, gun rights, and freedom of speech is going to make himself a target. He kind of deserves it. That was what I heard on some of the mainstream news stations just hours after each of the two assassination attempts. And there was no indication of concern for a mans life. Instead, Harris, Biden, Schumer, and others kept saying that Trump is a threat to democracy and that he has to go. Not very sensitive just hours after he was nearly killed. But progressives like Harris are not very sensitive about life if someone gets in their way. African-Americans constitute about 30 percent of Democrat voters, so one would think progressive would demonstrate concern about black victims of violent crime. The fact is that 92% of blacks who are murdered are killed by other blacks. Kamala Harris has never, to my knowledge, acknowledged this fact, nor has she expressed much sympathy for the thousands of victims, most of whom reside in Democrat-run cities. But if anyone is going to address the high level of violence in these cities, one needs to acknowledge the facts about the killings. I am deeply disturbed by the dangerous conditions in which many blacks, and others, live in our big cities. I am especially grieved by the numbers of children who are killed and wounded each year in these cities. Now there is another reason to be concerned, as Latino gangs take over whole sections of Americas cities. But where is Kamalas concern for those who live with black-on-black crime or Latino gangs? She speaks in grand terms of an opportunity economy, but what about the simple process of protecting ordinary Americans by deploying more police and prosecuting criminals to the max when they are apprehended? From Kamala there is only silence, which suggests to me that, like millions of other progressives, she just doesnt care. Kamala is wrapped up in her grand plans of saving the world thats what her campaign website is full of while she cant see the violence taking place right in front of her. Even something as terrible as the October 7 attack on Israel and the fate of those killed and the hundreds taken prisoner does not seem to faze her. Since that attack, while Israel has continued to be targeted by thousands of missiles from Hamas and Hezballah, Harris has worked to pressure Israel into a ceasefire agreement that would only strengthen its enemies. At the Democratic National Convention in August, Harris focused on the suffering of Palestinians: What has happened in Gaza over the past 10 months is devastating. So many innocent lives lost. Desperate, hungry people fleeing for safety over and over again. The scale of suffering is heartbreaking. What about the suffering of Israelis? Once again, Harris seems to be able to gloss over the suffering of ordinary persons when that suffering does not fit her ideological schema. In the past, that kind of blindness was the source of thousands of genocidal acts by Marxists, who always claim that the elimination of ideological opponents is necessary to their plan to make the world a utopia. Never in human history have Marxists succeeded in creating a utopia, but they have caused hundreds of millions of deaths to secure their own power. It is frightening to see a leading presidential candidate with so little apparent compassion for everyday Americans. Writing a $25,000 housing check (at the expense of others) wont help a family on Chicagos South Side escape violence. Where are they supposed to go with $25,000 something that wont happen anyway, because expenditures are controlled by Congress? What Americas victims need is genuine compassion coupled with a defense of free enterprise that would lift them out of poverty and make it possible for them to escape the dangerous areas where they live. Kamala Harris does not appear to see this fact. She will not even pronounce the names of those who are killed. How can we expect any effective solutions from her? Jeffrey Folks is the author of many books and articles on American culture including Heartland of the Imagination (2011). Image: Mobilus In Mobili via Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0 (cropped). In the current election cycle, serious charges have been raised by both candidates concerning the fitness for the office of the presidency of the other candidate. The essence of the Harris charge dwells on what she claims has come out of Trumps mouth, meaning insults, putdowns, racism, and lies. The essence of the Trump charge concerns what doesnt come out of Harriss mouth, meaning her utter vacuity, not to mention her silence on many issues. Granted, Harris has not been silent on many important issues but she has claimed that she has changed her mind on many of them. In other words, we have a good idea of what Trump stands for and what he will try to accomplish, whereas we have suspicions, but no clear idea about what Harris might do or might not do. Now for the vacuity charge. Yes, that vacuity was on display in Harriss recent sit-down with Oprah Winfrey. It was even cringingly and embarrassingly on display but this was nevertheless not an entirely substance-free zone. Her laundry list of freedoms was actually quite revealing, meaning both what she didnt include and what she did include. First was the freedom to make decisions about your own body. That wasnt exactly one of Franklin Roosevelts Four Freedoms, but there has never been much doubt that it is Kamala Hariss first freedom. Now we have solid evidence that this is the case. And yet it, too, was in its own way a bit vague. The obvious presumption is that she was referring to the modern Democrat party version of a positive good, meaning an unlimited right to an abortion rather than the right to own slaves. But notice what was missing: your body, not a womans body. She left open the possibility that she was also including the freedom of a child to attempt to alter his sex. Or the right of an illegal alien to do the same thing and at taxpayer expense. Or the right of a male to compete in female sports. In any case, it is revealing that this is Kamala Harriss first freedom. Second on her list was the freedom to be safe from gun violence. But how will she ensure this? She doesnt say. Will she interfere with the freedoms of gun-owners? After all, to guarantee such a freedom, there will have to be gun confiscation on a massive scale. If this is really her second most important freedom, nothing less than that will be required. Third was the freedom to have access to the ballot box. To be sure, that freedom was denied to women and minorities decades upon decades ago. But just how is this freedom being denied to any eligible voter today? And might it not be considered freeing to know that assurances are made to ascertain that only eligible voters exercise the franchise? To be more specific, does Harriss third freedom include the right to have an unrequested ballot mailed to you? Does it demand voting for weeks on end? And does it include not being required to show identification prior to voting? To cap it all off, Harris returned to the body and perhaps the mind: the freedom to be who you are and just be ... And precisely what does that freedom imply? Who knows? Its not likely that even she knows. In any case, it is completely vacuous. Then she got slightly more specific: the freedom to love who you love openly and with pride. Everyone who is sentient knows precisely what category of lovers she was pridefully talking about here. But just to make sure that everyone gets it, she clinches things with a second mention of the freedom to just be. The Peter Sellers character in Being There couldnt have said it any better. Having covered virtually all of the bases of the ever-expanding sexual revolution, Harris concludes with a triumphant And thats who we are. We believe in all that. And that apparently is that. But not quite. On another fateful January 6, FDR outlined his Four Freedoms in what actually was his 1941 State of the Union address. They included the freedom of speech and expression, the freedom to worship, freedom from want, and freedom from fear. Now lets compare that quartet to Harriss four freedoms: the freedom to abort a child (or try to alter ones sex), freedom from guns, an apparently unlimited and unrestricted freedom to vote, and an equally unlimited and unrestricted freedom when it comes to sexual partners. On second thought, Harris actually did FDR one better by adding a fifth freedom: her freedom to just be. One can easily imagine both Franklin and Eleanor wincing and shaking their heads upon hearing those four words. Actually, they might also be wondering what happened to his stated freedoms. His insertion of the word expression, its safe to surmise, had nothing to do with sexual expression. And his freedom from fear, though itself on the vague side, likely had little to do with any specific fear about guns. But also notice what else is missing from the Harris top four or the Harris top five, if we include her elusive freedom to be. Early on in their chat, Harris informed Oprah that Americans are an optimistic people, a people with dreams and aspirations and ambitions. Vague enough, but also fair enough. In any case, who could possibly object to that? Certainly not Donald Trump. One might then readily assume that any subsequent Harris list of American freedoms would include not just the presence of speech and worship and the absence of want, but a number of other crucial freedoms, especially economic freedoms, which might fall somewhere under FDRs freedom from want. But given her concession to Trumpishness about dreams and aspirations and ambitions, its more than curious that she forgot about all of that when it came time to wax eloquent about her most important freedoms. Then again, perhaps she was indirectly signaling something here namely, her desire to California-ize the nation with all sorts of governmental restrictions that would make it more and more difficult for any and all Americans to realize their own dreams and ambitions. Or maybe, just maybe, Harris was so taken with, so wrapped up in, all of the trendy freedoms of the Sexual Revolution that no other freedoms really matter all that much to her. And what could be more revealing than that? John C. Chuck Chalberg writes from Bloomington, Minn. Image: Gage Skidmore via Flickr, CC BY-SA 2.0. Call me crazy, but I dont trust government officials who believe that population growth (AKA our carbon footprint) is the most pressing problem on the planet. If we had bureaucrats who were encouraging us to get married early and have lots of children, I might listen to what they have to say. If we had politicians who spoke endlessly of cheap energy, rising wages, higher standards of living, and the potential for all hard workers to become wealthy, Id probably throw an attaboy in their general direction. But why would I follow anyone who wants to control what I eat, confiscate what I earn, regulate how I live, and leave me with nothing? When authorities tell us that too many people are alive today, we should probably see their words as a threat worth taking seriously. Thats why I dont trust the experimental vaccines that the governments favorite pharmaceutical companies managed to manufacture in record time (shortening a process that normally takes fifteen or more years into a miraculously innovative seven or eight months). Here, take this injection. It will save your life. Uh, you first. Why dont we see how your health fares before we start playing Russian roulette with the global population? Its nothing personal. Maybe there are some good, decent scientists out there who actually want to fight disease. But there are a whole lot of other scientists who talk quite openly about why humanity must cull the herd. Sustainable growth sounds hunky-dory until you realize that you are the unsustainable growth that the experts want to stem. Once a person has that epiphany, the magic juice in those COVID syringes looks a little less magical. So youre saying you want to save my friends and me today, so that you can depopulate the planet tomorrow? Never mind, Im good. I just remembered that I have to be somewhere...far away. Last week I wrote about Ned Ryuns excellent new book, American Leviathan, in which he recounts the rise of the unconstitutional administrative state. In describing how Progressive Statists took over the U.S. government, Ryun examines not only how an unaccountable bureaucracy replaced the Founders designs for limited government, but also how cancerous ideologies animated powerful Americans to repudiate the Constitutions constraints against government overreach. Woodrow Wilson and his ilk detested popular sovereignty the idea that ordinary people should be the arbiters of how their nation runs and demanded that the best boys from the best colleges be in charge. In their arrogant and prejudicial minds, early-twentieth-century progressives believed that it was absurd for lowly, less educated Americans to be entrusted with any say over the operations of the federal government. The experts are meant to rule, and the riffraff are meant to obey! That un-American motto became the governments guiding principle to this day. As Ryun repeatedly points out in his book, Wilson saw the U.S. Constitution as an outdated and defective document that prevented the best people from doing what they knew to be best for the nation. (Sound familiar?) Living political constitutions, Wilson insisted, must be Darwinian in structure and practice which is to say that the meaning of the Constitution must evolve according to the needs of the bureaucrats running things. Wilson and his acolytes wanted to build a government that operated beyond the reach of politics (and, therefore, beyond the reach of the American people). They wanted to fill this government with bureaucrats who had been scientifically trained to diagnose and address the nations evolving challenges. And they wanted to provide these unelected and unaccountable bureaucrats with independent powers that allowed them to do what they thought best at any given time. In this way, the original progressives claimed, the business of government would be conducted efficiently and scientifically. No doubt todays progressives would still cheer Woodrow Wilsons words as their own, but after a century of unconstitutional bureaucracy run amok, ask yourself this simple question: would anyone call any part of the federal government efficient today? On the contrary, government efficiency is a punch line to a common joke: if you want something done in twice the time and with ten times the cost, then let the government build it. After Lyndon Johnson declared war on poverty, the federal government spent trillions of dollars only to make Americans relatively poorer while greatly increasing wealth inequality. Four decades after the creation of the Department of Education, American children have never performed so poorly on standardized tests. Barack Obama and the Democrats insisted on saving Americans from high medical costs by nationalizing health care only to give us a broken hospital system that is even more costly. Anything the government touches turns into an inefficient and poorly run enterprise, which is why so many Americans correctly feared that Obamacare would create the medical equivalent of the U.S. Postal Service or the local DMV. In turn, the best boys from the best colleges have turned postal employees and Department of Motor Vehicle personnel into essential workers for registering voters and collecting ballots. Nothing gives Americans confidence in the security of their elections like putting bureaucrats associated with incompetence in charge of processing votes. Instead of building a government renowned for its scientific efficiency, the Progressive Statists have constructed a broken-down system synonymous with ineptitude and corruption. By putting blind faith in the discriminatory idea that some Americans deserve to govern others, progressives have spent the last century dismantling the Constitutions safeguards for limited government, individual rights, and economic freedom. In their place, we have a bureaucratic blob that does what it wants without regard for the citizenry. Because, after all, the blob knows best. As Ryun articulates in American Leviathan, Progressive Statists have not only given us bad government but also an army of bureaucrats who place dogmatic faith in the inerrant promulgations of Science. Trust the Science is not a modern mantra. Wilson and his lot implored early-twentieth-century Americans to do the same. In a chapter entitled When False Gods Ring Hollow, Ryun quotes Michael Crichton: Imagine that there is a new scientific theory that warns of an impending crisis, and points to a way out. This theory quickly draws support from leading scientists, politicians, and celebrities around the world. Research is funded by distinguished philanthropies, and carried out at prestigious universities. The crisis is reported frequently in the media. The science is taught in college and high school classrooms. As Ryun makes clear, Crichton wasnt writing about COVID or global warming. He was describing progressivisms love affair with the science of eugenics and the U.S. governments dalliance with forced sterilization of inferior races. Wilson and his progressive tribe were huge fans. If the administrative state is filled with the best boys from the best colleges, and those best boys all decide that some kind of science is true, then objections from the people must be ignored. After all, as Ryun states poignantly, if the States primary goal is scientific efficiency, then there is no individualism, no individual rights to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness for all, and no Creator that has endowed life in all forms. There is the state and society, which ultimately deem who and what are necessary for the health of the whole if mankind is to reach the state of apotheosis. And for the whole to be healthy, to progress to a higher plane, anyone or anything deemed parasitical must be ejected. Any imperfection that might slow progress and lead to inefficiency must be dealt with. Last centurys so-called experts believed in eugenics. Todays so-called experts believe in mandatory injections with experimental vaccines, anthropogenic climate change, and the virtues of depopulation. Progressive government is inefficient folly; progressive science, however, is just plain deadly. Image: NASA Goddard Space Flight Center via Flickr, CC BY 2.0 (cropped). Children fear the dark as it is scary. They believe its filled with monsters and bogeymen. As a child, I always wanted my bedroom door kept open with a light on in the hall. That way I felt safe, at least from the wild rides of my imagination. Such irrational fears disappear when we leave early childhood, yet for some, these fantasies persist into adulthood. For adults, is this a mental illness or just a personality quirk of paranoia and irrational fear? I speak of the political left, including the media, who as seemingly rational and functional adults, still believe a bogeyman is hiding under their beds. And that bogeyman is the Nazi, despite few of todays scaredy-cats being alive when Nazis were a thing. The latest example is bogeyman Mike Lindell, the MyPillow guy, Trump supporter, and election integrity advocate. While many became annoyed with his incessant MyPillow commercials, he crossed the line in progressive society by questioning the integrity of the 2020 presidential election. X screenshot For his efforts, he was rewarded with social media bans and FBI raids. Yet election integrity is not a fringe issue. Rasmussen Reports found that 62% of U.S. likely voters, think this years election could be impacted by cheating. No stranger to controversy, Lindell has reached a new pinnacle now as a supposed Nazi dog whistler. From the Huffington Post, busy finding a bogeyman under their bed, Mike Lindells latest pillow price is being interpreted as a Nazi dog whistle. Huh? A pillow price is somehow a shout-out to Adolf Hitler? MyPillow discounted some of its pillows to $14.88, and the left sees that random price ending in -88, as a Nazi bogeyman. Heres their reasoning. The number 1488 is a common symbol used among hate groups. The 14 is shorthand for the 14 Words, a stand-in for a white supremacist slogan, while 88 refers to an abbreviation of Heil Hitler, since H is the eighth letter of the alphabet. Who decides this stuff? The Southern Poverty Law Center of course. They seem unaware of the basic retail convention that a price tag end in .88 is a very common retail inventory identifier for closeout and limited stock items, and is frequently seen at Costco, WalMart, and many others). But now with Lindell using it, it's a Nazi dog whistle. What else, numbers or words, are Nazi dog whistles? According to the SPLC website, 28 and 38 are also common terms for the racist skinhead movement. Sandra Bullock, star in the movie 28 Days should weigh in. So should the 1970s rock band 38 Special. Crew is also a Nazi slogan according to the SPLC. I rowed for four years in college, never knowing I was a neo-Nazi. How can I apologize? The popular film and book, The Boys in the Boat featured the University of Washington crew which beat Hitlers prize crew in the 1938 Olympic games. Why didnt the American crew throw the race to the Nazis? Dr. Martens boots are also a Nazi phrase according to SPLC. Yet uber-woke Amazon sells them but for far more than Mike Lindells $14.88. Fresh cut also triggers the SPLC. Remember that after bragging about your fresh-cut lawn or recent haircut. Huffington Post is not the only media outlet seeing Nazi bogeymen under the bed. Newsweek too. Mike Lindell, the founder and CEO of MyPillow, has been accused of marking some products down to a price that mirrors a neo-Nazi slogan. MyPillow posted an advertisement on X, formerly Twitter, on September 20 that their "Standard Classic MyPillow" which usually sells for between $29.99 and $49.98, was being marked down to $14.88. This specific price of $14.88 raised eyebrows as, to keen observers, it is affiliated with white supremacists and online neo-Nazi groups. I found a nifty wallet on Amazon for the magical price of $14.88. No Nazi logo on the wallet and the media doesnt seem to be concerned. Amazon also sells a toy key chain and Barbie doll for that Hitlerian price of $14.88. How dare they! Not just Amazon, but Walmart, too, selling black earbuds at the skinhead special price of $14.88. What does Mike Lindell say about sending dog whistles to the Nazis and white supremacists out there (apparently so plentiful that I have yet to meet one)? Lindell, when contacted by the New York Post, denied the allegations, saying: "I have no idea what this is all about." Maybe a price is just a price, like in Bogeys Casablanca where a kiss was just a kiss, not a secret Nazi signal. The 88 reference is also on the FBI radar. (Boy do they have a lot of work to do at Costco.) Former FBI official Frank Figliuzzi made the case to MSNBC that President Donald Trumps decision to re-raise flags on August 8, after they had been flying at half-mast since the El Paso and Dayton shootings in 2019 was a Nazi shout-out. He explained: The president said that we will fly our flags at half-mast on 8 August. Thats 8/8. Now, Im not going to imply that he did this deliberately but I am using it as an example of the ignorance of the adversary thats being demonstrated by the White House. The numbers 8/8 are very significant in neo-Nazi and white supremacy movements. Why? Because the letter H is the eighth letter of the alphabet and to [neo-Nazis] the numbers 8/8 together stand for Heil Hitler. Mr Trump issued a directive on 4 August, ordering the US flag to be flown at half-staff at the White House and public and military buildings. So there. Good thing Trump didnt fly the flags at half-mast for 14 days, taking them down on August 8, or else the FBI would have raided Trump at the White House in Mar-a-Lago fashion. Why cant the left live and let live? Why are they, in Sherlock Holmes fashion, peering at the world through a magnifying glass, looking for Nazis around every corner. Just think, if while wearing Dr. Martens boots, I tip my lawn crew a generous $14.88 as a thanks for my fresh cut lawn, I will be a full-blown Nazi! Brian C. Joondeph, M.D., is a physician and writer. Follow me on Twitter @retinaldoctor, Substack Dr. Brians Substack, Truth Social @BrianJoondeph, and LinkedIn @Brian Joondeph. Image: Twitter screen shot Between the U.S. and Israel, there's a huge gulf in unity of resolve. At this moment, hundreds of thousands of Israel's citizens are bracing for an all-out war in Lebanon and Gaza, and no one is coming to their rescue. While Israelis are philosophically split on the Gaza hostage issue, a majority believe that war with Iran and its proxies is inevitable. You can only wonder how Americans would react under similar circumstances. The New York Times's German Lopez on Sept. 24 commented: Recent polling suggests that a small majority of Israelis back a broader war against Hezbollah. The true existential question, though, is: "How do you negotiate with people whose only deal point is they want you dead?" This is the world we live in. We don't lose wars due to a lack of money; America's defense budget, at $916 billion as of 2023, is greater than that of the next twelve countries combined. When we lose wars, or when wars go on interminably, we unavoidably train our citizens to believe that the requirement to fight for what is vital for our continued survival is no longer operable. This is the result of failed leadership. It seems the radical change of "fundamentally transforming" the U.S., first promised and brought about by President Obama, and then Joe Biden, and now Kamala Harris, undermined our country through its culture, bringing us to the level of division that is our new normal and opening us up to losing the next existential war. A New York Times newsletter post by David Leonhardt, dated Sept. 23, and titled "The threats we face" underscored this threat: The first sentence of the report released over the summer by a bipartisan, congressionally appointed commission was blunt: "The threats the United States faces are the most serious and most challenging the nation has encountered since 1945 and include the potential for near-term major war." The nation, the report continued, "is not prepared today." Historically, it's generally accepted that it is usually Democrats who get us into wars and Republicans who get us out of them. Democrats historically accuse Republicans of being warmongers. That thought has become institutionalized until very recently, with Democrats seemingly our new hawks. Appearing to be a war hawk is simply a tactic to peel off more votes, serve their donor base, and ensure we continue down our current path. As long as Democrats are in power, they don't care how the chips fall; the power elite are insulated from their own mischief. But it has fundamentally affected our nation's fighting spirit. America is the most pacifist that it's been since before WWII. Two long, winless wars, premised on nation-building instead of victory, have taken their toll. Opposing attitudes on engaging the world are starkly evident when parsing different social groups. Women and minorities are the most likely to reject the use of force against threats to our national interests. The demonization of the use of force in support of maintaining our civilization appears to many to be another extension of the white privilege arguments. White males seem to be all that is left of old America's traditional values. Too many other groups are ready to cede America's traditional role in stabilizing the world and standing up to threats to our existence. Given the chance, many would dismantle our power, influence, freedoms, and economic systems. Our enemies are clever; they do not confront us directly, at least, not yet. Instead, they nibble away at us, sometimes pressing their advantage and then backing off. And, don't forget, whoever is in power tailors their strategy to how the wind blows. Our enemies have patience and a plan. We have political war and expediency. It's difficult to fault people who don't want their sons and daughters to serve in our military under today's virtue-signaling military with its recent record of losing wars. Many believe our leaders risk our fighters' lives for woke principles that see us playing defense without an actionable end game. Inconsistent, or even worse, flawed policies and rules of engagement guarantee failure in the field all too often. Democrats violate the first principle of armed intervention win the fight. If we are not willing to do that singular imperative, we have no business being there in the first place. We show our enemies we are feckless, uncommitted, and misled. Today, there is no one to blame except the American president and other American haters. It is not hyperbole to say that many people in power today pay lip service to our Constitution. Therefore, we must fight and win the internal struggle to control our political and bureaucratic systems as well as our culture. This is the enemy and the war Donald Trump must defeat first. There will be times when America has no choice but to defend our way of life in faraway places. It's happened before and will happen again. The promise that any leader must keep is to tell Americans what principles we are fighting for and how we get out in the end. This is why our Founders did not want an all-powerful central federal government like the one we have. The government has demonstrated over and over again that it fears its citizens and does not trust them with the truth. Without this truth, Americans intuitively know when they are being lied to and won't forget it. I hope we once again stand up for truth and pillory those who try say otherwise. If we wish for the support of the American people, first principles require us to be truthful and forthright to our citizens, especially in that of fidelity to those who wear the uniform and are tasked with defending our freedoms. Tiny Israel exemplifies what can be done with one thirtieth of our defense budget. At the end of the day, it's not about money but will, desire, an understanding of what's at stake, and an expectation of competency, which we are currently failing at. Failures of leadership come from the top. The American ideal still stands. But for how long? God bless America. Allan J. Feifer is a patriot, author, businessman, thinker, and strategist. Read more about Allan, his background, and his ideas to create a better tomorrow at www.1plus1equals2.com Image: Defense Visual Information Distribution Service // public domain Israel is forever naming its military operations and weaponry. For instance, back in the early 1950s, the Israelis had Operation Ezra and Nehemiah, an airlift of over 100,000 Iraqi Jews to Israel and safety. In 1991, there was a covert operation called Operation Solomon that transported thousands of Ethiopian Jews to their Promised Land. Then there was the amazing Esther computer worm that wreaked havoc on Irans nuclear facilities. Israel has a fearsome battle tank called the Merkava. Merkava means chariot in Hebrew and is a word often found in the Jewish Bible and in Jewish mysticism. Israel also has a military system designed to shoot down the worst that Iran, Hamas, and Hezballah might launch its way. Its called Davids Sling. There are those out there who criticize Israel for such biblical naming practices. They say it is a propaganda tool for internal consumption that legitimizes killing. I dont see it that way. These names are reminders that the Jews are the People of the Book. They are warning signs to their many enemies that they should not be provoked. This is why I am seeking a biblical name for Operation Exploding Pagers. If we could get inside those thick terrorist skulls and let them know what they are really up against, then maybe they would leave the tiny Jewish state of Israel alone. As far as the history books are concerned, never, and I mean never, has there been such a military operation as what Israel just pulled off, which surgically killed (or maimed) so many bad guys over so large an area, and all at a specific time. But it did happen in the Bible. It happened in Exodus in the Passover story, when the Angel of Death passed over the Israelite dwellings and struck down all the firstborn Egyptians, including payback to Pharaoh. And it all happened at the same time, too: midnight. Back then, that Angel of Death stealth technology must have been mighty awesome. But hats off to the Israeli intelligence of today, too! Now that I have found my biblical reference point, I am in a quandary. I am in need of a name for the ingenious military operation that selectively struck down thousands of Hezballah terrorists, all sworn to the destruction of Israel. As far as I know, Israel has yet to officially take credit for the operation, let alone provide us with a biblical reference name. So for now, I guess its up to me. Im going with Operation Paging Angel. Image via Pxhere. Do you remember what Trump said in 2015 about illegal immigrants from Mexico? Theyre not sending their best. ... [S]ome, I assume, are good people. Increasingly, I hear those words echoing in my ears when I think about the United States Secret Service (USSS) agents responsible for protecting not only Donald Trump but all our top-level federal politicians. It turns out that Secret Service agents are not necessarily steely-eyed men who dedicate every minute to doing their job to the best of their abilities. Too often, theyre incompetents, with some possibly tainted by ideological corruption. The latest Secret Service agent to fall off the pedestal of historic respect is alleged to have sexually assaulted one of Kamala Harriss female staffers: The special agent in question and several Harris staffers were dining and drinking alcohol at a local restaurant after wrapping up work for the day. The group went back to the Harris staffers hotel room when the Secret Service agent in question allegedly forced himself on the woman staffer, groping her in the process actions that were apparently witnessed by other people present. One source in the Secret Service community said the accused agent was so inebriated that he was kicked out of his hotel room by co-workers and passed out in the hallway, where photos were taken of him. Currently, the agent is facing an internal disciplinary hearing. However, if that investigation shows that he did sexually assault the woman in question, thats not just a job failure; its a criminal action. Its not clear whether, if hes found to have acted criminally, the matter will be turned over to federal or Georgia authorities. Ironically, the alleged assault seems to have taken place in Fani Williss Fulton County. Sexual assault allegations, if proven true, are bad enough. However, these charges are just the latest in a long line of embarrassing USSS failures. The most notable failure, of course, was Butler, Pennsylvania. If you want to know what the USSS did wrong, you can read the interim report from the Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee. Its a depressing litany of planning failures, communication failures, equipment failures, intelligence failures, and sheer incompetence. The USSS came very close to failing again last week at Mar-a-Lago. Apparently, things like drones, noticing cars parked for 12 hours near Mar-a-Lago, using heat tracking apparatus to locate people hiding in the foliage...all of those were alien to the USSS staff. Having said that, it seems that the attempted assassination wasnt solely the teams fault. As best as I can tell, despite the Butler attempt on Trumps life, the USSS hasnt bothered to increase Trumps security detail. Thus, I do believe that theres a deliberate element to the failures around President Trumps security. However, its plain that some of whats going on with the USSS falls into the never ascribe to malice that which can be attributed to incompetence category. This incompetence starts with hiring and personnel management. In April, a female agent on Kamalas team had a complete mental breakdown and began to speak in gibberish and attack other agents. Last month, another Secret Service agent took time off from her duties to invite her family to join her in an off-limits area so she could nurse her baby. There was also the time that Kamalas security detail broke into a hairdressing establishment to use its nice bathroom. No wonder Joe Biden said that the USSS needs help. There are few things more destabilizing to a nation than political assassinations. Since President McKinleys assassination, the Secret Service has protected not just politicians but America itself. However, its apparent that the Secret Service is no longer up to the job, which should worry us all. If I had to guess, Id say that the problem is partly due to rampant partisanship, which sees the agents, from the management on down, not trying very hard to protect Donald Trump. However, looking at the problems with Kamala Harriss detail, I keep returning to Donald Trumps words: Theyre not sending their best. ... [S]ome, I assume, are good people. A fish rots from the head, and whatever hiring metrics the USSS management is using (and I assume DEI factors into it), those metrics arent working. The USSS is hiring mediocre people who are doing a mediocre job. Image: YouTube screen grab (edited). Im not saying these are likely, Im saying be prepared for them. Perhaps highlighting them now will act as a deterrent. Shocking revelations allegedly from the Trump campaigns hacked emails. Have you been reading about hacked emails from the Trump campaign? According to 51, er, 17, er, 3 intelligence agencies in joint statements, it is the work of Iranian malicious cyber actors. The Iranians deny it. Given recent intelligence community malfeasance, Im more inclined to believe the Iranians. The IC is currently softening up the public with real emails, but close to the election theyll disclose or leak more hacked emails in which Trump and his aides allegedly said outrageous and offensive things, with not enough time before the election for Trump to rebut the charges or their effect. A fake assassination attempt on Kamala. (Hat tip to the Instapundit.) I didnt bother to list a real assassination attempt on Trump, which at this point wouldnt be a surprise. A fake assassination attempt on a Democrat governor. Whitmer kidnapping plot redux. An Antifa-style fake right riot. Maybe burn down an abortion clinic, or an anti-Hamas/Hezbollah or anti-antisemitism riot (complete with fake Orthodox Jews). Yes, conservative media can debunk this in hours, but low-information voters on the fence who rely exclusively on the MSM wont see it until after the election. A fake rape claim made against J.D. Vance. At this point no one will believe it on Trump. Joe Biden suddenly dies before the election. Kamala gets to take the oath and be in charge, making her appear presidential. Ben Shapiro claims Kamala doesnt want to be president right now so as to avoid any blame for what the administration she is a part of has wrought, but she wont mind if its just for a few weeks and it helps her get elected. Biden secretly pardons Hunter and all other complicit family members before the election. As protection in case of the preceding. Even if the pardon does not apply to state crimes such as state tax evasion on grift income, prosecutors in those states (California, New Jersey) will not be inclined to prosecute. If Trump wins, Biden pardons essentially the entire federal government. This would include DoJ/FBI officials due to their lawfare and targeting of conservatives, IC officials cooking up dirty plots against Trump, officials who refused to enforce border security laws, U.S. Secret Service personnel, officials of various agencies who have hawked unconstitutional DEI initiatives, all the COVID players, etc. So much for Trump going after them all. Ill leave it to your imagination what deal Biden is offered. W.A. Eliot is a pseudonym. Image: Free image, Pixabay license. A month ago, news broke that, up in Canada, Justin Trudeaus government is fining the Amish community $300,000 ($222,660 American dollars). Their crime? They didnt download the governments COVID app. The twist, of course, is that the Amish dont have smartphones. They eschew all modern technology. This story has made almost no headlines, but its important because its a preview of coming attractions if Kamala becomes president. This is what leftists do. Acting for your own good, they destroy you. As anyone who has watched either Witness or Weird Al Yankovichs brilliant Amish Paradise knows, the Amish lifestyle does not embrace modernity. To hark back to another American pop culture moment, the Amish have no phone, no lights, no motor car, not a single luxury. Like Robinson Crusoe, its primitive as can be. This is not because the Amish are victims. They have embraced a lifestyle of pre-modern simplicity because their faith calls upon them to live this way. Image by Andrea Widburg However, in Canada, religious beliefs are not a defense against a massively overreaching government. Rebel News reported on the story in August: The problem began with the Canadian government's enforcement of the ArriveCan app during the COVID-19 pandemic. This app was mandatory for anyone entering Canada, requiring travellers to submit their health information digitally. The Amish, however, do not use smartphones, let alone apps. They also have religious exemptions from vaccinations, making the use of such technology unnecessary and intrusive for them. Yet, despite these clear exemptions, the government insisted on compliance, leading to severe penalties. The result? The Amish community in Chatsworth has been slapped with nearly $300,000 in fines for not using the ArriveCan app. This is a community that doesnt use electricity, let alone digital applications. The fines were not just a bureaucratic oversight they were a targeted action. The government even went so far as to place liens on their properties, effectively freezing their ability to obtain loans and transfer land titles within families. These punitive measures have left the Amish community in a state of shock and despair. Although Canada does not have a First Amendment, it does have a 1982 Charter of Rights and Freedoms. According to that charter, Canada does have freedom of religion. Its soahemimportant that it appears very early in the endless document, a Section 2(a). This section promises that Everyone has the following fundamental freedoms: a. freedom of conscience and religion. Whats unstatedthe little caveat, the tiny asteriskis that this freedom exists only if the government allows it. Its a privilege, not a right. In this regard, our Constitution is hugely different. As Obama once complained, the American Constitution is a charter of negative liberties, [that] says what the states cant do to you, says what the federal government cant do to you... Thats exactly right. Privileges come from the government, and what the government giveth, the government can taketh away. Rights, however, are inherent in each individual, and the government cannot touch them unless for an extraordinarily good reason. The way modern leftism works to get around these constitutional limitations is to dress the lust for power in the clothes of compassion. Were not touching your rights. We want to do things for you. Or as Obama added in the same interview quoted above, that darn Constitution doesnt say what the federal government or the state government must do on your behalf. Reagan had the answer for that complaint: The nine most terrifying words in the English language are Im from the government, and Im here to help. Although Donald Trump broke Jonah Goldberg, I believe that Goldberg wrote one of the best books ever about the modern Democrat party: Liberal Fascism: The Secret History of the American Left, From Mussolini to the Politics of Meaning. The memorable cover shows a smiley face with a little Hitler mustache. The books point is that all modern totalitarianism, including Hitlers, comes dressed in the guise of loving care. The government is your friend. The government will make your life better. Listen to the loving government. Do what the government tells you. Anyone who doesnt listen to the government is bad. Indeed, theyre so bad they must be destroyed. The trajectory is always the same. Trudeau mandated that the COVID app was for the good of Canadians. Therefore, all Canadians must get with the program. Those who didnt made themselves enemies of the loving state and they must pay. By defying the governments love, theyve lost the privilege to have freedom of conscience and religion. If you watch Kamala, her messageher joy and vibesis the same as Trudeaus. Im the embodiment of a loving government. Just do what I say. But if you dont, look at what happened to Donald Trump and everyone near him. And dont believe that we wont do it to you, too. We dont need more division, but research does indicate liberals tend to prefer cats over dogs. Maybe its because urban areas are more accommodative to cats, and thats where liberals live. Perhaps one reason is that liberals are not as giving, and an animal that doesnt require much care fits in nicely with a selfish group of people. Or perhaps the aloofness of snooty cats resonates deeply with the liberal crowd. By contrast, dogs relish their family roles. They maintain a somewhat conservative disposition, and even appreciate a bit of authority to establish boundaries, rather than wishy-washy liberal my dog is my child gobbledygook that confuses them. Theres a day for just about everything, including Responsible Dog Ownership Day, occurring on September 17th under the auspices of the American Kennel Club. In addition to the basic responsibility of truly caring for ones furry companion, Id like to suggest another: recognition that Fido is not conversant in any language except a few words in police and military talk. And definitely not versed in liberal word-salads. Ive had, or maybe theyve had me, three dogs at different times. They were all special, but none could speak anything other than K-9. Our gestures and intonations might communicate vague emotions, but words like get down off the couch and go to your corner, or stop biting the poor postman and get off him immediately, arent even Greek to them, let alone English. I confirmed this by checking the AKA website. Theres simply no evidence that Canis lupus familiaris is unilingual, let alone multilingual. Nevertheless, so many dog companions engage in extensive animated chats with their pooch. One, whom I ran into on my lunch break at the local park, encouraged his dog to come here, leave the gentleman alone. Unfortunately, the dog misinterpreted that as: good boy! Now jump all over him and be sure to slobber all over his work clothes and if you leave your muddy paw prints theres an extra treat for you. I discovered that my dog almost understood the word speak, but three syllables like gentleman are a linguistic challenge. Dogs are miraculous at sensing our emotions, and amazing at sniffing out our ailments or things untoward, but they dont know what gentleman means, so how are they going to disengage from overzealous play? I tested my last dogs vocabulary. After much repetition and numerous bags of treats I was able to get him to bark when I told him to speak. So clever, I thought. Then, one day a visitor implored Welly to squeak to my dismay, he barked. Not so clever after all hes only supposed to bark when told to speak, so there goes months of English-language training down the drain. Though I guess from his pawspective he did get plenty of treats along the way; after all, responsible dog ownership includes recognition of his liberal lexical limits. This is not to discourage a good ol chin-wag with our trusty companions. They may not appreciate the intricacies of human languages, but theyll definitely soak up the attention and pawcieve the general tenor, all the while relishing the attention. The moral (in addition to not wearing fancy duds at the park) is that theres little point in walkers telling their dogs, in fuzzy liberal language that a human toddler couldnt even understand, to stop despoiling the gentlemans spiffy attire. Dogs dont understand liberal gobbledygook. Instead of muttering a word-salad, a simple conservative come here in a sharp, pitched tone might work, but thats about the extent of their linguistic abilities (none of those electric pulse zapper things, though). Better yet, responsible (conservative) dog ownership means obeying the leash laws, at least with strangers in proximity, then letting them loose after passing. After all, while dogs have special sensory powers, and can certainly exhibit signs of intelligence, they have a limited ability to comprehend literal liberal communication. Perhaps the lesson in commanding ones rampant dog in public is to be conservative with words... but maybe this is moot, as conservatives are more likely to be responsible dog owners compared to catty liberals. Image: Free image, Pixabay license. Kamala Harris doesn't have any idea what she's doing, let alone any idea about what she'll do if she gets into the Oval Office. That was obvious enough from her second interview with Stephanie Ruhle on MSNBC, apparently the only interviewer she trusts won't make her look stupid, and still she looked stupid. No matter, though, Ruhle tried to spin for her afterward. Among other things, Harris repeated herself, like someone who doesn't know what to say, or who's used to not being listened to: NEW: Vice President Kamala Harris says "holistic" three times in a 15-second period. The VP proudly showed off the word during an interview with MSNBC host Stephanie Ruhle. "Looking holistically at the connection between that and housing and looking holistically at the pic.twitter.com/Z9DMdR97Qj Collin Rugg (@CollinRugg) September 25, 2024 She completely blew it on economics, babbling about price-gouging and ignoring a specific question about price controls: Watch this clip in its entirety. MSNBC host Stephanie Ruhle is a good 30 IQ points higher than presidential candidate Kamala Harris. This should scare the sh*t out of you. pic.twitter.com/lo4k0tuRvt johnny maga (@_johnnymaga) September 25, 2024 She spewed more rubbish about financing the multi-trillion dollar national debt through taxing the rich, as if they even have enough money for her kind of spending plans, never mind if they flee the country, taking their investment cash with them. She ignored that part of Ruhle's question: What score 1-5 would Kamala Harris get on an AP economics exam? I dont think she understands basic economics. 2? Best case: pic.twitter.com/8z7HTEDuOC Clay Travis (@ClayTravis) September 26, 2024 She had nothing to say about the problems of falling wages and rising prices which voters care about: Oh sure!#Kamala's Record Wages went Down While the cost of Necessities Skyrocketed! pic.twitter.com/TIelp0CiBG Truth Will Prevail . . . Magna Est Veritas (@barbiebrox) September 25, 2024 Cripes, who has time for this? Stephanie Ruhle: "There are lots of Americans who don't see themselves in your plans... What do you say to them?" Kamala: "Well if you are... hard working... if you... have... uh... the dreams and the ambitions and the aspirations of what I believe you do, you're in my plan." pic.twitter.com/FVrcBWe48I Trump War Room (@TrumpWarRoom) September 25, 2024 She also ignored a question about the border, saying she would pass a long-dead Senate bill that would institutionalize illegal border crossing such as it is, and would give amnesty to illegals: Here is the entire exchange on the border from the MSNBC Kamala Harris interview. Ruhle asked a reasonable question (the only one on the topic). Harris's answer was 1) pass the bill that didn't pass, and 2) make illegal border crossers US citizens. https://t.co/uOCmDr0hTQ pic.twitter.com/ONHQPqDgmP Byron York (@ByronYork) September 26, 2024 She was like a job hunter at an interview who didn't know anything about the job she was applying to: I've done many interviews for hiring people and she gives the impression of someone who has never had an actual job before and didn't do research on what job was being advertised. Dr. Judgmental Shoelace, PhD. (@DocKilmer) September 26, 2024 Even the New York Times noticed the question-dodging: The NYT, who loves to normalize Trump, is complaining about the Kamala Harris MSNBC interview, claiming she dodged questions. (Here's the transcript showing the answers.) They say she gives no answer to funding and the next sentence they post is her answer the question. WOW. pic.twitter.com/GHwFjYCdtS Amee Vanderpool (@girlsreallyrule) September 26, 2024 Joel Pollak at Breitbart News gave a comprehensive overview describing the extent of the problem: Vice President Kamala Harris gave her first solo interview Wednesday on cable news as the Democratic Partys nominee for president, and failed to answer questions even in a friendly interview by MSNBCs Stephanie Ruhle. MSNBC's host asked better questions than she did last week, but after getting the ridiculous answers to them from Harris, tried to excuse it and explain it away: WHAT A JOKE!!! MSNBC acknowledged that Kamala was unprepared for previously taped interview She doesnt answer the question. pic.twitter.com/QS4Jb5tQ48 Chad Prather (@WatchChad) September 25, 2024 It was wretched. The more voters see of this, the more they've got to ask themselves if this person has any idea of what she's doing or what she plans. The less she says, the better it is from Kamala's perspective. But with President Trump refusing her a second debate, we are likely to see more of this, which ought to chase voters away in droves. Image: Twitter screen shot One of the things that lawyers do to drive themselves nuts is to try to discern from appellate judges statements during oral argument how those judges will ultimately rule. Today, a panel of New York Appellate Court judges expressed skepticism about Februarys $464 million fraud judgment against Donald Trump. Still, its irresistible to read the tea leaves, and they indicate that the judges understand that the judgment is irredeemably flawed and must be reversed. Because the lawfare against Trump has been so overwhelming, let me refresh your recollection about which case is being appealed right now. New Yorks Attorney General Letitia James had a one-item platform: I will destroy Donald Trump. To achieve that goal, she filed a civil suit against Trump, alleging that he had defrauded banks by lying about the value of his assets to obtain loans. Judge Engoron, a bizarre man and a Democrat party hack, ate it up and ruled against Trump. To achieve the end, he had to do a few things. Image: YouTube screen grab. First, he had to pretend that Mar-a-Lago, a vast property with a dual beachfront (east and west) in a region where smaller properties are routinely valued at over $100 million, was worth only $18 million. Engoron is either very stupid or very biased. There is no third option. Second, Engoron had to ignore that the banks did due diligence, so they didnt rely on Trumps valuations; Trump repaid the loans in a timely fashion after having properly paid interest on them; and the banks were happy with Trumps business, and wanted more of it. Additionally, outside of the happy banks, not a single New York citizen was harmed by the ruling. The opposite was true. The ruling, if upheld, is a signal for big money to flee New York state, something that harms the states economy. Third, there was the little problem of the lawsuit being time-barred since Trump had applied for many of the loans more than a decade before James filed suit. (Frankly, its hard to tell from the decision when Trump applied for the loans, which suggests that Engoron tried to bury that information in the 92 single-spaced pages. The statute of limitations on fraud claims in New York ranges from six years from when the fraud was committed or two years from when the plaintiff discovered it, whichever is longer. Ignoring these factual and legal matters, Engoron was an enthusiastic partner in Jamess get Trump game. However, the New York Appellate Court may not be quite so enthusiastic about the original $464 million, which has now mushroomed to more than $489 million, thanks to the interest that accrues at a rate of about $1 million every week-and-a-half: How do we draw a line, or at least put up some guardrails, to know when the AG [attorney general] is operating well within her broad admittedly broad sphere and when she is going into an area that wasnt intended for her jurisdiction? Justice John Higgitt asked. [snip] Many of the panel's questions were also related to the law that state Attorney General Letitia James, a Democrat, used to bring the action against Trump and his business, CNN also reports. Justice David Friedman, for instance, questioned her authority given that Deutsche Bank is not saying they were harmed by Trumps actions. It hardly seems to justify bringing an action to protect Deutsche Bank against President Trump which is what you have here, Friedman said. You have two really sophisticated players in which no one lost any money. In other words, wheres the fraud when you have knowledgeable players and no damages (and fraud claims always require damages)? And if theres no fraud and the appellate court doesnt act, whats to keep a hyper-partisan AG and judge from doing again exactly what James did here? In the Bible, the foundational moral book of Western civilization, Jethro, father-in-law to Moses, recognized that Moses was being overwhelmed by the task of managing the Israelites during their exile. He said Moses should continue as the peoples moral arbiter, but he advised Moses to appoint judges to rule on the peoples disputes. These judges, said Jethro, must be men who fear God, who are trustworthy and hate a bribe... That was good advice 3,000 years ago, and its good advice now. Thankfully, it looks as if the New York Appellate Judges, whether atheists or religious, are recognizing that Jethro was right: A society functions best when its arbiters are honest people, not dishonest partisans. As we understand, Facebook Mark is done with politics. I guess that Zuckerberg wants to move on and leave politics behind. According to news stories, he has a few regrets: Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg admitted Monday that the Biden administration pressured Facebook to censor COVID-19 content and acknowledged it was wrong to stifle The Posts coverage of Hunter Bidens infamous laptop. In an explosive letter to House Judiciary Committee Chairman Rep. Jim Jordan (R-Ohio), Zuckerberg wrote that senior Biden administration officials, including the White House, repeatedly pressured Meta to censor content related to the coronavirus pandemic in 2021. The content the Biden administration requested that Meta take down included humor and satire, according to the Facebook founder, and he said he regrets complying with certain demands. Okay, Mark. We forgive you, but hope that you understand what you did. Facebook's COVID policy destroyed reputations and may have cost people a few jobs. It certainly got some of my friends suspended in Facebook. The "laptop" denied voters the truth during a presidential debate. It allowed 50-something charlatans to sign a letter calling the laptop Russian disinformation. What is going on? Maybe Mark is being honest and regretting what he did. As a Christian, I believe in forgiveness and will accept his regrets. At the same time, maybe Mark is looking ahead to a Trump presidency in 2025 and choosing to be on the right side of history, as they like to say. Best of all, now we know that COVID and the laptop stories ended up impacting a presidential election. And Mark was in the middle of it all. I hope that Mark understands that some of us are pretty angry about that. P.S. Check out my blog for posts, podcasts and videos. Image: AT via Magic Studio All the prevalent Google Pixel Buds will get Gemini LLM and the accompanying AI assistant. An upcoming update would make it easier to summon and use Googles Generative Artificial Intelligence (Gen AI) on the older generation of TWS earbuds. Google will send Gemini AI update to older Pixel Buds The Pixel Buds, Pixel Buds A-series, or Pixel Buds Pro earbuds have Google Assistant. Moreover, users can summon the virtual assistant when using voice controls or on-device earbud touch controls. Moving forward, these older generations of earbuds will gain access to Gemini LLM and the Gen AI platform. Interestingly, Google is maintaining the functionality of both Google Assistant and Gemini AI on the previous generation Pixel Buds. In a mass email sent to Pixel Buds owners, Google indicated how Gemini and Google Assistant will co-exist. The Hey Google activation phrase will stay, but it will no longer be a separate setting. Users will be able to control the default Google Assistant on their Android phone or tablet, stated Google: The Hey Google & Voice Match setting on your connected Android phone or tablet will now control whether you can use Hey Google on your Assistant-enabled headphones. To use Hey Google and receive hands-free help on your headphones with your voice, turn on Hey Google from Assistant settings on your connected Android phone or tablet. Not all older Pixel Buds will get Gemini Gen AI By updating the previous generation of Pixel Buds, Google is reportedly bringing some feature parity with the recently launched Pixel Buds Pro 2. However, the latest TWS earbuds from Google have Gemini Live integration, which puts them way ahead of their predecessors. Incidentally, several hundred Pixel Buds could remain limited to Google Assistant. Google has indicated the new update for the older generation of Pixel Buds is limited to countries where Gemini is currently available. This means several of these TWS earbuds have access to Google Assistant only. Google hasnt indicated any timeframe for the release of an update that will bring Gemini AI to older Pixel Buds. It seems the company may not have decided if it will send out a small OTA patch or a larger firmware update. Googles latest releases make it clear that the company sees Matter and Thread as key pieces of the smart home ecosystems of the future. The company implemented Thread radios in the Pixel 9 series and Google TV Streamer for future proofing. The latter could become the ideal control hub for your devices at home. Now, a new finding suggests deeper integration of Thread networks into Google Play Services. Android Authority spotted some Thread-related strings in the latest Google Play Services beta (v24.38). The strings mention things like Thread Networks and Thread Networks Control Center, which are pretty explicit about Googles plans. The Mountain View seems to be working on letting you set up and manage Thread-supported networks using Google Play Services as a hub. Google reportedly integrating Thread networks support into Google Play Services Currently, Google has smartphones and a set-top box with built-in Thread radio. So, you could use any of those products as a control center for all of your Thread-supported smart products at home. The company has been working on making the process of setting up Thread networks easier by developing a Thread credentials cloud backup feature. Furthermore, Google is also embracing the Thread credentials sharing feature, which was announced by the Thread Group earlier this year. Theres still no ETA for Thread networks integration into Google Play Services. However, its possible that youll still have to wait a while to enjoy the full benefits of the protocol. After all, youd have to upgrade your current devices to Thread-supported ones. The work on Google and Thread Group is all about the medium and long term. It is possible that in the coming years most smart home products (and many phones) will integrate a Thread radio. What are Thread and Matter? If youre not aware, Thread is a protocol that ensures faster communication between supported devices in a Matter smart home ecosystem. It offers better performance than the classic WiFi and Bluetooth protocols. However, products must integrate a dedicated Thread radio to take advantage of its benefits. On the other hand, Matter is a common language that enables interoperability between all compatible devices. If youve ever tried to shop for smart home products, youll have noticed that theres a noticeable fragmentation in terms of platform support. Youll find devices that support Amazon Alexa, Google Home, Apples HomeKit, or Samsungs SmartThings. Some devices include support for two of those smart home platforms, but many only support one. What Matter wants is for all those products to communicate. That would open up a plethora of possibilities, such as managing smart light bulbs designed for Alexa from Google Home. Tensions between Google and the Russian government continue to rise. The Kremlin has not liked the Mountain View giants actions regarding blocking services in the country or removing state-backed content. Now, Russias digital ministry claims that Google has restricted the creation of new accounts on the platform for users in the country. Russian ministry says Google is restricting the creation of new accounts Google and Russia have had tension for years. The Russian government has spoken out against Googles refusal to remove content considered illegal by the state. This content frequently links to opponents of the Putin administration. After the conflict between Russia and Ukraine began, Google blocked access to its ad services and disabled AdSense accounts for Russian users. The company has also demonetized or removed content that approves or supports Ukraines invasion. This includes blocking thousands of YouTube channels and removing millions of videos. Now, Russias Digital Communications Ministry claims that Google restricts the creation of new accounts in the country. It also suggests that the SMS-based two-factor authentication service has stopped working. Telecom operators have also recorded a significant reduction in the number of SMS messages sent by the company to Russian users, the ministry said. Therefore, it is recommending that Russian users make backup copies of all content saved on Google services. It also suggests that they switch to other two-factor authentication solutions or move to Russian services. Other movements during the conflict between Russia and Google In early August, the possibility of a complete block of Google, Android, and iOS by the Russian government emerged. Russians also reported video playback and loading issues on YouTube due to speed throttling. At the time, the Russian government blamed Google, but the company claimed that the problem was not on its side. Issues with Google-based tech for Russian users appear to be escalating. The alleged blocking of the creation of new Google accounts in the country is a severe blow. If everything continues as it is, theyll probably have to move to another platform sooner rather than later. Many people tend to rely on reviews from alleged previous buyers before purchasing a product or service. However, the internet is full of fake reviews, probably more than you think. There are companies that use this strategy to make their products stand out from the rest. Now, Google is announcing that it will extend its fake reviews crackdown policy globally. As reported by Search Engine Roundtable, Google plans to get stricter with businesses that pay for fake product review services. The proliferation of fake reviews can be a serious market problem that unfairly affects competitors. After all, to the average person, a shiny 5-star review will look more attractive than one with 4 or 3 stars. So, many decide what to spend their money on based on what the reviews say. The fake review crackdown policies that Google will implement globally To combat this, Google will begin to implement tougher measures globally. If it detects businesses resorting to fake reviews, the Mountain View giant will impose three penalties. Such businesses will not be able to receive new reviews or ratings for a set period of time. Plus, existing reviews or ratings will be unpublished for a set period of time. Lastly, potential consumers will receive a warning about the business use of fake reviews. Interestingly, such policies are not exactly new. Google was already enforcing them, but only in the UK. In fact, the existing cases of businesses impacted by the punishments come from the UK. However, Google is now planning to expand these penalties globally. This should help greatly reduce the percentage of fake comments in product review sections. Malicious actors could abuse the system to affect competitors That said, Google must be careful in determining whether a business actually resorted to fake reviews. After learning about the new policies, some business owners may begin to pay for fake review services in an attempt to negatively impact their competitors. For instance, a company might send phony reviews to their direct competitors products, seeking to have Google unfairly penalize them. So, a reliable verification system is necessary before making a final decision about a business. It doesnt seem like an easy task, but if theres anyone who can find a solution to it, its Google. It seems that the Google TV Streamer is proving to be more of a hit than Google thought. The device is the next-generation Chromecast product, completely taking over the Chromecast branding. Its also the first device of its kind to integrate Android TV 14 out of the box. However, Google TV Streamer shipping is experiencing delays from multiple retailers, including the Google Store. Google Store will ship Google TV Stream devices in October (or November) Ironically, the Google Store appears to be the retailer with the longest shipping delays for the Google TV Streamer. 9to5Google reports that the website shows an estimated delivery date of between October 24-25 and October 25-28 for states like North Carolina and California, respectively. These dates correspond to the standard Porcelain colorway. The Google Store-exclusive Hazel colorway has even further out shipping dates (November 14-22 and November 8-17 for the same respective destinations). The Google TV Streamer only hit stores yesterday, suggesting the delay is due to higher demand than available units. As for other retailers, Amazon is also experiencing shipping delays for the Google TV Streamer, but only by a week (or a bit more). Amazon also does not offer the option of faster shipping with Prime. That said, if you just want to buy the device as quickly as possible, there are a few options. The source indicates that Best Buy, Home Depot, and Lowes Hardware have immediate availability of the Google TV Streamer for in-store pickup (limited availability at Lowes Hardware). If you want it shipped to your address, Best Buy processes the order in 2-3 days, Home Depot does it in 5-7 days, and Lowes Hardware takes 1-3 days. The devices improvements (and one drawback) The Google TV Streamer brings some key improvements compared to Chromecast dongles. The new set-top box form factor offers additional space for more ports and components, such as an Ethernet, a USB-C, and even a Thread radio to control Matter-based smart home ecosystems. Google claims that the device is 22% more powerful than the Chromecast with Google TV (4K). The Google TV Streamer features 4 GB of RAM and 32 GB of storage for downloading your favorite streaming apps and casual games. Theres also native support for Dolby Atmos. The new remote is similar to the old one, but now includes a customizable button and a handy Find My Remote feature that you can trigger with a button on the set-top box. While the device should offer a seamless streaming experience, there are some aspects that could have been better. For instance, the product uses WiFi 5 instead of WiFi 6. Samsung has now officially announced the Galaxy Tab S10 series and its pretty much everything you thought it was based on the leaks, including the fact that Samsung is only releasing two variants of the tablet this year. Those two models include the Galaxy Tab S10 Plus starting at $999.99, and the Galaxy Tab S10 Ultra starting at $1,199.99. Samsung chose to forego the regular Galaxy Tab S10 model this year and focus on the mid-range and high-end models. Samsung will offer multiple versions of the Galaxy Tab S10 Plus and Galaxy Tab S10 Ultra that have slightly varying specs, although this really only boils down to the amount of RAM and storage. The base model Galaxy Tab S10 Plus will offer 256GB of storage, but you can bump up to 512GB for an extra $200, bringing the total end price up to $1,199.99 for the Plus. Meanwhile, the Galaxy Tab S10 Ultra also starts with 256GB and can go up to 512GB for an end price of $1,319.99. Theres also now a 1TB model this year that will retail for a whopping $1,619.99. All variations will come with 12GB of RAM across the board. The Samsung Galaxy Tab S10 series is ready to handle your tasks thanks to AI Samsung has been integrating Galaxy AI into its devices since the launch of the Galaxy S24 series at the beginning of this year. Now, Galaxy AI is coming to tablets with the Galaxy Tab S10 Plus and Galaxy Tab S10 Ultra. All the usual things you could do with Galaxy AI up till now will be present, but things that should stand out to tablet owners will be things like Drawing Assist and Note Assist. With the use of the S Pen, you can use either of these features to make things easier. Note Assist, for example, will help you summarize lectures and transcribe talks with ease. Theres also a Sketch-to-Image feature that Samsung says can help users turn their imagination into reality. Circle-to-Search is included too, of course, making it much easier to find out a little more information about that product or item you saw online. New this year will be a dedicated Galaxy AI key on the new Book Cover Keyboard accessory. So if you pick that up it should be much easier (and more convenient) to interact with Samsungs Galaxy AI software. Big dynamic displays for rich color Samsung hasnt done a whole lot different with the displays this year, at least in terms of size. The Galaxy Tab S10 Plus will come with a 12.4-inch display and the Galaxy Tab S10 Ultra will have the larger 14.6-inch display. Both versions will use Dynamic AMOLED 2X panels that offer a vibrant yet natural viewing experience, even outdoors. The even outdoors part refers to the Anti-Reflection feature of the displays. So, basically you wont have to worry about having a hard time seeing anything on the screen. The displays on both tablets also have a refresh rate of 120Hz, so these should be great for general browsing as well as mobile gaming. In addition to the display specs, both tablets will come running on Android 14 and will use a MediaTek Diemsnity 9300+ chipset. Both tablets also support expandable storage via microSD cards up to 1.5TB in size on top of their internal storage amounts. In terms of battery life, the Galaxy Tab S10 Plus will come with a 10,090mAh battery and the Ultra model will have a 11,200mAh battery. Both will charge at 45W. Pre-orders begin today If youre looking to get your hands on either of these new tablets, pre-orders start today. The tablets will launch officially on October 3, though, which means you should be able to outright buy one starting next week. Samsung says theyre available in select markets, but thats likely most major markets where it already sells its biggest devices. So if you were able to purchase the Galaxy Tab S9 series last year, chances are you can buy either of these new models. In addition to the Galaxy Tab S10 series, Samsung also announced the Galaxy S24 FE, and the Galaxy Watch FE. Samsung Galaxy Tab S10 Plus - Buy at Amazon Samsung Galaxy Tab S10 Ultra - Buy at Best Buy According to leaks, the long-awaited Snapdragon 8 Gen 4 chip will bring significant performance boosts. However, it appears that Qualcomm will actually market it under a different name. A teaser for the Xiaomi 15 confirmed that the name of Qualcomms next flagship mobile SoC will be Snapdragon 8 Elite, aligning with the companys laptop chips. Tipster Digital Chat Station had suggested the name change, but now its a phone brand that confirms it. The name change to Snapdragon 8 Elite seems to make sense considering Qualcomm will use its new custom Oryon cores that debuted in its laptop SoCs. For reference, Qualcomms latest chips for ARM laptops are called Snapdragon X Elite (the more powerful one) and Snapdragon X Plus (a more affordable variant). Xiaomi 15 series teaser confirms Snapdragon 8 Elite as the name of Qualcomms next flagship SoC So, it seems that Qualcomm will identify its chips for Windows devices using X instead of a number. This suggests that a potentially more affordable version of the Snapdragon 8 Elite would be called Snapdragon 8 Plus, which could be a bit confusing. Snapdragon 8s Gen 3 is the name of the affordable version of the current Snapdragon 8 Gen 3. Qualcomm also typically offers Samsung an exclusive version of its most powerful chipset by adding For Galaxy to the name. Therefore, Snapdragon 8 Elite for Galaxy would be the name of the chip in the upcoming Galaxy S25 Ultra. The teaser for the Xiaomi 15 series confirms that the phones will arrive on October 23, 2024, in China. That means that Qualcomm will announce the new SoC before that date. The company will host its Snapdragon Summit 2024 event in Maui, Hawaii from October 21 to 23. Qualcomm will probably reveal the chip during the first day of the event. Some expected improvements The Snapdragon 8 Elite (formerly known as the Snapdragon 8 Gen 4) will be Qualcomms first 3nm mobile chip. The SoCs CPU would have 2x super cores at 4.0 GHz and 6x high-performance cores at 2.8 GHz. This would translate to a 35% performance improvement in single-core tasks and 30% in multi-core tasks compared to its predecessor. It would also bring a powerful next-gen Adreno GPU with advanced ray-tracing capabilities. Of course, it would also boast a new NPU for advanced AI-powered experiences. The mother of a British teacher in Beirut has described her sons escape from Lebanon as the biggest relief after days of jitters amid escalating violence. Nicola Peters, 54, from Highgate in north London is mother to Charlie Peters, 24, who works in a Syrian refugee camp in Lebanons capital and has fled the country as fighting continues between Hezbollah and Israel. He boarded a delayed Middle East Airlines (MEA) flight from Beirut to Amman in Jordan on Wednesday and hopes to arrive in London Heathrow at 3.30pm on Thursday after Foreign Secretary David Lammy urged British nationals in Lebanon to leave while commercial options still remain. Speaking just before her sons flight to Amman, Ms Peters told the PA news agency: Once hes out of Lebanese airspace, I think that is, for me, the biggest relief factor. Ive spent three days with the jitters and the jumps and not wanting really to look at the news, but also having to look at the news, and thats really tricky. All those stages of, are you at the airport? Have you got your boarding pass? Are you at gate? Because youre waiting for that sort of news to come through the airport is shot. She said her son felt the rising tensions between Hezbollah and Israel could result in emergency evacuations for British nationals and believed this week is his final chance of catching a commercial flight back to the UK. What Charlie was really keen to do is that he did not want to be evacuated, explained Ms Peters, who trains menopausal women in weightlifting. He was like, were edging towards emergency evacuation here. I dont want to be somebody whos left it to the point where thats my only option. I either stay here or the British taxpayer has to get me home. And that was his big thing is, I have to get a commercial flight out. Probably this week is the last week. Charlie Peters left Lebanon after the attacks of October 7 and again in August when there was an exchange of fire between Israel and Hezbollah. However, Nicola Peters feels the scale of attacks on this occasion feels different and may prevent her son from returning to Lebanon in the future. I think as soon as he felt it was safe to (return to Lebanon), he would go back, but I think this time feels different. It feels really, really different, she said. Before it was a Palestinian, Hamas war in Gaza, then it crept into the West Bank, and you can just see that its just swelling, and its now reaching that point in Lebanon where I just cannot see the Israelis stopping. This feels as though Lebanon are being dragged into something. It cant even get back on its feet. Its economically broken and this is just going to set it back years. Ms Peters said her sons decision to leave Lebanon was difficult describing his close attachment to teaching for Alsama, a Lebanese charity which provides teaching to refugee children with a focus on empowering women and girls. What you have to understand for these people who work in these sort of refugee camp systems is youre leaving people behind who have no choice, she explained. Hes worked there for two years, theres a big emotional attachment to these kids about abandoning them because they have no choice and actually having that choice to leave becomes really problematic. Chancellor Rachel Reeves could be willing to change the plans for Labours crackdown on non-doms, according to reports. The Financial Times reported on Thursday evening that Government officials had said Ms Reeves could change the policy if the numbers are not satisfactory. A Treasury spokesperson called the report speculation, not Government policy and pledged to remove the outdated non-dom tax regime. Prime Minister Keir Starmer congratulates Chancellor of the Exchequer Rachel Reeves after she addressed the Labour Party Conference in Liverpool (Stefan Rousseau/PA) It comes after a report in the Guardian suggested Treasury officials fear estimates due to be issued by the Office for Budget Responsibility will forecast that the policy will raise no money because of the risk of people who are super-rich leaving the UK. According to the Guardian report, there are concerns that the OBR forecast would predict the policy could cost the Government money due to non-doms limiting their time in the UK. An HM Treasury spokesperson said: These reports are speculation, not Government policy. The independent Office for Budget Responsibility will certify the costings of all measures announced at the Budget in the usual way. We are committed to addressing unfairness in the tax system so we can raise the revenue to rebuild our public services. That is why we are removing the outdated non-dom tax regime and replacing it with a new internationally competitive residence-based regime focused on attracting the best talent and investment to the UK. A costings document in June said Labour planned to raise billions by closing the non-dom loophole for wealthy foreigners living in the UK and cracking down on tax avoidance. Earlier on Thursday, former Bank of England chief economist Andy Haldane told LBC he would be a bit careful about not discouraging money for growth. When asked about the Guardian report, he said: This is a time where we need more of that private finance to fuel growth and recovery. So if it were me, Id be being a bit careful in not deterring just the flow of finance we need to get growth going. In August, Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer pledged the Government was cracking down on non-doms. In a speech where he warned the upcoming Budget would be painful, he said: Those with the broadest shoulders should bear the heavier burden, and thats why were cracking down on non-doms. Englands chief medical officer is to be quizzed on the impact the pandemic had on the NHS. Professor Sir Chris Whitty is to face questions when he appears before the UK Covid-19 Inquiry on Thursday. Inquiry chairwoman Baroness Heather Hallett is examining the impact of the crisis on NHS workers, patients and the delivery of healthcare. Module three of the inquiry is looking at the governmental and societal response to Covid-19 by assessing the impact of the pandemic on how NHS services were delivered. This will include how managers led the pandemic response, the role of primary care and GPs, NHS backlogs, and how the vaccine programme was integrated. The diagnosis of long Covid and the support offered to those affected will also be examined. Professor Sir Chris Whitty will be questioned by the inquiry on Thursday (Andrew Matthews/PA) Sir Chris, who became a well-known figure during the crisis due to his regular appearances at Downing Street press conferences, is likely to be asked about the Stay Home, Protect the NHS, Save Lives messaging deployed at the start of the pandemic. Former chief nursing officer for England Dame Ruth May was asked about the messaging when she appeared before the inquiry earlier in the month. Asked if the message got the balance wrong, she replied: In hindsight I wish it was, stay at home but not if youre pregnant in hindsight, yes. It comes as a charity said the Government missed opportunities to support the nations mental health during the pandemic. A report from the Centre for Mental Health said the pandemic caused collective trauma from the effects of isolation, bereavement and fear, and longer term trauma of health care workers and the psychological legacy among children and young people of disrupted education. Andy Bell, chief executive of the charity and co-author of the report, said: The Covid-19 pandemic has hit the nations mental health hard. A lack of government planning, and the absence of any strategy to mitigate harms, meant that both short-term and long-lasting mental health harms occurred that are still visible four years on. It is truly shocking that people with a mental illness were so disproportionately affected by the virus itself, exacerbating existing health inequalities and widening the already vast life expectancy gap. In the wake of the Darzi review, todays report is yet more evidence that the NHS requires system-wide change to meet rising levels of need following the pandemic. We call on the Covid public inquiry and the UK Government to take the evidence we have amassed seriously and ensure that we learn the right lessons from the pandemic about its relationship with the nations mental health. Sidelining mental health yet again will leave us unprepared for future emergencies and their consequences. The peoples mental health deserves better. Elsewhere, the BBC reported that Baroness Hallett has refused an application from the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) to keep the identities of two junior clinicians secret. Lawyers for UKHSA applied for an order preventing publication of their names, on the grounds they could be subject to abuse and harassment on social media and in person. Both attended Infection Prevention and Control (IPC) Cell meetings during the pandemic to discuss guidance on masks and personal protective equipment (PPE). Critics have said the IPC Cell failed to strengthen recommendations on PPE after it became clear how Covid was spread, costing lives. Baroness Hallett said the names could be published in minutes of those meetings, as any risk was outweighed by the public interest. Coldplay are to make history by becoming the first music act to play 10 nights at Wembley Stadium in a single tour, breaking a record jointly held by Taylor Swift and Take That. On Thursday, the London venue said in a post on X that the group will set a new Wembley record after the band announced additional shows had been added to their 2025 world tour. The post added: Coldplay make Wembley history as they perform a record ten nights under the arch as part of the #MusicOfTheSpheresWorldTour. It could only happen here. The band, comprised of frontman Chris Martin, guitarist Jonny Buckland, drummer Will Champion and bassist Guy Berryman, had initially announced a six-night run at Wembley next year but added four more shows due to phenomenal demand. A new Wembley record.@coldplay make Wembley history as they perform a record ten nights under the arch as part of the #MusicOfTheSpheresWorldTour It could only happen here. pic.twitter.com/Z5xJufcysp Wembley Stadium (@wembleystadium) September 26, 2024 Grammy-award winner Swift, who kicked off her juggernaut Eras Tour in 2023, this year became the first solo artist to play the venue eight times in a single tour, with the stadium gifting her a bespoke guitar to mark her achievement. Pop group Take That, known for hits including Patience and Greatest Day, performed eight shows at the stadium in 2011. Coldplay said on X: Due to phenomenal demand in the presale, ninth and tenth Wembley Stadium shows have just been announced, for 7 & 8 September, 2025. The presale for these extra shows will begin at 2.30pm BST today, to those with presale access. The presale for the first eight Wembley shows has now ended. Due to phenomenal demand in the presale, ninth and tenth Wembley Stadium shows have just been announced, for 7 & 8 September, 2025. The presale for these extra shows will begin at 2.30pm BST today, to those with presale access. The presale for the first eight Wembley shows has pic.twitter.com/0S1NHKfTWo Coldplay (@coldplay) September 26, 2024 The general sale for all UK shows will begin tomorrow (Friday) at 9am BST. The pop band, known for songs including Clocks, Yellow and Fix You, will also play at Craven Park in Hull in August next year alongside a special guest, yet to be announced. This year the band headlined Glastonbury Festival on the Saturday night where they were joined by artists including Little Simz and Nigerian music legend Femi Kuti, as well as Back To The Future star Michael J Fox. The group are to play dates in Australia from October as part of their ongoing Music Of The Spheres world tour which is named after their 2021 album of the same name. Their forthcoming studio album, Moon Music, will be released in October. Ludwig stars David Mitchell as a puzzle designer who decides to take his missing twin's place as a detective to investigate his disappearance. (BBC) (BBC / Big Talk Studios) Ludwig has delighted BBC viewers so much that just one day after it premiered viewers were already calling for a new series. The crime drama stars David Mitchell as John 'Ludwig' Taylor, a reclusive puzzle designer who decides to take on his twin brother James' identity in order to investigate his mysterious disappearance. In the fish out of water story, John must pretend to be a DCI on Cambridge's major crimes squad so he helps solve crimes whilst searching for his brother. Mitchell is joined in the series by Anna Maxwell Martin, Dipo Ola, Izuka Hoyle, and Dorothy Atkinson, amongst others, and the series was dropped all on BBC iPlayer so that viewers could choose whether they wanted to binge it straight away or watch it weekly many chose the former. Ludwig has been received well by viewers, who have started to call the BBC to commission it for a new series just one day after it premiered. (BBC) (BBC / Big Talk Studios) Some people who watched Ludwig shared their thoughts on the series on social media, with several asking BBC to recommission the show already. One user tagged BBC and Mitchell on X and said: "#LUDWIG - I LOVED IT. Second series?", while another wrote: "Dear @BBCOne PLEASE can we have a second series of #Ludwig!!!!" They weren't the only ones hoping to see more of Ludwig on their screens, as another person wrote: "Stuff like this makes me happy to pay my tv licence, more of this BBC! Commission a second series - and Im only one episode in!" Viewers were also full of praise for the series, with one saying: "Absolutely loved the first episode of #Ludwig. Right up my street!" Dear @BBCOne PLEASE can we have a second series of #Ludwig!!!! pic.twitter.com/nLAd2q6j7h Sarah Todd Taylor (@scraphamster) September 25, 2024 The cosy crime drama delighted another viewer, who said it was "the Jonathan Creek for a new generation", adding: "It's all about formula and logic. It's so simple and absolutely brilliant. Love it!" Another person put things simply: "#Ludwig is the best binge of the year so far. Isnt it obvious." Mitchell's performance as the titular character also worked well for fans, with one person saying the actor is "brilliant" in the series, while a different viewer wrote: "Just watched the first three episodes of #Ludwig and it's brilliant. Right up my street. Some good laughs combined with an utterly ridiculous set of circumstances and characters make this an easy watch. Loving the incidental Beethoven variations too. Mitchell is brilliant." David Mitchell has said playing a TV detective is a 'dream' role for him because of his love for shows like Poirot and Miss Marple. (BBC) (BBC / Big Talk Studios) Mitchell would no doubt be delighted by the praise as he shared that Ludwig was a dream role: "I love TV detective shows. Its one of the types of programme I find most enjoyable and comforting to watch. I grew up loving Miss Marple and Inspector Morse and Poirot so its a bit of a dream for me to be in one." The comedian added that Ludwig works well as a series because of its episodic nature, adding: "I like the fact that you get some sort of resolution with Ludwig in one sitting. A lot more television programmes these days are serials. You have to keep watching to kind of get anything. "In Ludwig there are rewards for keeping watching every week but equally there is a story in each episode that is resolved, hopefully in a pleasing and intriguing way." Ludwig continues to air on BBC One every Wednesday at 9pm, and all episodes are available on BBC iPlayer now. This article originally appeared on Yahoo TV UK at https://uk.news.yahoo.com/david-mitchell-ludwig-viewers-second-series-bbc-093404150.html The Tanaiste said the Minister for Public Expenditure Paschal Donohoe is clear he did not make any phone call to an Israeli minister about the Occupied Territories Bill. Micheal Martin said he spoke to the Fine Gael minister on Thursday, and was clear that the reported phone call did not happen, nor does his published diary record any phone call. It was reported by the online website The Ditch that the then finance minister had a secret phone call in 2019 with his Israeli counterpart to assure him the Irish Government would block the Bill. The website said the call was disclosed in documents leaked from the Israeli Ministry of Justice. Fine Gael ministers must immediately reveal details of confidential engagements with Israeli officials @mattcarthy "Paschal Donohoe must set out clearly the detail of his engagements with Israeli counterparts." https://t.co/W1O9W5zMRT Sinn Fein (@sinnfeinireland) September 25, 2024 Sinn Feins Matt Carthy raised the issue in the Dail on Thursday, calling on Mr Martin to clarify whether the phone call took place. Mr Carthy, the Sinn Fein spokesman on foreign affairs, said: One of the things that we can do and, in fact, should have done years ago, is to enact the Control of Economic Activity (Occupied Territories) Bill 2018. The Bill is not controversial or, at least, it should not be. It simply bans trade with and economic support for illegal settlements and territories deemed occupied under international law. The Tanaistes party supported it when it was in opposition. It not only supported it but ran a roadshow in towns and cities across Ireland setting out its importance. On entering Government, Fianna Fail and the Green Party, it has to be said, have allowed Fine Gael to continue blocking this legislation. We have heard the excuses as to why the Bill has not been enacted. Reporting from The Ditch website suggests that following a confidential and unrecorded call with the minister, Paschal Donohoe, Israeli officials were in little doubt that the Bill would be blocked by the Fine Gael Government. We are told that Israeli officials emphasised that this was a confidential call and that, of course, chimes with the ministers own failure to record it in his ministerial diary and the Tanaistes contention that the minister cannot recall a conversation. Mr Martin said he spoke to Mr Donohoe on Thursday. He is clear that he did not make any such phone call, he said. His published diary does not record any such phone call. Sinn Feins Matt Carthy raised the issue of the reported phone call in the Dail on Thursday (Liam McBurney/PA) It speaks to people rushing to judgment before ascertaining the full facts. He is very clear and I think deputy Carthy should perhaps withdraw the assertions in his earlier public statements in that regard. Mr Carthy, a TD for Cavan Monaghan, called on the Tanaiste to commit to enacting the Occupied Territories Bill, and to allow for the passage of Sinn Feins Illegal Israeli Settlements Divestment Bill 2023, which bans the state from investing in companies that profit from illegal Israeli settlements. Mr Martin went on to say that the Israeli response to the attack on October 7 by Hamas has been absolutely disproportional and led to near famine conditions and the killing of more than 40,000 people in Gaza. In my view, that is reprehensible, he told the Dail. Mr Martin said he met the Prime Minister of the Palestinian Authority (Mohammed Mustafa), who he said was very grateful and very appreciative of Irelands stance and support of the Palestinian right to self-determination. The messaging around what masks NHS staff should wear to protect themselves against Covid-19 was quite confused early in the pandemic, according to Englands chief medical officer. Professor Sir Chris Whitty was asked about the use of FFP3 masks and FRSM masks (fluid-resistant surgical masks) at the Covid-19 Inquiry on Thursday. Public hearings for the inquiry are currently exploring the impact of the crisis on healthcare systems in the UK. Inquiry counsel Jacqueline Carey said that when the virus was declassified as a high consequence infectious disease (HCID) in March 2020, guidance from UK Infection Prevention and Control (IPC) effectively said FFP3s for AGPs (aerosol generating procedures), or hotspots where AGPs are going to be done, FRSM in the other areas. She asked: Do you think that was perceived by some in the profession as a downgrading of PPE that was required? Prof Whitty said: Im very confident you find some people who thought that was a downgrading, but I think most people would see that as a quite normal sequence. They may or may not agree with it, but they would see that as, its not a sort of downgrading, its simply a move from an HCID to an infectious disease, for which you have standard precautions for that level of risk. Ms Carey asked if he thought that message was sufficiently well communicated to healthcare workers. Prof Whitty replied that it was not his area of expertise, but added: I think that this is a recommendation I would invite the inquiry to consider. I think that the messaging near the beginning of this was quite confused. And I think the reason that it was confused was it was not entirely clear who was ultimately responsible for making decisions in this fast-moving situation. He added: I think that quite a lot of people thought they were partially responsible, and thats always an extremely difficult and dangerous situation to find yourself in. So it wasnt that people were trying to walk away from responsibility, but the quite complex system by which Public Health England, as it then was, the infection control cell, NHS delivery of various things, were interacting and thats before we get into issues of procurement and distribution, which had a separate set of challenges I think works fine if youre changing every six months or so in a reasonably measured way, up against the speed of changes that were needed, I think it led to uncertainty. It wasnt deliberate in any sense, and it wasnt anybody, as I say, trying to walk away from responsibility, but uncertainty as to who finally was actually trying to both call this and communicate it. Sir Chris said one of the things which we got wrong during the early stages of the pandemic was communication between people giving infection control guidance and those working on the frontline. He added: It is sensible to say to people: Our advice is professionally, we dont think this makes a difference, but if you feel this is important for your particular situation, this is available for you. And that might have been tricky right at the beginning because of what was available in the country at that point. He said that he did not use FFP3 masks when he was on the wards with people with Covid-19, adding: My view about this is the guidance is usually there for a perfectly logical set of reasons. I did what I what was recommended, not out of the point of principle, but just because I think: Fine, thats what the experts have recommended. Im comfortable with that. But people clearly werent comfortable, and that that was our failure, was the fact people did not feel, for understandable reasons, comfortable. Elon Musk has not been invited to the International Investment Summit the UK Government is hosting in October because of his social media posts during last months riots. After three children were killed in a stabbing attack in Southport and violence erupted across the UK, X owner Mr Musk posted on his platform promoting false claims, suggesting that a civil war in the UK was inevitable and attacking the Prime Minister. Billionaire Mr Musk has not been invited to the October summit because of his social media posts during the disorder, the BBC has reported. Mr Musk responded to a tweet saying that he had been snubbed by the UK, saying: I dont think anyone should go to the UK when theyre releasing convicted paedophiles in order to imprison people for social media posts. Earlier this month, some 1,700 prisoners were released early from their sentences in the first phase of the Governments plan to tackle overcrowding. Sex offenders are excluded from the policy. Some people have been jailed for stirring up racial hatred in relation to social media posts they made during the unrest in August. Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer will host the International Investment Summit on October 14 two weeks before the autumn Budget. The Government hopes the summit will attract hundreds of leading chief executives and financiers and is part of efforts to show that the UK is open for business after a period of political and economic turmoil. Sir Keir Starmer will host the International Investment Summit on October 14 (Leon Neal/PA) BNY, Blackstone and CyrusOne have confirmed attendance, according to the Treasury. A list of attendees has not been released. Investment giant Blackstone has already confirmed a 10 billion deal to develop Europes largest AI data centre in Blyth, Northumberland. The firms president, Jon Gray, will be among the executives at a roundtable event hosted by Sir Keir on Thursday. Rishi Sunak, left, interviewed Mr Musk at the AI Safety Summit last year (PA) Mr Musk was a star guest at the UK Governments Artificial Intelligence (AI) Safety Summit last year, during which then-prime minister Rishi Sunak interviewed him for almost an hour in front of business chiefs. But it appears he will not be courted by the new Labour administration after his posts about the disorder in the UK last month. False information that spread on social media about the identity of the alleged Southport knife attacker has been seen as playing a role in sparking the days of violence. The billionaire engaged with posts by Stephen Yaxley-Lennon, known as Tommy Robinson, suggested that civil war in the UK was inevitable, and retweeted a fake Daily Telegraph headline suggesting rioters would be sent to detention camps in the Falkland Islands. The social media tycoon also called the Prime Minister two-tier Keir, a reference to claims that police have a two-tier approach to protests and deal with some more harshly than others. Justice Minister Heidi Alexander said at the time that Mr Musks comments on civil war were deeply irresponsible and Sir Keirs spokesman said there was no justification for comments like that. Kemi Badenoch speaking at a Conservative Party leadership campaign event at IET London. Picture date: Monday September 2, 2024. Tory leadership candidate Kemi Badenoch has said she is a huge fan of Mr Musk. I think Elon Musk has been a fantastic thing for freedom of speech. I will hold my hand up and say, Im a huge fan of Elon Musk, she said in an interview with The Spectator. The other three hopefuls were also asked whether Musk has been a good thing for freedom of speech. Robert Jenrick said he does not have a strong opinion on the billionaire, but added: Im not going to be booking a tete-a-tete with Elon Musk any time soon. James Cleverly meanwhile warned against curtailing voices that you disagree with, while Tom Tugendhat said that If you are allowed to say whatever you like but you put your name to it, thats freedom of speech. The Government and X have been contacted for comment. Journalist Emily Maitlis has said she fled to the toilet before her interview with the Duke of York to tell herself dont pull your punches. The 54-year-old former BBC reporter said it had been the stuff of dreams to be played by Gillian Anderson and Ruth Wilson in dramatisations of the interview, in Netflix film Scoop and BBC drama series A Very Royal Scandal respectively. She told Good Housekeeping that despite being proud of her work, there was something very disturbing about seeing the impact of the interview play out. Maitlis said: I remember shaking [Andrews] hand, and then I excused myself and fled to the toilet. The interview saw Andrew quizzed on his relationship to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein (Chris Jackson/PA) I locked the door and slumped in the corner of this wonderful, very chintzy, very ornate loo. I was holding the handbasin at one point and just saying to myself, right, what is this interview about? Find the focus, find the point of the interview. I was sort of lecturing myself: dont interrupt, dont be rude, dont forget to be courteous in your address but also dont pull your punches in the questions. The interview saw Maitlis quiz Andrew on his relationship with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein and saw him deny having sex with then 17-year-old Virginia Giuffre, saying he was in Pizza Express in Woking on the day it was alleged to have happened. Following the interview, the duke paid a financial settlement to Giuffre, formally ending a US civil case brought against him. In the settlement he accepted no liability and he has always rejected claims of wrongdoing. Canadian-born British journalist Maitlis went on to say that her younger self wouldnt believe that parts of her life would end up on TV dramas. She added: I just thought it was a hoot. I couldnt believe it. Its the stuff of dreams, isnt it, to be portrayed by Gillian Anderson and Ruth Wilson? If I had to describe that to a younger version of myself, I just wouldnt believe it. Emily Maitlis will appear on the cover of the November issue of Good Housekeeping (Good Housekeeping UK/Mark Harrison/Camera Press/PA) Maitlis said that, following the interview, far too much responsibility was put on her and her team. The journalist said: There were some people saying to me, what have you done to the royal family?. Stuff that was way too big and put far too much responsibility on our teams shoulders. But theres something very disturbing about seeing the effects play out in real time, because you do feel a sense of responsibility. The thing I keep coming back to is, Im a journalist, I just ask the questions. Maitlis also spoke about her decision to leave the BBC in 2022, saying she was grateful to the corporation but had thought it was now or never when she entered her 50s, so decided to leave. Her post-BBC work has seen her appear on Channel 4s election night coverage, present a daily news podcast called The News Agents and work as an executive producer on A Very Royal Scandal. The full interview can be read in the November 2024 issue of Good Housekeeping, which is now on sale. Former senator George Mitchell, who helped broker the Good Friday Agreement, has challenged Northern Irelands current leaders to fulfil the potential of the historic peace deal. Mr Mitchell, who returned to Belfast as plans were unveiled to build a new home for a peace institute in his name at Queens University, said while Northern Ireland had enjoyed 26 years of peace, there has not been 26 years of full reconciliation and progress. The veteran diplomat, 91, also had an emotional meeting with Erin McArdle, one of the first babies born after the 1998 agreement which largely ended decades of violence in Northern Ireland. Mr Mitchell, who chaired the Good Friday Agreement negotiations to a successful conclusion, was making his first visit to Belfast since he attended events at Queens last year to mark the 25th anniversary of the peace deal. George Mitchell met with Erin McArdle, one of the first babies born after the Good Friday Agreement was signed (Kelvin Boyes/PA) The event on Wednesday night was held to mark a dedication of the new home for the Senator George J Mitchell Institute for Global Peace, Security and Justice at the university. Among those in attendance at the recently opened Seamus Heaney Centre, beside which the new institute will be developed, were former taioseach Bertie Ahern, Secretary of State Hilary Benn and the First and deputy First Ministers Michelle ONeill and Emma Little-Pengelly as well as a host of political leaders, past and present. Television presenter Donna Traynor then facilitated a conversation between Mr Mitchell and Ms McArdle and her mother Caroline in the Whitla Hall. Reflecting on the challenges of negotiating the agreement, Mr Mitchell said he believed Northern Ireland can be and will be a lesson to the world. He added: The challenge you have is to take advantage of this opportunity. There have been 26 years of peace; there has not been 26 years of full reconciliation and progress. The restoration of the Assembly, the election of two credible, responsible women Michelle (ONeill) and Emma (Little-Pengelly), the fact that you dont have an election coming up right away, means that there is an enormous opportunity now for Northern Ireland to experience a period of growth, increased prosperity, opportunity, education, healthcare for children. A place where people not only want to live but people want to come to. I believe that with all my heart and soul. I hope that is going to happen, that springing from this moment, out of crisis comes opportunity that Northern Ireland can move forward together. Left to right, Sir Ian Greer with Mr Mitchell and Michelle ONeill and Emma Little-Pengelly (Kelvin Boyes/PA) Declan Kelly, a former US Envoy, is leading the fundraising campaign to rebuild the Senator George J Mitchell Institute for Global Peace, Security and Justice. Originally established in 2016, it is an interdisciplinary research institute providing a response to the global challenge of building a peaceful, inclusive and secure world. Mr Kelly said: I was honoured to be approached to lead the capital committee for the Mitchell Centre. We owe it to future generations to pass on all we can of George Mitchells towering accomplishment here through the long years that led to the Good Friday Agreement. Queens president and vice-chancellor, Professor Sir Ian Greer, added: It is an honour to welcome our former chancellor and close friend of the University, Senator George Mitchell, back to Queens for this special event. Senator Mitchell was a key architect of the Belfast Good Friday Agreement, chairing the talks in 1998 that brought peace to this island. The continuing work that takes place at the Queens Institute that bears his name solidifies the Senators and Queens unwavering commitment to lasting peace for this island and its people. This event was a celebration of how far we have come in terms of peace, and we look forward to continuing the work on global peace, security and justice when the new institute building opens in the next few years. Ms ONeill said the institute showcases the positive change that has taken place in the north since the Belfast Good Friday Agreement. She added: This building and the research institute that bears his name, pay tribute to the commitment and dedication of Senator George Mitchell to bringing peace here and I want to acknowledge the extraordinary efforts of Senator Mitchell throughout the peace process. Ms Little-Pengelly said it was an honour to be part of the event. She added: The progress that has been made over the course of the last 26 years has been remarkable and Senator Mitchells commitment to Northern Ireland and his deep understanding of here has been an important part of that journey. This initiative will reflect the importance of peace but it will also remind us of the frailty and how we all must continue to work at maintaining it. Watch Grand Designs fans feel sorry for neighbour who 'looked out of bird cage' for years Grand Designs' viewers were left feeling sorry for the "poor neighbour" Vic who felt like he was looking out of a bird cage for years. It's an exciting start to the 25th series of the Channel 4 show. Zahid and Ferzana, from Leeds, set out to transform an old coastguard's house that was at the end of Victorian terrace houses on the East Yorkshire coast. Neighbour Vic was incredibly supportive at the beginning even though, as presenter Kevin McCloud pointed out, "the structural integrity" of his home would rely on the project being done well because of the two properties shared a wall. Playfully in the beginning, the neighbour - who was once a coastguard - jested: "If it falls down there will be trouble!" Read more There were hopes the project would be wrapped in 10 months but it faced many hurdles along the way meaning it extended for a further five years, including an issue with planning permission that saw the project shut down completely. The Grand Designs neighbour compared the unfinished structure to a birdcage. (Channel 4 screengrab) (Channel 4 screengrab) Initially Zahid applied for a conversion but the shared wall with his neighbour was the only remaining thing from the old coastguard house so he had to apply for a new planning request which was later given the green light. Social media was awash with Grand Designs viewers sharing their sympathy for the neighbour. Among the comments, one said: "That neighbour must have the patience of a saint because Id have killed them after two years. #granddesigns." What, how and why? Kevin McCloud warned the neighbour Vic. (Channel 4 screengrab) (Channel 4 screengrab) Once the house is completed and McCloud has spoken with the family, he headed to the neighbour's house. "This project has not been without its negative impacts, it's been tough on next door," he said in the voiceover. "How are things Vic?" McCloud asked him as they meet over the neighbouring fence. "Now that you've got a building up against your wall." The neighbour made the shocking admission he felt like he had been looking out of a birdcage. He said: "Well I'm damn glad to see the back of the scaffold. Peering through the birdcage almost, front and back of the houses." Vic shared his true feelings on Grand Designs. (Channel 4 screengrab) (Channel 4 screengrab) The presenter shared his sympathy, saying: "I think you've been quite tolerant." After all the set backs and drama, Vic celebrated the house completion. He enthused: "He's built! He's done!" In the voiceover, McCloud acknowledged once again how tough it had been on the neighbour. He said: "It's all still too raw for Vic. Time may heal things." Right at the beginning of the project, the Grand Designs presenter had tried to warn the neighbour telling him: "The disruption to you... You've got to brace yourself." But the neighbour had remained positive about the upcoming project that would overrun for years. He told him at the time: "I want something done with it before it gets any worse." What did Grand Designs' viewers say? The first house in the 25th anniversary series of Grand Designs. (Channel 4 screengrab) (Channel 4 screengrab) Everyone was talking about how incredibly sorry they felt for the neighbour during the course of the build. Among the comments, one wrote: "This episode was completely spoilt by the lack of consideration shown for the neighbour who was amazingly supportive at the beginning despite the obvious risk to his own home. I was shocked when they revealed he only had permission for a renovation to begin with. #GrandDesigns." Another added: "#GrandDesigns I really feel for the neighbour ." Someone wrote: "This is an absolute disaster! The bloke hasn't really got a clue has he considering his job. Not fitting in with the countryside either, although the views are amazing! Feel for his neighbour looking at a frame for 2 years! #granddesigns." Grand Designs' viewers were left feeling very sorry for the neighbour. (Channel 4 screengrab) (Channel 4 screengrab) Another said: "Lovely house but the poor neighbour, he was so enthusiastic at the beginning too." A viewer said: "#GrandDesigns 5 years! I really feel for the poor Neighbour. There should be timelines in place with the planning and he should have been compensated. He does look miffed. And 375kIm sure That will have been through the books.." Someone said: "The poor neighbour and neighbours, ugly secluded building completely out of character, steals all their light towering over them." Another suggested: "Can we send the neighbour on a holiday i feel like he could use it poor man #granddesigns." This article originally appeared on Yahoo TV UK at https://uk.news.yahoo.com/grand-designs-sorry-neighbour-birdcage-091148479.html Israel and Lebanese Hezbollah can choose a different path, Joe Bidens defence secretary has said, as he urged parties embroiled in Middle East conflict to reach a viable diplomatic solution. Speaking in London alongside UK Defence Secretary John Healey and Australian deputy prime minister Richard Marles, Lloyd Austin vowed his government in Washington would help Israel. But he warned all-out war along the eastern Mediterranean coast could devastate both Israel and the Hezbollah political party, which is a proscribed terrorist organisation in the UK. Mr Healey hosted the three politicians as part of Aukus deal talks, a security partnership between Australia, the UK and US. The Defence Secretary described a cloud of growing global insecurity over their meeting when he spoke in the Painted Hall at Greenwichs Old Naval College. US defence secretary Lloyd Austin, UK Defence Secretary John Healey, and Australian deputy prime minister Richard Marles held Aukus meetings in Greenwich, London (Kin Cheung/PA) Mr Austin said: The situation in Lebanon and northern Israel is deeply troubling. Lebanese Hezbollah, an Iranian-backed terrorist group, began firing rockets into Israel unprovoked on the day after the October 7 terrorist assault by Hamas. And Hezbollah has not stopped since. Like any other state, Israel has a right to defend itself. Almost a year later, tens of thousands of Israelis and Lebanese civilians still cannot safely return home. And we now face the risk of an all-out war. Another full-scale war would be devastating for both Israel and Lebanon, so let me be clear: Israel and Lebanon can choose a different path. Despite the sharp escalation in recent days, a diplomatic solution is still viable. A diplomatic solution, not a military solution, is the only way to ensure that displaced civilians on both sides of the border can finally go back home. So I echo the call of President Biden, President Macron and other leaders yesterday for an immediate 21-day ceasefire. That will provide time for the diplomacy needed to achieve a durable arrangement that will allow Israel and Lebanese civilians to return safely to their homes. This time can also be used to conclude and implement a deal to secure a ceasefire in Gaza to bring all of the hostages home. All parties should seize this opportunity. It can bring much-needed calm to Israelis, Lebanese and Palestinians whose lives have been turned upside down since the Hamas assault on October 7. Asked about whether Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu is ignoring calls for a ceasefire, Mr Austin replied: Israel has stated that its goal is to return its citizens to their homes in the north and I believe the best and the quickest way to do that is through diplomacy. And I think that, I mean theres no question, that both Israel and Lebanese Hezbollah have stated that they do not want to see an all-out war. A war between Lebanese Hezbollah and Israel could be devastating for both entities. Earlier on Thursday, Mr Netanyahu had vowed to strike Hezbollah with full force, and we will not stop until we reach all our goals, chief among them the return of the residents of the north securely to their homes. On whether the US has any red lines in the conflict, for example, a ground invasion, Mr Austin said: Weve been committed from the very beginning to help Israel and provide the things that are necessary for them to be able to protect their sovereign territory, and that hasnt changed and wont change. The talks in Greenwich took place during the same week that world leaders met at the UN General Assembly in New York. Sir Keir Starmer addresses the Security Council during the 79th United Nations General Assembly in New York (Leon Neal/PA) Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer told the UN Security Council on Wednesday: Im calling for all parties to step back from the brink, to de-escalate. We need a ceasefire so this can be sorted out diplomatically. He added there can be no more excuses from Israel about humanitarian access to Gaza, and called on Hamas to release the remaining hostages. At the Greenwich meeting, Mr Healey backed a US-led ceasefire framework and said: There is a way that Israel can see thousands of displaced citizens returned to their homes in northern Israel, and those Lebanese can return to their homes as well. The Defence Secretary had earlier said: We have held these discussions under a cloud of growing global insecurity, so in our trilateral and our bilateral meetings, we have reinforced the need to stand together against Russian aggression, towards peace in the Middle East, and steadfast behind Ukraine for as long as it takes. At serious times, you need serious partners, so Richard, Lloyd, we in the UK stand shoulder-to-shoulder with you, and with you we will drive the Aukus partnership from strength to strength. Ex-Conservative MP Sir Jacob Rees-Mogg has been handpicked by the chair of the party to respond to a debate on free speech at its conference next week. The Conservative Party conference, which starts in Birmingham on Sunday, is bringing back member debates for the first time in two decades, being trialled out by interim party chair Richard Fuller. Sir Jacob, who lost the election for the newly created seat of North East Somerset and Hanham in July, said he was delighted Mr Fuller was bringing the debates back, and they are about members taking back control of the conference. Members will get the opportunity to take part in the four debates, which will all take place on the conferences main stage on Monday. As well as the one on free speech, being responded to by Sir Jacob, there will be a debate on immigration and border control, responded to by shadow foreign minister Paul Holmes; one on building homes and protecting green spaces, which will be responded to by David Simmonds the shadow minister for housing; and another on growing the economy, which will be responded to by Laura Trott the shadow chief secretary to the Treasury. Tory Party chairman Richard Fuller (Aaron Chown/PA) Asked how the respondents had been selected, Mr Fuller told the PA news agency: These are people that I have chosen. I think these are the right people to respond to members on this debate, he added. While he said that in the past people who responded to member debates were usually ministers or shadow ministers, Mr Fuller asked why should it always be ministers and shadow ministers who respond to a debate? Maybe the person responding should be someone who is an expert in a field from outside Parliament? Maybe it should be a young person who responds to a debate about the future for young people. Mr Fuller, who has been the MP for North Bedfordshire since 2019 and was the MP for Bedford between 2010 and 2017, said that the party ought to be listening to our own members. He added: I think political parties can be a bit stage-managed, thats not what the public want. People now are saying their opinions on Twitter and putting things on Facebook saying what they like. This is the world we live in, and to suppress it artificially and not listen to your members I think is just not meeting with the times, let people say what they feel we should do. This is the first conference following the partys election defeat, and probably the one where people are going to be at their rawest, Mr Fuller said. Sir Jacob told PA that he is absolutely delighted Richard Fuller has done this I think its really important that the conferences go back to being about members. The MP for North East Somerset between 2010 and 2024, Sir Jacob served as a minister in Boris Johnsons and Liz Truss governments. He added: The debate really isnt about my response, its about the members taking back control to coin a phrase of the party conference. It should be about them, about their concerns about their issues rather than just an opportunity to clap ministers. The debates will give members the opportunity to speak on the selected topics for a maximum of three minutes each. Whoever is responding to the debate will give introductory marks and also wrap up the session. The debates are returning at the first conference after the partys election defeat in July, a conference where Mr Fuller has said that recognising the defeat, recognising what the message was from voters is an important thing to do. Robert Jenrick speaking at a Conservative Party leadership campaign event (Aaron Chown/PA) The Conservative leadership contest will feature prominently at the conference, with the four candidates James Cleverly, Kemi Badenoch, Tom Tugendhat and Robert Jenrick getting multiple opportunities to speak on the main stage. In interviews with SpectatorTV released on Thursday, the candidates were asked why they thought their party lost the election. Mr Cleverly said he thought the public stopped listening to us and the party was met with real cynicism from voters. People had literally closed their ears, their minds to our arguments, he said. Mr Tugendhat said that the party lost the trust of the British people and the party had been seen arguing amongst ourselves. Ms Badenoch believes that people didnt really understand what we stood for, and just thought we were telling them whatever it was they wanted to hear. Mr Jenrick said that his party lacked the courage to do the things that were necessary, such as reforming the NHS and addressing immigration. The Conservative Party conference begins in Birmingham on September 29. A vaccine that protects against measles has been shown to wane very slowly over time but still remains highly effective against the contagious disease, scientists have said. More than 95% of people who have had two doses of the measles, mumps and rubella vaccine (MMR vaccine) which was introduced in 1988 are protected for life, findings published in the journal The Lancet Public Health show. Data from the UK Health Security Agency (UKSHA) suggests a vast majority of measles cases in England are in unvaccinated children and young people, there has been also been an unexplained rise in infections among those who are double-vaccinated. A modelling study led by The London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine (LSHTM) suggests that the effectiveness of the MMR jab can very gradually decrease over time, by 0.04% each year after the second dose. Scientists said this could partly explain why people who have been vaccinated are still getting measles. But they added that the slight waning in MMR vaccine immunity is only apparent because uptake is lower than the 95% coverage target set by World Health Organisation (WHO), which is fuelling outbreaks. The latest UKHSA figures show only 85% of under-fives in England have received two doses of MMR. Adam Kucharski, professor of infectious disease epidemiology at LSHTM, said: Measles is an infection which is highly transmissible. So although we have a highly effective vaccine, we need very high coverage to prevent transmission in communities and ensure that cases remain at low levels. Because we have had this drop-off in coverage in recent years, we have seen outbreaks of measles in England. Dr Alexis Robert, research fellow in infectious disease dynamics at LSHTM, added: Before routine measles vaccination began, England and Wales saw large outbreaks with peaks of 600,000 cases in some years, by contrast from 2010-2024, the most reported cases in any one year was under 3,000. Its important to emphasise that the patterns we see in the data are only there because outbreaks have occurred as a result of declines in vaccine coverage. If there were no outbreaks, this small amount of waning would not show up in any data. The key issue here is coverage, not the effectiveness of the vaccine. The scientific consensus is that measles vaccines are safe and have been highly effective in preventing outbreaks. The proportion of measles cases in adults who received two doses of the MMR vaccine in England tripled from 1.9% to 7.2% between 2011 and 2019, figures show. To find out why, the researchers explored different scenarios using mathematical modelling. Results showed that slow waning of vaccine immunity best matched the real distribution of cases of measles in double-vaccinated people by age group and over time. Dr Robert said: According to the WHO, measles vaccination averted 57 million global deaths between 2000 and 2022. While this slow waning of immunity is a problem, it is a completely different order of problem from the deadly epidemics of the past that measles vaccines have prevented. Commenting on the research, Dr Vanessa Saliba, consultant epidemiologist at the UKHSA, said: This paper reinforces that MMR vaccine is highly effective in providing lifelong protection against measles. The World Health Organisation is clear that global measles elimination is possible if countries achieve and sustain 95% population uptake with two MMR doses. The decline in MMR vaccine uptake seen over the last decade is driving the current increase in measles and the vast majority of cases have been in unvaccinated children under the age of 10. In a highly vaccinated population, it is expected that we will see a very small number of measles cases in those fully vaccinated, but with milder symptoms and a much lower chance of passing the infection on to others. The MMR vaccine remains the best and safest way to protect against measles and we encourage parents to check their children are up to date. Alan Miller in Alabama in 1999. Photograph: Dave Martin/AP Alabama has carried out the second execution in the US using the controversial method of nitrogen gas, an experimental technique for humans that veterinarians have deemed unacceptable in the US and Europe for the euthanasia of most animals. Alan Eugene Miller, 59, was pronounced dead at 6.38pm local time at a south Alabama prison. Miller shook and trembled on the gurney for about two minutes with his body at times pulling against the restraints, followed by about six minutes of gasping, according to the Associated Press. The lethal method involves being strapped down with a respirator mask applied to the face and pure nitrogen piped in. The resulting oxygen deprivation will cause death by asphyxia. Millers final words were I didnt do anything to be in here and I didnt do anything to be on death row, according to reporters who witnessed his death. His voice was at times muffled by the mask that covered his face from forehead to chin. Millers death is the latest in an extraordinary week in the US in which five condemned men in five states have been executed over six days. On Friday, South Carolina killed Khalil Divine Black Sun Allah, in its first execution in 13 years, and on Tuesday, Texas killed Travis Mullis and Missouri put to death Marcellus Williams. Also on Thursday, Oklahoma executed Emmanuel Littlejohn. The execution of Williams in Missouri prompted widespread outrage across the US and beyond after local prosecutors, the victims family and several trial jurors tried unsuccessfully to stop it from going ahead. There was no forensic evidence to tie Williams to the crime, and the current prosecuting attorney for St Louis county concluded that the prisoner was actually innocent. Alabama pressed ahead with Millers execution on Thursday over the 1999 shootings that killed three of his co-workers Lee Holdbrooks, Christopher Scott Yancy and Terry Jarvis despite deep misgivings about the new nitrogen method. Tonight, justice was finally served for these three victims, Alabamas governor, Kay Ivey, said in a statement. His acts were not that of insanity, but pure evil. Three families were forever changed by his heinous crimes, and I pray that they can find comfort all these years later. The first nitrogen execution was carried out, also by Alabama, in January. An eyewitness for the Associated Press described the death then of Kenneth Smith, 58. Smith began to shake and writhe violently, in thrashing spasms and seizure-like movements The force of his movements caused the gurney to visibly move at least once. Smiths arms pulled against the straps holding him to the gurney. He lifted his head off the gurney and then fell back. Alabama described Smiths death as a textbook execution. Smith and Miller share a distinction in addition to the experimental killing method applied to them. Both men had the exceptionally unusual experience of surviving an execution attempt by lethal injection. Related: Missouri executes Marcellus Williams despite prosecutors push to overturn conviction In Smiths case, in November 2022 he was strapped to the gurney for four hours, suspended for some of that time upside down, and his body riddled with needle holes in a vain attempt to place an IV line through which the lethal drugs could be injected. Miller went through a similarly traumatic failed execution two months before Smith. Like Smith, he was strapped to the gurney in Alabamas death chamber at Holman prison and put through a process his lawyers claimed was physical and mental torture. He was repeatedly punctured with needle marks and left hanging vertically on the gurney in severe pain before the execution was called off. Lawyers argued that for him to have gone through such cruel and unusual punishment should have disqualified Alabama from further efforts to kill Miller, but the state authorities disagreed they promptly initiated proceedings to execute him using nitrogen. Maya Foa, joint executive director of the human rights group Reprieve, said that Alabama was typical of the increasingly extreme lengths to which death penalty states are prepared to go. Theyre telling themselves that executing people twice is fine, no matter how much the person suffered the first time. And that a man thrashing and gasping on the gurney for 10 minutes as he desperately fights for life is a textbook nitrogen gas execution. The Associated Press contributed reporting Donald Trump attends the closing arguments in the civil fraud trial in New York on 11 January. Photograph: Shannon Stapleton/AP Donald Trumps legal team and state prosecutors went head to head in a New York appeals court on Thursday over his ongoing effort to throw out an approximately $500m civil fraud judgment against him. The former US president is disputing the Manhattan supreme court judge Arthur Engorons 16 February decision after he found that Trump lied to financial institutions and insurers about his wealth. Trumps case was litigated during a months-long civil trial in Manhattan in fall 2023. The arguments were in effect a rehashing of claims that both sides have made in their respective appeals papers, as is normal for cases during this type of proceeding. Trumps lawyer, D John Sauer, hammered down on his claim that the alleged wrongdoing happened too long ago to be pursued in court. This case involves a clearcut violation of the statute of limitations, Sauer said. He also insisted that businesspeople have flexibility in determining their assets value, even if it does not reflect how it has been assessed elsewhere. Youre allowed to make optimistic predictions, Sauer added. Youre allowed to disregard appraisals. Sauer also insisted that Trumps valuations were in keeping with generally recognized best practices for accounting and said that if people and companies can get in trouble while following best practices people cant do business in real estate. Trumps team had invoked a similar bogeyman in their appeals paperwork, saying based on the ruling in this case, no company will want to come to New York to do business, and many businesses are fleeing. Sauer also presented a hypothetical, which he claimed was backed by case evidence; even if Trumps net worth was just $1bn, far less than had been stated at trial, he would have gotten exactly the same deals. We have a situation where there are no victims, no complaints, no evidence of causation, materiality, he said. Indeed, Trumps defense claimed in July appeals papers that New Yorks attorney general, Letitia James, wanted to punish highly successful dealings between him and highly sophisticated Wall Street institutions, which left all parties deeply satisfied and had no impact on the public interest. Trumps lawyers also railed that the case was an unauthorized, unprecedented power-grab and should have been tossed. They also turned to a well-worn page in their playbook accusing James, a Democrat, of targeting Trump for partisan purposes. If upheld, the decision would give James limitless power to target anyone she desires, including her self-described political opponents, they said in court papers. In their response to Trumps appeal, Jamess office reiterated that his namesake company and its top executives plotted to boost his net worth by as much as $2.2bn annually, using puffed-up financial statements to secure plum deals with banks and insurance companies. Related: Chief justice Roberts pushed for quick immunity ruling in Trumps favor report Through their misconduct, defendants derived significant economic benefits they otherwise could not have obtained, including over $360 million in illegal profits, Jamess office said in court filings. Judith Vale, deputy solicitor for the New York attorney generals office, addressed whether or not Trumps actions had a victim, with one appellate judge noting that all parties seemed to walk away from their dealings satisfied, without any seeming harm to others. There was absolutely a public impact and a public interest here, Vale said. If Trump secured loans based on questionable valuations, then his ability to repay them was not as certain as he had intimated to banks, setting the stage for broader potential effects, she argued. When deceptively hidden risks are injected into the market, that does hurt the counter-parties, she said, But it also harms other market participants in the market as a whole, because they are not understanding the risks. The risks are not priced in properly and are not accounted for. The law under which Trump was tried in civil court was concerned with harms to the honest business people, the honest business people who dont do the misconduct. Without the fraud, the net worth and liquidity would have started much lower, and then you do the stress test and it takes it down much lower, and did not look like such a strong financial guarantee any more, Vale said. It does not look like ironclad guarantee any more, and it was absolutely a fair [assessment] that Deutsche Bank would not have given these loans without the financial strength being inflated. The appeals court is expected to issue its decision at a later date. Trumps battle against this civil judgment comes as he fights legal woes on a variety of fronts. Trump is scheduled to be sentenced on 26 November after being found guilty on 34 felony counts in his Manhattan hush-money case. Special counsel Jack Smith, meanwhile, brought a revised indictment against Trump in his Washington DC federal court election subversion case. Smith is poised to present more evidence to the judge by Thursday as she decides how presidential immunity might affect the proceedings. Pictured: the new iPhone 16 and behind it, the larger iPhone 16 Pro Max This article contains affiliate links. The products or services listed have been selected independently by journalists after hands-on testing or sourcing expert opinions. We may earn a commission when you click a link, buy a product or subscribe to a service. Price: from 799 for iPhone 16, or from 999 for iPhone 16 Pro Our rating: 9 out of 10 We like: More buttons Great photo features Better battery life We dont like: Not a huge upgrade over the 15 Few AI features yet Camera fiddly at first What is the iPhone 16 ? Released in September 2024, the new iPhone 16 marks a welcome continuing shift from Apple towards having more buttons and physical controls on devices, reversing the trend for each smartphone generation to remove useful buttons and ports. Its one of the best smartphones you can buy. We tested the iPhone 16 Pro, the premium version, which costs 999 for the 128GB model. Its 1,199 if you choose 256GB of storage, 1,299 for 512 GB and 1,499 for 1TB. There is also an iPhone 16 Pro Max which has the same capabilities but a larger screen. It costs 200 more. The Max is a vast iPhone, at a previously unheard of 6.9 inches, but it is a gorgeous device as is the 16, which itself is larger than the preceding iPhone 15. Its 6.3-inch screen is a welcome increase, largely achieved by narrowing the bezels. Theres a lot to like here: the new camera button and functions, explained below, make this feel more camera-like than just about anything out there. Meanwhile, the promised Apple Intelligence features which will arrive later this year offer an intriguing glimpse of an AI-powered future. How we test smartphones Rob testing the new iPhone 16 Pro We test each new phone for at least a week in real-world situations, making calls, downloading data and running power-hungry and graphically demanding apps such as games and hi-def video to push its limits. Were looking for a comfortable and well laid-out design, a clear, bright screen and hardware (CPU, GPU, sensors and speakers) that can easily handle multiple functions. We rate the quality of the camera, including the lenses, the sensor and any zoom or low light capabilities. We test all the programmes for enhancing and editing photographs, judging them by the end results and how easy they are to use. We also consider all the other software, especially AI, that makes the phone stand out from its competitors and from previous models. Finally, we test the phones battery life by running it completely flat with continuous real-world use and timing how long it takes to fully recharge. Visit our Who We Are page to learn more about Telegraph Recommended reviews. iPhone 16 Pro review Design and usability: 9/10 The iPhone 16 (left) compared to the iPhone 15 (right) The big news on the design and usability front is the two new(ish) buttons. The Action Button, introduced on last years iPhone 15, makes a welcome return, but is now accompanied by a camera button of which more below. This new button adds more versatility for users who were using the Action Button to launch the camera. As before, the Action Button is fully customisable. By default, it puts silent mode on but it can be set to record Voice Memos, turn on Flashlight and activate shortcuts. You can even, for some reason, set the Action Button to do nothing. In a world where it is often far too hard to work out how to turn smartphones off and on, the addition of more buttons is to be applauded. Last years Dynamic Island returns and the screen is a tiny bit bigger than last years Pro (6.3 inches, compared to 6.1), with a very crisp, bright Super Retina XDR display at 2622x1206 pixel resolution and support for 1 nit minimum brightness. This means the screen can go far darker. Camera: 10/10 The new camera button is superb, instantly elevating the iPhone 16 Pro above most rivals: its just easier to take a shot, with the app opening on one press of the button. A half-press brings up a focus menu and functions menu. Another full press takes a shot. You can scroll through options by stroking along the top. Its fiddly to begin with, but haptic feedback steers you down the right path and its a great addition to the phone. The camera performance is excellent, with additions including a 48 megapixel ultrawide and the ability to shoot video at 120 frames per second in 4K, enabling some truly cinematic effects for creative users. A neat tool enables users to cut out background noise while filming, while another enables users to almost get rid of wind noise in the background. Photo software and image AI: 8/10 You now have the option to transform scenes after taking a shot, including new vintage styles Apple has updated its Photographic Styles to make it even easier to edit photos after the shot have been taken. The results are pretty spectacular, enabling you to completely change the mood and feel of an image. The new Photographic Styles understands skin tones better, and if you like a particular look you can then select that as a default in the Camera app so all your photos will look like that. Theres also the option to transform entire scenes, with settings such as Luminous, creating social-media-friendly looks which ape vintage and arty photographs. New controls allow users to adjust tone and colour in the styles using sliders, offering an incredible amount of control. Other software and AI: 7/10 Apple trumpeted its adoption of artificial intelligence (AI) to the heavens at its annual iPhone launch event. However, the first thing you notice when you switch on iPhone 16 Pro is that it isnt actually there. These vaunted Apple Intelligence features, which include an updated Siri, generative AI emojis called GenMoji, and various writing tools, are launching in the U.S. first and are set to arrive in the UK later in the year, with Siri expected in the New Year. From a quick glimpse on the developer-only beta test, Apples tools look competent but not exactly overwhelming, although an AI-supercharged Siri (able to interact with multiple apps so it can find a message, regardless of which app it was sent in) could be an appealing prospect. Apart from AI, there are a few neat extras here in the form of added customisability. Users are able to add apps and widgets anywhere, and even turn app widgets monochrome and match them to their background image. Battery life: 10/10 Apple have improved the battery life on the new phone In many ways, the iPhone 16 Pro isnt a massive upgrade on last years iPhone 15 Pro apart from the useful camera button and the thinner bezel on the screen. There are a couple of new colours and a new A18 processor, which Apple promises is 15 percent faster on CPU tasks and 20 percent faster on GPU. The battery life, however, is notably upgraded from last years model, lasting up to four hours longer with video playback, thanks in part to that A18 Pro chip, which uses second-generation three-nanometer technology for more energy efficiency. The battery is also a touch cleaner, with 100 percent recycled cobalt and 95 percent recycled lithium. Like last years, theres a USB-C port, which makes it considerably easier if youre switching from Android as youll already have compatible chargers. Technical specifications Telegraph verdict: 9/10 This is a really excellent device, particularly for anyone moderately serious about smartphone photography or video, with real, physical buttons making it easier and faster to use the camera. Like a fine wine, its also going to improve with age, with Apple Intelligence set to add new features this winter and into the coming year. iPhone 15 owners will also be able to update their OS to take advantage of the new features, but not owners of the iPhone 14 or older models. So is it worth the upgrade? The improved battery life might be what swings it for iPhone 15 Pro owners, but the bigger screen and thinner bezel make this a really appetising choice overall. Its not cheap, but then iPhone Pro models never are, and this looks set to be a powerful, sleek launchpad for the age of Apple Intelligence. FAQs When does the iPhone 16 come out? It has been available in the UK since September 20. How much does the iPhone 16 cost? The most affordable iPhone 16 is the 128GB base model, for 799. The iPhone 16 Pro, which has more features, starts at 999 for the 128GB model. The iPhone 16 Pro Max, with a 6.9-inch screen, starts at 1,199 for the 256GB model. What are the key features of the iPhone 16? The most notable new feature is the new Camera Button, allowing you to change camera settings while youre framing a shot with various gestures and pressures. There is a new ultra-wide camera for close-up photography and a new 3D photography option called Spatial Capture. There are now three settings for audio in your videos: In-Frame, Studio and Cinematic. You can now choose Photographic Styles and apply them to all your photographs. Aside from photography features, the iPhone 16 has a new, faster processor called the A18 and its battery lasts longer than the iPhone 15. You can now customise the colour of widgets on your homescreen and set the Action Button to carry out a variety of tasks at one click. Finally, there are a range of AI features called Apple Intelligence which will launch in the UK some time around the end of 2024. You will need an iPhone 16 or iPhone 15 to use these. What is the battery life like on the iPhone 16? You should get 22 hours of video playback. A 50 percent charge takes 30 minutes. The protest action at the National Gallery in October 2022 did not damage the painting. Photograph: Antonio Olmos/The Guardian More than 100 artists, curators and art historians are making a plea for two activists who hurled tomato soup at Van Goghs Sunflowers to be spared a jail sentence. There was no damage to the picture, which is one of the Dutch artists most famous paintings and worth millions of pounds, but it did cause minor damage to the frame. Phoebe Plummer and Anna Holland will be sentenced on Friday after being found guilty of criminal damage in a protest action at the National Gallery in London in October 2022 under the auspices of the Just Stop Oil campaign. Judge Christopher Hehir, who months ago sentenced a group of Just Stop Oil activists to multiyear sentences over a campaign to disrupt traffic on the M25, has already told them to be prepared, in practical and emotional terms, to go to prison. But artists including Fiona Banner, Peter Kennard and Love Ssega, the actor Juliet Stevenson, and arts academics from Essex, Goldsmiths, Queen Mary, New York and Copenhagen universities, have said the act was in keeping with the ethos of the arts. In a letter coordinated by Greenpeace UK, the environmental campaign group, and Liberate Tate, which campaigns against fossil fuel industry involvement in the arts, they said: As artists, art workers and art historians, we are concerned by the courts defence of a false notion of artistic purity in their judgment and sentencing. Art can be, and frequently is, iconoclasm. These activists should not receive custodial sentences for an act that connects entirely to the artistic canon. Such iconoclasm had been a recognised part of art practice for more than 120 years, they argue, citing the work of the Dadaists, Gustav Metzger, Jake and Dinos Chapman, and Banksy, among others. The work of all these iconoclasts, often far more physically destructive than the work of JSO, is now venerated in museums around the world. Plummer and Hollands protest might have given a nod to art history by using Campbells soup instead of Heinz, the letter said, but it nevertheless belongs to the same well-established tradition of creative iconoclasm. On September the 27th, Judge Hehir should refrain from punishing Plummer and Holland with custodial sentences for upholding a centuries-old tradition of calling on our social conscience through art. Areeba Hamid, a co-executive director of Greenpeace UK, said: We sincerely hope the judge will listen carefully to the artists arguments. We need to stop locking away peaceful protesters in our overcrowded prisons simply for raising the alarm on a burning planet. Darren Sutton, from Liberate Tate, said: When Liberate Tate started making performance interventions to protest BP sponsorship of Tate in 2010, while the Deepwater Horizon disaster raged, we were dismissed as irreverent outsiders as we spilled oil-like molasses on pristine Tate marble. Now, 14 years on, our campaign is long won, museum and gallery directors vie for the strength of their position on tackling climate change, and all but one have shunned oil sponsorship. The initial reaction to soup thrown will undoubtedly shift as we as a society catch up with the threat climate change poses to our way of life. Phoebe and Annas act will be seen as the poetic protest it surely is, unworthy of custodial punishment. Baroness Warsi, the first Muslim Cabinet minister, pictured in the House of Lords - Geoff Pugh for The Telegraph Britains first Muslim Cabinet minister quit the Tories on Thursday night after the party launched an investigation into divisive comments. Baroness Warsi, who sits in the Lords, said she was leaving because the party had moved to the far Right. She was appointed to the Cabinet by David Cameron in 2010 when she was Conservative Party chairman. She faced criticism earlier this month when she celebrated the acquittal of a protester who was found not guilty despite carrying a placard accusing Rishi Sunak and Suella Braverman of being coconuts. Many consider the slur which indicates that a black person is acting on behalf of white people to be racist. Kemi Badenoch, the Tory leadership candidate, said complaints have been made after Lady Warsi tweeted a picture of herself drinking from a coconut after the judgment. Hypocrisy and double standards On Thursday night, a Conservative Party spokesman said: Complaints were received regarding divisive language allegedly used by Baroness Sayeeda Warsi. Baroness Warsi was informed an investigation was about to begin earlier this week. We have a responsibility to ensure that all complaints are investigated without prejudice. In a post on X, formerly Twitter, Lady Warsi said: It is with a heavy heart that I have today informed my whip and decided for now to no longer take the Conservatives whip. This is a sad day for me. I am a Conservative and remain so but sadly the current party are far removed from the party I joined and served in Cabinet. My decision is a reflection of how far Right my party has moved and the hypocrisy and double standards in its treatment of different communities. She added: I will not be gagged on a point of principle. And I am not prepared to play games behind closed doors. Lady Warsi will publish a book, Muslims Dont Matter, next week. Robert Jenrick I bumped into a former leader of a friendly country the other day. This regular visitor to Britain had just spent a few days outside London for the first time for some years. Their message was simple: Do you realise how run down your country looks nowadays? Its hard to disagree. Lets be honest, a lot of Britain looks a bit of a mess. The public spaces and buildings are badly maintained. The roads are potholed. Theres litter and graffiti everywhere. The streets dont feel safe. Large parts of London outside the south-west Waitrose belt from Battersea to Kingston remind me of the London of my youth in the late 1970s and early 1980s: decaying, poorly maintained, shabby, declining. Our public services often look the same: our hospitals took tired and our council HQs have nothing of the grandeur and assertiveness of a French hotel de ville. This is no coincidence. What we are seeing is what happens when a country has had nearly 20 years of low productivity and low growth. Money gets short for everything and every year it gets harder to maintain things. Repairs and maintenance take a back seat. But the decline is gradual. Very often it takes an outsider to tell us the truth. Once this problem sets in, politicians have two basic choices. One is to be honest with people: tell them that until we fix our growth problem the situation is not going to get any better and neither salaries nor funding for public services are going to go up much. Instead there will have to be painful reforms, especially in the public sector, which is such a drag on growth, and a serious attempt to hold the size of government down so that the private sector can fill the gap. Thats one route. The other is to hide the reality. Tell voters that we can carry on as before, adding new tasks to government, pushing up taxes, benefits and the minimum wage, regulating the economy further, and trying to shield people from every shock and every unexpected event. The strain is then taken by higher taxes, higher borrowing, and cheeseparing in important but unfashionable public services like courts and prisons. All of this makes the underlying problems even worse. There is still never enough money, because theres only so far you can push up taxes or borrow. But growth is crushed still further. Unfortunately that is the approach that has been taken over the past decade. There are two problems with it. The first, the obvious one, is that in the end the future becomes the present. Eventually we all look around and think this country looks a bit of a mess. We cant hide the problem from ourselves. Talented people start to leave. We begin to feel the decline day to day. The second, less obvious, difficulty is that in the end it doesnt work politically either. You give your opponents an easy attack. Thats what happened to the Tories. Because we were reluctant to tell hard truths ourselves, it was easy for Labour to say to voters The reason you arent getting those good things you want is that those evil and incompetent Tories refuse to give you them. Labour told voters that Britain was in a mess because the Tories were bad people who governed in their interest not the countrys. We paid the price for this at the election. But now the problem swings around. Labour has created a problem for itself too. That is our opportunity. If Labour now try to say actually things are really bad after all then they look dishonest and disappoint their supporters as it has with its decision to scrap the universal winter fuel allowance. Its constant refrain that the Tories bequeathed a dire set of financial circumstances has fallen flat. Alternatively, if it says we can do everything you want then it is back in the same old trap: it has to push up taxes, borrow more, and postpone dealing with the countrys actual problems. Labour hates having to make serious choices like this. It much prefers childish student gesture politics like Rachel Reevess removal of historic paintings from state offices. So instead it does what we have seen in recent weeks: vacillate between the two options. One day its doom and gloom, the next its splash the cash. And on the third day its both. As this sinks in with voters, it will become ever clearer that Labour doesnt know what to do. As so often with socialists, its philosophy and actual reality come into conflict. And when that happens under a socialist government, so much the worse for reality. Maybe at some level Labour knows that only market dynamics, the power of incentives, the force of entrepreneurialism can actually help us. Indeed Starmer felt he had to acknowledge the power of competition in his conference speech. But it cant actually allow itself to act on that conclusion for then why do you need a Labour Party? So instead Starmer immediately went on to complain that markets dont give you control, and to promise a lot more of that control over the unfortunate British people. This is not change. It is more of the same and it will have the same result. Starmer thinks that with more control he can solve the countrys problems. He will find that he has just made them worse still. This is the opportunity for the Right in this country. When voters realise things are getting no better which we must expect will take a bit of time then we on the Right must be ready with the alternative. Getting this alternative worked up, and properly explained and sold, is now the crucial task under the new Conservative leader, and I believe Robert Jenrick is best placed to do it. This new package needs to include growth-boosting reforms; tax and spending cuts; immigration reductions; government reform; ECHR withdrawal; and much more. And above all it needs to revive the spirit of freedom, which used to be so strong in the Conservative Party, and in Britain; the readiness to tell the man from Whitehall to go away and to get on with our own lives. This is the only way to turn things around and get the country looking good again. It will take time. But Labour cant do it at all. The Conservatives can one day if we prepare properly now. Floating cranes were spotted near where the newly built vessel was sighted on satellite images alongside a pier at Wuchang Shipyard - Planet Labs Chinas newest nuclear attack submarine has sunk in a shipyard accident, in a setback to the countrys attempts to overtake the United States in a naval arms race, according to US officials. The sinking of the first of a new Zhou-class of nuclear-powered submarines triggered a scramble for Beijing to cover up the incident, officials told The Wall Street Journal. The newly built vessel, which features a distinctive X-shaped stern, was sighted on satellite images alongside a pier at Wuchang Shipyard as it was being equipped for sea in late May. It is claimed to have sunk later that month or in early June. Suspicion was said to have been raised when floating cranes were seen at the site soon afterwards. Undersea warfare has become a Chinese priority in its arms race with the US as tensions rise in the Pacific - Kevin Frayer/Getty Images AsiaPac Brent Sadler, a former submarine officer at Washingtons Heritage Foundation think tank, said: The sinking of a new nuclear sub that was produced at a new yard will slow Chinas plans to grow its nuclear submarine fleet. This is significant. Undersea warfare has become a Chinese priority in its arms race with the US as tensions rise in the Pacific. Submarines would probably play a key role in any future conflict over Taiwan, with a Chinese fleet potentially attempting to invade, while blockading the US from arming and supplying the island. Submarine warfare has traditionally been an area of significant US supremacy, but Chinas Peoples Liberation Army (PLA) navy has been closing the gap. A senior US defence official told The Wall Street Journal: Its not surprising that the PLA Navy would try to conceal the fact that their new first-in-class nuclear-powered attack submarine sank pierside. In addition to the obvious questions about training standards and equipment quality, the incident raises deeper questions about the PLAs internal accountability and oversight of Chinas defence industry, which has long been plagued by corruption. Submarine warfare has traditionally been an area of significant US supremacy, but Chinas navy has been closing the gap - Mark Schiefelbein/AFP The submarine is thought to have been salvaged from the site, but experts said that it will require a huge refit to make it seaworthy. Thomas Shugart, a senior fellow at the Centre for a New American Security, said: Can you imagine a US nuclear submarine sinking in San Diego and the government hushes it up and doesnt tell anybody about it? I mean, holy cow. He continued: The whole boat would be full of water. Youd have to clean out all the electronics. The electric motors may need to be replaced. It would be a lot of work. US officials said that it was not clear if anyone had died during the sinking and it was also not clear if the vessel had been carrying nuclear fuel at the time. They had not detected any indication that Chinese officials had sampled the water or nearby environment for radiation, the officials added. Prof Sir Chris Whitty admitted at the Covid-19 Inquiry he was worried they were communicating the correct level of concern - PA Prof Sir Chris Whitty has said he worries the Government overstated the danger of Covid to the public at the start of the pandemic. The Chief Medical Officer (CMO) for England told the Covid Inquiry that the Government potentially overdid the warnings at the start of the pandemic as lockdowns were introduced and the vulnerable told to shield. He said that the balance in communicating the correct level of concern to the public was really hard. It comes after The Telegraph exposed the psychological warfare of Project Fear being used by ministers to frighten the public into following rules. Leaked WhatsApp messages revealed in the Lockdown Files last year showed Matt Hancock, then health secretary, suggesting the Government frighten the pants off everyone to adhere to Covid rules. Prof Whitty told the inquiry: I was worried at the beginning. I still worry, actually in retrospect, about whether we got the level of concern right. Were we either over pitching it so that people were incredibly afraid of something where in fact, their actuarial risk was low, or we were not pitching it enough and therefore people didnt realise the risk they were walking into, he continued. I think that balance is really hard, and arguably, some people would say we, if anything, overdid it, rather than under at the beginning. Theres certainly a range of opinions on that. Englands most senior doctor was being questioned about the Governments mantra of stay at home, protect the NHS, and save lives, which was disseminated across the media and on podiums at Downing Street press conferences during 2020. Prof Whitty was asked about whether these messages should be used in future pandemics and if so, if warnings of other inadvertent damage to health should be mentioned such as long Covid or mental health problems. He said he didnt think any different messages would have led to any different behaviours and that they didnt want to overload the public with information. The key thing we were trying to say is weve really got to stop this epidemic in its tracks to the best of our ability, he said. Prof Whitty admitted that in telling the public to stay at home, officials did not make clear that the health service was open. Peoples reluctance to come forward as a result led to fewer patients attending A&E, calling 999, and a backlog of medical appointments on which ministers are still struggling to get a grip. He also criticised confusion around face masks and admitted that he may not recommend shielding for the vulnerable again after they suffered significant harm. Prof Whitty laid bare a litany of communication failings and other errors by the Government at the Covid inquiry on Thursday as he declared another pandemic was a certainty. The UKs top doctor was speaking at the inquiry for the fourth time and said the face mask debacle had led to an erosion of trust from NHS staff, patients avoiding the health service, and he also admitted uncertainty about the use of shielding to isolate the most vulnerable. NHS open, but who knew? Prof Whitty went on to admit that he and his colleagues did not make clear enough the NHS was open for use. There was never going to be a perfect balance on the stay at home, protect the NHS, save lives rhetoric, Prof Whitty said, but he admitted that we didnt get it across well enough that people should continue to come to hospital when they needed it. He said the reduction in patients attending hospital with heart attacks was clear proof that people had stopped using the NHS, even for emergencies. I am confident what we didnt do was to identify over and over again that the NHS was open, in particular, if theres an urgent and emergency life-threatening situation, you must go to hospital, he said, citing occasions where he was joined by Prof Lord Patrick Vallance, the former chief scientific officer, as well as NHS officials. There is reasonable evidence in my view, for example, that the number of people who come into hospital with heart attacks is lower than youd predict, he added. On the stay at home messaging and risk posed by Covid, Prof Whitty said it was harder to tell if they got it wrong because it was really important people understood why if they were going to do this terrible thing for their society, for the economy, for their families, they understand why. Mask confusion Prof Whitty said the messaging around face masks for everybody was confusing during the pandemic, but particularly for healthcare workers relying on personal protective equipment (PPE) on the front line. He said the mix of organisations partially responsible made it a dangerous situation. The messaging near the beginning of this was quite confused, he told the inquiry. I think the reason that it was confused was that it was not entirely clear who was ultimately responsible for making decisions in this fast-moving situation, he added. Quite a lot of people thought they were partially responsible, and thats always an extremely difficult and dangerous situation to find yourself in. When asked if this was for healthcare staff, he said it was for everybody actually. The CMO later said the poor communication with NHS staff over which face masks they should be using had caused an erosion of trust. There was an ongoing debate in the UK and globally about whether healthcare workers and the wider public should be using higher-grade FFP-3 masks, with countries such as Italy having them made mandatory. Meanwhile, there was a real mismatch between what staff were being told about stock shortages and what they were seeing in reality or among colleagues online, he said, which led to this erosion of trust in the guidance on PPE that staff were being given. He said there was a concern that the reason that people were giving advice was essentially because of shortages, plus a concern about whether they were being given adequate protection, even the very big risks they were facing. Despite this, he maintained that there was extremely weak evidence to support that FFP-3 masks are any better than surgical masks. He said the FFP-3 masks were also not liked because they were harder to hear through, harder to express emotions through. If you were hard of hearing, if youve got early dementia, if your first language is not English, actually having people unable to speak clearly and unable to express emotions does have downsides for the provision of care, he said. Shielding harms Prof Whitty said he was unsure if he would recommend vulnerable patients shield in a future pandemic after the significant harms caused to those forced to isolate during Covid. The CMO said officials knew shielding would be extremely difficult mentally and operationally for those asked to keep away from loved ones during lockdowns and had not directly evaluated the effectiveness of it. At the start of the pandemic, those who were immunosuppressed or extremely clinically vulnerable, were asked to shield to protect themselves. Prof Whitty said they recognised it would be challenging and had very significant downsides and that they didnt want to put people on the list who were going to have limited benefit from it or come to net harm. He said he was unsure if he would use shielding again in another pandemic because it would depend on the situation. He said: Whether the particular approach to shielding we took is an appropriate one to use again in a respiratory infection, I honestly dont know. There are many kinds of pandemic where it would be completely irrelevant. It wouldnt have helped HIV for example. There were both health benefits for some but also significant harms to shielding, he said. Whether it actually lead to a reduction in infection, and therefore reduction in mortality is extraordinarily difficult to test because the group of people who were shielding were by definition a massively greater risk or substantially greater risk than the general public, so if they got Covid, they were more likely to die, he said. 04:48 PM BST Thats all for today Thank you for following The Telegraphs live reporting. The inquiry will resume on Monday when Sir Frank Atherton, chief medical officer for Wales, will give evidence, followed by Dr Catherine McDonnell, former medical director of the Western Health and Social Care Trust. 04:35 PM BST ICU chaos was unacceptable and not inevitable, say campaigners Campaigners have contended that the scenes from hell in intensive care units (ICUs)c described by Professor Kevin Fong were not inevitable, can never be considered acceptable, and must never be repeated. A statement from Covid-19 Bereaved Families for Justice UK said: The harrowing evidence heard by the inquiry today from Professor Kevin Fong was painful for Covid 19 Bereaved Families to hear, but incredibly clear - ICUs across the country were overwhelmed repeatedly throughout the pandemic. The campaigners said the system lacked capacity and resilience, and it was the NHS staff and patients who will always bear the brunt of a pandemic. They said: Professor Fongs evidence made it clear that the government must be led by the experiences and insight of those on the frontline as well as by data. The new Governments plans to reform the NHS must be designed in collaboration with staff operating at every level. ICUs cant be staffed at pandemic levels at all times, but in the UK they lack capacity in peace time as well. And when the next crisis hits, whatever it may be, we need to respond from a stronger starting place and we need the resources and systems to respond to frontline needs quickly. National Covid Memorial wall beside St Thomas hospital - HANNAH MCKAY/REUTERS 04:28 PM BST The NHS dealt with the second wave of Covid in 2020 a lot better, says Whitty Prof Sir Chris Whitty told the Inquiry that the NHS and its staff had learned a lot after the first wave of the pandemic because individuals within it learn very rapidly. The NHS handled the second wave, despite the fact it had a huge number of cases, a lot better. And thats because individuals in wards, in primary care, in other areas, mental health and many other areas had learned and did it better, but there was still a lot of nosocomial transmission, he said. There were still many, many deaths, and the system was in many cases, under extraordinary strain, as was described earlier. So I wouldnt, in any sense, want to be pointed to painting a falsely rosy picture, and indeed, that was not my personal experience working in that environment, he said. 04:11 PM BST Mind reacts to unacceptable failure on mental health Reacting to remarks from Prof Sir Chris Whitty on the lack of consideration about mental health heading into the pandemic, Dr Sarah Hughes, the chief executive of charity Mind, has branded the planning process a shocking and unacceptable failure. The lack of a plan to address the mental health impacts of the pandemic, including months-long lockdowns, is a shocking and unacceptable failure, Dr Hughes said. It became clear very early on that further measures to mitigate the virus would be needed at Mind we were highlighting the need for better mental health support in May 2020. But still no plan for mental health was put in place, either then or for after the pandemic, where everything has just been expected to return to business as usual. 03:58 PM BST Pandemic planning had many gaps Prof Sir Chris Whitty said pandemic planning had many gaps, including around the impact on young peoples mental health. He said there was a difference between planning and capabilities, however, and was very unconvinced that a plan will necessarily help us if there were another pandemic. He said it was more important to improve our capabilities through better training, for example, in infectious diseases for healthcare professionals. Some of the effects were direct from the disease, but many of them were indirect by the lockdowns, which were in of themselves unpredictable because they werent part of the plan, he said. He said the surge in mental health issues among children and young people was a very serious issue. We need to have a very clear view on this, whether this is something which is going to revert back to the trend line that was there before, or is this something which has actually been a step change and which is now with us for a long period of time, and that has quite different implications as to how we configure [mental health] services, he said. 03:41 PM BST Whitty hits out at obstructive BMA Prof Sir Chris Whitty has hit out at the British Medical Association over recording doctors deaths in relation to the pandemic. Sir Chris responded to a question from a representative on the lack of published data on deaths for 2023, saying: I recognise the point youre making, I agree with it and I think its important for the reasons given, it is also important to acknowledge every healthcare worker who has died. So I very strongly believe that, if I may make a hard-edged comment about my own union, which you kindly represent, they have not been at the forefront of trying to allow data to be merged from different sources, which would allow for better data outcomes in future crises. If you could take back to your distinguished clients that recommendation that they think about that seriously, Im sure that that would be a very useful outcome, he said. 03:19 PM BST We didnt make clear enough the NHS was open for use, says Whitty There was never going to be a perfect balance on the stay at home, protect the NHS, save lives rhetoric, Prof Sir Chris Whitty said, but he admitted that we didnt get it across well enough that people should continue to come to hospital when they needed it. He said the reduction in patients attending hospital with heart attacks was clear proof that people had stopped using the NHS. I am confident what we didnt do was to identify over and over again - you couldnt say it enough - that the NHS was open, in particular if theres an urgent and emergency life threatening situation, you must go to hospital, he said. There is reasonable evidence in my view, for example, that the number of people who come into hospital with heart attacks is lower than youd predict, he added. On the stay at home messaging and risk posed by Covid, Sir Chris said it was harder to tell if they got it wrong because it was really important people understood why if they were going to do this terrible thing for their society, for the economy, for their families, they understand why. NHS signage at Piccadilly Circus - ISABEL INFANTES/GETTY IMAGES 03:07 PM BST Computer says no approach dictated permitted surgeries There was not a computer says no approach to which surgeries could be done during Covid, Prof Sir Chris Whitty has said. Officials devised a list of what was acceptable and carried less risk to the spread of the virus, but were challenged by some professional bodies, including over stopping endoscopies, he explained. He said there is still not a settled view around the world on what procedures would be appropriate in such a situation should it arise again. 03:01 PM BST Ethnic minority groups disproportionately affected because of structural racism Prof Sir Chris Whitty explained that people from ethnic minority groups were more likely to contract Covid, be hospitalised with it, and ultimately die. He said some of this was because of predictable reasons like diabetes, but others were because of systemic issues including racism. There are some bits of this we could clearly do something about, and there were other bits that were much harder, to do with structural issues in society, and indeed arguably structural racism in some bits of the system. He said some of the risk to black and minority ethnic workers came from working in areas where there were higher rates of Covid, such as London. Sir Chris said people raised the difficult questions but suggestions about taking them out of the workforce presented problems. Theyd be excluded from work, excluded from a variety of other issues, he said. He conceded we were slow off the mark to translate materials into other languages as well as identifying sources where people were getting information from, such as from international TV or radio. 02:50 PM BST Risk to elderly apparent from early on The risk to the elderly from Covid was the biggest by some distance, Prof Sir Chris Whitty has said, adding that this became clear from the early hotspots in China and Italy. The bit we were more cautious about saying was the other end of the age scale, where initial data showed children were relatively unaffected, in contrast to something like influenza, he said. When questioned if the danger to the elderly was publicised enough, he said the Government were both certain and publicised [the risk] quite early on. 02:41 PM BST Foolish not to assume asymptomatic transmission may happen in future pandemic It would be foolish not to assume that asymptomatic transmission may occur in a future pandemic, Prof Sir Chris Whitty has said. He said it wasnt possible to have said everyone was at risk during Covid as it would have made symptoms irrelevant but it would be considered as likely to play a significant part in a future covid-like infection. 02:34 PM BST Poor communication with NHS staff over face masks led to erosion of trust Poor communication with NHS staff over face masks and personal protective equipment led to an erosion of trust, Prof Sir Chris Whitty has said. There was a real mismatch between what people were being told about stock shortages and what people were seeing in reality or among colleagues online, he said, which led to an erosion of trust. Sir Chris also said there was confusion about which masks were better or should be used and that the impact of the shortages of supplies led to scepticism about the guidance. He said there was a concern that the reason that people were giving advice was essentially because of shortages, plus a concern about whether they were being given adequate protection, even the very big risks they were facing. 02:24 PM BST Little evidence to support FFP-3 masks are better than surgical masks, Whitty says Prof Sir Chris Whitty has backed previous claims given to the Inquiry that there is little evidence to support wearing FFP-3 masks over other surgical masks during the pandemic, particularly after it was established that Covid was an airborne virus. He said: The evidence there is a difference between these is extremely weak. He said the FFP-3 masks were not liked because they were harder to hear through, harder to express emotions through. If you were hard of hearing, if youve got early dementia, if your first language is not English, actually having people unable to speak clearly and unable to express emotions does have downsides for the provision of care, he said. A filtering face piece 3 (FFP3) respirator - PETER BYRNE/PA 02:20 PM BST People wrongly assumed chief medical officers had to sign off Covid guidance, says Whitty People wrongly thought everything had to be signed off by chief medical officers, Prof Sir Chris Whitty has claimed. Talking to the inquiry in relation to guidance for pregnant women working in healthcare, and criticism from the Royal College of Midwives for not providing guidance to employers, he said: Given how few, few of us there were trying to do a lot of different areas, I didnt think it was sensible for us to be trying to sign off every bit of guidance. He added: I thought that really would lead to extraordinarily poor decision making by us and or a block on the system, and so it wasnt our job to do the guidance, and we didnt, but we did appreciate the point they were making. 02:13 PM BST Whitty unsure if shielding would be used again Prof Sir Chris Whitty is unsure if he would use the shielding again in another pandemic because it would depend on the situation. He said: Whether the particular approach to shielding we took is an appropriate one to use again in a respiratory infection, I honestly dont know. There are many kinds of pandemic where it would be completely irrelevant. It wouldnt have helped for HIV for example. 02:09 PM BST Effectiveness of shielding never directly evaluated Prof Sir Chris Whitty said his office never directly evaluated the effectiveness of shielding and could not say if there was a benefit in reducing infections. There were both health benefits for some but also significant harms to shielding, Sir Chris said. Whether it actually lead to a reduction in infection, and therefore reduction in mortality is extraordinarily difficult to test because the group of people who were shielding were by definition a massively greater risk or substantially greater risk than the general public, so if they got Covid, they were more likely to die, he said. 02:04 PM BST Quite typical to receive emails from concerned people shielding Prof Sir Chris Whitty said it was quite typical to receive emails from concerned people who had been shielding when the initiative was scrapped in September 2021. In one email displayed by the Inquiry, a vulnerable person complained that the decision had been reversed without explanation and with neither the Chief Medical Officer of Prof Sir Patrick Vallance, Chief Scientific Officer, anywhere to be seen. We cannot over communicate with a situation like this, where someone has been essentially taken out of society, he said. He said it was up to the Government when he and Professor Patrick Vallance appeared on TV - it wasnt a choice. 01:51 PM BST Pictured: Prof Sir Chris Whitty gives evidence at inquiry Professor Sir Chris Whitty whilst giving evidence to the UK Covid-19 Inquiry in London - UK Covid-19 Inquiry/PA 01:46 PM BST Inquiry resumes The Covid Inquiry has resumed after a brief lunch break. 01:13 PM BST Inquiry breaks for lunch The Inquiry has broken for lunch. It will resume at 1.40pm. 01:07 PM BST Whitty knew shielding would be extremely difficult Prof Sir Chris said officials knew shielding would be extremely difficult mentally and operationally for those asked to keep away from loved ones during lockdowns. At the start of the pandemic, those who were immunosuppressed or extremely clinically vulnerable, were asked to shield to protect themselves. This initially consisted of six categories plus GPs could add people to the list themselves using their own clinical judgement. Sir Chris said they recognised it would be challenging and had very significant downsides and that they didnt want to put people on the list who were going to have limited benefit from it or come to net harm. It was paused on Aug 1 and Sir Chris said the decision was because the rate of covid infections had fallen and we were very conscious of the major downsides for being in strict shielding for people who are living with it. 01:01 PM BST We are in foothills of understanding of long Covid Prof Sir Chris Whitty told the inquiry we are in the foothills of our understanding of this set of syndromes in relation to the lasting effects of Covid. Sir Chris said the longer term outlook for people with long covid varies very significantly and that there were experts working in multidisciplinary teams at long Covid clinics to manage the varying symptoms there can be. Some people make an almost or complete recovery relatively soon as in a matter of weeks to months, having had undoubtedly long Covid as defined by any area, and others have a much longer [illness] or indeed see no improvement. 12:49 PM BST UK should have been swifter off the mark spotting long Covid Prof Sir Chris Whitty said the UK should have been swifter off the mark in spotting long Covid as it emerged. The main thing we could do at the beginning, before we understood it slightly better, was to reduce the amount of Covid. If you dont get covid, you dont get long covid, he said. Sir Chris said evidence around long Covid was still relatively new but studies have shown that vaccination reduces the rates of long Covid. He said: Vaccination meant that those people who did have Covid, subsequently it looks as if they get a lower incidence of long covid and a less severe manifestation, but its a bit difficult to tease apart because weve had different viruses, were now in a post-Omicron era, and that is a rather different situation biologically. He said it was an unknowable question whether those who had not had a vaccine would have changed their mind if there had been stronger messaging on the jabs ability to reduce the long-term effects of Covid. 12:37 PM BST Government overdid Covid response at begining of pandemic Prof Sir Chris Whitty still worries about whether the Government got the level of concern about Covid relayed to the public right. He told the Inquiry that if anything they overdid it at the beginning. Sir Chris said: I was worried at the beginning. I still worry, actually in retrospect, about whether we got the level of concern right. Were we either over pitching it so that people were incredibly afraid of something where in fact, their actuarial risk was low, or we were not pitching it enough and therefore people didnt realise the risk they were walking into. I think that balance is really hard, and arguably, some people would say we, if anything we overdid it, rather than under the beginning. 12:32 PM BST UK postponed extremely important research into other diseases to prioritise Covid The UK postponed large swathes of extremely important research into other diseases in order to prioritise Covid, Prof Sir Chris Whitty has said. He told the Inquiry the UK had a unique advantage with the existence of the NHS as a single provider which meant it was able to be a world-leader in Covid research. That came at a price, and the price was that we were extremely ruthless about the number of studies we supported, he said, including not starting hundreds of Covid studies and postponing non-Covid medical research. It was a pretty tough funnel, and we had to switch off large amounts of extremely important research into multiple other diseases to provide the capacity to do this. And it took us quite a long time, I think, longer than we expected to get those back on track, he said. It took us probably two years to get anywhere near back to where we were pre-pandemic. So Im not saying this was a cost free move. 12:29 PM BST Vaccine was light at the end of the tunnel NHS staff viewed the Covid vaccine as a light at the end of the tunnel, according to Englands chief medical officer. Professor Sir Chris Whitty was asked by the UK Covid-19 Inquiry how he thought healthcare workers were feeling by the second wave of the virus. He said: One thing that, in my experience, did make quite a big difference was when staff knew that the vaccine was coming. Because until that point, there was a sense of this could go on for literally years with wave after wave. The second wave in particular was incredibly harrowing. But knowing that there was something that was going to significantly reduce that, I think, for many people at least, meant they felt there was, there was some light at the end of the tunnel. 12:28 PM BST Scale of second wave underappreciated by public Professor Sir Chris Whitty has told the UK Covid-19 Inquiry that the scale of the so-called second wave of the virus was underappreciated by the public. The second wave started in the autumn of 2020, lasting until the spring of 2021. I think that the scale of the second wave was actually underappreciated in the general public, Sir Chris said. I think people who had relatives, obviously, people who were sick, fully understood that this was, in fact, a larger wave in terms of total numbers of people who were severely ill, and indeed who sadly died. And the first two waves are the ones which had the extraordinary mortality and the very large numbers in ICU. By the time we got to most of the Delta wave and the Omicron wave, vaccination had completely changed the pattern. So although people were still getting Covid and still coming into hospital, and it put enormous strain on the system as a whole, the proportion, fortunately, who were going to ICU and going on to die was massively lower, and that led to a very different outlook. 12:26 PM BST Whitty defends meetings with World Health Organisation despite Covid misinformation Sir Chris has hit back at questions over meetings with the World Health Organisation, which had early in the pandemic tweeted it was a fact that Covid was not an airborne virus. He said: Among the very large number of things I was trying to do at this moment in time, trying to get WHO to retract a past tweet didnt seem to me one of my roles. Sir Chris added that he didnt think tweeting was a very good medium for putting forward really difficult science. He praised the international collaboration in dealing with Covid, which was essential both before the virus hit the UK and in the development of the vaccine, despite different countries taking different approaches to dealing with the pandemic. 12:22 PM BST Covid messaging confusing during pandemic Prof Sir Chris Whitty said the messaging for everybody was confusing during the pandemic, but particularly for healthcare workers on the front line. The messaging near the beginning of this was quite confused, Sir Chris said, particularly in relation to the use of PPE and face masks for NHS staff. I think the reason that it was confused was that it was not entirely clear who was ultimately responsible for making decisions in this fast-moving situation, he said. Quite a lot of people thought they were partially responsible, and thats always an extremely difficult and dangerous situation to find yourself in. It wasnt that people were trying to walk away from responsibility, but the quite complex system by which Public Health England, as it was then, was the infection control cell, the NHS delivery of various things were interacting, and thats before we get into its use of procurement and distribution, which had a separate set of challenges. When asked if this was for healthcare staff, he said it was for everybody actually. 12:21 PM BST Covid classed as high consequence infectious disease Asked what was done to protect UK healthcare workers during the pandemic, Sir Chris said it was classified as a high consequence infectious disease. This meant staff could treat patients in environments which are relatively highly protective, with highly trained skilled staff who are used to dealing with high levels of PPE and therefore at a much lower probability of coming to harm themselves. However it was later declassified to just an infectious disease. Sir Chris, who was not involved in that decision but supported it, said there were some risks to the classification because the level of barrier between the staff and the patients is quite significant. 12:19 PM BST Keep an eye out for health workers dying An email from Sir Chris to colleagues in January 2020 at the outset of the Covid pandemic in China, said officials should keep an eye on three key triggers, including healthcare workers dying in order to understand the scale of the risk of the virus. Even a small increase in healthcare worker deaths, that is a very concerning sign that you would want to escalate, he said. 12:00 PM BST Another pandemic a certainty, says Whitty Another pandemic is a certainty, according to Prof Sir Chris Whitty. Sir Chris told the Covid-19 Inquiry that the UK must be prepared for a future pandemic. Englands chief medical officer said: We have to assume a future pandemic on this scale will occur. Thats a certainty. For the UK, not the world, this is a 100 year event because the last time there was something this big was 1919. When questioned about how the UK can better prepare for a surge in hospital patients, he said it was a political choice to have a very low ICU (intensive care unit) capacity compared to most of our peer nations in high income countries. He added that the way out of these was always going to be science in the end, as it was for this one with vaccines. 11:58 AM BST Not binary whether NHS was functioning or not during pandemic Asked if the NHS was functioning as the lockdown had intended, Sir Chris said it was not binary. The NHS continued to treat sick patients throughout. Actually there were more people in the hospital who did not have covid than had it, he told the inquiry. The NHS is under strain every year, even prior to Covid, he said. 11:55 AM BST No clear definition of what overwhelmed NHS looks like Sir Chris said that there was never a clear definition for what an overwhelmed NHS would have looked like when the country was locked down in 2020 in order to protect the health service. 11:53 AM BST Second wave of pandemic particularly harrowing Sir Chris said the second wave of Covid during the pandemic was particularly harrowing but the development of a Covid vaccine gave NHS staff light at the end of a very long tunnel. 11:40 AM BST Sir Chris being sworn in Prof Sir Chris Whitty is being sworn in at the Inquiry. 11:40 AM BST Covid scenes worse than 7/7 bombings Covid was worse than the 7/7 bombings, an NHS adviser told the UK Covid-19 inquiry. Prof Kevin Fong, giving evidence to the Inquiry on Thursday, broke down in tears as he described scenes from hell on intensive care wards during the Covid pandemic. The former national clinical adviser in emergency preparedness, resilience and response at NHS England, said he worked in A&E during the July 7 London bombings but nothing that I saw...was as bad as Covid was every single day for the hospitals most badly hit during the pandemic. He said: The scale of death experienced by the intensive care teams during Covid was unlike anything they had ever seen before. Professor Kevin Fong, former national clinical adviser in emergency preparedness resilience and response, giving evidence to the UK Covid-19 Inquiry - UK Covid-19 Inquiry/PA 11:36 AM BST Woman walks out of inquiry in tears following emotive Prof Fong testimony Prof Kevin Fong, former national clinical adviser in emergency preparedness resilience and response, has finished giving evidence this morning. Prof Fong described an intensive care consultant telling him how he was watching patients die in front of you, to the left of you, to the right of you, behind you. The emotional testimony from Prof Fong at the Inquiry led to one woman sitting in the public gallery walking out in tears. 11:32 AM BST Charity criticises government over pandemic response It comes as the Centre for Mental Health said the Government missed opportunities to support the nations mental health during the pandemic. A report by the charity said the pandemic had caused collective trauma from the effects of isolation, bereavement and fear, and longer term trauma of health care workers and the psychological legacy among children and young people of disrupted education. Andy Bell, chief executive of the charity and co-author of the report, said: The Covid-19 pandemic has hit the nations mental health hard. A lack of government planning, and the absence of any strategy to mitigate harms, meant that both short-term and long-lasting mental health harms occurred that are still visible four years on. He added: It is truly shocking that people with a mental illness were so disproportionately affected by the virus itself, exacerbating existing health inequalities and widening the already vast life expectancy gap. 11:29 AM BST Sir Chris likely to be asked about Covid messaging Sir Chris is likely to be asked about the Stay Home, Protect the NHS, Save Lives messaging deployed at the start of the pandemic. When questioned at the Inquiry earlier this month, the former chief nursing officer for England Dame Ruth May was asked about the messaging. Asked if the message got the balance wrong, she replied: In hindsight I wish it was, stay at home but not if youre pregnant...in hindsight, yes. 11:26 AM BST Pictured: Sir Chris arrives at Covid Inquiry to give evidence Chris Whitty arrives to give evidence to the Covid-19 inquiry 11:25 AM BST Prof Sir Chris Whitty to appear Prof Sir Chris Whitty is to appear before the UK Covid-19 Inquiry today. Englands chief medical officer is to be quizzed about the impact of the pandemic on the NHS. Inquiry chairwoman Baroness Hallett is examining how Covid affected NHS workers, patients and the delivery of healthcare as part of module three of the inquiry. This will include how managers led the pandemic response, the role of primary care and GPs, NHS backlogs, and how the vaccine programme was integrated. Sir Chris, who became a well-known figure during the crisis due to his regular appearances at Downing Street press conferences, is likely to be asked about the Stay Home, Protect the NHS, Save Lives messaging deployed at the start of the pandemic. While many birders are respectful, even slight disruption during breeding season can make the difference between birds breeding or not. Photograph: Steve Young/Alamy With its impressive size, striking plumage and rowdy displays, sighting a capercaillie is many birders dream. Only about 530 of the large woodland grouse survive in the wild in Scotland, most in the Cairngorms national park. But in recent years, those tasked with saving the species from extinction have had to walk a line between calling attention to the birds plight and discouraging people from seeking them out. Although it is illegal to disturb capercaillie during the breeding season from March to August, that hasnt deterred birders and nature photographers, motivated by the possibility of a prestigious spot or shot. Over the 2022 season, 17 people were found on or around the lek, where male birds gather to compete for the attention of females in spring, says Carolyn Robertson, the project manager of the Cairngorms Capercaillie Project. That same year, a birdwatcher was caught on camera, flushing six capercaillie from the breeding site. The man was arrested, but let go with a verbal warning. By then the damage may have already been done. Even fleeting disruption can make the difference between birds breeding, or not, says Robertson. We know that it increases their stress levels, so theres a high chance they didnt come back to the area to breed that morning; they might not have returned for days. With so few birds remaining in the wild, human disturbance could be catastrophic for the species, Robertson says but discouraging nature enthusiasts from seeking them out has proved challenging. When people have taken photographs of capercaillie and put them online, theyve been liked thousands of times. By the time we ask them to take them down, its got them so much kudos, they dont want to do so. It reflects a new and increasing threat to vulnerable species and habitats around the world: social media. A new paper in the Science of The Total Environment journal has highlighted the negative impacts of online posting and photography on biodiversity. Related: Massacred for TikTok likes: is social media feeding the slaughter of 2.6m birds in Lebanon? By calling attention to rare flora and fauna and in some cases their precise locations nature enthusiasts posting about finds can cause others to flock to the same location, and even to deploy unethical tactics (such as playing back bird calls or using bait) to secure a sighting for themselves. Robert Davis, a senior lecturer in wildlife ecology at Edith Cowan University in Western Australia and the papers lead author, says the research was driven by collective rage at having seen pristine natural spots and vulnerable species negatively affected by visitors. Theres actually probably never been a time in human history where you can share information so rapidly to so many people, and with that has come this immense pressure to systems, he says. Populations of the critically endangered blue-crowned laughingthrush, restricted to a small area of Jiangxi province in China, are believed to have changed their nesting habits in response to severe disturbance from wildlife photographers. In 2022, packs of photographers turned up in Shetland, seeking a sight of the elusive lanceolated warbler, potentially causing the bird to abandon the area. This August, a photographer was fined more than 1,600 for disturbing a nesting European honey buzzard in Wales. Its a really tight balance to walk: social media is great for drawing peoples attention but there needs to be discretion James Lowen In Perth, where Davis lives with his wife, Belinda, a biologist and co-author of the paper, online attention has proved especially problematic for the states endemic orchids. You can track it on social media, more and more pictures being put up of the same plant, he says. Sometimes, one post about a flowering orchid can result in hundreds of visitors to the site, Davis says, putting the plants at risk of being damaged or poached. The Queen of Sheba orchid, which can take 10 years to bloom and is found only in a small area of south-west Western Australia, is such a desirable find for orchid hunters that plants in the wild have had to be put under protection. Theyve had to fence that orchid, put cameras on it and have guardians for it, says Davis. That really exemplifies the extreme end. But asking people not to seek out and post about vulnerable species is often met with resistance, says Davis. You get a lot of pushback from people saying: Why are you the gatekeeper? Everyone has a right to see this whats the harm in just one person?. When somethings that rare, you could single-handedly push it to extinction. He acknowledges that the impact on vulnerable species is minor relative to the broader threats posed by habitat loss and invasive species. But social media perpetuates the problem, Davis says. Ultimately, it fuels demand: the rarer something is, the more people want to see it. It highlights a mounting conflict between conservation aims, and those invested in seeing a species before its too late. James Lowen, a natural history writer based in Norfolk, says standards among nature enthusiasts have been slipping, perhaps reflecting the ease of taking and sharing photographs online. There are now more people whose hobby is wildlife photography, rather than wildlife watching, and I suspect that they have not been brought up with the same attention to ethics and fieldcraft. That threat is having to be actively managed now, among countless others. The recent rediscoveries of the Norfolk snout moth, believed to be extinct, and the ghost orchid, not seen since 2009, generated much excitement from enthusiasts but their precise locations have had to be obscured, for fear of further disadvantaging the species, says Lowen. Its a really tight balance to walk: social media is great for drawing peoples attention, but there needs to be a level of discretion. Lowen himself removed capercaillie from the most recent edition of his book, 52 Wild Weekends, to reflect the impact of human disturbance on their breeding success. We all want to see capercaillie, and to see them display they are remarkable creatures but absolutely, birders should stay away. The Cairngorms Capercaillie Project, meanwhile, has sought to harness the power of social media to save the species. Last year, it launched the Lek It Be campaign, urging people not to go looking for the bird or to post photographs online. Robertson says it has already had a positive effect, with 55% fewer birders, photographers and guided groups observed around lek sites this season. While the bird-watching community has backed the campaign, photographers have been less responsive, Robertson says perhaps reflecting their different motivations. Birders will talk about it, and tick a list but [photographers] need that output, the shot thats what theyre there for, she says. Now the worst offenders may find themselves on the other end of the lens. Last year, the Cairngorms Capercaillie Project posted a video of two men caught looking for capercaillie on the lek, to discourage others from doing the same. The intent wasnt to publicly shame them, Robertson says. Its about developing a social norm. We just dont look for capercaillie any more we leave them in peace. Find more age of extinction coverage here, and follow the biodiversity reporters Phoebe Weston and Patrick Greenfield on X for all the latest news and features This article was amended on 26 and 27 September 2024 to clarify that a reference to 530 pairs of capercaillie in the wild refers to Scotland. The population in Scandinavia and other parts of the world is much higher. Also, an earlier version referred to the Eastern Queen of Sheba orchid rather than the extremely rare Queen of Sheba orchid. Eric Adams, the mayor of New York City, has been charged with accepting bribes and illegal campaign contributions from foreign sources after an indictment was filed against the leader of one of the worlds biggest cities. In a five-count criminal indictment, US prosecutors allege that before and during his terms as mayor, Adams sought and accepted improper valuable benefits, such as luxury international travel, including from wealthy foreign businesspeople and at least one Turkish government official seeking to gain influence over him. The criminal counts against Adams include conspiracy to commit wire fraud and to receive campaign contributions by foreign nationals, wire fraud, and solicitation of a contribution by a foreign national. Adamss arraignment was scheduled for noon on Friday before magistrate judge Katharine Parker. Related: A true friend of Turkey: Eric Adams bribery indictment reveals years of flights and favors The complaint focuses on trips Adams and his partner took to Turkey, India and Ghana on Turkish airlines, sometimes staying in luxury hotels, that as an elected official he should have disclosed to the government, and campaign contributions made by Turkish officials through a system of straw donors. Adams did not disclose the travel benefits he had obtained in annual financial disclosures he was required to file as a New York City employee, the government alleges. Sometimes, Adams agreed to pay a nominal fee to create the appearance of having paid for travel that was in fact heavily discounted. Prosecutors allege that Adams created and instructed others to create fake paper trails, falsely suggesting that he had paid, or planned to pay, for travel benefits that were free. In September 2021, two months before he was elected New York mayor, prosecutors allege, Turkish officials called in their debt, telling Adams it was his turn to repay the Turkish official, by pressuring the New York City fire department (FDNY) to facilitate the opening of a new Turkish consular building a 36-story skyscraper without a fire inspection in time for a high-profile visit by Turkeys president. The indictment notes that at the time, the building close to the UN would have failed an FDNY inspection. In exchange for free travel and other travel related bribes in 2021 and 2022 arranged by the Turkish official, Adams did as instructed, the indictment says. Shortly before prosecutors held a press conference to announce the charges, Adams held his own, surrounded by clergy and family as well as protesters calling for his resignation. Adams insisted he was innocent. I ask New Yorkers to wait to hear our defence, he said, and added: Everyone who knows me knows that I follow the campaign rules and I follow the law. But at the end of the press conference, Adams walked away to chants of Resign! Resign! Resign! from some protesters. The US attorney Damian Williams said Adams had committed a grave breach of public trust by accepting more than $100,000 in luxury travel benefits without disclosing them, seeking illegal campaign contributions from Turkish officials as recently as last year and taking corrupt official action over the approval of Turkeys consulate. The mayor, Williams said, crossed bright red lines again and again. Public office is a privilege and we allege Mayor Adams abused that privilege and broke the law laws that are designed to ensure that officials like him serve the people, not the highest bidder, not a foreign bidder and certainly not a foreign power, Williams added. This investigation continues, he said, promising to hold more people accountable. If convicted, Adams could face five years for conspiracy, five years for seeking foreign campaign donations and 20 years for wire fraud. Prosecutors contend that by him concealing illegal contributions, his 2021 mayoral campaign received more than $10m in matching public funds. These are very serious charges and if the facts are as the government says, its going to be very hard for the mayor to prevail, said Columbia Law Schools Richard Briffault. The US attorney also took steps to quell claims that the charges had been brought by the justice department because Adams opposed the Biden administrations southern border policy, which he has called a disaster and claimed had flooded New York with immigrants. We are not focused on the right and the left, Williams said. We are only focused on right and wrong. The moment is a deep crisis for the former police officer, who was elected with a tough-on-crime agenda but who has courted controversy throughout his political career and has been a polarising figure on the left. Adams is the first sitting New York City mayor to be criminally charged. Many local politicians in the city have called for his resignation, including the leftist Bronx Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, who is a powerful influence in the city and the national Democratic party. Related: Who is Eric Adams, the New York City mayor facing indictment? Ocasio-Cortez said that after the indictment news and the previous resignation of several city officials, including the police commissioner, I do not see how Mayor Adams can continue governing New York City. For the good of the city, he should resign. When the news broke of the indictment late on Wednesday night, Adams released a defiant video statement. I always knew that if I stood my ground for New Yorkers that I would be a target and a target I became, Adams said. If I am charged, I am innocent and I will fight this with every ounce of my strength and spirit. He also vowed to stay in office. I have been facing these lies for months yet the city has continued to improve, Adams said. Make no mistake. You elected me to lead this city and lead it I will. The indictment followed months of scrutiny after some of his closest aides and allies came under federal investigation as prosecutors began examining his inner circle. Less than a month ago, federal agents raided the homes of high-ranking officials within Adamss administration and seized electronic devices from the home of the New York police department commissioner. Victoria Thomas died in the early hours of 20 August. Photograph: South Wales police A grieving family has said it is broken and will miss its much-loved daughter, mother, sister, aunt, niece and friend forever, after a woman was found dead at a house in Cardiff. Victoria Thomas, 45, died in the early hours of Tuesday 20 August and was found at a house on Caerphilly Road in the Welsh city. Alcwyn Thomas, 44, appeared at Cardiff magistrates court on 23 August accused of murder. He did not enter a plea to the charge of murdering Thomas at the property where they both lived. The deputy district judge, Daniel Church, said: This court cannot consider bail in a case such as this. He adjourned the case to be heard at Cardiff crown court at a later date. Paying tribute to the 45-year-old, her family said in a statement shared by South Wales police: As a family we are devastated that our much-loved daughter, mother, sister, aunt, niece and friend has been taken away so tragically. Our family are broken, and we will miss her for ever. Please respect our privacy and our wishes to grieve at this devastating and difficult time. At an inquest at the start of September in Pontypridd, the coroners officer Keeley Mason said South Wales police received a report a woman had allegedly been assaulted at the property at approximately 12.30am. Adjourning the full inquest to a later date for further criminal investigation to take place, the assistant coroner, Rachel Knight, said: Based upon the evidence I am satisfied to open an inquest as I have reason to suspect her death is unnatural. Knight added: I want to take this opportunity to pass on my condolences to the family and friends at this sad time. Shawn Seesahai, 19, had travelled to the UK for medical treatment before his death. Photograph: Family Handout/PA The family of a man killed by the UKs youngest knife murderers said they are haunted by thoughts of his last moments and how scared he must have been. Shawn Seesahai, 19, was waiting with a friend on playing fields in Wolverhampton when he was killed by two boys, then aged 12, wielding a machete. The boys, who are now 13, were found guilty of murder after a 20-day trial in June and are due to be sentenced on Friday. The prosecutor, Michelle Heeley KC, told the court on Thursday that the boys were the youngest knife murderers and there was little precedent for what sentence they should receive. Their victim, Seesahai, was from Anguilla, a British overseas territory in the Caribbean, and had recently travelled to the UK for medical treatment before his death. In a statement read to the court by Dorothea Hodge, the UK representative for Anguilla, his family said they were struggling in so many ways after his murder, which appears to be for no reason at all. We are devastated as a family, totally heartbroken and confused, they said. None of us have had an unbroken nights sleep since Shawn was taken from us. Every time I close my eyes, all I can think about are what his last moments were and how scared he must have been. It continually breaks my heart. The family said they had also suffered financially, spending their life savings to have Seesahais body repatriated to Anguilla and taking out a loan to attend the murder trial in the UK. The impact on us as a family is devastating. Its hard to believe that we will ever come to terms with what has happened, they said. Shawn was a very loving child to us. He was very helpful and hardworking. He loved to help out with dad in construction and loved to help with the household chores. He was a humble person and his personality was unique. The trial heard how the two boys, whose identities are protected by a court order due to their age, were roaming the streets on 13 November last year when they got into a confrontation with Seesahai and his friend over a park bench. His friend fled but Seesahai stumbled to the floor and in the ensuing attack he was punched, kicked, stamped on and chopped at with the weapon, with one stab wound puncturing his heart and lung. There was conflicting evidence over which of the boys had inflicted the fatal injuries with the machete, although one admitted to owning the 42.5cm-long blade and was known to have regularly carried a weapon. The court heard that this boy, deemed by the prosecution to be the initial aggressor in the attack, had been groomed, exploited and trafficked by older youths and young men in the wider community who encouraged him towards the possession of knives. Rachel Brand KC, representing this youth, said: He was being exploited by those older than him. One only has to think of the places he was found sometimes late at night with no explanation how he got there. The court heard he had experienced significant trauma in his life, was at high risk of child criminal exploitation and came from a deprived home with family members who had offended. She said he was under the care of his grandmother, who had brought his behaviour to the attention of social services on a number of occasions, but only had intermittent contact with support workers. His co-defendant had also experienced significant disruption in his home life, the court heard, but there was no evidence he carried a knife. After their conviction, Mrs Justice Tipples ruled the defendants could not be identified by the media because of concerns surrounding their welfare. The early release scheme was introduced to ease serious overcrowding in prisons An offender who allegedly groped a prison workers thigh within hours of being let out of prison under Labours early release scheme was freed in error. Amari Ward, 31, was one of 37 prisoners who should not have been eligible for the early release scheme because they had breached restraining orders. When police investigated Wards case, it emerged he and the others had been convicted under an outdated law, which was not recognised during checks. Five of those who were mistakenly released have still not been located, the Ministry of Justice (MoJ) has confirmed. The department said police were working urgently to locate the remainder. Amari allegedly assaulted the prison worker while he was being given a lift to a railway station. He was among a small group of inmates given a lift from HMP Swaleside on the Isle of Sheppey, Kent, to Sittingbourne station 11 miles away as a gesture of goodwill. During the journey, it was alleged that [he] sexually assaulted the prison worker, according to a log of the incident. After the vehicle stopped in the station car park he quickly left and caught a train to London. He was arrested the next day in Croydon. His release came after serving 40 per cent of a jail term for breaching a restraining order. Amari Ward was released early from HMP Swaleside in error - Alamy The early release scheme was introduced to ease serious overcrowding in prisons, with some inmates let out after they had served 40 per cent of their sentence rather than 50 per cent. The Government had said those convicted of offences linked to domestic abuse including breaching a restraining order would not be eligible for early release. However, 37 mens crimes had incorrectly been prosecuted under outdated legislation from 1997. That meant the system did not recognise they were ineligible for release. It only looked at offences under the Sentencing Act 2020. Nick Hardwick, the former chief inspector of prisons, told BBC Radio 4s Today programme the incident would be very distressing and frightening for the victims. The MoJ confirmed 32 of those released early were now back in prison but five were still being searched for. It also suggested the issue had been fixed for forthcoming early releases and all victims had now been contacted. Watchdogs have revealed that up to a fifth of prisoners released under the scheme have been recalled after reoffending or breaching their licence within four months of being freed. The first figures from the early release scheme that ran until this month show that up to a third were also identified by the prison and probation service as being a risk to the public but were still freed into the community. Nearly one in four (38 per cent) were released despite being homeless with no accommodation address, a situation that watchdogs say means it is a third more likely that they will reoffend. The MoJ has yet to publish data on the number or proportion of offenders who were recalled after being released early to ease the prison overcrowding crisis. At HMP Winchester, 21 per cent of prisoners released up to 70 days early were recalled within four months - Andrew Matthews/PA Under the Tories, more than 10,000 prisoners were freed up to 70 days before their sentence was due to end between October 2023 and June 2024. Figures from HMP Winchester, published by the prisons independent watchdog, revealed that 21 per cent of prisoners released up to 70 days early had breached their licence and were recalled in a four-month period. Probation sources suggested Winchesters recall rate was typical of Category B prisons, which can hold inmates who pose a significant risk, and Category C training prisons, where offenders are prepared for release into the community. Spread across all prisons it would equate to at least 2,000 of the 10,000 prisoners released early being recalled within four months. The watchdogs also disclosed that 32 per cent of the prisoners earmarked for early release were escalated as risk concerns, meaning probation, prison or police officers expressed doubts over their suitability for being freed before the end of the sentence. Some 38 were released as homeless because no accommodation could be arranged in time, said the watchdogs, even though it increased the chances of recall. Charlie Taylor, the chief inspector of prisons, has previously warned that his teams had found up to a quarter of those released early being sent out homeless. He described the position as astonishing. Mr Taylor warned about the number of inmates being sent out homeless - Andrew Crowley for The Telegraph In a report on HMP Peterborough mens jail, inspectors said: Despite them having no address to go to, managers had been obliged to release some men 18 days early under the ECSL [End of Custody Supervised Licence] scheme, only for some to return to prison before even their original release date had passed. Mr Taylor said that in a report on Lewes prison, a man was released directly from the segregation unit under the early release scheme while inspectors were visiting, only to be brought back into custody before the 11-day inspection visit was over. At least two prisoners freed under Labours early release scheme have reoffended within a day of being released. A MoJ spokesman said: The new Government inherited a justice system in crisis. The Lord Chancellor scrapped the previous governments early release scheme, replacing it with a system which gives probation staff more time to prepare for a prisoners release. Jason Hoganson, 53, is one of thousands of prisoners who have been released early in order to tackle prison overcrowding - NCJ Media When unknown 16-year-old actor Jason Hoganson landed his big break with the film Empire State he could be forgiven for thinking his next step would be Hollywood. Cast as a Geordie drifter, the Newcastle native found himself sharing the credits with Hollywood heavyweight Martin Landau and legendary Irish actor Ray McAnally. Unfortunately, the 1987 gangsters and geezers film was to prove the pride before the fall, because Hoganson would instead become a convicted criminal. Now Hoganson has become the unwitting poster boy for the Labour governments controversial early prisoner release scheme, which caused a political storm even before it kicked in. In July the new Justice Secretary Shabana Mahmood announced that 5,500 prisoners would be released in September and October to tackle prison overcrowding. Known as SDS40, under which criminals will serve 40 per cent of their sentence rather than half, the scheme started earlier this month for those serving less than five years and will continue next month for those serving five years or more. Serious and repeat offenders were among the first raft of 1,700 prisoners released from September 10, with Labour blaming previous Tory governments for the chaos. But by far the most striking figure pictured emerging that day was Hoganson, who gave photographers a brazen thumbs up as he emerged from Durham Prison. Hoganson gave photographers a thumbs up as he emerged from Durham Prison. At the time of his release he was serving an 18-month sentence for assaulting his ex-girlfriend - PA Only later, however, did it emerge that the 53-year-old had once been a different kind of poster boy altogether. The clear complexion, ruffled hair, and rugged good looks in Empire State had been replaced by a tattooed sunken face and shaven scalp framing a pugnacious glare that betrays lifelong troubles. Born in Newcastle in 1970, Hoganson was brought up with his parents, sister and two brothers, in Elswick, one of the most deprived areas in the city. Despite being raised in an aspirational household, Hoganson, unlike his siblings, fell into the wrong crowd from an early age and began the slow spiral into anti-social behaviour. I was put into care when I was 13 because of my behaviour, said Hoganson in an interview. I was just part of the gang in Elswick and used to follow the crowd, and thats how I got into trouble. Revolving door of hostels and homelessness But it was acting that offered Hoganson the most likely escape route when the producers of Empire State contacted his drama teacher, looking for local talent. Hoganson, who had always had a natural affinity for acting at Newcastles Redewood school, found himself up against more than 100 teenagers before being offered the part. At the time, Hoganson said: Im very pleased with the film. Its a low-budget picture, really down to earth and true to life. I know acting is a difficult profession to break into but acting and writing are what I have always wanted to do. So difficult that the roles dried up, and his career, like the film, disappeared without trace. Hoganson was sucked back into the life of a criminal in Newcastle. His own defence lawyer, Ian Crook, when Hoganson admitted charges of assault by beating and breach of a restraining order in August this year, said Hoganson struggled in the spotlight and that he turned to drink and drugs and that led to a downward spiral. Hogansons life was chaotic and his mental health suffered as a consequence. He also began to lose contact with his five children, whom he fathered with three different women. The children were only young, and I decided it was best for them that I didnt see them anymore, he explained. In 2002 Hoganson entered into a revolving door of hostels and homelessness, with an unwanted record of disruption and eviction. Mr Crook told the court in August that Hoganson, who had been diagnosed with mental health problems, had still recently been a mentor for others while in prison on remand. Struggling with frequent bouts of homelessness, in 2012, he said: I could have gone back and lived with my mam, but she is on her own and shes got a beautiful house. Im like the black sheep. My mam has done everything for me, shes a really lovely woman, but my family have had enough and I dont blame them. I cant keep putting them through this. Everywhere I go just pushes me away At that time, Hoganson admitted that he was sleeping rough at night, and during the day drifting between city centre cafes trying to keep warm. Its freezing out there and its only going to get worse, he continued, But everywhere I go just pushes me away and says they cant help me. All I need is my own little place. That would mean that if any of my children wanted to come and see me in later life, they could. I have missed so much of their lives and no amount of money can get that back. At the time of his release from Durham Prison, he was serving an 18-month sentence for assaulting his ex-girlfriend. And despite his plea to be reunited with his children, Hoganson is understood to have scant contact with them. One of those children, Charlotte Hoganson, now 28, told The Telegraph: We dont have anything to do with him. He is nothing to do with us. She said that he had played no part in her childhood and she had no idea what he was up to now. As for Keir Starmers controversial early release programme, Hoganson raises questions about whether grateful former prisoners will choose a more enlightened path. North Tyneside Magistrates Court heard on September 12 that a day after his release the former actor allegedly slapped his ex-girlfriend after turning up at her home. He is also accused of breaching his restraining order against the victim. Hoganson was re-arrested and is currently back in jail. A CPS spokesman confirmed that Hoganson had been charged with assault and twice breaching a restraining order and had subsequently been denied bail. Hoganson is scheduled to face trial on October 30 at South Tyneside Magistrates Court. He denies all charges. And should Hoganson be convicted, once again, it is tempting to ask whether he would be eligible for any further early release programmes the Government may unveil in the coming months. A pregnant woman drinks a glass of water - Dougal Waters/Digital Vision A UK Government scheme to add more fluoride to tap water could put childrens IQ at risk, a US court ruling has suggested. In February, the Government announced that it was planning to raise fluoride levels for millions to improve the nations teeth. However, after a seven-year legal battle between campaigners and the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), this week a Californian court ruled that fluoridation posed an unreasonable risk to the health of children. The court concluded there was substantial and scientifically credible evidence establishing that fluoride poses a risk to human health and has called on the EPA to act. In the UK, the Government wants to raise the fluoridation level to 1mg/L, but judges in the US set a safe level of fluoride at 0.4 mg/L, less than half that of planned levels. Stephen Peckham, professor of health policy at the University of Kent, said: The ruling is important because it is forcing the regulatory authority in the US to take action, and it is pretty clear that beyond a particular level there is an unacceptable risk. The view of the judge is that the evidence is overwhelming. Fluoridation has brain implications and my personal view is that the weight of the evidence is very much against community fluoridation. Concerns about fluoride have been growing in recent years, with several studies suggesting the mineral can harm the developing brains of children and pregnant women. In 2020, York University in Ontario found that an increase of 0.5 mg/L of fluoride in water approximately the difference between fluoridated and non-fluoridated areas was associated with a 9.3-point decrease in IQ levels for bottle-fed babies when they reached primary school. Breast-fed children also saw their IQ levels dip by 6.2 per cent. Last year, the same team reported that fluoride may increase the risk of hypothyroidism in pregnant women. Fluorides ability to suppress the thyroid has been known since the 1930s, when it was used to treat an overactive thyroid. Currently only five water companies add fluoride to water in the UK, mainly in the North-East and West Midlands, covering less than 10 per cent of Britons, while some areas of the country natural fluoride levels already reach the target concentration. Under government proposals, an initial 1.6 million people will see the mineral added to their water supply, following a consultation in areas including Northumberland, Teesside, Durham and South Tyneside. The Government said its long-term ambition was to bring fluoridation to many areas of the country, highlighting Ireland and the US, where 73 per cent of people live in areas where fluoride is added to the water. Prof Chris Whitty, Chief Medical Officer for England, says adding fluoride could cut dental decay among children - Jamie Lorriman Sir Chris Whitty, the Chief Medical Officer for England, has claimed that adding fluoride to water supplies could reduce cavities by 17 per cent among the richest and 28 per cent among the poorest. Tooth decay is the leading cause for hospital admissions among five to nine year-olds in England, with 19,381 children admitted in the last year, according to data published by NHS England on Thursday. However, experts and campaigners argue that there are other ways to improve dental health without resorting to the mass medicalisation of drinking water. A spokesman for Fluoride Action Network said: Communities are currently adding this neurotoxin to the water. The harm is needlessly self-inflicted, but that also means the solution is simple: ban the use of fluoridation chemicals. Some areas of the world naturally have very high levels of fluoride, and it is known to lead to dental fluorosis or crippling skeletal fluorosis, which can lead to calcification of tendons and ligaments, and bone deformities. Impossible to know The World Health Organisation currently recommends a limit of fluoride in drinking water at 1.5 mg/L, but it is impossible to know how much extra fluoride people are consuming through other means. Coffee, tea, wine, grapes, potatoes and seafood are all known to be high in fluoride, and any food prepared in fluoridated water will also pick up traces of the mineral. The Department of Health and Social Care said it still believed that fluoridation was safe but would continue to monitor health effects. A department spokesman said: Water fluoridation is a safe and effective public health measure that reduces tooth decay. The fluoride levels permitted in the UK are proven to be safe and are well below the levels of WHO (World Health Organization) safety guidelines. There is a duty to monitor the effects of water fluoridation schemes on health. The next health monitoring report will be published in 2026. Coffee, tea, wine, grapes, potatoes and seafood are all known to be high in fluoride, and any food prepared in fluoridated water will also pick up traces of the mineral. The US and France have called for a 21-day temporary ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah to make way for broader negotiations, as the UN secretary general, Antonio Guterres, told a UN security council meeting that hell is breaking loose in Lebanon. Israels top general has said the country is preparing for a possible ground operation into Lebanon after an intense three-day bombing campaign that has killed more than 600 people, further fuelling fears of a regional conflict. The joint statement issued by US president Joe Biden and French counterpart Emmanuel Macron said: It is time for a settlement on the Israel-Lebanon border that ensures safety and security to enable civilians to return to their homes. The exchange of fire since October 7th, and in particular over the past two weeks, threatens a much broader conflict, and harm to civilians. The two leaders, who met on the sidelines of the UN general assembly in New York, said they had worked on a temporary ceasefire to give diplomacy a chance to succeed and avoid further escalations across the border. They urged Israel and Lebanon to back the move, which was also endorsed by the UK, Australia, Canada, the European Union, Germany, Italy, Japan, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates and Qatar. A senior US administration official said on Wednesday night that both Israel and Lebanon, which was understood to be representing Hezbollah in the negotiations, were expected to respond to the call in the coming hours. Officials in a background briefing also emphasised that the ceasefire proposal does not apply to the conflict between Israel and Hamas in Gaza. The US said that the 21-day period was chosen in order to provide space in order to negotiate a more comprehensive agreement between the two sides to allow residents to return to their homes along the Israel-Lebanon border without fear of further violence or an October 7th-like attack in the future. The statement from the 12-member bloc said: The situation between Lebanon and Israel since October 8th, 2023 is intolerable and presents an unacceptable risk of a broader regional escalation. This is in nobodys interest, neither of the people of Israel nor of the people of Lebanon. The announcement came at the conclusion of a heated UN security council meeting, which saw Lebanons prime minister accuse Israel of violating his countrys sovereignty. Najib Mikati said Lebanese hospitals were overwhelmed and unable to accept any more victims. Israels UN envoy told the security council said that his country did not seek a full-scale war and that Iran was the driving force behind the instability sweeping the Middle East. For his part, Iranian foreign minister Abbas Araqchi said the US and UKs unwavering support for Israel has given them carte blanche for all sorts of sinister behaviour. Related: Can Israel avoid same pitfalls of past ground offensive in Lebanon? There have been tensions between the US and its European allies about whether to call for an immediate ceasefire at the security council. The UK foreign secretary David Lammy backed an immediate ceasefire, saying it was time to pull back from the brink, adding a full blown war is not in the interests of Israeli or Lebanese people. He said nothing justified Hezbollahs attacks and urged Iran to use its influence to persuade Hezbollah to agree to a ceasefire. But US diplomats indicated an unconditional ceasefire call in the form of a joint security council statement could be seen as accepting a moral equivalence between the behaviour of Israel and Hezbollah, a group that is labelled a terrorist group by the US. The proposal for a temporary three-week cessation of hostilities might provide a platform to reopen stalled talks on the discussions over a ceasefire between Hamas and Israel in Gaza. Hezbollah has said it will stop its strikes if Hamas agrees to a Gaza ceasefire, but there is no sign currently of either the Hamas leadership or the Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu coming to an agreement. Netanyahu was due to arrive in New York on Thursday, and is expected to set out whether he supports a 21-day break in hostilities. The US deputy envoy Robert Wood said diplomacy will only become more difficult if the conflict escalates further, adding he was gravely concerned by reports that hundreds of Lebanese civilians had died in recent days. But he insisted the origin of the conflict was the hundreds of thousands of Lebanese civilians, and 65,000 Israeli civilians, who have been displaced due to Hezbollahs decision on 8 October to break the peace that has largely endured. He said that no one wanted to see a repeat of the war in 2006, adding the war must end with a comprehensive undertaking that has real implementation mechanisms. No details of the implementation mechanisms were set out by the US envoy, but it is not likely to be backed by Hezbollah if it infringes on its sovereignty. Benjamin Netanyahu has rejected a three-week ceasefire across the Israel-Lebanon border - Abir Sultan/Reuters Israels prime minister has rejected a US-led ceasefire proposal and sworn to continue fighting Hezbollah with full force. Benjamin Netanyahus office issued a statement on Thursday morning dismissing reports that a three-week ceasefire was imminent. It came as Israel Defence Forces (IDF) jets struck Beirut again, killing Muahammad Hussein Sarour, the commander of Hezbollahs aerial forces, whom the IDF says was responsible for numerous drone and missile attacks on Israel. The report about a ceasefire is incorrect, the statement said. This is an American-French proposal that the prime minister has not even responded to. The report about the purported directive to ease up on the fighting in the north is the opposite of the truth. The prime minister has directed the IDF to continue fighting with full force, according to the plan that was presented to him. Emmanuel Macron, left, the president of France, and Joe Biden, the US president, met on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly on Wednesday - Ludovic Marin/AFP via Getty Mr Netanyahu insisted that the fighting would continue in both Gaza and Lebanon until all Israels war objectives were achieved. The Israeli prime ministers statement was followed by confirmation from Israel Katz, his foreign minister. Writing on X, formerly Twitter, Mr Katz said: There will be no ceasefire in the north. We will continue to fight against the terrorist organisation Hezbollah with all our might until victory and the safe return of the residents of the north to their homes. He was referring to some 63,000 Israelis who remain displaced from the region. On Wednesday night, a statement signed by the US, UK, France and other allies called for an immediate 21-day ceasefire across the Israel-Lebanon border. On Thursday morning, reports had suggested that an agreement was close. Allies frustrated Mr Netanyahus firm public rejection of the deal frustrated his Western allies, after he had privately signalled he was open to a ceasefire, a senior Western diplomat told the Times of Israel. The diplomat said this was typical of Mr Netanyahus conduct in Gaza hostage talks, where he showed flexibility behind closed doors before making tougher statements in public. An Israeli strike on Beirut on Thursday - War Monitors/X On Thursday, Itamar Ben-Gvir, Israels firebrand national security minister, threatened to withdraw his hard-Right Otzma Yehudit party from Mr Netanyahus coalition if there was any ceasefire with Hezbollah. The most basic and understandable thing is that when your enemy is on his knees, you do not allow him to recover, but work to defeat him, Mr Ben-Gvir said, arguing that pausing fighting conveys weakness, endangers the security of your citizens, and proves that you do not intend to win. Mr Netanyahu has long been accused of scuppering peace talks for fear of losing power. On Wednesday, Lt Gen Herzi Halevi, Israels chief of staff, said Israel was preparing for a ground invasion of Lebanon and told troops their boots could soon enter enemy territory. People at the scene of an air strike on Beirut on Thursday - CHP/X By Thursday afternoon, the IDF had announced that its 7th Brigade had concluded an exercise simulating manoeuvres in Lebanon. The exercise took place a few kilometres from the border and trained the troops in manoeuvring and combat in thicketed mountainous terrain, the Israeli military said. Waiting for years Speaking about the assassination of the Hezbollah aerial forces chief, Lt Gen Halevi said: We need to continue attacking Hezbollah. We have been waiting for this opportunity for years. We are constantly working to eliminate more senior officials, to thwart the transfer of weapons, to [destroy] Hezbollahs firepower and to attack it in all of Lebanon. Israeli fighter jets also struck infrastructure along the Syria-Lebanon border which the IDF said was used by Hezbollah to transfer weapons from Syria. The air strike hit Beiruts southern suburbs - Hassan Ammar/AP The strikes came as Hezbollah fired at least 40 rockets at northern Israel after a 19-hour lull. Speaking at the UN general assembly in New York, Mahmoud Abbas, the president of the Palestinian Authority, called on world leaders to stop sending weapons to Israel. Israel said it had concluded negotiations to receive $8.7 billion (6.5 billion) of US aid to continue its military operations. The package comprises $3.5 billion (2.6 billion) for essential wartime procurement and $5.2 billion (3.9 billion) for air defence systems, including the Iron Dome, Davids Sling, and an advanced laser system, said Maj Gen Eyal Zamir, the director-general of Israels ministry of defence. 03:33 PM BST Thats all for today Thanks for following our live coverage of the escalating conflict between Israel and Hezbollah in the Middle East. Well be back soon with more updates and analysis from the conflict. Heres a recap of todays events. A senior US official told Sky News that a 21-day ceasefire agreement between Israel and Lebanon could be agreed as early as today But the report was quickly shot down by Benjamin Netanyahu, who said he had urged the IDF to continue fighting at full force against Hezbollah Both Israel and Hezbollah continued to exchange blows throughout Thursday This included Israels strike on Beirut, which targeted Hezbollahs senior drone commander. He was reportedly killed, according to two security sources 03:25 PM BST In pictures: Aftermath of Beirut strike Lebanese soldiers cordon off the area at the site of an Israeli airstrike in Beiruts southern suburbs - AP A man carries salvaged items near a damaged car at the site of an Israeli airstrike that targeted an apartment on al-Qaem street in Beiruts southern suburbs - AFP 03:14 PM BST Netanyahu to speak at UN on Friday Benjamin Netanyahu had planned to speak at the United Nations general assembly in New York on Thursday, though this has been pushed back to Friday. The Israeli prime minister landed in New York this afternoon, where he is expected to meet the president of Paraguay, and the prime ministers of Serbia, Greece, and the Netherlands. 02:50 PM BST Defence minister approves continued attacks against Hezbollah Israels defence minister has approved the continued IDF offensive activity against Hezbollah in Lebanon, his office has said. Yoav Gallant met with the IDFs chief of staff on Thursday to approve the plans, when they also obsvered the air strike on Beirut. Defence sources said the air strike targeted the head of Hezbollahs aerial forces, who is responsible for the terror groups drones, cruise missiles, and air defences. Lebanese people are seen in the area following the Israeli airstrike on Dahiyeh suburb of Beirut - Anadolu 02:37 PM BST Lebanon: 26 people killed in strikes At least 26 people have been killed in strikes across Lebanon today, according to the Lebanese health authorities. Some 20 people were killed in Younine, north east Lebanon - 19 of whom were Syrian. Three people were killed in Tyre, one person was killed in Qana, southern Lebanon, and two people were killed in Cadmus. 02:26 PM BST Israeli ministers trying to damage negotiations Israeli ministers who have publicly rejected calls for a ceasefire with Hezbollah are deliberately attempting to damage negotiations, a Western diplomat has told Haaretz. Earlier on Thursday Israel Katz, the foreign minsiter, said there would be no ceasefire in the north. Meanwhile, Benjamin Netanyahu, the Israeli prime minister, rejected reports that a ceasefire was hours away. 02:08 PM BST More pictures coming in from Beirut We have more pictures coming in from Beirut after the IDF launched another strike on Thursday. Smoke billows from the site of an Israeli airstrike that targeted Beiruts southern suburbs on Thursday - AFP People inspect the damage in a building targeted by an Israeli air strike in Beiruts southern suburbs - AFP 01:52 PM BST Beirut target was head of Hezbollahs drone unit Israels target in its strike on Beirut was the the head of Hezbollahs drone unit, according to Hebrew media. 01:31 PM BST In pictures: Israel launches fresh strike on Beirut Israel has launched a targeted strike on Beirut - social media Israel had focused its bombing campaign in southern Israel 01:19 PM BST IDF strikes Beirut The Israeli military said it is currently carrying out precise strikes in Beirut. A source close to Hezbollah told AFP that the strike targeted one of its senior commanders. 01:15 PM BST IDF conducting exercises close to Lebanon border The IDFs 7th brigade has conducted exercises just a few kilometres from the border with Lebanon, Israels military said in a statement on Thursday. It follows the militarys army chief telling troops on Wednesday that your boots will enter enemy territory ahead of a possible ground invasion. Thousands of Israeli reservists were also called up for operations on the northern border. Gen Herzi Halevi said Israeli troops were preparing the process of a manoeuvre in Lebanon after striking all day - IDF 01:04 PM BST World is speaking clearly on ceasefire Antony Blinken, the US secretary of state, has said the world is speaking clearly over the need for a ceasefire in the Middle East. It follows reports that a ceasefire deal could be reached within hours which were rejected by Israels top minsiters, including Benjamin Netanyahu. 12:22 PM BST Watch: IDF strikes Hezbollah targets The IDF has continued striking Hezbollah targets in Lebanon and near the border with Syria on Thursday, despite reports that a ceasefire deal was imminent. 12:14 PM BST In pictures: Children on both sides forced into shelters Children from both Lebanon and Israel have been impacted by the escalating conflict in the Middle East. At least one million Israelis were forced into bomb shelters on Wednesday, according to the IDF, while tens of thousands of Lebanese civilians have fled their homes due to Israeli air strikes. A child rests at a makeshift shelter in an educational institution hosting Lebanese people who fled from Beirut - Shutterstock Ultra-Orthodox Jewish students participate in a lesson inside a bomb shelter in Israels northern city of Safed - AFP 11:47 AM BST What is the Blue Line? The 21-day ceasefire deal proposed by the US, France and the UK would be implemented along the Blue Line. The Blue Line is a demarcation line established by the United Nations dividing Lebanon from Israel and the occupied Golan Heights. It was drawn in 2000 by the UN to ensure that Israel had fully withdrawn from Lebanon. It is under constant monitoring by UN peacekeepers. It also seeks to ensure that Hezbollah remains behind the Litani river, which is located around 20 miles from Israels border. However, its fighters have moved forward since it started attacking Israel on Oct 8 last year. In July 2006, war broke out between Israel and Hezbollah. At the end of the war, the UN Security Council Resolution 1701 ordered that all troops show full respect for the Blue Line. 11:33 AM BST Israeli strike hits Syria-Lebanon border crossing An Israeli air strike hit the end of a small border crossing between Syria and Lebanon, according to the Lebanese transport minister. Ali Hamieh told Reuters that he was unsure if the crossing could still be used. The Israeli military said it attacked infrastructure used to transfer weapons from Syria to Hezbollah in Lebanon. The IDF will continue to strike and act against the Hezbollah terrorist organisations attempts to arm itself and transfer weapons into Lebanon from Syrian territory, a statement read. 11:28 AM BST Telegraph readers have their say... 10:58 AM BST In pictures: Fighting continues between Israel and Hezbollah Israel and Hezbollah continued trading blows on Thursday morning despite reports that a ceasefire deal was imminent. The IDF said it attacked around 75 Hezbollah targets in Lebanon, while the Iran-backed terror group fired dozens back. Smoke billows over southern Lebanon following an Israeli air strike - REUTERS An Israeli army tank is transported through northern Israel - REUTERS A man walks past destruction caused by Israeli airstrikes in the Masaken neighbourhood on the outskirts of Tyre, Lebanon, on Thursday 10:38 AM BST Israels foreign minister: There will be no ceasefire Israels foreign minister has said there will be no ceasefire in the north with Hezbollah after Benjamin Netanyahu dealt a blow to hopes that the fighting could soon stop. We will continue to fight the Hezbollah terror group with full force until victory and the return of residents of the north to their homes safely, Israel Katz said. Mr Katz is serving as prime minister while Mr Netanyahu is in New York, though he does not have the power to make operational decisions about the war. It follows reports from Sky News and Lebanons MTV News that a ceasefire deal could be achieved in the coming hours. 10:28 AM BST Dispatch: A sense of cautious optimism slowly returns in Beirut After days of nervousness, it feels like there is a mood of cautious optimism at least in parts of Beirut this morning. Even in areas of the Lebanese capital unaffected by Israeli airstrikes, jittery residents had been staying at home far more than usual in a city famed for its nightlife. Shops and restaurants have been closing early, while office staff have often been working from home. But the cafes are a little more lively this morning. Its the first time Ive left home except to shop for five days, said Rima Khayat, a designer, as she sipped a cappuccino in a cafe in the Gemmayzeh district of eastern Beirut. Im feeling a little more confident. Im keeping my fingers crossed that the end is in sight. But for some traumatised Shia and Christian families who had fled the south there will be greater scepticism and pessimism. I cant believe the Israelis would stop now, said Zainab, a mother of three who fled the village of Shhur on Monday as Israel launched the heaviest aerial bombardment of the 21st century -- much of which targeted Hezbollah positions south of the Litani River in and around places like Shhur. When we left they were bombing the village. My neighbours house was destroyed. So even if there is peace will there be anything left for us to go back to? 10:11 AM BST Netanyahu: Ceasefire reports are not true A spokesman for Benjamin Netanyahu has said reports about an imminent ceasefire are not true. The news about the supposed directive to moderate the fighting in the north is also the opposite of the truth, the statement read. The Prime Minister instructed the IDF to continue the fighting with full force, and according to the plans presented to him. Also, the fighting in Gaza will continue until all the goals of the war are achieved. The Israeli prime minister is currently travelling to New York ahead of his speech at the United Nations general assembly. 09:50 AM BST Hezbollah fires 45 rockets at Israel Hezbollah fired around 45 rockets from Lebanon, Israels military said on Thursday, as ceasefire talks continued. Approximately 45 projectiles were identified crossing from Lebanon. Some of the projectiles were intercepted and the rest fell in open areas, the IDF said, adding that Israeli warplanes continued to strike Hezbollah targets in several areas in southern Lebanon. Israels Iron Dome anti-missile system intercepts rockets launched from Lebanon - REUTERS 09:43 AM BST Analysis: Israel knows its northern dilemma will not shift without military action While Israels prime minister is en route to the United Nations General Assembly, Israel remains on tenterhooks. With talks of a possible 21-day ceasefire, the country once again stands between a rock and a hard place. After the longest Gaza war, the country is war weary but they know that without significant military action, the situation in the north will not shift. A 21-day ceasefire will not return the 63,000 displaced Israelis nor resolve the fact that since the 2006 UN resolution 1701, Hezbollah has neither retreated nor disarmed as was the premise of the treaty. Mr Netanyahu has made returning the countrys displaced a top war goal alongside the returning of the hostages in Gaza and dismantling of Hamas. And as he tires of the pressure of the US, the question of his complying is unclear as he remains tight-lipped amid negotiations. 09:26 AM BST Were giving diplomacy a chance Tzipi Hotovely, the Israeli ambassador to the UK, has told LBCs Nick Ferrari that Israel is giving diplomacy a chance amid reports of an imminent ceasefire with Hezbollah. The people from the north cannot go back to their homes, she told LBC. I believe today that were true chance to diplomacy to work but at the same time were prepared to all other alternatives just in case diplomacy fails, she said. 'We're prepared for all other alternatives if diplomacy fails.' Israeli Ambassador to the UK, Tzipi Hotovely, addresses reports that an Israel-Hezbollah ceasefire is 'close'. @NickFerrariLBC pic.twitter.com/Tb5lPWiYmL LBC (@LBC) September 26, 2024 09:18 AM BST Analysis: A ceasefire could cripple Hezbollahs reputation Lebanese officials have sounded cautiously optimistic that the White Houses initiative could yield a ceasefire, with Nabih Berri, Lebanons parliamentary speaker, saying he is working with the Americans to de-escalate the conflict. Berri, whose party is allied to Hezbollah in the Lebanese party, told the Asharq Al-Awsat, an Arabic language newspaper, yesterday that the next 24 hours would be crucial. The biggest issue facing Hassan Nasrallah, Hezbollahs leader, is that he has repeatedly insisted his movement would continue firing rockets into northern Israel until there is a ceasefire in Gaza. Hundreds of his fighters have died as a result of his campaign. Ending it without achieving this goal risks crippling Hezbollahs reputation among Lebanese Shias and across the Middle East more broadly. It would severely undermine Nasrallahs own credibility. Hezbollah is clearly in a deep bind. Iran has reportedly refused its pleas to fire on Israel in support of the movement, which is still reeling from a series of devastating blows that have incapacitated thousands of its fighters, killed many of its senior commanders, crippled morale and eroded its missile-firing capabilities. It is too soon to say if Nasrallah accepts the US proposal - his movement still holds a large arsenal of rockets despite the setbacks of the past week - but if he does he and his movement will have paid an enormous price for their rocket attacks on Israel. 09:13 AM BST Israeli strike kills 23 Syrians in Lebanese town At least 23 Syrians, most of them women or children, were killed in an Israeli strike on a three-storey building in the Lebanese town of Younine late on Wednesday, Ali Qusas, the towns mayor, told Reuters. Qusas said another eight people were wounded. Thousands of Lebanese civilians have fled their country for neighbouring Syria - AFP 08:52 AM BST Pictured: Israeli fighter jet flies over northern Israel Israeli fighter jet flying over Haifa in northern Israel as strikes continue ahead of an anticipated ceasefire agreement - AP 08:35 AM BST Watch: Iraqi resistance hits Israels Eilat port in drone attack The pro-Iran Islamic Resistance in Iraq group said it attacked Israels Red Sea port of Eilat on Wednesday. Israels military said it intercepted a drone approaching Eilat and that another fell in the area. It reported two minor injuries. 08:27 AM BST Israel needs to crush Hezbollah, says minister Bezalel Smotrich, Israels far-right finance minister, has rejected talk of a ceasefire with Hezbollah, saying displaced Israelis can only be returned to their homes in the north if the Iran-backed group surrenders or is taken to war. The campaign in the north should end in one scenario - crushing Hezbollah and denying its ability to harm the residents of the north, Smotrich said. The enemy must not be given time to recover from the heavy blows he received and to reorganize for the continuation of the war after 21 days. Surrender of Hezbollah or war, thats the only way we will return the residents and security to the north and the country. 08:15 AM BST Israeli strikes continue overnight Israels military said it struck around 75 Hezbollah targets in Lebanon overnight, primarily in the Bekaa Valley and the south of the country. The IDF said it has been striking weapons storage facilities and ready-to-fire rocket launchers, many of which are stored in homes, according to Israeli intelligence. Hezbollah missile system in the attic of a home in the southern Lebanon village of Houmine al-Tahta - Israel Defence Force 07:57 AM BST Israeli boots ready to hit the ground in Lebanon A ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hezbollah may be imminent, according to US officials, but on Wednesday Israels army chief told troops Israel is preparing to put boots on the ground with an invasion of Lebanon. Israel Defense Forces (IDF) jets have carried out heavy bombardments of Hezbollah targets to pave the way for your boots to enter enemy territory, Lt Gen Herzi Halevi told troops. It came as the Israeli army called up two brigades of reservists, around 4,000 soldiers, for operations on the northern border. The purpose of the invasion would be to allow Israeli citizens to return to their homes in the north, Gen Halevi added. Read the full story here. 07:47 AM BST Lebanon PM: Ceasefire is possible Lebanons prime minsiter believes a ceasefire between Israel and Iran-backed Hezbollah is possible soon. Asked if a ceasefire could be secured soon, Najib Mikati told Reuters: Hopefully, yes. It comes after the United States, France and the United Kingdom called for a 21-day ceasefire along the Israel-Lebanon border. 07:32 AM BST Netanyahu departs for New York ahead of UN speech Benjamin Netanyahu has departed for New York, where he will address the United Nations amid escalating violence in the Middle East. The Israeli prime minister had initially delayed the trip but is now expected to give a speech at 9.30am local time (2.30pm in the UK), according to Hebrew media. Israel Katz, foreign minister, will officially serve as acting prime minister while Mr Netanyahu is away. Benjamin Netanyahu departs for New York with his wife, Sara, as fighting escalates between Israel and Lebanon 07:17 AM BST Lebanon: Four killed overnight Four people were killed in overnight Israeli air strikes in southern Lebanon, according to the countrys health authorities. Three people were killed in Aita el Shaab, while one person, of Syrian nationality, was killed in Qana, also in southern Lebanon. 07:08 AM BST Ceasefire agreement comes against backdrop of deadly strikes A potential 21-day ceasefire agreement between Israel and Lebanon comes against the backdrop of deadly strikes over the last few days. At least 600 people were killed by Israeli strikes against Hezbollah targets in Lebanon in Operation Northern Arrows, which was launched on Monday, according to the Lebanese health authorities. Hezbollah has also fired hundreds of rockets back at Israel, including one directed at Mossads headquarters, though there have been no reported deaths. Several people have been injured from shrapnel. Smoke rises from the site of an Israeli airstrike that targeted the southern Lebanese village of Khiam on Wednesday - AFP 06:46 AM BST Border staff race to rescue 6,000 Britons Thousands of Britons are still trapped in Lebanon, with Border Force officers being deployed to help as many as 6,000 people flee amid the worsening conflict. Sir Keir Starmer has also not ruled out deploying troops on the ground to evacuate Britons from Lebanon if necessary, after sending 700 extra soldiers to Cyprus. Read the full story on evacuations here The traffic along the Damour highway as people flee southern Lebanon - Shutterstock 06:16 AM BST Rising violence between Israel-Hezbollah intolerable Britain has joined the US, France and a host of allies in calling for the immediate temporary ceasefire in Lebanon, decrying the escalating violence between Israel and Hezbollah as intolerable. The joint statement released by the White House read: The situation between Lebanon and Israel since October 8th, 2023 is intolerable and presents an unacceptable risk of a broader regional escalation. This is in nobodys interest, neither of the people of Israel nor of the people of Lebanon. It is time to conclude a diplomatic settlement that enables civilians on both sides of the border to return to their homes in safety. Diplomacy however cannot succeed amid an escalation of this conflict. Signatories to the statement included the UK, the US, Australia, Canada, the European Union, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates and Qatar. 06:10 AM BST Hopes ceasefire deal will assist Gaza conflict The ceasefire deal set to come into effect within hours along the Israel-Lebanon border, according to sources, will also allow for progress to be made on the conflict in Gaza. It buys some time and space to try to pursue an arrangement in Gaza along the lines of the hostage deal weve been discussing, the US official told Sky News. We believe, regardless of what has happened on the battlefield over the last several days, the moment we feel is now to achieve that diplomatic resolution; to get there. 06:05 AM BST Welcome to our live coverage We will be bringing you the latest on the conflict in the Middle East today. A 21-day ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah is reportedly set to be implemented in the coming hours along the Israel-Lebanon border. Phoebe Plummer and Anna Holland will be sentenced at Southwark Crown Court on Friday after they defaced Van Goghs Sunflowers - JUST STOP OIL/ANADOLU/GETTY The Just Stop Oil protesters who threw soup on a Van Gogh painting are daring iconoclasts, not criminals, art experts have claimed. More than 100 artists, curators and art historians are pleading for two climate activists who defaced Van Goghs Sunflowers to be spared jail. The painting itself was not damaged during the attack at Londons National Gallery in Oct 2022, but the frame surrounding it was. Phoebe Plummer and Anna Holland, both 22, will be sentenced at Southwark Crown Court on Friday after being found guilty of criminal damage during the demonstration. Judge Hehir told the pair to be prepared in practical and emotional terms to go to prison. However, artists including Fiona Banner, Peter Kennard and Love Ssega, the actor Juliet Stevenson, as well as arts academics from Essex, Goldsmiths, Queen Mary, New York and Copenhagen universities, claimed the act was in keeping with the ethos of the arts. In a letter coordinated by Greenpeace UK and Liberate Tate, which campaigns against fossil fuel industry involvement in the arts, they said: We are concerned by the courts defence of a false notion of artistic purity in their judgement and sentencing. Art can be, and frequently is, iconoclasm. These activists should not receive custodial sentences for an act that connects entirely to the artistic canon. Fiona Banner is among 100 artists, curators and art historians who are pleading for the two activists to be spared jail - DAVE BENETT/GETTY Such iconoclasm has been recognised as part of art for more than 120 years, they said, citing the work of artists including Banksy, who shredded one of his paintings during an auction in 2018. The artists added: The work of all these iconoclasts, often far more physically destructive than the work of JSO, is now venerated in museums around the world. Areeba Hamid, a co-executive director at Greenpeace UK, said: We sincerely hope the judge will listen carefully to the artists arguments. We need to stop locking away peaceful protesters in our overcrowded prisons simply for raising the alarm on a burning planet. Darren Sutton, from Liberate Tate, said: When Liberate Tate started making performance interventions to protest BP sponsorship of Tate in 2010 we were dismissed as irreverent outsiders. Now our campaign is long won, museum and gallery directors vie for the strength of their position on tackling climate change, and all but one have shunned oil sponsorship. The initial reaction to soup thrown will undoubtedly shift as we as a society catch up with the threat climate change poses to our way of life. Phoebe and Annas act will be seen as the poetic protest it surely is, unworthy of custodial punishment. Kamala Harris at an event in Pittsburgh on Wednesday. Photograph: Jacquelyn Martin/AP Kamala Harris sat for her first solo interview as the Democratic presidential nominee on Wednesday, laying out her plan to boost the middle class and condemning her rival, Donald Trump, on his comments over abortion. During the interview with MSNBCs Stephanie Ruhle, which was held in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, the vice-president painted Trump as a candidate focused on the rich at the expense of the middle class, and herself as better equipped to handle the economy. The top economists in our country have compared our plans and say mine would grow the economy, [and] his would shrink it, she said during the interview. On his economic record, Harris said: Donald Trump made a whole lot of promises that he did not meet. Related: Harris says cost of living still too high as she lays out economic agenda Harris also showed disdain over Trumps comments on abortion, saying that he needs to trust women to make their own reproductive decisions. Her comments came after Trump, at a Pennsylvania rally, called himself a protector of women, claiming American women will not be thinking about abortion if he is elected. Donald Trump is also the person who said women should be punished for exercising a decision that they, rightly, should be able to make about their own body and future, Harris said. On a lighter note, Harris confirmed that she worked at McDonalds, pushing back against Trumps allegations that she did not. Part of the reason I even talk about having worked at McDonalds is because there are people who work at McDonalds who are trying to raise a family, she said, alluding to her economic policy plan to help working-class families. I think part of the difference between me and my opponent includes our perspective on the needs of the American people and what our responsibility, then, is to meet those needs, Harris added. The interview comes at a time when Harris faces harsh criticism over the lack of media interviews she has done. Earlier this month, Axios reported that the Harris-Walz campaign has so far given fewer interviews than any other candidates in modern history. Trump and JD Vance, the Republican vice-presidential pick, have used it as ammunition during their campaign speeches. On X, Vance responded to news of Harriss interview by saying: This is legitimately pathetic for a person who wants to be president. Ruhle has explicitly endorsed Harris. She wont ask hard Qs. Kamala runs from tough questions because she cant defend her record. If you want open borders and high groceries, vote for status quo Kamala. In August, Harris was interviewed on CNN alongside Walz. The interview was hosted by Dana Bash and aired as a one-hour primetime special. After the interview, Republicans criticized the joint interview with Walz for being prerecorded and not live. Since then, Harris has given a handful of interviews, mostly with local outlets or more niche forums, including an appearance with Stephanie Chiquibaby Himonidis, a Spanish-language radio host and podcaster. Harris also appeared in a livestreamed Unite for America event with supporters hosted by Oprah Winfrey last week. Rachel Kyte has been appointed to the role of UK special representative for climate, which previously attracted a salary of 130,000 - NurPhoto A new climate envoy with links to a hedge fund that has donated millions of pounds to Labour has been appointed by the party, it has emerged. Rachel Kyte has been appointed to the role of UK special representative for climate, which attracted a salary of 130,000 the last time that it was filled. It comes as Labour faces a growing row over donations and accusations of cash for jobs. Ms Kyte also sits on the advisory board of the Quadrature Climate Foundation (QCF), which was set up by Quadrature Capital, whose parent company is based in the Cayman Islands. Quadrature Capital has donated 4 million to Labour, its biggest ever donation. Last night, Joy Morrissey, the shadow energy minister, wrote to the head of the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero to demand answers over the appointment. A Conservative source said: Yet again Labour is facing accusations of running their Government on a cash for jobs basis. They should urgently come clean about the nature of this appointment or finally confirm that cash really is king in Starmers new administration. Ms Kyte previously served as special representative for the UN and a vice-president of the World Bank. Her role, to be announced next week by David Lammy and Ed Miliband, will be to lead the UKs return to the front ranks of global climate diplomacy. Joy Morrissey, the shadow energy minister, has demanded answers over the appointment - conservativepartyforum.com The post was abolished by Rishi Sunak, who also missed a number of environmental summits while he was prime minister. Ms Kyte will be tasked with forging alliances with developing countries and economic giants China and India. She was recently a professor at Oxfords Blavatnik school of government, and before that she was the chief executive of the Sustainable Energy for All initiative. In her letter to Jeremy Pocklington, the permanent secretary of the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero, Ms Morrissey wrote: I know you are committed to upholding the very highest standards of transparency. Together, with the new Labour Governments history of appointing donors and political supporters into government, you will understand why I believe this appointment raises questions. Ms Morrissey asked Mr Pocklington whether Ms Kyte was a direct ministerial appointment and, if so, why this information has not been published in the usual way. She also asked whether the appointing minister declares the donation made to the Labour Party by Quadrature to the permanent secretary as an interest. Ms Morrissey wrote: Did your department consider the investments of Quadrature in oil and gas companies as a potential conflict of interest upon Ms Kytes appointment? Did your department test the potential conflict relating to Ms Kyte at the point of her recruitment, in line with the government guidance on managing conflicts of interest? Labour accepted the donation from Quadrature Capital days after the election was called, but just before campaign rules kicked in requiring parties to make weekly declarations during the election period. Jeremy Pocklington, the permanent secretary of the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero Quadrature Capital is registered in central London and invests on behalf of Quadrature Group, whose funds are based in the Cayman Islands. In a statement, the company said it had chosen to support Labour because of the partys commitment to the green transition of the economy. It said: Having analysed commitments set out by each party, we donated 4 million to the Labour Party, in support of policies that will deliver climate action while also promoting social equity and economic resilience. This was a values-based donation, not a political donation, as Quadrature Capital Ltd remains non-partisan and apolitical. Going forward, our private giving will continue to be led by our values, and any further donations to political parties will depend on the parties commitments, track record, and alignment with our mission for sustainable and equitable growth. An investigation by The Guardian found that the company owned $170 million (127 million) of shares in fossil fuels firms, including major polluters. It also reportedly holds millions of pounds worth of shares in US-based private healthcare companies and arms manufacturers. Timing raised questions Mr Sunak called the election on May 22, with the Electoral Commissions pre-poll reporting obligations kicking in a week later, on May 30. Electoral Commission records show that Labour accepted the 4 million from Quadrature on May 28, before the new rules had come into force. As a result, the donation was not made public until long after the election took place. The timing of the declaration raised questions over whether the party was seeking to avoid the controversy of it being published during the campaign. Quadrature has said that while its funds are established in the Cayman Islands, it pays UK corporation tax on all of the profits from them. In a statement on its website, the company says: Quadrature does not seek to obtain a UK corporation tax advantage by establishing its funds in the Cayman Islands. Since the funds have historically been managed exclusively from the UK by Quadrature Capital Limited, all of the trading profits of the funds have been subject to UK corporation tax. Jess Ayers, the chief executive of QCF, said: QCF is a charitable foundation and operates in line with its charitable purposes and independently from Quadrature Capital Limited. QCFs focus is on funding and supporting science-led solutions to climate change. Since its inception, QCF has committed over 700 million to promote sustainable development and advance climate solutions globally. QCF is politically neutral and does not support any political party. QCF is building an advisory board to provide independent challenge and thought partnership to enhance its impact in the field. The advisory board has no decision-making powers. Rachel was appointed as co-chair of this board in December 2023 due to her outstanding leadership across the climate space, including her senior roles at the World Bank, UN agencies, and third-sector organisations. Rachels expertise has been further recognised through her appointment to this significant UK Government role. Ms Kyte and the Government were approached for comment. Academics said they were disappointed Rishi Sunaks pet project will now not go ahead - Richard Pohle/The Times A new national maths academy championed by Rishi Sunak has been quietly scrapped by the Government, angering academics. In May, Mr Sunak invited organisations to apply to set up a national academy for maths that would make numeracy as important as reading and prepare workers for jobs in artificial intelligence (AI), data science and computing. It would have become the fifth UK national academy, joining The Academy of Medical Sciences, The British Academy, the Royal Academy of Engineering and the Royal Society. But on Thursday, it emerged that the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology (DSIT) had withdrawn the scheme, despite a number of applications already being submitted. Prof Jens Marklof, the president of the London Mathematical Society and spokesman for the Campaign for Mathematical Sciences, said: The decision to cancel funding for the Academy for the Mathematical Sciences is very disappointing. Funding for the Academy could be a huge driver of economic growth by improving the flow of mathematical analysis, cutting-edge research and technological innovation into policymaking. The Governments announcement pledges to explore other ways to promote and support mathematics, so we hope to engage with them on this as soon as possible. The Telegraph understands that academics are concerned that Labour is choosing to defund mathematics because it was a pet project of Mr Sunak. It was a personal goal of the former prime minister to boost maths skills and the Academy for the Mathematical Sciences was intended to build on plans to make teenagers study the subject up to the age of 18. Mr Sunak has previously warned that the UK has an anti-maths mindset where poor attainment in the discipline is regarded as socially acceptable. He vowed that the academy would transform the national approach to maths and discover the Alan Turings of tomorrow. Although the UK has risen 10 places in international league tables since 2009, more than eight million adults in Britain have numeracy skills below those expected of a nine-year-old and around one-third of young people fail GCSE maths. Academics have warned that maths deserts are forming at British universities because of cuts, meaning that aspiring maths teachers can no longer study the subject beyond A-levels in their region. The previous government also said that the academy would be expected to provide credible, expert and timely advice on maths to the Government and industry, to help shape policy, and drive discoveries that will help the country be healthier and wealthier. During the pandemic, the former government relied heavily on mathematical modelling from individual organisations such as Imperial College and the University of Bristol, but the sector has voiced support for an organisation to take the lead. The Government said that rather than setting up the academy, it was looking forward to working with the sector to develop Skills England, a new body which was announced by Keir Starmer in July A government spokesman said: The Government wants to better support activity across the UK mathematical sciences sector in ways that best deliver for taxpayers and without the time and expense required to support the set-up of a new organisation. Substantive action rather than an additional academy represents the most effective way forward to ensure maths supports our missions. We recognise the sectors vast contribution to the study and promotion of mathematical sciences from advising government and business to sharing expertise that underpins the innovation and scientific discovery that helps our countrys economy advance. Rachel Reeves is said to be determined to scrap non-don status to raise 2.7 billion by 2028 - GETTY Rachel Reeves is considering abandoning her pledge to abolish non-dom status over fears it may fail to raise any money. Labour included a pledge to end the tax perk for wealthy residents who are domiciled overseas in its manifesto, hoping the policy would raise 1 billion a year. However, Treasury officials are concerned that the move will force so many wealthy foreigners to leave that the measure will backfire. Government officials said they would consider changing the details of the policy to make it less punishing to non-doms, with reducing the amount of inheritance tax they would have to pay thought to be one of the options under consideration. The Chancellor had hoped that ending non-dom status would raise at least 2.7 billion by 2028, but is concerned that the Office for Budget Responsibility (OBR) will say her measures will lose the Treasury revenue. The OBR previously warned that non-doms are already highly transient, telling the former chancellor Jeremy Hunt in March that revenues from scrapping the existing regime were very uncertain and could leave a black hole in the public finances in the long term. A government official said: There are lots of ways the policy could be worked out and the Treasury will go for the one which raises the most money. The priority is to make money to fund the manifesto policies. However, a Treasury spokesman insisted they were committed to removing the outdated non-dom tax regime. Mr Hunt, the shadow chancellor, said: It will be no surprise if Labours policy raises no money, because, as always, they fail to understand the importance of globally competitive tax rates to our economy. I only hope that they drop their plans which turn non-dom tax policy from something that does raise money to something that may well not. A non-dom is a UK resident whose permanent home or their domicile is outside of the UK for tax purposes and means they only pay tax on the money they earn in this country. Non-doms collectively paid 8.9 billion in UK income tax, NI contributions and capital gains tax in the tax year ending 2023, the latest data available. Earlier this year Mr Hunt announced he was scrapping the existing non-dom regime, which allows foreign-domiciled nationals living in Britain to earn money from abroad without paying UK tax on it for up to 15 years, in a move worth 2.7 billion. From 2025, new arrivals to the UK will not pay any tax on foreign income and gains for their first four years of residency, but those who stay after this will pay tax like other UK residents. While Labour vowed to abolish non-dom status once and for all by closing what it claimed were loopholes in the new system, experts have warned that the plans could risk a wealth exodus and deter inward investment. Earlier this year the OBR assumed that around 1,000 non-doms could leave the country as a result of Mr Hunts changes. One way in which the policy could be watered down would be changing the pledge to subject assets held overseas to British inheritance tax charged at 40 per cent if a non-dom has lived in Britain for more than 10 years. They could also scrap current plans to get rid of inheritance tax protection for trusts set up by non-doms. The Chancellor could choose a looser version of the non-dom policy that will raise the most amount of money - JESSICA TAYLOR/AFP Another possibility would be to scrap the inheritance tax protection for trusts set up in future, but not for those already established. They could also reintroduce Tory plans to apply a 50 per cent tax discount for non-doms bringing in foreign income in 2025-26. While the OBR has said personal and professional connections are important to wealthy individuals as well as tax policy, Tim Sarson, UK head of tax policy at KPMG, said Labours reforms could be the final straw for many. He said the most controversial part of Labours plans centred around its inheritance tax proposals on foreign trusts. While many ultra-high net worth individuals had already left the UK, Mr Sarson added that the reforms could trigger a fresh exodus. Government has to be careful Its industrialists and business owners that will probably be more frightened by inheritance tax changes, he said. Theres quite a few of them. Not tens of thousands. But they are quite important to the UK economy which is something the Government has to be careful about. Mr Sarson also urged Ms Reeves to extend the so-called special status granted to non-doms by Mr Hunt that exempts them from UK tax on all foreign income and gains from four years to seven. Another top tax partner urged the Chancellor to reduce the 10-year period for which individuals remain exposed to inheritance tax on their worldwide assets after leaving the UK. The bit that has offended people is this idea that their worldwide assets will be subject to inheritance tax, and that will stick for 10 years. That would affect trusts that have already been in existence for a very long time, they said. Ms Reevess departure from her flagship proposals would represent a humiliating climbdown from a Chancellor who has pledged to close non-dom tax loopholes. She has already pledged to reexamine her 565 million raid on profits made by private equity managers, with some highlighting that the raid on so-called carried interest was not mentioned in her speech at the Labour Party conference, raising speculation of a further climbdown. Another top tax partner warned that the two tax raids were linked. There is a compounding impact because if youre in private equity and youre worried about carried interest, many of these people are typically also non-doms and often have trusts. And these people can up sticks and go, they said. An Oxford Economics report published earlier this month, commissioned by Foreign Investors for Britain, said that ending the preferential tax regime would cost the Treasury around 1 billion a year in lost revenues because of wealthy people emigrating or not coming to the UK. The report suggested alternative policy options Ms Reeves could consider, including a Greek-style tiered-tax regime which sees non-doms paying fixed annual fees. The number of non-doms had already declined by almost half to 74,000 over the decade before 2023, partly from a 2017 change to the rules that stopped individuals using the benefit permanently. Andy Haldane, former chief economist of the Bank of England, told LBC Radio that the Treasury should be cautious about the economic risks of any reforms. This is a time where we need more private finance to fuel growth and recovery, he said. Id be a bit careful in not deterring just the flow of finance we need to get growth going. An HM Treasury spokesman said: These reports are speculation, not government policy. The independent Office for Budget Responsibility will certify the costings of all measures announced at the Budget in the usual way. We are committed to addressing unfairness in the tax system so we can raise the revenue to rebuild our public services. That is why we are removing the outdated non-dom tax regime and replacing it with a new internationally competitive residence-based regime focused on attracting the best talent and investment to the UK. A man has been seriously injured following an assault at Barnes railway station A man was stabbed during rush hour at Barnes station in west London on Thursday morning. British Transport Police officers responded to reports of a serious assault at about 7.10am. Paramedics also attended and the victim was taken to hospital with injuries considered to be life-threatening. The incident is said to have started in the station before spilling out on to the road. Forensic teams were later seen investigating the area, taking photographs of blood stains and discarded medical apparatus. Police officers at the scene outside Barnes Station Det Supt Sam Blackburn said: There is absolutely no place for violence on the railway network and detectives are working at pace to investigate the incident. The station will remain closed while our initial enquiries are carried out, and the public will see increased high-visibility patrols in the area and across the network to provide reassurance. Inquiries are ongoing. Police were called to reports of a serious assault at Barnes railway station at around 7.10am A London Ambulance Service spokesman said: We were called at 7.07am this morning to reports of a stabbing in Station Road, Barnes. We sent resources to the scene, including ambulance crews, a paramedic in a fast response car, an incident response officer and Londons Air Ambulance. The first of our crews arrived in one minute. Our crews treated a man at the scene, before taking him to a London major trauma centre by road as a priority. All trains were cancelled from the station earlier, but service has since resumed. Frostrup says that broadcasting tries to put you in a box - Andrew Crowley Im due to meet Mariella Frostrup at her Notting Hill flat at 5pm. But a series of texts chart her slow progress from Bruton in Somerset where she lives with her lawyer husband Jason McCue and two children Molly 20 and Danny 19 to London. When we finally meet, she is stressed: Im a walking advertisement for NOT moving to the country, she says. The train service is so bad I often come up to town the day before my appointments because I just cant bank on being here. You can track my fury with GWR on Twitter its all I ever tweet about. Only this week she was railing against GWR after being forced to sit on the train floor, despite a first class ticket. She leads me up to her London bolthole. It is full of amazing art (Im sworn to secrecy on exactly what) and lined with Scandi white bookshelves rammed with intellectual tomes. We settle at an elegantly dishevelled dining table, off the modern kitchen, replete with leather benches. At 61, the TV presenter, journalist and one of the closest things the UK has to what the French call a public intellectual is bronzed and elegant in a chic white T-shirt and brown cords. Shes tiny and endearingly confiding. Ive had the luxury of having this flat to myself for nine years but my 19-year-old son is moving in and Im dreading it because hes SO untidy. I hate mess. As a leftie Labour insider (Frostrup was close to Sarah Brown, wife of former Labour PM Gordon Brown after campaigning together on rights for women and girls in Africa) Im dying to know what she makes of the freebie clothes row that has engulfed Sir Keir Starmer and his wife; does she think they were right to take them? Frostrup shakes her head. When it comes to dressgate I cant help feeling that if politicians were publicly funded like the royal family they would be given a clothes allowance for public events. But as the Prime Ministers wife youre damned if you do, damned if you dont youve got the media pouring over your clothes. Its so unfair. If you are the Prime Ministers husband you dont have any focus on what you are wearing at all. So its ridiculous that we dont have what they have in America, which is a sort of First Ladys budget we should just accept that it is a job. Gordon Brown and Frostrup at the Labour Party Conference in September 2007 - Alamy She gets up to make tea and fetch some fizzy water. That said Lady Starmer should probably have declared the gifts earlier she says. Were meeting today not to chat politics, however, but business. Frostrup who appeared at Davos earlier this year speaking about how to make companies more female-friendly, is now the co-chair, presenter and founder of the Women in Work Conference, which takes place in London on Thursday and in New York next spring. This years conference will feature speeches from grandees including Sir Stuart Rose, Sue Fox, president of Estee Lauder and Alex Mahon CEO of Channel 4 and is dedicated to making a female-shaped space in the workplace. The essence of it is that work was designed for and by men, and businesses need to feminise their practices by offering not just flexible working but fully paid parental leave for both sexes, menstrual, fertility and menopause policies as well as reducing their gender pay gap, having equality on boards and at the top. A new Women in Work Survey (called the WIW Gender Equity Measure) ranks 400 of Britains top companies against these WIW gender benchmarks. It finds that only four big UK corporates tick all these female-friendly boxes: Diageo, Accenture, Estee Lauder and Channel 4 with Vodafone getting a special mention too. Interestingly all of these companies (except for Estee Lauder) have female CEOs, although the report recognises many companies with male CEOs who see that to attract top talent they need to make these accommodations. This is still a colossal issue, says Frostrup. Almost four out of five employers still pay women less than men and the median gender pay gap remains stubbornly wide at 9.4 per cent, the same as five years ago. But its not just about pay, the financial and social penalties women face throughout their biological journey whether they are parents or not are significant and multifaceted. She explains women are still battling the prohibitive cost of childcare to a lack of menstrual or menopause support. Women are seen as demanding and difficult as we get older even if its just us having experience and being good at what we do. Men who are demanding are never described as difficult - Andrew Crowley Frostrup, with her seductive husky voice (once voted the sexiest on telly) and winsome blonde party-girl look, was always the thinking persons pin-up. I am interested to understand how she has segued from pop and presenting to fronting a business conference. She explains that she has always been interested in smashing taboos: the more unspeakable something is, the more I think I have to say it. Its why I did Channel 4s Sex Box. I just thought: people on TV talking about normal sex... great idea! Its also why I tackled the menopause. She puts her desire for straight talking and frank discussion down to her Scandinavian roots Frostrup was born in Oslo, Norway but moved with her family and four siblings to Ireland in 1969. Her dad, Peter, was Foreign Editor on The Irish Times (he died aged 44 when Frostrup was 15,) and her mum an artist so she had culture in her blood. In her 20s, Frostrup worked as a PR executive for Phonogram Records, responsible for keeping everyone from Dire Straits to UB40, Bananarama to the Boom Town Rats out of trouble and only in the papers for the right reasons. She proved so adept that she was asked to coordinate press for perhaps the biggest rock concert of all time, Live Aid at Wembley in 1985. She is currently working on a documentary about the Nineties scene it is centred on one particular character but she says any other details are currently secret. Is she excited about Oasis getting back together, she partied with them back in the day? To be quite honest. I really like Noel. And I know Liam. But I saw Oasis play in Manchester in the 90s and I was not alone in thinking that it wasnt the most exciting live act Id ever seenI wasnt first in line in the queue to get tickets. She looks thoughtful With my old agony aunt hat on she did that gig for over 20 years at The Observer these feuds just show how stupid it is to get stuck in a fight with someone With time these disputes just start to look smaller and sillier. The whole Oasis debacle is an advert for not having big fights with siblings or old friends. Im still amazed when women my age go, Im not speaking to her I just think get over it.. Ah, ageing. She is in her sixties now how is it for her? Does she feel invisible as so many other women begin to when they hit midlife? Mick Jagger is my ageing ideal. He just keeps going. Or my neighbour in Somerset [the war photographer] Don McCullin who is still taking amazing pictures at 90 hed be in Gaza if he could, but he cant run anymore. Frostrup making small talk with Jagger, her ageing inspiration, in Cannes in 2002 - Shutterstock Ill never retire, people retire and often die we need to constantly be learning new things, challenging ourselves. And anyway ageing is different for my generation its less judgmental, were doing it our way and its not denting my cocktail consumption: I keep going to 60th birthday parties where were all still leaping around the dance floor at 4am. Does she think there is enough of a positive narrative though about the lives of older women? There are so many rules about what we are supposed to do and not supposed to do. Take this sleeveless T-shirt. My arms are wrinkly, but I dont care. This is me. But I admit its a tussle. Were told by much of the media that visible signs of ageing in women are so repulsive they should be hidden from sight so do you cover up? As an older woman you are constantly told to take up less space: dont wear a vest top unless you have a super-human body from exercising 18 hours a day Its exhausting. I ask if things are changing. [Not really] not enough. This view of older women wont change quickly. Its deeply rooted in the core of our culture. As a woman in the public eye is she treated differently now shes older? Yes, everything changes. I have much less currency in the broadcasting world. I find this surprising; she is one of our best known and best loved arts broadcasters. Since the 1990s (when she jumped from music PR to the small screen) she has presented everything from The Little Picture show for ITV to BBC2s The Green Room and Radio 4s Open Book via Have I Got News for You and Absolutely Fabulous. As well as judging the Booker Prize, Orange Prize and numerous other arts awards. She continues: As older women, were judged differently. Were seen as demanding and difficult as we get older even if its just us having experience and being good at what we do. Men who are demanding are never described as difficult... We talk about the double standard when it comes to men and women. Her rumoured ex George Clooney at 63 is still seen as a silver fox. While Huw Edwards the now disgraced BBC presenter was, at the same age the biggest news presenter on TV. Frostrup with George Clooney after a Bafta Awards party in February 2006 - Shutterstock At the mention of Edwards she makes a face. The Huw Edwards case, I think its such a horrible, horrible story and his reaction has made it worse. He blamed everyone else, his family saying that they should have noticed he was taking medication and stopped him, and he blamed his bullying father and not getting into Oxford for being bad for his self-esteem. Hes a middle-aged man, he needs to take some responsibility for his actions. Its clear he has no remorse, he doesnt understand that HE is responsible. This intersection of news and politics and culture is what most interests her, she says. It was what she loved most about her daily show on Times Radio. I wonder why she left? She sighs. It just ate up too much time, doing it four days a week. I hate rolling news and there was more of that, and there wasnt enough time for all the other projects I want to do.. and its important not to get stuck. Broadcasting tries to put you in a box I was Music Mariella, then Films Mariella, then Books Mariella then Menopause Mariella. Ah yes, menopause. In November 2018 Frostrup made a documentary for the BBC called The Truth about the Menopause about her own struggle to get the right treatment; she tells me how she suffered two years of sleeplessness and anxiety and only got the HRT she needed when she paid to visit a private Harley Street gynaecologist. Talking about it was just taboo. At dinner at this very table I remember trying to talk to a man about my perimenopause struggles and he literally turned his back on me. I became incensed. As a lifelong feminist it was just the biggest injustice that 80 per cent of women didnt know about the impacts of menopause even though they were being affected so badly. Its shameful. I tried for three years to get the BBC to do the documentary. I went to five different male commissioners who said: Yeah, menopause, how do you make THAT sexy? And I was like: Umm.. All your viewers are women over 50. I was very grateful to Charlotte Moore who in the end just went: Do it! But it was frustrating to have to do it as a science documentary not something broader. Since then, Frostrup has co-written a book called Cracking the Menopause it is coming out in the US in January retitled Menopause is Hot and is chair of her campaigning organisation Menopause Mandate (whose patrons include Carolyn Harris MP, Davina McCall, and Penny Lancaster). Menopause Mandate has blasted the menopause out of the metaphorical cupboard, lobbied parliament and business and made it compulsory for doctors to study it in medical school. The Women in Work conference grew out of the Menopause Mandate the road to equality in business, she believes, is through companies taking womens health seriously and also in getting men to share responsibility for any children equally with their partners. One of the big areas of focus in her Women in Work survey released this week to accompany the summit is a focus on shared parental leave. Davina McCall is a patron of Frostrups campaigning organisation Menopause Mandate - Murray Sanders She would like more companies to become like Diageo, which, she explains, now offers 52 weeks of parental leave, 26 of them paid, to all employees regardless of gender, sexual orientation and whether the employee becomes a parent biologically, through surrogacy or through adoption. Since the change in 2019, uptake by men has gone from 23 days to 105, sharing the responsibility of family life equally right from the get go, something she says younger men are particularly keen to do. I have quite an equal relationship with my husband the pair met on a charity trek in Nepal, when she was 39, they were married two years later. Hes good with the kids, and he does a lot of cooking, but our entire domestic life, our social life, our holidays, all revolve around me doing it. So its not a fair division really. And that starts with shared parental leave because theres no reason why a dad cant do everything you can do. Bringing in more of these kinds of policies, the report argues, can have massive benefits for UK Plc.. Women are leaving work in their droves, Frostrup says, and thats talent business cant afford to lose. Just a 5 per cent increase in the total number of women in employment could boost UK GDP by up to 125 billion every year. Did you know that a quarter of mothers leave the workforce in the first year and the majority are yet to return 10 years post birth. But what about the mothers who choose to stay home to raise their own children, I wonder. Or those women who, while they welcome doctors actually diagnosing their menopausal symptoms, dont want to be seen through a purely menopausal lens? For the first time she looks a bit frosty, telling me about an older woman she talked to at a dinner party. She said to me: I dont know why you keep banging on about menopause, in my day we just got on with it and then two glasses of wine later she was telling me about her suicidal ideation and menopause-related depression. I want to ask her what her ambitions are from here but no sooner do we get started on her exciting idea for a books podcast featuring such huge names as Tom Hanks than she looks at her watch and announces: I have to be in Kensington for dinner at 8.30pm. As she puts on her scarf we go back to chatting about the BBC how the Huw Edwards debacle and the fuss around Strictly Come Dancing make it seem that top talent there has acted with impunity. Well because we all pay for the BBC we have a much more vested interest in it than other big media companies, she says. But weve got the same basic problem everywhere, of elevating people and worshipping them for reasons that are gossamer thin. The idea of stars behaving badly is as old as time itself But the BBC gets viewers from stars, so they let them get away with things they shouldnt. As she puts on a coat to scoot out the door, she turns, surveying me thoughtfully. Fame is really toxic it makes people feel like they can do anything and get away with it; it gives them a strange power which they kind of do have on a day to day basis. But in the end its like Icarus, innit. They get burnt. And with that she is gone. Eleanor Mills is the Founder of Noon home of the Queenager and the author of Much More to Come, Lessons on the mayhem and magnificence of midlife published by Harper Collins Yvette Cooper, the Home Secretary, has backed stop and search as an extremely important tool against knife crime - Guy Corbishley / Alamy Stop and searches by Metropolitan Police officers have fallen by more than a fifth in just a year despite record rates of knife crime, official figures show. The number of stop and searches nationally declined year-on-year by 2.3 per cent to 530,093, a third of the number in the peak year of 2008-09, when Labour was last in power. The fall in stop and searches by the Met was even steeper, dropping by 22.8 per cent from 177,490 in the year to March 2023 to 137,055 in the year to March 2024. It was the fifth-highest fall of any police force across England and Wales and its second-lowest stop and search figure after 2017-18, when just 134,619 were recorded. Sir Mark Rowley, the Metropolitan Police Commissioner, has pledged to increase its use after admitting it had fallen partly because of officers lack of confidence amid fears of complaints, the investigation they get and whether they feel supported behind it. It comes as knife crime in the capital has hit a record high of 14,961 offences in the year to March 2024, up 16.3 per cent from 12,864 in the previous year and beating the previous high of 14,680 in 2019-20. Sir Mark Rowley has pledged to increase the use of stop and search - Aaron Chown/PA Wire The West Midlands, which has the highest knife crime rates relative to the population, recorded a 1.5 per cent increase in such offences. It also recorded a drop in stop and searches of 6.1 per cent in the year to March 2024, although the figures in the previous year were at their highest levels in a decade. This is in stark contrast to Greater Manchester Police, which increased searches by 51 per cent this year to 45,851, its highest levels since 2011-12. Manchester did not release knife crime data this year, but the city saw overall violent crime with or without a weapon decline by 6 per cent last year, whereas Londons knife crime increased by 4 per cent. Yvette Cooper, the Home Secretary, has backed stop and search as an extremely important tool against knife crime but said it must also be done in an effective and fair way because of community concerns. She has also pledged to halve knife crime in a decade. Measures include banning ninja swords, introducing new penalties for tech bosses who allow the sale of knives online, and ensuring no young person caught with a knife will escape sanction. Decline in searches makes streets less safe Chris Philp, the shadow commons leader who was policing minister, said: I am appalled by the decline in stop and search. It means our streets are less safe. Stop and search is an effective way to take knives off streets and squeamishness about community relations should not be prioritised over public safety. Greater Manchesters force and their excellent Chief Constable Stephen Watson is once again leading the way. I call on the Home Secretary to urgently show real leadership to ensure that all forces, especially the Met, are using their powers fully to fight knife crime by increasing stop and search. Otherwise Yvette Coopers words this week about cutting knife crime are meaningless platitudes. Sir Mark Rowley admitted stop and search operations had fallen partly because of officers fears of complaints - pixel8000 Knife crime in London has increased, despite a reduction in stop and search tactics by police - HENRY NICHOLLS/AFP via Getty Among the victims of knife crime are Daniel Anjorin, 14, who was stabbed by a 33-year-old man armed with a ninja-style sword who attacked him as he was walking to school in Hainault, Redbridge in April. Josh McKay, a 33-year-old father of two was stabbed in Waltham Forest, east London, just before 3pm on July 6. He died at the scene. His family said: The heart of our family has stopped beating. The world is less bright without his beautiful smile. Pharrell Garcia, 15, was stabbed in Stoke Newington, Hackney, at about 4.05pm on July 23. He was pronounced dead at the scene. Another 15-year-old boy was arrested on suspicion of murder the same evening. On July 25, the suspect was charged with murder. Pharrell Garcia, 15, was stabbed in Stoke Newington on July 23 - Metropolitan Police Police may be using targeted approach Although stops have fallen, the proportion resulting in an arrest has risen to its highest rate at 14.2 per cent per stop and search suggesting police are using a more targeted intelligence-led approach. Alleged inequality is down with black people 3.7 times more likely to be stopped compared with 4.1 last year and 9.7 in 2018-19, representing a record low. Stop and searches by police plummeted in 2014 after Theresa May, the then home secretary, clamped down on what she claimed were illegal searches by officers and a disproportionate use of tactics against ethnic minorities. They dropped to a low of just 282,380 in 2017-18 before increasing after Sajid Javid, then home secretary, expanded police stop powers. Supporters of stop and search point out that the success rate for finding knives or drugs using the tactics are the same across ethnic groups irrespective of whether they are white or black, challenging claims that police unfairly target particular minorities. They also say that the rate of stop and search is not disproportionate if the statistics compare people of different ethnic backgrounds but focus on younger generations who are more likely to be knife offenders than older people. A Met Police spokesman said: We focus on the quality of the encounter and the precision in the use of the power, in order to ensure that we retain the trust and confidence of the public. The launch of our new stop and search charter, co-written by Londoners, will help us greatly with this work. But we also know that an accountability system which is slow, unfair and ineffective has damaged officers confidence to use the power. Elon Musk was highly critical of Sir Keir Starmer and spread a fake Telegraph article on his social media platform X, formerly Twitter - MIKE SEGAR/REUTERS Elon Musk has said that no one should visit Britain because it releases paedophiles from prison, after he was snubbed by Sir Keir Starmer over an upcoming investment summit. Posting on his social media platform X, Mr Musk said: I dont think anyone should go to the UK when theyre releasing convicted pedophiles [sic] in order to imprison people for social media posts. Mr Musk has not been invited to the International Investment Summit next month after his claims about the Southport riots over summer. I don't think anyone should go to the UK when they're releasing convicted pedophiles in order to imprison people for social media posts Elon Musk (@elonmusk) September 26, 2024 The tech entrepreneur posted on X predicting civil war and repeatedly attacked the prime minister in comments which were described as deplorable by ministers. During the riots, Mr Musk also spread misinformation and conspiracy theories including that the UK was building detainment camps on the Falkland Islands as a means of detaining rioters. Keir Starmer considering building emergency detainment camps on the Falkland Islands, the fake Telegraph headline read. Beneath it, the subheading said: The camps would be used to detain prisoners from the ongoing riots as the British prison system is already at capacity. Mr Musk later deleted the reposted tweet to his 193 million followers after backlash. He has criticised hate speech laws that have led to some jail sentences for people posting online in support of the riots. Labour has introduced an early release scheme for some other prisoners since the unrest, to reduce overcrowding in jails, although sex offenders are not part of this scheme. Secure foreign investment The summit on Oct 14 is regarded as a key moment for the Government to secure foreign investment, with Sir Keir Starmer hoping to attract tens of billions in inward funding from the worlds biggest investors. Mr Musk went to last years event and attended Novembers AI Summit, including a fireside talk with Rishi Sunak, the then prime minister. Under the Conservatives, Mr Musk who owns or runs X, Tesla and SpaceX was shown around several UK sites with potential for a gigafactory for cars and batteries. He previously said that he opened a site in Germany and not the UK partly because of Brexit. Under Mr Musks ownership, the social media site formerly known as Twitter has lifted a ban on far-Right figures including on the Britain First group. The UK is considering a tougher Online Safety Act, after the role of misinformation in the widespread racist disorder in August. The Government and Mr Musk were contacted for comment. Smoke billows over southern Lebanon following an Israeli airstrike, as seen from the city of Tyre. Photograph: Amr Abdallah Dalsh/Reuters Benjamin Netanyahu has said Israel will not stop its attacks on Hezbollah in Lebanon despite calls from the US, France and other allies for an immediate three-week ceasefire aimed at containing the spread of a conflict that is beginning to engulf Lebanon. The calls for an immediate ceasefire were backed on Thursday night by Lebanons minister for foreign affairs, Abdallah Bouhabib, who told the UN general assembly his country was enduring a crisis that threatens its very existence. Bouhabib welcomed the US/French initiative, saying Diplomacy is not always easy, but diplomacy is the only way to save innocent lives Lebanon views the US-French initiative as an opportunity to generate momentum, to take steps towards ending this crisis. Bouhabib said peace was incumbent on Israels government, and that there can be no lasting peace without a two-state solution. Israeli airstrikes continued in Lebanon on Thursday, killing 92 people including the head of Hezbollahs drone force, Mohammad Surur, and at least 150 rockets were fired from Lebanon at northern Israel, according to the Israeli military. The Israeli prime minister told reporters that his governments policy was clear as he landed in New York, where he is due to address the UN general assembly on Friday. We are continuing to strike Hezbollah with full force, and we will not stop until we reach all our goals chief among them the return of the residents of the north securely to their homes, Netanyahu said. His office had earlier distanced the Israeli government from the ceasefire plan, which it described as an American-French proposal that the prime minister has not even responded to. The prime ministers office said Netanyahu had directed the IDF [Israel Defense Forces] to continue fighting with full force, according to the plan that was presented to him. The fighting in Gaza will also continue until all the objectives of the war have been achieved. Those war goals include the safe return home of more than 60,000 Israelis forced to abandon their homes in northern Israel by Hezbollah bombing, which began on 8 October last year, the day after the start of the Gaza war. Related: Israeli airstrikes on Lebanon a visual guide US officials hope to persuade Netanyahu to accept the ceasefire proposal by the time he addresses the UN general assembly on Friday. They argue that a pause in the fighting between Israel and Hezbollah could also provide a breathing space in which to revive long-stalled negotiations with Israel and Hamas over the release of Israeli hostages in return for a truce in Gaza. On Thursday, the White House said the Biden administration had believed that Israel was on board with the proposal. John Kirby, the White Houses national security spokesperson, said we had every reason to believe that in the drafting of it and in the delivery of it, that the Israelis were fully informed and fully aware of every word in it. We wouldnt have done it if we didnt believe that it would be received with the seriousness with which it was composed. Kirby said it was unclear why Netanyahu appeared to dismiss the idea. The US, France and some of their allies had on Wednesday called for an urgent cessation of hostilities, which they said presented an unacceptable risk of a broader regional escalation. We call for an immediate 21-day ceasefire across the Lebanon-Israel border to provide space for diplomacy, a joint statement said. We call on all parties, including the governments of Israel and Lebanon, to endorse the temporary ceasefire immediately. The French president, Emmanuel Macron, said on Thursday that it would be a mistake for Netanyahu to refuse a ceasefire in Lebanon, which he warned could not become another Gaza. Hezbollah has yet to respond to the call for a truce, although it and its backer, Iran, have previously insisted it would halt its strikes only if there is a ceasefire in Gaza, while the Israeli response has been overwhelmingly negative. After Netanyahus remarks, the defence minister said he had met the countrys top generals to discuss further military operations on the Israels northern front. We are continuing our sequence of operations eliminating Hezbollah terrorists, dismantling Hezbollahs offensive infrastructure and destroying rockets and missiles, Yoav Gallant said. We have additional missions to complete in order to ensure the safe return of Israels northern communities to their homes. We will continue throwing Hezbollah off balance and deepening their loss. US officials have urged Israel to accept a ceasefire on the grounds that it could lead to a negotiated withdrawal of Hezbollah forces from the border area, from where they have been firing rockets and missiles at Israel. The US secretary of state, Antony Blinken, has argued that diplomacy is the best way to create conditions to allow residents to return to their homes. Getting into a full-scale war is not the way to achieve that objective, he told the US TV channel MSNBC. Theres no way in that situation that people are going to be able to go back. But western diplomats gathered in New York for the UN general assembly expressed doubt that Netanyahu would agree to such a deal, despite his long history of juggling contrary demands from the US and the extreme right in his cabinet. Meanwhile, efforts by the British prime minister, Keir Starmer, and foreign secretary, David Lammy, to secure a New York meeting with either Netanyahu or his strategic affairs minister, Ron Dermer, did not bear fruit, possibly reflecting Israels unhappiness over the UKs limited ban on arms exports. The families of the Gaza hostages have also said they are pushing for any Lebanon ceasefire deal to include clauses on Gaza, focused on securing the release of the roughly 70 hostages thought to still be alive and the bodies of about 30 others. An Israeli airstrike in Gaza on Thursday hit a school sheltering thousands of displaced Palestinians, killing at least 11 people and wounding 22, including women and children, according to Gazas health ministry. The Israeli military confirmed it had struck the school, in the Jabalia refugee camp, but claimed the attack had been aimed at Hamas militants hiding there. Hezbollah has said that it will continue fighting Israel as long as the IDF keeps up its military operations in Gaza, but the ranks of the Iran-backed Shia militia have been shattered over the past nine days by a coordinated attack using booby-trapped communications devices, followed by a withering aerial bombing campaign. Lebanons health ministry said 19 Syrian refugees and a Lebanese citizen had been killed in one strike in north-east Lebanon on Thursday, bringing the death toll from several days of Israeli bombardment to about 700 people, about a quarter of whom the ministry said were women or children. The UK was one of the allies that backed the US-French call for a 21-day ceasefire. I urge President Netanyahu and the Lebanese Hezbollah leaders to pay heed to the combined voices at the United Nations to do just that, the British defence secretary said after a meeting with his US and Australian counterparts in London. John Healey said 700 British troops had been sent to Cyprus to help a potential emergency evacuation of civilians from Lebanon should a full-scale war break out. The domestic political repercussions of a ceasefire for Netanyahu were made clear when his national security minister, Itamar Ben-Gvir, told the prime minister that his party, Otzma Yehudit (Jewish Power), would not vote with the coalition if the government agreed a ceasefire with Hezbollah. We will not abandon the residents of the north. Every day that this ceasefire is in effect and Israel does not fight in the north, Otzma Yehudit is not committed to the coalition, Ben-Gvir said at a party meeting. Related: The Guardian view on Lebanon: hell is breaking loose it can and must be reined back | Editorial The leader of the opposition Democrats party, Yair Golan, also argued against committing to a three-week ceasefire, saying Israel should initially agree to a truce of a few days, and see how well it was enforced. Israel has said it is prepared to launch a ground incursion into Lebanon alongside its aerial bombing, and on Thursday the IDF announced its troops had completed training drills near the northern border, simulating combat in Lebanon. The IDF called up two reserve brigades at short notice on Wednesday to deploy to the northern border, where they will join Israels 98th Paratrooper Division, which was put under the control of the northern command last week. However, Haaretz described this as a relatively limited reserve call-up. The Israeli newspaper said that after the 7 October Hamas attack on Israel, in the run-up to the ground invasion of Gaza, hundreds of thousands of reservists were called up, as were several divisions. Haaretzs military correspondent, Amos Harel, argued that an Israeli invasion of Lebanon is still not a done deal. Herbert Kickl, the leader of Austrias Freedom party, which has called for an EU remigration commissioner to return people to their countries of origin. Photograph: Leonhard Foger/Reuters After winning the EU elections in June, Austrias far-right Freedom party (FPO) seized the moment, calling for the appointment of a EU remigration commissioner to be tasked with the forced return of migrants and citizens with a migration background to their countries of origin. The muted reaction that followed was a sharp contrast to Germany, where months earlier, allegations that members of the far-right Alternative fur Deutschland (AfD) had attended a meeting at which they discussed remigration dominated headlines and prompted tens of thousands to take to the streets in protest. The difference was not lost on Farid Hafez, a senior researcher at Georgetown University. In Austria, there was no outcry, he said. This is the normalisation of racism that the far right has achieved and that has become a very normal part of daily Austrian politics. This view will be tested on Sunday as Austrians head to the polls for parliamentary elections. Polls suggest that the anti-migrant, anti-Islam FPO, founded in the 1950s by former Nazis, could narrowly emerge as the most voted for party for the first time in the countrys postwar history. Related: Austria elections: could the far-right FPO take power and what are its plans? The victory would be a show of strength for the party, which in 2000 was catapulted into Austrias mainstream politics leaving the country facing isolation in Europe and fending off international scorn after it achieved the best result for any far-right party in western Europe since the second world war. The partys 90-page manifesto calls for homogeneity, pledging to promote remigration, reduce the granting of asylum and block family reunification for people already in Austria. While polls suggest the FPO will fall short of an outright majority, leaving it reliant on negotiations with a coalition partner to form a government, its decades-long rise to power has left many in the country reeling. The Freedom party is, historically speaking, a party that was established by ex-Nazis for ex-Nazis, said Hafez, who is from Austria and now works with Georgetowns The Bridge Initiative, a multiyear research project on Islamophobia. For me, as a political scientist of colour, I believe at the end of the day, one should not underestimate the fact that these people are coming from a deeply racist ideology. In its first three decades the party languished on the fringes. In the early 2000s, it seized on anti-Islam rhetoric to try to gain votes by stirring up fears. As the strategy proved successful, the conservative Austrian Peoples party (OVP) followed suit, closing mosques and attempting to ban headscarves in schools. So in a way, what we have witnessed since then is that Islamophobia has become so mainstream that it is no longer confined to the far-right, said Hafez. About 700,000 people in Austria, from practising Muslims to those with Muslim backgrounds, had been left to bear the brunt of this discourse. Muslims are not in a safe place, said Hafez. The issue is exacerbated by Austrias citizenship rules, which rank among the most restrictive in the EU, leaving many Muslims without the right to vote. In essence, said Hafez, they are an easy target to hit and nobody will hit back. The Austrian NGO ZARA Civil Courage and Anti-Racism Work, said the impact of this political discourse had been clear and felt deeply by many in Austria, citing consequences including arson attacks on asylum centres and police violence. This political discourse legitimises hate speech, discrimination, and violence, often targeting women in hijabs, asylum seekers, and Bipoc (Black, Indigenous and people of colour), it said. If Sundays elections yield an FPO-led government, the organisations that provide crucial support to these communities could be weakened, further eroding the social safety net for these vulnerable groups, it added. Bernhard Weidinger, a senior researcher of rightwing extremism at the Documentation Center of Austrian Resistance, said the FPO had long sought to recast debate through the lens of migration. It has shown a strong tendency to basically ethnicise any political debate on any topic, he said. Whether were talking about crime or housing, the welfare state, the job market the Freedom party would always try to frame it as a foreigner problem or an immigration problem. Years of this strategy had left an indelible mark, he said. It has an effect on how people perceive the situation. Its interesting that the Freedom party does well in areas where there are very few foreigners. So these people dont experience immigration first-hand. But they read about it, they hear about it. Laurenz Ennser-Jedenastik, a politics professor at the University of Vienna, said that unlike some of the populist radical-right parties that had cropped up across Europe in recent years, the FPOs 70 years of existence and two stints as a junior partner in short-lived coalition governments have given it a singular influence over Austrian politics. It has definitely shaped the discourse on immigration more than most other parties have. This influence has had a direct impact on peoples lives, said Valerie Mussa, of the Islamic Religious Community in Austria. Anti-Muslim racism has really become an everyday experience for many Muslims in Austria, be it on the street, public transport, schools, housing market and labour market. Its not only physical and verbal attacks or graffiti on mosques, but its also institutional discrimination and the increase in online hate. As a result, Mussa said, many view Sundays election with mixed feelings. The elections offer us the opportunity to shape the future of the country. But there are a lot of concerns about what the following years will look like, what policies they will decide on, what rights they will try to cut. We dont know what the future will bring. Anthony Odiong delivers a homily in November 2023. Photograph: YouTube page of St Anthony of Padua church of Luling, Louisiana A grand jury in Texas has handed up more felony sexual assault charges against a Roman Catholic priest accused of preying on women whom he met while ministering to them in that state as well as in south-east Louisiana, officials said. Anthony Odiong is now facing a total of five charges of sexual assault in the first degree and two more such counts in the second degree all in connection with three separate women after a new indictment was handed up against him on Thursday in the McLennan county, Texas, state courthouse. An earlier indictment against Odiong, 55, secured by the McLennan county district attorneys office on 12 September had initially charged him in the cases of two women: with one count of first-degree sexual assault and two of second-degree sexual assault. Put another way, the newer indictment added one victim and four more first-degree sexual assault charges. Odiong, who was first arrested in July, could receive up to life imprisonment if convicted on any of the first-degree charges. The second-degree counts each carry up to 20 years in prison in Texas, which is one of only about a dozen states with laws criminalizing sexual activity between clergymen and adults who emotionally depend on their spiritual counsel. Because the case remained pending on Thursday, Odiong is presumed to have pleaded not guilty to the charges against him. Related: US priests sexual assault accusers felt they could not say no, police say Thursdays grand jury produced its indictment almost immediately after it finishing reviewing Odiongs case, taking hardly any time to deliberate. A police investigation in Waco headed by detective Bradley DeLange led to Odiongs arrest within months of the Guardian having published a report detailing prior allegations against the priest that ranged from sexual coercion and unwelcome touching to financial abuse, all coming from women whom the Nigerian national met through his work as a Catholic clergyman. Sworn police statements show that the Guardian investigation prompted a woman to walk into the Waco police department and denounce Odiong as having sexually assaulted her in 2012. DeLanges ensuing investigation found evidence suggesting that Odiong would position himself as a spiritual adviser to women grappling with difficulties in their personal lives and then exploit his proximity to seek sexual contact with them. He allegedly had sexual intercourse with at least one of the women at the center of the first indictment against him. With at least one of the other victims, he allegedly managed to pressure the woman into engaging in anal sex with her husband despite faith-based objections to that kind of encounter and he also purportedly convinced her to disclose details of her experience to him for his gratification. Furthermore, detectives said they found digital child abuse imagery in Odiongs possession. Those allegations have not been included in either of Odiongs indictments, though that does not prevent authorities from eventually obtaining a formal charge with respect to that allegation if they deem it necessary. Collectively, more than eight women have come forward to police with generally similar allegations against Odiong, even if not all have resulted in charges. That number of accusers removed statutes of limitations or time limits to file criminal charges as a consideration in Odiongs case thanks to technicalities embedded in Texas law. Police arrested Odiong near a home where he was living within the planned Catholic community of Ave Maria, Florida, on 16 July. Officials later transferred him to the jail in McLennan, which includes Waco, and he has been ordered held on a relatively high $5.5m bail that as of Thursday he had not been able to make. Odiong was ordained into the Catholic priesthood in the diocese of Uyo, Nigeria, in 1993. In 2006, the bishop of Austin, Texas, at the time Gregory Aymond invited Odiong to work there. After a stop in Rome, Odiong in 2015 gained permission to work within the archdiocese of New Orleans Aymond by then had been appointed the archbishop of that city. The archdiocese provided a statement to the New York Times recently that said Odiong was only in New Orleans at the request of his superiors in Uyo. Odiong was ministering within Aymonds archdiocese until this past December, though some of his accusers had previously reported him to church authorities in New Orleans and Austin, police or both, according to the Guardians investigative reporting. At least one claim demanding damages from Odiong and church officials is pending in an unresolved bankruptcy protection filing that the New Orleans archdiocese made in 2020 after years of grappling with clergy abuse-related litigation. As a Penn State law school database notes, the New Orleans archdiocese stands among more than a dozen Catholic institutions who have sought bankruptcy protection, mostly to dispense with lawsuits stemming from the worldwide churchs clergy abuse scandal. Revelations spurred by the New Orleans archdioceses bankruptcy case have triggered a Louisiana state police investigation into whether the organization ran a child sex-trafficking ring that inflicted widespread abuse of minors dating back decades that was covered up and not reported to law enforcement, according to statements sworn under oath by authorities. None of the archdioceses highest-ranking members past or present had been charged in that investigation as of Thursday. Trump family Trump family As they flanked Donald Trump on stage at the Republican National Convention (RNC) this summer, the former-presidents offspring conveyed a carefully choreographed message: this is now Americas most powerful political family. There was a jubilant atmosphere in the arena: the thousands of grinning Republican voters and officials congregated in Milwaukee marking the moment of Trumps coronation in the 2024 White House race. The 78-year-old had survived an assassination attempt just days before. (He would face a second apparent attempt on his life just this month). The image of his defiant response fist in the air, shouting fight! could not have struck a greater contrast to his frail 81-year-old opponent, Joe Biden. For many, it appeared to seal the election. Polls and pundits differed only on Trumps expected margin of victory. His address at the RNCs four-day gathering was not so much a campaign manifesto launch as a gleeful victory parade. The events grand finale came as the Trump family gathered on stage next to their patriarch, an image of the White House projected on to a screen behind them. There they stood, basking in the revelry, regally waving to the adoring supporters below, as red, white and blue balloons cascaded from the ceiling. But the tableau of a beaming family on course to return to the cradle of power masked conflicting interests and concerns. While some of the Trump clan have been instrumental in helping to secure his dominance over the Republican party, others appear much less enamored with the idea of four more years on the global stage. Standing next to Trump was his 54-year-old wife, Melania. The family member who has been most conspicuously absent from the 2024 campaign, her sole appearance in Milwaukee marked a significant departure from American political tradition. In years past, the former first lady had dutifully followed custom, delivering prime-time speeches at the last two GOP conventions in support of her husbands presidential bids. More than one Trump insider claims intensive efforts were made to convince Melania to follow suit this year with an address before her husbands speech in Milwaukee. She resisted every entreaty, the campaign sources said. Melania had already signaled she intends to steer clear of her husbands third White House bid. She was absent during his June debate against Biden, which ultimately turned the tide of the race, and rarely appears at fund-raisers, let alone Trump rallies. Charting her own course, Melania entered the RNCs convention site alone, and only for the galas final night. A spotlight and the lenses of dozens of cameras were trained on her ascent to the family box to watch her husband speak. Later, she stood silently next to him on stage as he entertained the crowd. If sources within the Trump orbit are to be believed, she intends to take no further active role in his third presidential bid. Should he regain the White House, her earlier approach suggests Melania may continue the trend. In American Woman, an appraisal of recent first ladies, the White House reporter Katie Rogers casts Melania as reluctant in the role. Mrs Trump spent four years flouting many of the expectations about what a modern first lady should be, Rogers writes, revealing aides described how she visited her East Wing domain so infrequently that her empty office had been converted into a gift-wrapping room. Melania is not such a constant presence this time around - Scott Olson/Getty Melania has stayed largely out of the public eye since departing the White House in 2021, spending most of her time ensconced in Mar-a-Lago, the Trumps main residence in Palm Beach, Florida. She rarely exits Mar-a-Lago, its a strange, isolated life they have in that place, Laurence Leamer, author of a book about the private members club and a longtime Palm Beach resident, told The Telegraph last year. That is not to say Melania has been idling away her time. Financial disclosures show she makes significant income from rental properties in New York and her native Slovenia, and earned more than $300,000 (232,000) from licensing non-fungible tokens (NFTs) digital assets stored on blockchain in the last year. Her occasional appearances at Republican fundraisers have been lucrative. She received a $237,000 (183,000) payment for a single speaking engagement for Log Cabin Republicans, a conservative gay rights group, hosted at Mar-a-Lago in April. Despite her low profile, the former first lady also intends to release a memoir, Melania, next month, just weeks before the presidential election on 5 November. A Trump family member who has proved even more elusive on the campaign trail is her son, Barron, whom sources say she is fiercely keen to protect from the spotlight. The youngest of the Trump offspring, Barrons school years coincided with his time in the White House, meaning the First Son went largely unremarked on by the media out of consideration for his tender age. Now aged 18, and enrolled at New York University, interest in the 6ft 7in student has ramped up. Trump has acknowledged as much in interviews, saying recently of his young son: He had such a nice easy life, now its a little bit changed. Earlier this year Melanias office squashed rumours that Barron would be taking on a more active political role in his fathers presidential bid - Getty Those in contact with the intensely private Melania describe her as rattled by the prospect of her husbands presidential bid prompting further media intrusion into Barrons life, particularly following not one but two assassination attempts on the former president. Ric Grenell, a former Trump administration official, told Bloomberg recently: I think shes shaken. Barron goes to [university] this summer, so its a difficult time for parents, to go from having your child around all the time to leaving the nest. Earlier this year, Barron was rumored to be preparing to take on a more active political role in his fathers third presidential bid. He appeared at one of his rallies, and was named as a delegate for the Florida GOP, conferring on him a formal role in the vote to confirm his father as the Republican presidential nominee. Soon after the news emerged, Melanias office, far from a regular communicator with the media, sprung into gear to refute any suggestion Barron would take up the role. While Barron is honored to have been chosen, her office said, he regretfully declines to participate due to prior commitments. In the end, Barron was not only absent from the Florida delegation in Milwaukee, but skipped the entire Republican convention the only one of Trumps children not to appear. The former president jokingly acknowledged the absence as he namechecked his offspring and their partners in his speech to formally accept his partys nomination. I also want to thank my entire family, he said. Don and Kimberly, Ivanka and Jared, Eric and Lara, Tiffany and Michael, Barron, we love our Barron. And of course, my 10 wonderful grandchildren. Lara, the wife of Eric Trump, was recently mocked for releasing a music single instead of focusing on helping Republicans win - Getty Tiffany, 30, the fourth child of the ex-president the only one with his second wife Marla Maples, rarely delves into the political fray. Raised in California rather than New York outside of the spotlight, in her mothers words her childhood did not involve the same proximity to her father as her half-siblings, although she was at university in Washington, DC during Trumps term in office. She graduated from Georgetown University Law Center during his final year in power, and delivered a speech to the 2020 GOP convention months later, but has since maintained a far lower profile than her siblings. On stage with her at the 2024 convention was her husband, Michael Boulos, the son of a wealthy Lebanese-American businessman, whom she married at Mar-a-Lago in 2022. The inclusion of Ivanka and Jared Kushner on stage was a surprise to many political spectators, who noted it was the couples first, and likely only, foray into the 2024 presidential race. Once at the nexus of political power, Javanka, as the pair are known in Washington, wielded immense influence within the West Wing during the first Trump era. Both served as senior advisers to the president, a perch from which they rubbed shoulders with world leaders at state dinners and exchanged WhatsApp messages with princes and prime ministers. In his unpaid role, Jared took a lead in the Trump administrations Middle East policy, and later in the presidents 2020 re-election bid. Ivanka, meanwhile, steered the role of first daughter into uncharted territory: the first ever to have a chief of staff and a West Wing office a short walk from the presidents Resolute Desk. Her proximity to power came with its downsides. She made the decision to shutter her namesake fashion brand to focus on her work in Washington, amid questions over how the Trump family might profit from his presidency. Perhaps more lasting was the impact on her standing within the pecking order of her elite Manhattan Upper East Side set. Ivanka often walked a difficult line: perceived as the most politically liberal of the family, but deemed to have her fathers ear, many expected her to be a moderating influence on his most contentious and inflammatory statements. If the role ascribed to her was true, few deemed her successful. What was left of Jared and Ivankas social capital was spent in the aftermath of the 6 January 2021 riots, when a mob of pro-Trump supporters stormed the Capitol and delayed the certification of Joe Bidens victory in the 2020 presidential race. With Trump still refusing to concede defeat, even Karlie Kloss, Jareds supermodel sister-in-law, broke her silence to condemn the situation as anti-American. Asked by her followers to make that case to her brother- and sister-in-law, she bluntly replied: Ive tried. Some Republican insiders to describe Ivanka, seen her with husband Jared, as a political weathervane - Getty The power couple quit Washington soon afterward, retreating to Florida, where they built a mansion on a private island near Miami. Despite being just an hours drive from her fathers base in Palm Beach, in the intervening years, Ivanka, 42, and Jared, 43, have worked to distance themselves from politics, focusing instead on their three children and lucrative business and charitable ventures, including volunteering at a food bank and launching a $3 billion investment fund. Acquaintances of Ivanka describe her as seeking a less complicated life for her family, pursuing philanthropic work and rekindling relationships strained by her time in the White House. Ivanka made the calculation a long time ago that it was not in her best interests to remain in any way associated with the rest of her family, her cousin, Mary Trump, recently told MSNBC. All of these relationships are transactional. She is a legitimately wealthy person because of the person she is married to. She doesnt need Donald for anything. Ivanka has been more active in public recently, sharing images of herself at Adele concerts, learning to surf, and at birthday parties with Kim Kardashian and Lauren Sanchez, partner of Amazon founder Jeff Bezos. She basically wants a new life to compensate for what she lost when she spent four years in her fathers Washington, a source close to her told People magazine earlier this year. Rather than attending the launch of her fathers third White House bid at Mar-a-Lago in 2022, Ivanka released a statement declaring: I am choosing to prioritize my young children and the private life we are creating as a family. I do not plan to be involved in politics. It was interpreted by many as a repudiation of her fathers continued refusal to accept the outcome of the 2020 race, as much as an expression of her fatigue from the unrelenting scrutiny that comes with presidential campaigns. Nor, it soon became clear, did she intend to become involved in her fathers multiple court cases. She strenuously tried to avoid testifying in the familys $250 million (193 million) civil fraud trial earlier this year, claiming in one attempt that she needed to be at home with her children during the school week. Her efforts were rejected and she was ultimately compelled to appear in a New York court. She also opted against attending her fathers historic criminal trial in Manhattan, which saw him convicted of all 34 counts of falsifying business records related to a hush money payment to a porn star. However, insiders say Ivanka showed her solidarity in private, making discreet visits to the ex-president via a private entrance and a connecting lift direct to his penthouse in his Manhattan base, Trump Tower. Following his conviction, she said: I love my father. I love my country. Today, I am pained for both. While she had availed herself of prized speaking slots in the last two Republican conventions, this time she was only there for the photo finish. Her three children, Arabella, 13, Joseph, 10, and Theodore, eight, were absent from the stage, in contrast to some of Donald Trumps other grandchildren. But Ivanka and her husband Jared had still decided to be present: a quiet endorsement of Donald Trumps bid. Ivanka and Jared reportedly earned as much as $640 million in outside income during their time in the White House - Getty It is actions like these that have led some Republican insiders to describe Ivanka as a political weathervane. They noted her absence from Trumps campaign launch, when much of the party believed his rival Ron DeSantis offered better prospects, but also her reappearance following her fathers attempted assassination and ascendancy in the polls. Some party insiders are skeptical of her ability to resist the temptation to reprise a White House role, should the opportunity arise, although Ivanka herself has ruled it out. I feel like I left it all on the field. I feel really good about it, and I feel really privileged to have been able to do what I did, she told friend and podcaster Lex Fridman during a three-hour interview. But, she said of politics: Its a pretty dark world And, you know, its a really rough business. So for me and my family, it feels right to not participate. It has not quelled speculation that Jared Kushner could be under consideration to serve as the secretary of state in a second Trump administration. Such an appointment would carry both risks and rewards, given his deep financial ties to the Middle East, which would inevitably face Congressional scrutiny if he returned to Washington. Jared and Ivanka are aware there would be revived controversy over their incomes they reported earning as much as $640 million in outside income during their time in the White House, according to the Citizens for Ethics watchdog raising questions over potential conflicts of interest. Their government roles led Barack Obamas former ethics adviser, Norman Eisen, to accuse Trump of operating like something out of a tin-pot oligarchy, although other experts suggested Trumps breach of convention did not amount to violating any laws. Kushner has since opened an investment fund, with around 99 per cent of its $3 billion coming from foreign investors with whom he worked when he served as a senior adviser to the president. The majority of the funding comes from the Middle East, including $2 billion from Saudi Arabias sovereign wealth fund. A source close to Kushner said he was focused on his family and his business rather than potential administration roles at the present. Sam Nunberg, a former senior Trump campaign official, had his own theory on the couples absence from the 2024 campaign. The major difference is that he [Donald] just wont let Jared come back in and take over the franchise of day-to-day operations, he told The Telegraph. Its just not happening because Jared lost [the 2020 race], he said, referencing Kushners involvement in Trumps unsuccessful re-election bid. Not that Jared wants to, by the way, or should want to, Nunberg added, arguing that while there was a professional uncoupling from Trump, there was no personal separation. Even if theyre in Miami, Ivanka and Jared are by his side, he said. The vacuum left by Jared and Ivanka has been filled by Trumps two eldest sons, Don Jnr and Eric. The brothers took a lead role in managing the family business empire during their fathers presidency, but have become more prominently involved in the business of politics since the launch of his third White House bid. They are believed to be more ideologically aligned with their father, in particular Don Jnr, who is widely expected to mount his own run for office one day. The 46-year-old has been seen as a kingmaker for the next generation of his fathers Make America Great Again (MAGA) movement, working to unseat GOP critics and lobbying in support of loyalists. Donalds sons Don Jnr and Eric are intimately involved in vetting other potential recruits for a second Trump term - Tom Williams/CQ-Roll Call, Inc via Getty Images His influence has only been underscored by his successful lobbying to have his close friend JD Vance become his fathers 2024 running mate. Worlds apart in their upbringings, as Don Jnr noted in his convention speech, their unlikely friendship was forged by a mutual appreciation of their combative approach on social media. Don Jnr was also an admirer of Vances memoir, Hillbilly Elegy, and, more importantly, the zeal of the Ohio senators conversion to Trumpism. A budding texting relationship is said to have developed into near-daily communication between the pair. The decision to anoint the 40-year-old Vance as Trumps de facto successor has bound the Republican Party to the legacy of his populist MAGA movement for another generation. Both Don Jnr and Eric, 40, are intimately involved in vetting other potential recruits for a second Trump term, to ensure they are true devotees to the America-first agenda. The brothers were announced in August as honorary chairs of the Trump transition team. The pair are believed to be focusing on identifying the political ideology of potential senior administration figures as well as White House staffers to ensure their fathers recruits possess the quality he prizes above all others: loyalty. They are eager to avoid a repeat of the first Trump administration, where senior figures such as the former national security advisor John Bolton, former defense secretary Mark Esper, and former chief of staff John Kelly later sharply rebuked Trumps presidency. Aides to the 78-year-old Trump say he still feels aggrieved that his one-time advisers would later offer insider accounts of his time in office on cable news, and is determined to avoid a repeat should he win a second term. Don Jnr cast his own position as one of exercising veto power. I dont want to pick a single person for a position of power, all I want to do is block the guys that would be a disaster, he said at an Axios-hosted event at the RNC this summer. Insiders suggest it is unlikely that either of Trumps adult sons will hold an official role in his administration, but their influence behind the scenes will be pivotal to shaping it. The Trumps goal is to ensure they do not face the same resistance from the Washington establishment or, in their own vernacular, the swamp creatures. Those selected for the most senior roles must first demonstrate resolute support for the Republican presidential candidates vision, one senior source said. Donald Trump Jr is widely expected to enter politics himself in the future - Patrick T Fallon/AFP via Getty Images The Trump family takeover goes further still. Donald Trump has already moved to instal loyalists within the Republican Party apparatus, including parachuting his daughter-in-law Lara Trump into a leadership role at the Republican National Committee. Lara, the wife of Eric Trump, was recently mocked for releasing a music single instead of focusing on helping Republicans win in Novembers general election. Online critics were unimpressed by Laras musical talents, but the 41-year-old has suggested the ridicule originates from the liberal media and has not ruled out releasing more songs in future. Both Lara and Kimberly Guilfoyle, Don Jnrs fiancee, two former TV insiders, were given prominent speaking slots at this years RNC. Even Don Jnrs 17-year-old daughter, Kai, was granted coveted speaking time. A lot of people have put my grandpa through hell, and hes still standing, the teenager told the crowd. Trump himself has frequently acknowledged that his closest relationships are with his family. I have a lot of good relationships, he once said. I have good enemies, too, which is OK. But I think more of my family than others. As far back as 2015 he sketched out their importance to his rise to power in an interview with CNN. To Melania he has ascribed the political acumen of a pollster, Ivanka, could be president herself one day, and, his sons, he said, wanna be out there. They will be fantastic, he added. The Trump campaign has since suffered a change in fortune. Joe Bidens withdrawal from the race, and Kamala Harriss entry, has shaken up the polls and disrupted what mere weeks ago appeared to be Donald Trumps gilded path back to the White House. But whether in power or out, the Trump family will assert its dominance over American politics for years to come. Donald Trump holds campaign rally in Wilmington, North Carolina. Photograph: Brian Snyder/Reuters Donald Trumps wider ground game operation in crucial battleground states is now largely outsourced to America Pac, the political action committee backed by the billionaire Elon Musk, according to multiple people familiar with the situation. The Trump campaign gambled with its voter turnout efforts for the 2024 cycle and outsourced it to Super Pacs, while it targeted its focus on turning out Trump supporters in rural areas who typically do not vote. But while the Trump campaign once predicted having multiple Pacs doing get-out-the-vote work, with six weeks until the election, only America Pac has a material presence of 300 to 400 paid and part-time people knocking on doors in each of the seven battleground states, the people said. Related: Elon Musks Twitter coup has harmed the right. They are now simply too online | Paolo Gerbaudo America Pac also remains the only entity Trump campaign or otherwise with a target to do three passes of homes of likely Trump voters in every battleground state before election day. Turning Point Action, run by the rightwing activist Charlie Kirk and touted by the Trump campaign, for instance, has a smaller footprint; it has a presence in Arizona, Wisconsin and two specific districts in Michigan and Nevada, after dropping Georgia from its initial list. The situation means America Pac now accounts for an outsize proportion of the unglamorous but critical work of door-knocking and canvassing Trump voters in battleground states to get them to return a ballot. And since the Trump campaign does not have its own mass field operation it has a new model of Trump 47 Captains, volunteers targeting likely Trump supporters who do not typically vote the campaign has little backup if America Pac hits snags. Last week, America Pac fired the company it had retained in Arizona and Nevada to do door-knocking and canvassing. The move to terminate the September Group had damaging consequences for Trump as America Pac lost several days of canvassing while they sought a replacement company, and lost at least some of the roughly 300 people they hired in each state. The Trump campaign denied that it had a reliance on America Pac and said it had more than 27,000 volunteers working as Trump 47 Captains, the program in which ardent Trump supporters receive special Maga merchandise as they get more people to register to vote. Each volunteer initially receives a list of 10 neighbors to mobilize. If they meet that target, the next tier involves canvassing 24 out of 50 likely Trump voters, followed by canvassing 45 out of 100 voters, with new perks at each tier. Team Trump has hundreds of staff and offices mobilizing hundreds of thousands of volunteers across the country. Thats why everyone wants to take credit for our groundbreaking, data-enhanced, people-powered operation, Karoline Leavitt, a Trump spokesperson, said in a statement. But a person involved with America Pac expressed skepticism about the reach of the Trump 47 captains and noted targeting just so-called low propensity voters in rural areas is no substitute for hitting doors in suburban areas and cities as well. Separately, if Trump wins, it could be in part thanks to Musk, who has articulated wider political ambitions he recently pitched to Trump to run a government efficiency commission and Trump has said he would consider putting Musk in his cabinet and resultantly have outsized influence with Trump. The America Pac ground game operation was slow to get started after it scrapped its initial plans, and only started hiring employees at a rapid clip last month. But it has since exploded in size. By retaining canvassing vendors for each battleground state, America Pacs operation now involves hundreds of paid and part-time employees to knock on doors in an unusually aggressive get-out-the-vote effort, the person said. In North Carolina and Michigan, America Pacs vendor, Blitz Canvassing LLC, has hired more than 400 staffers in each state, the person said. America Pac has paid roughly $3.3m to Blitz to date, according to federal campaign finance filings. Blitz is now also responsible for Arizona and Nevada after it was named as the successor to the September Group. It has a mandate to rehire as many of the fired 300 canvassers as possible, and in Nevada, to hit roughly 30,000 doors a day. The retention of Blitz has been controversial inside Trump world, in part because Blitz is a subsidiary of a company called GP3 owned by the political consultants running America Pac. It has given rise to accusations that America Pacs leadership is profiting twice. For Pennsylvania and Georgia, America Pac has subcontracted to Patriot Grassroots LLC and paid about $2.3m to date. For Wisconsin, America Pac has subcontracted to the Synapse Group for about $468,000, according to campaign finance filings. Eric Adams has become New Yorks first sitting mayor to be criminally indicted - OLGA FEDOROVA/EPA-EFE/Shutterstock A Turkish businessman told Eric Adams he would soon become the US president, after he and his peers lavished the New York mayor with business class flights and luxury travel worth $123,000, according to prosecutors. Mr Adams, 64, is accused of having sought and accepted improper valuable benefits including luxury international travel from at least one Turkish government official seeking to gain influence over him. On Thursday, Mr Adams became the citys first sitting mayor to be criminally indicted after he was charged with five counts including bribery, wire fraud and soliciting contributions from foreign nationals. The 57-page indictment paints an extraordinary picture of an unscrupulous candidate motivated by greed and power to accept bribes and illegal donations in his attempt to become mayor. It outlines an alleged scheme in which Mr Adams enjoyed opulent hotel stays, meals at high-end restaurants and a swathe of illegal donations to bolster his 2021 campaign. In exchange, Mr Adams is accused of pressuring city officials to greenlight the opening of the new 36-storey Turkish consulate despite safety concerns in time for the visit of the countrys president, Recep Tayyip Erdogan, to New York. The New York mayor is accused of seeking and accepting thousands in illegal contributions from foreign nationals, which he allegedly used to defraud New York City and steal public funds for his successful 2021 campaign. If convicted of the charges, the Democrat could be jailed for up to 45 years. Mr Adams has insisted he is innocent and has said he will continue to do my job as mayor. According to the indictment, the luxury travel perks Mr Adams, his family and his staff members received between 2016 and 2021 amounted to at least $123,000. He did not disclose the travel benefits in annual financial disclosures, according to the indictment. The most expensive trip, which cost upwards of $41,000, involved free business class flights from New York to France, Turkey and China for Mr Adams and two of his staff members, as well as a heavily discounted $7,000 stay in the luxury Bentley Suite at the five star St Regis hotel in Istanbul. The Bentley Suite He also accepted boat trips, a driver, a Turkish bath at a seaside hotel, and a two-night stay in the Cosmopolitan Suite of the St Regis, Istanbul, worth $3,000. During a nine-hour layover in Istanbul on his business-class flight from New York to Ghana in 2021, Mr Adams was met by a personal escort, picked up in a BMW 7, dined at a high-end restaurant with Turkish government officials, and returned to the airport for the second leg of his journey. The original plan had also involved a boat tour of the Bosporus Strait, but Mr Adams declined saying he had done the boat tour a few times. Mr Adams flew Turkish Airlines even when doing so was otherwise inconvenient due to the thousands of dollars of free travel perks, according to the indictment, The mayor provided favourable treatment in exchange for the illicit benefits he received, according to the federal indictment. One of the Turkish businessmen who wooed Mr Adams with gifts and donations, who was named as the promoter in the indictment, is said to have celebrated Adams prospects after he was elected mayor. He told people, including Mr Adams himself, that Adams would soon be president of the United States. An airline official who lavished Mr Adams with business class flights, is also alleged to have lobbied the mayors staff member for a plum role on Mr Adams transition team. Appearing to threaten Mr Adams with the removal of his luxury travel perks, on Dec 8 2021 he messaged the staffer saying: Lead Plz :) Otherwise seat number 52 is empty On the way back. The airline manager was, according to the indictment, added to Mr Adams transition committee for Infrastructure, Climate and Sustainability. Messages between some of the Turkish officials he worked with reveal how they wanted to use Mr Adams for their own political gain. Turn this into an advantage In one exchange, the promoter messaged a Turkish businessman the day after Mr Adams was elected mayor, saying: He is most likely going to assign me as a representative, sir. Im going to go and talk to our elders in Ankara about how we can turn this into an advantage for our countrys lobby. The businessman replied: That would be nice. One Turkish businessman agreed to donate $50,000 or more to Mr Adams 2021 campaign believing that Adams might one day be the President of the United States and hoping to gain influence with Mr Adams. The man did not end up donating to the campaign. Mr Adams is accused of seeking and accepting illegal donations in the form of straw contributions, meaning through people who falsely claimed they were giving their own money. It is illegal to accept political donations from foreigners in the US. Mr Adams is also said to have used the straw donations to defraud New York City and steal public funds. In order to uplift local voices, the city has a scheme which matches small donations from residents with up to eight times the amount in public funds. Mr Adams campaign is alleged to have had these straw donations matched by public funds, obtaining as much as $2,000 in public funds for each illegal contribution. His campaign is accused of reaping over $10 million in Matching Funds based on the false certifications that the campaign complied with the law when Mr Adams knowingly and repeatedly relied on illegal contributions. When the Turkish promoter suggested donating to Mr Adams campaign through a US citizen in 2018, the then mayoral candidates staff member said he did not think Mr Adams would get involved in such games. The Turkish national said he would donate max $100k. Illegal scheme According to the indictment, Mr Adams staffer was directed by Mr Adams to pursue the promoters illegal scheme. Mr Adams was accused of directing his staffer to obtain the illegal contributions offered by a Turkish businessman who owned a university in Istanbul. After the businessman offered to help Mr Adams during a meeting at Brooklyn Borough Hall in November 2018, he wrote to his staffer that the businessman is ready to help. I dont want his willing to help be waisted [sic]. In a message between Mr Adams and his staff member about raising funds from the Turkish University, the mayor said he was not Not doing [an] in person fundraiser for less than $25K. The mayors foreign-national benefactors later sought to cash in on their corrupt relationships with the mayor as his influence grew, prosecutors claim. The indictment hones in on the approval of the 36-storey Turkish consulate. The building was opened by Mr Erdogan to great fanfare in September 2021. A board showing indictment details includes a picture of the controversial Turkish consulate - REUTERS/Mike Segar The indictment alleged Mr Adams was told by the Turkish official in September 2021 it was his turn to repay him by pressuring the New York City Fire Department to facilitate the opening of the new Turkish consulate. The building would have failed a fire inspection at the time it was opened, according to the indictment. But in exchange for travel perks and other bribes, Adams did as instructed and put pressure on the FDNY. As a result, the official responsible for assessing the building was told he would be fired if he failed to acquiesce. After Mr Adams helped receive the approvals needed to open the Turkish consulate, despite safety concerns, the Turkish official said: You are Great Eric, we are so happy to hear that. You are a true friend of Turkey. Mr Adams replied: Yes even more a true friend of yours. You are my brother. I am hear [sic] to help. The politician is said to have created and instructed others to create fake paper trails, falsely suggesting that he had paid, or planned to pay, for travel benefits that were actually free. In one message to the Turkish Airlines manager in June 2022, Mr Adams staffer urged him to quote a proper price for flights when he suggested Mr Adams pay $50. The staffer wrote: His every step is being watched right now... $1,000 or so... Let it be somewhat real. We dont want them to say he is flying for free. At the moment, the medias attention is on Eric. When the airlines manager suggested Mr Adams stay in the Four Seasons, Mr Adams staffer said it was too expensive The airline manager replied: Why does he care? He is not going to pay[.] His name will not be on anything either. Mr Adams is said to have sent several emails to his staffer about paying for free July and August 2017 Turkish Airlines flights. $10,000 in cash In one email he said: I left you the money for the international airline in an envelope in your top desk draw. [sic] Please send it to them. The email suggested he had left well over $10,000 in cash to send to them. The indictment states the airline confirmed Mr Adams did not pay the airline, in cash or otherwise, because the tickets were complimentary. After Mr Adams learned he was being investigated in November 2023, he is accused of increasing the complexity of the password on his personal mobile, He said this was to prevent staffers from deleting its contents and impeding the investigation. He then claimed he had forgotten the new password, and therefore could not help the FBI unlock the phone, prosecutors said. Later on Thursday, defending Mr Adams actions, Alex Spiro, his lawyer, claimed people do this all the time as he gave a press conference denouncing the allegations as part of a smear campaign. He said Mr Adams had responded to a courtesy request from a Turkish official seeking to expedite a fire inspection at the consulate. New Yorkers do this all the time, Mr Spiro said. They want to tarnish him. They want to tarnish him in your eyes, Mr Spiro added Theres no corruption, this is not a real case. were going to see everyone in court. Mr Adams is due to be arraigned in a federal court next week. For people on the edge of poverty, a pregnancy with a third child raises the prospect of imminent impoverishment of the existing two children. Photograph: Tracey Nearmy/AAP Amelia Gentlemans eloquent refocusing on the two-child benefit cap, and the imperative to end this morally untenable attack on so many already-fragile families, is timely and urgent (I have 7 in my bank account: how the two-child benefit cap changed Britain, 25 September). The policy targets the poorest families and those with cultural and religious traditions of larger families, and is thus inherently both discriminatory and racist. And, as she discovers in talking to women struggling to cope with its impact on the wellbeing of their children, it also targets those who become pregnant by accident which can often involve coercion. For people on the edge of poverty, a third pregnancy raises the immediate prospect of impoverishment of the existing two children and, for some, the excruciating dilemma of whether to go ahead and sentence the family to poverty, or terminate the pregnancy. Gentleman quotes the former Tory minister for welfare reform David Freuds condemnation of this policy as vicious and an excrescence. Even this savage judgment fails to convey the depravity of a policy whose logical outcome is the termination of an unplanned third or subsequent pregnancy. It beggars belief that anyone could argue that we cannot afford to lift the cap in effect, that we have no choice but to intentionally make hundreds of thousands of children really poor, badly nourished and, as a result, almost certainly educationally disadvantaged. And on top of that, to force women who may otherwise have welcomed an unplanned child into a situation where abortion is the only way to avoid impoverishing the children that they already have. Felicity Laurence Hastings, East Sussex Amelia Gentlemans article lays bare the dire impact of an unconscionable policy on families struggling on low incomes. Six years ago, I interviewed low-income households in the UK, often led by single mothers, about the stark choices they faced on limited budgets. Ive since spoken to other families on the breadline in Spain and Germany. Reading Gentlemans interviews with Saira and Haniya cut me to the core. Research by Human Rights Watch published in 2019 along with the work of many others warned that a wrongheaded policy like this would visit precisely these harms on families and children. The evidence that the policy is increasing child poverty is now incontrovertible. Larger families with fewer resources need more support, not less. A policy that punishes children for decisions made by their parents is wrong and out of line with the governments human rights and childrens rights obligations. This is not a change that needs the workings of a taskforce and strategy documents to be issued in due course. Indeed, waiting will simply consign even more children and families to poverty and hardship. Labour should end the cruel two-child limit policy, and do so now. Kartik Raj Senior researcher, Human Rights Watch Thank you to Amelia Gentleman for piercing the political silence that has descended over the two-child limit. While I agree with Jonathan Portes that it is inconceivable that the welcome commitment to a child poverty strategy will not lead to the abolition of the limit, the very obviousness of this is an argument for action now. Otherwise, how many more months or years must mothers such as Saira and Haniya struggle to manage on benefits far below their officially estimated needs, and must their children suffer as their childhoods tick away? We are told that we cant afford to abolish the policy. Yet in response to written questions (8 August and 16 September), the government has been unable to say what it would cost. And that is without even taking into account the hidden costs of the policy itself in terms of its impact on health, education and child protection. Ruth Lister Labour, House of Lords Have an opinion on anything youve read in the Guardian today? Please email us your letter and it will be considered for publication in our letters section. The New York City mayor, Eric Adams, faced mounting calls for his resignation on Thursday as federal agents launched a pre-dawn raid on the mayors Manhattan mansion and he was indicted on corruption charges. Federal agents early on Thursday swept in to search Adamss official residence, a stunning move that capped a lengthy corruption investigation into whether the mayor and others may have conspired with the Turkish government to funnel illegal foreign money into his campaign coffers. The indictments alleges Adams took illegal campaign contributions and bribes from foreign nationals in exchange for favors that included helping Turkish officials get fire safety approvals for a new diplomatic building in the city. Related: A true friend of Turkey: Eric Adams bribery indictment reveals years of flights and favors The search at Gracie Mansion on the Upper East Side began at about 6am, just hours before the US attorney for the southern district of New York and officials from the FBI and the citys department of investigation were expected to announce federal charges against Adams and unseal the indictment against him. The news radio station 1010 Wins reported that the charges against Adams were probably under the Foreign Agents Registration Act (Fara). Authorities have also sought information about Adamss interactions with Israel, China, Qatar, South Korea and Uzbekistan, according to the New York Times. The outlet, citing a search warrant, reported in early November 2023 that federal authorities were investigating the possible acceptance by Adamss 2021 campaign of illegal donations, including by the Turkish government. Adams, a Democrat who would become the first of the citys 110 mayors to be criminally charged while in office, said he expected to be charged with federal crimes and declared he was innocent. He added that if charges were filed they would be entirely false, based on lies. He vowed to remain in office while fighting them. Members of the Democrats progressive wing, including the Bronx representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, called for Adams to resign. Ocasio-Cortez said that after the resignation of several city officials, including the police commissioner, I do not see how Mayor Adams can continue governing New York City. For the good of the city, he should resign, Ocasio-Cortez said. The New York comptroller, Brad Lander, said Wednesday was a sad day for New Yorkers, after news of the indictment broke, and that the most appropriate path forward was for Adams to step aside. The citys financial management chief, who plans to run against Adams in 2025, added that Adams deserved the presumption of innocence but said: It is clear that defending himself against serious federal charges will require a significant amount of the time and attention needed to govern this great city. The Manhattan borough president and mayoral candidate Scott Stringer said the mayor should step down so other leaders could focus on the business of the city. His fight is not our fight, Stringer said. But other members of the city council had mixed reactions. Oswald Feliz said he was not there yet in calling for Adams to step aside. The Brooklyn progressive Chi Osse said: Corrupt cop Eric Adams needs to resign. This started as a corruption probe into his campaign and now half of the leadership is out of commission. Im not going to lie they look guilty. More importantly, no one is running our city right now. Our schools, healthcare, police have no leadership. This city of 9 million people need someone steering the ship. City council members including Tiffany Caban, Alexa Aviles, Shekar Krishnan, Lincoln Restler, Chris Banks and Bob Holden have also called on Adams to resign. If Adams is forced out of office, the citys public advocate, Jumaane Williams, would become mayor and would need to hold an election within 80 days. The indictment came as the city is filled with foreign diplomats for the UN general assembly, including some who Adams may have had dealings with. Shortly before the announcement, Adams appeared at a reception in New York at the Metropolitan Museum of Art attended by Joe Biden and Jill Biden, both of whom made remarks. Adams did not address the gathering. New York city hall has been in a state of upheaval for the past month. The police commissioner, Edward Caban, resigned earlier this month after FBI agents seized his phone. Days later, Adamss chief legal adviser resigned, saying she could no longer effectively serve in the position. This week, the citys public schools chancellor, David Banks, said he would retire at the end of the year. His phone had already been seized. The only elected New York official with the power to force Adams aside is the New York governor, Kathy Hochul, and she has yet to comment on the developments. Interview: Expo to inject fresh impetus into China-ASEAN economic, trade ties: Cambodian scholar Xinhua) 09:34, September 26, 2024 PHNOM PENH, Sept. 25 (Xinhua) -- The 21st China-ASEAN Expo is expected to add fresh momentum into the development of China-ASEAN economic and trade relations, a Cambodian scholar said on Wednesday. The five-day expo, kicked off in Nanning, capital city of south China's Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region on Tuesday, was participated by more than 3,000 enterprises. Thong Mengdavid, a lecturer at the Institute for International Studies and Public Policy of the Royal University of Phnom Penh, said the 21st China-ASEAN Expo serves as a platform to enhance economic collaboration, promote trade, and foster regional integration between China and ASEAN member states. He said the expo offers an important platform for enterprises from ASEAN countries to enter the vast Chinese market. "The expo is expected to inject fresh impetus into China-ASEAN relations by creating new opportunities for cooperation, particularly in areas such as technology, infrastructure, agriculture, education, tourism, and green development," he said. "It is also expected to advance the building of the China-ASEAN Free Trade Area 3.0 and promote high-quality regional development through a variety of economic and trade activities," he added. Mengdavid said the expo has made important contributions to the economic integration between China and ASEAN, facilitating investment flows and cross-border economic opportunities, laying the foundation for building a more connected, resilient and dynamic region. "By providing a dedicated space for businesses and policymakers to engage, the event can lead to tangible partnerships and enhanced trade flows," he said. "By fostering trade and economic relations, promoting innovation, and encouraging cultural exchange, the expo plays a pivotal role in shaping a prosperous and sustainable future for the region," he noted. He added that the expo truly reflected China-ASEAN steadfast commitment to upholding free trade and multilateralism against the backdrop of unilateralism and protectionism. Mengdavid said economic and trade cooperation has been a key pillar for China-ASEAN relations and that currently, China-ASEAN economic and trade relations are robust. "In recent years, China-ASEAN trade volumes have increased significantly, driven by agreements aimed at reducing tariffs and promoting investment," he said. "Both sides have become each other's largest trading partners for several consecutive years." The scholar said the China-ASEAN Free Trade Area and the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) agreement have laid a strong foundation for China and ASEAN to boost their trade and economic relations. Close China-ASEAN relations and cooperation have provided mutual benefits and win-win results, significantly contributing to ensuring lasting peace, security, stability, common development and shared prosperity for the peoples in the region. For Cambodia, the scholar said the expo offers a valuable opportunity to strengthen economic and trade exchanges with China. "Through this expo, I expect to see increased investment in key sectors such as digital technology, e-commerce, agriculture, renewable energy, healthcare, tourism, and manufacturing, as well as collaborations on infrastructure projects," Mengdavid said. These will help Cambodia diversify its economy and integrate more deeply into regional supply chains, ultimately contributing to its economic development, he added. "In conclusion, the 21st China-ASEAN expo will boost trade, investment, agriculture, tourism, culture, and people-to-people exchange, injecting new energy into building a closer China-ASEAN community with a shared future," Mengdavid said. ASEAN (the Association of Southeast Asian Nations) groups Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam. (Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Zhong Wenxing) Eric Adams: I am innocent and I will fight this with every ounce of my strength and spirit - REUTERS Eric Adams, the mayor of New York, has reportedly been indicted on federal criminal charges. The charges were unsealed on Thursday morning, revealing he had been charged with bribery, fraud and soliciting illegal foreign campaign donations. It means that the former police captain, 64, who was elected three years ago on a platform of cutting crime, has become the first sitting New York mayor to face criminal charges. Federal agents on Thursday morning swept into Gracie Mansions - the mayors official residence - in a pre-dawn raid involving nearly a dozen agents. A lawyer for Mr Adams, Alex Spiro, issued a statement saying that the agents had come to confiscate the mayors phone, despite investigators seizing several of his devices last year. Federal agents appeared this morning at Gracie Mansion in an effort to create a spectacle (again) and take Mayor Adamss phone (again), Mr Spiro said in a statement. He has not been arrested and looks forward to his day in court. They send a dozen agents to pick up a phone when we would have happily turned it in. News of the indictment will pile pressure on the Democrat Mayor, who may appear in court later today, to step down. However, Mr Adams on Wednesday night declared his innocence and that he would fight the expected charges. I always knew that if I stood my ground for New Yorkers that I would be a target and a target I became, he said in a statement to The New York Times. If I am charged, I am innocent and I will fight this with every ounce of my strength and spirit. Ive been facing these lies for months In a speech recorded at his official residence, Mr Adams acknowledged that some New Yorkers would question his ability to manage the city while he fights the charges, but he vowed to stay in office. I have been facing these lies for months ... yet the city has continued to improve, Mr Adams said. Make no mistake. You elected me to lead this city and lead it I will. The charges against Mr Adams stem from a public corruption investigation that began in 2021 looking into allegations that the Turkish government illegally funnelled money into his election campaign. The federal inquiry also examined whether Mr Adams pressured fire department officials to sign-off on a high-rise building for the Turkish embassy despite safety concerns, and whether the mayor received valuable flight upgrades from Turkish Airlines. Mr Adams inner circle has been the target of several investigations, with agents seizing phones from senior city officials - including one of his top aides - earlier this month. Authorities seized the mayors electronic devices in November last year, just days after they searched the home of his chief fundraiser. Mr Adams with First Deputy Mayor Sheena Wright. Their houses were entered by FBI officers - AP Mr Adams has consistently maintained that he has done nothing wrong, while his aides say that he has cooperated with the authorities. There is speculation that the indictment may prompt an exodus of more of Mr Adams allies, after his police commissioner, schools chancellor and health commissioner announced their resignations this month. Earlier on Wednesday, Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, the New York representative, led calls for the beleaguered New York mayor to step down. I do not see how Mayor Adams can continue governing New York City, the Democrat wrote on X, formerly known as Twitter. The flood of resignations and vacancies are threatening [government] function. Nonstop investigations will make it impossible to recruit and retain a qualified administration. For the good of the city, he should resign. Her comments were echoed by Zellnor Myrie, a state senator from Brooklyn who is also running for mayor against Mr. Adams. We need a leader who is fully focused, without distraction, on the enormous challenges we face from housing affordability to public safety, Mr. Myrie wrote on X. A mayor under the weight of a serious indictment can no longer do that and today I am calling on him to resign. Some allies of Mr Adams have defended him, calling for due process. Rodneyse Bichotte Hermelyn, the chair of the Brooklyn Democratic Party, said that the mayor had dedicated his life to the city and warranted a presumption of innocence. US vice-president Harris meets with Ukraine's President Zelenskyy in Washington Photograph: Kevin Lamarque/Reuters Kamala Harris, the US vice-president, has indirectly denounced the Trump campaigns policy on ending Russias war against Ukraine as proposals of surrender as the Ukrainian leader Volodymyr Zelenskyy visited Washington to present his own victory plan. Addressing Zelenskyy at the White House, Harris said that some in my country would pressure Ukraine to accept a peace deal in which it surrendered its sovereign territory and neutrality in order to make peace with Vladimir Putin. These proposals are the same as those of Putin, and let us be clear, they are not proposals for peace, she said. Instead, they are proposals for surrender, which is dangerous and unacceptable. While she did not mention Donald Trump or JD Vance by name, those terms for peace closely resemble ones laid out by the Republican vice-presidential nominee in an interview earlier this month. Zelenskyy had publicly denounced Vance as too radical after those remarks, sparking a conflict with Trump allies that has culminated with accusations of election interference and Republican calls for Ukraine to fire its ambassador to Washington. In an apparent U-turn late on Thursday, Trump told reporters he would meet Zelenskyy at Trump Tower in New York on Friday morning. At a press conference he rejected Harris criticisms and insisted that he only wants to stop the horror show thats gone on. When asked if Ukraine should give up territory, Trump was non-committal, saying: Lets get some peace We need peace. We need to stop the death and destruction. Before announcing the meeting with Zelenskyy, Trump posted on social media a purported message from the Ukrainian president asking to see him. The message, which was not confirmed by Ukrainian officials, said we have to strive to understand each other. The decision to publicly disclose what appeared to be private communications was a reminder of the tension that has been brewing between Trump and Zelenskyy. Harriss remarks came after Zelenskyy met Joe Biden at the White House for the formal presentation of Zelenskyys high-stakes proposal, which he has said can end the war with Russia with additional American aid. The White House issued a short statement after the meeting, saying that the two leaders discussed the diplomatic, economic, and military aspects of President Zelenskyys plan and tasked their teams to engage in intensive consultations regarding next steps. President Biden is determined to provide Ukraine with the support it needs to win, the statement said. Zelenskyy has kept the details of the plan secret, but US officials have said it includes additional American aid to prevent a Ukrainian rout on the battlefield and provide the [Ukrainian] people with the assurance that their future is part of the west. Related: Biden and Zelenskyy meet at White House as Ukrainian leader aims to shore up support for war effort live Zelenskyy faces an uphill battle in securing support for the plan, because of caution among senior officials in the Biden administration about providing Russia with a pretext to escalate the conflict further, and the looming November presidential elections that could lead to a re-election of Donald Trump. Before the meeting, Biden announced more than $8bn in military assistance to Kyiv, calling it a surge in security assistance for Ukraine and a series of additional actions to help Ukraine win this war. The aid includes the provision of a medium-range glide bomb munition fired from fighter jets that would allow Ukrainian forces to strike Russian troops and supply lines at safer distances. The allocation included $5.5bn from the Ukraine security assistance initiative fund by the end of the year, as well as an additional $2.4bn in security assistance via the Department of Defense. The package includes additional Patriot air defense batteries and missiles, unmanned aerial systems, and measures to strengthen Ukraines defense industrial base, Biden said. The US will also expand training for additional F-16 fighter pilots, with an extra 18 pilots to be trained next year. Related: Zelenskyy is pitching his victory plan on adverse terrain But Biden was not expected to grant a key Ukrainian request that has been supported by the UK permission to use arms such as long-range Atacms ballistic missiles to strike targets deeper inside Russia due to fears of escalating the conflict with Russia. There is no announcement that I would expect [on that], the White House press secretary, Karine Jean-Pierre, told reporters before the meeting. Zelenskyy said in a social media post: We will use this assistance in the most effective and transparent way possible to achieve our main common goal: a victorious Ukraine, a just and lasting peace, and transatlantic security. Biden also announced that he would convene a high-level meeting of the Ukraine defense contact group to coordinate aid to Ukraine among more than 50 allies as he enters the lame-duck period of his final three months in office. US media have reported that the Biden administration and European allies have been skeptical of Zelenskyys plan to achieve victory, which is understood to need to secure maximal support from the west before potential negotiations with Russia. Im unimpressed. Theres not much new there, a senior official told the Wall Street Journal. Zelenskyy had said the plan included decisions that can be taken solely by the United States and is based on decisions that should take place from October through December meaning the end of Bidens term in office. The meeting came amid rising tensions between Zelenskyy and Trump, who has attacked the Ukrainian leader for making little nasty aspersions toward your favourite president: me. Zelenskyy, in an interview with the New Yorker published this week, said he believed Trump doesnt really know how to stop the war and criticised Vance for describing a vision for peace that included Ukraine ceding territories currently occupied by Russia. Before the meetings, Zelenskyy met members of Congress on Capitol Hill. Related: Trump-Zelenskyy feud escalates as Republicans demand envoys removal On Wednesday, the House speaker, Mike Johnson, a Republican, accused Zelenskyy of election interference and demanded he fire his ambassador to Washington over a visit to an ammunitions factory in the battleground state of Pennsylvania. Johnson claimed the Ukrainian ambassador had failed to invite any Republicans to the event and called it a partisan campaign event designed to help Democrats. Zelenskyy sought to reduce tensions on Thursday as he thanked the US for the new arms package and praised political leaders strong bipartisan support in Ukraines just cause of defeating Russian aggression. Nonetheless, US and European officials have noted with varying levels of alarm the potential for a Trump administration to sharply reduce US aid to Ukraine in order to force Zelenskyy to accept terms for a ceasefire. Asked whether the Democrats wanted to Trump-proof aid to Ukraine before a potential Trump presidency, a senior state department official said: I dont ever talk in those terms but that the primary goal was to make sure Ukraine has all the equipment it needs to keep fighting and manpower and other things. At the end of the year, regardless of who wins our election in December, as at the end of this fighting season, Zelenskyy and Putin need to look at the battlefield and say, heres what we think next year will look like, the official said. And the primary factor there is, do I think the other side has all the equipment it needs to keep fighting and manpower and other things? Will Nick Knowles take part in Strictly Come Dancing this weekend? (BBC) (BBC/Ray Burmiston) It's just a week into Strictly Come Dancing's live shows and the cast have already been hit by injury that left one star in danger of sitting out their second performance. But Nick Knowles has confirmed just two days before the next show that he will be taking part. The DIY SOS presenter was hit by some incredible bad luck last weekend, injuring his arm the day after his ballroom debut. He is now in a sling and has spent the week unsure whether he would be able to dance in the BBC One show this weekend. Now, Knowles has shared the good news that he has been cleared to dance. Currently, DIY SOS presenter Knowles and his partner Luba Mushtuk are in third last place on the leaderboard with 18 points, followed by Paul Merson and Pete Wicks who are joint second last on 17 points, and Toyah Willcox who has the lowest score of just 12 points. Read more: Strictly Come Dancing The TV star will be hoping to pick up valuable points on Saturday as the scores from the first two weeks are combined for the first elimination, but his injury will have been a huge setback in training. Here's everything we know so far about what happened to Knowles and his journey to make it to the dancefloor this weekend. What happened to Nick Knowles? Nick Knowles has injured his arm. (Instagram/BBC screengrab) (Instagram/BBC screengrab) Knowles was hoping to celebrate his 62nd birthday - as well as getting through his Strictly debut - last Sunday, but had some car trouble on the motorway as he was driving to the party. He tried to change a flat tyre at the side of the road, but ended up badly injuring his arm as he explained to fans in an Instagram post on Monday. Later that evening, Knowles appeared on Strictly spin-off show It Takes Two, where he explained: "We broke down on the motorway with a flat tyre. It was raining and there were big lorries going past. So I tried to do it quickly and change the tyre quickly, and as I took the tyre off I basically damaged my bicep and damaged my arm... "And then I went on and I was like, 'It's fine, I've hurt it but I'm OK' and then it got worse and worse and worse. I actually missed my birthday party because of being stuck on the motorway." Nick Knowles confirms he will take part in Strictly this weekend Great news for Knowles fans - the TV star has confirmed that he will definitely be able to dance in this weekend's live show after getting the ok from medics. The timing is tight as Knowles and Mushtuk only shared the news 48 hours before Saturday's performance, but they looked excited to get on with training in an Instagram post. Knowles wrote: "Its official and I cant quite believe it but we are dancing on Saturday! @lubamushtuk is a miracle worker - weve had two days to learn the dance! Thank you for being so patient. American Smooth here we come." Nick Knowles and Luba Mushtuk shared the good news, as well as what they would be dancing to. (Instagram) In a video from the training room, Mushtuk danced around as Knowles said: "Look how excited my dance partner is, because we have been given clearance to dance on Saturday. It's been an interesting couple of days full of scans and physios and people helping me. Everyone's been amazing. Thank you for all your messages of support. We'll see you on Saturday where we'll be dancing American Smooth Foxtrot to Parklife by Blur." His fans were delighted to hear he would be dancing as one person commented: "Fantastic news so happy for you! Good luck on Saturday you will be amazing." Someone else wrote: "Brilliant news now don't change anymore tyres!!" Another fan added: "Good luck I'll be voting for you youre used to tight schedules on Diy sos." What did Nick Knowles say about taking part in Strictly this week? Despite sporting a sling and missing his own birthday party, Knowles has been staying positive all week about his chances of dancing on Saturday night. On Monday, he told fans on social media: "Not ideal, but I'm convinced not something that's going to stop me dancing this weekend." Later, Knowles told It Takes Two of whether he would still be able to compete: "I am hopeful, I am hopeful. I will find out more tomorrow but I am fully expecting to go into training and I am really hopeful that I will be dancing on Saturday." Nick Knowles and Luba Mushtuk are hoping still to dance on Saturday. (BBC) (BBC/Ray Burmiston) Adding that he might need to lift Mushtuk with one arm during the routine, he said: "If I do my best and people can see that I am really really trying, then hopefully the audience will get behind me and that will make a difference." On Tuesday, Knowles offered his Instagram followers further details after missing a day of training. He wrote: "Arm update! Today I have seen Drs and Physios who have been wonderful. Ive had scans (Ill spare you the grim details) and although its feeling a bit better today, the issue is, we dont know if I can actually use my arm to dance. "So tomorrow, Im going to rehearsals with @lubamushtuk and the physio to see just what my arm can do. Then the medics will make a call on if they think I can continue dancing. I am still really hopeful that Ill be able to dance this weekend. So fingers crossed" Knowles filmed himself heading into training on Wednesday and said that Mushtuk had been putting together a routine that he would be able to manage around his injury. He said: "I'm really, really hoping that we find out I can dance on Saturday, I'd really like to stay part of the competition." Knowles shared with fans that he was expecting to hear the final call on whether he could dance by Thursday afternoon, saying: "I'm doing my level best to get there, keeping my fingers crossed. So hopefully see you Saturday." What treatment has Nick Knowles had for his injury? Nick Knowles has his arm in a sling. (BBC screengrab) (BBC screengrab) Knowles has been throwing everything at his recovery, having been to a range of doctor appointments, scans and physiotherapy this week. He told fans in an Instagram video: "My arm's in a sling to make sure it's resting when I'm not using it." The TV star added that he had been soaking his arm in the bath after training and said: "Shoulder is repairing very well. I saw a great physio today too so that's helped enormously." However, Knowles' first update on his injury caused some controversy as he said that he was headed to Harley Street for some "top medical advice", the London location of some of the city's most exclusive private healthcare. One person commented on his post: "Must be nice to be able to go to Harley Street to get an assessment and scan whenever you want it. Most people would be on the phone for hours hoping to get through to the GP surgery or sat in A&E only to be put on a waiting list for a scan. Oh, how the other half live." But Knowles told his fans he was "not offended", explaining: "Yes youre right - it is. Ive lived in my car occasionally & on other peoples sofas at times over last 40 years to keep at TV when it wasnt paying but recently Ive done well & been able to pay people back & look after my family including private healthcare. Im very lucky." What happens if Strictly contestants are injured or ill? Contestants get a bye if they can't perform one week. (BBC) Strictly contestants sign up to demanding training schedules and ambitious routines, so it's no surprise that most seasons somebody ends up injured or ill. Usually, the TV contest gives celebrities a bye if they need to miss a week of competition to recover and they will simply resume their competition the following week. However, sometimes an injury is too bad to return - for example, Will Bayley hurt his knee so badly during training that he had to leave the 2019 series and even needed surgery later. During the 2020 season, Nicola Adams was forced to withdraw from the contest after being diagnosed with COVID. Pro dancers have also had to sit out weeks in the past. In 2019, Alex Scott's partner Neil Jones was injured, but she was still able to take part as Kevin Clifton stood in at the last minute. Strictly Come Dancing continues on BBC One at 6.15pm on Saturday. This article originally appeared on Yahoo TV UK at https://uk.news.yahoo.com/nick-knowles-injury-strictly-update-114203020.html Octopus Energy has said it aims to invest 2 billion in UK clean energy projects between now and 2030. The company said it has just kicked off the investment drive by buying four solar farms which are being built in Bristol, Essex, Yorkshire and Wiltshire this year and next. When they start producing power, in the next two years, the four farms will produce enough power for about 80,000 homes. Meanwhile, the company said it also recently upped its stake in Exagen, a firm which builds solar farms and energy storage sites. Octopus, the UKs largest retail energy supplier, invests in power projects via its energy generation business, which in turn manages a number of investment funds. The 2 billion figure includes these initial deals, but also represents a pipeline of future investments it hopes to make by the end of the decade. It comes amid Government plans to invest more than 8 billion in renewable energy via its state-owned energy investment company, GB Energy, in the next five years. Labour has said it wants to make Britain a clean energy superpower, and also recently scrapped a de facto ban on onshore wind farms in the planning system. Zoisa North-Bond, CEO of Octopus Energy Generation, said the investment will help boost our energy security and pave the way for a more affordable energy future. Solar and onshore wind are among the cheapest energy sources available. By building closer to demand, we can maximise green electricity when its abundant and lower bills for customers nationwide. Elsewhere, ScottishPowers boss recently told PA news agency that the company has a UK spending programme of 12 billion in the years to 2028. Keith Anderson said he would love to double that if Labour policies designed to speed up development of clean energy projects bear fruit. Centrica, meanwhile, said earlier this year that it is considering pumping cash into the construction of the Sizewell C nuclear power plant in Suffolk, among other investments. Semi-automated offside technology may not be launched in the Premier League until next year, the PA news agency understands. The introduction of the technology was approved by clubs in April and had been set to be brought in after one of this autumns international windows. October had originally been seen as the most likely date but that is now certain to pass, and it may not be ready by mid-November either and could go into the winter. League bosses sought to manage expectations on the launch date among clubs at a meeting held in central London on Thursday, with testing on the system ongoing. The league believes the technology could speed up the length of the average VAR check for offside by 31 seconds. Clubs were also given a largely positive update on officiating and reminded about their obligations around player behaviour. It is understood there was no pushback from clubs regarding the league spending more than 45million on legal costs. There was recognition that the spending is necessary to uphold the leagues rules, and is a small fraction of the 10billion the league is set to earn in television revenues over the next three years. Two pensioners are seeking to take the Scottish and UK governments to court over the cut to the winter fuel payment. Peter and Florence Fanning, of Coatbridge, North Lanarkshire, have raised proceedings with the help of the Govan Law Centre against the Scottish Government and the UK Work and Pensions Secretary over the policy. Following Labours election win, Chancellor Rachel Reeves announced the winter fuel payment which had previously been universal will only be available to those on pension credit or other means-tested benefits this year due to financial woes. The decision led to the Scottish Government which was due to take control over a similar payment through the devolved Social Security Scotland but has since announced a delay to follow suit. The judicial review which has been raised at the Court of Session now requires a judges approval to move to a hearing on the merits, with the Govan Law Centre seeking to expedite both the case and its application for legal aid to ensure a decision can be handed down before the winter. The case asks the court to rule on whether the decision was unlawful, which would then allow the petitioners to ask the court to, in effect, set aside the policy and restore the winter fuel payment to all. Speaking at a press conference in Edinburgh on Thursday, Mr Fanning, 73, said: We intend to sue both the London and Scottish governments, since both are guilty through action and inaction, of damaging the welfare of pensioners. We are hoping to be successful, given the manifest injustice involved, however, my work as a trade unionist and shop steward has taught me that some battles are worth fighting regardless of the outcome I believe this is one such battle. The cases argument rests on the accusation both governments failed to adequately consult with those of pension age on the change and did not release an equality impact assessment on the changes. Peter and Florence Fanning have raised the case(Craig Paton/PA) A freedom of information request revealed an abridged version of such an assessment had been carried out by the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP), with the UK Government arguing a full study was not required. Former first minister and current Alba Party leader Alex Salmond was instrumental in putting the Fannings in touch with the Govan Law Centre ahead of the action being raised. Speaking at the press conference on Thursday, Mr Salmond said every person in Scotland should be grateful to the Fannings for raising the action, which he said should have been taken forward by the Scottish Government in the first instance. Pointing to analysis by the Labour Party in 2017 which suggested 4,000 people could die if the winter fuel payment was cut Mr Salmond claimed it would be reprehensible for the UK Government not to undertake an equality impact assessment because such a figure would be made public. He added: The Scottish Government, instead of meekly accepting this, should have challenged it. They should have stood up for pensioners and stood up for the people as opposed to meekly towing the line that was coming from Westminster. The former first minister added that while it would be the most enormous humiliation for the governments to lose the case: I wonder is that as bad as the humiliation if the health service in Scotland and England can cope with the health impacts of what theyre doing? Alex Salmond, left, said he Scottish Government should not have meekly accepted the cut (Craig Paton/PA) Rachel Moon, the instructing solicitor and a partner at Govan Law Centre, said: Quite simply, (government) should have considered this rigorously. This policy and the decisions taken affect those with protected characteristics, including age and disability, and it affects 10 million people. Speaking to journalists in Holyrood on Thursday, First Minister John Swinney said: Obviously I understand the depths of concerns from members of the public about the abrupt decision to remove 160 million from our budget and to take away the universal winter fuel heating payments. The hard reality that I have to face is that has been removed abruptly from our budget and we have to take action to live within the financial resources available to me. Because on the question of the law, I am bound by law to balance the budget and to live within the means available to the Government. Asked if the Scottish Government had failed in its legal duty, Mr Swinney said: I think the Government has taken the action that has been necessary and appropriate, given our legal obligations, to live within our resources, but obviously these are issues that are now the subject of consideration by the courts and we will, of course, engage in that process. A spokeswoman for the UK Government said: We are committed to supporting pensioners, with millions set to see their full new state pension rise by 1,700 this Parliament through our commitment to the triple lock. Given the dire state of the public finances we have inherited, its right we target support to those who need it most. Over a million pensioners will still receive the winter fuel payment, while many others will also benefit from the 150 warm home discount to help with their energy bills over winter. Police Scotland has committed to working with womens groups and seeking external advice on how to deal with trans offenders, after a U-turn on a policy which allowed rapists to identify as female. The policy has been contested since 2021 after being raised at the Scottish Parliament by all-female analysts MurrayBlackburnMackenzie, and the group branded it institutional gaslighting when it emerged on Wednesday that it will be reversed. At a meeting of the Scottish Police Authority on Thursday, Chief Constable Jo Farrell was asked about wider issues regarding gender identification including intrusion on single-sex spaces and body searches. Ms Farrell said: A man who commits rape or sexual assault will be recorded by Police Scotland as a male. The organisation I lead is wholly committed to tackling violence against women and supporting survivors effectively. We will do this while upholding our values of integrity, fairness, respect and a commitment to upholding human rights. A commitment was made to engage with womens groups as well as seeking formal advice as part of a review over the coming months. Organisations cited as likely to be asked to contribute include His Majestys Inspectorate of Constabulary in Scotland, trade unions, and the Equality and Human Rights Commission. Board member Katharina Kasper said leadership had been sorely lacking until clarification, and she suggested a legal review is needed because if you are recording gender you cannot have sex-based policies. Ms Kasper said: How you treat this topic is more than just statistics it will be pertinent to whether female police officers will have to conduct searches of people who are clearly male but insist on having a different gender identity to that; it will also be important to respond to situations where women and children feel they are having to deal with a male in a space they would expect to be a single-sex space. Police Scotland Chief Constable Jo Farrell was questioned on the issue at the SPA meeting on Thursday (PA) When someone who is male shoots into single-sex space, will you be able to deal with that if that individual maintains they are female? These are not really hypothetical scenarios. They happen on a daily basis. Until there is clarity on how you deal with sex and gender I dont think this will go away. She urged transparency and logical conclusions in a bid to restore public confidence, and said the policy should be in writing, and subject to audit. Ms Farrell said she was not going to get into a series of hypothetical scenarios but she insisted discretion is used. Ms Kasper said: I think there is an expectation your policy is written down, that it is clear, that legislative analysis is absolutely sound and not just against what your internal position is, but that youve consulted with relevant external bodies. If you are saying there is discretion, the data needs to be such that you can segregate instances where you have overwritten your policy. At the moment it is not possible to test whether that discretion is in line with policy. There needs to be a way of auditing your policy to ensure it does what it needs to do. #SPABoard discussing @PoliceScotland position on recording of sex and gender and welcoming clarity from the Chief Constable around the recording practice for sexual offences. A review of the approach will be reported to the Authority once complete. Scottish Police Authority (@ScotPolAuth) September 26, 2024 Deputy Chief Constable Alan Speirs said: The recommendation I made was a much more fulsome review, to engage externally and to hear views and observations from womens groups. We have the team and the structure in place and will do that over the coming months. We will do that through the performance committee. Ms Farrell said: Im not going to be able to put timescales on this. Please bear with us as we do that piece of work, as we pull together than information and make these judgments. The NHS is one of the parallel organisations we need to reach into in terms of how theyre working in this space. SPA chairman Martyn Evans said: I particularly welcome seeking formal guidance, that has been absent, it isnt for them to sit on the sidelines. We rely on those whose full-time job it is to give advice. I welcome commitment to bring it back to policing performance committee. This has been an issue for around four years now. Clarification around the question of public confidence is very welcome. When I first brought my rescue cats home, they were pretty skittish. They seemed to like us fine, and would accept and even ask for pets, but were not exactly cuddlers. In fact, wed had them for nearly a year when I first caught them coming into our beds and sleeping with us after they were sure we were asleep. A whole year later, I had one at the vet and she was so worried about whatever was going on there that she practically climbed inside my shirt. Oh, she for sure loves you, the vet told me, while I looked down at the suddenly clingy cat, utterly astonished. This is the first time shes ever done something like this, I replied. Four years in, the cats have learned to cuddle, and even seem to like it. But it did take a while. Other shelter cats, though, are dying for human affection, like this little guy, still awaiting a forever home in Cecil County, Maryland. This video, made by shelter worker Kamerin Hanson, was just supposed to be a day in the life of a shelter worker clip, but it took off thanks to the heartbreaking behavior of the cat whose cage she opened. Aid, as the cat is apparently called, is a transfer from another shelter which as overcrowded, and is clearly desperate for tender attention and loving care. Related: 12-Year-Old Senior Cat Returned to Shelter After Less Than a Month Is Breaking Hearts The cat climbs up on Hansons back and remains there, cuddling as if his very life depended upon it. This happens every single time his cage is opened and hes given the opportunity for some genuine love and connection with another living creature. Someone go get this baby. How to Adopt This Cat According to the shelter website, Aid is six years old and clearly needs a home. His story is especially sad as he was a transfer from another shelter that had no more room for him. Hes been shuffled from shelter to shelter with no one willing to take him on. Pets at this shelter are adopted to people who can physically come in and meet the animals, and after seeing this video, Im definitely taking a moment to see how far I am from Cecil County. But his plight is just one example in a sea of homeless animals. This one cat could be just the same as the cats and dogs and guinea pigs and animals of every other pet species languishing in cages in shelters all over the country. They could all be delightful companions, but they need to find their person. How to Help Shelter Animals The best way to help a shelter animal is to provide it a home, but obviously, that is not always an option. After all, hundreds of thousands of animals per year need new homes, and the pets you already have live for a decade or more. Another option is to open your home to fostering. These arrangements can last anywhere from a few days to a few months, and give a pet a chance of living in a cozy home environment with people and other pets, rather than a sterile cage like Aid is currently experiencing. Fostering also gives animals a chance to be trained as well as let their true personalities shine through, which makes it easier for them to be adopted. Finally, you can donate time, money, and supplies to the care and keeping of animals still living in shelters. Looking for more PetHelpful updates? Follow us on YouTube for more entertaining videos. Or, share your own adorable pet by submitting a video, and sign up for our newsletter for the latest pet updates and tips. Southern Water is drawing up contingency plans to ship water from Norway to mitigate the risk of supply shortages and droughts. The UK utilitys plan aims to import up to 45 million litres of water a day into the areas it covers Hampshire, Kent, East and West Sussex and the Isle of Wight. The regional monopoly, which is one of the biggest UK water firms, is in early-stage talks with the Extreme Drought Resilience Service, a private UK company that supplies water by sea tanker, according to the Financial Times (FT). Southern Water plans to pay for the shipped water from customers bills (Chris Ison/PA) Tim McMahon, Southern Waters managing director for water, said importing supplies would be a last-resort contingency measure in the event of an extreme drought in the early 2030s. It comes as most of the companys supplies are currently abstracted from groundwater and globally rare chalk streams. The Environment Agency has warned that overreliance on these sources can cause environmental damage, increasing the risk of droughts even further. The regulator has ordered the company to make dramatic reductions by 2030, although Southern has recently admitted it may need to keep taking water from the rivers until as late as 2035 due to delays in shifting to new water sources. Southern plans to pay for the shipped water from customers bills, the FT reported, adding that imports tend to be expensive because of weight and the additional processing required. To help meet Hampshires water shortfall, the company is building the UKs first new reservoir for more than 30 years at Havant Thicket. This new source of water is expected to be delivered in 2034 but until then, the company said it anticipates a risk of reduced resilience to drought, particularly from 2030. Plans for other forms of mitigation include plans for universal smart metering, leakage driven mains replacements, desalination and agreements with businesses to reduce use, Southern said. Mr McMahon said the possibility that it would need to import water is very remote. Mr McMahon said: We put less water into supply now than we did 30 years ago and measures like reducing leakage have enabled us to keep pace so far with population growth and climate change. As we work to take less water from our chalk streams and build new reservoirs like Havant Thicket in Hampshire, we need a range of options to help protect the environment while this infrastructure comes online. Importing water would be a last resort contingency measure that would only be used for a short period in the event of an extreme drought emergency in the early 2030s something considerably worse than the drought of 1976. Were committed to continuing to work with our regulators on developing the right solutions to meet the challenge of water scarcity, while protecting the environment. Parts of England, such as Ardingly reservoir in West Sussex, came close to running out of water in 2022 during one of the driest summers on record (Gareth Fuller/PA) The plans come as England continues to grapple with a nationwide water crisis caused by years of underinvestment, ageing infrastructure, growing populations and extreme weather caused by climate change. According to water regulator Ofwat, currently around a fifth of water running through pipes is lost to leakage. Droughts are becoming more frequent and parts of England came close to running out of water in 2022 during one of the driest summers on record. Southern Waters situation is particularly acute, with the firm saying it would face a shortfall of 166mn litres a day in Hampshire during a drought. The Environment Agency attribute the firms contingency plans to its delayed delivery of crucial supply schemes. The regulator said it will be reviewing the companys plans through public consultation and consider its environmental acceptability. It is also in contact with the Norwegian regulators about Southerns proposed scheme. Sir Keir Starmer told US business chiefs he wanted to turbocharge the economy as he pushed for extra investment. The Prime Minister hosted a meeting with executives in New York while he was in the US for the United Nations General Assembly. He told the chief executives that discussions with business chiefs had helped shape the Governments policies. Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer met Blackstone boss Jon Gray (Leon Neal/PA) Because if we can get into the question of what works, what doesnt work, how to get the economy to really turbocharge, what are the ambitions for investment, that really helps us shape our working, he said. The meeting came as investment giant Blackstone confirmed a 10 billion deal to develop Europes largest AI data centre in Blyth, Northumberland. The firms president, Jon Gray, was among the executives at a roundtable event hosted by Sir Keir at the UK consul generals residence overlooking the East River. Sir Keir, who is embroiled in a row about his use of Labour donor Lord Allis penthouse in London, joked to the US business chiefs about the consul generals residence: Id like to pretend this is my apartment to welcome you to. The Prime Minister hosted US bosses at a breakfast meeting (Leon Neal/PA) Other executives at the event included Adebayo Ogunlesi of Global Infrastructure Partners, Shemara Wikramanayake of Macquarie Group, Robin Vince of BNY, William Huffman of Nuveen, Brian Moynihan of Bank of America, Carlyle Groups Harvey Schwartz, JPMorgans Mary Callahan Erdoes, Citigroups Jane Fraser and Brookfield Asset Managements Hadley Peer Marshall. The meeting came ahead of the UKs international investment summit in October, which the Government hopes will attract hundreds of leading chief executives and financiers. Later on Thursday, Sir Keir will address world leaders at the UN General Assembly. The gathering of world leaders at the UN comes as the Middle East teeters on the brink of all-out war and conflict rages in Ukraine. Sir Keir met business leaders at the consul generals residence in New York (Leon Neal/PA) The Prime Minister will use his speech to say the UK is returning to responsible global leadership because it is in British interests to address problems around the world. War, poverty and climate change all rebound on us at home. They make us less secure, they harm our economy, and they create migration flows on an unprecedented scale, he will say. His speech on Thursday follows an intervention at the UN Security Council on Wednesday where he tore into Russia over its actions in Ukraine, saying Vladimir Putin was treating his own citizens as bits of meat to fling into the grinder in the conflict. He said Russia, which like the UK is one of the five permanent members of the Security Council, was behind the greatest violation of the (UN) charter in a generation. The Prime Minister met Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelensky on Wednesday (Leon Neal/PA) I wonder how Russia can show its face in this building, he added. The UN gathering comes as violence in the Middle East continues to escalate, with fighting between Israel and Hezbollah across the Lebanon border and a humanitarian crisis in Gaza. On Wednesday, Sir Keir told the Security Council: Im calling for all parties to step back from the brink, to de-escalate. We need a ceasefire so this can be sorted out diplomatically. He added that there can be no more excuses from Israel about humanitarian access to Gaza, while Hamas must release the remaining hostages. Fighting between Israel and Hezbollah has the potential to spill into a wider war that no one can control, Sir Keir Starmer warned at the United Nations. In his speech to the UN General Assembly in New York, Sir Keir pleaded with both sides to step back from the brink and agree a ceasefire following escalating clashes across the Lebanon border. Stressing the need to prevent a regional conflict in the Middle East, he said further escalation serves no one. I call on Israel and Hezbollah. Stop the violence. Step back from the brink, he said. We need to see an immediate ceasefire to provide space for a diplomatic settlement and we are working with all partners to that end. He warned that the alternative is more suffering for innocent people on all sides and the prospect of a wider war that no one can control and with consequences that none of us can foresee. Sir Keir also called for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza and the release of the hostages held by Hamas. Addressing the humanitarian crisis, he said: It shames us all that the suffering in Gaza continues to grow. Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer with business leaders in New York (Leon Neal/PA) Sir Keir called for the UN to be reformed and strengthened, saying the war in Ukraine was a test for the organisation. He said the UK would stand with Ukraine for as long as it takes. Because the alternative would be to confirm the worst claims about this place. That international law is merely a paper tiger and that aggressors can do what they will. We will never let that happen. Sir Keirs speech was intended to show that under his premiership the UK would offer responsible global leadership. He announced a new British International Investment initiative, working with the City of London to use billions of pounds from pension and insurance funds to invest in boosting development and fighting climate change. Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer called for reform of the UN Security Council (Leon Neal/PA) Sir Keir also called for a new international levy on global shipping to put a price on the true cost of emissions with the money raised going to tackle climate change. The Prime Minister also demanded changes to the UN Security Council to become a more representative body which was willing to act not paralysed by politics. That would involve permanent African representation on the body, The existing five permanent members the UK, US, France, China and Russia should be joined by Brazil, India, Japan and Germany, he said. And he promised a change in the way the UK acted too: Moving from the paternalism of the past towards partnership for the future. Listening a lot more speaking a bit less. Scotlands First Minister has said the situation in the Middle East is cause for the deepest concern as he called for a binding ceasefire in the region. UK citizens are being urged to leave Lebanon after Israel launched an intense series of air strikes earlier this week. The UK has joined the US, France and other allies in calling for an immediate temporary ceasefire in Lebanon, warning the escalating violence between Israel and Hezbollah is intolerable. Writing on X, Mr Swinney said: The worsening situation in the Middle East is a cause of the deepest concern. The worsening situation in the Middle East is a cause of the deepest concern. It is essential that there is a binding ceasefire now to end the suffering in Gaza and to act to avoid escalating conflict in Lebanon. John Swinney (@JohnSwinney) September 26, 2024 It is essential that there is a binding ceasefire now to end the suffering in Gaza and to act to avoid escalating conflict in Lebanon. The joint statement from 12 allies, including the UK, calls for a 21-day ceasefire to provide space for diplomacy towards the conclusion of a diplomatic settlement, as well as a ceasefire in Gaza. Signatories to the statement include: the UK, the US, Australia, Canada, the European Union, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates and Qatar. It comes after Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer on Wednesday addressed the UN Security Council with a plea for an end to the violence in both Lebanon and Gaza. The UK has deployed 700 troops to Cyprus to prepare for a possible evacuation of thousands of Britons. Mr Swinney said on Wednesday that the Scottish Government would work with the UK Government to ensure any Scots in Lebanon can leave safely. According to the Gaza health ministry, more than 41,000 Palestinians have been killed in Gaza since the start of the Israel-Hamas war nearly a year ago. The ministry does not distinguish between fighters and civilians in its count. Four companies which form part of the troubled cinema operator Cineworld are seeking High Court approval for a restructuring plan to allow them to continue trading. Cine-UK Ltd, Cineworld Cinemas Ltd, Cineworld Cinema Properties Ltd and Cineworld Estates Ltd, which are parts of the UK arm of the worlds second-largest cinema chain, are presently unprofitable, the court was told on Thursday. Lawyers for the four plan companies said that the US arm of the business had agreed to provide funding to keep them afloat on the condition that they would restructure, and will enter administration if the plans are not approved. As part of the proposals, the companies would renegotiate the leases of some of their more than 100 sites across the UK which are uneconomic, and close six sites which are commercially unviable. But the landlords of four sites the Crown Estate and UK Commercial Property (UKCP) are seeking an injunction blocking the companies from compromising their rental agreements, claiming that the companies entered into agreements last year which meant they could not be changed through restructuring. Tom Smith KC, for the Cineworld companies, said in written submissions: If the plans are not sanctioned, the plan companies will not have sufficient funds to meet their payment obligations to creditors. He continued: In these circumstances, the plan companies directors will likely have no choice but to file for administration. Mr Smith said on Thursday that the companies currently run 101 cinemas in the UK under the Cineworld brand and a further two which are sublet under the Picturehouse name, which it also owns. A previous hearing was also told that the cinemas employ 4,401 staff, with the wider group operating cinemas in 10 countries, including the US under the Regal Cinemas brand. But the court heard that the business was severely adversely impacted by the Covid-19 pandemic and government restrictions, which was further compounded by strikes by screen actors and writers last year, leaving the companies facing severe financial difficulties. While the group underwent a restructure in the US last year, Mr Smith said in written submissions that the UK arm continued to struggle with a significant number of over-rented leases, where the rent the company pays is higher than the propertys market value. The brand announced in July that it would close six sites (Mike Egerton/PA) The brand announced in July that it would close six sites in Glasgow Parkhead, Bedford, Hinckley, Loughborough, Yate and Swindon Circus but that all sites would continue to operate until the restructuring plans were approved. Mr Smith said that the US arm of the company had provided the UK firms with around 65 million dollars to allow it to keep trading up to the end of June this year, with rent costing 19m also paid for on the condition that the company would undergo a restructuring. The barrister continued that the US arm had also agreed to pay 16.7m in rent due for the three months up to the end of September as there was no prospect of raising the money from anywhere else. If the plans are approved, 16m of new equity funding from the companies indirect parent firm will be released to fund their immediate financial needs, with further funds of up to 35m also made available. But the Crown Estate, which is the landlord of sites in Newcastle and Harlow, and UKCP, which owns sites in Glasgow Renfrew and Swindon, are seeking an injunction blocking the companies from changing the leases for the four sites under the plans. Barristers for the two bodies told the court that they renegotiated the tenancy agreements with the companies last year and that those agreements meant that the terms of the leases could not be further impaired. Ben Shaw KC, for the Crown Estate and UKCP, said in written submissions that there would be adverse consequences for the landlords if the leases were subject to restructuring plans, including receiving just one months rent. In court, Mr Shaw said the agreements meant the landlords bargained to be outside the restructuring process by renegotiating the terms of the tenancies in return for contractual protection from further impairment by means of a (restructuring) plan. He said: One of the things they bargained for was the plan companies not coming back for a second bite of the impairment cherry. He added: What the plan companies promised not to do is precisely what they are now doing. Mr Smith said that it was fair to treat all landlords equally, and that there was never any intention to impose a further compromise through restructuring when the agreements were made. But he added that it was now necessary to make the change thanks to the unexpectedly poor performance of those sites in the period since the agreements were entered into. Mr Justice Miles will give his judgment at a later date. The UK and Australia are to begin discussions on a formal treaty between the two countries as part of their own nuclear submarine programme. UK Defence Secretary John Healey said the bilateral agreement would bind their alliance into law. They form two-thirds of the security partnership with the US, which was established in 2021. Mr Healey said he hoped it would mean the alliance would endure for decades. Speaking alongside Australian deputy prime minister Richard Marles and US Secretary of Defence Lloyd Austin, he said: I can announce that deputy prime minister (Richard) Marles and I have agreed that negotiations will soon be under way for a new bilateral treaty to bind our Aukus collaboration into law. Defence Secretary John Healey (centre) speaks alongside US Secretary of Defence Lloyd Austin (right) and Australian Defence Minister Richard Marles (Kin Cheung/PA) So this not only reflects our commitment to secure a secure Indo-Pacific region where international rules are respected, it also sends a very strong message that our defence alliance is one that will endure for many decades to come. The meeting on Thursday represented the first time defence ministers from the three Aukus nations had met together outside the US. The UK and Australia are working on their joint submarine project, known as SSN-Aukus. It is hoped that the nuclear powered fleet submarines would enter service in the late 2030s in the UK and early 2040s for the Australian Navy. Mr Healey said the UK has already trained 250 Australian naval personnel in how to operate, maintain and regulate nuclear powered submarines. He announced the UK had agreed to train hundreds more. He added the UK had agreed to add UK-made Sting Ray torpedoes to P8-A submarine hunting aircraft, which target deep diving and conventional submarines. Australian Defence Minister Richard Marles, Defence Secretary John Healey, and US Secretary of Defence Lloyd Austin at Old Royal Naval College, Greenwich (Kin Cheung/PA) Nearly 10 billion has been earmarked for spending on UK nuclear infrastructure and the nuclear industry since the formation of the Aukus partnership. The funds include 3 billion for factories in Barrow-in-Furness and Derby. During the project to build the attack submarine, it is forecast that more than 21,000 people will be working on it at UK sites, with the work generating an additional 7,000 skilled roles. At a press conference at the Old Royal Naval College in Greenwich, which was home to the Royal Navys initial nuclear reactor training 60 years ago, he said: Firstly our investment in this partnership helps our industries to prosper and breaks down barriers to trade. Secondly, the skills and experience that we share boosts jobs and boosts growth across our nations. And third the investment in our future technologies helps drive innovation and will help develop new warfighting capabilities. The Labour minister refused to say whether the UK would go it alone and give Ukraine permission to use long-range Storm Shadow missiles inside Russia without the US permission. He said: There really is only one person that benefits from the public debate about specific capabilities, and thats President Putin. He had earlier said: The main focus for the discussions between secretary (Lloyd) Austin and I this morning over Ukraine were how we get behind the victory plan that President Zelensky has presented in the US this week, and how we can reinforce the Ukrainians position in the months ahead in the face of an ongoing onslaught from the Russians on the eastern border. Mr Healey had earlier told the press conference: We have held these discussions under a cloud of growing global insecurity. So in our trilateral and in our bilateral meetings, weve reinforced the need to stand together against Russian aggression, towards peace in the Middle East and steadfast behind Ukraine for as long as it takes. In serious times you need serious partners. So Richard (Marles), Lloyd (Austin), we in the UK stand shoulder to shoulder with you and we will drive the Aukus partnership from strength to strength. Britains flourishing relationships with Egypt have enraged the sister of a pro-democracy writer jailed since 2019, she has said. Mona Seif warned that David Lammy risked adopting a doctrine which previously got us nowhere at a press conference on Thursday, held days before her brother Alaa Abd El-Fattah marks five years in prison on September 29. Egyptian authorities detained Mr Abd El-Fattah, a 42-year-old British-Egyptian, on September 29 2019, and in December 2021, he was sentenced to five years in prison after being accused of spreading false news. Ms Seif and her sister Sanaa shared their hopes that their brother will be freed on the weekend, and that they would meet with Mr Lammy, the Foreign Secretary, to discuss the case. I think the previous Tory government and the prime minister and the series of foreign secretaries we met with, I honestly think they did not have the will and they did not put this as a priority, and they did not want to rattle any relationship, Ms Seif told journalists in London. The previous government made it obvious that this is not a priority they dont care. It is up to the Labour right now to change this and make it known to all governments that this is a priority and that this will affect diplomatic and business relationships. If they dont do this, then they are failing us. The human rights campaigner added: Until now, while I do know David Lammy has been our agreed advocate and our champion, I am sadly waiting for him, we are all waiting for him, to see a shift in the approach. Right now they are making the same soft diplomacy approach that had been adopted by the Tory government (which) got us nowhere. Mr Lammy while in opposition pressed the previous government on its handling of the case. Mona Seif, the sister of Alaa Abd el-Fattah, takes part in a vigil for the jailed pro-democracy activist (Jordan Pettitt/PA) Alaa Abd El-Fattah, a British citizen and courageous voice for democracy in Egypt, has spent years in prison for the crime of sharing a Facebook post, he wrote on Twitter in 2022. For too long, the governments diplomacy has been weak, Mr Lammy told the Commons the same year. Now-shadow foreign secretary Andrew Mitchell replied that former prime minister Rishi Sunak made a particular point of making representations to his opposite number in Egypt, and I very much hope that those representations will be heard. Asked how she felt about the previous government having pursued a platform for further trade liberalisation between the UK and Egypt in 2020, while her brother was in prison, Ms Seif told the PA news agency: Enraged. And enraged still. And not just signing trade agreements with Egypt but if you follow the social media accounts of the British ambassador to Egypt you will find him constantly promoting for new ventures between the UK and Egypt. And I was kind of hoping that the Labour Party would change this approach, but it has not happened til now. Of course everyones kind-of and we tell ourselves its only a new Government. They havent kind-of, they are still figuring it out, but I think most of them do not recognise that a new Government or not, Lammy has been in office for 80 days or more. Every day is a really, really hurtful and painful burden on Alaa and our family. And you cant ask a prisoner to suck it up and, you know, give the Government time. Ms Seif warned Cairo will use current context including conflict in Gaza and Lebanon to their advantage in discussions with the UK, as a result of its proximity to the Middle East. She said: The continuing flourishing relationships with Egypt enrage me every day because I feel that they are enforcing the real message that they are sending, so asking about Alaa is just a checklist, but the reality is Egypts relationship is not altered or shaken a bit by the violations committed against my brother. The University of Glasgow has appointed its 51st principal and vice-chancellor as it approaches its 575th anniversary. Professor Andy Schofield will take up the role in autumn 2025, taking over from Professor Sir Anton Muscatelli who has held the post for 15 years. Prof Schofield is currently vice-chancellor of Lancaster University, a position he has held since May 2020, and was previously pro-vice-chancellor and head of the College of Engineering at the University of Birmingham. He will join the University of Glasgow on September 1 next year and have a four-week handover period with Sir Anton before taking up the role on October 1. Professor Andy Schofield will take up the role at the University of Glasgow on October 1 next year (Danny Lawson/PA) Prof Schofield said: It is a great honour to have been appointed as the next principal and vice-chancellor of the University of Glasgow. Glasgow is an impressive, world-changing institution which has made huge strides under Sir Antons leadership. I very much look forward to building on his legacy and working with a brilliant set of colleagues to take the university forward. Sir Anton announced in April that he would be retiring next year from the university, which was founded in 1451. Prof Schofield has an academic background in theoretical condensed matter physics, specialising in correlated electrons. He studied natural sciences followed by a PhD at the University of Cambridge, where he was appointed to a research fellowship in 1992. He moved to the US in 1994 and worked at Rutgers University for two years before returning to Cambridge. Prof Schofield will take over the role from Professor Sir Anton Muscatelli (PA) In 1999, Prof Schofield moved to the University of Birmingham and was promoted to professor of theoretical physics in 2002. He held a number of leadership positions within the university before becoming its pro-vice-chancellor. Gavin Stewart, the University of Glasgows convener of court, said: I am delighted Professor Schofield will be joining the university as its 51st principal and vice-chancellor. Professor Schofield has an exceptional academic record, along with the strategic vision and extensive leadership experience required to open the next successful chapter in our long and distinguished history. As the University of Glasgow approaches its 575th anniversary, I know everyone across our community will welcome Andy and will work with him to further raise our global ambitions and reputation. I would also like to put on record the courts gratitude and appreciation to Sir Anton for leading the university over the past 15 years to its current strong position. I look forward to continuing to work with him over the next 12 months. The UK faced an absolutely catastrophic situation as it headed towards the first Covid lockdown, Englands chief medical officer has said, as he defended the fact not all patients with other illnesses could get NHS care. Professor Sir Chris Whitty told the Covid inquiry in central London there were concerns things could get substantially worse, even at the point when the NHS was not functioning as well as it should. He also told how the pandemic was incredibly harrowing for NHS staff, particularly in the first wave before vaccines became available. The leading medic was asked by Jacqueline Carey KC, counsel to the inquiry, about one of the reasons for the first lockdown in March 2020, which was to prevent the NHS from being overwhelmed. She said: Can I ask you this, was overwhelmed ever defined by those that were making that decision? Sir Chris replied: Not really, and I think that its become, unfortunately, quite a loaded term where people, depending on what point theyre trying to make, either say things were or were not overwhelmed. I think the aim of it, though, was to minimise the number of people who died, both directly and indirectly from Covid. Describing the health harms from the pandemic, Sir Chris said there were direct harms from Covid the number of people who died from the virus and the indirect harms that come from the system being overwhelmed or at least unable to cope all diseases, not just Covid, having higher mortality rates than they would have had. He said people often forget that, at the time, Covid cases were exponentially rising, with a doubling rate of three to four days. At the point we are talking, about four doubling times more would have led us to an absolutely catastrophic situation, he said. Im not saying that where we were was anywhere short of incredibly difficult and, in many places, individual elements of hospitals, individual hospitals, individual bits (of) the system, were coping nowhere near where they would have been if Covid wasnt there. Thats self evidently true, but if we had not had the lockdown, the expectation is that would have got a lot worse. I dont mean just trivial worse, but really quite substantially worse. Chief medical officer Sir Chris Whitty gave media briefings throughout the course of the pandemic (Jack Hill/The Times/PA) Asked if the NHS was able to function, he said the NHS continued to treat sick patients throughout, it continued to treat people who did not have Covid throughout. In fact, most, I think, at all times, actually, there were more people in hospital who did not have Covid than had Covid. I think certainly for the great majority, Im sure there were cases where that was not true, it wasnt true in many ICUs. But, more generally, there was still a functioning health service. It was clearly functioning at well below the capacity than it would have normally. Sir Chris said the pandemic was the largest medical emergency since the Second World War in a high income country and this made the system really not work anywhere near as effectively as it would if Covid had not been there. But thats self evidently true. If that were not the case, it would be extraordinary. The inquiry heard about research commissioned by the inquiry among 1,683 NHS health workers, where more than half said some patients could not be escalated to the next level of care due to lack of resources during the first two waves of the pandemic. Asked about those people who could not get NHS care they would otherwise have got, Sir Chris said: I didnt see any surprise in (the data in the research). I would caveat this by saying, if (people) in the middle of a winter in the NHS pre-Covid had been asked these questions, you would not have got a 100% everyone can be escalated to the next level. And I think it is unrealistic, even in those circumstances, to think this would have been the case. Pretty unsurprisingly for the biggest pandemic in 100 years for this country the system was unable to escalate things in the way it normally would. That doesnt seem to me a surprising statement. Turning to the certainty that a pandemic will occur again in the future, Sir Chris said you could increase NHS capacity and, taking ICU in particular, the UK has a very low ICU capacity compared to most of our peer nations in high income countries. Now thats a choice, thats a political choice. He said this meant you have less reserve when a major emergency happens, adding that trained staff was an issue as you cannot train ICU staff in six weeks. The other thing that can be done is to minimise the scale of the pandemic, such as through lockdowns and non-pharmaceutical interventions. He added: But the way out of these is always going to be science in the end, as it was for this one, with vaccines. Kevin Fong gave evidence to the inquiry earlier in the day (UK Covid-19 Inquiry/PA) Sir Chris, who worked on wards during the pandemic, said he agreed with the evidence presented to the inquiry by Professor Kevin Fong, former national clinical adviser in emergency preparedness, resilience and response at NHS England. Prof Wong told the inquiry on Thursday morning harrowing details, including nurses wearing nappies because they could not take toilet breaks, staff buying visors at Screw Fix for protection, and hospitals piling up patients and running out of body bags. I think much of the trauma that was very powerfully laid out by Professor Fong in the last evidence with which I fully concur, to be clear was very apparent in many of the colleagues I had, Sir Chris said. He added that the scale of the second wave of the virus was underappreciated by the public. The second wave started in the autumn of 2020, lasting until the spring of 2021. I think people who had relatives, obviously, people who were sick, fully understood that this was, in fact, a larger wave in terms of total numbers of people who were severely ill and, indeed, who sadly died, he said. During a discussion on long Covid, Sir Chris said he still worries about whether the Government got the level of concern right about the dangers of Covid in the beginning. I was worried at the beginning. I still worry, actually in retrospect, about whether we got the level of concern right, he said. Were we either over pitching it so that people were incredibly afraid of something where in fact, their actuarial risk was low, or we were not pitching it enough and therefore people didnt realise the risk they were walking into. I think that balance is really hard, and arguably, some people would say we, if anything we overdid it, rather than under, in the beginning. He said he was not certain loading an additional risk on would, in itself, be useful. In recent findings published by Forbes Advisor, researchers analyzed nearly two dozen behaviors to learn which states had the worst drivers across the country. The 19 behaviors included reasons like texting while driving, cutting off other motorists, eating while driving and even putting on makeup while behind the wheel. Motorists in Ohio, Pennsylvania and Tennessee exhibited the best driving behavior, while Oregon and New Mexico drivers are included in the top five states with the worst drivers. Findings published by Forbes Advisor in August 2024 show which states had the worst drivers across the country. Motorists in Ohio, Pennsylvania and Tennessee exhibited the best driving behavior while drivers in Hawaii, Oregon and New Mexico are had the worst drivers. Topping this list: Hawaii. The Aloha State has the worst drivers in the nation with a large number of motorists running red lights, changing lanes or turning without signaling and speeding 20 miles per hour or more over the limit. From tailgating and driving under the influence to crashing and cursing at other drivers, here are the top 15 states with the worst drivers: New York fatal intersection crash: 1 teen dead, 4 injured after man runs red light in New York What states have the worst-behaved drivers? No. 15: Arkansas No. 14: Virginia No. 13: Kentucky Findings published by Forbes Advisor in August 2024 show which states had the worst drivers across the country. Motorists in Ohio, Pennsylvania and Tennessee exhibited the best driving behavior while drivers in Hawaii, Oregon and New Mexico are had the worst drivers. No. 12: Minnesota No. 11: New Hampshire No. 10: West Virginia No. 9: Kansas No. 8: Vermont No. 7: Connecticut No. 6: North Dakota Watch daring Florida rescue: Video shows woman saved from 'precariously dangling' car after smashing through garage Here are the top 5 states with the worst-behaved drivers: No. 5: Alaska The Frontier State nailed spots in the top 10 for some of the following bad-driving behaviors: Driving while under the influence of alcohol or drugs (No. 1) Passing in a no-passing zone (No 1) Eating while driving (No. 2) No. 5 for putting on makeup tied with Alabama, Louisiana, New Jersey, New Mexico and Oregon No. 4: Wyoming Wyoming netted No. 4 on the list and ranks No. 1 for the following categories: Eating while driving (45%) Texting while driving (24%) Putting on makeup/getting ready while driving (6%) No. 3: New Mexico New Mexico ranks as the worst state for speeding up to 20 mph over the limit, the survey found, where nearly one-fourth (22%) of its drivers admitted theyd traveled that fast in the past month, only tied with New Hampshire. Other ranking decisions include: Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs (3%), tied with Alabama, Minnesota and Hawaii Passing in a no-passing zone (2%), tied with New Jersey and Alabama Law enforcement officer killed in wreck: 1 charged after St. Louis police officer hit and killed responding to crash No. 2: Oregon Oregon claims the No. 2 spot for bad driving. Its drivers rank worst for: Running a red light (8%) Refusing to yield (5%) Speeding in a school zone (4%) The state also came in No. 2 for drivers causing car accidents (tied with Massachusetts, New Jersey and Alabama) and 2% of the drivers there confessed to recently causing a crash. No. 1: Hawaii According to the study, Hawaii motorist admit being the worst drivers and rank the lowest nationwide. The state took the top spot for reasons including: Changing lanes or turning without signaling (20%) Speeding 20 mph or more over the limit (13%) Running a red light (8%) tied with Texas and Oregon The state also ranked as follows: No. 2: Driving under the influence of drugs and alcohol (tied with New Mexico, Minnesota, Utah and Alabama.) No. 3: Speeding up to 20 mph over the limit. No. 4: Texting while driving (tied with Missouri and Oklahoma). To see the full list of 50 states click here or visit https://www.forbes.com/advisor/car-insurance/states-with-worst-driving-behaviors/. Natalie Neysa Alund is a senior reporter for USA TODAY. Reach her at nalund@usatoday.com and follow her on X @nataliealund. This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Top 5 states with the worst-behaved drivers include Oregon, Hawaii Vice President Harris sat down with MSNBCs Stephanie Ruhle on Wednesday, fielding questions on her economic agenda, former President Trumps economic plans, and her running mate, Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz (D). The MSNBC interview was a friendly forum for the vice president, who has been under pressure to ramp up her media presence. Harris sat down with Ruhle in Pittsburgh, following an economic-focused speech where she laid out a framework for her manufacturing agenda. Here are five takeaways from Harriss interview on MSNBC. Harris lays out pricey agenda Much of the interview was spent talking about the economy and involved Harris outlining her agenda. Her opportunity economy involves a housing plan to help first-time homebuyers, a child tax plan that involves expanding credits to families, and a plan to boost small businesses with tax deductions for entrepreneurs, among other proposals. If you are hardworking, if you have the dreams and the ambitions and the aspirations I believe you do, youre in my plan, she said. When it comes to how to pay for some programs, Harris reiterated that she would not raise taxes on Americans making less than $400,000, maintaining a pillar of President Bidens tax plan, but that corporations should pay their fair share in taxes. Much of Harriss economic agenda would need congressional approval, particularly when it comes to tax policy. That would make it an uphill battle should Congress see a Republican majority, but also if either or both chambers are closely split between parties. Ruhle questioned the vice president on polling that shows likely voters think Trump is better on the economy. Harris recently closed the gap with Trump on the economy in one survey an Associated Press/NORC Center for Public Affairs Research poll that found Harris and Trump with equal support on the issue. Donald Trump left us with the worst economy since the Great Depression, Harris said, citing data that about 200,000 manufacturing jobs were lost during the Trump years. Walz pick was gut decision Toward the end of the interview, Ruhle asked Harris when was the last time she made a gut decision, given that decisions made by presidents take extraordinary instinct and guts. Whens the last time you had to make a gut decision? This here is very prescribed. Its very controlled, Ruhle asked, referring to the interview setup. The biggest gut decision I made most recently was to choose my running mate, Harris responded, referring to her decision to pick Walz to run as her vice president. There were lots of good, incredible candidates, and ultimately that came down to a gut decision. Harris picked Walz in August, just more than a month after she announced her presidential bid. The governor emerged as a dark horse contender for the slot just before Harris made her choice, being selected over other more high-profile names like Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro (D) and Arizona Sen. Mark Kelly (D), who were largely viewed for weeks as the favorites for the position. Harris knocks Trump on tariffs Harris bashed Trump for his suggestion to place tariffs on companies, which hes laid out repeatedly on the campaign trail. Part of it is, you dont just throw around the idea of just tariffs across the board, and thats part of the problem with Donald Trump, Harris said when Ruhle asked about the former presidents plans to expand tariffs. Hes just not very serious about how he thinks about some of these issues, Harris added. One must be serious and have a real plan thats not just about some talking point ending in an exclamation at a political rally. Trump gave an economic-focused speech this week in Pennsylvania, during which he spoke about his plan to use tariffs, continuing to expand on his claims that he wants to expand the use of tariffs if hes elected. He also threatened Illinois-based John Deere with massive tariffs on its products if it outsources some of its manufacturing to Mexico, as it had previously announced. Harris defends opposition to US Steel sale Harris defended her opposition to Japanese steelmaker Nippon Steel acquiring U.S. Steel, after Ruhle mentioned the potential consequences of blocking it. U.S. Steel warned earlier this month that it may cut staff and move its headquarters from Pittsburgh if the companys planned sale falls apart. Nippon Steel announced it would acquire U.S. Steel in December, prompting outcry from lawmakers, including Biden and Trump, who argued the deal could undermine national security and industrial capacity. Its most important that we maintain Americas ability to have American manufacturing by steel by American workers for a number of reasons, Harris said, defending the opposition. There is not a new industry that I can imagine that is not going to require steel, she added. And having American workers in an American company manufacturing that steel for those industries is going to be critically important. Ruhle interview is Harriss deepest on policy Harriss interview with Ruhle went deeper into her proposed economic policies than any of the other media appearances and interviews shes done as the Democratic nominee. Ruhle questioned Harris, for example, on how she planned to pay for such proposals and how the federal government would cut through red tape to reach municipalities on matters such as the shortage of housing. The vice president outlined incentives the federal government can create for communities to build more homes and provide transit. Harris maintains that such proposals could be paid for with an increase in corporate taxes but has not gotten into details about how such hikes could get through Congress. I know that we have to reduce the red tape and speed up what we need to do around building, and that is going to require working from the federal level with state and local governments, she 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. Six Ohio congressmen signed letters asking U.S. Attorney General Merrick Garland for emergency funding for Springfield law enforcement after muliple bomb threats. Six Ohio congressmen signed letters asking federal officials for emergency funding for Springfield law enforcement, healthcare services and local schools as the city deals with an influx of legal immigrants from Haiti. U.S. Rep. Mike Turner, who represents Ohio's 10th Congressional District which includes Springfield, said in the letter that the central Ohio city of nearly 60,000 includes an estimated 15,000 to 20,000 Haitian immigrants who moved to Springfield in the last four years. Turner was joined by Ohio Republican Reps. Mike Carey, Michael Rulli, Brad Wenstrup, Warren Davidson and Robert Latta. Turner said that recent national attention on Springfield resulted in bomb threats to government buildings including city hall and the Bureau of Motor Vehicles. "These threats have caused lockdowns in local schools, and universities have canceled in person classes. Increased security measures to combat, prevent and respond to these threats strain aiready scarce police resources," Turner wrote. The national attention crested after Ohio Sen. JD Vance posted claims without evidence about Haitian immigrants abducting and eating dogs and cats on social media. Former President Donald Trump repeated the claims during the presidential debate with Vice President Kamala Harris, despite local and state officials saying the claims are false. Turner blamed the Biden-Harris Administration and policies such as temporary protected status for the strain on city resources. The Biden administration extended temporary protected status for Haitians in June 2024 out of concern for the violence and insecurity facing several regions in the country as well as damage from flooding and earthquakes. Erin Glynn is a reporter for the USA TODAY Network Ohio Bureau, which serves the Columbus Dispatch, Cincinnati Enquirer, Akron Beacon Journal and 18 other affiliated news organizations across Ohio. This article originally appeared on The Columbus Dispatch: Ohio lawmakers ask for emergency funding over Springfield bomb threats Oliver Barker-Vormawor was the leader of the anti-illegal mining protests over the weekend [Oliver Barker-Vormawor/Facebook] A Ghanaian activist who was arrested for organising a three-day protest against illegal mining over the weekend has been rushed to hospital to receive urgent medical care. Oliver Barker-Vormawor's legal team says he did not receive timely medical attention from the police after he told them he was seriously ill on Tuesday. Ghana's police denied this allegation, saying that Mr Vormawor and another protester in custody were receiving treatment at the police hospital. Illegal gold mining, known locally as "galamsey", is rampant in Ghana and has been blamed for polluting more than 60% of Ghana's water bodies. The activist, educated at the UK's renowned Cambridge University, was arrested over the weekend along with more than 40 others after they clashed with the police. He was scheduled to appear in court on Wednesday. Some protesters have said that they have been denied food and water since they were detained on Saturday. The police have not commented on this. Mr Vormawor also helped organise a similar demonstration under the hashtag #FixTheCountry to protest the cost-of-living crisis last year. On Tuesday, a court in Ghana remanded 39 of the protesters in police custody, while 11 of them will remain in prison custody for two weeks. A group of lawyers has filed a petition against the police at the Commission on Human Rights and Administrative Justice for infringing on the rights of the protesters. Many Ghanaians have condemned the arrest and continued detention of the protesters and are demanding their immediate release, using the hashtag #FreeTheCitizens which is now trending on social media. One of the lawyers representing the protesters, Prince Ganaku, expressed shock at the treatment they had received. "The behaviour of the police is reminiscent of the days of military rule, where human rights were treated as a mere suggestion," he told the BBC. Many of the protesters were galvanised to protest against illegal mining because of the impending threat it poses. Illegal mining has forced the country's water company to shut down water treatment plants and ration water in parts of southern Ghana. Analysts say the country could be importing water by 2030 if nothing is done to address the issue. President Nana Akufo-Addo has ordered the deployment of the police and the military to crack down on illegal miners. A similar approach was used in 2017 but didnt solve the problem. A BBC investigation discovered that most of the illegal miners had moved their operations into the dead of night, which has frustrated efforts to deal with them. More Ghana stories from the BBC: [Getty Images/BBC] Go to BBCAfrica.com for more news from the African continent. Follow us on Twitter @BBCAfrica, on Facebook at BBC Africa or on Instagram at bbcafrica BBC Africa podcasts The answer might surprise you. Read through your favorite bean recipeswhether it's baked beans, pinto beans, black beans, or your familys favorite recipeand you will likely find differing opinions about soaking dried beans before cooking them. Some say that soaking the beans, whether overnight or a quick soak, makes them easier to digest and cook faster. Others skip the soaking altogether and get right to cooking. To settle the debate, we reached out to a couple of bean experts. Steve Sando, founder and CEO of Rancho Gordo and co-author of "The Bean Book" admitted that At Rancho Gordo, we rarely soak our beans, unless they are the larger varieties, like Royal Corona or Scarlet Runner." He told Allrecipes, Weve found that soaking is not really necessary when you are cooking new-crop beans. Many cooks in Mexico dont, most cooks in Europe do. On the flip side, Geraldo Bayona, corporate chef for the 1905 Family Of Restaurants, which includes Columbia RestaurantFloridas oldest restauranttold Allrecipes that soaking beans definitely shortens their cooking time. According to Bayona, soaking beans "helps soften them since they are dried, and rehydrates and promotes more even cooking. He shared with us that his team likes to soak their beans, 50 pounds at a time, in water and salt overnight. Sando agrees that soaking does indeed speed up the cooking time but that "it delays it as well, since youre not cooking, youre soaking." He knows that soaking is a common solution but he's also had fresh dried beans harden from too much soaking. So if you're going the soaking route, his tip is to "Soak in cool water at room temperature for two to six hours if you can. And if you cant, just start cooking. Should You Change the Water? If you do decide to soak your beans, one question that might pop up is whether or not you should change the water halfway through the soaking time. Sando, for one, opts to not. I dont change the soaking water, he told us. For every food scientist who believes changing the water will help your digestion, theres another who thinks the effect of changing the water is so minimal that its not worth it and can potentially mean you are throwing nutrients down the drain." Sandro added, "You will find that old-time bean cookers are rather adamant in their instructions and allow little room for discussion. If you want to soak for eight hours and then change the water, its not the end of the world. The main thing is that youre cooking beans. The bottom line? If you dont have the time to soak, that's totally fine. Just remember that your beans may take slightly longer to cook. Read the original article on All Recipes. John Bolton in 2022 in Washington, D.C. The Biden administration is offering a reward of up to $20 million for information on a member of Irans Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps who is charged with plotting to kill Donald Trumps former national security adviser John Bolton. U.S. authorities say Shahram Poursafi allegedly worked to arrange a murder-for-hire scheme targeting Bolton between 2021 and 2022, seeking to hire criminals in the U.S. to kill Bolton in Washington, D.C., or Maryland in exchange for $300,000. Poursafi told the potential assassin who actually became a confidential source for U.S. investigators that once he completed the Bolton murder he would have a second assassination job for him, the State Department said in a statement announcing the reward. The reward offer came after U.S. intelligence officials briefed Trump about an Iranian assassination plot against him. Iran has often turned to criminal elements and other third parties to carry out operations against dissidents and critics abroad, according to U.S. and Western officials. U.S. authorities in January charged an Iranian national and two Canadians, including a member of the Hells Angels motorcycle gang, for allegedly plotting to assassinate an Iranian defector living in Maryland. The State Departments Rewards for Justice program said it is ready to pay up to $20 million for information leading to the arrest or conviction of Poursafi. Poursafi was charged in August 2022 for his role in the alleged plot against Bolton. He remains at large abroad. Iran has denied it is plotting to assassinate Trump, current or former officials, or others abroad. But Iranian leaders have vowed to avenge the U.S. drone strike in 2020 that killed top Iranian general Qassem Soleimani in Baghdad. Qassem Soleimani in Tehran, Iran, in 2016. Soleimani headed the IRGC's Quds Force, which supports the activities of Iranian proxy forces like Hezbollah, Hamas and the Houthi rebels in Yemen. Then-President Trump authorized the January 2020 strike that killed Soleimani and four others near Baghdads airport. Bolton served as Trump's national security adviser from April 2018 to September 2019. When asked about alleged threats of assassination against American officials, Iranian Vice President Mohammad Javad Zarif told NBC News Andrea Mitchell in an interview this week, We do not assassinate people, but the fact of the matter is they assassinated a revered Iranian general. Bolton told Mitchell on Thursday that he thinks the U.S. should be "more proactive" about Iranian threats. When they come after us, government officials, current and former, for doing their job, really, thats an attack on the United States government itself, said Bolton, who is under 24-hour protection because of Irans death threats. I dont think staying in a passive mode about it is the best way to go. We know that this is more than idle speculation in Tehran. The U.S. Capitol. WASHINGTON Lawmakers averted a government shutdown 40 days before the election, but theyll face another funding crunch right before the holidays and a new Congress and president take office. Bipartisan negotiators have been trying to make progress on the 12 bills needed to fund federal agencies for the 2025 fiscal year. Yet there's little time to pass those bills during the lame-duck session; House members and senators are scheduled to be in Washington for only five weeks between Election Day and the end of the year, and the two chambers havent reached agreement on any of the dozen measures, known as appropriations bills. A more likely scenario is that Democrats and Republicans would strike an end-of-year deal on a massive, catchall omnibus spending package or punt the issue once again with another continuing resolution, or CR, that would extend funding into the new year on a short-term basis. Theyll need a new funding agreement before federal funding runs out on Dec. 20. House Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La., insisted this week that the days of the just-before-Christmas omnibus loaded up with legislative priorities from both parties are over. We are not going to return to the Christmas omnibus spending tradition, and thats the commitment Ive made to everyone, Johnson told reporters after the House passed a stopgap funding measure Wednesday. Pressed about whether he would promise not to put an omnibus on the floor in December, Johnson wouldnt answer directly: Weve worked very hard to break that tradition ... and well see what happens in December. Senior appropriators said Congress are likely to end up where they have before when theyve faced a lame-duck, year-end funding deadline: with a sweeping omnibus spending package. I expect that well negotiate an omnibus, said Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz, D-Fla., a member of the Appropriations Committee, noting that Johnson had said there would be no more CRs, then a new CR passed Wednesday. The speaker, respectfully, doesnt have the ability to draw lines in the sand when he cant even control his own caucus. They continually need Democrats to actually get anything done, and we are governing from the minority, she continued. And so Im pretty confident that at the end of the day, were going to make sure that we pass omnibus funding. Far more House Democrats than Republicans voted for Wednesday's CR that will prevent a shutdown from starting next week, continuing a pattern of the minoritys carrying must-pass legislation through the lower chamber this Congress. House Appropriations Committee Chairman Tom Cole, R-Okla., predicted that the two parties could come to a deal and avoid a shutdown in December. But he said the results of the election will dictate what eventually happens. Continued divided government could lead to tense negotiation, while, for example, if Republicans sweep the House, the Senate and the White House, they may push for another short-term funding patch into 2025, after they take the reins of power. I always worry about [a shutdown] until we dont have to worry about it. But no, I dont think so. I think well get there, Cole said of the possibility of a shutdown in December. A lot will depend on who wins the election and what the president-elect, whether its Donald Trump or current Vice President Harris, want to do. While its impossible to predict who will come out on top on Nov. 5, Johnson is fighting to grow the House Republican majority, and he said Wednesday he'd like to remain speaker in the next Congress if the GOP manages to hold the House. So hell have to tread carefully as he negotiates a new funding deal in December, hoping not to alienate rank-and-file Republicans whose votes he may need to keep the speakers gavel. Asked about an omnibus, Rep. Chip Roy, R-Texas, a member of the Freedom Caucus who at times has clashed with Johnson, said Republicans will fight it, take our case to the American people about how a Christmas omnibus will not be good for the American people, will rack up debt. And even though he voted no on the CR on Wednesday, Roy praised Johnsons strategy on funding, assigning blame to the 14 Republicans who scuttled Johnsons original plan to link a six-month funding bill to a Trump-backed bill, the SAVE Act, that would require proof of citizenship to vote. After that plan was defeated, Johnson struck a deal with Democrats on the clean, nearly three-month CR that will carry the government through December. I thought that what Speaker Johnson and all of us fought to put together on the floor was a noble effort to get it out of December, Goal 1, and Goal 2, to get the SAVE Act out there and fight for it and see what happens, said Roy, the author of the SAVE Act. Some Republicans, he said, decided to kill it, so they got to answer to now weve got a CR into December. Congratulations, congressmen. The full House has already passed five of the 12 appropriations bills for the new fiscal year. The Senate Appropriations Committee sent 11 out of 12 spending bills to the floor, where none of them have had votes. Identical versions of all 12 bills need to pass both chambers of Congress every year to fund the government, which rarely happens, with recent Congresses relying heavily on CRs and omnibuses to keep the lights on. "What Leader Schumer should have done is brought the appropriations bills to the floor. That way, some of them would have already been signed into law or would have been headed to the president's desk," said Sen. Susan Collins, R-Maine, the top GOP appropriator in the upper chamber, referring to Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y. Conservative Rep. Byron Donalds, R-Fla., said he has deep concerns Congress will give up on trying to pass individual appropriations bills and lump everything together in one giant omnibus. Of course I do. Everybody does, because its the same thing that this town constantly repeats. We do some massive spending bill right before Christmas that nobody ever really sees because the deals been cut by the Four Corners, Donald said, referring to the top congressional leaders: Johnson; Schumer; Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Ky.; and House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, D-N.Y. They cut some deal with the White House and everybody goes home, he said, and the problems persist in our nations capital. By Luc Cohen and Jonathan Stempel NEW YORK (Reuters) - U.S. prosecutors on Thursday charged New York City Mayor Eric Adams with accepting illegal campaign contributions and luxury travel accommodations from Turkish nationals seeking to influence him, capping an investigation that has sent the largest U.S. city's government into turmoil. In a 57-page indictment, prosecutors laid out an alleged scheme stretching back to 2014 that helped to underwrite Adams' 2021 mayoral campaign and showered him with free rooms at opulent hotels and meals at high-end restaurants. In return, Adams pressured city officials to waive safety inspections and allow the country's new 36-story consulate to open, prosecutors said. Adams, 64, a former police officer who rose to the rank of captain, denied wrongdoing and said he would fight the charges. He said he would not step down. "I will continue to do my job as mayor," he said at a news conference. Turkeys foreign ministry and presidents office and its embassy in Washington had no immediate comment. Adams faces five criminal charges, including conspiracy to commit wire fraud. Prosecutors said he sought and accepted benefits including luxury travel from wealthy foreign businesspeople and a Turkish government official seeking to gain influence over him. Earlier on Thursday, federal agents searched the mayor's Gracie Mansion home on Manhattan's Upper East Side. A black sport utility vehicle with a placard reading "Federal Law Enforcement" on its dashboard was parked outside the residence, according to a Reuters witness. Around a dozen people in business attire were seen walking on the mansion's grounds with briefcases and duffel bags. Adams' lawyer Alex Spiro accused authorities of trying "to create a spectacle" and said they had taken the mayor's phone. Spiro said Adams "looks forward to his day in court." Adams, a Democrat who became the first of the city's 110 mayors to be criminally charged while in office, vowed to remain in office and fight the charges. New York State Governor Kathy Hochul, also a Democrat, has the power to remove Adams from office but the process is complicated, said Pace University Law School professor Bennett Gershman. TOP CITY OFFICIALS RESIGN The case is likely to complicate any Adams bid for re-election in 2025. Other Democratic politicians, including New York City comptroller Brad Lander, plan to challenge Adams - once a key ally of Democratic President Joe Biden - for the party's nomination. U.S. Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, also a Democrat, became the first member of Congress to urge him to step down, saying it would be "for the good of the city." New York has been in a state of political upheaval for the past month. Police Commissioner Edward Caban resigned on Sept. 12, a week after FBI agents seized his phone. Days later, Adams' chief legal adviser resigned, saying she could "no longer effectively serve" in the position. On Wednesday, the city's public schools chancellor David Banks said he would retire at the end of the year, weeks after the Times reported his phones were seized by federal agents. (Reporting by Luc Cohen, Jonathan Stempel and Bing Guan in New York; additional reporting by Katharine Jackson in Washington; writing by Andy Sullivan; Editing by Chizu Nomiyama, Nick Zieminski and Lisa Shumaker) All evacuations were lifted in a western Cincinnati suburb Wednesday evening, a day after a chemical leak from a railcar prompted tests of water and air quality. All initial reports do not indicate any health concerns, Little Miami Joint Fire and Rescue District Chief Mike Siefke said. There is no explosion, no loss of property and the water is safe to drink. There are no concerns with air quality after officials in Ohio tested it over the last 24 hours and continue to do so for the next several days. Residents in hundreds of homes were told to evacuate Tuesday night and area schools were closed Wednesday after officials discovered styrene, a toxic and flammable chemical used to make plastic and rubber, was leaking from the railcars pressure release valve. The chemical can cause headaches, nausea and respiratory issues, and long-term exposure can lead to more serious health problems, including organ damage. The railcar that vented is now stabilized and was moved to its final destination without issue a couple miles away, Mike Miller of Central Railroad of Indiana said. All of the other railcars were moved as well, he said. There are no reported hospitilizations due to the leak, Steven Fagan, the director of Hamilton County Public Health, said when evacuation orders were lifted. He added that anyone having symptoms should get checked out by a medical professional, but reiterated throughout the day that due to styrenes volatile nature it likely vaporized almost immediately. Any cancers that may have been associated with styrene is more like an industrial accident where people are covered with fluids, and so the venting that occurred into the atmosphere isnt even close to that type of exposure, Fagan said. Fagan advised those returning home to wipe off indoor and outdoor surfaces, wash any soft surfaces like bedding and throw away any food left out. Schools are currently inspecting their facilites for any contamination and are going to be back in session Thursday, Siefke said. The incident was likely caused by an additive stabilizer inside the railcar becoming ineffective, causing the product inside the tanker to vent, Miller said. Federal regulators have likely already started inspecting the train and will share their findings once the investigation is finished, he said. Any residents who have questions or want the county to check out their property for contamination should call the local 211 number, Siefke said. Central Railroad of Indiana will have a representative at the local community center and a hotline to give residents support as well, Miller said. Aerial video of the incident showed firefighters spraying down the car, which was sitting upright on tracks between a highway and an asphalt plant, the Associated Press reported. Initially, officials were concerned the railcars rising temperature could lead to an explosion, but Siefke said that is not a concern we have right now. Hamilton Countys Emergency Management Agency originally implemented evacuations orders for anyone within a half-mile of the area near US Route 50 and the Great Miami River, west of Cincinnati. About 200 homes were in the evacuation area, Siefke said. Residents just outside the evacuation area were told to stay inside and keep their windows closed. The area has a mix of businesses, homes and large swaths of undeveloped land, the Associated Press reported. US Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg said personnel from the Federal Railroad Administration are headed to the area to assist as needed. Last year a train derailment on the opposite side of Ohio in East Palestine, about 300 miles northeast of Cincinnati, caused hazardous chemicals to leak and burn for days. The February 2023 derailment near the Ohio-Pennsylvania state line led to new safety rules and increased scrutiny of the rail industry and federal regulators. For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com Martell Bivings, Shri Thadenar, and John Conyers headshots DETROIT The contest for the Michigan House seat once held by the late, long-serving Congressional Black Caucus cofounder John Conyers pits two unlikely characters against each other and the black Republican in the race tells The Post it highlights a danger for Donald Trump. In the blue corner is Democratic Rep. Shri Thanedar, the 69-year-old Indian-American representing Americas blackest big city in Congress. In the red corner is the underdog, Martell Bivings, a 37-year-old black Republican seeking an upset victory this November. Rich Rep. Shri Thanedar is best known for his boyband hairstyle, which has drawn speculation he wears a toupee. Anadolu via Getty Images The very existence of a candidate like Bivings is most unusual in deep-blue Detroit, where a Republican hasnt held an elected position since Keith Butler served on Detroit City Council in the 1990s. Bivings has raised less than $24,000 so far and has about $11,000 in the bank, according to Open Secrets. Thanedar rose to prominence in 2018 during the Democratic primary race for governor, when he ran against Gretchen Whitmer, who went on to win the primary and the office. But Thanedar pulled more votes in Detroit than Whitmer did. Since then hes won his last two races, first for the Michigan House, then for Congress. Outside his boyband hairstyle, which has drawn speculation he wears a toupee, Thanedar is best known for burying his opponents in cash. The businessman and scientist wrote his campaign a $5 million check to win the 2022 House race. As of last report, Thanedar raised $7 million for this years contest and still has $4.8 million in the bank. In addition to the Goliath Thanedar, who easily dispatched a Detroit councilwoman, Mary Waters, in his primary, Bivings faces another obstacle: a lack of belief among Republicans that his race is worth investing in. Thanedar garnered more votes in Detroit than Whitmer did in the 2018 gubernatorial primary. JUSTIN LANE/EPA-EFE/Shutterstock The 2024 contest is a rematch of the 2022 race, which Thanedar won 71% to 24%, by a margin of 110,000 votes. As Bivings noted at a recent fundraiser in suburban Detroit: I dont become a threat until election night at 8 p.m. Republicans view it the same way. A source familiar with the thinking of national Republicans told The Post the National Republican Congressional Committee will target about 37 races this year. The four in Michigan are Paul Hudson vs. incumbent Hillary Scholten in west Michigan; incumbent John James rematch against Carl Marlinga in Macomb County; Tom Barretts race against Curtis Hertel in the Lansing area, for the seat vacated by Senate hopeful Elissa Slotkin; and Paul Junges matchup against state Sen. Kristen McDonald Rivet. That last, Flint-area seat has been held by a single family, the Kildees, since the late 1970s first by Dale, then by his nephew Dan, whos not running for re-election. David vs. Goliath rather, Bivings vs. Thanedar does not fit the NRCC criteria, the source said. Republicans want to invest in races with a 4-point margin or smaller. Not invest in the impossible dream. Rep. John Conyers repped Michigan in Congress from 1965 to 2017 and was the longest-serving African-American member of Congress in US history. He died in 2019, not two years after leaving office. AP Another source, a Republican consultant, told The Post Bivings needed to make the business case for more help from the party. If he could say Id bring Donald Trump 3 points in Detroit, that might be worth it, the source said. The candidate told The Post the national thinking doesnt take into account the local sentiment. My qualitative hunch tells me that the more impoverished a neighborhood, the more likely it is to vote Republican, Bivings said. Nobody is basking in poverty. That hunch has found few buyers among the donor class. Bivings said hes had five-figure donors with a history write $200 checks instead. Bivings has heard the optimistic talk among Republicans that Donald Trump might pull 20% of the black male vote in cities like Detroit. Dont count on it, he warns. I know those black men. Im related to those black men, Bivings said. Theyre not going to go to the polls. Theyll say I aint make to the polls; was Election Day last week?' FILE - Judge Kenneth King listens to testimony during a case in Detroit, Jan. 23, 2024. (Clarence Tabb Jr./Detroit News via AP, File) (ASSOCIATED PRESS) DETROIT (AP) A Detroit judge who was temporarily removed after ordering a teenager into jail clothes and handcuffs during a field trip is back on the bench but assigned to speeding tickets and other relatively minor offenses. Judge Kenneth King lost courtroom duties in August and was ordered into social-emotional training by the chief judge at 36th District Court. Instead of handling key hearings in major felonies, he returned this week to the court's traffic division. We appreciate his efforts in preparing for this role, and wish him success as he transitions into this new responsibility, Judge William McConico said in a written statement. King's attorney, Todd Perkins, said the judge is willing to work anywhere at the court. He truly understands and wholeheartedly embraces the concept of teamwork, Perkins said Thursday. King got in trouble for singling out a 15-year-old girl for falling asleep and having what he considered to be a bad attitude while she was visiting his courtroom with other teens. He ordered Eva Goodman into jail clothes and handcuffs all while the field trip was on a livestream video. King also threatened her in front of her peers with juvenile detention before releasing her. The girl's mother, Latoreya Till, said she may have been tired because they dont have a permanent address. King told TV stations that he apologized. Till has filed a lawsuit, seeking more than $75,000 for "inflicting fear and severe emotional distress. ___ Follow Ed White on X at https://twitter.com/edwritez Disney is following in the footsteps of Netflix in cracking down on password sharing, telling subscribers that people outside their households need to sign up and get their own subscriptions. Disney+ this week began offering users a variety of options to pay for access to its streaming service on behalf of family members or friends who don't reside in the same home but were given unauthorized use of their accounts. "Your Disney+ subscription is meant to be used within your household, which is a collection of devices associated with your primary personal residence that are used by the individuals who reside there," the Hollywood conglomerate told customers in a message. Those residing elsewhere "will need to sign up and pay for their own subscription or be added as an extra member to your account for an additional fee." Users who are away from their home or have moved can still access the service by logging in with a one-time passcode sent to the email address associated with the account. The Disney+ paid-sharing features and capabilities launched in some markets during the summer and are available in the U.S., Canada, Costa Rica, Guatemala, Europe and the Asia-Pacific region. Domestically, an extra member profile will run an added $6.99 a month for Disney+ basic subscriptions and $9.99 a month for premium subscriptions, according to the company. Disney had allowed just one extra member for each primary account. The extra member option is not available for Disney bundle subscribers or for those billed through third-party providers. Disney+ account holders can transfer an eligible profile to a new subscription or extra member to maintain that profile's Disney+ watch history and settings. Disney's broadened paid-sharing options come just ahead of increased U.S. prices set to take effect on October 17. Disney+ basic, with ads, will rise from $7.99 a month to $9.99, while Disney+ premium without ads will also go up two bucks to $15.99 a month. Disney is also raising the cost of Hulu, ESPN+ and its multiservice bundles. The company also plans to crack down on password sharing for Hulu and ESPN, with both services earlier this year cautioning U.S. subscribers against sharing their log-in information with those outside their residence. Netflix last year roiled its fan base by declaring it would no longer let users share their passwords broadly in a move that represented a reversal from its prior stance of encouraging password sharing as a way to attract more viewers. Vladimir Kara-Murza | Sunday on 60 Minutes Kamala Harris, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy address reporters Hurricane Helene becomes Category 3 storm An "experienced climber" from New York died after falling 300 to 400 feet while hiking a mountain in Colorado, authorities said. Herbert "Hal" Wise, 53, was hiking the Rock of Ages trail in Wilson Peak, Colorado, around 15 miles southwest of Telluride and 118 miles northeast of Durango when he fell. The trail's elevation is between 10,383 to 13,400 feet and spans 3.7 miles. Once rescuers reached Wise, they discovered he had died from his injuries, according to the sheriff's office. Authorities rescue efforts consisted of a 4-hour mission conducted with the assistance of the Colorado Highland Helicopters out Durango, the sheriff's office said. When Wise fell, he suffered from a "pretty massive head injury," Emil Sante, the San Miguel County coroner, told USA TODAY. 20-year-old found dead: American college student went missing on South Africa's Table Mountain When rescuers reached the man, they found that he had succumbed to his injuries. The 4-hour mission was conducted with the assistance of Highland Helicopter out of Durango. The Sheriffs Office & SAR extend our deepest sympathies to the victims family. (2 of 2) pic.twitter.com/cJSV3gNSoF San Miguel Sheriff (@SheriffAlert) September 25, 2024 "This is a very unfortunate event, and our thoughts are with his family," Susan Lilly, the San Miguel County Sheriff's Office's public information officer, told USA TODAY. He is survived by his mom and dad, Katheryn and Herbert Wise, who are both in their 80s, said Sante. An experienced hiker Wise had completed multiple hikes and mountain climbs similar to this, according to Lilly. In June, he took a leave of absence from his job at Domino's Pizza, where he worked as a delivery driver, and traveled to Colorado, where he is believed to have climbed 26 peaks, his mother, Kathryn Wise, told USA TODAY. Wise began hiking between 2006 and 2008, he also wrote and self-published three books, including "Tales from the Desert and Beyond," about his "adventures that took [him] across America..." He has climbed the Adirondack Mountains in northeastern New York and Mt. Hood in Portland, Oregon. He also climbed all the White Mountains in New Hampshire, the highest peaks in Texas and Arizona and several mountains in California. How to stay safe during a hike or climb To stay safe during a hike or mountain climb, Lilly recommends people do the following: Hike with another person. Tell someone who is not tagging along where they are going and when they expect to return. Make sure cell phones are fully charged. Carry enough food, water, equipment and clothing to last long enough in case of an emergency, like being forced to stay overnight on the trail. "It's important to be prepared for that," said Lilly. This story was updated to add new information. This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Wilson Peak hiking death: New York climber found dead after fall Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, meets with Greek Foreign Minister George Gerapetritis on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly in New York, Sept. 25, 2024. (Xinhua/Li Rui) NEW YORK, Sept. 25 (Xinhua) -- China and Europe share extensive converging interests, and should promote mutual benefit and win-win cooperation, as well as advocate for openness and cooperation, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi said here on Wednesday. Wang, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, made the remarks when meeting Greek Foreign Minister George Gerapetritis on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly in New York. Wang expressed hope that the European Union would maintain strategic autonomy and avoid politicizing economic and trade issues. On the bilateral ties, Wang urged Greece and China to strengthen the two major ties of civilizational exchange and practical cooperation to deepen their comprehensive strategic partnership. For his part, the Greek minister affirmed Greece's adherence to the one-China principle, support for Europe-China cooperation, and commitment to free trade. The German economy is stuck in stagnation as months of bad news create seemingly endless negative sentiment that is compounding major structural issues, a top European bank has warned. INGs head of global macro research painted a bleak picture of the struggling German economy after a major leading indicator of activity posted its fifth consecutive monthly decline. The Ifo Business Climate Index, which measures economic activity across manufacturing, services, trade, and construction, fell to 85.4 in September, down from 86.6 in August, indicating a downfall in activity. INGs Carsten Brzeski said: The German economy is back where it was a year ago: the growth laggard of the eurozone with few signs of an imminent improvement. After the contraction of the economy in the second quarter, all available sentiment indicators for the first two months of the third quarter provide very few reasons for optimism. A slowdown in broad business activity follows an extended run of negative production PMI, which has been in contraction territory for more than two years. Germany is still reeling from the cut-off of cheap Russian oil and gas following the countrys invasion of Ukraine, increasing input costs for businesses. Falling demand from China, one of its major trading partners, has exacerbated a drawn-out recession in the production sector. The most publicized issue in recent months, however, has been a crisis engulfing Germanys automotive sector. A slower-than-expected consumer transition to electric vehicles has left Volkswagen and BMW licking their wounds after an ambitious early bet on the technology. Both, meanwhile, have also fallen victim to the broader demand slowdown in China. Volkswagen, Germanys largest employer, scrapped a 30-year agreement to protect jobs and suggested it could be forced to close a German factory for the first time in its history. The company is in negotiations with unions over pay agreements amid a plan to cut 10 billion in costs. The plight of German carmakers, Brzeski says, is just another illustration of the ongoing structural and cyclical problems but are unfortunately probably also further fueling negative sentiment; a perfect vicious cycle. Meanwhile, other international firms are shelving their plans for expansion in Germany. Intel announced it was delaying plans for a 30 billion factory in the country for up to two years, causing a rift in the government over Germanys nearly 10 billion commitment to its development. There isnt much to be optimistic about on the horizon, with German consumers and businesses concerned about a potential U.S. economic slowdown, in addition to growing geopolitical tensions and a fractious political environment in their own country. Brzeski says the Ifo indicator is likely to improve toward the end of the year. Admittedly, this would be a cyclical improvement coming from very low levels, hardly changing the narrative of a country stuck in stagnation. This story was originally featured on Fortune.com Are you making the best use of tax-sheltered savings accounts? Here are 5 accounts that could bolster your investment returns Tax-sheltered accounts are some of the most accessible wealth-builders for everyday investors. Theyre also under-utilized, evidenced by the alarming number of Americans who report that theyve saved nothing in retirement accounts. Saving money has evolved from stuffing cash under the mattress; its about making smart decisions that maximize your wealth over time. Some of the easiest and most effective ways are with tax-sheltered accounts, which grow your investments tax-free or tax-deferred meaning more of your money works for you instead of going to Uncle Sam. 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 Its been nearly 150 years since American Express created whats widely regarded as the first retirement savings vehicle, a pension plan for disabled workers that was quickly adopted by other companies and offered to workers of all kinds. Today, the options menu has dramatically evolved: Whether youre planning for retirement, education, or healthcare expenses, theres an account for you. Here are five accounts that can help bolster your retirement returns. Traditional Individual Retirement Account (IRA) A Traditional IRA is a retirement savings account offering tax-deferred investment growth. Contributions you make to a Traditional IRA may be tax-deductible, which can lower your taxable income for the year. The money in the account grows tax-deferred until you withdraw it during retirement, at which point its taxed as ordinary income. In 2024, you can contribute up to $7,000 per year if youre under 50, and $8,000 if youre 50 or older. Anyone with earned income can contribute, but tax deductibility may be limited if you or your spouse have access to a retirement plan at work and your income exceeds certain limits. Early withdrawals before age 59 1/2 may be subject to a 10% penalty and income tax. Ideal candidate: Individuals seeking to reduce their taxable income now and who anticipate being in a lower tax bracket during retirement. Roth IRA Roth IRAs offer tax-free growth and tax-free withdrawals in retirement. Contributions are made with after-tax dollars, so they dont reduce your current taxable income but qualified withdrawals during retirement are tax-free. The contribution limits are the same as Traditional IRAs up to $7,000 per year, or $8,000 if youre 50 or older. Eligibility to contribute phases out at higher income levels. For single filers in 2024, the phase-out starts at a modified adjusted gross income (MAGI) of $146,000. Contributions (but not earnings) can be withdrawn at any time without taxes or penalties. Earnings can be withdrawn tax-free after age 59 1/2, provided the account has been open for at least five years. Ideal candidate: Younger investors or those who expect to be in a higher tax bracket during retirement. Read more: Rich, young Americans are ditching the stormy stock market here are the alternative assets they're banking on instead 401(k) plans Arguably the most popular retirement vehicle given its status as an employee benefits staple, the 401(k) allows employees to contribute a portion of their salary pre-tax, reducing their taxable income. The investments grow tax-deferred until withdrawal during retirement. In 2024, employees can contribute up to $23,000 per year, with an additional $7,500 catch-up contribution allowed for those aged 50 and over. Many employers offer matching contributions up to a certain percentage, which is essentially free money. Early withdrawals before age 59 1/2 are subject to a 10% penalty and income tax. Ideal candidate: Employees, especially those whose companies offer a match, should prioritize contributing to this plan to maximize retirement savings. Health Savings Account (HSA) An HSA is a tax-advantaged account designed to help individuals with high-deductible health plans (HDHPs) save for medical expenses. Contributions are tax-deductible, the money grows tax-free, and withdrawals for qualified medical expenses are also tax-free. Eligibility requires being enrolled in a qualifying HDHP. For 2024, individuals can contribute up to $4,150, and families can contribute up to $8,300. Those 55 and older can contribute an additional $1,000. Funds can be withdrawn tax-free for qualified medical expenses at any time. After age 65, withdrawals for non-medical expenses are taxed as ordinary income without penalty. Ideal candidate: Individuals with high-deductible health plans looking to save for current and future medical expenses, or even as an additional retirement savings vehicle. 529 college savings plans A 529 plan is a tax-advantaged savings plan designed to encourage accumulating capital for future education costs. Earnings grow tax-free, and withdrawals are tax-free when used for qualified education expenses, including tuition, books, and room and board. Contribution limits vary by state, but many plans have lifetime limits exceeding $300,000. While contributions are not deductible on federal taxes, some states offer tax deductions or credits. Withdrawals must be used for qualified education expenses to avoid taxes and a 10% penalty on earnings. Ideal candidate: Parents, grandparents, or guardians who want to plan ahead for a childs education expenses, or individuals planning to further their own education. What to read next This article provides information only and should not be construed as advice. It is provided without warranty of any kind. One last bit of pre-election lawmaking is now complete after Congress staved off a shutdown and funded the government for three months. "I want to thank both houses of Congress," President Joe Biden said in a statement, "for this bipartisan agreement and for avoiding a costly government shutdown." But the reprieve will be short-lived. The plan now sets up lawmakers to be right back in the middle of multiple spending fights when they return to Washington after voters have their say in November. First up will be another shutdown debate: this time with potentially more fraught politics and a new holiday deadline of Dec. 20. Soon after that looms another debt ceiling shutdown that could be front and center on Washington's plate in 2025, with the federal debt limit set to be reinstated to open the year followed by an "X date" for actual default likely to follow a few months later. Read more: How a government shutdown would impact your money: Student loans, Social Security, investments, and more And that's before a giant tax debate consumes Washington likely in the second half of 2025 before an array of the tax cuts implemented in 2017 expire at the end of next year. House Speaker Mike Johnson after the House passed a stop-gap finding bill to avert a government shutdown on September 25. (Tom Brenner for The Washington Post via Getty Images) (The Washington Post via Getty Images) The tenor of these debates to come will be shaped by the election results in November, with some post-election scenarios potentially increasing the chances of dramatic shows of brinkmanship. And that's as the business community and credit rating agencies watch warily after Washington's repeated flirting in recent years with economically damaging shutdowns or potentially catastrophic debt defaults. For now, Congress has acted to punt the issue and get back to the campaign trail. The House first passed the bill Wednesday by a tally of 341-82. House Speaker Mike Johnson saw 82 members of his own party, all the no votes, oppose his compromise with Democrats. The bill then quickly moved through the Senate in a tally of 78-18. "This bipartisanship is a good outcome for America," Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer offered as the deal reached a conclusion "and I hope it sets the tone for more constructive, bipartisan work when we return later in the fall." The first deadline: Dec. 20 This week's deal passed by wide margins but included concessions that could make dealmaking harder in the coming months, What's not in this week's plan are ideas that Speaker Johnson, GOP nominee Donald Trump, and many Republicans had insisted for weeks were must-haves, such as a GOP-backed election security proposal called the SAVE Act. Trump has previously even said that Republicans "should not agree to a Continuing Resolution in any way, shape, or form" without the now-discarded bill. The new December deadline also comes just before a changeover in Congress to begin 2025. That could mean Johnson potentially in the middle of a contest to again be Speaker could have much more complicated calculations about how to respond to another round of negotiations. The same goes for Democratic House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries if he is set to ascend. That's not to mention a succession race underway in the Senate, with Kentucky's Mitch McConnell set to step down as the GOP leader. Sens. John Thune, John Cornyn, and Rick Scott are vying to replace him. Historically, multiple shutdowns have occurred around these December deadlines with two longest shutdowns in US history beginning in mid-to-late December. A debt ceiling fight soon behind But even if Congress averts a shutdown, a debt ceiling deadline will follow shortly behind. The federal debt limit is set to be reinstated on Jan. 2, 2025, per the deal that ended the last standoff between President Joe Biden and then-Speaker Kevin McCarthy. What will follow in 2025, once the borrowing limit is back in place, are what the Treasury Secretary calls "extraordinary measures" to essentially move money around to cover the government's bills. But that can't last forever. The Bipartisan Policy Center is projecting that the so-called X Date when the maneuvers run out and a government default is possible is likely to be delayed until after the influx of funds from next year's tax season but will nevertheless be coming later in 2025. It's all likely to be watched nervously by the business community and rating agencies that have again and again cited government dysfunction as a reason for their mixed view of US creditworthiness. Fitch downgraded the US government's top credit rating from AAA to AA+ in 2023. Moody's followed later that year. It stopped short of a downgrade but changed the outlook on the US government's rating to "negative" from "stable." Fitch, Moody's, and S&P Global Ratings which downgraded the US credit rating back in 2011 have all cited protracted government standoffs as a central reason for their changes and why they are constantly monitoring for potential further adjustments. Ben Werschkul is Washington correspondent for Yahoo Finance. Click here for political news related to business and money policies that will shape tomorrow's stock prices Read the latest financial and business news from Yahoo Finance (Reuters) -Guardian Pharmacy's shares rose 3.3% in their NYSE debut on Thursday, giving the healthcare firm a market valuation of about $880 million, as investors remained selective about new listings. Shares of the Atlanta, Georgia-based firm debuted at $14.46, compared to their initial public offering price of $14. Founded in 2004, Guardian Pharmacy joins a slew of companies going public after two years of dismal IPO activity in the country, as the U.S. Federal Reserve continues to ease interest rates. Investors, however, have been cautious about their bets, with those burning cash seen as least favored. The company, which offers a suite of technology-enabled services to help residents of long-term healthcare facilities, raised $112 million on Wednesday by selling 8 million shares of Class A common stock at the low end of its targeted range of $14-$16 each. Residents in assisted living facilities, behavioral health facilities and group homes accounted for more than two-thirds of its annual revenue over the past three years, it reported. As of June 30, it was operating 50 pharmacies serving about 174,000 residents. Guardian Pharmacy counts investment firms Bindley Capital Partners and Cardinal Equity Partners among its backers. (Reporting by Jaiveer Singh Shekhawat in Bengaluru; Editing by Shreya Biswas, Tasim Zahid and Janane Venkatraman) Editor's Note: This page is a summary of news on Hurricane Helene from Thursday, Sept. 26. For the latest news on the storm, read USA TODAY's live updates for Friday, Sept. 27. TALLAHASSEE, Fla. Hurricane Helene made landfall Thursday night carrying catastrophic 140 mph winds as the first known Category 4 storm to hit Floridas Big Bend region since records began in 1851. Helene made landfall at about 11:10 p.m. ET near Perry, Florida. Hours later, the system weakened to a Category 1 storm and continued to produce hurricane-force winds as it moved toward Georgia. By 3 a.m. ET, the National Hurricane Center said Helene had sustained winds of 80 mph. The National Weather Service in Tallahassee said further weakening is expected as the storm moves inland. At least one fatality in Florida was blamed on the hurricane so far, authorities said. Officials feared more fatalities would be discovered on Friday, though it would likely be several hours before any rescue personnel could head out to help those in need. The storm has already forced closures of schools, airports, and roadways across Florida after Helene rapidly intensified within hours Thursday as it moved through the Gulf of Mexico. More than 70,000 people across four counties Franklin, Taylor, Liberty and Wakulla fled under mandatory evacuations as forecasters painted a grim picture of the potential destruction ahead. "This will not be a survivable event for those in coastal or low lying areas," Wakulla County Sheriff Jared Miller said in a Facebook post. "There has not been a storm of this magnitude to hit Wakulla in recorded history." Forecasters warned that strong, damaging winds will "penetrate well inland" across the southeastern U.S. The hurricane center urged people to remain sheltered until Helene fully passed their area, warning that the center of a hurricane is deceptively calm, as hazardous winds rapidly intensify once the eye passes. Helene is expected to turn northwestward and slow down over the Tennessee Valley on Friday and Saturday. In anticipation of the storms sprawling impact, President Joe Biden approved emergency declarations ahead of Helene's landfall for Florida, Georgia, North Carolina, South Carolina and Alabama to mobilize federal emergency management resources. Helene is a very dangerous hurricane and could become a once-in-a-generation storm across western South Carolina and North Carolina, as well as northern and eastern Georgia, said AccuWeather senior director of forecasting operations Dan DePodwin. News about our planet: Sign up for USA TODAY's Climate Point newsletter. Strong winds and some partial flooding were visible in areas of Sanibel, Fla., on Thursday, September 26, 2024, as residents experienced some of the effects from Hurricane Helene. Hurricane Helene tracker: See projected path of 'catastrophic' storm as Florida braces Developments: Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp confirmed early Friday that two people died after a suspected tornado touched down in Wheeler County, about 88 miles southeast of Macon. Emergency management authorities in a neighboring county, Jeff Davis county, urged people to shelter-in-place due to high winds in the area. Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis confirmed one hurricane-related fatality late Thursday. A car driving on Interstate 4 in Tampa was hit with an overhead road sign. Helene is the 4th U.S. landfalling hurricane of 2024. Only five other years on record have had four or more hurricane landfalls: 1886, 1909, 1985, 2005 and 2020. Asheville, North Carolina, more than 400 miles from the landfall location, got 8.34 inches of rain over 26 hours from Wednesday until 4 p.m. Thursday, according to National Weather Service data. The estimated 1-in-1,000- year rainfall for 24 hours in that location is 7.25 inches. The Florida Highway Patrol closed the Sunshine Skyway Bridge, which links St. Petersburg to Bradenton, after winds at the span reached 60 mph and conditions deteriorated. Florida State and Florida A&M Universities canceled classes but opened their doors to students and Tallahassee residents. The American Red Cross was using FAMUs Al Lawson Center on campus as a shelter open to the general public; FSU was opening a refugee facility at the Donald L. Tucker Civic Center on Thursday to registered students who live off-campus. How much damage could Helene do? It's too early yet for detailed damage reports from the counties that Helene ripped across. But the National Hurricane Center says Category 4 storms threaten well-built framed homes with "severe" damage, potentially losing both roofs and walls. Most trees are snapped or uprooted and power poles are downed. "Power outages will last weeks to possibly months. Most of the area will be uninhabitable for weeks or months," the hurricane center says of Cat 4 storms. More than one million utility customers in Florida were without power by midnight, according to a USA TODAY power outage tracker. The number was expected to rise as Helene moved further inland. In addition to hazardous winds, the system is expected to bring tornadoes, life-threatening storm surge and rainfall to large swaths of the Southeast, with widespread totals of 6 to 12 inches. Isolated areas could be deluged with 20 inches of rain. At midnight in Tallahassee, the storm had significantly intensified, with sheets of rain gusting from the sky. Electricity service in some of the city flickered intermittently. Rainfall was also lashing Georgia, South Carolina, central and western North Carolina and portions of Tennessee. Atlanta, hundreds of miles north of Florida's Big Bend, was under a tropical storm warning. The governors of Georgia and the Carolinas have declared states of emergencies as the fast-moving storm barrels through the Florida coast. "We will likely avoid the brunt of this storm, but it is still expected to bring flooding, high winds and isolated tornadoes," South Carolina Gov. Henry McMaster said. "Take proper precautions and monitor local forecasts." In central Georgia, local news outlets reported that two people were dead after a mobile home overturned in a suspected tornado Thursday. Christopher Cann, Doyle Rice Learn more on the Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Wind Scale and the dangers of storm surge. 'Theyve got to get out': Some residents ignore evacuation order For some people, even the threat of "unsurvivable'' storm surge is not enough to convince them to leave their homes. A Florida official from Helene's projected path finds that quite frustrating. Pinellas County Sheriff Bob Gualtieri, whose jurisdiction covers St. Petersburg and Clearwater, admonished residents who refuse to heed an evacuation order when he held a Thursday morning news conference as Helene zeroed in on Florida's northwest coast. Weve got a problem, and the problem is that way too many people in Zone A arent listening, Gualtieri said. Weve been out there this morning, theres just way too many people in the area. A storm surge of 5-8 feet is predicted for the county, putting residents of barrier islands and low-lying coastal areas in danger. Theyve got to get out,'' Gualtieri said, "and theres going to reach a point where youre on your own because were not going to get our people killed because you dont want to listen to what were saying. Christopher Cann Sheriff takes grim tack with evacuation holdouts In Taylor County, Florida, where Helens storm surge is forecast to reach 15 to 20 feet high, the sheriffs office posted a message Thursday morning for residents who werent heeding the countys mandatory evacuation order. If you or someone you know chose not to evacuate, PLEASE write your, Name, birthday and important information on your arm or leg in A PERMANENT MARKER so that you can be identified and family notified, the message said. The post also asked residents staying behind to send an email to the office with their names, addresses, contact information and the number of people and pets at the location. The small rural county on the states gulf coast was the site of Hurricane Idalias landfall in August 2023 and Hurricane Debbys landfall in August. Gene Taylor, a former public official in Bay St. Louis, Mississippi, when Hurricane Katrina made landfall there in 2005, has another message he gives to people considering riding out a potentially deadly storm surge. Have life jackets and an ax, in case they have to chop through the attic roof to get out. Many people were rescued from rooftops when the water rose after Katrina and in other locations after severe flooding. Dinah Pulver Voyles and Doyle Rice The Skyway Bridge and the Howard Frankland Bridge are both CLOSED due to high winds and storm surge. Motorists should stay off the highways. #Helene pic.twitter.com/OAM2aMUPEP FHP Tampa (@FHPTampa) September 26, 2024 Head of FEMA to take first-hand look at storm impacts FEMA Administrator Deanne Criswell will visit Florida on Friday to assess the impacts of the storm and report back to Biden. Criswell said she would fly as close as she could to Tallahassee and meet with Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis and his team. The FEMA leader said she would like to take an aerial tour if possible so she can see the damage for herself. Afterward, she is prepared to move up to Georgia, North Carolina and South Carolina, also expected to be heavily affected by Helene. "Me being on the ground helps me validate some of the damage more quickly, so we can get major declarations in place faster," she told reporters at a White House briefing Thursday, adding the agency has the resources it needs to respond to this disaster. Criswell said FEMA has aggressively deployed resources in advance of Helene's arrival and advised those likely to be impacted to do the same, both in Florida and across inland locations far from the storm's landfall. Parts of Georgia, North Carolina, South Carolina and the Appalachians could get up to 20 inches of rain and experience widespread flooding. "Take the storm seriously,'' Criswell said. "People in Hurricane Helene's path, you need to listen to your local officials. If they tell you to evacuate, please do so, and if they tell you to shelter in place, then that's what you should do. They're going to give you the best information that you can do for your specific situation. Those decisions can save lives." Francesca Chambers Despite pleas from grown children, couple choose to stay As the storm rolled closer to the coast, a small number of people in St. Marks made last-minute preparations amid steady rain and increasing wind. John and Melissa Hines, who own and operate the Sweet Magnolia Inn near the waters edge, piled all of the furniture on their ground floor onto tables and moved a massaging armchair onto the landing. They were planning to stick around until the storm hit, then relocate to their sons apartment about a mile up the road on higher ground. Legend has it their pre-WWII building was built using old railroad tracks from the line that used to serve the area, and it has withstood multiple hurricanes, John Hines said, though different storms have left their marks. The building will remain. What we have to work with after remains to be seen, he said Thursday afternoon. The couple have four children, and the three who do not live nearby have been urging them to leave the area more quickly, Melissa Hines said. One of them, she said, even called their pastor in Ohio, who then reached out to add his encouragement. Our faith is great, Melissa Hines said, explaining why they arent seeking safety further from the storm. Our pastor called and said, Your kids are worried, you need to be wise. Stop being so stubborn. So we are going to leave but were going to stay close to home. Helene could bring three times the rain it takes to cause landslides Helene is forecast to bring as much as 15 inches of rain to western North Carolina and the Blue Ridge Mountains well over the accepted threshold of 5 inches needed to trigger dangerous and potentially deadly landslides. According to Brad Johnson, environmental science professor at Davidson College north of Charlotte, "Scientists established some thresholds in North Carolina in the wake of the 2004 Peeks Creek landslide, the deadliest in North Carolina in 60 years." That slide, triggered by rains from Hurricane Ivan, killed five people. Johnson's group looked at weather data from that slide and found that 5 inches was roughly the threshold for landslides to occur, he said. Doyle Rice Water from Naples Bay floods the area at Eighth Avenue South and 11th Street South in Naples as Hurricane Helene passes off the coast on Sept. 26, 2024. Manatees could be left stranded by Hurricane Helene Fish, birds and other animals are all impacted differently by storms, depending on their habitat, food sources and other factors, wildlife experts told USA TODAY. Manatees may become stranded or injured by debris from Hurricane Helene. In years past, they have been discovered after hurricanes in a dry bay, in a golf course pond and a retention pond. However, larger sea creatures like sharks and whales have likely been able to swim away from Hurricane Helene quickly, according to the National Ocean Service. After Hurricane Idalia in 2023, flamingos from Mexicos Yucatan Peninsula ended up in the U.S., in places they had never been seen before, including Missouri and Kansas. When fish die during a hurricane, the most common reason is low oxygen levels in water that has been pushed up from the bottom and may contain lethal hydrogen sulfide. Also, if there are long stretches of cloudy days amid a storm, oxygen-producing organisms and plants can't photosynthesize, according to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission. Jeanine Santucci Riding it out on a fishing boat In Saint Marks, 30 miles south of Tallahassee where two rivers meet before emptying into Apalachee Bay, a handful of residents and business owners watched the water rising by several inches every 30 minutes on Thursday. Stone crab fisherman Philip Tooke, 63, stood on the dock of his family owned Saint Marks Seafoods, watching the rain and for signs the wind direction was changing. Hes had head-height floodwaters beneath his building several times over the years, but he's worried what a 15-foot storm surge would mean. He and his brother planned to ride out the storm aboard their fishing boats. I feel sorry for them to the east, but if we dont get that direct hit well be OK, Tooke said. It aint got bad bad yet. It will be by tonight. Its not going to be pleasant down here. A man carrying a basket walks through floodwaters in Saint Marks, Fla., about 30 miles south of Tallahassee, on Sept. 26, 2024, in advance of Hurricane Helene. Flights canceled, airports closed Nearly 1,200 U.S. flights were canceled by early Thursday because of Hurricane Helene, according to FlightAware. Tampa International Airport, St. Pete-Clearwater International Airport and Tallahassee International Airport in Florida all announced they will be closed for the day, but the storm's impacts extend beyond its projected path. Airlines began offering travel waivers earlier this week so customers could reschedule their plans around the storm. Anyone whose flight was canceled is eligible for a refund under Department of Transportation rules. Federal laws do not require airlines to compensate travelers for delayed flights, but carriers have committed to various degrees of compensation for significant delays within their control. Read more here. Eve Chen Did Helene delay or cancel your flight? What to expect from your airline. Pastor offers church as shelter Paul Nawlin, pastor of the First Baptist Church of Steinhatchee, rode his golf cart to Riverside Drive to check on residents who live along the banks of the Steinhatchee River. Because some are staying through the storm, so will he. His church is fresh from a roof repair done Wednesday in preparation for Helene. Now, he says, it's ready to keep anyone dry who needs a place to stay as the hurricane bears down on their town. "We're going to trust the Lord no matter," Nawlin said. "He didn't ask us to understand everything. Just trust." Most Florida schools cancel classes Most Florida schools were closed Thursday ahead of Hurricane Helenes landfall, according to Florida Today, part of the USA TODAY Network. The Florida Department of Education issued a news release with a list of school closures, and the department said its working closely with districts to get them the resources they need to resume normal operations as soon as possible. The University of Florida in Gainesville was closed Thursday, and Florida A&M University and the New College of Florida closed earlier this week, through Friday, according to the education departments statement. At least 33 other colleges and universities are temporarily shutting down their campuses, according to the Florida Department of Education. Dozens of school districts across the state are also closed, affecting K-12 students, as the entire state is blanketed in hurricane and tornado watches. Claire Thornton Flooding begins along southwest, central Florida coast Floodwaters began to inundate roads along the central and southwest coast of Florida on Thursday morning. In communities including Fort Myers Beach, Sarasota, Venice, Bradenton and several in the Tampa Bay area, officials have announced road closures as heavy rain and storm surge lead to flooding along coastal and low-lying areas. Sanibel city spokesman Eric Jackson, citing widespread flooding across the Lee County island, urged people not to drive on flooded streets. Molly McCollum, a meteorologist with the Weather Channel, captured video of fish swimming on a street in downtown Sarasota. The National Hurricane Center expects a surge of water several feet high to come ashore along most of the western coast of Florida, with the highest level 15 to 20 feet projected to wallop the panhandle and Big Bend coast. Christopher Cann, USA TODAY; Dave Osborn, Naples Daily News; Sarasota Herald-Tribune Some rough seas and wind were the only early signs of Helene in Brevard County, Florida, as the sun rose Sept. 26, 2024. Couple in their 80s decide to hunker down Taylor County Sheriff Sgt. Lee Harden's SUV pulled over Thursday at a home in the Steinhatchee coastal community, in the direct path of Hurricane Helene, after spotting a couple outside a home. Stan Ridgeway, 87, told the officer he's staying. "I have to let you know ..." Harden began, reciting the details about the expected surge. Ridgeway said he knew. Later, sitting in his living room, with his wife Jean, 81, Ridgeway said he bought his century-old house with its high elevation in mind. Floodwaters from Hurricane Idalia last year did not reach his home. Jean Ridgeway noted that this is the third hurricane since 2023. "We didn't use to get hurricanes here," she said, then jokingly added: "I think they discovered this place and they liked it." Lesson learned, residents evacuate Horseshoe Beach Horseshoe Beach has become a ghost town ahead of Helene's anticipated landfall, the last few residents of the coastal community making final preparations before evacuating inland. The town was devastated by Hurricane Idalia, a Category 3 hurricane that hit Aug. 30, 2023, causing major damage to the eastern Big Bend and Nature Coast. Now it faces the prospect of a 10- to 15-foot storm surge. Or worse. "We're just trying to get the heck out," Judy Paradis said as she and her husband, John, loaded their cars. After last year's experience, residents took the evacuation orders seriously, Judy said. The Paradises had just made Horseshoe Beach their permanent home last year after vacationing in the coastal town for several years. They said they have "survivor's guilt" because their elevated condo was spared when so many people lost everything. "We try not to complain because we still have our home," John said. Florida power outage map: Track outages as Hurricane Helene approaches from Gulf of Mexico Sandbox sand pressed into service as storm approaches Emergency shipments of hurricane supplies have been flowing in all week at the Home Depot in Town n Country, a community of more than 85,000 residents bordering the northern shore of Tampa Bay. By Thursday morning, the stores supply of filled 50-pound sandbags had dwindled from 16 pallets to 3 pallets, store manager Erica Jarmon said. In fact, those remaining bags were filled with play sand intended for childrens sandboxes. Some customers are even using bags of soil out in the garden department. Getting creative whatever kind of barriers they can actually use, Jarmon said, standing alongside her remaining sandbags. Other hurricane supplies: included generators, gas cans, flashlights, sump pumps, extension cords, blue tarps, plywood and more, Jarmon said. Fans are another big one, especially for mold, mildew, just trying to get any wet walls dried faster," Jarmon said. "Bleach is another big one after the fact." Rick Neale, Florida Today Longtime resident listening to Helene warnings The usually bustling Sea Hag Marina on Florida's targeted Big Bend coast was mostly deserted Thursday ahead of Helene. Bobbi Patterson, 85, was moving anything that could get soaked rugs, chairs, a sofa from her home on the Steinhatchee River to another one she owns across the street. Patterson planned to evacuate to a motel in Gainesville. Her daughter, Susan Merritt, 63, was helping. In the 40 years Patterson has owned her riverfront bungalow, it's flooded twice. She said the media tends to overhype storms, but she's taking this one seriously. Still, she said she hates to think she and her daughter were hauling furniture across the street for nothing. "It's pretty much stripped," she said of her home on the river. "It better be something happens." Katrina survivors wary of Helene If a house was built after 2004, according to Florida building code, it will be likely to withstand 115-mph winds. But if a home was built before 2004, Florida Emergency Management Director Kevin Guthrie urged people to "make decisions on solid information." With catastrophic storm surge expected along Florida's coast, northern Gulf Coast residents Gene and Margaret Taylor understand better than anyone about the tragedy storm water can bring. As Hurricane Katrina approached in August 2005, the Taylor family fled their Gulf-front home in Bay St. Louis, Mississippi, heading miles inland to his brother's home. The now-legendary hurricane pulverized their home and community with a record-breaking 28-foot-storm surge. Gene Taylor first thought his bare street looked like it did "when the French first arrived" in Mississippi during the late 1600s. "We could never have imagined the house would be gone," he recalled. Read more here. Dinah Voyles Pulver Contributing: Kyla A Sanford, Tarah Jean, Jeff Burlew and Ana Goni-Lessan, Tallahassee Democrat; Reuters This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Hurricane Helene updates: Category 1 storm rumbles into Georgia JERUSALEM (Reuters) - Israel said on Thursday it had secured an $8.7 billion aid package from the United States to support its ongoing military efforts and to maintain a qualitative military edge in the region. The package includes $3.5 billion for essential wartime procurement, which has already been received and earmarked for critical military purchases, and $5.2 billion designated for air defense systems including the Iron Dome anti-missile system, David's Sling and an advanced laser system. Israel is currently fighting on two fronts, against the Palestinian Islamist group Hamas in Gaza and the Iran-backed Hezbollah movement in Lebanon. The aid announcement came after negotiations at the Pentagon between Eyal Zamir, the director general of Israel's defense ministry, and U.S. defense officials, including acting Under Secretary of Defense for Policy Amanda Dory, Israel's Defense Ministry said in a statement. "This substantial investment will significantly strengthen critical systems such as Iron Dome and David's Sling while supporting the continued development of an advanced high-powered laser defense system currently in its later stages of development," it said. The ministry said the deal underscores the "strong and enduring strategic partnership between Israel and the United States and the ironclad commitment to Israel's security", particularly in addressing regional security threats from Iran and Iranian-backed militias. (Reporting by Steven Scheer; Editing by Kevin Liffey and Gareth Jones) John Leguizamo at the Alamo in San Antonio. For John Leguizamo, his 2017 one-man Broadway play Latin History for Morons was his introduction into addressing and tackling the erasure of our Latin history. Now in American Historia: The Untold Story of Latinos, Leguizamo sets the record straight as he delves into the sweep of U.S. Latino and Latin American history from the powerful and technologically advanced Indigenous empires to the Civil Rights Movement in a three-part series that premieres Friday on PBS. Weve been crossed out, erased, deleted. And this is our way of undoing that, Leguizamo said in a video interview with series co-creator Ben DeJesus. The actor referenced a 2023 study from Johns Hopkins University, which said that 87% of key topics in Latino history were either not covered in the books that were evaluated or mentioned in five or fewer sentences. 'You can't just use your Googles' American Historia follows Leguizamo as he visits historic sites that are relevant to Latino history and speaks with different experts, including Latina civil rights icon and United Farm Workers co-founder Dolores Huerta. The first episode of the series focuses on the rise and fall of Indigenous empires in the Americas the Olmec, Inca, Maya and Aztec, which predated the arrival of the Spaniards and other European colonizers. He then moves on in the second episode to feature key Latino figures in U.S. history during the 17th, 18th and 19th centuries. The third episode covers civil rights movements that championed Latino activism and solidarity in the 20th century. Co-creator DeJesus says the seed for the series was planted during the filming of a documentary about Latin History for Morons. Pretty early on in the process, John and I had a conversation about what if we took you [Leguizamo] to the places where this history actually happened and we did it as an in-depth expose, he said. Thats why were here now. John Leguizamo with professor Jose Moya in Philadelphia. Part of the challenge of telling Latino history, Leguizamo said, is that you have to find it. It was years and years of studying Latin history, the actor reflected. You cant just use your Googles. You have to go and read tons of books then you get a compendium of all this information and thats what this series is. Its sort of the cherry-picking of the most important facts that I was able to find. Leguizamo said that he was inspired to tell this three-part history by reading the books of the late Uruguayan journalist, novelist and activist Eduardo Galeano. Specifically, Leguizamo pointed to Galeanos Memory of Fire trilogy, which divides the history of the Americas into three parts: from pre-Colombian tribes to European colonies up to the 17th century, then followed by independence and nation-building movements in the 18th and 19th centuries, and concluding with 20th-century social and political events. When asked about the legacy of these histories, Leguizamo explained that it boils down to recognizing that Latinos and their histories stand shoulder to shoulder with other groups. "We came from kings and powerful empires that were equal to anything in Europe or Asia," the actor said. "There were 30 million Aztecs, 30 million Incas we had bigger empires on this side of the world than the other side of the world at the same time." The actor listed that many accomplishments of those early kings and empires in the Americas from the sophisticated construction of aqueducts and toilets well before the arrival of Columbus to one of the most precise trackings of the planet Venus to the development of the Mayan concept of zero these were taking place at the same time as other big cultural developments in the Middle East and Asia. Ultimately, both co-creators noted, something even deadlier than guns and steel would lead to the demise of these Latin American kingdoms and empires. The one thing we didnt have, unfortunately, is immunity to the diseases that came from Europe, DeJesus said, which he considered much more devastating than the Europeans' military skills and weapons. Leguizamo referred to these pandemics as a death knell that took us down all at once. The series will shine a spotlight on key Latino histories that many viewers might not know. One of these hidden stories connects Spanish-speaking allies with George Washington. Do you know what you need to fight a war? Dinero, plata, chavo, thats right, and lots of it, Leguizamo explains in the second episode. So when Washington was running low on cash to pay his army, he turned to his Latino amigos for help. These friends delivered the money that Washington needed to keep his Continental Army fighting. And off-camera, DeJesus called attention to a group of women who played a significant part. Cuban ladies actually gathered all their jewelry to be able to help George Washington feed his troops at a very crucial time of the American Revolution, he said. The 1945 book Admiral De Grasse and American Independence, by Charles Lee Lewis, describes how 1.2 million livres (the currency of the Kingdom of France during the American Revolution) was raised in Havana to support Washingtons troops, with ladies even offering their diamonds. Knowing these facts, Leguizamo explained, is a form of activism. When you have these historical facts, it changes you, the actor said. It empowers you, it gives you a sense that you matter, that youre important, and the kids especially feel that. For DeJesus, knowing Latino history also gives you a sense of belonging. When you start thinking about, when did Latinos arrive here? The answer is weve always been here, DeJesus said. District Judge Kevin Mullins; Letcher County Sheriff Shawn "Mickey" Stines. The general counsel for Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear ordered the sheriff accused of gunning down a judge in his chambers to resign by the end of the week or face removal proceedings. In a letter Wednesday, S. Travis Mayo told Letcher County Sheriff Shawn Mickey Stines that if he does not tender his resignation to the Letcher County judge/executive by the end of Friday he will move forward with removing him under a state law that allows governors to fire peace officers for neglect. Stines, who pleaded not guilty to a charge of first-degree murder in connection with the Sept. 19 shooting of District Judge Kevin Mullins, has 20 days to prepare a defense, according to the statute. Mullins, 54, was shot multiple times and pronounced dead at the scene. Stines, 43, surrendered at the courthouse without incident. The Letcher County Sheriffs Office could not be reached for comment Thursday. A lawyer representing Stines in a 2022 federal civil case accusing him of failing to adequately train and supervise a deputy accused of abuse did not immediately respond to a request for comment. Letcher County Judge/Executive Terry Adams did not immediately respond to a request for comment. A Kentucky State Police spokesman has said the shooting at the Letcher County Courthouse occurred after an argument in the building. Authorities have not disclosed a possible motive. The Letcher County Courthouse in Whitesburg, Ky. Three days before the shooting, Stines was deposed for nearly four hours in connection with the federal lawsuit, which alleges the deputy abused a woman, according to the victims lawyer. A filing in the case from Stines lawyer argued that Stines was protected from being sued over the allegations because of his position as an elected official and law enforcement officer. Asked whether state police are investigating a potential link between the suit and the shooting, a spokesman for the agency, Matt Gayheart, said, Nothing is being ruled out as a possible motive at this point. Jonathan Shaw, the lawyer representing Stines in the lawsuit, said he did not know anything about the shooting other than what has been reported in the news. I hope that in time we will have a clearer understanding of the circumstances that led to Judge Mullins death, Shaw said in an email. Wiki Commons How did a young Jewish woman who escaped Nazi-occupied Austria in the late 1930s end up in New York and emerge as one of the most dynamic illustrators of comic books a few years later? In a new episode of the Exile podcast series, hosted by actor Mandy Patinkin, and produced by the Leo Baeck Institute, the story of Lily Renee Phillips (nee Wilhelm) is fully told. Wilhelm was born in 1921 in Vienna. It was a lovely city, she said in a 2019 taped interview. I mean, culture was in the air. You couldn't escape it. It was really present every day. Wilhelms father was a shipping executive, so her family lived comfortably in a plush apartment with a chef and maid. An only child, Lily began drawing at a young age. Yet the Austria Lily was growing up in was increasingly falling under the threat of fascism. Anti-Semitism was a constant presence in Vienna. The menace became more real after Germany annexed Austria in 1938. To make matters worse, many Austrians welcomed the Nazis enthusiastically. By then, Lily was in her late teens. Immediately after the Nazi takeover, there were signs that life for Viennas Jewish community was going to get worse. One day, while Lily was waiting in line at a foreign consulate, SS officers showed up and forced her and a group of other Jews into a nearby synagogue. They feared the SS would set the synagogue on fire. They were released without further incident. Kristallnacht, the Night of Broken Glass, a spree of violence against Jews, occurred in Germany and Austria soon afterward. It was clear Lily needed to leave Austria. With help from an English penpal, she was able to travel to the UK as part of the Kindertransport program sponsored by the British. Lily ended up living with a family in Leeds. In 1941, she discovered that her parents had managed to flee Austria and make their way to New York. Lily soon booked passage on a ship and sailed to America to join her parents. But she was shocked at how theyd aged when she finally met them. Her parents had lost everything, and it had taken a toll. Her mother was frail, having been kicked by a Nazi soldier back in Vienna. The Wilhelms were also living in reduced circumstances, in refugee housing. And they had one room, recalled Lily. And it was so hot that I sat out on the fire escape in the back during the night because the humidity and the heat was so horrendous. Things changed for Lily when her mother spotted an ad for a comic book publishing company called Fiction House seeking artists. They went to the newsstand, they bought a couple of comics, Lily studied them, and she drew a couple of panels, just sample panels, and brought those to Fiction House, along with, of course, her portfolio of her non-comic work, explains Trina Robbins, a comic book historian. Lily was hired, although found working at Fiction House difficult. It was like hell because there were these men who were like adolescents that were thinking of nothing but sex all the time, she recalled. And here I was landed in the middle of this. It was just terrible. Eventually she was given an opportunity to work and develop a comic book. And soon she was conjuring up forceful female characters, sometimes vampy and seductive and sometimes fierce and pugnacious. She had a kind of a German expressionist style, which of course, she's from Vienna, the place of Klimt, you know? recalls Robbins. Wiki Commons As her skill and talent were recognized, Lily was put in charge of more popular strips. Eventually she began to draw the character who would make her name: Senorita Rio. With flowing jet black hair, long elegant legs, and a deadly left hook, agent Rio was a spy with movie star looksan iron fist in a velvet glove. Moonlighting as a nightclub entertainer, Rio travels around South America battling Axis agents and foiling Nazi plots. Lily became one of Fiction Houses most accomplished artists. But in 1950, she quit the comic books industry and focused on marriage and raising two children. It was only years later that her granddaughter discovered that Lily had a fan club of her art, and there was even an exhibit of her work at a New York comics gallery. She didn't know there was a fan club, says Nina Pillips, her daughter. She didn't know that she was in print in any way. She thought it was all in the past and no one paid any more attention and she certainly hadn't paid any attention. Lily was invited to speak at events and on panels. In 2007, Comic Con recognized Lily with an Inkpot award, given to individuals for their contributions to the world of comics. And in 2021 she was inducted into Comic Cons Eisner Hall of Fame. Wiki Commons Then the Jewish Museum in Vienna decided to put on an exhibit of her work in Vienna in 2019. It was called Three With a Pen and explored the life and work of three Viennese artists and cartoonists forced into exile. A selection of Lilys cartoons and book illustrations were featured, including photos from her childhood and pieces from throughout her life. One of the greatest moments that I think all of us shared in the family with her was when she was being honored in Vienna, through an exhibit at the Jewish Museum, says Nina Phillips. So they had this big auditorium that after viewing this exhibit, speeches were made. And at the end of the speeches, they presented my mother with the first copy of her book in English and in German. A couple of years later, the exhibition was recreated at the New York Austrian Cultural Center. In 2022, Lily died in Manhattan at the age of 101. This article was produced and syndicated by MediaFeed.org. Rolls of "I Voted" stickers are stored at the Maricopa County Tabulation and Election Center in Phoenix on June 3. Derek Bowens has never had such an important job. Hes the director of elections in Durham County, North Carolina, one of the most-populous areas of a state thats increasingly viewed as crucial to the 2024 presidential contest. So when a former precinct official emailed Bowens in July to warn him of a post containing voting misinformation that was spreading virally on Facebook, Bowens quickly recognized that he may be facing a crisis. The post, written as if from an authority on the subject, said voters should request new ballots if a poll worker, or anyone else, writes anything on their form, because it would be invalidated. The same incorrect message was spread on Facebook during the 2020 election, but the platform flagged the content at the time as false information and linked to a story that debunked the rumor by Facebooks fact-checking partner, USA Today. Bowens said no such tag appeared on the post, which was widespread enough that the North Carolina State Board of Elections had to issue a press release on Aug. 2, informing voters that false posts have been circulating for years and have resurfaced recently in many N.C. counties. It was spreading and there wasnt anything happening to stop it until our state put out a press release and we started engaging with our constituency on it, Bowens told CNBC in an interview. The elections board wrote a post on Facebook, telling voters to steer clear of false and misleading information about elections, with a link to its website. As of Wednesday, the post had eight comments and 50 shares. Meanwhile, multiple Facebook users in states like North Carolina, Mississippi and New Jersey continue to share the ballot misinformation without any notification that its false. CNBC flagged posts with the false information to Meta. A company spokesperson said, Meta has sent them to third-party fact-checkers for further review. Across the U.S., with 40 days until the Nov. 5 election, state and local officials say they are puzzled by what to expect from Facebook. Like in the past two presidential election cycles, the spread of misinformation on the social network has threatened to disrupt voting in whats expected to be another razor-thin contest decided by thousands of voters in a handful of states. Recently, a Facebook post containing a false claim about Haitian immigrants eating pets in Springfield, Ohio, ballooned out of control and gained resonance after it was repeated by Republican nominee Donald Trump in a debate. In 2016, Facebook was hammered by Russian operatives, pushing out false posts about Hillary Clinton to bolster Trump. In 2020, the site hosted rampant misinformation about politically charged issues like Covid treatments, masking and voter fraud. The big difference this go-round is that Facebook has largely removed itself from the equation. In 2021, Meta began pushing political and civic content lower in its algorithms, which contributed to a dramatic decline in news traffic last year for publishers. Earlier this year, Meta announced that it would deprioritize the recommendation of political content on Instagram and its Twitter-like Threads service, a move the company said more aligns with what consumers want to see on their feeds. Still, posts with false information can spread rapidly across wide swaths of users along with comments that amplify the misinformation, and government agencies have little ability to counteract them, because they have such limited reach on the platform. More from CNBC FBI searches NYC Mayor Eric Adams home Gracie Mansion, after he is indicted in federal case 36-year-old mom making $10,000 a month or more in passive income: My best side hustle advice Trump says Zelenskyy insulted him; House GOP to probe Ukraine leaders PA trip And while Facebook has lost some of its prominence due in part to the rise of TikTok, particularly among younger audiences, the site still had more than 200 million daily users in the U.S. and Canada at the end of last year, the last time it issued regional numbers. Facebook and Instagram are generally both in the top 10 among the most-visited websites and most-popular apps in the U.S, according to the Pew Research Center and Similarweb. Interviews with nearly a dozen regional and statewide government officials with election-related duties reveal the challenges they say theyre having using and monitoring Metas apps, as well as other social networking services like X, now owned by Elon Musk. The officials say theyre working overtime to ensure the safety and integrity of the election but say theyre receiving little effective help from the companies, which scaled back their trust and safety teams as part of broader cost-cutting efforts that began in 2022. Meta ultimately cut 21,000 jobs, including in trust and safety and customer service, over multiple rounds of layoffs. As CNBC reported last year, the company dissolved a fact-checking tool that would have let news services like The Associated Press and Reuters, as well as credible experts, add comments at the top of questionable articles as a way to verify their trustworthiness. Reuters is still listed as a fact-checking partner, but an AP spokesperson said the news agencys fact-checking agreement with Meta ended back in January. The Meta spokesperson told CNBC in a statement that the companys integrity efforts continue to lead the industry and we have around 40,000 people globally working on safety and security more than we had during the 2020 cycle. The company says it now partners with about 100 third-party fact-checking groups across the globe who review and rate viral misinformation in more than 60 languages. Challenges in Maricopa County Like North Carolina, Arizona is one of the seven swing states expected to determine whether Trump or Vice President Kamala Harris, the Democratic nominee, win the presidency. That reality has put Taylor Kinnerup in the spotlight. Kinnerup is the communications director for the recorders office of Maricopa County, home to more than half of Arizonas population. Kinnerup and her colleagues use social media to distribute up-to-date information about election-related procedures, like when residents can mail in early ballots or where to find their voting center. Its a particularly sensitive job following Trumps false claims of voter fraud in Arizona in 2020, when the state went blue for the first time in a presidential contest since 1996. Given Maricopa Countys high profile during the election season, the state often attracts attention from Facebook users across the country. Many of them, Kinnerup said, are older and still leave comments about debunked conspiracy theories, such as the false claim that Sharpie markers invalidate ballots. Kinnerup said her team places extreme emphasis on constant communication and transparency to the public, actively sharing election-related content across Facebook and Instagram, particularly during peak hours when its more likely to reach voters. A few months ago, Kinnerup discovered that her offices Facebook and Instagram accounts were no longer linked, meaning she couldnt access the apps using the same credentials, or automatically schedule a single post to go across both sites. Ahead of the primary elections in July, Kinnerup said she struggled to resolve the account issues with Meta. She said she engaged in a monthslong email exchange with numerous representatives, but found there was no way to really make progress. When she did get a response, it was little more than a canned statement, Kinnerup said. Meanwhile, Kinnerup is busy overseeing media and constituent tours of the countys election facilities to help dispel false notions that the process is being rigged as her office continues to deal with the fallout of the 2020 election. Kinnerup said she led more than 20 such tours in June. I couldnt be dealing with Meta every single day, because I had to be giving tours, Kinnerup said. The time spent trying to find a fix was a huge issue for me, she said. By the time Kinnerup said shed resolved her account issues, in mid-July, she and her colleagues had wasted countless hours on the problem, leaving her team to feel we were put in a position where the full message we were trying to get out wasnt ever fully there. Even with her offices Facebook and Instagram accounts working again, Kinnerup says their organic social media posts generate little engagement, and her team has used sponsored ads to help expand reach across the platforms. Her team has continued with the facility tours, leading 25 this month. Metas spokesperson said the company has been hosting training sessions for state and local officials since February, informing them of tools like voting alerts, which allow them to send messages to people in their area. There are multiple channels by which officials can reach us, including teams responsible for specific states and regions, and our ability to respond to them remains unchanged, the spokesperson said. Kinnerup said she was not aware of any of this, and in her year in the role has never received any direct communication with Meta that Im aware of. Bowens told CNBC in a follow-up email that he was not aware of the sessions or the tools. Congress is well aware of potential problems. During a Senate hearing last week on election threats, Metas head of global affairs, Nick Clegg, fielded questions about the companys election preparedness. Sen. Susan Collins, R-Maine, expressed concern about the safety and integrity of down-ballot races at the state level, county level, local level. Intelligence agencies, Collins said, have told senators that bad actors from China could be focusing on disrupting regional races as opposed to the presidential election, and that state and regional officials are far less likely to receive the kinds of briefings that we receive or to get information from Homeland Security or the FBI on how to be on alert. Clegg said Collins was right to be concerned and that Metas vigilance needs to be constant. It cant just sort of peak at the time of the presidential elections, Clegg said. Three people will see it For Scott McDonell, the Dane County clerk in the swing state of Wisconsin, its been difficult to share accurate voting information on Facebook from his offices official government account, which only has 608 followers on Facebook. McDonell said his posts get very little traction compared with years past. If I link to a story about election security, three people will see it, McDonell said. Posts that include pictures do marginally better, he said, because Facebook likes pictures. Dont link to an article, that will go to zero, he said. McDonell said many of his colleagues have gotten abused so much on Facebook in recent years that they dont post about elections anymore. Basically, your average county clerk is terrified of it, and they just do it to share baby photos, McDonell said. In Los Angeles County, Jeramy Gray, the chief deputy of the registrar-recorder/county clerk office, said small government offices often lack the resources needed to effectively utilize social media and to troubleshoot problems. Meta recently put a team together to assist his office, Gray said, adding that the company appears to be the most mature of the big platforms even if its not a model partner. What I would like to see is just more engagement from them, at least three to four months from a large national election, for them to reach out to key stakeholders at the state and local level to really talk about what they can do or what theyre doing, Gray said. Bowens, in North Carolinas Durham County, said the tech platforms could be much more helpful in assisting his office and others as they navigate through some of the confusion about what type of content is acceptable. Bowens said hes concerned about acting too aggressively because of potential censorship issues and recognizes theres a gray area between misinformation and citizens exercising their First Amendment rights. You know, weve got a very diverse election system in this country, Bowens said. What was on that post may very well be true in another state. Therefore, is it misinformation? On Wednesday, September 25, the Lausanne Movement issued an official apology for remarks by Ruth Padilla DeBorst during a Monday evening session where she spoke about the war in Gaza and blamed certain people for using dispensational eschatology as an excuse for violence. The apology inadvertently created further controversy, however, as some questioned why these but not other comments were deemed offensive and called on participants of such global events to behave like grown-ups who can handle robust debates. In her speech that formed part of the session on Recommitment Calling the global Church toward faithfulness in word & deed, Padilla DeBorst spoke about the prophecy in Micah 6:8 that says, He has shown you, O mortal, what is good. And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God. She lamented that the many forms of injustice seen in different parts of the world today resemble the same kind of injustices the Old Testament prophet Micah would have seen in his day, and she challenged the Church not to stay silent. As part of her remarks, she highlighted that Jesus told his disciples that love is shown in obedience to Gods Word. But she also criticized what she considers religious ideologies that perpetuate injustice. Stay informed with The Christian Daily Newsletter Sign up If you love me, you will keep my commandments. There's no room for doubt. God is worshiped not by rights, religious festivities, or even mission activism, all practices that can simply serve as masks, but by ethical obedience. What makes Gods people such are not superficial expressions of religious piety, Christianese jargon, worship jingles, or colonialist theologies that justify and finance oppression under the guise of some dispensational eschatology, she said. Later on, as she referred to loving mercy in Micah 6:8, Padilla DeBorst referenced the war in Gaza, saying: There's no room for indifference towards all who are suffering the scourge of war and violence. The world around the uprooted and beleaguered people of Gaza, the hostages held by both Israel and Hamas and their families, the threatened Palestinians in their own territories. All who around the world are mourning the loss of loved ones. Their pain is our pain. The two passages triggered strong reactions by some participants who accused Padilla DeBorst of blaming violence in the Holy Land on dispensational eschatology, a theological view that holds to a literal interpretation of Old Testament prophecies that speak about the nation of Israel. Further objections pointed to her assertion of Israel holding hostages and the lack of mention of Hamas attack on Israel on October 7, among others. Apology says Lausanne failed to carefully review manuscript, consider potential offense to diverse audience However, criticism was also directed at Lausannes leadership for not acting before Padilla DeBorst took the stage. In a press conference the following day, a Lausanne spokesperson confirmed to reporters that all manuscripts had to be submitted by speakers ahead of time for review, to estimate timing and to prepare translations into other languages. He also confirmed that the manuscript contained the passages in question and that no feedback was given to or change requested from the speaker. Finally, two days after the speech, Lausanne Congress Director David Bennett sent an official apology to all participants. He highlighted that Lausanne is a diverse community and that although we share a common biblical and theological foundation in our affirmation of the Lausanne Covenant, the Manila Manifesto, and the Cape Town Commitment, we include people from a great variety of cultural, theological, historical and political perspectives. Lausanne seeks to create space for robust discussions, including theological discourse, in pursuit of greater wisdom in the advancement of global mission. Bennett acknowledged that speakers may hold a variety of views on different issues. They will sometimes disagree with one another, even though they each affirm the foundational documents, he said. But he also emphasized that speakers statements do not necessarily represent an official Lausanne position. Nevertheless, the organizations leadership seeks to be gracious and respectful listeners in our interactions with one another, in the spirit of Lausanne. Referring to Lausannes review of manuscripts, he then said Lausanne failed to be careful enough and did not sufficiently consider how a speakers words or tone of voice may come across to the diverse audience gathered at the event. While not naming Padilla DeBorst directly, Bennett then apologized for the offense her remarks caused, saying: As Congress Director, I would like to offer an apology for a presentation this week which singled out dispensational eschatology in a critical tone, implying that it contributed to violence and injustice, and which failed to note that many theologies have been misused and misapplied as justifications for violence. That same presentation referred to the suffering of the Palestinian people, but did not express comparable empathy for the suffering of Israeli people, nor adequately express concern for many other peoples and nations of the world that are currently in the throes of violent conflict, he said. We have become aware of significant pain and offense experienced at this Congress from those in dispensational theological contexts, those who are Jews, and those engaged in ministries to Jews and/or in Israel. Our Lausanne team, including me, failed to review the wording of the presentation carefully enough in advance, or to anticipate the hurts and misunderstandings it would cause. As your brother in Christ, and on behalf of our Lausanne leadership, I ask for your forgiveness, he concluded. Padilla DeBorst points to limited time, emphasizes importance of speaking up Approached by Christian Daily International for comment, Padilla DeBorst shared her response to the apology, which she said she prepared after a conversation with Bennett and began circulating even before Lausanne issued their statement. She started by recalling how the Lausanne Program Team asked her to talk in Seoul about a theme that is central to Gods character, to the Good News, and to the calling of Gods people in the world. Properly addressing such a vast topic, however, would have required significantly more time than what she was assigned in the program, she pointed out. I was given 15 minutes to speak about justice. Perhaps, I should never have accepted the invitation! There are so many expressions of injustice in our world, how could anyone thoroughly and responsibly tackle such a deep and broad ranging theme, and the complicated scenarios related to it from a biblical and theological standpoint in only 15 minutes? she asked. She went on to present her stance on the importance of speaking out on critical issues: Seeking justice is a marker of Gods people and this requires mourning the pain, naming wrongs, repenting for our complicity, and acting in accordance with Gods character through the work of the Holy Spirit. God hears the cries of those suffering injustice, she said, and echoing Gods compassion means weeping with the poor and marginalized, whether they be victims of racism, abuse, displacement or other issues. We weep with all who suffer war the world round. Their pain is our pain, she said. We are sent into the world in all its messiness as Jesus was. We do not shy away from reality in spite of its complexity. Instead, we name what we see, recognizing that our perspective is marked by our experience and context, that others have different views, that we can only gain a fuller picture by listening humbly to one another and that, at the same time, we are to actively seek justice, echoing with Gods heart to make all things right. Referring to her remarks about dispensational eschatology, she emphasized that this was not in any way a blanket dismissal of dispensational theology and, even less, of sisters and brothers who subscribe to that stance. For the pain my statement might have caused, I am sorry, she added, and clarified that what she actually referred to in her speech was the troubling theological rationale sustained by some people to perpetrate injustice against certain other people. Speaking to the second issue, she explained why she decided to highlight the war in Gaza. Although I did refer to all who are suffering and all who are mourning the world round, why would I zero in on Gaza and Palestinians? Why explicitly name only them? I am convinced that this is a current justice issue in relation to which we, as Christians, have a particular responsibility, she said. She continued by stating, Truly, the Hamas attack almost a year ago was abhorrent and absolutely reprehensible, and truly people who live in Israel, Jewish, Palestinian and others are being threatened as I write. Their pain is our pain. At the same time, the long-standing suffering of Palestinians has been compounded by the attacks on Gaza since October 7 where over 40,000 people have been killed, many of them, children. Additionally, settler attacks have only increased in the West Bank. Their pain is our pain or it should be, she said. She asserted, however, that far too many evangelicals around the world a-critically stand with Israel, and remain oblivious to the suffering Palestinians. This injustice must be named. She concluded by referencing another speaker at the Lausanne Congress, saying, It is my prayer that, as the Reverend Dr Anne Zaki so clearly challenged us, we might courageously raise our voices and not be silenced and that we might humbly engage in respectful conversation in the midst of our differences so that, together, we might declare and display Christ in a broken world. Lausanne apology risks contributing to more division While Lausannes apology sought to quiet down criticism from some corners, it risks stirring up even greater controversy as participants expressed concerns about the leaderships selective judgment by singling out these two particular issues and ignoring others. In my view this apology was totally against the ethos of Lausanne, said Tim Adams, General Secretary of the International Fellowship of Evangelical Students in comments sent to Christian Daily International. Within the agreed theological framework of previous Lausanne statements, Lausanne has been a place which brings people together to overcome barriers and unite to serve the Great Commission, he said, adding: My fear is this apology will do more to divide than to unite. Speaking from his own experience as head of a global movement that embraces those with different theological perspectives, within an agreed doctrinal basis, he also challenged those who took offense by Padilla DeBorst remarks. Without commenting on the content of the speech, Adams said, Lausanne is a place for grown-up Christians who can handle robust debate with fellow evangelical believers without throwing their toys out of the pram. At the same time, he believes its not too late to come together to resolve disagreements and find a way forward that reflects the Spirit of Lausanne. The congress is not over, and I hope we can work through this. Naomi Campbell is barred from serving as a charity trustee for five years after a United Kingdom watchdog group found evidence of financial misconduct at the model's charity, Fashion for Relief. The U.K.'s Charity Commission released a report Thursday, noting in a release that the charity was "poorly governed" and "had inadequate financial management." Its investigation found the charity spent less than 9% of its earnings on grants and causes, and that some of the charity's expenses were "not reasonable." This includes a stay at a five-star hotel and security for Campbell, 54, during an event at Cannes Film Festival in 2018, as well as "spa treatments, room service, and the purchase of cigarettes." Naomi Campbell attends the 17th annual Harlem's Fashion Row Fashion Show & Style Awards on Sept. 3, 2024, in New York City. USA TODAY has reached out to Campbell's reps for comment. Two of Campbell's co-trustees, Bianka Hellmich and Veronica Chou, were also barred from serving as trustees for nine and four years, respectively. The Charity Commission's investigation found Hellmich received over 290,000, or over $388,000, in consultancy fees, which were unauthorized by the commission. The commission noted Fashion for Relief "failed to manage" partnerships with two charities: Save the Children Fund and the Mayor's Fund for London. The commission brought in interim managers to make outstanding payments to the charities totaling about 345,000, or over $460,000. Naomi Campbell remains iconic and shades Anna Wintour at Harlem's Fashion Row event "This inquiry, and the work of the interim managers we appointed to run the charity in place of the trustees, has resulted in the recovery of 344,000 and protection of a further 98,000 charitable funds," said Tim Hopkins, Charity Commission deputy director, in a released statement. "I am pleased that the inquiry has seen donations made to other charities which this charity has previously supported." Fashion for Relief, which was officially registered in 2015, a decade after its founding, was dissolved and removed from the country's register of charities this March. The legendary British supermodel founded Fashion For Relief in 2005. Its website says it has "supported many important humanitarian causes," including the Ebola crisis and Hurricane Katrina, and other causes like Time's Up. Naomi Campbell is 'extremely concerned' about Charity Commission's findings Speaking with The Associated Press on Thursday in Paris, Campbell said, "I've just found out today about the findings, and I am extremely concerned. And we are investigating on our side." She was made a knight of the Order of Arts and Letters at the French Ministry for Culture Thursday night. "As I was not in control of my charity, I put the control in the hands of a legal lawyer," she continued. "So we are investigating to find out what and how." "As everything I do and every penny I ever raised goes towards charities." This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Naomi Campbell banned from charity role after UK watchdog report By Jaspreet Singh (Reuters) - Dell Technologies said on Thursday that their global sales team employees who are able to work from the company offices must do so five days a week, starting Sept. 30, according to a memo seen by Reuters. The change is to leverage collaborative environment and "grow skills", which requires the team to be in the office, the memo said. "Working remotely should be the exception rather than the routine," it added. The field representatives from the sales team are expected to spend five days a week with customers and partners, or in the office. The team was previously required to work from the office for three days per week, according to the memo. "Remote sales team members who can't go into a Dell office should continue to work remotely," Dell added. The company also mentioned that it will provide more information related to remote workers in the coming weeks. Since the pandemic, many companies have permitted employees to work from home. Some tech firms, however, now want employees to return to the office for two to three days each week. Last week, e-commerce giant Amazon.com said it would require employees to return to working at company offices five days per week, beginning next year, toughening a prior three-day mandate. (Reporting by Harshita Mary Varghese and Jaspreet Singh in Bengaluru; Editing by Mohammed Safi Shamsi) Joshua McLean was shot in Weavers Fields, east London [Google] Eight men have been arrested in connection with the fatal shooting of a man in east London last month. Joshua McLean, 31, was shot dead at about 20:30 BST on 6 August in Weavers Fields, Bethnal Green. Detectives arrested eight men, aged between 17 and 56, on suspicion of murder on Wednesday. A Metropolitan Police spokesperson said they remained in custody. Det Insp Jonny Newell said: "Our thoughts remain with Joshuas family, who are absolutely devastated by this tragic incident. "I am grateful to those who have spoken to officers and provided information that assisted us in our inquiries but would like to appeal to anyone who was in the area at the time of this incident to get in touch with police." Det Supt James Conway said the arrests marked a "significant development" in the "painstaking investigation". 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 A former CIA officer has been found guilty in a Virginia court of assaulting a female subordinate at an office party last year, the latest in a string of public court cases documenting what victims allege is a systemic failure by the agency to properly adjudicate cases of sexual assault and harassment. Donald James Asquith was convicted of misdemeanor assault and battery in Loudoun County District Court on Wednesday morning and was sentenced to six months, with all but 24 hours of that sentence suspended if he abides by the law. He has appealed. In disturbing testimony from the stand, the victim, identified in court only as Margaret T, recounted that Asquith, her boss at the time, drunkenly groped her after making a series of sexually graphic and demeaning statements to and about her during an office gathering for his 50th birthday in June 2023. According to a statement from a CIA spokesperson, Within days of receiving a report of this incident, CIA acted swiftly to restrict Mr. Asquiths access to, and contact with, the victim. According to multiple sources, Asquith was eligible for retirement at the time of the incident and, afterwards, moved to do so something the victims attorney, Kevin Carroll, suggested was a failure on the part of the agency to take disciplinary action against him. Asquith, he said, was allowed to retire; the CIA spokesman said in a statement only that Asquith had separated from the Agency in September 2023. In a victim impact statement delivered to the court, T described seeking justice in a Byzantine and ultimately useless process with the employer. According to Carroll, T sought guidance from CIA for months about how to securely report her assault to law enforcement without jeopardizing her colleagues Agency covers and mission. CIA never provided her such guidance. The CIA was not named in public court; statements from both Carroll and the agency as well as multiple sources confirm that the workplace in question was a satellite office facility belonging to the agency in Loudoun County, Virginia. An attorney for Asquith did not respond to a request for comment. T testified that on June 9, 2023, she attended a birthday celebration for Asquith in a conference room at the CIA facility. She and other CIA employees testified that Asquith appeared to have been drinking heavily by the time she arrived around 4:15 that afternoon. Asquith, T said, almost immediately grabbed the lanyard around her neck with her photograph on it and said: Can you believe how sexy she is?, referencing her age. As the party went on, according to T, he began to ask her how often she and her husband had sex, pantomimed oral sex, asked questions about her personal grooming asking about her bikini area and if I was clean and bare, T said and then, began to touch her legs. T, who was seated next to Asquith, testified that she repeatedly sought to move her chair away, but that Asquith would pull it back close to him. At one point, she testified, he lifted his legs in the air, bent his knees, and said to the room: Look at me, Im [T]. T testified that she didnt leave because she thought she could deescalate the situation with Asquith, whom she said she was keenly aware was her boss. But eventually, she testified, he leaned over and forcibly shoved his hand beneath her skirt, exposing my underwear. At that point, T said, she froze, and a colleague made the decision that they should leave. As she departed the room, she testified, Asquith grabbed her and rubbed their chests together in what he termed a boobie hug, and forcibly kissed her. A female colleague of Ts, identified only as Kendall G, offered a similar account of a litany of graphic sexual remarks and invasive questions. G confirmed that Asquith compared the breast sizes of women in the office, thrust his hips at the tabletop in a pantomime of the sexual act, and asked female colleagues in the room, including T, about their and their partners use of Viagra. G, as well as a third male colleague, testified that they had seen Asquith reach under Ts skirt. I felt small and powerless and mortified, T testified, clearly holding back tears. Asquiths attorney told the court that Asquith did not remember the events in question. He argued that because T had not verbally articulated her nonconsent to his physical touching and because she had stayed a long time at the party and because Asquith was too intoxicated to have recognized more subtle expressions of nonconsent he could not be said to have intentionally assaulted T. He was, his attorney argued, not required to read her mind. The court was unmoved. This was unwanted touching, Judge Lorrie Sinclair Taylor said. There is no doubt in the courts mind that the defendant is guilty. CIA under scrutiny The trial comes as the CIA has faced an increasingly public reckoning about its handling of sexual assault cases. Wednesdays trial follows a decision by the US District Court in Washington, DC, last week to sentence a former CIA officer to 30 years in prison for drugging and sexually assaulting multiple women; and another misdemeanor conviction, also under appeal, of a former CIA trainee accused of assaulting another trainee in a stairwell at Langley. Both the House and Senate Intelligence Committees have been hearing testimony from alleged victims of sexual assault and harassment at the agency in a multi-year investigation that has spawned legislation reforming CIA processes for handling such cases. In April, the House panel released an eight-page report that found the CIA had failed to handle allegations of sexual assault and harassment within its workforce in a professional and uniform manner, and appeared to mete out little to no accountability or punishment for perpetrators. The report found that there was confusion and disorder in the process for reporting allegations. Victims, the report found, were deterred from coming forward because victims did not have anonymity and were unable to seek confidential assistance. T, in her victim impact statement, spoke obliquely about her frustration that no one nor any institution has yet been willing to hold Mr. Asquith accountable for his grievous decisions and actions. It is a travesty that people who take an oath to serve their country are exactly the people who have in turn ignored and thereby facilitated environments in which a drunken boss can and does use his power to humiliate, belittle and even assault someone in what should be a safe workplace all the while hiding behind claims of privacy and secrecy, she said. If we keep treating these cases like they are parking violations, we all lose, she said. The agency has sought to streamline its reporting processes for victims, including establishing a dedicated office last year to receive allegations of assault and harassment. In February, the agency announced it had put in place a federal law enforcement officer tasked with working with that office to facilitate investigations, including referrals to the appropriate law enforcement entity or investigatory process, according to a July statement from CIA Director Bill Burns. Some victims have alleged that they have been discouraged by the agency from reporting instances of assault to law enforcement because their affiliation with the agency is covert. Burns in his statement insisted that while we understand that employees may have questions about how to engage with law enforcement Agency employees do not need permission to contact law enforcement to report a crime. The fact that a sexual assault or sexual harassment has occurred is not classified, although surrounding circumstances, including the identities of any clandestine employees or facilities related to the allegations, may be, Burns said. For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com The destroyer Sazanami sailed through the waterway on its way to a multilateral exercise in the South China Sea, reports say [Getty Images] A Japanese warship has sailed through the Taiwan Strait between Taiwan and China for the first time, prompting Beijing to lodge complaints with Tokyo. The JS Sazanami, a naval destroyer, travelled south through the strait on Wednesday, accompanied by ships from Australia and New Zealand. It was on its way to military exercises in the South China Sea, Japanese media reported government ministers saying. The passage is a significant move by Japan, which is thought to have avoided sailing its ships through the strait in order not to upset China, which claims self-governed Taiwan and the strait. Japan's government has declined to comment on the ship, citing military operation discretion. But China on Thursday confirmed its military had responded to "the activities of a Japanese Self-Defence Force ship entering the Taiwan Strait". "China is highly vigilant about the political intentions of Japan's actions and has lodged stern representations with Japan," foreign ministry spokesman Lin Jian said. Chinese state newspaper Global Times, citing an unnamed source, said the Chinese military "conducted tracking and monitoring throughout [the vessels'] entire course and had the situation under control". There has been an increase in patrols by the US and its allies to assert their freedom of navigation in the 180km (112-mile) Taiwan Strait. Both the US and Taiwan say it is a key shipping and trade route through which about half of the global container fleet passes, and is part of international waters and is open to all naval vessels. Beijing, which claims sovereignty and jurisdiction over the strait, disagrees. For decades the US Pacific fleet was the only foreign navy that regularly transited the strait. But recently, it was joined by Canada and Australia, Britain and France. Two weeks ago Germany sailed two navy ships through the strait for the first time in decades. China's military accused Germany of increasing security risks by sailing though the strait on 13 September, but Berlin said it acted in accordance with international standards. It was the first time in 22 years for a German naval vessel to traverse the strait. These transits are highly political and designed to show China that America and its allies do not accept Beijings claims. For Japan, it is also another big step away from its long-held policy of not directly challenging China. On Thursday, Japans chief cabinet secretary did not confirm details of the naval operation, but he said Japan felt a strong sense of crisis after repeated airspace violations by the Chinese military, which he said had occurred one after another over a short period of time. Taiwan has not commented on the passage, but its defence ministry said on Wednesday that it saw a surge in the number of Chinese military planes operating around the island. Bec Strating, an international relations professor at La Trobe University in Australia, said Japan's reported transit is "part of a broader pattern of greater naval presence by countries in and beyond Asia that are concerned about China's maritime assertions". "Japan in particular has been dealing with China's 'grey zone' tactics in the East China Sea," she told AFP news agency. Grey zone warfare tactics are aimed at weakening an adversary over a prolonged period of time, analysts say. Last week, Beijing sent an aircraft carrier between two Japanese islands near Taiwan for the first time. In August, a Chinese spy plane flew inside Japan's airspace, prompting Tokyo to condemn the incursion as "utterly unacceptable" and a "serious violation of sovereignty". The leaders of the Quad group of nations - Japan, Australia, India and the US - said last week that they would expand cooperation on maritime security to counter China's increasing assertiveness in the South China Sea. Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell (Ky.) condemned members of his own party for embracing a cult of personality around Hungarys authoritarian leader Viktor Orban Wednesday on the Senate floor. Ive spoken before about Hungarys decade-long drift into the orbit of the Wests most determined adversaries. Its an alarming trend. And nobody certainly not the American conservatives who increasingly form a cult of personality around Prime Minister Viktor Orban can pretend not to see it, McConnell fumed. Right-wing Republicans have grown increasingly affectionate toward Orban due to his cozy relationship with former President Trump. Orbans hard-line policies on immigration and support for anti-LGBTQ laws have made him a darling of the far right. During Trumps debate against Vice President Harris earlier this month, he pointed to the Hungarian leader as proof of his support among foreign leaders. Let me just say about world leaders, Viktor Orban, one of the most respected men, they call him a strong man. Hes a tough person. Smart prime minister of Hungary. They said, Why is the whole world blowing up? Trump said at the time. He said, Because you need Trump back as president. They were afraid of him. China was afraid. And I dont like to use the word afraid, but Im just quoting him. Trump has also repeatedly met with Orban, both in the White House and since leaving. The pair met at Trumps Mar-a-Lago residence in Florida over the summer, where they reportedly discussed peace between Russia and Ukraine. McConnell on Wednesday pointed out Hungarys problematic relations with Russia and China, both adversaries of the U.S. While Hungary is a member of NATO, it has not supplied Ukraine with weapons after Russias invasion in 2022 and held up Swedens bid to join the alliance. Hungarys leaders arent cozying up to Moscow, Beijing, and Tehran in private. Theyre doing it publicly and vocally as well, said McConnell. McConnell added that Orban doesnt just admire Russian President Vladimir Putin. He helps him. His government runs interference for Moscow, gumming up European and transatlantic efforts to combat Russias unlawful aggression at every turn. Orban has spoken at the Conservative Political Action Conference in the U.S., and has been celebrated by far-right media personality Tucker Carlson. McConnell said Republicans had nothing to gain from the relationship. Hungarys leaders have made no secret of their conviction that the future is one of American decline. Theyre not hiding the ways theyre preparing for American weakness and betting on our failure, McConnell concluded. Theres nothing tough about bowing to autocrats. And theres nothing for Americas leaders to gain by praising those who do. Subservience to revanchist powers is not an American value. But far more importantly, it is not in Americas interests, 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. By David Alire Garcia and Belen Carreno MEXICO CITY/MADRID (Reuters) - A fight dating back more than five centuries reemerged on Wednesday as Mexico's incoming president defended a decision to not invite the Spanish king to her inauguration next week after the monarch declined to apologize for colonial-era abuses. Spain's Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez also weighed in earlier in the day, describing the snub as "unacceptable," less than a week before Mexican President-elect Claudia Sheinbaum's Oct. 1 swearing-in ceremony. In a rare rebuke on Tuesday, the Spanish government announced it would not send any representative to the event. The diplomatic spat threatens to cast a pall over Sheinbaum's inauguration in Mexico City, once the seat of Spain's vast colonial holdings in the Americas after Spanish invaders and their native allies toppled the Aztec capital of Tenochtitlan in 1521. Mexico City was built over the ruins of the Aztec metropolis. In a two-page letter posted to social media on Wednesday, Sheinbaum wrote that only Prime Minister Sanchez had been invited, in part because King Felipe VI did not directly respond to a personal letter that the outgoing Mexican president sent the monarch in 2019. In that letter, President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador, a close Sheinbaum ally, asked the king to "publicly and officially" recognize the abuses committed during the conquest of Mexico in order to chart a friendlier new course between the countries. "Unfortunately, that letter did not prompt any direct answer," wrote Sheinbaum, who noted she spoke with Sanchez a few days earlier. In 2019, Lopez Obrador was seeking to organize an event in 2021 that would mark the anniversaries of the conquest, Mexico's 19th century independence from Spain, as well as the founding of Tenochtitlan in the 1300s. At the time, he also sought a similar apology from Pope Francis for atrocities committed against Mexico's indigenous population as well as the repatriation of pre-Hispanic books and other artifacts held in European museums and libraries. Francis did not respond to Lopez Obrador but has previously apologized for the "many grave sins (that) were committed against the native people of America in the name of God." After Lopez Obrador reiterated his request for a formal apology shortly after his letter was made public, Spain's foreign ministry rejected it, arguing that the conquest should not be "judged in light of contemporary considerations." The outgoing Mexican president has often invoked the Spanish conquest to rally nationalist sentiment, stressing that Mexico is no longer any country's colony. On the sidelines of the U.N. General Assembly annual session in New York on Wednesday, Sanchez was asked by reporters if Spain should apologize, but he sidestepped the question. "We can't accept this exclusion, and that's why we informed the Mexican government that the absence of any diplomatic representative of the Spanish government is a sign of protest," said Sanchez. "Not only do we consider it unacceptable, its inexplicable," he added. (Reporting by David Alire Garcia in Mexico City and Belen Carreno Bravo in Madrid; Editing by Sonali Paul) The nation's nearly 3,000 nonprofit hospitals collected billions in tax breaks but paid less than half that amount in charity care to low-income patients. Nonprofit hospitals have a de facto pact with federal, state and local government. In exchange for not paying income, property, sales or other taxes, these hospitals are expected to provide free or reduced-cost care to low-income patients as well as other community benefits. A new study published today by Johns Hopkins University and Texas Christian University researchers estimates the enormous size of this collective tax break. The study reported the nation's nearly 3,000 nonprofit hospitals were spared $37.4 billion in federal, state and local taxes in 2021, a reflection of how lucrative these tax benefits can be for medical centers. The purpose of the study was to inform taxpayers and elected officials how much tax relief nonprofit hospitals get in exchange for providing benefits to their communities, said Ge Bai, a a Johns Hopkins University professor of accounting and health policy and management who co-authored the study. While the study did not detail how much hospitals returned in charity care, that information is reported in public documents. Medicare filings show hospitals paid out $15.2 billion in charity care in 2021, said Bai. For years, these tax-exempt hospitals have been required to detail their community benefit in a worksheet included in federal tax documents. But the study suggests these federal tax filings don't shed enough light on their overall tax benefit. In 2021, the study estimated the nonprofits hospitals federal tax break totaled $11.5 billion, or less than one third of their overall tax relief. Nonprofit hospitals also got the following tax relief: $9.1 billion in sales tax, $7.8 billion in property tax, $3.7 billion in state income tax, $3.2 billion in charitable contributions, $2.1 billion in bond financing and $200 million in federal unemployment tax. People walk past a sign at the entrance to Massachusetts General Hospital, in Boston, May 19, 2022. REUTERS/Brian Snyder Hospitals say the exemptions are a good deal for local communities because they deliver wide-ranging benefits. The American Hospital Association commissioned an analysis from the accounting firm Ernst and Young that measured foregone federal taxes and community benefit. The analysis, released this week, reported the amount of federal tax revenue hospitals did not pay in 2020 was $13.2 billion. In comparison, hospitals returned $129 billion in community benefit about 10 times the amount they saved in federal taxes. 'Money that would have paid for schools, firehouses or police' Bai said study aims to give taxpayers and elected officials a better understanding of the tax relief nonprofit hospitals get in exchange for providing benefits to their communities. Nonprofit hospitals must publicly disclose the benefits they provide to communities in "Schedule H" worksheets as part of their annual tax filing with the Internal Revenue Service. However, hospitals aren't required to estimate the totality of their tax savings. "The equation is really a contract between taxpayers and nonprofit hospitals. The nonprofits provide community benefit, so in return, they receive tax benefit," Bai said. "But we only see one side the community benefit they provide. We have no idea what the tax benefit is." The study is important because it breaks down state and local tax exemptions, said Dr. Vikas Saini, president of the Lown Institute, a Massachusetts-based health think tank. He said state and local elected officials who must make difficult budget choices might be interested in seeing the value of these tax breaks. The tax exemptions equate to "money that would have paid for schools, firehouses or police," said Saini, who was not involved in the study. Tax benefits vary widely by state The study did not disclose estimated tax relief for each hospital. However, it reported averages by state and found large swings. Massachusetts hospitals had the most lucrative tax exemptions at an average of $159,464 per hospital bed. Delaware hospitals had the tiniest benefit, $25,098 per bed. Larger hospital that earned more money had the most lucrative tax break; 29 hospitals representing 1% of all nonprofits accounted for 19% of the total tax benefit, the study said. Bai said hospitals with the largest tax breaks earned strong profits and tended to be in wealthier communities with expensive real estate. "Hospitals in rich areas with expensive properties and hospitals that make a lot of money would have a higher tax exemption," Bai said. Hospitals: Tax exemptions return benefit to local communities Hospitals say the tax exemptions are a good deal for local communities because they deliver wide-ranging benefits. AHA officials said community benefit represents what hospitals reported in schedule H documents filed with the IRS. The hospitals can count far more than free or reduced-price care they give away to patients. Hospitals also count payments from Medicaid the government health program for low-income families that don't fully cover the cost of care delivered to patients. Other categories such as community health improvement, housing programs, research and medical education also are added to the mix, said Aaron Wesolowski, the AHA's vice president of research strategy and policy. The AHA analysis didn't include hospitals' state and local tax savings. "Even if you roll in those state and local tax exemptions, the benefits to communities from not-for-profit hospitals still greatly outweigh that foregone tax," Wesolowski said. Experts disagree on what counts as community benefit Health policy experts long have debated what should be counted as a community benefit. Charity care to the poor is "the least squishy, the least gameable and the most comparable and verifiable component of community benefit," Bai said. Wealthier hospitals can afford to hire consultants to calculate the spending on non-charity care categories, she said. Other analysts have questioned whether the amount nonprofit hospitals return to their communities justify the tax-exemptions. A 2024 analysis by Lown Institute reported 80% of nonprofit hospitals gave back to their communities less than what they got in tax breaks. Those hospitals collected $25.7 billion more in tax breaks than they paid out to communities, according to Lown Institute. The Lown Institute analysis excluded community benefit items such as Medicaid payments shortfalls, medical education and research. AHA disputed the Lown Institute analysis because it excluded those items, particularly Medicaid payment shortfalls that affect hospitals financial health. "Charity care and Medicaid shortfall are directly related," Wesolowski said. "You can't ignore those other components, those other populations that hospitals serve." This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: What nonprofit hospitals did with billions saved in taxes NETHER PROVIDENCE TOWNSHIP, Pa. - A months-long investigation by both county and state law enforcement ended with the arrest and resignation of a former detective sergeant. Michael Erickson, a 21-year veteran with the Nether Providence Township Police Department, has been charged with indecent assault. The charge stems from an incident in Aston Township, when police say Erickson was off-duty and "in no way involved his employment with the police department." Officials have yet to release further details about the assault, but Chief David Splain responded to the arrest in a social media video. MORE HEADLINES: Splain says Erickson was placed on administrative leave when the Delaware County District Attorney's Office notified him of the investigation on June 14. The Pennsylvania Attorney General's Office took over the investigation on July 2, then moved forward with filing criminal charges last week. Erickson submitted his resignation Monday, the day before he was ordered to surrender to authorities. HM Coastguard will monitor the ship's progress through UK waters [MALCOLM CRANFIELD] A Maltese-flagged cargo ship carrying thousands of tonnes of potentially explosive fertiliser is set to travel through UK waters. Ruby, which was earlier accompanied by an escort tug, has reportedly been rejected by several countries due to its cargo. The ship, which has 20,000 tonnes of ammonium nitrate on board, was previously damaged but deemed seaworthy by authorities in Norway. HM Coastguard is in contact with the vessel, which according to ship tracking data, was in the North Sea off the Kent coast on Thursday morning. The ship, owned by Maltese firm Ruby Enterprise, set off from the northern Russian port of Kandalaksha in July. The national maritime emergency service said it will monitor the ship's progress as it heads towards and through UK waters. An escorting tug, Amber II, which had sailed with the boat from Norway, left the Ruby on Thursday morning and sailed east. Its current destination is listed as Rotterdam, in the Netherlands. Though there is no suggestion of immediate danger from the cargo, the same chemical caused a devastating blast at a Beirut warehouse in 2020. Ammonium nitrate is regularly transported around the world and used as fertiliser but is also used in explosives. The ship is carrying seven times the amount of ammonium nitrate that caused the Beirut explosion. Soon after departing Russia, the Ruby briefly ran aground after reportedly encountering a storm. It then continued its journey around the Kola Peninsula and docked in Troms, Norway. Norways Maritime Authority told the BBC the vessel was inspected by DNV Group to ensure it met safety and environmental standards. The group found damage to its hull, propeller and rudder, but the Ruby was still deemed seaworthy. As a precaution, DNV Group, and the Maltese flag registry, insisted that a tug escort the vessel for the remainder of its journey. The ship was bound for Klaipeda, in Lithuania, according to ship tracking firm MarineTraffic. But despite being deemed seaworthy, the ship was denied entry to Klaipeda. Algia Latakas, the port authority's chief executive, told the BBC that this was "because of its cargo". Other reports suggested Sweden had imposed a ban as well, but Swedens transport agency denies this. What the Swedish authorities did was to follow the matter in case we would have needed to act in some way, a spokesperson told the BBC. In recent weeks, the Ruby travelled south along Norways coast and through the North Sea. The ship reportedly has had restricted manoeuvrability, though the BBC has been unable to confirm this. On 25 September, it anchored about 15 miles (25km) north east of Margate, in Kent, near the Dover Strait - one of the worlds busiest waterways. Its current destination is listed as Marsaxlokk, in Malta. But Maltese authorities have told local media that the ship can only enter the country if it empties its cargo beforehand. Marco Forgione, director general of the Chartered Institute of Export & International Trade, raised concerns about potential "environmental damage". "Should the ammonium nitrate start to leak out of the ship and contaminate the sea... shipping through the channel would have to be diverted to avoid further shifting the pollution through its waters," he said. He added that damage as a result of the potential scenario would be "immense" and cause "ongoing disruption". Follow BBC Kent on Facebook, on X, and on Instagram. Send your story ideas to southeasttoday@bbc.co.uk, external or WhatsApp us on 08081 002250. More on this story Related internet links Leaders and advocates engaged in ministry with children lament the lack of focus on children at the Fourth Lausanne Congress on World Evangelization (Lausanne 4). While appreciating some expressions of interest in the younger generation, none of the key collaboration groups feature an intentional focus on including children in their strategizing, they say. In response, they wrote brief informational papers highlighting how children are affected by issues related to each of the 25 mission gaps Lausanne identified. Lausannes Children-at-Risk Issue Network, which was formed after the Congress in Cape Town in 2010, responded to Lausannes State of the Great Commission report expressing concern about the silo approach that ignored the impact of the various issues on children. Speaking on behalf of the group, Dr. Susan Greener, formerly Lausanne's catalyst for children-at-risk, said, By placing numerical emphasis on the Middle Class and aging populations, the Church is ignoring the commands of Jesus to care for the least of these, the same children who are Jesuss model of His Kingdom. She points out that the U.N. population report released in June 2024 indicates that though there may be fewer children in richer countries, population growth worldwide by 2050 is predicted to be in the poorest regions (sub-Saharan Africa, South Asia) with the most challenges. Why are we pitting the young against elders and the middle class? A world that is fit for children is one that is good for all people and sustainability. The Lausanne Cape Town Commitment (2010) contains a strong statement in support of children, she says, as it challenges the Church to take children seriously, reflecting theologically on Gods love and purpose for them. It also calls on the Church to train people and provide resources to meet the needs of children worldwide, wherever possible working with their families and communities. It emphasizes that this kind of holistic ministry is a vital component of world mission. Stay informed with The Christian Daily Newsletter Sign up And thirdly, it points to the need for the Church to expose, resist, and take action against all abuse of children, including violence, exploitation, slavery, tracking, prostitution, gender and ethnic discrimination, commercial targeting, and willful neglect. She recounts that Lausannes Children-at-Risk Issue Group was formed following the Congress and worked on equipping the Church to fulfill these tasks. She commends the groups efforts and commitment to Gods mission serving children, but wonders why, despite 14 years of eort, the Church-at-large and the Lausanne Movement have yet to embrace full inclusion of children in the Church and on mission? We are grateful and rejoice in how the Global Listening report demonstrates widespread interest in younger generations. The analysis states that the following terms are frequent and consistently mentioned in global input: youth, the young, younger generation, GenZ, etc, she said. While recognizing that listening to the younger generation emerged as an important theme and that involvement signaled the need for actual engagement, she lamented that the term children is used far less often and the risks, particularly that of poverty, which is the foundation of nearly all serious risk for children and their caregivers, is mentioned only once. We once again call upon the global Church, and especially participants in Lausanne 4, to lament our shortcomings and repent of the ways the Church has not fullled its responsibility to children; for the suering and exploitation of children-at-risk; for how our mission eorts have undervalued children as co-laborers with us, she concludes. Echoing her concern, Phil Green, Lausannes Catalyst for Children-at-Risk and CEO of VIVA Together for Children commented to Christian Daily International that the opening session provided a wonderful example of the importance of children in Jesuss ministry, with the reference to the critical role a child played in the feeding of the 5,000. However, we are concerned about the lack of attention given to children in general, and children at risk specifically. Especially given that the majority of Christians in the world today made their decision to follow Christ as a child. And, also, given the focus on looking forward to 2050 a child born today, will be 26 then, he said Menchit Wong reminded us during the celebration of Lausannes 50th anniversary that we must not only talk about children, but we must be listening to their voices. He emphasized that it is essential that children be part of the conversation in every single gap, especially as the conversations are being framed about imagining the world in 2050. We cant silo children they are an integral part of our churches, and the topic of every gap has implications for them. And, children should have a voice into every gap. Therefore, a team led by Lucy Hefford, VIVAs researcher of theology and practice, researched each topic, considering the current realities of children around the world, and how each of the Lausanne 4 Gaps intersects with children-at-risk. They then wrote up briefing papers for each gap that they hope will inform the discussions of each of the collaborative groups. We presented a call to action for each briefing paper, which calls those who are working on each gap to keep children at risk on the agenda as they discuss and collaborate together, Hefford says. Their hope is that children will not be seen as an add on, and optional extra, but that participants would understand Gods heart for children and recognize their centrality in mission, and how critical they are for the future of the Church and fulfilment of the Great Commission. If the Global Church wont champion and support the worlds most vulnerable children, who will? she asks, and adds: We have a clear mandate from Jesus to care for those marginalized in society to miss this at the Fourth Lausanne Congress is a grave omission from the Great Commission. The 25 briefing papers can be accessed here. A pair of blood-spattered trousers in a miso tank and an allegedly forced confession helped send Iwao Hakamata to death row in the 1960s. Now, more than five decades later, the worlds longest-serving death row prisoner has had his name cleared, according to public broadcaster NHK. A Japanese court on Thursday acquitted 88-year-old Hakamata, who was wrongfully sentenced to death in 1968 for murdering a family, marking the end of a marathon legal saga thats brought global scrutiny to Japans criminal justice system and fueled calls to abolish the death penalty in the country. Judge Kunii Tsuneishi of the Shizuoka District Court ruled the blood stained clothing which was used to convict Hakamata was planted long after the murders, NHK reported. The court cannot accept the fact that the blood stain would remain reddish if it had been soaked in miso for more than a year. The bloodstains were processed and hidden in the tank by the investigating authorities after a considerable period of time since the incident, Tsuneishi said. Mr. Hakamata cannot be considered the criminal. Hakamata, pictured here in 1957, was briefly a professional boxer. Decades after his retirement, his former boxing association has organized demonstrations in support of a retrial. - Hideko Hakamata Once a professional boxer, Hakamata retired in 1961 and got a job at a soybean processing plant in Shizuoka, central Japan a choice that would mar the rest of his life. When Hakamatas boss, his bosss wife, and their two children were found stabbed to death in their home in June five years later, Hakamata, then a divorcee who also worked at a bar, became the polices prime suspect. After days of relentless questioning, Hakamata initially admitted to the charges against him, but later changed his plea, arguing police had forced him to confess by beating and threatening him. He was sentenced to death in a 2-1 decision by judges, despite repeatedly alleging that the police had fabricated evidence. The one dissenting judge stepped down from the bar six months later, demoralized by his inability to stop the sentencing. Hakamata, who has maintained his innocence ever since, would go on to spend more than half his life waiting to be hanged before new evidence led to his release a decade ago. After a DNA test on blood found on the trousers revealed no match to Hakamata or the victims, the Shizuoka District Court ordered a retrial in 2014. Because of his age and fragile mental state, Hakamata was released as he awaited his day in court. The Tokyo High Court initially scrapped the request for a retrial for unknown reasons, but in 2023 agreed to grant Hakamata a second chance on an order from Japans Supreme Court. Retrials are rare in Japan, where 99% of cases result in convictions, according to the Ministry of Justice website. Hakamatas boss, his bosss wife and their two kids were killed in their home, which was subsequently set on fire. The murder and arson took place on June 30, 1966. - Hakamata Defense Lawyers A justice system under scrutiny Hideko, Hakamatas 91-year-old sister said she couldnt stop crying and tears were overflowing when she heard the verdict. When the judge said the defendant was not guilty, it sounded divine to me, said Hideko, who has campaigned for Hakamatas innocence for more than half of her life. Hideyo Ogawa, Hakamatas lawyer, called the ruling groundbreaking, adding 58 years was too long. Even as his supporters cheered Hakamatas acquittal, the good news will not likely register with the man himself. After decades of imprisonment, Hakamatas mental health has declined and hes living in his own world, said Hideko, who has long campaigned for his innocence. Hakamata seldom speaks and shows no interest in other people, Hideko told CNN. Sometimes he smiles happily, but thats when hes in his delusion, Hideko said. We have not even discussed the trial with Iwao because of his inability to recognize reality. But Hakamatas case has always been about more than one man. It has raised questions about Japans reliance on confessions to get convictions. And some say its one of the reasons why the country should do away with the death penalty. Im against the death penalty, Hideko said. Convicts are also human beings. Japan is the only G7 country outside of the United States to retain capital punishment, though it did not perform any executions in 2023, according to the Death Penalty Information Center. Hiroshi Ichikawa, a former prosecutor who was not involved in Hakamatas case, said historically Japanese prosecutors have been encouraged to get confessions before looking for supporting evidence, even if it means threatening or manipulating defendants to get them to admit guilt. An emphasis on confessions is what allows Japan to maintain such a high conviction rate, Ichikawa said, in a country where an acquittal can severely hurt a prosecutors career. A long fight for exoneration For 46 years, Hakamata was held behind bars after being convicted on the basis of the stained clothing and his confession, which he and his lawyers say was given under duress. Ogawa, Hakamatas lawyer, told CNN that Hakamata was physically restrained and interrogated for more than 12 hours a day for 23 days, without the presence of a defense attorney. The Japanese judicial system, especially at that time, was a system that allowed investigative agencies to take advantage of their surreptitious nature to commit illegal or investigative crimes, Ogawa said. Chiara Sangiorgio, Death Penalty Advisor at Amnesty International, said Hakamatas case is emblematic of the many issues with the criminal justice (system) in Japan. In a letter to his mother following his third trial in 1967, Hakamata apologized for making his family worry. God, I am not a criminal, he wrote. - Hideko Hakamata Death row prisoners in Japan are typically detained in solitary confinement with limited contact with the outside world, Sangiorgio said. Executions are shrouded in secrecy with little to no warning, and families and lawyers are usually notified only after the execution has taken place. Hakamata has spent most of his life behind bars for a crime he did not commit. However, despite his poor mental health, over the past decade, Hakamata has gotten to enjoy some of the small pleasures that come with living freely. In February, he adopted two cats. Iwao began to pay attention to the cats, worry about them, and take care of them, which was a big change, Hideko said. After handing down the verdict, the judge, clearly emotional, apologized to Hideko, NHK reported. The court is very sorry that it has taken so long. Hideko wiped her tears with a handkerchief. Correction: This article has been updated to reflect that Hakamata was acquitted and exonerated by the court, not declared innocent. CNNs Nodoka Katsura contributed to this report. For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com (This story was updated to add new information.) New York City Mayor Eric Adams is facing a federal indictment just weeks after authorities raided the homes of his top aides in what appeared to be a major corruption investigation at the heart of the nation's biggest city. In a video statement released late Wednesday, Adams, a former police captain who won the mayoral election nearly three years ago, said "it is now my belief that the federal government intends to charge me with crimes." Adams called the charges "entirely false" and vowed to fight the indictment with "every ounce of my strength, and my spirit." "If I am charged, I know I am innocent," Adams said. "I will request an immediate trial so that New Yorkers can hear the truth." The charges against Adams, 64, were unclear as the indictment remained sealed on Wednesday night, The New York Times and FOX News reported, both citing sources with knowledge of the matter. The indictment is likely to be unsealed Thursday when Adams may appear in court, according to the Times. The indictment was first reported by the Times. The mayor's administration has been under federal scrutiny over the last year for a separate probe on possible illegal foreign donations from Turkish officials during Adams' 2021 mayoral campaign. The Times previously reported on Monday that federal prosecutors submitted grand jury subpoenas to City Hall, Adams, and his campaign in July demanding information related to Israel, China, Qatar, South Korea, and Uzbekistan. Shortly before the indictment was announced, Adams appeared at a reception in New York at the Metropolitan Museum of Art attended by President Joe Biden and first lady Jill Biden. The indictment would make Adams the first New York City mayor to be criminally charged while still in office. According to the city's charter, the "mayor may be removed from office by the governor upon charges." If he were forced out of office, Public Advocate Jumaane Williams would become mayor of the nation's largest city with a population of about 8.3 million. Stay in the know: Sign up for USA TODAY's Daily Briefing newsletter. New York lawmakers call for Eric Adams to step down In response to the indictment, New York leaders and officials called for Adams resignation. He acknowledged the immediate calls on Wednesday but promised to stay in office. "But I have been facing these lies for months," Adams said. "Make no mistake: you elected me to lead this cityand lead it I will." Earlier Wednesday, Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, D-N.Y., called on Adams to step down. "I do not see how Mayor Adams can continue governing New York City," Ocasio-Cortez said on X, formerly Twitter. "The flood of resignations and vacancies are threatening gov function. Nonstop investigations will make it impossible to recruit and retain a qualified administration." Jessica Ramos, a New York state senator from Queens and mayoral candidate for the 2025 election, said the charges feel like a profound betrayal. Weeks of FBI raids, indictments, and resignations have shaken our city, Ramos said in a statement. Right now, New Yorkers feel frustrated and abandoned. This, above all else, is unforgivable. New York City Comptroller Brad Lander, also running for mayor next year, echoed Ramos' sentiment. "Mayor Adams, like all New Yorkers, deserves due process, the presumption of innocence, and his day in court. However, it is clear that defending himself against serious federal charges will require a significant amount of the time and attention needed to govern this great city," Lander said on X. "The most appropriate path forward is for him to step down so that New York City can get the full focus its leadership demands." State Senator Zellnor Myrie said it was a "sad day" for the city, adding that the news of the indictment is "especially painful for so many Black New Yorkers who put our hope and faith in this Mayor." "We need a leader who is fully focused, without distraction, on the enormous challenges we face from housing affordability to public safety," Myrie said in a statement. "A mayor under the weight of a serious indictment can no longer do that and today I am calling on him to resign." Indictment comes amid political upheaval, series of resignations In November 2023, the FBI seized Adams mobile phones, and computer, and raided the home of his campaign treasurer. And in recent weeks, other top city officials have resigned amid multiple federal corruption investigations. Police Commissioner Edward Caban resigned on Sept. 12, a week after investigators from the U.S. Attorney's Office in Manhattan seized his mobile phones. Caban was among several of the mayor's aides and confidantes who received federal search warrants earlier this month, including Deputy Mayor for Criminal Justice Philip Banks III, First Deputy Mayor Sheena Wright, and Schools Chancellor David Banks. Days after Caban stepped down, Adams' chief legal advisor Lisa Zornberg resigned, saying she could "no longer effectively serve" in the position. Last week, two former New York City Fire Department chiefs became the latest high-ranking city officials to be named in the series of federal investigations and arrested on charges of bribery and corruption. On Tuesday, Banks said he would retire at the end of December. The announcement came weeks after the Times reported his phones were seized by federal agents. Contributing: Dan Morrison, Eduardo Cuevas, Joey Garrison, and Fernando Cervantes Jr., USA TODAY; David M. Zimmer, NorthJersey.com; Asher Stockler, The Journal News; Reuters This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: New York City Mayor Eric Adams says he will fight federal charges The Royal Hawaiian is a famous hotel in Hawaii. Andrew Woodley/Universal Images Group via Getty Images On a recent Hawaii trip, I stayed in the most affordable room I could find at The Royal Hawaiian. I spent $530 total to stay one night at the iconic pink beachfront hotel. I enjoyed the location and its famous mai tais but found my room to be dated. My mother and I recently visited Hawaii for the first time. While there, we stayed at The Royal Hawaiian, nicknamed the "Pink Palace of the Pacific," a place I'd long dreamed of seeing in real life. The iconic 528-room hotel is famed for its pink facade and mai-tai cocktails. It also happens to be one of the first hotels in downtown Honolulu in the heart of all the action of Waikiki Beach. Plus, The Royal Hawaiian is part of Marriott International's Luxury Collection, meaning it's considered an especially world-renowned and unique spot. With all that in mind, my expectations were high for the five-star resort but I'm not sure my stay was worth it. I booked a room in the hotel's Historic Wing. The room wasn't as luxurious as I'd hoped. Carly Caramanna I chose to book the cheapest room available, which ended up being a standard room with two double beds in the hotel's Historic Wing. The room cost $480 for one night, plus a $50 mandatory resort fee. Once I saw my room, I wasn't impressed. It looked very basic and quite dated especially because of the patterned carpet. I also found it to be lacking in natural light. I was a bit disappointed at what I got within my budget, even though the room wasn't exactly cheap. It paled in comparison to rooms I've stayed in at other luxury hotels, like the Four Seasons. Fortunately, the bathroom felt more modern. Sharing the small bathroom was a bit tough. Carly Caramanna The bathroom felt more modern than the rest of the room with its marbled tile and glass shower doors, and I appreciated the mirror with built-in lights. But it was still quite small, making it difficult for two adults to use it while getting ready for the day. The hotel itself was beautiful, though. I could've explored the hotel for free. Carly Caramanna I loved exploring the grounds of the hotel, which anyone can probably do without being a guest there. With high ceilings and beautiful artwork, the hotel's main lobby area has an especially grand feel. I also loved the open-air areas that provide stunning views of the nearby beach and ocean. The hotel's manicured grounds also looked great. There was lush greenery all over The Royal Hawaiian's property. Carly Caramanna The green landscaping and florals around the property felt super lush. I also liked enjoyed seeing the hotel pool, which is surrounded by iconic pink and white lounge chairs, cabanas, and umbrellas. We spent most of our time on the beach. Just about all beaches are public in Hawaii. Carly Caramanna We took advantage of The Royal Hawaiian's location directly on the beach. Unfortunately, our resort stay didn't come with private beach access since just about every beach is public in Hawaii. The beach ended up getting very busy during our weekend visit. The sand and water were beautiful, though, and I loved seeing Diamond Head (a cone of volcanic ash on Oahu) in the distance. That said, I was also disappointed to learn that beach-chair and umbrella rentals were not included in the resort fee I paid to stay at The Royal Hawaiian. Instead of paying extra for rentals, I used towels provided by the hotel. The resort's famous mai tai lived up to the hype. The Royal Hawaiian famously serves mai tais. Carly Caramanna One of the main reasons I wanted to visit The Royal Hawaiian was for its famous mai tais. According to Eater, the original mai tai was said to be invented in 1944 by Victor J. Bergeron. When he brought his recipe to Hawaii in 1953, it was tweaked to offer a fruitier flavor perfect for tourists on vacation. The Royal Hawaiian is said to be the first to serve the Hawaiian version of the mai tai, which is now the most famous drink on the islands. Fortunately, the Royal Hawaiian's mai-tai bar is right on the beach, so it comes with sweeping views of the island. During my trip, I ordered the classic Royal Hawaiian mai tai for $20. The price was comparable with what I paid for other mai tais on the island, and this rum cocktail was one of the very best drinks I tried during my trip. The hotel was also located within walking distance of a lot of Waikiki dining. Duke's Waikiki was next to our hotel. Carly Caramanna I enjoyed the short walk from our hotel to Waikiki's vibrant dining and shopping options. We made a few visits to the famous beach restaurant Duke's Waikiki, which was just next door. Although The Royal Hawaiian has several dining options, we chose to have several meals at Duke's because the food was more affordable. I had a nice trip, but I wouldn't spend the money to stay at the pink hotel again. I will be back to visit the famous bar but will stay somewhere more affordable. Carly Caramanna Overall, I spent $530 on my one-night stay at The Royal Hawaiian, and I don't think I can justify staying there again. The hotel's location was nice, but I wasn't impressed with my room, which felt very dated. For the same price or a few hundred dollars more, I could stay somewhere with more luxurious-feeling rooms, like Disney's Aulani or a nearby Four Seasons. Maybe I would've felt differently if I'd stayed in the other section of the hotel, the Mailani Tower. It's decorated differently, and I've heard from friends the Tower's rooms are nicer and more modern. Although rooms in the Historic Wing and Mailani Tower can have comparable prices, a room in the tower was pricier when I booked my trip. Even so, I think the best parts of the resort, like its nearby beaches and mai tais, can be accessed by the general public. I'll definitely return to The Royal Hawaiian's bar for mai tais, but I won't be staying again as an overnight guest. This story was originally published on April 4, 2024, and most recently updated on September 26, 2024. Read the original article on Business Insider Two people were arrested after their single-engine plane made an emergency landing on a Southern California highway, and a "large quantity of narcotics" was discovered aboard, according to multiple reports citing local police. The Piper PA-28 aircraft landed around 1:43 a.m. near Canyon Drive on Highway 76, which runs through San Diego's North County region, the Oceanside Police Department said, per KTLA and KUSI. The pilot told police that the plane's engine was failing, according to the department, per the California-based TV stations. Neither of the individuals aboard the aircraft suffered injuries, police said. Oceanside police shared a Facebook post on Thursday morning advising the public that a small plane landed on the highway and was blocking a lane of traffic. Flight diverted: Scandinavian Airlines flight diverted after mouse climbs out of passenger's meal FAA investigating the emergency landing The unspecified drugs were found when police officers searched the plane, KTLA and KUSI reported, citing the department. The aircraft's occupants, both Oceanside residents, were subsequently arrested, according to police, per the TV stations. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is investigating the incident, including the circumstances surrounding the emergency landing. USA TODAY contacted the Oceanside Police Department on Thursday but has not received a response. This story will be updated as more information is available. Jonathan Limehouse covers breaking and trending news for USA TODAY. Reach him at JLimehouse@gannett.com. This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Drug-filled plane emergency lands on California highway: Reports Pope Francis took the unusual decision Wednesday to expel 10 people a bishop, priests and laypeople from a troubled Catholic movement in Peru after a Vatican investigation uncovered sadistic abuses of power, authority and spirituality. The move against the leadership of the Sodalitium Christianae Vitae, or Sodalitium of Christian Life, followed Francis decision last month to expel the groups founder, Luis Figari, after he was found to have sodomized his recruits. It was announced by the Peruvian Bishops Conference, which posted a statement from the Vatican embassy on its website. The statement was astonishing because it listed abuses uncovered by the Vatican investigation that have rarely if ever been punished canonically such as hacking someones communications and cited the people the pope held responsible. The move is likely to be welcomed by some of the victims who spoke to CNN earlier this year and had urged the Vatican to take serious measures against the perpetrators after decades of impunity. According to the statement, the Vatican investigators uncovered physical abuses including with sadism and violence, sect-like abuses of conscience, spiritual abuse, abuses of authority, economic abuses in administering church money and the abuse in the exercise of the apostolate of journalism. The latter was presumably aimed at a Sodalitium-linked journalist who has attacked critics of the movement on social media. Figari founded the movement in 1971 as a lay community to recruit soldiers for God, one of several Catholic societies born as a conservative reaction to the left-leaning liberation theology movement that swept through Latin America, starting in the 1960s. At its height, the group counted about 20,000 members across South America and the United States. It was enormously influential in Peru. Victims of Figaris abuses complained to the Lima archdiocese in 2011, though other claims against him reportedly date to 2000. But neither the local church nor the Holy See took concrete action until one of the victims, Pedro Salinas, wrote a book along with journalist Paola Ugaz detailing the twisted practices of the Sodalitium in 2015, entitled Half Monks, Half Soldiers. An outside investigation ordered by Sodalitium later determined that Figari was narcissistic, paranoid, demeaning, vulgar, vindictive, manipulative, racist, sexist, elitist and obsessed with sexual issues and the sexual orientation of Sodalitiums members. The investigation, published in 2017, found that Figari sodomized his recruits and forced them to fondle him and one another. He liked to watch them experience pain, discomfort and fear, and humiliated them in front of others to enhance his control over them, the report found. Still, the Holy See declined to expel Figari from the movement in 2017 and merely ordered him to live apart from the Sodalitium community in Rome and cease all contact with it. The Vatican was seemingly tied in knots by canon law that did not foresee such punishments for founders of religious communities who werent priests. Victims were outraged. Vatican investigators Monsignor Jordi Bertomeu, right, from Spain, and Archbishop Charles Scicluna, from Malta, walk outside of the Nunciatura Apostolica during a break from meeting with people who alleged abuse by the Catholic lay group Sodalitium Christianae Vitae in Lima, Peru, on July 25, 2023. - Martin Mejia/AP But according to the findings of the latest Vatican investigation, the abuses went beyond Figari, included Sodalitium clergy and also involved harassing and hacking the communications of their victims all the while covering up crimes committed as part of their official duties, according to the statement. The investigation was carried out by the Vaticans top sex crimes investigators, Maltese Archbishop Charles Scicluna and Monsignor Jordi Bertomeu, from the Dicastery for the Doctrine of the Faith, who travelled to Lima last year to take testimony from victims. The highest-ranking person ordered expelled was Archbishop Jose Antonio Eguren, whom Francis already forced to resign as bishop of Piura in April over his record, after he sued Salinas and Ugaz for their reporting. In addition to Figaris own abuses, their reporting had exposed the alleged forced eviction of peasants on lands in Egurens diocese by a Sodalitium-linked real estate developer. Ugaz, the journalist, welcomed the move to expel the 10 people and said the reference to Sodalitium hacking referred to her: She said her communications had been hacked in 2023 after she reported on the Sodalitiums off-shore holdings and other financial dealings, and said she believed the group was trying to find out her sources. It is a demonstration that in Peru, the survivors would never have found justice and reparation (without Bertomeo and Scicluna) because the Sodalitium is an organization with a lot of political, social and economic power, she said in a statement to The Associated Press. The Vatican, in the statement, said the Peruvian bishops joined Francis in seeking the forgiveness of the victims while calling on the troubled movement to initiate a journey of justice and reparation. CNN contacted Figaris lawyers for comment without a reply. He has denied all allegations against him in the past. CNN also reached out to Archbishop Jose Antonio Egurens representative, without reply, and has reached out to Sodalitium Christiane Vitae. For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com This image taken from video released by New York City Office of the Mayor, Wednesday, Sept. 25, 2024, shows mayor Eric Adams speaking during a videotaped statement. (New York City Office of the Mayor via AP) NEW YORK (AP) New York City Mayor Eric Adams has been indicted by a grand jury on federal criminal charges, according to two people familiar with the matter, an extraordinary culmination to weeks of searches, subpoenas and resignations of top officials that have thrust the citys government into crisis. The indictment detailing the charges against Adams, a Democrat, was expected to be unsealed Thursday, according to the people, who spoke with The Associated Press on condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to discuss the matter publicly. The U.S. attorneys office in Manhattan declined to comment. In a speech recorded at his official residence, Adams said he would remain in office, describing any charges he may face as entirely false, based on lies. I always knew that if I stood my ground for all of you, that I would be a target and a target I became, Adams said. "I will fight these injustices with every ounce of my strength and my spirit." It was not immediately clear what laws Adams is accused of breaking or when he might have to appear in court. Federal investigators had seized Adams' electronic devices nearly a year ago as part of an investigation focused, at least partly, on campaign contributions and Adams' interactions with the Turkish government. Because the charges were sealed, it was unknown whether they dealt with those same matters. The indictment was first reported by The New York Times. It marks a stunning turn for Adams, a former police captain who won election nearly three years ago to become the citys second Black mayor on a campaign that stressed his working class roots and commitment to public safety. But as Adams has made reducing crime a cornerstone of his administration, he has faced growing legal peril, with multiple federal investigations honing in on his top aides and his own campaign. In the last two weeks alone, the leaders he appointed to oversee the country's largest police force and largest schools system have announced their resignations. Adams is the first mayor in New York City history to be indicted while in office. If he were to resign, he would be replaced by the citys public advocate, Jumaane Williams, who would then schedule a special election. Gov. Kathy Hochul has the power to remove Adams from office. Hochul spokesperson, Avi Small, issued a statement late Wednesday that said Governor Hochul is aware of these concerning news reports and is monitoring the situation. It would be premature to comment further until the matter is confirmed by law enforcement. The indictment comes against the backdrop of the United Nations General Assembly, which has brought dozens of world leaders to New York, including Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan. The federal investigations into Adams administration first emerged publicly on Nov. 2, 2023, when FBI agents conducted an early morning raid on the Brooklyn home of his chief fundraiser, Brianna Suggs. At the time, Adams insisted he followed the law and said he would be shocked if anyone on his campaign had acted illegally. Days later, FBI agents seized the mayors phones and iPad as he was leaving an event in Manhattan. Then on Sept. 4, federal investigators seized electronic devices from the citys police commissioner, schools chancellor, deputy mayor of public safety, first deputy mayor and other trusted confidantes of Adams both in and out of City Hall. Federal prosecutors declined to discuss the investigations, but people familiar with elements of the cases described multiple, separate inquiries involving senior Adams aides, relatives of those aides, campaign fundraising and possible influence peddling of the police and fire departments. A week after the searches, the city's police commissioner, Edward Caban, announced his resignation. About two weeks later, Schools Chancellor David Banks announced he would retire at the end of the year. Adams himself insisted he would keep doing the citys business and allow the investigations to run their course. Over the summer, federal prosecutors subpoenaed Adams, his campaign arm and City Hall, requesting information about the mayors schedule, his overseas travel and potential connections to the Turkish government. Adams spent 22 years in New York Citys police department before going into politics, first as a state senator and then as Brooklyn borough president. He was elected as mayor in November 2021 a victory he has repeatedly said was ordained by God. But after more than two years in office, Adams popularity has declined. While the city has seen an increase in jobs and a drop in certain categories of crime, the administration has struggled with an influx of tens of thousands of international migrants who overwhelmed the citys homeless shelters. There has also been a steady drip of accusations and a swirl of suspicion around people close to the mayor. In addition to the sprawling inquiries launched by Manhattan prosecutors, federal prosecutors in Brooklyn are investigating another one of Adams close aides, Winnie Greco, who had raised thousands of dollars in campaign donations from the citys Chinese American communities and later became his director of Asian affairs. Greco hasnt commented publicly on the FBI searches of her properties and continues to work for the city. When agents seized electronic devices from Caban, the former police commissioner, in early September, they also visited his twin brother, James Caban, a former police officer who runs a nightlife consulting business. Agents also took devices from the schools chancellor; his brother Philip Banks, formerly a top NYPD chief who is now deputy mayor for public safety; their brother Terence Banks, who ran a consulting firm that promised to connect businesses to government stakeholders; and from First Deputy Mayor Sheena Wright, who is David Banks domestic partner. All denied any wrongdoing. While those investigations churned, federal authorities also searched the homes of newly named interim police commissioner, Thomas Donlan, and seized materials unrelated to his police work. Donlon confirmed the search and said it involved materials that had been in his possession for 20 years. In his speech Wednesday night, Adams appeared to cite that search as proof of overreach by federal investigators. Hours before the charges were announced, U.S. Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez called on Adams to resign, the first nationally prominent Democrat to do so. Adams reacted with scorn, dismissing Ocasio-Cortez as self-righteous. Adams, who is expecting a tough primary election next year, faced additional calls to resign once the indictment became public Wednesday night, including from many of his declared or expected Democratic challengers in the mayoral race. Brad Lander, the citys comptroller, said the indictment marked a sad day for New Yorkers. State Sen. Zellnor Myrie added that it was especially painful for so many Black New Yorkers who put our hope and faith in this Mayor. Scott Stringer, a former city comptroller who is expected to run against Adams, said the indictment had left New York City "with a broken down trainwreck of a municipal government." Joe Borelli, the top Republican in the City Council, who is believed to be eyeing a run for mayor, said he would reserve judgment until viewing the charges. Former President Donald Trump on Wednesday criticized Volodymyr Zelensky and claimed the Ukrainian president refuses to make a deal amid Russias war in Ukraine, marking Trumps most explicit criticism of Zelenskys handling of the war to date. Those cities are gone, theyre gone, and we continue to give billions of dollars to a man who refused to make a deal, Zelensky. There was no deal that he could have made that wouldnt have been better than the situation you have right now. You have a country that has been obliterated, not possible to be rebuilt, Trump said during a campaign speech in Mint Hill, North Carolina. The comments come at the same time as a rising furor on Capitol Hill over the Ukrainian president among Republicans. In the House, GOP lawmakers are attempting to investigate what US taxpayer resources went toward supporting Zelenskys security as he traveled to Pennsylvania while GOP senators are warning the Ukrainian to stay out of American politics after he called Sen. JD Vance, Trumps vice presidential running mate, too radical in an interview that published over the weekend. The latest line of Republican attacks speaks to the broader political divisions over US involvement in the Russia-Ukraine war. Republican leaders are so far declining to meet Zelensky while he is in Washington, DC, while Democrats are embracing the opportunity. Trump and House Speaker Mike Johnson are not currently scheduled to meet with the Ukrainian president, sources told CNN, while House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries and Vice President Kamala Harris are scheduled to have meetings. It all amounts to a stark warning for the Ukrainian president, who has relied heavily on American support to fight off Russias invasion since it began in February 2022. While Zelensky has had strong backing from the Biden administration, Republican support for the continued funding of Ukraines defense has been eroding for months and now appears to be picking up speed. In New York for the United Nations General Assembly, Zelensky warned world leaders of serious attacks coming on his country, saying the Russians are set to go after Ukraines energy supplies including nuclear power plants. Ukrainians will never accept why anyone in the world believes that such a brutal colonial past which suits no one today can be imposed on Ukraine now, instead of a normal, peaceful life, he said, asking for support from all nations of the world in securing peace for Ukraine. Trump appeared unmoved. Every time he came to our country, hed walk away with $60 billion. Hes probably the greatest salesman on Earth, Trump said of Zelensky on Wednesday. Trump says Ukraine should have given up territory to stop the war earlier In his speech, Trump blamed Biden and Harris for Russias invasion of Ukraine and claimed they caused this situation by the stupidity of what they said, by every move they make, but they caused the situation and now theyre locked in. They just dont know what to do. Theyre locked into a situation. Its sad, they just dont know what to do. Because Ukraine is gone, its not Ukraine anymore. You can never replace those cities and towns, and you can never replace the dead people, so many dead people, Trump said. He said making a deal earlier in the conflict to cede some territory to the Russians would have prevented more catastrophe. Trump argued Biden should have been able to orchestrate a deal between Russia and Ukraine that avoided any bloodshed and argued that even a bad deal and one where Ukraine had given up a little bit, wouldve been preferable to the war. A deal could have been made. There wouldnt have been one person that died, and there wouldnt have been one golden tower laying shattered on its side. A deal could have been made if we had a competent President, Trump said. But Trump argued the opportunity to make a deal no longer existed because of the destruction Putins war in Ukraine had caused. What deal can we make? What deal can we make? The, its, its demolished. The people are dead. The country is in rubble. And who are these people that allowed this to happen? Who are these people? When asked Wednesday on a call with reporters if he believes Ukraine should cede land in exchange for ending the war, Vance said everything is going to be on the table, but nothing is going to be definitely on the table. Thats why you have a negotiation, especially with a guy whos as skilled as Donald Trump, is because he actually should try to have a conversation between both parties and other interested parties about how to bring this war to close, Vance said on a call with reporters. As he said repeatedly, the killing has to stop, Vance added. Its not an Americas interest. I dont think its in Ukraine or Europes best interest for this thing to go on indefinitely. Vance said the biggest problem is how the war has distracted and consumed a lot of resources at a time when Americans are suffering. Vance gave a glimpse at how a Trump-Vance administration would work to end the war, telling the Shawn Ryan podcast that he believes it could involve a demilitarized zone at the current line of demarcation. House Republicans attack Zelensky House Republicans launched a new line of attack against Zelensky on Wednesday, criticizing his recent visit to a Pennsylvania ammunition plant ahead of key meetings with Biden and other allies as part of his weeklong push in the US to shore up more support for his war effort. Republicans are claiming that Zelenskys visit to Pennsylvania, a key battleground state in the 2024 presidential election that is home to a sizable population of people of Ukrainian ancestry, was made to provide political support to Democrats. Johnson called on Zelensky to fire Ukraines Ambassador to the United States, Oksana Markarova, for organizing the recent trip to the Pennsylvania manufacturing site. The tour was clearly a partisan campaign event designed to help Democrats and is clearly election interference, Johnson wrote Wednesday. Meanwhile, House Oversight Chair James Comer launched an investigation into Zelenskys use of a US aircraft to fly to the Pennsylvania facility. The Committee seeks to determine whether the Biden-Harris Administration attempted to use a foreign leader to benefit Vice President Harriss presidential campaign and, if so, necessarily committed an abuse of power, Comer wrote in the letter sent to the White House, the Department of Justice and the Department of Defense on Wednesday. James Adams, a Pentagon spokesperson, told CNN in a statement Thursday that the flight to Pennsylvania was a U.S. Department of Defense-funded mission. The Department requested Military Airlift (MILAIR) support to facilitate travel for senior U.S. government officials from both the Department of State and the Department of Defense. The statement added, These officials were conducting official business related to U.S. security assistance to Ukraine, which included a stop at Newark Liberty International Airport, where they linked up with President Zelensky before continuing to Wilkes-Barre International Airport in Pennsylvania. Senators warn Ukrainian leader to back off Vance criticisms Zelensky said in an interview with The New Yorker that Vance was too radical and has sent the message the Ukraine must sacrifice its territory for peace. 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, Zelensky said. 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. And it wouldnt necessarily end the war, either. Its just sloganeering. Vances Republican colleagues in the Senate sent a clear message to the Ukrainian president when asked about the remark on Wednesday. Sen. John Cornyn, a member of Republican leadership who is running to replace Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell next Congress, told CNN that Zelensky should stay out of American politics, after Zelensky called Vance too radical. I think its a monumental miscalculation by President Zelensky, said Cornyn. If he wants support for Ukraine, he should stay out of American politics. Senate Republican Whip John Thune added, I think it would be advisable for him to stay out of American politics, when asked if it was appropriate for Zelensky to criticize Vance. They have some differences on some issues but its not his place to litigate that here in the middle of an American election. This story has been updated with additional reporting. CNNs Morgan Rimmer and Ted Barrett contributed to this report. For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com LONDON (Reuters) -U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin said on Thursday that the U.S. would continue to provide military aid to Israel, playing down the idea of "red lines", even as he warned that an all-out conflict between Israel and Hezbollah would be devastating. Israel rejected global calls for a ceasefire with Lebanon's Iran-backed Hezbollah on Thursday, defying its biggest ally the U.S. and pressing ahead with strikes that have killed hundreds in Lebanon and heightened fears of a regional war. Asked about "red lines" for U.S. support to Israel, Austin told reporters that the United States would not change its commitment to help Israel protect itself. He echoed U.S. calls for a ceasefire and a diplomatic solution to the crisis. "We've been committed from the very beginning to help Israel, provide the things that are necessary for them to be able to protect their sovereign territory and that hasn't changed and won't change in the future," Austin said after a meeting in London with his British and Australian counterparts. Israel said on Thursday it had secured an $8.7 billion aid package from the United States to support its ongoing military efforts and to maintain a military edge in the region. Austin said that there was a risk of all-out war between Hezbollah and Israel but added that a diplomatic solution was still viable. "We now face the risk of an all-out war. Another full-scale war (could) be devastating for both Israel and Lebanon," Austin said. "So let me be clear, Israel and Lebanon can choose a different path, despite the sharp escalation in recent days, a diplomatic solution is still viable," Austin said. He added that the quickest way for Israel to achieve its goal of returning citizens to their homes in northern Israel was through diplomacy. Israel has vowed to secure its north and return thousands of citizens to communities there, who have evacuated since Hezbollah launched a campaign of cross-border strikes last year in solidarity with Palestinian militants fighting in Gaza. (Reporting by Andrew MacAskill in London, Phil Stewart and Idrees Ali in Washington; Editing by Sharon Singleton) Getty Images Seven years before Prince William married Kate Middleton, another photogenic bride of modest breeding created the model of the very modern princess. It was the spring of 2004, and Letizia Ortiz Rocasolano was on the arm of the dashing Prince Felipe of Asturias, a member of the 750-year-old Bourbon dynasty and heir to the throne of Spain. By marrying Letizia, Felipe was putting to bed years of gossip and speculation. The tanned former Olympic yachtsman, who was 36, had been linked to a string of head-turners, including a Norwegian model, a Liechtensteiner princess, and American model turned socialite Gigi Howard. Like Kate Middleton, Letizia, then 31, was notable for being a commoner, the middle-class daughter of a journalist and a nurse. Unlike Kate, she was also divorced and established in her profession; as a Spanish TV news anchor, she had reported from Ground Zero after 9/11. She and Felipe hit it off the following year, after, rumor has it, Felipe arranged for a mutual friend to invite them both to dinner. Carlos Alvarez - Getty Images Despite pearl-clutching in the more conservative corners of Spanish society, the wedding, at the Almudena Cathedral in Madrid, would set the tone for a relationship defined by poise and quiet professionalism. Such qualities, along with Letizias cover star smile and style, cemented the comparisons with the Duchess of Cambridge. They also became vital when, in 2014, a royal scandal propelled Felipe, now 56, to the throne far sooner than he could have dreamed. If any royal couple had the chops to rescue the Spanish monarchy from the mire left by the disgraced King Juan Carlos, whose sins included affairs, allegations of corruption (an investigation was subsequently shelved), and a very poorly timed luxury elephant-hunting safari, it was Felipe, in his sober suits, with the elegant Letizia, now 51, by his side. But today, 20 years after those glittering nuptialsand 10 years after Felipe vowed to restore the monarchys reputation following his fathers abdicationconcerns are swirling like crows around the Zarzuela Palace. They involve a nonagenarian journalist, warring dynasties, an impudent prime minister, and outlandish claims of royal infidelity by Letizias own former brother-in-law. The wives of Spanish kings have faced various degrees of scrutiny, some of it extreme. Queen consorts have always provoked curiosity, and curiosity is the mother of controversy, says Jose Antonio Zarzalejos, the author of Felipe VI: Un Rey en la Adversidad (A King in Adversity), who had meetings with his subject while researching the book. Jacques Pavlovsky - Getty Images Letizia certainly would have been anxious to avoid the fate of her mother-in-law. Queen Sofia stood by as Juan Carlos, now 86, conducted affairs. Most notable among his lovers was Corinna zu Sayn-Wittgenstein-Sayn, a Danish businesswoman with whom he went elephant hunting in Africa in 2012, as Spain languished in a deep recession. The affair tipped popular opinion against a king who had been internationally acclaimed for steering Spain from dictatorship to democracy in the 1970s. He abdicated after almost 40 years in power and later spent a period of self-imposed exile in the United Arab Emirates. Felipe slimmed down the monarchy when he took the throne and positioned himself and Letizia as the antidote to scandal. This came with a personal cost. The scandal broke the family, and Felipe had to choose between the father and the institution of the monarchy. He chose the monarchy, says David Jimenez, an author and the former editor-in-chief of El Mundo. Daniel Gluckmann - Getty Images It all makes the new claims seem incendiary, not least because the queen herself is in the spotlight. At the center of the alleged scandal is Jaime del Burgo, the controversial son of a politician and, perhaps notably, grandson of Jaime del Burgo Torres, a prominent activist in the Carlist movement, which formed in the 19th century to fight for the claim to the Spanish throne of an alternative branch of the Bourbon dynasty. In November last year Jaime Penafiel, a 92-year-old newspaper columnist who is known for his fealty to Juan Carlos, published Letizia y Yo (Letizia and I). In the book del Burgo, a 54-year-old entrepreneur based in London, tells Penafiel that he and Letizia had struck up a romance in the 1990s on a trip to Venice. He says he was preparing to propose to her when she told him that she was dating a mysterious diplomat and that her new relationship would end her career. According to the book, del Burgo deduced that his rival was Felipe. Del Burgo went further, claiming that the romance continued in the shadows. He alleged that he had met Letizia on the eve of the royal wedding. She took hold of my hand and asked me why I had never asked her to marry me. Obviously, I didnt reply. I encouraged her as best I could. The last thing she said to me before we said goodbye to each other in that restaurant was a request: Never leave me. The relationship did continue, del Burgo alleged, even telling Penafiel that there were plans to flee Spain together for the U.S. He said he had photos and text messages that support his story, but he has so far shared nothing to substantiate it. Meanwhile the Casa Real, the royal palace, has declined to comment on the issue. NurPhoto - Getty Images Weeks after the books publication, del Burgo posted on X (formerly Twitter) an old photo of Letizia that the princess had apparently taken of herself in a bathroom mirror. Del Burgo claimed that the black pashmina she wore was his. He tweeted a message that he alleged Letizia had sent him with the selfie: Love. Im wearing your pashmina. Its like feeling you next to me. It takes care of me. Protects me. I count the hours until we see each other again. Love you. Get out of here. Yours. The post has since been deleted, and at this point there is no proof that Letizia sent the photo and accompanying text. Del Burgo says in the book that Letizia ended the romance in 2011. In a turn of events that would be startling in any family, he then married her sister, Telma Ortiz, the following year. The couple moved to New York, but Telma, an economist, returned to Spain months later, and they separated after two years, in 2014. (In a remarkable subplot, Telma then married Gavin Bonnar, an Irish lawyer who had been married to Sharon Corr, of the Irish band the Corrs. In 2021 Corr released an autobiographical album. Its title track, The Fool & the Scorpion, includes the lyrics Hell hath no fury like a woman scorned and The queens twisted sister, a chameleon.) Then, in July of this year, del Burgo gave an interview to Clarin, an Argentinian magazine, in which he repeated his claims of an ongoing romantic relationship and said he had last spoken to Letizia in May of this year. As I have always said, ours was not a relationship of lovers, he said. The lover would be him, in any case. I mean Felipe. The outburst made headlines in the UK, including in the Times of London, but there was a more muted response in Spain, as well as a backlash against del Burgo. Esther Lopez Barcelo, a left-wing academic and former politician, said that even republicans sympathized with the queen regarding these intimate allegations. Letizia could be my class enemy and, at the same time, the victim of a crime against privacy that is based on the patriarchy, she posted online. Gerardo Mora - Getty Images Even the celebrity press mostly ignored the contretemps. A senior editor at Hola! told me, We do not wish to comment on this subject. Zarzalejos wont go there either, and several experts on Spanish constitutional affairs swerve around any appeals for insight. Del Burgo, who initially agreed to answer Town & Countrys questions via email before going silent, deleted his X account earlier this year, although he later reemerged on the site and reposted the mirror selfie, along with a promise to release a TV documentary called And Nothing More Than the Truth. Meanwhile Penafiel was let go by El Mundo, where he was a columnist. Spain is a country where privacy is usually respected, and if a politician is having an affair, that would rarely make it to the media, Jimenez says. He says the elephant hunt crossed a line that was about more than infidelity. In this case, having someone close to [Letizia] disclosing things we dont know are true or not, but are in any case private I think most people are not paying much attention to it. One key question for del Burgo concerns his motives. There were hints that he was driven by more than matters of the heart. He expressed his dislike of the monarchy itself, which he called rotten. He tweeted last December, I recognize only one king in heaven, and his name is Jesus of Nazareth. He will judge me. In fact, del Burgo was quite chatty on X in December, when he also retweeted a far-right conspiracy theory that held that Juan Carloss abdication was not part of a crown rescue mission by Felipe but a leftist plot to usher in a new king who, with Letizia by his side and a renewed moral mission to uphold democracy, would have no choice but to tolerate a socialist prime minister. You dont have to be a scorned lover, leftist plotter, or conspiracy theorist to identify the gravest threat to the monarchy, which has given way to republics twice in Spains modern history. The biggest challenge to the royal family and to the crown is undoubtedly the government, says Ramon Perez-Maura, a Spanish journalist who grew up in a political family. Handout - Getty Images Its not hard to see why conservatives have taken against Pedro Sanchez, the current prime minister, and Felipes support of him. Sanchez, who came to power in 2018, narrowly secured a second term last year (after failing to win a majority) by controversially relying on the support of a left-wing alliance that included radicals and Catalan separatists, for whom Spains monarchy has been a barrier to independence. This seemed to only embolden Sanchezs republican instincts. Perez-Maura tells me Sanchez has repeatedly skipped the traditional weekly meeting with the king, and that the prime minister had to be pulled away when he broke protocol by standing alongside Felipe and Letizia to greet people at an official reception at the palace on Spains National Day. It was absolutely incredible, Perez-Maura says. He just doesnt play by the rules King Felipe is managing to remain on top, but with a very hostile relationship with a man who cant stand the fact that hes not the head of state. Zarzalejos says that Sanchez has also declined to dispatch a minister to accompany the king on official trips abroad. That is not tolerable, the writer says. Yet publicly, at least, Felipe has displayed extreme tolerance, quietly rising above the political fray while continuing to draw a line between his and his fathers reigns. Michael Reaves - Getty Images The stakes are high for Felipe, who was born a year before Franco, Spains fascist dictator, chose his father to be the next king. Juan Carloss humiliating abdication only reinforced the sense of precariousness in Spains monarchyand an uncertain fate for its royal family. In the Argentinian interview, del Burgo said he could not see the monarchy surviving beyond 2027, the year of the next general election. Republicanism has been a persistent force in Spain, and in June thousands protested in Madrid. Some threw an effigy of Felipe on a republican flag as the crowd chanted, Los Borbones a los tiburones!: throw the Bourbons to the sharks. But, despite a degree of discontent, and the best efforts of del Burgo, nobody I spoke to shares such a pessimistic outlook. Official approval ratings for the royals are no longer published in Spain, but Zarzalejos tells me he has seen positive private polling. Carlos Alvarez - Getty Images Perez-Maura believes that Letizia, meanwhile, continues to be a vital asset. Yet even if she can brush off del Burgos claims, she may not be the queen who determines the longevity of the Spanish monarchy. A difficult year for the royal couple has coincided with the coming of age of Leonor, their elder daughter, 18 and heir to the throne. She was featured prominently in a summer exhibition of photographs held at the palace to mark a decade of Felipes reign, and she has commenced public engagements while also enrolling at the prestigious Zaragoza Military Academy. She wasnt shown publicly more than once a year, but since she has come out in the last year and a half, she is very pretty and has captured the nations attention, Perez-Maura says. She is the biggest asset the family has right now. Given the nature of del Burgos kiss-and-tell claims, and the response of feminists in particular, its striking that Leonor might be the savior for a royal family with a history of problematic relationships with women, in a country that has not had a reigning queen since Isabella II was deposed in 1868. This is the century of women, and Leonor will surely coincide on the throne with other queens in Europe, Zarzalejos says. It will be a great opportunity to create a different view of our country. This story appears in the October 2024 issue of Town & Country. SUBSCRIBE NOW You Might Also Like Vice President Harris and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky delivered remarks at the White House on Thursday following a separate meeting with President Biden. Zelensky was welcomed to the White House, where he was expected to present his victory plan on how Ukraine can overcome its nearly three-year war with Russia. Zelensky was slated to meet with Biden first, deliver remarks with Harris then meet with Harris the Democratic presidential nominee privately, according to the White House. The meeting comes on the heels of Bidens final address before the U.N. General Assembly and Zelenskys speech, during which he warned that Russia was preparing for potential nuclear attacks. He also called for the international community to put more pressure on Russian President Vladimir Putin to halt any plans to attack. Biden has reaffirmed the U.S. commitment to support Ukraine and on Thursday pledged an estimated $8 billion in aid for the war-torn country. Harris and Zelensky were scheduled to deliver remarks at 3:05 p.m. ET. Watch the video report 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. Muslims in eastern Uganda beat an evangelist on Friday (Sept. 20), leaving him hospitalized with head injuries and a broken hand, sources said. Robertson Eriot, 41, and fellow evangelist Kefa Mukisa were visiting homes outside of Busia town, seat of the district of the same name, and stopped at the home of an Islamic leader identified as Sheikh Kalimu on the Busia-Kampala road at about 4:30 p.m., Mukisa said. After they requested permission to enter the homestead, the watchman opened the gate and let them in, and they began sharing the gospel with him, Mukisa said. Sheikh Kalimu who was inside the house heard our conversation he was angered and came out furiously, Mukisa, 25, told Morning Star News. He ordered his boys and other Muslims who had come for Islamic fellowship to come out of the room and to discipline us. Kalimu shouted, These are Christians who are out to convert our people to a wrong religion, according to Mukisa, adding that immediately a number of people came out of the house shouting the jihadist slogan, Allah Akbar [God is greater]. Stay informed with The Christian Daily Newsletter Sign up Since the gate was closed, we decided to jump over the fence, Mukisa said. I managed to jump over the fence and took off. Unfortunately, Eriot was caught up before he was able to escape over the fence. Mukisa said he began shouting for help, and local council leaders and neighbors arrived. We entered the homestead, and we found Eriot half-dead in a pool of blood, he said. We were able to rush him to the nearby clinic for treatment. Eriot suffered deep head injuries, a fractured left hand and bruises near the thigh of his right leg. He could have been hit with a blunt object and possibly a sharp object. They reported the attack to authorities and were waiting for them to act, he said. Eriots wife, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said he is still recuperating at a hospital in Busia. This is a very difficult time for me in supporting the family, especially food and to get money for paying medical charges for my husband in the hospital, she said, weeping. I know it will take a long period for my husband to be in the hospital. The couple have six children ranging in age from 7 to 19. The attack was the latest of many instances of persecution of Christians in Uganda that Morning Star News has documented. Ugandas constitution and other laws provide for religious freedom, including the right to propagate ones faith and convert from one faith to another. Muslims make up no more than 12 percent of Ugandas population, with high concentrations in eastern areas of the country. WASHINGTON The Biden administration on Thursday announced a massive infusion of military aid for Ukraine that will total nearly $8 billion and include bombs with the range to reach inside Russia. The announcement comes as Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy visits the White House to press for permission to fire long-range precision weapons into Russia, a longstanding plea that has gone unanswered. Ukraine wants the ability to strike airfields and munitions depots inside Russia that have been used by Russian President Vladimir Putin to stage devastating attacks on residential neighborhoods and power plants. President Joe Biden, in a statement, announced that he would send more than $5 billion in weapons from Pentagon stocks to Ukraine under authority granted by Congress before his term ends in January. In addition, the Pentagon will contract for another $2.4 billion for air defense weapons, drones and bombs. One significant weapon Biden announced is a long-range bomb known as the Joint Standoff Weapon, which can be released from warplanes and fly to targets as far as 80 miles away. Current White House policy restricts Ukraine to striking targets in Russia close to its border. Biden also announced expanded training for Ukrainian F-16 pilots. The administration had been reluctant to offer Ukraine the warplanes, fearing that they would be regarded as an escalation by Putin and lead to a broader war. "For nearly three years, the United States has rallied the world to stand with the people of Ukraine as they defend their freedom from Russian aggression, and it has been a top priority of my Administration to provide Ukraine with the support it needs to prevail," Biden said in a statement. Putin has not widened the war since the appearance of weapons like Abrams tanks and long-range artillery on the battlefield. The United States has provided Ukraine with more than $56 billion in military aid since Russia's invasion in February 2022. This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Biden announces new, massive military aid package for Ukraine Chicago White Sox starting pitcher Chris Flexen delivers during the first inning of a baseball game against the Los Angeles Angels on Thursday, Sept. 26, 2024, in Chicago. (AP Photo/Charles Rex Arbogast) CHICAGO (AP) The Chicago White Sox averted a record-breaking loss for the third straight day, beating the Los Angeles Angels 7-0 on Thursday behind Chris Flexen's sharp pitching performance. Chicago improved to 39-120 with its three-game sweep of Los Angeles. It has been tied with the 1962 New York Mets for the modern major league record for losses since Sunday's 4-2 setback at San Diego. "Weve played really good baseball these last three games, so its really good to see," first baseman Andrew Vaughn said. The White Sox finished their home schedule with a 23-58 record. They have three games left this weekend against the Detroit Tigers, who are in the mix for an AL wild card. I think guys are excited after this series," interim manager Grady Sizemore said. It's going to be a fun atmosphere there. These guys are playing for (the) postseason. We're going there to compete and not make it easy and try to get wins and try to just keep going. Flexen (3-15) struck out seven in 6 1/3 innings in his first win since May 8. The right-hander was winless in his previous 23 starts, a franchise record. Flexen was cheered by the crowd of 15,678 when he departed on a sunny afternoon. It was awesome, Flexen said, especially after the last couple nights, hearing some boos after winning a game. It's been tough, but to have a real ovation there was pretty special. Los Angeles dropped to 63-96 to set a franchise record for losses in a season. It went 1-6 on its final trip to finish with a 31-50 road record the most road losses for the team since it went 27-53 in 1996. I havent processed anything yet, catcher Logan O'Hoppe said. Its pretty sickening, going in the spring and expecting things to turn around, and then it happens. Weve got a good group in here, and it doesnt feel like what the record shows, but the record is what it is. The Angels had six hits five off Flexen. They managed just five runs and 19 hits in the series at Chicago. The White Sox put it away with a season-high seven runs in the fifth inning, helped by an error on shortstop Jack Lopez. Vaughn hit a two-run single, and Lenyn Sosa doubled home two more runs. It was just a great inning, Sizemore said. Guys put together good at-bats. I thought we got the big hit when we needed it. Lopez moved from second base to shortstop after Zach Neto departed because of right shoulder irritation. Neto got hurt when he tried to take second on a pitch in the dirt in the fourth. I was sliding and I felt a little discomfort, but everything is fine, Neto said. Vaughn had three of Chicago's 12 hits. Sosa, Zach DeLoach and Dominic Fletcher each had two. Angels left-hander Tyler Anderson (10-15) permitted five runs, four earned, and four hits in 4 1/3 innings. TRAINER'S ROOM Angels: 1B Nolan Schanuel got the day off after he fouled a ball off his right leg in the first inning of Wednesday night's loss. Manager Ron Washington said Schanuel could play this weekend. Hes moving around better, Washington said. Well see where he is when we get back to Anaheim. UP NEXT Angels: LHP Reid Detmers (4-8, 6.67 ERA) takes the mound on Friday night against Texas. RHP Jacob deGrom (0-0, 1.35 ERA) goes for the visiting Rangers. White Sox: Garrett Crochet (6-12, 3.68 ERA) starts on Friday in the opener of a three-game series at Detroit. The All-Star left-hander has a career-high 203 strikeouts in 142 innings. ___ AP MLB: https://apnews.com/MLB Iwao Hakamada was accused of killing a family of four in 1966 and was found guilty two years later. His death sentence was finalized in 1980 The Asahi Shimbun via Getty Iwao Hakamada pictured on Sept. 26, 2024 Iwao Hakamada who is believed to be the world's longest-serving death row inmate has been acquitted 58 years after his arrest Per local reports, Hakamada's death sentence was finalized in 1980 after he was found guilty of murdering a family of four in 1968 Hakamada was granted a retrial in 2014 and after years of prolonged legal proceedings, it finally opened in October 2023 A man believed to be the world's longest-serving death row inmate has been acquitted by a Japanese court at age 88. On Thursday, Sept. 26, the Shizuoka District Court announced the verdict of Iwao Hakamada. It arrived 56 years after he was found guilty in 1968 of killing a family of four two years prior, per the BBC. According to Japanese public broadcaster NHK, the court claimed that "key evidence" had been "fabricated by investigators" at his original trial. Hakamada had "continued to maintain his innocence after his death sentence was finalized in 1980," the outlet stated. Hakamada's retrial began in October 2023 before a total of 15 hearings took place, per NHK. Aflo/Shutterstock Iwao Hakamada and his sister Hideko Hakamada pictured in 2015 Related: Where Is Casey Anthony Now? A Look at Her Life After Acquittal He was accused of killing a senior manager at the miso factory where he worked in 1966, as well as the man's wife and his two children. The family was found dead after being stabbed at their home before the property was set on fire, the publication added. The BBC reported that Hakamada had also been accused of stealing 200,000 Japanese Yen (now nearly $1,400 USD) in cash. Per Japanese outlet The Asahi Shimbum, Judge Koshi Kunii claimed investigative authorities had "tampered with evidence by smearing blood" on Hakamada's clothing supposedly worn during the alleged crimes. NHK added that Judge Kunii Koshi also questioned whether red stains on clothing found in a miso tank were blood, as the items "would not retain a red hue after being buried under miso paste for more than one year." KAZUHIRO NOGI/AFP via Getty Iwao Hakamada pictured in 2018 The outlet suggested the clothes had been placed in the tank "after a considerable period of time had passed since the killings." The BBC also stated that Hakamada's lawyers had long insisted that DNA found on some clothes in the miso tank a year after his arrest did not match his. Hakamada was granted a retrial in 2014 after Judge Hiroaki Murayama admitted that "the clothes were not those of the defendant, per the BBC. However, it's taken up until now for the retrial to happen due to prolonged legal proceedings, the outlet stated. The Asahi Shimbum reported that Hakamada's 91-year-old sister, Hideko, had been among those fighting for her brother's freedom through the years. On behalf of my brother, I plead not guilty, she said when the retrial started in October, per the outlet. Hakamada had been living with his sister in Shizuoka Prefecture since 2014 when he was released pending the eventual retrial, the paper added. AP Photo/Kyodo Iwao Hakamada Related: Where Is Amanda Knox Now? Inside Her Life After Acquittal and Why Shes Still Clearing Her Name The outlet added that Hakamada, who was a former professional boxer, was not present during the hearings due to mental illness which he had "developed behind bars." Despite maintaining his innocence through the years, he "confessed" to the crimes "after nearly three weeks of brutal police interrogations" following his initial arrest in 1966, the Asahi Shimbum reported, citing his defense team. However, he retracted that confession once the trial opened. 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. AP Photo/Kyodo Iwao Hakamada and his sister Hideko pictured in 2014 Amnesty Internationals East Asia Researcher Boram Jang was among those celebrating Hakamada's acquittal. We are overjoyed by the courts decision to exonerate Iwao Hakamada. After enduring almost half a century of wrongful imprisonment and a further 10 years waiting for his retrial, this verdict is an important recognition of the profound injustice he endured for most of his life," Jang said, per the human rights organization's website. Hakamada's acquittal marks the fifth time in postwar Japan and the first in 35 years that a defendant on death row has been exonerated in the country, per NHK. For more People news, make sure to sign up for our newsletter! Read the original article on People. An 88-year-old former boxer has been found not guilty in a retrial of a 1966 quadruple murder in Japan, ending his ordeal as the longest-serving death row inmate ever. A ruling by Tokyo's Shizuoka District Court on Thursday exonerated Iwao Hamakada, who spent four decades on death row an ordeal that began with his conviction and sentencing by the same court in 1968, Amnesty International said. Hamakeda's 91-year-old sister Hideko, who has long advocated for her brother's acquittal, was seen celebrating outside the court after the verdict on Thursday. Former Japanese professional boxer Iwao Hakamada (L), who was sentenced to death for the murder of four members of a family in 1966 and released in 2014, and his sister Hideko (R) leave after a press conference in Tokyo on November 25, 2019. / Credit: KAZUHIRO NOGI/AFP via Getty Images "Everyone, we won the acquittal, it's all thanks to your support. Thank you for such a long time," she said, addressing a cheering crowd. The court acquitted Hakamada after ruling that vital evidence used to convict the former fighter had actually been planted long after the murders were committed, according to Japanese national broadcaster NHK. Hakamada was initially convicted of murdering his employer at the miso soybean paste factory where he worked, as well as the man's family. He was granted a retrial in 2014 and was released from prison after DNA evidence surfaced that called into question the reliability of his initial conviction. Central to the retrial case was a debate over the color of purported bloodstains on five items of clothing found in a tank used for making miso over a year after the murders. Prosecutors had argued that the clothing belonged to Hamakada. The ex-boxer's lawyers argued the evidence had been planted, and that stains on clothing would not stay red for such an extended period after the incident, according to NHK. On Thursday, the judge presiding over the retrial agreed with the defense that bloodstains would not remain reddish on clothing after being soaked in miso paste for more than a year. "The investigating authority added blood stains and hid the items in the miso tank well after the incident took place," judge Kunii Koshi said. He added that other pieces of evidence had been fabricated as well, NHK reported. Amnesty International said Hakamada's initial conviction had also been based largely on a forced confession. "During his first trial, Hakamada was convicted of the murder of his employer and his employer's family, largely based on a forced 'confession.' He 'confessed' to the crime after 20 days of interrogation by police. Hakamada proceeded to retract the 'confession' during the trial, alleging that police had threatened and beaten him," the human rights group said in a statement. Hideko Hakamada, sister of former boxer Iwao Hakamada who has been on death row in Japan for 47 years, shows a picture of her young brother Iwao during an interview outside the Tokyo Detention House in Tokyo, May 20, 2013. / Credit: KAZUHIRO NOGI/AFP/Getty Speaking outside the court Thursday, Hideyo Ogawa, Hakamada's lead lawyer, welcomed the verdict. "The court clearly said this important evidence had been fabricated, so now prosecutors no longer have any means to prove the conviction," Ogawa said. "I believe this verdict will conclude the battle." Japan and the U.S. are the only members of the G7, an informal grouping of seven of the world's biggest democratic, economical advanced nations, that still has the death penalty. Japan has not carried out any executions since July 2022, however, according to the U.S.-based Death Penalty Information Center. On Tuesday, authorities in Missouri executed Marcellus Williams shortly after the U.S. Supreme Court rejected a request to delay the execution, despite questions over the evidence used in his murder conviction. He was one of two American prisoners put to death on Tuesday, the other being Travis James Mullis who was executed in Texas. According to the Death Penalty Information Center, 16 prisoners have been executed in the United States this year in total. Why Hurricane Helene could be catastrophic Hurricane Helene makes landfall in Florida as Category 4 storm National Hurricane Center warns of Helene's life-threatening storm surge By Luc Cohen NEW YORK (Reuters) -New York City Mayor Eric Adams said on Wednesday he expected to be charged with federal crimes and declared he was innocent, after the New York Times reported he had already been indicted following a long-running federal corruption investigation. Adams, a Democrat who would become the first of the city's 110 mayors to be criminally charged while in office, said in a video statement that if charges were filed they would be "entirely false, based on lies." He vowed to remain in office while fighting them. "If I'm charged, I know I'm innocent. I will request an immediate trial so New Yorkers can hear the truth," Adams said. Defying calls from Democratic politicians for him to resign, he said: "You elected me to lead this city, and lead it I will." The indictment was likely to be unsealed on Thursday when Adams may appear in court, the Times reported. In the meantime the exact charges remained uncertain. It also remained unclear whether Adams would be arrested or voluntarily surrender. Other media later reported that a federal grand jury had indicted Adams, citing unnamed sources. The charges come after the FBI last November searched Adams' electronic devices, and in the wake of a slew of resignations by top city officials in recent weeks as multiple federal corruption investigations entangle his administration. A spokesman for the U.S. Attorney's office in Manhattan, which brought the charges, declined to comment. Adams' lawyers did not immediately respond to a request for comment except to send a transcript of his video statement. One of his lawyers has said that the mayor was cooperating with an investigation but did not say what it was about. Adams said the charges "would not be surprising" based on the "leaks and rumors" that he said were aimed at undermining his credibility. If he were forced out of office, Public Advocate Jumaane Williams would become mayor of the United States' largest city with a population of about 8.3 million. The case is likely to complicate any Adams bid for re-election in 2025. Other Democratic politicians, including New York City comptroller Brad Lander, plan to challenge Adams - once a key ally of Democratic President Joe Biden - for the party's nomination. "The most appropriate path forward is for him to step down so that New York City can get the full focus its leadership demands," Lander said on X, joining a growing list of politicians to call for his resignation. Before the news broke, U.S. Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, also a Democrat, became the first member of congress to urge him to step down, saying it would be "for the good of the city." Shortly before the announcement, Adams appeared at a reception in New York at the Metropolitan Museum of Art attended by President Joe Biden and Jill Biden, both of whom made remarks. Adams did not address the gathering. The Times, citing a search warrant, reported in early November 2023 that federal authorities were investigating the possible acceptance by Adams' 2021 campaign of illegal donations, including by the Turkish government. The probe, conducted by the U.S. Attorney's office in Manhattan, focused on whether Adams' 2021 mayoral campaign conspired with a Brooklyn construction company to funnel foreign money into the campaign through a straw-donor scheme, the Times said. Authorities have also sought information about Adams' interactions with Israel, China, Qatar, South Korea and Uzbekistan, according to the Times. Adams, 64, a former police officer who rose to the rank of captain, has repeatedly denied wrongdoing and said he is cooperating with the probe. His lawyers said in a statement on Aug. 15 they had conducted their own investigation into the matters prosecutors were probing and had not found evidence of illegal conduct by Adams. "To the contrary, we have identified extensive evidence undermining the reported theories of federal prosecution as to the Mayor, which we have voluntarily shared with the U.S. Attorney," said the lawyers, Brendan McGuire and Boyd Johnson. New York has been in a state of political upheaval for the past month. Police Commissioner Edward Caban resigned on Sept. 12, a week after FBI agents seized his phone. Days later, Adams' chief legal adviser resigned, saying she could "no longer effectively serve" in the position. On Wednesday, the city's public schools chancellor David Banks said he would retire at the end of the year, weeks after the Times reported his phones were seized by federal agents. (Reporting by Luc Cohen in New York, Eric Beech in Washington and Daniel Trotta in Carlsbad, California; Editing by Dan Burns and Sonali Paul) remaining of Thank you for reading! On your next view you will be asked to log in to your subscriber account or create an account and subscribepurchase a subscription to continue reading. Randall Terry on Tour in Wisconsin 'Defend Children, Defeat Kamala/Walz and Destroy the Democrat Party' NEWS PROVIDED BY Terry for President Sept. 26, 2024 MILWAUKEE, Sept. 26, 2024 /Christian Newswire/ -- The Terry / Broden Campaign releases the following: Wisconsin Campaign Schedule Thursday, September 26th Milwaukee, 9:00 AM , Affiliated Med Services 1428 N Farwell Avenue Madison, 11:00 AM, Planned Parenthood, 3706 Orin Road Lacrosse, 2:30 PM CST, Planned Parenthood, 1201 Caledonia Street Milwaukee, 9:00 AM , Affiliated Med Services 1428 N Farwell Avenue Madison, 11:00 AM, Planned Parenthood, 3706 Orin Road Lacrosse, 2:30 PM CST, Planned Parenthood, 1201 Caledonia Street Friday, September 27th Eau Claire, 11:00 AM CST, City Hall, 203 S Farwell Street Wausau, 1:00 PM CST, Health First Services, 216 S 3rd Avenue Green Bay, 3:15 PM CST, Planned Parenthood, 2605 S Oneida Street Candidate for President, Randal Terry, founder of Operation Rescue, the largest peaceful civil disobedience movement (Biblical obedience) in American history. Countless lives were saved from murder because of those who laid their lives down and sacrificed their time and liberty so babies could be saved from a horrible death. This rescue movement was ten times greater in participation than the civil rights movement for blacks. VP Candidate, Pastor Stephen Broden, Founder of Fair Park Bible Fellowship for over 35 years (a non-denominational inner-city church) in Dallas, Texas, a resident of the Dallas area for 43 years. Ran for Congress in Texas District 30 in 2010. Speaker on Fox & Friends, Glen Beck, Huckabee shows. For more information go Terry2024.com and Interview Randall Terry at each stop. Contact: Joe Slovenec Campaign Manager 909-273-7004 Terry2024.com ConstitutionParty.com ConstitutionPartyofWisconsin.com SOURCE Terry for President CONTACT: Joe Slovenec, campaign manager, 909-273-7004 Priests from Fujian travelled to the province of repressions against the Uyghurs to educate the patriotic spirit and grow in the path of Sinicisation. They were led by Bishop Vincenzo Zhan Silu, one of the two Chinese bishops who will participate in the Synod. Tourism promoted as the Party's preferred path to cover up the detention of figures like Ilham Tothi and other human rights violations. Milan (AsiaNews) - The Chinese Communist Party is also involving Catholic priests in its campaign to counter allegations about Xinjiang, China's westernmost province, which has long been the focus of concern of human rights organisations over the forced assimilation of the Uyghurs, the local Muslim population. Local Church bodies controlled by the Party in Fujian Province - one of those where the Catholic presence is historically strongest in China - organised a trip to Xinjiang for a group of Catholic priests and religious at the end of last August. The declared objective: to educate the patriotic spirit and grow in the path of the sinicisation of religions as outined by Xi Jinping. The initiative was reported yesterday by the American website China Aid, at the forefront of tracking religious freedom in China, quoting the contents of a communique that appeared on chinacatholic.cn, the official Catholic website of the Patriotic Association. In the note - also accompanied by some photos of the trip - it is reported that the group was led by Bishop Vincenzo Zhan Silu, the bishop of the diocese that the Vatican calls Funing and the Beijing government calls by the administrative name of Mindong. Msgr Zhan Silu is one of the two bishops that Pope Francis has appointed for the upcoming second session of the Ordinary Assembly of the Synod and is therefore expected in the Vatican any day now. Ordained without a pontifical mandate in a Chinese government snub on 6 January 2000, he is one of the eight bishops returned to communion with Rome in 2018 when the Provisional Agreement between Beijing and the Holy See on the appointment of bishops was signed, the renewal of which is expected in recent weeks. Msgr Zhan Silu is also vice-president of the Chinese Council of Catholic Bishops, the collegial body not officially recognised by the Holy See The communique issued by the Fujian Church bodies states, "through these patriotic educations practical activities, the report added, participants recognized that Xinjiang is an inseparable part of Chinas territory, and that all ethnic groups in Xinjiang are closely connected members of the Chinese nation. It is also reported that Bishop Zhan Silu, commenting on the trip, hoped it would serve to raise a clergy that is are politically reliable, have noble characters and religious accomplishments, and are able to play their role at critical times.. Since May 2014, the PRC government has launched an anti-terrorism campaign in Xinjiang, targeting Uyghurs and other Turkic Muslims living in the province with policies that include mass and arbitrary detentions, forced labour, family separations and torture. Just recently, Human Rights Watch launched a new appeal for Ilham Tohti, a Uyghur economist and activist, sentenced to life imprisonment on charges of separatism for founding the website Uyghurs Online. A symbolic figure in the Uyghurs' struggle for respect for their identity and winner of the Sakharov Prize, his family has not even been allowed to visit him since 2017 and he is believed to be confined to solitary confinement. In 2022, the Office of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights - after repeated attempts by Beijing to prevent it - published a report concluding that abuses on Uyghurs may constitute crimes against humanity. In response to these complaints - which also raise the issue of the use of forced labour by Uyghurs in the supply chains of large multinational groups - in recent years Beijing has focused heavily on promoting Xinjiang as a tourist destination, using local folklore to spread the image of peaceful coexistence in a context fully integrated with the rest of China. An effort in which the Catholic clergy is now also called upon to collaborate. RED LANTERNS IS THE ASIANEWS NEWSLETTER DEDICATED TO CHINA. WOULD YOU LIKE TO RECEIVE IT EVERY THURSDAY? TO SUBSCRIBE, CLICK HERE. Several families have reported that it is increasingly hard for them to enrol their children, despite having papers certifying their refugee status. Millions of people, including many children, have already been sent back while the campaign to expel more continues to intensify. The first 10 km of a wall that will divide the two countries has been built. Kabul (AsiaNews/Agencies) School has started in Iran, but not for Afghan refugee children living in the country. Several families have said that, due to increasingly stringent rules and high school fees, their children are not allowed to enrol in school. Jamshid, who has lived in Iran for three years, told AmuTV that, Even though I had a letter from the Ministry of Education, the school principal told me there was no space and refused to register his children. Like him, most Afghan refugees fled their homeland to escape the Taliban, who regained control of the country in August 2021. Since then, about half of the population has found itself severely food insecure, while about 85 per cent live on less than a dollar a day, this according to the United Nations. Jamshid explained that this year only his daughters were accepted, but not his two sons. In some Iranian provinces, including Kerman, Shiraz and Kohgiluyeh and Boyer-Ahmad, school authorities have reportedly refused to enrol Afghan students who have only basic papers, reports AmuTV, a multimedia channel based outside Afghanistan. Ham-Mihan, an Iranian pro-reform newspaper, reported that to stay in Iran, Afghan migrants are now forced to buy a "smart card" that costs one billion rials (about ,700). However, many Afghan refugees avoid registering with UN agencies or Iranian authorities fearful that registration will lead to deportation, or because they hope that Iran is only a transit country to Europe. In June, the humanitarian organisation Norwegian Refugee Council reported that only 600,000 Afghan children were enrolled in school for the 2023-24 school year out of more than 1.5 million (with the Afghan refugee population said to be around 4.5 million, but is likely much higher). For Iran's Education Ministry, 556,000 Afghan children had valid papers to have access to education last year. Most Afghan families have the necessary documents, but due to the deportation push, many provinces are not allowing these students to enrol, said Nahid Masoudi, an advocate for Afghan migrants rights in Iran. According to data from last year, Iran hosts the largest number of Afghans together with Pakistan and the issue has had major repercussions in the country for quite a while. Local media file daily reports of crimes allegedly involving Afghan nationals, who are also blamed for the difficult situation in the labour market or for carrying infectious diseases. Last year, Iran's Supreme National Security Council announced that Afghans would no longer be allowed to live in at least 16 provinces of the country. In May, the Interior Ministry said that some 1.3 million "irregular migrants" had been sent back to Afghanistan in the past year. According to some reports, 20,000 children have also been repatriated, many unaccompanied, as well as people of Afghan descent who do not know their country of origin. With the election of President Masoud Pezeshkian, the push for expulsion increased. Iranian authorities announced plans to repatriate another two million Afghans in the next six months. Earlier this month, Iran's parliament proposed cutting the "foreign population" (essentially Afghan refugees) by 10 per cent a year. If this becomes legislation, local authorities will have to ensure that "foreign nationals" do not exceed 3 per cent of the population in any city or province. In the meantime, the construction of the first 10 kilometres of a concrete wall has been completed, sealing off the north-eastern border between the two countries, the one most used by refugees. The wall will improve the security of the country and the border areas, while also positively impacting the country's economy, Brigadier General Nozar Nemati told local media. Today's news: US and France call for 21-day truce in Lebanon after UN Security Council; New billion loan to Pakistan from International Monetary Fund; The Vatican Library will exhibit its works in an exhibition set up in the terminal of the Saudi airport where pilgrims disembarking to Mecca; In Kazakhstan new fences at the presidential palace to make demonstrations impossible. JAPAN A Japanese court acquitted Iwao Hakamata, an 88-year-old former professional boxer, decades after he was sentenced to death for a quadruple murder case in 1966. Hakamat spent almost half a century behind bars before new evidence got him out of prison in 2014. His case marks the fifth time since the post-war period in Japan that new trials have ended in acquittal after a death sentence. It took more than nine years to reopen the case after the Shizuoka District Court granted him a retrial in 2014. The focus of the retrial was the reliability of the main piece of evidence - five items of clothing he allegedly wore during the incident: the Tokyo High Court had ruled in March last year that there was a strong possibility that they had been planted by investigators. Commenting on the news, the Archbishop of Tokyo, Tarcisio Isao Kikuchi, reiterated the call of the Catholic Church in Japan for the abolition of the death penalty in the country. LEBANON-ISRAEL The United States, France, and nine allies including the European Union, Italy, Japan, and Saudi Arabia called for an immediate 21-day ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah in Lebanon, also expressing support for a truce in Gaza. The request is contained in a joint statement by the countries released by the White House after yesterday's emergency UN Security Council meeting on Lebanon. In the meantime, Israeli raids continued in the area, which according to Lebanese health sources have killed at least 72 other people. VIETNAM-UNITED STATES On the sidelines of the ongoing UN General Assembly in New York , Vietnamese President To Lam - who is now also secretary of the Vietnamese Communist Party - met with US President Joe Biden. A senior US official said the two discussed ways to accelerate the strategic partnership agreed upon last year. According to the Vietnamese news agency, To Lam told Biden that his country will continue to firmly implement its foreign policy of independence, self-reliance, multilateralism and diversification. In New York, the Vietnamese president also met with representatives of large US companies, including Meta. PAKISTAN The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has approved a new loan of billion for Pakistan, which is unable to get out of its economic crisis. The country will receive the first billion dollars immediately, while the balance will be disbursed over the next three years. Pakistan has obtained more than 20 loans from the IMF since 1958 and is currently the fifth largest debtor of the financial institution. VATICAN-SAUDI ARABIA The Vatican Apostolic Library has announced that from 25 January to 24 May 2025, several works from its collections will be exhibited at the AlMadar section of the Islamic Arts Biennale to be held at the Hajj terminal of Jeddah airport, through which millions of travellers to Mecca pass each year. The exhibition will offer a multifaceted representation of the art of numbers in all its aspects, from its origins in nature to its infinite applications in Islamic culture, mathematical advances, terrestrial and celestial mapping, navigation and trade, rituals and spiritual life. RUSSIA-TURKEY Turkey, the world's third-largest buyer of Russian oil, has drastically reduced its imports mainly due to restructuring work at the Star oil industry near Izmir, which processes 45% of imported oil. It has fallen to less than 200,000 barrels per day compared to 400-450 three months ago. It will only be seen in two months - at the end of the work - whether the oil trade will be restored to previous measures. KAZAKHSTAN A new fence has been placed on the territory around the Akorda, the presidential palace of Astana in Kazakhstan, and by now if the gates are closed it becomes impossible to approach and even walk along the picturesque Esil riverfront, making the entire administrative centre of the capital inaccessible to avoid any possible demonstration in the vicinity. by Nirmala Carvalho In a letter, Archbishop Andrews Thazhath denounces the misappropriation of property owned by Christian fishing families in Ernakulam district. After intense debate, the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, tabled in early August, was forwarded to a joint parliamentary committee. Muslims, however, fear control by the central government. Kochi (AsiaNews) The Syro-Malabar Church has submitted a formal request to the Joint Parliamentary Committee in support of the revision of the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, amending the 1995 Waqf Act. The latter regulates ownership of assets donated to Islamic endowments. In a letter dated 10 September, Archbishop Andrews Thazhath, chairman of the Syro-Malabar Public Affairs Commission (SMPAC), slammed claims by the Waqf Board of ownership of assets belonging to Christian families in Ernakulam, a district in the southern Indian state of Kerala. According to the Church, this situation has generated long legal battles and has put about 600 families at risk of eviction. The people involved, residents of the villages of Cherai and Munambam, are mainly fisher people, a community that has lived in the area for generations. However, their properties have been claimed as "waqfs," endowments that, according to Islamic law, belong to Muslim religious charities. The Catholic Bishops' Council of Kerala (KCBC) also wrote to the Lok Sabha[*] Secretariat, expressing support for the amendments to the law to avoid further cases of expropriation. The two church organisations urged the Parliamentary Committee to take immediate and definitive measures to reduce tensions, demanding that changes to the law be based on constitutional and humanitarian principles. According to representatives of the Syro-Malabar Church, the government should consider the "tragic situation" of these families, who risk being expelled from their homes by virtue of "totally unjust and inhumane" claims, said a source close to the Church. These people belong to the impoverished fishermen community. In addition to peoples homes, One Catholic parish church, a convent, and a dispensary are under threat of evacuation by the Waqf Board, the source said, stressing the gravity of the situation. Tomorrow, Munambam residents will hold a demonstration in Vanchi Square, the historic centre of Fort Kochi, to denounce the unjust claims of the Waqf Board and demand the protection of their rights. The Waqf (Amendment) Bill was presented to the Lok Sabha on 8 August for the purpose of reviewing the management of properties designated as "waqf" across India. Several opposition leaders argue that proposed amendments risk reigniting sectarian tensions. One of the key provisions is that two non-Muslims and at least two women be included in the Central Waqf Council, which will have to advise central and local administrations and Waqf committees. After intense debate, the bill was forwarded to a joint parliamentary committee with several lawmakers from both the lower and upper houses. Many legal cases involving waqf properties remain unresolved and in Kerala, a state with a substantial Christian and Muslim presence, these disputes have fuelled social and religious tensions. For their part, Muslim leaders fear that the new law will further marginalise the Islamic community, introducing greater government control over religious assets hitherto administered only by the Waqf Board. [*] The lower house of the Indian Parliament. by Vladimir Rozanskij As pressure grows from Moscow for the only official and patriotic language, Russian, Tatar intellectuals are discussing the ethnic prospects of their own and other minor peoples within the Federation. Moscow (AsiaNews) - In the debate on the prospects of Russia's minor peoples, a leading Tatar-Russian academic, Robert Nigmatullin, a member of the national council of the World Congress of Tatars, spoke on the Intertat portal in an optimistic tone on the subject Even if the language disappears, the Tatars will never disappear. His rosy predictions were answered on Idel.Realii by another expert on federal relations, Kharun Sidorov, who considers the ethnic perspectives of the Tatars and other peoples important, but with a much less positive outlook. The thesis of the physicist and oceanologist Nigmatullin, in his dialogue with journalists, compares the survival of the forcibly Russian-speaking Tatars to the fate of peoples such as the Peruvian peoples in Latin America, forced to adopt the Spanish language without completely losing their identity. Sidorov notes, however, that Peruvians are a political rather than an ethnic definition, like Russians rather than Tatars. True indigenous people or Indians, a term banned in Peru as offensive, try to speak in their original language, while the Spanish language defines mestizos and creoles, mixed peoples who do not retain historical memory. Nigmatullin's vision seems to tend more towards mestizaje than the preservation of native traditions. All that would remain would be the names and surnames, the memory of partial Tatar roots, quoting the words of Vladimir Putin's unofficial wife, Alina Kabaeva, who during the city of Kazan's millennium celebrations boasted of her half-Tatar origins, despite not knowing a word of the Tatar language. Something of this will also remain with the president's children, whose existence only came to light in recent days. Sidorov also recalls the experience of Israel, which with its repatriation agency Sokhnut gathers all those who have some second or third generation Jewish ancestors or close relatives, especially spouses, to settle in their homeland. In this case, the aim is to reabsorb these people into the Jewish ethnic community, re-establishing knowledge of the language and culture until citizenship and permanent relocation, or at least regular presence in the country. The core of ethnic sociality thus presupposes a basic integral identity, which allows those who have lost it or in fact never had it to be reabsorbed into it. While this may be the optimistic dimension of Nigmatullin's vision, for Sidorov and other commentators the ethno-political and ethno-cultural reality of today's Russia does not allow for this positive conclusion. The Jews at least have their own sovereign state, while the ambitions of Tatarstan and Bashkortostan, the two Tatar republics of Russia, are continually frustrated by the limitations imposed by Moscow. Sidorov points out that even the autonomist regions of various countries, such as Catalonia, Quebec or South Tyrol, respect local languages on a par with the national language, while in Russia there is increasing pressure for the only official and patriotic language, Russian, despite the fact that in both the regional and federal constitutions, Tatar is recognised as the national language, on a par with Russian. Thus, the slogan that the people will not die with the language appears as an attempt to save the ethnic spirit by submitting to colonial rule, assigning the Tatars of Russia the future of Creole-Russian mestizos. Nigmatullin even states that without the Tatars, Jews, Caucasians and others, one cannot understand Russia itself, seen as an all-encompassing civilisation and not mono-ethnic, as China can be seen in part, despite having many different nationalities within it. Sidorov insists on comparing Russia to Peru more than to China, seeing it as a return to colonial policies of the past, when it seemed that after the end of the USSR all peoples had regained their self-awareness, inside or outside the Russian Federation. Photo: Jaimerimummi 26 September 2024 11:25 (UTC+04:00) Akbar Novruz Read more The 5th traditional Caspian Business Forum was held in New York, organized by the Caspian Policy Center, Azernews reports. The event brought together US and Caspian region officials, experts, and stakeholders to discuss the expanding business and energy environment in the South Caucasus and Central Asia, as well as regional connectivity and the COP29 agenda. In his opening speech, Efgan Nifti, president of the Caspian Policy Center, emphasized the region's growing importance in the global market and food chain. He pointed out that the C5+1 meeting, held a year ago between the Central Asian heads of state and US President Joe Biden, marked a new phase of relations. Nifti added, "The United States, together with G7 partners, is expanding relations through the Partnership for Global Infrastructure and Investment (PGI) program, which has become a key source of foreign investment in the region." He also underscored the strategic significance of transport links such as the Middle Corridor, highlighting the Caspian region's capacity to supply energyboth from hydrocarbons and renewable sources. Referring to Azerbaijan's upcoming role as host of the COP29 conference, Nifti stated, "The transition to 'Green Energy' will be of decisive importance for the Caspian region in the coming years." U.S. Assistant Secretary for Energy Issues Geoffrey Pyatt stressed the need for both interregional and intraregional cooperation in delivering the Caspian regions energy resources to global markets. He also discussed Azerbaijans role in the green energy transition within the COP29 framework and reaffirmed US support for the regions energy security. Acting PGI Coordinator Helaina Matza highlighted the importance of the Trans-Caspian Corridor in global trade and the United States' support for its development. She stated that her team is exploring initial investment opportunities in rail, ports, digital infrastructure, fiber, and distribution centers across the region. Kubanychbek Omuraliev, Secretary General of the Organization of Turkic States, discussed the organization's commitment to increasing the prosperity of the Turkic world through enhanced cooperation. He noted the importance of the "Turkish World Vision 2040" and "TDT 2022-2026 Strategy" projects, while emphasizing the strategic value of the Trans-Caspian International Corridor. Turkiyes Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs, Berris Ekinci, reaffirmed Turkeys role as a reliable energy partner, highlighting cooperation with Azerbaijan, Turkmenistan, Kazakhstan, and Georgia in delivering the region's energy resources to Europe. "We strive to achieve more through our joint efforts," she added. Speakers such as Azerbaijan's Deputy Foreign Minister Elnur Mammadov, Georgia's Deputy Foreign Minister Lasha Darsalia, Kazakhstans Presidential Adviser Zulfiya Suleimenova, and others discussed the significance of Caspian connectivity, regional development opportunities, and Azerbaijans leadership in COP29. --- Akbar Novruz is AzerNews staff journalist, follow him on Twitter: @ykwiua Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz 26 September 2024 13:11 (UTC+04:00) Fatima Latifova Read more On September 25, 2024, the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Azerbaijan, Jeyhun Bayramov, met with the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Latvia, Baiba Braje, during the high-level week of the 79th session of the United Nations General Assembly, Azernews reports. During the meeting, the parties discussed issues related to political, economic, regional security, interparliamentary relations, and humanitarian cooperation between the two countries. They also addressed preparations for Azerbaijan's chairmanship of the 29th session of the Conference of the Parties to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP29), as well as regional and international security issues. The satisfaction with the current level of strategic partnership between the two countries in the fields of politics, economy, trade, and humanitarian cooperation was expressed. The importance of continuing and developing this cooperation in other areas, including infrastructure, transportation, and energy security, was emphasized. Minister Jeyhun Bayramov provided detailed information to his counterpart about Azerbaijans COP29 chairmanship, including its goals and priorities, the 14 key initiatives proposed within this framework, and the efforts being made to ensure their practical implementation. It was noted that the chairmanship is promoting the creation of a Climate Finance Action Fund aimed at attracting financial resources to support efforts against climate change. Azerbaijans inclusive approach to the COP29 chairmanship process was also highlighted, with the intention to engage all interested parties in the process. The Latvian side was additionally informed about the post-conflict situation in the region, the peace agenda between Azerbaijan and Armenia, the progress of bilateral negotiations, and the challenges in signing the peace agreement. Specifically, attention was drawn to Armenias legislative acts, particularly its constitution, which still contains territorial claims against Azerbaijan. During the meeting, the two sides also exchanged views on other regional and international security issues of mutual interest. --- Fatima Latifova is AzerNews staff journalist, follow her on Twitter: @fatimalatifova Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz 26 September 2024 12:06 (UTC+04:00) Nazrin Abdul Read more The Second Azerbaijan-GCC Economic Forum has started in Baku, Azernews reports. A Memorandum of Understanding is expected to be signed between the Azerbaijan Export and Investment Promotion Agency (AZPROMO) and the Federation of Chambers of Commerce of the Gulf Cooperation Council countries. Panel discussions will cover topics including "Cooperation on Renewable Energy Sources," "Challenges and Opportunities in Transport and Logistics between Azerbaijan and the Persian Gulf Countries," "Agriculture and Food Security between Azerbaijan and the Persian Gulf Countries," and "Strategic Partnership in the Food Industry." Among the speakers are officials from the Ministry of Economy of Azerbaijan and Qatar, the executive director of AZPROMO, representatives from various structures of the Cooperation Council of the GCC, and experts from companies operating in the fields of energy, transport, and agriculture. Yusif Abdullayev, executive director of AZPROMO, stated that the countries of the GCC have invested nearly 4 billion US dollars in the economy of Azerbaijan so far. "The potential between Azerbaijan and GCC member countries has not been fully utilised, and there are great prospects for economic cooperation between the countries," he added. --- Nazrin Abdul is AzerNews staff journalist, follow her on Twitter: Nazrin Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz 26 September 2024 14:05 (UTC+04:00) Akbar Novruz Read more Iran's non-oil exports to Azerbaijan significantly increased in the first five months of 2024, Azernews reports Access to paid information is limited Find the plan that suits you best. 26 September 2024 17:15 (UTC+04:00) Akbar Novruz Read more Azerbaijan's business tourism potential is being introduced at the "Kingdom Business & Luxury Travel Congress," held from September 25-26 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. The Azerbaijan Tourism Bureau (ATB), under the State Tourism Agency, is representing the country as a "silver partner" at the event, Azernews reports. The ATB's participation aims to promote Azerbaijan as a premier destination for business tourism and to attract more industry representatives to the country. During B2B meetings with leading experts and agencies in Saudi Arabia's business tourism sector, the ATB provided detailed information on Azerbaijan's infrastructure for organizing business events and highlighted the overall tourism potential of the country. The main objectives of Azerbaijan's participation in the event include showcasing its capabilities as a global destination for business events, identifying potential partners and events, and expanding research activities to better position the country on the international stage. In the first eight months of this year, 76,861 visitors from Saudi Arabia traveled to Azerbaijan, marking a 31% increase compared to the same period last year. --- Akbar Novruz is AzerNews staff journalist, follow him on Twitter: @ykwiua Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz 26 September 2024 17:09 (UTC+04:00) "Azerbaijans economic development model has already confirmed itself in the world," Azernews reports, citing President Ilham Aliyev as he addressed the meeting on economic issues. "We have built a strong economy relying on our own resources. We have built an independent economy and are not dependent on anyone. Economic independence naturally gives us great opportunities at the international level, so that Azerbaijan can conduct an independent foreign policy with success, confidence, honor and dignity - as we have done and will do," the head of state noted. ---- Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz 26 September 2024 12:54 (UTC+04:00) Fatima Latifova Read more On September 25, 2024, Azerbaijan's Foreign Minister Jeyhun Bayramov met with Finland's Foreign Minister Elina Valtonen during the 79th session of the UN General Assembly, Azernews reports. The meeting included discussions on bilateral and multilateral cooperation between Azerbaijan and Finland, including matters arising from Finland's 2025 OSCE chairmanship and regional issues. It was noted that the 29th session of the Conference of the Parties to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change could create additional opportunities for collaboration. The counterpart was provided with detailed information about the current situation and realities in the region during the post-conflict period, as well as the progress of the normalisation process between Azerbaijan and Armenia. It was emphasised that ongoing territorial claims against Azerbaijan in Armenian legislation and the rapid militarisation of Armenia are key factors threatening the process of sustainable peacebuilding in the region. The meeting also included an exchange of views on other bilateral and multilateral issues of mutual interest. --- Fatima Latifova is AzerNews staff journalist, follow her on Twitter: @fatimalatifova Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz 26 September 2024 10:11 (UTC+04:00) Fatima Latifova Read more Armenia invites Azerbaijan to sign the already agreed-upon provisions of the peace agreement by the COP29 climate conference, which will be held in Baku in November, Azernews reports, citing Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan. The prime minister emphasized that the aim of this is to create a stimulating environment for the development of the peace process. Recall that Baku, the capital of Azerbaijan, will host the 2024 UN Climate Change Conference (UNFCCC COP 29) for the first time in the region from November 1122, 2024. The decision was made at the plenary session of COP28 on December 11. Azerbaijan successfully participated in the COP28 held in Abu Dhabi last year. Azerbaijan will take the opportunity to bring heads of state and governments, civil society organisations, business, and international institutions together in the South Caucasus to discuss climate change, measures to accelerate the implementation of the Paris Agreement, and focus on long-term climate strategies and goals. It is worth noting that Azerbaijan confirmed its commitment to reduce the emission of greenhouse gases by 35 percent by 2030 and increase this target by 40 percent by 2050. Fulfilling the commitments under the Paris Agreement adopted in 2015 and actively working in this regard are priority issues for the government of Azerbaijan. The Conference of the Parties to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) has been held annually since 1995. The event aims to assess the progress made in combating climate change around the world. --- Fatima Latifova is AzerNews staff journalist, follow her on Twitter: @fatimalatifova Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz 26 September 2024 09:00 (UTC+04:00) Speaking at the OIC Contact Group on Muslims in Europe, Deputy Foreign Minister Elnur Mammadov informed about Baku's initiatives to combat Islamophobia. "Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Elnur Mammadov spoke at the OIC Contact Group on Muslims in Europe in New York and informed about Azerbaijan's initiatives to combat the growing threats, including intolerance, racism, xenophobia, and Islamophobia," the Ministry of Foreign Affairs' social network account said. It was noted that the international events hosted by Azerbaijan within the framework of the Baku Process dedicated to intercultural dialogue are a clear example of our country's commitment to promoting dialogue between different communities. ---- Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz 26 September 2024 08:00 (UTC+04:00) During the speech of French President Emmanuel Macron at the UN General Assembly on September 25, the opinion that "France stands shoulder to shoulder with Armenia in the conditions of Azerbaijan's pressures on Armenia and territorial claims" is another example of France's biased pro-Armenian approach to both our country and the peace process in general. Azernews reports, citing the Foreign Ministry that the head of the press service of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Aykhan Hajizade, said this while commenting on the comments made by Emmanuel Macron against Azerbaijan at the UN General Assembly. It is unacceptable that France, which is preparing Armenia for revanchism and widely arming this country, blames the Azerbaijani side for the pressures. The presentation of Armenia as a peace-loving victim country, which occupied the territories of Azerbaijan for nearly 30 years, displaced nearly one million Azerbaijanis from their homeland, committed mass massacres and crimes against humanity, and ignored the right of return of hundreds of thousands of Azerbaijanis who were deported en masse from the territory of Armenia shows how unfair his policy is. We demand an end to the destructive activities of France, whose foreign policy has failed in relation to many parts of the world, in our region. ---- Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz 26 September 2024 09:54 (UTC+04:00) On September 25, the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Azerbaijan, Jeyhun Bayramov, met with the Federal Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Swiss Confederation, Ignacio Cassis, within the framework of his participation in the high-level week of the 79th session of the UN General Assembly, Azernews reports, citing the Foreign Ministry. It was stated that the role of mutual high-level visits and continuous political dialogue is important in expanding the scope of bilateral relations and enriching their content. At the meeting, information was provided on preparations for the 29th session of the Conference of the Parties to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change, which will be hosted by Azerbaijan this year. Furthermore, it was emphasized that in the post-conflict period, the Swiss Minister was informed in detail about the current situation and realities in our region, mine threats, and the progress of the normalization process between Azerbaijan and Armenia. In Armenian legislation, it was noted that the ongoing territorial claims against Azerbaijan, as well as the rapid arming of this country, are the main factors that threaten the sustainable peace-building process in the region. During the meeting, opinions were also exchanged on other bilateral and multilateral issues of mutual interest. ---- Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz 26 September 2024 14:42 (UTC+04:00) Fatima Latifova Read more The issue of landmines in Azerbaijan and NATO's financial and technical support for its resolution were discussed at a meeting of the Alliance's Euro-Atlantic Partnership Council (EAPC), Azernews reports. A delegation led by ANAMA Deputy Chairman Samir Poladov participated in a session of the EAPC Partnership and Cooperative Security Committees "Ad hoc" Working Group on Small Arms, Light Weapons, and Mine Action. The meeting was attended by representatives from NATO member and partner states, as well as officials from relevant NATO structures. During the meeting, discussions focused on the landmine problem faced by Azerbaijan, the efforts undertaken to address it, support from various states and international organizations, the importance of knowledge exchange, and prospects for future cooperation. In this regard, the urgency of establishing the Qarvand Trust Fund to expedite the clearance of 400 hectares of mined land in Qarvand village of the Aghdam district was emphasized. ANAMA's delegation delivered an extensive presentation on the scale of the landmine threat in Azerbaijan, the challenges encountered, and the measures taken to address the issue. The presentation highlighted that since November 2020, 379 Azerbaijanis have been killed or injured by landmine explosions. It also detailed how landmines significantly delay the return of displaced persons to their homes and hinder reconstruction and rehabilitation efforts in those areas. Furthermore, the presentation explained the humanitarian, economic, and environmental consequences of landmines in detail. Additionally, information was provided on the advanced technologies ANAMA uses to address the landmine problem, particularly mechanical demining tools and new approaches implemented in the field. At the same time, a photo exhibition was organized during the meeting, depicting the scope of the landmine issue in Azerbaijan and the humanitarian demining process in liberated territories. During the visit, ANAMA's delegation held bilateral meetings with NATO Deputy Assistant Secretary General for Operations B. San and NATO's Director of the Arms Control, Disarmament, and Weapons of Mass Destruction Non-Proliferation (ADN) Division, E. Lemos-Maniati. These meetings focused on NATO's experience in resolving mine-related issues and the financial and technical support provided by the Alliance to Azerbaijan. Additionally, ANAMA and NATO representatives visited Luxembourg, where NATO's Support and Procurement Agency (NSPA) is located. Discussions during the visit centered on the exchange of experiences in mine clearance, the study of modern technologies, and the implementation of new methods. --- Fatima Latifova is AzerNews staff journalist, follow her on Twitter: @fatimalatifova Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz 26 September 2024 17:55 (UTC+04:00) Laman Ismayilova Read more The Days of Azerbaijani Culture in Kazakhstan continue with interesting concerts, events, and presentations, Azernews reports. A memorandum of cooperation was signed between the National Libraries of Azerbaijan and Kazakhstan. The document was signed by the director of the Azerbaijan National Library, Honored Cultural Worker, and Professor Karim Tahirov, and the director of the Kazakhstan National Academic Library Gaziza Nurqalieva. After the signing ceremony, the opening of the Azerbaijani Literature Corner at Kazakhstan National Academic Library took place. Initially, the directors Karim Tahirov and Gaziza Nurqalieva cut the symbolic ribbon to announce the opening of the corner. In his speech, Karim Tahirov provided information about the Azerbaijani Literature Corner. He noted that the corner presents publications related to Azerbaijan's current successes, including the glorious victory of the Azerbaijani Army in the 44-day Patriotic War under the leadership of President of Azerbaijan, Supreme Commander-in-Chief Ilham Aliyev as well as books on the country's contemporary development, history, culture, and literature. A total of over 250 books are displayed in the permanent corner. Karim Tahirov mentioned that the Kazakh Literature Corner was inaugurated at the Azerbaijan National Library in 2019, with the participation of Vice-President of the Heydar Aliyev Foundation Leyla Aliyeva. Gaziza Nurqalieva stated that the Kazakhstan National Academic Library has been cooperating with the Azerbaijan National Library since 2003. She expressed hope that cooperation between the two libraries would continue to develop further. Other speakers emphasized the importance of expanding the relationship between the two libraries and regarded the opening of the Azerbaijani Literature Corner in the Kazakh library as a significant event. Later, the Secretary of the Azerbaijan Writers' Union, Ilqar Fahmi, and poet and essayist Farid Huseyn were presented with honorary membership certificates from the Kazakhstan Writers' Union. At the end of the event, participants tasted dishes from the national cuisine and familiarized themselves with the publications featured in the Azerbaijani Literature Corner. Notably, the Azerbaijan National Library is a treasure trove of knowledge for bookworms. With over 5 million books, manuscripts, and maps, the Azerbaijan National Library is considered one of the largest libraries in the Caucasus region. Since 1939, the library has borne the name of the eminent playwright Mirza Fatali Akhundov. The library has an extensive collection of literature in Azerbaijani, Russian, English, and other languages. It has collected and preserved national editions, works of Azerbaijani and foreign authors about Azerbaijan published abroad. The National Leader, Heydar Aliyev, visited the National Library four times in 1995-1997 and donated nearly 300 books from his personal library. In 2004, the Mirza Fatali Akhundov Library was granted the status of a national library by the decision of Azerbaijan's Cabinet of Ministers. The building of the library is no less impressive. The library's faade is decorated with the statues of eminent poets and writers like Nizami Ganjavi, Mahsati Ganjavi, Uzeyir Hajibayli, Shota Rustaveli, Alexander Pushkin and many others. The scope of the library's activities is constantly expanding. In 2005, on the basis of legal copies received from publishing houses and printing companies, the library published the yearbook "Books of Azerbaijan" for 1990, 1991, 2000, and 2001. Over the past years, the National Library has signed a memorandum on bilateral mutual cooperation with about 80 libraries. In 2021, the Culture Ministry and Mirza Fatali Akhundov Library launched a joint campaign, "Let's go to Garabagh with a book", to restore libraries in the Garabagh region. A large number of books were donated to the Garabagh Book Fund by a number of international organizations working in the field of culture, Turkic-speaking countries, famous foreign and local authors, publishers, and print houses. Since 1992, the Kazakhstan National Academic Library has been a member of the International Federation of Library Associations and Institutions (IFLA) and the Conference of Directors of National Libraries (CDNL). Morevoer, it has been part of the Non-Profit Partnership "Library Assembly of Eurasia" (BAE) since 1993. In 2002, the library took the lead in the Kazakhstan National Committee for the UNESCO program "Memory of the World," which aims to preserve documentary heritage. Furthermore, in 2008, it became the regional center for the IFLA PAC (Preservation and Conservation) core program, which focuses on the preservation of library materials and ensuring their accessibility for future generations. As of now, the collection of the Kazakhstan National Academic Library boasts approximately 7 million books. ---- Laman Ismayilova is AzerNews staff journalist, follow her on Twitter: @lmntypewriterrr Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz Hero bus passenger joins army to serve country Chinadaily.com.cn) 09:42, September 26, 2024 Li Guo joins the army to pursue his military career. (Photo/CCTV News) Two years ago, Li Guo from Ziyang, Southwest China's Sichuan province, who was then 18 years old, won high praise from the internet for his courageous act. Now, he has joined the army to pursue his military career, CCTV News reported on Tuesday. On February 12, 2022, a man sitting in the last row of a bus traveling in Anyue county of Ziyang suddenly stood up and went to the driver after asking him to speed up. Li, who was in the same row as the man, felt that something bad might happen. When the man was preoccupied with talking to the driver, Li seized the moment and quietly approached from behind. When the man tried to take control of the steering wheel from the driver, Li swiftly restrained him until police arrived. Thanks to Li's heroic act, there were no causalities. When asked if he was afraid at that time, Li said "I was not afraid. If something like this happens again, I will still stand up." His bravery also earned him the titles of "Good Samaritan of China" and "Model of Righteousness and Courage". The support and encouragement from society further motivated him to follow his childhood dream of becoming a soldier. After graduating from junior college in June, Li applied to join the army. After passing all necessary requirements, he became eligible for active service. "Joining the army is not just to realize my dream, it is also a way to serve the country and repay society," Li said. "And I will continue to pursue the righteousness and courage in my military life," he added. (Web editor: Tian Yi, Zhong Wenxing) Kristen Elizabeth Mews, a licensed professional counselor, pleaded guilty to health care fraud. She billed Medicaid for counseling services she never actually provided, including while in the Bexar County jail. Bexar County Sheriff's Office Licensed professional counselor Kristen Elizabeth Mews, who has a history of arrests on charges of driving while impaired, didnt let a detour to the Bexar County jail stop her from billing Medicaid for providing psychotherapy services. On Thursday in federal court in San Antonio, she was handed a 20-month prison sentence after pleading guilty to a count of health care fraud for charging the federal-state health insurance program for counseling services she never provided. That included seeking payment for counseling that Mews, 59, of Kentucky, claimed she did while locked up in July 2018 in Bexar County. She had been booked into jail after violating terms of her probation on a conviction for driving while intoxicated. She also submitted invoices for in-person counseling services in Texas even though she was out of state or in rehabilitative treatment facilities at the time, her plea agreement states. Advertisement Article continues below this ad She charged Medicaid at least $700,000 in fraudulent billings and was paid about $350,000, according to an indictment issued by a San Antonio grand jury in July 2023. She was indicted on two counts of health care fraud, but one was dropped as part of her plea. She must pay $462,854 in restitution. Assistant U.S. Attorney Kelly Stephenson was seeking a 24-month prison sentence. We have some evidence that she did not provide any services, he told U.S. District Judge Orlando Garcia. So 80% of her income during this time period was pure fraud. He added, She could have been helping the kids that she claimed that she was (helping) but she didnt. She just took in the money. She spent it on her own expenses. Bond revoked Mews sentencing had been set for Aug. 29. Instead, that day, she had her bond revoked after Stephenson told a judge a warrant had been issued for her arrest after she allegedly violated conditions of the bond which required her to not violate any laws and not use alcohol. Advertisement Article continues below this ad On Aug. 11, Stephenson said, a law enforcement officer came across a vehicle in the emergency lane of a highway in Kentucky. When the officer approached the car, he saw Mews slumped behind the wheel and smelled a strong odor of alcohol in the vehicle. She was arrested for operating a motor vehicle with a blood alcohol concentration above the legal limit of 0.08, driving without a license in her possession and failure to have insurance. She entered an alcohol rehabilitation program on Aug. 27, two days before the originally scheduled sentencing. Shes been in custody since her bond was revoked. At Thursday's sentencing hearing, Mews lawyer Roland Garcia asked the judge to sentence her to the time she has already served. He blamed her alcoholism for leading her on a spiraling descent that caused her to make poor choices. He recounted how she had been homeless and unable to make ends meet, endured the deaths of family members and was diagnosed with uterine cancer. And he said Mews provided counseling to children who were victims of sexual, physical or mental abuse. Advertisement Article continues below this ad By taking on those types of cases, it was causing her to come back into trauma that was in her life, Roland Garcia said. She was absorbing this trauma. Mews, dressed in jail barb and shackles, did not say anything in her defense. Once she completes her prison sentence, she will have to serve three years of supervised release. During that time, Judge Garcia ordered, she is prohibited from drinking alcohol and must submit to substance abuse testing. DWI arrest Mews now hangs a shingle in Kentucky, where shes been licensed since January 2020. She became licensed there about a month and a half after the expiration of her Texas counseling license, which she obtained in 2012. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Court records show she was charged with driving while intoxicated in July 2014 in Bexar County. She accepted a plea deal and was sentenced to five years imprisonment and a $1,500 fine. Her drivers license also was suspended. Mews told the Kentucky Board of Licensed Professional Counselors she was subsequently paroled from prison, but the San Antonio Express-News couldnt find any record that she went to prison immediately after that conviction. Bexar County records show she was booked into the Bexar County jail five more times from 2015 to 2018, apparently for allegedly violating her probation. She also was arrested in April 2017 in Florida on a charge of driving while intoxicated. After one of her stints in the Bexar County jail from July 4, 2018, to July 15, 2018, Mews billed Medicaid $150 twice after she claimed she had counseled patients on July 9, 2018, and July 12, 2018. She submitted invoices for those services on July 20, 2018, while at a San Antonio hotel, court records showed. Investigators traced the IP address she used when she submitted the claims. Mews often claimed to provide counseling services to minor children. But numerous children who Mews had claimed as patients and their parents denied receiving services from her, law officers said. Some patients she claimed said they didnt know her, while others said they had received counseling but not on the dates listed on her Medicaid claims. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Kentucky complaint In August 2018, Mews began serving a prison sentence in Texas, apparently for violating probation on the 2014 DWI conviction. A Texas Department of Criminal Justice spokeswoman said she was paroled in August 2019 and discharged in May 2022. She returned to Kentucky, where she had been previously licensed. Within almost six months of becoming licensed there again, the Kentucky Board of Licensed Professional Counselors received a complaint from one of her former clients who alleged Mews used her Social Security number to open several bank accounts in Texas and take out loans for a new business in San Antonio. Mews admitted to the board that she had denied being convicted of any misdemeanors or felonies when completing two licensing applications. 26 September 2024 15:10 (UTC+04:00) A meeting dealing with the economic issues was held on September 26, Azernews reports. President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev addressed the meeting. Speech by President Ilham Aliyev - We will discuss economic issues at today's meeting. There are only three months left until the end of this year. There will be an exchange of ideas about the work to be done before the end of the year. In general, I must say that economic development since the beginning of the year has been at the expected level. At the beginning of the year, when talking about how successful this year would be in economic respect, I mentioned that I was sure that this year would be successful for our economy. The results and economic indicators available since the beginning of the year confirm my words. Economy grew by 4.3 percent. When analyzing the processes taking place in today's world and looking at the geopolitical situation in general, I can say that this is a very positive indicator. Economic growth rates exceed those of many developed countries. Of particular importance is the fact that our non-oil sector has grown by 7 percent. This also shows that the steps taken towards diversifying the country's economy and the thought-out reform policies are bearing fruit. I should also mention that in recent years, the production of oil under projects implemented by foreign oil companies has been declining year after year, which has naturally had a negative impact on our overall economic development rates, and we made up for this decline through the development of the non-oil sector. However, as a result of negotiations with foreign oil companies, the drawbacks in oil production were brought to their attention, we demanded that they eliminate these drawbacks and ensure the stability of oil production. Very hard work has been done in this direction in the last few months. As a result of this work, reasonable hopes have arisen that there will be no further unfounded declines in oil production. Of course, the government bodies and the State Oil Company will always pay attention to the future progress of this work. Thus, the key factor holding back our economic growth will hopefully be eliminated and stable oil production should be ensured next year. Bear in mind that we are currently working on several new projects in the oil and gas sector, and as a result of the development of these projects we have new production forecasts. Probably next year we will all see the new projects and fields producing larger volumes of natural gas and oil condensate. I believe that growth rates in the oil and gas field will be positive. But of course, our main goal is to further diversify our economy and improve the sustainable development model. Inflation has been at just over 1 percent since the beginning of the year. This is a very positive indicator. I have already declared that the minimum wage and minimum pension will be increased next year, although inflation is at a very low level and although the tasks facing the country require major financial resources - first of all, the development of the military, military-industrial complex and the restoration of Karabakh and East Zangazur. Despite all this, we are doing our best to improve the well-being of our vulnerable citizens. In my recent speech in the Azerbaijans Milli Majlis, all these figures were brought to the attention of the public. I don't want to repeat how many large packages of social reforms have been implemented in Azerbaijan in the last five years. In other words, all these issues give grounds to say with absolute certainty that the rates of economic development will be maintained until the end of this year and considering the fact that the discussion of next year's budget is currently underway and budget parameters will be more extensive economic development will also be at an adequate level. A number of promotion projects are underway to attract foreign investment, especially to the non-oil sector. The stability and predictability prevailing in Azerbaijan, as well as the strengthening of the state of Azerbaijan, the complete restoration of our territorial integrity and sovereignty have naturally improved the attitude of foreign investors towards us, although there has been a very positive investment climate in Azerbaijan for many years. According to the per capita volume of investments, Azerbaijan is among leading countries. The recent years, especially after the anti-terror operation, the complete restoration of our state sovereignty, naturally sent a very positive signal to all investors, and we are now seeing the fruits of that. New enterprises are opening in our traditional industrial centers - Baku, Sumgayit and industrial parks. At the same time, the creation of new industrial parks in liberated lands, in Aghdam and Jabrayil districts should be viewed as a very positive development. As I mentioned, the discussion of next year's budget is underway now, and it will be submitted to me in the near future. Of course, the budget is a reflection of our capabilities. We stretch our legs according to our coverlet, as the saying goes, and must continue to do. We are not receiving any aid from anywhere. On the contrary, we are reducing our foreign debt, and the implementation of the task I set a few years ago is successfully underway. In terms of foreign debt ratio to the gross domestic product, Azerbaijan is among the world's leading countries. It accounts for only 7.5 percent, which allows us the opportunity spend less money on the repayment of foreign debt in the future. We will discuss this today and see if repayment of some of the debts ahead of time could be useful. However, I have already said several times that if we wanted to, we could zero the whole debt in one day. In any case, there will certainly be an exchange of views about this issue today. Next year's main expenses have already been determined. In my speech in the Milli Majlis, the main priorities were clearly indicated. First of all, strengthening the military potential of our country, ensuring our security, protecting the state borders, developing the military industrial complex, education costs, the reconstruction of Karabakh and East Zangazur and other projects. Socially oriented projects, projects related to social infrastructure and those related to general infrastructure all these will be reflected in our State Investment Program. We will talk about this too. We must ensure that next year, to the extent possible, we accomplish all the key tasks. I have no doubt that this will be the case. Azerbaijans economic development model has already proven itself in the world. We have built a strong economy relying on our own resources. We have built a strong and independent economy based on our own resources and not dependent on anyone. Economic independence naturally gives us great opportunities at the international level, so that Azerbaijan can conduct an independent foreign policy with success, confidence, honor and dignity - as we have done and will do. We will discuss many other issues today. I am sure that the discussion and the obtained results, as well as the decisions to be made, will further accelerate our economic development. --- Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz 26 September 2024 20:41 (UTC+04:00) On September 26, at about 16:10, Armenian armed forces units from the positions located in the direction of the Aravus settlement of Gorus district, using large-caliber machine guns subjected to fire the Azerbaijan Army positions stationed in the direction of Lakatagh settlement of Julfa district of the Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic, Azernews reports, citing the Defense Ministry. Azerbaijan Army Units took retaliatory measures in the mentioned direction, the ministry added. --- Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz 26 September 2024 20:00 (UTC+04:00) Fatima Latifova Read more It has become a routine for the French government to adopt a pro-Armenian stance and provoke frustration at international events that attract the attention of many countries worldwide. The UN General Assembly, known for its conducive environment for peace, also did not escape Emmanuel Macron's target, as the French president once again made headlines with his lofty rhetoric against Azerbaijan. He declared that France stands firmly with Armenia in the face of pressure and territorial issues from Azerbaijan and called for active participation in defending internationally recognised borders. However, during this speech, Macron exposed himself by presenting contradictory statements. Internationally recognised Azerbaijani territories: The fact that Garabagh is internationally recognised as Azerbaijani territory is undeniable. Based on history, toponyms, and even UN resolutions on the matter, Garabagh and Eastern Zangazur belong to Azerbaijan. Interestingly, these territories, which were occupied by Armenia, never held any significance for France, and international law had never piqued Macron's interest until now. After Azerbaijan liberated its lands, Macron, who now calls for adherence to international law, paradoxically disregards these very laws by labelling Azerbaijan as an aggressor. While calling for peace, this hypocritical administration sows discord in the South Caucasus with the intention of enticing the Armenian government and people, expanding its influence network in Armenia, and indirectly, in the Caucasus. What is France achieving with this? It is curious why a developed country like France, which sees itself as superior to Asian countries, is so eager to engage in the Azerbaijan-Armenia conflict. Does France, which amassed power through centuries of slave trade and colonial policies, now genuinely believe that the Armenians who returned to Armenia are being wronged? The reality is that what happens to these Armenians, where they live, and under what conditions does not interest Emmanuel Macron. Even if, hypothetically, war were to break out again and there were losses among Armenian soldiers, this would still not concern Macron. The only thing that interests the Elysee Palace is exerting influence over the territories where these Armenians live. Despite all these facts, it would be naive to believe that France is acting out of friendship towards Armenia. Pashinyan Talks of Peace, Macron Sparks Tension Armenia's Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan occasionally delivers speeches about peace, inviting Azerbaijan to sign the already-agreed terms of a peace treaty before the COP29 climate conference in Baku this November. Meanwhile, the French president accuses Azerbaijan of pressuring Armenia and tries to divert Armenia from peace by convincing it of France's unwavering support. It is true that the current Armenian government is eager for this, as Pashinyan's speeches are often little more than meaningless media statements. Otherwise, Armenia would not find it so difficult to meet the straightforward and natural conditions put forward by Azerbaijan. These conditions include removing territorial claims against Azerbaijan from the Armenian constitution, respecting Azerbaijan's territorial integrity, and opening a land corridor between Nakhchivan and Azerbaijana condition that Azerbaijan later dropped due to Armenia's baseless fears. What does the constitution say? The Armenian administration, failing to meet these simple conditions, is instead planning and mapping out an Armenian-style route for the Zangezur corridor. Given that Armenia would control this route, and considering the bandit groups that have repeatedly violated ceasefires and carried out provocations on the Azerbaijan-Armenia border, this proposal seems far from reliable. Now, the only step left is to recognise Azerbaijan's territorial integrity and remove territorial claims from Armenia's constitution. However, Pashinyan tries to evade this condition by arguing that the Armenian constitution contains no such claims against Azerbaijan. Nevertheless, the Independence Declaration of the Republic of Armenia, referenced in the Armenian constitution, openly asserts territorial claims against Azerbaijan. This declaration, adopted on August 23, 1990, during the first session of the Armenian Supreme Soviet, contains 12 articles, and its preamble outlines the legal framework for the independent Republic of Armenia based on the joint decision of the Armenian SSR Supreme Soviet and the "Nagorno-Karabakh" Executive Committee on December 1, 1989, which called for the unification of the Armenian SSR and the "Nagorno-Karabakh" Autonomous Region. Although Armenia has undergone several constitutional reforms, the document that explicitly calls for the annexation of Azerbaijani lands to Armenia has never been amended. In recent months, even Nikol Pashinyan acknowledged this mistake, stating that Armenia needs a new constitution. Yet, in recent days, he has claimed that there are no territorial claims against Azerbaijan in the constitution. All of this demonstrates how easily the Armenian ruling elite can be swayed and how quickly their positions can change with small bribes or messages of support. The fact that the individuals determining the future of the Armenian people are so weak is simply tragic for the future of this nation. As for Macrons administration, it merely seeks to ignite sparks in the peace arena, preparing to take advantage of the tension and secure its place in the region. By making false accusations against Azerbaijan and hoping for Baku to start a war with Yerevan, Paris will likely be waiting for a long time. The actions Azerbaijan has taken so far have been purely defensive. Baku has never invaded any countrys territory nor fired the first shot. However, without a doubt, if Yerevan, emboldened by support from the Elysee Palace, starts another war, its outcome will once again be a defeat, just as in the 44-day war. --- Fatima Latifova is AzerNews staff journalist, follow her on Twitter: @fatimalatifova Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz 26 September 2024 17:33 (UTC+04:00) Fatima Latifova Read more On Wednesday, Moroccan Minister of Foreign Affairs, African Cooperation, and Moroccans Abroad, Nasser Bourita, held talks with Danish Foreign Minister Lars Lkke Rasmussen in New York on the sidelines of the 79th session of the UN General Assembly, Azernews reports, citing the press release of the Embassy. In the Joint Communique issued at the end of the meeting, it was stated that "Denmark considers the Autonomy Plan, presented by Morocco in 2007, as a serious and credible contribution to the ongoing UN process and a good basis for an agreed solution among all parties." In this Joint Communique, the two ministers reiterated their support for the UN-led process and the efforts of the UN Secretary-General's Personal Envoy for Western Sahara, Staffan de Mistura, in achieving a peaceful and mutually acceptable solution to the conflict, in accordance with UN Security Council resolutions. Denmark's new position aligns with the growing international trend supporting the autonomy plan and Morocco's sovereignty over the Sahara. This also confirms the prevailing trend in Europe and beyond. --- Fatima Latifova is AzerNews staff journalist, follow her on Twitter: @fatimalatifova Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz 26 September 2024 19:18 (UTC+04:00) By Alimat Aliyeva Sam Altman, CEO of OpenAI, shared his vision for the future based on artificial intelligence (AI) in his article "The Age of Intelligence". He predicts radical changes in society and solutions to global problems based on advances in artificial intelligence technologies, Azernews reports. According to Altman, like the agricultural and industrial eras that preceded him, the age of intelligence will redefine human life and activity and open a new era of progress that we can hardly understand today. Altman writes: "In the next few decades, there will be changes that will seem magical to our grandparents." He foresees a future in which artificial intelligence will become an integral part of human life, contributing to unprecedented creativity and productivity: "This is not going to happen." all at once, but soon we will be able to artificially work with intelligence, which will give us ample opportunities." The CEO attributes this inevitable leap in human potential to the success of deep research. "How did we reach the threshold of the next leap in prosperity? Here, in-depth research has borne fruit. The larger the database, the more effectively AI will solve complex problems using computing power." Altman also recognizes the challenges and risks. He says: "We still have to figure out many details, but it would be a mistake to avoid any problems. We must act wisely, but also confidently. The advent of the age of intelligence is an important event with very complex and extremely high stakes. It won't be a completely positive story, but the positive side of it is so great that we will be able to determine how to manage future risks." The CEO of OpenAI also touched upon the issue of ensuring fair access to artificial intelligence technologies and stressed that without adequate infrastructure, artificial intelligence can become a limited resource available only to the rich and cause social conflicts. He warned: "Technology has brought us from the Stone Age to the agricultural age and then to the industrial age. From here, the path to the age of intelligence continues through calculations, energy and human will. If we want to provide AI to as many people as possible, we need to reduce the cost of computing and enrich them, because this requires a lot of energy and chips. If we don't build enough infrastructure, AI will become a very limited resource where conflicts will arise, and will become a tool mainly for the rich." Despite the potential problems in the labor markets, Altman argues that AI will create new opportunities for human creativity and usefulness: "As we see from the example of other technologies, AI will have its drawbacks. We need to start working now to maximize the benefits and minimize the harm from AI. For example, we expect this technology to cause significant changes in labor markets (for better or for worse) in the coming years, but most jobs will change more slowly than people think, and I have no concerns about this. So, artificial intelligence will allow us to enhance our abilities at a level never seen before. Altman concludes his article with an encouraging prediction: "The defining characteristic of the age of intelligence will be mass prosperity. Artificial intelligence will not only solve many of the world's most difficult problems, but will also redefine the possibilities of humanity." --- Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz 26 September 2024 21:40 (UTC+04:00) By Alimat Aliyeva In the city of Basra in southern Iraq, the palace of deposed leader Saddam Hussein has been turned into a library of historical artifacts and books, Azernews reports. The library, which contains a large collection of books and manuscripts about historical artifacts and archaeological sites in Iraq, also facilitates scientists' access to books, manuscripts and archaeological sources. Mustafa al-Husseini, director of the Basra Antiquities Department, told Anadolu Agency: "The library in question is the first library not only in Basra, but also in southern Iraq, that contains resources related to historical artifacts." Husseini noted that these books include the works of foreign and Iraqi archaeologists who conducted archaeological research. The Director of Culture of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), Junaid Sorosh Wali, who visited the library, noted that the library has important works related to historical artifacts, and stated that the books in the library encourage university students to read. Jassim Ali, the chief librarian of Basra Province, stated that the library building was one of the palaces built by Saddam Hussein before 2003, and said, "It was one of Saddam's presidential palaces, built in 1992. This building was monopolized by the old regime and was not open to people in Basra." --- Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz Tech Bloc CEO Ileana Gonzalez speaks at the launch of the tech advocacy groups Community Platform website earlier this month at Smoke Skybar. The advocacy groups Community Platform is designed to be a one-stop shop for members of the local tech industry to find resources, get support and make connections. Courtesy Kristopher Lopez Attendees snap selfies at Tech Blocs website launch event earlier this month at Smoke Skybar. Courtesy Kristopher Lopez Tech Bloc CEO Ileana Gonzalez speaks at the launch of the tech advocacy groups Community Platform website earlier this month at Smoke Skybar. Courtesy Kristopher Lopez An attendee checks out the scene at Tech Bloc's website launch event at Smoke Skybar. The advocacy groups Community Platform is designed to be a one-stop shop for members of the local tech industry to find resources, get support and make connections. Courtesy Kristopher Lopez Tech Bloc CEO Ileana Gonzalez speaks at the launch of the tech advocacy groups Community Platform website earlier this month at Smoke Skybar. Courtesy Kristopher Lopez Ileana Gonzalez is the new of Tech Bloc, San Antonios nonprofit tech advocacy group. She replaced David Heard, the groups first leader who stepped down after eight years in the position. University of Texas at San Antonio One year into her tenure as head of San Antonios tech advocacy group, Tech Bloc, Ileana Gonzalez is changing things up at the nonprofit. Earlier this month, Tech Bloc raised its membership fees and launched its Community Platform, a website meant to be a one-stop shop for the communitys tech scene. Its just everybody collaborating together and making San Antonio a place where we can thrive because of all the resources that were putting into one place, Gonzalez said. So, its been amazing. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Despite hits to the local industry over recent years such as Rackspace Technology Inc.s downsizing or the abrupt collapse of the CodeUp computer coding school in December, Gonzalez is really excited about San Antonios place in the international tech scene. The new website gives Tech Bloc members access to various resources, support and networking opportunities. Think of it as a sort of private social media platform like a Facebook Group. The Tech Bloc team worked on it for about five months before launching it. Since its launch, more than 250 people have signed up, including 80 representing area startup businesses. People are coming in, she said, including some who havent been engaged with Tech Bloc for years. Theyre onboarding, introducing themselves (and) finding out what it is. Advertisement Article continues below this ad The user experience is curated based on the members role and interests. Depending on your answers, it opens up different spaces for you to collaborate on, Gonzalez said. Its just resources in one place (where) youre able to (direct message) each other, and I have all the analytics of how much were interacting. Gonzalez said Tech Blocs site might be one of the first sites of its kind in the nation. Im actually finding out theres no other city that has a platform and a nonprofit leading it this way, she said. Tech Bloc began in 2015 as a form of protest. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Area tech businessmen David Heard, Lew Moorman and Lorenzo Gomez former Rackspace employees organized a rally at Pearl because, they said, they were outraged the City Council had voted ride-share companies like Uber and Lyft out of our city. Heard, who became Tech Blocs first CEO and led the group for eight years, said the one-off event led to the founding of the nonprofit that became San Antonios first and only tech advocacy group. It doesnt take money from the city, according to Gonzalez, but this year it received $150,000 from Bexar Countys Innovation Fund that went toward the groups Tech Fuel Competition an annual pitch competition that offers more than $100,000 in prizes. For years, individual memberships were $25, but its bumped that to $50, in part to help fund the new website as well as other programs. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Were not making money off of this, she said. So, you can say its a change of model, but not really. I mean, for 50 bucks, you get access to so many resources. Tech Bloc offers currently offers three types of memberships. Individual memberships offer access to the Community Platform, a dedicated newsletter, invitations to events, members-only workshops, a Tech Bloc T-Shirt and a free beverage at events. Startup memberships cost $150 a year. They include everything in the individual package, access to more than $350,000 in cloud credits with platforms like Amazon Web Services and Google Cloud, CEO and chief technical officer peer groups, fundraising resources, investor lists and access to investors. Enterprise level memberships begin at $25,000. They are for companies wanting to partner with Tech Bloc and come with speaking engagements and promotion opportunities. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Gonzalez says the membership fees will help Tech Bloc stay sustainable. Its about really supporting the community and caring at the grassroots level, which is what we are as Tech Bloc, she said. Here are five updates on Aetna in September, as reported by Becker's: 1. The Office of the Inspector General for HHS alleged in audits published Sept. 25 that subsidiaries of Aetna and Humana received millions in Medicare Advantage overpayments in 2017 and 2018. The OIG estimated that HealthAssurance Pennsylvania, an Aetna subsidiary, received $4.2 million in overpayments in that period of time. 2. Aetna is facing a class-action lawsuit alleging that they improperly denied gender-affirming care. The plaintiffs in the lawsuit, filed in federal district court in Connecticut Sept. 10, are three transgender women who allege they were denied coverage for gender-affirming facial reconstruction surgery by Aetna. 3. Aetna and HCA Healthcare hospitals in Florida reached a new contract agreement, avoiding a divide that would have left 48 hospitals out-of-network. The agreement will keep commercial, individual and Medicare Advantage members in network at all HCA facilities in Florida. 4. Aetna Utah was included in a list of 20 payers requesting the largest raises for ACA premiums in 2025. The requested rate increase was 26.6%. 5. Aetna reached an in-network agreement with Renton, Wash.-based Providence to keep commercial members in Washington in network. The deal avoided a split that would have affected about 35,000 people. While private payers often reimburse at higher rates than Medicare, physicians and their employers still want better relationships with them, according to Medscape's 2024 "Physician-Private Payer Relationship Report." The survey questioned 1,030 respondents across over 29 specialties between Feb. 1, 2024, and March 19, 2024. Sixty percent said the reimbursement rates they receive from private payers are "average," and 22% said they are "low." Another 13% responded that reimbursement rates were "high" on average. Physicians also expressed mixed feelings about their employer's ability to negotiate with private payers. Forty-five percent said that their employer has "no leverage" at all when it comes to negotiating payer contracts, and another 49% said their employer has "some leverage." For 38% of respondents, reimbursement rates from private payers have not changed much over the past five years, while around one-third said that rates have declined somewhat. Santa Clara (Calif.) County's board of supervisors has unanimously approved the appropriation of $315 million to purchase a hospital from HCA Healthcare, one of the country's largest ASC operators. Here are five things to know: 1. The county is finalizing the agreement to acquire the 252-bed Regional Medical Center in East San Jose, Calif., with plans to restore previously reduced services. 2. Of the allocated $315 million, $175 million will go to the acquisition of the hospital. An additional $80 million will fund the first few months of hospital operations while awaiting reimbursements. Up to $30 million is designated for acquiring independently owned medical office buildings near the hospital, $20 million for purchasing and implementing an electronic health record system and $10 million for broker fees and inspections. 3. Once the deal is completed, trauma, stroke, and heart attack services discontinued in August will be reinstated. However, no timeline has been set for the return of obstetrics, labor and delivery, and newborn care services, which were previously cut but are expected to be restored. 4. The board aims to transition the hospital's workforce to county employment in 2025. 5. Nashville, Tenn.-based HCA is one of the largest ASC operators in the country with its Surgery Ventures arm. HCA finished 2023 with 124 ASCs and 24 endoscopy centers, which saw 1,044,415 total surgery cases a 2.1% increase year over year. The FDA on July 29 approved a screening test for colorectal cancer that requires only a blood sample. Here are five things to know: What is it? Created by Guardant Health, the blood test, known as Shield, was able to detect 83% of colorectal cancers in studies but only 13% of dangerous polyps. Colonoscopies find approximately 95% of these polyps. Shield is approved for patients 45 and older who are at average risk for colon cancer. Experts say the hope is that, despite detection limitations, the less invasive blood test will encourage more Americans to get screened. The test also showed a 10% false positive rate in studies. How do gastroenterologists view it? Many GI leaders are excited about the new test, citing its convenience and potential to increase screening accessibility. "I am very excited about the new Shield circulating tumor blood test, which screens for colon cancer-related DNA markers in the blood," Benjamin Levy III, MD, gastroenterologist at University of Chicago Medicine, told Becker's. "There are many patients who would prefer blood-based screening instead of a colonoscopy or stool-based testing. The convenience of screening for colorectal cancer with a simple blood draw is pretty amazing." Healthcare leaders have stressed that although the new test offers a promising, less invasive method for detecting colorectal cancer, it is not intended to replace a colonoscopy. Instead, they highlight the test's potential to complement existing screening methods. "The new FDA approval of the Shield test for colon cancer screening highlights the ongoing efforts to prevent or identify early colon cancers, which seem to be more prevalent in our younger population than ever before," Lauren Bleich, MD, a gastroenterologist with Miami-based Gastro Health, told Becker's. "While it highlights the need for colon cancer screening, as well as may allow us to reach a broader audience, especially with the long wait times for colonoscopy patients encounter, it should not be used in place of colonoscopy, which is the gold standard for colon cancer screening and prevention." Why are some gastroenterologists skeptical? Amol Akhade, MD, a medical oncologist, argued in an Aug. 27 commentary piece in Oncology News Central that the test is not accurate enough to surpass colonoscopies. "Finding a blood-based test to screen for cancer is a dream for every oncology researcher. Imagine a simple blood test that can detect precancerous lesions or Stage 1 cancer in asymptomatic individuals," Dr. Akhade wrote. "This would greatly benefit both oncologists and patients, potentially reducing cancer-specific mortality in the long term. The catch is that the test needs to be highly sensitive and specific to be clinically useful. Unfortunately, the recent approval of a blood-based colorectal cancer screening test by the FDA sets the bar too low, opening a dangerous Pandora's box." While the noninvasive nature of these tests might mean that more people receive CRC screenings overall, Dr. Akhade questioned the tests' accuracy and ability to detect aggressive, precancerous lesions. Why is it needed? As many as 25% to 50% of people who should be undergoing routine colonoscopies are not, according to the FDA. Additionally, colorectal cancer rates among U.S. adults have hit record highs in recent years. The expected growth rate of CRC among U.S. men is 8%, and it is 7% for women. But reimbursements for gastroenterologists have steadily declined in recent years. Between 2007 and 2022, unadjusted and adjusted average reimbursement for GI procedures dropped by 7% and 33%, respectively, according to a study published in The American Journal of Gastroenterology. Reimbursements for colonoscopy and biopsy decreased 38% during that period. "I would love to see payers and clinicians sit down at a table and have a conversation about the benefit of early endoscopy for diagnosis and screening," Omar Khokhar, MD, a gastroenterologist at Illinois GastroHealth in Bloomington, told Becker's. "In particular, how EGD/colonoscopy can potentially prevent patient morbidity and decrease downstream cost to the healthcare system. Yes, endoscopy isn't cheap, but cancer is a bad diagnosis and is more expensive." How could insurance affect new GI cancer screening options? Although the FDA's approval of the test is a promising step in adoption of blood-based screening, some leaders are concerned that payer approvals could stand in the way. William Sellers, MD, chief of robotic colorectal surgery at St. Charles Hospital in Port Jefferson, N.Y., and St. Catherine of Siena Hospital in Smithtown, N.Y., spoke with Becker's about the potential effect of payers on potential widespread adoption of the tool. "Everything that comes out always comes down to what the insurance companies will cover," he said. "The one good thing I read about this is it does seem with FDA approval, Medicare will reimburse and cover this. Usually in most situations private insurance follows Medicare's example, though that's not always 100% the case. Every time we as physicians come up with new tech or treatment or a new plan that's going to benefit patients, it will not be effective if the insurance companies aren't going to reimburse, aren't going to pay for it." These states are currently contemplating loosening practice restrictions for optometrists. West Virginia lawmakers are considering easing state occupational licensing regulations to allow workers from other states to work and to address shortages in ophthalmologists. Advocates also brought up expanding the scope of practice for optometrists, who can currently perform eye examinations, diagnose issues and recommend treatments, but cannot perform major medical and surgical procedures for eyes. Currently, optometrists can use lasers for diagnostics, but not for therapeutic treatment of eye and vision issues. New Hampshire is reviewing a bill that would allow optometrists to perform certain minor surgeries in the state. The legislation would allow optometrists to perform some minor surgeries, including laser surgery of the eyeball and scalpel surgery of the eyelid. Currently, only ophthalmologists are able to perform those procedures. Utah's state Senate is weighing a bill that would decrease the qualifications required to perform some laser eye procedures. It would allow optometrists to perform procedures including a YAG laser capsulotomy and a selective laser trabeculoplasty. Optometrists would still not be permitted to perform LASIK and cataract surgeries. Winston-Salem, N.C.-based Novant Health is planning to build a new full-service, community hospital campus in Bluffton, S.C. Four things to know: 1. The Novant Health Bluffton Medical Center will be built with 50 beds to start, with plans to expand to 100 beds as the growing needs of the community increase in the years to come, Novant said in a Sept. 26 news release. 2. The hospital will include medical, surgical, emergency and trauma services, as well as intensive care, labor and delivery, cardiology, neurology and orthopedics, in addition to other medical specialties identified as needed in the area. The system said its plans will bring an estimated 1,000 new jobs to the region over the next five years. Novant plans to submit necessary regulatory approval documents in the coming weeks. 3. Novant is also planning several outpatient campuses in Bluffton, including a free-standing emergency department, surgery centers, imaging services, urgent care, primary care, and specialty care. Novant said it will recruit at least 20 new primary care providers, in addition to specialists. 4. Novant expanded into South Carolina in February when it completed the acquisition of three hospitals in the state from Dallas-based Tenet Healthcare in a $2.4 billion deal. Rene Guzman writes about all things San Antonio, from past and present to pop culture and puro cultura. He can be reached at rguzman@express-news.net. Before joining the Express-News in 1998, the San Antonio native co-owned a college humor magazine called Bitter, for which he wrote, designed and edited, as well as distributed at various campuses and businesses citywide. His features writing has appeared in the Houston Chronicle, San Francisco Chronicle, Seattle Post-Intelligencer and Times-Union. A cyberattack on an employee email account at Ann Arbor-based Michigan Medicine has impacted 57,891 individuals. The breach occurred after an employee accepted an unsolicited multi-factor authentication prompt, allowing hackers to access their email and its contents, according to a Sept. 26 news release. The cyberattack took place on July 30. According to Michigan Medicine, several emails and attachments within the compromised account contained identifiable patient information, including names, medical record numbers and details of diagnoses and treatments. However, sensitive financial information such as Social Security numbers, credit card, debit card and bank account numbers was not exposed. While Michigan Medicine found no evidence that patient health information was the target of the attack, it acknowledged that data theft could not be entirely ruled out. The employee involved in the incident has been subject to disciplinary action, per the health system's policies. Michigan Medicine began notifying affected individuals on Sept. 26. In July, Michigan Medicine experienced another data breach in which three employee email accounts were compromised affecting 56,953 individuals. Two U.S. senators introduced a bill Sept. 26 that would create minimum cybersecurity standards for hospitals and require them to undergo "stress tests." The Health Infrastructure Security and Accountability Act would require HHS to develop the standards for providers, payers and clearinghouses and provide $800 million in funding for safety-net hospitals and $500 million for all hospitals to improve their cybersecurity. "With hacks already targeting institutions across the country, it's time to go beyond voluntary standards and ensure healthcare providers and vendors get serious about cybersecurity and patient safety," bill co-sponsor Sen. Mark Warner, D-Va., said in a Sept. 26 statement. The bill would also remove the existing caps on cyberattack-related fines under HIPAA, require corporate executives to sign off annually on the requirements or face jail time, have HHS audit at least 20 organizations a year for cybersecurity, and have covered entities submit to independent cybersecurity audits and stress tests to determine if they can promptly restore service after a hack. A spokesperson for the American Hospital Association, which has opposed minimum cybersecurity standards for hospitals, told Becker's the organization had no comment on the bill. A Kansas health system has a new name. Here are five things to know. 1. Lyons, Kan.-based Rice Community Healthcare became Rice Community Health in September. 2. The health system has a 25-bed critical access hospital with a birthing center and 24/7 emergency department, two rural health clinics, and an independent living center. 3. As part of the rebranding, Hospital District No. 1 of Rice County in Lyons became Rice Community Hospital, Sterling (Kan.) Medical Center is now Sterling Family Care, Lyons (Kan.) Medical Center changed its name to Lyons Family Care, and the Community Health Workers Program will be known as Rural Health Connections. 4. "We are proud to introduce Rice Community Health as our new system brand, which represents all of our entities," Rice Community Health CEO George Stover said in a statement. "This rebrand marks a significant step in our commitment to serve the evolving healthcare needs of the families in our community." 5. Rice Community Health also launched a new website. In a reversal, Maryland will contract with Kaiser Permanente as a Medicaid managed care organization in 2025. "We are pleased that we reached an agreement with the State that enables us to continue to serve our members as a HealthChoice managed care organization in 2025," a spokesperson for the Oakland, Calif.-based health system told Becker's on Sept. 25. "We are grateful to the Department's leadership for their ongoing efforts to promote equitable access to healthcare, and we look forward to strengthening our partnership in the years to come." Five key notes: 1. On Sept. 20, the Maryland Department of Health told local media that it would drop Kaiser as a Medicaid MCO in 2025 after "lengthy contract negotiations." 2. Maryland had also recently temporarily suspended new enrollments in Kaiser's Medicaid plan, citing a failure to meet contractual obligations related to financial operations reporting requirements. 3. Kaiser has held a Medicaid contract in Maryland for more than ten years, and it maintains the highest-rated Medicaid plan in the state, per the NCQA. 4. The state will also renew its other existing managed care contracts, which includes Aetna, CareFirst BCBS, UnitedHealthcare, Elevance Health's Wellpoint, Jai Medical Systems, Maryland Physicians Care, MedStar Family Choice and Priority Partners. Jai Medical Systems and MedStar Family Choice are independent companies. Maryland Physicians Care is owned by Ascension Saint Agnes, Holy Cross Health, Meritus Health, and UPMC Western Maryland. Priority Partners is owned by Johns Hopkins Health Plans and the Maryland Community Health System. 5. Kaiser Permanente has cared for Medicaid members in Maryland for more than a decade, including the more than 113,000 Marylanders currently enrolled with us," the spokesperson said. "Our value-based care model focuses on improving patient outcomes, eliminating disparities in care for our members and improving affordability." Exeter (N.H.) Hospital, a 100-bed hospital part of Cambridge, Mass.-based Beth Israel Lahey Health, has agreed to delay multiple planned service cuts, according to a Sept. 25 announcement from New Hampshire Attorney General John Formella. "Exeter Hospital recently announced a series of proposed cuts of healthcare services impacting patient care for thousands, negatively impacting local municipalities and directly affecting programs and services vital to seniors as well as low income and disadvantaged populations," Attorney General John M. Formella said in a Sept. 25 statement. "The announcement provided insufficient notice to patients, care providers, and the community as a whole causing great concern to those impacted." While the New Hampshire Department of Justice conducts a compliance review, the hospital will halt the discontinuation of the following services for up to six months: Neurology Pediatric dental Advanced life support (paramedic intercept) program Podiatry Allergy and immunology "Exeter Hospital continues to face dramatically rising costs, changing patient care trends and a challenging reimbursement environment," a spokesperson for the hospital told Becker's. "While we have made progress in continuing to rebuild our financial health in the post-pandemic environment, we are evaluating all aspects of our operations, including aligning our staff with patient care priorities and focusing our resources on healthcare programs and services that Exeter Hospital is uniquely qualified to provide." According to the Justice Department, Exeter Hospital has committed to undertake the following steps over the next six months: Create a detailed transition plan for each of the affected services to ensure there is no lapse in patient care. Cooperate with the Justice Department's review as to whether any proposed cuts comply with the terms of the final judgment entered into with the state for the July 2023 Beth Israel Lahey acquisition of Exeter Hospital, as well as other obligations under the affiliation agreement and relevant provisions of state and federal law. Over the next six months, the office of the New Hampshire attorney general will review the details and information that Exeter Hospital and Beth Israel Lahey provide. "The New Hampshire Department of Justice's role regarding healthcare transactions extends beyond reviewing the proposed affiliation itself," Mr. Formella said. "We must ensure that healthcare charitable trusts comply with the terms of all agreements as well as state law and do not take action that places patients at risk. Beth Israel Lahey has represented to me that it understands its role as a healthcare trust and is committed to regaining the confidence of the community it serves." While VCU Health's hospital-at-home program did not meet its initial patient volume targets in its first year, it achieved strong success in terms of patient satisfaction, Julia Siegel Breton, MD, medical director of the program, told Becker's. Launched in 2023, the Richmond, Va.-based health system's program initially set a goal of serving 2,000 patients in its first year. Despite falling short of that mark, Dr. Breton emphasized the program's notable achievements. "We slightly exceeded the program census compared to other academic institutions in their first year of hospital at home," she said. The program provides patients with acute conditions hospital-level care in the home and utilizes technology to help facilitate the care. Challenges encountered The first year was marked by some challenges, including staffing shortages and payer participation. Like many health systems navigating the post-COVID-19 landscape, VCU Health faced difficulties in recruiting nurses. "It has been a desert of a hiring landscape for nurses," Dr. Breton said. However, she noted that the program still managed to attract committed professionals drawn to the "innovative, patient-centered nature of the care model." Another obstacle was limited initial payer participation. However, VCU Health has since expanded the program's coverage to include all payers, making the service accessible to a broader patient population. Additionally, a cultural shift was required to differentiate hospital-at-home care from traditional home health services. Many providers and patients initially misunderstood the program, thinking it was a standard home health service. This confusion prompted VCU Health to bolster its marketing efforts, clarifying that the program delivers acute inpatient care with full monitoring and medical support. The program's tech use Patient enrolled in the program are equipped with tablets that connect them to a virtual nursing team, ensuring 24/7 access to medical support. Each patient also receives vital sign monitoring devices that integrate seamlessly with VCU Health's Epic EHR system, and the health system is getting ready to further enhance the program's technology capabilities. "We're excited to expand our technology capabilities, adding wearable patches for continuous monitoring of vital signs, ECGs and fall detection," Dr. Breton said. Positive feedback Patient satisfaction with the program has been overwhelmingly positive, with a 100% approval rating on MyChart surveys. Patients have expressed gratitude for the personalized care and comfort of receiving treatment at home, Dr. Breton said. She added that many patients reported feeling more confident and less isolated during their recovery, which has contributed to an improved overall experience. Next steps As the program evolves, VCU Health has fine-tuned its processes. New screening tools have been implemented to better identify eligible patients, and additional care aids have been introduced to alleviate the burden on caregivers. Looking ahead, Dr. Breton is optimistic about expanding the program's geographic reach. VCU Health is already partnering with a hospitality house to provide care for patients outside the immediate service area, ensuring that vulnerable populations can access the necessary treatments. Moreover, the program has begun directly admitting patients from the emergency department a strategy Dr. Breton said not only enhances patient satisfaction but also helps reduce the strain on hospital resources. Jarrod Johnson has been appointed CEO of Birmingham, Ala.-based UAB Callahan Eye Hospital, effective Oct. 1. Mr. Johnson has 25 years of healthcare and leadership experience, according to a Sept. 25 news release from the University of Alabama at Birmingham. He previously served as president of UPMC Carlisle (Pa.), where he led recruitment efforts and expanded service lines, the release said. Stacy Harberson has been appointed CEO of Nashville, Ark.-based Howard Memorial Hospital. Ms. Harberson most recently served as the hospital's COO, according to a Sept. 25 news release shared with Becker's. She was its radiology director for a decade prior to that, the release said. Howard Memorial is a critical access hospital with several affiliated clinics and speciality centers. Officials from 21 states, led by Idaho Attorney General Raul Labrador, have accused the American Academy of Pediatrics of potentially failing to adhere to consumer protections with respect to gender care policies. In a letter sent Sept. 24, attorneys general and lawmakers in various states requested that the pediatrics academy provide information detailing evidence for its standards on gender dysphoria care for minors. Mr. Labrador said in a news release that he and others are specifically seeking information about the AAP's evidence for its "recommendations for puberty blockers for gender dysphoria-diagnosed youth despite widespread retractions of the practice." He also expressed concerns about the pediatrics organization's "claims that the use of puberty blockers on children is safe and reversible. This assertion is not grounded in evidence and therefore may run afoul of consumer protection laws in most states." "For the most part, [the AAP] has not allowed nonmedical considerations to infiltrate its guidance to physicians and parents," the letter from the attorneys general said. "But when it comes to treating children diagnosed with gender dysphoria, the AAP has abandoned its commitment to sound medical judgment." The AAP, which has 67,000 pediatrician members, could not immediately be reached for comment by the Idaho Capital Sun. Becker's has also reached out to the AAP and will update this story if a comment is received. The pediatrics organization reaffirmed its 2018 policy statement on gender-affirming care in August 2023 while also saying it would conduct a systematic review of evidence. In a news release in August 2023, the AAP wrote that the decision to authorize the review "reflects the board's concerns about restrictions to access to healthcare with bans on gender-affirming care in more than 20 states." The AAP's 2018 policy statement recommends a gender-affirming, nonjudgmental approach and providing youths with access to comprehensive gender-affirming and developmentally appropriate healthcare. The AAP's full policy statement is available here. Joining Idaho in its letter to the AAP are the attorneys general from Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Iowa, Kansas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Carolina, South Dakota, Texas, Utah, Virginia and West Virginia, and the Arizona Legislature. Hayti, Mo.-based Pemiscot Memorial Health Systems is being sued by its former CEO after she claimed she faced discrimination and retaliation. Joanie White-Wagoner took on the leadership role in September 2023 and was dismissed about four months later, according to the complaint. She filed the complaint Sept. 14, 2024, alleging she was wrongfully terminated. Here are five things to know about the lawsuit. 1. After taking over as CEO, Ms. White-Wagoner learned of and reported potential violations by the hospital to state and federal agencies, which contributed to her termination, the complaint said. Throughout her tenure, Ms. White-Wagoner reported potential violations to CMS, the Missouri attorney general's office's Medicaid fraud control unit, the USDA Office of Inspector General and the Labor Department. The reports focused on issues regarding potential misuse of grant funds, Medicare and Medicaid reimbursement compliance, and wage and hour regulation violations. 2. Ms. White-Wagoner allegedly received less total compensation than her predecessor and successor, both of whom are men, according to the complaint. Sunil Gungee, the previous permanent CEO, who was terminated about a year before Ms. White-Wagoner was hired, received benefits such as a car stipend, housing allowance and life insurance premium payments; those benefits were not offered to her, the complaint said. David Ketchum, who replaced Ms. White-Wagoner, also received a higher total compensation than she did, according to the complaint. Ms. White-Wagoner, who has almost 30 years of healthcare administration experience, alleged she was more qualified for the position than both of them. 3. Along with her gender, Ms. White-Wagoner claimed she was discriminated against because of her age and disability. Ms. White-Wagoner was diagnosed with Graves' disease in 2017, which interfered with daily activities such as thinking, concentrating, speaking and walking. The hospital allegedly contacted her repeatedly while she was hospitalized because of the disease and created an abusive work environment, according to the complaint. She was "marginalized and treated inferior to her co-workers based solely on her disability," the complaint said. Mr. Ketchum, her successor, is also "substantially younger" than she is, the complaint said. 4. Ms. White-Wagoner was allegedly terminated without written notice, as required by her employment agreement, the complaint said. She was instead dismissed in January through a phone call from Lance Crawford, former hospital board chair, according to the complaint. Pemiscot Memorial Health Systems includes Pemiscot County Memorial Hospital and its affiliated clinics. 5. The system declined to comment. This story will be updated if more information becomes available. Marco Antonio Flores was arrested Tuesday and charged with evading arrest and detention. Courtesy, Bexar County Sheriff's Office Bexar County sheriff's deputies have arrested a 37-year-old man they say ran away when they questioned him about the killing of a 63-year-old woman whose body was found Monday along the Salado Creek Greenway Trail. Marco Antonio Flores was arrested late Monday and booked into the Bexar County jail early Tuesday, court records indicate. He is charged with evading arrest and detention. Stacey Adams Dramiga had been reported missing late Sunday night, Sheriff Javier Salazar said. Her body was found the next day about 30 yards off the paved greenway trail near Dafoste Park. That area is near East Commerce Street and Martin Luther King. Advertisement Article continues below this ad A CLEAR alert was issued for Stacey Dramiga, 63. Bexar County Sheriff's Office investigators believe the body found along the Salado Creek Greenway Trail could be Dramiga. Department of Public Safety Flores was arrested after he ran from deputies when they told him he would be taken to the Sheriff's Office headquarters for questioning. Bexar County Sheriff's Office officials said Thursday that when Flores was speaking with a deputy at the scene where Dramiga's body was found, Flores "provided some details regarding the victim's condition that were not released to the public." READ ALSO: Body found at Salado Creek Greenway Trail could be missing woman Deputies did not elaborate on what Flores revealed to them. Advertisement Article continues below this ad The Bexar County Medical Examiner's Office said Dramiga died of a head wound and listed the manner of death as homicide. She was a staff member at Brooke Army Medical Center. Bexar County Sheriff's Office investigators were at the scene Monday afternoon after the body of a woman was found. They are investigating it as a homicide. They believe it could be Stacey Dramiga, 63, reported missing Sunday. Staff/Jacob Beltran The search for Dramiga began around 11 p.m. Sunday night when her husband reported her missing. She last was seen Sunday morning, and her husband became concerned when she did not return to their home. The husband and a friend of his wife's began searching for Dramiga and found her car, which was secured, at Covington Park at 2600 Rigsby Avenue. Advertisement Article continues below this ad BCSO deputies and San Antonio Park Police began searching for Damiga. They were able to narrow down the search when an investigator used an iPad to ping Dramiga's phone. They said it helped narrow the search. A park police officer located the body near the paved greenway trail, which appeared to match Dramiga's description. Flores was convicted of at least three counts of criminal trespass between 2018 and 2023, according to court records. He's currently awaiting trial on a Feb. 19 charge of possession of a controlled substance between 1 and 4 grams. BCSO is asking the public to call 210-335-6000 if they have any information that could help with leads on this case. Advertisement Article continues below this ad More than 7,500 cases have been completed with Centinel Spine's Prodisc C Vivo and Prodisc C SK implants in the U.S. since 2022, according to a Sept. 26 news release. Five things to know: 1. The devices were launched in the U.S. in September 2022, and more than half of the completed cases happened in the last nine months. 2. In the first half of 2024, C Vivo and C SK cases increased more than 91% year over year. 3. Nearly 800 spine surgeons in the U.S. are using Centinel Spine's disc replacement implants, and about 75% are repeat users. 4. "This milestone demonstrates the significance of providing anatomic choice to the spine surgeon," Centinel Spine CEO Steve Murray said in the release. "Similar to what's evolved in hip, knee, and shoulder joint replacement surgery, spine surgeons are increasingly choosing proven, safe, effective, durable, and anatomically differentiated implants for their patients." 5. Globally Centinel Spine total disc replacement implants have been used in more than 250,000 cases. Spine technologies come with a cost barrier for some ASCs even as more cases migrate to the outpatient setting. Three spine surgeons discuss the cycles and strategies that will affect the costs of robotics and implants in the ASC. Ask Spine Surgeons is a weekly series of questions posed to spine surgeons around the country about clinical, business and policy issues affecting spine care. Becker's invites all spine surgeon and specialist responses. Next question: What has been the most beneficial partnership for your practice? Please send responses to Carly Behm at cbehm@beckershealthcare.com by 5 p.m. CST Wednesday, Oct. 2. Editor's note: Responses were lightly edited for clarity and length. Question: Many newer spine technologies come with a heavy price tag, especially for ASCs. What will it take to lower costs for the technologies and help them become more widespread? Don Park, MD. UCI Health (Irvine, Calif.): The price for utilizing emerging technology in spine surgery is high due to the research and development required to develop the technology, the marketing required to sell the technology, and the personnel needed to implement the technology. These high costs can be prohibitive, especially in the ASC setting where reimbursement is much less than hospital-based settings. Companies need to work with administrators to develop creative financial solutions to reduce these costs, such as at lease to own options, tiered discounts based on increasing utilization and volume, and programs based on purchasing associated products such as disposables and implants. However, these companies need passionate surgeons who believe in the technology to advocate and champion the company to the hospitals and ASCs. This passion comes from technology that should provide considerable benefits to both the surgeon and patient, such as significant time savings in the operating room, greater accuracy and precision in surgery, and improved safety for the patient. Over time, the costs will inevitably decrease with more utilization, but industry needs to help with financial models that make sense in a financially restrictive environment with technology that can truly enable surgeons to perform better surgery for their patients. Vladimir Sinkov, MD. Sinkov Spine (Las Vegas): Newer technologies in spine surgery (such as intraoperative navigation, robotic systems, augmented reality systems, patient-specific implants, etc.) inevitably come at a high cost. The cost includes both the expenses involved in developing, improving, validating and obtaining FDA clearance for the new technology as well as the expenses to build, maintain and update the new devices. As the use of newer technologies becomes more common and there is more competition in the market, the cost will inevitably decrease some. There will be a limit, however, to such a decrease in cost. Newer technologies will always cost more than the older and simpler methods of performing spine surgery. Such higher expenses, however, will be justified by being able to achieve better outcomes by performing spine surgery in less invasive fashion, by making spine surgery more efficient, and by decreasing the harm to the surgeon and OR staff (such as radiation exposure and physical and mental strain). With time, those who pay for the surgery (be it the insurance companies or the patients themselves) will recognize the value of newer technologies and improved outcomes and will be willing to pay the additional cost associated with such innovations. This will, in turn, further increase the utilization of new technologies until they become the standard of care. This cycle will continue to repeat itself in spine surgery and in healthcare in general, as the science and technology of medicine continues to evolve and improve for the benefit of our patients. Christian Zimmerman, MD. St. Alphonsus Medical Group and SAHS Neuroscience Institute (Boise, Idaho): Implant prices can vary due to manufacturer negotiated purchasing agreements coupled with limited awareness of true cost. Reducing the price of surgical implants and increasing uniformity in costs has translated into extensive long term savings. Paring of companies unwilling to work within a system or price consolidation is also a most viable option for price reduction. Common spinal injuries and surgical interventions in workers' compensation cases already require procedures associated with higher costs and implant intervention. Coalescing these patients to a center of known better outcomes and more efficient processes is another mechanism of potential utilization. Like big pharma and its profit-mongering legacy, biomedical companies play a role in cost, copyright and claw back cost impositions to patients. Happy mediums require negotiation and firm expectations. CastleCourt will welcome the retailer to its ground floor. The TK Maxx store in Belfast city centre is relocating from Donegall Arcade to CastleCourt Shopping Centre. The new 24,872 sq ft store is set to open on Thursday October 3 at 10am. The high street favourite and labels-for-less retailer will offer everything from fashion, accessories, beauty and home, all under one roof in the new store. A spokesperson for TK Maxx said: We are thrilled to open a brand-new TK Maxx store in Belfast, as we know how much local shoppers love to shop big-brand fashion, accessories, and more, all at great prices. We want to give our valued Belfast treasure seekers the best shopping experience possible, and we are confident they will enjoy our new bright and beautiful store. Leona Barr, centre manager at CastleCourt Shopping Centre, added: It is fantastic to welcome TK Maxx back to CastleCourt Shopping Centre. "Our shoppers will be thrilled to explore their trove of one-off finds and discounted designer fashion, which sits at the front of the centre in prime retail space. We are delighted with the regeneration of the centre thanks to the investment from our landlord, which has attracted so many well-known brands and local businesses in recent years. TK Maxx are a fantastic national brand and will complement our expanding retail mix. TK Maxx has 644 stores in six countries across Europe: the UK, Ireland, Poland, Germany, Austria and the Netherlands and is online at www.tkmaxx.com, tkmaxx.de and tkmaxx.at. The new TK Maxx store can be found at 56-58 Royal Avenue, CastleCourt Shopping Centre, Belfast, BT1 1DD. News Catch Up - Tuesday 24th September When the company was liquidated in February of this year, creditors were owed slightly over 155,000, according to the Department for the Economy (stock image - Getty) The former owner of a Co Tyrone construction firm has been disqualified from being a company director for six years. Patrick McHugh provided the disqualification undertaking over his conduct as director of the building completion and finishing firm Erganagh Construction Services. When the company was liquidated in February, creditors were owed slightly over 155,000, according to the Department for the Economy. Mr McHugh (35) from Ashleigh Court in Castlederg, accepted the departments description of his unfit conduct, including incorrectly submitting Vat returns that caused a loss of monies properly due to the Crown from 2018/19. The department found that the company therefore had more money to continue trading than it ought to have. It also found that Mr McHugh had failed to submit annual returns in 2014 and 2015, and confirmation statements for the years between 2014-2018, within the prescribed time. Erganagh Construction Services was incorporated in autumn 2013. Mr McHugh was the only named shareholder ever listed in the companys filings. In 2018 to 19, the company had two compulsory strike-off notices filed but then discontinued. The companys most recently filed publicly available accounts in March 2018 covered the 12 months leading up to March 2017. The late filing of these accounts was one of the examples of unfit conduct by Mr McHugh that the department recorded. At that time, the company said it owed 10,000 to creditors in the coming year, and was owed over 25,000 by debtors. It reported having 2,500 of cash at bank and in hand. Prior to the appointment of liquidator by the department in late 2022, the company had a registered address of Listymore Park in Castlederg. The liquidator appointed was Russell Hunter of Lecale Corporate Finance and Restructuring Limited in Stranmillis Embankment, Belfast. Directors disqualifications are legal instruments that prevent someone from becoming a company director without the leave of the High Court. They are made under the Company Directors Disqualification (Northern Ireland) Order 2002. They are brought against the directors of companies that the department believes have abused the privilege of limited liability status through negligence, incompetence or lack of commercial probity. People facing a disqualification can also offer a disqualification undertaking, as Mr McHugh did. If accepted by the department, an undertaking removes the requirement of a court hearing. An undertaking is still a legally binding commitment, however, and those who breach one face the same consequences as someone who violates an order made after a court ruling. Disqualifications for periods of six to 10 years are used by the department for cases which do not merit the top bracket. "Particularly serious cases can result in disqualifications of between 10 and 15 years. Since April, the department has accepted nine disqualification undertakings and two disqualification undertakings have been made by the court. The department say the orders are made for the protection of the public and other traders, and not to inhibit genuine enterprise. Charra Tea will be the third contestant from NI to take part in the show (Credit: BBC) Drag queen Charra Tea is hoping to make Northern Ireland proud during her first appearance on RuPauls Drag Race UK tonight. Charra Tea, AKA James Martin, is a drag queen from Belfast and is one of 12 contestants competing in the UK edition of the show. The competition returns to television screens tonight with a host of celebrity judges including Graham Norton, Michelle Visage and various others. Charra Tea is taking part in the sixth series of the show and is both excited and nervous for the premiere. In a social media post on Instagram ahead of the show airing, she said. This entire process has been incredible and I am so excited (and terrified) for you all to see what weve been up to. The first contestant from Northern Ireland on RuPauls Drag race UK was top drag queen Blu Hydrangea, who placed fifth back in the UK debut of the show. Blu has competed in the show several times and went on to win a spin-off of the show RuPauls Drag Race: UK vs the World. James Martins first interest in drag began when taking part in a school play for the performance of Hairspray. I used to volunteer in a charity shop in Belfast on Botanic Avenue, and I loved seeing all these fabulous clothes, dresses, and costumes that come in, Charra told the BBC. I was always so jealous that I wasnt able to wear them, and then one day I thought, you know what, Im going to start drag and Im going to buy these dresses so I can wear them. I am here to represent the tacky and the colourful out there, and no one else is going to want to wear primary colours, so it makes me stand out. The BBC Three programme is made up of 12 drag queens who compete against each other in several games and challenges ranging from dress design, dancing, singing, acting and more. RuPaul calls the shots as host of the show and is known for being the creator of the original series based in America which first aired in 2009. A fan-favourite game on the show is called the Snatch Game where the contestants must get on stage and give celebrity impressions in a spoof game show inspired by Blankety Blank. The contest runs for 10 weeks and the bottom two contestants each episode must lip-sync for their lives before one is eliminated from the competition. Charra is the third contestant from Northern Ireland to be on the show and thanked all of those who supported her along the way. A massive thank you to everyone who has helped me along my drag journey, she said. I genuinely couldnt have done it without my friends, my family, my boyfriend and all of my queer family. And this is just the beginning. RuPauls Drag Race UK will be available on BBC iPlayer. Gary Lightbody said his own group had taken ten years to find success (Liam McBurney/PA) The lead singer of Snow Patrol has expressed his concern that no band from Northern Ireland has broken the international market this century. Gary Lightbody was speaking after attending a meeting with arts leaders and Stormont Communities Minister Gordon Lyons over funding for the arts in the region. He referred to his own group as having taken ten years to find success, recalling nights sleeping on friends sofas and relying on the kindness of strangers. Snow Patrol was formed in 1994 in Dundee, when Lightbody was at university in the Scottish city. Gary Lightbody, Mark McClelland, Johnny Quinn, Nathan Connolly and Tom Simpson from rock group Snow Patrol (PA) Their third album, Final Straw, with hits Chocolate and Run, released in 2003, was their first to bring them mainstream success. During the 1990s a number of other bands emerged internationally from Northern Ireland, including Ash, Foy Vance and Two Door Cinema Club. Lightbody told the PA news agency in Belfast: It took ten years to have success, and we had an awful lot of people who supported us. We didnt apply for any government grants during that time but I still believe in those, and I know artists that rely on those, theyre very small in Northern Ireland compared to the Republic of Ireland for example, where grants can be as high as 20,000 to 50,000, here it is more like 2,000. Ash receive their award for Best Irish Album at the Hot Press Awards in Belfast, in 2002 (PA) We had a lot of friends and family who supported us, I slept on a lot of friends couches over the years, so I know what it is like to be an artist and not make any money. We didnt make any money for ten years and relied on the kindness of strangers, to borrow from Tennessee Williams. Lightbody said he wanted to try to help make it easier for artists coming up. There are some people even within the artistic community who think arts is punk and we need to do it ourselves, and that is absolutely fine, but there are also people who rely on funding to survive, and I want that funding to be available to the people who need it, he said. Asked whether it was harder for a band starting out now compared with the early 1990s, Lightbody said: immeasurably so. There are a myriad of reasons even beyond funding, streaming has kind of democratised music in a way but it has also made it dizzying I think for the consumer. So its very hard to get your head above the water even though someone in Sydney or Mumbai or Tokyo can listen to your song, they probably wont find it because of the colossal weight of music that there is out there, he said. So there are other issues other than just funding set against young artists starting today, but that would certainly give them a good footing to start their musical career. We havent had a very successful Northern Irish band in a while, I think in this century so far. Were talking Ash, Foy Vance, ourselves, Two Door Cinema Club. Compare that to the Republic of Ireland, Scotland, Wales, or in England where there are a ridiculous amount of success stories. Northern Ireland has a wealth of talent, but that talent is not finding its way to success in the UK, Europe or the wider world and there is something about that which has cognitive dissonance. Emily Maitlis said she fled to the toilet before her interview with the Duke of York (Ian West/PA) Journalist Emily Maitlis has said she fled to the toilet before her interview with the Duke of York to tell herself dont pull your punches. The 54-year-old former BBC reporter said it had been the stuff of dreams to be played by Gillian Anderson and Ruth Wilson in dramatisations of the interview, in Netflix film Scoop and BBC drama series A Very Royal Scandal respectively. She told Good Housekeeping that despite being proud of her work, there was something very disturbing about seeing the impact of the interview play out. Maitlis said: I remember shaking [Andrews] hand, and then I excused myself and fled to the toilet. The interview saw Andrew quizzed on his relationship to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein (Chris Jackson/PA) I locked the door and slumped in the corner of this wonderful, very chintzy, very ornate loo. I was holding the handbasin at one point and just saying to myself, right, what is this interview about? Find the focus, find the point of the interview. I was sort of lecturing myself: dont interrupt, dont be rude, dont forget to be courteous in your address but also dont pull your punches in the questions. The interview saw Maitlis quiz Andrew on his relationship with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein and saw him deny having sex with then 17-year-old Virginia Giuffre, saying he was in Pizza Express in Woking on the day it was alleged to have happened. Following the interview, the duke paid a financial settlement to Giuffre, formally ending a US civil case brought against him. In the settlement he accepted no liability and he has always rejected claims of wrongdoing. Canadian-born British journalist Maitlis went on to say that her younger self wouldnt believe that parts of her life would end up on TV dramas. She added: I just thought it was a hoot. I couldnt believe it. Its the stuff of dreams, isnt it, to be portrayed by Gillian Anderson and Ruth Wilson? If I had to describe that to a younger version of myself, I just wouldnt believe it. Emily Maitlis will appear on the cover of the November issue of Good Housekeeping (Good Housekeeping UK/Mark Harrison/Camera Press/PA) Maitlis said that, following the interview, far too much responsibility was put on her and her team. The journalist said: There were some people saying to me, what have you done to the royal family?. Stuff that was way too big and put far too much responsibility on our teams shoulders. But theres something very disturbing about seeing the effects play out in real time, because you do feel a sense of responsibility. The thing I keep coming back to is, Im a journalist, I just ask the questions. Maitlis also spoke about her decision to leave the BBC in 2022, saying she was grateful to the corporation but had thought it was now or never when she entered her 50s, so decided to leave. Her post-BBC work has seen her appear on Channel 4s election night coverage, present a daily news podcast called The News Agents and work as an executive producer on A Very Royal Scandal. The full interview can be read in the November 2024 issue of Good Housekeeping, which is now on sale. If they take away our Prosecco, what next?: Mixed reactions to Ryanair boss proposed crackdown on boozy behaviour Nervous flyers and those who like a drink or two before boarding among those sharing their views Ryaniar CEO Michael OLeary has called for a two-drink limit to be applied at airports as a result of unruly behaviour on flights. Photo: Steve Humphreys Arlene Harris Thu 26 Sep 2024 at 21:42 Ryanair boss Michael OLeary sparked another debate with his calls for air passengers to be limited to two alcoholic drinks before boarding a flight. Jet2.com and Jet2holidays have put their summer programme on sale for 2026 earlier than ever before, with flights and holidays to 21 destinations now available to book from Belfast International Airport . The programme means over 600,000 seats have gone on sale from the airport and, during peak periods, Jet2.com and Jet2holidays will operate more than 50 departing weekly flights from the airport. As well as being the first airline and tour operator to go on sale for summer 26, the summer sun and leisure cities programme offers more seats and choice. To meet with customer demand, the airline and tour operator have increased their capacity to Faro (Algarve), with additional services operating on a Monday throughout summer 26. The 21 destinations include Antalya, Dalaman, Tenerife, Lanzarote, Fuerteventura, Gran Canaria, Reus, Alicante, Malaga, Palma (Majorca), Ibiza, Menorca, Faro (Algarve), Crete (Heraklion), Rhodes, Zante, Paphos, Dubrovnik, Malta, Verona and Madeira. Holidaymakers can also enjoy low fares, great flight times, 22kg baggage allowance and 10kg hand luggage with Jet2.com. Those wanting to take advantage of ATOL protected package holidays can book with Jet2holidays and receive a choice of two to five-star accommodation, in-resort customer helpers, transfers to and from the airport and free child place holidays, all for 60 per person deposit. Customers who want to enjoy the privacy and space of their own villa can book their Summer Sun with the UKs largest villa package holiday provider, Jet2Villas. Package options with Jet2CityBreaks include a huge choice of 2-5 star accommodation, fantastic flight times on Jet2.com, ATOL protection, free 10kg hand luggage and free 22kg hold baggage included on all European city routes for a 60 per person booking deposit. Steve Heapy, CEO of Jet2.com and Jet2holidays, said: Customers are telling us they want to book ahead and secure that all-important holiday, so they can have the best choice of hotels, rooms and dates. We have responded to the strong demand from holidaymakers wanting to lock in their getaways, by putting our summer programme on sale from Belfast International Airport for 2026, earlier than ever before. Our Summer 26 programme offers holidaymakers plenty of choice and flexibility, as well as giving them the chance to book in advance and get a date in their diary now for some sunshine. We have every confidence our Summer 26 programme will be a huge success. Dan Owens, chief executive of Belfast International Airport, said: We welcome Jet2.com and Jet2holidays summer programme, which will meet an increased demand for travel and holiday experiences. Jet2 is a key partner for Belfast International Airport, and it is encouraging to see additional capacity being added to the schedule. Thanks to continued investment and commitment from both Vinci and Jet2 we can offer our customers an improved passenger experience, increased connectivity and a wide variety of holiday destinations. For further information and to book visit www.jet2.com or www.jet2holidays.com. University of Texas doctorate student Frank Guzman and his wife, Caroline Katba, have been missing since late July, the Austin American-Statesman reports. DSCZ/Getty Images The family of an Austin graduate student who went missing over the summer while traveling with his wife in Mexico is asking the public for help. University of Texas doctorate student Frank Guzman and his wife, Caroline Katba, have been missing since late July, the Austin American-Statesman reports. Guzmans sister, Liz Guzman, told the newspaper the pair were traveling through Latin America to Chile, where Frank was going to do research and fieldwork related to his anthropology studies. Advertisement Article continues below this ad The couples loved ones last heard from them on July 22, the day the pair told relatives they planned to leave Mexico. However, there is no documentation of the two leaving Mexico, according to a security team hired by the University of Texas. ALSO READ: New judge sought in trial for San Antonio cops accused of killing woman in mental crisis In a social media post, Liz Guzman said its believed the two were last spotted in Coatzacoalcos, a city in Veracruz, Mexico. They drove a four-door, gray 2016 Toyota Prius-Hatchback with Texas license plate SDM2449. Liz Guzman hopes anyone with connections to the area can help. Our family needs the help of everyone to spread the word about their disappearance, she wrote on Instagram. Advertisement Article continues below this ad There are missing person reports for Guzman in Texas and Mexico, and one for Katba in Mexico. Guzmans family has contacted the U.S. Embassy and FBI, the Statesman reports. The two are listed as missing in the Texas Missing Persons Clearinghouse Bulletin. Family said the couple had kept in touch frequently while traveling, sharing photos and texts with relatives. Both Guzman and Katba went offline on the messaging service WhatsApp on July 22, the Statesman reports. Liz Guzman told the newspaper her brother wouldnt just leave, walking away from years of work toward his studies. Liz Guzman urges anyone with information to contact her or local police. A former Queens University nursing student diagnosed with cancer has received 25,000 after settling a disability discrimination case against the university. Natasha Bradshaw said a lack of understanding and support had shattered her dreams of becoming a nurse. She alleged safety concerns during a work placement set by the university during her second year, leading her to withdraw from the course completely. Her case, settled without admission of liability, was supported by the Equality Commission for Northern Ireland. Natasha was diagnosed with cancer in 2019, a year before she started an adult nursing degree at Queens. During her second year, she had to withdraw from a hospital placement which was part of her course after two days. She said the work she was required to do on placement was unsuitable due to her disability and contrary to recommendations made by the universitys occupational health team. It was three weeks before the university found another suitable placement. The delay meant Natasha would have to complete her placements without a sufficient break. It also meant she would have to complete back-to-back placements while preparing for and sitting exams to fulfil all elements of her course. Natasha felt fulfilling her course in this manner would put considerable pressure on her and her health. She was advised that the schedule could not be adjusted to give her more time. She believes the university did not consider her disability when reaching this decision. Natasha then agreed to a temporary withdrawal from the course and eventually withdrew entirely due to her lack of confidence in the school to keep her safe while completing the degree. Natasha said: Im really upset about my experience. I worked so hard and sacrificed so much in order to fulfil my dream of becoming a nurse. My cancer diagnosis has been tough, I did not want it to impact on my career. It should not have impacted my studies as much as it did at the time. I felt that I was expected to be treated the same as students who arent disabled. I believed it would have been impossible for me to complete my course in this way given my disability. I just needed a little understanding and support regarding my health and the life altering situation I was in. I felt I didnt get any of that, leaving me without a course or degree and shattering my dream of becoming a nurse. Geraldine McGahey, chief commissioner at the Equality Commission for Northern Ireland, said the law protects people with disabilities from discrimination in education. "This means universities and other education providers must consider and implement reasonable adjustments to support disabled students where possible, she added. They must ensure that their disabled students are not placed at a disadvantage compared to those who are not disabled. "Unfortunately, in Natashas case, she believed she did not receive the support she needed due to her disability and as a result she felt unable to finish her degree and qualify as a nurse. In settling the case, the university affirmed its commitment to the principle of equality of opportunity. It is working with the Equality Commission to review its equal opportunities policies, practices, and procedures and ensure they are effective and follow the requirements of equality law. The university also acknowledged that it wished to resolve the case to assist in alleviating any stress or anxiety Natasha would experience arising from the ongoing proceedings. A spokesperson for Queens University said: Queens University acknowledges this was a distressing experience for Ms Natasha Bradshaw appreciating the difficult health circumstances she found herself in. The university resolved the case without admission of liability to assist in alleviating any stress or anxiety Ms Bradshaw would experience arising from proceedings. Following this case, Queens has undertaken work with the Equality Commission to review our equal opportunities policies and procedures ensuring they are effective and follow the requirements of equality law for all our students and staff. Queens is committed to creating an inclusive environment and will continue to work hard to ensure any students and staff with disabilities have the appropriate institutional support in place for their chosen course of study and wider participation in university life. Temporary plans were passed by Belfast City Council for an Irish Language school in east Belfast in June A Stormont scrutiny committee is to write to the Education Minister seeking clarification over why he met with representatives of loyalism who demanded an end to plans for an Irish language school in east Belfast. Paul Givan met with members of the Loyalist Communities Council (LCC) on Tuesday to discuss what the Department of Education said was a range of issues relating to education underachievement in loyalist areas and share information on the Departments RAISE programme and other relevant initiatives. But in a statement, the LCC which represents the views of the UDA, UVF and Red Hand Commando paramilitary groups said it had also raised concerns about the proposed Irish school in east Belfast, and urged the DUP Minister to halt the development. Belfast City Council gave planning permission for the proposed temporary nursery and primary school and soft play area in June. Representatives from the LCC, led by chair David Campbell, said they had told the DUP minister that any proposed school has no meaningful support from the local unionist and loyalist population and no consultation had taken place with local residents. David Campbell from the Loyalist Communities Council met with Education Minister Paul Givan The Education Committee will now await a response from Mr Givan over what talks took place with members of the LCC after a heated discussion during Wednesdays committee meeting. DUP member David Brooks told the committee he would not be apologising personally or on behalf of his party for engaging with the LCC when we are expected to sit in chambers with people who are from a republican background and have a history of violence. What I am getting quite sick of in terms of political discourse is this circus arriving every time there is engagement with LCC, he said. The LCC as I understand it is a body about moving loyalist paramilitaries away from paramilitary activity. But irrespective of that I sit on this committee and I sit across the way from Pat Sheehan and his history and everything that goes with that. I sit in a chamber across the way from Gerry Kelly, a man who has written a book about his history and what he has been responsible for. Yet when there were flag protests, political unionism was accused of not engaging with loyalist working class communities and hammered for that. When we look at history, people talk about the Hume/Adams talks and the virtues in that and how it brought Sinn Fein in from the cold. I dont necessarily share those views, but it seems a particular attitude is taken whenever political unionism engages with representatives of loyalism. Its double standards. In the community I represent, people are sick of that. There are times when it is appropriate that we talk to the LCC. We dont always agree, but it is right that we engage with them. Sinn Fein MLAs Mr Sheehan and Mr Kelly are former IRA prisoners, and the former was not in attendance at yesterdays meeting. Sinn Fein member Cathy Mason, though, said it was completely outrageous that a group representative of loyalist gangs are attempting to influence decisions about our childrens futures and their right to be educated through whatever language they choose. Also seeking clarification over what was discussed at the meeting, SDLP member Cara Hunter said she wanted to see an end to the politicisation of the Irish language. This is something the Department needs to uphold, she added. Weve seen the movement from Linda Ervine. The language belongs to everybody. Temporary plans were passed by Belfast City Council for an Irish Language school in east Belfast in June The DUPs Mr Brooks responded saying there are some other parties who have had a very large role in politicising the Irish language. Alliance member Michelle Guy MLA said it was only right that the Education Committee seek clarification from the Minister over the meeting. I was disturbed to see it, she added. Particularly in the context of work which was outlined to this committee last week on the linkage between paramilitary groups and their influence on communities and child exploitation. She said it was not credible for the Minister to be standing against the paramilitary exploitation of children then meeting with LCC who are not legitimate stakeholders in discussions we have around the education of our children. UUP member Robbie Butler also called for the Minister to clarify the content of the meeting. If the Minister asked them when they will be leaving the stage, then that is legitimate, he said. The Department of Education was contacted on Wednesday seeking further clarification of the content of the meeting. Co Antrim Catholic who is to marry her Protestant fiance next year delighted to say thank-you to Senator George Mitchell Erin McArdle holds hands with Senator George Mitchell at the Queen's University event this week The first child born here after the signing of the Good Friday Agreement has met the man who chaired the talks that led to the historic deal expressing her gratitude she will soon be getting married in a time of peace. Erin McArdle (26) from Co Antrim took part in an event at Queens University where plans were announced for a new home for the peace institute named after Senator George Mitchell. The peace baby was joined by the former diplomat (91). Its one of several high-profile events Erin has attended over the last 18 months to mark the 25th anniversary of the peace. And next year shell celebrate her own big day when she weds Dean McAtamney. Erin and her fiance Dean Were just under the year, itll be next September, weve got all the big things planned so its very exciting, she said. Hes been very supportive. We have a laugh about this, but Dean is a Protestant, so we always joke that you cant get any better than the Good Friday baby marrying a Protestant! But Dean thinks its great, his parents grew up in the Troubles as well, and we have the best supportive families around us. We are always thinking we are very lucky to be getting married at the time that we are. Erin as a baby with her mum Caroline Erin was born at Antrim Area Hospital 42 minutes after the Agreement was signed on April 10, 1998. Shes well aware of the symbolic nature of her arrival in the world. I have had the most amazing childhood and people do ask me about it all the time, about being the Good Friday baby, she said. I always have to reflect on what my mum and dad said about that time. I hold the title close to my heart, and as Ive gotten older, it means more to me. I remember taking part in celebrations for the 10th anniversary, and I thought it was the best thing ever simply because I got a new dress. On Wednesday, Erin and mum Caroline joined Senator Mitchell in a conversation chaired by broadcaster Donna Traynor at Queens. The determined and perpetually patient Mitchell was one of the main factors in getting the painstaking negotiations finally across the line in 1998. Erin said: My granny always tells a story about how, when I was two years old, Senator Mitchell was on the television and I was watching it. My granny then said wouldnt it be nice in my lifetime if I ever got to meet him. Erin McArdle holds hands with Senator George Mitchell at the Queen's University event this week That wish came true this week. Erin added: I was nervous. I obviously cant remember anything about what we are talking about, so its obviously really humbling to hear him talk about his own story, and him going back to America and saying it (the peace deal) had fallen through, before coming back. It was unbelievable and a real privilege. Ive done lots of events for the Good Friday Agreement, but I honestly have to say that Wednesday nights was one of the best, and one of the most relaxed. Erin and her younger sister Rhiannon, who is studying law, have a running joke that she should have been the peace baby, as she is so into politics. Erin also has an older sister, Jessica, who was born 22 months before her, with the Troubles still going on. She said her mum always reflects on the difference in the political atmosphere between both girls arrivals. She explained: My mummy says when she brought my sister home she was worried about bringing a baby into that environment, that she asked herself was it safe to raise a child here. Then she describes bringing me home, days after the Agreement, and it feeling completely different. Hopefully, after my wedding, Ill have my own family and I will be able to bring up my children just like myself. Detectives investigating Jasons disappearance have issued a specific appeal for information on Thursday morning. They are asking people with buildings in Belfast city centre, especially derelict ones and those that are also boarded up, to check them in particular in the North Street, York Gate, Lower Garfield Street and James Street South areas. Detective Inspector Angus said: We are continuing to search for 27-year-old Jason Hughes who has not been seen since Friday, 26th April. Jason has links to both the Belfast and Craigavon areas, but we believe he could be anywhere in Northern Ireland. This morning, we are asking people who own buildings in Belfast City Centre, especially derelict ones and those that are also boarded up, to check them. We are especially keen that owners of buildings in the North Street, York Gate, Lower Garfield Street and James Street South areas check for signs that Jason may be there. We are also continuing to appeal to the public to please look at the image of Jason and let us know if you recognise him, or have seen him. Jason is described as being approximately 5ft 4 inches tall, of slim build, with short fair/ blond hair and blue eyes. I am also appealing directly to Jason to make contact with Police, family or friends so that we know you are safe and well. Anyone with any information on Jason's whereabouts, no matter how insignificant it may seem, to please make contact with police on 101 and quote reference 830 03/08/24." "You can also report online at https://www.psni.police.uk/report or via the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or online at www.crimestoppers.uk.org News Catch Up - Tuesday 24th September A Newry playground named after an IRA hunger striker has been left out of development plans by the local council. A recent meeting of the Active and Healthy Communities committee was provided with a new four-year capital programme for council-owned play parks identified for upgrades. The plan does not mention the Raymond McCreesh Park which has been at the centre of some controversy since it was renamed after the Armagh man. Children in the Patrick Street area, where the Raymond McCreesh Park is located, were provided with a consolidation playground at Martins Lane in 2022 which serves both them and young people in the Barcroft area. The Martins Lane park is around half a mile away. The future of the McCreesh site, which is still in recreational use, remains unclear. Read more Playground named after IRA hunger striker left out of council development plans A council spokesperson said: The McCreesh Park site remains on Newry, Mourne and Down District Councils surplus asset register and is subject to the D1 process. The D1 process is a stage in the NMDDCs work that involves the submission of a developed business case. It is now over a year since councillors were given a behind-closed-doors update on efforts to dispose of the surplus assets site at Patrick Street. In an open session, the then Sinn Fein chairperson of the Strategy, Policy and Resources committee, Leeanne McEvoy, said: During the surplus assets update, it was confirmed that the councils Patrick Street site has had no interest. In October 2018, NMDDC put McCreesh Park up for sale as surplus to requirements despite community support for the playground being retained resulting in a court case in 2019. A judicial review finding stated that residents would need to be consulted on the future of the playground. The city centre park has been a long-running source of controversy, with unionists bitterly opposed to it being named after a republican paramilitary in 2001. McCreesh, from Camlough in Armagh, was one of 10 republican prisoners who died in the 1981 Maze Prison hunger strikes. Police and community groups in west Belfast have urged local parents and young people to be vigilant after reports of an attack on a teenage girl on Wednesday night. It was reported to the PSNI that on the Upper Suffolk Road at around 8.30pm on September 26, a man approached two teenage girls as they walked along the road. The man reportedly pulled at the clothing of one of the girls, then pushed her to the ground. He then made off on foot, possibly in the direction of Lenadoon. The perpetrator was described as being aged in his 20s or 30s and was wearing a black coat, black trousers and black shoes. A police spokesperson added that both girls were left badly shaken following the incident. The Glen Community Parent Youth Group and Lenadoon Womens Group have appealed to residents across the Glenveagh/Suffolk Road and Greater Lenadoon areas to proceed throughout the region with caution going forward. They stated that at approximately 8.30pm, as the girl and her friend were walking home from the Suffolk Road into Glenveagh Drive, a white male in dark clothing emerged from behind the girls and dragged one of them towards a derelict house in the street. "As he was assaulting the girl her friend began screaming and a passing car came to their assistance as the assailant ran off, the post continued. Lenadoon Community Forum and Suffolk Road Residents Network are demanding an urgent meeting between themselves and the Housing Executive to have this derelict property adequately secured to prevent further assaults. Both groups are also urging parents to make their children aware of the potential dangers and to ensure that they are not out on their own whilst this dangerous individual is at large. A Housing Executive spokesperson said: This site is currently secured and is scheduled for demolition. It has been vandalised in the past and is permanently sealed. Our staff will once again ensure the site is secured and we are happy to meet with community representatives to discuss any concerns they may have. Belfast report presses need for 1.4billion of investment in capital alone Some of the sewage related debris collected close to Whitehouse waste water treatment works. Workers at The Cashel housing development, which cannot proceed at present The Assembly has been urged to publish a plan and start addressing a water infrastructure deficit amid concerns it is deepening the social housing crisis in Derry and Strabane. Joe McGinnis, managing director of Braidwater, previously told this newspaper that their plans for 3,000 homes close to the Derry-Donegal border have been placed on hold because a pumping station needs upgrading. Infrastructure Minister John ODowd has now floated the idea of developers contributing to the upgrade of treatment works. A Living with Water document which makes the case for investment in Belfasts water infrastructure was published by then Minister Nichola Mallon in 2019. A NI Water presentation also says the Executive approved a 1.4 billion 12-year investment plan centring on a number of waste water treatment works (WwTW) that surround Belfast Lough. The area contains shellfish protected waters and a previous assessment found increased levels of E.Coli in shellfish flesh, indicating a decline in water quality. The document reveals that around 100 tonnes of sewage-related debris (SRD) was collected on a beach and in an area next to a sewage overflow pipe at Whitehouse waste water treatment works (WwTW). Some of the sewage related debris collected close to Whitehouse waste water treatment works. The amount of SRD in other parts of NI, including Derry, is unknown as NI Water said the figures for Whitehouse were the result of a specific case study for the Living with Water Belfast programme. The document states: An Interdepartmental Strategic Drainage Infrastructure Plan, entitled the Living with Water Programme, is being developed to support economic growth, protect the environment and address flood risk in Belfast. At present NI Water estimates that 19,000 properties across Northern Ireland require capital intervention to proceed which includes social housing projects. Of those, 28% are in the Derry City & Strabane Council area, 17% in Ards & North Down and 13% in Belfast with lower numbers in other areas. More than 1.2 million tonnes of untreated sewage is also discharged along the citys busy riverfront between the Craigavon and Foyle bridges representing over 5% of the entirety of sewage spilled throughout NI annually. A local councillor has questioned why a similarly comprehensive report has not been drawn up for the Derry and Strabane council area. People Before Profit councillor Shaun Harkin said that almost 50,000 families and individuals, more than 6,000 in Derry alone, are trapped on the housing waiting list and grappling with unaffordable rental costs. People Before Profit's Shaun Harkin He previously had a motion passed to form a taskforce to address the housing crisis. Mr Harkin has urged the Communities Minister and the Executive to initiate a mass social and affordable housing build to address housing scarcity. But Gordon Lyons department recently said only 400 or 500 social homes are planned across the whole of Northern Ireland. Mr Harkin said: It is completely unacceptable that there is no water infrastructure plan for Derry and Strabane where there is the most pressing housing need. Thousands of people are being impacted by inaction from the government over the years when it comes to investing in water infrastructure. This is causing misery for thousands of families who need good homes. It is another failure of the Stormont Executive which does not recognise Derry as the second city in the north, which was demonstrated by scant reference to Derry in the programme for government. SDLP MLA Mark H Durkan also said the Executive didnt need a crystal ball to see the catastrophic impact that chronic and systemic underfunding in water and wastewater infrastructure would have on housing development, economic investment and future prosperity. SDLP MLA Mark H Durkan. He added that as a result, areas in greatest housing need, like Derry will be hit hardest. The Department for Infrastructure said it is working with NI Water and other key stakeholders to develop a Strategic Drainage Infrastructure Plan in Derry, similar to the Living With Water in Belfast Plan. This aims to deliver a new, strategic, long-term approach to drainage and wastewater management to help protect against flooding, enhance the environment and enable economic development in the City, a spokesperson said. The Living With Water approach promotes collaborative working between key stakeholders to identify, where possible, opportunities for sustainable blue / green solutions to address multiple issues, such as reducing flooding and combined sewer overflows and improving water quality and biodiversity. Whilst the Living with Water in Belfast Plan was endorsed by the Executive when it was published in 2021, no additional funding was earmarked by the Executive. The schemes identified within this Plan have to be prioritised by each of the LWWP partners, including NI Water, against other schemes across the North and funded from their annual budget allocation. A spokesperson continued: The Department has been historically underfunded by over a decade of cuts by the British Government. However, this year the Minister has provided NI Water with a budget allocation of almost 0.5 billion for 2024/25, representing just under 40% of the total non-ring-fenced budget for the Department for Infrastructure. It is for the Board of NI Water to prioritise its funding allocation to ensure that it delivers effective water and sewerage services within budget. DfC has been contacted for comment. The Police Ombudsman has been investigating the PSNIs handling of one of the worlds biggest catfish criminal cases. Earlier this year, Newry man Alexander McCartney admitted the manslaughter of a 12-year-old American girl, after he catfished her through various social media apps. Catfishing involves using a fake online identity to target other online users which then leads to online sexual abuse, exploitation and blackmail. He also previously pleaded guilty to over 180 charges relating mostly to online child abuse, spanning a period from 2013 to 2019, involving more than 60 victims from as far afield as America and New Zealand, many of whom were contacted via Snapchat. The 26-year-old Co Armagh man is currently in prison awaiting sentencing, but UTV has tonight reported that a separate, almost three-year investigation has been completed by the Police Ombudsman into the PSNIs management over McCartneys case from the beginning. Sources cited by UTV said that before the enormity of what McCartney was up to became apparent, his house was searched twice and his computers were seized for examination. That didnt happen straight away and they stayed in a queue for some time. Concerns have been raised as to whether some of McCartneys victims could have been identified an informed earlier had police examined evidence sooner. Police referred themselves for investigation to the Police Ombudsman in 2021. The Ombudsmans office said that the Chief Constable asked the Police Ombudsman to investigate concerns about the initial stages of the PSNIs investigation of online child sex offences by Alexander McCartney. The concerns included that the forensic examination of McCartneys computers and electronic devices may have been delayed, they continued. Our investigation of the issues identified by the Chief Constable is now complete, and we are in the process of drafting our report. A previous court heard an investigation was launched in 2018 after police in Scotland received a complainant. This led to McCartney and after his Lissummon Road home was searched, a computer and mobile phone were seized and thousands of indecent images of young girls were uncovered. A PSNI spokesperson said it would be inappropriate to comment given the investigation. PSNI to step up patrols at north Belfast interface after calls to shut peace gates A rise in anti-social behaviour among youths in the area has resulted in calls to have the gates closed A banner has been placed over the Columbia Street gate Liam Tunney Thu 26 Sep 2024 at 07:00 The PSNI are stepping up patrols at a north Belfast interface after residents called for peace gates that were opened two years ago to be shut again. Prosecutor Michael Villarreal, left, asks questions of witness Dr. Kimberley Molina, Chief Medical Examiner of Bexar County, during the third day of Brandon Cerveras trial on Thursday. Photos of 4-year-old Benjamin Cervera in April 2021, left, and Aug. 2021, right, were shown to the jury and Molina to compare how Benji looked four months before he died on Aug. 17, 2021. Sam Owens/San Antonio Express-News Defendant Brandon Cervera listens to testimony from Dr. Kimberley Molina, Chief Medical Examiner of Bexar County, during the third day of his trial on Thursday. Cervera is accused of starving his 4-year-old son Benjamin to death in 2021. Sam Owens/San Antonio Express-News Prosecutor Michael Villarreal, left, talks to witness Dr. Kimberley Molina, Chief Medical Examiner of Bexar County, during the third day of Brandon Cerveras trial on Thursday morning. Cervera is accused of starving his 4-year-old son Benjamin to death in 2021. Sam Owens/San Antonio Express-News Defendant Brandon Cervera listens to testimony from Dr. Kimberley Molina, Chief Medical Examiner of Bexar County, during the third day of his trial on Thursday. Cervera is accused of starving his 4-year-old son Benjamin to death in 2021. Sam Owens/San Antonio Express-News Defense attorney is Jodi Soyars asks questions of Dr. Kimberley Molina, Chief Medical Examiner of Bexar County, during the third day of Brandon Cerveras trial on Thursday. Cervera is accused of starving his 4-year-old son Benjamin to death in Aug. 2021. Sam Owens/San Antonio Express-News Prosecutor Michael Villarreal talks to witness Dr. Kimberley Molina, Chief Medical Examiner of Bexar County, during the third day of Brandon Cerveras trial on Thursday. Cervera is accused of starving his 4-year-old son Benjamin to death in Aug. 2021. Sam Owens/San Antonio Express-News Judge Kristina Escalona addresses the courtroom during the third day of Brandon Cerveras trial on Thursday. Cervera is accused of starving his 4-year-old son Benjamin to death in Aug. 2021. Sam Owens/San Antonio Express-News Bexar County Medical Examiner Dr. Kimberley Molina doubled down on her ruling Thursday that 4-year-old Benjamin Benji Cervera died of starvation. Molina, the Bexar County chief medical examiner, is the forensic pathologist who performed an autopsy on Benji the day after his death. Molina appeared in court as one of the states witnesses on Thursday, the third day of testimony in the trial for Benjis father, Brandon Cervera. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Cervera is accused of starving Benji to death on Aug. 17, 2021. He is charged with injury to a child causing serious bodily injury. Molina testified that she used Benjis medical records, documents provided by forensic investigators, evidence from the San Antonio Police Department and medical articles to make her determination that his cause of death was starvation, and the manner was homicide. In reviewing this case, I read numerous articles on my training and experience on starvation, Molina said. I relied on my education and experience. Molina previously testified during the trial for Benjis stepmom Miranda Casarez who was convicted in the childs death in April and sentenced to 25 years in prison. Advertisement Article continues below this ad In his questioning of Molina, prosecutor Michael Villarreal used a chart that displayed Benjis growth over time. Molina said Benji had no growth within the last 10 months of his life. When he died, he only weighed 28 pounds. "When looking at adults and assessing starvation, we can look at just weight loss but when looking at children, it's not just about weight loss but failure to grow," Molina said. Benji had little to no body fat at the time of his death, and his intestinal tract had no food in it, Molina said. She said there were signs that led her to believe the boy was malnourished, including that he had macrocytic anemia, which is related to vitamin deficiency. He had no thymus gland, which can disappear in a child if they are under extreme stress, she said. Advertisement Article continues below this ad However, Cerveras defense attorney Jodi Soyars said none of the doctors that saw Benji prior to his death reported he had a vitamin deficiency. She also questioned Molina for not ruling out suffocation and arrhythmia as a cause of death Molina said there was no evidence to indicate Benji died from suffocation or arrhythmia, but she said could not dispute it. Soyars said Molina only reviewed what the San Antonio police detective cherry-picked for her to review. During her testimony, the jury saw several images taken by Molina during Benjis autopsy. In the photos, Benji appears thin and bruises can be seen on his buttocks and back. Molina said some of the markings on Benjis buttocks appeared to be Mongolian spots, a type of birthmark. During opening statements, Soyars had also noted that some of the spots on Benji's body appeared to have been Mongolian spots. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Police have said Cervera purposefully withheld food from Benji. Detectives used photos and videos of the boy to create a timeline that showed him deteriorating under Cerveras care. In one of the videos, Benji can be seen crying and begging for bread and water on the day of his death. At the apartment where Benji lived with his father and stepmother, detectives observed locks on the refrigerator, kitchen cabinets and pantry door. There were also locks on his bedroom door. If convicted, Cervera faces up to life in prison. Shawn Seesahai was stabbed through the heart in a Wolverhampton park (Family Handout/PA) Two 12-year-old boys found guilty of murdering teenager Shawn Seesahai in a random machete attack are set to be sentenced. The killers, both from Wolverhampton, were convicted in June of murdering the 19-year-old, who was stabbed in the heart and suffered a skull fracture on the citys Stowlawn playing fields on November 13 last year. They are believed to be the youngest defendants convicted of murder in Britain since Robert Thompson and Jon Venables, both aged 11, were found guilty in 1993 of killing two-year-old James Bulger. One of the killers (West Midlands Police/PA) The boys, both now 13, face a mandatory juvenile life sentence and are due to appear in custody at Nottingham Crown Court on Thursday for the start of a two-day hearing. The sentence is due to be passed on Friday. However, they will not be named after High Court judge Mrs Justice Tipples rejected a media application in July. She said the welfare of the youths outweighed the wider public interest and open justice principles. Family members of both Mr Seesahai and the defendants cried and hugged each other as jurors found both boys guilty of murder and one guilty of possessing a bladed article after a month-long trial. The trial was told that Mr Seesahai was shoulder-barged by the smaller of the two defendants, who often carried a machete with a 42.5cm-long blade, before being punched, kicked, stamped on and chopped at with the weapon. The victims friend told the trial he was forced to run for his life but Mr Seesahai stumbled as he tried to flee from the boys. In an interview released after the verdicts, Mr Seesahais parents Suresh and Maneshwary have said they will never be able to get over the loss of their son who always told them he would shine and take care of them. Speaking for the first time since their son was murdered, Suresh Seesahai said he feels sorry for the parents of the killers and only hopes that justice is served for his son. Smoke rises from Israeli airstrikes in the southern village of Kfar Rouman, seen from Marjayoun, south Lebanon (Hussein Malla/AP) The UK has joined the US, France and a host of allies in calling for an immediate temporary ceasefire in Lebanon, warning the escalating violence between Israel and Hezbollah is intolerable. In a joint statement, the 12-strong bloc calls for a 21-day ceasefire to provide space for diplomacy towards the conclusion of a diplomatic settlement, as well as a ceasefire in Gaza. The statement says: The situation between Lebanon and Israel since October 8th, 2023 is intolerable and presents an unacceptable risk of a broader regional escalation. This is in nobodys interest, neither of the people of Israel nor of the people of Lebanon. It is time to conclude a diplomatic settlement that enables civilians on both sides of the border to return to their homes in safety. Diplomacy however cannot succeed amid an escalation of this conflict. The statement calls for the governments of Lebanon and Israel to endorse the temporary ceasefire immediately and to give a real chance to a diplomatic settlement. It continues: We are then prepared to fully support all diplomatic efforts to conclude an agreement between Lebanon and Israel within this period, building on efforts over the last months, that ends this crisis altogether. Signatories to the statement include the UK, the US, Australia, Canada, the European Union, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates and Qatar. It comes after the Prime Minister on Wednesday addressed the UN Security Council with a plea for an end to the violence in both Lebanon and Gaza. In relation to Lebanon, I am very worried about the escalation, Sir Keir Starmer said. Im calling for all parties to step back from the brink, to de-escalate. We need a ceasefire so this can be sorted out diplomatically. Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer (centre) with Foreign Secretary David Lammy (centre left) attend the Security Council during the 79th United Nations General Assembly at the UN headquarters in New York (Leon Neal/PA) He also urged Britons to leave Lebanon immediately by the remaining commercial routes. Sir Keir said: I have a very important message for British nationals in Lebanon which is: the time to leave is now. The contingency plans are being ramped up but dont wait for those, there are still commercial flights. Its very important that they hear my message, which is to leave and to leave immediately. The UK has deployed 700 troops to Cyprus to prepare for a possible evacuation of thousands of Britons. Professor Ahmed Hankir (centre) has said he will travel to Lebanon himself if necessary to get his family to safety (PA) A Belfast-born British-Lebanese professor whose family have no plans to leave Lebanon said he is prepared to go there himself and "carry" his elderly father out of the country. Professor Ahmed Hankir, 42, a professor in psychiatry, visited his parents in Lebanon last month and described the atmosphere there as "sombre", as fighting continues between Hezbollah and Israel. Mr Hankir was born in Belfast after his parents moved from Lebanon to the UK in the 1980s, and has strongly encouraged his family, who hold British passports, to leave the country for England where he now lives. His mother and his father, who is in his 70s and has mobility problems, have fled their home in Sidon, south Lebanon, to drive north to the capital, Beirut, where his sister lives. Mr Hankir's parents, who do not wish to be named, intend to stay in Beirut with his sister - but he said he would fly to Lebanon to bring them to safety himself if the situation worsens. "If I have to go there myself, I will," Mr Hankir, a visiting professor at Cardiff University, told the PA news agency. "If I have to carry my father, if I have to give him a piggyback or whatever, then I'll do it. And I mean that because it's getting increasingly more dangerous." Dr Ahmed Hankir Mr Hankir, who divides his time between Crystal Palace, south London and London, Ontario, in Canada, spoke to his sister via video call on Wednesday and said she was "distraught" and "crying inconsolably" about their parents' safety. "I think it's safer in Beirut than it is in Sidon, but now you hear that the Israeli military is attacking Christian majority areas," he said. "You might be lulled into a false sense of security that if you're in an area where there's no Hezbollah presence, then you would be safe. "But if they're attacking Christian majority areas, then it can seem like nowhere is safe in Lebanon." He said his sister "still gets nightmares and traumatic flashbacks" from when she was evacuated from her home during the 2006 Hezbollah-Israel war. The UK Government has joined allies including the US and France in calling for an immediate temporary 21-day ceasefire in Lebanon to "to provide space for diplomacy towards the conclusion of a diplomatic settlement", but Mr Hankir said these calls should be for an immediate permanent end to the fighting. "It's better than no ceasefire, but not better than a permanent ceasefire," Mr Hankir said. "These are the calls from the international community, but will the Israeli military heed those calls? "And obviously Hezbollah needs to stop - I condemn what Hezbollah is doing in the strongest possible terms." Smoke rises from an Israeli air strike north of Beirut, in the village of Ras Osta, Byblos district, seen from Maaysrah, Lebanon (Bilal Hussein/AP) By Bassem Mroue and Melanie Lidman, Associated Press By Bassem Mroue and Melanie Lidman, Associated Press An Israeli air strike in Lebanon has hit a building housing Syrian workers, killing 23 of them, Lebanons state news agency reported. It was one of the deadliest single strikes in an intensified air campaign against the militant Hezbollah group. The strike late on Wednesday came as the United States and its allies called for an immediate 21-day ceasefire to provide space for diplomacy. Israel has threatened to launch a ground invasion, and the increasingly heavy exchanges of fire could trigger an all-out war. Lebanons National News Agency said the strike occurred near the ancient city of Baalbek in Lebanons northeastern Bekaa Valley, which runs along the Syrian border. It quoted Ali Kassas, mayor of the village of Younine, as saying that the bodies of 23 Syrian citizens were pulled from under the rubble. He said four Syrians and four Lebanese were wounded. Hussein Salloum, a local official in Younine, said most of the dead were women and children, and that rescue efforts lasted through the night and into Thursday morning. We dug through the rubble with our own hands until a small bulldozer was brought in, Mr Salloum told The Associated Press. We had very limited capabilities. The Lebanese Red Cross said it recovered nine bodies, while others were recovered by the Hezbollah militant groups paramedic service and the Lebanese Civil Defence. Emergency workers arrive at the scene of an Israeli air strike in the town of Maisara, north of Beirut (Bilal Hussein/AP) Lebanon, with a population of around six million, hosts nearly 780,000 registered Syrian refugees and hundreds of thousands who are unregistered the worlds highest refugee population per capita. Israel has carried out days of heavy strikes across Lebanon, targeting what it says are Hezbollah rocket launchers and other military infrastructure. The militants have fired hundreds of rockets into Israel and on Wednesday targeted Tel Aviv for the first time with a longer-range missile that was intercepted. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who is travelling to the United States for the UN General Assembly, has not yet responded to the ceasefire proposal. But his foreign minister Israel Katz said Israel would continue fighting with full force until victory. Hezbollah has also not yet responded to the proposal. The militant group has insisted it would only halt its strikes if there is a ceasefire in Gaza, which appears out of reach despite months of negotiations led by the United States, Egypt and Qatar. Smoke rises from Israeli air strikes in the southern village of Kfar Rouman, seen from Marjayoun, south Lebanon (Hussein Malla/AP) Israeli strikes since Monday have killed more than 630 people in Lebanon, according to local health authorities, who say around a quarter were women and children. Several people have been wounded by shrapnel in Israel. Israel struck 75 sites overnight across southern and eastern Lebanon, the military said. At least 45 projectiles were fired from Lebanon early on Thursday, all of which were intercepted or fell in open areas, it said. Hezbollah began firing rockets into Israel after Hamass October 7 attack ignited the war in Gaza, hoping to pin down Israeli forces. Both Hezbollah and Hamas are close allies of Iran. The Israeli Iron Dome air defence system fires to intercept rockets that were launched from Lebanon, as seen from Haifa, northern Israel (Baz Ratner/AP) The fighting has killed dozens of people in Israel and driven tens of thousands from their homes on both sides of the border. Israel has vowed to do whatever is necessary to allow its citizens to return, and it has moved thousands of troops to the northern border in preparation for a possible ground operation. Loyalists demand minister axe Irish language school in east Belfast. Loyalist Moore Holmes has been prominent in discussion around an Irish medium school in east Belfast. Picture Colm O'Reilly Sunday Life A packed crowd in Clonduff at a consultation on Scoil na Seolta - they were united against the school being close to the area. Linda Ervine MBE has been a key figure in Irish language promotion in east Belfast. The Loyalist Communities Council (LCC) includes representatives of the UVF, UDA and the Red Hand Commando. It was set up in 2015 to help loyalist paramilitaries transform into old boy clubs but that transition away from criminality has never happened. In recent months, patience with the LCC has been wearing thin. Both the PSNI and the Secretary of State Hilary Benn have refused to meet them. But a political row has developed following a decision by the DUP Education Minister Paul Givan to meet them. During that meeting the LCC demanded the minister halt ongoing plans to build an integrated Irish medium school in east Belfast causing further controversy and being criticised from many quarters, including by the UUPs Doug Beattie. Supporters of Scoil na Seolta, the planned Irish medium integrated school, say the language is for all and so is the school. But for many loyalists, the school is unwanted, unneeded and unwelcome and part of a wider campaign targeting their culture. Niamh Campbell told the story to Ciaran Dunbar. Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton filed a federal lawsuit in Midland Monday over the listing of the dunes sagebrush lizard as endangered. Kristian Bell/Getty Images Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton has sued two federal agencies over the addition of a small West Texas lizard to the endangered species list, accusing them of weaponizing environmental law to undermine the oil and gas industry. The dunes sagebrush lizard was listed as endangered in May, with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service citing loss of habitat associated with oil and gas development, sand mining and changing climate as primary threats to the species. In a lawsuit filed in federal court against the Fish and Wildlife Service and the Department of the Interior, Paxton said the Fish and Wildlife Service failed to rely on the best scientific and commercial data in its determination, and made inaccurate and arbitrary assumptions about the status of the species. Advertisement Article continues below this ad The suit also alleges the service didnt adequately consider existing voluntary conservation efforts in place to protect the dunes sagebrush lizard, and says the listing threatens to derail efforts with private landowners and industry partners to implement voluntary measures. READ MORE: Texas lizard added to endangered species list over oil and gas industry objections The listing of the dunes sagebrush lizard has been the subject of controversy in Texas for decades, since they were first proposed for protection in 1982. The species is found only in southeastern New Mexico and West Texas, specifically a region west of Odessa thats part of the Permian Basin, a major area for oil and gas production. The lizards grow to less than three inches long, and live in sand dunes home to shinnery oaks, shrubby trees that provide food and shade for the animals, according to the service. The federal agency said habitat loss, fragmentation and degradation from the oil and gas industries, as well as the sand mining industries, threaten the species' survival, as well as changing climate conditions that result in hotter, more arid conditions and more frequent and intense drought. Advertisement Article continues below this ad READ MORE: Three types of Guadalupe River mussels added to endangered list In the suit, Paxton said the rule will limit or outright prohibit the leasing of its land for energy production. He challenged not only the data used to assess the species viability but also data used about oil and gas development and the assessment of future habitat conditions. The Service concedes that the Lizard 'still occupies much of its range' and that it 'may persist over the next several decades' even in areas the Service determined to be highly degraded, the suit said. He said the services rule listing the lizard is overly vague, making compliance impossible, and called it arbitrary and unreasonable. If you'd like to leave a comment (or a tip or a question) about this story with the editors, please email us We also welcome letters to the editor for publication; you can do that by filling out our letters form and submitting it to the newsroom. BENNINGTON The fight against drug overdoses took a big step forward last Friday with the arrival of Benningtons first no-cost Narcan vending machine outside the GBICS facility on Depot Street. The vending machine, the second such machine in all of Vermont, is set up and running as of Tuesday evening on Depot Street outside the main entrance to the Greater Bennington Community Services building (GBCS,) a community-based non-profit that helps provide food, medical care, and other services to the underserved population of Bennington. The machine, a traditional-style glass front vending machine, will make the opioid overdose medication Narcan, a brand name for the opioid overdose medication Naloxone, available for free with no limit, 24 hours a day. "These machines have demonstrated in other states where they've been able to do more extended tracking that the number of opioid deaths goes down as a result of access to machines like this, said Margae Diamond, Benningtons Turning Point Center executive director. This will 100% save lives. The vending machine is designed to hold up to 180 boxes containing two doses of Narcan nasal spray. The medication is proven to revive people who overdose on opioids, including fentanyl, heroin, and prescription painkillers, and is distributed widely to hospitals, police departments, emergency personnel, and clinics. The custom-made machine, estimated at around $11,000 per unit, is funded by a grant from the University of Vermont Center on Rural Addiction. The center is funding the cost of the machine and Narcan supplies for the first two years of operation. According to Diamond, the Department of Health will pick up the supply costs through funds that are primarily coming out of the states vast opioid settlement and not from Vermont taxes. This is payback for the epidemic, and it's an appropriate use of those funds, Diamond said. The first vending machine in Vermont is located at the Johnson Health Center in Johnson, VT. It was activated last August. Since then, the machine has dispersed nearly 900 doses of Narcan. Naloxone (Narcan) is a medicine that rapidly reverses an opioid overdose. It is an opioid antagonist. This means that it attaches to opioid receptors and reverses and blocks the effects of other opioids. Naloxone can quickly restore normal breathing to a person if their breathing has slowed or stopped because of an opioid overdose. Signs of a possible opioid overdose include unconsciousness, very small pupils, slow or shallow breathing, vomiting, an inability to speak, faint heartbeat, limp arms and legs, pale skin, or purple lips and fingernails. Opioid overdose without intervention commonly leads to death. According to data from the Vermont Department of Health, between January and November of last year, 212 Vermonters died from an accidental opioid overdose, including 19 people from Bennington County. According to the most recent data from the CDCs National Center for Health Statistics, there were an estimated 107,543 drug overdose deaths in the United States during 2023a decrease of 3% from the 111,029 deaths estimated in 2022. That figure, including a dramatic decrease in Fentanyl overdoses, is the first annual decrease in overall drug overdose deaths since 2018. Many, including Diamond, attribute that decline to more widespread distribution of Naloxone. We have spent the last 18 months flooding this town with Narcan, particularly the motels, particularly areas where there are hot spots of unrest, Diamond said. I have to think that's had some impact. That could be nationally as well. There are 33 other states with machines now. This is an ongoing trend to make these resources available to people. Benningtons Town Manager, Stuart Hurd, attended the ribbon cutting on Friday. He later spoke with the Banner on why he feels something like this is vital to the community and why it should be supported. This gives the people of Bennington access to Narcan so they can help family members, friends, even themselves in some cases, said Hurd, Thats crucial in helping people survive and ultimately beat addiction. When asked by the Banner what he would say to some in our community who feel giving away free Narcan is akin to distributing the drugs themselves, making it easy for addicts to keep using, Hurd took a second, then responded. Those in our community who feel that way need to understand what addiction is, Hurd said. It is truly a disease. People arent addicts because they want to be. None of them started out wanting to be an addict, but once you are addicted, its with you for the rest of your life. Even if you recover, you will always have that need. If we dont do something like this to help people, then what are we really? Diamond couldnt agree more. No one is in an active addiction that's happy, Diamond said. People are sick. In order to break the cycle, we want to give them an opportunity so that they don't die. With Narcan now available at pharmacies, police departments, hospitals, and for free at places like Turning Point, what is the need for a vending machine like this? Even though Narcan is available over the counter, it's still like $40 a box, which is pretty prohibitive to people, Diamond said. There's also an issue with having to come and ask for it. There's so much stigma associated with this issue that people are hesitant to speak up, and so this is providing a resource for people where they don't have to explain or talk to anybody. They can just come and get it. As of Wednesday morning, hours after the machine came online, at least one box of Narcan had already been vended out. This is a great thing for the Bennington community, Diamond said. I don't want to make this bigger than it is. It's a tool in the toolbox. This isn't going to save everyone, right? It's one tool in the toolbox, but it's a great tool for us to have. The vending machine is located at GBCS, 121 Depot Street in Bennington, across from Peoples Park. It is available 24/7 and its free with no limit on doses. Each box contains two nasal doses. Instructions for usage are included with each box. It you are struggling with addiction, please reach out to the Turning Point Recovery Center in Bennington at 802-442-9700. In case of an emergency overdose, please call 911 immediately. Judge Sid Harle is seen ahead of a hearing for the three former San Antonio police officers charged in the death of Melissa Perez, on Thursday. Josie Norris / Staff Photographer Nico LaHood confers with fellow defense attorneys ahead of a hearing for the three former San Antonio police officers charged in the death of Melissa Perez, on Thursday. Josie Norris / Staff Photographer Alexis Tovar, center, poses Sunday, June 25, 2023, with a photo of her mother, Melissa Perez, who was shot and killed by three San Antonio police department officers. Seated with Tovar are her aunt, Daisy Nieto, left, and her husband, Adrian Tovar. William Luther/Staff Former San Antonio Police officer former officer Eleazar Alejandro, left, former Sgt. Alfred Flores, center, and former officer Nathaniel Villalobo, sit together ahead of their hearing on Thursday. According to Perezs relatives, Perez was in a mental health crisis when she was killed after the three police officers responded to her Southwest Side apartment in 2023. Josie Norris / Staff Photographer Judge Sid Harle listens to a presentation during a hearing to recuse Judge Stephanie Boyd from presiding over the trial for the three former San Antonio police officers charged in the death of Melissa Perez on Thursday, Sept. 26, 2024, in San Antonio, Texas. Josie Norris/San Antonio Express-News Defense attorney Nico LaHood listens to testimony during a hearing to recuse Judge Stephanie Boyd from presiding over the trial for the three former San Antonio police officers charged in the death of Melissa Perez on Thursday, Sept. 26, 2024, in San Antonio, Texas. Josie Norris/San Antonio Express-News Defense attorney Jason Goss testifies during a hearing to recuse Judge Stephanie Boyd from presiding over the trial for the three former San Antonio police officers charged in the death of Melissa Perez on Thursday, Sept. 26, 2024, in San Antonio, Texas. Josie Norris/San Antonio Express-News Defense attorney Thom Nisbet testifies during a hearing to recuse Judge Stephanie Boyd from presiding over the trial for the three former San Antonio police officers charged in the death of Melissa Perez on Thursday, Sept. 26, 2024, in San Antonio, Texas. Josie Norris/San Antonio Express-News Judge Stephanie Boyd is seen in the courtroom during a hearing to recuse her from presiding over the trial for the three former San Antonio police officers charged in the death of Melissa Perez on Thursday, Sept. 26, 2024, in San Antonio, Texas. Josie Norris/San Antonio Express-News Defense attorney Jason Goss smiles as he leaves a hearing to recuse Judge Stephanie Boyd from presiding over the trial for the three former San Antonio police officers charged in the death of Melissa Perez on Thursday, Sept. 26, 2024, in San Antonio, Texas. Josie Norris/San Antonio Express-News Defense attorney Nico LaHood gives comment to reporters after Judge Stephanie Boyd was recused from presiding over the trial for the three former San Antonio police officers charged in the death of Melissa Perez on Thursday, Sept. 26, 2024, in San Antonio, Texas. Josie Norris/San Antonio Express-News An administrative judge ruled Thursday that a new judge should oversee the trial of three fired San Antonio police officers charged in the fatal shooting of Melissa Perez. During a hearing Thursday, defense attorneys representing Eleazar Alejandro, Alfred Flores and Nathaniel Villalobos said they were not ready to go to trial, but that Judge Stephanie Boyd had refused any motions to delay it. They believed it was because she harbored a bias against them. One of the reasons, they suspect, is because one of the attorneys filed a complaint against Boyd last year. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Jason Goss, Villalobos lead attorney, filed the complaint with the Commission on Judicial Conduct in September 2023, arguing that Boyds YouTube channel that broadcasts her courts daily proceedings violated judicial conduct laws. Since then, Goss testified, Boyd has been "cold" and "insulting at times." "She was not treating me the way she has treated other lawyers," Goss said. "She has made hand gestures toward me when I'm speaking indicating I should stop speaking. She did that in front of the jury. She has treated me as if she is angry or upset with me based on my grievance. The ruling is the latest in the ongoing legal saga for the three officers, who were fired and charged after the slaying. Alejandro and Flores are charged with murder. Villalobos is charged with aggravated assault with a deadly weapon. Their joint trial was expected to begin Tuesday, but it was delayed after attorneys filed a sealed motion earlier this month to recuse Boyd, prompting Thursdays hearing. READ MORE: Trial date set for fired SAPD officers accused in fatal shooting of woman in mental crisis Advertisement Article continues below this ad Judge Sid Harle, who presides over the 22 counties in the 4th Administrative Judicial Region in South Texas, told defense attorneys they had shown that it was necessary to appoint a new judge in the case. "My job is to make sure the efficient, orderly and fair administration of justice occurs, Harle said. "I cannot see where it would be fair or efficient to allow this case to move forward with Judge Boyd presiding over it with all the various things we've heard." He said he also wanted to avoid Perez's family having to go through another trial because this one was rushed and ended in a mistrial or appeal. Harle said he would appoint a new judge soon. At that point, the parties would agree to new scheduling order dictating when evidence needs to be turned over and when a trial is scheduled to begin. Perez, a 46-year-old mother of four, was killed June 23 of last year during a confrontation with police at her Southwest Side apartment. Officers were dispatched after a neighbor called 911 to report that Perez had cut the wires to the complexs fire alarm system. Perez had schizophrenia, according to her family. Advertisement Article continues below this ad At first, Perez was cooperative with officers and gave them her name, date of birth and apartment number. She said she cut the wires to the complexs alarm system because the FBI was eavesdropping on her. When officers asked Perez to walk to their patrol car with them, she grew upset, ran to her apartment and locked the front door. More than an hour later, Flores, Alejandro and Villalobos, whod been called in as backup, fired into Perezs apartment after she allegedly ran toward a closed patio door while swinging a hammer. Police Chief William McManus said Perez did not pose a threat to the officers because she was on the other side of a locked glass door. He said Flores, Alejandro and Villalobos had flouted police training and policy. After detectives consulted with the DAs office, the officers were arrested on suspicion of murder. It was the first time in decades that a San Antonio Police Department officer had been charged with murder in connection with an on-duty shooting, according to news archives and department officials. Advertisement Article continues below this ad 'Untenable position' Patrick Ballantyne, an attorney who works with Goss, argued Thursday that there were several reasons to delay the trial all of which Boyd had disregarded. Ballantyne said Goss had informed the court months ago that his wife was pregnant, and that he planned to take time off in September under the Family and Medical Leave Act. Boyd told Goss that if he wanted to take leave, Villalobos could be tried at a later date, rather than in conjunction with the other officers. "It puts me in a position of having to tell my client, 'Either you get me or you get your best defense,'" Goss testified. "It's an untenable position to put me in as an attorney because I need to take care of my child and my wife and all of those things, and my client has to have the best defense that's available to him." Goss also informed Boyd that some of the material expert witnesses they planned to call on weren't available in September. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Jeff Mulliner, the newly-assigned director of the Civil Rights Division, testified under subpoena that he had been assigned to the Perez case in August, and that he had not had enough time to prepare for trial. He said he hadn't even interviewed all the witnesses in the case. As late as Friday, Mulliner testified, his staff was trying to recover evidence. "We determined, thus far over the course of our investigation, that it was highly likely that there were spent slugs that had been collected and not yet tested," Mulliner said. "We further formed what we believe rises to the level of probable cause that there was a spent slug inside a wall that has never been recovered ... Just Friday, through a search warrant, we were directing to be acquired a wall at the scene of the alleged offense. They did, sure enough, secure a spent slug." Still, Mulliner said, his staff has not been able to account for the 16 bullets they believe officers shot. Mulliner said he worried that if the trial would proceed under Boyd, it could lead to a mistrial or an appeal. "I have an exceedingly strong interest in multiple parties, almost most assuredly to include the next of kin, to not have to have a significant risk of enduring a second a subsequent trial just to get to the point of having a single conviction," Mulliner testified. 'Lead to chaos' This is not the first time defense attorneys have criticized Boyds practice of putting court proceedings online. Robert Featherston, a veteran defense attorney, filed a motion on behalf of a client charged with aggravated assault in September 2023, asking Boyd to shut down the channel. The month prior, Boyd denied a similar motion from defense attorney Alex Scharff, who argued that recording court proceedings and leaving them online tainted the judicial process. Featherston cited the Constitutions Sixth Amendment right to a public trial. He said courts have no historical basis for substituting or supplementing an open court proceeding with a YouTube broadcast or Zoom video conference. He said with the pandemic no longer making it necessary, it should cease. Boyds broadcast, particularly its open comment section where viewers talk about everything from the credibility of witnesses to the quality of attorney arguments violated his clients right to a fair trial, Featherston argued. It really does lead to chaos, especially if the jury members ignore the judges order not to look at anything on media, Featherston told the Express-News at the time. Juries are instructed not to access news media reports or any information about a case beyond what theyre allowed to see and hear in court. But sometimes, they cheat. Boyd joined YouTube on April 21, 2020, a little less than a month after the COVID-19 pandemic closed the courthouse. Many courts at the time functioned online, but even after in-person proceedings were restored, she continued to broadcast nearly every proceeding in her courtroom. Boyd often allows viewers to comment in real time and keeps recordings of the proceedings accessible to the public practices many other judges in Bexar County dont do. According to her YouTube channel, Boyd has 35,100 subscribers and 4.4 million page views, with over 1,000 videos available on the page. At one point on Thursday morning, prior to the hearing, the channel had 807 viewers. In a statement to the Express-News, Boyd said she had no details about Thursday's decision. "... I was not present or permitted to be in the courtroom during the hearing; therefore, I do not know what was said in the courtroom," she said via text. "I have not been contacted by the judicial conduct commission concerning any complaints. Judicial canons of ethics do not allow me to respond further." PITTSFIELD Nearly a month into a new cellphone policy, the number of infractions at Pittsfield Public Schools is less than half the total from September 2023. In the first 18 school days of this academic year, there were 416 disciplinary log entries for cellphones, according to a presentation by Matthew Bishop, interim assistant superintendent of instruction, assessment and educational engagement. By the end of September 2023, the number was 988, Bishop said. Unless something really bad happens in the next four days with cellphone armageddon, were probably going to be well under where we were last year at this time, which is encouraging, Bishop said. Bishop presented the data to the Pittsfield School Committee at its regular meeting on Wednesday night. The committee voted to change the districts policy on Aug. 21, adopting a more stringent set of consequences for students using their mobile devices during class. Under the revised policy for the 2024-25 school year, students receive a verbal warning on their first infraction, and on a second infraction, teachers request administrative support to confiscate the phone and take it to the main office. During the 2023-24 school year, the district implemented a progressive response that did not result in phones being taken to the main office until a students 10th infraction. The policy was changed after data shared by Superintendent Joseph Curtis that city schools had 6,358 disciplinary log entries for improper cellphone use in the last academic year, with some undercounting due to teachers giving up on enforcement mid-year. Bishop noted that the highest concentration of infractions has been among middle schoolers so far. Eighth graders accounted for the most with 101 disciplinary log entries, and seventh graders had tallied 89 log entries as of Sept. 24. Bishop did not have a breakdown of disciplinary log entries per school building on Wednesday, but said he would provide it in future presentations after a request by Vice Chair Dan Elias. Log entries were virtually nonexistent among elementary schools, however, with 414 log entries in secondary schools as opposed to two in the lower grades. Bishop said that despite the reduction, some students have already incurred multiple infractions. Under the revised policy for the year, students are assigned a half or full day of restorative in-school education, or RISE, programming for a third and fourth infraction respectively. If they continue to accrue infractions, they could be assigned more RISE programming or an out-of-school suspension. Bishop did not know the exact number of students who had received RISE assignments thus far, but said at least one student had received an out-of-school suspension as of Sept. 24. Bishop also shared anecdotal feedback on the revised policys effectiveness from a meeting with deans and vice principals in the citys middle and high schools, who relayed that teachers reported less cellphone use in the classroom and felt a sense of support and clarity in the enforcement of the policy. Conversely, Bishop said that students have adopted new measures to circumvent the policy, including an increase in burner phones and extended restroom trips to use their phones during class time. The policy has also taken up more time for administrators confiscating the devices, and family notification to pick up phones from the main office has been difficult in some cases. Bishop will provide updates on cellphone infractions at every School Committee meeting this year. He said he was continuing to work with individual schools to set goals and keep robust data, and said keeping motivation high among educators to continue enforcing the policy was paramount. When we see the dip we saw last year in [disciplinary] referrals, we want it to be because kids are doing what we ask them to do, Bishop said, Not because teachers are giving up. U.S Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer presents a golden gavel to Vice President Kamala Harris outside of the Senate chamber on Dec. 5, 2023, after Harris cast her 32nd tie-breaking vote in the Senate, the most ever cast by a vice president in history. Harris will take up another gavel in January when she certifies the upcoming presidential election's electoral votes whether she wins or loses. On Sunday, New Boston Congregational Church will celebrate its 150th anniversary with a 10 a.m. service. Special guest will be prior pastor, the Rev. Michael Gantt. A cookout will follow at 11 a.m. at the 4 Sandisfield Road church. And Gideon said to him, Please, sir, if the LORD is with us, why then has all this happened to us? And where are all his wonderful deeds that our fathers recounted to us, saying, 'Did not the LORD bring us up from Egypt?' But now the LORD has forsaken us and given us into the hand of Midian" (Judges 6:13). Gideon was a wheat farmer who lived during one of Israels most challenging eras. The book of Judges records several cycles of Gods judgment of Israels sin. God lifted His hand of protection, followed by enemy attack and oppression, then national repentance and the rise of a leader/deliverer to bring victory over the enemy. By the time we read about Gideon, Israel had gone through several of these cycles of judgment. Rebellion, rebuke, repentance, restoration, revival rinse and repeat. Gideon was living in the fifth such cycle, because like people usually do, the Israelites would come back to God when things were bad and start rebelling against God when things became good again. Israel was once again reaping the consequences of their rebellion and were oppressed by a cruel group of people known as the Midianites. The Midianites would wait for Israel to plant a crop, and right when the harvest would come, they would attack, killing, stealing and destroying the Israelites who tried to stop them. The Midianites had lived off the labor of the Israelites for several years, until Israel had mostly resigned to the fact that there was no hope. They lived in fear and hid in caves, scavenging for any food they could just to survive. Gideons circumstances had gotten so bad that when the Angel of the Lord appeared to him in Judges 6, Gideon was hiding from the Midianites in a winepress threshing his wheat, completely despondent and apathetic. Have you ever been there before? Its too hard, its taking too long. Im not seeing any results. Ive tried everything I know how to do. I dont feel like praying or reading the Bible; Im just not into going to church today. Im just too tired to stand in faith anymore. I guess Im just resigned to things being the way they are, because Im exhausted emotionally, physically and spiritually from trying to change them. If we find ourselves in this dark and lonely place, we can restore hope and look for direction from Gods plan to refresh Gideon, when He gave him the path to victory. Remember Your Victories and Your Identity Now the Angel of the Lord came and sat under the terebinth tree which was in Ophrah, which belonged to Joash the Abiezrite, while his son Gideon threshed wheat in the winepress, in order to hide it from the Midianites. And the Angel of the Lord appeared to him, and said to him, The Lord is with you, you mighty man of valor! (Judges 6:11-12). Notice where the angel of the Lord shows up a city named Ophrah, located only sixteen miles from Jericho where Israel experienced one its greatest military victories. Sixteen miles from one of Gods greatest deliverance miracles, when the walls defending the enemy city fell suddenly with one unified shout of Gods people. And how does the Angel greet Gideon? He reminds him of his victorious and courageous heritage and reveals his true identity: The Lord is with you, you mighty man of valor! But imagine how Gideon must have reacted to this greeting, even as he was hiding in a winepress trying to process his wheat crop for a little food. Wow, Im so hungry Im seeing things... No, The Lord is with you, you mighty man of valor! What who are you talking to? It cant be me because Im in here, hiding! No, The Lord is with you, you mighty man of valor! God sent the angel to speak truth, hope and encouragement to Gideon in the middle of his resignation to accept circumstances as just the way things were. God was reminding Gideons of his true identity, and when we feel defeated, He does the same for us: You are a child of God, even if you are acting like a coward You are an heir and a joint heir with Christ, even if fear is consuming you You are more than a conqueror, even if you have waived the white flag of surrender You are the head and not the tail, even if life seems to be kicking you around You are well able, even if you dont feel like you can get out of bed to face another day You are a highly favored new creation in Christ Jesus, Gods masterpiece, and the apple of His eye You are redeemed by Jesus, adopted by the Father, and filled to overflowing by the Spirit When youre tempted to give up, dont forget your Jericho. Dont forget the day in your past when God caused the enemys walls to fall. Remember the goodness and the faithfulness of God. And because of who you are, and whose you are, there is victory pre-built into your future. Dont Lose Your Faith in God Gideon eventually received the word of the Lord. He was raised up by God to lead the men of Israel to great victory over the Midianite enemy, but he began by tearing down the pagan altar and building an altar to God. When the men of the town rose early in the morning, behold, the altar of Baal was broken down, and the Asherah beside it was cut down, and the second bull was offered on the altar that had been built. And they said to one another, Who has done this thing? And after they had searched and inquired, they said, Gideon the son of Joash has done this thing. Then the men of the town said to Joash, Bring out your son, that he may die, for he has broken down the altar of Baal and cut down the Asherah beside it" (Judges 6:28-30). The Israelite people had lost their way and become ardent Baal worshippers. When they discovered that the sacrificial altar to Baal was destroyed, they were angry, fully intent on killing Gideon in retribution. They even gathered outside his home. I imagine Satan began to whisper discouragement and defeat in Gideons ear its no use. These people are so far gone, nothing is going to change this situation, no matter what you do. You might as well stop trying to fight it. Then God gave Joash, Gideons father, a bit of wisdom: But Joash said to all who stood against him, Will you contend for Baal? Or will you save him? Whoever contends for him shall be put to death by morning. If he is a god, let him contend for himself, because his altar has been broken down. Therefore on that day Gideon was called Jerubbaal, that is to say, Let Baal contend against him, because he broke down his altar (Judges 6:31-32). After the public confrontation dissipated, the men of the land began to look to Gideon for leadership and followed him (Judges 6:34-35). What can we learn from all this? There will be times when youve done all you can do, and you just cant do anything else to fix the situation or turn the situation around. And the enemy will say, raise the white flag. But thats when God steps in. Thats when God blocks it and scatters the enemy. So dont lose your faith in God! He is the way-maker. He creates streams in the desert and roads through the wilderness. He hasnt forgotten you; He knows where you are, even if you are hiding in a wine press. And at the moment when you think you just cant, He will come through. Dont Drop Your Weapons Thirty-two thousand men initially joined Gideons army, but they were still outnumbered by the Midianites army of 120,000 men who had encamped against them at the Valley of Jezreel (Judges 6:33-35). But before they could attack, God stopped Gideon there are still too many of you! The people will take credit and believe they were better organized, smarter and more militarily skilled than the Midianites. So if I give you this victory now, youll just take your victory and go back to living a rebellious life without Me. And this isnt about your victory; its about your relationship with Me! So God says, announce to the men that if any of them are scared, they can go home. Gideon does so and Gideons army drops to 10,000! (Judges 7:3) Now 12:1 odds is a real long shot, but still conceivable. Incredibly, God looks again and says, nope, still too many men! I need you to have no doubt whatsoever that it was My hand that delivered you! And the LORD said to Gideon, The people are still too many. Take them down to the water, and I will test them for you there, and anyone of whom I say to you, 'This one shall go with you,' shall go with you, and anyone of whom I say to you, 'This one shall not go with you,' shall not go. So he brought the people down to the water. And the LORD said to Gideon, Every one who laps the water with his tongue, as a dog laps, you shall set by himself. Likewise, every one who kneels down to drink. And the number of those who lapped, putting their hands to their mouths, was 300 men, but all the rest of the people knelt down to drink water. And the LORD said to Gideon, With the 300 men who lapped I will save you and give the Midianites into your hand, and let all the others go every man to his home" (Judges 7:4-7). I believe the 300 remaining men were the only ones that held onto their weapons when they were brought down to the water and remained vigilant and ready for war. The others got on their knees and stuck their face down into the water to drink. You cant do that unless you put down your weapons and take your focus off the battle. When God is ready to do something impossible, He still wants you to be vigilant and ready. What does all this mean for us today? What do many of us do when the odds start turning against us, and our breakthrough is less and less likely? When it seems like a miracle is just a faint hope? We lay down our mighty weapons, things like prayer, trust in God and standing on His promises, worship instead of worry, knowing who we are in Christ, pleading the blood of Jesus and declaring what God has said. We lay down our weapons because we dont really understand how powerful they are. Spiritual weapons have the ability to destroy anything that stands in the way. For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds (2 Corinthians 10:4). Gideons army of 300 men were victorious, not because of superior fighting ability, even though they were brave and ready to be used by God. The Scripture account tells us that the way 300 men beat 120,000 men was through the spiritual weapons of obedience and faith (Judges 7:16-22). God directed Gideon to attack using merely horns, empty jars and torches, and they supernaturally defeated the Midianite army (Judges 7:19-22). Why did God use horns, empty jars and torches? Because God wants us to know that our weapons are mightier than they look, because they are supernaturally empowered by God. So, if you find yourself feeling defeated and ready to resign, consider how God lifted up Gideon. Remember your past victories against the enemy, embrace your true identity in Christ, stay in faith, and like Gideons men, dont drop your weapons! Theyre powerful! Photo credit: Getty Images/Media Whalestock Frank Santora is Lead Pastor of Faith Church, a multi-site church with locations in Connecticut and New York. Pastor Frank hosts a weekly television show, Destined to Win, which airs weekly on the Hillsong Channel and TBN. He has authored thirteen books, including the most recent, Modern Day Psalms and Good Good Father. To learn more about Pastor Frank and this ministry, please visit www.franksantora.cc. Photo by Michele Roman. BillOReilly.com is not available in this country. We apologize for any inconvenience. Investment to expedite expansion into the US market and other geographies Mumbai-based startup Qure.ai, a global healthcare artificial intelligence (AI) innovator, has announced the completion of a $65 million Series D funding round. The investment will expedite expansion into the US market and other geographies, increase investment into foundational AI models and enable complementary med-tech company acquisitions. The Series D round saw the participation of new strategic and financial investors led by Lightspeed and 360 ONE Asset, joined by Merck Global Health Innovation Fund and Kae Capital. Existing investors also participated in the round, including Novo Holdings, Health Quad, and TeamFund. Founded in 2016, Qure.ai is on a mission to make healthcare more accessible and equitable globally. This has driven its AI solution development, positioning the company as the worlds most deployed healthcare AI. Qure.ai solutions are deployed in over 90 countries across 3000+ sites, powering the efficient identification and management of critical diseases. The company has 18 FDA-cleared indications, and its products are Class IIb certified per EU MDR regulations. Qure.ai is headquartered in Mumbai, with regional offices in New York, London, and Dubai. Prashant Warier, Co-founder and CEO of Qure.ai. AI helps to overcome healthcare bottlenecks, from imaging reporting backlogs and low screening uptakes to workforce resource constraints, not just in western societies like the US and Europe, but in developing nations too. We also collaborate with half of the top 20 Pharma and MedTech companies including AstraZeneca, Medtronic, and J&J, to accelerate early diagnosis and timely treatment of diseases." Partners with DY Patil (Deemed-to-be) University, Navi Mumbai to build a skilled and resilient healthcare workforce for the future Metropolis Healthcare has announced the launch of its new initiative, the Metropolis Institute of Laboratory Education and Skilling (MiLES). This initiative aims to bridge the gap between academic education and practical skills in healthcare. Through MiLES, Metropolis Healthcare has established a strategic partnership with DY Patil (Deemed-to-be) University in Navi Mumbai to offer fellowships courses. This collaboration with a prestigious academic institution marks a significant step towards equipping healthcare professionals with cutting-edge knowledge and expertise. In partnership with DY Patil (Deemed-to-be) University, Navi Mumbai, Metropolis is introducing a one-year Fellowship Course in Advanced Clinical Chemistry, Advanced Hematopathology, Advanced Surgical Pathology, Quality Assurance in Laboratory Medicine, and Molecular Pathology & Cytogenomics. Designed for Post-MD and DNB students, these courses integrate theoretical knowledge with practical training, focusing on the latest advancements in diagnostic technologies. Participants will develop advanced skills through laboratory immersion, real-world case studies & ancillary technologies, all under the guidance of Metropolis Healthcare's experienced subject matter experts. The legacy of DY Patil (Deemed-to-be) University as world leaders in the field of education will add immense value to the participants of these courses. The programme also includes research and publication opportunities, enabling participants to contribute to the progress of medical diagnostics. Borsa Italiana non ha responsabilita per il contenuto del sito a cui sta per accedere e non ha responsabilita per le informazioni contenute. Accedendo a questo link, Borsa Italiana non intende sollecitare acquisti o offerte in alcun paese da parte di nessuno. Sarai automaticamente diretto al link in cinque secondi. Police said a 62-year-old man was charged with aggravated assault with a deadly weapon after another man was run over while on his motorcycle following an altercation. Ken Branca A motorcyclist was run over by a vehicle after he and another man argued outside of a Northwest Side bar, authorities said. San Antonio police responding to a major accident found a man being treated by emergency medical technicians shortly before 1 a.m. Thursday in the 700 block of Guilbeau Road, near Bandera Road. Information gathered by officers determined that a 62-year-old man and a 39-year-old man got into a verbal altercation inside the bar and were kicked out. Advertisement Article continues below this ad According to a police report, witnesses saw the older man run over the man while he was on his motorcycle. The 62-year-old left the scene without helping the injured man but later called 911 to report the incident. Officers then located the older man and arrested him. Police said the 62-year-old was charged with aggravated assault with a deadly weapon. Advertisement Article continues below this ad A Southwest Airlines plane at San Antonio International Airport in late 2022. Sam Owens/Staff file photo A city delegation that included Mayor Ron Nirenberg and City Manager Erik Walsh traveled to Southwest Airlines Dallas headquarters on Tuesday looking to entice the carrier to sign a long-term lease agreement at San Antonio International and end a standoff that could hurt both parties. It didnt work. In fact, Southwests top executives filed a lawsuit against the city in federal court Thursday afternoon. Jesus Saenz, City of San Antonio Aviation Department Director of Airports, talks about the latest efforts to get American Airlines to fly directly from San Antonio to Washington, D.C. at a press conference in the City Hall Council Briefing Room on Monday, July 8, 2024 in San Antonio. Salgu Wissmath/San Antonio Express-News (Left to right) City Manager Erik Walsh, Jesus Saenz, City of San Antonio Aviation Department Director of Airports, and Mayor Ron Nirenberg chat before a press conference about the latest efforts to get American Airlines to fly directly from San Antonio to Washington, D.C. in the City Hall Council Briefing Room on Monday, July 8, 2024 in San Antonio. Salgu Wissmath/San Antonio Express-News The 10-year lease agreement would make Southwest the sole tenant of the existing Terminal A, which has one of the narrowest concourses among large U.S. airports and heating and air conditioning systems prone to breaking down. The deal came with a pledge of $200 million for Terminal A renovations. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Southwest refused to sign the lease, saying it was being unfairly locked up in Terminal A and shut out of the planned Terminal C, a $1.7 billion facility that's expected to open in 2028. It'll be larger than the airport's Terminals A and B combined. At Tuesday's meeting in Dallas, city leaders sweetened the offer, pledging another $100 million for upgrades for Terminal A. Half of that money would need to be approved by a committee of the eight other airlines that have agreed to sign long-term leases. But the other $50 million would come directly from the airport. The new lease agreement, which has a five-year renewal option, goes into effect Oct. 1. Southwest executives said during the meeting the airline would sue the city unless it extends the current lease agreement, essentially giving the company more time to negotiate, according to a memo from Walsh to city council members. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Two days later, the airline went to court. "We took this action to preserve our legal rights prior to the new lease agreement taking effect on Tuesday, Oct. 1," Southwest spokesman Chris Perry said. "We are encouraged by recent conversations with City leaders and look forward to reaching an expeditious and realistic solution." Southwest CEO Robert Jordan and COO Andrew Watterson attended the meeting, along with the airline's general counsel. If Southwest doesnt sign the new lease, it will operate at the airport on a series of month-to-month agreements, resulting in higher operating fees. The airline has said it could shelve its expansion plans for San Antonio if it can't reach a compromise with the airport. Walsh said in the memo to council that Southwest which originally said it wouldn't sign a new lease unless it got gates in Terminal C has accepted that it won't operate out of the new terminal. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Perry said the airline still prefers to get space in the new terminal, but added, "We are looking to the airport to provide solutions." "Southwest Airlines values its relationship with San Antonio and remains hopeful that the airline and the City can agree on a plan that accommodates our future growth and treats us equal to the other carriers," Perry said. The airline won't a sign a new lease unless it's reassured that the renovations it seeks will be covered, according to Walsh's memo. In an interview with the Express-News last week, Watterson said he wanted engineering and architectural studies done to know how much money is needed, instead of settling on a random dollar amount. Barring an assurance from the City that the improvements would be funded no matter the cost, they urged the City to delay execution of the new agreement, Walsh said in the memo. Advertisement Article continues below this ad The city said no to delaying the new lease's effective date, noting that could throw the construction of Terminal C off schedule. Much of the terminals construction will be paid for with revenue generated under the lease agreement. Walsh said Southwests general counsel sent a letter to the city prior to Tuesday's meeting arguing that the lease negotiation process was unlawful. The City believes Southwests claims are meritless, and we expressed disappointment that Southwest was considering litigation, Walsh said. Southwest has said it has no intention of pulling out of San Antonio, but said last week that Terminal A is too cramped for the airline to grow as it had originally planned. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Southwest flies nearly 40% of all domestic travelers into and out of San Antonios airport. The airline had hoped to increase its market share to 50% if it could move into the new terminal. American Airlines and Delta Air Lines are slated to take up most of the 17 gates in the new terminal when it opens. Six other gates will go to Viva Aerobus and other international carriers. American accounts for 22% of all passengers at the facility, and Delta 15%. The airport has proposed several upgrades to Terminal A and said it could reduce gates from 17 to 10 to create larger wait areas and reduce crowding that often chokes the terminals narrow concourse. Renovations also could include upgraded restrooms and ticket counters. Walsh said Southwest and airport officials plan to touch base late Friday or on Monday. Making her Late Late Show debut this Friday will be European champion sprinter Rhasidat Adeleke for her first interview in Ireland since the Paris Olympics. Adeleke will join host Patrick Kielty to talk about her record-breaking season, the Diamond League, coming home to Ireland, and her recent encounter with one of her biggest fans, pop superstar Rihanna. Advertisement The Scripts Danny ODonoghue and Glen Power will sit down with Kielty to share memories of their band mate Mark Sheehan. Advertisement The pair will talk family, getting sober, flying high with P!NK as well as playing live acoustic performances from their back catalogue. In a week that has seen war spread to Lebanon, where the civilian death toll continues to rise amid fears of a major escalation, Irish humanitarian John Whyte will be in studio to give a picture of his life working with UNRWA in the epicentre of the conflict in Gaza, before he returns there next week. Gaeilgeoir, podcaster and presenter Hector O hEochagain is also in studio to talk about the Irish words and phrases we should know and use, and what he's been doing now that he's no longer making his weekly trip to the Hen House. Kielty will be going live to a secret location where country music fans will be in with a chance of getting their hands on the last pair of tickets to be in the audience for The Late Late Country Music Special, happening next Friday. The Tanaiste said the Minister for Public Expenditure, Paschal Donohoe, is clear he did not make any phone call to an Israeli minister about the Occupied Territories Bill. Micheal Martin said he spoke to the Fine Gael minister on Thursday, and was clear that the reported phone call did not happen, nor does his published diary record any phone call. Advertisement It was reported by the online website The Ditch that the then finance minister had a secret phone call in 2019 with his Israeli counterpart to assure him the Irish Government would block the Bill. The website said the call was disclosed in documents leaked from the Israeli Ministry of Justice. Fine Gael ministers must immediately reveal details of confidential engagements with Israeli officials - @mattcarthy "Paschal Donohoe must set out clearly the detail of his engagements with Israeli counterparts." https://t.co/W1O9W5zMRT Advertisement Sinn Fein (@sinnfeinireland) September 25, 2024 Sinn Feins Matt Carthy raised the issue in the Dail on Thursday, calling on Mr Martin to clarify whether the phone call took place. Advertisement Mr Carthy, the Sinn Fein spokesman on foreign affairs, said: One of the things that we can do and, in fact, should have done years ago, is to enact the Control of Economic Activity (Occupied Territories) Bill 2018. The Bill is not controversial or, at least, it should not be. It simply bans trade with and economic support for illegal settlements and territories deemed occupied under international law. The Tanaistes party supported it when it was in opposition. Advertisement It not only supported it but ran a roadshow in towns and cities across Ireland setting out its importance. On entering Government, Fianna Fail and the Green Party, it has to be said, have allowed Fine Gael to continue blocking this legislation. We have heard the excuses as to why the Bill has not been enacted. Reporting from The Ditch website suggests that following a confidential and unrecorded call with the minister, Paschal Donohoe, Israeli officials were in little doubt that the Bill would be blocked by the Fine Gael Government. Advertisement We are told that Israeli officials emphasised that this was a confidential call and that, of course, chimes with the ministers own failure to record it in his ministerial diary and the Tanaistes contention that the minister cannot recall a conversation. Mr Martin said he spoke to Mr Donohoe on Thursday. He is clear that he did not make any such phone call, he said. His published diary does not record any such phone call. Sinn Feins Matt Carthy raised the issue of the reported phone call in the Dail on Thursday (Liam McBurney/PA) It speaks to people rushing to judgement before ascertaining the full facts. He is very clear and I think Deputy Carthy should perhaps withdraw the assertions in his earlier public statements in that regard. Mr Carthy, a TD for Cavan Monaghan, called on the Tanaiste to commit to enacting the Occupied Territories Bill, and to allow for the passage of Sinn Feins Illegal Israeli Settlements Divestment Bill 2023, which bans the state from investing in companies that profit from illegal Israeli settlements. Mr Martin went on to say that the Israeli response to the attack on October 7th by Hamas has been absolutely disproportional and led to near famine conditions and the killing of more than 40,000 people in Gaza. In my view, that is reprehensible, he told the Dail. Mr Martin said he met the Prime Minister of the Palestinian Authority (Mohammed Mustafa), who he said was very grateful and very appreciative of Irelands stance and support of the Palestinian right to self-determination. Former US senator George Mitchell, who helped broker the Good Friday Agreement, has challenged Northern Irelands current leaders to fulfil the potential of the historic peace deal. Mr Mitchell, who returned to Belfast as plans were unveiled to build a new home for a peace institute in his name at Queens University, said while Northern Ireland had enjoyed 26 years of peace, there has not been 26 years of full reconciliation and progress. Advertisement The veteran diplomat, 91, also had an emotional meeting with Erin McArdle, one of the first babies born after the 1998 agreement which largely ended decades of violence in Northern Ireland. Mr Mitchell, who chaired the Good Friday Agreement negotiations to a successful conclusion, was making his first visit to Belfast since he attended events at Queens last year to mark the 25th anniversary of the peace deal. George Mitchell met with Erin McArdle, one of the first babies born after the Good Friday Agreement was signed (Kelvin Boyes/PA) Advertisement The event on Wednesday night was held to mark a dedication of the new home for the Senator George J Mitchell Institute for Global Peace, Security and Justice at the university. Among those in attendance at the recently opened Seamus Heaney Centre, beside which the new institute will be developed, were former taioseach Bertie Ahern, secretary of state Hilary Benn and the First and deputy First Ministers Michelle ONeill and Emma Little-Pengelly as well as a host of political leaders, past and present. Television presenter Donna Traynor then facilitated a conversation between Mr Mitchell and Ms McArdle and her mother Caroline in the Whitla Hall. Advertisement Reflecting on the challenges of negotiating the agreement, Mr Mitchell said he believed Northern Ireland can be and will be a lesson to the world. He added: The challenge you have is to take advantage of this opportunity. Advertisement There have been 26 years of peace; there has not been 26 years of full reconciliation and progress. The restoration of the Assembly, the election of two credible, responsible women Michelle (ONeill) and Emma (Little-Pengelly), the fact that you dont have an election coming up right away, means that there is an enormous opportunity now for Northern Ireland to experience a period of growth, increased prosperity, opportunity, education, healthcare for children. A place where people not only want to live but people want to come to. I believe that with all my heart and soul. Advertisement I hope that is going to happen, that springing from this moment, out of crisis comes opportunity that Northern Ireland can move forward together. Left to right, Sir Ian Greer with Mr Mitchell and Michelle ONeill and Emma Little-Pengelly (Kelvin Boyes/PA) Declan Kelly, a former US Envoy, is leading the fundraising campaign to rebuild the Senator George J Mitchell Institute for Global Peace, Security and Justice. Originally established in 2016, it is an interdisciplinary research institute providing a response to the global challenge of building a peaceful, inclusive and secure world. Mr Kelly said: I was honoured to be approached to lead the capital committee for the Mitchell Centre. We owe it to future generations to pass on all we can of George Mitchells towering accomplishment here through the long years that led to the Good Friday Agreement. Queens president and vice-chancellor, Professor Sir Ian Greer, added: It is an honour to welcome our former chancellor and close friend of the University, Senator George Mitchell, back to Queens for this special event. Senator Mitchell was a key architect of the Belfast Good Friday Agreement, chairing the talks in 1998 that brought peace to this island. The continuing work that takes place at the Queens Institute that bears his name solidifies the Senators and Queens unwavering commitment to lasting peace for this island and its people. This event was a celebration of how far we have come in terms of peace, and we look forward to continuing the work on global peace, security and justice when the new institute building opens in the next few years. Ms ONeill said the institute showcases the positive change that has taken place in the north since the Belfast Good Friday Agreement. She added: This building and the research institute that bears his name, pay tribute to the commitment and dedication of Senator George Mitchell to bringing peace here and I want to acknowledge the extraordinary efforts of Senator Mitchell throughout the peace process. Ms Little-Pengelly said it was an honour to be part of the event. She added: The progress that has been made over the course of the last 26 years has been remarkable and Senator Mitchells commitment to Northern Ireland and his deep understanding of here has been an important part of that journey. This initiative will reflect the importance of peace but it will also remind us of the frailty and how we all must continue to work at maintaining it. Every party running in the next general election should make manifesto pledges that Irish unification is an objective, not an aspiration, former taoiseach Leo Varadkar has said. In an interview with The Irish Times, the ex-Fine Gael leader also called for politicians in the Republic to back the establishment of a New Ireland Forum to plan for a reunified Ireland. Advertisement Mr Varadkar will develop his thoughts in a speech in Derry on Thursday to a meeting of the SDLPs New Ireland Commission. However, former Ulster Unionist Party leader Doug Beattie has questioned why Mr Varadkar did not make a call for Irish unity when he was in office. The Upper Bann MLA told Newstalk radio that he believed any referendum on Irish unification would be defeated. I'm going to be really honest. Wanting a united Ireland is a fair aspiration, but it's not my aspiration. My aspiration is for a United Kingdom and that's what I will be doing with my party, is to secure that for everybody within Northern Ireland. Advertisement Irish politicians pop up every three months calling for an accelerated pathway to unity, he said. "It happens every three months like clockwork. That's fine and I don't mind that people do that but there's no tick box for me as an Ulster Unionist. I'm an Irishman and I'm a proud Irishman, but I'm an Ulster Unionist and I want a United Kingdom and that's what I'm going to work for. I've got to say this as well. He could have said this while he was Taoiseach he didn't but he's doing it now, and that's fine.. Mr Beattie confirmed that he would not sit in a New Ireland Forum if one was established. Why would anybody want me to? I've already expressed the fact that I want a United Kingdom. Why would I be part of a forum to help design something I don't want to achieve? So no, I don't feel that I would be part of a forum and there's no tick box for me. You can't say to me, well we'll do this, this, this and this to appease you as a unionist so you can come on board and want a united Ireland. Advertisement It simply doesn't work. So, you can change the flag, you can change the Constitution, you can change the anthem if you so wish but that won't persuade me. Mr Beattie rejected the idea that there was more momentum toward a United Ireland since Brexit. Any referendum on unity would be overwhelmingly defeated in the North, he said. Irish libraries saw a 20 per cent jump in the lending of e-books and e-audio books last year, new figures show. A total of 931,291 e-books and 1,674,191 e-audiobooks were loaned through branches in 2023, up one fifth on 2022. Advertisement However, the substantial increase has not dented the lending of traditional print books combined with audiovisual material such as CDs and DVDs, they increased to 14.5 million, a rise of 18 per cent. The data was released ahead of National Public Libraries Open Day on Saturday, when people are encouraged to visit their local library to explore the range of free services, regardless of whether they are a member. We have seen public library users become more familiar with digital resources, said Dr Stuart Hamilton, head of libraries development at the Local Government Management Agency. And the popularity of e-book and e-audio books highlights how Irelands 330 public libraries continue to adapt. Advertisement Overall, the popularity of Irish public libraries is increasing, with a 2.6 per cent spike in membership in 2022-23 to 784,618. Almost half of these members are also members of the BorrowBox service, which provides access to e-books and e-audio books. Dr Hamilton said the popularity of e-resources demonstrates a growing outreach to those who would not ordinarily consider using a library, including people with intellectual disabilities, literacy issues, job seekers and new arrivals to Ireland. Advertisement Dr Stuart Hamilton, head of libraries development at the Local Government Management Agency (Conor McCabe/Mediaconsult/PA) E-books, for example, can be suitable for readers with a range of disabilities, he said. Libraries are community settings offering a broad range of free services which allow people connect, access information, receive support and browse and escape. National Public Libraries Open Day allows anyone to acquaint themselves with what our libraries offer through free membership. Advertisement Meanwhile, Dublin libraries are reaching out to pre-school children living in homeless accommodation in the city centre. The move is part of a campaign by Dublin City Councils Library in the Community programme to assist marginalised and isolated groups. Ahead of Saturdays open day, a story time session for pre-schoolers was held at homeless accommodation at Gardiner Street. It is one of more than 300 events held by the Library in the Community team since last year and which have engaged more than 30,000 people since. Advertisement Anna Marie Delaney, chairwoman of the National Libraries Development Committee, said National Public Libraries Open Day will highlight the crucial role of libraries in communities. Public libraries are vibrant, inclusive community hubs providing all sorts of events and activities within our villages, towns and cities. Diversity of resources and services includes encouraging reading at all levels, improving digital skills and literacy, enabling formal and informal learning and supporting the provision of information and guidance on every topic. More CCTV is set to be rolled out in Dublin's inner city under a significant new plan being brought to Cabinet in the coming weeks. Taoiseach Simon Harris returns from New York today and will brief his colleagues on a strategic plan for the north inner city. Advertisement The plan recommends more camera surveillance in areas where there is high anti-social behaviour. Anti-social behaviour in the north inner city has been an ongoing concern - particularly since the Dublin riots last year. It also looks at the idea of subsidies being given to allow primary school children to attend activities out of school by supporting more clubs in the area. Senior Ministers will also be briefed this morning on plans to ban XL Bully dogs. From next Tuesday, it will be illegal to import, breed, sell or re-home the breed, Then, from next February, it will be against the law to own an XL Bully, without an exemption from a local authority. The move comes after a number of attacks involving the breed, including the death of a young woman in Limerick. Tax reforms are required in Budget 2025 to prevent a rental market collapse, according to the Irish Property Owners Association (IPOA). The IPOA is urging the Government to introduce tax reforms and review current rental regulations to address the mass departure of property owners from the rental market. Advertisement The association maintains that a lack of meaningful changes aimed at rebalancing the rental market will exacerbate the housing crisis, driving up rents and reducing the availability of homes. Its Budget submission highlights key taxation reforms, including an extension of Capital Gains Tax (CGT) relief, a reduction in Capital Acquisitions Tax (CAT) for inherited rental properties, business taxation for private landlords, and the introduction of a standard 25 per cent tax rate on all rental income. The IPOA contends that these measures aim to support property owners who provide a critical service to Irelands strained housing sector, while encouraging new investment in the private rental sector. It is also calling for flexibility in the application of Rent Pressure Zones (RPZs) and indefinite tenancies which they deem unworkable for many private landlords and are only serving to drive the landlord exodus". Advertisement The Budget submission highlights the alarming decrease in rental supply, with registered tenancies falling from 308,786 in 2022 to 264,235 in 2023 a direct consequence of landlords exiting the market. The IPOA said this is evidenced by the Department of Housings Private Rental Sector Review in July 2024 which showed a 41 per cent loss in landlords over 26 months, from 172,027 in September 2021 to 101,107 by December 2023. Chair of the IPOA, Mary Conway, said: "The private rental sector is in crisis, with landlords leaving at an alarming rate due to a punitive tax system and excessive regulations. The reality is that investment in private residential property is increasingly unviable for private property-owners. "Given our associations deep knowledge of the sector we have curated targeted budgetary proposals aimed at encouraging landlords to remain in the market, while stabilising rental supply and helping to control rising rents. This will ultimately benefit tenants and ensure a more balanced and functional rental market. The IPOA stresses that without immediate action, Ireland's rental market risks collapse a situation that can be avoided with meaningful supports. A convicted killer has admitted murdering a woman whose remains were found in London earlier this year. Body parts belonging to 38-year-old Sarah Mayhew were found in Rowdown Fields in the British capital on April 2nd. Advertisement She was last seen alive in Sutton, south-west London, on the evening of March 8th. At England's Central Criminal Court, known as the Old Bailey, on Thursday, Steven Sansom (45) pleaded guilty to murdering Ms Mayhew and perverting the course of justice by dismembering her body, disposing of it in various locations, and then cleaning up the crime scene between March 7th and April 3rd this year. Sansom, of Burnell Road, Sutton, south-west London, appeared by video-link from HMP Belmarsh wearing glasses, grey tracksuit bottoms and a grey T-shirt, and loudly proclaimed his guilty pleas. Advertisement Police tape at the scene where body parts were found (PA) He denied three counts of possessing indecent images of children, which judge Mark Lucraft KC said would lie on file. Sansom was previously convicted in 1999 of the murder of a cab driver. Gemma Watts (49), of Featherbed Lane in New Addington, London, is also charged with murdering Ms Mayhew and perverting the course of justice. She was not asked to enter pleas when she appeared at the same hearing from HMP Bronzefield. Advertisement London's Metropolitan Police said they were called to the scene after a dog walker saw his animal had uncovered a human bone. Arms, legs and a head were then found nearby and identified by DNA. Vice President Kamala Harris said calls for Ukraine to cede territory to Russia were dangerous and unacceptable as she met with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on Thursday. The comments from the Democratic presidential nominee were thinly veiled criticism of suggestions from Republican candidate Donald Trump and his running mate, JD Vance, that Ukraine should quickly cut a deal to end the war. Advertisement They are not proposals for peace, Ms Harris said. Instead they are proposals for surrender. Democratic presidential nominee Kamala Harris said that calls for Ukraine to cede territory to Russia were dangerous and unacceptable (Jacquelyn Martin/AP) US support for Ukraine faces a partisan reckoning in this years presidential election, with Mr Trump criticising billions of dollars in military assistance and Ms Harris pledging to continue helping the besieged country. Advertisement Ms Harris meeting with Mr Zelensky came shortly after the Ukrainian leader sat down with President Joe Biden, who announced billions of dollars more in missiles, drones, ammunition and other supplies. The weapons include an additional Patriot missile defence battery and a new shipment of glide bombs that can be deployed from Western fighter jets, increasing their strike range. Mr Biden pledged to ensure that all approved funding is disbursed before he leaves office, and he said he plans to convene a meeting with other world leaders focused on Ukraines defence during a visit to Germany next month. We stand with Ukraine, now and in the future, Mr Biden said, alongside Mr Zelensky in the Oval Office. Russia will not prevail. Ukraine will prevail. Advertisement Meanwhile, Mr Zelenskys tumultuous relationship with Mr Trump continued to deteriorate this week. President Joe Biden with Ukraines President Volodymyr Zelensky (Susan Walsh/AP) Instead of meeting with Mr Zelensky, Mr Trump criticised him. Advertisement As for US support for Ukraine, Mr Trump complained that we continue to give billions of dollars to a man who refuses to make a deal to end the war. His message dovetails with Russian propaganda that claims intransigence by Kyiv not aggression from Moscow has prolonged the bloodshed. Its the most politically treacherous landscape that Mr Zelensky has encountered in Washington since Russia invaded nearly three years ago. Ukrainian officials are anxious to maintain good relations with whoever becomes the next president of the United States, which is its biggest and most important provider of arms, money and other support. Advertisement But the effort risks slipping into the political blender of the presidential campaign, polarising the discussion around a war that used to be a bipartisan cause celebre in Washington. On Thursday, Mr Zelensky found some bipartisan support as he visited Capitol Hill, where he was greeted by Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer and Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell. Ukraines President Volodymyr Zelensky met US officials(Jacquelyn Martin/AP) Senator Lindsey Graham, a South Carolina Republican, said Mr Zelensky asked to use long-range weapons, such as British-supplied Storm Shadow missiles or US-made ATACMS, for maximum benefit to bring (Russian President Vladimir) Putin to the table and increase Ukraines negotiating position. If we dont make that fundamental choice this week, I think the outcome for Ukraine is dire, Mr Graham said. Administration officials have been sceptical of Mr Zelenskys request, believing the weapons could have limited benefits but increase the risk of escalating the conflict. Richard Blumenthal, a Connecticut Democrat, said senators gave Mr Zelensky advice on how to persuade Mr Biden to loosen restrictions. Jim Himes, another Connecticut Democrat and the ranking member of the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence, said Mr Zelensky wanted more, faster. He was politely frustrated, Mr Himes said and specifically requested more Patriot missile defences as Russia escalates strikes on Ukraines cities and energy grid before the winter. Mr Zelenskys trip to Washington coincides with the annual meeting of the UN General Assembly in New York, where the Ukrainian leader spoke on Wednesday. Donald Trump had originally said he would probably meet the Ukrainian president but a campaign official says no meeting was ever on the books (Seth Wenig/AP) Last week, Mr Trump said he would probably meet with Mr Zelensky while he was in the US, but a senior campaign official said there was never a meeting on the books. The official said Mr Trump had told Mr Zelensky back in July that it would probably be better not to sit down together until after the election. An aide for Mr Zelensky did not respond to questions about the potential meeting. Mr Trump was impeached during his first term for asking Mr Zelensky for help investigating Mr Biden, then a candidate for the Democratic presidential nomination, at a time when the Ukrainian leader was seeking support from Washington. Now there are fears that Mr Trump would cut off or add strings to US military assistance if he returned to the White House. Mr Trump has also spoken admiringly about Mr Putin, and this week he praised Russias record of winning wars. Mr Zelensky can expect a far different tone from Ms Harris, who met with him in Munich just days before Russia invaded. During her debate with Mr Trump earlier this month, she expressed pride in US support for Ukraines righteous defence. If Donald Trump were president, Putin would be sitting in Kyiv right now, she said. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu says Israel is striking Hezbollah with full force and will not stop until all of its goals are achieved. It follows Mr Netanyahu downplaying hopes of an imminent truce with Hezbollah after the United States and its allies called for an immediate 21-day ceasefire to provide space for diplomacy. Advertisement The prime ministers comments came as he landed in New York to attend the annual UN General Assembly meeting. Advertisement Only a short time before his statement, the Israeli military said it killed a Hezbollah drone commander in an airstrike on an apartment building in the suburbs of the Lebanese capital. Mr Netanyahu said Israels policy is clear. We are continuing to strike Hezbollah with full force, and we will not stop until we reach all out goals, chief among them the return of the residents of the north securely to their homes. Israel has dramatically escalated strikes in Lebanon this week, saying it is targeting Hezbollah. Israeli leaders have said they are determined to stop more than 11 months of cross-border fire by the militant group into Israel, which has forced the evacuation of tens of thousands of Israelis from communities in the north. The statement tempered hopes for the international initiative aimed at halting increasingly heavy exchanges of fire that have killed hundreds of people in Lebanon and threatened to trigger an all-out war between Israel and Hezbollah. Advertisement Israel has talked of a possible ground invasion into Lebanon to push the militant group away from the border. A damaged building at the site of an Israeli airstrike in Beiruts southern suburb (AP Photo/Hassan Ammar) Soon after the statement was issued, the TV station of Lebanons Hezbollah group reported an Israeli air strike in a suburb of Beirut. Advertisement It and other stations showed a damaged apartment building in Dahiyeh, the mainly Shiite suburb where Hezbollah has a strong presence. The Israeli military later said the strike killed Mohammed Hussein Surour. Hezbollah offered no immediate comment on the claim. Two people were killed and 15 wounded in the strike, the Lebanese Health Ministry said. The Israeli military said it carried out a strike south of Beirut without elaborating. Advertisement The Israeli foreign minister, Israel Katz, previously said that the country would continue fighting with all our might until victory and the safe return of the residents of the north to their homes. Hezbollah has not yet responded to the proposal for a pause in fighting. Lebanons caretaker Prime Minister Najib Mikati has welcomed it, but his government has no sway over the group. Hezbollah has insisted it would halt its strikes only if there is a ceasefire in Gaza, where Israel has been battling Hamas for nearly a year. That appears out of reach despite months of negotiations led by the United States, Egypt and Qatar. In its statement, Mr Netanyahus office said that the fighting in Gaza will also continue until all the objectives of the war have been achieved. Mr Netanyahu is expected to meet with other world leaders on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly. In other developments, a far-right partner in Mr Netanyahus government threatened to quit the coalition if a permanent ceasefire is reached with Hezbollah. Itamar Ben-Gvir, head of the Jewish Power party, threatened to suspend co-operation with the coalition if a temporary deal is reached. If a temporary ceasefire becomes permanent, we will resign from the government, he said. It was the latest sign of displeasure from Mr Netanyahus hard-line government towards international ceasefire efforts. If Mr Ben-Gvir leaves the coalition, Mr Netanyahu would lose his parliamentary majority and could see his government come toppling down, though opposition leaders have said they would offer support for a ceasefire deal. Israel launched a massive operation in Gaza after a Hamas-led attack into southern Israel on October 7 in which some 1,200 people, mostly civilians, were killed, and some 250 were taken hostage. More than 41,000 Palestinians have been killed in Gaza since then, according to local officials. Hezbollah began firing rockets into Israel one day after the October 7 attack in support of its Hamas allies, and Hezbollah and Israel have traded fire ever since. Israeli families of the hostages said they are pushing for a possible ceasefire deal for Lebanon to include provisions for the war in Gaza, especially securing release of the roughly 70 hostages still presumed to be alive and the bodies of some 30 others. Gil Dickmann, whose cousin Carmel Gat was kidnapped and was one of six Israelis whose bodies were recovered from tunnels in Gaza in August, said the hostages families are feeling forgotten as attention shifts to the northern front. We know that these things are connected to each other, the northern part and the southern part. Theyre all part of the same large situation which we are in from October 7 on, and were very worried that if we dont make the right decisions now, we will miss this amazing opportunity to get the hostages out, Mr Dickmann said on Tuesday, as hopes for a ceasefire deal swelled. He slammed Mr Netanyahu for missing multiple opportunities to free his cousin and begged him not to miss another chance by agreeing to a truce with both Hezbollah and Hamas that would include provisions for the hostages. Mr Dickmanns sister-in-law, Yarden Roman-Gat, was released in a week-long ceasefire deal last November, along with some 100 other hostages. Israel has carried out days of heavy strikes across Lebanon, targeting what it says are Hezbollah rocket launchers and other military infrastructure. An Israeli Air Force Black Hawk helicopter flies over the Mediterranean Sea near the northern Israeli city of Kiryat Yam (Baz Ratner/AP) The militants have fired hundreds of rockets into Israel and on Wednesday targeted Tel Aviv for the first time with a longer-range missile that was intercepted. On Thursday, an Israeli air strike in Lebanon hit a building housing Syrian workers and their families, killing 19 Syrians and one Lebanese, according to the Lebanese Health Ministry. It was one of the deadliest single strikes in the intensified air campaign against Hezbollah. Lebanons National News Agency said the strike occurred near the ancient city of Baalbek in the Bekaa Valley, which runs along the Syrian border. The news agency initially reported that 23 people were dead. Hussein Salloum, a local official in Younine, said most of the dead were women and children, and that rescue efforts lasted through the night and into Thursday morning. We dug through the rubble with our own hands until a small bulldozer was brought in, Mr Salloum told The Associated Press. We had very limited capabilities. A man stands in a damaged apartment after an Israeli air strike in Saksakieh, south Lebanon (Mohammed Zaatari/AP) The Lebanese Red Cross said it recovered nine bodies, while others were recovered by Hezbollahs paramedic service and the Lebanese Civil Defence. Lebanon, with a population of around six million, hosts nearly 780,000 registered Syrian refugees and hundreds of thousands who are unregistered the worlds highest refugee population per capita. Israel struck 75 sites overnight across southern and eastern Lebanon, the military said. At least 45 projectiles were fired from Lebanon early on Thursday, all of which were intercepted or fell in open areas, it said. Israeli strikes since Monday have killed more than 630 people in Lebanon, according to local health authorities, who say around a quarter were women and children. Several people have been wounded by shrapnel in Israel. The fighting has killed dozens of people in Israel and driven tens of thousands from their homes on both sides of the border. Israel has vowed to do whatever is necessary to allow its citizens to return, and it has moved thousands of troops to the northern border in preparation for a possible ground operation. U.S. tariff hike on China a protectionist move that goes against trend of times 09:48, September 26, 2024 By Zhong Sheng ( People's Daily The Office of the United States Trade Representative (USTR) announced the final Section 301 tariff increases on imports from China, confirming a significant increase in import tariffs on Chinese-made electric vehicles, semiconductors, medical products, and more. The tariff hike is another example of the United States politicizing, instrumentalizing and weaponizing trade issues, which is a protectionist move that runs counter to the general trend of the times. The United States should immediately correct this mistake and remove all additional tariffs on Chinese imports. The U.S. Section 301 tariffs are a clear example of unilateralism and protectionism, severely undermining the stability of global industrial and supply chains. Since 2017, in order to divert attention from its domestic challenges, pursuing America First, the United States has been flouting the WTO rules and the expectations of other members, and resorting to unilateralism, protectionism and trade bully, which has brought severe shocks to the multilateral trading system and severely undermined the global trade orders and the stability of the global industrial and supply chains. Recently, Chinas Ministry of Commerce released the 2024 Report on WTO Compliance of the United States, in which it calls the United States a "disrupter of global industrial and supply chains" and once again expresses concerns over the abuse of the Section 301 investigation. China has repeatedly made solemn representations with the United States regarding this issue. The WTO has long ruled that the Section 301 tariffs violate its rules, yet instead of rectifying the situation, the United States has chosen to further escalate tariffs on Chinese goods, compounding its mistake. The U.S. government has disregarded public opinions and insisted on raising tariffs, a move that lacks popular support. The USTR had previously solicited public opinions on the results of its tariff review, and the majority expressed opposition to increasing tariffs or called for expanding tariff exemptions. An executive of a tech firm stated that imposing tariffs on basic semiconductor components, such as diodes, would significantly raise production costs for U.S. companies. Daniel Becker, head of the Safe Climate Transport Campaign at the Center for Biological Diversity, a nonprofit organization in the United States, pointed out that the tariff policy might weaken the competitiveness of American automakers, making it harder for the United States to tackle climate change and reduce carbon emissions. Faced with the numerous objections to increasing tariffs, the USTR twice delayed announcing new tariff measures on China, stating that it would continue to review public comments. However, it has become evident that the U.S. government has not respected public opinions, instead prioritizing domestic political considerations and pushing ahead with higher Section 301 tariffs on China. This approach will not achieve the goals the United States claims to pursue. Instead, it will backfire, weakening the competitiveness of U.S. industries. The U.S. tariff hike distorts market rules and severely harms the interests of American citizens. While the long list of tariff increases may satisfy some politicians' desire to appear tough on China, it has also driven up the prices of imported goods, leaving consumers to bear the cost of these tariffs. According to estimates from Moodys, U.S. consumers are shouldering 92 percent of the costs associated with the tariffs on Chinese imports, which results in an additional $1,300 in annual expenses for an average American household. Outdated protectionist policies have also failed to protect American workers. The Tax Foundation of the United States estimated that the tariffs on China have not solved employment issues; instead, they have caused a loss of 142,000 jobs in the United States. U.S. medical equipment importers, among others, have pointed out that imposing tariffs on products like syringes will limit doctors' access to high-quality tools, potentially having serious consequences for newborns and other vulnerable groups. Steven Rattner, a former Counselor to the U.S. Treasury Secretary, commented that protectionist measures like tariff hikes will only raise domestic prices, restrict consumer choices, and threaten both U.S. and global economic growth. "Rather than pursuing protectionist policies, Washington should focus on reducing barriers and strengthening global economic ties," Foreign Affairs magazine recently said in an article. The United States should face reality, put an end to the absurd practice of raising tariffs, and honor its commitments of not seeking to suppress or contain China's development and not decoupling from China. It should work with China to maintain the global industrial and supply chains stable and unimpeded, and fulfill its responsibility as a major country by genuinely contributing to global economic growth. (Zhong Sheng is a pen name often used by People's Daily to express its views on foreign policy and international affairs.) (Web editor: Chang Sha, Hongyu) Jacob Beltran covers crime, breaking news and general assignments for the Express-News. He can be reached at jbeltran@express-news.net. A San Antonio native, Jacob began his journalism career in 2010. He's worked for the student-run newspaper for San Antonio College, The Ranger, and for Texas A&M University-San Antonio, The Mesquite. He enjoys video games, photography and exploring during his free time. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu vowed to carry out full force strikes against Hezbollah until it ceases firing rockets across the border, dimming hopes for a ceasefire proposal put forth by US and European officials. Israel carried out a new strike in the Lebanese capital, which it said killed a senior Hezbollah commander, and the militant group launched dozens of rockets into Israel. Tens of thousands of Israeli and Lebanese people living near their countries borders have been displaced by the fighting. Advertisement Mr Netanyahu spoke as he landed in New York to attend the annual UN General Assembly meeting, where US and European officials were putting heavy pressure on both sides of the conflict to accept a proposed 21-day halt in the fighting to give time for diplomacy and avert an all-out war. Advertisement Nearly 700 people have been killed in Lebanon this week as Israel dramatically escalated strikes, saying it is targeting Hezbollahs military capacities. Israeli leaders say they are determined to stop the groups cross-border attacks, which began after Hamas attack on October 7, which ignited the war in Gaza. Israels policy is clear, Mr Netanyahu said. We are continuing to strike Hezbollah with full force. And we will not stop until we reach all our goals, chief among them the return of the residents of the north securely to their homes. Just before his comments, the Israeli military said it killed a Hezbollah drone commander, Mohammed Hussein Surour, in an airstrike in the suburbs of Beirut. Hezbollah did not immediately comment on the claim. The Health Ministry said two people were killed and 15 wounded in the strike. Advertisement The strike gutted an apartment in a residential building in Dahiyeh, the mainly Shiite suburb where Hezbollah has a strong presence, according to Associated Press photos of the scene. Over the past week, Israel has carried out several strikes in Beirut targeting senior Hezbollah commanders. One strike in eastern Lebanon on Thursday killed 20 people, most of them Syrian migrants, according to Lebanese health officials. A damaged building at the site of an Israeli airstrike in Beiruts southern suburb (AP Photo/Hassan Ammar) Advertisement Israel hit 75 sites early on Thursday across southern and eastern Lebanon and launched a new wave of strikes in the evening, the military said. Throughout the day, Hezbollah fired some 175 projectiles into Israel, the Israeli military said. Most were intercepted or fell in open areas, sparking some wildfires, though one rocket hit a street in a town near the northern city of Safed. Israel has talked of a possible ground invasion into Lebanon to push the militant group away from the border. It has moved thousands of troops to the north in preparation. Some 100,000 Lebanese have fled their homes in the past week, streaming into Beirut and points further north. Advertisement The escalation has raised fears of a repeat or worse of the 2006 war between the two sides that wreaked destruction across southern Lebanon and other parts of the country and saw heavy Hezbollah rocket fire on Israeli cities. Another full-scale war could be devastating for both Israel and Lebanon, US Defence Secretary Lloyd Austin said after talks with his British and Australian counterparts in London. US Secretary of State Antony Blinken was at the UN meeting with Israeli officials over the truce proposal. Speaking in an interview with MSNBC, he said major powers, the Europeans and Arab nations were united, everyone speaking with one clear voice about the need to get that ceasefire in the north. I cant speak for him, Mr Blinken said of Mr Netanyahu. Hezbollah has not yet responded to the proposal. Lebanons caretaker Prime Minister Najib Mikati has welcomed it, but his government has no sway over the group. Mr Netanyahus office downplayed the initiative, saying in a statement that it was only a proposal. One of Mr Netanyahus far-right governing partners threatened to suspend co-operation with his government if it signs onto a temporary ceasefire with Hezbollah and to quit completely if a permanent deal is reached. It was the latest sign of displeasure from Mr Netanyahus allies toward international ceasefire efforts. National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir, head of the Jewish Power party, said: If a temporary ceasefire becomes permanent, we will resign from the government. If Mr Ben-Gvir leaves the coalition, Mr Netanyahu would lose his parliamentary majority and could see his government come toppling down, though opposition leaders have said they would offer support for a ceasefire deal. An Israeli Air Force Black Hawk helicopter flies over the Mediterranean Sea near the northern Israeli city of Kiryat Yam (Baz Ratner/AP) Hezbollah has insisted it would halt its strikes only if there is a ceasefire in Gaza, where Israel has battled Hamas for nearly a year. That appears out of reach despite months of negotiations led by the United States, Egypt and Qatar. One day after Hamas attack on southern Israel that triggered the war in Gaza, Hezbollah began firing rockets into northern Israel, bringing Israeli counterfire and a cycle of reprisals that has gone on nearly daily since. Hezbollah says its barrages are a show of support for Palestinians and that it is targeting Israeli military facilities, though rockets have also hit civilian areas. Before this week, the cross-border exchanges had killed about 600 people in Lebanon, mostly militants but including more than 100 civilians, and about four dozen people in Israel, roughly half of them soldiers and the rest civilians. The fighting also forced tens of thousands to flee homes on both sides of the border. Israel says its escalated strikes across Lebanon over the past week are targeting Hezbollah rocket launchers and other military infrastructure. Since Monday, strikes have killed more than 690 people in Lebanon, around a quarter of them women and children, according to local health authorities. The campaign opened with what is widely believed to be an Israeli attack on Sept. 18 and 19 detonating thousands of pagers and walkie-talkies used by Hezbollah, killing at least 39 people and maiming thousands more, including civilians. A man stands in a damaged apartment after an Israeli air strike in Saksakieh, south Lebanon (Mohammed Zaatari/AP) Hezbollah in turn has fired hundreds of rockets into Israel. Several people in Israel have been wounded. On Wednesday, the group fired on Tel Aviv for the first time with a longer-range missile that was intercepted. Early Thursday, an Israeli airstrike hit a building housing Syrian workers and their families near the ancient city of Baalbek in Lebanons eastern Bekaa Valley. The Lebanese Health Ministry said 19 Syrians and a Lebanese were killed, one of the deadliest single strikes in Israels intensified air campaign. Hussein Salloum, a local official in Younine, said most of the dead were women and children. The state news agency had initially reported that 23 people were dead. Lebanon, with a population of around 6 million, hosts nearly 780,000 registered Syrian refugees and hundreds of thousands who are unregistered the worlds highest refugee population per capita. Ukraines air defences battled an overnight Russian aerial attack on the capital Kyiv for five hours, officials have said, as missiles and drones again hammered the Ukrainian power grid. The Kyiv attack injured at least two people, Ukraines Emergency Service said. Advertisement A nursery, a gas pipe and around 20 cars were damaged in the city, said the Kyiv Military Administration. People clear the rubble in a front of a residential building heavily damaged in a Russian air strike in Kramatorsk, Donetsk region, Ukraine (Evgeniy Maloletka/AP) In western Ukraine, the air force said, Russia fired three Kinzhal hypersonic ballistic missiles one of Russias most advanced weapons in the direction of Starokostiantyniv, a city in the Khmelnytskyi region, on Thursday morning. Advertisement The air force said it could not make further information public, suggesting the missiles were aimed at a sensitive site. Long-range strikes have been a hallmark of Russias military campaign in Ukraine, now deep in its third year, often hitting civilian areas. Attacks on the electricity network have knocked out around 70% of Ukraines energy generation capacity, according to the United Nations, bringing blackouts as winter approaches. Air defence systems are a critical need for Ukraine, and President Volodymyr Zelensky was due to meet US President Joe Biden in Washington on Thursday in an effort to ensure continuing US military support for his country. Advertisement Energy infrastructure was hit in Ukraines western Ivano-Frankivsk region, causing a blackout in parts of the regional capital of the same name, regional governor Svitlana Onyshchuk said. The power grid was also targeted in the southern Mykolaiv region, local authorities said without immediately providing further details. Russia launched six missiles and 78 Shahed drones at Ukraine overnight from Wednesday to Thursday, Ukraines air force said. Advertisement I am grateful to @POTUS Joe Biden, U.S. Congress and its both parties, Republicans and Democrats, as well as the entire American people for todays announcement of major U.S. defense assistance for Ukraine totalling $7.9 billion and sanctions against Russia. On behalf of the Volodymyr Zelenskyy / (@ZelenskyyUa) September 26, 2024 Advertisement Defences destroyed four of the missiles and 66 drones in the air, it said. In the south, a missile killed a 62-year-old woman in the Odesa region, where homes and cars were damaged, regional governor Oleh Kiper said. In the city of Zaporizhzhia at least 10 people were injured in the overnight attack, including a 14-year-old, said regional governor Ivan Fedorov. He published photographs of houses with their windows blown out and walls riddled with shrapnel. The Emergency Service said 12 residential buildings were damaged in the city and 18 people were evacuated. Meanwhile, in the northeastern Sumy region ordnance experts defused a 500kg (1,100lbs) glide bomb that landed without exploding next to a bridge over the River Psel. The US, France and other allies have jointly called for an immediate 21-day ceasefire to allow for negotiations in the escalating conflict between Israel and Hezbollah that has killed more than 600 people in Lebanon in recent days. The joint statement, negotiated on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly in New York, says the recent fighting is intolerable and presents an unacceptable risk of a broader regional escalation. Advertisement We call for an immediate 21-day ceasefire across the Lebanon-Israel border to provide space for diplomacy, the statement said. Advertisement We call on all parties, including the governments of Israel and Lebanon, to endorse the temporary cease-fire immediately. There was no immediate reaction from the Israeli or Lebanese governments or Hezbollah but senior US officials said all parties were aware of the call for a ceasefire. Earlier, representatives for Israel and Lebanon reiterated their support for a UN resolution that ended the 2006 war between Israel and the Iranian-backed militant group. The US hopes the new deal could lead to longer-term stability along the border between Israel and Lebanon. Advertisement Months of Israeli and Hezbollah exchanges of fire have driven tens of thousands of people from their homes, and escalated attacks over the past week have rekindled fears of a broader war in the Middle East. The US officials said Hezbollah would not be a signatory to the ceasefire but believed the Lebanese government would co-ordinate its acceptance with the group. They said they expected Israel to welcome the proposal and perhaps formally accept it when Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu speaks at the General Assembly on Friday. While the deal applies only to the Israel-Lebanon border, the US officials said they were looking to use a three-week pause in fighting to restart stalled negotiations for a ceasefire and hostage release deal between Israel and Hamas, another Iranian-backed militant group, after nearly a year of war in Gaza. Advertisement Israels ambassador to the United Nations Danny Danon (Frank Franklin II/AP) The allies calling for a halt to the Israel-Hezbollah conflict are the United States, Australia, Canada, the European Union, France, the UK, Germany, Italy, Japan, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates and Qatar. Work on the proposal came together quickly this week with President Joe Bidens national security team, led by Secretary of State Antony Blinken and national security adviser Jake Sullivan, meeting with world leaders in New York and lobbying other countries to support the plan, according to US officials who spoke on condition of anonymity to discuss sensitive diplomatic conversations. Advertisement Mr Blinken first raised the proposal with the French foreign minister on Monday and then broadened his outreach that evening at a dinner with the foreign ministers of all the Group of Seven industrialised democracies. During a meeting on Wednesday morning with Gulf Cooperation Council foreign ministers, Mr Blinken approached Qatari Prime Minister Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani and Saudi foreign minister Faisal bin Farhan to ask for their approval and got it. Mr Blinken and senior White House adviser Amos Hochstein then met with Lebanese Prime Minister Najib Mikati, who signed off on the deal. Mr Sullivan, Mr Hochstein and senior adviser Brett McGurk were also in touch with Israeli officials about the proposal, one of the US officials said. Mr McGurk and Mr Hochstein have been the White Houses chief interlocutors with Israel and Lebanon since the October 7 attack on Israel by Hamas launched the war in Gaza. The officials said the deal crystallised by late Wednesday afternoon during a conversation on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly between Mr Biden and French President Emmanuel Macron. Lebanons Prime Minister Najib Mikati (Frank Franklin II/AP) Mr Blinken expects to meet Mr Netanyahus top strategic adviser in New York on Thursday ahead of the prime ministers arrival. An Israeli official said Mr Netanyahu has given the green light to pursue a possible deal, but only if it includes the return of Israeli civilians to their homes. The official spoke on condition of anonymity because they were discussing behind-the-scenes diplomacy. French foreign minister Jean-Noel Barrot told the UN Security Council during a special meeting that we are counting on both parties to accept it without delay and added that war is not unavoidable. At the meeting, Mr Mikati, the Lebanese prime minister, publicly threw his support behind the French-US plan that enjoys international support and which would put an end to this dirty war. He called on the Security Council to guarantee the withdrawal of Israel from all the occupied Lebanese territories and the violations that are repeated on a daily basis. Israels UN ambassador, Danny Danon, told journalists that Israel would like to see a ceasefire and the return of people to their homes near the border: It will happen, either after a war or before a war. We hope it will be before. Addressing the Security Council later, he made no mention of a temporary ceasefire but said Israel does not seek a full-scale war. The Security Council meets to discuss Lebanon (Frank Franklin II/AP) Both Mr Danon and Mr Mikati reaffirmed their governments commitment to a Security Council resolution that ended the 2006 Israeli-Hezbollah war. Never fully implemented, it called for a cessation of hostilities between Israel and Hezbollah, the withdrawal of Israeli forces from Lebanon to be replaced by Lebanese forces and UN peacekeepers, and the disarmament of all armed groups including Hezbollah. Earlier on Wednesday, Mr Biden warned in an appearance on ABCs The View that an all-out war is possible but said he thinks the opportunity also exists to have a settlement that can fundamentally change the whole region. Mr Biden suggested that getting Israel and Hezbollah to agree to a ceasefire could help achieve a cessation of hostilities between Israel and Hamas in Gaza. That war is approaching the one-year mark after Hamas attacked southern Israel on October 7, killing about 1,200 people and taking hostages. Israel responded with an offensive that has since killed more than 41,000 Palestinians, according to Gaza health officials, who do not provide a breakdown of civilians and fighters in their count. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky huddled with US leaders on Thursday to shore up American support for his countrys fight against Russia as the war faces a partisan reckoning in this years presidential election. Vice President Kamala Harris, the Democratic nominee for president, has pledged to continue sending military assistance to Ukraine if shes elected. Advertisement Shell have her own meeting with Mr Zelensky after the Ukrainian leader sits down with President Joe Biden, who announced billions of dollars more in missiles, drones, ammunition and other supplies. Ukraines President Volodymyr Zelensky, speaks during the launching of a Joint Declaration of Support for Ukrainian Recovery and Reconstruction, hosted by US President Joe Biden (Leon Neal/Pool Photo via AP) The weapons include an additional Patriot missile defence battery and a new shipment of glide bombs that can be deployed from Western fighter jets, increasing their strike range. Advertisement Mr Biden pledged to ensure that all approved funding is disbursed before he leaves office, and he said he plans to convene a meeting with other world leaders focused on Ukraines defence during a visit to Germany next month. We stand with Ukraine, now and in the future, Mr Biden said alongside Mr Zelensky in the Oval Office. Russia will not prevail. Ukraine will prevail. Meanwhile, Mr Zelenskys tumultuous relationship with former president Donald Trump, the Republican nominee, continued to deteriorate this week. Instead of meeting with Mr Zelensky, Mr Trump criticised him. Advertisement As for US support for Ukraine, Mr Trump complained that we continue to give billions of dollars to a man who refuses to make a deal to end the war. His message dovetails with Russian propaganda that claims intransigence by Kyiv not aggression from Moscow has prolonged the bloodshed. It is the most politically treacherous landscape that Mr Zelensky has encountered in Washington since Russia invaded nearly three years ago. US President Joe Biden with Ukraines President Volodymyr Zelensky (Leon Neal/Pool Photo via AP) Advertisement Ukrainian officials are anxious to maintain good relations with whoever becomes the next president of the United States, which is its biggest and most important provider of arms, money and other support. But the effort risks slipping into the political blender of the presidential campaign, polarizing the discussion around a war that used to be a bipartisan cause celebre in Washington. Mr Zelensky is expected to present Mr Biden with a plan to push the war toward an endgame that would involve a negotiated settlement with Russia. Advertisement Hes trying to secure leverage before Mr Biden leaves office including acquiescence to fire long-range Western weapons deeper into Russia as a hedge against the possibility that American support erodes after the election. On Thursday, Mr Zelensky found some bipartisan support as he visited Capitol Hill, where he was greeted by Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer and Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell. Senator Lindsey Graham, a South Carolina Republican, said Mr Zelensky asked to use long-range weapons, such as British-supplied Storm Shadow missiles or US-made ATACMS, for maximum benefit to bring (Russian President Vladimir) Putin to the table and increase Ukraines negotiating position. If we dont make that fundamental choice this week, I think the outcome for Ukraine is dire, Mr Graham said. Mr Zelenskys trip to Washington coincides with the annual meeting of the UN General Assembly in New York, where the Ukrainian leader spoke on Wednesday. Last week, Mr Trump said he would probably meet with Mr Zelensky while he was in the US, but a senior campaign official said there was never a meeting on the books. Don Moen - "He's On Our Side" | Conduit Publicity NASHVILLE, Tenn. (September 25, 2024) Internationally acclaimed worship leader, songwriter, and recording artist Don Moen celebrated the release of his first collection of all-new music in over 12 years, He's On Our Side, by hosting a Live Global Listening Party today. Fans from all 50 states in the United States as well as Italy, United Kingdom, Argentina, Australia, Philippines, Japan, Zimbabwe, Canada, Nigeria, France, India, Abu Dhabi, Rwanda, Uganda, Zambia, Ghana, Malaysia, South Korea, Germany, Indonesia, South Africa, Kenya, Singapore, Brazil, the Netherlands, and more came together for this special online event. The listening party gave participants an exclusive first listen to Moen's new worship EP, He's On Our Side, and united worshippers from over 25 countries. Throughout his career, Moen has had a profound global impact, with his music breaking cultural barriers and offering hope, encouragement, and healing across nations. It was a blessing to see people from all over the world joining in, Moen said. This new project is a reflection of where God has led me in this season of life, and sharing it with such a global audience was truly special. Reflecting on the new project, Moen says: This is my first worship project in almost 12 years that features new and original songs. The title cut, He's On Our Side, pretty much sums up what I wanted to say in this release: 'Oh bless His name, for He has given us everything we need to fly. Our broken wings, they have not hindered us. We have the Lord; He's on our side!' It's my prayer that these new songs, produced by my friend David Hamilton, will remind you that no matter what you may be going through, God is in control, and He is on your side. During the event's live Q&A, Moen connected with fans, many of whom have followed his ministry for years. Known for worship anthems like God Will Make a Way, Give Thanks, God Is Good All The Time, and more, Moen's latest music continues to inspire, building on his legacy of faith, trust, and devotion. Click here to stream He's On Our Side on all digital music platforms. For more information, visit www.DonMoen.com. ABOUT DON MOEN: Don Moen, a pioneer of the modern Praise and Worship movement, has spent his career as a worship leader, producer, songwriter, and music executive. Moen has sold over 5 MILLION records during his career. While a student at Oral Roberts University in the early 70s, Moen began touring with the musical group Living Sound and evangelist Terry Law. By 1986, Moen had recorded "Give Thanks" for the Hosanna Music! praise and worship series at Integrity Music, where he would serve as creative director, executive producer, and eventually, president of the label. During his tenure there, he sold more than 5 million units and signed worship leaders and songwriters, such as Paul Baloche, Ron Kenoly, Darlene Zschech, and many more. Today, Moen lives in Nashville, Tenn., with his wife, Laura, where he is president of Don Moen Productions and oversees his international nonprofit ministry, Worship in Action. CONNECT WITH DON MOEN: www.DonMoen.com facebook.com/DonMoenMusic instagram.com/DonMoen twitter.com/DonMoen OpenAI is discussing giving chief executive officer Sam Altman a 7 per cent equity stake in the company and restructuring to become a for-profit business, a major shift that would mark the first time Altman is granted ownership in the artificial intelligence startup. The company is considering becoming a public benefit corporation, tasked with turning a profit and also helping society, according to a source familiar with the discussions who wasnt authorised to speak publicly about them. The transition is still under discussion and a timeline has not been determined. Sam Altman founded the company in 2015 as a non-profit research organisation with the goal of building artificial intelligence that would be safe and beneficial to humanity. Credit: Bloomberg In a statement, OpenAIs chairman Bret Taylor confirmed the board has discussed whether to compensate Altman with equity but no decision has been made. OpenAI is mulling the changes against the backdrop of an exodus of senior managers. Chief technology officer Mira Murati said on Wednesday she is leaving, a surprise move that marks the latest high-profile departure from the startup. In the months after it suddenly fired and then rehired Altman last year, OpenAI has been in a state of flux losing multiple managers and shifting the structure of some of its teams. The case was a sensation. On August 20, 1989, brothers Lyle and Erik Menendez, aged 21 and 18 respectively, walked into the television room of their familys Beverly Hills mansion armed with shotguns and shot dead their parents, Jose and Kitty. It was the precursor to the O.J. Simpson saga, with the siblings first trial in 1993 broadcast live in America. Once arrested, Lyle and Eriks defence was that they feared for their lives, having been previously subjected to many years of sexual and physical abuse by their father. Of the many monsters, both individual and systemic, featured in this messy true crime exploration, none is more voracious than the show itself. Sprawling in length a crucial failing and ravenous for contrasting perspectives, the second season of Ryan Murphys biographical crime anthology doesnt know when to stop. If you want to credit this to ambition, then there are rewards, including a compelling episode told in a single 30-minute shot, but if you lean towards lurid excess, Monsters certainly incriminates itself. In some ways, Monsters applies a contemporary perspective to the past. The brothers claimed they were overwhelmed by their collective trauma, a 21st-century concept that was dismissed by many in the 1990s, including a trial judge. But the show never bears down on this, preferring to gorge on tone and technique. Initially, Lyle (Nicholas Alexander Chavez) and Erik (Cooper Koch) act like spoilt brats, while Jose (Javier Bardem) and Kitty (Chloe Sevigny) are nightmarish tyrants. Theres black farce and homoerotic flourishes sometimes its as if the Coen brothers adapted Bret Easton Ellis. 2022s Monster, with Evan Peters as serial killer Jeffrey Dahmer, veered towards exploitation, but it was bolstered by a telling theme: the official disdain that allowed Dahmer to target black and gay men without scrutiny. Too much of what Monsters adds to its central narrative feels unnecessary, whether its the introduction of celebrated Vanity Fair columnist Dominick Dunne (Nathan Lane), who campaigned against the brothers, or an episode dedicated to Jose and Kittys abuse-laden backstories. Nightmarish tyrants: Chloe Sevigny and Javier Bardem as Kitty and Jose Menendez. Credit: Miles Crist/Netflix After the fifth episode, which has the half-hour take from director Michael Uppendahl painstakingly zooming in on Erik as he tries to explain his complex feelings for his abusive father to his lawyer, Leslie Abramson (Ari Graynor), the narratives momentum starts to wane. Nine episodes could have been six. The four lead performances have a vivid charge, albeit pulpy and narrow in the case of Bardem and Sevigny, but Monsters doesnt have a defining purpose. Its a season of unspeakable horrors that has little to say. How to Die Alone Disney+ Sydney businessman John Ibrahim can be revealed as the target of an alleged assassination attempt involving two gunmen arrested near his home in one of the citys most affluent neighbourhoods. The revelation comes after Ibrahim abandoned a secrecy bid in the courts. Police arrest a man on Old South Head Road, and inset, John Ibrahim. There is no suggestion of any wrongdoing by Ibrahim. Sydneys east was flung into panic after reports emerged of men in balaclavas, armed with a pistol, during the school drop rush hour on July 25. A driver on George Street, Dover Heights, was allegedly confronted by a gunman about 8.20am. A young man who advised the perpetrators of a drive-by shooting to falsely claim their vehicle was stolen by a Sudanese person will be drug-tested before sentencing. Caleb Dennis Foote, 25, pleaded guilty on Thursday in Brisbane District Court to one count of accessory after the fact to malicious acts with intent. Crown prosecutor Hamish McIntyre said Foote was an accessory to a serious offence of essentially a drive-by shooting. Caleb Dennis Foote arrives at the Brisbane District Court. Credit: Darren England Foote was not present when Trent Leonard John Kunde fired multiple rounds from a sawn-off shotgun at the front bedroom of a two-storey house at Carseldine, in Brisbanes north, after midnight on April 27, 2022. Sue Tuckerman is one of the minority of Mornington Peninsula holiday-home owners who did register to vote by the August deadline. She and her husband spend half of every week at the beach in Blairgowrie, and the other half at their primary residence in Kew in Melbournes inner east. Voting in both elections is a no-brainer, Tuckerman said, as she considers herself a politically engaged member of her coastal community. She is dubious about the opt-in system and how it will skew outcomes. As soon as you do the opt-in, you wipe out quite a large proportion who are too busy and have kids and havent got time to think about local elections, she said. Former Mornington Peninsula councillor Hugh Fraser splits his time between his homes on the coast and in the Stonnington council area in Melbournes inner south-east. He labelled the voting changes a political fraud. Loading The amendments enhanced the voting power of resident tenants, he said. Its a further nail in the coffin of participatory local government democracy. Councillors and management are accountable to ratepayers and the community. If you chip away at [ratepayers ability to vote] or disincentivise them from participating in democracy, then it reduces accountability. Mornington Peninsula council candidate Andrea Allen was also critical of the level of communication with affected ratepayers about the enrolment changes. I feel like everyone who pays rates deserves to have a say in how rates are spent, she said. [Holiday-home owners] have as much love for this place as permanent residents. Fellow candidate Despi OConnor believed the changes would influence election campaigns and results. She said the peninsulas non-resident owners and permanent residents had different needs. Holiday-home owners were generally more interested in waste collection and clean beaches than the housing crisis and aged care, maternal or child services. OConnor said all rate-paying business and property owners should get a vote, but still questioned the equity in allowing certain wealthy Victorians multiple votes across several councils. Maybe [the change] will help the local area because itll bring the election back to community politics, she said. Across the bay, in Surf Coast Shire, the total number of voters has decreased by more than 10 per cent, and enrolled non-resident-owner ratepayers by 86 per cent. Loading Leon Walker, a Lorne cafe owner and first-time council candidate, said many holiday-home owners had told him they would have liked to have registered to vote but didnt have a chance to. Its unfortunate they dont get to vote. It will change the election, Walker said. They contribute to the community and whole town. Lots of them go back generations. Mike Bodsworth, a Surf Coast candidate and councillor of four years, said while the decrease in voters was significant, he felt all residents shared similar outlooks on the environment and small-town character. Id expect the impact on key issues of the campaign to be fairly minimal, he said. Some inner-Melbourne councils with high levels of apartment development and strong commercial centres also had large drops in their number of enrolled electors. In the City of Port Phillip, which includes St Kilda and South Melbourne, the electoral roll has contracted by 16 per cent, with 91 per cent fewer non-resident ratepayers. Former councillor Marcus Pearl said he opposed barriers preventing rate-paying business owners and landlords from voting. If you dont make it easy for people to have the democratic right to vote, its a travesty because we want councils to be accountable to those groups. Its core to a representative democracy, Pearl said. A Department of Government Services spokeswoman said the changes to the electoral roll were made following recommendations to better align with the state system, clarify voter entitlements and achieve more-accurate council rolls. She said that before the changes, Victoria was the only state where non-residential ratepayers had an automatic entitlement to vote. Non-resident ratepayers were frequently surprised to find that they could vote, and only around half voted in council elections, she said. The review recommended that voting be made compulsory for all those enrolled to vote and that voters not on the state roll be required to enrol on an applications-only basis. Small Business Australia executive director Bill Lang said the changes were unnecessary and had caused mass confusion, resulting in many ratepayers being unable to vote next month. So poorly communicated was the change that the vast majority, who have for years simply had a ballot come in the mail, have today no idea that their right to vote has been taken from them, he said. When votes are stolen from people with such stealth, that is most definitely not how a representative democracy should work. All councils were required to send letters to ratepayers affected by the electoral changes. Surf Coast Shire council chief executive Robyn Seymour said letters and alerts were issued in May with the application form, and she was keen to ensure all owners had the opportunity to vote. A Mongols bikie accused of plotting to import methamphetamine was arrested while trying to leave Australia carrying a near-expired passport, his birth certificate, and close to $10,000 in cash stashed in his luggage. Emmanuel Anthony Kappos, 33, was picked up at Melbourne Airport on Tuesday night as he tried to board a flight to Qatar bound for a breakaway state in the Mediterranean. Georgina Ktori, the mother of accused Mongols bikie Emmanuel Anthony Kappos outside the Melbourne Magistrates Court on Thursday. Credit: LUIS ENRIQUE ASCUI Kappos was supported by his family and partner as he appeared in the Melbourne Magistrates Court on Thursday charged with two counts of importing a commercial quantity of a border-controlled drug. The court heard Kappos had bought his plane ticket the day before his flight to Doha and told Australian Border Force officers he was planning to travel to Northern Cyprus, a de-facto state within the island that is recognised only by Turkey. The Kokoda Track is closed indefinitely after being blockaded by angry locals, forcing Australian travellers to be airlifted out of the remote Papua New Guinean jungle and frustrating out-of-pocket tour operators. Local authorities are scrambling to find a solution to reopen the historic trail, which would usually be in the midst of one of its busiest periods of the year, as villagers escalate a long-running dispute with the PNG government over compensation payments. Anthony Albanese walked a section of the Kokoda track with PNG Prime Minister James Marape earlier this year. Credit: Dominic Lorrimer The Australian militarys Kokoda campaign, which lasted from July to November 1942, played a crucial role in preventing Japanese forces from isolating Australia from its allies during World War II. An estimated 625 Australians were killed and more than 1600 wounded along the track, which was part of Australian territory at the time. More than 3000 trekkers most of them Australian walk the gruelling 96-kilometre track each year to pay tribute to fallen Australian troops and their PNG comrades. The NSW government has ordered a parliamentary committee to investigate whether Gareth Ward breached his obligations as an MP when he showed up at parliament in a state of undress at 4am on a Sunday morning after locking himself out of his apartment. The government announced on Thursday it had asked the NSW parliamentary privileges committee to consider any issues concerning the appropriate conduct of an MP raised by Wards early hours visit to parliament. Independent MP Gareth Ward and Premier Chris Minns. Credit: Alex Ellinghausen, Dominic Lorrimer It came after Premier Chris Minns had earlier criticised the independent MP over the incident, describing the visit as a workplace safety issue and urging parliamentary officeholders to explain what happened. On Wednesday, The Daily Telegraph reported on the existence of a parliamentary security report which alleged Ward, the independent Kiama MP, had arrived at parliament early on July 21 wearing a T-shirt, underwear and socks and with a gash on his head. An audacious bid by the NSW greyhound racing industry to maintain its control of Wentworth Park could be derailed by allegations of serious animal welfare violations, with internal government documents revealing the claims may affect its suitability to hold a lease over the site. Greyhound Racing NSW, the corporate body that regulates the industry in NSW, has been lobbying Labor ministers to overturn a decision made by the former Coalition government to move racing from the Glebe track when the existing lease ends in 2027 and turn it into public green space. Greyhound racing at Wentworth Park is under threat. Credit: Louise Kennerley Late last year GRNSW presented NSW Lands Minister Steve Kamper with a proposal for racing to continue at Wentworth Park while increasing public access by removing fences and opening the site for events such as concerts and markets. Lodged alongside the Sydney Roosters NRL club, the St Andrews Cathedral School and other current tenants, it recommended GRNSW be appointed manager of the Crown Lands site as part of an entity that included other tenants. We have planned a walking trip in the south of France next May and our teenage daughter has requested we extend the trip to Italy for a food and countryside tour. Can you suggest a 10-day itinerary to showcase picturesque countryside and rustic dining? E. Kinnersly, Richmond, Vic Order seafood in Otranto. Credit: iStock According to the food experts, Italys gastronomic capitals are all in the north, especially around the Emilia-Romagna region, with Bologna as its capital. However, Im batting for Puglia in the south, which has a cuisine all its own, glorious countryside and a coastline unlike anywhere else in Italy. Start in Bari, which has the best air and rail connections in Puglia, then work south to visit Polignano a Mare, Monopoli, the white villages of the Valle dItria, the splendid baroque architecture of Lecce, followed by Galatina and Otranto. Matera, in neighbouring Basilicata, is optional but fascinating. Be sure to include Altamura, which is famous for its bread, a tour of the ancient olive grove at Masseria Brancati and the seafood restaurants at Otranto. Some other things to try include panzerotti, deep-fried pastry parcels filled with mozzarella and tomato, and pasticciotti, pastries filled with creamy custard. You can see orecchiette being made by the pasta nonnas in Baris old town and burrata, preferably at a farm where its freshly made. Another plus is that in May anywhere north of Rome can still be quite cool while in Puglia youre almost assured of warm days. My wife and I are planning a road trip through the major wine growing areas of rural France. Can you suggest an inbound travel agent or booking service that could help with our route planning, car hire and accommodation? P. Collins, Port Melbourne, Vic San Marcos Police Chief Stan Standridge speaks at a City Council meeting in this file photo from 2023. Standridge said Wednesday that a lockdown at San Marcos High School this week was caused by a fake phone threat. Eli Hartman The lockdown of San Marcos High School on Tuesday was in response to a phone call reporting a shooter which was later determined to be a hoax. The FBI is investigating the call, which came from a "spoofed" number that has been linked to similar incidents in Hunt County, Texas and Kent County, Michigan, San Marcos Police Chief Stan Standridge said at a Wednesday afternoon news conference. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Because the calls have been made across state lines, the caller might have committed a federal offense, Standridge said. The person could also face estate felony charges, he said. "From a law enforcement perspective, it's not a prank," Standridge said. It's a very serious issue." Investigators have not yet tracked down the caller, he said, "but I believe we will make an arrest in this situation." School district officials announced the lockdown shortly before 4 p.m. on Tuesday, and said about 15 minutes later that all students and staff were accounted for while police continued to investigate. Standridge played audio of the phone call, in which the caller told a dispatcher that he saw "a guy with a gun in his hand" run away down a hallway. The caller then followed the gunman into a bathroom, where he begged for his life before a gunshot was heard. The caller then went silent. Advertisement Article continues below this ad The phone call prompted a response by police, fire, emergency medical services and personnel from the San Marcos Consolidated Independent School District, Standridge said. He described the call as an example of "swatting," or manipulating emergency services into responding to a fictitious incident, causing "chaos." The police department is working with both the San Antonio and Austin offices of the FBI to investigate the incident, he said. Police lifted the lockdown upon realizing it was a hoax, he said. "We wanted to end this intense situation to allow reunification with parents at the school," he said. Tokyo: A Japanese court has ruled that an 88-year-old former boxer was not guilty in a retrial for a 1966 quadruple murder, reversing an earlier wrongful conviction after nearly five decades on death row. Iwao Hakamadas acquittal by the Shizuoka District Court makes him the fifth death-row convict to be found not guilty in a retrial in post-war Japanese criminal justice. The case could rekindle a debate around abolishing the death penalty in the country. The presiding judge, Koshi Kunii, said the court acknowledged multiple fabrications of evidence and that Hakamada was not the culprit, NHK said. Iwao Hakamada, left, an 88-year-old former boxer who was on death row for nearly five decades, is helped by a supporter as he goes for a walk in Hamamatsu, central Japan. Credit: AP Hakamada was convicted of murder in the 1966 killing of a company manager and three of his family members, and setting a fire to their home in central Japan. He was sentenced to death in 1968, but was not executed due to lengthy appeals and the retrial process. Washington: In her first interview in more than two years, former US first lady Melania Trump said she saw her husbands surviving two attempts on his life as miracles and offered new details about the former president, including his desire to have more children. The Slovenian-born former fashion model has remained somewhat of an enigma in the 2024 election cycle, staying largely absent from the campaign trail, breaking norms in not speaking at the Republican National Convention and skipping key moments for her husband, Donald Trump, including his primary night victory parties and court appearances in New York and Florida. Melania Trump says Donald Trump wants more children. Credit: AP In a pre-taped interview aired on Fox News, Melania Trump called for Democrats and members of the media to stop branding her husband as a threat to democracy. She blamed the media for fuelling a toxic atmosphere and empowering those who want to do harm to him. Democrats previously blamed Trump for violent rhetoric, including helping to incite an attack on the US Capitol on January 6, 2021. This is not normal, she told Ainsley Earhardt, a Fox & Friends co-host. New York: New York City Mayor Eric Adams was indicted on Thursday on charges that he took illegal campaign contributions and bribes from foreign nationals in exchange for favours that included helping Turkish officials get fire safety approvals for a new diplomatic building in the city. Adams, a former police officer, faces conspiracy, wire fraud and bribery charges in a five-count indictment that describes a decade-long trail of alleged crimes. New York Mayor Eric Adams. Credit: afr The US attorneys office in Manhattan alleges in the indictment that Adams compounded his gains from the illegal contributions by gaming the citys matching funds program, which provides a generous match for small dollar donations. His campaign received more than $US10,000 ($14,540) in matching funds as a result of the false certifications, according to the indictment. Adams allegedly solicited and demanded bribes, including free and heavily discounted luxury travel benefits from a Turkish official, the indictment alleges, noting that the official was seeking Adams help pertaining to regulations of the Turkish consulate in Manhattan. We must build our way out of the housing crisis. We continue to need governments to come to the table with the right planning and tax settings, Zorbas said, urging further reforms to meet national housing targets. Investor confidence will be rocked by this rumour mill and so we are calling on the premier to restore calm and confirm that a rent cap and or rent control is not on the cards, she stated, emphasising the need for stability in the property market. Rep. Wesley Hunt (R-TX) is seen onstage at the Fiserv Forum during preparations for the Republican National Convention (RNC) on July 14, 2024, in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Delegates, politicians, and the Republican faithful are arriving in Milwaukee for the annual convention, concluding with former President Donald Trump accepting his party's presidential nomination. The RNC takes place from July 15-18. Andrew Harnik/Getty Images Rep. Chip Roy, R-Texas, joined by Sen. Mike Lee, R-Utah, and Speaker of the House Mike Johnson, R-La., talks to reporters about requiring American citizenship to vote in national elections, as they introduce the Safeguard American Voter Eligibility Act, at the Capitol in Washington, Wednesday, May 8, 2024. (AP Photo/J. Scott Applewhite) J. Scott Applewhite/Associated Press WASHINGTON - Texas Republicans were divided Wednesday on a budget resolution that averted a government shutdown and kept the federal government funded through near the end of the year. Both Reps. Wesley Hunt of Houston and Chip Roy of Austin, along with 11 other House Republicans from Texas, opposed the bill, breaking with House Republican leaders including Rep. Michael Burgess of North Texas, who chairs the House Rules Committee. Burgess and other leaders, wary of creating instability ahead of the November election, relied on Democratic support Wednesday to pass the spending bill through the House by a 341-82 vote, with 132 Republicans for and 82 against. MORE FROM JAMES: Texas politicians and Biden weigh regulating the energy-guzzling industry as data centers pop up Advertisement Article continues below this ad "I made a commitment to my district to help return fiscal sanity to Washington, and I intend on keeping that promise," Hunt said in a statement Wednesday. "How much more national debt must we amass before we confront the dangers of deficit spending and the unsustainable practice of governing through continuing resolutions?" Other members of the Texas delegation opposing the resolution were Reps. Morgan Luttrell of Magnolia, Randy Weber of Friendswood and Tony Gonzalez of San Antonio. Twelve Republican congressmen from Texas voted for the spending bill, including Reps. Dan Crenshaw of Humble and Michael McCaul of Austin. Driving the divide is a desire by many House Republicans to avoid short-term spending bills like the one negotiated with Democrats by House Speaker Mike Johnson, out of concern it will result in increased federal spending. But less than two months away from a presidential election, House GOP leaders were reluctant to allow a government shutdown. "I think I speak for everyone here when I say this is not the preferred approach, but nonetheless it's where we are," Burgess said at a House Rules Committee meeting Monday. "Shutdown will not occur because Speaker Johnson has stepped in, and I applaud him for doing so." Advertisement Article continues below this ad Republicans and Democrats have been at odds for months over federal spending legislation, with neither side eager to make concessions ahead of the election. Johnson's effort to pass a six-month continuing resolution last week failed when 14 Republicans, including Hunt and Rep. Beth Van Duyne, R-Irving, sided with Democrats in opposition. It included language requiring proof of citizenship for voter registration, even though noncitizens are already barred by law from voting in federal elections. The new resolution abandons that requirement and includes $231 million in additional funding for the Secret Service. Roy, who has long pressured House leadership to hold the line on spending, supported that legislation but not the shorter continuing resolution up for a vote Wednesday. With that resolution set to expire Dec. 20, Roy argued it sets the stage for Democrats to force a massive omnibus spending bill ahead of the holidays. "Last week we had a measure before us that would have gotten us past that date that would have gotten us into the new year, to avoid Christmas time frame," he said in a meeting of the House Rules Committee on Monday. "It was two years ago this coming December we got a $1.7 trillion omnibus bill. That is the way things tend to be done, and I have very strong opposition to that." Former House Speaker Kevin McCarthy drew outrage from Republicans like Roy over the 2022 spending bill negotiated with Democrats, eventually leading to McCarthy's ouster from leadership the following year. Advertisement Article continues below this ad The Senate later approved the measure by a vote of 78-18. An additional $231 million was included to bolster the Secret Service after the two assassination attempts against Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump. The bill now goes to President Joe Biden's desk to be signed into law. Russia has sent additional troops along its border with Ukraine, sparking concerns from several Ukrainian officials. (Photo: Alexei Druzhinin/Reuters) In a stark escalation of nuclear threats, Russian President Vladimir Putin has lowered the threshold for deploying nuclear weapons, warning that any conventional attack on Russia supported by a nuclear power will be regarded as a joint attack. This shift, unveiled during a meeting of Russia's Security Council on Wednesday, signals a significant revision of Moscow's nuclear doctrine, aimed at deterring the West from further involvement in Ukraine's defense. The modified doctrine introduces broad and ambiguous triggers for nuclear retaliation, including a conventional attack by non-nuclear nations that receive backing from nuclear powers. Putin's announcement, though aimed at Ukraine's Western allies, raises concerns globally as it marks a considerable expansion in the conditions under which Russia could resort to its nuclear arsenal. "We will consider such a possibility when we receive reliable information about a massive launch of air and space attack assets and them crossing our state border," Putin explained, referencing potential threats from aircraft, drones, and cruise missiles. He further warned that even conventional air attacks, if perceived as a critical threat to Russian sovereignty, could provoke a nuclear response. The new phrasing contrasts with Russia's previous doctrine, which limited nuclear weapons use to cases where ballistic missiles targeted Russia or its allies. This revised stance follows months of rising tensions between Russia and the West over Ukraine's use of longer-range weaponry provided by NATO allies. These weapons have allowed Kyiv to target Russian territory, sparking a series of retaliatory threats from Moscow. Putin has now linked any NATO involvement in such attacks to potential nuclear conflict, effectively lowering the bar for a nuclear response. "Conditions for Russia's move to use nuclear weapons are clearly stated," Putin said, underscoring the changes. Although he didn't explicitly confirm that nuclear weapons would be used in such scenarios, the ambiguity is seen as a deliberate tactic to increase pressure on the West. Samuel Charap, a senior political scientist at RAND, cautioned about the global implications of Russia's doctrine shift, stating, "Regardless of whether you think this is a bluff or not, it's never good when a major nuclear power loosens the conditions for nuclear use in its declaratory policy." Putin's comments came as the Biden administration announced an additional $375 million in military aid to Ukraine, including artillery, armored vehicles, and munitions for rocket systems. U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken emphasized the United States' commitment to supporting Ukraine's defense against Russia's continued aggression. "The United States is committed to Ukraine's defense against Russia's brutal aggression," Blinken said. "We will deploy this new assistance as quickly as possible to help Ukraine protect its territory and its people." The timing of Russia's revised nuclear doctrine aligns with growing tensions over Ukraine's calls for permission to strike deeper into Russian territory using Western-supplied long-range weapons. President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has been pushing for such capabilities during high-level meetings in Washington, including talks with President Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris. While the U.S. has refrained from granting explicit approval for these long-range strikes, Moscow's updated doctrine appears to be a pre-emptive response to such a possibility. The Kremlin's strategy aims to deter NATO from allowing Ukraine to carry out further attacks that could target deeper into Russian territory, effectively bringing the conflict closer to the heart of Russia. Putin also clarified that the revised doctrine allows for the use of nuclear weapons in defense of Belarus, a close Russian ally. He noted that he had reached an agreement with Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko, ensuring that aggression against Belarus would be treated similarly to an attack on Russia itself. Belarus, which has become increasingly reliant on Moscow's support, has already permitted the deployment of Russian tactical nuclear weapons on its territory. This revision of Russia's nuclear policy reflects the growing anxiety within the Kremlin as the war in Ukraine stretches into its third year. Despite steady, albeit slow, gains on the battlefield, the conflict has become a prolonged and bloody stalemate, with the Kremlin seeking new ways to deter Western aid to Kyiv. Moscow's nuclear posturing, though consistent throughout the conflict, has now taken a more dangerous turn as it broadens the scenarios in which nuclear weapons might be deployed. Biocon Ltd on Thursday said it has signed a licensing and supply agreement with Tabuk Pharmaceutical Manufacturing Company to commercialise its 'GLP-1' products for treating diabetes and chronic weight management in select countries of the Middle East. Under the agreement, the company will develop and manufacture the products and Tabuk Pharmaceuticals -- a fully-owned subsidiary of Astra Industrial Group, a leading pharmaceutical company in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region, will hold the marketing authorisation rights, and be responsible to register, import and promote them in the region, Biocon said in a regulatory filing. Click here to connect with us on WhatsApp The agreement also provides for a provision to expand to other 'GLP' products, as well as the option of a tech transfer that will enable localised manufacturing at a later stage, it added. The partnership with Tabuk Pharmaceuticals paves the way for the company's vertically integrated, complex GLP1 formulations entry into Saudi Arabia and other countries in the region, Biocon CEO and Managing Director Siddharth Mittal said. "The partnership is further validation of our concerted focus on GLPs and Peptides as future growth drivers," he added. Tabuk Pharmaceuticals CEO Ismail Shehadah said the partnership with Biocon will enable the company to deliver unique health solutions aimed at enhancing the well-being of people in Saudi Arabia and other countries it operates in. "We are confident that this partnership supports our efforts to manufacture and localise a range of GLP-1 products in the region and strengthen our market leading position in the area of diabetes medications, in line with our strategy," Shehadah added. The company has appealed to the DCGI to reconsider the suspension of approval for PresVu eye drops. Image: https://entodpharma.com/ Mumbai-based Entod Pharmaceuticals has recently met the Drugs Controller General of India (DCGI) after the Central Drug Standards Control Organisation (CDSCO) suspended permission granted to the company to manufacture and sell its PresVu eye drops. The step was taken after the drug regulatory body objected to the firms claim that the eye drops can help eliminate dependency on reading glasses for those suffering from presbyopia. Earlier this month, Entod had launched its PresVu eye drops, which are made using pilocarpine, an alkaloid used to treat various ophthalmological conditions, including presbyopiaan age-related condition that makes it difficult to see things up close. Click here to connect with us on WhatsApp Speaking about the recent meeting with the DCGI, Nikkhil K Masurkar, chief executive officer, Entod Pharmaceuticals, said that the company explained the situation regarding PresVu to the DCGI and clarified its intentions behind the media announcement. Entod fully understands the DCGIs concerns and respects his decision to suspend the permission for PresVu eye drops following hyped claims in news reports, he added. According to sources, health ministry officials had taken the matter seriously due to concerns over the potential misuse of the product. The company was alleged to have claimed that the drops could possibly replace reading glasses, with the onset of action occurring within 15 minutes of use. The unauthorised promotion in the press and over social media raised doubts about the product's safety and concerns about its use by the public. The promotion created the impression that it was an over-the-counter (OTC) drug, whereas it is approved as a prescription-only drug, an official source told Business Standard. Clarifying the issue behind the alleged claims, Masurkar stated that PresVu eye drops are not intended to replace reading glasses or non-invasive options for presbyopia. It is a therapeutic option, available only by prescription from a registered medical practitioner, for patients diagnosed with presbyopia as assessed by an eye doctor, he said. Masurkar added that in explaining the treatment of presbyopia, the company had shared data from its Indian Phase 3 clinical trials regarding the 15-minute onset of action and the possibility of replacing reading glasses. It appears that some of these explanatory statements were quoted out of context in certain news reports and were never intended to be claims of our company, he said. Officials indicate that Masurkar has also provided the DCGI with a written undertaking that Entod will fully comply with the conditions outlined in the permission for PresVu eye drops and make only approved claims. The company has appealed to the DCGI to reconsider the suspension of approval for PresVu eye drops, an official added. According to a company statement, Entod currently has over 150 ophthalmic formulations in the domestic market for various eye ailments and supplies to 67 countries globally. Its research and development (R&D) arm is also working on cutting-edge therapeutic treatments for myopia in children, glaucoma, corneal diseases, and retinal eye diseases. Telegram founder and chief executive Pavel Durov said Monday that the messaging platform had removed more "problematic content", weeks after his arrest in France on charges of failing to act against criminals using the app. Telegram's search feature "has been abused by people who violated our terms of service to sell illegal goods", Durov told the 13 million subscribers of his personal messaging channel. "Over the past few weeks" staff had combed through Telegram using artificial intelligence to ensure "all the problematic content we identified in Search is no longer accessible", he said. Durov added that the platform had updated its terms of service and privacy policy to make clear that it would share infringers' details with authorities -- including internet IP addresses and phone numbers -- "in response to valid legal requests". "We won't let bad actors jeopardise the integrity of our platform for almost a billion users," he said. Durov was arrested on August 24 as he arrived at Le Bourget airport outside Paris on a private jet. After days of questioning, he was charged with several counts of failing to curb extremist and terrorist content and released on a five-million-euro ($5.6 million) bail. During the investigation he must remain in France and report to police twice a week. Durov -- who holds Russian, French and United Arab Emirates passports -- initially criticised his arrest, but he has since announced steps appearing to bow to Paris's demands. On September 6, he said Telegram would alter its "people nearby" feature to present users with "legitimate businesses" rather than "bots and scammers". "This year we are committed to turn moderation on Telegram from an area of criticism into one of praise," he said at the time. Durov, an enigmatic figure who rarely speaks in public, has a fortune estimated at $15.5 billion by Forbes magazine, but touts the virtues of an ascetic life that includes ice baths and not drinking alcohol or coffee. State-owned Hindustan Copper Ltd (HCL) is implementing expansion projects to increase mine production capacity to 12.2 million tonnes per annum (MTPA), its CMD Ghanshyam Sharma said on Thursday. The move will boost domestic production of copper and reduce dependence on imports. Click here to connect with us on WhatsApp The company achieved ore production of 3.78 million tonnes in FY'24 against 3.35 MT in FY'23, registering a rise of 13 per cent. Speaking during the 57th Annual General Meeting, Sharma who is holding the addition charge of Chairman and Managing Director, said that the ongoing capacity expansion project i.e. development of underground mine below the existing open cast mine at Malanjkhand Copper Project (MCP) will augment the ore production capacity from 2.5 MTPA to 5 MTPA. The ore production from open cast mine has now exhausted and underground mine is operating below existing open cast mine leaving some barrier pillar. The project has achieved seamless transition from open cast to underground mine in 2023-24 with ramping up of ore production from Malanjkhand Underground mine to 22.48 lakh tonne which is about 60.8 per cent increase with respect to 2022-23. The proposed expansion of mines at Rajasthan-- Khetri and Kolihan mines--will increase ore production capacity from existing one to three MTPA. The proposed expansion of Surda Mine in Jharkhand will augment its production capacity from 0.4 MTPA to 0.9 MTPA. Hindustan Copper Ltd under the administrative control of the mines ministry of Mines, is engaged in mining of copper ore and owns all the operating mining lease of copper ore and also the only integrated producer of refined copper (vertically integrated company). Low-cost carrier SpiceJet has cleared all pending salary dues for its employees. The airline, which had raised Rs 3,000 crore through a qualified institutional placement (QIP) earlier this week, disbursed salaries for July and August, as well as those pending for June, on Wednesday, reported The Economic Times citing sources. This move comes after the airline admitted to not paying around Rs 220 crore in tax deducted at source (TDS) from employees salaries between April 2020 and August 2023. The non-payment of taxes had drawn attention from tax authorities and added to the airlines ongoing financial challenges. Click here to connect with us on WhatsApp SpiceJets QIP, which was oversubscribed, attracted participation from 87 Indian and international institutions. Alongside the Rs 3,000 crore raised, the airline is set to receive an additional Rs 736 crore from a previous funding round, strengthening its financial outlook. Declining market share and operational struggles Despite the fresh capital infusion, SpiceJets market share has continued to shrink, according to data from the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA). In January 2023, the airline held a 5.6 per cent market share, but by August, it had dropped to 2.3 per cent, marking a significant decline from its 10.5 per cent share in 2021. SpiceJets financial woes have been compounded by its inability to secure additional funding, resulting in defaults on lease payments for its aircraft. Several lessors have taken the airline to insolvency court over unpaid dues. The airlines operational fleet has been reduced from 74 aircraft in 2019 to just 28 in 2024, with 36 aircraft grounded due to unpaid dues. The airlines mounting liabilities include Rs 3,700 crore owed to lessors, engineering, and electronic data capture (EDC) liabilities, as well as Rs 650 crore in unpaid statutory dues. Rising working capital costs, fixed rental expenses at airports, and escalating operational costs have further burdened the airline. Recent operational disruptions SpiceJet has faced additional challenges in recent weeks, including flight disruptions in Dubai due to unpaid airport dues. Last month, the airline was forced to operate empty flights from Dubai after passengers were unable to check in. Several flights had also been cancelled for similar reasons earlier in the month. These incidents prompted the DGCA to place SpiceJet under enhanced surveillance at the end of August. The airline also temporarily furloughed 150 cabin crew members for three months due to the lean travel season and has delayed salary payments, along with defaulting on provident fund contributions. Financial relief and future plans However, financial relief arrived before the QIP, when one of SpiceJets largest lessors, Carlyle, agreed to convert up to $50 million of dues into equity. The deal also includes the restructuring of aircraft lease obligations totalling $137.68 million, which will be reduced to $97.51 million upon settlement. Carlyle has also expressed interest in purchasing a stake in SpiceJets cargo arm, SpiceXpress & Logistics Pvt Ltd, through compulsorily convertible debentures. Looking ahead, the airline plans to expand its fleet to 40 aircraft by March 2025, matching the size of rival Akasa Air, with a further 40 aircraft to be added the following year. During high-demand periods, the airline intends to lease additional planes on a short-term wet lease basis, according to chairman and managing director Ajay Singh. For the upcoming festive season, the airline will induct eight aircraft. Despite our shrinking size, in FY24, there were eight airports where we held more than 50 per cent of seat capacity and 40 routes where SpiceJet had a monopoly. We also have 30 exclusive destinations under the regional connectivity scheme, Singh said. Lenders of bankrupt airline Jet Airways, led by the State Bank of India (SBI), on Thursday told the Supreme Court that successful bidder Jalan Kalrock Consortium (JKC) was unwilling to pay the dues and that the liquidation was the only option left. The bench led by Chief Justice of India (CJI) DY Chandrachud was hearing the SBI-led consortium plea against the NCLATs March order upholding ownership transfer of the bankrupt airline to JKC. Click here to connect with us on WhatsApp Enough is enough. They cant play with the law. Liquidation is the only option remaining, Additional Solicitor General (ASG) N Venkataraman said. SBI told the court that the total admitted claim of the financial creditor is close to Rs 7,800 crore and the financial package offered by the SRA (Successful Resolution Applicant, that is, JKC) in the Resolution Plan was Rs 4,783 crore, which is payable in tranches in five years. The first tranche payment of Rs 350 crore was required to be made by March 21, 2022. This amount has not been paid to date despite several extensions and exclusions granted to the SRA by the NCLT, NCLAT, and SC. We are struggling for the first tranche of Rs 350 crore. The resolution plan is effective for 180 days. Lenders are incurring Rs 22 crore every month to maintain the Corporate Debtor (Jet Airways), the ASG said. He had also told the court earlier that even the NCLATs order directing the SRA (to belatedly) create security by mortgaging Dubai properties within 30 days of its order, has not been complied with. Meanwhile, senior advocate Mukul Rohatgi, appearing for JKC, the successful bidder for bankrupt Jet Airways, alleged in the Supreme Court that the SBI brought down Air India and Kingfisher airlines. They have brought down Air India, Kingfisher. Ten separate pleas have been filed by them (SBI) against airlines. Only two airlines are left. They will bring down everything. No airline will remain, Rohatgi alleged in the court. JKC told the court that the lenders do not "give them the key to access their grounded aircraft on the airport premises. The apex court will now hear the arguments by JKC on Tuesday. The National Company Law Appellate Tribunal (NCLAT) had on March 12 greenlit the transfer of ownership of Jet Airways to JKC. NCLAT had told JKC to obtain an air operators certificate within 90 days from March 12. It had also given it more time to pay Rs 175 crore to SBI as 107 days had passed since NCLAT's order allowing the transfer of ownership. It upheld the order of the National Company Law Tribunal (NCLT), which had permitted the transfer of ownership to JKC in January last year. Consequently, the appeal by the SBI against the takeover of the airline by JKC was dismissed. The lenders then appealed against this order in the Supreme Court. Among the airlines in India, Go First had filed for voluntary insolvency on May 2, 2023, under Section 10 of the IBC, and on May 10, 2023, and the NCLT admitted its insolvency plea. The grounded airline joined the ranks of major carriers such as Kingfisher Airlines and Jet Airways, which went to the wall in 2012 and 2019, respectively, underscoring the challenges inherent in navigating Indias aviation industry. On the other hand, the Tatas took over Air India on January 27, 2022 and chose SBI, Bank of Baroda and HDFC Bank as preferred bankers for the airline. On February 29, 2024, Air India refinanced short-term loans with the SBI and Bank of Baroda (BoB) for a three-year loan, replacing the short-term Rs 18,000 crore bridge loan Air India had availed from SBI and BoB to complete the Tata group's takeover of the national carrier in January 2022. Iran's new president on Monday accused Israel of seeking regional war, as he attempted to cast Tehran as restrained and appealed to the West for talks on flashpoint issues. President Masoud Pezeshkian, inaugurated in late July as a reformist within the cleric-run state, was visiting the United Nations as Israel steps up strikes in Lebanon on the Iranian-backed militia Hezbollah, following a wave of explosions on handheld communication devices. "We know more than anyone else that if a larger war were to erupt in the Middle East, it will not benefit anyone throughout the world. It is Israel that seeks to create this wider conflict," Pezeshkian told a roundtable with journalists in New York. Pezeshkian -- whose hardline predecessor died in a helicopter crash -- took office with calls for a better relationship with the West. But tensions immediately soared as the visiting political chief of Hamas, the Palestinian militants who attacked Israel on October 7 last year, was assassinated in an operation in Tehran widely attributed to Israel. Pezeshkian alluded to appeals from the West for Iran not to retaliate so as not to jeopardize US efforts for a ceasefire in the Gaza war. "We tried to not respond. They kept telling us we are within reach of peace, perhaps in a week or so," he said. "But we never reached that elusive peace. Every day Israel is committing more atrocities and killing more and more people -- old, young, men, women, children, hospitals, other facilities," he said. He did not reply directly when asked if Iran would now respond more directly to Israel. "We always keep hearing, well, Hezbollah fired a rocket. If Hezbollah didn't even do that minimum, who would defend them?" he said. "Curiously enough, we keep being labeled as the perpetrator of insecurity. But look at the situation for where it is." Iran openly backs Hamas, whose October 7 attack 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 41,455 people in Gaza, most of them civilians, according to figures provided by the Hamas-run territory's health ministry. The UN has described the figures as reliable. Pezeshkian accused Western powers of double standards by saying that violence "by one side is legitimate self-defense but it's terrorism and murder by the other." Israel has scoffed at talk of reformists within the Iranian system and US officials, while willing to speak with Tehran indirectly, have played down Pezeshkian's influence, saying that Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei ultimately makes key decisions. Pezeshkian called for talks with the West on Russia after US intelligence said that Iran was supplying ballistic missiles to Moscow for its war in Ukraine. "We are willing to sit down with the Europeans and the Americans to have a dialogue and negotiations. We have never approved of Russian aggression against Ukrainian territory," Pezeshkian said, again denying the missile shipments. Ukraine, which enjoys sympathy from much of the Iranian public, has threatened to sever relations with Tehran over the missiles issue. Western powers have hit Iran with a new round of sanctions, including targeting air agreements, with Secretary of State Antony Blinken saying the missiles contradict Pezeshkian's calls for better relations. Pezeshkian also made a new appeal Monday for the restoration of a 2015 nuclear deal which was scrapped by former US president Donald Trump. President Joe Biden took office saying he would restore the agreement but talks failed, due in part to disagreement over the extent on sanctions relief. Any high-level US diplomacy with Pezeshkian is highly unlikely ahead of the US presidential election in November, with Iran toxic in US politics and Tehran unwilling to make concessions before knowing the next administration's policies. The Indo-American Chamber of Commerce of Greater Houston (IACCGH) recently celebrated its 25th anniversary, marking a significant milestone in promoting bilateral trade between India and the United States, supporting small businesses, and driving economic growth. With profound honour, we celebrate a quarter-century of service, said Jagdip Ahluwalia, founding secretary and executive director, welcoming attendees at the Hilton Americas on Saturday. Click here to connect with us on WhatsApp Reflecting on IACCGH's key milestones, he noted partnerships with corporate giants like Shell, BMC Software, and Wallis Bank, as well as impactful collaborations such as MD Anderson's work with Tata Cancer Centre and Mahindra Tractors' arrival in Harris County. The fund-raising gala, an annual event, held on Saturday, was attended by over 1,000 guests, the organisers said. The event brought together leaders from various sectors, including members, partners, elected officials, representatives from the Indian Consulate, the University of Houston, and the Mayor's office. Consul General D C Manjunath, the gala's chief guest, praised the Chamber's advocacy in bilateral trade. He noted India's emergence as the fifth-largest economy, emphasising, The Chamber is dedicated to strengthening economic ties and fostering collaborations. Houston Mayor John Whitmire commended the Chamber for facilitating trade between the US and India over the past 25 years and invited everyone to celebrate Diwali at Houston City Hall. IACCGH president Rajiv Bhavsar highlighted the Chamber's initiatives supporting small businesses and trade relationships. This anniversary marks resilience and adaptability, emphasising the importance of unity in achieving meaningful progress, he said. The evening honoured key contributors and celebrated outstanding community members. As we reflect on our legacy, we are excited about a future filled with promise and opportunity, said Sanjay Ramabhadran, past president of IACCGH, who moderated a panel discussion titled 25 in 25: A Legacy in Progress. The discussion underscored the Chamber's vital role in fostering economic growth and community connections. The evening also featured a cake-cutting ceremony to commemorate the Chamber's 25th anniversary. As the cake was brought on stage, the crowd erupted in cheers, celebrating a significant milestone in the Chamber's history. This was followed by the recognition of sponsors and out-of-town guests, which included a tribute to Ahluwalia for his dedication and service. Incoming president Malisha Patel expressed her commitment to innovation and community growth, stating, I look forward to blending innovation with sustainment and growth of the Chamber's existing programs to enhance the outstanding work already being accomplished. Uttar Pradesh industrialists, especially from the Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME) domain, have demanded the state government convert nearly 46,500 acres of leasehold industrial land to freehold parcels. Industry captains asserted the conversion to freehold will unlock the potential of these land parcels and bolster the 'Ease of Doing Manufacturing and 'Make in UP' programmes. Click here to connect with us on WhatsApp These land parcels are in 156 industrial areas across the state and are promoted by the UP State Industrial Development Authority (UPSIDA). MSME chamber Indian Industries Association (IIA) national president Neeraj Singhal said unlocking of the leasehold industrial land would directly feed the state's ambitious 1 trillion dollar economy target. "The leasehold law was implemented during the British rule to promote industrial units in India. Therefore, there is a need to change this relic of our colonial past for speedier industrial development in UP," he said, adding that a representation has already been given to UP Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath. Singhal claimed several states like Haryana, West Bengal, Chhattisgarh, Karnataka, and Tamil Nadu have already implemented the policy of converting leasehold industrial land into freehold. In 2016, the UP industrial development department promulgated a policy for the freeholding of land, but it applies to units spread over an area of a hectare or more, which effectively weeds out the micro and small industries from its purview. UP will earn a revenue of almost Rs 50,000 crore from fees and other levies over the proposed conversion of leasehold land to freehold, Singhal said. The UP government has been dithering on the issue, amid a plausible apprehension of industrial land turning into real estate or commercial properties if it were converted to freehold parcels. However, UP Inc has assured that they were bound to adhere to the norms and conditions set by the government concerning the freeholding of industrial plots. According to IIA, the conversion of leasehold to freehold will bring an array of benefits to UP, thus boosting the gross state domestic product (GSDP) and filling the coffers as more industrial units would be set up and the scarcity of industrial land would be resolved. Singhal said when industrial land is given to an entrepreneur on leasehold, the land acquisition cost, development charges, and premiums are levied by the government. When all such costs have been paid by the entrepreneur, and the industry is run as per the governments intention, then why should they not get ownership rights from tenancy? Singhal asked. IIA has taken various steps to highlight its demand. The issue is being discussed with major industrial organisations across the country. Fourteen Indian MBA programmes found a spot in the QS global list for 2025 released on Wednesday. According to the coveted list, three Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs) and Indian School of Business, Hyderabad, namely IIM Bangalore, IIM Ahmedabad and IIM Calcutta, secured positions in the world's 100 best institutes for their MBA courses. The top spot in the QS Global MBA and Business Masters Rankings 2025 has again been secured by Stanford School of Business in the US. Notably, Stanford School has secured the top spot for the fifth consecutive year. Click here to connect with us on WhatsApp The ranking is given after analysing 340 best global MBAs and a series of specialised high-demand Business Masters Rankings, which include Management, Finance, Marketing, Business Analytics, and Supply Chain Management, spanning over 58 countries and territories. Penn (Wharton) and Harvard Business School have been ranked at the second and third positions, respectively. The best MBA school outside the USA is London Business School. Such ranking helps students to make informed decisions by understanding the global education landscape. This training also helps with comparative analysis and making informed decisions that align with career goals. QS Global MBA Ranking 2025: Top 10 Institutions Heres the list of top 10 institutions as per QS Global MBA Ranking 2025: Stanford Graduate School of Business Penn (Wharton) Harvard Business School MIT (Sloan) London Business School HEC Paris Cambridge (Judge) Columbia Business School IE Business School IESE Business School QS Global MBA Ranking 2025: Top 4 Indian Institutions Here are the top 4 Indian institutes as per QS Global MBA Ranking 2025: Indian Institute of Management, Bangalore (53) Indian Institute of Management, Ahmedabad (60) Indian Institute of Management, Calcutta (65) Indian School of Business, Hyderabad (86) Students can use insights to follow professional paths: QS CEO Jessica Turner, the CEO of QS, said that students can use these insights to shape their professional paths who aim to lead in corporations, innovate in start-ups, or impact the public sector. "However, ongoing challenges related to internationalisation and gender diversity remain critical areas for improvement. Bridging these gaps is not only key to enhancing the global competitiveness of Indias leading business schools, but also vital for fostering more inclusive environments that align with the future of business leadership," Turner. Indian institutes are nurturing leaders preparing to navigate today's complex and dynamic business environments. Indian institutes like IIM Bangalore, IIM Ahmedabad and IIM Calcutta show India's ability to shape top-tier global talent. He also held talks with his Syrian counterpart, Bassam Sabbagh and held talks on cooperation in health, education and capacity development, as well as sharing their views on the developments in West Asia (Photo: PTI) External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar and his Australian counterpart Senator Penny Wong caught up with each other on the sidelines of the 79th United Nations General Assembly on Wednesday. Taking to social media platform X, Jaishankar attributed Senator Wong as a "Quad partner". Click here to connect with us on WhatsApp "Catching up with Quad partner FM Senator Penny Wong at UNGA79," he said. Prior to this, Jaishankar signed the Biodiversity Beyond National Jurisdiction (BBNJ) agreement at the United Nations Headquarters, taking a step towards ensuring that the oceans remain healthy and resilient. "Signed the Biodiversity Beyond National Jurisdiction (BBNJ) Agreement today the United Nations HQ. India is proud to join the BBNJ Agreement, an important step towards ensuring that our oceans remain healthy and resilient," he said in another post in X. Following this, he met with the Foreign Minister of Rawanda, Olivier JP Nduhungirehe and said that it was nice to meet him. "Nice to meet the new FM Olivier JP Nduhungirehe of Rawanda," Jaishankar said in X. He also held talks with his Syrian counterpart, Bassam Sabbagh and held talks on cooperation in health, education and capacity development, as well as sharing their views on the developments in West Asia. "A cordial meeting with FM Bassam Sabbagh of Syria today. Spoke about cooperation in health, education and capacity development. Shared views on the ongoing developments in West Asia," he said in X. Besides, he also met with Foreign Minister of El Salvador Alexandra Hill Tinoco and discussed the topics of connectivity, digital, health and capability building. "Always a delight to meet FM Alexandra Hill Tinoco of El Salvador. We discussed connectivity, digital, health and capability building. And also our shared desire to reform the global order," he said in another post in X. Earlier, Jaishankar held a bilateral meeting with his Russian counterpart Sergey Lavrov on Wednesday (local time) on the sidelines of the 79th United Nations General Assembly in New York. "Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov and Minister of External Affairs of India Dr. Subrahmanyam Jaishankar hold talks on the sidelines of the 79th Session of the UN General Assembly," the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Russia said in an X post. In response to Lavrov's post, Jaishankar posted on X, "Met FM Sergey Lavrov this afternoon at UNGA 79. Discussed our bilateral cooperation and regional issues. Margaret Alkek Williams, second from left, is seen John Mangum, Robert Eubanks and Meg Booth in the lobby of the newly renovated Jones Hall during the Houston Symphonys private dinner for donator Williams, who donated $5 million toward the $60 million project, Wednesday, Sept. 25, 2024, in Houston. The renovation included a new grand lobby, updated green room and a new stage. Jason Fochtman/Staff photographer Margaret Alkek Williams, who donated $5 million toward the $60 million project, walks through the newly renovated Jones Hall, Wednesday, Sept. 25, 2024, in Houston. The renovation included a new grand lobby, updated green room and a new stage. Jason Fochtman/Staff photographer Margaret Alkek Williams, left, visits with Barbara Burger in the lobby of the newly renovated Jones Hall during the Houston Symphonys private dinner for donator Williams, who donated $5 million toward the $60 million project, Wednesday, Sept. 25, 2024, in Houston. The renovation included a new grand lobby, updated green room and a new stage. Jason Fochtman/Staff photographer Margaret Alkek Williams, left, visits with Y. Ping Sun alongside her husband, David Leebron, and Barbara Burger in the lobby of the newly renovated Jones Hall during the Houston Symphonys private dinner for donator Williams, who donated $5 million toward the $60 million project, Wednesday, Sept. 25, 2024, in Houston. The renovation included a new grand lobby, updated green room and a new stage. Jason Fochtman/Staff photographer Brigitte Kale, left, is seen alongside Alicia Smith inside the newly renovated Jones Hall during the Houston Symphonys private dinner for donator Margaret Alkek Williams, who donated $5 million toward the $60 million project, Wednesday, Sept. 25, 2024, in Houston. The renovation included a new grand lobby, updated green room and a new stage. Jason Fochtman/Staff photographer Y. Ping Sun visits inside the newly renovated Jones Hall during the Houston Symphonys private dinner for donator Margaret Alkek Williams, who donated $5 million toward the $60 million project, Wednesday, Sept. 25, 2024, in Houston. The renovation included a new grand lobby, updated green room and a new stage. Jason Fochtman/Staff photographer Phoebe Tudor is seen in the newly renovated Jones Hall during the Houston Symphonys private dinner for donator Margaret Alkek Williams, who donated $5 million toward the $60 million project, Wednesday, Sept. 25, 2024, in Houston. The renovation included a new grand lobby, updated green room and a new stage. Jason Fochtman/Staff photographer A massive, merlot curtain fanned across part of the concrete wall, just inside Jones Hall on Wednesday evening. Outside, a downpour nearly rained on the Foundation for Jones Hall and Houston Symphony's parade. Indoors, the room was abuzz as the board of trustees encircled the guest of honor, Margaret Alkek Williams. For her most recent gift, $5 million toward Jones Hall's multi-year, $60-million restoration, the grand lobby of Houston Symphony's home venue has been named in her honor. She held court on the piano-level, surrounded by high-level subscribers and fellow donors. The sounds of champagne bottles uncorking and congratulatory wishes nearly drowned out the symphony orchestra players who were stationed on a nearby staircase. The project to improve Jones Hall's acoustics and overall visitor experience marks the first major renovation in the building's history. It's also the first time that spaces will be named for leaders other than Jesse H. Jones, John Mangum, executive director, CEO and Margaret Alkek Williams Chair told the Chronicle. Advertisement Article continues below this ad The newly renovated Jones Hall is seen during the Houston Symphonys private dinner for donator Margaret Alkek Williams, who donated $5 million toward the $60 million project, Wednesday, Sept. 25, 2024, in Houston. The renovation included a new grand lobby, updated green room and a new stage. Jason Fochtman/Staff photographer "Your gift came at just the right moment this year," said Robert Eubanks, executive director of the Foundation for Jones Hall, addressing Williams in front of the crowd. "This is the place where more than 400,000 people come every year, in this room, to simply gather. Or as you've always said, it's 'like a giant living room.'" Meg Booth, president and CEO of Performing Arts Houston, compared Williams' legacy and vision to the building's namesake, Jesse H. Jones. "But you also remind me of Edna Saunders, Houston's first impressario." In 2022, Williams donated $10 million to Houston Ballet's endowment fund the largest gift in the dance company's 50-year history. Its Center for Dance building was renamed in her honor. Advertisement Article continues below this ad She has previously supported Houston Grand Opera, Theatre Under the Stars and the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston. "One of the great joys of my life has been to get to know you these past 6 and a half years," said Mangum, who departs Houston Symphony later this year for a position with Lyric Opera in Chicago, his voice cracking. "And I look forward to these next 6 and a half years, too." Then a Houston Symphony staffer tugged on a rope, and the curtains parted to unveil big, new brass letters: Margaret Alkek Williams Grand Lobby. Margaret Alkek Williams, second from left, looks up as her name is unveiled in the entryway of the newly renovated Jones Hall lobby, Wednesday, Sept. 25, 2024, in Houston. Williams donated $5 million toward the $60 million project, which included a new grand lobby, updated green room and a new stage. Jason Fochtman/Staff photographer On the arm of her escort, David Wuthrich, the petite philanthropist quietly posed for photographs. Advertisement Article continues below this ad As most event-goers migrated upstairs to the mezzanine level where Houston First has installed new lighting and furniture for a seated, three-course dinner, some of the more revelrous guests seized the opportunity to peek into Jones Hall's other updated spaces. The most popular destination? A completely revamped green room, now named for the Shirley and David Toomim Family. They contributed $4 million to the renovation. Behind the closed doors, members of the catering team dutifully unpacked glassware and wine bottles for the bar, which will officially re-open Oct. 4 for Houston Symphony's Opening Night Concert and Gala Dinner. A young woman whipped out her cell phone, having just recorded the dedication ceremony. "(Williams) donated a bunch of money, I'm getting all choked up," she told her co-workers excitedly. "She's just amazing." Representative image of an Indian Army tank in Ladakh. Image credit: ADG PI - INDIAN ARMY (@adgpi on X) India and China are reported to have made "significant progress" in bridging their differences over unresolved issues along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) in eastern Ladakh, which could possibly result in Indian troops regaining access to certain patrolling points along the LAC that they were previously restricted from accessing. The process also includes discussing a potential solution that considers both India and China's pre-April 2020 positions, while also addressing ongoing concerns in Arunachal Pradesh, reported the Indian Express on Thursday. Click here to connect with us on WhatsApp As both nations work towards resolving the long-standing disputes along the LAC in eastern Ladakh, including exploring a solution that takes into account their respective pre-standoff positions, the report said that local commanders from both sides have been holding meetings on the ground to avoid clashes, as part of confidence-building measures. What is the key point of this process? Citing unnamed sources, the report said that Indian troops, who were previously restricted from accessing certain patrolling points along the LAC, either due to the presence of Chinese troops or the creation of buffer zones during the disengagement process, could possibly regain access to these locations. ALSO READ: Peace on border must for progress in India-China ties: EAM Jaishankar Speaking to the national daily, unnamed senior officials confirmed that these developments had occurred during recent diplomatic and political discussions between New Delhi and Beijing. The 31st Working Mechanism for Consultation and Coordination on India-China Border Affairs (WMCC) meeting took place on August 29 in Beijing, with Indian military representatives in attendance. Now, the 22nd round of Corps Commanders' level talks between India and China is expected to be held soon to finalise the specifics, including the timeline for troop redeployment based on the agreement. What is the status of the LAC right now? While troops stationed along the LAC remain on alert, the report said that they are avoiding confrontation to prevent additional trust deficit from building up and possibly delaying the implementation of redeployment plans. In fact, as a further confidence-building measure, local commanders from both sides have reportedly been meeting to ensure any clashes are avoided. ALSO READ: Chinese bridge on Pangong lake operational, to be used by PLA troops, tanks The process of stocking winter supplies for the 50,000-60,000 additional troops stationed in eastern Ladakh also continues. According to the report, while troop redeployment along the LAC might occur, the de-induction and de-escalation process is expected to be lengthy. The last formal disengagement at the LAC took place in September 2022, when both sides withdrew troops from Patrolling Point-15 in the Gogra-Hot Springs area of eastern Ladakh. Significant friction points like the Galwan Valley, the north and south banks of Pangong Tso, and the Gogra-Hot Springs area have also seen partial resolutions over the last four years, with the establishment of buffer zones along the LAC. ALSO READ: China's PLA building bunkers, hardened shelters close to Pangong Lake However, legacy issues in areas such as the Depsang Plains and Demchok, which predate the current standoff, remain unresolved. At the Depsang Plains, for example, Indian troops have been blocked from accessing their patrol points in a location known as the Y junction. What are India's current military plans along the LAC? Officials familiar with the situation told the national daily that plans to raise an additional division for Ladakh are underway, and at least one brigade is already partially being moved to the region. The formation of this division, likely to be the 72nd Division, is reportedly expected by mid-2025. This will free up the Rashtriya Rifles' Uniform Force to return to its original position within the 16 Corps. ALSO READ: Fighter jets to submarines: Budget 2024 aims at major defence acquisitions However, officials reportedly said that regardless of changes in troop deployment, infrastructure development along the LAC will proceed as planned to ensure preparedness for any potential contingencies. Until the final redeployment plans are implemented, the current Indian troop deployment and patrolling will remain in effect. However, the report added that the Indian Army had not responded to questions regarding this matter at the time of reporting. What are India and China saying about the LAC? Statements following diplomatic and political discussions last month hinted at progress towards a resolution. With regard to the WMCC meeting, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) released a statement noting a frank, constructive and forward-looking exchange of views aimed at reducing differences and finding an early resolution to the ongoing issues. On September 12, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar commented that approximately 75 per cent of the "disengagement problems" with China had been "sorted out," although he cautioned that the "larger issue" was the increasing militarisation of the border. This was followed by a Chinese Foreign Ministry statement that troops had disengaged from four areas in eastern Ladakh, including the Galwan Valley, and that the situation along the borders remained stable. Additionally, on September 12, National Security Advisor Ajit Doval and Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi met on the sidelines of the BRICS NSAs meeting in St Petersburg, Russia, where they discussed the progress made in recent consultations on border issues. A statement released by the MEA indicated that the Doval-Wang meeting provided both sides with an opportunity to review recent efforts towards achieving an "early resolution" of the remaining issues along the LAC, which would help stabilise and rebuild bilateral relations. Both parties agreed to "work with urgency and redouble their efforts to achieve complete disengagement in the remaining areas". Starting today, Canadian businesses will be restricted to filling only 10% of their workforce with low-wage foreign workers, down from the previous limit of 20%. Earlier this month, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced that the government was tightening rules around its Temporary Foreign Worker (TFW) Programme, particularly for low-wage jobs. The TFW Programme was originally created as a short-term solution for businesses struggling to find qualified Canadian workers. It allows companies to hire foreign workers for up to two years, but employers must prove that theyve made efforts to hire Canadians first before being allowed to bring in foreign workers. Click here to connect with us on WhatsApp Why is Canada limiting foreign workers? "When they announced this policy, temporary residents accounted for 6.8% of the population. As per the latest data, this has increased to 7.3%. As a result, I expect a further tightening of foreign worker visas," said Darshan Maharaja, a Canada-based immigration analyst. He added, "So, it is very likely that opportunities in Canada for Indian workers will dwindle." The move comes amid growing frustration among Canadians, who feel shut out of the job market by the excessive use of foreign workers. The rising unemployment rate is adding to this pressure. Canadas Ministry of Employment, Workforce Development and Official Languages reported that the national unemployment rate has risen to 6.4%, while the unemployment rate for younger workers has reached 14.2%, the highest in over a decade, excluding the pandemic period. The size of the TFW Programme has also nearly doubled between 2021 and 2023, with 240,000 permits issued last year, many of them in sectors like restaurants and retail. Moreover, Trudeaus government has faced political challenges, with his popularity dipping due to rising prices, a housing crisis, and criticism over his immigration policies. Recently, he survived a confidence vote, but the pressure to act on domestic issues has mounted. What changes are being made? In response to these challenges, the government is introducing several changes to the TFW Programme: Processing limits: Labour Market Impact Assessments (LMIAs) for low-wage jobs wont be processed in regions with unemployment rates of 6% or higher. However, certain sectors like agriculture, food processing, healthcare, and construction are exempt from this rule. Cap on foreign workers: Employers are now limited to hiring up to 10% of their workforce through the TFW Programme for low-wage positions, down from the previous 20%. Again, sectors like agriculture and healthcare are exempt. Shorter employment duration: The maximum employment period for low-wage foreign workers has been reduced from two years to one year. "The Temporary Foreign Worker programme was designed to address labour market shortages when qualified Canadians were not able to fill those roles. Right now, we know that there are more Canadians qualified to fill open positions. The changes we are making today will prioritise Canadian workers and ensure Canadians can trust the programme is meeting the needs of our economy," said Randy Boissonnault, Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Official Languages, in a press release. How much do low-wage foreign workers earn? Wages for low-wage foreign workers in Canada vary by province, industry, and job. As of 2024, the rates generally range from CAD 13 (Rs 809) to CAD 16 (Rs 996) per hour, depending on the region. Here are some examples: Ontario: minimum wage is CAD 16.55 per hour and will rise to CAD 17.20 per hour on October 1, 2024. Alberta: minimum wage is CAD 15.00 per hour. British Columbia: minimum wage is CAD 17.40 per hour from June 1, 2024. Manitoba: minimum wage is CAD 15.30 per hour, with a planned increase to CAD 15.80 in October 2024. Nunavut: has the highest minimum wage, at CAD 19.00 per hour as of January 1, 2024. While foreign workers are entitled to the same labour rights as Canadians, such as overtime and holiday pay, enforcement can be inconsistent. The TFW Programme has also faced criticism for fostering exploitative conditions. A United Nations report published on July 22, 2024, highlighted issues like underpayment, wage theft, excessive work hours, and even sexual harassment. "The special rapporteur retains the view that the temporary foreign worker programme serves as a breeding ground for contemporary forms of slavery, as it institutionalises asymmetries of power that favour employers and prevent workers from exercising their rights," said UN investigator Tomoya Obokata in his final report. What about Indian workers? India was one of the top contributors to Canadas TFW Programme, with 26,495 temporary foreign workers in 2023. But with the new restrictions, Indian workers may need to reconsider their options. "In the current economic scenario in Canada, Indian workers need to make a dispassionate assessment of the kind of life that they are likely to have in Canada," Maharaja said. He pointed to the severe housing shortage, rising cost of living, and overburdened healthcare system, cautioning that its not uncommon for four individuals to share a single rented room. "Indian workers would be well advised to look for opportunities in other countries," Maharaja suggested. Starting October 1, foreigners working in Denmark will need to earn salaries in line with new Danish standards. Denmark is updating its income thresholds for foreigners applying for residence and work permits, ensuring they meet the new minimum salary levels required for eligibility. The minimum salary for most foreign workers will increase from DKK 445,000 (around Rs 55.6 lakh) annually to DKK 495,000 (about Rs 61.8 lakh), as per the latest guidelines. This 10 per cent rise aims to ensure that foreign workers are paid wages that align with the countrys standards. Click here to connect with us on WhatsApp What happens if you apply after September 30? If you're applying for a residence and work permit after September 30, 2024, your salary will be assessed based on second-quarter income statistics for 2024. However, those who applied between July 1 and September 30, 2024, will be assessed using the first-quarter salary statistics. Your salary and employment terms must meet Danish standards for your work permit to be granted. "Applicants must receive remuneration that reflects the local standard for the type of employment in Denmark," the statement says. Schemes impacted by the changes The new salary requirements will apply to both first-time applications and extensions under several schemes, including: Pay Limit Scheme Supplementary Pay Limit Scheme Fast Track Scheme Researchers Scheme Positive List for People with Higher Education Positive List for Skilled Work Special Individual Qualifications Scheme Herdsmen and Farm Managers Scheme Internship Scheme Even those applying for sideline work permits or permits as accompanying family members must meet the salary criteria. Salary must be paid to Danish accounts For most cases filed after January 1, 2021, salaries must be paid into a Danish bank account. Only liquid, guaranteed payments such as fixed salary, pension contributions, and holiday allowances will be considered when assessing if your salary matches Danish standards. Staff benefits, such as board and lodging, can be offered by the employer but wont count towards your salary in this assessment. In addition, uncertain income like commissions and bonuses typically wont be included when calculating your total salary. How does SIRI assess if your salary meets Danish standards? Styrelsen for International Rekruttering og Integration (SIRI), the Danish Agency for International Recruitment and Integration, generally considers a salary sufficient if: 1. The employer is part of a collective agreement through an employers' association membership. 2. The employment contract explicitly states it is covered by a collective agreement in the relevant sector. For 2024, SIRI will assume that your salary is in line with Danish standards if its at least DKK 71,020.83 per month. If not, SIRI will evaluate your salary using the Confederation of Danish Employers' income statistics as a guide, ensuring it meets the minimum required level for your job function and experience. Why Denmark is raising salary thresholds This adjustment comes as Denmark grapples with a skilled labour shortage across various sectors, including technology, healthcare, and construction. By raising the salary thresholds, the government aims to not only attract skilled foreign talent but also ensure that local workers benefit from the new employment opportunities. Indians in Denmark: Growing workforce India has seen a significant rise in its workforce in Denmark over the past 15 years. A report by The Copenhagen Post reveals that the number of Indian employees in the country has increased sevenfold during this period. Many Indian workers in Denmark are highly educated and contribute to key sectors like technology, healthcare and construction, helping to alleviate Denmark's shortage of skilled labour. As of 2024, an estimated 21,300 Indians are living and working in Denmark, according to a Statistics Denmark analysis, with the number expected to grow as demand for skilled professionals continues. As Senior Editor for Features, Melissa Aguilar oversees the Zest, Renew, Preview and Flavor teams, as well as the Chronicle's niche products such as Luxury Life magazine and Houston Gives. In her years at the Chronicle, she has held many positions, from features editor and entertainment editor to fashion writer, copy editor and city hall reporter. During her tenure, the features sections have won writing and design awards, as well as the prestigious Best Features Section award from the Society of Features Journalists. Melissa has two adult children, Tessa and Dylan, and a white lab named Sunny. She has completed the Houston Marathon seven times, has ridden the MS 150 eight times and loves to travel, write and shoot pictures. She is a native Houstonian and a magna cum laude graduate of The University of Texas at Austin. The Supreme Court has reaffirmed that the Protection of Women from Domestic Violence Act, 2005, is a civil code applicable to all women in India, regardless of their religious or social background. The ruling underlines the Acts role in providing a more effective protection of womens rights, as guaranteed by the Constitution of India. A bench comprising Justice B V Nagarathna and Justice N Kotiswar Singh made this observation while delivering a judgment on an appeal filed by a woman contesting a Karnataka High Court ruling. The case concerned the grant of maintenance and compensation under the Act, legislation designed to protect women from domestic abuse within a domestic relationship. Click here to connect with us on WhatsApp The Act is a piece of civil code which is applicable to every woman in India irrespective of her religious affiliation and/or social background for a more effective protection of her rights guaranteed under the Constitution, the bench stated, reiterating the universal scope of the law. Background of the case The case in question involved a woman who had successfully petitioned under Section 12 of the Act, leading to a magistrates order in February 2015 granting her Rs 12,000 in monthly maintenance and Rs 1 lakh in compensation. The womans husband later sought to challenge this order, but his initial appeal was dismissed due to delay. However, the husband subsequently filed an application under Section 25 of the Domestic Violence Act, which allows for the alteration or revocation of orders based on a change in circumstances. The appellate court allowed his appeal, remanding the case to the magistrate to reconsider the application. The woman, dissatisfied with this decision, took the matter to the Karnataka High Court, which upheld the appellate court's decision. Guidance on Section 25 The Supreme Court, in its ruling, highlighted the importance of Section 25, which permits either the aggrieved person or the respondent to seek modifications to an order if there is a significant change in circumstances. These changes can be financial, such as variations in income, or relate to other life circumstances affecting the parties involved. The court further clarified that any order for modification or revocation under Section 25(2) must be prospective, meaning it applies only from the date of the order onwards. The bench emphasised that the husband could not demand a retrospective change to reclaim maintenance already paid. While the Supreme Court set aside the Karnataka High Court and the first appellate courts rulings, it granted the husband the liberty to file a new application under Section 25, should there be further grounds to do so. [With agency inputs] Health Secretary Apurva Chandra on Thursday issued a new advisory to all state and union territory (UT) administrations containing public health actions required to be undertaken to prevent the risk of further spread of Mpox in India. This comes after India last week reported its first case of the Mpox Clade 1b strain, which triggered the World Health Organisation (WHO) to declare a public health emergency, in a 38-year-old man from Kerala who had recently returned from the United Arab Emirates (UAE). Click here to connect with us on WhatsApp The advisory asks states and UTs to continue undertaking appropriate activities to make communities aware of the disease, its modes of spread, and the need for timely reporting and preventive measures. Highlighting the readiness of diagnostic testing capability in the country, the advisory stated that 36 labs across India supported by the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) and three PCR test kits validated by the Central Drug Standards Control Organisation (CDSCO) are readily available. Samples from lesions of any patient with suspected symptoms of Mpox should be sent to the designated labs immediately, and for those that test positive, a sample should be sent to ICMR-NIV for genome sequencing to determine the clade, the advisory added. Since the WHO declared Mpox, or monkeypox, a public health emergency of international concern (PHEIC) last month, India has reported two cases one in Delhi and the other in Kerala. While the patient in Delhi was found to have the Clade 2 strain, which is not part of the WHO warning, the patient in Kerala was diagnosed with the Clade 1b strain. With this, India also became the third non-African country to have confirmed a case of the Clade 1b strain, after Sweden and Thailand, which have also reported one case each. Addressing the difference in both strains, Chandra said that while the clinical presentation is similar in both strains, the rate of complications may be higher in Clade 1 compared to Clade 2 infections. A similar advisory was released by the health secretary earlier this month, asking states and UTs to review their public health preparedness, along with the screening and testing of all suspected cases of Mpox, while asserting that it was closely monitoring the evolving situation. The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare shall continue to monitor the situation closely and will extend all requisite support in this regard to states and UTs, the advisory had stated. Slamming the BJP, former Delhi Chief Minister and Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) National Convenor Arvind Kejriwal asserted that he will ensure that all development and welfare works stalled due to his arrest are back on track at the earliest. Addressing the Delhi Legislative Assembly for the first time since his resignation, he lashed out at the BJP accusing it of stalling various schemes like old age pension, pilgrimage for elderly, and free medicines at hospitals, among others. Interacting with Haryana BJP workers through the NaMo app, Prime Minister Narendra Modi discussed fieldwork at the booth level for the upcoming state polls and encouraged BJP workers to devise a strategy for the party to win the election. While alleging the Congress has failed as an opposition in the past 10 years, PM Modi claimed the grand old party's maximum time goes into infighting and taking on each other. A Mumbai court on Thursday sentenced Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Sanjay Raut to 15 days simple imprisonment in a defamation complaint filed against him by BJP leader Kirit Somaiya's wife Medha Somaiya. The metropolitan magistrate (Sewree court) convicted the Rajya Sabha member under Indian Penal Code Section 500 (punishment for defamation) and also imposed a fine of Rs 25,000 on him. Medha Somaiya, in her complaint filed through advocate Vivekanand Gupta, had alleged that Raut made baseless and completely defamatory allegations against her and her husband. The top court has granted bail to former Tamil Nadu minister V Senthil Balaji, who was arrested by the Enforcement Directorate last year in connection with a money laundering case. The top court had reserved its verdict on August 12 after hearing submissions of Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, representing the Enforcement Directorate (ED), and senior advocates Mukul Rohatagi and Sidharth Luthra, appearing for Balaji. Four people died due to heavy rains in Mumbai on Wednesday evening, which caused severe flooding, traffic jams, disruptions to Central Railway services, and flight diversions. Over a five-hour period starting at 5 pm on Wednesday, the Mumbai Metropolitan Region received over 200 mm of rainfall, leaving commuters stranded on roads and at railway stations. Click here to connect with us on WhatsApp A 45-year-old woman drowned in a nullah in Andheri East, while two workers at a stone quarry in Kalyan were killed by lightning. Another woman drowned near Zenith waterfall. Mumbai rains: IMD issues red alert The India Meteorological Department (IMD) issued a red alert for Mumbai, Thane, and Raigad on Wednesday evening, warning of extremely heavy rainfall, thunderstorms, lightning, and gusty winds until Thursday morning. An orange alert was issued for the remainder of the day. By 8:30 pm on Wednesday, the Colaba observatory recorded 70.4 mm of rainfall, while Santacruz recorded 94.9 mm. Some suburbs, such as Mankhurd (276 mm), Ghatkopar (259 mm), and Powai (234 mm), were particularly affected. Mumbai rainfalls: Schools, colleges shut The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) announced that schools and colleges in Mumbai, Thane, Palghar, Pune, and Pimpri-Chinchwad will remain closed on Thursday due to heavy rainfall and weather warnings. The Mumbai Police advised residents to stay indoors and avoid venturing out unless essential. IMD monsoon: Train services, flights affected Train services on the Main and Harbour lines of Central Railway were heavily impacted. While the Western Railway remained operational, services on the slow track of the main line were halted beyond Vidyavihar due to significant flooding starting at 8:10 pm on Wednesday. Trains on the Thane-bound line resumed an hour later with speed restrictions, and the CSMT-bound line was operational again by 9:40 pm. Harbour line services were stopped from 9:40 pm, with trains running only between CSMT-Kurla and Vashi-Panvel. Meanwhile, 14 flights were diverted at Mumbai airport, and seven others had to abort landings, circling back for another attempt amid heavy rains and lightning. (With agency inputs) KP George is the Fort Bend County Judge. Sharon Steinmann/Staff Photographer A post from "Antonio Scalywag" on Sept. 26, 2022 to KP George's Facebook page shows support for George's opponent. Courtesy/KP George Fort Bend County Judge KP George on Thursday was indicted on a misdemeanor charge of misrepresentation of identity with the intent to influence an election, court records show. George was arrested Thursday night and booked into the Fort Bend County jail. Documents from the Fort Bend County District Attorneys Office allege that George posed as Facebook user Antonio Scalywag to injure Republican challenger Trever Nehls in George's 2022 re-election bid. George's representatives could not immediately be reached for comment. George's bail was set at $1,000. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Precinct 1 Commissioner Vincent Morales called for George to step down in a Thursday afternoon social media post. In the post, Morales raised questions about how the indictment impacts George's authority as county judge, as well as how it relates to George's use of county law enforcement officers for security detail. "I remain extremely concerned about the business of our county government through this disturbing turn of events," Morales said. CANDIDATE INDICTED: Fort Bend Democrat Taral Patel indicted on 4 charges of online impersonation to influence election A search warrant issued Sept. 19 alleges that George coordinated with Patel to use cellphones to create fake social media accounts to send themselves racist messages to influence elections, court documents show. Advertisement Article continues below this ad George had initially stated that he felt deep disappointment with authorities, calling the search warrant unnecessary. While I respect the legal process and willingly complied with the search warrant, I must express my deep disappointment in how this event was conducted, George said in a Sept. 20 statement. Had I been treated with courtesy and respect, I would have voluntarily surrendered the requested items in person to the Fort Bend County District Attorney's Office. From the outset, I have been fully cooperating with the authorities, he said in the statement. Ive complied with them and provided the requested items. By issuing a warrant, George said, authorities have subjected him to public criticism. The aggressive and unnecessary approach used has fueled unwarranted speculation, led to public slander, and created an unsafe environment for both my family and me. Advertisement Article continues below this ad On Monday, George issued a statement saying that his main focus is on serving the residents of Fort Bend County. "I will continue to perform my duties as the county judge which citizens of Fort Bend County overwhelmingly elected me to do, he said. I have 100% faith in the legal process and trust that once all the facts are reviewed, my name will be cleared, Patel has been charged with four felony counts of online impersonation to influence the result of an election, court documents show. Patel is the Democratic nominee for Fort Bend County Precinct 3 Commissioner. Precinct 3 Commissioner Andy Meyers, who is running against Patel in the November election, has previously called for George to resign and said in a Thursday statement: Advertisement Article continues below this ad Fort Bend County is the most diverse county in the United Statesknown for being safe, family-friendly, and business-friendly. However, the racist messages that investigators say were manufactured by my opponent, Taral Patel, with the alleged knowledge of Judge KP George, have sown fear within our community." The Manipur government on Wednesday retracted its earlier statement, claiming that hundreds of Kuki militants were planning an alleged attack on the Meitei community on September 28. They had earlier said that 900 Kuki militants were planning to attack peripheral villages of Imphal Valley districts around September 28. In a joint statement, Security Advisor Kuldiep Singh and DGP Rajiv Singh said, In view of recent reactions from different communities regarding the input on the infiltration of 900 trained Kuki militants from Myanmar to carry out attacks on Meiteis on September 28, it is clarified that the input was verified from various sources but could not be substantiated on the ground. There is no current basis to believe in any such input. Click here to connect with us on WhatsApp The statement assured, Security forces are on high alert to protect the lives and property of citizens. All communities are assured of their safety, and advised the public to not believe in any rumours or unverified news. The development followed days after the security advisor, on September 20, had indicated that security had been beefed up in the wake of the reports that militants might attack peripheral villages. In the earlier statement, he remarked that such reports were circulating for the past three to four days. He had mentioned that planned attacks could occur any day around September 28. Such misadventures by armed groups is remote In his latest statement, N Geoffrey, Secretary to the Chief Minister said, Based on information regarding the movement of armed groups, this office shared intelligence inputs to enable the Police Department to develop the said information for actionable insights. It is now ascertained that the possibility of such misadventures by armed groups is remote, he said, urging the public not to panic. Earlier, Manipur Congress MLA Thokchom Lokeshwar Sing had expressed concern over the situation, calling for clarification on the matter. The state has been under the grasp of sporadic incidents of violence, a result of large-scale ethnic violence in the northern state since May 2023. According to government data, up to 221 people have lost their lives due to the violence, and around 60,000 individuals have been displaced from their homes. The violence was first triggered between the Kukis and the Meitis after the Manipur High Court had recommended giving Scheduled Tribe status to the Meiteis. Former Principal of RG Kar Medical College, Sandip Ghosh and arrested officer-in-charge of Tala police station, Abhijit Mondal were brought to the Presidency Jail from Sealdah Court on Wednesday. Both Ghosh and Mondal were arrested by the Central Bureau of Investigation in connection with the rape and murder of a woman doctor at RG Kar Medical College. Meanwhile, On Wednesday, Junior doctors also gathered to pay tribute to the rape and murder victim. Earlier this week, West Bengal Medical Council had cancelled the medical practitioner registration of the principal. During the investigation, ED reached the residence of the former principal of RG Kar Medical College and Hospital, Sandip Ghosh, at Chinar Park in Kolkata to carry out a search operation.ED had registered a case under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) to probe money laundering charges against Sandip Ghosh in the financial irregularities case. Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah is set to launch KWIN City on Wednesday, an ambitious integrated smart city spread over 2,000 acres. The project aims to redefine the business landscape with a knowledge, well-being, and innovation hub, by bringing together world-class facilities in a single location, according to the state government. Explaining the vision of the project, CM Siddaramaiah said that it embodies Karnatakas bold vision for the future. We are creating an ecosystem that will drive economic growth, attract global talent, and foster groundbreaking advancements, he said, adding that it will establish the state as a global leader in innovation and development. Click here to connect with us on WhatsApp According to the official website of the project, the city will have four districts: Knowledge, Health, Innovation and Research. The inauguration ceremony will be held at 11.00 am at the Legislative Assembly building. Karnataka Deputy CM D K Shivkumar and Infrastructure Minister M B Patil are also expected to attend the event. Top 5 features of Karnatakas KWIN city: 1) Spread over more than 2,000 acres, the city is located on the Bangalore Satellite Town Ring Road (STRR) between Doddapete and Doddaballapur. 2) Its approximate travel time from Bengalurus Kempegowda International Airport is 45 minutes. The city has been planned to promote sustainable lifestyle by integrating state-of-the-art technology with eco-friendly infrastructure, according to the official website. 3) It boasts a seamless transportation network, having a central monorail system providing rapid transit, with stops every 800 metres, the website said. 4) It also highlighted that 40 per cent of the city is allocated to parks and open spaces, featuring over 10 lakes interconnected by a network of canals. 5) To establish a modern education hub, the city aims to attract the top 500 foreign educational institutions to operate campuses in India and foster academia-industry partnerships. The expected timeline of this project is not known yet. Housing sales in Delhi-NCR fell 2 per cent to 15,570 units from 15,865 units. Photo: Shutterstock Housing sales fell 11 per cent during July-September to 1.07 lakh units in seven major cities on lower launches and an annual 23 per cent growth in average prices, according to Anarock. Real estate consultant Anarock on Thursday released data that showed an 11 per cent fall in sales of residential properties in July-September to 1,07,060 units from 1,20,290 units in the year-ago period. Click here to connect with us on WhatsApp Anarock Chairman Anuj Puri said, "All the top cities individually recorded a dip in housing sales." The top 7 cities witnessed a drop of 19 per cent in new housing supply, with 93,750 units launched in July-September 2024 against 1,16,220 units in the corresponding period in 2023. "Nevertheless, the fact that sales remained higher than launches indicates that the demand-supply equation remains robust," Puri said. He pointed out that housing sales in the third quarter tapered down amid high prices and the monsoon season. "As always in this period, the 'shraad' period also suppressed demand to an extent as many Indians defer home buying in this period." Overall, Puri said the housing market is stabilising after creating a new peak in January-March 2024. Anarock said that developers have several projects lined up during the festive quarter (October-December) during which the market is expected to see an uptick in demand. "That said, (sales) growth in the upcoming quarters may not be as steep as seen in the last 1-2 years," said Puri. "Residential prices too seem to have peaked out and are now gradually stabilising across cities. Developers are likely to roll out several offers and discounts during the upcoming festive quarter to attract buyers," As per the data, Mumbai Metropolitan Region (MMR) recorded the highest sales among the top 7 cities in the July-September quarter at 36,190 units, a 6 per cent drop from 38,505 units in the year-ago period. Pune saw a 17 per cent decline in sales to 19,050 units from 22,885 units during the period under review. Housing sales in Delhi-NCR fell 2 per cent to 15,570 units from 15,865 units. In Bengaluru, housing sales decreased 8 per cent to 15,025 units from 16,395 units. Hyderabad recorded sales of 12,735 units, a 22 per cent fall from 16,375 units in the third quarter of 2023 calendar year. Housing sales in Kolkata declined 25 per cent to 3,980 units from 5,320 units. In Chennai, housing sales fell 9 per cent to 4,510 units during July-September from 4,945 units in the year-ago period. "Due to escalating input costs as well as significant sales growth, average residential property prices across the top 7 cities collectively rose by 23 per cent annually - from Rs 6,800 per sq. ft. in Q3 2023 to Rs 8,390 per sq. ft. in Q3 2024," Anarock said. Among the top 7 cities, Hyderabad saw the highest 32 per cent jump in average prices. Rodeo Houston chaps are seen during the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo at NRG Park, Tuesday, March 12, 2024, in Houston. Jason Fochtman/Staff photographer A Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo official on Thursday pleaded guilty to federal wire fraud crimes and could face 20 years in prison more than a year after he was arrested over accusations he used his position to defraud multiple people, including other rodeo officials. Michael Wayne Galvan, 61, a former rodeo vice president, last year was accused of running a fraudulent loan scheme, according to the U.S Attorney's Office for the Southern District of Texas. MORE ON HOUSTONCHRONICLE.COM: Fort Bend County Judge KP George indicted in connection to fake social media post investigation Advertisement Article continues below this ad Galvan pleaded guilty to a charge of conspiracy to commit wire fraud and will be sentenced in December, according to the U.S. Attorney's office. He faces a possible sentence of up to 20 years in prison, and could be fined up to $250,000 and order to pay restitution to his victims. Federal prosecutors said Galvan would obtain short-term loans, ostensibly so his business, MGB Builders, could purchase tile and granite from China. Instead of purchasing construction materials, however, Galvan was accused of using the money to pay back loans he had received from other people. The scheme netted Galvan $2.8 million, according to prosecutors. He was found out after he "ran out of victims and money." According to federal officials, Galvan's crime happened between February 2016 and March 2018. He was accused of using his position at the rodeo to find people to defraud. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Cipla said that its wholly owned subsidiary in UK, Cipla (EU) has entered into definitive agreement with Jiangsu Xidi Pharmaceuticals to acquire 6.9124% stake in Cipla (Jiangsu) Pharmaceuticals. Cipla Jiangsu was incorporated in China on 8th August 2019 as a joint venture between Cipla (EU) and Jiangsu Xidi Pharmaceuticals Co., (Xidi) for the purpose of manufacturing, selling and distribution of pharmaceutical products, research and development services and analytical development services. Cipla Jiangsu has set-up a manufacturing facility in China, primarily focused on inhalation respules products. Currently, Cipla EU and Xidi holds 93.0876% and 6.9124% equity interest respectively in Cipla Jiangsu. Click here to connect with us on WhatsApp Cipla Jiangsu was incorporated in China on 8th August 2019 as a joint venture between Cipla (EU) and Jiangsu Xidi Pharmaceuticals Co., (Xidi) for the purpose of manufacturing, selling and distribution of pharmaceutical products, research and development services and analytical development services. Cipla Jiangsu has set-up a manufacturing facility in China, primarily focused on inhalation respules products. The said transaction is being carried out in terms of the existing joint venture contract between the parties and will provide Cipla EU with full control and ownership of Cipla Jiangsu. Upon completion of the transaction, Cipla Jiangsu will become a wholly owned step-down subsidiary of the company. The transaction is expected to be completed on or before 15th November 2024. Cipla is a global pharmaceutical company focused on agile and sustainable growth, complex generics, and deepening portfolio in our home markets of India, South Africa, North America, and key regulated and emerging markets. The pharma companys consolidated net profit jumped 18.27% to Rs 1177.64 crore in Q1 FY25 as against Rs 995.70 crore reported in Q1 FY24. Total revenue from operations grew by 5.77% year on year to Rs 6693.94 crore in the quarter ended 30 June 2024. The counter shed 0.17% to Rs 1,640.45 on the BSE. Powered by Capital Market - Live News Oil and Natural Gas Corporation said that its board has approved an investment of Rs 10,501 crore in equity shares of ONGC Petro additions (OPaL), in one or more tranches. In September 2023, the board of the company had accorded its consent on sustainable capital restructuring of ONGC Petro additions (OPaL). Click here to connect with us on WhatsApp OPaL is a a joint venture of ONGC, GAIL (India) Ltd. and GSPC with present shareholding of 49.36%, 49.21% and 1.43% respectively. It is a mega - grass root petrochemical complex consists of a global scale dual feed cracker with downstream polymer units as an integration-cum-value addition project utilizing ONGCs Naphtha stream from Hazira and Uran plants and C2+ Streams from Dahej Extraction Plant. OpaL is an anchor tenant of Dahej PCPIR, Gujarat and has exported its products to more than 50 countries in the world. Offering the rationale for the aforementioned capital restructuring, ONGC had said that the fund infusion would not only augment the holding of ONGC in OPaL, but it would also help OPaL become more profitable. In August this year, the Ministry of Petroleum & Natural Gas, Government of India (GoI), had granted approved to ONGC for infusion of additional equity capital upto Rs 10,501 crore in ONGC Petro. The transaction would also involve conversion of back stopped compulsorily convertible debentures (CCDs) amounting to Rs 7,778 crore and payment of balance amount of Rs 86 crore with respect to share warrants. All this would translate into an outlay of Rs 18,365 crore for ONGC. Accordingly, this transaction would change the status of OPaL into subsidiary of ONGC with 95.69% equity stake. "The approval also provides roadmap for OPaL. GoI has also permitted to allocate 50% of the annual gas production from new wells or well interventions in nomination fields of ONGC or upto 3.2 MMSCMD of domestic natural gas, whichever is lower, for providing feedstock support to OPaL, at a price up to 20% above APM price. APM Price of natural gas per MMBTU is 10% of Indian Crude basket price per barrel of Oil, ONGC had said in a statement. Offering an update on the same, in an exchange filing made after market hours on Wednesday (25 September 2024), ONGC said that it has received approval from its board for infusion Rs 10,501 crore equity capital in ONGC Petro additions. At the same meeting yesterday, the board of the company has also approved the appointment of Arunangshu Sarkar, director (strategy & corporate affairs) as a key managerial personnel of the company with immediate effect. Maharatna Oil and Natural Gas Corporation (ONGC) is the largest crude oil and natural gas company in India, contributing around 71% to Indian domestic production. It has in-house service capabilities in all areas of exploration and production of oil & gas and related oil-field services. The Government of India held 58.89% stake in ONGC as of June 2024. The company had reported 15.09% decline in standalone net profit to Rs 8,938.10 crore in Q1 FY25 as compared with Rs 10,526.78 crore in Q1 FY24. Revenue from operations increased 4.29% YoY to Rs 35,266.38 crore in Q1 FY25. The scrip fell 1.93% to currently trade at Rs 292.80 on the BSE. Powered by Capital Market - Live News Tata Steel Ltd is quoting at Rs 164.36, up 1.67% on the day as on 12:44 IST on the NSE. The stock is up 28.26% in last one year as compared to a 32.35% gain in NIFTY and a 46.1% gain in the Nifty Metal. Tata Steel Ltd is up for a fifth straight session in a row. The stock is quoting at Rs 164.36, up 1.67% on the day as on 12:44 IST on the NSE. The benchmark NIFTY is up around 0.35% on the day, quoting at 26094.2. The Sensex is at 85475.02, up 0.36%. Tata Steel Ltd has added around 6.24% in last one month. Click here to connect with us on WhatsApp Meanwhile, Nifty Metal index of which Tata Steel Ltd is a constituent, has added around 4.97% in last one month and is currently quoting at 9777.15, up 1.27% on the day. The volume in the stock stood at 472.6 lakh shares today, compared to the daily average of 413.25 lakh shares in last one month. The benchmark September futures contract for the stock is quoting at Rs 164.9, up 1.9% on the day. Tata Steel Ltd is up 28.26% in last one year as compared to a 32.35% gain in NIFTY and a 46.1% gain in the Nifty Metal index. The PE of the stock is 12.32 based on TTM earnings ending June 24. Powered by Capital Market - Live News Hero MotoCorp share price fall: Shares of largest two-wheeler manufacturer, Hero MotoCorp dropped up to 2.76 per cent to hit an intraday low of Rs 5,919.50 per share on Thursday, September 26, 2024. The downtrend in the Hero MotoCorp share price came after international brokerage firm UBS maintained its 'Sell' rating with a target price of Rs 3,350 per share, implying a downside of 45 per cent from the share's previous close (September 25) of Rs 6,087.60 per share. Click here to connect with us on WhatsApp Pramod Kumar and Nikunj Mandowara of UBS said, "The stock is trading at c26x FY26E price-to-earnings (P/E), which is more than three standard deviations (3SD) higher than its five-year historical average. We maintain our 'Sell' rating with a price target (PT) of Rs 3,350." Meanwhile, here are the factors behind UBS' rating on Hero MotoCorp: Wholesale volumes and festive optimism vs Retail underperformance Despite a disappointing Q1FY25 earnings report and ongoing losses in retail market share, Hero MotoCorps stock has surged approximately 20 per cent since its earnings call, analysts at UBS noted. The stock performance appears driven by anticipated increases in wholesale volumes for September and October, alongside managements positive outlook for the festive season. Investor sentiment, reinforced by dealer feedback, suggests that wholesale volumes may exceed 600,000 units in September 2024. However, this anticipated surge contrasts sharply with Heros retail trends, indicating a substantial buildup of inventory. According to Vahan data, Heros expected retail volumes for September are around 300,000 units, suggesting that inventory additions this month could surpass total retail sales. This would elevate dealer (including sub-dealer) inventory to over 1.3 million units. Given the high inventory levels and fierce competition from Honda, analysts anticipate an increase in discounting from both companies as the festive season approaches. Festive performance lags in full-year growth The two wheeler manufacatuerss festive retail volumes over the past two years have seen growth rates of 20 per cent and 19 per cent, respectively. However, an analysis by UBS of full-year performance reveals that despite this festive strength, Hero MotoCorp's overall retail volume growth was only 11 per cent for FY23 and 6 per cent for FY24. This growth, analysts noted, is considerably lower than that of its peers, which achieved 23 per cent and 12 per cent growth during the same periods, indicating Hero's market share has been under major pressure. Notably, despite claims of record festive retail volumes, the companys market share during the festive season (October to December) has been steadily declining, reaching a new low of below 24 per cent as of September 2024. Ongoing market share challenges amid product launches From April to August 2024, Hero MotoCorp witnessed a 310 basis point (bp) drop in retail market share, falling to 28.8 per cent, with September figures dipping below 24 per centapproximately 400 basis points behind Honda. The sharp decline, occurring even after the successful launch of the Xtreme 125, indicates a troubling loss in the commuter motorcycle segment, UBS analysts said. Increased competition from models like the Honda Shine and Bajaj Freedom, coupled with a shift toward scooters and EVs in smaller markets, analysts believe, is further eroding Heros traditional customer base, even as the broader market anticipates a recovery in commuter motorcycle sales. At 10:02 AM, shares of Hero MotoCorp were trading 2.35 per cent lower at Rs 5,944.75 per share. In comparison, BSE Sensex was trading 0.20 per cent higher at 85,340.80 levels. China's water conservancy projects create 2.1 million jobs in first 8 months Xinhua) 09:59, September 26, 2024 BEIJING, Sept. 25 (Xinhua) -- China's investment in water conservancy projects totaled 801.94 billion yuan (114.23 billion U.S. dollars) in the first eight months of this year, up 10.7 percent year on year, a government official said on Wednesday. At a press conference on water conservancy infrastructure construction held in Beijing, Wang Bao'en, vice minister of water resources, said that water conservancy project construction on a massive scale has contributed to employment. Construction of such projects created nearly 2.1 million jobs in the first eight months, up 6.9 percent year on year. Wang said that during the period, the five provinces of Hebei, Guangdong, Zhejiang, Shandong and Anhui each posted investment exceeding 40 billion yuan in the sector. Government data also shows that since the beginning of this year, a total of 42,000 water conservancy projects have been implemented nationwide, up 14.1 percent year on year. Among them, 28,000 are newly started projects, up 18.7 percent. Wang said that in the next step, the Ministry of Water Resources will continue to make solid efforts to promote water conservancy infrastructure construction after the main flood season. (Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Zhong Wenxing) Students and faculty at Christ the Redeemer Catholic school celebrate the school's 2024 Blue Ribbon award in Houston. Courtesy of Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston Four Houston area schools were nominated with the prestigious 2024 Blue Ribbon award from the U.S. Department of Education this year, out of 31 campuses in the state that received the award. Only one of the four is a public school campus, while the other awarded campuses are all private Catholic schools in the area. Alief Independent School District was the only district awarded the honor this year, with its Early College High School, a Title I campus, receiving the accolades. This is Alief ISD's second time in three years to receive the award. Elsewhere in Houston, Christ the Redeemer Catholic school, Saint John Paul II Catholic School and St. Helen Catholic school, all part of the Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston, which serves 1.7 million Catholics in 10 counties and is the fifth largest Roman Catholic Diocese in the U.S., made the list. These three schools are part of the 40 non-public schools in the U.S. to be awarded the designation. Advertisement Article continues below this ad The Blue Ribbon awards recognize schools that are among their states highest performing schools as measured by state assessments or national tests. They are also recognized for "exemplary achievement gap-closing," meaning they are closing gaps between certain at-risk student groups and all students. This year, the U.S. Department of Education nominated 356 campuses out of the 420 schools that can be nominated in any given year. Last year, three campuses in the Houston area received the award, Nitsch Elementary in Klein ISD, Houston Gateway Academy Elite College Prep, and St. Laurence Catholic School in Sugar Land. In 2022, three catholic schools were also nominated, Saint Cecilia Catholic School, Saint Vincent de Paul Catholic School and St Anne Catholic School, alongside Kerr High School in Alief ISD. Advertisement Article continues below this ad ALSO READ: New Catholic career and technical education high school in Third Ward is unlike any other Houston school Manba Finance IPO allotment status: The basis of allotment of Manba Finance IPO is likely to be finalised today. The public issue, which ended for subscription yesterday, received massive demand from investors, with bids for 1,97,18,34,875 shares against 87,99,000 offered, resulting in an oversubscription of 224.10 times by the final day of subscription, September 25, 2024. Manba Finance IPO received the highest demand from Non-institutional investors, who bid for a whopping 511.65 times, followed by Qualified institutional buyers (QIBs) who bid for 148.55 times, and Retail individual investors (RIIs) who bid for 144.03 times, as per the data available on the NSE. Click here to connect with us on WhatsApp Manba Finance IPO allotment status The shares of Manba Finance are scheduled to be allotted today. Once the allotment is finalized, investors can check the allotment status of the Manba Finance IPO by visiting the official websites of either BSE, NSE, or Link Intime, the registrar for the issue. Alternatively, investors can use the following links to check the allotment status of Manba Finance IPO directly: - Check Manba Finance IPO allotment status on BSE: https://www.bseindia.com/investors/appli_check.aspx - Check Manba Finance IPO allotment status on Link Intime: https://linkintime.co.in/initial_offer/public-issues.html - Check Manba Finance IPO allotment status on NSE: https://www.nseindia.com/products/dynaContent/equities/ipos/ipo_login.jsp Manba Finance IPO grey market premium (GMP) The unlisted shares of Manba Finance continue to command a strong premium in the grey markets on Thursday. Manba Finance shares are currently trading at a premium of Rs 58 or 48.33 per cent over the upper band of the IPO price of Rs 120, according to several sources tracking grey market activities. This indicates a strong listing for Manba Finance shares on the bourses. Manba Finance expected listing price Following the allotment, shares of Manba Finance are expected to make their debut on the bourses on Monday, September 30, 2024, by listing on BSE and NSE. Should the current grey market premium hold, shares of Manba Finance may list around Rs 178 (Upper end of IPO price + GMP), a premium of nearly 49 per cent from the upper band of the issue price. About Manba Finance Manba Finance is a non-banking finance company (NBFC-BL), which offers financial solutions for new two-wheelers (2Ws), three-wheelers (3Ws), electric two-wheelers (EV2Ws), electric three-wheelers (EV3Ws), used cars, small business loans, and personal loans. Manba Finance IPO comprised an entirely fresh issue of 12,570,000 shares. It was available at a price band of Rs 114-120, and a lot size of 125 shares. The subscription window remained open from Monday, September 23, 2024, till Wednesday, September 25, 2024. Markets regulator Sebi on Thursday issued operational guidelines for Foreign Venture Capital Investors (FVCIs) outlining procedures for registration, compliance, and investment activities Also, the Securities and Exchange Board of India has issued operational guidelines for Designated Depository Participants (DDPs). The guidelines are aimed at helping FVCIs and DDPs transition smoothly to the amended FVCI regime, which will come into effect on January 1, 2025. Click here to connect with us on WhatsApp Under the guidelines, Sebi has outlined procedures for FVCI registration, compliance, and investment activities and also specified the role of DDPs. The regulator has set a deadline of March 31, 2025, for all existing FVCIs to engage with a DDP. Failing to do so will restrain FVCIs from making any new investments. "Existing FVCIs shall engage a DDP, to avail its services for conducting due diligence with respect to continuance of registration as an FVCI, by March 31, 2025. "Any FVCI failing to engage a DDP by March 31, 2025, shall not be permitted to make any further investment and shall liquidate investments in listed securities, by March 31, 2026 and other investments, by March 31, 2027," Sebi said in its circular. Proceeds from these sales are required to comply with Know Your Customer (KYC), Anti-Money Laundering (AML), and Combating Financing of Terrorism (CFT) rules. The guidelines also mandate that DDPs conduct eligibility checks on FVCIs within six months of engagement. If an FVCI fails to meet the required eligibility criteria, it will be restricted from making new investments, although it can hold or sell existing ones. FVCIs with no holdings must surrender their registration within 30 days of the DDP's assessment. Additionally, if any FVCI or its major investors appear on the United Nations Security Council's sanctions list or are no longer considered "fit and proper," Sebi will halt all transactions involving that FVCI. DDPs are required to notify SEBI within seven days of such cases. To continue operating, FVCIs will be required to submit complete registration applications, including the required documents and fees, to their respective DDPs. Thus far in calendar year 2024, the stock price of Out of 186 trading days, the stock of the transformers manufacturer and distributor company has locked in upper circuit on 158 days, data from the exchanges showed. Shares of Marsons hit a new high of Rs 267.55, as they locked in 5 per cent upper circuit on the BSE on Thursdays intra-day trade.Thus far in calendar year 2024, the stock price of Marsons has skyrocketed 3,352 per cent, or nearly 35 times, from the level of Rs 7.75 it was on December 29, 2023.Out of 186 trading days, the stock of the transformers manufacturer and distributor company has locked in upper circuit on 158 days, data from the exchanges showed. Currently, Marsons is trading under the 'Z' group of stocks on the Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE). This group includes companies that have failed to comply with the listing requirements laid out by the bourses, and/or have failed to resolve investor complaints. Stocks are also classified in the 'Z' category if they have not made the required arrangements with both the depositories, that is, Central Depository Services (CDSL) and National Securities Depository (NSDL) for the dematerialisation of their securities. Click here to connect with us on WhatsApp Marsons is engaged in the manufacturing and distribution of transformers in the capacity range of 10 KVA to 160 MVA 220 kV class. According to the management, the demand for the companys product in coming years will increase significantly. The expansion of the infrastructure industry and real estate business, extensive rural electrification programme of the Indian government, development of shopping malls, and complexes, among other infrastructure development activities, will create demand for various types of transformers, the company's management said in its FY24 annual report. They added that the company, working in this industry with flexibility, will survive and have a bright future due to the growing demand. The current scenario is very encouraging because the major thrust of the government is on the power and Infrastructure sector. However, the companys nature of business is capital intensive and hence any delay in the cycle causes huge interest loss and weighs on the bottom line of the company, the management added. Meanwhile, for the April to June quarter (Q1FY25), Marsons had reported a net profit of Rs 5.24 crore, compared to a net loss of Rs 0.43 crore in the year ago quarter. The company had posted a net profit of Rs 0.45 crore in Q4FY24. Net sales of the company rose to Rs 29.88 crore in Q1FY25, from Rs 0.23 crore in Q1FY24. Vedanta dividend announcement 2024: Shares of Anil Agarwal-led metals and mining major Vedanta were in the spotlight on Thursday as the scrip surged 3.30 per cent to day's high of Rs 495.45 apiece during Thursday's intra-day trading. The uptick was fueled by the company's announcement of a fourth interim dividend for FY25. Vedanta , in an exchange filing, has said that a meeting of the Board of Directors of the company is proposed to be scheduled on Tuesday, October 8, 2024, to consider and approve the fourth interim dividend on equity shares, if any, for the financial year 2024-25. Click here to connect with us on WhatsApp As per the data available on the exchanges, Vedanta has already fixed Wednesday, October 16, 2024, as the 'Record Date' for the purpose of determining the entitlement of the equity shareholders for the said dividend. Vedanta boasts a rich history of paying dividends to its shareholders. The data available on the BSE reflects that the company has earlier this financial year paid interim dividends of Rs 11, Rs 4, and Rs 20 on three different occasions. At the current market price, Vedanta shares have a dividend yield of 7.23 per cent, as of September 26, 2024. Vedanta, a subsidiary of Vedanta Resources, has operations as a global powerhouse of minerals, power, and energy companies, uniquely covering traditional and new-age businesses. Formerly a FTSE 100 company and headquartered in London, Vedanta Resources is the holding company for Vedanta and Konkola Copper Mines. Vedanta enjoys a market capitalisation of Rs 1,89,204.13 crore on the BSE, as of September 26, 2024. The company is a constituent of the BSE 100 index. In the first quarter of FY25, Vedantas profit after tax (PAT), attributable to the owners of the company, jumped to Rs 3,606 crore, from Rs 2,640 crore reported in the corresponding quarter of the previous fiscal year. Historically, Vedanta shares have exhibited remarkable performance. Shares of mining major have advanced nearly 5 per cent in the last one month, and 80 per cent in the last six months. The companys shares have sprinted 89 per cent year-to-date. Vedanta shares have doubled investors money in the last one year with a rally of a whopping 116.02 per cent during the said period. Vedanta shares have a 52-week range of Rs 506.85 - 207.85 on the BSE. At around 11:08 AM, Vedanta shares were quoted trading at Rs 495.10, up 3.23 per cent from its previous close. At the same time, nearly 7.08 lakh equity shares of Vedanta worth around Rs 34.36 crore exchanged hands on the BSE. Three councillors from the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) switched sides to the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Wednesday (September 25), reducing the ruling partys majority in the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) House, several media outlets reported. This shift came just a day before the election to fill the vacant seat on the influential Standing Committee. This marks the second time in a month that AAP councillors have defected. On August 25, five AAP members joined the BJP, though one later returned to AAP. Click here to connect with us on WhatsApp With these latest defections, AAP's presence in the 250-member MCD House has dropped to 125, leaving it short of the majority at 126. Meanwhile, the BJP has 113 councillors, further narrowing the gap between the two parties. The councillors who crossed over to the BJP are Preeti from Dilshad Colony, Sarita Phogat from Green Park, and Praveen Kumar from Madanpur Khadar East. AAP has accused the BJP of engaging in dirty politics, claiming the opposition party continually obstructs the citys progress. In response, BJP spokesperson Praveen Shankar Kapoor argued that AAP no longer has the moral authority to govern in the MCD following the reduction in its numbers. Concerns about cross-voting The Hindu reported several former MCD officials as saying that as long as AAP holds the Mayors position, maintaining a majority in the House is less critical. A former MCD Commissioner noted that the anti-defection law does not apply in the MCD, making cross-voting a frequent occurrence. However, AAP may need the backing of Congresss nine members to secure a win in the upcoming Standing Committee election, where cross-voting could jeopardise the partys control over the important decision-making body, which handles projects exceeding Rs 5 crore in value. Various Congress insiders have indicated that the party might abstain from voting, the national-daily said. Currently, the 17-member Standing Committee consists of nine BJP members and eight from AAP. The upcoming election is necessary to fill the seat left vacant by BJP member Kamaljeet Sehrawat, who was elected to the Lok Sabha earlier this year. Allegations of coercion Meanwhile, AAPs Malviya Nagar MLA, Somnath Bharti, said Sarita Phogat was forced to leave the party. In a social media post, he expressed concern for Phogat, who he says has been consistently supportive of him and has shown no prior dissatisfaction. He also noted that she is suffering from a brain tumour, has been unwell throughout her tenure, and recently lost her husband. Bharti accused the BJP of pressuring her into switching parties, alleging that she had been abducted and calling on the Lieutenant-Governor and Delhi Police to locate her. MCD election on September 26 On Thursday, the MCD is undergoing a significant election to determine control of its Standing Committee, a pivotal body responsible for major decisions within the civic administration. The election is set to fill the single vacancy in the 18-member Committee, which was left by Kamaljeet Sehrawats resignation following her election to the Lok Sabha. What does the current MCD house look like? In the 250-member MCD House, AAP holds 125 seats, while the BJP has 115, Congress has nine, and there is one independent councillor. As for the Standing Committee, the BJP secured seven seats in recent ward committee elections, while AAP holds five, leaving the current composition at nine seats for the BJP and eight for AAP, a balance that includes results carried forward from last years Standing Committee election. Union minister Chirag Paswan has strongly batted for a nationwide caste-based census, saying data from the exercise will help in knowing the exact population of sections of society that require further upliftment. Speaking at the 'India Today Conclave' in Mumbai on Wednesday, the Lok Janshakti Party (Ram Vilas) president also said there is no doubt the ruling BJP-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA) will again form government in Bihar, where the assembly polls are due in late 2025. Click here to connect with us on WhatsApp The Bihar assembly polls will be contested under the leadership of Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, Paswan maintained, referring to the JD(U) leader and his one-time political rival. The Dalit leader from Bihar also asserted his party is committed to a certain section of society it represents. "We (LJP-Ram Vilas) have our own priorities, our concerns for the section of the society which we represent. If the section is wronged, then it is the responsibility of our party to become the voice of that section," Paswan said when asked about his stand on caste-based census and lateral entry in government jobs. "Our stand is very clear -- there should be a caste-based census because many policies are made on the basis of caste to bring people of that community in mainstream. The government must at least have the (data of) population of that community so that funds could be allotted accordingly," Union Minister for Food Processing said. Paswan said he and his ally BJP are on the same page on the issue of caste-based reservations and pointed to the support of the NDA to the caste survey undertaken in his home state Bihar in 2023. The minister, whose party had "strong reservations" about lateral entry recruitments in bureaucracy, said he had strongly opposed the move. The LJP (Ram Vilas) president said he brought to Prime Minister Narendra Modi's notice that there was an unrest among Scheduled Castes/OBCs over the UPSC decision to fill up key government posts through lateral entry, and the move was subsequently rescinded. The first-time Union minister further said he intends to expand his largely Bihar-centric political party and indicated the outfit will contest the upcoming assembly polls in Jharkhand. Asked about keeping his flock together, Paswan asserted all his five Lok Sabha MPs will stay with him and said those predicting that his party will break are only daydreaming. On the Agnipath scheme for recruitment in defence forces, the minister said there was no reason to oppose the programme now. Paswan said he and a delegation from his party have held discussions with Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, who explained to them in detail about the scheme, which has attracted criticism from the opposition. Community members and teachers stand in support of a speaker who is also a recently terminated teacher during Houston ISD's Board of Managers monthly board meeting on Thursday, May 9, 2024, in Houston. Raquel Natalicchio/Staff photographer Houston ISD's state-appointed board members plan to meet with various community organizations through December to share the board's progress on its goals and constraints. The meeting plan was developed under the board's ad hoc community engagement committee. "We're excited about the plan. It allows us to meet with community organizations through the month of December at a good pace," board member Rolando Martinez said at a September board meeting. He said that another round of meetings will occur in the spring. Advertisement Article continues below this ad The district did not provide the tentative outline of community organizations mentioned on Sept. 14 or the timeframe of the meetings and outreach, despite multiple requests from the Houston Chronicle. An HISD spokesperson commented Friday, "Individual board members will be reaching out to and meeting with a wide range of community organizations on an ongoing basis to learn from one another and to partner on the continuing work of transforming HISD." The plan to meet with community organizations follows a spring planning period, according to the committee's posted action plan approved by the board in May, and a May event where more than 70 high school students receiving School Board Awards for academic achievement, leadership, service and character, provided feedback on how HISD did or did not set them up for "a choice-filled life," according to the committee's report in the board's June 27 agenda. That report highlighted students' positive feedback, including school choice programs and teacher support. But some students also noted inequitable access to career pathways, a lack of college and career counselors, and a lack of diversity in extracurriculars. Feedback labeled "challenges" range and include ESL supports, a lack of financial literacy, mental and physical health, teacher stress, and "libraries (access)." Advertisement Article continues below this ad "It is the board's responsibility to act on behalf of the whole, not just those who take the time or have access to lobby them," the committee's plan reads. "The community's diversity must not only be respected but intentionally sought. Further, the board must adopt a protocol to ensure that community engagement is done with a shared voice so that no section of the community receives inconsistent information." Protocol calls for the engagement sessions to be 10-20 people by invitation at the district's central office administration building with a drafted script and presentation, according to the community engagement plan. Board members may also visit organization meeting places or meet at a school campus, Martinez said at a Saturday board meeting. Board members signed up for meetings in the third week of September. The board may opt to hold engagement sessions online as well, the plan shows. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Chief of Strategic Initiatives Alexandra Elizondo said at the Sept. 14 board meeting that the district will "streamline, reduce, and improve" the district's "online infrastructure," as part of the public affairs and communications team update. The team also added a position in charge of what public dashboards will look like that will display the district's "organizational health metrics." "The main websites haven't been updated in a long time," Elizondo said. "They don't all have accurate information that's current for the school year. So something you and the community should expect is to see some of that content coming down that's no longer relevant, new content going up, and we have to do all the backend work to streamline and integrate our systems to make that be the case." The board's agenda for that meeting included team building as well as discussion and possible development of board constraints in open session, but the board did not do either in open session after hours of closed session. "The meeting was noticed and conducted in accordance with the Open Meetings Act," Elizondo wrote in an email statement. "Additionally, the Board President anticipates that Board constraints will be addressed in an open meeting in the future." Advertisement Article continues below this ad Alphabet's Google has restricted the creation of new accounts for Russian users, state news agencies cited Russia's digital ministry as saying on Thursday. Google has been under pressure in Russia for several years, particularly for not taking down content Moscow considers illegal and for blocking the YouTube channels of Russian media and public figures since Moscow's invasion of Ukraine. Click here to connect with us on WhatsApp "The ministry confirms that Google has restricted the creation of new accounts," Interfax quoted the digital ministry as saying. "Telecom operators have also recorded a significant reduction in the number of SMS messages sent by the company toRussian users." Google and the ministry did not immediately respond to comment requests. The ministry said there was no certainty that SMS confirmations for two-factor authentication would continue working, Interfax reported. "The ministry recommends that users of Google services create backup copies of their data and switch to using alternative methods of two-factor authentication or to domestic platforms," the ministry said. Google in August said it was deactivating AdSense accounts in Russia. The U.S. company stopped serving ads to users in Russia in March 2022 and paused monetisation of content that exploited, dismissed or condoned Russia's war in Ukraine. It has blocked more than 1,000 YouTube channels, including state-sponsored news, and over 5.5 million videos. Slower speeds have been recorded on Google's YouTube video hosting platform in Russia in recent months. Russian lawmakers blame the slowdown on Google's failure to upgrade equipment, something the company and technology experts dispute. In an incident of hate crime in the US, anti-Hindu graffiti defaced the BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir in California on Wednesday (September 25), marking the second such occurrence in the US within 10 days. BAPS Public Affairs confirmed that their Sacramento temple was vandalised with the message, "Hindus go back". "We stand united against hate with prayers for peace," the organisation shared in a post on X (formerly Twitter). Click here to connect with us on WhatsApp The police have launched an investigation into the "vandalism being classified as a hate crime" at the BAPS Hindu Temple in Mather. Authorities also reported that water lines on the property were cut during the incident. In response, members of the Hindu community gathered at the temple for a prayer ceremony aimed at promoting "harmony". "Community leaders gathered for a heartfelt prayer ceremony at the BAPS Mandir in Sacramento, CA, following the desecration of the mandir. Inspired by Mahant Swami Maharaj, we remain dedicated to promoting harmony and standing against intolerance. Together we will defeat hate," the organisation said, posting pictures on X. Indian-American Congressman Ami Bera condemned the incident, urging people to reject intolerance. "There is no place for religious bigotry and hatred in #SacramentoCounty. I strongly condemn this apparent act of vandalism in our community. All of us must stand against intolerance and ensure that everyone in our community, regardless of faith, feels safe and respected," the Sacramento County representative said on X. Similar vandalism on Hindu temples in US, Canada Earlier, on September 17, the BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir in Melville, New York, was similarly vandalised with hate messages sprayed on the temple's driveway and entrance sign. According to Suffolk police, an individual spray-painted threatening and derogatory anti-Hindu remarks on the driveway and temple sign, resulting in damage. Detectives from Suffolk County Police Hate Crimes Unit are investigating the incident as a hate crime. The Consulate General of India in New York also condemned the vandalism at the Melville temple, describing the act as "unacceptable" and noting that the issue had been raised with US authorities. In a post on X, the Consulate General wrote, "The vandalism of the BAPS Swaminarayan Temple in Melville, New York, is unacceptable; The Consulate @IndiainNewYork is in touch with the community and has raised the matter with US law enforcement authorities for prompt action against the perpetrators of this heinous act." The Hindu American Foundation (HAF) has called on the US Justice Department to investigate the attack, particularly as threats to Hindu institutions continue, coinciding with a major Indian community event scheduled for the upcoming weekend. Similar acts of vandalism were reported a few months ago in Edmonton, Canada. Indian-origin Pulitzer-winning writer Jhumpa Lahiri refused to receive an award from the Noguchi Museum in Queens as they fired three employees who wore kaffiyehs in solidarity with Palestinians in Gaza. Who is Jhumpa Lahiri? Jhumpa Lahiri is a London-based Indian immigrant couple who won the 2000 Pulitzer for fiction for her debut book, 'Interpreter of Maladies'. She has published multiple books since then in both English and Italian. Click here to connect with us on WhatsApp She also directs the creative writing programme at Barnard College in New York. Why did Jhumpa Lahiri refuse to receive Isamu Noguchi award? Along with thousands of scholars, Lahiri also signed a letter expressing her solidarity with the protest against the military campaign in Gaza and called it unspeakable destruction. Lahiri expressed her solidarity with Israelis or Palestinians who have divided cultural institutions as Hamas attacked Israel on October 7. The attack has killed over 1,200 people and around 250 people are hostages. The invasion by Israel has killed over 41,000 people as per local authorities. What did the Museum say about Jhumpa Lahiris reaction? The New York-based museum was founded by a Japanese American designer and sculptor, Noguchi, around 40 years ago. It has issued a statement on Wednesday that reads, "Jhumpa Lahiri has chosen to withdraw her acceptance of the 2024 Isamu Noguchi Award in response to our updated dress code policy. We respect her perspective and understand that this policy may or may not align with everyone's views." The museum further stated that our core mission is to advance the understanding and appreciation of Isamu Noguchi's art and legacy while upholding the inclusiveness and openness of Isamu Noguchi's art. What was the new policy of the Noguchi Museum? The museum issued a statement last month stating that the employees could not wear clothes or accessories expressing 'political messages, slogans or symbols'. The policy does not apply to visitors and it was implemented as several staff members had worn kaffiyehs associated with Palestinians. Subsequently, the museum fired the employees citing 'cultural reasons'. The museum defended the prohibition earlier this month and said, "such expressions can unintentionally alienate segments of our diverse visitorship". Many staffers signed a petition opposing the recent rule. The US, France and other allies have jointly called for an immediate 21-day ceasefire. Photo: pexels France said on Wednesday that efforts would continue in coming hours to clinch a deal on a proposal for a 21-day ceasefire in the Lebanon conflict between Israel and the Iranian-backed militant group Hezbollah. "We have made important progress in the last few hours and we will continue our efforts in the coming hours," French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot told reporters outside a meeting of the U.N. Security Council. Click here to connect with us on WhatsApp Barrot, who was due to travel to Lebanon later this week, earlier told the 15-member council: "We are counting on both parties to accept it without delay, in order to protect civilian populations and allow for diplomatic negotiations to begin." U.S. President Joe Biden and France's Emmanuel Macron said it was time for a settlement on the Israel-Lebanon border that ensured safety and security to enable civilians to return to their homes. "The statement we have negotiated is now endorsed by the United States, Australia, Canada, European Union, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates, and Qatar," they said in a joint statement. "We call for broad endorsement and for the immediate support of the governments of Israel and Lebanon." Israel widened its airstrikes in Lebanon on Wednesday and at least 72 people were killed, according to a Reuters compilation of Lebanese health ministry statements. The ministry earlier said at least 223 were wounded. Israel's military chief said a ground assault was possible, raising fears the conflict could spark a wider Middle East war. Israel's U.N. Ambassador Danny Danon told reporters before the meeting that Israel would welcome a ceasefire and preferred a diplomatic solution. He then told the Security Council that Iran was the nexus of violence in the region and peace required dismantling the threat. Iran's Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi told reporters before the council meeting that his country supported Hezbollah and would not remain indifferent if the conflict in Lebanon spiraled. Lebanese Prime Minister Najib Mikati called on the Security Council to put pressure on Israel for "an immediate ceasefire on all fronts." Asked if a ceasefire can be reached soon, he told Reuters: "Hopefully, yes." World leaders voiced concern the conflict - running in parallel to Israel's war in Gaza against Palestinian Hamas militants also backed by Iran - was escalating rapidly as the death toll rose in Lebanon and thousands fled their homes. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu was due to arrive in New York on Thursday and address the U.N. General Assembly on Friday. LEBANON CONFLICT PUTS PRESSURE ON BIDEN, HARRIS The U.S. administration has for nearly a year sought unsuccessfully to secure a ceasefire in Gaza. The conflict has been costly politically for Biden and by extension Vice President Kamala Harris' presidential campaign with the violence in Lebanon increasing pressure on his administration to find a diplomatic solution. Earlier on Wednesday Israel shot down a missile that the Iranian-backed Hezbollah movement said it had aimed at the headquarters of the Mossad intelligence agency near Israel's biggest city, Tel Aviv. Israeli officials said a heavy missile had headed towards civilian areas in Tel Aviv, not the Mossad HQ, before being shot down. "You hear the jets overhead; we have been striking all day," General Herzi Halevi told Israeli troops on the border with Lebanon, according to a military statement. "This is both to prepare the ground for your possible entry and to continue degrading Hezbollah." A Pentagon spokesperson said an Israeli ground incursion did not appear imminent. As many as half a million people may have been displaced in Lebanon, its foreign minister said. In Beirut, thousands of people displaced from southern Lebanon were sheltering in schools and other buildings. ISRAELI AIRSTRIKES TARGET HEZBOLLAH LEADERS Israeli airstrikes this week have targeted Hezbollah leaders and hit hundreds of sites deep inside Lebanon, where hundreds of thousands have fled the border region, while the group has fired barrages of rockets into Israel. Mourners thronged a funeral on Wednesday in Beirut's suburbs for two senior Hezbollah commanders killed in Israeli strikes the day before. Fighters in fatigues carried the flag-covered coffins as a band played. The crowd chanted Hezbollah slogans and some wept. Israel said its warplanes were hitting south Lebanon and the Bekaa Valley, a Hezbollah stronghold further north, and that it was calling up two more reserve brigades for operations on Israel's northern border. In a video message that made no comment on diplomatic efforts to secure a ceasefire, Netanyahu said Hezbollah was being hit harder than it could ever have imagined. Israel has made a priority of securing its northern border and allowing the return there of some 70,000 residents displaced by near-daily exchanges of fire since war broke out in October between Israel and Hamas in Gaza on Israel's southern border. Lebanese hospitals have filled with the wounded since Monday, when Israeli bombing killed more than 550 people in Lebanon's deadliest day since its civil war ended in 1990. From vegan balms to gourmet meals, the pet-care industry is booming like never before. Dog by Dr Lisa, an Australian pet-care brand, offers sensitive skin cleansers, soothing balms, and even colognes all free from genetically modified ingredients and entirely vegan. Though dogs arent naturally inclined to be plant-based, those with a refined palate need not worry. Butternut Box, a fresh pet food company, offers low-fat chicken dishes paired with peas, lentils, and a touch of sage its most popular meal, taste-tested by humans themselves, The Economist reported. Record spending on pets surpasses childcare The lengths to which pet owners go for their furry companions are remarkable. Last year, Americans spent a staggering $186 billion on their pets, surpassing even childcare expenditures, according to the Bureau of Economic Analysis. From premium food to vet visits, toys, and grooming, catering to pets has evolved into a multibillion-dollar industry. Click here to connect with us on WhatsApp Mars, the chocolate giant, earned two-thirds of its revenue from pet-care in FY23, with holdings in Royal Canin and a vast network of vet clinics. Nestle and Colgate are also riding the wave, with nearly a fifth of their revenues coming from their pet-care divisions. The pet-spending surge took off during the pandemic when isolation led many to adopt pets and pamper them. Between 2019 and 2023, pet spending increased at an annual compound rate of 11 per cent, outpacing overall consumer spending, which grew at 6 per cent. This trend shows no signs of slowing. Pet care outpaces consumer trends Unlike fads such as virtual yoga or meal-kit subscriptions, pets became permanent fixtures in households, even as lockdowns eased. Amid rising prices and a cooling job market, pet owners continue to indulge their companions. US brokerage Morgan Stanley estimates pet spending in the US will grow by 2.5 per cent this year, outpacing other categories like clothing. Notably, the pet-care industry proved just as resilient during the global financial crisis of 2007-09. And it is only set to accelerate. Morgan Stanley projects that pet spending will hit $260 billion by 2030, maintaining its pre-pandemic growth trajectory. This surge is driven by a shift in how people view their pets not as mere animals, but as family members. Pets have gone from the backyard to the living room to the bedroom, Loic Moutault, head of the pet division at Mars, was quoted as saying by The Economist. Millennials and Gen Z fuel the fur baby trend This shift is evident among Millennials and Generation Z, who are delaying having children but embracing fur babies in larger numbers than any other generation. Kristin Peck, chief executive of Zoetis, a leading animal pharmaceutical company says, Millennials and Gen Z see their pets differently they are family. For pets lucky enough to be part of these modern families, the perks are plentiful. Younger owners may take their pets to the vet more often, but they also shower them with gifts. A 2022 survey by the American Pet Products Association found that 95 per cent of Gen Z dog owners bought their pet a gift at least once a year, with an average spend of $44, compared to $17 among baby boomers. Premium food is also on the rise. Freshpet, a natural pet food company, has seen sales more than double in the past three years. William Cyr, Freshpets CEO, attributes this to the humanisation of pets. Canned dog food was invented in 1922. And it smells like it, he said. Investment in pet care grows This booming market is attracting fresh players. Private equity firms have invested heavily in veterinary clinic chains, drawing the attention of antitrust regulators in the United States and Britain. Even Givaudan, a Swiss company that leads the world in flavours and fragrances, is eyeing the pet-food market. As its CEO Gilles Andrier put it, People spend more on pets than on kids these days. It seems everyone wants a dog in this fight. Eugenio Velasco checks on an order inside the Don Pollo Burger food truck near World Theater on Tuesday, Sept. 24, 2024, in Katy. The established Venezuelan community in Katy has changed in recent years as more Venezuelans immigrate to the Houston area. Elizabeth Conley/Staff Photographer A Venezuelan flag hangs on the covered eating area for the Orale Pana food truck on Tuesday, Sept. 24, 2024, in Katy. The established Venezuelan community in Katy has changed in recent years as more Venezuelans immigrate to the Houston area. Elizabeth Conley/Staff Photographer Plantains are fried inside Don Pollo Burger food tuck on Tuesday, Sept. 24, 2024 in Katy. The established Venezuelan coming in Katy has changed in recent years with the increased of immigrants from the country. Elizabeth Conley/Staff Photographer Eugenio Velazco shows off a traditional chicken sandwiche he made inside Don Pollo Burgers food truck near World Theater on Tuesday, Sept. 24, 2024 in Katy. The established Venezuelan coming in Katy has changed in recent years with the increased of immigrants from the country. Elizabeth Conley/Staff Photographer Jorge de Valley prepares the screens on Don Pollo Burgers food truck near World Theater on Tuesday, Sept. 24, 2024 in Katy. The established Venezuelan coming in Katy has changed in recent years with the increased of immigrants from the country. Elizabeth Conley/Staff Photographer Katy has long been the cultural center of the Venezuelan diaspora in Greater Houston, earning it the nickname "Katyzuela." But the community has been revitalized in recent years as a new generation of Venezuelans arrives in the region amid an influx of immigration from the once-oil-rich country. The Houston Chronicle visited Katyzuela and spoke to residents about how the skyrocketing Venezuelan population has changed the community, from its businesses to its collective cultural identity. Heres what you need to know: Advertisement Article continues below this ad Rapid population growth The Venezuelan community in Greater Houston, particularly in the Katy area, has grown dramatically in the past decade. It tripled from 2012 to 2022, according to Census data, with more than 50,000 Venezuelans now calling the area home. That makes Venezuelans one of the largest groups among the regions already massive Latino population. Much of this growth is attributed to the economic collapse and political crisis in Venezuela and the search for better opportunities. Nearly 8 million Venezuelans have left the country in the past decade, according to the United Nations refugee agency. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Dubraska Gamarra chats with her husband, Victor Libernal, after eating at the Orale Pana food truck on Tuesday, Sept. 24, 2024, in Katy. The established Venezuelan community in Katy has changed in recent years as more Venezuelans immigrate to the Houston area. Elizabeth Conley/Staff Photographer Cultural resilience Despite the still-growing diaspora, Venezuelans in Houston have found ways to stay connected to their culture and community in various ways. Community events like musical performances and the rise in popularity of Venezuelan food trucks have offered a taste of home for Venezuelans in the Houston area and has transformed Katy into the cultural center of the community. Several times, tears came to my eyes, Nelly Bravo said in Spanish, emotional after attending a packed show in Katy highlighting the history of Venezuelan music. In a country thats totally foreign to us, with a different language, being able to feel for two hours what our country is like again was revitalizing. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Entrepreneurial spirit Recently arrived Venezuelan immigrants have revitalized Katyzuela with new businesses and a growing customer base, which some residents attribute to shared resourcefulness and ambition. Venezuelans are very enterprising and hardworking, and normally when they leave their country they are used to not working for anyone, but rather to undertake and work for themselves, said Dubraska Gamarra, who immigrated to Houston from Venezuela in early 2023. And that also helps the country where they arrive because they produce, which is what is important. Along a stretch of South Mason Road in Katy, businesses like bakeries and restaurants have cropped up by the dozens. In some food truck parks, several Venezuelan businesses can attract hundreds of customers on the weekends. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Challenges for newcomers Not all recent Venezuelan arrivals have been fortunate enough to open their own businesses. Although the Biden administration granted temporary legal status and work permits to hundreds of thousands of Venezuelans in the U.S. last year, some have still struggled to adjust to life here. The administration gave status to those who arrived before July 31 of last year, leaving Venezuelans who arrived afterward without protections or a legal path to work. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Organizations like Accion Social Venezuela, founded by Houstonian Diana Mendt in 2007, have supported recent arrivals with essential resources. Every Saturday, she opens a storage unit on Westheimer Road to give away clothes, food, furniture and more to Venezuelan newcomers. Japanese Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshimasa Hayashi declined to comment on the report, while expressing concern about China's increased military activity in the region Photo: Reuters Japan's Self Defense Force patrolled the Taiwan Strait on Wednesday for the first time in an attempt to send a message to China, the Yomiuri newspaper reported, citing multiple government sources. SDF destroyer Sazanami entered the waters from the East China Sea on Wednesday morning, spending more than 10 hours sailing southward to complete the passage, the Japanese newspaper reported on Thursday. Click here to connect with us on WhatsApp The passage was conducted in concert with naval ships from Australia and New Zealand, the paper said, adding the three nations' navies were scheduled to hold joint exercises in the South China Sea starting on Thursday. Japanese Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshimasa Hayashi declined to comment on the report, while expressing concern about China's increased military activity in the region. "We have a strong sense of crisis that airspace violations have occurred one after another over a short period of time," he told a regular press conference. "We will continue to monitor the situation with strong interest." Japan has responded to stepped-up Chinese military activity with a defence buildup it says aims to deter Beijing from using military force to push its territorial claims in the region. The Yomiuri said Japan's SDF had hitherto avoided sailing through the Taiwan Strait so as not to upset Beijing, which says it alone exercises sovereignty and jurisdiction over the strait. China claims democratically governed Taiwan as its own. The U.S. navy and others periodically pass through the Taiwan Strait to claim "freedom of navigation". The German navy also made the transit this month for the first time in two decades, demonstrating Berlin's resolve to stand with Western allies. The Taiwan Strait is a major trade route through which about half of global container ships pass. China on Wednesday said it had successfully conducted a rare launch of an intercontinental ballistic missile into the Pacific Ocean, while leaders of the 'Quad' grouping of Australia, India, Japan and the United States last week expanded joint security steps in Asia's waters due to shared concerns about China. (Only the headline and picture of this report may have been reworked by the Business Standard staff; the rest of the content is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The United States and other Western countries have imposed sanctions on Chinese officials for human rights abuses in Xinjiang, which the United States has said have amounted to genocide The Republican chair of the House of Representatives' select committee on China said on Wednesday that the panel's top priority is legislation restricting US investment in China to stop investors from "funding our own demise." "We have to have an outbound investment regime that basically says 'No investment in these businesses that are on some kind of a list,' that says 'We shouldn't be helping the Chinese military, we shouldn't be supporting genocide,'" Representative John Moolenaar said, speaking on a panel at the American Enterprise Institute. Click here to connect with us on WhatsApp "That's probably our number one priority right now," he added. "We are actually funding our demise." A committee spokesperson confirmed that "genocide" referred to China's alleged treatment of its Uyghur minority in Xinjiang. The Chinese Embassy in Washington said Beijing firmly opposes "the US overstretching the concept of national security and abusing state power to go after Chinese products and companies." It added that China would "continue to firmly protect the legitimate and lawful rights and interests of Chinese companies." Moolenaar's remarks signal Congress could revive long-sought restrictions on US investment in China, which have faced a rocky path in Washington. A measure restricting outbound investment was stripped out of the Chips Act before it was signed into law in 2022. In August 2023, Democratic President Joe Biden issued an executive order giving the Treasury Department the authority to bar or restrict US investments in Chinese entities in three sectors: semiconductors and microelectronics, quantum information technologies and certain artificial intelligence systems. But rules implementing that order, proposed in July, have yet to be finalized. The Treasury did not respond to a request for comment on the status of the proposed rules. Moolenaar said House Speaker Mike Johnson "would like to have something before the end of the year." Johnson's office did not respond to a request for comment. The United States and other Western countries have imposed sanctions on Chinese officials for human rights abuses in Xinjiang, which the United States has said have amounted to genocide. China rejects allegations of abuses, including use of forced labor in Xinjiang, and describes the camps it has set up there as vocational training centers for Uyghur Muslims that help combat religious extremism. Moolenaar also flagged specific Chinese companies that he said pose national security threats including Chinese crane maker Shanghai Zhenhua Heavy Industry Co (ZPMC), which was featured in a recent committee report. US-bound cranes made by ZPMC, which accounts for 80 percent of ship-to-shore cranes in operation at US ports, contain unauthorized cellular modems, creating a "significant backdoor security vulnerability," he said. "ZPMC could disrupt US maritime equipment and technology at the request of the Chinese government, including during a conflict over Taiwan," he said, referring to the democratically governed island that China claims. The company, he said, is a "loaded gun". Neither ZPMC nor the Chinese embassy in Washington immediately responded to requests for comment on that issue, but ZPMC has in the past said it does not pose a cyber security threat. (Only the headline and picture of this report may have been reworked by the Business Standard staff; the rest of the content is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Donald Trump has described Ukraine in bleak and mournful terms, referring to its people as dead. (Photo: PTI) Former President Donald Trump has described Ukraine in bleak and mournful terms, referring to its people as dead and the country itself as demolished," and further raising questions about how much the former president would be willing if elected again to concede in a negotiation over the country's future. Trump argued on Wednesday that Ukraine should have made concessions to Russian President Vladimir Putin in the months before Russia's February 2022 attack, declaring that even the worst deal would've been better than what we have now." Trump, who has long been critical of US aid to Ukraine, frequently claims that Russia never would have invaded if he was president and that he would put an end to the war if he returned to the White House. But rarely has he discussed the conflict in such detail. Click here to connect with us on WhatsApp His remarks, at a North Carolina event billed as an economic speech, come on the heels of a debate this month in which he pointedly refused to say whether he wanted Ukraine to win the war. On Tuesday, Trump touted the prowess of Russia and its predecessor Soviet Union, saying that wars are what they do. The Republican former president, notoriously attuned to slights, began his denunciation of Ukraine by alluding to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy's recent criticism of Trump and running mate JD Vance. Zelenskyy, who is visiting the US this week to attend the UN General Assembly, told The New Yorker that Vance was too radical for proposing that Ukraine surrender territories under Russian control and that Trump doesn't really know how to stop the war even if he might think he knows how. Said Trump, It's something we have to have a quick discussion about because the president of Ukraine is in our country and he's making little nasty aspersions toward your favourite president, me." Trump painted Ukraine as a country in ruins outside its capital, Kyiv, short on soldiers and losing population to war deaths and neighbouring countries. He questioned whether the country has any bargaining chips left to negotiate an end to the war. "Any deal the worst deal would've been better than what we have now," Trump said. "If they made a bad deal it would've been much better. They would've given up a little bit and everybody would be living and every building would be built and every tower would be aging for another 2,000 years. What deal can we make? It's demolished, he added. The people are dead. The country is in rubble. Zelenskyy is pitching the White House on what he calls a victory plan for the war, expected to include an ask to use long-range Western weapons to strike Russian targets. While Ukraine outperformed many expectations that it would fall quickly to Russia, outnumbered Ukrainian forces face grinding battles against one of the world's most powerful armies in the country's east. A deal with Russia would almost certainly be unfavourable for Ukraine, which has lost a fifth of its territory and tens of thousands of lives in the conflict. Trump laid blame for the conflict on President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris, his Democratic rival in November. He said Biden egged it all on" by pledging to help Ukraine defend itself rather than pushing it to cede territory to Russia. Biden and Kamala allowed this to happen by feeding Zelenskyy money and munitions like no country has ever seen before, Trump said. Notably, Trump did not attack Putin's reasoning for launching the invasion, only suggesting Putin would not have started the war had Trump been in office. He did say of Putin, He's no angel. FILE - Sean "Diddy" Combs arrives at the LA Premiere of "The Four: Battle For Stardom" at the CBS Radford Studio Center on May 30, 2018, in Los Angeles. (Photo by Willy Sanjuan/Invision/AP, File) Willy Sanjuan/Associated Press A Harris County woman filed a lawsuit against Sean "Diddy" Combs alleging the rapper who recently became the target of a federal indictment for sex trafficking and racketeering, drugged and violently raped her in the summer of 2001. Thalia Graves accused Combs and his bodyguard of drugging and restraining the then-25-year-old before sexually assaulting her, an act which the pair allegedly recorded. Graves claimed she was dating an employee of Comb's at the time, and that he leveraged that relationship to isolate her. In 2023, she learned that Combs had recorded the crime and had shared it in order to "degrade and humiliate" Graves and her boyfriend, according to the complaint. "The violation I experienced during the assault has had lasting effects on my body, causing ongoing health problems and complications," Graves said during a Tuesday news conference. "The combination of physical and emotional pain has created a cycle of suffering from which it is so hard to break free." Advertisement Article continues below this ad When Graves told her then-boyfriend about the incident, he told her not to report it because it could have a negative impact on his career, according to the lawsuit. Combs and his bodyguard, who was identified in the lawsuit as Joseph Sherman, proceeded to repeatedly threaten Graves in the years following the alleged assault, which further encouraged Graves to remain silent, she said. Graves said she has since been haunted by suicidal thoughts and other mental health issues. Immediately following the attack, she relocated to Pennsylvania and has moved several times since to escape Combs, she claimed. "Being blamed, questioned and threatened has often made me feel worthless, isolated and sometimes responsible for what happened to me," Graves said. "The trauma of the assault has taken a toll on my mental health. I have had PTSD, depression and anxiety. I am emotionally scarred. It has been hard for me to trust others, to form healthy relationships or even feel safe in my own skin." Graves filed the suit under the New York City Victims of Gender-Motivated Violence Protection Act, and is seeking an unspecified amount in damages and a court order requiring all copies of the recording be destroyed. She lives in Harris County now, according to court records. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Combs is currently in jail awaiting a federal trial. Prosecutors have accused the media mogul of acting as the head of a criminal enterprise that sought to extort, coerce and sexually abuse women from as far back as 2008. Combs allegedly used his business empire to facilitate and conceal a more than decades-long pattern of abuse toward women. Combs has pleaded not guilty to the charges, and has continued to publicly insist on his innocence. Wednesday, his lawyers issued a statement labelling a recent memoir allegedly written by Kim Porter, Combs' ex-wife, as a "shameless attempt to profit from tragedy." Combs has been denied bail twice and is expected to remain in custody. Damian Williams, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, issued a statement the day of Combs arrest calling on other victims to come forward. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi called on Bangladesh Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus at the UN headquarters on Wednesday, to discuss bilateral issues, with a focus on strengthening relations, solar panel investments, and expanding business cooperation. "Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi called on Bangladesh Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus at the UN headquarters on Wednesday, to discuss bilateral issues, with a focus on strengthening relations, solar panel investments, and expanding business cooperation," the Chief Advisor said in a post in X. Click here to connect with us on WhatsApp Yunus also met with World Bank President Ajay Banga on Wednesday on the sidelines of UNGA. The World Bank will provide USD 3.5 billion to Bangladesh this fiscal year to support reforms in the financial sector. "World Bank President Ajay Banga met with Bangladesh Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus during a UN sideline meeting in New York on Wednesday. The World Bank will provide USD 3.5 billion to Bangladesh this fiscal year to support reforms in the financial sector," Yunus said in a post in X. Earlier on Tuesday, Yunus called for repatriation of Rohingyas amid the "deteriorating" security situation in Bangladesh during a high-level meeting. During the high-level UN event in New York on the Rohingya crisis, Yunus highlighted the significant challenges that Bangladesh has been facing due to the presence of over 1.2 million displaced Rohingyas from Myanmar and pointed out that while Bangladesh has shown empathy in hosting the Rohingyas, the costs associated with this situation--social, economic, and environmental--are considerable. He emphasised that Bangladesh has reached its limits, adding that repatriation remains the only sustainable solution to the ongoing crisis. Following Bangladesh's fluid political situation with Sheikh Hasina tendering her resignation from her post in the wake of mounting protests on August 5, Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus took charge of the interim government in the state. The protests were primarily led by students demanding an end to a quota system for government jobs. A day after Sheikh Hasina resigned as Bangladesh PM and left the country, President Mohammed Shahabuddin announced the dissolution of the country's parliament to make way for the formation of an interim administration. Yunus was sworn in on August 8 as the head of an interim government after Sheikh Hasina fled the country and the parliament was dissolved. This is Muhammad Yunus's first visit to the United States as the head of the interim government. As per the Bangladesh Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Yunus has a series of high-profile meetings lined up on the sidelines of the UNGA. The Bangaldesh chief advisor is set to address the general debate of the UNGA on September 27. The Digital Cooperation Organization (DCO), a global multilateral organization committed to enabling digital prosperity for all by accelerating the inclusive growth of the digital economy, signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the League of Arab States (LAS) to cooperate in developing an inclusive and sustainable digital economy. This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20240925972634/en/ The Digital Cooperation Organization and the League of Arab States sign an MoU to accelerate digital transformation and economic development (Photo: AETOSWire) The MoU signing was signed by H.E. Ahmed Aboul Gheit, Secretary-General of the League of Arab States, and H.E. Deemah AlYahya, Secretary-General of the Digital Cooperation Organization in New York on 23 September, on the sidelines of the 79th United Nations General Assembly. Through the MoU, the DCO and LAS will cooperate in accelerating the inclusive and sustainable digital economy, work together to enhance relations, exchange experiences and information, and accelerate the growth of digital transformation and economic development. Specific areas of cooperation include digital market development; alignment in policies and legislation in the areas of the digital economy; and innovation, research, and development. The DCO and LAS will also cooperate in policies related to the digital economy, support innovation and promote ethical AI. In innovation, research, and development, the two entities will collaborate on joint research and studies aimed at fostering digital economy growth. They will also exchange knowledge to bridge the digital divide by enhancing digital infrastructure, digital governance, digital skills, and digital awareness. H.E. Deemah AlYahya, Secretary-General of the DCO, said: Our mission is to elevate cooperation, mutual understanding, and coordination among our Member States while fostering collaboration with non-member countries and entities. We aim to ensure that every nation, business, and individual has a fair opportunity to prosper in an inclusive, cross-border, and sustainable digital economy. As the oldest regional intergovernmental organization, the League of Arab States plays a pivotal role in unifying the regions vision for the digital future. This MoU marks a significant step in advancing sustainable social and economic development across DCO Member States. We look forward to working closely together to empower entrepreneurs as well as small and medium-sized enterprises, helping them to grow and thrive." H.E. Ahmed Aboul Gheit, Secretary-General of the LAS,said: It is fundamental that the Arab region keeps pace with the rapid technological changes that are shaping the future of the global economy. This includes investing in digital infrastructure, enhancing technology education and innovation, and ensuring widespread access to digital tools and services. With the DCO, we will develop digital policies in the digital economy and support innovation and the responsible use of AI. Signing the MoU underscores our shared commitment to leveraging technology as a crucial tool in combating poverty, enhancing security, and fostering sustainable development across LAS Member States. The MoU follows a Cairo meeting between the DCO and LAS in May 2024, where both entities committed to enhancing their cooperation. For more information about DCO: *Source: AETOSWire View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20240925972634/en/ Peter Warren is a general assignment reporter for the Houston Chronicle. He can be reached at peter.warren@houstonchronicle.com. Peter previously lived in Dallas, where he covered the sports as a freelancer for the Dallas Morning News and other outlets. He has been published in Texas Highways Magazine, DMagazine.com, the Star Tribune and Bowlers Journal International. Peter graduated from Northwestern University in 2021. Hurricane Helene, seen in this weather satellite photo taken Thursday at noon, was barreling toward the Florida Gulf Coast. NOAA/National Weather Service Friday update: The rotating center of Hurricane Helene made landfall as a Category 4 storm with maximum sustained winds of 140 mph near Perry, Fla., around 11:10 p.m. Eastern time, the National Hurricane Center said. Helene has since pressed inland from the Florida Big Bend region and into east-central Georgia. As of 7 a.m. Friday, Helene was a tropical storm with sustained winds of 60 mph. Original story: Helene strengthened Thursday into a major hurricane, packing sustained winds of 125 mph, as the high-end Category 3 storm barreled toward the Florida Gulf Coast. The National Hurricane Center warned that Helene could grow even stronger, possibly into a Category 4 hurricane with winds exceeding 130 mph, before making landfall in the Florida Panhandle late Thursday night. However, what may be just as important as Helenes intensity is the storms massive size. Helene is larger than the vast majority of hurricanes, and large hurricanes can have more far-reaching effects than smaller, more compact storms. Advertisement Article continues below this ad As of 4 p.m. Thursday, the rotating center of Helene was pressing deeper into the eastern Gulf of Mexico, about 130 miles southwest of Tampa, Fla., and about 175 miles south of Tallahassee, Floridas capital in the state's northern Panhandle. Helene was spinning with maximum sustained winds of 125 mph. It was moving north-northeast at 23 mph, the hurricane center said. "Helene has rapidly intensified today while nearing landfall in the Florida Big Bend," the National Hurricane Center said Thursday afternoon. "Doppler radar and aircraft data indicate that the eye wall is now completely closed and the eye has become more circular and is clearing out." Earlier in the day, Helenes cloud shield stretched from just north of Cancun, Mexico, to parts of southern Georgia. Clouds did extend even farther north, but that was more likely because of a separate system of low atmospheric pressure digging into the southeastern United States. At that time, Helene was about 775 miles wide from its most northern point to its most southern point. Thats almost the same distance as the entire state of Texas, from the northwestern Panhandle to where the Rio Grande empties into the Gulf of Mexico. Long story short: Helene is massive. Advertisement Article continues below this ad The National Hurricane Centers projected path for Hurricane Helene on Thursday shows the storm likely making landfall as a major hurricane in the Florida Panhandle. National Hurricane Center Why does it matter? Storm surge: Likely the most important result of Helens large stature is the extreme storm surge the storm is expected to produce. What exactly is storm surge, though? It is the rise in sea level caused by the winds from a tropical storm or hurricane pushing water toward the shore. Storm surge causes extreme flooding along the coast and it is the leading cause of hurricane-related deaths in the United States, according to the National Weather Service. Large storms like Helene cause a higher storm surge than smaller tropical cyclones. This is because Helenes wind speeds will push more water onto the shore for a longer period. Advertisement Article continues below this ad This map shows coastlines under storm surge warnings and watches as Hurricane Helene nears Florida. National Hurricane Center Helene is expected to bring a storm surge of 15 to 20 feet along parts of the Big Bend region of Florida, which the National Weather Service says could be catastrophic and potentially unsurvivable for Apalachee Bay. Large wind field: Because of Helenes large size, the hurricane will be felt by many Florida and Georgia residents, far away from where the storm actually makes landfall. Hurricane force winds of at least 74 mph extend outward up to 60 miles away from the center of the storm. In addition, tropical-storm force winds extend up to 310 miles away from the storms center. While the worst wind-driven damage will be within the eye wall of the storm, minor wind damage is possible over an area that includes Panama City and Fort Myers in Florida, and even Atlanta in northern Georgia. This map shows the probability of being affected by tropical storm force winds, which can be as strong as 40 mph to 70 mph, as Hurricane Helene nears Florida. National Hurricane Center Helene moving fast Not only is Helene a large storm, its also a fast-moving storm. The hurricane is moving north-northeast at 23 mph, and thats expected to continue rising before making landfall Thursday night. Advertisement Article continues below this ad 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 Mira Murati, the Chief Technology Officer of OpenAI, has announced her departure from the company. She has been credited for being instrumental in the development of both ChatGPT and Dall-E. At one point in her OpenAI career, she was even named interim CEO of the company. Aside from Murati, OpenAI's Vice President for Research Barret Zeph and research chief Bob McGrew are also leaving the company, according to CEO Sam Altman. Who is Mira Murati? According to a report, Murati joined OpenAI's leadership team in 2018. She previously worked for Tesla and Ultraleap, which was then known as Leap Motion. When Sam Altman was briefly ousted last year, Murati was named interim CEO. She was one of the employees who threatened to resign if Altman was not reinstated in his position. Nearly a year since, Murati has announced her departure from the company. In a post on her personal X account, she said that "There's never an ideal time to step away from a place one cherishes, yet this moment feels right." Her entire post can be read below. I shared the following note with the OpenAI team today. pic.twitter.com/nsZ4khI06P Mira Murati (@miramurati) September 25, 2024 Read Also : OpenAI Executive Ilya Sutskever is Leaving the Company Executives Have Been Leaving OpenAI Murati is the latest addition to the list of OpenAI executives who have announced their departure this year. Back in May, OpenAI's co-founder and chief scientist Ilya Sutskever departed from the company. Three months later, another co-founder, John Schulman, announced that he was leaving. He eventually moved to Anthropic, an OpenAI rival. FEILE an Fhomhair 2024, Carlows popular autumn bilingual festival, has an amazing programme of events lined up. Organised by Glor Cheatharlach and running from 27 September to 6 October, the festival celebrates all things environmental and autumnal as Gaeilge agus as Bearla. Theres music and song, sean-nos dance classes and workshops, bilingual table quizzes galore, an Irish language film, the schools art competition as well as set dancing and autumn walking weekends. There are walks and talks and lots of opportunities to speak Irish, including Comhra @ Lamberts on Wednesdays and other everyday settings. Feile an Fhomhair will kick off at 10am on Friday morning, 27 September, in the Eire Og clubhouse with Trath na gCeist/Table Quiz for post-primary schools. Later that evening, Setanta Ceatharlach, Club Iomanaiochta agus Camogaiochta will host a table quiz as Gaeilge in Presentation College for the clubs under-12, U14 and U16 members. The Seven Oaks Hotel is the place to be on the opening weekend of Feile an Fhomhair, when dancing enthusiasts from Donegal to Tipperary and Galway to Wexford will travel for the Carlow Set Dancing Weekend. This event runs from Friday to Sunday 27-29 September with workshops each day and a ceili mor each night. Set dancing classes with Syl & Liz will take place on Saturday and Sunday mornings, while a free sean-nos workshop will be given by champion dancer Irene Cunningham on the Saturday at 12.30pm. Young people are invited to take part in the many events being planned for them during the festival. As well as three table quizzes there will be a trip to the cinema with Glor Cheatharlach in association with IMC Cinema @ Fairgreen securing exclusive screenings of the award-winning Irish language film Roise agus Frank. Suitable for primary school pupils in fifth and sixth classes, the film with subtitles will be screened at IMC Cinema at 11am on Wednesday and Thursday mornings 2-3 October. School bookings must be secured in advance with Glor Cheatharlach. Meanwhile, pupils in third and fouth classes will get the opportunity to learn some basic sean-nos steps when champion dancer Irene Cunningham, sponsored by Conradh na Gaeilge, will visit six primary schools as part of this years Feile an Fhomhair offering. The ever-popular autumn art competition for primary schools will run throughout the festival, when pupils in first to sixth classes are invited to create a painting or artwork on the theme of An Fomhar and prizes will be awarded to the best efforts in each class category. An autumn concert in the GB Shaw Theatre at Visual on Saturday 5 October will feature a variety of local talent, including Mary Darcy, Nicky Kealy, Carlow Community Choir, Carlow Ukulele Players, John Candy, The Duettes and Holly Harmon as well as baritone Maksym Lozovyi from Ukraine. The second weekend of Feile an Fhomhair will focus on the great outdoors, with 16 walks organised by Carlow Tourism. Walkers, both seasoned and those not so experienced, will enjoy the popular Autumn Walking Weekend, which will feature a whole raft of talks, walks and hikes over the three days. There are events to suit varying levels of ability, but the leisurely bilingual Sunday afternoon walk along the Barrow Track from Milford to Carlow on Sunday 6 October at 2pm is particularly suitable for those new to the walking scene. A courtesy bus will depart from the Liberty Tree at 1.30pm to the start point. Theres no charge, but advance booking to 059 9130411, 087 2857048 or info@carlowtourism.com is essential. The festival programme is available from Glor Cheatharlach and on facebook.com/glor.cheatharlach, while printed copies of the brochure can be picked up at Carlow Library, Carlow Tourism, Lamberts Coffee House and Visual. Bi pairteach agus bain taitneamh as Feile an Fhomhair 24. Enquiries to 087 2857048, 085 1340047 or email emma@glorcheatharlach.ie. By Cillian Sherlock, PA Irish libraries saw a 20 per cent jump in the lending of e-books and e-audio books last year, new figures show. A total of 931,291 e-books and 1,674,191 e-audiobooks were loaned through branches in 2023, up one fifth on 2022. However, the substantial increase has not dented the lending of traditional print books combined with audiovisual material such as CDs and DVDs, they increased to 14.5 million, a rise of 18 per cent. The data was released ahead of National Public Libraries Open Day on Saturday, when people are encouraged to visit their local library to explore the range of free services, regardless of whether they are a member. We have seen public library users become more familiar with digital resources, said Dr Stuart Hamilton, head of libraries development at the Local Government Management Agency. And the popularity of e-book and e-audio books highlights how Irelands 330 public libraries continue to adapt. Overall, the popularity of Irish public libraries is increasing, with a 2.6 per cent spike in membership in 2022-23 to 784,618. Almost half of these members are also members of the BorrowBox service, which provides access to e-books and e-audio books. Dr Hamilton said the popularity of e-resources demonstrates a growing outreach to those who would not ordinarily consider using a library, including people with intellectual disabilities, literacy issues, job seekers and new arrivals to Ireland. Dr Stuart Hamilton, head of libraries development at the Local Government Management Agency (Conor McCabe/Mediaconsult/PA) E-books, for example, can be suitable for readers with a range of disabilities, he said. Libraries are community settings offering a broad range of free services which allow people connect, access information, receive support and browse and escape. National Public Libraries Open Day allows anyone to acquaint themselves with what our libraries offer through free membership. Meanwhile, Dublin libraries are reaching out to pre-school children living in homeless accommodation in the city centre. The move is part of a campaign by Dublin City Councils Library in the Community programme to assist marginalised and isolated groups. Ahead of Saturdays open day, a story time session for pre-schoolers was held at homeless accommodation at Gardiner Street. It is one of more than 300 events held by the Library in the Community team since last year and which have engaged more than 30,000 people since. Anna Marie Delaney, chairwoman of the National Libraries Development Committee, said National Public Libraries Open Day will highlight the crucial role of libraries in communities. Public libraries are vibrant, inclusive community hubs providing all sorts of events and activities within our villages, towns and cities. Diversity of resources and services includes encouraging reading at all levels, improving digital skills and literacy, enabling formal and informal learning and supporting the provision of information and guidance on every topic. SRSMES to upgrade Dalmia Bharat classifier Peter Bell By 26 September 2024 SRSMES Pvt Ltd has been awarded the contract to upgrade the existing classifier at Dalmia Bharat Ltds Bengal Cement Works in Midnapore, Line 2 (OK mill 66.6), India. This upgrade will optimise the grinding system's efficiency by reducing its specific power consumption, directly contributing to a lower carbon footprint in the cement manufacturing process. With nearly 15 successful classifier upgrades across various segments of the cement industry, including the upcoming commissioning of a new classifier for UTCL, Maihar Cement Works Raw Mill 1, set for mid-October 2024, SRSMES Pvt Ltd continues to demonstrate its expertise in sustainable solutions. This project further supports Dalmia Bharat Ltds ambitious goal of becoming carbon negative by 2040. Published under SCIMAT exports 60,000t of clinker in YtD Muriel Bal By 26 September 2024 Societe des cements d'Ain Touta (SCIMAT), part of Group Industriel des Ciments d'Algerie (GICA), has exported 60,000t of clinker since the start of 2024, according to Maamar Bahloul, the company's CEO. The majority of the clinker shipments were delivered to Tunisia. Last year, the company exported 260,000t of clinker. SCIMAT intends to increase its exports, both in existing markets and new ones. Published under Kamala Harris spins a tale of growing up in a working class neighborhood. So where is it, Scranton? No, thats Biden. How about Levittown? Actually she spent her adolescence in Montreal, Canada and attended Westmount High School, an English speaking school in French speaking Quebec. Andrew Phillips in the Toronto Star wrote of his disappointment with Harris for omitting references to her years growing up in Canada (Toronto Star 9/10/24). That wouldnt fit her narrative and it might also create confusion with her debate gotcha moment when she claimed to be bussed to school. According to Phillips, her adolescence was spent in Canada in a school that was racially divided with little interaction between the two groups. Her mother was employed by Magill University and the parents rented a house in lower Westmount. A campaign aide, Keisha Bottoms, told Jake Tapper on CNN, 9/20/24, that Harris is too busy for live interviews, yet shes been MIA for the last five days with six weeks to Election Day. Perhaps she doesnt want to continue being pressed on how she would bring down the high cost of living. The hoax candidate cant tell how she would address soaring prices without government mandated price controls. So she spins tales of her fond memories growing up a middle class kid with American values. What she also wont tell you is those fond memories were made in Canada. Ralph Miller * * * Ralph, I'm sure VP Kamala Harris' first 12 years living in the Midwest and West, she attended school. For sure, she likely rode school buses somewhere along those 12 years of attending school in the U.S. prior to moving to Canada with her mother. Kamala's mother, Shyamala Gopalan Harris, didn't move to Canada until 1976, when Kamala was 12 years old. Shyamala Gopalan Harris took a job at the McGill University School of Medicine and the Jewish General Hospital in Canada. I'd think having lived those formative years in the U.S., on up to the age of 12, would have a lasting impact. I can only recall snippets of the years I was in high school. It's those earlier years that to this day, stand out the most and had the greater impact. I'm not sure what point you're trying to make, or versions of 'your' truths you're attempting to twist. Maybe your attempt is to sneak in a doubt? Another birther plot, maybe? The world knows how that latter turned out. Crashed, coded and flatlined. "We swallow greedily any lie that flatters us, but we sip only little by little at a truth we find bitter." Denis Diderot Brenda Washington Morning Pointe Senior Living has been awarded and is implementing a $3.3 million grant from the Tennessee Department of Health.The TDH offered the Healthcare Resiliency Program: Practice Transformation and Extension Grant in 2023 to healthcare organizations to enhance and upgrade medical practices, technology and service delivery. Morning Pointe Senior Living, based in Ooltewah, submitted a proposal. The TDH awarded the grant to Morning Pointe in 2023 for its Tennessee Senior and Underserved Resiliency Endeavor project (TN-SURE), and the company has been implementing the project through the grant.Tennessee Health Commissioner Ralph Alvarado, MD, FACP, emphasized the importance of expanding access to quality healthcare across Tennessees regions and communities.By promoting strong leadership in both the public and private sectors, we have the opportunity to reshape the culture of health and healthcare in Tennessee, Dr. Alvarado said. This will position our state as a leader in the Southeast, ensuring that the healthcare needs of our citizens are met where they live, work, play and worship.Morning Pointe Senior Living is using the funds awarded to enhance senior healthcare services and safety, as well as support education and career development for healthcare workers across 21 Morning Pointe assisted living and memory care communities in Tennessee.The TN-SURE grant aims to positively impact the lives of seniors and healthcare workers by implementing new technologies, improving care coordination and expanding educational opportunities for caregivers. The grant will directly benefit over 1,250 seniors and more than 1,000 employees, including those in rural and underserved areas, officials said.Our seniors have always been at the heart of everything we do, said Franklin Farrow, co-founder and CEO of Morning Pointe Senior Living. The TN-SURE grant is allowing us to make critical investments in technology, security and staff training, ensuring that we continue to provide the highest level of care for our residents, while also preparing for any future healthcare challenges, such as those that the senior living field experienced during the COVID pandemic.The TN-SURE project, which is in the process of rolling out through mid-2026, will update and modernize Morning Pointe Senior Livings care and technology infrastructure in Tennessee, creating a more resilient and secure future for its residents and associates.Key initiatives funded by the TN-SURE grant include:- Enhanced Internet Access: Upgrading the technological infrastructure across all facilities to support better communication with healthcare providers and facilitate residents' social engagement.- Improved Senior Care Coordination: Implementing electronic medication administration records (eMAR) and Health Information Exchanges (HIE) to streamline communication with doctors, hospitals and pharmacies.- Safety Enhancements: Installing state-of-the-art nurse call systems and security measures to further protect residents, particularly those in memory care units.- Educational Opportunities for Staff: Providing caregivers and healthcare workers with educational resources, certifications, and career development programs to enhance their skills, increase their earning potential and improve employee retention.- Social Engagement: Launching new social engagement programs and platforms to help seniors stay connected with their families and the community, improving their mental and emotional wellbeing.We are pleased to implement these important enhancements within our healthcare communities, said BeBe Kennedy, RN, Morning Pointe Senior Livings vice president of clinical services. We have already started the initiatives and now have all of our communities on eMAR. Even beyond that, this grant will provide a sustained positive impact on the health and well-being of our residents, while also supporting our caregivers, who consistently deliver high-quality, compassionate care. Lee Universitys School of Music will host Dr. Josh Holritz, violin, and Dr. Peter Cooper, piano, for a faculty and guest artist recital on Wednesday, Oct. 2, at 7:30 p.m. in the Squires Recital Hall, in the Humanities Center. The performance will feature Ludwig van Beethoven's Sonata for Piano and Violin No. 7 in C minor and Richard Strauss's Sonata for Violin and Piano. I look forward to this collaboration with Dr. Peter Cooper, as we perform two wonderful sonatas by Beethoven and Strauss, said Dr. Holritz. Hailed as particularly outstanding, violinist and violist Dr. Holritz enjoys a varied career spanning the gamut of performing and teaching. He began his tenure with the Huntsville Symphony Orchestra when he was appointed as the concertmaster in September 2022. Dr. Holritz also serves as the associate concertmaster of the Chattanooga Symphony and Opera, a position he has held since 2014. Dr. Holritz is dedicated to training the next generation of musicians and currently serves as adjunct instructor of violin and viola at Lee University, adjunct instructor of violin at Southern Adventist University, and adjunct professor at Covenant College where he teaches violin, viola, and chamber music. He is also currently a faculty artist for the Bay View Music Festival. Dr. Holritz received his Doctor of Musical Arts from the University of Georgia, his Master of Music from the University of Minnesota, and his Bachelor of Music from the University of North Carolina School of the Arts. Dr. Cooper is interim dean of the School of Music at Southern Adventist University, where he teaches piano and music theory. Whether teaching or performing, Dr. Cooper is committed to fostering an appreciation of artistic beauty and desires to share his faith through music. Dr. Cooper received his Doctor of Musical Arts in piano performance at the University of Michigan and both his Master of Music and Bachelor of Music from the University of Missouri-Kansas City Conservatory of Music. The Wednesday evening recital is free, non-ticketed, and open to the public. The event will also be available for livestream viewing at leeu.live. For more information, contact the School of Music at 614-8240 or email music@leeuniversity.edu. There are people you meet in life that leave you feeling better than you did before you met them. In my 80 years I have known a few people whose imprint was not only powerful but inspiring. While theres no way to mention all those inspiring personalities, I want to share five of those who touched me. When I moved to Chattanooga in the late 60s the Mayor of Chattanooga was Ralph Kelly. There was something about Kelly that inspired a young radio announcer and later television journalist to never forget him. Kelly was a man who worked hard to keep Chattanooga from becoming the scene of racial strife. He had the civil war locomotive The General taken into custody as it was on its way to Kennesaw, Ga. He wasnt always successful, but he led the city forward in a way most Chattanooga Mayors have not. With one exception those who I am mentioning have left us. That exception is former Chattanooga Mayor and Tennessee Senator Bob Corker. My exposure to Senator Corker has been brief; we do not politically mesh. But there is a thoughtfulness, a caring, a quality of calmness about the man. I was tasked years ago with operating a teleprompter for him. What a pleasure to work with such a sincere public servant. He was a joy to be around for the few hours we worked together. I would vote for him as President. Another inspiring person in my experience was Ruth Sulzberger Holmberg. Beginning in the 60s she served as publisher of The Chattanooga Times. which her grandfather founded in the 1800s. She fought for civil rights, the integration of schools and environmental issues, none of which were popular in the community. She was a woman of grace and kindness. whose philanthropic leadership in the arts and education areas was something to behold. Her commitment to great journalism was never in doubt. It was inspiring when she came though the newsroom. While I have been touched by many, few can surpass the impact of Sister Thomas DeSales had on me, my wife, Norma Carol, and the Chattanooga community at large. Sister Thomas was the administrator of Memorial Hospital, particularly during its high-growth years. Sister Thomas was a leader who would go to any length to take compassionate care of Memorials patients. At the same time, heaven help a nurse, doctor or whoever who didnt understand what real patient care looked like. She was tough but caring. I experienced her compassion when I was at WRCB-TV, Channel 3 in the early 70s. The station had just organized a union and when the management didnt want to negotiate, a strike was called. We were expecting our first child. With not much money coming in from my part-time radio news job at WDXB, we worried about how to pay the hospital bill. Sister Thomas was quick to provide service without immediate payment, a kindness that Im sure permeated all her decisions as an administrator. In my entire career no leader was more influential and supportive than Leonard Fant. Leonard was a top executive at Erlanger Hospital in 1975 when he called me at Channel 3 to offer me a job as public relations director at the beleaguered facility. I had no idea that when I said yes, it would lead to 9 1/2 years of exciting experiences. Whatever communication approach I wanted to implement, whether a weekly newsletter or 15-projector slide show (before PowerPoint), Leonard was on board. At one point in my time at Erlanger, Roy McDonald, owner and publisher of the Chattanooga News-Free Press called Leonard asking that I be fired. McDonald said the newspaper could do the public relations for free. The truth was McDonald didnt like me because I was involved in a union at Channel 3. Leonard just ignored the request. During my years at the hospital, we received over 300 various awards for our communication efforts. All because of Leonard Fants support. More later! * * * Fred Gault can be reached at avfred@gmail.com All 53 of Lee Universitys recent School of Nursing graduates received a 100 percent first-time pass rate on the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses. We're so proud of our 2024 graduates, said Dr. Amy Jo Perry, dean of the School of Nursing. Their 100 percent NCLEX pass rate is a testimony to their hard work, commitment, and preparation for their futures in the nursing profession. While earning their licenses as registered nurses is quite an achievement, we're even more proud of the exceptional care they will provide to patients and their families. The 60 May 2023 graduates also received a 100 percent first-time pass rate, making this the second year in a row the School of Nursing celebrates this achievement. Our May 2023 cohort is out there making us proud after passing their NCLEX last year, said Shannon McBrayer, director of simulation and experiential learning. Since the first cohort of nursing graduates in 2017, the school is at a 98 percent overall first-time pass rate for the NCLEX. Nursing students are required to take the NCLEX test after graduation, which determines if they are qualified enough to engage in entry-level practice. Students that do not pass on their first try must take it again until they do. The exam evaluates nursing competence, critical thinking, and clinical judgment skills, and a students ability to make safe and effective decisions in various patient care situations. The School of Nursing also celebrates all of the Doctor of Nursing Practice May 2024 graduates who passed the Board Certification exam on their first attempt. We are proud to announce a 100 percent pass rate for our 2024 Family Nurse Practitioner graduates, said Dr. Julie Campbell, director of graduate studies in nursing. This reflects the dedication of our students, the commitment of our faculty, and the high quality of our DNP program. The success underscores our mission to empower the next generation of doctoraly-prepared nurse practitioners who are ready to make a meaningful impact in the world as leaders in providing compassionate, expert care to their local communities. Not only have all Lees 2024 graduates passed the four-year NCLEX and become registered nurses, but they also have all accepted positions at various hospitals in the region. Some graduates will serve as far as Washington State, but many of them will remain in the Cleveland and Chattanooga area and serve at locations such as Bradley Medical Center, Hamilton Medical Center, Erlanger Hospital, CHI Memorial, and Parkridge. Other graduates have been employed at medical centers all around the region, including Vanderbilt University Medical Center and the University of Alabama at Birmingham, among others. Lees graduates have accepted nursing assignments in areas such as emergency care, mother-baby, oncology, cardiac, surgery, and other specializations. "Our students are now the hands and hearts in hospitals, clinics and communities. Wherever you come across a Lee nursing graduate, you can trust that they are where they need to be, and that they are making a difference, said Ms. McBrayer. Lee University offers a Bachelor of Science in Nursing, a Bachelor of Science and Bachelor of Arts in Disaster and Healthcare Mission Management, and a Doctor of Nursing Practice. Nursing students get the chance to participate in clinical partnerships with local healthcare facilities, internship opportunities, extended experience in the field, and utilize simulation labs and events to test training and skill. Lees BSN nursing program began in 2014 and has since graduated 421 registered nurses. The program is nationally accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education. For more information about Lee University School of Nursing, visit leeuniversity.edu/academics/nursing/. Dr. Yvette Stewart has been named assistant professor and literacy director for the University of Tennessee at Chattanoogas School of Education and the Center for Excellence and Innovation in Education.Dr. Stewart, who has worked for Hamilton County Schools since 2018, will begin her new role at UTC on Oct. 21. She will jointly lead School of Education and Center for Excellence and Innovation in Education initiatives aimed at equipping educators with the skills to effectively teach children how to read.I will be the biggest cheerleader for teaching children how to read; its an important component of the educational experience for a child, said Dr.Stewart, who has worked in public education for 28 years. In this role, I will bring various advocates of education and organizationsspecifically school districtsto the table to form a common understanding of how to do that and how to work together to provide that support for students in classrooms.Literacy opens up opportunities. If youre literate, you have access to and ownership of your future.As the director of elementary teaching and learning and K-12 literacy for Hamilton County Schools, Dr. Stewart has been responsible for enhancing the effectiveness and fidelity of the literacy curriculum across grades K-12.I want to congratulate Dr. Yvette Stewart on her new position at UTC, said Dr. Justin Robertson, superintendent of Hamilton County Schools. Dr. Stewart has been an integral part of the districts early literacy work, and I am grateful for opportunities to collaborate with her and UTC. I look forward to continuing our alignment of early literacy best practices and better preparing upcoming educators to serve our students in Hamilton County Schools.Dr. Allen Pratt, interim director of the Center for Excellence and Innovation in Education, called the hiring of Stewart a major collaborative effort with Hamilton County Schools. They know shes always going to be available to help them out.Bringing Dr. Stewart to campus gives us someone with the credentials and expertise to help guide the University and literacy work, but also help our community and surrounding areas on how to be the best possible instructor of literacy and put us on the cutting edge of what is needed to become the best, Dr. Pratt said.A North Carolina native, Dr. Stewart holds four degrees from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro, including a bachelors in elementary education, a masters in school administration, and both an Ed.S. and Ed.D. in educational leadership.Dr. Stewart began her professional career in 1996 as a kindergarten teacher with Durham Public Schools in North Carolina. Over the next 13 years, she held various roles in the Durham and Charlotte-Mecklenburg school systems, including elementary teacher, assistant principal at both the elementary and middle school levels, and principal.Prior to coming to Chattanooga in 2018, she spent 10 years with the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction as a project coordinator and assistant director for the Educator Effectiveness Division.Dr. Kim Wingate, director of the UTC School of Education, emphasized the importance of Dr. Stewarts addition to the University and her wide-ranging experience.We are thrilled to have Dr. Stewart join us at UTC, Dr. Wingate said. Her extensive background, particularly her leadership at both the district and state level, brings immense value.Dr. Stewarts expertise will be instrumental in furthering our continued collaboration with Hamilton County Schools, but also positions the School of Education at the forefront of literacy development. Her innovative thinking and insights from K-12 education and beyond will help us shape the future of literacy instruction for years to come.In her new role at UTC, Dr. Stewart will be involved in helping future teachers learn how to teach literacy.Thats probably going to be the most fun part of my job because its in the lens of my background as a teacher and the experience that I have had leading district-level work, Dr. Stewart said. I can give prospective teachers firsthand experience or early exposure to students, and I hope to use my relationships with Hamilton County Schools to really support new teachers as they prepare for the classroom.In addition to her K-12 background, Dr. Stewart has previous higher education experience as an adjunct professor for the University of Phoenix and the University of North Carolina at Charlotte. Governor Bill Lee announced Thursday that the State of Tennessee will no longer move forward with plans to build a new psychiatric hospital on state-owned land at Moccasin Bend in Chattanooga. The decision is based on initial findings of an ongoing archeological review. This is the first archeological review that has been conducted since the Moccasin Bend Mental Health Institute was founded in 1961, and the State expects the final report to be delivered in November. The Tennessee Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services and Department of General Services oversaw the survey on behalf of the State Building Commission. Tennessees robust conservation strategy balances our states growth with a plan to protect our environment, which is why we pursued an archeological study at Moccasin Bend, said Governor Lee. I look forward to working with stakeholders to determine the best path forward for this historic site. The state has determined that it will pursue alternative locations for the Moccasin Bend Mental Health Institute replacement facility, with the goal of utilizing taxpayer dollars efficiently and continuing to serve Tennesseans living with the most severe mental health challenges, officials said. Key findings include: 1. 73 percent of the state-owned parcel at MBMHI is comprised of a multi-component archaeological site containing buried layers of historic and pre-contact materials, occupation surfaces and features (pits, hearth materials, etc.). 2. The presence of Woodland period features (pits and occupation surfaces) indicates that there are likely more intact features within the site, some of which may still contain human remains or isolated burials. No human remains or burials were found during the survey. 3. Areas within the parcel exhibit excellent preservation and integrity. We are incredibly grateful to Governor Lee for making this historic decision that will be applauded for years by our children and our childrens children, said Mayor Tim Kelly. We are especially thankful that the early conversations we initiated about relocating the state hospital have played out just as we had hoped. At long last, after decades of deferral and delay, we now have the opportunity to truly preserve this nationally historic land as a park for every Chattanoogan to enjoy, connecting our community to the natural beauty and rich history of Moccasin Bend forever. The approximately 956-acre Moccasin Bend National Archeological District, which lies along the scenic Tennessee River, was designated more than two decades ago as the countrys first and only national archeological district, as part of a unit that includes the Chickamauga and Chattanooga National Military Park. Former U.S. Rep. Zach Zamp in 2003 helped lead the charge to transfer hundreds of acres owned by the city and the state to the National Park Service, as part of an effort that dates back to the 1920s. But that designation alone did not lead to the areas full development as a park, due to a patchwork of property ownership and nonconforming uses, such as the state hospital and a nearby firing range operated by Chattanooga and Hamilton County. The peninsula has been home to thousands of years of human habitation, from the earliest Paleo-Indians through the Civil War to the present day. The potential future addition of the 107-acre psychiatric hospital property, as well as the future elimination of other nonconforming uses, will complete the site by creating a virtually contiguous tract of land. This ongoing effort to preserve Moccasin Bend fully aligns with Chattanoogas goal to become a National Park City, said Scott Martin, director of Parks & Outdoors for the City of Chattanooga. "Moccasin Bend, a nationally significant cultural site, uniquely tells the story of 12,000 years of human settlement in the Tennessee River Valley, said Mr. Martin. While land use decisions on the Bend haven't always taken these precious resources into account, a new story begins with this decision by the governor. Thanks to Governor Lee and the Hamilton County legislative delegation's consistent leadership calling for thoughtful stewardship of this resource that can benefit all Tennesseans, with this decision an effort can now begin to preserve forever the stories and legacies of this sacred land." The Hamilton County Legislative Delegation has consistently supported the protection of the historic artifacts and land at Moccasin Bend, said Senator Bo Watson. I repeatedly said that we would not make any decision until this archeological survey was complete. The report clearly identifies the importance of the protection of the Moccasin Bend site, I support and encourage the state to find another location for a new facility. This archeological study has provided the information needed for the state to make an informed, fiscally responsible decision about the replacement of a much-needed mental health facility. As we have said from the beginning, the study would determine whether building the facility at Moccasin Bend could be done without further damaging the site or compromising its historical significance. Through this process, we have learned what we needed to know to make this important decision, said State Rep. Patsy Hazlewood. Improved and increased mental health services are still a critical and urgent need for our community and our state. Now we must focus our efforts on how and where to best meet those needs going forward. In this landmark initiative, the Department of General Services identified and retained New South Associates to conduct the first-ever state archeological survey of Moccasin Bend, said Christi Branscom, commissioner of Tennessees Department of General Services. Using minimally invasive techniques, the team uncovered compelling evidence of the sites rich archeological heritage. These findings clearly demonstrate that Moccasin Bend is a cultural treasure that must be protected and preserved for future generations. Throughout this process, we proceeded with great respect to the history and heritage of this site, said Marie Williams, commissioner of Tennessee Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services. When we appeared before the State Building Commission in 2023, we committed to adapt our plans if needed based on the results of an archaeological survey, and thats exactly what we are doing today. We know that publicly funded psychiatric beds are an essential emergency mental health safety net for our neighbors who have the greatest needs and little or no ability to pay for treatment. Moccasin Bend Mental Health Institute will continue to provide these essential services to its 52-county coverage area while we work diligently to determine next steps. Until that determination is made, we will continue to operate the beds at MBMHI to provide high-quality care to the patients we serve. The Hamilton County Election Commission is aware of an article published by the Chattanooga Times Free Press on Sept. 21: Tax hike, city commission signs raise questions in Red Bank. The Election Commission was not contacted or asked to comment before the publication of this article. Any statements in the article that were attributed to employees of the Election Commission were taken from other contexts and were not made for purposes of the article. By way of brief explanation, when candidates complete all required qualifying documentation, it is the Election Commission's normal practice to provide a packet of information, including relevant state statutes. The Election Commission also makes it a practice to respond to and answer questions that are posed by voters, citizens, and candidates. We do our very best to answer questions to the best of our knowledge and understanding, but it is ultimately every candidate's responsibility to maintain legal compliance. We are unaware of any situation where information we have provided has been inaccurate or incorrect. We remain steadfast in our mission to continue communicating clear guidance to all voters, citizens, and candidates and to ensuring the integrity of elections in Hamilton County. We invite anyone to visit our website (https://elect.hamiltontn.gov/Home.aspx) and the Tennessee Secretary of State's website (https://sos.tn.gov/elections), each of which are useful sources of information. Scott Allen Election Administrator Without the restraints of royal life, will the duke's children have more choices than the Prince of Wales's? Prince Harry and Meghan Markle live outside the royal bubble, allowing them to parent their children differently than Prince William and Kate Middleton. However, do they have it easier as parents than the future king and queen of the United Kingdom? Why is parenting easier for Harry and Meghan Markle than William and Kate Middleton? As reported by GB News, royal correspondent Jennie Bond told the UK edition of OK! Magazine that she believes its easier for Harry and Meghan to parent their children than Prince William and Kate Middleton. Without the restraints of royal life, the couple can be present for more life events. The warm weather and outdoor lifestyle in Montecito must make bringing up children a joy. It is so much easier to get them away from screens and TV, which Harry and Meghan clearly both feel very strongly about, Bond explained. I think [Harry] is relishing his role as a parent and playing the fullest part he can in the lives of his two tots. Hes lucky enough to be able to share most of their lives so Im sure Harry is a devoted dad and no stranger to nappy changing or school runs, she continued. In contrast, the Prince and Princess of Wales adhered to a structured royal family workload before Kate Middletons cancer scare. But, they always put their children first and werent busy frontline royals like Princess Anne, King Charles, and Camilla Parker Bowles. William and Kate are parenting the next generation of senior royals. Therefore, they must balance real life and royal structure. While their kids lives are predetermined by their pedigree, Kate and William allow their kids more freedom than previous generations of royal offspring, but definitely not as much as Harrys children will experience. Is Prince Harry trying to give his kids the perfect upbringing after Princess Diana, King Charles turmoil? Prince William and Prince Harry have prioritized their children from the moment they became fathers. Prince William is the father of Prince George, Princess Charlotte, and Prince Louis, while Prince Harry is the father of Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet. By concentrating on their roles as parents and husbands, both princes are breaking the cycle of divorce and its effect on the children at the center of the breakup. Jennie Bond spoke about how Diana and Charles split affected Harry. Its hard to know exactly when the damage wrought by his parents broken marriage began to make its mark on Harry. He was only eight when Charles and Diana officially separated, but he had witnessed the marital difficulties long before that, she explained. Im sure the insecurity of his own childhood has made him all the more determined to give his kids the perfect upbringing and to have them wrapped in a bubble of love and awareness of the love between their parents, Bond said of Harrys marriage to Meghan. Harry also shared with Anderson Cooper during a 60 Minutes interview that fatherhood helped him understand his mother more. He said he now comprehended Dianas position as a parent with intense media pressure. Prince Harry relishes fatherhood Prince Harry, Prince Archie, Meghan Markle and Princess Lilibet | Netflix Before his 40th birthday on Sept. 15, 2024, Prince Harry discussed the best gift hed ever been given. He bestowed the honor on his children, Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet. In a statement to the BBC, Harry discussed his children and praised the duo for changing his life. Becoming a father of two incredibly kind and funny kids has given me a fresh perspective on life, as well as sharpening my focus in all my work, Harry explained. Being a dad is one of lifes greatest joys and has only made me more driven and more committed to making this world a better place. Prince Harry and his wife, Meghan Markle, live in Montecito, California, with their two children. FAST Core Array to greatly improve 'eyesight' of telescope Global Times) 09:59, September 26, 2024 An aerial view of the 500-meter Aperture Spherical Radio Telescope (FAST) in Pingtang county, Southwest China's Guizhou Province. (Photo: courtesy of FAST) China launched the construction of the testing prototype for the Five-hundred-meter Aperture Spherical Radio Telescope (FAST) Core Array on Wednesday, aiming to greatly enhance the astronomical observation capability of the FAST telescope. At 10:30 am, a 40-meter aperture antenna started to be installed on a hilltop less than three kilometers away from the current FAST site, also known as the China Sky Eye, located in a naturally deep and round karst depression in Southwest China's Guizhou Province. In order to further raise FAST's scientific observation capability, the team behind the project proposed a low-cost, quickly implementable plan for a radio telescope array. According to this plan, the well-suited electromagnetic environment within 5 kilometers surrounding FAST will be fully utilized to construct 24 fully rotatable 40-meter-diameter antennas, which will function as a synthesis aperture array when combined with FAST, known as the FAST Core Array, according to CCTV. Adding auxiliary telescopes around FAST is equivalent to turning FAST into a telescope with a much larger aperture, which will raise the observation capability of FAST, Zhu Weiwei, a researcher from the National Astronomical Observatories of the Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS), explained, CCTV reported. When the FAST Core Array is completed, it will significantly improve the "eyesight" of the China Sky Eye by allowing it not only to see far but also with a higher degree of clarity, said Jiang Peng, deputy director of the National Astronomical Observatories of the CAS, noting that the FAST Core Array functions are similar to a high-resolution "digital camera" that captures the distant starry sky, according to Xinhua. The FAST Core Array will significantly expand the existing scientific research fields. In particular, it will play a major role in areas such as gravitational wave events, fast radio bursts, gamma-ray bursts, supernovae, and black hole tidal disruption events. In addition to astrophysics research, the FAST Core Array can also play a role in deep space exploration fields such as near-Earth object early warning and deep space satellite communications, providing important strategic support for the development of China's aerospace sector. FAST is the world's largest single-dish and the most sensitive radio telescope. Since it started operation, FAST has achieved numerous significant original breakthroughs in multiple areas in the discovery of pulsars, fast radio bursts, and nanohertz gravitational waves. (Web editor: Tian Yi, Zhong Wenxing) Home News 'Women are dying': $500K ad says abortion misinformation led to deaths of Amber Thurman, Candi Miller A $500,000 TV and digital ad campaign says misinformation about abortion drugs and state laws spread by Vice President Kamala Harris and Democratic lawmakers has resulted in women's deaths, including Amber Thurman and Candi Miller. Women Speak Out PAC, a partner of the national pro-life advocacy group Susan B. Anthony Pro-Life America, launched the "Deadly: Democrats' Abortion Lies Put Women at Risk" ad campaign this week. The plan is for the digital ad to reach target voters, and it will also reach cable and broadcast markets throughout various Georgia cities, including Atlanta, Augusta, Macon and Savannah. 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 "Candi and Amber should be alive," the ad states. "The left's scare tactics are deadly." The ad is a response to claims from media outlets and politicians that Georgia's restrictions on abortion as early as six weeks into gestation are responsible for Thurman and Miller's deaths. Both women experienced complications after taking the abortion pill in 2022. Harris and Democrats argue that doctors are confused about the care they can provide due to the law. But pro-life medical groups and experts say that Georgia's law prohibiting abortion after a fetal heartbeat becomes detectable does not prevent doctors from providing life-saving care, asserting that political leaders are endangering women by making them believe they cannot seek treatment while also ignoring the dangers associated with abortion drugs. In a Tuesday statement, SBA Pro-Life America President Marjorie Dannenfelser declared that "women are dying" due to the lies spread by political leaders like Harris. The pro-life research organization Charlotte Lozier Institute reports that complications from women who took abortion drugs are severely underreported to the FDA. From 2020-2022, six states reported 1,004 complications from drug-induced abortions, while the FDA reported 17. "Amber Thurman and Candi Miller died after they suffered complications from dangerous abortion drugs and did not receive appropriate, completely legal emergency care," Dannenfelser stated. Thurman, a 28-year-old single mother, died after she obtained abortion drugs from a facility in North Carolina after learning she was pregnant with twins. The mother developed an infection several days later because some of her twins' remains were still inside her body. While the doctors at the hospital discussed performing a dilation and curettage to remove the remains, this was not done right away. By the time Thurman made it to the operating room, her condition had worsened, and she died. The other woman, Miller, died in 2022 after she ordered abortion drugs online. An autopsy found the remains of her unborn child still inside her body. The autopsy also found that she took a combination of painkillers, including fentanyl. Miller did not seek help from a doctor because she thought she could be prosecuted due to Georgia's abortion law. "Georgia's law, like pro-life laws in every other state, allows emergency care, miscarriage care, and treatment for ectopic pregnancy," Dannenfelser said. "The laws do not penalize women who have abortions, and they use plain, commonly accepted legal language." "There would be no confusion if abortion advocates were not spreading confusion," she added. "Amber, Candi, and their babies should be alive today. Democrats are putting countless lives at risk, and we will relentlessly call them out." With abortion appearing to be a major issue this election cycle, Students for Life Action also released an ad campaign highlighting Harris and her running mate, Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz's views on abortion. The ad, set to air on Fox News this week, focuses on abortion and infanticide. "Kamala Harris may have played dumb during the debate on her record of literally voting to allow infanticide to continue, and she may try to ignore her chosen running mate's decision to hide cases of infanticide in his home state of Minnesota, but the Pro-Life Generation will not ignore a record of radical abortion support that includes allowing lives to be lost AFTER a botched abortion," SFLA and SFLA Action President Kristan Hawkins said in a statement provided to The Christian Post. In addition to Harris' record of advocating for access to abortion throughout her career, pro-life groups have raised concerns about the presidential hopeful's running mate. Walz signed a measure in 2023 that amends existing state statutes to ensure that state taxpayer funds can cover "abortion services" that are "determined to be medically necessary." The Minnesota governor also repealed a statute requiring babies who are born alive after an attempted abortion must receive medical care. During the years Minnesota's Born-Alive Infant Protection Act had been in effect, the state's health agency reportedseveralcases where a babyappears to have been born alive after an abortion. Home News 'Cartel style' network illegally shipping abortion drugs from Mexico into the United States Groups modeled after drug cartels are illegally shipping abortion drugs into the United States and contributing to the nation's drug crisis, according to a new report that highlighted one of the most popular abortion pill networks based in Mexico. Various networks and abortionists have continued to offer abortion drugs to women online and through the mail in states that have enacted abortion restrictions since the U.S. Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade in June 2022, allowing states more leeway in regulating and restricting abortion and abortion drugs. As some reports suggest, chemical abortions have increased in the United States since the Supreme Court's decision. 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 According to a Wednesday study by the advocacy group American Life League, "Beneath the Surface: Exposing the Abortion Pill Drug Cartel," women in all 50 states and U.S. territories can still access abortion drugs due to the FDA's 2023 removal of in-person regulations. The Mexico-based Las Libres is one of many networks illegally shipping abortion drugs into states and U.S. territories that have restrictions on abortion. In a Wednesday statement provided to The Christian Post, American Life League National Director Katie Brown said that women across America are accessing abortion drugs at an "astonishing rate" despite several states enacting abortion restrictions since 2022. "It's clear that the FDA has dropped the ball on this," she said. "As the government agency charged with oversight of drugs coming into this country, they have failed." "And where is the [U.S. Postal Service]?" she questioned. "The post office is supposed to screen packages for illegal items, yet black market abortion drugs are being mailed into every state." Per the report, Las Libres encourages women to open a Proton Mail account to obtain abortion pills. The instructions ask women to provide their name and date of their last menstrual period, but then they also state, "No other information is needed. You will receive instructions for how to order." One of the dangers of women ordering abortion pills online is that they could potentially be laced with other drugs, something that has proven to be an issue with other drugs like fentanyl. Dealers will often mix fentanyl with other drugs and make it resemble other prescription opioids, endangering people's lives. Another potential risk to women's safety that the American Life League highlighted in its report is how easily an abuser can obtain abortion drugs and provide them to their wives or girlfriends without their knowledge or consent. In March 2022, Catherine Herring's husband did just that after she told him she was pregnant. The pair had been married for 11 years and going through a separation at the time of the pregnancy. Herring credits an abortion pill reversal hotline with saving her pregnancy, and the woman's daughter is alive today. While many media outlets and abortion proponents insist that chemical abortions are safe, pro-life advocates have questioned the validity of such a claim due to a lack of reporting on complications. As American Life League's report noted, Las Libres tells women how to hide their online abortion pill requests and advises them to lie to physicians if they experience complications that require medical attention. The abortion pill network explains that doctors "can provide the appropriate postmiscarriage medical care without knowing that you took pills." "These unsupervised procedures self-administered without continuing medical oversight are incredibly traumatic and dangerous to women," Brown said on Wednesday. "Even legitimately distributed abortion pills come with an FDA boxed warning about potentially fatal infections." "The Journal of Family Planning and Reproductive Health Care reports that many women who have taken these drugs report extreme stress and trauma caused by expelling their dead baby's body at home, alone, after days of nausea, severe cramping, and bleeding," she continued. "The FDA and USPS should care enough to intervene in this illegal importing of the dangerous DIY abortion drugs." The Christian Post reached out to Las Libres for comment. A response was not immediately received. Home News Doctors urge American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists to expose abortion misinformation An organization of over 7,000 OB-GYNs called on the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists to join forces and combat misinformation surrounding abortion drugs and state laws following the deaths of Amber Thurman and Candi Miller in Georgia. In a letter provided this week to The Christian Post, the American Association of Pro-Life Obstetricians and Gynecologists outlined its efforts to provide clarity about abortion laws and induced abortions. The group emphasized the dangers of taking abortion drugs without medical supervision and women believing they cannot seek care due to abortion laws. "We have seen that this misinformation creates fear and confusion among physicians and patients," the pro-life medical group stated. "This has deadly consequences. Amber Thurman and Candi Miller both passed away in Georgia after taking abortion drugs." 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 Thurman, a 28-year-old single mother, died after she obtained abortion drugs from a facility in North Carolina after learning she was pregnant with twins. The mother developed an infection several days later because some of her twins' remains were still inside her body. Doctors diagnosed Thurman with acute severe sepsis, and while they discussed performing a dilation and curettage, medical professionals did not take her to the operating room until 20 hours after she arrived at the hospital. Some media reports suggested that physicians failed to provide Thurman with care due to confusion about Georgia's abortion law. The state bans abortions after a fetal heartbeat becomes detectable but allows physicians to intervene to prevent the death of the pregnant woman and "irreversible physical impairment of a major bodily function." The other woman, Miller, died in 2022 after she ordered abortion drugs online. An autopsy found the remains of her unborn child still inside her body. The autopsy also found that she took a combination of painkillers, including fentanyl. Miller did not seek help from a doctor because she thought she could be prosecuted due to Georgia's abortion law. "Furthermore, both women passed away after taking abortion drugs, which we have long heard are 'safer than Tylenol' and can even be 'self-managed' without medical supervision," AAPLOG continued in its letter. "Lying to patients and physicians can have deadly consequences. For our colleagues and patients, medical organizations must commit to educating the public based on facts, not political agendas (on either side)." Despite differences in opinion on the abortion issue, AAPLOG asked the ACOG to join the pro-life medical group in educating the public and improving patient outcomes. In addition to ensuring women are aware of all the risks associated with mifepristone and misoprostol, AAPLOG advocated for improved standards to safeguard women's health. "This would include an in-person evaluation to rule out contraindications and at least one follow-up visit to ensure she is not experiencing complications," the letter stated. AAPLOG's other recommendations for improving patient outcomes include ensuring physicians receive guidance on their state laws and assuring women they will not be prosecuted for seeking care for abortion complications. The pro-life medical group also advocated for providing physicians with educational materials about abortion pill side effects so they can better care for women who arrive at the emergency room after taking the drugs. "As physicians, we cannot afford to let any more of the patients we were sworn to protect die due to false understandings of state abortion policy or distorted narratives surrounding abortion drugs," AAPLOG concluded. "We look forward to working alongside ACOG in the service of our patients and look forward to hearing from you." The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists did not immediately respond to The Christian Post's request for comment. The two Georgia women's deaths were discussed at a Tuesday U.S. Senate Finance Committee hearing titled "Chaos and Control: How Trump Criminalized Women's Health Care." Democratic Sen. Ron. Wyden, the committee's chair, asserted that women are not receiving emergency medical care at hospitals due to the overturning of Roe v. Wade in June 2022. During her testimony, AAPLOG CEO Dr. Christina Francis, a board-certified OB/GYN who works in Indiana, declared that the title of the hearing is another effort to distract the public from the "true danger" to women's health "unregulated and dangerous abortions" that the doctor said are ending the lives of women and their unborn children. "How to care for women in emergency situations is not confusing to physicians. We knew how to do it before the Dobbs decision, and we know how to do it now," the OB-GYN stated. "When faced with a complex patient, we assess their clinical status using our reasonable medical judgment and then proceed with the appropriate treatment based on standards of care and our clinical expertise as well as shared decision making with the patient." "It is not the laws to blame but rather the pro-abortion politicians and the media who have created deadly confusion as well as the professional associations who have failed to inform and train physicians and other hospital staff accurately," Francis continued. Home News Calling himself a miracle of God, Mayor Eric Adams wants New York City to be a place of faith Boldly declaring himself an unapologetic man of God and lamenting that Americans have lost their faith, New York City Mayor Eric Adams issued a call to local faith leaders to work with him to make the city a place of faith and healing and help introduce faith back into our families. We must introduce faith and wellness back into our families. And I'm baffled that you could talk about cannabis in schools but not faith. I'm baffled. I'm baffled that we don't understand the importance of it, Adams said at a mental health faith-based summit hosted by the Mayors Office of Faith-Based and Community Partnerships at the International Interfaith Research Lab at Teachers College, Columbia University on Thursday. That's why we are rolling out in the Department of Education that every child is going to learn mindfulness, breathing exercises, they're gonna learn internal care. 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 Adams comments come after he made waves at another event last month where he declared that it was a mistake to take prayer out of public schools. The mayor, who was raised in the Church of God in Christ but now attends mostly nondenominational services, identifies as a Christian. He told his multifaith audience, which included Christian pastors and mental health professionals, that had it not been for his faith as a child, he would never have been able to escape the dysfunction that once marked his life. People wonder why I lean into my faith so much. If you only know how broken I have been as a child, and I am just a pure miracle of God, he said, sounding like a pastor delivering a rousing sermon. And every day, just to be able to just rejoice in the fullness of you can take a broken child and turn him into the Mayor of the city of New York. God is real. God is real. Adams expressed grave concern over the state of hopelessness among Americas youth and argued that the erosion of faith in society is partly to blame. I am so fearful of what is happening not only to New York City but what's happening to America, he said. You know, there was a scientific experiment I did as a child in biology class, it was, you think about it, it was a terrible experiment. But it was a reflection of where we are today. It was an experiment where if you placed a frog in hot water, it would jump out immediately. But if you placed it in cold water and turn up the temperature ever so slightly, it will stay there until it boils itself to death, he added. That is what's happening across our city and country. The temperature, it increases so slightly, that we have normalized the conditions we are facing. You know, my greatest probably handicap is that I have a maladjusted personality. I cannot adjust to the dysfunctionality of what's around me. He said when he visited China, for example, social media such as TikTok feeds positive content to users. They don't allow the TikTok that our children are looking at. They don't allow it in China. They only have education TikTok. Our babies are waking up every day in the morning, on their way to school, stopping into stores and bodegas, buying gummy bears and Skittles laced with cannabis and sitting inside the classroom, he said. Little girls across this country are defining themselves through social media, dealing with depression, asking their parents can they have some form of surgical changes to their figure, to having liposuction at 12 and 13 years old. Suicide rates are increasing among 9 and 10 and 11-year-olds. We are seeing the erosion of the foundation of our future. But the temperature is just so low. So slight, Adams continued. Just one Instagram post at a time, one Twitter at a time, one TikTok at a time and we think it's all in fun. Just the other day, a 14-year-old child stabbed his sister multiple times. [She was] 15 years old. And Adams isnt wrong about the decline of faith in America. Data from the National Public Opinion Reference Survey conducted by Pew Research Center shows that less than half of American adults pray daily as church membership continues to decline and the ranks of the religiously unaffiliated swells. The survey results published in late 2021, found that only 45% of U.S. adults say they pray daily compared to 58% who reported doing so in 2007 and 55% who said they prayed daily in 2014. Some 32% said they seldom or never pray, which is close to the 29% of U.S. adults who identify as religious nones people who describe themselves as atheists, agnostics or nothing in particular, the study says. The nations share of religious nones was 6% higher than it was five years earlier and 10% higher than it was a decade ago. And people asked me over and over again. Why do you keep saying it's time to pray? It's time to pray. We have moved our faith-based leaders outside of what we should be doing together, Adams said. Our challenge it's not economics. Our challenge is not finance. Our challenge is faith. People have lost their faith. And when you can take a broken child, one that was dyslexic, arrested, rejected, and now he's elected as the Mayor of the city of New York. That's what we are attempting to accomplish in this city, he added. A man of God is the mayor of the city of New York. And I'm unapologetic about that. Home News Al Mohler mourns sin of 'dear friend' Steven Lawson, promotes Billy Graham rule for young men in ministry 'I didn't see this coming,' theologian says Southern Baptist theologian Al Mohler has some advice for young men in ministry who want to avoid the fate of Pastor Steven Lawson and others alleged to have engaged in sexual misconduct: don't allow yourself to be alone with a woman. The 73-year-old Lawson, lead preacher at Trinity Bible Church of Dallas and president of OnePassion Ministries, was removed from ministry in recent days after an alleged "inappropriate relationship" with an unidentified woman. Mohler, 64, shared his advice Tuesday following a chapel service at Southern Baptist Theological Seminary in Louisville, Kentucky, where he serves as president. 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 While Mohler declined to refer to Lawson by name, he called him a "dear friend" who is a "well-known preacher" and admitted he "did not see this coming." "I want to share that I did not see this coming, and for the sake of history and anyone who may hear this, I don't want to send them Googling for a name, but I also didn't want to turn it off, so I won't use a name," said Mohler. "I'll simply say this preacher is well-known, a man who has preached right here from this platform, and a dear friend with whom I have preached all over the country and many parts of the world. I didn't see this coming." Mohler said while he couldn't have predicted his failure, there were some signs in retrospect, including the amount of time Lawson spent traveling alone. "When a catastrophe like this falls upon us, you can look backward and connect some dots, but they didn't appear until you look back," he said. "One of those patterns is just an awful lot of time traveling alone and the exposure of being all over the world alone. I just want to speak from the heart and say this kind of catastrophe the fall of this house is very great." He also warned his audience that while the sins of men in ministry in the past may have been revealed in a slow drip, the emergence of instant communication through the internet and social media results in a more immediate and public scandal that ultimately brings "disrepute upon the Gospel." "I honestly think it's not so much that more is happening, but that more is being immediately communicated everywhere with social media and the digital revolution," said Mohler. "Beware, your sins will find you out, and your sins will be broadcast across the world in a matter of seconds on social media platforms." Not only did Mohler say those who are called to ministry should "be absolutely horrified" by Lawson's fall, but they should also take heed to what's known in contemporary Christian circles as the "Billy Graham rule." He urged those looking to go into ministry to "make certain there are protections and policies in your life, which means the avoidance of certain patterns in your life that would expose you to this kind of vulnerability and this kind of temptation and this kind of sin." "I want to speak more bluntly than I have ever spoken in this chapel before," Mohler said. "I want to share with you a word that was shared with me by a man I won't name, a very, very honorable name in Christian ministry. His words were these: 'You will not have sex with a woman not your wife, if you are never alone with a woman not your wife,'" he said. "That's simple math. I'm not going to ask you to repeat it, but I want you to think about it. The moment we allow something to happen, we expose ourselves to a temptation greater than we can resist." Mohler, who appeared with Lawson, John MacArthur and late theologian R.C. Sproul in a number of Reformed events over the years, including the 2012 and 2017 Ligonier conferences, also suggested Lawson's sin is "as grievous as it looks, and honestly, it's almost always worse than it looks." Following the initial report about Lawson on Sept. 20, several allegations about Lawson's affair have surfaced, including a report from Phil Johnson, executive director of MacArthur's Grace to You, who suggested Lawson was engaged in a long-term extramarital affair. According to a series of now-deleted X posts, Johnson wrote that Lawson only informed the elders at Trinity Bible Church after "the girl's father had confronted Steve and threatened exposure." "This was not a noble confession of sin," Johnson added. In another reply on X, Johnson said the woman was in her late 20s and was not a member of Trinity Bible Church. He also said while the nature of the relationship had "strong romantic overtones," both Lawson and the woman "insist no literal fornication was involved, but their tie to one another was adulterous in spirit, if not in fact." Johnson later deleted the X thread but not before it was captured in a screenshot and shared across the platform. "In deference to the elders of Trinity Bible Church of Dallas, I removed the comments I posted this morning regarding the Steve Lawson scandal," Johnson wrote Wednesday evening. "Those elders shepherd the local church Lawson belonged to, so their pastoral duty takes precedence over mine." "These are godly men, committed to the truth of Scripture, and I'm fully confident they will do the right thing," he added. "They have every right to set their own pace." With more than 40 years dedicated to ministry as a prominent figure in the Reformed/Calvinist Evangelicalism movement, Lawson formerly served as a teaching fellow at Ligonier Ministries and as the dean of Doctor of Ministry Studies at The Master's Seminary but has since been removed from both websites. A frequent speaker with MacArthur at TMS events, Lawson often appeared in front of MacArthur's congregation at Grace Community Church in Sun Valley, California, for The Shepherds Conference and other events. Home News Bear Grylls bridges survival, faith in new series 'The Chosen in the Wild': 'I need Him every day' ORLANDO, Florida For Bear Grylls, faith isn't "just a Sunday thing" it's a connection to God woven into the fabric of every rugged climb, jungle expedition and quiet moment of doubt. "Faith is a journey, isn't it?" the 50-year-old former British Special Forces member told The Christian Post. "Faith and doubt are two sides of the same coin. I have many doubts, many struggles, and many days, I think it's all crazy, but through it all, I feel Christ has been a light to a dark path and strength to a failing body. Through many valleys and summits, jungles and deserts, He's always there. We need that in life. For me, it's not a Sunday thing. I really need Him every day. That's how I kind of approach life." "I don't really talk about faith unless I'm asked," he added. "It's just a part of my life, and it's something I really need. And it's the best bit of my life." This depth of connection to God has been a lifelong process for Grylls, who, in a 2023 interview with CP, spoke out about the state of modern church culture. "I think Jesus would really struggle with 99% of churches nowadays," he shared at the time. 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 For Grylls, a bestselling author who has hosted several survival shows, including "Man vs. Wild," "Running Wild with Bear Grylls" and "Bear Grylls: Escape from Hell," faith is personal, raw and best practiced without the layers of formality and performance that, he believes, have clouded many contemporary religious spaces. "Our job in life is to stay close to Christ and drop the religious, drop the fluff, drop the Church if you need to," he said. "Keep the bit of church which is about community and friends and honesty and faith and love." Grylls' comments, which were met with both praise and controversy, reflected his belief that faith is about survival a spiritual survival that demands honesty, vulnerability and a deep connection to something greater than oneself. It's this outlook that fuels his latest project, "The Chosen in the Wild," a collaboration with the series "The Chosen," which follows the life of Jesus and His followers. The six-episode adventure series will follow various cast members of "The Chosen" as they join Grylls for outdoor challenges and navigate survival situations, reflecting on the faith that sustained Jesus' disciples. Grylls spoke to CP at the fan event ChosenCon in the Orlando World Center Marriott Hotel, where "Running Wild with Bear Grylls" was first announced. The How to Stay Alive author said he's excited to bring the adventure of faith and survival together, helping audiences witness Jesus' disciples through a new lens one that mirrors the challenges of the wild. "What we've tried to do with 'The Chosen in the Wild' is get to know the real people and show their real journey," Grylls said. "Isn't that the same with 'The Chosen'? It shows the real reality of what Jesus was like in their relationships and their journey. ... It's the element of faith I've always responded best to and not the fluff of it all, the rules and the regulations and the do's and the don't, but actually, as 'The Chosen' shows, as Jesus shows, 'Keep your eyes on me, you'll be OK. Then you won't sink in the water.' I felt that in my own life many times, through many adventures. It feels like a really special pairing to bring the best of 'Running Wild' to 'The Chosen' and to allow fans to see their favorite actors in a way that they never do normally." According to Grylls, "The Chosen in the Wild" mirrors his personal philosophy in both his adventures and spiritual life; he strips back the pretense and embraces the raw, unpolished truth of human experience. Grylls stressed that the outdoors, much like faith, reveals the core of humanity: vulnerable, flawed, yet capable of extraordinary things. "I think the wild always reveals who we are," he said. "Adventures opens us all. The outdoors lights us up." With "The Chosen in the Wild," Grylls said he hopes to highlight the humanity of Jesus' disciples ordinary men who faced extraordinary challenges, both physical and spiritual. For the adventure, the project is about showing that faith, like survival, is an ongoing journey one filled with doubts, fears, and the constant need to push forward. Yet, according to Grylls, through it all, God is always present, guiding His followers through the wilderness, both literal and metaphorical. "You go on an adventure, and you look eye to eye, there's a connection," Grylls said. "So that's what we're trying to do." Home News Judge blocks Biden admin. from forcing Catholic employees to accomodate abortions, IVF A federal judge has prevented the Biden administration from requiring Catholic employers to provide their employees time off for abortions and in-vitro fertilization treatments. Judge Daniel Traynor in North Dakota ruled Monday that the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission cannot enforce the Pregnant Workers Fairness Act and Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 against the Roman Catholic Diocese of Bismarck and the Catholic Benefits Association "in a manner that would require them to accommodate abortion or infertility treatments that are contrary to the Catholic faith." The ruling prevents the plaintiffs from having to "speak in favor of the same or refrain from speaking against the same." Monday's decision comes after the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission issued guidance last year interpreting the Pregnant Workers Fairness Act to require employers to provide "reasonable accommodations" for employees "having or choosing not to have an abortion." 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 executive branch agency also listed the "termination of pregnancy, including via miscarriage, stillbirth, or abortion" as examples of "pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions" for which an employer must provide "reasonable accommodations." The guidance identified "an employee who requests leave for [in-vitro fertilization] treatment for the worker to get pregnant" as an example of someone who has "a related medical condition" that must be accommodated by employers. The Roman Catholic Diocese of Bismarck and the Catholic Benefits Association, a nonprofit supporting Catholic employers and advocating for religious freedom," filed a lawsuit against the EEOC and its chairwoman alleging that the guidance is unconstitutional. Traynor, a Trump appointee, agreed that forcing plaintiffs to provide "reasonable accommodations" for employees seeking abortion and infertility treatments that counter the teachings of the Catholic Church constitutes a violation of their rights under the Religious Freedom Restoration Act. He issued a preliminary injunction preventing the enforcement of the EEOC guidance against the plaintiffs while litigation on the matter continues. "This challenge to religious liberty is a reminder of the danger of government action that is clearly anti-religion," Traynor wrote. "It should not take a legal challenge for the Agency to stop violating the constitutional rights of Americans. Wisely, our founders provided a separate but equal branch to keep this lawlessness in check." Traynor contends that the CBA has met the "burden to establish associational standing," stressing that its members "would be harmed by the implementation of the Final Rule and Enforcement Guidance." "The CBA is likely to succeed on the merits of the RFRA violation claim because the law forces members to choose between expressing sincerely held beliefs and compliance," the judge stated. "This harm is irreparable and upholding Constitutional rights always weighs in favor of the public interest and an injunction," he concluded. "The Agency should have known it would not be allowed to force individuals to violate sincerely held religious beliefs." Monday's ruling from Traynor is not the first time the judicial branch has sided against the EEOC in its attempt to require employers to provide their employees with accommodations so they can have abortions. A June court ruling from Trump-appointed Judge David Joseph of the Western District of Louisiana prevented the Biden administration from enforcing the provision of its interpretation of the Pregnant Workers Fairness Act related to abortion against the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops, Catholic University of America, the Roman Catholic Dioceses of Lafayette and Lake Charles as well as the states of Louisiana and Mississippi. Home News Evangelicals for Harris spends over $1M on anti-Trump ad campaign featuring Billy Graham The political action committee Evangelicals for Harris rolled out an over $1 million ad campaign Thursday that features footage of the late evangelist Billy Graham and suggests former President Donald Trump exhibits the character of evil men in the last days. The ad, which will play out over the next three weeks in battleground states, features a sermon Graham preached from 2 Timothy 3:1-5, in which Paul describes the terrible nature of the last days and warns "men will become utterly self-centered and greedy for money, full of big words." The ad interspersed brief clips of Trump making comments that the PAC implied are indications he possesses the sinful characteristics of the End Times evildoers Paul was describing. 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 Our newest ad has dropped. 2 Timothy 3:1-5 But you must realize that in the last days the times will be full of danger. Men will become utterly self-centered and greedy for money, full of big words. They will be proud and abusive without any regard for their parents. They will pic.twitter.com/4NMgvbILFc Evangelicals For Harris (@Evangels4Harris) September 26, 2024 After Graham reads about greed, the ad shows a clip of Trump joking about how he is "greedy, greedy, greedy" and "grabbed all the money I could get." When Graham reads about Paul writing against men who are "proud and abusive," the ad then shows the famous clip of then-Fox News host Megyn Kelley asking Trump during a debate in 2015 about the derogatory comments he has made about women. The ad suggests Trump is also "uncontrolled and violent," citing a speech when he said he wanted to punch someone in the face. Trump's joke in 2019 that he was "the chosen one" regarding trade with China is evidence that he is "treacherous, reckless, and arrogant," the ad implies. The ad then claimed Trump loves pleasure more than God by citing the leaked "Access Hollywood" tape that featured prominently in the waning weeks of the 2016 presidential campaign, during which he said, "I just started kissing" beautiful women. The ad ended by suggesting Trump maintains "the facade of religion" but that his life denies the truth, using a 2015 clip showing pollster Frank Luntz asking Trump if he had ever asked for God's forgiveness. "I am not sure I have. I just go on and try to do a better job from there. I don't think so. I think if I do something wrong, I think, I just try and make it right. I don't bring God into that picture. I don't," Trump replied at the time, though he later backtracked. The Christian Post has reached out to the Billy Graham Evangelistic Assocation for comment. The ad marks the second time the PAC has attacked Trump using footage from Billy Graham's sermons, prompting pushback from Billy Graham Evangelistic Association CEO Franklin Graham, Billy Graham's son. Franklin Graham, who has been an outspoken supporter of the former president's policies and has claimed there is a "demonic power" behind the attacks against him, asserted that Trump was the last presidential candidate his father voted for before he died in 2018 and suggested that attempts to imply his father would not support Trump are deliberately misleading. "The liberals are using anything and everything they can to promote candidate Harris," Graham said. "They even developed a political ad trying to use my father [Billy Graham's] image. They are trying to mislead people. Maybe they don't know that my father appreciated the conservative values and policies of President [Trump] in 2016, and if he were alive today, my father's views and opinions would not have changed." The liberals are using anything and everything they can to promote candidate Harris. They even developed a political ad trying to use my father @BillyGrahams image. They are trying to mislead people. Maybe they dont know that my father appreciated the conservative values and pic.twitter.com/LZe3SEm9Al Franklin Graham (@Franklin_Graham) August 14, 2024 Franklin Graham's niece Jerushah Duford is at odds with her uncle over Trump, recently suggesting during an "Evangelicals for Harris" Zoom call that Trump supporters are causing people to turn away from Christianity. She expressed support for his opponent in the 2024 election, Vice President Kamala Harris. "Voting Kamala, for me, is so much greater than policies," Duford said. "It's a vote against another four years of faith leaders justifying the actions of a man who destroys the message Jesus came to spread, and that is why I get involved in politics." Since his two recent assassination attempts, Trump has spoken more openly about God, claiming he thinks about Him more often and attributes his narrow escapes from death to divine providence. Republican vice presidential candidate Sen. J.D. Vance, R-Ohio, visited the Billy Graham Library in Charlotte, North Carolina, on Monday to pay his respects at the graves of the late evangelist and his wife. He mentioned how Graham's Gospel message cuts across class and racial divides. Home News Indiana AG vows to fight court ruling demanding baby killer's taxpayer-funded sex change The Republican attorney general of Indiana has vowed to fight a recent court ruling that mandates taxpayer-funded sex change procedures for an inmate who is in prison for strangling his 11-month-old stepdaughter to death. U.S. District Court Judge Richard Young granted a preliminary injunction last Tuesday in favor of the ACLU of Indiana, ordering that the Indiana Department of Corrections (IDOC) must provide prisoner Jonathan C. Richardson with sex change surgery "at the earliest opportunity," according to the order. "Of course, I disagree, How could you not??" Indiana Attorney General Todd Rokita wrote on X in the wake of the ruling. "An Indiana inmate convicted of murder wants our taxpayers to fund their gender-altering surgery! Hoosiers do NOT want this. We're still reviewing the court's opinion, but you can undoubtedly expect our office to appeal this decision." 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 Richardson, who now goes by the name Autumn Cordellione, sued IDOC in August 2023 for violating his rights under the Eighth Amendment by subjecting him to "cruel and unusual punishment" by prohibiting taxpayers from paying for his sex change surgeries in accordance with House Bill 1569, a state law that went into effect in 2023. The statute states that the state DOC "may not authorize the payment of any money, the use of any state resources, or the payment of any federal money administered by the state to provide or facilitate the provision of sexual reassignment surgery to an offender patient." With the help of the ACLU, Richardson alleged the statute violated his rights under the Equal Protection clause of the Fourteenth Amendment, according to the lawsuit. The initial complaint claimed that Richardson was diagnosed with gender dysphoria in 2020 and has been consistently taking female hormones and testosterone blockers, as well as being provided "panties, make up, and form fitting clothing." Young ruled that the state law was unconstitutional and that Richardson's need for sex change procedures was "medically necessary" to treat the gender dysphoria that the ACLU claims he has experienced since the age of 6. "Specifically, Ms. Cordellione has shown that her gender dysphoria is a serious medical need, and that, despite other treatments Defendant has provided her to treat her gender dysphoria, she requires gender-affirming surgery to prevent a risk of serious bodily and psychological harm," Young wrote. "Ms. Cordellione has shown that injunctive relief is necessary," the judge also wrote. "There is no dispute that gender dysphoria is a serious medical condition under the objective prong." Despite Richardson's request for extensive surgeries that would include breast implants and a tummy tuck among other procedures, Young is only demanding an orchiectomy to remove the testicles and a vaginoplasty, which purports to construct a "neovagina" out of penile tissue. ACLU of Indiana Legal Director Ken Falk praised Young's ruling in a statement last week. "Today marks a significant victory for transgender individuals in Indianas prisons," said Falk. "Denying evidence-based medical care to incarcerated people simply because they are transgender is unconstitutional. We are pleased that the Court agreed." Richardson is serving a 55-year sentence for reckless homicide related to the death of his 11-month-old stepdaughter while his then-wife was at work on Sept. 12, 2001. An appeal from 2003 describes how Richardson was charged in 2002 with the murder of the baby girl, who, according to an autopsy, "died of asphyxiation by manual strangulation." The ruling comes as the issue of taxpayers paying for these types of procedures has featured in the 2024 presidential election. In footage from the 2020 election cycle that has since reemerged, Vice President Kamala Harris touted her work "behind the scenes" while serving as attorney general of California to make sure "that every transgender inmate in the prison system would have access to the medical care that they desire and need." In an ACLU questionnaire she filled out in 2020, Harris affirmed her intention as president that she would "ensure that transgender and nonbinary people who rely on the state for medical care including those in prison and immigration detention would be allowed to receive "all necessary surgical care." Home News NYC Mayor Eric Adams asks for prayers as hes accused of taking $10M in illegal donations New York City Mayor Eric Adams asked his supporters for prayers just hours before he was formally indicted Thursday on charges that he took some $10 million in bribes and illegal campaign donations from foreign nationals in exchange for favors. In a video statement on Wednesday night, Adams has pre-emptively dismissed the allegations as "entirely false based on lies." "It is now my belief that the federal government intends to charge me with crimes. If so, these charges will be entirely false based on lies but they would not be surprising," Adams said as he became the city's first sitting mayor to be indicted. 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 five-count indictment accuses Adams of engaging in a decade-long pattern of corruption from when he was elected as Brooklyn Borough President in 2014. He has been accused of conspiracy, wire fraud and bribery. "In 2014, Eric Adams, the defendant, became Brooklyn Borough President. Thereafter, for nearly a decade, Adams sought and accepted improper valuable benefits, such as luxury international travel, including from wealthy foreign businesspeople and at least one Turkish government official seeking to gain influence over him," the 57-page indictment alleges. "As Adams's prominence and power grew, his foreign-national benefactors sought to cash in on their corrupt relationships with him, particularly when, in 2021, it became clear that Adams would become New York City's mayor," it added. "Adams agreed, providing favorable treatment in exchange for the illicit benefits he received." In his remarks on Wednesday, however, Adams said he always knew he would become a target as he pointed to his fight with the federal government over broken immigration policies that have "overloaded" the city's shelter system. "I know I am innocent. I will request an immediate trial so New Yorkers can hear the truth. New Yorkers know my story. They know where I come from. I have been fighting injustice my entire life. That fight has continued as your mayor despite our politics," Adams said. "When the federal government did nothing as its broken immigration policies overloaded the shelter system with no relief, I put the people of New York before party and politics," he explained. "I always knew that if I stood my ground for all of you, that I would be a target and a target I became." On Thursday morning, the mayor's official residence, Gracie Mansion, was raided by federal agents, who seized his phone. Alex Spiro, Adams' attorney, dismissed the raid in a press statement as a "spectacle." "Federal agents appeared this morning at Gracie Mansion in an effort to create a spectacle (again) and take Mayor Adams' phone (again). He has not been arrested and looks forward to his day in court. They send a dozen agents to pick up a phone when we would have happily turned it in," Spiro said. Adams also maintained Wednesday that he will continue as mayor as he defends himself in court, saying he has been doing that for months now with "leaks and rumors" that have been aimed at him. "Just this past week, they searched the home of our new police commissioner looking for documents from 20 years ago, just one week after he joined my administration. Enough! I will fight these injustices with every ounce of my strength and my spirit," Adams said. "Make no mistake, you elected me to lead this city and lead it I will," he told New Yorkers. "I humbly ask for your prayers and your patience as we see this through." Home News Pastor Tony Evans sin confession stuns Christian community, sparks questions and prayers Oak Cliff Bible Fellowship has declined to elaborate on the stunning decision of its influential leader, Pastor Tony Evans, to temporarily step down from his pastoral duties "due to sin" as followers of his massive public ministry offered prayers while wondering about the nature of the unnamed sin he confessed. "There will be no one to speak to about that statement. It's true; he announced it at both services [on Sunday], and that's it," a representative of the church told The Christian Post Tuesday. "The person who's taking over for him is stated in that little paragraph, and that's about it. There will be nothing anyone else will be able to tell you. It's over." 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 Evans, 74, confessed in a written statement Sunday that though he did not commit any crimes, he fell short of the biblical standards espoused by his ministry "a number of years ago," suggesting it was "due to sin." "The foundation of our ministry has always been our commitment to the Word of God as the absolute supreme standard of truth to which we are to conform our lives. When we fall short of that standard due to sin, we are required to repent and restore our relationship with God," Evans stated. "A number of years ago, I fell short of that standard. I am, therefore, required to apply the same biblical standard of repentance and restoration to myself that I have applied to others. I have shared this with my wife, my children, and our church elders, and they have lovingly placed their arms of grace around me," he added. "While I have committed no crime, I did not use righteous judgment in my actions. In light of this, I am stepping away from my pastoral duties and am submitting to a healing and restoration process established by the elders." While many people offered prayers for Evans, others like Roy E. Ciampa, Armstrong Chair of Religion and Chair of the Department of Biblical and Religious Studies at Samford University in Alabama, are disappointed with his statement and believe the decision to confess may have been forced. "This is very disappointing. If this took place years ago. Is he (temporarily) stepping back now, bc he was just recently exposed? In any case, he covered it up for years & he's supposed to be ready for healing & restoration? Consider me skeptical," Ciampa wrote on X. Michelle Lesley, a Christian blogger and co-host of "A Word Fitly Spoken Podcast," accused Oak Cliff Bible Church's statement of finessing sin. "When they euphemize in every way possible without naming the sin, it's usually some form of sexual immorality. If you're truly repentant over your sin, you'll confess it, not finesse it," she wrote on X. "I hate that this happened, but he was already not someone to follow." Evans, who has authored over 100 books, booklets and Bible studies, has been the senior pastor of Oak Cliff Bible Fellowship for over 40 years. He "is one of the country's most respected leaders in evangelical circles," according to his bio on the church's website. His radio broadcast "The Alternative" is aired in some 130 countries via more than 1,400 radio outlets. He is the first African American to write and publish a full-Bible commentary and study Bible. He is also the first black American to earn a doctorate in Theology from Dallas Theological Seminary. Evans, who once served as chaplain of the Dallas Cowboys, was also listed as a member of the Dallas Theological Seminary Board. Seminary officials did not immediately confirm if Evans is still a board member when contacted by CP Tuesday. Church planter and lead pastor of Hope Church in Georgia, JC Groves, said the news broke his heart and issued a message for church leaders. "You. No matter who you are. No matter how long you've been in ministry. No matter how big or small the ministry is You are one decision away from stupid," Groves tweeted. "One decision away from ruining it all. Don't be a statistic. Tony Evans news absolutely breaks my heart." While admitting that he once "fed" on sermons by Evans and doesn't believe him to be a "wolf in sheep's clothing," Christian podcaster Nick Jones raised concern about Evans continuing in ministry for several years knowing that he was "unfit due to sin." "To some people it doesn't matter. Some people are saying you know what, this whole time he was preaching knowing that he was unfit due to the sin, due to the transgression that he committed. So why was he on stage? That's some people's perspective," he said in a Monday video. "I don't want to just gossip for no reason, but I am curious if he was trying to get it ahead of something leaking , so he made a statement first because potentially something was going to come out. I don't know. But it is interesting that that [so] much time went by, and now he's finally saying that he needs to step away," Jones argued. While Evans may be stepping down temporarily, he will remain active in his Christian Bible teaching and resource ministry, The Urban Alternative. In partnership with Christian travel management company Inspiration Travel, Evans and The Urban Alternative will host a Mexican Riviera Cruise planned for Nov. 9-16, with tickets starting at $1,198 per traveler. An agent with Inspiration Travel told CP Tuesday that the cruise is still on because The Urban Alternative is a separate entity from Oak Cliff Bible Fellowship. The agent noted that The Urban Alternative also has a contractual obligation to continue with the cruise. Home News Persecution of Christians spotlighted at Lausanne 4: 'The gates of Hell shall not overcome the Church' INCHEON, South Korea The concern that church leaders have shown for Christians suffering for their faith since the first Lausanne Congress in 1974 has grown so much that most of a day and night was devoted to persecution at the fourth Congress on Wednesday. The connection between evangelization and persecution was clear. Christian leaders and speakers who addressed persecution also highlighted the importance of discipleship for and by those suffering for their faith. A Christian leader based in Nigeria told the Congress on World Evangelization, where 5,200 Christians from around the globe gathered, that one challenge of persecution is the temptation to fall into syncretic faith marked by corruption and false idols. The Rev. Gideon Para-Mallam, executive director of the Para-Malam Peace Foundation in Jos, cited an earlier warning sounded by the Rev. Patrick Fung, global ambassador of OMF International. 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 Like Dr. Patrick Fung shared this morning, persecution will never kill the Church, but a compromised Gospel will, Para-Mallam told the Congress. So thats a real challenge for Christians in Sub-Saharan Africa lack of a united, continental biblical response to persecution. And its important that the global Church is aware of these challenges and they can pray for us. Sub-Saharan Africa and the Sahel are seeing mass killings that are largely hidden Human beings are literally slaughtered as the financial infrastructure of Islamic extremist forces appear to be greatly enhanced, Para-Mallam said. The consequences are devastating, and it has resulted in increased persecution and terrorist attacks against Christians, he said. There are different nuances to persecution as experienced by Christians in Sub-Saharan Africa, but the end goal is the same: Islamism in Africa. Non-state actors such as the jihadist terrorist groups Boko Haram, al-Shabaab and the Islamic State have become sub-states, with the complicity of some state officials complicating the fight against terrorism in some countries, he said. Christians are uprooted from their ancestral homelands, with millions living as internally displaced or as refugees. In some countries there is gender-based violence, which has become a weapon of persecution by terrorist groups in countries like Nigeria, Burkina Faso, Eritrea and Mozambique, Para-Mallam said. Persecution becomes a means of discipleship as Christians endure suffering, including girls kidnapped in Nigeria who have become women in captivity, such as Leah Sharibu, abducted by Boko Haram in 2018, he said. God is at work among Christian girls in captivity you wont believe this, but in Boko Haram captivity, some of these girls are involved in praying, Para-Mallam said. In Bible studies, even fasting, one of the girls told a Boko Haram commander, I do not belong in this place. Im praying, Im trusting God. And exactly three years later, God brought her out. Shes free today despite increasing prosecution. Christians in Africa are reliving the book of Acts as they learn to lay down their lives for Christ as a testimony of their resilience, he said. God is also winning back to Himself converts from among the persecutors, Para-Mallam said. May God continue to do His work, and may God be glorified in spite of persecution. A Christian leader from Lebanon also spoke of the importance of discipleship, highlighting the need to proactively prepare to face persecution. This would happen by having discipleship programs and curriculum that would address issues like theology of minorities, said the leader, whose name is being withheld for security reasons. How can you, as a minority, be effective in your society? How can you be a citizen responsible for your own society? Half-Lebanese and half-Syrian, he said the Islamic State invasion of Syria and Iraq in 2014 showed how little prepared Christians in the region were for persecution. Syrian Christians were really not prepared to face persecution, he said. I think theological institutions now, churches are preparing and more ready than before, how to educate, how to inform and how to equip sisters and brothers, how to face persecution, especially those who are coming from a Muslim background and will face pressures from governments as well as communities. Those suffering for their faith have much to teach Christians who need to hear the voices of the persecuted through books and other media as part of their discipleship, he said. Its good to have a strong biblical foundation that the Church has always been persecuted, and that the Church has always been a minority, he said. Its really crucial that we hear the voice of the martyrs before they become martyrs. We also really need to hear the voice of the majority world and, hand-in-hand with a global Church, support and advocate for the suffering Christians. Christian leaders in Iran also spoke of suffering as a means of growth, both personally and for the Church. One speaker, whose name is withheld, said that despite persecution, the number of Christians in Iran has grown from 500 at most before the 1979 Islamic Revolution to at least 1 million converts from Islam. Thats why we are training more people, more leaders, printing more Bibles and resources for discipleship, because we are waiting for much more than this, he said. History has shown that persecution is not the end of the story, firstly because its part of any Christian story; when he accepted Christ, he knew that persecution would come, he said. The second reason that persecution is not the end of the story because we know the end of the story, he said, citing the biblical promises that the gates of Hell shall not overcome the Church and the final victory of Gods people in Revelation." The last reason persecution is not the end of the story is because we are all part of the story the whole Body of Christ, he said. Im talking from the bleeding part of the Body. [But] we are all part of the story. The speakers emphasis on discipleship for and through persecution aligned with a paper produced by an Issue Group on the topic at the 2004 Forum for World Evangelization hosted by the Lausanne Committee for World Evangelization in Pattaya, Thailand, in 2004. The paper noted that despite the fall of the Iron Curtain, oppression and persecution of Christians was on the rise due to globalization, nationalism, religious fundamentalism, economic disparity, post-modernism and secularism. But since 1989, the main context for Christian persecution has become the Islamic world, the paper noted. The clash of civilizations between Islam and the West has intensified since Sept. 11, 2001, and is contributing to anti-Christian violence in Muslim contexts. Other causes identified were Hinduism, communism and post-communist contexts, and secularism. The Churchs existing theology of suffering needs to be supplemented by developing a theology of persecution, and possibly even a theology of religious freedom, the paper stated, noting a need for capacity building within and for the persecuted Church by means of training, both spiritual training for ministry and enduring persecution and practical/vocational training to strengthen the Church economically. Originally published at Christian Daily International Home News Top UK pediatrician says US doctors 'out of date' regarding trans interventions for minors One of the top pediatricians in the United Kingdom, who recently issued a report urging caution regarding hormonal and surgical interventions for trans-identified minors, claims medical professionals in the United States are "out of date" regarding such practices. Dr. Hilary Cass, a pediatrician in England for more than 30 years, penned a landmark study published last month called the "Cass Report." This study prompted the National Health Service to advise its gender clinics to implement a pause on first appointments for those under 18. Cass, who was tasked with reviewing the country's process for treating young people suffering from gender dysphoria, interviewed minor patients, transgender-identifying adults, detransitioners, advocacy groups and clinicians. 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 report was commissioned amid an exponential rise of minors in the U.K. pursuing treatment for their gender dysphoria over the past decade despite the lack of long-term studies examining the use of puberty-blocking drugs and cross-sex hormones on such patients. Cass' investigation involved systematic review of international healthcare guidance, though she concluded that evidence supporting puberty blockers and cross-sex hormones for young people is "remarkably weak." Cass advised that such hormones should be prescribed with "extreme caution." The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) and the Endocrine Society appeared to downplay the findings of the Cass review. "Politicians have inserted themselves into the exam room, which is dangerous for both physicians and for families," said Dr. Ben Hoffman, the president of AAP, according to The New York Times. The Endocrine Society told the newspaper that the "Cass Report" "does not contain any new research" that would contradict its guidelines. Cass, who served as president of the Royal College of Pediatrics and Child Health, spoke highly of the AAP but told the Times in an interview published Monday that she "respectfully [disagrees] with them on holding on to a position that is now demonstrated to be out of date by multiple systematic reviews." "It wouldn't be too much of a problem if people were saying, 'This is clinical consensus, and we're not sure,'" Cass said. "But what some organizations are doing is doubling down on saying the evidence is good. And I think that's where you're misleading the public. You need to be honest about the strength of the evidence and say what you're going to do to improve it." Cass speculated the AAP is a "fairly left-leaning organization" and is afraid of making any moves against gender procedures for children because they are both under "political duress" and frightened to acknowledge that there are multiple ways out for children who experience gender dysphoria. Cass advised against a "politically driven" medical system, urging a more holistic approach to treating minors struggling with their gender identity. She suggested the U.S. medical system has failed such patients in part because it has been overwhelmed by the problem. "We're failing these kids, and we're failing other kids in terms of the amount of mental health support we have available," she said. "That is a huge problem not just for gender-questioning young people. And I think that's partly a reflection of the fact that the system's been caught out by a growth of demand that is completely outstripping the ability to provide it." The World Professional Association for Transgender Health's Standards of Care, now in its eighth edition, guides many leading health authorities worldwide regarding transgender healthcare. According to the leaked documents, members of WPATH admitted internally that minors are incapable of giving informed consent regarding irreversible treatments such as puberty-blocking drugs and cross-sex hormones. Home Opinion A friendly invitation to speakers at G3 Cessationist Conference To all the speakers at the G3 Cessationist Conference and to all those who appeared in the Cessationist movie, I want to give you a personal invitation. This is not a challenge, and this is not meant to be a provocation. Instead, this is a genuine, heartfelt invitation for the glory of God and the good of His people, an invitation to enter into a serious public dialogue about the cessationist-continuationist controversy. Will you please take a moment to read on? Since 2013, I have offered to debate any of the speakers from the Strange Fire conference on a simple topic: According to the Scriptures, are the gifts of the Spirit including tongues and prophecy and healing normative for today? To date, none of the speakers responded to my invitation, although I subsequently had debates with Dr. Sam Waldron, Dr. Theodore Zachariades, and (in more limited form) with my friend and colleague Dr. James White. Last year, at the invitation of Christianity Today, I wrote an article explaining why I was not a cessationist, offering to debate anyone who appeared in the cessationist movie or would be speaking at the conference. Pastor Andrew Rappaport, a Jewish believer in Jesus, like myself, was the only one to respond to the invitation, as he had participated in a previous, smaller cessationist conference and was a supporter of the movie. He actually reached out to churches in Oklahoma near the site of the upcoming cessationist conference area to see if any of them would be willing to host our debate the night the conference ended, but he got no takers. 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 Hopefully, Andrew and will be able to conduct that debate for the edification of the Church in the days ahead. But for now, I want to offer an alternate proposal to any of the G3 speakers or to those who appeared in the movie. Lets sit down together one- on-one in a full-length, non-hurried, non-timed discussion where clarity and understanding are our goal. We will each lay out our positions in a private setting before video cameras, make sure we understand one anothers positions, have the opportunity to challenge one anothers positions in a gracious way, and respond to those challenges. Then, we will post the video for free viewing on our respective social media platforms for everyone to watch and evaluate for themselves. Will you do it? Recently, on August 20, I did something similar with a brilliant, ultra-Orthodox rabbi. He and I have been engaging in discussion since 2001, exchanging many hundreds of pages of documents and emails over the years along with countless conversations by phone. Weve also had some limited YouTube interaction, with each of us posting a series of videos where we responded to one another. But this was the first time that we sat together and conducted our discussion in public (it amounted to almost four hours of content), where questions were asked of one another and where greater clarification could come. The response to the video has been overwhelmingly positive. People in both the Jewish and Christian communities are benefiting greatly by watching this dialogue and witnessing our respectful interaction. How much more could we do this as brothers together in the Lord? In the late 1970s and early 1980s, I tried to become a cessationist. I didn't want to be Pentecostal or Charismatic anymore for a number of reasons, and I bought books arguing against the Pentecostal-Charismatic position, also dialoguing privately with those who rejected the charismatic gifts for today. But the more I studied the Word, the more I was convinced that there was not a stitch of scriptural support for cessationism. In fact, it is my belief that there is not a single verse in the Bible that supports the cessationist position and that the doctrine would have been utterly foreign to the Apostles and the writers of the New Testament. My own view is that cessationism is either based on ones personal spiritual experiences, bad exegesis, or faulty theological presuppositions (or all three). You, for your part, feel you have very strong and robust Scriptural arguments against my position. You would also question my interpretation of the Word, my theological presuppositions, and my own spiritual experiences. Fair enough! Thats why we need to have this discussion: the Body of Christ deserves it. We will not debate contemporary miracles. We will not debate contemporary abuses. We will simply discuss one question: What does the Bible say? Surely, you know that the Pentecostal-Charismatic movement is growing rapidly around the world, with an ever-increasing number of Reformed continuationists as well. It is my conviction that there is a powerful, glorious wave of the Spirit sweeping the earth that cannot be stopped, mixed with many destructive excesses and even heresies that must be addressed. (For my relevant 2018 book, see here.) In your view, this is a dangerous movement that is deceiving many and must be confronted as loudly and clearly as possible lest millions of people are led astray. Suffice it to say that the stakes are high! Let us, then, as leaders with platforms in the Body, have a respectful, face-to-face discussion, one where we will be sure that each of us is satisfied that we have been able to present our views and respond to relevant questions. Im more than happy to use the platforms that God has given me to expose viewers to your position, and I hope that you feel sufficiently confident in your point of view that you would be willing to expose your viewers to my position. And Im happy to come your way to record or to fly you to North Carolina at my expense to record. We have a great studio and our team is ready to go. Rather than try to score points or win a debate, we will present a discussion between leaders in the Body with the goal of magnifying Jesus, exalting the Word, and building up the people of God. Are you in? You can reach out to me here. Of course, if you are convinced that I am not a brother, I can only pray for Gods grace to flood your hearts afresh. Be assured that I hold no animosity towards you! I do hope, however, that at least one of you will take me up on this invitation. May Jesus be glorified and may we all walk in the fullness of the Spirit for today. Home Opinion Ive had abortions, worked at an abortion clinic. Why Im horrified at Kamala Harris views As a mother of three, grandmother of eleven, and great-grandmother of three, Im not easily offended or surprised. Ive seen and heard nearly everything, more or less. But having watched Vice President Kamala Harris at the recent debate and seen her lean in so hard to the dehumanization of the unborn was triggering. The outright mockery and arrogance of Kamala Harris to dismiss so handily the lives of innocent babies have been horrific to see, watch, and read. Not only does she have her facts completely wrong, but she assumes abortion is the best decision for women, no matter the cost to the mothers own health mental, physical, and spiritual and the life of the unborn baby. 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 My own story with abortion is a unique one where I've experienced my mother trying to abort me, being a mother who aborted her babies, and working in an abortion clinic helping other women abort their babies. When my mother was early in her second trimester, she went to an abortion clinic and underwent a Dilation and Extraction abortion. Through no less than a miracle, my life was spared but the life of my twin was not. The household I was born into lacked love. I was unwanted. I grew up not seeing the value in my own life or humanity. To no ones surprise, I got pregnant as an unmarried young woman. The first time, it was my parents who pressured me to have an abortion. The second time, it was my boyfriend who wanted his freedom more than fatherhood and true masculinity. The value of the lives of my babies wasnt on my heart and those abortions were detrimental to my mental and spiritual health. After my abortions, I worked in an abortion clinic for almost three years, which took me to a new level of devaluing and dehumanizing the unborn lives I was working to snuff out. Like nearly everyone who starts working in abortion clinics, I wanted to help women. And I thought I was because what was more important than their bodily autonomy? What could possibly trump their own sense of self and the dreams they had for their future? I thought I was giving them a way out of their situation. I fell so hard for the lies that the abortion industry tells the same lies that Kamala Harris repeated over and over at the debate and that she yells at rallies. I learned, through very difficult life experiences, that abortion is the opposite of empowerment. It takes away something so precious and unrepeatable and valuable that you can never get back. Kamala Harris is so resolutely one-sided in her religion of abortion that people like me dont exist to her. That whole discussion on abortion during the presidential debate was very difficult to watch because Im a mother, sister, aunt, cousin, and friend. Most importantly, Im a mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother. None of those titles I am so honored to hold would have been possible if that failed abortion was successful. I would not exist. My children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren would not exist. My tiny body would have been torn apart in that second trimester abortion and discarded like trash which is still happening today to thousands of unborn babies every year. Those little lives will never hold the titles of mom, dad, grandpa, grandma, sister, or brother. And Kamala Harris is doing everything in her power to make that happen for many more years. Im really grateful for my life, for Gods redemption, mercy, and loving kindness. I really have a problem with the statements that Harris made during the debate, disregarding the rights and value of the unborn while elevating the rights of women in their own bodies. I realize now how important it is to value the unborn and say they have a right to life. She made a mockery of being a champion for women. Home Opinion No Christian should navigate politics soloheres why Election years bring out the worst in us. Never-ending news cycles, partisan divisions, and social media trolling make it hard to feel anything other than frustrated and overwhelmed by what were experiencing daily. For Christians, election season presents an added challenge one that none of us are up to facing on our own. Believers are called to engage in civic life by advocating for principles that reflect Kingdom values while speaking the truth in love, and holding fast to our unity with others. Doing any one of these three, much less all three at the same time feels overwhelming and impossible because it is. As a Christian whos worked in the political arena for 25 years, I personally can attest to the fact that its impossible to live up to Gods expectations of me during an election year. Something always gives either truth wins and love fails, or vice versa, with our unity inevitably suffering as a result of our failures. Literally every time I do politics in my own strength, I fail miserably. So, its no surprise that a question I regularly get is, How do we stay true to our convictions without compromising Gods command to love and stay unified with those we disagree with, especially in the heat of an election year? My best and only response to those brave enough to ask this question is by never doing politics alone. Believers only hope of not blowing their witness over politics, is actively partnering with the Holy Spirit. Politics are rife with traps and snares that only the Holy Spirit can help us navigate. We need the Holy Spirit to help us discern who and what to vote for, as well as how to engage those we disagree with. 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 In Ephesians 4, were warned to not be ...blown here and there by the cunning and craftiness of people in their deceitful scheming which sounds like every campaign Ive ever been a part of or observed. Instead, Jesus instructs us in Matthew 10, to be wise as serpents and innocent as doves. Its easy to get caught up in election-year lies, especially when we align with one party over another. Our natural inclination is to believe everything our side says while disavowing everything that comes out of the other sides mouth. However, doing so makes us beholden to the wisdom of man, which Scripture calls foolishness in Gods sight (1 Cor 3:19). By partnering with the Holy Spirit, rather than a political party, candidate, or ideology, we are empowered with supernatural wisdom to discern truth from lies. However, we only get wisdom if we do the actual work of acquiring it. Wisdom doesnt just fall into our lap as a by-product of our salvation; we have to get wisdom by proactively seeking it (Proverbs 4:5-7) which too few of us even bother to do. By this time in an election cycle, were usually convinced that we already have all the answers we need, which leads us to reject the gift of wisdom that King Solomon (the wisest man who ever lived) instructs us to sell everything to gain (Proverbs 4:5)! Thankfully, all that gaining wisdom requires is humility on our part, to seek and receive from the Holy Spirit all that is rightfully ours. The same Spirit that helps us discern truth also empowers us to speak with grace and love. However, I personally find it nearly impossible to speak lovingly with those I disagree with. As an attorney and paid political commentator, I want to win every argument and leave the other side bleeding (metaphorically speaking, of course). However, thats not my mandate as a Believer, whos instructed to speak the truth in love (Ephesians 4:15). Apart from the Holy Spirit, this would be an impossible task for someone as petty as me. But by partnering with the Holy Spirit, I am empowered not only to speak the truth in love but also to pray for and bless my political enemies. This is easier said than done and takes practice. One way to grow in this area is by gathering a small group to commit to walking out these principles. Work through a study on civic engagement with Kingdom principles (heres a free one Ive put together). Ask questions. Share challenges. Gain insight from the testimonies and failures of others (like me) on the journey of learning how to speak the truth in love in politics. We were never meant to navigate the political realm or any cultural realm in our own strength and wisdom. We need the Holy Spirits help whenever we engage because loving our political enemies goes against the tide of everything thats modeled and taught. Rather than mimic the ways of the world, our job is to reset the political tone in America. As my youth pastor always said, Christians should be thermostats, not thermometers. Thats especially true in politics, and particularly important here and now. Because unlike those who consider foreign enemies the gravest threat to our nation, I believe that internal division is an immediate and existential threat to America. As both Scripture and Abraham Lincoln said, A house divided cannot stand (Mark 3:25). Right now, America is on the brink of splitting into red and blue halves. Only a commitment to partner with the Holy Spirit can empower us to unify our country and save us from ourselves. For what good would it do to win this election, and lose both our country and our souls? Lebanon churches open their doors amid airstrikes Churches in Lebanon have become sanctuaries for people displaced by Israeli airstrikes. While the airstrikes are aimed at militant group Hezbollah, Aid to the Church in Need's project coordinator in Lebanon, Marielle Boutros, said that the consequences are far-reaching and "affecting everyone" but especially those living in the south - a part of the country that is home to many Christians. Aid to the Church in Need (ACN) is partnering with local church organisations to help the thousands who have been displaced since the bombing began on Monday. "People are now living in church halls, so they will need food, sanitary products, mattresses, blankets and if it continues, we will need heating for winter, though of course, we hope it will not last that long," she said. Christians are among the people who have lost their homes. Some have sought refuge in Beirut, Mount Lebanon, and northern regions. Beirut, which ACN said is a "stronghold for Hezbollah", has also been targeted by the airstrikes. Boutros explained the impact: "Beirut is not a big city, so if a part of Beirut is targeted, all Beirut will feel it, and all day people hear the sound of military aircraft or drones." She fears that the ongoing conflict might accelerate Christian migration from Lebanon and diminish the Christian presence in the region. Schools that were already being supported by ACN in Lebanon have now closed due to the violence and lessons are being taught online. Tragically, dozens of children are among the hundreds of casualties so far. Boutros asked that Christians would pray for peace "to finally come to Lebanon and the entire region, and for a just end to the current conflict." Persecuted believers need a 'united, biblical response' The concern that church leaders have shown for Christians suffering for their faith since the first Lausanne Congress in 1974 has grown so much that most of a day and night was devoted to persecution at the fourth Congress in South Korea on Wednesday. The connection between evangelization and persecution was clear. Consistent with the emphasis that other Christian leaders have expressed at the Lausanne 4 Congress taking place in Incheon, South Korea, speakers addressing persecution highlighted the importance of discipleship for and by those suffering for their faith. A Christian leader based in Nigeria told the congress on world evangelization, where 5,200 Christians from around the globe gathered, that one challenge of persecution is the temptation to fall into syncretic faith marked by corruption and false idols. The Rev. Dr. Gideon Para-Mallam, executive director of the Para-Malam Peace Foundation in Jos, cited an earlier warning sounded by the Rev. Dr. Patrick Fung, global ambassador of OMF International. "Like Dr. Patrick Fung shared this morning, persecution will never kill the church, but a compromised gospel will," Para-Mallam told the congress. "So that's a real challenge for Christians in Sub-Saharan Africa lack of a united, continental biblical response to persecution, and it's important that the global church is aware of these challenges and they can pray for us." Sub-Saharan Africa and the Sahel are seeing mass killings that are largely hidden: "Human beings are literally slaughtered" as the financial infrastructure of Islamic extremist forces appear to be greatly enhanced, Para-Mallam said. "The consequences are devastating, and it has resulted in increased persecution and terrorist attacks against Christians," he said. "There are different nuances to persecution as experienced by Christians in Sub-Saharan Africa, but the end goal is the same: Islamism in Africa." Non-state actors such as Boko Haram, Al Shabaab and the Islamic State have become sub-states, with the complicity of some state officials complicating the fight against terrorism in some countries, he said. Christians are uprooted from their ancestral homelands, with millions living as internally displaced or as refugees. "In some countries there is gender-based violence, which has become a weapon of persecution by terrorist groups in countries like Nigeria, Burkina Faso, Eritrea and Mozambique," Para-Mallam said. Persecution becomes a means of discipleship as Christians endure suffering, including girls kidnapped in Nigeria who have become women in captivity, such as Leah Sharibu, abducted by Boko Haram in 2018, he said. "God is at work among Christian girls in captivity you won't believe this, but in Boko Haram captivity, some of these girls are involved in praying," Para-Mallam said. "In Bible studies, even fasting, one of the girls told a Boko Haram commander, 'I do not belong in this place. I'm praying, I'm trusting God.' And exactly three years later, God brought her out. She's free today despite increasing prosecution." Christians in Africa are reliving the Book of Acts as they learn to lay down their lives for Christ as a testimony of their resilience, he said. "God is also winning back to himself converts from among the persecutors," Para-Mallam said. "May God continue to do His work, and may God be glorified in spite of persecution." A Christian leader from Lebanon also spoke of the importance of discipleship, highlighting the need to proactively prepare to face persecution. "This would happen by having discipleship programmes and curriculum that would address issues like theology of minorities," said the leader, whose name is withheld for security reasons. "How can you as a minority be effective in your society? How can you be a citizen responsible for your own society?" Half-Lebanese and half-Syrian, he said the Islamic State invasion of Syria and Iraq in 2014 showed how little prepared Christians in the region were for persecution. "Syrian Christians were really not prepared to face persecution," he said. "I think theological institutions now, churches are preparing and more ready than before, how to educate, how to inform and how to equip sisters and brothers, how to face persecution, especially those who are coming from Muslim background and will face pressures from governments as well as communities." Those suffering for their faith have much to teach Christians who need to hear the voices of the persecuted through books and other media as part of their discipleship, he said. "It's good to have a strong biblical foundation that the church has always been persecuted, and that the church has always been a minority," he said. "It's really crucial that we hear the voice of the martyrs before they become martyrs. We also really need to hear the voice of the majority world and, hand-in-hand with a global church, support and advocate for the suffering Christians." Christian leaders in Iran also spoke of suffering as a means of growth, both personally and for the church. One speaker, whose name is withheld, said that despite persecution, the number of Christians in Iran has grown from 500 at most before the 1979 Islamic Revolution to at least 1 million converts from Islam. "That's why we are training more people, more leaders, printing more Bibles and resources for discipleship, because we are waiting for much more than this," he said. History has shown that persecution is not the "end of the story," firstly because it's part of any Christian story; when he accepted Christ, he knew that persecution would come, he said. "The second reason that persecution is not the end of the story because we know the end of the story," he said, citing the biblical promises that the gates of hell shall not overcome church and the final victory of God's people in Revelations. The last reason persecution is not the end of the story is "because we are all part of the story the whole Body of Christ," he said. "I'm talking from the bleeding part of the body. [But] we are all part of the story." The speakers' emphasis on discipleship for and through persecution aligned with a paper produced by an Issue Group on the topic at the 2004 Forum for World Evangelization hosted by the Lausanne Committee for World Evangelization in Pattaya, Thailand, in 2004. The paper noted that despite the fall of the Iron Curtain, oppression and persecution of Christians was on the increase due to globalization, nationalism, religious fundamentalism, economic disparity, post-modernism and secularism. "But since 1989, the main context for Christian persecution has become the Islamic world," the paper noted. "The 'clash of civilizations' between Islam and the West has intensified since Sept. 11, 2001 and is contributing to anti-Christian violence in Muslim contexts." Other causes identified were Hinduism, communism and post-communist contexts, and secularism. "The Church's existing theology of suffering needs to be supplemented by developing a theology of persecution, and possibly even a theology of religious freedom," the paper stated, noting a need for capacity building within and for the persecuted Church by means of training, "both spiritual training for ministry and enduring persecution and practical/vocational training to strengthen the Church economically." Christian Daily International What does the Gutenberg Press teach us about the intersection of faith and technological innovation? The invention of the printing press by Johannes Gutenberg in the mid-15th century marked a transformative moment in the history of communication and the spread of Christianity. Born in Mainz, Germany, around 1400, Gutenberg's background as a goldsmith enabled him to develop movable-type printing, revolutionising the production of books. His many contributions to printing included the invention of a process for mass-producing movable type, the use of oil-based ink for printing, adjustable moulds, and the creation of a wooden printing press similar to contemporary agricultural screw presses. This innovation drastically increased the availability of texts, particularly the Bible, and played a significant role in shaping religious life across Europe. Before the Gutenberg Press, books were hand-copied by scribes, making them rare and expensive. Consequently, access to religious texts was limited to clergy and the wealthy elite, keeping Christian teachings and biblical interpretation under the control of a select few. Gutenberg's invention changed this by enabling the mass production of books, including Bibles, making them accessible to a far broader audience. For the first time, ordinary people could engage with scripture directly, fostering a deeper understanding of Christian doctrine. Gutenberg's technology was instrumental in the Protestant Reformation. Reformers like Martin Luther seized upon the press's ability to disseminate ideas quickly. Luther's translation of the Bible into German was printed and widely distributed, allowing ordinary people to read and interpret scripture in their own language. This accessibility challenged the Catholic Church's authority, which had long controlled the interpretation of religious texts. As a result, the Reformation spread rapidly, driven by the power of the printed word. In addition to its role in religious reform, the printing press facilitated the wider spread of Christian teachings beyond boundaries and into the rest of Europe. Evangelical messages, once confined to local congregations, could now reach diverse and distant audiences. Churches and religious institutions quickly recognised the potential of this new technology, commissioning printed Bibles and other religious texts to meet the spiritual needs of growing congregations. Gutenberg's invention reshaped the relationship between individuals and scripture, empowering believers to engage more deeply with their faith. It laid the foundation for broader intellectual and cultural developments, fostering the spread of knowledge, discoveries, and literacy during the Renaissance. The printing press helped drive a new era of learning and inquiry, establishing itself as a powerful tool for social and religious change. Johannes Gutenberg's printing press was more than just a technological breakthrough; it was a catalyst for major transformations in Europe's religious and intellectual landscape. By making the Bible widely accessible, it challenged the established Church, spread new theological ideas, and ultimately changed the course of history. His major work, the Gutenberg Bible, was the first printed version of the Bible and has been acclaimed for its high aesthetic and technical quality. Gutenberg died in 1468, but his legacy endures as a testament to the lasting authority of the printed word in advancing both faith and knowledge. In much the same way the Gutenberg Press revolutionised communication in its time, modern digital media - through the internet, broadcast channels, and the mobile devices we all carry - offers an equally transformative platform for sharing the Christian message today. Just as the printing press made scripture accessible to a wider audience, digital tools now allow believers to explore their faith through Bible apps, online sermons, and social media, reaching a global audience instantly. This modern technology provides an unprecedented opportunity for evangelism, enabling Christians to engage a generation already deeply immersed in digital media, much like Gutenberg's technology reached those eager for new ideas during the Reformation. Will NHS staff be able to veto Christian prayers during assisted suicides? If assisted suicide becomes legal in the UK, would NHS staff have a right to veto Christian prayers being said when the lethal injections are administered? The question may seem far-fetched, but it is raised by the experience of writer Matthew Hall who witnessed the recent death of his late aunt in Canada. In Canada, assisted suicide has been legal since 2016 and is officially termed Medical Assistance in Dying (MAiD). Hall wrote about his experience in The Spectator magazine on September 21 and it makes for fascinating reading. His aunt was 72 and in the early stages of motor neurone disease. She made the decision earlier this year to undergo MAiD against the wishes of her family. Hall wrote: "My aunt had wanted me with her at the end. She knew that I am a practising Christian (there is nothing like being brought up in the 1980s by self-proclaimed 'radical vegans' to drive you into the arms of the church) and I sensed that deep-down she was conflicted about religion that beneath all the crystals and dream-catchers there was still a remnant of the faith that as a teenage art student in late-1960s London she had dismissed as stuffy and old-fashioned." Hall made it clear to her that he did not approve of euthanasia and would be saying prayers for her as she died. He did not tell her that he intended to read Anglican prayers for the dying. This left him with a "conundrum" - "how to give her what I knew she wanted but which might nevertheless upset the rebellious part of her even in her final moments". In her last moments of consciousness, Hall read out a short prayer which he had translated into Welsh. His aunt looked up in "momentary surprise and delight at the sound of the language her father had often spoken at home", although, not being a Welsh speaker herself, she did not know that Hall had prayed: "Into your loving arms, O Lord, we commend your servant..." Hall continued: "As the next syringe went in and the life drained from her, I was able to read the prayers for the dying aloud. The friends and family members in the room told me afterwards that they appreciated them, grateful that this traumatic occasion had been made into a solemn ceremony." But the doctor, Hall related, "seemed unmoved." "Less than a minute after declaring his patient dead, I heard him in the kitchen saying his goodbyes and chuckling at something, perhaps in relief that what had probably been an unexpected ordeal for him was over," Hall wrote. He recorded the discomfort of the nurse involved in his aunt's euthanasia at the Christian prayers being said: "For some reason, the nurse remained in the room a little longer than she needed to. I overheard her say to my aunt's friend that hearing the prayers had 'got to her'. "It occurred to me that those who opt to die this way must seldom be believers. The clinical process of putting someone down and I use the phrase advisedly to which she had become inured had been met on this occasion with a belief in the soul, in God, in consequences." It looks likely that, as with the Abortion Act 1967, euthanasia will be legalised in the UK through a Private Member's Bill in Parliament with government backing. The BBC reported last December that Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer supports a change in the law to allow euthanasia. Now that he is Prime Minister he has the opportunity to get what he wants. On morally contentious issues like abortion and euthanasia, Private Member's Bills allow governments that want to lift existing restrictions on these practices to achieve their aim without ministers having to take responsibility for the legislation. The Mail on Sunday has reported that Labour MPs high up on this month's ballot allowing them to move Private's Member Bills in the House of Commons are being encouraged to take forward a proposal to legalise assisted suicide. One Labour MP admitted he has been offered two extra staff to help him draft legislation. https://www.christiantoday.com/article/pm.intends.to.fast.track.assisted.suicide.vote.before.christmas.according.to.reports/142171.htm Hall's story flags up the role religious rites may or may not be allowed to play in assisted suicides. It is significant that he had his late aunt's consent to say prayers at her death but she did not know in advance that these would be Anglican prayers. Moreover, before she lost consciousness she did not understand the meaning of the specific Anglican prayer he said. The Labour government would almost certainly want to regulate such a situation. It may well be that the NHS rules that followed the legislation laid down that relatives must have precise consent from their loved ones over the usage and content of prayers at the point of their death. It would surely be possible for NHS staff uncomfortable with prayers being said during euthanasia to influence patients to withhold their consent. The legislation may even give NHS staff the right to forbid prayers being said in the absence of legally witnessed written consent. Hall's experience shows that in the Brave New World of assisted suicide God is not wanted. Unfortunately, under the power structures prevailing in the UK it would appear to be frighteningly easy to banish him from the room. Julian Mann is a former Church of England vicar, now an evangelical journalist based in Lancashire. Aboneaza-te la rubricile dorite si primeste zilnic notificari pe email cu link-uri la articolele care au fost adaugate in ultimele 24 de ore. Notificarile vor fi expediate la adresa indicata mai jos. Daca doresti sa schimbi adresa - o poti modifica editand informatia de profil aici. Pfizer and Modernas legal battle over their rival COVID-19 vaccines will continue after Londons High Court on Wednesday gave Pfizer permission to take the case to the Court of Appeal. Pfizer and its German partner BioNTech sued Moderna in London in September 2022, seeking to revoke two patents held by Moderna, which hit back days later alleging its own patents had been infringed. The High Court gave a mixed ruling in July, ruling that one of Modernas two patents relating to the messenger RNA (mRNA) technology that underpinned its COVID-19 vaccine was invalid. But the court ruled another similar patent was valid and that Pfizer and BioNTechs Comirnaty vaccine had infringed it, meaning Moderna is entitled to damages in relation to sales after March 2022. Judge Richard Meade gave Pfizer and BioNTech permission to appeal against that decision on Wednesday. The issue of any damages owed to Moderna is on hold pending their appeal. Moderna was refused permission to appeal in relation to its patent which was found to be invalid, but the company can still apply directly to the Court of Appeal. The London lawsuits are just one leg of a global battle between Pfizer, BioNTech and Moderna, which have also been involved in proceedings in Germany, the Netherlands, Belgium and the United States, as well as at the European Patent Office. (Reporting by Tobin; Editing by Sachin Ravikumar) DEAR MISS MANNERS: I am invited to attend my nephews wedding later this summer. On their website, instead of gifts, they are requesting money for a European honeymoon. I happen to own a house on the Adriatic coast of Italy that stands open and available for use during most of the year. Would it be appropriate for me to offer the use of the house in lieu of a monetary gift? GENTLE READER: Certainly. But are you sure you want to? (Please send your questions to Miss Manners at her website, www.missmanners.com; to her email, dearmissmanners@gmail.com; or through postal mail to Miss Manners, Andrews McMeel Syndication, 1130 Walnut St., Kansas City, MO 64106.) Tripoli, Libya (PANA) - The United Nations Support Mission in Libya (UNSMIL) has announced that an official signing ceremony of an agreement to end the crisis at the Central Bank of Libya (CBL) will take place on Thursday after representatives of the House of Representatives and the High Council of State, an advisory body, reached consensus on the appointment of a new leadership at the Bank following a new round of talks under its auspices American Eagle Outfitters is suing Amazon for trademark infringement, alleging the e-commerce giant used branding from its Aerie clothing line in search results, leading consumers to "inferior quality knock-offs." In a lawsuit filed Wednesday, American Eagle accused Amazon of "flagrant, unauthorized use" of the Aerie and Offline by Aerie trademarks on its site to deceive shoppers into believing the products were available on Amazon, drive traffic to its platform and sell competing merchandise. The complaint was filed in U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York. American Eagle said it didn't authorize Amazon to sell products from its Aerie line of yoga pants, lingerie, loungewear and other attire, adding that it "intentionally declined so Aerie can foster its own brand identity and customer experience." American Eagle, founded in 1977, launched the Aerie brand in 2006. A shopper searching for Aerie products on Google will see sponsored and organic links to Amazon's website, the lawsuit says. Clicking on a link leads to an Amazon webpage that "displays only knock-offs and 'dupes'" of Aerie products, including sweatshirts and exercise shorts, American Eagle alleges. The company said it notified Amazon "over a month ago" of the infringing products, but says they were relabeled with misspellings of its Aerie trademarks, including "Aeries," "Arie" or "Aries." "These ads are intended to (and do) trick customers into thinking that by clicking the provided link, they will be able to 'Shop Aerie' or 'Save on Offline by Aerie' on the 'Official Amazon Site,'" the complaint states. "These statements are patently false because customers cannot shop for Aerie products on Amazon." Many of the alleged Aerie knock-offs referenced in the lawsuit are sold by third-party sellers on Amazon's online marketplace. Launched in 2000, the marketplace allows businesses to hawk their goods on the company's site. It's amassed millions of sellers, and accounts for more than half of all goods sold on the site. Amazon has faced similar complaints for years. In 2016, shoemaker Birkenstock announced it would pull its products from Amazon in response to a surge in counterfeits. That year, German automaker Daimler AG sued Amazon after it discovered knock-off versions of Mercedes-Benz wheels sold by a third-party seller. In 2019, Amazon added a line to the "risk factors" section of its annual financial filing warning investors of the growing threat of third-party sellers peddling counterfeits. Since then, the company has stepped up its efforts to police counterfeits on its site, launching a team that pursues criminal action against counterfeiters, filing lawsuits and rolling out tools to help brands protect their trademarks. Amazon representatives didn't immediately respond to a request for comment. The company has previously said it prohibits the sale of counterfeits on its site. American Eagle is seeking an injunction and financial damages based on Amazon's alleged trademark infringement. WATCH: How the U.S. government and Amazon are fighting Chinese counterfeits The Chinese central bank unrolled the most significant stimulus program since the COVID-19 pandemic and Chinese equities are starting to show signs that the long history of underperformance relative to western equities could possibly be on borrowed time. The name that has already demonstrated leadership that we want to focus on should this move into Chinese names continues is Tencent Holdings (TCEHY) . Before we get further into the company specifics it's important to reiterate that Chinese equities have under-performed U.S. equities since 2007. The People's Bank of China (PBOC) unveiled a multiple trillion USD package to boost the sagging economy that has been mired with deflation, a sagging housing market, and a slowing economy. The goal of the program according to Chinese officials is to return the economy to a 5% growth rate. Looking at the weekly chart of the iShares China Large-Cap ETF (FXI) we can see the breakout from the blue dotted trendline on above average volume and a turn higher in the S & P 500/FXI ratio (bottom panel). The price of FXI is moving higher, but does face a challenge of resistance from the 200-week moving average as well as the 50% retracement. If this move is sustainable FIX should be able to continue through that $34-area resistance zone. Turning to the focus company Tencent Holdings (TCHEY) is a multinational technology conglomerate listed on the Hong Kong exchange since 2004. The company is most known for (according to Tencent.com) "some of the world's most popular video games and other high-quality digital content", but also offers "... a range of services such as cloud computing, advertising, FinTech, and other enterprise services to support (our) client's digital transformation and business growth" The company is also focusing on an AI project known as "LMM's" or "large medical models', similar to LLM's, that is boosting the healthcare industry. TCHEY also broke out on this rotation into Chinese equities above the yellow highlighted resistance zone , as well as the 200-week moving average around the $52-$53 zone that should now act as support. Tencent earnings have been accelerating with the prior 4 quarter-over-quarter growth rates in chronological order of 37%, 42%, 51%, and 55%. Analysts are looking for more conservative percentage growth rates in the 20's in coming quarters and if this improvement in Chinese equities on the back of central bank stimulus continues we may see TCEHY reach our $75.00 target. I do not yet hold TCEHY in any of our portfolios at Inside Edge, but following a small period of consolidation I will be looking to build a position with stops below the $52 breakout zone. -Todd Gordon, Founder of Inside Edge Capital, LLC DISCLOSURES: (Gordon does not own TCEHY in his wealth management company Inside Edge Capital. Charts shown are MotiveWave.) All opinions expressed by the CNBC Pro contributors are solely their opinions and do not reflect the opinions of CNBC, NBC UNIVERSAL, their parent company or affiliates, and may have been previously disseminated by them on television, radio, internet or another medium. THE ABOVE CONTENT IS SUBJECT TO OUR TERMS AND CONDITIONS AND PRIVACY POLICY . THIS CONTENT IS PROVIDED FOR INFORMATIONAL PURPOSES ONLY AND DOES NOT CONSITUTE FINANCIAL, INVESTMENT, TAX OR LEGAL ADVICE OR A RECOMMENDATION TO BUY ANY SECURITY OR OTHER FINANCIAL ASSET. THE CONTENT IS GENERAL IN NATURE AND DOES NOT REFLECT ANY INDIVIDUAL'S UNIQUE PERSONAL CIRCUMSTANCES. THE ABOVE CONTENT MIGHT NOT BE SUITABLE FOR YOUR PARTICULAR CIRCUMSTANCES. BEFORE MAKING ANY FINANCIAL DECISIONS, YOU SHOULD STRONGLY CONSIDER SEEKING ADVICE FROM YOUR OWN FINANCIAL OR INVESTMENT ADVISOR. Click here for the full disclaimer. India's economic growth story is a stunning one but the question of where investors should park their money is not always straightforward, with one Blackstone executive highlighting a common mistake. India is set to become the world's third-largest economy by 2027, according to its finance ministry . The country's stock market has also been in the spotlight this year, overtaking Hong Kong to become the fourth-largest globally in terms of the total value of listed companies. India's benchmark indexes have notched successive record highs throughout the year the Nifty 50 and BSE Sensex indexes are almost 20% and 17.5% higher year-to-date. However, focusing too much on the macro story can be dangerous for investors, according to Blackstone Private Equity's head of Asia, Amit Dixit. "The rising tide does not lift all boats. I think you go to India for the macro, everybody knows," Dixit said at the Milken Institute's recent Asia Summit in Singapore. "But if you just invest on that thesis, you get your head handed to you. The way you make money is on the micros. You have to own certain micros." Speaking to CNBC on the sidelines of the conference, Dixit said he sees potential in the technology, consumer, healthcare and unregulated financial services sectors. While the list of companies Blackstone invests in India are extensive, he spotlighted the likes of information technology service firm Mphasis , IT service management company R Systems and automotive components manufacturer Sona Comstar . 'Not an easy place to do business' Blackstone started investing in Indian companies and assets 19 years ago, but Dixit said its first five years were a "tough start." "Even now, it's not an easy place to do business for foreigners," he said. Foreign investors are not permitted to directly purchase stocks through online trading platforms , although they can invest in the Indian market through mutual funds and exchange-traded funds (ETFs). Additionally, American Depositary Receipts (ADRs) and Global Depositary Receipts (GDRs) enable international investors to access foreign stocks through their home stock exchanges. Dixit recommended a barbell strategy , particularly for chief investment officers looking to invest in the country. This involves being overweight on two distinctly different assets usually high risk and low risk to hedge against uncertainty. "I think, either end of the spectrum, you can make a lot of money as an investor," he said. Manraj Sekhon, chief investment officer of Templeton Global Investments, shares Dixit's optimism on India's growth given a range of factors: the country's pivot to manufacturing, a digitalization push facilitating easier trade and business transactions, and a rising middle class. Sekhon also touched on the country's secular growth story and the fact that investors are willing to pay a premium for the lack of correlation to global variables which affect most markets. He highlighted that as growth rates decelerate around the world, India's case is opposite. "In terms of valuation, I think it will continue to trade at a premium. And if you look at what's happening on the ground and what's happening elsewhere, we probably deserve that treatment," the chief investment officer said during a panel session at the Milken Asia Summit. "If you look at the last 10 years, if you had stayed invested in India [stocks], you would have made about 150% ... [But] if you had missed the best 10 days in those 10 years, your return will go down to 50%," said Sekhon. He also urged caution that India's stratospheric growth might not continue; it was the result of a confluence of factors which have already been "playing out over a couple of decades." "As market participants, we have to be cautious with that as well, because it is probably the most universally favored asset class in equity markets today, alongside perhaps some U.S. tech companies, but it's happened over a period of time," he added. This report is from today's CNBC Daily Open, our international markets newsletter. CNBC Daily Open brings investors up to speed on everything they need to know, no matter where they are. Like what you see? You can subscribe here . Falling from highs U.S. stocks mostly fell Wednesday. The S&P 500 lost 0.19% and the Dow Jones Industrial Average slipped 0.7%, after scaling record highs earlier in the session. The Nasdaq Composite closed near the flatline. Europe's regional Stoxx 600 index retreated 0.11%. The Stoxx Europe 600 Bank Index fell 0.73% as investors monitored UniCredit's potential merger with Commerzbank . Google vs. Microsoft Google on Wednesday filed an antitrust complaint with the European Commission, the executive arm of the European Union, over Microsoft's practices in the cloud computing industry. Google alleged that Microsoft employs unfair licensing contracts to "lock in" clients and exert control over the cloud market. Done selling Nvidia Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang is done selling the company's stock for now. In March, Huang set out a plan to sell up to six million Nvidia shares by first quarter of 2025. He has hit that threshold ahead of schedule. Separately, AI chips like those Nvidia manufactures could face a global shortage as demand ramps up, according to a Bain & Company report. Turning VR into reality Meta took another step in making virtual reality part of our everyday life. The company's Reality Labs division announced the Quest 3S, its latest VR headset, which starts at $299 and goes on sale Oct. 15. Meta also showed off a prototype of augmented reality glasses called Orion. [PRO] It's time for you to buy That little green bird Duolingo's logo can seem a tad annoying when it reminds you for the hundredth time to practice your Japanese, but analysts are taking a shine to it. Duolingo, among other stocks like Hewlett Packard Enterprise and Roblox , is one of the names on the "buy" list of Wall Street banks. Federal prosecutors have honed in on ties between New York City Mayor Eric Adams and little-known Turkish businessman Enver Yucel, CNBC has learned from the indictment and other public records, including campaign finance documents. A federal indictment unsealed on Thursday describes a 2021 campaign fundraising scheme involving Adams, his team and a person only identified in the indictment as "Businessman-1." That man appears to be Yucel, the owner of a network of universities, including one in Turkey called Bahcesehir University and another based in Washington, D.C. named Bay Atlantic University. Yucel is described within the indictment as a businessman who owns a university in Turkey which helped pay for Adams' visit to the country in 2015 while the mayor was still the Brooklyn borough president. An August 2015 letter from New York's conflict of interest board approving the travel, lists Bahcesehir as the only university helping pay for the trip. The City reported that Adams met with Yucel in December 2015 as part of his second trip that year to the country. Requests for comment through leaders of the two Yucel owned universities and an email to the address listed on Yucel's personal website were not returned. A spokesman for Adams referred CNBC to his personal attorneys who did not return requests for comment. Adams has said he's innocent and did nothing wrong. A sign on the exterior of a BNP Paribas SA bank branch in Paris, France, on Friday, Aug. 2, 2024. France's BNP Paribas on Thursday said there are simply too many European lenders for the region to be able to compete with rivals from the U.S. and Asia, calling for the creation of more homegrown heavyweight banking champions. Speaking to CNBC's Charlotte Reed at the Bank of America Financials CEO Conference, BNP Paribas Chief Financial Officer Lars Machenil voiced his support for greater integration in Europe's banking sector. His comments come as Italy's UniCredit ups the ante on its apparent takeover attempt of Germany's Commerzbank, while Spain's BBVA continues to actively pursue its domestic rival, Banco Sabadell. "If I would ask you, how many banks are there in Europe, your right answer would be too many," Machenil said. "If we are very fragmented in activity, therefore the competition is not the same thing as what you might see in other regions. So ... you basically should get that consolidation and get that going," he added. In this article GOOGL Follow your favorite stocks CREATE FREE ACCOUNT Distance Technologies develops a product that it says can turn any transparent surface into an augmented-reality display. Distance Technologies Distance Technologies, a Finnish startup that aims to bring mixed-reality technology to any car windshield or plane cockpit, has raised 10 million euros ($11.1 million) of funding from GV, the venture capital arm of Alphabet and other investors. Distance raised the cash injection in a seed round led by GV, with existing investors FOV Ventures and Maki.vc also stumping up more cash for the startup, the company told CNBC on Thursday. Helsinki-headquartered Distance develops technology that it says can turn any transparent surface into an augmented-reality display, enabling the user to see 3D digital objects overlayed on top of the panel they're viewing. This avoids the need for any clunky hardware, like a mixed reality headset or augmented reality glasses, both of which require a user to pull an actual device over their eyes to immerse themselves in the experience. "One of the great barriers for mixed-reality is that, as long as you need to put something on your head, it will never be effortless or elegant as a solution," Urho Konttori, CEO and co-founder of Distance, told CNBC in an interview earlier this week. Konttori was formerly chief technology officer of Varjo, another Helsinki-based mixed-reality firm. Distance is primarily focused on selling into the auto, aerospace and defense markets. The way Distance works is by using tracking technology to identify where you are looking and then compute the correct light field to match the exact positions of your eyes, according to Konttori. Distance's solution adds a set of optics layers on top of most liquid crystal displays (LCDs), which allow its tech to beam an image onto the places where your eyes are focusing. Using this technique, Distance can separate the light fields into your left and right eyes, while also creating an additional optical layer underneath that creates a high brightness. Distance says its system is capable of "infinite" pixel depth, meaning it can create a life-size field of view in any setting whether behind the wheel of a car or flying an F-18 fighter jet. GV, which was formerly known as Google Ventures and counts the internet search giant's holding company Alphabet as its sole limited partner, told CNBC that it was attracted to invest in Distance due to the "potential to build the next-generation of user interfaces." "We are particularly excited about how some of the nearer-term pathways to bring this to market in automotive and aerospace allow the potential for users to get their hands on this technology," Roni Hiranand, principal at GV, told CNBC. Commercializing mixed reality isn't an easy feat. For one, mixed-reality devices are still expensive. Apple's Vision Pro and Microsoft's HoloLens 2 devices both start at $3,500 and they're not cheap to make, either. A new AR glasses concept device Meta unveiled Wednesday reportedly cost the firm $10,000 per unit to make, according to The Verge. Meta was not immediately available for comment when contacted by CNBC. watch now Augmented reality heads-up displays, or HUDs, aren't a new phenomenon in the automotive industry. Companies have been working to add AR features to cars for several years, with tech giant Huawei among the early movers to pioneer the tech in China. A slew of other display technology firms are developing their own AR HUDs for cars, including First International Computer, Spectralics, Envisics, Futurus, CY Vision, Raythink, Denso, Bosch, Continental, and Panasonic. According to Distance Technologies Chief Marketing Officer Jussi Makinen, the company's system can cover the entire surface of any transparent surface, not just a specific corner or the bottom half of a display a limitation that most automotive AR HUDs are facing today. "The main difference here is that we are driven by the software," Makinen told CNBC. The company previously showcased a proof-of-concept version of its technology at the Augmented World Expo USA 2024 mixed-reality industry trade show in June. For now, Distance has had to use simple optics and normal LCD displays to demonstrate its technology to prospective partners and investors. Going forward, Konttori said he's getting ready to push a "very expensive" button: advancing Distance's optics technology into what he calls the next generation early next year. "I would say that we have been in the research cycle now," Distance's CEO said. "Now, we are switching into the product cycle. And the key thing to do is work with somebody who will become your customer one or two to work very closely with, and then a finalized product specification." Election polling continues to forecast a tight race between Vice President Kamala Harris and former President Donald Trump, but within corporate America, top executives are preparing for Harris to become the next president of the United States, according to a new CNBC survey of C-suite executives across the economy. A majority of chief financial officers (55%) say Harris will win the election, according to the Q3 CNBC CFO Council Survey. That's a reversal from the prior CFO survey in Q2 (when President Joe Biden was still the candidate) and a majority of CFOs (58%) believed Trump would win. About a third of CFOs (31%) now say Trump will win, while 14% remain unsure of the election outcome. In the Q2 CFO survey, 29% of executives said they were unsure who would win. More in the business world are gravitating to a belief that Harris will prevail, with another recent CNBC survey of top economists and money managers also seeing this election result as the most likely outcome. The majority belief that Harris will win comes despite an equal majority of CFOs (55%) telling the survey that Trump is better on inflation and for the economy. Only 17% of CFOs said Harris had a better plan for the economy. Inflation and interest rates (38%), followed by tax policy and regulation (both at 23%) were the issues CFOs taking the survey cited as most important to their companies. Trade and tariffs policy, which is a key talking point of Trump and some economists say will lead to higher inflation, was only cited by 10% of CFOs. The CNBC CFO Council Survey was conducted between Aug. 19 and Sept. 19, a period which included the presidential debate. The survey is a sampling of views from CFOs at large organizations, with 31 chief financial officers responding to the Q3 survey. CFOs expect government to remain divided after the election, with nearly three-quarters (74%) of respondents saying that Capitol Hill will be split. Forty-five percent of CFOs predict the Democrats will keep control of the Senate and the GOP keeps control of the House, while another 29% expect a flip in control between parties, but the Hill to remain divided. This week, both candidates have been pressing their case on the economy, with Trump dangling new tax incentives for corporations and Harris attempting to sharpen her economic message in a speech to the Economic Club of Pittsburgh and an interview with MSNBC's Stephanie Ruhle on Wednesday evening. Hoda Kotb has been a fixture on network television for decades. But the Today host, who on Thursday announced that she would be leaving the anchor desk early next year, almost never made it on-air at all. In a 2016 appearance on the Today show on SiriusXM, Kotb said that as a brand new college grad she thought she'd only need a single interview to land her first TV gig. "I said 'Mom, can I borrow the car? I need to drive to Richmond, get the job and come back,'" she said. "I got a new green suit. My hair was all blown out. I was ready. I had my resume tape and I drove to the station." Walking into the station, Kotb felt right at home. She looked around the station and "planned my whole life" in Richmond, certain she'd get the job. "The news director took my tape, he put it in the machine and played it for a couple of minutes and he stopped it," she said. "He said 'Oh, Hoda, you're not ready for Richmond. I don't know why someone sent you here. You're too green. You're not good.' And I was like 'Oh, I hadn't thought about that.'" As she was leaving, the news director told her that a friend of his was hiring for a role three hours away in Roanoke, Virginia, but she'd need to get there that same day before he left for a trip. Kotb made the drive and met the other news director, but he didn't watch her tape for more than "30 seconds" before popping it out and informing her that she wasn't ready to be on-air. "I was like, 'Who's not ready for Roanoke? Anybody should be able to get a job here!'" Kotb said. But before sending her on her way, her interviewer said he knew of a station in Memphis that was hiring and suggested she bring her tape there. "I drove all the way across [Tennessee] all night," she said. "The guy met me, he took the tape, he put it in, he said 'You are so not ready for Memphis.'" The trip that Kotb thought would just take an afternoon soon stretched on and on. "I was in that car driving around for 10 days," she said. "I got rejected everywhere. Anywhere you can think of in the southeast, I got rejected." After a week and a half, Kotb said, her mom needed the car back. But on her way back home, she got lost in Mississippi and passed a sign for a CBS station. "I said 'I'm going to go there and get rejected,'" she said. But the news director at the station watched her entire tape and hired her on the spot, she said. The job was her foot in the door, and kickstarted a career that would take her to Florida, Illinois and eventually New Orleans before she joined Dateline NBC in 1998. By 2007, she was hired at Today. "You just need one person to love you," she said. "You don't need everybody. Sometimes you think you need every single person to think you're good. You don't. You need one." Want to master your money this fall? Sign up for CNBC's new online course. We'll teach you practical strategies to hack your budget, reduce your debt, and grow your wealth. Start today to feel more confident and successful. Use code EARLYBIRD for an introductory discount of 30% off, now extended through September 30, 2024, for the back-to-school season. Plus, sign up for CNBC Make It's newsletter to get tips and tricks for success at work, with money and in life. New York, US (PANA) - Participants at a Ministerial Meeting on Sudan have expressed deep concern about the catastrophic and still rapidly deteriorating situation in Sudan, reiterated the commitments made in the Declaration of Principles adopted in Paris on 15 April 2024, one year into the conflict, and informed about their initiatives for advancing peace in Sudan watch now A federal indictment charging New York City Mayor Eric Adams with a decade-long campaign contribution scheme, bribery and other crimes was unsealed Thursday morning, hours after FBI raided his Gracie Mansion residence and seized his phone. The 57-page indictment accuses Adams of five criminal counts related to obtaining illegal donations for his 2021 mayoral campaign, and accepting free luxury travel dating as back as far as 2016, when he was Brooklyn borough president. Much of the indictment filed in U.S. District Court in Manhattan centers on the Turkish community, Turkish businessmen and a senior Turkish government official who allegedly exerted influence on Adams, who is accused of accepting well over $100,000 in foreign travel benefits and illegal campaign donations. "Public office is a privilege," said Manhattan U.S. Attorney Damien Williams at a news conference detailing the charges. "We allege that Mayor Adams abused that privilege and broke the law -- laws that are designed to ensure that officials like him serve the people, not the highest bidder, not a foreign bidder, and certainly not a foreign power," Williams said. "These are bright red lines, and we allege that the mayor crossed them again and again for years." New York City Mayor Eric Adams speaks to the press outside his official residence Gracie Mansion after he was charged with bribery and illegally soliciting a campaign contribution from a foreign national, in New York City, U.S. September 26, 2024. Caitlin Ochs | Reuters The indictment says a "senior official in the Turkish diplomatic establishment" facilitated illegal campaign donations to Adams, and also arranged for the mayor and his companions to receive free or discounted travel on Turkey's national airline, which is owned in large part by that country's government, to France, China, Sri Lanka, India, Hungary and Turkey. In September 2021, the indictment alleges, the Turkish official told Adams "that it was his turn to repay" that official by pressuring the New York City Fire Department to facilitate the opening of a new Turkish consulate building, which is 36-stories-tall, "without a fire inspection, in time for a high-profile visit by Turkey's president." "At the time, the building would have failed an FDNY inspection," the indictment says. Adams "did as he was instructed," and an FDNY official "was told that he would lose his job if he failed to acquiesce," the indictment says. The building then opened as requested, according to the indictment. Zoom In Icon Arrows pointing outwards Source: SDNY "I look forward to defending myself and defending the people of this city, as I've done throughout my entire professional career," Adams said outside Gracie Mansion while flanked by supporters, after the indictment was unsealed in U.S. District Court in Manhattan. Adams is due to be arraigned Friday but his lawyer, Alex Spiro, has asked a judge to push that back to next week to consolidate another planned hearing in the case. The indictment says Adams, a 64-year-old former police captain, received more than $10 million in public matching funds for campaign contributions by using so-called straw donors in the United States to hide the fact that he was accepting foreign campaign contributions. Download the full indictment. Starting in 2014, and "Thereafter, for nearly a decade, Adams sought and accepted improper valuable benefits, such as luxury international travel, including from wealthy foreign businesspeople and at least one Turkish government official seeking to gain influence over him," the indictment says. "By 2018, Adams who had by then made known his plans to run for Mayor of New York City not only accepted, but sought illegal campaign contributions to his 2021 mayoral campaign, as well as other things of value, from foreign nationals," the indictment says. "As Adams's prominence and power grew, his foreign-national benefactors sought to cash in on their corrupt relationships with him, particularly when, in 2021, it became clear that Adams would become New York City's mayor." "Adams agreed, providing favorable treatment in exchange for the illicit benefits he received. After his inauguration as Mayor of New York City, Adams soon began preparing for his next election, including by planning to solicit more illegal contributions and granting requests from those who supported his 2021 mayoral campaign with such donations." Adams is charged in the indictment with one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud, federal program bribery, and to receive campaign contributions by a foreign national. He also is charged with wire fraud, two counts of solicitation of a contribution by a foreign national, and bribery. Adams is at least the second New York mayor to be criminally charged while still in office. And he is the first official in his administration to be charged as a result of multiple pending investigations that have ensnared the New York Police Department and the city's top schools' official. U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of New York Damian Williams speaks as James E. Dennehy, FBI New York Assistant Director in Charge, looks on after the unsealing of an indictment against New York City Mayor Eric Adams, who was charged with bribery and illegally soliciting a campaign contribution from a foreign national, during a press conference in New York City, U.S. September 26, 2024. Mike Segar | Reuters Adams' lawyer Spiro, in a statement Thursday morning, said, "Federal agents appeared this morning at Gracie Mansion in an effort to create a spectacle (again) and take Mayor Adams phone (again)." "He has not been arrested and looks forward to his day in court," Spiro said. "They send a dozen agents to pick up a phone when we would have happily turned it in." Federal agents search Gracie Mansion, the official residence of the mayor of New York City, on September 26, 2024, after Mayor Eric Adams was indicted on federal criminal charges. Timothy A. Clary | Afp | Getty Images On Wednesday, before news of the indictment first broke, Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, D-N.Y., called on the mayor to resign, saying the "flood of resignations and vacancies" resulting from various federal probes of administration officials "are threatening government functions." "For the good of the city he should resign," Ocasio-Cortez said. A growing number of elected officials and other political figures in New York also called on Adams to step down, among them city Comptroller Brad Lander and state Sen. Zellnor Myrie, who are both running for mayor next year, and former Comptroller Scott Stringer, who is weighing a run for City Hall. If Adams resigns before his first term in office ends, he will be succeeded by New York City Public Advocate Jumaane Williams as acting mayor. Williams in a statement issued Thursday said, "I feel the same disbelief and indignation that I know many New Yorkers feel, upset that this is where our city is in this moment." "This is a painful time, and the looming unknowns and uncertainties only add to the confusion and chaos at City Hall in an untenable situation," Williams said. "Justice presumes innocence until proven guilty, at the same time, these charges are even more sweeping and severe than imagined. In the face of this evidence, it is not enough to deflect blame and deny responsibility. "It is federal officials' obligation to prove their case, and it is the mayor's obligation to prove to New Yorkers that there is a real plan and path to govern the city effectively and regain trust, and his time to show that plan is rapidly running out." Democratic NYC Mayoral candidate Eric Adams raises hands with Jumaane Williams, New York City Public Advocate, and NYC Comptroller candidate Brad Lander during a Get Out the Vote (GOTV) rallyin front of Brooklyn Borough Hall on October 22, 2021 in Downtown Brooklyn in New York City. Michael M. Santiago | Getty Images There are multiple federal investigations into Adams and people affiliated with him and his administration. On Tuesday, city schools Chancellor David Banks told Adams he expected to retire at the end of 2024. Banks' surprise announcement came weeks after federal authorities seized electronic devices belonging to him, his brother, Deputy Mayor Phil Banks, and his fiancee, Deputy Mayor Sheena Wright. Another Banks brother, Terence, is being investigated by the Manhattan U.S. attorney's office in connection with the allocation of city contacts worth millions of dollars to the companies who received them after hiring Terence Banks' consulting firm. Republican presidential nominee, former U.S. President Donald Trump speaks at a campaign rally at the Johnny Mercer Theatre in Savannah, Georgia on September 24, 2024. Brandon Bell | Getty Images News | Getty Images Donald Trump, who has been doubling down on his tariff-heavy trade policy, appears to have shifted the focus of his protectionist agenda from China to some of the closest U.S. allies. Speaking at a campaign event in Savannah, Georgia, on Tuesday, the Republican presidential nominee said he would build upon the tariff policies of his first term in an effort to take manufacturing jobs from foreign countries both friends and foe. "You will see a mass exodus of manufacturing from China to Pennsylvania, from Korea to North Carolina, from Germany to right here in Georgia," he said in his mostly economic-centered speech. "I want German car companies to become American car companies, I want them to build their plants here," he added. In his first term, Trump had imposed billions of dollars worth of duties on Chinese goods as part of efforts to rectify what he saw as an unfair trade balance. Trump has said he would consider new tariffs on imports from the country at rates of 60% or higher. watch now U.S. allies could become a key target of Trump's "America First" policy that is increasingly grouping European and Asian partners alongside rival China. The former President has proposed blanket tariffs as high as 20% that would hit imported good from all countries. "We have been treated so badly, mostly by allies ... our allies treat us actually worse than our so-called enemies," Trump said at a rally in Wisconsin earlier this month. "On military, we protect them and then they screw us on trade. We're not going to let it happen anymore. We're going to be a tariff nation," he added. The comments echoed statements Trump made about Taiwan earlier this year when he accused it of taking "about 100%" of U.S. chip business. He also said that the democratically governed island should pay the U.S. for its defense. Trump has long sought to place economic and diplomatic pressure on U.S. allies, accusing them of "free-riding," and his recent statements signal he's doubling down on that approach, said Nick Marro, Lead for Global Trade at Economist Intelligence. Experts have said that Japan is also worried about what could be another "transactional" Trump Presidency and his mentions of 100% tariffs on certain car imports. "Will that include Japanese automakers? So there's a lot of uncertainty here at the moment about what the next five years could look like," author William Pesek told CNBC's "Squawk Box Asia" in July. watch now "One of the riskiest aspects of Trump's proclivity towards tariffs is that other countries won't take these actions sitting down. Retaliation by other U.S. trade partners whether that be via reciprocal, retaliatory tariffs, or other non-tariff measures is a potential consequence of all of this," Marro said. Trump also said on Tuesday that he plans to create his "manufacturing renaissance" through the implementation of corporate tax cuts, the creation of low-tax special economic zones and tax credits for companies moving production to the U.S. "These policies could potentially attract some manufacturing back to the U.S., particularly for industries sensitive to trade barriers," said Stephen Weymouth, a professor of international political economy at Georgetown University. "However, these plans are unlikely to bring about a broad reshoring of industries, given the complexities of global supply chains and higher labor costs in the U.S.," he added. Economist Stephen Roach also told CNBC that Trump's tariffs would hurt America's trade partners while only increasing the costs of goods for American consumers and manufacturers. This is consistent with mainstream economic opinion on tariffs. "U.S. manufacturers who rely on foreign parts and components would take a double hit their inputs would be more expensive because of Trump's tariffs, and their exported products would be more expensive because of retaliatory tariffs," said William Reinsch, Scholl Chair in International Business at the Center for Strategic and International Studies. watch now Nvidia might have to look outside of its artificial intelligence empire to acquire some key data center-related technologies, according to Susquehanna Financial Group. Analyst Christopher Rolland said Nvidia has "two glaring holes" for potential acquisition within optical and analog networking. "As NVIDIA attempts to further solidify its lead in both systems and networking, we believe it may increasingly look to insource or acquire optical and/or analog interconnect technologies, companies, or divisions," Rolland said in a Thursday note to clients. "As GPU clusters scale linearly, the need for interconnections grows exponentially." Optical technologies in data centers have a variety of purposes such as supporting network traffic growth, transmitting and receiving optical signals in data centers, and offering cost and power savings while facilitating high-capacity data transmission. Given the growth in cost and importance of these technologies, the analyst expects Nvidia to consider insourcing or acquiring companies that have leading products in linear equalizers, laser drivers, photonic integrated chip technology and digital signal processors, among other areas. Optical and photonic products manufacturer Lumentum Holdings , engineered materials and optoelectronic components maker Coherent and semiconductor producer Marvell Technology are among several names Rolland listed as potential candidates for an Nvidia acquisition. To be sure, the chipmaker has not said it is actively considering aquiring any of these companies. Lumentum shares are up roughly 16.3% this year, while Coherent's stock price has rallied more than 108% amid the AI excitement, which has led to soaring demand for optical receivers and related technologies. Marvell, meanwhile, is up 18% year to date. Analysts' average price target, per FactSet, suggests potential downside for Lumentum and Coherent given their recent stock run-ups. The consensus target on Marvell implies shares could gain about 30%, however. Rolland holds a positive rating on Nvidia shares with a $160 price target higher than the average from analysts polled by FactSet, which implies more than 29% potential upside for the chip darling. He remains bullish on Nvidia's competitive advantages in semiconductor design, holistic AI systems and its CUDA software toolkit, which he said gives the company a 15-year lead in AI enablement tools, libraries, and operating software. OpenAI is once again confronting a major shakeup. We're taking a keen interest because several stocks in the Club portfolio have ties to the startup behind ChatGPT. Less than a year after CEO Sam Altman's short-lived ouster rattled the startup behind ChatGPT, OpenAI is said to be mulling a plan to adopt a for-profit structure and a trio of high-profile employees are leaving. The latest upheaval comes as Microsoft -backed OpenAI works to complete a blockbuster fund-raising round, which would value the firm at more than $150 billion, according to media reports. In the crosshairs of these developments are all the companies that have relationships with OpenAI, which rose to prominence and sparked an investment boom into generative AI with the launch of ChatGPT in late 2022 . Some firms are long-standing technology suppliers, such as Club holding Nvidia. Others have turned to OpenAI's software to advance their own business pursuits. There's also a whole class of companies that benefit from generative AI adoption more broadly because it drives demand for their own products. OpenAI, in many ways, is the poster child for the technology industry, putting its every move under scrutiny. And to be sure there have been a lot of them lately, including the release earlier this month of its latest large language model, codenamed Strawberry, which it says is even more capable than previous versions. OpenAI also recently started to roll out advanced voice mode for ChatGPT. The flurry of OpenAI news that hit late Wednesday started with technology chief Mira Murati announcing she's leaving after more than six years at the firm. The departures of Chief Research Officer Bob McGrew and Barret Zoph, a research vice president, also were announced Wednesday evening. Overshadowing the talent drain: OpenAI's work to become a for-profit benefit corporation that is no longer overseen by its nonprofit board. Reuters was the first to report the effort. CNBC later confirmed it. OpenAI's complicated structure came under the microscope last fall when the nonprofit board shockingly fired Altman, saying at the time it "no longer has confidence" in his ability to lead the startup. Just a few days later, following outcry from employees and some investors, Altman returned to OpenAI. The renewed drama at OpenAI raises questions about the downstream effects for companies, including those in the Club's portfolio, that are closely linked to the startup. Changing to a traditional, for-profit corporate structure could be positive for existing OpenAI investors, including Club holding Microsoft, and prospective backers because it may simplify the path to an initial public offering down the road. On the other hand, it's generally not ideal to see high-level technical employees defect from a company known for its cutting-edge technology. Co-founder Ilya Sutskever, who had been chief scientist, also left earlier this year and launched a new AI startup. In any case, it's too early to know how the recent news will impact OpenAI's relationships and its perceived leadership role in the world of generative AI. For now, here's a closer look at the seven Club holdings that have benefited or should soon start benefiting from OpenAI's rise to prominence. Apple When Apple Intelligence, announced in June , goes lives next month, ChatGPT will officially be integrated into some of the most iconic consumer hardware devices of all time. We expect Apple Intelligence, the company's AI feature set, to usher in a robust upgrade cycle for the new iPhone 16, which was launched earlier this month. That would be huge for the stock. Apple gets roughly 46% of its overall revenue from the flagship device. Prior to the slew of recent departures at OpenAI, Jim Cramer touted Apple's agreement with the startup because it comes at little financial cost for Apple, describing the iPhone maker as the "ultimate free rider" during the Club's September Monthly Meeting. That's because Apple can offer its customers access to OpenAI's tech free of charge in exchange for giving OpenAI exposure to its massive user base. "It's extraordinary that Apple does not have to spend, and instead can just piggyback off the big spenders," Jim added. That's not all. Apple and OpenAI's relationship may strengthen even further soon. The iPhone maker is in talks to join the startup's multi-billion dollar funding round, according to reports from Bloomberg News and The Wall Street Journal. Microsoft Microsoft got the first-mover advantage among big tech firms because of its early investment in OpenAI. This allowed the Redmond, Washington-based company to utilize OpenAI's large language models before its peers eventually leading to new offerings for both its ubiquitous software and Azure cloud-computing businesses. For example, Microsoft's Copilot virtual AI assistant can be integrated into the company's 365 productivity bundle creating a nice recurring revenue stream from monthly subscription fees. In addition to serving as OpenAI's go-to provider of computing power, Microsoft's Azure cloud has seen an acceleration in revenue as other companies seek out access to the startup's models. On its most recent post-earnings call, Microsoft said Azure and other cloud services revenue rose 29% year over year, with AI services contributing eight percentage points of that growth. Nvidia Unlike Apple and Microsoft, Nvidia is not utilizing OpenAI to improve or roll out its own offerings. Instead, Nvidia benefits because it is a massive supplier of graphic processing units (GPUs) that OpenAI has heavily relied on for many years. OpenAI's ascent and its continued investment in new models and products boosts demand for Nvidia's chips, which maintain a dominant position in the fast-growing market. At Nvidia's annual meeting in late June, CEO Jensen Huang said OpenAI plans to adopt its next-generation Blackwell chip platform. Nvidia may also join fellow "own it, don't trade it" name Apple in OpenAI's upcoming funding round, according to reports. Palo Alto Networks Over the summer, Palo Alto Networks announced a software integration with OpenAI's enterprise-specific offering with the goal of improving data security and regulatory compliance for customers who use both its security solutions and the startup's technology. More generally, Palo Alto Networks stands to gain from the proliferation of generative AI, whether it's from OpenAI or other model providers in the industry because the technology is making the threat landscape more complex. Palo Alto CEO Nikesh Arora previously told CNBC that the generative AI frenzy has been the "fastest any technology trend has taken off" and that CEOs all want to "figure out a way of leveraging AI in their business." He added: "And, guess what? The moment everyone starts to deploy, then they have to make sure that nobody's data is getting stolen." The Club sees less financial upside near term for the cybersecurity leader than what we expect for Apple or Microsoft. Morgan Stanley Morgan Stanley has unveiled two AI-powered tools in its wealth management division in recent years. Both are powered by OpenAI. These virtual assistants are used internally by financial advisors and their staff to automate grunt work. Employees, for example, can get quick answers about investment recommendations as well as draft summaries of meetings and follow-up emails to customers. The goal of these tools is to free up employees to focus on building relationships with clients. In the long run, that additional time with clients could help Morgan Stanley's wealth business get closer to reaching its goal of $10 trillion in assets. The firm reported $7.2 trillion in client assets last quarter. Eli Lilly Eli Lilly announced in June a collaboration with OpenAI in an effort to come up with new treatments for drug-resistant pathogens. As of now, we still haven't heard much about Lilly's exact plan to utilize OpenAI's technology. But, in general, using AI could help speed up the drug-development process and bring Eli Lilly's offerings to the market much faster. That would help reduce costs for the drugmaker. Salesforce Salesforce is another beneficiary of OpenAI's meteoric rise to fame. The company tapped OpenAI for its initial foray into generative AI last year with the rollout of AI assistant, Einstein GPT. At last week's Dreamforce conference, Salesforce CEO Marc Benioff detailed the company's new suite of AI-enhanced chatbot tools. Known as Agentforce, they have emerged as Salesforce's flagship offerings, and OpenAI's large language models, as well as those from other tech firms, can be utilized in running it, a Salesforce spokesperson confirmed to CNBC. Agentforce has sweetened investor sentiment on Salesforce by showcasing management's strides to develop internal innovation that can grow revenue. Multiple Wall Street analysts agree, with Barclays last week describing Agentforce as a long-awaited "new catalyst" for the stock . (See here for a full list of the stocks in Jim Cramer's Charitable Trust.) As a subscriber to the CNBC Investing Club with Jim Cramer, you will receive a trade alert before Jim makes a trade. Jim waits 45 minutes after sending a trade alert before buying or selling a stock in his charitable trust's portfolio. If Jim has talked about a stock on CNBC TV, he waits 72 hours after issuing the trade alert before executing the trade. THE ABOVE INVESTING CLUB INFORMATION IS SUBJECT TO OUR TERMS AND CONDITIONS AND PRIVACY POLICY , TOGETHER WITH OUR DISCLAIMER . NO FIDUCIARY OBLIGATION OR DUTY EXISTS, OR IS CREATED, BY VIRTUE OF YOUR RECEIPT OF ANY INFORMATION PROVIDED IN CONNECTION WITH THE INVESTING CLUB. NO SPECIFIC OUTCOME OR PROFIT IS GUARANTEED. OpenAI CEO Sam Altman speaks during the Microsoft Build conference at Microsoft headquarters in Redmond, Washington, on May 21, 2024. Jason Redmond | AFP | Getty Images At an all-hands meeting Thursday, OpenAI CEO Sam Altman denied that there are plans for him to receive a "giant equity stake" in the company, calling that information "just not true," according to a person who was in attendance. Altman and finance chief Sarah Friar both said at the meeting, conducted by video, that investors have raised concerns about Altman not having equity in the high-valued artificial intelligence company that he co-founded almost nine years ago, said the person, who asked not to be named because the gathering was only for employees. Regarding his potentially attaining an equity stake, Altman said, "There are no current plans here," the person said. OpenAI Chairman Bret Taylor told CNBC in a statement that while the board has talked about the matter, no specific figures are on the table. "The board has had discussions about whether it would be beneficial to the company and our mission to have Sam be compensated with equity, but no specific figures have been discussed nor have any decisions been made," Taylor said. The meeting late Thursday followed the board's decision to consider restructuring the company to a for-profit business, according to a separate person with knowledge of the matter. Should the change occur, the nonprofit segment would remain as a separate entity, said the person, who asked not to be named because no plan has been finalized. While directors consider OpenAI's future, key executives continue to walk out the door. On Wednesday, three execs announced their departures. OpenAI Chief Technology Officer Mira Murati, who briefly served as interim CEO, said she would be leaving after 6 years. Later in the day, research chief Bob McGrew and Barret Zoph, a research vice president, said they were leaving the company. In an interview Thursday at Italian Tech Week, Altman said, "I think this will be hopefully a great transition for everyone involved and I hope OpenAI will be stronger for it, as we are for all of our transitions." Altman said the departures were not related to the company's potential restructuring, contrary to some media reports. "Most of the stuff I saw was also just totally wrong," Altman said at the event in Turin, Italy. "But we have been thinking about that, our board has, for almost a year independently, as we think about what it takes to get to our next stage. But I think this is just about people being ready for new chapters of their lives and a new generation of leadership." Murati wrote in a memo to the company that she's "stepping away because I want to create the time and space to do my own exploration." She said her focus will be on ensuring a "smooth transition." Before Thursday's moves, OpenAI co-founder Ilya Sutskever and former safety leader Jan Leike announced their departures in May. Co-founder John Schulman said last month that he was leaving to join rival Anthropic. OpenAI, which is backed by Microsoft , is currently pursuing a funding round that would value the company at more than $150 billion, people familiar with the matter told CNBC. Thrive Capital is leading the round and plans to invest $1 billion, and Tiger Global is planning to join as well. While OpenAI has been in hypergrowth mode since the launch of ChatGPT in late 2022, it's been simultaneously riddled with controversy and executive departures, with some current and former employees concerned that the company is growing too quickly to operate safely. Altman was ousted in November, before being quickly reinstated. Almost all of OpenAI's employees signed an open letter saying they would leave in response to the board's action. Days later, Altman was back at the company and Murati moved from interim CEO back to the role of CTO. Russian President Vladimir Putin at an expanded Prosecutor General's Office meeting on March 26, 2024, in Moscow. Contributor | Getty Images News | Getty Images Russian President Vladimir Putin announced proposed changes to Moscow's rule book on the use of nuclear weapons in another thinly-veiled warning to Western nations that continue to back Kyiv in the war in Ukraine. In opening remarks before a meeting with senior officials on Russia's nuclear deterrence on Wednesday, which were released by the Kremlin and translated by NBC News, Putin said that "a number of clarifications ... defining the conditions for the use of nuclear weapons" are being made to the document that defines Russia's nuclear doctrine. He added that draft amendments to the doctrine expand "the category of states and military alliances in relation to which nuclear deterrence is carried out" and include a supplemented "list of military threats" that Russia would see as a justification to deploy nuclear weapons. In a pointed warning to the Western nations as they continue to support Ukraine, Putin announced that any attack against Russia by a non-nuclear state that was backed by a nuclear-armed one would be considered a "joint attack." "What I would especially like to draw your attention to, is that in the updated version of the document, aggression against Russia by any non-nuclear state, but with the participation or support of a nuclear state, is proposed to be considered as their joint attack on the Russian Federation," Putin said. The latest comments on imminent changes to Russia's nuclear doctrine, which sets out the conditions under which nuclear weapons can be used, have been widely seen as a warning to the West as certain allies specifically the U.S. and the U.K. consider whether to give Ukraine the green light to use long-range weaponry they've donated to Kyiv against military targets within Russia. Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelenskiy addresses the 79th United Nations General Assembly at U.N. headquarters in New York, U.S., September 25, 2024. Mike Segar | Reuters Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelenskyy is currently in the U.S., where he has pressed officials to maintain support for Kyiv as the presidential election nears in November. He is due to meet incumbent President Joe Biden in Washington on Thursday and is expected to press the Washington leader on Kyiv's request to use long-range missiles, a strategy that Ukraine believes could change the dial in the war that started in February 2022. Ahead of the visit, Zelenskyy said the U.S. and the U.K. had still not officially authorized Kyiv to use such weapons in this way, despite public comments to the contrary. "We have long-range weapons. But not in the amount we need, let's say. Nevertheless, we have this package [of long-range missiles] Storm Shadow, ATACMS, SCALP. But neither America nor Great Britain gave us permission to use these weapons on the territory of Russia, for any purpose at any distance. We did not use long-range weapons on the territory of the Russian Federation," Zelenskyy told reporters Friday, in comments translated by NBC News. Putin seemed to directly reference Ukraine's possible future launching of long-rang missiles at Russia, saying Moscow would consider a nuclear response if it receives "credible information about a mass takeoff" of strategic of tactical planes toward Russia, or the launch of cruise missiles, hypersonic weapons or drones toward its territory. Russia's latest comments on changing its nuclear doctrine are not a surprise Moscow has hinted for months that it was making changes to its official stance on the use of nuclear weapons. On Thursday, the Kremlin's Spokesman Dmitry Peskov told reporters that amendments to Russia's nuclear doctrine "must" be considered as a warning to "unfriendly states," in comments translated by NBC News. Asked how the changes should be interpreted by such unspecified countries, Peskov said were "a signal that warns other parties against involvement in attacks on our country with various means, including not only with nuclear ones." Comments by the Kremlin and senior Russian officials on the matter have become more frequent as Ukraine has overtly pressed its allies over the use of Western long-range missiles to strike targets within Russia. Ukraine's ongoing incursion into Russia's Kursk border region has also prompted more saber-rattling by President Putin and prominent Russian hawks, who claimed the cross-border raid was aided and abetted by the West. Ukraine's allies deny any prior knowledge of the operation, which started in August. Earlier in September, Russia's Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov said Moscow was in the process of amending its nuclear doctrine because of what it saw as a Western-backed "escalation" of the war with Ukraine amid the Kursk operation. As it stands, Russia's current nuclear doctrine states that Russia "reserves the right to use nuclear weapons in response to the use of nuclear weapons and other types of weapons of mass destruction against it and/or its allies, as well as in the event of aggression against the Russian Federation using conventional weapons, when the very existence of the state is threatened," according to a Google translation. Spectators watch Russia's Yars intercontinental ballistic missile system unit driving along a road after a military parade on Victory Day, which marks the 79th anniversary of the victory over Nazi Germany in World War Two, in Moscow, Russia, May 9, 2024. Yulia Morozova | Reuters Other conditions that could determine the use of nuclear weapons by Russia include the "receipt of reliable information about the launch of ballistic missiles attacking the territory of the Russian Federation and (or) its allies," as well as "the enemy's impact on critically important state or military facilities," according to the same document. In its 2020 policy, Russia nonetheless described nuclear weapons as "a means of deterrence," the use of which would be "an extreme and necessary measure." Russia refers to its nuclear doctrine as "defensive in nature" and said it "takes all necessary efforts to reduce the nuclear threat and prevent the aggravation of interstate relations that could provoke military conflicts, including nuclear ones." Russian President Vladimir Putin and his Belarusian counterpart Alexander Lukashenko shake hands during a press briefing following their talks in Minsk, Belarus, May 24, 2024. Mikhail Metzel | Via Reuters Flags of the People's Republic of China and the Russian Federation Manuel Augusto Moreno | Moment | Getty Images Russia has established a weapons program in China to develop and produce long-range attack drones for use in the war against Ukraine, according to two sources from a European intelligence agency and documents reviewed by Reuters. IEMZ Kupol, a subsidiary of Russian state-owned arms company Almaz-Antey, has developed and flight-tested a new drone model called Garpiya-3 in China with the help of local specialists, according to one of the documents, a report that Kupol sent to the Russian defense ministry earlier this year outlining its work. Kupol told the defense ministry in a subsequent update that it was able to produce drones including the G3 at scale at a factory in China so the weapons could be deployed in the "special military operation" in Ukraine, the term Moscow uses for the war. Kupol, Almaz-Antey and the Russian defense ministry did not respond to requests for comment for this article. China's foreign ministry told Reuters it was not aware of such a project, adding that Beijing had strict control measures on the export of drones, or unmanned aerial vehicles. Fabian Hinz, a research fellow at the International Institute for Strategic Studies, a London-based defense think-tank, said the delivery of UAVs from China to Russia, if confirmed, would be a significant development. "If you look at what China is known to have delivered so far, it was mostly dual-use goods - it was components, sub-components, that could be used in weapon systems," he told Reuters. "This is what has been reported so far. But what we haven't really seen, at least in the open source, are documented transfers of whole weapon systems." Still, Samuel Bendett, an adjunct senior fellow at the Center for a New American Security, a Washington-based think tank, said Beijing would be hesitant to open itself up to international sanctions for helping Moscow's war machine. He said more information was needed to establish that China was playing host to production of Russian military drones. watch now The White House National Security Council said it was deeply concerned by the Reuters report of the drones program, which it said appeared to be an instance of a Chinese company providing lethal assistance to a U.S.-sanctioned Russian firm. The White House has not seen anything to suggest the Chinese government was aware of the transactions involved, but China has a responsibility to ensure companies aren't providing lethal aid to Russia for use by its military, a spokesperson added. Asked about the Reuters report, a NATO spokesperson said via email: "These reports are deeply concerning and Allies are consulting on this matter." "The Chinese government has a responsibility to ensure its companies are not providing lethal assistance to Russia," added the spokesperson, Farah Dakhlallah. "China cannot continue to fuel the largest conflict in Europe since the Second World War without this impacting its interests and reputation." Britain's Foreign Office called on China to stop providing diplomatic and material support to Russia's war effort. "We are extremely concerned by reports that Russia is producing military drones in China," a spokesperson said. "This adds to a growing body of open-source evidence that Chinese companies are enabling Russia's illegal invasion of Ukraine. The supply of weapons would be a direct contradiction to statements from China that it would not provide weapons to relevant parties of the conflict." The G3 can travel about 2,000 km (1,200 miles) with a payload of 50 kg (110 pounds), according to the reports to the Russian defence ministry from Kupol, which was placed under U.S. sanctions in December 2023. Samples of the G3 and some other drone models made in China have been delivered to Kupol in Russia for further testing, again with the involvement of Chinese experts, they said. The documents do not identify the Chinese drone specialists involved in the project that it outlined, and Reuters was unable to determine their identity. Kupol has taken delivery of seven military drones made in China, including two G3s, at its headquarters in the Russian city of Izhevsk, according to the two separate documents reviewed by Reuters, which are invoices sent to Kupol in the summer by a Russian firm that the two European intelligence sources said serves as an intermediary with Chinese suppliers. The invoices, one of which requests payment in Chinese yuan, do not specify delivery dates or identify the suppliers in China. The two intelligence sources said the delivery of the sample drones to Kupol was the first concrete evidence their agency had found of whole UAVs manufactured in China being delivered to Russia since the Ukraine war began in February 2022. They asked that neither they nor their organization be identified due to the sensitivity of the information. They also requested certain details related to the documents be withheld, including their precise dates. The sources showed Reuters five documents in all, including two Kupol reports to the ministry in the first half of the year and the two invoices, to support their claims of the existence of a Russian project in China to manufacture drones for use in Ukraine. The program has not previously been reported. Kupol's reports did not give more precise locations for sites related to the project. Reuters was also unable to determine whether the defense ministry gave the company the green light to proceed with the serial production proposed. Beijing has repeatedly denied that China or Chinese companies have supplied Russia with weapons for use in Ukraine, saying the country remains neutral. Super Micro Computer shares closed down 12% on Thursday after the Justice Department reportedly opened a probe into the company, which has been a major beneficiary of the artificial intelligence boom. The probe is in its early days, according to a report from The Wall Street Journal, and it comes after Hindenburg Research disclosed a short position in the company in late August. Hindenburg said it identified "fresh evidence of accounting manipulation," according to its report. CNBC could not independently verify Hindenburg's claims. Super Micro makes computers that companies use as servers for websites, data storage and other applications, including AI algorithms. The company's customers include major players in AI such as Nvidia, AMD and Intel. A prosecutor in the U.S. attorney's office in San Francisco has asked for information about a former employee who has previously accused Super Micro of accounting violations, according to the Journal. Following Hindenburg's report in August, Super Micro said it would not file its annual report for the fiscal year with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission on time, sending shares tumbling nearly 20%. It is not clear if the delay was related to the firm's report. Super Micro and the Department of Justice declined to comment. Hindenburg did not immediately respond to CNBC's requests for comment. A host of China stocks are recommended by investment analysts whether or not the economy gets a lift from measures taken this week to boost the sluggish domestic economy there. On Tuesday, the People's Bank of China announced a series of steps designed to lift the country's slumping economy. Policies introduced by the central bank included slashing its reserve requirement ratio the amount of cash banks need to hold to increase lending, and cutting other corporate and household rates, including existing mortgages. Stocks in China rose in response, with the CSI 300 Index climbing 4.3% Tuesday, its best day since July 2020. Hong Kong's Hang Seng Index also climbed more than 4% Tuesday. But whether or not the latest policy steps succeed, CNBC Pro screened for China stocks that analysts praise regardless of the pace of economic growth at home. We screened for stocks meeting the following criteria: Member of the SPDR S & P China ETF , which tracks publicly traded companies domiciled in China available to foreign investors Market capitalization of at least $1.5 billion Covered by at least eight analysts Buy ratings from at least 55% of those analysts Upside to average price target of at least 20% Shares of biopharmaceutical firm Structure Therapeutics are up about 4% this year. The company's lead pipeline asset, GSBR-1290, is an oral GLP-1 treatment similar to diabetes and weight loss drugs such as Ozempic and Wegovy. Structure Therapeutics currently has a market capitalization of $2.5 billion. All of the analysts covering the stock rate it buy, and the upside to the consensus price target is around 104%. On Sunday, Morgan Stanley analyst Terence Flynn initiated research coverage of the stock with an overweight rating and $118 price target, implying that shares could soar 168%. "Based on Ph1/2a data, we believe GSBR1290's profile is competitive to that of other oral diabesity drugs on the market (i.e. Novo's Rybelsus) and in development (i.e. LLY's Orforglipron in Ph3). We expect Ph2b obesity data for GSBR-1290 by YE25, representing the next catalyst for the program," Flynn wrote. "We see room in the $100bn+ diabesity market for orals and injectables." Another stock that turned up was PDD , the parent company of e-commerce platform Temu. The company's market capitalization is around $158 billion. About three quarters of analysts covering PDD rate it a buy, and the stock could climb roughly 43% based on analysts' consensus price target. Shares are down 22% this year and plummeted more than 28% in a single day in August due to disappointing second-quarter results. Despite this, CoreValues Alphan founder and portfolio manager Ben Harburg told CNBC's " Squawk Box Asia " last month that he's still bullish PDD over the long term . Over a long time horizon, "this business is incredibly strong," Harburg said. "It is not just doing well in China, but obviously dominating [in] emerging and mature markets as well," he said. The investor believes that PDD will be "edging back upward" in the months to come. On Tuesday, after the announcement of the latest policies to revive the flagging China economy, PDD shares in the U.S. jumped more than 11%. Before that, more bad news had emerged for the company. A new proposed rule from the Biden administration designed to target companies that "overuse and abuse" a U.S.-China trade loophole drove shares lower earlier in September. Other names on the list of favored China stocks included online learning and tutoring provider TAL Education Group and digital shipping platform Full Truck Alliance . Investors looking to get in on the recent rise in real estate stocks should focus on quality, according to Bank of America. The real estate sector of the S & P 500 has been moving higher over the past month or so and is now up 10% year to date, after being in the red earlier this year. The sector hit a 52-week high last week. Real estate investment trusts are also an income play, often paying out attractive dividends. "Stocks with healthy yields become increasingly attractive in a Fed cutting environment," Jill Carey Hall, an equity and quant strategist at the bank, wrote in a Sept. 9 note that focused on small-cap and midcap REITs. Her work with small-cap and midcap stocks also suggests that dividend yield is the best factor to hedge cycle risk, she added. .SPLRCR YTD mountain S & P 500 Real Estate Sector The Federal Reserve started its rate-cutting cycle last week, slashing the federal funds rate by 50 basis points. The central bank also indicated another 50 basis points of cuts by the end of the year. In this environment, Bank of America likes health care, residential and retail REITs. Health-care real estate is a play on the aging of America , which will see more people seeking medical services and senior housing, Hall said. Residential REITs continue to see demand given housing affordability issues and a majority of retail REITs have beat and raised guidance, she added. When it comes to choosing specific stocks, analyst Jeffrey Spector, the bank's head of U.S. REITs, suggests looking at names with quality growth, quality value and with the anticipation of a soft-landing scenario quality risk. "Higher quality REITs will offer the best earnings and distribution growth," he wrote in the same note. Quality REITs have resilient pricing power, multiyear earnings visibility based on secular growth drivers, strong and flexible balance sheets and the highest prospect for global inflows. Here are some of the names that made Spector's top picks list. Welltower is the only large-cap stock that made the cut. The rest are small-cap and midcap REITs. Welltower owns and develops senior housing, skilled nursing/post-acute care facilities and medical office buildings. Near term, Welltower will benefit the most from accelerating occupancy gains amid the post-Covid recovery, Bank of America believes. "In addition, we believe senior housing rate growth will remain robust in 2024 & beyond. WELL has the highest exposure to senior housing operating assets within our coverage universe and based on our demographic analysis has the best positioned portfolio," the bank said. "Longer term, demographic trends are favorable as baby boomers continue to age." Shares of Welltower are up 40% year to date. Mid-America Apartment Communities and American Homes 4 Rent are both residential housing plays. The former is a multifamily REIT that operates in communities across the Sunbelt region, where the bank sees robust job growth and a lower cost of living. The latter owns the second-largest single-family rental REIT portfolio in the U.S., Spector wrote. "We remain positive on AMH's portfolio, limited new supply of single-family homes, structural demographic tailwinds with aging millennials, accretive consolidation/development opportunities, and a strong management," he said. Mid-America Apartment Communities has gained nearly 18% year to date, while American Homes 4 Rent is up close to 7%. Lastly, Federal Realty Investment Trust owns, operates and develops retail-based properties in coastal markets. Spector said this "blue-chip retail REIT" has a diverse portfolio of shopping centers and should produce growth above its peers in the long term. The stock has moved more than 9% higher so far this year. New York, US (PANA) - With war raging in Sudan and no end in sight to the catastrophic hunger crisis it has created, UN agencies and Member States meeting at the General Assembly in New York on Wednesday prepared to issue a renewed call for urgent action to protect the countrys people U.S. President Donald Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky looks on during a meeting in New York on September 25, 2019, on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly. WASHINGTON Former President Donald Trump said on Thursday that he would meet with Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelenskyy Friday morning at Trump Tower in New York. Trump was previously not expected to meet with the Ukrainian president, who has already held meetings on Thursday with both President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris. Both Trump and his running mate, Sen. JD Vance of Ohio, have been critical of the U.S. aid to Ukraine. "It's a shame what's happening in Ukraine: so many deaths, so much destruction. It's a horrible thing," Trump said on Thursday. "And one of the things that are very bothersome to me is the fact that Europe is paying only a small fraction of the money that the United States of America is paying, and we have an ocean between Russia and ourselves. They don't." In what might have been one of his final visits with the Biden administration on U.S. soil, Zelenskyy traveled to the White House on Thursday to meet with Biden just weeks before his successor will be determined in the November presidential election. Biden announced nearly $8 billion in a new support package for Ukraine, which Zelenskyy called "a great help." The visit punctuated Democratic leaders' staunch support of Ukraine in its war with Russia but foreshadows a potential change in the countries' relationship if Trump clinches the election. During the September presidential debate, Trump was asked twice whether he wanted Ukraine to win the war. Both times he ducked the question, avoiding saying that he wanted the U.S. ally to win. Instead, he said, "I want the war to stop." Zelenskyy and Harris have met seven times, the leaders said today, and the Democratic nominee has echoed Biden's steadfast support of the beleaguered country. "We have common view on the things that need to be done," Zelenskyy said ahead of a meeting with the vice president. "There are some in my country 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 forego security relationships with other nations," Harris said ahead of her meeting with Zelenskyy, appearing to reference Trump. "These proposals are the same of 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." Delegates attend day three of the Labour Party Conference 2024 at ACC Liverpool on September 24, 2024 in Liverpool, England. Ian Forsyth | Getty Images News | Getty Images Liverpool, ENGLAND U.K. finance chiefs are banging the drum for pension reforms to boost anaemic investment and growth in the country. The annual Labour conference the centre-left party's first in power for 15 years was awash with delegates from the City of London urging the government to move decisively with plans to make retirement schemes more competitive. William Vereker, chairman of Santander U.K., cited pension reform as one of three paths to economic growth, alongside skills and education, and regulation. "We are almost wholly reliant for investment in this country at the moment, on the kindness of strangers. We're reliant on external companies, external investors and so on, to invest in our stock markets, invest in our businesses, and that just isn't sustainable," Vereker told a room full of industry figures on Monday. "If we do not have domestic capital investing in domestic businesses, we will not see the growth that this government is so rightly focused on," he added. BlackRock's vice president of government affairs and public policy, Muirinn O'Neill, said the new government had a "once-in-a-generation" chance to overhaul the pensions system. If we don't unlock the capital in pension funds, we're not getting anywhere. Tulip Siddiq Economic secretary to the Treasury "In terms of the growth agenda, we have been long-term champions of getting more DC investment into private markets," she said Tuesday, referring to defined contributions, which are retirement plans based on money paid in as opposed to money earned. The comments echo those from Citi U.K. CEO Tiina Lee, who told CNBC last week that domestic funds have for too long focused on low-risk and low fee investments, leading to "sub-optimal" returns. "For me, pension reform is the way to unlock growth in the U.K.," Lee told "Squawk Box Europe." "When one thinks about the amount of long-term capital there is here in the U.K., it's nearly 5 trillion held in pension funds and insurance companies. In order to actually unlock even a fraction of that, to put into long-term infrastructure projects that ultimately will drive growth is absolutely the right route," she said. UK pensions review U.K. Finance Minister Rachel Reeves in July announced a landmark pensions review as part of a "big bang" of reforms to unlock growth. The measures include plans to consolidate local government pension schemes into a larger fund, and increase allocation to U.K. high-growth businesses. Such investments could serve to further the U.K.'s strategic interests, for example by bolstering regional development, vital infrastructure, medical innovation and decarbonization, according to the government. Economic secretary to the Treasury, Tulip Siddiq, said Monday that raising the risk appetite of pension funds to invest more heavily in equities was critical to Labour's wider national renewals plans. "If we don't unlock the capital in pension funds, we're not getting anywhere and that's about putting investment into our country," she said. U.K. pension schemes have some of the lowest share of funds held in domestic stocks and private assets of any major global pension market, according to think tank New Financial. Just 4.4% of U.K. pension assets are currently held in domestic stocks, down from an estimate of 6.1% last year and well below the global average of 10.1%. watch now A man shelters from the rain under an umbrella as he walks past the Euro currency sign in front of the former European Central Bank (ECB) building in Frankfurt am Main, western Germany. Kirill Kudryavtsev | Afp | Getty Images European banking's latest takeover battle is widely regarded as a potential turning point for the region particularly the bloc's incomplete banking union. Italy's UniCredit has ratcheted up the pressure on Frankfurt-based Commerzbank in recent weeks as it seeks to become the biggest investor in Germany's second-largest lender with a 21% stake. The Milan-based bank, which took a 9% stake in Commerzbank earlier this month, appears to have caught German authorities off guard with the potential multibillion-euro merger. "The long-discussed move by UniCredit, Italy's number one bank, to seek control of Germany's Commerzbank is a watershed for Germany and Europe," David Marsh, chairman of London-based OMFIF, an organization that tracks central banking and economic policy, said Tuesday in a written commentary. Whatever the outcome of UniCredit's swoop on Commerzbank, Marsh said the episode marks "another huge test" for German Chancellor Olaf Scholz. watch now The embattled German leader is firmly opposed to the apparent takeover attempt and has reportedly described UniCredit's move as an "unfriendly" and "hostile" attack. "The dispute between Germany and Italy over UniCredit's takeover manoeuvres branded by Scholz an unfriendly act threatens to inflame relations between two of the Big Three member states of the European Union," Marsh said. "A compromise could still be found," he continued. "But the hostility developing in Italy and Germany could scupper any meaningful steps towards completing banking union and capital markets integration, which all sides say is necessary to drag Europe out of its malaise." What is Europe's banking union? Designed in the wake of the 2008 global financial crisis, the European Union's executive arm in 2012 announced plans to create a banking union to make sure that lenders across the region were stronger and better supervised. The project, which became a reality in 2014 when the European Central Bank assumed its role as a banking supervisor, is widely considered to be incomplete. For instance, the lack of a European deposit insurance scheme (EDIS) is one of a number of factors that has been cited as a barrier to progress. European leaders, including Germany's Scholz, have repeatedly called for greater integration in Europe's banking sector. OMFIF's Marsh said Germany's opposition to UniCredit's move on Commerzbank means Berlin "now stands accused of favouring European banking integration only on its own terms." A spokesperson for Germany's government did not immediately respond when contacted by CNBC for comment. The logo of German bank Commerzbank seen on a branch office near The Commerzbank Tower in Frankfurt. Daniel Roland | Afp | Getty Images Hostile takeover bids are not common in the European banking sector, although Spanish bank BBVA shocked markets in May when it launched an all-share takeover offer for domestic rival Banco Sabadell. The head of Banco Sabadell said earlier this month that it is highly unlikely BBVA will succeed with its multi-billion-euro hostile bid, Reuters reported. And yet, BBVA CEO Onur Genc told CNBC on Wednesday that the takeover was "moving according to plan." Spanish authorities, which have the power to block any merger or acquisition of a bank, have voiced their opposition to BBVA's hostile takeover bid, citing potentially harmful effects on the county's financial system. Mario Centeno, a member of the European Central Bank's Governing Council, told CNBC's "Street Signs Europe" on Tuesday that European policymakers have been working for more than a decade to establish a "true banking union" and continue to do so. The unfinished project means that the intervention framework for banking crises continues to be "an awkward mix" of national and EU authorities and instruments, according to Brussels-based think tank Bruegel. watch now Asked whether comments opposing banking consolidation from leading politicians in both Germany and Spain were a source of frustration, the ECB's Centeno replied, "We have been working very hard in Europe to bring [the] banking union to completion. There are still some issues on the table, that we all know." What happens next? [The stream is slated to start at 11:30 a.m. ET. Please refresh the page if you do not see a player above at that time.] Federal prosecutors are expected to announce public corruption charges against New York City Mayor Eric Adams Thursday in a press conference in lower Manhattan. Adams has been indicted on criminal charges related to contributions to the Democrat's 2021 mayoral campaign. Agents from the FBI searched his Gracie Mansion residence Thursday morning. Damian Williams, U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of New York, James Dennehy, FBI New York Assistant Director in Charge, and Jocelyn E. Strauber, Department of Investigation Commissioner, will deliver remarks at the press conference. Of all Chinese internet stocks, one company has the "best risk-reward" for investors, Morgan Stanley says. That's tech giant Tencent, according to the bank. The company has games, online advertising businesses and also owns chat app WeChat, among other units. It called Tencent a "safe haven" and named it its top pick in this sector. Morgan Stanley raised its price target for Tencent from 450 Hong Kong dollars to 480 Hong Kong dollars ($57.80 to $61.70). That represents a potential upside of around 12%. "We think Tencent has the best risk-reward among Chinese Internet stocks, with structural tailwinds in games, share gain across segments, high earnings visibility," the bank said in a Sept. 25 report. "In the event of a sustainable rally in China's Internet industry, we also see further upside from potential monetization of the listed investment portfolio (US$79bn as of 2Q24)," Morgan Stanley analysts wrote, referring Tencent's equity ownership in other firms. According to its interim 2024 report, Tencent invests in the Fintech and retail, cloud and AI, social and digital content sectors. Tencent's valuation remains "undemanding" at 13 to 14 times 2025's price-to-earnings ratio, even after its recent rally, the bank noted. Its shares have jumped since mid September, from about around 374 Hong Kong dollars to the current 424 Hong Kong dollars. As for its games unit, Morgan Stanley says the firm will enjoy "near-term catalysts," adding that there will be a "robust" pipeline, with its evergreen games set to continue netting growth. It estimates Tencent's games revenue growth could rise 13% and 10% year on year in the second half this year and in 2025, respectively. Tencent's advertising growth is set to remain "resilient," with market share gains even amid weak macro economic conditions, said the bank. It estimates advertising revenue growth of 14% in the second half this year and 15% in 2025. "Rising adoption of mini-games should also lead to higher ad revenues, which is a key source of monetization (in addition to in-game purchases) for mini-games. Tencent is one of the largest beneficiaries, given its leading position in game distribution," it said. Amid intensifying competition, there's also "significant potential" for Tencent to capture higher advertising spending from Alibaba, the bank added. CNBC's Michael Bloom contributed to this report. NSE Brent for November settlement fell 2.4% to $71.72 a barrel at 7:34 a.m. in London. WTI for November delivery dropped 2.4% to $68.01 a barrel. Oil fell for a second day as Saudi Arabia was reported to be weighing increasing output, and factions in Libya reached a deal that opens the way to the return of some crude production.Brent dropped below $72 a barrel for a loss of almost 5% since Tuesdays close, while West Texas Intermediate was near $68. Saudi Arabia is ready to abandon its unofficial oil price target of $100 a barrel in a bid to regain market share, the Financial Times reported, citing people familiar with the deliberations.Representatives from Libyas rival eastern and western administrations initialed an agreement on steps for the leadership for the OPEC members central bank, the United Nations said.The potential revival in Saudi and Libyan production comes as crude is heading for its worst quarter this year, hurt by the prospect of additional supply from OPEC+ and Chinas dour economic outlook. While oil traders had largely shrugged off Chinas earlier monetary stimulus measures, President Xi Jinping on Thursday called for the government to provide more fiscal spending, underscoring the growing anxiety in Beijing over the nations slowing growth.A stronger dollar has also weighed on commodities such as oil priced in the currency with a Bloomberg gauge of the greenback rising by the most in three months on Wednesday as risk appetite abated in wider markets.Meanwhile, the US, European Union, and major powers in the Middle East including Saudi Arabia and Qatar have proposed a three-week cease-fire between Israel and Hezbollah in Lebanon, part of a bid to clear the way for negotiations and avert an all-out war in the region. Tajik PM meets with senior CPC official Xinhua) 10:03, September 26, 2024 DUSHANBE, Sept. 25 (Xinhua) -- Tajikistan's Prime Minister Kokhir Rasulzoda met with Chen Wenqing, a senior Communist Party of China (CPC) official here on Tuesday. Chen, a member of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee and head of the Commission for Political and Legal Affairs of the CPC Central Committee, noted that under the strategic guidance of Chinese President Xi Jinping and Tajik President Emomali Rahmon, the relationship between China and Tajikistan has continued to improve and upgrade. Both countries are at critical stages of national development and rejuvenation, Chen said, adding that China is willing to work with Tajikistan to jointly promote the building of the China-Tajikistan community with a shared future, actively implement the three global initiatives, deepen cooperation under the Belt and Road Initiative, enhance law enforcement and security collaboration, and effectively address various regional threats and challenges, ultimately benefiting the people of both nations. Rasulzoda congratulated the 75th anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China and expressed Tajikistan's firm support for the three global initiatives proposed by Xi. He also expressed a desire to deepen practical cooperation in the security field with China and jointly safeguard regional peace and stability. During the visit, Chen also met separately with Tajikistan's Secretary of the Security Council Nasrullo Mahmudzoda and Chairman of the State Committee for National Security Saimumin Yatimov. (Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Zhong Wenxing) Blog Archive: Oct 2024 (35) Sep 2024 (149) Aug 2024 (155) Jul 2024 (155) Jun 2024 (150) May 2024 (153) Apr 2024 (149) Mar 2024 (155) Feb 2024 (145) Jan 2024 (156) Dec 2023 (155) Nov 2023 (150) Oct 2023 (155) Sep 2023 (150) Aug 2023 (155) Jul 2023 (155) Jun 2023 (150) May 2023 (155) Apr 2023 (150) Mar 2023 (155) Feb 2023 (140) Jan 2023 (155) Dec 2022 (156) Nov 2022 (150) Oct 2022 (155) Sep 2022 (150) Aug 2022 (155) Jul 2022 (154) Jun 2022 (150) May 2022 (155) Apr 2022 (150) Mar 2022 (155) Feb 2022 (140) Jan 2022 (156) Dec 2021 (156) Nov 2021 (150) Oct 2021 (155) Sep 2021 (150) Aug 2021 (155) Jul 2021 (155) Jun 2021 (150) May 2021 (155) Apr 2021 (150) Mar 2021 (155) Feb 2021 (140) Jan 2021 (155) Dec 2020 (155) Nov 2020 (150) Oct 2020 (158) Sep 2020 (150) Aug 2020 (130) Jul 2020 (124) Jun 2020 (120) May 2020 (124) Apr 2020 (120) Mar 2020 (124) Feb 2020 (116) Jan 2020 (125) Dec 2019 (126) Nov 2019 (120) Oct 2019 (124) Sep 2019 (120) Aug 2019 (125) Jul 2019 (124) Jun 2019 (120) May 2019 (123) Apr 2019 (121) Mar 2019 (124) Feb 2019 (112) Jan 2019 (125) Dec 2018 (126) Nov 2018 (120) Oct 2018 (124) Sep 2018 (121) Aug 2018 (124) Jul 2018 (125) Jun 2018 (120) May 2018 (124) Apr 2018 (121) Mar 2018 (124) Feb 2018 (112) Jan 2018 (123) Dec 2017 (124) Nov 2017 (124) Oct 2017 (141) Sep 2017 (135) Aug 2017 (138) Jul 2017 (137) Jun 2017 (134) May 2017 (138) Apr 2017 (135) Mar 2017 (139) Feb 2017 (129) Jan 2017 (143) Dec 2016 (135) Nov 2016 (138) Oct 2016 (142) Sep 2016 (128) Aug 2016 (133) Jul 2016 (136) Jun 2016 (138) May 2016 (164) Apr 2016 (311) Mar 2016 (348) Feb 2016 (320) Jan 2016 (348) Dec 2015 (314) Nov 2015 (338) Oct 2015 (363) Sep 2015 (358) Aug 2015 (399) Jul 2015 (374) Jun 2015 (331) May 2015 (337) Apr 2015 (319) Mar 2015 (320) Feb 2015 (271) Jan 2015 (286) Dec 2014 (254) Nov 2014 (238) Oct 2014 (287) Sep 2014 (267) Aug 2014 (259) Jul 2014 (260) Jun 2014 (238) May 2014 (241) Apr 2014 (228) Mar 2014 (240) Feb 2014 (217) Jan 2014 (263) Dec 2013 (226) Nov 2013 (254) Oct 2013 (256) Sep 2013 (252) Aug 2013 (263) Jul 2013 (261) Jun 2013 (251) May 2013 (250) Apr 2013 (221) Mar 2013 (193) Feb 2013 (164) Jan 2013 (157) Dec 2012 (155) Nov 2012 (240) Oct 2012 (526) Sep 2012 (411) Aug 2012 (394) Jul 2012 (284) Jun 2012 (229) May 2012 (213) Apr 2012 (213) Mar 2012 (253) Feb 2012 (269) Jan 2012 (298) Dec 2011 (273) Nov 2011 (219) Oct 2011 (204) Sep 2011 (201) Aug 2011 (236) Jul 2011 (217) Jun 2011 (211) May 2011 (206) Apr 2011 (215) Mar 2011 (215) Feb 2011 (186) Jan 2011 (215) Dec 2010 (107) Nov 2010 (98) Oct 2010 (55) Getting a job after previously being a criminal can be tough. A lot of employers will discriminate against you once they hear of your past, as a matter of policy. But if youve ever found yourself in that position of a job seeker with a record, have you considered a career in politics? Voters might not hold your criminal past against you. If you're anything like the following men, it might even make them like you more. 5 Thomas Francis Meagher, Sentenced to Hang In 1848, Britain rounded up a quartet of Irish nationalists and sentenced them to die. The charge was sedition, and the punishment was being hanged, drawn and quartered, which sounds like overkill. One of them, Thomas Francis Meagher, said he might have been a criminal in English eyes, but according to Irish history, The treason of which I stand convicted loses all its guilt, has been sanctified as a duty, and will be ennobled as a sacrifice. Leon Gluckman Plus, he somehow managed to take this glamor shot while in prison. It turned out he didnt have to wait long to be vindicated. Before he went to the gallows, the public protested his sentence hard enough that Britain commuted it to exile to a Tasmanian prison colony. He was forbidden from leaving Tasmania as long as he lived. Then one day, he sent a letter to authorities saying, Nope. Im leaving now. He got on a ship and escaped to New York. When the American Civil War started, some other Irish nationalists sided with the South, on the general principle that succession is cool. Not Meagher, who formed his own branch of the U.S. Army called the Irish Brigade and led them in battle. After the war, he became the acting governor of Montana. He even set about turning the territory into a state, until he fell off a boat on the Missouri River one day and was declared dead. Maybe he was drunk. Or maybe one of his many political enemies finally found a chance to finish him off. 4 Amjad Ali, the Terrorist Hijacker Advertisement A plane made a stop in Fiji one day in 1987, as part of a longer voyage from Japan to New Zealand. An airport employee, Ahmjed Ali, boarded the plane, presumably as part of his refueling job. But in his bag was something that should be kept far away from fuel: six sticks of dynamite, taken from a gold mine. FotoNoir He left his nail clippers behind, though, as they werent allowed. Hed blow up the plane, he said, unless the government of Fiji agreed to release Timoci Bavadra. Bavadra had been the prime minister of the country a week ago, but then hed lost the election and staged a coup, winding up arrested. Ali had no connection with Bavadra or political ties at all. He also didnt have much experience with terrorism, as his first move now was to release all the passengers and almost all crew, depriving himself of valuable hostages. The plane stayed on the ground, and the remaining crew took Ali down by bonking him on the head with a bottle of whiskey. This was such a satisfying conclusion to the adventure that authorities charged him with bringing explosives onto a plane but nothing more serious than that. Advertisement Ali parlayed fame from the incident into becoming a member of parliament in Fiji. He later applied for asylum to New Zealand and became a permanent resident there. We guess he envied the passengers on that plane and never got over letting them go. 3 A Fraudster Declared Independence from the United States William Langer was already a politician when he committed his crimes. He was the governor of North Dakota, and he passed a rule saying all public employees had to donate money to his socialist party. This sounds like it breaks various laws, such as the one against theft, and the feds chose to nail him with conspiracy to defraud the federal government. This was 1933, and many of those employees were getting money from government relief programs. U.S. Senate If you played your cards right, the Great Depression was a great opportunity. Langer had to leave office due to now being a felon. But he had a trick up his sleeve. What if he declared North Dakota to be independent from America? While he worked on this, he remained in his office his physical office, barricading the doors to prevent anyone from expelling him. His supporters then marched on the capitol building, calling for the death of Langers appointed replacement. Advertisement Advertisement Langer eventually surrendered, and he successfully appealed his conviction. That meant he was eligible to be governor again, and voters welcomed him. Then he ran for the U.S. Senate, and he won that as well. An ethics committee early on said he was constitutionally ineligible to serve, because of his crimes, but the Senate voted to keep him in anyway. He spent almost two decades as senator from North Dakota, remaining till his death in 1959. The last time he ran for reelection, he didnt even bother campaigning, and his party didnt endorse him, but he won anyway. 2 Americas Most Successful Coup Advertisement Weve got one more coup to tell you about. And unlike Timoci Bavadras or William Langers, this one succeeded. Alfred Moore Waddell was a congressman from North Carolina during most of the 1870s. After this, he came back to his home state, where Black residents were gaining increasing political power. In 1898, Waddell campaigned locally on the seemingly winning platform of white supremacy, but that years election was won by a multiracial fusion party. So, Waddell and a mob of 2,000 took up arms. One target was a newspaper. They burned it down, retaliating for negative coverage. Advertisement via Wiki Commons Black and white and read all over? That sounds dangerously like integration. Many of the other targets were human, and we dont know exactly how many Black residents the mob murdered that day. Some estimates say 60. Some say 300. Due to what came next, survivors formally reporting the crimes wasnt advisable. Advertisement What came next was the mob made the city authorities resign, at gunpoint. Waddell became the new mayor of Wilmington. And that was that. He stayed in office for eight years, and the coup was never undone. It had been a race riot, reported newspapers (the ones that no one had burned down), and some people had committed violence, but the authorities assumed control in the end, and peace had been restored. Imagine turning down an acting student who would become the biggest television star in the history of the medium. Thats what one school did to 16-year-old Lucille Ball, refunding her mothers money and kicking the teen to the curb with a two-word message: No talent. Thats the version Ball told the Toronto Star, according to MeTV: All I ever wanted was to get to vaudeville, and I never made it. Others tell a more nuanced version of the story. It all began when Ball started dating a local hoodlum when she was only 14. Seeing as the guy was 21 and a hoodlum Balls mother was desperate for a way to break up the couple. Knowing that Lucy had a strong yearning to enter show business, her mother used her meager savings to send Ball off to the John Murray Anderson School for the Dramatic Arts in New York City. It was moms means of separating the young lovers. Don't Miss All I learned in drama school was how to be frightened, Ball said later, according to Ball of Fire: The Tumultuous Life and Comic Art of Lucille Ball. She didnt get much out of her classes there, despite having Bette Davis as a classmate. While her teachers might not have been so blunt as to say, No talent, they did let her know in no uncertain terms they thought she would fail in show business. Balls unsuccessful stay in acting school accomplished two things. First, since the name Johnny DeVita doesnt turn up later in Ball biographies, the plan to split up the comedian and the hoodlum appears to have worked. Second, Ball used the rejection as fuel to realize her show-business dreams. Ball soon returned to New York City, determined to prove her teachers wrong. She took a job working as an in-house model for Hattie Carnegie, who ordered Ball to bleach her brown hair blonde. (Carnegie didnt get that red was Balls color.) Hattie taught me how to slouch properly in a $1,000 hand-sewn sequin dress, Ball said, and how to wear a $40,000 sable coat as casually as rabbit. Advertisement Using the stage name Diane Belmont, Ball slowly built her career, working as a Chesterfield cigarette girl, a model and a showgirl on Broadway even if she was abruptly fired from those jobs as well. But she kept going because she just wanted to get into show business, she told John Davidson. And I didnt know what show business was. I thought it was vaudeville. When Ball told Davidson she turned to modeling and posing for artists because I have to eat, he asked if she ever did nudes. No! she responded. Im not that attractive. If I had been that attractive, I probably would have. Advertisement But once again, rejection turned out to be good for her career. I was lucky, she said. See, I had to do something else, and thats how I got into comedy. The Golden Age of Radio isnt known for featuring too many dirty jokes, probably because Jack Benny never dropped any F-bombs and Flash Gordon resisted the urge to recite obscene limericks about residents of Nantucket. But one iconic comedian made an impressively obscene quip during a popular game show according to legend, at least. The story goes that the great Groucho Marx, during a 1947 episode of the radio version of his popular quiz program You Bet Your Life, interviewed a female contestant with a large number of kids (the exact number varies depending on the telling). When Groucho asked how she came to have so many children, she responded, I love my husband. To which Groucho fired back: I love my cigar, but I take it out once and a while. Don't Miss Several sources suggest that the anecdote is genuine, including Groucho: The Life and Times of Julius Henry Marx, which notes that the shows director, Robert Dwan, thought that the line was too bawdy and excised it. And the stage play Groucho: A Life in Revue, co-written by Grouchos son Arthur Marx, features a version of the joke. As Snopes pointed out, the story is recounted in the book The Secret Word Is Groucho, which was credited to the comedian, but ghostwritten by collaborator Hector Arce. In the book Groucho recalls how he made the joke while chatting with a woman named Mrs. Story. Although, in this telling, the punchline was, I love my cigar too, but I take it out of my mouth once in a while, which kind of ruins the entire point of the joke. This claim was later backed by Steve Stoliar in his terrific book Raised Eyebrows, which chronicles the time he spent as Grouchos personal secretary in the 1970s. Stoliar recalled that You Bet Your Lifes head writer Bernie Smith specifically told him that the joke was made while Groucho was speaking with a sign painter named Mr. Story and his wife, and that they hailed from Bakersfield, California. The full episode was eventually tracked down although it aired in 1950, not 47. And it contains no ribald humor, which aligns with claims that the offending joke was cut from the broadcast. Advertisement So it definitely happened, right? Advertisement Yeah, not so fast. There are a few major problems with this story. For starters, Groucho himself denied ever making the joke during an interview with Roger Ebert. I get credit all the time for things I never said, Marx told the critic in 1972. And Groucho was never one to pass up the opportunity to take credit for his old one-liners. And Dwan, who supposedly cut the joke out of the broadcast, also had no memory of the incident, but was later convinced by Bernie Smith that it was true. So thats two instances in which Smith was the primary source for this anecdote. And it seems entirely possible that Smith could have been the source for the story in The Secret Word Is Groucho too, considering that he was interviewed for the book. Possibly ghostwriter Arce learned of the joke from Smith, then rewrote the story to read as if Groucho himself was describing the event. Advertisement Advertisement So where did the joke actually come from? Smith was one of several writers who worked for You Bet Your Life, prepping Grouchos apparent ad-libs based on pre-interviews with contestants. As the hosts of The Marx Brothers Council Podcast theorized, the joke very easily could have been something that was kicked around the writers room prior to the recording, but then ultimately scrapped. That would explain why Smith remembered the joke being told to Mr. and Mrs. Story, but nobody else seemed to. Also, if it had actually been recorded then cut out, there would still likely be evidence of it, because You Bet Your Life regularly saved any offensive content that didnt make the broadcast and edited it together to entertain the sponsors. Advertisement Advertisement But there are no recordings of the cigar joke anywhere, with the exception of an obvious fake that was included on a novelty blooper album. Advertisement Long story short: It sure seems like Groucho never actually told the cigar joke, despite what this retro deepfake would have you believe. You (yes, you) should follow JM on Twitter (if it still exists by the time youre reading this). Photo-Illustration: Curbed; Photos: Getty Images, Kevin Dugan, Willy Blackmore Where the hell does Eric Adams live? For anyone trying to get a grip on the notoriously hard-to-pin-down Democratic candidate who will likely be the citys 110th mayor, this has been one of the most confounding and difficult-to-answer questions in the weirdest race in recent memory. The vegan exNew York City police officer turned Brooklyn borough president insists he lives in Bed-Stuy, but has been hounded since June by questions about whether he actually lives in Fort Lee, New Jersey, thanks to Politico and The City reports that he had recorded spending zero days at his supposed residence in legal documents. Next came a bizarre tour of his Bed-Stuy basement apartment, which left reporters less convinced that he actually lived in the place. Since winning the primary, his campaign hasnt responded to questions about his schedule, and he seemed to disappear for weeks at a time. During the first mayoral debate on October 20, when moderator Sally Goldenberg asked Adams how often he spent the night at his place in the last six months, Adams only replied, I dont jot down the number of days Im there, but thats where I lay my head. Its an answer that, strictly speaking, is meaningless, but seems to satisfy the residency requirement for the New York City mayoralty, which defines it as having a place in the five boroughs where one intends to return. But its still not really an answer. Could the future New York City mayor really not live in the city? The editors at Curbed reached out to me to see if Id be interested in finding out if he really does return to his Bedford-Stuyvesant home during the week (Adams says he stays in Fort Lee on weekends). A private-eye source gave me tips on how to tail him (use two cars and a cyclist to follow him around a plan that never went anywhere) and surveil him (stay across the street or a few cars down the block, in a vehicle with tinted windows, and bring an empty jug to pee in). At one point, we tried using a camera trap the kind of motion-activated setup used to photograph wildlife to capture his comings and goings. But the machine wouldnt cooperate, even after I got assistance from Strategist tech contributor David Pogue. Ultimately, Curbed opted for an old-fashioned stakeout: seven reporters taking shifts hiding out in a rented gray Nissan Sentra with Florida plates parked directly across the street from his building. The plan was to be on the block overnight from Monday through Thursday during the first week of early voting. The stakeout started at 7 p.m. on Monday afternoon. Two full shifts went by 7 p.m. to midnight, then midnight to 4 a.m. without a soul entering or departing the apartment. Then: 4:18 a.m. on Tuesday morning. I was sitting in the car, bored, when I noticed a gray Toyota Prius with New York City plates circling the block, finally parking just past Adamss building. A tall Black man who looked a lot like Adams walked into the basement apartment, turned on the lights, then shut them off for about five minutes. Was he coming home from his Borough Hall office, where he slept for months during the pandemic? His favorite club, Zero Bond, where he recently hung out with the likes of Jonathan Foodgod Cheban and Equinox CEO Harvey Spevak? Either way, once he went inside, things got slightly weird. The Prius, it seemed, was illegally parked in front of an active garage for a plumbing-supply company. Which quickly became a problem for the trucks attempting to enter said supply company: They were soon backed up all the way down Lafayette Avenue, causing a bona fide pileup while Adams slept inside. This went on for hours the trucks sat there; a few of the drivers got out to see what was the holdup until finally, at 8 a.m., someone from the supply company came out in a forklift, tied a yellow rope to the back of Adamss car, and towed it a few feet so things could get moving. Photo: Kevin Dugan Before my shift ended at 9 a.m., I texted Curbed editor Willy Blackmore to say that someone should come take over for me (we hadnt planned to be there during the day) to confirm it was, in fact, Adams, and to see what he would do with the towed Prius, whose drivers side was now blocked by the very traffic jam he appeared to have caused. Willy arrived just in time to see Adams definitively Adams leave his apartment, climb into the car from the passenger side, shimmy into the drivers seat, then drive the car up onto the sidewalk. He drove blithely on the sidewalk until he was past the jam, then turned right on Stuyvesant Avenue. Photo: Willy Blackmore At 12:37 a.m., a couple hours after the final mayoral debate (during which Adams declined to shed more light on how often he sleeps at the Brooklyn apartment we were lurking outside of), Shant Shahrigian saw Adams walk back in his front door. A mere seven minutes later, he popped back out. He paced on the phone for a few minutes, then, looking directly at the car, yelled, Oh, shit! I caught you! I caught you! Assuming hed been made by the soon-to-be mayor (who, to be fair, is also a former cop), Shant left. So does Eric Adams live in his own home? Maybe. Though if there ever was a time for Eric Adams to live in his apartment, it would be the week before election day. In response to our findings, the soon-to-be mayor had this to say: I got home late and drove around my neighborhood several times looking for parking, like so many New Yorkers do, and thought I would be out of the house early enough to move my car before the business opened. There is no excuse for it. In reflection I should have just rode my bike. By SA Commercial Prop News Equites CEO, Andrea Taverna-Turisan, says a transaction of this size with a client of Pepkors stature, will assist to further cement the companys aim of being recognised as a developer of choice to the largest logistics Equites Property Fund (JSE: EQU), whose footprint extends to the UK, said on Tuesday that it will be developing a 122 734 square metre logistics warehouse facility in Hammarsdale, KwaZulu Natal to house JSE-listed retailer Pepkor (PPH). The real estate investment trust said the total cost of development is R1.3 billion, which includes the cost of the land of R281 million. It will enter into a 15-year "triple net" fully repairing and insuring lease with Pepkor on completion of the development. Pepkor will have a right to renew for three additional five-year periods. The development is expected to be completed by November 2021. Equites CEO, Andrea Taverna-Turisan, said the company is pleased with the transaction as it meets all its investment criteria. As a specialist logistics investor and developer, Equites has successfully delivered modern and efficient logistics facilities to users both in South Africa and the United Kingdom. A transaction of this size with a client of Pepkors stature and exacting requirements will assist to further cement the companys aim of being recognised as a developer of choice to the largest logistics, retail and e-commerce participants in the South African market. The modern, state-of-the-art logistics facility will be situated in Hammersdale, a prime logistics node due to its location along the N3 national road and its proximity to the rail network linking Gauteng to the Durban port. It is also close to the inland container terminal at Cato Ridge which is expected to change the logistics landscape in KZN. Other prominent South African retailers, such as Mr Price and Ackermans, have logistics warehouse facilities close to the property, providing further evidence of the attractiveness of this node. The warehouse will boast a clear height to eaves of 15.8 metres and yard depth in excess of 45 metres. Both companies place strong emphasis on sustainability in their assets from the outset and the facilities have been designed with increased steel tolerances to accommodate the installation of photovoltaic panels. Taverna-Turisan said: The development will increase Equites footprint in the key logistics node of KwaZulu Natal and create further scale in our high-quality logistics portfolio. Importantly, the developed facility will also add to the quality, defensiveness and income predictability of Equites. We are excited to welcome Pepkor as a client. Mahalaxmi's 'lover' killed her in fit of rage, chopped her body with axel blade Police investigation into the gruesome Mahalaxmi murder case in Bengaluru has revealed that her colleague and alleged lover killed her in a fit of rage and chopped her body into 59 pieces with an axel blade. The accused Mukthiranjan Roy, Mahalaxmi's team leader at a mall, smothered her to death, dragged her body to the bathroom and chopped her into pieces. Roy stuffed the body parts into the fridge and cleaned the bathroom with acid to erase the evidence. He had also cleaned the house to make it look like nothing had happened if someone tried to peep inside, police sources stated. The suspected killer wrote in his suicide note that he committed the brutal crime as he was fed up with her conduct. The police sources said that the suicide note was written in his diary. "I have killed my lover Mahalaxmi on September 3," the accused had written in his diary. "I was fed up with her conduct. I fought with her over personal matters and Mahalaxmi assaulted me. Enraged by her act, I killed her," he had stated. Roy was found hanging from a tree in a village in Bhadrak district in Odisha. "Roy arrived in Pandi village on Wednesday and later left on a two-wheeler. Roy's body was spotted by locals hanging from a tree," the police sources said. Since September 1, Roy has been absent from duty, coinciding with Mahalaxmi's last day of work. The murder case came to light on September 21 after neighbours noticed a foul smell emanating from Mahalaxmi's house for two days and informed her relatives. Mahalaxmi's mother and sister came to her house and witnessed the horrifying scene. Though the refrigerator was operational, the body had been infested by maggots. According to residents of the area, Mahalaxmi did not mingle much with her neighbours. For a few days, her brother stayed with her. The police have also found that she was married and had a child, but lived separately. Roy's absence at the workplace after the recovery of Mahalaxmi's chopped body parts in the fridge had made the police suspicious. During the investigation, police found that Roy was close to Mahalaxmi and frequently called her up. Copyright 2024 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission. Success! An email has been sent to with a link to confirm list signup. AMSTERDAM Montgomery County has awarded contracts to multiple firms totaling $3.73 million for the second phase of renovations to the Health and Human Services building. The project will complete the conversion of the former Recorder newspaper building at 1 Venner Road into offices for the Montgomery County Departments of Social Services, Public Health and Mental Health. The Venner Road project is going to allow us to deliver our services to the community in a more efficient and user-friendly manner, Montgomery County Executive Robert Purtell said. The Montgomery County Legislature authorized the contracts on Tuesday. District 4 Legislator Robert Headwell, Jr. was the only official to vote against awarding the contracts after having previously raised concerns about the many ongoing projects in the county. Headwell had indicated he would prefer to see other projects completed before the county took on more when he was the sole legislator in March to vote against a $1.75 million bond resolution partially funding the second phase of the Venner Road project so it could be sent out to bid. The second phase of the project is expected to be fully financed through bonds, which will be repaid over time. Work will largely involve renovations to the former printing press room at the rear of the building and construction of a small addition. Venner Road renovations contracts The following firms were awarded contracts for the renovations of the Venner Road property: General construction West Winds General Construction not to exceed $2,366,300 Plumbing Tri-Valley Plumbing and Heating, Inc. not to exceed $227,400 Electrical A. Treffeisen & Sons LLC not to exceed $448,300 Mechanical RMB Mechanical not to exceed $559,500 Fire protection Condor Fire Sprinkler not to exceed $130,700 Roughly 80% of DSS staff are already occupying the front half of the building where renovations were previously completed as part of the first phase, which was originally budgeted at $2.19 million. Staff relocated to the office from leased space in the Riverfront Center mall. More staff will move to the renovated offices in the city from their existing space in the Montgomery County Office Building in Fonda following the second phase of work. DSS Commissioner Matthew Beck said the modernized space with upgraded systems and equipment has already benefited employees and residents. The location in the countys population center is also more convenient for many accessing in-person services. It's been really great, Beck said. We average around 30 to 40 people a day who come in, its really good for them to have access to all of our staff at once and it really helps our staff work together a little better, instead of being spread out between Amsterdam and Fonda. Even after renovations are complete, Beck said DSS will maintain a presence in Fonda for staff working on cases involving legal elements or traveling to the western part of the county as needed to assist residents in-person. Population based, were going to have more service provided to the city of Amsterdam, but I think we do a great job of making sure all of the county needs are met, said Beck, noting the department tries to provide online options to complete forms and applications as much as possible. Were trying to use the latest technology to help cut down on distance. Public and mental health staff will relocate to the remaining space in the Venner Road building following renovations. The addition will feature a separate public lobby and main entrance for residents accessing those services. Purtell said accessibility is currently an issue for the department on the second floor of the County Annex Building. The phased building renovations are part of ongoing efforts to address overcrowded county facilities. Any space freed up after staff relocate will be considered for future reuse by other departments grappling with cramped quarters and outdated offices. The county Legislature in the past had decided to upgrade and modernize facilities for our departments, Purtell said. Were currently developing a strategic plan for space utilization throughout the county buildings. This will be an important part of that. Officials have previously said the renovations to the existing building would be less expensive than constructing new facilities. The county bought the roughly 27,600-square-foot building for $800,000 in 2020. The timeline for phase two of the project is still being determined, according to Beck, who said Department of Public Works Commissioner Eric Mead is developing plans with contractors to minimize disturbances at the partially occupied building. Officials are optimistic the co-location of DSS, public health and mental health at one site will enable staff in the related fields to work more closely together while making it easier for residents to access the range of programs and services offered by each department. Well be really excited when its all finally complete, Beck said. - Antioch police arrested a man suspected in a weekend double shooting. Rafe Swan/Getty Images A 44-year-old man was arrested Thursday in a double-shooting in Antioch that stemmed from a fight that broke out weeks earlier, police said. The shooting occurred around 9:20 a.m. Sunday behind a Rite Aid store on A Street near East 18th Street. The victims, a man and a woman, were taken to a hospital and are expected to survive. Their ages were not released. Investigators determined the male victim and suspected shooter were involved in a fight weeks earlier. The suspect, identified as Bobby Grigsby, was booked into jail after his arrest, police said. No further details were released. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Hezbollah has spent years turning southern Lebanon into a fortress bristling with a formidable array of firepower. The Muslim Shi'ite towns it draws its fighters from and the Christian villages it uses as cover for its murderous campaigns are home to a vast stockpile of more than 150,000 rockets. What's more, it has had years to develop a sophisticated network of tunnels and observation posts in the hilly terrain that runs along Israel's northern border. And in the 11 months since Hamas launched the raid from Gaza that killed 1,200 Israelis last October, Hezbollah has maintained a near constant barrage of missile attacks involving no fewer than 8,000 rockets and 60,000 Israelis were evacuated from the area last year. Benjamin Netanyahu's government has vowed to return these people to their homes, but that can only be done once the threat of attacks by Hezbollah has been neutralised. An Israeli army tank, pictured in an area of Israel's southern border with the Palestinian Gaza Strip in August Smoke rises over the site of an Israeli airstrike that targeted the southern Lebanese village of Taibeh this week Benjamin Netanyahu 's government has vowed to return these people to their homes, but that can only be done once the threat of attacks by Hezbollah has been neutralised And that can only be achieved by a ground operation involving Israeli tanks, infantry, and special forces equipped with swarms of drones crossing the border into Lebanon. Some of the more excitable commentators would have you believe this could trigger the start of World War III but, as someone who's covered the activities of Hezbollah and Iran's other proxies in the region for a decade, I can tell you that is nonsense. But, having made regular visits to northern Israel since the Hamas atrocity, one thing I know for sure is that no ceasefire agreement with Hezbollah is worth the paper it's written on. In the aftermath of the 2006 war between Israel and Hezbollah, for example, the terms of UN Resolution 1701 restricted Hezbollah to territory north of the Litani River, which runs 15 to 20 miles north of the border. This meant that Israel would be out of range of its anti-tank guided missile fire, the weaponry Hezbollah has used to target Israeli communities along the border. It would also prevent Hezbollah from carrying out an October 7-style surprise attack. Has Hezbollah abided by this agreement? Of course not. Prior to the Hamas incursion, Israel was preparing for the possibility that Hezbollah's well-trained elite Radwan Force would launch attacks on Israel at points along the 50-mile northern border in a bid to seize some of the small Israeli communities that dot the ridges along the frontline. In the event, Hezbollah has contented itself with its relentless missile bombardment, vowing to continue these attacks as long as the Gaza war continues. And it is only one element of Iran's multi-front war on Israel, which includes militias in Iraq and the Houthis in Yemen. These groups not only attack Israel itself but target commercial ships sailing through the region and U.S. forces in Iraq and Syria. Hezbollah is unwilling to stand down without an order from Tehran and the virulently anti-Semitic mullahs who run Iran are happy to keep sending Lebanese Shi'ites to their deaths. In such a context, a ground war looks increasingly likely. And Israel has spent years training its army for just such an eventuality. Only this week, the 7th Armoured Brigade of the Israel Defence Force (IDF) completed its preparations for an invasion of southern Lebanon. Just a few miles from the Lebanese border, troops were trained in 'manoeuvring and combat in thicketed, mountainous terrain', according to the IDF. As Israel's troops have seen tough combat in Gaza, they are probably the best prepared they have been in decades. But serious challenges lie ahead. A firefighter at the site of an Israeli strike, in Beirut's southern suburbs, Iran's proxies have started to intensify their attacks. Iraqi militias launched drones at the southern Israeli port city of Eilat on September 25. One reached its target while another was shot down. Drones and missiles don't win wars, however, and Israel has highly effective air defences to combat just such a threat. Nor is Iran likely to risk a major regional war by entering the fray itself. Instead, Tehran will try to diplomatically isolate Israel, as its new president attempted to do this week at the UN General Assembly. If Israel wants Hezbollah to move off the hills that overlook Israel south of the Litani, it looks increasingly likely that it will need to use tanks and infantry. Seth J. Frantzman is an analyst at The Jerusalem Post, an Adjunct Fellow at The Foundation For Defence Of Democracies and author of The October 7th War: Israel's Battle For Security In Gaza. Young people are looking for makeup inspiration from the zoo While an unlikely candidate for a makeup trend, Gen Z have elected a baby hippo as their latest cosmetic aspiration. The newest trend in makeup has young people trying to appear more hippo like, as they strive to capture the glow on a baby pygmy hippopotamus, Moo Deng, who has recently become an internet sensation. Makeup moguls across the internet are eagerly swiping their cheeks with vibrant pink and charcoal grey as they attempt to recapture the swampy look of the popular hippo. Moo Deng began growing a fanbase are zookeepers at Khao Kheow Open Zoo in Si Racha, Thailand after zookeepers posted dozens of videos on their social media account, which now has 2.5million followers. The sweet hippo - who's name translate to 'bouncy pork' - has since racked up millions of adoring fans, who have even gone as far as to try to look like her. One TikToker took inspiration from the pygmy hippopotamus by swiping bright pink flush over her cheeks and taking grey eyeliner from the edge of her eye down towards her nose Moo Deng began growing a fanbase are zookeepers at Khao Kheow Open Zoo in Si Racha, Thailand after zookeepers posted dozens of videos on their social media account, which now has 2.5million followers Fans went wild for videos of the sweet looking creature bathing, sleeping, and even blowing snot bubbles. One clip featuring Moo Deng's caretaker playing with her has reached more than 33 million views and has two million likes. She now has dozens of Instagram and Facebook pages documenting her daily life on social media. Moo Deng makeup has amassed more than seven million views since the baby pygmy became an internet celebrity, with dozens of beauty creators have tried to recreate her look. Inspired by the hippo's rosy pink cheeks and swamp washed dewy glow, beauty creators have attempted to recreate her look with makeup. The first to have recreated Moo Deng's now famous face, was American content creator, Mei Pang, who shared a tutorial on how to recreate Moo Deng's look with her three million Instagram followers. In the video she said: 'Makeup inspired be the legend herself, Moo Deng. Why do you ask? Because she is everything. She describes Moo Deng face as capturing the sought after look of 'Dewy skin, a great halo eye and a zest for life.' To duplicate the hippo's look, Mei goes on to spritz her face heavily with moisturising spray before blobbing her cheeks with a light pink blush. She mimics her eyes by creating a grey and brown halo eye with smears of white to accentuate. Mid-way through the clip she asked 'Do I look like a hippo yet?' The makeup look is finished with lips outlined in petal pink and then filled in with a hippo shade of grey. While an unlikely candidate for a makeup trend, Gen Z have elected a baby hippo as their latest cosmetic aspiration Moo Deng makeup has amassed more than seven million views since the baby pygmy became an internet celebrity, with dozens of beauty creators have tried to recreate her look Makeup moguls across the internet are eagerly swiping their cheeks with vibrant pink and charcoal grey as they attempt to recapture the swampy look of the popular hippo One evidently passionate fans even simple painted an image of Moo Deng on the side of her face 'I truly hope she knows the impact she's had on the world,' she added. In other clips, beauty creators opt solely to reproduce the pink undercarriage of Moo Deng by adorning their cheeks with a visceral skin pink. 'Moo Deng has such an adorable little face and her blush, I have to replicate that,' one creator said in a video showing others how to attain hippo cheeks. Another TikToker took inspiration from the pygmy hippopotamus by swiping bright pink flush over her cheeks and taking grey eyeliner from the edge of her eye down towards her nose. One evidently passionate fans even simple painted an image of Moo Deng on the side of her face. Other clips reveal eager hippo fans polishing their cheeks with vibrant pink blush, inspired by the hippo. The hippo fever has even been utilised by makeup brands themselves with the global beauty brand, Sephora, advertising blushes in Thailand which promise to recreate Moo Deng's 'pink & peachy tone' cheeks. In other clips, beauty creators opt solely to reproduce the pink undercarriage of Moo Deng but adorning their cheeks with a visceral skin pink Since Moo Deng was born in July, she has gone viral online with her miniature frame and podgy proportions inspiring a fervent following The first to have recreated Moo Deng's now famous face, was American content creator, Mei Pang (pictured), who shared a tutorial on how to recreate Moo Deng's look with her three million Instagram followers Since Moo Deng was born in July, she has gone viral online with her miniature frame and podgy proportions inspiring a fervent following. The pygmy has doubled the Chonburi zoo's visitors since becoming an internet star. The Associated Press described the baby hippo as having 'the kind of face that launches a thousand memes' At the weekend, the zoo brought in 10,000 visitors, up from around the usual 3,000, all thanks to the adorable hippo. However, thanks to overcrowding, restrictions have had to be placed on visitors hoping to catch a glimpse of Moo Deng, with viewing capped to just 30-50. Visitors can now only visit the hippo on weekends for a restricted time of five minutes. Emily Atack has revealed how she 'genuinely had no problems' with appearing nearly naked on lads' mags like Loaded and FHM as she saw it as 'celebrating my youth and my sexuality'. But the 34-year-old British actress has admitted that she 'naively didn't think what narrative was being painted for me', and is now 'really standing firm' against misogyny. Speaking to The Guardian , the mother-of-one revealed how her life-changing role as Charlotte 'Big Jugs' Hinchcliffe in The Inbetweeners meant she was suddenly getting recognised everywhere and booked for plenty of risque photoshoots. 'This is where I get confused. And I was confused then,' admitted Emily. 'I was told, "You've got a photoshoot today" and it would be for Loaded magazine, or for FHM... So I was all, "Yep, clothes off, bikini on. Whatever." Genuinely, I had no problems with that - I enjoyed those shoots.' The Duchess of York took part in a 'truly inspiring' panel on climate solidarity in the Commonwealth as both she and Princess Beatrice made appearances at New York Climate Week yesterday. Sarah Ferguson, 64, and her daughter, 36, were both spotted at events for the annual gathering in the US, which highlights environmental work and initiatives. The mother-of-two attended a discussion for Global Citizen NOW: Health and Climate Financing Sessions - The Urgent Need for Action at Guastavino's, and was later joined by Beatrice for a Youth Impact Council Launch in Manhattan. Sarah took to Instagram to praise the 'fantastic second day' she had at this year's New York Climate Week. Other attendees included Idris Elba's wife Sabrina and presenter and activist Suluafi Brianna Fruean. The Duchess of York took part in a 'truly inspiring' panel on climate solidarity in the Commonwealth 'Having kicked the day off at @glblctzn discussing Climate Solidarity in the Commonwealth alongside the brilliant @briannafruean and @sabrinaelba, I headed over to @the_explorers_club to see my friend @alexandracliment and listen to her talk about her inspiring work leading expeditions to reforest the Darien Gap in Panama,' she revealed. 'Again, a truly inspiring day and has left me feeling very grateful to have been a part of #climateweeknyc.' The Duchess shared snippets of her rewarding day in a social media reel, showing off her two ensembles for the different events. The first featured a black and white co-ord teamed with chic lace-up boots. Prince Andrew's ex-wife donned a checkered-print mini skirt and jacket, accesorised with golden jewellery. Sarah's make-up accentuated her eyes, and she styled her auburn tresses with a thin headband. For her second outfit of the day, Sarah wore a monochrome skirt and blazer over a multi-coloured ruffled blouse. Meanwhile, her daughter Beatrice appeared in good spirits as she was photographed at a Youth Impact Council Launch. The Princess - who earlier this year topped Tatler's best-dressed list - sported a chic ensemble in a collared top worn under a luxurious tan trench coat. Princess Beatrice appeared in good spirits as she was photographed at a Youth Impact Council Launch Sarah Ferguson, 64, and her daughter, 36, were both spotted at events for the annual gathering in the US, which highlights environmental work and initiatives The mother-of-two attended a discussion for Global Citizen NOW: Health and Climate Financing Sessions - The Urgent Need for Action at Guastavino's Sarah took to Instagram to praise the 'fantastic second day' she had at this year's New York Climate Week Other attendees included Idris Elba's wife Sabrina (left) and presenter and activist Suluafi Brianna Fruean (right) The Duchess shared snippets of her rewarding day in a social media reel, showing off her two ensembles for the different events She wore her sleek tresses down, and accentuated her visage with glamorous make-up. The initiative aims to 'accelerate tomorrow's youth leaders, today' with Sarah as a global ambassador. On Tuesday, Sarah once again took to social media to share her excitement at kicking off New York Climate Week. 'It was so inspiring to meet so many motivated young people who are looking to make the future a much more positive place to be,' she said in an Instagram post. Queen Maxima of the Netherlands cut an elegant figure on Wednesday as she attended a UN assembly anniversary event in New York. The royal and her husband King Willem-Alexander joined former CEO of Microsoft, Bill Gates, at the UNSGSA event 'Inclusive Finance for Development 15 Years of Impact' held in New York on Wednesday. The mother-of-three, 53, looked typically glamorous as she stepped out in a vibrant orange ensemble for the event alongside her husband, 57, who looked dashing in blue. The elegant royal stepped out in an entirely orange suit with floor length trousers in a relaxed fit and long length sleeves with a stylish slit running up the arms. Pictured strutting down the streets of New York, Maxima beamed cheerily as she held a practical chestnut clutch bag under one arm, and linked arms sweetly with her husband. Queen Maxima (pictured right) of the Netherlands cut an elegant figure yesterday as she attended a UN assembly anniversary event in New York, alongside her husband, King Willem-Alexander (center), and Bill Gates (left) Pictured strutting down the streets of New York, Maxima beamed cheerily as she held a practical chestnut clutch bag under one arm, and linked arms sweetly with her husband The queen donned a pair of elegant brown heels with a a stylish pointed tip as she strode past the grey skyscrapers of New York city. She finished the look with a gem studded silver bracelet and a chic looking chunky black watch. Maxima wore her usual makeup look with a dark smoky eye to accentuate her stunning mahogany coloured eyes, and a petal pink shade emphasise her beautiful smile. Her bright blonde tresses were worn down by her shoulders in a relaxed by professional style, with her side part fringe giving her a stylish look. The Dutch royal attended the event in New York alongside her husband, King Willem-Alexander, who sported a fashionable navy suit and patterned baby blue tie. Among other guests who gathered at the United Nations headquarters in New York was the former CEO of Microsoft, Bill Gates and the World Bank President Ajay Banga. The former Microsoft mogul, Bill Gates, 68, looked smart in an all black ensemble during his attendance at the United Nations General Assembly, where he also spoke. Maxima look animated as she chatted to the Microsoft founder during the event alongside her husband. Also attending the UN Assembly was the Dutch Prime Minister Dick Schoo, who beamed with recognition as he shook hands with Maxima. Another global leader in attendance was Tanzania's Prime Minister Kassim Majaliwa, who was pictured chatting to the Dutch royal and her husband. During the event, A sweet picture captured the moment the queen was spotted giggling as she chatted cheekily with Prime Minister of Tanzania Kassim Majaliwa. Maxima look animated as she chatted to the Microsoft founder during the event alongside her husband The former Microsoft mogul, Bill Gates, 68, looked smart in an all black ensemble during his attendance at the United Nations General Assembly, where he also spoke The queen donned a pair of elegant brown heels with a a stylish pointed tip as she strode past the grey skyscrapers of New York city Maxima wore her usual makeup look with a dark smoky eye to accentuate her stunning mahogany coloured eyes and a petal pink shade emphasise her beautiful smile Also attending the UN Assembly was the Dutch Prime Minister Dick Schoof, who beamed with recognition as he shook hands with Maxim The anniversary marked 15-years for progress in progressing financial inclusion, notably in achieving UN goals in Sustainable Development Goals Maxima - who is the United Nations Secretary General's Special Advocate on Inclusive Finance - was also appointed special advocate for Financial Health, yesterday Also in attendance was Tanzania's Prime Minister Kassim Majaliwa, who was pictured chatting to the Dutch royal and her husband Bill Gates spoke at the UNSGSA event for Inclusive Finance for Development, marking 15 Years of progress Bill Gates pictured smiling as he was snapped up during the 79th Session of the United Nations General Assembly at United Nations headquarters in New York Bill Gates looked on at the assembly while World Bank President Ajay Banga (pictured right) spoke The anniversary marked 15-years of progress in advancing financial inclusion, most notably in achieving UN goals in Sustainable Development Goals. Maxima - who is the United Nations Secretary General's Special Advocate on Inclusive Finance - was also appointed special advocate for Financial Health, yesterday. In her new role for Financial Health, she will will work to ensure people have the financial tools at hand to be able to manage their expenses, as well as the ability to invest and secure their money in the future. In Maxima's current role, she works by offering advice to the Secretary-General, and working worldwide to make financial services accessible to all, including low-income groups and the SME sector. The Dutch royal delivered her speech passionately, evidently proud of the work she has achieved since becoming United Nations Secretary-General's Special Advocate for Inclusive Finance for Development, in 2009 During her speech, Queen Maxima looked passionate, gesturing with her hands as she spoke to the assembly In her new role for Financial Health, Maxima will will work to ensure people have the financial tools at hand to be able to manage their expenses, as well as the ability to invest and secure their money in the future In Maxima's current role, she works by offering advice to the Secretary-General, and working worldwide to make financial services accessible to all, including low-income groups and the SME sector Maxima and Willem-Alexander were sat next to their Dutch Prime Minister Dick Schoo, during the event Maxima wore her bright blonde tresses were down by her shoulders in a relaxed by professional style, with her side part fringe giving her a stylish look In one picture, Maxima was snapped up sharing a hug with World Bank President Ajay Banga Queen Maxima and King Willem-Alexander pictured arriving for the event in New York Queen Maxima and Willem-Alexander mimic the famous Beatles picture, from the English band's album cover, Abbey Road The Dutch royal delivered her speech passionately, evidently proud of the work she has achieved since becoming United Nations Secretary-General's Special Advocate for Inclusive Finance for Development, in 2009 Maxima listened intently during other UN leader's speeches King Willem-Alexander of The Netherlands pictured shaking hands with the President of the World Bank Ajay Banga Bill Gates pictured smiling as he left the UNSGSA event on Wednesday The Dutch royal appeared in good spirits throughout the event as she was pictured smiling throughout Maxima pictured during her impassioned speech A sweet picture captured the moment the queen was spotted giggling as she chatted cheekily with Prime Minister of Tanzania Kassim Majaliwa Maxima pictured while she was projected onto the screen so everyone could hear her deliver her speech at the event It comes after the Dutch royal spent a glamorous dinner alongside her daughter, Princess Catharina-Amalia, last week as the pair headed to a Council of State dinner at the Palace Noordeinde in The Hague. Maxima looked glamorous in the pale blue strapless Valentino dress which she paired with a dazzling blue diamond necklace. She accessorised with a matching blue shawl and a silver clutch bag, adding a bit more sophistication to her ensemble. Meanwhile Princess Amalia, 20, looked incredible in a figure hugging Alex Perry gown which she paired with the Dutch Diamond Trellis necklace and matching drop earrings. King Willem-Alexander also looked smart in a black tuxedo which he paired with a bow tie and white shirt. The Council of State is an independent advisor to the government and parliament. The King is Chairman of the Council while Princess Catharina-Amalia has been a member since her 18th birthday, while Maxima is also a member. Maxima had a busy week in her native country last week, as just days before she had also attended Prince's Day (Prinsjesdag), the opening day of the Dutch parliament - which takes place every year on the third Tuesday in September. The event - attended by Maxima, her husband and three daughters - sees the royals take to the balcony of Noordeinde Palace to wave to crowds below. Firefighters walk through the burning forest in July as the Park Fire rages in Butte County. Prosecutors have accused a Chico man of starting the fire by letting his burning car crash off a cliff. Jungho Kim/Special to The Chronicle Power lines and lightning have ignited some of the largest wildfires that have menaced Californians in the past decade. This year so far, the big menace has been arson. Nearly half of the acres burned in wildfires so far this year in California involve suspected cases of arson. Thats roughly 475,000 acres out of 995,974 total acres burned, which is about four times more than the last seven years combined. The largest is the Park Fire, a nearly 430,000-acre wildfire that started July 2 in Chico and burned all the way to Lassen National Park, nearly 100 miles to the north, destroying 709 buildings in Butte and Tehama counties. Prosecutors have accused a Chico man of letting his burning car crash off a cliff in a city park. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Cal Fire officials said the number of arson fires this year isnt unusual, and arson cases represent between 10% and 15% of fires in any given year and this years numbers fit that pattern, though the acreage is greater. These are hundreds of fires each year that do not need to happen, said Gianni Muschetto, staff chief in Cal Fires law enforcement division. Authorities had arrested 91 people suspected of arson this year by the end of August, the most recent data available. Last year, Cal Fire reported 111 arrests and 359 cases of arson that collectively burned 2,587 acres. There were 162 arrests in 2022, 149 in 2021 and 120 in 2020. In another arson case, firefighters in San Bernardino County were still working to contain the 40,000-acre Line Fire, which destroyed four buildings and forced thousands of people to evacuate communities in the surrounding mountains. Prosecutors have accused a 34-year-old man from Riverside County of intentionally starting the fire in a neighborhood in Highland. The 3,789-acre Thompson Fire, which ignited July 2 just outside Oroville, is also a case of suspected arson. Investigators suspect a 26-year-old man of tossing a firework out a car window as he drove on a rural road near the Oroville dam. He faces up to 21 years in prison if convicted of all charges. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Muschetto said that arson is an incredibly serious crime because there is no way to predict the consequences. He said Cal Fire receives reports of suspected arson every day. Once they light that fire, they dont know how big it will get, who its going to hurt or whose house will burn down, Muschetto said. Its a dangerous crime. Lightning is the only natural cause of wildfires (along with vanishingly rare volcanic eruptions), but these are are most common in wilderness areas. All other fires are caused by people either their actions or infrastructure. Most cases involve accidents and dont meet the level of arson, Muschetto said. To charge a person with arson, investigators must find evidence that the person acted recklessly or maliciously. Many fires are started by incidents such as car or machinery backfiring. The most recent arson case is unfolding in Sonoma County, where prosecutors this week charged a Cal Fire engineer with igniting five separate blazes since August. Luckily, the fires were extinguished while still small. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Cal Fire engineer Robert Hernandez of Healdsburg was charged Tuesday with five counts of felony arson. Hernandez started his career as an inmate firefighter while serving out a sentence for a vehicular manslaughter conviction before joining Cal Fire, court records show. Muschetto said he couldnt yet reveal details about their investigation into Hernandez, such as how Hernandez came under suspicion or whether hes under investigation for lighting additional fires. Multiple posts on brand's Instagram account tells fans to 'enjoy before it's gone' The popular ginger beer, owned by Beliv Company, was launched in UK in 1988 Fans of a beloved British fizzy drink fear the beverage may soon be discontinued following an extensive online campaign from the brand announcing its 'departure.' Since the beginning of the month, Old Jamaica has uploaded a series of cryptic posts and videos on social media, appearing to announce the end of its popular Ginger Beer drink, which was first launched in the UK in 1988. The company, first introduced in 1927 in Kingston, England, began with ginger beer made from ginger imported from Jamaica, hence the name Old Jamaican Ginger Beer. One particularly bizarre clip on the brand's Instagram page features an actor playing the role of a shelf-stacker in an empty warehouse, solemnly holding a can of Old Jamaica Ginger Beer. The dimly lit warehouse and the actor's sorrowful tone gave the impression of a eulogy, with the shelf-stacker saying: 'I was given the task to deliver the news. Since the beginning of the month, Old Jamaica has uploaded a series of cryptic posts and videos on social media, appearing to announce the end of its popular Ginger Beer drink 'Perhaps because when the company started 25 years ago, I also started here as a shelf stacker. 'And just like a rock band saying goodbye to its fans, it's time for our Old Jamaica Ginger Beer to bid farewell to its beloved drinkers.' Even more peculiarly, the shelf-stacker adds: 'It's not the last dance, because cans don't even dance. This is more like the last toast. Let's say goodbye until every last can is gone.' A second post shows a screengrab of the actor sat on top of a forklift carrying wooden crates alongside a banner that reads: 'Farewell Old Jamaica.' The brand added: 'Very sad indeed, but we'll turn your tears into cheers with a legendary farewell. Stay tuned.' Another post, which features a close-up picture of the 330ml can against a bright orange background, reads: Farewell Old Jamaica. Enjoy it before it's gone.' The posts have left fans distraught, with hundreds taking to Instagram to express their sadness and confusion. One dismayed commenter pleaded: 'Please for the love of everything that's good in the world let this be a marketing stunt...' as another exclaimed, 'But what will we put with our rum?' One particularly bizarre clip on the brand's Instagram page features an actor playing the role of a shelf-stacker in an empty warehouse, solemnly holding a can of Old Jamaica Ginger Beer A second post shows a screengrab of the actor sat on top of a forklift carrying wooden crates alongside a banner that reads: 'Farewell Old Jamaica' The company, first introduced in 1927 in Kingston, England, began with ginger beer made from ginger imported from Jamaica, hence the name Old Jamaican Ginger Beer A third wrote, 'Put the sugar back in the drink and we'll buy you out,' as another shocked fan commented, 'Are you serious?!' Another reminisced: 'My grandma always had a can of this in the fridge, I'll grab a can sometimes to remember her.. so sad to hear this!! There's nothing else that JUST hits the spot on a blistering day!!' Panicked fans vowed to stock up on the beverage before it's potentially discontinued, with one writing: 'This can't be real. I'm gonna have to buy crates of it now.' Another said: 'Where do I buy in bulk before you leave?? I'll fill a bunker of the stuff, you can take it away from me when I'm dead.' Despite the panic, Old Jamaica Ginger Beer remains available at several major UK supermarkets, including Asda, Morrisons, and Sainsbury's. The posts have left fans distraught, with hundreds taking to Instagram to express their sadness and confusion However, Tesco has already run out of stock, adding to concerns that the beverage's days may be numbered. FEMAIL has approached Refresco, which manufactures the drink in the UK, and Beliv Company, which owns the brand, for comment. However, Hernan Cerdeiro, chief coordinating officer and campaign lead from SAMY Alliance - the creative agency behind the social media Old Jamaica campaign - told MediaShotz : 'The chance to 'retire a brand' was something that we relished, simply because as far as we can work out, it had never been done before so publicly. 'We wanted to give Old Jamaica's loyal customers one last chance to say goodbye, to take that final sip, and see the can ride off into the sunset.' True crime fans were on the edge of their seats when, two years ago, the Sweet Bobby podcast recounted a baffling and convoluted catfish story that saw a woman embroiled in a nine-year relationship without ever having met or video called the man who would go on to be her 'boyfriend'. And the bizarre tale will now be told in a Netflix documentary next month, with the trailer released yesterday. Kirat Assi, 43, of west London, spent nearly a whole decade believing she was communicating online with a doctor named Bobby Jandu; first starting as friendship before blooming into more. The 'couple' would at points speak on the phone nearly daily - the conversations at time becoming sexual - and endured shocking circumstances, including Bobby allegedly being shot, placed in the Witness Protection Programme and suffering a brain tumour. 'Bobby' eventually became obsessive and controlling, leaving Kirat suffering from chest pains and being signed off work due to stress. Kirat Assi, 43, of west London , spent nearly a whole decade believing she was communicating online with a doctor named Bobby; first starting as friendship before blooming into more But in reality, the profile - and those of some 50 others in the fake network of his 'friends' - was being managed by her female cousin, Simran Bhogal; whom Kirat had been confiding about her relationship troubles to. 'What happened to me is just one crazy story,' Kirat said in the trailer for the upcoming programme, which will be out on October 16. 'You can't make it up. We're talking about ten years of my life.' Kirat spent some of those years in a romantic relationship with the fake Bobby - who she believed was living in Australia and whose identity was based on the profile and photographs of a real man. The deception was only uncovered when a frustrated Kirat was driven to hire a private detective and was confronted with the bizarre and chilling truth. Kirat, who featured in the hugely popular six-part Sweet Bobby podcast hosted by Alexi Mostrous, has spoken candidly and openly about the horror of finding out the reality. It is believed to be one of the longest-running and most complex case of catfishing to have come to light because the deception involved creating not just one person, but an entire community. In 2009, Kirat, a prominent member of London's Sikh community, was working as an arts and events assistant for Hounslow Community Services and presenting a show on Radio Desi, a station for the Punjabi community. The fake profile used the real Bobby's photos and some biographical details without his consent, and in November 2010, Kirat had her first encounter with the fake Facebook profile. Pictured, the real Bobby in the Netflix documentary Kirat spent some of those years in a romantic relationship with the fake Bobby - who she believed was living in Australia and whose identity was based on the profile and photographs of a real man She was in a relationship when, out of the blue, she received a Facebook message seemingly from Simran's ex-boyfriend, JJ, asking for guidance on how to get her back. The pair struck up a friendship and communicated over the next five months before she heard news that JJ had died, and Simran passed on the email address of his brother 'Bobby' to send her condolences. The fake profile used the real Bobby's photos and some biographical details without his consent, and in November 2010, Kirat had her first encounter with the fake Facebook profile. The pair started off developing a friendship and he told her he was married, with a child on the way, however soon began divulging details of his collapsing relationship. 'We weren't close, but I saw him as a friend, a little brother,' she told the Daily Mail in 2021. In November 2013, she was at work when she received a Facebook message saying Bobby had been shot and was in a coma, suffering memory loss. And then in January 2014, she learned that he had died. 'Bobby' declared his love for Kirat some weeks before they actually 'got together' on Valentine's Day 2015. Kirat during a video call Simran - posing as Bobby (pictured, the real Bobby) - even called Kirat as she was physically talking to the real Bobby at his house What is catfishing and is it illegal? Catfishing is the phenomenon of luring someone into a relationship by creating a fictional online persona. The phrase gained popularity after the 2010 American documentary Catfish and subsequent TV show. At present catfishing is not illegal however elements of the online activity could be covered by different parts of the law. For example, someone who has duped another person out of money could be prosecuted for fraud. Legal experts involved with the Tortoise investigation believe that existing laws covering 'coercive and controlling' relationships should be adequate to bring a prosecution in Kirat's case (even though the coercive control was being exerted by a person who wasn't real). Advertisement 'I was invited to join a Facebook group of his friends. There were 39 people in it. I have since learned that none of them was real.' However soon after, Kirat received an email out of the blue informing her that Bobby was actually alive but faked his own death and was hiding in a witness protection programme. 'Ridiculous,' she acknowledged. 'But at every step, these mad happenings were being backed up by other people.' She was told 'Bobby' was drinking heavily and was suicidal. In 2015, she was informed he had suffer a brain tumour, followed by a stroke. 'Bobby' declared his love for Kirat some weeks before they actually 'got together' on Valentine's Day 2015. 'I was not expecting him to live. His consultant [there were also constant messages from his fake medical team] did not expect him to live beyond July,' she had said three years ago. Her feelings about this 'dying man' were confused. 'I am not a mushy sort of person. When he said "I love you", I didn't know what to make of it, but I did love him... as a friend, then. 'I also thought "Where's the harm?" It's not as if I was ever going to be in a physical relationship with this person. But he kept putting the idea in my head. And everyone else kept saying: "Oh, he's so in love with you".' Over the coming years the pair formed a relationship, exchanging several messages daily and their relationship even turned sexual - though Kirat never sent nude images of herself. But by 2017 'Bobby' was becoming controlling including an incident where he forced Kirat to pay for a private mammogram at a London hospital after she experienced chest pains - then flew into a rage when she told him the consultant had been male. She was signed off her job sick, with stress and eventually was let go. 'I tried to find another one, but Bobby did not want me to work,' she had previously explained. But in reality, the profile - and those of some 50 others in the fake network of his 'friends' - was being managed by her female cousin, Simran Bhogal (far right); whom Kirat had been confiding about her relationship troubles to Kirat was desperate to meet Bobby in person, but every time an arrangement was made, something would happen - including once when he supposedly had a heart attack. When Kirat pressed him too hard on details of his claims, or meeting up in person, he would threaten to commit suicide. Following more and more outlandish claims from 'Bobby', Kirat finally discovered that she had been communicating with Simran after hiring a private detective and confronting the 'real life' Bobby - who had no idea that his name was being used to launch a nine-year campaign of deceit. She went to police, who said no criminal offence had taken place. She later brought a civil action against Simran, which was settled out of court. 'She has taken ten years of my life from me, years I will not get back,' said Kirat. 'In that time I could have met someone real, had a baby. I lost my friends, my job, my savings. 'I opened up to him - her! - telling him things about my hopes, dreams, my childhood, that I'd never tell anyone. I feel violated.' On the podcast, Kirat revealed how she 'vomitted' and 'passed out' after Simran eventually confessed to the truth on June 11, 2018. After a private detective led Kirat to Bobby's real address, she confronted him at his doorstep - only to realise that he was still happily married with children and had no knowledge his identity was being used to trick her. Simran - posing as Bobby - even called Kirat as she was physically talking to the real Bobby at his house. After their meeting, both Bobby and Kirat went to the police - Simran had even gone to the station with her cousin and alleged that she had seen Bobby in New York on a work visit once, suggesting that he was simply being blackmailed by his wife. The following day, both Kirat and Simran were meant to work from Kirat's home together. 'Simran was supposed to come and work from here from the Monday morning but she took ages and I was a bit frustrated 'cause that wasn't like her,' she recounted. In the trailer for the upcoming Netflix documentary, social media footage and snippets of interviews with Kirat and the real Bobby can be seen The podcast also spoke to Bobby - who will also appear in the Netflix documentary - who also said he discovered that Simran was catfishing his brother at the same time as she was catfishing Kirat 'I still didn't grasp what she was saying,' she continued, and eventually revealed how she 'fell back', 'kind of collapsed' and called her best friend Harvey to come over. Pictured, Kirat's friend in the Netflix documentary 'I was pacing up and down my room just messaging people and the car eventually pulled up. 'She didn't get out immediately and I could see her and her brother arguing in the car... I wasn't sure what was going on. It didn't feel normal.' Eventually, Simran just said: 'It was all me.' 'I didn't understand... absolutely didn't understand what she meant by that,' Kirat said. 'And she said, "I was Bobby, Bobby's me".' 'I still didn't grasp what she was saying,' she continued, and eventually revealed how she 'fell back', 'kind of collapsed' and called her best friend Harvey to come over. 'I kept screaming at her' she recalled. '"Why, why did you do this, why would you do this.". Pictured: The real Bobby, whose identity and photos were used to deceive Kirat for nine years on social media After their meeting, both Bobby (pictured, the real Bobby) and Kirat went to the police - Simran had even gone to the station with her cousin In 2022, she told the Sunday Times that she wanted catfishing to be taken more seriously as a deterrent to online fraudsters. Pictured, Kirat 'Ten years of my life, you've stolen ten years of my life. How could you be so sick. You had every chance to stop. 'You had a million and one chances to stop. I tried to end the relationship so many times. What did I do to deserve this.' The podcast also spoke to Bobby - who will also appear in the Netflix documentary - who also said he discovered that Simran was catfishing his brother at the same time as she was catfishing Kirat. 'She's the last person I'd choose in a line-up as guilty for this whole thing,' he admitted. Eerily, the podcast also revealed that Bobby and Kirat both crossed paths on a night out after Simran began posing as him online - but Kirat thought he was simply pretending not to know her in front of his friends. In 2022, she told the Sunday Times that she wanted catfishing to be taken more seriously as a deterrent to online fraudsters. 'I think it might serve as a deterrent for a lot of people to know that if you're caught then immediately it's a crime, just like driving with a mobile in your hand', she said. 'I call it online entrapment. I wasn't on a dating site, I'm private online. The connotations associated with the term catfishing are that it's fun. 'This impacted my health, my family, friends, social life, my radio work, my career, absolutely everything.' Further investigation on the podcast also suggested that Simran may have had a history of being dishonest on social media as far back as when she was at college. In the trailer for the upcoming Netflix documentary, social media footage and snippets of interviews with Kirat and the real Bobby can be seen. It finishes on a haunting last line from Kirat, who asks: 'All this time, who have I been sleeping on the phone with?' A shocked mum has been left mortified after lifeguards asked her to stop breastfeeding her baby at a popular swimming pool. Layla Kalach was feeding her 14-month-old daughter at Hurstville Aquatic Leisure Centre, in Sydney's south, last Thursday. Ms Kalach was sitting at the edge of the toddler's pool keeping an eye on her older child playing in the water when she was approached by two male lifeguards. She was told that she couldn't breastfeed her child in public and was ordered to stop. 'I thought, 'What?' I couldn't believe it. I was so embarrassed and shocked,' Ms Kalach told 9news.com.au. 'So many things were going through my head. I had a moment thinking, 'Maybe I am in the wrong, maybe it's a pool thing.' She was 'embarrassed' by the bizarre demand and left the pool area a short time later to dress her children. Ms Kalach then asked staff at the front desk for an explanation and was told the manager would be in touch with her. Layla Kalach (pictured) was told to stop breastfeeding her baby while she was at the Hurstville Aquatic Leisure Centre, in Sydney's south, last Thursday She later did some research and called the Australian Breastfeeding Association to ask whether she had been treated unfairly. According to the Sex Discrimination Act 1984 (Cth), it is against the law to treat someone unfairly because they are breastfeeding. Women also can't be asked to leave a building, facility or areas such as cafes for breastfeeding their baby. 'I was fuming. I would have thought we would have come further in society by now,' Ms Kalach said. Hurstville Aquatic Leisure Centre is run by leisure management company Bluefit General manager Brett McEwin insisted that facilities run by Bluefit do not discriminate against mothers. 'Recognising the busy environment, the lifeguards expressed concerns regarding safety while positioned on the poolside nurse feeding her infant,' Mr McEwin said. 'However, we acknowledge that the lifeguards' engagement with Layla could have been improved.' Ms Kalach was sitting at the edge of the pool when two lifeguards approached her and ordered her to stop breastfeeding . Pictured is a pool at the Hurstville Aquatic Leisure Centre The general manager of the company that runs the acquatic centre (pictured), said the lifeguards expressed safety concerns about Ms Kalach nursing her child Mr McEwin also apologised for the experience Ms Kalach endured and agreed that public facilities should be more respectful of mothers while breastfeeding their children. Ms Kalach claimed she wasn't aware of any safety issues that were caused while she breastfeeding and that those concerns weren't mentioned by the lifeguards. She also spoke to management at BlueFit and they said staff at centres managed by the company would receive appropriate training around breastfeeding. Daily Mail Australia has contacted Bluefit for further comment. The Duchess of Edinburgh has firmly established herself as one of the hardest working members of the Royal Family after stepping up to fill the gap left by King Charles and the Princess of Wales' health crises. With His Majesty, 75, continuing his cancer treatment and Kate, 42, slowly easing herself back into work after revealing she has completed chemotherapy, Sophie has become increasingly important to The Firm. More and more, the 59-year-old wife of Prince Edward is being called upon to represent the Royal Family, both on the world stage and at home. Indeed, the number of royal engagements carried out by the Windsor-based mother-of-two has more than doubled this month compared to the same time in 2023, reported The Times. The Duchess has completed 37 engagements so far in September, compared to 18 in the same dates last year. Sophie appeared in her element on Wednesday as she visited an animal sanctuary in Surrey, where she sweetly cuddled a rescue chicken called Stumpy She appeared in her element on Wednesday as she visited an animal sanctuary in Surrey, where she sweetly cuddled a rescue chicken called Stumpy. Sophie, known for being a good sport, even had the opportunity to take part in the weighing of Shetland Ponies with young children from the local community at Mane Chance Sanctuary, a horse rescue charity. Last week, Sophie travelled solo to Tanzania, delivering a message from the King to the Commonwealth nation, whilst at the start of the month, she was in France for the Paris Paralympics, alongside Prince Edward. Earlier this year, the Duchess further proved her importance in the Royal Family as she represented The Firm on the world stage. In April, Sophie become the first British royal to visit Ukraine since the start of the Russian invasion. She met with President Zelensky and his wife - and passed on a personal message from King Charles - as she showed her solitary with survivors of conflict-related sexual violence and torture during her emotional one-day trip. The mother of-two travelled in her role as champion of the UK's Preventing Sexual Violence in Conflict Initiative and the Women, Peace and Security agenda. It is understood she was 'keen to show her solidarity with men, women and children affected by the Russian invasion'. Today, Sophie (pictured right) visited the Domaine Evremond Winery in Canterbury earlier this Thursday The Duchess of Edinburgh during a visit to the Hale Youth & Community Centre on September 25 in Farnham Last week, Sophie travelled solo to Tanzania (pictured right, during her visit), delivering a message from the King to the Commonwealth nation In May 2023, Sophie became the first UK royal to visit Baghdad as she made a surprise visit to Iraq as part of her work championing the survivors of conflict-related sexual violence. Sophie spent two days in the capital, where she heard about the challenges facing Iraqi women and girls, and the ongoing work to protect and promote their rights, Buckingham Palace announced. The previously unannounced trip, which was kept secret for security reasons, was made at the request of the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office, in support of the Women, Peace and Security Agenda (WPS), the Palace said. Next month, Sophie will be just as busy as she joins her husband in Malta for several engagements. It will be a poignant trip for the pair considering the significance the country holds for the Royal Family. It's where the late Queen Elizabeth II and her husband Prince Philip enjoyed their years as young newlyweds. For many years, Sophie, mother to Lady Louise and James, Earl of Wessex, was something of an outsider in the British Royal Family - but after decades of hard work and loyal service, she has established herself as a key figure in the monarchy. The Duchess' key role in the Royal Family became abundantly clear shortly after the King's May 2023 coronation. Just a month later, Sophie enjoyed a rare joint engagement with the Prince of Wales as they both attended the screening of Rhino Man at the newly renovated Battersea Power Station in south-west London. On September 4, Sophie was in France for the Paris Paralympics, alongside Prince Edward (pictured) Sophie cut a stylish figure at a British Fashion Council event on September 12, wearing tweed trousers and a maroon blouse It was a rare sight to see Prince Edward's wife on an outing with only the heir to the British throne - but royal experts said at the time that this was a clear indication of her new and improved status within The Firm. Speaking to FEMAIL, royal commentator Richard Fitzwilliams said the pair's engagement together was 'unusual, but it highlighted Sophie's role as one of the hardest working members of The Royal Family.' 'William and Catherine have a unique profile as the worlds most glamorous royal couple with enormous soft power reach. Sophie has clearly established herself as their indispensable support,' said the expert. He added that the Duchess' 'considerable charm' and similar style to Princess Anne - with both sharing a 'low-key approach' - has made her a great addition to The Firm. The royal expert continued: 'There is periodic interest in what she wears, but she and her husband Edward are not in the eye of the media storm. That is the way they prefer it.' However they are pivotal to the monarchys charitable role, which is one of its main functions. 'Her style is similar to Princess Anne, as she prefers a low-key approach to her duties. They have included trips to areas of conflict such as South Sudan and Sierra Leone.' Royal author Phil Dampier, meanwhile, explained: 'Sophie is becoming a big star in The Royal Family and boy do they need her! 'With Harry and Meghan and Prince Andrew off the scene the King has got a slimmed down monarchy, but maybe its slimmed down too much. 'He and the Queen, and Princess Anne are in their seventies and others like the Duke of Kent are approaching retirement. Patrick McGrath and Sophie, Duchess of Edinburgh at the Domaine Evremond Winery at Domaine Evremond on September 26 Sophie appeared in good spirits as she made a visit to sunny Canterbury for the winery on Thursday The Duchess laughed up a storm as she chatted with Patrick, who demonstrated some grapes for the royal Sophie appeared interested as she examined the grapes during her visit to the winery in Canterbury today The Duchess even got to sample some of the grapes as she enjoyed the sunny outing in Canterbury The royal grinned as she posed in the vineyard, and enjoyed the visit to the winery in Canterbury Patrick McGrath and Sophie, Duchess of Edinburgh pictured today at the Domaine Evremond Winery The Duchess enjoyed a glass of Champagne during her visit to the Domaine Evremond Winery today Sophie, pictured during the winery visit, accessorised her look with pearl earrings and other jewellery For her outing today, Sophie looked elegant as ever in a check blazer and matching wide-leg trousers 'Sophie is a much bigger star than her husband Edward. She has a natural warmth and is good on walkabouts. She has been quietly getting on with the job, rather like Anne, and made several visits abroad.' Former BBC royal correspondent Jennie Bond, meanwhile, told OK magazine how Sophie - who's previously been dubbed The Firm's 'secret weapon' by royal author Victoria Murphy - has the 'common touch' thanks to her her 'normal life' before marrying into The Royal Family. 'It is so much more evident now that Sophie is a key member of the list of working royals,' Jennie said. 'I think people have really taken her into their hearts, especially after she showed her obvious grief at losing Prince Philip and the Queen.' The former PR girl was said to be a firm favourite of Queen Elizabeth's, who reportedly viewed her as The Royal Family's safest pair of hands. Jennie added: 'Sophie is absolutely one of the new female stars of the show elegant, engaging and empathetic'. This is the moment a 'Dirty Dancing' lift went wrong and left a woman with missing front teeth and a broken nose. Flo Bragg, 27, was holidaying in Provence, France when she decided to try the famous lift from the 1987 smash, made famous by Jennifer Grey and Patrick Swayze. The pair were 'bored' at their villa - when she decided to pass the time by recreating the famous lift with her partner, 40, in the pool. But it all went wrong when she flew face-first into a wall - knocking out her two front teeth, and breaking her nose in the process. Now, she's trying to raise money for her dental treatment - including x-rays and a double root canal - which will set her back 270. This is the moment a 'Dirty Dancing' lift went wrong and left a woman with missing front teeth and a broken nose Flo Bragg, 27, was holidaying in Provence, France when she decided to try the famous lift Flo, a sales executive from Exeter, said: 'We were just bored one day - we decided to attempt it a couple of times. 'I guess we thought it would be funny if we just nailed it. But I went face-first into a wall on my second attempt. 'My boyfriend had knocked out my two front teeth, and broke my nose!' In the video, the couple appear to be giggling as they perform the ambitious lift in the pool. But Flo soon plummets from the lift and crashes into the water, later revealing she hit the wall on her way down. Her partner initially laughs at the failed lift but quickly realises something is wrong when she cries: 'I split my lip, I split my lip! Help, help help!' Flo (pictured) was rushed to hospital and had a broken nose while missing her front teeth She is trying to raise money for her dental treatment - including x-rays and a double root canal He exclaims: 'You're bleeding, you're bleeding!' and they rush to the side of the pool. Flo's partner drove her to hospital after the accident on September 19 where she had her teeth temporarily glued back in. She felt unable to enjoy the rest of her holiday - because she wasn't able to eat 'regular' food and had to keep her face out of the sun. But she needs to raise 270 to cover the rest of her treatment now she's back in the UK - as well as French medical bills. 'Any money I can raise towards that would be great,' she added. 'I ended up with one broken nose, one split lip, and two lost teeth over a lift.' Initially Flo's partner laughed at the failed lift but soon realised that she was seriously hurt In 2021, a young dance teacher was lucky to be alive after attempting the Dirty Dancing lift. Millie Slennett, 25, challenged her sister Rosie to see who could do the iconic dance move better during a family lunch at their parents' Sydney home on Christmas Day. After a 'terrible' attempt by her fashion designer sister, Millie thought she had the competition in the bag when she ran towards her boyfriend Conner Justin. Mr Justin successfully lifted his girlfriend into the air above his head, but in a split second she tipped over his shoulders and slammed into the ground face-first. But Millie landed on her neck and was rushed to hospital, where doctors were shocked she could even walk. The Menendez brothers are serving life for killing parents in Beverly Hills in 1989 The family of Erik and Lyle Menendez has slammed Ryan Murphy's Netflix drama Monsters which revisits the brutal murder of their parents - calling it 'gross' and 'riddled with mistruths.' Monsters, created by Ryan Murphy, tells the chilling tale of the Beverly Hills brothers - and the sinister motives behind the murders of their parents, Jose and Kitty Menendez, who were shot dead in their $5 million mansion in 1989. The controversial series, now topping Netflix's global charts, explores the disturbing details behind the murders and the divisive trial, during which the Menendez brothers alleged years of sexual abuse at the hands of their father. The show, while reigniting public interest in the case, has now been met with backlash from those closest to the brothers. However, the brothers themselves are now telling the story in their own words - as Netflix has announced the Menendez Brothers, a documentary about the case, starring the brothers. It will air October 7. Monsters, created by Ryan Murphy, tells the chilling tale of Menendez brothers Erik (played by Cooper Koch, right) and Lyle (played by Nicholas Chavez, left) who killed their parents in 1989 Jose and Kitty Menendez (centre) were shot dead by their sons in their $5 million Beverly Hills mansion Extended members of the Menendez family have released a scathing statement criticising the new series - which is currently number one on Netflix's global top ten. Co-signed and shared by Erik's wife, Tammi Menendez, on a post on X today, the brothers' aunt, Joan VanderMolen, concluded the family's sentiments. VanderMolen's statement read: 'We are virtually the entire extended family of Erik and Lyle Menendez. We are 24 strong and today we want the world to know we support Erik and Lyle. We know them, love them, and want them home with us.' She went on to accuse the series of painting a false narrative, calling it a 'phobic, gross, anachronistic, serial episodic nightmare' that neglects recent revelations the family claims would exonerate the brothers. Contrary to Murphy's claim of extensive research, VanderMolen claims the family was never consulted during the production of the show. She added: 'The character assassination of Erik and Lyle, under the guise of a "storytelling narrative," is repulsive. We know what went on in their home and the unimaginably turbulent lives they have endured.' The family's statement suggests they have firsthand knowledge of the abuse Erik and Lyle allegedly suffered, with several members claiming to be 'eyewitnesses' to the 'atrocities' the brothers faced during their upbringing. The statement concluded with sharp criticism of Murphy, accusing him of lacking an understanding of the long-term effects of abuse and childhood trauma: 'Perhaps, after all, Monsters is all about Ryan Murphy.' Co-signed and shared by Erik's wife, Tammi Menendez, on a post on X today, the brothers' aunt, Joan VanderMolen, concluded the family's sentiments about the series The statement concluded with sharp criticism of the show's creator Ryan Murphy (pictured), accusing him of lacking an understanding of the long-term effects of childhood trauma Tammi Menendez (pictured), who married Erik in 1999 while he was serving his life sentence, has also been vocal in her disapproval. Erik married Tammi Saccoman in 1999. Their relationship started with her sending him letters for years Tammi Menendez, who married Erik in 1999 while he was serving his life sentence, has also been vocal in her disapproval. Shortly after Monsters premiered on Netflix, she shared a post titled In Erik's Words on X, expressing her husband's disappointment. It read: '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,' with Erik further suggesting Murphy's 'inaccuracies' were 'done on purpose.' He added: 'How demoralising is it 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.' Shortly after Monsters premiered on Netflix, Tammi shared a post titled In Erik's Words on X, expressing her husband's disappointment Erik said: 'How demoralising is it 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' Both Erik and Lyle Menendez have been serving life sentences without the possibility of parole since their second trial in 1996 Both Erik and Lyle Menendez have been serving life sentences without the possibility of parole since their second trial in 1996, but the controversy surrounding their case persists. While many believe justice was served for the cold-blooded murders of their parents, others are sympathetic to the brothers' claims of lifelong abuse. Meanwhile, the blood-curdling murder of 80s star Dominique Dunne has been brought back into the spotlight after her story featured in Netflix's latest series about the Menendez brothers. The series, which debuted on the streaming platform on September 19, has been a hit with true crime sleuths who have even unearthed more information about the 1982 murder of promising actress Dominque. Dominique's death was mentioned a number of times in Monsters: The Lyle and Erik Menendez Story, leaving web detectives with a series of questions about her gruesome murder. Charles Spencer and Colin Firth both starred in the 1984 film Another Country Charles Spencer has revealed he once took a shower with Colin Firth - and the actor even said he had a 'fantastic bottom'. The brother of Princess Diana, 60, was an extra in the 1984 film Another Country, filmed in Oxford and London, which starred Firth and Rupert Everett. During one scene, Firth and Spencer even took a shower together while filming. Reminiscing on Instagram, Charles revealed he'd brought it up with the legendary actor almost 30 years later while promoting the King's Speech in 2011. To his surprise, not only had Firth remembered him, but he also paid compliment to his buttocks. Charles Spencer reflected on the time he was an extra in Another Country - and the interaction he had with Colin Firth. Pictured is Rupert Everett (centre), and Charles, two to his left Earl Spencer said he once took a shower with Colin Firth - and the actor even said he had a 'fantastic bottom'. Pictured: The shower scene in Another Country Charles wrote: 'I bumped into Colin Firth - whose first film this also was - when he was promoting The Kings Speech, and said: Colin, you wont remember me - but we took a shower together in Another Country. 'Of course I remember!, he laughed: You have fantastic buttocks! 'Had, Im afraid, I replied: not have...' On Twitter, Charles added that the film had marked the 'start and end' of his acting career, though it was just the beginning of Firth's. In Another Country, Rupert plays gay public schoolboy Guy Bennett and Colin was fellow schoolboy Tommy Judd, a Marxist. The story is based on the life of Cambridge spy and double agent Guy Burgess. It is based on the award-winning play by Julian Mitchell, and explores homosexuality in public schools in the 1930s. Charles (pictured) was delighted when Firth remembered the interaction almost 30 years later He recalled the incident in a post to Instagram reflecting on their meeting Another Country (1984) with Rupert Everett as Guy Bennett and Colin Firth as Tommy Judd It comes after reports that Prince Harry stopped at Althorp House and stayed with his uncle Charles Spencer during his trip to the UK last month. The Duke of Sussex stayed at the estate after going to the funeral of Diana's brother-in-law Lord Robert Fellowes, according to People. Despite Prince William also attended, the two brothers were reported not to have spoken to one another. The Duke has remained close to Diana's family - and Charles, the 9th Earl Spencer, also attended a service in May for the tenth anniversary of Harry's Invictus Games at St Paul's Cathedral in London. MailOnline contacted representatives from Charles Spencer and the Duke of Sussex at the time. In July, Charles and his wife Karen - who announced their 'immensely sad' divorce in June - shared separate moving tributes after the loss of their beloved family pets. Prince Harry stands next to his uncle Earl Spencer and aunt Lady Jane Fellowes at St Paul's Cathedral in London on May 8 for the tenth anniversary service for the Invictus Games Prince Harry is reported to have stayed at the Althorp estate in Northamptonshire last month Princess Diana's brother, who lives on the Althorp Estate in Northampton, took to his Instagram on the weekend to reveal that his blonde Labrador Otis passed away. Earl Spencer shared an image of the 12-year-old pup sitting on a carpet in the monochrome tiled hallway of his home. He added that Otis was dubbed a 'total legend' by those at Althorp and that the estate would not feel the same without his presence. He wrote: 'Farewell to Otis, our wonderful Labrador, who had to be put to sleep last night. He was nearly 13. 'Otis will now join his father, Karoo, and grandmother, Ella, in a beautiful spot in the Park at @althorphouse. 'Everyone at Althorp loved Otis - several people here have talked today of his having been a "total legend". The place won't be the same, without his wise, sweet, intelligent presence. He was extremely special.' It has been a difficult time for the family, as Earl Spencer and Karen revealed their split a couple of months ago (both pictured at Harry and Meghan's wedding in 2018) His wife Karen Spencer, who he has now separated from, also shared a heartbreaking update on their daughter's pony named Roo. Earl Spencer told the Mail on Sunday when news of their divorce broke: 'It is immensely sad. I just want to devote myself to all my children, and to my grandchildren, and I wish Karen every happiness in the future.' Earl Spencer and Karen Gordon, a Canadian philanthropist, married in June 2011 within the grounds of Althorp, where the late Princess Diana is buried. The couple had met the previous year on a blind date at a restaurant in Los Angeles. The shock announcement came amid the release of his book, A Very Private School, a harrowing memoir detailing the physical and sexual abuse during his childhood. The future Queen of Norway's official residence was reportedly raided after her troubled son threw a 'wild party'. Skaugum, the home of Crown Princess Mette-Marit and Crown Prince Haakon of Norway, was burgled, according to Norwegian news outlet Se og Hr. This reportedly occurred after Mette-Marit's son Marius Borg Hiby, who was arrested in August for assault, and again in September, held a party at the lavish property. Shortly after the get-together, a motorcycle gang reportedly stole private items from the Norwegian Royal Family. Items, including silverware, are alleged to have been taken and then attempted to be sold via an auction house. Skaugum, the official residence (pictured) of Crown Princess Mette-Marit and Crown Prince Haakon of Norway, was burgled, according to Norwegian news outlet Se og Hr Marius, 27, who is Mette-Maritt's son from a previous relationship, is said to have thrown parties known as 'Skaugum festival' for his friends at the residence, which the Crown Prince and Princess have called home since 2003. One video, obtained by Se og Hor, shows a person using a Segway to navigate around the royal couple's private apartment, which appears to have been ransacked. Footage shows clothes thrown across the floor. MailOnline has contacted The Norwegian Royal Household for comment. The Crown Prince and Princess have renovated their home since moving in, turning it into luxury apartments, reported Hello! magazine. During the pandemic, they shared a glimpse inside their modern home, including in one photograph from inside their office during a video call. The room boasted a stylish blue colour scheme, with wooden panelling on the bottom half of the walls. Artwork and a gold-framed mirror decorated the space. Meanwhile, their dining room features grey sofas and a chic dining table, as well as more chic artwork. Earlier this month, the stepson of Crown Prince Haakon, often referred to as the 'black sheep' of the royal family of Norway, was taken into custody after breaching a restraining order. This reportedly occurred after Mette-Marit's son Marius Borg Hiby (pictured left), who was arrested in August for assault, and again in September, held a party at the lavish property Marius pictured left at a party. It's thought this photograph wasn't taken at the prince and princess's home. Pictured right, items appear to be thrown on the floor of an apartment, thought to be the home of the prince and princess The Crown Prince and Princess have renovated the palace since moving in, turning it into luxury apartments. During the pandemic, they shared a glimpse inside their modern home, including in one photograph from inside their dining room (pictured) The home of Crown Prince Haakon and Crown Princess Mette-Marit of Norway. The couple lives in Skaugum, an estate in the municipality of Asker The restraining order in question was for the protection of Rebecca Helberg Arntsen, whom Borg Hiby admitted to assaulting, in a booze and drug-fuelled attack on 4 August, which saw him arrested for the first time and held in a police cell overnight. The order was not made immediately after the attack, but after Borg Hiby reportedly contacted the victim on several occasions following the assault. According to Norwegian tabloid Se Og Hor, Borg Hiby, 27, allegedly contacted his victim, whom he has previously referred to as his 'girlfriend', on Saturday, September 7, from a hidden telephone number. However, in a statement via his lawyer, Borg Hiby has strenuously denied the claim. Defender yvind Bratlien slammed the arrest as being made on 'thin' evidence and accused the police of 'reverse discrimination'. Meanwhile the charges against Borg Hiby have expanded to also include three more victims, after other women came forward in the wake of his arrest. One of the further victims has not been named. However, two have been named as Borg Hiby's exes Juliane Snekkestad and Nora Haukland. The Norwegian royal family was rocked by Borg Hiby's first arrest at the beginning of August, after Rebecca Helberg Arntsen was left in hospital with her injuries following the attack. A week after his arrest, Borg Hiby sensationally admitted to the assault on Rebecca, whom he referred to as his 'girlfriend' (her lawyers have refuted this claim). The son of Crown Princess Mette-Marit from a previous relationship last month admitted to assaulting his 'girlfriend' in a booze and drug filled rage Borg Hiby, a former motor mechanic, has been previously labelled the 'black sheep' of the Norwegian royal family In a statement issued via his own lawyer, Borg Hiby said he suffers from 'several mental disorders' and has 'struggled with substance abuse for a long time', which he said he is resuming treatment for. The statement read: 'Last weekend something happened that should never have happened. I committed bodily harm and destroyed objects in an apartment in the intoxication of alcohol and cocaine after an argument. 'I have several mental disorders which mean that throughout my upbringing and adult life, I have had, and still have, challenges. I have struggled with substance abuse for a long time, something I have been in treatment for in the past. 'The drug use and my diagnoses do not excuse what happened in the apartment at Frogner on the night of Sunday last weekend. I want to be responsible for what I have done, and will explain myself truthfully to the police. 'For me, the most important thing is to say sorry to my girlfriend. She deserved neither what happened that night, nor the extreme pressure from both the Norwegian and foreign press afterwards.' Mette-Marit's eldest son also apologised to his family for his actions that have 'greatly affected you'. Norwegian tabloid VG has since published what it claimed were clips from two phone calls between the 27-year-old and his victim after the violent episode and vandalism in an apartment in Oslo on the night of August 4. During the conversation, former motorcycle mechanic Borg Hiby reportedly defended his assault as a 'little pat on the back...hit you with a flat hand'. Marius Borg Hiby (pictured) was uninvited from a celebrity wedding after guests threatened not to attend if he was present Borg Hiby (pictured with Prince Haakon in 2017) is under suspicion for causing bodily harm and criminal damage But the woman allegedly replies that he hit her a hundred times and strangled her at least five times until she struggled to breathe, according to the Norwegian report after it was translated into English. Borg Hiby also reportedly threatened to burn the victim's belongings in a bin if she didn't collect them from Skaugum Castle, his family's official residence, by a certain time. Elsewhere in the calls, which were said to have taken place before Borg Hiby was arrested by the police at 4.10pm, the Prince's stepson allegedly mentioned a third person, claiming they are scared 'because I'm going to kill him'. The individual isn't named by VG, but the publication did state that they are known to both Borg Hiby and his 'girlfriend'. The audio is reportedly part of the police investigation against the 27-year-old, who was arrested and placed in police custody for 30 hours, according to local reports. He has been accused of causing bodily harm and injuring a woman with whom he was having a relationship. In the first conversation, Borg Hiby reportedly says loudly: 'Yes, you should. If not, I'll burn up all your stuff', after explaining that he wants the woman to collect her belongings from him. When the victim asks why he would do this, he replies: 'Because you deserve all the s*** I can throw at you,' and refers to his girlfriend in derogatory terms, according to the publication. 'Your clothes are on fire at 4pm. 4pm. Everything you own is already in the space outside here. And I have a large can of petrol and a lighter in my hand. Do you hear that? You will be here at 4pm,' says Borg Hiby. Marius pictured with other members of the Norwegian royal family, including the King, Queen, and heir to the throne in June 2022 When he turned 20, the royal court announced Marius was stepping away from public life and his profile was removed from the family's official website Hiby (pictured in June 2022), son of Crown Princess Mette-Marit from a previous relationship, was raised by his mother and stepfather with his half-siblings, Princess Ingrid Alexandra, 20, and Prince Sverre Magnus, 18, but unlike them he has no official public role 'Then I'll set fire to your things', he adds, after the woman - who has apparently lived in Skaugum Castle with Borg Hiby and his mother and stepfather during certain points in the past year - insists she will not go to the 27-year-old. Borg Hiby, son of Crown Princess Mette-Marit from a previous relationship, was raised by his mother and stepfather with his half-siblings, Princess Ingrid Alexandra, 20, and Prince Sverre Magnus, 18, but unlike them he has no official public role. The arrest and his admission cast a shadow over the recent royal wedding in Norway as Princess Martha Louise wed American Shaman Durek Verrett on August 31 in Geiranger Fjord. Ahead of the nuptials, the Norwegian palace confirmed Borg Hiby would not be attending the wedding with his mother, stepfather and half-siblings. Norwegian media later reported that the former motor mechanic had turned down the invitation to attend an Italian wedding of the son of a billionaire and an influencer. However, when news of the assault and arrest came to light, Borg Hiby was uninvited from that wedding after guests threatened to pull out if he was in attendance. Marius arrived in Pisa ahead of the wedding of Karianne Vilde Spetalen and Kristian Spetalen, both 30. It is believed that guests thought Norwegian press would travel to Italy to document the wedding if Marius was present, a circumstance some did not feel comfortable with. Sources told Se og Hr that Norwegian influencer Karianne also faced backlash from her family regarding Marius's planned attendance. The scandal of the Norwegian royal family's 'black sheep' Borg Hiby's arrest has damaged some Norwegians' affection for their monarchy, MailOnline previously revealed. Traditionally the people of Norway are even more fervent royalists than Brits, but we found that young people in particular were less forgiving of Borg Hiby's behaviour. When Hoda Kotb announced that she was stepping away from the Today show on Thursday morning, longtime fans of the series were left stunned and heartbroken. But once the initial shock subsided, many began to wonder: Who will takeover her role as anchor? Soon after, Today viewers erupted into a heated debate on social media over which star should replace Hoda when she officially departs in early 2025. The TV icon, 60, shared the heartbreaking news live on air, explaining that she will give up her hosting duties next year so she can give 'a bigger piece of her time pie' to her daughters. 'My broadcast career has been beyond meaningful, a new decade of my life lies ahead, and now my daughters and my mom need and deserve a bigger slice of my time pie,' she explained on the show, before breaking down in tears. When Hoda Kotb announced that she was stepping away from the Today show on Thursday morning, longtime fans of the series were left stunned and heartbroken But once the initial shock subsided, many began to wonder: Who will takeover her role as anchor? Here are all the candidates for the role 'I will miss you all desperately, but Im ready and excited.' Hoda - who has been a part of NBC for 26 years and reportedly earns about $8 million a year - not only serves as one of the main anchors on Today, alongside Savannah Guthrie, but she also cohosts her own segment with Jenna Bush Hager, called Today with Hoda and Jenna. So who is going to take her spot? Here are all the candidates for the role - and the one star who fans want most. Craig Melvin The top pick amongst fans seemed to be Craig Melvin, who became a news anchor for Today back in 2018. Craig, 45, had a knack for journalism from a young age, and landed his first job as a reporter at NBC affiliate WIS-TV when he was in high school. After graduating from Wofford College in South Carolina, he officially joined the network's morning news team, and for years, he slowly worked his way up before eventually switching to Washington, D.C.-based network WRC-TV. In 2011, he joined MSNBC as a daytime anchor, and within his first year there, he covered a slew of massive events including the Republican and Democratic national conventions and election night. Soon after, Today viewers erupted into a heated debate on social media over which star should replace Hoda, and the top pick amongst fans seemed to be Craig Melvin Craig, 45, began cohosting Today's Third Hour in 2018 after spending years working as MSNBC. He's seen in 2018 He began cohosting Today's Third Hour in 2018. Soon after news hit the web that Hoda was leaving, numerous social media users on X and Instagram said they wanted Craig to replace her. 'As far as I am concerned, there is only one replacement for Hoda. And that is Craig Melvin,' one Today fan wrote. 'I hope Craig Melvin fills her spot as co anchor,' someone else agreed. 'I will miss Hoda but really hope they give Craig his shot. Hes earned it,' another user added. 'Craig Melvin will be the best new anchor when Hoda Kotb steps down,' a fourth post read. A fifth said, 'So gonna miss @hodakotb at the @TODAYshow, she's one of a kind, but if you all do not give that vacancy to @craigmelvin... That man deserves it.' 'Surely that's who it will be. Who doesn't love Craig?' a different person asked. Sheinelle Jones Sheinelle Jones, Craig's cohost on Today's Third Hour, was also suggested to replace Hoda by a slew of social media users Sheinelle, 46, first joined Today as a part of Weekend Today, but was promoted to Today's Third Hour as a cohost in 2019 Sheinelle Jones, Craig's cohost on Today's Third Hour, was also suggested to replace Hoda by numerous social media users. The 46-year-old started her career off at Springfield, Illinois, outlet WICS, and moved around quite a bit before landing her role at NBC in 2014. She first joined Today as a part of Weekend Today, but was promoted to the Third Hour as a cohost in 2019. 'Hopefully NBC will ask Sheinelle or Craig to be the new anchor,' one person wrote on social media amid the Hoda news. 'I can see Sheinelle and Jenna ruling the fourth hour.' 'I really hope @SheinelleJones [is] next [in line],' someone else gushed. 'Let's go, Sheinelle Jones - you're up,' another post read. Dylan Dreyer Today's Third Hour cohost Dylan Dreyer is also a potential option to take over as anchor when Hoda departs She joined NBC News in 2012 as a weather correspondent and a weekend cohost, and in 2019, she joined the Third Hour with Craig and Sheinelle Today's Third Hour cohost Dylan Dreyer is also a potential candidate to take over as anchor when Hoda departs. After graduating with a degree in meteorology from Rutgers University, Dylan, now 43, landed a job at Erie, Pennsylvania-based publication WICU-TV. After that, she worked at WJAR-TV in Providence, Rhode Island, and WHDH in Boston, Massachusetts. She joined NBC News in 2012 as a weather correspondent and a weekend cohost. Then, in 2019, she became an anchor on the Third Hour with Craig and Sheinelle. She also runs the Earth Odyssey with Dylan Dreyer broadcast on The More You Know segment of NBC. Laura Jarrett One social media user said Today should consider Weekend Today anchors Laura Jarrett or Peter Alexander for Hoda's role Laura, 40, joined NBC in 2022; she's best known for breaking the news about former President Donald Trump's guilty falsifying business records verdict back in May One social media user said Today should consider Weekend Today anchors Laura Jarrett or Peter Alexander for Hoda's role. 'They should replace her with Peter Alexander or Laura Jarrett. They are much more professional than anyone else,' they wrote. Before her job at Today, Laura, 40 - the daughter of former Obama administration official Valerie Jarrett - worked at CNN, where she cohosted the show Early Start, which has since been renamed to CNN This Morning. She joined NBC in 2022; she's best known for breaking the news about former President Donald Trump's guilty falsifying business records verdict back in May. Peter Alexander As for Peter, 48, he became the co-anchor of Weekend Today in 2018, and still serves as NBC's co-chief White House correspondent As for Peter, 48, he's been working with NBC for two decades, starting at NBC News where he covered a plethora of world events. In 2012, he became the NBC News White House correspondent, and spent two years traveling around the globe with President Barack Obama. He became the co-anchor of Weekend Today in 2018, and he still serves as NBC's co-chief White House correspondent. James Middleton has given an update on his sister, the Princess of Wales, after she announced earlier this month she has concluded chemotherapy. The father-of-one, 37, shared the health update on an interview with USA Today as he promoted his new book, Meet Ella, about how his beloved pet dog saved his life when he was depressed and suicidal. Speaking to the US news programme about his eldest sister, James said: 'Shes doing ok.' He continued: 'Its not for me to share on her behalf, you know, how everythings going. But shes getting all the right support and focus that she needs. And like anything, it takes time to process.' James's comments come as Kate has begun to take baby steps back into royal life, carrying out engagements for her early years projects behind the scenes and going to church with her family as she continues to recover from a difficult year. James Middleton has shared a health update on his eldest sister the Princess of Wales as he discussed his new book. Pictured: Kate and James in childhood Over the weekend, mother-of-three Kate, 42 was pictured arriving at Crathie Kirk church near Balmoral with Prince William. The Mail later revealed the couple enjoyed a child-free getaway to the Royal Family's estate in Scotland while Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis remained in Berkshire. This brief appearance came less than a week after the Princess of Wales hosted her first work meeting in over nine months, which marked the start of her slow and measured return to public duties. James, a father-of-one, discussed his new book Meet Ella on USA Today (pictured on Lorraine this morning) Pictured: the Princess of Wales was driven to Crathie Kirk church near Balmoral by Prince William yesterday Last Tuesday, the royal held a meeting at Windsor Castle with those involved in her 'Early Years' project, which delves into the crucial role the first few years of a person's life plays in the adults they become. The Princess officially launched the Centre for Early Childhood in 2021 - but has been researching the subject for the past 10 years and has vowed to highlight importance of the issues for the rest of her working life. Kate was joined by members of her household team as well as representatives from her Centre for Early Childhood at Kensington Palace. It was formally recorded in the Court Circular, the official record of royal engagements, which read: 'The Princess of Wales, Joint Patron, The Royal Foundation of The Prince and Princess of Wales, this afternoon held an Early Years Meeting at Windsor.' Pictured: the Princess of Wales made one of her only solo engagements this year when she attended the Wimbledon men's singles final in July 2024 It was the first meeting noted in the Court Circular since the Princess held a round table of her Royal Foundation on December 6 last year. Earlier this month, the future Queen bravely revealed she has completed chemotherapy and is now 'focused on staying cancer-free' as she released a touching new video of William and their three children. In the family video, the Princess told viewers that her cancer experience has taught her to appreciate the 'simple yet important things in life [...] of simply loving and being loved'. The royal then went on to briefly outline her plan to return to royal duties - acknowledging that she does not want to rush back into things. Earlier this month, the Princess of Wales announced that she had completed chemotherapy by releasing this touching family video Pictured: the Princess of Wales seen taking part in the Trooping the Colour procession in London in June 2024 Pictured: the Princess of Wales at the launch event of the The Royal Foundation Centre for Early Childhood in January 2023 She continued: 'Although I have finished chemotherapy, my path to healing and full recovery is long and I must continue to take each day as it comes. 'I am however looking forward to being back at work and undertaking a few more public engagements in the coming months when I can. Before this, Kate made a fleeting appearance in an Instagram video to congratulate Team GB on their Olympics effort, which was posted on their official page. In the short clip, Kate said: 'From all of us watching at home congratulations to Team GB.' The Prince of Wales, wearing an official blue Team GB top, then briefly added: 'Well done to Team GB you've been an inspiration to us all.' Just weeks after King Charles announced that he had been diagnosed with cancer, his daughter-in-law revealed in an emotional message in March that she was also receiving treatment for the disease. Since then, the mother-of-three has only been seen in public a handful of times - including Trooping the Colour and the Wimbledon's men's singles final. A beaming Princess of Wales has sent a heartfelt message to British Olympians ahead of the end of the Paris Olympics , which will be formally closed last month The royal then went on to briefly outline her plan to return to royal duties - acknowledging that she does not want to rush back into things Before appearing at Trooping the Colour in June, the royal released a statement saying that she hoped to attend the occasional engagement over the summer but urged the public to bear with her as, like many cancer patients, she has 'good and bad days'. After spending much of the year coming to terms with the diagnosis and receiving ongoing chemotherapy, Kate relaxed as she smiled and waved to the delighted crowds - making a triumphant comeback to public life in a carriage procession for the Trooping the Colour ceremony. Ahead of the Wimbledon's men's singles finals in July, officials had remained 'hopeful' that Kate may feel well enough to hand out trophies. Thankfully, their hope proved to be right and in her role as patron of the All England Club, which hosts the annual tournament, the royal handed Alcaraz the champion's trophy after the Wimbledon men's final. After leaving the court following the trophy ceremony, the princess and Alcaraz had a conversation in a room inside the tournament's main stadium. 'You played so well,' Kate told him. 'Enjoy the win.' Earlier, Kate went from the stands down to the playing surface to present the trophies, and shook hands with some of the ball kids who worked at the tournament. Although future public engagements have yet to be announced, the Princess does reportedly hope to attend Remembrance Sunday at the Cenotaph. However, she will not accompany her husband to his Earthshot Prize awards in Cape Town in November. Jordan Parker is a breaking news reporter for The San Francisco Chronicle. He graduated from Sacramento State University in May 2022 with a degree in journalism. During his time there, he spent three years as a reporter and editor for the university's award-winning student newspaper, The State Hornet. He spent his senior year of college serving as The Hornet's first Black editor in chief, leading the organization to two Pacemaker awards and several other national honors from the Associated Collegiate Press. When he's not chasing down a story, he likes watching movies, traveling and trying new restaurants. Tesco's Christmas range for 2024 goes beyond traditional festive favourites While you may not want to think about Christmas yet, Tesco is already firmly focused on the festive season - but it's doing things a little differently this year. The UK's largest supermarket chain has launched its Christmas range and while it's packed full of yuletide favourites, it's also clear that buyers were keen to branch out. Of Tesco's 250 new Christmas products, the stand-out items can mostly be found in the 'Party Food and Cheese' category. Shoppers entertaining friends and family can this year impress guests with Baja Fish Tacos with Yuzu Cabbage Slaw and Tomato, Pineapple & Chilli Salsa (5.50) or Mini Nduja Wellingtons with a Hot Honey Drizzle (5.50). The Baja Fish Tacos are made of crispy battered fish paired with a tangy yuzu cabbage slaw and a tomato, pineapple and chilli salsa while the Nduja Wellingtons combine British pork shoulder and fiery nduja. Tesco's Christmas range for 2024 includes Baja Fish Tacos with Yuzu Cabbage Slaw and Tomato, Pineapple & Chilli Salsa (bottom, centre), priced at 5.50 One of the range's stand-out desserts is the Raspberry & Prosecco Panna Cotta Wreath (top) Mini Nduja Wellingtons with a Hot Honey Drizzle (left) are priced at 5.50 Breige Donaghy, Tesco Director or Product Development & Innovation, said 'We know our customers have a list of festive favourites which will be returning to the shelves but there are also a host of exciting additions that will impress any guest.' And, alongside traditional festive desserts such as panettone and Christmas pudding, there are more interesting items like a Raspberry & Prosecco Panna Cotta Wreath and a Belgian Chocolate & Sea Salted Caramel Snowy Semi Freddo. The Panna Cotta Wreath is infused with Madagascan vanilla and Italian Prosecco while the Semi Freddo is made using British whipping cream and mascarpone cheese. It is filled with a layer of bittersweet Belgian chocolate sauce and slow baked chocolate meringue. Other tasty items included in the supermarket's 2024 range are the Dim Sum Selection (4.50) and the Mushroom Steamed Buns (4.50). Party food and desserts aside, Tesco's Christmas collection features a number of best-loved items, from the Turkey Christmas Dinner Sandwich and the Free Range East Anglian Gold Whole Turkey to the Roasting Carrots Clementine & Honey Glaze and the Pigs in Blankets. With six varieties of mince pies and two types of Christmas pudding, the supermarket's new range will equally appeal to those who prefer a more traditional take on Christmas. The British Free Range Easy Carve Turkey with Pork, Cranberry & Chestnut Stuffing will no doubt be a bestseller while the Scottish Salmon Plait is bound to please those who prefer seafood. The Butternut Wellington (top, right) will make an attractive and tasty veggie centrepiece The Turkey Christmas Dinner Sandwich (top, left) and the Plant Chef Christmas Veg Fest Wrap (bottom) are great for when you're on the go The new 2024 festive range also includes a wide variety of drinks, both alcoholic and non-alcoholic. Popular tipples such as English Sparkling Wine, Premier Cru Rose Champagne Brut and Elderflower Spritz feature alongside alcohol-free versions of classic cocktails like Pina Colada and Mojito. Tesco's Christmas stand-outs 8 Mini Nduja & Pork Wellington - 5.50 8 Crispy Baja Fish Tacos - 5.50 9 Vegetable Dim Sum Selection - 4.50 Raspberry & Prosecco Panna Cotta Wreath Belgian Chocolate & Sea Salted Caramel Snowy Semi Freddo Advertisement Tesco is just as eager to please its vegetarian and vegan customers this Christmas and has come up with a number of new takes on traditional items. The supermarket's Butternut Wellington will make an attractive and tasty veggie centrepiece while the Plant Chef Christmas Veg Fest Wrap is an excellent option for those who want to enjoy some Christmas cheer while on the go. Those who avoid gluten will be happy to hear that Tesco has added festive treats to its Free From range. The Free From Honeycomb Bauble and the Free From Almond & Orange Mincemeat Slices are both made with a gluten free pastry base. While Tesco is best known for its food and drink offerings, the supermarket chain also has decorations and homeware covered, helping customers to create perfect Christmas displays at home. Fun Christmas tree decorations include an Abominable Snowman Stocking and an Abominable Snowman Bauble Assortment. Abominable Snowman Christmas crackers are also available, as are Grinch decorations and 'Merry Christmas' signs. Tesco's F&F range has also had a festive makeover with Christmas tree-shaped serving plates and green and gold tableware on sale. The Tesco Christmas range will be available online and in stores from September, with selected centrepieces launching in November and December. It was good to have a life after a painful divorce, said my therapist. When a parent's life came to standstill, they were not a good role model for the children. Only it did not feel good, when six-year-old Emi, dressed like a sad clown in a ruffled skirt, stripy socks and sequins, wept in my arms on a rain-shined pavement. 'Whatever can I do?' she cried. 'I can't hug the babysitter!' 'Why not?' I said. 'Because she's not you!' After more than eight months of living together after our split, my ex-husband Simon had moved out of the family home to a rented flat. He wasn't seeing the kids much. And now I, the only huggable one, was leaving my children to go and have sex with my hot young boyfriend. Earlier in the evening, knowing this assignation was coming up, I hurried Emi, Hector, 14, and Maude, 12, through their dinner, as they chatted about Minecraft and didn't eat their vegetables. 'Are we annoying you very much?' said Emi. 'Because we can stop.' 'Darling, no you're not!' I said, guilt curdling in my throat. But they were so slow, I was late to meet Eliot. I'd been waiting to meet him all week, only now Emi swung against the radiator and didn't brush her teeth. My daughter told me that women in their late 40s never starred in anything, but here I was at the centre of my own melodrama, writes Annabel Bond 'Come on!' I said. I had drunk a large glass of wine already. In the mirror my face was feverish. I was not the mother I wanted her to remember. Furious, impatient, astonished that it had come to this me doing all the baths, all the hair washes, all the dinners while Simon could spend evenings at the pub. The doorbell rang, the sitter was here. I told Emi I had to leave and she started to cry. 'Wake me up when you get home. Pinch me awake. Promise you'll do it!' I promised, feeling horrible. How could I leave such a sad little girl? And why wasn't her dad here to comfort her? But my desire to see Eliot superseded everything. On the street the babysitter had to tear her away. Boarding the train I could still feel the imprint of Emi's hands on my thighs. But I deserved to have a beautiful young boyfriend after the horrors of my divorce to be having the best sex of my life! The train was when I changed from mother of three to hot older woman. I peered at myself in the window as the dark tunnel flashed past; applied my new red lipstick in the camera of my phone. My situation seemed to be written all over my face. Maude told me yesterday that women in their late 40s never starred in anything, but here I was, centre of my own melodrama. When I arrived at Eliot's flat in North London I was still self-conscious, trailing my old life, trying too hard. I stood on my tiptoes to kiss him, leaned too far forward. I tilted my chin and narrowed my eyes. He smelt of Sauvage, so he'd made an effort too, even though he wore just a pair of shorts and a plain white Tee. I had dressed carefully in jeans and a French linen shirt, with uncomfortable sexy underwear beneath. But I wasn't complaining: under his T-shirt Eliot's abs were solid. His chest was bigger every day, from all the weights he lifted. After we kissed, the transformation was easier: he made me dizzy with desire. We ate the dinner he'd prepared curry from scratch sitting at his little table together, hoping his flatmates wouldn't come home early. I watched his big, beautiful hands, with their bitten nails, as he ate. I thought of them on my body. Finally, he held out his hand. 'Let's go to bed.' In the bedroom Eliot took off my clothes down to my red matching underwear (found triumphantly in the mess of my bottom drawer) and touched me. I looked into his green eyes. He'd told me once that men had told him that, if they weren't straight, the colour of his eyes would make them fall in love. 'I'm aching for you,' he said. He bent his head to my breasts. I felt his shoulders, his strong neck. We fell on to the bed. When he pressed his weight on me, into me, it felt as if I might not exist. My orgasm was so intense I had to turn my face away so he wouldn't see. I said: 'I'm glad it's dark. I feel scattered to the four corners and now I need to recollect myself.' He said: 'What does it look like when you build yourself back together?' I thought: self-awareness creeps back into the cracks and here I am again thinking about the washing up waiting for me and Emi crying herself to sleep. But I replied: 'A ship, a sail, patched together.' We said goodnight at the bus stop, kissing in the way only those in love do. I wound my arms round him and tried to lose myself against him, succeeding for five minutes before the bus came. And then I wheeled away crying with the rage of being in the sheer hard grip of him, and having to return to my life. Annabel Bond is a pseudonym. Names have been changed. A young British woman has revealed the one thing she hates the most about each Australian city after moving Down Under for a better life, only to be left feeling very disappointed with reality. The expat went online to vent about the problems with some of the country's major cities and it appeared thousands of people agreed with her and many had their own reasons to add to the list. She said Melbourne is too much like the UK, Sydney is too expensive, Perth requires a car to get around and the Gold Coast is fiercely competitive for jobs and housing. The Londoner added that Melbourne and Brisbane also lack easy access to good beaches, which is the reason many Brits come to Australia in the first place. The harbour city with its great choice of surfing breaks was still a hard pass for the beach-loving Brit who said the cost of living there was just too high. She said rental prices in the NSW capital are on par with London. 'If you're working a casual hospitality job in Sydney, I just don't know if that would give you enough money to live a good life,' she said. Melbourne is too far from good surfing beaches, has a 'crazy' public transport system and 'psychotic' weather according to some The expat said that life on the west coast of Australia, which is 'quiet' and has the drawcard of some of the country's most stunning beaches, still has one flaw. 'Everything is quite spread out so you do need a car really to get around, which is quite annoying,' she said. Others who agreed that Australian cities weren't all they were cracked up to be had a few things to add to the list and said they were common across all the major cities. A general pet peeve about Australia is that cafes close around 3pm compared to global cities like London which have bars, cafes and restaurants open at all hours. 'In Australia all the coffee shops and the cafes shut at 2pm it's like they don't want to make money, that is my ideal time to go and sit in a cafe - why?' one asked. People complained that Sydney is expensive, cliquey and everything closes too early for it to be considered a fun place And many said the beach lifestyle, especially in Sydney isn't even as accessible as it first seems and there's only so much of it you can enjoy. 'For the much vaunted beach lifestyle, almost all are a massive pain to get to unless you live next door, Cronulla is the only one you can catch a train to,' one said. 'It sounds controversial but I actually found the beach really boring, like there's only so many times you can go and sit on the beach,' another added. Others said that Melbourne's 'psychotic' weather had eventually turned them off living there and then in springtime many are attacked by 'vicious' allergies. 'In one day, it can be rainy, sunny, windy and humid - you get all the four seasons,' one said. The Gold Coast and Sunshine Coast have perfect beaches and weather but the current rental and jobs market makes it too competitive for some to consider 'My hay fever was so bad in Melbourne, I'll never live there again,' another added. And the young Brit isn't the first person from the UK to be lured from London by the promise of paradise only to be left wondering why they got on a plane at all. Owen Willis, a British expat who moved Down Under, listed the five things he hated about Australia. After spending time living in Sydney, Brisbane and the Gold Coast he concluded that the Aussie experience didn't live up to the social media hype. 'Australia isn't going to solve all your problems. I actually don't think Australia is all that people think it is in their head,' he said in a video. Mr Willis was expecting a 'utopian paradise' when he relocated to the lucky country, but instead he found a cold, boring, expensive place where it's difficult to get a job. Owen said that the weather isn't that good, the cost of living is crazy, skilled jobs are hard to find, the lifestyle is 'really boring' and everyone knows everyone. 'The traveller warned people that moving to Australia wasn't the answer to everything, as your problems will only follow you: You'll just be depressed on the beach, or anxious on the beach,' he said. 'Yeah, as an Australian I'm pretty disappointed with our country, too,' another agreed. One in three drinkers is raising a glass to 'alcohol-free' versions of their favourite tipple, research suggests. Non-alcoholic spirits, wines and beers have surged in popularity over the past 12 months as consumers look for healthier options to booze. Experts say middle-class and young drinkers are increasingly using them to moderate alcohol intake, often alternating between full alcohol versions. Overall, 31 per cent have consumed teetotal beverages, up from 25 per cent last year, according to the annual survey by the charity Drinkaware. But the biggest leap is among higher social classes, whose consumption has more than doubled since 2018, rising from 18 per cent to 38 per cent. Your browser does not support iframes. One in three drinkers is raising a glass to 'alcohol-free' versions of their favourite tipple, research suggests (stock photo) Non-alcoholic spirits, wines and beers have surged in popularity over the past 12 months as consumers look for healthier options to booze (stock photo) Low-alcohol versions are also increasingly being used to cut down, with 36 per cent of drinkers saying they use them. Men have also closed the gap with women, with 31 and 32 per cent respectively now using non-alcoholic substitutes, compared with 15 and 21 per cent six years ago. Many said these were preferable to a soft drink or a cup of tea 'because they look, taste and feel like alcohol' so felt more sociable and were less likely to be asked why they were not drinking. Millennials are the most likely to forego alcohol with one in five of 18 to 34-year-olds now teetotal, compared to 13 per cent of 35 to 54-year-olds and 14 per cent aged 55 and over. Karen Tyrell, chief executive of Drinkaware, said: 'It is really encouraging to see the growth in people moderating their drinking, especially among the young. Experts say middle-class and young drinkers are increasingly using booze-free alternatives to moderate alcohol intake, often alternating between full alcohol versions 'The growth of low and no-alcohol drinks and their increase in popularity makes it much easier for people to moderate their drinking. However, more than 10,000 people died from alcohol-related illness last year, the highest on record. Understanding how much you drink can help prevent your health being put at serious risk.' Taking drink-free days remains the most popular way to moderate up from 67 per cent in 2023 to 71 per cent in 2024, according to the survey of more than 5,000 UK adults. But around eight million people are drinking to potentially harmful levels by exceeding the chief medical officer's guidelines of no more than 14 units per week. Some 28 per cent reported being concerned about someone else's drinking in the past 12 months, up from 26 per cent the year before. Despite this, only 27 per cent of UK adults have been asked to complete an alcohol assessment such as the Drinkaware Drinking Check. Experts have today issued fresh warnings over non-surgical butt lifts following the death of a mother-of-five. Alice Webb, 34, died on Monday just hours after having the procedure, understood to have been performed in the West Country. The practitioner alleged to have carried out the treatment whose identity is known to MailOnline has been arrested. One of Britain's leading plastic surgeons has told this website the individual is believed to have had a 'large volume of filler' injected into her buttocks. While the risks of a traditional Brazilian Butt Lift (BBL) are well known surgery to transfer fat from other areas to the buttocks a non-surgical methods that aim to create the same result are less understood. So what is a non-surgical BBL, or liquid BBL? How safe really is the procedure? And why is it becoming increasingly popular? Alice Webb (pictured), 34, died on Monday just hours after having the surgery, which is believed to have been performed in the West Country Dane Knight (left) has been left devastated by the death of his partner Alice Webb (right) after she died from a Brazilian Bum Lift procedure in the UK What is a liquid Brazilian butt lift? BBLs are used to make buttocks bigger, more rounded or lifted. Unlike a traditional BBL which sees fat transferred from other areas of the body, a liquid BBL involves hyaluronic acid fillers. Dermal filler the same material used to fill lips is injected in large quantities into the buttock. They are often advertised on social media as a 'risk-free', 'cheaper' alternative to the surgical counterpart. Is the procedure banned in the UK? Non-surgical BBLs are not illegal in the UK. The popularity of non-surgical BBLs has increased significantly but there is no standard licensing scheme in England for businesses offering the procedure. Last year, however, Wolverhampton City Council barred a company from carrying out liquid BBLs after identifying risks associated with their processes. These included blood clots, sepsis, and the potential for the death of body tissues. Five local authorities in Essex and Glasgow followed suit and have banned certain companies from carrying out liquid BBLs in their area. What is a Brazilian butt lift? It sees fat transferred from other areas of the body, such as the hips or stomach, to give patients a fuller derriere. Despite the dangers, the British Association of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons (BAAPS) says the op is the fastest-growing type of cosmetic surgery, with its popularity increasing by 20 per cent year-on-year. It was shunned in the UK because of its risks. But in 2022, BAAPS, which creates guidelines for British plastic surgeons, partly reversed its decision on offering the procedure. Surgeons in the UK are now instead encouraged to do superficial gluteal lipofilling (SGL), which is considered a 'lite' form of the procedure. Alice Webb (pictured), 34, died on Monday just hours after having 'butt lift' injections Fat is first harvested from the hips, lower back, abdomen, thighs and other areas via liposuction . Special equipment is used to prepare it for transfer before it is injected directly into the glutes at specific points, giving the buttocks a bigger, curvier appearance How is a traditional BBL carried out? Fat is first harvested from the hips, lower back, abdomen, thighs and other areas via liposuction. Special equipment is used to prepare it for transfer before it is injected directly into the glutes at specific points, giving the buttocks a bigger, curvier appearance. The procedure, sometimes referred to as lipomodelling, usually lasts a couple of hours. According to the American Board of Cosmetic Surgeons, it is typical for a portion of the injected fat not to 'take' in its new location. What are the risks of a liquid BBL? Last month, Save Face revealed it had seen an 'alarming increase' in the number of liquid BBL related patient complaints. The 'severity of complications caused by these procedures is alarming', the body added. Unlike with facial fillers where complications can be managed by skilled injectors, these procedures often require hospital settings, intravenous drugs, and surgical intervention to rectify. A Save Face survey of more than 2,200 health professionals who practice aesthetic medicine also saw 98 per cent of them say they do not offer liquid BBLs, given there is 'high risk of multiple complications'. The organisation has long called for the Government to ban the procedure. Save Face Registrant and Plastic Surgeon Dr Paul Baguley said: 'There is nothing about the way this treatment is currently offered that is either safe, moral, or ethical. 'The only outcome from this procedure is an unquestioningly poor result which comes at great cost to the patient who is drawn in by false advertising into a shockingly dangerous environment with a very real potential of death from complications.' In March, a mother-of-one also called for a ban on liquid BBLs after a botched procedure left her buttocks with leaking black holes and in pain 'worse than childbirth'. Earlier this year Monique Sofroniou (pictured), 30, called for a ban on 'liquid BBLs' after a botched procedure left her buttocks with leaking black holes and in pain 'worse than childbirth' Pictured: a recent image of Monique's buttocks more than a year after getting botched bum filler with just scarring left Monique was rushed to hospital where doctors attempted to remedy the situation (pictured: the mother-of-one after surgery in hospital to repair damage caused by the filler) Monique Sofroniou, 30, from London, booked an appointment at what she believed was a reputable salon to enlarge her bottom after undergoing a 'Brazilian Butt Lift' in 2021. The aesthetician spent 3,000 on the non-surgical procedure to have one litre of filler injected into each bum cheek. She was injected with silicone in a hotel room and has since been left with permanent scarring. She says she woke up the night after the procedure with a temperature, her sides red raw, and she was being violently sick. Doctors sent her to hospital where they told her she had a severe infection. Why do people want a BBL or liquid BBL? Unhappiness over a 'flat' buttocks that lack shape, despite a healthy lifestyle, is a common reason listed by those who choose to undergo BBL surgery. Experts have also blamed the allure of celebrity culture and choreographed social media images for fuelling the BBL trend. Last year, London-based aesthetic surgeon Dr Veerle Rotsaert told MailOnline she discourages patients from getting any BBL and instead recommends they go to the gym and do squats. She said: 'In my practice if people want more volume in the buttocks area, I first of all educate them on normal anatomy. 'I recommend going to the gym to do squats.' Dr Rotsaert also urged Brits to shy away from BBLs, stating that the 'Kardashian body type is a trend'. 'And we all know trends go out of fashion at some stage,' she added. The British Association of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons analysed 324 cases of Brits needing medical treatment or corrective surgery after having gone under the knife overseas since 2018 Liposuction that offers to remove up to 15 litres of fat, BBL's, eye colour changing laser treatments and hymenoplasties are all offered in clinics across Turkey How much does it cost? On average, a liquid BBL costs around 2,000 in the UK, according to Save Face. By comparison, a traditional BBL sets people back around 6,000. But according to the NHS, it could be priced as high as 8,000. There may also be additional costs for consultations, aftercare and further treatment sessions, if required for both. Adverts for the procedure in Turkey, meanwhile, have been advertised online for as little as $2,750 (2,190). What are the risks of a traditional BBL? Traditional BBLs are one of the most dangerous types of cosmetic surgery available. The risk of death is higher than most operations, currently estimated at one in 15,000. Surgeons can accidentally inject the fat into the bloodstream which can cause a potentially deadly blood clot. Such a complication is what killed Leah Cambridge, 29, a British mother who died in August 2018 after paying 6,500 to get a BBL in Turkey. Generic side effects include bruising, swelling, temporary numbness and scars. And, like any op, it carries the risk of excessive bleeding and an infection. In her response to Ms Kerr's prevention of future death report, Maria Caulfield, minister for mental health and women's health strategy, wrote: 'The risk of death for BBL surgery is at least 10 times higher than many other cosmetic procedures, and it has the highest death rate of all cosmetic procedures. 'As you note, BAAPS has advised its members not to carry out BBL surgery until more is known about safer techniques for the procedure.' Experts also warn against the pressure tactics employed by cosmetic surgery clinics including time-sensitive deals and booking procedures informally using apps like WhatsApp. In a string of WhatsApp messages between Ms Kerr and a hospital worker before she travelled to Turkey, Ms Kerr arranged to pay 3,200 in cash. She asked four times to see photographs of previous patients but there is no evidence they were provided. An audit by BAAPS last year also found 324 Brits have needed medical treatment or corrective surgery after having cosmetic surgery overseas, with Turkey accounting for the lion's share. This figure has surged 94 per cent in three years, the organisation claimed, as increasing numbers of Brits seek to look more like their celebrity idols. BAAPS estimates the average cost to the health service of treating a Brit botched overseas is about 15,000, putting the total bill since 2018 at about 4.8million. This bill represents the cost of resources like medication and dressings, as well as the time surgeons and other NHS staff must spend on such cases. While the 15,000 figure is an average, surgeons have previously told this website more serious cases can cost upwards of 100,000 to the taxpayer. Save Face, a Government approved register of accredited practitioners, claimed this was the 'first case of a death caused by a non-surgical BBL in the UK' Why do people travel abroad for a BBL? For decades, Brits have been warned against seeking cheaper surgery in places like Turkey, Eastern Europe, or South East Asia. Turkey is not inherently more dangerous than other surgical tourism hotspots. But cheap flights between it and the UK as well as the rise of the trend combining cosmetic surgery with a holiday have made it one of the leading destinations for Brits looking to go under the knife. Nora Nugent, the Vice President of BAAPS told MailOnline: 'There are many reasons why people travel abroad for cosmetic surgery including BBL but one of the most common reasons is price. 'Overseas surgery can be cheaper than surgery in the UK. Differences in the cost of living, business expenses, cost of ensuring compliance of premises and processes with UK regulations and medical insurance are some of the reasons why it can be more expensive in the UK. 'The BAAPS urge people to look at quality and service provided as well as cost though as it is vital to know what is included and not included and to have full information on the procedure and your surgeon and hospital too.' In Turkey, the BBL and even what are dubbed 'extreme BBLs' are promoted. In fact, some clinics even underplay the risks linked with the surgery. A MailOnline investigation last year found one clinic claiming that a BBL is 'completely safe when carried out by a qualified BBL surgeon in Istanbul'. Another offered a more extreme BBL the 'BBL with Vaser Liposuction'. With this procedure, the clinic claims they are able to extract more fat from the body at once and says this results in a slimmer abdomen which makes the hips more noticeable. New research has revealed the dire state of the average Britons' personal hygiene. Nearly one in five British men admit they don't always wash their hands after doing a number two. The same is true for one in 10 women. Meanwhile, a staggering third of men admit slap-dash handwashing after a pee. One in five women confessed to doing the same. Neither sex practises perfect oral hygiene either. Some 36 per cent of men say they often only brush their teeth once daily, as do 22 per cent of women, according to the poll of 1,000 UK adults. Nearly one in five British men admit they don't always wash their hands after doing a number two. The same is true for one in 10 women Dental experts say brushing teeth at least twice daily is essential for ridding the mouth of harmful bacteria that can go on to cause plaque and gum disease. Studies also show that regularly washing your hands can reduce the risk of developing respiratory and bacteria infections by over 20 per cent. To prevent bugs like E. coli from spreading, public health chiefs advise regular hand washing using soap and water, particularly after using the toilet. Not washing your hands can increase the risk to others. E. Coli which can be found in water usually causes a fever, sickness and diarrhoea. Its symptoms typically fade naturally within days. But experts have also long been concerned by shiga toxin-producing E.coli (STEC), a rare strain of the diarrhoea-causing bug. STEC is considered to be extremely infectious, and in up to 15 per cent of cases, the bug can cause haemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS), a life-threatening condition that can lead to kidney failure. Experts have long been concerned by shiga toxin-producing E.coli (STEC), a rare strain of the diarrhoea-causing bug. STEC is considered to be extremely infectious, and in up to 15 per cent of cases, the bug can cause haemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS), a life-threatening condition that can lead to kidney failure A small proportion of adults may develop a similar condition called thrombotic thrombocytopaenic purpura (TTP). The study, by cosmetics brand Faith In Nature, also found around one in 10 men only bother cleaning their bathroom once a month. The same is true for one in 20 women. And when it comes to other questionable bathroom confessions, more than a fifth of Brits (21 per cent) confessed to leaving products sitting in the shower long enough for them to become grimy or mouldy. The poll also revealed bathroom behaviours that may prove infuriating to housemates and partners alike. For instance, a third of men say they often leave an empty toilet roll on the holder when the paper runs out. Around one in five women admit to this irritating habit too. The research was conducted in a bid to raise awareness surrounding general hygiene and prevent illnesses contracted as a result. Fluoride in US drinking water poses an 'unreasonable risk' to children's brains, according to a federal judge who has asked the Government to step in. Judge Edward Chen in San Francisco has called on the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to further regulate the fluoride in tap water because of growing evidence it lowers the IQ of minors. He didnt say what measures should be taken, but a spokesman for the EPA told DailyMail.com that they were now reviewing the decision. In his ruling, Chen said: 'The scientific literature in the record provides a high level of certainty that a hazard is present; fluoride is associated with reduced IQ.' The issue around fluoride in tap water is controversial because its introduction is considered one of the greatest public health achievements of the 20th century due to its effectiveness in reducing tooth decay in children. The above map shows estimated fluoride concentrations in community water systems between 2006 and 2011. It was published in 2023. Counties that are colored red have more than double the recommended level of fluoride in their water The court did not conclude with certainty that fluoride does damage children's brains, but said that it posed an 'unreasonable risk' which the EPA should investigate. More than 200million Americans drink water that contains fluoride, or 75 percent of the population, more than in any other country in the world. The mineral was added in the 1970s after studies showed it could prevent cavities, with the CDC now estimating it saves $6.5billion every year in dental costs. But a landmark Government report published last month also warned that the mineral could harm children's IQ in high concentrations. It said that this could happen when fluoride levels were above 1.5 mg/L, with hundreds of thousands of American children thought to be exposed to these levels in areas of Texas, Illinois and New Mexico among others. Results linked the highest levels with a five point drop. The ruling was made in the US District Court for the Northern District of California on Tuesday. Michael Connett, the lawyer for the advocacy groups that asked the courts to review the new report on fluoride, said in a statement Wednesday: 'The courts historic decision should help pave the way towards better and safer fluoride standards for all.' A spokesperson for the Fluoride Action Network (FAN) added: 'History has been made. 'After seven years of pursuing legal action against the EPA over the risk posed to developing brains by the practice of water fluoridation, the [court] has just ruled on behalf of FAN and the plaintiffs in a precedent-setting court case.' The EPA currently says fluoride levels should not be above 4 mg/L in order to avoid skeletal fluorosis, a potentially crippling disorder causing weaker bones. But in 2006, the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering and Medicine, the federal Government's primary scientific advisory institute, recommended that the EPA lower its limit in order to protect children. There has been controversy over fluoride in the water supply for years, with hundreds of communities voting against its use (Above is a campaign sign from Kennebunk, Maine) The above picture from the court case shows Michael Connett, the lawyer for the advocacy group The World Health Organization says the safe limit is about 1.5 mg/L. And the Government report published last month found that when fluoride levels are above 1.5 mg/L this can cause damage to children's IQ. For comparison, in the US most areas currently fluoridate their water supply at about 0.7 mg/L. This is well above the safe limit for pregnant women suggested by some studies of about 0.4 mg/L. Bottled water often does not contain fluoride. The court case was brought by Food and Water Watch and FAN among other groups after the EPA denied a petition to outlaw the 75-year-old practice of adding fluoride to drinking water to prevent cavities. Dentists, water utilities and chemical policy attorneys are among the groups that have tracked the case. Nearly six Americans killed themselves every hour last year, data suggests as suicide rates in the US remained near their highest level in the nation's history. Provisional data from the CDC showed 49,300 deaths by suicide were recorded in 2023, similar to the 49,500 registered the year before one of the highest numbers on record. A full report published today on suicide data from 2022, the latest year for which there are complete numbers, shows a five percent rise in suicides among middle-aged women over a year the group most likely to die by suicide among women. The above graph shows the suicide rate in the US compared to that in other countries up to the year 2021. It was prepared by Oxford University's Our World In Data And a four percent rise among men over 75 years old, who are also most likely to die by suicide among their sex. While the number of suicides remained steady from 2022 to 2023, it was generally on the rise and was up 20 percent from a decade ago and double the number from two decades ago. Suicide rates in the US have been increasing for nearly 20 years, aside from a two-year drop at the start of the Covid pandemic, with experts saying today's figures may be 'cautiously promising' as they suggest suicides are no longer rising. Among those to die by suicide in 2023 was mother-of-two Heather Armstrong, who was famous as a blogger for parents The US has one of the highest suicide rates out of western nations at 14.2 suicides per 100,000 people in 2022. This outpaced the rate in England and Wales (10.7 per 100,000 people), Australia (12.3), and Germany (12.1) But was below that of Japan's 15 suicides per 100,000 people. The country historically has seen an elevated rate of people taking their own lives. Suicide is currently the 11th leading cause of death in the US, statistics suggest. By age group, men accounted for three to four times more suicides than women in 2022 the new report found. The group most likely to die by suicide was men aged 75 years and older, which had a rate of 44 suicides per 100,000 people. Among women, those aged 45 to 64 years old had the highest rate, at 8.6 suicides per 100,000. Experts warn the reasons for suicide are often 'complicated' and that attempts can be driven by a range of factors. Contributors include depression, limited availability of mental health services, and the availability of guns. Estimates suggest 57.8million people in the US suffer from mental health issues every year, with 21million struggling with depression. The above graph shows suicide rates in the US over time. It highlights how rates among men are three to four times those among women The above shows suicide rates by age group over time among US women The above shows suicide rates by age group among US men Dr Katherine Keyes, a public health professor at Columbia University, cautiously welcomed the results saying a 'leveling off of any increase in suicide is cautiously promising news.' The US has now had a national crisis line allowing anyone to dial 988 to reach a mental health specialist for two years, which Dr Keyes said may now be starting to pay off. Among those to die by suicide last year was mother-of-two Heather Armstrong, a Utah-based content creator who earned the title the 'queen of mommy bloggers.' The 47-year-old built a lucrative online career writing about the unspoken realities of motherhood and the struggles of her two kids, her husband and her mental health. Her partner of six years Pete Ashdown spent months after her death in May 2023 trying to piece together how it happened. 'Losing Heather is the hardest thing I've ever had to go through,' he told ABC News. 'The mental torture I have gone through, wondering if I could have done something to prevent this outcome. 'When you lose somebody to suicide, you turn into somewhat of an investigator trying to figure out all of the confluences that came together to cause a person to do such a thing.' It took months of exams, scans, and blood tests for a Virginia mother to finally get life-changing health news about her daughter Eden. When she entered the third trimester of her pregnancy, Cheyenne suspected something was amiss with her unborn baby when she was losing weight. Soon after, doctors would discover Eden was not growing at a normal pace. When she was born, Eden was small, but generally healthy. However, when she missed several important milestones, like holding her head up or sitting on her own, Cheyennes worries reemerged and she pressed her doctors for answers. Eventually, they performed a full sequencing of Edens genes, which revealed the little girl had 16p11.2 deletion syndrome, a rare genetic disorder that affects around one in 5,000 people. Cheyenne [pictured holding baby Eden] had a difficult third trimester when she learned her baby was not growing at a normal pace Eden was born happy and healthy, but when she still had trouble holding her head up at four months, Cheyenne suspected something was wrong At 32 weeks of pregnancy with her second child, Cheyenne saw her doctor for a checkup. Her babys fundal height was smaller than normal. Fundal height is a measurement during pregnancy to approximate the size of the uterus and assess fetal growth. It is measured from the top of the mothers uterus (the fundus) to the pubic bone in centimeters, and it typically corresponds to the number of weeks of pregnancy. At 35 weeks, Cheyenne was able to get a growth scan, which revealed her baby was only measuring 28 weeks. Cheyenne learned her baby had intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR), a potentially dangerous complication that could mean low birthweight, developmental delays, a higher risk of respiratory distress syndrome, and feeding problems. IUGR affects around 10 percent of babies and is defined as weighing less than nine out of 10 babies (below the 10th percentile) of the same age. The delay was most stark in Eden's abdomen, so Cheyenne received steroid injections in her arms to accelerate the growth of her babys lungs, followed by non-stress tests (NST), which assess the health of the fetus by monitoring changes in heart rate as she moves in the womb. Cheyenne said at 35 weeks pregnant that Eden 'looked ok on the NST. She had two NSTs per week for the next three weeks until she gave birth in April 2023. Eden was small at five pounds and seven ounces, but not so small to worry the doctors and nurses. The average baby girl born in the US weighs seven pounds, two ounces, but Cheyenne never expected her baby to be anywhere near that big. Her first daughter weighed six pounds, 15 ounces. Eden was overall healthy, but over the next few months, Cheyenne realized her baby was missing important milestones, including being able to turn her head from side to side and hold it up on her own, which infants start being able to do between two and four months. Eden also struggled to push down on her legs, another milestone typically seen at around two months. Cheyenne told People: The weeks leading up to her delivery were full of anxiety for me. I knew in my gut that something wasnt normal, and no one could tell me what it was. After a few months, I noticed that she was still very floppy and had no head control.' Still, friends, family, and even medical professionals assured her everything was normal. Edens delays could be explained away. Every child develops at their own pace, so her delay might just be part of her unique timeline. Cheyenne said: This was the beginning of our journey. I knew at this point, in my mom gut, that my IUGR was related. Eden underwent an EEG scan to make sure she wasn't experiencing seizures. She also underwent X-rays because her hips were not supporting her weight Your browser does not support iframes. At Edens 4-month checkup, she was referred to physical therapy to help build her strength and muscle tone. She had been diagnosed with hypotonia, or muscle weakness. Cheyenne said: We had a CT of Edens head because of her macrocephaly (larger head) and an EEG for suspected seizures. Both came back clean. Additionally, we did a hip X-ray because she couldn't put weight on her legs. That was also clean. The hypotonia diagnosis was helpful. It connected Cheyenne to skilled physical therapists who could help Eden achieve first year milestones, from holding her own head up to scooting. But Cheyennes 'mom gut' persisted. She said: People told me I needed to chill and that Eden was fine. They told me well-meaning stories of their delayed children and told me to stop comparing Eden to my older daughter. I knew there was something more. At the start of 2024, Edens motor skills, lifting her head, pushing up on her arms, and rolling over, were showing signs of regression, so Cheyenne took her concerns to a new pediatrician and neurologist. According to the Alberta Infant Motor Scale, which assesses gross motor skills in infants, 'Eden wasnt (and still isnt) on the chart after being in the 10th percentile earlier on. 'So, if you lined Eden up with 100 other babies her age, she wouldnt even be close to any of them, Cheyenne said. A subsequent MRI was normal, but a full panel of genetic testing picked up on something a years worth of scans didn't detect. Eden is pictured being prepared to undergo a CT scan, one of many over about a year Cheyenne learned in July that Eden has 16p11.2 deletion syndrome, a genetic disorder caused by the deletion of a small segment of chromosome 16 at a specific location on DNA known as 16p11.2. That missing piece affects genes that are essential for brain development and functioning. As a result, children born with 16p11.2 deletion syndrome typically have a more challenging time learning to walk and talk and socializing with other children. In 16p11.2 deletion syndrome, people usually have more trouble with expressive language skills using words and speaking than with receptive language skills, which involve understanding what others say. Some people born with this condition may also experience repeated seizures, though Cheyenne said Eden has not shown any signs of this. About one in 5,000 people have the chromosomal abnormality, and roughly 24 percent of them experience seizures. Researchers have not found evidence to show it shortens a person's lifespan. Cheyenne shared the details of her rocky third trimester on TikTok where she has since found a community of mothers who have had to advocate for themselves and their children Cheyenne was told by friends and family to stop worrying about Eden [pictured], who was generally healthy and happy The results were a relief for Cheyenne, who said she learned about them in the parking lot of a facility where she had just gotten Eden an assessment for a program called Early Intervention, a system of services such as speech and physical therapy aimed at helping babies and toddlers with developmental delays. She said: [I] found out that Eden, at 15 months, was still only at a 6-month level in all domains of development. I debated running back in there and saying, Wait! Here is why! While she was relieved to get the diagnosis, Cheyenne was frustrated that it took over a year. She said: I had no idea how hard Id have to fight and advocate for my girl and I realize now that Im not alone in having to do that. Cheyenne shared her story on TikTok, where she found community with other mothers who struggled to get answers for their struggling children. She told People: There is a whole community of moms suffering in what feels like silence because providers and others around us dont believe what we say when we express concerns about our children. She hopes her story will inspire parents to speak up if they suspect something unusual with their babys development. Cheyenne said: At the time, I worried I was being too extra or that I was being annoying. 'It is okay to get second and third opinions and if a provider thinks youre being annoying, then theyre not the right fit for your family anyway. If you worry about being a good mom, youre probably already a good mom. I spent months worrying about whether or not this was my fault. Did I take too many nausea medications? Is it because I hold her too much? Turns out, this had nothing to do with me. Who really carved the Great Sphinx of Egypt and constructed Mexico's Pyramid of the Sun? For centuries man has been baffled by the great monuments left behind by the ancients. How could various ancient peoples around the world have mastered the principles of advanced astronomy and complex mathematics? Now best-selling author Graham Hancock, who has spent the past five years researching these mysteries, believes he may have some answers. He has written a provocative book which challenges the exiting wisdoms about our past. Earlier this week he explained what his quest revealed in the high Andes and the plains of Central Mexico. He told how in both places there were legends of mysterious bearded pale-skinned `supergods' - named Viracocha in the Andes and Quetzacoatl in Mexico - who arrived after a great flood bringing with them the gifts of civilisation. Hancock believes these legends point to a lost civilisation which flourished before the last Ice Age but was wiped out in an apocalypse some 12,000 years ago. Today his mission takes him on to the Nile... You join me in the small hours of the morning at the foot of the Great Pyramid of Egypt. Together with my wife Santha and a local guide (who had bribed the guards to turn a blind eye to our presence), I made my way around the north-eastern corner of the last surviving wonder of the ancient world and then along the base of the eastern face. Our plan was to climb the pyramid - something that had been strictly illegal since 1983 when the messy falls of several foolhardy tourists had forced the Egyptian government to impose a ban. I realised that we were being foolish too (particularly since we were attempting the climb at night) and I didn't feel good about breaking what was basically a sensible law. By this stage, however, my intense interest in the pyramid and desire to learn everything that I could about it, had completely overridden my common sense. Uncanny precision is demonstrated in every feature of the Great Pyramid Long ago, I had familiarised myself with the monument's dimensions, noting that the northern face was aligned almost perfectly to true north, the eastern face almost perfectly to true east. The average error was only around three minutes of arc (three 60ths of a single degree), which was reduced to less than two minutes on the southern face - incredible accuracy for any building in any epoch, and an inexplicable, almost supernatural feat here in Egypt 4,500 years ago when the Great Pyramid was supposed to have been built. But then the same uncanny precision was demonstrated in every feature of the immense edifice. For example, its sides at the base are all almost exactly the same length, demonstrating a margin of error far smaller than modern architects would be required to achieve in the construction of, say, an average sized office-block. This was no office-block, however - this was the largest single stone structure ever built by man and also one of the oldest. We walked on, coming to the monument's south-eastern corner a little after 4.15am. Very few modern buildings, even the houses we live in, have corners that consist of perfect 90 degree right-angles. It doesn't make any difference structurally and nobody can notice such minute errors. In the case of the Great Pyramid, however, I knew that the ancient master-builders had found a way to narrow down the margin of error to almost nothing. Thus, while falling short of the perfect 90 degrees, the south-eastern corner nonetheless achieved an impressive 89 degrees 56' 27''. Of course, such accuracy is extraordinary. And like almost everything else about the Great Pyramid it was also extremely difficult to explain. Surely such building techniques - easily as accurate as the best we have today - could only have been evolved after thousands of years of development and experimentation? Yet the Great Pyramid and its neighbours at Giza had emerged out of a black hole in architectural history that was so deep and so wide, that neither its bottom nor its far side had ever been clearly identified. SHIPS IN THE DESERT We now began to make our way in a westerly direction along the monument's southern side. Here, there were two deep boat-shaped pits in the ground one of which, although still sealed, had been investigated with fibre-optic cameras and was known to contain a high-prowed sea-going vessel more than 100ft long. The other pit had been excavated in the Fifties. Its contents - an even larger sea-going vessel, this time a full 141ft in length - had been placed in the so-called Boat Museum, an ugly modern structure that gangled above us on stilts beneath the south face of the Pyramid. This beautiful ship - housed in the so-called Boat Museum next to the pyramids - was still in perfect condition 4,500 years after it had first been built Made of cedarwood, the beautiful ship was still in perfect condition 4,500 years after it had first been built. With a displacement of around 40 tons, its design was particularly thought-provoking, incorporating in the words of one expert 'all the sea-going ship's characteristic properties, with prow and stern soaring upward, higher than in a Viking ship, to ride out the breakers and high seas, not to contend with the little ripples of the Nile'. Another authority felt that the careful and clever design of this strange pyramid boat could potentially have made it 'a far more seaworthy craft than anything available to Columbus'. Moreover, the experts agreed that it had been built to a pattern that could only have been 'created by shipbuilders from a people with a long, solid tradition of sailing on the open sea'. Who were those as-yet-unidentified shipbuilders? Certainly they had not accumulated their 'long, solid tradition of sailing on the open sea' while ploughing the fields of the landlocked Nile Valley. Where and when had they managed to develop their maritime skills? THE PHAROAH`S CHALLENGE I do not recommend climbing a pyramid at night while fearful of getting arrested. The Great Pyramid consists of 203 separate courses of masonry. We had ascended some 30 courses and already our knees and fingers were stiff and bruised - yet we were barely one-seventh of the way to the summit. There were still more than 170 courses left to climb. To have worked effectively, the ancient pyramid-builders must have had nerves of steel, the agility of mountain goats, the strength of lions and the confidence of trained steeplejacks. As I continued to climb, I reminded myself of the implications of all of this. The pyramid contained thousands of truly enormous blocks each weighing 15 tons or more and some weighing as much as 70 tons. I do not recommend climbing a pyramid at night while fearful of getting arrested, writes GRAHAM HANCOCK But the real crises would have been caused by the millions of average-sized blocks weighing around 2.5 tons that also had to be brought to the working place. The pyramid (weighing more than six million tons) had been reliably estimated to consist of more than 2.3 million blocks. Assuming that the masons had worked ten hours a day, 365 days a year, then they would have needed to place 31 blocks in position every hour - about one every two minutes - in order to complete the Pyramid during the 20-year reign of Khafre, the Fourth Dynasty Pharaoh for whom the monument was supposed to have been built. Assuming that construction work had been confined to Egypt's annual three-month agricultural lay-off season (the only time when a sufficiently large workforce would have been available), then the problems multiplied; now four blocks a minute would have had to have been delivered. Such managerial obstacles seem staggering enough. But the master-builders had gone on to play some clever mathemical games with the monument's dimensions. Firstly, they had built the Great Pyramid exactly on latitude 30 - the 30th parallel - precisely one-third of the way between the Earth's North Pole and the equator. Secondly, they appeared to have conceived of this edifice as a mathematical scale model of the northern hemisphere. At any rate, the Great Pyramid's base-perimeter (3,023.16ft) multiplied by 43,200 gives an extremely precise `read-out' of the equatorial circumference of the Earth, while the Great Pyramid's height (481.3949 feet) multiplied by 43,200 gives an even more precise read-out of the polar radius of the Earth. Why is that ratio 1:43,200 significant? Today we know that the sun spends exactly 2,160 years in each of the 12 zodiacs. So it is most unlikely that the figure of 43,200 which provides the scale of the Pyramid/Earth ratio could have been arrived at by chance. This figure turns out to be exactly 20 times the number of years that the sun takes to pass through one zodiacal sign (20 x 2,160 = 43,200). Today we live very near the end of the astrological Age of Pisces. The `new Age' that is soon about to dawn is that of Aquarius. From around 2200 BC until just before the time of Christ, the constellation of Aries housed the sun on the vernal equinox. And at the date when the Great Pyramid and the Great Sphinx of Egypt are supposed to have been built - around 2500 BC - it was the astrological Age of Taurus, the bull, when the dominant motifs of Egyptian art and sculpture were the long-horned Apis and Mnevis bulls - and the symbolism switched overwhelmingly to rams during the Age of Aries. FIRST TIME OF OSIRIS For the next ten minutes of our climb, we struggled upwards in silence along the line of the Great Pyramid's south-western corner until we had reached the 100th course - roughly the half-way mark and already more than 250ft above the ground. Here we gazed over our shoulders to the south-west, where a once-in-a-lifetime vision of staggering beauty and power confronted us. In the vastly sophisticated religious system of the ancient Egyptians (which, mysteriously, was fully mature and complete at the very beginning of historical civilisation in the Nile Valley), the most important group of stars in the heavens was the giant constellation of Orion, identified with the high god Osiris. Remembered as tall and bearded, and as having come to Egypt from a distant land in a time of flood and chaos (the mythical `First Time'), Osiris was the counterpart of Viracocha in the Andes and Quetzalcoatl in Mexico - a bringer of laws, religion and advanced knowledge, who was honoured as the founder of Egyptian civilization. This was his human aspect as a man; it was his stellar manifestation, however, in the form of the constellation of Orion, that most interested me. Thanks to the work of the archaeo-astronomer Robert Bauval (whose bestseller The Orion Mystery recently topped the paperback charts), we now know that the layout of the three pyramids of Giza on the ground was designed to mimic the pattern made in the sky by the three stars of Orion's belt. Most interesting of all, however, is what computer reconstructions of the skies above Giza in antiquity tell us about the changes in altitude and orientation of these belt stars. The layout of the three pyramids of Giza on the ground was designed to mimic the pattern made in the sky by the three stars of Orion's belt The correlation with the three pyramids is general and obvious in all epochs, but specific and exact in only one - the epoch of 10,500 BC As we follow these changes back down the epochs, we find that the correlation with the three pyramids is general and obvious in all epochs, but specific and exact in only one - the epoch of 10,500 BC, around the end of the last Ice Age, when heavy rains were falling on Egypt and scientifically accurate maps of the lost continent of Antarctica were being prepared by the cartographers of an as yet unidentified civilization. What we have at Giza is a three-dimensional map of the belt-stars of Orion exactly as they looked in the sky in 10,500 BC and in no other epoch. Ever since then, the belt stars have been slowly but remorsely rising in the sky, reaching their maximum altitude above the horizon only today, in our own epoch. In this sense, therefore, we are living in the mythological `last of times', facing the end of a great cycle - a notion that coincides eerily with the ancient Mayan calendar which, as we saw yesterday, predicted the final cataclysm and the end of the world in AD 2012. The three stars of Orion's belt had not yet set when, panting and breathless, we suddenly found ourselves at the top of the Great Pyramid after a 30-minute climb, standing more than 450ft above the surrounding plateau on the most extraordinary viewing platform in the world. THE SILENT SPHINX The next day, Santha and I positioned ourselves at dawn between the paws of the Great Sphinx. Had it been the vernal equinox, we would have seen the sun rising due east of us at precisely the point on the horizon targeted by the Sphinx's inscrutable gaze. The Sphinx, in other words, was an astronomical monument designed to pinpoint the vernal equinox. Why, therefore, was it fashioned in the shape of a man-headed lion, 66ft high and more than 240ft long? If Egyptologists were right in attributing it to the Fourth Dynasty Pharaoh Khafre around 2,500 BC - the astrological Age of Taurus - then surely its shape should have been that of a bull? But perhaps it wasn't carved during the Age of Taurus. The Sphinx was a marker for the Age of Leo, which computer calculations tell us began at around 10,500 B Perhaps it was much older. After all, there was no hard evidence in support of the orthodox attribution to Khafre. Indeed, Professor Mark Lehner of the University of Chicago's Oriental Institute, one of the most orthodox Egyptologists of all, has recently been obliged to admit that the official dating was a matter of opinion only. There was, he confirmed, `no direct way to date the Sphinx itself, because the Sphinx is carved right out of natural rock'. Egyptians have always regarded the Sphinx as being very, very old and the possibility that the Sphinx could date from thousands of years before Khafre, was one I had long since learned to take seriously. On this dawn visit, everything that I saw around me further confirmed what I already knew. First and foremost, the rolling, undulating weathering patterns combined with deep vertical fissures - so prominently visible on the body of the monument and in the surrounding bedrock trench from which it had been hewn - had recently been proved by American geologists to have been caused not by wind and sand (the principal erosional agents at Giza today) but by thousands of years of heavy rainfall - climatic conditions that have not been experienced in this part of Egypt since around 10,000 BC. According to Professor Robert Schoch of Boston University, the vertical fissures in particular were conclusive evidence: `The fissures could only have been formed by water running down the trench wall,' the result of rain falling in enormous quantities and then cascading over the slope of the Giza plateau and down into the Sphinx enclosure below. `It picked out the weak spots in the rock,' Schoch elaborated, `and opened them up into these fissures - clear evidence that this erosional feature was caused by rainfall.' Schoch was not the first geologist to have noticed the `anomalous precipitation-induced weathering features on the core body of the Sphinx'. He was, however, the first to have become actively involved in public debates over the immense historical implications of this weathering. His attitude, very firmly, was that he preferred to stick to his geology: `I've been told over and over again that the peoples of Egypt, as far as we know, did not have either the technology or the social organisation to cut out the core body of the Sphinx in pre-Dynastic times. `However, I don't see it as being my problem as a geologist. I'm not seeking to shift the burden, but its really up to the Egyptologists and archaeologists to figure out who carved it. If my findings are in conflict with their theory about the rise of civilisation, then maybe it's time for them to re-evaluate that theory. I'm not saying that the Sphinx was built by Atlanteans or people from Mars, or extra-terrestrials. I'm just following the science where it leads me, and it leads me to conclude that the Sphinx was built much earlier than previously thought.' Naturally, Egyptologists have consistently refused to accept or even consider the momentous implications of Schoch's findings. From outside the discipline of geology, however, another piece of evidence strongly corroborates his conclusion. We have seen how the three gigantic pyramids at Giza are laid out on the ground in the pattern of the three stars of Orion's Belt - not quite as they look today, or even as they looked in the so-called Pyramid Age around 2500 BC, but exactly as they looked in 10,500 BC. We have seen, also, how the date of 10,500 BC (which the unknown founders of Giza so spectacularly immortalised in stone) marks a highly significant moment in the precessional cycle of those stars - their `First Time', the beginning of their great upward cycle above the horizon. Is it a coincidence that a second confirmation of this same remote date was also immortalised in stone at Giza in the form of the Great Sphinx? As high as a six-storey building and as long as a city block, it was unmistakably fashioned in the form of an enormous, crouching lion. Looking now along its powerful forepaws and heavily eroded sides, I understood very clearly that there was really only one epoch in which such symbolism would have been appropriate - certainly not in the astrological Age of Taurus but in the far earlier astrological Age of Leo, when the sun on the vernal equinox rose against the majestic background of the constellation of the celestial lion. The Sphinx, in other words, was not just an equinoctial marker but an equinoctial marker for the Age of Leo, which computer calculations tell us began at around 10,500 BC. This, at any rate, was the only epoch in which the due-east facing Sphinx would have manifested exactly the right symbolic alignment on exactly the right day - watching the vernal sun rising in the dawn sky against the background of his own celestial counterpart. Was this another Fingerprint of the Gods? Geology and astronomy combine with the testimony of ancient Egyptian myths to suggest that something astonishing must have happened at Giza in the 11th millennium BC - and that astonishing event appears to have been the entry into the Nile Valley of the `gods' of the `First Time', led by the bearded Osiris, remembered forever-after as a great benefactor and bringer of civilisation. In previous days of this serialisation, we have learned about similar bearded deities - Virachocha in the Andes, Quetzalcoatl in Mexico. Could all three of these `gods' and their bands of companions have been the survivors of an advanced prehistoric civilisation of map-makers, seafarers and architects - a civilization destroyed by the Ice Age and forgotten until now? UC Merced freshman students walk through the New Beginnings Statue to mark their arrival to the university on Aug. 27. Jessica Christian/The Chronicle When the Wall Street Journal published its list of best colleges last month, California took six of the top 10 spots in its ranking of public universities, with several unexpected schools scoring highly including San Jose State University and UC Merced. But this week, the more traditional and closely watched U.S. News & World Report rankings came out with San Jose State missing from its national list, and UC Merced down at No. 58. Advertisement Article continues below this ad How could rankings from two publications come to such different conclusions? Part of the answer is that the lists werent quite as far apart as they appeared to be. San Jose State, it turns out, ranked No. 4 on U.S. News list of regional universities in the western U.S., while UC Merced ranked No. 26 on the U.S. News list of public universities. While both publications break out separate lists of public universities, U.S. News has several other categories such as regional schools and liberal arts colleges, which can make the results hard to compare. Also key to the spread in results: The publications use different criteria to judge schools. While U.S. News relies on test scores and other academic criteria, the Wall Street Journal evaluates less traditional metrics, including measures of the extent to which the college boosts graduation rates and future salaries compared to the average school given the socioeconomic backgrounds of their students. Though such lists can offer valuable bragging rights for schools, they can be confusing for students who try to use them to find a campus thats right for them. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Princess Agyapong, an Oakland High senior who will apply to colleges this fall, said she checks out the rankings but only in the way people peruse real-estate listings for homes they never plan to buy. Im picking my schools based on my major, location and resources, Agyapong said. I think rankings provide some kind of prestige for the schools, she said. So I like to know how prestigious the school I am applying to is. But at the end of the day, my decision is based on the resources I have available. UC Merced and San Jose State are cases in point for how perplexing the lists can be. The Central Valleys UC Merced, youngest in the UC system at 19 years old, exalts its new standing as the 26th best public school in the nation, a fact hard to miss on the campus website. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Thats compared to 225 schools in the latest rankings from U.S. News & World Report, which also tout UC Merced as third best out of 433 schools ranked by social mobility. Yet the school is 58th best on the national list of 436 universities. The school ranks 18th best out of 500 universities included in the Wall Street Journal/College Pulse latest rankings of public and private universities. It beat out UCLA, which typically ranks first or second among UC schools. UC Berkeley ranked 8th on the Journals list and first among public universities. The University of California itself ranks UC Merced as last in line among its nine undergraduate campuses. Its the only UC campus where applicants who qualify for UC are guaranteed admission if they cant get into any of the others. But is it really the worst? The U.S. News rankings released this month list UC Merced as a better public school than either UC Riverside (36th) or UC Santa Cruz (42nd). The Chronicle reported recently that UC Merced has seen a jump in popularity and selectivity. U.S. News ranks San Jose State in fourth place, compared with 118 regional universities in the western U.S. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Yet the Wall Street Journal declared San Jose State to be the 16th best school in the country public or private. Thats two notches better than UC Merced in that comparison of 500 campuses, and just two steps below Ivy League Columbia University. Through a spokesperson, President Cynthia Teniente-Matson called the ranking remarkable, especially because last year San Jose State was not 16th on the list, but 173rd. Its a remarkable shift in our national recognition, Teniente-Matson said. Noting that the university is also proud of its U.S. News ranking among western regional schools, she called the rankings important tools that underscore the economic return on investment for our students and alumni, as well as the high-quality educational value that San Jose State brings to our region and the nation. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Although San Jose State has worked to improve its focus on research and student interaction, the university recognizes that its monumental climb up the Wall Street Journals ladder likely has more to do with changes in the companys method of ranking schools. No longer are standardized test scores or extracurricular activities considered in the rankings. The Wall Street Journal gives 70% weight to student outcomes, such as graduates salaries and how long it takes them to pay off the net price of the school. Unlike the U.S. News ranking, the Wall Street Journal ranking takes into account differences in the academic and economic backgrounds of students who attend the school. If a school is good at helping students from poorer families graduate and make high future salaries, they will rank higher on the Wall Street Journal list. The Wall Street Journal also considers the schools learning environment and its diversity. By contrast, for the past three years, the U.S. News has ranked schools according to students standardized tests, graduation rates and faculty research (only for the national university rankings). Lady Pamela by India Hicks (Rizzoli 46, 256pp) Lady Pamela is available now from the Mail Bookshop When her daughter India suggested that she should dust off her photograph albums, dig out her old letters and write a book about her life, Lady Pamela Hicks asked: Who will be interested? Fortunately, she allowed herself to be persuaded, and the result is a delightful book which records an era of vast stately homes, lavish house parties, thoroughbred horses and ball gowns. What gives this account added spice is that Pamela Hicks, now 95, is not only fantastically posh but has also been part of the Royal Familys inner circle all her life. The daughters of Earl Mountbatten of Burma and his rich, beautiful wife Edwina, Pamela and her elder sister Patricia were favourite playmates of their cousins, Princess Elizabeth and Princess Margaret. Pamela was a bridesmaid at Elizabeths wedding to Prince Philip (another cousin). She was with the couple in Kenya when they got the news that King George VI had died and that Elizabeth was now Queen. Pamela watched at a distance as Philip broke the news to his wife: Princess Elizabeth stopping in her tracks and leaning into him, her body stiff with shock. In the early days of Elizabeths reign, Pamela was pressed into service as a rather reluctant lady-in-waiting. She recalls how happy and carefree the Princess had been as a young mother and naval wife in Malta. When she had to return to England, Pamela commented, it was like putting a little bird back into its gilded cage. There is a lot in this book that makes you realise how odd the upper classes can be. One summer, when Pamela was eight, Edwina Mountbatten left her daughters at a hotel in Hungary in the care of their nanny while she went off travelling round Europe with her lover (who was called, inevitably, Bunny.) Edwina and Bunny couldnt remember where they had left the girls and it was six months before they tracked them down again. Aside from this, Pamela and Patricia had a happy childhood in Sussex, looked after by their loyal nanny. The Mountbatten marriage soon foundered but they decided to stay together, with separate rooms and, to some extent, separate lives. Both had affairs. India Hicks with her mother, Lady Pamela When the Mountbattens were at home there were non-stop parties, the guests ranging from European royalty to Noel Coward, Fred Astaire and Charlie Chaplin. Edwina kept a pet lion, Sabi, who enjoyed hiding by the croquet lawn and charging out at the players, scattering croquet balls everywhere. In 1940, Pamela and her sister were sent to America for the duration of the war. On arrival they were whisked off to the palatial house of New Yorks legendary society hostess Mrs Cornelius Vanderbilt. After a year, Pamela was still so horribly homesick that it was decided she would be far better off facing the bombs in England. At the end of the war, Lord Mountbatten was sent to India as the last Viceroy. Pamela, then 17, got to know Gandhi, even attending one of his prayer meetings, where she felt with absolute certainty that she was part of something extraordinary. When she had a fall from her horse, he sent her a get-well card addressed to his naughty friend. Back in England, Pamela was a bridesmaid at Princess Elizabeths wedding in 1947, wearing a Norman Hartnell dress that fitted like a glove. Theres a marvellous photograph in the book of Pamela and three other bridesmaids walking side by side and positively shimmering in their beautiful white gowns. After going on a lengthy tour of the Commonwealth with the Queen and Prince Philip in 1953 and 1954, Pamela was delighted to give up her position of lady-in-waiting as she would not need to attend an Opening of Parliament every few days or have to climb into a long evening dress and wear a tiara and gloves nearly every night. Pamela with her husband David In 1960, she married the brilliant interior decorator David Hicks, a daring choice of husband, as he was from Essex and neither an aristocrat nor a millionaire. India Hicks, the youngest of their three children, tactfully describes her parents relationship as a complicated marriage between two people who adored each other. David Hicks died in 1998. An obituary in the New York Times, while praising his genius as a designer, described him as a snob of Olympian proportions and quoted Pamela as saying that her husband started using high-gloss brown walls after she began throwing glasses of Coca-Cola at him during moments of marital discord. For all her wealth and privilege, Pamela Hicks has also known great sadness. In the summer of 1979, when she and her family were staying at their castle at Classiebawn on the west coast of Ireland, the IRA planted a bomb on Lord Mountbattens small fishing boat. Mountbatten, Patricias son Nicholas and her mother-in-law Doreen were killed, along with Paul Maxwell, a local boy who was serving as crew. Patricia, her son Timothy and her husband were badly injured. India, who missed being on the boat because she had stayed at home looking after Mountbattens labrador, Juno, was so distraught that Pamela insisted they sleep in the same bed; she was afraid her daughter might throw herself off a cliff. I lay awake waiting for another bomb, India remembers. After the funeral, which took place on Indias 12th birthday, the Queen asked Pamela to sit with her in the train taking them to the burial and tell her everything about the day of the bombing. She listened carefully, never interrupting, until my mother finished, then she put her hand over my mothers. Part coffee table book, part memoir, this is a touching and entertaining read. The many illustrations are superbly well chosen black-and-white photographs which ooze the glamour and style of an age that has now vanished. Lady Pamela Hicks is, as her daughter says, perhaps the last of her kind. I've been an American Express customer for years. I previously had a Gold card, but cancelled this in 2007 and switched to a British Airways Premium Plus card. However, I recently discovered the Gold card was never cancelled, and that I have been charged the annual membership fee for the last 17 years. The fee was initially 160 but then rose to 195. In total I've paid about 2,400. I am certain I cancelled the old card over the phone in 2007, but Amex says it can't check because it has deleted the call records in line with data protection rules. Card clash: M.H is certain he cancelled his Gold card on the phone back in 2007, but American Express has since deleted its records and can't prove that was the case (stock image) I only discovered the card was still active when I was reviewing my direct debits and found I was being charged twice a year by Amex, instead of once. I know I should have noticed earlier, but the two payments were several months apart and each time I saw one I assumed it was for my new BA Amex. Concerningly, I have now been told new cards have been sent in the post when old ones expired - I believe at least four - and have gone to my old address. I'm worried it has affected my credit rating, and that someone out there has a credit card in my name. I spoke to Amex about this, but there was no offer to return the membership fees and I was told that the manager refused to speak with me. M.H, London Helen Crane, This is Money's consumer champion, replies: You believed you held this card from 2005 to 2007, but it turns out it has remained active for much longer. To highlight how long you've been paying these fees, 2007 was the year the first iPhone went on sale, the final Harry Potter book was published and Gordon Brown became Prime Minister. You told me you updated Amex with your new address when you opened the BA credit card the same year, and all your correspondence from that card goes to the right place. CRANE ON THE CASE Our weekly column sees This is Money consumer expert Helen Crane tackle reader problems and shine the light on companies doing both good and bad. Want her to investigate a problem, or do you want to praise a firm for going that extra mile? Get in touch: helen.crane@thisismoney.co.uk As you remained a customer, you think the firm should have contacted you to check whether you really wanted the cards to go to two different addresses. This would have made you aware of its existence much sooner. You also think the fact that no purchases were made on the card for 17 years should have been flagged by American Express, in the same way that other unusual activity on an account would be. I accept those points, and share your concerns that you could have been exposed to fraud, had the renewal cards got in to the wrong hands. No one likes to imagine a criminal being given carte blanche to go shopping on a credit card in their name. Of the cards that have been sent to your old address, only one, the most recent, has been returned to Amex. Separately, you are upset at the treatment you received when you discovered the other credit card and called Amex to complain. You say you spoke to a customer service person in the Brighton office, and asked if they would refund some of the 2,400 fees you had paid. When they said they couldn't, you asked to speak to a manager - but you told me the person said the manager refused to speak to you. Returned: Only one of the Amex cards sent to M.H's old address found its way back to the firm While there are two sides to every story, that is no way to treat a loyal customer. I contacted Amex to ask what was going on. It confirmed it had deleted the call records from back in 2007, so it was your word against theirs as to whether you did indeed cancel the Gold card. The earliest statements it can retrieve on your account are from 2011. Amex accepts that what was said on the call was not appropriate. While it has taken on board your concerns about the card, it takes the view that you should have been alerted to its continued existence by the annual membership fee. It therefore has agreed to refund you 1,000. This includes a refund of a proportion of the earlier membership fees, and a goodwill gesture to apologise for the poor service you received on the phone. A spokesman for Amex said: 'We're sorry to hear about [the customer's] experience and are in direct contact.' It also confirmed there are no flags or marks on your credit score, so it appears you have had a lucky escape from any fraudulent activity. If you had been a victim of fraud, it is likely that Amex would have flagged any fraudulent activity and reimbursed you for any money lost. Amex wouldn't say how long it retains customer call records for, but said its policy was in line with the 'storage limitation' principle of GDPR. You are now considering a complaint with the Financial Ombudsman. Shares in Rentokil rose after a member of Nelson Peltzs hedge fund was handed a seat on the royal rat catchers board. The FTSE 100 pest control firm, which won contracts at Buckingham Palace in the 1960s, said Trians head of research Brian Baldwin will join from October, lifting it 4.5 per cent, or 16.1p, to 376.7p. The New York activist investor, which was co-founded by billionaire Peltz, owns a 2.26 per cent stake in Rentokil. Peltz, whose daughter Nicola is married to Brooklyn Beckham, sits on the board of Magnum owner Unilever and will be hoping his firm can exert influence over another blue-chip firm. Baldwin said Rentokil has significant potential for growth. Influence: Rentokil, which won contracts at Buckingham Palace in the 1960s, said Trian's head of research Brian Baldwin will join from October The FTSE 100 dipped 0.2 per cent, or 14.06 points, to 8268.70 while the FTSE 250 was down 0.1 per cent, or 14.68 points, to 20,755.44. The price of oil dropped as traders fretted over global demand. A barrel of Brent crude fell by more than 2 per cent towards $73, sending BP down 2.4 per cent, or 9.9p, to 400.25p while Shell gave up 1.6 per cent, or 40p, to 2532p. A bumper summer helped On the Beach report a record value of holidays booked. Bookings rose 15 per cent to 1.2billion in the year to the end of September but there were significant one-off costs linked to its new partnership with Ryanair, and it fell 2.9 per cent, or 4.2p, to 140.8p. Meanwhile, DFS reported resilient results as consumers reined in spending. The furniture retailers orders, which fell 1.8 per cent in the 12 months to the end of June, rose in the first 12 weeks of the new financial year. Shares gained 6.6 per cent, or 7.6p, to 122.6p. Stock Watch - Cirata Cirata plunged 15.2 per cent, or 4.4p, to 24.5p, after its finance boss revealed he will leave after less than two years in the job. Ijoma Maluza, who joined the data specialist in April 2023, was brought in to help turn around the company. He will step down in December and be replaced by Ricardo Moura, who will join next week. Cirata, formerly known as Wandisco, underwent a major rebrand following last years accounting scandal. Dialight edged back up 1.7 per cent, or 3p, to 182p, a day after the conclusion of its litigation trial with its former manufacturing partner. A jury awarded the London-listed LED maker 670,000 damages following Sanminas breach of contract. But Dialight also announced it was considering potential post-trial motions after the trial ruled it should pay 6.5million damages to Sanmina. Dialight fell 28.4 per cent on Tuesday. Raspberry Pi extended its gains a day after the Cambridge computer business revealed profits rose 55 per cent to 16million in the first half of 2024. Shares, which rose 6.6 per cent on Tuesday, added 5 per cent, or 18.4p, to 389.6p yesterday. Tekcapital reported a bumper first half as assets soared 46 per cent to 52million. The investment group said expansion of Microsalts retail distribution and Guidents second grant from Space Florida boosted its portfolio, and it rose 6.8 per cent, or 0.43p, to 6.75p. Funding Circle co-founder and former chief executive Samir Desai will step down from the board next month. He set up the small firm lending platform in 2010, and has been a non-executive for three years, a role he took on after handing the reins to Lisa Jacobs. He said he would step down on October 25 when his three-year term comes to an end, but will remain a shareholder in the peer-to-peer lender. Shares fell 2 per cent, or 2.5p, to 124.5p. Cinema group Everyman is looking for a boost from upcoming films such as Gladiator II and Wicked. It said revenues rose 22.5 per cent to 46.9million in the first six months of the year, with 1.9m tickets sold up from 1.6m year-on-year. And particularly strong films have still to hit the screens. Upcoming: Everyman highlighted the release of Joker: Folie a Deux in October as well as Gladiator II (pictured), Paddington in Peru and Mufasa: The Lion King in December Joker: Folie A Deux is out in October as well as Gladiator II. Paddington In Peru, Wicked and Moana 2 arrive in November, and Mufasa: The Lion King in December. The shares rose 3.5 per cent, or 2p, to 58.5p. Everyman said it weathered pressure on schedules from strike action by Hollywood writers and actors. Higher admissions were largely due to a strong awards season, with Poor Things, The Holdovers and One Life drawing good audiences. Bob Marley: One Love and Dune: Part Two also did well this year. Even so, pre-tax losses grew to 4.94million from 4.31million. Thames Water has suffered two more credit rating downgrades after the embattled utility went cap in hand to investors and creditors again last week. S&P Global Ratings and Moody's each downgraded their assessment on 16billion of Thames' top-tier debt late on Wednesday following the group's warning it could run short of liquidity if creditors do not let it access its funding reserves. Both agencies slashed their rating to an equivalent of CCC+ - one of the lowest ranked levels of 'junk'. Thames, which serves 15million households in London and the South East, faces a funding crisis leaving it on the brink of emergency nationalisation as it struggles under the weight of its debt. Downgraded: Thames Water appeals to investors and creditors amid liquidity woes Moody's cited a 'significantly tighter liquidity position than expected' in reference to Thames' warning last week. Similarly, S&P said the statement was 'contrary' to its understanding of Thames' liquidity as it assessed the utility's 'management and governance as negative'. It warned this 'indicates that the company will run out of cash by December 2024' unless creditors consent to the group accessing its reserves, 'rather than the company's previously stated liquidity runway to May 2025'. The agency, which is downgrading Thames for the second time in three months, said this would likely lead to a 'distressed exchange', with creditors agreeing to amend or extend terms that will result in a loss relative to the original agreement. It added: 'In the medium term, inability to attract new equity funding may ultimately lead to a creditor-led debt restructuring or one that is imposed as part of a special administration process, should the company meet the criteria for special administration to be called.' When Thames lost its mandatory two investment grade credit ratings in July it became in breach of its licence. In lieu of enforcement action, industry watchdog Ofwat said the firm could proceed with a series of 'undertakings' designed to encourage ratings agencies to reinstate investment grade status. Ofwat is also expected to publish its final tariff settlement in December 2024 or January 2025, thereby determining how much water companies will be able to charge customers. Thames Water has pleaded with the regulator to let it hike household bills by 18.99 a month or 52 per cent by 2030, but Ofwat's draft determination said it could only increase bills by 23 per cent over the five years. While Thames Water has the option to appeal, Moody's warned that if the final determination 'does not move materially' from the 'tough' draft, the group may struggle to bring in new investors. Moody's said: 'Inability to attract new equity funding may ultimately lead to a creditor-led debt restructuring or one that is imposed as part of a special administration process, should the company meet the criteria for special administration to be called. 'Thames Water's outlook remains negative, reflecting the risk that any potential creditor loss following a default may be higher than embedded in current ratings. 'An upgrade of the ratings is unlikely in the near term.' A Thames Water spokesperson said in a statement: 'The announcement by the credit rating agencies is consistent with our liquidity position set out in our market statement last Friday. 'We continue to operate to the undertakings agreed with our regulator in July 2024 following the reduction in our Class A debt rating to sub-investment grade and we continue to engage with creditors to consider options for the extension of our liquidity runway. 'Formal discussions with potential equity investors will commence in the coming weeks.' Landlords may choose to sell their properties due to the cost of meeting Government energy efficiency targets for rented homes, experts believe. The Government confirmed this week that all rented properties in England must have an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) of 'C' or above by 2030. The requirement was part of the Government's election manifesto, and was repeated by energy security secretary Ed Miliband at this week's Labour Party conference. The plan will be consulted on later this year. Experts say many landlords may be forced to sell properties rather than meet the new EPC rules, unless the Government offers extra support. Rock and a hard place: Many landlords may struggle to achieve an EPC rating of C or above, and may decide to sell up rather than face potentially expensive upfront renovation costs A spokesperson for the National Residential Landlords Association (NRLA) said: 'Some landlords may find that they are unable to finance the improvements needed, particularly in areas with lower property values. 'However our past research has shown that over 80 per cent of landlords had either made or planned to make energy efficiency improvements, with most using or planning to use their own savings or rental profits to fund the upgrades.' A spokesperson for the British Landlords Association said: 'Yes, some landlords are already selling.' The cost of upgrading rented properties to an EPC rating of C and above can cost thousands of pounds. In theory this should also improve the value of the property, but it does mean landlords having to shoulder an upfront cost. For some properties, especially older ones, the cost rises substantially. NRLA figures show that solid wall insulation can cost more than 20,000, especially in homes built without cavity walls. Landlords with more modern properties will typically pay 9,000 to meet the new EPC standards, Government figures show. However, an NRLA spokesperson added: 'The costs of these changes vary greatly depending on the type of property. 'It is also important to take into consideration how landlords are impacted by the region their properties are based in. Our research in 2021 found that in some local authority areas of the North and Midlands, the estimated costs of improving home energy are around 25 per cent of property values. 'By contrast, in affluent parts of London and the South East the cost of retrofitting with heat pumps represents less than 2 per cent of overall property value.' It may not be possible for landlords to meet the 2030 deadline, either. The NRLA spokesperson said: 'If there is clarity at an early stage on whats required, sufficient tradespeople, and a financial package that means landlords can plan upgrades, 2030 may be possible. 'But equally, if the expectation is to retrofit every rental property not currently EPC C or above by 2030 there is an enormous amount of work to do in a very limited period of time. 'Otherwise, landlords may struggle to afford the high cost of home improvements, and may miss the 2030 target altogether, reducing the number of rental homes available and pushing up rents.' Asked if landlords would meet the deadline, the BLA spokesperson simply said: 'No.' Counting the cost: Some of the upgrades required to make properties more energy efficient can be expensive, such as replacing the boiler or installing a heat pump There is also a chance that rents might have to rise to cover the cost of energy upgrade work. The NRLA said: 'Upgrading to an EPC C will require a higher level of investment and the ability of landlords to fund this themselves will vary, particularly given the regional variability in their options to leverage finance from their property values. 'Some landlords may have to increase rents to match increased maintenance costs, but this will depend largely on the landlord's individual circumstances and the type of property.' The BLA said that rents would not rise for EPC reasons, but only as they are rising already due to many landlords already leaving the letting sector. Finding up-to-date figures on the number of rented properties in England that are below EPC band C is tricky. There are around 4.5 million rented homes at EPC ratings of D or below in the UK, according to data analysts Outra in 2023 - not just England, where the 2030 rule applies. The last Government figures show that 8 million properties in England were below band C - or 31 per cent of the total 25.2million properties - but this dates back to the 2021 census and is for all homes, not just rented ones. The number of well-off savers maxing out their 60,000 annual pension contribution has shot up ahead of the Budget, according to two top investing platforms. A 71 per cent increase in clients using their full annual allowance in the current tax year is reported by Hargreaves Lansdown, and a 64 per cent jump is cited by Interactive Investor. Neither firm would reveal the precise number involved, but both assured This is Money it wasn't just a small handful of their very wealthy clients, but a meaningful cohort of pension investors. However, both Hargreaves Lansdown and Interactive Investor refused to say whether the savers maxing out pensions numbered in the hundreds or the thousands. Pension tax relief: Are concerns about a major revamp overdone? Find out why Chancellor might decide against the move below... The annual allowance is the standard amount you can put in your pension every year and qualify for tax relief on what you saved. It is currently 60,000, or up to 100 per cent of your annual earnings if they are lower than this. The annual allowance includes your own and your employer's contributions into a pension, and the tax relief itself. That 60,000 limit came into play in the 2023/24 financial year. From 2016/17 until that time, the limit was a lower 40,000. Speculation the Government will overhaul pension tax relief in a way that penalises higher earners in the Budget on 30 October is likely to be a main driver of a rise in contributions in recent months. However, concerns about a move to flat rate pension tax relief could be overdone as it would be fiendishly complicated. Below, pension experts outline how arduous the task would be, and how controversial. This is Money's publisher Simon Lambert argues a pension tax relief raid would rob younger workers of a benefit from which older generations have profited. Some savers are piling cash into pensions... Pension savers are using a window of opportunity to increase contributions ahead of the Budget, according to Hargreaves' head of personal finance Sarah Coles. This is in response to rumours that Chancellor Rachel Reeves might have the annual allowance or pension tax relief in her sights, plus a way of protecting wealth against capital gains tax, dividend tax and inheritance tax bills, she explains. 'As a higher or additional rate taxpayer, you're benefiting enormously from tax relief that would see a 60,000 contribution cost just 36,000 for a higher rate taxpayer and 33,000 for someone paying additional rate tax. 'If you haven't been in a position to contribute much to a pension in recent years, then you can scoop up any remaining allowances from the previous three years through carry forward. 'This has the potential to turbo charge your contribution up to a maximum of 200,000 this tax year, provided you earn at least that much per year.' Coles says that people with modest rather than enormous sums to put away will also benefit from tax relief, adding that time in the market will see it grow and build your retirement resilience. Others are withdrawing tax-free cash - perhaps over-hastily Myron Jobson, senior personal finance analyst at Interactive Investor, says: 'With the swirling rumours of changes to the UK pension regime, it's understandable that many might feel a bit jittery about the future of their retirement savings. 'However, it's crucial not to let speculation drive hasty and irreversible decisions when it comes to your pension.' Interactive has also seen a 58 per cent jump in the volume of tax-free cash withdrawn from pensions in the first half of September, compared with the same period last year. This is likely to be in response to rumours the Government could change the rules on tax-free cash. But savers are being warned this is among the pre-Budget moves that could come back to bite you. Jobson says: 'Taking a tax-free lump sum, of up to 25 per cent, reduces the amount of money in your pension pot, which will decrease the amount available for your retirement income. 'The remaining 75 per cent of your pension pot, when accessed, would be subject to income tax at your marginal rate, meaning any withdrawals or annuities purchased with the remaining pension could be taxed as regular income. 'By taking out a big lump sum, you also reduce the amount that could potentially grow with investment returns, which could have a profound impact on the total value of your pension pot over time.' Everything you need to know about pensions with Steve Webb: This is Money podcast special With the Autumn Budget on the way and speculation at fever pitch, Steve, Simon and Georgie debate what might happen - and share their views on what should happen. Your browser does not support iframes. Will the Chancellor take axe to pension tax relief for higher earners? Pension tax relief rebates any tax you would have paid on your contributions into your pot, to put you back where you started. The present system is tilted in favour of the better off because they pay more tax. Speculation that Chancellor Rachel Reeves will consider a pension tax overhaul - including a flat rate - has prompted warnings of a potential hit to six million higher earners' pensions. Other downsides being aired are the impact on economic growth if they invested less, a clash with salary sacrifice contributions, and complications with final salary pensions - which could even spark public sector strikes. We asked three top pension experts to explain the challenges of changing the long-established system, and whether they could be overcome. Calum Cooper: Salary sacrifice schemes, where employees trade part of their salary for pension contributions and tax savings, might need complex adjustments Flat rate tax relief would require overhaul of entire pension system 'Flat-rate tax relief on pensions may sound simple, but it's far from it,' says Calum Cooper, head of pension policy innovation, Hymans Robertson. 'Currently, pension tax relief is based on income tax bands, with higher earners getting more. Moving to a flat rate of, say, 25 per cent, would be a big change and would take time to get right. 'For example, salary sacrifice schemes, where employees trade part of their salary for pension contributions and tax savings, might need complex adjustments to align with the new rate. 'This would require new administrative arrangements for employers and workers.' Cooper says defined benefit pensions, which promise a set payout in retirement and are widely used in the public sector, would also be affected. 'These schemes use detailed calculations to value extra pension earned for tax relief,' he explains. 'A flat-rate system would add complexity and fairness challenges between higher and lower earners in the same scheme. Introduced bluntly, it might lead to large tax bills for higher earning public sector employees.' Cooper says flat rate pension tax relief would require an overhaul of the entire pension system including payroll, creating administrative headaches for businesses and pension providers. 'These challenges are just some of the reasons why the Government will be thinking hard about whether to introduce flat-rate pension tax relief.' Working out flat rate employer contributions into defined benefit pensions would be tough Jon Greer: A flat rate of relief would have to apply to employer pension contributions too A flat rate of relief would have to apply to employer pension contributions and that would involve complex valuations, says Quilter's head of retirement policy Jon Greer. 'If a flat rate of relief only applied to employee contributions higher rate tax payers could continue to get 40 per cent relief (or more) by giving up salary in exchange for higher employer contributions,' he explains. 'Basic rate taxpayers would not then benefit to the extent those advocating flat rate relief would want.' He explains that could mean some form of tax would have to apply to employer contributions, which would be administratively onerous and create a problem for defined benefit schemes -including public sector ones - because how would you value those employer contributions. 'In defined contribution schemes it's easy to identify the amount of employer pension contributions. 'But in defined benefit schemes the employer pension contribution reflects the cost of new benefits for the membership (and for funded defined benefit schemes possibly some deficit contributions) and aren't always identified for individual members.' Greer predicts there would be little understanding or trust in whatever method of calculation was devised for a tax charge on employer contributions into pensions. 'Of course the Government could look to ban salary sacrifice to avoid the above complexities,' he says. 'The issue would then be how to enforce that.' He says it could be done for existing employees, though they would see the cost of making pension contributions increase, much to their annoyance. Meanwhile, employers could offer new staff a higher employer pension contribution and slightly lower salary. Pension overhaul could cause strife with public sector unions HMRC has been assessing the amount of tax relief paid each tax year and what percentage of the population receive it, according to Gary Smith, partner in financial planning at Evelyn Partners. It is being rumoured higher and additional rate tax reliefs could be scrapped and replaced by a slightly increased tax relief for all, he says. Gary Smith: The Chancellor could leave public sector schemes untouched, but this is unlikely to go down well with the public - or the basic taxpayers who are members Smith explains doing this would be very complex, but trying to avoid the difficulties could mean ending up with a two-tier system where employees in some schemes continued getting different levels of tax relief put into their pensions, while others moved to a flat rate. 'The Chancellor could opt to leave the public sector schemes untouched, but this is unlikely to go down well with the general public,' he says. 'They would view it as being very unfair that those members continue to receive higher rate relief, when everyone else does not.' Also, basic rate taxpayers in those same schemes would lose out because they would carry on getting the same tax relief as before, rather the new higher flat rate received by other workers elsewhere. On the other hand, changing public sector pensions to accommodate flat rate relief would be costly and an administrative burden, points out Smith. And in that situation, it would instead be the workers who currently get higher and additional rate tax relief who would lose out on valuable contributions to their pensions. He warns that either scenario could lead to public sector strikes. 'Any such change would also likely be challenged by unions as either basic rate, or higher and additional rate members would be negatively impacted, regardless of which option is taken.' An Ivy League professor punished for her controversial takes on black students and Asian immigration described the investigation into her comments as 'brazen, absurd' and 'an absolute shambles.' Amy Wax, a tenured law professor at the University of Pennsylvania, learned her fate this week after more than two years of ongoing investigations. She will be suspended for a year on half pay from the fall of 2025, must declare that she does not reflect the faculty during speaking events and will face 'public reprimand by University leadership.' 'It was really a kangaroo court,' she said of her pending suspension back in March in an interview with Brown University academic Glenn Loury, while she was awaiting the verdict of an appeal. She described her comments as 'standard conservative takes on very important social issues on group differences and group performance. 'Social issues at the heart of woke ideology which is taking over the university and which are totally appropriate for comment and critique.' Amy Wax, a tenured law professor at the University of Pennsylvania , learned her fate this week after almost two years of ongoing investigations 'It is brazen and absurd. What this report seems to be saying is there is one and only one set of very narrowly defined statements or opinions that one can make about these sacred protected groups. Blacks, of course, being the main sacred protected group.' Wax's commentary over several years formed the bulk of the case against her, culminating in an appearance on the Tucker Carlson Show in 2022. 'Black students tend to clump in the bottom half of the class, and actually it's worse than that,' she claimed. This comment was disputed by the university and Wax was criticized for breaching student confidentiality clauses. 'In my civil procedure class they would clump in the bottom 10-15 percent of the class. Occasionally people would break out of that and even make it into the top.' In the complaint against her, seen by DailyMail.com, Wax was accused of making 17 remarks which served as 'examples of inequitably targeted disrespect' toward minorities. She will be suspended for a year on half pay from the fall of 2025, must declare during speaking events that she does not reflect the faculty and will face 'public reprimand by University leadership' The University of Pennsylvania was reportedly willing to strike a deal with Wax which would have limited the sanctions These included suggesting 'low-income students may cause reverse contagion -infecting more capable and sophisticated students with their delinquency and rule-breaking.' According to the report, Wax considered being branded a 'racist' the same as an honorific and a 'positive thing.' The report quoted Wax as saying: 'I have been called a racist. I lost count of how many times I've been called a racist, and my view at this point is, you know, being a racist is an honorific. 'To be called a racist means you notice reality and to me that's a positive thing not a negative thing that's an occasion for praise and admiration.' According to the report, she also said: 'I think the crime problem in this country, I'm sorry it is true, is overwhelmingly, certainly within cities, it is a black problem. It is a minority problem, okay? 'I often chuckle at the ads on TV which show a black man married to a white woman in an upper-class picket-fence house... They never show blacks the way they really are: a bunch of single moms with a bunch of guys who float in and out. Kids by different men.' Wax's stance on Asian immigration was also addressed in the report. She was quoted saying: 'As long as most Asians support Democrats and help to advance their positions, I think the United States is better off with fewer Asians and less Asian immigration.' 'It was really a kangaroo court,' she said of her pending suspension back in March in an interview with Brown University academic Glenn Loury, while she was awaiting the verdict of an appeal Separately, nine incidents were provided to the school - under oath - by alumni and former students which were considered damaging. Among the most severe of the complaints was telling a class that Mexican men were more likely to assault women, and emphasizing in another case that the witness was a black man, only to go on and call a black male student in class by the name of the witness. Wax was reportedly asked by a black law student to share her opinion on whether 'black people are inherently inferior to white people.' The report said that Wax told the student 'you can have two plants that grow under the same conditions, and one will just grow higher than the other.' Wax was also accused of remarking 'finally, an American... it's a good thing, trust me,' after a series of students with foreign-sounding names introduced themselves. On another occasion, she allegedly told a student that black peers do not perform as well as white students because they are 'less prepared because of affirmative action.' School Provost John Jackson, Jr. issued a statement this week which said 'academic freedom is and should be very broad.' 'Teachers, however, must conduct themselves in a manner that conveys a willingness to assess all students fairly. The Board has determined that your conduct failed to meet these expectations, leaving many students understandably concerned that you cannot and would not be an impartial judge of their academic performance.' The faculty Hearing Board concluded that you engaged in flagrant unprofessional conduct that breached your responsibilities as a teacher to offer an equal opportunity to all students to learn from you. 'That conduct included a history of making sweeping and derogatory generalizations about groups by race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, and immigration status.' Jackson Jr. said Wax also 'breached the requirement that student grades be kept private by publicly speaking about the grades of law students by race... and, on numerous occasions in and out of the classroom and in public, making discriminatory and disparaging statements targeting specific racial, ethnic, and other groups with which many students identify.' According to a new report in the Washington Free Beacon, the University of Pennsylvania was reportedly willing to strike a deal with Wax which would have limited the sanctions. The report stated she would have been required to sign a non-disparagement clause and would have prevented her from suing the school over the drawn out case. 'This case is about free expression,' Wax told the publication. 'Penn wanted absolute silence. The big question is: Why do they want to hide what they're doing?' The Foundation for Individual Rights and Expression Vice President Alex Morey said the outcome should be disturbing even for those who don't agree with Wax. 'If thats all it takes to sidestep tenure, the rights of even the most protected private college faculty are tenuous at best,' he said. Often the only thing standing between the angry college administrator or the disgruntled donor, or the social media mob, or the local legislator coming for that professors job is the time-honored principle of academic freedom. Hunter Biden is set to undergo a psychological evaluation lasting up to seven hours next month, DailyMail.com can exclusively reveal. The thorough mental examination is part of his defamation lawsuit against former Overstock chief executive Patrick Byrne, 61. In a joint filing with Byrne's lawyers on September 17, Hunter agreed to a battery of psychological tests to help establish whether he was emotionally damaged by Byrne's claims of corruption against him. Hunter, 54, sued the ex-CEO in Los Angeles federal court last year, claiming Byrne falsely accused him of soliciting a bribe from Iran. Hunter Biden and his wife Melissa Cohen, leave court after his guilty plea in his trial on tax evasion in Los Angeles on September 5 Byrne posted to his then-290,000 followers on social media site X claiming Hunter contacted the Iranian government offering to have his father Joe Biden 'unfreeze' $8 billion of their funds in exchange for an $800 million bribe. 'These defamatory statements by Byrne are not merely false and not merely malicious they are completely outrageous,' Hunter's November 2023 complaint said, adding the allegations were 'complete nonsense'. Byrne is a Trump supporter who pushed the conspiracy theory that Joe Biden stole the 2020 election, as well as negative claims about Covid-19 vaccines. Hunter's attorneys said instead of retracting his bribery claims when he was told they were false, Byrne 'doubled down' and republished them. A September 17 filing in the case declared Hunter was 'seeking emotional distress damages in connection with his claim for defamation', and agreed to the examination to prove it. Hunter filming himself smoking 'drugs' and fondling himself inside a sensory deprivation tank - during a detox program funded by his dad, President Joe Biden, in January 2019 Patrick Byrne, the disgraced former chief executive of Overstock.com, is being sued by unter for claiming he solicited a bribe from Iran. Byrne quit the company after admitting that he had a romance with Russian agent Maria Butina Hunter's mental exam is set for October 11, and will be conducted by Dr. Nathan Lavid in Long Beach, California. 'The parties hereby agree that the defense may conduct a single mental examination of plaintiff,' the joint legal notice read. 'No one will accompany plaintiff into the examination room. The examination will be limited to seven hours of face to face interview time and psychological testing.' Lavid will use 'diagnostic tests, including but not limited to a clinical interview of plaintiff and a testing period during which Dr. Lavid will administer a variety of standardized written tests,' according to the filing. Byrne stepped down as chief executive of the retail company Overstock in 2019 after the share price dropped when he started making cryptic comments about the 'deep state'. He also admitted in a letter to investors in August that year that he had a romance with Maria Butina, a Russian agent subsequently jailed for illegal influence peddling. Hunter Biden is caught by a court sketch artist at his federal hearing in Los Angeles, where he pled guilty to federal tax charges Hunter's mental exam is set for October 11, and will be conducted by Dr Nathan Lavid in Long Beach, California Hunter's suit against Byrne is one of several civil actions the First Son is still embroiled in, after receiving two guilty verdicts in the federal gun and tax crimes cases he faced this year. He is suing the IRS for allegedly improperly releasing his personal data though whistleblowers who ran the agency's criminal probe into the tax cheat First Son said they made disclosures to Congress through proper legal channels. Hunter has also sued Trump's former attorney Rudy Giuliani and former White House staffer Garrett Ziegler for allegedly hacking his data by handling his abandoned laptop. But he could be fighting his lawsuits from prison in just a few months' time, as his sentencing hearings loom in December. He is set to be sentenced for his gun crimes in Delaware on December 4, and for his tax crimes in Los Angeles on December 16 for which he faces a maximum penalty of 17 years incarceration. His father has promised that he will not pardon him or commute his sentences. A woman says she was thrown out of a Texas megachurch by armed guards after speaking out over claims it mishandled child sexual abuse allegations. Valentina Hansen, 47, of Grapevine, says her membership of Gateway Church, where she was part of the congregation for three years, was rescinded as retribution for her public criticism of the church. Hansen, a Federal Law Enforcement Officer for the DOJ, told DailyMail.com the megachurch has tried to 'silence' her for 'exposing the truth' about senior members of the church. Despite having her membership revoked, Hansen said many people have applauded her for standing up. 'The reason I've done it is because ever since I started exposing the truth of Gateway, so many people have reached out to me, ex members, staff members, current staff members, current members, and have said "thank you so much for being my voice, I wasn't strong enough. I'm not strong enough. That happened to me. I was retaliated against, but I just left." 'So there's so many of those messages, that you know, that's what has kept me going,' Hansen said. Valentina Hansen, 47, of Grapevine, Texas, says her membership of Gateway Church, where she was part of the congregation for three years, was rescinded as retribution for her public criticism of the church Robert Morris, 63, the founder and senior pastor of Gateway Church in Southlake has been accused of sexually abusing former family friend Cindy Clemishire in the 1980s, when she was just 12 years old. He has since resigned Robert Morris, 63, the founder and former senior pastor of Gateway Church, one of the largest megachurches in the country, has been accused of sexually abusing former family friend Cindy Clemishire in the 1980s, when she was just 12 years old. On August 23, Hansen said in a Facebook post that she and another longtime member of Gateway sat down with Tra Willbanks, a Gateway elder, and Lorena Valle, the campus pastor, to discuss Clemishire's case. On September 6, she received a letter from the church informing her she was no longer welcome, and when she tried to show up for service the following day she was denied entry. During the meeting, Hansen said that Willbanks 'falsely claimed' that the church's attorney was in contact with Clemenshire's legal team 'regarding restitution efforts for her trauma' brought on by Morris' alleged actions. On September 7, Hansen recorded herself trying to enter Gateway Church, but she was soon blocked from doing so by an armed security guard (pictured) After allegations of 'sexual behavior with a child' were made against Morris he confessed to a 'moral failure' and resigned from his ministry. Hansen and another member sat down with Willbanks, a Gateway elder, and Lena Valle, the campus pastor, to discuss Cindy Clemishire's case. (pictured: Cindy Clemishire) The letter Hansen received from Gateway, reviewed by DailyMail.com, read: 'The past three months have been the most challenging in the history of Gateway Church, and it has been a time of entirely understandable concern and appropriate, earnest questioning of the Churchs leadership by its members. 'While acknowledging that we must rely on the strength of Christ to guide each and every one of our actions, the Board of Elders believes it has done, and continues to do, its utmost to be responsive and empathetic to current member concerns. 'As believers, all members of the Gateway community are bound by the commandments of the Bible, even in trying times. 'Despite our sincere attempts to walk with you down the path towards understanding and reconciliation, the Board believes that you have violated Biblical requirements by continuing to sow discord and conflict. Despite having her membership revoked, Hansen said many people have applauded her for standing up, including past members, current members, and Gateway Church (pictured) staffers After raising her concerns, Hansen received a letter from the church's board of elders on September 6, accusing her of 'discord and conflict,' as they revoked her membership 'Bearing in mind the wisdom of Titus 3:10, and pursuant to our roles as the highest ecclesiastical authority of Gateway Church as set forth in the Churchs Bylaws, it is with heavy hearts that we accordingly now inform you that we believe it is necessary to make the difficult decision to dismiss you from your church membership and volunteer services at this time. The church added: 'Please understand that this decision is not made lightly and it is rooted in our deep commitment to seek the well-being of the entire church body. We, of course, continue to care for you, and pray for your continued spiritual growth and wish you the best at your next Church home.' On September 7, Hansen recorded herself trying to enter Gateway Church, but she was soon blocked from doing so by an armed security guard. Although she said she 'expected' to face consequences for showing up to service that day, 'the letter did not say that I can't attend church.' 'It just said that my membership was revoked, and that my volunteering was no longer needed,' she added Hansen explained that you do not have to be a member of the church to attend service. During the meeting, Hansen said that Willbanks (pictured) 'falsely claimed' that the church's attorney was in contact with Clemenshire's legal team 'regarding restitution efforts for her trauma' brought on by Morris' alleged actions In the clip she was seen walking through the entrance just before an armed security guard approached her and said she could not come in. Hansen then asked to speak to his manager and was soon introduced to Mr. Miles and three other men who confirmed she was not allowed. She admitted that she felt 'embarrassed' and 'intimidated,' not because they were armed men, but because of how they handled the situation so publicly after being asked to leave by the guards and officers with the Southlake Police Department. On September 13 she received another letter from the church stating that she was not allowed to attend services at Gateway. 'So I sent a letter back saying, "Well, I need clarification. I need to know what businesses you actually own and operate. I don't want to violate this, so you need to be more detailed.",' she said. Lawrence Swicegood, a spokesperson for the church, told DailyMail.com that Hansen's membership was revoked 'because of her continued actions and proactive stances against' the megachurch. 'Within hours, she went on her social media account seeking to discredit the facts she was given calling out the elders as providing false information which is unfounded and untrue,' Swicegood said. He added that this is not the first time Hansen has been told to leave a church due to 'her disruptive behavior.' 'She relayed to a Gateway church staff member several years ago when being interviewed for a volunteer role that she had been removed from another church for her actions. 'We are saddened that Ms. Hansen has chosen not to believe the truth and we wish her all the best in her search for a new church.' Hansen said she was previously drawn to the popular church because of the sense of community it provided, but now she will never go back. (pictured: Robert and his wife Debbie Morris) Hansen told DailyMail.com out of the four churches she's attended in her life, 'Gateway Church is the only church that has dismissed me as a member.' She added: 'And here's the thing too... if I supposedly had this conversation with someone at church about being dismissed from a previous church, why do you not mention the name of the church?' On Wednesday Hansen sent a cease and desist letter to the church demanding that the religious institution stop 'spreading false and defamatory information regarding my church affiliations and personal experience.' She has not heard back from the church since September 13. Hansen said she was previously drawn to the popular church because of the sense of community it provided, but now she will never go back. 'I will not be returning to Gateway. I feel that the entire eldership at Gateway Church, especially those that were personally selected by Robert Morris, need to go,' she said. 'Gateway needs to do a full cleanse. They need to bring the bride of Christ back to being pure again,' she said. Hansen recalled another member of the church telling her that 'Gateway church is prostituting the bride of Christ. 'And that needs to stop. And the only way that that's going to happen is a full cleanse of the church,' she added. San Francisco District Attorney Brooke Jenkins said her office will seek to try two teens accused of fatally shooting another teenager as adults. Jessica Christian/The Chronicle San Francisco District Attorney Brooke Jenkins on Thursday asked a judge to transfer two juveniles accused of murder to adult court, a move that is a first for her administration and one that could result in vastly more serious consequences for the suspects. The two boys, then 16, were arrested in March on suspicion of fatally shooting a 17-year-old boy at the Powell Street BART Station that month. In California, judges decide whether a juvenile can be charged as an adult. But prosecutors can set the process in motion. Upon conviction, being tried in adult court could make the difference between a handful of years in juvenile lockup versus decades in state prison. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Juvenile justice is a polarizing topic within Californias criminal justice system, where laws and policies in recent years have favored a more rehabilitative approach to youth offenders. Some critics have said, however, that San Franciscos juvenile justice system is ill-equipped to reform some youth accused of the most serious crimes. Jenkins decision with the juvenile suspects in the BART shooting comes as she weighs another high-profile case involving a teenaged suspect: Jenkins has yet to announce whether she will seek to try the 17-year-old alleged shooter of 49ers rookie wide receiver Ricky Pearsall as an adult. Jenkins said in an interview with the Chronicle that the heinous, calculated nature of the shooting weighed on her decision, along with the lack of adequate resources at the juvenile level to rehabilitate two young men who went through with such a brutal and calculated murder. Brian Ford, a defense attorney in the case, did not immediately respond to requests for comment Thursday afternoon. But Ford earlier in the day told Mother Jones that his client didnt meet the factors required by law to transfer the case to adult court. Brooke Jenkins decision to seek adult treatment is emblematic of her ongoing inclination to attack the most vulnerable persons in society, Ford told the outlet, which was the first to report on Jenkins petition. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Jenkins said it was her duty to speak for the teen victim, who was also from a vulnerable community. How many times am I going to have to sit across from Black families who are burying their Black sons? The 17-year-old Black kid who got chased and gunned down doing nothing but minding his own business?, she said. The deceased, the victims, are members of these vulnerable communities that must be fought for, must be protected. In a 2022 statement, Jenkins pledged to seek to try only 16- and 17-year-old juveniles as adults when they are accused of a heinous crime(s) that shock the conscience of the community. Each case would be reviewed by a team that would make recommendations to Jenkins before she makes her final decision, the statement said. The policy is a departure from that of her predecessor and former boss, Chesa Boudin, who barred prosecutors from seeking adult charges for juveniles under any circumstance. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Passengers of a 'cursed' cruise ship which has been stuck in port in Belfast for four months had been told they could finally set sail today - only for the trip to be delayed by a new crisis, MailOnline can reveal. Hundreds of wealthy tourists, some of whom used their life savings to book a three-year world cruise on the luxury Villa Vie Odyssey costing up to 27,000-a-month, have instead been stuck in Northern Ireland since May as the boat has undergone a series of repairs and tests. The frustrated tourists, who had exhausted every tourist attraction that Belfast has to offer, with some visiting the famous Giant's Causeway twice to pass the time, were told earlier this week that the ship was finally ready to go and that they should pack their bags. But now it's emerged that despite the ship passing its sea tests a new critical issue will delay their departure for at least another three days - and potentially considerably longer. The unforeseen new problem is that the ship has been moored for all this time in docks owned by the world-famous Harland and Wolff company - famed for building the even more ill-fated Titanic - which went bust last week. The Villa Vie Odyssey, a US cruise liner operated by Villa Vie Residences (pictured), has been delayed once again after being stuck in a Belfast port for four months Gian Perroni, 62, (left) with his partner Angela Harsanyi, 53, (right) are engaged after meeting in Belfast after the cruise ship got stuck four months ago Passenger, Holly Hennessy, of Florida, (pictured), laughed and suggested that changing the boat's name may have brought bad luck Customers who have paid an eye-watering 27,000-a-month for the lavish cruise have been stuck in Northern Ireland for months (Pictured: the interior) This means the shipyard where the Villa Vie Odyssey is moored cannot legally allow passengers to enter - and there is currently no available mooring where this can happen. One dockyard worker told us today: 'I can understand why people are calling this trip 'cursed'. I've been working in this business for nearly three decades and I don't think I've ever seen a ship go through so many setbacks and delays. 'But they cannot board the passengers where the boat is moored now for safety and insurance reasons - so they're having to wait for a space to become free elsewhere and they don't know how long that will take. 'It's incredible that they've finally fixed the engine problems but now have nowhere to board their passengers. What a twist!' Harland and Wolff announced last week that it would be going into administration for the second time in five years, making dozens of its workers redundant. While sympathetic, the cruise passengers didn't grasp this would have any effect on them - until today when news filtered out that its new status will prevent any passengers now entering the vicinity of the ship. One passenger, Gian Perroni, 63, said today: ''As you know we're trying to keep the most positive attitude, but it certainly does seem like the gods are against us! 'Harland and Wolff going bankrupt was a surprise and once again it seems like the stars are not aligned with the Odyssey's plans, however perseverance has become our mantra. 'We're so close that nothing will stop us now!' Gian, 63, has every reason to be optimistic - he has met fellow passenger Angie Harsanyi, 53, during the delay and now they are engaged to be married. The pair believe they are soulmates after meeting in Belfast when the cruise ship suffered engine problems The couple have gone for a pink engagement ring rather than a more traditional clear diamond However with the cruise suffering more delays Gian Perroni, 63, said they were trying to remain positive onboard Fellow passenger Holly Hennessey, when asked about the latest delay, laughed and said she was concerned that the changing of the boat's name may have brought bad luck - The Villa Vie Odyssey was called the Braemar until her rebranding earlier this year. There is a superstition against doing this, Ms Hennessey - who has been to Giant's Causeway twice while stuck in Belfast as well as seen other attractions - explained: 'They say it is bad luck to change the name of a vessel. 'Being a yachtie, I take sea rituals very seriously. 'Anything to pacify Neptune or Poisiden to help us set sail, I would approve of. 'And since we haven't caught one lucky break in this entire process, I'm going to suggest they add Irish and Celtic sea gods to the ceremony.' 'I didn't have that experience with my own boat. But the Odyssey has had quite the pedigree with many name changes in her history. The couple even got matching tattoos in Belfast, a trinity knot to symbolise their never-ending love 'All that matters now is that she's ours. I expect she will love all the grateful souls that have the opportunity to live aboard her as much as we'll love her.' But she played down talk of a curse: 'I don't think she's cursed. No doubt that staffing at Harland and Wolff contributed [to the delays], but I'm heartbroken to see such an iconic brand suffer.' A chef from another ship docked in Harland and Wolff's shipyard added: 'I'm not sure I believe in curses but if I did I would say that ship could be. I don't work on that boat but I know she has had to have so many changes. The poor people waiting to board for that long, I feel sorry for them. 'They also changed the ship's name, which anyone who spends most of their time at sea knows is a bad omen.' The new blow comes just hours after Villa Vie Residences received their final Passenger Ship Safety certificate from the DNV, a maritime safety assessment organisation, which they had thought would mean they would finally be off to circumnavigate the world. Managing director Mike Petterson had told MailOnline last week that he was confident she would be able launch today or tomorrow - but the latest development means the ship will now need to be moved to another port before passengers can board. The luxury cruise liner also includes cabins that are worth between $92,000 and $920,000 The Odyssey, initially set to sail in May 2024 as part of Villa Vie Residences' luxurious plan to offer 'floating homes', has had more false starts than a cursed regatta. First, when it arrived at the shipyard for its overhaul, the problems started piling up: the ship's certifications were all out of date, and the vessel had been out of action for so long that it needed a complete reboot. Despite a series of fixesincluding a new rudder system in Julyby September, the Odyssey was still stuck in Belfast unable to secure the necessary paperwork to take passengers anywhere. The shipping company and Harland and Wolff have been approached for comment. An inmate who escaped jail with the help of his prison guard lover has shared stunning new details about their nearly two weeks on the run - before a wild police chase ended in bloodshed. Vicky White had worked at Lauderdale County jail for 17 years prior to convicted attempted murderer Casey White's arrival in August 2020. A new Netflix documentary, Jailbreak: Love on the Run, details the tempestuous affair the two embarked on prior to her decision to help him escape jail. The duo were on the run for 11 days before they were caught by police. Vicky shot herself in the head to avoid arrest. 'We was married in my laws,' Casey told the filmmakers following his subsequent arrest. He was sentenced to life in prison for the stunt, separate to the 75-year sentence he was already serving for attempting to kill a former girlfriend. 'We weren't married in faith laws... I was her husband and she was my wife,' he said. Casey said he and Vicky genuinely believed they'd never get caught. Vicky White had worked at Lauderdale County jail for 17 years prior to convicted attempted murderer Casey White's arrival in August 2020 Casey said he and Vicky genuinely believed they'd never get caught. Pictured after he was arrested and arraigned 'We thought we had enough cash money,' he said, revealing the plan was to find a 'rinky dink trailer' and pay a year's rent up front to give them time to 'hunker down.' 'When we got to Kentucky and got out of the shower she had me all new clothes laid out on the bed and that was the best night right here,' he said. The documentary included never-before-heard calls between the couple from November 2020 up until February 2022 - just two months prior to the April 28 jail break. Casey's cellmate Tyler Purser, who was clued into the affair and said nothing in part because he enjoyed the benefits Vicky bestowed upon him, along with Vicky's longtime colleagues broke their silence for the documentary. Medical nurse Kylie O'Bryant said Vicky would boast of her dreams to 'go out with a bang' after her retirement. 'I would always ask when she was going to retire and she would say ''I'm going out with a bang''.' O'Bryant thought that meant she had intentions to 'cuss em all out on the way out the door.' 'Well if she really wanted him that bad, I am proud of her. I am proud of her for doing exactly what she told me she was going to do and that was go out with a bang. Sister, she went out with a bang. 'Maybe she was tired of being the good girl, do what everyone says, follow the line, and when that caged bad girl was released it knew no bounds.' Intimate calls When Vicky's colleagues checked her home after the daring escape, they realised she had a burner phone which had made over 1,000 calls to Casey in jail. 'There was some phone sex... quite a bit of phone sex,' Vicky's boss Matt Burbank said. Among those calls was one in which Casey asked Vicky to share her fantasies. 'You're just bashful and shy,' he said when she tried to avoid answering. 'I want you to tell me.' She said: 'I always wanted to be a stripper. Ever since I was young. I thought it'd be fun to dance on a pole and make thousands of dollars. 'If I'd have been pretty enough, that's what I'd want to be.' Casey was flabbergasted, first asking 'why she'd want' to be a stripper, and then telling her 'you was pretty. You're f**kin' smokin' hot.' In another, more explicit call, the pair moaned each others' names while discussing their ambitions to 'one day have real sex.' Vicky White had worked at Lauderdale County jail for 17 years prior to convicted attempted murderer Casey White's arrival in August 2020 Burbank said that investigations suggest the pair did have sex inside the jail on an unknown amount of occasions. He said Vicky, who was the assistant director of the jail, would tell Casey's cellmates they were being granted yard time, and Casey would make some excuse to stay behind. 'We don't know how many times they were allowed to have intimate contact with each other, but we do know that it happened,' he said. In an endless stream of calls, the duo would declare their love for one another and fantasize about life together on the outside. He called her his 'queen' and 'cougar' due to the 18 year age gap - she was 56 and he 38 - promising she would never be 'too old' for him. He said in another call: 'After my first year being out, will you promise me you'll marry me? 'Don't give no other guys no attention in front of me. As long as you never do that, I swear I can work with anything else.' But there were other calls in which they were, in hindsight, plotting the daring escape. On one occasion, Casey told Vicky, 'it's about chicken day babe... we're gonna have fun on our adventure. Never looking back at little Alabama... around the world on a sailboat.' She told him to 'hush, change the subject.' 'Nobody knows nothin' unless you say somethin',' she said. In another audio call, Casey was instructing Vicky where to buy a 44 Magnum gun. 'We go up to Tennessee,' he said. 'In the backwoods. We ain't ever gonna be around people the rest of our lives. We're going to the f**king wilderness somewhere and build a log cabin. 'Anyone gets within 300 yards they're gonna be shot,' he said. Vicky responded: 'I wish I could kiss you right now, so bad.' Casey White seen in dashboard camera footage released by police in Indiana being taken into custody The compliment that sparked romance Burbank believes that through his investigation, he's narrowed down the interactions between Casey and Vicky to find the moment the romance blossomed. He said one day in late 2020, Vicky was walking through the corridor which passed by Casey's cell, while Casey lingered at the door, peering through the little window. 'You've got a nice a**,' he said. Burbank said: 'Instead of Vicky shutting him down, from all accounts she was flattered by that. 'And that's probably where it started.' The duo would go on to discuss that moment in phone calls in which Vicky confided she 'thought you was [sic] just messing with me.' But it was no secret to other guards or Casey's cellmates that he was a flirt. Renee Lewis, who also worked in the jail, recalled an early interaction with Casey in which he said: 'Miss Renee, it's been five long years since I've touched a woman. Do you think I could get a hug? Casey White was serving a 75-year sentence for multiple crimes when he met Vicky Casey White, in the white t-shirt, was serving a 75-year prison sentence for attempted murder and other offenses when he fled. He was also awaiting trial on charges of stabbing a woman to death during a 2015 burglary 'I said hell no you can't. You have to be very strong minded as a woman to work in a jail with male inmates.' Another said: 'I could definitely see a manipulation side to him where he was trying to size me up, see what he could get away with with me.' Casey's cellmate Tyler said: 'Old Casey White is a, uh, a romancer. I don't want to call him a stud muffin.' But he said Casey would 'light up like a Christmas tree' when Vicky was around, insisting that their love for one another was genuine. 'That woman was good to us. I never had much money but I was never hungry... She treated everybody like they were somebody. She was like a mother figure that everybody in there never had growing up.' Furious striking nurses have lashed out at boomers after being verbally abused by elderly men driving past their rally in Sydney. While protesting on the streets of Sydney for better pay on Tuesday, nurses reported being targeted by 'boomer' men shouting abuse from their cars. 'While we were peacefully rallying for fair pay and safe working conditions, an elderly gentleman screamed abuse at us from his car window,' a concerned nurse said in a video posted to social media. 'Another older man yelled, "get back to work f**kers" and "you signed up for this". 'Why do people hate nurses so much? We literally dedicate our lives to care for others. Who cares for us?' She had a message for the boomers who shouted at them during the rally. 'You're washed up, speeding past a nurse rally, ignoring the fact that we're fighting to retain the people who'll be wiping your a$$ in a few years,' she wrote. An Aussie nurse has hit back at boomer men who called out their protest NSW nurses and midwives, who are demanding a 15 per cent pay rise, have declared they will 'stand up and fight back' in their intensifying pay dispute Thousands of nurses and midwives chanted 'we want 15 per cent' as they marched from Sydney's Hyde Park to the state parliament on Tuesday, while mounted police patrolled the streets. This led to longer emergency department wait times and delays to elective surgeries, while only life-preserving staff remained in place. Some nurses opted for humour in their protest, with one sign reading: 'My bra offers more support than Minns.' However, others took a more personal and crude approach, with one nurse displaying a photo of Premier Chris Minns with a Hitler moustache and a sign that read: 'I enjoy being f*****, just not by Chris Minns.' While some resorted to insults, others kept their messages more matter-of-fact, such as one sign that read: 'Bringing babies into the world but can't afford to have my own.' It was the second industrial action taken by the NSW Nurses and Midwives Association in less than three weeks. The union is pushing for a one-off 15 per cent pay rise and has rejected an offer from the NSW Government for a 10.5 per cent rise over three years. Many nurses got personal and crude about NSW Premier Chris Minns (pictured) Some signs used fun messages to get their point across, such as one saying 'My bras offers more support that Minns' (pictured) One sign (pictured) featured doctored photos of Mr Minns and NSW Treasurer Daniel Mookhey wearing red Donald Trump-style caps saying 'Make nursing great again' The government said the state can't afford that big a pay hike, adding that it could lead to other emergency workers demanding much higher pay too. But union secretary Shaye Candish said nurses' wages in NSW were far lower than in other states. 'Nurses and midwives are paid approximately 18 per cent less than nurses in Queensland, which makes it really difficult to keep nurses here in our state,' she said. One of the protesting nurses referred to this with a sign saying: 'Don't call the midwife, she's in Queensland.' According to data from the Australian Bureau of Statistics, the average salary for a registered nurse in Queensland ranges from between $79,058 to $106,144. The average salary in NSW for the same role ranges from $69,810 to $98,014. Victoria has the highest paid nurses, with salaries capped at just below $130,000. Minister for Health Ryan Park told Daily Mail Australia that he was 'focused on nurses pay, not their placards'. One nurse had a sign saying they were 'Praised like heroes, paid like zeroes' (pictured) Republicans are attempting to serve a subpoena to former special prosecutor Nathan Wade - but they have no idea where he is. The House Judiciary Committee wants to force the fallen prosecutor to testify about his personal relationship with Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis, after it was revealed the two were dating as recently as last year. Willis, the one who brought the Georgia election interference case against Trump, has said their fling was a thing of the past, but police bodycam footage showed them together when Willis's daughter Kinaya was arrested on August 24. Willis has been surrounded by scandal since their romantic and financial relationship came to light after she had appointed him special prosecutor in the case. Trump has accused Willis of a 'display of racial animus' toward him, and has called her case 'a calculated effort' to bring flak against him and 'away from herself.' Wade, meanwhile, is still nowhere to be found, as The House Judiciary Committee said it has failed to locate him over the course of several days. The House Judiciary Committee has been unable to locate former special prosecutor Nathan Wade to serve him a subpoena, likely launched to force the fallen Fulton County prosecutor to testify about his relationship with DA Fani Willis. The pair are seen together in August 2023 Willis, the one who brought the Georgia election interference case against Trump, has said their fling was a thing of the past, but police bodycam footage showed them together when Willis's daughter Kinaya was arrested on August 24. A still of the stop is seen here 'Nathan Wade's evasion of service is extremely unusual and will require the Committee to spend U.S. tax dollars to locate him,' a House Judiciary Committee spokesperson said in a statement. A Republican lawyer familiar with the matter, meanwhile, told The Washington Examiner that the US Marshals Service has not been able to find Wade for days - and that 'at this point, we know he's trying to avoid service.' The insider called the attorney's actions 'clearly dilatory,' several months after a judge order him to step down from his position on the election interference case so that Willis would remain. Committee spokesman Russell Dye further confirmed The Atlanta Journal-Constitution that the committee has tapped the US Marshals to locate him in order to serve him a summons so he may appear at a Thursday hearing in Washington. 'The Judiciary Committee has served over 100 subpoenas this Congress,' Dye said. 'We have done so, for the most part, without controversy or the need to use the U.S. Marshals.' He reiterated how American tax dollars will now be spent 'to locate him,' as Wade's own attorney, Andrew Evans, told the Journal-Constitution that his client 'has nothing that is of interest' to the committee. Trump has accused Willis of engaging in a 'public display of racial animus' toward him, and called her case 'a calculated effort' to bring condemnation against him and 'away from herself' 'This is all about political theater,' the lawyer said in a statement. 'Doesn't Jim Jordan have more important things to do?' Jim Jordan, a Representative from Ohio, is the chairman of the House Judiciary Committee, whose series of requests seek to scrutinize Willis' handling of the election case against Trump and several of his supporters. Trump has claimed Willis, 52, is attempting to interfere with the 2024 vote, after pleading not guilty to racketeering and other charges stemming from what prosecutors allege was a scheme to overturn Trump's defeat in Georgia in 2020. The case has been on hold since June while a Georgia appeals court considers whether the lead prosecutor, Willis, should be disqualified over alleged misconduct tied to her romantic relationship with Wade, who stepped down in March. The pair looked remarkably like a couple a few weeks ago in police bodycam footage obtained exclusively by DailyMail.com, filmed together at the scene of her pregnant daughter arrest for allegedly driving with a suspended license. The footage shows them arriving in a black Ford SUV before approaching a group of cops at the roadside in Tyrone, Georgia. The officers mistake the pair for Kinaya's mom and dad but Willis corrects them, describing 51-year-old Wade who stepped down as her special prosecutor when their affair came under public scrutiny as 'just a friend.' Kinaya's older sister Nia, 26 - passenger in her sibling's silver Nissan Altima - had called their mom in the aftermath of the 7:03pm arrest. By the time Willis and Wade pulled up, her daughter was already en route to the Fayette County Jail, 30 minutes south of Atlanta, on a misdemeanor charge of driving with a revoked or suspended license. She was released later that day, and Wade has not been photographed publicly since. In a letter accompanying the subpoena, Jordan explained how Wade's attorney Evan had already agreed that his client would voluntarily sit for a transcribed interview a week ago, on September 18. The meeting, however, never materialized - with Jordan revealing how Evans asked to postpone days before, before later telling him Wade would not appear due to concerns raised by former Gov. Roy Barnes. Barnes, who is also an attorney, is representing Willis in the upcoming case, which the DA has branded as a bid by House Republicans to 'obstruct a Georgia criminal proceeding and to advance outrageous misrepresentations.' Word of her relationship with Wade first surfaced in January, leading to a litany of requests for documents related to his work on the ongoing Trump prosecution. In the bodycam footage, the officers mistake the pair for Kinaya's mom and dad but Willis corrects them, describing 51-year-old Wade as 'just a friend' Kinaya Willis, 25, the daughter of the Fulton County District Attorney, was placed in handcuffs before being booked into Fayette County Jail for driving with a suspended license In a letter to the committee sent a few weeks ago, Barnes claimed that Willis had objected to Wade providing the documents, branding the demands 'improper' Barnes has also asked the DA's office have a representative present at Wade's interview, so Willis could 'protect sensitive and confidential information related to ongoing criminal cases.' 'Any interview of Mr. Wade could implicate secret grand jury information, confidential investigative sources and information protected by attorney-client, work produce and deliberative process privileges, among others,' Barnes wrote. The congressional probe, meanwhile, continues, as some continue to criticize as an effort by Trumps allies to undermine Willis prosecution of the politician. Her case took a hit earlier this month, when Georgia judge dismissed two criminal counts in the election interference case one other count against co-defendants who have also pleaded not guilty Fulton County Judge Scott McAfee found that state prosecutors did not have the authority to bring those charges, which related to the alleged filing of false documents in federal court. The ruling meant that five of the original 13 criminal counts against Trump in the indictment obtained last year have now been tossed out. McAfee in March dismissed six other counts, including three against Trump. Trump lawyer Steve Sadow in a statement said the recent ruling showed that Trump and his legal team 'have prevailed once again.' Vladimir Putin has lowered the threshold for when Russia can launch a nuclear strike in a chilling new threat to the West. The despot, 71, announced yesterday during a meeting of Russia's Security Council that he needed to 'correct' Moscow's nuclear doctrine. Putin could now deploy his nuclear arsenal if the country was struck with conventional missiles, and the Kremlin chief said Moscow would consider any assault supported by a nuclear power as a joint attack. He said the conditions for the use of nuclear weapons are 'clearly fixed' and they could consider such a move if 'we receive reliable information about a massive launch of air and space attack assets and them crossing our state border'. The expansion of the policy comes as Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky arrived in the US to present his 'victory plan' and press the case to use long-range missiles on targets inside Putin's territory. Vladimir Putin has lowered the threshold for when Russia can launch a nuclear strike in a chilling new threat to the West Russia tests its deadly hypersonic 208-ton 15,880 'Satan-2' intercontinental ballistic missile Putin said Russia reserved the right to use nuclear weapons if it or ally Belarus were the subject of aggression. 'Aggression against Russia by any non-nuclear state, but with the participation or support of a nuclear state, is treated as a joint attack on the Russian Federation,' he said. Russia is making slow but steady gains in Ukraine as the conflict grinds through its third year, and the Kremlin is seeking to discourage stronger Western support for Kyiv. Russia's current published nuclear doctrine, set out in a 2020 decree by Putin, says Russia may use nuclear weapons in case of a nuclear attack by an enemy or a conventional attack that threatens the existence of the state. Ukraine's ambassador Valerii Zaluzhnyi this week issued a fresh plea to use Western long-range weapons to strike Russian territory, saying they are 'critically important' for Kyiv's success. He 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'. The expansion of the policy comes as Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky arrived in the US to present his 'victory plan' and press the case to use long-range missiles on targets inside Putin's territory This week, a devastating nuclear strike on London causing 850,000 deaths with two million injured has been simulated by a staunchly pro-Putin propaganda TV channel A ticker on the screen tots up the number of possible fatalities Russia's Channel 1 shows a CGI mock-up of Britain being 'wiped off the map' with the Poseidon missile Your browser does not support iframes. Speaking at the Labour Party conference in Liverpool, Mr Zaluzhnyi insisted that lifting restrictions on the weapons would be crucial to Kyiv's defence. This week, a devastating nuclear strike on London causing 850,000 deaths with two million injured has been simulated by a staunchly pro-Putin propaganda TV channel. Broadcasting the four minute video with an English commentary appears to be the latest move in a concerted campaign to scare Britain from giving permission to Ukraine to allow Storm Shadow missiles to hit targets inside Russia. Putin's propagandists and entourage have repeatedly warned that he could use nuclear weapons. The video shown on Tsargrad's Telegram channel begins by threatening: 'Imagine for a moment that the unimaginable happens. 'A nuclear weapon explodes over London. In this documentary, we explore the devastating consequences of this catastrophe. 'In the simulation, we will use a warhead with a yield of 750 kilotons. That's a pretty powerful charge.' The commentary warns viewers: 'Upon detonation, a fireball as hot as the sun rapidly expands, reaching a radius of 950 metres [1,039 yards]. 'Anything trapped inside this fireball is instantly vaporised. 'In our simulation, the epicentre of the explosion is at Westminster. 'People within that radius won't even feel anything because the nerve impulse transmission speed is slower. 'Within 5 km [3 miles] of the epicentre the blast radius city of London, Camden town, Kensington, Brixton these areas will receive the most destruction.' Smoke rises from the site of an Israeli airstrike near the village of Khiam, Lebanon, Sept 25. Mediators have scrambled to find a way to stop the conflict from spilling over into a much larger war amid fears Iran - a key ally of Russia - could be dragged in A ticker on the screen tots up the number of possible fatalities. 'Buildings will be destroyed and debris will fill the streets, creating extremely dangerous conditions for everyone in the vicinity. 'Given the population density in central London, the initial death toll could exceed 250,000 people and around 600,000 injured within a radius of 10 km [6.25 miles] the radiation will cause third degree burns. 'Within that radius anything that can burn will catch fire.' Meanwhile, tensions in the Middle East continue to be strained with US President Joe Biden saying the region is now on the cusp of 'all-out war'. Israel is preparing to open a second front with a ground invasion of Lebanon, while continuing with its war against Hamas in Gaza. Israel and Hezbollah's burgeoning conflict took a dramatic turn overnight as army chief Herzi Halevi told troops to 'prepare' themselves to strike into Lebanon behind the salvoes of rockets continuing to pound Hezbollah strongpoints. Mediators have scrambled to find a way to stop the conflict from spilling over into a much larger war amid fears Iran - a key ally of Russia - and its other proxies could be dragged in. The angry shopper who ambushed the CEO of Woolworths in her local supermarket has been identified as a pro-Palestinian student activist who has drawn a link between Australia's cost of living crisis and the conflict in Gaza. University of Wollongong student Megan Guy gained national attention after she confronted Woolies chief executive Amanda Bardwell at a store in Warrawong, in NSW's Illawarra region, on Tuesday. She asked the CEO how she could 'sleep at night' knowing 'millions' of working class Australians were going hungry while Woolworths was making 'massive corporate profits' during a cost of living crisis. Ms Guy defended her actions during an appearance on Sky News on Wednesday, revealing she had been tipped off that Ms Bardwell was visiting the store. 'I don't apologise for wanting to stand up against oppression, against genocide and against the profiteering of big companies like Woolies and Coles,' she said. 'I just thought I'd seize the opportunity to give the new CEO a piece of my mind and express the anger that I think millions of working class people are facing at the moment against the profiteering that's happening during the cost of living crisis.' Ms Guy told Sky News anchor Kieran Gilbert there was a link between Australia's cost of living crisis and its support of Israel. 'I think that there's a relationship between the Albanese government giving support to a regime that is committing genocide and wanting to advance the interests of Australia's imperialist connections, and a government that is overseeing one of the greatest attacks on living standards we've seen in decades,' she said. Pro-Palestinian student activist Megan Guy (pictured) gained national attention after she confronted Woolworths CEO Amanda Bardwell in a store in Wollongong on Tuesday Megan Guy gained national media attention when she confronted Woolworths CEO Amanda Bardwell (circled) at her local supermarket in Wollongong on Tuesday Gilbert asked Ms Guy if she had any 'regrets' organising an eight-week pro-Palestine encampments at her university, which led to Jewish students, staff and alumni experiencing anti-Semitism. 'Do you feel for those students though, who've got nothing to do with the state of Israel? They're simply trying to get their education,' Gilbert asked. The activist said there was a 'false conflation' between a student being Jewish and supporting Israel. 'But clearly that isn't the case for many, many young Jewish, students,' she said. 'That's at the forefront of the pro-Palestine campaign in the United States, students who are Jewish who don't agree that being Jewish means supporting a state that's committing genocide. 'So no, I wouldn't make that conflation.' Ms Guy claimed there was a link between Australia's cost of living crisis and its support of Israel. 'I think that there's a relationship between the Albanese government giving support to a regime that is committing genocide and wanting to advance the interests of Australia's imperialist connections, and a government that is overseeing one of the greatest attacks on living standards we've seen in decades,' she said. Daily Mail Australia has contacted Wollongong University for comment. The activist was thrown into the spotlight on Tuesday after she questioned Ms Bardwell, who was visiting the store with chief legal officer Bill Reid and Big W managing director Daniel Hake, about Woolworths' profits. 'What do you have to say to the fact that your company is profiting off price gouging during the cost of living crisis?' she asked the CEO. 'Thank you for reaching out to us,' Ms Bardwell replied. 'We're doing everything we can to recognise that customers are doing it tough and to make sure that they're able to get great prices.' Ms Guy accused the supermarket giant of a 'vulture capitalist venture'. 'Your company has just bought a full extra supermarket chain through a vulture capitalist venture, so that you can continue to make big bucks while working class people suffer. Can you sleep at night knowing that?' she asked. Ms Bardwell replied: 'Our team are doing everything that we can to support our customers. We understand that it is an incredibly difficult time right now.' Ms Guy (pictured) was asked if she had any 'regrets' organising an eight-week pro-Palestine encampments at her university, which led to Jewish students experiencing anti-Semitism Many Aussies commended Ms Guy for her efforts. 'I'm sick of paying nearly $300 a week on groceries. That's choosing the cheapest products. My fridge still looks half empty when I unpack,' one said. 'I'm sure Coles and Woolworth management don't have cost of living crisis as they are getting bigger and bigger bonus year after year,' a second wrote. A third shared: 'The supermarkets are in it to make huge profits. They don't care about their customers, they never have.' Ms Bardwell, a long-time Woolworths staffer, was appointed the new CEO of the supermarket giant in February following the resignation of Brad Banducci. The CEO has worked with Woolworths Group for 23 years, including as head of marketing, and began her new role on September 1, 2024. Her new title will see her rake in $2.15million a year, slightly less than the base salary of Mr Banducci who was on $2.6million. Elon Musk has denied having an affair with Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, after pictures of them together sent social media into a meltdown as he referred to the lawmaker as 'beautiful.' Pictures shared online showed the Tesla founder and the Italian Prime Minister gazing into each other's eyes at the Global Citizen Awards in New York City on Monday, as Musk handed Meloni the titular award. 'Find someone who looks at you the same way the Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni looks at Elon Musk,' one X user wrote, sharing a photo of Musk touching Meloni's shoulder. 'You can't have mELONi without ELON,' another added. The New York Post even went as far as to call the event a 'public love-in' between the world's richest man and the first female Italian prime minister. Pictures shared online showed the Tesla founder and the Italian Prime Minister gazing into each other's eyes at the Global Citizen Awards in New York City on Monday The photos from the event created a stir on social media, creation speculation about their relationship But as the photos started circulating on his social media platform, Musk denied having any amorous relations with Meloni at the black-tie event. 'I was there with my Mom. There is no romantic relationship whatsoever with PM Meloni,' Musk wrote on X in response to a post of a photo showing them gazing into each other's eyes at a banquet table, which had the joking caption, 'We all know what happened next.' Musk and Meloni have met several times before, with the Italian prime minister hosting the billionaire at her official residence in Rome in June of last year. He then returned to the country that December, when he spoke at a political festival hosted by Meloni's far-right Brothers of Italy party. They have previously discussed their shared interest in the West's declining birth rates and the positive potential of AI, according to the Telegraph. Meloni, who split from her longtime partner Andrea Giambruno after he made lewd comments on Italian television in 2023, even requested Musk hand her the Global Citizen Award from the Atlantic Council think tank. Meloni had requested that Musk hand her the Global Citizen Award at the ceremony in New York City Monday night In brief remarks before handing over the award, Musk said Meloni was 'someone who is even more beautiful inside than outside.' 'That can't always be said about politicians,' he joked, going on to refer to her as 'authentic, honest and thoughtful.' The Italian right-wing leader replied that the U.S. entrepreneur was a 'precious genius' before launching into her vision for western conservatism. 'I don't know if nationalism is the correct word because it often recalls doctrines of aggression or authoritarianism,' she told the 600-plus person crowd in Manhattan's Ziegfeld Ballroom. 'However, I know that we should not be ashamed to use and defend words and concepts like 'nation" and "patriotism."' Meloni went on to call patriotism 'the best response to declinism' as she challenged perceptions of the 'inevitable decline of the West.' Musk was seen nodding throughout her speech, and stood up to applaud her when she was finished. A lawyer copped a sobering blow from a magistrate after being found guilty of kneeing a police officer 'in the nuts' at Sydney's Vivid Festival last year. Sophie Holt yesterday denied in Downing Centre Local Court she was drunk during the altercation at The Rocks. But footage from a police officer's bodycam showed the 38-year-old slurring her words and appearing to stumble as police tried to tee up a lift home for her. 'I'm going to remind you that I'm an officer of the court,' she told one of the officers in the video from May 26, 2023. After trying to deny she was drunk, the officer told her she 'couldn't even stand up straight'. 'You walked into three walls and bounced off three people,' he said. Security footage then showed Holt getting into a taxi before hanging out the back window. It prompted police to stop her again, leading to the low blow to the officer as she's taken out of the cab. 'Don't kick him, don't kick him, you don't need to kick him,' one of the officers could be heard telling Holt. Sydney lawyer Sophie Holt during the incident with police at The Rocks last year The moment Sophie Holt is taken out of a cab and knees an officer in the groin The other said: 'Knee me in the nuts again and you're going to get charged.' Within moments, she's detained and told to put her hands behind her back. The law in NSW allows police to detain a person in a public place if they're deemed to be overly intoxicated, particularly if their actions could injure themselves or another person. Holt claimed in court that she accidentally kicked the officers, 7News reported. However, Magistrate Kasey Pearce did not agree. 'It was intentional,' she told the court. 'She is significantly shorter than the officer and had to lift her knee to reach his groin. 'This constitutes an assault.' Holt was handed a conviction and given a 12-month good behaviour bond. Outside court, her lawyer, Paul McGirr, said he was 'quite shocked with the decision'. 'We've already lodged an appeal.' Republican Clay Higgins sparked outrage after calling Haitian migrants 'thugs' and accusing them of eating pets and practicing 'vudu.' The Louisiana congressmen described Haitians as 'slapstick gangsters' in a now-deleted rant on X that sparked calls by his colleagues to be censured. In the post, Higgins repeated Donald Trump's debunked claims that Haitian immigrants had been eating their neighbors' pets. 'These Haitians are wild. Eating pets, vudu, nastiest country in the western hemisphere, cults, slapstick gangsters,' Higgins said in the post on X. 'All these thugs better get their mind right and their ass out of our country before January 20th,' which is Inauguration Day. Far-right Republican, U.S. Representative Clay Higgins is facing calls for him to censured on Wednesday after he repeated false claims about Haitian immigrants in Springfield, Ohio The lawmaker posted, and later deleted, a message repeating Trump 's false claim Haitian immigrants have been eating their neighbors' pets, and calling on them to leave the country Similar false statements by Trump have been repeatedly debunked and only served to fuel threats and abuse against the Haitian community. Higgins, a staunch supporter of Trump, has voiced conspiracy theories in the past. He deleted the post after both Democrats and Republicans confronted him on the House floor. The head of the Congressional Black Caucus, Democratic Representative Steven Horsford, denounced Higgins comments as inciting hate and vowed to offer a resolution to censure Higgins over the tweet. 'These words on an official post do not reflect credibly on the House,' Horsford said. 'In fact, they are inciting hate. They are inciting fear, and because of that, it is time for this body to stand with one voice and to ensure that there is accountability.' Florida Republican Byron Donalds confronted Higgins later saying: 'He and I had a conversation about it. I told him my thoughts. I thought it was not a good statement. I thought he should take it down.' Fellow Louisiana Republican, House Majority Leader Steve Scalise defended Higgins noting how his tweet had already deleted. The House went into recess afterward, without taking immediate action. Later on Wednesday night, Higgins appeared to stand by his earlier comments despite having taken them off line. 'I can put up another controversial post tomorrow if you want me to. I mean, we do have freedom of speech. Ill say what I want,' he told CNN. 'Its not a big deal to me. Its like something stuck to the bottom of my boot. Just scrape it off and move on with my life,' Higgins continued. Springfield city and Ohio state officials have repeatedly debunked the false claim, though Trump has doubled down, vowing to try to deport members of the community. The majority of the 15,000 Haitian Americans in Springfield are in the U.S. legally under a federal program that allows them to remain in the country temporarily. The head of the Congressional Black Caucus, Democratic Representative Steven Horsford, denounced Higgins comments as inciting hate Trump said they were 'eating pets' in Springfield, Ohio, an unsubstantiated claim that first appeared on social media which was brought up during his presidential with Kamala Harris Clay Higgins threatened the Haitian community in a racist social media post The Haitian community has faced an onslaught of racist abuse after Trump and his running mate Senator JD Vance falsely claimed that Haitians were eating pets. Higgins was responding to a report that a nonprofit representing the Haitian community has invoked a private-citizen right to file charges against Trump and Vance, which is permissible under Ohio law. The Haitian Bridge Alliance brought the charges over the chaos and threats experienced by Springfield and for spreading the rumor about the pet-eating. Higgins' office has not responded to a request for comment about the post and its subsequent deletion. Top House Democrat Hakeem Jeffries in a statement blasted Higgins' post as 'vile, racist and beneath the dignity' of the House. 'The disgusting statement by Clay Higgins about the Haitian community is vile, racist and beneath the dignity of the United States House of Representatives,' Jeffries said. 'He must be held accountable for dishonorable conduct that is unbecoming of a Member of Congress. Clay Higgins is an election-denying, conspiracy-peddling racial arsonist who is a disgrace to the People's House.' But Republican House Speaker Mike Johnson quickly came to his defense stressing how Higgins had regretted the post. 'Clay Higgins is a dear friend of mine and a colleague from Louisiana and a very frank and outspoken person. He's also a very principled man.' J.L. Partners polled 1000 likely voters to get their views on fake claims that Haitians were eating pets. The results carry a 3 percent margin of error Trump supporters have used AI images and memes to portray Trump as savior of the animals He praised Higgins for deleting the post, saying 'he prayed about it, and he regretted it and he pulled the post down. That's what you want a gentleman to do. I'm sure he probably regrets some of the language he used, but, you know, we move forward. We believe in redemption around here.' Higgins had been 'approached on the floor by colleagues who said that was offensive. 'He said he went to the back and he prayed about it, and he regretted it, and he pulled the post down.' Florida Democratic Rep. Maxwell Frost chastised Higgins on X: 'One of the most racist and bigoted posts I've seen from a fellow member of Congress. And from his official government account at that. Disgusting.' Higgins has periodically stirred controversy with social media posts since his 2016 election to Congress - including a Facebook post in 2020 promising he would 'drop' armed protesters 'where they stand.' More recently he has spread a number of MAGA conspiracy theories including how the January 6 attack on the Capitol was orchestrated by the FBI. In 1992, Higgins he was a perpetrator of anti-black racism while an Army military policy officer, describing former KKK Grand Wizard David Duke as 'a homeboy' during Duke's unsuccessful run for the presidency. 'Regardless of the fact that David's a homeboy and all that, the boy's a Nazi, and that's a real problem,' Higgins was quoted as saying in the Atlanta Journal-Constitution. Since Trump voiced the false claims during a debate against Democratic Vice President Kamala Harris, his rival in the November 5 presidential election, Springfield has faced a wave of bomb threats to schools and other facilities. Excessive work-from-home culture will stunt the development of young professionals in Britain, a Cabinet Minister has warned, opening new splits in Labour's top team. Darren Jones, the Chief Secretary to the Treasury, said inexperienced staff benefit from going to the office and that British businesses cannot reach the point where 'people are just working from home all of the time'. His words come in stark contrast to Business Secretary Jonathan Reynolds, who last week claimed a default right of flexible employment will make staff more productive. Mr Jones, who used his in-person training as a solicitor to criticise remote working, told a fringe event at the Labour conference: 'There's value to being in the office. People shouldn't forget that.' In the months before Labour's election landslide this summer, making flexible working the 'default' was touted as a potential vote-winner. Darren Jones, the Chief Secretary to the Treasury, said inexperienced staff benefit from going to the office He warned excessive work-from-home culture will stunt the development of young professionals in Britain (stock image) His words come in stark contrast to Business Secretary Jonathan Reynolds (pictured), who last week claimed a default right of flexible employment will make staff more productive Labour is broadly moving away from the Tory sentiment on WFH which saw Jacob Rees-Mogg leave notes on officials' desks when they worked from home saying he was sorry to have missed them However, since entering office, the Labour front bench have been conflicting on their WFH stance. Earlier this month, Mr Reynolds said he was happy for staff in the Department for Business and Trade he leads to work 'in any part of the UK' where it is possible. He told the Sunday Telegraph today Mr Reynolds said: 'You do your best work when you're happy at home and when you're happy at work.' The Business Secretary cited regional inequality as a reason to encourage civil servants to work from home if they are not in commuting distance of their government department. 'Where businesses can be open to UK-wide talent and have the opportunity to access that talent, I think that's got to be a good thing,' he added. Last month Cabinet ministers backed civil servants working from home in a green light for 'WFH Whitehall' as Home Office bosses struggle to get staff to come in even two days a week. Transport Secretary Louise Haigh and Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner told staff they support 'flexible working'. Their comments have been interpreted by civil servants as a 'relaxation' of the drive to force them back to the office which was prominent under the Tories. Civil servants faced heavy criticism for continuing to work from home after the pandemic and the last Government tried to force thousands back to the office. Former Cabinet Office minister Jacob Rees-Mogg famously left notes on officials' desks when they worked from home saying he was sorry to have missed them. Tianjin holds activities for foreigners to strengthen exchanges People's Daily Online) 10:03, September 26, 2024 The Foreign Affairs Office of the Tianjin Municipal People's Government in north China's Tianjin Municipality held a seminar for foreigners to enhance exchanges on Sept. 22. The event was attended by over 20 representatives from foreign-invested enterprises, institutions in Tianjin, and foreign members of the Tianjin People's Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries. Photo shows a view of the seminar. (Photo/Global Tianjin) Ten foreign representatives shared their views on topics including improving Tianjin's profile as a city of global clout and promoting foreign exchanges and cooperation. Luan Jianzhang, director of the foreign affairs office, addressed the seminar. Luan emphasized the office's ongoing efforts to organize various people-to-people diplomacy activities to strengthen communication and exchanges and pledged continuous support for the internationalization of Tianjin and personalized services for foreigners in the city. Luan hoped to work together with all participants to promote Tianjin so that more foreign friends can understand and visit the city, better integrating Tianjin into the global community. Foreign representatives visit an agricultural science demonstration park in Wuqing district, Tianjin. (Photo/Global Tianjin) As the event coincided with the Chinese farmers' harvest festival, participants also joined a harvest festival event in the city's Wuqing district, gaining a more in-depth and intuitive understanding of Tianjin's business environment and its development achievements in both urban and rural areas. On Sept. 21, the foreign affairs office organized an activity for over 20 international students from 10 countries. Representatives of overseas students shared their views and offered suggestions according to their studies and life in Tianjin and their personal feelings about the city's economic and social development. Participants also joined a beach cleanup activity in Binhai New Area, Tianjin, learning about marine environmental protection. They expressed a deeper understanding of Chinese modernization, a greater affection for Tianjin, and their willingness to serve as bridges between the city and the world. (Web editor: Hongyu, Du Mingming) A security guard stands outside Lululemon in San Francisco in August. Mark Farmer, 49, allegedly tried to steal approximately $18,000 in merchandise from Bloomingdales, Lululemon and other stores. Santiago Mejia/The Chronicle The San Francisco District Attorneys Office filed charges against a man accused of stealing thousands of dollars worth of merchandise from Union Square businesses, officials said. Mark Farmer, 49, tried to steal approximately $18,000 in merchandise from Bloomingdale's, Lululemon, the Gap and Athleta during numerous retail theft incidents dating back to December 2023, according to the DAs office. Farmer was charged Thursday with six counts of second-degree commercial burglary, four counts of grand theft and 11 counts of shoplifting. He pleaded not guilty to the charges and denied all allegations. Advertisement Article continues below this ad My office will do everything we can to ensure that brazen retail thieves are held accountable for their crimes that impact not only the businesses but also the communities that they serve, said District Attorney Brooke Jenkins in a statement. My office takes these cases seriously and will not allow us to lose ground and regress to an era where fighting these crimes was not prioritized. Australia's highest mountain could be the latest famous national landmark to change from a European to an Aboriginal name, if the Ngarigo people of the Snowy Mountains of NSW get their way. But who was Kosciuszko, and does his name deserve to stay? That question is answered by Australian author Anthony Sharwood in his new book Kosciuszko: The incredible life of the man behind the mountain. 'Kosciuszko was a skilful military engineer who fought in America's Revolutionary War and led an uprising against the Russians in his native Poland,' Mr Sharwood told Daily Mail Australia. 'But he was more than just a soldier. Everyone loved Kosciuszko because he was a humanist who tried to free the enslaved in America and end serfdom in Poland. 'George Washington was his biggest fan. Thomas Jefferson called him 'the purest son of liberty. Tsar Paul of Russia loved Kosciuszko so much that he freed him from a Russian prison even though he had led a revolution against his mother Catherine the Great. 'Kosciuszko remains morally unimpeachable. Nobody has 'cancelled' him and it's likely they never will,' Mr Sharwood added. Australia's highest peak was named Mt Kosciuszko in 1840 by the Polish explorer Strzelecki, who was the first European to ascend it with the help of two Aboriginal guides. Now the Aboriginal people want the name of their mountain back. The debate over the name of Australia's highest peak is just beginning. Above, a trekker who scaled Mount Kosciuszko, which is 2,228m above sea level A portrait of Tadeusz Kosciuszko - a Polish national hero who led an uprising against the Russians in Poland and fought in America's revolutionary war No formal proposal currently sits before the Geographical Names Board of NSW but according to Sharwood, it's inevitable that the issue will surface again. 'I don't know what the right name for Kosciuszko is right now, but I think between us all, we'll work it out,' Ngarigo woman Cheryl Davison said in the book. The high country around Mt Kosciuszko was an important place for Aboriginal people in summer, with many nations travelling long distances to meet up there for the annual bogong moth feast, and to engage in trade, ceremonies and settlement of disputes. Different groups have different names for the mountain, and even the Ngarigo themselves have several different names. A new book - Kosciuszko: The incredible life of the man behind the mountain - is set to ignite the debate over the name of Mount Kosciuszko 'I think between us all, we'll work it out,' Ngarigo woman Cheryl Davison (pictured) said One Ngarigo clan favours the name 'Kunama Namadgi' which roughly translate as 'Snow Mountain'. But to another clan, that means 'Shit Mountain'. Another favoured name is Tar Gan Gil, although some believe that was the original name of Mt Townsend, Australia's second-highest peak, just four kilometres from Mt Kosciuszko and only 19 metres lower. 'Whatever the future name of the mountain, one thing is clear,' Mr Sharwood said. 'Though he lived more than 200 years ago, there are countless historical documents that tell us that Kosciuszko was this really chirpy, good-natured fella who hated arguments.' Kosciuszko: The incredible life of the man behind the mountain is published by Hachette. Trade paperback RRP $34.99 Sir Keir Starmer was humiliated as unions and Labour members demanded he halt cuts to winter fuel payments for millions of pensioners. In an embarrassing revolt as the partys annual conference in Liverpool yesterday came to a close, delegates backed a union motion calling for a U-turn on the plan. All but the countrys poorest pensioners will no longer receive the subsidy worth up to 300 on energy bills from this winter. A motion tabled by Unite and the Communication Workers Union (CWU) demanded a reversal of the start of means-testing. Unite general secretary Sharon Graham won rapturous applause as she made a powerful plea for the allowance to be restored. The Prime Minister (Pictured) has been left humiliated after unions insist he put does not slash pensioners winter fuel payments Unite and the Communication Workers Union (CWU) demanded u-turn on the motion at the Labour Party conference (Pictured: General Secretary of the Unite union, Sharon Graham) People simply do not understand, I do not understand, how our new Labour government can cut the winter fuel allowance for pensioners and leave the super-rich untouched, she said. This is not what people voted for. It is the wrong decision and needs to be reversed. We are the sixth-richest economy in the world. We have the money. She added: Yes, Britain is broken. Yes, the Tories have left a mess and yes, they are to blame. But Labour is now in government, and we cant keep making everyday people pay. Alan Tate, of the CWU, said the winter fuel payment cut had overshadowed the work of the new Labour government. But during a brief debate, Labour member Maggie Cosin said she did not need the winter fuel payment and the money should be used to help children and others in need. The motion was carried by a show of hands in a rowdy hall. The vote is not binding on the Government and ministers have made it clear the policy will remain despite the backlash. Earlier, Work and Pensions Secretary Liz Kendall defended the cuts by claiming the Government had done more to help the poorest pensioners in the last two months than the Tories did in 14 years. She said: The biggest-ever drive to get pensioners on pension credit, backed by our commitment to the pensions triple lock. This will increase the state pension by an estimated 1,700 this parliament, with an extra 6 billion of funding forecast next year. Alan Tate, of the CWU, said the winter fuel payment cut had overshadowed the work of the new Labour government (Pictured: Unite Union members) But the Tories hit back, with shadow work and pensions secretary Mel Stride accusing Labour of taking money from pensioners to pay off their trade union paymasters. He added: No wonder Labour embarrassingly lost the vote on winter fuel payments at the hands of their own members. Instead of telling pensioners they should be grateful, Labour should apologise and reverse this shameful political decision. Reacting to the vote, Labour MP Diane Abbott said it was still not too late to ditch the winter fuel payment cut. But Sir Keir, who had left the conference on Tuesday evening to attend a UN summit in New York, slapped down the vote. He told Channel 4 News: This is clearly a difficult decision, but a motion at conference doesnt dictate government policy. Its a difficult decision taken because the last government left a 22 billion black hole and we have had to take a tough decision. His comments came after he refused four times to apologise for stripping winter fuel payments, in a clash with Susanna Reid on ITVs Good Morning Britain. Asked if he wanted to apologise to pensioners, Sir Keir said: Well, I am really concerned that weve been put in this position. Labour MP Diane Abbott (Pictured) has urged her party's leader stating it isn't 'too late' to abandon the plan to axe winter payments for millions of pensioners However Sir Keir Starmer (Pictured at the Labour Party conference) remained steadfast in his position post conference despite being 'worried' Labour had been 'put' in the position where they had to do so When you inherit an economy with 22 billion missing, it is a really difficult set of choices. But what I dont want to do is to allow the economy to run out of control. What I want to make sure is that for every single pensioner, there is that increase through the triple lock each and every year... Asked again to say sorry, he said: The people who should be saying sorry are the last government who left a hole of 22billion. Reid persisted, asking: So youre not going to apologise? Sir Keir said: Ive come in to fix the mess, fix the problems, and thats tough, really tough decisions. The cost of not doing it is to run the risk that we lose control of the economy again. Im not going to do that because if I do, you will be saying to me in two or three years time, if we lose control of the economy, will you now say sorry for having lost control of the economy? Deborah Knight forced to deny speculation she was behind complaint EXCLUSIVE One of Nine's brightest stars has scotched speculation she had any involvement in the scandal surrounding Georgie Gardner's on-set spat with a young female producer. The Channel Nine rumour mill went into meltdown this week amid suggestions respected finance journalist Deborah Knight was the source of a complaint to management about Gardner's alleged tirade. But the A Current Affair weekend host was keen to set the record straight when Daily Mail Australia approached her about the cruel whispering campaign on Thursday. 'We actually pre-record the Saturday A Current Affair program - so I wasn't actually there that night,' she told Daily Mail Australia. 'I just hope that everyone involved is doing alright.' She added: 'I have no knowledge of any alleged incident, and have absolutely not raised anything with Nine Management.' The fake gossip about Knight's alleged involvement has been circulating at Nine for days - fuelled by the fact she once co-hosted the Today show with Gardner. Respected Nine star Deborah Knight has scotched speculation she complained to Nine management about her former Today show co-host Georgie Gardner Gardner was spotted looking distressed and dishevelled on Monday following revelations she is being investigated at Nine over an alleged spray she gave a junior female staffer in the network's Sydney studio The two network stars spent a year fronting the program after larrikin frontman Karl Stefanovic was 'rested' from the program in 2019. The all-female line up proved to be a ratings flop and the experiment was quickly shelved. Knight has since continued her successful career across both television and radio at Nine, while Gardner returned to reading weekend news bulletins two nights a week, while retaining her eye-watering $600,000 a year salary. Network chiefs privately insisted on Thursday the wild rumours were categorically 'factually incorrect'. The row blew up after Gardner allegedly slapped down a junior female producer during the on-set meltdown last month with a crushing outburst, telling her to 'grow up!' in the midst of a fiery blast over scripts. A TV source told Daily Mail Australia the alleged incident - which occurred during the Saturday night news bulletin on August 31 - was sparked by the way Gardner's scripts had been prepared prior to going on air. 'Georgie turned up in a terrible mood,' they said. 'She didn't think the rundown was satisfactory or the way the intros (to news stories) were written - and basically said it was s***. The mood was tense and she insisted on rewriting the intros herself. 'The junior producer said she wasn't finished with them yet, prompting Georgie to walk behind her and snap at her to "grow up".' Gardner presents Nine's news bulletin on the night of her alleged on-set tirade Gardner and Knight co-hosted Nine's Today breakfast show for a year - alongside then newsreader Tom Steinfort - in 2019 before the experiment was abandoned According to the source, the heated argument continued into the studio as the scripts were loaded into the teleprompter. At least part of the exchange was allegedly recorded and a clip handed over to management for an internal inquiry following an official complaint. It was intense but a lot of people were there, the source said. Gardner disappeared from her regular weekend newsreading duties for two weeks following the alleged altercation. However, she was reportedly on scheduled leave and returned to work last Friday. The high-profile newsreader was spotted crying in her car following a 'very animated' hour-long phone conversation on Monday, a day after it was revealed Nine were investigating the incident. Although Nine has refused to comment on the complaint made against Gardner, the network's director of news and current affairs, Fiona Dear, has thrown her support behind the embattled star. 'Georgie Gardner is a highly regarded longstanding member of our Nine News team,' she said. 'We offer no further comment.' It is not suggested that Gardner engaged in any improper conduct, only that a complaint has been made and an investigation is taking place. Daily Mail Australia has approached both Gardner for comment about the incident. Gardner was seen sporting a 'post-op' shoe on her left foot while out walking her dog The internal inquiry could not come at a worse time for Gardner. The long-serving newsreader's contract is among those being carefully reviewed by the company's financial controllers as the cash-strapped network desperately tries to rein in costs. Senior network insiders said her $600,000 deal was a legacy of her short-lived reign on the Today show and was 'no longer justifiable'. It is understood she is among a number of key stars expected to take massive pay cuts in the coming months. The work row is not the only battle Gardner is facing at the moment. The newsreader was seen wearing a ProCare 'post-op' shoe on her left foot while having her coffee on Monday, fuelling speculation her recent leave is related to medical dramas. Daily Mail Australia has approached Gardner and Nine for comment. QUESTION Ed Sheeran looks like he uses smaller acoustic guitars than usual. What are these? Ed Sheeran started out as a teenage busker on the streets of Galway and Dublin, playing a Dean Performer E Acoustic-Electric Guitar. This was a standard-sized guitar featuring a 25in scale length neck. A scale length is the distance from the nut (where the neck joins the headstock) of your guitar to the bridge saddle (where the strings are anchored). In 2008, Sheeran made a couple of early media appearances one on BalconyTV and another auditioning for the ITV series Britannia High. Here he used the Martin Backpacker, a lute-shaped, steel-stringed guitar weighing less than 2.5 lb. Martin was the brand with which Sheeran became associated as he rose to stardom. He graduated to the more traditionally shaped but small-bodied Martin LX 'Little Martin' guitars (LX1E). The LX1E is a -size guitar with a 23in scale, which means the frets are slightly closer together than they would be on a full-size acoustic, though the nut width is standard, so the string spacing is the same as a full-size. Ed Sheeran performs during the first day of Sziget Festival in Budapest in 2017 Ed Sheeran playing a surprise support set for The Darkness at The Roundhouse on December 9 last year Sheeran prefers this smaller model, as the shorter scale length generally means less string tension and therefore a warmer sound. Sheeran used the LX1E on his breakthrough albums Plus (+), Multiply (x) and Divide (). In 2019, Sheeran announced a partnership with George Lowden of Lowden Guitars, based in Downpatrick, Northern Ireland. Sheeran has since exclusively used Lowden guitars, including a trio of new signature models for the release of his Subtract (), Equals (=) and Autumn Variations albums. Tomorrow's questions Q: Why was Upton Sinclair known as a muckraker? Jenny Innes, Manchester Q: Does anyone remember a sinister TV play where a council or government department gave elderly residents a day trip to the local crematorium and they didn't return? Philip Brannon, London SE25 Q: Crosse & Blackwell once advertised their products as '10 o'clock tested'. Was this something that happened? Bob Scott, Clare, Suffolk Advertisement Sheeran's first custom Lowden instrument, with a body shape designed specifically for him, was dubbed the 'Wee Lowden'. They have since launched an entirely new brand: Sheeran by Lowden. All the models are slightly smaller than full-size, in keeping with Sheeran's preference. Hannah Pierce, London W5 QUESTION How do they put vitamins in breakfast cereals? The fortification of ready-to-eat breakfast cereals is widespread. Minerals such as calcium, iron, potassium and zinc oxide, and the more heat-stable vitamins like niacin (B3) and riboflavin (B2), are usually combined into a powder known as a premix. This is then accurately metered into the flour or dough prior to processing. Other vitamins such as A, C and thiamine (B1) will break down if subjected to high temperatures. As a result, these are sprayed onto the cereals after any heated element of the production process, often in the form of an emulsion. Dr Ken Warren, Glasgow QUESTION When and where were pinking shears first used? Pinking, or cutting decorative slashes in material, dates from about 1500. Originally, steel hand punches were used to create decorative patterned slashes in men's doublets. This method of enhancing fabric became very fashionable after 1545. Ben Johnson, in Every Man Out Of His Humour (1599), wrote 'O, he look'd somewhat like a sponge in that pink'd yellow doublet, methought'. Pinking in the modern sense of cutting a decorative border for clothing into small scallops or zigzags, was used from the second half of the 17th century (stock photo) Pictured: Red fabric cut with pinking shears (stock photo) The term was probably inspired by the petals of the 'pink' flower, a type of carnation with jagged edges. Pinking in the modern sense of cutting a decorative border for clothing into small scallops or zigzags, was used from the second half of the 17th century. Several layers of silk material would be laid on a block of lead and a punch positioned near the edge of the material which was then hit with a mallet, enabling the shaped end to cut through the material. As women's fashions became more elaborately trimmed in the 18th and 19th centuries, this method of pinking became increasingly tedious. The problem was solved in the 1890s by two inventions: the pinking scissors patented by Louise Austin in 1893, and the Hannum Pinking Machine which was patented in the U.S. in 1897. This mechanical version had variously shaped interchangeable vertical wheels which could be rotated by a handle and enabled material to be pinked at speed. However, the Hannum was an expensive piece of equipment. Consequently, the more affordable pinking shears, as patented in 1934 by Samuel Briskman, were the earliest invention of the ubiquitous tool we still use today for decorative effect on garments. Lesley Edwards, Goostrey, Cheshire Vice President Kamala Harris gave a long pause during her interview on MSNBC when she faced a question over how she would pay for her economic plans. The moment came early in the interview where Harris batted away slow-pitch questions such as 'can we trust you?' Interviewer Stephanie Ruhle asked Harris, who was giving her first network TV interview since securing her party's nomination, how she would pay for her economic plans. 'If you can't raise corporate taxes or if GOP takes control of the Senate, where do you get the money to do that,' her interviewer asked, after Harris outlined some of her plans like a $6,000 credit for young couples or subsidies for new small business ventures. Republicans stand a decent chance of taking the chamber from the narrow Democratic majority, with a Montana Democratic-held seat growing increasingly vulnerable. But were going to have to raise corporate taxes, Harris told her after a pause. 'And we're going to have to raise we're going to have to make sure that the biggest corporations and billionaires pay their fair share. That's just it,' Harris said. 'Were going to have to raise corporate taxes, Vice President Kamala Harris said when quizzed on how she would pay for her economic plans She neglected to say the details of her plan, which include a new 25 percent minimum tax on people worth more than $100 million, a capital gains hike, and an increase in the corporate tax to 28 percent. Ruhle herself said after the interview that 'she doesn't answer the question ... Where is she going to get the money from?' 'She said we just have to do it. And that's great and that's a campaign promise,' she added. The moment came in an interview where Harris blasted Trump for wanting to extend the array of his 2017 tax cuts. The facts remain that Donald Trump has a history of taking care of very rich people, and I'm not mad at anybody for being rich, but they should pay their fair share, Harris said. Harris said her plan would cut taxes for 100 million American, protecting those earning less than $400,000 per year. She talked about building an economy where people have an ability to buy a home, to start a business, to take a nice vacation from time to time. She also responded to Trump's claims she never worked at McDonald's by revealing reciting one of the fast food chain's famous jingles. But the candidate avoided major stumbles, after facing pressure from Republicans and the media to do more interviews. Ruhle also asked Harris how she could raise taxes on corporations without sending them overseas where taxes were cheaper. 'I work with a lot of CEOs I have spent a lot of time with CEOs, let me tell you that the business leaders that are actually part of the engine of America's economy agree that people should pay their fair share,' she said. Harris avoided mostly avoided stumbles in a relatively safe space, on a day when she was campaigning in battleground Pennsylvania while Trump was hammering her in battleground North Carolina. Her first interview since her ascent, on CNN, featured more stumbles. She finds herself in a tight race with Donald Trump, who delivered a speech on his economic plans this week in Georgia where he vowed to 'take other countries' jobs' and once again slid into attacks on his rivals. President Biden's budget calls for hiking taxes for corporations and upper income earners to raise an estimated $5 trillion. A famous tool-using chimpanzee ripped a baby girl from her mother's arms before taking her into the forest to butcher her and harvest her organs. Distraught mother Seny Zogba was working in a cassava field in Bossou, in Guinea, when a chimp sunk his teeth into her and stole her eight-month-old baby, named as Yoh Helene. The little girl's mutilated body was found 3km from the Nimba Mountains Nature Reserve, with witnesses claiming she had been eviscerated - and it feared the chimp may have used his tools to maim her. Chief researcher Gen Yamakoshi chillingly told The Times the gruesome killing was because the chimps 'no longer fear humans'. An angry mob directed their fury towards the scientists who have been studying the remarkable animal community for decades, and brought the baby's corpse to their Bossou Environmental Research Institute. A famous tool-using chimpanzee ripped a baby girl from her mother's arms before taking her into the forest to butcher her and harvest her organs (Jeje, one of the chimpanzees in Bossou, Guinea, pictured yawning in December 2017) Distraught mother Seny Zogba was working in a cassava field in Bossou, in Guinea, when a chimp sunk his teeth into her and stole her eight-month-old baby, named as Yoh Helene They then ransacked the building, destroying and setting fire to equipment including drones, computers and over 200 documents, the centre's managers said. Joseph Dore, a young member of the group from Bossou, said 'it's the way she was killed, that's what angered the population'. Local ecologist Alidjiou Sylla said the dwindling supply of food in the reserve was pushing the animals to leave the protected area more frequently, increasingly the likelihood of attacks. The research centre said it had recorded six chimpanzee attacks on humans within the reserve since the start of the year. Moussa Koya, another youth leader, said 'It was not their will [to be violent] but it has become the habit of the chimpanzees.' Mr Yamakoshi though said it wasn't clear whether the attacks are because of food or 'excitement'. 'It is similar behaviour to how chimps treat one another,' he said. 'If they are excited they cannot control their behaviour.' There are just seven left in Guinea's Bossou forest, which forms part of the Nimba Mountains Nature Reserve, and is close to subsistence farming communities of the Nzerekore Region. In 2022, the oldest member of a chimpanzee tribe, Fana, died in solitude age 71, leaves behind two sons, Foaf and Fanwa. The tiny community of apes use stone hammers and anvils to crack open nuts - the most sophisticated act ever observed of humanity's genetically closest relative. The great apes live in the wild but share the territory and its resources with the locals, who protect them, believing them to be reincarnated ancestors. Chimpanzees are respected in Guinea and traditionally given gifts in the form of food, prompting some to venture out of the protected area and into human settlements, where they can sometimes attack. The research centre said it had recorded six chimpanzee attacks on humans within the reserve since the start of the year The tiny community of apes, famed for their remarkable use of tools, lives in a forest around the village of Bossou, in the far southeastern corner of Guinea A number of chimps have been shown to use tools - including this one at a sanctuary in Kenya - but its prevalence among the Bossou tribe in Guinea makes them particularly interesting But Bossou elder Michael Gamada Koiba said locals now don't know 'what kind of chimpanzees they are' after the fatality. Up until 2003, the Bossou chimp group had been relatively stable at around 21 animals. But it lost seven members to the flu that year. It has also been affected by human activities in the area. Locals traditionally use slash-and-burn agriculture, and though they had preserved a 320-hectare block of forest around Bossou, surrounding deforestation has cut it off from the rest of the Mount Nimba Strict Nature Reserve, where there are more numerous chimp communities. Slash-and-burn agriculture sees people cultivate lands until they become depleted, then clear forests to create new lands, and repeat the cycle. The UNESCO World Heritage-listed reserve straddles Guinea's borders with Liberia and Ivory Coast. The Nimba Mountains are also home to one of Guinea's largest iron ore reserves, which has raised concern among environmentalists about the impact of mining on chimpanzees. A leading child psychiatrist has won a lawsuit after he was abruptly fired for comments about gender dysphoria. Dr. Allan Josephson, 72, was tapped to head the University of Louisville's Division of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry more than 20 years ago. In 2017, Josephson expressed caution about gender treatments for children - leading to his termination in 2019. After being hit with a federal free speech lawsuit, the Kentucky school argued it was within its rights to fire Josephson for the criticism, aired at a Heritage Foundation panel. Attorneys for the university claimed his personal comments related to his professional role at the medical school and thus overcame his First Amendment claim. Now that he's been vindicated, his message for academia is 'tolerance is a two-way street.' In 2017, Dr. Allan Josephson, 72, expressed caution about gender treatments for children - leading to his termination from the Kentucky school in 2019 The decorated academic was tapped to head the University of Louisville's Division of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry in 2003. In 2019, he was fired. On September 10, he won a federal lawsuit that alleged he was wrongfully fired for publicly speaking about gender dysphoria 'Last year, in a case I filed against [the] University of Louisville... over the violation of my constitutional rights and seeking reinstatement of my position with back pay, a federal district court ruled a jury should hear my claims,' Josephson wrote in an op-ed for the Daily Signal Thursday. 'And on Sept. 10, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 6th Circuit agreed.' The former chief of the Division of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry and Psychology went on to quote the judgment that had exonerated him, following a lengthy court battle that lasted more than year. At its climax, jurists deemed that 'Josephson ha[d] shown that he engaged in protected speech when he spoke as part of the Heritage Foundation panel. 'Defendants should have known that Josephson's speech was protected and that retaliating against Josephson for his speech would violate his First Amendment rights,' it continued. 'The 6th Circuit recognized what the University of Louisville does not; namely, that under our Constitution, all of us - professors or not - should be free to speak our professional and personal views without fear of punishment or retaliation.' That, however, was exactly what the psychiatrist was met with in the fall of 2017, after stating a need to start finding out the cause of kids' 'transgender' confusion and resolving any emotional problems before considering risky treatments. The assertion came after Josephson was met with what he put Thursday 'as a straightforward and timely' question - that being, 'How does one best treat children diagnosed with gender dysphoria?' The Kentucky school argued it was within its rights to fire Josephson for the criticism, aired at a Heritage Foundation panel in 2017 (seen here) He responded: 'This is a socio-cultural psychological phenomenon, and the fact that we're even talking about using medicine to solve it, uh, I'm trying to remember - there's a kind of a joke. 'The guy looking for his wallet he lost his wallet - he lost his wallet - and somebody said, "Well, you lost it down the street. Why aren't you looking down there?' he continued. 'He said, "well, here's where the light is." 'The real issue is down there,' Josephson then asserted, before pointing to the proverbial problem. 'I'm here for two reasons,' he insisted. 'One: I have a commitment to the idea that parents children need help. And they're not getting help because of this phenomenon. 'I'm not going to use the word abuse,' he continued, 'but I will want you to think for a few brief moments about the idea of neglect '[I'll] give you some examples of why this is a neglectful phenomenon, neglecting the developmental needs of children.' 'I'm also here because I think truth matters,' he declared. 'There are a number of things that are just not true in the sociological phenomenon.' The fall 2017 event was not associated with the school, and saw experts like Josephson speak on the phenomenon and the public's response He went on to state how over the last several years, 'this thing [has] just mushroomed', before reciting a declaration from a licensed physician he found the matter. The doctor, he said, wrote that 'the cost of not assigning sex is dire,' and that 'it is counter to medical science to use chromosomes, hormones, internal reproductive organs, external genitalia, [and] secondary sex characteristics to override gender identity for the purposes of classifying someone as male or female. 'Gender identity should control when there is a need to classify an individual,' the physician went on to write, leading Josephson to express disbelief. 'I was stunned when I read that,' he said - claiming the assertion was 'counter to medical Science, chromosomes, anatomy, physiology, [and] genetics.' 'This is medical science,' he proclaimed. 'That's how we categorize things. but that should take second place to this feeling this notion of gender identity? 'Unbelievable,' he concluded. For this, the University of Louisville fired him, after first demoting him from the division chief role he assumed back in 2003 and stripping him of his teaching duties. In his piece for the Daily Signal, Josephson wrote how he had been 'ostracized' and 'subjected to other forms of hostility,' as faculty members demanded he apologize for his views on transgender issues, though without specifying to whom. Attorneys for the school had argued that Josephson's personal comments related to his professional role at the university's medical school and thus overcame his First Amendment claim. The argument did not sway the judge 'Others remained silent, knowing which way the cultural winds were blowing,' Josephson recalled. 'I was stunned to realize I was actually being punished for doing what I was paid to do; namely, think and speak.' About a year later, the university refused to renew his contract - 'in effect, firing me,' he wrote Thursday. 'Professionally speaking, I had strong reservations about such transgender policies and said so,' he continued. 'That was after 14 successful years rebuilding and leading the division, three years with perfect reviews, no disruptions in the divisions work, and no problems recruiting new faculty. 'I wasnt fired for poor management, teaching, or unprofessional conduct,' he went on to write. 'The university ended my career because I elected not to surf the current wave of social activism, because I expressed views -supported by scientific literature and clinical experience -that the university found politically incorrect, 'In my case, activism trumped academic thought,' he proclaimed. 'Worse still, by what it did to me, our university communicated to students and faculty things that should be unthinkable in higher education,' he continued. 'Dont ask questions or listen to anyone with a different point of view. 'I wasnt fired for poor management, teaching, or unprofessional conduct,' Josephson said after win. 'The university ended my career because I elected not to surf the current wave of social activism' 'Those are about the worst possible lessons we can impress upon those who will one day lead our communities or care for vulnerable patients,' he concluded, days after winning the case Travis Barham, a senior counsel from the nonprofit who represented Josephson, the Alliance Defending Freedom, celebrated the victory as well. 'Dr Josephson had a long and distinguished career at the University of Louisville, leading and rebuilding its child psychiatry program,' the attorney wrote in a statement. 'On his own time, he spoke about treatments for children struggling with their sex, and the university punished him for expressing his opinion. 'Thats exactly what the First Amendment prohibits, and when public universities disregard our nations highest law, they must be held accountable. 'We look forward to continuing to protect Dr Josephsons clearly established right to free speech and reminding all public universities that they are marketplaces of ideas.' The university of Louisville - whose LGBT center complained to the school about Josephson - has yet to issue a statement in response. Sue Gray's taxpayer-funded salary should not be a topic of public debate, Sir Keir Starmer has claimed. The Prime Minister also said the growing number of negative briefings about his powerful Chief of Staff were 'not helpful'. It emerged last week that she is being paid 170,000 a year, 3,000 more than his own salary, causing anger among advisers who have been forced to accept pay cuts. In an interview with the BBC during his visit to New York, the PM was asked if he is going to get rid of the 'grumblers' who are leaking information about Ms Gray - or get rid of her. He replied: 'I'm not going to discuss individual members of staff, whoever they are, any name of the staff you could have put to me in this interview, and I'd have the same answer to you. Downing Street sources said Sue Gray, a former civil servant, was being paid 170,000 as chief of staff, compared to the 166,000 earned by Sir Keir Sir Keir Starmer has now said that Ms Gray's salary should not be the topic of debate 'I don't believe that my staff should be the subject of public debate like this, and I'm not going to play any part in it.' Asked if he acknowledged that people within No 10 are unhappy and he has the responsibility to deal with it, Sir Keir said: 'Well, I acknowledge that briefings to you are not helpful to the government. 'My focus is on what we need to do as a government to change the country for the better.' He went on: 'It's my job to deal with briefings, and I take responsibility for that. But, you know, I get up every day to ensure that we're delivering the change that we're elected into government to deliver as does every member of the cabinet.' Sir Keir was also asked if Ms Gray or the Treasury are in charge of the Government. He replied: 'Look the way we do it is as you would expect, through strong Cabinet decisions. I will openly admit the Chancellor and I are very close. We think together we have got a shared strategy and approach, and therefore, the fact that there's nothing between the Chancellor and the Prime Minister shouldn't become a surprise. 'That's how we have been operating for a number of years.' His comments came as Ms Gray accompanied him to the UN Security Council, having been with him at the White House when he held talks with President Joe Biden earlier this month. However she did not attend Labour party conference in Liverpool this week in the wake of the row over her salary and influence. Ms Gray's salary was leaked last week by Downing Street sources to the BBC. In an astonishing briefing to the broadcaster, they also accused Ms Gray of acting 'increasingly grand' and acting as the only conduit for access to the PM. '[She] considers herself to be the Deputy Prime Minister, hence the salary and no other voice for the Prime Minister to hear as everything gets run through Sue,' they told the broadcaster. Another added: 'It was suggested that she might want to go for a few thousand pounds less than the Prime Minister to avoid this very story. She declined.' A Cabinet Office spokesperson said at the time: 'It is false to suggest that political appointees have made any decisions on their own pay bands or determining their own pay. 'Any decision on special adviser pay is made by officials not political appointees. As set out publicly, special advisers cannot authorise expenditure of public funds or have responsibility for budgets.' Labour ministers are eyeing up plans to create an American-style prison where inmates can reduce their prison time by earning points for good behaviour. Later this year, Justice Secretary Shabana Mahmood is set to visit Texas to muster up some ideas of how Britain's struggling prison system can copy its success in lowering re-offending rates. Inmates in the southern US state famed for cowboys can slash their prison sentence by earning points for stellar behaviours. They are also awarded credits if they take part in workshops that face the underlying causes of their offending, for example substance abuse. Prisoners can also enroll in vocational and educational training, sessions on drug rehabilitation and behavioural change to reduce their time behind bars. Labour ministers are lining up plans to create an American-style prison where inmates can reduce their prison time by earning points for good behaviour and attending workshops (Pictured: Wandsworth Prison) Justice Secretary Shabana Mahmood (Pictured) is set to visit Texas to assess if Britain could replicate their scheme which has seen the Texan prison population fall by 15 per cent James Timpson OBE, who is the current Prisons minister will also be visiting the US state alongside the cabinet minister to assess if the plan could work According to The Times, it is believed that Prisons minister, Lord Timpson alongside the Justice Secretary are assessing whether a similar system could work on English and Welsh soil. Currently a prisoners in the two countries are released depending on how dangerous they are to the public. Back in 2007, Texan prisons were in a similar state to Britain's current crisis, with penitentiaries at capacity with an estimated $2 billion needed to create and operate an extra 17,000 in a five year time frame. However Republican governor Rick Perry, opted to launch a committee to brain-storm how to reduce re-offending in lieu of building more prisons. As a result hundreds of millions of dollars was pumped into vocational, education and drug treatment programmes which would earn inmates time off their jail time. The reforms meant the US state could shutter 16 jails and save around $2 billion, with the prison population decreasing by 15 per cent from 2007 to 2023. However, a UK source believes the Texas prison model would only be successful with considerable financial backing. This comes as Labour desperately scramble to tackle the over population crisis in English and Welsh prisons (stock image) Since taking office, Keir Starmer's Labour government has cut the proportion of a sentence inmates must serve behind bars from 50 per cent to 40 per cent in a bid to take on the issue The source told The Times: 'If theres no additional money then this will be a totally cosmetic exercise. The Ministry of Justice is currently stuck in negotiations with the Treasury ahead of next month's budget and the upcoming spending review this spring, amid worries that the department may experience significant cuts instead of increased funding. MailOnline has approached the Ministry of Justice for comment. This comes as Labour recently introduced an early release prison scheme in England and Wales in a bid to tackle the over-crowding epidemic in British prisons. However the early release prison scheme was in crisis last night as it emerged domestic abusers have been freed by mistake. Dozens of offenders convicted of breaching a restraining order have been wrongly let out of jail. The Ministry of Justice is now striving to avoid more ineligible offenders being freed after the oversight emerged. In all, 37 men were released in error. Most have now been recalled to jail but five were still on the loose last night. Jails have been ordered to manually recalculate prisoners' correct release dates after the shocking mix-up. File. A memo was sent last week requiring jails to reassess all prisoners serving time for an offence commonly imposed on domestic abusers within two days Justice Sec Shabana Mahmood delivers her keynote speech at the Labour Party Conference Justice Secretary Shabana Mahmood introduced the early release scheme, known as SDS40, earlier this month to free space in the overcrowded jails. An internal Ministry of Justice memo, seen by the Mail, said: 'It is essential that prisons take action to identify any releases in error and prevent any future releases in error as a result of this issue. 'Immediate action is needed to check all breach of restraining order sentences in custody and releases since SDS40 went live on September 10.' The memo was sent on Wednesday last week and required jails to reassess all prisoners serving time for the offence, which is commonly imposed on domestic abusers, within two days. The document said prisoners convicted of the offence may have been incorrectly sentenced under the Protection from Harassment Act 1997 instead of the Sentencing Act 2020. Only those under the later legislation should have been eligible for early release. The memo said the issue 'could not have been foreseen or prevented by prisons' and they would not face further action. Instead, a ministry team will carry out a 'review of all cases caused by this issue', it added. Domestic Abuse Commissioner Nicole Jacobs voiced her opposition to SDS40 earlier this month.The watchdog said the scheme did not go far enough to protect victims from their abusers. 'There is no justice in allowing perpetrators of domestic abuse to be released early,' she said. 'I have made it clear to Government that to safeguard victims, all offenders with a known history of domestic abuse must be exempt from this scheme.' The commissioner declined to comment on the latest development last night. There is set to be a review on sentencing next month, headed by Labour's home secretary where they will look to other countries such as Scandanavia and the Netherlands to better tackle the prison population crisis. A decision will not be made until the review has been released alongside its recommendations i 2025, according to The Times. There were sickening scenes of celebration outside jails as the first inmates were released on September 10, with some thanking Sir Keir Starmer and swearing to be 'lifelong Labour voters' as a result of the scheme. Terrorists and sex offenders are exempt from the sentence discount, along with violent criminals serving more than four years' imprisonment. The Mail revealed earlier this month that a criminal had been charged with sexually assaulting a woman just an hour after being let out under the scheme. The 31-year-old offender allegedly assaulted a woman while on the way from prison to a railway station, and then went on the run. File. Terrorists and sex offenders are exempt from the sentence discount, along with violent criminals serving more than four years' An MoJ spokesman said: 'We are working with the police to urgently return a very small number of offenders to custody. 'The convictions remain valid with offenders monitored since their release and will soon be back behind bars.' He added: 'Public safety is our first priority. 'That is why we took decisive action to fix the broken prison system we inherited and keep the most dangerous offenders locked up. 'This included blocking the early release of domestic abuse offences such as stalking and controlling behaviour.' A high-profile Sydney drill rapper will face court over the alleged stabbing death of a popular rugby league player on a Sydney street outside a fast-food restaurant. Jacob Tammer-Spence, who goes by rap name Snoee Badman, was arrested at Concord in Sydney's inner-west on Wednesday afternoon and is due to face Burwood Local Court charged with murder on Thursday. Sitaleki 'Leki' Filihiahekava, 32, was allegedly fatally stabbed outside a Guzman y Gomez outlet on Marrickville Road, Marrickville, at about 7.40pm on Monday, after having dinner with his family. Police canvassed CCTV footage from the road as they searched for his alleged attacker. Some restaurants had to stop trading for the night. Police believe the alleged stabbing was a targeted attack and are investigating possible links to organised crime. Filihiahekava was believed to have been dining before leaving and briefly meeting up with another man prior to the alleged stabbing, police said. It was revealed earlier on Wednesday that Mr Filihiahekava was an associate of Dejan 'Danny' Radulovic, who was beaten and stabbed to dath in July last year in Balmain. Radulovic was on parole for drug supply at the time, and police suspect the attack was over a drug-related dispute. Jacob Tammer-Spence, who goes by rap name Snoee Badman, has been charged with murder Snoee Badman is due to face court on Thursday Snoee Badman is a drill rapper - a subgenre of hiphop music Filihiahekava was also friendly with William Siale, who alongside his brother Eric, were shot while sitting in a barber shop in July last year. The Siale brothers survived the shooting which occurred on the same street where Mr Filihiahekava died on Monday. Police and distressed family members rushed to help him and administered first aid, but despite their efforts, Mr Filihiahekava could not be saved. Witnesses heard the 'heartbreaking' cries of the man's mother, while his brother arrived at the scene and tried to lift the sheet covering the body. Police held back the distraught man who was heard screaming: 'He's my f***ing brother, don't touch me.' 'It was a highly emotive crime scene,' Acting Superintendent Ben Kennis told reporters. 'A male did breach the crime scene and had to be restrained by the police.' Other distressed relatives were heard wailing as police searched the surrounding scene with flashlights searching for evidence, and interviewed nearby shopkeepers. Mr Filihiahekava's relatives were moved on by police before the scene was cordoned off. Sitaleki 'Leki' Filihiahekava, 32 (pictured) was allegedly stabbed to death outside a Guzman y Gomez store in Sydney's inner-west Sitaleki Filihiahekava (pictured centre) was a popular player with the Mascot Juniors, a semi-professional rugby league football based in Mascot, south Sydney Superintendent Kennis explained police allege the 'two people met, and the attack was somewhat targeted'. 'It was not random in nature,' he alleged. 'It's too early to say if they had arranged it ... it was clear that they did know each other.' Superintendent Kennis did not comment on Mr Filihiahekava's injuries but said they were inflicted with a 'sharp instrument'. 'I don't know whether it was a knife... I know it was a sharp instrument given the injuries. I cannot say with any certainty what weapon used was,' he said. On Tuesday morning, bouquets of flowers, handwritten notes and a lit candle were left outside the front of the Mexican restaurant, as Mr Filihiahekava's loved ones struggle to come to terms with his loss. 'Rest in peace my brother,' read one. Many were seen in tears and consoling each other as they stood on the same spot where Mr Filihiahekava died. Heartbroken loved ones returned to the scene of the shocking crime to leave flowers and pay their respects Flowers and cards were left outside the restaurant where Mr Filihiahekava was killed, while a vigil was held the following night Mascot Juniors rugby league club shared touching tribute on social media to the rugby player following his death. Mascot Juniors footy club president Frank Cookson described Mr Filihiahekava as a 'well-liked and respected' member of the A Reserve grade premier team. 'Leki was a much loved player of our club who played with his heart on his sleeve (and always with a joke and a smile), every time he took the field with those he called his brothers,' wrote. 'To the extensive Filihiahekava family and Leki's multitude of friends we express our deepest sympathy. RIP Leki your happy, friendly personality will be greatly missed.' Artem Chigvintsev, pictured in 2018 in Los Angeles, broke his silence following his arrest in Napa County on suspicion of felony domestic violence, a day after prosecutors declined to file charges. Allen Berezovsky/Getty Images Artem Chigvintsev and Nikki Bella are seen outside Good Morning America on Jan. 25, 2023, in New York. Former Dancing With the Stars pro Chigvintsev has broken his silence after his August arrest. Raymond Hall/Getty Images Former Dancing With the Stars pro Artem Chigvintsev has broken his silence following his arrest in August in Napa County on suspicion of felony domestic violence, a day after prosecutors declined to file charges. I am incredibly relieved and grateful that the domestic violence charges against me have been dropped, Chigvintsev said in a statement on Wednesday, Sept. 25. This has been an extremely difficult time for me. I am thankful that the truth has prevailed. Chigvintsev emphasized that his focus has always been and will always be on Matteo, the 4-year-old son he shares with his wife, Nikki Garcia known as Nikki Bella from WWEs Bella Twins. Advertisement Article continues below this ad He is my world, and being his father is the greatest blessing in my life, Chigvintsev said. All along, my main concern has been for him. I am committed to continuing to provide him with the love, support, and care he needs as we move forward. I am hopeful that securing an equal custody arrangement will help us move on. Artem Chigvintsev was arrested and booked on a domestic violence charge on Aug. 29. Napa County Department of Corrections via Associated Press Garcias representative confirmed she filed for divorce from Chigvintsev following his arrest at their Yountville home on Aug. 29. I want to express my deepest gratitude to my family, friends, and legal team for standing by me during this challenging time, the dancer continued. Your support has been invaluable, and I am thankful to everyone who believed in me and saw the truth for what it was. Napa County District Attorney Allison Haley announced Tuesday, Sept. 24, that her office will not pursue criminal charges against Chigvintsev following a comprehensive review of the criminal investigation. Advertisement Article continues below this ad While we take every arrest seriously and stand firmly against domestic violence, we have an ethical obligation to only file charges when supported by the evidence, Haley said. Chigvintsevs attorney, Ilona Antonyan, said her client is focused on custody negotiations and indicated that he was not the primary aggressor in the incident. He is a very dedicated, interactive, nurturing, and loving parent, Antonyan said in a statement to People. My understanding of the investigated facts surrounding the 8/29/24 incident have led me to conclude from the beginning that Artem was not the primary aggressor. I believe that to be true even if the burden of proof would be the preponderance of evidence, which is the standard of proof in family court. He was protecting himself and Matteo. Nikki Bella, left, and Artem Chigvintsev attend Nickelodeon Kids Choice Sports 2019 at Barker Hangar in Santa Monica. Neilson Barnard/Getty Images A recorded 911 call obtained by TMZ reveals that Chigvintsev accused Garcia of throwing shoes at him following an argument. He later called off the paramedics. The dispatcher noted that a child was present and that Chigvintsev and Garcia were physically separated at the time of the call. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Chigvintsev and Garcia first participated as a duo in Season 25 of Dancing With the Stars in 2017 when she was still engaged to John Cena (the couple broke up a year later) and were married in August 2022. The couple celebrated their wedding anniversary on social media days before Chigvintsevs arrest. I am confident he will move forward from this situation with strength and dignity, Antonyan added. Artem is fully committed to fostering a positive co-parenting relationship with his ex. Divorce is never easy, but once custody is settled, the remaining issues tend to be less emotionally charged and easier to resolve. Chigvintsev, who is not on the current season of Dancing With the Stars, appeared on 12 seasons of the show since 2014 and won the Mirrorball Trophy in 2019 with Bachelorette alum Kaitlyn Bristowe. Advertisement Article continues below this ad New York City Mayor Eric Adams painted himself as a victim of persecution after being indicted on federal charges last night, saying he was singled out by the Biden administration for his stance on the migrant crisis. Adams, 64, became the first New York City mayor to be charged criminally while still in office on Wednesday. The indictment remains sealed. In a pre-recorded video statement released on Wednesday night, Adams chalked it all up to a political witch hunt. He believes he is being unfairly cast out for speaking out against the Biden administration's disastrous handling of the migrant crisis. While the indictment remains sealed, Adams has came under fire in the past for questionable donations to his 2021 campaign from associates of the Turkish government. The New York Times reports that Adams' dealings with Israel, China, Qatar, South Korea and Uzbekistan are also under the federal microscope. His indictment on Wednesday comes after a turbulent month of investigations and subsequent resignations from senior members of the NYC government. Eric Adams has painted himself as a victim of persecution after being indicted - saying he was singled out by the Biden administration for his stance on the migrant crisis In a two-minute clip filmed from Gracie Mansion, the politician said he 'always knew' he would become a target because of his views, before reminding onlookers the he has beseeched Joe Biden for federal help. He claimed the investigations into him were started in response Defiant in his pre-recorded statement last night, Adams said: 'It is now my belief that the federal government is attempting charge me with crimes. If so, these charges will be entirely false, based on lies,' he continued, before laying blame elsewhere. 'But they will not be surprising. I always knew that if I stood my ground for all of you, that I would be a target. And a target I became. 'For months, leaks, rumors, have been aimed at me in an attempt to undermine my credibility and paint me as guilty,' he went on. 'Just this past week, they searched the home of our new police commissioner, looking for documents from 20 years ago. 'Enough.' Adams went on to say, citing how the raid came just a week after new commissioner Thomas G. Donlon suddenly replaced predecessor Edward Caban, who was handpicked by Adams to replace outgoing Keechant Sewell. 'I will fight these injustices with every ounce of my strength and my spirit,' Adams declared. 'If I'm charged, I know I am innocent. 'I will request an immediate trial so that New Yorkers can hear the truth.' The political newcomer proceeded to point his law enforcement background, which he leaned on intensely three years ago during a successful campaign that touted him as tough-on-crime. 'New Yorkers know my story and know where I come from,' the former police captain said. 'I have been fighting injustices my entire life. That fight has continued as your mayor. Turning back to the migrant situation that has seen 217,300 foreigners funneled into the city, he proclaimed: 'Despite our pleas, the federal government did nothing as it's broken immigration policies [and] overloaded our shelter system. 'I put the people of New York before party and politics,' the mayor pressed on - before a lengthy pause. He went on to concede how in coming days, he will likely face calls to resign, but said he will resist all calls to step down. 'But I have been facing these lies for months, since I began to speak out for all of you - and there investigation started,' he continued, crying conspiracy 'Yet, the city has continued to improve.' A less somber Adams is seen outside Gracie Mansion flashing a thumbs up sign to a reporter just before news of the indictment broke. He was there Wednesday night as well He then offered a final sign-off. 'You elected me to lead this city, and lead it I will. I humbly ask for your prayers and patience as we see this through. God bless you, and God bless the city of New York. Thank you.' Adams initially welcomed the concept of New York being a sanctuary city - with the then campaigning mayor, just days before he was elected, celebrating the then new arrivals as 'keeping our city running' during the pandemic. 'The days I spent with our essential employees, a substantial number of them were undocumented,' he added at the time, before changing his tune a little over a year later. 'They were delivering out Uber Eats, they were stocking our stores, they were out in the streets keeping our city running.' Adams initially welcomed the concept of New York being a sanctuary city - with the then campaigning mayor, just days before he was elected, celebrating the then new arrivals as 'keeping our city running' during the pandemic As the border crisis worsened, Adams abruptly changed his tune, asking for federal help In July 2022. The following month, he said the city had a 'moral and legal obligation to house anyone who is experiencing homelessness.' By the start of 2023, he shifted gears completely, having civic staffers hand out yellow fliers to immigrants that disclaimed was 'no guarantee' they would receive shelter or services if they went to New York. 'Housing in NYC is very expensive,' the fliers said. 'Please consider another city as you make your decision about where to settle in the US.' But migrants remained undeterred, arriving in droves on a daily basis. And in the months that followed, many of his top aides became the targets of investigations. On September 4, agents stormed the homes of First Deputy Mayor Sheena Wright and Deputy Mayor for Public Safety Phil Banks. In November, the home of Adams' top fundraiser, Brianna Suggs, was raided. He side-stepped the scandal, quickly reassigning Suggs to a bureaucratic role. She is among those expected to be named in the indictment against him. Both reportedly had their electronic devices taken, as was the case with Adams back in November, when he had his phone snatched following a raid of the home of his campaign treasurer, Brianna Suggs Earlier this month, agents stormed the homes of First Deputy Mayor Sheena Wright and Deputy Mayor for Public Safety Phil Banks, in a series of raids that for now remain under wraps In the last month, NYPD Commissioner Edward Caban and the chief of NYC public schools have also resigned. Caban's resignation was the product of an investigation into whether or not his twin brother squeezed his political connections to win business favors with NYC nightclubs. Other recent exits include those of two ex-FDNY chiefs accused of bribery, corruption and false statements. Police Commissioner Edward Caban resigned on September 13, as the nature of feds' renewed investigation remains unknown. Caban was personally picked to head the New York Police Department in 2023 Anthony Saccavino, 59, is facing charges of bribery, corruption and false statements for a building inspection scheme The new subpoenas came eight months after the initial corruption investigation surfaced, with the mayor struggling with approval ratings ever since. He also faces at least three challengers in the 2025 Democratic primary, if he plans to seek reelection. More federal investigations and resignations have ensued since, spurring Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez to demand Adams to resign on Wednesday night. 'The flood of resignations and vacancies are threatening government function,' Ocasio-Cortez wrote on X. 'Nonstop investigations will make it impossible to recruit and retain a qualified administration.' Prominent Sydney businessman John Ibrahim has been revealed as the intended target of a would-be assassination near his eastern suburbs mansion. Ibrahim, who made his fortune running nightclubs, can be identified as the target of the July 25 attempted hit near his Dover Heights mansion after a court secrecy order was lifted on Thursday. Two men, aged 20 and 24, were arrested near the scene following a scuffle with police. They had allegedly pointed a loaded gun at a neighbour they mistook for Ibrahim when he drove a car similar to one Ibrahim owns out of the exclusive waterfront street. The two men, Yousif Zrayka and Siaosi Maeakafa Tupoulahi, have been charged with conspiracy to murder and firearms offences. Ibrahim, who is not accused of any wrongdoing, asked the court in July to suppress his identity but prosecutors did not ask for the non-publication order to be extended after he reportedly refused to make a statement to police about the incident. The drama unfolded in the upmarket neighbourhood about 8.30am on July 25 when a man wearing a balaclava and carrying a pistol was allegedly seen on the street. Police allege 24-year-old Tupoulahi then approached a car and pointed a gun at the driver causing a tense 10-second standoff before Tupoulahi allegedly fled. A pair of men were arrested near John Ibrahim's (pictured) house on July 25 after police were called to George Street at Dover Heights An alleged gunman struggles with an armed police officer near John Ibrahim's mansion Police swooped after a man was seen wearing a balaclava in broad daylight near Ibrahim's home, with both men arrested following a police operation It's alleged Tupoulahi got into a stolen rental car driven by 20-year-old Zrayka before they drove away along Old South Head Rd. Police were called and a short car chase ensued after which an officer was pictured scuffling with one of the occupants before they were arrested. A search of the pair's car allegedly uncovered a revolver, a semi-automatic firearm, a container of petrol and rubber gloves. Both of the arrested men were taken to Waverley Police Station and were later charged with a total of 19 offences, including the conspiracy to murder charge. Zrayka, from Bankstown, was charged with eight offences, including stalking and intimidating Ibrahim's neighbours, possessing an unauthorised and loaded black revolver and taking part in a police pursuit. Tupoulahi, from Campsie, has been charged with 11 offences, including possessing an unauthorised Glock pistol and ammunition, intimidation, assaulting police and not wearing a seatbelt. New York City Mayor Eric Adams has received a barrage of calls for his resignation immediately following news of his indictment by a grand jury on federal criminal charges. If Adams were to step aside following the indictment, he would initially be replaced by Public Advocate Jumaane Williams, a progressive Democrat. The next mayoral election is not due until June of next year. Williams has been the public advocate since 2019 and would take over as acting mayor. When the charges are made public, Adams, who was sworn in at the start of 2022, will become the first New York City mayor to be charged criminally while still in office Initially, Adams would be replaced by Public Advocate Jumaane Williams, a progressive Democrat Responsibility for setting a date for a special election to decide Adams' successor would fall to Williams and he would need to do so within three days of taking over the post. Williams has long been a harsh critic of Adams casting doubts about his ability to govern amid the current swirl of federal investigations. 'I'm not sure how you continue to govern with, every day, more corrupt arrests, more corrupt suspicions,' he said. He has attacked the mayor's policing strategy which he sees as aggressive. After Williams, fellow Democrat and City Comptroller Brad Lander, pictured, would be third in line. Lander had been Adams' rival and was planning to run for mayor next year. Williams has also pushed for an end to solitary confinement in city's jails. After Williams, fellow Democrat and City Comptroller Brad Lander would be third in line. Lander had been Adams' rival and was planning a run for mayor next year. A special election would only be necessary if it were 90 days before the set primary election date of June 24, 2025, making March 26, 2025 the latest possible date. Williams would also need to declare a date for the special election to take place at least 80 days from any takeover, according to the city charter. Different to a regular mayoral election, a special election would have no party affiliation and be strictly non-partisan with candidates appearing simply as a list of names. Voters would then rank their choice of candidates in a new 'ranked-choice voting system'. Adams has insisted he is staying in power, noting how 700,000 people voted for him in the 2021 election. 'I was elected by the people of the city, and I'm going to fulfill my obligation to the people of this city,' he said. If Adams refuses to step down, New York Governor Kathy Hochul, pictured, could use extraordinary powers to have him removed him from office before his term is up If Adams refuses to step down, New York Governor Kathy Hochul could use extraordinary powers to have him removed from office before his term is up. The indictment marks a stunning fall for Adams, a former police captain who won election nearly three years ago to become the second black mayor of the nation's largest city on a platform that promised a law-and-order approach to reducing crime. The indictment detailing the charges against Adams, a Democrat, was still sealed late on Wednesday night. 'I always knew that If I stood my ground for New Yorkers that I would be a target - and a target I became,' Adams said in a statement that implied he hadn't been informed of the indictment. 'If I am charged, I am innocent and I will fight this with every ounce of my strength and spirit.' It was not immediately clear when the charges would be made public or when Adams might have to appear in court. Earlier this month, agents stormed the homes of First Deputy Mayor Sheena Wright and Deputy Mayor for Public Safety Phil Banks, in a series of raids that for now remain under wraps Wednesday night's development came days after some of the mayor's major allies were targeted in raids by federal authorities. Earlier this month, agents stormed the homes of First Deputy Mayor Sheena Wright and Deputy Mayor for Public Safety Phil Banks, in a series of raids that for now remain under wraps. Both reportedly had their electronic devices taken, as was the case with Adams back in November, when he had his phone snatched following a raid of the home of his campaign treasurer, Brianna Suggs. Feds said that operation was part of a probe into the mayor's campaign finances, after which the former chief fundraiser for Adams' 2021 mayoral bid found herself with a job focused on filing paperwork. Former New York State Representative and Manhattan Borough President Scott Stringer called for Adams to step aside on Wednesday night. 'Eric Adams is indicted. There is simply zero chance that the wheels of government will move forward from this full steam ahead. Instead, we are left with a broken down trainwreck of a municipal government,' Stringer said. 'The mayor needs to resign for the good of the city. His legal fight is not our fight. While the mayor focuses on proving his innocence, the rest of us need to focus on the business of the city building affordable housing, educating our kids, and keeping this city safe.' This video is no longer available This video is no longer available Shock new details have emerged about a horror accident at a primary school in south-western Sydney on Wednesday afternoon that injured 10 children. Several students and one adult were injured after a lighting rig fell onto them as the school held an end of term performance at Barramurra Public School in Oran Park. Multiple ambulances were sent to the school about midday yesterday, as staff urgently called parents. Millie, an eight-year-old pupil at the school, told reporters that she was performing on stage when she 'all of a sudden heard a big bump'. 'It just fell straight down ... because somebody wiggled it and bumped it,' she told 7News. 'I looked back and my friends all looked back because it freaked me out,' she said. 'We were too close and I was crying because of that 'It freaked me out because I thought my friends were near it and my friend will get hurt because of how big (the light) it is.' She added that she was 'scared, because ... when my friend came down they saw the ambulances and they said "I'm very scared right now". Millie (pictured), an eight-year-old pupil at the school, told reporters that she performing on when she 'all of a sudden heard a big bump' 'The teachers just told us to get out quickly and to get upstairs (to our classrooms).' Her mother, who did not to be named, told the Daily Telegraph that she got to the school at around midday on Wednesday to watch Millie perform and saw there were several ambulances parked outside. 'I didn't even know about anything until I came here,' she said. 'No one was notified. No one knew about it.' A young boy called Kayden said 'we were doing a showcase, then this light fell on some kid and a couple of people got injured'. 'A little girl got injured really bad. She was bleeding, but she's OK,' he said. Veronica, a grandmother who had flown in to see her granddaughter perform at the school, said the situation was 'scary'. 'The first thing you think about is "How is my grandchild?" A NSW Ambulance spokesman said they were called to the school at around 12pm, while video showed at least one child being wheeled out on a stretcher. 'Paramedics treated multiple patients at the scene, most of whom were children, and also one adult,' he told Daily Mail Australia. 'They were treated for minor injuries, with one child being transported to Campbelltown Hospital and two children being taken to Westmead Children's Hospital. 'They are all in a stable condition with minor injuries.' Speaking on Thursday afternoon, a spokesman for the NSW Department of Education said 'all the children were released from hospital on Wednesday evening'. He added that 'the investigation into what happened is ongoing and SafeWork is continuing to look at the incident'. Performances scheduled to take place at the school have been cancelled. Several primary school students and one adult have been injured after a lighting rig fell onto them The accident unfolded at Barramurra Public School at Oran Park in south-west of Sydney on Wednesday A landlord with at least three properties has issued a harsh warning to tenants, saying she would rather let her homes 'sit and rot' than allow renters to benefit from changes to housing policies. Tanya Young, from Melbourne, wrote the now-deleted comment in a Facebook group for landlords in Victoria last week, apparently in response to an article she read about Greens proposals to change tax cuts for property investors. The article detailed the party's campaign to address the national housing crisis by freezing rental prices, allowing tenants to sign longer leases, and to phase out negative gearing and capital gains tax exemptions for landlords. Negative gearing policies allow property investors to claim tax deductions when the costs of owning and maintaining the property, such as loan interest and maintenance expenses, exceeds the rental income. The benefits can reduce the investor's taxable income, lowering their tax bill. Ms Young wrote: 'Just read an article in The Age newspaper about 5 year leases, freezing rents and the impact of negative gearing and capital gains.' 'So to the tenants in [this group]. Know this...I will rather let me properties sit and rot then let a tenant gain from me.' Tanya Young (pictured) wrote the Facebook post in response to an article about improving conditions for renters Tanya Young (pictured with her partner) owns a number of investment properties in Victoria In her post, Tanya Young said she would rather let her investment properties 'rot' than reduce her prices for tenants 'If I'm going to lose I will lose on my terms .... Not yours'. It is understood the comment was quickly deleted, but not before it was shared in another Facebook group - this time, for tenants. A number of users pointed out that Ms Young would not make money from her properties if they were not occupied by tenants - particularly if negative gearing was phased out. Others wondered why she thought tenants would 'gain' anything from her if rental policies were changed. They would still have to pay to live at her properties. One person said, sarcastically: 'She's threatening to pay her own mortgage - oooooh - the same freaking mortgage she can't afford unless the tenant is footing the bill.' Another wrote: 'Jesus Christ. Openly saying you'd rather let people go homeless than be a decent human being. Wow. I'd be so embarrassed.' A third person said: 'Not sure how tenants are winning anything really. 'We are still paying off someone's mortgage and, in the end, coming out with nothing and not owning a home. Home ownership is still out of reach.' Victorian property records indicate Ms Young owns homes in Glen Huntly, in Melbourne, and Dandenong, south-east of the city, and a townhouse in Wangaratta - a regional town in the northern part of the state. Pictured: Ms Young Wangaratta investment property. Records indicate is was leased for $550 a month in August Pictured: Ms Young's investment property in Glen Huntly, Melbourne In April, Ms Young asked if anyone would like to move 260knm from Wangaratta to Melbourne to rent her investment property for $350/week (pictured) In April, she posted an ad in a Wangaratta Facebook group asking if anyone would like to move to her one-bedroom apartment in Glen Huntly - 260km away - with a private lease. 'I have a 1 bedroom apartment in Glen Huntly 3163 up for private rent if anyone is interested in a move to Melbourne,' she wrote. 'Fantastic location $350 a week.' Ms Young declined to comment when contacted by Daily Mail Australia. On Wednesday it was revealed that Labor asked Treasury for advice on possible changes to tax exemptions for landlords, including modelling on the economic repercussions of phasing out the concessions. Speaking at a press conference in Tasmania, Anthony Albanese deflected questions about changing negative gearing and would not be drawn on whether or not his government asked Treasury for modelling. However, he ruled it out on Thursday telling Sky News that tax concessions could impact the housing supply. A teen mom was killed in a tragic freak accident that also left her boyfriend in critical condition after they left their high school to pick up their four-month-old daughter from daycare. Abbigail 'Grace' Callaham, 17, and her boyfriend, Thomas Kennedy, were on their way to the daycare following an early dismissal from Belton-Honea Path High School in South Carolina just after 11am on Tuesday when a 'large bird, possibly a turkey' flew out of the woods and into their windshield, the Anderson County Coroner reports. The impact made Kennedy lose control of the vehicle and he 'ran off the right side of the highway, where he overcorrected, crossed the center line and hit a tree on the left side of the roadway,' Coroner Greg Shore said in a news release. Abbigail Callaham, 17, (right) was killed in a tragic freak accident on Tuesday that also left her boyfriend, Thomas Kennedy (left) in critical condition The Anderson County Coroner says the couple were on their way to pick up their four-month-old daughter from daycare when a 'large bird, possibly a turkey' flew out of the woods and into their windshield, forcing Kennedy to lose control Callaham was not wearing a seat belt at the time, and was pinned to her seat by the tree. She was pronounced dead at the scene from multiple traumatic injuries. Kennedy, meanwhile, was taken to a hospital in critical condition, according to Fox Carolina. But he was reportedly able to talk to first responders when they arrived at the scene, WYFF 4 reports. Kennedy was reportedly able to talk to first responders at the scene 'It's just a tragedy,' Shore told the local news station. 'We are all heartbroken over the circumstances. He also told WSPA that Callaham's father was 'grief stricken' by the news, noting that her 12-year-old sister 'was also on the scene. 'It just breaks our hearts to see them suffering like that,' the coroner said. The coroner said Kennedy overcorrected and hit a tree that pinned Callaham in her seat Anderson School District Two, which Belton-Honea Path High School is part of, said it will now have grief counselors available for all students and staff. 'Please keep Grace's family in your thoughts and prayers as they navigate through this difficult time,' the school district wrote on Facebook. It went on to say it will host an event to 'lift up prayers for both of these students and their families.' 'We talk a whole bunch at Anderson District Two that we are a family, so it's times like this that we can come together, we can remind each other that this is a support system, love on each other and just be there for each other,' Superintendent Jason Johns told Fox Carolina. Hurricane Helene is set to strike Florida's Gulf Coast within hours, threatening an 'unsurvivable' storm surge that would leave catastrophic damage and could deluge cities and swallow homes. Helene could roar ashore as a Category 4 hurricane by tonight, with wind speeds of up to 130mph after spending days strengthening in the warm waters of the Gulf of Mexico, the National Hurricane Center warned. Forecasters predict Helene could bring storm surges of up to 20 feet (6 meters) and warned they could be particularly 'catastrophic and life-threatening' in Florida's Apalachee Bay. Governor Ron DeSantis declared a state of emergency ahead of the storm's arrival. The storm may also bring heavy rain, damaging winds, and flash floods hundreds of miles inland across much of the southeastern US, forecasters said. The chilling warnings have sent residents scrambling for higher ground, closed schools, and led to states of emergency across the Southeast. Helene is strengthening as it moves toward the U.S. Gulf Coast becoming a Category 1 hurricane today and expected to hit Florida's Big Bend late tonight as Category 4 storm People board up windows to prepare for Hurricane Helene, in Old Town, Florida Helene was about 425 miles (680 kilometers) southwest of Tampa and moving north at 9 mph (15 kph) with top sustained winds of 85 mph (137 kph) early Thursday morning. Forecasters said it should become a major Category 3 or higher hurricane, meaning winds would top 110 mph (177 kph). While Helene will likely weaken as it moves inland, its 'fast forward speed will allow strong, damaging winds, especially in gusts, to penetrate well inland across the southeastern United States,' including in the southern Appalachian Mountains, the National Hurricane Center (NHC) said. The center posted lesser tropical storm warnings as far north as North Carolina, and warned that much of the region could experience prolonged power outages, toppled trees and dangerous flooding. 'A catastrophic and deadly storm surge is likely along portions of the Florida Big Bend coast, where inundation could reach as high as 20 feet above ground level, along with destructive waves,' according to the NHC. Helene had swamped parts of Mexico's Yucatan Peninsula on Wednesday, flooding streets and toppling trees as it passed offshore and brushed the resort city of Cancun. People boarding up windows to prepare for Hurricane Helene, in Old Town, Florida on September 25, 2024 A family from the coastal town of Guanimar, in Artemisa province, southwest of Havana, move in a boat to safer areas after their homes were flooded due the passage of Hurricane Helene on September 25, 2024 Residents of Guanimar move on a truck to safe zones after the passage of Hurricane Helene in Guanimar, Artemisa province, Cuba, on September 25, 2024 People traverse a flooded street with a horse-drawn carriage after the passage of Hurricane Helene in Guanimar, Artemisa province, Cuba on Wednesday, September 25, 2024 The storm formed Tuesday in the Caribbean Sea. In Cuba, the government preventively shut off power in some communities as waves as high as 16 feet (5 meters) slammed Cortes Bay. And in the Cayman Islands, schools closed and residents pumped water from flooded homes. Rain was already falling steadily in Atlanta on Wednesday evening as shoppers emptied shelves of water at a Kroger supermarket east of downtown. The National Weather Service (NWS) in Atlanta issued flash flood warnings for much of the state. But it's not just those along the coast who will be at risk but inland as well with very real likelihood of life-threatening flash flooding, damaging winds and some tornadoes spinning out of the monster storm hitting parts of the southeast. Helene is the fifth hurricane of the 2024 hurricane season and as of Thursday morning is about 400 miles southwest of Tampa, Florida and moving northwards with sustained winds of 85mph. Floridians are making preparations before Helene makes landfall later on Thursday night Around 32 million people are under flood watch with millions more inland likely to be affected The National Hurricane Center says Helene could roar ashore as a Category 4 hurricane, with wind speeds of 130mph after spending days strengthening in the warm waters of the Gulf Forecasts suggest that landfall is most likely to happen along Florida's Big Bend or the eastern Panhandle region, although the impact will be felt far from the center. By Friday, Helene should move quickly northwards across the southeast and towards the southern Appalachians and Ohio Valley with strong winds and damaging gusts, together with the possibility of tornados. More than 40 million people in Florida, Georgia and Alabama were under hurricane and tropical storm warnings, the hurricane center said. Forecasters are warning the storm will intensify as it crosses the Gulf of Mexico on its path to Florida. The storm had already prompted residents to evacuate, schools to close and officials to declare emergencies in Florida and Georgia. Because Helene is such a fast-moving storm, it won't dump as much rain on Florida as past hurricanes have done, but its winds may impact places as far inland as northern Georgia, Brian McNoldy, a senior research associate at the University of Miami said. 'You are going to see destructive winds not only in Tallahassee but in Atlanta,' McNoldy said. 'You are going to have a major hurricane plowing inland, and storms take a little time to decay once they're inland.' 'That this is going to be a large and strong storm,' McNoldy said. 'It is going to be moving very quickly.' The NHC has issued hurricane warnings for part of Mexico's Yucatan Peninsula and Florida's northwestern coastline, where large storm surges of up to 20 feet are expected. People prepare for Hurricane Helene, in Old Town, Florida People are seen buying groceries at a convenience store with windows covered with plywood as Old Town prepares for Hurricane Helen A satellite image showing a nighttime view of Hurricane Helene moving slowly up the Gulf of Mexico as it strengthens on the warm waters off Havana, Cuba State emergency officials in Florida have been partnering with Uber to take residents to shelters in communities under evacuation orders. 'The way this is tracking, it's a storm that is stronger than what we've seen in the region, I think, in anyone's memory,' DeSantis said on Wednesday afternoon at a news conference at the state emergency operations center in Tallahassee. 'Some of this may be unchartered ground, certainly for most people who are living here now.' DeSantis warned residents they needed to make their final preparations with the governor urging coastal communities to heed evacuation orders, saying residents don't need to drive hundreds of miles away from their homes but just find higher ground at a shelter, hotel or friend's house. 'The models vary on how intense this could be, but there's clearly a pathway for this to rapidly intensify prior to making landfall,' DeSantis said. Airports in St. Petersburg, Tallahassee and Tampa are planning to close on Thursday, and 62 hospitals, nursing homes and assisted living facilities evacuated their residents on Wednesday in anticipation of the storm. Residents of Pinellas Hope board buses that will take them to local hurricane shelters Approximately 400 residents were bused to two shelters in the Clearwater area Dakota Milan, 31, center, and his friend Christina Moody along with her dog Zoie walk toward a bus that will take them to local hurricane shelters ahead of Hurricane Helene Law enforcement planned to close bridges once winds reached 40 mph at a sustained level, officials said. Residents in coastal Wakulla County on the Florida panhandle are under a countywide mandatory evacuation order. But it doesn't mean they'll all leave. Shelby Hill made a stop at a Walmart in the city of Crawfordville with her husband and three kids Wednesday afternoon to pick up the fixings for a chicken enchilada casserole - some comfort food to ease their nerves. 'You can feel the energy. Everybody's moving,' Hill said. 'You can tell everybody's actually really nervous and wants to be prepared.' Hill said her family will soon be hitting the road to stay the night with her in-laws in the next county to the north, Leon County. After that, they plan to continue on to Georgia, in the hopes of outrunning the worst of Helene. A couple aisles over in the frozen food section, Christine Nazworth said she considered evacuating her home in 2018 ahead of Hurricane Michael and again this week ahead of Helene. Both times, she said she was 'outvoted' by other family members, so theyll be sheltering in place. 'Hating to leave but hating to stay too,' Nazworth said. 'So just kinda go with the flow.' A traffic advisory sign on westbound S.R. 408 near downtown Orlando informing commuters of approaching Hurricane Helene John Vann moves plywood on the upper level of a house on Wednesday on Alligator Point near Panacea, Florida Andrew Vann, left, and his son, John Vann, left, put plywood over the windows Karl Bohlmann, left, and Tangi Bohlmann, of Tarpon Springs, collect sandbags at a public site while residents prepare their homes for potential flooding in Tarpon Springs, Florida Residents Dennis Lusby, left, and John Guerra fill sandbags at the Orange County distribution site at Barnett Park in Orlando, Florida ahead of the approaching hurricane Sandbags are filled at a public site while residents prepare their homes for potential flooding, in Tarpon Springs, Florida Denis Keeran, of Maitland, fills sandbags at Barnett Park in Orlando, Fla., Tuesday, Sept. 24, 2024, ahead of the forecast for the possibility of heavy rains in Central Florida. (Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel via AP) Georgia In the neighboring state of Georgia, at a Kroger supermarket east of downtown Atlanta, with rain falling steadily after sunset on Wednesday, one shopper was filling three separate orders; each included a dozen bottles of water. While there was still plenty of bread, water shelves were already growing barren. Sergio Garcia, who was shopping for himself, also had water in his cart, along with bread, Coca-Cola, macaroni, chicken wings and Pop Tarts. 'I'm here to lightly stock up,' said Garcia, who said he had experienced hurricanes while growing up in northern Virginia near Washington, D.C. 'With the rain that just started picking up, I did want to pick up a few things for the storm.' Charles McComb, who has lived in Atlanta since 2003, said he still found it hard to believe Helene would seriously impact the city, which is more than 250 miles north of the Gulf of Mexico. 'It would be really unique for it to hit so far inland,' Charles said as he bought water, bread and lunch meat. McComb, though, said he was worried about losing electricity. 'I do live in an area where it doesn't take so much for the power to go out,' he said. Because the storm is moving faster than previously forecast, hurricane warnings have been extended even farther inland. State meteorologist Will Lanxton said tropical-storm force winds are expected throughout the state. Due to the high winds, Helene could cause one of the most significant electrical outages the state has seen in a while. Kevin Guthrie, Director of Florida Division of Emergency Management, right, gestures as Gov. Ron DeSantis looks on during a news conference on Wednesday Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis, second from right, speaks to linemen before a news conference at the Tampa Electric Company offices in Tampa Residents of Pinellas Hope board buses that will take them to local hurricane shelters Hurricane Helene is forecasted to make landfall along the gulf coast later on Thursday Terra Sterling retrieves a radio from her 1977 37 foot Irwin sailboat on Wednesday in Carrabelle, Florida. Sterling plans to ride out Hurricane Helene in a nearby motel Pinellas Hope staff waive as buses pull away while taking approximately 400 residents to local hurricane shelters Like officials in Florida, those in Georgia warned that people should be prepared to be self-sufficient for as long as 72 hours after the storm. Many Georgia schools have cancelled in-person classes for Thursday and Friday, including a number of large metro Atlanta school systems that had previously held off. Gwinnett County, the state's largest, said it would operate a virtual learning day on Thursday and call off classes entirely on Friday. The University of Georgia also canceled all classes at its main Athens campus on Thursday and Friday, while Georgia Tech in Atlanta said it would cancel in-person classes. Georgia has activated 250 National Guard soldiers beginning Thursday and will stage them for rapid deployment. State game wardens, foresters and Department of Correction teams will also help provide swift-water rescues and other emergency responses. All 159 counties in Georgia from Savannah to the Blue Ridge Mountains are under either a hurricane watch or warning or a tropical storm watch or warning. 'We're setting up for a shocking, intense storm from one end of the state to the other,' University of Georgia meteorology professor Marshall Shepherd said. Helene is quite big for an Atlantic hurricane and is moving fast - a combination that could mean major flooding and days if not weeks of power outages in Atlanta some 250 miles away from where the hurricane is expected to make landfall. South Georgia can expect hurricane force winds while no part of the state will likely avoid some kind of dangerous weather, Sheppard said. And for Atlanta, Helene could be the worst strike on a major Southern inland city in 35 years. 'It's going to be a lot like Hugo in Charlotte,' Sheppard said of the 1989 storm that struck the major North Carolina city, knocking out power to 85 percent of customers and leveling some 80,000 trees as winds gusted above hurricane force. The hurricane warning area for Georgia included Albany, southwest Georgia's largest city with a population of 67,000, as well as Valdosta, home to 55,000 along Interstate 75. Helene comes barely a year after Valdosta and surrounding Lowndes County took a beating from Hurricane Idalia, which damaged more than 1,000 homes and inflicted more than $6 million in damage. Visitors to the Southernmost Point marker in Key West are hit by wind driven waves Paulette McLin takes in the scene outside their summer home ahead of Hurricane Helene in Alligator Point, Florida on Wednesday Dave McCurley boards up the windows to his home in advance of Helene, in Ochlockonee Bay, Florida McCurley boards up the windows to his home on Wednesday Will Marx cleans up remodeling debris in advance of Tropical Storm Helene South Carolina In South Carolina, Governor Henry McMaster has declared a state of emergency in South Carolina, saying Hurricane Helene is going to be a dangerous storm even as the state avoids the brunt of the impacts. Wednesday's declaration allows the state to put in place emergency plans to coordinate between agencies and the federal government and opens the doors for counties and local governments to request assistance. The coast and much of the western half of South Carolina is expecting tropical storm-force winds; a flash flood watch is also in effect. Parts of the mountains in extreme northern South Carolina could see up to 15 inches of rain, the National Weather Service said. 'Although South Carolina will likely avoid the brunt of Hurricane Helene's impacts, the storm is still expected to bring dangerous flooding, high winds, and isolated tornadoes to many parts of the state,' McMaster said in a statement. Hurricane experts worry that Helene's overall size and whip-fast forward speed will cause extra damage, keeping its strength longer as it penetrates inland into Georgia and beyond. A shopper passes by empty shelves in the bread section of a Walmart on Wednesday A shopper checks out nearly empty shelves in the lunch meat section of a Walmart in Tallahassee, Florida Bo Manausa , right, and his friend Josh Simmons pull a boat out of the water ahead of Hurricane Helene, in Alligator Point, Florida Jerry McCullen, top of ladder left, and Carson Baze, top of ladder right, put plywood over the windows of a house in Alligator Point, Florida Owners secure their boats outside the Davis Islands Yacht Club Wednesday in Tampa, Florida Rick Chouinard, right, and Donald Tointigh install boards over windows of their shop in Crawfordville, Florida Residents of an nursing and rehabilitation facility in Crawfordville, Florida are evacuated ahead of the arrival of Hurricane Helene With tropical storm force winds expected to extend for more than 200 miles, Hurricane Helene is forecast to be one of the largest storms in seven years to hit the Gulf of Mexico region, according to Colorado State University hurricane researcher Phil Klotzbach. He said since 1988, only three Gulf of Mexico hurricanes have been bigger: 2017s Irma, 2005s Wilma and 1995s Opal. 'By every measure, this makes it worse,' said University of Miami senior hurricane researcher Brian McNoldy. 'Hurricane force winds are just going to plow their way into Georgia too. Places that are not used to experiencing hurricanes are going to experience one. Given the storm's size and where it is forecast to hit, Gallagher Re, an insurance firm, is predicting between $3 billion to $6 billion in privately insured damages with another $1 billion in public insurance damage, including flood insurance. North Carolina North Carolina Gov. Roy Cooper declared a State of Emergency on Wednesday as the state prepares for severe weather impacts that could threaten life and property across North Carolina through Saturday morning. 'Helene threatens heavy rain, flash flooding, landslides, and damaging winds to the mountains and Piedmont areas of our state,' Cooper said. 'Now is the time for North Carolinians to prepare, make sure emergency kits are up-to-date and pay attention to the weather alerts in your area.' The State Emergency Response Team is deploying equipment, personnel and resources to support impacted communities, including resources from the North Carolina National Guard. A man spends time with his pig on his flooded porch after the passage of Hurricane Helene in Guanimar, Artemisa province, Cuba, on Wednesday People lounge on a flooded porch after the passage of Hurricane Helene in Guanimar, Cuba A man pushes his bike through a flooded street after Hurricane Helene passed through Cuba Neighbors chat on a flooded street after the passage of Hurricane Helene in Cuba A man observes a street flooded by Hurricane Helene in the beach resort of Cancun, Mexico A person crosses a street flooded by Hurricane Helene in the beach resort of Cancun Mexico & Cuba Parts of Mexico's Yucatan Peninsula were under hurricane warnings as Helene wound between it and the western tip of Cuba and into the Gulf of Mexico on Wednesday night. The storm formed Tuesday in the Caribbean, and it flooded streets and toppled trees as it passed offshore and brushed the Mexican resort city of Cancun. In Cuba, authorities moved cattle to higher ground and medical brigades went to communities often cut off by storms. The government preventively shut off power in some communities as waves as high as 16 feet slammed Cortes Bay. Further Storm Activity Tropical Storm Isaac formed Wednesday in the Atlantic and was expected to strengthen as it moves eastward across the open ocean, possibly becoming a hurricane by the end of the week, forecasters said. Isaac was about 690 miles (1,115 kilometers) northeast of Bermuda with top sustained winds of 50 mph (85 kph), according to the NHC in Miami, which said its swells and winds could affect parts of Bermuda and eventually the Azores by the weekend. A man sails on a boat in a flooded street after the passage of Hurricane Helene in Guanimar, Artemisa province, Cuba, on September 25, 2024 Residents of the coastal town of Guanimar in Artemisa province, southwest of Havana, wade trough a flooded street after the passage of Hurricane Helene on September 25, 2024 A man prepares his boat for storm surge September 25, 2024 in Carrabelle, Florida. Hurricane Helene is forecasted to make landfall along the gulf coast In the Pacific, former Hurricane John reformed Wednesday as a tropical storm and was strengthening as it threatened areas of Mexico's western coast. Officials posted hurricane warnings for southwestern Mexico. John hit the country's southern Pacific coast late Monday, killing at least two people, triggering mudslides, and damaging homes and trees. It grew into a Category 3 hurricane in a matter of hours and made landfall east of Acapulco. It reemerged over the ocean after weakening inland. An Australian man has been found dead in Bali, prompting an investigation. Steven James Hunter, 68, was found dead in his home in Kuta on the southwest coast of Bali in Indonesia earlier this week. Mr Hunter, from Newcastle in NSW, lived in Darwin before moving to Bali in 2021. Denpasar Police spokesperson Ketut Sukadi said Mr Hunter was found in front of his room at the Kubuku Suli Homestay in Kuta. He said police investigated the scene and interviewed residents. Widiyanto, who lived next door to Mr Hunter, told police he heard what sounded like someone falling down and later discovered his neighbour lying on the floor. He called other another resident, Aldi, for assistance and asked them to call the owner of the homestay. They tried to assist Mr Hunter but were unable to detect a pulse and covered his body with a bedsheet. NSW man Steven James Hunter, 68, was found dead in his home in Kuta on the southwest coast of Bali in Indonesia earlier this week Mr Hunter, from Newcastle in NSW , lived in Darwin before moving to Bali in 2021 The Kubuku Suli Homestay in Kuta where the body of Mr Hunter was discovered is pictured Mr Sukadi said the forensics had conducted an investigation at the scene and confirmed there were no signs of violence or injuries to Mr Hunter's body. Police recovered over-the-counter medication, an asthma inhaler and alcohol from his room. Mr Hunter's body was taken to Prof IGNG Ngoerah Central General Hospital in Denpasar for an autopsy. The investigation is still underway. Mr Hunter wrote on his Facebook profile that he was a 'Rigger not working just surfing in Bali looking for work.' Friends shared tributes to Mr Hunter on social media. 'Rest in peace Steven Hunter,' one person wrote. 'Goodbye my love,' wrote another, followed by several crying emojis. A Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade spokesperson told Daily Mail Australia: 'The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade is providing consular assistance to the family of an Australian who died in Bali.' 'We send our deepest condolences to the family at this difficult time.' 'Owing to our privacy obligations we are unable to provide further comment.' Left-wing commentator Peter FitzSimons has taken a swipe at Elon Musk while admitting to owning an electric car produced by the billionaire. FitzSimons, 63, took to Musk's social media platform X on Tuesday to post a barbed confession about owning a Tesla. When asked what car he drove, FitzSimons replied: 'Tesla. But don't judge me. I bought it before Musk went mad, and disgraced himself.' Aussies were divided over FitzSimons' admission. 'Same. We have a fake Toyota badge on ours now,' one person wrote alongside a photo of their white Tesla. 'What's Musk got to do with it it's a public company I think you either like EVs or the car,' another user wrote. 'That you actually felt the need to make this tweet. As some sort of virtue signal to goodness knows who,' a third said. And it's not the first time FitzSimons has lashed the billionaire. Peter FitzSimons (pictured right with wife Lisa Wilkinson) has taken a swipe at Elon Musk FitzSimons admitted he owned Tesla but asked X users not to 'judge' him for the decision In late 2021, he threatened to leave X, then Twitter, if Mr Musk let former US President Donald Trump back onto the platform after he was banned in January. Replying to a tweet by Nalini Haynes who promised she would 'be gone' if 'allows Trump and the Parler mob back in' FitzSimons wrote: 'Me too'. This was despite Mr Trump already being reinstated on Twitter when FitzSimons made the post. Since that time Mr Musk has become a vocal supporter of Mr Trump's attempt to win back the White House in the upcoming US elections and he has declared war on what he calls the 'woke mind virus'. In April FitzSimons tweeted a piece with the headline 'Elon Musk might be doing a lot of damage to Tesla' by fellow Nine newspaper columnist Stephen Bartholomeusz. Noting Tesla's falling sales Bartholomeusz speculated they might 'relate to the brand damage being inflicted by Elon Musk, whose war on 'wokeness' has alienated large parts of his potential customer base'. One X user who also was not a fan of Mr Musk's political trajectory even posted a photo of their Tesla falsely rebranded as Toyota (pictured) FitzSimons once had a much more favourable view of Mr Musk's projects. In a Sydney Morning Herald column from 2017, Fitzgerald gushed over South Australia's decision to install a giant lithium ion Tesla battery. 'Yes, within 100 days, Elon Musk's mob, Tesla, will install the world's largest lithium ion battery, in Adelaide, to expand the state's renewable energy supply,' FitzSimons wrote, adding 'how sweet it is' that the deal had been done. 'Battery storage is the future of our national energy market, and the eyes of the world will be following our leadership in this space,' he said. Magistrate says he must enter a plea during his next court appearance Former celebrity game show host has become a prized target for taunts EXCLUSIVE Andrew O'Keefe is being relentlessly bullied by fellow inmates in prison as the one-time TV golden boy contends with his sad and solitary life behind bars. Daily Mail Australia can reveal the 52-year-old's celebrity status has afforded him no luxuries nor special privileges inside the Metropolitan Remand and Reception Centre in Sydney's notorious Silverwater jail complex. Instead he has become a constant target of cruel taunts from the other accused criminals who call the centre home, with prison insiders revealing inmates take every opportunity to mock the former Deal or No Deal host about his tragic downfall. Sources said one group of inmates was particularly merciless and crossed their arms in front of their faces every time they spotted O'Keefe in the prison yard while shouting 'No Deal!' at him. Despite the ongoing bullying, O'Keefe has not made any formal complaints about his treatment inside the centre, preferring to keep a low profile and to himself as much as possible. Prison officials have not deemed the heckling serious enough to segregate the fallen Channel Seven star, who has been sharing a two-bed cell with another inmate at the centre, from the general population or offer him protective custody. His daily routine is a world away from the glitzy life he once led at his sprawling Bondi home while raking in $800,000 a year from his dual presenting roles on Weekend Sunrise and hit game show The Chase Australia. Andrew O'Keefe arrives at Rose Bay police station before being arrested last Monday The 52-year-old is currently sharing a cell in Silverwater prison's remand centre in Sydney The former star is allowed to exercise in the prison yard each the day before being locked away in his cell between 3pm and 7am When he was last at the remand centre two years ago, O'Keefe claimed the prison guards teased him about his fall from grace, only for the guards to accuse the one-time lawyer of being a 'demanding prima donna'. But this time there is no such animosity between O'Keefe and his keepers, with the guards noting the former TV presenter was far more demure about his tragic demise. 'Last time he was here, he was mouthy, entitled and arrogant,' one prison source inside Silverwater told Daily Mail Australia. 'This time, he's just really quiet and sticks to himself. 'We haven't had any issues with him - it's actually a bit sad seeing him like this.' O'Keefe's spartan prison cell includes a metal bunk, open steel toilet, jug and sandwich maker - but little else. He is bustled out of bed at 7am each day for 'let go' - when he is given a prison 'breakfast pack' comprising milk, bread, cereal and jam and is then free to roam the yard or watch a shared TV in the common room with the centre's other accused criminals. There are roll calls at 9am and midday, when O'Keefe and his cohorts are given their 'lunch pack', usually consisting of a sandwich and a piece of fruit. All meals are eaten in the inmates' cells before they are locked away for the day from 3pm and not allowed out again until the following morning. His dinner is heated up from a chill pack and also given to him at 3pm. It is the only hot meal O'Keefe eats during the day. During his long nights caged in with his cellmate, O'Keefe has access to a tablet computer on which he can pay to watch TV or play card games such as solitaire but he is not permitted to access the internet. Although he is allowed to purchase treats and additional groceries, he is limited to spending a total of $150 at the prison store each month. The one-time golden boy of television is adapting to his new life behind bars Corrective Services NSW would not comment on how O'Keefe was coping with life behind bars 'for security and privacy reasons'. O'Keefe has been remanded in custody since last Monday after he was arrested for drug possession and breaching his bail conditions. The troubled entertainer's latest run in with the law came two days after he overdosed on heroin in his eastern Sydney apartment and had to be revived by paramedics and taken to hospital. O'Keefe's lawyer was back in court on Thursday as a seperate, unrelated charge was mentioned for the first time. Police have accused the former TV host of driving while under the influence of an illicit drug in Darlinghurst, in inner Sydney, on April 14. His solicitor Jahan Kalantar sought a two-week adjournment so he could seek advice from OKeefe. The magistrate consented but said OKeefe must enter a plea when he next appears in court on October 8. Matthew Peterson, left, and Sally Mouzon from the American Guild of Musical Artists distribute information to guests arriving at the S.F. Symphony Opening Gala. Laura Morton/Special to The Chronicle A flyer handed out by San Francisco Chorus members at the Symphony gala on Wednesday, Sept. 25, notes that they had been trying to get a contract approved since May 2024, after management proposed an 80% cut. Mariecar Mendoza/San Francisco Chronicle Andrew De Los Santos takes a photo of Kayla Kane, right, on the steps of Davies Symphony Hall during the Opening Night Gala. Laura Morton/Special to The Chronicle Guests mingle in the Davies Symphony Hall lobby. Laura Morton/Special to The Chronicle Music Director Esa-Pekka Salonen conducts the San Francisco Symphony during the orchestras Opening Night Gala concert. The program Lang Lang, playing alongside his wife and fellow pianist, Gina Alice. Laura Morton/Special to The Chronicle As guests in tuxedos and gowns hurried to check in at the San Francisco Symphony Opening Night Gala, about a dozen members of the Symphony Chorus stood outside Davies Symphony Hall to continue protests of controversial budget cuts proposed by the orchestras administration. Members of the American Guild of Musical Artists, the union that represents the 32 paid choristers of the 152-person Chorus, quietly distributed flyers to gala guests on Wednesday, Sept. 25. They contend that Symphony leaders have been unwilling to meet their demands, despite negotiations resuming this week after a three-day strike that began on Sept. 19. Were all devastated our community was robbed of what was supposed to be a beautiful weekend of concerts, said Ellen Leslie, a Chorus member who was handing out flyers on the corner of Grove and Franklin streets. We are hopeful that management will come to their senses and come to the table with a fair proposal, but that hasnt happened yet. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Leslie noted that the Chorus was not invited to the gala, and that any members in attendance had bought tickets themselves. Matthew Peterson, left, and Sally Mouzon from the American Guild of Musical Artists distribute information to guests arriving at the San Francisco Symphonys Opening Night Gala to celebrate the start of the 2024-2025 season at Davies Symphony Hall in San Francisco on Wednesday, Sept. 25. Choristers of the San Francisco Symphony are on strike. Laura Morton/Special to The Chronicle The flyers highlighted that since May, the Chorus which has helped win the Symphony eight Grammys and one Emmy has sought a fair contract after learning of managements 80% budget cut proposal. The choristers have been operating under an expired contract since July. Elliott Encarnacion, a Chorus member and AGMA governor who participated in Wednesdays demonstration, accused the Symphony of severely mishandling their funds, which strikers sought to educate patrons about with handmade posters featuring pie charts and bar graphs. Advertisement Article continues below this ad We think the folks who are paying $25,000 a seat or more should know how their money has been spent, Encarnacion said. He urged patrons who had planned to see the Verdi Requiem, originally scheduled for Thursday to Saturday, Sept. 19-21, to return their tickets and donate the money to the Chorus strike fund. When asked about the ongoing issues with the Chorus, Symphony Executive Director Matt Spivey told the Chronicle he is sure were going to find a solution. The Symphony administration also provided a statement that reiterated that stance. Symphony CEO Matt Spivey talks with guests at the dinner portion of the Opening Night Gala in Zellerbach Rehearsal Hall. Laura Morton/Special to The Chronicle Our Chorus, and each of its members, are an essential part of the Symphony, the statement read. The San Francisco Symphony administration and our AGMA union partners returned to the bargaining table this week and were committed to reaching an agreement as soon as possible. Advertisement Article continues below this ad More Information Salonen Conducts Nico Muhly: San Francisco Symphony. 7:30 p.m. Friday-Saturday, Sept. 27-28. $30-$149. Davies Symphony Hall, 401 Van Ness Ave., S.F. 415-864-6000. www.sfsymphony.org Wednesdays demonstration by the Chorus was just one of the several indications of the ongoing turmoil within the 113-year-old organization, which has faced nationwide scrutiny in recent months over program cuts following the disclosure of years of financial shortfalls and news of Music Director Esa-Pekka Salonens impending departure. The Finnish conductor announced in March that he is not renewing his contract with the Symphony and will be stepping down at the end of the 2024-25 season, citing differences with the Board of Governors. The Opening Night Gala performance, which featured Chinese virtuoso Lang Lang and his wife, fellow pianist Gina Alice Redlinger, was Salonens first orchestral series concert of his final year, after the Symphony Chorus strike canceled the Requiem program last week. Notably, no public mention was made by Symphony leaders of this being Salonens last season with the orchestra. Salonen also did not address attendees, either from the podium or at the patrons dinner. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Andrew De Los Santos, foreground from left, Marisa Rodriguez and Kayla Kane chat while other guests mingle in the Davies Symphony Hall lobby during the pre-concert cocktail portion of the evening. Laura Morton/Special to The Chronicle But the starkly understated pre-concert cocktail reception and patrons dinner certainly reminded those in attendance of the Symphonys struggles, as did the elimination of the popular after-party that closes a block of Grove Street in front of the Symphony Hall. Lisa Khan said she had appreciated how the after-party helped include more people in the gala and missed it this year. But the San Francisco resident optimistically added, Im sure they have something else in store to help bring more audiences and theyre not just committing it just to this night. The lavishly decorated tent that usually covers the parking lot next to Davies for the patrons dinner was also scrapped for a much smaller post-performance supper in the Zellerbach Rehearsal Hall. Spivey said the format changes were based on reevaluating what patrons wanted from gala nights after emerging from the pandemic shutdown. Advertisement Article continues below this ad We tried to streamline things a little bit, we tried to make things a little more open, casual and fun, and people have responded really well to that, Spivey said, noting that both the concert and patrons dinner had sold out. Proceeds from the Opening Night Gala support the organizations education, community and artistic programs. Symphony Board President Priscilla Geeslin, center, leads a toast at the Opening Night Galas patrons dinner. Laura Morton/Special to The Chronicle This is a difficult time for all the arts, not just the Symphony, said Gorretti Lo Lui, a Symphony Life Governor board member. The Opera, the Ballet, the museums are experiencing great budget cuts from the city. Every institution is appealing to their patrons and their supporters. We just hope the generosity comes from everybody. Wednesdays concert, which delivered performances of Saint-Saens Piano Concerto No. 2 and the musical suite, The Carnival of the Animals, along with selections from Prokofievs Romeo and Juliet, was well-received by the audience, who gave Lang and Redlinger standing ovations. But new subscribers and first-time gala attendees Renee La Couture and Bill Tulloch of San Francisco admitted they had mixed feelings. Salonens departure at the end of the season particularly breaks my heart, La Couture said. Its unfortunate that the Symphony is going through this financial situation and that the performers are affected trying to make a living, her husband added. It didnt mar the performance, but theres a sadness (the Symphony) might not continue. Symphony Music Director Esa-Pekka Salonen, left, talks to a guest at the patrons dinner in Zellerbach Rehearsal Hall. Laura Morton/Special to The Chronicle Board President Priscilla Geeslin emphasized, however, that despite the hard decisions the organization has had to make in recent months, theyre vital for the Symphonys longevity. We are making sure that we are going to be here for the next 113 years by demonstrating fiscal responsibility and doing what needs to be done to put us on the right path forward, she said. San Francisco Symphony has weathered so many struggles. We survived the great flu epidemic of 1918, the Great Depression, World War II, the last pandemic. We will come out of this and be stronger and even better. The season continues this weekend with the world premiere of Nico Muhlys new Baroque-inspired Piano Concerto starting Friday, Sept. 27. The Kentucky sheriff, who fatally shot a judge in his chambers, remained stone faced as he pleaded not guilty to first-degree murder. Sheriff Shawn 'Mickey' Stines appeared in court for the first time after allegedly marching into the Letcher County Courthouse in Kentucky and fatally shooting Judge Kevin Mullins last Thursday. The virtual arraignment was held with Stines appearing remotely from Leslie County Detention Center. He made no comment on the charges during the hearing and prosecutors presented no evidence. Sheriff Shawn 'Mickey' Stines appeared in a virtual arraignment for the first time since the fatal shooting of Judge Mullins last Thursday Judge Kevin Mullins, who held his judgeship for 15 years, was fatally shot multiple times and died on the scene Stines was also questioned on his financial status by Chief Regional District Judge Ruper Wilhoit, after he requested a court-appointed judge. Public defender, Josh Miller, said: 'Sir, its my understanding that he is in the process of losing his job as sheriff of Letcher County, obviously, and will not have income going forward,' reported CNN. Miller was granted allowance to represent Stines through his next court appearance, a preliminary hearing scheduled for October 1 where any evidence will be presented, but afterwards Stines may need to hire his own attorney. Stines remains jailed without bond after the arraignment, reported CNN. Mullins, who held the judgeship for 15 years, died at the scene and Stines surrendered without incident. Currently the motive for the shooting is still under investigation, The Kentucky State Police said last week that the two argued briefly in the judge's chambers before the sheriff shot him multiple times, reported The New York Times. The county's circuit court clerk, Mike Watts, saw the two also head to lunch together hours beforehand. Watts said he had worked alongside both men for years in the courthouse, and 'thought they were all friends' according to the outlet. The former brother-in-law of Mullins, Matt Butler who is also a commonwealth attorney for Letcher County, shared a video remembering him. He said: '[My children] lost their uncle. My beautiful nieces have lost their father.' Butler also said that the courthouse where the shooting took place is 'one of the last that you can walk into without a metal detector or security at the front door,' and said this is 'unacceptable in 2024.' '[My children] lost their uncle. My beautiful nieces have lost their father,' said former brother-in-law Matt Butler The virtual arraignment was held with Stines appearing remotely from Leslie County Detention Center, he made no comment on the charges during the hearing and prosecutors presented no evidence Patty Wood, the widow of District Judge Jim Wood and Mullins predecessor, told KCRA: 'I know Mickeys character. And I know there had to be something that did it. You couldnt find a better person on the face of the earth than Mickey Stines. I dont know what happened.' After pulling Mullin's aside for a private conversation, Stines reportedly locked the door, cell phones were pulled out and handed to each other before the father-of-two drew his weapon and shot Mullins' repeatedly. Earlier this month Stines was deposed as part of an ongoing case involving a former deputy accused of sexually abusing a former inmate. The lawsuit accuses Stines of 'deliberate indifference in failing to adequately train and supervise' his former deputy, Stines denied any wrongdoing after he also fired the deputy in question, reported the New York Times. The outlet stated that Gov. Andy Beshear wants the sheriff to resign by Friday. A Greek Orthodox priest remains unremorseful for sexually abusing a mother and her two children, viewing repentance as something reserved for others, a magistrate said. Mario 'George' Fayjloun used his church position to abuse the trust of the family and then sexually touched the three victims on six occasions during confession and at dinner. On two instances, the 36-year-old touched the mother on her groin and breasts and forced her to touch his penis. He also touched the eldest daughter on her inner thigh twice and kissed her on the lips, and separately placed his hand down the shirt of the younger daughter, touching her on the breast and back. His crimes occurred at the Greek Orthodox Church in Central Mangrove, north of Sydney, and at the family's home in the city's south-west between August 2019 and February 2020. On Thursday, the Mays Hill man appeared in Liverpool Local Court, where Magistrate Gareth Christofi delivered sentence after finding him guilty of nine counts of aggravated sexual touching. He noted the now-retired priest had 'cynically abused' the trust placed in him by his victims. 'The victims of these offences experienced significant emotional distress having been sexually touched in their own home by a man they say they trusted and revered,' the magistrate said. Mario Fayjloun is pictured arriving at Liverpool Local Court in Sydney, Thursday, September 26, 2024 While the touching was brief, without violence or threats, the crimes were aggravated because victims were abused multiple times within their own home, Mr Christofi said. 'The victims were inherently vulnerable on account of their relationship with the offender,' he said. 'The offender took advantage of that vulnerability for his own sexual gratification.' Fayjloun continued to deny the offences, claiming the victims had made up the allegations for financial gain, Mr Christofi said. 'Repentance for Father Fayjloun is something for others to do, it would seem,' he said. While the priest lost his income after being forced to resign from his role at the church after being arrested, he continued to provide services from his house, the magistrate noted. Fayjloun was sentenced to a two-year intensive corrections order, meaning he will serve his jail time in the community. He has been ordered to complete 300 hours of community service work and is barred from providing religious or spiritual services during that time. Fayjloun was surrounded by supporters as Mr Christofi delivered his decision, some of whom were in tears as the hearing adjourned. The priest did not say anything to reporters as he left the court. 1800 RESPECT (1800 737 732) National Sexual Abuse and Redress Support Service 1800 211 028 Shocking footage has emerged of a truck driver heading down a busy Melbourne motorway with a dangerous modification to its rig. Huge spikes protruded from the rims of the front wheel as the truck made its way through heavy traffic down a highway. The video titled 'What a knob' was posted to Reddit this week, with Victoria Police saying the truck modification was illegal. A police spokesperson said they were following up inquiries about the truck and advised people not to make modifications to their vehicles that were unlawful. Under VicRoads vehicle standards, it is illegal to have anything protruding from the wheel wider than the mudguard. 'When in the straight-ahead position, the wheels and tyres do not project beyond the extreme width of the mudguards when viewed from above,' VicRoads stated. The original Reddit poster warned of the potential injuries the truck's spiked wheels could cause. 'This was slightly higher than the sill on an ordinary road car, so would slice right through a car door into your kids' hip.' Footage emerged on social media of the truck travelling down a busy motorway with illegal modifications They added sarcastically, 'Seems like a great idea.' Social media users were quick to point out that the modifications were illegal in Victoria, with one person commenting, 'Absolutely not legal in Victoria.' 'No part of the rotating wheel can extend past the guard when wheels are pointed straight ahead.' 'Also no sharp protrusions,' another agreed. 'Legal on a Roman chariot at the Colosseum,' a person said. Some Reddit users said the wheel modifications were made poorly and came off easily, destroying tyres that ran over them, while others said they were made of plastic. Others likened the wheel hub to something you would see in a Mad Max movie, not on city streets. 'Stop trying to make Mad Max a thing,' one viewer said. Another added: 'Mad Max: West Gate Bridge.' Under VicRoads vehicle standards, it is illegal to have anything protruding from the wheel wider than the mudguard. A third wrote: 'I'm living where they shot Mad Max ... I drive over the hill from the movie every day. I would laugh if I saw anything like this on there.' 'Wowee, you cross that bridge and go down the road about five kms and youre dead smack in a post apocalyptic dystopia - Avalon Beach. F**k me that joint is eerie,' another wrote. Another Reddit user jokingly posted people with truck nuts should not be shamed. 'They're a harmless way for people with bad taste to express themselves and if we go about accusing them of being insecure about their masculinity or whatever then we end up with s**t like this.' The UK has joined the US, France and a host of allies in calling for an immediate temporary ceasefire in Lebanon, warning the escalating violence between Israel and Hezbollah is 'intolerable' and could plunge the Middle East into chaos. In a joint statement, the 12-strong bloc called for a 21-day ceasefire 'to provide space for diplomacy towards the conclusion of a diplomatic settlement', as well as a ceasefire in Gaza. The call was supported by UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres who said flatly: 'Hell is breaking loose.' But their hopes of salvaging a peaceful solution were seemingly dismissed by Israel, with IDF chief Herzi Halevi last night visiting soldiers close to the border to tell them they must prepare for a ground invasion of Lebanon. Halevi declared: 'We are attacking all day, both to prepare the ground for the possibility of your entry [into Lebanon], but also to continue striking Hezbollah. 'Hezbollah today expanded its [range] of fire. Later today, it will receive a very strong response. Prepare yourselves,' he said, before adding: 'your boots... will enter enemy territory.' Halevi's bleak declaration came as Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Hezbollah was being hit 'with blows it never imagined' and vowed to ensure the thousands of Israelis evacuated from the northern border would soon be able to return to their homes and jobs. Smoke rises from the site of an Israeli airstrike near the village of Khiam, Lebanon, Sept 25 Emergency workers at the scene of an Israeli airstrike in Maisara, Lebanon on Wednesday People inspect the damage at the site of an Israeli strike that hit the seaside town of Jiyeh Yemeni university staff and students burn an Israeli flag during a protest staged against the Israeli aerial attacks on Lebanon, on September 25 Vehicles wait in traffic in the town of Damour, south of Beirut as people flee southern Lebanon Major General Herzi Halevi (left) visits troops on the northern border on Wednesday French President Emmanuel Macron (L) speaks with Prime Minister of Lebanon Najib Mikati on the sidelines of the 79th Session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York on September 25, 2024 Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer (right) meets with Palestinian President Mahmud Abbas ahead of a bilateral meeting at the United Nations in New York Yesterday's appeal for a last-ditch ceasefire was signed by the UK, the US, Australia, Canada, the European Union, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates and Qatar. 'The situation between Lebanon and Israel since October 8th, 2023 is intolerable and presents an unacceptable risk of a broader regional escalation,' it read. 'This is in nobody's interest, neither of the people of Israel nor of the people of Lebanon. It is time to conclude a diplomatic settlement that enables civilians on both sides of the border to return to their homes in safety. 'Diplomacy however cannot succeed amid an escalation of this conflict.' The statement calls for the governments of Lebanon and Israel to 'endorse the temporary ceasefire immediately... and to give a real chance to a diplomatic settlement'. It continues: 'We are then prepared to fully support all diplomatic efforts to conclude an agreement between Lebanon and Israel within this period, building on efforts over the last months, that ends this crisis altogether.' Meanwhile, Iran - Hezbollah's chief backer - said late Wednesday that it would 'stand with the people of Lebanon with all means' if required. But Iran's foreign minister Abbas Araghchi warned the Middle East faces a full-scale 'catastrophe' if the clashes continue to gather pace and urged the United Nations Security Council to 'intervene to restore peace and security'. The Islamic Republic's reformist president Masoud Pezeshkian, is currently in New York at the UN General Assembly, where he expressed a willingness to reengage with the West and revive the 2015 nuclear deal. Pezeshkian's presence in New York, where he is sure to be meeting with Western politicians on the sidelines of the assembly, is a move that analysts said suggested he may have been granted permission from Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei to try to avert a war in the Middle East. This has not been taken kindly to by more hardline Hezbollah supporters and Lebanese MPs, who expect full military support from their powerful ally. After Araghchi said on Monday Iran was willing to work with the West to discuss its nuclear programme, Lebanese MP Mark Daou declared: 'They negotiate over our corpses.' People stand by an impact crater next to a destroyed warehouse at the site of an Israeli air strike in Jiyeh along the highway linking Beirut to the southern city of Sidon on September 25 Smoke billows over southern Lebanon following an Israeli strike, as seen from Tyre Foreign Minister of Iran Abbas Araghchi addresses members of the press before an emergency United Nations Security Council meeting called to address the rising tensions between Israel and Lebanon during the General Debate of the 79th session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York, New York, USA, 25 September 2024 Chief of the General Staff of the Israel Defense Forces Herzi Halevi (right) meets with the Commanding Officer of the Northern Command, Major General Ori Gordin (left) in Israel, on September 20, 2024 US President Joe Biden and France's President Emmanuel Macron met on Wednesday on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly to discuss new ceasefire proposals, and are the two heads of state leading calls for restraint. France pressed the UN security council to hold an emergency session on the matter soon and Macron said he would send his foreign minister to the former French administration by the end of the week. US Secretary of State Antony Blinken also urged Israel and Hezbollah to step back, saying all-out war would be 'disastrous' for the region and its people. Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu, who appears set on continuing to wage war, said via his spokesperson David Mencer that while 'we favour a diplomatic solution... we have tried... for eleven and a half months'. 'Yesterday our president described the US diplomat [involved in negotiations] as talented but with all his talent he hasn't been able to negotiate any sort of climbdown from Hezbollah,' Mencer said. Netanyahu delayed his departure for New York until Thursday, where he too is due to speak at the UN General Assembly. Israeli attacks in Lebanon have killed more than 600 people since Monday, including scores of women and children, according to the latest figures by the Lebanese health ministry. The ministry said that at least 72 people were killed in strikes and 400 injured on Wednesday alone. Netanyahu has promised 'total victory' over Hamas and the return of all the hostages held in Gaza - goals that many believe are simply unachievable. What's more, many analysts and observers accuse Netanyahu of having a personal stake in forging on with the war. His governing coalition relies on far-right ministers who want to permanently reoccupy the Palestinian enclave and destroy Hezbollah's ability to threaten Israel - and they have threatened to bring down the government if Netanyahu concedes too much. That would force early elections that could drive him from power at a time when he is on trial for corruption - charges that he will not face while war rages on. For many on both sides of the border, the violence of the past two weeks in Lebanon has sparked bitter memories of the 2006 war that killed 1,200 people in Lebanon, most of them civilians, and 160 Israelis, most of them soldiers. According to the UN, the latest violence has sparked an exodus of around 90,000 people from their homes in traditional Hezbollah strongholds for safer areas elsewhere in the tiny Mediterranean country. Rockets fired from southern Lebanon are intercepted by Israel's Iron Dome air defence system over the Upper Galilee region in northern Israel on August 23, 2024 Israel's Iron Dome anti-missile system engages as rockets are launched from Lebanon Yesterday's desperate plea by members of the international community for a ceasefire was issued after Britain's Prime Minister urged Britons to leave Lebanon immediately by the remaining commercial routes. Sir Keir said: 'I have a very important message for British nationals in Lebanon which is: the time to leave is now. 'The contingency plans are being ramped up but don't wait for those, there are still commercial flights. It's very important that they hear my message, which is to leave and to leave immediately.' Britain's Ministry of Defence has already drawn up plans for a desperate evacuation of UK citizens from Lebanon, with a 700-strong force of Royal Marine commandos, sailors and combat engineers en-route to the region. The MoD's rescue mission template, known in military circles as 'Operation Meteoric', could see commandos making beach landings in Lebanon with UK citizens escorted onto a flotilla of military vessels. Such plans would also see warships and RAF jets already stationed in Cyprus tasked with facilitating the rescue mission, with thousands of Brits still stuck in the country. Some have reported that their families have not received a response from the British consulate as flights out of Beirut are cancelled amid the ongoing Israeli airstrikes. Britain's Defence Secretary John Healey said on Tuedsay: 'Events in the past hours and days have demonstrated how volatile this situation is which is why our message is clear British nationals should leave now. 'We continue to urge all sides to step back from conflict to prevent further tragic loss of life. 'Government is ensuring all preparations are in place to support British nationals should the situation deteriorate.' Britain will endure further torrential downpours today with up to four inches of rain set to fall as communities continue to recover from devastating floods. The Met Office has issued three separate yellow rain warnings for the UK today: one for the Midlands and South of England and Wales until 9am tomorrow; a second for North East England for the whole day; and a third for Northern Ireland until 12pm. The highest rainfall totals are likely across the Pennines and North York Moors where up to 100mm (3.9in) could accumulate over the whole day, while there could also be thunderstorms and strong winds in the southern half of the UK this afternoon. Forecasters warned fast flowing or deep floodwater could pose a 'danger to life', as well as power cuts, flooded properties, travel disruption and spray on roads. Some communities could even be cut off by flooded roads after parts of the country saw twice the average monthly average rainfall in 48 hours earlier this week. Further downpours will follow in central and southern areas tomorrow morning, but the rain is set to clear later in the day leaving conditions much colder on Saturday. The weekend will start drier, but with frequent showers in western Scotland and Northern Ireland. Then on Sunday night, strong winds and heavy rain will move in. A car is driven through a flooded country lane in Dunsden, Oxfordshire, this morning WEATHER WARNING 1: A rain alert for Northern Ireland from 8pm last night until 12pm today WEATHER WARNING 2: A rain alert for the whole of today covers much of North East England WEATHER WARNING 3: England and Wales are on alert from 6am today until 9am tomorrow The Environment Agency has issued 29 warnings for 'expected' flooding and 65 alerts for 'possible' flooding, most of which are across central and southern England. The Met Office said there could even be 'some snow on the Scottish mountains' tomorrow. It follows the coldest UK temperature in 150 days yesterday when Braemar in Aberdeenshire fell to -3C (27F) - the lowest minimum since April 28 when the same location dropped to -5.2C (22.6F). Met Office forecaster Paul Gundersen said: 'With the rain on Wednesday and Thursday potentially falling on already saturated ground a number of warnings for rain have been issued outlining the increased risks for potential impacts.' 'The highest rainfall totals are likely across the Pennines and North York Moors where 80mm (3.1in) to 100mm (3.9in) could accumulate on Thursday, while others within the warning area could see 20mm (0.8in) to 30mm (1.2in) quite widely. The rain is set to clear tomorrow afternoon leaving conditions much colder on Saturday 'More severe weather warnings may be issued over the coming days so it's important to check the latest forecast for your area.' Three weather warnings for heavy rain have been issued by the Met Office for the coming days. The first yellow warning - indicating heavy rain could cause some disruption was imposed on Northern Ireland from 8pm last night until 12pm today. The second was issued for the whole of today and covers much of the North East of England. And third was activated for southern England, the Midlands and Wales, between 6am this morning and 9am tomorrow on Friday. It comes after flash flooding damaged homes and disrupted travel, with extreme rainfall forcing 43 people to evacuate from a Northamptonshire holiday park. A road in Harrold, Bedfordshire, is closed yesterday after the River Great Ouse burst its banks Flooding around properties at Billing Aquadrome holiday park in Northamptonshire yesterday Horse riders make their way through floodwater at Walton in Warwickshire yesterday Firefighters and police worked to evacuate residents until late on Tuesday night at Billing Aquadrome holiday park. Teams used 4x4 vehicles and PPE to help people away from areas that were affected by the rising flood water. West Northamptonshire Council carried out welfare checks on any vulnerable people at the site and provided an overnight rest centre and emergency bedding at Lings Forum Leisure Centre for 52 people and 22 dogs displaced by the flooding. Volunteers from the Red Cross and Re:Act were supporting people at the centre who have been provided with hot food and drink. The neighbouring Cogenhoe Mill holiday park also flooded after the River Nene burst its banks. Areas including Buckinghamshire, Northamptonshire and Warwickshire were among the worst hit on Monday. Flooding also saw the AFC Wimbledon v Newcastle United third-round Carabao Cup match postponed after a sinkhole opened on the pitch in South West London. A Scottish paramedic who ditched the UK's National Health Service for a better life in Australia can now play bagpipes on the beach next to his four-bedroom home. Darren O'Hare, 38, originally from Fife, worked as a paramedic for the Scottish Ambulance Service in the Forth Valley area for 10 years but now earns thousands more as an Australian paramedic in a 'happier' work environment. Mr O'Hare had an 'enjoyable' experience in the NHS but it came with its 'challenges' - especially during the pandemic. The father-of-three shared the dream of moving to Australia with his wife Susan, 39, for 15 years before they finally made the trip. In June this year, Darren, his wife, their three daughters - Carmen, 21, Ellie, 15 and Keira, 12 - along with pet dog Finlay, packed up from their three-bedroom house in Grangemouth and relocated to Perth. His pay before overtime has increased from around 48,000 in the UK (AU$93,300) to AUD$109,000 (56,000) - even though he was a manager in Scotland and is a 'bottom level' paramedic in Perth. The family are renting a four-bedroom house close to the beach for $680 a week while they wait to obtain permanent residency and for the sale of their old home to be completed. Mr O'Hare said there was 'no chance on hell' they could have afforded a similar property in Scotland. Darren O'Hare (pictured) worked as a paramedic for the Scottish Ambulance Service in the Forth Valley area for 10 years but now earns thousands more as an Australian paramedic In June this year, Darren, his wife, their three daughters (pictured together) packed up from their three-bedroom house in Grangemouth and relocated to Perth Ms O'Hare has also noticed a difference between the working conditions in the NHS and the health service in Australia, saying his colleagues seem 'happier' and there is less 'stress' despite the similar challenges they face. He also feels his quality of life has improved, enabling him and his wife to give their three daughters 'the best chance in life'. 'I don't like bad mouthing Scotland and I'm fiercely proud of the Scottish but a major thing for me is opening my blinds and seeing some bright, sunny skies, it lifts your mood,' Mr O'Hare told PA Real Life. 'We finish work and go to the beach, we live right on the beach and we've booked various trips to see the wildlife, dolphins, whales, things like that. 'Western Australia is a massive place and there's so much more to do - the world is your oyster.' Darren enjoys a better life in Australia can now play bagpipes on the beach (pictured) next to his four-bedroom home Darren's (pictured working for the NHS) pay before overtime has increased from around 48,000 in the UK (roughly AUD$93,300) to AUD$109,000 (roughly 56,000) Darren spent almost 12 years in the British Army from the age of 16, working for the first five years as a mechanic before transferring to the Royal Scots Dragoon Guards, where he worked on battle tanks and, as a bagpipe player and joined the pipe band as a regimental piper. He joined the Scottish Ambulance Service in 2014, working as an ambulance technician for four years before qualifying as a paramedic in 2018. Darren described his time within the NHS as 'enjoyable' but said it came with its challenges. 'In December 2019 I got a promotion to a team leader as a front-line supervisor and obviously, five months after that, we were up to our necks in a pandemic,' he said. 'To be a supervisor through that period was wild, it was a really big challenge through Covid. 'But ultimately, 10 years and three months, it was a really enjoyable experience and I worked with really good people.' Darren was first inspired to move to Australia by a possible transfer during his time in the military to the Australian army, which in the end fell through. The father-of-three said it had had shared the dream of moving to Australia with his wife Susan (pictured together) for 15 years before they finally made the trip Darren said his family (pictured together) have settled well into work and school in Australia Mr O'Hare revisited the prospect of moving Down Under when he became a paramedic, saying he applied or reached out to every ambulance service in Australia and New Zealand but was informed they would need to favour their residents first. In 2022, a colleague told him St John Ambulance Western Australia were seeking international applicants and Darren said their dream was 'reignited'. He applied for a role within the ambulance service in December 2022 and was accepted in December 2023 and they moved in June this year. He said the process of obtaining visas for the family, enrolling his two younger daughters into new schools and selling their property in Scotland had been 'stressful' and time-consuming. After putting their three-bedroom house in Scotland on the market in February, the sale has fallen through twice and they are still waiting for it to complete before starting the process of obtaining permanent residency in Australia. He said they will purchase a house once everything is finalised. 'It was just such a long, drawn-out process but the house is the last tie (to the UK),' Mr O'Hare said, adding the family have settled well into work and school in Australia. After putting their three-bedroom house in Scotland (pictured) on the market in February, the sale has fallen through twice While waiting for their Scottish house sale to complete, the family are renting a four bedroom property in Perth (pictured) with a large backyard nd theatre room. It's also close to the beach While waiting for their house sale to complete, the family are renting a four-bed, two-bath property with a large backyard and theatre room close to the beach. 'There's no chance in hell that I could afford a house like this in Scotland,' he said, adding that he and his wife both earned a good income back home. 'The house we were living in was too small for us, the five of us plus our dog and we needed a bigger house but we could not have afforded one. 'We're hoping to buy something similar now in Australia, if not bigger.' Darren has noticed a few differences between the health services in the UK and Australia in terms of his pay, the morale amongst his colleagues and the cohesion between the hospital and the ambulance crews. 'I was a manager for the last three years in Scotland I'm earning more now as a bottom level paramedic here in Australia,' he said. Darren is also set to receive a pay rise over the coming weeks as he can apply to have his years as a paramedic recognised and ascend through the ranks. 'We all have bad days at work and there's challenges here, there's no denying it, but everybody seems to take it in their stride and there seems to be a lot less stress,' he said. 'It feels as though there's a much more collaborative approach between the ambulance and the hospitals, and I can only go from my experience, but on a recent shift, I spent a lot of time waiting to hand patients over but there's no stress. 'There's no aggravation from managers or hospital staff, everybody is understanding of the situation and we all work around it and with it as best as we can I think everybody's just a bit happier for it.' Darren (pictured) said of his Australian job: 'I was a manager for the last three years in Scotland I'm earning more now as a bottom level paramedic here in Australia' Darren described the process of obtaining visas for the family (pictured), enrolling his daughters into new schools and selling their property in Scotland as 'stressful' He also feels his quality of life has improved with regular trips to the beach and more activities for the family to do together. 'We want to give the girls the best chance in life,' he said. 'Ideally, we would have done it 10 years ago when we had a 10, a five and a three-year-old if everything would have lined up. 'Everything on offer for us is far better than what we had back in Scotland.' A young job candidate claims she was 'ghosted' by a fashion company after narrowly avoiding doing free labour in exchange for a better chance at the position. Florence Fahmy, a social creative and art director, has been seeking a job in London since moving from Australia a few months ago. A recent experience detailed in a video earlier this week has left the Aussie expat questioning how trustworthy some employers are. She claimed she went through six rounds of interviews before she received a late-night request via email. While playing 'put a finger down if...', she said: 'About 6pm on a Thursday night, you get a very informal email asking you to complete an assessment. 'They never mentioned an assessment would be part of the interview process. 'It is an entire social strategy, launch plan and four-week content rollout for an active campaign that they had mentioned throughout all of your interviews, saying this would be your job if you were hired.' Ms Fahmy immediately became 'suspicious' of the request, especially since the company was asking her to complete the task by Monday - giving her one working day to finish the project. 'I'm a little conscious knowing this is an active campaign, to put myself at ease would you be able to answer a few of my questions,' she replied to the company via email. Ms Fahmy questioned the company on whether she was the last candidate for the position, if she would be hired if they approved of her campaign and a timeline for a final job offer following the completion of the assessment. Most crucially, she requested the company sign a mutual NDA that would prevent them from using her work if she wasn't hired or compensated. 'You never hear back, ever. Technically, you were ghosted after six interviews because you questioned doing a campaign for an active project, because you were slightly suspicious they were going to use your ideas for free,' Ms Fahmy said. Florence Fahmy (pictured) believes the fashion company had no intention of hiring her and wanted to use her 'ideas for free' Several viewers shared their own experiences with recruiters giving candidates assessments. 'I did three interviews, did the campaign and calendar. And they decided the role was no longer needed, used everything I did. Pretty sure I just gave everyone on their team a lesson on how to do it,' one wrote. Another added: 'Nine times out of 10 I get ghosted for pushing back on unpaid assignments during the hiring process. It's honestly such a red flag. A portfolio and references should be enough.' A third commented: 'Similar for my current role (but this was after 1 interview). I put a copyright statement on each page, stating it's my intellectual property and couldn't be used without my written permission.' Recruitment expert Graham Wynn said that while assessments during interviewing processes are very common, applicants should be aware of companies trying to take advantage of their eagerness to please. 'Employers will still want a certain type of person only and will pay a certain wage for it. I just think that pushing the envelope a little bit too far can backfire,' he told Yahoo Finance. When asked if employers were legally allowed to use work submitted during recruitment, Mr Wyn said: 'Realistically, an employer could use it but nine times out of 10, employers do the right thing and don't.' Ultimately, Mr Wyn's advice was for candidates to complete any recommended projects, so long as they weren't a clear red flag. 'We've all been through it and it still happens today. It's not a generational thing, it's still happening today. And you just have to do it,' he said. A young Australian was left distrusting of employers after she was asked to complete a massive project before she was hired (stock image) Unfortunately, questioning whether she was being taken advantage of resulted in Ms Fahmy losing out on the position. 'If I'm going to put time into something, I want to make sure I understand what exactly it is that I'm wasting my time doing,' she said. 'The fact they didn't reply to any of these questions kind of shows they probably weren't going to hire me. 'There are times that companies will ask you to do assessments. I've done one before. 'I think there are also a lot of ways that people can share their thinking without doing direct work for a company.' Fish and chips or a Chinese have long been known as the favourite takeaways among Brits, but hungry customers have developed a growing craving for fried chicken. From McDonald's to Popeyes and KFC, the number of major chicken chains making their way to the UK from America is only growing, with Chick-fil-A the latest to announce its upcoming arrival. The American chicken sandwich shop plans to open five restaurants across London, Liverpool, Belfast and Leeds over the next two years. But feathers could fly in high streets across the country, with the US imports facing fierce competition from British institutions like Morley's, Chicken Cottage and Popeyes. In south London, a single stretch of road has a staggering 29 fried chicken shops, making it the biggest street in the UK for the fast food item. McDonald's is the largest US chain selling fried chicken in the UK, with 1,442 stores opened since it came over from America in 1974. This is closely followed by KFC, which has 1,040 branches in the UK and came over even earlier in 1965. Here, MailOnline takes a look at how American chicken offerings rival our homegrown favourites - and whether a cheeky Nando's beats a late night Maccy's, or whether Popeyes leaves the competition in a flap. Fried chicken is a craze in the UK with more restaurants opening every year. Pictured: Fried chicken from KFC Your browser does not support iframes. The video for rapper Stormzy's 2017 single Big for Your Boots, part of which was filmed in cult fried chicken chain Morley's The fried chicken craze has been helped by the popular show Chicken Shop Date, which sees its creator Amelia Dimoldenberg (pictured) take major celebrities on an outing to eat the fast food A map plotting the 29 shops offering fried chicken along a single stretch of road from Streatham to West Croydon Chick-fil-A American fast-food chain Chick-fil-A this week revealed it is coming to the UK. Poll What's your favourite? KFC Nando's Morley's Popeyes Chicken Cottage McDonald's What's your favourite? KFC 316 votes Nando's 129 votes Morley's 28 votes Popeyes 111 votes Chicken Cottage 14 votes McDonald's 91 votes Now share your opinion The chicken sandwich chain plans to open five restaurants across London, Liverpool, Belfast and Leeds over the next two years. It already has more than 3,000 restaurants across the US, Puerto Rico and Canada, with the new UK branches marking the first locations outside of North America. The brand will donate 25,000 to a local non-profit organisation in celebration of each new UK restaurant opening. The majority of Chick-fil-A restaurants will be owned by local, independent Owner-Operators - small business owners. Truett Cathy founded and opened the first Chick-fil-A restaurant in 1967 in Atlanta's Greenbriar Mall. The chicken shop opened a pop-up store in Reading, Berkshire, in 2019, but closed after the initial pilot period when the lease on the site was not extended. American fast-food chain Chick-fil-A has revealed its first ever UK locations (File image) Truett Cathy (pictured) founded and opened the first Chick-fil-A restaurant in 1967 in Atlanta's Greenbriar Mall Reading Pride gay rights campaigners held a demonstration outside the shopping centre, calling for a boycott over the chain's history of giving money to groups it claimed were anti-LGBT rights. The chicken chain is still significantly rooted in its founder's Christian beliefs. The owners of the chain, the Cathy family, have in the past donated money to various charities, some of which have been associated with anti-LGBT beliefs. The stores do not open on Sundays, in a tradition to honour a day of rest. This allows staff to worship and spend the day with family. McDonald's McDonald's is the biggest US chain selling fried chicken in the UK, with 1,442 stores opened since it came over from America in 1974. The restaurant chain was forged on a poisonous row between the two founders and an entrepreneur who was so angry he called them 'every kind of son of a b**** I could think of', MailOnline previously revealed. McDonald's is the largest US chain selling fried chicken in the UK, with 1,442 stores since coming over from America in 1974 Ray Kroc tore into Richard and Maurice McDonald when they demanded $2.7 million for their company in 1961. He said that he 'hated their guts' and was 'so mad I wanted to throw a vase through a window' because he felt they had tried to make him fail - and were now ripping him off. Kroc paid the money and enacted revenge by building a McDonald's right next to their last remaining restaurant and driving them out of business. Popeyes A newer addition to the UK is Popeyes, which arrived in the in 2021 and has already set up 50 stores here. Popeyes was founded in 1972 in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, by Al Copeland, who was known to stay up all night perfecting his mashed potatoes. A newer addition is Popeyes, which arrived in the UK in 2021 and has already set up 50 stores Nando's Chicken favourite Nando's came to the UK from South Africa in 1992 and has set up 392 restaurants so far. Specialising in Portuguese flame-grilled peri-peri style chicken, Nando's has become one of the most popular dining locations in the UK. Fernando Duarte and his friend Robert Brozin, the founders of the first Nando's, bought a restaurant originally called 'Chickenland' and renamed it Nando's, opening it in 1987. By 2018, there were 340 Nando's restaurants throughout South Africa. Nando's initially struggled to get started in the UK, where the franchise rights were bought by the Enthoven family in 1992. The first UK restaurant opened a short time later in Ealing, West London. Nando's came to the UK from South Africa in 1992 and has set up 392 restaurants so far Chicken Cottage And Chicken Cottage, a UK-based fast food chain, was founded in 1994 and has 115 outlets. The founders opened a few stores in London, and after requests from close family and friends they began the journey of Franchising. Chicken Cottage said it has been built upon strong family values. KFC KFC has 1,040 branches in the UK and came over even earlier in 1965. The fast food chain was founded by Colonel Harland Sanders, an entrepreneur who started selling fried chicken from his roadside restaurant in Corbin, Kentucky, during the Great Depression. The first 'Kentucky Fried Chicken' franchise opened in Salt Lake City, Utah, in 1952. KFC has more than 1,000 stores across the UK and came over even earlier in 1965 Some have pinned fried chicken's popular status on its affordable prices which target 'deprived areas', while others point to its influence through social media and celebrity trends Morley's Iconic Morley's has been operating in London since 1985, and has more than 100 stores serving chicken, wings, ribs and burgers. The family-run chicken joint was referred to in Stormzy's 2015 track 'Wicked Skengman Part 4', while his 2017 video for 'Big for your Boots' was filmed inside one of its branches. The chain also worked with writer and performer Corey Bovell for his one-man theatre show Chicken Burger N Chips, while another grime star, Krept, released a song titled 'Morley's Freestyle' and used a prop of a Morley's store front on stage during a gig at the O2 Arena in 2019. The Morley's fast food chain has reached legendary status after its founding 40 years ago, having been championed by the south London rap star and other musicians But the chain's iconic branding this year ended up at the centre of a very different stage over claims a competitor had wrongly used signage too similar to the distinctive red and white, 'MMM... it tastes better', trade mark used by Morley's. It won the battle when Judge Melissa Clarke ruled in favour of Morley's, holding that competitor Metro's '...It's the real taste' sign 'infringed the Morley's red and white mark'. Why is fried chicken so popular? Some have pinned fried chicken's popular status on its affordable prices which target 'deprived areas', while others point to its influence through social media and celebrity trends. The craze has been helped by the popular show Chicken Shop Date, which premiered in 2011 and sees its creator Amelia Dimoldenberg take major celebrities on an outing to eat the fast food. Among the run of famous faces who have featured in her series - which began with her interviewing up-and-coming grime artists back in 2014- include Billie Eilish, Daniel Kaluuya, and most recently A-listers Ryan Reynolds and Hugh Jackman. The Deadpool & Wolverine stars also recently featured on US YouTube talk show Hot Ones with host Sean Evans, where guests answer questions as they eat spicy chicken wings. Sidemen, the YouTube group popular among teens, sent fans into a frenzy when they opened their own fried chicken chain Sides in 2021. A chicken fillet burger meal and spicy wings at Sunny Hill Chicken, situated just off Streatham High Road A Chicken Valley branch located on Streatham High Road, close to Streatham Hill station Reece was waiting for his order at Royal Wings when he told of how chicken shops have become 'historic' in working-class areas Richard Pigott, Slim Chickens UK Operations Director said last year that social media has 'supercharged' the demand for fried chicken. 'It is clear that fried chicken has a long-held affection in the UK, but even we were surprised at how much it's overtaken great British dishes like fish and chips. 'Undoubtedly social media has also supercharged demand for US fast food, playing a crucial role in shaping food trends and influencing people's culinary preferences.' Police Scotland have been accused of 'institutional gaslighting' after a 'policy U-turn' on trans rapists being recorded as female. Yesterday, Police Scotland insisted there were no cases of men who have been charged with rape being recorded as female by the force. In a letter to Holyrood's Criminal Justice Committee, Deputy Chief Constable Alan Speirs sought to provide assurance to MSPs on the issue. While he said claims had been made during First Minister's Questions at Holyrood that a male rapist could demand to be called a woman and 'further traumatise his victim', the senior officer made clear 'this would not happen'. He wrote: 'The committee should be absolutely assured that a man who commits rape or serious sexual assaults will be recorded as a male. The controversy comes in the wake of high-profile cases, including that of Adam Graham, who began identifying as Isla Bryson (pictured) while waiting to stand trial accused of two rapes Scottish Conservative MSP Rachael Hamilton said: 'The Isla Bryson scandal exposed the dangerous way in which the SNP's flawed gender self-ID policy could be exploited' 'There is no instance or record on police systems of a male having been arrested and charged with rape whose gender has been recorded as female. This has not happened.' The senior officer wrote to MSPs ahead of a meeting of watchdogs at the Scottish Police Authority on Thursday, where Police Scotland Chief Constable Jo Farrell is expected to be questioned on the matter. MSPs on Holyrood's Public Petitions Committee are considering a petition raising concerns that a transgender offender, who was born male but self-identifies as female, could be recorded as female in crime statistics. The petition, which calls for the police, Crown Office and Scottish Court Service to 'record accurately the sex of people charged with or convicted of rape or attempted rape', was lodged by policy analysis firm Murray Blackburn Mackenzie (MBM). Lucy Hunter Blackburn of MBM welcomed what she said was a 'major U-turn by Police Scotland' on the issue. She said: 'We welcome that Police Scotland has at last recognised that allowing sex offenders to self-identify their sex is indefensible. 'It is, however, an extraordinary act of institutional gaslighting to pretend that this is not a significant policy change from their position over almost five years. 'Over that period, Police Scotland has persistently and vigorously defended the use of self-ID for recording the sex of all offenders, including sex offenders, as being in line with its 'values'.' Double rapist Adam Graham now identifies as transgender Isla Bryson In a letter to Holyrood's Criminal Justice Committee, Deputy Chief Constable Alan Speirs sought to provide assurance to MSPs on the issue The controversy comes in the wake of high-profile cases, including that of Adam Graham, who began identifying as Isla Bryson while waiting to stand trial accused of two rapes. Bryson was convicted of rape in February 2023 and jailed for eight years, initially being sent to the all-female Cornton Vale prison outside Stirling, before being transferred to a male prison. Scottish Conservative MSP Rachael Hamilton said: 'Despite the Deputy Chief Constable's protestations, this announcement does appear to represent a significant change in policy from Police Scotland.' She added: 'The Isla Bryson scandal exposed the dangerous way in which the SNP's flawed gender self-ID policy could be exploited. 'It enabled a predatory male-bodied criminal to access a women's prison and led this rapist to be described as 'her' in government briefings. 'We need to know that this belated victory for common sense will now be embedded in Police Scotland, the wider justice system, and indeed all public bodies. 'The safety and protection of women and the safeguarding of single-sex spaces must always come first.' In his letter, Mr Speirs offered 'further reassurance' to MSPs by explaining that in cases where someone is charged with a serious sexual assault, Police Scotland use DNA samples to determine their biological sex. He added: 'This profile, and biological sex, is retained on the Scottish DNA Database and is available to be searched against crime scene samples to aid historic and future investigations.' He stressed to MSPs that an offender's gender self-identification would not supersede 'wider policing principles' as he added that Police Scotland 'is working hard, with partners and communities, to address the scale, prevalence and impact of sexual violence'. Mr Speirs continued: 'Whilst the matter raised around our procedures for gender self-identification is important, this is not the issue impacting on the safety of women and girls.' He also stressed that incidents involving transgender offenders 'are rare', noting the Scottish census in 2022 found there were just 19,990 people in Scotland who were either trans or had a trans history. The police officer noted: 'This is 0.44 per cent of people aged 16 and over, illustrating the rarity of these particular circumstances.' MailOnline has contacted Police Scotland for comment. Nineteen major railway stations across Britain including ten in London have been hit by a major cyber attack impacting their public wi-fi systems for passengers. Network Rail confirmed London Euston, Manchester Piccadilly, Liverpool Lime Street, Birmingham New Street and Glasgow Central were among those impacted. British Transport Police launched an investigation after travellers logging into the wi-fi at stations reported seeing a message about terror attacks in Europe. Wi-fi at the affected stations is controlled by a third-party provider called Telent, and MailOnline understands other organisations have also been impacted by the attack. The wi-fi landing page following the hack said 'We love you, Europe' and contained information about terror attacks, according to users posting on social media. The attack has been compared to the BBC's new drama Nightsleeper which features a sleeper train travelling from Glasgow to London which is hacked and hijacked. The wifi webpage after the hack said 'We love you, Europe' and contained information about terror attacks, which has been obscured by MailOnline in the above image The wi-fi was still down this morning at the stations, which also include Bristol Temple Meads, Edinburgh Waverley, Leeds, Guildford and Reading. Full list of all Network Rail stations impacted by cyber attack Birmingham New Street Bristol Temple Meads Clapham Junction Edinburgh Waverley Glasgow Central Guildford Leeds City Liverpool Lime Street London Bridge London Cannon Street London Charing Cross London Euston London King's Cross London Liverpool Street London Paddington London Victoria London Waterloo Manchester Piccadilly Reading Advertisement The ten London stations affected were Cannon Street, Charing Cross, Clapham Junction, Euston, King's Cross, Liverpool Street, London Bridge, Paddington, Victoria and Waterloo. According to its website, Telent helps design, build, support and manage some of the UK's 'critical digital infrastructure', and its other customers include Openreach, Transport for London (TfL), National Highways, the Maritime and Coastguard Agency and the NHS Ambulance Radio Programme. It has not yet been confirmed if any of Telent's other customers have been impacted by the incident. Among the cyber security experts commenting on the attack today was Alex Richards, director of Liberate IT Services, who told MailOnline: 'This will have been a malicious actor directly targeting the public wi-fi for propaganda purposes or to promote an agenda. 'Public wi-fi is always isolated and firewalled from any other network so there will be no risk to data held or processed by Network Rail themselves. Public wi-fi is the easiest target due to its accessibility, and the most visible when tampered with. 'The only potential danger is that anyone else using the public wi-fi at the time could have had their data snooped. This is where information being sent from/to your device on the public wi-fi is inspected and listened to. 'This is why it is important to only use encrypted services on public wi-fi, or a VPN service using encryption. Better yet, stay clear of public wi-fi and use your 4G or 5G data service.' The cyber attack has been compared to the BBC's new drama Nightsleeper, starring Joe Cole James Bore, director at security and technology consultancy Bores Group, also told MailOnline: 'This sort of attack largely isn't a threat to users of the wi-fi as it appears to be an activist attack designed to spread a message. ANALYSIS: Public wi-fi is the easiest target due to its accessibility By ALEX RICHARDS This will have been a malicious actor directly targeting the public wi-fi for propaganda purposes or to promote an agenda. Public wi-fi is always isolated and firewalled from any other network so there will be no risk to data held or processed by Network Rail themselves. Public wi-fi is the easiest target due to its accessibility, and the most visible when tampered with. The only potential danger is that anyone else using the public wi-fi at the time could have had their data snooped. This is where information being sent from/to your device on the public wi-fi is inspected and listened to. This is why it is important to only use encrypted services on public wi-fi, or a VPN service using encryption. Better yet, stay clear of public wi-fi and use your 4G or 5G data service. ALEX RICHARDS is director of Liberate IT Services Advertisement 'From the details available it's likely the provider of the wi-fi system was the one compromised, and a lot more of their clients than Network Rail will have been affected - however with the busy stations they were noticed first. 'This sort of attack involves changing the home page - called the captive portal - to another page, and it can be used to steal credentials but in this case was used to spread a message. 'Honestly, the protection against this sort of attack is not to use public wi-fi - when you do use it you are placing trust in the provider not to do this sort of thing, and while it's rare that these attacks happen there is nothing individuals can do to prevent them.' Meanwhile Adrianus Warmenhoven, cyber security expert at NordVPN, said: 'Cyber attacks at some of the UK's busiest railway stations are a stark reminder that public wi-fi can be a playground for cybercriminals. 'Unsecured public networks in busy areas are easy pickings for hackers and the incident highlights the need for heightened vigilance when using these services which can be more vulnerable to cyber attacks.' He added that the firm's research has found Britons are among the most vulnerable in the world for public wi-fi attacks, given more than two fifths are willing to use password-free services on their devices. Mr Warmenhoven continued: 'To protect yourself when using public wi-fi, avoid using sensitive accounts like online banking or shopping sites that require your personal information. 'Always ensure you are connecting to the correct network, as hackers have been known to create fake wi-fi hotspots with names similar to legitimate networks and lure unsuspecting users. 'If you are using public wi-fi, consider using a Virtual Private Network (VPN) to encrypt your data and keep it safe from prying eyes.' Nightsleeper features a train travelling from Glasgow to London which is hacked and hijacked And Jake Moore, global cybersecurity adviser at Eset, said the incident appeared to be an attempt to draw attention to a lack of security, rather than a 'genuine threat'. 'Cyber attacks often occur in stealth mode and attempt to carry out activities without anyone noticing anything until the real damage is complete,' he said. 'However, by defacing the wifi logon screen with a terror message suggests that the motive may simply be to test its general security rather than to pose a genuine threat - and in this case, via the weakest link in the supply chain and most likely via a phishing campaign. 'Financially motivated cyber criminals are out to find data they can either steal or sabotage with a ransom demand put in place. 'However, it seems nothing more has been demanded here other than more security in place following a separate attack on TfL earlier this month.' Passengers at London Euston this morning, one of the stations affected by the cyber attack A Network Rail spokeswoman told MailOnline: 'We are currently dealing with a cyber security incident affecting the public wi-fi at Network Rail's managed stations. 'This service is provided via a third party and has been suspended while an investigation is underway.' Network Rail manages 20 stations across the network, with London St Pancras the only one that has not been affected by the attack. And a British Transport Police spokesman said: 'We received reports at around 5.03pm yesterday of a cyber-attack displaying Islamophobic messaging on some Network Rail Wi-Fi services. 'We are working alongside Network Rail to investigate the incident at pace.' Also today, a spokeswoman for Telent said: 'We are aware of the cyber security incident affecting the public Wi-Fi at Network Rail's managed stations and are investigating with Network Rail and other stakeholders. British Transport Police at London King's Cross station today after the cyber attack on wi-fi 'We have been informed there is an ongoing investigation by the British Transport Police into this incident, so it would not be appropriate to comment further at this stage.' While the cyber attack itself did not appear to be affecting train services today, there was major disruption on Avanti West Coast and TransPennine Express services. All lines between Lockerbie and Carstairs were blocked after an object got caught in the overhead cables, affecting services between Carlisle, Glasgow and Edinburgh. Elsewhere, flooding continued to disrupt services between Wanborough and Ash in Surrey - while a tree was blocking the line between Hebden Bridge and Todmorden in West Yorkshire. It comes after a separate cyber security incident was launched on Transport for London (TfL) on September 1, which saw some customer data accessed. Network Rail confirmed Manchester Piccadilly is among the affected train stations (file photo) A 17-year-old boy has been arrested in Walsall on suspicion of Computer Misuse Act offences in relation to the TfL attack. TfL has been investigating the incident alongside the NCA and said some customer names and contact details had been compromised. Some Oyster card refund data may also have been accessed in the cyber attack which could include bank account details. TfL said this could include bank account numbers and sort codes for about 5,000 customers, and it has directly contacted these people with guidance. Meanwhile the Football League has issued an alert to clubs following a series of cyber attacks which have seen breaches at both Bristol City and Sheffield Wednesday in recent weeks. Hackers are thought to be targeting many of the league's bigger clubs, hunting for the personal data of season ticket holders and those on email lists. Should they be successful, that information, which can include passwords, is often sold on to a variety of buyers which are thought to include organised crime networks who can then attempt to use the data to carry out a variety of scams. A further cyber attack back in June led to more than 10,000 NHS appointments being cancelled after pathology services provider Synnovis was targeted. The hackers were thought to have obtained confidential medical information and blood test results of more than 100,000 patients. Last month, they were ordered by a High Court judge to 'unmask' themselves and return or delete the stolen data. And in July, Microsoft suffered a service outage which affected some of its apps and features which was sparked by an attempted cyber attack. The US technology firm said problems on its Azure cloud platform had been triggered by a distributed denial-of-service (DDoS) attack, where hackers try to knock a platform offline by flooding it with traffic until it can no longer cope. Elena Kadvany has been a reporter on the Chronicles Food & Wine team since 2021. She covers the ins and outs of the Bay Area food industry, from breaking news about the latest restaurant openings to investigative stories into wage theft and workers rights. In 2024, her food writing portfolio won second place in the Society for Features Journalism Excellence-in-Features awards. Previously, she covered restaurants and education for the Palo Alto Weekly; her work has also been published in Bon Appetit and the Guardian, and her reporting has been recognized by the California News Publishers Association. She can be reached at Elena.Kadvany@sfchronicle.com. The tragic final post of a mother-of-five who became the first person to die from a Brazilian Bum Lift procedure in the UK has been revealed. Alice Webb, 33, died on Monday just hours after having the surgery, which is believed to have been performed in the West Country. The night before her sudden death, she posted a photo on Facebook of a small pumpkin, which she said was a 'present' from her daughter. She added: 'How cute.' In the comments, she shared a second photo of the pumpkin, having been carved with a candle inside, and wrote: 'My little lamp.' Gloucestershire Police confirmed it is investigating the death and has arrested two people on suspicion of manslaughter. The practitioner alleged to have carried out the surgery whose identity is known to MailOnline is one of those who has been arrested. Alice Webb (pictured), 33, died on Monday just hours after having the surgery, which is believed to have been performed in the West Country This was Alice's tragic final post on Facebook, thanking her daughter for a pumpkin present In the comments section, she shared another photo. This time it was carved and had a candle inside and she wrote: 'My little lamp.' Dane Knight (left) has been left devastated by the death of his partner Alice Webb (right) after she died from a Brazilian Bum Lift procedure in the UK Pictured is Studio 23, which is just a few miles from where Alice's home is in Wotton-under-Edge The Studio 23 sign could be seen at the property when MailOnline visited it in Gloucester today Yesterday evening, Alice's partner Dane Knight asked people not to speculate on the circumstances surrounding her death and to be mindful around her five daughters, who are 'extremely vulnerable' at this time. In an emotional post on Facebook he wrote: 'Want to say a heart felt thank you to all family and friends that were here for us at our time of need, including all of the kind messages sent to my children and myself. 'There was some very beautiful messages sent by some of your children that formed a start of a smile from the corner of my kids mouth. 'I feel this is important saying this as I will not accept speculations from adults being accidentally being eaves dropped by children and unnecessary questions raised to the 5 girls, so be extremely carful on what you say and who's around! My children are extremely vulnerable! 'Alice left us Monday at 11.30pm. 2 people have been arrested and currently in custody on potential charges of corporate manslaughter. 'Please, please have these 5 girls feelings at heart here.' Alice was an advanced aesthetic practitioner at Crystal Clear in Wotton-under-Edge, a market town in Gloucestershire. A GoFundMe page set up by her pal Abigail Irwin revealed the tragedy. It said: 'I am hoping to raise as many funds as we can to support Dane, the partner of Alice and their five beautiful children at this very difficult sad time. 'Alice passed away Monday evening after having the BBL treatment which has gone wrong. 'Alice joined the beauty & Aesthetics industry two years ago and she has been smashing it, doing amazing. Dane Knight (pictured) has urged people not to speculate on the circumstances surrounding Alice's death Alice (pictured) was an advanced aesthetic practitioner at Crystal Clear in Wotton-under-Edge and is thought to have had the operation in the West Country Alice Webb (pictured), 33, died on Monday just hours after having the procedure Alice was just 33 when she passed away following the bum lift procedure in the UK 'She cared about her clients, she would always check in to see if they were OK, Alice was a beautiful person inside and out and I feel very lucky to have known her and to have spent time with her in our salon. 'Alice would ask for advice all the time and ask to check if there was anything more she could do to improve her skills but she was just a pure natural and never needed my help but always wanting to be the best at her job and that she was. 'Alice has passed away at a young age of 33. Alice was beautiful inside and out with the biggest heart, her family was her world she is leaving behind her partner Dane & 5 beautiful children. 'Delsie 15, Preete 13, Gracie 12, Nylie 10, Clarie 7 as you can imagine this is a very difficult heart breaking time for them all so if we can all help donate or share to help take of some financial stress it would be really appreciated by the family.' By late Wednesday the fund stood at 740 of a 3,000 target. Alice's death was also confirmed by campaign group Save Face. Director Ashton Collins told MailOnline: 'We are aware of this sad incident and are offering our support to her family. 'This is a very tragic time for them and we warned the Government nine months ago that deaths were likely unless there was intervention. 'We get hundreds of complaints from people and more needs to be done to investigate these procedures and there have been deaths from sepsis as a result. 'I understand that the surgeon involved has been arrested and is being questioned by police.' Alice is pictured with partner Dane Knight, who asked people not to speculate on the circumstances surrounding her death and to be mindful around her five daughters A GoFundMe page set up for Alice, where tributes have been shared to the much-loved mother-of-five A GoFundMe has been set up and a tribute said: 'Alice was a beautiful person inside and out.' According to a report from Save Face published in July there has been an 'alarming increase in the number of patient reported complaints relating to non-surgical breast augmentation and BBLs'. The report said that more than half have resulted in severe and life-threatening complications, including sepsis, abscesses and infections. Save Face's investigation tragically concluded by saying: 'This is a crisis waiting to happen. Without urgent intervention, we fear it will only be a matter of time until there are fatalities. 'We are calling upon the Government to take immediate action to ban these procedures to ensure public safety.' Speaking on Wednesday to The Mirror, Ashton Collins of Save Face said: 'We made it absolutely clear that without urgent intervention, someone would die. 'It makes me incredibly sad and angry that today our fear has been confirmed and a family has been shattered.' In a statement, Gloucestershire police said: 'Police had been called by the ambulance service at around 11.35pm on Monday (23 September) with a report a woman had become unwell following a suspected cosmetic procedure. 'She was taken to Gloucestershire Royal Hospital and died in the early hours of Tuesday morning. 'Her next of kin and the coroner are aware. 'The woman's family are being supported by specially trained officers. 'An investigation, led by the Major Crime Investigation Team, is ongoing. The two people who had been arrested have been released on police bail.' Kaydell Brown, 38, (pictured) is one of several Brits who have died abroad following BBL surgery. She died last month having paid 5,400 for a 'mummy MOT' in Turkey Kaydell had hoped the surgery would get her life 'back on track' after she put on weight due to breaking her ankle, according to her sister Several British women have died overseas following BBL surgery in the last few years as the procedure is usually cheaper and popular destinations include Turkey, Mexico and the Dominican Republic. Last month, Kaydell Brown, 38, of Sheffield, died after having a BBL in Turkey that she hoped would change her life. The mother of two paid 5,400 for a 'mummy MOT' - a package deal involving a Brazilian butt lift, a tummy tuck and a boob job. The cost in Britain would have been around 15,000. The hairdresser underwent the procedures at Clinic Expert in Istanbul on the morning of March 26, 2024, but never came out. Her heartbroken sister Leanne, 40, who was due to have the same surgery, slammed the Turkish clinic, branding it a 'pop-up butcher shop that needs shutting down'. Demi Agoglia, 26, of Salford, Greater Manchester, died in January days after she also had BBL surgery in Turkey. She became ill despite doctors initially declaring her surgery was successful. The young woman was taken into intensive care but was tragically pronounced dead. The mother reportedly flew to Turkey having already had dental work which was botched as well as another surgery. Demi Agoglia, 26, of Salford, Greater Manchester, died in January just days after having a Brazilian bum-lift in Turkey Her devastated brother Carl, 37, said Ms Agoglia's family and partner had tried to convince her not to go through with the bum-lift as they were concerned for her safety. Fat is first harvested from the hips, lower back, abdomen, thighs and other areas via liposuction . Special equipment is used to prepare it for transfer before it is injected directly into the glutes at specific points, giving the buttocks a bigger, curvier appearance Her devastated brother Carl, 37, said Ms Agoglia's family and partner had tried to convince her not to go through with the bum-lift as they were concerned for her safety. The father-of-four said: 'It is tragic what happened. We are just in shock. She went to Istanbul to have it done. 'She had previously gone to have her teeth done. No one wanted her to go out and have it done but she is one of those people. 'Her partner is still out there and his dad has just flown out there to be with him. 'If anyone is thinking of flying to Turkey for an operation I would say don't do it! Even her boyfriend didn't want her to do it. But she is 26 and has her own mind. Her mum didn't want her to go out either.' Last November the death of 31-year-old Melissa Kerr after BBL surgery prompted UK government officials to meet with their counterparts in Turkey to discuss the dangers of cosmetic tourism. Ms Kerr was admitted to the Medicana Kadikoy Hospital in Istanbul in 2019 and died after the procedure to collect fat and inject it into her buttocks. The procedure carries a death rate at 'least 10 times higher than many other cosmetic procedures'. Melissa Kerr, 31, from Norfolk, was on holiday in Istanbul when she had a BBL procedure She paid 3,200 for the surgery (Pictured is Ms Kerr and her partner Skye Birch) Ms Kerr's medical cause of death was given as pulmonary thromboembolism and fat embolism, as a result of elective cosmetic surgery Norfolk's senior coroner Jacqueline Lake said that Ms Kerr, of Denton, Norfolk, was only given 'limited information regarding the risks and mortality rate' associated with the operation. The coroner wrote to the Department of Health and Social Care with her concerns following an inquest heard in September last year. She wrote: 'I am concerned that patients travelling to Turkey for this procedure are not being made aware of the risks and the high mortality rate associated with this surgery.' Ms Lake also raised concerns that there were 'no or limited controls with regard to such surgery taking place'. She could not have been a more unlikely candidate, but a middle-aged literary translator was the first female MI6 spy, according to new research. Agnes Blake put her life in danger by spying on German officers. Her mission as 'Agent A' was to supply information on any possible German invasion or declaration of war. As 50-year-old widow whose family links to Germany, she had the perfect cover story, enabling her to visit and gather intelligence without raising suspicion. She was employed in 1909, when the Secret Service Bureau was founded. She reported to Mansfield Cumming, the first head of Britain's secret intelligence service, on the movements of both active and retired German officers. She has been identified for the first time by historian Claire Hubbard-Hall, who told MailOnline that she discovered crucial evidence on Agent A in overlooked accounting files of the secret service, held in the National Archives: 'No-one's gone through them.' Agnes Blake, MI6's first female agent (third from the left) with the Garraway Family at their home in Finsbury Park, London, 1906 Noting the secrecy surrounding intelligence work, she said: 'It's amazing that I've been able to identify her. On 17 December 1909, Agnes made history as the first woman employed as an MI6 agent.' Blake came from a wealthy family. In the 1820s, her grandfather, Frederick Garraway, made his fortune in Dominica, where he owned a sugar plantation. She established herself as a translator, adapting German plays for the British stage and translating German literary works into English. She even designed and patented a puzzle. Little is known about her husband, other than that they were married for 11 years before his death. Through her circle of friends, she was recommended to the MI6 paymaster, Sir Charles Hardinge, who realised that she could provide early information on a possible German invasion through her family links. Blake's older sister had married into an aristocratic German family in 1869. Dr Hubbard-Hall said: 'It was through her German brother-in-law's military connections as equerry to the Crown Prince and future Kaiser Wilhelm that made Agnes such an important asset to Cumming and the War Office.' While Blake particularly focussed on a 'Staff Corps man', she also assisted Cumming in writing letters and telegrams in German. Dr Hubbard-Hall said that there was an undoubted element of risk in her mission: 'If she had been caught, then it would have been quite severe. She would have been aware of the risk. That tells us inadvertently quite a lot about her strength of character. It was then the run-up to the First World War and the Secret Service Bureau was founded. That's probably why she was employed, as an 'early warning' system, so she could signal if an invasion was likely or Germany was going to declare war.' She was unable to gain access to Cumming's diary, which is in a MI6 safe. His biographer Alan Judd, a former MI6 officer, was the only person given access to it and he had highlighted a diary entry relating to Cumming's first meeting with 'Agent A', when he noted her 'very slight grasp of what is required'. But Dr Hubbard-Hall unearthed later letters which reveal that Cumming had changed his mind about her and tried in vain to persuade her to stay on. Blake was not prepared to access the annual salary of 100, equivalent to 8,000 today. It is her extensive correspondence on her pay that has now revealed her identity. It shows that she was discharged from the Secret Service Bureau in 1910 with a final settlement payment of 58 10s.58. Dr Hubbard-Hall's forthcoming book, Her Secret Service: The Forgotten Women of British Intelligence, to be published by Weidenfeld & Nicolson on October 24. Without that correspondence, 'the identity of "Agent A" would have been lost to history', Dr Hubbard-Hall said. She added: 'There's such a wad of letters in this bunch of files, which is basically the accounting files of the Secret Service Bureau. They've been laying there, but no one's gone through them Most people would perhaps think that there's isn't anything interesting there but, in fact, if you want to learn anything about an organisation, get your hands on the accounts 'The Secret Service Bureau was established in October 1909. Out of that was born MI5 and MI6. There's only a handful of agents that are recruited very early on, of which Agnes was one. Some of the other agents referred to by Alan Judd were all men. So I am 99% sure that she would have been the first woman employed.' Blake, who died in 1950 aged 91, never had children. When Dr Hubbard-Hall tracked down her living relatives, they were astonished: 'They had absolutely no idea at all. They couldn't quite believe it. They've still got the German aristocrat's ring. But they hadn't got any idea as to what Agnes was actually doing in terms of espionage work. So they found it all quite surreal.' Dr Hubbard-Hall is including her research in her forthcoming book, Her Secret Service: The Forgotten Women of British Intelligence, to be published by Weidenfeld & Nicolson on October 24. When Vladimir Putin sent thousands upon thousands of his troops streaming across the border and into Ukraine on February 24, 2022, he delivered a chilling warning to the West. Stay out of it, or else. Now, more than two and a half years into the invasion of Ukraine, Putin and his mouthpieces have issued a near-constant stream of threats at the UK, US and other European nations, warning of nuclear Armageddon should NATO countries dare to intervene. Despite hesitance to deploy boots on the ground or green-light the use of long-range weaponry to strike targets deep into Russia, Western support for Ukraine has been significant, delivering billions upon billions of military aid up to and including the provision of F-16 fighter jets. But as Western support for Kyiv grew, so too did the intensity of Moscow's sabre-rattling. In recent months the threats have become increasingly unhinged, with officials and propagandists painting pictures of doomsday that include sinking the UK under a radioactive tidal wave and hitting Westminster with a direct nuclear strike. Now, as Sir Keir Starmer, Joe Biden and Emmanuel Macron mull over the prospect of allowing Ukraine to hit back at Russian targets with Western missiles, Putin declared yesterday that he will amend his nation's nuclear doctrine, lowering the threshold at which Moscow will deploy its fearsome arsenal. Amid this latest thinly veiled nod to the prospect of nuclear war, MailOnline takes a look back at how the Kremlin's threats of Armageddon have changed since Putin's first warning upon the invasion of Ukraine. More than two and a half years into the invasion of Ukraine, Vladimir Putin continues to rattle the nuclear sabre In this handout photo taken from video released by the Russian Defence Ministry's press service in 2022, a Yars intercontinental ballistic missile is test-fired as part of Russia's nuclear drills from a launch site in Plesetsk While most experts agree the chances of a Russian strike on the West are minimal, Joe Biden has warned the risk of Armageddon is greater than at any time since the Cuban Missile Crisis (file image, nuclear blast shown on Russian state TV) Your browser does not support iframes. 'CONSEQUENCES YOU HAVE NEVER FACED' Putin said in a speech to launch his 'special military operation' in Ukraine that Russia is a leading nuclear power 'and possesses certain advantages in some of the newest types of weaponry. 'In this regard, no one should have any doubts that a direct attack on our country will lead to defeat and horrible consequences for any potential aggressor.' He later adds: 'Whoever tries to hinder us, or threaten our country or our people, should know that Russia's response will be immediate and will lead you to consequences that you have never faced in your history.' Putin told Russians: 'I have decided to conduct a special military operation. Russia cannot exist with a constant threat emanating from the territory of Ukraine. 'You and I have been left with no opportunity to protect our people other than the one we use today.' The Russian leader's chilling warning came just a day after the United Nations Security Council had convened an emergency meeting urging Putin to stop his tanks. Putin ignored the plea, going on TV to describe the invasion as a 'special military occupation' before saying he wanted to 'demilitarise' and 'de-Nazify', not occupy, the country. Putin says in a speech to launch his 'special military operation' in Ukraine: 'No one should have any doubts that a direct attack on our country will lead to defeat and horrible consequences for any potential aggressor' Russian test-launch of a nuclear capable Sarmat-2 ballistic missile is seen in this image 'NOT A BLUFF' In September 2022, Putin ordered Russia's first military mobilisation since World War Two and said: 'If the territorial integrity of our country is threatened, we will without doubt use all available means to protect Russia and our people - this is not a bluff.' He added: 'I shall stress - by all means available to us. Those trying to blackmail us with nuclear weapons should know that the tables can turn on them.' Former Russian MP and Putin adviser Sergei Markov also delivered a bare-faced tirade on BBC Radio 4's Today programme, launching into a series of threats about nuclear war. 'It's not a good morning for everybody. In Russia, there's partial mobilisation and for your British listeners, Vladimir Putin told you that he would be ready to use nuclear weapons against Western countries... including against Great Britain. 'Your cities will be targeted.' Later that month, the Kremlin chief said the United States created a 'precedent' when it dropped two atomic bombs on Japan in 1945. He made the statement during a speech filled with hostility towards the West delivered from the Kremlin calling Western leaders 'Satanists' and accusing 'Anglo Saxons' of blowing up the Nord Stream pipelines. The Russian despot ranted about sex-change operations, claimed America is occupying Germany and Korea and vowed to 'smash' the West in the disturbing remarks as he announced the annexation of four regions in Ukraine. A Yars intercontinental ballistic nuclear missile is fired from Plesetsk cosmodrome in Northern Arkhangelsk region, Russia 'DESTRUCTION OF CIVILISATION' Putin declared that any attempt to use nuclear weapons on Russia would provoke a split-second response with hundreds of nuclear missiles that no enemy could survive. 'I think no person of sound mind and clear memory would think of using nuclear weapons against Russia,' he scoffed, before declaring that his forces had tested and will place on combat duty their latest nuclear-capable weapons, the Burevestnik cruise missile and Sarmat intercontinental ballistic missile. He said parliament should review Russia's position on the Comprehensive Test Ban Treaty to 'mirror' the position of the United States, which has not ratified it. Russia's parliament later withdrew Russia's ratification of the treaty. Putin also told Western countries they risk provoking a nuclear war if they send troops to fight in Ukraine - one of many warnings to discourage the involvement of NATO. They 'must realise that we also have weapons that can hit targets on their territory,' he said. 'All this really threatens a conflict with the use of nuclear weapons and the destruction of civilisation. Don't they get that?' DISPLAYS OF NUCLEAR MIGHT Russia's threats of nuclear war are not limited to words or computer generated simulations - the Kremlin is often keen to display the weapons for real in various parades, tests and propaganda videos. On Russia's Victory Day celebrations in May, Putin warned his 'strategic forces' - the divisions that control Moscow's nuclear arsenal, were at 'full combat readiness' as he sent Yars intercontinental ballistic missiles trundling through Red Square and other locations in the capital. 'Russia will do everything to prevent global confrontation, but will not allow anyone to threaten us,' he said. 'Our strategic forces are in combat readiness.' One month later, Russia held nuclear missile drills amid an ongoing programme of strategic military exercises, wheeling out the Yars ICBMs in widely broadcasted footage and deploying them to forest locations in the remote Irkutsk region of Siberia for potential combat use. The missiles, which soar through space and re-enter the atmosphere at Mach 25 have a range of up to 7,500 miles, enabling a strike on Europe and the US. Yars ICBMs are currently the main element of the ground-based component of the Russian strategic nuclear force. Russian 'Yars' intercontinental ballistic missile launcher takes part in the Victory Day military parade in Moscow, Russia, 09 May 2024 Drills of Russia's strategic missile forces in the Irkutsk region. Footage from the Defence Ministry's TV channel shows Yars missile carriers Russian Yars intercontinental ballistic missile launchers parade through Red Square during the Victory Day military parade in central Moscow on May 9, 2022 'WEAPONS EXIST IN ORDER TO USE THEM' Asked in an interview with state-controlled Rossiya-1 television if Russia is really ready for a nuclear war, Putin said in March: 'From a military-technical point of view, we are, of course, ready.' In unsettling comments made during the interview, he reminded viewers that Russia's nuclear doctrine permitted the use of nuclear weapons in the event of a perceived threat to national security. 'Weapons exist in order to use them,' he declared. 'We have our own principles.' He warned that if US troops are deployed in Russia or Ukraine, the Kremlin will view this as American intervention, meaning Washington would be seen as an active adversary in the war. Putin went on to add that Russia's nuclear weapons programme was far larger and more advanced than any other. 'Our triad, the nuclear triad, it is more modern than any other triad. 'Only we and the Americans actually have such triads. And we have advanced much more here.' Russian President Vladimir Putin gives an interview to TV host and director-general of Rossiya Segodnya (RIA Novosti) news agency, Dmitry Kiselyov, at the Kremlin in Moscow on March 12, 2024 Sarmat intercontinental ballistic missile launch at Russia's Plesetsk cosmodrome THREAT TO 'SINK UK UNDER NUCLEAR TIDAL WAVE' Dmitry Kiselyov, one of Putin's leading mouthpieces and propagandists, has on several occasions threatened to sink Britain under a radioactive tidal wave - one of the more novel and menacing threats to have come out of Moscow. He made the threat in April of this year, taking to Russian state television to display a simulated mockup of how nuclear weapons would be used to wash away the UK. Any bid by the West to put boots on the ground in Ukraine to 'inflict a strategic defeat on Russia' would result in Armageddon, Kiselyov warned. Putin would unleash his Satan-2 and other deadly nuclear missiles, he said. 'France as a nuclear power will have to be disarmed instantly. The British Isles will simply go under water. 'There are technologies for this... This is not propaganda. In our programme ten years ago, in 2014, we said - possibly, for the first time - that guaranteed retribution was inevitable. 'Do not drive Russia into a corner. Russia is the only country in the world that is truly capable of turning (Western countries) into radioactive ash.' Russia's Channel 1 shows a CGI mock-up of Britain being 'wiped off the map' with the Poseidon missile The Belgorod submarine is designed to carry Moscow's super weapon - the nuclear-powered drones named Poseidon - which Russia claims are capable of causing nuclear tsunamis Then at the start of this month, Russian hardline MP Andrei Gurulev sneered 'swim, swim, swim' as he demanded the use of Moscow's unique Poseidon high-speed underwater atomic drone on Britain. Kremlin propaganda TV on the Rossiya-1 channel demanded a 'critical threat' from Putin to stop Britain, the US and other Western countries giving permission to Ukraine to use long-range missiles for strikes on Russian territory. 'There is, of course, a more radical option,' said Lt-Gen Gurulev, a former tank commander and military strategist. 'The people of Britain are there, they also want to live a good and happy life at our expense, right? 'But if there is no Britain, there is no problem,' he said, before calling for the use of the nuclear underwater drone. Pictured above is the Poseidon underwater drone Russian hardline MP Andrei Gurulev sneered 'swim, swim, swim' as he demanded the use of Moscow 's unique Poseidon high-speed underwater atomic drone on Britain NUCLEAR STRIKE IN CENTRAL LONDON In recent days, a staunchly pro-Putin propaganda TV channel unveiled a simulation of a devastating nuclear strike on London that it said would cause 850,000 deaths and injure 2 million people. The four-minute-long simulation overlaid with English commentary was part of a concerted campaign to discourage Britain from allowing Ukraine to use long-range Storm Shadow missiles to hit targets inside Russia. The video broadcast by Tsargrad TV channel began by threatening: 'Imagine for a moment that the unimaginable happens. 'A nuclear weapon explodes over London. In this documentary, we explore the devastating consequences of this catastrophe. 'In the simulation, we will use a warhead with a yield of 750 kilotons. That's a pretty powerful charge.' The commentary warns viewers: 'Upon detonation, a fireball as hot as the sun rapidly expands, reaching a radius of 950 metres' The simulation of a nuclear strike was broadcast by a staunchly pro-Putin propaganda TV channel Putin's propagandists and entourage have repeatedly warned that he could use nuclear weapons The effects of a 500kiloton nuclear bomb - a large device but certainly not the largest in Russia's arsenal - being dropped on London are illustrated above. Everything inside the yellow and red circles would be completely destroyed, with an almost 100 per cent casualty rate for anyone inside. Third degree burns are possible up to the edge of the orange circle The commentary warns viewers: 'Upon detonation, a fireball as hot as the sun rapidly expands, reaching a radius of 950 metres [1,039 yards]. 'Anything trapped inside this fireball is instantly vaporised. 'In our simulation, the epicentre of the explosion is at Westminster. People within that radius won't even feel anything because the nerve impulse transmission speed is slower. 'Within 5 km [3 miles] of the epicentre the blast radius city of London, Camden town, Kensington, Brixton these areas will receive the most destruction.' A ticker on the screen also totted up the number of possible fatalities. 'Buildings will be destroyed and debris will fill the streets, creating extremely dangerous conditions for everyone in the vicinity. 'Given the population density in central London, the initial death toll could exceed 250,000 people and around 600,000 injured within a radius of 10 km [6.25 miles] the radiation will cause third-degree burns. 'Within that radius, anything that can burn will catch fire.' UPDATING THE NUCLEAR DOCTRINE Russia's nuclear doctrine, last updated and published in 2020, sets out the conditions under which a Russian president would consider using a nuclear weapon. The doctrine as it stands says that Moscow can deploy nukes broadly as a response to an attack using nuclear or other weapons of mass destruction, or to the use of conventional weapons against Russia 'when the very existence of the state is put under threat'. But Putin yesterday declared the nuclear doctrine needed to be 'corrected' to be brought in line with the increased threat he says Russia is facing amid the ongoing war in Ukraine and the West's support of Kyiv. The Kremlin has so far declined to specify exactly what those updates would be. Still, the innovations outlined by Putin include a widening of the threats under which Russia would consider a nuclear strike, the inclusion of ally Belarus under the nuclear umbrella and the idea that a rival nuclear power supporting a conventional strike on Russia would also be considered to be attacking it. The new doctrine has yet to be published and the Kremlin's press secretary declined to say if or when it would be revealed. But the move represents a lowering of the threshold at which Moscow may consider deploying its nuclear arsenal. Channel 5 bosses are set to keep a keen eye on ratings and reactions to Phillip Schofield's new survival series with hopes he could star in further projects. The disgraced presenter yesterday revealed he was taking part in his own Channel 5 survival show just 16 months on from leaving This Morning after admitting to having an 'unwise but not illegal' fling with a junior male colleague. Billed as 'an authentic and intense physical and mental challenge', the three-part show, Phillip Schofield: Cast Away, will give the 62-year-old free reign 'to tell his side' of the scandal that derailed his career. And Channel 5 bosses will reportedly asses the public's reaction and ratings of the new series, which starts next Monday, before lining up any future projects involving Schofield, according to The Mirror. Schofield is said to have turned down a selection of big money TV offers before choosing to sign up for Cast Away - which he believes will allow him to share his story in an 'unedited and honest' way. Disgraced presenter Phillip Schofield is starring in a new Channel 5 survival show just 16 months on from leaving This Morning. Promotional material for the show sees Schofield sitting on a beach looking disheveled while staring at the camera The three-part show, Phillip Schofield : Cast Away, will give the 62-year-old free reign 'to tell his side' of the scandal that derailed his career. Pictured: Phillip talking to the camera in a clip from the upcoming show Phillip Schofield is seen walking his dog on the day he announced his TV comeback The series will air across three nights from Monday September 30 to Wednesday October 2, in three 60-minute installments. It follows Phillip as he is cast away for ten days and nine nights on a remote, unpopulated island off the coast of Madagascar. Viewers will see the axed presenter reflect on the emotional impact of his exile from mainstream TV after news of his affair with a 20-year-old runner on This Morning came to light. It's understood that Schofield was given a handheld camera, body cameras and a sound pack before being left to record his emotional week-and-a-half long journey. But while Schofield may hope the move will allow him to reconnect with viewers, the show has already been met with disdain by the public and TV critics alike. Following the announcement of the show, TV critic Scott Bryan said: 'Quite shocked by that Phillip Schofield show but then I remembered that this is Channel 5 so hardly not surprising.' Meanwhile, TalkTV presenter Renee Hoenderkamp branded the star a 'narcissist', adding that she did not think he should be having anymore screen time. She said: 'Is this not a chance for a narcissist to just have more me time on screen? I don't want to know his story, I'm not interested in it.' The Cast Away trailer reveals footage of Phillip Schofield on a deserted island Schofield will discuss his acrimonious departure from ITV and daytime show This Morning while fending for himself on the island, located off the coast of Madagascar Schofield's predecessor on This Morning, Eamonn Holmes, reacted to news of the new show while live on GBNews. When former Home Office Minister Norman Baker sarcastically remarked 'my heart bleeds', Holmes let out a chuckle in a very telling reaction to the news. It was May 2023 when the presenter admitted to having a relationship with a much younger male colleague on This Morning, and later lying about it. He described their romance as 'unwise but not illegal' and explained it took place during his nearly 30-year marriage to Stephanie Lowe, with whom he is a parent to two children. Schofield subsequently resigned from both This Morning and ITV and said that he was 'so very sorry' to Lowe for being unfaithful. At the time, it was reported that Steph had been left 'devastated' by the revelation and angry that her husband had lied to her. However, it was later revealed she is choosing not to file for divorce because she does not want him to 'fall any further' then he already has, and despite everything, 'the love is still very much there.' As well as the breakdown of his marriage, Schofield's relationship with co-host Holly Willoughby faltered in the midst of the scandal, with the pair understood to be at loggerheads. Schofield's daughter Molly is now his publicist after she quit the talent agency that once represented her father. Phil broke his silence on his TV return on Wednesday. Posting on Instagram, the star shared photos promoting his Channel 5 show Cast Away One clip from the show, released ahead of its release, sees Schofield in tears telling the camera: 'I know what I did was unwise, but is it enough to completely destroy someone?' Another scene in the show sees Phil drinking from a coconut while decked out in full survivor gear PR guru Mark Borkowski says his tepid return to the public eye has come after a year away to disappear and get himself together. Calling him a rare talent, Borkowski said: 'He's testing the waters. But audiences are very forgiving.' Schofield told the BBC in an emotional interview last June the affair had finished his career and revealed that the fallout had left him feeling suicidal. He told how his two daughters - Molly and Ruby - had saved his life and had 'guarded me and won't let me out of their sight'. During the sit-down interview with Amol Rajan he denied he had groomed the younger colleague, before telling critics: 'Do you want me to die? Because that's where I am.' Schofield insisted he had not 'groomed' his young lover, despite first meeting him when he was 15. He said: 'Attraction is attraction. It's no different in the gay world as it is in the heterosexual world or in the lesbian world. 'There shouldn't be a difference. This is where homophobia comes in. We did first meet when he was 15, I visited the drama school [he attended].' He said the fallout from his admission that he lied about his affair with a younger male colleague had been 'relentless', revealing he has had suicidal thoughts. Schofield said: 'My girls saved my life. They said last week they haven't left me for a moment. They've been by my side every moment because they're scared to let me out of their sight. What is that like for daughters to have to go with something like that? 'And they said to me, "Don't you dare do this on our watch. We're supposed to be looking after you." If my girls hadn't been there, I wouldn't be here, because I don't see my future.' Schofield was given a handheld camera, body cameras and a sound pack before being left to record his emotional week-and-a-half long journey In many scenes from the show, he is seen in tears as he battles with the emotional toll of his experience Schofield also slammed 'a handful of people' with 'persistently loud voices' in a statement days after leaving This Morning - and rejected claims of a 'toxic' culture on the programme. The daytime show was plunged into meltdown since revelations over Schofield's relationship with a much younger man at ITV emerged with the channel losing millions of pounds in sponsorship deals and some guests refusing to appear on the sofa. ITV deny losing sponsorship deals. Shark Ninja have been the show's sponsor since September 2023. But speaking out on social media in May 2023, Schofield hit out at those 'with a grudge against me'. In a statement posted on his Instagram, the presenter said: 'Now I no longer work on This Morning I am free to say this. I hope you have noticed that it's the same handful of people with a grudge against me or the show who seem to have the loudest voice. 'This Morning IS the best show to work on, with the best people. In all the years I worked there there was no toxicity. You can listen to those persistently loud voices if you like. 'But the thousands of guests over the years, thousands of staff and crew, hundreds of presenters and contributors all know it, it IS a family of wonderful, talented, kind, hard-working people.' Bosses at ITV published the much anticipated review into the scandal and allegations of toxic working culture in December. It was conducted by an independent lawyer, Jane Mulcahy KC. It was May 2023 when the presenter admitted to having a relationship with a much younger male colleague on This Morning, and later lying about it (pictured with co-host Holly Willoughby) Schofield with his wife Stephanie Lowe and daughters Molly - who is now his publicist - and Ruby in London in 2018 One employee told the Mail of their 'sheer bewilderment' that only one junior worker was aware of the relationship. The report found that ITV did not cover-up the relationship and that station bosses had made 'considerable efforts' to discover the truth in 2019 four years before the affair broke. The external review found that the channel was 'unable to uncover the relevant evidence' until Schofield's own admission in May 2023, when he told the Mail that he had been having the relationship and later lied about it. ITV bosses have said both Schofield and his former lover, a runner who has never been named, 'repeatedly denied' allegations of a relationship until the star dramatically quit ITV and formally apologised. It added that only one person out of 48 interviewed a junior employee said they knew about the presenter's relationship with a younger male former colleague before he revealed it in May. Mulcahy revealed that Schofield refused to take part in the review into the circumstances surrounding his departure because of 'the risk to his health'. She added that she was informed that the host's mental health had since deteriorated. Schofield's former colleague and lover also declined to participate in the report. However, staff at ITV have been left cross, accusing the report of being a 'waste of time'. The findings did reveal that there was a culture of silence at the channel, saying that junior employees at ITV's This Morning still fear that speaking out will damage their careers in the industry. A death row inmate who denies firing the fatal shot in a convenience store burglary 22 years ago is waiting to learn if his life will be spared after the Oklahoma pardon and parole board recommended his sentence be commuted to life without parole. Emmanuel Littlejohn, 52, is set to die by lethal injection today for his role in the June 1992 murder of Kenneth Meers, 31, at the Root-N-Scoot convenience store in south Oklahoma City. Meers was killed when Littlejohn, then 20, and co-defendant Glenn Bethany, then 26, robbed the store. He was shot and killed by a single bullet, but both men involved in the robbery were charged and convicted in his murder. Littlejohn and his attorneys allege that Bethany was the sole shooter in Meers' death and have argued that due to 'inconsistent prosecutions' in his case, he should not be executed. He is now waiting a clemency decision from Republican Gov. Kevin Stitt after the state's Pardon and Parole Board voted 3-2 to recommend commuting his sentence to life without parole. Stitt, in his six years as governor, has granted clemency only once and denied recommendations from the parole board in three other cases. Littlejohn's death by lethal injection is scheduled for 10am Thursday, while another execution was set to take place later in the day in Alabama. If both executions are carried out, it would be the first time in decades that five death row inmates were put to death in the US within one week. Emmanuel Littlejohn, 52, (left) is set to die by lethal injection today for his role in the June 1992 murder of Kenneth Meers, 31, at the Root-N-Scoot convenience store in south Oklahoma City. Meers (right) was killed when Littlejohn and co-defendant Glenn Bethany (not pictured) robbed the store. He was shot and killed by a single bullet, but both men involved in the robbery were charged and convicted in his murder Littlejohn is now waiting a clemency decision from Republican Gov. Kevin Stitt (pictured in August 2024) after the state's Pardon and Parole Board voted 3-2 to recommend commuting his sentence to life without parole. Stitt, in his six years as governor, has granted clemency only once and denied recommendations from the parole board in three other cases Oklahoma is preparing to execute Littlejohn, who has exhausted his appeals, on Thursday while the inmate awaits a clemency decision from Stitt. Littlejohn was convicted of first-degree murder and sentenced to death in 1994 for his role in Meers' death. Bethany was also convicted of first-degree murder and in 1993 sentenced to life without parole. Both men could be charged with the crime because of the felony murder statute, which allows anyone charged with a violent felony to also be charged with murder if the crime resulted in death. Littlejohn, during video testimony to the Pardon and Parole Board last month, apologized to Meers' family for his death - but denied firing the fatal shot. His attorneys pointed out that the same prosecutor tried Bethany and Littlejohn in separate trials using a nearly identical theory, even though there was only one shooter and one bullet that killed Meers. But prosecutors told the board that two teenage store employees who witnessed the robbery both said Littlejohn, not Bethany, fired the fatal shot. Littlejohn's attorneys also argued that killings resulting from a robbery are rarely considered death penalty cases and that prosecutors today would not have pursued the ultimate punishment. 'It is evident that Emmanuel would not have been sentenced to death if he'd been tried in 2024 or even 2004,' attorney Caitlin Hoeberlein told the board. Augustina Sanders hugs Kim Ludwig, a paralegal in the Federal Public Defender's Office in Oklahoma City, after the Oklahoma Pardon and Parole Board voted 3-2 to recommend clemency for Sanders' brother, Emmanuel Littlejohn, on August 7, 2024 Littlejohn was prosecuted by former Oklahoma County District Attorney Bob Macy, who was known for his zealous pursuit of the death penalty and secured 54 death sentences during more than 20 years in office. Because of the board's 3-2 recommendation, Stitt has the option of commuting Littlejohn's sentence to life in prison without parole. The governor has appointed three of the board's members. On Wednesday, a spokeswoman for Stitt said the governor had met with prosecutors and Littlejohn's attorneys but had not reached a decision. In 2021, Stitt granted clemency to Julius Jones, commuting his sentence to life without parole just hours before Jones was scheduled to receive a lethal injection. He denied clemency recommendations from the board for Bigler Stouffer, James Coddington and Phillip Hancock, all of whom were executed. Littlejohn's execution, which was scheduled for 10am at the Oklahoma State Penitentiary, would make him the 14th person put to death in Oklahoma under Stitt's administration. Littlejohn's execution is scheduled for 10am today at the Oklahoma State Penitentiary. If it is carried out, Littlejohn will be the 14th person put to death in the state under Stitt's administration (file photo) Alan Eugene Miller, 59, (pictured) is set to be executed Thursday in Alabama for the 1999 murders of three of his co-workers when he gunned them down over rumors about his sexuality. Miller will be the second inmate executed via nitrogen gas hypoxia It comes as Alan Eugene Miller, 59, is set to be executed Thursday in Alabama for the 1999 murders of three of his co-workers when he gunned them down over rumors about his sexuality. Miller will be the second inmate executed via nitrogen gas hypoxia despite the first attempt being described as 'torture' and the 'most violent' execution in modern US history. Unless there is a last-minute stay of execution, he will be strapped to the same gurney as Kenneth Eugene Smith, who endured the first nitrogen execution in January. Smith was said to have thrashed and retched against his restraints for a 'horrific' 22-minute ordeal, as a firefighters-style mask placed over his face filled with 100 percent nitrogen gas that suffocated him to death. The executions in Oklahoma and Alabama would make for 1,600 executions nationwide since the death penalty was reinstated by the US Supreme Court in 1976, according to the nonprofit Death Penalty Information Center. The executions in Oklahoma and Alabama would make for 1,600 executions nationwide since the death penalty was reinstated by the US Supreme Court in 1976. It will also mark the first time since July 2003 that five executions were held within a period of seven days (file photo of the gurney in the the execution chamber at Oklahoma State Penitentiary) South Carolina executed inmate Freddie Owens, 46, (left) last Friday. Marcellus Williams, 55, (center) was executed in Missouri on Tuesday. That same day Travis Mullis, 38, (right) was put to death in Huntsville, Texas It will also mark the first time in more than 20 years - since July 2003 - that five executions were held within a period of seven days. The first took place Friday when South Carolina executed inmate Freddie Owens, 46. He was sentenced to death for the 1997 killing of a convenience store clerk during a robbery. Marcellus Williams, 55, was executed in Missouri on Tuesday for the 1998 killing of Felicia Gayle. That same day Travis Mullis, 38, was put to death in Huntsville, Texas for stomping his three-month-old son, Alijah Mullis, to death in 2008. In Oklahoma, an appellate court on Wednesday denied a last-minute legal challenge to the constitutionality of the state's lethal injection method of execution. An allegedly corrupt former Albanian Prime Minister has reportedly spent more than 400,000 trying to overturn a ban on entering the UK because of 'clear links to crime groups'. Sali Berisha, who served as Albania's PM from 2005 to 2013 and as president from 1992 to 1997, was put under house arrest in his country while he is investigated for allegedly abusing his office to benefit his son-in-law. The 79-year-old - who is also the head of the opposition Democratic Party - was charged with corruption last October. Mr Berisha denied the allegations and claimed they were orchestrated by Edi Rama, the current Prime Minister. Prosecutors said that if is convicted, he faces a prison sentence of up to 12 years. The US government in May 2021 and the UK in July 2022 barred Mr Berisha and close family members from entering their countries after these allegations - a decision he has spent a great deal of money fighting against. The UK banned former Albanian president Sali Berisha from entering the country in July 2022 Mr Berisha is appealing against the decision by then-home secretary Priti Patel to ban him Sali Berisha pictured arriving at the office of Anti Corruption Special Prosecutor (SPAK) He appealed against the exclusion order at a special immigration tribunal. However, it was rejected because it is the sovereign right of the UK to control entry through its borders. According to The Telegraph, documents in Albania revealed Mr Berisha has spent more than 500,000 (417,500) employing lawyers in the UK to fight his ban. It is alleged he was abusing his post to help his son-in-law, Jamarber Malltezi, buy land in Tirana owned by both private citizens and the defence ministry, and to build 17 apartment buildings on the property. Mr Berisha and Mr Malltezi have both proclaimed their innocence. Mr Berisha has been appealing at the Special Immigration Appeals Commission in London over the move by former Home Secretary Priti Patel. Documents relating to his appeal claim that links between politics and crime in Albania create a 'permissive environment in which serious criminals and OCGs (organised crime gangs) can operate and benefit from the political protection of corrupt politicians from law enforcement activity'. Democratic Party leader Sali Berisha speaks from stage after being punched in the face The papers also say political protection gives gangs more options to launder money and means Albania can be used as a 'safe haven from which to operate'. These gangs can then buy votes or intimidate voters during elections to help politicians, the documents claim. Government court papers relating to the legal battle revealed that a secret operation has been launched to stop Albanian gangsters flooding the streets of Britian with cocaine and bring down their criminal empires linked to people smuggling and sex trafficking. Officials at the Foreign Office and Home Office jointly launched 'Crime State Nexus' to target organised criminals and the crooked Balkan politicians assisting them. Albanian gangs were described in the legal documents as an 'acute threat' to Britain by being 'highly prevalent across serious and organised crime' through their involvement in the UK cocaine market, people smuggling and sex trafficking. The papers also cited data showing Albanians are by far the biggest foreign nationality in UK prisons, making up in one eight of all incarcerated criminals. After a spike in 2022 in the number of Albanian nationals arriving in the UK in small boats, the governments of both nations struck an agreement to work together to stop people getting in Albanian gangs are known for sharing photos of flash cars, drugs and money on social media A TikTok video showing Albanian migrants crossing the English Channel in 2022 The Crime State Nexus project tries to take action against politically exposed people in Albania, which can include banning them from Britain. The basic aim is therefore to break the links between politics, business and illicit activity. After a spike in 2022 in the number of Albanian nationals arriving in the UK in small boats, the governments of both nations struck an agreement to work together to prevent people from making the journey. This included placing UK Border Force staff in Tirana airport, the exchange of senior police officers and the creation of a joint migration taskforce. It is likely this contributed to a 93 per cent drop in Albanians crossing the Channel, down from 12,658 in 2022 to 922 between January 1 and November 29, 2023. Under the returns agreement, the UK has removed 26,000 people over the last year including nearly 6,000 Albanians, the Foreign Office said. Do you know the woman cyclist? Email tips@dailymail.co.uk A video captures the incredible moment a brave woman thwarted two crooks who stole her electric bike by yanking one off a moped as they tried to speed off with it. The middle-aged lady grabbed the bike with one hand and pulled one of the helmet-wearing thieves off the scooter with the other causing both him and the bike to crash onto the road, in Hertfordshire. Shocked passersby and customers in a nearby Starbucks watched on in horror. The e-bike and one of the crooks ended up lying on the concrete as the other offender sped off on the moped. A video captures the incredible moment a brave woman thwarted two crooks who stole her electric bike by yanking one off a moped as they tried to speed off with it The middle-aged lady grabbed the bike with one hand and pulled one of the helmet-wearing thieves off the scooter with the other causing both him and the bike to crash onto the road, in Hertfordshire One bystander in the coffee shop captured her heroics - which happened on on September 24 on Shenley Road, Borehamwood, Hertfordshire - on their mobile phone. The alarming incident took place just a stone's throw from the Elstree TV studios where ITV's Who Wants to be a Millionaire? , Dancing on Ice andThe Chase are all filmed. Local, Steve Blackman, said: 'Fair play to the lady having a go back. 'But I can't understand there's nobody helping and of course caught on camera taking the documentary of it all instead of helping? 'I know it's a bit daunting to get involved with something like this. 'But that's someone's family member and trust me the little sod needs more than being dragged off that bike and I say that in a non-violent manner.' Ben Hunt added: 'Good for her, shame people not helping her out.' Mohammed Abdul Aziz said: 'Wow the happiness I felt seeing that lowlife hit the floor.' Another - called Gareth - added: 'Love that. 'Good on her.' One fumed: 'Everyone just sitting back, sitting their overpriced coffee, doing f*** all.' Hertfordshire Police have been approached for comment. A man was thrown out of a restaurant after staff claimed his facial disfigurement had led to complaints from customers. Oliver Bromley, who has Neurofibromatosis Type 1 which causes non-cancerous tumours to grow on his nerves, was asked to leave the restaurant in Camberwell south London in August. - Mr Bromley was an inpatient at King's College Hospital when the incident occured. After being treated he decided to the visit the restaurant - which he has decided not to name - for a bite to eat. After noticing the eatery was cash only, Mr Bromley left to withdraw some money. However, when he returned staff told him to "please leave", because in their words, he was "scaring the customers." Speaking to the BBC, Mr Bromley said: 'There had not been enough time between the time I had been there first, and the time I went back, for anyone to have made a complaint about me so obviously the restaurant staff were not happy with the way I looked.' Oliver Bromley (pictured), who has Neurofibromatosis Type 1 which causes non-cancerous tumours to grow on his nerves, was asked to leave the restaurant in Camberwell south London in August The comment, which he took 'very personally', left Mr Bromley very upset but he did not challenge the staff member and chose to leave. He has since complained to the restaurant and reported the incident to the Metropolitan Police. Mr Bromley says he does not mind people asking questions about his condition and believes the incident boils down to a lack of education. He said: 'They probably thought having tumours was contagious or something.' Now, he wants to try and create 'some good' from the awful incident by creating more awareness for people with facial deformities. He added: 'It's not about me. It's never been about me.' Karen Cockburn, charity director of Nerve Tumours UK, said, 'We were extremely disappointed to hear news of the dreadful, but sadly not uncommon, incident that Oliver Bromley experienced whilst attempting to purchase lunch. Mr Bromley says he does not mind people asking questions about his condition and believes the incident boils down to a lack of education. He said: 'They probably thought having tumours was contagious or something' 'We work tirelessly to raise both the profile of the condition and the work that we do to help patients; and also to educate the wider public about the condition. 'We have written to both the restaurant concerned, and to UK Hospitality, the trade association body. 'Whilst we have not received any response from the restaurant, I am delighted to say that UK Hospitality has offered to work with us to raise awareness of the condition amongst the hospitality sector, and I am meeting with them shortly to kick start this joint venture.' In a statement the Met Police told MailOnline: 'Police were called at 7.20pm on Wednesday August 21 to reports of a discrimination incident in Camberwell. 'A man in his 40s stated that he was refused service at a local restaurant due to a facial disfigurement connected to his medical condition. 'Officers attended and spoke to the victim. No arrests have been made. 'We take reports of hate crime seriously and record all instances whether they pass the threshold to be classified as a crime or not.' A damaged vessel carrying 20,000 tons of explosive cargo remains moored off the Kent coast after being denied entry at other ports over safety fears. The cargo ship, nicknamed the Ruby, is travelling with the assistance of a tugboat and been located just outside British waters near Margate loaded with ammonium nitrate fertiliser. MailOnline's interactive map shows that the ship, flying under the flag of Malta, originally set sail from Russia and is now awaiting permission to enter the Strait of Dover. It is seeking a port in which to dock to undergo repairs for its cracked hull, having been turned away from Danish and Lithuanian waters due to concerns over its explosive cargo. Just 2,750 tonnes of this fertiliser caused the explosion that devastated Beirut in 2020 - causing 218 deaths and more than 7,000 injuries. HM Coastguard officials say they are currently in contact with the vessel and will continue to monitor its progress towards and through UK waters, but experts are questioning why the ship had not been ordered to return to Russia. Your browser does not support iframes. A Russian cargo ship (pictured) loaded with explosives was spotted off the coast of Kent The cargo ship, nicknamed the Ruby, has been located just outside British waters near Margate loaded with ammonium nitrate fertiliser Just 2,750 tonnes of ammonium nitrate fertiliser. caused the explosion that devastated Beirut , Lebanon, in 2020, causing 218 deaths and more than 7,000 injuries Jens Wenzel Kristoffersen, a defence analyst at Nordic Defense Analysis and a former naval officer, said the ship's poor condition and cargo were an environmental risk. He told Danish Media: 'One can question whether it is at all justifiable for the ship to be allowed to sail. There are several reasons for this. 'It has cracks in the hull. It has rudder problems. It can no longer sail by itself, but must be towed. 'This is a ship that nobody wants, but that nobody can get rid of.' According to marine tracking data, Ruby's final destination is Malta. In order to get there, it is looking to enter the Dover strait. The boat is currently located three kilometers outside British waters, north of Margate and east of the Thames Estuary. The tugboat which has accompanied it from Norway is also under the Maltese flag. If it wishes to continue on its journey, it must report its presence, including ship condition and any hazardous cargo, to the British authorities. It has also been told by the Maltese transport ministry that it must empty its cargo before entering their waters. The Ruby is believed to have had the fertiliser loaded on at Kandalaksha, on the Kola peninsula in Russia, where it also set sail. Seeking repairs, it then docked in the Norwegian city of Tromso, where the authorities found six deficiencies including a cracked hull, unlawful fuel, various safety issues and expired crew documents. It has also been reported to have engine and rudder issues. Dubbed 'the floating bomb', the vessel also known at the Ruby was recorded by VesselFinder as being near Margate Norwegian officials moved the ship on amidst fears its explosive cargo posed a risk to the city, having been moored near a major hospital and university. It has since travelled south and briefly moored near to the Andoya Nato air base. When it requested permission to go to Klaipeda in Lithuania for repairs, the Lithuanian foreign minister Gabrielius Landsbergis said: 'When we are dealing with Russia or other international actors that are unfriendly to us, we always keep this possibility in mind. 'In other words, we have to be better prepared, more prepared, more cautious than when dealing with another state.' Mr Landsbergis added that there was no evidence of 'malicious behaviour', but said the ship could only dock in the country if the boat first offloaded the fertiliser. Ammonium nitrate is significantly less explosive than TNT and requires a significant trigger, which makes it generally safe and stable during transport. However if it is stored poorly it can become a hazard. This was seen in Beirut in 2020, when more than 2,750 tons of the material detonated when a fire apparently sparked by a welder spread to a warehouse where it had been stored alongside fireworks for six years. Whilst the Ruby's background remains unclear, it is currently owned by a Dubai-registered management company, which appears to operate out of the Syrian port of Tartus. It has also been chartered by another Dubai-registered company with links to Russia. Airline tickets out of Lebanon have soared by more than 1,000 per cent with British nationals facing cancelled flights as they attempt to follow the Prime Minister's advice to leave the war-torn nation. Keir Starmer has urged all Britons to leave Lebanon immediately as the conflict between Israel and Hezbollah escalates. But many of the around 6,000 Brits that are currently in Lebanon are having issues leaving the Middle Eastern nation with flights cancelled or booked up for a week. And prices have also soared with flights out of Beirut costing over 1,000 today. Just four days ago flights to London cost 102 - before Israel launched airstrikes against Hezbollah. This has led some Brits to take drastic measures to get out - with Masters student Isabella Baker deciding to board a boat to Turkey to escape the conflict. Some Brits are taking drastic measures to get out - with Masters student Isabella Baker (pictured) deciding to board a boat to Turkey to escape the conflict Speaking to the BBC, Emma Bartholomew (pictured) said she plans to leave Beirut on a flight home to London next week Beirut Airport (stock image). Many of the around 6,000 Brits that are currently in Lebanon are having issues leaving the Middle Eastern nations with flights cancelled or booked up for a week. Meanwhile, prices have also soared with flights out of Beirut costing over 1000 The student said she is too scared to venture to Beirut airport, which is the nation's only commercial airport, and will instead head to Tripoli in northern Lebanon to catch the boat. Other Brits in Beirut are waiting for flights out of the country at a later date. Speaking to the BBC, Emma Bartholomew said she plans to leave Beirut on a flight home to London next week. She said that the conflict has led to gridlock on the street's of the capital as thousands of Lebanese refugees piled into Beirut to escape Israeli bombardments in the south. Freelance journalist Chloe Lewin said: 'My friends were meant to leave this morning on Egyptair - that got cancelled, so they can't get out. ' The 24-year-old has now booked a flight for Friday. Speaking to Sky News last night, Ms Lewin said: 'I haven't seen Beirut like I have since Monday as people left instantly to head to the mountains. The streets are empty now and it feels tense and anxious.' Also attempting to flee is Mahasan al-Dada from Manchester and her two young sons - aged five and six - however the family cannot get a flight for almost two weeks. Freelance journalist Chloe Lewin (pictured) said: 'My friends were meant to leave this morning on Egyptair - that got cancelled, so they can't get out. ' The 24-year-old has now booked a flight for Friday Also attempting to flee is Mahasan al-Dada (pictured) from Manchester and her two young sons - aged five and six - however the family cannot get a flight for almost two weeks Vehicles wait in traffic in the town of Damour, south of Beirut as people flee southern Lebanon. The conflict has led to gridlock on the street's of the capital as thousands of Lebanese refugees piled into Beirut to escape Israeli bombardments in the south She told Sky News: 'I've been trying all day to find tickets and there's no commercial flights. Everything has gone. Middle East (Airlines) is still flying, but the earliest flight is 8 October, and the tickets have gone up to 2,000. It's crazy.' Ms al-Dada moved to Lebanon in July to be with her husband but says she has been on the brink of a panic attack while spending restless nights fearing their home could be targeted. She added: 'It was really scary, it was something I've never been through before until now. It's really surreal, it feels like I'm awake but I'm dreaming.' The government would not go into any details at this stage about their evacuation plans but the Foreign Office is now advising against all travel to Lebanon. An additional 700 military personnel have been sent to British bases in Cyprus in case an emergency evacuation is required. However, some citizens have been critical of the government's response so far. Ms Baker said: 'The government should be doing a lot more. Of course it has to worry about its citizens I understand that there are priorities. Tensions across the region have been growing since October 7 last year when Hamas launched an attack on Israel where 1,200 people died. After the terrorist attack, Israel launched a full-scale invasion of the Gaza Strip and sporadic fighting between Hezbollah started shortly afterwards. Smoke rises from the site of an Israeli airstrike near the village of Khiam, Lebanon, Sept 25. Since Monday Israel has launched a number of airstrikes in to Lebanon killing 569 people according to the Lebanese government Last week, the conflict between Israel and Hezbollah - which the UK recognises as a terror group - escalated when Israel sent off explosives hidden in the group's communication devices. Since Monday Israel has launched a number of airstrikes in to Lebanon killing 569 people according to the Lebanese government. The UK joined the US, France and a host of allies in calling for an immediate temporary ceasefire in Lebanon, warning the escalating violence between Israel and Hezbollah is 'intolerable' and could plunge the Middle East into chaos. In a joint statement, the 12-strong bloc called for a 21-day ceasefire 'to provide space for diplomacy towards the conclusion of a diplomatic settlement', as well as a ceasefire in Gaza. The call was supported by UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres who said flatly: 'Hell is breaking loose.' Faust Haus in St. Helena is one of many Napa Valley wineries that is rumored to be haunted. Rachel Bujalski/Special to The Chronicle Heres wine reporter Jess Lander. At the risk of tarnishing my journalistic integrity, I have something to admit: I believe in ghosts. So when I heard that a Napa Valley ghost movie was premiering at my local theater, I had to see it. Ghosts of Napa Valley is a fun departure for director Jason Wise, best known for the Somm documentaries. Spooky and funny in equal measure, the film follows three friends, including two paranormal skeptics, on their journey to connect with the dead at one of Napa Valleys most notorious haunting grounds: Spring Mountain Vineyard, which was the backdrop for the 1980s soap opera Falcon Crest. Advertisement Article continues below this ad No spoilers, but Ghosts of Napa Valley will validate believers (like myself), and at the very least, it may force doubters to dig deep in search of explanations. Wise insists that the film is a documentary that took no liberties. I cant tell you how many times I wanted to lie and do things and mess with the story, he said in a Q&A session that followed the screening in early September. But we didnt. The film didnt surprise me, for Napa Valley is riddled with ghost stories often tied to the regions ghost wineries. By definition, ghost wineries have nothing to do with spirits; this is simply the term used to describe a collection of 1800s buildings abandoned due to an array of early 20th century hardships, like Prohibition. (Spring Mountain Vineyard has three of these old buildings on its estate.) Many of these ghost wineries were revived decades later see Far Niente, Freemark Abbey, Chateau Montelena and Hall Wines but some remain deserted. Yet while the term ghost wineries wasnt meant to imply that these buildings are haunted, theres a widespread belief that many are, and Wises film sets out to prove it. Over the years, Ive heard ghost stories on visits to at least a dozen Napa Valley wineries, though most are hesitant to advertise it to the public. This reluctance is why the film took years to make: Wise struggled to find a winery that would let him document his ghost hunt. They dont want people to think anything is wrong, he said. Flora Springs Winery has arguably been the most open about its spooky roots and even hosted ghost tours at its former St. Helena estate (now Cathiard Vineyard). The property has an 1885 ghost winery that was significantly damaged in a fire but was later restored. Flora Springs which releases a Halloween-themed collection of wines each year once told me they brought in paranormal experts and discovered three spirits, including a flapper and a not-so-friendly ghost. Advertisement Article continues below this ad When I first visited St. Helenas Faust Haus, which opened its gothic-chic tasting room inside an 1870s Victorian mansion in 2020, I was told the winery worked with a medium to identify a pair of happy spirits: the son and wife of former owner Fritz Rosenbaum, who built the homes basement cellar for his winery. When the Faust team was renovating the mansion for the tasting room, they discovered a handwritten note inside a wall containing a poem meant to help the Rosenbaum spirits cross over. Soon after they hung a photograph of Fritzs wife Johanna on a wall, they found an old decanter shattered in the middle of the floor an incident they deem more than a coincidence. Some of my favorite ghost stories have come from St. Helena winery AXR. Its wine history dates back to the 1880s, and during Prohibition, it operated as a drinking establishment and brothel. We have always had activity on the property, said AXR director of operations Deven Paniagua, who believes she once caught a ghost opening a mini fridge on the winerys security cameras. AXR staff and overnight guests at the propertys cottages have witnessed a plethora of unexplained noises, like someone walking around, opening and closing cabinets and rustling blinds. Paniaguas dog has often barked at the tasting room door outside of operating hours, thinking someone is inside, and more than once, she, staff members and guests have heard what sounds like ancestral chanting emanating from the winerys Sonos speaker, which wasnt previously turned on. Its not a channel we would ever choose to play in the tasting room either, she said of the chanting, adding that she believes the spirits protected the property in 2020 when the Glass Fire burned everything around them. Advertisement Article continues below this ad We embrace it, Paniagua said. Its nothing were scared of, nothing malevolent, not a bad energy, just the history of the place and I think it adds to the magic. An antiques dealer familiar to millions on TV and her husband were fined 3,000 after contacting British police to report a migrant who had snuck into their van in France. Mother-of-two Jane Cave, 56, who features on the BBC's The Bidding Room, and her husband Ed Masters had been on a trip to buy antiques when they passed through customs in Calais. They were heading through Suffolk on their way home to Norfolk when they heard noises in the back of their van and found a 'dark, shortish [man] carrying a mobile phone'. They immediately reported what had happened to Suffolk Police and the man was apprehended. But they later received a letter from UK Border Force saying they were being fined for unknowingly smuggling a migrant into the country after they failed to properly secure their vehicle. An antiques dealer familiar to millions on TV and her husband were fined 3,000 after contacting British police to report a migrant who had snuck into their van in France Antique dealer Jane Cave who features on show The Bidding Room, and husband Ed Masters 'We all thought we had done the right thing in calling the British police and making them aware of the situation. Little did I know the aftermath of this,' Mr Masters, 54, said, adding the experience had made him feel like a criminal. The couple were returning home from France on November 23 last year when they were held up at customs in Calais. They stopped at a supermarket to complete paperwork in their van for importing antique furniture and other objects under post-Brexit rules. Mr Masters was completing paperwork in his unlocked van for the crossing when he heard a noise and saw someone attempting to climb in the back. 'I shouted 'Get out' which he duly did and ambled towards the rest of the car park,' he said. They then continued on towards customs where the vehicle was pulled over and checked by a French border officer at passport control before it was allowed through. The couple were returning home from France on November 23 last year when they were held up at customs in Calais Mrs Cave slammed the fine as 'atrocious' and said: 'We all went into the supermarket and then Ed got an email and went back to the van to answer it on my iPad' The crossing went uneventfully and they were heading home on the dual carriageway A11 near Barton Mills when they heard a racket in the back and found their stowaway when they pulled over. The migrant leapt out and hid behind a petrol station before he was caught minutes later when police arrived following a 999 call. 'That should have been done thoroughly at the border in Calais,' Mr Masters said. After receiving the fine notification, he checked with the authorities and was told he should have informed border staff in Calais about the initial attempt to get into his van. Mrs Cave slammed the fine as 'atrocious' and said: 'We all went into the supermarket and then Ed got an email and went back to the van to answer it on my iPad. 'The back was unlocked while he was sitting in the front and he suddenly saw in the mirror that someone's leg was hanging out of the back and he realised they were trying to get in. 'Ed jumped out to get this guy out and he went off. Ed just didn't realise that anyone else was in there. 'When we got to the Eurotunnel terminal, we got pulled over by French customs who opened up the van and peered in, before waving us through. 'We arrived back in the UK and drove for a couple of hours before we slowed down on the A11 in a queue of traffic before the roundabout at Barton Mills. 'While we were nearly at a standstill, we heard this knocking and rapping from the back as if someone was asking to get out. 'As we were stopped in the traffic, we saw people videoing us from the cars which were nearly stationary around us. They were obviously filming this guy jumping out. Large groups of migrants who were picked up in the English Channel by Border Force last week Your browser does not support iframes. 'I saw him run off towards a garage. He was black and had a hoody on and looked like he was aged about 16. 'Ed dialled 999 and the police told us to pull over, so we stopped at a McDonalds and a garage on the other side of the roundabout. 'One police officer came along and he was fine. Ed explained what had happened and this officer spent a couple of minutes checking over our van to make sure nobody else was in there. 'It looked like the migrant had been hiding under a large shoe rack. But he had respected what was in the van and had not damaged anything. 'The only thing he left in there was a comb. He was caught almost immediately by the police. All we were told by the police was that he was quite young. 'The cop spent a couple of hours talking to Ed and then we continued our journey home.' Mrs Cave said she heard nothing more until her husband got the letter around three months ago saying he was being fined 3,000 for inadvertently bringing in a migrant. She said: 'My first reaction was 'Why?' because we had not done anything wrong. We would not have called the police if we had known this was going to happen. Migrants head to the processing station after being picked up by Border Force in the English Channel this week The PM's plan involves creating a new Border Security Command, bringing together existing immigration units given new 'counter-terrorism style' powers (File image) 'My advice now would be for anyone in the same situation to just let the migrant go off in a layby and not report it.' She said that it was her husband who was being fined as he was the driver of the van but she and her business partner were paying the fine as it was a trip for their work. Mrs Cave said Border Force had agreed to receive payment at the rate of 100 a month for now but had stated that all the money was due within two years. 'We can't afford 3,000. I think it's atrocious. We have done the right thing and have been honest, but we are being punished for it,' she added. The police officer told them the migrant was being taken to temporary accommodation. Mr Masters added: 'If I had just dropped him in a lay-by and not notified them, we would be 3,000 better off. Utter madness.' He claimed he had faced increased scrutiny from UK Border Force since the incident and had been stopped four times at different airports. A Home Office spokesman said: 'We are fully committed to stopping people from illegally entering the country and cracking down on people smugglers. 'The Clandestine Entrant Civil Penalty Scheme aims to ensure drivers are taking every reasonable step to deter irregular migration and disrupt people smugglers.' A Suffolk Constabulary spokesman said: 'Police were called at approximately 1.35pm on November 23, 2023, to reports that a couple travelling home to Norfolk from France had discovered a male hiding in their vehicle on the A11 at Barton Mills. 'It was reported that the couple had heard banging from within their van while they were driving near the Fiveways roundabout, so they stopped their vehicle at which point the male, described as a teenager, jumped out. 'Officers attended, [and] located and detained the male concerned.' Tourists and commercial drivers are at risk of being fined if they fail to adequately secure their vehicles, under the rules of the Government's civil penalty scheme. The Home Office said the scheme 'aims to ensure drivers are taking every reasonable step to deter irregular migration and disrupt people smugglers.' Budget supermarket Lidl has broken its silence after Iceland threatened legal action over its 'iconic' prawn ring. The frozen food giant is pulling no punches and has applied to legally trademark the term 'King Prawn Ring' and its design, which could prevent other companies from bringing out their own versions of the product. Executive chairman Richard Walker took to social media to directly address competitors such as Tesco, Aldi, Sainsbury's and Asda, warning them: 'The King Prawn Ring is ours and we won't be letting you off the hook.' Today, fellow high street rival Lidl issued a withering response, with a spokesman telling MailOnline: 'Here was us thinking it was a classic 1970s party dish'. Aldi has also piped in on its social media platform saying: 'Lol our lawyers aren't scared of nothing'. The threats stir memories of how Marks & Spencer and Aldi were previously embroiled in a bitter supermarket cake war. British retailer M&S had accused the German discounter of copying the design of its famous Colin the Caterpillar for their rival Cuthbert, in a dispute which even made it to London's High Court before a truce was agreed in 2022. Aldi's response after Iceland threatened legal action over its 'iconic' prawn ring Iceland has announced it wants to trademark the term 'King Prawn Ring' as well as its product's design, while also announcing a new 'Luxury King Prawn Ring' offering The frozen food retailer published an open letter 'as a warning to all supermarkets' Tesco is among the rival supermarket chains directly called out by iceland's executive chairman Richard Walker as he threatened legal action over similar products Aldi was also named in Mr Walker's social media post sharing Iceland's newly-published letter Official records show Iceland filed the trademark claim with the IPO on September 9. The bid is currently under examination. The company announced its move in an open letter published today, packed with fish-related wordplay. The frozen food retailer insisted it wanted rivals to think twice about including what they called an 'impostor of a King Prawn Ring' in upcoming Christmas ranges. Mr Walker said: 'When it comes to the King Prawn Ring, Iceland are the OGs. From the idea to the name and the shape, we believe its our own iconic product that has been a staple of our Christmas range for the past 30 years. 'Weve had enough of the pretenders and were now taking action. Weve applied for a trademark and design application, and we expect our King Prawn Ring to be the only one on the shelves this Christmas.' Iceland posted a copy of the new warning letter on X, formerly Twitter. The post was shared by Mr Walker to his 25,300 followers, adding: 'I've rubber stamped this official warning today. 'The King Prawn Ring is ours and we won't be letting you off the hook, @AldiUK @Tesco @asda @LidlGB @Morrisons @sainsburys @coopuk.' Iceland executive chairman Richard Walker (right), pictured with the Princess of Wales during her visit to an Iceland store, has threatened legal action against rival retailers Mr Walker told other supermarket chains on social media: 'The King Prawn Ring is ours and we won't be letting you off the hook' The punning letter states that it is 'a warning to all supermarkets', telling them: 'We are today asking you to remove your pretender King Prawn Rings from sale and to not include them in any of your impending Christmas ranges. 'Doing so will ensure you dont have any action taken against you should our applications be granted. 'Our lawyers are more than ready to dive into legal waters, and trust us, theyre well-armed to claw back whats rightfully ours. 'We dont want to have to scale things up, but if you continue to flounder in your ways, well have no choice but to reel you in.' Among the responses on X was a comment from Lidl's account, saying, 'Sea-riously?' - to which the Iceland counterpart replied: 'Shell yes.' MailOnline has contacted all the supermarket firms named on social media by Mr Walker for comment. The cake-related battle between Marks & Spencer and Aldi saw high-powered lawyers called in on both sides. M&S argued it had three trademarks relating to Colin and the product had acquired and retained an enhanced distinctive character and reputation. A spawn of apparent imitators had been launched by rival stores such as Sainsbury's Wiggles, Tesco's Curly, Morris by Morrisons, the Co-op's Charlie, Cecil by Waitrose and Asda's Clyde. Marks & Spencer was previously in dispute with German discounter Aldi after it accused them of copying the design of its famous Colin the Caterpillar cake (pictured) for their rival Cuthbert The wrangle involving Aldi's Cuthbert (pictured) even made it to London 's High Court before a truce was agreed in 2022 M&S first launched the lawsuit against Aldi in April 2021 in a bid to force its rival to take its Cuthbert the Caterpillar cake off the shelves and agree to not sell anything resembling it in the future. The following month Aldi started selling its caterpillar cake again after making changes to its chocolate face design. The case reached London's High Court in 2021 - but the following year both supermarkets confirmed an agreement had been struck to resolve the conflict. It was understood that Cuthbert would not appear again in quite the same form and a version later arrived on Aldi shelves with the name Holly Lane Cuthbert Cake. The tragedy of a mother-of-five who died after having a BBL procedure in the UK has raised fresh questions over the alarming lack of regulation in the fast-growing industry. While Brits may be used to hearing about horror botched surgeries abroad, medical experts have today laid bare how practitioners shockingly require no training or qualifications to perform non-surgical BBLs in the UK. The popularity of non-surgical BBLs, which involves injecting filler into the buttocks, has increased significantly with the rise of influencers, but doctors have raised serious concerns over the 'disgraceful' lack of regulation. Reacting to the death of 34-year-old mother Alice Webb, one leading UK plastic surgeon told MailOnline today: 'In the UK it is, shockingly, not necessarily illegal to inject filler when you are not medically qualified. 'This is another tragedy which with better regulation could have been prevented.' Ms Webb died on Monday just hours after having the butt lift procedure, which is believed to have been performed in the West Country. Gloucestershire Police confirmed it is investigating the death and has arrested two people on suspicion of manslaughter. Earlier this year Monique Sofroniou (pictured), 30, called for a ban on 'liquid BBLs' after a botched procedure left her buttocks with leaking black holes and in pain 'worse than childbirth' Alice Webb (pictured), 34, died on Monday just hours after having the non-surgical BBL procedure Fat is first harvested from the hips, lower back, abdomen, thighs and other areas via liposuction . Special equipment is used to prepare it for transfer before it is injected directly into the glutes at specific points, giving the buttocks a bigger, curvier appearance What is a liquid Brazilian butt lift? BBLs are used to make buttocks bigger, more rounded or lifted. Unlike a traditional BBL which sees fat transferred from other areas of the body, a liquid BBL involves hyaluronic acid fillers. Dermal filler the same material used to fill lips is injected in large quantities into the buttock. They are often advertised on social media as a 'risk-free', 'cheaper' alternative to the surgical counterpart. But Dr Nora Nugent, vice president of the British Association of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons, today repeated major concerns over the regulation of non-surgical BBLs in the UK. The plastic surgeon told MailOnline: 'I'm not directly involved, but I understand it was filler and this was done by an unqualified person in an unregulated environment.' Laura Earps, a solicitor at Brabners Personal, added: 'Non-surgical BBLs are often advertised and promoted as 'risk-free and cheaper' alternatives to surgical BBLs, however it is clear that this could not be further from the truth.' How are non-surgical BBLs regulated in the UK? In a nutshell, they are not. Campaigners have been calling for better regulation as it is not mandatory to have training before injecting a patient with filler. Dr Nugent said that there are 'loopholes' in the UK which allow non-medical practitioners to perform these surgeries, something she described as a 'total disgrace'. She added: 'This is totally outside of a regulated environment.' 'It is an issue in UK. I have to say, there are a couple of cases floating around that have gone wrong recently. 'This is a non-surgical procedure, filler in the UK is not regulated. You do not have to be a medical practitioner to inject filler, it's shocking. 'It is a medical procedure, but it is not seen as such in a regulatory sense. It can have seriously dangerous consequences.' She added: 'This was not a doctor, not a surgeon at all - and it fell outside of the medical environment. 'For example, as a plastic surgeon I am required to have medical indemnity and to follow professional standards. 'But someone who doesn't have any qualification can inject a substance, an invasive procedure, in some poor woman's buttocks and here we have the consequences. Reacting to the death of Alice Webb, Dr Nora Nugent (pictured) told MailOnline today: 'This is totally outside of a regulated environment.' Alice (pictured) was an advanced aesthetic practitioner at Crystal Clear in Wotton-under-Edge and is thought to have had the procedure in the West Country Dane Knight (left) has been left devastated by the death of his partner Alice Webb (right) who died after she had a Brazilian Bum Lift procedure in the UK Alice was just 34 when she passed away following the bum lift procedure in the UK 'We know there are risks with every procedure. But we are trained, we are doing it in regulated environment. 'As a plastic surgeon, I have insurance, training, specialist registration. But someone can come along with any of that and perform an invasive procedure with awful consequences.' Dr Nugent said that there is no mandatory training for non surgical BBLs. She explained that while it is recommended and most non-medical practitioners have done a short raining course, some have not even done this before they start performing. How are UK councils clamping down on BBLs? With more awareness being raised about the dangers of these procedures, a number of councils across the UK are cracking down on companies offering non-surgical treatments. Last year, Wolverhampton City Council barred a company from carrying out non-surgical, or liquid, BBLs after identifying risks associated with their processes. These included blood clots, sepsis, and the potential for the death of body tissues. Five local authorities in Essex and Glasgow followed suit and have banned certain companies from carrying out liquid BBLs in their area. Just three days ago, Redbridge Council put out a warning about the dangers of BBLs and condemned companies operating in Brentwood, Essex. A spokesperson for Redbridge Council's Environmental Health Team said: 'Individuals who have undergone these procedures have experienced excruciating pain, discomfort and infections, some of which have required medical interventions and hospitalisation. 'We strongly recommend that anyone considering a non-surgical aesthetic procedure do their research. If the cost of the treatment is lower than the market average, proceed with caution, as the practitioner may not be using the advertised products.' Why do people want a BBL or liquid BBL? Unhappiness over a 'flat' buttocks that lack shape, despite a healthy lifestyle, is a common reason listed by those who choose to undergo BBL surgery. Experts have also blamed the allure of celebrity culture and choreographed social media images for fuelling the BBL trend. Last year, London-based aesthetic surgeon Dr Veerle Rotsaert told MailOnline she discourages patients from getting any BBL and instead recommends they go to the gym and do squats. She said: 'In my practice if people want more volume in the buttocks area, I first of all educate them on normal anatomy. 'I recommend going to the gym to do squats.' Dr Rotsaert also urged Brits to shy away from BBLs, stating that the 'Kardashian body type is a trend'. 'And we all know trends go out of fashion at some stage,' she added. Love Island star Olivia Attwood also warned people off BBL surgery in her documentary 'The Price of Perfection'. Love Island star Olivia Attwood has previously warned people off getting non-surgical BBLs due to lack of regulation She told viewers: 'If I was to consider any treatment to give my bum a boost, I would do some serious research first. When it comes to the use of bum fillers, it seems to be a bit of a minefield. During the show, Save Face Director Ashton Collins told her: 'It is incredibly risky. Our issue with it is when these vast amount of hyaluronic acid fillers are being injected into buttocks, that increases risk of complication significantly. 'In the last 18 months, we had over 120 come forward with issues from this treatment - sepsis, severe infection, embolism, these are life threatening treatments. 'We had one woman who had to have her buttocks surgically removed because she had such a severe infection. She's devastated, it's impacted how she lives her life now. They think it is a risk-free cheaper alternative and it's not. 'When a treatment risks outweighs the benefits, they shouldn't be carried out.' Olivia then asked her: 'As it stands in the UK now, anyone can inject someone with filler and it's not against the law?' Ms Collins replied: 'It is totally unregulated. We've investigated people working in retail a week ago, done an online course, bought their products over the internet and start injecting people. 'We want bum and boob fillers completely banned, they are just so unsafe. Olivia finished by saying: 'I wouldn't say no to a little more volume in the back, I know from asking that I'm not a suitable candidate for a BBL, so my only options were an implant which I wouldn't do, and filler. 'To me the filler was looking like the attractive standout option, in and out, quick and easy. 'After talking to Ashton today, no way. There's a reason why doctors and surgeons aren't doing dermal filler to the bum, it's because they have too much to lose and the risk is too high. That should tell you everything you need to know. ' Are there other examples of botched BBLs in the UK? Although many will travel to countries such as Turkey, there are still procedures that happen in the UK. In March, a mother-of-one also called for a ban on liquid BBLs after a botched procedure left her buttocks with leaking black holes and in pain 'worse than childbirth'. Monique Sofroniou, 30, from London, booked an appointment at what she believed was a reputable salon to enlarge her bottom after undergoing a 'Brazilian Butt Lift' in 2021. Monique Sofroniou, 30, from London, booked an appointment at what she believed was a reputable salon Pictured: An image of Monique's buttocks more than a year after getting botched bum filler with just scarring left Monique was rushed to hospital where doctors attempted to remedy the situation (pictured: the mother-of-one after surgery in hospital to repair damage caused by the filler) The aesthetician spent 3,000 on the non-surgical procedure to have one litre of filler injected into each bum cheek. She was injected with silicone in a hotel room and has since been left with permanent scarring. She says she woke up the night after the procedure with a temperature, her sides red raw, and she was being violently sick. Doctors sent her to hospital where they told her she had a severe infection. In another botched procedure, Bonnie Louise-Cooper was rushed to hospital while suffering hallucinations and an alarming temperature after having filler injected into her bottom in the UK. Just 36 hours earlier, the hair beautician from Swanage had forked out 1,500 on a 30-minute 'lunchtime liquid BBL' before contracting sepsis which left her fighting for her life. Louise Moller was also another patient who contracted sepsis and had surgery to remove dead tissue following a liquid BBL. And Paygon Harris told ITV she experienced 'excruciating' pain while the procedure was being done. In another botched procedure, Bonnie Louise-Cooper was rushed to hospital while suffering hallucinations and an alarming temperature after having filler injected into her bottom in the UK (L-R) Paygon Harris, Bonnie-Louise Cooper and Monique Sofroniou all had botched procedures What are the dangers of having a non-surgical BBL? Campaigners have called for certain cosmetic procedures to be banned and said they were supporting 500 women who were 'suffering' as a result. 'We launched a campaign in December 2023 calling upon the Government to take urgent action to ban these procedures,' Ms Collins, director of Save Face, said. 'We made it absolutely clear that without urgent intervention someone would die. 'I am devasted by the news of Alice's passing. It makes me incredibly sad and angry that Alice's death could and should have been prevented. 'Liquid BBL procedures are a crisis waiting to happen. They are advertised on social media as 'risk-free', 'cheaper' alternatives to the surgical counterpart and that could not be further from the truth. 'We have supported over 500 women who have suffered complications because of these treatments, many of which have nearly died. Over 50% of the cases reported to us contracted sepsis and 39% needed corrective surgery. 'All of the procedures reported to us were carried out by non-healthcare practitioners who are carrying out incredibly dangerous procedures in unsterile environments. 'I would advise anyone considering one of these treatments to avoid them at all costs. The risks significantly outweigh any associated benefits.' Unlike with facial fillers where complications can be managed by skilled injectors, these procedures often require hospital settings, intravenous drugs, and surgical intervention to rectify. Dr Thuva Amuthan, Expert Aesthetics Trainer, has also long been campaigning for improved regulation. Campaigners, including Ashton Collins (pictured), have called for certain cosmetic procedures to be banned and said they were supporting 500 women who were 'suffering' as a result. Liposuction that offers to remove up to 15 litres of fat, BBL's, eye colour changing laser treatments and hymenoplasties are all offered in clinics across Turkey Highlighting some of the major risks, she told MailOnline: 'According to peer-reviewed studies, BBL surgeries have the highest mortality rate of any cosmetic procedure, with estimates of 1 in 3,000 to 1 in 6,000 cases globally resulting in death. 'Other risks include infection, tissue necrosis (where tissue dies), asymmetry, scarring, and long-term complications that may require corrective surgery. 'These dangers make it crucial for it only to be performed by regulated, experienced healthcare professionalsspecifically doctors trained in anatomy, surgical techniques, and emergency proceduresto perform BBLs. She added: 'Practitioners that are not adequately medical trained, pose a greater risk to patient safety. 'Without formal medical training, they often lack a deep understanding of human anatomy, particularly when it comes to complex procedures like fat transfer. 'This makes it far more likely that non-medics will inject fat or fillers into the wrong anatomical planes, causing complications like fat embolism or vascular occlusion. 'More concerning is their inability to recognise early warning signs of complications. Trained medical professionals can identify symptoms such as pain, swelling, or sudden shortness of breath, which may indicate life-threatening issues like infection, vascular blockage, or embolism. 'Non-medics, by contrast, may miss these critical signs or fail to act swiftly enough, delaying the necessary emergency interventions that could save a patient's life. 'In a worst-case scenario, they may lack the skills and equipment to manage these complications effectively, leading to irreversible harm or fatality.' Dr Amuthan said that while cosmetic surgery in the UK is governed by the General Medical Council (GMC) and clinics must meet standards set by the Care Quality Commission (CQC), there are currently no regulations specific to BBL surgery itself. She added: 'This leaves gaps in ensuring that patients receive the safest possible treatment. Non-surgical procedures, such as dermal fillers, are even less regulated, meaning non-medically trained individuals can legally perform these treatments.' Dr Amuthan said this can result in complications such as infections, blockage of blood vessels and facial disfigurement if fillers are 'incorrectly administered'. Why do people travel abroad for a BBL? For decades, Brits have been warned against seeking cheaper surgery in places like Turkey, Eastern Europe, or South East Asia. Turkey is not inherently more dangerous than other surgical tourism hotspots. But cheap flights between it and the UK as well as the rise of the trend combining cosmetic surgery with a holiday have made it one of the leading destinations for Brits looking to go under the knife. Dr Nugent told MailOnline: 'There are many reasons why people travel abroad for cosmetic surgery including BBL but one of the most common reasons is price. 'Overseas surgery can be cheaper than surgery in the UK. Differences in the cost of living, business expenses, cost of ensuring compliance of premises and processes with UK regulations and medical insurance are some of the reasons why it can be more expensive in the UK. 'The BAAPS urge people to look at quality and service provided as well as cost though as it is vital to know what is included and not included and to have full information on the procedure and your surgeon and hospital too.' In Turkey, the BBL and even what are dubbed 'extreme BBLs' are promoted. In fact, some clinics even underplay the risks linked with the surgery. A MailOnline investigation last year found one clinic claiming that a BBL is 'completely safe when carried out by a qualified BBL surgeon in Istanbul'. Another offered a more extreme BBL the 'BBL with Vaser Liposuction'. With this procedure, the clinic claims they are able to extract more fat from the body at once and says this results in a slimmer abdomen which makes the hips more noticeable. Illegal vapes are being sold at an alarming rate in top Labour MP's constituencies, as some sellers have openly admitted to breaking the law, an investigation has found. Founder of campaign group WeVape, Mark Oates, went undercover in the London constituencies of Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer and Health Secretary Wes Streeting to see how many illegal vapes he could purchase over the counter. Within forty minutes, Mr Oates had bought four illegal devices those of super strength with double the legal tank sizes, which are often marketed at children. Some illegal vapes boasted 7,000 puffs the equivalent of smoking 460 cigarettes compared to the 600 to 1,000 puffs produced by a compliant vape. The group, which campaigns for the rights of vapers, said video footage proves government plans to introduce further vaping restrictions were pointless because authorities are not enforcing the laws which are already in place. When asked, Mr Oates said some vape sellers openly admitted they were breaking the law, but they were making several hundred pounds per day. Not only that, but they were operating without fear of punishment, highlighting a 'shocking failure of enforcement' by Trading Standards. Mr Oates said: 'The black market in illegal vapes is rampant and it is clear Trading Standards are already overwhelmed. If the current law isn't being applied, there is no chance they can enforce new ones introduced by the Tobacco and Vapes bill.' Mr Oates has written to Wes Streeting with his findings. Illegal vapes are being sold at an alarming rate in top Labour MP's constituencies, an investigation by campaign group WeVape has found Mr Oates said some sellers were operating without fear of punishment, highlighting a 'shocking failure of enforcement' by Trading Standards Founder of WeVape Mark Oates managed to buy four illegal devices in the London boroughs of St Pancras, Holborn and Ilford North those of super strength with double the legal tank sizes Mr Oates has written to Health Secretary Wes Streeting (pictured right with Sir Keir Starmer) about the investigation He added: 'These non-compliant devices I was able to buy should never have got onto the shelves. 'There should be a legal requirement for all vapes to be tested and certified as compliant with UK law before they are allowed to go on sale and it is shocking this isn't already the case.' Video footage, taken in Angela Rayner's Greater Manchester constituency of Ashton-under-Lyne, showed the confidence traders have in not being spot checked by Trading Standards. Mr Oates can be seen asking for 'big puffs' aka large tank sizes. A legal 2% tank will generate approximately 600 puffs, while Mr Oates was immediately offered vapes with 8000 and 12000 puffs, as well as devices with the 5% strength vapes 2.5 times the legal limit of 2%. When asked if he had other devices, the trader invited the campaigner behind the counter where he showed off a treasure trove of illegal products. Some offered 20,000 puffs, the equivalent of more than 1300 cigarettes. During the purchase, the trader even warned his customer 'be careful with them... some people think they are too strong. Too much... makes you dizzy.' A cabinet full of illegal vapes found under the counter at one store Regulated e-cigs or vapes come with a 2ml liquid capacity, this vape has a 13ml capacity When asked, Mr Oates said some vape sellers openly admitted they were breaking the law, but they were making several hundred pounds per day Mr Oates added: 'The fact that we could buy illegal vapes so quickly across Greater Manchester and London, within a stone's throw of the Prime Minister, Deputy Prime Minister and Health Secretary's own constituency headquarters shows why they need to act on this while they have the chance. 'The government needs to take back control of vaping. They don't even know what's in the vapes that are on sale in this country. Pre-market testing should be a mandatory requirement. Right now, anyone can sell vapes, unlike alcohol or cigarettes, which need a licence. We need a vape licence that can be taken away if shopkeepers are caught selling illegal vapes. If you abuse it, you lose it. ' Angela Rayner is regularly seen with an e-cig, and has boasted her children call her 'The Vape Dragon', due to her love of vaping. She was pictured sucking on the devices during her recent party trip to Ibiza with pals. Speaking to the comedian Matt Forde at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival, Ms Rayner said that she had just returned from a holiday in Spain where she had been drinking from mid-afternoon to sunrise the next morning with little food and only the occasional glass of water. She said her children call her 'The Vape Dragon' because she cannot give it up. She added: 'Vaping is probably really bad for you and I will find out one day, but yeah I enjoy a good vape.' Angela Rayner (pictured) is regularly seen with an e-cig, and has boasted her children call her 'The Vape Dragon', due to her love of vaping The MRVI disposable vape, originally manufactured in China A range of disposable vapes which are often marketed at children with the designs and various flavours An illegal disposable vape which boasts 4,500 puffs - equivalent to around 300 cigarettes Some disposable vapes appeal to children because of the range of flavours - this one boasts 4,500 puffs of blueberry, cherry and cranberry In one store, a WeVape campaigner was seen asking for the notorious 'Hayati Pro Ultra', which often exceeds the maximum allowable nicotine strength of 20 mg/mL and tank capacity of 2mL, mandated by UK law. The trader immediately asks whether the buyer wants 15,000 puffs or 10,000 both illegal and pushes open a lockable cupboard under the legally compliant vapes display. Dozens of black market devices are seen before he selects the Hayati and casually asks: 'Which flavour do you want.' Within seconds the trader offers 'Blue Razz Gummy Bears' non-compliant vapes that stand accused of being designed to appeal to children. When asked for another vape a 'Cola Ice Pro Max 4,000 puffs' the trader quickly steps to another concealed stash of illicit devices, hidden in a lockable slide door cupboard away from the legal, on display items. Mr Oates said: 'I am staggered at the blase way these products are sold. But there is an opportunity for government to address this with the Tobacco and Vapes Bill. 'We need a licensing scheme for vape retailers, as we do with alcohol, which would ensure those selling illegal vapes or caught selling to children can be stripped of their licence.' Mr Oates said it was all too easy for people to ask for illegal disposable vapes behind the counter An illegal vape which boasts 5,000 puffs - the equivalent of smoking 100 to 150 cigarettes Mr Oates has written to health secretary Wes Streeting with his findings. He said the 'current situation illustrates that the problem is not a lack of laws but rather a lack of enforcement' What is the current law on vaping in the UK? It's illegal to sell vaping products to anyone under 18, and adults can't buy them for under-18s. Retailers must verify the age of customers before making a sale. Vape cartridges must not contain more than 20 milligrams of nicotine per milliliter and they must not hold more than two milliliters of liquid. Vaping is generally permitted in public areas, unless a specific establishment has banned it. Many venues have their own policies on vaping. Some venues ask customers not to vape because of the smell or the possibility of confusion with cigarette smoke. THC vape juice: THC vape juice is illegal in the UK. CBD vape juice: CBD oil is legal to sell in the UK, but it must contain no nicotine or detectable THC Advertisement Wes Streeting has promised to come down on the vaping industry 'like a tonne of bricks' and to ban flavours popular with kids. But campaigners have warned removing flavours will lead many smokers back to cigarettes. Research from Bristol University showed nearly 39% of smokers transitioning to e-cigs would 'smoke more or not quit', and 14% of ex-smokers who vape would 'relapse to smoking if their preferred flavour was restricted.' The investigation followed polling commissioned by We Vape, which made for sobering reading for Labour. Britain in Focus polled 2,775 adults in the UK on the biggest issues facing the country, public health and attitudes to vaping. Just 14% of the public think Keir Starmer is focusing on the right priorities, while only 37% of Labour voters think the Labour Government is focusing on the right priorities. It also showed 40% of vapers plan to defy a ban on flavoured vapes, while 24% of Labour voters who vape saying a ban on flavours would make them less likely to vote Labour. The poll revealed over a third of vapers in the UK today say they would ignore a ban on flavoured vapes, saying they would continue to buy them online, from abroad or elsewhere. It showed 5% would create their own vapes in order to get around the ban on flavours while 11% of vapers would go back to smoking if flavours were reduced. Mr Oates said: 'The Prime Minister and Health Secretary need to understand many of their core voters smoke or are trying to quit through vaping. 'This is a key issue and can sway votes if people feel they are being ignored on matters like flavours and the importance of them to smokers trying to make the switch to vaping.' 'Further restrictions will mean an increase in black market activity, which we have seen is already out of control, and drive ex-smokers who vape back to cigarettes. 'Pre-market checks on vapes by the MHRA, a self-funding Vape Licensing Scheme, that protects children and a protection of flavours to stop vapers from returning to cigarettes will have far more impact on cutting down smoking than banning it outside pubs.' A Department of Health and Social Care spokesperson said: 'Manufacturers and producers have a responsibility to ensure vapes are safe to use and fully comply with regulations. 'Local enforcement agencies are taking strong action to tackle illicit vapes. The government is providing 3 million over two years to specifically enhance the work to tackle the illicit vape market. 'The Tobacco and Vapes Bill will further strengthen enforcement activity, allowing Trading Standards to take swifter action to enforce the law, including on non-compliant products, and closing loopholes.' Israeli President Benjamin Netanyahu has ordered a 'full force fight against Hezbollah as his ministers warned there will be no ceasefire. Netanyahu has not responded to last night's ceasefire call, despite the world pleading with Israel to take a step back from fighting with a 21-day truce, his office said. In defiant response to the desperate ceasefire proposal put forward by 12 international allies, the president's office said: 'The news about a ceasefire - not true. This is an American-French proposal, to which the prime minister did not even respond. 'The news about the supposed directive to moderate the fighting in the north is also the opposite of the truth. 'The prime minister instructed the IDF to continue the fighting with full force, and according to the plans presented to him. Smoke rises from the site of an Israeli airstrike near the village of Khiam, Lebanon, Sept 25 Emergency workers at the scene of an Israeli airstrike in Maisara, Lebanon on Wednesday People inspect the damage at the site of an Israeli strike that hit the seaside town of Jiyeh 'Also, the fighting in Gaza will continue until all the goals of the war are achieved'. Following the warning put forth by Netanyahu's office, Israel Katz, the country's foreign minister, joined the chorus, saying 'there will be no ceasefire in the north'. Israel 'will continue to fight against the terrorist organisation Hezbollah with all our might until victory and the safe return of the residents of the north to their homes,' Katz said on a statement on X, formerly Twitter. Adding to the message, Israel's Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich said Hezbollah should be crushed and that only its surrender would make it possible for the evacuees to return. 'The enemy must not be given time to recover from the heavy blows he received and to reorganize for the continuation of the war after 21 days,' he said in a statement. National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir's far-right faction was due to hold an emergency meeting on Wednesday but members of the party have already come out against the proposal. It comes after the UK joined the US, France and a host of allies in calling for an immediate temporary ceasefire in Lebanon, warning the escalating violence between Israel and Hezbollah is 'intolerable' and could plunge the Middle East into chaos. In a joint statement, the 12-strong bloc called for a 21-day ceasefire 'to provide space for diplomacy towards the conclusion of a diplomatic settlement', as well as a ceasefire in Gaza. The call was supported by UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres who said flatly: 'Hell is breaking loose.' But their hopes of salvaging a peaceful solution were seemingly dismissed by Israel, with IDF chief Herzi Halevi last night visiting soldiers close to the border to tell them they must prepare for a ground invasion of Lebanon. Halevi declared: 'We are attacking all day, both to prepare the ground for the possibility of your entry [into Lebanon], but also to continue striking Hezbollah. Yemeni university staff and students burn an Israeli flag during a protest staged against the Israeli aerial attacks on Lebanon, on September 25 Vehicles wait in traffic in the town of Damour, south of Beirut as people flee southern Lebanon Major General Herzi Halevi (left) visits troops on the northern border on Wednesday French President Emmanuel Macron (L) speaks with Prime Minister of Lebanon Najib Mikati on the sidelines of the 79th Session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York on September 25, 2024 Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer (right) meets with Palestinian President Mahmud Abbas ahead of a bilateral meeting at the United Nations in New York 'Hezbollah today expanded its [range] of fire. Later today, it will receive a very strong response. Prepare yourselves,' he said, before adding: 'your boots... will enter enemy territory.' Halevi's bleak declaration came as Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Hezbollah was being hit 'with blows it never imagined' and vowed to ensure the thousands of Israelis evacuated from the northern border would soon be able to return to their homes and jobs. Yesterday's appeal for a last-ditch ceasefire was signed by the UK, the US, Australia, Canada, the European Union, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates and Qatar. 'The situation between Lebanon and Israel since October 8th, 2023 is intolerable and presents an unacceptable risk of a broader regional escalation,' it read. 'This is in nobody's interest, neither of the people of Israel nor of the people of Lebanon. It is time to conclude a diplomatic settlement that enables civilians on both sides of the border to return to their homes in safety. 'Diplomacy however cannot succeed amid an escalation of this conflict.' The statement calls for the governments of Lebanon and Israel to 'endorse the temporary ceasefire immediately... and to give a real chance to a diplomatic settlement'. It continues: 'We are then prepared to fully support all diplomatic efforts to conclude an agreement between Lebanon and Israel within this period, building on efforts over the last months, that ends this crisis altogether.' Meanwhile, Iran - Hezbollah's chief backer - said late Wednesday that it would 'stand with the people of Lebanon with all means' if required. But Iran's foreign minister Abbas Araghchi warned the Middle East faces a full-scale 'catastrophe' if the clashes continue to gather pace and urged the United Nations Security Council to 'intervene to restore peace and security'. The Islamic Republic's reformist president Masoud Pezeshkian, is currently in New York at the UN General Assembly, where he expressed a willingness to reengage with the West and revive the 2015 nuclear deal. Pezeshkian's presence in New York, where he is sure to be meeting with Western politicians on the sidelines of the assembly, is a move that analysts said suggested he may have been granted permission from Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei to try to avert a war in the Middle East. This has not been taken kindly to by more hardline Hezbollah supporters and Lebanese MPs, who expect full military support from their powerful ally. After Araghchi said on Monday Iran was willing to work with the West to discuss its nuclear programme, Lebanese MP Mark Daou declared: 'They negotiate over our corpses.' People stand by an impact crater next to a destroyed warehouse at the site of an Israeli air strike in Jiyeh along the highway linking Beirut to the southern city of Sidon on September 25 Smoke billows over southern Lebanon following an Israeli strike, as seen from Tyre Foreign Minister of Iran Abbas Araghchi addresses members of the press before an emergency United Nations Security Council meeting called to address the rising tensions between Israel and Lebanon during the General Debate of the 79th session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York, New York, USA, 25 September 2024 Chief of the General Staff of the Israel Defense Forces Herzi Halevi (right) meets with the Commanding Officer of the Northern Command, Major General Ori Gordin (left) in Israel, on September 20, 2024 US President Joe Biden and France's President Emmanuel Macron met on Wednesday on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly to discuss new ceasefire proposals, and are the two heads of state leading calls for restraint. France pressed the UN security council to hold an emergency session on the matter soon and Macron said he would send his foreign minister to the former French administration by the end of the week. US Secretary of State Antony Blinken also urged Israel and Hezbollah to step back, saying all-out war would be 'disastrous' for the region and its people. Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu, who appears set on continuing to wage war, said via his spokesperson David Mencer that while 'we favour a diplomatic solution... we have tried... for eleven and a half months'. 'Yesterday our president described the US diplomat [involved in negotiations] as talented but with all his talent he hasn't been able to negotiate any sort of climbdown from Hezbollah,' Mencer said. Netanyahu delayed his departure for New York until Thursday, where he too is due to speak at the UN General Assembly. Israeli attacks in Lebanon have killed more than 600 people since Monday, including scores of women and children, according to the latest figures by the Lebanese health ministry. The ministry said that at least 72 people were killed in strikes and 400 injured on Wednesday alone. Netanyahu has promised 'total victory' over Hamas and the return of all the hostages held in Gaza - goals that many believe are simply unachievable. What's more, many analysts and observers accuse Netanyahu of having a personal stake in forging on with the war. His governing coalition relies on far-right ministers who want to permanently reoccupy the Palestinian enclave and destroy Hezbollah's ability to threaten Israel - and they have threatened to bring down the government if Netanyahu concedes too much. That would force early elections that could drive him from power at a time when he is on trial for corruption - charges that he will not face while war rages on. For many on both sides of the border, the violence of the past two weeks in Lebanon has sparked bitter memories of the 2006 war that killed 1,200 people in Lebanon, most of them civilians, and 160 Israelis, most of them soldiers. According to the UN, the latest violence has sparked an exodus of around 90,000 people from their homes in traditional Hezbollah strongholds for safer areas elsewhere in the tiny Mediterranean country. Rockets fired from southern Lebanon are intercepted by Israel's Iron Dome air defence system over the Upper Galilee region in northern Israel on August 23, 2024 Israel's Iron Dome anti-missile system engages as rockets are launched from Lebanon Yesterday's desperate plea by members of the international community for a ceasefire was issued after Britain's Prime Minister urged Britons to leave Lebanon immediately by the remaining commercial routes. Sir Keir said: 'I have a very important message for British nationals in Lebanon which is: the time to leave is now. 'The contingency plans are being ramped up but don't wait for those, there are still commercial flights. It's very important that they hear my message, which is to leave and to leave immediately.' Britain's Ministry of Defence has already drawn up plans for a desperate evacuation of UK citizens from Lebanon, with a 700-strong force of Royal Marine commandos, sailors and combat engineers en-route to the region. The MoD's rescue mission template, known in military circles as 'Operation Meteoric', could see commandos making beach landings in Lebanon with UK citizens escorted onto a flotilla of military vessels. Such plans would also see warships and RAF jets already stationed in Cyprus tasked with facilitating the rescue mission, with thousands of Brits still stuck in the country. Some have reported that their families have not received a response from the British consulate as flights out of Beirut are cancelled amid the ongoing Israeli airstrikes. Britain's Defence Secretary John Healey said on Tuedsay: 'Events in the past hours and days have demonstrated how volatile this situation is which is why our message is clear British nationals should leave now. 'We continue to urge all sides to step back from conflict to prevent further tragic loss of life. 'Government is ensuring all preparations are in place to support British nationals should the situation deteriorate.' A 45-year-old father found guilty of 97 counts of sexual assault after he filmed himself raping nine women and three teenagers is expected to spend decades behind bars. Adam Charles Lusk was convicted of 85 of counts of sexual penetration without consent and 12 counts of stupefying in order to commit an indictable offence in Perth's Western Australia District Court on Thursday. He was stony-faced in court as the jury delivered their verdict. The court heard that the FIFO civil engineer met his victims either through social interactions or online using Sugar Daddy Meet, Tinder and Snapchat over an almost two year period. The court heard the father would lure his victims to his Ascot home in the city's east, where he would drug, rape and film them. A jury found Lusk guilty after a gruelling five-week trial where several videos which were too graphic to be shown to an open court. He initially pleaded his innocence to 100 offences and claimed the women and teens had all consented to sex and that some pretended to be unconscious or semi-lucid. More than 80 of his offences were captured on video with the victims heard repeatedly telling Lusk 'no' and pushing him away. One begged him to 'show mercy'. Some of Lusk's worst offences were committed against a 16-year-old girl who he met on Sugar Daddy Meet in 2020, The West Australian reported. Adam Lusk (pictured) on Thursday was found guilty of raping nine women and three teenage girls over a two-year period On one occasion he recorded himself abusing the teen, who was only semi-conscious. When she began pleading for him to stop, Lusk pinned her arm behind her back and told her to 'ssh'. The other two underage victims were 17-year-old girls who were invited to Lusk's home to 'part' after one of them met him through Snapchat. They had begun talking six months earlier, when the girl was 16. Lusk recorded himself raping one of the girls. He was also accused of raping a third 17-year-old girl on the same night but was acquitted of the charge. Two charges of drugging women were also dismissed. Lusk admitted to raping one of the women he filmed during the trial as the jury was shown footage of her unconscious for 19 minutes. In a rare case, Judge Alan Troy instructed the jury to find Lusk guilty of raping the woman multiple times but that they to decide whether the victim had been drugged. Lusk claimed the woman had passed out due to a sex game but the jury found he drugged her. Lusk (pictured) would film the horrific assaults, during which the women were seen repeatedly saying 'non' and pushing him away Six women were completely unconscious in the videos and two appeared 'semi-disorientated'. The court heard Lusk kept the videos he considered 'noteworthy'. When asked if the women had consented to being filmed, Lusk claimed he believed it would be okay because he planned to share the footage with them. The videos were never shared with the women, with Lusk arguing he 'never had the opportunity' in several cases. A person known to Lusk submitted a video of one of the rapes to police in May 2021. But officers were unable to charge Lusk as they couldn't identify the victim. The acquaintance had confronted Lusk over text at the time. In one message, the person wrote: 'She was roofied'. Mr Lusk replied: 'No she wasn't. We'd been f**king all afternoon and she bombed out.' '...She liked to get wasted and f**k. She was drunk AF'. Following his arrest in January 2022, Lusk told police the woman was 'role playing' a fantasy they'd discussed beforehand. However, he later testified he filmed the video to 'tease' the woman for being 'lazy' during sex. Lusk (pictured) was convicted of 85 of counts of sexual penetration without consent and 12 counts of stupefying in order to commit an indictable offence Lusk was arrested after two women reported their assaults to police, allowing officers to seize his electronic devices. The woman in the video submitted in 2021 was found and she testified to having no recollection of the night or having sex with Lusk. She claimed she was given what she thought was a paracetamol after arriving at his home due to a headache. Lusk will be sentenced on December 20. If you or someone you know is impacted by sexual assault, domestic or family violence, call 1800RESPECT on 1800 737 732 or the Sexual Assault Resource Centre 1800 199 888. A female police officer has been found guilty of harassment after sending a series of threatening messages to her convicted burglar ex when he dumped her. Police Constable Miriam Virgo, an online personality who had more than 160,000 social media followers, embarked on an 'ill-advised' relationship with Carl Cserfalvi-Young after he was released from prison. But after three weeks he broke it off, a move she 'didn't take well at all', prosecutors said. The Thames Valley Police officer threatened him 'gangster style' using a website which allows users to pay to send anonymous texts, the court heard during a week long trial. Police Constable Miriam Virgo, an online personality, embarked on an 'ill-advised' relationship with a convicted burglar Carl Cserfalvi-Young broke the relationship off after three weeks and the Thames Valley Police officer threatened him 'gangster style' using a website which allows users to pay to send anonymous texts, the court heard Virgo is said to have told Mr Cserfalvi-Young his days were 'numbered' in the messages which she also sent to his mother. A jury has now found her guilty of harassment but cleared her of a separate charge of putting a person in fear of violence by harassment. The constable - who now appears to have deleted her Instagram account - will be sentenced in November. Opening the trial last week, prosecutor Charles Ward-Jackson told Salisbury Crown Court, Wilts, the offence was made up of nine separate events that took place between May 31 and September 10, 2022. 'This is about a woman who started threatening violence to a man following the break up of the relationship. '[Virgo] had told Mr Young that she was a serving police officer. 'It was an unusual and possibly ill-advised relationship between a burglar and a serving police officer. 'The relationship did not last very long,' he said. The court heard Mr Cserfalvi-Young had recently been released from prison for burglary when the pair met at a pub in Reading, Berks, in May 2022. After meeting again and exchanging messages online, they began a relationship. Mr Cserfalvi-Young ended their relationship via phone call at the start of June to get back with his ex-partner, jurors were told. Following the break up Virgo looked up his past girlfriend on Facebook and called her to say she had 'won' and 'got him back'. Virgo is said to have told Mr Cserfalvi-Young (pictured) his days were 'numbered' in the messages which she also sent to his mother Later that evening she messaged Mr Cserfalvi-Young to tell him she had 'a lot of people are looking out for me' and warned him her cousins had said 'of all the people you could have f***ed over you picked the wrong one'. Mr Ward-Jackson added: 'The implication of the messages is that she had people looking out for her to make Carl Young's life unpleasant.' She then rang him and said: 'You've seen a nice side of me, but you haven't seen the other side of me, and if you f*** with me I will f*** with you. 'I've got nothing to lose. 'I'm not okay, I'm ready to take a f***ing knife on [sic] my kitchen, so you better f***ing start talking to me right f***ing now.' The court heard there was then little correspondence until a 'small flurry' of anonymous messages in early September were sent to Mr Cserfalvi-Young and his mother. In 'disturbing and sinister' messages the prosecution alleges that Ms Virgo pretended to be a lover of Mr Cserfalvi-Young's girlfriend. In the first message, sent on September 3, she said: 'your days are numbered... I know where u live. Ur a dead man walking.' 'F*** off and leave her alone*u need to back da f*** off or ur gonna get hurt,' she said in a message on September 6. Mr Cserfalvi-Young reported the 'series of threats' to the police and a week later Virgo was arrested. The court heard her phone had been accessing a website where users can send anonymous texts for a small fee and payments had been sent to a company linked to the website. Mr Ward-Jackson told the court it became clear it was Virgo who had sent the texts and had simultaneously been sending threatening texts to herself to 'throw investigators off the scent'. In her police interview, she said Mr Cserfalvi-Young had 'love bombed' her at the pub and any threat had been 'misunderstood'. Mr Cserfalvi-Young broke down in the witness box when he talked about the anonymous threats made against his mum and said he was afraid of being sent back to prison. He said: 'All I knew is that she was threatening me with her cousins. I took her seriously. I was shocked and worried about what she was going to do. I felt threatened and worried. 'I have just come out of prison, I did not want to go back to prison. In my eyes it is a threat to me, to my safety.' Thames Valley Police have been approached for comment. The Labour Party is considering emulating a Texan-style prison system where inmates can reduce their jail time by earning points for good behaviour. Earlier this month, Keir Starmer introduced an early release prison scheme in England and Wales - which recently wrongly freed 37 criminals - in a bid to tackle the over-crowding epidemic in British prisons. Now, ministers are reportedly drawing up plans to build a points based system which aims at reducing re-offending in lieu of building more prisons. Back in 2007, Texan prisons were similarly at full capacity, but an investment into educational and drug treatment programmes for prisoners saw the US state save $2 billion and decrease their prison population by 15 per cent from 2007 to 2023. With Starmer clearly hoping to emulate this success, will such a change in initiative really work in the UK and what does a points-based system actually look like in reality? Labour ministers are considering implementing a Texan-style prison system where inmates can reduce their sentence by earning points. Pictured: The Harris County Jail in Houston The points based system aims at reducing re-offending in lieu of building more prisons. Pictured: The Cleveland Correctional Center Back in 2007 Texan prisons were similarly overcrowded to Britain's today. Pictured: An inmate works on a computer in his cell at the Estelle Unit in Huntsville, Texas As of April this year, it was recorded that there were 132,955 inmates in Texas prison facilities - the largest prison population of any US state - in comparison to England's prison population of 88,521 this month. According to the state's Department of Criminal Justice, prisoners wake up at 3.30am and breakfast is served no earlier than 4am. They then then report to their work assignments at 6:00am. What is the points-based prison the UK is trying to emulate? Inmates in Texas are able to cut their jail time by earning points through participation in courses, which is known as 'good conduct time'. The courses include: Education workshops, industrial, agricultural, and vocational. There are also classes aimed at tackling the root causes of their sentencing, such as drug use. Investment has also been made in parenting courses and drug rehabilitation sessions. The umbrella term for this is 'smart sentencing'. Rick Perry, the Republican governor in Texas in 2007 - when jails were at full capacity and 17,000 new beds were needed over five years - decided to focus on reducing re-offending instead of building more prisons. Advertisement Every prisoner who is physically able has a job in the prison system, but they are not paid. They can only earn privileges - such as watching television - as a result of good work habits. Of the roughly 40,000 Texans released from state prisons every year, nearly half are rearrested within three years, and between 15-20% return to prison. In England and Wales, reoffending former prisoners account for 80 per cent of all crime, at a cost to the economy of 18 billion a year, the Times reports. The Texas Department of Criminal Justice also employs over 33,000 people, and for 2024 it has an $8.5 billion budget, making it one of the largest state agencies in Texas. In comparison, the UK spent approximately 6.85billion on its prison system in 2023/24. After reintroducing the death penalty in 1982, Texas has also executed more prisoners than any other US state, and currently has 180 prisoners on death row. A total of 590 people have been killed by lethal injection in the state in the past 40 years. Just this week, Travis Mullis was put to death for killing his baby Alijiah in 2008. In his final statement he called his execution an 'assisted suicide'. Stacking each prison system up against each other, it is clear to see the differences in terms of their budget and the number of prisoners they have. Another major point of difference is the way prisoners in Texas are able to shorten the time they serve behind bars by earning credit for good behaviour, which was first thought of by Rick Perry, the Republican governor at the time. To do this, inmates can win points by participating in courses aimed at tackling the underlying causes as to why they are in prison, for example due to drug habits. Named as 'good conduct time', prisoners can enroll in educational, industrial, agricultural, and vocational workshops, as well as sessions on drug rehabilitation and behavioural change. Travis Mullis, 38, pictured above in the most recent image available of him through the Texas Department of Criminal Justice Alijah James Mullis seen here in a photo shared by his family on Facebook. He was molested, stomped on and strangled The Texas death chamber in Huntsville where death row inmate Gary Graham was put to death by lethal injection on June 22, 2000 An investment into educational and drug treatment programmes for prisoners saw the US state decrease their prison population by 15 per cent. Pictured: A guard walks through a prison in Huntsville, Texas As of April this year, it was recorded that there were 132,955 inmates in Texas prison facilities. Pictured: Inmates at the Harris County Jail The thought behind this is so inmates can use their time behind bars proactively before they are eligible for a parole review. The bonus of being able to reduce their sentence also boosts participation rates. Hundreds of millions of dollars were also invested in schemes - like parenting courses - to prevent crimes being committed in the first place. For those whose offending was linked with drug misuse, special drug courts were set up to order them to attend rehabilitation courses. Inmates need to carry out weekly court reports and urine tests to avoid prison time. Non-custodial sentences are also given for low-level drug offences. Last year, the prison population in Texas fell from 152,661 to 129,653, which meant authorities were able to shut 16 jails. Crime rates also fell 29 per cent to their lowest level since 1968 and reoffending rates halved, while employments rates of ex-convicts increased by 50 per cent just ten years after the reforms. A UK source previously said the Texas prison model would only be successful in the UK with considerable financial backing. The source told The Times: 'If theres no additional money then this will be a totally cosmetic exercise.' And with reports that the Treasury ahead of next month's budget amid worries that the department may experience significant cuts instead of increased funding, there's a real doubt as to whether the UK would be able to afford these changes. This comes after dozens of offenders convicted of breaching a restraining order were wrongly let out of jail. The Ministry of Justice is now striving to avoid more ineligible offenders being freed after the oversight emerged. In all, 37 men were released in error. Most have now been recalled to jail but five were still on the loose last night. Jails have been ordered to manually recalculate prisoners' correct release dates after the shocking mix-up. Keir Starmer will visit Brussels next week on his mission to 'reset' relations - amid signs the EU's price could be a deal on taking illegal migrants. The PM has lined up talks with commission president Ursula von der Leyen after the pair met on the sidelines of the UN summit in New York last night. He has been stressing his determination to repair ties after years of Brexit wrangling. However, concerns have been raised about the quid pro quo of boosting trade and cooperation. Pedro Serrano, the EU ambassador to London, suggested in an interview that there should be a central agreement with the UK on handling 'irregular' migration. That could include quotas on taking migrants who arrive on the continent - a prospect Labour previously played down. The PM has lined up talks with commission president Ursula von der Leyen next week after the pair met on the sidelines of the UN summit in New York last night (pictured) Sir Keir has met a string of EU leaders since taking office and has spoken about his 'ambitious' plans for a new relationship. The PM said he was 'looking forward to visiting Brussels next week to start discussions' with the commission president. Ms von der Leyen said she was keen to consider the 'reset of EU-UK relations'. The EU has proposed a youth mobility scheme for 18-30 year-olds as part of a deal with the UK, but Sir Keir has resisted anything that could be seen as the reintroduction of free movement. Reports have suggested the EU could water down its initial proposals to make them more acceptable to Sir Keir. Earlier this month Sir Keir said: 'I want to be ambitious about what we can achieve within the EU reset. 'That does not mean going back into the EU, that does not mean going back into the single market, the customs union or freedom of movement. So they are the red lines within that framework.' Speaking to Times Radio from the Labour conference this week, Mr Serrano said the bloc was 'very keen to work even more closely together with the UK' in addressing irregular migration. Currently relations are managed through bilateral deals such as with France. Asked if that meant a 'formal deal', the ambassador replied: 'What I say is that we can have a stronger cooperation. 'We have to look at this in a very holistic perspective. There are countries of origin that we have to engage with, countries of transit that we have to engage with,' he said. A group of migrants attempting to cross the Channel from France earlier this month 'There are police aspects that need to be looked at. 'So it has to be looked at in a very holistic way. And I think it'd be great to have a good dialogue with the UK on these issues.' He went on: 'The problem is, it goes beyond the borders of France and Germany and UK and and an overall more holistic approach would probably be... 'In any case, we cannot handle migration just in France and Germany, it has to be handled as as an EU and and and it may be more profitable to look at it from that perspective.' He agreed that 'caps' or 'numbers' would be 'examples' of things that could be covered. A top campaign fundraiser and close aide of New York City Mayor Eric Adams will be among those named in the bombshell indictment expected to be unsealed today, sources have claimed. Adams has been indicted by a grand jury on criminal charges following a long-running federal corruption investigation. The mayor on Wednesday declared he was innocent. The indictment detailing the charges against Adams is expected to be unsealed Thursday, with sources alleging that least three other people will be charged. Brianna Suggs, who was a key consultant and fundraiser during Adams' mayoral campaign, and his current director of Asian affairs Winnie Greco are expected to be named in the indictment, The New York Post reported. FBI agents raided Suggs' home in November last year and four months later carried out a search at Greco's residence. It is unclear if the pair will be charged in the indictment or just named. The indictment comes after weeks of searches, subpoenas and resignations of top officials that have thrust the city's government into crisis. New York City Mayor Eric Adams, pictured Wednesday, has been indicted by a grand jury on criminal charges following a long-running federal corruption investigation. Adams on Wednesday declared he was innocent Adams' close aide Winnie Greco (left), who is his current director of Asian affairs, and top campaign fundraiser Brianna Suggs (right) are expected to be named in the indictment, sources told the New York Post. It is unclear if the pair will be charged in the indictment or just named Adams, a Democrat, said Wednesday he expected to be charged with federal crimes and declared he was innocent. In a speech recorded at his official residence, the mayor said he would remain in office, describing any charges he may face as 'entirely false, based on lies.' 'I always knew that if I stood my ground for all of you, that I would be a target - and a target I became,' Adams said. 'I will fight these injustices with every ounce of my strength and my spirit.' It was not immediately clear what laws Adams is accused of breaking or when he might have to appear in court. The indictment detailing the charges against Adams is expected to be unsealed Thursday morning, according to insiders. The US attorney's office in Manhattan declined to comment. The federal investigations into Adams' administration first emerged publicly on November 2, 2023, when FBI agents conducted an early morning raid on the Brooklyn home of Suggs. Suggs, who reportedly has close ties to Adams' inner circle, was the key campaign consultant and fundraiser during his mayoral campaign. She served as an intern at Brooklyn Borough Hall in 2017 when Adams was borough president, the Post reported. She was promoted to 'special liaison' in 2018 and worked on women's health for the next three years. This photo by the New York Mayoral Photography Office shows New York Mayor Eric Adams (left) as he delivers remarks and marches in the 21st Autumn Moon Festival and 12th China Day Festival, with Winnie Greco (right) on October 1, 2023 Suggs then worked on Adams' mayoral campaign in 2021, raising $18.4million. Campaign records reveal that his campaign spent a total of $18.5million. She made more than $150,000 from the 2021 campaign and the mayor's 2025 re-election campaign, records reviewed by the newspaper show. She was also issued a subpoena to testify in front of a federal grand jury following the FBI raid at her home in November 2023. At the time, Adams insisted he followed the law and said he would be 'shocked' if anyone on his campaign had acted illegally. Days later, FBI agents seized the mayor's phones and iPad as he was leaving an event in Manhattan. In addition to the sprawling inquiries launched by Manhattan prosecutors, federal prosecutors in Brooklyn are investigating Greco, one of Adams' close aides who raised thousands of dollars in campaign donations from the city's Chinese American communities and later became his director of Asian affairs. Her home was raided by the FBI in February this year. Greco hasn't commented publicly on the FBI searches of her properties and continues to work for the city. Greco was already being probed by the city Department of Investigation over allegations that in 2022 she promised a campaign volunteer a job in Adams' administration if they renovated her kitchen. She has also been accused of reaching out to prominent Chinese business executives to male $10,000 donations to attend a Chinese-focused event at the mayor's mansion. Greco has been affiliated with Adams since his time as Brooklyn borough president. At the time she worked as the Chinese community liaison and a volunteer fundraiser. Eric Adams, pictured in November 2023, was elected as mayor in November 2021 - a victory he has repeatedly said was ordained by God. But after more than two years in office, his popularity has declined Eric Adams was among those invited to the White House in July 2021 to meet with President Joe Biden and discuss a plan to reduce gun crime and enhance public safety The retired police captain had previously campaigned on being tough-on-crime, doing so successfully to become the city's 110th mayor. When the charges are made public, he will be the first to be charged criminally while still in office Federal investigators, on September 4 this year, seized electronic devices from the city's police commissioner, schools chancellor, deputy mayor of public safety, first deputy mayor and other trusted confidantes of Adams both in and out of City Hall. Federal prosecutors declined to discuss the investigations, but people familiar with elements of the cases described multiple, separate inquiries involving senior Adams aides, relatives of those aides, campaign fundraising and possible influence peddling of the police and fire departments. A week after the searches, the city's police commissioner, Edward Caban, announced his resignation. About two weeks later, Schools Chancellor David Banks announced he would retire at the end of the year. Adams himself insisted he would keep doing the city's business and allow the investigations to run their course. Over the summer, federal prosecutors subpoenaed Adams, his campaign arm and City Hall, requesting information about the mayor's schedule, his overseas travel and potential connections to the Turkish government. When agents seized electronic devices from Caban, the former police commissioner, in early September, they also visited his twin brother, James Caban, a former police officer who runs a nightlife consulting business. Agents also took devices from the schools chancellor; his brother Philip Banks, formerly a top NYPD chief who is now deputy mayor for public safety; their brother Terence Banks, who ran a consulting firm that promised to connect businesses to government stakeholders; and from First Deputy Mayor Sheena Wright, who is David Banks' domestic partner. All denied any wrongdoing. Police Commissioner Edward Caban resigned on September 13, as the nature of feds' renewed investigation remains unknown. Caban was personally picked to head the New York Police Department in 2023 Earlier this month, agents stormed the homes of First Deputy Mayor Sheena Wright (left) and Deputy Mayor for Public Safety Phil Banks, (right) in a series of raids that for now remain under wraps While those investigations churned, federal authorities also searched the homes of newly named interim police commissioner, Thomas Donlan, and seized materials unrelated to his police work. Donlon confirmed the search and said it involved materials that had been in his possession for 20 years. In his speech Wednesday night, Adams appeared to cite that search as proof of overreach by federal investigators. He is expected to surrender to authorities next week, sources told the Post. Adams, in a statement to the newspaper, claimed that he has become a 'target' after having 'stood my ground for New Yorkers'. 'I will request an immediate trial so that New Yorkers can hear the truth. New Yorkers know my story. They know where I come from. I have been fighting injustice my entire life,' he told the Post. 'That fight has continued as your mayor. when the federal government did nothing as its broken immigration policies overloaded our shelter system with no relief, I put the people of New York before party and politics.' DailyMail.com has approached Adams for comment. Adams spent 22 years in New York City's police department before going into politics, first as a state senator and then as Brooklyn borough president. He was elected as mayor in November 2021 - a victory he has repeatedly said was ordained by God. But after more than two years in office, his popularity has declined. While New York City has seen an increase in jobs and a drop in certain categories of crime, the administration has struggled with an influx of tens of thousands of international migrants who overwhelmed the city's homeless shelters. Hours before the charges were announced Wednesday, Congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (pictured in March) called on Adams to resign, the first nationally prominent Democrat to do so. Adams reacted with scorn, dismissing Ocasio-Cortez as self-righteous The indictment - first reported by The New York Times - marks a stunning turn for Adams, a former police captain who won election nearly three years ago to become the city's second Black mayor on a campaign that stressed his working class roots and commitment to public safety. But as Adams has made reducing crime a cornerstone of his administration, he has faced growing legal peril, with multiple federal investigations honing in on his top aides and his own campaign. In the last two weeks alone, the leaders he appointed to oversee the country's largest police force and largest schools system have announced their resignations. Adams is the first mayor in New York City history to be indicted while in office. If he were to resign, he would be replaced by the citys public advocate, Jumaane Williams, who would then schedule a special election. Gov. Kathy Hochul has the power to remove Adams from office. Hochul spokesperson, Avi Small, issued a statement late Wednesday that said 'Governor Hochul is aware of these concerning news reports and is monitoring the situation. It would be premature to comment further until the matter is confirmed by law enforcement.' The indictment comes against the backdrop of the United Nations General Assembly, which has brought dozens of world leaders to New York, including Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan. If Adams refuses to step down, New York Governor Kathy Hochul, pictured, could use extraordinary powers to have him removed him from office before his term is up Hours before the charges were announced Wednesday, Congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez called on Adams to resign, the first nationally prominent Democrat to do so. Adams reacted with scorn, dismissing Ocasio-Cortez as self-righteous. Adams, who is expecting a tough primary election next year, faced additional calls to resign once the indictment became public Wednesday night, including from many of his declared or expected Democratic challengers in the mayoral race. Brad Lander, the city's comptroller, said the indictment marked 'a sad day for New Yorkers.' State Sen. Zellnor Myrie added that it was 'especially painful for so many Black New Yorkers who put our hope and faith in this Mayor.' Scott Stringer, a former city comptroller who is expected to run against Adams, said the indictment had left New York City 'with a broken down trainwreck of a municipal government.' Joe Borelli, the top Republican in the City Council, who is believed to be eyeing a run for mayor, said he would reserve judgment until viewing the charges. Daymond Gascon/The Chronicle In March 2020, not long before COVID shut down the country, California voters rejected a $15 billion school infrastructure bond that would have been the largest in state history marking the first state school bond failure in more than two decades. The measure had its problems, but need wasnt one of them. In the 2018-19 school year, 38% of K-12 students attended schools that didnt meet minimum facility standards, according to a 2022 Public Policy Institute of California report. Advertisement Article continues below this ad The picture hasnt gotten any rosier in the years since. California has a $3.3 billion funding-request backlog for K-12 school construction and modernization projects, and the independent state auditor estimated in 2022 that school districts would need $5.7 billion more over the next five years. California is also implementing a brand-new grade level transitional kindergarten for which all 4-year-olds will be eligible by the 2025-26 school year. Proposition 2, which the California Legislature placed on the November ballot with a bipartisan vote, would authorize $10 billion in bonds for school facilities $8.5 billion for K-12 public schools and $1.5 billion for community colleges. Of the $8.5 billion in K-12 money, $4 billion would be reserved for modernizing school facilities, $3.3 billion for new construction, $600 million for charter school facilities and $600 million for career technical education facilities. The state would dole out the first two pots of money mostly on a first-come, first-served basis which means districts stuck in the states funding backlog could be reimbursed for eligible projects that were already completed and award the latter two pots of money through a competitive application process. (Districts could also receive extra funding for certain projects, such as building transitional kindergarten classrooms.) Advertisement Article continues below this ad The $1.5 billion for community colleges would go to new buildings, renovations, land purchases and equipment. The governor and Legislature would decide which projects to fund after reviewing a project priority list from the community college system. One of the biggest criticisms of past state school bond measures confirmed by a 2022 state auditor report is that funds have disproportionately flowed to affluent school districts. The Public Policy Institute of California found that since the state created its school facility funding program in 1998, wealthy districts have received more modernization funding than high-needs districts and suburban districts have gobbled up money at the expense of rural schools. There are a few main reasons for the disparity. The states practice of distributing funds on a first-come, first-served basis gives an unfair advantage to bigger, wealthier districts that have the staff and technical expertise to craft complicated funding applications. Disadvantaged districts also face steeper hurdles in funding their share of project costs. The state typically covers 50% of the cost of new school construction and 60% of modernization projects, with local school districts covering the rest, according to the Legislative Analysts Office. Districts typically raise their portion through local school bonds, which require 55% voter approval and are often paid back through higher property taxes. That isnt usually a hard sell in wealthier, populous parts of the state, such as San Francisco which currently has a $790 million school infrastructure bond on the local ballot. But its a much harder threshold to reach in sparsely populated, low-income and rural areas. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Thankfully, Prop 2 contains key provisions to more equitably distribute funds. First, it requires up to 10% of both new construction and modernization funds to go to small school districts those with fewer than 2,501 students, which, according to a UC Berkeley report, account for about 6% of the states enrollment. Second, it ensures small districts will receive technical assistance from the state to navigate the complex process to secure these funds. Third, it increases the states cost-share of new construction and modernization projects for certain disadvantaged districts. And fourth, it allows districts unable to raise at least $15 million from local bonds up from the current $5 million cap to apply for additional state funding. Advertisement Article continues below this ad These measures wont completely close the bond equity gap, but, as Yuri Calderon, executive director of the Small School Districts Association, told the editorial board, Its a really good step in the right direction. We agree. Prop 2s opponents argue that California, which is facing several years of projected budget deficits, can ill afford to take on more debt. But, as the state auditor notes, bond funding remains the best method for the state to pay for its share of school facility projects. Prop 2 also contains enhanced accountability measures, such as public hearings, independent performance audits and a requirement that districts develop facility master plans to give the state much-needed data on where improvements are needed. Opponents also question the wisdom of issuing a school facility bond when many districts are facing declining enrollment. But, as proponents pointed out, schools wont be able to receive Prop 2 funding for new construction unless they can demonstrate a projected influx in students. About Opinion The editorial positions of The Chronicle, including election recommendations, represent the consensus of the editorial board, consisting of the publisher, the editorial page editor and staff members of the opinion pages. Its judgments are made independent of the news operation, which covers the news without consideration of our editorial positions. Furthermore, we wont be able to increase public-school enrollment either in K-12 schools or community colleges with crumbling, unsafe infrastructure. Prop 2 will help districts including those historically overlooked by state bonds ensure students can learn in clean, safe and modern environments. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Right-wing tech billionaire Elon Musk has been snubbed by a government business summit after he clashed with Keir Starmer in a row over summer race riots in the UK. The controversial X owner has reportedly not been invited to an investment summit next month after he used the platform to criticise Sir Keir and make unsubstantiated claimed about the UK. After three children were killed in a stabbing attack in Southport and violence erupted across the UK, Mr Musk branded the PM #TwoTierKeir, in reference to claims or allegations of 'two tier policing' in Britain complaining about harsh sentences handed out to those involved in the disorder fuelled by far-right thugs. He also said 'civil war is inevitable' in the wake of the chaos, and was left red-faced as he pushed false claims about the PM setting up detainment camps in the Falklands. Sir Keir will host the International Investment Summit on October 14 two weeks before the autumn Budget. The Government hopes the summit will attract hundreds of leading chief executives and financiers and is part of efforts to show that the UK is 'open for business' after a period of political and economic turmoil. The decision to NFI Mr Musk comes after he was feted by previous Tory PM Rishi Sunak at an AI event at Bletchley Park last year. The PM also conducted an interview with Mr Musk. In response to the reports Mr Musk tweeted: 'I dont think anyone should go to the UK when theyre releasing convicted pedophiles in order to imprison people for social media posts.' The controversial X owner has reportedly not been invited to an investment summit next month after he used the platform to criticise Sir Keir and make unsubstantiated claimed about the UK. Mr Musk branded the PM #TwoTierKeir, in reference to claims or allegations of 'two tier policing' in Britain complaining about harsh sentences handed out to those involved in the disorder fuelled by far-right thugs. After three children were killed in a stabbing attack in Southport and violence erupted across the UK The decision to NFI Mr Musk comes after he was feted by previous Tory PM Rishi Sunak at an AI event at Bletchley Park last year. The PM also conducted an interview with Mr Musk (video below) BNY, Blackstone and CyrusOne have confirmed attendance, according to the Treasury. A list of attendees has not been released. Investment giant Blackstone has already confirmed a 10 billion deal to develop Europe's largest AI data centre in Blyth, Northumberland. The firm's president, Jon Gray, will be among the executives at a roundtable event hosted by Sir Keir on Thursday. Mr Musk was a star guest at the UK Government's Artificial Intelligence (AI) Safety Summit last year, during which Mr Sunak interviewed him for almost an hour in front of business chiefs. Mr Musk shared a doctored headline that falsely stated Sir Keir was considering building 'emergency' prisons on the Falkland Islands for arrested rioters The billionaire shared the post on X made by Ashlea Simon, co-leader of far-right group Britain First But it appears he will not be courted by the new Labour administration after his posts about the disorder in the UK last month. False information that spread on social media about the identity of the alleged Southport knife attacker has been seen as playing a role in sparking the days of violence. The billionaire engaged with posts by Stephen Yaxley-Lennon, known as Tommy Robinson, suggested that civil war in the UK was 'inevitable', and retweeted a fake Daily Telegraph headline suggesting rioters would be sent to detention camps in the Falkland Islands. The social media tycoon also called the Prime Minister 'two-tier Keir', a reference to claims that police have a 'two-tier' approach to protests and deal with some more harshly than others. Justice Minister Heidi Alexander said at the time that Mr Musk's comments on civil war were 'deeply irresponsible' and Sir Keir's spokesman said there was 'no justification for comments like that'. The Government and X have been contacted for comment. A convicted killer has admitted to murdering Sarah Mayhew, whose body was cut up with power tools and dumped in a park and a river nine miles apart. In April, police were called to Rowdown Fields in New Addington, Croydon, where they discovered Sarah's arms, legs and head, believed to have been sawed off with power tools. And a month later, Officers from the Metropolitan Police were called to Rawnsley Avenue in Mitcham after contractors carrying out repair work discovered her torso - some nine miles away from where the rest of her body was found. Sarah, 38, from Croydon, was last seen in Sutton, south-west London, on the evening of March 8. Steven Sansom, 45 - who was known to Sarah - admitted murdering her and perverting the course of justice by dismembering her body, disposing of it in various locations, and then cleaning up the crime scene. He was previously convicted in 1999 for the murder of a cab driver, the Old Bailey heard. Sarah, 38, from Croydon, was last seen in Sutton, south-west London, in March Steven Sansom, 44, admitted to murdering Sarah Mayhew whose body was cut up and dumped in a park and a river nine miles apart His girlfriend Gemma Watts, 49, faces the same charges and was not asked to enter pleas In April, police were called to Rowdown Fields in New Addington, Croydon, where they discovered Sarah's arms, legs and head, believed to be sawed off with power tools His girlfriend Gemma Watts, 49, faces the same charges and was not asked to enter pleas. The cause of Ms Mayhew's death remains unknown, and her family are being supported by specialist officers. Examinations of her partial remains previously found two small vertebrae were broken in her voicebox, bruising to the skull and that her head had been shaved. Prosecutor Joel Smith KC earlier said: 'On 2 April a gentleman was walking a dog across the field in Croydon. The dog discovered a human bone and the police were called. 'A pair of arms and legs were found and the head which has been cut up using power tools.' He said said of Sansom: 'This defendant has a previous conviction for murder to which he pleaded guilty in 1999 and received a minimum term of 20 years.' Sansom stabbed popular cab driver Terrence Boyle, 59, in the throat and back before escaping with just 25 on Christmas Eve 1998. He had called Mr Boyle's firm, Kendal Cars in Station Road, Croydon for a lift from East Croydon station to his home in New Addington. Sansom knifed him as the car pulled up, inflicting a 12cm slash to the neck and cuts to the head and back. Police set up a forensic crime scene with tents and taped of areas of woodland as they search an area in southwest London after the limbless torso was found in the River Wandle A dog walker alerted the police to the first grim discovery after their canine had uncovered a human bone. A DNA test later found they belonged to Ms Mayhew (pictured) Father-of-five Mr Boyle also suffered a series of cuts to the hands when he desperately tried to defend himself. He managed to stagger into a flat doorway heavily bleeding, but collapsed and died shortly afterwards. Minutes later Sansom turned up at a friend's home in his blood-soaked clothes and started laughing as he discussed the killing. Sansom, then living in Applegarth, New Addington, admitted robbery and murder at the Old Bailey in May 1999. He was released from prison in December 2019 and has been recalled since his arrest in April. Watts's trial is due to begin on April 29 next year, with a hearing for both defendants set to take place on November 15. Detective Inspector Martin Thorpe, who is leading the investigation, said at the time Sarah's remains were found: 'My thoughts remain with Sarah's family. We will continue to provide our support as our investigation progresses. 'Two people arrested, who were known to Sarah, were later charged with her murder. 'At present we are not looking for anyone else in connection with her death. Enquiries are ongoing.' A mother-of-five who died after having a non-surgical BBL procedure was treated at a UK clinic run by a glamorous beautician and a TV star dubbed the 'Lip King', MailOnline can reveal. Alice Webb, 33, died on Monday, just hours after having the procedure which is thought to have involved the injection of chemical fillers. It is understood that the procedure was carried out at The Studio 23 clinic in Gloucester, which is run by beautician Jemma Pawlyszyn and Jordan James Parke, 32, dubbed the 'British Lip King'. It is the first time a person has died in the UK from the procedure and comes after campaign group Save Face called for tighter controls in the cosmetic market warning that 'people could die'. Mr Parke, who describes himself on social media as 'The Plastic Surgery Advocate', is not a qualified surgeon and provides treatment from a clinic in Gloucester. The Kim Kardashian fanatic appeared on US reality TV series Botched in 2015, but he was turned away when he returned to the show in 2019 as doctors revealed a fourth nose job would have involved taking a piece of his rib to widen his nostrils. The procedure was carried out at The Studio 23 clinic in Gloucester, which is owned by Jordan James Parke Jordan James Parke works alongside his assistant Jemma Pawlyszyn (pictured) Alice Webb, 33, died on Monday, just hours after having the procedure which is thought to have involved the injection of chemical fillers Pictured is Studio 23, which is just a few miles from where Alice's home is in Wotton-under-Edge The Studio 23 sign could be seen at the property when MailOnline visited it in Gloucester today Parke, who has had major work done on his face, now has a private Instagram profile but it also links to another page called The Lip King Aesthetics. He also works in Manchester, Bristol and the West Midlands. Alice is understood to have had the procedure in Gloucester, which is just a few miles from her home in Wotton-under-Edge. The treatment is designed to make buttocks bigger, more rounded or lifted and sees fat or dermal filler injected into the buttocks to change size or shape. While non-surgical BBLs are not illegal in the UK, last year Wolverhampton City Council barred a company from carrying out the procedure after identifying risks associated with their processes, including blood clots, sepsis, and the potential for the death of body tissues. Parke is a Kim Kardashian fan who has spent more than 130,000 on cosmetic surgery and has appeared on TV to discuss his obsession on This Morning and Channel 4 Bodyshockers. He has had at least four nose jobs and 50 other procedures and once said: 'Plastic surgery is like sex. You can't have it once. You have to have it over and over.' Parke is a Kim Kardashian fan who has spent more than 130,000 on cosmetic surgery Parke has also appeared on TV to discuss his obsession on This Morning and Ch4 Bodyshockers Jemma Pawlyszyn works at The Studio 23 in Gloucester When he set up his business in 2017, he revealed that he would specialise in lip and cheek fillers and enhancements, as well as chemical peels and vampire facials one of Kim's favourite procedures. Yesterday evening, Alice's partner Dane Knight asked people not to speculate on the circumstances surrounding her death and to be mindful around her five daughters, who are 'extremely vulnerable' at this time. In an emotional post on Facebook he wrote: 'Want to say a heart felt thank you to all family and friends that were here for us at our time of need, including all of the kind messages sent to my children and myself. 'There was some very beautiful messages sent by some of your children that formed a start of a smile from the corner of my kids mouth. 'I feel this is important saying this as I will not accept speculations from adults being accidentally being eaves dropped by children and unnecessary questions raised to the 5 girls, so be extremely careful on what you say and who's around! My children are extremely vulnerable!' Dane Knight (left) has been left devastated by the death of his partner Alice Webb (right) who died after a Brazilian Bum Lift procedure in the UK Alice (pictured) was an advanced aesthetic practitioner at Crystal Clear in Wotton-under-Edge and is thought to have had the procedure in the West Country Alice Webb (pictured), 33, died on Monday just hours after having the procedure Alice was an advanced aesthetic practitioner at Crystal Clear in Wotton-under-Edge, a market town in Gloucestershire. A GoFundMe page set up by her pal Abigail Irwin revealed the tragedy. It said: 'I am hoping to raise as many funds as we can to support Dane, the partner of Alice and their five beautiful children at this very difficult sad time. 'Alice passed away Monday evening after having the BBL treatment.' 'Alice joined the beauty & Aesthetics industry two years ago and she has been smashing it, doing amazing. 'She cared about her clients, she would always check in to see if they were OK, Alice was a beautiful person inside and out and I feel very lucky to have known her and to have spent time with her in our salon. 'Alice would ask for advice all the time and ask to check if there was anything more she could do to improve her skills but she was just a pure natural and never needed my help but always wanting to be the best at her job and that she was. Alice was just 33 when she passed away following the bum lift procedure in the UK A GoFundMe page set up for Alice, where tributes have been shared to the much-loved mother-of-five 'Alice has passed away at a young age of 33. Alice was beautiful inside and out with the biggest heart, her family was her world she is leaving behind her partner Dane & 5 beautiful children. 'Delsie 15, Preete 13, Gracie 12, Nylie 10, Clarie 7 as you can imagine this is a very difficult heart breaking time for them all so if we can all help donate or share to help take of some financial stress it would be really appreciated by the family.' The night before Alice's sudden death, she posted a photo on Facebook of a small pumpkin, which she said was a 'present' from her daughter. She added: 'How cute.' In the comments, she shared a second photo of the pumpkin, having been carved with a candle inside, and wrote: 'My little lamp.' Gloucestershire Police has confirmed it has made arrests and is investigating the death. On Wednesday despite being asked repeatedly for comment Gloucestershire Police refused to give any further details. North Korea has enriched enough uranium to build a 'double-digit' number of nuclear bombs, according to Seoul's spy agency. South Korea's National Intelligence Service (NIS) claimed that North Korea is also making progress in its efforts to develop more powerful and accurate missiles to target the country. A behind-closed-doors parliamentary briefing by the National Intelligence Service came after North Korea offered a rare glimpse into a secretive facility to produce weapons-grade uranium earlier this month. This saw its leader Kim Jong Un reiterate his goal to 'exponentially' increase his stock of nuclear weapons. The NIS assessed that Mr Kim's disclosure of the facility was probably a statement of defiance towards Washington ahead of the US presidential election. North Korean leader Kim Jong Un attends a ceremony where the new super-large multiple rocker launchers were presented on January 1 2023 This photo provided by the North Korean government shows a test of weapon systems, in North Korea on Saturday May 4 2019 This image released by Maxar Technologies shows an overview of a processing facility at the Yongbyon Nuclear Research Facility complex in Yongbyon, North Korea, on September 14 2021 A TV screen shows an image of North Korean leader Kim Jong Un during a news program at the Seoul Railway Station in Seoul on Friday September 13. It reads: 'North Korea, unveiling the uranium enrichment facility for the first time.' It was also deemed by the organisation as a way of domestically showcasing his military accomplishments amid deepening economic struggles, according to Lee Seong-kweun, one of the legislators who attended the briefing. Lee said that North Korea's bomb fuel capacity included an unspecified but considerable amount of weapons-grade uranium that would be enough to build 'at least a double-digit number' of weapons. The agency also said that North Korea has an estimated 70kg (154lbs) of plutonium. North Korean state media did not disclose the location of the uranium enrichment facility that Mr Kim visited on September 13. However, Park Sun-won, another legislator who attended the briefing, said it was likely to be a site in Kangson, near the North Korean capital Pyongyang. Along with the North's main nuclear complex in the town of Yongbyon, the Kangson plant is one of two known sites in North Korea that has been linked to uranium enrichment activities. Some analysts say North Korea may have more hidden sites for enriching uranium. Mr Kim's visit to the uranium enrichment site was followed by a North Korean missile test days later, as the country continues to flaunt its weapons capabilities in the face of deepening confrontations with Washington and Seoul. North Korean state media said the test launches on September 18 involved two types of new missiles. North Korean leader Kim Jong Un looks on as a rocket carrying a spy satellite Malligyong-1 is launched in North Gyeongsang Province, North Korea on November 21 2023 One is said to be designed to deliver 'super-large' conventional warheads while the other is a 'strategic' cruise missile, implying that it was developed for nuclear strikes. North Korean state media reports on the tests suggested that the country was improving the capabilities of the weapons. They are designed for delivering precision strikes on South Korean targets, the legislators paraphrased the South Korean spy agency as saying. Some analysts speculate that North Korea could attempt to dial up pressure on Washington by conducting a nuclear test ahead of the US presidential election. However, the KIS assessed that North Korea could wait on a nuclear test until after the election since there are other steps it may want to try first. These could be in the form of test-firing a long-range missile targeting the US mainland or launching a military reconnaissance satellite, Lee said. Boris Johnson today reveals he will use his sensational new memoir to set out what he really thinks about Rishi Sunak and how and why I learned to keep my old friend Michael Gove firmly in the wing mirror. The former Prime Ministers new book, Unleashed, will be serialised on MailOnline from tomorrow and in the Daily Mail from Saturday, and is already tipped to become the political memoir of the century. In a short video to promote it and in typically colourful style Mr Johnson promises to spill the beans on which senior politician looks like a bullock having a thermometer shoved unexpectedly up his rectum and how I became obsessed with the weirdly shaped nostrils of a certain prime minister. The publication of Mr Johnsons memoir threatens to overshadow the Conservative Party conference which gets underway in Birmingham on Sunday. It will set out his view of the Tory machinations that forced him out in the summer of 2022. And the former PM will deliver his verdict on the record of his successors, Liz Truss and Rishi Sunak and ponder whether the Tories crushing election defeat this year could have been avoided. He will also reflect on his political future after being cast out by his own MPs and a vengeful Labour Party. In his video clip today he poses the tantalising question: Will I be coming back? adding: Read the Daily Mail and find out. Boris Johnson today reveals he will use his sensational new memoir to set out what he really thinks about Rishi Sunak The book, which covers his years in politics, will detail the run up to the Brexit referendum, the furious campaign and the fallout from the biggest political earthquake in a generation. Mr Johnson will set out his reaction to David Camerons shock decision to resign in the wake of the Leave vote and how his battle to succeed him collapsed when he was betrayed by his Vote Leave colleague Mr Gove. The former PM will also describe the fights with Parliament, the courts and his own MPs as he battled to deliver on the vote to leave the EU. And he will reveal details of the tempestuous negotiations with EU leaders who feared that allowing Brexit to become a success could trigger the collapse of the whole bloc. In his promotional clip today, Mr Johnson says that French President Emmanuel Macron was always personally charming, but adds: He really meant it when he said that Brexit Britain must be punished. Mr Johnson will also detail how his government grappled with a once-in-a-century pandemic and tell for the first time the full story of how the Covid virus almost killed him. The book will provide candid insights into his relationship with the late Queen, including his final meeting with the monarch when he travelled to Balmoral to tender his resignation just days before she died in September 2022. In his video clip he says readers will also discover what the Queen said to me after her incredible performance with James Bond at the 2012 opening ceremony of the Olympic Games. Supermodel Naomi Campbell has been disqualified as a trustee after an investigation into her Fashion For Relief charity uncovered 'serious mismanagement'. It follows revelations by the Mail On Sunday that official accounts showed that it spent more than 1.6million on a glittering gala in Cannes, but gave just 5,000 to good causes over a 15-month period. The Charity Commission confirmed in April that it had removed the supermodel's charity from the UK charity register while it continued its investigation into allegations of misconduct. And today the Commission published the report of its statutory inquiry into Fashion For Relief, concluding the charity was poorly governed and had inadequate financial management. Campbell, 54, was disqualified from being a trustee for five years, former colleagues Bianka Hellmich for nine and Veronica Chou for four. Supermodel Naomi Campbell - seen in Paris yesterday - has been disqualified as a trustee after an investigation into her Fashion For Relief charity uncovered 'serious mismanagement' Naomi Campbell played a prominent role in catwalk shows staged on behalf of her Fashion For Relief charity - seen here during London Fashion Week in September 2019 The model founded the charity in 2005, saying she had been inspired by her friend Nelson Mandela telling her to 'use [her] voice' for good. The organisation claimed to have raised more than 11million, mostly through glitzy fundraising events held all over the world, including in New York, Mumbai and Moscow. Campbell would take centre stage at the galas, appearing in showstopping designer gowns, and was honoured by the British Fashion Council for her services to and achievements in the fashion industry in 2019. But concerns were raised in 2021 about how much money was being passed on to people in need after the Mayor's Fund for London lodged an official complaint, saying that it was owed 50,000 by the charity. The Mayor's Fund, which helps young Londoners from low-income backgrounds, filed a 'serious incident' report with the Charity Commission, which announced a statutory inquiry in November that year. The commission said today that as a result of its investigation, more than 344,000 had been recovered and used to make donations to two other charities and settle Fashion For Relief's outstanding liabilities. The inquiry found that between April 2016 and July 2022, just 8.5 per cent of the charitys overall spending was on charitable grants. It also said it found some fundraising expenditure to be misconduct or mismanagement by the charity's trustees. This included a 14,800 (12,300) flight from London to Nice in 2018 for transferring art and jewellery. It also looked into the decision to spend 9,400 (7,800) of charity funds on a three-night stay at a five-star hotel in Cannes, France, for Campbell. The supermodel, pictured on the red carpet at the Fashion for Relief show at London Fashion Week in September 2019, has now been disqualified as a charity trustee for four years Naomi Campbell is seen here attending a Fashion For Relief event at the 71st annual Cannes Film Festival in France in May 2018 Among those at the Fashion For Relief event at the Cannes Film Festival in May 2018 were (left to right) Maria Borges, Bella Hadid, Naomi Campbell, Winnie Harlow and Natalia Vodianova In these cases, the trustees 'failed to show how these were cost-effective and an appropriate use of the charity's resources', the Charity Commission said. The inquiry saw no evidence trustees had reviewed the charitys operating model to ensure fundraising methods were in the organisation's best interest and that costs were reasonable relative to cash brought in. And it also found some of the charitys fundraising expenditure was not reasonable. The charity had held fundraising events for the Save the Children Fund and the Mayors Fund for London. The inquiry found that the trustees of Fashion for Relief 'failed to manage these partnership arrangements'. The commission also said unauthorised payments totalling 290,000 for consultancy services had been made to trustee Ms Hellmich, which was in breach of the charitys constitution. And the charitys funds were held and applied on its behalf by external professional advisors rather than in a dedicated bank account in Fashion For Relief's name. Tim Hopkins, the Charity Commission's deputy director for specialist investigations and standards, said: 'Trustees are legally required to make decisions that are in their charitys best interests and to comply with their legal duties and responsibilities. 'Our inquiry has found that the trustees of this charity failed to do so, which has resulted in our action to disqualify them. 'This inquiry, and the work of the interim managers we appointed to run the charity in place of the trustees, has resulted in the recovery of 344,000 and protection of a further 98,000 charitable funds. 'I am pleased that the inquiry has seen donations made to other charities which this charity has previously supported.' Veronica Chou (pictured left, with Naomi Campbell) has also been disqualified as a trustee Naomi Campbell helped launch a Fashion For Reliuef pop-up store at Westfield London in November 2019 The supermodel is pictured here at a Fashion For Relief event at Doha Fire Station in Qatar's capital in November 2021 The trustees were Ms Campbell, her key aide Ms Chou who is the heiress to a 2 billion textile fortune, and socialite and lawyer Ms Hellmich. Ms Chou quit the charity days after the Commission launched its probe in 2021. A spokesman for the charity said in April when it was removed from the charity register: 'The winding up of Fashion For Relief was a decision made by the trustees three years ago. It was not forcibly closed. 'Fashion For Relief operates in America and will continue to do fundraising initiatives worldwide.' MailOnline has contacted Fashion For Relief and representatives for Naomi Campbell for comment. A baby boy who suffered serious burns to his body after a stranger poured a thermos of hot coffee has returned to the scene where the harrowing ordeal unfolded. Little Luka was at a picnic with his mum and friends at Hanlon Park in Coorparoo in Brisbane on August 27 when an unknown man approached the group. He poured coffee over Luka before fleeing the scene and is believed to have since left the country. Luka was rushed to Queensland Children's Hospital, where he underwent multiple surgeries. Four weeks on, he has since turned 10-months-old and received a junior police uniform from detectives investigating his case and working to get justice. Following his recent release from hospital, Luka returned to the park with his parents and older sister on Thursday, where he happily played on the swings and slippery slide. His parents have renewed calls for police to share more information with the public about their son's suspected attacker, who understood to have fled Australia in the day following the incident. 'We would just like a bit of assurance that we are on the right track, and (that the offender) is going to get caught,' Luka's father told Seven News. Little Luka recently turned 10 months-old Luka returned to the park on Thursday for the first time since the harrowing ordeal 'How (do) they plan on bringing him back? And if they know where he is in that particular country, is that country working with us?' After a difficult month, Luka and his family are settling into a new home. He still has burns all over his body but his parent have been told they won't scar. 'He's really strong and resilient and brave,' his mother said. His father added: 'We can't believe how well he's doing. He's so happy and he's hitting all his milestones.' Queensland Police remains tight-lipped about the case and what they know about the attacker's potential whereabouts. 'We need to balance our investigative strategies with the need for the community to know what's going on,' acting commissioner Shane Chelepy said. Luka recently received a special gift from detectives investigating his case The global manhunt continues for the man who poured hot coffee over little Luka A specialist in international law at Australian National University, Professor Donald Rothwell recently warned that the suspect may be 'difficult to locate' after he fled the country within days of the incident. Professor Rothwell warned that the case may never be resolved because the foreign national flew out of Sydney Airport the day before police identified him on August 31. 'If someone doesn't want to be found and often they don't want to be found because they've fled Australia, because they are a suspect or a fugitive in this type of matter they can also be very difficult to locate,' Professor Rothwell told the ABC. He added that unless the man voluntarily hands himself in then, there could be nothing investigators can do to have him extradited back to Queensland. Professor Rothwell added that numerous factors such as the man's notoriety and his current location might become obstacles to the 'legal and a political process that needs to be followed'. The extradition process 'could be challenging and lengthy' for police, he added. Advertisement With 40 days until Election Day, polls in two of the most critical swing states show one presidential candidate holding an edge over the other. In Michigan, Kamala Harris is polling slightly above Donald Trump, but in Pennsylvania her lead is much smaller. And both states are considered to be toss-ups, coming down to turnout on November 5. The presidential hopefuls are in a neck-and-neck race in the majority of crucial states to capture if they hope to win the Electoral College in just a few weeks. Meanwhile Melania Trump sat down for her first interview in two years on Fox News ahead of the release of her new book and after two attempted assassinations on her husband. The former first lady described what she was doing when Donald was shot in Butler, Pennsylvania, and how she is dealing with her son Barron going to college. Her tell-all book titled Melania will be released on October 8 in the thick of the final days of the presidential campaign. Follow all the updates in our U.S. politics live blog. Vladimir Putin's move to update Russia's nuclear doctrine and allow Moscow to use nuclear weapons against non-nuclear states should be seen as a warning of 'consequences' to the West, the Kremlin has declared. The Russian President on Wednesday announced plans to broaden Russia's rules on the use of its fearsome arsenal, allowing it to unleash a nuclear response in the event of a 'massive' air attack. The proposals would also permit Moscow to respond with nuclear weapons against non-nuclear states, where they were being supported by nuclear powers - a thinly veiled reference to Ukraine and its Western backers. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said the planned changes 'must be considered a specific signal that warns these countries of the consequences if they participate in an attack on our country by various means, not necessarily nuclear,' Peskov told reporters. The proposed changes to Russia's nuclear doctrine, which Putin himself has the power to approve, come as Ukraine is seeking permission from Western allies to use long-range precision weaponry to strike targets deep inside Russia - so far to no avail. The West has accused Putin of irresponsible nuclear sabre-rattling throughout the Ukraine conflict, with the Kremlin leader having issued multiple apparent threats about Moscow's willingness to deploy its nuclear weapons. The expansion of the policy comes as Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky arrived in the US to present his 'victory plan' and press the case to use long-range missiles on targets inside Putin's territory. Russian President Vladimir Putin speaks at the Security Council meeting on nuclear deterrence at the Kremlin in Moscow, Russia, Wednesday, Sept. 25, 2024 A Yars intercontinental ballistic missile is test-fired as part of Russia's nuclear drills from a launch site in Plesetsk A devastating nuclear strike on London causing 850,000 deaths with two million injured was simulated by a staunchly pro-Putin propaganda TV channel Russia's current published nuclear doctrine, set out in a 2020 decree by Putin, says Russia may use nuclear weapons in case of a nuclear attack by an enemy or a conventional attack that threatens the existence of the state. In comments yesterday, Putin said Russia reserved the right to use nuclear weapons if it or ally Belarus were the subject of aggression. 'Aggression against Russia by any non-nuclear state, but with the participation or support of a nuclear state, is treated as a joint attack on the Russian Federation,' he said. Adding to Putin's statement, Kremlin press secretary Peskov said today that Russia's 'nuclear deterrence is being adjusted on account of elements of tension that are developing along the perimeter of our borders'. He also said there was 'no question' of Russia boosting its nuclear arsenal. Peskov said a decision had not been made yet on whether the Kremlin would publish the updated doctrine following Putin's comments. But the European Union today rejected Putin's efforts to amend Russia's nuclear doctrine as as 'reckless and irresponsible'. 'Not for the first time, Putin is playing (a) gamble with his nuclear arsenal,' EU foreign policy spokesman Peter Stano told reporters. 'We of course strongly reject these threats.' Russia is making slow but steady gains in Ukraine as the conflict grinds through its third year, and the Kremlin is seeking to discourage stronger Western support for Kyiv. Ukraine's ambassador Valerii Zaluzhnyi this week issued a fresh plea to use Western long-range weapons to strike Russian territory, saying they are 'critically important' for Kyiv's success. He 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. The expansion of the policy comes as Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky arrived in the US to present his 'victory plan' and press the case to use long-range missiles on targets inside Putin's territory Vladimir Putin has lowered the threshold for when Russia can launch a nuclear strike in a chilling new threat to the West Russian President Vladimir Putin (C) holds a meeting of the Security Council on nuclear deterrence at the Kremlin in Moscow, Russia, 25 September 2024 Russia tests its deadly hypersonic 208-ton 15,880 'Satan-2' intercontinental ballistic missile Your browser does not support iframes. This week, a devastating nuclear strike on London causing 850,000 deaths with two million injured was been simulated by a staunchly pro-Putin propaganda TV channel. Broadcasting the four minute video with an English commentary appears to be the latest move in a concerted campaign to scare Britain from giving permission to Ukraine to allow Storm Shadow missiles to hit targets inside Russia. Putin's propagandists and entourage have repeatedly warned that he could use nuclear weapons. The video shown on Tsargrad's Telegram channel begins by threatening: 'Imagine for a moment that the unimaginable happens. 'A nuclear weapon explodes over London. In this documentary, we explore the devastating consequences of this catastrophe. 'In the simulation, we will use a warhead with a yield of 750 kilotons. That's a pretty powerful charge.' The commentary warns viewers: 'Upon detonation, a fireball as hot as the sun rapidly expands, reaching a radius of 950 metres [1,039 yards]. 'Anything trapped inside this fireball is instantly vaporised. 'In our simulation, the epicentre of the explosion is at Westminster. 'People within that radius won't even feel anything because the nerve impulse transmission speed is slower. 'Within 5 km [3 miles] of the epicentre the blast radius city of London, Camden town, Kensington, Brixton these areas will receive the most destruction.' Russian President Vladimir Putin delivers his annual state of the nation address at the Gostiny Dvor conference centre in central Moscow on February 29, 2024 October 2022 YARS missile launch 'Buildings will be destroyed and debris will fill the streets, creating extremely dangerous conditions for everyone in the vicinity. 'Given the population density in central London, the initial death toll could exceed 250,000 people and around 600,000 injured within a radius of 10 km [6.25 miles] the radiation will cause third degree burns. 'Within that radius anything that can burn will catch fire.' Meanwhile, tensions in the Middle East continue to be strained with US President Joe Biden saying the region is now on the cusp of 'all-out war'. Israel is preparing to open a second front with a ground invasion of Lebanon, while continuing with its war against Hamas in Gaza. Israel and Hezbollah's burgeoning conflict took a dramatic turn overnight as army chief Herzi Halevi told troops to 'prepare' themselves to strike into Lebanon behind the salvoes of rockets continuing to pound Hezbollah strongpoints. Mediators have scrambled to find a way to stop the conflict from spilling over into a much larger war amid fears Iran - a key ally of Russia - and its other proxies could be dragged in. Huw Edwards' former BBC colleague Jon Sopel has branded his crimes 'absolutely abhorrent' a year after he appeared in the media defending him. Sopel's intervention comes 58 days after the disgraced former News at Ten presenter pled guilty to three charges of making indecent photographs after he was sent 41 illegal images by a convicted paedophile. Edwards' career now lies in tatters after the sex offender was handed a six-month prison sentence suspended for two years. But before he was charged former BBC News North America editor Sopel, 65, was one of Edwards' biggest defenders after he went out on the airwaves several times to back him, claiming he had a 'complicated private life'. He led the fury against tabloid journalism, blasting The Sun's claim that Edwards paid a teenager 35,000 for 'sordid images' as 'nonsense' and describing the decision to publish as 'half-cooked'. But he has now turned on his convicted criminal ex-colleague, claiming the two 'weren't mates' and saying he is not going to 'defend anything that he's done'. The police mugshot of Huw Edwards after he was given a suspended sentence for child abuse images on September 16 But before he was charged former BBC News North America editor Sopel, 65, was one of Edwards' biggest defenders and went out on the airwaves several times to back him, claiming he had a 'complicated private life' Jon Sopel's July 12, 2023, tweet which claimed his former colleague had a 'complicated private life' Huw Edwards leaves Westminster Magistrates' Court after being spared jail on September 16 In an interview to promote his new book with the Guardian, Sopel responded to a question asking if he had been asked by Edwards to defend him. Sopel, who left the BBC in 2022 after nearly 40 years, replied: 'No, he didn't ask me to do anything. I've known Huw a long time, but we weren't mates, hadn't seen each other socially. 'The police came out and said there was nothing to it. I thought, if there's nothing to it and he sent a couple of inappropriate texts, he's just got a complicated private life.' 'You do what you do for the right reasons. 'I'm not going to defend anything that he's done. It's absolutely abhorrent.' When Edwards was revealed to be the unnamed male BBC presenter who offered a teenager tens of thousands of pounds for sexually explicit images, the Metropolitan Police investigated and on July 12 confirmed there was no evidence to indicate a criminal offence had been committed. Edwards was later convicted in a separate incident which involved him accessing indecent photographs of children as young as seven after a man he met online sent him hundreds of sexual images on WhatsApp. Jon Sopel defends Huw Edwards on his The News Agents podcast on July 12, 2023 Shortly after Edwards stepped down from the BBC, Sopel went on Good Morning Britain on July 13, 2023, to defend his former colleague who he has known for more than three decades Edwards held his hands together and steadied himself as the Chief Magistrate Paul Goldspring spared him jail earlier this month It later emerged that the BBC knew of his arrest in November, on 'suspicion of serious offences', but continued to employ him as the highest-paid news presenter, on a 475,000 salary, until April. Shortly after Edwards stepped down from the BBC, Sopel went on Good Morning Britain on July 13, 2023, to defend his former colleague who he has known for more than three decades, saying: 'We've had contact, obviously not since he has been hospitalised. 'He was very angry, I think felt very let down by what happened in The Sun, furious with their coverage, not overly impressed with the BBC's coverage either, and I think that he is just, I'm sure anyone who knows him is just wishing him well.' Sopel, who now hosts the podcast The News Agents with Emily Maitlis and Lewis Goodall, went on to say that he and Edwards used to 'compete against each other to get up the ladder at the BBC' and described him as 'incredibly funny' with 'an acid wit'. He said: 'He can be a complicated person to deal with, I just think if you're entering Huw's orbit, he's very defensive of his own territory, so I wouldn't say we're close friends but I thought that some of the coverage about someone's private life, which is complicated and possibly a bit messy and that some might find distasteful, I don't see what it's got to do with anyone else.' Sopel now hosts the podcast The News Agents with Emily Maitlis (pictured together) and Lewis Goodall Jon Sopel and Emily Maitlis attend The Variety Club Showbusiness Awards in April 2024 Sopel also said at the time that he hoped Edwards would return to his broadcasting role, adding: 'If at the end of this, what you are left with is someone who had some personal struggles about who he was, what he was, how he lived his life, and he made some ill considered judgements along the way, I think it would be such a shame if such a talented and gifted broadcaster, and the way he navigates state occasions and the big events and reads the news with such authority, if that is lost, I think it will be a great loss. 'I hope he gets better, and I hope that some way, somehow, he's back, providing that nothing else comes out that we don't know about.' After the Metropolitan Police initially ruled out criminality, Sopel said: 'I don't know what went on at The Sun. But it just seemed to me that they had a slightly half-cooked story that they decided to go with. 'They went with the parents of a young man who was in turmoil and from a fractured family relationship. And they didn't even carry the denial from this kid It was nonsense. 'I think the BBC is a complicated beast and it would be lovely to think of it as a streamlined organisation where one bit knows what the other is doing. But the BBC is a series of completely uncoordinated limbs.' Edwards at the pinnacle of his career picking up a television award for Best Live Event for covering the late Queen's funeral in June 2023 The News Agents is recorded around lunchtime and aims to drop by 5pm on weekdays. It has hit 100 million downloads He said on The News Agents podcast: 'I would also say that I think that some of my BBC colleagues in news need to look at themselves because I think some of what was said, reported, and led on last night again showed that [Huw] had a slightly complicated personal life. 'It didn't show criminality.' Sopel also revealed to the Guardian he was being lined up to become the BBC's political editor, but realised he didn't want it due to 'laziness' as it would involve standing outside Downing Street at night in the rain. But Sopel was not the only media star to come out in defence of Edwards. Former BBC Political Editor Andrew Marr, also a former colleague of Edwards, told listeners to his radio show in July 2023: 'We're all human. We all have our frailties. 'We both know that Huw Edwards has a very, very nice and much-admired wife Vicky Flind and I think five children so there is a lot of family involved in this as well on his side.' Former Newsnight host Emily Maitlis and Sopel's The News Agents co-star meanwhile spoke out to claim Edwards's behaviour should have been reported to the corporation's HR department 'rather than turned' into a news story. Left-wing warrior Owen Jones claimed in July 2023: 'The Sun is a disgusting rag and they have to pay for what they've done to Huw Edwards. Huw Edwards shaking hands with Queen Elizabeth II during a royal visit to BBC Studios in London in June 2013. He enjoyed a glittering career until the scandal came to light Alongside Sopel, former BBC Political Editor Andrew Marr (left) and left-wing warrior Owen Jones (right) also came out in defence of Edwards 'They tried to destroy someone's life with false claims of illegality involving a minor. We know now there was no criminality.' Anti-newspaper pressure group Hacked Off used Edwards's mental health claims to launch a campaign criticising the original media reports and calling for tougher regulation of the press. Meanwhile online comedian Jonathan Pie got around two million views for a foul-mouthed video in which he ranted that Edwards's behaviour was 'nobody else's business'. In the aftermath of the Huw Edwards scandal, the BBC is commissioning an independent review of its workplace culture. Republican presidential candidate former President Donald Trump, left, and President Joe Biden during a presidential debate hosted by CNN on June 27, 2024, in Atlanta. Gerald Herbert/Associated Press An Open Forum by Edward Wasserman, former dean of the UC Berkeley Graduate School of Journalism, blaming mainstream news media for being slow to inform the public about President Joe Biden (Why did it take so long for the public to learn of Bidens decline? Blame the media, Insight Open Forum, Sept. 22) elicited many responses by Chronicle readers. Here are a few of them: Im not convinced that Edward Wassermans academic record, however impressive, qualifies him to convincingly judge Bidens cognitive abilities. To be clear, Bidens debate performance was troubling, but his grasp of facts and performance at his job had and continues to be stellar. Even Wasserman agrees, that the impression he was aging poorly might have just been a perception, and perhaps the medias failure to report Bidens decline only means that they were taken just as much by surprise as the rest of us. Of course, in politics, perceptions matter, a fact which Biden, eventually and greatly to his credit, acknowledged. Advertisement Article continues below this ad That in and of itself might be offered as proof that his judgment remains undiminished. And can you imagine Donald Trump even under duress, making such a sacrifice? David N. Kelso, Oakland And Trumps condition? Edward Wassermans Open Forum criticizing the media for failing to cover Bidens decline is old news. What the press is currently failing to do is cover Donald Trumps physical and mental decline. Advertisement Article continues below this ad He slurs his words, he loses his train of thought, exhibits short-term memory loss by constantly forgetting how to pronounce Kamala Harriss name, doesnt know where he is and where he was, mixes up names, walks with a slight stiffness in his legs, and spends days between rallies resting up, these are some of the signs of his 78-year age. Instead of ignoring his mental decline by characterizing his statements as lies or false, the press should report that his statements are signs of this decline. Michael Several, Berkeley Vet elected officials The media may have been complicit on not adequately covering President Bidens cognitive status but this goes to a bigger picture of people behind the scenes that are aware of health and mental issues. Consider Dianne Feinstein, Mitch McConnell, Strom Thurmond, Ronald Reagan and, yes, former president running against Biden. Advertisement Article continues below this ad When it is all too evident to the public that elected representatives are not performing to their fullest ability, its time to have a commission of independent health officials to properly evaluate the status of that individual. We, as American citizens, deserve nothing less. Kevin Kelem, Santa Cruz A media failure I fully agree with Edward Wasserman that the media should have done a better job in investigating and reporting on Bidens mental decline. I am sure the media were aware of Bidens decline, but hesitated to report it because of political bias. And that bias is a big problem. Advertisement Article continues below this ad While it is understandable that individual writers have an opinion, it should not prevent them from doing their job, which is to inform the public with objective, balanced and fact-based news. The media clearly failed their mission in this case. Joerg Herrmann, San Francisco No harm to Harris Edward Wassermans Open Forum on the alleged failure of the media to report President Bidens decline is about as comically wrong as it is possible to be. Advertisement Article continues below this ad First on the blatant false equivalency between reporting on the total chaos inside the Trump administration vs. some cognitive slowing on Bidens part while still functioning effectively and competently. 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 Then he really goes wrong on the idea that the late change at the top of the ticket is a major handicap to Kamala Harris. The late change means that we have a sprint of a campaign in which her smart, nimble and culturally up-to-date campaign is running against a dull, hidebound and incompetent Trump campaign that has spent years preparing to run against Biden and still has not figured out how to effectively switch. The Trumpers are left flailing around with a campaign of racism and misogyny that alienates women more and more with each passing day, while Harris campaign runs circles around them and makes them look foolish. A convicted killer who brutally murdered a teenager has been stabbed to death while serving a long sentence at a maximum security prison. Emergency services were called to Lithgow Correctional Centre in the NSW Central Tablelands west of Sydney around 2.45pm on Wednesday after Aymen Terkmani, 31, was allegedly set upon and knifed by two inmates with a sharp weapon. Terkmani suffered serious stab wounds to the chest, He was treated by paramedics and airlifted to hospital but died enroute. The jail went into lockdown as a crime scene was established. 'Detectives from Chifley Police District, with assistance from the Homicide Squad and Corrective Services, have commenced an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the incident,' a police statement read. A report will be prepared for the coroner. Aymen Terkmani (pictured facing court in 2017) was fatally stabbed in his cell on Wednesday NSW Police said in a statement that the maximum security facility (pictured) was locked down following the incident and officers set up a crime scene Terkmani is understood to have been targeted after he allegedly assaulted another inmate earlier on Wednesday, Nine News reported. It's understood Terkmani was allegedly set upon by two inside his cell with a jail-made knife or shiv. It's understood that several alleged suspects have been identified on CCTV who are now being held in segregation. NSW Corrective Services and NSW Police have launched an investigation into Terkmani's death. Aymen Terkmani, 31, (pictured) was serving a long sentence at Lithgow Correctional Centre Terkmani was sentenced to 33 years behind bars in November 2017 over the bashing murder and sexual assault of teen Mahmoud Hrouk, 16, two years earlier. Mahmoud was lured into an abandoned home in Fairfield East, in Sydney's south-west where he was sexually assaulted and bashed to death. His bloodied and half naked body was found inside the home the next day. In sentencing, NSW Supreme Court justice Lucy McCallum said that the then-21-year-old had subjected Mahmoud to 'unspeakable violence'. 'The offender subjected the victim to the most brutal and horrific attack, inflicting injuries too numerous to list and too gruesome to describe,' she said. Right-wing tech billionaire Elon Musk has urged a boycott of the UK after being snubbed by Keir Starmer in a row over his comments about the summer race riots. The controversial X owner reignited his row with the Prime Minister after being denied an invite to an investment summit next month over false claims he made on his platform last month. In a blast at Sir Keir he urged people to stay away from the UK while it was 'releasing convicted paedophiles in order to imprison people for social media posts'. The jibe appears aimed at the Government's decision to free prisoners early to jail those convicted after the racist violence. Mr Musk has previously alleged the UK has a 'two-tier' criminal justice system that treats those guilty of offences linked to the disorder too harshly. Sir Keir will host the International Investment Summit on October 14 two weeks before the autumn Budget. The Government hopes the summit will attract hundreds of leading chief executives and financiers and is part of efforts to show that the UK is 'open for business' after a period of political and economic turmoil. The decision to NFI Mr Musk comes after he was feted by previous Tory PM Rishi Sunak at an AI event at Bletchley Park last year. The PM also conducted an interview with Mr Musk. Mr Musk replied to a tweet saying he had been snubbed for 'defending free speech', writing: 'I don't think anyone should go to the UK when they're releasing convicted pedophiles in order to imprison people for social media posts.' Paedophiles were explicitly blocked from the early release scheme and there are no reports yet that any were released by accident. The controversial X owner has reportedly not been invited to an investment summit next month after he used the platform to criticise Sir Keir and make unsubstantiated claimed about the UK. Mr Musk branded the PM #TwoTierKeir, in reference to claims or allegations of 'two tier policing' in Britain complaining about harsh sentences handed out to those involved in the disorder fuelled by far-right thugs. After three children were killed in a stabbing attack in Southport, and violence erupted across the UK The decision to NFI Mr Musk comes after he was feted by previous Tory PM Rishi Sunak at an AI event at Bletchley Park last year. The PM also conducted an interview with Mr Musk (video below) After three children were killed in a stabbing attack in Southport and violence erupted across the UK, Mr Musk branded the PM #TwoTierKeir, in reference to claims or allegations of 'two tier policing' in Britain complaining about harsh sentences handed out to those involved in the disorder fuelled by far-right thugs. He also said 'civil war is inevitable' in the wake of the chaos, and was left red-faced as he pushed false claims about the PM setting up detainment camps in the Falklands. BNY, Blackstone and CyrusOne have confirmed attendance, according to the Treasury. A list of attendees has not been released. Investment giant Blackstone has already confirmed a 10 billion deal to develop Europe's largest AI data centre in Blyth, Northumberland. The firm's president, Jon Gray, will be among the executives at a roundtable event hosted by Sir Keir on Thursday. Mr Musk was a star guest at the UK Government's Artificial Intelligence (AI) Safety Summit last year, during which Mr Sunak interviewed him for almost an hour in front of business chiefs. Mr Musk shared a doctored headline that falsely stated Sir Keir was considering building 'emergency' prisons on the Falkland Islands for arrested rioters The billionaire shared the post on X made by Ashlea Simon, co-leader of far-right group Britain First But it appears he will not be courted by the new Labour administration after his posts about the disorder in the UK last month. False information that spread on social media about the identity of the alleged Southport knife attacker has been seen as playing a role in sparking the days of violence. The billionaire engaged with posts by Stephen Yaxley-Lennon, known as Tommy Robinson, suggesting that civil war in the UK was 'inevitable', and retweeted a fake Daily Telegraph headline suggesting rioters would be sent to detention camps in the Falkland Islands. The social media tycoon also called the Prime Minister 'two-tier Keir', a reference to claims that police have a 'two-tier' approach to protests and deal with some more harshly than others. Justice Minister Heidi Alexander said at the time that Mr Musk's comments on civil war were 'deeply irresponsible' and Sir Keir's spokesman said there was 'no justification for comments like that'. Earlier this month, some 1,700 prisoners were released early from their sentences in the first phase of the Government's plan to tackle overcrowding. Sex offenders are excluded from the policy. Some people have been jailed for stirring up racial hatred in relation to social media posts they made during the unrest in August. Tory leadership candidate Kemi Badenoch has said she is a 'huge fan' of Mr Musk. 'I think Elon Musk has been a fantastic thing for freedom of speech. I will hold my hand up and say, I'm a huge fan of Elon Musk,' she said in an interview with The Spectator. The other three hopefuls were also asked whether Musk has been a good thing for freedom of speech. Robert Jenrick said he does not have a 'strong opinion' on the billionaire, but added: 'I'm not going to be booking a tete-a-tete with Elon Musk any time soon.' James Cleverly meanwhile warned against 'curtailing voices that you disagree with', while Tom Tugendhat said that 'If you are allowed to say whatever you like but you put your name to it, that's freedom of speech'. The Government declined to comment. Britain will be lashed by more torrential downpours later today with a chance of tornadoes and lightning as up to four inches of rain is set to batter the country. The Met Office has issued warnings of thunderstorms, heavy rain and flooding for parts of Britain as communities scramble to recover from the devastating floods sweeping the country before the next wave of extreme weather hits. The Tornado and Storm Research Organisation (Toro) has even warned there's a chance of 'tornadoes' and The Environment Agency has 30 flood warnings in place across England, meaning flooding is expected, and 78 flood alerts, meaning flooding is possible. Areas of Bedfordshire, Northamptonshire and Oxfordshire are listed as being the most vulnerable. Pictured: Two women being rescued by Essex Fire and Rescue Service. Britain will be lashed by more torrential downpours later today with up to four inches of rain set to fall This image was taken moments before the two passengers had to be rescued in Essex. Communities are scrambling to recover from the devastating floods sweeping the country The women's BMW car became stuck in 3ft of water after more heavy rain poured down this morning The Met Office has issued two new ultra-rare amber rain alerts which will come in force in the Midlands and south of the country at 6pm today The River Thames breaches its banks after days of heavy rainfall flooding the surrounding car parks, fields and Thames Path Fears of travel chaos, power cuts and entire villages being cut off are beginning to spread. This picture was taken in Wallingford, Oxfordshire Areas affected by the amber warning, including Milton Keynes, Oxfordshire, Cambridgeshire, Leicestershire and the West Midlands, could see 30 to 40mm of rainfall within three hours, according to the forecaster. Water covers this car park in Wallingford, Oxfordshire A car drives through surface water along the country lanes at dawn in Dunsden, Oxfordshire Waves crash against the lighthouse in Seaham Harbour, County Durham Toro is also forecasting much of the south-east to see lightning, winds up to 50mph and 'isolated brief tornadoes'. This includes much of East Anglia, the south-east Midlands and central southern England. It comes after earlier today the Met Office issued two new ultra-rare amber rain alerts with maps showing which areas will be hampered the hardest as fears of travel chaos, power cuts and entire villages being cut off begin to spread. Warnings will come in force in the Midlands and south of the country at 6pm today and will last for 12 hours. Yellow rain warnings had already been in place for large parts of England and Wales and western parts of Northern Ireland. Areas affected by the amber warning, including Milton Keynes, Oxfordshire, Cambridgeshire, Leicestershire and the West Midlands, could see 30 to 40mm of rainfall within three hours, according to the forecaster. The Met Office said: 'Slow moving showers and thunderstorms will develop through the afternoon, merging into a large band of heavy rain through the evening, before clearing slowly south overnight. 'Some places, especially across central and eastern parts of the warning area, are likely to receive 30 to 40mm in three hours or less, and perhaps 50 to 60mm or more in around six hours. 'This rain will fall onto already saturated ground and affect communities recovering from recent flooding. Travel disruption and further flooding is likely, with rivers continuing to rise after the rain clears.' According to the warning, the weather could lead to difficult driving conditions and road closures, homes and businesses are likely to be flooded and there is a 'good chance' some communities will be cut off due to floods. Delays and cancellations to train and bus services and power cuts are also likely. Parts of the country saw more than the monthly average rainfall on Monday, with flash flooding damaging homes and disrupting travel. There were further downpours on Wednesday evening. The Met Office has issued two new ultra rare amber rain alerts with maps showing which areas will be hit the hardest Met Office forecaster Paul Gundersen said: 'With the rain on Wednesday and Thursday potentially falling on already saturated ground a number of warnings for rain have been issued outlining the increased risks for potential impacts.' The Environment Agency has 27 flood warnings in place across England, meaning flooding is expected and 67 flood alerts, meaning flooding is possible. The rain is expected to clear during Friday leaving conditions much colder on Saturday. Earlier today three separate yellow rain warnings were issued for the UK. One for the Midlands and South of England and Wales until 9am tomorrow; a second for North East England for the whole day; and a third for Northern Ireland until 12pm. The highest rainfall totals are likely across the Pennines and North York Moors where up to 100mm (3.9in) could accumulate over the whole day, while there could also be thunderstorms and strong winds in the southern half of the UK this afternoon. Forecasters warned fast flowing or deep floodwater could pose a 'danger to life', as well as power cuts, flooded properties, travel disruption and spray on roads. Some communities could even be cut off by flooded roads after parts of the country saw twice the average monthly average rainfall in 48 hours earlier this week. Further downpours will follow in central and southern areas tomorrow morning, but the rain is set to clear later in the day leaving conditions much colder on Saturday. The weekend will start drier, but with frequent showers in western Scotland and Northern Ireland. Then on Sunday night, strong winds and heavy rain will move in. WEATHER WARNING 1: A rain alert for Northern Ireland from 8pm last night until 12pm today WEATHER WARNING 2: A rain alert for the whole of today covers much of North East England WEATHER WARNING 3: England and Wales are on alert from 6am today until 9am tomorrow The Environment Agency has issued 29 warnings for 'expected' flooding and 65 alerts for 'possible' flooding, most of which are across central and southern England. The Met Office said there could even be 'some snow on the Scottish mountains' tomorrow. It follows the coldest UK temperature in 150 days yesterday when Braemar in Aberdeenshire fell to -3C (27F) - the lowest minimum since April 28 when the same location dropped to -5.2C (22.6F). Met Office forecaster Paul Gundersen said: 'With the rain on Wednesday and Thursday potentially falling on already saturated ground a number of warnings for rain have been issued outlining the increased risks for potential impacts.' 'The highest rainfall totals are likely across the Pennines and North York Moors where 80mm (3.1in) to 100mm (3.9in) could accumulate on Thursday, while others within the warning area could see 20mm (0.8in) to 30mm (1.2in) quite widely. The rain is set to clear tomorrow afternoon leaving conditions much colder on Saturday 'More severe weather warnings may be issued over the coming days so it's important to check the latest forecast for your area.' Three weather warnings for heavy rain have been issued by the Met Office for the coming days. The first yellow warning - indicating heavy rain could cause some disruption was imposed on Northern Ireland from 8pm last night until 12pm today. The second was issued for the whole of today and covers much of the North East of England. And third was activated for southern England, the Midlands and Wales, between 6am this morning and 9am tomorrow on Friday. It comes after flash flooding damaged homes and disrupted travel, with extreme rainfall forcing 43 people to evacuate from a Northamptonshire holiday park. A road in Harrold, Bedfordshire, is closed yesterday after the River Great Ouse burst its banks Flooding around properties at Billing Aquadrome holiday park in Northamptonshire yesterday Horse riders make their way through floodwater at Walton in Warwickshire yesterday Firefighters and police worked to evacuate residents until late on Tuesday night at Billing Aquadrome holiday park. Teams used 4x4 vehicles and PPE to help people away from areas that were affected by the rising flood water. West Northamptonshire Council carried out welfare checks on any vulnerable people at the site and provided an overnight rest centre and emergency bedding at Lings Forum Leisure Centre for 52 people and 22 dogs displaced by the flooding. Volunteers from the Red Cross and Re:Act were supporting people at the centre who have been provided with hot food and drink. The neighbouring Cogenhoe Mill holiday park also flooded after the River Nene burst its banks. Areas including Buckinghamshire, Northamptonshire and Warwickshire were among the worst hit on Monday. Flooding also saw the AFC Wimbledon v Newcastle United third-round Carabao Cup match postponed after a sinkhole opened on the pitch in South West London. New Yorker could be run by an ultra progressive Black Lives Matter activist if Eric Adams is ousted following his federal indictment. Under New York's law, the city's Public Advocate Jumaane Williams, 48, who has a history of protesting against the police, will step into the mayor's office. Williams has similar political views to far-left Democrat progressives such as Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez. He would replace Adams temporarily, until there is a special election 80 days after the change of power, sparking fears among New Yorkers that things could go from bad to worse in the city. 'A wounded Eric Adams, a weakened Eric Adams remaining in office, is better than the socialist Jumaane Williams,' former mayoral candidate Curtis Sliwa told DailyMail.com. 'That will open up the floodgates to socialism, and we will become Chicago.' Adams, a moderate Democrat and former cop, has been the target of progressives like AOC, who oppose his pro-NYPD views and statements denouncing the Biden administration's migrant policies. New York City would be run by Jumaane Williams, an ultra progressive Black Lives Matter activist who has protested against police, if Eric Adams is ousted following his indictment Rep Ocasio-Cortez, who has repeatedly endorsed Williams, has been the leading Democrat voice against Adams, demanding his resignation in an essay for The New York Times published just hours before the mayor was indicted. 'I do not see how Mayor Adams can continue governing New York City,' AOC wrote Wednesday on X on Wednesday. 'The flood of resignations and vacancies are threatening gov function. Nonstop investigations will make it impossible to recruit and retain a qualified administration. 'For the good of the city, he should resign.' Social media users have already started expressing fear about what a mayor Williams would mean for NYC. 'Jumaane D. Williams makes AOC look like Joe Manchin. Big defund the police/bail reform guy,' Joe Colangelo said on X. 'To say this would be the final nail in the coffin for NYC is an understatement. JW is basically a villain from Batman,' another X user added. Lisa Cappiello simply wrote: 'Lord help us.' NYC Public Advocate Jumaane Williams, 48, is next in line for the mayor's office. He is seen kneeling against police brutality Adams, a moderate Democrat and former cop, has been the target of progressives like AOC, who oppose his pro-NYPD views and statements denouncing the Biden administration's migrant policies The failed gubernatorial candidate is a firm proponent of slashing the NYPD's budget but lives in a US military base in Brooklyn that offers 24-hour security During 15 years in public service, Williams has stoked anti-police sentiment and pushed for criminal reform, including to end solitary confinement in city prisons. He is also a prominent pro-Palestine activist. The failed gubernatorial candidate is a firm proponent of slashing the NYPD's budget but lives in a US military base in Brooklyn that offers 24-hour security. Williams was a leader of the 2020 BLM protests in NYC. In June 2020, during the George Floyd protests, he led marches to Brooklyn Borough Hall to demand NYPD budget cuts. He also threatened to refuse to sign a warrant authorizing the collection of real estate taxes, which underpin the city's budget. Williams said he would not sign that warrant unless the city eliminated the next class of police officers. 'This guy hates the cops, hates America. Wears a Keffiyeh,' Sliwa told DailyMail.com. 'The police will no longer be able to function.... Sliwa added that even in a temporary position, Williams' mayorship could have lasting effects for NYC and it will spark an exodus from the city. '[City Council] will pass so much legislation that he will sign and will never be able to be rescinded,' Sliwa added. 'New York City will become the socialist capital of the world.' Former candidate for NYC mayor Curtis Sliwa, an opponent of Adams, told DailyMail.com on Thursday that a 'wounded Adams' is preferable to a 'socialist Williams' running the city Responding to AOC's tweet demanding Adam's resignation, X user Ralph Napolitano wrote: 'She wants to step in and be mayor. Hes an extreme progressive socialists who hates the cops. NYC will be worse than it is now. We cant let happen.' Williams, his wife and children live on the Fort Hamilton base in the Bay Ridge area of Brooklyn. The family, who have lived there for two years, rent a corner townhouse on the base with a backyard and water views of the Verrazano Narrows for about $4,000 a month. To enter the base, vehicles and passengers are subject to identity checks and surveillance. The base remains one of the most protected corners of Brooklyn. Adams was indicted by a federal grand jury on federal criminal charges - an extraordinary culmination to weeks of searches, subpoenas and resignations of top officials that have thrust the citys government into crisis. The indictment detailing the charges against Adams was expected to be unsealed Thursday. In a speech recorded at his official residence, Adams said he would remain in office, describing any charges he may face as entirely false, based on lies. A NYPD officer stands outside Gracie Mansion, the official residence of New York City Mayor Eric Adams on Thursday 'I always knew that if I stood my ground for all of you, that I would be a target and a target I became,' Adams said. 'I will fight these injustices with every ounce of my strength and my spirit.' Federal investigators had seized Adams electronic devices nearly a year ago as part of an investigation focused, at least partly, on campaign contributions and Adams interactions with the Turkish government. Because the charges were sealed, it was unknown whether they dealt with those same matters. It marks a stunning turn for Adams, a former police captain who won election nearly three years ago to become the citys second Black mayor on a campaign that stressed his working class roots and commitment to public safety. But as Adams has made reducing crime a cornerstone of his administration, he has faced growing legal peril, with multiple federal investigations honing in on his top aides and his own campaign. In the last two weeks alone, the leaders he appointed to oversee the countrys largest police force and largest schools system have announced their resignations. Melania Trump said she believed God was watching over her husband Donald Trump during the two attempts on his life and blamed Democrats' for creating a 'toxic' political atmosphere the led to the two assassination attempts. 'Is it really shocking that all this outrageous violence goes against my husband?,' the former first lady said in an interview with Fox News to promote her forthcoming memoir. 'Especially that we hear the leaders from the opposition party and mainstream media branding him as threat to democracy, calling him vile names. They only fueling a toxic atmosphere and all of these people that they wanted to harm - this needs to stop this needs to stop. The country needs to unite and I encourage everybody to read my letter that I wrote on July 14th, again. Because that cannot continue.' Trump, 54, sat down with Fox News' Ainsley Earhardt in New York for a recorded interview, excepts of which aired on Fox and Friends on Thursday morning. In the wide-ranging interview, which was her first in two years, she discussed the 2024 presidential race, her life in the White House, and how being a model prepared her to be first lady of the United States. It included behind-the-scenes photos, including some never-before seen pictures of Barron Trump. Melania Trump is promoting her memoir Melania, which comes out October 8th But she also discussed the recent attempts on the life of the former president. 'I think something was watching over him. It's almost like country really needed him,' she said. Melania Trump, who was always seen as a reluctant political spouse, said she supported Donald Trump's political ambitions. 'I support him. I know how passionate he is to make America great again,' she said. She demurred when asked about Kamala Harris replacing Joe Biden as the Democratic nominee, pivoting to pitching her husband's presidential campaign. 'All he wants to as he says make America great again. He wants to make this country prosperous. Safe for everybody. He wants to make the American dream possible again,' she said. Melania Trump has yet to appear at a political rally for her husband. She was at his announcement speech for his presidential bid and watched him address the Republican National Convention. But she has not attended either presidential debate and has remained on the sidelines of the election. Still, she told Fox News that her early career as a model and being in the fashion world prepared her for being first lady. 'I think nothing prepared me more to be first lady in front of the world than the fashion industry,' she said. 'The fashion industry is glamorous but, at the same time, it's very tough. Everybody judges you. Looks at you a certain way. So, it can be mean world as well. So, nothing prepared me more for this world than fashion. It gives you a thick skin,' Trump added. The notoriously private former first lady also touched on her family life, saying it was hard to tell her 18-year-old son Barron about the assassination attempt on his father and gave some insight into her husband. She described Donald Trump as 'a family man. He loves his country. And all he wants is to build better. And prosperous.' And when asked what she loves about him, she said: 'His- humor, his personality, his kindness, he is very special. His positivity. His energy. It's unbelievable.' She also revealed that he wanted more children but she was fine with just Barron. 'I was always perfectly fine. And Donald was encouraging to have more and I said I'm completely fine with one because it's very busy life. And I know how busy he is. And I'm in charge of everything. So, that's why it's just perfect,' she said. When Melania married Donald Trump he had four children from two previous marriages. She offered her advice to blended families, pointing out 'you cannot control anyone.' 'To take the individual as they are. You cannot control anyone. You can control only your own behavior, your own words. Everybody's in control of own self. I'm not in control of my husband. I'm not in control of his children. I'm not even in control of my child. He is his own person. And we all have yes and nos and we all are all individual. Once you live your life with respect and love, that's all that matters,' she said. She spoke with pride about 18-year-old son, who is a freshman at New York University's Stern School of Business. 'I could not say I'm an empty nester. I don't feel that way. I raised Barron as own person and gave his own yes and nos. I respect that it was his decision to come here,' she said. 'He wants to be New York and study in New York and live in his home. And I respect that. And he's incredible, young man. I'm very proud of what he grow up to. His strength, his intelligence. His knowledge. His kindness. He's enjoying his college days. I hope he will have a great experience because his life is very different than any other 18, 19-year-old child.' Trump also talked about her first date with Donald Trump. He took her to Bedford, New Jersey, because he needed to check out some property he was interested in. But Melania said it was very nice because we were two of us alone in the car for hour, hour and a half. No other noise, no other people because, at that time, he was already known as a zit celebrity. So it was really nice to be just the two of us. She said she felt a connection with him from the start. I love the vision that he had. And the connection that we had. So it was very special, she said. She also said Trump never discussed his political ambitions or hinted that he wanted to be president. No. We didn't discuss at that time, no. But soon later, yes? Soon later. Not that he would be the president but he always was involved in politics. He was very in tune what is going on in the world, especially this country, she said. Melania Trump sat down with Fox News' Ainsley Earhardt in New York for a recorded interview, excepts of which aired on Fox and Friends on Thursday morning The memoir includes behind-the-scenes photos like the one above Melania said her mother Amalija Knavs was like a second mother to Barron - above, Amalija Knavs, Donald Trump, Melania Trump, Barron Trump, Santa Clauase and Viktor Knavs at Mar-a-Lago for Christmas in December 2008 Melania Trump also talked about the loss of her mother. Amalija Knavs died in January 2024. Trump is close with her parents, who moved to Washington D.C. during the Trump White House years to help her with Barron. 'She was very special woman. Full of warmth, kindness, and her life was incredible,' Melania said of her mother. 'Once Barron was born, he was her focus. She moved here to the united States to be close to him. And to raise him in one way. It's almost like she was a second mother, especially because of my schedule in the White House and being so busy. So they had an incredible bond. Her and Barron, it was a relationship like no other.' Her book touches on her four years in the White House. She described being first lady as having 'extra, extra responsibility.' And she told Fox News she bonded with Brigette Macron, the first lady of France, who she described as 'fun.' She also said she was close with Akie Abe, the former first lady of Japan, and expressed her condolences for her. Abe's husband, Shinzo Abe, was assassinated in July 2022. Trump, who was born in Slovenia, discussed her pride in becoming an American citizen. She became a citizen on July 28, 2006. She told Fox New she 'went through the process' but didn't elaborate. Questions have been raised about her visa status. She was on a visa reserved for immigrants with 'extraordinary ability' and 'sustained national and international acclaim'. There also have been questions as to whether she used her status to help her parents gain citizenship, a process known was 'chain migration.' Donald Trump has railed against 'chain migration' and immigration in general. 'I was very proud. I went through the process and that day was a big celebration, was very, very proud,' she said. Melania Trump included a photo of her and Barron as a baby Melania Trump's memoir comes out October 8th Trump sat down with Fox News to discuss Melania, her memoir that comes out October 8th. Earhardt got a sneak peak of the book and said it features behind-the-scenes photos from Barron as a child and the family in the White House. During the interview, she showed a picture of Melania working at her desk in Trump Tower with a young Barron playing in a toy car in front of her. 'I think it's very important that we show our children we are working to give them an example how life is. That they see us as real productive that we have ideas. That ideas come to life,' Trump. The former first lady, who has been the subject of various biographies, said she wrote her memoir because itt was time to tell her story. 'I believe that it was a time that I tell my story and the truth. It is a lot of misinformation and falsehoods written about me. And I want to put the record straight and people can learn some things that they were not discussed. And I hope they enjoy the book,' she said. Advertisement Late on Wednesday night, a federal grand jury returned an indictment against New York City Mayor Eric Adams, following a wide-ranging corruption investigation that has seen several top officials resign in recent weeks. Adams, 64, who has now become the first New York City mayor to be charged criminally while still in office, defied calls for his resignation on Thursday and vowed to fight the allegations against him. Follow here for live updates to stay up to date on the mayor's indictment and anticipated arrest. Convicted paedophile and rapist Christian Brueckner was named as the prime suspect in the disappearance of Madeleine McCann in 2020. Born Christian Fischer in Bavaria in 1976, he descended into a life of crime as a young teenager, and was convicted of his first burglary in his home town of Wurzburg in 1992, when he was just 15. Over the years, the sex offender, 47, has been linked to several horrific cases, from sexual abusing children to raping a 72-year-old pensioner. Brueckner has more than a dozen previous convictions for burglary, theft, and sex offences, including serving an 18-month sentence for a sex attack on a youth when he was a teen. He is currently serving a seven-year prison sentence in Germany for raping an elderly American in the Algarve and drug trafficking - but it is set to end early next year. Following the news of an alleged confession to a former cellmate that he took a child from a Portuguese apartment during a break-in, MailOnline has taken a look at the warped life of Christian Brueckner. Christian Brueckner, 47, is currently serving a seven-year sentence for the rape of a US pensioner in 2005 and drug trafficking, and is also the prime suspect in the disappearance of Madeleine McCann 1994 In 1994, when he was just 17, Christian Brueckner was convicted in his homeland of Germany of sexual abuse of a child, and carrying out sexual acts in front of a child. He molested a six-year-old girl in a playground in Wurzburg, Bavaria, only stopping when she began to scream and cry, a youth court heard. Brueckner then 'dropped his trousers' at a nine-year-old boy before fleeing the scene. The vile playground attack earned him a two-year youth sentence, of which he only served part, before fleeing to Portugal. 1995 The following year, as an 18-year-old who had just got his driving license, Brueckner fled Germany for Portugal with a girlfriend to escape the youth custody sentence he had received, while abandoning his car mechanic apprenticeship in the process. 'We knew nothing about Portugal,' he would later tell a court. 'We went to Lagos [in the Algarve] because we liked the name. We had a tent with us and camped in the wild.' His relationship soon ended but he took on an array of jobs over the years, including swimming pool installations and car repairs - before settling down in the resort of Praia da Luz - where Madeleine McCann would disappear from 12 years later. Brueckner's relationships with women, including an English woman in 2004 to 2005, were said to be frequent but short-lived. The convicted rapist was later linked to the disappearance of Jair Soares, a seven-year-old who vanished in August. 1996 Authorities in Belgium have linked Brueckner to the murder of missing 16-year-old Carola Titze, who disappeared while on holiday in De Haan on July 5. Christian Brueckner was pictured pulling up in prison van outside the courtroom in Brunswick, Lower Saxony, at the start of his trial 1999 In 1999, Brueckner was arrested by Portuguese police and and sent back to his home country to serve the rest of his youth sentence from 1994. He is believed to have served prison sentences in Portugal, where he became known to authorities for drug dealing and breaking into holiday apartments and hotels. Former detective Mark Williams-Thomas said: 'So in 1999 Christian Brueckner came to the attention of the Portuguese police, having committed a sexual offence against a child. 'It is now clear police failed to trace, interview and eliminate a local child sex offender. 'Had they done so, Brueckner would have been flagged up as a significant person of interest and potential forensic evidence obtained from his campervan'. 2001 Bruckener has been linked to the disappearance of Penny Knobloch, a German schoolgirl, after she went missing aged nine in May. Part of her skeleton was discovered 15 years later by a mushroom picker in a Bavarian forest, around 60 miles from her home in Lichtenberg, Upper Franconia. The town is roughly 100 miles from Brueckner's home town of Wurzburg. 2004 While dating an English woman living in Praia da Luz, Brueckner was later accused of raping an Irish mother-of-three in June 2004. Giving evidence in the trial of Brueckner in May this year, Hazel Behan alleged she was raped at knifepoint by the main suspect in the Madeleine McCann case and told the court she would never forget the eyes of her attacker, which 'bored into my skull'. She said on the second and final day of testimony, delivered over 10 hours, that she still bears the scars of the attack, which took place in Praia da Rocha, in the Algarve, where she was working as a holiday representative. In haunting remarks made to the court, Behan said: 'When you spend time in a situation like that with a person and there's nothing else you can see on this human except their eyes, it's the only thing you can remember. They bored into my skull. I'll never forget it. 'They were just so blue everything so dark they were like lights, they were so bright. I just know them,' she said. She said she suffered from recurring posttraumatic stress disorder and frequent panic attacks as a result of the assault and had scars on the backs of her legs that remain to this day from where she was tied with rope to a breakfast bar during the prolonged attack at the flat where she lived. Behan also said she still bled from wounds received during the vicious attack. Over the span of the two-day trial, the victim said her attacker had been masked and was covered head to toe in a leotard-style body suit of about 60-denier thickness, and wore leather, or fake leather, gloves. She recounted in graphic detail how she was repeatedly whipped, raped, tied up, and filmed during the attack while he threatened: 'If you scream, I'll kill you'. Hazel Behan (pictured) has publicly spoken about the alleged 2004 attack in TV interviews Behan alleged she was raped at knifepoint by Brueckner, pictured 2005 Just a year later, Brueckner donned a mask and broke into a Praia da Luz apartment where a 72-year-old American tourist was living. He is currently nearing the end of a seven-year sentence for the assault on pensioner and widow Diana Menkes. The victim was bound, gagged, blindfolded and whipped with a metal cane before being raped for 15 minutes. Menkes said afterwards that he had clearly enjoyed 'torturing' her before the rape. In 2006, Portuguese authorities dropped the rape investigation linked to the pensioner due to a lack of evidence. The following year he moved out of a farmhouse he was living in and into a campervan now linked to the crime. The farmhouse was cleared out and a bag filled with wigs and 'exotic clothes' were found. But earlier this month, Braunschweig regional court was told that Brueckner confessed to the rape of Menkes and Behan while behind bars in 2019. Prosecutor Vanessa Beyse said in one confession he boasted of 'raping an old lady' and 'tying up and beating her, which really excited him'. 2007 On May 3, 2007, three-year-old Madeleine McCann was snatched from her bed at around 10pm as her parents ate tapas with friends just yards away while holidaying in Praia da Luz. Her parents had devised a rota system to check on all of the children - Madeleine and her younger bother and sister - but when mother Kate McCann went to check, she realised Madeleine was gone. Police and resort staff searched for the missing toddler along with other guests until daybreak - but the efforts were unsuccessful and border police and airport staff were put on alert in the following days. On May 12, Portuguese police said they believed Madeleine was abducted but was still alive and in Portugal, and just over two weeks later, issue a description of a man seen on the night of Madeleine's disappearance, possibly carrying a child. Across the following months, British police became involved in the investigation and at the start of the following year, the McCanns released sketches of a suspect, based on a description by a British holidaymaker of a 'creepy man' seen at the resort. In April, Brueckner allegedly exposed himself to a German girl on a beach in Salema. The convicted paedophile is also said to have sold marijuana at parties for young teenagers close to the Portuguese holiday apartment where Madeleine had been staying. Before her disappearance, Brueckner sold drugs accompanied by another man, according to a witness, but both were assumed to be British as they always spoke English. A witness said he sold drugs at parties held for teenagers in the forests around the village of Barao de Sao Joao, five miles north of Praia da Luz where Madeleine was abducted. The village has a large German population and is regarded by locals as a 'hippy commune' where marijuana is openly smoked - villagers confirmed that Brueckner was a regular visitor. Madeleine McCann was three-years-old when she vanished from her parent's room while sleeping on holiday in Praia da Luz in May 2007 A house near Praia da Luz resort and Lagos in the Algarve, Portugal, that was used by Christian Brueckner, a German man suspected in the disappearance of British girl Madeleine McCann The house was used by the convict rapist at the same time McCann disappeared 2011 Just four years later, Brueckner was sentenced to 21 months behind bars for 'dealing narcotics' in Niebull, in northern Germany. In October, a district court in the northern state of Schleswig-Holstein sentenced him to one year and nine months for a crime involving 'narcotics in large quantities'. The term was initially suspended. 2013 In 2013, the McCanns appealed to the German public on TV for evidence over their daughter's disappearance, and Brueckner's name cropped up in connection with the case. According to a report in the news weekly Der Spiegel, Brueckner received a letter from police in Braunschweig on November 4 inviting him to be interviewed as a witness in the 'missing person case Madeleine McCann'. Braunschweig police had sent the letter after noticing Brueckner's history of sexual offences following a routine request by the German Federal Office for Criminal Investigation. Federal investigators in Germany had received a tipoff linking Brueckner to Madeleine's disappearance following the TV appearance by her parents on October 16, Der Spiegel reported. A former colleague had recognised Brueckner on the basis of a photofit of a man spotted near the site where Madeleine went missing. The informant claimed the suspect had run a swimming pool service close to the Cala d'Or holiday resort. A month later he had also shared a string of sick messages with an undertaker, including some about snatching and imprisoning a toddler. Brueckner talked to the mortician - also a convicted sex offender - about making films to 'document exactly how she is tormented' The disturbing Skype conversation was found when Brueckner was arrested for molesting his girlfriend's daughter. Federal investigators in Germany had received a tipoff linking Brueckner to Madeleine's disappearance following the TV appearance by her parents, Kate and Gerry McCann, on October 16 On May 12, 2007, Portuguese police said they believed Madeleine was abducted but was still alive and in Portugal 2015 Brueckner has been associated with the missing person's case of Inga Gahricke who disappeared during a family outing in Saxony-Anhalt on May 2. 2017 In June 2017, Brueckner was arrested again and convicted for 'sexual abuse of a child in the act of creating and possessing child pornographic material'. He was returned to Germany for a sentence of 15 months, but after his release he found himself homeless and said he felt persecuted by the police who followed his every move, even as he slept on a park bench. Brueckner is said to have been in a bar with a friend when a ten-year anniversary appeal following Madeleine's disappearance was shown on German television. He is said to have told him that he 'knew all about' what happened to her before showing his friend a video of him raping a woman. MailOnline understands the friend went to police shortly afterwards. 2018 After travelling to Italy to take a holiday, he was arrested again at the end of September in Milan. He was extradited to Germany on an arrest warrant for drug trafficking. When he arrived back in his homeland, Brueckner was put on trial for raping the American tourist in 2007 after a DNA match to hair found at the crime scene. Brueckner has been associated with the missing person's case if Inga Gahricke who disappeared during a family outing in Saxony-Anhalt on May 2 Madeleine McCann suspect Christian Brueckner pictured in a bar in Hanover in 2011, just four years after McCann vanished 2019 In July, Brueckner was jailed for 21 months for drug dealing in the northern German resort of Sylt. Just a month later, he was charged with the rape of the American tourist in Praia da Luz in 2005, and by December was convicted of rape and extortion of Diana Menkes based on DNA evidence. He was handed a seven-year sentence which he is currently serving at a prison in Oldenburg. 2020 Scotland Yard revealed in June that a 43-year-old German prisoner - named at the time by German media only as Christian B - had been identified as a suspect in Madeleine's disappearance. Brueckner was named after his yellow and white VW T3 Westfalia campervan was reportedly spotted near the resort where Madeleine vanished. He has repeatedly denied he was in the area at the time and distanced himself from the allegations against him. But German prosecutors say phone records allegedly show that Brueckner was near the McCanns' holiday apartment, near the Ocean Club, an hour before Madeleine disappeared. Prosecutor Hans Christian Wolters told the Times at the time that it was his 'private opinion' that the convicted rapist 'relatively quickly killed the girl, possibly abused her and then killed her.' Wolters added, 'We believe our suspect committed further crimes, especially sexual crimes, in Portugal possibly but also elsewhere like Germany.' Brueckner was named a suspect in 2020 after his yellow and white VW T3 Westfalia campervan was reportedly spotted near the resort where Madeleine vanished A former friend and roommate also sensationally claimed that he knew Brueckner was responsible for Madeleine's disappearance. Michael Tatschl, who lived with Brueckner in a ramshackle farmhouse near the Praia da Luz, described him as a pervert who was 'more than capable of snatching a child'. The pair spent eight months in the same prison after they were caught stealing 320 litres of diesel from lorries in Portugal. Both were released in December 2006 five months before three-year-old Madeleine, from Rothley, Leicestershire, disappeared from her family's holiday apartment in Praia da Luz. Tatschl became convinced of his friend's involvement after watching an eight-part Netflix documentary on the case. 'He was definitely a pervert and more than capable of snatching a child, for sexual kicks or money. 'When I saw the Netflix documentary I knew immediately that he was guilty,' he said. 'It was when the female tourist talked about the man turning up at her door where her child was playing, that I knew it was Christian for sure. 'She described him as a creepy guy with acne and blond hair, which fits his description.' Bruckner was also investigated over the rape and murder of a 13-year-old German boy Tristan Brubach. Michael Tatschl (pictured), who lived with Brueckner in a ramshackle farmhouse near the Portuguese resort of Praia da Luz, described him as a pervert 2022 Two years after Brueckner was made an official suspect in the Madeleine McCann case and spoke out for the first time, denying allegations he was involved in her disappearance in a letter seen by MailOnline. In the five pages Brueckner described himself as 'the most known bad person in the world' and stressed that he was 'not there at the time and that he was not living close to the place [of her disappearance].' Brueckner said in the letter: 'Welcome to the biggest adventure you can imagine. 'I'm the most-known bad person in the world and I did nothing - well almost nothing.' He added: 'I wasn't kidnapping anybody and of course I wasn't killing anybody. 'I'll go further, I'll tell you I wasn't attacking anybody after I was 18. 'I made some silly mistakes when I was younger but who hasn't?' Then referring to the McCann case Brueckner said: 'Perhaps I was a suspect after all they found out about me. 'Drug dealer, breaking into houses, living in cars and there was something with kids when I was 17. 'But they had (sic) not even one proof that I was involved with the McCann case. And they still don't have it. 'I know why. Because they have no hairs or anything from Maddie what means (sic) that nobody can put anything like that into my stuff to find it. 'The idea behind that all perhaps was to make the BKA (German police) and German prosecutor famous as well known all over the world as the smartest organisation ever.' He added how there was 'no proof' against him and that the authorities in Germany were leaking information to portray him in a bad light. Brueckner wrote:'I know of about five open cases against me all of them including raping and abusing. 'They have manipulated the truth in such an unprofessional way that I am laughing. 'I still have not lost my sense of humour. Even in this critical situation. This is what keeps me alive.' The letter was sent to a woman who the MailOnline did not identify. 'They don't have proof': Madeleine McCann suspect Brueckner claims in a letter (pictured) penned from his prison cell in northern Germany Picture shows the house in Lagos, Portugal, where McCann disappeared in 2007 while on holidays with her family 2023 At the end of May, police launched a major search of a Portuguese reservoir that prime suspect Christian Brueckner used to call his 'little paradise'. German prosecutor Hans Christian Wolters said on June 1, 2023: 'A number of items were seized as part of the investigation. These will be in the evaluated in the coming days and weeks. 'Whether individual items actually have a connection to the Madeleine McCann case cannot yet be said. 'The investigations conducted here in Braunschweig against the 45-year-old suspect are expected to continue for a long time.' Police had said they found a 'relevant clue' during their search of the beauty spot after an informant was able to match photographs showing Brueckner close to the reservoir. Several items were removed from the site, which may or may not be of relevance to the investigation into Madeleine's disappearance. They include a bra strap, pieces of clothing and plastic items. An area of about 160 square feet had been flattened and cleared of grass and shrubs with several holes dug into the ground to a depth of about two feet to collect samples of soil, which were sent for forensic and DNA testing in Germany. On May 30, it was revealed that there could be other areas surrounding Praia da Luz, where Madeleine had been staying with her family, that police can search after German detectives looked through more than 8,000 photographs belonging to Brueckner. A source told the Sun: 'German officers have gone through more than 8,000 pictures belonging to Christian B. 'That forensic work led to them to Barragem - but there are other places that have come up in the pictures too. 'Detectives are seeking to work out where they are and why Christian B was taking pictures of those places.' In June a key witness to the Madeleine McCann case - former friend of Brueckner, Helge Busching - spoke out for the first time, claiming the girl's suspected murderer said she 'didn't scream' and that Scotland Yard ignored his tip-off, in his first ever public interview. Busching explained how he came to know about Brueckner's shady past by discovering harrowing sexual abuse videos, and how his former acquaintance appeared to incriminate himself in Madeleine's disappearance. Helge said he learned of Brueckner's true nature well before the disappearance of McCann after stealing some videotapes and gun from Brueckner's house along with an accomplice. The house where German paedophile Christian Brueckner stayed near Praia Da Luz, at the time of Madeleine McCann's disappearance Remembering the moment he witnessed the clips, which purportedly showed Brueckner sexually abusing an elderly American woman and a teenage girl in Portugal, Helge recounted: 'You could see how someone whipped the woman. She was tied up, lying on the bed, wearing painted ski goggles... must have been 70 or 80 years old. She shouted: You fucking b******!... then I saw it was Brueckner. '[The teenage victim] said: ''This borders on rape!'' And he just said: ''Shut up.'' That's when I knew what kind of guy Brueckner was.' Helge then left Portugal, but told German outlet Bild how he crossed paths with Brueckner again in 2008 at a music festival in Spain. 'He asked me, ''don't you go to Portugal anymore and do business there?'' 'I said, ''no, since the girl disappeared there, there have been too many police checks for me and I don't need that at all.'' '[The topic of Madeleine's disappearance] came up and I said: ''Anyway, I don't understand how the little one could have disappeared without a trace.'' 'Christian had drunk two or three beers, and he said: ''She didn't scream.'' 'I thought: He knows that. He has something to do with it. But he also checked that I understood that and then left at night'. Helge went on to claimed he'd approached German authorities after finding the videotapes, but that a policeman told him to abandon them and keep quiet. 'I spoke to a police officer I know in Germany. He said: ''Helge, keep your hands off it.'' A lawyer told me the same thing. I wasn't sure what could happen to me - I would have incriminated myself!' He added that he tried to inform Scotland Yard about Brueckner in 2008 via the dedicated hotline for Madeleine McCann tips, but never heard back. 'I called Scotland Yard back in 2008. At the Maddie hotline. I said I knew someone who might have something to do with it and gave them the name. But nothing happened there. Nothing! I was never called back. 'In 2017 I had just served a prison sentence in Greece. When I heard about the 10th anniversary of the disappearance, I remembered. Apparently the call didn't help at all. So I contacted Scotland Yard again. 'Then they listened to me.' 2024 In February, the prime suspect in the Madeleine McCann case was spotted for the first time in public since 2020. He was seen being put into an ambulance to receive treatment after being attacked in prison. In the same month, the convicted paedophile appeared in court in the German city of Braunschweig facing charges of raping three women and molesting two children in Portugal. In early June, a German investigator testified that authorities discovered an email account that is 'related to the killing' of Madeleine. Titus Stampa, a detective with Germany's Federal Crime Police, told a court that the Hotmail account allegedly belonged to Brueckner, per the Times. Stampa said he wasn't allowed to talk about the account, according to the news outlet. At trial, Stampa alleged that authorities found a second email account he used to share photos and videos of child abuse, and that emails from that account were deleted in early 2007 when Madeleine disappeared, per the Telegraph. Convicted rapist and paedophile Christian Brueckner is loaded into an ambulance after being assaulted in prison in 2020 Christian Brueckner in court 'I can remember that things were massively deleted in the inbox. There was nothing in there from January 2007,' he testified. The following month German prosecutors called for 'biased' judges to be thrown off the trial of Madeleine McCann suspect Christian Brueckner. Judge Ute Inse Engelmann overturned an arrest warrant for Brueckner after ruling the court had not heard strong enough evidence from witnesses to keep him behind bars. Judge Engemann's ruling was a strong indication that Brueckner will be cleared of the charges he is facing and if found not guilty, could be freed from prison by the early part of next year. The public prosecutor's office said it feared the criminal court had already formed its opinion about the crime and guilt. As well as rejecting the current judges in the rape trial due to concerns about bias, the Braunschweig public prosecutor's office requested that the case be 're-appointed with impartial judges'. In a bombshell confession this month, Brueckner told a former cellmate that he took a child from a Portuguese apartment during a break-in, a court in Germany heard in September. The paedophile is said to have asked inmate Laurentiu Codin if he too was behind bars for child offences while they were sharing a cell in 2020. Codin claimed that the convicted rapist had begged him to burn down his lair when he got out of prison, and asked him whether 'the DNA from a child can be taken from bones under the ground. 'He told me that in Portugal, that he had stolen there. He was in a region where there are hotels and rich people live,' Codin said. 'He said there was somewhere with an open window, he told me this. He was looking for money. 'He said he didn't find any money but found a kid and took the child. He said that two hours later, there were police and dogs all over the place, so he then went away, out of the area. Brueckner is seen in handcuffs in court on February 16 2024 Brueckner walks into court flanked by burly security guards Brueckner stands alongside his legal team as the court gives opening statements 'I am just saying what he told me. He told me that a person was with him, who he had had an argument with, allegedly it was his woman. 'He said he took the child in Portugal in his car, and in the time when the police and dogs were at the house, he drove away and he was gone. 'He asked me if the DNA from a child can be found as evidence and I answered yes.' In more disturbing testimony, Codin, 50, said Brueckner had told him how he had used a van to have sex with young girls near Hanover. 'There was talk of a girl, I don't know if what he said was true or not. He said that he had a bus and that he had taken her with it. He said he kept some of them, but not others, but he never said that he had killed them. 'We're talking about girls, not boys. Not all at once, always one at a time. He told me about two. He said that he had taken someone, had sex with her but he didn't kill her'. His current seven-year sentence ends early next year, and if he is not found guilty in the ongoing trial, he could be freed from jail. The trial is due to end in December. The Metropolitan Police has spent more than 13million on the case, dubbed Operation Grange, to date. The man who kidnapped Cleo Smith with a plan to make her his living 'doll' will find out next week whether an appeal to have his sentence reduced has been successful. Terence Kelly was sentenced to 13 years behind bars after he abducted then four-year-old Cleo from her parents' tent at Western Australia's Quobba Blowholes campsite in 2021. Earlier this year, he appealed the sentence handed down by District Court Chief Judge Julie Wager. The 37-year-old argued that the judge made a series of errors, including blaming his use of methamphetamine for Cleo's 18-day abduction and not properly considering the trauma he faced in his childhood. He considered the 13-year jail term excessive as his offences did not fall into the worst category. The outcome of Kelly's appeal will be handed down by Supreme Court Justices Michael Buss, Robert Mazza and Stephen Hall on Monday. Kelly's lawyer, barrister Julie Condon KC, highlighted Judge Wager's claim his drug use - combined with his complex personality issues, mental impairments and neuropsychological conditions - played a 'significant role' in Kelly's decision to kidnap Cleo. During an appeal hearing in February, Ms Condon argued Judge Wager was wrong in her finding Kelly's drug use 'tipped him over the balance' to abduct and keep Cleo captive, The West Australian reported. Terence Kelly (pictured), who abducted then four-year-old Cleo Smith in 2021, will learn the outcome of his appeal on Monday Cleo Smith (pictured celebrating her seventh birthday earlier this year) was abducted from her family's campsite and found 18 days later The lawyer further argued Kelly's background - which resulted in a severe personality disorder, post traumatic stress disorder, being exposed to chronic childhood trauma and profound disadvantage - was not properly considered. The court heard that Kelly's mother was a heavy drinker with alcohol once found in his baby bottle by child protection officers. Kelly's father was also abusive and he was abandoned by both his parents when he was two-and-a-half. Child protection officers at the time found Kelly had created a fantasy world as a coping mechanism to cope with his loneliness. He also dreamed of having a little girl to 'dress up, play with and be with'. The lawyer representing Kelly (pictured) believed the judge did not properly consider his traumatic childhood when sentencing him to 13 years in prison Ms Condon accused Judge Wager of only briefly mentioning Kelly's history during sentencing, which she claimed 'bespeaks of error'. However, state prosecutor Lindsay Fox SC in February told the hearing Kelly's offending was in the highest category due to the length of time Cleo was missing. Little Cleo was found alone in a bed in Kelly's home almost three weeks after she disappeared from her family holiday. She was located 75km from the campsite and just a few minutes from her family home in Carnarvon. The house where she was found was filled with dolls. Following Cleo's rescue on November 3, 2021, her mother Ellie revealed in a TV interview that she believed that Kelly wanted to turn her daughter into a doll and had dyed her hair pink. Cleo Smith (pictured) was just four-year-old when she was kidnapped and held captive The court heard Kelly had 'roughed up' Cleo a few times during her abduction because she was noisy and 'bossy' when asking for chocolate. However, he claimed he wanted to make the child 'comfortable' and recalled giving up tying her arms and legs to a chair with tape because 'she was a bit of a fighter'. Kelly was able to keep up appearances during the time Cleo was missing by befriending her mother on social media, driving around town, visiting relatives and attending arts and crafts meetings. A case involving a Walgreens security guard who sparked outrage last year after he shot and killed a transgender thief who had been caught stealing candy is at the centre of a row over whether shoplifting penalties should be toughened up. Private security guard Michael Anthony, 33, fired at 24-year-old Banko Brown on April 27 of last year with a -40 caliber Glock after allegedly seeing him take something from a shelf and shove it into his bag. Distressing CCTV footage released by the San Francisco district attorney's office showed how the tragic incident unfolded, and sparked anger in the local community. The video shows Brown, who was a homeless, transgender man, dressed in a white T-shirt and grey sweatpants walking towards the exit of the Walgreens store in San Francisco. Anthony appears to stop him, at which point the two suddenly engage in a struggle. A case involving a Walgreens security guard (seen in black) who sparked outrage last year after he shot and killed a transgender thief (seen in white) who had been caught stealing candy is at the centre of a row over whether shoplifting penalties should be toughened Private security guard Michael Anthony, 33, fired at 24-year-old Banko Brown on April 27 of last year with a -40 caliber Glock after allegedly seeing him take something from a shelf and shove it into his bag. Anthony is seen holding Brown in this CCTV footage Distressing CCTV footage released by the San Francisco district attorney's office showed how the tragic incident unfolded, and sparked anger in the local community The two men begin throwing punches at each other, before Anthony wrestles Brown to the floor and continues to violently beat him. The security guard manages to pin Brown down, and the altercation appears to be calming down with the alleged thief apprehended. However, despite having Brown pinned, the security guard then releases him. The 24-year-old then attempts to leave the store, but the argument continues. The guard can be seen pulling a handgun from his pants and - with Brown now just outside the exit - Anthony can be seen firing a single shot into Brown's chest. He immediately collapsed on to the street outside, the video shows. Brown, who was a part-time trans activist living between group homes and homeless shelters, was discovered to have stolen $14.64 dollars worth of candy. In the wake of the incident, Anthony was initially arrested by San Francisco police. During questioning, the security guard repeatedly misgendered Brown, who identified as a man, and told cops he had threatened to stab him. However, none of the witnesses said they heard Brown threaten Anthony, and no knife was ever found by police at the scene. The incident - involving a homeless transgender black man shot and killed over sweets, and a corporation relying on contract workers to combat a shoplifting epidemic - brought up several emotive issues including race, gender and class and - according to the Wall Street Journal - is at the centre of an on-going debate. CCTV footage shows the moment before Anthony fired on Brown through the entrance to the Walgreens last year Anthony was released without charge a few days after the shooting, with district attorney Brooke Jenkins saying that the guard had 'clearly' acted 'in self-defence.' According to a report obtained by the Chronicle, the district attorney alleged that Brown had 'transformed a simple theft into a robbery when he used physical force to take property without paying.' Brown's father Terry was furious at the decision not to charge his son's killer. 'If you said somebody is going to stab you and you're going to let them up and you're a security guard and you just beat the mess out of [Brown],' he said, according to the WSJ. 'Make that make sense to me.' While Terry Brown's anger has been shared by many in the community, Jenkins and other local authorities are also under pressure to punish shoplifters amid an ever-growing theft crisis in the Californian city. A number of major chains have announced they would be shuttering stores in San Francisco due to soaring crime figures. Nordstrom chief stores officer Jamie Nordstrom blamed the state of San Francisco in recent years for reducing foot traffic 'and our ability to operate successfully.' Remaining stores like Target have been reduced to locking up their entire stock behind glass to deter shoplifters. Banko Brown (pictured), was killed by Anthony but the San Francisco DA has refused to charge the security guard - sparking anger in the community Brown's death sparked outrage across the Bay Area, but despite the many demands to charge Anthony, District Attorney Brooke Jenkins' office said Monday they would not be charging him But the district attorney' decision to not press charges against Anthony sparked widespread protests, as well as a heated debate over how the issue of shoplifting is treated as many Americans struggle to make ends meet. Desperation has led to many resorting to petty crime. Following Jenkins's decision, Brown's friends and family said it 'sets a dangerous precedent' that, they imply, could see other security guards taking drastic measures as their employers emphasise the need to crack down on shoplifters. Transgender activists gathered around City Hall demanding 'justice for Banko Brown' in April in the wake of Brown's death. Meanwhile, a statement made by the Young Women's Freedom Center, where Brown volunteered, said that 'in a city like San Francisco, where so many have to make tough decisions to meet their basic needs, arming stores with the pass to use armed force will result in much more tragedy.' What's more, civil-rights attorney John Burris filed a $250 million wrongful death lawsuit against Walgreens and Anthony on behalf of Brown's heartbroken family. With the anger and pain surrounding Brown's still raw for many, voters in California with have the chance to vote for or against a ballot initiative that would toughen penalties for shoplifting. Photos from the Justice for Banko Rally posted by the Young Women's Freedom Center Facebook page. Photos were posted , April 4, 2023 According to the gov.ca website, the measure would 'take down serial shoplifters' by establishing penalties for repeat offenders who are convicted three times for petty theft within three years' and introduce 'Aggregates Theft Amounts' which, it says, 'Empowers law enforcement to combine the value of multiple thefts - even from different victims - to charge a felony.' Governor Gavin Newsom said of the ballot: 'With targeted reforms to Prop 47, this ballot measure is a critical step forward in our efforts to strengthen Californias public safety laws and provide law enforcement with additional tools to address the growing concerns of property crime and the fentanyl crisis. 'This balanced approach cracks down on crime and protects our communities without reverting to ineffective and costly policies of the past.' According to the Wall Street Journal, the reforms are backed by San Franciscos Democratic mayor, London Breed, as well as retailers. However, others are not sold of the proposition, with detractors saying it will do little to combat the issues faced by millions living in California and will instead lead to an increase in people who are in prisons - costing the state more money that could otherwise be going towards mental health and drug treatment. Melania Trump revealed the details of her first date with Donald Trump, calling the time alone with him 'nice.' The duo met at a party at New York City's Kit Kat Club during Fashion Week in 1998. At the time, Melania Knauss was working as a model after immigrating from Slovenia in 1996. She refused to give him her number but took his. For their first date, the business tycoon took her to Bedford, New Jersey, because he needed to check out some property he was interested in. But Melania said it was very nice because we were two of us alone in the car for hour, hour and a half. No other noise, no other people because, at that time, he was already known as a zit celebrity. So it was really nice to be just the two of us. She said she felt a connection with him from the start. I love the vision that he had. And the connection that we had. So it was very special, she said. And she described Trump in one word: 'Caring.' Melania Trump is promoting her memoir Melania, which comes out October 8th Trump, 54, sat down with Fox News' Ainsley Earhardt in New York for a recorded interview, excepts of which aired on Fox and Friends on Thursday morning, as part of her promotion tour for her forth-coming memoir Melania. In the wide-ranging interview, which was her first in two years, she discussed the 2024 presidential race, her life in the White House, and how being a model prepared her to be first lady of the United States. It included behind-the-scenes photos, including some never-before seen pictures of Barron Trump. Trump proposed to Melania in 2004 with a 15-carat ring valued at $1.5 million dollars. Melania told Fox News that Trump proposed to her on her birthday, which was also the date of that year's Met Gala. 'First of all it was my birthday as well. And it was the Met Gala. It was all in one. We were already at home. Both of us in black tie. So he proposed that time,' she said. She also said Trump never discussed his political ambitions or hinted that he wanted to be president. No. We didn't discuss at that time, no. But soon later, yes? Soon later. Not that he would be the president but he always was involved in politics. He was very in tune what is going on in the world, especially this country, she said. The notoriously private former first lady also touched on her family life, saying it was hard to tell her 18-year-old son Barron about the assassination attempt on his father and gave some insight into her husband. She described Donald Trump as 'a family man. He loves his country. And all he wants is to build better. And prosperous.' And when asked what she loves about him, she said: 'His- humor, his personality, his kindness, he is very special. His positivity. His energy. It's unbelievable.' She also revealed that he wanted more children but she was fine with just Barron. 'I was always perfectly fine. And Donald was encouraging to have more and I said I'm completely fine with one because it's very busy life. And I know how busy he is. And I'm in charge of everything. So, that's why it's just perfect,' she said. Donald Trump and then-Melania Knauss in New York in 1998, which is the year they met Melania Trump also discussed her pride in her son Barron, above she adjusts his tie at the January 2027 inauguration of Donald Trump When Melania married Donald Trump he had four children from two previous marriages. She offered her advice to blended families, pointing out 'you cannot control anyone.' 'To take the individual as they are. You cannot control anyone. You can control only your own behavior, your own words. Everybody's in control of own self. I'm not in control of my husband. I'm not in control of his children. I'm not even in control of my child. He is his own person. And we all have yes and nos and we all are all individual. Once you live your life with respect and love, that's all that matters,' she said. She spoke with pride about 18-year-old son, who is a freshman at New York University's Stern School of Business. 'I could not say I'm an empty nester. I don't feel that way. I raised Barron as own person and gave his own yes and nos. I respect that it was his decision to come here,' she said. 'He wants to be New York and study in New York and live in his home. And I respect that. And he's incredible, young man. I'm very proud of what he grow up to. His strength, his intelligence. His knowledge. His kindness. He's enjoying his college days. I hope he will have a great experience because his life is very different than any other 18, 19-year-old child.' Melania Trump also talked about the loss of her mother. Amalija Knavs died in January 2024. Trump is close with her parents, who moved to Washington D.C. during the Trump White House years to help her with Barron. 'She was very special woman. Full of warmth, kindness, and her life was incredible,' Melania said of her mother. 'Once Barron was born, he was her focus. She moved here to the united States to be close to him. And to raise him in one way. It's almost like she was a second mother, especially because of my schedule in the White House and being so busy. So they had an incredible bond. Her and Barron, it was a relationship like no other.' Various clips from the interview ran throughout the morning on Fox News. In one of the longest segments, Melania discussed the recent attempts on the life of the former president, saying she believed God was watching over him and blaming Democrats' for creating a 'toxic' political atmosphere the led to the two assassination attempts. 'Is it really shocking that all this outrageous violence goes against my husband?,' the former first lady said in the interview. 'Especially that we hear the leaders from the opposition party and mainstream media branding him as threat to democracy, calling him vile names. They only fueling a toxic atmosphere and all of these people that they wanted to harm - this needs to stop this needs to stop. The country needs to unite and I encourage everybody to read my letter that I wrote on July 14th, again. Because that cannot continue.' 'I think something was watching over him. It's almost like country really needed him,' she said. Melania said her mother Amalija Knavs was like a second mother to Barron - above, Amalija Knavs, Donald Trump, Melania Trump, Barron Trump, Santa Clauase and Viktor Knavs at Mar-a-Lago for Christmas in December 2008 Melania also discusses her White House years, above she, Donald and Barron exit Air Force One upon their arrival in Palm Beach, Fla. Melania Trump, who was always seen as a reluctant political spouse, said she supported Donald Trump's political ambitions. 'I support him. I know how passionate he is to make America great again,' she said. She demurred when asked about Kamala Harris replacing Joe Biden as the Democratic nominee, pivoting to pitching her husband's presidential campaign. 'All he wants to as he says make America great again. He wants to make this country prosperous. Safe for everybody. He wants to make the American dream possible again,' she said. Melania Trump has yet to appear at a political rally for her husband. She was at his announcement speech for his presidential bid and watched him address the Republican National Convention. But she has not attended either presidential debate and has remained on the sidelines of the election. Still, she told Fox News that her early career as a model and being in the fashion world prepared her for being first lady. 'I think nothing prepared me more to be first lady in front of the world than the fashion industry,' she said. 'The fashion industry is glamorous but, at the same time, it's very tough. Everybody judges you. Looks at you a certain way. So, it can be mean world as well. So, nothing prepared me more for this world than fashion. It gives you a thick skin,' Trump added. Melania Trump sat down with Fox News' Ainsley Earhardt in New York for a recorded interview, excepts of which aired on Fox and Friends on Thursday morning The memoir includes behind-the-scenes photos like the one above Her book touches on her four years in the White House. She described being first lady as having 'extra, extra responsibility.' And she told Fox News she bonded with Brigette Macron, the first lady of France, who she described as 'fun.' She also said she was close with Akie Abe, the former first lady of Japan, and expressed her condolences for her. Abe's husband, Shinzo Abe, was assassinated in July 2022. Trump, who was born in Slovenia, discussed her pride in becoming an American citizen. She became a citizen on July 28, 2006. She told Fox New she 'went through the process' but didn't elaborate. Questions have been raised about her visa status. She was on a visa reserved for immigrants with 'extraordinary ability' and 'sustained national and international acclaim'. There also have been questions as to whether she used her status to help her parents gain citizenship, a process known was 'chain migration.' Donald Trump has railed against 'chain migration' and immigration in general. 'I was very proud. I went through the process and that day was a big celebration, was very, very proud,' she said. Melania Trump included a photo of her and Barron as a baby Melania Trump's memoir comes out October 8th Trump sat down with Fox News to discuss Melania, her memoir that comes out October 8th. Earhardt got a sneak peak of the book and said it features behind-the-scenes photos from Barron as a child and the family in the White House. During the interview, she showed a picture of Melania working at her desk in Trump Tower with a young Barron playing in a toy car in front of her. 'I think it's very important that we show our children we are working to give them an example how life is. That they see us as real productive that we have ideas. That ideas come to life,' Trump. The former first lady, who has been the subject of various biographies, said she wrote her memoir because itt was time to tell her story. 'I believe that it was a time that I tell my story and the truth. It is a lot of misinformation and falsehoods written about me. And I want to put the record straight and people can learn some things that they were not discussed. And I hope they enjoy the book,' she said. Yosemite National Park has banned sales of single-use propane canisters for years but collects and processes thousands left behind by campers each year. Tracy Barbutes/Special to the Chronicle Disposable propane canisters like the dark green ones used with camping stoves will soon be phased out in California, after Gov. Gavin Newsom signed legislation Sunday requiring all one-pound cylinders sold in the state to be reusable or refillable starting in 2028. The portable fuel canisters, sold by brands like Coleman and Bernzomatic, are popular with campers but have long been a headache for park rangers as they sometimes end up littering campgrounds and dumpsters in state parks after hikers head home. Disposing of the cylinders properly can also be dangerous and expensive. Now, stores and businesses that sell the single-use canisters have until Jan. 1, 2028, to phase them out. Advertisement Article continues below this ad For years these propane cylinders have placed a great burden on our park systems, beaches, material recovery facilities, and local governments, said Sen. John Laird, who introduced the legislation, in a statement. Signing SB 1280 will result in more reusable propane cylinders for consumers to refill which will lead to a cleaner and safer California. Between 4 million and 7 million of the single-use cylinders are sold in California each year, according to an estimate from the California Product Stewardship Council, a nonprofit local government coalition that sponsored the bill. Campers have long depended on single-use propane cylinders to fuel their cook stoves, but more reusable options are appearing on the market. Tracy Barbutes/Special to the Chronicle Because the cylinders are considered hazardous waste and can sometimes pose an explosion risk, waste managers have to use special equipment to empty the containers before processing them. These extra steps can run local jurisdictions up to $65 in disposal costs per cylinder, according to Laird. In 2022, Newsom vetoed a near-identical bill, SB1256. In his veto letter, Newsom raised concerns about prohibiting sales of disposable cylinders without a plan for collection and refill infrastructure. The governor also urged the legislature to consider market-based solutions over an outright ban. Advertisement Article continues below this ad After that veto, legislators made a real good faith attempt to negotiate with propane cylinder manufacturers on a market-based solution, Laird said, but he said he decided to introduce a new bill after negotiations failed. Reusable and refillable one-pound propane cylinders have been on the market for years. Yosemite has exclusively sold refillable cylinders since 2020, when the park pulled single-use cylinders from its shelves. But the more eco-friendly canisters have historically cost more than their single-use counterparts, often selling for up to triple the price. The market for refillables has expanded significantly since the last time a single-use cylinder ban reached Newsoms desk, said Yalin Li, a senior associate at the California Product Stewardship Council. Two years ago, refillable one-pound propane cylinders were only manufactured by two companies: Flame King and Little Kamper. Now, a new company, Fuel Keg, also offers the products, and the portable refillables are now stocked in national chains, like Ace Hardware and REI, Li said. With the market development, weve seen a new contender in the past few years, Li said. Its really showcasing that the market is ready to transition to fully refillables. Though this bill is almost exactly the same as the one from 2022, the markets growth since then may have made this bill more palatable to the governor, Li said. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Worthington Enterprises, an Ohio company that makes most of the countrys disposable propane canisters, criticized the bill, saying it lacks a plan for developing refilling infrastructure and that its passage would push consumers to buy imported single-use cylinders. The ban does not allow for that plan, Worthington spokesperson Sonya Higginbotham wrote in an email. Instead, it removes a responsible U.S.-based manufacturer from the California market while providing little to no enforcement mechanisms for continued supply of non-refillable cylinders by less responsible market participants and does not address the safety of self-fill, refillable cylinders on the market. Infrastructure for refilling the cylinders is still in development, Li said. Places that refill larger, 20-pound propane tanks, like gas stations and hardware stores, dont always have the adapter thats necessary to refill a one-pound cylinder. But Li said the bills passage could incentivize those places to invest in that infrastructure. Next up, Laird said he intends to work with CalRecycle on a plan to develop infrastructure for collecting and refilling reusable propane cylinders. Newsoms signature now kicks off a three-year transition period for manufacturers to retire their single-use cylinders, start manufacturing reusable or refillable cylinders, or both. Advertisement Article continues below this ad In the long term, Laird said a more sweeping approach to managing single-use waste is preferable to one-off product bans. A bill that incorporates extended producer responsibility, a policy approach that shifts the burden of waste disposal onto producers, is a future goal, he said. But in the short term, Laird said the urgency of the propane cylinder problem required an immediate solution. Sean 'Diddy' Combs can't wait to testify in his upcoming trial, according to his lawyer. Marc Agnifilo, a former Manhattan Assistant District Attorney, gave TMZ a glimpse into how Diddy's trial might play out as part of the outlet's upcoming documentary on the case. 'I don't know that I could keep him off the stand. I think he is very eager to tell his story. And I think he will tell every part of his story,' Agnifilo said. Agnifilo is speaking out roughly a week after Diddy was indicted in New York and charged with racketeering, sex trafficking and transportation to engage in prostitution. Diddy, 54, pleaded not guilty to all three charges and was denied bail. The judge who will preside over his case agreed with prosecutors that he was a serious flight risk and that he posed a danger to others. Sean 'Diddy' Combs' lawyer, Marc Agnifilo, spoke to TMZ and revealed that the rapper will almost certainly testify in his own defense Agnifilo said Diddy will tell his story about the infamous video where he beat ex-girlfriend Cassie in a Los Angeles hotel Criminal defendants have the right under the fifth amendment not to testify so as not to further incriminate themselves. They also have the right to testify, even if it goes against their lawyer's advice. When any witness takes the stand in a trial, the opposing team of counsel, whether it be the prosecution or the defense, has the opportunity to cross-examine them and poke holes in their story. Based on what Agnifilo is saying though, it appears Diddy believes a jury ought to hear his version of events, despite the risks. 'He has his story, and he has a story that I think only he can tell in the way he can tell it, in real time,' he said. 'It's a human story. It's a story of love. It's a story of hurt. It's a story of heartbreak.' This comes as Agnifilo explained the supposed reason behind the '1,000 bottles' of baby oil and lubricant authorities found in Combs' homes in Miami and Los Angeles. 'I don't think it was 1,000. I think it was a lot. I mean, there is a Costco right down the street. I think Americans buy in bulk, as we know,' he told the New York Post. Agnifilo and Diddy stand before U.S. Magistrate Judge Robyn Tarnofsky in a Manhattan federal courtroom during a hearing on September 17 Agnifilo said step one is to address what happened in the infamous video showing Diddy beating then-girlfriend Cassie in a Los Angeles hotel back in 2016. 'I expect it's going to be explained by the both of us,' he said. 'When he describes that relationship, the word he uses more than any other word is heartbreak. He was heartbroken. She was heartbroken.' Cassie, full name Casandra Ventura, sued Diddy last year, alleging he raped her and physically abused her over the course of 10 years. The lawsuit was settled just a day later for an undisclosed amount. Diddy has already given the world a sneak peak at how he might defend himself from prosecutors' questions about the beatdown, since he publicly addressed the controversy after CNN leaked the disturbing surveillance video in May. At the time, the music mogul took to Instagram to apologize, saying: 'I hit rock bottom, but I make no excuses.' Looking into the camera, Diddy said: 'So difficult to reflect on the darkest times in your life, sometimes you got to do that. I was f***ed up.' Sean Combs and Cassie Ventura attend the premiere of 'The Perfect Match' in Hollywood, California. Two days earlier Combs assaulted Ventura in a hotel hallway Looking into the camera, Diddy said: 'So difficult to reflect on the darkest times in your life, sometimes you got to do that. I was f***ed up.' 'My behavior in that video is inexcusable,' he continued. 'I take full responsibility for my actions in that video, I'm disgusted.' He went on to say that he sought professional help through therapy and rehab after the assault. But that's not all he'll have to explain if he decides to take the stand. Prosecutors with the Southern District of New York accuse Diddy of orchestrating elaborate, often dayslong sex performances he called 'freak-offs,' where he allegedly forced his victims to have sex with male prostitutes. According to the indictment, Diddy masturbated during freak-offs and gained the compliance of his victims by giving them drugs and threatening them with violence. A picture from inside Diddy's Miami home shows how law enforcement agents conducted thorough searches His defense has said the freak-offs were consensual. Even if Diddy chooses to gloss over the freak-offs when questioned by his defense team, prosecutors will inevitably grill him on the topic and likely much more. No trial date has been set, but Diddy continues to face devastating allegations from women he crossed paths with during his decades in the music industry. The latest lawsuit against him was filed by Thalia Graves, who alleged that Diddy and his head of security Joseph Sherman raped her in the Bad Boy Records studios in New York back in 2001. Diddy is being held at Brooklyn's Metropolitan Detention Center and will remain there until his trial begins. The California town of Kelseyville has been plunged into a heated debate over changing the name of the area to a Native American word. The town is said to be named after 19th-century settler Andrew Kelsey, who is known for the torture and murder of the indigenous Pomo people. While some residents insist the name should stay, others feel different, with a campaign being launched to have it renamed to Konocti. Konocti is a Pomo word and the name of the dormant volcano that sits between Kelseyville and nearby Clear Lake. Those in favor say the current name symbolizes the atrocities by Kelsey and the massacre of the Pomo people by the US army after his demise. The town is said to be named after 19th-century settler Andrew Kelsey, who is known for his ruthless enslavement, torture and murder of the indigenous Pomo people The move, known as Measure U, was kickstarted by local group Citizens for Healing after they submitted a proposal to the US Board on Geographical Names. The agency is responsible for reviewing place names that use racist or derogatory language. Flaman McCloud Jr, chairman of the Big Valley of Pomo Indians, said in a letter in favor that the name served as a 'painful' reminder of ancestral hardships They then requested input from the California Advisory Committee on Geographic Names, local tribes and the local county Board of Supervisors, according to SFGate. Local supervisors then created Measure U, an advisory measure that would result in the name change if passed. Citizens for Healing member Alan Fletcher, told the outlet: 'Hopefully 30% [of voters] will agree to the name change. 'I think 30% are going to vote no. The other 40%? Well, I do not know.' Some residents have responded by creating the 'Save Kelseyville' group in the hope of keeping the town's name. Fletcher told SFGate that the group is well funded and led by residents with a considerable financial stake in the area. In a letter against Measure U, Save Kelseyville said that there was 'no conclusive evidence' that the town was named after Kelsey. They argued that the name change would bring 'considerable administrative and financial burdens'. The move, known as Measure U, was kickstarted by local group Citizens for Healing after they submitted a proposal to the US Board on Geographical Names Flaman McCloud Jr., chairman of the Big Valley of Pomo Indians, said in a letter in favor that the name served as a 'painful' reminder of ancestral hardships. McCloud said: 'By voting YES to change the name, we can begin a healing process that unites our communities. 'It's a step towards fostering an environment of love, forgiveness, and growth for both current and future generations, showing that Lake County is a place where we honor and respect the history and the people who have shaped it.' Tension between residents is set to come to a head in November when they will be vote on whether to support or dismiss the notion. If Measure U does pass, the Board of Supervisors will then be able to recommend the town's name change to the California Advisory Committee on Geographical Names. They would then send their recommendation to the US Board on Geographic Names. The Pomo tribe rose up and killed Kelsey for his brutal abuse after he murdered a young Pomo man for reportedly insulting his wife. After the rising, Kelsey's brother Andrew rounded up a posse and began indiscriminately murdering natives. They fled to a nearby island, where soldiers then hunted them down. The mass killing, known as The Bloody Island Massacre, saw around 900 Pomo people die. A skilled carpenter's Georgia home was unexpectedly demolished without any notice or compensation from the county. Eric Arnold, from New Jersey, decided to pack up and move to Georgia to live where his mother grew up. He took on multiple home renovation projects, including the property in Macon-Bibb County. He bought the house in 2022 for $15,000 and started improving it to make it a future home for his children and grandchildren. But his plans were shattered when a neighbor called Arnold to ask about a dumpster that had been place on his property. Carpenter Eric Arnold was in shock when Macon-Bibb County demolished his home in 2023 Arnold filed a lawsuit against the county and alleges it was unconstitutional to destroy his house He told the Institute for Justice: 'I felt a bad vibe that something was wrong and I felt it right through the spirit of my soul. 'That's when all hell broke loose.' After two months of confusion and mixed signals from country officials, Arnold's home was demolished on November 15, 2023. He filed a lawsuit against the county, alleging that his home's destruction was unconstitutional. He told the Institute for Justice: 'When you knock something down like that and destroy families, he just destroyed my whole generation. Now I have nothing. Arnold's neighbor alerted him of a dumpster outside of his house in September 2023 Arnold spent years cleaning up and renovating the property 'When I pulled up and saw the house demolished, I was devastated. My heart started racing, I was tearing up, I started sweating.' Macon-Bibb county has a blight problem, but instead of working with community residents toward a solution or communicating their plans, they simply resort to knocking down houses. Blighted properties are those seen as a disruption to the surrounding area, according to the Center for Community Progress. Arnold argued that he was in the process of fixing the home. He had completely transformed it from its original state. The county prides itself on its anti-blighting efforts and has destroyed 800 houses In the last three years, more than 800 homes were destroyed in the county, according to the filed lawsuit. In the past five years, Macon-Bibb county has enacted several anti-blight efforts including demolitions and increased taxes on blighted properties. Arnold's lawyers claim that he is not the only victim of house demolition in the area. He told WMAZ-TV: 'They took my dignity away from me, like I wasnt even a person. They took my dignity away from me, like I wasnt even a person.' There have been at least nine other lawsuit against the county for similar situations, according to the Atlanta Black Star. Macon-Bibb county officials told The Macon Telegraph that despite Arnold's claims, he was given ample notice about the demolition. The devastated homeowner holds up a photo of what his property looked like before it was demolished But a source of confusion could be the fact that the house was listed under a previous owner's name. In the lawsuit, it is also mentioned that Assistant County Attorney Frank Howard told Arnold he could go to jail for renovating his home without a license and proceeded offensively to ask, 'What are you going to do make Macon Black again?' Other officials contradicted Howard and said that Arnold did not need a license to renovate the home. Could it be that the key to success at work is saying less rather than more? Experts say that well-timed silences have become crucial for employees looking to radiate confidence while maintaining good relationships with co-workers and/or clients. Administrative assistant Joan Moreno is one employee who supports this trick, and often believes she should 'shut up' when hearing herself talk, according to The Wall Street Journal. A Texas trial lawyer named Jefferson Fisher also implements this tactic by pausing for 10 seconds in court and letting his breath be 'the first word.' While remaining completely silent during the entirety of the workday is not advisable, there are some moments when silence is golden, and can help workers climb the career ladder. Staying quiet at work is essential for employees who wish to make a good impression or get ahead at work Quiet down during negotiations Well-timed silences can help during negotiations An expert advised employees to quiet down after suggesting a deal during a negotiation rather than rambling on. Daniel Hamburger, a former chief executive in education and healthcare technology firms, recalled a time he did this during a meeting while speaking with The Wall Street Journal. Hamburger explained that an executive from a company he wanted to acquire was convinced it was worth more than what the businessman was offering. Despite wanting to explain the math behind the acquisition, all Hamburger did was suggest a number, keep quiet, and eventually complete a deal with the executive. He also uses the tactic of posing questions back at his team when he's asked to make a decision. 'People were like, "Really? Are you really asking?,"' Hamburger said. He added that his silence paid off again, and employees completed a 50-page pitch for the project the next day. Make room for quiet time Experts insisted employees organize quiet time at work to help them them focus and make good decisions Communication is needed and expected among co-workers and with superiors, but there is a time and place for it. 'Our method of connecting - and we crave it - is talking,' psychology professor Robert N Kraft told The Wall Street Journal. However, he and his students discovered that they can bond better with peers if they communicate without words. Most workforces aren't interested in employees staying silent for an entire day, but a few minutes of quiet time could be crucial in having a well-balanced day. 'Thinking should always come before speaking or doing, but it's nearly impossible when professionals don't intentionally make time for it,' Joe McCormack, founder of The Quiet Workplace told YSF Magazine this year. 'Quiet doesn't mean the literal absence of sound. Rather it's about setting aside time each day to focus, plan, do deep work, and make smart decisions.' Draw questions An expert advised employees to take pauses while speaking, using a 'question mark trick' Former actor turned GK Training CEO Michael Chad Hoeppner advised employees to silently draw question marks as a reminder to take breaks while speaking. Hoeppner draws a question mark in the air after asking a question out loud. This simple question mark trick is what quietly helped him get through parties and boardroom meetings. 'That question mark is there to help you live through that fraught moment of, "I really should keep talking,"' Hoeppner said. Calm down before big meetings Meditation and various other breathing exercises can help create a sense of personal calm before high-pressure meetings Financial advisor Kyler Spencer recalled times when he struggled to get through meetings, which would either last long or be unsuccessful. Once he realized it was time for a change, he implemented methods to help him relax and stay quiet in meetings, according to The Wall Street Journal. He began meditating and doing breathing exercises, which calmed his nerves and helped him stop talking a minute or two into meetings. His successful meeting preparations have since led to a lengthy client list, along with referrals from customers. Shannon Palus, a features editor for Slate, also praised meditation and revealed that one can use apps to implement this technique. 'In moments of nerves, it can just be helpful to hear a familiar voice,' she wrote last year. The five-second rule More than one expert insisted the five-second rule can help when trying to get through meetings The five-second rule could be a good solution for those trying to inject small pauses into their speech. One example for someone is to wait at least five seconds after asking, 'Do you have any questions.' If it's still awkward, taking a sip of water could ease the tension in the boardroom. 'The five-second rule can help you stay silent at work by creating a conscious pause before speaking, allowing you to think before reacting and potentially preventing unnecessary chatter or interruption,' said Mel Robbins during a podcast episode. 'Essentially, by counting down "5-4-3-2-1" in your head before speaking, you give yourself a moment to decide if you need to interject or not.' Create other communication methods Other forms of communication like phone or email can help introverted employees Employees who prefer not to speak can use other forms of communication like Slack or email. The organization of a written message can help workers get points across effectively, while not talking at all. 'Companies have to face the reality that modes of communication change, and management needs to make adjustments accordingly,' business efficiency expert Andrew Jensen told SHRM regarding texting at work. He added that it's not always the best communication method, and that employees must watch out for what they say. 'You can text someone and write, "Hey, we don't need you in today, so don't come in,'" Jensen said. 'But you should not text, "We don't need you ever again, don't come back." Never text bad news like that.' New York City Mayor Eric Adams was indicted by a federal grand jury following a wide-ranging corruption investigation that has seen several top officials resign. Adams, 64, became the first New York City mayor to be charged criminally while still in office on Wednesday - and afterwards issued a prerecorded response. In a two-minute clip filmed from Gracie Mansion, the Democratic mayor said he 'always knew' he would become a target because of his views, and also refused to leave office. He was indicted following a number of federal corruption probes into campaign finances and alleged kickback schemes among top brass that began with a raid of one of his top fundraisers last November. The exact charges against Adams are expected to be unsealed Thursday and could be connected to a series of scandals the first-term Democrat has been entangled in. New York City Mayor Eric Adams has been indicted following a wide-ranging corruption investigation Turkey The first sign that federal authorities were investigating people close to Adams came early last November, when agents searched the home of one of his top fundraisers, Brianna Suggs. On November 6, FBI agents stopped Adams himself as he left an event in Manhattan and seized his cellphones and iPad. Agents also searched the home of Adams' liaison to the Turkish community in New York and a former Turkish airline executive. Prosecutors are said to be looking into whether the Turkish government conspired with Adams' staff to bring money into the campaign. Over the summer, federal prosecutors subpoenaed Adams, his campaign arm and City Hall, requesting information about the mayors schedule, his overseas travel and potential connections to the Turkish government. They are investigating whether Eric Adams received free flight upgrades on Turkish Airlines. Last November agents searched the home of one of his top fundraisers Brianna Suggs Federal authorities are looking into whether he was elevated to the most expensive seats available on international flights as part of a wider corruption probe, The New York Times reported. There are also allegations Adams pressured the New York City fire department to sign off on Turkey's high-rise consulate in Manhattan, even though there were safety concerns. Adams admitted he helped the Turkish consulate get approval to open as he said it's what politicians 'do every day.' 'When the constituency reaches out to us for assistance to another agency... you reach out to an agency and ask them to look into the matter,' Adams said. Raiding of top aides On September 4, agents seized electronic devices from the city's police commissioner, schools chancellor, deputy mayor of public safety, first deputy mayor and other trusted confidantes of Adams both in and out of City Hall. Federal prosecutors declined to discuss the investigations, but people familiar with elements of the cases described multiple, separate inquiries involving senior Adams aides, relatives of those aides, campaign fundraising and possible influence peddling of the police and fire departments. Earlier this month, agents stormed the homes of First Deputy Mayor Sheena Wright and Deputy Mayor for Public Safety Phil Banks, in a series of raids that for now remain under wraps After the searches came to light, a Brooklyn juice bar owner publicly accused a mayoral aide, Ray Martin, of trying to extort him by claiming he would receive better police treatment if he hired the police commissioner's brother James Caban as a consultant. Federal investigators also seized devices from Philip and David Banks, as well as from First Deputy Mayor Sheena Wright, who is David Banks domestic partner. A week after the searches, the city's police commissioner announced his resignation. The same day, Martin was fired from his job at City Hall. About two weeks later, Schools Chancellor David Banks announced he would retire at the end of the year. This past Friday, the city director of Asylum Seeker Operations, Molly Schaeffer, who worked closely with Pearson, received a subpoena to testify in front of a grand jury. Unlike other aides, her devices were not seized by federal agents. Trouble in the police and fire departments NYPD Commissioner Edward Caban resigned this month amid an ongoing investigation into corruption that is tied to his twin brother. Caban, a career cop who served with New York Mayor Eric Adams in the 1990s, announced his resignation in a letter to all officers. Federal investigators seized his phone and the devices of other senior aides. The investigation stems from his relationship with his twin brother, James. According to The New York Daily News, James is being investigated for allegedly selling favors to the nightclub venues he consults for. Two high-ranking fire chiefs were arrested on charges that they solicited tens of thousands of dollars in bribes from people seeking preferential treatment from the Fire Department's safety inspection bureau. Both have pleaded not guilty. NYPD Commissioner Edward Caban (pictured) resigned this month amid an ongoing investigation into corruption Two high-ranking fire chiefs were arrested on charges that they solicited tens of thousands of dollars in bribes Federal authorities searched the homes of New York Citys newly named interim police commissioner, Thomas Donlan, and seized materials unrelated to his police work. Donlon confirmed the search and said it involved materials that had been in his possession for 20 years. He did not address what the investigation was about, but a person familiar with the investigation said it had to do with classified documents dating from the years when Donlon worked for the FBI. Asian affairs liaison investigation Federal prosecutors are also investigating Winnie Greco, the city's director of Asian Affairs and a longtime Adams ally. She is one of Adams' close aides who raised thousands of dollars in campaign donations from the city's Chinese American communities and later became his director of Asian affairs. Her home was raided by the FBI in February this year. Greco hasn't commented publicly on the FBI searches of her properties and continues to work for the city. Federal prosecutors are also investigating Winnie Greco , the city's director of Asian Affairs Greco(pictured to the right of Adams) is being probed by over claims she improperly used her position in City Hall to get perks Greco was already being probed by the city Department of Investigation over allegations that in 2022 she promised a campaign volunteer a job in Adams' administration if they renovated her kitchen. She has also been accused of reaching out to prominent Chinese business executives to male $10,000 donations to attend a Chinese-focused event at the mayor's mansion. Greco has been affiliated with Adams since his time as Brooklyn borough president. At the time she worked as the Chinese community liaison and a volunteer fundraiser. The terror group's leader has remained elusive throughout the year-long war, with the only apparent glimpse of him coming in a video filmed just a couple of days after the bloody conflict began. The black and white images (right), uncovered by IDF troops during a raid earlier this year, show a man believed to be Sinwar making his way through a tunnel along with his wife and three children, while carrying a large bag. 'In that bag is about 25kg of dynamite. Around him are at least 20 hostages,' according to Kobi Michael, Sinwar's former Shin Bet interrogator. 'A few times we have had the chance to kill him, but if we do, he will kill all the hostages around him.' OceanGate's CEO continued diving his Titan submersible despite knowing it would eventually implode because he knew he wouldn't be 'held accountable', his friend has testified. Karl Stanley, a submersible pilot and designer of the Roatan Institute of Deepsea Exploration, told a US Coast Guard panel that Stockton Rush was more concerned with leaving, 'his mark on history'. 'He knew that eventually it was going to end like this, and he wasn't going to be held accountable,' Stanley testified Tuesday during the panel's inquiry into the fatal crash. 'But he was going to be the most famous of all his famous relatives.' Rush was among the five people - including adventurer Hamish Harding, father and son Shahzada and Suleman Dawood and Frenchman Paul-Henri Nargeolet - who died when the submersible imploded in June 2023. OceanGate 's CEO continued diving his Titan submersible despite knowing it would eventually implode because he knew he wouldn't be 'held accountable', his friend has testified Stanley said he had tried to flag safety concerns he noticed during a test drive in April 2019, including cracking noises and issues with drop weights. He emailed Rush, who dismissed the concerns. 'I felt also, this exchange of emails strained our relationship from what it had been previously,' he said. 'I felt like I pushed things as far as I could without him telling me to shut up and never talk to him again.' Stanley also said he viewed OceanGate's characterization of paid passengers as 'mission specialists' to be an attempt to avoid accountability. 'It's clearly a dodge with trying to get around U.S. regulations with passengers,' Stanley said. Additionally, the company's 'entire business plan made zero sense,' Stanley said. 'There was nothing unexpected about this. This was expected by everyone who had access to a little bit of information,' Stanley said. 'And I think that if it wasn't an accident, it then has to be some degree of crime. And if it's a crime, I think to truly understand it, you need to understand the criminal's motive. Stockton Rush was more concerned with leaving, 'his mark on history', his friend told a US Coast Guard panel probing the implosion Karl Stanley, a submersible pilot and designer of the Roatan Institute of Deepsea Exploration, said he had tried to raise safety concerns with Rush Father and son Shahzada Dawood, 48, (right) one of Pakistan's richest men and Sulaiman Dawood, 19, (left) were killed in the implosion They died alongside Paul-Henri Nargeolet (left) and adventurer Hamish Harding (right) 'The entire reason this whole operation started was Stockton had a desire to leave his mark on history.' Amber Bay, director of administration for the company that owned the doomed submersible, insisted Tuesday that the company would not 'conduct dives that would be risky just to meet a need'. But she agreed that the company wanted to deliver for those who paid $250,000 and were encouraged to participate as 'mission specialists.' 'There definitely was an urgency to deliver on what we had offered and a dedication and perseverance towards that goal,' she told a Coast Guard panel. She later broke down in tears when discussing the tragedy, which was personal, because she knew the victims. 'I had the privilege of knowing the explorers lives who were lost,' Bay said through tears. 'And theres not a day that passes that I dont think of them, their families and the loss.' Rush was among the five people killed when the submersible imploded in June 2023 Amber Bay, director of administration for the company that owned the doomed submersible, broke down at the hearing as she talked about the tragedy Former OceanGate operations director David Lochridge previously told the panel he frequently clashed with Rush and felt the company was committed only to making money. 'The whole idea behind the company was to make money,' Lochridge testified. 'There was very little in the way of science.' But at a previous hearing, Rush told staff he would not die on his Titan submersible five years before his ill-fated journey to the Titanic. The U.S. Coast Guard released a redacted transcript between Rush and his former director of marine operations David Lochridge from January 19, 2018 as part of the high level investigation into the cause of the implosion. Love Island's Eva Zapico appeared in court today charged with promoting a 'high-risk' foreign exchange scheme on Instagram. Zapico, 25, along with fellow Love Islander Biggs Chris, 32, 2016 Celebrity Big Brother winner Scott Timlin, 36, and original TOWIE cast member Lauren Goodger, 37, were allegedly paid to promote the scheme to 4.5 million Instagram followers. Also charged by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) are former Love Islanders Rebecca Gormley, 26, Jamie Clayton, 32, Zapico and TOWIE member Yazmin Oukhellou, 30. The social media influencers and reality TV 'entrepreneurs' allegedly promoted @holly-fxtrends to millions of Instagram followers. Zapico appeared at Southwark Crown Court with manicured nails, a white shirt and a long black coat. Eva Zapico appeared at Southwark Crown Court with manicured nails, wearing smart black trousers, a white shirt and a long black coat Zapico has appeared in court accused of a 'finfluencer' plot to plug risky investments on social media Zapico on the TV series Love Island She is yet to enter a plea to one count of issuing unauthorised communications of financial promotions on or about April 2, 2020. Judge Sally-Ann Hales told the star: 'We may need you back here on October 24, bail remains unconditional same as before.' Timlin, Clayton and Nwanze, Goodger, Chris, Gormley, Oukhellou and 33-year-old Holly Thompson - also known as Holly Zucchero - all denied issuing unauthorised communications of financial promotions at a previous hearing. They are said to have promoted a foreign exchange scheme, linked to high-risk derivatives, run by Emmanuel Nwanze, 30. He allegedly paid seven of the influencers to promote an Instagram account that provided advice on buying and selling contracts for difference (CFDs) to their combined 4.5mn followers between 2018 and 2021. Nwanze denies one count of breaching the general prohibition of the Financial Services and Markets Act 2000 and one of unauthorised communications of financial promotions. Eva Zapico and Nas Majeed during the dumping 'Love Island' TV Show, Series 6 Love Islander Biggs Chris, 32, (pictured in 2020) was also allegedly promoting the scheme Celebrity Big Brother winner Scott Timlin, 36, (pictured in 2016) is also accused of being paid to promote the scheme Lauren Goodger, 37, (pictured in 2023) is also accused of being paid to promote the scheme Judge Hales had earlier said the influencers would stand trial either on 1 February 2027 or 15 March 2027. Goodger, Chris, Gormley, Clayton, Zapico, Thompson, Timlin and Oukhellou are all released on unconditional bail. The case brought by the FCA relates to the 'promotion of the unauthorised provision of such advice through an Instagram account, using the handle '@holly-fxtrends' ('the Holly account') and the promotion of that account by a number of social media 'influencers'. The Holly account was registered, between 1 March to 26 May 2020, in the name of 'Holly Zucchero' with an e-mail address of holly-fxtrends@hotmail..com. According to the prosecution, Holly Zucchero is and was, a persona adopted by the second defendant, Holly Thompson'. It was allegedly used to promote a foreign exchange trading service and 'combined images of Ms Thompson, often in glamorous locations or surrounded by high value goods, with FX trading related posts. The family of Richard Simmons is contesting claims made by his house manager that she was pressured into relinquishing her role as a co-trustee of his estate. Teresa Reveles, the famed fitness guru's housekeeper, filed the petition earlier this week, over two months after she found the star dead in his Los Angeles home July 13. The distressed manager stated that she was misled by Simmons' brother Lenny and his wife Cathy into giving up the role while she was 'at her most vulnerable' while grieving for Richard. She further added that she was confused about what the documents stated at the time and was never explicitly informed or advised on the issue. But days later, the family has released a statement of its own, noting that they were 'heartbroken to learn of Teresa's greed and insulted that she would diminish their three decades of supposed friendship'. Richard Simmons' housekeeper of almost 40 years, Teresa Reveles, claims she was pressured into relinquishing her role as a co-trustee of his estate But days later, the family has released a statement of its own, noting that they were 'heartbroken to learn of Teresa's greed and insulted that she would diminish their three decades of supposed friendship' 'Richard's message was always one of joy and positivity. He would be heartbroken to learn of Teresa's greed and insulted that she would diminish their three decades of supposed friendship in such a public way. Her actions threaten to harm Richard's incredible legacy, which we are working hard to preserve. 'Richard took impeccable care of Teresa and made sure even after his passing that she was well taken care of. 'She is a significant beneficiary of his will. She made an informed decision to decline to serve as co-trustee of the estate, which does not affect her status as a beneficiary at all. 'The allegations in the petition are completely and demonstrably false, and we have informed her counsel of those facts. Simmons had fallen in the bathroom of his home on Friday, July 12 - which marked his 76th birthday. (Pictured in LA in 2013) The lengthy statement also noted that Reveles allegedly continues to live at the instructor's house despite having her own residence and as attempted to charge the estate for her living expenses 'Teresa's request to be reinstated as co-trustee was declined because co-trustees must work together in the best interests of the estate, and Teresa has shown by her actions that she does not share those interests,' the family told People. The lengthy statement also noted that Reveles allegedly continues to live at the instructor's house despite having her own residence and as attempted to charge the estate for her living expenses. As of now, Reveles told court that she wants to be named as a co-trustee. She also requested to have his brother Leonard blocked from selling any of her employer's possessions or property and to prevent him from making money off his image in commercial endeavors until the issue is settled by the court. Authorities said that Simmons' death was as result of blunt traumatic injuries from a fall he suffered in his bathroom the evening before he died. His heart disease was an additional factor. Authorities said that Simmons' death was as result of blunt traumatic injuries from a fall he suffered in his bathroom the evening before he died. His heart disease was an additional factor The fitness impresario was pictured at a March 1999 event at the University of Nebraska The New Orleans-born star, who had been a staple on television promoting his fitness industry endeavors - including studios, books, weight loss programs and videos - had been at the center of speculation over the past decade Simmons had fallen in the bathroom of his home on the evening of his 76th birthday and Reveles had attempted to persuade him to seek immediate medical help. But the instructor was reluctant to go and informed her that he might go the following day. Ultimately, the housekeeper helped him safely get back to his bedroom but found him the following morning on the floor at around 10am. The New Orleans-born star, who had been a staple on television promoting his fitness industry endeavors - including studios, books, weight loss programs and videos - had been at the center of speculation over the past decade after he ceased making public appearances, spurring questions about his safety and well-being. Israel has battered thousands of targets across Lebanon this week in a brutal bombing campaign on Hezbollah - but the next phase of war could soon see IDF troops face unprecedented levels of danger. At least 560 people, including 50 children, have died amid the bombardment that IDF officials claim has also destroyed thousands of Hezbollah rockets and artillery batteries. These attacks followed another punishing assault last week which saw thousands of Hezbollah members injured by booby-trapped communications devices before the commander who founded and led the group's elite Radwan force, Ibrahim Aqil, was killed in an air strike - along with several other senior commanders. However, if Israel proceeds with launching a ground invasion, as it is widely expected to do in the coming days, its soldiers will be at the mercy of every trick up the sleeve of Hezbollah's ruthless commanders. Like Hamas, the Lebanese group has constructed an enormous network of tunnels that experts believe will leave the IDF susceptible to violent guerrilla-style attacks. Some of the tunnels are said to be so large they can be used to transport Hezbollah's fearsome arsenal of rockets, missiles and armoured vehicles, and are so deep underground that Hezbollah members can shelter safely from Israeli bombs. A slick propaganda video released by Hezbollah last month appeared to corroborate those assessments, with mobile missile launchers seen trundling through cavernous underground roads. Hezbollah missile launcher is seen hidden in a tunnel A slick propaganda video released by Hezbollah last month showed mobile missile launchers trundling through cavernous underground road systems Fighters from the Lebanese militant group Hezbollah carry out a training exercise in Aaramta village in the Jezzine District, southern Lebanon, Sunday, May 21, 202 Fighters from the Lebanese militant group Hezbollah are seen riding on motorbikes and carrying Chinese QM-18 man portable air defence systems. Hezbollah has purchased Chinese tech in recent years to compliment its extensive Soviet built arsenal of air defence weapons A soldier stands in what the Israeli army says is a tunnel dug by Hamas militants inside the Al-Shifa hospital complex in Gaza City in the northern Gaza Strip A selection of the weaponry that IDF soldiers will face if they invade Lebanon to strike Hezbollah Sources familiar with Hezbollah's operations told Reuters this week that the group has managed to stockpile a vast arsenal of missiles over the past year, the most powerful of which it has refrained from firing into Israel - for now. The overwhelming majority of Hezbollah's military hardware is Soviet or Iranian made, and the group has either purchased or been offered a steady stream of heavy weapons and devastating missiles from their Iranian backers, or from the government of Syria's Bashar al-Assad. The sources also said that the tunnel network is helping Hezbollah's commanding suite weather the unprecedented Israeli strikes, adding that the group swiftly appointed replacements for Aqil and other senior figures killed in Friday's airstrike in Beirut's southern suburbs. This means that despite Israel's recent attacks, Hezbollah's fighters could present a serious fighting force against the IDF divisions tasked with leading the invasion. Andreas Krieg, a senior lecturer at the School of Security Studies at King's College London, said: 'This is the most formidable enemy Israel has ever faced on the battlefield, not because of numbers and tech but in terms of resilience.' Israeli and Western intelligence organisations dispute Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah's claim he has 100,000 fighters at his disposal. But even conservative estimates say the group has at least 25,000 - 30,000 combat-ready militants, with tens of thousands more in a position to pile into the frontlines with little training. Besides the sheer number of fighters in its ranks, Hezbollah boasts a range of anti-tank and anti-air systems, dozens of tanks and armoured vehicles, and its fighters are highly adept at guerrilla warfare. The Lebanese group has honed its tactics through decades of conflict - including their successful resistance against Israeli forces during the 2006 war - are intimately familiar with the terrain, and would enjoy the advantage of highly fortified positions should Israel decide to launch a ground invasion. Israel has already struggled to root out Hamas commanders and self-reliant fighting units from the tunnels crisscrossing Gaza. 'It is one of our biggest challenges in Gaza, and it is certainly something we could meet in Lebanon,' said Carmit Valensi, a senior research fellow at the Institute for National Security Studies in Tel Aviv, a think-tank. Krieg said that unlike Gaza, where most tunnels are manually dug into a sandy soil, the tunnels in Lebanon had been dug deep in mountain rock. 'They are far less accessible than in Gaza and even less easy to destroy,' he concluded. Andreas Krieg said that unlike Gaza, where most tunnels are manually dug into a sandy soil, the tunnels in Lebanon had been dug deep in mountain rock (Israeli troops are seen in a Hamas trench) Israel has already struggled to root out Hamas commanders and self-reliant fighting units from the tunnels crisscrossing Gaza Israeli soldiers stand next to tanks waiting for transportation after a day of training in the center of the Israeli-annexed Golan Heights, 19 September 2024 Grad rocket systems are seen in this Hezbollah training footage Even if an Israeli ground assault bolstered by constant airstrikes manages to break Hezbollah's chain of command, frontline fighters are trained to operate in small, independent clusters comprised of a few villages near the border. That is precisely what happened in 2006 when the group's fighters held out for weeks, some in frontline villages with little support. Amal Saad, a Lebanese researcher on Hezbollah who is based at Cardiff University, said of the group: 'It is extremely capable - and I would say more effective than Israel - when it comes to ground war, underground offensive, and we've seen this historically, particularly in 2006.' Hezbollah chief Nasrallah said last week a ground incursion would turn southern Lebanon into a death trap for Israeli fighters, adding that his troops could fight Israeli forces in southern Lebanon and fire rockets at northern Israel at the same time. Prior to the month-long conflict between the IDF and Hezbollah in 2006, Israel's previous occupation of southern Lebanon - which lasted 18 years from 1982 to 2000, showed just how challenging it is to maintain control of Lebanon's south in the face of ongoing guerrilla warfare. In 1982, when Israeli forces forced a path through Lebanon and besieged Beirut to oust the Palestinian Liberation Organisation (PLO) - some 15,000 to 20,000 people, many of whom were civilians, were killed, along with hundreds of IDF troops. After withdrawing from Beirut, Israeli forces patrolled a 'security zone' roughly 10 miles deep, but Hezbollah conducted a tireless campaign of guerrilla warfare, launching rocket attacks, ambushes and suicide bombings on Israeli units. Israel's then-Prime Minister Ehud Barak was eventually forced to order a full withdrawal amid public outcry at the costly operation. Israel military Chief of Staff, Major General Herzi Halevi, visited the divisional exercise of the 7th Brigade on the northern border with Lebanon, September 25, 2024 Even if an Israeli ground assault bolstered by constant airstrikes manages to break Hezbollah's chain of command, frontline fighters are trained to operate in small, independent clusters comprised of a few villages near the border Fighters from the Lebanese militant group Hezbollah carry out a training exercise in Aaramta village in the Jezzine District, southern Lebanon, Sunday, May 21, 2023 Fighters from the Lebanese militant group Hezbollah carry out a training exercise in Aaramta village in the Jezzine District, southern Lebanon, Sunday, May 21, 2023 Many analysts feel that negotiating a ceasefire in Gaza is the main path to simultaneously ending hostilities in Lebanon. This presents Hezbollah an off-ramp, and could even allow Nasrallah to spin a narrative that his resistance in the face of Israeli aggression played a role in supporting the plight of the Palestinian people and putting an end to the war 180 kilometres to the south. But Krieg expressed scepticism, telling MailOnline: 'We're far away from a negotiated settlement in Gaza, and I don't see the Netanyahu government making any concessions.' Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu has promised 'total victory' over Hamas and the return of all the hostages held in Gaza - goals that many believe are simply unachievable. What's more, many analysts and observers accuse Netanyahu of having a personal stake in forging on with war in Gaza. His governing coalition relies on far-right ministers who want to permanently reoccupy the Palestinian enclave and have threatened to bring down the government if he concedes too much. That would force early elections that could drive him from power at a time when he is on trial for corruption - charges that he will not face while war rages on. U.S. District Judge Edward Chen ruled Tuesday that the maximum fluoride concentration the government allows in water poses an unreasonable risk to children and must be reduced. Paul Kuroda/Special to The Chronicle The campaign to ban fluoride in drinking water where it can protect teeth from decay but may also damage the mental development of newborn children appears to have taken a step forward in a San Francisco federal court this week. After seven years of litigation and a pair of non jury trials, U.S. District Judge Edward Chen ruled Tuesday that the maximum fluoride concentration the government allows in water consumed by 200 million Americans, 0.7 milligrams per liter of water, poses an unreasonable risk to children and must be reduced. He did not specify the amount of reduction, leaving the initial decision to the Environmental Protection Agency. Advertisement Article continues below this ad But anti-fluoridation advocates who filed the suit in 2017 said Thursday that the ruling moves them closer to their ultimate goal. The court has ordered EPA to initiate a rulemaking proceeding to come up with a new regulation that will restrict or eliminate the risk posed by fluoridation chemicals to the developing brain, Stuart Cooper, executive director of the Fluoride Action Network, told the Chronicle. The solution is simple: ban the use of fluoride nationwide. A similar assessment came from Michael Connett, attorney for Coopers group and others including Food and Water Watch, Moms Against Fluoridation and the International Academy of Oral Medicine and Toxicology, an organization of dentists and doctors who contend fluoride in water provides little or no dental protection. When an unreasonable risk is identified, the (federal) statute commands that EPA enact a rule that will eliminate the risk, Connett said. We believe the only effective way for EPA to accomplish this objective is by prohibiting the addition of fluoride chemicals to water. The suit drew supporting arguments from the Natural Resources Defense Council, an environmental organization that wants a reduction of fluoride levels in drinking water but does not favor a ban. Eric Olson, a health director for the group, said it has been trying unsuccessfully to get the EPA to tighten the standard since the 1980s, and was joined by the National Academy of Sciences in 2006. Advertisement Article continues below this ad The ruling will be helpful in trying to get the EPA to take action where the agency has been slow to address (complaints) or hasnt moved at all, Olson said. He said the case also illustrates the benefits of the Toxic Substances Control Act, a federal law that allows advocates to go to court if the EPA fails to adequately regulate hazardous substances and requires the judge to give equal weight to opposing sides rather than deferring to the agency. EPA spokesperson Jeff Landis said the agency was reviewing the ruling and will consider all options, which could include an appeal to the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals. From day one, this administration has taken actions to protect peoples health that follow the science and the law, Landis said in a statement. EPA staff includes some of the best experts and scientists in the world and they will be crucial to whatever next steps the agency takes. The federal government authorized state and local agencies to fluoridate their drinking water 75 years ago after research indicated the chemical reduced tooth decay. Every state except Hawaii has authorized water fluoridation by cities and counties, although a number of cities have prohibited it, including Portland, Ore., Albuquerque, N.M., and Wichita, Kan. In California, bans have been imposed in Davis, Cotati, Gridley (Butte County) and Plumas Lake (Butte County), and the tribal community of Hoopa Valley (Humboldt County). Advertisement Article continues below this ad The anti-fluoridation movement has been joined in recent years by some members of the medical community who contend the chemical can protect teeth when applied directly, as in toothpaste, but may do more harm than good when added to tap water. The opposing sides in the suit including EPA officials under both Presidents Donald Trump and Joe Biden presented conflicting studies on whether the currently authorized level of fluoride in drinking water is safe. Chen, an appointee of President Barack Obama, said in his ruling that the government is failing to adequately protect the public. There is substantial and scientifically credible evidence establishing that fluoride poses a risk to human health, the judge wrote. It is associated with a reduction in the IQ of children and is hazardous at dosages that are far too close to fluoride levels in the drinking water of the United States. Highly susceptible populations are impacted, including over 2 million pregnant women and babies, Chen said. He said the evidence also showed that young boys whose mothers had consumed fluoridated water were particularly at risk. The judge cautioned that he does not conclude with certainty that fluoridated water is injurious to public health. But he said the evidence shows an unreasonable risk of such injury, the standard the federal law established to require stronger government action. Advertisement Article continues below this ad A Brazilian model, who ditched her former boyfriend for being cheap, is now hoping her 'gay' pet dog has better luck at finding love. Marina Smith took to her Instagram account on Tuesday and appealed to her 954,000 followers for help in finding a partner for her best friend, Bartolomeu. 'He is a sensitive, companionable, playful dog, a Leo, and needs a boyfriend,' the ad read. 'Do you know someone who fits this profile perfectly?!' The 34-year-old influencer, who was on the June cover of Glamour Bulgaria, claimed Bartolomeu prefers to interact with male pooches over females. Brazilian model Marina Smith asked her Instagram followers on Tuesday to help her find the perfect match for her pet dog, Bartolomeu, who has a preference for male pooches over females Bartolomeu 'always feels more comfortable and affectionate with other male dogs,' the Brazilian model Marina Smith says 'Guys, after observing Bartolomeu's behavior lately, I started to notice that he always feels more comfortable and affectionate with other male dogs,' she wrote. 'As a good pet mom, I believe he is just looking for someone special to connect with!' Although the post had garnered only 13 likes as of Thursday, Smith is hopeful that one of her followers knows of another four-legged creature who will match perfectly with her best friend. 'Do you know any pet that fits this profile?' she wondered. 'Let's see if we can find true love for Bartolomeu!' Smith made headlines earlier this month when she revealed that a former boyfriend demanded she refund the bill of an old coffee date. Brazilian model Marina Smith posted an ad on her Instagram account as part of an effort to find love for her pet dog, Bartolomeu. 'He is a sensitive, companionable, playful dog, a Leo, and needs a boyfriend,' the post read. 'Do you know someone who fits this profile perfectly?!' Brazilian model and influencer Marina Smith is appealing to her social media followers for help in finding a boyfriend for her 'gay' dog 'Let's see if we can find true love for Bartolomeu,' Brazilian model Marina Smith recently said in an Instagram post as part of her effort to find the perfect match for her 'gay' pet pooch Brazilian model Marina Smith says that 'as a good pet mom' she is aware that her 'gay' pet dog 'is just looking for someone special to connect with!' The content creator obliged by sending him 70 reals, about $13, in coins. She alleged that her ex-boyfriend's frugal behavior was the main reason why they are no longer together. 'He always liked to share everything. It was fine to share expenses, but it got to the point where it was tiring,' Smith said, as quoted by Brazilian news outlet O Globo. 'It was as if everything had to be an exact account, and there was no gesture of generosity,' she added. 'In the end, I realized that this was not the kind of relationship I wanted for myself.' Hopefully Bartolomeu's future boyfriend is not as cheap his owner's former flame. A female constable had a 'help me expression' on her face after Police Federation boss PC John Apter squeezed her bottom, a misconduct panel has heard. The junior constable looked 'very uncomfortable' thanks to PC Apter's behaviour and changed places with a colleague at a restaurant table after he allegedly groped her, the disciplinary hearing was told. It was heard PC Apter, chairman of the Police Federation, had been flirting with her and plying her with drinks by buying her a bottle of prosecco and repeatedly topping her up. PC Apter, 55, is also accused of making a 'sickening' lewd comment about Lissie Harper, the widow of PC Andrew Harper, and making a sexualised comment about a pregnant colleague. He allegedly said he'd like to 'comfort' Mrs Harper 'in his hotel room' after her husband was killed in the line of duty and told his pregnant colleague 'maybe you'll get a bum now'. PC Apter, who has since retired from the Police Federation, has been brought before a nine-day Hampshire Constabulary gross misconduct hearing at the force's HQ in Eastleigh Apter allegedly made sexualised comments about Lissie Harper (pictured), who became a campaigner after her late husband PC Harper was dragged to his death by a car John Apter (left) stands with then Chairman of the Metropolitan Police Ken Marsh outside 10 Downing Street The police leader enjoyed 'locker room bloke banter' and the Police Federation was rife with unsavoury comments, it has been heard. PC Apter, who has since retired from the Police Federation, has been brought before a nine-day Hampshire Constabulary gross misconduct hearing at the force's HQ in Eastleigh. The hearing was told in December 2021 PC Apter got drunk on a police night out before the Police Bravery Awards in London. Barrister Cecily White, representing Hampshire Constabulary, said PC Apter was flirting with the constable at pubs on the night out before touching her bottom at a bar-restaurant. CCTV footage played to the hearing shows the group at various bars in London. PC Apter and the woman, who can't be named for legal reasons, were seen chatting. At one bar, PC Apter can be seen buying her a bottle of prosecco and topping her up repeatedly. At another bar, before they are seated at a table for food, PC Apter can be seen standing 'very closely' behind the constable, who is named only as Female A. PC Jonathan Carter-Lang, who was on the night out, told the misconduct hearing that Female A was initially flirty with PC Apter. Apter has a 30-year long policing career and was chief of the Police Federation Apter (pictured) allegedly also said to a pregnant woman working at the Police Federation: 'Maybe you'll get a bum now' PC Carter-Lang said: 'From watching the CCTV, Female A's demeanour is very touchy feely. 'That's how I do recall her being throughout the night - quite flirtatious.' After the panel was shown footage of PC Apter standing closely behind Female A at the bar, PC Carter-Lang said 'I remember her looking very uncomfortable'. He said he believed PC Apter had 'both hands' on Female A's hips. The panel also heard in PC Carter-Lang's witness statement, which was taken after the incident, he said: 'John and Female A were being flirtatious. 'I did not get the impression that she was attracted to John, just took advantage of the free drinks. 'I saw that John came up behind her and while standing very closely behind her put both his hands on her hips.' It is alleged PC Apter squeezed the constable's bottom and whispered in her ear 'is that OK?' as they took their seats a table at the bar-restaurant. CCTV footage filmed inside shows the constable choosing an end seat, before PC Apter walks over and urges her to move along so he can sit down next to her. Moments after PC Apter takes his seat, Female A can be seen getting up and leaving the table, heading in the direction of the toilets, before returning and sitting down in another seat at the other end of the table. The hearing was told in December 2021 PC Apter got drunk on a police night out before the Police Bravery Awards in London In his witness statement, PC Carter-Lang said: 'She had a "help me" expression on her face and we quickly discussed how we could get her to change places.' CCTV filmed at the restaurant after the alleged bottom grab show's PC Apter stumbling down stairs as he goes to the toilet, then stumbling back up stairs on his return. Michelle Commons, a civilian police staff member who was on the night out, told the hearing she initially said in her witness statement that she thought PC Apter standing closely behind Female A was inappropriate. However, giving evidence after she viewed CCTV, she said she made a 'mistake' and that PC Apter was not behaving inappropriately. She said she switched seats with Female A but said she did not know why Female A wanted to. Martin Buhagiar, then head of communications of the Police Federation, said that PC Apter liked 'locker room bloke banter' with vice chairman Che-Paul Donald. However, Mr Buhagiar said if a woman was in the room 'it was more professional'. Mr Buhagiar also told the panel that 'the Police Federation was not a nice place to work' and said 'it was not a professional organisation'. The panel has heard Mrs Harper said it was 'highly inappropriate' of PC Apter to allegedly say 'I'd like to comfort her in my hotel room'. Mrs Harper also suggested that the police leader abused his senior position by making the remark, for which he faces gross misconduct charges. PC Apter allegedly made the 'sexually suggestive' comment about Mrs Harper to colleagues while organising a visit from her four years ago to collect a posthumous award on behalf of her late husband, PC Harper, 28. PC Andrew Harper (left) died in 2019 after being dragged by a getaway car he had tried to stop and his wife Lissie Harper (right) has now become a campaigner for his cause PC Harper, of Thames Valley Police, died five months before the ceremony when he was dragged to his death by three teenagers in a getaway car PC Apter gave a speech at the ceremony and handed Mrs Harper the posthumous award. The evening before he had made the suggestive comment to a colleague, it was heard. Mrs Harper, upon being told about the comment, said that if PC Apter did make the remark it was 'highly inappropriate from someone in that position'. PC Apter is also accused of telling a pregnant colleague in the Police Federation that 'maybe you'll get a bum now'. PC Apter, who enjoyed a 30 year career in policing, was chairman of the Police Federation of England and Wales from 2018 to 2021. The association represents the interests of over 130,000 rank and file officers. As an officer, he served for Hampshire Constabulary. He denies three counts of gross misconduct. The hearing continues. Never-before-seen pictures of a young Winston Churchill smoking a cigar on a luxury yacht from over 100 years ago have been unearthed. The rare photos of the war time leader were discovered among a box of maritime memorabilia bought recently at a job lot at auction. Its owner noticed the album inside, decided to get it individually valued and was left 'surprised and taken aback by the historical importance' of his new purchase. Inside it they found 125 pictures from the early 1900s for a 30-year-old Churchill aboard the yacht Oceana. Various images show Churchill steering the yacht with a cigar in his mouth, relaxing on the deck and striking a pose with his girlfriend and future wife Clementine Hozier. Another picture shows Churchill posing with his then girlfriend and future wife Clementine Hozier Never-before-seen pictures of a young Winston Churchill smoking a cigar on a luxury yacht from over 100 years ago have been unearthed One image from the collection shows a young Churchill smoking a cigar while steering the ship The pictures are believed to have been taken between 1903-1905 by family members of Gilbert A. Tonge who owned the yacht from 1894-1919. At the time, Churchill had already served as a second lieutenant with the British Army and was a recently elected MP for Oldham. The future PM defected to the Liberal Party around the same time before rejoining the Tories 20 years later. The album is now expected to sell for between 600-800 when it goes under the hammer at Charles Miller Ltd in London on November 12. Maritime memorabilia specialist Charles Miller said: 'This album is a rare find. 'Not only does it provide a snapshot into the life of Churchill at the time but unusually it contains images of people actually working on the yacht as well as images of the luxurious interior which is fully panelled and fitted to a very high spec. 'The backgrounds of the pictures are also fascinating - there are passing paddle steamers, warships and even a lady wearing a large hat steering a steam launch, and one shows a gramophone in a tent on deck.' The album was discovered in a Norfolk saleroom and also includes a photo of the tea magnate Sir Thomas Lipton aboard. Churchill, who served as Prime Minister during World War Two from 1940-1945 and from 1951-1955. The album is now expected to sell for between 600-800 when it goes under the hammer at Charles Miller Ltd in London on November 12 At the time, Churchill had already served as a second lieutenant with the British Army and was a recently elected MP for Oldham. The future PM defected to the Liberal Party around the same time before rejoining the Tories 20 years later The pictures were taken aboard the Oceana yacht which was owned by Gilbert A. Tonge at the time The PM was renowned for his love of cigars. He is said to have become partial to cigars around 1895 when he was in Havana, Cuba, to observe the Spanish battles against Cuban guerrillas. It has been widely documented that the leader would smoke ten cigars a day - around 250,000 in his lifetime before he died in 1965 aged 90. It was customary for the World War Two leader to start the day with a scotch and a cigar and would often puff through working, meetings and meals. A disturbed Arkansas couple tried to trade their 2-month-old for a six-pack of beer and $1,000, officials said. Darien Urban, 21, and Shalene Ehlers, 20, allegedly offered up their newborn to a neighbor in exchange for the beer and cash after stating that taking care of 'three dogs and a baby' was too much, court documents show. The couple first scoured the Beaver Lake Hide-A-Way Campground in Rogers, where they lived, for beers before deciding to hand their baby over to an intoxicated neighbor, Ricky Crawford, the documents say. Crawford, who records show was concerned about the baby's welfare, requested to take the baby for the night in exchange for 'several beers.' The couple agreed traded the the child and a diaper bag for the beer. Darien Urban, 21, and Shalene Ehlers, 20, allegedly offered to trade their newborn for a six-pack of beer and $1,000 after claiming taking care of 'three dogs and a baby' was too much The baby was in need of medical attention when Benton County officers arrived at the campground following a concerned call from its manager's office Officers reported that Crawford 'smelled heavily of alcoholic beverage, his speech was slurred and he was unable to maintain his balance.' After taking the 2-month-old, Crawford visited the camper of Cody Nathaniel Martin, 29, who agreed with Urban and Ehlers to take custody of the child. Martin allegedly drafted an 'adoption letter' stating his 'official rights' to the child. The letter read: 'I Darien Urban and Shalene Ehlers are signing our rights over to Cody Nathaniel Martin of our baby boy for $1000 on 9/21/2024,' court documents show. Both parents signed the letter, which included a disclaimer: 'After signing this there will be no changing yall two's minds and to never contact again.' When Benton County officers arrived at the campsite following a concerned call from the campground manager's office, they noticed the baby was in need of medical attention. Urban (pictured) and Ehlers both signed the letter, which included a disclaimer: 'After signing this there will be no changing yall two's minds and to never contact again.' Following investigation, Ehlers (pictured) and Urban were charged with endangering the welfare of a minor and attempting to commit consideration for relinquishing a minor for adoption. Pictured: Shalene Ehlers via Facebook Felicia Ayers, another resident of the campground, stated the child 'had a bad ammonia and fecal odor and the diaper was full.' Ayers shared photos of a 'heavy rash, blisters and swelling of the baby's buttocks and genitals.' Following investigation, the couple was charged with endangering the welfare of a minor and attempting to commit consideration for relinquishing a minor for adoption. It was later revealed that Urban had previous arrests for theft and domestic battering in 2023. His bail is set at $50,000. The City of Toronto is weighing up whether to remove the terms 'male' and 'female' from its online booking system. The request was made by the city's Two-Spirit, Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and Queer (2SLGBTQ) Advisory Committee during discussions about how best to update the gender categories used in the online form. In a Tuesday meeting, committee members said 'incredibly harmful' terms such as male and female are 'no longer used', because they refer to 'biological and reproductive' descriptors and should instead be replaced with the gender categories 'man' and 'woman'. His comments echo those made by the Toronto community, according to Kathleen Harquail, manager of Business Transformation and Change Management, who is overseeing the update. The City of Toronto is weighing up whether to remove the terms 'male' and 'female' from its online booking system She added that the use of 'man' and 'woman' aligns with the city's 'recommended' language'. Harquail also said her team had previously received requests from the 2SLGBTQ committee to remove 'male' and 'female' and replace them with 'cis male' and 'cis female'. However, she explained that the categories 'male' and 'female' are currently hard coded into the system and so cannot be amended. But Jaber insisted that they should still be deleted. 'Any type of "female" and "male" even though they are hardwired into the system when we speak about male and female we are speaking about biological and reproductive adjectives and adverbs and descriptions of folks. 'This type of language is no longer used, we speak about gender now. 'We speak "man", "woman" so for me at least, female and male definitely needs to be removed no matter how hard-wired they are.' His comments were echoed by fellow committee member Kay Mehrizi. Two-Spirit, Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and Queer (2SLGBTQ) Advisory Committee member Jad Jaber suggested the terms 'man' and 'woman' should be used instead Fellow committee member Kay Mehrizi agreed, stating that 'male' and 'female' places too much emphasis on biology 'As hard-wired male and female may be, they are incredibly harmful, so working to remove those and replacing them with the more updated language of man and woman would be great,' she said. The consultation is being held over changes to the gender categories on Toronto's recreation program registration and facility booking system with the update due to go live in December. Users of the system will have the chance to optionally state their gender for data collection purposes. Other recommendations the committee gave were to remove the 'outdated' category of 'transsexual', as well as 'female to male' and 'male to female' in favor of 'trans person' to avoid biological essentialism. 'The language of "trans" or "trans individual" is inclusive of those categories,' Mehrizi said. 'So just completely staying away from male/female.' Kathleen Harquail, manager of Business Transformation and Change Management, said she was open to hearing from the committee The changes are being proposed to a optional gender categories on a booking system for Toronto's recreational facility A suggestion to include a free form text box for users to input their own gender identity was also floated. However, the idea of removing 'male' and 'female' from the booking system has sparked outrage online. 'I am a female, not a cis-female. If you cannot respect that, I cannot respect you,' one person wrote on Instagram. 'This place is a joke,' another agreed. 'How this ends up on someones priority list is just bizarre.. do whatever the f**k you wanna do and be whatever the f**k you wanna be.. just dont expect others to believe in something simply because you do,' one person fumed. However, others were less concerned with the proposed changes. 'Cis means you are the gender you are born with it doesnt mean anything else its not that deep,' one person said. 'The City of Toronto strives to make its services accessible and inclusive to all Torontonians. To ensure accessibility and inclusion for the new Parks and Recreation registration and booking system, City staff have consulted with advisory committees to seek recommendations and will continue to do so,' a spokesman said. 'Disclosing gender is optional when registering for City programs. 'The Two-Spirit, Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and Queer Advisory Committee provided recommendations based on the limited options currently available in the system, as well as additional feedback should more options become available in the future. 'These recommendations are only applicable to the new registration and booking system.' Vice President Kamala Harris participated in an interview with MSNBC's Stephanie Ruhle on Thursday, but one answer in particular drew attention online. Harris repeated the word 'holistic' three times in just 23 seconds to emphasize a point about how to increase available housing. 'For example, some of the work is going to be through what we do in terms of giving benefits and assistance to state and local governments around transit dollars,' she first replied. '... and looking holistically at the connection between that and housing, and looking holistically at the incentives we in the federal government can create for local and state governments to actually engage in planning in a holistic manner that includes prioritizing affordable housing for working people,' Harris explained to Ruhle. The elaborate emphasis on the word 'holistic' left viewers puzzled about what Harris was talking about as critics ripped into her latest word salad on social media. Kamala Harris talks about the economy with MSNBC's Stephanie Ruhle The Trump campaign leaned into the moment, clipping the video for their followers. 'Kamala appears to have just learned the word 'holistically,' the account read. Others made the same observation. 'Kamala has learned the word holistic, guys. Proceeds to use it three times in under thirty seconds. Intelligent people don't talk like this,' conservative radio host Clay Travis wrote on social media. 'People trying to pretend to be intelligent do though,' he went on. 'Kamala learned a new word... "holistic," Watch her proudly use it 3 times in 15 seconds,' comedian Tim Young wrote. 'Today's new word in Kamala's word-salad buffet: "Holistic,"' remarked Mike Davis of the Article 3 Project. A review of Harris transcripts indicates that the VP has used the word from time to time in prepared speeches. Kamala appears to have just learned the word "holistically." pic.twitter.com/lMpxWEg3aB Trump War Room (@TrumpWarRoom) September 25, 2024 Kamala has learned the word holistic, guys. Proceeds to use it three times in under thirty seconds. Intelligent people dont talk like this. People trying to pretend to be intelligent do though: pic.twitter.com/zIiSFDpZgq Clay Travis (@ClayTravis) September 26, 2024 Kamala learned a new word... "holistic" Watch her proudly use it 3 times in 15 seconds. She's like a drunk that doesn't realize everyone knows she's drunk... pic.twitter.com/51LHAG3Ouk Tim Young (@TimRunsHisMouth) September 26, 2024 But she is increasingly using it during her presidential campaign while trying to detail ways she plans to fix problems. Harris also leaned on the word 'holistic' during her conversation with the National Association of Black Journalists earlier this month. Kamala Harris speaks with MSNBC about the economy Kamala Harris interviewed by National Association of Black Journalists 'The trauma that exists in communities around the violence of losing their children, losing a brother, losing a father, an uncle all of that must be addressed, and we have to have a holistic response to it,' she said, when asked about how she planned to address gun violence. She continued, 'It's about understanding what we need to do to, again, understand that, to your point, we have to have a holistic response to this issue and prioritize it, instead of reacting to the tragedy that, sadly, they are too predictable.' Throughout her career as vice president, Harris has had moments in interviews where she struggles to explain herself, sometimes skirting the question and focusing on defining the problem instead. Shocking details about Donald Trump's deadly July 13 Butler, Pennsylvania, rally are emerging. Law enforcement witnesses, many who were present at the rally during the shooting, are detailing grisly aspects that unfolded during the messy day during a public hearing. That includes the exact moment shooter Thomas Matthew Crooks, 20, was taken out by a counter sniper, just seconds after he shot the former president. The officials expressed remorse over the death and carnage that ensued that day, and the lapses in preparation and communication with the U.S. Secret Service that led up to it. In addition, the long-awaited results of a series of tests conducted during Crooks' autopsy are finally being released. Commander Edward Lenz of Butler County Emergency Services Unit, Patrolman Drew Blasko of Butler Township Police Department, Lieutenant John D. Herold of Pennsylvania State Police and Patrick Sullivan attend a House Task Force on the Attempted Assassination of Donald J. Trump hearing Opening the hearing, Chairman of the Trump Assassination Task Force Mike Kelly, R-Pa., said the Secret Service's miscommunication led to confusion. He likened it to the agency playing a game of telephone during the crisis. Kelly told the witnesses he sought clarity on the tragic events from July 13, and let them begin. Mr. Edward Lenz, Sergeant, Adams Township Police Department, Commander, Butler County Emergency Services Unit (ESU) opened up the hearing with his testimony. He was in charge of a large 44 member Emergency Service Unit that closely assisted the Secret Service, more officers than the agency requested. His wife, a medical professional, even aided some wounded that day, he added. Lenz testified that at no point during the preparation was the local ESU asked to secure the AGR complex from where Thomas Matthew Crooks shot from. Nor were they asked to put anyone on the roof. They did, however, have a sniper on the barn close to Trump. Republican presidential candidate former President Donald Trump is surrounded by U.S. Secret Service agents at a campaign rally, Saturday, July 13, 2024, in Butler, Pa He described how that sniper shot at Crooks six seconds after the initial shots at the former president sounded off. That ESU sniper under his command shot at Crooks from 110 yards, he testified. 'When shots rang out he quickly was able to identify where the shots were coming from,' Lenz told the panel. 'He observed the shooter, shouldered his rifle, he acquired his target, and he fired one shot at the shooter which caused him to recoil and briefly fall out of site.' That individual saw through his scope Crooks recoil after firing, indicating that the 20-year-old was hit by the round, or at least frightened. Lenz testified that the ESU shooter was 'very confident' that the shot connected with the target. But seconds after Crooks disappeared following the initial volley, the 20-year-old reappeared and was immediately shot once more, this time fatally by the Secret Service. Lenz said there was 'no guidance' from the Secret Service on where he should station his ESU operators. They were also not given information on rules for engagement from the agency, Lenz said. Lenz talked about how his team of ESU operators was given scant instruction by the Secret Service on where officers should be stationed And Crooks's body showed signs that the Secret Service sniper's bullet was the one that killed the shooter. Dr. Ariel Goldschmidt, the medical examiner of Allegheny County, who conducted the autopsy on Thomas Matthew Crooks, confirmed Thursday he was killed by the sniper. Goldschmidt confirmed that gunshot residue samples were taken. He determined Crooks died as a result of a high-velocity gunshot wound to the head after conducting the autopsy the morning of July 14. The entrance wound was just above Crooks's lip, he testified. Then on July 22 his body was released to the funeral home at the directive of the county coroner. Goldschmidt also revealed that prior to his review of the body it was x-rayed and handled by the FBI. The medical examiner also said that he does not believe that Crooks' body was impacted by a ninth or tenth shot when pressed by Rep. Clay Higgins, R-La., on whether there were additional wounds discovered during the autopsy. Previously Higgins released an independent report indicating that the stock of Crooks's gun could have been hit by gunfire and the resulting shrapnel from the strike could have injured the shooter. But the doctor dispelled that suggestion during the hearing Thursday. Higgins also had raised issues he encountered after he tried to view Crooks' body on August 5 as part of his own personal inspection. The former police captain said his request to view the body 'caused quite a stir and revealed a disturbing fact.' It was at this point that he learned that the FBI had 'released the body for cremation 10 days' after the shooting in Butler, Pennsylvania, on July 13. Higgins says 'nobody knew' that the body had been returned to the family, including the county coroner and local enforcement. He writes that the coroner still had 'legal authority over the body' when the FBI made this decision and accuses the agency of 'obstruction'. John D. Herold, Lieutenant, Pennsylvania State Police, the officer in charge for the State Police on July 13, also testified. Lieutenant John Herold of Pennsylvania State Police attends a House Task Force on the Attempted Assassination of Donald J. Trump hearing During the hearing he said there were 20 members of his team there to support the Secret Service, and his agency provided everything the agency requested. He also said that his team was not tasked with securing the AGR building from where Crooks shot the former president. The panel also played unseen footage of local enforcement officers attempting to confront Crooks before the shooting. The video shows dash-cam footage from a police car showing an officer attempting to climb onto the roof. Then the officer jumps down from the AGR roof building frantically. He appears to injure his ankle and hobbles away with haste, seemingly afraid. It was previously reported that an officer saw Crooks on the roof and tried to approach him before the 20-year-old opened fire, and the video confirmed the account. Hillary Clinton is not backing down from her most famous attack on Donald Trump's supporters. She ignited their anger in 2016 when she said half of them belonged in a 'basketful of deplorables,' comments which were then used against her to show her as not just out of touch but hostile towards white, working class voters. Eight years after losing that election, she admits the epithet was 'bad politics' but wonders whether she should have gone further. 'I was talking about the people who are drawn to his racism, sexism, homophobia, xenophobia, Islamophobiayou name it,' she writes in her new book, "Something Lost, Something Gained: Reflections on Life, Love, and Liberty" excerpted by the Washington Post. 'The people for whom his bigotry is a feature, not a bug. 'It was an unfortunate choice of words and bad politics, but it also got at an important truth. Hillary Clinton is not backing down from her most famous attack on Donald Trump's supporters, saying that she could even have gone further with her 'basket of deplorables' line 'Just look at everything that has happened in the years since, from Charlottesville to Jan. 6. 'The masks have come off, and if anything, "deplorable" is too kind a word for the hate and violent extremism we've seen from some Trump supporters.' At the time, most of the rest of her remarks were lost in the storm triggered by the word 'deplorables.' It became a badge of honor for Trump fans, turned into T-shirts, hats and memes. Clinton lost the electoral college a little more than a month later, but triumphed in the popular vote. She said she felt vindicated in her analysis of the rise of hate under Trump, and recounted how a newspaper editor had contacted her in 2022 to see if she would revisit the term in the wake of a mass shooting. A gunman in Buffalo shot dead black shoppers at a supermarket, apparently influenced by the 'great replacement' conspiracy theory, spread by Trump allies such as then Fox News anchor Tucker Carlson. 'The newspaper editor said that he and his colleagues spent a half-hour at their editorial meeting talking about this report, and "the notion that the most racist show on cable news is also the most popular stuck with a lot of us,'" she writes. The insult became a badge of honor for Trump supporters, turned into T-shirts and hats 'Something Lost, Something Gained: Reflections on Life, Love, and Liberty' was published by Simon & Schuster on September 17 'Several editors, he said, brought up my "deplorables" comment and "how prescient" I had been.' She turned down the offer, she continues, because she did not want to write about it through the lens of a six-year-old controversy. 'I do wish that back in 2016, people had heard the rest of my comments and not just the word "deplorables," she writes. 'I also talked about the other half of Trump supporters, "people who feel that the government has let them down, the economy has let them down, nobody cares about them, nobody worries about what happens to their lives and their futures, and theyre just desperate for change."' But she says she regrets describing most of the deplorables as 'irredeemable.' Right-wing tech billionaire Elon Musk has urged a boycott of the UK after being snubbed by Keir Starmer in a spat over his comments about the summer race riots. The controversial X owner reignited his row with the Prime Minister after being denied an invite to an October investment summit over false claims he made on his platform last month. In a blast at Sir Keir, the world's richest man urged people to stay away from the UK while it was 'releasing convicted paedophiles in order to imprison people for social media posts'. The jibe appears aimed at the Government's decision to free prisoners early to jail those convicted after the racist violence. The Tories today attacked the decision to bar Mr Musk from the summit, with shadow chancellor Jeremy Hunt telling the BBC it was a 'big loss'. 'He told me last year he was planning a new car plant in Europe and had not decided where but the UK was a candidate,' Mr Hunt said. The controversial X owner has reportedly not been invited to an investment summit next month after he used the platform to criticise Sir Keir and make unsubstantiated claimed about the UK. Mr Musk branded the PM #TwoTierKeir, in reference to claims or allegations of 'two tier policing' in Britain complaining about harsh sentences handed out to those involved in the disorder fuelled by far-right thugs. After three children were killed in a stabbing attack in Southport, and violence erupted across the UK The Tories today attacked the decision to bar Mr Musk from the summit, with shadow chancellor Jeremy Hunt telling the BBC it was a 'big loss'. It also emerged today that Peter Kyle, the Science, Innovation and Technology, has yet to speak directly to Mr Musk, despite being responsible for social media 'policing'. A source told the Independent they were in contact via an intermediary. The tech entrepreneur has previously alleged the UK has a 'two-tier' criminal justice system that treats those guilty of offences linked to the disorder too harshly. Sir Keir will host the International Investment Summit on October 14 two weeks before the autumn Budget. The Government hopes the summit will attract hundreds of leading chief executives and financiers and is part of efforts to show that the UK is 'open for business' after a period of political and economic turmoil. The decision to NFI Mr Musk comes after he was feted by previous Tory PM Rishi Sunak at an AI event at Bletchley Park last year. The PM also conducted an interview with Mr Musk. Mr Musk replied to a tweet saying he had been snubbed for 'defending free speech', writing: 'I don't think anyone should go to the UK when they're releasing convicted pedophiles in order to imprison people for social media posts.' Paedophiles were explicitly blocked from the early release scheme and there are no reports yet that any were released by accident. The decision to NFI Mr Musk comes after he was feted by previous Tory PM Rishi Sunak at an AI event at Bletchley Park last year. The PM also conducted an interview with Mr Musk (video below) After three children were killed in a stabbing attack in Southport and violence erupted across the UK, Mr Musk branded the PM #TwoTierKeir, in reference to claims or allegations of 'two tier policing' in Britain complaining about harsh sentences handed out to those involved in the disorder fuelled by far-right thugs. He also said 'civil war is inevitable' in the wake of the chaos, and was left red-faced as he pushed false claims about the PM setting up detainment camps in the Falklands. BNY, Blackstone and CyrusOne have confirmed attendance, according to the Treasury. A list of attendees has not been released. Investment giant Blackstone has already confirmed a 10 billion deal to develop Europe's largest AI data centre in Blyth, Northumberland. The firm's president, Jon Gray, will be among the executives at a roundtable event hosted by Sir Keir on Thursday. Mr Musk was a star guest at the UK Government's Artificial Intelligence (AI) Safety Summit last year, during which Mr Sunak interviewed him for almost an hour in front of business chiefs. Mr Musk shared a doctored headline that falsely stated Sir Keir was considering building 'emergency' prisons on the Falkland Islands for arrested rioters The billionaire shared the post on X made by Ashlea Simon, co-leader of far-right group Britain First But it appears he will not be courted by the new Labour administration after his posts about the disorder in the UK last month. False information that spread on social media about the identity of the alleged Southport knife attacker has been seen as playing a role in sparking the days of violence. The billionaire engaged with posts by Stephen Yaxley-Lennon, known as Tommy Robinson, suggesting that civil war in the UK was 'inevitable', and retweeted a fake Daily Telegraph headline suggesting rioters would be sent to detention camps in the Falkland Islands. The social media tycoon also called the Prime Minister 'two-tier Keir', a reference to claims that police have a 'two-tier' approach to protests and deal with some more harshly than others. Justice Minister Heidi Alexander said at the time that Mr Musk's comments on civil war were 'deeply irresponsible' and Sir Keir's spokesman said there was 'no justification for comments like that'. Earlier this month, some 1,700 prisoners were released early from their sentences in the first phase of the Government's plan to tackle overcrowding. Sex offenders are excluded from the policy. Some people have been jailed for stirring up racial hatred in relation to social media posts they made during the unrest in August. Tory leadership candidate Kemi Badenoch has said she is a 'huge fan' of Mr Musk. 'I think Elon Musk has been a fantastic thing for freedom of speech. I will hold my hand up and say, I'm a huge fan of Elon Musk,' she said in an interview with The Spectator. The other three hopefuls were also asked whether Musk has been a good thing for freedom of speech. Robert Jenrick said he does not have a 'strong opinion' on the billionaire, but added: 'I'm not going to be booking a tete-a-tete with Elon Musk any time soon.' James Cleverly meanwhile warned against 'curtailing voices that you disagree with', while Tom Tugendhat said that 'If you are allowed to say whatever you like but you put your name to it, that's freedom of speech'. The Government declined to comment. Congressional lawmakers are 'terrified' after Donald Trump revealed details about how Iran has been plotting to kill him. The ex-president's campaign said that the hostile nation has made 'real and specific threats' to assassinate Trump very recently. The shocking revelations come after Trump was given a classified briefing by the Office of the Director of National Intelligence (ODNI). The 45th president later confirmed on social media that there are 'big threats on my life by Iran.' More concerning was another portion of his statement: 'Moves were already made by Iran that didnt work out, but they will try again.' And lawmakers, who are already scrambling from the two assassination attempts on Trump in Pennsylvania and Florida, are now demanding to know what the classified briefing contained and whether Iran was behind the previous attempts. Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamanei attends commemoration ceremony September 25, 2024. Former President Donald Trump was briefed by intelligence officials on Tuesday that Iran has made credible attempts on his life, and they likely will continue to do so 'I read it and I talk with him but I think people truly find that terrifying that a foreign government would actually develop a plan,' Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene, R-Ga., a close ally of the former president exclusively told DailyMail.com. 'I think that's extremely concerning. It definitely moves things to another level.' Greene also mentioned confusion surrounding the classified briefings, highlighting how its unclear if Iran had any connection to the July 13 shooting in Butler, Pennsylvania, or the September 15 attempt in West Palm Beach, Florida. 'I don't know if it was the two attempted assassinations,' the Georgia Republican said. 'Maybe there were other things that we don't know about that were stopped.' 'And I'll speak on behalf most people I know at home, they're not interested in war right now. Most people I know at home want to fix the problems in our country.' Then she gave a warning. 'We will not tolerate Iran threatening the life of former President Trump or any anyone else.' A bloodied DOnald Trump stands back up after getting shot and pumps his fist on July 13 The bullet from shooter Thomas Matthew Crooks grazed Trump's ear. There were reports that Iran could have had some connection to the attempt, though those have not been verified Rep. Jared Moskowitz, D-Fla., who sits on the House Task Force investigating the assassination attempts on Trump, told DailyMail.com the committee has requested that ODNI give them a briefing as well. 'I saw former President Trump's statement that he put on Twitter, and as a result of that statement, I believe the task force has asked for a classified briefing to receive the same information that former President Trump got.' 'We have not gotten that same briefing from ODNI,' Moskowitz confirmed. Washington Democratic Rep. Rick Larsen told DailyMail.com: 'It's horrible that the Iranians would do this, if it could be true.' He said the country should 'be ready for the U.S. to ratchet up pressure' on Iran given their brazen threats. The Chairman of the House Intelligence Committee Mike Turner, R-Ohio, told DailyMail.com he could not speak to the specifics of the briefing when pressed about it on Wednesday. But on Thursday morning he came out with a strong statement seemingly pointed directly at U.S. and Iranian leadership. Heavy weapons, including ballistic missiles, air defense systems and unmanned aerial vehicles are displayed in Tehran this week The aftermath of the Butler campaign rally after everyone had left the venue Police snipers return fire after shots were fired while Republican presidential candidate former President Donald Trump was speaking at a campaign event in Butler, Pa., July 13, 2024 'President Biden and Vice President Harris must make it clear to Iran that any attempt on President Trumps life would be an act of war,' Turner wrote on social media. The briefing and subsequent questions arising from it comes days after investigators found that Iranian 'malicious cyber actors' emailed associates of President Biden's campaign with information 'taken from stolen, non-public material from Trump's campaign' over the summer. Multiple federal agencies discerned hackers from Iran had sent emails containing stolen material from Trump's campaign to people involved in Biden's then re-election campaign last week. Officials painted the breach as being part of a broader effort by Tehran to influence the upcoming election. 'We've emboldened a number of countries, Iran, China, Russia, to interfere with our elections,' Rep. Darrell Issa, R-Calif., told DailyMail.com. 'This isn't the first or the second or the third [attempt].' He warned that the country has seen their meddling in U.S. elections work before, and going after candidates is just the newest implementation of their meddling in American affairs. Democratic presidential nominee Kamala Harris addresses the Economic Club of Pittsburgh on Wednesday. Gene J. Puskar/Associated Press Democratic presidential nominee Vice President Kamala Harris arrives to speak at a campaign event at Carnegie Mellon University in Pittsburgh on Wednesday. Jacquelyn Martin/Associated Press WASHINGTON Kamala Harris campaign is making the gamble that undecided voters care more about vision than specific policies. Experts say it could pay off. Ill be pragmatic. We shouldnt be constrained by ideology. We should seek practical solutions to problems realistic assessments of whats working and whats not, Harris said Wednesday afternoon during a speech at the Economic Club of Pittsburgh. She committed to cutting taxes for the middle class, unlocking the full potential of aspiring founders by increasing a tax deduction for startups and ensuring America is a global leader in growing sectors like blockchain and AI. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Even as Harris provided more details about her economic vision lowering costs, investing in innovation and leading in growing industries she didnt mention specific policies she would enact. Voters are trying to get a sense of who this person is what their character is like; can I live with watching this person every day for the next four years more than theyre really evaluating what our policy positions are, Mike Madrid, a California-based Republican strategist who has been an outspoken Trump critic, told the Chronicle. Its very, very, very rare that people are actually doing that especially amongst undecided voters. Undecided voters want to learn more about Harris priorities and values than they do specific policy proposals, a senior campaign official who was granted anonymity in order to speak about internal research told the Chronicle. Her campaign believes the Pittsburgh speech will help her economic appeal, the official said. Recent polling shows Harris is closing the gap with who voters feel would best handle the economy, a trend her campaign is eager to continue. Five recent polls show Trump still has a lead, but it has narrowed from a 12 percentage point advantage against President Joe Biden earlier this year to a four- to seven-point advantage now. Its already crystal clear what she stands for and who she fights for and thats what people really care about. Undecided voters arent pouring over policy plans, theyre deciding who understands what theyre going through and who will fight for them, California political strategist Dan Newman told the Chronicle. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Even without the specifics, some members of Congress are already preparing to take up the work of turning Harris vision into legislation. Senate Democrats, led by Oregons Ron Wyden, are working on a legislative package, including a $6,000 child tax credit and eliminating taxes on tips, Semafor reported Wednesday. While the political right and left, and even some journalists, have expressed frustration at the lack of specific agenda items for a Harris presidency, recent evidence suggests detailed policy plans dont get someone elected. Both former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton and Massachusetts Sen. Elizabeth Warren had detailed policy agendas when they ran for president, but Warren didnt make it past the primaries and Clinton was ultimately unsuccessful. Its about time that a Democrat learned how communication with voters actually works, Gil Duran, who briefly served as Harris spokesperson when she was attorney general and has become a go-to source for Harris insight and criticism, told the Chronicle. Democrats traditionally think that lists of policies is whats going to convince voters, whereas the Republicans tend to speak in broad terms about things like freedom and liberty, and be a little more vague on the specifics of policies, Duran said. The laundry list trap is dangerous because voters actually base their choices on things like moral values, authenticity, trust (and) identity. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Clinton, the Democratic nominee in 2016, told the On with Kara Swisher podcast that she put out more policies than I think anybody ever has and I talked about the economy every day, but literally after the election, I was told that I never talked about the economy. Campaign policy is really about showing you can govern with your values in a way that can improve peoples lives. Harris doesnt have concepts of a plan; she actually has plans, Alencia Johnson, who worked on Warrens 2020 presidential campaign and was a senior adviser to the 2020 Biden-Harris campaign, told the Chronicle. Trump said he has concepts of a plan to replace the Affordable Care Act during the last presidential debate. The Warren campaign learned so long as youre talking about your policy positions and your plans in a way that voters understand, they engage, Johnson said. Harris 2024 campaign may also be learning from her failed 2020 campaign, which one former adviser called a poll-tested disaster, and even a recent rollout. Harris proposal to ban price gouging in grocery and food industries, part of her first policy rollout in August, was roundly criticized. Republicans claimed it would be instituting price controls, and Democrats were reluctant to defend it. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Harris campaign is betting that an unpainted canvas is net positive for them if her favorables are high, especially against Donald Trump, Madrid said. Thats not a bad bet, but there is (a) huge downside risk, Madrid said. Without providing specific policies, Harris background being a Black woman from San Francisco and Oakland could lead voters to fill in certain negative imagery, Madrid said, which is why the campaign has focused on her prosecutorial background. While most strategists think it is the right move for her campaign, at least one said the risks are high. Its hard to beat something with nothing, Rich Thau, moderator of a monthly focus group of swing voters held by his firm Engagious and Axios, told the Chronicle. When youre comparing nostalgia for how good the economy was four years ago versus the unknown of Harris agenda, that can be a tough battle, he said. Former President Donald Trumps campaign has also lacked policy details, and when pressed for specifics he often has given unintelligible replies that dont shed any light on his plans. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Asking why Harris doesnt have more specific policies is an unfair question, Johnson said. Sometimes it comes from a place of bias because shes a woman candidate shes a woman of color and I dont hear these same questions towards our male candidates. While strategists appear to agree that offering few specifics makes sense for Harris, it has provided fodder for Trump. During their sole debate showdown this month, the two frequently traded barbs about who had fewer plans to offer the public. A grief-stricken grandfather has accused Bay Area social workers of knowingly sending his 6-year-old grandson to live in a home with drug addicts where he was killed. Morian Walker Sr. had told social workers that the two-bedroom apartment his grandson Jordan Walker was sent to live was filled with people who had criminal backgrounds, including a convicted rapist, The Mercury News reported. Walker said that these warnings were overlooked before the fatal stabbing of Jordan by his uncle, Nathan Addison, on August 4, 2023. Walker told The Mercury News: 'I talked to several people at Child Protective Services, to social workers. I asked them to do criminal background histories on everyone that's living there. 'I asked them to check the police reports, to see the police blotter at that location. It all fell on deaf ears.' Now the grandfather is suing the California institutions he claims are responsible for his grandson's death. The Santa Clara County child welfare agency, Washington Elementary School in San Jose, the city of San Jose and the San Jose Police Department have all been listed as defendants in the lawsuit filed on September 13, according to court documents. Jordan (middle) with his grandfather (left) and Moe Walker (right), who described the boy as her nephew Jordan's uncle, Nathan Addison, was charged with the boy's murder The lawsuit details the turbulent and tragically short life of Jordan. The boy was originally under the care of his mother, Danielle Walker Marshman, but her continued neglect and drug problems led to Jordan's removal from her custody. After the county's Department of Family and Children's Services received reports of adults in the household selling fentanyl and leaving drug paraphernalia where Jordan could potentially access it, social workers came to the house in August 2022. When Marshman refused a drug test and social workers didn't see drugs in the house, the case was closed, the Mercury News reported. Social workers would return two months later after reports that Marshman and Jordan's stepfather were smoking fentanyl and the boy was left to find his own food. When they didn't hear back from the mother, the case was once again closed. Jordan would finally be removed from the home in February 2023 after he arrived at Washington Elementary with a bag of methamphetamines and told the teacher his mother had given it to him. Walker's lawsuit says that the school sent Jordan home with his mother that day and had previously failed to report her neglect of the child. Jordan's grandfather is suing the California institutions he claims are responsible for his grandson's death Jordan with Moe Walker, who described the boy as her nephew Washington Elementary didn't immediately respond to DailyMail.com. The 6-year-old was sent to live with his great-grandmother, Delphina Turner, 71, whose home was 'revolving door of different drug users and homeless people,' the lawsuit said. A convicted rapist, a felon who spent 20 years in prison, two drugs addicts and Jordan's uncle, Addison, who struggled with drugs and mental-health issues, all at one point lived in the home. Walker said he was upset by the decision and told social workers that he had a stable home for Jordan to live in. On August 4, police found the bodies of Jordan and his great-grandmother after being called to perform a welfare check. Both had been stabbed, and Addison was charged with their murders, The Mercury News reported. The 6-year-old was sent to live with his great-grandmother Delphina Turner, 71, but this was also an unstable household and some relatives who lived there were allegedly a convicted rapist, a felon who spent 20 years in prison, two drugs addicts and Jordan's uncle Nathan Addison The lawsuit says that the warning signs for social workers were apparent. In one instance, a social worker flagged that while Jordan was staying at his great-grandmother's 'the generational history of substance use, mental health, and criminal history indicate a risk for the family environment the child is exposed to,' the Mercury News reported. A social worker also allegedly told the family that 'social workers knew there were dangerous people going in and out of Ms. Turner's house, including Nathan Addison'. Walker told The Mercury News that he won't stop fighting for justice. 'I love him and I miss him. And with every day that goes by, I won't stop fighting for justice for Jordan and bringing to light the travesty that Santa Clara County Family and Children's Services and everybody involved have let Jordan down.' 'The murder of this child and his great-grandmother is a heartbreaking and shocking tragedy,' The Santa Clara Department of Family and Children's Services told DailyMail.com, adding that it has not been served the lawsuit yet but that it generally does not comment on pending litigation. Commuters in New York City were forced to abandon a subway car and walk along train tracks in the dark before clambering through an emergency exit. The incident unfolded on Tuesday, with those aboard the Brooklyn-bound L train having to exit between Knickerbocker Avenue and Myrtle-Wyckoff. Footage has since emerged on TikTok showing those onboard on the train being informed by a fire fighter that they would need to walk down the Brooklyn train tracks. A line of those who had been onboard can be seen shuffling along the dark tunnel guided by several fire fighters. Another clip then shows people exiting the underground network via an emergency exit in the Bushwick neighborhood, again aided by fire fighters. A line of those who had been onboard the train can be seen shuffling along the dark tunnel guided by several fire fighters Another clip then shows people exiting the underground network via an emergency exit in the Bushwick neighborhood, again aided by fire fighters TikTok user Nicole Barley who shared the footage of the train exit posted another video explaining what had happened. She said: 'We were stuck in that train for over an hour. They cut the power to the whole station so there was no AC in the train. 'People were holding the doors open because there was no ventilation getting in. We were waiting for the fire department the whole time. 'People just started hopping off the train and started walking into the subway tunnels, like into the void, to try and get out. Barley said that eventually the fire department arrived and filed them off the train and back down the tunnel to DeKalb station. Officials have yet to confirm to DailyMail.com the exact reason for the outage, but the L train service was dramatically cut on Tuesday after a person was struck by a train. According to the NYCT X account, there was no L service between Myrtle-Wyckoff Avenue and Lorimer St just after 5pm. The account said: 'No L service between Myrtle-Wyckoff Avenue and Lorimer St. L trains are delayed in both directions while emergency teams assist someone who was struck by a train at DeKalb Av.' Just under two hours later, the train service resumed according to the social media page. According to the NYCT X account, there was no L service between Myrtle-Wyckoff Avenue and Lorimer St just after 5pm It comes after four people were shot, including an NYPD officer, after a man with a knife was confronted by officers at the Sutter Avenue station. The encounter between officers and the suspect, who has since been identified as 37-year-old Derrell Mickles, ended with two bystanders being injured. Mickles was arraigned and pleaded not guilty to the charges held against him, which included attempted aggravated assault upon an officer and theft. Police leaders and Mayor Eric Adams have said the shooting was justified under the NYPD's department rules due to Mickles having a weapon. Critics however have accused the officers involved in the incident with overreacting. DailyMail.com has approached the MTA and the FDNY for comment concerning the incident on Tuesday. Archaeologists researching a church in northern Poland have discovered a 'vampire tomb' buried underneath the floor in what they say is a first-of-its-kind discovery. The skeletal remains of a man dating from the 17th century were found in the Church of the Annunciation of the Blessed Virgin Mary in the small village of Paczewo after archaeologists discovered a stone slab decorated with an engraving of a skull. Buried around six-feet below the slab, they found three skeletons, one of which had a sickle around its neck, a medieval practice which - it was believed - was designed to stop vampires returning from the dead. Anthropologist Justyna Kargus said the skeleton's skull showed signs that the man who is thought to have been around 50 years old when he died had suffered from some form of trauma before his death. She said: 'His skull had numerous injuries indicating that he probably had many deep scars on his face. A grave containing a 'vampire' with a sickle around its neck to stop it 'returning from the dead' is found under stone with skull engraving at Polish church by archaeologists The skeletal remains of a man dating from the 17th century were found in the Church of the Annunciation of the Blessed Virgin Mary in the small village of Paczewo Putting a sickle around a dead person's neck was a medieval practice used to stop people believed to be vampires from returning from the dead 'During one of the blows he also lost some of his teeth. He would've looked different to average people and that can be scary. She added that the discovery of a vampire burial in a church is especially rare, saying 'no one expects to find a vampire in a church. 'This is the first known case of an anti-vampire burial in a church.' 'People suspected of being vampires were normally buried away from local communities or in cemeteries. 'Inside the church, clergy, benefactors of the church, dignified and particularly deserving people were buried. 'Perhaps it was someone of merit in the local community, and something caused them to be afraid of him.' Records of myths about the dead date back as far as the 11th century in Central and Eastern Europe. People feared that some who were buried would claw their way back up to the surface as blood-sucking monsters and terrorise the living. It is not uncommon in the region to find burial sites where a metal rod - or a stake - have been hammered through the skull of the deceased. People at the time believed this was one way to ensure the person stayed dead. Three skeletons were found in the church in the town of Paczewo People feared that some who were buried would claw their way back up to the surface as blood-sucking monsters and terrorise the living In some parts of the continent - particularly among Slavic people - belief in the legends of vampires became so widespread that it caused mass hysteria In some parts of the continent - particularly among Slavic people - belief in the legends of vampires became so widespread that it caused mass hysteria, and even led to executions of people thought to be vampires. People who died in untimely ways - such as through suicide - would also often have been suspected of vampirism, and their bodies would have been mutilated to prevent them from rising from the dead. Various procedures were used to prevent them returning from the dead. Some placed sickle around the neck, others saw the corpse tied up, padlocks placed on the body, coins placed over the eyes, the body wrapped in fishing nets or the bodies crushed with stones or bricks. The most recent discovery is the latest in a number of vampire findings in Poland. Earlier this month, the decapitated remains of a 'vampire child' buried face-down was discovered over 370 miles away in the southeast of the country. In 2023 a mass grave containing over 400 decapitated suspect vampires with their skulls placed between their legs and a coin in their mouths was uncovered in Poland's northeast during roadworks. The skeletal remains of another 'vampire child' were found later that year lying face down with a triangular padlock attached to its foot in the village of Pien where archaeologists previously found the remains of a 'female vampire' pinned to the ground by a sickle across her throat and a padlocked toe. This video is no longer available This video is no longer available Former New York City mayor Bill de Blasio is making a splash with his new hairstyle as he went on TV to discuss Eric Adams' corruption indictment. De Blasio appeared on CNN to talk about his successor Adams, who was charged with five crimes in a federal corruption probe on Wednesday. The Democrat, who served as mayor from 2014 to 2021, said Adam deserves the presumption of innocence before he is convicted. But it was his dark hair that caught the attention of viewers, who took to social media to mock what they have called a 'bad dye job.' One X user said: 'Bill de Blasio on CNN right now with an absolutely terrible hair dye job.' Former New York City mayor Bill de Blasio is making a splash with his new hairstyle as he makes the TV rounds to discuss Eric Adams ' indictment De Blasio's hair looked much whiter in 2020 Another added: 'WHO told Bill de Blasio to put that rinse job in his hair ?!' A third added: 'de Blasio needs to lighten up on the Just For Men hair dye.' De Blasio had his own legal issues from his time in office; last year he was ordered to pay pay $475,000 by a city ethics board that found he misused public funds on a police security detail during his failed presidential bid. He had faced previous allegations of misusing his security detail. Months before he left office in 2021, a report by the citys Department of Investigation found he treated the officers as a 'concierge service,' using them to move his daughter into an apartment and shuttle his son to college. 'I went through an experience with a Southern District where I saw a lot of things that did not come true despite allegations, I do think we have to be really careful here,' de Blasio said on CNN. 'We havent seen anything specific. We dont know what this is yet. We havent heard a defense so Im feeling very, you know, two different feelings at this moment.' The Democrat first showed off his brunette style in October 2022, and told The New York Times that he 'never anticipated ever doing anything with hair color.' He said his auburn shade is a little darker than he wanted, but added: 'I like feeling what I feel.' On Thursday FBI agents entered the official residence of Mayor Adams and seized his phone, hours before an indictment detailing criminal charges against the Democrat was expected to be made public. Adams was indicted by a grand jury on federal criminal charges of corruption and bribery among others. The UA attorneys office in Manhattan has declined to comment on the investigation, though it said it would announce 'significant public corruption charges' at an 11.30am news conference. In a video speech released Wednesday night, Adams vowed to fight any charges against him, claiming he had been made a 'target' in a case 'based on lies.' 'I will fight these injustices with every ounce of my strength and my spirit,' he said. It was not immediately clear what laws Adams is accused of breaking or when he might have to appear in court. de Blasio was spotted with noticeably darker hair at Bite NYC in Soho, New York City, NY, USA on September 27, 2023 Adams was indicted by a grand jury on federal criminal charges of corruption and bribery among others The indictment caps off an extraordinary few weeks in New York City, as federal investigators have homed in on members of Adams inner circle, producing a drum-beat of raids, subpoenas and high-level resignations. Federal prosecutors are believed to be leading multiple, separate inquiries involving Adams and his senior aides, relatives of those aides, campaign fundraising and possible influence peddling of the police and fire departments. In the last two weeks alone, the citys police commissioner and head of the schools system have announced their resignations. FBI agents had seized Adams electronic devices nearly a year ago as part of an investigation focused, at least partly, on campaign contributions and Adams interactions with the Turkish government. Because the charges were sealed, it was unknown whether they dealt with those same matters. In early September, federal investigators seized devices from his police commissioner, schools chancellor, two deputy mayors and other trusted confidants both in and out of City Hall. All have denied wrongdoing. A driver has been left furious after an innocent error left him with a 100 fine for parking in a free-to-use car parking space. Andy Hall was issued a Penalty Charge Notice (PCN) by Ayrshire Roads Alliance (ARA) just 20 minutes after parking outside a TK Maxx in Ayr, Scotland. Despite inputting his registration number to validate the two-hour free parking window, Mr Hall was informed by a parking warden that he had accidentally pressed the number 0 instead of the letter O when typing out his number plate. Although he has appealed to ARA, Mr Hall may still have to fork out for his mistake - with his initial appeal falling on deaf ears. It comes after a motorist was hit with an eye-watering 11,000 in fines from the same car park after falling foul of a bizarre five-minute rule. Andy Hall pictured with his ticket which featured a slight typo as he put the number 0 instead of the letter O when typing out his number plate Despite appealing to ARA, Mr Hall may still have to fork out for his mistake Mr Hall said: 'I turned up, went to the ticket machine and put in my registration. The machine then spat out a ticket for the free term which fell on the ground and was blowing about. 'I picked it up, crossed to TK Maxx and I was in there for approximately 25 minutes. I returned to my car and there was a big, yellow parking fine ticket on my windscreen. 'I thought: "What the hell?" I looked at the ticket and thought there was nothing wrong with that. I was going up the Sandgate to meet my son and I came across the traffic wardens. 'I approached them and I said: "Hi guys, I've got this parking ticket but 20 minutes earlier I actually got a ticket". 'The guy was like, "Let me see. I can see what you've done there, you've put in a 0 instead of an O." 'I hadn't noticed that but he still said it was 100 or 50 if paid in 14 days. Surely, when you look at that, that's been a simple mistake. A wee bit of common sense. 'I thought they had been a wee bit overzealous. They said it was my mistake, 'you could put mickey mouse in' was his exact words. 'They said I could phone the number on the ticket and appeal so I did that but the appeal was instantly turned down. Mr Hall was issued a Penalty Charge Notice (PCN) by Ayrshire Roads Alliance (ARA) just 20 minutes after parking outside TK Maxx in Ayr, Scotland (stock image) 'I don't stay in Ayr, I stay in Troon and it was my first time using the machines. They are quite awkward to use. I've pressed 0 by mistake and it's cost me 50. 'I'm really annoyed about this because I did get a ticket. You get free parking for up to two hours. 'I did make the effort to get the ticket and I thought I was doing the right thing but I shouldn't have bothered my backside.' Mr Hall has since received a Notice of Rejection of Appeal from Ayrshire Roads Alliance which stated: 'I can confirm as the vehicle was inspected with no valid parking session the PCN was correctly issued and may not be cancelled. 'The points raised in the appeal have been carefully considered and grounds for cancellation of the PCN have not been established. It is incumbent upon the registered owner/keeper/hirer of the vehicle to ensure it is parked in compliance with any underlying parking restriction.' A spokesperson for ARA said they were unable to comment on the issue as the case was still live. The convicted paedophile is said to have 'confided' in cellmate Laurentiu Codin Chief Madeleine McCann suspect Christian Brueckner asked a chilling question as he 'confided' in his former cellmate about his attacks on children, it was claimed in court yesterday. The 47-year-old paedophile is said to have confessed to fellow inmate Laurentiu Codin that he took a child from an apartment while living in Portugal. Raising the prospect that he might have buried one of his victims, Codin then claimed that the convicted rapist asked him whether 'the DNA from a child can be taken from bones under the ground.' Codin, who was behind bars with Brueckner in 2020, said the depraved criminal had asked whether such DNA could be used as evidence. 'I answered yes,' he is reported to have said. It comes four years after German investigators sensationally named Brueckner as the key suspect in the abduction of the British three-year-old Maddie from her family's Praia da Luz holiday apartment in May 2007. Brueckner denies any involvement. Christian Brueckner (C) is brought to the courtroom for a session of his trial at court in Braunschweig, northern Germany, on September 25, 2024 German investigators sensationally named Brueckner as the key suspect in the abduction of the British three-year-old Speaking in front of Braunschweig Regional Court on Wednesday, where Brueckner is standing trial for unrelated sex crimes, Codin told a story which bore striking similarities to the night Maddie disappeared. 'He told me that in Portugal, that he had stolen there. He was in a region where there are hotels and rich people live,' Codin said. 'He said there was somewhere with an open window, he told me this. He was looking for money. 'He said he didn't find any money but found a kid and took the child. He said that two hours later, there were police and dogs all over the place, so he then went away, out of the area. 'I am just saying what he told me. He told me that a person was with him, who he had had an argument with, allegedly it was his woman. 'He said he took the child in Portugal in his car, and in the time when the police and dogs were at the house, he drove away and he was gone. In more disturbing testimony, Codin, 50, said Brueckner had told him how he had used a van to have sex with young girls near Hanover. 'There was talk of a girl, I don't know if what he said was true or not. He said that he had a bus and that he had taken her with it. He said he kept some of them, but not others, but he never said that he had killed them. 'We're talking about girls, not boys. Not all at once, always one at a time. He told me about two. He said that he had taken someone, had sex with her but he didn't kill her.' Pictured: The holiday complex where the McCanns were staying in Portugal's Algarve region in May 2007, when their three-year-old daughter vanished without a trace Madeleine McCann (pictured) went missing on May 3, 2007 at the age of just three. She has never been found. German criminal Christian Brueckner has been named by German prosecutors as their chief suspect in her disappearance Kate and Gerry McCann pose with a computer generated image of how their missing daughter Madeleine might look now, during a news conference in 2012 A house near Praia da Luz resort and Lagos in the Algarve, Portugal, that was used by Christian Brueckner, a German man suspected in the disappearance of British girl Madeleine McCann Asked by the judge how old his victim was, Codin said: 'I don't want to get it wrong, but it was very young, tiny. I mean young. 'Each time when we were together he spoke about it because he was convinced that I was a paedophile.' Brueckner is serving a seven-year jail term for the 2005 rape of American pensioner Diana Menkes, 72, in the Algarve. He is standing trial at Braunschweig district court for unconnected sex crimes allegedly carried out in the Algarve between 2000 and 2017. The offences Brueckner is on trial for include the alleged rape of Irish tour rep Hazel Behan, now 40, in her Praia da Rocha apartment in 2004. The former tour guide, who waived her anonymity and has spoken publicly about her experience, broke down in tears as she told the trial that Brueckner had raped her at knifepoint. He has also been charged with the alleged rape of a teenage girl in his home in the same city and raping an elderly woman in her holiday apartment. Brueckner is also accused of exposing himself to a German girl on a beach in Salema in April 2007 and to an 11-year-old girl in 2017. His current sentence ends early next year, and if he is not found guilty in the ongoing trial, he could be freed from jail. The trial is due to end in December. Hazel Behan (pictured) has publicly spoken about the alleged attack in TV interviews Speaking outside court, Brueckner's defence team strongly refuted Codin's allegations. 'All of these claims are completely new. All of them. He has never said anything like this before, and they all contradict each other,' lawyer Philipp Marquart told reporters. Brueckner is said to have watched intently as as a video was shown to the court showing the apartment where Maddie disappeared in 2007. The footage went on to show her parents, Gerry and Kate McCann, as they described the horror when they realised she was no longer in her bed. The couple had left Maddie and her two siblings sleeping in their apartment while they dined at a nearby tapas bar in the Ocean Beach complex. Christian Brueckner was named chief suspect in Madeleine's disappearance in 2020 Kate returned to the apartment at around 10pm to check on the kids, and made the horrifying discovery that her daughter was missing. Brueckner was sensationally named by German police as the prime suspect in the Madeleine's abduction. The revelation came in June 2020 - more than a decade after her disappearance. But he has never been charged in the case, and has long denied any involvement. A hippo which threw a father around 'like a rag doll' killed a fisherman two weeks earlier. Roland Cherry and his wife Shirley were on a river safari in Zambia when the animal rammed their canoe. Mr Cherry, was tossed into the air and crashed into the water with a dislocated shoulder. Shirley managed to swim to the riverbank while her injured husband, 63, was stranded in the water at the mercy of the 1.4 tonne monster. Moments later Roland was dragged to the bottom of the river by the enormous beast. Roland Cherry, pictured, was tossed into the air and crashed into the water with a dislocated shoulder He scrambled to safety and was rushed to a nearby hospital where he was treated for his injuries Roland Cherry from Tysoe in Warwickshire being treated after he survived a Hippo attack He managed to scramble to shallow water but was grabbed again by the hippo which tossed him into the air for a second time. He scrambled to safety and was rushed to a nearby hospital where he was treated for his injuries. The couple were attacked by a female hippo which turned aggressive while it protected its young calf which was nearby. It has now emerged the same hippo attacked a fishing boat which left one man dead and another injured two weeks before Roland was mauled on June 25. Roland, who is recovering at home in Tysoe, Warks., said: 'There was a briefing where they said in the unlikely event that we are attacked by a hippo they'll attack the biggest object, which is the canoe. 'But there was an attack by the same hippo just two weeks before. 'This hippo had attacked locals in a fishing boat. 'One of them was badly wounded while his colleague was flung out and eaten by a crocodile. But we weren't told about that. 'We've done a lot of kayaking in England and Wales, but we were never aware of the mortal danger we were in. 'We thought the guides would keep us safe. Had we known we wouldn't have set foot in the canoe.' Roland is raising 20,000 for Mtendere Mission Hospital which treated him after the attack Roland Cherry and his wife Shirley on holiday at the Victoria Falls prior to the Hippo attack Roland Cherry and his wife Shirley on holiday in Botswana prior to the Hippo attack Roland is raising 20,000 for Mtendere Mission Hospital which treated him and says he has no plans to take legal action against the tour operators. He said: 'The legal route is not one which we intend to go down. For me, life is too short. 'What I really want to do now is to give something back to the hospital which treated me. 'We are trying to raised 20,000 and we have already raised more than 16,000 which is just incredible. 'I am determined that something positive comes out of what was a challenging incident.' After being treated at the hospital in Chirundu, Roland was flown 900 miles a hospital in Johannesburg in South Africa. He spent two weeks being treated for his injuries before flying back to the UK. Roland still has deep scarring from the 10in (25cm) bite to his stomach as well as injuries to his thigh and shoulder. Despite his ordeal, Roland says people should not be put off touring Africa. He joked: 'I don't want anyone to be put off by Africa, because it is a wonderful place, but go in a bigger boat.' Figures show up to 3,000 people are killed by hippos every year. A glamorous beautician and TV star dubbed the 'Lip King' admitted today he had been arrested after a mother-of-five died shortly after having a non-surgical Brazilian Butt Lift procedure. When Jordan James Parke was asked to comment on the death of 33-year-old Alice Webb when approached by MailOnline, he said: 'I can't talk to anybody. I was arrested but I've been released.' Police later arrived at the house with an officer seen speaking to Parke as he climbed into his Mercedes 4x4 which was parked outside the property. Ms Webb died on Monday, just hours after having the procedure which is thought to have involved the injection of chemical fillers. She had travelled from her home in Wotton-under-Edge to a clinic in Gloucester on Monday. Later that evening, Alice was rushed to hospital but died in the early hours of Tuesday morning. It is the first time a person has died in the UK from the procedure and comes after campaign group Save Face called for tighter controls in the cosmetic market warning that 'people could die'. Jordan James Parke, 32, did not comment on the death of 33-year-old Alice Webb when approached by MailOnline Parke, the 'Lip King', is pictured climbing into his Mercedes 4x4 which was parked outside a property he came out of The 'Lip King' was seen getting into the large 4x4 which has a personalised number plate Alice Webb, 33, died on Monday, just hours after having the procedure which is thought to have involved the injection of chemical fillers It comes after Alice's 'second mother', Diana Webb, 58, revealed that she had warned her younger cousin about the procedure just hours before. An emotional Diana, who helped raise Alice, told The Sun: 'We had talked about it a lot before she went to have the procedure. 'She had told me she was going to have this done and I said she didn't need it - she already looked beautiful. And she was stunning on her own.' Diana also told The Sun how she had been on the phone to Alice for two hours beforehand, even saying how she felt at ease because everything seemed 'professional'. It's understood Alice worked in the industry and was attending a training session where she would learn how to perform the procedure before having her own done. 'She took every course she could take, including this one, because she wanted to make sure she got everything right,' Diana said. MailOnline revealed earlier that Alice was treated at The Studio 23 clinic in Gloucester, which is run by beautician Jemma Pawlyszyn and Parke, who is dubbed the 'British Lip King'. Parke, who describes himself on social media as 'The Plastic Surgery Advocate', is not a qualified surgeon and provides treatment from a clinic in Gloucester. The Kim Kardashian fanatic appeared on US reality TV series Botched in 2015, but he was turned away when he returned to the show in 2019 as doctors revealed a fourth nose job would have involved taking a piece of his rib to widen his nostrils. Her 'second mother', Diana Webb, has revealed how she told her younger cousin that she did not need the procedure. The procedure was carried out at The Studio 23 clinic in Gloucester, which is run by Jordan James Parke Jordan James Parke works alongside his assistant Jemma Pawlyszyn (pictured) Pictured is Studio 23, which is just a few miles from where Alice's home is in Wotton-under-Edge The Studio 23 sign could be seen at the property when MailOnline visited it in Gloucester today Parke, who has had major work done on his face, now has a private Instagram profile but it also links to another page called The Lip King Aesthetics. He also works in Manchester, Bristol and the West Midlands. Alice is understood to have had the procedure in Gloucester, which is just a few miles from her home in Wotton-under-Edge. The treatment is designed to make buttocks bigger, more rounded or lifted and sees fat or dermal filler injected into the buttocks to change size or shape. While non-surgical BBLs are not illegal in the UK, last year Wolverhampton City Council barred a company from carrying out the procedure after identifying risks associated with their processes, including blood clots, sepsis, and the potential for the death of body tissues. Parke is a Kim Kardashian fan who has spent more than 130,000 on cosmetic surgery and has appeared on TV to discuss his obsession on This Morning and Channel 4 Bodyshockers. He has had at least four nose jobs and 50 other procedures and once said: 'Plastic surgery is like sex. You can't have it once. You have to have it over and over.' Parke is a Kim Kardashian fan who has spent more than 130,000 on cosmetic surgery Parke has also appeared on TV to discuss his obsession on This Morning and Ch4 Bodyshockers Jemma Pawlyszyn works at The Studio 23 in Gloucester When he set up his business in 2017, he revealed that he would specialise in lip and cheek fillers and enhancements, as well as chemical peels and vampire facials one of Kim's favourite procedures. Yesterday evening, Alice's partner Dane Knight asked people not to speculate on the circumstances surrounding her death and to be mindful around her five daughters, who are 'extremely vulnerable' at this time. In an emotional post on Facebook he wrote: 'Want to say a heart felt thank you to all family and friends that were here for us at our time of need, including all of the kind messages sent to my children and myself. 'There was some very beautiful messages sent by some of your children that formed a start of a smile from the corner of my kids mouth. 'I feel this is important saying this as I will not accept speculations from adults being accidentally being eaves dropped by children and unnecessary questions raised to the 5 girls, so be extremely careful on what you say and who's around! My children are extremely vulnerable!' Dane Knight (left) has been left devastated by the death of his partner Alice Webb (right) who died after a Brazilian Bum Lift procedure in the UK Alice (pictured) was an advanced aesthetic practitioner at Crystal Clear in Wotton-under-Edge and is thought to have had the procedure in the West Country Alice Webb (pictured), 33, died on Monday just hours after having the procedure Alice was an advanced aesthetic practitioner at Crystal Clear in Wotton-under-Edge, a market town in Gloucestershire. A GoFundMe page set up by her pal Abigail Irwin revealed the tragedy. It said: 'I am hoping to raise as many funds as we can to support Dane, the partner of Alice and their five beautiful children at this very difficult sad time. 'Alice passed away Monday evening after having the BBL treatment.' 'Alice joined the beauty & Aesthetics industry two years ago and she has been smashing it, doing amazing. 'She cared about her clients, she would always check in to see if they were OK, Alice was a beautiful person inside and out and I feel very lucky to have known her and to have spent time with her in our salon. 'Alice would ask for advice all the time and ask to check if there was anything more she could do to improve her skills but she was just a pure natural and never needed my help but always wanting to be the best at her job and that she was. Alice was just 33 when she passed away following the bum lift procedure in the UK A GoFundMe page set up for Alice, where tributes have been shared to the much-loved mother-of-five 'Alice has passed away at a young age of 33. Alice was beautiful inside and out with the biggest heart, her family was her world she is leaving behind her partner Dane & 5 beautiful children. 'Delsie 15, Preete 13, Gracie 12, Nylie 10, Clarie 7 as you can imagine this is a very difficult heart breaking time for them all so if we can all help donate or share to help take of some financial stress it would be really appreciated by the family.' The night before Alice's sudden death, she posted a photo on Facebook of a small pumpkin, which she said was a 'present' from her daughter. She added: 'How cute.' In the comments, she shared a second photo of the pumpkin, having been carved with a candle inside, and wrote: 'My little lamp.' Gloucestershire Police has confirmed it has made arrests and is investigating the death. On Wednesday despite being asked repeatedly for comment Gloucestershire Police refused to give any further details. In a country estimated to have around 124,000 lakes, America is home to the third oldest lake in the world - Lake Tahoe. And by default, the 191-square-mile body of water takes the cake for North America's oldest freshwater permanent lake. Lake Tahoe is at least 2.3 million years old, according to Winnie Kortemeier, a professor of geosciences who spoke about the ancient body of water to the Las Vegas Sun. Professor at Western Nevada College in Carson City, Kortemeier has been researching Lake Tahoe for nearly two decades. Lake Tahoe, which straddles on the border of California and Nevada, was revealed as the oldest lake in North America - placing it at 2.3 million years old, at least Winnie Kortemeier, a professor of geosciences at Western Nevada College in Carson City, Nevada, made the discovery after extensively researching Tahoe since 2005 And as recently as Monday, she presented her creation of a planetwide timeline - which used years of research and scientific data from other published research papers to compare Tahoe with other ancient lakes. That's when she shared her findings. 'It's just really hard to date a lake,' she told Las Vegas Sun. 'But in Tahoe, it's very clear what the age of the lake is. It has to be older than 2.3 million years.' She began her research of Lake Tahoe by studying volcanic rocks in the Tahoe City area. Figuring out the age of lakes is by no means a straightforward process, but she noted that Lake Tahoe is fortunate that the lava flow interacted with water - allowing the rocks to be dated. In rhw last 17 million years, Nevada has been stretched twice as wide as it started - and the lake is the first basin in this formation - with the Sierra Nevada running down its western side and the Carson range along its eastern shoreline Tahoe was created by faults - which is an uncommon phenomenon and distinct from other lakes that were created by glaciers Skylandia Beach, Commons Beach, the cliffs above the town and all the way down to Eagle Rock on the west shore are some of the spots where she collected the volcanic rocks. She had first made the discovery in 2012 after she sent five rock samples to the U.S. Geological Survey geochronology laboratory for radiometric dating. From there, she discovered that lava flows occurred in the Tahoe Basin at three separate points in time - 2.3 million years ago, 2 million years ago and 920,000 years ago. When the lava erupted, it interacted with lake water and sediments in the lake - further evidence pointing to the fact that Lake Tahoe existed at the time of the lava flows. A common misconception is that Clear Lake is considered to be the oldest lake in North America, but Kortemeier's findings dethrone that claim. Not only is Lake Tahoe the oldest lake in America, but it is placed at the third oldest lake on Earth Lake Tahoe also sits as the second deepest lake in America at its deepest point - which is 1,645 feet down Her research on continuous lake sediments found at Clear Lake puts it at 480,000 years old - significantly younger than Lake Tahoe. But she was still surprised when her research revealed Lake Tahoe as the third oldest lake on Earth. 'It's number three in the whole world, because it's really rare to have a lake form this way,' she added. She placed Lake Baikal, a lake in Siberia, as the world's oldest lake to exist - coming in at roughly 5 million to 10.3 million years old. The second oldest lake in the world, coming in just before Tahoe, is Lake Tanganyika in East Africa - estimated to be between 8 million and 10 million years old. The research for both of these lakes came from their continuous sedimentary sequence - which refers to the layers in the rock. Kortemeier placed Lake Baikal, a lake in Siberia, as the world's oldest lake to exist - coming in at roughly 5 million to 10.3 million years old Similar to Tahoe, Lake Baikal was also formed by faults All three of the lakes - Baikal, Tanganyika and Tahoe, were created by faults, Kortemeier added, which is an uncommon phenomenon and distinct from other lakes that were created by glaciers. Baikal, Tanganyika and Tahoe are all fault line lakes that carry similar characteristics to each other - long and skinny. Lake Tahoe itself is 22 miles long and 12 miles wide. Tahoe's deepest area is 1,645 feet deep - making it the second deepest lake in America, next to Oregon's Crater Lake, according to Keep Tahoe Blue. 'The oldest lakes on the Earth are usually in an active fault basin, where the basin is still being actively faulted and formed,' Kortemeier added. 'So even if you put sediment in it all the time, the bottom is still being dropped down... and so the basins continue to deepen through time. And that's why you get these ancient, ancient lakes, these really old lakes.' The Tahoe Basin also has several fault lines that run underneath it, contributing to the reason why the west side of the lake is deeper than the east side. Overtime, it essentially was pulled apart by the Earth's movement. 'Nevada, in the last 17 million years, has been stretched twice as wide as it started out,' Kortemeier said. 'As that happens, the basins get dropped down. As you stretch the area wider and wider, the basins drop down along faults, and then you're thinning the crust and the mountains get raised due to the whole Great Basin.' Kortemeier's research places Lake Tanganyika in East Africa as the second oldest lake in the world - estimated to be between 8 million and 10 million years old. Just like Baikal and Tahoe, Lake Tanganyika was formed by faults which were studied using their continuous sedimentary sequence - which refers to the layers in the rock. And because Tahoe has seen volcanic activity within the past million years, it is considered dormant, not extinct or dead. Tahoe is also one of the most pure bodies of water in the world with 99.994 percent of the water pure, according to The Landing Tahoe. And as the second deepest lake in America, the amount of water in the lake is enough to supply each person in the U.S. with 50 gallons of water per day for five years. If you could take all the water out of Tahoe and pour it into an area that mirrors the size of California, the water would still be 14 inches deep. Roughly eight million people live less than a half-day's drive from the Tahoe basin, Keep Tahoe Blue reported. Consisting of 12 ski resorts and beautiful views that have been featured as locations for popular films throughout the years, Lake Tahoe is a landmark in the country. And now, it's the grandfather of American lakes. An armed forces veteran has claimed he has been left 18,500 out of pocket after a building firm carried out a botched job at his home. Former RAF serviceman Brian Jameson spent his life savings on work to fix a leaky roof after buying a mid-terraced house in Glasgow, Scotland, at the end of last year. But the 54-year-old claims First Roofing and Building Services cut corners on the repairs, with visible gaps between the tiles and his chimney left leaking water, and decided to take them to court. The firm has now been ordered by a judge to pay 5112 in compensation to Brian following a hearing at Glasgow Sheriff Court in August. However, First Roofing and Building Services are now said to be appealing the award and are bidding to have the case recalled, while Brian says he now faces having to fork out thousands more to bring the house back up to scratch. Former RAF serviceman Brian Jameson has claimed he has been left 18,500 out of pocket amid claims a building firm carried out a botched job at his home. Brian (pictured outside his house) spent his life savings on work to fix a leaky roof after buying a mid-terraced house in Glasgow , Scotland, at the end of last year Brian told the Glasgow Times: 'I bought the mid-terraced property at the end of last year and noticed water ingress in the loft not long after moving in. 'It's an older property so I decided to get it sorted out and contacted the company based on their good online reviews. 'They seemed to know exactly what needed to be done and I felt comfortable that they would do a good job. 'I was quoted 18,500 and after being sent the statement of work I paid in full in cash, a decision which I deeply regret now as I was never given a VAT receipt or any guarantee.' Brian says that alarm bells started ringing with him almost as soon as workmen arrived on the job. He explained: 'Within a day the scaffolding was up and they went around my house like a tornado. 'The place was left in a state and the roof had visible gaps, causing further water damage to the interior.' The 54-year-old (pictured) claims the firm cut corners on the repairs, with visible gaps between the tiles and his chimney left leaking water, and decided to take them to court Brian claims there were no nails in sections of the roof tiles, battens were left sticking upwards with no counters or clips on the vents. He also says that old lead was reused, and the chimney was left leaking water.' He added: 'The list went on and on and it was clear they had cut corners.' Brian claims that despite lodging repeated complaints with the company, he was forced to wait months before anyone was sent out to remedy the problems. He said: 'The work was carried out in the January, and it took until May before anyone arrived to sort the issues. 'The guys they sent arrived without what I felt was proper safety equipment for working on the roof and I felt I had to ask them to leave as I was worried about their safety. 'I just couldn't believe what I was seeing and had no confidence that the issues would be resolved.' The frustrated former RAF serviceman says he was left with no alternative but to take legal action against the firm, with a judge ordering the four-figure payout after a hearing at Glasgow Sheriff Court on August 22. Brian said: 'I used my life savings to pay for this work and it has caused me no end of stress and upset. 'I just can't believe the position I've been left in, and the reality is it's going to cost me thousands and thousands to get my home brought back up to a reasonable standard. The firm has now been ordered by a judge to pay 5112 in compensation to Brian following a hearing at Glasgow Sheriff Court (pictured) in August 'I just don't have that sort of money; I trusted this company to do a good job and feel badly let down.' A spokesperson for the Kirkintilloch-based firm told the Glasgow Times that they tried on two separate occasions to attend and carry out the necessary repairs. They added: 'We have successfully been in business for many years with a large number of satisfied customers who have come back to us. 'We do our best and like to think we offer good value and workmanship. 'With a large job like this, it is sometimes inevitable that issues of snagging occur. It is rare, but it does happen occasionally. 'If and when that happens, our policy is to return to remedy the issue as soon as possible. We attempted to do so twice in this case, but Mr Jameson then raised a court action which frustrated that. 'We have now instructed our solicitor to apply to recall the decree in absence on the basis that we have a valid defence and intend to defend the action robustly. 'As this now relates to an on-going court case, we are not able to comment much further on the merits of that action until it is concluded.' Chinese researchers isolate anti-HIV antibody from alpacas Xinhua) 10:16, September 26, 2024 NANJING, Sept. 25 (Xinhua) -- A Chinese research team has isolated an antibody from alpacas that can effectively inhibit HIV, providing a promising avenue for the development of new anti-AIDS drugs. The findings were recently published in the international academic journal Nature Communications. Antiretroviral therapy is currently the primary clinical approach to inhibiting HIV replication, according to Wu Zhiwei, professor at the School of Medicine, Nanjing University. While this treatment effectively extends the lifespan of patients, it may lead to significant drug resistance in the virus. Therefore, there is an urgent need to explore new therapies, said Wu, who is also a co-corresponding author of the research. The primary approach in the clinical development of new anti-AIDS drugs targets the process by which the virus enters host cells. In this process, a receptor known as CD4 acts as a "doorknob," which the virus utilizes to open the cell's "door." The researcher team isolated thousands of CD4 nanobodies (a smaller, more stable type of antibody) from alpacas, of which Nb457 showed the potential to inhibit HIV. They built a series of pseudoviruses to simulate 117 HIV strains and caused them to interact with Nb457. The results showed that Nb457 effectively inhibited 116 virus strains, showing good broad-spectrum and antiviral activity. In true virus tests, the trimeric nanobodies engineered from Nb457 have demonstrated potent inhibition of HIV, said Wu Xilin, a researcher at the School of Medicine, Nanjing University, another co-corresponding author of the research. The results of mice experiments also showed that the virus was almost undetectable in the treated mice, and no drug-resistant mutations were found, Wu said. HIV mutates rapidly and is prone to drug resistance, leading to a decline in drug efficacy, according to Wu. The newly discovered antibody does not target the virus itself but the "doorknob" CD4, making it less likely to induce drug resistance in the virus and offering significant implications for the development of new anti-AIDS drugs and clinical treatment, Wu said. (Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Zhong Wenxing) From left: London Breed, Kamala Harris and Pamela Price Laura McDermott / Special to The Chronicle / Yoshi James / The Chronicle / Scott Strazzante / The Chronicle San Francisco Mayor London Breed and Alameda County District Attorney Pamela Price have two things in common: Both are invoking Vice President Kamala Harris signature line from her presidential campaign: Were not going back. Both share another trait: Neither is likely to be endorsed by Harris, the former San Francisco district attorney, Oakland native and Alameda County prosecutor. While a VP nod could provide both candidates a jolt given Harris rising popularity among Democrats, young people, women and Black voters, doing so could be too politically treacherous for Harris. Nevertheless, Breed invoked Harris when she dropped one of the vice presidents most popular campaign speech staples during her closing remarks at this months Chronicle/KQED-sponsored mayoral debate. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Do we agree on everything that I do? I understand that we have had challenges in the past, Breed said. But you know that I know how to do this job. I will always put this city first. And like our vice president has said, Were not going back. Price, who is facing a recall in November two years into her term, uses the phrase We wont go back/Vote No on Recall on yard signs. Harris has been using the line We are not going back in campaign speeches since shortly after President Joe Biden ended his reelection bid on July 23. It refers to the desire not to return to a Donald Trump presidency. The Harris campaign did not respond to multiple requests about whether its comfortable with other candidates using the phrase or if Harris plans to endorse either. Endorsing either would invite a reprise of two of Trumps well-worn if confusing and often contradictory attacks on Comrade Harris as a San Francisco radical. If Harris endorsed Breed, Trump would undoubtedly pounce, accusing Harris of backing the leader of what Trump and the conservative media echo chamber call the failed city of San Francisco. Then again, according to Trumps warped sense of time, Harris had already destroyed San Francisco during her stint as its district attorney 2003-2010, long before Breed became mayor. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Trump cant be trusted to know what year it is. Last month, he said in an interview that San Francisco was the best city in our country 20 years ago, Or, for those consulting the Gregorian calendar, a year into Harris first term as district attorney. By Trumps logic, to use the term generously, San Francisco was both the best city in our country and destroyed at the same time. The lure to endorse Breed is likely strong for Harris, as the mayor and the vice president have a long mentor-mentee relationship. Harris, then Californias attorney general, swore Breed into office after she was elected to the San Francisco Board of Supervisors in 2013, and delivered a congratulatory message via video when Breed was inaugurated as mayor in 2018. Breed said the two met when Harris was working with an organization called Partners Ending Domestic Abuse during her stint as a prosecutor in Alameda County. They got to know each other better when Harris came to San Francisco to work in the city attorneys office, Breed said. Their friendship continues. Harris gave Breed a candle for her 50th birthday in August when Harris swung through San Francisco for a $12 million fundraiser. Breed interviewed Harris onstage about her newly published memoir in January 2019, shortly before Harris started her first presidential campaign. Harris has given her advice and counsel over their years in office, and Breed said Harris has told her she can call at any time. Yet Breed is clear-eyed about the political realities Harris faces in deciding whether to endorse her or any local candidate. Of course, I want her endorsement, Breed told me before the Democratic National Convention in July. I know I have her support. But theyre going to do what they need to do strategically around making endorsements for candidates. Because, you know, once you open it up the floodgates (will open up), and Im pretty sure theyre gonna, you know, make their decisions from a wider perspective, whether its the swing states that we need to focus on, and, you know, my race and others that she has relationships with. So well see. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Price is far less likely to get a nod from Harris for a couple of reasons. First, doing so would enable Republicans to tie Harris to high crime rates in Oakland. Harris campaign has avoided highlighting her Oakland and Berkeley roots, for fear it conjures up dusty images of radical protesters. Second, Republicans would link Harris, who has sought to carve out an image as a tough prosecutor in her duel with Trump, with Price, who is part of a wave of progressive prosecutors elected nationwide over the past few years, many of whom have been supported by wealthy progressive donor George Soros, a conservative bogeyman. The NHS is not set up to root out bad apples, an expert told the Lucy Letby inquiry today. Professor Mary Dixon-Woods, an expert in healthcare improvement at Cambridge University, said the health service had developed a no blame approach for dealing with medical errors or accidents over the past 25 years in a bid to improve. But, a consequence, hospitals struggle to identify bad apples individual staff members who display incompetent, abusive, bullying or even criminal behaviour, including murder - as a threat to patient safety, she said. Bad apples are people who demonstrate grossly incompetent or substandard clinical practice, she said. They demonstrate unacceptable behaviours, which might include things like abuse, bullying, racism or disrespectful or negligent care or transgressive behaviours, behaviours that are so transgressive they reach the threshold for criminality and that might include murder, assault, rape and other violations. Lucy Letby is serving 15 whole life sentence, with no prospect of parole, after being convicted of the murders of seven babies and the attempted murder of seven others Professor Mary Dixon-Woods, an expert in healthcare improvement at Cambridge University, has said the NHS is not built to root out 'bad apples' due to its 'no blame' culture Teams that have a bad apple in them perform much less well, they express much more anxiety, they demonstrate huge effects, in terms of group cohesion. Its really important to deal with the bad apple problem, but Im not sure the way the NHS is set up at the moment is able to do that as effectively as it needs to. Letby, 34, is serving a whole life tariff after being convicted of murdering seven babies and attempting to murder seven others on the neo-natal unit at the Countess of Chester Hospital, between June 2015 and June 2016. Professor Dixon-Woods highlighted the cases of killer GP Harold Shipman and Beverley Allitt, the nurse found guilty of murdering four children and attacking nine others at Grantham Hospital, in Lincolnshire, in 1991, to explain how difficult it is for the NHS to spot a member of staff is causing harm. She said the doctor who first suspected Allitt was initially treated as having fanciful ideas and not treated seriously. nstead the deaths and collapses in Grantham were initially put down to poor staffing and the poor hospital environment. It wasnt until doctors at a neighbouring hospital in Nottingham, which had received several children from Grantham after they fell ill, raised the alarm that Allitt was eventually identified as the bad apple or culprit, she said. The expert said the NHS had developed a no blame approach for dealing with medical errors or accidents over the past 25 years in a bid to improve (Pictured: A drawing of Letby at trial) Letby is one of only four women - which includes, Rose West, Myra Hindley, and Joanna Dennehy - who have been told they will never be released from prison (Pictured: Letby's arrest) Professor Dixon-Woods told Lady Justice Thirlwall, who is overseeing the inquiry into Letbys crimes, that it was extremely difficult for someone to voice concerns about possible malevolent acts. She said they may be met with the credibility gap a phenomenon that occurs when the issue is so extraordinarily egregious that it is difficult to believe that someone could have committed it. Professor Dixon-Woods also said there is currently no clear or specific procedure for NHS hospital managers to follow once suspicions are raised about an employee causing deliberate harm to patients. She told the hearing, sitting in Liverpool, that a framework was needed for clarity when whistleblowers come forward with concerns. What I would really like to see is a framework for handling transgressive behaviour that offers clarity in terms of procedures and processes to be followed, Professor Dixon-Woods said. I keep emphasising that these are not there (at present) in the way that we would hope for. Organisations need clarity about the steps they need to follow. She said families of Letbys victims ought to be involved in the design of any such framework. Doctors at the Countess say that they repeatedly flagged concerns about a spike in deaths on the neo-natal unit to hospital bosses but their concerns were dismissed and not acted upon. The inquiry has been told executives will dispute exactly when they were told specifically that Letby was being linked to any foul play. Professor Dixon-Woods also said the NHS is not good at dealing with bullying up the concept of junior staff bullying more senior colleagues by making formal complaints or grievances against them. The neo-natal ward at the Countess of Chester Hospital where Letby worked Rachel Langdale KC, counsel for the inquiry, asked: Because we are ready to see the doctors as the ones who are arrogant, but not ready to think other groups are combative or difficult. Professor Dixon-Woods replied: I think thats fair. The criminal trial was told that after Letby was removed from frontline nursing, in July 2016, she launched a grievance against the hospital. It was upheld and managers ordered consultants to write a letter of apology to Letby, who was advised preparations would be made for her to return to the unit. It was only because consultants continued to object and insisted police were called in that this never happened. A German detective has provided an update on the claims against the prime suspect in the disappearance of Madeleine McCann, confirming some of the bombshell revelations an ex-prisoner made about the suspected perpetrator earlier this week. Convicted paedophile and rapist Christian Brueckner is the man who German investigators believe abducted and killed Madeleine, then aged just three, from her parents' holiday apartment in Portugal in 2007. Yesterday at Braunschweig Regional Court, Larentius Codin, a former inmate in the same prison as Brueckner, made shocking claims that the suspect had told him about various rapes. He was giving evidence in Brueckner's trial for a series of sex offences unrelated to Maddie's disappearance. Codin, 50, claimed that Brueckner had boasted of raping young girls in a bus near Hanover, and also abducting a child from an apartment in Portugal, then driving away with her. He also claimed Brueckner had asked about whether sniffer dogs could detect children's bones hidden under the earth. Christian Brueckner (C) is brought to the courtroom for a session of his trial at court in Braunschweig, northern Germany, on September 25, 2024 Madeleine McCann (pictured) went missing on May 3, 2007 at the age of just three. She has never been found. German criminal Christian Brueckner has been named by German prosecutors as their chief suspect in her disappearance Christian Brueckner, 47, is currently serving a seven-year sentence for the rape of a US pensioner in 2005 and drug trafficking, and is also the prime suspect in the disappearance of Madeleine McCann Speaking in Braunschweig today, detective Niko Mueller confirmed that some of the allegations Codin made in court earlier this week matched those he disclosed when questioned back in August 2020. Mueller, 35, is an investigator with the BKA, Germany's equivalent of the FBI, that has conducted investigations into the case. 'We had him named as a possible contact to Christian Brueckner, so we were able to establish he was in prison and so we approached him in this capacity,' the detective said. 'He was told what it was about, we said was a murder case involving Madeleine McCann and that there was a suspect, Christian and we wanted to talk to him about that. 'At first he talked about Christian Brueckner having asked him if he could sort him out with a fake passport and driving licence, as he said it would be good for Brueckner if he goes back to Portugal. 'But later he reported that Christian Brueckner had committed rapes in Hanover at this moment I hadn't heard of this before.' Mueller also confirmed that Codin had said Brueckner committed several rapes in Portugal. 'He talked about two rapes in Portugal. He said that one was a 70-year-old woman in a hotel and that another woman had been raped in Portugal.' There were however elements of Codin's testimony this week that the BKA had not heard. When it came to the issue of Brueckner having raped girls in a bus in Hanover, or of 'taking' them for a few days and then letting them go, officer Mueller said that Codin had not previously revealed this information to authorities. 'No, this not reported to me like this,' he said. He also said that Codin had not discussed anything about Brueckner having supposedly broken into an apartment in Portugal to find money and gold, or that he had instead found a child which he then took and drove off with, before asking about whether dogs could sniff out the DNA of children's bones hidden under the ground. German investigators sensationally named Brueckner as the key suspect in the abduction of the British three-year-old Kate and Gerry McCann pose with a computer generated image of how their missing daughter Madeleine might look now, during a news conference in 2012 Pictured: The holiday complex where the McCanns were staying in Portugal's Algarve region in May 2007, when their three-year-old daughter vanished without a trace There are strong indications that Brueckner will be acquitted of the offences he currently faces. The only way German authorities could then keep him in prison would be if the court's forensic psychiatric expert, Dr Christian Riedemann, deems him 'dangerous' for society. So far the presiding judge, Uta Inse Engemann, who the prosecution has already tried to have removed on the basis that she is allegedly biased in favour of the defence, has already stated that there is no longer 'sufficient suspicion of guilt for all of the charges', strongly indicating that he is likely to be acquitted. But if Brueckner is acquitted, the prosecution could then move to initiate 'preventative detention', whereby criminals deemed to pose a threat to society are kept in prison. Tomorrow will be the second time that Dr Riedemann gives an assessment of Christian Brueckner's personality. On day 33 of the trial, he also did this, first discussing an introduction of scientific research on sadistic offenders, and arguing that their main motivation is not sex, but rather power. Here he said that sadists enjoy humiliating their victims, physically hurting them, tying them up and subjugating them. Brueckner has never been formally charged in relation to Madeleine's disappearance and has always strongly denied any involvement. A major security incident has impacted some of Britain's biggest railway stations, with major terminals and commuter hubs affected today. Passengers logging into Wi-Fi networks at 19 stations across the UK reported seeing an 'Islamophobic' message about terror attacks in Europe, before the service was subsequently taken offline. Network Rail confirmed that several stations - used by millions of passengers every day across the UK - were impacted. Wi-Fi at the stations is controlled by a third-party provider named Telent, which has revealed an 'unauthorised change' was made to the landing page by a 'legitimate administrator account' for Global Reach, the provider of the Wi-Fi landing page. Is a station you use regularly to commute affected by the Network Rail cyber attack? Read on below for the full list of stations that have been impacted. A major security incident has impacted some of Britain's biggest railway stations , with major termini and commuter hubs being affected (File image) Full list of all Network Rail stations impacted by cyber attack Birmingham New Street Bristol Temple Meads Clapham Junction Edinburgh Waverley Glasgow Central Guildford Leeds Liverpool Lime Street London Bridge London Cannon Street London Charing Cross London Euston London Kings Cross London Liverpool Street London Paddington London Victoria London Waterloo; Manchester Piccadilly Reading The Menendez brothers have agreed to participate in their own Netflix documentary after their family slammed the streaming service for its series that dramatized the brutal murders of their parents. Netflix's documentary will feature phone interviews with Lyle and Erik Menendez, who were convicted and sentenced to life with no parole for shooting their mother and father, Jose and Mary Louise 'Kitty' Menendez. This is the first time the brothers, who were 22 and 19 at the time of the 1989 murders, are telling their story together outside of a courtroom. They will call in from Donovan Correctional Facility in San Diego, 150 miles south of where the murders occurred in their parents' $5 million Beverly Hills home. 'What happened that night is very well known, but so much hasn't been told,' one of the brothers is heard saying in the documentary's trailer. Lyle, left, and Erik Menendez sit in Beverly Hills Municipal Court on March 12, 1990, several months after the murder of their parents Monsters, created by Ryan Murphy, tells the chilling tale of Menendez brothers Erik (played by Cooper Koch, right) and Lyle (played by Nicholas Chavez, left) who killed their parents in 1989 In the new documentary, Erik (left) and Lyle (right) will call in from prison, where they've been since they were convicted in 1996 At their divisive retrial in 1996 - they were first tried separately in trials that both ended with hung juries - the brothers claimed their parents were abusive, especially their father, who they said sexually abused them throughout their childhood. Older brother Lyle also testified that their father had molested Erik when they were children. While many believe justice was served for the cold-blooded murders of their parents - with prosecutors arguing the motive was money - others are sympathetic to the brothers' claims of lifelong abuse. This comes as Ryan Murphy's 'Monsters,' the Netflix drama that revisited the Menendez case, got harsh reviews from the family after it was released on September 19. It stars Javier Bardem and Chloe Sevigny as the Menendez parents, and Nicholas Chavez and Cooper Koch as their sons. Extended members of the Menendez family released a scathing statement criticizing the new series - which is number one on Netflix's global top ten. Co-signed and shared on X by Erik's wife, Tammi Menendez, the brothers' aunt Joan VanderMolen summed up the family's sentiments. In this family photo, Lyle flanks Kitty Menendez, while Erik stands behind Jose Menendez VanderMolen's statement read: 'We are virtually the entire extended family of Erik and Lyle Menendez. We are 24 strong and today we want the world to know we support Erik and Lyle. We know them, love them, and want them home with us.' She went on to accuse the series of painting a false narrative, calling it a 'phobic, gross, anachronistic, serial episodic nightmare' that neglects recent revelations the family claims would exonerate the brothers. Contrary to Murphy's claim of extensive research, VanderMolen claims the family was never consulted during the production of the show. The thing that possibly angered the family the most were scenes depicting the brothers in an incestuous homoerotic relationship. 'The character assassination of Erik and Lyle, under the guise of a "storytelling narrative," is repulsive. We know what went on in their home and the unimaginably turbulent lives they have endured,' VanderMolen wrote. Erik himself also released a statement slamming Murphy for the show's 'horrible and blatant lies.' '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,' he wrote. Murphy was been blasted for making brothers Erik and Lyle Menendez kiss in the series The shocking moment unfolds in the show's second episode, titled Spree Murphy (pictured) shot back at critics of the show, and said he felt it was important to 'present he points of view and theories from so many people who were involved in the case' Murphy shot back this week, saying: 'I think its interesting that hes issued a statement without having seen the show.' 'Its really, really hard if its your life to see your life up on screen,' he said. The showrunner also dismissed claims from viewers that he overlooked the alleged abuse inflicted on the brothers in favor of running with a forbidden romance plot. 'The thing that I find interesting that he doesnt mention in his quote, is if you watch the show, I would say 60 to 65 percent of our show in the scripts and in the film form center around the abuse and what they claim happened to them,' he said. Netflix's documentary will premiere on October 7, and is only the latest retelling of the infamous case that captured the nation's attention throughout much of the 1990s. Fox and CBS aired TV movies about the murders in 1994, Lifetime ran 'Menendez: Blood Brothers' in 2017 and NBC's 'Law & Order: True Crime' also focused on the case. Peacocks 2023 documentary 'Menendez + Menudo: Boys Betrayed' featured Roy Rossello, a former member of boy band Menudo, who claimed Jose Menendez sexually assaulted him as a teenager. A doctor accused of performing STD tests on Mohammed Al Fayed's employees has been seen for the first time since new claims of rape and sexual assault were made by multiple women against the late billionaire. Dr Ann Coxon, who still has a licence to practise medicine, carried out 'wholly unnecessary' medical examinations, according to a survivor known as Natacha who claimed she now had questions to answer. The doctor allegedly did the tests at her Harley Street clinic in London on behalf of the then-Harrods boss before the results were then shared with him. The allegations were aired in a BBC documentary last Thursday but today was the first time Dr Coxon has been pictured in public since then. The doctor, who was spotted leaving her flat in Notting Hill, west London, was asked whether she had carried out STD tests on the late Al Fayed's female employees, to which she responded: 'No, I did not.' Dr Ann Coxon, who has been accused of performing STD tests on Mohammed Al Fayed's employees, has been seen today leaving her home in Notting Hill, west London Five women have alleged they were raped by Mohamed Al Fayed, who died last year aged 94 A general view of the Harrods department store in Knightsbridge in London last Friday - Fayed is said to have carried out many of the alleged assaults while owner of the business The medical professional, who converted to the faith of Islam and occasionally goes by Amina, answered 'no', when asked if she regretted working for the ex-Harrods boss by The Mirror. As she walked home from her car in Notting Hill, she was also questioned if she would like to an extend an apology to the billionaire's alleged victims, to which she stated: 'I have no comment to make.' The victim Natacha, part of the Justice for Harrods survivors group, has told the BBC: 'The examinations carried out by Dr Coxon were intrusive and wholly unnecessary. 'They also resulted in many employees', including my own, confidential medical information being inappropriately shared within Harrods. This should not have happened.' Many of the women who appeared at the bombshell BBC documentary and podcast 'Al-Fayed: Predator at Harrods' revealed that they underwent medicals including invasive sexual health tests when they began working for the department store. They are now planning a formal complaint to the General Medical Council (GMC) to investigate the allegations made in the documentary. Dr Coxon who was also disgraced publicist Max Clifford's physician - qualified from Guy's Hospital Medical School in 1963 and has run her medical practice on Harley Street since 1982. Another doctor who was claimed to have carried out the tests was a Wendy Snell, who died two years ago aged 64. Dr Ann Coxon has not commented since the claims were made in a BBC investigation last week She allegedly carried out 'wholly unnecessary' medical tests on Al Fayed's staff An Al Fayed survivor known only as Natacha says Dr Coxon now has questions to answer Natacha hugs American lawyer Gloria Allred at a press conference in London last Friday Three of Mr Al Fayed's accusers (left to right) Katherine (no surname given), Lindsay Mason and Gemma (no surname given), pose for a photograph after a press conference last Friday A new BBC documentary says the Egyptian-born businessman - who died in London aged 94 last August - carried out the attacks while Harrods boss between 1984 and its sale in 2010 The corporation says more than 20 female former workers at Harrods have come forward to accuse Al Fayed (pictured) of sexual abuse The GMC confirmed to MailOnline today that Dr Coxon was registered with a licence to practise, which is publicly-available information on the medical register. A spokeswoman added: 'The alleged sexual abuse conducted by Mohamed Al Fayed against multiple women is horrifying. 'The allegations relating to medical staff working for Mr Al Fayed are deeply concerning. 'If we identify any potential fitness to practise concerns about individual doctors, we will thoroughly examine all relevant information and take action as appropriate.' The GMC has the power to look into historical incidents when the allegations meet its threshold for investigation and the body deems it in the public interest to do so. Former GMC chief executive Niall Dixon said doctors in the UK should not share a patient's information without their consent, and even when this is disclosed to an employer it was 'usually very restricted'. Mohamed Al Fayed pictured with his wife Heini Wathen in 2016. The couple had four children Former Harrods owner Mohamed Al Fayed has been accused of sexual assault by multiple women including one, Gemma, who worked as his personal assistant between 2007 and 2009 Mohamed Al Fayed pictured alongside Diana, Princess of Wales at a charity event held at Harrods in London in 1996 Mohamed Al Fayed, former owner of Harrods and Fulham FC, is seen here in 2018 On the allegations against Al Fayed, Mr Dixon told BBC Radio 4's Today programme that there was 'no justification whatsoever for revealing a patient's information, for example to the chairman of a company'. He added that doctors reading about the claims would be 'utterly horrified because trust is at the absolute centre of that doctor-patient relationship'. Five women claim they were raped by Al Fayed, who died last year at the age of 94, with a number of others alleging sexual misconduct. The Crown Prosecution Service twice decided not to prosecute him after reviewing files of evidence presented by the police. Evidence was shown to the CPS in 2009 and 2015, but it decided not to go ahead with the prosecution because there was not 'a realistic prospect of conviction'. A legal team representing alleged victims confirmed on Saturday that they have 'had over 150 new inquiries' since the airing of the BBC documentary. The Duchess of Edinburgh has opened a UK winery co-run by global champagne firm Taittinger in a unique collaboration. Duchess Sophie joined co-founders Patrick McGrath MW and Pierre-Emmanuel Taittinger in Chilham, Kent, today at the official opening ceremony. The vineyard Domaine Evremond was founded in 2015 and became the first time that a major Champagne house had invested in land in the United Kingdom with the ambition of producing a top-quality sparkling wine. At the event, the first edition of Domaine Evremond's Classic Cuvee was presented by The Taittinger family - who have been involved in Champagne House for nearly a century. It comes after it was revealed that the Duchess is doubling her number of royal engagements amid the King's cancer treatment and Kate Middleton's slow return to duties. Sophie, Duchess of Edinburgh, has opened the Domaine Evremond Winery The Duchess, left, at the opening of the winery on September 26 in Canterbury, England From left to right: Vitalie Taittinger, the Duchess of Edinburgh and Patrick McGrath The trio unveil the plaque at the opening ceremony of the UK winery in Kent The vineyard Domaine Evremond was founded all the way back in 2015 McGrath, the Founder and CEO of Hatch Mansfield, takes a stroll with Sophie The Duchess also revealed a commemorative plaque which was laid at the entrance to the winery where guests like The Lord Lieutenant of Kent and The Deputy Head of Mission at the French Embassy were also in attendance. On the opening, Patrick McGrath MW said: 'Domaine Evremond has been more than 10 years in the making. 'It has been an incredible and exciting journey for all the team, and the driving force throughout has always been that of friendship.' Vitalie Taittinger added: 'I feel blessed to have inherited this amazing adventure from my father, along with the friendship at its core. 'We would not be where we are today without Patrick's incredible hard work bringing the vision for Domaine Evremond to life, cementing the many layers of Anglo-French history and friendship behind this project.' The Domaine Evremond's Classic Cuvee will be released for sale in spring 2025. The winery is a unique partnership between Taittinger, one of France's best-known houses, and their UK partner, Hatch Mansfield. The Duchess of Edinburgh smells one of the wines during a visit to the vineyard This is the first time that a major Champagne house has invested in land in the United Kingdom The site is made up of 125 hectares of land, including 60 hectares of vineyards On the opening, Patrick McGrath, pictured with Sophie, said: 'Domaine Evremond has been more than 10 years in the making' Sophie and Vitalie Taittinger share an embrace during the official opening The Domaine Evremond's Classic Cuvee will be released for sale in spring 2025 Vitalie Taittinger said: 'I feel blessed to have inherited this amazing adventure from my father, along with the friendship at its core' It marks the first time a Champagne house has invested directly in English sparkling wine The winery is a unique partnership between Taittinger, one of France's best-known houses, and their UK partner, Hatch Mansfield The Cellar Door will open to the public when the wine is released in spring 2025 The Duchess recently revealed she is doubling her number of royal engagements amid the King's cancer treatment McGrath said: 'It has been an incredible and exciting journey for all the team, and the driving force throughout has always been that of friendship' It marks the first time a Champagne house has invested directly in English sparkling wine. The site is made up of 125 hectares of land, including 60 hectares of vineyards, and a 'state of the art' winery - which promises to have sustainability at its fore. The winery is situated in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and had its first vines planted by Taittinger in 2017. The Cellar Door will open to the public when the wine is released in spring 2025. Chief medical officer Chris Whitty has admitted that the government may have overstated the danger of Covid at the start of the pandemic. At least 235,000 Brits are thought to have been killed by the virus since the pandemic began, with further fatalities caused by the disruption to the NHS and regular screening for health issues like cancer. Prof Whitty told the inquiry that the government 'tried' to do their best and 'tweeted, we talked over the podium and so on'. During a discussion on long Covid, he said he still worries about whether the Government got 'the level of concern' right about the dangers in the beginning. Prof Whitty went on to hedge: 'Whether we pushed too strongly on the messages the risks of Covid, I think that's a much harder one, actually. 'I was worried at the beginning. I still worry, actually in retrospect, about whether we got the level of concern right,' he said. 'Were we either over pitching it so that people were incredibly afraid of something where in fact, their actuarial risk was low, or we were not pitching it enough and therefore people didn't realise the risk they were walking into.' Chief medical officer Chris Whitty has admitted that the government may have overstated the danger of Covid at the start of the pandemic The National Covid Memorial Wall, a public mural painted by volunteers to commemorate the victims of the pandemic Chief medical officer Sir Chris Whitty leaving after giving a statement to the Covid-19 Inquiry Speaking at the probe in London today, Professor Whitty was asked by the inquiry counsel: 'Do you think that we got the balance right between telling people the NHS was open, but equally, protect the NHS, save lives, stay at home? What do you think about that balance?' He replied: 'I don't think there was ever going to be a perfect balance on this one. I am confident what we didn't do, was to identify over and over again - you couldn't say it too often - that the NHS is open, in particular if it's an urgent and emergency life threatening situation, you must go to hospital, as you usually would. 'And there is reasonable evidence, in my view, for example, that the number of people who came into hospital with heart attacks was lower than you'd predict, I don't anticipate there's any reason that had been fewer. 'So some of those people were staying at home, who otherwise would not have done, and they would have had remediable conditions. 'So the bit of it, which is, did we get it across that people should still go to hospital? I think we didn't get it across well enough. 'We tried, I know we tweeted, we talked over the podium and so on. Whether we pushed too strongly on the messages the risks of Covid, I think that's a much harder one, actually.' A person paints on The National Covid Memorial Wall, dedicated to those who lost their lives to Covid-19, At least 235,000 people died due to Covid-19, according to estimates (Pictured: Covid testing) Professor Whitty said shielding was both beneficial and harmful but he is 'unsure' if shielding should be used as a measure to protect clinically vulnerable people in future pandemics. When questioned over the effectiveness of shielding, Prof Whitty said: 'I think it was beneficial in one way, harming another way, and uncertain in a third.' Asked if he would consider a similar approach in a future pandemic, he added: 'There are two things I would definitely do. I think shielding, I'm unsure about, it would depend on the situation. 'I definitely think that the risk classification is really important because there are many other things that flow from them. And indeed, you don't know what will flow from them always when you do it. 'And secondly, I do think it's important to put in place a mechanism to support people who rationally have chosen to take themselves out of society, to better their ability to protect themselves. 'Whether the particular approach to shielding we took is an appropriate one to use, again, in respiratory infection, I honestly don't know.' People, stop at the National Covid Memorial Wall in central London, during a Walk of Memories Prof Whitty also criticised the Great Barrington Declaration as making 'no medical sense'. The open letter was published in the autumn of 2020 and argued lockdowns could be avoided by shielding the most vulnerable and allowing others to become infected in a bid to achieve herd immunity. Prof Whitty said: 'The Great Barrington Declaration approach, where you say you can shield the vulnerable and leave everyone else makes no medical sense, because shielding someone from a respiratory infection is extraordinarily difficult to do. 'People tried really, really hard here. 'Part of the logic of shielding was we knew that, inevitably, there would be infections at a higher rate in hospital and out of it, and part of the point was to ensure that people who are the greatest risk didn't go into hospital at the point of the peak of the epidemic.' Professor Sir Chris Whitty has told the Covid-19 probe that there was never going to be 'perfect balance' when it came to stay at home messaging during the pandemic. The world's longest serving death row inmate was captured enjoying a fruit salad and a head massage from his sister after a Japanese court found the 88-year-old former boxer not guilty on Thursday more than half a century after his 1968 murder conviction. Footage captured this morning shows Iwao Hakamada leaving the Shizouka District Court following his victory, while another clip shows the man enjoying a fruit salad in his home in Hamamatsu. He was also filmed alongside his elder sister, Hikedo, who tenderly gave him a head massage as he munched on his snack. Hakamada had spent 48 years behind bars after he was convicted of murder in the brutal 1966 killing of an executive and three of his family members, setting fire to their home in central Japan. More than 45 years were spent on death row - making him the world's longest-serving death row inmate, according to the Amnesty International. Footage captured this morning shows Iwao Hakamada enjoying a plate of fruit at his home in Hamamatsu following his acquittal Iwao's elder sister Hikedo was captured giving him a head massage following today's victory The Shizuoka District Court ruled that 88-year-old Iwao Hakamada was not guilty in a retrial obtained by the former boxer and his supporters a decade ago His acquittal comes after a retrial obtained by the former boxer and his supporters a decade ago, making him the fifth death row inmate to be found not guilty in a retrial in postwar Japan, where prosecutors have a more than 99% conviction rate. The court found that evidence was fabricated and planted by investigators and that Hakamada was not the culprit, his lawyer Hideyo Ogawa said. After the ruling and an explanation were read out, his 91-year-old sister walked out of the courthouse with a big smile, as she was welcomed by cheers and two big bouquets of flowers to celebrate the acquittal of her brother after the 58-year legal battle. 'Thank you, everyone, we won an acquittal,' she told a televised news conference. 'When I heard the main sentence, it sounded almost divine. I was so touched and could not stop crying with joy.' He was sentenced to death in 1968, but was not executed due to the lengthy appeal and retrial process in Japan's notoriously slow-paced criminal justice system. The lawyer also said the defense team is considering filing a suit against the government, in part to learn more about the troubled investigation. If prosecutors do not appeal and his acquittal is finalized, Hakamada would be entitled to seek compensation. It took 27 years for the top court to deny his first appeal for retrial. His second appeal for a retrial was filed in 2008 by his sister. That request was granted in 2014, when a court ruled there was evidence suggesting he was wrongly accused. He was not cleared of the conviction, but he was released from prison and allowed to await retrial at home because his poor health and age made him a low risk for escape. Footage captured this morning shows Iwao Hakamada leaving the Shizouka District Court following his victory, while another clip shows the man enjoying a fruit salad in his home in Hamamatsu Iwao Hakamada pictured with his sister in 2014 Shizuoka District Court ruled that 88-year-old Iwao Hakamada (pictured today) was not guilty in a retrial obtained by the former boxer and his supporters a decade ago Hideko Hakamada (centre), sister of Iwao Hakamada (not pictured), and lawyers pose with a white banner reading 'Iwao Hakamada not guilty verdict' as she leaves the Shizuoka District Court in Shizuoka on September 26, 2024 Hideko (centre) smiles as a supporter holds up a sign (right) reading 'Iwao Hakamada acquitted of all charges' after the retrial before the Shizuoka District Court in Shizuoka, Japan Outside the court, Hakamada's supporters held flags and banners calling for a not-guilty verdict But the case continued to bounce among several courts, until one finally ruled in his favor in 2023, paving the way for the latest retrial that began in October. Following his arrest, Hakamada initially denied the accusations, but then confessed. He later said his confession was forced during a violent interrogation by police. 'I have nothing to do with the case - I am innocent,' he wrote in his letter to his mother while on trial in 1967. On Thursday, the court concluded that five pieces of bloodstained clothing that investigators claimed to have found hidden in a tank of fermented soybean paste, or miso, a year after Hakamada's arrest must have been put there long after the arrest. The court cited scientific experiments that showed the bloodstains should not have been visible on clothing soaked in miso for a year. The ruling concluded that investigators, who had said Hakamada wore the clothes during the crime, had applied the bloodstains themselves and planted the clothing. According to defense lawyers and earlier court rulings, the blood samples did not match Hakamada's DNA, and trousers that prosecutors submitted as evidence were too small for him. Thursday's ruling also blamed the prosecutors for forcing Hakamada into a false confession because of an 'inhumane' interrogation. Ogawa, Hakamada's lawyer, praised the ruling as 'groundbreaking' for clearly stating that the prosecution fabricated key evidence at the beginning. 'I believe this ruling puts an end to the case. ... Now we must prevent prosecutors from appealing no matter what.' Hakamada (second right) leaves the Shizuoka District Court in Shizuoka on September 26 'For so long, we have fought a battle that has felt endless,' Hideko (pictured) had told reporters in July Hideko Hakamada (R), sister of Iwao Hakamada (not pictured) leaves the Shizuoka District Court in Shizuoka Iwao Hakamada holding a cat in his home in Hamamatsu today After Hakamada was sentenced to death, he expressed fear and anger at being falsely accused. 'When I go to sleep in soundless solitary cell every night, I sometimes cannot help cursing God. I have not done anything wrong,' he wrote to his family. 'What a cold-blooded act to to inflict such cruelty on me.' Hakamada, whose Christian name is Paulo, was invited to a Mass in Tokyo during Pope Francis' visit in 2019, five years after his release. Supporters say Hakamada's nearly half-century detention took a toll on his mental health. Most of his 48 years behind bars was spent in solitary confinement. The first two months after Hakamada's release, he kept pacing inside the apartment, without even trying to go outside, his sister said. The case has drawn attention to Japan's legal system. Japan Bar Association Chairperson Reiko Fuchigami urged the government and parliament on Thursday to promptly take steps to abolish the death penalty and lower hurdles for retrials. At a final hearing at the Shizuoka court in May before Thursday's decision, prosecutors again demanded the death penalty, triggering criticism from rights groups that prosecutors were trying to prolong the trial. Japan and the United States are the only two countries in the Group of Seven advanced nations that retain capital punishment. A survey by the Japanese government showed an overwhelming majority of the public supports executions. Executions are carried out in secrecy in Japan and prisoners are not informed of their fate until the morning they are hanged. In 2007, Japan began disclosing the names of those executed and some details of their crimes, but disclosures are still limited. Hideko Hakamada has devoted around half of her life to her brother's case. Before Thursday's ruling, she said she was in a never-ending battle. 'It is so difficult to get a retrial started,' She told reporters in Tokyo. 'I'm sure there are other people who have been wrongly accused and crying. - I want the criminal law revised so that retrials are more easily available.' The Israeli military said it conducted wargames simulating manoeuvres in Lebanon after an IDF strike wiped out a top Hezbollah drone commander. Israeli President Benjamin Netanyahu said in a defiant statement Thursday that Israel plans to continue targeting the Iran-back militant group with 'full force' and will not stop until its goals are achieved. Netanyahu make the remarks as he landed in New York to attend the annual U.N. General Assembly meeting and as US and European officials were urging him to agree to a 21-day halt in fighting between Israel and Lebanon's Hezbollah to give time for negotiations. Only a short time before his statement, the Israeli military said it killed a Hezbollah drone commander, Mohammed Hussein Surour, in an airstrike on an apartment building in the suburbs of the Lebanese capital. Two people were killed and 15 wounded in the strike, the Lebanese Health Ministry said. A view of damage after attacks by Israeli army, on September 26, 2024 in Lebanon A view shows the damage at the site of an Israeli strike that hit the Lebanese town of Younine late on Wednesday and killed at least 23 people Smoke rises from the site of an Israeli airstrike near the village of Khiam, Lebanon, Sept 25 Emergency workers at the scene of an Israeli airstrike in Maisara, Lebanon on Wednesday Netanyahu said Israel's 'policy is clear. We are continuing to strike Hezbollah with full force. And we will not stop until we reach all our goals, chief among them the return of the residents of the north securely to their homes.' Soon after the statement was issued, Hezbollah TV station Al-Manar reported the Israeli airstrike in a suburb of Beirut. It and other stations showed a damaged apartment building in Dahiyeh, the mainly Shiite suburb where Hezbollah has a strong presence. The blast comes after Netanyahu's ministers earlier warned there will be no ceasefire. In defiant response to the desperate ceasefire proposal put forward by 12 international allies last night, the president's office said: 'The news about a ceasefire - not true. This is an American-French proposal, to which the prime minister did not even respond. 'The news about the supposed directive to moderate the fighting in the north is also the opposite of the truth. 'The prime minister instructed the IDF to continue the fighting with full force, and according to the plans presented to him. 'Also, the fighting in Gaza will continue until all the goals of the war are achieved'. Following the warning put forth by Netanyahu's office, Israel Katz, the country's foreign minister, joined the chorus, saying 'there will be no ceasefire in the north'. People inspect the damage at the site of an Israeli strike that hit the seaside town of Jiyeh Yemeni university staff and students burn an Israeli flag during a protest staged against the Israeli aerial attacks on Lebanon, on September 25 Vehicles wait in traffic in the town of Damour, south of Beirut as people flee southern Lebanon Israel 'will continue to fight against the terrorist organisation Hezbollah with all our might until victory and the safe return of the residents of the north to their homes,' Katz said on a statement on X, formerly Twitter. Adding to the message, Israel's Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich said Hezbollah should be crushed and that only its surrender would make it possible for the evacuees to return. 'The enemy must not be given time to recover from the heavy blows he received and to reorganize for the continuation of the war after 21 days,' he said in a statement. National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir's far-right faction was due to hold an emergency meeting on Wednesday but members of the party have already come out against the proposal. It comes after the UK joined the US, France and a host of allies in calling for an immediate temporary ceasefire in Lebanon, warning the escalating violence between Israel and Hezbollah is 'intolerable' and could plunge the Middle East into chaos. In a joint statement, the 12-strong bloc called for a 21-day ceasefire 'to provide space for diplomacy towards the conclusion of a diplomatic settlement', as well as a ceasefire in Gaza. The call was supported by UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres who said flatly: 'Hell is breaking loose.' But their hopes of salvaging a peaceful solution were seemingly dismissed by Israel, with IDF chief Herzi Halevi last night visiting soldiers close to the border to tell them they must prepare for a ground invasion of Lebanon. Halevi declared: 'We are attacking all day, both to prepare the ground for the possibility of your entry [into Lebanon], but also to continue striking Hezbollah. Major General Herzi Halevi (left) visits troops on the northern border on Wednesday French President Emmanuel Macron (L) speaks with Prime Minister of Lebanon Najib Mikati on the sidelines of the 79th Session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York on September 25, 2024 Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer (right) meets with Palestinian President Mahmud Abbas ahead of a bilateral meeting at the United Nations in New York 'Hezbollah today expanded its [range] of fire. Later today, it will receive a very strong response. Prepare yourselves,' he said, before adding: 'your boots... will enter enemy territory.' Halevi's bleak declaration came as Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Hezbollah was being hit 'with blows it never imagined' and vowed to ensure the thousands of Israelis evacuated from the northern border would soon be able to return to their homes and jobs. Yesterday's appeal for a last-ditch ceasefire was signed by the UK, the US, Australia, Canada, the European Union, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates and Qatar. 'The situation between Lebanon and Israel since October 8th, 2023 is intolerable and presents an unacceptable risk of a broader regional escalation,' it read. 'This is in nobody's interest, neither of the people of Israel nor of the people of Lebanon. It is time to conclude a diplomatic settlement that enables civilians on both sides of the border to return to their homes in safety. 'Diplomacy however cannot succeed amid an escalation of this conflict.' The statement calls for the governments of Lebanon and Israel to 'endorse the temporary ceasefire immediately... and to give a real chance to a diplomatic settlement'. It continues: 'We are then prepared to fully support all diplomatic efforts to conclude an agreement between Lebanon and Israel within this period, building on efforts over the last months, that ends this crisis altogether.' Meanwhile, Iran - Hezbollah's chief backer - said late Wednesday that it would 'stand with the people of Lebanon with all means' if required. But Iran's foreign minister Abbas Araghchi warned the Middle East faces a full-scale 'catastrophe' if the clashes continue to gather pace and urged the United Nations Security Council to 'intervene to restore peace and security'. The Islamic Republic's reformist president Masoud Pezeshkian, is currently in New York at the UN General Assembly, where he expressed a willingness to reengage with the West and revive the 2015 nuclear deal. Pezeshkian's presence in New York, where he is sure to be meeting with Western politicians on the sidelines of the assembly, is a move that analysts said suggested he may have been granted permission from Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei to try to avert a war in the Middle East. This has not been taken kindly to by more hardline Hezbollah supporters and Lebanese MPs, who expect full military support from their powerful ally. After Araghchi said on Monday Iran was willing to work with the West to discuss its nuclear programme, Lebanese MP Mark Daou declared: 'They negotiate over our corpses.' People stand by an impact crater next to a destroyed warehouse at the site of an Israeli air strike in Jiyeh along the highway linking Beirut to the southern city of Sidon on September 25 Smoke billows over southern Lebanon following an Israeli strike, as seen from Tyre Foreign Minister of Iran Abbas Araghchi addresses members of the press before an emergency United Nations Security Council meeting called to address the rising tensions between Israel and Lebanon during the General Debate of the 79th session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York, New York, USA, 25 September 2024 Chief of the General Staff of the Israel Defense Forces Herzi Halevi (right) meets with the Commanding Officer of the Northern Command, Major General Ori Gordin (left) in Israel, on September 20, 2024 US President Joe Biden and France's President Emmanuel Macron met on Wednesday on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly to discuss new ceasefire proposals, and are the two heads of state leading calls for restraint. France pressed the UN security council to hold an emergency session on the matter soon and Macron said he would send his foreign minister to the former French administration by the end of the week. US Secretary of State Antony Blinken also urged Israel and Hezbollah to step back, saying all-out war would be 'disastrous' for the region and its people. Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu, who appears set on continuing to wage war, said via his spokesperson David Mencer that while 'we favour a diplomatic solution... we have tried... for eleven and a half months'. 'Yesterday our president described the US diplomat [involved in negotiations] as talented but with all his talent he hasn't been able to negotiate any sort of climbdown from Hezbollah,' Mencer said. Netanyahu delayed his departure for New York until Thursday, where he too is due to speak at the UN General Assembly. Israeli attacks in Lebanon have killed more than 600 people since Monday, including scores of women and children, according to the latest figures by the Lebanese health ministry. The ministry said that at least 72 people were killed in strikes and 400 injured on Wednesday alone. Netanyahu has promised 'total victory' over Hamas and the return of all the hostages held in Gaza - goals that many believe are simply unachievable. What's more, many analysts and observers accuse Netanyahu of having a personal stake in forging on with the war. His governing coalition relies on far-right ministers who want to permanently reoccupy the Palestinian enclave and destroy Hezbollah's ability to threaten Israel - and they have threatened to bring down the government if Netanyahu concedes too much. That would force early elections that could drive him from power at a time when he is on trial for corruption - charges that he will not face while war rages on. For many on both sides of the border, the violence of the past two weeks in Lebanon has sparked bitter memories of the 2006 war that killed 1,200 people in Lebanon, most of them civilians, and 160 Israelis, most of them soldiers. According to the UN, the latest violence has sparked an exodus of around 90,000 people from their homes in traditional Hezbollah strongholds for safer areas elsewhere in the tiny Mediterranean country. Rockets fired from southern Lebanon are intercepted by Israel's Iron Dome air defence system over the Upper Galilee region in northern Israel on August 23, 2024 Israel's Iron Dome anti-missile system engages as rockets are launched from Lebanon Yesterday's desperate plea by members of the international community for a ceasefire was issued after Britain's Prime Minister urged Britons to leave Lebanon immediately by the remaining commercial routes. Sir Keir said: 'I have a very important message for British nationals in Lebanon which is: the time to leave is now. 'The contingency plans are being ramped up but don't wait for those, there are still commercial flights. It's very important that they hear my message, which is to leave and to leave immediately.' Britain's Ministry of Defence has already drawn up plans for a desperate evacuation of UK citizens from Lebanon, with a 700-strong force of Royal Marine commandos, sailors and combat engineers en-route to the region. The MoD's rescue mission template, known in military circles as 'Operation Meteoric', could see commandos making beach landings in Lebanon with UK citizens escorted onto a flotilla of military vessels. Such plans would also see warships and RAF jets already stationed in Cyprus tasked with facilitating the rescue mission, with thousands of Brits still stuck in the country. Some have reported that their families have not received a response from the British consulate as flights out of Beirut are cancelled amid the ongoing Israeli airstrikes. Britain's Defence Secretary John Healey said on Tuedsay: 'Events in the past hours and days have demonstrated how volatile this situation is which is why our message is clear British nationals should leave now. 'We continue to urge all sides to step back from conflict to prevent further tragic loss of life. 'Government is ensuring all preparations are in place to support British nationals should the situation deteriorate.' British farmers have demanded that supermarkets stop 'farmwashing' in order to fool shoppers that their products come from 'quaint British family farms.' The Farmers against Farmwashing campaign, led by Riverford Organic vegetable box company founder Guy Singh-Watson, is urging the big six supermarkets - Tesco, Sainsbury's, Asda, Morrisons, Aldi and Lidl - to support more local producers. They have accused the major supermarkets of using fake farm brands and overuse of Union Jack branding to give shoppers the impression that their products come from smaller farms. However, in reality, the group claims that much of the products on supermarkets shelves instead comes 'industrial US-style, mega farms' or from overseas, and masking the decline of Britain's family farms. The campaign comes after a survey of 202 farmers in July who are currently trading with supermarkets, or have done within the last five years, found that 61 per cent are concerned they will have to give up their farms within the next 18 months. The Farmers against Farmwashing campaign, led by Riverford Organic vegetable box company founder Guy Singh-Watson (centre), is urging the big six supermarkets to stop 'farmwashing' in order to fool shoppers that their products come from 'quaint family farms' The Supermarkets are accused by the group of slapping Union Jacks on products to make consumer think they are British.Last year, Lidl found itself embroiled in a 'flag-washing' controversy after it was accused of purposely making the Union Jack more prominent on its lamb products which have been imported from New Zealand Ad just one in four said they believed claims from supermarkets of supporting British farmers were credible and backed up by their buying practices. The poll suggests that two thirds of farmers feel under pressure from supermarkets' buying practices and 68 per cent fear they will be delisted if they complain about buying behaviour. A separate survey of consumers found 74 per cent want transparency around the sourcing of their food. The poll found that 60 per cent of shoppers actively look for the Union Jack on products to support British farmers. The open letter to supermarkets has been signed by more than 100 figures from the farming and food industry, including chef Rick Stein, the television presenter Jimmy Doherty and a number of MPs. Farmer and TV presenter Mr Doherty said: 'Britain's small-scale farmers are facing extinction, pushed to the brink by the rise of US-style mega-farms. These enormous operations might make meat cheaper, but the hidden costs are devastating compromises on animal welfare, environmental harm, and the destruction of traditional farming livelihoods. 'We're seeing generations of family farms swallowed up, replaced by faceless corporations that are driven by profit rather than people or the planet. It's time we take a stand and support real British farming before it's too late.' Mr Singh-Watson said: 'British farming is at a breaking point. The public cares deeply about where their food comes from - the supermarkets know this and they are using that trust to steal farmer stories and to hoodwink shoppers' Mr Singh-Watson said: 'British farming is at a breaking point. The public cares deeply about where their food comes from - the supermarkets know this and they are using that trust to steal farmer stories and to hoodwink shoppers into thinking they are buying from those small-scale, traditional British farms. 'Yet the reality is that these farms are being pushed to the brink. Is this the future we want for our food system and our countryside? 'Farmers are already struggling with weather extremes, labour shortages, and rising costs, and while supermarkets claim to support British farming, they fail to back it up with their buying practices. 'Supermarkets must stop exploiting farmers and start supporting them. If we want a future where our food system is resilient, our landscapes are preserved, and our farmers are treated fairly, we need more honesty and decency in the supply chain. 'The British public has shown they care and would pay a little more if they knew it supported better farming. It's time supermarkets and the Government listened.' Andrew Opie, director of food and sustainability at the British Retail Consortium, said: 'Supermarkets are always keen to promote British farming and follow the strict legislation on the labelling of food, including the use of flags. In fact, they pushed the Government to tighten these rules earlier this year. TV presenter Jimmy Doherty is supporting the campaign. He said: : 'Britain's small-scale farmers are facing extinction, pushed to the brink by the rise of US-style mega-farms. These enormous operations might make meat cheaper, but the hidden costs are devastating' 'Retailers create new farm brands for some of their own-label goods in order to help consumers find the quality goods they are looking for.' The Times reports that a recent investigation by the consumer group Which? found that some shoppers could easily be misled by supermarkets use of Union Jack labels. It claimed that many products such as tomatoes from Morocco featured a large Union Jack seemingly suggesting the product if grown in Britain. Last year, Lidl found itself embroiled in a 'flag-washing' controversy after it was accused of purposely making the Union Jack more prominent on its lamb products which have been imported from New Zealand. At the time, British farmers made clear their fury with supermarkets for stocking imported lamb when there is plenty of supply available from UK producers. District 7 Supervisor Myrna Melgar stands at Lakeside Landing in San Francisco this month. Melgar helped create Lakeside Landing, a community space created in 2020 to draw shoppers and encourage families to visit Lakeside Village. Lea Suzuki/The Chronicle Myrna Melgar considers herself a bridge-builder on the at-times divided San Francisco Board of Supervisors. The District 7 Supervisor who represents the citys largest supervisorial district, spanning the Inner Sunset to Ingleside argues that she has brought political adversaries together, often striking compromises on housing, police reform and other divisive issues. In an interview with the Chronicle, Melgar touted her political victories over the past four years, including legislation that garnered support from progressives and moderates like free Muni for children, a proposal to make it easier and faster to redevelop large homes into multifamily buildings and the renaming of Stow Lake. Melgar also has authored or co-authored successful ballot initiatives, including one in 2022 that tried to reform the Building Inspection Commission and one co-authored with Supervisor Hillary Ronen that created a fund to help city schools. But not everyone is happy with Melgars record at City Hall, and now she is facing three challengers for her seat in Novembers election: Flower shop owner Matt Boschetto, firefighter Stephen Martin-Pinto and Dr. Edward Yee. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Matt Boschetto, a District 7 supervisor candidate, stands at his campaign headquarters on Sept. 6. Lea Suzuki/The Chronicle Some of her opponents say shes not the consensus-building, experienced politician she is portraying herself to be, but rather a City Hall insider who doesnt represent her district on issues like housing and public safety. Boschetto has so far outraised Melgar, according to campaign finance filings. He has pulled in more than $350,000, including matching funds, versus Melgars haul of $266,000. Historically, I shouldnt be this ahead at this point, Boschetto said about the fundraising. But its turned out to be a competitive race. Boschetto is speaking to issues that were seldom top of mind for District 7 voters in the past, but that residents have grown concerned about in recent years, like crime, homelessness and development. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Concerns about homelessness Jim Herlihy, who lives in the Lakeside neighborhood, wants to see more police on the street and a tougher approach to homelessness. Our sense is that the incumbent supervisor has taken a very hands-off attitude towards the homelessness and public safety issue, said Herlihy. He said Melgar should be making it more difficult for unhoused people to be in the district and pushing to have more police officers in the area around Stonestown and West Portal. Stephen Martin-Pinto, District 7 supervisor candidate, is seen in San Francisco earlier this month. Lea Suzuki/The Chronicle Martin-Pinto, a veteran who previously ran for supervisor in 2020, attacked Melgar for what he says is her failure to curb homelessness in the district, criticizing her inability to get a handle on RV dwellers specifically. Melgar had promised to find a safe parking site on the west side for RV dwellers three years ago, but now says city officials are unable to find a suitable site. Instead, officials banned overnight parking near Stonestown, sending some RV dwellers a few miles away. Others were housed or placed in shelters. Martin-Pinto wants stringent enforcement that would make it difficult for RVs to park overnight anywhere in the district. Mayor London Breed is already pushing legislation to ban overnight parking of oversize vehicles on most city streets. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Shes reactive, he said of Melgar. She waits until the problem gets big and then she addresses it, rather than recognizing the problem when it first starts, and being proactive and addressing it before it becomes a big problem. A cyclist rides past a line of RVs parked along John Muir Drive in San Francisco earlier this month. Parking of such vehicles has become an issue in the District 7 supervisor race. Lea Suzuki/The Chronicle Crime in District 7 Boschetto told the Chronicle that public safety is the No. 1 issue in the district and said he was encouraged to run by retired employees in the DAs office, high-level command staff at San Francisco Police Department and the San Francisco Police Officers Association who feel Melgar is not a good match for the district politically. Im basing my campaign on what most District 7 residents want, Boschetto said. And that looks dramatically different from Myrna. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Boschetto said Melgar isnt doing enough to bolster the police presence in the neighborhood. He pointed to Melgars opposition to recalling progressive District Attorney Chesa Boudin, her support for a controversial proposition to tie police recruitment and retention funds to a new or existing tax and her fast-tracking the appointment of progressive Cindy Elias to the police commission. A pedestrian walks past a vacant storefront along Irving Street in San Francisco earlier this month. Lea Suzuki/The Chronicle Melgar said while she supports comprehensive police reform, she has also worked to address safety concerns. She pointed to her successful launch of the citys first police ambassador program in the district and her effort to increase the number of female officers in the San Francisco Police Department through recruitment and retention incentives. Melgar argues that having more women on the force will lead to better interactions between officers and residents because female officers tend not to let tense situations escalate. Despite voters continued concerns, crime is down citywide and appears to be down in District 7. District 7 spans three police districts, making it difficult to gauge just how levels of reported crime have changed over the years. However, the Park, Ingleside and Taraval stations had all seen decreases of all crimes through mid-September from homicide and assault to robbery and motor vehicle theft compared to the same period last year. Overall there has been an almost 30% decrease in crime since last year across the three police districts. Big housing project split residents Housing has also become a hot-button issue in the district. Homeowners near the Stonestown mall, Parkmerced and Balboa Reservoir are worried that massive developments planned for those areas will bring thousands of new neighbors and make the area more congested. Separately, a city plan that calls for allowing denser housing has also incensed residents who fret over taller buildings looming over their low-slung homes. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Herlihy, who lives near the Stonestown shopping center, said his neighbors are furious about the plan to allow denser housing at the mall. I havent found any support for upzoning among our neighbors, he said. Its absurd. But Janelle Wong, who lives in Ingleside and is executive director for San Francisco Transit Riders, backs the mega-projects in the district as well as creating greater density. A staunch defender of Melgar, Wong said she welcomes new development in the neighborhood to bring down the cost of housing. Janelle Wong, interim executive director of Transit Riders, lives in the Ingleside District in San Francisco and supports housing plans for the area. Lea Suzuki/The Chronicle Wong praised Melgar for pushing for large developments like Stonestown while also not shying away from supporting denser housing throughout the districts neighborhoods. Wong is worried that as she and her husband get older, they may have to leave to retire comfortably. My biggest fear is (my kids) wont be able to come back to the city theyre born and raised natives of unless we give them our house, Wong said. We need denser housing in D7 because Im not the only parent whos worried about this. Small business owners, she added, should welcome developments such as the massive plan to build homes at the Balboa Reservoir site, which could help merchants on Ocean Avenue, which is struggling with empty storefronts. Bill Ceragioli peeks through a tarp to watch the construction at an affordable housing site under construction at 2550 Irving St. in San Francisco on Sept. 9. Ceragioli, who has lived at his home a few blocks away since he was 4, said he thinks change is an important part of moving forward. Lea Suzuki/The Chronicle But Boschetto said Melgar hasnt listened to angry voters who dont want development. When you have a NIMBY district, it means hyper-involved neighborhood groups. The upzoning has only bolstered them and re-energized them, he said. If youre going to make a big community decision you cant just piss off half your constituency. While the city has released draft maps showing where denser housing could be built, Melgar said the process Boschetto is talking about hasnt even happened yet and the Board of Supervisors hasnt approved any changes. The expectation that 100% of the people in this district 100% of the time will agree is just not realistic, Melgar said. I feel like my job is to thread that needle and I think Ive done it well. Melgar attacked Boschetto as somebody who has no background in government, has never been involved in civic life and doesnt really understand the business of government but thinks he can solve all of the problems. Boschetto said people who have been successful in business are exactly what City Hall needs. Under siege NYC mayor Eric Adams was supported by elderly civil rights leaders as New Yorkers drowned him out, shouting at him to resign after his indictment for corruption. The Democrat was flanked by respected black activists including Hazel Dukes, 92, and the Rev. Herbert Daughtry, 90, while he denied corruption and bribery charges against him on Thursday. Dukes, a former NAACP leader, shouted back at protestors who were drowning her out as she tried to speak in Adams' defense outside Gracie Mansion. 'Will you be quiet?' Dukes asked as the crowd chanted. 'Will you shut up?' Dukes continued: 'I'm 92 years of age. I've known this young man for over 40 years. I come with a heavy heart today but my head is unbowed. He's going to have his day in court and we're going to stand by him.' NYC mayor Eric Adams was supported by elderly civil rights leaders as New Yorkers shouting at him to resign following his indictment for corruption People protest as New York City Mayor Eric Adams speaks to the press outside his official residence Gracie Mansion on Thursday A defiant Adams made a point of showing the support he enjoys from prominent black clergy and activists such as Dukes, but protesters insisted the mayor's legal issues have nothing to do with race. 'This is not a Black thing, this is a you thing, This is a you thing, Eric Adams,' a protester shouted through a bullhorn as Adams tried to speak. The protester added: 'Your policies are anti-Black, you're a disgrace for all black people in this city. The things that you have done are unconscionable. Our children are harassed by police. This is ridiculous, this is ridiculous. 'You can shush me all you want, but the people are with us. This is not a black thing, this is a justice thing.' Another protestor told the mayor he should resign because hes an 'embarrassment.' Another called him 'corrupt' and said he should be in handcuffs. Dukes, a former NAACP leader, shouted back at protestors who were drowning her out as she tried to speak in Adams' defense outside Gracie Mansion 'Will you be quiet?' Dukes asked as the crowd chanted. 'Will you shut up?' Adams vowed to continue his mayoral duties and urged New Yorkers to wait to make any judgments until after he presents his defense. 'Its an unfortunate day. And its a painful day,' he said. 'But inside all of that is a day when we will finally reveal why, for 10 months, Ive gone through this. And I look forward to defending myself.' According to the indictment, Adams accepted tens of thousands of dollars in free flights and upgrades on Turkeys national airline for him and his companions, stays in luxury hotel suites, as well as other amenities such as a car and driver, boat tour, a Turkish bath at a seaside hotel and high-end restaurant meals. Adams failed to disclose his free and discounted travel, created a false paper trail to suggest he had paid it, claimed to a staffer that he deleted his text messages and directed the staffer to ensure his activities in Turkey in 2021 were shielded from public view, prosecutors alleged. Another protestor told the mayor he should resign because hes an 'embarrassment.' Another called him 'corrupt' and said he should be in handcuffs. A protestor talks with law enforcement personnel and media while demonstrating The mayor and his co-conspirators, unnamed in the indictment, 'continued their efforts to defeat scrutiny of their criminal conduct after the federal investigation into those crimes became known to them,' the indictment said. Last November, as FBI agents knocked on her door to execute a search warrant, Adams fundraiser called the mayor five times and Adams later called her phone as agents were leaving her residence, the indictment said. The fundraiser refused to tell agents who paid for her 2021 travel to Turkey, the indictment said. Adams was in Washington, D.C. at the time, but upon learning about the search, he canceled the meeting and immediately returned to New York City. A few days later, the FBI executed a search warrant for Adams electronic devices. According to the indictment, Adams produced two cellphones but not the personal cellphone he used in conjunction with his alleged crimes. Adams later turned over the phone in response to a subpoena, but it was locked and required a password that Adams claimed to have forgotten, the indictment said. A Pennsylvania mother charged with killing her two young children by hanging them from a dog leash was found guilty of murder after blaming the grisly killings on her 8-year-old son. Lisa Snyder, 41, pinned the deaths on her son, Connor, who was found hanging from a beam in the basement of his mother's Albany Township home along with his 4-year-old sister, Brinley, in September 2019. Snyder said Connor killed himself to escape the torment of school bullies and also hung his sister so he wouldn't die alone. Snyder told police Connor was bullied at Greenwich-Lenhartsville Elementary School and had previously threatened suicide. But authorities said they found no evidence of the claim. Lisa Snyder, 41, was found guilty Tuesday for the murder of her two children Connor, 8, and Brinley, 4 Snyder, 41, pinned the deaths on her son, who was found hanging from a beam in the basement of his mother's home along with his sister in September 2019. Snyder said Connor killed himself to escape the torment of school bullies and also hung his sister so he wouldn't die alone The boy showed no outward signs of trouble on school bus security video recorded that day, and an occupational therapist later said he wasn't physically capable of causing that kind of harm to himself or his little sister. Police would find disturbing Google searches on Snyder's phone related to suicide and how to kill someone. Snyder also admitted going to a Walmart to buy a dog leash on the day the children were found hanging from it, authorities said. Her defense attorney, Dennis Charles, argued the online searches suggested Snyder's own suicide ideation and mental-health issues rather than an intent to kill. Testimony from her estranged son, Owen Snyder, 22, contradicted that argument. The boy showed no outward signs of trouble on school bus security video recorded that day, and an occupational therapist later said he wasn't physically capable of causing that kind of harm to himself or his little sister Police would find disturbing Google searches on Snyder's phone related to suicide and how to kill someone Owen, 22, took the stand on September 17 to speak about the killings, prompting Snyder to audibly gasp and start crying. When asked if Connor was suicidal, Owen described Connor as a happy kid. Owen added that his 8-year-old brother had physical limitations that would have made it difficult to set up the hangings. Snyder was initially also accused of having sex with her pit bull shortly before the killings after investigators at the time said they found evidence in Snyder's Facebook account. A judge ruled those claims would not be admitted into the murder trial after the defense team argued the claims would prejudice the jury. A judge found Snyder guilty of two counts of first-degree murder, two counts of endangering the welfare of children and one count of tampering with evidence Berks County prosecutors rested their case late Friday morning. Shortly after, Charles unsuccessfully argued for an immediate acquittal, saying the case was based on 'all guesswork.' Judge M. Theresa Johnson found Snyder guilty of two counts of first-degree murder, two counts of endangering the welfare of children and one count of tampering with evidence late Tuesday afternoon, WFMZ reported. The judge rejected the defense's call for a ruling that Snyder was not guilty by reason of insanity. A first-degree murder conviction means an automatic sentence of life in prison in Pennsylvania. A Texas mother was found murdered near a popular San Antonio trail with horrific head injuries. Stacey Dramiga, 63, was reported missing by her husband on Sunday when she did not come home from her routine walk along the trails in Dafoste Park. Bexar County Sheriff Javier Salazar told My San Antonio: 'She was known to frequently walk alone in the park and felt pretty comfortable doing so.' This case is being treated as a homicide, Salazar told the outlet. He added that detectives speculate that she was forced or taken into the woods. Dramiga was last seen alive at about 10 am. Before calling the police, her husband tried looking for her on his own. Stacey Dramiga, 63, was found dead on Monday about 30 yards off the paved trails on the Salado Creek Greenway He found her car parked at Covington Park, which is about an hour-long walk away from where her body was found. Dramiga was a fan of the Howard W. Peak Greenway Trail System, which spans about 100 miles citywide and connects many parks. Investigators issued a CLEAR alert - which helps authorities find where missing or endanger people are - and tried pinging Dramiga's phone. But this only led them to the general area of the park she was in. They then used a family iPad to more precisely locate the mother, which led to them discovering her dead body on Monday. She was found about 30 yards off the paved trails on the Salado Creek Greenway with signs of head trauma, reported by the county's medical examiner. Investigators believe Dramiga was forced off the trail into the woods Dramiga's family is not considered involved in her death and has been very cooperative, officials said. Her daughter, Maisha Dramiga, tearfully told KENS 5: 'I am so grateful I have the mom I have and she has been taken from us, but I still had almost 30 years with that. 'Some people don't even know that experience.' Dramiga was a beloved mother and employee at the Brooke Army Medical Center Aside from being a beloved mother and wife, Dramiga was also a highly valued employee at the Brooke Army Medical Center, according to KSAT. A statement the medical center released on Wednesday reads: 'Brooke Army Medical Center received the tragic news that a member of our family, Ms. Stacey Dramiga, was found deceased by the Bexar County Sheriffs office after having been missing since Sunday morning. 'Our heartfelt condolences go out to her family, friends, and co-workers. Stacey was a beloved member of the BAMC staff and will be greatly missed.' The skipper of a pleasure boat that crashed into Hammersmith Bridge and caused 100,000 of damage said he was rushing to his destination to unload the 'volatile' and drunken West Hams fans on board, a court has heard. Daniel Davis, 52, was at the wheel of the Emerald of London when it struck the bridge on 10 December 2023 causing 100,000 of damage. The party boat had been hired by West Ham United fans to take them to a game against Fulham, which the Hammers lost 5-0. However, after picking up his passengers, Davis claimed the fans on board became rowdy and were shouting inappropriate comments to women on boats they went past. Wearing a dark blue suit, and a dotted dark blue tie, Davis told Westminster Magistrates' Court that he picked the fans up from Blackfriars pier at about 8.15am. Daniel Davis, the skipper of a pleasure boat that crashed into Hammersmith Bridge and caused 100,000 of damage, said he was rushing to his destination to unload the 'volatile' and drunken West Hams fans on board, a court has heard This is the moment the boat collided with Hammersmith Bridge on December 10 2023, causing 100,000 of damage The party boat had been hired by West Ham United fans to take them to a game against Fulham, but Davis claims the fans were being rowdy and made him and his colleague 'very, very nervous' with their behaviour He explained the boat company had a policy that only allowed passengers to eat food that they purchased on the boat. 'Some of them tried to get on sausage rolls. I told a couple that they couldn't bring them on. The reaction was 'Come on let us on. F***ing a--hole.'They were unreasonable.' Davis claimed that some of the passengers had made inappropriate comments to women. 'There were some girls in boats. Men on the back deck were hurling sexual comments at them, basically. 'Being the father of a young daughter myself I found that inappropriate.' He said that he wanted to get away from that part of the river and so decided to go under Hammersmith Bridge. 'I made the decision to go under Hammersmith Bridge which I've done hundreds of times.' 'What was the mood like on the boat?', asked Richard Berman, defending. 'From what I could hear the atmosphere on board was volatile. A lot of drinking, A lot of abuse being shouted. 'The mate I was with was terrified. There was banging on the wheel house door.' 'I was nervous, very nervous. 'I made the decision to try to get under the bridge to get to Putney Pier as quickly as possible and to get those passengers off.' He was asked if there was a tannoy he could have used to communicate with those on board. Davis, of Essex, who is on trial at Westminster Magistrates' Court, denies navigating a vessel in a manner likely to injure or endanger persons 'It would have been pointless. They would not have been able to hear me over the noise,' he said. Davis, of Essex, denies navigating a vessel in a manner likely to injure or endanger persons. The trial continues. Time is money, former President Donald Trump is betting, as he launches a new branded watch sale in the closing weeks of his presidential campaign. Trump, who has also peddled gold sneakers, NFTs, and even bibles this election campaign, announced 'my new Trump watches' on Truth Social on Wednesday. 'I'm doing quite a number with watches, and the quality to me is very important,' he said, hoping many of his online followers and political fans will rush to pick up one. The 'Trump Victory Tourbillon' watch he is selling has 200 grams of gold and 'more than 100 real diamonds' - with a price to match, selling for $100,000 each 'That's a lot of diamonds. I love gold. I love diamonds. We all do,' Trump said in a video advertisement. The watch has 'Trump' moniker in the middle and bears a 'Swiss made' label, as well as window that shows the mechanism, although an ad featuring it shows the watch sitting on the stars of an American flag. His ad does not disclose further details of the manufacturing or design or the origin of the diamonds. The images displayed in his promotional video 'are for illustrative purposes only and may not be an exact representation of the final product,' a disclaimer warns. It says they are 'intended as collectible items for individual enjoyment only. The 'Trump Victory Tourbillon' being promoted by the former president goes for $100,000 'Would make a great Christmas Gift. Dont wait, they will go fast,' Trump told his nearly 8 million followers hoping MAGA fans would scoop them up. A portion of the video touts 'exquisite Swiss craftsmanship' and says it features TX07 Tourbillon Movement. Trump promoted the watches on the day John Sauer, one of his stable of lawyers, was in a New York courtroom appealing his stunning $454 million fine in his New York fraud case. He has racked up an astonishing $24 million in interest amid the appeal, at a rate of about $1 million every nine days. Trump made a personal pitch for a new line of Trump watches Tourbillon movement, designed by Breguet, seeks to counter the effects of gravity with a rotating cage housing the tiny springs and wheels that allow a watch to keep time. The priciest one for sale on a web site goes for $100,000. The watch has 'almost 200 grams of 18 karat solid gold' and 122 VS1 diamonds. Trump says 'only 147 of these extraordinary watches will ever exist in the world.' It can also feature a 'personalized message'. The one featured says: 'JAMES, LET'S THINK BIG!' and included Trump's signature. 'Limited' numbered watches go from $499, with a specialized gold version going for $100,000 A watch in 'Fight Fight Fight' red references what Trump yelled to the crowd after the first assassination attempt in Butler, Pennsylvania. It is billed as water-resistant Some watches feature a backing with an image of Trump with a raised fist The watch features Tourbillon movement and 122 VS1 diamonds A lower end 'Fight fight fight' watch goes for $499. Fine print in the online ad says they are manufactured by thebestwatchesonearth LLC under a paid license agreement. It states that the watches 'are not political and have nothing to do with any political campaign.' That could be said for several Trump recent business offerings, which are unusual in presidential politics. Last month, Trump rolled out World Liberty Financial, a crypto currency venture. Each watch comes with a signed letter 'Crypto is one of those things we have to do,' Trump posted on X. 'Whether we like it or not, I have to do it.' He had been a past critic of crypto but has embraced it more recently. That venture involves his sons Don Jr. and Eric Trump. In February, he began selling $399 gold sneakers at 'Sneaker Con.' They are gold high tops being sold under the name 'Never Surrender High-Tops.' He is also selling $99 digital trading cards, many of which depict him as a super hero. He's even selling Trump bibles for $59.99. Trump says he's going to keep a gold watch although he presumably has no intention of buying himself a traditional retirement gift as he seeks to reclaim the White House. 'I have watch Number One, and I'm going to keep it. It's mine, and that's the way I want to have it.' He says each watch is numbered and is a 'true collector's item.' Not everyone on his Truth Social website agreed. 'Every few days, he pitches another piece of junk and you suckers fall for his grift. This is embarrassing,' wrote a commenter in a top trending post. 'What next? Chip clips and beer coozies?' wrote another. Two pensioners are seeking to take the Scottish and UK governments to court over Labour's cut to the winter fuel payment. Peter and Florence Fanning, from North Lanarkshire, have raised proceedings against the Scottish Government and the UK Work and Pensions Secretary over the policy. Following Labour's election landslide, emboldened Chancellor Rachel Reeves announced the winter fuel payment - which had previously been universal - will only be available to those on pension credit or other means-tested benefits this year. The decision led to the Scottish Government - which was due to take control over a similar payment through the devolved Social Security Scotland but has since announced a delay - to follow Prime Minister Keir Starmer's lead. The judicial review - which has been raised at the Court of Session - now requires a judge's approval to move to a hearing on the merits, with the Govan Law Centre - which is helping the Coatbridge couple in their case - seeking to ensure a decision can be handed down before the winter. Peter and Florence Fanning, from North Lanarkshire, are seeking to take the Scottish and UK governments to court over Labour's cut to the winter fuel payment Following Labour's election landslide, Sir Keir Starmer's government announced the winter fuel payment - which had previously been universal - will only be available to those on pension credit or other means-tested benefits this year Joining the couple at a press conference today, former First Minister Alex Salmond (left) said: 'The Scottish Government, instead of meekly accepting this, should have challenged it' The Fannings' case asks the court to rule on whether the cut was unlawful, which would then allow the petitioners to ask the court to, in effect, set aside the policy and restore the winter fuel payment to all. Speaking at a press conference in Edinburgh today, Mr Fanning, 73, said: 'We intend to sue both the London and Scottish governments, since both are guilty through action and inaction, of damaging the welfare of pensioners. 'We are hoping to be successful, given the manifest injustice involved, however, my work as a trade unionist and shop steward has taught me that some battles are worth fighting regardless of the outcome - I believe this is one such battle.' The case's argument rests on the accusation both governments failed to adequately consult with those of pension age on the change and did not release an equality impact assessment on the changes. A freedom of information request revealed an abridged version of such an assessment had been carried out by the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP), with the UK Government arguing a full study was not required. Former Scottish first minister and current Alba Party leader Alex Salmond was instrumental in putting the Fannings in touch with the Govan Law Centre ahead of the action being raised. Joining them at the press conference he said every person in Scotland 'should be grateful' to the Fannings for raising the action, which he said should have been taken forward by the Scottish Government in the first instance. Pointing to analysis by the Labour Party in 2017 - which suggested 4,000 people could die if the winter fuel payment was cut - Mr Salmond claimed it would be 'reprehensible' for the UK Government not to undertake an equality impact assessment because such a figure would be made public. He added: 'The Scottish Government, instead of meekly accepting this, should have challenged it. 'They should have stood up for pensioners and stood up for the people as opposed to meekly towing the line that was coming from Westminster.' The former first minister added that while it would be 'the most enormous humiliation' for the governments to lose the case: 'I wonder is that as bad as the humiliation if the health service in Scotland and England can cope with the health impacts of what they're doing?' Rachel Moon, the instructing solicitor and a partner at Govan Law Centre, said: 'Quite simply, [government] should have considered this rigorously. 'This policy and the decisions taken affect those with protected characteristics, including age and disability, and it affects 10 million people.' The legal challenge follows unions voting against the party at Labour's annual conference. Unite General Secretary Sharon Graham is seen making her speech against the bill But insisting MPs 'don't have the luxury of ducking the difficult choices and decisions', Health Secretary Wes Streeting said the government would plough on with the policy The legal challenge follows the government being embarrassed at Labour's annual party conference, where trade unions said they want to axe the bill in a non-binding vote. However, Sir Keir ignored the internal party revolt as he rounded off the conference week. Despite the humiliating vote result, party chiefs and Cabinet ministers insisted the government would plough on with the policy. Health Secretary Wes Streeting said he and fellow Labour MPs 'don't have the luxury of ducking the difficult choices and decisions', as he blamed a 22billion 'black hole' left in the public finances by the Tories. A British man who crammed a woman and child into a tiny car boot with little room to move or breathe has been jailed, the Home Office has said. Leon Leslie, 39, stashed the Vietnamese migrants - a 14-year-old girl and a 20-year-old woman - into the back of his hired Kia and tried to smuggle them to the UK. Border Force agents found the pair wedged in the boot when they stopped the car in Coquelles, France, on April 16 last year. Leslie, from Birmingham, was arrested at the scene on suspicion of assisting unlawful immigration into the UK. Leon Leslie, 39 (pictured) attempted to smuggle to Vietnamese migrants into the UK in his car boot Border Force agents found the pair wedged in the boot when they stopped the car in Coquelles, France, on April last year Leslie refused to offer any explanation as to why the woman and girl were hiding in his vehicle when questioned by officials The blue Kia used by Leslie to attempt to smuggle the two migrants across the Channel When questioned, he refused to offer any explanation as to why the woman and girl were in his car, the Home Office said. Leslie was jailed for three years at Canterbury Crown Court On Thursday, having pleaded guilty. Home Office Criminal Investigation officer Nadia Kehayova said: 'This criminal crammed a young woman and a child inside his car boot with little room to move or even breathe, showing total disregard for their safety. 'The sole priority of these criminals is financial gain, at the expense of those they exploit under false promises of a better life in the UK. 'We will continue to work tirelessly to secure our borders and clamp down on the people who heartlessly endanger vulnerable people to make money.' Prisoners at a 'crumbling' Victorian jail removed entire bricks from their cells using plastic cutlery while one person managed to take off an entire door, a shocking report has revealed. Inspectors from the Independent Monitoring Board (IMB) said HMP Winchester, a 680-capacity category B jail built in 1846, was 'dilapidated' and crumbling. In a report released today, inspectors also said that inmates in 10 cells in the main jail had removed bricks and parts of window frames from their cells, often using plastic cutlery. In one case, a prisoner in the seg unit - called the Care and Separation Unit (CSU) - actually took his entire cell door off, prompting an 'escape risk'. The seg unit can house 12 inmates, often put there because they are a danger to others, but also if they are being bullied by inmates in the main jail. HMP Winchester (pictured), a 680-capacity category B jail built in 1846, was described as 'dilapidated' and crumbling. A total of 124 inmates were recently released from HMP Winchester as part of the early release scheme. (General view of HMP Winchester) The IMB said the fabric of the jail was 'under serious strain'. It stated: 'There have been at least 10 incidents of prisoners removing bricks and parts of window frames from their cells, as well as one case of a prisoner removing a CSU cell door. 'It is unsuitable for people to live in such conditions and the inadequate state of the fabric provides extra risk of escape.' The IMB added: 'HMP Winchester was built 178 years ago and is dilapidated and unfit for purpose.' It also said there were various leaks around the jail, dangerous staircases and a rat infestation, adding: 'Parts of the prison accommodation, in particular on the main wings, continue to be a concern to the Board. 'There are clear signs of dilapidation. 'This includes leaking roofs and ceilings, erratic heating and water systems, rat infestation and degraded brickwork, which prisoners have previously been able to dig through using plastic cutlery.' A total of 124 inmates were recently released from HMP Winchester as part of the early release scheme. A prison source said that many Victorian jails were 'crumbling'. The source, who has worked in jails for more than a decade, said: 'We see relatively new prisons experience major structural problems in just 10 or 15 years, so it is no surprise that prisons built in Victorian times are in a state. 'All the jails I've worked in have leaky roofs, crumbling brickwork and rat infestations - it would take hundreds of millions to do a decent repair job.' A Ministry of Justice spokesperson said the Labour government had 'inherited a justice system in crisis'. They added: 'The new government inherited a justice system in crisis and has been forced to take action across the prison estate, so we can continue to lock up dangerous offenders, protect the public and make prisons safer for hard-working staff.' A mother of five who died after a 'botched' Brazilian Butt Lift was warned by her closest friend hours before not to go ahead with the procedure. Diana Webb, 58, spoke to her younger cousin Alice Webb, 33, on the phone for two hours and told her: 'You don't need it - you already look beautiful.' An emotional Diana, who was described as her 'second mother' after helping to raise Alice, told The Sun: 'We had talked about it a lot before she went to have the procedure. 'She had told me she was going to have this done and I said she didn't need it - she already looked beautiful. And she was stunning on her own.' Diana also told how she had been on the phone to Alice beforehand, even saying how she felt at ease because everything seemed 'professional'. Alice Webb, 33, died on Monday, just hours after having the procedure which is thought to have involved the injection of chemical fillers Her 'second mother', Diana Webb, has revealed how she told her younger cousin that she did not need the procedure. It's understood Alice worked in the industry and was attending a training session where she would learn how to perform the procedure before having her own done. 'She took every course she could take, including this one, because she wanted to make sure she got everything right,' Diana said. It comes after a glamorous beautician and TV star dubbed the 'Lip King' today admitted her had been arrested. Jordan James Parke was asked to comment on the death of Alice when approached by MailOnline, he said: 'I can't talk to anybody. I was arrested but I've been released.' Police later arrived at the house with an officer seen speaking to Parke as he climbed into his Mercedes 4x4 which was parked outside the property. Alice died on Monday, just hours after having the procedure which is thought to have involved the injection of chemical fillers. She had travelled from her home in Wotton-under-Edge to a clinic in Gloucester on Monday. Later that evening, Alice was rushed to hospital but died in the early hours of Tuesday morning. It is the first time a person has died in the UK from the procedure and comes after campaign group Save Face called for tighter controls in the cosmetic market warning that 'people could die'. MailOnline revealed earlier that Alice was treated at The Studio 23 clinic in Gloucester, which is run by beautician Jemma Pawlyszyn and Parke, who is dubbed the 'British Lip King'. Parke, who describes himself on social media as 'The Plastic Surgery Advocate', is not a qualified surgeon and provides treatment from a clinic in Gloucester. The Kim Kardashian fanatic appeared on US reality TV series Botched in 2015, but he was turned away when he returned to the show in 2019 as doctors revealed a fourth nose job would have involved taking a piece of his rib to widen his nostrils. Parke, the 'Lip King', is pictured climbing into his Mercedes 4x4 which was parked outside a property he came out of Jordan James Parke, 32, did not comment on the death of 33-year-old Alice Webb when approached by MailOnline The 'Lip King' was seen getting into the large 4x4 which has a personalised number plate The procedure was carried out at The Studio 23 clinic in Gloucester, which is run by Jordan James Parke Jordan James Parke works alongside his assistant Jemma Pawlyszyn (pictured) Pictured is Studio 23, which is just a few miles from where Alice's home is in Wotton-under-Edge The Studio 23 sign could be seen at the property when MailOnline visited it in Gloucester today Parke, who has had major work done on his face, now has a private Instagram profile but it also links to another page called The Lip King Aesthetics. He also works in Manchester, Bristol and the West Midlands. Alice is understood to have had the procedure in Gloucester, which is just a few miles from her home in Wotton-under-Edge. The treatment is designed to make buttocks bigger, more rounded or lifted and sees fat or dermal filler injected into the buttocks to change size or shape. While non-surgical BBLs are not illegal in the UK, last year Wolverhampton City Council barred a company from carrying out the procedure after identifying risks associated with their processes, including blood clots, sepsis, and the potential for the death of body tissues. Parke is a Kim Kardashian fan who has spent more than 130,000 on cosmetic surgery and has appeared on TV to discuss his obsession on This Morning and Channel 4 Bodyshockers. He has had at least four nose jobs and 50 other procedures and once said: 'Plastic surgery is like sex. You can't have it once. You have to have it over and over.' Parke is a Kim Kardashian fan who has spent more than 130,000 on cosmetic surgery Parke has also appeared on TV to discuss his obsession on This Morning and Ch4 Bodyshockers Jemma Pawlyszyn works at The Studio 23 in Gloucester When he set up his business in 2017, he revealed that he would specialise in lip and cheek fillers and enhancements, as well as chemical peels and vampire facials one of Kim's favourite procedures. Yesterday evening, Alice's partner Dane Knight asked people not to speculate on the circumstances surrounding her death and to be mindful around her five daughters, who are 'extremely vulnerable' at this time. In an emotional post on Facebook he wrote: 'Want to say a heart felt thank you to all family and friends that were here for us at our time of need, including all of the kind messages sent to my children and myself. 'There was some very beautiful messages sent by some of your children that formed a start of a smile from the corner of my kids mouth. 'I feel this is important saying this as I will not accept speculations from adults being accidentally being eaves dropped by children and unnecessary questions raised to the 5 girls, so be extremely careful on what you say and who's around! My children are extremely vulnerable!' Dane Knight (left) has been left devastated by the death of his partner Alice Webb (right) who died after a Brazilian Bum Lift procedure in the UK Alice (pictured) was an advanced aesthetic practitioner at Crystal Clear in Wotton-under-Edge and is thought to have had the procedure in the West Country Alice Webb (pictured), 33, died on Monday just hours after having the procedure Alice was an advanced aesthetic practitioner at Crystal Clear in Wotton-under-Edge, a market town in Gloucestershire. A GoFundMe page set up by her pal Abigail Irwin revealed the tragedy. It said: 'I am hoping to raise as many funds as we can to support Dane, the partner of Alice and their five beautiful children at this very difficult sad time. 'Alice passed away Monday evening after having the BBL treatment.' 'Alice joined the beauty & Aesthetics industry two years ago and she has been smashing it, doing amazing. 'She cared about her clients, she would always check in to see if they were OK, Alice was a beautiful person inside and out and I feel very lucky to have known her and to have spent time with her in our salon. 'Alice would ask for advice all the time and ask to check if there was anything more she could do to improve her skills but she was just a pure natural and never needed my help but always wanting to be the best at her job and that she was. Alice was just 33 when she passed away following the bum lift procedure in the UK A GoFundMe page set up for Alice, where tributes have been shared to the much-loved mother-of-five 'Alice has passed away at a young age of 33. Alice was beautiful inside and out with the biggest heart, her family was her world she is leaving behind her partner Dane & 5 beautiful children. 'Delsie 15, Preete 13, Gracie 12, Nylie 10, Clarie 7 as you can imagine this is a very difficult heart breaking time for them all so if we can all help donate or share to help take of some financial stress it would be really appreciated by the family.' The night before Alice's sudden death, she posted a photo on Facebook of a small pumpkin, which she said was a 'present' from her daughter. She added: 'How cute.' In the comments, she shared a second photo of the pumpkin, having been carved with a candle inside, and wrote: 'My little lamp.' Gloucestershire Police has confirmed it has made arrests and is investigating the death. On Wednesday despite being asked repeatedly for comment Gloucestershire Police refused to give any further details. Eight female councillors in Hertfordshire sensationally quit the Lib Dems last night after claiming officials had failed to deal with 'toxic behaviour', including allegations of bullying and sexual harassment. The women, who were elected onto Dacorum borough council, claimed they were resigning after an internal committee overturned the verdict of a misconduct investigation into former leader Ron Tindall two weeks ago. Tindall has denied the allegations. Footage of their resignation was circulating on social media today, just hours after the dramatic live-streamed meeting on Wednesday night. Their en masse action means the Lib Dems have now lost their overall majority in Dacorum, just months after claiming victory at the 2023 local elections. The Lib Dems have lost majority control in Dacorum after eight female councillors sensationally quit last night. Pictured: Sir Ed Davey ploughs through bales of hay in a yellow tractor to kickstart the party's local election campaigning in Dacorum in 2023 At the time, the party hailed the seizure of Dacorum from the Tories as something of a coup, having won majority control for the first time in 20 years. It was also in Dacorum that leader Sir Ed Davey was pictured ploughing through bales of hay in a yellow tractor to kickstart the party's local election campaigning. But notions of a Lib Dem majority came to a crashing end last night as Claire Hobson, chairwoman of the council's strategic planning and environment overview and scrutiny committee, accused council leader Adrian England of 'failing' to deal with allegations of bullying and harassment, including sexual harassment. Councillor Claire Hobson (right) announced she was quitting the party alongside Councillor Victoria Santamaria (left) and six others after accusing Dacorum Borough Council leader Adrian England of 'failing' to deal with allegations of bullying and harassment, including sexual harassment She also accused him of failing to 'implement any safeguarding measures to protect members and officers.' She said at the meeting: 'In all good conscience I can no longer remain a member of the Liberal Democrat group.' Ms Hobson added: 'I am not alone in my concerns about this and other issues and a further seven colleagues are also tonight leaving the Liberal Democrat councillor group to sit as independent councillors.' She went on to name Sammy Mears, Michaela Capozzi, Toni Cox, Lara Pringle, Victoria Sanatamaria, Carole Weston and Sheron Wilkie as the councillors stepping down from the Liberal Democrat group alongside her. They will all now sit as independents. Tindall served as leader of the Lib Dem-controlled council between May 2023 until May 2024. He was suspended in July following allegations of misconduct, which were investigated both internally by the council and the Lib Dem party. Dacorum Borough Council also confirmed at the time that he was stepping down from his role as portfolio holder for people and transformation. In July, an investigation commissioned by the council concluded that Tindall's actions had 'constituted sexual harassment'. But earlier this month, a council sub-committee on standards dismissed the complaints against him. In a statement to The Times, Tindall described the complaints as 'malicious'. He said: 'As far as I'm concerned, the whole matter about the malicious allegations against me was dealt with by the standards committee and there was no case to answer and neither complaint was upheld.' In a statement from the eight councillors, the group said they were standing down because the Lib Dem group had 'enabled toxic behaviour'. Ron Tindall, who served as leader of the Lib Dem-controlled council between May 2023 until May 2024, has denied the allegations They said: 'The women are standing down from the Liberal Democrat group to sit as independents because they cannot be associated with the Liberal Democrat group which has enabled toxic behaviour towards women.' A spokesman for the Liberal Democrats said: 'We have been made aware of a number of councillors resigning from the Liberal Democrat group on Dacorum borough council.' MailOnline has approached England for comment. A crane stands at the former Hunters Point Naval Shipyard in San Francisco, in 2018. The site will be entering its final phase of cleanup and remediation of radioactive sediment. Noah Berger/Special to the Chronicle An environmental cleanup that, for more than two decades, has sought to cleanse San Franciscos former Hunters Point Naval Shipyard of its alarming history of radioactive and industrial pollution is on the verge of entering its final phase underwater. On Thursday, representatives of the U.S. Navy and Environmental Protection Agency announced a remediation plan for a large offshore area which, due to its pollution from polychlorinated biphenyls, or PCBs, and heavy metals like copper, lead and mercury, was identified as a toxic hotspot by regulating agencies years ago. The underwater site, known as Parcel F, consists of 433-acres of piers and sediment sloping around the entirety of the 500-acre shipyard, a decommissioned naval base that juts into the bay on the southeast corner of San Francisco. To date, Parcel F has remained untouched by the larger cleanup effort, which so far has focused on 10 land parcels that were earmarked for redevelopment in the late 1990s, before the remediation work began. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Contaminated sediments at Parcel F will be removed or cleaned through remediation strategies including dredging and taking away sediment near the shoreline, as well as capping covering areas of concern to prevent the spread of contamination polluted sediment in deep water parts of the bay, according to the cleanup plan that was finalized this month. A contractor to carry out the cleanup plan must also still be selected. The active sediment removal is expected to take less than two years, once the work begins in 2027 remedial design and planning documents need to be completed first. The Navy will dispose of the sediment in a landfill at a site that is still to be determined. The impending work on Parcel F is expected to cost $32 million. Today weve reached a milestone in finalizing the cleanup plan for the final parcel of the Hunters Point site, marking a significant step in ultimately returning this area to productive use for the local community, said EPA Pacific Southwest Regional Administrator Martha Guzman. For more than six years, the Navy, state and federal regulators have been assessing strategies to address the contaminated site, which they acknowledge poses health risks to humans and wildlife in the vicinity, but also say is challenging to clean due to its submerged status. Advertisement Article continues below this ad During the Cold War, parts of the shipyard were contaminated by fallout from irradiated ships that were brought to Hunters Point after atomic-bomb tests. The Navy, which operated at the shipyard from 1945 to 1974, and other agencies have spent decades trying to remove that contamination. The piers that are considered part of Parcel F were used for ship repair and maintenance, and spills and runoff from these activities seeped into the bay. Another source of contamination is a drainage discharge point in the area for the citys sewer systems. The Parcel F area, along with the 9.5-acre Yosemite Slough a shallow water channel between the shipyard and adjacent Candlestick Point that is also subject to separate cleanup efforts by the EPA and private entities represents one of the most significant areas of sediment contamination in the bay, said Michael Montgomery, director of the EPAs Superfund and Emergency Management Division. Data shows that there are contaminants getting into the environment, into the birds, into the fish and shellfish. Theres concern about people consuming those fish, he said, adding that the objective of the cleanup plan for Parcel F is to lower the current risk for the areas ecosystem. What this remedy will do is eliminate that exposure pathway of contaminated sediments moving up the food web, into natural systems and into human bodies. Montgomery said that the EPA will closely monitor the Navys cleanup of Parcel F and will require trucks entering and leaving the site to pass through a portal monitor that screens the removed sediment for radiation contamination. The Navy will be required to conduct daily monitoring for air quality, both upwind and downwind, during construction activities, he said. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Montgomery added that on-site air monitoring equipment will also be installed and data submitted to the Bay Area Air Quality Management District and the California Department of Toxic Substance Control. These projects can be a little smelly, Montgomery said. We want to make sure people are aware that there are going to be some odors, and were going to be mindful of that, and work closely with the air district. Settling on a strategy to address the contamination in Parcel F was the last big remedy decision that the Navy has to make in regard to the cleanup, according to Montgomery. The larger shipyards redevelopment by Five Point Holdings into a new mixed-use neighborhood with thousands of new homes and millions of square feet of commercial space was suspended in 2018 after allegations of fraud surfaced in connection with Tetra Tech EC, the firm hired and managed by the Navy in 2004 to remediate the shipyard. At the time, only a few hundred homes had been built on a hilltop site known as Parcel A, which was cleared for redevelopment before cleanup efforts began at the shipyard below. Advertisement Article continues below this ad The mother of five-year-old Elijah Lewis, who was found dead in a Massachusetts park after being starved, has pleaded guilty to her son's murder. Danielle Dauphinais, 38, admitted to second-degree murder and two counts of witness tampering early today morning at the Hillsborough Superior Court South in Nashua. Elijah was killed by his mother in October 2022 after she starved him over a prolonged period, with the little boy weighing the same as a watermelon when his body was found, cops said. His corpse only weighed 19 pounds when measured by officials after his death. A healthy five year-old boy should weight between 34 and 52 pounds, according to CDC figures. Danielle Dauphinais, 38, admitted to second-degree murder and two counts of witness tampering earlier today at the Hillsborough Superior Court in Nashua Based on the charges, the killer mother could be jailed for 55 years to life for murder and receive two sentences of up to seven years for witness tampering. Her sentence hearing is scheduled for October 25. One of the key conditions to Dauphinais' plea agreement is that she is not allowed to profit off these 'offenses', including getting paid to write a book, movie, TV or any other medium on the murder of Lewis. During the hearing, chilling Facebook and text messages she sent to her boyfriend, Joseph Stapf were also revealed in which she admitted to hitting the child on his head. 'All this kid does is cry because he's f****** hungry. He said he wants food and he wants me to stop starving him because it's not nice,' Dauphinais wrote. While another series of messages read: 'I'm gonna kill this kid Joe, f****** screaming on the top of his lungs for f****** water and woke JoLeeya. 'Elijah!! I'm gonna kill him and I mean it.' Perhaps in one of the most surprising texts, she said: 'I hit him in the head with the shower rod that's all I did. Just whooped the maggot's a**'. The young child had gone missing on October 4, 2022 from the family home in Merrimack, New Hampshire. His body was found in Ames Nowell State Park in Abington, Massachusetts - just 70 miles from Merrimack - on October 23 by a police dog, 10 days after a search was launched by investigators across five states. Elijah Lewis was found in Ames Nowell State Park in Abington, Massachusetts - just 70 miles from Merrimack - on October 23, 2022 by a police dog, 10 days after a search was launched by investigators across five states Prosecutors revealed that Dauphinais and Stapf stuffed Elijah's body in a container, dug a hole and buried him in the park. His autopsy report revealed that he had been starved, neglected and physically abused while alive. Lewis had also suffered facial and scalp injuries, acute fentanyl intoxication, malnourishment and pressure ulcers. Bethany Durand, the New Hampshire Assistant Attorney General told the court: 'Between September 27, 2020, and September 21, 2021, Elijah was assaulted, starved, isolated and neglected. He was tortured.' Other texts revealed the same month he went missing showed Dauphinais complaining about Elijah to a childhood friend in June and calling him 'the next Ted Bundy and Jeffrey Dahmer' while saying she 'wanted him gone.' Lewis had also suffered facial and scalp injuries, acute fentanyl intoxication, malnourishment and pressure ulcers before he died During the hearing, chilling Facebook and text messages she sent to her boyfriend, Joseph Stapf were also revealed - where she admitted to hitting the child on his head His autopsy report revealed that he had been starved, neglected and physically abused Notorious serial killer and rapist Ted Bundy kidnapped, raped, and murdered several women and underage girls during the 1970s and possibly earlier. He confessed to more than thirty murders he committed across seven states between 1974 and 1978. Dauphinais also reportedly told her friend that she could not 'trust' her son 'anymore' as a result of Elijah urinating over his bedding and clothes and playing with his own feces. She also wrote to her friend: 'I want him gone. I can't handle it anymore,' Ultimately, Dauphinais was arrested in New York City on October 16 - a week before her son's discovery. She and Stapf were then charged with witness tampering and child endangerment before being extradited back to New Hampshire. Stapf has already been convicted of manslaughter in connection with the case and remains in prison. A troubled father of four told a court how he had sex with the Monster of Avignon's wife on a table while she was unconscious but later wrote her a letter from prison to say sorry for forcing himself on her. Fabien Sotton said he only stayed 15 minutes at the Pelicot's family home in Mazan after the woman failed to wake up during his sexual advances. Sotton 39, told the court he had had a troubled upbringing, had been abused in while in care and had been to prison for theft. He admitted that he had taken drugs on the day that he met up with Pelicot after meeting him on the internet chat room used by swingers. Sotton said he had previously indulged in three-somes with a couple where the woman was tied to the bed 'so he could do whatever he liked'. Gisele Pelicot, 71, arrives today at the Palais de Justice, Avignon France for the trial of her ex-husband Dominic Pelicot Dominique Pelicot, who has allegedly drugged and raped his wife Gisele Pelicot, appears during his trial with 50 co-accused at the courthouse in Avignon, France, September 17, 2024 Dominique Pelicot is accused of recruiting men online to assault his wife repeatedly over 10yrs He said he believed he was taking part in a sex game when he went to the Pelicot's home in Mazan in Provence one night in August 2018. Sotton discovered Madame Pelicot lying on a mattress on a table when he invited into the chalet late at night. But he feared that things were not normal when Madame Pelicot failed to react to his sexual advances. However he failed to stop the rape 'because he was in the moment'. He told the court: 'I'm not interested in sex where the woman is sleeping, I like to hear the woman scream. 'I didn't think she was asleep, I thought she was going to wake up.' Judge Roger Arata challenged Sotton, asking him to why he did not stop. The judge asked: 'Why didn't you stop when the victim didn't react?' The Pelicot home in the village of Mazan, now known as the house of horrors Abuse took place in the town of Mazan, south of France, and was only uncovered after the man was caught up-skirting women in a local supermarket, prompting officers to search his home Mr Pelicot depicted appearing at the courthouse in Avignon on September 11 He replied: 'I was too much in the thick of things to notice. 'I was in the excitement of the thing.' Sotton admitted to the court that the husband, Pelicot, could not give consent to sex on his wife behalf and that an unconscious person cannot give consent. The defendant said he only learned about Pelicot following his arrest in April 2021 and wrote a letter of apology to Madame Pelicot. He said: 'I was in jail with another defendant in this trial. 'We heard that he [Pelicot had killed and raped two people in the 1990's. We heard about everything he did. 'I was manipulated by him [Pelicot]. 'I regret what I did. 'I thought it was a sex game.' Turning to Madame Pelicot who was sitting in the court, Sotton said: 'I would like to apologise to you madame. I am sorry I was an accomplice. 'I am truly sorry.' Sotton is among 50 men who are accused of the aggravated rape of Gisele Pelicot over a ten-year period at her home in Her husband rendered her unconscious with powerful sedatives and invited strangers that he met on the internet to rape her while he watched and took videos. The case, dubbed by Pelicot's daughter as the 'worst sex crime for the past 20 years', has horrified France. The trial continues. Naomi Campbell's Fashion For Relief organisation splurged 12,000 on a flight to Nice to transfer art and jewellery, as well as splashing out 7,800 on a luxury hotel stay for the model. The details of the charity's spending have been revealed by the Charity Commission after Campbell, 54, was today disqualified from being a trustee for five years. An inquiry found that between April 2016 and July 2022, just 8.5 per cent of the charity's overall spending was on charitable grants. It also said it found some fundraising expenditure to be misconduct or mismanagement by the charity's trustees. This included a 12,300 flight from London to Nice in 2018 for transferring art and jewellery. It also looked into the decision to spend 7,800 of charity funds on a three-night stay at a five-star hotel in Cannes, France, for Campbell.While there she spent 6,000 on spa treatments, room service, and cigarettes. The commission said today that as a result of its investigation, more than 344,000 had been recovered and used to make donations to two other charities and settle Fashion For Relief's outstanding liabilities. Naomi Campbell pictured in Cannes in 2018 when her organisation Fashion for Relief spent 7,800 on a luxury three night hotel stay Campbnell (pictured in Milan last week) has been disqualified from being a trustee for five years. The charity also spent 12,000 on a flight from London to Nice (pictured) in order to transfer art and jewellery Supermodel Naomi Campbell - seen in Paris yesterday - has been disqualified as a trustee after an investigation into her Fashion For Relief charity uncovered 'serious mismanagement' Naomi Campbell played a prominent role in catwalk shows staged on behalf of her Fashion For Relief charity - seen here during London Fashion Week in September 2019 It follows revelations by the Mail On Sunday that official accounts showed that it spent more than 1.6million on a glittering gala in Cannes, but gave just 5,000 to good causes over a 15-month period. The Charity Commission confirmed in April that it had removed the supermodel's charity from the UK charity register while it continued its investigation into allegations of misconduct. And today the Commission published the report of its statutory inquiry into Fashion For Relief, concluding the charity was poorly governed and had inadequate financial management. Campbell was disqualified from being a trustee for five years, former colleagues Bianka Hellmich for nine and Veronica Chou for four. The model founded the charity in 2005, saying she had been inspired by her friend Nelson Mandela telling her to 'use [her] voice' for good. The organisation claimed to have raised more than 11million, mostly through glitzy fundraising events held all over the world, including in New York, Mumbai and Moscow. Campbell would take centre stage at the galas, appearing in showstopping designer gowns, and was honoured by the British Fashion Council for her services to and achievements in the fashion industry in 2019. But concerns were raised in 2021 about how much money was being passed on to people in need after the Mayor's Fund for London lodged an official complaint, saying that it was owed 50,000 by the charity. The Mayor's Fund, which helps young Londoners from low-income backgrounds, filed a 'serious incident' report with the Charity Commission, which announced a statutory inquiry in November that year. The supermodel, pictured on the red carpet at the Fashion for Relief show at London Fashion Week in September 2019, has now been disqualified as a charity trustee for four years Naomi Campbell is seen here attending a Fashion For Relief event at the 71st annual Cannes Film Festival in France in May 2018 Among those at the Fashion For Relief event at the Cannes Film Festival in May 2018 were (left to right) Maria Borges, Bella Hadid, Naomi Campbell, Winnie Harlow and Natalia Vodianova In these cases, the trustees 'failed to show how these were cost-effective and an appropriate use of the charity's resources', the Charity Commission said. The inquiry saw no evidence trustees had reviewed the charity's operating model to ensure fundraising methods were in the organisation's best interest and that costs were reasonable relative to cash brought in. And it also found some of the charity's fundraising expenditure was not reasonable. The charity had held fundraising events for the Save the Children Fund and the Mayor's Fund for London. The inquiry found that the trustees of Fashion for Relief 'failed to manage these partnership arrangements'. The commission also said unauthorised payments totalling 290,000 for consultancy services had been made to trustee Ms Hellmich, which was in breach of the charity's constitution. And the charity's funds were held and applied on its behalf by external professional advisors rather than in a dedicated bank account in Fashion For Relief's name. Tim Hopkins, the Charity Commission's deputy director for specialist investigations and standards, said: 'Trustees are legally required to make decisions that are in their charity's best interests and to comply with their legal duties and responsibilities. 'Our inquiry has found that the trustees of this charity failed to do so, which has resulted in our action to disqualify them. 'This inquiry, and the work of the interim managers we appointed to run the charity in place of the trustees, has resulted in the recovery of 344,000 and protection of a further 98,000 charitable funds. 'I am pleased that the inquiry has seen donations made to other charities which this charity has previously supported.' Veronica Chou (pictured left, with Naomi Campbell) has also been disqualified as a trustee Naomi Campbell helped launch a Fashion For Reliuef pop-up store at Westfield London in November 2019 The supermodel is pictured here at a Fashion For Relief event at Doha Fire Station in Qatar's capital in November 2021 The trustees were Ms Campbell, her key aide Ms Chou who is the heiress to a 2 billion textile fortune, and socialite and lawyer Ms Hellmich. Ms Chou quit the charity days after the Commission launched its probe in 2021. A spokesman for the charity said in April when it was removed from the charity register: 'The winding up of Fashion For Relief was a decision made by the trustees three years ago. It was not forcibly closed. 'Fashion For Relief operates in America and will continue to do fundraising initiatives worldwide.' MailOnline has contacted Fashion For Relief and representatives for Naomi Campbell for comment. Pedestrians and cars were soaked with poo after a sewage pipe exploded near a motorway. Stomach-churning CCTV footage shows the 'poo-cano' of browny orange waste showering the road. A pipe ruptured on a section of road undergoing work at around 11am on Tuesday September 24. The footage shows how the human waste thundered more than 33 ft into the air like a geyser. Vehicles are shown driving on the busy road when the 'poo-cano' erupted, sending a huge brown cloud into the sky in Nanning, in the southern Guangxi region of China. Cars and pedestrians were soaked in poo after a sewage pipe exploded near a motorway Cars were driving on a busy highway in the city of Nanning in southern China, when the 'poo-cano' suddenly erupted, sending a huge cloud of brown dust into the sky Dashcam footage shows how windscreens were pelted with globules of poo as it rained down all around. Unsuspecting pedestrians were also splattered from head to toe with human waste as they strolled along the avenue. One driver reportedly complained: 'I'm drenched in poo, my car is splattered yellow. It's ruined.' The blast was so powerful that a digger was flipped at the roadworks site where the eruption occurred. Local authorities confirmed that no one was injured by the explosion. Officials are investigating the cause of the incident, which reportedly happened as a pressure test was being conducted during the laying of the sewage pipes Several vehicles were damaged by the blast, which was so powerful that a digger was overturned at the roadworks site However, several vehicles sustained damage from the sudden explosion out of the ground. The rupture reportedly happened as a pressure test was being conducted during the laying of the sewage pipes. Officials were dispatched to the scene to carry out a large clean-up operation after the blast. The local authorities are reportedly investigating its causes to prevent similar incidents in the future. One local said: 'You can almost smell this video.' Oasis will take their Live '25 tour across the world with 13 cities in the US, Canada, Asia and Australia set to be played by the band. Brothers Noel and Liam Gallagher had always been clear that their reunion tour next year would be a 'world tour', but until now have been tight-lipped on what form this might take. UK and Ireland dates were subject to 'unprecedented' demand when tickets went on sale last month, with fans left enraged by prices skyrocketing due to Ticketmaster's 'dynamic pricing', or by being kicked off the site once they had queued for hours to secure a spot. It had been suggested last week that US tour dates would be revealed on Friday, but NME have announced a day before then that 13 cities in the US and beyond will host the britpop legends. Though their report does not mention venues, it suggests Oasis fans stateside might be able to watch the band at the enormous MetLife Stadium with East Rutherford, New Jersey, one of the cities which will host the group. Oasis will take their Live '25 tour across the world with 13 cities in the US, Canada , Asia and Australia set to be played by the Gallagher brothers and their bandmates Oasis fans stateside might be able to watch the band at the enormous MetLife Stadium - which hosts both the New York Giants and the New York Jets - with East Rutherford, New Jersey, one of the cities due to host the group As well as East Rutherford, the Gallaghers and their bandmates will also be visiting Chicago, Boston and Los Angeles on the US leg of their tour. Heading north, Oasis will reportedly be stopping off in Toronto to play to some of their Canadian fans. Perhaps coincidentally, it has been revealed today that next year will see the construction of a new 50,000 capacity outdoor concert venue - which will be the city's largest. In the other direction, Mexico City is set to host the rock and roll stars, with more dates expected in Sao Paolo, Brazil, Santiago, Chile, and Buenos Aires, Argentina. The world tour will apparently also take the band the other side of the Pacific Ocean, including in both Melbourne and Sydney, Australia. Oasis are also set to appear in South Korea and Japan in Seoul and Tokyo respectively. Oasis Live '25 world tour cities Toronto, Canada Chicago, US East Rutherford, New Jersey, US Boston, US Los Angeles, US Mexico City, Mexico Seoul, South Korea Tokyo, Japan Melbourne, Australia Sydney, Australia Sao Paulo, Brazil Santiago, Chile Buenos Aires, Argentina Source: NME Advertisement Exact dates, venues and ticketing details are all due to be confirmed shortly. It remains unclear whether Ticketmaster will still be the main provider of spaces for fans at the gigs following the chaos which fans experienced when trying to book spaces in the UK and Ireland. After the first wave of sales, Oasis and Ticketmaster faced calls to 'do the right thing' and refund fans hit by dynamic pricing by consumer group Which? The band and ticketing giant faced the fury of those eager to watch Oasis's hotly-anticipated tour after the price of standard tickets more than doubled from 148 to 355. Ticketmaster said prices were driven up by surging demand and the policy had been agreed with the band's management, Oasis itself said they were unaware of dynamic pricing would be implemented when tickets initially went on sale. Since then the UK's government and competition watchdog have pledged to look into the implementation of the policy. And Which?, one of Britain's most well known consumer groups, has called for those who paid more than expected to seal their place at the gigs to have some of their money returned. Following the controversy, Which? asked Oasis fans to send in screenshots of the ticket-buying and checkout process to see if they were warned that ticket prices could surge due to high levels of demand. Under the Consumer Protection from Unfair Trading Regulations (CPRs), traders must not mislead consumers with how prices are presented or leave out key pricing information that they might need to make an informed decision about their purchase. Which? said many fans were not informed about the increases until after they had already tried to add cheaper tickets to their baskets. While the use of 'dynamic pricing' was mentioned in the terms and conditions on the website, fans were not warned that this practice would be used for Oasis tickets, the watchdog said. Boris Johnson made an extraordinary last-ditch bid to persuade Prince Harry not to quit the UK. The former Prime Minister reveals in his sensational new memoir that he was asked to give the Duke of Sussex a 'manly pep talk' to convince him it would be a mistake to leave Britain for a fresh start abroad with his wife Meghan. Mr Johnson's new book, Unleashed, will be serialised in the Daily Mail from Saturday, and is already tipped to become the political memoir of the century. He reveals that in January 2020, just weeks after his landslide election win, officials in Downing Street and Buckingham Palace believed he might be able to talk Harry out of his seismic decision to quit the UK and walk away from his royal duties. The ex-PM writes that there was 'a ridiculous business... when they made me try to persuade Harry to stay. Kind of manly pep talk. Totally hopeless.' Prince Harry and Boris Johnson on the day of the meeting in January 2020 where the former prime minister made a last-ditch bid to persuade Prince Harry not to quit the UK Boris Johnson made an extraordinary last-ditch bid to persuade Prince Harry not to quit the UK. Pictured are the Duke and Duchess of Sussex in March 2020 during an event in London Mr Johnson's explosive new book will delve into some of his relationships with other members of the royal family. Pictured is late Queen Elizabeth II and her son, King Charles The secret meeting, which underlines the close links between No 10 and the Palace, took place in the margins of a UK-Africa investment summit in London's Docklands. It came just hours after the duke gave an emotional speech in which he said he and Meghan were leaving with 'great sadness' but felt they had 'no other option' but to step away from royal life. The two men met for 20 minutes without aides as Mr Johnson tried to persuade the prince to reconsider. A friend said Mr Johnson paid tribute to Harry's efforts on the Invictus Games and praised Meghan's work on their shared passion for promoting the education of women and girls in developing countries. 'He thought they were a great asset to UK plc and it was a real shame they were leaving when they were doing such great work,' the friend said. 'It was a man-to-man conversation, they were totally alone. But Harry wasn't for turning he was unpersuadable by that point. 'Boris succeeded in delivering Brexit but even he couldn't stop Megxit.' The following day, Harry flew to Canada to be reunited with Meghan and their son, Archie. The family later moved to Montecito, California, where they remain today, having given up their lives as working Royals. The publication of Mr Johnson's memoir threatens to overshadow the Conservative Party conference which gets under way in Birmingham on Sunday. Harry and Meghan left Britain for a fresh start abroad in 2020. The couple now live in Montecito, California Mr Johnson's book will provide candid insights into his relationship with the late Queen and other members of the Royal Family, including his final meeting with the monarch in 2022 It will set out Mr Johnson's view of the Tory machinations that forced him out in the summer of 2022. And the former PM will deliver his verdict on the record of his successors, Liz Truss and Rishi Sunak, while pondering whether the Tories' crushing election defeat could have been avoided. He promises to reveal 'what I really think about Rishi' and 'how and why I learned to keep my old friend Michael Gove firmly in the wing mirror'. In typically colourful style, he also offers to spill the beans on 'which senior politician looks like a bullock having a thermometer shoved unexpectedly up his rectum' and 'how I became obsessed with the weirdly shaped nostrils of a certain prime minister'. And he will reflect on his own political future after being cast out by his MPs and a vengeful Labour Party. In a video teaser last night, he posed the tantalising question: 'Will I be coming back?' adding: 'Read the Daily Mail and find out.' The book, which covers his years in politics, will detail the run-up to the Brexit referendum, the furious campaign and the fallout from the biggest political earthquake in a generation. Mr Johnson will set out his reaction to David Cameron's shock decision to resign in the wake of the Leave vote and how his battle to succeed him collapsed when he was betrayed by his Vote Leave colleague Mr Gove. The former PM will also describe the fights with Parliament, the courts and his own MPs as he battled to deliver on the vote to leave the EU. In his book Mr Johnson promises to reveal 'how and why I learned to keep my old friend Michael Gove firmly in the wing mirror'. He is pictured with Mr Gove (right) in 2016 on the Brexit campaign trail And he will reveal details of the tempestuous negotiations with EU leaders who feared that allowing Brexit to become a success could trigger the collapse of the whole bloc. In a promotional video on MailOnline, Mr Johnson said French president Emmanuel Macron was 'always personally charming', but adds: 'He really meant it when he said that Brexit Britain must be punished.' Mr Johnson will also detail how his government grappled with a once-in-a-century pandemic and tell for the first time the full story of how Covid almost killed him. The former PM will reflect on the Partygate scandal which brought him down less than three years after winning an election that looked set to give him a decade in power. And he will explain how he battled to persuade world leaders to rally behind Ukraine and its inspirational president, Volodymyr Zelensky, following Vladimir Putin's invasion in 2022. The book will provide candid insights into his relationship with the late Queen and other members of the Royal Family, including his final meeting with the monarch when he travelled to Balmoral to tender his resignation just days before she died in September 2022. In his video clip, he said readers will also 'discover what the Queen said to me after her incredible performance with James Bond at the 2012 Opening Ceremony of the Olympic Games'. Costco has denied selling baby oil after Diddy's lawyer suggested the rapper had so many bottles of it at his home because he likes to buy in bulk, like any regular American. The rapper's attorney, Marc Agnifilio, gave the bizarre explanation earlier this week as he was asked about the over 1,000 bottles of baby oil that federal agents reportedly found in Diddy's Miami home. 'I don't think it was 1,000. I think it was a lot. I mean, there is a Costco right down the street. I think Americans buy in bulk, as we know,' Agnifilo told the New York Post. 'And you know these are consensual adults doing what consensual adults do, you know, we can't get so puritanical in this country to think that somehow sex is a bad thing because if it was there would be no more people.' But Costco, a member's only retailer, has now told TMZ on Thursday that they don't sell baby oil in any of their locations across the country. Costco has denied selling baby oil after Diddy 's lawyer suggested the rapper had so many bottles of it at his home because he likes to buy in bulk Costco, a member's only retailer, has now told TMZ on Thursday that they don't sell baby oil in any of their locations across the country Diddy, real name Sean Combs, has been accused of arranging 'Freak Offs,' described as 'elaborate and produced sex performances' arranged and directed by the star while he masturbated and often recorded them. Aside from the stockpile of baby oil, prosecutors say they also found bondage materials, sex tapes, hidden cameras and rooms designed for sexual performances. The indictment stated that some 'Freak Offs' would last for days, requiring Diddy, 54, and victims to receive IV fluids to recover from the exertion and drug use. He has pleaded not guilty to charges of sex trafficking, racketeering and transportation to engage in prostitution. Agnifilio said his client is feeling positive about his chances in court. 'He's just laser-focused, he's engaged, he's helpful, he's confident. We're going through our defense as we do every day and his spirits are relatively good.' Marc Agnifilio said the bottles likely came from Costco and disputed there were as many as 1,000 A picture from inside Diddy's Miami home shows how law enforcement agents conducted thorough searches Diddy's arrest came 10 months after allegations of sexual and other abuse against the music mogul, and an announcement from prosecutors that he was being investigated for sex trafficking. The allegations began with a lawsuit by Diddy's ex Cassie Ventura which claimed she was beaten and raped by the star. The suit was settled the day after it became public, but Diddy has since been dogged by other claims. The indictment against him also alleges he coerced and abused women for years while using blackmail and shocking acts of violence to keep his victims in line. It refers obliquely to an attack on his former girlfriend, Cassie, that was captured on video. Prosecutors wanted him jailed. His attorneys proposed that he be released on a $50 million bond to home detention with electronic monitoring. US Magistrate Judge Robyn Tarnofsky sided with the government. Like many aging hip-hop figures, Bad Boy Records founder Diddy had established a gentler public image. The father of seven was a respected businessman whose annual Hamptons 'White Party' was once a must-have invitation for the jet-setting elite. But prosecutors said he facilitated his crimes using the same companies, people and methods that vaulted him to power. They said they would prove the charges with financial and travel records, electronic communications and videos of the 'Freak Offs.' In March, authorities raided Combs' Los Angeles and Florida homes, seizing drugs, videos and more than 1,000 bottles of baby oil and lubricant, prosecutors said. They said agents also seized guns and ammunition, including three AR-15s with defaced serial numbers. A conviction on every charge would require a mandatory 15 years in prison with the possibility of a life sentence. Eric Adams was branded a 'disgrace to all black people' Thursday as he was drowned out by furious New Yorkers gathered outside Gracie Mansion where he tried to brush off federal corruption charges in a hastily called press conference . The embattled New York City mayor, 64, stood defiantly, with a smile on his face, on the steps of his official residence on Manhattan's Upper East Side while the protestors screamed at him, making it hard for him to get a word. 'This is not a black thing, this is a YOU thing,' one furious Big Apple resident bellowed over a megaphone. 'Your policies are anti-black, you are a disgrace to all black people in this city.' Adams, who has faced mounting calls to step down from local Democrats including Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, was joined by several respected black activists for the press conference, including Hazel Dukes, 92, who decided to shout back at the protestors when she took the podium. 'Will you be quiet?' she responded. 'Will you shut up?' Eric Adams was branded a 'disgrace to all black people' as he was drowned out by furious New Yorkers during a press conference on Thursday Furious New Yorkers descended on Adams' Gracie Mansion residence, telling the embattled mayor: 'This is not a black thing, this is a you thing' When news of Adams' indictment first broke the night before, the mayor responded by claiming he was being 'targeted' because of actions he took while in office. He cited his criticism of the federal government's handling of the migrant crisis, and while under investigation in recent months has repeatedly compared himself to the late David Dinkins, New York City's first black mayor, who served from 1990 through 1993. While Adams has attempted to imply that issues in his tenure have been hampered by race in the same way they were with Dinkins, protestors at Gracie Mansion roundly rejected that stance. 'You are a disgrace to David Dinkins,' the protestor with a megaphone shouted at one stage during Thursday's press conference. 'You hurt our schools, our streets are dirty... this is ridiculous,' they said. 'This is not a black thing, this is a justice thing.' As Adams proceeded on with his statement about the charges brought against him by federal prosecutors in Manhattan, he did not address the furious protests directly but thanked 'supporters of all ethnic groups' for attending. Protestors drowned out Adams and delayed the start of his press conference for several minutes, shouting at him: 'You hurt our schools, our streets are dirty... this is ridiculous' While under investigation in recent months, Adams has repeatedly compared himself to David Dinkins (pictured) New York City's first black mayor When he came to speak after the protestors died down, Adams defied mounting calls for his resignation as he spoke surrounded by Black community leaders in the city, saying he 'will continue to do the job that I was elected to do.' 'My day to day will not change,' Adams said, adding that his lawyers will 'take care of the case.' 'Everyone who knows me knows that I follow the campaign rules and I follow the law,' he said. At a press conference held just minutes after Adams held his own at the Gracie Mansion, Damian Williams, the U.S. attorney for the Southern District, laid out his case against Adams. He accused Adams of failing to declare an alleged array of gifts and kickbacks on public disclosure forms, even as the mayor boasted that he 'never' accepted gifts. Williams said Adams' close ties with the foreign governments dated back as far as 2016, and claimed he would guide city policy to help those who gave him perks. '(Adams) crossed bright red lines' again and again, Williams said, alleging that Adams' took 'corrupt official action' while in office. This included free trips, hotel suites and airline upgrades valued at over $100,000, with prosecutors citing a hugely discounted stay at the Bentley Suite in the St. Regis Hotel in Istanbul in July 2017 - which was valued at over $3,5000 per night but for which he only paid $300 per night. Damian Williams, the U.S. attorney for the Southern District of New York, laid out his case against Adams in a press conference held shortly after the mayor held his own Although Adams insists that he has no plans to resign after a grand jury returned a federal indictment against him, he notably may not have a choice as New York Governor Kathy Hochul has the power to remove him from office through a complex system that hasn't been attempted since 1931. If Adams is removed, he would be replaced by ultra-progressive, Black Lives Matter activist Jumaane Williams, 48, who is currently the NYC Public Activist. He would replace Adams temporarily, until there is a special election 80 days after the change of power, sparking fears among New Yorkers that things could go from bad to worse in the city. If she chooses to do so, Hochul could suspend Adams for up to 30 days and then remove him 'after service upon him of a copy of the charges and an opportunity to be heard in his defense.' A similar scenario played out in 1931, when then-New York Gov. Franklin D. Roosevelt held two weeks of hearings into scandal-hit Mayor Jimmy Walker, who resigned the next year. Hochul has so far remained quiet on Adams' future, saying only that she she is 'monitoring' the situation. She added through her spokesman Avi Small that it 'would be premature to comment further until the matter is confirmed by law enforcement.' Former GOP presidential hopeful Nikki Haley hasn't 'forgotten' the tactics used by former President Donald Trump and his campaign when they were running against each other in the GOP primary earlier this year. Haley is hosting a new SiriusXM show and said during the first episode that her audience shouldn't expect to hear niceties about Trump, despite the fact that the former U.N. ambassador endorsed him. The former South Carolina governor dropped out of the presidential race in early March - after a dissapointing Super Tuesday - waiting until late May to give Trump the nod. She told listeners 'you're not going to hear me say glowing things about Donald Trump's personality.' 'I have not forgotten what he said about me. I have not forgotten what he said about my husband or his, you know, deployment time or his military service,' Haley said. Former GOP presidential hopeful Nikki Haley hasn't 'forgotten' the tactics used by former President Donald Trump and his campaign when they were running against each other in the GOP primary earlier this year While Haley was campaigning for the White House, her husband Michael was on a deployment to Africa as part of his service in the Army National Guard. 'I haven't forgotten about his or his campaign's tactics from, you know, putting a bird cage outside our hotel room to calling me "bird brain,"' she continued. 'I haven't forgotten any of that.' Trump's nickname for Haley was 'bird brain,' during the Republican primary. After DailyMail.com revealed new details about two alleged affairs Haley had in 2008 - which she's denied - Trump taunted Haley about her husband's whereabouts during a campaign rally in February. 'Where's her husband? Oh, he's away What happened to her husband? Where is he? He's gone,' Trump said at a rally in Haley's home state of South Carolina. Trump appeared to refer to the alleged affairs telling the crowd of Michael Haley, 'he knew, he knew.' Haley suggested that this behavior was expected because 'politics is not for thin-skinned people.' Former President Donald Trump nicknamed Nikki Haley 'bird brain' and suggested that her husband wanted to be away from her as they competed against each other in the Republican primaries earlier this year 'It's just not,' she said. After DailyMail.com reported on her alleged affairs, Haley's campaign barred the Mail's reporters from covering future campaign events. 'Daily Mail is not credentialed for any more events. I'm politely asking you to leave,' Haley spokeswoman Chaney Denton told a reporter and photographer at a campaign event in New Hampshire in mid-January. During her show's debut episode that was released Wednesday, Haley said she would 'put the personal part of it aside' and be a straight-shooter. 'I'm looking at what will make the country better,' she said. 'So that's what you're going to hear on the show. You're just going to hear the truth.' Appeal court judges had tough questions for New York prosecutors on Thursday as Donald Trump asked them to throw out a $454 million civil fraud judgment against him. They wanted to know why the penalties were set at almost half a billion dollars and who had been harmed in a case where neither side had lost money. It is the latest twist in Trump's multiple legal cases that are playing out as he campaigns to return to the White House. Justice Arthur Engoron in February ordered the former president pay $454.2 million in penalties and interest for inflating his net worth to dupe lenders and insurers into giving him better terms. The civil case was brought by New York state Attorney General Letitia James. Donald Trump's lawyer John Sauer makes his arguments to appeals court judges in the civil fraud case brought by New York state against the former president and his business The lawyers were back in court on Thursday as Trump seeks to have the judgement thrown out. The panel of five appeal judges bombarded Deputy New York Solicitor General Judith Vale with questions about the extent of James's authority, the lack of victims in the conduct and the size of the penalty. At least two of the judges seemed skeptical of the case against Trump, and interrupted her opening statement to ask whether there were other examples of the state suing over private business transactions between sophisticated parties using a law designed to protect market integrity. 'The immense penalty in this case is troubling,' said Justice Peter Moulton. 'How do you tether the amount that was assessed by the Supreme Court to the harm that was caused here where the parties left these transactions happy?' Vale responded: 'Although this is a large number, its a large number for a couple reasons. One, because there was a lot of fraud and illegality.' Trump arrived in New York on Thursday afternoon and is expected to address reporters at Trump Tower. But he was not present in court. The case is one of a number of legal entanglements Trump has faced since leaving the White House in 2021. Justice Arthur Engoron in February ordered trump to pay $454.2 million in penalties and interest for inflating his net worth to dupe lenders and insurers into giving him better terms The civil case was brought by New York state Attorney General Letitia James. He owes nearly $90 million in federal civil penalties for defaming a writer who accused him of sexual abuse, and was convicted in May on criminal charges stemming from hush money paid to a porn star. Trump has denied all wrongdoing and has said the cases were brought to interfere with his campaign. Justice David Friedman pressed Vale on whether there was any precedent for the attorney general suing over transactions involving sophisticated parties where neither 'lost any money.' 'Every case that you cite involves damage to consumers, damage to the marketplace. ... We don't have anything like that here,' Friedman said. The case stemmed from Trump's leadership of his family real estate company, the Trump Organization, before he became president in 2017. The appeal judges bombarded Deputy New York Solicitor General Judith Vale with questions Trump's lawyer John Sauer told the judges that the case was brought too late and that it would be unfair to impose a 'crippling financial penalty' for the former president's decades-old financial statements, which Engoron found were illegally inflated. 'This case involves a clear-cut violation of the statute of limitations and relevant case law,' Sauer said. Sauer also said that trial testimony showed that any discrepancies in Trump's net worth were irrelevant to his lenders. 'What is not disputed is the testimony that if the net worth had been as low as one million (dollars), the deal would've been exactly the same,' Sauer said. He added that none of Trump's lenders and business partners were harmed by the discrepancies on the financial statements, an argument Trump's lawyers have made throughout the case. "There were no victims, no complaints," Sauer said. After 40 years of service, Air New Zealand Chief Operational Integrity and Safety Officer Captain David Morgan has today announced he is stepping down from his leadership position at the airline. While he will no longer be in his corporate role, David will continue flying for the company in what will be his sixth aircraft type, the Airbus A320. David has given a lifetime of service to Air New Zealand and across nearly four decades has been at the helm through the highest of highs and some of the toughest periods in the airline's history. Air New Zealand Chief Executive Officer Greg Foran said that while its a sad day for the airline, he knows it wouldnt be what it is today without the service David delivered throughout his tenure. When people think of Air New Zealand, many Kiwi will know or have heard of Captain David Morgan. Hes represented the airline on the ground and in the skies with the highest level of excellence, and I speak on behalf of all Air New Zealanders past and present when I say a heartfelt thank you for his service. David will be deeply missed by the leadership team and many others across the business and aviation community. We are grateful he is continuing to fly with us, and I look forward to the day I hear him say, Welcome on board this Air New Zealand aircraft when I board one of our flights. The airline is working through a replacement for the role with David staying on the leadership team until early 2025 to support the transition. This announcement is made pursuant to Listing Rule 3.20.1. Ends. Comments from our readers No comments yet Add your comment: Your name: Your email: Not displayed to the public Comment: Comments to Sharechat go through an approval process. Comments which are defamatory, abusive or in some way deemed inappropriate will not be approved. It is allowable to use some form of non-de-plume for your name, however we recommend real email addresses are used. Comments from free email addresses such as Gmail, Yahoo, Hotmail, etc may not be approved. Anti-spam verification: Type the text you see in the image into the field below. You are asked to do this in order to verify that this enquiry is not being performed by an automated process. Related News: TRU - WHO Agency UNITAID Features TRU in Tech Landscape Report PaySauce Quarterly Market Update - September 2024 October 2nd Morning Report Rua Releases Annual Report for Year Ended 30 June 2024 SCL - Settlement of orchard sales The Warehouse Group 2024 ASM and Director Nominations Comvita Limited - Annual Report 2024 September 27th Morning Report Spark announces departure of Finance Director FBU - Retail Entitlement Offer Opens Former Red Hot Chili Peppers guitarist Josh Klinghoffer has pleaded not guilty to vehicular manslaughter after he struck and killed a pedestrian with his SUV. The star did not turn up to court and was able to enter his plea through his lawyer since the charge is a misdemeanor offense. Klinghoffer, 44, who played with the band from 2009-2019, was driving a black GMC Yukon in Alhambra, California when he made a left turn and ran into Israel Sanchez, 47. Sanchez's daughter slammed the classification of the charge outside the Los Angeles Superior Court in Alhambra. 'I miss my dad,' Ashley Sanchez, told Rolling Stone after the hearing. 'We're seeking justice here. I don't know why Josh is getting just a misdemeanor. It's not okay. My father was a very great father.' Former Red Hot Chili Peppers guitarist Josh Klinghoffer has pleaded not guilty to vehicular manslaughter after he struck and killed a pedestrian with his SUV Klinghoffer's attorney Andrew Brettler previously told DailyMail.com that the March incident was a 'tragic accident' - with the musician 'fully cooperating' with an investigation. But Sanchez's family is suing the guitarist and claim he was using his phone at the time of the crash. The lawsuit alleges that Sanchez was dragged across the asphalt during the collision and sustained blunt force trauma to his head, causing his death hours later. The lawsuit claims Klinghoffer did not apply his brakes, while also alleging he was 'distracted behind the wheel' due to allegedly being on his phone. The suit adds that the family has 'video evidence' showing Klinghoffer on his phone just before the collision. The video then shows the SUV driver pulling over after striking the pedestrian, before walking over to the body and then turning around and walking back to the vehicle. He was not at court to face Sanchez's family, including his daughter Ashley Sanchez, pictured Sanchez said she is outraged that the offense has been classified as a misdemeanor Attorney Nick Rowley, who is representing Sanchez's family, previously said in a statement obtained by Variety: 'Mr. Klinghoffer should be arrested and prosecuted for homicide. 'We have a video of him on his cell phone at the time he hit and killed Israel Sanchez, a loving father, in a crosswalk. 'Israel Sanchez was on his way to the grocery store to make soup for his family and never came home. 'He did everything right, looking for oncoming traffic and abiding by pedestrian signage, but tragically Mr. Klinghoffer, in a rush and on his phone, hit him fatally from behind with a large SUV. Klinghoffer's case is due back in court on October 31. The civil case is due to proceed on October 18, with Sanchez's family seeking reimbursement for medical costs as well as damages for pain and suffering. Klinghoffer was able to enter his plea at Los Angeles Superior Court in Alhambra through his lawyer since it is a misdemeanor charge Klinghoffer is pictured with the Red Hot Chili Peppers members Chad Smith, Flea and Anthony Kiedis in 2014 Klinghoffer replaced John Frusciante in the Red Hot Chili Peppers in 2009 and recorded two studio albums, I'm with You (2011) and The Getaway (2016), and the B-sides compilation I'm Beside You (2013). Age 32, Klinghoffer was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame with the Red Hot Chili Peppers in 2012, making him the youngest inductee at the time. After he was booted out of the group in 2019 following Frusciante's return, he became a touring and session member of both Pearl Jam (since 2021) and Jane's Addiction (2023). In a GoFundMe, Ashley said her father, 'Israel will always be remembered for his humbleness and kindness'. 'He would always go out of his way to help others, was the life of the party, had a great sense of humor, and his smile brighten anyones day,' she wrote. 'He had a great passion for cooking, those who knew him or simply ever got to taste his food would definitely say he was an amazing chef.' A liver doctor charged with using his position to sexually assault patients for decades tried to cover his face from the cameras after he posted a $1.5million bond. Dr John Hoefs, 79, is accused of groping dozens of female patients since 2006 at UCI Medical Center and a clinic at Hoag Memorial Hospital Presbyterian in southern California. The hepatologist put his hand over his face as he exited Orange County Superior Court in Newport Beach on Wednesday with his wife and daughter, who aggressively tried to block the cameras. Hoefs, who lives in Irvine, was previously released from jail after posting a $500,000 bond in May, but was arrested again after more charges were filed. He has pleaded not guilty to 17 counts of sexual battery by fraud and three felony counts of sexual battery. Dr John Hoefs, 79, is accused of groping over a dozen female patients since 2006 at UCI Medical Center and a clinic at Hoag Memorial Hospital Presbyterian in southern California The doctor was accompanied by his daughter and wife, who tried to block the cameras Hoefs is accused of demanding that his female patients undress and expose their breasts even though he was examining their livers. One of the alleged victims claimed Hoefs groped her breasts during five separate appointments that began in 2020 that were meant to treat a liver condition. The woman claims she tried to cover herself with a gown but Hoefs pulled it down to expose her chest. Hoefs has also been sued by 15 other women who claim the physician assaulted them The second alleged victim says Hoefs toucher her breasts while examining her in 2016 and again in 2017. Hoefs has also been sued by 15 other women who claim the physician forced them to expose their chest and in many cases groped them under the guise of medical treatment. One woman claimed in the suit, filed in August, that Hoefs claimed he was 'feeling for her liver' as he touched her breasts and pointed out he was aroused, as reported by the Los Angeles Times. 'Many of the female patients who were sexually abused by Hoefs were fighting for their lives against aggressive forms of liver cancer and hepatitis at the time they sought treatment,' according to the lawsuit. 'When, in return, Hoefs viciously violated that trust and confidence in order to sexually abuse these extremely vulnerable patients.' One woman claims she showed Hoefs a picture of a bruise to seek his advice but he said, he 'did not have time to look at photographs unless they were of her in a bikini.' The doctor's family is seen supporting him on Wednesday after he posted bail Hoefs, who lives in Irvine, was previously released from jail after posting a $500,000 bond in May, but was arrested again after more charges were filed The suit also named Hoag Memorial Hospital Presbyterian and the Regents of the University of California. The LA Times and the suit claim that Hoefs was repeatedly reported on online forums and to the California Medical Board, but he was not stopped until his arrest in May. The California Medical Board suspended Hoefs' medical license and UCI Medical Center and Hoag Memorial terminated their relationship with the doctor following his arrest. Hoag has claimed Hoefs never worked for them. 'Like many other private practice physicians, Dr. Hoefs leased office space in a building owned by Hoag,' they said in a statement. 'Upon learning of his arrest, Hoags medical staff immediately suspended his hospital privileges and Hoag suspended access to his leased space.' A horrified mother went to the police after discovering the nanny she had hired for her daughters spent a fortnight showing them porn, teaching them about sex and making out with her boyfriend. Helen Leah Ferriolo, 40, was supposed to be taking care of the two sisters aged eight and 10, along with their 10-year-old friend at the house in North Haven, Connecticut. Instead they were locked in a closet and endured weeks of sexualized behavior, lewd comments and lessons in masturbation and oral sex, an affidavit claims. Ferriolo repeatedly masturbated in front of the children and demanded that one girl sniff her fingers afterwards. She also grabbed her breasts, asked her to 'pose sexy' in her bathing suit, and held her hands behind her back to make her watch a porn video. Helen Leah Ferriolo, 40, has been charged with four counts of risk of injury to a minor, three counts of second-degree unlawful restraint and a single count of fourth-degree sexual assault She invited boyfriend Tim McNulty to the house without the parents' knowledge and would regale the children with details of the couple's sex life The girls revealed their ordeal to their horrified families after Ferriolo was sacked for repeatedly not turning up to work. The girls' aunt recorded a call in which she confronted the nanny about her behavior and pretended she had a recording of her sexualized conversations. Ferriolo claimed that the girls had initiated the talks before admitting she was sorry and ought to apologize to them. 'I probably shouldn't have said what I said,' she reportedly confessed. The nanny from Wallingford began working for the family on July 15 and would take the girls for days out at the beach in nearby East Haven. 'You have big t**s, the boys are going to love you,' she told one of the 10-year-olds as she changed. On a second visit Ferriolo 'began to touch and her rub (her) breasts', before the girl pushed her away. The nanny would also bring her boyfriend Tim McNulty to swim at the family's pool without the parents' knowledge. 'Leah and Tim were on top of each other while in the water and were kissing,' the affidavit records. 'Leah took her bathing suit off. She did not see anything else when the bathing suit was taken off because she went inside.' The elder sister was in her bathing suit at home when Ferriolo took out her phone and asked her to 'pose sexy', it is claimed. The nanny then took a second photo after the girl turned round, but the girl waited until Ferriolo had left her phone unguarded before deleting the photos from it. She allegedly told the girl's friend to wear a 'more revealing' bathing suit, and showed the girls a video of her and her boyfriend in bed immediately after having sex. The eight-year-old did not escape the nanny's attention either and recalled her on the 'couch rubbing her breasts and groin area under her clothing. 'She advised (her) that she should try it, but she refused. (Ferriolo) also made lewd gestures in front of (the eight-year-old). 'She described a particular incident where (Ferriolo) put her hands near her own mouth and moved them around in a circular motion.' The little girl and her sister was repeatedly locked in a closet by their carer who banged on furniture to pretend there was an 'intruder' in the house. Ferriolo was sacked on August 8 and the girls' mother went to the police on August 20 after they began revealing what had happened. The girls repeated the allegations in interviews with North Haven police and Connecticut Department of Children and Families. The nanny was arrested on Friday and has been charged with four counts of risk of injury to a minor, three counts of second-degree unlawful restraint and a single count of fourth-degree sexual assault. She has been freed on a $50,000 bond and is due to answer the charges at Superior Court in Meriden on October 3. A major UK cinema chain has gone to the High Court in a last ditch attempt to save numerous theatres being axed and thousands losing their jobs. The four companies which are part of the world's second largest cinema chain are in hot water and are 'presently unprofitable', the court heard on Thursday. The US branch of the troubled company has agreed to put forward funding to keep them afloat if they are granted the requested restructure according to lawyers. However they say the four 'plan companies' will enter into administration if the plans are not approve, their lawyers say. Published proposals revealed that more than 100 Cineworld Cinemas were 'uneconomic' and their leases would need to be renegotiated. Cineworld has gone to the High Court in a last ditch attempt to save numerous theatres being axed and thousands losing their jobs. The four companies which are part of the world's second largest cinema chain are in hot water and are 'presently unprofitable', the court heard on Thursday Pictured: The Bedford site They also propositioned closing six sites because they were 'commercially unviable'. Among the companies impacted include Cine-UK Ltd, Cineworld Cinemas Ltd, Cineworld Cinema Properties Ltd and Cineworld Estates Ltd. Tom Smith KC, for the Cineworld companies, said: 'If the plans are not sanctioned, the plan companies will not have sufficient funds to meet their payment obligations to creditors.' He continued: 'In these circumstances, the plan companies' directors will likely have no choice but to file for administration.' However the Crown Estate and UK Commercial Property (UKCP), who are the landlords of four sites in Newcastle, Harlow, Glasgow Renfrew and Swindon want to block the proposals. Both organisations have requested an injunction to stop the cinema chain from 'compromising' their rental agreements. Ben Shaw KC, for the Crown Estate and UKCP, said there would be 'adverse consequences' for the landlords if the leases were subject to restructuring plans. including receiving just one month's rent. He said: 'One of the things they bargained for was the plan companies not coming back for a second bite of the impairment cherry.' He added: 'What the plan companies promised not to do is precisely what they are now doing.' Mr Smith said that it was fair to treat all landlords equally, and that 'there was never any intention' to 'impose a further compromise' through restructuring when the agreements were made. But he explained restructuring was necessary due to 'unexpectedly poor performance of those sites in the period since the agreements were entered into'. The Cineworld brand currently runs 101 cinemas in the UK, with another two sites owned by the company under sublet, Mr Smith told the court. In a previous hearing, it was detailed that the cinemas employs over four thousand people, with the wider group operating in ten countries in total. However, the business was 'severely adversely impacted by the Covid-19 pandemic and government restrictions', the court heard. Screen actors and writers strikes also were a huge blow to the chain, leaving the companies facing 'severe financial difficulties'. However, the landlords of certain sites are trying to block the chain's restructure stating it would have 'adverse consequences' Pictured: The Yate site Cineworld is being advised by AlixPartners. Pictured: The Swindon, Regent Circus sie While the group underwent a restructure in the US last year, the UK arm continued to struggle. Mr Smith said the 'significant' number of 'over-rented' leases, where the rent the company pays is higher than the property's market value, were a factor. This comes shortly after the brand announced it would close six sites in Glasgow Parkhead, Bedford, Hinckley, Loughborough, cineworld and Swindon Circus . However, the group confirmed that all sites would continue to operate until the restructuring plans were approved. Mr Smith also revealed that the US arm of the company had provided the UK firms with around $65 million dollars to allow it to keep trading up to the end of June this year. Rental costs of an eye-watering 19 million were also paid by the US arm on the condition that the company would undergo a restructuring. If the plans are approved, 16 million of new equity funding from the companies' indirect parent firm will be released to fund their immediate financial needs, with further funds of up to 35 million also made available. Mr Justice Miles will give his judgement at a later date. A tearful Naomi Campbell tonight insisted 'I was not in control of my charity' after she was banned as a trustee following an inquiry into her organisation's cash splurge. Campbell, 54, spoke to reporters in Paris to break her silence and address the Charity Commission's findings that of the 4.8million generated by Fashion For Relief between 2016 and 2022, only 389,000 was given to good causes. Details emerged earlier today that the organisation splurged 12,000 on a flight to Nice to transfer art and jewellery, as well as splashing out 7,800 on a luxury hotel stay for the model. Speaking ahead of a glitzy ceremony where she was honoured with the most prestigious cultural award in France, she explained she was 'extremely concerned' but said: 'I was not in control of my charity.' The details of the charity's spending were revealed as Campbell was today disqualified from being a trustee for five years. Naomi Campbell broke cover tonight for the first time since the model was banned from her charity trustee role The model broke down in tears as she received the medal of 'Chevalier de l'Ordres des Arts et des Lettres' in Paris She was given the honour by the French Culture Minister Rachida Dati The model, 54, brushed her hair aside to show off the insignia An inquiry found that between April 2016 and July 2022, just 8.5 per cent of the charity's overall spending was on charitable grants. It also said it found some fundraising expenditure to be misconduct or mismanagement by the charity's trustees. This included a 12,300 flight from London to Nice in 2018 for transferring art and jewellery. Campbell told reporters she only found out today she had been barred as a trustee. 'We are investigating on our side as I was not in control of my charity,' she said. 'I put the control in the hands of a legal lawyer so we are investigating to find out what and how, as anything I do and every penny I ever raise goes towards charities.' Campbell, wearing a black and white striped Chanel dress, broke down in tears as she received the Chevalier de l'Ordres des Arts et des Lettres, before embracing French Culture Minister Rachida Dati in an emotional hug. Dabbing tears away from her cheeks with the palm of her hand, she said it was with 'profound gratitude' that she accepted the appointment to the Knights of the Orders of Arts and Letters. The Charity Commission's inquiry also looked into the decision to spend 7,800 of charity funds on a three-night stay at a five-star hotel in Cannes, France, for Campbell. While there she spent 6,000 on spa treatments, room service, and cigarettes. The commission said today that as a result of its investigation, more than 344,000 had been recovered and used to make donations to two other charities and settle Fashion For Relief's outstanding liabilities. It follows revelations by the Mail On Sunday that official accounts showed that it spent more than 1.6million on a glittering gala in Cannes, but gave just 5,000 to good causes over a 15-month period. The Charity Commission confirmed in April that it had removed the supermodel's charity from the UK charity register while it continued its investigation into allegations of misconduct. And today the Commission published the report of its statutory inquiry into Fashion For Relief, concluding the charity was poorly governed and had inadequate financial management. Naomi Campbell pictured in Cannes in 2018 when her organisation Fashion for Relief spent 7,800 on a luxury three night hotel stay Campbnell (pictured in Milan last week) has been disqualified from being a trustee for five years. The charity also spent 12,000 on a flight from London to Nice (pictured) in order to transfer art and jewellery Supermodel Naomi Campbell - seen in Paris yesterday - has been disqualified as a trustee after an investigation into her Fashion For Relief charity uncovered 'serious mismanagement' Naomi Campbell played a prominent role in catwalk shows staged on behalf of her Fashion For Relief charity - seen here during London Fashion Week in September 2019 Campbell was disqualified from being a trustee for five years, former colleagues Bianka Hellmich for nine and Veronica Chou for four. The model founded the charity in 2005, saying she had been inspired by her friend Nelson Mandela telling her to 'use [her] voice' for good. The organisation claimed to have raised more than 11million, mostly through glitzy fundraising events held all over the world, including in New York, Mumbai and Moscow. Campbell would take centre stage at the galas, appearing in showstopping designer gowns, and was honoured by the British Fashion Council for her services to and achievements in the fashion industry in 2019. But concerns were raised in 2021 about how much money was being passed on to people in need after the Mayor's Fund for London lodged an official complaint, saying that it was owed 50,000 by the charity. The Mayor's Fund, which helps young Londoners from low-income backgrounds, filed a 'serious incident' report with the Charity Commission, which announced a statutory inquiry in November that year. The supermodel, pictured on the red carpet at the Fashion for Relief show at London Fashion Week in September 2019, has now been disqualified as a charity trustee for four years Naomi Campbell is seen here attending a Fashion For Relief event at the 71st annual Cannes Film Festival in France in May 2018 Among those at the Fashion For Relief event at the Cannes Film Festival in May 2018 were (left to right) Maria Borges, Bella Hadid, Naomi Campbell, Winnie Harlow and Natalia Vodianova In these cases, the trustees 'failed to show how these were cost-effective and an appropriate use of the charity's resources', the Charity Commission said. The inquiry saw no evidence trustees had reviewed the charity's operating model to ensure fundraising methods were in the organisation's best interest and that costs were reasonable relative to cash brought in. And it also found some of the charity's fundraising expenditure was not reasonable. The charity had held fundraising events for the Save the Children Fund and the Mayor's Fund for London. The inquiry found that the trustees of Fashion for Relief 'failed to manage these partnership arrangements'. The commission also said unauthorised payments totalling 290,000 for consultancy services had been made to trustee Ms Hellmich, which was in breach of the charity's constitution. And the charity's funds were held and applied on its behalf by external professional advisors rather than in a dedicated bank account in Fashion For Relief's name. Tim Hopkins, the Charity Commission's deputy director for specialist investigations and standards, said: 'Trustees are legally required to make decisions that are in their charity's best interests and to comply with their legal duties and responsibilities. 'Our inquiry has found that the trustees of this charity failed to do so, which has resulted in our action to disqualify them. 'This inquiry, and the work of the interim managers we appointed to run the charity in place of the trustees, has resulted in the recovery of 344,000 and protection of a further 98,000 charitable funds. 'I am pleased that the inquiry has seen donations made to other charities which this charity has previously supported.' Veronica Chou (pictured left, with Naomi Campbell) has also been disqualified as a trustee Naomi Campbell helped launch a Fashion For Reliuef pop-up store at Westfield London in November 2019 The supermodel is pictured here at a Fashion For Relief event at Doha Fire Station in Qatar's capital in November 2021 The trustees were Ms Campbell, her key aide Ms Chou who is the heiress to a 2 billion textile fortune, and socialite and lawyer Ms Hellmich. Ms Chou quit the charity days after the Commission launched its probe in 2021. A spokesman for the charity said in April when it was removed from the charity register: 'The winding up of Fashion For Relief was a decision made by the trustees three years ago. It was not forcibly closed. 'Fashion For Relief operates in America and will continue to do fundraising initiatives worldwide.' MailOnline has contacted Fashion For Relief and representatives for Naomi Campbell for comment. A baby gorilla left orphaned by his birth mother after she failed to bond with the newborn has been taken in by a foster mom. Seattle-born Abeo, a Western Lowland gorilla, was rejected by first-time mom Akenji, sending caretakers of the now one-and-a-half month old on a quest to find a loving mother. After an attempt at surrogacy didn't work out, the Woodland Park Zoo collaborated with the Gorilla Species Survival Plan to find the distressed infant a new home. Those behind the cooperative breeding program recalled a former foster success story at the Louisville Zoo, where a gorilla named Kweli adopted Kindi, who was orphaned at birth. Abeo, which translates to 'bringer of happiness,' has found a foster mother, Kweli, at the Louisville Zoo Abeo, a Western Lowland gorilla, was rejected by first-time mom, Akenji, sending caretakers of on a quest to find a loving mother Those behind a cooperative breeding program recalled a former foster success story at the Louisville Zoo, where Kweli adopted Kindi, who was orphaned at birth 'While we always hope for a natural mother-infant bond, circumstances sometimes require alternative solutions for the well-being of the gorilla,' Louisville Zoo Director Dan Maloney said in a statement. With hopes for a seamless transition, zookeepers in Louisville carefully planned Kweli, 40, and Abeo's introduction. Abeo's human foster mother gave him a bottle and put him down for a nap before slowly creeping out of the baby's enclosure and opening Kweli's on the way out. After a few hesitant minutes and a display of restlessness from Abeo, Kweli embraced her new foster son - and the two have been inseparable ever since. Along with Kindi, now 8, the foster family is living together happily with many delighted visitors stopping by to see them. Although it is rare for a gorilla mother to abandon her newborn, it does happen, sending zoologists everywhere on a mission to turn humans into temporary gorilla moms. In cases like these, it is common practice for the human surrogate mother to feed the infants, hold the baby to their chest - while often wearing a black scrubs and a fur vest, mimicking the texture of a gorilla - before eventually carrying the baby on their back. It is common practice for human surrogate mothers to feed the infants, hold the baby to their chest - while often wearing a black scrubs and a fur vest, mimicking the texture of a gorilla One of Abeo's human mothers feeding the young gorilla Abeo's pregnant birth mother, Akenji Human surrogate mothers have even been known to 'knuckle-walk' and vocalize like a gorilla. Surrogacy teams often spend hours cuddling their charges and emulating primate behavior. 'Whatever a gorilla mom would do with her baby is what we have to do,' said Ron Evans, General Curator at the Louisville Zoo. 'The role of the human surrogate mother is critical for the development of the baby.' Western Lowland gorillas like Abeo are critically endangered in the wild, with less than 175,000. The near-extinction numbers are due primarily to habitat destruction caused by logging, mineral mining and agricultural expansion. The killing of wild animals to be used as human food is also a major threat to the Western Lowland gorilla population throughout the Central African rainforests. Over 1,000 gorillas are illegally poached for the bushmeat trade each year. The devastated family of a 77-year-old woman who drowned after her car plunged into a river 'swollen' by heavy storms has said the devoted grandmother-of-three will be 'missed beyond words'. Lesley Lee, from Northampton, died after her red Fiat Panda veered off Rushmere Road and into the River Nene on Monday, September 23. It is believed the incident occurred some time between 12.20pm and 4.20pm, when the submerged vehicle was spotted in the water. Northamptonshire Police confirmed no other car was involved and they do not know what caused the car to leave the road. The tragedy occurred as much of the UK was hit by heavy rainfall and storms in the early part of the the week, leaving many roads and even entire towns completely underwater. The family of Lesley Lee, 77, who drowned after her car plunged into a river 'swollen' by heavy storms has said the devoted grandmother-of-three will be 'missed beyond words' Just upstream from the incident, emergency workers had to rescue people on narrowboats, while static homes lay submerged in water as the River Nene's levels increased to dangerous depths. Today her grieving daughters Sarah and Nicola, and Lesley's partner Steve paid tribute to the 'exceptional lady', who 'always saw the best in people'. Lesley, who was born in 1947, lived in the village of Roade, Northampton her entire life and was an office worker first at her local council and later for His Majesty's Revenue and Customs (HMRC).' She was described as being very close to her family, including her parents Maisie and Sidney, and her Aunt Eileen and Uncle Bernard. They said: 'From a very young age, [she] always took it upon herself to help people, especially the elderly members of her family. 'She was a hardworking woman, studying at Secretarial College when she was younger and then using the skills she'd learnt there throughout her working life.' Her daughters described her as a 'wonderful mum' and 'brilliant' grandmother to Sean, Riley and Oscar, as well as her 'furry grandchildren - dogs Dahlie and Stan.' They said: 'She was nurturing, a lovely person to be around, and always made sure her two girls knew, unequivocally, how much she loved them both. 'As a grandmother, Lesley was brilliant. She always wanted to help in any way she could including picking the children up after school and was always very generous on birthdays and at Christmas, and always gave them some money to buy themselves a treat on their holidays.' She met her 'wonderful' partner Steve in the 1990s and they struck up a friendship. They lost touch over the years, but in the late 2000s she wrote him a letter to let him know she was thinking of him, her daughters added. 'He rang her as soon as he received it, and they met up at the cafe in Salcey Forest - and here began their wonderful relationship. The tragedy occurred as much of the UK was hit by heavy rainfall and storms in the early part of the the week, leaving many roads and even entire towns completely underwater. Pictured: The River Nene burst its banks on the same day Lesley Lee's car veered into the water 'She turned his life around and they enjoyed many happy years together, sharing a love of books and spending hours reading in each other's company. 'They enjoyed their daily afternoon strolls, many a crossword and puzzle, and many seaside holidays together.' Lesley was also described as a nature lover and enjoyed going on drives through the countryside. 'Steve recalls fond memories of pulling over every time they saw lambs in the fields on their countryside drives, as he knew Lesley loved to look at the 'boingers' as they used to refer to them.' The kindly pensioner was also an avid reader. Static homes lay submerged in water as the River Nene's levels increased to dangerous depths on the same day that the tragic death occurred Her family said: 'Lesley was such a family-orientated person and the only thing that came close to her love for them was her passion for reading. 'She discovered books as a young child and loved the escapism they provided. Through the books that she read, from Jane Austen to Richard Osman, Lesley would go on a thousand adventures as she turned the pages. 'She used to use the community book boxes to pick up some of her books, ensuring she always made a swap with a book she'd already read.' They added their loss is 'devastating' and had thought Lesley would 'live to 100'. Their statement added: 'Lesley was a kind, gentle and lovely lady. She didn't have the easiest of lives but she was always positive and a joy to be around. 'She was healthy and looked so good for her age, we thought she'd live to 100. 'To lose her in this way is devastating and it feels like we have lost a part of ourselves that no one can replace. 'She was such an exceptional lady - so loved, so deserving of good things, and she will be missed beyond words.' The head of the Chicago Teachers Union (CTU) refused to take questions from journalists after deeming herself 'not a public a figure'. Stacy Davis Gates, head of the CTU, told reporters at a planned appearance that they were 'making her' talk to them. When told that she was a public figure by a reporter, Davis Gates said: 'No I am not a public figure', despite being the head of one of the largest political groups in the Windy City. Davis Gates was asked to speak amid ongoing tensions between Mayor Brandon Johnson and the Chicago Public Schools CEO Pedro Martinez. According to ABC7, the two came to blows after Martinez refused to sign on to the mayor's proposal of a loan to help cover a pension plan for non-teaching staff and new costs related to a as yet to be settled union contract. Martinez had flat out refused to take out the loan saying it was fiscally irresponsible and the board of education had initially sided with him. Stacy Davis Gates, head of the CTU, told reporters at a planned appearance that they were 'making her' talk to them Mayor Johnson had asked Martinez to resign on Wednesday, but the public schools CEO declined to do so. When asked if she wanted Martinez to lose his position, Davis Gates added: 'No, I want the Chicago Public Schools, I want the Chicago Board of Education, I want the CEO of Chicago Public Schools, I want the Mayor of Chicago to fully fund public schools.' Martinez, seen here, had flat out refused to take out the loan saying it was fiscally irresponsible and the board of education had initially sided with him She accused Martinez of refusing to fill the current 1,200 employee vacancies in the system and for failing to find funding solutions. Sources inside Chicago Public Schools told Fox32 that offers which would see teachers' pay rise four and five percent is on the table. Despite this, Davis Gates is reportedly calling for raises as high as nine percent, as well as an increase in the number of school staff. Martinez has said that this would completely bankrupt the schooling system in the city. The Chicago School Board had approved a five-year plan for the public schools earlier this month before tensions came to a head. Officials published the plan, named 'Together We Rise', with goals they aim to put into action by 2029. Mayor Johnson and Davis Gates have since accused Martinez of supporting school closures, consolidations, furloughs, layoffs and more to balance the budget. Despite Johnson asking Martinez to stand down, he does not have that power. Only the seven-member board of education can do so. Mayor Johnson, seen here, had asked Martinez to resign on Wednesday, but the public schools CEO declined to do so Davis Gates is reportedly calling for raises as high as nine percent, as well as an increase in the number of school staff While the board has sided with Martinez this year of disputes, a senior aide close to the mayor told the Chicago Sun-Times that Martinez had now 'lost the board'. As the tension between Johnson and Martinez continues, leaders from different sectors have joined a rising tide of support for Martinez. Leaders including the city Comptroller Susana Mendoza, 22 members of the Chicago City Council and others have signed a letter of support. They wrote: 'It is in the interest of both the city and our schools to ensure that the next generation is not saddled with debts they did not seek to take on. 'CEO Martinez's responsible refusal to enter into short term, 'high interest' loans to address budgeting shortfalls should be lauded, not punished. Chicago needs more fiscal discipline, not less. 'We stand in firm opposition to Mayor Brandon Johnson's request for CEO Pedro Martinez's resignation. 'We also strongly call upon the School Board to continue its support for Chicago Public Schools CEO Pedro Martinez and to stand its ground against the unprecedented demands of the Chicago Teachers Union to fire him.' A Memphis, Tennessee, Burger King that went up in flames now serves as a trash-covered homeless encampment and drug den - and community members are completely outraged. Blankets, pillows, shopping arts, bikes and two toilets are strewn across the property. The building itself has been vandalized with graffiti. A person and their dog are reportedly living in the dumpster, according to WREG. People who live in the area surrounding the vacant Burger King or go to the nearby businesses have strong opinions about the situation. A burnt-down Burger King in Memphis now serves as a homeless encampment The Burger King closed last years after a fire, but now garbage, shopping carts and more clutter the property Tony Myers, who lives close by, told WREG: 'It's terrible. I just live right around the corner and call the police and say "I see them doing drugs an bringing in stolen goods." 'They'll tell me "we'll go over there and see, but there is nothing we can do about it."' Myers told the outlet that he has called the police multiple times within the past month, but no actions have been taken. The owner of the animal hospital next door to the Burger King, Dr Bill Conley, said that his patrons are equally upset about the encampment and have tried to get the city involved. The garage-filled encampment has been complained about to the city at least three times this month Memphis received at least three formal complaints about the Burger King this past month alone. The property owner has been notified by code enforcement that the property is going to be cleared at the owner's expense and that its current state is a violation, according to WREG. Myers told WREG: 'That sounds good. Thats very good. Ive been here 25 years, and Ive been doing everything I can to get the neighborhood straightened out.' Locals like Conley are curious about what the future holds. Conley told WREG: 'I feel sorry for the people. They sometimes hang out under the awning at the hospital. 'I dont know what the franchise plans to do with the building. I would have thought they would have reopened it by now.' The Burger King, located in Berclair, caught on fire last October about an hour after the store had closed. Two toilet bowls and other clutter sit by the Burger King as the city claims they are going to clean it up Another Burger King in Seattle, has a similar story. Last year, KOMO news reported the store had shut down after a fire and then became a homeless encampment. The property became occupied by RVs, tents and cars. People living in the area were concerned about crime rates and there connection to the encampment's emergence. Developers plan to turn the Seattle property into low-incoming housing. The Urban League is the organization behind the decision, according to their website. The Kentucky couple that live streamed the moment they discovered the remains of a wanted shooter are cashing in on their find. Sheila and Fred McCoy filmed themselves trekking through thick brush and climbing over branches at the Daniel Boone National Forest on September 18 before ultimately finding a dead body. Two weeks prior on September 7, 32-year-old army veteran Joseph Couch shot at unsuspecting motorists on Interstate 75 with an AR-style semiautomatic rifle, injuring five people. Authorities believed the suspected gunman may have been hiding in the wooded area and offered a $35,000 reward for any information leading to his arrest. The McCoy's received a $10,000 portion of the reward on Tuesday and officials said they will get the rest of their payout in installments. Sheila (left) and Fred McCoy (right) received a $10,000 portion of their $35,000 reward for finding suspected Kentucky highway shooter Joseph Couch's remains Sheila and Fred McCoy filmed themselves discovering the wanted shooters body in the Daniel Boone National Forest 'It was a life changing event for me,' Fred told WKYT. 'I said [to Shelia] how about for date night we go get something to eat then find this guy.' 'The good Lord just told us, we just felt like we were going to find this body.' Sheila said their mission was to find Couch, convince him to turn himself in and let him know that nobody had died. They had been searching the forest for days in an effort to track down the suspected gunman, who been charged with five counts of attempted murder and five counts of first-degree assault for the shooting. Eventually they noticed dozens of vultures circling a particular area of the forest, with Fred noting that 'At least one of them appeared to have something, so they're eating on something.' As they continued their search, the couple noticed a foul smell, which they also started to follow. Sheila (left) said their mission was to find Couch, convince him to turn himself in and let him know that nobody had died Officials said they will get the rest of their payout in installments 'Something's dead cause I got a whiff of something,' Sheila says in the video. 'Something's here, we're going to find it, we're going to find it,' Fred, a retired police chief, agrees. At first, though, the couple thought they might just find a dead animal or a carcass that the suspect may have been eating to survive. But they soon noticed that Kentucky State Police were scouring an area nearby, and after about half an hour of searching, Fred cried out: 'Oh got him here!' 'He's deteriorated!' Fred said, to which is wife responded: 'You found him? Oh my Lanta!' She is heard repeating the phrase several times in the clip. The couple are then seen easing down a slope to where the body was, at which point a third voice - assumed to be a cop - can be heard telling them to not take photos. Authorities have alleged that Couch, a former member of the US Army Reserves, fired 20 to 30 rounds at around 5.30pm on September 7. Couch (pictured) was charged with five counts of attempted murder and five counts of first-degree assault for the shooting for firing an assault rifle into a highway Vehicles were parked on the side of the interstate highway with shattered windows and visible bullet holes When officers arrived at the scene, they noticed multiple vehicles were parked on the side of the interstate highway with shattered windows and visible bullet holes, according to the Courier-Journal. Fortunately, nobody was killed in the rampage, but Rebecca Puryear, who was shot across her chest in her right arm told the Lexington Herald-Leader she's thankful to be alive. Another bullet burst into fragments upon hitting the door of her Toyota Camry, injuring her left arm, too. It was later revealed that Couch sent a chilling text message to the mother of his child, informing her that he was 'going to kill a lot of people' and 'kill myself afterwards.' The woman called 911 after receiving the messages and was later interviewed by police. A Brazilian businessman is under arrest after he threatened a teenager over dating his 15-year-old daughter. Surveillance footage of the bizarre incident that took place Tuesday showed the 39-year-old man arguing with the 16-year-old boy at the cell phone store where he works in the central town of Vianopolis. He followed the teen around a display case and pushed it into him as the frightened boy took off running. The walked down the sidewalk as the teenager crossed to the opposite side and chased him for several blocks before a security camera showed him pulling out a gun and firing into the air. A 39-year-old (pictured in blue shirt) father was arrested Tuesday in Anapolis, Brazil after he threatened a 16-year-old boy and chased him with a gun, which he fired into the air, because he was upset he was dating his 15-year-old daughter An upset parent was seen chasing after a 16-year-old boy in the central Brazilian town of Vianopolis on Tuesday and firing a shot in the air because he did not approve of the relationship between him and his 15-year-old daughter The angered parent escaped and was eventually arrested 49 miles away in the town of Anapolis on Tuesday afternoon after he disobeyed a Goias Military Police order to pull over on a road. He initially presented an air gun during the search and lied about having purchased it after the shooting incident. Cops continued to search the vehicle and discovered the .22 caliber revolver that he had used while chasing the boy. He was taken to a local Goias Civil Police station, where the told investigators that he only wanted to scare the teenager after he had become aware of his conversations on his daughter's cell phone. The teen boy was not shot during the chase, police said. A scared 16-year-old boy (left) is chased by the 39-year-old father (right) of his 15-year-old girlfriend moments after he was confronted at his job over dating the girl An upset parent (pictured in the blue shirt) is now under arrest in Brazil after he threatened the 16-year-old boyfriend of his 15-year-old daughter with a gun. The businessman told Goias Civil Police investigators that he was trying to intimidate the teen The incident comes five years after a 38-year-old Cleber Pires gunned down 19-year-old man in Goiania because he did not want his 14-year-old daughter dating him. At the time of his arrest, Pires told the Goias Military Police that he had contacted his daughter's boyfriend and asked him to come to his home for 'manly conversation.' Once at his home, Pires claimed that teenager pulled out a knife to attack him and reacted by shooting him in the head. 'When I turned my back, I thought he was talking to me like a man. He took a knife from a wood stove in the area and came at me,' Pires told investigators. LIVING away from the old country can do strange things to the Scottish native. It turned the actor Alan Cumming into a global ambassador for fairy tales about the place that isnt his home any more. Cop the laddie fae Aberfeldy swathed in the most garish of tartans at the Emmys in LA last week after being nominated for hosting the American version of Traitors. During the show, he repeatedly peddled the fiction to stateside viewers that the whole thing was set in his Highland castle. He hammed up some preposterous Scottish baronial accent which went straight to my stomach. His wardrobe was a shortbread tin caricature on acid. Two gongs bagged for this phoniness. Glasgow-born broadcaster Andrew Marr branded spread of Gaelic signs 'ridiculous' Take the late Sean Connery, Scotland Forever tattooed on his arm since his teens. The flipside to his decades as the most famous Scottish nationalist on the planet was his penchant for spending forever in homes in the Bahamas and Marbella. The jibe that the 007 star would do anything for his country except live there was harsh but fair. There was not properly any us in his cries for independence. It was independence for them that he sought. Live with the consequences? Im fine here by the pool, thanks. But time away from the place neednt necessarily muddle the wandering natives understanding of what is really going on here. Sometimes the view from the outside looking in is sharper and more penetrating than the self-diagnoses we stay-at-home Scots attempt. Sometimes the nail is hit on the head by a son or daughter of these shores whose absence from them has brought wisdom rather than romantic piffle about a place that never truly existed. The man holding the hammer this week was Glasgow- born journalist Andrew Marr who has written extensively on the history of the British Isles. Significantly perhaps, the London-based broadcaster made his remarks from the relatively safe distance of Liverpool. Why, he wondered, was Scotland awash with Gaelic signs when it hasnt been widely spoken in much of it for centuries, if at all? Its ridiculous, he said. What is with the decidedly un-user-friendly Margadh an Fheoir sign which greets visitors to Haymarket station in Edinburgh? Literally it means market of hay. Is the idea that every second Edinburgher already knows this and regularly refers to the station as such? Or are we fictionalising our association with a language almost none of us speak to impress those who dont know any better? Emblazoned Mr Marr might equally have referred to the emergency vehicles seen whizzing around towns such as Cumbernauld and Glenrothes emblazoned with the word poileas or ambaileans. Is this for the benefit of the good people of these settlements who do not so readily recognise the words police and ambulance? Sometimes the Gaelic words on these vehicles appear in reverse writing. Its presumably so that motorists can grasp with a glance in their rear-view mirror that the poileas are in pursuit and to clear out of the way. A couple of years before Police Scotland announced they didnt have the resources to investigate every minor crime, and wouldnt do it any more, they launched their Gaelic Language Plan or Plana Gaidhlig if you prefer and outlined the resources they would be throwing into it. This included an audit of employees who understand Gaelic. An inventory would be compiled of all existing Gaelic and bilingual materials, including publications, stationery and online content. The sign at Haymarket Station complete with a Gaelic translation There would also be an assessment of internal and external signs to ensure equal respect was accorded to Gaelic. Henceforth, all high-profile press releases would be translated into the language too. You may surmise one of two things: either that the police were heavily leaned on by the Scottish Government, which has been at pains to embed confected Scottish culture into the nation throughout its 17 years of power or that men like Andrew Marr and me simply have it in for Gaelic. Let me address the second conclusion first. Im enchanted by the fact Gaelic is still spoken regularly by 58,000 of us or 1.1 per cent of our population every one of whom, incidentally, is also fluent in English. I want the language to survive. Long before the SNP came to power there were extensive measures to ensure this happened. The Gaelic Television Fund, for example, was established in 1992. It brought jobs and high-quality programming in Gaelic to the areas in the West of Scotland and the Hebrides where the language was most spoken. It served the tongue and its speakers. What it didnt do was pretend the 99 per cent of Scots who dont speak it were something they were not. The Scots are made up of many different peoples historically, said Mr Marr at an event at the Labour conference. I think we should let languages rest and prosper where they come from. Sounds to me like he and I are on the same page. Which just leaves us with the whas like us Scots, eh? guff that the SNP government has been determined to ram down our throats. They pretend that we are a nation of not just two languages, but three. Dont forget Scots. Recent plans include the conceit that some teachers should deliver lessons only in Scots to help embed the language in classrooms. Excuse me, but if it isnt embedded there already, what is the sense of filling childrens heads with it? The sense is in grafting identity or what Mr Marr might describe as Scottish exceptionalism onto young people before they are old enough to figure out who they really are. In Liverpool, the broadcaster fumed at the Scottish Nationalist view that if youre Scottish, youre a better person; because youre Scottish, youre more innately liberal; because youre Scottish, youre more progressive. Propaganda The truth is because youre Scottish, the facts will be misrepresented. You will be persuaded by those with no grounding in history that Scotland was colonised by the English when the truth is that, acting together, the two nations colonised much of the world. You will find propaganda masquerading as educational material such as Education Scotlands 27-page The Road to the Scottish Parliament, which baldly informed children that for 800 years the Scots have been struggling against English oppression. And you will discover at length, possibly years from now, that nationalism doesnt make you a better person. The movement is not exactly noted for its ability to see the good in people, whatever their world view. Rather it is consuming; it is intolerant; it narrows vision and clouds the lens with a fug of grievance and bitterness. No, while I like and admire many nationalists, they are dear people in spite of, not because of, their independence dream. Mr Marr, of course, is not resident here. Broadcasters who are would be too terrified to call out what is obvious to many of us. Do you suppose that fear is driven by the nationalists being such great guys? j.brocklebank@dailymail.co.uk. ITS barely months since they were toppling his predecessor but the Greens are finding a change in tone from John Swinney. The SNP leader used First Ministers Questions to butter up Lorna Slater, no doubt mindful of the forthcoming Budget, which will only pass if the Nats can secure the votes of another party. Slater has not been making it easy for them. Her new assertive stance has seen her take swings at the SNP over proposed Budget cuts. Yesterday, she was exercised about encouraging folk to use buses, trains and bikes, though presumably not all at once. She segued none too subtly into the Nats decision to ditch its off-peak fares scheme, introduced by the Greens. The First Minister agreed with Slater on the need to deliver modal shift, which sounds like something that happens when you spill coffee on a computer keyboard, but seemingly refers to taking the bus. And here I thought there was already a term for that: taking the bus. He lamented, in that more in sorrow tone he does, that the year-long pilot showed the policy was unaffordable. Douglas Ross was taking part in his final First Minister's Questions as Scots Tory leader We would need to find 40million to continue with that exercise, he sighed. She leapt up like an elastic band that had suddenly snapped. The First Minister is in luck, she announced, triumphantly, because I have a suggestion for how he could raise that money. Oh dear. The bright idea was a tax on private jets. That would certainly deliver a modal shift of the wealthy and their money out of Scotland. But Swinney called it a very interesting and welcome suggestion and professed himself very much in the spirit of doing that. Very interesting and welcome suggestion is politician-speak for your taxes are about to go up. Since politicians ideas invariably end up costing me money or collapsing amid spectacular incompetence, we ought to be discouraging them. Perhaps a Very Interesting and Welcome Suggestion Tax would do the trick. Swinney told MSPs he would be happy to engage with members across the parliament, including my friends in the Green Party. That last remark inspired some scoffing on the Tory benches but stranger things have happened. The Nats and the Greens might just dislodge the daggers they plunged into each others back long enough to carve up the countrys tax revenues. In the spirit of collaboration for which I am renowned, the First Minister said, I will happily take forward these issues with the UK Government, with which I am enjoying such collaborative and co-operative discussions just now. He had a twinkle in his eye and was having too much fun. Swinney is an old ham and while its a bit early for pantomime season, his self-deprecation is a welcome relief from the humdrum around him. Lordy, are they dismal. One blank-faced drone after another. Its like the pod people from Invasion of the Body Snatchers got together and formed a parish council. I am hereby instituting an Awareness Week Watch to keep track of all the international days, weeks and months used as a peg to hang questions on. Lorna Slater informed us it was Climate Week, Emma Harper that it was also Organ Donation Week, and Karen Adam revealed it was International Week of Deaf People, too. For those planning ahead, Swinney mentioned that next week is Scottish Women and Girls in Sport Week. Imagine the size of calendar these people use. Yesterday was Douglas Rosss final FMQs as Tory leader. I cant say he looked especially glum about it. Ross gave some good performances against Nicola Sturgeon and Humza Yousaf, but the one that will always stick out for me is the time, during Covid, when he was grilling Sturgeon via Zoom only to be suddenly drowned out by a relentless squawking. A hen from his farm had wandered in the back door. It was the most cogent contribution to FMQs Ive heard yet. A Louisiana pastor convicted of child abuse for taping children's mouths shut was a victim of 'woke' case and cancel culture, his lawyers argued. Pastor John Raymond, 62, a former contestant on the reality show Survivor, was the lead minister of New Horizon Church in Slidell and the founder and headmaster of Lakeside Christian Academy. He was found guilty on Monday of juvenile cruelty for taping the mouths of three 13-year-old students to punish them at the academy, among other offenses. But in closing arguments, his defense attorney Joseph Long said Raymond was simply a victim of cancel culture. In response, Northshore District Attorney Collin Sims said it was the first time the office been accused of being woke in court. 'Its not wokeness. It's dude that's my kid and I didn't tell you you could do that,' Sims told the jury, NOLA.com reported. Former Survivor contestant Pastor John Raymond, 62, who was convicted of juvenile cruelty for taping children's mouths shut at a Christian school he founded in Slidell, Louisiana, said his actions were aligned with the Bible and he was a victim of cancel culture Raymond was a contestant on the fifth season of Survivor, set in Thailand in 2002 Raymond has stated his actions were justified through the teachings of the Bible. He originally turned himself in in April 2022 after police received numerous complaints about abusive behavior at the academy. 'On March 18, several students were removed from a class due to excessive talking,' the statement from police said. 'John Raymond became angry and brought the students to his office. At some point, Raymond took a roll of packing tape and taped the students' mouths shut by wrapping the tape around their heads.' After taping their mouths, Raymond made the students sit in the back of the class for around 45 minutes until another teacher grew uncomfortable and took the tape off. John Raymond with his wife Elizabeth posing in front of the Seal of Louisiana During his appearance on Survivor, Raymond was the first contestant voted off the island The victims described struggling to breath and the painful process of taking the tape off. In a separate incident, Raymond covered the mouth and nose of a four-year-old pre-K student during a tantrum and prevented him from breathing. Officials stated that he suffocated the boy to the point of him going 'limp' and that he only stopped when a staff member intervened. The employee reportedly told detectives the child had mucus coming out of his nose, was unable to stand up and seemed 'out of it and lethargic.' He will be sentenced on October 23 and his bond is set at $100,000 The disgraced pastor is an elected member of the Republican Parish Executive Committee and currently serves on the Republican State Central Committee. He is likely to be removed from the position Another act of cruelty came when Raymond whipped a four-year-old's buttocks after dragging him across the floor 'by his ankles'. The disgraced pastor is an elected member of the Republican Parish Executive Committee and currently serves on the Republican State Central Committee, according to NOLA.com. He is likely to be removed from the position. Raymond was a contestant on the fifth season of Survivor, set in Thailand in 2002. He was the first contestant voted off the island. He will be sentenced on October 23 and his bond is set at $100,000. Sir Keir Starmer is to meet Donald Trump for the first time but not Kamala Harris. The Prime Minister is due to visit to the Republican presidential candidate at his Trump Tower in New York on Thursday evening. However in a blow to Downing Street, Sir Keir has not been able to arrange an introduction to Democratic candidate Ms Harris, whom he has not met before, before he has to return to the UK. She is in Washington DC seeing Ukraines leader as he presents his victory plan to the White House and it is unclear if Sir Keir will now be able to meet her before the US election in just over a month. Speaking ahead of his first encounter with Mr Trump, Sir Keir told reporters: As you know, I've said a number of times, I want to meet both candidates. We've now got the opportunity to meet Trump, which is good. Sir Keir Starmer is to meet Donald Trump for the first time at Trump Tower in New York The Prime Minister is due to meet the Trump, Republican presidential nominee on Thursday evening 'Obviously, I still want to speak to Harris as well. But you know, the usual diary challenges, but it's good that this one now has been fixed. Asked what his message would be to Mr Trump, the PM replied: It'll be really to establish a relationship between the two of us. I'm a great believer in personal relations on the international stage. I think it really matters that you know who your counterpart is in any given country, and know them you know personally, get to know them face to face. But, in a blow to Downing Street, Sir Keir said 'diary challenges' meant he was unable to speak to Democratic candidate Kamala Harris as well But he added: I should probably add that, I mean that our camp, our embassy, has got good relations with both camps and has had for a long time. 'So it's not the sort of start of something, it's the continuation of those good relations that have been there with both camps, and that's a really good thing that the embassy has been doing. The meeting comes at the end of Sir Keirs first visit to the United Nations as PM. Kamala Harris insinuated Donald Trump would support Vladimir Putin over Ukraine when she met with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky at the White House on Thursday. 'There are some in my country who would instead force Ukraine to give up large parts of its sovereign territory.. These proposals are the same of those of Putin. And let us be clear, they are not proposals for peace. Instead, they are proposals for surrender,' the Democratic nominee for president said. She did not mention Donald Trump by name by her meaning was clear. There were reports Zelensky wanted a sitdown with Trump while he was in the United States for the UN General Assembly meeting. His visit came in the shadow of election-year politics and many want time with the two contenders fighting to be the next occupant of the Oval Office. Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelensky and Vice President Kamala Harris shake hands during a meeting at the White House Instead of a friendly meeting, Zelensky became a target of the former president's ire. Trump, at a campaign rally in North Carolina earlier this week, slammed Zelensky as 'probably the greatest salesman on Earth.' 'The president of Ukraine is in our country and he's making little nasty aspersions toward your favorite president, me,' he told his adoring crowd of MAGA supporters. 'Any deal the worst deal would've been better than what we have now,' Trump said, painting the Ukraine as a lost cause. 'If they made a bad deal it would've been much better. They would've given up a little bit and everybody would be living and every building would be built and every tower would be aging for another 2,000 years. 'What deal can we make? It's demolished,' he added. 'The people are dead. The country is in rubble.' Ukraine has lost a fifth of its territory and tens of thousands of lives in the conflict. Zelensky is in the United States to persuade officials to his 'victory plan,' which includes enhancing Western security guarantees for Ukraine, increasing military aid and securing further financial support. He hasn't released the full details and wasn't expected to in his meetings with President Joe Biden and with Harris. Harris has pledged to continue sending military aid to Ukraine if she's elected president. Trump, however, has been more critical of Zelensky, raising questions about what he will do if he returns to the White House. The vice president, who has met with Zelensky seven times, was clear in her support. 'My support for the people of Ukraine is unwavering. I have been proud to stand with Ukraine. I will continue to stand with Ukraine, and I will work to ensure Ukraine prevails in this war, to be safe, secure and prosperous,' she said. 'Standing with our friends and defending our ideals against tyranny has helped make America the most powerful and prosperous nation in the world. Putin's aggression is not only an attack on the people of Ukraine, it is also an attack on fundamental principles such as sovereignty and territorial integrity,' she added. Vice President Kamala Harris and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky wave from the balcony of the Eisenhower Executive Office Building Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and President Joe Biden meet in the Oval Office Zelensky spoke after her, saying he looked forward to the conversation and thanking the U.s. for its support. 'We believe this war can be won and just peace can be close only with it,' he said. Before his meeting with Harris, Zelensky met with Biden in the Oval Office. 'Russia will not prevail. Ukraine will prevail, and we'll continue to stand by you every step of the way,' Biden said, after thanking him for presenting the so-called victory plan. Zelensky also visited lawmakers on Capitol Hill -- where his government said he had also presented his victory plan -- and gave a defiant address at the UN General Assembly on Wednesday. The Ukrainian president's visit to the United States came as Putin upped the stakes, saying that his country should be able to use nuclear weapons if it was attacked by a state that was supported by a nuclear power. 'It is proposed that aggression against Russia by any nonnuclear state, but with the participation or support of a nuclear state be considered as their joint attack on the Russian Federation,' Putin said in a meeting at the Kremlin on Wednesday. Zelensky has been pushing for permission to fire more Western-made weapons into the heart of Russia. Western leaders fear Putin will see that as an attack from the West and expand his war. He also has struggled to hold world attention as the war in the Middle East spreads. Israel has increased its attacks into Lebanon as it targets members of Hezbollah. 'The president of Ukraine is in our country and he's making little nasty aspersions toward your favorite president, me,' Donald Trump said earlier this week Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, center, walks with Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., left, and Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y. Republicans were also furious Zelensky toured a munitions factory in Scranton, Pennsylvania, calling it an election year stunt. But the White House defended the visit, telling Republicans to drop the outrage. 'This came from Ukrainian. Not us,' press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre said of the visit. Zelensky toured the factory with Gov. Josh Shapiro, a top Harris surrogate. Republican Speaker Mike Johnson has called on Zelensky to fire his ambassador to the U.S. for arranging the trip. 'The Ukrainians asked to visit the facility, which employs American workers, as you know, for manufacturing critical supplies that the Ukrainian military is using every day on the front line of freedom because of its centrality of their to their country's continued existence,' Jean-Pierre said. She pointed out Zelensky visited Utah in July and Republicans expressed zero outrage. 'President Zelensky traveled to Utah and held an event with the Republican governor, a very similar event, and Republican officials were there at that event in Utah, and there wasn't a single demand, not one, not one single demand for an investigation. 'This was business as usual for a Ukrainian request during wartime, during wartime. And so I would encourage, we would encourage the House Republicans to drop this. These kind of political stuff, they need to drop this,' she noted. Overall, the United States has provided around $175 billion in both military and economic assistance to Ukraine. Heavy rain and strong winds will continue to smash Australia's east coast over the weekend with northern NSW to get the brunt of the wild weather. An upper-level trough is combining with tropical moisture to cause the rain, while blustery winds are whipping up from the south causing temperatures to drop and dangerous swells along the coast. 'Possible heavy rainfalls and flooding could hit the state's northeast on Friday,' the Bureau of Meteorology's Miriam Bradbury said. 'Thunderstorms are also a risk through southeast Queensland and northeast NSW and widespread falls of 20mm to 50mm are likely. 'Into Saturday, a low pressure system could draw in moisture from the coast causing heavier falls in the mid-north coast and Northern Rivers areas with a potential for flash and riverine flooding.' The Bureau has issued a hazardous surf warning for the Byron Bay, Coffs Harbour and Macquarie coasts advising people should exercise caution when boating, rock fishing, surfing or swimming. The wintry conditions caused a spring snowfall in the Central Tablelands just west of Sydney, while the city itself shivered through its second coldest day of 2024 on Thursday with a maximum of 13C, the coldest being June 22 at the height of winter. Further south, Melbourne will have milder weather with frost followed by sunshine on Friday and Saturday and showers on Sunday. Maximums will be around 20C. Over on the west, there will be showers over much of WA, clearing by Sunday with maximum temperatures in Perth also hovering around 20C. A wintry blast of strong winds and rain is likely to persist in NSW into the weekend (pictured: Sydney on Thursday) This rainfall map for Friday shows huge swathes of the country are in for a wet start to the weekend Sydney Friday: Max 18 Shower or two easing. Possible rainfall: 0 to 2 mm. Chance of any rain: 60 per cent. Sydney area: Cloudy. Medium chance of showers, becoming less likely in the late morning. Winds southeasterly 20 to 30 km/h, increasing to 30 to 40 km/h along the coastal fringe. Saturday: Min 14 Max 20 Shower or two. Possible rainfall: 0 to 1 mm. Chance of any rain: 50 per cent. Sydney area: Cloudy. Medium chance of showers. Winds east to southeasterly 15 to 20 km/h tending east to northeasterly during the day. Sunday: Min 15 Max 23 Shower or two. Possible rainfall: 0 to 6 mm. Chance of any rain: 70 per cent. Sydney area: Cloudy. High chance of showers. Light winds becoming northeasterly 15 to 25 km/h during the day then becoming light during the evening. Brisbane Friday: Max 21 Rain easing. Possible rainfall: 7 to 25 mm. Chance of any rain: 95 per cent. Brisbane area: Cloudy. Very high chance of rain, becoming less likely in the late morning. The chance of a thunderstorm this morning. Winds southerly 20 to 30 km/h. Saturday: Min 15 Max 20. Shower or two. Possible rainfall: 0 to 8 mm. Chance of any rain: 70 per cent. Brisbane area: Cloudy. High chance of showers, most likely in the late morning and afternoon. The chance of a thunderstorm. Winds southerly 25 to 35 km/h. Sunday: Min 15 Max 25 Possible shower. Possible rainfall: 0 to 1 mm. Chance of any rain: 40 per cent. Brisbane area: Partly cloudy. Medium chance of showers in the morning and afternoon. Winds south to southeasterly 15 to 25 km/h becoming light during the evening. Strong winds and rain will particularly hit southeast Queensland and northeast NSW Melbourne Friday: Max 17 Becoming sunny. Chance of any rain: 5 per cent. Melbourne area: Becoming Sunny. Patches of morning frost in the northeast suburbs. Light winds. Saturday: Min 7 Max 23 Sunny. Chance of any rain: 5 per cent. Melbourne area: Sunny. The chance of frost about the nearby hills in the early morning. Winds northerly 30 to 45 km/h. Sunday: Min 15 Max 19 Showers. Possible rainfall: 2 to 9 mm. Chance of any rain: 95 per cent. Melbourne area: Cloudy. Very high chance of showers, most likely in the morning and afternoon. Winds northerly 35 to 50 km/h tending northwest to southwesterly 15 to 25 km/h during the afternoon then becoming light during the evening. Canberra Friday: Max 16 Sunny. Chance of any rain: 5 per cent. Canberra area: Sunny. The chance of morning frost. Winds southeasterly 15 to 20 km/h tending easterly in the middle of the day then becoming light in the evening. Saturday: Summary Min 1Max 19 Early frost. Partly cloudy. Chance of any rain: 10 per cent. Canberra area: Partly cloudy. Patches of frost in the early morning. Light winds becoming northeasterly 15 to 20 km/h in the middle of the day then becoming light in the evening. Sunday: Min 5 Max 20 Shower or two. Possible rainfall: 0 to 2 mm. Chance of any rain: 50 per cent. Canberra area: Cloudy. Medium chance of showers, most likely in the afternoon and evening. Light winds becoming northwesterly 15 to 25 km/h during the day then becoming light during the evening. On Thursday the NSW Central Tablelands saw a Spring snowfall courtesy of the icy weather Adelaide Friday: Max 22 Sunny. Chance of any rain: 0 per cent. Adelaide area: Sunny. Winds north to northeasterly 15 to 20 km/h tending east to northeasterly in the early afternoon. Saturday: Min 13 Max 26 Showers developing. Possible rainfall: 1 to 7 mm. Chance of any rain: 90 per cent. Adelaide area: Mostly sunny morning. Very high chance of showers in the late afternoon and evening. Winds north to northeasterly 25 to 35 km/h tending north to northwesterly 20 to 30 km/h in the afternoon. Sunday: Min 12 Max 18. Showers easing. Possible rainfall: 1 to 6 mm. Chance of any rain: 90 per cent. Adelaide area: Partly cloudy. High chance of showers, most likely in the morning. Winds northwesterly 20 to 30 km/h turning southwesterly during the morning. Perth Friday: Max 19 Showers. Possible rainfall: 3 to 15 mm. Chance of any rain: 95 per cent. Perth area: Cloudy. Very high chance of showers, becoming less likely late this afternoon and evening. Winds west to northwesterly 15 to 20 km/h turning southwesterly 25 to 35 km/h during the morning and early afternoon then decreasing to 15 to 25 km/h in the evening. Saturday: Min 9 Max 18 Partly cloudy. Possible rainfall: 0 to 1 mm. Chance of any rain: 30 per cent. Perth area: Partly cloudy. Slight chance of a shower in the morning and early afternoon. Light winds becoming southwesterly 15 to 20 km/h in the middle of the day then becoming light in the evening. Sunday: Min 8 Max 20 Partly cloudy. Chance of any rain: 10 per cent. Perth area: Partly cloudy. Slight chance of a shower about the southern suburbs, near zero chance elsewhere. Light winds becoming southwesterly 15 to 20 km/h during the afternoon then becoming light during the evening. The rain should ease by Sunday in most areas, according to the Bureau of Meteorology Darwin Friday: Max 33 Possible shower. Possible rainfall: 0 to 2 mm. Chance of any rain: 40 per cent. Darwin City and Outer Darwin area: Partly cloudy. Medium chance of showers and the chance of a thunderstorm early this morning, then again this afternoon and early evening. Light winds becoming north to northwesterly 15 to 20 km/h in the early afternoon then becoming light in the evening. Saturday: Min 25 Max 33. Partly cloudy. Chance of any rain: 20 per cent. Darwin City and Outer Darwin area: Partly cloudy. Slight chance of a shower. Light winds becoming west to northwesterly 15 to 20 km/h in the early afternoon then becoming light in the evening. Sunday: Min 26 Max 35 Partly cloudy. Chance of any rain: 20 per cent. Darwin City and Outer Darwin area: Partly cloudy. Slight chance of a shower, most likely in the afternoon. The chance of a thunderstorm about the Cox Peninsula in the morning and afternoon. Light winds becoming west to northwesterly 15 to 20 km/h during the afternoon then becoming light during the evening. Hobart Friday: Max 17 Partly cloudy. Chance of any rain: 5 per cent. Hobart area: Partly cloudy. Winds northwesterly 15 to 20 km/h becoming light in the middle of the day. Saturday: Min 4 Max 21 Mostly sunny. Chance of any rain: 5 per cent. Hobart area: Mostly sunny. The chance of frost in the east in the early morning. Light winds becoming northerly 15 to 20 km/h in the late evening. Sunday: Min 10Max 20Shower or two. Possible rainfall: 0 to 2 mm. Chance of any rain: 60 per cent. Hobart area: Cloudy. Medium chance of showers, most likely in the morning and afternoon. Winds northerly 25 to 35 km/h turning northwesterly during the day then decreasing to 20 to 30 km/h during the evening. China's newest nuclear-powered submarine has sunk at a Wuhan port - with the Communist Party trying to cover up the blunder for months. The Zhou-class vessel plunged under water while being built, with the gaffe first being discovered by US officials who were assessing satellite photos of Wuchang Shipyard. The newly-built submarine, which features a distinctive X-shaped stern, is thought to have sunk in late May or early June while undergoing final equipping tests for sea. It is not known if any nuclear fuel was on board, but several experts have speculated it more than likely was, reported the Wall Street Journal. US officials said Beijing is yet to sample the water for raised radiation levels and have not ruled out that any military personnel or those working on board were killed. Commander Ryan Ramsey, a retired nuclear-powered submarine captain in the Royal Navy told MailOnline: 'It will be a setback and its really embarrassing. But they are good at learning quickly and moving on.' A series of satellite images from Planet Labs from June appear to show cranes at the Wuchang shipyard in Wuhan Shi, China, June 15 Cranes were mobilised to salvage the sub, but it might require a major refit and will take months to clean with the electronics 'full of water' The newly-built submarine, which features a distinctive X-shaped stern, is thought to have sank in late May or early June while undergoing final equipping tests for sea The retired naval officer also warned China's rapid expansive of its military was threatening the West. 'The pace that China is building at is incredible and the West isnt keeping up with,' Cdr Ramsey said. Cranes were mobilised to salvage the sub, but it might require a major refit and will take months to clean with the electronics 'full of water'. A senior US defence official told The Wall Street Journal: 'It's not surprising that the PLA Navy would try to conceal the fact that their new first-in-class nuclear-powered attack submarine sank pierside. 'In addition to the obvious questions about training standards and equipment quality, the incident raises deeper questions about the PLA's internal accountability and oversight of China's defence industry, which has long been plagued by corruption.' Brent Sadler, a former submarine officer at Washington's Heritage Foundation think tank, called the sinking 'significant' with it slowing down China's plans to expand its nuclear submarine fleet. China already has a substantial number of nuclear-powered submarines of its own. The Pentagon assessed in its 2020 China Military Power report that China has the largest navy in the world, with a battle force of some 350 ships and submarines, including more than 130 major surface combatants. It comes just under a year since 55 Chinese sailors were feared dead after their nuclear submarine apparently got caught in a trap intended to ensnare British sub-surface vessels in the Yellow Sea. According to a secret UK report the seamen died following a catastrophic failure of the submarine's oxygen systems which poisoned the crew. The captain of the Chinese PLA Navy submarine '093-417' is understood to be among the deceased, as were 21 other officers. Illustrative photo shows the Long, a nuclear submarine, during a naval parade in 2019 Officially, China denied the incident took place. It also appeared that Beijing refused to request international assistance for its stricken submarine. The UK report into the fatal mission read: 'Intelligence reports that on 21st of August there was an onboard accident whilst carrying out a mission in the Yellow Sea. 'Incident happened at 08.12 local resulting in the death of 55 crew members: 22 officers, 7 officer cadets, 9 petty officers, 17 sailors. Dead include the captain Colonel Xue Yong-Peng. 'Our understanding is death caused by hypoxia due to a system fault on the submarine. The submarine hit a chain and anchor obstacle used by the Chinese Navy to trap US and allied submarines. 'This resulted in systems failures that took six hours to repair and surface the vessel. The onboard oxygen system poisoned the crew after a catastrophic failure.' Beijing dismissed speculation about the incident as 'completely false' while Taiwan had also denied internet reports. A Republican lawmaker is floating a bombshell new theory that Donald Trump shooter Thomas Matthew Crooks was actually shot multiple times. The revelation of the 'second bullet' theory came at the end of a congressional hearing Thursday aimed at investigating the deadly assassination attempt on July 13 in Butler, Pennsylvania. Louisiana Republican Rep. Clay Higgins asked Dr. Ariel Goldschmidt, the medical examiner of Allegheny County who conducted the autopsy on Thomas Matthew Crooks, if a second bullet could have struck Crooks. 'You stated that there was only one bullet wound,' Higgins told the doctor. 'I accept that you had only one observable bullet wound.' Then he asked a shocking question. Donald Trump shooter Thomas Matthew Crooks at the Butler, PA, campaign event before opening fire on the ex-president and members of the crowd 'Could the injuries on Crooks's shoulders have been caused by a combination of shot number nine and shot number ten?' Higgins, a former law enforcement official, stunningly inquired. The Republican specifically wanted to know if Crooks was hit by the ninth shot fired that day. Crooks was killed by the tenth shot that rang out, a fact corroborated in congressional testimony. But earlier in the hearing before the House Task Force assigned to investigate Trump's myriad assassination attempts, a local law enforcement official testified that an Emergency Services Unit (ESU) sniper under his command shot at, and seemingly impacted, Crooks before he was fatally shot. 'Could the injuries on Crooks's shoulders have been caused by a combined impact of Butler County ESU shot number nine striking somewhere in the vicinity of the butt stock of of Crooks's rifle and some some fragmenting from that impact?' Higgins asked. 'Is that possible?' Goldschmidt responded: 'No, I don't believe so.' Higgins shot back: 'Does that mean it's possible?' Again the doctor said: 'No, it's not possible.' Rep. Clay Higgins, R-La., speaks during a House Task Force on the Attempted Assassination of Donald J. Trump Committee hearing on Capitol Hill in Washington, DC, USA, 26 September 2024. He wondered if Crooks could have been struck by multiple bullets This image provided by the FBI shows Thomas Matthew Crooks' rifle broken down as was likely done for transport and the backpack recovered at the scene in Butler, Pa., July 13, 2024 Crooks's weapon seen here with the butt stock shattered. Higgins wondered if the shot that broke the gun also passed clean through Crooks' body The Louisianan again launched his theory at the medical examiner. 'The FBI recovered no other bullets, that's our understanding, no other projectiles, other than the partial projectile that you recovered from his shoulder.' 'So you don't know where shot number nine went do you doctor?' Higgins asked. The doctor responded in the affirmative. Then Higgins proposed a really bizarre theory akin to the Silver Bullet conspiracy that cropped up in the wake of former President John F. Kennedy's assassination. 'You're saying it's not possible that shot number nine went all the way through Crooks, and you had no way of knowing that, because it was in the same wound that was further affected by shot number ten,' Higgins said. His theory appeared to be that Crooks was hit by two bullets and they both entered the same location on the shooters body. One bullet went clean through Crooks, Higgins suggested, while the other was logged in his body and was later recovered by the medical examiner. 'There was no evidence' of that theory, Goldschmidt said. Witnesses arrive to testifies during a hearing of the House Task Force on the Attempted Assassinations of Donald Trump in Butler, Pennsylvania, on Capitol Hill in Washington, DC, September 26, 2024 Then Higgins seemed to find solace in the examiner's answer. 'There you go,' the lawmaker responded to the doctor. 'So that's different than impossible,' Higgins said cracking a smirk as though his 'second bullet' theory was vindicated. The instance was a strange aside to a hourslong hearing that uncovered many new findings from witnesses from the Keystone State. Law enforcement witnesses, many who were present at the rally during the shooting, detailed grisly aspects that unfolded during the messy day during a public hearing. That includes the exact moment shooter Thomas Matthew Crooks, 20, was taken out by a counter sniper, just seconds after he shot the former president. The officials expressed remorse over the death and carnage that ensued that day, and the lapses in preparation and communication with the U.S. Secret Service that led up to it. In addition, the long-awaited results of a series of tests conducted during Crooks' autopsy are finally being released. Commander Edward Lenz of Butler County Emergency Services Unit, Patrolman Drew Blasko of Butler Township Police Department, Lieutenant John D. Herold of Pennsylvania State Police and Patrick Sullivan attend a House Task Force on the Attempted Assassination of Donald J. Trump hearing Opening the hearing, Chairman of the Trump Assassination Task Force Mike Kelly, R-Pa., said the Secret Service's miscommunication led to confusion. He likened it to the agency playing a game of telephone during the crisis. Kelly told the witnesses he sought clarity on the tragic events from July 13, and let them begin. Mr. Edward Lenz, Sergeant, Adams Township Police Department, Commander, Butler County Emergency Services Unit (ESU) opened up the hearing with his testimony. He was in charge of a large 44 member Emergency Service Unit that closely assisted the Secret Service, more officers than the agency requested. His wife, a medical professional, even aided some wounded that day, he added. Lenz testified that at no point during the preparation was the local ESU asked to secure the AGR complex from where Thomas Matthew Crooks shot from. Nor were they asked to put anyone on the roof. They did, however, have a sniper on the barn close to Trump. Republican presidential candidate former President Donald Trump is surrounded by U.S. Secret Service agents at a campaign rally, Saturday, July 13, 2024, in Butler, Pa He described how that sniper shot at Crooks six seconds after the initial shots at the former president sounded off. That ESU sniper under his command shot at Crooks from 110 yards, he testified. 'When shots rang out he quickly was able to identify where the shots were coming from,' Lenz told the panel. 'He observed the shooter, shouldered his rifle, he acquired his target, and he fired one shot at the shooter which caused him to recoil and briefly fall out of site.' That individual saw through his scope Crooks recoil after firing, indicating that the 20-year-old was hit by the round, or at least frightened. Lenz testified that the ESU shooter was 'very confident' that the shot connected with the target. But seconds after Crooks disappeared following the initial volley, the 20-year-old reappeared and was immediately shot once more, this time fatally by the Secret Service. Lenz said there was 'no guidance' from the Secret Service on where he should station his ESU operators. They were also not given information on rules for engagement from the agency, Lenz said. Lenz talked about how his team of ESU operators was given scant instruction by the Secret Service on where officers should be stationed And Crooks's body showed signs that the Secret Service sniper's bullet was the one that killed the shooter. Dr. Ariel Goldschmidt, the medical examiner of Allegheny County, who conducted the autopsy on Thomas Matthew Crooks, confirmed Thursday he was killed by the sniper. Goldschmidt confirmed that gunshot residue samples were taken. He determined Crooks died as a result of a high-velocity gunshot wound to the head after conducting the autopsy the morning of July 14. The entrance wound was just above Crooks's lip, he testified. Then on July 22 his body was released to the funeral home at the directive of the county coroner. Goldschmidt also revealed that prior to his review of the body it was x-rayed and handled by the FBI. The medical examiner also said that he does not believe that Crooks' body was impacted by a ninth or tenth shot when pressed by Rep. Clay Higgins, R-La., on whether there were additional wounds discovered during the autopsy. Previously Higgins released an independent report indicating that the stock of Crooks's gun could have been hit by gunfire and the resulting shrapnel from the strike could have injured the shooter. But the doctor dispelled that suggestion during the hearing Thursday. Higgins also had raised issues he encountered after he tried to view Crooks' body on August 5 as part of his own personal inspection. The former police captain said his request to view the body 'caused quite a stir and revealed a disturbing fact.' It was at this point that he learned that the FBI had 'released the body for cremation 10 days' after the shooting in Butler, Pennsylvania, on July 13. Higgins says 'nobody knew' that the body had been returned to the family, including the county coroner and local enforcement. He writes that the coroner still had 'legal authority over the body' when the FBI made this decision and accuses the agency of 'obstruction'. John D. Herold, Lieutenant, Pennsylvania State Police, the officer in charge for the State Police on July 13, also testified. Lieutenant John Herold of Pennsylvania State Police attends a House Task Force on the Attempted Assassination of Donald J. Trump hearing During the hearing he said there were 20 members of his team there to support the Secret Service, and his agency provided everything the agency requested. He also said that his team was not tasked with securing the AGR building from where Crooks shot the former president. The panel also played unseen footage of local enforcement officers attempting to confront Crooks before the shooting. The video shows dash-cam footage from a police car showing an officer attempting to climb onto the roof. Then the officer jumps down from the AGR roof building frantically. He appears to injure his ankle and hobbles away with haste, seemingly afraid. It was previously reported that an officer saw Crooks on the roof and tried to approach him before the 20-year-old opened fire, and the video confirmed the account. A couple caught red-handed trying to join the 'mile-high club' in front of appalled passengers - including a child - were today convicted of outraging public decency. Bradley Smith, 22 and Antonia Sullivan, 20, of Rhondda Cynon Taf, Wales, were hauled off the plane by police for indulging in their X-rated antics while flying home from Tenerife, Spain aboard a packed easyJet flight on March 3. Unemployed Smith was heard asking his girlfriend to 'w*** me off' before care worker Sullivan was seen arranging several coats over his lap, The Sun reports. But the couple were not as discreet as they thought and were reported to flight attendants by outraged passengers who saw 'vigorous hand movements' beneath the coats. Witnesses to their lewd actions included a mother and her teenage daughter, who complained seeing Smith's 'bits' during their exploits. A couple caught red-handed trying to join the 'mile-high club' on an easyJet flight in front of appalled passengers - including a child - were today convicted of outraging public decency Witnesses to their lewd actions included a mother and her teenage daughter, who complained seeing Smith's 'bits' during their exploits Sullivan tried to excuse the situation by explaining she was merely rubbing her boyfriend's leg. On Thursday, the pair both pleaded guilty to one count of outraging public decency by committing a sexual act in a public place at Bristol Magistrates' Court. Judge Lynne Matthews said: 'You had no regard for the feelings of other passengers. 'There was a child sitting behind you who was able to see what was happening. 'Who do you think you are and what right do you think entitled you to behave in that way in full view of people on that flight?' Smith was given a 300-hour community work order, while Sullivan received 270 hours. They were also ordered to pay 100 compensation to each of three witnesses. Donald Trump said he will meet Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and claims he'll be able to make a deal to end the brutal war with Russia. 'I believe I will be able to make a deal between President Putin and President Zelensky quite quickly,' Trump predicted during remarks to the press at Trump Tower Thursday. 'I believe I can work that out,' Trump said. 'Its not my fight, but it is a fight to save humanity.' At the same time, Trump complained about the U.S. burden in funding Ukraine's defense. 'They should be equalizing. They should start paying up,' Trump said. Although the U.S. has sent billions in military aid, Europe has now overtaken the U.S. in commitments of support, according to the Kiel Institute. 'I see whats happening there is very, very sad,' Trump said. He also disputed Vice President Kamala Harris' comment blasting proposals that would have Ukraine relinquish territory to the invading Russians. 'Let us be clear, they are not proposals for peace. Instead, they are proposals for surrender,' said Harris. Former President Donald Trump said on the eve of his meeting with Volodymyr Zelensky he thinks he can 'make a deal' to end the Ukraine war 'It's not a surrender,' said Trump when asked about the criticism. His planned meeting with Zelensky comes after Trump's GOP allies complained parts of his trip amounted to 'election interference,' a widening partisan split over Ukraine. 'Putin never, ever even thought about going in, and it was the apple of his eye,' Trump said, referencing the 2022 invasion, which came after Russia invaded the Donbas region in 2014. He said he and Russian President Vladimir Putin 'had a very good relationship, despite the Russia, Russia, Russia hoax,' he said, referencing the Russia probe. Asked by a reporter whether Ukraine should turn over some of its own land to end the war, Trump responded, 'We'll see what happened.' 'Let's get some peace. We need peace. We need to stop the death and destruction. Don't you think?' he concluded. Trump's confirmation of a meeting came shortly after he posted on X about Zelensky seeking a meeting with him, in just the latest communication between the two men to go public in a complex relationship. Trump has long defended the 'perfect' 2019 call he had with Zelensky where Trump asked him to 'look into' allegations about Hunter Biden and asked him for a 'favor' by investigating the 2016 election that featured in his first impeachment. The message, which Trump posted without explanation, is titled 'Denys Sienik, Deputy Ambassador of Ukraine, and is signed simply 'Volodymyr.' 'Dear Donald, I hope you're doing well,' it says, referencing a 'really good phone call.' The leader whose country is fighting off a Russian invasion and references a request for a meeting between the two men in New York. It defends his view in a 'just peace' and says 'I always speak with great respect about everything connected to you.' Trump dropped the message just as Zelensky was appearing with Vice President Kamala Harris at the White House. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky met with Vice President Harris Thursday Zelensky also met with President Joe Biden, whose administration is pushing billions in military aid to Ukraine out the door before the end of the year Trump will sit down with his former phone mate at a time when his allies in the Republican Senate are fuming over Zelensky's recent trip to Pennsylvania, where the Ukrainian leader appeared with Democratic Gov. Josh Shapiro and signed 155mm ammunition that a U.S. factory is sending to defend his country. 'Zelensky is openly campaigning for Democrats in battleground Pennsylvania today some 50 days out from our Presidential election. Unreal,' posted GOP Sen. Eric Schmitt (Mo.) House Speaker Mike Johnson, another Trump ally, said the move was 'designed to help Democrats' and said it was 'election interference.' Zelensky in an interview with the New Yorker called Vance 'too radical' and said 'The idea that the world should end this war at Ukraines expense is unacceptable.' Trump at his debate with Harris dodged the question when asked directly whether he wanted Ukraine to win its war against Russia. 'I want the war to stop. I want to save lives,' Trump said. And on Wednesday, at a rally in North Carolina, Trump said Ukraine should have 'given up a little bit.' 'We continue to give billions of dollars to a man who refuses to make a deal, Zelensky,' Trump said. Zelensky also met with President Biden to discuss his 'victory plan,' and the U.S. announced new moves to push billions of military aid to Kiev before the end of the year, after Congress failed to enact new authority. Biden on Thursday announced plans to send $8 billion in additional U.S. aid to Ukraine. But he has resisted Ukraine's request to be able to fire U.S.-made missiles deeper inside Russia. QUESTION: Have there been any accounts of alien encounters that included descriptions of what clothes the aliens wore? There have been a number of alleged alien encounters in which witnesses described the clothing, or attire, of the beings they met. Perhaps the most famous to date was that of civil rights activists Betty and Barney Hill, who claimed to have been abducted in rural New Hampshire in September 1961. In their first description of the alien, Barney described figures 'of human form dressed in shiny black uniforms and black caps with peaks or bills on them. The uniforms were like glossy leather'. The case became famous because the couple underwent post-abduction hypnosis by Dr Benjamin Simon, an expert in therapeutic hypnosis who had used it extensively to treat military personnel during World War II. There have been a number of alleged alien encounters in which witnesses described the clothing. (Stock photo) Tomorrow's questions Q: What became of Ed Milibands tablet of stone? William Ellis, Rugby, Warks Q: Why werent the crew of the aircraft carrier HMS Dasher awarded the Arctic Star medal? Terry Whippy,Eastbourne, East Sussex Q: Why do some bridges in the U.S. have open-ended barn structures on them, such as depicted in the films Beetlejuice and The Bridges Of Madison County? Tony Newton, Bude, Cornwall Advertisement Under hypnosis, the couple evidently completely believed in their story, though Simon attributed it to acute anxiety. Interestingly, during hypnosis Barney changed his description, correcting that only the leader wore black leather, while the crew wore 'light-coloured shirts, similar to blue denim, and no caps'. Four years earlier, a Brazilian farmer called Antonio Villas-Boas had finished his day's work when an 'egg-shaped' UFO approached him. Figures emerged from the craft, all wearing 'a very tight-fitting siren-suit, made of soft, thick, unevenly striped grey material. This garment reached right up to their necks...' In 1975, a forestry worker named Travis Walton was abducted from Arizona. He recalled that 'two men and a woman were standing around the table. They were all wearing velvety blue uniforms'. Closer to home, in August 1983, 77-year-old Albert Burtoo was quietly fishing on the Basingstoke Canal when a UFO landed. Two 'strange-looking beings' escorted him to their spaceship. 'They were about four feet high, dressed in pale green coveralls from head to foot,' Burtoo recalled. 'And they had helmets of the same colour with a visor that was blacked out.' These descriptions perhaps reflect the science fiction influences and cultural expectations of the time when the encounters were reported. J. B. Cunningham, Liverpool QUESTION: Where does the phrase 'tub-thumping' come from? Nonconformists those who, after the Act of Uniformity of 1559, did not conform to the established Church of England were in the habit of making speeches from a tub or a barrel, as opposed to a pulpit. They were known as 'tub preachers' from the 1640s, and finally tub-thumpers from the 1660s, the latter presumably for thumping their tubs for emphasis. The earliest reference comes from an anti-Presbyterian tract called The History Of The Wicked Plots And Conspiracies Of Our Pretended Saints... by Henry Foulis (1662). He wrote 'by the power which the Tub-thumping boute-feus [firebrands] had over the people's inclinations, and judgements, many had not onely a bad opinion of the King, but thought very well of the Parliament'. Foulis also used the terms 'Tub-pratlers' and 'Tub-tatler'. Janet Coe, Gainsborough, Lincs QUESTION: Did Jimi Hendrix and Eric Clapton ever make a record together? Clapton and Hendrix first met and played together at Regent Street Polytechnic, London, in 1966. (Hendrix pictured at the Isle of Wight Festival in 1970) While the two guitarists played together, they never recorded together. The closest they came was on Stephen Stills's eponymous 1970 solo album. Eric Clapton provided the outro guitar solo for Go Back Home, while Jimi Hendrix added guitar to Old Times, Good Times. Clapton and Hendrix first met and played together at Regent Street Polytechnic, London, in 1966. Clapton was playing with Cream when Hendrix's manager Chas Chandler introduced them: 'He [Hendrix] asked if he could play a couple of numbers. I said, 'of course' but I had a funny feeling about him.' Hendrix then blew everyone away with a manic version of Howlin' Wolf's Killing Floor. The two men became friends, with Hendrix joining Clapton on stage a number of times, including a famous jam session at the Scene Club in New York with Jeff Beck in 1968. Clapton was devastated by Hendrix's death. In fact, Clapton had originally planned to meet Hendrix the night of his death on September 18, 1970: 'The night that he died I was supposed to meet him at the Lyceum to see Sly Stone play, and I brought with me a left-handed Stratocaster. I just found it, I think I bought it at Orange Music. I'd never seen one before and I was gonna give it to him.' Ryan Greenwood, Nottingham Benjamin Netanyahu ordered his troops to 'continue fighting with full force' against Hezbollah last night crushing hopes of a ceasefire. Rocket exchanges continued with another strike on Beirut reportedly killing the terror group's top drone commander. Israel's recent rejection for a ceasefire with Hezbollah, and killing hundreds in Lebanon with strikes has sparked fears of an all-out-regional war. UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres warned that 'hell is breaking loose' in the region as he backed a French-US peace proposal. Word spread early yesterday that a three-week pause could be agreed 'in the coming hours' before Mr Netanyahu's office shut down the rumour. 'The news about a ceasefire not true,' a spokesman said. 'This is an American-French proposal, to which the prime minister did not even respond he instructed the IDF to continue the fighting with full force, and according to the plans presented to him.' Benjamin Netanyahu ordered his troops to 'continue fighting with full force' against Hezbollah today crushing hopes of a ceasefire Smoke billows over southern Lebanon, amid ongoing cross-border hostilities between Hezbollah and Israeli forces on September 26 As the Israeli PM touched down in New York, where he is due to speak at the UN, he said his 'policy is clear'. 'We will not stop until we reach all our goals, chief among them the return of the residents of the north securely to their homes,' Mr Netanyahu said. The United Nations Interim Force In Lebanon, known as Unifil, was supposed to disarm Hezbollah and prevent it building up on the border after the 2006 war. But it failed and on October 8 the terror group began bombarding northern Israel, forcing 70,000 to flee their homes as it tried to support the Hamas terror group in Gaza. It now appears the Jewish state is preparing a ground invasion to try to remove Hezbollah from southern Lebanon following nearly 20 years of diplomatic failure. Such a move could provoke Iran, which backs Hezbollah, to intervene and spark a regional war. The IDF's 7th brigade conducted exercises just a few miles from the border yesterday as its air force hit 75 terror targets across Lebanon. It struck weapons storage facilities and ready-to-fire rocket launchers, claiming as many as one in three houses in the south store weapons. Israel said it killed Mohammed Surur, the head of Hezbollah's drone unit, in southern Beirut. Smoke rises from the site of an Israeli airstrike that targeted the southern Lebanese village of Khiam on September 25 A fire burns as a result of projectiles fired from south Lebanon near the city of Safed, northern Israel on September 25 Rocket exchanges continued with another strike on Beirut reportedly killing the terror group's top drone commander (Pictured: A man watches as smoke billows over southern Lebanon) A woman walks her dog the beach to the Mediterranean Sea as smoke from an Israeli airstrike rises behind her on September 26, 2024 in Tyre, Lebanon He joined the terror group in the 1980s and was wanted for having 'directed and commanded' numerous UAV attacks on Israel. Footage showed the strike hit two rooms on the second and third floors of an eight-story building which local health agencies said killed two and injured 15. It is the fourth such strike on the capital in recent days as the relentless bombardment continues with at least 26 killed across the country last night. The US joined 11 other allies in calling for a 21-day ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah. US Secretary of State Antony Blinken said the 'world is speaking clearly' on the need for the conflict to stop. Meanwhile US Defence Secretary Lloyd Austin warned the situation 'is deeply troubling' at a meeting with his British and Australian counterparts in London. Mr Austin said: 'We face the risk of an all-out war that would be devastating for both parties. Israel and Lebanon can choose a different path. 'Despite the sharp escalation a diplomatic solution is still viable. It is the only way displaced civilians on both sides of the border can return to their homes.' He warned the US remained 'postured to protect our forces and personnel across the Middle East' and, in a tacit message to Iran, warned no other state should attempt to 'exploit the situation'. UK Defence Secretary John Healey urged Mr Netanyahu and Hezbollah leaders to 'pay heed to the combined voices at the UN calling for a 21 day ceasefire... where talks can start, fighting can end and a longer term solution can emerge'. But Mr Netanyahu is under pressure to push ahead with the war from far-Right parties in his coalition. Itamar Ben-Gvir, minister of national security warned his extreme-Right Otzma Yehudit party would resign from the government if there is a ceasefire. He said: 'When your enemy is on his knees, you don't allow him to recover, but work to defeat him and strive to defeat him. If you don't do this, you convey weakness, endanger the security of your citizens and prove that you don't intend to win.' Israel 's recent rejection for a ceasefire with Hezbollah, and killing hundreds in Lebanon with strikes has sparked fears of an all-out-regional war UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres (Picutred) warned that 'hell is breaking loose' in the region as he backed a French-US peace proposal A building is damaged after a previous Israeli strike on a residential building on September 26 Foreign minister Israel Katz, who is serving as PM while Mr Netanyahu is in New York, said there will be 'no ceasefire in the north'. Israel 'will continue to fight against the terrorist organisation Hezbollah with all our might until victory and the safe return of the residents of the north to their homes', he added. Defence minister Yoav Gallant also approved 'continued IDF offensive activity'. A Western diplomat told Israeli newspaper Haaretz that some Israeli ministers are 'deliberately attempting to damage negotiations'. Any incursion into Lebanon would be devastating for the region. While Israel claims to have taken out half of Hezbollah's feared 150,000 rockets, it still maintains ferocious fire power. The proscribed terror organisation has 50,000 fighters embedded in tunnels in the south and represents a far tougher adversary than Hamas, which the IDF has still not destroyed despite nearly a year of war. BORDER OF BLOODSHED A view of damage after attacks by Israeli army, on September 26, 2024 in Lebanon Yemeni university staff and students burn an Israeli flag during a protest staged against the Israeli aerial attacks on Lebanon, on September 25 The bloodshed in Gaza has horrified observers but a war in Lebanon would be of a different magnitude altogether. Terror group Hezbollah's army of 50,000 includes 10,000 elite Radwan fighters embedded in tunnels in the mountainous border. From here they can unleash thousands of rockets, missiles and drones a day. The stockpile, from Iran, Russia and China, is thought to exceed 150,000. Israel says it has taken out as much as half, but that still leaves a huge armoury. It was assembled after the 2006 Lebanon War. Since then, a UN force of just 11,000 was supposed to oversee Hezbollah's disarmament and keep it north of the Litani River roughly 18 miles from Israel. But the Iranian proxy ignored the UN. On October 8 it started firing missiles in support of Hamas in Gaza. It has managed to continue this daily, killing around 50 Israelis and forcing 70,000 from their homes. As well as having precision missiles which can hit anywhere in Israel, the terrorists also have short-range rockets, suicide drones and anti-tank missiles. The IDF's biggest advantage is its air power. Hezbollah as none of its own and the Israeli Air Force, the region's strongest, has modern aircraft including US F-35s. Prime Minster Keir Starmer has called for Israel and Hezbollah to agree to a ceasefire, saying 'escalation serves no one'. In his opening address to the United Nations General Assembly, Sir Keir urged the two sides to 'step back from the brink'. It follows a devastating few days which has seen Israel pounding suspected Hezbollah positions across Lebanon in a series of missile strikes that threatens to plunge the Middle East into 'all-out' war. The PM's message to UN leaders comes as Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu warned his nation's military would continue with their onslaught 'fighting at full force' - as he rejected talks of a ceasefire between the two sides. Sir Keir warned fighting between Israel and Hezbollah has the potential to spill into a wider war 'that no one can control'. Prime Minster Keir Starmer has called for Israel and Hezbollah to agree to a ceasefire, saying 'escalation serves no one' It comes as Israel continued with is assault against the Lebanon-based terror group, with missiles strikes across the country today 'I call on Israel and Hezbollah. Stop the violence. Step back from the brink,' he told leaders during his speech in New York. 'We need to see an immediate ceasefire to provide space for a diplomatic settlement and we are working with all partners to that end.' He warned the alternative is 'more suffering for innocent people on all sides and the prospect of a wider war that no one can control and with consequences that none of us can foresee'. Sir Keir also called for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza and the release of the hostages held by Hamas. Addressing the humanitarian crisis, he said: 'It shames us all that the suffering in Gaza continues to grow. 'The answer is diplomacy; the release of all the hostages and the unfettered flow of aid to those in need. 'That is the only way to break this devastating cycle of violence and begin the journey towards a political solution for the long-term which delivers the long-promised Palestinian state alongside a safe and secure Israel.' He added: 'The world cannot look away.' Sir Keir called for the UN to be reformed and strengthened, saying the war in Ukraine was a test for the organisation. Addressing UN leaders in New York, Sir Keir warned fighting between Israel and Hezbollah has the potential to spill into a wider war 'that no one can control'. His speech comes after an devastating few days of conflict between Israel and Hezbollah which has seen the IDF pounding towns and cities across Lebanon He said the UK would 'stand with Ukraine for as long as it takes'. 'Because the alternative would be to confirm the worst claims about this place. 'That international law is merely a paper tiger and that aggressors can do what they will. 'We will never let that happen.' Sir Keir's speech was intended to show that under his premiership the UK would offer 'responsible global leadership'. He announced a new British International Investment initiative, working with the City of London to use billions of pounds from pension and insurance funds 'to invest in boosting development and fighting climate change'. Sir Keir also called for a new international levy on global shipping to 'put a price on the true cost of emissions' with the money raised going to tackle climate change. The Prime Minister also demanded changes to the UN Security Council 'to become a more representative body' which was 'willing to act - not paralysed by politics'. Sir Keir is pictured arriving to speak to the UN during an event in New York on Thursday The premier warned the alternative is 'more suffering for innocent people on all sides and the prospect of a wider war that no one can control' That would involve permanent African representation on the body, The existing five permanent members - the UK, US, France, China and Russia - should be joined by Brazil, India, Japan and Germany, he said. And he promised a change in the way the UK acted too: 'Moving from the paternalism of the past towards partnership for the future. 'Listening a lot more - speaking a bit less.' Sir Keir's plea comes a day after Joe Biden sounded a warning that the Middle East is now on the brink of 'all-out war'. The president joined pleas for de-escalation from international leaders at the UN General Assembly in New York on Wednesday, adding that he thinks the opportunity remains 'to have a settlement that can fundamentally change the whole region'. Biden and French President Emmanuel Macron met on Wednesday on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly to discuss new ceasefire proposals. Macron had earlier told the UN that there 'must not be war in Lebanon', adding that he would send his foreign minister to the former French administration by the end of the week. US president Joe Biden has joined pleas for de-escalation at the UN General Assembly in New York Major General Herzi Halevi (left) visits troops on the northern border on Wednesday Vehicles wait in traffic in the town of Damour, south of Beirut as people flee southern Lebanon Israeli troops gather at the site of a rocket attack on Sa'ar settlement on Wednesday France pressed the UN security council to hold an emergency session on the matter soon. U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken also urged Israel and Hezbollah to step back, saying all-out war would be disastrous for the region and its people. Netanyahu's spokesperson David Mencer said that while 'we favour a diplomatic solution... we have tried... for eleven and a half months'. 'Yesterday our president described the US diplomat [involved in negotiations] as talented but with all his talent he hasn't been able to negotiate any sort of climbdown from Hezbollah,' he said. Aldi baked beans have beaten well-known brands Heinz and Branston in a blind taste test by consumer group Which?. The supermarket's Bramwells Baked Beans In A Rich Tomato Sauce costing 41p for a 410g can achieved a top score of 76 per cent from 66 tasters selected by the watchdog to rate 10 versions from supermarkets such as Asda, Sainsbury's and Tesco alongside their branded counterparts. The panel said Aldi's beans looked good and had an appealing aroma, with three-quarters agreeing that the strength of flavour was perfect. Branston's beans, costing 1 for the same-sized can, followed closely behind with a score of 75 per cent. Co-op's Baked Beans In Tomato Sauce at 49p for 400g can took third place with a score of 74 per cent, while Asda's version at 42p for 410g can achieved 73 per cent, although some of the panel were unsure about the colour of the beans and 29 per cent found the orange hue 'too vibrant'. Aldi baked beans have beaten well-known brands Heinz and Branston in a blind taste test by consumer group Which? with a 76 per cent score That is despite it being one of the cheapest options on the list at 41p per 410g can The budget supermarket beat well-known pricier brands Heinz and Branston to the crown, though the latter, costing 1 per can, came second Co-op's Baked Beans In Tomato Sauce at 49p for a 400g took third place with a score of 74 per cent, while Asda's version at 42p for a 410g can achieved 73 per cent M&S Baked Beans In A Rich Tomato Sauce costing 50p for a 400g can impressed the panel least, with a score of 67 per cent Heinz Beans at 1.40 for a 415g can scored 72 per cent, with the panel approving of the beans' appearance and texture but finding their aroma less pleasing than other versions, while 35 per cent of the panel thought the sauce was too thin. Which? noted that households consuming two tins a week could save more than 100 a year by switching from Heinz beans to Aldi's offering. M&S Baked Beans In A Rich Tomato Sauce costing 50p for a 400g can impressed the panel least, with a score of 67 per cent, with less than half satisfied with the strength of flavour and a third wanting them to be sweeter. Which? head of home products and services Natalie Hitchins said: 'Baked beans are a staple for many households and our results show you don't have to pay a premium for the best taste. 'Choosing supermarket own-label groceries is not only a great way to save money, but our tests prove that you can end up with a better tasting product and can save over 100 a year by making the switch.' Julie Ashfield, managing director of buying at Aldi UK, said: 'If Aldi stands for one thing, it's that low prices doesn't mean compromising on quality or taste. 'Which? recognising our Bramwells Baked Beans as a Best Buy and Great Value and rating them above so many higher cost options on the market, is testament to that.' In a separate taste test by Which? earlier this month, Asda beat big-name brands such as PG Tips, Tetley and Twinings to find Britain's best cup of tea. Asda's Everyday Tea Bags achieved the top score of 72 per cent in a blind tasting by 79 'experienced and committed' tea drinkers assembled by the consumer group. Donald Trump praised Sir Keir Starmer ahead of their first meeting tonight. The Republican candidate said the Prime Minister 'ran a great race' and described him as popular. Speaking at a press conference at Trump Tower in New York, Mr Trump was asked what he made of Sir Keir and joked: 'Well I'm going to see him in about an hour so I have to be nice!' He went on: 'I actually think he's very nice. He ran a great race, he did very well, it's very early he's very popular.' Asked if he wanted Reform UK leader Nigel Farage to have a bigger role, the former President said: 'I think Nigel is great, I've known him for a long time. He had a great election too, picked up a lot of seats, more seats than he was allowed to have actually. Donald Trump praised Sir Keir Starmer ahead of their first meeting tonight. It comes as Sir Keir delivered a speech to the UN General Assembly in New York today 'They acknowledged that he won but for some reason you have a strange system over there, you might win them but you don't get them.' His comments came as Sir Keir spoke at the United Nations General Assembly before heading to Trump Tower However in a blow to Downing Street, Sir Keir was unable to arrange an introduction to Democratic candidate Kamala Harris, whom he has not met before, before his return to the UK. She was in Washington DC seeing Ukraine's leader as he presented his 'victory plan' to the White House and it is unclear if Sir Keir will now be able to meet her before the US election in just over a month. Speaking ahead of his first encounter with Mr Trump, Sir Keir told reporters: 'As you know, I've said a number of times, I want to meet both candidates. We've now got the opportunity to meet Trump, which is good. Obviously, I still want to speak to Harris as well. But you know, the usual diary challenges, but it's good that this one now has been fixed.' Asked what his message would be to Mr Trump, the PM replied: 'It'll be really to establish a relationship between the two of us. I'm a great believer in personal relations on the international stage. I think it really matters that you know who your counterpart is in any given country, and know them you know personally, get to know them face to face.' But he added: 'I should probably add that, I mean that our camp, our embassy, has got good relations with both camps and has had for a long time. So it's not the sort of start of something, it's the continuation of those good relations that have been there with both camps, and that's a really good thing that the embassy has been doing.' Sir Keir urged Israel and Hezbollah to step back from fighting and agree a ceasefire In his opening address to leaders at the UN, Sir Keir urged for Israel and Hezbollah to 'step back from the brink' and agree a ceasefire. The PM's message to UN leaders comes as Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu warned his nation's military would continue with their onslaught 'fighting at full force' - as he rejected talks of a ceasefire between the two sides. Sir Keir warned fighting between Israel and Hezbollah has the potential to spill into a wider war 'that no one can control'. 'I call on Israel and Hezbollah. Stop the violence. Step back from the brink,' he told leaders during his speech in New York. 'We need to see an immediate ceasefire to provide space for a diplomatic settlement and we are working with all partners to that end.' He warned the alternative is 'more suffering for innocent people on all sides and the prospect of a wider war that no one can control and with consequences that none of us can foresee'. Prime Minster Keir Starmer has called for Israel and Hezbollah to agree to a ceasefire, saying 'escalation serves no one' Sir Keir also called for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza and the release of the hostages held by Hamas. Addressing the humanitarian crisis, he said: 'It shames us all that the suffering in Gaza continues to grow.' Sir Keir called for the UN to be reformed and strengthened, saying the war in Ukraine was a test for the organisation. He said the UK would 'stand with Ukraine for as long as it takes'. 'Because the alternative would be to confirm the worst claims about this place. 'That international law is merely a paper tiger and that aggressors can do what they will. 'We will never let that happen.' Sir Keir's speech was intended to show that under his premiership the UK would offer 'responsible global leadership'. He announced a new British International Investment initiative, working with the City of London to use billions of pounds from pension and insurance funds 'to invest in boosting development and fighting climate change'. Addressing UN leaders in New York, Sir Keir warned fighting between Israel and Hezbollah has the potential to spill into a wider war 'that no one can control'. His speech comes after an devastating few days of conflict between Israel and Hezbollah which has seen the IDF pounding towns and cities across Lebanon Sir Keir also called for a new international levy on global shipping to 'put a price on the true cost of emissions' with the money raised going to tackle climate change. The Prime Minister also demanded changes to the UN Security Council 'to become a more representative body' which was 'willing to act - not paralysed by politics'. That would involve permanent African representation on the body, The existing five permanent members - the UK, US, France, China and Russia - should be joined by Brazil, India, Japan and Germany, he said. And he promised a change in the way the UK acted too: 'Moving from the paternalism of the past towards partnership for the future. 'Listening a lot more - speaking a bit less.' Donald Trump knows why world leaders are clamoring for meetings at Trump Tower: It is because he is favorite to win November's election. And he cited the DailyMail.com/J.L. Partners election model which on Wednesday gave him a 55 percent chance of beating Kamala Harris, who is on 45 percent, as evidence of his rise in the polls. He made his comments as he ended a press conference on the ground floor of Trump Tower. The former president announced that he was due to meet British Prime Minister Keir Starmer later in the evening and was then going to sit down with Ukrainian President Volodomyr Zelensky on Friday morning. 'Many of the leaders have been calling me. They wanna meet,' he said. Former President Donald Trump spoke to reporters at Trump Tower on Thursday afternoon 'I guess they see the polling. We are leading in the polls very seriously. 'The Daily Mail just came out with a very big poll and we're leading by 10.' In fact, our election model crunches all the latest polling numbers, along with decades of voting figures and economic statistics, to try to forecast who has the best chance of winning the electoral college. Last week, Harris had nosed ever so slightly ahead after a strong debate showing. The numbers suggested she had a 50.2 percent chance of victory. But since then, a string of swing state polls has seen Trump regain the momentum he enjoyed earlier in the year. The race remains on a knife edge and Harris is on course to win the popular vote. Yet the results led some analysts to wonder whether Harris, catapulted into to the race when President Joe Biden dropped out in July, may already have enjoyed her best weeks. 'If current trends continue (although these have only been in place for a week or so) then we may see Trump take a more concrete lead in the race over the coming few weeks,' said J.L. Partners data scientist Callum Hunter. 'September seems to have been Harris' high point and trends suggest that this high has come to an end.' Your browser does not support iframes. Your browser does not support iframes. Ukrainian President Volodomyr Zelensky has been meeting U.S. leaders after addressing the United Nations General Assembly in New York. On Friday he will meet Trump British Prime Minister Keir Starmer is due to meet Trump on Thursday evening It means Trump is in demand as world leaders hedge their bets and try to build relationships, or at least open lines of communication, with the man who could become the 47th president. Dozens and dozens of presidents and prime ministers are in town for the U.N.'s annual get-together of leaders just a few blocks from Trump's New York base. He had been due to meet Polish President Andrzej Duda at the weekend during a campaign event, but it was canceled. The former president hosted Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu at his Mar-a-Lago home in July. And he also entertained former British Prime Minister David Cameron, when he was serving as foreign secretary, in April. As well as a chance to build a relationship with a possibly future president, Trump is seen as a key influencer on Republican foreign policy making him a useful stop for visiting politicians looking to maintain U.S. support for Ukraine or push for a ceasefire in the Middle East. President Joe Biden on Thursday yelled that Democrats 'are the ones funding cops', referred to Kamala Harris as 'boss' and called J.D Vance 'Secretary' at a White House event about gun violence. Biden was flanked by Democratic nominee, Vice President Kamala Harris, and went after both GOP nominee, former President Donald Trump, and his running mate, Sen. J.D. Vance. But the 81-year-old referred to the vice presidential contender as 'Secretary Vance of Ohio.' Then when he was signing the executive order on exploring new measures to regulate 3D printed guns and examine the best way to implement active-shooter drills at schools. 'Keep it going, boss,' Biden told Harris, the third time he's referred to her in such a way since she took over as nominee. Biden has mistakenly referred to Democratic presidential nominee Harris as the 'president' on at least seven occasions. President Joe Biden on Thursday yelled that Democrats 'are the ones funding cops' during an East Room event focused on how the White House is trying to curb gun violence 'Look folks, I taught Constitutional law for years. Constitutional law. Never was the Second Amendment meant to be absolute,' the president said. 'Back when it was passed, you could not own a cannon,' he claimed. The president then mumbled through the quote, 'The liberty of America is watered with the blood of patriots.' 'Like hell,' he told the East Room audience. 'I'm serious. Think about it. Think about it. It was never absolute. Never, never, never.' President Joe Biden (right) signs new gun control-related executive orders and hugs former Rep. Gabrielle Giffords (left), who survived a 2011 assassination attempt in Tucson, Arizona Historically, Republicans have pointed to the Second Amendment - the right to bear arms - to oppose gun control measures. Biden said he wanted to see more funding for the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. 'We get a lot of heat from the other guy - she got a lot of heat from the other guy,' he said, speaking of Harris. 'Talking about, 'we're not helping ...' We're the ones funding cops!' he then yelled. 'We're the ones funding these things,' Biden added. Biden hammered his 'predecessor' - instead of saying Trump's name - and Congressional Republicans for being opposed to Democrats' crackdown on ghost guns, as they say that violates the Second Amendment too. 'Give me a break,' Biden said. 'If they got their way criminals could traffic guns and commit crimes.' Vice President Kamala Harris recalled meeting the victim of a school shooting last week - though didn't mention how she told Oprah Winfrey that as a gun owner, she's shoot an intruder 'They attack the FBI and want to abolish the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms and Explosives. By the way, that's written out,' he added. 'Folks you can't be pro-law enforcement and be anti-FBI and ATF,' Biden said to cheers. Trump has complained about the FBI due to the bureau's 2016 Russia investigation, which he called a 'hoax,' and the August 2022 raid on Mar-a-Lago, to retreive classified documents the ex-president took from the White House. Harris spoke prior to Biden at the East Room event - attended by former Rep. Gabrielle Giffords, who was nearly killed in a 2011 assassination attempt, and Georgia Rep. Lucy McBath, whose son was shot and killed for playing his music too loud. She spoke about her meeting last week the a survivor of the recent Apalachee High School shooting - during her star-studded Michigan event with Oprah Winfrey. 'Last week I met with a young leader, her name is Natalie,' Harris recalled. 'When we met Natalie was still wearing bandages and she is extraordinarily brave.' 'So on behalf of her, on behalf of all the survivals, all the survivors that we have lost,' the VP continued, bungling the delivery, 'let us continue to fight to end the epidemic of gun violence.' What Harris didn't mention in front of the White House crowd - as nearly every member of the audience raised their hand to say they had lost someone from gun violence - was the pronouncement she made last week: that she would shoot an intruder dead. 'If somebody breaks into my house, they're getting shot,' she told Winfrey. 'I probably should not have said that. My staff will deal with that later,' the Democratic nominee added. It was a union that caused a family scandal and left the future King Edward VII fuming. In 1871, the Prince of Wales's younger sister, Princess Louise, controversially married a commoner (the first time a royal had done so since 1515) - albeit a very wealthy one, the Marquess of Lorne. But Queen Victoria, who adored Louise, was less upset - even if she had endeavoured to marry off her nine offspring to the royal families of Europe. Now, an engraved granite brooch that the monarch had made to celebrate her daughter's engagement in 1870 is set to sell at auction today. The piece, which has a green enamel border, is engraved with the Queen's initials, the date and the location of the Marquess's proposal: Dhu Loch on Her Majesty's beloved Balmoral estate in Scotland. The brooch, which also boasts a gold garland wreath, is one of several matching ones that the Queen gave to those closest to Louise. In 1871, the Prince of Wales' younger sister, Princess Louise, controversially married a commoner (for the first time since 1515) - albeit a very wealthy one, the Marquess of Lorne An engraved granite brooch that Queen Victoria had made to celebrate her daughter's engagement in 1870 is set to sell at auction today It is thought that the brooches were made by a local jeweller: M Rettie & Sons of Aberdeen. The one up for sale is tipped to sell for up to 400, via Fellows, an auction house based in London and Birmingham. Princess Louise's wedding took place in March 1871 at St George's Chapel, Windsor. The Illustrated London News described Louise's 'rich white satin dress and veil, trimmed with Honiton lace trim and decorated with blossoms'. The Princess was given a spectacular collection of bejewelled presents; many of which remain in the Royal Family. She left her jewellery collection to Prince George, Duke of Kent. As a wedding present, Victoria gave her daughter a large emerald and diamond set in a bracelet. Although there are no paintings of photographs of Louise wearing the piece, it was converted to a brooch and frequently worn by Princess Marina, Duchess of Kent and most recently Princess Michael of Kent. Both wore the emerald with a huge baroque pearl, the Vladimir Pearl, suspended from it as a brooch. Victoria also gave Louise a tiara. Fast forward more than a century, and when Jodie Kidd married Aidan Butler in 2005, the model wore a tiara that she said was Louise's. When model Jodie Kidd married Aidan Butler in 2005, she wore a tiara that she claimed Victoria gave to Louise when she married in 1871. Above: Kidd wearing the tiara on her wedding day, at St Peter's Church in Twineham, West Sussex, September 2005 Princess Louise's husband, the Marquess of Lorne, became the 9th Duke of Argyll in 1900. He died in 1914 The one up for sale is tipped to sell for up to 400, via Fellows, an auction house based in London and Birmingham Princess Louise's wedding took place in March 1871 at St George's Chapel, Windsor Princess Louise, Marchioness of Lorne, later Duchess of Argyll. She passed away in 1939 Princess Louise (left) seen with her mother Queen Victoria and sister Princess Alice at Balmoral in 1863, two years after the death of Prince Albert Kidd said: 'My grandmother Bumby left it to me when she passed away in 1988. 'I think she wore it to her wedding--or one of them, she married quite a few times! Queen Victoria gave it to her fourth daughter Princess Louise when she married the 9th Duke of Argyll, and when my grandmother married the 11th Duke in 1927, it was passed on to her. I feel honoured to be wearing it.' Louise's three younger siblings, Prince Arthur, Prince Leopold, and Princess Beatrice, gifted her three Garrard diamond set daisies - one of which was worn by the Princess on her wedding day, to secure her veil. The set consisted of one large daisy and a pair of smaller ones. She also wore them pinned in her hair in a beautiful portrait, painted by Heinrich Von Angeli for Victoria. After her death in 1939, the diamond daisies were often worn by Princess Marina as brooches - the largest with the Vladimir pearl suspended. Princess Michael of Kent playfully turned the two smaller daisies into earrings and all three into a Daisy Diadem. The Princess, perhaps partly because she was marrying a Scottish peer, was so beloved by the people of Balmoral that they collaborated to raise 250 (the equivalent of more than 25,000 now) to purchase a pearl and diamond necklace and earring set. The piece comprised of 24 Scottish river pearls, surrounded by tiny diamonds and interlinked with brushed gold and blue enamel accents - a design repeated in the earrings and brooch. It was created by Sanderson & Son's of Prince's Street in Edinburgh. As a wedding present, Victoria gave her daughter a large emerald and diamond set in a bracelet. Although there are no paintings of photographs of Louise wearing the piece, it was converted to a brooch and frequently worn by Princess Marina, Duchess of Kent and most recently Princess Michael of Kent. Both wore the emerald with a huge baroque pearl, the Vladimir Pearl. Above: Seen on Princess Michael of Kent in 2016 Princess Michael of Kent playfully turned the two smaller daisies gifted to Princess Louise to for her wedding into a daisy diadem. Above: Princess Michael wearing the diadem with her husband Prince Michael From her in-laws she received a necklace set with diamonds and pearls. The necklace appears like a lace ribbon. It is set with 190 diamonds in interlocking rectangles, which are interspersed with 13 rosettes of natural pearls, surrounded by a halo of more diamonds. A locket is suspended from the lowermost rosette; the central pearl, encircled by two halos of a mixture of cuts of diamonds. And from this a pear-shaped sapphire and pave diamond set pendant hangs from a twig of myrtle set with emeralds - the Clan Campbell's emblematic plant. Princess Louise and her husband, who became the 9th Duke of Argyll on his father's death in 1900, never had any children. The Duke died of pneumonia in 1914. Widowed Louise lived in Kensington Palace until her death and she left her jewels to Prince George and Princess Marina, the Duke and Duchess of Kent. Her jewels have not been seen for a while - but of course, like with the Queen Mother's Strathmore Tiara - they will never be forgotten and hopefully, will be worn again. When the Duke and Duchess of Sussex moved to California to seek their fortune, their cheerleaders claimed they would be a new power couple, like George and Amal Clooney, who attended their wedding, but with added royal mystique. Comparisons were even made with former US president Barack Obama and his wife, Michelle, whose highly lucrative move into books and podcasts they hoped to emulate. This week, we have seen evidence of how that dream lies in tatters, with Prince Harry and Meghan travelling in different directions when it comes to their careers. It is a new strategy but to explain why they felt the need to adopt it, we have to go back to the moment they arrived in America. The Sussexes ambition to harness their power as a couple became clear soon after they landed in Los Angeles on what Harry described as a freedom flight from Canada during the Covid pandemic in 2020. Meghan has filmed a cookery and lifestyle show, expected to be broadcast next year While living in a mansion generously lent to them by American TV star Tyler Perry whom Harry admitted he did not know the pair started plotting how they would establish themselves as a new force in the US. They set up Archewell, a mixture of for-profit and not-for-profit business organisations, registered in tax-friendly Delaware, that they hoped would help give them the same sort of status as that which former US presidents including Bill Clinton and his wife Hillary derived from the foundations they had established. Then came the crucial business of cashing in on their royal connections as a couple. They did this by signing multi-million-dollar deals with media titans Netflix and Spotify. Making clear that audio giant Spotify had signed them as a pair, both Harry and Meghan appeared on the pilot episode of their podcast. A string of famous guests, including Sir Elton John, James Corden and Tyler Perry, were enlisted in an attempt to demonstrate their ability to attract big names. Three months later, they sat down for their explosive television interview with their Santa Barbara neighbour Oprah Winfrey. Following Meghans claims in the interview that the future Princess of Wales had made her cry, and her allegations of racism among unnamed senior Windsors, the sofa chat caused a devastating rift with the Royal Family. It also alienated millions of people who had previously been sympathetic to Harry and Meghan. The negative reaction to the interview may have been the turning point, when the first seeds of doubt crept in about the wisdom of their power couple strategy. They had, however, signed a deal with Netflix for a rumoured $100million, so still went ahead with their tawdry docuseries or reality show, Harry & Meghan, which was broadcast the following year. By the time their first series of podcasts was released by Spotify the same year, poor Harrys voice had been silenced. Instead, the dozen episodes of the series, Archetypes, were presented exclusively by Meghan. The former actress had, apparently, decided that she deserved top billing. Fat lot of good it did her, though. While living in a mansion lent to them by American TV star Tyler Perry, the pair started plotting how they would establish themselves as a new force in the US The series turned out to be their first and last for Spotify, with the company announcing in 2023 that it had ended its deal. Adding insult to injury, Spotify executive Bill Simmons described the couple as f***ing grifters and ridiculed Harrys attempts to contribute ideas for podcasts. Meghans solo series set the pattern for their future careers. She left Harry to promote his memoirs alone, as the book further antagonised the royals and their admirers around the world. Their forthcoming projects for Netflix are separate: Meghan has filmed a cookery and lifestyle show, expected to be broadcast next year, while Harrys made a programme about polo, his favourite sport. This week, Harry has been in New York on his own, carrying out charitable engagements connected to his late mother, Princess Diana, that would once have held much appeal for Meghan. Whats been most noticeable is that the duke has appeared far more relaxed than on his previous appearance in the city with his wife. That visit turned into a fiasco, with claims of a high-speed car chase with paparazzi that were denied by the police. Harrys smiles have also been in contrast to the frowns he often seemed to be wearing when he visited Colombia with Meghan last month. A source in California claims that Meghan has decided that their interests are best served by pursuing separate careers. They will still carry out some charitable engagements together and embark on foreign visits, but their work projects will be separate, the source tells me. Perhaps Meghan has decided that she is the bigger attraction when it comes to showbusiness. That would leave Harry free to continue trying to mend fences with his family on visits back home that are likely to become more frequent and longer. Sign up for Richard Edens Royal Newsletter. Click here. Follow me on Twitter: Richardaeden The Princess Royal paid her respects to two unidentified World War I soldiers who were buried in a cemetery in Loos-en-Gohelle today. Gun salutes sounded out as the two brave British soldiers were laid to rest in northern France over a century after they were killed in the bloody conflict in 1915. Their burials marked the inauguration - which was led by Princess Anne - of an extension at the Loos British Cemetery., as fallen soldiers from the bloody conflict continue to discovered. Calamitous battles played out in the area, which is located 25 miles south of the city of Lille. Princess Anne, who is the President of the Commonwealth War Graves Commission (CWGC), stood before the two coffins, wearing a dark green coat coupled with a scarf emblazoned with poppies, signalling her respects to the fallen countrymen. Princess Anne, (Pictured) who is the President of the Commonwealth War Graves Commission (CWGC), paid her respects to two World War II soldiers who were buried today The Princess Royal led the inauguration of the extension of the war cemetery in northern France, which was marked by the burial of the two fallen soldiers The soldiers were carried to the 1,200-plot extension to the cemetery by Scottish soldiers donning traditional kilts and horsehair sporran belt pouches Little is known about the two men, who were buried alongside 46 unknown soldiers, only the Scottish regiments they served in. Unit Head of the CWGC Stephan Naji said there is 'very little chance' of identifying the pair. A message on their gravestones read: 'A soldier of the Great War - Known unto God', a phrase coined by writer Rudyard Kipling. The soldiers were carried to the 1,200-plot extension to the cemetery by Scottish soldiers donning traditional kilts and horsehair sporran belt pouches. They were honoured with three volleys of gunfire as well as a member of Scotland's Black Watch regiment playing a bagpipe. 'It's a tremendous sacrifice that these men, women, fathers, gave to us. It's a great honour to be here and to be a part of that,' said Private Chalmers of the Black Watch, who gave only his family name. He continued that war cemeteries similar to Loos allow people to 'remember these great men'. Bodies from World War I battles are regularly unearthed across much of northern France where hundreds of thousands of soldiers died. According to CWGC unit head Mr Naji '95 percent of our finds happen within two hours' drive of Arras.' Arras is around 100 miles north of Paris near the Belgian border, according to Naji. When a new hospital was built in Lens, a town located near loos, 120 human remains were unearthed over the course of three years, he explained. Not much is known about the two men, who were buried alongside 46 unknown soldiers, only the Scottish regiments they served in (Pictured: Princess Anne talking to a young boy and girl at the ceremony) Many remains are found in the area of northern France with many calamitous battles taking place 25 miles south of Lille during the World War I (Pictured: Princess Anne waving to the crowd as she attende the inaugaration in Loos-en-Gohelle) The CWGC aims to organise a burial within two years of the discovery of remains, but the effort can be painstaking. When a body is found the organisation is tasked with discovering the individuals nationality, regiment and when they may have served. Research begins at 'how many died in that area at that time, and how many of those are still missing. That gives us a short list...sometimes the list is not so short,' Alexia Clar, a caseworker at the British defence ministry said. If there are only a few candidates, a DNA sample from the bones can be compared with genetic material from descendants of the missing to offer definitive identification, she added. Remains of at least 500,000 British soldiers killed in the two World Wars are still unaccounted for, according to Clark. Mark Zuckerberg has revealed his 'time machine' to the future, in the form of Meta's first pair of augmented reality (AR) glasses. Meta - the parent company to Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp - showed off its first working prototype of AR glasses, called Orion, during its annual Connect conference. At first glance, the chunky black glasses look like any other basic pair of spectacles. However, Zuckerberg explained at the event that the glasses can use holograms to overlay digital content on to the real world. 'For now, I think the right way to look at Orion is as a time machine. These glasses exist, they are awesome and they are a glimpse of a future that I think is going to be pretty exciting,' the Meta Chief Executive said. Mark Zuckerberg has revealed his 'time machine' to the future, in the form of Meta 's first pair of augmented reality (AR) glasses At first glance, the chunky black glasses look like any other basic pair of spectacles. However, Zuckerberg explained at the event that the glasses can use holograms to overalay digital content on to the real world The Orion glasses are made of magnesium alloy and powered by custom silicon designed by Meta. Users will be able to interact with the glasses through hand-tracking, voice and wrist-based neural interface. Surprisingly, Zuckerberg did not demonstrate Orion's capabilities directly during his announcement. Instead, he chose to play a video showing how people reacted to the device when they tried it. The video showed a few glimpses of text messages and images displayed through the glasses, and the CEO of Nvidia, Jensen Huang, was prominent among the testers. The Orion glasses are made of magnesium alloy and powered by custom silicon designed by Meta Surprisingly, Zuckerberg did not demonstrate Orion's capabilities directly during his announcement. Instead, he chose to play a video showing how people reacted to the device when they tried it The glasses can use holograms to overalay digital content on to the real world, according to Meta Later this year, Meta plans to add video-generation capabilities and the ability to perform real-time language translation between English and French, Italian or Spanish. Zuckerberg held a live conversation with Mexican mixed martial arts fighter Brandon Moreno demonstrating the language tool, in which the glasses spoke translations from English to Spanish and vice versa. However, you'll have to wait a while to get your hands on the AR glasses. Meta plans to work on making the glasses smaller, sleeker and more low-cost before releasing them to consumers later on. During the Meta Connect event, Meta also announced a raft of other new product offerings for its AI chatbot, Meta AI Speaking to Reuters before the event, a source said that Meta aims to ship its first commercial AR glasses to consumers in 2027. The closest thing to the prototype currently is the Ray-Ban Meta smart glasses, which initially inspired little interest but caught on last year after Meta added an AI assistant. During the Meta Connect event, Meta also announced a raft of other new product offerings for its AI chatbot, Meta AI. This will now respond to voice commands and offer users the option to make the assistant sound like celebrities including Judi Dench and John Cena. 'I think that voice is going to be a way more natural way of interacting with AI than text,' Zuckerberg added. Graphics experts have recreated the face of a pharaoh who founded the Valley of the Kings and rewrote history in ancient Egypt. Amenhotep I - the second ruler of Egypt's 18th Dynasty - is thought to have died 3,500 years ago at around age 35 before being painstakingly preserved through mummification. He was the first to be buried in the Valley of the Kings - the resting site of almost all the Pharaohs of the 18th, 19th and 20th dynasties. He was worshipped as a god after he died, primarily because he ushered Egypt into a new age of peace and prosperity during his reign. Brazilian graphics designer Cicero Moraes digitally reconstructed Amenhotep's likeness, revealing his face for the first time in 3,500 years. Cicero Morares, a Brazilian 3D designer who specializes in forensic facial reconstruction, created these images by blending faces made through a variety of methods. One method involved distributing soft tissue thickness markers across the Pharaoh's skull, guided by computed tomography (CT) scan data from living donors. Another was a technique called anatomical deformation, in which a digital recreation of a donor's head was adjusted until the skull matched the Pharaoh's. This method was made possible thanks to CT scans of Amenhotep's skull that were taken in 2021. That work was conducted by paleo radiologist Sahar N. Saleem of the University of Cairo and Egyptologist Zahi Hawass, who do not endorse the digital recreations and described them to DailyMail.com as 'scientifically flawed'. Regardless, their work 'virtually unwrapped' Amenhotep's mummified remains using CT scanning, and revealed details his appearance, skeletal structure and some preserved internal organs, including his heart and brain. The scans did not indicate a cause of death, but estimated the age of death at roughly 35 years. Once Morares had revealed the Pharaoh's face, he noticed that it didn't match the god that had been depicted in statues Many mummies, such as Amenhotep I, show an overbite. But this is generally not reflected in a compatible way in statues Their work also suggested that he suffered a series of postmortem injuries 'probably inflicted by tomb robbers or by the embalmers who re-wrapped the mummy later,' said Morares' co-author, archaeologist Michael Habicht of Flinders University in Australia. It also showed that Amenhotep stood about five and a half feet tall, his teeth were in good condition and he had curly hair, Habicht added. 'By crossing the data from all the projections, we generated the final bust and complemented the structure with historical costume,' Morares said. Once Morares had revealed the Pharaoh's face, he noticed that it didn't match the god that had been depicted in statues. 'Many mummies, such as Amenhotep I, show a retrognathism or overbite, and this is generally not reflected in a compatible way in the statues,' he said. The mummy of Amenhotep I, the first to be buried in the Valley of Kings University of Cairo-led experts uses computed tomography (CT) scans to create 3D reconstructions of Amenhotep I 'In general terms, the statues of Amenhotep I are compatible in the nose region, but more gracile in the glabella region and more projected in the chin region.' Amenhotep I's reign came in the wake of his father Ahmose I's expulsion of the Hyksos invaders and successful reunification Egypt - and represented something of a golden age for ancient Egypt. Not only was the 'New Kingdom' both prosperous and secure, but Amenhotep I also oversaw a religious building spree and successful military campaigns against both Libya and northern Sudan. 'Under the peaceful rule of Amenhotep I, the rise of Egypt was initiated and the heyday of the New Kingdom began,' Habicht said. Amenhotep's name meant 'Amun is satisfied' - referring to the ancient Egyptian god of the air. Morares and Habicht's digital reconstruction offers a first-of-its-kind look at the face of this celebrated king. It was made possible by the Egyptologists who paved the way for this work. 'This work was not done just by us, but by all those who studied and study ancient Egypt seriously, always sharing information,' Morares said. Hunt master Ruslan sits astride his horse on top of the craggy mountain, with golden eagle Kara-Barachyn perched on his wrist. He lifts his arm and the bird takes wing in search of prey, her cruel talons ready to spear whatever it can find to the ground. This scene has been played out in the Central Asian nation of Kyrgyzstan for thousands of years. The only difference between now and the times of Genghis Khan is the holidaymakers snapping away furiously with their cameras. When Genghis was in charge, this mountainous country was part of the central belt of the vast trade routes known as the Silk Roads. For almost 2,000 years until the Middle Ages, goods and ideas flowed between China and Europe along these, with Kyrgyzstan, Kazakhstan, and Uzbekistan at their heart. Some of the finest surviving examples of those goods will go on display from Thursday at the British Museums Silk Roads exhibition, which runs until February. Dazzling: Matt Quinton embarks on a Silk Road tour through Kyrgyzstan, Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan (pictured) Above, an eagle hunter and his golden eagle in Kyrgyzstan. Matt says: 'My trip highlight is unquestionably the eagle-hunting display' For almost 2,000 years until the Middle Ages, goods and ideas flowed between China and Europe along the Silk Road, which passed through the three countries that sit between modern-day Russia and China But to see treasures in their original context head to the three countries, which today lie between modern-day Russia and China. I join a 15-strong tour group, accompanied by a driver and a guide in a high-end minibus. Hotels, some meals, and the itinerary are pre-arranged. We start in Kyrgyzstan, where people only recently gave up nomadic lifestyles, and some still live in yurts. After a gentle hike in the vast Ala-Archa National Park, we cool off in salty Issyk Kul Lake. At the 1,000-year-old Silk Road staging post, Burana Tower, we hear how merchant caravans grouped together here to shelter from brigands. Its a magnificent setting. But when I ask our guide, Vitaly, what drew his own grandparents here from Russia, he explains: It was Stalins decision that we should move not ours! In fact, the whole of Central Asia was used as a dumping ground for less-favoured USSR citizens. While these three countries have long since turned their back on communism, it would be wrong to say any are now free and fair democracies. However, this region is safe and welcoming for tourists, although English is not widely spoken. In a restaurant in Kyrgyzstans capital Bishkek, asking about local specialities resulted in staff talking about reality TV stars. Eventually, a manager explains: The best lamb comes from a breed we call the Kim Kardashian because of the size of its Ah, I see. At least it goes down easier than another local favourite, fermented mares milk. As strong as lager, this sour tipple like a boozy Yakult brings tears to my eyes. As my group sips, the vendor slaps me on the back: We have to feed the horses just the right grasses to get the taste perfect. My trip highlight is unquestionably the eagle-hunting display courtesy of Ruslan, but a close second is a night in a Kyrgyz yurt in the Djety Oguz mountains. Matt reveals that in Kyrgyzstan (pictured) people only recently gave up nomadic lifestyles, and some still live in yurts. He spent a night in a Kyrgyz yurt in the Djety Oguz mountains on his trip As the temperature drops, I bury myself in blankets and fall asleep listening to the horses whickering. Entering Kazakhstan, a country bigger than the whole of Western Europe, we visit the former capital Almaty and its fabulous restaurants. As my tour-mate David points out when the bill arrives: I paid more than this for a takeaway from the Pret A Manger at Heathrow. Here, the focus switches from nature to culture and history, and Im wowed by colourful Zhenkov Cathedral. We arrive as the bell-ringing team finishes practice and amazingly Vitaly convinces them to let us have a go. The teams willingness to give up their time just to show a group of total strangers the ropes despite the language barrier is really quite touching, though being up close to the huge chiming bells does make it hard for my group to hear the rest of the days tour. On a visit to Almaty, Kazakhstan, Matt is wowed by colourful Zhenkov Cathedral (pictured) Awesome: Above, the gleaming arches of a tiled mausoleum in Samarkand, Uzbekistan, which Matt says is 'the regions glittering jewel' Catching a sleeper train into Uzbekistan, I find a country thats notably hotter and, as a former part of the Persian empire, more culturally Middle Eastern. When I ask Dilshod, our guide for this portion of the trip, about a sticker of a high heel in a car window, he explains: Ah, that shows other drivers its a womans car, so they can be extra-considerate. Uzbekistans capital, Tashkent, has beautiful mosques, but the regions glittering jewel, just under 200 miles south-west, is the 2,500-year-old city of Samarkand. The towering madrasas of Registan Square are dazzling, with blue-and-yellow tiling sparkling in the light. In the 1400s, marine shipping brought the dominance of the Silk Roads to an end and sadly my trip must also finish. I may not be bringing back a camel-load of valuable goods. But Ive memories of an extraordinary part of the world which in many ways does not feel like part of this world at all. Ludwig (BBC1) Rating: There aren't many actors better than David Mitchell at pretending to be bewildered by the modern world. It's almost as if he's not actually pretending. This made him perfect for the title role in Ludwig, a clever comedy detective drama which might be the best thing he's done in years. Ludwig, whose real name is John Taylor, is a sort of reverse-polarity Inspector Morse. Morse is a policeman who enjoys crossword puzzles. Taylor sets crossword puzzles, under the name of Ludwig, but finds himself unexpectedly taking on a sideline as a detective chief inspector in the Cambridgeshire Police. Like Morse, he is a bachelor. Like Morse, he enjoys classical music. Like Morse, he is suspicious of new technology. Is it a complete coincidence that the show is based in Cambridge, rather than Morse's Oxford? There aren't many actors better than David Mitchell at pretending to be bewildered by the modern world. It's almost as if he's not actually pretending, writes Roland White Mitchell stars as Ludwig, real name James Taylor, alongside Anna Maxwell Martin (left) in the new BBC detective drama Mitchell alongside co-stars (L-R) Izuka Hoyle, Dipo Ola, Dorothy Atkinson and Gerran Howell The action begins with Ludwig working at home, being fussy and making his puzzles, when he gets a call from his sister-in-law and childhood friend Lucy (Anna Maxwell Martin). Get in the taxi that is outside your home, she orders, and come to Cambridge this is very important. He reaches the city to find that his identical twin brother, DCI James Taylor, hasn't come home for three days. What's more, he has sent a strange letter to his wife. It takes clever Ludwig seconds to spot a hidden message, and before he knows it, he is striding reluctantly into police headquarters, pretending to be twin James in order to take a notebook from his desk. You can get into big trouble by impersonating a senior police officer, even if you're his brother. Especially if you're his brother. For a start, you might at any time be asked to investigate a murder. 'Chief Inspector' Ludwig doesn't even make it to his office before he's off to investigate the fatal stabbing of a solicitor. (Did anybody else notice, by the way, that the solicitor's office was full of clocks?) Ludwig, whose real name is John Taylor, is a sort of reverse-polarity Inspector Morse. Morse is a policeman who enjoys crossword puzzles. Taylor sets crossword puzzles, under the name of Ludwig Faced with a room full of suspects, Ludwig is pushed to breaking point. 'Everybody is talking at once,' he complains to Lucy on his ancient mobile. 'There's no order, no structure.' At which point he glances at a document, has a sudden moment of inspiration, and solves the case. It's often said that whodunnits are like crossword puzzles. We don't really care about the body count. We want to follow the clues and solve the puzzle. Ludwig takes this suggestion to its logical conclusion. He solves the murder with a dazzling display of logic, and suddenly finds he's in a world he understands. Away from the main action, there are hints of puzzles to come. Is the chief constable the obvious villain that he looks? Why did Ludwig's father leave home all those years ago? Why has the real detective gone missing? And, perhaps most intriguing of all, there are hints that Ludwig thinks his childhood friend married the wrong brother. BBC Breakfast underwent another hosting shake-up for Thursday's show, as regular presenter Naga Munchetty was notably missing from screens. The presenter, 49, was nowhere to be seen and instead her co-host Charlie Stayt, 62, was joined by Nina Warhurst, 43, who stepped in to deliver today's top lines. Nina has already stepped in twice within two weeks to cover Sally Nugent earlier this month - but today's instalment saw an awkward clash between the replacement host and Charlie. Leading up to the bizarre live TV moment, the pair watched a segment about Oasis and how they recorded their first studio album at Sawmills Studio on the River Fowey in Cornwall. The duo had high praise for the stunning building, with Nina quipping: 'Oh to be a fly on the wall in that building! It would have been amazing. BBC Breakfast underwent another hosting shake-up for Thursday's show, as regular presenter Naga Munchetty (above) was notably missing from screens The presenter, 49, was nowhere to be seen and instead her co-host Charlie Stayt, 62, was joined by Nina Warhurst , 43, who stepped in to deliver today's top lines Charlie added: 'Very beautiful location,' before Nina jumped in again with: 'It is stunning, isn't it? Shall we go and record an album there Charlie?' Taken aback, the BBC regular responded: 'No. I don't think so,' before Nina burst into laughter and the camera cut to local news. And it isn't the first odd moment Nina has had on screen, as back in February she made a very rude blunder. The broadcaster accidentally dropped the c-bomb as she presented a segment about money and business. She appeared on the morning show with main presenters Jon Kay and Sally Nugent who introduced her segment. The broadcaster then made the gaffe in her opening line as she said: 'Thanks Jon, yeah, when tax c****...' Nina speedily corrected herself as she said the word 'cuts' more clearly after the rude word as she continued her sentence. In full, she said: 'When tax c****, cuts are announced, the public listens which is possibly why the Chancellor has hinted at this ahead of the budget.' Charlie added: 'Very beautiful location,' before Nina jumped in again with: 'It is stunning, isn't it? Shall we go and record an album there Charlie?' Taken aback, the BBC regular responded: 'No. I don't think so,' before Nina burst into laughter and the camera cut to local news And it isn't the first odd moment Nina has had on screen, as back in February she made a very rude blunder The broadcaster accidentally dropped the c-bomb as she presented a segment about money and business In reaction one viewer wrote: 'Say what you think @NinaWarhurst.' Another penned: '8.11 on BBC Breakfast, @NinaWarhurst was talking about 'Tax Cuts' except I think she used slightly stronger language!' Another viewer replied: 'I nearly fell off my chair when she said it!' Someone else penned: 'Oopsy. Slip of the tongue, made me laugh.' A fifth wrote: 'Brilliantly rescued!', as they reacted to the hilarious moment. Naga's absence from the morning programme comes just after she was left lost for words last week when her co-star stripped topless in the middle of a live broadcast. The presenter and fellow host Charlie introduced a segment by journalist Steve Harris in which he reported on Dorset Museum's naked viewing in which naturists can roam around the galleries in the nude. Speaking about the eyebrow-raising segment, Charlie said: 'So normally when you think of nudes in a museum, your mind would naturally wander to statues or maybe sculptures.' Naga's absence from the morning programme comes just after she was left lost for words last week when her co-star stripped topless in the middle of a live broadcast In his report at the museum in Dorchester, Steve interviewed naked participants in the event which was organised by British Naturism, however, the broadcaster got carried away at the end of the segment as he decided to get involved himself Naga then added: 'That might change. A museum in Dorchester is literally bringing that idea to life. Recently it's opening its doors to visitors who want to wander through its galleries after hours, completely naked. 'Why? Well, that's what our reporter Steve Harris has been finding out.' In his report at the museum in Dorchester, Steve interviewed naked participants in the event which was organised by British Naturism, however, the broadcaster got carried away at the end of the segment as he decided to get involved himself. The broadcaster proceeded to strip off his shirt and blazer, much to the alarm of his co-stars in the studio. As the camera panned back to Naga and Charlie, Naga looked visibly shocked by her co-star's actions as an awkward silence ensued, before Charlie then remarked: 'Good. It's all good. Steve Harris that was.' Regaining her composure, Naga then asked: 'Does that appeal to you?', to which Charlie responded: 'No, I just think it's great. People being happy, doing their thing. Why not?'. This Morning fans were left divided after Jamie Oliver reignited his infamous school dinner row during his appearance on the ITV daytime show on Thursday. The British TV chef, 49, began his crusade into improving the nutritional value of school dinners in 2005 with his 'Feed Me Better' campaign. Almost a decade later he has unveiled what is being called his most ambitious school dinners mission yet - lessons teaching students how to cook from scratch. Dubbed '10 Lessons to Save Your Life', the 10-week programme is now being offered at 320 schools across the UK, taken up by about 80,000 pupils. Jamie appeared on the breakfast programme to promote his new book, and chat to hosts Cat Deeley and Ben Shephard about what he's aiming to do this time, before he showcased recipes for people to try. This Morning fans have been left divided after Jamie Oliver reignited the school dinner row during his appearance on the ITV daytime show on Thursday Jamie appeared on the breakfast programme to promote his new book, and chat to hosts Cat Deeley and Ben Shephard about what he's aiming to do this time, before he showcased recipes for people to try Reflecting on his previous campaign, he said: 'It was very hard. You'd think they'd welcome and want me doing that. It was 18 months it was very hard. 'And until the first thing was printed in black and white, that's when everyone turned and said yes, it's a great idea. 'So people hate change until the pain of not changing is worse than the change itself. So I've learned that through the medium of TV, documentary making, and also attaching a campaign.' He added: 'And I've had a team on school dinners for 17 years because we have to hold the government, whoever they are, to account because they'll always try to pull away and regress it. 'But I do believe now more than ever if you want a Britain that's more productive, that's less stress on the NHS, better educational attainment, levelling up as they call it, it happens at school 190 days of the years - breakfast and lunch.' Jamie's journey has by no means been easy, as revealed by the 2011 clip of him attempting to discourage children from eating processed chicken nuggets, which still does the rounds on social media. In Jamie Oliver's Food Revolution, the father-of-five thought that by showing a group of children the 'horrible' process of how nuggets are made, it would put them off the snack, but in reality, it had the opposite effect. But, he didn't let it put him off and lesson plans, recipes and worksheets are being delivered to students as part of his new plan, while they are also shown videos featuring Oliver and his 13-year-old son Buddy. Discussing his previous campaign, he said: 'You'd think they'd welcome and want me doing that. It was 18 months it was very hard' He added: 'And I've had a team on school dinners for 17 years because we have to hold the government, whoever they are, to account' His Jamie Oliver Group organisation now hopes to ultimately reach as many as 4,000 different secondary schools Following his This Morning appearance, viewers took to X with divided opinions on the school dinner debate His Jamie Oliver Group organisation now hopes to ultimately reach as many as 4,000 different secondary schools. Following his This Morning appearance, viewers took to X with divided opinions on the school dinner debate, writing: 'My school dinners were amazing, I don't know what he's talking about #thismorning.' 'I'm so glad he didn't mess with our school dinners I used to love the pizza it was lush lol #ThisMorning.' 'So @jamieoliver is on #ThisMorning saying about school meals - I pay 3 for my child to come out starving - he gets 1 potato 1 piece of broccoli a wafer thin slice of meat and a little finger sized bread - stay away from school meals! A happy meal gives you more for less.' 'I find Jamie Oliver really cocky #thismorning.' 'I remember Jamie Oliver trying to ban Turkey Twizzlers and said to the kids 'offal. Hearts. Salt. Msg. Sugar'. Who wants to eat one now. They all put their hands up. His face was a picture #thismorning.' 'Jamie Oliver on again ffs. Why? Fast forwarding his part. Can't stand him. #ThisMorning.' 'Great to see appearing on #ThisMorning today and hear him speak so passionately about food. I agree wholeheartedly, free breakfast at school is only going to achieve something if they have standards. Nutrition inside a child's tummy will help them be ready to learn!' The celebrity chef is hoping to expand his food and nutrition teaching programme, which is currently used in 320 schools across the UK Jamie Oliver has been campaigning for years for healthier food to be offered to children at school - targeting Turkey Twizzlers in his shows since 2005 '#ThisMorning Jamie Oliver doesn't have a clue does he find him irritating too...' 'Thank goodness for Jamie Oliver and his school dinners and healthy eating campaign which ultimately helps the NHS. I've been saying this for years #thismorning.' Jamie also took to the kitchen to whip up some meals, including a chicken noodle traybake, however, some viewers were less than impressed, writing: 'That looks vile, Jamie! #ThisMorning.' 'WTF is that meant to be? Looks horrible #thismorning.' 'It's as though Jamie has just invented the oven. #thismorning.' The restaurateur told The Times: 'I've never lost my passion for improving school dinners, both in terms of how many children can access free school meals and in setting high standards for whats being offered. 'But having worked with eight different prime ministers over the years, what Ive learnt is that making progress at that level is tricky. Jamie's journey has by no means been easy, as revealed by the 2011 clip of him attempting to discourage children from eating processed chicken nuggets, which still does the rounds on social media Despite Jamie's efforts, all six children raised their hands and said they would still eat the chicken nuggets 'Which is why, as well as pushing for legislative change, I want to be proactive and show how things can be done in a really positive, celebratory way.' He called for ministers to stop what he called 'the bombardment of junk food ads' and also bring in new laws demanding 'clear, honest labelling on food packaging'. Jamie added: 'The UK is in the grips of a health crisis, which makes it an economic crisis too. 'Obesity rates are rising, the levels of child tooth decay are frightening, and the NHS is buckling under the strain - and all of this is being exacerbated by a cost of living crisis thats forcing more people to buy cheaper, processed foods that are missing the vital nutrients they need to thrive.' His foundation is now also campaigning for food and nutrition to be restored as a standalone A-level subject, having been discontinued in 2015 although it is available and proving popular with students as a GCSE. Gemma Collins recounted her mother being abandoned in hospital as a baby in a first-look clip shared to Instagram on Thursday ahead of her upcoming television appearance. Media personality Gemma, 43, will participate in Thursday night's episode of BBC's Who Do You Think You Are? The BBC hit is a genealogy series in which well-known people trace their family tree. The programme has been airing since 2004, and series 21 kicked off in August with actress Vicky McClure. Thursday's episode will see Gemma attempt to find her mother Joan's birth family. Gemma Collins, 43, recounted her mother being abandoned in hospital in a first-look clip shared to Instagram on Thursday of her upcoming television appearance Media personality Gemma will participate in Thursday night's episode of BBC 's Who Do You Think You Are? In a clip, she said: 'My mum was fostered. Why was she left at the hospital? Why did they not try and come back for her? She never talks about it. I just think it's too painful for her to go there' Gemma says in the clip: 'My mum was fostered. Why was she left at the hospital? Why did they not try and come back for her? She never talks about it. I just think it's too painful for her to go there.' The clip ends with Gemma saying: 'It will be nice to know where my mum is from. And just put all the pieces together. Each episode of Who Do You Think You Are? centres on one British celebrity. Across its two-decade run, Who Do You Think You Are? has traced the family history of Adil Ray, Kate Winslet, Jeremy Clarkson, Barbara Windsor, Stephen Fry, J. K. Rowling, Daniel Radcliffe, and many more. Gemma Collins will appear in series 21, episode 7 of Who Do You Think You Are? airing on BBC One and BBC iPlayer at 9pm Gemma has already shared her delight at the possibility of being related to serial killer Jack The Ripper. Jack, who has never been identified, is Britain's most notorious serial killer - murdering five women and terrorising London in 1888, but was never caught. And Gemma believes she has discovered the identity of Jack the Ripper and is convinced she is related to him. She was convinced of the link on Who Do You Think You Are? when she discovered that she has ancestors who lived on Dorset Street in East London - where Jack left some of his victims' mutilated corpses. Coronation Street fans have been left convinced that a legendary star has secretly filmed their final scenes and left after 'going missing' with no explanation in the most recent episode of the soap. Despite a major storyline kicking off for the Platts this week, Gail Platt, played by Helen Worth, was yet again nowhere to be seen in Wednesday's episode. The character has been offscreen for several days now - and the same thing happened earlier in the year. As her family rallied around Bethany Platt and her mother Sarah after the former's liposuction mishap, matriarch Gail was absent. With Helen Worth scheduled to be leaving the show in the coming weeks after 50 years on the cobbles, the unexplained absence of Gail has left viewers worried that Helen has already left. Coronation Street fans have been left convinced that a legendary star has secretly filmed their final scenes and left soap after 'going missing' with no explanation in the most recent episode Despite a major storyline kicking off for the Platts this week, Gail Platt, played by Helen Worth, was yet again nowhere to be seen in Wednesday's episode As her family rallied around Bethany Platt and her mother Sarah after the former's liposuction mishap, matriarch Gail was absent With her exit storyline yet to kick off amid drama behind the scenes, fans are already questioning it it will still air - while ITV has confirmed Gail's exit will unfold on screen. Taking to X, formerly Twitter, they wrote: 'Has Anyone Seen Gail Platt???' 'Wheres Gail in all this?'; 'Devastation for the Platt family but yet still no Gail to be seen'; 'Has Gail left already?'; Is Gail on holiday with Aggie [Bailey, a neighbour and Gail's friend]?' 'Where is Gail, her grand daughter in a Turkish hospital ICU, Sarah Louise needs her." Despite fans' anxiety, all seems to be on track for Gail to exit as planned at the end of the year. According to ITV, Helen will be back onscreen as Gail in October and will feature in Bethany's storyline. Gail will even suggest she sell her house to raise money for Bethany's medical bills. It comes after Gail's exit plot had to be rewritten, after initial plans for former character Martin Platt, Gail's second husband, to return were dropped It is now thought John Thomson's character Jesse Chadwick (pictured) will be involved in Gail's exit. The details are yet to be confirmed, but fans already aren't impressed Fans have wondered if this will pave the way for her exit, and of Gail will decide to move elsewhere. It comes after Gail's exit plot had to be rewritten, after initial plans for former character Martin Platt, Gail's second husband, to return were dropped. Despite filming some scenes, Sean Wilson left the role and the scenes and storyline were scrapped. It is now thought John Thomson's character Jesse Chadwick will be involved in Gail's exit. The details are yet to be confirmed, but fans already aren't impressed. Helen blindsided fans in June when she announced she was quitting Corrie, after joining the series way back in 1974. She is the sixth-longest serving character on the soap Helen blindsided fans in June when she announced she was quitting Corrie, after joining the series way back in 1974. She said in a statement: 'This year felt like the perfect time to leave the show after celebrating 50 years in the most wonderful job on the most wonderful street in the world. 'I made the decision at the start of the year and spoke to the producers who were very kind and understanding. I have been truly blessed to have been given the most incredible scripts week in week out, and to have worked with fantastic actors, directors and a brilliant crew. 'The past 50 years have flown by and I don't think the fact that I am leaving has quite sunk in yet.' Coronation Street airs Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays at 8pm on ITV1 and ITVX. Emily Maitlis has revealed that she had to give herself a last-minute crisis talking to in the bathrooms of Buckingham Palace just seconds before her famous Prince Andrew interview. The journalist, 54, interviewed the royal in 2019 and has now told how she had to 'excuse herself' and flee to the toilet just before the chat to compose herself. The interview has now been turned into a three-part Prime Video series which has been lauded in its reviews. It follows actress Ruth Wilson, 42, who plays former Newsnight journalist Emily in a retelling of the car crash interview. He was quizzed about his friendship with Jeffrey Epstein which threatened to damage the reputation of the entire royal family. Emily Maitlis has revealed that she had to give herself a last-minute crisis talking to in the bathrooms of Buckingham Palace just seconds before her famous Prince Andrew interview The journalist, 54, interviewed the royal in 2019 and has now told how she had to 'excuse herself' and flee to the toilet just before the chat to compose herself Speaking to Good Housekeeping Emily said of composing herself just before the career-defining moment: 'I remember shaking [the Prince's] hand, and then I excused myself and fled to the toilet. I locked the door and slumped in the corner of this wonderful, very chintzy, very ornate loo. 'I was holding the hand basin at one point and just saying to myself: 'Right, what is this interview about? 'Find the focus, find the point of the interview.' I was sort of lecturing myself: 'Don't interrupt, don't be rude, don't forget to be courteous in your address - but also don't pull your punches in the questions.' Canadian-born British journalist Emily went on to say that her younger self 'wouldn't believe' that parts of her life would end up on TV dramas. She added: 'I just thought it was a hoot. I couldn't believe it. 'It's the stuff of dreams, isn't it, to be portrayed by Gillian Anderson and Ruth Wilson? If I had to describe that to a younger version of myself, I just wouldn't believe it.' Emily said that, following the interview, 'far too much responsibility' was put on her and her team. The journalist said: 'There were some people saying to me, 'what have you done to the royal family?'. The interview has now been turned into a three-part Prime Video series which has been lauded in its reviews It follows actress Ruth Wilson, 42, who plays former Newsnight journalist Emily in a retelling of the car crash interview Speaking to Good Housekeeping Emily said of composing herself just before the career-defining moment: 'I remember shaking [the Prince's] hand, and then I excused myself and fled to the toilet' Canadian-born British journalist Emily went on to say that her younger self 'wouldn't believe' that parts of her life would end up on TV dramas He was quizzed about his friendship with Jeffrey Epstein which threatened to damage the reputation of the entire royal family 'Stuff that was way too big and put far too much responsibility on our team's shoulders. 'But there's something very disturbing about seeing the effects play out in real time, because you do feel a sense of responsibility. 'The thing I keep coming back to is, I'm a journalist, I just ask the questions.' She also spoke about her decision to leave the BBC in 2022, saying she was 'grateful' to the corporation but had thought it was 'now or never' when she entered her 50s, so decided to leave. Her post-BBC work has seen her appear on Channel 4's election night coverage, present a daily news podcast called The News Agents and work as an executive producer on A Very Royal Scandal. Speaking on GMB last week Emily also recounted her time doing the interview, candidly saying watching the series back reminded her of the stress of taking on the challenge. She said: 'When I watch the drama I get palpitations - it takes me back to when I thought 'will I remember to ask the right questions? Can I do this?'' She added of her reaction to Prince Andrew's demeanour: 'I realised early on he would be candid in his responses. We never assumed guilt and it was an hour of his own words. 'It didn't matter what he said it was always going to make history. We knew we only had one shot at it to hear from the Prince. It was a document of public record if anything. 'We were building up the picture of what actually happened and it was quite forensic.' When asked by host Richard Madeley what she thought of the Prince when the interview was done she carefully answered: 'I thought he had tried very hard to remember his lines... 'He wanted us to film extra pieces too he wanted to expand on the Pizza Express stuff and things like that. It was a dilemma as a journalist whether to add stuff he wanted at the end. 'But he was happy with the interview he gave us a tour of the Palace after the interview and he even invited us back.' Ruth (left) stars as journalist Emily Actor Michael Sheen (left) portrays the Duke Of York (right) in the new production Emily and Ruth are pictured at a NYC screening for the series earlier this month Speaking on GMB last week Emily also recounted her time doing the interview, candidly saying watching the series back reminded her of the stress of taking on the challenge 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.' The November 2024 issue of Good Housekeeping is now on sale. September 25, 2024: In July 2024 officials from Russian and North Korea signed agreements for scientific and engineering cooperation regarding missile technology. This announcement was a public acknowledgement of a relationship that long existed covertly. This agreement was Russias way of telling the world that North Korean sales of missiles and other weapons to Russia during the Ukraine War would continue and increase. An examination of the debris from missiles that were used in Ukraine revealed North Korean components. In Ukraine Russia soon discovered that it did not have an endless supply of missiles. Russia increased production of ballistic and cruise missiles but economic sanctions limited how many they could produce. Russia also has few allies. North Korea and Iran have been helpful but Iran is now at war with Israel and North Korean production facilities are limited. The agreement with Russia involves Russian material and technical assistance to increase North Korean ballistic missile facilities. So far North Korea has sent Russia over five million 152mm artillery shells in addition to the missiles. North Korea has several other customers. For decades North Korea has been smuggling weapons to customers around the world. Until recently Russia was a North Korean partner. The two countries cooperated in developing, building and delivering the weapons to Russian and North Korean customers. The Ukraine War changed this relationship. Russian forces have been fighting in Ukraine for over two years. Russia invaded in early 2022 expecting a quick victory. The Ukrainian did not cooperate and now Russia is losing its war in Ukraine. In 2023 Russia purchased some weapons from North Korea and shipped them via sea and railroad to a Russian supply center about 300 kilometers from Ukraine. In June 2024 Russian and North Korean officials signed a partnership agreement. This treaty obliged both countries to assist each other with military supplies during an emergency or when called upon. At the moment Russia is purchasing all the weapons and munitions North Korea can produce. Since both North Korea and Russia are forced to operate under Western economic sanctions, it is difficult to obtain the use of a ship that can carry North Korean or Russian cargo safely. First North Korea, in 2006 and then Russia in 2022 were placed under economic sanctions. North Korea was sanctioned internationally in 2006 but the United States imposed its own sanctions in 2005. The United States accounts for much of world trade so American sanctions can temporarily cripple a sanctioned nation's use of their own or chartered cargo ships or oil tankers. North Korea has found ways around this and passed on what they knew to Russia. North Korean and Russian ships are still at risk and some are caught because of fraudulent documents, or the Americans using electronic and space-based video monitoring to see where suspect ships are actually going. For years North Korean commercial ships regularly traveled with their mandatory position transponders turned off. This violates international shipping agreements but the North Koreans, and now the Russians dont care because both are outlaw states and do whatever it takes to keep some of their commercial ships operational. When ships from these countries carry Russian or North Korean cargo, they can deliver it to a Russian or North Korean port without penalty or any harassment from nations enforcing the shipping sanctions on Russia and North Korea. This is how Russia is shipping North Korean weapons from North Korean ports or the Russian Pacific coast port of Vladivostok despite the sanctions. Russia has become heavily dependent on North Korean munitions and weapons, which are the same caliber as Russian weapons. This is because Russia has been a major supplier of weapons and munitions to North Korea since the end of World War II. The trade has benefited North Korea because Russia can ship in food via the Trans-Siberian railroad or by ship. North Korea has been chronically short of food since the 1990s and additional Russian food supplies pay for the North Korean munitions going to Russia. Another thing North Korea has in its favor is that Chinese shipbuilders produce most of the cargo and tanker ships used by international shipping firms. While the ships come from China, the crews come from many other countries and shipping insurance is provided by Western firms if these ships are technically in compliance with shipping regulations. Major shipping insurance companies have been established in Japan, Singapore, Chinese controlled Hong Kong and Singapore. China has become a supplier of all manner of material and monetary services for shady operations like the North Korean and sanctions Russian merchant fleets. Katie Holmes will soon be visiting daughter Suri Cruise at her new school, Carnegie Mellon University, DailyMail.com has learned. That 45-year-old actress is squeezing the visit in between performances of her Broadway play Our Town at the Barrymore Theater on 47th Street in NYC. She may be going as soon as this weekend when the college hosts its Family Weekend. The college event takes place on September 27 and 28 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, which is 371 miles away from Manhattan. Katie has several shows this weekend. The movie star has a performance at 8pm on Friday, at 2pm and 8pm on Saturday, and at 3pm on Sunday. She is finding a way to fit in a visit somewhere, a source has told DailyMail.com. 'Family Weekend brings together Carnegie Mellon undergraduate and graduate students and their families and friends for a weekend of events that showcase the vibrancy of the campus experience,' the CMU website shared. 'Family Weekend features academic welcomes, information sessions, campus tours, student performances and other events.' Katie Holmes will soon be visiting daughter Suri Cruise at her new school, Carnegie Mellon University, DailyMail.com has learned. That 45-year-old actress is squeezing the visit in between performances of her Broadway play Our Town at the Barrymore Theater in NYC She may be going as soon as this weekend when the college hosts its Family Weekend. The college event takes place on September 27 and 28 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, which is 371 miles away from Manhattan 'We also encourage students and their families to use this time together to explore the city of Pittsburgh,' the site added. 'We invite family members to travel to Pittsburgh on the morning of Friday, September 27, as programming will start on Friday afternoon through Saturday evening.' Tom Cruise, whom Suri is estranged from, won't be there, even though - as DailyMail.com reported - he is paying her tuition. It was in his divorce settlement that he must cover all of Suri's education. Meanwhile, Holmes is doing well with her play. Katie plays Mrs Webb in the new production of the Broadway play Our Town. Katie has been getting raves online for her performance, being called 'phenomenal' and 'amazing.' Our Town - a play written by Thornton Wilder - has returned to the Broadway stage for the first time in over 20 years. The revival features a total of 28 actors, including Holmes, Jim Parsons, Zoey Deutch, Ephraim Sykes, Julie Halston and Michelle Wilson. Holmes was last seen in New York City on Wednesday; she has been working hard on her play and receiving positive feedback online The premise follows the 'timeless tale of a small town' as 'a stage manager narrates the daily lives of its locals, depicts a childhood friendship turn into marriage, and sets the stage for magnificent truths of what it means to be alive,' per the official Broadway website. Previews kicked off on Tuesday, September 17 at the Barrymore Theatre with opening night on October 10. The show will run through January 19, 2025. Meanwhile, Suri is in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania at Carnegie Mellon University. The 18-year-old student began classes on August 26. Holmes stars as Mrs Webb in a new production of the play Our Town. Our Town - a play written by Thornton Wilder - has returned to the Broadway stage for the first time in over 20 years Cruise is forking over the money to put her through college. That's because it was decided in 2012 when he divorced Katie after six years of marriage that he should cover all of her schooling. The divorce documents revealed Tom pays Suri's expenses, including 'medical, dental, insurance, education, college and other extracurricular costs.' 'Tom is indeed paying for Suri's tuition, he has always paid for her schooling and would never stop as he is a stand-up guy,' a friend of Tom's told DailyMail.com. The annual tuition at CMU is $65K. 'He has never hesitated paying his daughter's child support and expenses. He does not go back on his word. He is fulfilling his obligation.' Here Katie is seen on stage with Richard Thomas who was on The Waltons and Ozark The revival features a total of 28 actors, including Holmes, Jim Parsons, Zoey Deutch , Ephraim Sykes, Julie Halston and Michelle Wilson Holmes (bottom right) posted this photo of the cast and said the production was a 'dream' It is odd to think that Tom is paying Suri's way considering they have not been photographed together in over a decade. Their last snapshot together in public was in April 2013. Suri hinted that she is not on good terms with her father as she changed her last name from Cruise to Noelle. Noelle is Katie's middle name. Cruise and Holmes with Suri at Nino's Restaurant at the bottom of the Piazza De Spagne (Spanish Steps) in Rome, Italy, two days before their fairytale wedding in November 2006 A look at a dorm room that Suri may be staying in at CMU It has been hinted by Katie that Suri may be studying acting and dance at Carnegie Mellon. Holmes told Town & Country magazine that after college, her daughter wants to enter showbiz. Both Katie and Suri's father Tom have been in the industry since their early 20s. The magazine claimed that Suri 'is said to be interested in pursuing a career in fashion or acting.' That does not sound off base; Suri starred in a high school production of The Addams Family. And Katie has already put Suri to work on two of her films. Suri contributed vocals to songs in two of Holmes' films - the 2023 drama Rare Objects and 2022 romantic drama Alone Together. 'I'm proud of my daughter,' Holmes told Town & Country of her daughter. 'Of course, I will miss the close proximity, but I'm really proud of her and I'm happy.' Holmes, speaking with Glamour in April 2023, said that she has sought to encourage Suri's performing on her projects. 'I hope she always does something on my films,' Holmes said. 'I always ask her.' Holmes said that 'both of those experiences came out of the same sense of what I love about our industry, which is, you have these projects and you become a family with people.' Julie Chrisley's appeal for a shorter prison sentence has been denied after a judge declared she will continue to serve seven years for bank fraud and tax evasion leaving her daughter Savannah 'in ruins'. On Wednesday, a federal judge refused to hand the 51-year-old disgraced TV star a more lenient sentence, declaring it 'will not change' despite her appeal. It comes three months after the 11th Circuit Court of Appeals claimed that Julie's initial judgement had miscalculated her sentence and did not find evidence proving her full involvement in the bank fraud scheme. An insider close to the family has revealed that her resentencing has devastated her oldest daughter Savannah, 27, who was so confident that her mom would be freed that she had planned a party. The source added that the rest of the Chrisley family fear that Savannah is putting her parents' case at risk by 'nonstop talking' about it. Julie Chrisley's appeal for a shorter prison sentence was denied on Wednesday The resentencing has devastated her daughter Savannah, 27, who was so confident that her mom would be freed that she had planned a huge party, insiders close to the family claimed 'Savannah is in ruins,' they said. 'She had everything prepared for Julie to come home. She was so certain of her being freed. 'There were decorations, all the food for a big lavish home cooked meal with all the trimmings and everyone was gearing up for a big welcome home. 'This makes no sense to Savannah who has spent every waking moment doing everything she can.' According to the source, Savannah is furious that Anna Delvey was able to appear on Dancing with the Stars with an ankle monitor for 'seemingly worse crimes'. They continued: 'She says it's a slap in the face. But her rhetoric and nonstop talking isn't helping the case at all. 'She has been told by family members to tone it down. She's crushed as are Chase, the kids and nanny Faye.' Julie dressed in a navy blue prison uniform for her resentencing. Addressing the judge, she said: 'I apologize for my actions and what led me to where I am today.' Julie and her husband Todd were found guilty in July 2022 of conspiring to defraud community banks out of more than $30 million Savannah has been vocal about the abhorrent conditions her parents have faced behind bars She added that serving jail time had been 'the most difficult time in my life' and that it had taken a toll on her loved ones.' 'I cannot ever repay my children for what they have had to go through, and for that I am sorry,' she added. Julie and her husband Todd, 55, were found guilty in July 2022 of conspiring to defraud community banks out of more than $30 million in fraudulent loans. The Chrisleys were also found guilty of tax evasion by hiding their earnings while showcasing an extravagant lifestyle, with both heading off to prison in January 2023. They had their sentences reduced in September 2023, with Julie given five and a half years in Federal Medical Center Lexington, while Todd received 10 years in a federal prison in Pensacola. Daughter Savannah, who starred alongside her imprisoned parents, has been vocal about the abhorrent conditions they have faced behind bars. An insider told DailyMail.com that Savannah had 'everything prepared' for Julie to come home In July, she claimed the heat in Julie's Kentucky prison had caused her mother to become 'physically ill.' 'In the visitation room, thank goodness, there's air conditioning,' Savannah said about the alleged prison conditions at FMC (Federal Medical Center) in Lexington. 'But outside the visitation room, there is zero air conditioning. 'The heat index was 105, 110 and that's what Mom's living in - in conditions like that with absolutely no air. 'And it can be 100 degrees inside the building.' Savannah continued: 'She literally said that she got physically sick because she got so hot. 'So, you have these women who are suffering from heat exhaustion and they're passing out. But yet, there's service dogs that have air conditioning. 'None of it makes sense to me. It is so beyond inhumane that you cannot make it up. And it's tough.' In July, Savannah claimed the heat in Julie's Kentucky prison had caused her mother to become 'physically ill' In July, she took her efforts to the Republican National Convention in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, using the platform to blast the prosecution and conviction of her parents, who she claims were 'persecuted' due to their 'public profile and conservative beliefs.' She compared their alleged unfair treatment to that of Trump during his highly publicized hush money trial with porn star Stormy Daniels - something insiders claim was a calculated move to garner sympathy from the former President with the 'end goal' of getting him to release her parents. Julie and Todd both made their name on Chrisley Knows Best, which premiered in 2014. It followed Todd, an Atlanta-based, self-made millionaire, and the family's various exploits. It came to abrupt close in 2023 following the couple's convictions, which came after an in-depth probe from the Department of Justice. She is one of Britain's top trainers, and her racehorse Teaforthree was described by the late Queen Elizabeth as her 'favourite steeplechaser'. However, Rebecca Curtis is facing a High Court battle with bloodstock auctioneer Tattersalls, I hear. The business is suing her for more than 104,000, claiming that she has not paid in full for four horses she bought at sales in Cheltenham, Gloucestershire, last year. Curtis, 44, was the successful bidder for the horses River Voyage and Milan AC at the Cheltenham January sale in 2023, for a price of just over 155,000, and for Ben Sole and Bridget Mary for 171,000 a month later, according to High Court documents. The auctioneers allowed her to take the horses away after the sales, even though she had not paid for them in full, the court will hear. Rebecca Curtis is facing a High Court battle with bloodstock auctioneer Tattersalls which claims that she has not paid in full for four horses she bought at sales in Cheltenham last year Curtis, 44, is one of Britain's top trainers, and her racehorse Teaforthree was described by the late Queen Elizabeth as her 'favourite steeplechaser' Curtis seen in Cheltenham's winner's enclosure in 2020 But although she has paid instalments towards their joint price in the following months, Curtis still owes 55,000 and is in breach of contract, Tattersalls alleges. Now, the Newmarket bloodstock company is suing the trainer, of Newport, Pembrokeshire, for the balance, as well as interest of 1.5 per cent a month, which now amounts to 50,000 and is continuing at the rate of 26.99 a day. The amount claimed, with court fees and other costs, totals 110,000 so far. Curtis has trained five winners at the Cheltenham Festival which is the blue riband of jump racing and saddled her first winner in 2008. She started riding at the age of four, and competed internationally as a showjumper with the Welsh junior team. Curtis tells me she plans to settle the claim. Solicitors for Tattersalls declined to comment. Meghan may shy away, but Oprah loves the UK While Prince Harry claims 'it's still dangerous' for his wife, Meghan, to return to Britain as he campaigns for his taxpayer-funded security to be reinstated, their pal Oprah Winfrey has been enjoying a carefree spree in London. The billionaire chat-show host, 70, looked relaxed as she posed for pictures in Bond Street this week, far left, with fellow US TV host Gayle King, 69, centre, who attended the Duke and Duchess of Sussex's wedding with her. They were joined by film director Ava DuVernay, 52, right. The trio watched actor David Oyelowo perform on the first night of Shakespeare's Coriolanus at the National Theatre on Tuesday. Oyelowo, 48, described Winfrey as a mother figure to him after they starred in the 2013 film The Butler. While Prince Harry claims 'it's still dangerous' for his wife, Meghan, to return to Britain, their pal Oprah Winfrey (seen with Gayle King and Ava DuVernay) has been enjoying a carefree spree in London No hard feelings for party girl Priyanka Hollywood star Priyanka Chopra was left with a facial injury while filming stunts in London last year for her Amazon spy drama series, Citadel. But it didn't put the Indian-born actress off relishing life on this side of the Atlantic. Chopra, 42, wore an orange Frances dress by Silvia Tcherassi to a reception hosted by Amazon at the bar Fitz's Russell Square in the capital to celebrate a Citadel spin-off. The star, who is filming the second series in London with US actor Stanley Tucci, claims to have mastered spy craft. She says: 'You have to be able to get out of tricky situations without having too many eyes on you.' Referring to her sleek gown, she adds: 'You have to be less memorable than I am now. You should be able to buy a bus ticket but probably not like this.' Hollywood star Priyanka Chopra (seen with Samantha Ruth Prabhu, left, and Matilda de Angelis, right, this week) was left with a facial injury while filming stunts in London last year for her Amazon spy drama series, Citadel Giving the King a dressing down King Charles has been urged to break the habit of a lifetime and dress down for the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting next month. Fiame Naomi Mata'afa, prime minister of Samoa, which is hosting the summit, says: 'I've been very frank in my discussions in London. I had an audience with the King. October's very hot in Samoa. 'We're not really keen for people to wear suits and be hot and uncomfortable. We want to encourage more of an island vibe.' It's hard to imagine His Majesty turning up in a Hawaiian shirt, though. King Charles has been urged to break the habit of a lifetime and dress down for the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting in Samoa next month because it will be so hot Lofty fortunes for Merchant Stephen Merchant may have been Ricky Gervais's sidekick in comedies such as Extras and Life's Too Short, but he's narrowing the earnings gap with his multi-millionaire pal. Latest accounts show the 6ft 7in comedian, 49, has a 29.4million fortune at SJJM Ltd, the firm into which he channels his live performance and TV earnings. It holds 9million in cash and investments worth 17million, and is owed 3.3million. Francis family's thrilling imagination Dick Francis's son Felix, who continued to write equestrian-themed thrillers under his father's name after his death in 2010, says his wife, Debbie, 'is a great help'. However, they once left strangers alarmed by their terrifying imaginations. 'We discussed the plot of one of my novels in a restaurant in Melbourne, and we were having a heated discussion on how to kill somebody,' he tells me at the launch party for his latest book, Syndicate, at the Cavalry and Guards Club in London's Piccadilly. 'Suddenly, we realised that all of those around us had gone quiet.' Among his friends at the party was Sir John Major. The former prime minister, 81, aspires to write a novel himself. 'It's a very hard task,' he tells me. 'I've written several factual books. You need a remarkable imagination I wish I had the talent to do so. I haven't found that talent... yet.' Dick Francis's son Felix, who continued to write equestrian-themed thrillers under his father's name after his death, revealed his imagination can leave strangers alarmed by how terrifying it can be Fleet Street veteran dies age 79 Fleet Street has lost another old-timer. Revel Barker, who, as managing editor of the Mirror Group, had to endure Robert Maxwell's craziness, has died at 79 in Gozo, Malta, where he spent his final years. He had little time for Establishment gentility. After a lunch at the Athenaeum club, he found he had no matches for his cigar. So he ordered crepes Suzette and used the waiter's flambe stove to light his Havana. Rosie Huntington-Whiteley stunned as she joined stylish Gigi Hadid for dinner at Costes during Paris Fashion Week. The former Victoria's Secret angel, 37, looked incredible in a plunging, sheer lace bodysuit for the evening. She teamed the one-piece with a pair of smart black trousers and elevated her height with strappy heels. Rosie topped her outfit off by layering over a tan leather jacket and carried a small box clutch bag. Meanwhile, Gigi, 29, put on a quirky display in a Black T-shirt with grey satin midi skirt, that featured a tartan trim. Rosie Huntington-Whiteley (pictured) stunned as she joins stylish Gigi Hadid for dinner at Costes during Paris Fashion Week Gigi, 29, put on a quirky display in a Black T-shirt with grey satin midi skirt, that featured a tartan trim The model added a black leather jacket, a pair of burgundy heeled boots and shielded her eyes with sunglasses. They were joined by Naomi Campbell who attempted to fly under-the-radar in a black bomber jacket and jeans. She rocked a much short hair style than usual and also wore sunglasses, despite it being dark. It's been a busy day for Gigi, who modelled another quirky ensemble as she walked for Rabanne earlier in the day. She wore three layered shirts, including a pink striped T-shirt, and two blue tops, with a pair of denim shorts. The television personality added pink stiletto heels, that featured an unusual clear cover, and slicked her hair back into a neat bun. Gigi was seen snapping selfies backstage at Palais de Tokyo before strutting down the runway for the brand's RTW Spring 2025 collection. Tuesday was the first full day of Paris Fashion Week proceedings in the French capital with Gigi having last walked for Versace in Milan. The former Victoria's Secret angel, 37, looked incredible in a plunging, sheer lace bodysuit for the evening She teamed the one-piece with a pair of smart black trousers and elevated her height with strappy heels Rosie styled her hair straight and opted for a subtle makeup look Gigi added a black leather jacket, a pair of burgundy heeled boots and shielded her eyes with sunglasses They were joined by Naomi Campbell who attempted to fly under-the-radar in a black bomber jacket and jeans She rocked a much short hair style than usual and also wore sunglasses, despite it being dark Vittoria Ceretti was also in attendance, she wore a grey mini dress with a leather blazer She opted for a red lipstick for a pop of colour Stella Maxwell (L) stepped out hand-in-hand with Barbara Palvin It's been a busy day for Gigi, who modelled another quirky ensemble as she walked for Rabanne earlier in the day On the first full day of proceedings in the French capital, the A-list partied into the night on Tuesday after Saint Laurent's triumphant Paris Fashion Week Show (Rosie at the event) On the first full day of proceedings in the French capital, the A-list partied into the night on Tuesday to celebrate Saint Laurent's triumphant Paris Fashion Week Show. The luxury brand - so often a pioneer of international style and sophistication - sexed up their Spring-Summer 2025 womenswear presentation as proceedings got underway at Musee Yves Saint Laurent Paris. And after enjoying their FROW seats on the runway, the celebs made the hop across town to the afterparty held at the fashion house's HQ on Rue de l'Universite. Rosie looked incredible in a brown satin shirt dress with built-in suspender stockings, putting on a very leggy display at the event. Reese Witherspoon has revealed the casting process has begun for the young Elle Woods in her new Prime Video series Elle, a prequel to her Legally Blonde films. The project - dubbed simply Elle - was first announced by the Amazon streaming service back in May, which will follow the character's high school years. The 48-year-old actress will serve as an executive producer through here Hello Sunshine company, and she revealed at the Emmys that filming will start in March. She took to Instagram on Wednesday to reveal that not only has the casting process begun, but it's completely open for any actress to submit to. Fans can visit FindingElle.com for more information on how to submit for a chance to play the teenage Elle Woods. Reese Witherspoon has revealed the casting process has begun for the young Elle Woods in her new Prime Video series Elle, a prequel to her Legally Blonde films The 48-year-old actress will serve as an executive producer through here Hello Sunshine company, and she revealed at the Emmys that filming will start in March She took to Instagram on Wednesday to reveal that not only has the casting process begun, but it's completely open for any actress to submit to She shared a brief video with her 30.4 million Instagram followers on Wednesday to reveal the news. 'Hey everybody. OK, I have big news to announce today. As you probably know, we at Hello Sunshine are partnering with Amazon to launch a new television show called Elle, which is the prequel to Legally Blonde,' Witherspoon began. 'And today... I can't wait to tell you... that we are starting the casting process, and we are making it open,' Witherspoon enthused. 'Yes, that is right. This is an open casting for the young Elle Woods when she was in high school,' she clarified. 'So send your submissions to the link in my bio. I cannot wait to see all the Elle Woods' out there. This is gonna be really fun,' she concluded. The website reveals they are looking for white females over 18 to play Woods at 16 years of age. She is described as, 'A driven, natural-born leader who will always stop to straighten another womans crown.' She is also said tot have, 'Bel Air tastes and an allergy to social injustice,' with a, 'magnetic personality' and, 'an earnestness that charms everyone around her.' She shared a brief video with her 30.4 million Instagram followers on Wednesday to reveal the news 'Hey everybody. OK, I have big news to announce today. As you probably know, we at Hello Sunshine are partnering with Amazon to launch a new television show called Elle, which is the prequel to Legally Blonde,' Witherspoon began 'And today... I can't wait to tell you... that we are starting the casting process, and we are making it open,' Witherspoon enthused 'So send your submissions to the link in my bio. I cannot wait to see all the Elle Woods' out there. This is gonna be really fun,' she concluded 'Coming of age in the 90s, Elle will encounter her first love and her first heartbreak, and she will find her moral convictions,' the character description concludes. While Witherspoon said earlier this month that filming starts in March, the casting notice says filming is tentatively set for April through July 2025 in Vancouver. Actresses will have exactly one month to send in their submissions, with the videos due no later than October 25. The website also includes audition sides for two scenes - one where Elle confronts an angry drivers ed teacher and another where Elle has a heart-to-heart chat with a much more kind teacher. Kyle Sandilands showed off his $5million Los Angeles mansion on Thursday as he gave fans a virtual tour of the sprawling Beverley Hills property. The radio shock jock, 53, who is currently in America with his Kyle and Jackie O show in America, shared a peek of his luxury home-away-from-home to Instagram. He confirmed he was back at work after being absent for two days due to illness, which sparked backlash from listeners as his days off came after attending his colleague's big wedding. In the video, he welcomed followers from his grand entrance, which featured an enormous chandelier and glass doorway as he flaunted his home's lavish amenities. 'Oh, ding dong, look who's out of bed. Not a 100% well,' he said, referencing the sickness which has kept him off the air recently. 'Come inside. [I'm] well enough to do the show today. Welcome, to our Beverley Hills residence.' The camera then panned across the large living room, which guests can step down into from the entrance, before Kyle showed off the stunning city views from the pool. 'Normally out there you can see the Beverley Hills and Los Angeles area but the marine layer is still quite thick,' he said, pointing out the mist obstructing the view. Kyle Sandilands, 53, (pictured) showed off his $5million Los Angeles mansion on Thursday as he gave fans a virtual tour of the sprawling Beverley Hills property The radio shock jock who has been travelling with his Kyle and Jackie O show in America recently, shared a peek of his luxury home-away-from-home to Instagram. Pictured with co-host Jackie 'O' Henderson Kyle then took viewers through a spacious foyer lounge, poker room, bar and 'boys area', which was filled with white and cream designer furniture. A small toy tricycle could be seen abandoned by the bar, likely used by Kyle's son Otto, two, who he shares with his wife Tegan (nee Kynaston). 'I'll take you to Jackie in the studio,' Kyle then said as he led the camera through a dining area and past a luxury pool filled with inflatable pool accessories. In one humorous moment, Kyle pointed out a wet abandoned nappy at his poolside and said: 'That's bad mothering. Not bad fathering.' Kyle then entered his temporary at-home studio where co-star Jackie 'O' Henderson and newsreader Brooklyn Ross were waiting for him with his son. The multi-million dollar home, which Kyle often resides in when he visits America, is located in the same neighbourhood as the Playboy mansion. It boasts six bedrooms and four-and-a-half bathrooms, with Kyle once revealing it is 'five houses away' from the house pop sensation Michael Jackson died in. The camera panned across the large living room, which guests can step down into from the entrance, before Kyle flaunted the stunning city views from his pool The impromptu tour came after Kyle sparked backlash from Kyle and Jackie O listeners when he called in sick after attending a big wedding in Las Vegas. Fans slammed the radio star when the show aired pre-recorded content and repeats after promising live shows from LA. 'This is a joke! Did I miss something? I thought they were live this week from LA. I'm so over these repeats,' one person fumed on Instagram. 'It was another repeat,' someone else said of the Monday show as another bemoaned that it was 'not live'. The Kyle and Jackie O show aired from Las Vegas on Monday following their attendance at the iHeart Music Festival, but things took a turn on Tuesday. As the team hit Los Angeles, fans noticed the show was pre-recorded with only Brooklyn tuning in live following his Las Vegas wedding to partner Damien Dirienzo. Wednesday saw Kyle absent once more but Jackie, 49, returned with former NRL star Cooper Johns as her co-host. She revealed they were broadcasting from Kyle's Beverley Hills home but said: 'Kyle is sick. He was sick yesterday and he's still sick today. The multi-million dollar home, which Kyle often resides in when he visits America, is located in the same neighbourhood as the Playboy mansion 'We're in his house though, which is so weird, because we're here, but he's in the bedroom. She added: 'It was the worst timing yesterday, because it had just obviously happened where Brooklyn and Damien got married in Vegas. 'And then, oh, suddenly we're not there the next day. It wasn't the case. We actually just flew to LA and we all had a very early night.' Kyle returned to the show live with Jackie on Thursday morning. Joshua Jackson dressed to impress as he stopped by Good Morning America on Wednesday in New York City. The Dawson's Creek alum, 46 - who recently sparked romance rumors with German model Nastassja Roberts - has been busy promoting his upcoming Ryan Murphy series titled, Doctor Odyssey. The star sent a friendly wave towards fans as he arrived to the studio while sporting a short-sleeved, white shirt. Jackson additionally slipped into a pair of tan-colored trousers as well as brown, leather dress shoes that were secured with laces. He also easily carried a pair of stylish shades in his hand and later placed them around the collar of his shirt during the outing. Joshua Jackson, 46, dressed to impress as he stopped by Good Morning America on Wednesday in New York City Joshua is preparing for the release of his upcoming medical drama, Doctor Odyssey, which will begin airing on ABC on Thursday, September 26. Ryan Murphy - who is known for other projects such as American Horror Story and Glee - co-created the new show alongside Joe Baken and Jon Robin Baitz. Jackson took on the role of a doctor named Max, and joined other cast members including Don Johnson, Phillipa Soo and Sean Teale. The premise is: 'Max is the new on-board doctor for a luxury cruise ship where the small but mighty medical team navigate unique medical crises and each other, miles from shore,' per an official IMDB synopsis. During his appearance on GMA, the actor opened up about his role - after the trailer raked in a record-breaking total of 78 million views in only 48 hours. 'What it lets me know more is that Ryan Murphy must have the craziest dreams, 'cause the things that we get up to on this boat will turn your hair gray,' Joshua joked. Shania Twain - who is known for hit songs such as Man! I Feel Like A Woman! - is just one of the many guest stars on the series. In regards to having a chance to work with her, Jackson expressed, 'Well, I'm a Canadian, so that's actually like working with an actual royal person.' The star sent a friendly wave towards fans as he arrived to the studio while sporting a short-sleeved, white shirt He also easily carried a pair of stylish shades in his hand and later placed them at the collar of his shirt during the daytime outing Joshua is preparing for the release of his upcoming medical drama, Doctor Odyssey, which will begin airing on ABC on Thursday, September 26 During his appearance on GMA, the actor opened up about his role - after the trailer raked in a record-breaking total of 78 million views in only 48 hours 'What it lets me know more is that Ryan Murphy must have the craziest dreams, 'cause the things that we get up to on this boat will turn your hair gray,' Joshua joked 'More than meeting the queen, meeting Shania was a big deal. So, that was awesome,' Joshua added. 'And again, it's part of the fun of our show. We have this crazy, over-the-top medical drama. We're on the ship. But every week, we get a new set of guest stars, because every week is a new cruise.' The Fringe star continued, 'So, we have the cavalcade of people coming through and Shania got the assignment, everybody gets the assignment. We're trying to have fun making it, so it feels like fun when you watch it.' Earlier this week, Jackson made an appearance at the premiere of Ryan Murphy's other new series titled, Grotesquerie, in NYC on Monday. The 10-episode FX show stars Niecy Nash, Nicholas Alexander Chavez, Lesley Manville and Kanas City Chiefs star, Travis Kelce - who is notably dating Taylor Swift. Joshua sparked romance rumors with model, Nastassja Roberts, as they both attended the screening of the series in photos published by DeuxMoi. Although they were spotted together, there were no signs of public affection, making it unclear if they were there as friends or more. A number of anonymous sources also told DeuxMoi that Joshua and Nastassja were together at Gurney's Spa in Montauk this past week and were seen sharing a 'kiss.' 'And again, it's part of the fun of our show. We have this crazy, over-the-top medical drama. We're on the ship. But every week, we get a new set of guest stars, because every week is a new cruise,' he explained Earlier this week, Jackson made an appearance at the premiere of Ryan Murphy's other upcoming series titled, Grotesquerie, in NYC on Monday The Dr. Death star was most recently been romancing Oscar winner Lupita Nyong'o, 41, though the pair have not seen seen together since June. In the comments of the DeuxMoi post fans of Jackson were divided. Some were thrilled about his possible new romance, while others are questioned what happened to his relationship with Nyong'o. 'JJ is the modern-day George Clooney. How far he's come since Capeside,' one wrote, in reference to his role as Pacey on Dawson's Creek. 'He moves on like the flash,' wrote one commenter. 'Damn Pacey moves quick!' another user added. 'But Lupita!!!!' another added, with a crying emoji, while one asked, 'What happened to Lupita?!?' Joshua and Lupita went public with their romance in December 2023, after his split from wife Jodie Turner-Smith. Jodie filed for divorce in October 2023, citing 'irreconcilable differences' after four years of marriage. The two stars agreed to join custody of their daughter named Juno Rose Diana Jackson, four. Sources told DailyMail.com at the time Joshua had been left 'heartbroken' over the split. The Dr. Death star was most recently been romancing Oscar winner Lupita Nyong'o, 41, though the pair have not seen seen together since June; Lupita seen in June in Beverly Hills But, just weeks later, Joshua confirmed his romance with Lupita as they were photographed holding hands publicly. Lupita also endured a break-up in October 2023 as she confirmed the end of her relationship with longtime boyfriend Selema Masekela on Instagram. Joshua's ex Jodie recently broke her silence on the new romance - eight months after they went public - in an interview with The Cut in June. 'Good for them,' Jodie said of the couple. 'We need happiness in order to peacefully co-parent. I'm trying to get us to the Gwyneth [Paltrow] and Chris Martin level.' Joshua and Lupita went public with their romance in December 2023, after his split from wife Jodie Turner-Smith; seen earlier this month in Beverly Hills Joshua's ex Jodie recently broke her silence on the new romance - eight months after they went public - in an interview with The Cut in June; Jodie seen in May in Hollywood 'I truly hope they're happy and that it benefits us as a family,' The Acolyte starlet said, putting their daughter first. The actress went on to explain what co-parenting with Joshua is like and how she's adapted to life as a single mother. 'I just have to do everything that I can to set Juno up to win and to peacefully co-parent with someone whom I once loved very, very much,' she told the outlet. 'Peace is what's needed right now. Grace is what's needed right now. Love, empathy, compassion. I'm trying to be all those things and have faith that when I'm all those things, I will see that reflected back toward me,' she finished. Artem Chigvintsev has broken his silence over his arrest on suspicion of felony domestic violence in Napa County, California on August 29. On Wednesday, the former Dancing With the Stars pro, 42, released a statement, one day after prosecutors declined to file charges against him. 'I am incredibly relieved and grateful that the domestic violence charges against me have been dropped,' he told People. 'This has been an extremely difficult time for me. I am thankful that the truth has prevailed. My focus has always been and will always be, our son Matteo.' Chigvintsev explained that his four-year-old, who he shares with his estranged wife Nikki Garcia, is his 'world' and being 'his father is the greatest blessing.' 'All along, my main concern has been for him. I am committed to continuing to provide him with the love, support, and care he needs as we move forward,' the reality star explained of his mindset following the arrest and ongoing divorce. Artem Chigvintsev has broken his silence over his arrest on suspicion of felony domestic violence in Napa County, California on August 29 'I am hopeful that securing an equal custody arrangement will help us move on,' he shared. 'I want to express my deepest gratitude to my family, friends, and legal team for standing by me during this challenging time. Your support has been invaluable, and I am thankful to everyone who believed in me and saw the truth for what it was.' Chigvintsev concluded his statement by saying: 'I look forward to moving past this chapter and focusing on what truly matterscontinue being the best father I can be.' Chigvintsev's attorney, Ilona Antonyan, went on to note that her client is focused on 'negotiating a shared 50/50 custody schedule.' Since Garcia filed for divorce last month, he 'has been able to spend time with Matteo almost every day since 8/29/2024 incident.' Antonyan went on to describe Chigvintsev as a 'very dedicated, interactive, nurturing, and loving parent.' 'My understanding of the investigated facts surrounding the 8/29/24 incident have led me to conclude from the beginning that Artem was not the primary aggressor. I believe that to be true even if the burden of proof would be the preponderance of evidence, which is the standard of proof in family court. He was protecting himself and Matteo,' she told People. Although his lawyer pointed out that 'ivorce is never easy,' she expressed hope that 'once custody is settled, the remaining issues tend to be less emotionally charged and easier to resolve.' In the meantime, Chigvintsev remains 'fully committed to fostering a positive co-parenting relationship with his ex.' DailyMail.com has reached out to Chigvintsev and Garcia's representatives, but have not heard back, at this time. On Wednesday, the former Dancing With the Stars pro, 42, released a public statement after prosecutors declined to file charges against him On Tuesday, Napa County District Attorney Allison Haley announced that her office has declined to file criminal charges against Chigvintsev, 42, in connection with his August 29 arrest on suspicion of felony domestic violence. The decision to not file charges against Chigvintsev was made after a thorough review of the criminal investigation and careful evaluation of the evidence presented to the DA's Office, officials said. 'While we take every arrest seriously and stand firmly against domestic violence, we have an ethical obligation to only file charges when supported by the evidence,' Haley said in a statement obtained by DailyMail.com. Haley said, 'We are required to prove any and every criminal charge "beyond a reasonable doubt" which is the highest standard in the American criminal justice system. If the available evidence doesnt rise to this level of proof, then we cannot ethically file charges.' Domestic violence can either be filed as a felony or a misdemeanor and has a statute of limitations of three years or one year, respectively. At any time within the statute of limitations, the Napa County District Attorneys Office may revisit the case if it learns of other incidents, or otherwise learns of facts or evidence not previously known. Haley added that the Napa County District Attorney's Victim Services Division works closely with victims of domestic violence and other crimes and links them to available resources whether charges are filed or not. 'I am incredibly relieved and grateful that the domestic violence charges against me have been dropped,' he told People. 'This has been an extremely difficult time for me. I am thankful that the truth has prevailed. My focus has always been and will always be, our son Matteo' Earlier this month, the Dancing With The Stars pro cited 'irreconcilable differences' as the reason for their split in his own divorce filing. He listed the date of separation as August 29 - which was the same day that he was arrested for felony domestic violence charges following the alleged altercation at their home in Napa, California. Chigvintsev has also requested for joint legal and physical custody of his and Nikki's four-year-old son, Matteo. The Russian-born dancer has asked for spousal support, and also requested that Garcia pay for his legal fees. In the filing, Artem claimed that he was a putative spouse between the dates of August 26, 2022 and January 19, 2023. A putative spouse is an individual who believes they are legally married to someone, but the marriage itself is not valid. Earlier this month, the Dancing With The Stars pro cited 'irreconcilable differences' as the reason for their split in his own divorce filing; seen with Nikki in 2019 Just days before the pro dancer was placed into handcuffs, the couple had marked their second wedding anniversary. At the time, Chigvintsev shared a heartfelt message in an Instagram post that read, 'Happy anniversary my love, can't see my life without you. You are my everything.' Richard Simmons' housekeeper of almost 40 years, Teresa Reveles, has asked a Southern California court to name her a co-trustee in his estate, saying Simmons' brother misled her after his death. Teresa Reveles filed a petition Wednesday, more than two months after she found the star dead at the age of 76 in his Los Angeles home July 13, TMZ reported after reviewing court docs in the case. Reveles told the court that she crossed paths with Richard's brother Leonard Simmons and his wife Cathy during a viewing of the late fitness expert's body following his passing. Reveles said that she 'was at her most vulnerable' at this time, according to the outlet, and that Leonard and his spouse took her to an attorney's office where she signed documents saying she would not be a trustee on Simmons' estate. Reveles told the court Leonard and his wife presented her with the documents under the premise that her inheritance could be voided if she didn't sign them, according to the outlet. Richard Simmons' housekeeper of almost 40 years, Teresa Reveles, has asked a Southern California court to name her a co-trustee in his estate, saying Simmons' brother misled her after his death Reveles found Simmons dead at the age of 76 in his LA home July 13. Pictured 2013 in LA Reveles said she was confused about what the documents stated at the time and was never explicitly informed or advised on the issue. She said she has since consulted with a lawyer and feels that she would be the best person to serve in the co-trustee position, which the late exercise guru specifically wanted her in, the outlet reported. Reveles' legal team said that they have not received an answer as to why Leonard won't concede in letting her serve as a co-trustee. Reveles told the court that she wanted to be named as a co-trustee; and requested the court block Leonard from selling any of Richard's possessions or property or making money off his image in commercial endeavors until the issue is settled by the court. Authorities said that Simmons' death was as result of complications from a fall he suffered in his bathroom the evening before he died, and that heart disease also was a factor. Simmons had fallen in the bathroom of his home on Friday, July 12 - which marked his 76th birthday - and Reveles had attempted to persuade him to seek immediate medical help, but he declined because it was his birthday. Simmons said he didn't want to go anywhere, informing her that he might go on July 13. Reveles helped him safely get back to his bedroom, where she found him the following morning on the floor at around 10 a.m., according to the outlet. Simmons acknowledged his legion of adoring fans in a moving interview he gave People on July 11, just two days before he died. Authorities were seen at Simmons' Beverly Hills home investigating his passing on July 13 Authorities were seen at Simmons' residence the morning following his death Simmons had fallen in the bathroom of his home on Friday, July 12 - which marked his 76th birthday. Pictured in LA in 2013 Simmons acknowledged his legion of adoring fans in a moving interview he gave just two days before his death at 76 on Saturday. Pictured in August of 2013 in LA The fitness impresario was pictured at a March 1999 event at the University of Nebraska At the conclusion of the interview, the fitness impresario was told by the outlet that he had been 'missed' after keeping a low profile over the past decade, and asked if he understood the fondness fans had for him. 'I know people miss me,' Simmons told the outlet. 'And you know what? I miss them, too. But I'm able to reach them through phone calls and through emails.' Simmons also revealed in his final interview that he had emerged into the public while concealing his appearance. 'I do leave the house sometimes,' Simmons said. 'But I'm in disguise.' The outlet reported that the interview with Simmons just prior to his passing was his first since 2014, the year he stopped making public appearances. The New Orleans-born star, who had been a staple on television promoting his fitness industry endeavors - including studios, books, weight loss programs and videos - had been at the center of speculation over the past decade after he ceased making public appearances, spurring speculation about his safety and well-being. Sources close to the late celebrity told the outlet that the reason he bowed out of the public eye was a knee surgery he had undergone, and a second surgery on the knee that he had refused to undergo. Simmons told People on Thursday that he'd also had a skin cancer scare after undergoing a procedure to have it extracted earlier this year: 'Basal cell carcinoma, it was scary. But it never came back.' Sources close to the late celebrity told the outlet that the reason he bowed out of the public eye was a knee surgery he had undergone, and a second surgery on the knee that he had refused to undergo. Pictured in NYC in 2006 Simmons told the outlet he had been collaborating on a musical with composer Patrick Leonard in recent months. Pictured in October 2013 Simmons told the outlet that he strived to spread optimism and positivity to those dealing with similar health battles. 'So many people have cancer,' Simmons said. 'I call them, I sing to them: "You're gonna get through this. You just have to believe that."' Simmons told the outlet he had been collaborating on a musical with composer Patrick Leonard in recent months. 'I've written 14 songs for a Broadway show,' he said. 'And I'm working with an amazing man - Patrick Leonard. I don't know if you know his name, but he wrote music for Madonna, Elton John. He's like one of the biggest. 'And we talk a couple of times a week. I write the lyrics, and he writes the music. The whole show is about my life - from selling pralines in New Orleans at a candy store when I was a kid, to when I decided to retire.' Simmons had been gradually reemerging into his public persona, communicating on X/Twitter, Facebook and YouTube earlier this year, and via email with his fans. He told People Thursday, 'Today is a beautiful day. But nothing's really different. I got up this morning. I said my prayers, I counted my blessings, and then I went to work. 'You know? And writing messages, answering emails - and when the email is real extreme, I ask for their numbers, and I call them. I'm feeling great, cause I'm helping people.' Simmons had been gradually reemerging into his public persona, communicating on X/Twitter, Facebook and YouTube earlier this year, and via email with his fans. Pictured in August 2013 His final social media post quoted a line from the 1968 musical comedy Funny Girl. Simmons was asked about his low-profile interactions with his fans, telling the outlet that his measure of success was the number of people he had provided assistance and inspiration to. 'Well, when I decided to retire, it was because my body told me I needed to retire,' Simmons said. 'I have spent time just reflecting on my life. All of the books I wrote, the videos. I never was like, "Oh look what I've done." My thing was, "Oh, look how many people I helped."' 50 Cent continued to troll Diddy as the In Da Club hitmaker made another humorous baby oil quip. In March, authorities raided Combs' Los Angeles and Florida homes, seizing drugs, videos and more than 1,000 bottles of baby oil and lubricant, prosecutors said. The baby oil and lubricant were allegedly used in 'freak offs' - 'elaborate and produced sex performances' that Diddy allegedly arranged and participated in. Taking to X, 50 shared an image of a bottle of baby oil - which had been edited to read 'Diddy Oil.' 'Coming soon! LOL,' 50 - real name Curtis Jackson - tweeted, along with a squinty face emoji. 50 Cent continued to troll Diddy as the In Da Club hitmaker made another hilarious baby oil quip 50 Cent previously took aim at the baby oil claim after the baby oil revelation came out in an indictment against Diddy last week. Posting a snap of himself with Drew Barrymore, he wrote: 'Here I am keeping good company with @thedrewbarrymoreshow and I dont have 1,000 bottles of lube at the house' before tagging his companies @bransoncognac @lecheminduroi.' Fans quickly inundated the post with comments, including: 'Who else ran to his page?', 'We were all waiting on you', 'Why did we all wait for 50 to post.' It comes after 50's long-awaited Diddy docuseries exploring sexual assault and violence claims against the Making The Band vet officially went into production at Netflix. Last week Diddy - real name Sean Love Combs - was indicted on sex trafficking and racketeering charges - and is currently awaiting trial at Brooklyn's Metropolitan Detention Center in New York City. In Da Club hitmaker 50 Cent - a longtime enemy of Diddy's - has been teasing the docuseries for many months - with the star and director Alexandria Stapleton telling Variety the series would be a 'complex narrative spanning decades.' A statement read: 'This is a story with significant human impact. It is a complex narrative spanning decades, not just the headlines or clips seen so far. 'We remain steadfast in our commitment to give a voice to the voiceless and to present authentic and nuanced perspectives. 50 Cent's long-awaited Diddy docuseries exploring sexual assault and violence claims against the star is officially in production at Netflix 'While the allegations are disturbing, we urge all to remember that Sean Combs story is not the full story of hip-hop and its culture. We aim to ensure that individual actions do not overshadow the cultures broader contributions.' 50 Cent will executive produce through his G-Unit Film & Television banner, while Stapleton executive produces for House of Nonfiction. 50 also took to X in the wake of the announcement, writing: 'I been telling yall about all this weird s**t, I dont do NO puffy partys. you didnt believe me but I bet you believe me now!' [sic] Last week Diddy - real name Sean Love Combs - was indicted on sex trafficking and racketeering charges - and is currently awaiting trial at Brooklyn's Metropolitan Detention Center in New York City - pictured together In Da Club hitmaker 50 Cent - a longtime enemy of Diddy's - has been teasing the docuseries for many months - with the star and director Alexandria Stapleton telling Variety the series would be a 'complex narrative spanning decades' 50 also took to X in the wake of the announcement, writing: 'I been telling yall about all this weird s**t, I dont do NO puffy partys. you didnt believe me but I bet you believe me now!' [sic] Others wrote: 'I got here as quickly as I could', 'I know Im not the only one who has been waiting on 50 to post' and 'I been waiting all morning for this post.' 50 and Diddy have bad blood stemming back at least 18 years, as 50 Cent in 2006 put out a song titled The Bomb hurling insults at his longtime rap rival, implying that Diddy was aware of the identity of the person who killed Notorious B.I.G. in 1997. The series was sold to Netflix after what was described as 'a massive bidding war' in May. This came days after a 2016 clip of Diddy beating his ex-girlfriend Cassie was released in a video by CNN. Diddy admitted that he beat his ex-girlfriend Cassie in a hotel hallway in 2016 after CNN released video of the attack, saying in a video apology he was 'truly sorry' and his actions were 'inexcusable.' 'I take full responsibility for my actions in that video. I was disgusted then when I did it. Im disgusted now,' the music mogul said in a video statement. After Diddy's apology video, 50 Cent expressed his skepticism of Diddy trying to navigate through what looks to be a career-ending crisis. He wrote: 'Now Im sure puffy didnt do it, he is innocent this proves nothing! 'This is what his lawyers are gonna say, God help us all,' he added. 'This is not going to work, who is advising him right now?' the Grammy-winning rap artist said on the social media platform. 'SMH bad move.' Combs was sent to jail last Tuesday to await trial in his federal sex trafficking case, after a magistrate ordered him to be held without bail in a case that accuses him of presiding over a sordid empire of sexual crimes 50 Cent, whose hits include Candy Shop, P.I.M.P. and If I Can't, initially reacted to the circulation of the clip Friday, saying, 'Now Im sure puffy didnt do it, he is innocent this proves nothing! This is what his lawyers are gonna say. God help us all.' 50 Cent led the initial charge of Hollywood stars reacting to raids on Diddy's homes in March. He was quick to repost footage of the investigation, writing: 'S*** just got real. The Fed's in all the cribs, d*** they got the kids in cuffs.' He subsequently turned his attention toward his ex-girlfriend Daphne Joy, who was alleged to be a 'sex worker' in a lawsuit filed by producer Rodney 'Lil Rod' Jones Jr. against Diddy. Joy has adamantly denied the accusation, calling it 'character assassination.' It was recently revealed that Combs has 'been able to speak briefly to family members and his children via phone' as per People. Diddy's phone call home came amid news his lawyers are not asking for him to be moved from the 'Hell on Earth' Metropolitan Detention Center in Sunset, Brooklyn. 'He is very concerned about his kids and their well-being,' the source stated. 'He has three minor children, two of whom now have no living parent available with him incarcerated. Four of his seven children have neither parent available with him incarcerated.' Another source said that the Combs kids are 'in a state of crisis and shock' following Diddy's arrest. 'It's heartbreaking to see the children in the state they're in. This is their father. But to them, he's not Diddy he's Dad. He has always been a loving, devoted father.' He shares Christian, Jessie and DLila with the late model and actress Kim Porter, who died in 2018 at age 47. Quincy was Porters son with partner Al B. Sure!, and Combs went on to adopt him. Among the most shocking claims is how federal agents seized 1,000 bottles of baby oil and lubricant from his Miami and Los Angeles homes during raids earlier this year; seen in 2022 He shares Justin with stylist Misa Hylton, and Chance with businesswoman Sarah Chapman. In December 2022 he welcomed the arrival of his youngest child, daughter, Love, with model Dana Tran. Last Tuesday Justin, Christian, and Quincy arrived together at a New York City courtroom to support their father. Combss three daughters and 23-month-old baby girl were nowhere in view. Another source told People that Diddy is not getting any special accommodations at Brooklyn's Metropolitan Detention Center. 'He is being treated like any other detainee awaiting trial. As with all public figures in his position, he was placed on suicide watch upon admittance to the facility as a precaution.' Diddy was arrested and charged last week for sex trafficking, racketeering and transportation to engage in prostitution. The charge, which details allegations dating back to 2008, accuses him of abusing, threatening and coercing women for years 'to fulfill his sexual desires, protect his reputation, and conceal his conduct.' He has pleaded not guilty to the charges. Following his arrest, he was denied bail by a judge after he used both his and his mother's homes in Miami - worth $50 million - as collateral. He lost an appeal to overturn the decision last week and will remain in custody while pending trial. September 25, 2024: Iraq remains a war zone, although not as violent as in the past. The main source of violence is Iran as well as Islamic terrorist groups that continue operating in the more remote parts of Iraq. This includes the northeastern Duhok Mountains and the Turkish border areas where Turkish airstrikes continue to hit Turkish rebels and Islamic terrorists with bases in Iraq. Iraq protests these Turkish attacks on Iraqi territory but the Turks are powerful enough to ignore the Iraqi government's criticism. The Turkish attacks are confined to border areas. Iraq continues to have problems with ISIL (Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant) and its predecessor al Qaeda. Iraqis created ISIL, helped create al Qaeda, and there continue to be plenty of Iraqi men willing to join these organizations and die for the cause of Islamic terrorism. Despite the late 2017 declaration that ISIL was defeated, the Islamic terror group remains active in northern and Western Iraq. ISIL no longer controls large areas of Iraq but is a problem because of its violence, extortion, and disorder in several provinces north of Baghdad. It took four years of effort, several hundred billion dollars to pay for an expanded military, battle damage and economic losses plus over 100,000 Iraqi lives, to kill at least 20,000 Islamic terrorists and eliminate ISIL control of Iraqi territory. That effort created other problems, and opportunities. Iran offered help and was allowed to organize, train and often lead in combat over 100,000 Iraqi, largely Shia, militiamen in what was and still is the PMF (Popular Mobilization Forces). Most Iraqis, including most Iraqi Shia, who are about 60 percent of the population, feared an Iran inspired coup but by early 2018 senior Shia clerics in Iraq and Iran agreed that the militias should stay out of politics. Irans government was not consulted on this decision and a minority of pro-Iran Iraqis still want an Iran-style religious dictatorship. National elections in 2021 revealed much less support for Iran, despite increased threats and financial promises Iran could not keep. The 2021 elections were mainly about doing something about widespread corruption and mismanagement of the economy. A new and hopefully more effective government emerged from this in 2022 and cracked down on corruption and Iranian interference. The other Arab oil states in the region, all run by Sunnis, offered peace and investment and the new Iraqi government accepted the offer, even if those Arabs were establishing diplomatic, economic and military relations with Israel. Iran responded with a failed assassination attack on the Iraqi prime minister plus rocket and mortar attacks on the American embassy and the remaining U.S. troops. Most Iraqis want some Americans to stay, more economic activity with Arab neighbors and an end to Iranian meddling in Iraq. American soldiers are still in Iraq, as is Iranian interference. A slew of Hollywood stars, filmmakers and other artists are calling on California Governor Gavin Newsom to sign a new AI safety bill. An organization called Artists for Safe AI have penned an open letter to Newsom, urging him to pass Sen. Scott Wieners SB 1047. The law would require AI developers such as ChatGPT creator OpenAI to include various security protocols before training their AI models, which would join two new AI bills that Newsom signed just last week. While the bill has its detractors - including OpenAI and Nancy Pelosi - over 125 artists such as Jessica Alba, Jessica Chastain and Jane Fonda have signed the open letter. Other high-profile artists signing the letter include Pedro Pascal, Shonda Rhimes, Alec Baldwin, JJ Abrams, Mark Ruffalo, Joseph Gordon-Levitt, Sheryl Lee Ralph, Jean Smart, Hannah Einbinder, Patrick J. Adams, Ava DuVernay, Rosie ODonnell, Mark Hamill, Ebon Moss-Bachrach, Allison Janney, Judd Apatow, Fran Drescher, Sean Astin, Janelle Monae, Don Cheadle, Jason Alexander, Mariska Hargitay, Sophia Bush, Connie Britton, Mahershala Ali, Annaleigh Ashford, Alyssa Milano, Rosanna Arquette, John Cho, Jennifer Beals and Tom Arnold. A slew of Hollywood stars, filmmakers and other artists are calling on California Governor Gavin Newsom to sign a new AI safety bill An organization called Artists for Safe AI have penned an open letter to Newsom, urging him to pass Sen. Scott Wieners SB 1047, signed by stars like Jessica Alba The law would require AI developers such as ChatGPT creator OpenAI to include various security protocols before training their AI models, which would join two new AI bills that Newsom signed just last week, with Jessica Chastain one of the supporters. While the bill has its detractors - including OpenAI and Nancy Pelosi - over 125 artists such as Jessica Alba, Jessica Chastain and Jane Fonda (above) have signed the open letter Musicians such as Aloe Blacc, The Callous Daoboys, Spencer Compton and Grimes, the ex of OpenAI co-founder Elon Musk, who left the company in 2018. The letter begins, 'As you well know, some of the most lucrative and powerful companies in the world are currently racing to dominate the enormous business opportunity known as AI. Many of those companies are based in your home state of California.' 'Last week, you signed two bills into law that will help protect the rights and livelihoods of artists from various unethical uses of AI by those big tech companies. We are genuinely grateful for that. 'But right now, theres another bill urgently awaiting your signature that would regulate AI: Senator Wieners SB 1047,' the letter continues. 'This bill is not about protecting artists its about protecting everyone. Grave threats from AI used to be the stuff of science fiction, but not anymore,' they add. 'Even though the billionaire opponents of SB 1047 dismiss these concerns as fantastical, many of the industrys leading engineers, academics and policymakers warn otherwise,' the letter continues, referencing another open letter. 'In a recent open letter in support of SB 1047, over a hundred current and former employees of OpenAI, Google DeepMind, Anthropic, Meta, and xAI said: "We believe that the most powerful AI models may soon pose severe risks, such as expanded access to biological weapons and cyberattacks on critical infrastructure. It is feasible and appropriate for frontier AI companies to test whether the most powerful AI models can cause severe harms, and for these companies to implement reasonable safeguards against such risks,"' the letter added. 'SB 1047 would implement the safeguards these industry insiders are asking for. The bill passed with overwhelming majorities in the California State Senate and Assembly,' the letter goes on. The letter begins, 'As you well know, some of the most lucrative and powerful companies in the world are currently racing to dominate the enormous business opportunity known as AI . Many of those companies are based in your home state of California' 'Last week, you signed two bills into law that will help protect the rights and livelihoods of artists from various unethical uses of AI by those big tech companies. We are genuinely grateful for that 'This bill is not about protecting artists its about protecting everyone. Grave threats from AI used to be the stuff of science fiction, but not anymore,' they add 'Polling shows 77% of Californians approve of the bill. Why would the Governor not sign it into law?' the artists asked 'Polling shows 77% of Californians approve of the bill. Why would the Governor not sign it into law?' the artists asked. They added, 'Governor Newsom, most of us are residents of California. We are your supporters. We voted for you.' 'We want to continue to believe that you are a leader who will stand up for everyones wellbeing, not just for a few Silicon Valley giants,' they said. The letter concluded, 'We fully believe in the dazzling potential of AI to be used for good. But we must also be realistic about the risks. Now is our moment, Governor, for California to set that practical and positive example for all of the United States, as well as the rest of the world.' Angelina Jolie shared a powerful photo of herself meeting with Sudanese refugees - as she called on the United Nations to take action on the country's humanitarian crisis. The poignant image showed Angelina, clad in a black cloak, meeting with several women in a thatched dwelling in Chad. Angelina, 49, an actress and humanitarian, captioned the post: 'This morning the UN General Assembly met to discuss the cost of inaction and urgent need to collectively scale up the humanitarian response in Sudan and the region. I recently returned from Chad, where I met Sudanese refugees who have escaped across the border. 'Due to relentless war and violence, Sudan is currently experiencing the largest displacement crisis in the world, with over 10 million people internally displaced and more than 2 million fleeing to neighbouring countries. The situation is also compounded by mass starvation, as approximately 25.6 million peopleover half the populationare facing acute hunger. 'Despite being one of the poorest countries globally, the people of Chad are sharing their land, food, water, and healthcare with nearly 1.4 million Sudanese refugees. Angelina Jolie shared a powerful photo of herself meeting Sudanese refugees - as she called on the United Nations to take action on the country's humanitarian crisis 'Volunteers in Chad and Sudan have established communal kitchens, collective shelters, makeshift clinics, and women's cooperatives. They have distributed medication and organized education programs. The efforts of these local grassroots organizations have been nothing short of inspiring they have achieved so much with so little. 'But they cannot meet the overwhelming scale of this crisis without proper international support and funding. And above all an immediate end to the fighting, to stop further loss of life, displacement, and suffering. 'My hope is that today's meeting will result in decisions, not just conversation. Every hour matters as lives are at stake. Sudan has been gripped by war since April 2023, when tensions between rival military leaders erupted into violence. It pits Gen. Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, head of the Sudan Armed Forces, against the the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces led by Gen, Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo, known universally as 'Hemedti.' The conflict has so far displaced more than 10 million people, a fifth of Sudan's population, both within the country and across borders. An actress and humanitarian, Angelina shared a poignant message about the crisis in Sudan; pictured earlier this month at the Without Blood premiere in Toronto On Wednesday, United Nations chief Antonio Guterres voiced concern over 'escalation' in Sudan's conflict to the country's army chief when they met on the sidelines of a diplomatic gathering in New York. Sudan has been high on the agenda at the UN's centerpiece meeting this week, with the dire humanitarian situation and refugee crisis dominating discussions on the war that broke out last year. 'People in Sudan have endured 17 months of hell, and the suffering continues to grow,' said the UN's top relief official Joyce Msuya. A UN-backed assessment has warned of the risk of widespread famine in Sudan on a scale not seen anywhere in the world in decades. Jolie pictured in April 2024 'The secretary-general expressed deep concern about the escalation of the conflict in the Sudan, which continues to have a devastating impact on the Sudanese civilians and risks a regional spillover,' said a UN readout of Guterres's meeting with General Abdel-Fattah Al-Burhan. The United States, European Union, France and Germany in a joint statement after talks among their ministers urged an immediate ceasefire and negotiations, and voiced alarm over foreign interference. All foreign powers should 'refrain from providing military support to the warring parties,' they said after broader talks that included the United Arab Emirates, widely considered the top backer of the RSF. The World Health Organization said this month at least 20,000 people have been killed. But some estimates are far higher, with the US envoy for Sudan, Tom Perriello, saying that up to 150,000 people may have died -- far more than in the war in Gaza. On the latest episode of their new 7th Heaven rewatch podcast Catching Up with the Camdens, the show's Beverley Mitchell, David Gallagher and Mackenzie Rosman acknowledged the sex abuse scandal involving the show's Stephen Collins. The three actors - who played the respective roles of Lucy, Simon and Ruthie Camden on the The WB/The CW series from 1996-2007 - addressed the uncomfortable topic to lead off the recap of the pilot episode on their podcast. Collins, 76, in 2014 said on multiple platforms - including a statement to People and an interview with Katie Couric - that he had sexually abuse three underage girls from 1973 to 1994. 'Before we get into this episode, we want you to know that we see all of your comments and we know how excited you all are for the rewatch, so that's exactly what we're going to do,' Mitchell, 43, said. 'But before we get into that we do think it's important that we say something about Stephen Collins.' Gallagher, 39, said that 'all forms of abuse, sexual abuse of any kind, it's inexcusable; and victims of abuse need to be shown compassion and they should be given support.' 7th Heaven Mackenzie Rosman, 34, David Gallagher, 39, and Beverley Mitchell, 43, addressed the sex abuse scandal involving the show's Stephen Collins, 76, on the debut episode of their rewatch podcast Catching Up with the Camdens Collins, 76, in 2014 said on multiple platforms - including a statement to People and an interview with Katie Couric that he had sexually abuse three underage girls from 1973 to 1994. Pictured in April of 2014 in Anaheim, California Rosman, 34, explained why the trio began with the disclaimer, as 'it would be impossible not to talk about Stephen because he was such a big part of the show and our lives. She said they wanted 'to be clear that we did not have any inappropriate experiences with Stephen,' who portrayed Reverend Eric Camden on the program over its 11-season run. Mitchell said Collins 'will not be joining us on this podcast and we do not excuse or condone his behavior,' as their focus for the endeavor 'is to reconnect with you, our fans, to relive some 90s nostalgia and to share our fondest memories of 7th Heaven.' Gallagher wrapped up the disclaimer in saying, 'We know this is difficult and we understand that it can be triggering but we just want to say that we love you guys and we are so grateful for all the love and support that you, our community, have shown to us. 'So, hopefully you guys will stick with us as we continue on this journey.' Collins' past misconduct came to light in October of 2014, when he was heard in audio published on TMZ speaking in 2012 about sex acts with minors he had committed during the years 1973, 1982 and 1994. He subsequently submit a statement to People in December of 2014 saying that he had 'not had an impulse to act out in any such way' in the two decades since the last incident. 'Forty years ago, I did something terribly wrong that I deeply regret. I have been working to atone for it ever since,' he said in the statement. 'I've decided to address these issues publicly because two months ago, various news organizations published a recording made by my then-wife, Faye Grant, during a confidential marriage therapy session in January, 2012. Mitchell, 43, said, 'But before we get into that we do think it's important that we say something about Stephen Collins' Gallagher said that 'all forms of abuse, sexual abuse of any kind, it's inexcusable; and victims of abuse need to be shown compassion and they should be given support' Gallagher wrapped up the disclaimer in saying, 'We know this is difficult and we understand that it can be triggering but we just want to say that we love you guys and we are so grateful for all the love and support that you, our community, have shown to us' Mitchell said Collins 'will not be joining us on this podcast and we do not excuse or condone his behavior' The 7th Heaven cast pictured in 2005: (top row, L-R): Barry Watson, Stephen Collins, Nikolas/Lorenzo Brino, Jessica Biel, (bottom row, L-R): David Gallagher, Catherine Hicks, Beverly Mitchell, Mackenzie Rosman The WB/The CW series ran for 11 seasons from 1996-2007 'This session was recorded without the therapist's or my knowledge or consent. On the recording, I described events that took place 20, 32 and 40 years ago. Collins said, 'The publication of the recording has resulted in assumptions and innuendos about what I did that go far beyond what actually occurred. As difficult as this is, I want people to know the truth.' Collins lost a number of roles he was playing at the time, while submitting his resignation to the board of SAG-AFTRA. Reruns of 7th Heaven were taken off the air in the wake of the story. Jackie 'O' Henderson cut a low profile as she was spotted leaving Kyle Sandilands' very lavish $5million Los Angeles rental mansion on Wednesday. The radio queen, 49, has joined co-host Kyle, 53, and his wife Tegan Kynaston to stay at the $5million sprawling property while they helm their radio show live from LA. The multi-million-dollar home, available to rent for AU$272,000 (US$186,150) a month, and Kyle has been showing off the Beverly Hills pad on his Instagram in recent days. Stepping out of the 9,000 square foot home, Jackie looked effortlessly stylish in a laidback ensemble as she strolled with a drink in hand. She rocked her best angles in a plain white top paired with jeans as she made her way down the scenic street in the ritzy LA suburb. Jackie accessorised with stylish sunglasses, gold hoop earrings and a matching bracelet, while toting her essentials in a beige designer Yves Saint Laurent handbag. Jackie wore her luscious blonde hair tied back in a ponytail and she highlighted her natural beauty by going makeup-free for the outing. Jackie 'O' Henderson cut a low profile as she was spotted leaving Kyle Sandilands' very lavish Los Angeles rental mansion on Wednesday The radio queen, 49, has joined co-host Kyle, 53, and his wife Tegan Kynasto (pictured) to stay at the $5million sprawling property while they helm their radio show live from LA The multi-million-dollar home is believed to cost AU$272,000 (US$186,150) a month and Kyle has been showing off the Beverly Hills pad on his Instagram in recent days Meanwhile, Kyle's wife Tegan, 38, was also spotted outside the luxurious property as she made a coffee run to a local cafe. Tegan, who married Kyle in a lavish Sydney wedding ceremony in April last year, flaunted her enviable figure in a sleeveless black designer top and matching pants. Tegan allowed her blonde hair to hang in loose waves around her shoulders and looked to be in great spirits as she held hands with her two-year-old son Otto, who she shares with Kyle. She accessorised with stunning silver jewellery and looked to be in great spirits as she chatted to some locals. Jackie and Tegan looked thrilled to be living it up in the upmarket Los Angeles neighbourhood, which is home to many of Hollywood's most famous stars. The multi-million dollar home, which Kyle often resides in when he visits America, is located in the same neighbourhood as the Playboy mansion. Stepping out of the 9,000 square foot home, Jackie looked effortlessly stylish in a laidback ensemble as she strolled with a drink in hand She rocked her best angles in a plain white top paired with jeans as she made her way down the scenic street in the ritzy LA suburb Meanwhile, Kyle's wife Tegan, 38, was also spotted outside the luxurious property as she made a coffee run to a local cafe Tegan allowed her blonde hair to hang in loose waves around her shoulders and she looked to be in great spirits as she tenderly cared her two-year-old son Otto, who she shares with Kyle Tegan accessorised with stunning silver jewellery and looked to be in great spirits It boasts six bedrooms and four-and-a-half bathrooms, with Kyle once revealing it is 'five houses away' from the house pop sensation Michael Jackson died in. On Thursday, Kyle showed off the $5million Los Angeles mansion as he gave fans a virtual tour of the sprawling Beverley Hills property. The radio shock jock, who is currently in America with his Kyle and Jackie O show in America, shared a peek of his luxury home-away-from-home to Instagram. He confirmed he was back at work after being absent for two days due to illness, which sparked backlash from listeners as his days off came after attending his colleague's big wedding. In the video, he welcomed followers from his grand entrance, which featured an enormous chandelier and glass doorway as he flaunted his home's lavish amenities. 'Oh, ding dong, look who's out of bed. Not a 100% well,' he said, referencing the sickness which has kept him off the air recently. Kyle once proudly revealed the mansion is 'five houses away' from the house pop sensation Michael Jackson died in On Thursday, Kyle showed off the $5million Los Angeles mansion as he gave fans a virtual tour of the sprawling Beverley Hills property 'Come inside. [I'm] well enough to do the show today. Welcome, to our Beverley Hills residence.' The camera then panned across the large living room, which guests can step down into from the entrance, before Kyle showed off the stunning city views from the pool. 'Normally out there you can see the Beverley Hills and Los Angeles area but the marine layer is still quite thick,' he said, pointing out the mist obstructing the view. Kyle then took viewers through a spacious foyer lounge, poker room, bar and 'boys area', which was filled with white and cream designer furniture. Kyle then entered his temporary at-home studio where co-star Jackie 'O' Henderson and newsreader Brooklyn Ross were waiting for him with his son. The Kyle and Jackie O show has aired from Las Vegas since Monday following their attendance at the iHeart Music Festival. Kate Winslet joined glamorous Shailene Woodley and Andrea Riseborough at the screening of her upcoming film, Lee, in New York on Wednesday. The Titanic star, 48 who recently revealed she's undergoing testosterone replacement therapy wowed in a beaded black top with crystal details, and fitted satin black pants at the event, held at the Museum of Modern Art. The English actress portrays American photographer Lee Miller's journey from fashion model to acclaimed war correspondent for Vogue magazine during World War II in the film. Ferrari star Shailene, 32, had all eyes on her in a plunging pastel yellow dress that clung to her formidable physique. Her blonde hair cascaded in soft curls. Her look was complemented by a pair of sleek snakeskin heels. Kate Winslet, 48, joined glamorous Shailene Woodley, 32, and Andrea Riseborough, 42, at the screening of her upcoming film, Lee, in New York on Wednesday The Titanic star wowed in a beaded black top with crystal details, and fitted satin black pants While at the event Kate also mingled with Lee Miller's son, British photographer Antony Penrose . Meanwhile Andrea, 42, sizzled in a daring low-cut silver and peach gown. The Grudge star wore delicate glam, and a pair of silver heels. Andrea stars as Audrey Withers, the late English journalist who edited the British magazine Vogue between 1940 and 1960. Andrea also posed alongside actor Karim Saleh, 46, who looked handsome in a grey suit and navy tie. Later in the night Andrea had an outfit change, as she swapped her plunging dress for a metallic silver gown. Andy Samberg, 46, sported a mustard suit and matching shirt. He portrays the late American photojournalist and editor David Scherman, who covered World War II for Life magazine. Others at the event included Kate Solomon, who looked chic in a white dress with a red panel, and added another touch of red with a fiery clutch. Celia Weston, 72, was elegant as ever in a black coat with a green silk scarf wrapped over her shoulders. Kate's blonde tresses were styled in curls The English actress portrays American photographer Lee Miller's journey from fashion model to acclaimed war correspondent for Vogue magazine during World War II in the film Kate happily posed for the shutterbugs Earlier this month Kate said women need to celebrate 'being a real shape and being soft and maybe having a few extra rolls' after she was told to hide her 'belly rolls' on the Lee film set The actress said she found the comment 'absolutely bizarre' because Lee Miller's body 'would be soft' Ferrari star Shailene had all eyes on her in a plunging pastel yellow dress that clung to her formidable physique Shailene dazzled in the skintight dress Kate shared a warm embrace with Shailene Andrea sizzled in a daring low-cut silver and peach gown Kate and her co-star looked effortlessly stylish Andrea stars as Audrey Withers, the late English journalist who edited the British magazine Vogue between 1940 and 1960 Andrea also posed alongside actor Karim Saleh, 46, who looked handsome in a grey suit and navy tie Andy Samberg, 46, sported a mustard suit and matching shirt He portrays the late American photojournalist and editor David Scherman, who covered World War II for Life magazine Kate Solomon looked chic in a white dress with a red panel, and added another touch of red with a fiery clutch Celia Weston, 72, was elegant as ever in a black coat with a green silk scarf wrapped over her shoulders Giancarlo Esposito, 66, looked suave in a black sweater and tweed jacket The actor best known for portraying drug kingpin Gus Fring in the AMC crime drama Breaking Bad paired the look with black-rim eyeglasses Joe Pantoliano, 73, showed off his distinctive style in a denim look paired with a black beret He was seen catching up with Giancarlo Kate also mingled with Lee Miller's son, British photographer Antony Penrose The duo chatted it up (L-R) Antony Penrose, Solomon, Ellen Kuras, Samberg, Winslet, Riseborough and Eric d'Arbeloff Starring Kate in the titular role, the film also boasts Josh O'Connor, Marion Cotillard, and Succession star Alexander Skarsgard Later in the night Andrea had an outfit change, as she swapped her plunging dress for a metallic silver gown Andrea, Andy and Kate looked stylish as they posed together at the premiere The trio laughed it up together Kate cozied up to co-star Andy Giancarlo Esposito, 66, looked suave in a black sweater and tweed jacket. The actor best known for portraying drug kingpin Gus Fring in the AMC crime drama Breaking Bad paired the look with black-rim eyeglasses. Joe Pantoliano, 73, showed off his distinctive style in a denim look paired with a black beret. Also present the event were Antony Penrose, director Ellen Kuras, and Eric d'Arbeloff. Lee is a biographical drama telling the story of American ex-model Lee who took photographs of poignant moments during World War II for Vogue magazine. Starring Kate in the titular role, it also boasts Josh O'Connor, Marion Cotillard, and Succession star Alexander Skarsgard. Earlier this month Kate said women need to celebrate 'being a real shape and being soft and maybe having a few extra rolls' after she was told to hide her 'belly rolls' on the Lee film set. The actress said she found the comment 'absolutely bizarre' because Lee Miller's body 'would be soft'. Lee is set to hit theaters on Friday, September 27 Kate told the BBC's Laura Kuenssberg: 'It was my job to be like Lee. She wasnt lifting weights and doing Pilates, she was eating cheese, bread and drinking wine and not making a big deal of it, so of course her body would be soft.' 'But I think were so used to perhaps not necessarily seeing that and enjoying it the instinct, weirdly, is to see it and criticize it or comment on it in some way.' 'Its interesting how much people do like labels for women. And they very much liked them in Lees day, and, annoyingly, they sort of still do we slap these labels on women that we just dont have for men. Its absolutely bizarre to me.' She added: 'Life is too short, do you know? I dont want to look back and go "Why did I worry about that thing?" And so, guess what? I dont worry anymore. I dont care. 'Im just going to live my life, going to enjoy it, get on with it. Youve got one go around make the most of it.' Lee is set to hit theaters on Friday, September 27. Married At First Sight expert Mel Schilling has taken to social media to share a major health update, as she recovers from chemotherapy for her colon cancer. The relationship expert, 52, shared a gallery of photos to Instagram on Thursday which captured her healthy day on a plate as she focuses on her recovery. Alongside a photo of some Chobani Greek yoghurt stirred into a muesli dish, Mel wrote upbeat words: 'Part of my recovery from chemo is about rebuilding strength. 'Protein is a huge part of this. @chobaniau has the highest protein content of any yoghurt I can find. And it's delicious... what's not to love? Strong women need strong food.' The post appears to be a paid promotion that Mel is doing on behalf of the popular food and beverage company. She also posted a happy snap of her posing up a storm at a Sydney spa, after she finished a flotation treatment, and wrote alongside it: 'Soaking up that sweet magnesium'. Mel underwent surgery to remove a tumour and recently completed her chemotherapy, following her shock cancer diagnosis last year. The reality TV host revealed her shock health battle in December and underwent colon surgery just before the end of the year. Married At First Sight expert Mel Schilling (pictured) has taken to social media to share a major health update, as she recovers from chemotherapy for her colon cancer She explained her tumour - which she named 'Terry' - was removed by UK doctors - However, as the cancer spread through her colon into the muscle, Mel discovered she needed chemotherapy and began treatment at the end of February. She recently provided fans with an uplifting update on her health as she returned to Sydney to film the 2025 series of MAFS. Taking to Instagram, Mel shared her excitement about being back in Australia, specifically at Bondi Beach, where she will be living for the next couple of months. The relationship expert, 52, shared a gallery of photos to Instagram on Thursday which captured her healthy day on a plate as she focuses on her recovery Alongside a photo of some Chobani Greek yoghurt stirred into a muesli dish, Mel wrote upbeat words Mel, who is well-loved for her compassionate yet no-nonsense approach on MAFS, candidly spoke about the challenges of being separated from her family, though she noted that this time apart would be shorter than in the past. 'It's only six or seven weeks this time around, and certainly, I've done longer than that. We've had three-month separations before, so this one is much shorter,' she explained. Determined to make the most of her time in Australia, Mel revealed she is dedicating these months to prioritising her health and wellbeing. Lauren Phillips looked effortlessly chic as she was spotted leaving a Nova FM AFL Grand Final event in Melbourne on Thursday. The radio presenter, known for her sleek style, opted for a cosy black jacket adorned with brown shearling accents while clutching a $7,748 Louis Vuitton denim tote bag. She paired the look with black jeans and wore sneakers for a relaxed yet fashionable ensemble. Her hair was windswept as she strolled down the street, exuding confidence after an insider recently revelation of her campaign against rival shock jocks Kyle Sandilands and Jackie O Henderson. Phillips, 42, co-host of the Jase and Lauren show, has reportedly been asking her A-list friendsnames like Matt Damon and Zac Efronto steer clear of interviews with KIIS FM's top hosts. Despite already dominating the Melbourne radio ratings, the Nova presenter is reportedly pulling out all the stops to ensure her show remains the go-to destination for celebrity interviews. An insider revealed that Phillips has 'pleaded with her famous friends' to refuse interview offers from Kyle and Jackie O, focusing particularly on keeping the Sydney-based duo from gaining access to the Byron Bay celebrity circleof which Phillips is a key player. '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. Lauren Phillips was spotted leaving a Nova FM AFL Grand Final event on Thursday looking effortlessly chic while clutching a $7,748 Louis Vuitton denim tote bag The radio presenter, known for her sleek style, opted for a cosy black jacket adorned with brown shearling accents '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.' Lauren appeared in good spirits as she parted ways with Channel Nine presenter Clint Stanaway It comes after an insider recently revelation of Phillip's campaign against rival shock jocks Kyle Sandilands and Jackie O Henderson (pictured) 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. Kyle and Jackie O bill themselves as the radio show with 'cash, cars and stars' - but their Nova rival Lauren (pictured with her co-host Jason Hawkins) is determined to keep the stars as far away from KIIS FM as possible An insider revealed that Phillips has 'pleaded with her famous friends' to refuse interview offers from Kyle and Jackie O. Phillips is building contacts with A-listers while attending star-studded events with her fiance Paul O'Brien (second from left) 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. Made In Chelsea legend Cheska Hull has split from her fiance, MailOnline can reveal. The reality star, 39, said she felt like 'the luckiest girl in the whole world' after Damian Crook popped the question in June last year following a 'whirlwind' 11-month romance. But the couple, who met on the school run, have since parted ways after Cheska described their engagement as a 'fairytale' and like her bad luck with men had finally changed. Cheska and father-of-three Damian combined their families and were living together in Devon, where the former Chelsea regular moved to after quitting the E4 series and becoming a mother to her son, Charlie. She had been planning a beach wedding before the couple's relationship ended, with friends close to Cheska saying the breakup was the result of their lives being on 'different trajectories.' Made In Chelsea legend Cheska Hull has split from her fiance, MailOnline can reveal The reality star said she felt like 'the luckiest girl in the whole world' after Damian Crook popped the question in June last year following a 'whirlwind' 11-month romance But the couple, who met on the school run, have since parted ways after Cheska described their engagement as a 'fairytale' and like her bad luck with men had finally changed Cheska found fame as part of the original Made In Chelsea cast in 2011 alongside close friends Ollie Locke (pictured), Binky Felstead, and Gabriella Ellis A source revealed: 'Cheska and Damian remain friends rather than partners. 'Their lives were on different trajectories, but they still respect and care for each other. The children are and always will be their priority.' Cheska found fame on the E4 cast alongside close friends Ollie Locke and Binky Felstead, who announced this week she was returning to filming with former co-stars Lucy Watson and Rosie Fortescue in new show Beyond Chelsea. Binky confirmed the upcoming series will follow her life now she's a married mother-of-three 14 years after she joined as an original cast member. In 2014, Cheska quit fame in pursuit of a quieter life in her hometown Salcombe, admitting she struggled with how TV producers depicted her as unlucky in love. Speaking to MailOnline in June last year, she said: 'I remember saying to my best friend Gemma that Made In Chelsea used to portray me as a Bridget Jones character, which wasn't what I wanted but I was always dealt that card. 'They would say, "try and see if that guy will go out with you", and I put myself out there and it was almost like master planned that he would turn around and say "no." I always felt really embarrassed by that. It almost got to the point where I felt, am I this Bridget Jones type character and will I never find my Prince Charming.' She fell for 'ruggedly handsome' carpenter Damian after they met on the school run and the couple wasted no time before moving in together. Cheska explained last year how she didn't feel her relationship had been rushed due to their older age and getting engaged only made their family unit stronger. Binky (pictured with Cheska in 2011) confirmed she was returning to filming in new Channel 4 show Beyond Chelsea, which follows her life as a married mother-of-three In 2014, Cheska quit fame in pursuit of a quieter life in her hometown Salcombe, admitting she struggled with how TV producers depicted her as unlucky in love Finding herself single again hasn't left Cheska feeling miserable as she continues to flourish with new work projects including launching her own monthly column in Devon Life Magazine At the time, she explained: 'We moved in together 10 months down the line and now we're engaged. It is our one-year anniversary on July 10. It has been a real fairytale for me. We are older and because we have children, when you know, you know. 'I have gone from being a single mum, just myself and Charlie living alone in a cottage to meeting Damian, who has three children and integrating this family together and the engagement has made us feel like a proper team. 'We are a proper unit, and it is just wonderful. His children are incredible and we're all living together now, and the engagement has made it stronger for the kids as well. They are over the moon, the two teenage girls are going to be bridesmaids and that was said on day one and they're super excited.' Finding herself single again hasn't left Cheska feeling miserable as she continues to flourish with new work projects. The former TV star launched her new monthly column for Devon Life magazine titled Girl Gone West last week, where she speaks about her role on Made In Chelsea to settling down and finding serenity away from the cameras. Writing on Instagram, she said: 'This is the smile of a very happy and proud human. My first monthly column 'Girl Gone West' is out now in the October issue of Devon Life Magazine. I'm over the moon.' Cheska returned to London this week to celebrate with drinks brand Salcombe Gin, who have launched a limited edition bottle in Fortnum & Mason. She was joined at the event by former Made In Chelsea co-star and close friend Fran Newman-Young, who married her husband Peter Clarke last month. Priyanka Chopra dramatically ran away from co-star Stanley Tucci as they filmed intense scenes for Citadel season two in London on Wednesday. The actress, 42, got back into character as Citadel agent Nadia Sinh as she was spotted back filming the Amazon Prime spy thriller for the first time. Priyanka and Stanley, who portrays Citadel technical genius Bernard Orlick, were seen arguing in the capital streets. She looked incredible for the scenes as she slipped into a black leather look roll neck jumper which she tucked into a fitted midi pencil skirt. The mother-of-one added a long jacket over the number and added inches to her frame in a pair of short croc print dark boots. Priyanka Chopra dramatically ran away from co-star Stanley Tucci as they filmed intense scenes for Citadel season two in London on Wednesday The actress, 42, got back into character as Citadel agent Nadia Sinh as she was spotted back filming the Amazon Prime spy thriller for the first time Priyanka made her way down the street before Stanley chased after her and grabbed her arm to try and stop her. The Indian star was seen raising her hand to the Devil Wears Prada actor as he continued to prevent her from leaving. The duo later filmed a second argument in the street as Stanley pointed his finger in Priyanka's face. He cut a smart figure as character Bernard in a navy jumper which he tucked into a pair of khaki trousers and opted for chunky brown boots. While filming, male lead Richard Madden, who portrays Citadel agent Mason Kane, was not seen on set. The first series of the spy drama was one of the most expensive television shows ever created. During the first season couple Mason and Nadia discover a dangerous new organisation, Manticore, and their memories are wiped - with the pair living as strangers. Eight years later, Bernard (Stanley) desperately needs the help of Citadel's top operatives - but faces the battle of convincing them of their past selves that they can't remember. Priyanka and Stanley were seen arguing in the capital streets The duo filmed dramatic scenes in London The pair were scene filming on location in the city She looked incredible for the scenes as she slipped into a black leather look roll neck jumper which she tucked into a fitted midi pencil skirt The mother-of-one added a long jacket over the number and added inches to her frame in a pair of short croc print dark boots Stanley portrays Citadel technical genius Bernard Orlick He cut a smart figure as character Bernard in a navy jumper which he tucked into a pair of khaki trousers and opted for chunky brown boots Priyanka made her way down the street before Stanley chased after her Between scenes, the former Miss World couldn't contain her laughter as she joked around with crew members Stanley was seen pointing his finger in the star's face The Indian star was seen raising her hand to the Devil Wears Prada actor as he continued to prevent her from leaving The pair looked serious as they filmed close ups The duo later filmed a second argument in the street The original Citadel, which was co-led by Priyanka, is an American spy action for Prime Video and was executively produced by the Russo Brothers of Marvel fame. Series one of Citadel had six episodes. Citadel was renewed for a second series in March 2023, the month before it debuted, and Russo was announced to be directing all episodes. Filming on the main series began in January 2021 and wrapped in December 2022. However, reshoots occurred in early and mid-2022 under the supervision of creator David Weil, the Russos, and series one director Thomas Sigel. It comes as Priyanka's husband Nick Jonas departed the UK and headed to Milan and Barcelona to continue his European dates of the Jonas Brothers world tour. Ahead of the couple busy work schedules, Priyanka, Nick and their daughter enjoyed some quality time together during a lavish getaway in Saint Tropez earlier this month. Priyanka showed off her incredible figure in the dark red skimpy bikini as she reclined aboard a luxury yacht. The Love Again star shielded her eyes from the blazing sun with a pair of dark glasses and scraped her sleek black locks away from her face. While filming, male lead Richard Madden, who portrays Citadel agent Mason Kane, was not seen on set The first series of the spy drama was one of the most expensive television shows ever created The actress was seen storming across the street while filming She looked incredible as her long dark tresses blew in the wind Stanley got into his spy character while filming in London Priyanka patiently waiting on set to film The original Citadel, which was co-led by Priyanka, is an American spy action for Prime Video and was executively produced by the Russo Brothers of Marvel fame Series one of Citadel had six episodes. Citadel was renewed for a second series in March 2023, the month before it debuted, and Russo was announced to be directing all episodes Filming on the main series began in January 2021 and wrapped in December 2022 however, reshoots occurred in early 2022 under the supervision of creator David Weil, the Russos, and series one director Thomas Sigel Priyanka pictured as Nadia and co-star Richard Madden as Mason Kane Citadel was renewed for a second series in March 2023 It comes as Priyanka's husband Nick Jonas headed to Barcelona to continue his European dates of the Jonas Brothers tour but ahead of the couple busy work schedules, they enjoyed some quality time together in Saint Tropez Meanwhile, former Disney Channel star Nick, who tied the knot with Priyanka in 2018, snapped pictured of the couple's two-year-old daughter Malti. In another snap, the brunette beauty was seen playing with the little one as the toddler gleefully played with her mother's long hair. Last month, the couple were spotted jetting out of Sydney, Australia and preparing to return to the United States after a trip Down Under. Priyanka was there filming her new drama The Bluff with her husband and their daughter with her for support. Before jetting back home, she announced that she wrapped filming on the movie via a social media post. Phillip Schofield is forced to battle a raging storm in his upcoming show Cast Away, with a new teaser clip for the Channel 5 series revealing how the star copes alone on the desert island. The presenter announced this week that he secretly filmed Cast Away, in which he lives on a tropical island in the Indian Ocean for 10 days, this summer. The three-part series will air from Monday across three nights. The new teaser shows Phillip, 62, filming himself as he beds in for the night in his makeshift camp. The exhausted star tells the camera how hungry he is as he explains: 'I want to catch a fish that makes me feel full. I am literally going to sleep as I'm holding this. Anyway, there we go and um I'll see you tomorrow.' Phillip Schofield is forced to battle a raging storm in his upcoming show Cast Away, with a new teaser clip for the Channel 5 series revealing how the star copes alone on the desert island The presenter announced this week that he secretly filmed Cast Away, in which he lives on a tropical island in the Indian Ocean for 10 days, this summer Cutting to 12:34am the footage then shows a storm ravaging his camp as Phil shouts: 'Bloody hell. Disaster has struck, howling wind blowing through everything, it's taken out all the front.' Continuing to film with his night vision camera, the star's tent can be seen struggling against the wind as Phil tells viewers: 'This is about to tear itself to pieces and there's still every possibility that it will. I wasn't expecting that.' While Phillip was alone on the island for ten days, the production team were stationed 30 minutes offshore, and were told only to intervene in the event of an extreme emergency. Billed as 'an authentic and intense physical and mental challenge' Channel 5 have confirmed that Phillip was 'left alone with only a handful of cameras to document his own experience.' It will be the first time Schofield has been on TV since leaving the ITV's This Morning in May 2023 after admitting to having a relationship with a much younger male colleague. The scandal, which dominated the headlines for months, led to the breakdown of his friendship with co-presenter Holly Willoughby and 'devastated' his wife Steph. The couple separated in 2020 when Phillip came out as gay but had remained close until his betrayal was revealed. One clip from the show sees Schofield in tears telling the camera: 'I know what I did was unwise, but is it enough to completely destroy someone?' The new teaser shows Phillip, 62, filming himself as he beds in for the night in his makeshift camp before a storm hits in the early hours Cutting to 12:34am the footage then shows a storm ravaging his camp as Phil shouts: 'Bloody hell. Disaster has struck' Continuing to film with his night vision camera, the star's tent can be seen struggling against the wind as Phil tells viewers: 'This is about to tear itself to pieces' Viewers will see the axed presenter discuss the emotional impact of his exile from mainstream Viewers will see the axed presenter reflect on the emotional impact of his exile from mainstream TV after news of his affair with a 20-year old runner on This Morning came to light. In a statement to promote the series Phil said: 'This is most definitely a first for me and the only thing I felt compelled to do.' 'It appealed to me on so many levels. I've recently had a lot of time to think about my life, what went right and what went wrong, but I've always had the safe arms of friends and family wrapped around me.' 'This time it's just me, no 'phone, no comforts, no crew and only lip balm as a luxury. I'm looking forward to exploring the island, trying to tie knots to secure my shelter and foraging and fending for myself in the wild with no help.' 'Maybe I'll be Robinson Crusoe, or maybe I'll just be Tom Hank's Wilson and quietly drift off into the wild blue yonder!!' Channel 5 Commissioning Editor, Guy Davies, added: 'This isn't just a survival challenge, it's chance for Phillip to look back over the last explosive 18 months of his life, and explore what happened.' 'The audience will learn how he feels now about television and the future, as well as the past. And it will be Phillip Schofield as we have never seen him before unguarded, emotional and brutally honest'. 'This solitary island existence presents an opportunity for Phillip to confront the challenges of total isolation, the forces of nature and provides the time to battle within his own mind as he explores his own controversial story.' One clip from the show sees Schofield in tears telling the camera: 'I know what I did was unwise, but is it enough to completely destroy someone?' Billed as 'an authentic and intense physical and mental challenge' Channel 5 have confirmed that Phillip was 'left alone with only a handful of cameras to document his own experience' It was May 2023 when the presenter admitted to having a relationship with a much younger male colleague on This Morning, and later lying about it. He described their romance as 'unwise but not illegal' and explained it took place during his nearly 30-year marriage to Stephanie Lowe, with whom he is a parent to two children. Schofield subsequently resigned from both This Morning and ITV and said that he was 'so very sorry' to Lowe for being unfaithful. At the time, it was reported that Steph had been left 'devastated' by the revelation and angry that her husband had lied to her. However, it was later revealed she is choosing not to file for divorce because she does not want him to 'fall any further' then he already has, and despite everything, 'the love is still very much there.' Schofield will discuss his acrimonious departure from ITV and daytime show This Morning while fending for himself on the island, located off the coast of Madagascar As well as the breakdown of his marriage, Schofield's relationship with co-host Holly Willoughby faltered in the midst of the scandal, with the pair understood to be at loggerheads. Schofield's daughter Molly is now his publicist after she quit the talent agency that once represented her father. PR guru Mark Borkowski says his tepid return to the public eye has come after a year away to disappear and get himself together. Calling him a rare talent, Borkowski said: 'He's testing the waters. But audiences are very forgiving.' Schofield told the BBC in an emotional interview last June the affair had finished his career and revealed that the fallout had left him feeling suicidal. He told how his two daughters - Molly and Ruby - had saved his life and had 'guarded me and won't let me out of their sight'. September 26, 2024: Russian railroads are at the point of collapse. This process began before Russia invaded Ukraine in 2022. This process was underway before Russia invaded Ukraine in 2022. The covid-19 pandemic disrupted ball bearing production worldwide. When production was back to normal, there were problems providing customers with all the ball bearings they requested. Another problem is that Russia has always imported most of its ball bearings, usually from American and West European manufacturers. After Russia invaded Ukraine in 2022, most western suppliers of ball bearings ceased filling Russian orders. This caused a major shortage of the things in Russia as it was in the process of shifting all of its trains to relatively new coil bearings, none of which were produced in Russia. Since ball bearings are used in automotive equipment, which includes tanks and other armored vehicles, these vehicles received priority because Russia needed weapons for its troops in Ukraine. This was a higher priority that supplying Russian railroads. This ball bearing shortage for Russias state owned and operated railroads has, in the last few years gradually reduced service. By 2024 the Russian railroads were much less capable of moving people or freight over the vast Russian railroad system. These disruptions were also felt by essential long-distance routes like the Trans-Siberian line. The net result of all this is a sharp reduction the ability of the Russian military to move men, weapons, equipment and supplies by rail. Trucks, canal boats, high seas shipping and airfreight could not make up for the loss of railroad capacity even if they had enough ball bearings, but they dont because they now suffer from ball bearing shortages too. Meanwhile, the railroad situation in sanctions free Ukraine is not ideal. One of the transportation difficulties between Ukraine and the NATO countries is the different gauge railroads used in Europe and Ukraine. Europe uses what is known as Standard Gauge. Gauge means the distance between the two rails. Standard gauge rails are 1,455mm apart. The Russian gauge is wider with the rails 1,524mm apart. In other words, Standard gauge tracks are four feet 8.5 inches wide while Russian Gauge tracks are five feet wide. Since Ukraine was until 1991 part of the Soviet Union, all the Ukrainian railroads are Russian gauge. To deal with this problem, Ukraine is building a transshipment point in the west Ukraine town of Uzhhorod which is on the border with Slovakia and near the Hungarian border. Here there are cranes that will quickly lift standard cargo containers from Russian gauge flatcars and load the containers onto European Standard Gauge flatcars. Passenger trains have a similar arrangement where passengers can disembark and walk a short distance to trains with a different gauge. Until the Ukrainian military drove the Russian Black Sea Fleet away from the west coast of the Black Sea in 2023, the main Ukrainian port of Odessa was unsafe for commercial shipping. Now the Black Sea route from Odessa to the world is open, via the Turkish Bosphorus strait. Before that the best way out was via rail, and that required a transshipment facility where cargo could be transferred between rail cars using different rail gauges. Ukraine plans to build some European Gauge rail lines to major transportation centers in several Ukrainian cities. Eventually Ukraine wants to convert all its major rail lines to Standard gauge. This will make it easier to handle trade with Europe and, if theres another war with Russia, the Russians will not have all those Russian gauge rail lines available to quickly move troops and supplies into Ukraine on Russian gauge railroads. Instead, the Russians will have to use roads or capture Ukrainian railroad engines along with passenger, cargo, and flatcars so they can use Ukrainian European Standard gauge railroads. Converting Ukrainian rail lines from Russian to European gauge is not only necessary economically, but also militarily to deter the Russians from invading again or cripple their logistics if they do. Pete Wicks has shared the first look at Vicky Pattison's bridal gown after jetting to Italy for 24 hours amid his gruelling Strictly rehearsals. The former TOWIE star, 36, is gearing up to perform the American Smooth on Saturday's live show with Jowita Przystal, but took time out to be flower girl to Vicky, 36, and her husband Ercan Ramadan. Pete took to Instagram on Thursday to share a sweet photo from the lavish ceremony and called his best friend 'one of my biggest supporters'. Vicky looked stunning in the long sleeved lace dress which hugged her figure and featured a modest train. Pete, who looked dapper in a black suit, wrote: 'Couldn't be more proud of you @Vickypattison. For 10 years you have been one of my best friends and biggest supporters. I am so blessed and lucky to call you a friend. Pete Wicks has shared the first look at Vicky Pattison's bridal gown after jetting to Italy for 24 hours amid his gruelling Strictly rehearsals The former TOWIE star, 36, is gearing up to perform the American Smooth on Saturday's live show with Jowita Przystal, but took time out to be flower girl to Vicky, 36 'You are a wonderful person and have always been there for me, my life is better with you in it. 'This is your day and you deserve it more than anyone. Congratulations', An emotional Vicky replied: 'I have never been more grateful for you. I know how hard you're working with Jowita Przystal - can't believe you sacrificed a couple hours for me. Love you x '. Jowita commented with five heart face emojis. Pete also took to his Instagram stories to show he was busy practicing the routine, with the caption: 'Have a day off!'. Vicky and Eran tied the knot officially in Marylebone in August, surrounded by their loved ones. They married again on Wednesday in Puglia, with the whole event being captured for E4's new series, Vicky Pattison: My Big Fat Geordie Wedding. While discussing getting married again, Vicky explained on Lorraine she now feels 'less nervous' this time around and revealed she and Pete didn't know at the time that he would be taking part in the BBC competition. She told Lorraine Kelly: 'Pete is embracing his role of flower girl. Hes going to arrive tonight and I have no doubt going to show us some fantastic moves as he walks down that aisle. Pete, who looked dapper in a black suit, wrote: 'Couldn't be more proud of you @Vickypattison' The podcaster was dressed to impress in a dapper black tuxedo as he made his way down a giant outdoor staircase while smoking a cigarette Vicky and Eran tied the knot officially in Marylebone in August, surrounded by their loved ones It comes after Pete and Jowita are busy learning their week two Strictly dance after the TV personality the Paso Doble to The Prodigy's Breathe last Saturday After performing the routine during Saturday's show, Pete looked gutted as the judges dished out a score of just 17 She added: 'When we found out he had the Strictly gig we'd already planned him coming to the wedding so he's flying in and out very fast.' 'Hes a really good friend so this has been conflicting for him.' It comes after Pete and Jowita are busy learning their week two Strictly dance after the TV personality the Paso Doble to The Prodigy's Breathe last Saturday. After performing the routine during Saturday's show, Pete was disappointed after the judges dished out a score of just 17. The TOWIE star and the pro dancer, 30, sparked romance rumours earlier this month when they were spotted together at the National Television Awards. This up and coming actress has a very famous mother. Seen attending the London premiere of Joker: Folie a Deux on Wednesday, this beauty, 26, looked every inch the budding celebrity as she graced the red carpet. Wearing a black strapless dress which boasted a structured bust, the actress added a pair of chunky white loafers and opted for a subtle makeup look. And she could be set for stardom thanks to her upcoming role in the new historical drama series A Very Royal Scandal. But, can you guess which Hollywood star is her mother? Her mother is an award-winning British actress known for her quirky roles - can you guess who her A-list parent is? As Honor Swinton Byrne, 26, attended the London premiere of Joker: Folie a Deux, she looked every inch the budding celebrity as she graced the red carpet in a stunning black dress That's right, Honor's mother is Academy Award winner Tilda Swinton, 63 (both pictured 2021) Honor Swinton Byrne's mother is Academy Award winner Tilda Swinton, 63. Tilda and her ex, the late playwright John Byrne are also parents to 26-year-old Xavier Swinton Byrne, who is Honor's twin brother. As the daughter of actress Tilda, Honor has already enjoyed some high-profile roles. Now, she is set for success after landing a role in the new Prime Video miniseries A Very Royal Scandal. The actress, who is set to play the role of Princess Beatrice in the new series, told British Vogue that she had 'buggered up' her audition for the role. She told the publication: 'I was so nervous. I didn't think I looked like her. I was like, I don't know - I'm not really what they're looking for and really kind of b*****ed up, b*****ed up that audition.' Right after her audition, she met her boyfriend at a nearby pub for a pint and told him through tears 'It's okay I didn't want it anyway'. However, just a few days later, she received a phone call saying she had landed the role. Honor looked incredible in an LBD and pastel mint loafers for her walk down the red carpet Tilda is also mother to her 26-year-old son Xavier Swinton Byrne, who is Honor's twin brother (pictured in 2023) Honor landed her first film role at the age of 11 in a non-speaking cameo in her mother's 2009 film I Am Love as a younger version of her mother's character, Emma. Her first starring role was in The Souvenir, a semi-autobiographical film directed by Joanna Hogg in which she stars as Julie, a film school student who embarks on a relationship with an older man. She also starred in the final season of The Crown as a student named Lola Airdale-Cavendish-Kincaid, a clever stand-in for the aristocratic women Prince William was linked to before dating Kate Middleton. Last year, Honor revealed that she 'owns' being a nepo baby and is 'grateful' for the opportunities she has had. Honor, who starred in The Souvenir alongside her mother, admitted that she 'was considered' for the role due to her connections but has since landed other roles for her talent. Honor landed her first Hollywood film role at the age of 21 in The Souvenir alongside her mother, released in 2019 (both pictured in the film) Now, she is set for success after landing a role in the new Prime Video miniseries A Very Royal Scandal (Pictured from L to R: Michael Sheen, Sofia Oxenham, Honor, and Claire Rushbrook) She told The Times: 'I feel like its very important to own it [nepotism]. I completely admit and am grateful for the fact that I was considered for The Souvenir because of my connections.' 'But at the same time, I continue to act and get jobs because I have skill. Im still doing it.' Honor explained how she was cast by director Joanna, who is a friend of her mother's while working as a florists assistant in Inverness. She explained: 'I met Joanna in Caffe Nero in Berwick-upon-Tweed. I didnt have a clue that she was sussing me out for the part. From what I understand she had auditioned so many people and hadnt quite seen what she wanted. She saw the self-consciousness of 18-year-old me and, yeah, I got it.' The beauty gushed that it wasn't daunting starring opposite her famous mother but actually 'really fun'. Honor is one of the twins Tilda had with playwright John Byrne. John sadly passed in November 2023 at the age of 83-years-old (pictured in 2004) As well as her acting and modelling career, Honor completed a four-year psychology degree at Heriot-Watt University in Edinburgh. Honor's brother Xavier is also in the movie business but works with the props department. Tilda and Honor's father John split up after 14 years in 2005 but continued to live together while Tilda worked on various blockbusters. An unconventional living arrangement, the pair even co-habited while Tilda moved on to her next lover, Sandro Kopp, who was 18 years her junior. John sadly passed in November 2023 at the age of 83-years-old. Sienna Miller looked effortlessly chic as she arrived at the Chloe show at Paris Fashion Week on Thursday. The actress, 42, kept it casual and cool as she opted for a stylish floaty pale blue jacket which she wore over a simple white T-shirt. Clinging to the pastel shades of summer, the star opted for a pair of suede blush pink trousers which were slightly oversized to cover her shoes. Completing the look with some wide-square lens shades, Sienna pouted in snaps as she rocked the slightly bohemian look. Joined by Diane Kruger, the German actress debuted her new red locks as she posed for snaps at the show. Sienna Miller looked effortlessly chic in a floaty jacket and suede trousers as she joined red-headed Diane Kruger at the Chloe show for Paris Fashion Week on Thursday The actress, 42, kept it casual and cool as she opted for a stylish floaty pale blue jacket which she wore over a simple white T-shirt The Troy star, 48, opted for a more autumnal coloured look as she wowed in a copper leather jacket adorned with tasseled detailing. She paired the jacket with a crochet black jumpsuit, black strappy heels and a gold chain belt. Building up the layers to her look she added a statement gold necklace, matching dangly earrings and some aviator shades. Meanwhile Molly Gallagher looked incredible in a floaty mesh moss green dress which she paired with some thigh high black boots. Pixie Geldof kept it simple in a long tan sheer mesh shirt style dress as she smiled from ear to ear. The daughter of Irish musician Bob Geldof and Paula Yates added leather boots and a rust coloured leather bag to the understated ensemble. Paris Fashion Week kicked off on Monday with a star-studded L'Oreal show, featuring fashion's biggest names including Heidi Klum, Kendall Jenner and Cara Delevingne. The glitzy array of shows is set to run until Tuesday October 1, with runway events from designers including Dior, Chloe, Saint Laurent and Victoria Beckham. Molly Gallagher looked incredible in a floaty mesh moss green dress which she paired with some thigh high black boots Pixie Geldof kept it simple in a long tan sheer mesh shirt style dress The Troy star, 48, opted for a more autumnal coloured look as she wowed in a copper leather jacket adorned with tasseled detailing Building up the layers to her look she added a statement gold necklace, matching dangly earrings and some aviator shades Clinging to the pastel shades of summer, the star opted for a pair of suede blush pink trousers which were slightly oversized to cover her shoes Pixie kept her makeup to a minimum as she added some simple gold jewellery Sienna beamed beside fashion icon Anna Wintour who wore her usual signature sunglasses The pair were joined by Diane and Juliette as they waited for the show to begin Sienna looked postively radiant as she rocked the slightly bohemian look Anais Gallagher opted for a floaty nude dress and brown leather boots as she joined her cousin at the show The daughter of Noel Gallagher, 24, pouted in snaps as she posed up a storm in the dress which was adorned with ruffles Anais and Molly sat together as they were joined by model Elfie Reigate Vittoria Ceretti took to the runway as she fashioned a floaty pink slip dress with lace detailing In another sweet snap the duo smiled sweetly at each other The pair were joined by Juliette Lewis as the threesome sat together Sienna revealed earlier this month that she is now back from maternity leave after welcoming a baby girl with her boyfriend Oli Green back in January. The actress told this week's issue of Stellar Magazine that she could not recommend late motherhood more highly. 'My own experience of motherhood 12 years later is completely different' the British star told the publication. 'I'm a very different person. People often have lots to say about having babies in your 40s as women, but I can't advocate for it more. I feel very lucky.' Sienna went on to say that she has found it easy to balance motherhood and her career. 'I've just finished maternity leave. My baby is eight months old. It's great, since this whole focus on the female experience in Hollywood, I can take my baby everywhere and they'll have to stop filming for me' she said. Karlie Kloss showed off her slender figure in a low-waisted black trousers and a white lacy top The model, 32, completed her look with a silver chain belt and platform black heels Vittoria, 26, has been dating Leonardo Di Caprio since 2023 when they were both spotted together at Cannes in the May Milla Jovovich's daughter Ever Anderson opted for a risque take on business attire in a sheer white lace top under a tweed blazer It marked the first time Diane had debuted her new red locks as she made her departure from her usual blonde self Sienna showed off her increeible glowing complexion in a close up shot Sienna and Juliette posed together as the American actress opted for an all black ensemble Selma Blair opted for quirky baggy black jorts and brown boots Selma was joined by her son Arthur Saint, 13, as the pair sat beside Diane The models took to the runway as they put on a very leggy display in a stunning floral ruffled gown Another wore a similar style but in blue as they paired the look with some purple flip flop-style heels Debuting the swimwear range one model wore a tanned swimming costume patterned with a large flamingo Sienna revealed earlier this month that she is now back from maternity leave after welcoming a baby girl with her boyfriend Oli Green back in January Cole Sprouse wore a long leather trench coat as he posed beside his model girlfriend Ari Fournier Juliette, 51, accessorised her look with a dramatic dangly gold necklace and grey leather handbag karlie looked incredible in the stunning white lace top as she flashed hints of her toned abs Sienna styled her blonde locks in natural waves as she made her way to the show The actress told this week's issue of Stellar Magazine that she could not recommend late motherhood more highly after welcoming her second daughter back in January Anna Wintour wore a bold red and white print dress and rust coloured leather jacket Outside the venue Pixie covered up in a dark chocolate brown leather jacket Cole and his girlfriend sat beside Marina Ruy Barbosa and Taylor Hill French actress Pom Klementieff went braless in a risque plunging black top and furry black coat Arthur took inspiration from his mum as he styled bleach blonde hair Diane beamed as she strutted her stuff in the stylish black jumpsuit Pixie looked rather sophisticated as she went braless beneath the sheer dress Sienna kept her Chloe shades on inside the venue Juliette opted for a black ruffled top which matched her dark locks The model, 16, completed the look with a black skirt and leather boots The actress looked the epitome of style while leaving the venue Selma's boots were certainly a statement as she made sure to show them off in a snap with her son Sienna was spotted without her shades as she left the venue Sienna, 42, and Oli, 27, were first linked in February 2022 and welcomed their baby daughter together eight months ago. Speaking to Harper's Bazaar about Oli, Sienna said: 'I didn't expect to take it seriously and then quite quickly, I fell in love. I wasn't like, "I'm gonna get a younger boyfriend." It was more, "F*ck! Why are you young? That's so annoying".' 'There is a difference in the way that generation of men respect women. It's specific to him, he is very wise and well-adjusted, but I do believe it's also that generation. 'They have grown up with a slightly more level playing field. I see it in his female friends as well as in the men.' Rebecca Judd has described the experience of fronting Bianca and Bridgett's rebrand fashion campaign as one of the most surreal moments of her life. Speaking on stage at the launch event on Wednesday, the 41-year-old AFL WAG shared how a week working on the campaign in Paris left her unexpectedly in tears, despite not being someone who cries easily. 'I'm not a crier, I don't cry,' she shared emotionally. 'Lana [Wilkinson] cries all the time. But, as we're leaving the hotel after shooting the campaign in Paris - Lana and I were wheeling our suitcases out of the hotel, we both looked at each other, and we were just bawling.' Lana, who worked closely with the WAG during the campaign, added her own take on the heartfelt moment, describing the shock of seeing her usually composed colleague break down. 'And so, yeah, she dropped on the leg,' Wilkinson laughed. 'And I thought something had happened because she doesn't cry. And she's like, well, it's the best time, it's the best week. 'We didn't want to come home. And thank you so much. It was incredible.' Rebecca Judd has opened up about the emotional experience of fronting the latest Bianca and Bridgett's rebrand fashion campaign Speaking on stage at the launch event on Wednesday, the 41-year-old AFL WAG shared how the intense week left her unexpectedly in tears, despite not being someone who cries easily. (Pictured L-R: Bianca and Bridgett Roccisano with Bec Judd and Lana Wilkinson) The campaign, set against the picturesque backdrop of Paris, highlights the fashion-forward vision of Bianca and Bridgett's latest collection. The rebranding, which was announced last Sunday, sees Judd taking on a new role as the face of the Melbourne-based fashion label. Arriving at the chic French restaurant Entrecote on Wednesday, Rebecca joined 50 successful and glamorous women all in their own rights wearing the luxury, yet affordable collection. 'I'm not a crier, I don't cry,' she shared emotionally. 'Lana [Wilkinson] cries all the time. But, as we're leaving the hotel after shooting the campaign in Paris Lana and I were wheeling our suitcases out of the hotel, we both looked at each other, and we were just bawling' Bec showcased her flawless style in the statement red gown, which featured a daring thigh-high split, drawing attention to her toned legs. The dress was beautifully accented with a large, sculpted rose detail on the hip, adding an extra touch of elegance and drama. She paired the ensemble with matching red heels, elongating her already enviable figure, and carried a stylish designer clutch. Lana, who worked closely with the WAG during the campaign, added her own take on the heartfelt moment, describing the shock of seeing her usually composed colleague break down Bec showcased her flawless style in the statement red gown, which featured a daring thigh-high split, drawing attention to her toned legs Her long, honey-toned hair was worn down in soft waves, cascading over her shoulders, while her makeup was kept natural and glowing, highlighting her flawless complexion. With minimal accessories, Rebecca let her striking look do all the talking, embodying effortless glamour and sophistication. She was seen laughing and chatting with founder Bianca Roccisano as they made their way into the event, exuding confidence and style. Nadia Bartel also attended the event and stunned in a sophisticated neutral-toned ensemble The fashion entrepreneur and former WAG donned a chic camel-coloured blazer dress, which featured structured shoulders and a tailored fit, giving her look a sharp, polished edge Nadia Bartel also attended the event and stunned in a sophisticated neutral-toned ensemble. The fashion entrepreneur and former WAG donned a chic camel-coloured blazer dress, which featured structured shoulders and a tailored fit, giving her look a sharp, polished edge. The dress, with its short hemline, showed off Nadia's toned legs, adding a touch of glamour to the overall elegant style. Bianca opted for a chic monochrome outfit, wearing a strapless black-and-white mini dress that also featured bold lines and minimalistic design She paired the look with classic white pointed-toe stilettos, elevating her outfit with a sleek and refined touch. Nadia accessorised her ensemble with a Louis Vuitton tote bag, held stylishly in her hands, further enhancing the high-fashion feel of the look. Elsewhere, Bridgett Roccisano looked effortlessly stylish in a tailored black suit with contrasting white details. Businesswoman and entrepreneur Sophie Cachia looked chic in a black blazer-style mini dress with a striking white lapel detail Tayla Broad dazzled in a bold, vibrant red mini dress with a structured square neckline and thick straps, adding a modern, playful twist to the classic cocktail dress Brooke Warne was dressed in a stylish navy blue pinstripe blazer and matching mini dress, giving off a polished yet modern vibe Former MAFS bride Ella Ding teamed up the same pin striped blazer with matching pants Khanh Ong showed off his tattooed biceps dressed in a co-ordinated striped vest and pants Her ensemble featured a sharp black blazer with bold white lapels and cuffs, giving the outfit a modern and chic twist. The structured blazer was complemented by matching black wide-leg trousers, which also had sleek white stripes running down the sides, elongating her frame and adding a sporty yet elegant touch to her look. Underneath her blazer, Bridgett opted for a plunging neckline, adding a hint of sultriness to the otherwise structured outfit. She accessorised with a small, quilted white handbag, which added a pop of brightness and played perfectly with the white accents in her suit. Cardi B looked incredible as she headed to the Rabanne Paris Fashion Week show in a plunging gold mirrored dress on Wednesday. The rapper, 31, gave birth to her third child, a baby girl, just 18 days ago but has already made a number of public appearances. After hitting the Balmain front row, Cardi headed to see Rabanne showcase their womenswear Spring/Summer 2025 collection. It was an eventful day for Cardi as her estranged husband Offset made a bombshell claim she had sex with another man during her pregnancy. But Cardi brushed off the drama and didn't let the rain dampen her spirits as she headed to the show. Cardi B looked incredible as she headed to the Rabanne Paris Fashion Week show in a plunging gold mirrored dress on Wednesday The rapper, 31, gave birth to her third child, a baby girl, just 18 days ago but has already made a number of public appearances It was an eventful day for Cardi as her estranged husband Offset, 32, made a bombshell claim she had sex with another man during her pregnancy Cardi B appeared to acknowledge the accusation in a post on X/ Twitter Wednesday, writing, 'AND DID !!!!!!' The mother-of-three showed off her ample cleavage in the dress which had fringed detailing and a mirrored reflection. She complemented the head turning look with chunky gold necklace and added a boost to her height with metallic heels. Once inside, Cardi posed for photographers before taking her seat to see the likes of Gigi Hadid and others hit the catwalk. Designer Julien Dossena showcased a number of metallic and embossed dresses while Gigi sported a more androgynous look in an oversized striped shirt. On Wednesday, Offset appeared to accuse his estranged wife Cardi B of having sex with another man during her recent pregnancy. The Migos artist, 32, made the allegation about Cardi B as she spoke on Instagram Live about what appeared to be personal issues with her estranged spouse amid their increasingly-messy split. 'U f***ed with a baby inside, tell the truth!!' Offset said in the comment thread, according to Page Six, which cited a screenshot of the exchange. Cardi B, who filed for divorce from the musical artist July 31, appeared to acknowledge the accusation in a post on X, as she wrote, 'AND DID !!!!!!' After hitting the Balmain front row, Cardi headed to see Rabanne showcase their womenswear Spring/Summer 2025 collection She complemented the head turning look with chunky gold necklace and added a boost to her height with metallic heels The mother-of-three showed off her ample cleavage in the dress which had fringed detailing and a mirrored reflection Cardo sat next to Kolin Carter on the front row Once inside, Cardi posed for photographers before taking her seat to see the likes of Gigi Hadid and others hit the catwalk Designer Julien Dossena showcased a number of metallic and embossed dresses while Gigi sported a more androgynous look in an oversized striped shirt 3D dresses were a prominent feature of the catwalk Cardi stole the show at Balmain's star-studded show earlier in the day. The rapper wowed in a glamorous green fur coat that showed off her impressive cleavage Cardi's return to PFW comes just three weeks after the birth of her third child with estranged husband Offset (born Kiari Kendrell Cephus), 32 During the online broadcast, Cardi B claimed Offset told her he was going to withhold expensive gifts since she had been 'moving on' from him. 'I love me s***, but you can't buy me no more, motherf*****,' she said. 'It's not enough, honey.' She said she found it hypocritical that some people could behave in a promiscuous manner but get irate when their partner ventures astray from the relationship. 'You want to play those games with me? We gon' play them games too,' Cardi B said. 'You want to take my s*** because I'm moving on? Move on. Why can't you move on?' Cardi B has petitioned the court for full custody of her three kids with Offset: daughter Kulture, six, son Wave, three, and their newborn daughter. The discord between Cardi B and Offset comes after the pair have appeared to be on cordial terms amid their parting. Anais Gallagher and Molly Gallagher seemed in good spirits as they reunited at the Chloe show at Paris Fashion Week on Thursday. The cousins looked incredible as they both slipped into stylish floaty dress for the star-studded show which was also attended by Sienna Miller and Diane Kruger. The daughters of Oasis brothers Noel and Liam Gallagher beamed as they took their seats next to each other on the front row. Anais, 24, looked effortlessly chic in a layered nude dress which she teamed with brown leather knee high boots. The daughter of Noel, who he shares with first wife Meg Mathews, pouted in snaps as she posed up a storm in the dress which was adorned with ruffles. Anais Gallagher, (left) and her cousin Molly seemed in good spirits as they reunited and sat front row at the Chloe show at Paris Fashion Week on Thursday Anais, 24, who is the daughter of Noel Gallagher, looked effortlessly chic in a layered nude dress which she teamed with brown leather knee high boots Meanwhile Molly, 26, looked incredible in a floaty mesh green number which she paired with a pair of thigh high black boots and a white handbag. The daughter of Liam accessorised for the show with a chunky gold chain necklace and a pair of small matching hoop earrings. Molly's mother is Lisa Moorish, who Liam had a brief relationship with while he was married to Patsy Kensit in 1998. Liam did not meet Molly until 2018 after which he expressed hope he would remain in her life. Liam also has children Lennon, 25, who he shares with ex Patsy Kensit, and Gene, 23, whose mother is Nicole Appleton who he dated following his divorce from Patsy in 2000. Liam and Nicole married in 2008 after eight years together, however the pair got divorced in 2014. It comes after Lennon and Anais proved that Noel and Liam aren't the only members of their family to have buried the hatchet, as the two cousins posed in snaps at the the Burberry show during London Fashion Week. The pair were among a slew of stars who attended the show, years after Lennon famously mocked Anais for sharing a post complaining she 'needs a boyfriend.' Meanwhile Liam Gallagher's daughter Molly, 26, looked incredible in a floaty mesh green number which she paired with a pair of thigh high black boots and a white handbag Anais, who Noel shares with his first wife Meg Matthews, pouted in snaps as she posed up a storm in the dress which was adorned with ruffles Last week Anais and Lennon proved that Noel and Liam aren't the only members of their family to have buried the hatchet, as the two cousins posed in snaps at London Fashion Week Lennon cut a casual figure in a black jumper with branding from the legendary designer, while Anais opted for a zipped fleece boasting Burberry's famous print. Back in 2017, Lennon appeared to poke fun at her cousin after she shared a post on X complaining about her single status. She wrote: 'I need love today. I'm feeling super fragile and basically need a boyfriend. But keep reminding myself I'm too embarrassing to get one!' Quick to share his savage response, Lennon left the one-word comment: 'Really?' with many users quickly comparing him to his dad, who is no stranger to a social media quip. The show comes after Anais hit back at 'ageist and misogynist' fans who complained about young people jumping on the Oasis bandwagon since the brothers announced their long-awaited reunion. Social media sites were awash with the band's older fans complaining that 'Suddenly everyone loves Oasis' and arguing that they deserve priority when it came to getting tickets for the shows next summer. Taking to TikTok to express her anger, she said: 'One thing I won't stand for is the ageism and the misogyny around people getting tickets.' 'Sorry if a 19-year-old girl in a pink cowboy hat wants to be there, I will have my friendship bracelets ready.' She also showed her support for a fellow user, Josie, who wrote, 'What do you mean everyone suddenly loves Oasis? Everyone has always loved them. They're one of the most famous bands in the entire world.' 'Don't try and gatekeep Oasis because you can't gatekeep probably the most famous band to come out of the UK. Literally, the entirety of Britain is Oasis fans.' It comes after Anais recently weighed in on the Oasis ticket debate and hit back at 'ageist and misogynist' fans who complained about young people jumping on the Oasis bandwagon (pictured above in 2015) Taking to TikTok to express her anger, she said: 'One thing I won't stand for is the ageism and the misogyny around people getting tickets' Anais has become a firm fixture on her father's side, accompanying his solo band High Flying Birds on tour in 2023 and directing a documentary of the trip. She said: 'I know he likes to think differently, but I love my dad's music genuinely more than anything. I bang out Oasis and Noel Gallagher's High Flying Birds in my room super-loud all the time.' The Mail revealed last month that Anais and Liam Gallagher's son, Gene, led the way in fixing their feud and convincing their dads to reunite after 15 years. A friend of the stars revealed: 'Anais and Gene led the way by showing their dads that they could set aside their differences.' 'They have made no bones about it, they told their dads that they love their old music and wanted to see them on the stage together.' Anais previously threw her support behind the news of Oasis' reunion by posting photos of her dad and uncle from the nineties and declaring: 'Summer 2025' She also reposted the band's announcement video and their statement: 'The guns have fallen silent. The stars have aligned. The great wait is over. Come see. It will not be televised.' Liam and Noel Gallagher are set to reunite for the first time next week since their dramatic reunion tour announcement. To discuss their upcoming performances, it appears that the brothers will be enjoying some food and drinks in London. Asked by a fan on social media 'when will you get together with noel again', Liam replied: 'After Malta were going out for some food and drinks in London I cant say where as its top secret.' James Corden surprised fans with some sweet treats as he enjoyed a fast food break during filming for Gavin and Stacey this week. A fan has shared a video of the actor, who this week made the revelation that he turned to controversial jab Ozempic, at a KFC restaurant in Barry on Tuesday. The footage sees James leaving the fast food spot, which happens to be a favourite of his character Smithy and his on/off girlfriend Nessa. As he heads outside and towards the crowd, fans start chanting 'Smithy' before James offers up a tub of Celebrations chocolates. James Corden surprised fans with some sweet treats as he enjoyed a fast food break during filming for Gavin and Stacey this week The sweet gesture comes after the Gavin and Stacey star admitted he has turned to the latest celebrity staple in an effort to trim his waistline: Ozempic. James, who first found fame on slimming club comedy Fat Friends, has not had the same success with the hugely popular jab and has stopped taking it claiming it didnt work for him. Instead, he said he really resonates with those who argue that battling with mental health troubles can lead to food addiction, revealing he binge eats giant chocolate bars in his car. The 46-year-old said: I tried Ozempic, and it won't be surprising to you when you look at me now, that it didn't really work. I tried it for a bit and then what I realized was I was like, Oh no, nothing about my eating has anything to do with being hungry. All it does is make you feel not hungry. But I am very rarely eating [just because Im hungry]. Ozempic is a diabetes medicine, which costs around 200 a month, that has become a Hollywood favourite among those attempting to slim down, and works by suppressing the appetite. The fan=shot footage sees James leaving the fast food spot, which happens to be a favourite of his character Smithy and his on/off girlfriend Nessa (James and Ruth Jones pictured on the show) As he heads outside and towards the crowd, fans start chanting 'Smithy' before James offers up a tub of Celebrations chocolates But James thinks his tendency to binge eat is more deep-rooted and said that he really resonates with friends like TV presenter Richard Osman, who have recently spoken about how his own food addiction was triggered by childhood trauma and mental health struggles. The former chat show host said: 'You are looking at someone who's eaten a king size, and when I say king size Dairy Milk - one you give someone for Christmas - in a carwash. None of that was like, oh, I'm so hungry. It is not that, it's something else. James, who made the comments on his Sirius XM show, acknowledged how his food issues are tough to beat given he is a person 'with an addictive personality. Meanwhile fans will see if James' character Smithy makes it down the aisle with Ruth Jones' Nessa in the hugely anticipated Gavin and Stacey finale. Smithy and Nessa have famously had an on-off relationship over the course of the BBC sitcom, with the show's 2019 Christmas special ending on a cliffhanger after she proposed. After the last Christmas special ended on a proposal cliffhanger it looked as though Smithy could finally get his happy ending with Ruth Jones' Nessa Viewers are eager to see if they will finally get the happy ending they had hoped for in the last ever episode, set to air on Christmas Day. And to add fuel to the fire, cast members Ruth, Joanna Page, Julia Davis, Alison Steadman and Melanie Walters have been seen filming a girls' night out for Nessa's hen do this week. It was reported that bosses were forced to implement extra security measures to keep the Christmas special plot under wraps after a huge element of the script was leaked. Bosses are said to have ramped up security after a photo was taken of James, who plays Smithy, holding the script, which contained the plot detail, while filming in a department store. After the setback, producers are said to have warned the rest of the cast to be careful, especially with filming bringing so many fans to Barry. Gavin And Stacey's final episode will air on BBC One on Christmas Day (L-R) James as Smithy, Mathew Horne as Gavin, Joanna Page as Stacey and Ruth as Nessa 'Everyone is excited for the return of Gavin, Stacey, Smithy and the gang so naturally interest is at an all-time high,' a source told The Sun. 'Every day fans are flocking to the filming sites in Cardiff and Barry Island to see the cast filming and take their own photos and selfies. 'It's a challenge trying to keep key storylines under wraps but the cast have been reminded to be on alert.' The BBC declined to comment when contacted by MailOnline. Gwyneth Paltrow displayed her vast wealth as she left the Ritz in Paris carrying a 9,000 Hermes Birkin bag on Thursday. The actress, 51, whose net worth is around $250million, has jetted into the city with her husband Brad Falchuk, 53, for Fashion Week. And while Gwyneth cut a laidback figure in a V neck jumper and jeans, she made a statement with her sought-after designer burgundy handbag. The Goop founder teamed her look with black shades and opted for comfort on her feet with white trainers. Gwyneth was pictured leaving the hotel - which costs upwards of 2,000 a night - with a pal, while Brad, 53, was seen out separately in the city. Gwyneth Paltrow displayed her vast wealth as she left the Ritz in Paris carrying a 9,000 Hermes Birkin bag on Thursday And while Gwyneth cut a laidback figure in a V neck jumper and jeans, she made a statement with her sought after designer burgundy handbag The actress, 51, whose net worth is around $250million, has jetted into the city with her husband Brad Falchuk, 53, for Fashion Week Also spotted out and about in Paris on Thursday was Jared Leto, who was seen leaving hotel sporting a rather peculiar black full face mask. The actor was also wearing a Thirty Seconds To F***ing Mars t-shirt as he headed out into the French capital. The couple have been married since 2018 and waited a year until moving in together. 'We were just trying to be mindful and give them a little space and not move too quickly,' she explained later on Jimmy Kimmel Live. They have recently become empty nesters as all of their children are at college. Last month, they dropped off Brad's son Brody, 17, at the prestigious Yale University in New Haven, Connecticut. Brad shares Brody as well as daughter Isabella, 19, with his first wife and fellow TV producer Suzanne Bukinik, whom he was married to from 2002 to 2013. He and Gwyneth, who first met in 2010, were first linked in 2014, the year Gwyneth announced her separation from her first husband Chris Martin. Together Gwyneth and Chris have daughter Apple, 20, and son Moses, 18. Apple is at college too. She attends Vanderbilt University, a private university in Nashville, Tennessee, while Moses is at Brown University in Rhode Island. The Goop founder teamed her look with black shades and opted for comfort on her feet with white trainers Gwyneth was pictured leaving the hotel - which costs upwards of 2,000 a night - with a pal, while Brad, 53, was seen out separately in the city The couple have been married since 2018 and waited a year until moving in together The actress doubled up on shades as she tucked a pair of extra sunglasses into her jumper Rob Lowe was also spotted out and about in Paris The American actor, 60, cut a casual figure as he left the Ritz with wife Sheryl Berkoff Rob appeared in high spirits as he headed out for the day Also spotted out and about in Paris on Thursday was Jared Leto, who was seen leaving hotel sporting a rather peculiar black full face mask The actor was also wearing a Thirty Seconds To F***ing Mars t-shirt as he headed out into the French capital In May, Gwyneth talked about a how a blended family can be tricky when at the Visionary Womens International Womens Day Summit. After asking if there were any other stepmothers in the crowd, the Oscar-winning actress said frankly: 'Yeah, its a b****, right, guys?' per Page Six. Rob Lowe was also spotted out and about in Paris. The American actor, 60, cut a casual figure as he left the Ritz with wife Sheryl Berkoff. Dacre Montgomery, best known for his breakout role as Billy Hargrove in Netflix's Stranger Things, is gearing up to make his directorial debut with a film titled The Engagement Party. Set to be filmed in NSW next year, the 29-year-old is venturing behind the camera, marking a significant step in his career. Speaking to The Daily Telegraph on Thursday, Montgomery revealed he hasn't yet decided if he'll also appear on screen in the project. 'I'm not looking for this to be an engine for my acting career at all,' he said. 'I want to direct, and I'm serious about directing, so I'm taking it seriously and not trying to use it as something else.' Montgomery, who also starred in Baz Luhrmann's Elvis, made the announcement while promoting his new campaign for Politix called Leading Man. Fresh off his appearance at the Toronto International Film Festival, where his film Went Up The Hill premiered, the actor is now shifting focus to the upcoming project. The Engagement Party is shaping up to be an intimate and intense drama. Dacre Montgomery, best known for his breakout role as Billy Hargrove in Netflix's Stranger Things, is gearing up to make his directorial debut with a film titled The Engagement Party 'It is a four-hander, a chamber piece like a play that takes place in one location with only four people over one night,' Montgomery explained, hinting at a tightly-focused narrative driven by character dynamics. Acclaimed Australian filmmaker Nash Edgerton has signed on as a producer for the film, adding further weight to Montgomery's directorial debut. It comes after Montgomery shut down rumours that he is replacing his friend and mentor Hugh Jackman in any upcoming Marvel films. Speaking to The Daily Telegraph on Thursday, Montgomery revealed he hasn't yet decided if he'll also appear on screen in the project He had been tipped as a possible replacement for Hugh, but he since said this isn't on the cards for him. Montgomery had supposedly been up against the likes of Taron Egerton, Paul Mescal, Milo Gibson and Daniel Radcliffe for the iconic role. He said his friendship with Hugh, who offered him guidance early in his Hollywood career, was more important to him than landing a big franchise role. Sienna Miller and her boyfriend Oli Green went for a Paris Fashion Week stroll on Thursday. The actress, 42, and her beau, 27, who are parents to a nine-month-old baby girl, made the most of some free time between shows and set off to explore the City Of Love. After attending the Chloe show in Paris, Sienna met up with Oli at Place Vendome. The stunning star looked casually chic in a stylish floaty pale blue jacket which she wore over a simple white T-shirt. Sienna Miller, 42, enjoyed a stroll in the City of Love with her boyfriend Oli Green, 27, as the couple hit Paris Fashion Week on Thursday Oli meanwhile was smart in a long coat and striped white shirt. The actress gave birth to her daughter Marlowe, now 12, with her ex Tom Sturridge in July 2012, and welcomed a daughter with Oli earlier this year. And Sienna has now told this week's issue of Stellar Magazine that she could not recommend late motherhood more highly. The American Sniper star welcomed a baby girl, whose name she has not revealed, with boyfriend Oli in January. 'My own experience of motherhood 12 years later is completely different' the British star told the publication. 'I'm a very different person. People often have lots to say about having babies in your 40s as women, but I can't advocate for it more. I feel very lucky.' Sienna went on to say that she has found it easy to balance motherhood and her career. 'I've just finished maternity leave. My baby is eight months old. It's great, since this whole focus on the female experience in Hollywood, I can take my baby everywhere and they'll have to stop filming for me' she said. The stunning star looked casually chic in a stylish floaty pale blue jacket which she wore over a simple white T-shirt Sienna looked casually chic in a stylish floaty pale blue jacket which she wore over a simple white T-shirt Sienna, 42, and Oli, 27, were first linked in February 2022 and welcomed their baby daughter together eight months ago. Speaking to Harper's Bazaar about Oli, Sienna said: 'I didn't expect to take it seriously and then quite quickly, I fell in love. I wasn't like, "I'm gonna get a younger boyfriend." It was more, "F*ck! Why are you young? That's so annoying".' 'There is a difference in the way that generation of men respect women. It's specific to him, he is very wise and well-adjusted, but I do believe it's also that generation. 'They have grown up with a slightly more level playing field. I see it in his female friends as well as in the men.' 2024 BRICS Young Leaders Forum held in Russia Xinhua) 10:19, September 26, 2024 The 2024 BRICS Young Leaders Forum is held in Kazan, Russia, Sept. 25, 2024. The 2024 BRICS Young Leaders Forum was held Wednesday in Russia's Kazan, highlighting opportunities for global youth within the BRICS framework. (Xinhua/Cao Yang) KAZAN, Sept. 25 (Xinhua) -- The 2024 BRICS Young Leaders Forum was held Wednesday in Russia's Kazan, highlighting opportunities for global youth within the BRICS framework. The event gathered officials, media representatives, experts, and opinion leaders from China and Russia, alongside young global participants from BRICS countries. The participants unveiled the BRICS Youth Cooperation and Development Initiative, a document encouraging youth from BRICS nations to seize opportunities, tackle challenges, and foster a culture of continuous innovation. The participants underscored the vast potential for youth engagement in sustainable development, innovation, entrepreneurship, and cultural exchange. China Daily and the Chinese Embassy in Russia co-hosted the event, which was organized by 21st Century Media and Education in partnership with Kazan Federal University. A youth representative signs on a board at the 2024 BRICS Young Leaders Forum in Kazan, Russia, Sept. 25, 2024. The 2024 BRICS Young Leaders Forum was held Wednesday in Russia's Kazan, highlighting opportunities for global youth within the BRICS framework. (Xinhua/Cao Yang) (Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Zhong Wenxing) September 26, 2024: On August 6, 2024, Ukraine sent about a thousand troops and over thirty tanks and other combat vehicles into the Russian Kursk region. As of August 13th the Ukrainians had advanced more than 35 kilometers into Russia while surviving, and arriving, Russian forces were only trying to block further advances rather than counterattacking. Ukraine then sent in several thousand more troops as reinforcements in case there was a major response from the Russians. At first the Russians could not believe that Ukrainians were invading Russia. This should not have been a surprise because the Russian offensive into Ukraine has been stalled for over a year. The Russians were unable to counterattack for a number of reasons, including fear of failure and too many soldiers who did not want to be in Ukraine. There are other reasons for the different Ukrainian and Russian attitudes towards war. Ukrainian troops follow the rules while the Russians are expedient. Russian troops consider themselves as warriors while the Ukrainians strive to send trained soldiers into combat. Russia does have some well-trained and experienced troops in airborne and special operations units. These professionals will still slip into warrior mode when it suits them, or when ordered to do so. For the other ninety percent of Russian troops, warrior mode is often the default mode. By late 2023 there were few of Russian airborne and special operations troops left. Heavy Russian losses in Ukraine since 2022 are one of the reasons Russia was unable to move many troops and armored vehicles towards the Kursk incursion. Russian President Vladimir Putin did not expect such a bold Ukrainian attack into Russia and had little to say publicly. Instead he went off on a planned visit to another part of Russia while a few troops were sent to block the Ukrainian advance. Russian media were ordered to report little or nothing about the incursion. The media did publish vague reports of something happening in Kursk province, and most Russians were more afraid of their own government than they were of Ukrainian troops inside Russia. Putin enacted laws that punished critics of his policies in Ukraine. A few Russians were sent to prison and that was sufficient to frighten any other Russian critics of Putins policies. Meanwhile Putin has his own problems dealing with the invading Ukrainians. Over two years of fighting in Ukraine have severely depleted the Russian armed forces. There were not enough troops available to block the Ukrainian advance, This was what the Ukrainians expected because Ukrainian military intelligence has monitored Russian soldiers using cellphones and interviewed Russia prisoners. Ukraine knew that there were not many Russian troops left in Ukraine and Russian morale was low. Russia has not resorted to extreme measures to motivate their soldiers. In World War II methods were used to motivate reluctant troops that Russian does not believe will work 80 years after World War II. During World War II Russia resorted to ancient traditions when deadly force was necessary to encourage reluctant Russian soldiers. In 2022 Russian officers were expected to use deadly force on their own troops in order to ensure obedience. This was often used during World War 2. During some major offensives NKVD (secret police) personnel would be brought in to operate machine-guns behind the troops who were taking part in a major offensive. The NKVD machine-gunners fired on any Russian troops leaving the front-line forces. Many nations consider desertion in the face of the enemy to be treason, but they dont usually execute the traitorous deserters on sight. After 2022, Russians in Ukraine found that they could not get away with using NKVD methods. This meant there was no motivation to get reluctant Russian troops to move forwards. After more than two years fighting in Ukraine, Russian troops are often unable to motivate themselves into attacking. Even defending Russian troops will flee. The Ukrainians in Kursk are taking advantage of that and Vladimir Putin is receiving bad news he does not want to hear or deal with. Meanwhile there are still manifestations of this ruthlessness with Russian recruits. For example, when there is time and medical personnel are available, new recruits will get their health checked to ensure they are physically able to fight. This exam often includes dentists to check for dental problems that can be taken care of before training begins. This often includes extracting problematic teeth that will progressively cause more pain until dealt with. These teeth are promptly extracted without painkillers. Its just another way to remind these civilians that they are now in the mighty Russian army. They are expected to act as warriors, not armed civilians in uniform. Until some overdue reforms are made, these flaws will not go away. The fighting in Ukraine reminded Russian military and political leaders that the long delay is already working on needed reforms so, they hope, that the next time Russian troops are in combat they perform better and perhaps even win. There have been several rounds of unsuccessful military reforms since the Soviet Union collapsed in 1991. One of the major causes of that collapse was their unaffordable and largely ineffective armed forces. In post-Soviet Russia there are far fewer restrictions on criticizing the military. Most Russians have a very negative attitude towards conscription and the reforms underway because of the Ukraine War disaster are typical of several previous efforts to remedy problems that continue to resist any fundamental change. Kylie and Kendall Jenner headed out in Paris amid the city's Fashion Week on Thursday. The sisters looked stylish as they arrived for lunch at Zeffirino restaurant, which serves traditional Italian cuisine. Kylie put on a racy display in a perilously short brown miniskirt and went braless in an undone shirt. The reality star, 27, shrugged a cream trench coat over her outfit and accessorised with white heels and black sunglasses. Kendall, 28, meanwhile looked elegant in a structured blue blazer and matching pencil skirt. Kylie and Kendall Jenner headed out in Paris amid the city's Fashion Week on Thursday. Kylie put on a racy display in a perilously short brown miniskirt and went braless in an undone shirt The sisters put on stylish displays as they arrived for lunch at Zeffirino restaurant, which serves traditional Italian cuisine Kendall, 28, meanwhile looked elegant in a structured blue blazer and matching skirt as they left the restaurant The model has made a triumphant return to Paris, walking on the catwalk for L'Oreal earlier this week after overcoming her crippling anxiety. The supermodel has been notably absent from the catwalk during both the earlier London and Milan fashion weeks this season, walking only in the Alaia show in New York at the beginning of the month. However, Kendall proved she is still a force to be reckoned with as she stormed the runway alongside icons including Heidi Klum, Eva Longoria and Cara Delevingne. The show marked Kendall's catwalk debut for her new blonde locks, which she first revealed a couple of weeks ago after undergoing a hair transformation. The sister catch up comes after they headed to Rosalia's birthday party with Gigi Hadid on Wednesday night. Kylie also shared an Instagram snap of her look following the festivities. The sister catch up comes after they headed to Rosalia's birthday party with Gigi Hadid on Wednesday night. She was pictured back at her hotel holding a plate of pasta Kendall also shared a snap from her hotel with her pal Fai Khadra. He looked dapper in a white suit as he posed with the Vogue cover girl The model has made a triumphant return to Paris, walking on the catwalk for L'Oreal after overcoming her crippling anxiety She was pictured back at her hotel holding a plate of pasta as she posed for a mirror selfie. '1am. Paris. Pasta.' she wrote over the image. Kendall also shared a snap from her hotel with her pal Fai Khadra. He looked dapper in a white suit as he posed with the Vogue cover girl. Meanwhile birthday girl Rosalia, who turned 32, had all eyes on her in a white cropped T-shirt and a ballerina tutu as she departed the celebration. The Cure took to X, formerly Twitter, on Thursday to announce they will be releasing their new album Songs Of A Lost World on November 1, their first in 16 years. The band - whose last album was 2008's 4:13 Dream - recently have been performing their new song 'Alone' during their 90-date world tour. And the single - which is also the opening track of the upcoming LP - is now available to stream as well. Taking to X, the rock band announced the exciting news to fans by saying: 'The new album arriving Nov 1st Pre-order now & listen to 'Alone'. Fans then flocked to the comment section to express their excitement over the latest single. The Cure took to X, formerly Twitter, on Thursday to announce they will be releasing their new album Songs Of A Lost World on November 1, their first in 16 years (Robert Smith pictured 2023) The band - whose last album was 2008's 4:13 Dream - recently have been performing their new song 'Alone' during their 90-date world tour (Robert and Simon Gallup pictured 2023) One fan wrote: 'It's so beautiful, I'm already speechless and there's still the rest to come'; 'I've been listening to Alone on a loop & thank you!'; 'Alone is amazing, thank you very much. My bank account, on the other hand, does not thank you.' Reflecting on the song, frontman Robert Smith said in a statement: 'It's the track that unlocked the record.' 'As soon as we had that piece of music recorded I knew it was the opening song, and I felt the whole album come into focus.' He admitted he had been finding it difficult to settle on 'the right opening line' for the first song of the album, and in the end, it was Dregs by poet Ernest Dowson which helped everything fall into place. He added: 'I had been struggling to find the right opening line for the right opening song for a while,' 'working with the simple idea of 'being alone', always in the back of my mind this nagging feeling that I already knew what the opening line should be ' 'As soon as we finished recording I remembered the poem Dregs by the English poet Ernest Dowson.' And the single - which is also the opening track of the upcoming LP - is now available to stream as well Taking to X, the rock band announced the exciting news to fans by saying: 'The new album arriving Nov 1st Pre-order now & listen to 'Alone' Fans then flocked to the comment section to express their excitement over the latest single He added: 'And that was the moment when I knew the song - and the album - were real.' The cover art for the new album features Bagatelle, a 1975 sculpture by Janez Pirnat, while Cure's longtime collaborator Andy Vella handled the artwork and design. The tracks were recorded at Rockfield Studios in Wales, and the group will unveil the full tracklist over the coming weeks via their website and social media channels. As well as a single LP and CD, the new album will also be available as a Miles Showell Abbey Road half-speed master 2LP. While a marble-coloured LP, double cassette, and a deluxe CD package with a Blu-ray including an instrumental version of the collection will be available too. Initially formed in 1978, The Cure has sold over 30 million albums worldwide and has headlined Glastonbury Festival four times. They were also inducted into the Rock And Roll Hall of Fame in 2019 and are considered to be one of the most influential bands to ever come out of the UK. Tilda Swinton cut an elegant figure in a dusty pink co-ord as she attended The Room Next Door press conference during the 72nd San Sebastian International Film Festival in Spain on Thursday. The beloved Hollywood actress, 63, looked typically gracious wearing a pale dusty pink long-sleeve top, teamed with a pencil maxi skirt of a darker shade - which also featured a front split. The Constantine sensation added a pair of classy cream stiletto as she carried a stylish plum fan. The British star posed up for a series of striking snaps ahead of the press panel, and was captured posing alongside the upcoming film's renown director Pedro Almodovar. The filmmaker cut a cosy yet stylish look in a checked jacket and denim, sporting dark shades as he held hands with Tilda. Tilda Swinton cut an elegant figure in a dusty pink co-ord as she attended The Room Next Door press conference during the 72nd San Sebastian International Film Festival in Spain on Thursday The beloved Hollywood actress, 63, looked typically gracious wearing a pale dusty pink long-sleeve top The duo seemed to be getting along well as they continued to engage in a busy chat after posing for snaps at the Kursaal Palace. They were then joined by the fellow co-stars including Juan Diego Botto, Melina Matthews, Raul Arevalo and Vicky Luengo. The eagerly-anticipated movie, distributed by Warner Bros, is scheduled to hit UK theatres from October 25. Tilda leads as Martha alongside Julianne Moore as Ingrid - who was not in attendance of the event on Thursday - but earlier made a stylish appearance at Milan Fashion Week. The drama/comedy deals with the rift between Martha (Tilda), a very imperfect mother and war correspondent, and her resentful daughter, as well as with the former's relationship with author Ingrid (Julianne). The cast also sees acting legend and filmmaker John Turturro, Face/Off star Alessandro Nivola, Esther McGregor, Alex Hgh Andersen, and Alvise Rigo. A native of Calzada de Calatrava, Spain, Almodovar's many directorial credits include the Festival selections Women On The Verge Of A Nervous Breakdown (1988), Talk To Her (2002), Bad Education (2004), Volver (2006), Broken Embraces (2009), Julieta (2016), and Pain and Glory (2019). In 2023, he received the Impact Media Award, which recognizes leadership in creating a union between social impact and cinema, at the TIFF Tribute Awards. She teamed it with a pencil maxi skirt of a darker shade - which also featured a front split Tilda also carried a stylish plum fan The star wore her platinum short locks with a side parting, posing for striking snaps ahead of the press conference The British star posed up for a series of striking snaps ahead of the press panel, and was captured posing alongside the upcoming film's renown director Pedro Almodovar The duo seemed to be getting along well as they continued to engage in a busy chat after posing for snaps at the Kursaal Palace They were then joined by the fellow co-stars including Juan Diego Botto, Melina Matthews, Raul Arevalo and Vicky Luengo While the ladies were doing their part in promoting the film at the Toronto International Film Festival, the filmmaker was basking in all the glory of taking home the Golden Lion Award at the 81st Venice International Film Festival at Palazzo del Cinema in Venice, Italy, Variety reports. This is actually the filmmaker's second Golden Lion Award, which follows the honorary one he received in 2019. The two-time Academy Award winner thanked both Tilda and Julianne during his largely Spanish-language acceptance speech. 'This is my first movie in English but the spirit is Spanish,' the director revealed during that passionate speech. The Room Next Door is then scheduled to be released theatrically in Spain on October 18. Priscilla Presley caught a flight out of LAX Airport in Los Angeles on Thursday ahead of the October 8th release of her late daughter Lisa Marie Presley's memoir. The 79-year-old ex-wife of Elvis Presley clutched her black leather purse while wearing an animal-print top beneath a black jacket and grey trousers. Presley (born Wagner) is scheduled to appear at FanX Salt Lake Comic & Pop Culture Convention, which is held at Salt Palace Convention Center in Salt Lake City, UT this weekend. Priscilla - who boasts 1.9M social media followers - tweeted on X: 'See you Thursday, Friday & Saturday Salt Lake City, Utah!' While there, the Brooklyn-born great-grandmother will be available to pose for $100 photos with fans and give out $60 autographs. Priscilla Presley caught a flight out of LAX Airport in Los Angeles on Thursday ahead of the October 8th release of her late daughter Lisa Marie Presley's memoir The 79-year-old ex-wife of Elvis Presley clutched her black leather purse while wearing an animal-print top beneath a black jacket and grey trousers Presley will then host 'Evening With' events on October 5 in Staten Island, NY and October 6 in Lancaster, PA. Priscilla's granddaughter Riley Keough co-wrote Lisa Marie's 272-page autobiography From Here to the Great Unknown, which Random House will publish on October 8. 'She said to me, "Pookie, I don't know how to write my book anymore. Can you write it with me?" Of course I can,' I said,' the 35-year-old Emmy nominee wrote in an excerpt obtained by People. 'The last 10 years of her life had been so brutally hard that she was only able to look back on everything through that lens. She felt I could have a more holistic view of her life than she could. So I agreed to help her with it, not thinking much of the commitment, assuming we would write it together over time. A month later, she died.' Readers of the audiobook version of the memoir will get to hear 'never-before-heard recollections' from Lisa Marie herself as well as professional narration by Oscar winner Julia Roberts. Oprah Winfrey will interview Riley (born Danielle) for an exclusive prime-time special on CBS and Paramount+ airing October 8, and then she'll kick off a six-date book tour on October 9 at The Strand at Cooper Union's The Great Hall in Manhattan. Lisa Marie passed away, at age 54, on January 12, 2023 from 'small bowel obstruction' as a result of bariatric surgery several years prior, and over 30ft of her small intestine was already dead before she was rushed to the hospital. Presley never got over the death of her and ex-husband Danny Keough's son Benjamin Keough, at age 27, in 2020 from a self-inflicted shotgun wound inside her former $1.8M Calabasas mansion. Presley (born Wagner) is scheduled to appear at FanX Salt Lake Comic & Pop Culture Convention, which is held at Salt Palace Convention Center in Salt Lake City, UT this weekend Priscilla - who boasts 1.9M social media followers - tweeted on X: 'See you Thursday, Friday & Saturday Salt Lake City, Utah!' The Brooklyn-born great-grandmother's granddaughter Riley Keough co-wrote Lisa Marie's 272-page autobiography From Here to the Great Unknown, which Random House will publish on October 8 The 35-year-old Emmy nominee (L, pictured in 2022) wrote in an excerpt: 'She said to me, "Pookie, I don't know how to write my book anymore. Can you write it with me?" Of course I can,' I said...The last 10 years of her life had been so brutally hard that she was only able to look back on everything through that lens. She felt I could have a more holistic view of her life than she could. So I agreed to help her with it, not thinking much of the commitment, assuming we would write it together over time. A month later, she died' Oprah Winfrey will interview Riley (born Danielle) for an exclusive prime-time special on CBS and Paramount+ airing October 8, and then she'll kick off a six-date book tour on October 9 at The Strand at Cooper Union's The Great Hall in Manhattan Lisa Marie passed away, at age 54, on January 12, 2023 from 'small bowel obstruction' as a result of bariatric surgery several years prior, and over 30ft of her small intestine was already dead before she was rushed to the hospital (pictured January 10, 2023) Presley never got over the death of her and ex-husband Danny Keough's son Benjamin Keough (L, pictured in 2012), at age 27, in 2020 from a self-inflicted shotgun wound inside her former $1.8M Calabasas mansion Last year, Keough (L, pictured in 2022) paid a $1M settlement and $400K in legal fees to her grandmother so she could legally became the sole trustee of Lisa Marie's estate as well as the sub-trusts belonging to her half-sisters Harper (2-L) and Finley (2-R) Lockwood Presley will celebrate the sweet 16 birthdays of granddaughters Harper and Finley (who just got her braces off) on October 7 Priscilla welcomed Lisa Marie during her five-year marriage to The King, which ended in 1972 (divorce was finalized in 1973) The Naked Gun alum is also mother to son Navarone Garcia (R, pictured May 12) from her 22-year, live-in relationship with Brazilian screenwriter-turned-computer-programmer Marco Antonio Garcia, which ended in 2006 On August 20, the 37-year-old Them Guns frontman revealed he was recovering from fentanyl and heroin additions and travels to schools to speak to youth about the danger of drugs Priscilla welcomed Lisa Marie during her five-year marriage to The King, which ended in 1972 (divorce was finalized in 1973). 'There are things she doesn't talk about in the tapes, things she didn't get to, especially in the later part of her life. We saw each other five times a week throughout my life, and we lived together full-time until I was 25. Where there are gaps in her story, I fill them in,' Keough wrote. 'Everyone who ever met her experienced a force passion, protection, loyalty, love and a deep engagement with a spirit that was incredibly powerful. Whatever spiritual force my grandfather possessed undoubtedly ran through my mother's veins. When you were with her, you could feel it.' Last year, the Under the Bridge producer-star paid a $1M settlement and $400K in legal fees to her grandmother so she could legally became the sole trustee of Lisa Marie's estate as well as the sub-trusts belonging to her half-sisters Harper and Finley Lockwood. Presley will celebrate the sweet 16 birthdays of granddaughters Harper and Finley (who just got her braces off) on October 7. The Naked Gun alum is also mother to son Navarone Garcia from her 22-year, live-in relationship with Brazilian screenwriter-turned-computer-programmer Marco Antonio Garcia, which ended in 2006. On August 20, the 37-year-old Them Guns frontman revealed he was recovering from fentanyl and heroin additions and travels to schools to speak to youth about the danger of drugs. Hoda Kotb's two young daughters were the driving force behind her decision to quit the Today show after nearly two decades but they werent the only factor. Despite her close friendship with co-host Jenna Bush Hager, the TV anchor, 60, always felt they never quite captured the chemistry she shared with former host Kathie Lee Gifford, 71, insiders have exclusively told DailyMail.com. Fans were left devastated on Thursday morning when mother-of-two Hoda tearfully announced she will officially step down early next year after 17 years on the flagship show and nearly three decades at NBC. There was reportedly 'no amount of money' that she would accept to change her mind because she's looking forward to spending more time with Haley, 7, and Hope, 5, as well as grabbing the 'rich' opportunities - including potentially finding a new man - that Kathie Lee has enjoyed since she quit in 2019. 'Yes, it's about her girls and being able to walk them to school but also, she's seen how rich a life Kathie Lee Gifford has lived since quitting she's had a boyfriend, written a play, books, music, she even wrote and starred in a movie,' the insider said. Hoda Kotb's young daughters were the driving force behind her decision to quit the Today show after nearly two decades but they werent the only factor, insiders have told Daily Mail Despite her close friendship with cohost Jenna Bush Hager, Hoda Kotb always felt the chemistry was never quite the same as when she presented alongside Kathie Lee Gifford , 71 Hoda Kotb has announced that she is leaving TODAY early next year. pic.twitter.com/sXuRsDbNnI TODAY (@TODAYshow) September 26, 2024 'Kathie Lee is happier than ever before.' While Hoda didn't mention her former co-anchor during her shock announcement, a second source claimed Kathie Lee's exit inspired Hoda's decision. 'It was never really the same after Kathie Lee left they had the best chemistry together on the show,' the insider explained. 'Hoda adores Jenna of course, but the reality is Jenna is not a seasoned veteran like Hoda is.' The insider continued: 'Jenna has had some unfortunate on-air blunders and had to issue apologies to their celebrity guests. 'Hoda held her hand through all of that, and would constantly reassure her, and they have become close, almost like a mom and daughter duo at work. Jenna has looked up to Hoda like a mentor.' Hoda hosted Today's fourth hour alongside Kathie Lee from 2008 until 2019, with the pair delighting fans with their antics on the news and booze desk. She was replaced by Jenna, 42. The source continued: 'Hoda and Kathie are lifelong friends, and the show just hasn't been the same without them falling about laughing together while drinking white wine on the show it was a riot. Hoda has loved taking Jenna under her wing, but its been a different dynamic with them.' Hoda is conscious of how much her estimated $7million a-year role at the broadcaster takes her away from her daughters, with Hope's recent health scare a stark reminder that she needs to focus on motherhood. 'Nothing in the universe is, or ever will be, more important to Hoda than her role as a mother,' said a third insider. 'Last year work meant she was absent for periods of time and she refuses to let these girls grow up in the care of anyone but herself.' The 60-year-old TV star, pictured with her daughters Hope, five, and seven-year-old Haley, wants to focus on being a mother The source explained: 'With Hopes health issues, Hoda cannot take a backseat to parenting any longer' Hoda had taken a number of unplanned weeks off after Hope was hospitalized in the ICU in 2023. The broadcaster first opened up about her hospital stay on March 6 last year when she returned to Today, telling Savannah Guthrie: 'My youngest Hope was in the ICU for a few days and then the hospital for a little more than a week. 'I'm so grateful she is home, she is back home. I was waiting for that day to come. And we are watching her closely. I'm just so happy.' Hoda then paid tribute to all of the doctors and medical staff who took care of her daughter, before thanking her family and friends for all of their support during the difficult time. The insider explained that the star now refused to leave her daughter in the care of others and came to the realization that it is time for someone else to take the reins at Today. 'With Hopes health issues, Hoda cannot take a backseat to parenting any longer,' the insider said. 'Hoda has gotten everything she has ever wanted and more out of this job.' They added: 'There is no amount of money in the world that NBC could have offered to make her change her mind. Everyone fully understands and is supportive.' Hoda has made no secret about the struggles she faced while Hope was dealing with her undisclosed medical issue. Following Hope's time in hospital last year, the star recently moved out of her New York City apartment to a suburban home with her children Speaking to People, the NBC star said previously: 'We had a scary stretch. Any parent whos been through a scary thing with their child understands. Its like you just cant believe that your childs sick. 'You cant believe that theres nothing you can do. You cant believe that no matter what you do, you cant will it away or protect her, or all the things that were supposed to be doing as parents. And its a position Ive never found myself in.' The TV anchor initially hired extra help to balance the new medical demands alongside her rigid work schedule, a move that helped make life more 'stabilized' as she worked hard to try and 'make everything normal' for her young daughters. She admitted to the publication: 'Its really tricky, because I dont want Hope to get labelled. Shes a kid who is so vibrant, and most days everything is totally fine. I dont want people to look at her differently.' Naturally, the future is already looking bright for Hoda, with a source adding: 'Hoda has an impeccable record in broadcast - she's already got offers in the pipeline for work, but she wants to do things that fit around her schedule and not the other way around.' Meanwhile, a telling sign that the star was ready to make a change came earlier this year when Hoda moved out of her New York City apartment to a suburban home. Reflecting on the move in August, she stated on Today with Hoda and Jenna: 'Its all new new kids, new school, new things, new everything. 'And its funny because all I could think of was I want my house for the kids to feel warm and cozy and a place where they want to hang. And thats it.' She added: 'I do love the whole kind of restarting, repotting, starting something new. It feels really good.' During her emotional on-air announcement on Thursdays' show, Hoda tearfully confirmed that her decision had a lot to do with her daughters. She stated: 'Obviously I had my kiddos late in life and I think that they deserve a bigger piece of my time pie, we only have an infinite amount of time.' During her emotional announcement on Thursdays' show, the star sobbed alongside her co-anchors Jenna, 42, and Savannah Guthrie, 52 Hoda sat holding hands with her cohosts, including Jenna, 42, who she called her 'ride-or-die.' Unsurprisingly fans were quick to share their devastation, with some even admitting they will be 'done watching' when she leaves. 'Please say this is a joke,' read one comment, while another viewer said: 'Huge loss, irreplaceable.' Others admitted that the news had brought them to tears: 'Literally crying after I put my makeup on. 'I start my day with you every single day. I will miss you. Best wishes to all of your future endeavors.' 'Oh lord. Im crying walking out the door to school drop-off,' added someone else. He's been hard at work filming his new drama about the origin of the Guinness Empire. But James Norton enjoyed some well-deserved downtime to catch up with his pal Jack Farthing, as the pair grabbed a coffee together in north London on Saturday. The actor, 39, cut a casual figure as he headed out for a stroll with the Poldark star, 38, with the pair struggling to contain their laughter during the outing. James wore a relaxed white T-shirt and green cargo trousers, with Jack opting for similar ensemble as they chatted while enjoying their coffee together. Filming for James' latest project, by Steven Knight, began last month, with the actor seen on set in Liverpool while filming fight scenes. James Norton enjoyed some well-deserved downtime to catch up with his pal Jack Farthing, as the pair grabbed a coffee together in north London on Saturday The actor cut a casual figure as he headed out for a stroll with the Poldark star with the pair struggling to contain their laughter during the outing James wore a relaxed white T-shirt and green cargo trousers, with Jack opting for similar ensemble as they chatted while enjoying their coffee together Netflix has now announced who will join James in the cast of the hotly anticipated show, The House Of Guinness. The Happy Valley actor will be joined by famous faces including Jack Gleeson who played Game of Thrones villain Joffrey Baratheon, and Fionn O'Shea who starred in Normal People as Daisy Edgar Jones' love interest Jamie. Others who have already been announced as part of the cast of the new series, written by Peaky Blinders creator Steven Knight, include Olivia Rodrigo's boyfriend Louis Partridge. The star-studded cast also contains Masters of the Air star Anthony Boyle, Emily Fairn who recently starred opposite Martin Freeman in The Responder, Niamh McCormack, Seamus O'Hara and Irish actress Dervla Kirwan. Michael McElhatton and Danielle Galligan are also set to star with David Wilmot, who was cast alongside Florence Pugh in The Wonder, and Hilda Fay to complete the line up. The show's creator said he was delighted with the star-studded cast. He said: 'I am thrilled that we have such an exceptional cast and such an exceptional team to tell this story inspired by an exceptional family' House Of Guinness was written by Steven Knight, who is currently also working on the Peaky Blinders film. James has been working on his role in Steven Knight's latest drama, House Of Guinness, which tells the history of the family behind the famous brewery The series will chronicle the extraordinary success of the family behind the famous Irish brewery, which was founded back in 1759 by Arthur Guinness Netflix announced the series - which will explore the history of the family behind the famous brewery - back in March. The series will chronicle the extraordinary success of the family behind the famous Irish brewery, which was founded back in 1759 by Arthur Guinness. But behind the story of wealth and prosperity lies a tragic tale of seemingly endless misfortune for the family. From Tara Browne, who died following a car crash in South Kensington, to scandalous affairs and divorces and the tragic drowning of Honor Uloth aged just 19 in 2020, the family seems to have been dealt a series of devastating blows. The personal losses faced by the Guinnesses have become so infamous that the company is thought to be 'cursed', despite holding a fortune of over 900million today. Lord Moyne, Walter Edward Guinness was an Anglo-Irish politician and businessman - but for many he marks the true start of the Guinness curse. The Guinness family member was a close friend of Winston Churchill, with the two becoming political allies. He served as the British minister of state in the Middle East until November 1944, when he was assassinated by the terror group the Stern Gang in Cairo. Lady Henrietta Guinness jumped off a bridge in Umbria, Italy, in 1978 after never recovering from an Aston Martin car crash in the French Riviera. James first rose to fame with his role as Sidney Chambers in the ITV drama Grantchester, and has since appeared in War and Peace, The Nevers and The Trial of Christine Keeler He enjoyed a well-deserved break from his busy schedule to chat with his pal Jack She is known to have said once: 'If I had been poor, I would have been happy,' seeming to reference the idea that the lives of the Guinnesses have been marred by misfortune and tragic circumstance. The legacy of Henrietta's death was followed by another example of the curse that same year - as four-year-old Peter Guinness tragically died in a car crash. Creator Steven commented: 'The Guinness dynasty is known the world over wealth, poverty, power, influence, and great tragedy are all intertwined to create a rich tapestry of material to draw from. 'I've always been fascinated by their stories and am excited to bring the characters to life for the world to see.' Ana de Armas is starring in the new John Wick spinoff Ballerina. And on Thursday a first look of the highly anticipated neo-noir action thriller was shared. In the fast-paced clip, Ana can be seen as a child with a bloodied face before she is recruited by Ian McShane to train at an elite assassin academy under a demanding instructor portrayed by Sharon Duncan-Brewster. Toward the end of the clip, Keanu Reeves is seen as John Wick as he confronts Anna's martial arts proficient ballerina. Ballerina, which was directed by Len Wiseman and written by Shay Hatten, is set to be released on June 6, 2025. Ana de Armas is starring in the new John Wick spinoff Ballerina. And on Thursday a first look of the highly anticipated neo-noir action thriller was shared Toward the end of the clip, Keanu Reeves is seen as John Wick as he confronts Anna's martial arts proficient ballerina The Blonde actress plays the role of ballerina-assassin Rooney in the movie. She is joined in the cast by Reeves, McShane, Anjelica Huston, Norman Reedus, Catalina Sandino Moreno, and Gabriel Byrne. Anjelica will be reprising her role as The Director in the project. The star appeared as the head of the Ruska Roma crime organization in John Wick: Chapter 3 Parabellum during a scene where a beleaguered John Wick came to her for help. Reeves has had a long John Wick run. The star started his work on the first John Wick film in 2014, which was about a legendary assassin who comes out of retirement to track down the gangsters that killed his dog and took his car after the death of his wife. The Blonde actress plays the role of ballerina-assassin Rooney in the movie Keanu starred in John Wick: Chapter 4 in 223. The star started his work on the first John Wick film in 2014, which was about a legendary assassin who comes out of retirement to track down the gangsters that killed his dog and took his car after the death of his wife By the end of its theatrical run, the first film had grossed $43 million in North America and $45.7 million in other territories for a total of $88.8 million worldwide. Due to the film's success, it was turned into a franchise with John Wick: Chapter 2 being released in 2017 and John Wick: Chapter 3 - Parabellum being released in 2019. John Wick: Chapter 4 came out in 2023. Keanu has become very well-known in Hollywood for his work in action movies. He has starred in Point Break, Speed, and all four of The Matrix movies. In January 2023 Ana said her body was battered by combat scenes with Keanu. 'We've been in Prague filming for four months. We still have one more month to go. And I'm in pain. You know, my body, my back, everything hurts. I'm complaining, I'm sore, I'm bruised,' she said while on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon. In January she said her body has been battered by combat scenes with Keanu The star was no stranger to stunts after appearing in the James Bond film No Time To Die. But she admitted that Ballerina is on 'another level' compared to her brief appearance in the 007 flick although she is grateful to be working with The Matrix actor. Ana said: 'Bond was fifteen minutes. This is a whole movie, another level. 'But the other day, Keanu and I were rehearsing our very difficult stunt scene, and this man is just rolling and throwing me and doing crazy stunts. 'And I'm like I can't complain anymore because he is doing it! He truly is the best.' Tilda Swinton pledged her support for war-torn Gaza as she attended a photocall for her new film The Room Next Door at the San Sebastian Film Festival on Thursday. The actress, 63, cut an elegant figure in a stunning black satin gown as she posed for snaps to promote her role in the film, which translates from its Spanish title La Habitacion De Al Lado. Tilda exuded glamour in her quirky black gown adorned with black beaded detailing, and a voluminous skirt. Accessorising her outfit with a matching fan, she completed her outfit with a badge with the words SOS Gaza, as the country remains shattered by its ongoing conflict with Israel. More than 1.9 million of Gaza's 2.4 million people have been displaced in the nearly year-long conflict, according to the United Nations. Tilda Swinton, 63, pledged her support for war-torn Gaza as she attended a photocall for her new film The Room Next Door at the San Sebastian Film Festival on Thursday The actress completed her outfit with a badge emblazoned with the words SOS Gaza The actress cut an elegant figure in a stunning black satin gown as she posed for snaps to promote her role in the film, which translates from its Spanish title La Habitacion De Al Lado Israel's campaign in Gaza has killed more than 41,500 Palestinians and wounded more than 96,000 others, according to the latest figures released on Thursday by the Health Ministry. The ministry's count does not differentiate between civilians and combatants, but more than half the dead have been women and children, including about 1,300 children under the age of two. Israel launched its campaign in Gaza, vowing to destroy Hamas after its attack on October 7, during which militants killed around 1,200 people and took about 250 others hostage. It blames civilian deaths in Gaza on Hamas, because the group's fighters operate in residential areas and use civilian infrastructure. The Room Next Door, distributed by Warner Bros, is scheduled to hit UK theatres from October 25. Tilda leads as Martha alongside Julianne Moore as Ingrid - who was not in attendance of the event on Thursday - but earlier made a stylish appearance at Milan Fashion Week. The drama/comedy deals with the rift between Martha (Tilda), a very imperfect mother and war correspondent, and her resentful daughter, as well as with the former's relationship with author Ingrid (Julianne). The cast also includes acting legend and filmmaker John Turturro, Face/Off star Alessandro Nivola, Esther McGregor, Alex Hgh Andersen, and Alvise Rigo. Tilda exuded glamour in her quirky black gown adorned with black beaded detailing, and a voluminous skirt Tilda and the film's cast also showed their support for Gaza with matching badges (L-R Raul Arevalo, Vicky Luengo, director Pedro Almodovar, Melina Matthews and Juan Diego Botto) After posing for snaps on the red carpet, Tilda took to the stage to accept the Donostia Award The Room Next Door is scheduled to hit UK theatres from October 25 Tilda leads as Martha alongside Julianne Moore as Ingrid - who was not in attendance of the event on Thursday - but earlier made a stylish appearance at Milan Fashion Week The drama/comedy deals with the rift between Martha (Tilda), a very imperfect mother and war correspondent, and her resentful daughter, as well as with the former's relationship with author Ingrid (Julianne) The cast also includes acting legend and filmmaker John Turturro, Face/Off star Alessandro Nivola, Esther McGregor, Alex Hgh Andersen, and Alvise Rigo This is actually the filmmaker's second Golden Lion Award, which follows the honorary one he received in 2019 A native of Calzada de Calatrava, Spain, Almodovar's many directorial credits include the Festival selections Women On The Verge Of A Nervous Breakdown (1988), Talk To Her (2002), Bad Education (2004), Volver (2006), Broken Embraces (2009), Julieta (2016), and Pain and Glory (2019). In 2023, he received the Impact Media Award, which recognizes leadership in creating a union between social impact and cinema, at the TIFF Tribute Awards. While the ladies were doing their part in promoting the film at the Toronto International Film Festival, the filmmaker was basking in all the glory of taking home the Golden Lion Award at the 81st Venice International Film Festival at Palazzo del Cinema in Venice, Italy, Variety reports. This is actually the filmmaker's second Golden Lion Award, which follows the honorary one he received in 2019. The two-time Academy Award winner thanked both Tilda and Julianne during his largely Spanish-language acceptance speech. 'This is my first movie in English but the spirit is Spanish,' the director revealed during that passionate speech. The Room Next Door is then scheduled to be released theatrically in Spain on October 18. Kylie Jenner flaunted her hourglass physique as she made a busty first appearance at this year's Paris Fashion Week for the Schiaparelli show alongside her chic sister Kendall. The businesswoman and model, 27, - who regularly attends the haute couture house's shows - wowed on Thursday night in a figure-hugging black dress. The black and white number featured a perilously low-cut neckline and white criss cross detailing in the halterneck design. She boosted her height with a pair of towering black heels and wore her brunette tresses in a perfect bouncy blow dry. The Keeping Up With the Kardashians star accessorised perfectly with gold bracelets and opted for a natural makeup look. Kylie Jenner flaunted her hourglass physique as she made a busty first appearance at this year's Paris Fashion Week for the Schiaparelli show She was seen alongside her sister Kendall as they attended the show together on a sister's night out The businesswoman and model, 27, - who regularly attends the haute couture house's shows - wowed on Thursday night in a figure-hugging black dress Meanwhile Kendall, 28, covered up in a long trench coat as she left the show arm in arm with Kylie. Earlier in the day Kylie and Kendall headed out in Paris amid the city's Fashion Week. The sisters looked stylish as they arrived for lunch at Zeffirino restaurant, which serves traditional Italian cuisine. Kylie put on a racy display in a perilously short brown miniskirt and went braless in an undone shirt. Kendall, 28, meanwhile looked elegant in a structured blue blazer and matching pencil skirt. Model Kendall has made a triumphant return to Paris, walking on the catwalk for L'Oreal earlier this week after overcoming her crippling anxiety. The supermodel has been notably absent from the catwalk during both the earlier London and Milan fashion weeks this season, walking only in the Alaia show in New York at the beginning of the month. However, Kendall proved she is still a force to be reckoned with as she stormed the runway alongside icons including Heidi Klum, Eva Longoria and Cara Delevingne. The show marked Kendall's catwalk debut for her new blonde locks, which she first revealed a couple of weeks ago after undergoing a hair transformation. The black and white number featured a perilously low-cut neckline and white criss cross detailing in the halterneck design She boosted her height with a pair of towering black heels and wore her brunette tresses in a perfect bouncy blow dry The Keeping Up With the Kardashians star accessorised perfectly with gold bracelets and opted for a natural makeup look She gave a friendly wave as she arrived for the show - which is a catwalk event that she regularly attends Meanwhile Kendall, 28, covered up in a long trench coat as she left the show arm in arm with Kylie Model Kendall completed her look with dark shades and a pair of grey trousers and shiny black shoes Model Kendall has made a triumphant return to Paris, walking on the catwalk for L'Oreal earlier this week after overcoming her crippling anxiety They both looked in great spirits as they headed out after the fashion show held amid Paris Fashion Week German fashion blogger and model Caroline Daur wore a striking white dress The off the shoulder number was teamed with a textured coat and quirky bag Influencer Leonie Hanne wore a leggy black number Artist Nadia Lee Cohen wore a gold dress and huge hat The sister catch up comes after they headed to Rosalia's birthday party with Gigi Hadid on Wednesday night. Kylie also shared an Instagram snap of her look following the festivities. She was pictured back at her hotel holding a plate of pasta as she posed for a mirror selfie. '1am. Paris. Pasta.' she wrote over the image. Kendall also shared a snap from her hotel with her pal Fai Khadra. He looked dapper in a white suit as he posed with the Vogue cover girl. Meanwhile birthday girl Rosalia, who turned 32, had all eyes on her in a white cropped T-shirt and a ballerina tutu as she departed the celebration. Naomi Campbell was reduced to tears as she was honoured at the French Ministry of Culture after her Fashion For Relief charity came under fire on Thursday. The supermodel, 54, was the epitome of chic in a black and white striped dress as she attended the award ceremony for the Insignia of Knight Of The Order of Arts And Letters. For the prestigious event, Naomi, who was seen shedding a tear during her acceptance speech, wore a 2020 couture Chanel floor-length gown, which featured a high-neck collar and diamante buttons. She added inches to her statuesque frame as she slipped into a pair of black satin heels. After being awarded the green ribbon medallion, she posed confidently alongside French Minister of Culture Rachida Dati. Naomi Campbell was reduced to tears as she was honoured at the French Ministry of Culture after her charity came under fire on Thursday The supermodel, 54, was the epitome of chic in a black and white striped dress as she attended the award ceremony for the Insigna of Knight Of The Order of Arts And Letters She was also seen flashing a smile as she caught up with David Guetta's ex-wife Cathy, who looked stunning in black leather. The Order of Arts and Letters is an Order of France, established on 2 May 1957 by the Minister of Culture. Its purpose is the recognition of significant contributions to the arts, literature, or the propagation of these fields. French government guidelines state that citizens must be at least thirty years old, respect French civil law, and have 'significantly contributed to the enrichment of the French cultural inheritance' to be considered for the award. At the event, Naomi tearfully said: 'To my family, you are my foundation and I thank you for your unwavering support. 'I've also made a chosen family in this business of fashion, where some would say that we're very fickle. I can tell you that's not true. 'To the mentors and collaborators who have guided me, your confidence in me has been invaluable. 'To the designers, photographers, stylists, hair and makeup artists who have brought visions to life, your artistry has shaped my career and I'm profoundly grateful. Merci Beaucoup. For the prestigious event, Naomi, who was seen shedding a tear during her acceptance speech, wore a 2020 couture Chanel floor-length gown, which featured a high-neck collar and diamante buttons She added inches to her statuesque frame as she slipped into a pair of black satin heels After being awarded the green ribbon medallion, she posed confidently alongside French Minister of Culture Rachida Dati She was also seen flashing a smile as she caught up with David Guetta's ex-wife Cathy, who looked stunning in black leather At the event, Naomi tearfully said: 'To my family, you are my foundation and I thank you for your unwavering support' Her appeance comes after she was disqualified as a trustee after an investigation into her Fashion For Relief charity uncovered 'serious mismanagement' 'And to the aspiring models and creatives of our colour who have reminded me every day of the importance of representation and staying true to ourselves and yourself. I share this recognition with you. 'The Order of Arts and Letters represents a legacy of creativity and encouraging recipients to use their voices and spotlights. 'I pledge to continue this tradition, to use my platform to champion diversity in the arts, to elevate emerging talents and to advance the exchange of culture that is so vital in today's society. 'I stand here, not just as Naomi Campbell the model, but as Naomi the advocate, the collaborator and most importantly, the grateful human being. 'Thank you for this honour. I want to give my heartfelt thanks to everyone who has shared this journey with me. 'I'm proud to be part of this legacy and I'm appreciative to this country and the Order of Arts and Letters.' Her appearance comes after she was disqualified as a trustee after an investigation into her Fashion For Relief charity uncovered 'serious mismanagement'. Mail On Sunday revealed that official accounts showed that it spent more than 1.6million on a glittering gala in Cannes, but gave just 5,000 to good causes over a 15-month period. The Charity Commission confirmed in April that it had removed the supermodel's charity from the UK charity register while it continued its investigation into allegations of misconduct. And today the Commission published the report of its statutory inquiry into Fashion For Relief, concluding the charity was poorly governed and had inadequate financial management. Naomi was disqualified from being a trustee for five years, former colleagues Bianka Hellmich for nine and Veronica Chou for four. The Charity Commission confirmed in April that it had removed the supermodel's charity from the UK charity register while it continued its investigation into allegations of misconduct Naomi played a prominent role in catwalk shows staged on behalf of her Fashion For Relief charity - seen here during London Fashion Week in September 2019 The model founded the charity in 2005, saying she had been inspired by her friend Nelson Mandela telling her to 'use [her] voice' for good. The organisation claimed to have raised more than 11million, mostly through glitzy fundraising events held all over the world, including in New York, Mumbai and Moscow. Naomi would take centre stage at the galas, appearing in showstopping designer gowns, and was honoured by the British Fashion Council for her services to and achievements in the fashion industry in 2019. But concerns were raised in 2021 about how much money was being passed on to people in need after the Mayor's Fund for London lodged an official complaint, saying that it was owed 50,000 by the charity. The Mayor's Fund, which helps young Londoners from low-income backgrounds, filed a 'serious incident' report with the Charity Commission, which announced a statutory inquiry in November that year. The commission said on Thursday that as a result of its investigation, more than 344,000 had been recovered and used to make donations to two other charities and settle Fashion For Relief's outstanding liabilities. The inquiry found that between April 2016 and July 2022, just 8.5 per cent of the charitys overall spending was on charitable grants. It also said it found some fundraising expenditure to be misconduct or mismanagement by the charity's trustees. This included a 12,300 flight from London to Nice in 2018 for transferring art and jewellery. It also looked into the decision to spend 7,800 of charity funds on a three-night stay at a five-star hotel in Cannes, France, for Naomi. In these cases, the trustees 'failed to show how these were cost-effective and an appropriate use of the charity's resources', the Charity Commission said. The inquiry saw no evidence trustees had reviewed the charitys operating model to ensure fundraising methods were in the organisation's best interest and that costs were reasonable relative to cash brought in. And it also found some of the charitys fundraising expenditure was not reasonable. The supermodel, pictured on the red carpet at the Fashion for Relief show at London Fashion Week in September 2019, has now been disqualified as a charity trustee for four years Among those at the Fashion For Relief event at the Cannes Film Festival in May 2018 were (left to right) Maria Borges, Bella Hadid, Naomi Campbell, Winnie Harlow and Natalia Vodianova The charity had held fundraising events for the Save the Children Fund and the Mayors Fund for London. The inquiry found that the trustees of Fashion for Relief 'failed to manage these partnership arrangements'. The commission also said unauthorised payments totalling 290,000 for consultancy services had been made to trustee Ms Hellmich, which was in breach of the charitys constitution. And the charitys funds were held and applied on its behalf by external professional advisors rather than in a dedicated bank account in Fashion For Relief's name. According to news from Russia's digital ministry, alphabet's Google has imposed new restrictions on Russian users: creating new accounts is prohibited. The news comes years after pressure from Moscow has been mounting, where Google has been denounced for not taking down content banned by the Russian government. The search engine giant is also recently in trouble for suspending several YouTube channels linked to Russian media and public figures in the wake of Russia's invasion of Ukraine. Google Sanctions Against Russian Users Google has taken a new account creation measure as part of its spectrum of actions launched against the backdrop of the heightening of Russia's geopolitical crisis over its policies toward Ukraine. Without Google saying anything about the latest development, the ministry said that the SMS confirmations used in two-factor authentication might be disrupted for users. This means there is a chance of disruption to the functionality of accounts already in existence. As per Reuters, the ministry advised its users to take backup copies of their data and seek other means of accomplishing two-factor authentication or change to domestic applications so that they would not lose either access to their accounts or the services. Long-running Feud between Google and Russia This is not the first time Google has faced criticism; however, it's certainly not been long in being exposed to criticism from the Russian side for several years. Indeed, after the invasion of Ukraine, the Russian state has barely stopped demanding Google remove content and block channels that make a case for the narrative of the state. The most drastic response came from Google: it suspended its AdSense accounts in Russia and blocked over 1,000 YouTube channels, of which most are state-sponsored media channels. The policy change that marked a significant shift for Google was when it opted to stop serving ads to Russian users. Furthermore, Google's decision to halt content monetization, deemed to either condone or exploit Russia's war on Ukraine, demonstrated a policy change. By limiting access to its services, Google has contributed to the deepening digital divide between Russian and Western platforms. Russian Users Facing Slowdowns and Service Interruptions Recent months have seen complaints from Russian users of significantly slower access to Google's YouTube, still, the resource most widely employed in the country. Russian lawmakers have accused Google of slowdowns because the company has refused to upgrade its equipment and pointed to the high speed of access to local content as a confirmation of claims about its reluctance to upgrade its equipment. Anyhow, YouTube is one of the most important sources of information for many Russians, so further restrictions on this platform could be a devastating blow to access to global content. Read Also: #TechTimesLifeHack: How to Use YouTube Like a Pro Using These Essential Keyboard Shortcuts Exploring Alternatives for Russian Users In trying to pass on stricter policies, Google is nudging Russian users toward alternatives for video and social networks. The growing divide in the digital landscape is forcing Russia to adopt homegrown alternatives that do not have to depend on Western tech companies. Still, future repercussions from this shift are unknown as global players like Google tie the user's link with the leading internet ecosystem. Meanwhile, Russians should act on ways to protect their data better and, when prompted, be ready to use alternative authentication modes to gain further access to their current Google accounts. Future developments are as fluid as they are; further steps may be imposed depending on the outcome of the ongoing geopolitical struggle. Related Article: Google Accuses Russia of Using Stolen Spyware Exploits From NSO, Intellexa Dave Grohl's wife Jordyn Blum is leaning on her close pals and finding comfort in her friendships following her husband's infidelity. On Thursday, the 48-year-old actress enjoyed an outing and caught up with a friend at a cafe in Encino. After having lunch together, Blum and her pal were pictured sharing a comforting hug. This comes after the Foo Fighters frontman, 55, went public and disclosed that he fathered a child with another woman outside of their 21-year marriage. Earlier this month, it was also revealed that a major Hollywood star has been consoling Blum and was 'disgusted' by Grohl's actions. Dave Grohl's wife Jordyn Blum is leaning on her close pals and finding comfort in her friendships following her husband's infidelity. On Thursday, the 48-year-old actress enjoyed an outing and caught up with a friend at a cafe in Encino For her outing, Blum put on a casual display in a stylish athleisure ensemble. She sported a gray racerback tank top paired with a high-waisted, black miniskirt. She also carried a gray zip-up hoodie in her arm and was seen toting a red leather purse as they exited the cafe. For their lunch plans, Blum opted for a makeup-free look and threw up her platinum blonde hair into a messy updo. She also sported a pair of all-black, cat-eye sunglasses for their outing during the sunny day. She wore no other accessories, and most notably, her hands were free of any rings at all. This comes after her husband of over two decades whom she married in 2003 revealed that he had been unfaithful and fathered a child with another woman outside of their marriage. She and Grohl share three daughters: Violet Maye, 18, Harper Willow, 15, and Ophelia Saint, 10. After having lunch together, Blum and her pal were pictured sharing a comforting hug For her outing, Blum put on a casual display in a stylish athleisure ensemble. She sported a gray racerback tank top paired with a high-waisted, black miniskirt This comes after her husband of over two decades whom she married in 2003 revealed that he had been unfaithful and fathered a child with another woman outside of their marriage; pictured February 2016 in Hollywood She and Grohl share three daughters: Violet Maye, 18, Harper Willow, 15, and Ophelia Saint, 10; pictured February 2023 in Los Angeles On September 10, Grohl took to Instagram to announce the bombshell that he cheated on his wife and fathered a secret love child. He said he wished to mend his marriage with his wife as he commits to being an active parent to his new child; pictured June 2021 in New York City On September 10, Grohl took to Instagram to announce the bombshell that he cheated on his wife and fathered a secret love child. He said he wished to mend his marriage with his wife as he commits to being an active parent to his new child. 'I've recently become the father of a new baby daughter, born outside of my marriage,' he admitted in his post. 'I plan to be a loving and supportive parent to her. I love my wife and my children, and I am doing everything I can to regain their trust and earn their forgiveness,' he wrote. 'We're grateful for your consideration toward all the children involved, as we move forward together.' Rebel Wilson, 44, will be getting married this weekend, DailyMail.com has learned. The comedienne plans to say 'I do' with her 40-year-old fiancee Ramona Agruma in Sardinia, a large Italian island in the Mediterranean Sea. 'Rebel is really excited to be getting married to the love of her life, she is absolutely thrilled,' said a source. 'It is going to be stunning and super romantic. She is madly in love and can't wait to be wed.' The women were supposed to get married next year but Rebel moved up the date, DailyMail.com reported earlier this month. 'Rebel doesn't want to wait any longer, she is happy to marry this month because she is very much in love with Ramona and wants to be wed,' said a source. 'It will be a small ceremony with close friends and family, and also very elegant,' the insider added. Rebel Wilson , 44, will be getting married this weekend, DailyMail.com has learned. The comedienne plans to say 'I do' with her 40-year-old fiancee Ramona Agruma in Sardinia, a large Italian island in the Mediterranean Sea; seen in 2023 'Rebel is really excited to be getting married to the love of her life, she is absolutely thrilled,' said a source. 'It is going to be stunning and super romantic. She is madly in love and can't wait to be wed' In the past she has said she wanted to wed in 2025 on the beach. The Pitch Perfect actress has daughter Royce Lillian, almost two. Rebel came out as queer in June 2022. She shared the news on Instagram: 'I thought I was searching for a Disney Prince but maybe what I really needed all this time was a Disney Princess.' The star recalled how she challenged herself to date 50 men, before she fell in love with a woman. On her dating history, the blonde beauty said: 'I was a late bloomer in love, so dating was something I felt very, very shy about going on dates. That's why in 2019, when I was really single I realized I need to go on more dates!... 'I did my own little experiment, when I dated like 50 men - not at the same time - but anyone who asked me out, I had to say yes. I got more and more comfortable dating. I did lose my virginity late compared to a lot of people - 35 years old.' In the memoir, she divulged that she didn't lose her virginity until she was 35. 'Rebel doesn't want to wait any longer, she is happy to marry this month because she is very much in love with Ramona and wants to be wed,' said a source; seen September 14 Rebel first met Ramona in 2021, and they announced their engagement in February 2023 The women were supposed to get married next year but Rebel moved up the date Rebel then explained that she had shared the detail in the hopes that it will help young people because 'not everybody has to lose their virginity as a teenager.' She said: 'People can wait till they're ready or wait till they're a bit more mature... 'And I think that could be a positive message. You obviously don't have to wait until you're in your thirties like me, but you shouldn't feel pressure as a young person'. In the past, she even lied about having had sex just to not have to talk about it. Rebel first met Ramona in 2021, and they announced their engagement in February 2023. Rebel confirmed news of Rebel in a gushing social media post at the time. 'Beyond proud to announce the birth of my first child, Royce Lillian, born this past week via surrogate,' she wrote. Actress Michelle Williams could be your landlord if you have a cool $35,000-per-month to spend to live in her historic mansion in Brooklyn. The Brokeback Mountain actress, 44, recently listed her 6,500-square-foot property, which is often referred to as 'The Tara of Prospect Park South, for rent, according to Realtor.com. Her future renter will have full access to the five-time Oscar nominee's residence which is frequently compared to the pillar-covered mansion in the 1940 film, Gone with the Wind. The gorgeous estate, which was built in 1910 and meticulously restored, has eight bedrooms, six full bathrooms as well as a two-story porch and cinematic pilasters and columns. Its original architectural details include a grand staircase, formal living room and a library with floor to ceiling bookshelves. Actress Michelle Williams could be your landlord if you have a cool $35,000-per-month to spend to live in her historic mansion in Brooklyn According to the listing on Compass, Williams' home is situated on a sprawling corner parcel 'on arguably the most beautiful street in New York.' The fully furnished property has 23 rooms, a breathtaking foyer, a formal living room with an oversized bay window, huge kitchen island with marble countertops and a gym room with a Peloton treadmill, exercise mats and massage table. Williams bought the estate for $2.5 million in 2015. The contact agent is Laura Rozos. The property can be toured by appointment only. She worked with Matiz Architecture and Workstead Design to restore and renovate the property to maintain its 'stunning original detail.' A year before making the purchase, she sold her Boerum Hill townhouse for $8.8 million. Williams bought the home, where she lived with former fiance Heath Ledger, back in 2005 for $3.6 million. The Brokeback Mountain actress, 44, recently listed her 6,500-square-foot property, which is often referred to as 'The Tara of Prospect Park South, for rent, according to Realtor.com Her future renter will have full access to the five-time Oscar nominee's residence which is frequently compared to the pillar-covered mansion in the 1940 film, Gone with the Wind The gorgeous estate, which was built in 1910 and meticulously restored, has eight bedrooms, six full bathrooms as well as a two-story porch and cinematic pilasters and columns Its original architectural details include a grand staircase, formal living room and a library with floor to ceiling bookshelves Ledger passed away in 2008 at age 28 following an accidental overdose. Williams and Ledger welcomed their daughter, Matilda Rose Ledger, in 2005. The former couple famously met on the set of Brokeback Mountain and dated for three years, before ultimately splitting in 2007, just five months before his tragic death. In 2020, she and her husband, Thomas Kail, bought a $10.8 million townhouse in Brooklyn Heights together. Williams and Kail share two kids, one born in 2020 and their youngest in 2022. Although they confirmed their eldest is a little boy named Hart, they have yet to reveal their second's gender or moniker. According to the listing on Compass, Williams' home is situated on a sprawling corner parcel 'on arguably the most beautiful street in New York.' The fully furnished property has 23 rooms, a breathtaking foyer, a formal living room with an oversized bay window, huge kitchen island with marble countertops and a gym room with a Peloton treadmill, exercise mats and massage table Williams bought the estate for $2.5 million in 2015 Last month, reports surfaced that her and Ledger's daughter was planning to spend time in Australia with her late father's family. Matilda, 18, who currently resides in the U.S. and was raised by her mother Michelle Williams, is considering enrolling at an Australian university, reported Woman's Day. A source told the outlet Matilda was considering a move to Australia but intends to put off commencing her tertiary studies for an entire year so she can travel. A source said the teenager wants to spend a 'gap year' travelling the world before starting her studies. She worked with Matiz Architecture and Workstead Design to restore and renovate the property to maintain its 'stunning original detail' A year before making the purchase, she sold her Boerum Hill townhouse for $8.8 million Her father's home country is said to be a major destination of note for Matilda. 'She'll also be spending a large chunk of time in Australia. She always feels closest to her dad when she's there and loves nothing more than hearing his childhood stories from all his family,' the source said. The insider also claimed Matilda is considering remaining in Australia to pursue her studies. 'She may even decide to study in Australia, although she does seem to have her heart set on several colleges in New York for now,' they added. Chloe Madeley is set to jet off on holiday with her estranged husband James Haskell, her father Richard has revealed. The couple - who share two-year-old Bodhi together - confirmed they had split in a joint statement released in October last year, after tying the knot in 2018. But Richard, 68, has revealed that despite the end of their marriage, Chloe, 37, and James, 39, are in a 'very happy uncoupling' and said he has staying on friendly terms with his former son-in-law. He told The Sun: 'Chloe is very happy, she and James are going to France together, they have a very happy uncoupling. 'It's a very civilised relationship we see a lot of James, he's at the house quite a lot, either with Chloe or without.' Chloe Madeley is set to jet off on holiday with her estranged husband James Haskell , her father Richard has revealed Richard has revealed that despite the end of their marriage, Chloe and James are in a 'very happy uncoupling' and said he has staying on friendly terms with his former son-in-law 'I go for a drink with him from time to time. It's all good. It's a very civilised divorce. The co-parenting is going really well.' It comes after Chloe opened up on the difficulties of navigating co-parenting with her ex-husband James Haskell. Last month, she revealed to Closer Magazine that they do not always agree on parenting styles and get into arguments over their differing opinions. She admitted: 'We have always found a way to do it but it's not always great. We have really hard times with it sometimes. 'We also still argue- there is no denying that and it will probably be this way forever.' Chloe went onto insist however, that no matter how hard it may get between them, they have agreed not to weaponise Bodhi or use her as a bargaining tool. And despite their 'tricky' episodes, she added that there are days were they can be 'very good friends'. Chloe revealed in January that the former rugby player, 39, finally moving out of their home. The couple - who share two-year-old Bodhi together - confirmed they had split in a joint statement released in October last year, after tying the knot in 2018 The daughter of Richard Madeley and Judy Finnigan and former rugby player James, 39, confirmed they had split in a joint statement last year, after a decade together. The couple who had starred in their own ITV reality show Chloe Madeley: A Family Affair, announced: 'Chloe and I mutually decided separate at the end of September, 2023. 'We had not planned on releasing a statement at this time - certainly not while the television show was airing - but constant speculation about our marriage has, unfortunately, forced our hand. 'Beyond this statement, we will not be speaking about this matter publicly, and we would request privacy at this time. 'Our sole focus now is our beautiful daughter. We shall continue to co-parent with nothing but love.' Sharing his own statement to Instagram, James added: 'It's with a lot of sadness I write this post, but unfortunately, in the world we live in, it has to be done. Last month, she revealed to Closer Magazine that they do not always agree on parenting styles and get into arguments over their differing opinions 'My priority is my daughter's and Chloe's happiness and security. For that reason, I won't be commenting any further.' They first fuelled split speculation earlier that autumn, after Chloe was spotted without her wedding ring while partying with friends - shortly after James was pictured chatting to a mystery blonde outside a London nightspot. In May, Chloe opened up about how her separation from her estranged husband 'was f***ing awful' as she gave an insight into the break down of their relationship. She admitted the pair broke up as they both wanted their relationship to 'stop being awful' and 'miserable'. The couple still live together in their north London home and are often spotted together with Bodhi as they try to make the break-up as amicable as they can for their little girl. But despite their friendliness causing some fans to think they'll get back together, Chloe insisted that they have both moved on from their marriage. She added that she expects the former England player to find someone soon. She said: 'It'll probably happen for James long before it happens to me, if it hasn't already. I'm waiting for the conversation to happen at some point.' Hoda Kotb is starting a new chapter in the tiny village of Bronxville, just 15 miles north of Midtown Manhattan following her shock departure from the Today show. On Thursday morning, the 60-year-old veteran journalist revealed her plans to give up her fast-paced and busy lifestyle in New York to provide her two daughters Haley, seven, and Hope with a quieter upbringing in Westchester County. It has since been revealed by Realtor.com that the television personality, who has been a staple of the Today show for nearly two decades, quietly purchased a $2.89 million home in one of Americas most affluent suburbs at the end of April. The median home sales price in Bronxville, which has a population of approximately 6,000, is $2.325 million. The mother-of-two's new 4,000-square-foot home, which was built in 1952, is complete with a spacious backyard, four bedrooms, five bathrooms, a chefs kitchen and vaulted ceilings. Hoda Kotb is starting a new chapter in the tiny village of Bronxville, just 15 miles north of Midtown Manhattan following her shock departure from the Today show; seen in 2022 Another perk of the property is its close proximity to nearby schools and parks. In addition to giving her girls more space, Kotb's primary bedroom is 765 square feet and has a ensuite spa bathroom, according to the home's listing. Over the summer, the home-building company, EC Builders Inc., shared a post revealing they recently finished renovating the property. 'A couple of months ago we were asked to complete a near impossible task to give a face-lift to one of our distinguished clients,' the company wrote. 'Together with Rona Schloss Design, EC Builders was able to complete a remodel project just on time for Hoda Kotb, and her family to get settled in with a couple of weeks to spare at the end of the summer. We are so grateful and appreciative to have had the opportunity to work with Hoda and Rona Schloss Design to complete this project.' Kotb explained her decision to leave Today was influenced by her desire to spend more quality time with her kids. 'I was thinking that they deserve a bigger piece of my time pie that I have,' she said on Thursday's live show. 'I feel like we only have a finite amount of time. And so, with all that being said, this is the hardest thing in the world.' Previously, she and her daughters, who she shares with her ex-fiance Joel Schiffman, were living on the Upper West Side. Now, Kotb says 'everything changed' for their family. It has since been revealed by Realtor.com that the television personality, who has been a staple of the Today show for nearly two decades, quietly purchased a $2.89 million home in one of Americas most affluent suburbs at the end of April 'I have a whole new town and a whole new school and all the new things,' she said. She continued: 'We went for our first day of school, I carried a coffee, and I [was wearing] sneakers, and I walked my kids to school like normal people. It was awesome.' Kotb's new neighborhood previously was ranked number eight on Bloombergs list of Americas 100 Richest Places in 2018. While speaking about the town to the New York Times, one resident described Bronxville as 'not flashy or fancy' but 'bustling all day.' 'Everybody walks, even children, yet we are half an hour from Grand Central,' another noted. The mother-of-two's new 4,000-square-foot home, which was built in 1952, is complete with a spacious backyard, four bedrooms, five bathrooms, a chefs kitchen and vaulted ceilings Additionally, Bronxville is known for its award-winning school system and having two college campuses. Both Sarah Lawrence and Concordia are located in Bronxville. She's been a fixture at the Fashion Week calendar for many years. And Kate Moss made another stylish appearance as she departed The Ritz Hotel in Paris on Thursday. The model, 50, cut a chic figure in a fun printed blazer embroidered with strawberries as she headed into the French capital for another Fashion Week appearance. Kate teamed the stylish blazer with a black blouse with an oversized necktie, embroidered trousers and heels. The former Topshop mainstay has already made a string of stylish appearances during Fashion Week, including the Saint Laurent party, where she was joined by Rosie Huntington-Whitley and Amelia Gray Hamlin. Kate Moss, 50, showed off her signature sense of style as she departed The Ritz Hotel in Paris on Thursday The model cut a chic figure in a fun printed blazer embroidered with strawberries as she headed into the French capital for another Fashion Week appearance Paris Fashion Week runs from September 23 to October 1, with a string of major designers choosing the City of Light to showcase their next collections. L'Oreal kicked things off on Monday with a star-studded runway featuring the likes of Kendall Jenner, Heidi Klum, Eva Longoria and Cara Delevingne. Tuesday saw Dior welcomed Anya Taylor-Joy and Rosamund Pike to the FROW before Saint Laurent was the highlight of the evening calendar. The third day offers up Courreges and Mugler presentations while Thursday will see the spotlight on Hermes and Giambattista Valli. On Friday, Victoria Beckham will be supported by her A-list friends as she unveils her next ready-to-wear looks, with Rick Owens and Balenciaga also showcasing collections that day. Valentino and Stella McCartney will also be hot tickets before French fashion house Louis Vuitton closes the week with its glitzy show. Kate soared to fame as the world's most iconic supermodel after he shot her renowned Calvin Klein campaign in 1993. His book features intimate portraits of a young and undiscovered Kate, shot in the early 1990s. Kate teamed the stylish blazer with a black blouse with an oversized necktie, embroidered trousers and heels The former Topshop mainstay has already made a string of stylish appearances during Fashion Week, which concludes on Tuesday October 1 The photographer, now 52, was 19 when he began a romance with Kate, revealing the model 'swept him away' and felt like his 'heart stopped' when he first met her at a Wella hair photoshoot back in 1991. Speaking of their two-year relationship in an interview with the Telegraph, Mario said in 2018: 'We modelled together, travelled together, it was fun and innocent- a time of discovery for both of us, it just felt right. Talking about her lengthy career, he added: 'She turned from a gorgeous kid into a beautiful woman but its much more than that, she can embody and become anything.' 'You know, she has this strange depth, I dont know how to explain it, but when you photograph her, you dont just get her, the model, you get something that goes further, beyond. Kate was just 19 years old when she starred in the iconic Obsession campaign posing nude for the adverts, with the couple splitting shortly afterwards. Kate previously put on a showstopping display in a black velvet blazer and a dramatic frilled skirt as she attended the Saint Laurent show on Monday In an interview with Nick Knight, Kate previously spoke about working with her former flame. She said: 'When youre in a relationship with a photographer and they start abusing that relationship of being like, "I want you to do this, I want you to do that". Kate then revealed that living with Mario's mother, Francesca Sorrenti, at the time helped her come to grips with her new surroundings, as the Croydon native moved to New York for work. She said: 'Thank goodness I was living with her and not in some model apartment. Because New York is a hardcore place!' Despite travelling the world, she said she hasn't forgotten her roots, and quipped: 'Because Im from Croydon, if you get above your station somebody will f***ing knock you down.' General Motors is recalling 18,235 commercial vehicles in the United States over an issue with brake lines. The recall covers certain Chevrolet Express Cutaway and GMC Savana Cutaway models between 2013 and 2019, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration said on Thursday. Body mounts on these trucks may be too close to the brake lines - the tubes that carry brake fluid. These lines can get damaged by repeated contact with the body mounts knocking against them. Brake fluid can then leak out and lead to the brakes not working - increasing the risk of a crash. Dealers will inspect and replace the brake line as necessary, the NHTSA said in the recall. The recall involves about 11,960 Chevrolet Express Cutaway models over brake line fears General Motors s recalling 18,235 commercial vehicles . The recall involves certain Chevrolet Express Cutaway and GMC Savana Cutaway models between 2013 and 2019 'The brake line may have insufficient clearance to the body mounts, which can result in brake line damage that can lead to a brake fluid leak,' the auto safety regulator said. The recall involves about 11,960 Express models and about 6,360 Savana units. Owners will be notified by letters expected to be mailed November 4. Ahead of that, they can contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020, or GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782. GM's number for this recall is N242466950. Owners may also contact the NHTSA at 1-888-327-4236, or go to www.nhtsa.gov. General Motors issued another recall last month - for its Cadillac brand. Nearly all of Cadillac's all-electric Lyriq SUVs are being recalled by over a potentially catastrophic problem with their brakes. The recall covers 2023 and 2024 all-wheel drive models, amounting to 21,469 vehicles in total. Other automakers have also been forced to issued recent recalls over serious safety concerns. In August Ford and Mazda warned the owners of 477,000 older vehicles in the US not to drive them because they have killer air bags. The Takata bags explode with excessive force - and hurl metal fragments at drivers and passengers, safety regulators said. The cars are part of the biggest ever recall in the US. More than 400 Americans have been injured and 27 killed by the airbags, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) said. Southwest Airlines said Thursday that it plans to end the open-boarding system it has used for more than 50 years. It will start flights with passengers sitting in assigned seats during the first half of 2026 as the company remodels the airline to in hopes of boosting profits. But the company vowed to continue allowing passengers to check two bags for free, describing the policy as 'the most important feature by far in setting Southwest apart from other airlines.' CEO Robert Jordan and other Southwest executives gave details about the airline's future transformation at an investor meeting in Dallas. Shares in the airline were up 6 per cent in afternoon trading. The airline plans to reserve a third of seats on its flights for passengers who would pay a premium to get up to five extra inches of legroom - and provide a source of more revenue. Southwest Airlines is axing its open seating but has said it will continue to allow passengers to check two bags for free The changes to some of Southwests quirky habits are designed to reverse its slumping stock price and to fend off hedge fund Elliott Investment Management that could cost Southwest leaders their jobs. It has been a busy week for the airline. On Wednesday, Southwest said it is cutting almost a third of its flights to and from Atlanta in a cost-cutting bid. The changes will cut more than 300 pilot and flight attendant jobs from Atlanta, but there will be no job losses. Staff will have to relocate to another hub. That schedule change came two days after bosses warned that the company will have to make some 'difficult decisions' under a plan to restore profits. The loss of flights at Atlanta is not as drastic as other changes in April, when Southwest axed flights to four airports and fired 2,000 staff. Southwest is desperately trying to cut costs as it battles Elliott Investment Management, a powerful hedge fund that has amassed a ten percent stake in the carrier. Elliott is demanding measures to cut costs and boost profits. Southwest first said it would ax its popular open seating policy in the summer - but only revealed fuller details today. The airline said it expects to begin selling assigned seats just like all other airlines in the second half of 2025 and launch flights under the new model in the first half of 2026. The open-boarding system it has used will disappear, and passengers will get to pick their seats in advance, just like on all the other big airlines. Southwest says its surveys show that 80 percent of its customers now want to know their seat before they get to the airport instead of having to search for open seats when they board the plane. As part of the switch, the airline will have four airfare tiers - with customers paying more extra for so-called premium seats that offer more convenience or comfort. Southwest officials told investors that focus groups and surveys revealed a strong customer desire for the ability to personalize their flight experiences in accordance with their budgets. The airline said it expects the premium product to appeal to business travelers. The introduction of assigned and premium seating also will require some changes to how passengers board planes before takeoff. In the past, Southwest customers were assigned their places in boarding lines based on when they checked in and then left to scramble for their preferred places on planes. The system had become less democratic over time as Southwest let people pay extra to guarantee early spots. The airline said that in the future, boarding groups no longer will be based on check-in times and its 'most loyal customers and those who purchase premium seating' will receive priority. But the airline made clear it would continue to allow passengers to check two bags for free. There have been fears about the future of the 'bags fly free' perk. Elliott is demanding it is ditched, saying that charging for baggage will bring in tens of millions of dollars in revenue. A report out earlier this year showed how airlines including Delta, United and American pocketed a staggering $33.3 billion from just baggage fees last year - a sharp 15 percent rise from $29 billion in 2022. Wall Street has long argued that Southwest is leaving money behind. But Southwest has built years of advertising campaigns around bags-fly-free. Taking away that perk could change the airline's DNA as much as - or maybe more - than dumping open seating. The airline said doing away with its policy 'would drive down demand and far outweigh any revenue gains created by imposing and collecting bag fees.' The carrier has already pulled passenger-friendly policies like open seating, as it attempts to fend off changes demanded by activist Elliott Investment Management The new steps will be announced during an investor day in Dallas, as investors like Elliott look to oust CEO Bob Jordan and instill a new board with its own nominees Southwest has been contemplating an overhaul for months, but the push for radical change became even more important to management this summer, when Elliott Investment Management targeted the company for its dismal stock performance since early 2021. Elliott is fighting to oust CEO Bob Jordan and instill a new board with its own nominees. Southwest, which once boasted a record 47 consecutive years of profit prior to the pandemic, is currently struggling to regain sustained profitability. Shawn Cole, a founding partner of executive search firm Cowen Partners, whose firm has worked for other airlines but not Southwest, believes Southwest is too insular and should follow the recent examples of Starbucks and Boeing and hire an outsider as CEO. He thinks many qualified executives would be interested in the job. 'It would be a challenge, no doubt, but Southwest is a storied airline that a lot of people think fondly of,' Cole said. 'If Boeing can do it, Southwest can do it.' The board of global energy giant bp plc is holding its meeting in India, reflecting the importance of the country and its confidence in the opportunities it presents, the firm said on Wednesday. The board of bp began a 5-day visit on September 23, holding board sub-committee meetings as well as meeting government leaders and business partners. In between, it will hold its full board meeting. This is the second time that the bp board is holding its meeting in India. The firms board had visited India in May 2013, two years after the firm spent USD 7.2 billion in buying a 30 per cent stake in 23 oil and gas blocks of Reliance Industries Ltd. Just like 2013, the bp board met Oil Minister Hardeep Singh Puri over dinner on Tuesday evening, flew to Gadimoga in Andhra Pradesh for a visit to the landing point of gas produced from deepsea in Krishna Godavari basin, and will meet partner Reliance Industries officials in Mumbai. It will also visit bps global business services centre in Pune. In 2013, the bp board including the then chairman Carl-Henric Svanberg and then CEO Bob Dudley dined with the then Oil Minister M Veerappa Moily and partner Reliance Industries officials including chairman Mukesh Ambani, visited their flagship KG-D6 fields in Bay of Bengal and called on the then President Pranab Mukherjee. The 5-day visit of the bp board reflects bps significant and growing presence in India and its commitment to further develop its businesses in and with the country, the company said in a statement on Wednesday. Recognising Indias key role in global energy demand, during their visit the board will also hold meetings with the Indian government and bps business partners, as well as visiting key bp India locations. The statement, however, did not elaborate on the meetings or the venue of the board meeting. On meeting Petroleum Minister Hardeep Puri, bp chair Helge Lund commented, bp is committed to working closely with the government of India to support its changing energy needs. By leveraging our combined experience and expertise with our partners, we aim to facilitate the secure, affordable, and lower carbon growth of Indias energy resources to meet the increasing demand. Bp chief executive Murray Auchincloss added: There is huge potential for bp to work even more closely with India. We see growing business opportunities, including through our world-class partnership with Reliance (Industries Ltd), producing the countrys gas and growing our joint retail presence. In turn, Indias highly skilled engineering and scientific talent can help us deliver our targets more effectively, efficiently and rapidly. Kartikeya Dube, bps Head of Country said, India is an important part of bps strategy as we transform into an integrated energy company. Building on the century-old legacy with India through our Castrol brand, our presence across the gas value chain, mobility retail businesses and our global business and technology centre, we expect to grow a material business here, and help support Indias aspiration for energy independence by 2047. Days after low-cost carrier SpiceJet raised Rs 3000 crore from institutional investors, the airline promptly cleared pending salary dues estimated to over Rs 80 crore. It is believed that the beleaguered low-cost airline will use much of the remaining funds to settle dues with a host of creditors from leasing companies to airports. However, even if much of the funds the airline has raised will go towards clearing dues, the fact is that SpiceJet did successfully manage to raise this large sum of money. This is despite the airline having to face a litany of problems and constantly being dragged to the courts by everyone from the previous owners, the Maran family of the Sun Group to various leasing firms. In fact, just last week the Supreme Court upheld a Delhi High Court order mandating the return of three engines used by the airline on their Boeing 737 aircraft. With leasing companies asking the airline to pay up, and taking their aircraft away, the airline is down to just having 21 operational aircraft according to website airfleets.net. This is a precipitous decline from the halcyon days of the airline before Covid when the airline had almost five times as many aircraft in its fleet and was the first Indian operator of the Boeing 737 MAX aircraft. However, the one-two punch of the coronavirus shutdown and the grounding of the Boeing 737MAX fleet worldwide following two deadly disasters almost knocked the airline out. But this is not a time to dwell on the past, the fact is that despite difficult odds the airline has managed to raise a large sum of money from Qualified Institutional Placement (QIP) with institutions such as Morgan Stanley, Goldman Sachs, BNP Paribas, Nomura and Tata Mutual Fund subscribing to the issue. The quality of investment is a very positive indicator of the future prospects of the airline. SpiceJet has a lot to do, first and foremost to regain the confidence of employees, service providers and most importantly customers. They can do this by becoming more reliable and offering more services. Due to issues with leasing companies, the airline has been forced to wet-lease temporary aircraft from airlines in Cambodia and Turkey. They should now concentrate on operating their own fleet and by repaying dues owed to leasing firms, rebuild their confidence in SpiceJet as a reliable airline. There is now talk of the airline growing to 100 aircraft by the end of 2026. If this fructifies, it is a welcome move as the Indian aviation sector needs the competition as the domination of IndiGo and Air India/Air India Express leave customers with little choice. This duopoly needs to be challenged, and SpiceJet was a capable third player in the sector. Now, however, they will have to deal with increased competition from the likes of Akasa. That said, the growth prospects for the Indian aviation sector are extremely high. Between January and June 2024, domestic air traffic numbered 79.35 million passengers, which was a growth at 4.28 percent from the same period last year. The growth could have been higher still had it not been for the collapse of Go First last year and persistent engine problems with Pratt&Whitney GTF engines plaguing IndiGo leading to almost a quarter of their fleet grounded. If SpiceJet can get their act together, and there is no reason to doubt that they cant after the fund-raise, the Indian aviation sector could easily grow to 250 million passengers per year by 2028. Pec Signs MoU with PSPCL Patiala: Punjab Engineering College (Deemed to be University), Chandigarh, signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Punjab State Power Corporation Limited (PSPCL) today, aimed at fostering technical support and research collaborations. Inter-College Youth Festivals from September 28 Amritsar: Inter-College Cultural competitions, the Youth Festivals of Guru Nanak Dev University will be held from September 28, 2024. The Zonal Youth Festival will feature an array of performances and competitions, including music, dance, art, and theater. GNDU participated in Science Summit AMRITSAR: Guru Nanak Dev University participated in Science Summit for the third time in a row with three online sessions under the leadership of Prof Jaspal Singh Sandhu, Vice Chancellor. GNDU among six institutes for AMRUT funded centre AMRITSAR: Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs has selected Guru Ramdas School of Planning, GNDU as AMRUT funded centre of Urban Planning for Capacity Building. NGEL Inks JV Agreement with MAHAPREIT NEW DELHI: NTPC Green Energy Limited, entered into a Joint Venture Agreement (JVA) with Mahatma Phule Renewable Energy and Infrastructure Technology Ltd. (MAHAPREIT) on 25th September 2024. SRM Hospital OPENS Tobacco Cessation Centre Kattankulathur: SRM Medical College Hospital & Research Centre (SRM SKMCH&RC) has inaugurated a Tobacco Cessation Centre at its Kattankulathur location. The center, located at the Psychiatry OPD (C-1/37), First Floor, C Block, will operate from Monday to Saturday, 8 AM to 2 PM. Government High School Khataraye Kalan Renamed AMRITSAR: The Punjab government has approved the renaming of government schools to honor prominent freedom fighters and martyrs, aiming to commemorate their sacrifices for the country's independence. GNDU organised orientation workshop AMRITSAR: An orientation workshop for college eco-club in-charges from seven districts was organized by the College Development Council, Guru Nanak Dev University under the Environment Education Programme. By boosting productivity, promoting sustainability and reducing environmental impact, these technologies offer a pathway for sustainable future As the global population heads toward an estimated 10 billion by 2050, the agricultural sector faces mounting pressure to significantly increase food production. For India, with its vast and diverse agricultural landscape, this presents a critical challenge. Traditional farming methods alone will not be enough to meet the needs of a growing population while also addressing the threats posed by climate change, dwindling natural resources and the imperative for sustainable practices. In this context, agri-tech, the convergence of technology and agriculture, offers a transformative pathway forward. By integrating cutting-edge digital technologies into farming, India has the potential to enhance productivity, sustainability, and resilience. This article explores how these emerging technologies are reshaping the agricultural sector in India, positioning it to meet the demands of the future. Agriculture at a Crossroads : For decades, agriculture has been the backbone of India's economy, employing over 50 per cent of the workforce and contributing significantly to GDP. However, the sector is now facing unprecedented strain. The growing population, along with environmental challenges such as erratic weather patterns, water scarcity, and soil degradation, has placed the industry at a critical juncture. The traditional methods of farming are no longer sufficient to meet the increasing demand for food while preserving the environment. This is where agri-tech comes into play, providing innovative solutions that can transform Indian agriculture by improving efficiency and promoting sustainable practices. Precision Agriculture: Data-Driven Farming: One of the most promising advancements in agri-tech is precision agriculture, which leverages technologies such as GPS, IoT sensors, and drones to optimise farming operations. By gathering and analysing real-time data on factors like soil health, weather conditions, and crop growth, precision agriculture enables farmers to make informed decisions. This approach helps in the efficient use of water, fertilisers, and pesticides, minimising waste and environmental harm while maximising crop yields. In India, the adoption of precision agriculture is accelerating. According to the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR), these techniques have the potential to increase yields by 15-25 per cent while reducing input costs by 10-15 per cent. The precision agriculture market in India is expected to grow significantly, from USD 57.6 million in 2020 to USD 124.2 million by 2025. Government initiatives like the Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana (PMKSY) for water conservation and the Soil Health Card Scheme for better fertiliser management are further driving this growth. AI and Machine Learning: Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML) are also playing a crucial role in modernising Indian agriculture. By analysing vast amounts of data from satellite imagery, weather forecasts, and historical crop performance, AI algorithms can predict potential problems like pest outbreaks and suggest the best times for planting. AI-powered platforms are already being used to predict pest infestations and optimise pesticide use, potentially reducing the need for harmful chemicals by up to 30 per cent. Ensuring Transparency: Blockchain technology is emerging as a revolutionary tool in agricultural supply chains. By offering a decentralised ledger for recording transactions, blockchain ensures transparency, reduces fraud, and promotes fair trade practices. For farmers, suppliers, and consumers alike, blockchain provides verifiable information about the origin and journey of food products, ensuring adherence to sustainability standards. The blockchain market in India's agriculture and food supply chain is expected to grow at a CAGR of 47.8 per cent, reaching USD 289 million by 2027. IoT and Smart Farming: The Internet of Things (IoT) is revolutionising how farmers monitor and manage their crops. IoT devices, such as soil moisture sensors and weather stations, provide real-time data on environmental conditions, allowing for better decision-making in the field. For example, smart irrigation systems can adjust water usage based on real-time data, saving water and improving crop health. The IoT in agriculture market in India is projected to reach USD 634.5 million by 2027, growing at a CAGR of 12.5 per cent. Use ofDrones: Equipped with high-resolution cameras and sensors, drones provide farmers with detailed aerial imagery of their fields. This helps in identifying issues such as nutrient deficiencies, pest infestations, and water stress. Farmers can then take targeted actions, reducing waste and environmental damage. The use of drones in Indian agriculture is expected to grow substantially, with the market anticipated to reach USD 108 million by 2025. (The writer is chief growth officer with Arahas Technologies; views are personal) Quad summit focused on maintaining peace in the Indo-Pacific region as its top priority Prime Minister Modis high-profile visit to the US this week reiterated the salience of US-India bilateral, underscored by several key decisions with a clear focus on the future of this 21st century partnership. This visit by the Indian PM, coming after his trips to Russia and Ukraine, points towards a multi-pronged approach, where India is willing to have diplomatic engagements at the highest level, keeping its national interests sacrosanct. That PM Modi and President Biden have found a mutual friendship framework, despite the Indian PM having held a political roadshow of sorts with his predecessor in the Oval Office, is a signal to the large world, that the US-India bilateral has bipartisan support. The Quas leaders summit, Modis rockstar concert-style engagement with the Indian diaspora and his meeting with top CEOs from the technology sector in the US, all point towards an escape velocity having been achieved by the US and India, with no scope of a look back. China was the invisible elephant in the room, at the Quad leaders summit. The statement from the Quad summit without naming an aggressive, maritime international law violator, China, mentioned 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 destabilising 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. 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 centre of the Quads efforts. While Quad is not a defence partnership like NATO, the presence of a global superpower, China with its coercive maneuverers in the entire Indian Ocean region, bore heavily on the leaders during the summit in Delaware. Delhi, Delaware (President Bidens hometown), Syndey, and Tokyo are keenly watching the international waters, and violations by China have been reported. The leaders announced Today we are announcing a new regional Maritime Initiative for Training in the Indo-Pacific (MAITRI), to enable our partners in the region to maximise 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. 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. China would continue to be a key concern for Quad leaders, and would perhaps serve as the super glue closely packing these four countries, with major interest in the Indo-Pacific region in a tighter embrace. The next Quad leaders summit is likely to be hosted by Delhi, where a new US president is likely to be the key guest of honour. Given that ex-President Trump had encouraged the Quad grouping and President Biden has elevated it to leaders summit, it is safe to assume that QUAD is here to stay. (The writer is a policy analyst; views are personal) Himachal Pradesh Minister Vikramaditya Singh was summoned to Delhi and reprimanded by the Congress brass over a controversial order issued by his department mandating food outlets across the State to display the name and address of their owners, which has however been withdrawn. Facing flak by the party high command the Himachal Pradesh Government on Thursday said no such decision has been taken. The State Government in a statement said it has not taken any decision that makes it mandatory for street vendors to display nameplates or other identification at their stalls. The development came as the Congress came under fire on social media as well as within the party over the move as it had criticised a similar move by the Uttar Pradesh Government during the Kanwar Yatra a few weeks back. Sources said Vikramaditya has been asked not to give controversial remarks on this matter. Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge was upset with Vikramaditya. The Himachal Urban Development Ministrys order came under criticism from Congress leader TS Singh Deo, who called it a reprehensible and discriminatory move. BJP leader Jai Ram Thakur on Thursday said Singh must stick to his words. If Vikramaditya Singh has talked about implementing vendors policy on the pattern of Uttar Pradesh, he should stick to his words, Thakur, who is Leader of the Opposition in the Himachal Pradesh Assembly, said. Last week, Himachal Pradesh Assembly Speaker Kuldeep Singh Pathania constituted a seven-member committee headed by Industries Minister Harshwardhan Chauhan for the framing of a policy for Street Vendors, according to a statement. The decision to register outside workers with their identity came following massive protests weeks ago for the demolition of alleged unauthorised portions of a mosque in Sanjauli. Demonstrations were held across the state by Hindu outfits, who demanded workers coming from outside to work in Himachal Pradesh be registered. Citing alleged incidents of spitting and mixing of urine in eatables, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath had on Tuesday ordered operators, proprietors, and managers of food stalls to mandatorily display their names and addresses at their shops. He also ordered that chefs and waiters must wear masks and gloves, and made mandatory that CCTV cameras be mounted in hotels and restaurants. The Central Bureau of Investigation has reasons to believe that a section of Kolkata Police officials had tried to create fake documents in the Kolkata lady doctor rape and murder case. In its remand letter submitted before Court of Additional Chief Judicial Magistrate, Sealdah the CBI has said that the officials at Tala Police Station which has jurisdiction over the RG Kar Medical College and Hospital where the August 9 rape and murder took place had tried to create and alter certain documents that could change the direction of the case. Hearing a writ petition the Calcutta High Court had transferred the case to the CBI following allegations that the Kolkata Police was trying to suppress facts. While seeking an extended remand for former Officer in-charge of Tala Police Station Abhijit Mondal and arrested former RGKMCH Principal Sandip Ghosh the CBI has told the Court that some additional facts had surfaced during the investigation of the two accused persons. During custodial interrogation of both the accused persons, new/ additional facts have emerged to the effect that some false records pertaining to the instant case were created/ altered in the police station, the CBI letter said. The agency also told the court that the CCTB footages of the said police station had been confiscated and handed over to the Central Forensic Laboratory for analysis. The parents of the victim had also alleged similar things before the media. We had told repeatedly how we were given three versions of sudden illness, suicide and then death over telephone before we rushed to the hospital then in the hospital we were made to sit for three hours while her mother literally held their feet to let her see her daughters face once, said the father of the victim. The ordeal did not end there as the old parents were made to sit in the Tala Police Station for more than an hour and were repeatedly monitored while they wrote the FIR. They also forcefully cremated my daughter without our wishes as we wanted to get a second postmortem conducted as the autopsy was done post sundown defying the general protocol in the Kolkata Police manual, they alleged. Incidentally, the postmortem was done not on the request of a DCP but that of a sub-inspector, a letter recovered by the CBI showed. The CBI has been trying to find out who was instructing Mondal and also who was instructing the person and who was instructing the arrested police officer and for what reason, sources said adding everything will become clear in the coming weeks when the call details and forensic reports come up. Both Ghosh and Mondal were arrested by the CBI on charges of tampering evidence whereas prime accused Sanjoy Das was arrested by the Kolkata Police for perpetrating the rape and murder of a post graduate lady doctor of Chest Medicine Department of the Hospital. Though Ghosh has been arrested for tampering evidence, the CBI is not ruling out his culpability in the original crime, inside sources said adding the investigators were also working on additional inputs that have come up from the initial analysis of the former Principals mobile tower locations. According to sources, Ghoshs tower location was in and around the hospital in the wee hours of August 9 when the crime took place. Besides, some video footages allegedly found in the mobile phone of the victim also have increased suspicion on Ghosh, sources said adding, the victim doctor was not simply raped and murdered but he might have been raped and murdered as a part of a larger plan to eliminate her because she had come to know about some secret and was coming in the way of something very serious and illegal that was being done by these people. Sources said that the victim had even once approached Ghosh with some complaints on how some illegal acts including distribution of spurious and below quality drugs were taking place inside the hospital. The Principal had allegedly asked her to stop being too much inquisitive about things lest her career got ruined. Meanwhile, Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Thursday held a long meeting with the top Health Department officials including the principals of the 33 medical colleges, the Chief Medical Officers and members of the police force with a view to improve the health infrastructure of the State including the security network as was being demanded be the junior doctors. We discussed and took decisions on several issues including installation of CCTVs, construction of washrooms and restrooms in hospitals and conducting security audits from time to time we have earmarked Rs 100 crore for improvement of security infrastructure, the Chief Minister said. A day before the Delhi Universitys Student Union (DUSU) polls, Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP) workers participated in a cleanliness drive while National Students Union of India (NSUI) demanded that the administration and the Delhi Police to ensure fair and transparent conduct of the elections on Thursday. A blame game also erupted between the student unions as the ABVP alleged that students were being taken to a party organised by the NSUI where they got injured in road accident. Meanwhile, NSUI claimed that it is a false allegation and they hadnt organised any party. It is ABVPs cheap tactic to defame us. Our manifesto is an answer to their allegations and we follow Lyngdoh committee rules and regulations, the student outfit said in a statement. Earlier, ABVP has alleged that NSUI was luring students of Sister Nivedita College of Delhi University to Mojoland Water Park in Murthal, Haryana for a party on Thursday, when an accident took place on the way in which two students were seriously injured and other students were also injured. The seriously injured students are admitted in a hospital in Dwarka area of Delhi for surgery, they stated. They condemned NSUI for playing with the safety of DU girl students and corrupting the student union elections by using money and power. ABVPs National Minister Shivangi Kharwal said, On Wednesday, NSUI goons forcefully entered Miranda House of Delhi University and then by luring the students of Sister Nivedita College, they took them out of Delhi without the permission of the college administration and the parents of the students, where the students got seriously injured in the accident. Addressing a press conference, Varun Choudhary, president of the Congress-affiliated NSUI alleged that people linked to the ABVP and RSS had been appointed electoral officers for the polls. "Individuals previously associated with the ABVP are now serving as election commissioners that can influence the election results," Choudhary said. To maintain the integrity of the election process, proctors with ties to the RSS should also be barred from election duty, he said. The Congress-backed organisation, however, expressed confidence that it would win this year's elections and claimed that the NSUI's vision addressed key issues for students such as fee hikes, infrastructure deficiencies and women's safety. Moreover, ABVP panel appealed to the students to vote 100 percent in the Delhi University Students Union elections to be held on September 27 and stated that it trended on social media. The party expressed its excitement about the elections and stated that it is confident of winning all four seats. Its workers also cleaned the campus by running a cleanliness drive in the North Campus of Delhi University. ABVP National General Secretary Yagyavalkya Shukla said, DUSU elections are a festival for the students of Delhi University. To make this festival a success, we appeal to the students of Delhi University to vote 100 percent. Samajwadi Party president Akhilesh Yadav on Thursday, attacked the Bharatiya Janata Party-led Central government after Indias apex drugs regulatory body found that samples of around 50 drugs were of substandard quality, and asked what action has been taken. The Central Drugs Standards Control Organisation has reportedly found that samples of around 50 drugs, including that of widely-used paracetamol, pantoprazole and some antibiotics for treating bacterial infections, were of substandard quality. In a post on X, Yadav said, Todays corrupt BJP government should answer, will taking such medicine cure or make you sick? As long as BJP keeps collecting donations from companies, the business of low-quality medicines will continue. Will any action be taken even after this report or will the matter be hushed up by increasing the rate of donations. This BJP game of playing with the lives of the public is not good. Condemnable! the former chief minister of Uttar Pradesh said. On 24 September, Nagpur rural police claimed to have busted an interstate racket involving distribution of counterfeit medicines and arrested three people in this connection. The racket operated across Maharashtra and neighbouring states Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Jharkhand and Haryana, they said. The accused supplied counterfeit versions of widely prescribed medical drugs such as Ciprofloxacin, Levofloxacin, Amoxicillin, Cefixime and Azithromycin under brand names of non-existent firms like Lab Evertouch Bio Remedies and M/s Ginx Pharmakon LLP, police said. | Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath stated on Thursday that the Bharatiya Janata Party is essential for development and security in Jammu and Kashmir. He stated, With the return of the BJP, PoK (Pakistan-occupied Kashmir) is set to become a part of India. UP Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath began his campaign for the Jammu and Kashmir assembly elections on Thursday. Yogi sought votes for Ramgarh candidate Devendra Kumar Maniyal, Vijaypur candidate Chandraprakash Ganga, Samba candidate Surjit Singh, RS Pura candidate Dr Narinder Singh Raina, Suchetgarh candidate Prof Gharuram Bhagat and Bishnah candidate Rajiv Bhagat. BJPs Jammu and Kashmir unit president Ravindra Raina joined Yogi Adityanath at the RS Pura rally. Due to inclement weather, Yogi Adityanath sent a message via mobile, urging voters to support BJP candidate Rajiv Sharma from Chhamb. During a public meeting in the Ramgarh assembly constituency, Yogi Adityanath asserted that Pakistan-occupied Kashmir will soon become a part of India with the BJPs return to power. He said, Pakistan is struggling to save democracy. Voices for separation are rising in PoK. If elections were conducted in Muzaffarabad alongside the Jammu and Kashmir polls, it would send a positive message. Balochistan itself is stating that its chemistry does not align with Pakistan, as Pakistan is a cancer to humanity, and the world should aim to eradicate it. Yogi highlighted the significant benefits provided by the Indian government, stating that 80 crore people in India receive free ration, 60 crore are covered by health insurance of Rs 5 lakh per year, and 12 crore benefit from Kisan Samman Nidhi. He also mentioned that 10 crore poor people received toilets in their homes and another 10 crore received cooking gas cylinders under the Ujjwala Yojana. In Jammu and Kashmir, 2.75 lakh poor individuals benefited from the PM Awas Yojana. In contrast, he pointed out that in beggar Pakistan, people are struggling for food. Stating that Prime Minister Modi fulfilled Dr Syama Prasad Mookerjees dream by abrogating Article 370, Yogi remarked, The nursery of terrorism has come to an end. The Congress, PDP (Peoples Democratic Party) and National Conference had turned Jammu and Kashmir into a warehouse of terrorism, but with Narendra Modi as prime minister and Amit Shah as home minister, terrorism is on its way out, and stone pelters have vanished. Mentioning the contributions of Maharaja Hari Singh, Premnath Dora and Brigadier Rajendra Singh, Chief Minister Yogi emphasised that these heroes had transformed Jammu and Kashmir into a paradise on earth. However, he criticised the Congress, PDP and NC for allegedly turning the region into a hub of religious frenzy. Yogi stated, This election is an opportunity to teach them a lesson. Prime Minister Modi facilitated the construction of the Kartarpur corridor. While the Congress celebrated Pandit Jawaharlal Nehrus birthday as Childrens Day, Prime Minister Modi has chosen to commemorate Veer Bal Diwas on December 26, honouring the memories of Guru Gobind Singhs four Sahibzadas. This significant event is also celebrated in Uttar Pradesh on the same day. Yogi Adityanath highlighted the transformation of Jammu and Kashmir, stating, You have witnessed the new Jammu and Kashmir of the new India. This is no longer a terrorism state; it has emerged as an exceptional tourism destination. During the tenure of Congress, PDP and NC, one had to make appeals for hoisting the tricolour here, but now we host the G-20 Summit. He added: Previously, there were threats against the Amarnath yatra, and people from these parties would tremble at the thought. Now, people from across the country and the world come to visit Baba Barfani and Maa Vaishno. Yogi Adityanath criticised the opposition, saying, Congress, NC and PDP operate like private limited companies that should be shut down in politics. These parties failed to provide reservations for Dalits, Bakarwals and Paharis, and made no sincere efforts to integrate local castes into the mainstream. Those whose properties were seized in 1947 and those who migrated from Pakistan were denied citizenship. He further asserted, When Modi and Shah introduced the Citizenship Amendment Act, these parties opposed it vehemently. The 1990s marked a peak of sins committed by Congress, PDP and NC, during which Kashmiri Pandits faced brutal persecution. Instead of supporting them, these parties sided with terrorists. Only the BJP stood in solidarity with the suffering Kashmiri Pandits. Yogi Adityanath criticised former prime minister Jawaharlal Nehru for imposing Article 370. The exodus of Kashmiri Pandits is a consequence of Congress and Pt Nehrus policies, he remarked. The UP chief minister highlighted key infrastructure developments such as the Chenab Bridge, Zojila Pass and the Dr. Syama Prasad Mookerjee tunnel, as well as the introduction of the Vande Bharat Train between Delhi and Katra, asserting that these developments signify the progress of both the country and Jammu and Kashmir under BJP leadership. He stated, BJP and Modi embody the aspirations of both the nation and this region. Yogi Adityanath pointed out that despite Congress extended rule, the Ayodhya issue remained unresolved until the BJP took charge, leading to the peaceful construction of the Ram temple without any negative consequences. The temple was built without harming anyone. Mafias have been eliminated, ensuring safety for ordinary citizens. Congress, PDP and NC are the problem, while BJP is the solution. Congress misled the public with false promises and planted the seeds of terrorism, extremism, Naxalism, linguistic and regional divisions and casteism which weakened Hindus, he said. Continuing his criticism, Yogi Adityanath highlighted that during the Congress-led government at the Centre and its allies in Jammu and Kashmir, incidents of stone-pelting were rampant. He accused the opposition of prioritising personal interests over the welfare of the region, stating, These people had handed over guns to those who have tablets in their hands today. NC, PDP and Congress used to loot the funds of this region, spending eight months a year traveling through Europe and England. Yogi Adityanath reiterated that the BJP is committed to the principle of Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas, while firmly opposing any form of appeasement. He emphasised that the BJP is a symbol of security, good governance and development, asserting that wherever the BJP governs, a new model of development emerges. He declared that Uttar Pradesh has firmly established itself as a growth engine in the new India, reflecting the partys vision and dedication to progress. Yogi Adityanath posed a series of questions to Rahul Gandhi regarding the National Conferences proposal for a separate flag for Jammu and Kashmir, asking whether he supports this move. He questioned if Gandhi endorses the NCs demand to reinstate Articles 370 and 35A, which he argued would lead Jammu and Kashmir back into unrest and terrorism. He further asked if Congress backs the promotion of separatism through negotiations with Pakistan at the expense of Kashmirs youth and if they support the National Conferences decision to initiate LOC trade with Pakistan, which he claimed would foster cross-border terrorism. He continued: Does Congress endorse terrorism and unrest by providing government jobs to the relatives of stone-pelters and separatists? Congress appears to be showcasing an anti-reservation stance alongside the National Conference. While Prime Minister Modi has extended reservation benefits to Dalits, Gujjars, Bakarwals and Paharis, does Congress support the NCs proposal to abolish these provisions? Furthermore, he said, Does Congress wish for Shankaracharya Parvat to be referred to as Takht-e-Sulaiman, and Hari Parvat as Koh-e-Maran? Is Congress in favour of transferring Jammu and Kashmirs economy to a select few linked to Pakistan, effectively reverting it to a state of corruption? Additionally, does Congress support the NCs politics of discrimination between Jammu and the valley? Do Congress and Rahul Gandhi back the NCs divisive policies advocating for Kashmir's autonomy? Former Haryana Chief Minister and Leader of Opposition Bhupinder Hooda on Wednesday alleged that the BJP has an anti-constitution and anti-reservation mindset and ate away reservations of the Scheduled Castes (SCs) and Other Backward Classes (OBCs). Campaigning for the partys candidate Pooja Chaudhary in the Mulana Assembly constituency, Hooda slammed the BJP for its efforts to end reservations and reduce access to education. The BJP has looted the reservation of Dalits and backward classes by ending permanent jobs and implementing Haryana Kaushal Rojgar Nigam, he said at a public meeting in Barada. Similarly, by closing 5,000 government schools and handing over the government education system to private hands, the BJP has given the biggest blow to the reservation of the deprived classes. But now the time has come to curb this anti-constitutional policy of the BJP. This time the public has made up its mind to oust the BJP from power, Hooda added. Former CM said that this fight to save the Constitution and reservation is not only political for us but also personal because the Constitution made by Babasaheb Bhimrao Ambedkar, which gave reservation to the Dalits and backward classes, also has the signature of my father late Chaudhary Ranbir Singh Hooda. He had also worked as a member in the Constituent Assembly under the leadership of Babasaheb. Therefore, we will not let the anti-constitution and anti-reservation plans of the BJP succeed under any circumstances, the Congress leader said. Mayawati slams Rahul over his remarks on scrapping reservation Lashing out at the Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, BSP supremo Mayawati on Wednesday alleged that he was adopting double standards on the reservation system for the Dalits and backward classes. Addressing a rally organised by the INLD-BSP alliance to mark the 111 birth anniversary of former Deputy Prime Minister Chaudhary Devi Lal at Uchana Kalan in Jind, Mayawati projected Abhay Singh Chautala as the CM candidate and two deputy CMs, including one from the BSP, and other from backward or upper caste community. The BSP supremo went whole hog against Rahul, who in the US, said the Congress would think of scrapping reservations when India is a fair place, which he said was not the case right now. When he is in India and campaigns during elections, he changes his stand like a chameleon and claims that hes in favour of the reservation system, said the BSP supremo. This is a double-standard policy of the Congress. The Dalits need to teach the Congress a lesson. Constitutional rights were given by Dr Bhim Rao Ambedkar and not by the Congress, she said. To protect the Constitution, you should neither vote for the Congress nor for the BJP. Both parties have not cleared their views on the Supreme Courts August 1 judgment, which had mentioned ending creamy layer in the SC and put in a provision of sub-classification of quota system, she said. She said Dalits, Adivasis, Muslims and other communities were left behind in terms of development. Terming the Congress and the BJP as Jatiwadi parties, she said the Dalits and backward classes had not got full benefits of the reservation to date. The BJP and other parties are not filling vacancies in the states ruled by them as they want to convert them into the general category, she alleged. Punjab Govt releases Rs 2-cr for repair and maintenance of Ambedkar Bhawans Chandigarh: Punjab Government has allocated Rs two crore for the year 2024-25 for the repair and maintenance of Ambedkar Bhawans established in six districts of the state. Social Justice, Empowerment and Minorities Minister Dr Baljit Kaur on Wednesday said that under the Dr BR Ambedkar Bhawan Construction Scheme, approval has been given to release funds. Specifically, Rs 30 lakh for Amritsar, Rs 30.85 lakh for Ferozepur, Rs 50 lakh for Patiala, Rs 20.50 lakh for Sangrur, Rs 23.47 lakh for Faridkot and Rs 45.18 lakh for Roopnagar have been allocated for the Ambedkar Bhawans in these districts. Assuming Charge, Mundian outlines his commitment for pro-people initiatives Chandigarh: Sahnewal MLA Hardeep Singh Mundian on Wednesday assumed charge as the Cabinet Minister for Revenue, Rehabilitation and Disaster Management, Water Supply and Sanitation and Housing and Urban Development. He outlined his commitment to introduce pro-people initiatives within the public delivery system to enhance the functionality of the Revenue and Housing and Urban Development departments. Additionally, he aims to bolster the state's water supply and sanitation infrastructure for the betterment of all residents. Dr Ravjot Assumes Charge, presides over introductory meeting with Local Govt officials Chandigarh: Dr Ravjot Singh on Wednesday assumed the charge of his office as Punjab Cabinet Minister for Local Government and Parliamentary Affairs in the presence of Hoshiarpur Raj Kumar Chabbewal, his colleague Cabinet Ministers Aman Arora and Harbhajan Singh ETO, family members, party MLAs, and dignitaries. Dr Ravjot pledged to diligently discharge his duties and make a meaningful contribution to the government's initiatives aimed at promoting the state's welfare and development. He also convened introductory meeting with Local Government Department officials, and issued directions to compile a comprehensive status report on these projects, aiming to identify and resolve challenges promptly, and ensuring timely completion. Construction commences for School of Eminence in Kiratpur Sahib Chandigarh: Punjab Government has taken a significant step towards fulfilling a decades-old demand of the historic town of Kiratpur Sahib in Sri Anandpur Sahib Assembly constituency with the construction work on two new blocks for the School of Eminence beginning here. The states Public Works Department officials initiated these projects on Wednesday in the presence of local residents, said the state Education Minister Harjot Singh Bains. Kiratpur Sahib had been neglected for decades, and this development addresses a long-standing demand of the inhabitants of this historically and religiously significant town, he said. Delegation of 1158 Asst Profs, Librarians thanks CM Chandigarh: Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann on Wednesday reiterated the state governments firm commitment to ensure the well being of every strata of society. Mann, during a meeting with the delegation of 1158 Assistant Professors and Librarians, who had called on the Chief Minister to express their gratitude after the verdict of the Punjab and Haryana High Court, said that the State Government has made every effort to give relief to all sections of society. The delegation profusely thanked the Chief Minister for making every effort to bail them out from the legal tangle. Mann said that the State Government has evolved a foolproof mechanism for the entire recruitment process due to which not even a single appointment out of more than 45,000 have been challenged so far in any court. The Economic Offence Wing of Raipur has registered a case in the alleged Rs 2050 crore liquor scam in Chhattisgarh. Apart from the officials of Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand IAS and the then Excise Secretary Vinay Chaubey has also been accused in this case. The Inspector of EOW Raipur first investigated the matter on the statement of Vikas Singh, a resident of Argora police station area of Ranchi and then registered a case. Vikas Singh has accused Chhattisgarh officials including Chhattisgarh retired IAS official Anil Tuteja, Raipur Mayors brother Anwar Dhebar, Arunpati Tripathi and their syndicate of causing a loss of revenue worth billions of rupees to the Chhattisgarh government by committing the liquor scam. It has also been said in the allegations that this syndicate, in connivance with the officials of Jharkhand, changed the excise policy of Jharkhand and damaged the revenue of the government. It has also been said in the allegations that the officials of both the states together have also committed a scam in manpower supply. According to the allegations, several meetings have taken place between the officials of both the states from December 2021 to January 2022. It is noteworthy that earlier in April 2023, IAS Vinay Chaubey and Karna Satyarthi had recorded their statements in the Raipur office of ED regarding the liquor scam. ED is also investigating the Chhattisgarh liquor scam case. ED has lodged an FIR in ACB. The investigating agency found in its investigation that the scam was carried out during the tenure of the then Bhupesh government through an illegal syndicate of IAS officer Anil Tuteja, MD of Excise Department Arunpati Tripathi and businessman Anwar Dhebar. From the year 2019 to 2022, illegal liquor was sold from government liquor shops by affixing duplicate holograms, causing a loss of revenue worth crores to the government. It may be noted that in May this year, the Enforcement Directorate (ED) investigating the money laundering in the alleged Rs 2,161-crore liquor scam case in Chhattisgarh has attached Rs 15-crore worth properties of retired IAS officer Anil Tuteja, who was arrested on April 21. In all, the Central agency has attached movable and immovable properties worth Rs 205.49 crore, which also include 115 properties worth Rs 116.16 crore of another accused Anwar Dhebar, who is the brother of Raipur Mayor Aijaz Dhebar. The attached properties of Anwar Dhebar include Hotel Vennington Court in Raipur being run under the aegis of his firm A Dhebar Buildcon and a commercial building in the name of Accord Business Tower. CMPDI, RI-III, Ranchi signed a Memorandum of Agreement (MoA) with Ramakrishna Mission TB Sanatorium, Tupudana, Ranchi for providing Financial assistance of Rs. Rs 55.86 Lakhs for the procurement of Medical equipment as part of CMPDI Corporate Social Responsibility. Shri Jayant Chakraborthy, RD, RI-III, Ranchi and Shri Swami Satsanganand, Secretary, RK mission TB sanatorium signed the MoA. This initiative will augment diagnostic and treatment capabilities at the Ramakrishna Mission TB Sanatorium, which will benefit the Marginalized community located in and around Ranchi. It is peritent to mention here that, CMPDI under CSR has donated an Ambulance and installed Ultrasound Machine- Colour Doppler system facility at Ramakrishna Mission TB Sanatorium, Tupudana, Ranchi in 2022. In another development CMPDI, RI-III, Ranchi signed a Memorandum of Agreement (MoA) with Yathasambhav Prayas Sampurna Vikas (YPSV) to support the installation of 20 water coolers with Reverse Osmosis (R.O.) systems at 04 Panchayats of Ranchi district, Jharkhand. Jayant Chakraborthy, RD, RI-III, Ranchi and ndrajeet Kumar, Secretary, (YPSV) signed the MoA. This CSR initiative is aimed at enhancing access to safe drinking water. Water cooler will be installed at Makka Panchayat; Murupiri Panchayat; Chakme Panchayat (Burmu Block); Boreya Panchayat (Kanke Block) panchayats of Ranchi District, Jharkhand: Through this Initiative, CMPDIL is committed to improving the quality of life in these communities as part of its ongoing efforts under Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR). The ghost of the Vyapam scam returned to haunt the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party in Madhya Pradesh on Wednesday, coaxing the Opposition Congress to demand the resignations of two top party functionaries. Controversy erupted soon after the state government issued directives for the annulment of the services of 45 transport constables in the wake of Supreme Court directives that sought their ouster due to alleged irregularities in their recruitment. Prompt in its response, the Congress immediately pounced on the opportunity and sought the resignations of former Chief Minister and incumbent Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan and Jagdish Devda, the current Deputy Chief Minister in the state. Leading the Opposition charge, former PCC chief Arun Yadav and former party spokesperson KK Mishra had a field day reviving the controversy that had claimed national headlines after it came to light in 2012. The annulment of the services of the transport constables was ordered by the Hon'ble Court in directives issued in August 2023 and April 2024. On Wednesday, the transport secretary issued directives annulling the services of the 45 transport employees in adherence to the orders of the Supreme Court. The Congress has consistently maintained that the recruitment of 198 transport constables in 2012 was riddled with irregularities and has repeatedly targeted the BJP state government with allegations of impropriety and corruption in the process.The BJP, on the other hand, has been equally vocal in refuting the Congress claims and has stuck to its stance, saying the recruitment process was fair and in accordance with the regulations. Now, with the Supreme Court directing the state government for the annulment of services, the Congress is seeking an explanation from the ruling party. Mishra, who currently serves as media advisor to PCC chief Jitu Patwari, said that the state government has to explain why the annulment of services was sought by the SC when it had submitted before the courts that the recruitments had followed due procedures. Then PCC chief, Arun Yadav, too sought to revive the issue by highlighting the steps taken by the Congress party to corner the state government over the alleged recruitment scam.The Vyapam controversy was certainly one of the biggest issues in the Congress arsenal against its arch-rival, the BJP, but many in the state capital believe that the Opposition has failed to capitalize on the issue due to deft handling by the ruling party. The orders of the Hon'ble Court and the subsequent directives of the state government having revived the controversy, it remains to be seen if the Opposition will finally manage to settle scores. The Delhi Assembly on Thursday witnessed a heated discussion between the ruling AAP and the opposition on the first day of a two-day session over the termination of around 10,000 bus marshals, with both sides finally supporting a resolution to restore their jobs. Participating the short duration discussion on the regularization of DTC bus marshals, AAP MLAs Kuldeep Kumar, Rohit Kumar and Abdul Rehman hit out at Lieutenant Governor (LG) Vinai Kumar Saxena and the BJP holding them responsible for the bus marshals losing their jobs and their plight due to a non-payment of salaries. AAP MLAs, including Madan Lal and Jarnail Singh, accused a BJP MLA of uttering objectionable words against the bus marshals and calling them "rapists". They claimed that these civic defence workers belonged to the poor families and they not only provided safety and security to the women and children in DTC and cluster buses but also did the same for the families. The BJP MLAs opposed the charge and accused the AAP of doing politics on the issue. Leader of Opposition Vijender Gupta alleged that the AAP government had betrayed the bus marshals. He claimed that in a letter to the LG on October 11, 2023, then chief minister Arvind Kejriwal wrote that "the correct legal position may be ascertained and till its determined, services of all civil defence volunteers may be terminated by October". Gupta also proposed that a resolution be passed in the House to restore the jobs of the bus marshals and provide them with "permanent" employment. In his reply to the discussion, minister Saurabh Bharadwaj said the lives of 10,000 bus marshals have been ruined as they have not been paid their salaries. They are unable to meet their basic needs, the minister added. He alleged that since Saxena took over as the LG, it has become a "pattern" that officers will find some fault or the other with a scheme that is to be stalled. "The salaries of 10,000 bus marshals were stopped in January 2023 because of officers in the transport department who questioned the deployment of civil defence bus marshals because public transport buses had CCTV cameras for the purpose of security," Bharadwaj claimed. This observation by the officers was opposed by Transport Minister Kailash Gahlot and Revenue Minister Atishi, he said. Atishi has since been sworn in as the chief minister after Kejriwal stepped down.Bharadwaj said in his letter, Kejriwal had also sought disciplinary action against the officers responsible for stopping the bus marshals' salaries. "If the BJP is ready, we are ready to restore their jobs. A resolution can be passed by the House," he said and added that a resolution already passed on the issue on February 29 can be passed again. Bharadwaj also suggested that the resolution should have a paragraph that both the AAP and BJP MLAs will go to meet the LG at 11 am on October 3 (the first day of Navratri) and not return back till the implementation of the resolution is ensured. Assembly Speaker Ram Niwas Goel put the resolution to vote and it was passed by a voice vote. However, Goel said the leader of opposition was backing out from the proposal to go to the LG's office for its implementation. Doctors serving the government of Jharkhand will get 13 months salary like the police department, because health service is also an emergency service like police service. The decision was taken in a high level meeting between Health Minister and officials and members of IMA and Jhasa on Wednesday. According to IMA much awaited demands related to medical, consensus was reached between the Health Minister, Principal Secretary, NRHM Director, IMA members and Jhasa members regarding amending the Clinical Establishment Act on the lines of UP. In the Clinical Establishment Act, there was a consensus on freeing up hospitals with up to 50 beds on the lines of Uttar Pradesh. The decision to issue the order related to this as soon as possible was taken by the Health Minister and the Principal Secretary. As per the order of the Supreme Court, there was a consensus on including the representative of the Indian Medical Association and Junior Doctors Association in the formation of the National Task Force. Health Minister Banna Gupta gave necessary instructions to the Deputy Commissioner of Sahibganj on mobile and said that the order related to this is being issued by the department. The Deputy Development Commissioner should be relieved from the post of nodal and instructions were given to stop action against on-duty doctors. Separate allocation of T.A./D.A will be given to the deputation doctor in Shravani Mela. In Lohardaga and other places where civil surgeons are in charge, orders related to declaring them D.D.O. will be issued as soon as possible. Whatever committee will be formed at the state/ district/ subdivision level, the IMA representative will also be a member in it as before. Consensus was reached on taking necessary decisions related to the safety of women doctors. In the meeting, mainly Dr. Ajay Singh, Dr. R.S. Das, Dr. Pradeep Singh, Dr. Vimlesh, Dr. Shambhu Prasad, Dr. Mrityunjay, Dr. Saurabh Chaudhary and Dr. Stiphen Khess were present. The Delhi High Court on Thursday halted the counting of votes of DUSU elections, which are scheduled on Friday, till all the defacement material, including posters, hoarding and graffiti, is removed and public property is restored. A bench of Chief Justice-designate Manmohan and Justice Tushar Rao Gedela said the elections process may proceed but the counting of votes will not take place till the court is satisfied that defacement of property has been removed. This court directs that the elections process may proceed yet no counting of votes shall take place either on Delhi University (Students' Union) elections or on college elections till this court is satisfied that posters, hoardings, graffiti, spray paints are removed and public property is restored, the bench said. It directed the varsity to file a fresh status report and to ensure that EVMs and ballot boxes, to be used in the Delhi University Students' Union (DUSU) elections, are kept secured in a safe place till further orders. The court also directed the Delhi University to pay the expenses incurred by the civic authorities, including MCD and Delhi Metro, in removing the defacement and added that the varsity may recover the amount from the candidates thereafter. Delhi University has to bear the cost for this. Civic agencies can't be made to suffer due to this. You (DU) are not doing anything, you don't have a system in place. DU was merrily going around with it. You never came to the court that guidelines were being violated by the candidates, it was private persons who approached the court and apprised us of the situation, the bench said. It said the varsity, where lakhs of students are studying, is not able to deal with the 21 candidates and added that the problem was lack of will and lack of courage. These 21 students are bringing a bad name to the university. How can you allow this to happen? You have to exercise your powers, you don't have to be scared of anyone, the bench said and listed the matter for further proceedings on October 21. During the hearing, the counsel for the DU submitted that out of the three options suggested by the court on Wednesday, counting of votes can be withheld. The petitioners, however, urged the court to cancel the elections till the time the defacement is cleaned. The court had suggested that the university should defer the elections, scheduled for September 27, or disqualify the candidates and start nomination afresh or should allow polling but not declare the results till all the defacement is removed. The court was hearing a plea seeking action against the prospective DUSU candidates and student outfits involved in damaging, defacing, soiling or destroying the beauty of public walls. Petitioner Prashant Manchanda, a practising advocate, also sought action against those involved in damaging classrooms, thus denying the citizens a clean and beautiful environment and surroundings free from defacement as well as depriving the students of their right to education. He also sought a direction to erring candidates and their parties to remove the defacement and refurbish the areas and further take efforts for beautification of the destroyed portions. On Wednesday, another petition by a group of students studying at DU came up for hearing. The petitioners, represented by advocate Govind Jee, highlighted the alleged nuisance, disruptions and other activities like defacement of public property under the guise of DUSU elections. MBABANE PUDEMO has alleged that its exiled President Mlungisi Makhanya was poisoned by a young boy, who was used by clandestine forces opposed to the organisations mission. In a press conference yesterday, the Peoples United Democratic Congress (PUDEMO) leadership avoided to reveal the name of the suspect, who was Makhanyas housemate, but alleged that he had been used to end Makhanyas life. The age of the young man was not stated. Makhanya was rushed to hospital in a critical condition, after he was found writhing with abdominal pain in a house that he occupied in SA. The location of the house has not been mentioned, because of the belief that Makhanya is living in exile. Announced PUDEMO Deputy President Wandile Dludlu announced that his organisation had analysed the poisonous substance that was used in the attempted murder. He said it was known as organophosphates and is manufactured for pest control. He said the organisation has gathered from close family members that Makhanya is now in a stable condition. The president, through the medical team, has been stabilised. Though he remains in a very critical condition, we remain indebted to the special medical team which is doing an extremely encouraging and commendable job. They are monitoring his condition closely, to ensure that the president continues to improve. We can say the president has been poisoned, as it is an assassination attempt. The poison used is called organophosphates and it is not possible for an ordinary person to procure it from the streets or anywhere. This indeed has assisted us to reaffirm that the people responsible for this is the Eswatini Government, who are the handlers of this young boy who has been used as an agent of an evil intent that seeks to undermine the course of democracy in our country, he alleged. A SiSwati online publication revealed the name of the suspect, and mentioned that he was a close ally to Makhanya and they spent time together in the house. The publication claimed that it had details of how the issue unfolded and would release the information in due course, pending the anticipated improvement of Makhanyas condition. However, it alleged that the suspect gave Makhanya food that had been laced with the poison. After eating the food, Makhanya complained of stomach pains and rushed to the bathroom. The suspect is said to have then locked the president inside the house and left with his cellphones. Makhanya is said to have screamed for help, until he was rescued by neighbours, who rushed him to hospital. It is alleged that he revealed some of the details as first aid was being administered to him. Meanwhile, PUDEMO said it is encouraging that Makhanya survived the poisoning thus far, despite that the poison has been described as extremely dangerous. Its a miracle that he has survived more than two hours. Because the president is in the hearts of the people, said Dludlu. He alleged that he has no doubt that government is behind the attacks, given the history of violent attacked on Makhanya. He quoted an incident in which Makhanyas home was bombed by unknown people at Malindza, afterwhich he was forced to go into exile. Ever since that incident, Dludlu said there were other related threatening encounters that Makhanya endured. We have no doubt in our minds that this is the work of government, Dludlu alleged. He then alleged that two months ago, an incentive was publicised whereby E200 000 was offered for anyone who would apprehend freedom fighters. We are very clear that this is a political fight between the oppressed masses, who are fighting for freedom versus government. We want to give assurance that the struggle continues. As Mzwakhe Mbuli puts it God sustains. I am unsinkable, this struggle is unsinkable, he said. Also with him at the press conference were PUDEMO Treasurer General Velaphi Mamba, Secretary General Penwell Malinga, and others. PUDEMO was also cynical that the incident comes a few weeks before a planned pro-democracy protest in Eswatini next month, which Makhanya had been spearheading. Just hours before announcing the dates for the upcoming panchayat polls, Punjab Government on Wednesday undertook an extensive administrative overhaul. The sweeping reshuffle affected a total of 49 civil officials, comprising 11 Indian Administrative Service (IAS) officers and 38 Punjab Civil Service (PCS) officers, along with 22 police officers. The State Governments decision to transfer a substantial number of officials comes amid heightened scrutiny over the electoral process. Among the prominent changes, Gurpreet Singh Aulakh has been appointed as the new Deputy Commissioner of Tarn Taran. Additionally, VN Zade, who recently returned to Punjab, has been designated as Secretary of Expenditure in the Finance Department. Gauri Prashar Joshi, who was awaiting new assignments, has been entrusted with the roles of Special Secretary (Personnel) and Managing Director of the Punjab Small Industries Development Corporation (PSIDC). Noteworthy among the other officers transferred is Sanyam Aggarwal, who will take on the role of Director of Higher Education; while Navjot Pal Singh Randhawa has been appointed as the Bathinda Municipal Corporations Commissioner. Ankurjit Singh will lead the Jalandhar Development Authority as its new Chief Administrator. Additionally, Rahul Chaba has been designated as the new Commissioner for the Municipal Corporation of Amritsar, In addition to the civil service reshuffle, the Government also restructured its police administration by transferring 22 officials. Among these changes, SPS Parmar has been appointed as the Additional Director General of Police (ADGP) for Law and Order, following his tenure leading a Special Investigation Team that investigated recent sacrilege incidents in the state. His new role is pivotal as Punjab gears up for the elections, and his experience is expected to ensure adequate security measures. Inspector General of Police Gurpreet Singh Bhullar has been reassigned as the Commissioner of Police in Amritsar, a position he previously held before being moved to the state police headquarters after the Lok Sabha elections in June. Other notable appointments include Dhanpreet Kaur as IG for the Ludhiana Range; and Mandeep Singh Sidhu, who previously served as Commissioner of Police in Ludhiana, now taking on the role of Deputy Inspector General for the Patiala Range. Ranjit Singh Dhillon has been designated as DIG for the Ferozepur Range, while Harcharan Singh Bhulla assumes the same role for the Bathinda district. The timing of these administrative changes is particularly significant, occurring just before the imposition of the model code of conduct. The code is designed to ensure that the elections are conducted in a free and fair manner, limiting the influence of governmental authority during the electoral process. This is the third extensive transfer of officers in the past fortnight, signaling an ongoing effort to revamp the civil administration in Punjab. Kejriwal reiterates support for farmers, promises development in Haryana Ambala: Addressing a public meeting in Meham assembly constituency, Arvind Kejriwal, national convener of the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) on Wednesday sought support for party candidate Vikas Nehra. Kejriwal reminded the gathering of his role in supporting the 13-month-long farmers agitation at Delhi borders, which led to Prime Minister Modi revoking the three agricultural laws. Kejriwal criticised BJP MP Kangana Ranauts demand to re-implement the laws and Union Minister Manohar Lal Khattars statement doubting the authenticity of the protesting farmers. He shared his personal connection to the region, being born in Bhiwani and educated in Hisar and IIT Kharagpur, before working as Joint Commissioner in Income Tax Department. Cong a divided house in Haryana, says Khattar Ambala: Addressing party workers in Naraingarh of Ambala district, Union Minister and former Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar on Wednesday appealed to the farmers and Punjabi community to vote in large numbers to form the BJPs government for the third time. Khattar said, We want to make a record and form the BJP government for the third time under the leadership of Nayab Singh Saini. He said the Congress party was trying hard to have a pre-poll alliance but has failed so far. Khattar added that the BJP had declared its probable CM candidate but the Congress was a divided house and engrossed in family politics. Amit Shah to address rally in Badshahpur Gurugram: Union Home Minister Amit Shah will address a public rally in support of Badshahpur constituency candidate Rao Narbir Singh on September 29. The rally will be organised in village Dhorka in Sector 95 of Badshahpur Assembly constituency. In a statement, a BJP leader said that the rally to be held on September 29 will create a new history in Haryana. Singh said while addressing a public meeting organised in Farukhnagar, Bhangrola and Garhi village during his election tour on Wednesday. He said that before the ticket allocation, he had met the Union Home Minister Amit Shah who promised him that he would come to Badshahpur in his support. Voter Information Slip being issued for voter facilitation: Haryana CEO Chandigarh: Haryana Chief Electoral Officer Pankaj Agarwal on Wednesday said that 'Voter Information Slips' are being issued to provide voters with information related to polling. The slip will include details such as the polling booth, serial no. of electoral roll, poll date and time, along with a QR code, but not the photograph of the voter. Agarwal directed all District Electoral Officers and Returning Officers to ensure that the Voter Information Slip is distributed to all enrolled voters at least five days before the polling date i.e 30 September. It was further clarified that the slip will not be accepted as proof of identity for voters. To make the electoral process more accessible for Persons with Disabilities (PWD) and ensure their active participation, the Commission will issue Braille Voter Information Slips along with the regular slips for visually impaired voters. Additionally, to fulfill statutory requirements under Rule 31 of the Conduct of Elections Rules, 1961, and to ensure accurate and proper information for voter awareness at each polling station, four standardized 'Voter Facilitation Posters' (VFPs) will be prominently displayed, he added. Congress candidate Chander Mohan releases his manifesto for Panchkula Panchkula: Former Deputy Chief Minister and four-time MLA Chander Mohan on Wednesday presented his manifesto to the people of the Panchkula constituency. In the manifesto, Chander Mohan made several pledges for Panchkula. In a statement, Chander Mohan highlighted key issues such as providing a permanent solution to the dumping ground in Sector 23 and Jhurriwala, granting tubewell connections to farmers for electricity, constructing a 100-bed multi-specialty hospital in Barwala, eradicating menace of flies from the Barwala block, and addressing the issue of stray animals in Panchkula. Additionally, he promised to be available for his constituents 24/7, 365 days a year. He also pledged to start a pink bus service for women, set specific hours for women to meet officials in government offices, and ensure that farmers receive payment for their produce within 48 hours. Chander Mohan also vowed to turn Panchkula into a smart city and make Barwala a subdivision. He emphasized that this manifesto is not just a declaration but a solution to all the problems of the people. AAP supremo and former Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal on Thursday, along with his successor Atishi, inspected the roads in the city, stating that the works of public welfare "stalled by the BJP" will be resumed and all damaged roads in the city will be repaired. "I want to assure the people of Delhi that I have come back and the stalled works will be resumed. All their problems will be solved," Kejriwal said, claiming that he was sent to jail because the BJP wanted to defame the AAP government in Delhi by stalling public works. He stated the AAP government will inspect all broken roads in Delhi and repair them. Asked if he would be seen playing a more active role, Kejriwal said, "We are in action mode round the clock. I was in action mode even in jail." Senior AAP leader Manish Sisodia and local MLA Dilip Pandey also accompanied Kejriwal and Atishi during their inspection of a road in the Delhi University (DU) area. "A few days ago I met their big leader. I asked what did you get from my arrest? I was shocked and felt sad to hear him say that at least the Delhi government got derailed and the city was stalled," Kejriwal claimed. Their aim was to defame the AAP government by stalling works in Delhi, he alleged while asserting that the AAP and its government would not let people's works get stalled. During the inspection, Kejriwal was briefed by Pandey about the broken roads in his assembly constituency, a statement said. It added that there are some roads under the jurisdiction of the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD), for which the process of allocating the repair works was underway. There are about 36 projects, out of which 30 have been approved, it said. "Now that I have come, you don't worry. All your pending work will start again. All problems will be solved. We just came to inspect the road passing in front of DU's North Campus. There is a water pipeline under this road. The road has broken due to this pipeline."This road is used a lot by people. I have talked to CM Atishi about the repair of this road. This road will be repaired soon. Apart from this, we will inspect all the broken roads in Delhi and get them repaired," Kejriwal said. Sharing a video clip from this inspection, Kejriwal posted on his X handle and stated, They had stopped the work of Delhi by sending me to jail. Roads were also damaged. That was their purpose. Today I inspected a road in Delhi University with CM Atishi. This road will also be repaired soon, and the rest of the roads in Delhi will also be repaired soon. Now I am back, the people of Delhi should not worry. All the stopped work in Delhi will be done. On the other hand, Delhi Chief Minister Atishi tweeted, Today, I inspected the Vishwavidyalaya Marg road with Arvind Kejriwal and Manish Sisodia. The road is in a very bad condition. It will be repaired soon. BJP had conspired to bring Delhi to a standstill by arresting Arvind Kejriwal. But Delhiites' son Arvind Kejriwal is now back among the people, under his guidance the stalled work of Delhi will be completed at double the speed. The Kiratpur Sahib Police Station in Punjab has achieved national acclaim by securing the 8th rank in the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) Annual Ranking of Police Stations for 2023. It also claimed the top spot in Punjab, making it the best-performing police station in the region. The ranking, based on a set of predefined parameters, reflected the stations commitment to law enforcement and public service. Punjab Director General of Police (DGP) Gaurav Yadav lauded the achievement, presenting certificates jointly signed by the Union Home Minister and Union Home Secretary to Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Rupnagar, Gulneet Singh Khurana. The certificates serve as recognition of the police station's efforts in efficient policing. DGP Yadav also extended congratulations to the Station House Officer (SHO) of Kiratpur Sahib for this remarkable accomplishment. The MHAs evaluation process takes into account several factors, including the timely disposal of investigations, the resolution of public complaints, public interaction, record maintenance, and the conviction rate. The Kiratpur Sahib Police Station excelled across these key areas, reinforcing its standing as a model for effective, community-oriented policing. Yadav emphasized that this achievement is not only a result of strategic policing methods but also reflected the strong relationship the station has built with the local community. He expressed his gratitude to the Ministry of Home Affairs for acknowledging the hard work of the Punjab Police. He also highlighted how this recognition would further motivate police personnel across the State to continue providing top-tier service and enhancing public safety. Only the BJP can protect Jharkhand's culture and civilization from Bangladeshi intruders, asserted former Chief Minister Champai Soren during a massive Parivartan Sabha held in Joodi Gaon Stadium Ground of Potka Assembly. His call for change resonated deeply with the thousands of local residents and BJP supporters gathered for the event, part of the Bharatiya Janata Partys ongoing Kolhan Mandal Sankalp Yatra. The assembly, chaired by BJP Jamshedpur President Sudhanshu Ojha, featured prominent leaders including former Union Minister Arjun Munda, Jamshedpur MP Bidyut Mahato, and former State President Dr. Dineshanand Goswami. They rallied the crowd with passionate speeches aimed at addressing the pressing issues facing Jharkhand today. Soren emphasized that the BJP has consistently worked to beautify and develop Jharkhand since the movement for its creation. The inclusion of the Santhali language in the Eighth Schedule is a testament to our commitment to the tribal community, he said. However, he lamented the current situation, stating, Bangladeshi infiltration has become a significant issue in the Kolhan region, and the solution is crucial. Former Union Minister Arjun Munda echoed Soren's sentiments, expressing the widespread frustration among Jharkhand's populace due to the coalition government's loot, lies, and broken promises. Munda highlighted the plight of tribal leaders, questioning why Hemant Soren, the current Chief Minister, has sidelined prominent tribal figures like Champai Soren. This is an insult to the entire tribal society, he remarked, criticizing the government's negligence towards implementing critical laws like the Forest Rights Act. Munda also drew attention to the plight of youth in Jharkhand, noting the distressing reality of 17 young candidates losing their lives in the race for merely 600 police constable positions. He called out the government for its failure to provide promised financial aid, accusing it of betraying the hopes of women, farmers, and the elderly. Jamshedpur MP reinforced the message of change, asserting that the past five years have been marked by corruption and mismanagement. The people of Jharkhand deserve better, he declared, while outlining how the previous BJP government was more responsive to public needs, including quick repairs of transformers and the opening of closed mines. Dr. Dineshanand Goswami, former state president of the BJP, lamented the rise in atrocities against women and the lack of accountability for offenders, stating that the government has failed to provide safety and justice. The law and order situation in Jharkhand has deteriorated under Hemant Soren's administration, he pointed out. Former Potka MLA Maneka Sardar voiced her concerns over women's safety, claiming they live in an atmosphere of fear due to government indifference and vote bank politics. She expressed confidence that the public is ready to respond to the governments failures in the upcoming elections. State Minister and Co-in-charge of the Parivartan Yatra, Nandji Prasad, called for unity against the current administrations negligence of tribal leaders. The people of Kolhan will not forget this humiliation, he asserted, highlighting a growing sentiment for change across Jharkhand. The much-awaited panchayat elections in Punjab are set to take place on October 15 with over 13,000 gram panchayats participating. The announcement comes after more than five years since the last panchayat elections were held in December 2018. State Election Commissioner Raj Kamal Chaudhary on Wednesday officially declared the election schedule, simultaneously enforcing the Model Code of Conduct across the states villages. The elections, which will involve the selection of 13,237 sarpanches and 83,437 panches, will be conducted through ballot boxes at 19,110 polling booths scattered throughout Punjab. The voting will take place between 8 am and 4 pm, and the votes will be counted at the same polling stations immediately after the polls close. One of the most challenging aspects of organizing the elections is their timing, as the polls coincide with the harvesting and procurement operations Asias largest. The mid-October date falls right during the peak of the paddy harvesting season, meaning that many farmers will be busy in their fields or at mandis (grain markets) for procurement. Chaudhary maintained that the State Election Commission considered the agricultural season and upcoming festivals, including Dussehra and Gandhi Jayanti, when scheduling the polls. Despite these challenges, October 15 has been finalized as the most feasible date to accommodate all stakeholders, he said. The elections to Zila Parishads and municipal bodies will be announced later, he said. Only a few days ago, the states Rural Development and Panchayats Department had issued a notification under Section 299 of Panchayati Raj Act stating that the elections would have to be conducted in the state before October 20. The filing of nominations will open on September 27 and continue until October 4, excluding the holidays on October 2 (Gandhi Jayanti) and October 3. After scrutiny on October 5, candidates will have time until October 7 to withdraw their nominations. Depending on its size and population, each panchayat will elect one sarpanch and between five to 13 panches. The enforcement of the Model Code of Conduct will ensure that no new development schemes or funds are introduced in gram panchayat areas until the elections are over. State Cabinet Ministers and political leaders will be prohibited from using official machinery or conducting government-related activities in the panchayats. Chaudhary emphasized that the code of conduct would only be enforced in villages where elections are contested. In cases where panchayats are elected unanimously, the code will not apply. In case of panchayats getting elected unanimously, there would be no code of conduct in the village. But if even a single panch would be contesting, the code would come into place, he clarified. Additionally, provisions for the use of NOTA (None of the Above) will be available to voters during the elections. The SEC has also imposed strict regulations on campaign activities, banning the use of flags, banners, or other promotional materials on public property. Any violations will be closely monitored by election officials. No Party Symbols The panchayat polls, this time, will see the absence of party symbols a notable change introduced by the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) led state government. Recently, the State Government amended the rules to bar candidates from contesting on party symbols. Instead, independent candidates will contest the elections using free symbols, with 173 symbols available for the panchayat polls. Of these, 38 symbols are reserved for sarpanches and 70 for panches, none of which are associated with the political parties. In addition, the State Election Commission has also placed a cap on the expenditure that candidates can incur. The sarpanches are allowed to spend up to Rs 40,000, while the limit for panches is Rs 30,000. To ensure compliance, Deputy Commissioners have been instructed to monitor election spending closely, and senior IAS and PCS officers will serve as observers during the polls. We are writing to Deputy Commissioners to monitor the expenditure. Nobody will be allowed to deface any property by putting any flag or banner on any property, Choudhary mentioned. Polls Delayed Due to Lok Sabha Elections The announcement of the panchayat elections had been delayed for several months, with the terms of many panchayats expiring in January 2023. Punjab Government had originally dissolved all gram panchayats, panchayat samitis, and zila parishads prematurely on August 10, 2023, to pave the way for fresh elections. However, this move faced legal challenges, with petitions filed in the Punjab and Haryana High Court. Following this, the Government withdrew its notification, leading to further delays. The SEC stated that the delays were primarily due to the Lok Sabha elections and subsequent legal hurdles. However, with the High Court pushing the Government to clarify its intentions, the election dates were finally announced. Reservation Roster The Punjab Panchayati Raj Act, 1994, was recently amended by the AAP Government to modify the reservation system for sarpanch posts. Under the new rules, reservation for Scheduled Castes (SC) and women candidates will be based on the block, rather than district, level. The changes will affect many villages, as sarpanch seats will now be reserved according to the 2011 census report. The previous Congress Government had reserved 50 percent of panchayat seats for women, a policy that will continue in these elections, covering both general and reserved categories. The process for finalizing the reservation roster is already underway, and the SEC will soon release updated voter lists and prepare ballot papers for the polls. In fact, the Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) had raised questions about the same pointing that with the nomination process set to take off from a day after, the villages are unaware regarding the reservation that is whether their village is reserved for SC or women candidate causing confusion, especially among those who wanted to contest. Former Koderma MP and in-charge of BJP's Parivartan Yatra for North Chotanagpur, Ravindra Rai, held a press conference at Bokaro Parishadan , sharply criticizing the current State government. He stated that the BJP had envisioned great dreams while forming the state of Jharkhand, but under the present government, the state is witnessing a "jungle raj" situation. Rai claimed that since Hemant Soren's government came to power, Jharkhand has become a state of lawlessness, with rising instances of loot, the protection of rapists, and the resurgence of extremism. To free the people of Jharkhand from this chaos the BJP is carrying out its Parivartan Yatra. Rai further mentioned that State Government made numerous promises before coming to power, none of which have been fulfilled. Unemployment remains rampant, and the youth have yet to receive unemployment allowances as promised. With elections just two months away, the government is now rolling out various schemes to win over the public. However, the overwhelming support received during the Parivartan Yatra clearly shows that the people of Jharkhand are ready for a "double-engine" government once again. Further Speaking on the Mahiya Samman Yojana, Ravindra Rai pointed out that such schemes are already being implemented in BJP-ruled states like Chhattisgarh and Madhya Pradesh. The press conference was attended by Bokaro MLA and Chief Whip of the Opposition Biranchi Narayan, BJP District President Jaydev Rai, former district president Rohit Lal Singh, Sanjay Tyagi, Mukesh Rai, Kamlesh Rai, Mantu Rai, Mathur Mandal, Vinay Kishore, Braj Dubey, and Radhekant Singh. Chief Minister Mohan Yadav said that Prime Minister Narendra Modi has opened new avenues for the comprehensive development of the Bundelkhand region by initiating the Ken-Betwa project. This project will boost both agricultural and industrial growth. The upcoming Regional Industry Conclave, scheduled for 27th September in Sagar, aims to give Bundelkhand often celebrated as the land of heroes a new identity while driving industrial development. Yadav noted that similar conclaves held in regional areas have achieved remarkable success in attracting investments, leading to the regions growth and creating numerous job opportunities. He assured that the Madhya Pradesh government is fully committed to the overall development of Bundelkhand and will leave no stone unturned in achieving this goal. Yadav said that before the Sagar Regional Industry Conclave, discussions were held with the industrialists of Bundelkhand region. Everyone has agreed to invest on a large scale to promote industries. Industrialists from India and abroad have shown interest in participating and investing in the conclave. Many important schemes for industrial development are being implemented in the major districts of Sagar division Sagar, Chhatarpur, Tikamgarh, Niwari, Damoh and Panna, which will increase investment in the state and generate new employment opportunities. As many as 206 industrial units are operating on a total of 440 acres of land in 5 industrial areas in Sagar district. Capital investment of about Rs 211 crore has been made in these units and 4789 have been employed. Major projects include an investment of Rs 15000 crore by Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited (BPCL) in the refinery at Bina and employment to 4000 people. Additionally, an additional investment of Rs 49000 crore is proposed for the expansion of the refinery and construction of a petrochemical complex, which will provide direct and indirect employment to thousands of people. Chhatarpur district has 3 industrial areas, located on 145 acres of land. A total of 82 industrial units are operating here, which have provided an investment of Rs 19 crore and employment to 560 people. There is a proposal to develop an industrial area on 131 acres of land in Dhadhari village in future. Development of new industrial areas is also proposed in Damchi, Nayagaon, Pathapur, and Sikarpura villages by the Department of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises, which will give a boost to industries like food processing, mineral-based industries, and engineering works. There are 4 industrial areas in Tikamgarh district, in which a total of 32 industrial units are operating. This has resulted in capital investment of about Rs 12 crore and employment to 358 people. Among the major schemes, the construction of a bell metal cluster and furniture cluster is proposed. Apart from this, industrial areas are also being developed in Sunora Khiriya, Kari Khas, and Lidhaura Ugarh villages, which will provide further expansion to local industries. There are 3 industrial areas in Niwari district, in which a total of 119 industrial units are operating. Capital investment of Rs 135 crore has been made here and 1690 people have got employment. Among the important projects, an integrated steel plant is being constructed by Pacific Meta Steels with an investment of Rs 1772 crore, which will employ 1164 people. Also, new industrial areas are being developed in Babedi forest and Jer village. To ensure zero dropouts in schools, 100% enrollment and also to connect out of school children to schools, representatives of voluntary partner organizations operating in the State will now provide support to the School Education and Literacy Department on a non-financial basis. In this regard, the State Education Project Council organised a special joint training workshop for the representatives of 24 voluntary supporting organisations and district division in-charges on Tuesday. Addressing the representatives present in this workshop, State Education Project Director Aditya Ranjan said that along with the School Education and Literacy Department, voluntary supporting organisations also have an important contribution in ensuring a better education system and institutions should cooperate in making the quality of education excellent in schools and connect children to the mainstream of education. Ranjan further directed that in order to achieve the target of 100 percent enrollment, 100 percent transition and zero dropouts in schools, the institutions should target at least 10 schools every month. The representatives have also been directed to monitor the school score card of whichever school they visit. Ranjan also said that everyone's role in the voluntary supporting organisations is unique, and every institution is performing excellently in some field or the other. Ranjan directed the State Program Officer and State Program personnel to provide three days of special training to the representatives of the selected voluntary supporting organisations in the first week of October, so that they can complete the tasks with ease and efficiency. The representatives of these institutions will be responsible for the successful implementation of the said projects in 900 schools of the State. Like last year, this year also a special training program called 'Setu Guide' will be organised for the selected out of school children. Detailed guidelines regarding the implementation of the Setu Guide program have been sent to all the District Education Officers and District Education Superintendents. Under this program, Setu Guide centers will be established where volunteers will be selected through the School Management Committees of the schools associated with the Setu Guide centers and the voluntary organizations identified to work voluntarily from the State Office. Under this program, first of all, out of school children will be enrolled in the nearest government school. Out of school children will be determined on the basis of Shishu Panji survey. Setu Guide Centers will be established in the schools in those catchment areas where there are out of school children and these centers will be tagged with the respective schools. If there are five or less out of school or dropout children in the catchment area of a school, then a special training class will be conducted for them by a teacher of the same school every day in the last bell or PT period. The Fintech City, the Semiconductor Park, and the Software Technology Park are the three centerpieces of the Yamuna Expressway Industrial Development Authority's (YEIDA) exhibits at the ongoing Uttar Pradesh International Trade Show that are attracting the attention of both domestic and foreign visitors. Detailed models and information about these projects are presented at YEIDAs stalls to inform visitors about their potential. Notably, YEIDA has been allocated 1,644 square metres in Hall No. 3, where 16 stalls have been established. According to the YEIDA CEO Arun Veer Singh, the main stall of YEIDA measures 9x12 metres. It primarily highlights three new themes Fintech City, Semiconductor Park and Software Technology Park. Of these, the Semiconductor Park is the most prominent, with land already reserved and acquired for the project. Following the recent Semicon Summit in Greater Noida, many investors have expressed interest in the initiative. Currently, three of our proposals are awaiting the Union cabinets approval, which could be granted soon. In addition, several other companies, including those from the US, are showing interest. Once the approval for the semiconductor project is secured, we will proceed with land allocation, which remains a key focus for us, he informed. Singh added that the YEIDA is also developing a Software Technology Park (STP). Until now, there has not been an IT or ITES sector along the Yamuna Expressway, so we have decided to establish the Software Technology Park to cater to these industries, he remarked. Major companies like Infosys, Wipro and Tata have shown interest in this project. Our goal is to create a world-class software technology park by bringing these companies together. We have already allocated a significant parcel of land for IT and ITES solutions, which has been acquired. The scheme for this project will be launched following the board meeting, likely during the International Trade Show itself, once board approval is secured, he added. Singh mentioned that in addition to this, the ambitious Fintech City project is also being showcased, which is set to be launched soon. It is being displayed alongside EMC-2, where companies like Havells and Anchor are establishing their units. The EMC-2 proposal is currently under review by the Government of India and could receive approval at any time. Simultaneously, we are conducting stakeholder meetings for Fintech City and expect to launch its scheme within the next 10 to 15 days. This scheme, developed in collaboration with stakeholders such as financial institutions, stock brokers, insurance companies, and regulatory authorities, will be shaped by their specific requirements, he added. The YEIDA CEO stated that apart from the three major stalls, other participating companies include Purvanchal Real Estate, Agras shoe export company Artek Van, New Gen, Film City, Patanjali, Noida international airport, Vivo, Surya Food and Sify Technology. All of these companies are either currently operating, or are set to begin operations in the YEIDA region. Family members of Akshay Shinde, the Badlapur sexual assault case accused who was killed in an alleged shoot-out with police earlier this week, on Thursday demanded security for his last rites. Amar Shinde, his uncle, told mediapersons that they were yet to decide where the body should be buried. We have been searching for a place. Police have called us to show some spots. We will bury the body at a secure place, he told reporters here. Police protection should be provided for the last rites, and also to Akshays parents and his lawyer as there was a threat to their lives, he said. We have also sent an email making this request to deputy chief minister and home minister (Devendra Fadnavis), he added. Akshay Shinde had in the past expressed desire that he would like to be buried instead of being cremated, his lawyer Amit Katarnavre told PTI. On Wednesday, his father had informed the Bombay High Court that the family was ready to take possession of his son's body but could not find a burial site. The public prosecutor assured the high court that a Deputy Commissioner of Police of the Thane crime branch would ask the local authority to make necessary arrangements. Akshay's father has filed a petition in the high court challenging the police's version that Akshay first shot a policeman while being taken out for probe, and was killed in retaliatory firing. He was killed in a fake encounter, the petition alleged, seeking probe. Akshay Shinde, 24, was arrested last month for allegedly sexually assaulting two kindergarten girls at a school in Badlapur in Thane district. He was being taken to Badlapur for probe in another case on Monday evening when the alleged shootout occurred inside the police van, resulting in his death. Advocate Katarnavre told reporters at Kalyan that he had applied for a certified copy of the charge sheet filed by the police against Akshay in the sexual assault case, as no copy has been provided so far. "One will come to know what was his role in the crime only from the charge sheet. How did the government decide he is the culprit? The charge sheet is in the custody of the court. Let the charge sheet be examined, we will come to know the details," the lawyer said. Akshay was killed only because authorities did not want the trial with cross-examination to take place, and the police were not nabbing the "big fish" at the school where the alleged sexual assault took place, he claimed. The family had been attacked earlier (when the crime came to light and triggered massive protests) and needed protection, the lawyer said. Jharkhand Chief Minister Hemant Soren on Thursday accused BJP leaders of "provoking people of the state in the name of caste and religion". He claimed that BJP leaders who are being seen in the state at present would not be seen after the assembly elections in the state due later this year. Soren was addressing a government function in Ranchi where he waived Rs 400 crore of farm loans of around 1.77 lakh farmers in the state. Earlier, the government had waived farm loans of up to Rs 50,000 of around 4.73 lakh farmers. "Earlier, the government waived farm loans of up to Rs 50,000. Then, it decided to waive farm loans of up to Rs 2 lakh," Soren said. Accusing the BJP government at the Centre of "ruining Jharkhand's 'Jal, Jungle and Jamin' (water, forest and land) for over 20 years", he alleged that leaders of the saffron party are "hovering" across the state as election is round-the-corner. "As election is round-the-corner, they (BJP leaders) are hovering across Jharkhand. Many faces, which you would not have seen earlier, are being seen now. They will be seen only for once and thereafter they will disappear," Soren said. "They are spreading communal tension and provoking people in the name of caste and religion. Beware of them," he alleged. Soren alleged that there were "preparations by the Centre to sell the country's farmers to the traders through the three farm laws". "The farmers protested against the farm laws for around a year and forced the government to revoke those," he said. Attacking the Centre, Soren said that it did not have the money to double farmers' income, increase MSP and empower women but there was no crisis of money when it came to waiving the loans of its "capitalist friends". Soren said his government has worked for every section of the society and fulfilled their basic necessity of 'Roti' (bread), 'Kapda' (cloth) and 'Makaan' (house). "We have waived farm loans, electricity dues and made consumption of electricity free up to 200 units," he said. He accused the BJP of "disturbing" his government for two years. "When they failed in their attempt, they put me behind the bars on false charges," he said. Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Thursday accused the Congress, the National Conference and the PDP of turning Jammu and Kashmir into a "warehouse" of terrorism and said Prime Minister Narendra Modi permanently destroyed this "nursery of terrorism" with the abrogation of Article 370. He said once the BJP forms a government in this Union territory, it will ensure the establishment of a state like that of Maharaja Hari Singh, whose boundaries extended to Kabul. "PDP, National Conference and Congress had turned Jammu and Kashmir into a warehouse of terrorism. With the scrapping of Article 370 by Prime Minister Modi, the nursery of terrorism has been permanently closed," Adityanath said at a public rally in the Ramgarh border area of Samba district. Adityanath, who hit the campaign trail in support of party candidates Devender Kumar Manyal and Chander Prakash Ganga contesting from Ramgarh and Vijaypur assembly seats, said the abrogation has brought peace, progress and development to Jammu and Kashmir. Accusing the Congress of being anti-Hindu, he said, "The party has committed the sin of weakening Hindus, resulting in the eruption of terrorism in Jammu and Kashmir." He further claimed that during the Congress governments at the Centre, with the support of ruling parties in Jammu and Kashmir, terrorist incidents were a daily occurrence, stone-pelting was rampant, and Kashmir was bearing the brunt of such a situation. "This was not hidden from anyone. It was the reality of that period," Adityanath said. But after Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah took charge at the Centre, terrorism is "now breathing its last" in Jammu & Kashmir and stone-pelting has completely stopped. "It is history now. This is not just a change, but this is a solution." In another dig at the Congress, Adityanath said India gained independence in 1947 but the Congress did not allow the resolution of the Ayodhya issue. "The name Congress itself is synonymous with problems, while the name Bharatiya Janata Party is the solution. To resolve every issue, Congress finds an excuse, and they always use these excuses to fool the people of the country," he alleged India's problems of terrorism, casteism, separatism and regionalism are gifts from the Congress, he further alleged. "It spread regionalism, language divisions, and practised divisive politics, nurturing a tree that divided the country along these lines, and this was nourished by them in independent India," he said. Hitting out at the NC and the Congress for the "treatment" meted out to erstwhile Maharaja Hari Singh, Adityanath said that once the government of BJP takes over in Jammu and Kashmir, it will restore that glory of this land as was during the Maharaja's times. The Supreme Court on Thursday granted bail to former Tamil Nadu minister V Senthil Balaji, who was arrested by the Enforcement Directorate last year in connection with a money laundering case. A bench of Justices Abhay S Oka and Augustine George Masih put onerous conditions while granting relief. The top court had reserved its verdict on August 12 after hearing submissions of Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, representing the Enforcement Directorate (ED), and senior advocates Mukul Rohatagi and Sidharth Luthra, appearing for Balaji. The high court, while dismissing Balaji's bail petition, had said if he is let out on bail in a case of this nature, it will send out a wrong signal and be against larger public interest. It had said since the petitioner was in custody for more than eight months, it will be appropriate to direct the special court to dispose of the case within a time frame. "Accordingly, there shall be a direction to the Principal Special Court, Chennai, to dispose of the case within a period of three months from the date of receipt of copy of this order," it had ordered. The high court ordered that the trial shall be conducted on a day-to-day basis in accordance with the guidelines issued by the top court. Balaji was arrested on June 14 last year by the ED in connection with a money laundering case linked to an alleged cash-for-jobs scam when he was the transport minister in an earlier AIADMK government. The ED had on August 12 last year filed a 3,000-page charge sheet against Balaji. On October 19, the high court had dismissed Balaji's earlier bail plea. A local court has also dismissed his bail petitions thrice. Vehicular and rail traffic in Mumbai resumed on Thursday, a day after heavy rains battered the city, inundating low-lying areas, halting local trains in their tracks and forcing the diversion of at least 14 incoming flights. A 45-year-old woman drowned in a drain overflowing due to heavy rains in suburban Andheri on Wednesday, police said. The police helped a woman, who was in her ninth month of pregnancy, reach a hospital in Ghatkopar after she was unable to find a vehicle to go there due to heavy rains at night, an official said. Rains stopped in most parts of the city on Thursday morning though skies were overcast. Local trains, considered the lifeline of Mumbai, were running normally though some services were slightly delayed, as per officials. Buses of the Brihanmumbai Electric Supply and Transport (BEST) undertaking also hit the roads since early morning. The India Meteorological Department earlier issued a red alert for Mumbai and its adjoining districts Thane, Palghar, and Raigad for Thursday morning. The civic body said the IMD has predicted "thunderstorm accompanied with lightning and heavy to very heavy rainfall with gusty winds reaching 40-50 kmph" in its weather update issued at 8 am. The extremely heavy rainfall in Mumbai on Wednesday prompted the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) to announce a holiday for all schools and colleges on Thursday. Schools and colleges in Thane, Palghar, Pune and Pimpri-Chinchwad were also closed on Thursday after heavy rains. The Mumbai civic body and police have advised people in the city and surrounding areas to stay indoors as much as possible. Mumbaikars, if not required, avoid stepping out of home, the BMC posted on X. After heavy rains on Wednesday, some roads, including in Sonapur area of Bhandup, virtually turned into rivers of fast-moving water as several areas received more than 100 mm of rain in five hours of evening. The Ghatkopar-Andheri Road, Khairani Road, LBS Marg and a few other roads were flooded with chest-deep water at some locations. Many people complained their belongings were damaged as water had entered their homes. As local trains stopped on Wednesday between Kurla and Thane stations on the Central line, thousands of commuters were stranded at the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus (CSMT) in south Mumbai and other stations, while there were traffic jams at various places. The Central Railway's suburban services were thrown out of gear at night for a few hours, when the railway tracks got submerged at a few locations between Sion and Thane stations on its main corridor and between Chunabhatti and Mankhurd stations on the Harbour corridor. A Maharashtra Security Force personnel deputed at Kalachowki police station told PTI that he boarded a fast train from Thane station for Byculla (in Mumbai) at 8 pm on Wednesday and reached Chinchpokli station at 12.55 am (normally covered in 45 minutes). Amid the showers, police helped a pregnant woman reach a hospital after she was unable to find a vehicle to go there. "I appreciate the commendable work done by the Pant Nagar Pstn officials & staff who helped a 9-month pregnant lady reach the hospital safely," Mumbai Police Commissioner Vivek Phansalkar said on his X handle. "At 10.45 pm, due to heavy rains, the pregnant lady was unable to find a vehicle for hospital. Finding her in distress our patrolling Pant Nagar Mobile 1 van, helped her reach Rajawadi Hospital safely," he added. The Mithi river along with other water bodies and drains had swelled after extremely heavy rains. On Wednesday night, the Mithi river rose to its maximum level of 3.90 metres. On Thursday morning, it was flowing at 1.5 metres, the BMC said. In the 24 hour-period ending at 8 am on Thursday, the island city, eastern suburbs and western suburbs recorded 117.18 mm, 170.58 mm and 108.75 mm rainfall, respectively. Between 5 pm and 10 pm, the island city, eastern suburbs and western suburbs received 87.79 mm, 167.48 mm, and 95.57 mm downpour, respectively. Mankhurd and Powai areas in eastern suburbs recorded more than 275 mm rains during the period, as per BMC data. Mumbai municipal commissioner Bhushan Gagrani has asked all assistant commissioners to ensure that respective executive engineers stay put in ward control rooms. Central Railway's chief public relations officer Swapnil Nila said, "All local trains are running normally. On the main line 3-4 minutes behind schedule because of rescheduled Mail, Express (train) movements and few cautions. Rest all normal." Western Railway's suburban services, which were mostly unaffected as there was no waterlogging on tracks anywhere between Churchgate and Virar stations, were also running normally since morning, an official said. A BEST spokesperson also said their operations were normal, though 28 buses, including seven hired from private contractors, broke down due to waterlogging at some roads in the city. The office of Benjamin Netanyahu said the cease-fire called on by the United States, France and other allies is only a proposal, and that the Israeli prime minister, who is on a flight en route to the United States for the United Nations General Assembly, has not responded to it. The US and its allies jointly called Wednesday for an immediate 21-day cease-fire to allow for negotiations in the escalating conflict between Israel and Hezbollah that has killed more than 600 people in Lebanon in recent days. Israel's Foreign Minister Israel Katz, who is the acting prime minister during Netanyahu's trip abroad, said there will be no cease-fire in the north, vowing to continue the fighting in the north with full force until victory and returning the tens of thousands of Israeli citizens evacuated from their homes. Netanyahu's office added that the Israeli military was continuing to strike Hezbollah targets in Lebanon. Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to Pune in Maharashtra on Thursday was cancelled following heavy rains in the city, sources said. Modi was to flag off a Metro train in Pune and launch various development projects, ahead of the state assembly elections. BJP sources confirmed that the PM's visit to Pune was cancelled. The new date for his visit will be announced later. After heavy rains on Wednesday evening, the SP College ground, the venue of PM Modi's programme, had muddy pools. Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar on Wednesday visited the college ground and said arrangements were being made to ensure nobody is inconvenienced. The MeT department has also issued a warning of heavy showers in Pune and Mumbai for Thursday. Banco Bilbao Vizcaya Argentaria, S.A. (NYSE:BBVA Get Free Report) has earned an average rating of Moderate Buy from the four analysts that are presently covering the stock, Marketbeat reports. One investment analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, one has issued a hold rating, one has assigned a buy rating and one has given a strong buy rating to the company. A number of research firms have recently weighed in on BBVA. BNP Paribas downgraded shares of Banco Bilbao Vizcaya Argentaria from a neutral rating to an underperform rating in a report on Wednesday, June 12th. Royal Bank of Canada upgraded shares of Banco Bilbao Vizcaya Argentaria to a moderate buy rating in a report on Wednesday, July 31st. Finally, Citigroup upgraded shares of Banco Bilbao Vizcaya Argentaria to a strong-buy rating in a report on Friday, August 9th. Get Banco Bilbao Vizcaya Argentaria alerts: Check Out Our Latest Analysis on BBVA Banco Bilbao Vizcaya Argentaria Price Performance Shares of BBVA stock opened at $10.75 on Friday. The company has a market capitalization of $62.73 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 7.31, a PEG ratio of 1.03 and a beta of 1.30. Banco Bilbao Vizcaya Argentaria has a one year low of $7.72 and a one year high of $12.20. The companys fifty day moving average price is $10.36 and its 200-day moving average price is $10.65. Banco Bilbao Vizcaya Argentaria (NYSE:BBVA Get Free Report) last announced its quarterly earnings data on Thursday, August 1st. The bank reported $0.51 EPS for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $0.48 by $0.03. The firm had revenue of $9.93 billion for the quarter. Banco Bilbao Vizcaya Argentaria had a net margin of 27.55% and a return on equity of 16.40%. During the same quarter in the previous year, the business earned $0.36 earnings per share. Equities research analysts expect that Banco Bilbao Vizcaya Argentaria will post 1.75 earnings per share for the current fiscal year. Hedge Funds Weigh In On Banco Bilbao Vizcaya Argentaria A number of large investors have recently made changes to their positions in the company. Clearbridge Investments LLC boosted its position in Banco Bilbao Vizcaya Argentaria by 172.8% in the 2nd quarter. Clearbridge Investments LLC now owns 3,096,738 shares of the banks stock valued at $31,060,000 after buying an additional 1,961,553 shares during the period. Dimensional Fund Advisors LP boosted its position in Banco Bilbao Vizcaya Argentaria by 5.9% in the 2nd quarter. Dimensional Fund Advisors LP now owns 11,103,927 shares of the banks stock valued at $111,371,000 after buying an additional 619,836 shares during the period. Optiver Holding B.V. purchased a new stake in Banco Bilbao Vizcaya Argentaria in the 4th quarter valued at about $4,309,000. Envestnet Asset Management Inc. boosted its position in Banco Bilbao Vizcaya Argentaria by 9.9% in the 2nd quarter. Envestnet Asset Management Inc. now owns 4,412,058 shares of the banks stock valued at $44,253,000 after buying an additional 396,829 shares during the period. Finally, American Century Companies Inc. boosted its position in Banco Bilbao Vizcaya Argentaria by 24.2% in the 2nd quarter. American Century Companies Inc. now owns 1,890,079 shares of the banks stock valued at $18,957,000 after buying an additional 368,660 shares during the period. 2.96% of the stock is owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors. About Banco Bilbao Vizcaya Argentaria (Get Free Report Banco Bilbao Vizcaya Argentaria, SA provides retail banking, wholesale banking, and asset management services in the United States, Spain, Mexico, Turkey, South America, and internationally. The company offers savings account, demand deposits, and time deposits; and loan products, such as residential mortgages, other households, credit card loans, loans to enterprises and public sector, as well as consumer finance. See Also Receive News & Ratings for Banco Bilbao Vizcaya Argentaria Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Banco Bilbao Vizcaya Argentaria and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Beazer Homes USA (NYSE:BZH Get Free Report) and Urbi, Desarrollos Urbanos (OTCMKTS:URBDF Get Free Report) are both construction companies, but which is the better business? We will contrast the two businesses based on the strength of their analyst recommendations, profitability, valuation, institutional ownership, dividends, risk and earnings. Insider and Institutional Ownership 85.7% of Beazer Homes USA shares are owned by institutional investors. 7.0% of Beazer Homes USA shares are owned by insiders. Strong institutional ownership is an indication that hedge funds, endowments and large money managers believe a stock will outperform the market over the long term. Get Beazer Homes USA alerts: Earnings and Valuation This table compares Beazer Homes USA and Urbi, Desarrollos Urbanoss top-line revenue, earnings per share and valuation. Gross Revenue Price/Sales Ratio Net Income Earnings Per Share Price/Earnings Ratio Beazer Homes USA $2.17 billion 0.48 $158.61 million $5.18 6.36 Urbi, Desarrollos Urbanos N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A Profitability Beazer Homes USA has higher revenue and earnings than Urbi, Desarrollos Urbanos. This table compares Beazer Homes USA and Urbi, Desarrollos Urbanos net margins, return on equity and return on assets. Net Margins Return on Equity Return on Assets Beazer Homes USA 6.63% 12.61% 5.81% Urbi, Desarrollos Urbanos N/A N/A N/A Analyst Recommendations This is a breakdown of current recommendations for Beazer Homes USA and Urbi, Desarrollos Urbanos, as provided by MarketBeat.com. Sell Ratings Hold Ratings Buy Ratings Strong Buy Ratings Rating Score Beazer Homes USA 1 0 3 0 2.50 Urbi, Desarrollos Urbanos 0 0 0 0 N/A Beazer Homes USA presently has a consensus price target of $39.67, suggesting a potential upside of 20.31%. Given Beazer Homes USAs higher probable upside, research analysts plainly believe Beazer Homes USA is more favorable than Urbi, Desarrollos Urbanos. Summary Beazer Homes USA beats Urbi, Desarrollos Urbanos on 8 of the 8 factors compared between the two stocks. About Beazer Homes USA (Get Free Report) Beazer Homes USA, Inc. operates as a homebuilder in the United States. It designs, constructs, and sells single-family and multi-family homes under the Beazer Homes, Gatherings, and Choice Plans names. The company also sells its homes through commissioned new home sales counselors and independent brokers in Arizona, California, Nevada, Texas, Indiana, Delaware, Maryland, Tennessee, Virginia, Florida, Georgia, North Carolina, and South Carolina. Beazer Homes USA, Inc. was founded in 1985 and is headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia. About Urbi, Desarrollos Urbanos (Get Free Report) Urbi, Desarrollos Urbanos, S.A.B. de C.V. engages in the design, development, promotion, and marketing of residential housing complexes in Mexico. The company is also involved in the sale of land for the development of real estate projects and houses to third parties; and management and construction administration services. It operates the UrbiVilla, UrbiQuinta, UrbiHacienda, and UrbiClub housing brands. The company was incorporated in 1981 and is based in Mexicali, Mexico. Receive News & Ratings for Beazer Homes USA Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Beazer Homes USA and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Dell Technologies Inc. (NYSE:DELL Get Free Report) insider William F. Scannell sold 42,595 shares of Dell Technologies stock in a transaction that occurred on Friday, September 20th. The shares were sold at an average price of $117.29, for a total value of $4,995,967.55. Following the completion of the sale, the insider now owns 73,263 shares in the company, valued at $8,593,017.27. The transaction was disclosed in a legal filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available through this link. Dell Technologies Trading Up 2.4 % Dell Technologies stock opened at $120.17 on Thursday. The firm has a market capitalization of $85.24 billion, a P/E ratio of 24.52, a PEG ratio of 1.25 and a beta of 0.90. The stock has a fifty day moving average price of $110.57 and a 200 day moving average price of $124.34. Dell Technologies Inc. has a 52 week low of $63.90 and a 52 week high of $179.70. Get Dell Technologies alerts: Dell Technologies (NYSE:DELL Get Free Report) last posted its quarterly earnings results on Thursday, August 29th. The technology company reported $1.89 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $1.49 by $0.40. Dell Technologies had a negative return on equity of 178.09% and a net margin of 4.32%. The firm had revenue of $25.03 billion during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $24.14 billion. During the same quarter in the previous year, the business earned $1.44 earnings per share. The firms quarterly revenue was up 9.1% compared to the same quarter last year. As a group, equities analysts predict that Dell Technologies Inc. will post 6.9 EPS for the current year. Dell Technologies Announces Dividend Institutional Investors Weigh In On Dell Technologies The company also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Friday, November 1st. Shareholders of record on Tuesday, October 22nd will be given a dividend of $0.445 per share. This represents a $1.78 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 1.48%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Tuesday, October 22nd. Dell Technologiess dividend payout ratio (DPR) is presently 36.33%. Institutional investors and hedge funds have recently modified their holdings of the stock. Accordant Advisory Group Inc purchased a new stake in shares of Dell Technologies in the second quarter worth about $28,000. Massmutual Trust Co. FSB ADV boosted its position in shares of Dell Technologies by 58.2% in the first quarter. Massmutual Trust Co. FSB ADV now owns 223 shares of the technology companys stock worth $25,000 after buying an additional 82 shares during the period. Nemes Rush Group LLC purchased a new stake in shares of Dell Technologies in the second quarter worth about $33,000. Crewe Advisors LLC purchased a new stake in shares of Dell Technologies in the second quarter worth about $34,000. Finally, New Covenant Trust Company N.A. purchased a new stake in shares of Dell Technologies in the first quarter worth about $30,000. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 38.10% of the companys stock. Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth A number of analysts recently weighed in on the company. Fox Advisors upgraded Dell Technologies from an equal weight rating to an overweight rating in a research note on Friday, August 30th. Morgan Stanley decreased their target price on Dell Technologies from $142.00 to $136.00 and set an overweight rating on the stock in a research report on Thursday, August 29th. Bank of America boosted their target price on Dell Technologies from $150.00 to $155.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a research report on Friday, August 30th. Mizuho assumed coverage on Dell Technologies in a research report on Tuesday, September 17th. They set an outperform rating and a $135.00 target price on the stock. Finally, Sanford C. Bernstein decreased their target price on Dell Technologies from $155.00 to $140.00 and set an outperform rating on the stock in a research report on Friday, August 30th. Three equities research analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and thirteen have issued a buy rating to the companys stock. According to data from MarketBeat, Dell Technologies presently has an average rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus price target of $143.47. Check Out Our Latest Stock Report on Dell Technologies Dell Technologies Company Profile (Get Free Report) Dell Technologies Inc designs, develops, manufactures, markets, sells, and supports various comprehensive and integrated solutions, products, and services in the Americas, Europe, the Middle East, Asia, and internationally. The company operates through two segments, Infrastructure Solutions Group (ISG) and Client Solutions Group (CSG). Read More Receive News & Ratings for Dell Technologies Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Dell Technologies and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. JPMorgan Chase & Co. downgraded shares of Fomento Economico Mexicano (NYSE:FMX Free Report) from an overweight rating to a neutral rating in a report published on Monday, MarketBeat Ratings reports. JPMorgan Chase & Co. currently has $109.00 price target on the stock, up from their previous price target of $104.00. FMX has been the topic of several other research reports. Barclays decreased their price target on Fomento Economico Mexicano from $160.00 to $145.00 and set an overweight rating on the stock in a research note on Monday, July 15th. StockNews.com raised Fomento Economico Mexicano from a hold rating to a buy rating in a research note on Thursday, August 29th. Six investment analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and two have issued a buy rating to the company. According to MarketBeat, the stock has a consensus rating of Hold and an average target price of $133.40. Get Fomento Economico Mexicano alerts: Check Out Our Latest Analysis on Fomento Economico Mexicano Fomento Economico Mexicano Trading Down 0.8 % Shares of Fomento Economico Mexicano stock opened at $100.15 on Monday. The company has a quick ratio of 1.44, a current ratio of 1.72 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.36. Fomento Economico Mexicano has a 12-month low of $98.97 and a 12-month high of $143.43. The company has a market capitalization of $35.83 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 27.14, a PEG ratio of 5.75 and a beta of 0.94. The firms 50-day moving average price is $107.36 and its two-hundred day moving average price is $114.18. Fomento Economico Mexicano (NYSE:FMX Get Free Report) last posted its quarterly earnings results on Wednesday, July 24th. The company reported $1.87 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter. The business had revenue of $11.54 billion for the quarter. Fomento Economico Mexicano had a net margin of 3.75% and a return on equity of 8.65%. On average, analysts forecast that Fomento Economico Mexicano will post 5.39 earnings per share for the current fiscal year. Fomento Economico Mexicano Increases Dividend The company also recently disclosed a semi-annual dividend, which was paid on Monday, July 29th. Stockholders of record on Wednesday, July 17th were paid a $1.0206 dividend. The ex-dividend date was Wednesday, July 17th. This represents a dividend yield of 1.5%. This is an increase from Fomento Economico Mexicanos previous semi-annual dividend of $0.74. Fomento Economico Mexicanos dividend payout ratio is currently 14.36%. Hedge Funds Weigh In On Fomento Economico Mexicano Several large investors have recently modified their holdings of the business. Park Place Capital Corp grew its position in shares of Fomento Economico Mexicano by 78.2% in the 1st quarter. Park Place Capital Corp now owns 221 shares of the companys stock valued at $29,000 after buying an additional 97 shares during the last quarter. Mather Group LLC. bought a new stake in Fomento Economico Mexicano in the first quarter valued at approximately $34,000. Loring Wolcott & Coolidge Fiduciary Advisors LLP MA acquired a new stake in Fomento Economico Mexicano during the 2nd quarter valued at approximately $51,000. Parallel Advisors LLC increased its position in Fomento Economico Mexicano by 22.1% during the 4th quarter. Parallel Advisors LLC now owns 741 shares of the companys stock valued at $97,000 after purchasing an additional 134 shares during the period. Finally, CWM LLC raised its holdings in Fomento Economico Mexicano by 28.7% during the 2nd quarter. CWM LLC now owns 956 shares of the companys stock worth $103,000 after purchasing an additional 213 shares during the last quarter. Fomento Economico Mexicano Company Profile (Get Free Report) Fomento Economico Mexicano, SAB. de C.V., through its subsidiaries, operates as a bottler of Coca-Cola trademark beverages. The company produces, markets, and distributes Coca-Cola trademark beverages in Mexico, Guatemala, Nicaragua, Costa Rica, Panama, Colombia, Venezuela, Brazil, Argentina, and Uruguay. Further Reading Receive News & Ratings for Fomento Economico Mexicano Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Fomento Economico Mexicano and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Welcome Guest! You are here: Home 'Draconian Decision': Mushawarat on CBSE order to drop Urdu All India Muslim Majlis e Mushawarat has slammed the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) for its decision to drop Urdu as one of the languages to write Class 10 and Class 12 board exams Thursday September 26, 2024 12:38 PM , ummid.com News Network All India Muslim Majlis e Mushawarat has slammed the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) for its decision to drop Urdu as one of the languages to write Class 10 and Class 12 board exams. Terming the CBSE decision, draconian and irrational, the umbrella body of Indian Muslim organisations and eminent personalities, urged restoration of the boards previous policy. All India Majlis e Mushawarat demand immediate withdrawal of the draconian decision of the CBSE and restoration of the previous policy to allow students to write answers in Urdu language, the Mushawarat said. Mushawarats demand came after the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) directed school heads and exam centre superintendents to print the question paper for classes 10 and 12 only in English or Hindi based on the requirement at schools. Indias largest school board further said that answer papers written in any language other than Hindi and English without the board's permission would not be evaluated. MANUU Model Schools MANUU is running three model schools in Hyderabad (Telangana), Nuh (Haryana) and Darbhanga (Bihar) offering education in Urdu. While getting CBSE affiliation in 2010. The officials at MANUU said, the CBSE had granted them affiliation with full knowledge that their medium of learning was Urdu. Consequently, students in MANUU model schools were provided question papers in Urdu along with English and Hindi. The MANUU schools students were allowed to write answers in Urdu. In 2021, however, CBSE stopped providing question papers in Urdu but allowed the students to write answer sheets in Urdu. With the latest order, the CBSE decided to assess answer sheets only if they are in English and Hindi. " Answer sheets in other languages, including Urdu, will not be assessed", the CBSE said. Slamming the decision, the Mushawarat while asking the CBSE to revoke its decision also sought the intervention of the Ministry of Education. It is a matter of great concern that the Urdu medium schools in different parts of the country, including the MANUU Model Schools, are facing difficulties because of the irrational decision of the CBSE, the Mushawarat said. Mushawarat appeals for urgent intervention of the union minister of Education to direct the CBSE to scrap its policy to disallow Urdu medium students to write exams in Urdu language, the apex body of Muslim NGOs said. Follow ummid.com WhatsApp Channel for all the latest updates. Select Language To Read in Urdu, Hindi, Marathi or Arabic. Accent Group Limited (ASX:AX1 Get Free Report) insider Daniel Agostinelli sold 690,653 shares of the stock in a transaction on Wednesday, September 18th. The stock was sold at an average price of A$2.26 ($1.54), for a total transaction of A$1,557,422.52 ($1,066,727.75). Daniel Agostinelli also recently made the following trade(s): Get Accent Group alerts: On Monday, September 2nd, Daniel Agostinelli acquired 795,031 shares of Accent Group stock. The shares were acquired at an average price of A$2.22 ($1.52) per share, with a total value of A$1,764,968.82 ($1,208,882.75). Accent Group Stock Performance The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 129.46, a current ratio of 1.04 and a quick ratio of 0.36. Accent Group Increases Dividend About Accent Group The business also recently declared a Final dividend, which was paid on Wednesday, September 25th. Shareholders of record on Wednesday, September 25th were given a dividend of $0.045 per share. This is a positive change from Accent Groups previous Final dividend of $0.04. The ex-dividend date was Tuesday, September 10th. This represents a dividend yield of 1.96%. Accent Groups payout ratio is 118.18%. (Get Free Report) Accent Group Limited engages in the retail, distribution, and franchise of lifestyle footwear, and apparel and accessories in Australia and New Zealand. The company's brands and banners include The Athlete's Foot, Platypus Shoes, Hype DC, Skechers, Merrell, CAT, Vans, Dr. Martens, Saucony, Timberland, Hoka, Superga, Kappa, Palladium, Supra, Subtype, The Trybe, Stylerunner, Autry, Glue Store, and UCG. Featured Articles Receive News & Ratings for Accent Group Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Accent Group and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Shimla in Grip of Islamophobia: Dimple Oberoi Muslims in Himachal Pradesh, particularly in Shimla, are presently being intimidated by the frenzied demand to demolish the alleged illegal part of the mosque in Sanjauli Thursday September 26, 2024 3:11 PM , Syed Ali Mujtaba Muslims in Himachal Pradesh, particularly in Shimla, are presently being intimidated by the frenzied demand to demolish the alleged illegal part of the mosque in Sanjauli. The Muslim community is also being blamed for migrating to the hill state for their livelihood purposes. Speaking with Syed Ali Mujtaba, a Journalist based in Chennai, Dimple Oberoi Vahali, a resident of Shimla and a social activist working for the rights of the minority community, said Shimla is under the grip of Islamophobia. Here is the Q&A that could illuminate the current situation in Shimla and Himachal Pradesh. Q: How is the current situation in Shimla about Sanjauli Mosque row? A: The present situation is extremely worrisome and disturbing. I am deeply aggrieved by the gravity of circumstances built up in the last few weeks around the Mosque in the Sanjauli locality of Shimla. It is a matter of serious concern that there was mass mobilization against the construction of the Mosque in the city. Q: Is the Sanjauli Mosque the only unauthorized structure in Shimla? A: No. It is part of public knowledge that thousands of illegal constructions in Shimla but they are not being questioned. It is well known that the portions of the newly constructed wing of the Shimla Secretariat and High Court building, and several buildings of prominent locals, the elite, and capitalists, including temples are illegally constructed in Shimla. Many of those protesting against the Mosque may be involved in illegal construction. As per Municipal Corporation records, the fact is, that Sanjauli and other parts of Shimla are full of illegal buildings. It wont be incorrect to say, that there are thousands of illegal buildings in Shimla. Q: Then why is the Mosque being singled out? A: There is a global trend towards Islamophobia that we are all well aware of. Then within our country too, for the last several years, much more than earlier times, we have witnessed a strong anti-Muslim wave. It is part of everyday knowledge of how the Muslim minority is being treated in India. Controversies are created and Muslims are being subjugated. Majoritarian politics has been divisive and has made deep inroads of othering into the collective psyche. " " Open call for economic boycott of "outsider Muslims" by Hindutva leader Kamal Gautam in Nerwa,Shimla. Y'day 100s of people joined this March in Nerwa following protests against mosque in Sanjauli. pic.twitter.com/EsiEVkHmHo Kaushik Raj (@kaushikrj6) September 20, 2024 The agitation around the Mosque should not be seen as a singular event but has to be contextualized within this larger scenario prevailing across the country. It is a hegemonic process where anti-Muslim sentiments can be easily ignited. The same is currently at work in Himachal Pradesh. History is witness to the fact that when the secular fabric of society is disturbed, majoritarian forces often assert their supremacy and collective power by making the minorities feel small and helpless. This phenomenon is seen to be at work in Himachal Pradesh, just as in many other parts of India. Q: What is the condition of the Muslim community in Shimla and Himachal Pradesh? A: The present situation is worrisome. As people belonging to Himachal Pradesh, we have not seen such mass mobilization against the Muslim community in the recent past. Muslims had a harmonious relationship with the Hindu community all these years. Muslims have respected and blended themselves into the composite culture of Himachal Pradesh. However. this is not the present situation. Muslims in Shimla and Himachal Pradesh are feeling insecure and intimidated. To maintain communal harmony the WAQF Board has volunteered to demolish parts of the Mosque that were alleged to be unauthorized In my view, this should not have happened because it will reinstate the minority binary of Muslims and make them feel small and helpless. It needs to be reiterated that the part of the Mosque under controversy, whether legal or illegal, should not be demolished. As conscious citizens, it is our collective responsibility to ensure that Muslims are treated with respect and equality and there should be empathy between all communities. Q: Are there any ripple effects of the controversy surrounding Sanjauli Mosque? A: Yes already news is coming from many parts of the state that the construction of several Mosques in other parts is being questioned. This is a very tension-provoking development. Q: What is the insider versus outsider controversy in Shimla? A: There are two levels of discourses that are operating at present. The questioning of the construction of the Mosques in Himachal on various grounds in several places, and the discourse of insiders and outsidersmigrant Muslims being Rohingyas and Bangladeshis. (At another level, we must ask ourselves where is this tendency to other the Bangladeshi and Rohingyas stems from. What is wrong with being a Bangladeshi or Rohingya? Why must we always see them as the fear evoking Other? This discourse of insiders vs outsiders is alarming and deeply troubling for those on the social margins. We urge the political powers to safeguard the interests and protect the rights of the Muslims in Himachal where at present the Congress government is at the helm. We fear that othering will continue to play a highly divisive role, making deeper inroads into the minds of ordinary citizens of Himachal Pradesh. Q: Is there a politics of the opposition BJP in this simmering controversy? A: The Hindutva party politics has a strong role in this simmering controversy. There is also a divide within the Congress which is also being utilized to the advantage of the opposition. However, even the party in power is not addressing the issue of what the minority community is being subjected to. Additionally, as I have said before, this is a complex matter in which anti-minority sentiments have made their inroads all around. The matter is not confined to the BJP or Congress but is one of deep hegemony against the Muslim 0community. This is the mindset of the State as well as the majority community. Q: Do you think communal forces have a role to play in this controversy? A: Saying that this only is a matter of illegal construction, and not paying heed to the communal shades is to ignore a situation that is getting out of hand. I feel this will have a grave consequence for our collective future. We must acknowledge that communal factors played a role in this entire issue. After accepting this fact, the collective effort should be to sincerely try to reverse the othering climate developing in Himachal Pradesh. We must first acknowledge a problem and make reparative efforts to safeguard the minority community and build peace and harmony in the State. It could be fair that the Muslim minority community be allowed to co-exist with respect and dignity in Himachal Pradesh. For this, all efforts should be made to maintain the secular culture of the hill State. This is a trying time and needs collective reaction to build a climate of peaceful coexistence in the state. Q: What do you suggest to be done to protect the Muslims in such circumstances? A: The State of Himachal Pradesh must immediately take action and stop the rising tension in Shimla and all over the state. The State is ethically responsible for offering safety and full security to its minority communities. The rational forces among the civil society should raise their voices to restore peace and communal harmony in the state. Amongst other steps to be taken, is immediate protection should be given to the Sanjauli Mosque, whether constructed legally or otherwise. The political parties are urged to safeguard the interests of the Muslims in Himachal Pradesh. I appeal to the present Congress government to protect the Muslims who have lived in peace and harmony for long years in the state. I also urge the state government not to encourage the issue of insider and outsider and to create an atmosphere of othering the Muslims. The state government must protect the rights of the Muslim community and should not demolish their places of worship. The government should also stand for the rights of the vendors and not make laws that will create further problems for their livelihood. I also urge the political parties to respect the composite culture of the state and talk about inter-religious tolerance and inter-faith respect. The State government must activate educational institutions and cultural forms to promote secular values. Thats the only way the future generations can imbibe true respect for composite cultural, and religious pluralism and create an inclusive society. [Syed Ali Mujtaba is a Journalist based in Chennai. He can be contacted at syedalimujtaba2007@gmail.com.] Follow ummid.com WhatsApp Channel for all the latest updates. Select Language To Read in Urdu, Hindi, Marathi or Arabic. APG Asset Management US Inc. trimmed its stake in Alexandria Real Estate Equities, Inc. (NYSE:ARE Free Report) by 1.5% during the second quarter, according to its most recent 13F filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The fund owned 7,146,939 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock after selling 110,000 shares during the period. Alexandria Real Estate Equities makes up 4.7% of APG Asset Management US Inc.s investment portfolio, making the stock its 4th largest holding. APG Asset Management US Inc. owned about 4.09% of Alexandria Real Estate Equities worth $827,687,000 as of its most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). Get Alexandria Real Estate Equities alerts: A number of other hedge funds have also recently modified their holdings of the stock. Fulton Bank N.A. grew its position in shares of Alexandria Real Estate Equities by 4.2% in the 1st quarter. Fulton Bank N.A. now owns 2,074 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock valued at $267,000 after buying an additional 83 shares during the last quarter. Arbor Capital Management Inc. ADV boosted its stake in Alexandria Real Estate Equities by 1.1% during the 2nd quarter. Arbor Capital Management Inc. ADV now owns 8,639 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock worth $1,000,000 after purchasing an additional 93 shares during the period. SPC Financial Inc. boosted its stake in Alexandria Real Estate Equities by 5.4% during the 1st quarter. SPC Financial Inc. now owns 1,950 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock worth $251,000 after purchasing an additional 100 shares during the period. Oregon Public Employees Retirement Fund boosted its stake in Alexandria Real Estate Equities by 0.7% during the 2nd quarter. Oregon Public Employees Retirement Fund now owns 13,544 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock worth $1,584,000 after purchasing an additional 100 shares during the period. Finally, GAMMA Investing LLC boosted its stake in Alexandria Real Estate Equities by 7.9% during the 2nd quarter. GAMMA Investing LLC now owns 1,414 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock worth $165,000 after purchasing an additional 103 shares during the period. 96.54% of the stock is owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors. Alexandria Real Estate Equities Stock Down 0.1 % Shares of NYSE ARE opened at $124.26 on Thursday. The company has a quick ratio of 0.23, a current ratio of 0.23 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.55. Alexandria Real Estate Equities, Inc. has a 52 week low of $90.73 and a 52 week high of $135.45. The firm has a 50-day moving average price of $118.73 and a 200 day moving average price of $119.77. The stock has a market capitalization of $21.74 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 116.13, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 4.26 and a beta of 1.16. Alexandria Real Estate Equities Dividend Announcement Alexandria Real Estate Equities ( NYSE:ARE Get Free Report ) last announced its quarterly earnings data on Monday, July 22nd. The real estate investment trust reported $0.25 EPS for the quarter, missing the consensus estimate of $2.34 by ($2.09). Alexandria Real Estate Equities had a net margin of 5.09% and a return on equity of 0.68%. The company had revenue of $766.70 million during the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $775.03 million. During the same quarter last year, the business earned $2.24 EPS. The firms revenue for the quarter was up 7.4% on a year-over-year basis. Equities research analysts anticipate that Alexandria Real Estate Equities, Inc. will post 9.47 EPS for the current fiscal year. The firm also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Tuesday, October 15th. Shareholders of record on Monday, September 30th will be issued a dividend of $1.30 per share. The ex-dividend date is Monday, September 30th. This represents a $5.20 annualized dividend and a yield of 4.18%. Alexandria Real Estate Equitiess dividend payout ratio (DPR) is currently 485.99%. Wall Street Analyst Weigh In A number of analysts recently weighed in on ARE shares. Bank of America cut shares of Alexandria Real Estate Equities from a buy rating to a neutral rating and decreased their price target for the stock from $151.00 to $126.00 in a research note on Monday, July 29th. Wedbush cut shares of Alexandria Real Estate Equities from an outperform rating to a neutral rating and decreased their price target for the stock from $140.00 to $130.00 in a research note on Wednesday, July 24th. Citigroup cut shares of Alexandria Real Estate Equities from a buy rating to a neutral rating and decreased their price target for the stock from $130.00 to $125.00 in a research note on Friday, September 13th. JMP Securities restated a market outperform rating and issued a $140.00 target price on shares of Alexandria Real Estate Equities in a research note on Tuesday, July 23rd. Finally, Royal Bank of Canada reduced their target price on shares of Alexandria Real Estate Equities from $135.00 to $130.00 and set an outperform rating for the company in a research note on Monday, August 5th. Seven analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and four have given a buy rating to the companys stock. Based on data from MarketBeat, the stock has a consensus rating of Hold and a consensus price target of $130.70. Read Our Latest Research Report on ARE Alexandria Real Estate Equities Profile (Free Report) Alexandria Real Estate Equities, Inc (NYSE: ARE), an S&P 500 company, is a best-in-class, mission-driven life science REIT making a positive and lasting impact on the world. As the pioneer of the life science real estate niche since our founding in 1994, Alexandria is the preeminent and longest-tenured owner, operator, and developer of collaborative life science, agtech, and advanced technology mega campuses in AAA innovation cluster locations, including Greater Boston, the San Francisco Bay Area, New York City, San Diego, Seattle, Maryland, and Research Triangle. Recommended Stories Want to see what other hedge funds are holding ARE? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Alexandria Real Estate Equities, Inc. (NYSE:ARE Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for Alexandria Real Estate Equities Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Alexandria Real Estate Equities and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. APG Asset Management US Inc. acquired a new stake in Kite Realty Group Trust (NYSE:KRG Free Report) during the 2nd quarter, according to its most recent disclosure with the SEC. The institutional investor acquired 750,000 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock, valued at approximately $16,665,000. APG Asset Management US Inc. owned approximately 0.34% of Kite Realty Group Trust at the end of the most recent quarter. Get Kite Realty Group Trust alerts: Other hedge funds and other institutional investors have also added to or reduced their stakes in the company. State of Alaska Department of Revenue lifted its holdings in shares of Kite Realty Group Trust by 0.5% during the 1st quarter. State of Alaska Department of Revenue now owns 126,703 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock valued at $2,745,000 after buying an additional 649 shares during the period. Retirement Systems of Alabama lifted its holdings in shares of Kite Realty Group Trust by 0.3% during the 1st quarter. Retirement Systems of Alabama now owns 275,494 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock valued at $5,973,000 after buying an additional 724 shares during the period. United Services Automobile Association lifted its holdings in shares of Kite Realty Group Trust by 4.6% during the 2nd quarter. United Services Automobile Association now owns 17,781 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock valued at $398,000 after buying an additional 777 shares during the period. UniSuper Management Pty Ltd lifted its holdings in shares of Kite Realty Group Trust by 1.5% during the 1st quarter. UniSuper Management Pty Ltd now owns 62,353 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock valued at $1,352,000 after buying an additional 900 shares during the period. Finally, Blue Trust Inc. lifted its holdings in shares of Kite Realty Group Trust by 42.7% during the 2nd quarter. Blue Trust Inc. now owns 3,314 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock valued at $72,000 after buying an additional 992 shares during the period. 90.81% of the stock is owned by institutional investors. Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth Several research firms have recently weighed in on KRG. Raymond James raised Kite Realty Group Trust from a market perform rating to a strong-buy rating and set a $28.00 price target on the stock in a report on Friday, August 16th. Robert W. Baird increased their price target on Kite Realty Group Trust from $25.00 to $26.00 and gave the company a neutral rating in a report on Wednesday, July 31st. Compass Point raised their target price on Kite Realty Group Trust from $29.00 to $32.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a report on Wednesday, September 4th. KeyCorp raised their target price on Kite Realty Group Trust from $25.00 to $28.00 and gave the stock an overweight rating in a report on Tuesday, August 20th. Finally, Piper Sandler raised their target price on Kite Realty Group Trust from $30.00 to $33.00 and gave the stock an overweight rating in a report on Tuesday, September 3rd. Three analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating, four have given a buy rating and one has given a strong buy rating to the stock. According to MarketBeat, the stock has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus price target of $28.00. Kite Realty Group Trust Trading Down 0.2 % Shares of KRG stock opened at $26.70 on Thursday. Kite Realty Group Trust has a 52-week low of $19.64 and a 52-week high of $27.15. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.88, a quick ratio of 2.08 and a current ratio of 2.08. The firm has a market capitalization of $5.86 billion, a PE ratio of 102.68, a PEG ratio of 4.06 and a beta of 1.29. The stock has a fifty day simple moving average of $25.28 and a two-hundred day simple moving average of $22.80. Kite Realty Group Trust Increases Dividend The firm also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Wednesday, October 16th. Shareholders of record on Wednesday, October 9th will be paid a $0.26 dividend. This represents a $1.04 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 3.90%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Wednesday, October 9th. This is a positive change from Kite Realty Group Trusts previous quarterly dividend of $0.25. Kite Realty Group Trusts dividend payout ratio is presently 384.63%. Insiders Place Their Bets In other Kite Realty Group Trust news, Director Steven P. Grimes sold 37,295 shares of the stock in a transaction on Monday, September 16th. The stock was sold at an average price of $26.80, for a total value of $999,506.00. Following the completion of the sale, the director now owns 732,252 shares in the company, valued at approximately $19,624,353.60. The sale was disclosed in a document filed with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available at this link. 2.00% of the stock is currently owned by company insiders. Kite Realty Group Trust Profile (Free Report) Kite Realty Group Trust (NYSE: KRG) is a real estate investment trust (REIT) headquartered in Indianapolis, IN that is one of the largest publicly traded owners and operators of open-air shopping centers and mixed-use assets. The Companys primarily grocery-anchored portfolio is located in high-growth Sun Belt and select strategic gateway markets. Further Reading Want to see what other hedge funds are holding KRG? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Kite Realty Group Trust (NYSE:KRG Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for Kite Realty Group Trust Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Kite Realty Group Trust and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Packaging Co. of America (NYSE:PKG Get Free Report) and Smurfit Westrock (NYSE:SW Get Free Report) are both large-cap industrial products companies, but which is the better business? We will compare the two businesses based on the strength of their dividends, earnings, profitability, valuation, analyst recommendations, institutional ownership and risk. Get Packaging Co. of America alerts: Earnings & Valuation This table compares Packaging Co. of America and Smurfit Westrocks gross revenue, earnings per share and valuation. Gross Revenue Price/Sales Ratio Net Income Earnings Per Share Price/Earnings Ratio Packaging Co. of America $7.80 billion 2.47 $765.20 million $8.00 26.79 Smurfit Westrock $20.31 billion 1.22 -$22.40 million $1.19 40.17 Packaging Co. of America has higher earnings, but lower revenue than Smurfit Westrock. Packaging Co. of America is trading at a lower price-to-earnings ratio than Smurfit Westrock, indicating that it is currently the more affordable of the two stocks. Profitability Net Margins Return on Equity Return on Assets Packaging Co. of America 9.06% 18.21% 8.42% Smurfit Westrock 1.36% 7.13% 2.67% Analyst Recommendations This table compares Packaging Co. of America and Smurfit Westrocks net margins, return on equity and return on assets. This is a summary of recent ratings and recommmendations for Packaging Co. of America and Smurfit Westrock, as reported by MarketBeat. Sell Ratings Hold Ratings Buy Ratings Strong Buy Ratings Rating Score Packaging Co. of America 0 4 3 0 2.43 Smurfit Westrock 0 2 3 0 2.60 Packaging Co. of America currently has a consensus target price of $190.50, suggesting a potential downside of 11.13%. Smurfit Westrock has a consensus target price of $57.80, suggesting a potential upside of 20.92%. Given Smurfit Westrocks stronger consensus rating and higher possible upside, analysts plainly believe Smurfit Westrock is more favorable than Packaging Co. of America. Institutional and Insider Ownership 89.8% of Packaging Co. of America shares are owned by institutional investors. Comparatively, 83.4% of Smurfit Westrock shares are owned by institutional investors. 1.6% of Packaging Co. of America shares are owned by company insiders. Comparatively, 0.5% of Smurfit Westrock shares are owned by company insiders. Strong institutional ownership is an indication that large money managers, hedge funds and endowments believe a company is poised for long-term growth. Dividends Packaging Co. of America pays an annual dividend of $5.00 per share and has a dividend yield of 2.3%. Smurfit Westrock pays an annual dividend of $1.21 per share and has a dividend yield of 2.5%. Packaging Co. of America pays out 62.5% of its earnings in the form of a dividend. Smurfit Westrock pays out 101.7% of its earnings in the form of a dividend, suggesting it may not have sufficient earnings to cover its dividend payment in the future. Packaging Co. of America has increased its dividend for 14 consecutive years. Risk and Volatility Packaging Co. of America has a beta of 0.77, suggesting that its share price is 23% less volatile than the S&P 500. Comparatively, Smurfit Westrock has a beta of 1.05, suggesting that its share price is 5% more volatile than the S&P 500. Summary Packaging Co. of America beats Smurfit Westrock on 10 of the 16 factors compared between the two stocks. About Packaging Co. of America (Get Free Report) Packaging Corporation of America manufactures and sells containerboard and corrugated packaging products in the United States. The company operates through three segments: Packaging, Paper, and Corporate and Other. The Packaging segment offers various containerboard and corrugated packaging products, such as conventional shipping containers used to protect and transport manufactured goods; multi-color boxes and displays that help to merchandise the packaged product in retail locations; and honeycomb protective packaging products, as well as packaging for meat, fresh fruit and vegetables, processed food, beverages, and other industrial and consumer products. This segment sells its corrugated products through a direct sales and marketing organization, independent brokers, and distribution partners. The Paper segment manufactures and sells commodity and specialty papers, as well as communication papers, including cut-size office papers, and printing and converting papers. This segment sells white papers through its sales and marketing organization. The Corporate and Other segment includes corporate support staff services and related assets and liabilities; and transportation assets, such as rail cars and trucks for transportation. Packaging Corporation of America was founded in 1867 and is headquartered in Lake Forest, Illinois. About Smurfit Westrock (Get Free Report) Smurfit Westrock Plc, together with its subsidiaries, manufactures, distributes, and sells containerboard, corrugated containers, and other paper-based packaging products in Ireland and internationally. The company produces containerboard that it converts into corrugated containers or sells to third parties, as well as produces other types of paper, such as consumer packaging board, sack paper, graphic paper, solid board and graphic board, and other paper-based packaging products, such as consumer packaging, solid board packaging, paper sacks, and other packaging products, including bag-in-box. It also produces linerboard and corrugated medium, paperboard, and non-packaging grades of paper, as well as converted products, such as folding cartons and corrugated boxes, and other products; recycled paper-based packaging products; and packaging machinery. The company primarily serves food and beverage, e-commerce, retail, consumer goods, industrial, and foodservice markets. Smurfit Westrock Plc was founded in 1934 and is headquartered in Dublin, Ireland. Receive News & Ratings for Packaging Co. of America Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Packaging Co. of America and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Had highly productive meetings with PM Modi, President Murmu: Maldives President 07 Oct 2024 | 11:11 PM New Delhi, Oct 7 (UNI) Maldives President Mohamed Muizzu on Monday said he had highly productive meetings with both Prime Minister Modi and President Murmu and he is pleased with the in-depth discussions on enhancing development cooperation. see more.. Rajnath exhorts pvt sector to move from imitative to innovative tech 07 Oct 2024 | 11:02 PM New Delhi, Oct 7 (UNI) Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Monday exhorted the private sector to move ahead from imitative to innovative technology so as to cater to the futuristic needs of the Armed Forces. see more.. India provides cash-strapped Maldives with major financial aid package as both sides reset ties 07 Oct 2024 | 10:38 PM New Delhi, Oct 7 (UNI) In a reset of bilateral ties that were on the verge of turning frosty, India and the Maldives on Monday adopted a vision document for Comprehensive Economic and Maritime Security Partnership, even as New Delhi provided its cash-strapped Indian Ocean neighbour with a much-needed $400 million and Rs 30 billion financial aid package. see more.. Land-for-jobs case: Lalu, sons get bail in Delhi court 07 Oct 2024 | 7:22 PM New Delhi, Oct 7 (UNI) Rashtriya Janata Dal chief and former railway minister Lalu Prasad Yadav and his sons Tejashwi Yadav and Tej Pratap Yadav were on Monday granted bail by a Delhi court in the land-for-jobs money laundering case. see more.. SEEK Limited (OTCMKTS:SKLTY Get Free Report) saw a significant decrease in short interest in September. As of September 15th, there was short interest totalling 700 shares, a decrease of 94.5% from the August 31st total of 12,800 shares. Based on an average trading volume of 30,600 shares, the short-interest ratio is currently 0.0 days. Get SEEK alerts: SEEK Stock Performance OTCMKTS SKLTY traded down $0.49 during trading hours on Wednesday, hitting $33.30. The company had a trading volume of 12,029 shares, compared to its average volume of 18,282. SEEK has a 1-year low of $25.72 and a 1-year high of $37.64. The business has a 50 day moving average of $29.56 and a 200-day moving average of $30.42. SEEK Cuts Dividend The business also recently disclosed a dividend, which will be paid on Friday, October 18th. Shareholders of record on Thursday, September 5th will be paid a $0.1697 dividend. The ex-dividend date is Thursday, September 5th. About SEEK SEEK Limited, together with its subsidiaries, engages in the provision of online employment marketplace services in Australia, South East Asia, Brazil, New Zealand, Mexico, the United Kingdom, Europe, and internationally. It operates through ANZ, SEEK Asia, Brazil Online, OCC, Platform support, Portfolio investments, and SEEK Growth Fund segments. Featured Articles Receive News & Ratings for SEEK Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for SEEK and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Smurfit Westrock (NYSE:SW Get Free Report) and Packaging Co. of America (NYSE:PKG Get Free Report) are both large-cap basic materials companies, but which is the better business? We will contrast the two businesses based on the strength of their analyst recommendations, earnings, risk, valuation, profitability, institutional ownership and dividends. Get Smurfit Westrock alerts: Volatility and Risk Smurfit Westrock has a beta of 1.05, meaning that its stock price is 5% more volatile than the S&P 500. Comparatively, Packaging Co. of America has a beta of 0.77, meaning that its stock price is 23% less volatile than the S&P 500. Institutional and Insider Ownership 83.4% of Smurfit Westrock shares are held by institutional investors. Comparatively, 89.8% of Packaging Co. of America shares are held by institutional investors. 0.5% of Smurfit Westrock shares are held by company insiders. Comparatively, 1.6% of Packaging Co. of America shares are held by company insiders. Strong institutional ownership is an indication that endowments, large money managers and hedge funds believe a stock will outperform the market over the long term. Analyst Recommendations Sell Ratings Hold Ratings Buy Ratings Strong Buy Ratings Rating Score Smurfit Westrock 0 2 3 0 2.60 Packaging Co. of America 0 4 3 0 2.43 This is a summary of current ratings for Smurfit Westrock and Packaging Co. of America, as provided by MarketBeat.com. Smurfit Westrock currently has a consensus target price of $57.80, indicating a potential upside of 20.92%. Packaging Co. of America has a consensus target price of $190.50, indicating a potential downside of 11.13%. Given Smurfit Westrocks stronger consensus rating and higher possible upside, equities analysts clearly believe Smurfit Westrock is more favorable than Packaging Co. of America. Profitability This table compares Smurfit Westrock and Packaging Co. of Americas net margins, return on equity and return on assets. Net Margins Return on Equity Return on Assets Smurfit Westrock 1.36% 7.13% 2.67% Packaging Co. of America 9.06% 18.21% 8.42% Valuation and Earnings This table compares Smurfit Westrock and Packaging Co. of Americas gross revenue, earnings per share (EPS) and valuation. Gross Revenue Price/Sales Ratio Net Income Earnings Per Share Price/Earnings Ratio Smurfit Westrock $20.31 billion 1.22 -$22.40 million $1.19 40.17 Packaging Co. of America $7.80 billion 2.47 $765.20 million $8.00 26.79 Packaging Co. of America has lower revenue, but higher earnings than Smurfit Westrock. Packaging Co. of America is trading at a lower price-to-earnings ratio than Smurfit Westrock, indicating that it is currently the more affordable of the two stocks. Dividends Smurfit Westrock pays an annual dividend of $1.21 per share and has a dividend yield of 2.5%. Packaging Co. of America pays an annual dividend of $5.00 per share and has a dividend yield of 2.3%. Smurfit Westrock pays out 101.7% of its earnings in the form of a dividend, suggesting it may not have sufficient earnings to cover its dividend payment in the future. Packaging Co. of America pays out 62.5% of its earnings in the form of a dividend. Packaging Co. of America has raised its dividend for 14 consecutive years. Summary Packaging Co. of America beats Smurfit Westrock on 10 of the 16 factors compared between the two stocks. About Smurfit Westrock (Get Free Report) Smurfit Westrock Plc, together with its subsidiaries, manufactures, distributes, and sells containerboard, corrugated containers, and other paper-based packaging products in Ireland and internationally. The company produces containerboard that it converts into corrugated containers or sells to third parties, as well as produces other types of paper, such as consumer packaging board, sack paper, graphic paper, solid board and graphic board, and other paper-based packaging products, such as consumer packaging, solid board packaging, paper sacks, and other packaging products, including bag-in-box. It also produces linerboard and corrugated medium, paperboard, and non-packaging grades of paper, as well as converted products, such as folding cartons and corrugated boxes, and other products; recycled paper-based packaging products; and packaging machinery. The company primarily serves food and beverage, e-commerce, retail, consumer goods, industrial, and foodservice markets. Smurfit Westrock Plc was founded in 1934 and is headquartered in Dublin, Ireland. About Packaging Co. of America (Get Free Report) Packaging Corporation of America manufactures and sells containerboard and corrugated packaging products in the United States. The company operates through three segments: Packaging, Paper, and Corporate and Other. The Packaging segment offers various containerboard and corrugated packaging products, such as conventional shipping containers used to protect and transport manufactured goods; multi-color boxes and displays that help to merchandise the packaged product in retail locations; and honeycomb protective packaging products, as well as packaging for meat, fresh fruit and vegetables, processed food, beverages, and other industrial and consumer products. This segment sells its corrugated products through a direct sales and marketing organization, independent brokers, and distribution partners. The Paper segment manufactures and sells commodity and specialty papers, as well as communication papers, including cut-size office papers, and printing and converting papers. This segment sells white papers through its sales and marketing organization. The Corporate and Other segment includes corporate support staff services and related assets and liabilities; and transportation assets, such as rail cars and trucks for transportation. Packaging Corporation of America was founded in 1867 and is headquartered in Lake Forest, Illinois. Receive News & Ratings for Smurfit Westrock Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Smurfit Westrock and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Sturgis Bancorp, Inc. (OTCMKTS:STBI Get Free Report) saw a significant decline in short interest in the month of September. As of September 15th, there was short interest totalling 100 shares, a decline of 75.0% from the August 31st total of 400 shares. Based on an average daily volume of 700 shares, the days-to-cover ratio is presently 0.1 days. Get Sturgis Bancorp alerts: Sturgis Bancorp Price Performance OTCMKTS STBI remained flat at $17.15 on Wednesday. Sturgis Bancorp has a one year low of $15.74 and a one year high of $18.75. The business has a fifty day moving average price of $16.97 and a 200-day moving average price of $16.60. The firm has a market capitalization of $36.87 million, a PE ratio of 14.41 and a beta of 0.42. Sturgis Bancorp (OTCMKTS:STBI Get Free Report) last posted its quarterly earnings data on Friday, July 19th. The financial services provider reported $0.60 earnings per share for the quarter. The company had revenue of $9.04 million for the quarter. Sturgis Bancorp Dividend Announcement Sturgis Bancorp Company Profile The business also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Friday, September 13th. Shareholders of record on Thursday, August 15th were paid a $0.17 dividend. The ex-dividend date was Thursday, August 15th. This represents a $0.68 annualized dividend and a yield of 3.97%. Sturgis Bancorps dividend payout ratio is presently 57.14%. (Get Free Report) Sturgis Bancorp, Inc operates as the bank holding company for Sturgis Bank & Trust Company that provides banking products and services in Michigan, the United States. The company offers checking, savings and health savings, and money market accounts; and certificates of deposit and individual retirement accounts. Featured Stories Receive News & Ratings for Sturgis Bancorp Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Sturgis Bancorp and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Public Employees Retirement Association of Colorado trimmed its holdings in Vail Resorts, Inc. (NYSE:MTN Free Report) by 95.7% in the second quarter, according to its most recent 13F filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The fund owned 4,056 shares of the companys stock after selling 89,319 shares during the quarter. Public Employees Retirement Association of Colorados holdings in Vail Resorts were worth $731,000 as of its most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Get Vail Resorts alerts: Several other hedge funds also recently made changes to their positions in the business. XTX Topco Ltd acquired a new position in Vail Resorts in the second quarter worth approximately $315,000. Amalgamated Bank boosted its stake in shares of Vail Resorts by 7.7% during the 2nd quarter. Amalgamated Bank now owns 22,379 shares of the companys stock worth $4,031,000 after acquiring an additional 1,603 shares in the last quarter. Dimensional Fund Advisors LP grew its holdings in shares of Vail Resorts by 36.3% in the 2nd quarter. Dimensional Fund Advisors LP now owns 356,386 shares of the companys stock worth $64,195,000 after acquiring an additional 94,923 shares during the last quarter. Brown Brothers Harriman & Co. raised its position in shares of Vail Resorts by 318.8% during the second quarter. Brown Brothers Harriman & Co. now owns 201 shares of the companys stock worth $36,000 after purchasing an additional 153 shares during the period. Finally, Envestnet Asset Management Inc. lifted its holdings in shares of Vail Resorts by 2.2% during the second quarter. Envestnet Asset Management Inc. now owns 129,550 shares of the companys stock valued at $23,336,000 after purchasing an additional 2,730 shares during the last quarter. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 94.94% of the companys stock. Vail Resorts Trading Down 2.9 % NYSE MTN opened at $182.79 on Thursday. The company has a market capitalization of $6.88 billion, a PE ratio of 24.87, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 2.53 and a beta of 1.14. Vail Resorts, Inc. has a 1-year low of $165.14 and a 1-year high of $244.34. The company has a current ratio of 1.18, a quick ratio of 1.08 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 2.04. The firms fifty day simple moving average is $179.37 and its 200-day simple moving average is $192.29. Wall Street Analyst Weigh In A number of equities analysts recently weighed in on MTN shares. JPMorgan Chase & Co. cut Vail Resorts from a neutral rating to an underweight rating and dropped their price target for the stock from $217.00 to $176.00 in a research note on Friday, June 7th. Morgan Stanley lifted their target price on shares of Vail Resorts from $179.00 to $182.00 and gave the stock an equal weight rating in a research report on Wednesday. Barclays reduced their price target on shares of Vail Resorts from $201.00 to $161.00 and set an underweight rating for the company in a research report on Friday, June 7th. Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft lowered their price objective on shares of Vail Resorts from $218.00 to $194.00 and set a hold rating on the stock in a research report on Monday, September 16th. Finally, Stifel Nicolaus restated a buy rating and issued a $223.00 target price (down previously from $259.00) on shares of Vail Resorts in a report on Thursday, September 19th. Two investment analysts have rated the stock with a sell rating, four have given a hold rating and three have issued a buy rating to the stock. According to MarketBeat.com, the company currently has a consensus rating of Hold and an average target price of $213.38. Check Out Our Latest Stock Analysis on MTN Vail Resorts Profile (Free Report) Vail Resorts, Inc, through its subsidiaries, operates mountain resorts and regional ski areas in the United States. It operates through three segments: Mountain, Lodging, and Real Estate. The Mountain segment operates 41 destination mountain resorts and regional ski areas. This segment is also involved in the ancillary activities, including ski school, dining, and retail/rental operations, as well as real estate brokerage activities. Recommended Stories Want to see what other hedge funds are holding MTN? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Vail Resorts, Inc. (NYSE:MTN Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for Vail Resorts Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Vail Resorts and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. APG Asset Management US Inc. trimmed its holdings in shares of Ventas, Inc. (NYSE:VTR Free Report) by 10.1% during the 2nd quarter, according to the company in its most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The fund owned 15,127,561 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock after selling 1,700,000 shares during the period. Ventas makes up about 4.4% of APG Asset Management US Inc.s investment portfolio, making the stock its 6th largest holding. APG Asset Management US Inc. owned 3.74% of Ventas worth $769,690,000 at the end of the most recent quarter. Get Ventas alerts: Several other institutional investors have also added to or reduced their stakes in the business. Profund Advisors LLC boosted its stake in Ventas by 3.3% during the 2nd quarter. Profund Advisors LLC now owns 6,270 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock valued at $321,000 after purchasing an additional 199 shares during the last quarter. Bessemer Group Inc. boosted its stake in Ventas by 4.6% during the 1st quarter. Bessemer Group Inc. now owns 5,292 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock valued at $230,000 after purchasing an additional 234 shares during the last quarter. QRG Capital Management Inc. boosted its stake in Ventas by 1.1% during the 1st quarter. QRG Capital Management Inc. now owns 24,383 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock valued at $1,062,000 after purchasing an additional 258 shares during the last quarter. Dakota Wealth Management boosted its stake in shares of Ventas by 1.0% in the 2nd quarter. Dakota Wealth Management now owns 33,717 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock worth $1,728,000 after buying an additional 322 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Czech National Bank boosted its stake in shares of Ventas by 0.5% in the 1st quarter. Czech National Bank now owns 70,799 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock worth $3,083,000 after buying an additional 325 shares during the last quarter. 94.18% of the stock is currently owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors. Insider Buying and Selling at Ventas In other Ventas news, CFO Robert F. Probst sold 20,000 shares of the firms stock in a transaction dated Thursday, August 8th. The stock was sold at an average price of $58.87, for a total transaction of $1,177,400.00. Following the sale, the chief financial officer now directly owns 156,403 shares of the companys stock, valued at $9,207,444.61. The transaction was disclosed in a legal filing with the SEC, which is available through this hyperlink. In other Ventas news, CEO Peter J. Bulgarelli sold 6,000 shares of the firms stock in a transaction dated Tuesday, September 10th. The stock was sold at an average price of $64.99, for a total transaction of $389,940.00. Following the sale, the chief executive officer now directly owns 90,795 shares of the companys stock, valued at $5,900,767.05. The transaction was disclosed in a legal filing with the SEC, which is available through this hyperlink. Also, CFO Robert F. Probst sold 20,000 shares of Ventas stock in a transaction dated Thursday, August 8th. The stock was sold at an average price of $58.87, for a total value of $1,177,400.00. Following the completion of the sale, the chief financial officer now directly owns 156,403 shares in the company, valued at $9,207,444.61. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. Insiders have sold a total of 77,065 shares of company stock valued at $4,526,464 over the last ninety days. 1.00% of the stock is currently owned by company insiders. Ventas Price Performance Shares of Ventas stock opened at $64.89 on Thursday. Ventas, Inc. has a one year low of $39.33 and a one year high of $65.64. The stocks fifty day moving average is $59.35 and its 200 day moving average is $51.35. The stock has a market cap of $26.27 billion, a P/E ratio of -341.53, a P/E/G ratio of 2.84 and a beta of 1.36. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.36, a quick ratio of 0.58 and a current ratio of 0.58. Ventas (NYSE:VTR Get Free Report) last announced its earnings results on Thursday, August 1st. The real estate investment trust reported $0.05 EPS for the quarter, missing analysts consensus estimates of $0.79 by ($0.74). The company had revenue of $1.20 billion during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $1.19 billion. Ventas had a negative return on equity of 1.63% and a negative net margin of 3.33%. Ventass revenue for the quarter was up 8.6% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same period in the prior year, the business posted $0.75 earnings per share. Sell-side analysts anticipate that Ventas, Inc. will post 3.18 earnings per share for the current year. Ventas Dividend Announcement The firm also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Thursday, October 17th. Shareholders of record on Tuesday, October 1st will be issued a dividend of $0.45 per share. The ex-dividend date is Tuesday, October 1st. This represents a $1.80 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 2.77%. Ventass dividend payout ratio is presently -947.37%. Wall Street Analyst Weigh In A number of equities analysts have recently issued reports on VTR shares. Scotiabank raised their price target on Ventas from $55.00 to $59.00 and gave the stock a sector perform rating in a research note on Wednesday, August 7th. Wolfe Research upgraded Ventas to a strong-buy rating in a research note on Friday, August 9th. Evercore ISI raised their price target on Ventas from $64.00 to $70.00 and gave the stock an outperform rating in a research note on Monday, September 16th. StockNews.com upgraded Ventas from a sell rating to a hold rating in a research note on Wednesday, July 10th. Finally, Wells Fargo & Company raised their price target on Ventas from $46.00 to $49.00 and gave the stock an equal weight rating in a research note on Thursday, May 30th. Three analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating, seven have issued a buy rating and one has issued a strong buy rating to the stock. According to data from MarketBeat, the stock presently has an average rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus price target of $58.67. Check Out Our Latest Stock Report on Ventas Ventas Company Profile (Free Report) Ventas Inc (NYSE: VTR) is a leading S&P 500 real estate investment trust focused on delivering strong, sustainable shareholder returns by enabling exceptional environments that benefit a large and growing aging population. The Company's growth is fueled by its senior housing communities, which provide valuable services to residents and enable them to thrive in supported environments. Recommended Stories Want to see what other hedge funds are holding VTR? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Ventas, Inc. (NYSE:VTR Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for Ventas Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Ventas and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. APG Asset Management US Inc. lifted its stake in Welltower Inc. (NYSE:WELL Free Report) by 7.4% in the 2nd quarter, according to its most recent Form 13F filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The firm owned 1,237,867 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock after buying an additional 85,000 shares during the period. Welltower makes up 0.7% of APG Asset Management US Inc.s portfolio, making the stock its 27th biggest position. APG Asset Management US Inc. owned 0.21% of Welltower worth $128,738,000 as of its most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). Get Welltower alerts: Several other institutional investors and hedge funds also recently modified their holdings of the stock. Vanguard Group Inc. boosted its position in shares of Welltower by 3.8% in the first quarter. Vanguard Group Inc. now owns 89,187,884 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock worth $8,333,716,000 after buying an additional 3,257,213 shares during the period. Capital International Investors boosted its position in shares of Welltower by 26.4% in the first quarter. Capital International Investors now owns 29,236,326 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock worth $2,731,842,000 after buying an additional 6,104,064 shares during the period. Dimensional Fund Advisors LP boosted its position in shares of Welltower by 0.8% in the second quarter. Dimensional Fund Advisors LP now owns 7,814,741 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock worth $814,678,000 after buying an additional 62,942 shares during the period. Centersquare Investment Management LLC boosted its holdings in Welltower by 19.0% in the first quarter. Centersquare Investment Management LLC now owns 5,329,248 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock valued at $507,771,000 after purchasing an additional 849,898 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Russell Investments Group Ltd. boosted its holdings in Welltower by 12.4% in the first quarter. Russell Investments Group Ltd. now owns 4,433,816 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock valued at $414,229,000 after purchasing an additional 489,533 shares during the last quarter. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 94.80% of the companys stock. Wall Street Analyst Weigh In WELL has been the subject of a number of analyst reports. Wells Fargo & Company increased their price target on Welltower from $107.00 to $111.00 and gave the company an overweight rating in a report on Thursday, May 30th. Wedbush increased their price target on Welltower from $100.00 to $120.00 and gave the company a neutral rating in a report on Monday, August 5th. KeyCorp increased their price target on Welltower from $95.00 to $115.00 and gave the company an overweight rating in a report on Tuesday, July 2nd. Morgan Stanley increased their price target on Welltower from $103.00 to $107.50 and gave the company an overweight rating in a report on Thursday, July 11th. Finally, Wolfe Research raised Welltower to a strong-buy rating in a report on Friday, August 9th. Four analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating, eight have given a buy rating and two have given a strong buy rating to the company. According to data from MarketBeat.com, Welltower presently has an average rating of Moderate Buy and an average price target of $113.38. Welltower Stock Up 1.2 % WELL opened at $129.08 on Thursday. Welltower Inc. has a 12 month low of $78.38 and a 12 month high of $131.31. The stock has a market cap of $78.63 billion, a P/E ratio of 159.36, a P/E/G ratio of 2.97 and a beta of 1.21. The stocks 50 day moving average price is $118.44 and its 200 day moving average price is $105.28. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.47, a current ratio of 4.07 and a quick ratio of 4.07. Welltower (NYSE:WELL Get Free Report) last issued its quarterly earnings results on Monday, July 29th. The real estate investment trust reported $0.42 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $0.34 by $0.08. Welltower had a return on equity of 2.21% and a net margin of 8.36%. The company had revenue of $1.82 billion for the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $1.89 billion. During the same period last year, the firm earned $0.90 EPS. The firms revenue for the quarter was up 9.6% on a year-over-year basis. As a group, research analysts predict that Welltower Inc. will post 4.19 earnings per share for the current year. Welltower Increases Dividend The company also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Wednesday, August 21st. Stockholders of record on Monday, August 12th were given a dividend of $0.67 per share. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Monday, August 12th. This is a boost from Welltowers previous quarterly dividend of $0.61. This represents a $2.68 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 2.08%. Welltowers dividend payout ratio (DPR) is 330.86%. About Welltower (Free Report) Welltower Inc (NYSE:WELL), a REIT and S&P 500 company headquartered in Toledo, Ohio, is driving the transformation of health care infrastructure. Welltower invests with leading seniors housing operators, post-acute providers and health systems to fund the real estate and infrastructure needed to scale innovative care delivery models and improve people's wellness and overall health care experience. Featured Stories Want to see what other hedge funds are holding WELL? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Welltower Inc. (NYSE:WELL Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for Welltower Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Welltower and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Public Employees Retirement Association of Colorado trimmed its holdings in Western Alliance Bancorporation (NYSE:WAL Free Report) by 9.7% during the 2nd quarter, according to the company in its most recent Form 13F filing with the SEC. The fund owned 10,950 shares of the financial services providers stock after selling 1,176 shares during the quarter. Public Employees Retirement Association of Colorados holdings in Western Alliance Bancorporation were worth $688,000 at the end of the most recent reporting period. Get Western Alliance Bancorporation alerts: Other hedge funds and other institutional investors also recently added to or reduced their stakes in the company. LHM Inc. raised its position in Western Alliance Bancorporation by 2,141.1% during the second quarter. LHM Inc. now owns 757,809 shares of the financial services providers stock valued at $47,606,000 after acquiring an additional 723,995 shares in the last quarter. XTX Topco Ltd lifted its stake in shares of Western Alliance Bancorporation by 170.5% in the 2nd quarter. XTX Topco Ltd now owns 18,162 shares of the financial services providers stock valued at $1,141,000 after purchasing an additional 11,448 shares during the period. Palouse Capital Management Inc. boosted its holdings in Western Alliance Bancorporation by 66.6% during the second quarter. Palouse Capital Management Inc. now owns 1,973 shares of the financial services providers stock worth $124,000 after buying an additional 789 shares in the last quarter. Vanguard Personalized Indexing Management LLC grew its position in Western Alliance Bancorporation by 19.3% during the second quarter. Vanguard Personalized Indexing Management LLC now owns 7,575 shares of the financial services providers stock valued at $476,000 after buying an additional 1,224 shares during the period. Finally, Dimensional Fund Advisors LP raised its position in shares of Western Alliance Bancorporation by 20.6% in the second quarter. Dimensional Fund Advisors LP now owns 3,722,389 shares of the financial services providers stock worth $233,832,000 after acquiring an additional 636,577 shares during the period. 79.15% of the stock is owned by institutional investors and hedge funds. Western Alliance Bancorporation Trading Down 0.8 % Shares of Western Alliance Bancorporation stock opened at $84.20 on Thursday. The stock has a 50 day moving average of $78.93 and a 200 day moving average of $67.42. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.07, a quick ratio of 0.85 and a current ratio of 0.88. The firm has a market capitalization of $9.27 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 12.27, a PEG ratio of 1.63 and a beta of 1.44. Western Alliance Bancorporation has a fifty-two week low of $38.81 and a fifty-two week high of $88.92. Western Alliance Bancorporation Dividend Announcement Western Alliance Bancorporation ( NYSE:WAL Get Free Report ) last issued its quarterly earnings data on Thursday, July 18th. The financial services provider reported $1.75 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of $1.71 by $0.04. Western Alliance Bancorporation had a return on equity of 13.98% and a net margin of 15.54%. The firm had revenue of $771.80 million during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $737.97 million. During the same period last year, the company earned $1.96 EPS. The companys quarterly revenue was up 15.3% on a year-over-year basis. As a group, research analysts predict that Western Alliance Bancorporation will post 7.41 earnings per share for the current year. The company also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Friday, August 30th. Shareholders of record on Friday, August 16th were paid a dividend of $0.37 per share. This represents a $1.48 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 1.76%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Friday, August 16th. Western Alliance Bancorporations dividend payout ratio (DPR) is 21.57%. Analyst Ratings Changes Several equities analysts recently weighed in on WAL shares. Royal Bank of Canada lifted their price target on Western Alliance Bancorporation from $78.00 to $87.00 and gave the company an outperform rating in a research note on Monday, July 22nd. Truist Financial increased their target price on Western Alliance Bancorporation from $88.00 to $100.00 and gave the company a buy rating in a report on Friday, September 20th. Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft lifted their price target on Western Alliance Bancorporation from $62.00 to $83.00 and gave the stock a hold rating in a research note on Tuesday, July 23rd. Barclays raised their price objective on Western Alliance Bancorporation from $86.00 to $92.00 and gave the company an overweight rating in a report on Monday, July 22nd. Finally, Wells Fargo & Company upped their target price on shares of Western Alliance Bancorporation from $68.00 to $85.00 and gave the stock an equal weight rating in a report on Monday, July 22nd. One analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, two have assigned a hold rating and thirteen have issued a buy rating to the company. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, the stock currently has an average rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus price target of $87.40. Get Our Latest Stock Analysis on Western Alliance Bancorporation Insider Transactions at Western Alliance Bancorporation In related news, Director Robert P. Latta sold 2,996 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction on Monday, September 9th. The stock was sold at an average price of $82.75, for a total value of $247,919.00. Following the sale, the director now owns 4,056 shares in the company, valued at approximately $335,634. The transaction was disclosed in a document filed with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available through this link. In related news, Director Robert P. Latta sold 2,996 shares of the companys stock in a transaction that occurred on Monday, September 9th. The shares were sold at an average price of $82.75, for a total transaction of $247,919.00. Following the sale, the director now directly owns 4,056 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $335,634. The sale was disclosed in a legal filing with the SEC, which is available through this link. Also, CAO J. Kelly Jr. Ardrey sold 2,116 shares of the firms stock in a transaction that occurred on Monday, July 22nd. The shares were sold at an average price of $75.95, for a total transaction of $160,710.20. Following the completion of the transaction, the chief accounting officer now directly owns 3,520 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $267,344. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. Insiders sold a total of 21,265 shares of company stock worth $1,700,391 over the last ninety days. Company insiders own 2.75% of the companys stock. Western Alliance Bancorporation Profile (Free Report) Western Alliance Bancorporation operates as the bank holding company for Western Alliance Bank that provides various banking products and related services primarily in Arizona, California, and Nevada. It operates through Commercial and Consumer Related segments. The company offers deposit products, including checking, savings, and money market accounts, as well as fixed-rate and fixed maturity certificates of deposit accounts; demand deposits; and treasury management and residential mortgage products and services. Featured Articles Receive News & Ratings for Western Alliance Bancorporation Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Western Alliance Bancorporation and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. United Nations, Sep 26 (UNI) Requested by France, the UN Security Council on Wednesday convened an emergency meeting on Lebanon, the second meeting on the country's deteriorating situation in less than a week, with UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres saying that "hell is breaking loose in Lebanon." In his remarks, Guterres urged the Security Council "to work in lock-step" to end the escalating violence between Israeli forces and Hezbollah militants across the Blue Line, a buffer zone in southern Lebanon. Hezbollah and Israel must pull back from the brink of a potentially catastrophic regional war, he insisted, adding that there was now massive civilian displacement from southern and eastern Lebanon towards the Lebanese capital of Beirut, while the Israelis have endured repeated attacks from Hezbollah with more than 8,300 rockets, drones and increasingly high caliber missile attacks on military targets and residential areas. With an appeal for both sides to respect Lebanese sovereignty, Guterres said that Lebanon "must have full control of its weapons" throughout the country. "We support all efforts to strengthen the Lebanese Armed Forces," he added. "We say it very clearly and honestly: what we have been witnessing over the past year in Gaza and what we are witnessing now in Lebanon is likely to expand to other areas in the region if the international community does not shoulder its responsibility to put an end to the machine of death and destruction," Badr Ahmed Mohamed Abdelatty, Minister for Foreign Affairs, Emigration and Egyptian Expatriates of Egypt, told the meeting. "They are spreading terror and fear among Lebanese citizens ... We cannot bear to lose another generation because of the war," said Lebanese Prime Minister Najib Mikati. "The ongoing aggression against Lebanon is fueled by the failure of the international community, and in particular by the UN Security Council, to hold Israel accountable for war crimes and genocide in Gaza," said Seyyed Abbas Araghchi, Iranian foreign minister. France on Wednesday unveiled a proposal for a 21-day ceasefire in Lebanon in UN diplomacy with the United States as the death toll mounted in deadly strikes by Israel. French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot said that the two Western powers were proposing a "temporary ceasefire" of 21 days "to allow for negotiations." The Arab League Council has at the level of foreign ministers warned of the repercussions of escalating "the Israeli aggression" against Lebanon in light of recent developments, which could lead to the outbreak of a large-scale regional war and threaten the security and stability of the entire region. Israel said on Wednesday it was readying troops for a potential ground incursion into Lebanon, telling soldiers to prepare to "enter enemy territory" as it called up more reservists and sent world leaders scrambling to prevent a full-scale war with Hezbollah militants. "We are preparing the process of a maneuver," Israeli Military Chief Herzi Halevi told troops at an exercise along the northern border. Israeli warplanes resumed intensive airstrikes on eastern and southern Lebanon on Wednesday evening, carrying out about 70 raids on the areas of Baalbek, Hermel, and Western Bekaa in eastern Lebanon. On Monday and Tuesday, Israel conducted its most extensive attacks on Lebanon since 2006, resulting in more than 550 deaths and over 1,800 injuries across the country. Lebanese Environment Minister Nasser Yassin said Israel's bombardment has displaced over 150,000 residents over the past 72 hours. The sharp escalation has raised concerns about a potential full-scale conflict between Israel and Lebanon, with fears that other regional powers could also be sucked in. UNI/XINHUA ARN An Irish film detailing the harrowing life of a Catholic priest evading capture during Penal times has won a prestigious Gabriel award, considered the United States Emmys of Faith Broadcasting. The film, 'Faith of Our Fathers,' was commissioned by global satellite giant EWTN and was written and produced in Ireland with an exclusively Irish cast and crew. Einin Duggan, from Maghera, who starred in the film, was delighted to learn of the award. I could hardly believe it when I heard the film had won the Gabriel award, she said. Faith of our Fathers is my first film, its just surreal. I'm so delighted for everyone. Everyone worked so hard and it's wonderful for that to be recognised. Executive Producer of the film, Aidan Gallagher of EWTN Ireland, said: This is an incredible honour and a tribute to the hard work and dedication of the entire cast and crew. The production comprised more than 90 people, including actors, extras, a film crew, and support personnel, who were on location for three weeks of filming and rehearsal. Faith of Our Fathers is available to watch on Amazon Prime and continues to be shown on EWTN which broadcasts to over 435 million television households worldwide on SKY 586, Virgin Media 815, Amazon Firestick, Roku and Online at EWTN.ie Aidan explained: The plotline, which has caught the imagination of audiences worldwide, follows a Catholic priest who lives in hiding, ministering in secret to evade capture and death. With the help of a devoted community, he continues to celebrate Mass at remote Mass Rocks and teaches in a hedge school. For realism, the hedge school scenes were dramatized with Irish as the main language spoken. Einin added: This top film award brings focus on the Irish language in the film, which is very special, and I'm very proud to have played a part in that. The movie was filmed in County Down, with the grounds of Dromantine Conference and Retreat Centre, outside Newry, serving as the main setting for the production. The Annual Gabriel Awards, now in their 58th year, celebrate outstanding achievements in film, broadcast, and digital media. The Gabriel Awards spotlight artistic excellence that embodies a profound vision of humanity and a true vision of life. The film director is County Down man Campbell Miller, a multi-award winner for his previous work in film. This is the second EWTN production to receive the prestigious Gabriel award, the first being in 2020 for the EWTN Hope docudrama. Both Gabriel Award productions, along with two other EWTN Ireland docudramas, have been presented in person to Pope Francis and screened in the Vatican, Rome. Two of Northern Irelands most acclaimed stage performers are teaming up for the very first time for a special show during the Bounce Arts Festival on October 5. Derry pianist Ruth McGinley and Belfast performance poet Alice McCullough are working together on this unmissable performance, which includes new material and some wonderful classics that the audience will know and love. The evening at the Roe Valley Arts and Cultural Centre in Limavady promises to be an emotional journey as these award-winning artists fuse their work with Ruth putting together new music to accompany Alices poetry. The Bounce Festival, organised by the University of Atypical and is supported by principal funder the Arts Council of Northern Ireland, Belfast City Council and DOyly Charitable Trust. It takes place in Belfast, Limavady and Derry over the weekend of October 4-6 featuring 60 disabled artists. Alice, whose work has been praised by Stephen Fry, Van Morrison and Michael Longley, explains that this is a chance for audiences to see this work for the very first time. Ruth and I have found working together to be very special for both of us not just as performers but as individuals. We have both had difficult times. I am bi-polar and Ruth has been diagnosed with autism. We blend the humour with the darkness to bring a soulfulness and authenticity to our performance together. This show will make audiences laugh and cry, Alice said. Ruth, who was named the BBC Young Musician of the Year piano final winner when she was 16, went on to play with some of the worlds best orchestras. She gave solo performances at prestigious venues including the Southbank Centre, London and the Kennedy Centre in Washington last year. READ NEXT: Software jobs boost at Derry's North West Regional College During this show, she will play a solo set alongside Alice, who will perform her poems and sing. I have become totally swept away by Ruths playing. This is a very new, fresh show for us and I think it will be very special for the audience, Alice added. Ruth said: It has been a joy to work on this show with Alice. Her ability to express difficult subjects with such tenderness and levity is inspiring. We have found lots of common ground in rehearsal which I believe will be heart-warming for the audience to witness. A few other highlights in the Northwest include: Late Lunch Poetry show with Nina Quigley from Inishowen who will share poetry from her latest publication, Working for the Mafia: A Bipolar Experience. She will be joined by Elizabeth McGeown, a Pushcart-nominated poet and film artist on Oct 4 at the Playhouse. Foyle Pride and Mel Bradley present Not Your Pity Party in the Nerve Centre with disabled artists who also identify as LGBTQIA getting the spotlight also on the 4th at the Never Centre. And a sound and movement performance at the Nerve Centre by Amble Skuse a composer and sound artist from Scotland and Bosko Begovic, a writer, martial and movement artist from Belgrade. A three-year trauma, substance, recovery, and mental health project is set to launch across the city and district. The project will develop a peer support network through community collaboration to promote self-advocacy, develop knowledge, and support lifestyle changes for individuals, families, and communities. The Freedom ProjectJourney of Hope, is being delivered by Extern and funded through PeacePlus and the Special EU Programmes Body (SEUPB), administered by Derry City and Strabane District Council. The core focus of Journey of Hope will be on those affected by intergenerational trauma, a legacy of the Troubles that continues to impact our post-conflict society. Tiernan Thornton, project manager for the Freedom Project, said: The way we plan to run it will be through a six-week programme in different locations throughout the council area. By the end of a programme we will have hoped to have improved some of your addiction issues and also gotten a bit of peace and reconciliation out of it as well, interacting with people from the other side of the community that you may not have interacted with before and perhaps interacting with people from migrant communities you may not have done before. It is not just dealing with the person that has been through addiction, who has come out the other side hopefully, but also looking at the impact on friends, family, colleagues, and relationships; we are trying to address that as well. It will be open to anyone; it is self-referral. People who have had family members suffer or someone has needed help in the past and never wanted to talk about it. We can take anyone onto the programme. As much as that one person needs support, their circle needs support as well. The charity Extern was established in Derry in 1985, and this project will offer support to 520 individuals in the local area, including young people, families, and individuals in mental health crises. The Extern team will journey alongside people, supporting them with expert tools and resources to help build resilience to overcome the challenges faced and improve overall well-being. Mr. Thornton said: We have done the addictions programme in other parts of Northern Ireland, but this is the first time in Derry and Strabane. It has been done well in Ballymena, in the Southern Trust area in the Lurgan and Newry area, and also in Belfast. We are good at this work, and we realised there was a service like this missing in Derry. So people who have lived in certain communities for 20 or 30 years can feel they have a place in the community and somewhere to feel safe in it, and that comes through that education piece that we are trying to do, as through people understanding that everyone is different and has their own skills and abilities. We know there is a need for it, so we are going to use this Freedom Project to take our experience and put this into our programmes in terms of the mental health side of things, and it gives people the information in terms of understanding themselves in their community. A community development approach will form the basis of the project, which will be delivered in both urban and rural community settings to maximise reach. This project involves raising awareness, developing, and delivering training and educational programmes on community-identified health and well-being concerns. Mr. Thornton said: A lot of people we have working within our service or Extern have had that lived experience; people who have dealt with addiction or mental healthno amount of education can provide that insight, and that ability to connect with people who are going through something similar. As much as people think that addiction and mental health are the issue, it is the thing that has broken the camel's back; it is not necessarily the main issue. A lot of times people have other things going on, and then it just so happens that their mental health has suffered or they have used, whether it is alcohol, medication, or whatever, to mask how they are feeling, so it is going back to the root of the issue and trying to help them with that. The programmes being run may be more suitable for young mothers and another for older men, or a sports-related one, and we are finding this out through speaking to the communities, for where we are needed. The Freedom Project will constantly evolve over the three-year period as it is being run. Extern will analyse and learn from feedback of their programmes to inform them about where problems are arising and then put themselves in the best position to deal with those situations, starting with the first programme. Mr Thornton said: We are looking for the first programme to be up and running by Halloween, and some of them may work simultaneously, so we are reaching as many people as possible. Some of the programmes will be running in parallel. One may be in Derry and another in Strabane, on a Tuesday morning, while the other is on a Thursday morning. As well as those six-week programmes, which will be small groups of around 10, not classrooms full, we will also run large-scale community inclusion events potentially every six months where people can drop in for three or four hours to provide help and information for how they can battle their addiction. Extern CEO, Colin Hayburn, said The Freedom ProjectJourney of Hope is a significant milestone in the journey we are all on towards a better society where health and wellbeing are meshed into daily life. This new service, made possible through the PeacePlus funding, is a tremendous investment in community resilience and holds the promise of a brighter and better future for anyone who feels isolated and left behind by society. By integrating trauma-informed care with peer support, Extern will provide a comprehensive approach to well-being and recovery that empowers individuals and strengthens families. This initiative reflects our ongoing commitment to making a real difference in the lives of those affected by trauma and mental health challenges. The Mayor of Derry City & Strabane District Council, Cllr. Lilian Seenoi-Barr, said: I am delighted to see the launch of the Freedom Project Journey of Hope in our Council area, where so many people have been impacted by the trauma of a prolonged period of conflict. This project will support and engage hundreds of local people struggling to deal with a range of issues and provide practical and positive approaches to promoting better health and wellbeing. Well done to the Extern team on launching this really valuable initiative. And a representative for SEUPB said: The Freedom Project Journey of Hope will provide spaces for workshops, one-on-one support, and group meetings, with a strong emphasis on community collaboration and lived experience. This will help create long-lasting, positive change in the lives of individuals and families impacted by trauma, substance misuse, and struggles with mental health. For more information about the project, you can visit Freedom Project | Extern. Making the most out of his retirement, Young Witness Service volunteer, Basil Dalton, splits his time between playing games with his 10 and seven-year-old grandchildren, cuddling his little three-month-old grandson, keeping his mind and body healthy with walks around Roe Valley, reading books and newspapers and polishing his skills in silversmithing, creating spoons, bowls, and jewellery. Despite having a busy retirement schedule, Limavady man Basil finds the time to support children and young people attending court as prosecution witnesses at the Young Witness Service. NSPCC Northern Irelands Young Witness Service is a free, independent, and confidential service, funded by the Department of Justice NI. It provides support and assistance to children and young people under 18-years-old who attend court as prosecution witnesses in Northern Ireland. NSPCC NI staff and volunteers offer information and advice to children and young people, as well as their families, friends, and supporters, before, during and after the trial. The Young Witness Service is unique in the UK and last year provided support to almost 500 children and their families. Young Witness Service volunteer, Basil Dalton, 68, a retired arts and media manager of 37 years has volunteered with the service for more than seven years. He said: Because of my years of experience working in education, I felt I had something worthwhile to offer in retirement. I particularly enjoy the engagement with the young people and their parents and professionals who support them through the stressful court processes. Its not just about giving, however, as I get a lot of enjoyment from the interaction with the young people, their families, court officials, NSPCC Northern Ireland staff and other volunteers. Even though I had absolutely no experience of the court process, I did have experience of working with young people and felt able to support the young witnesses and their families through a stress-filled, anxious, and unfamiliar period in their lives. To have someone to talk through the process is always welcomed and greatly appreciated. Advising the young witness of the procedures and processes ahead is the most important role I play. Drawing on his experience as an arts lecturer, Basil, who lives in Limavady with his wife Margaret, particularly likes to use painting as a distraction technique for the young witnesses. He said: Once the formalities of procedures have been covered, its the volunteers role to try to divert attention and keep the young person calm and relaxed. I play games with the children. I particularly enjoy supporting younger children with art activities such as drawing and painting as these can be an excellent distraction. There are eight days of initial training and support, then ongoing training, individual supervision, and group meetings each year. Basil said: I was provided with all the training and support I needed. Continuous supervision by the staff made me feel supported, together with group meetings which looked at emerging policies and procedures. It is emphasised time and again that confidentiality is key, and while volunteers, working in pairs either with another volunteer or a staff member, can discuss the specifics of a court case, nothing can be divulged to those outside that immediate circle. Basil continued: During the training we met a Crown Court judge, a barrister, and a registered intermediary. Police officers explained the different roles they undertake when dealing with children and young people, including those with a disability. Child development milestones and identifying and dealing with children and young adults with special needs were areas I found particularly interesting. The year-long period of shadowing experienced volunteers that followed the initial training provided depth and breadth to our role and included cases in Crown, Youth and Magistrate Courts. The Childrens Service Practitioners are so accessible, and the other volunteers are very helpful and supportive. New and different situations often arise, and volunteers must be able to think on their feet but its heartening to know you can rely on the experience of others. Its important to remain calm and reassuring in stressful situations and to be able to cope with distressing information. Basil explained why volunteering with NSPCCs Young Witness Service is worthwhile and would encourage others to join. He said: It is a caring organisation, which provides a valuable service, and I get a real sense of being part of a team and feel appreciated for my contribution. I get to give something back to society, develop new skills, make new friends and most importantly, support children going through a challenging experience. I believe strongly that giving such support will help enhance society and that the kindness we show now will be reciprocated in the future. I find my work for the Young Witness Service very rewarding and would encourage anyone to consider offering their time. The volunteers come from all walks of life. For further information on volunteering with NSPCC Northern Irelands Young Witness Service, please contact billy.eagleson@nspcc.org.uk or 07825948244 or visit here A focused training session for new Young Witness Volunteer recruits will take place in the Derry area during November. To find out more information please contact billy.eagleson@nspcc.org.uk or 07825948244. 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. Economy Minister Conor Murphy has welcomed the job opportunities presented by the North West Regional College (NWRC) collaborative Assured Skills Academy in Software. Fully funded by the Department for the Economy, this Academy is an opportunity for 10 individuals to receive industry standard software training that will provide them with the skills to take up potential software roles with companies in the North West. Successful applicants will attend a 10-week training course delivered by NWRC at its dedicated training facility in Derry. The Minister said: This is a great opportunity to gain the skills and knowledge needed to become industry-ready for a career in software. It is quite clear from the number of local companies collaborating in this Academy that there is a need for individuals with specialist skills in this sector. With a 175 weekly training allowance for the duration of the Academy as well as help with travel and childcare costs, I would urge all who are interested to apply. Participants will study A4Q Software Development Engineer in Test and two modules from OCN Level 4 Diploma in Software Testing. Following successful completion of the training participants will be guaranteed an interview to take up a software position at one of the supporting companies. Leo Murphy, Principal and Chief Executive at North West Regional College said: Software Engineering is a growing industry in Northern Ireland and this collaborative Academy will provide individuals with a unique opportunity to advance their careers in this field. We are delighted to offer this opportunity in the North West, in partnership with local employers, which provides candidates with a guaranteed job interview on successful completion of the course, and offers a direct link into employment. The supporting companies are: Bioledger, Derry Challenge Curve, Derry Focused on Data, Garvagh ITUS, Letterkenny Foods Connected, Derry Telatec, Coleraine By applying for a place on this pre-employment training programme, applicants are committing to pursuing a job opportunity with one of the employers supporting this Academy. Applicants must: be at least 18 years old by Monday, November 4; have reached a basic level of skills and knowledge in the area of software development and/or software testing such that they are able to develop and test rudimentary software programs. Preferable level 3 in an IT related area pass a pre-course proficiency test and interview; have achieved GCSE English and Maths at grade C or above or equivalent; be eligible to work in the UK at the time of application. For more information and to apply, visit https://www.nidirect.gov.uk/ articles/software-academy The online application form must be completed by 12.00 noon on Monday, October 14. A woman will be sentenced on November 13 after she admitted stealing more than 10,000 from the local Derry branch of Alcoholics Anonymous. Niamh Bonner (54) of Central Drive in Derry appeared at the local Crown Court today. She was charged with one count of theft of 10,500 from Alcoholics Anonymous on dates between August 1, 2018 and November 1, 2018. She was also charged with fraud by abuse of position on dates between August 1, 2018 and December 1, 2019. When the charges were put to her she pleaded guilty to both charges. In response to a question from Judge Neil Rafferty KC defence counsel for Bonner, Mr Dean Mooney, told the court that the defendant had been the Treasurer of the local branch of Alcoholics Anonymous. Judge Rafferty said that this was a breach of trust case and as such he would need a pre-sentence report and also an assessment of the damage done to the organisation. He told Bonner she would be sentenced on November 13 and in the meantime he released her on continuing bail. Belfasts new maternity hospital will not open until health chiefs are assured that the domestic water systems do not pose a risk to babies, MLAs have been told. The opening of the hospital is facing a significant delay after high levels of the bacteria pseudomonas were discovered in its water system earlier this year. Senior officials from the Belfast Health and Social Care Trust appeared before Stormonts Health Committee to give an update on the project. Interim chief executive Maureen Edwards told the committee that the new building on the Royal Hospital site is state of the art. She said: We really need a 21st century service. Our mothers and babies deserve it. She added: Pseudomonas aeruginosa has been detected within the domestic water systems, the systems that supply waters to our taps, our showers and our baths in the maternity hospital. We recognise this has been a long-awaited project, this is the latest in a number of delays from the inception. Pseudomonas aeruginosa is found widely in soil and stagnant water. It does not usually cause illness in healthy people but can pose a serious threat to people with weak immune systems. The project to open a new maternity hospital at the Royal Victoria has been plagued by delays for several years. The hospital had been expected to open next year and the Belfast Trust took possession of the building in March. Ms Edwards told MLAs that pseudomonas was first detected while the building was being constructed. The contractor carried out chemical treatment and pipe recovery work and after samples were taken the building was handed over to the trust. However, Ms Edwards said a subsequent commissioning process was carried out and further tests detected incidents of contamination in a significant number of outlets. She added: We cannot and we will not open a building until we are assured that the domestic water systems do not pose a risk to the safety of our babies. We took the decision we would pause, we would get an independent review of the situation. She said the review would be carried out by two industry experts including the UK Health and Security Agency at Porton Down. She said their analysis would inform the trusts next steps. Consultant neonatologist Alison Walker told MLAs that pseudomonas was an opportunistic bacteria. She said: Whenever it infects a patient or a neonate with an underdeveloped or compromised immune system, then the effects can be really quite devastating. Infections can be very serious and cause death in extreme circumstances. She added: There has been past experience in Belfast and Northern Ireland as a whole with pseudomonas. There was an outbreak at the end of 2011, early 2012. At that point across five trusts 25 infants and families were affected and unfortunately there were five deaths from pseudomonas at that time. The new maternity hospital in Belfast is already several years overdue and is well over budget. A Northern Ireland Audit Office report earlier this year said the hospital was originally expected to be completed by the end of 2015. Save my User ID and Password Some subscribers prefer to save their log-in information so they do not have to enter their User ID and Password each time they visit the site. To activate this function, check the 'Save my User ID and Password' box in the log-in section. This will save the password on the computer you're using to access the site. Note: If you choose to use the log-out feature, you will lose your saved information. This means you will be required to log-in the next time you visit our site. Chinas durable goods trade-in program gains traction a move to stimulate domestic consumption Global Times) 10:33, September 26, 2024 China's national program to promote trade-ins of durable consumer goods has achieved marked progress, as the efforts by local governments to propel domestic consumption bears fruit, officials said on Wednesday. Taking automobiles for instance, a total of 1.13 million applications for trade-in subsidies eligible for the customers who scrap old cars and buy new ones have been submitted by Wednesday, while the number of registered customers has exceeded 1.68 million, said Geng Hongzhou, an official from the Ministry of Commerce. Amid the annual consumption peak season of the so-called "Golden September and Silver October," Geng said that the trade-in program will further spur auto consumption and promote the growth of adjacent sectors. In addition to auto vehicles, consumer spending on home appliances, furniture, and sanitation products also saw a noticeable rise, said Wen Hua, an official from the National Development and Reform Commission (NDRC). In August, retail sales of household electrical appliances as well as audio-visual equipment reversed a decline in the previous year to a rise, with the month's sales up 3.4 percent year-on-year, Wen noted. The trade-in program has also driven up investment in the targeted sectors. The output of home appliances covered under the program including washing machines grew by 7 percent, while the production of smart televisions and refrigerators increased by 6.7 percent and 4.7 percent, respectively, Wen said. Wen added that the ultra-long special treasury bonds worth 150 billion yuan ($21.36 billion) dedicated to trade-ins of consumer goods were issued to Chinese localities at the beginning of August. In terms of the strengthened financial support by various Chinese localities, Wen said that 24 Chinese provinces and cities including Southwest China's Chongqing Municipality, Beijing, Tianjin, Shanghai, and East China's Jiangsu Province have introduced policy measures to support the replacement of old cars with new ones, with the maximum subsidy reaching 18,000 yuan. While China's domestic consumption is undergoing structural changes, the government's trade-in program will continue to drive consumption of durable goods in the remaining months of 2024, Cong Yi, a professor at the Tianjin School of Administration, told the Global Times. Cong said that he is optimistic about China's consumption potential, expecting the trade-in program to accelerate retail sales. Included in the government's trade-in program are products ranging from automobiles to home appliances and electric bicycles. (Web editor: Tian Yi, Zhong Wenxing) A tenured University of Pennsylvania law professor has been suspended for what school officials called a history of derogatory remarks against minority groups. The Faculty Senate Committee on Academic Freedom and Responsibility announced sanctions against Amy Wax on Tuesday for occasional discriminatory statements she made against people based on their race, sex, gender, ethnicity and immigration status. This includes a one-year suspension with half-pay, the loss of her designated chair, and the inability to represent UPenn in public engagements, among other things. "The faculty Hearing Board concluded that you engaged in 'flagrant unprofessional conduct' that breached your responsibilities as a teacher to offer an equal opportunity to all students to learn from you," university Provost John L. Jackson Jr. wrote in a public reprimand to Wax. Students from the National Black Law Students Association, the National Asian Pacific American Law Student Association, and the North American South Asian Law Students Association issued a unified letter in April 2022 calling for accountability as well. The controversial comments in question go as far back as 2017, when Wax said she had never seen a Black student graduate in the top quarter of their Penn Law class. Following a 2018 online petition calling for the school to seek legal action against Wax for her remarks, the university announced she would no longer be teaching a first-year course. Then at the National Conservatism Conference in 2019, Wax said the U.S. should favor Western immigrants at the National Conservatism Conference. "Embracing cultural distance, cultural distance nationalism, means in effect taking the position that our country will be better off with more whites than non-whites," BuzzFeed News reported Wax saying, which led to backlash from students. In another interview with Fox News in April 2022, Wax disparaged Indian Americans who criticize the United States, saying, "They climb the ladder, they get the best education, we give them every opportunity, and they turn around and lead the charge on 'we're racist, we're an awful country.'" According to ABC News, Wax has also made homophobic statements, including "commenting in class that gay couples are not fit to raise children" and telling students that "women, on average, are less knowledgeable than men." In May 2023, the committee determined Wax made "sweeping and derogatory generalizations" about minority groups over the years and recommended sanctions, which Wax opposed. However the committee denied her appeal on Tuesday, and interim President J. Larry Jameson confirmed he would respect this "final decision" and impose the sanctions proposed. While Penn's sanctions represent significant action against a tenured faculty member, students have previously pushed for Wax's removal. In 2022, a third-year law student told ABC News that Wax shouldn't be allowed on the school campus to interact with other students during the investigation into her controversial remarks. "We really need to fire Amy Wax," another law student said. Taiwan ramps up semiconductor innovation with US$9.3 billion initiative and global talent drive At its September 19 board meeting, Taiwan's Central Bank emphasized Taiwan's critical role in maintaining its semiconductor dominance amid escalating US-China trade tensions in technology and national defense. This point has been brought up in the reference material for the bank's ongoing seventh round of selective credit controls in the real estate market, including tightening loan-to-value ratios and grace periods. As major nations push for semiconductor self-sufficiency, leading chipmakers such as TSMC have been courted to invest around the globe. The bank's report suggests Taiwan's well-established supply chain and cluster advantages remain difficult to replicate in the short term. Photo: Governor of Taiwan's Central Bank Chin-Long Yang. Credit: DIGITIMES International collaboration is key The Central Bank advised that, as a small, open economy deeply integrated with global markets, Taiwan should continue optimizing its investment environment to attract domestic and foreign companies to invest in advanced technologies. Furthermore, the bank recommended fostering cooperation with allied nations and enhancing communication mechanisms for economic and trade policies to maintain its leading position in the global supply chain. In recent years, the US, European Union, and Japan have offered substantial subsidies to encourage TSMC to set up factories in their territories, underscoring the strategic value of the semiconductor industry. Under President Ching-te Lai's "Five Trusted Industry Sectors" initiative, the semiconductor sector ranks at the top. The "Taiwan Chip-based Industrial Innovation Program" is set to implement various semiconductor projects over a decade with a budget of NT$300 billion(US$9.3 billion), an unprecedented investment in Taiwan's history. According to government-approved policies, Taiwan will push for the localization of semiconductor equipment and materials. Related subsidy programs are expected to be introduced to production lines by the end of 2024, completing quality verification. The plan's framework revolves around research,co-creation, and development. It will encourage companies like Nvidia, Micron, and AMD to invest in Taiwan's advanced technologies and collaborate with local industries on research and development. In terms of international cooperation, semiconductor material and equipment companies from Japan, the US, and the Netherlands have already invested in Taiwan. Taiwan and the Netherlands will collaborate on the development of silicon photonics (SiPh), while cooperation with Lithuania will focus on laser technology. Talent recruitment efforts To expand its talent pool, Taiwan's first overseas chip innovation base in the Czech Republic has already begun operations. Additionally, Taiwan is implementing a customized international talent recruitment model, with 13 semiconductor companies and eight universities, including National Taiwan University, National Cheng Kung University, and National Tsing Hua University, traveling to Vietnam, Malaysia, and Indonesia to recruit talent. Due to a shortage of semiconductor professionals, the Ministry of Education is encouraging universities and technical colleges to increase enrollment in fields related to semiconductors, AI, and mechanical engineering. In 2024, approved enrollment increases will total 6,355 slots, including 4,098 in universities and 2,257 in technical colleges. The government is also focused on attracting more women to join the semiconductor industry as a key future priority. US DOC imposes ban on Chinese automotive software and hardware The US Department of Commerce (DOC) recently proposed a ban on automotive software and hardware technology and equipment from China and Russia entering the US market. Sino Auto Insights commented that the Biden administration's move could close a significant loophole in previous tariff measures on Chinese electric vehicles (EVs). The proposal, suggested by the Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS) under the DOC, aims to prohibit the import and sale of vehicle connectivity systems (VCS) and autonomous driving system (ADS) software and hardware produced in China or Russia. It also seeks to prevent the use of these technologies in any vehicle operating within the United States. In May, the US government raised tariffs on imported Chinese EVs to 102.5%. However, Chinese manufacturers could still avoid these tariffs by building factories in Mexico and entering the US market through the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA). The new DOC rules would maintain USMCA terms while restricting vehicles with Chinese technology and equipment from entering the US market. According to reports from Bloomberg and The Register, the primary purpose of this proposed ban is to address concerns that China or Russia could use these technologies for espionage in the United States. The technologies in question include computer systems that control vehicle movement, monitoring devices that collect sensitive data from drivers and passengers, as well as cameras and sensors used in autonomous driving systems, which could be exploited by hostile nations through vehicle connectivity features. In February 2024, the Biden administration ordered an investigation into Chinese-made vehicles exported to the United States due to concerns that these vehicles might be used to gather data on US road locations and driving routes, or even be remotely controlled. DOC Secretary Gina Raimondo stated that if software from hostile nations can monitor American drivers or remotely control vehicles, it poses a threat to US citizens' privacy and national security. White House National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan added that there is evidence China has embedded malware in US critical infrastructure. With the increasing presence of Chinese-made vehicles on US roads, the potential damage and threats to national security will only grow. Although Chinese-brand vehicles are currently rare on US roads, some American car manufacturers produce vehicles in China and then export them to the United States. Given that most modern vehicles are equipped with connectivity and data-sharing features, the new DOC proposal would effectively ban the import of all vehicles manufactured in China. This move could force American carmakers like General Motors (GM) and Ford to stop selling vehicles produced in China and imported to the United States. The Alliance for Automotive Innovation believes that some automakers may need more time to comply with the new regulations and may need to find alternative suppliers. However, the DOC stated that automakers will have the option to apply for special exemptions. The DOC's recent proposal also responds to a report submitted by the US Trade Representative (USTR) to Congress in July. The report argued that China is using government subsidies and other non-market policies to expand the production of EVs and related components in North America, disrupting supply chains and depriving American workers and businesses of fair competition. However, research firm Automobility raised doubts about the DOC's proposal, noting that Chinese software is already widely used in other consumer products, from televisions to the Internet of Things (IoT) and smartphones. The firm argued that the rationale for reducing risks from Chinese software lacks clear boundaries and is not convincing. Automobility also warned that continued unilateral bans by the United States would only escalate already tense geopolitical relations between China and the US and could provoke retaliation, potentially affecting American businesses operating in China. Quebec's strategy for closing America's semiconductor talent gap The existing competitive edge has prompted the birth of a semiconductor Innovation Zone in the city of Bromont, located in Quebec, Canada. World leaders like IBM, Teledyne DALSA, Fabritec, and GE Aviation are located in the area, taking advantage of Quebec's green energy. The Innovation Zone is strategically located in the North American semiconductor North-East Corridor and has the highest number of microelectronics jobs and clean rooms in the country. The North-East Corridor links Quebec with the U.S. semiconductor industry, which is booming thanks to the CHIPS Act. More than 60 new semiconductor projects have been announced in the U.S., including 23 new chip fabs and the expansion of 9 other fabs, many of them in New York State. This makes Quebec part of a cross-border supply chain, covering everything from chip design to R&D and manufacturing. The American semiconductor industry is facing a labor market gap, as the projected demand for talent is growing. Demand for engineers, technicians, and computer scientists is particularly expected to increase. Quebec is taking the lead in developing and implementing solutions to this challenge, building on its historic strengths while demonstrating agility in response to regional CHIPS investments. Incentives and international mobility programs have been created to attract top talent. At the federal level, companies can already benefit from the Intra-Company Transfer program, which allows for the temporary transfer of qualified employees from abroad to Canada within the same organization. Another immigration program, the Global Talent Stream, makes it easier to hire specialized or highly skilled talent from abroad. This program includes a simplified procedure in Quebec for high-demand skills within the province. There are also several Quebec-specific incentives aimed at talent development and attraction. Companies can benefit from programs provided by Employment Quebec, which offer competitive grants for training. In strategic sectorssuch as digital transformation, the green economy, or the energy transitionthe grants can cover up to CAD1 million of eligible expenses. Additionally, tax credits are available to help recruit foreign researchers for scientific research or experimental development (SR&ED) projects in Quebec. To further attract talent, the Quebec Perspective Scholarship Program, announced in 2021, is a CA$1.7 billion investment over five years to encourage Canadian or permanent resident students to pursue diplomas in strategic economic sectors such as engineering and information technology. Another strong incentive is the Quebec tax holiday for researchers and specialists recruited to work in the province. This holiday provides an exemption from Quebec income tax for five consecutive calendar years, including a full exemption for the first two years. Investissement Quebec, the Quebec government's financial arm and economic development agency, has established its own Talent team, whose mandate is to work closely with companies already in Quebec or those looking to establish a presence, helping to build resilience against workforce challenges. All levels of government work closely with businesses to adapt existing training programs and create new ones that target priority sectors. A great example is the swift action taken to support the large battery projects recently established in Quebec. Several partner organizations across the province collaborated on these structural changes and actively promoted them to attract both local and international students and talent. In addition to responsive policies, Quebec offers several lifestyle advantages. The region is one of the safest in North America, providing an outstanding quality of life, affordable housing, and competitive childcare. In 2020, the monthly childcare cost for an infant was just CA$181. Companies in Quebec also benefit from significantly lower labor costs compared to those in the U.S. Investissement Quebec offers 360-degree support for business growth and productivity. Its services range from financing to technological support and business consulting. To learn more about what the Quebec semiconductor ecosystem can bring to your business contact Rachel Yin (LinkedIn) Info@Invest-Quebec.com SK Hynix begins volume production of the world's first 12-Layer HBM3E SK Hynix Inc. announced today that it has begun mass production of the world's first 12-layer HBM3E product with 36GB[i], the largest capacity of existing HBM[ii] to date. 1Previously, the maximum capacity of HBM3E was 24GB from eight vertically stacked 3GB DRAM chips. 2HBM (High Bandwidth Memory): This high-value, high-performance memory vertically interconnects multiple DRAM chips and dramatically increases data processing speed in comparison to traditional DRAM products. HBM3E is the extended version of HBM3, the fourth generation product that succeeds the previous generations of HBM, HBM2 and HBM2E. The company plans to supply mass-produced products to customers within the year, proving its overwhelming technology once again six months after delivering the HBM3E 8-layer product to customers for the first time in the industry in March this year. SK Hynix is the only company in the world that has developed and supplied the entire HBM lineup from the first generation (HBM1) to the fifth generation (HBM3E), since releasing the world's first HBM in 2013. The company plans to continue its leadership in the AI memory market, addressing the growing needs of AI companies by being the first in the industry to mass-produce the 12-layer HBM3E. According to the company, the 12-layer HBM3E product meets the world's highest standards in all areas that are essential for AI memory including speed, capacity and stability. SK Hynix has increased the speed of memory operations to 9.6 Gbps, the highest memory speed available today. If 'Llama 3 70B3', a Large Language Model (LLM) is driven by a single GPU equipped with four HBM3E products, it can read 70 billion total parameters 35 times within a second. 3Llama 3: Open-source LLM released by Meta in April 2024, with 3 sizes in total: 8B (Billion), 70B, and 400B. SK Hynix has increased the capacity by 50% by stacking 12 layers of 3GB DRAM chips at the same thickness as the previous eight-layer product. To achieve this, the company made each DRAM chip 40% thinner than before and stacked vertically using TSV4 technology. The company also solved structural issues that arise from stacking thinner chips higher by applying its core technology, the Advanced MR-MUF5 process. This allows to provide 10% higher heat dissipation performance compared to the previous generation, and secure the stability and reliability of the product through enhanced warpage controlling. 4TSV (Through Silicon Via): This advanced packaging technology links upper and lower chips with an electrode that vertically passes through thousands of fine holes on DRAM chips. 5MR-MUF (Mass Reflow Molded Underfill): The process of stacking semiconductor chips, injecting liquid protective materials between them to protect the circuit between chips, and hardening them. The process has proved to be more efficient and effective for heat dissipation, compared with the method of laying film-type materials for each chip stack. SK Hynix's advanced MR-MUF technology is critical to securing a stable HBM mass production as it provides good warpage control and reduces the pressure on the chips being stacked. "SK Hynix has once again broken through technological limits demonstrating our industry leadership in AI memory," said Justin Kim, President (Head of AI Infra) at SK Hynix. "We will continue our position as the No.1 global AI memory provider as we steadily prepare next-generation memory products to overcome the challenges of the AI era." About SK Hynix Inc. SK Hynix Inc., headquartered in Korea, is the world's top-tier semiconductor supplier offering Dynamic Random Access Memory chips ("DRAM"), flash memory chips ("NAND flash"), and CMOS Image Sensors ("CIS") for a wide range of distinguished customers globally. The Company's shares are traded on the Korea Exchange, and the Global Depository shares are listed on the Luxemburg Stock Exchange. Further information about SK Hynix is available at www.skHynix.com, news.skHynix.com. An Indiana University student is facing rape and strangulation charges after allegedly assaulting two women at a campus fraternity house in the same week. He's the third student accused of sexual assault charges since the school year started about a month ago. Noah Apgar was taken into custody on Tuesday and is facing a slew of felony charges, including five counts of rape, one count of strangulation and a criminal confinement charge. Dave Pascarella, director of communications for Sigma Alpha Epsilon, where Apgar was a member, said in a statement, "Upon learning of the alleged incident, SAE immediately suspended the member and began working with the University administration." "Sigma Alpha Epsilon denounces all acts of sexual violence. Violence in any form does not represent the fraternity's values as defined by our creed, The True Gentlemen," he added. Apgar is the third male student at Indiana University to be arrested and charged in connection with sexual assaults since late August, according to the student-run television channel. Gregory Gabler, 18, was arrested earlier this month on rape charges, while 18-year-old Jackson Arnold was detained during welcome week after a female student reported that he repeatedly touched her sexually. Arnold is facing three counts of sexual battery. According to IU's 2023 Security and Public Safety Report, there were 38 recorded rapes on the IU Bloomington campus in 2022, with five reported off campus, for a total of 43. This was an increase from 2021, when there were 24 reported rapes on campus and seven off campus, for a total of 31. Country United States of America US Virgin Islands United States Minor Outlying Islands Canada Mexico, United Mexican States Bahamas, Commonwealth of the Cuba, Republic of Dominican Republic Haiti, Republic of Jamaica Afghanistan Albania, People's Socialist Republic of Algeria, People's Democratic Republic of American Samoa Andorra, Principality of Angola, Republic of Anguilla Antarctica (the territory South of 60 deg S) Antigua and Barbuda Argentina, Argentine Republic Armenia Aruba Australia, Commonwealth of Austria, Republic of Azerbaijan, Republic of Bahrain, Kingdom of Bangladesh, People's Republic of Barbados Belarus Belgium, Kingdom of Belize Benin, People's Republic of Bermuda Bhutan, Kingdom of Bolivia, Republic of Bosnia and Herzegovina Botswana, Republic of Bouvet Island (Bouvetoya) Brazil, Federative Republic of British Indian Ocean Territory (Chagos Archipelago) British Virgin Islands Brunei Darussalam Bulgaria, People's Republic of Burkina Faso Burundi, Republic of Cambodia, Kingdom of Cameroon, United Republic of Cape Verde, Republic of Cayman Islands Central African Republic Chad, Republic of Chile, Republic of China, People's Republic of Christmas Island Cocos (Keeling) Islands Colombia, Republic of Comoros, Union of the Congo, Democratic Republic of Congo, People's Republic of Cook Islands Costa Rica, Republic of Cote D'Ivoire, Ivory Coast, Republic of the Cyprus, Republic of Czech Republic Denmark, Kingdom of Djibouti, Republic of Dominica, Commonwealth of Ecuador, Republic of Egypt, Arab Republic of El Salvador, Republic of Equatorial Guinea, Republic of Eritrea Estonia Ethiopia Faeroe Islands Falkland Islands (Malvinas) Fiji, Republic of the Fiji Islands Finland, Republic of France, French Republic French Guiana French Polynesia French Southern Territories Gabon, Gabonese Republic Gambia, Republic of the Georgia Germany Ghana, Republic of Gibraltar Greece, Hellenic Republic Greenland Grenada Guadaloupe Guam Guatemala, Republic of Guinea, Revolutionary People's Rep'c of Guinea-Bissau, Republic of Guyana, Republic of Heard and McDonald Islands Holy See (Vatican City State) Honduras, Republic of Hong Kong, Special Administrative Region of China Hrvatska (Croatia) Hungary, Hungarian People's Republic Iceland, Republic of India, Republic of Indonesia, Republic of Iran, Islamic Republic of Iraq, Republic of Ireland Israel, State of Italy, Italian Republic Japan Jordan, Hashemite Kingdom of Kazakhstan, Republic of Kenya, Republic of Kiribati, Republic of Korea, Democratic People's Republic of Korea, Republic of Kuwait, State of Kyrgyz Republic Lao People's Democratic Republic Latvia Lebanon, Lebanese Republic Lesotho, Kingdom of Liberia, Republic of Libyan Arab Jamahiriya Liechtenstein, Principality of Lithuania Luxembourg, Grand Duchy of Macao, Special Administrative Region of China Macedonia, the former Yugoslav Republic of Madagascar, Republic of Malawi, Republic of Malaysia Maldives, Republic of Mali, Republic of Malta, Republic of Marshall Islands Martinique Mauritania, Islamic Republic of Mauritius Mayotte Micronesia, Federated States of Moldova, Republic of Monaco, Principality of Mongolia, Mongolian People's Republic Montserrat Morocco, Kingdom of Mozambique, People's Republic of Myanmar Namibia Nauru, Republic of Nepal, Kingdom of Netherlands Antilles Netherlands, Kingdom of the New Caledonia New Zealand Nicaragua, Republic of Niger, Republic of the Nigeria, Federal Republic of Niue, Republic of Norfolk Island Northern Mariana Islands Norway, Kingdom of Oman, Sultanate of Pakistan, Islamic Republic of Palau Palestinian Territory, Occupied Panama, Republic of Papua New Guinea Paraguay, Republic of Peru, Republic of Philippines, Republic of the Pitcairn Island Poland, Polish People's Republic Portugal, Portuguese Republic Puerto Rico Qatar, State of Reunion Romania, Socialist Republic of Russian Federation Rwanda, Rwandese Republic Samoa, Independent State of San Marino, Republic of Sao Tome and Principe, Democratic Republic of Saudi Arabia, Kingdom of Senegal, Republic of Serbia and Montenegro Seychelles, Republic of Sierra Leone, Republic of Singapore, Republic of Slovakia (Slovak Republic) Slovenia Solomon Islands Somalia, Somali Republic South Africa, Republic of South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands Spain, Spanish State Sri Lanka, Democratic Socialist Republic of St. Helena St. Kitts and Nevis St. Lucia St. Pierre and Miquelon St. Vincent and the Grenadines Sudan, Democratic Republic of the Suriname, Republic of Svalbard & Jan Mayen Islands Swaziland, Kingdom of Sweden, Kingdom of Switzerland, Swiss Confederation Syrian Arab Republic Taiwan, Province of China Tajikistan Tanzania, United Republic of Thailand, Kingdom of Timor-Leste, Democratic Republic of Togo, Togolese Republic Tokelau (Tokelau Islands) Tonga, Kingdom of Trinidad and Tobago, Republic of Tunisia, Republic of Turkey, Republic of Turkmenistan Turks and Caicos Islands Tuvalu Uganda, Republic of Ukraine United Arab Emirates United Kingdom of Great Britain & N. Ireland Uruguay, Eastern Republic of Uzbekistan Vanuatu Venezuela, Bolivarian Republic of Viet Nam, Socialist Republic of Wallis and Futuna Islands Western Sahara Yemen Zambia, Republic of Zimbabwe Clogherhead RNLI came to the aid of a fisherman yesterday after their razor boat broke down near Gyles Quay nine miles north of Clogherhead. The volunteer crew were requested by the Dublin Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre to go to the fishermans aid shortly before 8am on Wednesday 25 September. The boats engine had failed. The all-weather Shannon class lifeboat, the Michael O'Brien, was launched under Coxswain Tomas Whelahan with mechanic Barry Sharkey and crew members Brian Sharkey, Carol Holcroft, Derek Shevlin and Paraic Costell onboard, on what was a crisp autumn morning with calm sea conditions. On arriving on scene near Gyles Quay, nine miles north of Clogherhead, the crew proceeded to assess the situation. The fisherman was safe and well but due to the boat having sustained engine failure and unable to make any safe onward progress, a decision was made that the best course of action was to establish a towline and bring the vessel to the nearest safe place, at Port Oriel. Read Next: Huge increase in shop thefts in Louth Speaking following the call out, Clogherhead RNLI Coxswain Tomas Whelahan said: "This was a straightforward call out in good weather conditions and we were happy to help the fisherman as the boat had lost all power and they wouldnt have made it back to shore safely unaided. "We would remind anyone planning a trip to sea to go prepared checking weather and tide times, ensuring your vessel is maintained and has enough fuel for the trip and that you wear a lifejacket or suitable flotation device for your activity. "Let someone on the shore know where you are going and when you are due back and carry a means of communication should you get into difficulty. If you do get into trouble or see someone else in need of help, call 999 or 112 and ask for the Coast Guard." An Irish beach walker claims to have spotted a Lough Ness monster-like creature off the coast of County Donegal. Dean Beattie managed to video the mythical sea creature on a beach near Buncrana briefly before his mobile phone battery died, with the clip appearing to show a large, serpent-like creature popping its head out of the water. The 31-year-old barber was out for a leisurely stroll along the beach when the creature appeared out of the water. The creature is reminiscent of an Oillipheist - a sea serpent or dragon-like monster in Irish mythology and folklore, believed to have inhabited lakes and rivers in Ireland. It looks exactly the same as the original pictures of the Loch Ness monster, the 31-year-old explained. Its not the best of videos as my phone died when I started to record but it wasnt a swan a seal or anything Ive ever seen. We sat and watched it for 20 minutess at least going under water then resurfacing a minute or so later, around 20 yards away, he told Whats The Jam. Then it just disappeared from sight. Im as curious as anyone would be. The more I compare the more it looks like the original Loch Ness monster photo. I feel like going back to see if I can see it again, Beattie finished. by Daniel Shotkin I was in 9th grade when I first heard the name Rudyard Kipling mentioned in school. My history teacher had decided to inaugurate a unit on imperialism, and Kiplings zealous verses soon rang loudly through the classroom: Take up the White Mans burden Send forth the best ye breed Go bind your sons to exile To serve your captives need; To wait in heavy harness On fluttered folk and wild Your new-caught, sullen peoples, Half devil and half child. My teacher explained that Kipling exemplified the racist and jingoistic attitudes of late-19th-century European colonial powers. I was surprised because, to me, Kipling represented something else entirely. I didnt disagree with my teachers assessmentcertainly, no one could after hearing a poem called The White Mans Burden. But my confusion wasnt unwarranted; it stemmed largely from the fact that the Kipling recited by my teacher and the Kipling I had known prior to that fateful history class seemed to be two radically different authors. My first encounter with Kipling was categorically less ominous. One of my favorite bedtime stories as a kid was Rikki-Tikki-Tavi, a short tale about a mongoose protecting a family from two cobras. Apart from that and other indirect encountersanimated versions of The Jungle Book and the song Bare NecessitiesKipling and I didnt interact until I was 11, when my dad insisted that I read Kim. As is often the case with lengthy Victorian epics, Kims very first pages didnt particularly captivate me. In fact, Kiplings dense, tangent-filled prose made me put the book down just minutes after I had picked it up. But months later, I gave it another go, trudged past the introduction, and realized that what I had in front of me was a novel about myself. For those unfamiliar with the story, Kim follows a young Irish orphan named Kim OHara as he becomes embroiled in the political intrigue of British-ruled India. Among his many adventures, OHara is taken up as the disciple of a Tibetan lama, becomes employed by a British intelligence agency, and travels into the foothills of the Himalayas. Kim is a coming-of-age story, an adventure tale, and a geopolitical thriller all in one. I read it as a thrilling, if somewhat dated, Victorian Spy Kids. What more could I ask for? But never mind the plotKiplings prose in Kim is so intricate it could easily be mistaken for poetry. Take the opening line, for example: He sat in defiance of municipal orders, astride the gun Zam-Zammeh, on her old platform, opposite the old Ajaib gher, the Wonder House, as the natives called the Lahore Museum. Who hold Zam-Zammah, that fire-breathing dragon, hold the Punjab, for the great green-bronze piece is always first of the conquerors loot. Kipling manages to cram in action, exposition, and historical context into two sentences, all without stereotyping local culturea novelty when compared to his Victorian predecessors. In fact, Kiplings attitude toward India specifically stands in stark contrast to the racist and imperialist ideas he is known for today. While Kipling refers to new-caught, sullen peoplesHalf devil and half child in The White Mans Burden, his depiction of the Indian subcontinent and its people in Kim, though idealized, is devoid of any overt stereotypes. He goes out of his way to convey the diversity of cultures and faiths in India, as well as the complexity of relations between the British and the native population. This is most clearly illustrated through Kims best friend, Mahbuba Sunni horse dealer and fellow spy for the British. When Kim asks Mahbub about his experiences with the British, he replies, It is with them as with all menin certain matters they are wise, and in others most foolish. Read this dialogue between Kim and Mahbub and youll understand why I had such trouble attributing White Mans Burden to Kipling. Kim: What am I? Mussalman, Hindu, Jain, or Buddhist? That is a hard knot. Mahbub: Thou art beyond question an unbeliever, and therefore thou wilt be damned. So says my Lawor I think it does. ButI love thee. Therefore I say in my heart the Faiths are like the horses. Each has merit in its own country. Kipling uses thou and thee to translate Hindustanis informal register. But back to my first impressionswhy did I feel Kim was about me? Well, to me, Kim was the only novel I had read that reflected my own childhood experience. Of course, I wasnt involved in any child espionage, but there were other commonalities. You see, Kipling, Kim, and I all grew up in a country different from that of our parents. For Kipling, that meant being born in Bombay to British parents and living there intermittently throughout his life. I was born in New York to Russian parents, but my family moved to Bangkok, Thailand, when I was six months old. I lived there until I was 14. Kiplings childhood explains why he portrayed India with such care in his stories, and shows the conflict he felt between his Indian childhood and his adult imperialistic tendencies. Kipling summarizes this conflict in his memoirs: In the afternoon heats before we took our sleep, Meeta would tell us stories and Indian nursery songs all unforgotten, and we were sent into the dining room after we had been dressed, with the caution Speak English now to Papa and Mamma. So one spoke English, haltingly translated out of the vernacular idiom that one thought and dreamed in. My childhood was similarly multicultural. My friends were from all corners of the worldSingaporean, Indian, Chinese, French, Japanese, and, of course, Thai. I spoke Russian at home, English with my friends, Chinese to my teachers, and Thai to strangers. I grew up with the strange feeling of knowing I was always a foreigner (or farang, as were called in Thailand), but also with the belief that I could fit in anywhere in the world. When I read about Kim OHara walking along the bustling Grand Trunk Road, I saw myself zipping through the equally bustling Bangkok rush-hour traffic on a motorbike taxi. Just as Kipling describes the pilgrimage of a Tibetan lama from the Ravi River to the Himalayas, I would see orange-robed Buddhist monks with alms bowls in hand walking past me on my way to school. And perhaps most importantly, just as Kim struggles to find a sense of identity between his British ancestry and Indian upbringing, I found it difficult to understand where I belonged when all I had grown up around was, at least on paper, alien. But my childhood certainly wasnt unique. Third Culture Kidschildren who grow up in a culture different from that in which their parents grew upare more common than ever. Bangkok today is home to 92 international schools that serve Third Culture Kids from all over the world, and the same can be said about every international city, be it London, Tokyo, New Delhi, or Mexico City. In this sense, Kim isnt just a dated book on empire; its a novel that describes a situation more and more young people find themselves in today. Kiplings legacy as a preacher of imperialism is problematic, and rightfully so. But his work doesnt have to be viewed strictly within the confines of the 19th century. In fact, I would argue that Kim is, at its heart, a novel that beautifully conveys the uniquely 21st-century experience of being a Third Culture Kid. His nickname through all the wards was Little Friend of all the World. Rudyard Kipling, Kim, 1901. Enjoying the content on 3QD? Help keep us going by donating now. Today marks the first Special Needs Assistant (SNA) Appreciation Day, with a number of schools in Cork taking part in the celebrations. The initiative, launched nationwide by Forsas education division, is aimed at recognising the work of SNAs across the Irish education system. As part of the inaugural celebrations, Forsa ran two competitions, which will see one school awarded 1,000 to be spent internally as well as one Forsa-registered SNA to be awarded a 1,000 voucher to spend as they wish. Speaking ahead of the day to The Echo, Terri OSullivan, who is an SNA at Douglas-Rochestown Educate Together National School, said: Its nice. Its the first ever SNA appreciation day, and I hope it takes off as the years go by. Its an important job, so its nice to highlight that. The job can be unrecognised, as a lot of the time SNAs are in the background, but really there are a lot of children who couldnt go to school without one. An SNAs job is to make a child feel comfortable and happy, she added. Its very rewarding, [and] I love the interactions with them. Our principal has organised a surprise for us, so Im not sure whats going to happen on the day, but its really nice that theyre marking it and everyone likes to be appreciated. I hope it will become an annual day, [because] I would like to see it recognised for the important job that it is. Three SNAs from North Presentation Primary School in Blackpool Tracy Wallace, Jill Haydon, and Georgia OCallaghan said that highlighting the day made them feel important and proud. Its brilliant. We know that the kids appreciate us, so its also great to be recognised on a broader spectrum, said Ms Haydon. I love the kids and, emotionally, we are a huge support for them. Theres never a day that Im driving to work thinking I dont want to come in, I actually cant wait to get to school and see them all. Ms OCallaghan said: Teachers have their appreciation day, so its nice to be recognised as SNAs. Its nice to feel important. Its a very rewarding job and, when you see how delighted the kids are to see us, you know youre doing something right. Ms Wallace added: Its great to get the acknowledgment, [and] it would be great if it became an annual thing. A huge drop in water pressure for the Ballyhooly area has left people in that north Cork community unable to shower or wash clothes or dishes for two weeks, an independent councillor for the Fermoy Municipal District told a meeting of Cork County Council this week. According to Willie OLeary, who raised the issues after the suspension of standing orders, the issue was that a section of pipe from the reservoir to the village had to be replaced. All were getting from Irish Water is the standard reply, we dont have answers for residents and, as public representatives, its embarrassing. I would plead with the Council Executive to use whatever leverage you have with Irish Water over the coming days to try and progress it, he said, outlining that funding for the replacement of pipes could be accessed under a national programme but that there was no scope to access that funding until the end of the year. The independent councillors colleagues on Fermoy MD spoke in support of his emergency motion. According to Fine Gaels Noel McCarthy, the people of Ballyhooley had suffered enough. Theyve been suffering for far too long because of the lack of pressure. Deirdre OBrien of Fianna Fail told her fellow councillors that the pressure was so low in the Ballyhooly water supply that it took two minutes and 12 seconds to fill a small bottle of water while Independent councillor Peter ODonoghue said the issue had been going on for years in the village but that it had worsened in the past number of weeks. Its catastrophic out there at the moment, he said. I work with a charity over in Kenya and we got water to a local village over there theres water in Kenya but they dont have water in Ballyhooley theres something seriously wrong in 2024 when theres no water in Ballyhooly. Former mayor Frank OFlynn, currently convalescing after an operation, spoke on the motion from his home and said that a long-term solution was required which he described as the installation of a new 3-4 inch pipe to connect the village and the reservoir, a distance of some 6km. Replying to a query from The Echo, an Uisce Eireann spokesperson said the recent supply disruption was due to a burst water main in the area which was investigated and repaired on September 16. The existing watermains have been identified as contributing to low water pressure in the area, said the spokesperson. Mains replacement will take several investment cycles to complete, having regard to available resources, funding and prioritisation; and the network needs to be managed in the meantime, responding to bursts and issues when they occur. In the short-term, to minimise the impact of potential supply disruptions and following reports raised by customers in the locality, Uisce Eireann has deployed a leakage investigation and repair team to Ballyhooly. Escatecs second family generation was taking over in 2023: Charles-Alexandre Albin, CEO. Escatec, a swiss/malaysian electronics manufacturing services (EMS) provider, is marking its 40th anniversary, celebrating a significant milestone as the family-owned Group looks toward future growth. Founded in 1984 on Penang Island, Malaysia, by Swiss engineer Christophe Albin, originally under the name LODA Electronics, Escatec has grown into an innovative mid-sized leader in the global EMS industry. The company remains family-owned, with the second generation, Charles-Alexandre Albin, taking over as CEO in November 2023. In its 40-year journey, the company has evolved from humble beginnings into a global powerhouse, achieving remarkable growth, innovation, and success, across diverse markets and geographical locations. The companys social committees have been actively planning a series of events to celebrate its 40th anniversary. To commemorate this milestone, gala dinners are being organised at all locations, offering employees the opportunity to reflect on the company's achievements and look ahead to the future. Additionally, a variety of sporting events are being arranged to promote team spirit and camaraderie. These celebrations are a tribute to the dedication and hard work of the staff, who have played a crucial role in the companys success over the past four decades. Escatec`s success is rooted in its founder's values of ethical business practices, long-term partnerships, and a commitment to customer satisfaction - principles embedded in the companys culture and leadership. Our success has always been about maintaining direct personalised relationships with our customers. Its not just business; its about real human connections built on trust, says CEO Albin, recalling his early days learning the trade at the Penang factory. Escatec is well-positioned for further growth, boasting a strong financial base, zero external debt, long-term customers, and a range of vertically integrated design and manufacturing services which support customers throughout the entire product lifecycle. Major OEM brands from Europe and North America make up most of its customer base. The company currently operates four production facilities in Malaysia, two in the Czech Republic, and one each in the UK, Switzerland, and Bulgaria. It also has a standalone Design & Development Innovation Hub in Switzerland and strategic partnerships in Croatia and the US. Looking ahead, Escatec sees nearshoring and environmental protection as key to attracting new business. Emerging technologies in various sectors offer promising growth channels and these trends are already shaping the Groups strategies, including where and when it is likely to establish new production sites. The next logical step is to expand into North America, possibly Mexico or the United States, to better serve our customers and tap into new markets, noted Albin. Innovation and technology will continue to remain central, with the EscatecTechnology Council (composed of engineering leaders from all business units) continuing to explore new technologies, including AI and digital tools, to enhance preventative maintenance and diagnostics. Environmental sustainability will be another key focus for Escatec as it moves into its fifth decade. The Group has already made significant investments in this regard, with nearly 100% renewable energy usage in its facilities in Switzerland, the UK, and the Czech Republic. In Malaysia, solar panels were installed this year across its sites, moving the Group closer to energy self-sufficiency. We are committed to reducing our environmental footprint and ensuring transparency for our customers and stakeholders, Albin emphasised. Lesen Sie mehr zum Thema The Federal Trade Commission is taking action against DoNotPay, alleging that the AI-powered company billing itself as "the world's first robot lawyer" failed to back its claims that it could replace human legal representation. The agency's complaint argues that DoNotPay did not conduct tests to assess whether its AI chatbot was equivalent to a human lawyer, and that the company did not hire or retain any attorneys of its own. DoNotPay has agreed to a proposed settlement that would see it face fines of $193,000. In addition, the settlement will require DoNotPay to inform customers who subscribed to its service between 2021 and 2023 about the limitations of its offerings. This proposed settlement is part of an FTC program called Operation AI Comply, which is targeting businesses that leverage artificial intelligence to make deceptive claims. "Using AI tools to trick, mislead, or defraud people is illegal," FTC Chair Lina M. Khan said. "The FTCs enforcement actions make clear that there is no AI exemption from the laws on the books. By cracking down on unfair or deceptive practices in these markets, FTC is ensuring that honest businesses and innovators can get a fair shot and consumers are being protected." The PS5 Pro improves on the four-year-old standard model with boosted internals. The upgrades start with a GPU with 67 percent more compute units and 28 percent faster RAM. These allow it to (at most) triple the PS5s ray-tracing performance, leading to fancier lighting, reflections and shadows. In the PS5 Pro, Sony introduces its AI-powered answer to Nvidias DLSS, called PlayStation Spectral Super Resolution (PSSR). Built for 4K TVs and displays, the tech upgrades lower-resolution frames to ultra-HD graphics with astonishing detail. The console also promises more consistent frame rates (with less graphical sacrifice) and support for 60Hz and 120Hz displays. For games that arent updated for the new console, a PS5 Pro version of Game Boost will provide faster and smoother frame rates for over 8,500 supported titles, including some of the PS4 and PS5 consoles greatest games. The console includes 2TB of storage, double the originals capacity. It also supports Wi-Fi 7 and 8K resolutions. The PS5 Pro offers those upgrades in a familiar form factor: It has the same height as the original PS5 and the same width as the disc-less PS5 Slim. Like the latter, youll need to pay extra for a disc drive or a vertical stand. Select games from the PS5 library will be enhanced for the new console. The companys launch event highlighted Marvels Spider-Man 2, The Last of Us Part 2 Remastered, Ratchet and Clank: Rift Apart and Horizon Forbidden West as some of the first-party beneficiaries of the consoles upgraded capabilities. Third-party games getting extra attention for the PS5 Pro include Alan Wake 2, Assassins Creed: Shadows, Demons Souls, Dragons Dogma 2 and Final Fantasy VII Rebirth. Games patched for the $700 system will be designated with a PS5 Pro Enhanced label. The PS5 Pro costs $700. You can pre-order it today, ahead of its November 7 release date. I have slowly turned into that frustrating person who won't go somewhere before checking its reviews on Google Maps. However, I also get suspicious when the reviews are too good there's no pleasing me, apparently so I'm relieved to hear that Google is making it easier to spot fake ones. Google is now issuing a warning for applicable businesses, stating, "Suspected fake reviews were recently removed from this place." Google has previously come under fire with the UK's Competition and Markets Authority (CMA), which opened an investigation into their handling of fake reviews in 2021. A user on X (formerly Twitter) first spotted the change in review handling on a Maps page for a company in the UK (possibly a coincidence). Google has yet to confirm the feature or where it will be available, but Search Engine Roundtable reports Google recently updated its relevant support page to apply globally. Google outlines possible restrictions that can be placed on businesses violating its Fake Engagement policy. One point is that the "business profile will display a warning to let consumers know that fake reviews were removed." Other temporary restrictions include not receiving new ratings or reviews, or having existing ones unpublished. If any of these actions occur, business owners will receive an email from Google and can appeal the decision. While fake reviews can come from businesses in an attempt to boost their ratings, they can also derive from people hoping to tank them. If a business reports these fake reviews, it's unclear whether the same warning will come up (as the wording certainly makes the business seem at fault). At her resentencing hearing on September 25, Julie Chrisley -- for the first time -- publicly expressed her regret for her involvement in the $30 million fraud and tax evasion case alongside her husband Todd Chrisley. Appearing before the United States District Court for the Northern District of Georgia, Julie delivered an emotional apology before the judge ultimately decided to uphold her initial 84-month prison sentence. "I would like to say I've had years to think about what I've wanted to say and I'm sorry for my actions and situations that led us to where we are today," the 'Chrisley Knows Best' star said, fighting back tears. "I've had 20 months in prison, but it has been much more leading up to the trial and I apologize for my actions that led to where we are today." Read more: Abby Lee Miller Warns Todd Chrisley After Speaking About Living Conditions In Jail Julie, visibly shaken, went on to explain how she has used her time in prison to learn new skills in an attempt to make amends with her family. "I have done everything I can do to get closer to my family," she said. "I've taken tests for new skills, such as driving a forklift and serving food in proper ways ... this has been the most difficult part of my life. I can't ever repay my children for what they've had to go through and for that, I am so sorry." Despite her heartfelt apology and the letters sent by her children and their therapist, the judge ruled to maintain Julie's original sentence. The judge acknowledged the family's letters but stated how she doesn't "get a pass from criminal conduct because you're a parent." Julie's request for a 24-hour furlough before returning to prison was also denied. After the hearing concluded, Julie smiled at her daughter, Savannah Chrisley, before being taken away. Julie has been housed in several co-ed facilities in Georgia since her original sentencing in November 2022. The Chrisleys gained fame while showing off their opulent lifestyle on their USA Network TV reality show. In June 2022, a jury found them guilty of conspiring to defraud banks out of more than $30 million in fraudulent loans and tax evasion by hiding their earnings, according to 'CNN.' Julie, 51, and her husband Todd, 55, were sentenced for their roles in the fraud case, with Todd receiving a 12-year sentence and Julie 7 years. While their appeal began in December 2022, Julie's sentence was briefly vacated in June 2024 due to insufficient evidence, though Todd's sentence remained unchanged. Cory Hardrict is wishing ex-wife Tia Mowry "the best unconditionally" after revealing the hardship he faced following their separation while speaking with Ryan Clark, Channing Crowder Jr., and Fred Taylor at 'Hollywood Unlocked.' When co-host Ryan Clark asked Hardrict how he found his way through his divorce while balancing work and fatherhood, the actor attributed his journey to prayer and "stillness." "You know, I feel like you'll never get through that. A lot of praying. A lot of knowing that God is real. God is actually truly real in my life," the 44-year-old replied. "A lot of stillness, man. When you sit still a lot, you can hear a lot of things, for me. A lot of isolation, solitude, and just knowing if I can just put one foot in front of the other and take it a day at a time, 'cause I'm taking it a day at a time... still to this day. "Black men have feelings. Black men hurt. Black men are in pain and sometimes we don't have outlets to... you know, talking to you now, no one's really asked me these questions never, really. So, it's like sometimes we feel like we're dealing with it alone, not unless you have a therapist or a close confidant or a friend." "But, it's not easy because it feels like as a Black man you can't show vulnerability to the world, because it's a form of weakness. But, it should be looked at as a form of strength. Like, men do need to cry, because when it's all bottled up and inside that's when stress and things can happen, different tensions. You gotta be able to have an outlet to release. Like I said, that's the only way that you can get to truly healing of everything." The 'Divorce in the Black' star continued: "I'm on my way. I want to be the biggest in the world. From a humble place, but, I feel like from a skill-set, I feel like I am that dude. That's just how I really feel." When the Netflix actor was asked about the co-parenting dynamic with his ex-wife, former "Sister Sister" star Mowry, 46, Hardrict explained that everything is about their children. "You know, I wish her the best with everything and that's unconditional for me," he stated. "You know, I love unconditionally." "I can't get caught up in what's going on out there and what people are saying. I just know where my heart is at and I have to continue to move that way because I want all my blessings for me." He concluded: "If I succeed, she succeeds, our kids succeed. So, I have no room for failure or no room for mistakes right now in my life, that's how I look at it." That said, Mowry described the process of navigating divorce and motherhood as a "whirlwind journey," according to 'PEOPLE.' The media outlet reported that Mowry and Hardrict officially divorced in April 2023 citing irreconcilable differences. They both requested joint physical and legal custody of their children: Cree, 13, and Cairo, 6. Read in Spanish here The Secret Service is once again being called into question after an armed man unknowingly approached former President Barack Obama's SUV in a Hollywood alleyway. The incident occurred outside the popular restaurant Mother Wolf, where the former president was seated in the back of his vehicle. The armed man, a security guard working at a nearby bar mitzvah, approached the SUV without realizing who was inside and came within inches of the former president before retreating. Read more: Former FBI Informant Says Barack Obama Was The Target Of A Ku Klux Klan Assassination Plot According to TMZ, the breach in Obama's security happened over the weekend, raising concerns about the agency's protection of the former president. The guard later revealed that no one was stationed at the rear of the SUV, leaving it vulnerable. Before noticing the presence of Secret Service agents nearby, the man was working at a bar mitzvah and was unaware that he had come within inches of the former president. The guard, whose name has not been released, went downstairs to investigate after being told that federal agents were outside. Once he stepped into the alley, he saw two men who turned out to be Secret Service agents and a black SUV with Department of Homeland Security plates. Curious, he snapped a quick photo, assuming a high-profile guest was inside. As he approached the vehicle, he was shocked to discover that Obama was sitting in the backseat, focused on his laptop. Realizing the severity of the situation, the armed guard quickly retreated, scared that the Secret Service might perceive him as a threat. He greeted the agents, who seemed startled by his presence and returned upstairs to his post at the bar mitzvah. About 30 minutes later, his boss requested that he hand over his credentials and concealed carry license to the Secret Service. After verifying the guard's information, the agents let the situation pass without further consequence. A significant lapse in security The security guard later reflected on the event, calling it a significant error from the Secret Service. "Definitely a security lapse on their part that there was no one on the backside of SUV, nor covering the stairwell," said the man. He speculated that if he had been a genuine threat, he could have potentially opened the car door, exposing Obama to danger. Obama later continued his evening with daughters Malia and Sasha at the restaurant. The Secret Service has recently received intense criticism following major security incidents during Donald Trump's current campaign, including two assassination attempts. Originally posted in the Latin Times In her Netflix special "For Your Approval," Ellen DeGeneres returned to the spotlight for the first time since her daytime talk show ended in 2022. The special, taped earlier this year, opened with DeGeneres confronting the negative headlines that followed her 2020 workplace scandal, in which her show was accused of fostering a toxic environment. During the intro, DeGeneres reflected on feeling "kicked out of showbusiness" and addressed the backlash that tarnished her public image. Allegations of 'Copying' Taylor Swift However, the special quickly ignited controversy online. The opening segment, which featured a series of negative headlines and social media posts criticizing DeGeneres, drew comparisons to the 2018 Reputation Tour opening by pop star Taylor Swift, which similarly highlighted negative media coverage. X (formerly Twitter) users pointed out the resemblance, with one post about the similarities racking up over 12 million views. One X user said that intro "soo ridiculous," while another commented, "This is copying Reputation tour intro." Another quipped, "Reputation (Ellen's Version)," referencing Swift's famous album re-release project. the intro to the new ellen special is soo ridiculous pic.twitter.com/MkeWLMP7XA sam (@samxmcgowan) September 24, 2024 this is copying reputation tour intro Erika Lee (@erikaleetv) September 24, 2024 insert cringe meme I'm too lazy to find Stephen Ford (@StephenSeanFord) September 24, 2024 Fans Defend DeGeneres Amid Criticism Despite the accusations of imitation, DeGeneres also received support from fans. Several viewers spoke out on X, defending her against the backlash. One fan praised her candidness in the special, saying, "Speaking about her struggles will really help people." The Ellen special has made me feel so many emotions Cancel culture is terrible, and we saw what it did to Taylor Speaking about her struggles will really help people her talking about OCD was something I could really relate to, so thank you @EllenDeGeneres Joe | eras philly & ldn (@joewilliams_cal) September 25, 2024 @EllenDeGeneres I will remember you as being belovededededededededed for being loved. Thank you. I am grateful. I am blessed. I love you. Jasonhausen (@PositivelyJC) September 25, 2024 DeGeneres on Cancel Culture and Moving Forward In the special, DeGeneres addressed the challenges of cancel culture head-on. While she maintains that her talk show did not end because of the negative press, she acknowledged the emotional toll it took on her, all while delivering the deadpan humor that made her a household name. "I'm here because I love doing stand-up, and I miss doing stand-up, and I like making people happy, and I do care what people think," she told the audience. Sterling K. Brown recently got candid with Jennifer Hudson while spilling details on his celeb crush who surprisingly became his co-star years later. During an episode of Hudson's eponymous talk series, 'The Jennifer Hudson Show,' the Emmy Award-winning actor sat alongside his wife, Ryan Michelle Bathe, while recalling a scenario years ago where Brown was infatuated by Jennifer Lopez during the height of her single, "Love Don't Cost A Thing." Years later, the two would be casted together to play in the sci-fi thriller 'Atlas.' That said, it nearly caused quite a stir in the early years of Brown and Bathe's young relationship, prior to marriage. "Is it true y'all broke up over Jennifer Lopez?" Hudson, 43, asked the now-married couple. "Who told you that?" Bathe asked, before laughing loudly. The two confirmed the rumor was true. "I was watching her first video what was her first video that came on MTV?" the actor asked, before his wife answered boldly, "Love Don't Cost A Thing!" "We had just gone out, we were living in New York City, we were in grad school, and we had gone to see a Broadway play and we came back to my place and my roommate was playing the video on MTV," the "Atlas" actor explained. "Now I'm a fan of Jennifer Lopez's dancing, and I was watching the video and I knew my young...21, 22-year-old girlfriend was looking at me watch the video. And I know I'm not supposed to have a reaction. In trying NOT to have a reaction, what had happened was, my eyes began to water," the 'This is Us' alum recalled. His now wife who appears to remember the incident vividly chimes in saying, "Otherwise known as, TEARS! I turn around and my boyfriend is weeping, tears like big fat [tears]," the actress detailed. "And I'm looking and she's just a shakin' and a shimming, and he's just crying. I said 'Oh no, I got to go.' " Bathe, 48, continued, telling the 'Dreamgirls' star, "I said, 'You crying over somebody else's booty... in front of me?' " That said, the conversation also took a turn, where Bathe revealed her celeb crush as Boris Kodjoe. In another turn of events, the couple detailed Bathe's run-in with Kodjoe who she ended up having a "love scene" with years later in the film, 'All About Us,' which seemingly had Brown shaken in return. "That must have been so hard for you to have naked meat on Boris' chest," he joked, referring to an intimate scene that she planned to wear "pasties" for, but they wouldn't stay on. Despite their run-ins with celebs in tense moments, the two have remained happily married. The Hollywood duo met in 1998 before eloping in 2006, and had a large wedding a year later. The loving couple share two children together: Andrew, 12, and Amare, 8. Kim Porter's father, Jake Porter, is speaking out amid rumors surrounding his daughter's death and the connection to Diddy. In a new interview, Jake said his feelings are complicated about the embattled rapper, but he knows that the truth will come out eventually. "The truth will come out. It always does in the end," he told the Daily Mail. While Jake declined to comment further on the matter, he did share that he was "aware of them from the news" when referring to the recent charges brought against Diddy. "When I saw the video of what he did to Cassie (Ventura). I was disgusted. I don't really have much to say beyond that. Everyone's innocent until proven guilty I guess, but the truth will come out," he said. Jake was then asked by the outlet if the truth that he was referring to included new details about Kim's death and a growing call for the case to be re-opened. He previously referred to the investigation as "a load of c**p." In June, Jake spoke about Kim's death and he said he had never seen Diddy be physically abusive with his daughter. However, he couldn't help but have a "different outlook" on the rapper after video of Diddy kicking Cassie at a hotel in Los Angeles was released by CNN. "I didn't know he could stoop that low. I imagine it surprised a lot of people. I wouldn't even do a dog like that. My heart goes out to Cassie," he shared. "I think he was a very jealous person. They both loved each other. Kim's love was legitimate. Puffy's love, I don't know what he calls love, you know what I mean? I really don't think he has any idea what love is," Jake continued. Previously, Kim's death was ruled natural and due to lobar pneumonia. She passed away on November 15, 2018. Earlier this month, Kim and Diddy's children spoke about their mom's death and addressed the false rumors their mother put out a memoir. "We are deeply saddened that the world has made a spectacle of what has been the most tragic event of our lives. Our mother should be remembered for the beautiful, strong, kind, and loving woman she was. Her memory should not be tainted by horrific conspiracy theories," they said in a joint statement. "Claims that our mom wrote a book are simply untrue. She did not, and anyone claiming to have a manuscript is misrepresenting themselves. Additionally, please understand that any so-called 'friend' speaking on behalf of our mom or her family is not a friend, nor do they have her best interests at heart," the kids shared. Diddy has been the subject of headlines lately as he faces charges of racketeering conspiracy, sex trafficking and transportation to engage in prostitution. 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 two 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 last 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 good will and reasonable people will fix it. Dairy processor Lactalis has served notice 'without warning' on 12 of its Scottish dairy farmer suppliers, with NFU Scotland expressing anger at the decision. The processor's decision, whose headquarters are in France, will affect 12 producers ten in Dumfries and Galloway and two in Ayrshire. The farmers have been given 12 months' notice, something NFU Scotland said was without 'clear reasoning'. According to Lactalis, the decision has been taken following a business review of its milk supply in south west Scotland. Milk is provided to Lactalis and its creamery in Stranraer by the Milk Suppliers Association (MSA), a co-op of farmers supplying 210m litres of milk per annum to Lactalis. NFU Scotland has asked for a meeting with both Lactalis and MSA to get 'a full explanation' of the decision. The union has also urged affected farmers to reach out to the union or the Scottish Dairy Hub for support and assistance. It follows the Tesco Sustainable Dairy Group confirming that it will reduce the number of Scottish farmers directly supplying the retailer for its own label fresh milk. NFU Scotland vice president, Andrew Connon said: Once again, it appears as though producers are to be dumped out of their current contract without clear reasoning and with few options to find alternatives in the current market. How can any milk producer invest, plan, and have confidence in what they are doing if they can be dropped on a whim should their milk purchaser perceive them as being awkward to deal with, geographically challenging to service or producing milk of unsatisfactory volume?" Mr Connon called for 'clear protocols' built into contracts that protect a producer when a processor faces a challenging market for its products. Without greater protection for producers in contracts, this would "continue to happen, allowing processors to squeeze out some suppliers in favour of others". Why would anyone push to keep up with multi-decade investments when confidence in contracts only extends to 12 months?" he asked. "Dairy is largely an unsupported sector, with no grant schemes in Scotland supporting investment, resulting in all improvements to meet market demand coming from private investment. There must be greater protection for dairy farmers, which reinforces NFU Scotlands position on the importance of the new milk contract legislation coming into force. Certain personal imports of pork from the European Union, the Faroe Islands, Greenland and Switzerland will be banned to curb UK entry of African swine fever. The government has announced the new measure to better protect pig producers from a potential African swine fever outbreak, as the disease spreads in Europe. ASF is a highly contagious and deadly disease in pigs and wild boar that can be transmitted through infected meat, but poses no risk to human health. From tomorrow (27 September), those found to bring pork or pork products illegally could be fined up to 5,000, with the products seized and destroyed. The ban includes personal pork and pork product imports from the EEA (European Economic Area), the Faroe Islands, Greenland and Switzerland. However, products that are manufactured and packaged to EU commercial standards and weigh less than a maximum of 2kg will still be allowed. The National Pig Association (NPA) welcomed the new measure, but said it was not tough enough, as a total ban on personal imports of pork to the UK was needed. An outbreak of ASF could have a significant impact on the UKs 8 billion pig industry, as well as its annual pork and pork product exports worth 600 million. It is estimated that an outbreak of the disease would cost the UK anywhere between 10 million to 100 million. Defra said the new safeguarding rule aimed to help protect the British pig sector by mitigating ASF's spread across the border to the UK. Announcing the measure, Biosecurity Minister Baroness Hayman warned that the 'deadly' African swine fever disease was 'wreaking havoc' in Europe. She said: These new measures will protect British pig farmers and pork products, preventing infected meat from being brought over the border and threatening our biosecurity. The UK has never had an outbreak ASF, and commercial meat imports are checked at the border to ensure infected goods do not reach UK shores. Lidl has announced the creation of a new free range egg producer group as well as 1 billion worth of investments into its suppliers' businesses. The retailer's new announcement builds on existing financial incentives aimed at addressing the shortage of British free-range egg farms. The new 1 billion investment, to be made over five years, would "support farmers and ensure a consistent supply of high-quality, 100% British eggs". The producer group will enact long-term cost of production contracts and guarantee minimum volumes. It will also assist in helping producers secure finance from banks and issue funding to build new free-range sheds. It follows egg sector pressures including avian influenza outbreaks, surging costs and low prices. Richard Bourns, chief commercial officer at Lidl GB, said: "We are proud to support British farmers they are critical to our business, and we wouldnt be where we are today without them. "Together with our producer groups, weve developed long-term cost of production contracts, providing farmers with the confidence and security they need to invest in their business. "This commitment ensures a sustainable future for the industry and guarantees high-quality, affordable British eggs for our customers." Julia Brewster, a small family-run farm owner and producer group member, said that, in less than a year, the farm had already seen the benefits of joining the producer group. "Lidl has invested over 5 million into our business and with its support and commitment to buying all our eggs, weve gained the confidence to invest further. "Were expanding rapidly, quadrupling our output, and building multiple new sheds setting us up for the future. A new campaign aims to expose misleading 'farmwashing' practices adopted by retailers, who are 'exploiting' the public and farmers with the use of fake farm brands. The campaign seeks to shed light on the practice, which also includes the overuse of the Union Jack to give shoppers the impression that their food come from British family farms. However, campaigners warn that many of the products are increasingly being sourced from US mega farms and is masking the decline of Britains family farms. The campaign has been launched today (26 September) by organic veg box company Riverford, led by founder and farmer Guy Singh-Watson. The farm's research shows that 61% of farmers are concerned they will have to give up their farms within the next 18 months. Despite claims from the UKs Big Six supermarkets of supporting British farmers to the tune of billions, only 1 in 4 (25%) farmers believe these claims are credible and backed up by supermarket buying behaviour. Across four episodes as part of the campaign, Mr Singh-Watson, along with a team of farmers, uncover the truth behind some of the 'British farm' produce on supermarket shelves. The campaign is calling for transparency in supermarket sourcing and fair support for Britains farmers 'before its too late'. The launch of the campaign is supported by an open letter addressed to the CEOs of the Big Six supermarkets, calling for an end to the practice of farmwashing. The letter asks for retailers to honour their promises of supporting British farmers with better buying practices, especially the smaller-scale family farms who are 'struggling to survive'. The open letter has been signed by over 100 leading figures and counting, including Cat Smith MP, Jimmy Doherty, Rick Stein, William Chase and Ben Goldsmith. Farmer and TV presenter Jimmy Doherty, warned that Britains small-scale farmers were 'facing extinction' due to the rise of US-style mega-farms. He said: "These enormous operations might make meat cheaper, but the hidden costs are devastating compromises on animal welfare, environmental harm, and the destruction of traditional farming livelihoods. Were seeing generations of family farms swallowed up, replaced by faceless corporations that are driven by profit rather than people or the planet. "Its time we take a stand and support real British farming before its too late." Riverford's research found that two thirds (60%) of shoppers actively look for the Union Jack on products to support British farmers. When shoppers were shown a photo of produce in a UK supermarket under a Union Jack flag, more than two thirds (68%) expected more than half of it to come from a British farm, in fact, none of it did. Guy Singh-Watson, founder of Riverford, warned that British farming was at a 'breaking point', and that the public were being 'hoodwinked'. "The public cares deeply about where their food comes from, the supermarkets know this," he said. "They are using that trust to steal farmer stories and to hoodwink shoppers into thinking they are buying from those small-scale, traditional British farms. "Yet the reality is that these farms are being pushed to the brink. Is this the future we want for our food system and our countryside?" To support the campaign, farmers and public can use the hashtag #FarmersAgainstFarmwashing on social media. Astronaut and space expert Chris Hadfield will present never-before-seen space images on his UK and Ireland tour in 2025. Chris Hadfield will be sharing his space memories on tour next year The acclaimed astronaut and spaceship will discuss the latest developments in space science and share memories from his career at 12 venues across the UK and Ireland next June. Audiences at 'Chris Hadfield: A Journey Into The Cosmos' will be able to observe never-before-seen space imagery from the James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) and the International Space Station (ISS) which features incredible views of Earth, Mars and the Moon. Hadfield went viral in 2013 as he filmed himself performing David Bowie's classic song 'Space Oddity' on the ISS. He has since become a media personality in regards to all things space as well as advising Elon Musk, Richard Branson and King Charles on how humans can make further exploration in orbit. He said: "I am so excited to be coming to the UK and Ireland to talk about the amazing recent events in space, from failing spaceships and private spacewalks, to stunning new images of Earth and James Webb's universe, and humanity beginning to settle on the Moon and then Mars. "The latest of exploration and high technology, where space fans will have the chance to ask me questions directly. A shared evening of discovery and wonder like no other." Chris Hadfield's 2025 Tour Dates: 8 June The Marlowe, Canterbury 10 June Royal Festival Hall, London 11 June Tyne Theatre and Opera House, Newcastle 12 June Liverpool Philharmonic Hall 13 June Warwick Arts Centre 14 June The Forum, Bath 15 June Bord Gais Energy Theatre, Dublin 17 June The Octagon Centre, Sheffield 18 June The Usher Hall, Edinburgh 19 June King's Theatre, Glasgow 21 June New Theatre Oxford 22 June Brighton Dome Dedicated bus route helps farmers sell fresh food in urban markets Xinhua) 10:37, September 26, 2024 WUHAN, Sept. 25 (Xinhua) -- Before sunrise, more than a dozen farmers gather at He Station in a suburb of Wuhan, in central China's Hubei Province, waiting for a special bus, together with baskets and bags filled with fresh seasonal fruit and vegetables. "People like eating fresh lotus seeds, so we pick them at around 3 a.m.," said Tu Jixing, adding that he can earn more than 300 yuan (about 42.73 U.S. dollars) a day by selling about 10 kg of lotus seeds. Tu is one of many passengers along the bus route who catch the bus every morning, carrying bags and baskets filled with fresh food, including peppers, tomatoes, fish and eggs. Taking the dedicated bus for vegetable transportation, farmers are able to sell agricultural and sideline products in a large wholesale market in the urban area of the city, more than 40 km away from He Station, the departure point of the route. The bus fare is 5 yuan for a single trip. "It's much more convenient now, and it doesn't cost much for a round trip," said Tu. Tu recalled that in the past, various areas around his village were not covered by public transport. Most people didn't want to rent vehicles or call a taxi to transport vegetables, as the cost was too high. So they would feed the surplus vegetables to livestock. The problem faced by farmers attracted the attention of the local public transportation company. At the end of 2020, it established a new bus route to meet the needs of villagers selling goods. The company has arranged staff to provide assistance at the stations where vegetable farmers gathered, and to clean the stains from soil, water and vegetable leaves, so that other types of passengers would not be affected. Hu Simin, a driver on the dedicated bus route, said it has become an important mode of transport for people living in about 30 surrounding villages. "On average, over a hundred villagers take the bus line to the urban area to sell vegetables a day," said Hu. Hu has gradually become familiar with the farmers. Before the bus departs early in the morning, he always helps the elderly villagers move their goods, and sometimes farmers give him a handful of vegetables as a gift. Some passengers have also become friends with each other. After selling their vegetables, they often hang out together in the urban area, then take the bus home and have a rest. In China, many regions, such as Nanchang and Qingdao, have attempted to extend and open bus routes to suburbs in recent years, making it more convenient for farmers to commute between remote villages and urban areas, and making it easier for residents to buy fresh fruit and vegetables. (Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Zhong Wenxing) By encouraging honest, respectful conversations and rejecting shame, parents can help their children navigate sexual education and body image with confidence and carejust as ancient Hawaiians did before colonization tried to suppress it, writes Dorimalia Waiau and Easa Mohamed Dorimalia Wailia Image credit Dorimalia Waiau When we think of Hawaiian women, the image that often comes to mind is one of vibrant skirts, semi-nudity, and graceful, hip-gyrating dancing. This celebration of the body and nature reflects a culture that was once deeply in tune with itselfespecially when it came to sexuality. But colonization changed all of that. It brought shame and nearly wiped out the free-spirited way of life that Hawaiian women (and men) once embraced so openly. image credit Dorimalia Waiau Before colonizers arrived, Hawaiian society had a refreshingly open attitude toward sexuality. The ancient Hawaiians understood that sexuality is a natural part of being human. It wasn't just about intimacy but also about connecting emotionally, spiritually, and socially. In fact, Hawaiians celebrated sexuality as something joyous and positive, and they didnt view it as something to be hidden or shamed. Family, or ohana, played a huge role in the communitys understanding of sexuality. Knowledge was passed down through songs, including those about love and sex, called mele mai (genital chants). One famous example comes from a song written by Lele-io-Hoku, brother of Queen Liliuokalani, which talks about the excitement and ecstasy of physical intimacy. This was just one way in which Hawaiians embraced sexuality, singing about it openly and joyfully. In pre-colonial Hawaii, children were raised in an environment that was incredibly open about sex and the human body. It wasnt unusual for young people to see adults in intimate moments or to witness births, which were community events where everyone played a role. They grew up with an understanding that sexuality was normal, healthy, and, most importantly, not shameful. As children reached puberty, grandparents and elders would take on the responsibility of teaching them about their bodies. This wasnt the awkward "birds and the bees" talk we know today, but rather an honest and respectful education about anatomy, reproduction, and sexual pleasure. Hawaiians believed it was essential for young people to understand their bodies and to be prepared for adult life. Puberty was seen as a natural time for this education, and boys and girls were encouraged to explore their sexuality in a responsible way. While sexual behavior was encouraged and accepted, there were certain guidelines that the Hawaiians followed. For example, sex during menstruation was considered taboo, but beyond that, there were few restrictions. Most importantly, they valued responsibilitymaking sure that sex was consensual and that any children born were cared for with love. In fact, the concept of an illegitimate child didnt exist in pre-colonial Hawaii. Every child was seen as a blessing, and families raised them together, without judgment or shame. Whats more, Hawaiians didnt judge people for their sexual orientation. Mahu, or third-gender individuals, were widely accepted and respected members of the community. Unlike many modern societies, ancient Hawaiians believed that love and intimacy came in many forms, and all were celebrated. Everything changed when Western colonizers arrived in Hawaii. Suddenly, the openness and acceptance that had defined Hawaiian culture were replaced with shame and judgment. The colonizers, unfamiliar with Hawaiian customs, saw the peoples semi-nudity, their dances, and their carefree attitude toward sex as scandalous. They imposed their own beliefs, which condemned these practices, forcing Hawaiians to cover up and change the way they thought about their bodies. This shift wasnt just culturalit became law. Between 1820 and 1840, Hawaiian royalty, influenced by Western advisors, began to outlaw certain sexual practices and behaviors. Sex was turned into something sinful, and shame became a tool of control. The introduction of new diseases, including venereal diseases, only added to the stigma, as many Hawaiians began to associate sex with sickness and death. Suddenly, being Hawaiian itself became something to be ashamed of. Colonization robbed Hawaiians of their natural connection to their bodies and their traditions, leaving a legacy of guilt and fear that still affects many families today. As modern Hawaiians reflect on the past, they realise how valuable their ancestors attitudes toward sexuality were. The open discussions, the lack of shame, and the emphasis on education all helped young people transition smoothly into adulthood. Today, as the world grapples with issues like body positivity, mental health, and sexual education, we can learn a lot from how pre-colonial Hawaiians approached these topics. Instead of shaming or avoiding discussions about sex, we should be preparing young people for the realities of adult life, just as the Hawaiians did. This doesnt mean encouraging reckless behavior, but rather teaching respect for the body, consent, and responsibilityvalues that Hawaiians have always held dear. In an age where children are constantly exposed to sexual content through technology, its more important than ever to have honest conversations with them about their bodies and their sexuality. By embracing our natural selves and teaching the next generation to do the same, we can create a culture where people feel good about themselves and their relationships. Dorimalia Waiau is a critically acclaimed Native Hawaiian author whose critically-acclaimed Be Manaful series of books, co-written with Easa Mohamed, are designed to empower young readers to confront lifes challenges with courage and resilience. Drawing on over two decades of teaching experience, the series addresses profound issues like abuse, bullying, and social anxiety through themes of self-healing and forgiveness. The books are inspired by Menehune legends and celebrate Hawaiian mythology and the islands rich, historic culture. The second book in the Be Manaful series is out soon. by Matt Shine for www.femalefirst.co.uk find me on and follow me on Brad Pitt imposters have been arrested after allegedly scamming two women out of over 270,000. Brad Pitt's representative has addressed reports of scammers posing as Hollywood star The Hollywood star's representative has been forced to remind fans he has "no social media presence" after the arrests of five people were announced this week over the online scam. Pitt's publicist Matthew Hilktzik told the New York Times newspaper: Its awful that scammers take advantage of fans strong connection with celebrities." He added while he hadn't been aware of the case, fans should note that the actor does not have any authorised social media accounts on the likes of X, Facebook and Instagram, which means fans should never believe anyone posing as him online. Hilktzik continued: But this is an important reminder to not respond to unsolicited online outreach, especially from actors who have no social media presence. In a statement this week by Spain's Interior Ministry, the authorities confirmed three arrests were made last November, and another two in July. They added that the accused people had allegedly contacted contacted the women on an online fan page for the 'Once Upon A Time In Hollywood' actor while posing as him. It's said they exchanged messages with the victims, while the statement added that they "managed to make these women believe they had become so close to the well-known American actor that they believed they had a romantic relationship with him". One woman from Bilbao is said to have sent around 150,000 (125,000) in a series of transfers, while the other, from Granada, sent 175,000 (146,000). Around 85,000 (71,000) has been recovered amid the investigations, while the unnamed suspects face charges including money laundering and fraud. Brad is currently promoting his new AppleTV+ series 'Wolfs', and his friend and co-star George Clooney George recently revealed he had pretended to be his pal to prank other celebrities, using stationery purporting to be from the 'Moneyball' star. He told talk show host Jimmy Kimmel: I sent [a letter] to Tom Cruise, saying they want to do ['Interview with the Vampire 2'], but this time Brad wants to play Lestat." And when it came to Meryl Streep, the former 'E.R.' star sent her a gift that 'Brad' felt would come in useful for her. He explained: I sent [a letter] to Meryl Streep with a box of CDs for dialect and I said, This guy helped me with my accent in Troy and I think it could really help you.' " Julie Chrisley's seven-year sentence for bank fraud and tax evasion has been upheld, following an appeal. Todd and Julie Chrisley were jailed in 2023 after being found guilty of 12 counts of tax evasion and fraud The Chrisley Knows Best star and her husband Todd were jailed in 2023 after being found guilty of 12 counts of tax evasion and fraud, with Todd, 55, sentenced to 12 years behind bars and Julie, 51, ordered to serve seven. Julie appeared at the United States District Court for the Northern District of Georgia in Atlanta on Wednesday (25.09.24) to hear the outcome of her appeal, and a federal judge refused to give her a more lenient sentence. Before the ruling was announced, Julie said: "I would like to say Ive had years to think about what Ive wanted to say and Im sorry for my actions and situations that let us to where we are today. "Ive had 20 months in prison, but it has been much more leading up to the trial and I apologize for my actions that led to where we are today. "I have done everything I can do to get closer to my family. "Ive taken tests for new skills, such as driving a forklift and serving food in proper ways ... this has been the most difficult part of my life. "I cant ever repay my children for what theyve had to go through and for that, I am so sorry." Julie's daughter, influencer Savannah Chrisley, is said to have been left devastated about her mother's sentence being upheld. An insider told DailyMail.com: "Savannah is in ruins. She had everything prepared for Julie to come home. She was so certain of her being freed." Earlier this year, Julie's conviction was upheld but her sentence was overturned by a three-judge panel of the 11th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals, and her case was sent for resentencing. However, Todd's appeal was rejected by the court. The modern business sector is facing increasing threats from financial crimes, which can undermine its financial stability and reputation on a global scale. Financial crimes encompass a wide range of illegal activities aimed at securing economic benefits through the violation of laws. In the context of business development and digitalisation, financial crimes are becoming more sophisticated and difficult to detect, necessitating a comprehensive approach to protecting your business. What are financial crimes? Financial crimes encompass a broad range of illegal activities related to financial transactions, including fraud, money laundering, tax evasion, corruption, embezzlement, and abuse of position. These crimes cause significant harm to individual organisations as well as to the economy as a whole, undermining trust in financial institutions and leading to market instability. The issue of financial crimes is particularly acute in Thailand, where fraudulent schemes are often disguised as legitimate financial operations. For instance, money laundering schemes involving shell companies and fictitious bank accounts are widespread. In 2023, the Thai government tightened measures to combat financial crimes by introducing stricter financial monitoring rules and cooperating with international organisations such as Interpol to track and prevent cross-border crimes. If you or your company have been the victim of financial crime, suffering both economic and reputational damage, we recommend getting in touch with our international fraud lawyers in Thailand. Our team will provide professional legal support and help you recover any losses incurred and restore your tarnished reputation. Types of financial crimes International financial crime can manifest in various forms, among which the most common include: Money laundering is the process of legitimising income acquired through illegal means, by using various financial mechanisms to conceal the source of the funds. Fraud is a deceitful act aimed at gaining financial advantage, involving the forgery of documents, financial statements, the use of insider information, and the establishment of fictitious companies. Tax evasion is the illegal concealment of income or distortion of information about financial transactions with the aim of reducing tax liabilities. Corruption is the abuse of an official position for personal gain, including bribery, graft, and kickbacks. Abuse of power the unlawful use of one's official position to gain personal benefit, which may include embezzling company assets or manipulating financial records. What impact do they have on business? Financial crimes can have a devastating impact on any business. Besides the obvious financial losses, businesses face a range of other consequences: Reputational risks: involvement in financial crimes or association with them can seriously undermine the trust of clients, partners, and investors in a company. Legal consequences: breaching financial legislation can lead to substantial fines, legal proceedings, and even criminal liability for the company's management. Loss of business opportunities: Companies involved in financial crimes may face refusal of credit, termination of business relationships, and exclusion from international trade agreements. Operational risks: Financial crimes can lead to disruptions in a company's operational activities, necessitate audits and inspections, and may also result in the temporary cessation of business. How does Interpol track financial crimes? Interpol plays a pivotal role in combating financial crimes on an international scale, coordinating the efforts of law enforcement agencies from various countries. As part of its activities, Interpol utilises several key tools: Red notices: Interpol issues red notices for the arrest of individuals wanted for financial crimes, enabling law enforcement agencies from different countries to detain criminals and extradite them for trial. Interpol's database: Interpol maintains a global database that contains information on individuals suspected of financial crimes, as well as related transactions and organisations. This enables the tracking of fund movements and the identification of international criminal networks. International cooperation: Interpol actively collaborates with national law enforcement agencies, financial institutions, and international organisations such as the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) to develop and implement standards for combating financial crimes. Preventive measures for businesses Protecting a business from financial crimes requires a comprehensive approach that includes implementing effective measures for prevention, detection, and response to potential threats. Key measures include: Internal control plays a key role in preventing financial crimes. It involves the development and implementation of policies and procedures aimed at monitoring and controlling financial transactions. This can include: Developing a reporting system. Creating transparent and accurate financial operation reports for the timely detection of suspicious activities. Separation of duties. A clear allocation of roles and responsibilities among employees to minimise the risks of abuse. Periodic inspections and audits. Conducting regular internal and external reviews to ensure that financial transactions comply with established standards. Staff training and awareness Raising employee awareness of the risks of financial crimes and methods of their prevention is an important preventative measure. As part of this measure, it is necessary to: Conducting training sessions and seminars. Organising regular educational programmes for staff, aimed at studying methods of identifying and preventing financial crimes. Creating a code of conduct. The development and implementation of a corporate code that clearly defines the norms and rules of behaviour within the company, as well as the responsibilities for violating them. Employee motivation. Implementing motivation systems that reward employees for their vigilance and participation in preventing financial crimes. Conducting a comprehensive inspection Due diligence is a crucial tool for assessing the risks associated with financial transactions and business partners. It includes: Due diligence on business partners. Assessing the reliability and legality of business partners, including their financial standing and market reputation. Analysis of financial operations. Conducting a detailed analysis of large and unusual financial transactions to identify suspicious transactions. Assessment of legislative compliance. Certification that all financial transactions adhere to international and national standards and regulations. How can a financial crime solicitor assist you? A solicitor specialising in financial crimes can provide substantial assistance in protecting your business from threats. Their key functions include advising on compliance with legislation, developing and implementing internal procedures that meet the requirements of both international and national laws, thereby minimising the risk of breaches. Should there be any suspicion or accusation of financial crimes, turning to our solicitors will ensure your company receives qualified legal defence in court, reducing potential losses and reputational risks. Furthermore, our solicitors will assist in devising an action plan in the event a financial crime is detected, including measures to prevent further violations and cooperation with law enforcement agencies. Junglee Music, a division of Times Music, and Windows Production are set to captivate audiences once more with a sensational lineup of Bengali films. This powerhouse collaboration, which has been a benchmark in Bengali cinema since 2013, is gearing up to release four highly anticipated films, including Bohurupi (October 2024) and Amar Boss (December 2024), with two more blockbuster projects planned for future release.This dynamic duo is renowned for their success, with previous collaborations such as Belaseshe, Belashuru, Gotro, Konttho, and Rosogolla. Their track record of hits has established Junglee Music and Windows Production as leaders in innovative music storytelling.The upcoming releases are generating significant buzz, especially with the track Dakatiya Banshi. This highly anticipated item song, composed by the renowned Bonnie Chakraborty and featuring vocals by Shrestha Das, Nanichora Das Baul, and Bonnie Chakraborty himself, is set to be one of the biggest hits of the year with its distinctive sound and engaging rhythm.Mandar Thakur, CEO of Junglee Music/Times Music, shared his enthusiasm, "Our collaboration with Windows Production has always yielded remarkable results. Together, weve created music that not only resonates with Bengali audiences but also reaches listeners across the country. With our upcoming projects, we are excited to continue this legacy."Shiboprosad Mukherjee, Co-Founder of Windows Production, added, "Our association with Junglee Music has been a remarkable journey of over 10 years, beginning in 2013. Together, we've given the Bengali film industry some of its most iconic hits, such as Rangabati and Tapa Tini. Junglee Music has played a pivotal role in bringing our cinematic stories to life through music, and their support has been invaluable to us. As we look forward to the release of Bohurupi and Aamar Boss later this year, we are thrilled to announce the launch of yet another dance anthem from Bohurupi today. With this track, we are hoping for a hat trick. We believe this song will continue the legacy of our historic association with Junglee Music and once again strike a chord with audiences."Bohurupi is set to hit theatres on October 8th, with the full album releasing on October 6th across all music streaming platforms.Watch the video on Times Music Bangla YouTube Channel: https://youtu.be/wF9oo8dJ5t4 To read the full story, become a PRIME member today. PRIME Unlimited Access to Insightful Industry Information All Corporate Members and TexPro Subscribers are eligible to access F2F PRIME CONTENT using the same login credentials. Actor Triptii Dimri expressed her joy over landing a role in the much-awaited Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3. Speaking during a recent interview in Mumbai, she described her excitement about being part of the iconic franchise, directed by Anees Bazmee. Triptii shared how surreal it felt to be offered the role, calling it a "dream come true." While maintaining secrecy over the plot, Triptii praised her co-stars, Kartik Aaryan and Vidya Balan. She shared how inspiring it was to work alongside Vidya, mentioning, So many times I would find myself staring at her, just observing. She further applauded Kartiks brilliant performance in the film, which has raised high expectations among fans. Critic's rating 3.5 /5 Love, Sitara is a heartwarming film that beautifully explores the complexities of love and family. The story follows Tara (Sobhita Dhulipala), an interior designer, and Arjun (Rajeev Siddhartha), a chef, as they travel to Tara's picturesque backwaters town in Kerala for a meet-the-parents moment before their wedding. Tara is eager to have the ceremony in her beloved maternal grandmother's house, a place filled with cherished memories. Arjun's father, Anand (Ikhlaque Khan), a retired army colonel, has never fully supported his son's culinary career but agrees to join him on this journey. Taras parents, Latha (Virginia Rodrigues) and hotelier Govind (Sanjay Bhutiani), appear to be the picture-perfect couple. Tara is also surrounded by loving family members, including her doting Hema chechi (Sonali Kulkarni) and wise Amumma (B Jayashree). Adding to the warmth, her supportive photographer friend Anjali (Tamara DSouza) joins the festivities, along with childhood buddy Dr Majeed (Rijul Ray), who runs a free clinic in their village. Initially, the film captures the joyful spirit of a traditional Barjatya-style wedding. However, the mood shifts when secrets begin to surface. Tara is hiding a significant truth: she is pregnant and has not yet shared this news with anyone. This revelation sets off a chain reaction, exposing deeper fractures within relationships as uncomfortable truths come to light. Why wasnt this film produced by Karan Johar? Despite facing production challenges due to COVID-19, director Vandana Kataria and her team persevered, delivering a film that embodies the Dharma Productions ethos of family love, emphasising the vital themes of forgiveness and trust. Love, Sitara artfully intertwines these elements, crafting a narrative that resonates with real-life emotional complexities. Kataria's casting choices shine, featuring established actors in pivotal roles. While Kannada actress B Jayashree may be less known to Northern audiences, she delivers a memorable performance as the feisty yet soft-hearted grandmother. Malayalam actress Virginia Rodrigues excels as Tara's concerned mother, particularly in a powerful confrontation scene at the end that showcases her talent. Sonali Kulkarni brings depth to her role as an air hostess entangled in an affair, portraying her character's struggles with grace. Tamara DSouza and Rijul Ray also contribute strong performances as loyal friends who provide crucial support to Tara. Though Rajeev Siddharthas character is somewhat underdeveloped, he brings depth to Arjun, who grapples with a fraught relationship with his father and his fiancees's honesty. Sobhita Dhulipala, however, is the heart of the film. She convincingly portrays Taras journey from a young professional navigating love to a woman facing unexpected challenges and self-doubt as family secrets unravel, even as she struggles with her pregnancy. The actor has given a 100 per cent to each phase of her character. Ultimately, Love, Sitara teaches us that love and life are often intertwined with difficulty. Commitment and trust are essential, and sometimes, the lessons learned can be tough. Watch the film for its emotional narrative and outstanding performances. It is streaming on Zee5. TRAILER : Love, Sitara NEW YORK, NY / ACCESSWIRE / September 25, 2024 / SCS Global Services Global Heat Reduction Initiative Helps Companies Answer This Question The Global Heat Reduction Initiative (GHR) is bringing advanced climate accounting metrics to the table to help companies and other decision makers identify mitigation strategies that can most rapidly and responsibly reduce excess trapped heat in the atmosphere. This was the message Executive Director Kiff Gallagher delivered on stage at the "Climate X Data" Knowledge Series event on Wednesday during Climate Week in New York, hosted at the global business law firm, Brown Rudnick. "While conventional climate accounting has provided valuable information about greenhouse gas emission levels and emission reductions, there's a lot more to the story," said Kiff Gallagher, GHR Executive Director. "Now we can fully value methane mitigation over the crucial next decade, account for very powerful short-lived climate pollutants like black carbon that have been largely left out, consider the effects of changing surface reflectivity, and much more." The newly launched initiative unveiled its first set of tools to help private and public sector organizations route their climate dollars where they have the greatest, most immediate impact. It is a groundbreaking, practical application of the latest IPCC-published consensus science aimed at moving the needle on climate stabilization and recovery. "As the saying goes, you can't manage what you don't measure," said Gallagher. "The comprehensive climate change information built into the peer-reviewed GHR protocols triggers an 'Aha!' moment. People immediately sit up straight when you tell them about this." The GHR initiative was launched?last week?by SCS Global Services, a pioneer and international leader in third-party certification and standards setting in the sustainability arena.?The initiative currently includes a climate registry, third-party footprint calculation and verification services, and advisory services. Background The summer of 2024 was the warmest on record for the Northern hemisphere - again. Nine of the ten hottest years on the books fell in the last decade, and expectations are that 2024 set another record. Climate efforts to date are not meeting the targets identified by the international community. Non-CO2 climate super pollutants are one of the keys.Roughly half of all current anthropogenic global warming is caused by supercharged heat-trapping pollutants such as methane, black carbon, and HCFs, with methane alone responsible for about 30 percent of all warming since the Industrial Revolution. Projects that reduce or eliminate these pollutants can often be undertaken with off-the-shelf technologies, with a huge pay-off in terms of short-term heat mitigation - enough to create the necessary bridge to longer term results from reductions of CO2 and other long-lived climate pollutants. And they can simultaneously benefit local communities and ecosystems by improving air and water quality and reducing environmental impacts. "Companies clearly care about getting heat reduction results - their supply chains, their own operations, and their customers are all being affected," said Gallagher. "The SEC just said that heat is a financial risk. The time to focus on heat is now." To learn more about the GHR, please visit:?https://www.heatreduction.com/documents About the Global Heat Reduction Initiative The Global Heat Reduction Initiative (GHR) was launched in 2024 to bring new tools to market that will help slow global warming within the next decade and beyond. The Initiative delivers the most comprehensive climate accounting approach available today, including critical data to?unlock financing for projects that can rapidly reduce excess atmospheric heat. GHR services include a climate registry, footprint calculation and verification, and advisory services. GHR is an initiative of SCS Global Services. Learn more at?www.heatreduction.com. ?About SCS Global Services SCS Global Services?is a global leader in third-party environmental and sustainability verification,certification, auditing, testing, and standards development, currently celebrating its 40th?year. Its programs span a cross-section of industries, recognizing achievements in climate mitigation, green building, product manufacturing, food and agriculture, forestry, consumer products, and more. Headquartered in Emeryville, California, SCS has representatives and affiliate offices throughout the Americas, Asia/Pacific, Europe, and Africa. Its broad network of auditors are experts in their fields, and the company is a trusted partner to companies, agencies, and advocacy organizations due to its dedication to quality and professionalism. SCS is a California-chartered Benefit Corporation, reflecting its commitment to socially and environmentally responsible business practices. ?SCS is also a Participant of the United Nations Global Compact and adheres to its principles-based approach to responsible business.? For more information,?visit?www.SCSGlobalServices.com. SCS Media Contact Tom Vandyck Public Affairs Manager, Global Heat Reduction Initiative Email View additional multimedia and more ESG storytelling from SCS Global Services on 3blmedia.com. Contact Info: Spokesperson: SCS Global Services Website: https://www.3blmedia.com/profiles/scs-global-services Email: info@3blmedia.com SOURCE: SCS Global Services KUALA LUMPUR, Sept 26, 2024 - (ACN Newswire) - MobilityX 2024 is set to take center stage as one of the most anticipated exhibitions and summits in the electric vehicle (EV) industry, bringing together global leaders, innovators, and policymakers to explore the future of clean mobility at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre (KLCC) from 9-11 October, 2024. Co-located with the International Greentech & Eco Products Exhibition & Conference Malaysia (IGEM) and the Clean Energy Technology Asia (CETA) summit, MobilityX will highlight the latest advancements in the clean mobility market, facilitate cutting-edge partnerships, and ignite discussions that will shape the mobility landscape in Southeast Asia.As Southeast Asia positions itself as a rising global hub for the electric vehicle industry, MobilityX 2024 will serve as a premier platform for stakeholders to exchange insights on EV trends, technology advancements, and policy frameworks that are driving the sector forward. From OEM automakers to energy providers, government bodies to tech innovators, the event will feature groundbreaking innovations that address the growing demand for clean, sustainable mobility solutions.MobilityX 2024 will play a critical role in supporting Malaysia's aspirations as outlined in the National Energy Transition Roadmap (NETR), which identifies green mobility as a key pillar of the country's sustainable development strategy. The event will showcase how the growing EV ecosystem can help operationalise a low-carbon transport system, aligning with Malaysia's goal of achieving net-zero carbon emissions by 2050."Electric vehicles are steering nations towards a cleaner future, and Malaysia has the right foundations in place to build a low-carbon transport infrastructure," said Mel Lanvers-Shah, CEO of The Co_Lab Pte Ltd, the event's owner and organiser. "With the support of initiatives like MobilityX and collaboration among industry leaders, we are well on track to establish Southeast Asia as a leader in future mobility."As a dynamic platform for innovation, MobilityX 2024 will feature interactive exhibits, product launches, and expert panels at the co-located CETA Summit discussing the latest technologies shaping the future of mobility. Topics will include the integration of electric vehicles into smart cities, advancements in EV charging infrastructure, and the role of autonomous and connected vehicles in reducing emissions and transforming urban transport.In addition to showcasing technological advancements, MobilityX 2024 will foster cross-industry collaborations and partnerships essential to accelerating the global EV transition. It will provide opportunities for OEMs, Mobility Innovators, After Market Suppliers and Technology Providers to network and engage in strategic dialogues that address both the challenges and opportunities facing the clean mobility sector.With Southeast Asia on the cusp of a mobility revolution, Malaysia stands at the forefront of this transformation. MobilityX 2024 is set to cement the nation's role as a leading player in the global EV market, propelling the region towards a sustainable, low-carbon future.The IGEM, CETA, and MobilityX Exhibition and Summit is set to welcome nearly 50,000 attendees, with over 500 exhibitors and sponsors showcasing cutting-edge solutions. Energy professionals from across the region will gather to explore innovations and secure the resources needed to drive business growth and sustainability in the industry.Organised by The Co_Lab Pte Ltd, MobilityX is held under the patronage of the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environmental Sustainability (NRES), with the Malaysian Green Technology and Climate Change Corporation (MGTC) as its strategic partner.To register and for more information, please visit www.mobilityx.asia.About MobilityXMobilityX is an annual exhibition and summit focused on future and clean mobility and electric vehicle innovations, driving the mobility transition across Asia. Co-located with IGEM and CETA, MobilityX brings together OEMs, Mobility Innovators, After Market Suppliers and Technology Providers from around the region to explore the latest trends and technologies shaping the future of mobility.For media enquiries, please contact marcomms@mobilityx.asia.Source: The C0_LabCopyright 2024 ACN Newswire . All rights reserved. Co-created With Sierra Family Health Center and Western Sierra Medical Clinic, the Applied Science AdaptivMD Solution Integrates the Verily Retinal Service and eClinicalWorks EHR -- Raising The Bar For Early Detection of Diabetic Retinopathy GRASS VALLEY, CA / ACCESSWIRE / September 25, 2024 / Applied Science, Inc. (ASI), a leading provider of workflow automation and data integration platforms for whole blood collection and chronic care management, today announced the expansion of its AdaptivMD chronic care workflow technology to Sierra Family Health Center (SFHC) and Western Sierra Medical Clinic (WSMC). ASI has successfully integrated a retinal screening solution from Verily Life Sciences LLC (formerly Google Life Sciences) into its workflow automation platform to make easy, high-quality retinal health screenings conveniently accessible and efficient. Diabetic retinopathy is the leading cause of preventable blindness among working-age adults, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Early detection is critical to preserving eyesight. However, annual screening compliance is only 60% nationwide1. Applied Science's simplified clinical workflow solution, coupled with Verily's screening solution, aims to significantly increase compliance through improved clinical workflow and patient convenience. As Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs), SFHC and WSMC are committed to delivering best-in-class care to patients in Northeast California's Nevada, Placer, Sierra, and Yuba counties. Instead of requiring patients to travel to San Francisco or beyond to receive high-quality retinal screenings, they are now locally available at SFHC and WSMC in Grass Valley. The solution combines best-in-class technologies from Verily, which has developed its easy-to-use retinal screening technology, and Applied Science, which has integrated the screening technology into its advanced clinical workflow software platform to ensure that the screening process is convenient, efficient, and secure for the patient and the clinician. Applied Science is committed to delivering tools and technologies that enable better access to care and efficient, high-quality outcomes for underserved rural and urban communities. Cumbersome workflow for the clinical staff and inconvenience for consumers are major barriers to adoption and compliance. Applied Science's AdaptivMD clinical workflow and integration engine solves these challenges by delivering to the FQHC market a suite of tools that are tightly integrated with the facility's electronic health record (EHR) system, resulting in simplified workflows, ease of use, and full integration of clinical and decision-support data. "Diabetic Retinopathy is a far too common cause of blindness, and it must be caught early to enable effective treatment," said Debra Plass, CEO of SFHC. "Unfortunately, too few people who need regular screenings get them. With this new technology in place in our clinics, our community members can now receive the essential, timely and convenient, five-minute screenings each year as medically recommended, without the hassle of leaving the community." Daniel Happs, WSMC's Chief Information Officer and Chief Quality Officer, continues, "We understand that managing diabetes can be challenging, so we have been working hard to improve compliance with what the science tells us. I have been impressed by the technology, safety and security of the Verily / Applied Science solution and look forward to deploying additional future innovations to simplify ways to help our community remain healthy." Jonathan Morgan, President and CEO of Applied Science, remarks, "There is a critical need to improve care among the rural and urban communities, especially those supported through the FQHC program. We are dedicated to delivering solutions that make advanced technologies accessible, easy to use, and directly impactful to quality of care for the 30 million Americans who are served by clinics facing the same challenges faced by SFHC and WSMC. No American should lose their eyesight due to missed screenings, nor suffer from the effects of hypertension through lack of monitoring, no matter where they live. Our AdaptivMD AI-powered clinical workflow solutions resolve many of the barriers to efficient, high-quality care for consumers living with chronic health conditions. Seamlessly integrating Verily's retinal screening solution is just one of ASI's answers to addressing these conditions." Rich Glenn, Head of Commercial and Care Delivery for Verily, adds, "Verily is uniquely positioned at the intersection of technology, data science and healthcare. Born at Google with a goal to tackle health's biggest challenges, we are proud to see the work of our leading scientists in the hands of clinicians where it can have a positive impact on so many lives. We are pleased to have teamed up with Applied Science to seamlessly integrate data from our Retinal Service into the clinic's core technology platform, where it can be immediately actionable, and simplify workflows for busy clinicians so they can focus on helping patients." 1https://health.gov/healthypeople/objectives-and-data/browse-objectives/diabetes/increase-proportion-adults-diabetes-who-have-yearly-eye-exam-d-04 About Applied Science Applied Science provides workflow automation and data integration platforms for whole blood collection and chronic care management. Through its HemoFlow brand, Applied Science is the industry-leading provider of automated workflow solutions for customers all over the world, from the American Red Cross to the UK's National Health Service. By extending its automation and integration expertise to underserved healthcare communities, the Company is empowering health systems to manage outcomes remotely and efficiently for their patients with chronic conditions. Through advanced devices, services, informatics, and data tools that automate healthcare workflow processes, customers of Applied Science capture healthcare data that enable actionable intelligence. For more information, please visit applied-science.com. About Sierra Family Health Center Sierra Family was founded in 1982 when Dr. Peter Van Houten opened a rural private medical practice in the geographically isolated area of Nevada County known as North San Juan. The full-service family practice had two physicians, two nurse practitioners, and 24/7 medical-call. In 2016, Sierra Family was awarded Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC) status through the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA). Sierra Family's mission is to provide quality healthcare and promote physical and mental wellness for the members of our rural communities across California's beautiful Nevada County. For more information, please visit https://www.sierraclinic.org/. About Western Sierra Medical Clinic In 1975, community volunteers led by Frank Lang established a Western Sierra Medical Clinic in Downieville, providing primary care services. In 1987, Dr. Dee Dawkins founded Miners Clinic in Nevada County. The two health centers merged in 2010, expanding their mission. Western Sierra now operates health centers in Grass Valley, Auburn, Penn Valley, and Kings Beach-Tahoe, committed to community-focused healthcare. Western Sierra offers quality medical, dental and behavioral health care and continues to expand its specialties to meet the needs of the region's residents, regardless of their income or insurance coverage. For more information, please visit https://wsmcmed.org. About Verily Verily is an Alphabet health technology company focused on research, care, and public health to deliver on the promise of precision health and help people live healthier lives. We are uniquely positioned at the intersection of technology, data science, and healthcare to create tools to accelerate evidence generation, products to enable more personalized care, and approaches to manage disease at a population level. For more information about the Verily Retinal Service, please visit: verily.com/solutions/numetric. Contact Information Shane Curd Applied Science, Inc. shane_curd@applied-science.com Julia Wu Verily wujulia@verily.com Dan Happs Western Sierra / Sierra Family danh@wsmcmed.org SOURCE: Applied Science, Inc. View the original press release on newswire.com. Kupfer wird oft als das Gold der Energiewende bezeichnet, weil es aufgrund seiner hervorragenden elektrischen Leitfahigkeit eine zentrale Rolle in vielen Technologien spielt, die fur nachhaltige Energiesysteme entscheidend sind. Experten gehen aufgrund der Angebotsknappheit von einem Superzyklus aus. Korrektur als Einstiegschance Nach Hochststanden im Mai korrigierte das rote Metall stark. Die Abwartsspirale verstarkte sich in den vergangenen Tagen aufgrund schwacher Konjunkturdaten aus den USA und China. Langfristig konnte sich die aktuell laufende Korrektur als exzellente Einstiegsmoglichkeit herausstellen. 3 Kupferaktien mit hohem Potential Im neuen, kostenlosen Spezialreport stellen wir drei aussichtsreiche Unternehmen vor, die bei einem weiteren Anstieg uberproportional profitieren konnten. Handeln Sie jetzt und sichern Sie sich Ihren kostenfreien Report! Arlington, Virginia--(Newsfile Corp. - September 25, 2024) - Edge Total Intelligence Inc. (TSXV: CTRL) (OTCQB: UNFYF) (FSE: Q5i) (the "Company", "edgeTI") is pleased to announce that, further to its news release dated August 2, 2024, the transaction pursuant to the merger agreement dated August 2, 2024 (the "Merger Agreement"), between the Company, Block X Capital Corp. ("BlockX") and 1494029 B.C. Ltd. ("AcquisitionCo"), a wholly owned subsidiary of the Company, has completed. Pursuant to the Merger Agreement, the Company acquired all of the issued and outstanding shares in the capital of BlockX (the "Transaction"), being 4,250,000 common shares, in exchange for an equivalent number of subordinate voting shares of the Company (each, a "SVS") by way of a three-cornered amalgamation under the Business Corporations Act (British Columbia) (the "Amalgamation"), being 4,250,000 SVSs. The Company now holds all of the issued and outstanding shares in the capital of the corporation that resulted from the Amalgamation, being EdgeAI Technologies Inc. Each SVS issued as part of the Amalgamation to Victory Square Technologies Inc. ("VST"), the sole shareholder of BlockX, was issued at a deemed price per share of $0.40 for aggregate consideration of $1,700,000. The Company and VST share a common Chief Financial Officer, being Ms. Sheri Rempel; however, the consideration paid was determined through arm's length negotiation between the Company and BlockX. Ms. Rempel was not involved in any negotiations between the Company and Block X in relation to the consideration paid. The Company determined that $1,700,000 is a fair offer for BlockX based on the comparative development costs if undertaken by the Company independently, which would potentially cost the Company more than $3,000,000 when performed over a three-year period. The calculated price is reduced based on increased maturity risk as a result of little sustaining engineering since its acquisition by VST and no offsetting revenues. The Transaction is not a related party transaction as defined in Multilateral Instrument 61-101 - Protection of Minority Security Holders in Special Transactions, as such, is not subject to TSX Venture Exchange Policy 5.9 - Protection of Minority Security Holders in Special Transactions. A fee of $85,000 was also paid in connection with the Transaction to a finder of the Company, being Perihelion Holdings Ltd. (the "Finder"), which was paid through the issuance of 197,674 SVSs at the deemed issuance price of the Market Price (as defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange ("TSXV")) of the SVSs as of this date, being $0.43. The Finder is arm's length to each of the Company, BlockX and VST. No new control person and no change of control resulted from the Transaction. The Company has not assumed any long-term debt pursuant to the Transaction. No new directors or officers were added to the Company's management team in connection with the Transaction. The Transaction remains subject to the final approval of the TSX Venture Exchange. About edgeTI edgeTI helps customers sustain situational awareness and accelerate action with its real-time digital operations software, edgeCore, that unites multiple software applications and data sources into one immersive experience called a "Digital Twin". Global enterprises, service providers, and governments are more profitable when insight and action are united to deliver fluid journeys via the platform's low-code development capability and composable operations. With edgeCore, customers can improve their margins and agility by rapidly transforming siloed systems and data across continuously evolving situations in business, technology, and cross-domain operations - helping them achieve the impossible. Website: https://edgeti.com LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/company/edgeti YouTube: www.youtube.com/user/edgetechnologies Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. The securities of the Company have not been, and will not be, registered under the U.S. Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "U.S. Securities Act") or any U.S. state securities laws and may not be offered or sold in the United States absent registration or an available exemption from the registration requirements of the U.S. Securities Act and applicable U.S. state securities laws. This press release shall not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy, nor shall there by any sale of the securities referenced in this press release, in any jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful. Forward Looking Statements This press release contains statements which constitute "forward-looking information" or "forward-looking statements" (together "forward-looking information") within the meaning of applicable securities laws, including statements related to the Company realizing any benefits or synergies as a result of the Transaction, the Company making any and all requisite filings and applications with respect to the Transaction, the receipt of all requisite approvals in respect of the Transaction, the technical, financial and business prospects of the Company, its assets and other matters, the integration of the acquired assets and the Company's existing assets, and the ability of the assets acquired in assisting the Company in achieving its business objectives. Forward-looking information is often identified by the words "may", "would", "could", "should", "will", "intend", "plan", "anticipate", "believe", "estimate", "expect" or similar expressions. Investors are cautioned that forward-looking information is not based on historical facts but instead reflect the Company's management's expectations, estimates or projections including expectations regarding the successful integration of the acquired assets into the business operations of the Company, the receipt of all requisite third party approvals, expectations regarding general business, economic and public markets conditions as well as expectations concerning future results or events based on the opinions, assumptions and estimates of management considered reasonable at the date the statements are made. Although the Company believes that the expectations reflected in such forward-looking information are reasonable, such information involves risks and uncertainties, and undue reliance should not be placed on such information, as unknown or unpredictable factors could have material adverse effects on future results, performance or achievements of the combined company. Among key factors and risks that could cause actual results to differ materially from those projected in the forward-looking information may include, without limitation, present and future business strategies and the environment in which the Company will operate in the future, including the price of inputs including labour costs; investor perception regarding the Transaction, the Company and its business, the ability to achieve its goals, expected costs and timelines to achieve the Company's goals; that general business and economic conditions will not change in a material adverse manner; successful integration of the assets acquired in the Transaction; that financing will be available if and when needed and on reasonable terms; anticipated costs associated comparative development of BlockX assets; the general economic environment; cybersecurity risks; financial projections may prove materially inaccurate or incorrect; the Company may experience difficulties to forecast sales; general competition in the industry from other companies; management of growth-related risks; reliance on management; risks relating to insurance; our business could be adversely affected by increased labour costs or difficulties in finding suitable employees; changes in regulation; changes in customer demand; requirements for further financing; the Company may prioritize growth over short-term financial results. This forward-looking information may be affected by risks and uncertainties in the business of the Company and market conditions. Should one or more of these risks or uncertainties materialize, or should assumptions underlying the forward-looking information prove incorrect, actual results may vary materially from those described herein as intended, planned, anticipated, believed, estimated or expected. Although the Company has attempted to identify important risks, uncertainties and factors which could cause actual results to differ materially, there may be others that cause results not to be as anticipated, estimated or intended. The Company does not intend, and does not assume any obligation, to update this forward-looking information except as otherwise required by applicable law. Not for distribution to United States newswire services or for dissemination in the United States. To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/224660 SOURCE: Edge Total Intelligence Inc. BUDAPEST, Hungary, Sept. 26, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- SonoScape (300633.SZ), a prominent innovator in medical technology specializing in ultrasound medical imaging, endoscopic diagnosis and treatment, minimally invasive surgery (MIS), and cardiovascular intervention solutions (IVUS), proudly showcased its advancements as a platinum sponsor at the ISUOG World Congress 2024 in Budapest. 2024 marks a pivotal year for SonoScape with the premiere of its newly-launched Fenix 80 Series. In celebration of this launch, SonoScape hosted 12 expert-led lectures within its "SonoElite Club" and supported two master classes featuring live demonstrations and tutorials. With participation from 14 globally renowned doctors and professors, SonoScape's sessions attracted around 2,000 attendees, fostering a highly professional and dynamic atmosphere. The company's presence garnered widespread praise and positive feedback from the international medical community. With its continued commitment to innovation and excellence, SonoScape remains at the forefront of advancing women's health through cutting-edge technology. The successful launch of the Fenix 80 Series at ISUOG 2024 underscores the company's dedication to empowering healthcare professionals with the tools they need to deliver better outcomes for patients worldwide. As SonoScape looks ahead, it is poised to further shape the future of medical imaging and provide transformative solutions that redefine the standard of care in OB/GYN and beyond. Fenix 80 Series Starting from a foundation of "Caring for Women", the Fenix 80 Series offers a comprehensive solution tailored to women's healthcare needs, including gynecology, reproductive health examinations, prenatal screening, and postpartum rehabilitation. Based on the C-Field+ platform, this premium ultrasound product achieves substantial advancements in intelligent image recognition and sophisticated features, presenting a multidisciplinary, integrated, and smart clinical solution. The Fenix 80 Series achieves heightened performance through an upgraded intelligent hash rate platform which leverages novel XPUs technology. Coupled with the Omni-Intelligence system, it harnesses AI-driven signal processing to optimize signal selection universally, enhancing user interaction via adaptable workflow management, which leads to superior computational power and accelerated diagnostic efficiency. About Founded in 2002 in Shenzhen, China, SonoScape has committed itself to "Unlocking Life's Potential" by providing ultrasound, endoscopy, MIS, IVUS solutions and delivering first-rate services. Ranked as the top 10 ultrasound brands globally, SonoScape reinvests 20% of its revenue into R&D annually, whilst establishing seven R&D centers worldwide. For more information, please visit at https://sonoscape.com/. For any inquiries regarding SonoScape, please kindly contact at market@sonoscape.net. View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/isuog-2024--redefining-womens-health-with-sonoscapes-new-fenix-80-series-302259452.html Banyan Group's flagship brand unveils exclusive experiences to celebrate connection, community and nature PHUKET, Thailand, Sept. 26, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Banyan Tree, flagship brand of Banyan Group ("Banyan Tree Holdings Limited" or the "Group" - SGX: B58) celebrates 30 years since its inception. To commemorate this milestone, Banyan Tree Hotels & Resorts worldwide are inviting guests to rediscover the romance of travel and engage in a curated collection of 30th anniversary experiences happening from today to 31 December 2024. Highlights include a series of celebratory events paying homage to the beginnings of the brand at Banyan Tree Phuket, a variety of experiences at Banyan Tree Hotels & Resorts globally, a refresh and expansion of Saffron, the culinary heart of Banyan Tree, as well as a pledge to fund environmental and social efforts, reaffirming the Group's commitment to responsible stewardship. "For three decades, Banyan Tree has provided a sanctuary for global travellers in awe-inspiring locations around the world. Since the early years of our founders' journey, they have believed in the transformative power of travel, which formed the cornerstone of the Banyan Tree brand," says Eddy See, CEO of Banyan Group. "Today, Banyan Tree, along with its brand extensions, Banyan Tree Escape and Banyan Tree Veya, have planted roots in 13 countries, totalling 36 properties with an expected 46 more in the pipeline. We are excited to see the brand continue to flourish in the decades to come," he adds. Banyan Tree 30th Anniversary: Inspiring Personal Discovery Celebrations kicked off earlier this week at Banyan Tree Phuket, with an exclusive itinerary for guests and friends of the brand to immerse themselves in the full Banyan Tree experience, inspiring them to live more thoughtfully and empathetically. From wellbeing activities to destination dining experiences, cultural immersions, and outreach to local communities, the celebration festivities exemplify the romance of travel with authentic experiences. In the month following, the grand opening of Banyan Tree Dubai will continue to highlight the brand's 30-year legacy with a special event featuring a Sunset Soiree and an exclusive Urban Wellbeing Retreat. A nod to one of Banyan Tree's core pillars of wellbeing, the retreat exemplifies how transformative wellbeing travel is about purposeful experiences that nourish the mind, body, and soul. Over 60 experiences have also been curated for guests of Banyan Tree to explore, discover and actively engage with the wonders of the world and rediscover the romance of travel. From visiting a Noh Mask artisan with Banyan Tree Higashiyama Kyoto to participating in the traditional practices of the Naxi ethnic minority with Banyan Tree Lijiang, immersing in a Tibetan Bonfire Dance with Banyan Tree Ringha, bonding with loved ones under the Arabian Milky Way with Banyan Tree AlUla and more, each experience has been crafted to inspire personal discovery and deepen our guests' connection to the world. Saffron: Celebrating Connections, Honouring Traditions Banyan Tree introduces a refresh of Saffron, the culinary heart of the brand. Honouring the essence of Thai culinary artistry and locally sourced ingredients, the new Saffron interprets heritage recipes with a contemporary spin, providing a feast for the senses and connection to the destinations it is in. In celebration of the 30th anniversary, guests are invited to savour Saffron's refreshed culinary expressions with Banyan Tree Bangkok on the Saffron Cruise along the Chao Phraya River, as well as with Banyan Tree Mayakoba's Ixchel dining experience on a traditional Mexican Trajinera. Saffron will also soon be introduced to new locations including Banyan Tree Dubai and Banyan Tree Vabbinfaru. Embracing the Environment, Empowering People The flagship Banyan Tree Phuket was built on a rehabilitated tin mine land, pioneering sustainable hospitality in the nineties. Paying homage to its founding ethos of 'Embracing the Environment, Empowering People' and foundations of regenerative tourism, Banyan Group will be pledging a milestone commitment to the local Phuket community as part of its 30th anniversary celebrations. Starting in November, the Group is also pledging USD$1 for for every direct booking to the initiative 'Rewilding Banyan', which aims to restore natural habitats in the areas it operates through pocket forests that enhance biodiversity, combat climate change, and support the wellbeing of local communities. For high-resolution images, please download here ABOUT BANYAN TREE Banyan Tree (www.banyantree.com) offers a sanctuary to rejuvenate the mind, body and soul in awe inspiring locations around the globe. Rediscover the romance of travel as you journey to iconic destinations where authentic, memorable experiences await. Banyan Tree provides genuine, authentic service and a distinctive, premium retreat experience. ABOUT BANYAN GROUP Banyan Group ("Banyan Tree Holdings Limited" or the "Group" - SGX: B58) is an independent, global hospitality company with purpose. The Group prides itself on its pioneering spirit, design-led experiences and commitment to responsible stewardship. Its extensive portfolio spans 90 hotels and resorts, over 140 spas and galleries, and 20 plus branded residences in over 20 countries. Comprising 12 global brands, including the flagship brand Banyan Tree, each distinct yet united under the experiential membership programme withBanyan. The founding ethos of "Embracing the Environment, Empowering People" is embodied through the Banyan Global Foundation and Banyan Academy. Banyan Group is committed to remaining the leading advocate of sustainable travel, with a focus on regenerative tourism and innovative programmes that elevate the guest experience. Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2512405/Banyan_Tree_Phuket___Aerial_Shot___Hotel_Exterior.jpg View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/banyan-trees-30th-anniversary-rediscover-the-romance-of-travel-302258913.html $SNOOPLE is a vibrant new meme coin capturing the whimsical essence of the beloved Snoopy character. In the latest development, the company is excited to announce the upcoming launch of its NFT Marketplace, designed to enhance community engagement and celebrate creativity within the cryptocurrency space. Built on the high-performance Solana blockchain, $SNOOPLE aims to merge the playful spirit of meme culture with innovative blockchain technology. The new NFT Marketplace will allow users to buy, sell, and trade exclusive digital assets, enriching the overall experience for $SNOOPLE holders and fans of digital collectibles. The important features of $Snoopleare as follows: Exclusive Digital Assets: The marketplace will host a variety of unique NFTs tied to engaging themes and characters, encouraging community members to explore their creativity and collect exclusive items. User-Friendly Interface: Designed for both newcomers and seasoned crypto enthusiasts, the marketplace will feature an intuitive layout, making it easy to navigate and interact with various digital assets. Community-Centric Design: $SNOOPLE emphasizes the importance of community involvement. Users will have opportunities to contribute ideas, participate in events, and engage with fellow NFT enthusiasts, fostering a vibrant and inclusive atmosphere. The vision for the $SNOOPLE NFT Marketplace is to create a space where creativity and community come together. The company focuses on by providing an engaging platform for digital collectibles, it can cultivate a deeper connection with their community and celebrate the whimsical spirit that inspired our project. $SNOOPLE operates on the Solana blockchain, renowned for its high throughput, low transaction fees, and scalability. Utilizing Solana's Proof of History (PoH) and Proof of Stake (PoS) mechanisms, $SNOOPLE ensures that transactions are fast, efficient, and environmentally friendly. Moving forward, $SNOOPLE emphasizes decentralized governance, granting token holders voting rights on essential decisions, including future developments and partnerships. A Decentralized Autonomous Organization (DAO) will be established to manage community funds, propose new initiatives, and guide the project's direction, ensuring alignment with community interests In addition to the NFT Marketplace, $SNOOPLE is dedicated to creating a deflationary token model, with 90% of the total supply set to be burned after adding liquidity. This approach aims to enhance the token's scarcity and value over time, reinforcing the project's commitment to a sustainable ecosystem. $SNOOPLE is also actively exploring integration with metaverse platforms, allowing users to interact with their NFTs in immersive digital environments. This expansion aligns with the project's mission to innovate and provide new experiences for its community. About the Company - $SNOOPLE $SNOOPLE is a community-driven meme coin built on the Solana blockchain. Inspired by the playful spirit of Snoopy, the project aims to bring joy and inclusivity to the cryptocurrency space while exploring innovative uses for digital assets. For further details, visit the following links: Website: https://snoople.me X: http://x.com/snooplesolana Telegram: http://t.me/snoople1 Marketing partner: crmoonboy by crmoon Media Contact Organization: Snoople Contact Person Name: miguel del toro Website: https://snoople.me Email: support@snoople.me City: Madrid Country: Spain SOURCE: Snoople Pluxee announces completion of Cobee acquisition Paris, September 26, 2024 // Pluxee (the "Group"), a global leader in Employee Benefits and Engagement, today announces the successful completion of its acquisition of Cobee, a Spanish innovative digital player in Employee Benefits. The signing of this acquisition was announced on June 12, 2024, and, since then, Pluxee has obtained the necessary approval by the Spanish regulatory authorities. With this acquisition, Pluxee delivers the first milestone of its targeted and disciplined M&A strategy, strenghtening its position in the Spanish growing and underpenetrated Employee Benefit market. The combination of Pluxee's and Cobee's respective talents, capabilities, and technology will create a complete, competitive, and attractive solution in Spain, Portugal, and Mexico, broadening the Group's existing benefit offering and enhancing its tech capabilities at global scale. Cobee serves more than 1,500 clients and 100,000 employee consumers with a broad multi-benefit offering, including over 12 products covering meal vouchers, training, health and life insurance, physical well-being and employee discounts. The transaction is fully funded from existing financial resources, with limited impact on leverage. As such, the transaction is expected to be neutral in terms of Pluxee's Recurring EBITDA and Free cash flow in Fiscal 2025 and accretive to its Recurring EBITDA margin and Net income from Fiscal 2026. About Pluxee Pluxee is a global player in employee benefits and engagement that operates in 31 countries. Pluxee helps companies attract, engage, and retain talent thanks to a broad range of solutions across Meal & Food, Wellbeing, Lifestyle, Reward & Recognition, and Public Benefits. Powered by leading technology and more than 5,000 engaged team members, Pluxee acts as a trusted partner within a highly interconnected B2B2C ecosystem made up of more than 500,000 clients, 36 million consumers and 1.7 million merchants. Conducting business for more than 45 years, Pluxee is committed to creating a positive impact on local communities, supporting wellbeing at work for employees and protecting the planet. For more information: www.pluxeegroup.com About Cobee Cobee is a Spanish startup supporting companies in managing employee benefits and compensation through a centralized digital platform. Its powerful SaaS tool drastically reduces administration and paperwork and improves the company's employer branding. In turn, employees can access and enjoy all benefits in the most flexible manner, in a single place and with a single card, which translates into unprecedented usage and uptake ratios. Since its foundation in 2019 by Borja Aranguren, Ignacio Travesi and Daniel Olea, Cobee has been supported by well renowned venture capital funds through several financing rounds. It has expanded its Spanish operation to Portugal and Mexico. Today, it has over 180 employees and it serves more than 1,500 company clients with over 100,000 users. For more information: www.cobee.io Contacts Media Cecilia de Pierrebourg +33 6 03 30 46 98 cecilia.depierrebourg@pluxeegroup.com Analysts and Investors Pauline Bireaud + 33 6 22 58 83 51 pauline.bireaud@pluxeegroup.com Forward-looking statements This press release contains forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements reflect the Group's intentions, current beliefs, expectations and assumptions, including, without limitation, assumptions regarding the Group's future business strategies and the environment in which the Group operates, and involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other important factors beyond the Group's control, which may cause the Group's actual results, performance or achievements to be materially different from those expressed or implied by these forward-looking statements. These risks and uncertainties include those discussed in the prospectus dated January 10, 2024 which is available on the Company website (www.pluxeegroup.com) and the AFM website (www.afm.nl). Accordingly, readers of this press release are cautioned on relying on these forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements are made as of the date of this press release and Pluxee Group expressly disclaims any obligation or undertaking to release any updates or revisions to any forward-looking statements included in this press release to reflect any change in expectations or any change in events, conditions or circumstances on which these forward-looking statements are based. Disclaimer This press release does not contain or constitute an offer of securities for sale or an invitation or inducement to invest in securities in France, the United States, or any other jurisdiction. Attachment Toronto, Ontario--(Newsfile Corp. - September 26, 2024) - E-commerce businesses are grappling with a significant challenge, facing an estimated 28% loss in sales due to shopper uncertainty about the legitimacy of online retailers. This alarming statistic comes from a groundbreaking study conducted in collaboration with Truly Legit, the National Retail Federation, IBISWorld, and the Federal Trade Commission. The research highlights the escalating rise of online scams and their unforeseen consequences on the e-commerce sector. As consumer trust diminishes, the effects are profound, impacting E-Commerce businesses globally. High Fraud Rate's Influence On E-Commerce To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/10836/224620_3406bc0b34c8e924_001full.jpg Key Findings from the Study Include: Truly Legit's Impact : What sparked this study was Truly Legit showing their team data from their most recent case studies, proving that businesses displaying verification badges see conversion increases of up to 26%. Truly Legit took this as a key indicator that shopper fraud fear has a much larger impact on conversions than anticipated. Rising Online Scams : According to the Federal Trade Commission, reported scams have surged over 130% since 2021, now affecting 1 in 2 consumers and significantly altering shopping behaviors. Cart Abandonment Rates : An analysis of heatmaps from over $1 billion in abandoned transactions across 14,000 e-commerce stores shows that "fraud fear" directly correlates with rising abandonment rates. The payment groups involved in this study conducted several A/B tests with their merchants, analyzing the differences in conversions after e-commerce stores displayed their legitimacy. Their research found that an estimated 28% of online purchases are abandoned due to uncertainty about a site's legitimacy. Business Viability : The fear of online scams is believed to be contributing to a rising number of failed e-commerce businesses in 2024, underscoring the urgent need for solutions that enhance consumer trust. Dependence on Legitimacy: As reviews become less credible, consumers increasingly trust verification badges. Just like social media platforms offer creators a way to get verified, there is a way for online retail stores to achieve verification. With only one solution available, Truly Legit has revolutionized the online commerce space, allowing businesses to get verified and showcase their legitimacy. This rising problem is being addressed by reputable sources, including industry experts and market analysts, who emphasize the importance of building trust in e-commerce. As Dan Schawbel, a New York Times bestselling author and Managing Partner of Workplace Intelligence, points out: "Trust is the new currency in the e-commerce world. If companies want to thrive, they need to build genuine relationships with their customers and ensure their online security." Conclusion: This exclusive data underscores a vital call to action for e-commerce retailers: prioritizing legitimacy and transparency is essential for survival and growth in an increasingly risky online environment. Related Links: TrulyLegit.com Media Contact Global Retail Trends Inc. Scott Baron retail.trends.news@gmail.com For any questions about this release, don't hesitate to get in touch. To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/224620 SOURCE: TrulyLegit Inc. Der Goldpreis haussiert und schwingt sich von Hoch zu Hoch. Getrieben von geopolitischen Unsicherheiten sowie der Aussicht auf eine lockere Geldpolitik der FED gehen Experten aktuell von weiter steigenden Notierungen bis sogar in den Bereich von 3.000 US-Dollar je Unze Gold aus. Im Schatten des Basispreises notieren Goldproduzenten aus der zweiten Reihe sowie Explorationsunternehmen noch weit weg von ihren historischen Hochststanden entfernt und bieten dadurch erhebliches Aufholpotential. In diesem kostenlosen Report geben wir Ihnen Favoriten an die Hand, die aufgrund von Sondersituation die Chance auf eine Kursvervielfachung besitzen. Handeln Sie Jetzt! Fordern Sie jetzt den brandneuen Spezialreport an und profitieren Sie von dem weiter steigenden Kurs des Edelmetalls. Sichern Sie sich jetzt Ihren kostenfreien Report. Kyocera Document Solutions Inc. (President: Hironori Ando) is pleased to announce a collaborative work designed and produced by Kunihiko Morinaga, the founder and designer of the Japanese fashion brand "ANREALAGE," using fabrics printed on our inkjet textile printer "FOREARTH". The collaborative work which was based on the concept of "WIND" was presented through a number of costumes at the women's collection of Paris Fashion Week for Spring/Summer 2025 on Tuesday, September 24 at 17:00 in Paris, France. This is the second collaboration following the previous Paris Fashion Week for Fall/Winter 2024-2025. In this collaboration, FOREARTH printed on fabrics such as high-density polyester taffeta which was then used in the costumes. This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20240925590660/en/ The second collaboration between the inkjet textile printer "FOREARTH" and the fashion brand "ANREALAGE" was presented at Paris Fashion Week Spring/Summer 2025. (Graphic: Business Wire) Features of the inkjet textile printer "FOREARTH" 1) Water Free Concept Dramatically reduces water usage in textile printing. 2) Creative Free Proprietary water-based pigment ink realizes both soft hand-feel prints and high fastness in a wide range of fabrics. 3) Location Free Textile printing does not rely on water resources, so it supports optimized production volumes and optimized manufacturing location setting and contributes to the reduction of logistic costs, time, and excess inventories. As "FOREARTH" dramatically reduces water usage in textile printing to next to zero, it does not require separate facilities such as for steaming and washing needed in pre- and post-treatment processes of conventional textile printing. This will also contribute to a significant reduction in energy consumption and CO2 emissions. Comment from Mr. Kunihiko Morinaga The reason we adopted "FOREARTH's" printing technique is because I believe that wind and water are closely related. Originally, when the wind blows, waves are generated on the surface of the sea, and those waves become ocean currents, which evaporate to form clouds. By creating clouds, rain falls on the ground and creates a water cycle on the earth. We believe that wind and water are inseparable for the environment. I felt affinity with the characteristics of "FOREARTH," which uses as little water as possible, and adopted it as a printing technology. For more information, please click here. https://www.kyoceradocumentsolutions.com/en/news/rls_2024/rls_20240926.html View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20240925590660/en/ Contacts: Contact for press and media inquiries Morita. Corporate Communications Section, Corporate Planning Division (Mobile phone: +81-70-7406-6371, Office: +81-6-6764-3515) Regulatory News: SEGRO plc ("SEGRO" or the "Group") (BOURSE:SGRO) today announces a trading update, relating to the period to 31 August 2024, to coincide with the publication of the Tritax EuroBox Scheme document in connection with the Group's Recommended Offer for Tritax EuroBox plc. David Sleath, Chief Executive, said: "Our business is performing well as we head into the final months of the year. The overall balance of supply and demand in our occupier markets remains favourable and we continue to make good progress in capturing the significant embedded reversion within our portfolio. "We are seeing liquidity return to investment markets and we continue to identify attractive opportunities to deploy capital both through asset acquisitions and into our profitable development pipeline, utilising our exceptional land bank. "Our prime urban and big box portfolio, market-leading operating platform and strong balance sheet position us well to deliver strong returns from our existing portfolio and capitalise on new opportunities, supporting attractive and compounding increases in both earnings and dividends. This provides us confidence in the outlook for the remainder of the year and beyond." KEY HIGHLIGHTS12 58 million of new headline rent signed so far in 2024, ahead of the equivalent period last year and positioning SEGRO for another year of strong rent roll growth. This includes 21 million of uplifts from rent reviews, renewals and indexation, reflecting a 30 per cent average increase at lease events, and 17 million of pre-let signings. Portfolio continues to deliver strong operating metrics: customer retention remains high at 83 per cent and occupancy is broadly unchanged since 30 June 2024 at 94.3 per cent. Profitable development programme expected to add 48 million of future rent through projects currently onsite and in advanced negotiations (including a further data centre in Slough). 63 per cent of this is pre-let and the average yield on cost is 7.8 per cent. Driving portfolio outperformance through disciplined capital allocation. 239 million of acquisitions and 311 million of development capex year to date, offset by 500 million of disposals above book value. The Group maintains its expectation to invest c.500 million of development capex during 2024 and has a further c.200 million of asset disposals under offer. Balance sheet remains in a strong position to pursue further growth opportunities with LTV of 29 per cent 3 and 2.1 billion of cash and undrawn committed facilities. A 500 million, 8-year bond was issued in September at an attractive 3.5 per cent coupon, demonstrating SEGRO's ability to access capital markets in an agile manner, while keeping the cost of funding low (average cost of debt post the issuance is 2.6 per cent). and 2.1 billion of cash and undrawn committed facilities. A 500 million, 8-year bond was issued in September at an attractive 3.5 per cent coupon, demonstrating SEGRO's ability to access capital markets in an agile manner, while keeping the cost of funding low (average cost of debt post the issuance is 2.6 per cent). Recommended all-share offer for Tritax EuroBox plc announced on 4 September 2024 and expected to close in Q4 2024. 1In this statement, space is stated at 100 per cent, whilst financial figures are stated reflecting SEGRO's share of joint ventures. Operational and financial figures are stated for the period to, or at, 31 August unless otherwise indicated and the exchange rate applied is 1.19:1. 2 Headline rent is annualised gross passing rent receivable once incentives such as rent-free periods have expired. 3 Based on values as at 30 June 2024, adjusted for acquisitions, disposals and other capital expenditure in July/ August. Financial calendar This update replaces our Q3 2024 Trading Update originally planned for 17 October 2024. The date for SEGRO's full year results for the year ended 31 December 2024 (provisionally set for 14 February 2025) will remain under review pending the Recommended Offer for Tritax EuroBox plc. This Trading Update, the most recent Annual Report and other information are available on the SEGRO website at www.segro.com/investors. About SEGRO SEGRO is a UK Real Estate Investment Trust (REIT), listed on the London Stock Exchange and Euronext Paris, and is a leading owner, manager and developer of modern warehouses and industrial property. It owns or manages 10.8 million square metres of space (116 million square feet) valued at 20.6 billion as at 30 June 2024, serving customers from a wide range of industry sectors. Its properties are located in and around major cities and at key transportation hubs in the UK and in seven other European countries. For over 100 years SEGRO has been creating the space that enables extraordinary things to happen. From modern big box warehouses, used primarily for regional, national and international distribution hubs, to urban warehousing located close to major population centres and business districts, it provides high-quality assets that allow its customers to thrive. A commitment to be a force for societal and environmental good is integral to SEGRO's purpose and strategy. Its Responsible SEGRO framework focuses on three long-term priorities where the company believes it can make the greatest impact: Championing Low-Carbon Growth, Investing in Local Communities and Environments and Nurturing Talent. Striving for the highest standards of innovation, sustainable business practices and enabling economic and societal prosperity underpins SEGRO's ambition to be the best property company. See www.SEGRO.com for further information. Forward-Looking Statements: This announcement contains certain forward-looking statements with respect to SEGRO's expectations and plans, strategy, management objectives, future developments and performance, costs, revenues and other trend information. All statements other than historical fact are, or may be deemed to be, forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are statements of future expectations and all forward-looking statements are subject to assumptions, risk and uncertainty. Many of these assumptions, risks and uncertainties relate to factors that are beyond SEGRO's ability to control or estimate precisely and which could cause actual results or developments to differ materially from those expressed or implied by these forward-looking statements. Certain statements have been made with reference to forecast process changes, economic conditions and the current regulatory environment. Any forward-looking statements made by or on behalf of SEGRO are based upon the knowledge and information available to Directors on the date of this announcement. Accordingly, no assurance can be given that any particular expectation will be met and you are cautioned not to place undue reliance on the forward-looking statements. Additionally, forward-looking statements regarding past trends or activities should not be taken as a representation that such trends or activities will continue in the future. The information contained in this announcement is provided as at the date of this announcement and is subject to change without notice. Other than in accordance with its legal or regulatory obligations (including under the UK Listing Rules and the Disclosure Guidance and Transparency Rules of the Financial Conduct Authority), SEGRO does not undertake to update forward-looking statements, including to reflect any new information or changes in events, conditions or circumstances on which any such statement is based. Past share performance cannot be relied on as a guide to future performance. Nothing in this announcement should be construed as a profit estimate or profit forecast. The information in this announcement does not constitute an offer to sell or an invitation to buy securities in SEGRO plc or an invitation or inducement to engage in or enter into any contract or commitment or other investment activities. Neither the content of SEGRO's website nor any other website accessible by hyperlinks from SEGRO's website are incorporated in, or form part of, this announcement. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20240925684512/en/ Contacts: CONTACT DETAILS FOR INVESTOR ANALYST AND MEDIA ENQUIRIES: SEGRO Soumen Das (Chief Financial Officer) Tel: +44 (0) 20 7451 9110 Claire Mogford (Head of Investor Relations) Tel: +44 (0) 20 7451 9048 Gary Gaskarth (External Communications Manager) Tel: +44 (0) 20 7451 9069 FTI Consulting Richard Sunderland Eve Kirmatzis Tel: +44 (0) 20 3727 1000 Lake Forest, California--(Newsfile Corp. - September 26, 2024) - Gravity Medical Technology, a leading innovator in stroke treatment technology, announces the launch of the GRASSROOT (Gravity Stent-Retriever System For Reperfusion Of Large Vessel Occlusion Stroke Trial) Trial in India. The trial aims to enroll 60 patients to study the safety and efficacy of the Supernova Stent-retriever. Gravity Medical Launches Landmark Stroke Trial in India to Evaluate Cutting-Edge Supernova Stent-Retriever To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/8814/224349_dbc05f04947b6969_002full.jpg As India faces a growing stroke burden, innovative solutions like the Supernova Stent-Retriever are essential to improving outcomes. "For India to realize its demographic dividend, we must preserve health - especially in the realm of stroke and its consequences," says Dr. Shashvat Desai MD, Chief of R&D at Gravity. Successful trial enrollment sets a path for clinical use in stroke care in India. Gravity makes the Supernova, which is an innovative medical device known as a stent-retriever. The Supernova can remove blood clots from the arteries of the brain that cause stroke. Gravity is a global medical device company dedicated to expanding access to advanced stroke treatment through innovative technologies. By supporting research and development in emerging markets and prioritizing ethical practices, Gravity aims to make life-saving stroke care accessible to patients worldwide. Gravity has developed and successfully commercialized the most advanced and accessible devices for mechanical thrombectomy in South East Asia. India, the world's most populous nation with 1.45 billion people, has extremely low access to mechanical thrombectomy. Of the 375,000 Indians who qualify for stroke intervention annually, only 4,500 receive this life-saving treatment. As part of Gravity's mission to expand stroke care in India, the company is pursuing a two-fold strategy. First, it aims to strengthen national capacity by conducting large, multicenter stroke thrombectomy trials in both public and private hospitals throughout the country. Second, Gravity is leveraging this collaborative, stakeholder-driven approach to secure regulatory approval in India using local clinical data. The ultimate goal is to make advanced and accessible stroke treatment devices available to patients across India, addressing the country's urgent need for life-saving medical technology. The Supernova stent-retriever is a next-generation mechanical thrombectomy device. It overcomes current limitations of existing devices- specifically designed to treat all types of clots- soft and tough. This is especially important in India, South and East Asian, Middle Eastern, and African populations. The study went live in India on August 15th 2024 which is India's Independence Day. The first patient was successfully enrolled, treated, and discharged from AIIMS, New Delhi, under the leadership of Dr. Shailesh Gaikwad and Dr. Deepti Vibha. Commenting on this milestone, Dr. Kunakorn Atchaneeyasakul, MD, MPH, CEO of Gravity Mission, said, "We are confident that the first treatment in India with the Supernova Stent will begin a ripple effect of better stroke care for the world." This marks a significant achievement in the GRASSROOT Trial and sets the stage for improved stroke care both in India and globally. This is a landmark moment for India and Indian stroke care. The GRASSROOT Trial is the first stroke thrombectomy trial generating novel clinical data to improve understanding of pathophysiology of stroke patients in India. A groundbreaking clinical trial has been launched across 16 hospitals in India to assess the safety and efficacy of the Supernova Stent-Retriever, a device designed to treat ischemic stroke patients. This multi-center trial includes participation from several prestigious public institutions, including: All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), New Delhi Jawaharlal Institute of Postgraduate Medical Education & Research (JIPMER), Pondicherry Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research (PGI), Chandigarh The trial aims to enroll 60 patients, providing crucial data on the performance of the Supernova Stent-Retriever in real-world clinical settings. The full details and progress of the study are available on ClinicalTrials.gov (ID: NCT06249776). About Gravity Medical Technology Gravity Medical Technology, born from the Gravity Mission, is a physician-scientist-led organization with global expertise. Committed to democratizing stroke care, Gravity Medical develops customizable and personalized stroke treatment technologies to ensure better access and outcomes worldwide. The company was founded to improve stroke care for all and is the brainchild of a collective of stroke and neurointervention experts from around the globe. Gravity Medical is uniquely positioned to understand clinical needs and develop life-saving, innovative technology that is accessible to all. For more information, please visit https://www.gravitymedtech.com/. To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/224349 SOURCE: Plentisoft HEIDELBERG, Germany, Sept. 26, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- NEC Laboratories Europe, the European research and development center for NEC Corporation, is improving NEC cotomi generative AI services for Japan by introducing LLM Explainer, an NEC technology that helps detect and explain hallucinations in output generated by commonly available large language models (LLMs). LLMs are a type of generative AI that understands and generates natural language and other content. While increasingly adopted by industries and end users to enhance knowledge-based activities, LLMs frequently produce incorrect output - commonly called hallucinations. This limits their use in situations that require accurate information or involve risk, for example, in business-critical operations or managing critical infrastructure. Dr. Carolin Lawrence, Manager and Chief Research Scientist of NEC Laboratories Europe, explains, "Currently, organizations using LLMs must manually check that output is correct, which can be time-consuming and costly. By incorporating LLM Explainer, NEC cotomi generative AI allows users to compare LLM output with relevant source documentation. This lets users efficiently check and verify the correctness of LLM-generated text and, if needed, correct it." Using the latest advances in natural-language processing, LLM Explainer compares both the words and meaning of sentences to detect omissions, duplications and changes in meaning between original source documentation and generated output sentences. For each output sentence, users can view relevant sentences from original source documentation, which lets them determine if the LLM-generated text is correct. Dr. Lawrence adds, "Highlighting evidence and potential discrepancies in a simple format, for what is often complex information, allows users to make corrections and quickly adapt LLM-generated text to their needs." NEC plans to enhance the detection of LLM hallucinations in generative AI services by adding functions such as finding hallucinated entities and identifying contradictions - further accelerating the detection and correction of LLM discrepancies. LLM Explainer will be integrated into NEC cotomi generative AI API services for Japan beginning at the end of October. A version of the service will also be available on premise. About NEC Corporation NEC Corporation has established itself as a leader in the integration of IT and network technologies while promoting the brand statement of "Orchestrating a brighter world." NEC enables businesses and communities to adapt to rapid changes taking place in both society and the market as it provides for the social values of safety, security, fairness and efficiency to promote a more sustainable world where everyone has the chance to reach their full potential. For more information, visit NEC at https://www.nec.com. About NEC Laboratories Europe GmbH NEC Laboratories Europe research and develop cutting-edge technology to create innovative social solutions. Located in Heidelberg, Germany, major research areas of NEC Laboratories Europe include artificial intelligence, blockchain security, 5G and 6G networks, and IoT platforms. These technologies promote NEC Group solutions for a better society in the fields of digital health, safer cities, public services and communication infrastructure. For more information visit https://www.neclab.eu. Photo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2515254/NEC_LLM_Explainer.jpg View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/nec-improves-reliability-of-large-language-models-to-accelerate-business-applications-302259231.html SFO1 is Adyen's first proprietary multimedia countertop terminal Adyen is the first PSP to launch Klarna's BNPL in-store solution worldwide and initiates global roll out of Alipay+ Tap To Pay on Android now available in Europe, UAE, Hong Kong, Malaysia, Australia and New Zealand, enabling businesses in these regions to cost-effectively scale AMSTERDAM, Sept. 26, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Adyen, the financial technology platform of choice for leading businesses, has today announced major advancement in the in-person payments (IPP) landscape, underscoring its commitment to innovation with industry defining solutions. This comprehensive update not only enhances the payment experience for both merchants and customers but also reinforces Adyen's position as a leading force in payment technology. "Adyen offers an industry-leading in-person payment solution, with one of the widest product portfolios in the market, ranging from mobile solutions to countertop terminals, catering to any business need-all powered by our single tech stack. This product update is a testament to our ambition in the unified commerce space," commented Derk Busser, VP Product - Payment Channels, at Adyen. "We see our customers still highly value in-person touchpoints and we are continuing to differentiate ourselves within the payments industry to be the market leader in omnichannel solutions. We're committed to revolutionize how the shoppers of today and tomorrow experience 'the store'." Unlimited branding opportunities with SFO1 countertop terminal Today, Adyen proudly unveils the SFO1, its proprietary multimedia countertop Android terminal. With an 8 inch touch screen, SFO1 enhances the payment experience by integrating functions of traditional terminals with customer-facing displays. This innovation marks a new chapter in transforming the in-person payment experience. "The SFO1 will fundamentally change the way brands interact with customers at the point of purchase," added Busser. "Rich video content allows fashion retailers to showcase next season's collection on stunning screens while offering shoppers the chance to sign up for loyalty programs to receive discounts or early access to the clothing shown. We are pushing the boundaries of innovation, ensuring that merchants can provide cutting-edge, customizable in-store checkout experiences." SFO1 allows enterprise and platform businesses to maintain consistent brand presence and engage customers dynamically, by seamlessly integrating with their point of sale (POS) systems or partners, while reducing counter clutter and costs. "We're excited to partner with Adyen on integrating the SFO1 terminal," said Amber Hovious, VP Partnerships at Teamwork Commerce. "As a leading POS & OMS software company, Teamwork Commerce knows how important it is to deliver cutting-edge customer experiences. The SFO1 device offers a great way to create engaging in-store experiences for shoppers, while also helping to streamline operations." SFO1 will be available in the U.S. and Europe by the end of 2024. Global first launch of Klarna in-store and extensive rollout of Alipay+ Adyen is breaking new ground as the first global PSP to launch Klarna's in-store solution worldwide and initiates the global rollout of Alipay+ on its terminals. This move fulfills Adyen's promise to unified commerce merchants by delivering a consistent payment experience both in-store and online. With the growing popularity of buy-now-pay-later (BNPL) services-projected to reach $3.98 trillion by 20301-and the dominance of digital payment solutions like Alipay+, Adyen's integration allows merchants to reach a broader global audience. By enabling Klarna and Alipay+ in-store, Adyen empowers retailers to cater to Gen Z shoppers and global travelers, mostly from Asia, offering the flexibility to choose their preferred payment method regardless of the shopping channel. Tap To Pay on Android in new regions As the demand for contactless payments continues to soar, the introduction of Tap to Pay technology offers a game-changing opportunity for businesses of all sizes. Adyen was the first to introduce Tap to Pay solutions on a global scale and it is now expanding its Tap To Pay on Android capabilities into Europe, the UAE, Hong Kong, Malaysia, Australia and New Zealand. Adyen's Tap to Pay on Android solution transforms any NFC-enabled Android device into a secure payment terminal, eliminating the need for traditional POS hardware. This reduces upfront costs for merchants and offers greater flexibility in accepting payments-whether in-store, at pop-up events, or on-the-go. As a leader in the industry, Adyen is also one of the first to offer both a comprehensive SDK and a payments app, balancing robust control with ease of integration. Boilerplate Adyen (ADYEN:AMS) is the financial technology platform of choice for leading companies. By providing end-to-end payments capabilities, data-driven insights, and financial products in a single global solution, Adyen helps businesses achieve their ambitions faster. With offices around the world, Adyen works with the likes of Meta, Uber, H&M, eBay, and Microsoft. Adyen continuously improves and expands its product offering as part of its ordinary course of business. New products and features are announced via press releases and product updates on the company's website. 1 Buy Now Pay Later Market Outlook, Allied Market Research- 2030 Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2516332/Adyen_SFO1_Tap_to_Pay.jpg Logo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1490851/Logo__Adyen_green_RGB_Logo.jpg View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/adyen-continues-to-pioneer-the-in-person-payment-space-with-host-of-new-industry-defining-products-302259657.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! AI is now part of software development, integrated into both tools and development culture HELSINKI, Sept. 26, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Eficode grew by more than 51% last year, increasing revenue from 189.7 million to 287.2 million. Over the past four years, Eficode's compound annual growth rate (CAGR) was over 75%. Profitable, strong international growth Last fiscal year, Eficode acquired Avoset Oy in Finland and Jodocus GmbH in Germany. Eficode now has over 650 employees for DevOps, Agile, and associated tools and services, continuing its growth towards 1000 employees during the ongoing strategy period. Eficode's personnel in the United States doubled, while Eficode was recognized as the best company to work for in the UK. Both countries hit major milestones, including acquiring new customers for the Eficode ROOT Managed DevOps platform, and surpassing key Annual Recurring Revenue targets for the managed services from the customers in the region. Continental Europe experienced remarkable growth in consulting and managed services. Numerous large automotive, industrial, and financial enterprises continue to collaborate deeply with Eficode. "Every company will become a software organization and need to solve questions about the software development tools and culture," said Ilari Nurmi, CEO of Eficode. "Many of them are already expanding into platform engineering and GenAI, yet all of them need to improve their ways of working, the development tools, and the skillset. We take pride in transforming every industry with modern tools and processes." Cloud transition boosts the Atlassian ecosystem Large companies continue to transform their software development. Software development tools play an increasingly important role in this transformation, as tools on the cloud must be integrated for a seamless development pipeline to deliver common development processes. Eficode's customer base grew with a number of large enterprises, including the following. A leading global beverage producer selected Eficode as their partner in their Atlassian Cloud journey and established a long-term agreement for further advisory and solution development Qualco, a top credit management software provider adopted Eficode's entire solutions portfolio, including Eficode ROOT, Atlassian tools, and consulting services A significant Swiss insurance institution and a leading European logistics and postal services provider selected Eficode as their partner for Atlassian Cloud migration and consulting services A rapidly growing digital banking services business chose Eficode to assess its software development practices and selected Eficode as the Atlassian support and license provider. GitHub and Microsoft empower AI in software development Large enterprises explore and adopt GitHub Enterprise and GitHub Copilot for their modern software development practices. With AI capabilities in GitHub Copilot, customers gain faster development time, higher software quality, and a more enjoyable developer experience. Eficode delivered dozens of GitHub Copilot projects, and provided solutions including GitHub Enterprise, Eficode's Managed Services, and technology advisory. As a result, revenue from GitHub-related business multiplied year over year. During the financial year, Daimler Truck joined The DEVOPS Conference and Enterprise Technology Leadership Summit to share their experiences adopting GitHub with Eficode. DevOps platforms are vital in scaling software development Software development professionals continue to advocate the benefits of platform engineering and DevOps platforms. Eficode extensively covered these themes in The DEVOPS Conferences in Copenhagen, Stockholm, and London. Also, a reputable industry analyst firm covered Eficode in its report on selecting DevOps Toolchains and Platforms. Eficode's employee was honored as a GitLab Champion: an individual whom GitLab recognizes as a member of the GitLab Partner community who champions great customer outcomes based on the DevSecOps platform. Notable customer agreements include assisting a large European law enforcement authority to shift left using GitLab, a major global IT services provider for their GitLab needs, adoption and implementation projects and training to enterprise customers in the Finance, Healthcare and Automotive sectors. With the AI capabilities, GitLab Duo Enterprise is included in the key platforms that Eficode utilizes to drive DevOps with its customers. Media Contacts Lauri Palokangas, Chief Marketing Officer, Eficode. lauri.palokangas@eficode.com, +358 50 486 4918 This information was brought to you by Cision http://news.cision.com https://news.cision.com/eficode-oy/r/eficode-s-revenue-grew-over-51--last-financial-year--fueled-by-development-tools-going-to-the-cloud,c4042247 The following files are available for download: https://news.cision.com/eficode-oy/i/success1-white-2024-illustration-eficode,c3337106 Success1 white 2024 Illustration Eficode View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/eficodes-revenue-grew-over-51-last-financial-year-fueled-by-development-tools-going-to-the-cloud-302259693.html Kunstliche Intelligenz hat spatestens nach dem Raketenstart von Chat GPT das Leben aller verandert. Doch der Superzyklus steht nach Meinungen von Experten erst am Anfang. Wahrend Aktien wie Nvidia von der ersten Aufwartsentwicklung stark profitieren konnten, versprechen aussichtsreiche Player aus der zweiten Reihe noch enormes Aufwartspotenzial. Im kostenlosen, exklusiven Spezialreport prasentieren wir ihnen 5 innovative KI-Unternehmen, die bahnbrechende Entwicklungen in diesem Sektor pragen konnten. Warum sollten Sie dabei sein? Trotz der jungsten Erfolge steht die Entwicklung der kunstlichen Intelligenz noch am Beginn eines neuen Superzyklus. Experten gehen davon aus, dass der Sektor bis 2032 global auf 1,3 Billionen US-Dollar explodieren wird, wobei ein groer Teil auf Hardware und Infrastruktur entfallen wird. Nutzen Sie die Chance! Fordern Sie sofort unseren brandneuen Spezialreport an und erfahren Sie, welche 5 KI-Aktien das grote Potenzial zur Vervielfachung besitzen. Dieser Report ist komplett kostenlos und zeigt Ihnen die aussichtsreichsten Investments im KI-Sektor. Handeln Sie jetzt und sichern Sie sich Ihren kostenfreien Report! Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - September 26, 2024) - Neotech Metals Corp. (CSE: NTMC) (OTC Pink: NTMFF) (FSE: V690) ("Neotech" or "the Company") is pleased to announce that, in partnership with SGS Laboratories ("SGS"), metallurgical testing has commenced on our flagship Hecla-Kilmer ("H/K") property. The testing aims to assess the economics of an expanded drill campaign that integrates the apatite-hosted rare earth mineralization, niobium-related mineralization and overall phosphate recoveries to help advance the project. This first-phase trial will focus on evaluating the project's metallurgical response to a variety of flowsheets, including gravity, flotation, and magnetic separation methods. The analysis will consider potential recoveries, liberation, beneficiation components, and other variables, progressing the project to its next milestone. LIFE Offering The Company announces that it has filed a new non-brokered private placement LIFE financing (the "Offering"). This replaces the LIFE offering initially announced on June 24, 2024 and amended on August 13, 2024. The total proceeds include a minimum of $1,350,000 and up to a maximum of $2,500,000, consisting of a minimum of 9,000,000 units of the Company (the "Units") and up to a maximum of 16,666,667 Units at a price of $0.15 per Unit. Each Unit will be comprised of one common share in the authorized share structure of the Company (each, a "Common Share") and one Common Share purchase warrant (a "Warrant") of the Company. Each Warrant entitles the holder to purchase one additional Common Share (a "Warrant Share") of the Company at a price of $0.25 per Warrant Share for a period of 36 months from the date of issuance. The Warrants will be subject to an acceleration provision whereby, if for any 10 consecutive trading days the closing price of the Company's common shares (the "Shares") exceeds $0.50 per Share on the Canadian Securities Exchange, the Company may announce by way of news release that the expiry date of the warrants will be accelerated to 30 days thereafter. The Company may compensate certain finders with a cash commission of up to 7% of the aggregate gross proceeds raised from the Offering and issue finder's warrants equivalent to 7% of the total Units subscribed under the Offering. Subject to compliance with applicable regulatory requirements and in accordance with National Instrument 45-106 - Prospectus Exemptions ("NI 45-106"), the Units issuable under the Offering will be offered for sale to purchasers resident in all of the provinces of Canada (except Quebec) pursuant to the listed issuer financing exemption under Part 5A.2 of NI 45-106. Pursuant to NI 45-106, the securities issued to Canadian resident subscribers under the Offering will not be subject to resale restrictions. The net proceeds from the sale of the Units will be used for exploration expenditures and corporate and general operating expenses. There is an offering document related to this Offering that can be accessed under the Company's profile at Sedarplus.ca and on the Company's website at https://neotechmetals.com/. Prospective investors should read this offering document before making an investment decision. Reagan Glazier, CEO stated, "This is a pivotal moment for the Company as we continue to develop the H/K Rare-Earth project. We're looking forward to the unique opportunity presented by the Apatite-hosted REE's and how they may differ from the typical Monazite-hosted deposits of North America. We're excited to look at the heavy-REE components of H/K which present high-value opportunities. The results will help us direct our focus on upcoming drill campaigns, allowing us to discover and address any unknowns and challenges that may arise." About the Neotech Metals Neotech Metals Corp. is a mineral exploration company dedicated to discovering and developing valuable mineral resources within promising jurisdictions around the world. With a strong commitment to environmental stewardship and sustainable practices, Neotech is positioned to make a positive impact while maximizing the potential of its exploration properties. Its new flagship, Hecla-Kilmer located 20 km from the Otter Rapids 180MW hydroelectric power generation station and active Ontario Northway railway, was recently acquired in July 2024, along with its TREO and Foothills projects located in British Columbia. All three projects are 100% wholly owned. Qualified Person Technical Information for this news release has been prepared in accordance with the Canadian regulatory requirements set out in National Instrument 43-101. Jared Galenzoski VP Exploration, P.Geo., and Qualified Person, has reviewed and approved all of the data and statements made for this news release. Forward-Looking Statements Certain information contained herein constitutes "forward-looking information" under Canadian securities legislation. Generally, forward-looking information can be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology such as "will", "will be" or variations of such words and phrases or statements that certain actions, events or results "will" occur. Forward-looking statements are based on the opinions and estimates of management as of the date such statements are made and they are from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements or forward-looking information subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause the actual results to be materially different, including receipt of all necessary regulatory approvals. Although management of the Company have attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in forward-looking statements or forward-looking information, there may be other factors that cause results not to be as anticipated, estimated or intended. There can be no assurance that such statements will prove to be accurate, as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements and forward-looking information. The Company will not update any forward-looking statements or forward-looking information that are incorporated by reference herein, except as required by applicable securities laws. The CSE has not reviewed, approved, or disapproved the contents of this press release. To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/224643 SOURCE: Neotech Metals Corp. Iterable, the AI-powered customer communication platform, today announced it has expanded its global footprint with a new office in Lisbon, Portugal. Iterable's Lisbon office will serve as a cross-functional center for innovation and product development, strengthening the company's presence in Europe and enabling it to better serve organizations in the region ready to accelerate their growth. This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20240926261406/en/ Iterable team meets with partners at AICEP to discuss growth plans and celebrate the vibrant tech community in Lisbon. (Photo: Business Wire) Iterable's expansion marks another milestone in the company's impressive global growth trajectory. With offices now spanning San Francisco, New York, Denver, London, Sydney, and Lisbon, Iterable has established a strong international presence. The company now has over 1,200 customers across over 50 countries globally, from brands like Wolt, Cinemark, Box, and Redfin. To fuel its continued growth, Iterable plans to hire at least 100 highly skilled professionals for key roles in Lisbon over the next few years. "Our expansion to Lisbon-now a thriving European innovation hub-allows us to fully engage with this dynamic ecosystem while bringing us closer to global organizations eager to enhance their customer engagement," said Andrew Boni, CEO and co-founder of Iterable. "We're excited to tap into the region's diverse, highly skilled workforce to drive growth for our business and fuel creative solutions for our customers. As we put down roots in Lisbon, we look forward to embracing the local entrepreneurial spirit and forging lasting partnerships that will contribute to the city's continued success." Accelerating Global Innovation In today's competitive and fast-paced technological landscape, brands face immense pressure to deliver personalized, impactful experiences to global audiences with unprecedented speed and efficiency. Iterable's recent innovations and groundbreaking AI capabilities directly address these challenges, empowering marketers to focus on higher-value, strategic pursuits that craft exceptional customer experiences. The company's product roadmap reflects a continued investment in making it easier for marketers to reach their audience and stand out in the competitive market. Iterable's new Lisbon office and talented team will bring fresh perspectives and skill sets that will play a pivotal role in driving the company's ambitious product strategy, with a continued focus on multichannel development, mobile technologies, and innovation in our core product. Iterable's Vice President of Product Engineering, Peter Oh, has relocated to Lisbon. Oh commented, "We're building a team here in Lisbon that not only lives and breathes Iterable's values but also brings fresh ideas to the table and finds new ways to tackle challenges and better serve our customers. This move is about more than growth it's about injecting more creativity and joy into what we do. We're excited to roll up our sleeves, contribute to the local tech community, and leverage these new perspectives to drive innovation that benefits our customers worldwide. It's a win-win that will help us stay ahead in today's fast-paced market." Strategic Partnerships and Community Engagement Iterable's expansion to Lisbon has been made possible through a strategic partnership with AICEP Portugal Global, the Portuguese government's agency for investment and export promotion. This collaboration has been instrumental in facilitating Iterable's smooth entry into the Portuguese market, providing valuable insights into the local business landscape and connecting the company with key resources and talent networks. "We're thrilled to have worked closely with Iterable to bring their innovative technology and team to Lisbon. This collaboration exemplifies AICEP's commitment to fostering partnerships that drive economic growth and technological advancement in Portugal," said Ricardo Arroja, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer at AICEP. "Iterable's decision to establish a presence here not only validates our country's appeal as a tech hub but also aligns perfectly with our strategy to attract high-impact investments that create skilled jobs and contribute to our knowledge economy." During their recent visit to Lisbon, Samya DasSarma, Senior Vice President of Engineering at Iterable, and Andrew Boni, CEO and co-founder, reinforced the company's commitment to the region through impactful community engagements, including a fireside chat hosted by Startup Lisboa at the Unicorn Factory Lisboa. Iterable's trip also included tours of local universities, such as Instituto Superior Tecnico, to connect with emerging talent. "Iterable's decision to expand into Lisbon is a demonstration on how Lisbon has become the European Capital of Innovation," said Gil Azevedo, Director of Unicorn Factory Lisboa. "At Unicorn Factory Lisboa, we are committed to supporting the growth of innovative companies at all stages. Iterable's arrival to Lisbon strengthens our mission to create a leading tech ecosystem in the city, while showcasing Lisbon as a hub for Unicorns and innovation." Iterable is actively recruiting in Lisbon. Visit iterable.com/careers for more information and to explore open roles. About Iterable: Iterable is the AI-powered customer communication platform that helps organizations like Redfin, Priceline, Calm, and Box to activate customers with joyful interactions at scale. With Iterable, organizations drive high growth with individualized, harmonized and dynamic communications that engage customers throughout the entire lifecycle at the right time. Learn more at www.iterable.com. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20240926261406/en/ Contacts: Lauren Kopulsky Director of Communications press@iterable.com 9fin, the data and predictive analytics platform for debt capital markets, has hired Moises Garcia as Chief Product Officer to accelerate its development plans and help position the company as a global leader in credit markets. Moises brings over 15 years of experience across leadership roles in high-growth tech startups and leading global firms. Most recently, he served as CPO at online car marketplace Carwow and has previously held roles at Boston Consulting Group, Morgan Stanley, and Deloitte. As CPO, Moises will lead the product management and design teams, collaborating with executive leadership to deliver 9fin's product strategy and roadmap. Moises Garcia, CPO, said: "I am excited to join 9fin at such a pivotal time. I look forward to working with the team to enhance our product offering, helping clients unlock opportunities and drive better investment decisions." Huss El-Sheikh, CTO and co-founder, said: "Moises joins 9fin at a time when demand for sophisticated financial tools is surging, with global spending in the financial data market exceeding $42bn in 2023. Moises will be a driving force in seizing this opportunity by boosting our product velocity and keeping 9fin ahead of the curve." Steven Hunter, CEO and co-founder, commented: "The evolution of our executive leadership team signals the exciting road ahead. Having Moises on board will supercharge our product roadmap and support our expansion, cementing 9fin's position as the go-to platform for debt capital market intelligence. Moises joins a growing executive team at 9fin, with Jen Speirs recently being promoted to Chief Operating Officer, Kerry McLelland joining as VP Finance, and Will Caiger-Smith moving up to VP Content, all within the past year. About 9fin 9fin is the faster, smarter way to find intelligence on leveraged credit. Our AI-powered data and analytics platform centralises everything that's needed to analyse a credit or win a mandate in one place, helping subscribers win business, outperform their peers, and save time. 9fin is trusted by the largest asset managers in the world, leading law firms and advisers in debt capital markets, and nine of the top 10 investment banks. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20240926349407/en/ Contacts: Sanaa Siddiqui, Content Marketing Lead marketing@9fin.com European Meetings & Events Conference Returns to Turkiye for the First Time Since 2014 Dallas, Texas, Sept. 26, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Dallas, TX - 26 September, 2024: Meeting Professionals International (MPI), the world's largest Meetings, Incentives, Conferences and Exhibitions (MICE) association with a global community of 140,000 professionals and membership of 13,000, is excited to announce that its 2025 European Meetings & Events Conference (EMEC) will take place in Istanbul, Turkiye, from 22-25 February, 2025. The dynamic city, known for its rich history, culture and unique position bridging Europe and Asia, will once again serve as a vibrant backdrop for the global meetings and events community. The last time EMEC was held in Istanbul was in 2014, and this return marks a significant moment for both MPI and its host. Registration for EMEC Turkiye officially went live on 26 September, 2024, at mpi.org/emec. In addition to serving as the largest global MICE association, MPI also boasts the industry's largest EMEA presence with 1,000 members and 10 Chapters and Clubs. Now in its 37th year, EMEC brings together 300-400 global MICE professionals within a format that has received multiple awards, including recognition by BEA and a Gouden Giraffe. Paul Van Deventer, President and CEO of MPI, emphasized the importance of this return to Istanbul, commenting that "EMEC has long been a cornerstone for the global events community, fostering professional development through innovation, learning and connections. Returning to Istanbul after more than a decade is not only a testament to the city's enduring appeal but also a clear indicator of the excitement and popularity surrounding this iconic destination. Istanbul offers a unique blend of tradition and modernity that resonates with our international audience, and we are thrilled to bring EMEC back to this vibrant city." EMEC is designed with three primary tenets at its core: to serve as an idea incubator for the global MICE community, designed by Europeans for Europeans and to carry a strong reflection of the host destination - its culture, history and heritage. Ismail Butun, General Manager of the Turkiye Tourism Promotion and Development Agency (TGA) echoed Van Deventer's sentiments, underscoring the impact EMEC will have on their global MICE presence. "Hosting EMEC 2025 is a monumental opportunity for Turkiye to showcase its position on the global MICE stage. Istanbul has a proven track record of hosting large-scale international events, and EMEC's return highlights our commitment to growing and evolving as a premier destination for meetings and events professionals." As MPI continues to expand the reach of EMEC, the organization is also pleased to announce that it will soon be releasing a request for proposals (RFP) for the 2026 and 2027 host destinations. With the bar set high for EMEC Turkiye in 2025, MPI invites destinations from around EMEA to apply and showcase their ability to host this prestigious conference. For more information, visit www.mpi.org/emec. About MPI Meeting Professionals International Attachment SHANGHAI, Sept. 26, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Global energy storage pioneer, SolaX, has taken a bold step forward in information security by securing the ISO/IEC 27001:2022 certification from TUV Rheinland. This prestigious certification, a gold standard in the industry, reinforces SolaX's commitment to ensuring the highest levels of data protection and safety, setting a new benchmark in the energy sector. This certification is internationally recognized as the leading standard for information security management. SolaX's achievement demonstrates its dedication to protecting key processes such as the design and sales of its products, including inverters, energy storage systems, and electric vehicle chargers. This certification places SolaX among a select group of companies that take a comprehensive approach to data security, ensuring the protection of sensitive information and the reliability of its advanced technologies. Gao Zhiyong, Domestic Marketing Director at SolaX, expressed pride in this milestone: "Receiving ISO/IEC 27001:2022 certification from TUV Rheinland is a significant accomplishment for SolaX. In today's interconnected world, safeguarding customer data is not just a responsibility-it is essential to building long-term trust. Our mission is to deliver the best energy solutions with the highest standards of security and transparency." This certification follows SolaX's earlier success as the first in the industry to secure the coveted AICPA SOC certification for its SolaXCloud platform. These dual recognitions underscore the company's leadership in information security, particularly in cloud computing and data management. By consistently prioritizing data protection, SolaX sets itself apart, not only advancing its own technology but also elevating the standards across the entire energy sector. As cybersecurity threats become more pervasive, SolaX's proactive stance on robust security protocols is both timely and essential. As energy systems become increasingly interconnected, data protection is crucial to ensuring a secure and sustainable future. SolaX is at the forefront of this evolution, balancing technological innovation with strong security measures. SolaX's achievements go beyond compliance-they reflect a new standard for the industry. By seamlessly integrating advanced technology with unyielding information security, SolaX is not just keeping pace with the future; it is defining it. In a world where data protection is as important as energy production, SolaX stands as a trusted leader, pushing the energy sector towards a more secure, reliable, and sustainable future. Logo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2310000/_Logo.jpg View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/solax-secures-tuv-rheinland-isoiec-270012022-certification-leading-the-way-in-information-security-302259737.html BEIJING, Sept. 26, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- On September 25, the 2024 BRICS Young Leaders Forum took place in Kazan, Russia. The event was a gathering of officials, media representatives, experts, and opinion leaders from China and Russia, alongside global young participants from BRICS countries. The forum centered around the theme of "New Opportunities for a Shared Future", with a focus on exploring how young individuals can actively participate in and benefit from the cooperation within the BRICS framework. It highlighted the significance of youth collaboration in enhancing mutual understanding and promoting cultural exchanges among countries. China Daily and the Chinese Embassy in Russia co-hosted the event, which was organized by 21st Century Media and Education in partnership with Kazan Federal University. The Interregional Association for International Cooperation and the Confucius Institute at Kazan Federal University provided additional support for the forum. At the event, 21st Century Media and Education signed Memorandums of Understanding (MOUs) with Tatar-inform and Kazan Federal University. Furthermore, young representatives endorsed the "BRICS Youth Cooperation and Development Initiative", which advocates for open-mindedness and collaboration, encouraging youth from BRICS nations to seize opportunities, tackle challenges, and foster a culture of continuous innovation. The event organizers stressed that the BRICS youth play important roles as both beneficiaries and contributors. The forum intends to amplify young voices, showcase their endeavors, and encourage collaboration among them. Additionally, the forum strives to cultivate relationships, inspire fresh perspectives, and instill a sense of responsibility among the younger generation. The participants of the forum perceived the event as a global platform for dialogue among young people from BRICS countries, aimed at fostering enhanced mutual understanding. They believed that youth, recognized as the driving force behind future progress, can broaden their international perspectives, and enhance their competitiveness through shared learning experiences. A standout feature of the event was the direct conversations among young representatives from BRICS nations. Potapov Gleb Sergeevich, the Russian founding curator of the S?OLAR hub in St. Petersburg; Shamim Zakaria, an Indian journalist and commentator based in Beijing; and Vitor Moura, a Brazilian marketing director for the Brazil-China Business Association, shared their thoughts on the opportunities and potential collaborations within the BRICS framework. They encouraged young people to strengthen cultural exchanges, mutual understanding, and collaborative efforts toward a shared future for humanity. Kleimenova Aleksandra, the first runners-up of China Daily Belt and Road Youth English Speaking Competition St. Petersburg Qualifying Competition from Russia, hosted a roundtable discussion where four young representatives from BRICS nations shared their experiences and insights on the opportunities arising from BRICS cooperation in their education, lives, and careers. Emphasizing the dawn of a new era of "Big BRICS" that emerged after BRICS expanded earlier in the year, these representatives highlighted the extended platform now available for youth engagement in areas such as sustainable development, innovation, entrepreneurship, and cultural exchange. The participants of roundtable discussion session consisted of Shannah Rose Erasmus, a South African promoter of traditional Chinese medicine, Li Yunqing, second-prize winner in the All-China Russian Language Competition Finals from China; Valieva Alina Ramilevna, a Russian enthusiast of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation; and Delkhasteh Abalfazl, an Iranian Social Media Influencer. The event will receive extensive coverage on China Daily's media platform, local Russian media, international media outlets, and global social media channels. China Daily's programme Youth Power will also launch a special program in collaboration with local media to engage a global youth audience, fostering cross-cultural exchange among individuals from diverse backgrounds. View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/2024-brics-young-leaders-forum-held-in-russia-302259750.html ZHONGMU, China, Sept. 26, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- On Sept. 20, the "Show My China" Annual show (2024 Zhengzhou) was held in Zhongmu County, Zhengzhou City, Henan Province. The event attracted over 300 participants from across the country, including esteemed scholars, media professionals, and internet celebrities. A Media Snippet accompanying this announcement is available by clicking on this link. During the showcase, outstanding influencers were awarded the title of "Show My China Column Walking Experience Officer". A team of internet celebrities delved into Zhongmu for a series of cultural and creative shoots, capturing and highlighting the unique allure of a city nestled along the banks of the Yellow River. Currently, the filming has concluded, and the works are being gradually disseminated. Nestled in the heart of the Central Plains and along the historic Yellow River, Zhongmu boasts a rich history spanning over 2,700 years since its founding in the Spring and Autumn period. It is renowned as the site of the Battle of Guandu, a pivotal and strategically significant conflict during the Three Kingdoms era. In recent years, Zhongmu County has tapped into its distinctive cultural resources and capitalized on opportunities in the cultural and tourism industry, and successfully created the city brand of "ZHONGMUCHINA THE WONDERLAND". By cultivating the cultural, tourism, and creative industries, Zhongmu has built 8 major theme parks, including Unique Henan - Land of Drama, Zhengzhou Fantawild Tourism Resort, Zhengzhou Haichang Ocean Park, Jianye Movie Town, and The China (Zhengzhou) Greening Expo Park, earning its reputation as "China's Premier County for Theme Parks." Source: "Show My China" Annual Show Cranbrook, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - September 26, 2024) - DLP Resources Inc. (TSXV: DLP) (OTCQB: DLPRF) ("DLP" or the "Company") announces receipt of complete drill results for drillholes A24-017 and A24-018 on the Aurora porphyry copper-molybdenum-silver project in southern Peru. (Figure 1). Results for the first sixteen drillholes, were last released between January 04 and August 15, 2024 (see DLP Resources Inc., news release of January 04, 2024, June 25, 2024 and August 15, 2024 for results for the previous sixteen drillholes). Highlights Drillhole A24-017 was drilled off a drill platform approximately 169m northeast of A22-003 with the aim of expanding the copper mineralization further to the east. This drillhole intersected copper mineralization from surface extending to 125m in mineralized hornfels. Results were as follows: 0.63% Cu over 125m from 0.00m to 125.00m. from 0.00m to 125.00m. 0.81% Cu over 94.00m from 31m to 125.00m. Drillhole A24-018 was drilled off the same platform as the vertical hole A23-013 but drilled at -70 degrees to the south. The purpose of this hole was to expand the copper-molybdenum-silver mineralization towards the southwest side where the limits of mineralization are still uncertain. Results for this hole were as follows: 0.36% CuEq* (0.23% Cu, 0.02% Mo, 2.09g/t Ag) over 954m from 164.00m to 1118.00m. The complete set of results for A24-017 and A24-018 are summarized in Table 1 below. Mr. Gendall, President and CEO commented: "A24-017 confirmed shallow copper mineralization in the northeast with A24-018 expanding the footprint of copper-molybdenum and silver mineralization in the southwest side of Aurora. We continue to have success with the expansion drilling at Aurora and we look forward to results from further planned drilling in the southeast". Aurora Cu-Mo Project - Summary of Drill Results for A24-017 and A24-018 Drill hole A24-017 (Figures 2 and 3) commenced on June 24th at an inclination of -70 degrees on an azimuth of 085 degrees. and ended on August 15 at 987.25m. Summary geology is as follows: 0 - 125.00m: Mineralized hornfels with copper enrichment. 125.00m - 987.25m: Weakly mineralized hornfels. commenced on June 24th at an inclination of -70 degrees on an azimuth of 085 degrees. and ended on August 15 at 987.25m. Summary geology is as follows: Drill hole A24-018 (Figures 2 and 3) commenced on July 23 rd at an inclination of -70 degrees on an azimuth of 185 degrees. and ended on August 29 at 1118.00m. Summary geology is as follows: 0 - 113.50m: Mineralized hornfels with chalcopyrite, chalcocite and covellite within the enrichment zone. 113.50m - 429.80m: Mineralized quartz-eye-feldspar porphyry. 429.80m - 491.30m Mineralized quartz-eye-feldspar-biotite porphyry with intercalated mineralized hornfels 491.30m - 1118.00m: Mineralized hornfels with occasional mineralized porphyry dykes of between 2m and 8m in width. commenced on July 23 at an inclination of -70 degrees on an azimuth of 185 degrees. and ended on August 29 at 1118.00m. Summary geology is as follows: Table 1. Summary of Drill Results for Diamond Drillhole A24-017 and A24-018. All grades are length-weighted averages of samples within the interval reported. Hole From To Interval1 Description Cu (total) Mo Ag Cueq* ID m m m % % g/t % A24-017 0.00 125.00 125.00 Mineralized hornfels 0.63 0.0001 0.67 0.64 Includes 31.00 125.00 94.00 Mineralized hornfels - copper enrichment 0.81 0.0002 1.03 0.82 A24-018 0.00 164.00 164.00 Leached zone - hornfels + porphyry 0.07 0.0058 2.25 0.12 164.00 1118.00 954.00 Mineralized hornfels + mineralized porphyry 0.23 0.0214 2.09 0.36 Note: *Copper equivalent grades (CuEq) are for comparative purposes only. Mo and Cu are uncut and Ag values are cut to 100g/t, and core recovery is assumed to be 100% for the entire drilled lengths of A24-017 and A24-018 except for the following intervals; A24-017 from 0 to 8m, 25 to 31m, 42 to 46m and 63 to 67m with only 39 to 53% recoveries due to fractured rock and A24-018 from 0 to 12m and 19 to 23m with only 40 to 50% recoveries due to fractured rock. The project is at an early stage of exploration and recoveries of Cu 95.8%, Mo 86.4%, and Ag 89.3%, as determined from the recent metallurgical study, are assigned to the CuEq calculations. Conversion of metals to an equivalent copper grade based on these metal prices is relative to the copper price per unit mass factored by conceptual recoveries for those metals normalized to the conceptualized copper recovery. The metal equivalencies for each metal are added to the copper grade. The formula for this is: CuEq % = Cu% + (Mo% * (Mo recovery / Cu recovery) * (Mo $ per lb / Cu $ per lb) + (Ag g/t * (Ag recovery / Cu recovery) * (Ag $ per oz/ 31.1034768) / (Cu $ per lb* 22.04623)). *Copper equivalent calculations use metal prices of Cu - US$3.34/lb, Mo - US$18/lb and Ag - US$21.87/oz. 1 Intervals are downhole drilled core lengths. Drilling data to date is insufficient to determine true width of mineralization. Mo and Cu are uncut and Ag values are cut to 100g/t. Table 2: A24-017 and A24-018 Diamond drillhole locations, depth, orientation and inclination. Hole Easting Northing Elevation Length Azimuth Inclination ID m m m m Degrees Degrees A24-017 190,196 8,566,399 2837 987.25 85 -70 A24-018 189,904 8,565,904 3022 1118.00 185 -70 Co-ordinates are in WGS84 Zone 19S. Quality Control and Quality Assurance DLP Resources Peru S.A.C, a subsidiary of DLP Resources Inc., supervises drilling and carries out sampling of HTW, NTW and BTW core. Logging and sampling are completed at a secured Company facility situated on the project site. Sample intervals are nominally 1m to 3m in length. Drill core is cut in half using a rotary diamond blade saw and samples are sealed on site before transportation to the ALS Peru S.A.C. sample preparation facility in Arequipa by Company vehicles and staff. Prepared samples are sent to Lima by ALS Peru S.A.C. for analysis. ALS Peru S.A.C. is an independent laboratory. Samples are analyzed for 48 elements using a four-acid digestion and ICP-MS analysis (ME-MS61). In addition, sequential copper analyses are done where secondary copper mineralization is observed and reports, soluble copper using sulphuric acid leach, soluble copper in cyanide leach, residual copper and total copper. ALS meets all requirements of International Standards ISO/IEC 17025:2005 and ISO 9001:2015 for analytical procedures. DLP Resources independently monitors quality control and quality assurance ("QA/QC") through a program that includes the insertion of blind certified reference materials (standards), blanks and pulp duplicate samples. The company is not aware of any drilling, sampling, recovery or other factors that could materially affect the accuracy or reliability of the data except for intervals in A24-017 from 0 to 8m, 25 to 31m, 42 to 46m and 63 to 67m with only 39 to 53% recoveries due to fractured rock and A24-018 from 0 to 12m and 19 to 23m with only 40 to 50% recoveries due to fractured rock. Aurora Project Aurora Project is an advanced stage porphyry copper-molybdenum exploration project in the Province of Calca, SE Peru (Figure 1). The Aurora Project was previously permitted for drilling in 2015 but was never executed. Thirteen historical drillholes, drilled in 2001 and 2005 totaling 3,900m were drilled over an area of approximately 1000m by 800m, cut significant intervals of copper and molybdenum mineralization. From logging of the only three remaining holes DDA-01, DDA-3A and DDA-3 and data now available, it appears that only three of the thirteen holes tested the enriched copper zone and only one hole drilled deep enough to test the primary copper and molybdenum zone (see DLP Resources Inc. news release of May 18, 2021). Salient historic drillhole data of the Aurora Project are: 190m @ 0.57% Cu, 0.008% Mo in DDA-1 with a high-grade intercept of 20m @ 1.01% Cu related to a supergene enrichment zone of secondary chalcocite; 142m @ 0.5% Cu, 0.004% Mo in DDA-3; 71.7m @ 0.7% Cu, 0.007% Mo in DDA-3A (see historical Focus Ventures Ltd. news release July 11, 2012); and One of the historical holes ABC-6 drilled on the edge of the system intersected 78m @ 0.45% Cu and 0.107% Mo (Figure 2). A review of the historical drilling indicates that the majority of the thirteen holes were drilled in the leached and partially leached zones of the porphyry system. Ten of the thirteen holes never fully tested the oxide and secondary enrichment zone and/or the primary copper zone at depth encountered in DDA-01. Copper-molybdenum mineralization is hosted by quartz-feldspar porphyries intruded into slates-hornfels and pelitic sandstones belonging to the Ordovician (439 - 463 ma) Sandia Formation. NZOU Project - Sullivan Zn-Pb-Ag Target - SE British Columbia (Figure 4) A one-hole drill program which commenced in 2023 on the NZOU Project was re-started on June 18, 2024, at a depth of 1330m (see news releases of June 13, 2023 and June 21, 2024). This drillhole NZ23-01, was collared in Middle Aldridge siltstones and ended at a depth of 1759m on July 21st. From 1454m to end of hole at 1759m, Sullivan horizon siltstones and fragmentals with strong sericitization, biotite, albite and chlorite alteration were logged in meta siltstones. Pyrrhotite was disseminated throughout with trace to minor sphalerite, galena and arsenopyrite. No significant zones of zinc mineralization were observed. No further drilling on NZOU is planned. Figure 1: DLP Project areas in Peru with Aurora Project Shown. To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/6456/224668_945a0d89548048e6_001full.jpg Figure 2: Aurora Project - Plan view showing historic drilling and drilling by DLP in 2022-2023-2024 with A24-017 and A24-018 highlighted in red. To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/6456/224668_945a0d89548048e6_002full.jpg Figure 3: Aurora Project - Simplified NW-SE section 1-1' showing DLP and historic drillholes. Mo is on the left and the Cu is within the drillhole column. To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/6456/224668_945a0d89548048e6_003full.jpg Figure 4: Titan MT resistivity plan at 0m elevation with the main MT anomaly trending NE from DD21-02 onto the Moby Dick and NZOU properties. NZ23-01 shown with red dot. To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/6456/224668_945a0d89548048e6_004full.jpg Qualified Person David L. Pighin, consulting geologist and co-founder of DLP Resources, is the qualified person of the Company as defined by National Instrument 43-101. Mr. Pighin has reviewed and approved the technical contents of this news release. About DLP Resources Inc. DLP Resources Inc. is a mineral exploration company operating in Southeastern British Columbia and Peru, exploring for Base Metals and Cobalt. DLP is listed on the TSX-V, trading symbol DLP and on the OTCQB, trading symbol DLPRF. Please refer to our web site www.dlpresourcesinc.com for additional information. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION PLEASE CONTACT: Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Information This release includes certain statements and information that may constitute forward-looking information within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities laws. Forward-looking statements relate to future events or future performance and reflect the expectations or beliefs of management of the Company regarding future events. Generally, forward-looking statements and information can be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology such as "intends" or "anticipates", or variations of such words and phrases or statements that certain actions, events or results "may", "could", "should", "would" or "occur". This information and these statements, referred to herein as "forward-looking statements", are not historical facts, are made as of the date of this news release and include without limitation, statements regarding discussions of future plans, estimates and forecasts and statements as to management's expectations and intentions with respect to drilling on the Aurora Project in Peru. These forward-looking statements involve numerous risks and uncertainties, and actual results might differ materially from results suggested in any forward-looking statements. These risks and uncertainties include, among other things drill results expected from the Aurora Project in Peru. Although management of the Company has attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in forward-looking statements or forward-looking information, there may be other factors that cause results not to be as anticipated, estimated or intended. There can be no assurance that such statements will prove to be accurate, as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements and forward-looking information. Readers are cautioned that reliance on such information may not be appropriate for other purposes. The Company does not undertake to update any forward-looking statement, forward-looking information or financial out-look that are incorporated by reference herein, except in accordance with applicable securities laws. We seek safe harbor. To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/224668 SOURCE: DLP Resources Inc. Escher strengthens senior leadership team as it looks to the next stage of growth BOSTON, Sept. 26, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Escher, a leading global post and courier software and software services provider, is delighted to announce the appointment of Nick Stone as Chief Financial Officer. Nick is a highly experienced CFO with a strong track record, built over 20 years across a range of international businesses. Previously, Nick was CFO at Braemar plc, a global shipbroking operation, between 2019 and 2023, before which he held multiple financial and operational board positions in a mixture of public and private businesses. Alongside capital markets experience, Nick brings broad operational leadership skills, including executing corporate activity and delivering strategic changes, together with expertise running international finance operations. Nick Stone, incoming CFO, commented, "Escher has built an enviable position at the forefront of the global post industry. Its extensive customer base, growing level of recurring revenues and well-invested technology offerings all point to an exciting expansion opportunity. I look forward to joining Brody and the team, working together to drive the business forward." Brody Buhler, CEO of Escher, commented, "We are delighted to welcome a finance executive of Nick's calibre to the Escher team. His experience in supporting the growth of innovative global businesses will be invaluable to us as we continue our expansion strategy. I would also like to thank John DiBari for his support of the last two years. Together we have built a business with a strong financial foundation, and we wish him all the very best in his next endeavours." About Escher Escher provides software solutions to the world's leading Post & Courier operators to manage their mission-critical workflows across retail, delivery and distribution, helping connect nearly 1 billion consumers with global eCommerce networks. Escher's software powers Post office operations for approximately half of global GDP ex China, processes millions of parcels through sortation every year, and helps the smooth running of last mile delivery for dozens of Post and courier organisations across the globe. Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2515566/Escher_Nick_Stone.jpg View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/escher-appoints-nick-stone-as-chief-financial-officer-302258763.html WUXI, China, Sept. 26, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- The 2024 China International Intelligent Communication Forum (CIICF) was held in Wuxi City, east China's Jiangsu Province on September 26. The forum was jointly hosted by China Media Group(CMG) and Jiangsu Provincial People's Government, and co-organized by agencies including CMG's Jiangsu office, cctv.com and Wuxi Municipal People's Government. Shen Haixiong, President of the CMG, and Xu Kunlin, Governor of Jiangsu, addressed the forum on behalf of the hosts. Distinguished guests from both domestic and international domains attended the event, including Martin Mpana, Ambassador of Cameroon to China and Dean of the African Diplomatic Corps; Ahmed Mustafa Fahmy, Head of the League of Arab States' Representative Office in China; Tan Jianrong, an academician of the Chinese Academy of Engineering and a professor of Zhejiang University; Piero Scaruffi, President of the Silicon Valley Artificial Intelligence Research Institute; and Kang Zhen, Vice President of Beijing Normal University. Former French Prime Minister Jean-Pierre Raffarin delivered a speech via video. The CMG documentary "Wuxi: A City for Music Lovers and the Capital of Traditional Chinese Music" was launched during the opening ceremony. The event featured activities focused on four dimensions: promoting international exchanges through intelligent technology, enhancing communication effectiveness, empowering a better life, and leading youth insights. Through thematic speeches and special performances, it showcased innovative practices from various fields. The Report on China Urban International Intelligent Communication Capability 2024 was released on the sidelines of the event. In the "World Youth Dialogue" roundtable, five young representatives from home and abroad, including Li Wenwen, gold medalist in the women's +81kg weightlifting competition at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games, engaged in in-depth discussions, sharing stories of mutual learning through their vivid perspectives and creative audiovisual languages. During the 2024 CIICF, themed communication activities were held, including the Wuxi Forum on Urban Image International Communication, the Inaugural Forum on AI Digital Humans, and the Digital Cultural Tourism Forum. Besides, accompanying activities such as the 2024 "Encounter with Wuxi" Urban Cultural Exchange Festival, the "Wuxi Goes Global" live broadcasting event and the Visiting Wuxi Tour also took place in Wuxi. Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2515361/Image1.jpg View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/the-2024-ciicf-kicks-off-in-chinas-wuxi-302259519.html DUSSELDORF, Germany, Sept. 26, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Digital technologies are helping humans to live in better harmony with Nature, from tackling the impact of climate change to delivering high-speed broadband to remote communities, the latest episode of Discovery's "Being Digi-Sapiens" shows. Episode Three, "Connecting with Nature," follows the Swedish inventor, roboticist, and YouTuber Simone Giertz as she travels across Europe. Finland: high-quality broadband in a land of forests and lakes Providing high-quality Internet access to sparsely populated areas can be a huge challenge. Optical fiber, the gold standard in fast home networks, tends to be too expensive to deploy in more remote locations. This unequal broadband access separating large cities and rural areas creates a form of "digital divide" and a policy headache. When she travels to rural Finland, Simone discovers that Huawei is upgrading 4G equipment to 5G. Unlike 2G, 3G, or 4G, 5G works in multiple frequencies, including the sub-gigahertz range. One of the 5G frequencies used in Finland, 700Mhz, enables antenna towers to provide a signal over vast areas. Rural homes equipped with a CPE (customer premise equipment, also called 5G routers) convert the 5G signal to get quality Wi-Fi strong enough to simultaneously support cloud gaming, video calling, and the other applications used by typical families. With 5G, Finland is out of the woods when it comes to rural broadband. With one of the best 5G coverage rates in Europe, Finland is a poster boy for the benefits of digitalization. Recent achievements include operator DNA's successful 10 Gbit mobile network speed test, local operator Lounea's commercial launch of 50G PON, as well as operator Elisa's virtual battery solution, where base station backup batteries are used to balance the electric grid. Athens, Greece: Technologies that warn of extreme weather and protect forests Extreme weather events are becoming more common. In Greece, more frequent heat waves are increasing the threat that forest fires burn out of control. But when the Digi-Sapiens host travels to Athens, she learns about two technologies that help mitigate the harmful effects of weather extremes. Earlier prediction of potentially dangerous weather events gives people time to get ready before disaster strikes. A Huawei AI called Pangu Weather has proven adept at predicting extreme weather events. "We made a hybrid system that integrates the advantages of AI and conventional methods," Dr. Lingxi Xie, a Huawei senior researcher who worked on the development of Pangu Weather, tells Simone. "Pangu's AI algorithms will better predict extreme weather events," Xie adds. Although being warned of a heat wave is helpful, it's not by itself enough to protect Greek forests from catching on fire. At Syggrou Estate, a forested public space near Athens, Huawei has worked with partners to deploy an AI solution to detect fires at a very early stage, before they start burning out of control. Over 500 sensors monitor the estate day and night for smoke, air particles, dryness, or abnormal temperatures. Giertz gets the chance at Syggrou to test out an upgraded version of this fire detection system. Developed with partners National and Kapodistrian University of Athens (NKUA) and the start-up PROBOTEK under the TECH4ALL project, it not only detects fires but also provides fire spread analysis, evacuation planning, and route planning for first responders. It can also estimate how many people in the area will be affected by the fire, and send personalized notifications via an app to residents' phones, suggesting evacuation routes based on the municipality's civil protection plans. Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2516326/Huawei_Technologies.jpg View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/taming-nature-and-connecting-remote-communities-new-discovery-series-highlights-innovative-tech-solutions-302259783.html Dubai, United Arab Emirates--(Newsfile Corp. - September 26, 2024) - Proactive Zone, a leading business and tax consultancy firm, today announced the launch of its comprehensive UK-to-Dubai business relocation service. This offering aims to assist UK entrepreneurs and non-domiciled individuals in seamlessly transitioning their businesses to Dubai, capitalizing on the emirate's favorable tax environment and pro-business climate. To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/10373/224680_47eb136da47be8ea_001full.jpg The service comes in response to the growing trend of UK business owners seeking to relocate their operations amid changing tax laws in the United Kingdom and the attractive benefits offered by Dubai's business ecosystem. Proactive Zone's end-to-end solution addresses the complexities involved in international business relocation, including tax planning, company formation, and residency applications. "Our new service is designed to simplify the daunting process of international business relocation," said Falak Yussouf, CEO of Proactive Zone. "We've identified a significant demand among UK entrepreneurs for expert guidance in navigating Dubai's business landscape while optimizing their tax positions." Key features of Proactive Zone's UK-to-Dubai relocation service include: Personalized tax consultancy to maximize benefits of Dubai's zero-income tax regime Assistance in selecting and setting up the most suitable business structure in Dubai's free zones or mainland Guidance on residency and visa applications for business owners and their families Support in opening local bank accounts and managing financial transitions Cultural orientation to ease adaptation to Dubai's business environment The launch of this service comes at a time when Dubai is increasingly seen as an attractive destination for international businesses. The emirate boasts a strategic location, world-class infrastructure, and a tax-friendly environment, featuring zero personal income tax and potential corporate tax benefits for businesses operating within free zones. "Dubai presents a compelling opportunity for UK entrepreneurs looking to optimize their tax planning and expand their global reach,"Yussouf added. "Our role is to ensure a smooth transition, allowing business owners to focus on growth rather than getting bogged down in regulatory complexities." Proactive Zone's approach differs from traditional consultancy firms by offering a highly personalized, end-to-end service. The company leverages its deep expertise in both UK and Dubai tax laws, as well as its extensive network of local contacts, to provide clients with tailored solutions that address their specific needs and objectives. The firm's commitment to client success extends beyond the initial relocation. Proactive Zone offers ongoing support to ensure businesses continue to thrive in their new environment, including assistance with regulatory compliance, annual license renewals, and long-term tax planning. To safeguard client information during the relocation process, Proactive Zone employs robust data security measures. These include encryption protocols for all digital communications, secure document-sharing portals with multi-factor authentication, and strict internal access controls. "Confidentiality and data security are paramount in our operations,"Yussouf emphasized. "We adhere to the highest standards of data protection to ensure our clients' sensitive information remains secure throughout the relocation process and beyond." As part of its service offering, Proactive Zone also provides guidance on navigating the cultural and business etiquette differences between the UK and Dubai. This includes cultural orientation sessions and advice on building relationships in the local business community, ensuring clients are well-prepared for success in their new environment. The launch of this comprehensive relocation service positions Proactive Zone as a key player in facilitating business transitions between the UK and Dubai. As more UK entrepreneurs seek to capitalize on Dubai's business-friendly environment, Proactive Zone stands ready to guide them through every step of the journey. For more information about Proactive Zone's UK-to-Dubai business relocation service, visit proactivezone.ae or contact Sebastian Rayer. About Proactive Zone Proactive Zone is a leading business and tax consultancy firm specializing in international business relocations. With a focus on UK-to-Dubai transitions, the company offers comprehensive services including tax planning, business setup, and ongoing advisory support. Proactive Zone's team of experts combines local knowledge with international expertise to provide tailored solutions for entrepreneurs and businesses seeking to establish and grow their presence in Dubai. To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/224680 SOURCE: Pressmaster DMCC EQS Post-admission Duties announcement: Haier Smart Home Co.,Ltd. / Third country release according to Article 50 Para. 1, No. 2 of the WpHG [the German Securities Trading Act] Haier Smart Home Co.,Ltd.: Announcement on Publication of the IFRS version of Interim Report 2024 on Hong Kong Stock Exchange 26.09.2024 / 12:16 CET/CEST Dissemination of a Post-admission Duties announcement according to Article 50 Para. 1, No. 2 WpHG transmitted by EQS News - a service of EQS Group AG. The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement. Announcement on Publication of the IFRS version of Interim Report 2024 on Hong Kong Stock Exchange Qingdao / Shanghai / Frankfurt / Hongkong, 26 September 2024 - Haier Smart Home Co., Ltd. (the "Company" or "Haier Smart Home", D-share 690D.DE, A-share 600690.SH, H-share 06690.HK) today published the IFRS version of the Interim Report 2024 on Hong Kong Stock Exchange. The report is available at: https://www1.hkexnews.hk/listedco/listconews/sehk/2024/0926/2024092601203.pdf IR Contact: Haier Smart Home Hong Kong T: +852 2169 0000 Email: ir@haier.hk Press Contact: CROSS ALLIANCE communication GmbH Sara Pinto pi@crossalliance.de T: +49 89 1250903 35 About Haier Smart Home Co., Ltd.: Haier is one of the world's leading manufacturers of household appliances with a focus on smart home solutions and customized production. Haier Smart Home Co., Ltd. develops, produces and distributes a wide range of household appliances. These include refrigerators, freezers, washing machines, air conditioners, water heaters, kitchen appliances as well as small household appliances and an extensive range of intelligent household appliances. The Company distributes its products through leading household brands such as Haier, Casarte, Leader, Candy, GE Appliances, AQUA and Fisher & Paykel. Haier Smart Home Co., Ltd. has launched Smart Home Experiential Cloud in the Chinese market, which connects homes, users, enterprises and ecosystem partners, and facilitates the integration of Haier's online, offline and micro-store businesses and supports user interaction to further optimize the user experience. 26.09.2024 CET/CEST The EQS Distribution Services include Regulatory Announcements, Financial/Corporate News and Press Releases. Archive at www.eqs-news.com NanoViricides, Inc. (NYSE American.: NNVC ) (the "Company"), a clinical stage global leader in broad-spectrum antiviral nanomedicines, reports today that it has now obtained a right of first refusal (ROFR) for all antiviral drug developments from the R&D firm TheraCour Pharma, Inc. ("TheraCour"). NanoViricides has signed a broad Memorandum of Understanding Agreement (MoU) with TheraCour encompassing all antiviral drugs developments on September 23, 2024, an important step that provides the Company certain intellectual property rights for developing treatments against any viral infections. NV-387, the Company's lead drug, is proving to be a revolutionary drug that has demonstrated strong effectiveness, surpassing existing drugs, against a number of distinctly different types of viruses in animal studies. With this MoU in place, the increasing number of antiviral indications of a broad-spectrum drug such as NV-387 can be quickly and easily discovered and added by the Company to its portfolio of drugs in its development pipeline. In addition to NV-387, certain "Trojan Horse" drugs that can completely cure most viral infections by attacking the virus lifecycle in multiple ways have been developed by the Company. This MoU expands NanoViricides Inc's abilities to opportunistically and rapidly develop such drugs to treat viral infections of public health importance, even for those viruses that don't exist today and cannot be predicted. The new MoU provides NanoViricides with the ability to rapidly progress in such new endeavors and provides the important intellectual property rights to further develop multiple drug candidates towards a multitude of antiviral applications, many of which may have been previously considered to be intractable. The MoU also codifies the process by which the two parties negotiate licenses to specific antiviral fields. As in the past, a license would not be restricted to a single drug, but rather would encompass all drugs that can be conceivably applicable with the R&D performed against the licensed field of antiviral application. The revolutionary nanoviricide technology resulting in host-mimetic, direct-acting antiviral drugs is opening up a new era of treating viral infections just as penicillin opened up a new era and revolutionized the treatment of bacterial infections, enabling "one drug - many bugs" model instead of the current "one bug - one drug" model. NV-387, an example of the capabilities of nanoviricide technology, was developed in 2020 in response to the COVID pandemic and has completed a Phase I human clinical trial successfully. The Company is now planning for NV-387 to enter into Phase II clinical trials for evaluation of its efficacy against several viral diseases that include RSV, Influenza, Bird Flu, COVID, as well as MPOX/Smallpox infections. What is a "nanoviricide"? A "nanoviricide" is a uniform polymer that self-assembles into nanoscale droplets called "micelles", that carries on its surface mimics of the cell-side receptor of the virus, and that hides in its belly lipid tentacles. It can also hold other guest APIs in its belly if needed. The nanoviricide thus "looks like" a cell to the virus, and the virus is fooled into binding it. Once the virus binds, we believe, the flexible and shape-shifting nanoviricide micelle would spread over the virus particle by virtue of merging the lipid tentacles that are hidden in its belly into the virus surface, in a well known process called "lipid-lipid mixing." We believe this would destabilize the virus particle, uproot the viral glycoproteins required for binding to and entering the host cell, and thus render the virus particle incapable of infecting a cell. What are "Trojan Horse" nanoviricide drugs? A nanoviricide can hide in its "belly" (i.e. encapsulates) one or more drugs that can attack the virus in other ways. The nanoviricide holding the drugs is expected to attack the virus particle itself and thus block the virus from infecting cells. We call this "Re-Infection Inhibition". The encapsulated drug can be protected from host's metabolism and delivered into infected cells to block the virus from replicating inside the cell. If both of these parts of the virus lifecycle are blocked, the viral infection would be cured, except in the case of viruses that create latency. A different encapsulated drug can also be delivered to attack the virus in its latent or dormant phase, although this has been a topic of scientific research rather than drug development as of now. Thus the "Trojan Horse" capability of a naoviricide enables developing drug that can cure most virus infections, and can be developed in the future to cure even viruses that cause latency such as herpesviruses and HIV/AIDS that are non-curable at present. TheraCour is founded by and substantially owned by Dr. Anil R. Diwan, who is also the Company's co-founder. Dr. Diwan recused himself from the MoU discussions that were led by the Company's Board of Directors in conjunction with legal advice from the Company's counsel. About NanoViricides NanoViricides, Inc. (the "Company") ( www.nanoviricides.com ) is a development stage company that is creating special purpose nanomaterials for antiviral therapy. The Company's novel nanoviricide class of drug candidates and the nanoviricide technology are based on intellectual property, technology and proprietary know-how of TheraCour Pharma, Inc. The Company has a Memorandum of Understanding with TheraCour for the development of drugs based on these technologies for all antiviral infections. The MoU does not include cancer and similar diseases that may have viral origin but require different kinds of treatments. The Company has obtained broad, exclusive, sub-licensable, field licenses to drugs developed in several licensed fields from TheraCour Pharma, Inc. The Company's business model is based on licensing technology from TheraCour Pharma Inc. for specific application verticals of specific viruses, as established at its foundation in 2005. Our lead drug candidate is NV-387, a broad-spectrum antiviral drug that we plan to develop as a treatment of RSV, COVID, Long COVID, Influenza, and other respiratory viral infections, as well as MPOX/Smallpox infections. Our other advanced drug candidate is NV-HHV-1 for the treatment of Shingles. The Company cannot project an exact date for filing an IND for any of its drugs because of dependence on a number of external collaborators and consultants. The Company is currently focused on advancing NV-387 into Phase II human clinical trials. NV-CoV-2 (API NV-387) is our nanoviricide drug candidate for COVID-19 that does not encapsulate remdesivir. NV-CoV-2-R is our other drug candidate for COVID-19 that is made up of NV-387 with remdesivir encapsulated within its polymeric micelles. The Company believes that since remdesivir is already US FDA approved, our drug candidate encapsulating remdesivir is likely to be an approvable drug, if safety is comparable. Remdesivir is developed by Gilead. The Company has developed both of its own drug candidates NV-CoV-2 and NV-CoV-2-R independently. The Company is also developing drugs against a number of viral diseases including oral and genital Herpes, viral diseases of the eye including EKC and herpes keratitis, H1N1 swine flu, H5N1 bird flu, seasonal Influenza, HIV, Hepatitis C, Rabies, Dengue fever, and Ebola virus, among others. NanoViricides' platform technology and programs are based on the TheraCour nanomedicine technology of TheraCour, which TheraCour licenses from AllExcel. NanoViricides holds a worldwide exclusive perpetual license to this technology for several drugs with specific targeting mechanisms in perpetuity for the treatment of the following human viral diseases: Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV/AIDS), Hepatitis B Virus (HBV), Hepatitis C Virus (HCV), Rabies, Herpes Simplex Virus (HSV-1 and HSV-2), Varicella-Zoster Virus (VZV), Influenza and Asian Bird Flu Virus, Dengue viruses, Japanese Encephalitis virus, West Nile Virus, Ebola/Marburg viruses, and certain Coronaviruses. The Company intends to obtain a license for RSV, Poxviruses, and/or Enteroviruses if the initial research is successful. As is customary, the Company must state the risk factor that the path to typical drug development of any pharmaceutical product is extremely lengthy and requires substantial capital. As with any drug development efforts by any company, there can be no assurance at this time that any of the Company's pharmaceutical candidates would show sufficient effectiveness and safety for human clinical development. Further, there can be no assurance at this time that successful results against coronavirus in our lab will lead to successful clinical trials or a successful pharmaceutical product. This press release contains forward-looking statements that reflect the Company's current expectation regarding future events. Actual events could differ materially and substantially from those projected herein and depend on a number of factors. Certain statements in this release, and other written or oral statements made by NanoViricides, Inc. are "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. You should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements since they involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which are, in some cases, beyond the Company's control and which could, and likely will, materially affect actual results, levels of activity, performance or achievements. The Company assumes no obligation to publicly update or revise these forward-looking statements for any reason, or to update the reasons actual results could differ materially from those anticipated in these forward-looking statements, even if new information becomes available in the future. Important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from the company's expectations include, but are not limited to, those factors that are disclosed under the heading "Risk Factors" and elsewhere in documents filed by the company from time to time with the United States Securities and Exchange Commission and other regulatory authorities. Although it is not possible to predict or identify all such factors, they may include the following: demonstration and proof of principle in preclinical trials that a nanoviricide is safe and effective; successful development of our product candidates; our ability to seek and obtain regulatory approvals, including with respect to the indications we are seeking; the successful commercialization of our product candidates; and market acceptance of our products. The phrases "safety", "effectiveness" and equivalent phrases as used in this press release refer to research findings including clinical trials as the customary research usage and do not indicate evaluation of safety or effectiveness by the US FDA. FDA refers to US Food and Drug Administration. IND application refers to "Investigational New Drug" application. cGMP refers to current Good Manufacturing Practices. CMC refers to "Chemistry, Manufacture, and Controls". CHMP refers to the Committee for Medicinal Products for Human Use, which is the European Medicines Agency's (EMA) committee responsible for human medicines. API stands for "Active Pharmaceutical Ingredient". WHO is the World Health Organization. R&D refers to Research and Development. Contact: NanoViricides, Inc. info@nanoviricides.com Public Relations Contact: ir@nanoviricides.com SOURCE: NanoViricides, Inc. Market advances adoption of ready-to-use containers Improved operational efficiency in pharmaceutical manufacturing processes Increased patient safety with high-quality sterile primary packaging Stevanato Group S.p.A. (NYSE: STVN), a leading global provider of drug containment, drug delivery and diagnostic solutions to the pharmaceutical, biotechnology and life sciences industries, together with Gerresheimer AG (MDAX: GXI) and SCHOTT Pharma AG Co. KGaA (MDAX: 1SXP), announced today that they have entered into a strategic industry alliance ("Alliance for RTU") to support market adoption of Ready-to-Use (RTU) vials and cartridges. This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20240926050295/en/ Stevanato Group, Gerresheimer SCHOTT Pharma join forces in the 'Alliance for RTU' (Photo: Business Wire) The Alliance for RTU aims to share with pharmaceutical companies, CMOs and CDMOs expertise and technical knowledge in high-quality sterile primary packaging, specifically ready-to-fill vials and cartridges, highlighting RTU configurations' advantages over conventional bulk packaging. Reduced risks and lower total cost of ownership Traditional fill&finish processes present several operational risks and require increased efficiency. By adopting an industrial ready-to-use (RTU) setup, pharmaceutical companies and Contract Manufacturing Organizations (CMOs) can benefit from reduced operational risks, enhanced flexibility and efficiency, and lower waste. RTU technology can help streamline processes, increase productivity, and thus lower total cost of ownership (TCO) while reducing contamination risks and easing EU GMP Annex 1 compliance. Pharmaceutical companies, CMOs and CDMOs opting for ready-to-use containers also can benefit from higher-quality products, which helps minimize the release of glass particles and risks of breakage or rejection while preserving the drug inside throughout its entire life cycle. Open expert platform for RTU industry standard Additionally, the market is driving investment in advanced aseptic filling technologies due to increasing demand for injectable medicines and regulatory pressure to meet safety standards. In this context, the Alliance for RTU aims to create an expert platform open to other industry players to help industry manufacturers learn about the key benefits of RTU processes and products and to better evaluate investments for transitioning to efficient filling systems and meeting their unique needs from clinical applications to widespread commercial use. "RTU vials and cartridges represent a significant advancement in product quality, offering enhanced reliability and efficiency in pharmaceutical processes. This alliance allows us to highlight further how RTU solutions elevate standards across the industry, ensuring safer and more effective delivery of medications to patients worldwide," said Franco Stevanato, CEO at Stevanato Group. "The shift towards ready-to-use vials and cartridges reflects a collective industry move to advance quality and efficiency in aseptic filling processes and this alliance shows readiness by expanding capacity and thereby supporting this market trend," said Andreas Reisse, CEO at SCHOTT Pharma. "Ready-to-use solutions can reduce complexities and better meet the stringent requirements of modern pharmaceutical production." "As an industry, we are fully prepared for the transition to RTU vials and cartridges", said Lukas Burkhardt, Member of the Management Board of Gerresheimer AG. "With recent advancements, RTU processing is now a mature technology which will improve our customers operations in terms of efficiency, cost and time to market." The Alliance for RTU will be officially presented at the CPHI in Milan on October 8 during a dedicated event at the tradeshow fairground. For more information, visit www.alliance-for-rtu.com. About Stevanato Group Founded in 1949, Stevanato Group is a leading global provider of drug containment, drug delivery and diagnostic solutions to the pharmaceutical, biotechnology and life sciences industries. The Group delivers an integrated, end-to-end portfolio of products, processes and services that address customer needs across the entire drug life cycle at each of the development, clinical and commercial stages. Stevanato Group's core capabilities in scientific research and development, its commitment to technical innovation and its engineering excellence are central to its ability to offer value added solutions to clients. To learn more, visit: www.stevanatogroup.com. About Gerresheimer Gerresheimer is an innovative systems and solutions provider and a global partner to the pharma, biotech, and cosmetics industries. The company offers a comprehensive portfolio of pharmaceutical containment solutions, drug delivery systems and medical devices as well as solutions for the health industry. The product range includes digital solutions for therapy support, medication pumps, syringes, pens, auto-injectors and inhalers as well as vials, ampoules, tablet containers, infusion, dropper and syrup bottles, and more. With 35 production sites in 16 countries in Europe, America and Asia, Gerresheimer has a global presence and produces locally for regional markets. With around 12,000 employees, the company generated revenues of around 2bn in 2023. Gerresheimer AG is listed in the MDAX on the Frankfurt Stock Exchange (ISIN: DE000A0LD6E6). www.gerresheimer.com About SCHOTT Pharma Human health matters. That is why SCHOTT Pharma designs solutions grounded in science to ensure that medications are safe and easy to use for people around the world. The portfolio comprises drug containment solutions and delivery systems for injectable drugs ranging from prefillable glass and polymer syringes to cartridges, vials, and ampoules. Every day, a team of over 4,600 people from over 60 nations works at SCHOTT Pharma to contribute to global healthcare. The company is represented in all main pharmaceutical hubs with 16 manufacturing sites in Europe, North and South America, and Asia. With over 1,000 patents and technologies developed in-house and a state-of-the-art R&D center in Switzerland, the company is focused on developing innovations for the future. SCHOTT Pharma AG Co. KGaA is headquartered in Mainz, Germany and listed on the Frankfurt Stock Exchange as part of the SDAX. It is part of SCHOTT AG, which is owned by the Carl Zeiss Foundation. In light of this spirit, SCHOTT Pharma is committed to sustainable development for society and the environment and has the strategic goal of becoming climate-neutral by 2030. Currently, SCHOTT Pharma has over 1,800 customers including the top 30 leading pharma manufacturers for injectable drugs and generated revenue of EUR 899 million in the fiscal year 2023. Further information at www.schott-pharma.com. Forward-Looking Statements This press release may include forward-looking statements. The words "aims", ""increase", "lower", is driving", "increasing", "create", "move", "expanding", "advance", "can", "will", and similar expressions (or their negative) identify certain of these forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements are statements regarding the Company's intentions, beliefs or current expectations concerning, among other things, the investments the Company expects to receive, the expansion of manufacturing capacity, the Company's plans regarding its presence in the U.S. and other markets, business strategies, the Company's capacity to meet future market demands and support preparedness for future public health emergencies, and results of operations. The forward-looking statements in this press release are based on numerous assumptions regarding the Company's present and future business strategies and the environment in which the Company will operate in the future. Forward-looking statements involve inherent known and unknown risks, uncertainties and contingencies because they relate to events and depend on circumstances that may or may not occur in the future and may cause the actual results, performance or achievements of the Company to be materially different from those expressed or implied by such forward looking statements. Many of these risks and uncertainties relate to factors that are beyond the Company's ability to control or estimate precisely, such as future market conditions, currency fluctuations, the behavior of other market participants, the actions of regulators and other factors such as the Company's ability to continue to obtain financing to meet its liquidity needs, changes in the political, social and regulatory framework in which the Company operates or in economic or technological trends or conditions. Readers should therefore not place undue reliance on these statements, particularly not in connection with any contract or investment decision. Except as required by law, the company assumes no obligation to update any such forward-looking statements. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20240926050295/en/ Contacts: Media Stevanato Group media@stevanatogroup.com Cassie Gonzalez: stevanatoUS@teamlewis.com Investor Relations Stevanato Group Lisa Miles: lisa.miles@stevanatogroup.com Media Gerresheimer AG Jutta Lorberg Head of Corporate Communication T +49 211 6181 264 jutta.lorberg@gerresheimer.com Investor Relations Gerresheimer AG Guido Pickert Vice President Investor Relations T +49 152 900 14145 gerresheimer.ir@gerresheimer.com Media SCHOTT Pharma Joana Kornblum Tel.: +49 151/29223552 E-Mail: joana.kornblum@schott.com Investor Relations SCHOTT Pharma Jasko Terzic, CFA E-Mail: ir.pharma@schott.com BankID BankAxept AS has acquired the Danish eID broker Criipto ApS. This move strengthens the company's position in Europe and adds a new and unique product platform to its portfolio. This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20240926400333/en/ Picture from left: yvind Westby Brekke, CEO of BankID BankAxept and Niels Flensted-Jensen, CEO of Criipto. Photo by Sverre Christian Jarild. "Our ambition is to participate in the international growth of the eID sector. Together with Criipto we aim to deliver secure and user-friendly digital identity solutions and related trust services to banks, governments, and businesses," says yvind Westby Brekke, CEO of BankID BankAxept. Norway is among the leading countries in Europe regarding eID-use, with BankID enjoying a 90 percent market penetration and over 4.5 million users. Criipto is currently an official provider of eID solutions for businesses in Norway (BankID), Denmark (MitID), Sweden (Swedish BankID), Finland (FTN Finnish Trust Network), among others. The company is headquartered in Copenhagen. "Criipto has a unique and developer-friendly integration platform, offering a range of European digital identities-including BankID. We share an ambition for European expansion and the development of products based on the latest advancements in digital identity and upcoming EU regulations. We believe we can achieve great things together," says yvind Westby Brekke. Due to a new EU regulation, all European countries will be obliged to introduce digital identity solutions in the future. "Digital identity and related services represent a large and growing market, where we aim to establish a solid foothold. The Nordic region has every opportunity to lead the way in the market for digital identity solutions we have the experience and the technology," says Niels Flensted-Jensen, CEO of Criipto. Maintaining the partner model in Norway BankID services are currently sold to Norwegian businesses through a network of resellers. With the acquisition of Criipto, BankID BankAxept will be able to offer these services directly to the Norwegian market for the first time. "Many organizations wish to purchase BankID solutions directly from us-quickly, easily, and through self-service. Now that we own an eID broker, this becomes a reality. We have long stated our intention to transition from being an infrastructure provider to also becoming a service provider. A natural step on this journey is to offer BankID directly to the market," says Brekke. However, he emphasizes that the partner model will remain: "We are very satisfied with the collaboration we have with our resellers. They are among our most important partners, and they will continue to be so. With this acquisition, we establish our own direct sales channel, which will run in parallel with our reseller partnerships," Brekke adds. Criipto will operate as a subsidiary of BankID BankAxept. About BankID BankAxept The Norwegian banks developed BankID together, and it is the banks that conduct customer verifications and issue BankID to private customers. 4.5 million Norwegians have BankID. BankID BankAxept AS operates, develops, and sells BankID to Norwegian companies through a reseller system, which includes Criipto among others. BankID BankAxept holds a leading position in ID, payments, and KYC/AML in Norway, offering services under the brands BankID, BankAxept, Kundesjekk, and St. About Criipto: Criipto is a so-called eID broker, helping companies to implement and operate digital ID solutions. Criipto was founded 11 years ago by CEO Niels Flensted-Jensen and CTO Mikkel Christensen. Criipto has 20 employees with its headquarters in Copenhagen. Key markets for Criipto today include Denmark, Norway, Finland, Sweden, Belgium, and the Netherlands. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20240926400333/en/ Contacts: BankID BankAxept: Ida Havik, +47 975 22 627 ida.havik@bidbax.no Criipto: Katrine Thielke, +45 52179791 katrine.thielke@criipto.com REDMOND (dpa-AFX) - Chatbot ChatGPT maker OpenAI, which was founded as a non-profit to build safe and beneficial artificial general intelligence or AGI for the benefit of humanity, is considering plans to restructure its core business to become a for-profit benefit business, aiming to attract more investors, reports said citing sources familiar with the matter. Co-founder and Chief executive Sam Altman will also receive equity for the first time in the Microsoft-backed artificial intelligence or AI startup. In a separate development, OpenAI's longtime Chief Technology Officer, Mira Murati, announced her resignation, citing an intent to create her own exploration. She had worked briefly as interim CEO of the company during last year's turmoil, when OpenAI's board abruptly ousted Altman, citing a lack of confidence in him. He was reinstated five days later with huge support from employees and investors, and following the restructuring of its board. In addition, research chief Bob McGrew and research vice president Barret Zoph also announced their departure from the firm. Responding to Murati's resignation, Altman, in a post of X platform, said Mira has been instrumental to OpenAI's progress and growth for the last 6.5 years. 'Mira, Bob, and Barret made these decisions independently of each other and amicably, but the timing of Mira's decision was such that it made sense to now do this all at once, so that we can work together for a smooth handover to the next generation of leadership... I have over the past year or so spent most of my time on the non-technical parts of our organization; I am now looking forward to spending most of my time on the technical and product parts of the company,' he said. OpenAI Non-profit was founded in late 2015 for the benefit of humanity, and in 2019, its 'capped profit' structure was introduced as a subsidiary of its non-profit. OpenAI's current structure, a partnership between the original Non-profit and a new capped profit arm, was designed as a chassis for OpenAI's mission. As per the latest reports, it is projected that the new firm will become a for-profit company, and it will no longer be controlled by its non-profit board, while non-profit segment will be retained as a separate entity. An OpenAI spokesperson reportedly stated that the company remains focused on building AI that benefits everyone, and that non-profit is core to its mission and will continue to exist. Earlier this year, Tesla and SpaceX CEO Elon Musk, who co-founded OpenAI, had filed a lawsuit against the startup alleging that the firm was developing AI for profitability instead of its foundational mission of utilizing it for the benefit of humankind. The AI startup is expected to be worth more than $150 billion following the planned financing round, a surge from the $14 billion valuation in 2021, while Altman does not hold equity directly in the company. His only interest is indirectly through a Y Combinator investment fund that made a small investment in OpenAI before he was full-time. Amid the skyrocketing growth, especially after the launch of its highly popular ChatGPT, OpenAI's many key executives have left the firm. OpenAI co-founder Ilya Sutskever and former safety leader Jan Leike in May announced that they were leaving the firm. Another co-founder John Schulman last month said that he was leaving to join rival Anthropic. Copyright(c) 2024 RTTNews.com. All Rights Reserved Copyright RTT News/dpa-AFX 2024 AFX News Grid Battery Metals Inc. (the "Company" or "Grid") (TSXV:CELL)(OTCQB:EVKRF)(FRA:W47) is pleased to announce that a reverse circulation drilling program is well under way on the Company's claim block at Silver Peak, Clayton Valley, Esmeralda County, Nevada. This strategic land package, covering approximately 2,300 acres (930 ha), directly adjoins the western portion of lithium producer Albemarle's (NYSE:ALB) evaporation ponds and is nearby Century Lithium Corp.'s (TSXV:LCE)(OTCQB:CYDVF) proposed 5,430-acre Angel Island Lithium Mine. The Company has completed the drilling of its first hole to a depth of over 870 feet, with the remaining drill holes proposed to a maximum depth of 1500 feet. Mr. Tim Fernback, Company President and CEO comments "Our Clayton Valley Lithium Project is situated near Albemarle Corporation's (NYSE:ALB) Silver Peak Mine which is North America's only producing lithium brine mining operation. Our property is located immediately to the west of this existing Albemarle lithium production facility. Additionally, our lithium property is near Century Lithium's (TSXV:LCE)(OTCQB:CYDVF) Angel Island lithium project, which recently released a Positive Feasibility Study detailing a 40-year mine life and an after-tax NPV8 of $3.01 billion . One of the stated goals of the planned drilling program will be to test the depth of the accumulated lithium brine and claystones on our property. With this knowledge, we can propose a significant follow-on exploration program that will work towards an eventual resource calculation and NI# 43-101 Preliminary Economic Assessment. We remain very excited about this opportunity in Nevada for our company and shareholders." Mr. Fernback continues "The reverse circulation drilling program is expected to continue until early October and is being performed by experienced mining contractor, Envirotech Drilling LLC and supervised by Rangefront Geological ("Rangefront") and our Company Qualified Person Steven McMillin P.G." Mr. Steven McMillin P.G. comments "There is considerable surface evidence of geothermal activity in this area. Our first drill hole found encountered hydrothermally altered sediments (sinter) affiliated with hot springs from 10 to 265 feet interspersed with intervals of gray clay altered air fall tuff at both 205 feet and 250 feet. It is located nearly 1200 feet east of the nearest mapped tufa and sinter. In Clayton Valley, sinter and tufa are considered surface evidence of geothermal waters that can leach and mobilize lithium from ash layers at depth. Heterolithic gravels occur immediately beneath the sinter and extend to 410 and basalt lava occurs from 410 to 820 feet. The hole ended in Paleozoic sediments at 870 feet." Images on Location (Clayton Valley Lithium Project) Planned Drill Locations (Clayton Valley Lithium Project) The Company also announces that further to its news release dated August 16, 2024, the Company has revised its Marketing Contract with i2i Marketing Group, LLC ("i2i") and the payments will now be as follows: Upon Exchange Approval the Company will pay i2i an initial payment of $150,000 USD (the "Initial Media Budget"); On the 1st day of October, November and December, 2024, the Company will pay equal payments to i2i of $150,000 USD for an initial term of four months (the "Initial Term"); and On the 1st day of January, 2025 and February, 2025 the Company will pay equal payments to i2i of $300,000 USD for a secondary term of four months (the "Secondary Term"). All other terms of the revised agreement remain the same. About Rangefront Geological Elko Nevada-based Rangefront Geological has combined in-depth expertise with cutting-edge technology to provide mining consulting services, contract labor, field crew services,and vehicular support to the mining industry. With services available across North America, Rangefront works closely with its clients to provide high-quality mineral exploration services. Qualified Person Mr. Steven McMillin, P.G. is an independent qualified person as defined by National Instrument 43-101 and has reviewed and approved the technical information contained within this news release. About Grid Battery Metals Inc. www.gridbatterymetals.com. Grid Battery Metals Inc. is a Canadian based exploration company whose primary listing is on the TSX Venture Exchange. The Company's maintains a focus on exploration for high value battery metals required for the electric vehicle (EV) market. About Texas Springs Property The Company owns a 100% interest in the Texas Spring Property which consists of mineral lode claims located in Elko County, Nevada. The Property is in the Granite Range southeast of Jackpot, Nevada, about 73 km north-northeast of Wells, Nevada. The target is a lithium clay deposit in volcanic tuff and tuffaceous sediments of the Humbolt Formation. A Phase 1 exploration program at the Texas Springs Property (Fall 2023) yielded average lithium grades of 2010 ppm, applying a 1,000 ppm cut-off, and up to 5,610 ppm Lithium. The Texas Spring property adjoins the southern border of the Nevada North Lithium Project - owned by Surge Battery Metals Inc. ("Surge") (TSXV: NILI, OTC: NILIF) and comprised of 725 mineral claims. Surge's first round of drilling identified strongly mineralized lithium bearing clays. The average lithium content within all near surface clay zones intersected in the 2022 drilling program, applying a 1000 ppm cut-off, was 3254 ppm. (Press release March 29, 2023). More recent results have shown higher grade lithium up to 8070 ppm on this property after initial drilling (Press release September 12, 2023). Our exploration results are on-trend with these results. About Clayton Valley Lithium Project The Company owns a 100% interest in 113 lithium lode and placer claims covering over 930 hectares in Clayton Valley. Clayton Valley is a down-dropped closed basin formed by the Miocene age Great Basin extension and is still active due to movement along the Walker Lane structural zone. As a result, the basin has preserved multiple layers of lithium bearing volcanic ash, resulting from multiple eruptive events over the past 6 million years including eruptions from the 700,000-year-old Long Valley Caldera system and related events. These ash layers are thought to contribute to the lithium brines extracted by Albemarle and are also likely involved in the formation of the exposed lithium rich clay deposits on the east side of Clayton Valley. Volt Canyon Lithium Property The Company owns a 100% interest in 80 placer claims covering approximately 635 hectares of alluvial sediments and clays located 122 km northeast of Tonopah, Nevada. On Behalf of the Board of Directors "Tim Fernback" Tim Fernback, President & CEO Contact Information: Email: info@gridbatterymetals.com Phone: 604- 428-5690 Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. This news release may contain forward-looking statements which include, but are not limited to, comments that involve future events and conditions, which are subject to various risks and uncertainties. Except for statements of historical facts, comments that address resource potential, upcoming work programs, geological interpretations, receipt and security of mineral property titles, availability of funds, and others are forward-looking. Forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance and actual results may vary materially from those statements. General business conditions are factors that could cause actual results to vary materially from forward-looking statements. It should be noted that results from any adjacent property(s) are not an indication of what may be found on the Company's property(s). SOURCE: Grid Battery Metals Inc. Unconformity-Hosted Uranium Consists of 3.88% eU3O8 over 13.2 metres, Including 23.22% eU3O8 over 2.0 Metres Summer Drill Program Complete with Multiple Ultra High-Grade Uranium Intersections; Assays Pending Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - September 26, 2024) - CanAlaska Uranium Ltd. (TSXV: CVV) (OTCQX: CVVUF) (FSE: DH7) ("CanAlaska" or the "Company") is pleased to provide an update on the summer diamond drill program at the Pike Zone on the West McArthur Joint Venture project (the "Project") in the eastern Athabasca Basin. Multiple drillholes have confirmed high-grade mineralization, highlighted by WMA094-2 which intersected 3.88% eU3O8 over 13.2 metres, including 23.22% eU3O8 over 2.0 metres and WMA094-1 which intersected 3.41% eU3O8 over 9.9 metres, including 8.08% eU3O8 over 3.7 metres on expansion drilling to the west. These new drillholes expand the high-grade footprint at Pike Zone over 100 metres at the unconformity and indicate the potential for significant additional zones of ultra high-grade uranium mineralization to the west of the Pike Zone where the trend remains open along strike. The West McArthur project, a Joint Venture with Cameco Corporation, is operated by CanAlaska that holds an 83.35% ownership in the Project (Figure 1). CanAlaska is sole-funding the 2024 West McArthur program, further increasing its majority ownership in the Project. Figure 1 - West McArthur Project Location To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/2864/224642_1b45be42f4292b85_002full.jpg CanAlaska CEO, Cory Belyk, comments, "The intersection of ultra high-grade uranium 100 metres west of the main pod at Pike Zone is exactly what the team was hoping to achieve as part of the summer drilling program. Tier 1 Athabasca Basin uranium deposits commonly occur as high-grade 'pearls on a string' and this is what we are seeing develop at the Pike Zone. The importance of this new ultra high-grade uranium discovery to CanAlaska, our shareholders, and the Joint Venture cannot be understated. With drilling now complete and with nearly $12 million in CanAlaska's treasury, the team is now focused on developing the 2025 exploration program and budget with our partner to follow-up these incredible drilling results." Figure 2 - West McArthur Pike Zone Plan To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/2864/224642_1b45be42f4292b85_003full.jpg New Ultra High-Grade Uranium Discovered The summer drill program on the West McArthur project is now complete. The program consisted of 15 unconformity tests split between Pike Zone expansion and extensional testing along the geophysical corridor. At the Pike Zone, 12 unconformity tests were completed, 11 of which contained uranium mineralization. The results of the summer drill program indicate a strike length of uranium mineralization along the unconformity target area of approximately 200 metres that remains open in all directions. Multiple drill fences within the unconformity target area define a high-grade core that remains open and extends over 100 metres in strike length. In addition, these results confirm that the Pike Zone remains open along strike to the west where the nearest drill hole is over 1 kilometre away. Drillhole WMA094, completed along section L0, intersected the graphitic stratigraphy approximately 15 metres below the unconformity and contained multiple intervals of unconformity and basement-hosted uranium mineralization. WMA094 was completed approximately 100 metres up-dip along the graphitic stratigraphy from the first Pike Zone basement-hosted discovery hole (WMA067). Subsequent drilling along L0 and L15W intersected unconformity-associated uranium mineralization in WMA094-1, WMA094-2, and WMA094-3. Drillhole WMA094-2, which intersected high-grade unconformity uranium mineralization consisting of 3.88% eU3O8 over 13.2 metres, including ultra high-grade uranium mineralization of 23.22% eU3O8 over 2.0 metres, indicates the significant potential for additional ultra high-grade zones or pods within and beyond the currently established Pike Zone footprint. Figure 3 - Pike Zone L0 and L15W Sections To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/2864/224642_1b45be42f4292b85_006full.jpg The Company completed one additional drillhole on L70E, WMA082-15, which tested down-dip of the ultra high-grade uranium mineralization reported in WMA082-7 (see News Release dated July 9th, 2024). WMA082-15 returned basement-hosted uranium mineralization along the controlling structures on L70E. Table 1 - Radiometric Equivalent Uranium Grades DDH From (m) To (m) Length (m)5 Average Grade (% eU3O8)6 WMA0941,3 790.5 796.7 6.2 0.54 Including4 794.3 794.8 0.5 3.21 WMA0941,3 807.0 810.4 3.4 2.17 Including4 807.7 810.0 2.3 2.95 WMA0941,3 812.7 813.3 0.6 0.48 WMA0941,3 815.6 823.2 7.6 0.35 WMA094-11,3 790.7 800.6 9.9 3.41 Including4 792.1 795.8 3.7 8.08 Including4 796.8 797.2 0.4 3.09 WMA094-11,3 803.2 803.6 0.4 0.2 WMA094-21,3 784.7 797.9 13.2 3.88 Including4 794.4 796.4 2.0 23.22 WMA094-31,3 787.5 790.4 2.9 0.17 WMA094-31,3 791.4 796.8 5.4 0.41 WMA094-31,3 800.8 806.7 5.9 0.51 WMA094-31,3 814.8 816.4 1.6 0.83 WMA082-152,3 824.2 829.0 4.8 0.8 Including4 828.4 828.7 0.3 2.89 WMA082-152,3 835.7 836.3 0.6 0.31 WMA094, WMA094-1, WMA094-2, and WMA094-3 were all drilled at an azimuth of 313 with an inclination of -80.0, collared at 477,236 mE / 6,396,517 mN, 600 m A.S.L. (UTM NAD83 Z13N) as a pilot hole with subsequent daughter holes from WMA094. WMA082-15 was drilled at an azimuth of 295 with an inclination of -79.3, collared at 477,345 mE / 6,396,525 mN, 605 m A.S.L. (UTM NAD83 Z13N) as a daughter hole from WMA082. Intersection interval is composited above a cut-off grade of 0.1% eU3O8 with a maximum of 1.0 m of internal dilution. Intersection interval is composited above a cut-off grade of 2.0% eU3O8 with a maximum of 1.0 m of internal dilution. All reported depths and intervals are drill hole depths and intervals, unless otherwise noted, and do not represent true thicknesses, which have yet to be determined. Radiometric equivalent ("eU3O8") derived from a calibrated gamma downhole probe. In addition, during the summer drill program, three drill holes were completed several kilometres along strike to the east of the Pike Zone on the geophysical target corridor. These drill holes were focused on testing geophysical gaps and structural targets identified from previous drill programs. Within WMA091 and WMA092, a broad sandstone structure characterized by strong silicification, clay alteration, and hydrothermal dravitic breccias was intersected. Within WMA093, a graphitic, chlorite altered fault zone was intersected approximately 90 metres into the basement. The results from the drill holes along strike to the east of the Pike Zone show encouraging post-Athabasca structural re-activation along the graphitic stratigraphy. The Company is currently engaged in the budget process for the 2025 exploration program. Geochemical assay results from the summer portion of the 2024 exploration program are pending. Figure 4 - WMA094-2 Core Photograph To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/2864/224642_1b45be42f4292b85_008full.jpg Drillhole Details: WMA094: The lower sandstone column of WMA094 is strongly bleached with limonite alteration extending over 80 metres above the unconformity. Within the lower sandstone column, multiple metre-scale fault zones were intersected and are characterized by broken to blocky core, broad hydrothermal dravitic breccias with localized re-activation, and zones of quartz dissolution. One interval of unconformity-associated uranium mineralization was intersected and is associated with strongly grey-altered sandstone (Figure 3; Table 1). The unconformity contact between the Athabasca sandstone and underlying basement rocks is interpreted to be at 793.9 metres down hole. Several intervals of basement-hosted uranium mineralization were intersected throughout the graphitic pelitic rocks (Figure 3; Table 1). These zones are characterized by structurally-controlled, disseminated, and foliation-controlled uranium mineralization. Within the mineralized intervals, isolated intervals of core loss were recorded due to intense alteration and quartz dissolution. The basement is strongly clay and chlorite altered as a broad halo around the basement-hosted uranium mineralization with multiple re-activated fault zones throughout the interval. WMA094-1: The lower sandstone column of WMA094-1 is strongly bleached with limonite alteration extending over 90 metres above the unconformity. Within the lower sandstone column, multiple metre-scale fault zones were intersected and are characterized by broken to blocky core, large intervals of hydrothermal dravitic breccias with localized re-activation, and zones of quartz dissolution. Near the unconformity, the fault zones are associated with intense silicification and sooty pyrite alteration. WMA094-1 contains one main interval of unconformity-associated uranium mineralization characterized by massive to semi-massive, structurally-controlled, and disseminated mineralization associated with strong sooty pyrite, dark red hematite, and green-grey clay replacement immediately around the unconformity contact. (Figure 3; Table 1). Within the mineralized interval, isolated intervals of core loss were recorded due to intense alteration and quartz dissolution. The unconformity contact between the Athabasca sandstone and underlying basement rocks is interpreted to be at 795.1 metres down hole. The basement is strongly clay and chlorite altered as a broad halo around the high-grade uranium mineralization with multiple re-activated fault zones throughout the interval. WMA094-2: The lower sandstone column of WMA094-2 is strongly bleached with limonite alteration extending over 90 metres above the unconformity. Within the lower sandstone column, multiple metre-scale fault zones were intersected and are characterized by broken to blocky core, large intervals of hydrothermal dravitic breccias with localized re-activation, and zones of quartz dissolution. Near the unconformity, the fault zones are associated with intense silicification and sooty pyrite alteration. WMA094-2 contains one main interval of unconformity-associated uranium mineralization characterized by massive to semi-massive, structurally-controlled, and disseminated mineralization associated with strong sooty pyrite, dark red hematite, and green-grey clay replacement immediately around the unconformity contact. (Figure 3; Figure 4; Table 1). Within the mineralized interval, isolated intervals of core loss were recorded due to intense alteration and quartz dissolution. The unconformity contact between the Athabasca sandstone and underlying basement rocks is interpreted to be at 799.8 metres down hole. The basement is strongly clay and chlorite altered as a broad halo around the high-grade uranium mineralization with multiple re-activated fault zones throughout the interval. WMA094-3: The lower sandstone column of WMA094-3 is strongly bleached with limonite alteration extending over 80 metres above the unconformity. Within the lower sandstone column, multiple metre-scale fault zones were intersected and are characterized by broken to blocky core, large intervals of hydrothermal dravitic breccias with localized re-activation, and zones of quartz dissolution. Near the unconformity, the fault zones are associated with silicification and sooty pyrite alteration. WMA094-3 contains two intervals of unconformity-associated uranium mineralization characterized by structurally-controlled and disseminated mineralization associated with strong sooty pyrite, dark red hematite, and green-grey clay replacement immediately around the unconformity contact. (Figure 3; Table 1). Within the mineralized interval, isolated intervals of core loss were recorded due to intense alteration and quartz dissolution. The unconformity contact between the Athabasca sandstone and underlying basement rocks is interpreted to be at 794.6 metres down hole. Several intervals of basement-hosted uranium mineralization were intersected throughout the graphitic pelitic rocks (Figure 3; Table 1). These zones are characterized by semi-massive, structurally-controlled, and disseminated uranium mineralization. The basement is strongly clay and chlorite altered as a broad halo around the high-grade uranium mineralization with multiple re-activated fault zones throughout the interval. WMA091 was completed 4.3 kilometres along strike to the east of the Pike Zone. Within the basal sandstone, from 580 - 630 metres, a large post-Athabasca fault zone was intersected. The fault zone is characterized by strong bleaching and silicification with multiple re-activated hydrothermal dravitic breccia zones. WMA092 was completed 4.6 kilometres along strike to the east of the Pike Zone, following up the results from WMA091. In WMA092, a large post-Athabasca sandstone fault zone was intersected immediately at the unconformity, from 765 - 810 m, and was characterized by strong bleaching, limonite, silicification with multiple re-activated hydrothermal dravitic breccia zones. WMA093 was completed 5.1 kilometres along strike to the east of the Pike Zone, following up the encouraging sandstone structures in WMA091 and WMA092. WMA093 intersected a 7 metre-wide post-Athabasca basement fault zone approximately 90 metres below the unconformity. The fault zone was hosted in a chlorite-altered graphitic pelite interval with intervals of clay gouge and breccia. Other News The Company will be presenting a webinar hosted by Red Cloud on October 2nd, 2024. Registration is available through the following link: https://redcloudfs.com/events/rcwebinar-cvv-4/ The Company invites you to view a special video tour of the West McArthur uranium project. This video provides an exclusive look at our key exploration activities and the exciting potential of the Pike Zone discovery. The video tour is available on the Company's YouTube channel or through the following link: Inside West McArthur: Exploring High-Grade Uranium with CEO Cory Belyk and VP Nathan Bridge (youtube.com) Geochemical Sampling Procedures and Use of Radiometric Equivalent Grades All drill core samples from the program were shipped to the Saskatchewan Research Council Geoanalytical Laboratories (SRC) in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan in secure containment for preparation, processing, and multi-element analysis by ICP-MS and ICP-OES using total (HF:NHO3:HClO4) and partial digestion (HNO3:HCl), boron by fusion, and U3O8 wt% assay by ICP-OES using higher grade standards. Assay samples are chosen based on downhole probing radiometric equivalent uranium grades and scintillometer (SPP2 or CT007-M) peaks. Assay sample intervals comprise 0.3 - 0.8 metre continuous half-core split samples over the mineralized intervals. With all assay samples, one half of the split sample is retained and the other sent to the SRC for analysis. The SRC is an ISO/IEC 17025/2005 and Standards Council of Canada certified analytical laboratory. Blanks, standard reference materials, and repeats are inserted into the sample stream at regular intervals by CanAlaska and the SRC in accordance with CanAlaska's quality assurance/quality control (QA/QC) procedures. Geochemical assay data are subject to verification procedures by qualified persons employed by CanAlaska prior to disclosure. During active exploration programs drillholes are radiometrically logged using calibrated downhole GeoVista NGRS and TGGS (Triple GM) gamma probes which collect continuous readings along the length of the drillhole. Preliminary radiometric equivalent uranium grades ("eU3O8") are then calculated from the downhole radiometric results. The probe is calibrated using an algorithm calculated from the calibration of the probe at the Saskatchewan Research Council facility in Saskatoon and from the comparison of probe results against geochemical analyses. At extremely high radiometric equivalent uranium grades, downhole gamma probes may become saturated, resulting in the probe being overwhelmed, which in turn can create difficulties in accurately determining extremely high-grade radiometric equivalent uranium grades, and a cap may be applied to the grade. The equivalent uranium grades are preliminary and are subsequently reported as definitive assay grades following sampling and chemical analysis of the mineralized drill core. In the case where core recovery within a mineralized intersection is poor or non-existent, radiometric grades are considered to be more representative of the mineralized intersection and may be reported in the place of assay grades. Radiometric equivalent probe results are subject to verification procedures by qualified persons employed by CanAlaska prior to disclosure. All reported depths and intervals are drill hole depths and intervals, unless otherwise noted, and do not represent true thicknesses, which have yet to be determined. About CanAlaska Uranium CanAlaska Uranium Ltd. (TSXV: CVV) (OTCQX: CVVUF) (FSE: DH7) is a Canadian based exploration company and holds interest in approximately 500,000 hectares (1,235,000 acres) in Canada's Athabasca Basin focused on exploration and discovery of high-grade unconformity uranium deposits. The Company is actively advancing the Pike Zone discovery - a new high-grade uranium discovery on its West McArthur Joint Venture project in the eastern Athabasca Basin. In addition, the Company has several other uranium-focused exploration programs. CanAlaska deploys a hybrid project generator model, focusing on the acquisition and sale of prospective projects, while also executing exploration programs on CanAlaska's most strategic land holdings. The Company's extensive portfolio has attracted international mining companies, including Cameco Corporation and Denison Mines as active partners. CanAlaska is led by an experienced team of professionals with a proven track record of discovery. The Company's head office is in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada with a satellite office in Vancouver, BC, Canada. For further information visit www.canalaska.com. The Qualified Person under National Instrument 43-101 Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects for this news release is Nathan Bridge, MSc., P. Geo., Vice-President Exploration for CanAlaska Uranium Ltd., who has reviewed and approved its contents. On behalf of the Board of Directors "Cory Belyk" Cory Belyk, P.Geo., FGC CEO, President and Director CanAlaska Uranium Ltd. Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. Forward-Looking information All statements included in this press release that address activities, events or developments that the Company expects, believes or anticipates will or may occur in the future are forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements involve numerous assumptions made by the Company based on its experience, perception of historical trends, current conditions, expected future developments and other factors it believes are appropriate in the circumstances. In addition, these statements involve substantial known and unknown risks and uncertainties that contribute to the possibility that the predictions, forecasts, projections and other forward-looking statements will prove inaccurate, certain of which are beyond the Company's control. Readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements. Except as required by law, the Company does not intend to revise or update these forward-looking statements after the date hereof or revise them to reflect the occurrence of future unanticipated events. To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/224642 SOURCE: CanAlaska Uranium Ltd. Toronto, Ontario--(Newsfile Corp. - September 26, 2024) - Appia Rare Earths & Uranium Corp. (CSE: API) (OTCQX: APAAF) (FWB: A0I0) (MUN: A0I0) (BER: A0I0) (the "Company" or "Appia") is pleased to announce the confirmation of intersecting uranium (U) and rare earth elements (REE) mineralization while drill testing the potential of three (3) exploratory targets at the southern limits of Appia's Loranger property located south of Wollaston Lake, Saskatchewan. The drill results, analyzed and verified by the Saskatchewan Research Council (SRC) Laboratories in Saskatoon, confirm the Company's early-stage geological hypotheses to locate a set of subsurface, variable length (2.2 to 2.5 km) electromagnetic (EM) conductors (Figure 1) favorable for U and REE mineralization. The success of this drilling program highlights the potential of the Loranger property as a dual-commodity property within Appia's portfolio. Highlights of the 2024 Assay Results: Uranium Mineralization: Drill Core 24-LOR-003: 0.10 m of 409.11 ppm (0.04 wt%) U3O8 from 171.31 m to 171.41 m, confirming the presence of uranium alongside rare earth elements within the same 2.2 km electromagnetic conductor / Tabbernor Fault intersection. Rare Earth Element (REE) Mineralization: Drill Core 24-LOR-003: 0.18 m of 0.56 wt.% TREO from 154.02 m to 154.10 m, including a 0.10 m interval of 0.80 wt.% TREO, confirming the presence of rare earth elements between the northeast trending 2.2 km EM conductor and N-S trending Tabbernor Fault (Figure 1). Drill Core 24-LOR-003: 0.10 m of 0.36 wt.% TREO from 171.31 m to 171.41 m. Additionally, 20 more samples within hole 24-LOR-003 returned REE values greater than 0.10 wt.% TREO, signifying sporadic rare earth element mineralization within this area. Full assay results click here. Stephen Burega, President of Appia, stated, "We are excited to announce the confirmed discovery of uranium and rare earth elements mineralization in our first exploratory drill holes within the southwestern block of the Loranger property. These results not only confirm our geologic hypotheses but also highlight the potential for further discovery along the set of variable length (2.2 to 2.5 km) EM conductors, giving our team new drill targets for future programs." Importance of Loranger's Location for Uranium and REE Mineralization: The Loranger property's location is strategically significant due to its proximity to the prolific uranium-bearing Athabasca Basin (Figure 2). The Athabasca Basin is renowned for its uranium deposits and nearby rare earth element discoveries, positioning itself as a major source of global uranium production. As a result of the Loranger 2024 diamond drilling program, Appia has confirmed both commodities are present on this property, validating the potential for further discoveries within the Company's early-stage geological model. Next Steps: Encouraged by the positive results, Appia plans to initiate a follow-up program at Loranger to investigate these findings further and expand its work efforts within the proximate area, specifically southwest along strike of the 2.2 km electromagnetic conductor, and within the proximate conjunction between it and the local Tabbernor Fault. This subsequent work will focus on delineating the extent of both uranium and rare earth element mineralization and evaluating the potential for additional discoveries. Appia remains committed to transparency and will continue to update shareholders and the public as exploration progresses. We look forward to sharing further developments and enhancing our understanding of the Loranger property's value. Summary assay tables are presented below. Click here to access the full, detailed geochemical assay results, providing comprehensive information on the highlighted drill hole samples identified during the 2024 Loranger Diamond Drilling Program. Figure 1 - Drill hole collars, electromagnetic conductors, and Tabbernor Fault System overlaying Electromagnetic Time Constant (dB/dT - EM Tau) Survey. To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/5416/224653_b1699d8424bb5ac5_001full.jpg Figure 2 - Prolific Mines and Exploration Sites - Athabasca Basin, and Peter Lake Domain near Appia's Eastside Property To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/5416/224653_b1699d8424bb5ac5_002full.jpg Table 1 - Highlighted Drill Hole Composite TREO wt.% and U3O8 wt.% Grades for 24-LOR-003 Drill Hole ID From (m) To (m) Length (m) Composite Grade U3O8 (wt.%) CompositeGrade TREO (wt.%) Including 24-LOR-003 154.02 154.20 0.18 0.02 0.56 0.10. m of 0.80 wt.% TREO 24-LOR-003 171.31 171.41 0.10 0.04 0.36 n/a Note: -The REE Thulium (Tm) and Promethium (Pm) are not reported because they are both extremely scarce in nature, and Pm forms as a product of spontaneous fission of U-238. -TREO = Total Rare Earth Oxides = sum of La2O3 + CeO2 + Pr6O11 + Nd2O3 + Sm2O3 + Eu2O3 + Gd2O3 + Tb4O7 + Dy2O3 + Ho2O3 + Er2O3 + Yb2O3 + Lu2O3 + Y2O3 Table 2 - Drill Collar Coordinates - 2024 Loranger Diamond Drilling Program Drill Hole ID Easting Northing Elevation (m) Azimuth () Dip () EOH (m) 24-LOR-001 574947 6400472 430 320 -55 252 24-LOR-002 575667 6401504 408 140 -60 219 24-LOR-003 579625 6406313 430 140 -70 243 About the Loranger Project The Eastside Project is strategically located east of the prolific uranium-bearing Athabasca Basin region of Saskatchewan, Canada. This area is renowned for its significant uranium deposits, surrounding rare earth element plays, and favorable geological conditions that have historically led to high-grade uranium discoveries. The Loranger Property is situated in close proximity to several known uranium and REE deposits and mineralization trends, notably the Rabbit Lake and Eagle Point deposits. The Loranger project area is 26,409 hectares and is 100% owned by Appia. Based on previous and current geological exploration programs, the project area has been identified as prospective for uranium and rare earth element (REE) mineralization. * Critical rare earth elements/oxides (CREO) are defined here as those that are in short-supply and high-demand for use in permanent magnets that enable modern electronic applications such as electric vehicles and wind turbines. The "magnet alloy" rare earths (CREO) are neodymium (Nd), praseodymium (Pr), dysprosium (Dy) and terbium (Tb). Drill core was collected using a helicopter-portable diamond drill and samples were cut into split drill core. The location of the sample selection within drill core was determined using handheld scintillometers and spectrometers. All discovered locations within drill core above approximately 250 counts per second (cps) were sampled. A total of 41 split drill core samples were collected during the 2024 drilling program. Drill core samples were collected at variable lengths lines apart depending on lithological contacts and measurable radioactivity above Appia's cutoff of 250 cps. Sample intervals ranged from 0.01 m to 0.25 m in length. All lithogeochemical assay results of grab and channel samples were provided by Saskatchewan Research Council's Geoanalytical Laboratory, an ISO/IEC 17025:2005 (CAN-P-4E) certified laboratory in Saskatoon, SK. All analytical results reported herein have passed internal QA/QC review and compilation. The technical content in this news release was reviewed and approved by Dr. Irvine R. Annesley, P.Geo., Senior Technical Advisor for Appia and a Qualified Person as defined by National Instrument 43-101. About Appia Rare Earths & Uranium Corp. (Appia) Appia is a publicly traded Canadian company in the rare earth element and uranium sectors. The Company holds the right to acquire up to a 70% interest in the PCH Ionic Adsorption Clay Project (See June 9th, 2023 Press Release - Click HERE) which is 40,963.18 ha. in size and located within the Goias State of Brazil. (See January 11th, 2024 Press Release - Click HERE) The Company is also focusing on delineating high-grade critical rare earth elements and gallium on the Alces Lake property, and exploring for high-grade uranium in the prolific Athabasca Basin on its Otherside, Loranger, North Wollaston, and Eastside properties. The Company holds the surface rights to exploration for 94,982.39 hectares (234,706.59 acres) in Saskatchewan. The Company also has a 100% interest in 13,008 hectares (32,143 acres), with rare earth elements and uranium deposits over five mineralized zones in the Elliot Lake Camp, Ontario. Appia has 136.3 million common shares outstanding, 145 million shares fully diluted. Cautionary note regarding forward-looking statements: This News Release contains forward-looking statements which are typically preceded by, followed by or including the words "believes", "expects", "anticipates", "estimates", "intends", "plans" or similar expressions. Forward-looking statements are not a guarantee of future performance as they involve risks, uncertainties and assumptions. We do not intend and do not assume any obligation to update these forward-looking statements and shareholders are cautioned not to put undue reliance on such statements. Neither the Canadian Securities Exchange nor its Market Regulator (as that term is defined in the policies of the CSE) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. For more information, visit www.appiareu.com. As part of our ongoing effort to keep investors, interested parties and stakeholders updated, we have several communication portals. If you have any questions online (X, Facebook, LinkedIn) please feel free to send direct messages. To book a one-on-one 30-minute Zoom video call, please click here. To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/224653 SOURCE: Appia Rare Earths & Uranium Corp. BISHKEK, Kyrgyzstan, Sept. 26, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Sheikh Sultan bin Ahmed bin Sultan Al Qasimi, Deputy Ruler of Sharjah and Chairman of the Sharjah Media Council, launched the Small Hearts and Eyes Campaign on Thursday, at the National Hospital in the Kyrgyz capital, Bishkek. The campaign is supported by the Sharjah Broadcasting Authority in collaboration with the Sharjah Charity International, targeting patients who are unable to pay the costs of treatment. Sultan bin Ahmed listened to a detailed explanation from Dr. Ahmed Mohammed Al Kamali, a pediatric heart surgery specialist, about the cases that have undergone surgery, as well as those that will be examined and diagnosed to determine the appropriate type of treatment, whether through catheterization or heart surgery for the sick children. The Chairman of the Sharjah Media Council, learned about the procedures followed in diagnosing medical cases and determining the treatment plans for patients. He observed the preparation methods for patients undergoing catheterization and various surgical operations, such as heart hole and atrial septal defect surgeries at the hospital. The Deputy Ruler of Sharjah also met with a number of children benefiting from the medical support donated by the Sharjah Broadcasting Authority, reassuring himself about their health and the progress of their treatment plans. The Deputy Ruler of Sharjah wished them continued health and well-being, praising the significant cooperation from Dr. Ahmed Al Kamali and the local medical team at the National Hospital in Kyrgyzstan for performing surgeries on the patients. The Chairman of the Sharjah Media Council moved to the Eye Diseases Building at the National Hospital, listening to the medical staff about the process of receiving patients for eye surgeries, diagnosing medical conditions, and the surgical operations supported by the campaign, such as those for vision impairment and cataract removal. Sheikh Sultan bin Ahmed talked with eye patients who had undergone surgeries, expressing their immense joy and extending their gratitude and appreciation for the charitable efforts of the United Arab Emirates and Sharjah in covering the treatment costs. This support has helped them regain their sight after a long period of loss and allowed them to resume their normal lives. They prayed that God would reward Sheikh Sultan bin Ahmed and all generous individuals for the humanitarian services provided by the institutions of the Emirate of Sharjah in treating patients around the world. The Chairman of the Sharjah Media Council, directed the specialists to expedite the provision of the latest medical devices and equipment necessary for diagnosing medical conditions and offering full support to patients at the hospital. This directive followed Sultan bin Ahmed's visit to the examination rooms and medical laboratories, which contained outdated traditional equipment. This effort is part of the patient support campaign funded by the Sharjah Broadcasting Authority through its charitable television and radio programs. The campaign to treat heart and eye patients, launched by the Sharjah Broadcasting Authority through its charitable program "Pain and Hope," aims to collect donations from generous individuals and provide the necessary care and treatment to approximately 1,000 underprivileged children suffering from heart conditions and eye diseases. The Sheikh Sultan bin Ahmed was accompanied with Sheikh Saqr bin Muhammad Al Qasimi, Chairman of the Sharjah Charity International (SCI); Muhammad Hassan Khalaf, Director General of the Sharjah Broadcasting Authority; Tariq Saeed Allay, the Director General of the Sharjah Government Media Bureau; Hassan Yaqoub Al Mansouri, Secretary-General of the Sharjah Media Council; Rashid Abdullah Al Obeid, Director of Sharjah Media City "Shams"; Salem Ali Al Ghaithi, Director of the Sharjah Broadcasting Authority; Abdullah Sultan bin Khadim, Executive Director of the Sharjah Charity International; and several directors and officials from the October Village in the Kyrgyz Republic. Photo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2516531/Small_Hearts_and_Eyes_Campaign_1.jpg Photo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2516533/Small_Hearts_and_Eyes_Campaign_2.jpg Photo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2516534/Small_Hearts_and_Eyes_Campaign_3.jpg Photo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2516530/Small_Hearts_and_Eyes_Campaign_4.jpg Photo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2516532/Small_Hearts_and_Eyes_Campaign_5.jpg View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/sultan-bin-ahmed-launches-small-hearts-and-eyes-campaign-at-the-national-hospital-in-the-kyrgyz-republic-302259856.html QAD Inc., a leading provider of next-generation manufacturing and supply chain solutions in the cloud, wrapped its EMEA customer conference, QAD Transform Europe, in Brussels, with final preparations now underway for its next event, QAD Transform Americas, happening November 4-6 in Chicago, Illinois. This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20240926635086/en/ Colin Coleman and Michael White of luxury flooring manufacturer Amtico giving their "Transforming your Workforce with QAD Redzone" presentation at general session (Photo: Business Wire) "We are grateful for such a successful first Transform event and want to thank all who came together with us in Brussels, and our customers who shared such impactful success stories," said QAD Chief Product and Marketing Officer Carter Lloyds. "The only way for businesses to thrive is to transform, which is why we are excited to continue the thought leading discussions around mapping that transformation journey in Chicago." Customers, sponsors and other members of the QAD community will join fellow manufacturing and supply chain leaders from across the Americas for two and a half days of networking, education and technology innovation. Attendees will hear from industry experts and peers about the state of manufacturing and supply chains, what the future may bring and how to stay adaptive. Agenda Highlights: Introducing the Industrial Transformation Platform QAD's roadmap to help companies transform into an Adaptive Enterprise with QAD CEO Anton Chilton QAD's roadmap to help companies transform into an Adaptive Enterprise with QAD CEO Anton Chilton Panel discussion with industry leaders on the transformation imperative with industry leaders on the transformation imperative Effective change management across your organization across your organization Uncovering root causes not symptoms of supply chain disruption Keynote address on QAD's technology strategy and the benefits of the Cloud with QAD CTO Tony Winter AWS Enterprise Technologist Anand Desikan with QAD CTO Tony Winter AWS Enterprise Technologist Anand Desikan Keynote address on Artificial Intelligence with Dan Chuparkoff, Technology leader and AI expert Leveraging pragmatic AI Aligning ESG and sustainability with commercial objectives with commercial objectives QAD's new flagship ERP release ERP O Product updates on QAD Redzone Connected Workforce, QAD GTTE, QAD SRM, QAD DSCP and QAD Process Intelligence Customer success stories Panel discussion with Automotive industry thought leaders with Automotive industry thought leaders Life Sciences Roundtable Lunch : Software Validation and Assurance : Software Validation and Assurance The new QAD roadmap for the Food and Beverage industry Breakout sessions and QAD Sponsor Expo The full agenda can be accessed here. For the latest updates on QAD Transform Americas, follow us on social media and engage using QADTransform. Event Details What: QAD Transform Americas Customer Conference When: November 4-6, 2024 Where: Fairmont Millennium Park Hotel Chicago, Illinois Registration: To register to attend QAD Transform Americas, click here. A special thanks to the QAD Transform event sponsors: Adaptivity, Ambit Software, Arista Consulting, AWS, Broomstreet, Digitus Business Solutions, Discovery Intech, Doclib, DSR 4Factory, Eagle, JK Tech, Logan Consulting, Progress OpenEdge, Strategic Information Group, Yash About QAD Enabling Adaptive Enterprises QAD Inc. is a leading provider of next-generation manufacturing and supply chain solutions in the cloud. To succeed in a turbulent world, facing disruptions in supply and fluctuations in demand, manufacturers and supply chains must rapidly respond to change and seamlessly optimize agility, efficiency, and resilience for effective customer service. QAD delivers Adaptive Applications to enable these Adaptive Enterprises. Founded in Santa Barbara, California, QAD has customers in 84 countries around the world. Thousands of companies have deployed QAD enterprise solutions including enterprise resource planning (ERP), digital commerce, supplier relationship management (SRM), digital supply chain planning (DSCP), global trade and transportation execution (GTTE), enterprise quality management system (EQMS), connected workforce and process intelligence. To learn more, visit www.qad.com or call +1 805-566-6100. Find us on LinkedIn, X, Facebook and Instagram. "QAD" is a registered trademark of QAD. All other products or company names herein may be trademarks of their respective owners. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20240926635086/en/ Contacts: QAD Inc. Caleb Finch Public Relations 805-566-6100 publicrelations@qad.com Beth Hespe Analyst Relations 609-709-3769 industryanalyst@qad.com Proactively responding to the strengthening trend of vehicle security, securing certification in Europe that leads global standards Established dedicated cybersecurity organization and system, continuously strengthening vehicle security management capabilities for the 'smartphone on wheels' SEOUL, South Korea, Sept. 26, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Hyundai Mobis (KRX: 012330), Hyundai Mobis has become the first Asian automotive supplier to obtain cybersecurity certification in Europe, where it is leading the global automotive security standards. Cybersecurity has emerged as a critically important area as the proportion of software in vehicles increases and user-customized data processing becomes more prevalent. Additionally, regulations regarding vehicle security are being tightened in various countries, making cybersecurity-related certifications a crucial competitive advantage for global products and orders. On the 26th, Hyundai Mobis announced that it held a cybersecurity certification presentation ceremony at its technology research center in Yongin, Gyeonggi Province, attended by representatives from the European Automotive Manufacturing and Supply Association (ENX). The European Automotive Manufacturing and Supply Association comprises European global automakers and automotive suppliers such as Daimler, Volkswagen, BMW, and Bosch and oversees vehicle cybersecurity-related certifications (VCS; Vehicle Cyber Security). The certification from this association is recognized as highly credible and has become a mandatory condition during the auto component ordering stages for European Global Automaker clients. In the automotive industry, cybersecurity involves protecting vehicle systems and networks with reliable security technologies to respond to risks such as external hacking and prevent the leakage of user personal information. With the increase in the application of various IT functions in recently released vehicles and the full-scale advent of the Software-Driven Vehicle (SDV) era, the cybersecurity response capabilities of both global automakers and automotive suppliers have become increasingly important. The VCS certification obtained by Hyundai Mobis signifies that the main products developed and produced by Hyundai Mobis comply with European automotive cybersecurity regulations and that the company has established the necessary business procedures and systems. The certification covers all areas from product design, evaluation, quality, and production to post-production management. Hyundai Mobis has swiftly responded to the global trend of strengthening automotive security regulations and standards, achieving the milestone of obtaining European certification as the first Asian company. With this certification, Hyundai Mobis is expected to enhance its global order competitiveness based on its outstanding capabilities and reliability in the automotive cybersecurity field. It has been reported that company officials showed significant interest in Hyundai Mobis having proactively obtained the cybersecurity certification during recent responses to orders from European Global Automakers. Europe has mandated cybersecurity certification for all vehicles released after July this year. Since 2020, Hyundai Mobis has established a dedicated cybersecurity organization and advanced its Cyber Security Management System (CSMS). By continuously strengthening vehicle security capabilities that comply with global regulations and standards for user safety, Hyundai Mobis has achieved this certification. Cheon Jae-seung, Head of Hyundai Mobis FTCI (Future Convergence Technology Institute), stated, "In the future automotive industry, often referred to as the 'smartphone on wheels,' the importance of cybersecurity is increasingly growing," and "We will elevate our capabilities to efficiently respond to not only European but also other regions' regulations and standards." Media Contact Choon Kee Hwang: ckhwang@mobis.com Myong Sun Song: sms@mobis.com Logo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1166884/hyundaimobis_CI_Logo.jpg View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/hyundai-mobis-becomes-the-first-asian-company-to-receive-cybersecurity-certification-from-european-automotive-association-302258489.html Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - September 26, 2024) - Couloir Capital is pleased to announce it has initiated research coverage on Juggernaut Exploration Ltd. (TSXV: JUGR) ("JUGR," or "Company"). Couloir Capital's Senior Mining Analyst, Ron Wortel, MBA, P.Eng., Q.P. crafted a report titled "Making Tracks with Discoveries in the Golden Triangle." Report excerpt: "Juggernaut holds three claim groups in Northwest British Columbia, see Table 1. These projects are in or close to the well-known Golden Triangle region of the province, home to many significant mines, deposits, and recent discoveries. The projects in Juggernaut's asset base are based on discoveries made by the J2 Syndicate from whom they were optioned. The J2 Syndicate entered this prospective region, the Golden Triangle and environs, and found discoveries by searching the alpine regions in areas of glacial retreat. Table 1: Claim Groups and Prospects Source: Couloir Capital To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/7358/224651_table1.jpg This process of on-the-ground prospective work has proven to be successful for the company as it holds several of these discoveries on its land package. The claim groups total over 31,660 hectares and are located at the southern limit of the Golden Triangle and its presumed extension. The rock types, mineralization, and favorable regional contact extend further south to these projects. The location of the Company's claim groups is given in Figure 1 below, and their position in relation to the Golden Triangle and its numerous deposits and projects. Figure 1: Claim Group Map* To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/7358/224651_e638e08be410bb36_002full.jpg Source: Juggernaut Exploration *Surebet prospect on Golddigger claim group held by Goliath Resources Ltd. The Golden Triangle of Northwest British Columbia is one of the most active and mineralogically rich exploration camps in the world. The region currently hosts three operating mines: Brucejack, Red Chris, and the recently restarted Premier mine. A fourth mine, which is another restart at the Eskay Creek project, recently received project financing of US$ 750 million. The camp and its deposits are desirable for their quality, grade, size, and being in a safe jurisdiction. The market refers to the Golden Triangle as a Tier One jurisdiction. This discovery and development potential led to significant transactions over the past several years, as listed in Table 2, highlighting this market interest." The report can be accessed through Couloir Capital's portal: https://www.couloircapital.com/research-portal. Investors are encouraged to sign up for a subscription to receive research reports and other valuable information. About Couloir Capital Ltd. Couloir Capital Ltd. is an investment research firm with a team of experienced investment professionals dedicated to providing opportunities in the natural resource exploration and development sectors. Our research reports are disseminated through Bloomberg, FactSet, Capital IQ, LSEG, and many other portals, as well as through our social media and large email distribution list. To subscribe, please visit: https://www.couloircapital.com/research-portal DISCLAIMER: Analyst Disclosure: Couloir Capital does hold shares or options in the Company. The analyst does not hold shares or options in the Company. The company has retained Couloir Capital under a service agreement that includes analyst research coverage. Investors are encouraged to read the complete list of disclosures contained in the report. Juggernaut Exploration's CEO is a Dealing Representative (broker) at Couloir Securities Ltd. To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/224651 SOURCE: Couloir Capital Ltd The PeakMetrics 2.0 solution combines narrative clustering and customizable threat scores to detect, decipher, and defend against AI-driven misinformation, media manipulation, and adversarial attacks. PeakMetrics , a leading AI-powered narrative intelligence company, today announced the launch of PeakMetrics 2.0, an enhanced platform that offers cutting-edge narrative and threat detection. This major update equips governments and organizations with advanced tools to anticipate risks and mitigate emerging threats before they impact reputation, security, or financial health. PeakMetrics 2.0 introduces powerful features, including new narrative clustering algorithms and customizable threat score alerts, pushing beyond the limits of traditional media monitoring tools to offer a more comprehensive solution. The intuitive interface ensures that teams can identify, analyze, and act on emerging narratives with greater speed and precision. "PeakMetrics 2.0 reimagines how operators can sift through the information environment, with advanced features that address AI-driven threats like deepfakes and disinformation," said Nick Loui, co-founder and CEO of PeakMetrics. "This update provides organizations with early warnings and critical insights, helping them prioritize the risks that matter most. We're thankful to the many customers who have provided feedback along the way and are excited to officially launch these updates." As the complexity and costs of online threats continue to rise, corporate disinformation alone is estimated to cost the global economy $78 billion annually. Meanwhile, AI-driven misinformation is the biggest short-term threat to the global economy, according to the World Economic Forum. PeakMetrics 2.0 is built to meet these challenges head-on, evolving beyond traditional monitoring tools. "Many organizations are relying on a traditional media monitoring solution today because they feel it's their only option - even if it's not the right tool for the job," said Bobby Lincoln, co-founder and COO of PeakMetrics. "PeakMetrics 2.0 provides something different. It's designed to complement media monitoring tools, while specifically helping organizations identify, analyze, and act on the threats and risks that actually matter to their brand." The new features and functionality within PeakMetrics 2.0 align with the company's "Detect, Decipher, Defend" framework: Detect: Expanded Data Sources: The platform collects intelligence from millions of media sources, including fringe and emerging channels like TikTok, Telegram, Discord, and more. This ensures early detection, as harmful narratives often start on fringe platforms. Narrative Clustering: PeakMetrics 2.0 simplifies thousands of mentions into digestible narratives, reducing the need for complex Boolean searches and revealing emerging trends faster. Multi-Language Intelligence: AI-powered narrative identification technology works across languages to spotlight emerging narratives and region-specific conversations. Decipher: Custom Threat Scores: PeakMetrics 2.0 users can customize models to assign a "score" to each threat, helping determine the potential scope and impact of emerging narratives relative to their organization. Partner Integrations: Advanced deep fake detection - via a partnership with Reality Defender - helps protect against fraud, scams, and impersonation. Collaboration with NewsGuard provides added context on source credibility. Explore Topics: Easily monitor hot-button issues across the platform without writing complex queries. Instantly see how your brand, competitors, industry, or topics are discussed within key conversations for a complete view. Network Graphs: Visually map how narratives spread, identifying key media domains or influencers pushing them. Defend: Tailored Reporting: Customizable options offer even more flexibility and value to reporting workflows. A sleeker design with improved visualizations streamlines the sharing of insights across teams and stakeholders. Response Plans: AI-generated summaries, recommendations, talking points, and guided action plans help jumpstart reporting and response efforts in minutes - not hours or days. Universal Dashboard: This feature allows users to compare and contrast workspaces in one place. An integration with Visily enables rapid data visualization for easy cross-functional reporting. "PeakMetrics 2.0 is built to address the speed, scale, and complexity of online conversations," said Joe Raczka, Chief Investment Officer and Managing Partner, York IE, and a member of the PeakMetrics board of directors. "This next evolution of the platform is empowering commercial and government organizations with the AI capabilities and expert support they need to protect their organizations." The launch of PeakMetrics 2.0 adds to an exciting year for the company. In August, the company was awarded a $1.85 million Tactical Funding Increase (TACFI) contract by the US Air Force. One month later, Loui was named to PR Week's 40 Under 40 list. PeakMetrics' proprietary data has been cited by national news publications such as The New York Times , The Wall Street Journal , and the Associated Press . Interested in learning more? Book a demo using this link . About PeakMetrics PeakMetrics offers a narrative intelligence platform that empowers governments and enterprises to detect and counter emerging narrative attacks- recently recognized by Forrester as 2024's top cybersecurity threat . Leveraging advanced AI, PeakMetrics monitors millions of media sources and 10+ different social media platforms to spot media manipulation and adversarial trends before they inflict serious damage to reputation, physical/cyber safety, or financial health. PeakMetrics helps clients collect early warnings and indicators that these attacks may be brewing on social media, decipher insights in real-time, and respond accordingly. Detect, decipher, defend at peakmetrics.com . Contacts: Jessica Pratt PeakMetrics jessica@peakmetrics.com Kate Campbell York IE kate@york.ie SOURCE: PeakMetrics September 29-30, 2024 at Hyatt Regency Lake Tahoe Resort, Incline Village, Nevada M2i Global, Inc. ("M2i," the "Company," "we," "our" or "us") (OTCQB:MTWO), a company specializing in the development and execution of a complete global value supply chain for critical minerals, today announced that its Chief Executive Officer, Major General (Ret) Alberto Rosende will be participating at the Nevada Lithium Summit, with a focus on discovering the opportunities to learn about Nevada's growing battery supply chain. Organized by Nevada Governor Joe Lombardo, this conference seeks to harness Nevada's unique position, resources, and expertise to foster collaboration across sectors, promote advanced mining and energy practices, and encourage the development of a complete economy built around the state's lithium resources. This two-day event provides opportunities to learn about Nevada's lithium loop, meet with industry professionals, connect with local, state and federal leaders, and leverage your opportunity to be a part of Nevada's growing battery supply chain. M2i's ecosystem provides partners with access to turnkey solutions, facilitating expanded business opportunities, securing offtake agreements, influencing strategic government policy, engaging with aligned NGOs, and trusted laboratories. About M2i Global, Inc. (OTCQB: MTWO): M2i Global, Inc., through its subsidiary U.S. Minerals and Metals Corp., provides engineering, research, and services that integrate people, technology, and solutions from across sectors to ensure access to critical minerals and metals for national defense and economic security. The Company aims to establish a Strategic Mineral Reserve in partnership with the U.S. Federal Government, creating a resilient supply chain that addresses the global shortage of essential minerals and metals. For more information, please visit www.m2i.global FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS: This press release contains "forward-looking statements." Such statements may be preceded by the words "intends," "may," "will," "plans," "expects," "anticipates," "projects," "predicts," "estimates," "aims," "believes," "hopes," "potential," or similar words. Forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance, are based on certain assumptions and are subject to various known and unknown risks and uncertainties, many of which are beyond the Company's control, and cannot be predicted or quantified and consequently, actual results may differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. More detailed information about the Company and the risk factors that may affect the realization of forward-looking statements is set forth in the Company's filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC"), including the Company's most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K and Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q. Investors and security holders are urged to read these documents free of charge on the SEC's website at www.sec.gov. All forward-looking statements speak only as of the date on which they are made. The Company undertakes no obligation to update any forward-looking statement or statements to reflect events or circumstances after the date on which such statement was made, except to the extent required by applicable securities laws. Investor Contacts: IR@M2icorp.com SOURCE: M2i Global Inc. Recognizing innovative work in advancing global sustainable development through demographic research and equitable technology in emergencies HONG KONG, Sept. 26, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Global philanthropic organization Yidan Prize Foundation has awarded the 2024 Yidan Prize, the world's highest education accolade, to Professor Wolfgang Lutz for his work in understanding the long-term benefits of near-term investments in education, and to Professor Mark Jordans, Marwa Zahr, and Luke Stannard for their efforts in bringing learning to life for marginalized children in conflict-affected and resource-constrained settings through War Child Alliance's 'Can't Wait to Learn' digital learning intervention. To date, the Yidan Prize Foundation has awarded a total of HK$480 million (approximately US$ 61.6 million) to recognize and support changemakers, half of which (HK$240 million, approximately US$30.8 million) is an unrestricted project fund for laureates to scale their work in over 50 countries. "As the world evolves, so must education. The Yidan Prize champions changemakers and innovative solutions that advance education in a rapidly changing world. The exceptional achievements of our 2024 laureates are critical in preparing the next generations for an uncertain future," said Dr Charles CHEN Yidan, philanthropist and Founder of the Yidan Prize. The award recognizes ideas that are future-oriented, innovative, transformative, and sustainable in Education Research and Education Development. Yidan Prize laureates will receive HK$30 million (approximately US$3.8 million), half of which is an unrestricted project fund of HK$15 million to support them in scaling their work. "In times of complex global challenges, it is paramount to recognize the critical need to put education at the center of global development. By spotlighting and bridging research and practices to address education needs, we move closer to achieving the UN's Sustainable Development Goal 4 in ensuring inclusive and equitable quality education for all," said Lucy Lake, Director of Global Engagement at Yidan Prize Foundation. Elevating education in the global dialogue for sustainable development Professor Wolfgang Lutz, Distinguished Emeritus Scholar at the International Institute for Applied Systems Analysis (IIASA), has won the 2024 Yidan Prize for Education Research. He is also the Founding Director of Wittgenstein Centre for Demography and Global Human Capital, established in collaboration with IIASA, Austrian Academy of Sciences, and the University of Vienna. His statistical research shows the long-term benefits of investing in universal primary and secondary education. A statistician and demographer who pioneered assessments of education's impact on sustainable development goals including health, economic growth, gender equity, and climate resilience, Wolfgang's work highlights the multiplier effect of quality education for a brighter future. He plans to use the Yidan Prize project funds to establish two research centers in partnership with the University of Cape Town, South Africa and Chulalongkorn University, Thailand. The centers will support policy decision-making by training more statisticians in Africa, and expand the evidence base in building resilience and adaptive capacity to climate change in coastal areas through education, respectively. "Wolfgang Lutz's work provides a scientific foundation that helps us connect the dots between better skills, better jobs, better life in our populations. His datasets, that are available to the world as a global public good, are crucial in informing public policy where to invest scarce public resources, to make the most difference for our collective future," Andreas Schleicher, head of the Yidan Prize for Education Research judging panel and Director for the OECD's Directorate of Education and Skills. Improving equitable access to joyful learning through technology The 2024 Yidan Prize for Education Development is awarded to War Child Alliance's Professor Mark Jordans, Director of Research and Development, Marwa Zahr, Implementation and Practitioner Lead, and Luke Stannard, Program Director of Can't Wait to Learn. The award recognizes the collaborative effort of War Child Alliance's Research and Development team and the Can't Wait to Learn team in widening educational access for over 205,000 marginalized children. In line with national curricula, 'Can't Wait to Learn' uses digital technology and locally-contextualized content to deliver quality education through online and offline games in conflict-affected and resource-constrained settings across eight countries including Ukraine, Lebanon, Uganda, Jordan, and South Sudan. The team and its partners co-design educational games with children and educators to ensure cultural relevance and accessibility, and continuously improves the platform based on evidence from scientific research and implementation evaluation. Through 'Can't Wait to Learn', children learn to read and count at their own pace using tablets, laptops and mobile phones. The cost-effective platform is proven to build foundational literacy and numeracy skills. The team plans to use the Yidan Prize project funds to scale, test, and optimize the 'Can't Wait to Learn' program based on evidence from research and implementation experience in countries where Can't Wait to Learn is already in place, as well as countries not yet reached. "Can't Wait to Learn's innovative, iterative, and collaborative approach shows that thoughtfully designed and deployed educational technology, as well as culturally and contextually relevant educational content can significantly enhance access to quality and equitable learning opportunities for the most marginalized children. This broad-based approach not only works in tandem with national curricula but also responds to the realities faced by the most vulnerable," said Dorothy K. Gordon, head of the Yidan Prize for Education Development judging panel and Board Member of the UNESCO Institute for Information Technologies in Education. The achievements of the 2024 laureates will be celebrated at the Yidan Prize Awards Ceremony on 8 December. As leaders in education, public policy, and philanthropy gather in Hong Kong, the annual Yidan Prize Summit will also take place on 9 December to explore the importance of resilience in education. Accelerating positive changes in global education Since its inception, the Yidan Prize has supported 19 changemakers in education on their projects across geographies. These include the 2023 Education Development laureate Shai Reshef, who has expanded access to higher education through the University of the People, providing virtual learning to over 137,000 students facing financial, geographical, cultural, or geographical barriers worldwide. Meanwhile, the 2022 Education Research laureate Dr Linda Darling-Hammond has informed educators and policymakers in over 15 countries about equitable teaching and learning methods through her research. "This year's nominations paint a vivid picture of progress in education globally. We're particularly encouraged by the rise in team nominations. This reinforces the power of collaboration in driving lasting change in education," said Dr Koichiro Matsuura, Chairman of the Yidan Prize Judging Committee and former Director-General of UNESCO. Nominations for the 2025 Yidan Prize are open from 25 October 2024 until 31 March 2025. ABOUT THE YIDAN PRIZE FOUNDATION The Yidan Prize Foundation is a global philanthropic foundation, with a mission of creating a better world through education. Through its prize and network of innovators, the Yidan Prize Foundation supports ideas and practices in education - specifically, ones with the power to positively change lives and society. The Yidan Prize is the world's highest education accolade that recognizes individuals or teams who have contributed significantly to the theory and practice of education. It consists of two prizes, working in harmony: the Yidan Prize for Education Research and the Yidan Prize for Education Development. They're designed for impact: laureates of each prize receive an unrestricted project fund of HK$15 million over three years, helping them scale up their work, as well as a gold medal and a cash prize of HK$15 million. The project fund and cash prize are shared equally for teams. https://yidanprize.org Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2511589/2024_Yidan_Prize_for_Education_Research_Laureate__Professor_Wolfgang_Lutz.jpg Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2511588/2024_Yidan_Prize_for_Education_Development_Laureates__Professor_Mark_Jordans__Marwa_Zahr__and_Luke_S.jpg Logo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2511625/Yidan_Prize_Logo.jpg View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/worlds-highest-education-accolade-yidan-prize-announces-its-2024-laureates-302258166.html The ZEISS MICOR 700 uses the ZEISS NULEX (non-ultrasonic lens extraction) procedure to help surgeons broaden their intraocular working space, minimizing risk to surrounding eye structures and increasing operating room efficiency. DUBLIN, Calif. and JENA, Germany, Sept. 26, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- ZEISS Medical Technology today announced the broad U.S. distribution of the MICOR 700 from ZEISS, reinventing lens extraction with the first hand-held lens removal device with ultrasound-free operation, providing a sustainable solution with a low initial investment to help surgeons broaden their intraocular working space. Creating a gentler patient experience, the ZEISS MICOR 700 offers a revolutionary approach to lens removal, including patented crystalline lens extraction technology, a blunt and rounded tip design, and a single-use "plug & play" system with a minimal operating room (O.R.) footprint. The ZEISS MICOR 700 will be demonstrated at the American Academy of Ophthalmology (AAO) conference from Oct. 19 - 21, 2024, in Chicago. "We're putting the future of lens extraction in the hands of surgeons today," says Euan S. Thomson, Ph.D., President of Ophthalmology Strategic Business Unit and Head of the Digital Business Unit for ZEISS Medical Technology. "The ZEISS MICOR 700 extends our cataract solutions portfolio and serves as a testament to ZEISS's ability to deliver revolutionary, state-of-the-art technologies that advance cataract surgery, benefiting both patients and surgeons." "I am surprised by what MICOR has been able to do for me and for my patients. Case times are faster, corneas are now clear. The staff loves it. The setup is easy," says Dr. Seth M. Pantanelli, Professor of Ophthalmology & Vice Chair of Clinical Research, Penn State College of Medicine, in Hershey, Pennsylvania, USA. "I'm really looking forward to teaching the residents and giving them exposure to MICOR and seeing what the next chapter holds." Gentler patient treatment - The advanced features of the ZEISS MICOR 700 help to promote gentle lens extraction. The ZEISS NULEX (non-ultrasonic lens extraction) procedure is designed to deliver less thermal energy than phaco and to minimize the risk of thermal damage to ocular tissue. Asymmetric oscillation of the cutter tube allows cavitation-free lens removal. Broadened intraocular working space - The tip of the ZEISS MICOR 700 is designed to be gentle with the surrounding tissue. Its novel blunt tip design with rounded edges is designed to minimize the risk of tissue damage. A recent survey of surgeons reported that ZEISS MICOR 700 increases the comfort zone for surgeons maneuvering within the capsular bag.1 Quick and efficient setup - ZEISS MICOR 700 features a disposable "plug-and-play" system ensuring convenience, efficiency, and simplicity in the O.R. Each MICOR extractor comes in a sterile blister pack and only needs to be connected to the MICOR drive and plugged into a Balanced Salt Solution (BSS) source - then the surgery can begin. Additionally, the fluidics system is fully disposable. Thus, the device enables a quick setup and breakdown in the O.R. In a recent report, surveyed clinical staff said the MICOR technology is intuitive to use and saves time throughout the surgical day.1 Importantly, the single-use, fully disposable fluidics system mitigates cross-contamination risk. The portion of the device that contacts the eye and all associated fluid channels is not reused. 'I am really impressed with this technology. I love that there is no foot pedal and there is no console. It really saves space in the O.R. and is also quite efficient," says Dr. Sonia H. Yoo, Ophthalmology Professor of Ophthalmology, Cataract, Cornea and Lasik, Bascom Palmer Eye Institute, in Miami, Florida, USA. The ZEISS MICOR 700 is FDA approved and commercially available in the U.S. For more information about the ZEISS MICOR 700, go to https://www.zeiss.com/micor700. 1Data available on request. Not all products, services or offers are approved or offered in every market and approved labeling and instructions may vary from one country to another. For country-specific product information, see the appropriate country website. Product specifications are subject to change in design and scope of delivery as a result of ongoing technical development.The statements of the healthcare professionals reflect only their personal opinions and experiences and do not necessarily reflect the opinion of any institution that they are affiliated with. The healthcare professionals alone are responsible for the content of their experience reported and any potential resulting infringements. Carl Zeiss Meditec AG and its affiliates do not have clinical evidence supporting the opinions and statements of the health care professionals nor accept any responsibility or liability of the healthcare professionals' content. The healthcare professionals have a contractual or other financial relationship with Carl Zeiss Meditec AG and its affiliates and have received financial support. Brief Profile Carl Zeiss Meditec AG (ISIN: DE0005313704), which is listed on the MDAX and TecDAX of the German stock exchange, is one of the world's leading medical technology companies. The Company supplies innovative technologies and application-oriented solutions designed to help doctors improve the quality of life of their patients. The Company offers complete solutions, including implants and consumables, to diagnose and treat eye diseases. The Company creates innovative visualization solutions in the field of microsurgery. With approximately 4,823 employees worldwide, the Group generated revenue of 2,089.3m in fiscal year 2022/23 (to 30 September). The Group's head office is located in Jena, Germany, and it has subsidiaries in Germany and abroad; more than 50 percent of its employees are based in the USA, Japan, Spain and France. The Center for Application and Research (CARIn) in Bangalore, India and the Carl Zeiss Innovations Center for Research and Development in Shanghai, China, strengthen the Company's presence in these rapidly developing economies. Around 41 percent of Carl Zeiss Meditec AG's shares are in free float. The remaining approx. 59 percent are held by Carl Zeiss AG, one of the world's leading groups in the optical and optoelectronic industries. For further information visit: www.zeiss.com/med Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2516297/ZEISS_MICOR_700.jpg Logo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/546786/ZEISS_v1_Logo.jpg View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/zeiss-reinvents-lens-extraction-with-the-first-hand-held-ultrasound-free-lens-removal-device-available-in-the-us-302259802.html Clean Core Thorium Energy is verifying and validating their ANEEL fuel technology through research enabled by Canadian Nuclear Laboratories' Canadian Nuclear Research Initiative Canadian Nuclear Laboratories facilities - Photo Canadian Nuclear Laboratories CHICAGO, Sept. 26, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Clean Core Thorium Energy (Clean Core) is pleased to announce that it has been accepted to participate in Canadian Nuclear Laboratories' (CNL) Canadian Nuclear Research Initiative (CNRI). Through the program, CNL and Clean Core will work to verify and validate the computer codes and analytical models employed in the design and safety analysis of Clean Core's ANEEL fuel which will enable its accelerated commercialization for the Canada Deuterium Uranium (CANDU) reactors. Clean Core has developed and patented a fuel, named the ANEEL fuel, made of thorium and enriched uranium. The fuel is designed for use in existing pressurized heavy water reactors (PHWR) and CANDU reactors with flexibility across enrichment levels (LEU+ to HALEU) as well as fuel designs (such as 19-pin and 37-pin). The fuel retains the same external dimensions as the currently used natural uranium (NU) fuel and leverages a high burnup, once-through fuel cycle. With no modifications to the reactor or its core, the ANEEL fuel derives several advantages over the currently used low burnup, NU fuel including improved safety, economics, and operations as well as reduced nuclear waste volumes and proliferation resistance. Launched in 2019, the CNRI program was established by CNL to accelerate the deployment of nuclear technologies in Canada by enabling research and development, and connecting the nuclear industry with the facilities and expertise within Canada's national nuclear laboratories. Among the many benefits of the program, participants optimize resources, share technical knowledge, receive cost share funding and gain access to CNL's expertise to help advance the commercialization of nuclear technologies. "Clean Core recognizes this as a key collaboration for the ANEEL fuel by leveraging the technical capabilities and existing domain expertise at CNL for development and assessment of various fuel, physics and thermohydraulic models," says Mehul Shah, CEO and Founder of Clean Core. "This collaboration will meaningfully accelerate the deployment of the ANEEL fuel, which can impact the Canadian and global nuclear industries." Clean Core completed initial design studies, and recently announced the successful conclusion of the Phase 1 Pre-licensing Vendor Design Review process with the Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission. Additionally, Clean Core signed a Strategic Partnership Project Agreement with the US DOE and is currently performing irradiation testing and qualification of the ANEEL fuel in the Advanced Test Reactor at Idaho National Labs with burnup targets of up to 60 GWd/T. About Clean Core Thorium Energy Clean Core Thorium Energy is a nuclear fuel company exploring thorium-driven nuclear innovations. Clean Core's patented nuclear fuel technology (called the ANEEL fuel) is comprised of thorium and enriched uranium (LEU+ to HALEU), which is capable of improving the safety and cost-efficiency of pressurized heavy-water reactors. The ANEEL fuel is a novel solution to safety, waste, and proliferation concerns in today's nuclear plants. Learn more at https://cleancore.energy/. Follow us on social media: LinkedInand X. Clean Core Contact: Milan Shah Chief Operating Officer milan@cleancore.energy A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/907e1d40-e8e4-4214-819e-1be40dd0050d Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - September 26, 2024) - Tower Resources Ltd. (TSXV: TWR) ("Tower" or the "Company") is pleased to report that it has received assays for two-thirds of the core samples from its initial 2024 drilling program on the Rabbit North property in the heart of the Kamloops mining district (see Fig. 1), and is readying a follow-up drilling program based on the positive Au results obtained. Assayed Drill Holes The initial drilling campaign comprised five shallow (-50) drill holes, Nos. RN24-050 to 054 (see Fig. 2 and Table 1). Due to a core saw issue, only two-thirds of the core was cut and submitted for assay at the end of the drilling program and has now been analyzed. Three of the five drill holes, Nos. 051, 053 and 054, targeted Au mineralization along the southern (Lightning-Thunder) and central (Thunder North) shear trends. Complete assays have been received for Holes 51 and 54. Gold Highlights Hole 051 was drilled roughly halfway along the previously untested 450 m gap in the southern shear trend between the Lightning and Thunder Gold Zones (see 3D gold model and hole location map below) to test for continuity of the gold mineralization between these zones. It succeeded not only in confirming continuity of the mineralization but also returned the highest average Au grade obtained to date from the Lightning-Thunder trend - 6.06 g/t over 4.27 m including 24.0 g/t over 0.7 m (see Table 1). Block model of the shear-hosted Thunder, Thunder North and Lightning Au zones. The Au component of the Rainbow porphyry Cu-Au zone is included. Note the strategic location of the new, high-grade Hole 051 intersection midway between the Lightning and Thunder Gold Zones. To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/5023/224687_3c55d2b4d49d3ba9_002full.jpg Significant Au intercepts from Tower's drill holes in the Lightning-Thunder gold area. Note the strategic location of the new, high-grade Hole 051 intersection midway between the Lightning and Thunder Gold Zones. To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/5023/224687_3c55d2b4d49d3ba9_003full.jpg Hole 054 was drilled ~60 m west of and parallel to the Thunder North discovery hole, No. 039 (10.2 m of 1.46 g/t Au and 15.6 m of 2.41 g/t Au separated by a barren 4.5 m dyke) on the central trend (see Fig. 2). It intersected a similar thickness of favourably sheared and mineralized (pyritized) ash tuff and quartz-feldspar porphyry dykes. This mineralized section contained only anomalous levels of gold but was obtained at a shallower depth and confirms that the Au-fertile shear trend continues significantly westward into the magnetically active area that was previously thought to be prospective only for porphyry Cu-Au-Mo mineralization. Pending Assays The assays for Holes 050, 052 and 053 will be reported later. Hole 050 targeted a magnetic high north of the Rainbow porphyry Cu-Au-Mo Zone (see Fig. 2) which is hosted by magnetite-rich magmatic-hydrothermal breccia. No core was obtained from the upper part of the hole and the missing section was re-drilled as Hole 052. Complete assays have been received for the Hole 050 (lower) core but not for Hole 052 (upper) core. No assays are currently available for Hole 53 which targeted the eastern part of the auriferous central shear trend northeast of the Lightning Zone (see Target 1 of Fig. 2). Follow-up Drilling Plans Follow-up drilling will build systematically on the indicated continuity of the Thunder-Lightning and Thunder North gold trends using a mix of infill, stepout and steeper (i.e. deeper) holes. Methods and Qualified Person The drill core was logged at Tower's leased, fully equipped core facility near Kamloops by Matthew Husslage, P.Geo. and Sean Jubinville, G.I.T. Mr. Husslage has managed or co-managed all of Tower's Rabbit North diamond drilling programs since the discovery of the Lightning Zone in December 2021. Split samples of the core, generally 1.0 or 1.5 m in length, were delivered directly to Activation Laboratories (ActLabs) in Kamloops, BC, a laboratory certified as ISO/IEC 17025 Accredited (Lab 790) by the Standards Council of Canada. QA/QC samples including blanks and standards were inserted regularly into the sample sequence at a ratio of approximately 1:20. The samples were analyzed for Au by fire assay and ICP-OES and for Ag and 36 additional elements by ICP-OES using a four-acid, near-total digestion. Any over-limit (>5 g/t) Au analyses were repeated using the same fire assay procedure but with a gravimetric rather than ICP finish. The technical content of this news release has been reviewed and approved by Stuart Averill, P.Geo., a director of the Company and a Qualified Person as defined by National Instrument 43-101. About Tower Resources Tower is a Canadian based mineral exploration company focused on the discovery and advancement of economic mineral projects in the Americas. The Company's key exploration assets, all in B.C., are the Rabbit North copper-gold porphyry project located between the New Afton copper-gold and Highland Valley copper mines in the Kamloops mining district, the Nechako porphyry-associated gold-silver project near Artemis' Blackwater project and the More Creek epithermal gold project on the critical "red line" structural zone connecting the mineral deposits of the Golden Triangle. Reader Advisory This news release may contain statements which constitute "forward-looking information", including statements regarding the plans, intentions, beliefs and current expectations of the Company, its directors, or its officers with respect to the future business activities of the Company. The words "may", "would", "could", "will", "intend", "plan", "anticipate", "believe", "estimate", "expect" and similar expressions, as they relate to the Company, or its management, are intended to identify such forward-looking statements. Investors are cautioned that any such forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future business activities and involve risks and uncertainties, and that the Company's future business activities may differ materially from those in the forward-looking statements as a result of various factors, including, but not limited to, fluctuations in market prices, successes of the operations of the Company, continued availability of capital and financing and general economic, market or business conditions. There can be no assurances that such information will prove accurate and, therefore, readers are advised to rely on their own evaluation of such uncertainties. The Company does not assume any obligation to update any forward-looking information except as required under the applicable securities laws. Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. Figure 1 - Location of the Rabbit North property. To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/5023/224687_3c55d2b4d49d3ba9_004full.jpg Figure 2 - Locations of Holes 050 to 054 relative to the five targets of the 2024 drilling program. To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/5023/224687_3c55d2b4d49d3ba9_005full.jpg Total Depth (m) Mineralized Interval(s) Average Au Grade (g/t) Hole No. Easting (m) Northing (m) Azimuth () Dip () Mineralized Zone(s) From (m) To (m) Length (m) RN21-026 663345 5607460 60 -60 197.0 Lightning 51.0 144.2 93.2 1.42 Including 113.2 132.4 19.2 4.21 RN21-027 663339 5607455 300 -65 209.0 Undetermined 113.7 118.7 5.0 2.09 Undetermined 140.9 150.6 9.7 1.32 RN22-028 663378 5607499 130 -80 293.0 Lightning 36.5 174.5 138.0 1.55 Including 45.5 70.0 24.5 4.76 Including 57.5 59.0 1.5 43.60 Including 69.0 70.0 1.0 27.80 RN22-029 663414 5607464 310 -60 374.0 Lightning 18.5 89.0 70.5 1.78 Including 62.0 75.5 13.5 4.92 Including 66.5 68.0 1.5 20.50 RN22-030 663450 5607504 310 -70 236.0 Undetermined 47.0 52.0 5.0 0.99 Lightning 130.0 137.0 7.0 1.35 Lightning 146.0 156.5 10.5 3.40 RN22-031 663450 5607506 310 -45 230.0 Undetermined 158.0 164.0 6.0 1.94 Lightning North 189.0 211.0 22.0 2.09 Including 209.0 210.0 1.0 19.20 RN22-033 663481 5607558 310 -45 187.0 Lightning North 113.0 114.0 1.0 69.20 RN22-036 663326 5607534 80 -75 220.5 Undetermined 161.1 179.1 18.0 0.89 RN22-037 663353 5607580 250 -60 185.0 Undetermined 19.1 22.1 3.0 2.59 Undetermined 110.4 136.0 25.6 0.66 RN22-038 663307 5607420 52 -60 291.0 Undetermined 60.0 69.9 9.9 0.85 Lightning 136.0 184.0 48.0 1.57 Including 141.0 142.9 1.9 22.50 RN23-039 662871 5607561 144 -45 356.0 Undetermined 142.7 145.7 3.0 4.20 Thunder North 163.5 173.7 10.2 1.46 Thunder North 177.2 192.8 15.6 2.41 Including 191.0 191.8 0.8 25.40 RN23-040 662908 5607578 142 -45 263.0 Thunder North 188.7 196.3 7.7 1.42 RN23-041 662944 5607238 17 -46 303.5 Thunder 124.8 138.0 13.3 3.28 Thunder 148.0 158.1 10.1 2.16 RN23-045 663388 5607461 359 -80 299.0 Lightning 52.0 144.0 92.0 1.13 Including 124.0 144.0 20.0 2.13 RN24-051 663155 5607300 350 -50 281.0 Thunder-Lightning 244.23 248.5 4.27 6.06 Including 247.8 248.5 0.7 24.00 Table 1 - Significant gold intercepts of the shear-hosted type from the Thunder and Lightning trends. Gold-bearing intercepts of the porphyry Cu-Au type are excluded. Gold values are uncut. Samples with Au grades greater than 15 g/t are shown individually. True widths have not been determined. To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/224687 SOURCE: Tower Resources Ltd. The plant will be the only one of its kind in the United States. The constructed plant will be the only domestic producer of this critical mineral and high-grade industrial product. Extensive domestic and international interest in the new plant's output and products. Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - September 26, 2024) - Ares Strategic Mining Ltd. (CSE: ARS) (OTCQB: ARSMF) (FSE: N8I) (the "Company") is pleased to announce that the fabrication of its state-of-the-art flotation plant has been completed, and the Company has taken possession of the facility. The Company has now begun arranging to ship the plant to the United States, where it will be assembled and integrated into its production construction project. The plant, which will be housed within a specially designed 2-storey structure, is capable of manufacturing acid grade fluorspar (acidspar) through an advanced flotation process. This facility will be the only one of its kind in the United States, positioning Ares as the sole domestic producer of this critical mineral. To ensure the successful construction and optimization of the plant, Ares has arranged for experienced international operators to accompany the facility to Utah, where they will assist with the installation and fine-tuning of the operation. Acid grade fluorspar, or acidspar, is a highly sought-after industrial product, primarily used in the production of Hydrofluoric Acid (HF), which is the principal source of fluorine for various critical industrial applications. These applications include the production of LiPF6, a key electrolyte in Lithium-Ion batteries, aluminum production, refrigerants, fluoropolymers and fluoro-plastics, petroleum cracking, and other specialized uses. The Company is looking to supply this essential mineral internally within North America as part of its role as the only domestic U.S. producer. Ares Acidspar Production Facility To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/10880/224619_f10c1daf54c6d82a_002full.jpg James Walker, President and CEO of the Company, said, "The completion of our flotation plant marks a significant milestone not only for Ares but for the entire U.S. industrial landscape. With this facility, we are bringing back a crucial industry to the United States. Acidspar accounts for approximately two-thirds of the U.S. market demand for fluorspar, and this will be the only facility of its kind in the country capable of meeting that demand domestically. By establishing this plant, we are taking an important step toward securing more robust and reliable domestic supply chains. As the U.S. continues to prioritize industrial self-sufficiency, our plant will play a key role in reducing reliance on foreign sources for this critical mineral. We are proud to be part of the drive to strengthen our nation's industrial base, and we will continue to keep everyone informed as we progress towards full production." In 2018 the U.S. government classified fluorspar as a Critical Mineral, "deemed critical to U.S. national security and the economy." Fluorspar remains the only non-metallic Critical Mineral, which is 100% imported in the entire country. Fluorspar's classification as a Critical Mineral in the United States translates to a faster permitting period, enabling mining operations to initiate more quickly than operations for conventional minerals. Lost Sheep Fluorspar Project - Delta, Utah 100% owned - 5,982 acres - 353 Claims Located in the Spor Mountain area, Juab County, Utah, approximately 214 km south-west of Salt Lake City. Fully Permitted - including mining permits. NI 43-101 Technical Report identified extensive high-grade fluorspar with low levels of impurities. Mining plan approved by BLM1 First approved by Rex Rowley - Area Manager, Bureau of Land Management - 24th August 1992. Renewed by Paul B. Baker - Minerals Program Manager, Bureau of Land Management - 12th December 2016. Raul Sanabria, P.Geo., is a qualified person as defined by NI 43-101 and has reviewed and approved the technical contents of this news release. Mr. Sanabria is not independent to the Company as he is a Director and shareholder. ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF ARES STRATEGIC MINING LTD. James Walker Chief Executive Officer and President DISCLOSURE AND FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS: Companies typically rely on comprehensive feasibility reports on mineral reserve estimates to reduce the risks and uncertainties associated with a production decision. Historically, situations where the issuer decides to put a mineral project into production without first establishing mineral reserves supported by a technical report and completing a feasibility study have a higher risk of economic or technical failure, though some industrial mineral ventures are relatively simple operations with low levels of investment and risk, where the operating entity has determined that a formal prefeasibility or feasibility study in conformance with NI 43-101 and 43-101 CP is not required for a production decision. Based on historical engineering work, geological reports, historical production data and current engineering work completed or in the process by Ares, the Company intends to move forward with the development of its Utah asset. Certain information in this news release may contain forward-looking statements that involve substantial known and unknown risks and uncertainties. Forward-looking statements are often identified by terms such as "will", "may", "should", "anticipate", "expects" and similar expressions. All statements other than statements of historical fact included in this news release are forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties. There can be no assurance that such statements will prove to be accurate and actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from the Company's expectations include the failure to satisfy the conditions of the relevant securities exchange(s) and other risks detailed from time to time in the filings made by the Company with securities regulations. The reader is cautioned that assumptions used in the preparation of any forward-looking information may prove to be incorrect. Events or circumstances may cause actual results to differ materially from those predicted, as a result of numerous known and unknown risks, uncertainties, and other factors, many of which are beyond the control of the Company. The reader is cautioned not to place undue reliance on any forward-looking information. Such information, although considered reasonable by management at the time of preparation, may prove to be incorrect and actual results may differ materially from those anticipated. Forward-looking statements contained in this news release are expressly qualified by this cautionary statement. The forward-looking statements contained in this news release are made as of the date of this news release and the Company disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise such information, except as required by applicable law. To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/224619 SOURCE: Ares Strategic Mining Inc. Including Best Plans for Families, U.S. Citizens Abroad, Foreigners in the USA, and Global Nomads BOSTON, MA / ACCESSWIRE / September 26, 2024 / International Citizens Insurance, a leading international insurance broker based in Boston, MA, is excited to announce its updated list of 2024's best global health insurance plans for expats, global citizens, remote workers, and immigrants. We aim to simplify the overwhelming array of international health insurance choices for the growing wave of expats moving to new countries. International Citizens Insurance - Global Health, Life, and Travel Plans International Citizens Insurance - Logo These providers represent the pinnacle of international health insurance, ensuring clients receive top-tier medical care, regardless of location. Whether for expatriates, retirees, long-term travelers, or digital nomads, these plans are designed to meet the diverse needs of today's global citizens. As international moves become increasingly common, access to reliable and comprehensive health insurance is paramount. Today, we are excited to announce the unveiling of the Top 10 International Health Insurance Plans, recognizing the providers that have excelled in offering exceptional global healthcare and peace of mind to clients worldwide. "Our top priority is helping international citizens find a suitable plan for their needs and budget. The companies in our list excel at the key criteria that are most important to people living abroad," said Joe Cronin, President of International Citizens Insurance. "These top insurers are trustworthy and reliable, providing great service to clients wherever they live. We're excited to congratulate this year's winners." International Citizens Insurance judged each insurer on key criteria: the size of its network, the breadth of benefits, the availability of features such as telemedicine, the user-friendliness of filing a claim, the ability to adjust a premium through copays or deductibles, and the insurer's financial stability (A.M. Best). The Top Global Health Insurance Providers for 2024: Cigna Global - A favorite among expatriates and families, Cigna Global offers customizable coverage across multiple regions, allowing policyholders to tailor their plans. GeoBlue Xplorer - Perfect for U.S. citizens abroad and foreign nationals moving to the U.S., GeoBlue Xplorer offers extensive benefits, including access to the U.S. Blue Cross Blue Shield network. IMG Global Medical Insurance - Known for its affordability and flexibility, IMG caters to those seeking comprehensive medical coverage on a budget. Additional options added this year include plans from WorldTrips and Trawick International, which offer short-term international medical plans for expats on shorter assignments. International Citizens Insurance has also identified the best plans for specific clients. These include the best premium health plans for U.S. citizens abroad, the best medical insurance plan for non-U.S. citizens, health insurance for foreigners residing in USA, and the most affordable plans for people on a budget. Learn more about the best international health insurers at: https://www.internationalinsurance.com/health/best-companies.php About International Citizens Insurance International Citizens Insurance provides a unique platform that enable travelers and expatriates to research, quote, compare, and purchase international health, life, travel, and expatriate insurance from a variety of international carriers. Contact Information Joe Cronin President media@internationalinsurance.com 617-500-6738 Andrew Blomberg Vice President, Global Group Benefits andrew@internationalinsurance.com (339) 221-5190 SOURCE: International Citizens Insurance View the original press release on newswire.com. Celonis, the leader in Process Mining and Process Intelligence, and Ardoq, a leader in Enterprise Architecture (EA), today launched a joint solution that closes the gap between business and IT. Using Celonis Process Intelligence platform and Ardoq's modern EA technology, the solution creates an enhanced digital twin of the organization. This digital twin shows the correlation between IT operations and business process performance, enabling CIOs to align technology investments with business priorities. "Today's CIO must strike a balance between running the business by optimizing IT and empowering the business through digital transformation," said Eugenio Cassiano, SVP Strategy and Innovation at Celonis. "This new solution from Celonis and Ardoq gives CIOs unprecedented visibility into how IT and business performance relate to each other. It empowers them to make more informed strategic IT decisions and accurately track the business impact of system transformation initiatives." Get the Ultimate Digital Twin with Celonis and Ardoq The importance of digital twin technology in modern businesses cannot be overstated. McKinsey analysis projects the global market for digital twin technology to grow by approximately 60 percent annually over the next five years, reaching $73.5 billion by 2027. This rapid growth underscores the increasing value organizations place on the comprehensive operational visibility, scenario planning, and other benefits provided by digital twins. More than 1,500 of the world's most recognized companies use the Celonis Process Intelligence platform to build a living digital twin of their business operations. It's system-agnostic, without bias, and empowers companies to understand and improve their processes, end-to-end. Using each customer's unique digital twin, Celonis can find the untapped value and enable teams and technologies to capture it. In parallel, Ardoq's vendor neutral, data-driven platform has been adopted by nearly 400 digitally-forward enterprises worldwide. With Ardoq, organizations can unite their enterprise views, improve informed decision-making and accelerate transformation. By joining forces, Celonis and Ardoq are able to enrich the digital twin of an organization with Process Intelligence from Celonis and enterprise architecture data and insights from Ardoq. The solution provides: A single source of truth: Integrates business processes and supporting IT for a multi-dimensional perspective of the organization Integrates business processes and supporting IT for a multi-dimensional perspective of the organization Data-driven business impact: Quantify the impact of IT initiatives on key business metrics Quantify the impact of IT initiatives on key business metrics A system-agnostic solution: Ability to embrace multi-vendor application landscapes to obtain end-to-end integration transparency With the joint solution, CIOs and IT leaders can better support key organizational initiatives, such as: System modernization : The solution combines a process digital twin from Celonis with the context of how processes and systems relate to company strategy. This enables IT leaders to make more informed decisions related to business transformation and track the impact of these initiatives on business processes. : The solution combines a process digital twin from Celonis with the context of how processes and systems relate to company strategy. This enables IT leaders to make more informed decisions related to business transformation and track the impact of these initiatives on business processes. Process and App consolidation: The solution supports the analysis of the quantitative business impact of IT systems using Celonis' Process Intelligence. By combining usage data from Celonis and cost data from Ardoq, customers can better maintain Business Case Adherence by assessing the ROI of applications. "CIOs frequently share how challenging it is to measure the business impact of their technology investments," said Erik Bakstad, CEO and Co-founder at Ardoq. "Now they can. Using Ardoq's enterprise architecture data and Celonis' process intelligence, CIOs can see in real-time how their business transformation efforts are contributing to the organization's long-term goals and delivering maximum value." "As a customer, we are excited about the collaboration between Ardoq and Celonis and its promise to deliver transformative solutions that will enable us to align IT and business objectives more closely," said Jeroen Akkermans, Head of Digital Innovation Enterprise Architecture Digital Tech, DSM-Firmenich. "The integration of process intelligence and process modeling with enterprise architecture will enable us to make data-driven decisions with greater accuracy and agility based on a more comprehensive data foundation. We look forward to the enhanced capabilities and the significant impact this partnership can have on our business success." Register here to attend Celosphere 2024 if you would like to hear more about the latest innovations from Celonis. About Celonis Since 2011, Celonis has helped thousands of the world's largest and most esteemed companies yield immediate cash impact, radically improve customer experience, and reduce carbon emissions. Its Process Intelligence platform uses industry-leading process mining technology and AI to present companies with a living digital twin of their end-to-end processes. For the first time, everyone in an organization has a common language for how the business runs, visibility into where value is hiding, and the ability to capture it. Celonis is headquartered in Munich, Germany and New York City, USA with more than 20 offices worldwide. About Ardoq Ardoq provides a cloud-native SaaS platform for Enterprise Architecture and digital transformation. EAs, managers and enterprise stakeholders are empowered to execute their strategy, strengthening their decision-making process and leverage new technologies faster. Ardoq was founded in 2013 and has offices in New York, London, Oslo and Copenhagen. Ardoq's nearly 400 customers come from all over the globe and span various industries, including companies such as British Telecom, MUFG, Carlsberg Group and ExxonMobil. 2024 Celonis SE. All rights reserved. Celonis and the Celonis "droplet" logo are trademarks or registered trademarks of Celonis SE in Germany and other jurisdictions. All other product and company names are trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective owners. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20240926981050/en/ Contacts: Celonis PR Team press@celonis.com Click here to learn more about Celonis. Baoding, China--(Newsfile Corp. - September 26, 2024) - China News Service (CNS) reports on the towel production in Gaoyang County of Chinese northern Hebei Province to promote its unique craftsmanship, by issuing an article and promo video on September 12, 2024. Cannot view this video? Visit: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oP-N73N0ey0 According to the article, Gaoyang is the largest hub of towel production in China, where one out of every three towels in the nation originates. More than 4200 textile enterprises are competing to flourish in this region, ranging from the time-honored brand "Yongliang"of Yanzhao, to "Hongrun" with 151 authorized patents, and from "Sanli" promoting branding and e-commerce, to the digital and international "Bailixin". Each is a proud business card of Gaoyang's local economy. Besides towels, other textile products also include quilts, spinning yarn, blankets, seat cushions, carpets ,and knitted fabrics. They have been exported to more than 100 countries and regions in the world such as Japan, the United States, and Russia, reported CNS. Textile manufacturing factory in Gaoyang To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/8457/224677_995c2dda44df78a8_001full.jpg Gaoyang was one of the first provincial-level demonstration bases for foreign trade transformation in 2010. Its foreign trade volume, despite imports, or exports, have both maintained a good development momentum, the article reported. Statistics showed that from January to March this year, Gaoyang has exported textile raw materials and textile products worth 481 million yuan, around 67 million US dollars, which accounts for 93% of the total export volume in the county. More information please visit: https://www.chinanews.com.cn/m/cj/2024/09-12/10284615.shtml YouTube: https://youtu.be/oP-N73N0ey0 To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/224677 SOURCE: The China Box Urteste Expands Development of Innovative Diagnostic Projects Gdansk, Poland - 26 SEPTEMBER 2024, 16:00 CET - Urteste S.A. (Warsaw Stock Exchange: URT), a biotechnology company specializing in the development of breakthrough technology to detect cancer from urine samples, best known for its flagship project PANURI, a diagnostic test for pancreatic cancer. The company's breakthrough technology allows for early detection of cancer by measuring the activity of enzymes present in urine using proprietary synthetic peptides. One urine sample can be used to screen for many types of cancers. Urteste technology is non-invasive, low-cost to produce, and has high sensitivity and specificity, with results available in up to 2 hours. The diagnostic process is automated to minimize the likelihood of human error. A proof-of-concept study of 322 participants confirmed the high sensitivity (95.6%) and specificity (95.5%) of the PANURI test. Urteste is currently participating in the FDA Q-Submission program and is seeking an experienced CRO to support a clinical trial in the US. In addition, Urteste will start the development of a breast cancer diagnostic test project called NASTRO. The Polish Agency for Enterprise Development has just granted the company an approximately $3 million non-refundable grant, which will support clinical trials and move the project significantly closer to the commercialization stage. Breast cancer is the second most common cancer in the world. According to the "Global Cancer Statistics 2022" report, in 2022 there were more than 2.3 million new cases of breast cancer worldwide and nearly 0.7 million deaths due to these cancers. "The grant awarded will enable us to develop the NASTRO project independently. We have separated this project from MULTI-CANCER, in which we have a total of 12 oncology diagnostic tests. We see great potential in the NASTRO project. Breast cancers are very common. Their diagnosis at an early stage is still a major challenge. There is a lack of a non-invasive, and yet accurate, method of early diagnosis. We plan to conduct a relatively short, uncomplicated, and relatively inexpensive clinical trial in Europe. Our other projects will focus more on the US market," said Grzegorz Stefanski, CEO and co-founder of Urteste S.A. "However, our priorities remain unchanged. We continue to focus most of our attention on the PANURI project, a test for pancreatic cancer. We plan to have another meeting with the FDA under the Q-Submission program. We are also currently looking for an experienced CRO to support us in conducting a clinical trial in the US,"Stefanski added. In the MULTI-CANCER project, Urteste is developing a diverse portfolio of tests. Urteste now has a pipeline of 12 prototype diagnostic tests for the following cancers: pancreatic, brain, breast, stomach, bile ducts, ovary, endometrial, kidney, colorectal, lung, liver, and prostate, which collectively account for nearly 70% of all cancer deaths worldwide. Urteste holds Polish patents and international patent applications for its technology. Urteste's patent strategy is to seek patent protection in countries that collectively generate around 90% of global GDP. The Urteste Management Board will attend MEDICA in Dusseldorf (Germany), 11-14 November. Urteste (Warsaw Stock Exchange: URT) specializes in developing breakthrough technology to detect cancer at early stages. Urteste's motto is "Early cancer detection saves lives." The company's technology detects cancer by measuring the activity of enzymes present in urine. Urteste is developing tests for a dozen of the most common cancers. The Company's team consists of managers with extensive experience in managing medical companies and scientists specialized in the areas of proteolytic enzymes and peptide chemistry. For more information please visit www.urteste.eu/en/home/ For further information please contact: Urteste S.A. Grzegorz Stefanski, CEO urteste@urteste.eu Investor and Media Relations Kamil Majcher k.majcher@newtechcomm.pl Important information This press release (the "Press Release") has been prepared by Urteste S.A. with its registered office in Gdansk (the "Company") and is intended for informational purposes only. Its purpose is to present selected data on the Company and its development prospects. The Press Release does not constitute or form part of, and shall not be construed as, an offer, solicitation or invitation to sell or issue, or an offer, solicitation or invitation to subscribe for, underwrite, purchase or otherwise acquire, any securities of the Company in any jurisdiction, or as an inducement/a recommendation to undertake investment activities in any jurisdiction. This Press Release contains forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, statements regarding the Company's business strategy, plans and objectives for future operations. Although the Company believes that these estimates and assumptions are reasonable, they may prove to be incorrect. The information contained herein is current only as of the date hereof and is subject to material change. The Press Release will not be amended, updated or modified to reflect any changes occurring after that date, unless required by applicable law. The Company shall not be liable for the effects of decisions made after reading the Press Release. This Press Release is not intended for distribution to, or in, any state where the public dissemination of the information contained in this Press Release may be restrictions or be prohibited by law. SAN DIEGO, Sept. 26, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Abzena, the leading end-to-end integrated CDMO for complex biologics and bioconjugates, has announced that its mammalian cell line development platform, AbZelectPRO, has significantly reduced its timelines by >30% and improved its overall protein production levels. The platform now offers biopharma customers the ability to bridge from DNA to research cell bank (RCB) in 10 weeks, producing up to 8g/L of high-performing titres before process development. As of today, AbZelectPRO will be Abzena's standard platform offering for all its customers. The AbZelectPRO platform combines ProteoNic's 2G UNic vector technology with Abzena's host CHO cell line to deliver a higher frequency of high-producing clones for therapeutic protein and recombinant vaccine production. The 2G UNic vector technology uses the combined effect of novel genetic elements to exert a positive effect on recombinant protein production levels and boosts the performance of other expression-enhancing technologies. This integration not only increases product development efficiency and capacity but also reduces the cost of goods for biopharma customers. Simon Keen, VP of Cell Line Development at Abzena, states: "Our goal with AbZelectPRO was to offer our customers a strong cell line development platform with shorter timelines, higher production levels and lower production costs. When we launched the platform in January 2024, we were utilizing data from initial research and development projects. Over the past 10 months we've been fine-tuning the platform, generating more data from real-world projects, which has allowed us to showcase its full potential and benefits to our customers. We are thrilled that AbZelectPRO has been able to consistently demonstrate improved cycle times and productivity, giving our customers more shots on goal in achieving success in the clinic." The AbZelectPRO platform utilizes an optimized expression cassette to generate highly stable clones that maintain productivity beyond 60 generations. The platform's integration with the 2G UNic vector technology has been proven to boost the expression levels for difficult-to-express proteins, including bispecifics, fusion proteins and other novel modalities. The 2G UNic vector technology enhances various facets of protein production, including increased transcription, improved mRNA stability and transport, and more efficient translation. These enhancements work synergistically to achieve significantly higher production levels with Abzena's high-performing cell line. "Integrating our 2G UNic technology into AbZelectPRO enhances the platform's ability to boost yields, especially for challenging modalities such as bispecifics and fusion proteins," said Frank Pieper, CEO of ProteoNic. "This collaboration provides biopharma customers with a more efficient path to higher productivity, addressing their toughest expression challenges" About Abzena Abzena is the leading end-to-end bioconjugate and complex biologics CDMO + CRO. From discovery through commercial launch, we support customers with fully integrated programs or individual services designed to de-risk and streamline the development of new treatments for patients in need. With the ability to tailor its strategy and customer experience to each project, Abzena develops and implements innovative solutions that enable biotech and biopharma companies to realize the full potential of their molecule and move medicines forward faster. The company has research, development, and cGMP facilities across locations in San Diego, CA, Bristol, PA, and Cambridge, UK. Abzena is owned by Welsh, Carson, Anderson & Stowe, one of the world's leading private equity investors. Learn more at abzena.com. About ProteoNic ProteoNic is a privately held biotechnology company with offices in Leiden, The Netherlands. The company specializes in advanced cell line generation and viral vector production, with a focus on improving the yield and efficiency of protein production using its proprietary 2G UNic vector technology. ProteoNic collaborates with partners across the biopharmaceutical industry to bring innovative biologics as well as cell and gene therapies to market faster and more efficiently. For more information, visit proteonic.nl. View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/abzelectpro-enables-biopharma-customers-to-reach-their-research-cell-bank-in-10-weeks-with-8gl-302260052.html DELRAY BEACH, Fla., Sept. 26, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- The global medical gas and equipment market is on track to reach $26.44 billion by 2029, growing at a CAGR of 5.8% from $19.90 billion in 2024, driven primarily by the increasing prevalence of chronic respiratory diseases and a rising demand for home healthcare services. Key components include essential medical gases like oxygen and nitrous oxide, alongside crucial equipment such as ventilators and regulators that facilitate safe gas delivery for patient care. However, challenges such as declining reimbursements for respiratory therapies and the high costs of advanced systems may hinder market growth. North America currently leads the market due to its developed healthcare infrastructure and regulatory support. Key players like Air Liquide, Linde, and Messer are actively shaping the landscape through strategic acquisitions and technological advancements. As the healthcare sector increasingly prioritizes home-based solutions, the demand for portable medical gas systems is expected to surge, marking a significant opportunity for growth in this dynamic market. Download PDF Brochure: https://www.marketsandmarkets.com/pdfdownloadNew.asp?id=217979261 Browse in-depth TOC on "Medical Gas and Equipment Market" 394 - Tables 60 - Figures 380 - Pages By type, the medical gas and equipment market is segmented into medical gases and medical gas equipment. In 2023, the medical gas segment accounted for the largest share in the medical gas and equipment market due to the essential role of gases in various medical applications, including anesthesia, respiratory therapy, and medical imaging. The demand for medical gases like oxygen, nitrous oxide, and carbon dioxide has increased with the increasing prevalence of chronic respiratory diseases, expansion of healthcare infrastructure, and the growing need for emergency care and surgical procedures. Additionally, the rising geriatric population and the growing demand for home healthcare services have further contributed to the segment's growth. By application, the medical gas and equipment market is segmented into therapeutic applications, pharmaceutical manufacturing & research, diagnostic applications, and other applications. Therapeutic applications segment dominates the medical gas and equipment market due to the increasing incidence rates of chronic diseases as COPD, asthma or other respiratory conditions that require constant oxygen therapy among other medical gaseous for patient treatment. An aging population that is more vulnerable to such diseases additionally contributes to an increased demand for therapeutic gases including oxygen, nitrous oxide and medical air. Additionally, the advancement of transportable gas delivery devices and home healthcare to facilitate patient treatment outside hospitals has further contributed its growth. By end user, the medical gas and equipment market is segmented into hospitals & clinics, home healthcare, pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies, academic & research institutions, and other end users. In 2023, the hospitals & clinics segment has emerged as the dominant force in the medical gas and equipment market owing to the rise in demand for their medical gases such as oxygen and nitrous oxide which play an important role in various therapies and diagnostic processes within these health care settings. This is because of the increasing number of surgical procedures being performed, the increasing prevalence of chronic respiratory diseases that require long term respiratory support as well as the rising number of hospitals and clinics around the world. Additionally, hospitals and clinics are the larger consumers of cutting-edge medical devices including gas dispensing systems due to the fact that they need dependable large-scale solutions for different patient care activities ranging from emergency cases to regular treatments. In 2023, North American region accounted for the largest share of the medical gas and equipment market due to several factors, such as the region's advanced healthcare infrastructure with high healthcare expenditure leads to significant demand for medical gases and related equipment. Moreover, the need for oxygen therapy, anesthesia and other medical gases has increased due to the aging population with a high prevalence of chronic respiratory diseases. Also, this region is aided by stringent regulatory standards, robust research and development programs, and presence of key market players in United States and Canada. All these factors combine to make North America a major player in the medicine gas and equipment market. Additionally, the Asia-Pacific region is projected to witness the highest CAGR in the medical gas and equipment market due to an increase in the number of people who are getting old at a faster rate than ever before as well as chronic diseases like respiratory problems or heart problems becoming more common, medical gases and related devices are gaining acceptance hence driving their demand within this region. Furthermore, emerging economies such as China and India have been expanding their healthcare infrastructure thereby increasing their expenditure on healthcare services. Moreover, there has been rising awareness about advanced medical technologies which has made tourists traveling for medical reasons more frequent all of which combine to fuel the market growth in this region. Request Sample Pages: https://www.marketsandmarkets.com/requestsampleNew.asp?id=217979261 The prominent players in the medical gas and equipment market are Air Liquide (France), Linde Plc (Germany), Taiyo Nippon Sanso Corporation (Japan), Air Products and Chemicals Inc. (US), Atlas Copco AB (Sweden), GCE Group (Sweden), Messer SE & Co. KGaA (Germany), SOL Spa (Italy), Rotarex (Europe), Norco Inc. (US), Genstar Technologies (US), Southern Gas Limited (India), Calox Inc. (US), Ellenbarrie Industrial Gases (India), Steelman Gases Pvt. Ltd. (India), Butler Gas Products Company (US), SCI Analytical (US), Amico Group of Companies (US), Oxygen & Argon Works Ltd. (Israel), AOPL (India), Apex Medical Gas Inc. (US), Chengdu Taiyo Industrial Gases Co., Ltd. (China), Carbide and Chemicals (India), Holston Gases (US), and MEC Medical Ltd. (UK). These players have adopted various growth strategies such as product launches, acquisition, collaboration, agreements, and expansion to increase their presence and reach in the medical gas and equipment market. Air Liquide: Air Liquide is one of the leading supplier of industrial, medical, and specialty gases, technologies, and services. The company operates through three segments, namely, Gas & Services, Engineering & Construction, and Global Markets & Technologies. Air Liquide's Gas & Services business unit is further classified into different geographical areas of Europe, the Americas, the Asia Pacific, and the Middle East & Africa and into business areas, namely, Large Industries, Industrial Merchant, Healthcare, Electronics, and Engineering. The company offers medical gas products under its healthcare business. It provides pure gases, specialty gases, and research gases, which include cryobiology and hyperbaric oxygen solutions. Moreover, the company is present in 73 countries and serves more than 3.9 million customers and patients. Linde Plc: Linde Group is a gas and engineering company that consists of two major product lines, namely, Industrial Gases and Engineering. Linde organizes its industrial gas operations based on geography, comprising three reportable segments, namely, Americas, EMEA (Europe/Middle East/Africa), and APAC (Asia/South Pacific). The company's Engineering business operates globally and manufactures equipment for air separation and other industrial gas applications tailored for end customers across all geographic segments. The company's medical gases business is operated through the Industrial Gases division. The company produces, sells, and distributes atmospheric, process, and specialty gases to a different group of industries, including aerospace, chemicals, food, and beverage. The company's healthcare sector serves a variety of end users, including hospital care, home care, gas therapies, and care concepts. The Linde Group operates across the Americas, the Asia Pacific, the Middle East, and Africa. Taiyo Nippon Sanso Corporation: Taiyo Nippon is one of the leading companies in the medical gas and equipment operating through its Matheson Tri-Gas Inc. subsidiary. The company has three business segments, namely, Industrial Gases, Electronics, and Thermos, which are operated & promoted by five reportable segments, namely, Japan, United States, Europe, Asia & Oceania, and Thermos. The company addresses the bulk requirements for gases, for a variety of end users across the aerospace, agriculture, aquaculture, automotive, biofuels, chemical processing, energy, food and beverage, manufacturing, medical and healthcare, metal processing, oil and gas, pharmaceutical and biotechnology, power generation and transmission, semiconductor, universities and research institutes, and welding and fabrication industries. Some of Taiyo Nippon's major subsidiaries include Matheson Tri-Gas Belgium (SPRL) (Belgium), Continental Carbonic Products, Inc. (US), Taiyo Nippon Sanso Clark, Inc. (Philippines), and Nippon Cutting & Welding Equipment Co., Ltd. (Thailand). For more information, Inquire Now! Related Reports: Home Healthcare Market Respiratory Care Devices Market Respiratory Diagnostics Market Molecular Diagnostics Market Top 10 Medical Device Technologies Market Get access to the latest updates on Medical Gases and Equipment Companies and Medical Gas and Equipment Market Share About MarketsandMarkets: MarketsandMarkets has been recognized as one of America's best management consulting firms by Forbes, as per their recent report. MarketsandMarkets is a blue ocean alternative in growth consulting and program management, leveraging a man-machine offering to drive supernormal growth for progressive organizations in the B2B space. We have the widest lens on emerging technologies, making us proficient in co-creating supernormal growth for clients. Earlier this year, we made a formal transformation into one of America's best management consulting firms as per a survey conducted by Forbes. The B2B economy is witnessing the emergence of $25 trillion of new revenue streams that are substituting existing revenue streams in this decade alone. We work with clients on growth programs, helping them monetize this $25 trillion opportunity through our service lines - TAM Expansion, Go-to-Market (GTM) Strategy to Execution, Market Share Gain, Account Enablement, and Thought Leadership Marketing. Built on the 'GIVE Growth' principle, we work with several Forbes Global 2000 B2B companies - helping them stay relevant in a disruptive ecosystem. Our insights and strategies are molded by our industry experts, cutting-edge AI-powered Market Intelligence Cloud, and years of research. The KnowledgeStore (our Market Intelligence Cloud) integrates our research, facilitates an analysis of interconnections through a set of applications, helping clients look at the entire ecosystem and understand the revenue shifts happening in their industry. To find out more, visit www.MarketsandMarkets.com or follow us on Twitter, LinkedIn and Facebook. Contact: Mr. Rohan Salgarkar MarketsandMarkets INC. 1615 South Congress Ave. Suite 103, Delray Beach, FL 33445 USA: +1-888-600-6441 Email: sales@marketsandmarkets.com Visit Our Website: https://www.marketsandmarkets.com/ Logo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1951202/4609423/MarketsandMarkets.jpg View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/medical-gas-and-equipment-market-to-hit-usd-26-44-billion-by-2029-with-5-8-cagr--marketsandmarkets-302259697.html LONDON, Sept. 26, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- On September 19th, the catalogue "War and Peace in Russian Porcelain. From the collection of Elena Baturina" was presented at the conference dedicated to the issues of cataloguing art collections. Art historians, critics, experts, museum directors and curators discussed their vision and experience of working with private and museum collections of porcelain and other art objects. The scientific section of the event featured presentations by Khazar Zeynalov, Deputy Director of the Institute of Architecture and Art of the Azerbaijan National Academy of Sciences; Igor Dukhan, Member of the European Society of Culture and the Academy of Architecture, Professor and Head of the Art Department at the Belarusian State University; Iraida Bott, Deputy Director for Scientific and Educational Work of the Tsarskoye Selo Museum-Reserve; and Pierre-Christian Brochet, curator of the Contemporary Art department at the School of Design HSE. All of the experts unanimously spoke of the grandeur of both the collection and the catalogue, as well as of their importance for art history in general, and the study of porcelain art in particular. John Bowlt, founder and Director of the Institute of Contemporary Russian Culture at the University of South Carolina and Nicoletta Misler, professor at the L'Orientale, art historian, head of the Center for the Study of Russian Art at L'Orientale prepared a joint address to the conference:"The care, patience, enthusiasm and determination with which Elena Baturina assembled the collection, whether its individual pieces or entire services, are truly admirable. As for the catalogue raisonne: what a magnificent example of scholarship and a monumental effort! Congratulations to all the editors and authors on completing such a pharaonic task - an example of persistent comparative research, a new intellectual perspective." Natalia Sipovskaya, Director of the Institute of Art Studies and the scientific editor of the publication spoke about the production of "War and Peace in Russian Porcelain" in greater detail. Developing the catalogue took seven years and involved more than 100 specialists. Its 1,500 pages contain unique photographs and texts: the analysis of exceptionally important works from the time of Catherine the Great to the last years of the reign of Nicholas II enabled the authors to truly create an encyclopedia of imperial porcelain. Their findings are illustrated and supported by more than 1,200 graphic sources, 800 archival documents, 300 names of commissioners and initial owners, and about 50 projects of forms and original sketches published for the first time. Three volumes, entitled in accordance with the items included "GLORY. Russian Imperial Porcelain: Presentation Pieces", "WAR. Items Painted with Military Figures" and "PEACE. Ceremonial Porcelain of Russian Dinnerware" contain detailed descriptions of 1,500 items out of the 2,000 in the collection overall, and cover all significant events in the history of Russian porcelain, also reflecting the historical and artistic context, dates of creation, names of commissioners and recipients of porcelain gifts, history of their existence reconstructed from hundreds of archival sources. Another achievement of the authors is the scientific apparatus, which contains the study of forms and decorative elements of imperial porcelain - for example, the first complete albums with samples of uniforms of Nicholas' I Russian Guard and Army, an Atlas of Porcelain Flora, an extensive study of Imperial porcelain factory marks are published for the first time. This became possible thanks to the painstaking collecting work of the owner, the experts concluded. Moreover, the analysis of the collection showed that it contains about 500 unique works that have no representation in any other collections. According to the experts, the cost of such a collection is very difficult to estimate with any proximity: "Elena Baturina's collection of Russian and European porcelain is not just large-scale and grandiose in its quantitative and qualitative composition, it is surprisingly cohesive. It is this integrity, consistency and structure of the collection that makes it extremely valuable. And I am not talking about the material value, although it is doubtless and impressive - only by rough estimates we are talking about a quarter of a billion dollars - but, first of all, about the historical, artistic, cultural and scientific value," said Natalia Sipovskaya. English-language copies of the catalogue "War and Peace in Russian Porcelain. From the collection of Elena Baturina" have been submitted to all the major art and art history museums, academies and libraries all over the world. The authors are confident that the publication can facilitate not only new art history discoveries, but overall development of porcelain art. Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2516779/Press_Office_for_Elena_Baturina.jpg View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/new-academic-catalogue-war-and-peace-in-russian-porcelain-from-the-collection-of-elena-baturina-presented-at-the-international-art-historians-conference-302260082.html Cook brings a wealth of leadership experience in data and analytics to DAS42 NEW YORK, NY / ACCESSWIRE / September 26, 2024 / DAS42, a leading data consultancy and Snowflake partner, today announced it has welcomed industry veteran Susan Payne Cook as CEO. With a long and successful track record in leading some of the most well-known organizations in the data industry, Cook is uniquely qualified to drive innovation and growth, leveraging the company's deep expertise in modern data and analytics design and implementation strategies. "As I learned more about the team and customer use cases at DAS42, I jumped at the chance to take the CEO role. Data is the key enabler for enterprise AI initiatives, and DAS42 is well-positioned to leverage its unique full-stack approach to support customers on this journey. I am also a big believer that Snowflake will be one of the most significant players in modern data architectures going forward so this partnership makes perfect sense," said Cook. "Innovation and technology in data and AI is changing so rapidly that businesses require partners they can trust to have deep knowledge and a strong opinion about the future. Our people are so incredibly skilled and they have the conviction to do what's right for our customers for the long-term. I am honored and beyond excited for the opportunity to lead this team and work with businesses and executives who understand data is foundational for better decisions and outcomes." Most recently, Cook was the CEO and Director of Zaloni, a venture capital-backed end-to-end data governance software start-up that had a successful exit in 2023. Cook has a proven track record of leading large, global go-to-market organizations in companies like Oracle, IBM, and MicroStrategy. "We hand-picked Susan Cook for this role because of her exceptional career as a leader in some of the top data and analytics companies. She has a great balance of sales and operational leadership experience and has worked in big global enterprises and agile startups across both software and services," said Julia Senior, Board Director and Partner at M/C Partners. "We invested in DAS42 because we recognized that data was the essential fuel for businesses to make better and faster decisions and to leverage AI and machine learning to gain competitive advantage. Because of this very complex and fast-changing technology landscape in data, we are fortunate to bring in someone with Cook's deep expertise." Under Cook's leadership and with her extensive experience working across the enterprise technology industry, DAS42 will continue its focus on leveraging modern data technologies and expertise to solve the most vexing business problems for its customers. For more information on DAS42, visit www.DAS42.com. About DAS42 DAS42 is a premier data and analytics consultancy with deep technical and business expertise. We specialize in solving some of the most complex business challenges for the world's most successful companies. As a Snowflake Elite Partner, DAS42 crafts customized strategies that create a single source of truth and enable faster decision-making through sophisticated analytics and AI solutions. DAS42 has a presence across the U.S. with primary offices in New York City and Denver. Connect with us at das42.com and stay updated on LinkedIn. Join us today on our journey to help you realize the possibilities of transforming your business through data and analytics. About M/C Partners M/C Partners is a private equity firm focused on small and mid-size businesses in the digital infrastructure and technology services sectors. For more than three decades M/C Partners has invested $2.4 billion of capital in over 140 companies, leveraging its deep industry expertise to understand long-term secular trends and identify growth opportunities. The firm is currently investing its ninth fund, partnering with promising companies and leadership teams to support, scale, and improve operations and maximize value. For more information, please visit https://mcpartners.com/ Contact Information Colleen Trinkaus c.trinkaus@das42.com SOURCE: DAS42 View the original press release on newswire.com. Tampa, Florida--(Newsfile Corp. - September 26, 2024) - Cansortium Inc. (CSE: TIUM.U) (OTCQX: CNTMF) ("Cansortium" or the "Company"), a vertically-integrated cannabis company operating under the Fluent brand, announces that it has changed its auditor from Baker Tilly US, LLP (the "Former Auditor") to PKF O'Connor Davies LLP (the "Successor Auditor"). At the request of the Company, the Former Auditor resigned as the auditor of the Company effective September 23, 2024 and the board of directors of the Company appointed the Successor Auditor as the Company's auditor effective September 23, 2024, to hold office until the next annual meeting of the Company. There were no modified opinions expressed in the Former Auditor's reports on any of the Company's financial statements relating to the "relevant period" (as such term is defined in National Instrument 51-102 - Continuous Disclosure Obligations ("NI 51-102")). There have been no "reportable events" (as such term is defined in NI 51-102) involving the Company and the Former Auditor. In accordance with NI 51-102, the notice of change of auditor, together with the required letters from the Former Auditor and the Successor Auditor, have been filed on SEDAR+. About Cansortium Inc. Cansortium is a vertically-integrated cannabis company with licenses and operations in Florida, Pennsylvania and Texas. The Company operates under the Fluent brand and is dedicated to being one of the highest quality cannabis companies for the communities it serves. This is driven by Cansortium's unrelenting commitment to operational excellence in cultivation, production, distribution and retail. The Company is headquartered in Tampa, Florida. For more information about Cansortium, please visit www.getfluent.com. Cansortium Inc.'s Common Shares trade on the CSE under the symbol "TIUM.U" and on the OTCQX Best Market under the symbol "CNTMF". For more information about the Company, please visit www.getfluent.com. Forward-Looking Information Certain information in this news release may constitute forward-looking information. In some cases, but not necessarily in all cases, forward-looking information can be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology such as "plans", "targets", "expects" or "does not expect", "is expected", "an opportunity exists", "is positioned", "estimates", "intends", "assumes", "anticipates" or "does not anticipate" or "believes", or variations of such words and phrases or state that certain actions, events or results "may", "could", "would", "might", "will" or "will be taken", "occur" or "be achieved". In addition, any statements that refer to expectations, projections, or other characterizations of future events or circumstances contain forward-looking information. Statements containing forward-looking information are not historical facts but instead represent management's expectations, estimates, and projections regarding future events. Forward-looking information is necessarily based on a number of opinions, assumptions and estimates that, while considered reasonable by the Company as of the date of this news release, are subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties, assumptions and other factors that may cause the actual results, level of activity, performance or achievements to be materially different from those expressed or implied by such forward- looking information, including but not limited to the factors described in the public documents of the Company available at www.sedarplus.ca. These factors are not intended to represent a complete list of the factors that could affect the Company; however, these factors should be considered carefully. There can be no assurance that such estimates and assumptions will prove to be correct. The forward-looking statements contained in this news release are made as of the date of this news release, and the Company expressly disclaims any obligation to update or alter statements containing any forward-looking information, or the factors or assumptions underlying them, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by law. To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/224697 SOURCE: Cansortium Inc. Sokoman Minerals Corp. (TSXV:SIC)(OTCQB:SICNF) ("Sokoman" or the "Company") is pleased to provide the following updates from the 100%-owned Moosehead Gold Project in central Newfoundland. The current focus at Moosehead is on plans to extract bulk samples. The first sample is a conventional bulk sample on the Western Trend using drill and blast methods (see Plan Map 1 for proposed locations). The second bulk sample is with Novamera Inc. at the Footwall Splay in the Eastern Trend, utilizing Novamera's proprietary surgical mining technique. Due to lengthy lab turnaround times, the Company is waiting for the gold assay results from 28 holes. Timothy Froude, P. Geo., President and CEO, states, "We are thrilled with the advances we've made on both bulk-sample projects and eagerly anticipate the completion of the Western Trend bulk sample this year. The exposed quartz veining is reminiscent of some of the best drill holes on the Moosehead property. This pivotal step will yield critical insights into the metallurgy and gold recoveries at Moosehead, marking a significant milestone in our project's development." Conventional Bulk Sample - Western Trend Three areas (labelled A, B and C on Plan Map 2) within the Western Trend were drill tested with a series of short holes to determine the best location to extract a conventional bulk sample of 1,000 cubic metres (approximately 2,700 tonnes). Area C (see Plan Map 2) was chosen, and the excavation is underway. A zone of quartz veining with associated altered and mineralized mafic dyke has been exposed in the center of the trench (see Image 1), which is believed to be linked to a 1.5 m wide quartz vein intersected in drill hole MH-24-618, which contained 25 specks of visible gold. MH-24-618 is located approximately 10 m south of the end of the exposed vein. The trench has yet to be fully excavated, with mapping and sampling to commence immediately upon completion. Preliminary examination of the exposed quartz veining has identified locally abundant boulangerite and arsenopyrite mineralization with random specks of visible gold noted in multiple locations. The final layout of the bulk sample dimensions will be completed in about two weeks once all sampling of the exposed mineralization has been done. All assays are pending. Novamera Partnered Bulk Sample - Footwall Splay To date, two sets of historical and Novamera drilled holes, six in total, have been surveyed by Novamera in the Footwall Splay area, and final modelling is ongoing. The objective is to define a similar-sized area to the conventional bulk sample to be extracted utilizing Novamera's surgical mining technique. Meanwhile, the Company has been informed by Novamera that the rig that will be taking the potential sample is under contract until June 2025, at which time it will be available for Sokoman's program. It is the Company's intention to use leftover material from the conventional bulk sample as ballast for the Novamera rig, saving time and cost on that program. The Company will provide further updates from Novamera as they become available. Plan Map 1: Proposed bulk-sample areas Image 1: Western Trend trench with exposed quartz veining Plan Map 2: Recent drilling and test sites for Western Trend bulk sample (A, B, C) Diamond Drilling Recent diamond drilling has focused on outlining an area suitable for a conventional (drill and blast) bulk sample in the Western Trend. Three areas were tested with a series of short holes; to date, all assays are outstanding. The Company also anticipates results from recent drillings at the 552 Zone and several reconnaissance holes north of the Eastern Trend. Currently, gold assay turnaround times exceed six weeks, with full and partial (metallics) results pending for 28 holes shown on the drill hole plan (see Plan Map 2). Diamond-drilling operations are on hold, pending guidance from Novamera and insights from Dr. David Coller's structural report for the deep-drilling program. Dr. Coller is producing a project-scale and regional-scale structural model on which to base a deeper drilling program at Moosehead. He is integrating regional structural data from the Valentine Lake and Queensway mineralized trends and areas northeast of Moosehead, recognizing its position within a larger, complex structural domain that extends beyond our property borders. This comprehensive understanding of the regional structural history is crucial for interpreting Moosehead's structural context. We anticipate Dr. Coller's final report by late Q4 2024 or early Q1 2025. QP This news release has been reviewed and approved by Timothy Froude, P.Geo., a "Qualified Person" under National Instrument 43-101 and President and CEO of Sokoman Minerals Corp. Analytical Techniques / QA/QC Samples, including duplicates, blanks, and standards, are submitted to Eastern Analytical Ltd. in Springdale, Newfoundland for gold analysis. All core samples submitted for assay are saw cut by Sokoman personnel with one-half submitted for assay and one-half retained for reference. Samples are delivered in sealed bags directly to the lab by Sokoman personnel. Eastern Analytical Ltd. is an accredited assay lab that conforms to the requirements of ISO/IEC 17025. Samples with visible gold are submitted for total pulp metallics with a gravimetric finish. All other samples are analyzed by standard fire assay methods. Total pulp metallic analysis includes: the entire sample being crushed to -10 mesh; and then pulverized to 95% -150 mesh. The total sample is weighed and screened to 150 mesh; the +150-mesh fraction is fire-assayed for Au, and a 30 g subsample of the -150-mesh fraction is fire-assayed for Au; with a calculated weighted average of total Au in the sample reported as well. One blank and one industry-approved standard for every twenty samples submitted is included in the sample stream. Random duplicates of selected samples are analyzed in addition to the in-house standard and duplicate policies of Eastern Analytical Ltd. All reported assays are uncut. About Sokoman Minerals Corp. Sokoman Minerals Corp. is a discovery-oriented company and one of the largest landholders in the province of Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada's emerging gold district. The Company's primary focus is its portfolio of gold projects; the 100%-owned flagship, advanced-stage Moosehead, Crippleback Lake, and the district-scale Fleur de Lys project near Baie Verte in northwestern Newfoundland, targeting Dalradian-type orogenic gold mineralization similar to the Curraghinalt and Cavanacaw deposits in Northern Ireland. The Company entered a strategic alliance with Benton Resources Inc. through three, large-scale, joint-venture properties including Grey River, Golden Hope, and Kepenkeck in Newfoundland. In October 2023, Sokoman and Benton completed an agreement with Piedmont Lithium Inc., a major developer of lithium projects and processing plants in the USA, and exactly the right partner to have to advance the lithium project. For full details of the agreement please refer to the Company's press release dated October 11, 2023. Projects optioned with optionee fully vested: East Alder Project optioned to Canterra Minerals Inc (SIC retains 850,000 shares of CTM plus 1% NSR) Startrek Project optioned to Thunder Gold (SIC retains 1,750,000 shares of TGOL plus 1% NSR) For more information, please contact: Timothy Froude, P.Geo., President & CEO T: 709-765-1726 E: tim@sokomanmineralscorp.com Cathy Hume, VP Corporate Development, Director T: 416-868-1079 x 251 E: cathy@chfir.com Website: www.sokomanmineralscorp.com Twitter: @SokomanMinerals Facebook: @SokomanMinerals LinkedIn: @SokomanMineralsCorp Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. Investors are cautioned that trading in the securities of the Corporation should be considered highly speculative. Except for historical information contained herein, this news release contains forward- looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties. Actual results may differ materially. Sokoman Minerals Corp. will not update these forward-looking statements to reflect events or circumstances after the date hereof. More detailed information about potential factors that could affect financial results is included in the documents filed from time to time with the Canadian securities regulatory authorities by Sokoman Minerals Corp. SOURCE: Sokoman Minerals Corp. Balekian Hayes, PLLC Partners Receive Recognition by Super Lawyers Magazine Each year, Super Lawyers identifies the top lawyers in Texas through a patented multiphase selection process. Those with the highest scores are recognized in Texas Super Lawyers' Top Lists. Among the distinguished five percent of Texas attorneys on this coveted list are Dallas-based family law attorneys Kris Balekian Hayes and John Withers, Jr. Honorees are selected based on peer nominations, evaluations, and independent research, with each candidate assessed on 12 criteria related to peer recognition and professional achievement. Selections are made annually on a state-by-state basis, aiming to create a credible and diverse resource for those seeking legal counsel. "It is a privilege to be recognized as one of the top attorneys in Texas," says Kris Balekian Hayes, managing partner of Balekian Hayes, PLLC. "Alongside my partner John Withers, Jr., we understand that divorce can be an incredibly stressful and challenging experience, which is why selecting a trustworthy attorney is so important. We are committed to being honest with our clients, while honesty may sometimes come at a cost, our clients deserve nothing less. This dedication has earned us recognition from industry leaders and referrals from our loyal clients." Hayes earned her law degree from St. Mary's University School of Law in San Antonio and holds a Bachelor of Business Administration from Southern Methodist University in Dallas, along with an MBA from St. Mary's University School of Business. With over 20 years of family law experience, she is distinguished by her dual certification from the Texas Board of Legal Specialization in family law and child welfare-an honor held by only 47 family lawyers in Texas. Additionally, she is a credentialed mediator in civil, family, and CPS matters and is licensed by the Supreme Court of the United States, showcasing her exceptional qualifications. John Withers Jr., also a dual board-certified attorney, has earned accolades as a Super Lawyer and nominee for Best Lawyers due to his unwavering commitment to excellence and client advocacy. A Dallas native, he holds a Bachelor of Science in civil engineering from Texas A&M University and attended the Field Artillery Officer Basic Course at Fort Sill, Oklahoma, as part of the U.S. Army Reserve. Withers earned his law degree from Southern Methodist University and has extensive legal experience, having served as an assistant district attorney and co-founding a successful law firm. His dedication extends beyond the courtroom through his military service and involvement in the State Bar College and the Texas Academy of Family Law Specialists. At Balekian Hayes, PLLC in Dallas, leadership and commitment to clients are at the core of the firm's reputation. The repeated recognition by Super Lawyers highlights the individual excellence of each partner and reflects the firm's high standards. For more information about Kris Balekian Hayes, John Withers, Jr., and the services offered at Balekian Hayes, PLLC, please visit their website. About Balekian Hayes: Led by Kris Balekian Hayes, the family law attorneys of Balekian Hayes PLLC are dedicated to fighting for their clients and their clients' children. From contested divorces, to child possession disputes, to out-of-court mediation and arbitration proceedings, the firm provides the knowledge and expertise needed to help people during what can be one of the most stressful times in their lives. To learn more about Balekian Hayes, visit https://www.bh-pllc.com/. Media Contact: Katie Mudd katie@thevokolgroup.com 214-676-4254 SOURCE: Balekian Hayes Family Law On September 23, 2024, the Anhui Provincial Culture and Tourism Department successfully held a cultural tourism promotion event in Istanbul. The event was hosted by Deputy Director Wang Jing, with notable attendees from Turkey including Murat Cebi, Chairman of the AK Parti Istanbul Provincial Committee; Bilginer Arslan, Head of Foreign Relations for the AK Parti Istanbul; Mr. Huseyin Gazi Cosan, Deputy Mayor of Istanbul for Culture and Tourism; and Eda Caglayan, Director of TGA Asia Region. This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20240926421153/en/ Anhui Provincial Culture and Tourism Department in Istanbul: Promotion and Exchange Activities for Mutual Development (Photo: Business Wire) During the promotional segment, Directors Qin Guowei and Hao Peizhong provided an in-depth introduction to the ecological tourism resources of Lu'an City and the historical and cultural features of Shou County. The event also featured a Huizhou tea ceremony performance showcasing Huangshan Mao Feng tea, allowing attendees to experience the essence of Eastern culture. Additionally, the promotion included a traditional Huangmei Opera performance, with actors Zhang Xiaowei and Wang Ying presenting an excerpt from the classic opera "The Couple Returns Home." Their excellent performances received enthusiastic applause. Beyond the promotional event, Deputy Director Wang Jing and her team also visited the Antalya Tourism Bureau and the Antalya branch of the Turkish Tourism Association. These activities aim to strengthen exchanges and cooperation between Anhui and Turkey in the cultural tourism sector, enhance Anhui's international visibility and influence in cultural tourism, and actively integrate into global tourism development, establishing Anhui as an internationally influential cultural tourism destination. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20240926421153/en/ Contacts: Company Name: Anhui Provincial Culture and Tourism Website: https://www.ahctic.cn/ Email: ahswlt@163.com Contact: Ying Zhu Lyon, France - 26 September 2024 - 6pm CEST - Theranexus, a biopharmaceutical company innovating in the treatment of rare neurological diseases, today publishes its first half results as of 30 June 2024. Theranexus Chairman and CEO, Mathieu Charveriat, comments: "We have adopted a rigorous cost reduction policy, with a strong impact on our operating expenses, while maintaining our operational capabilities. The costs related to clinical trials fell sharply because of completion of the Phase I/II clinical trial of our Batten-1 drug candidate. We are convinced of Batten-1's strong therapeutic potential in light of the latest highly positive Phase I/II results[1] and following the reduction in overall costs for Phase III, and we are currently exploring several options to pursue development of our Batten-1 drug candidate in a pivotal phase trial in Europe and the United States". First half 2024 financial results Completion of the USA Phase I/II clinical trial of the Batten-1 drug candidate at the end of the first half of 2024, combined with the company's cost reduction efforts, resulted in a substantial decline in operating expenditure. Compared with the first half of 2023, other purchases and external charges were practically halved (-47%), and payroll costs fell by almost a third (-29%). With a grant of 2.2 million accounted for in the income statement, and the Research Tax Credit for the period, the company recorded a slight profit for the half-year period. In K (French GAAP) H1 2024 H1 2023 Turnover Operating income 2,221 254 Other purchases and external charges 1,294 2,457 Wages and social security charges 1,073 1,520 Amortization and depreciation 47 168 Other operating expenses 32 31 Operating expenses 2,446 4,176 Net operating income/(expenses) -226 -3,921 Net financial income/(expense) 36 59 Income tax -291 -216 Net income/(expense) 101 -3,646 The 2024 half-year results were approved by the company's Board of Directors on 26 September 2024 and were the subject of a report by the company's Statutory Auditors. Operating grants for the first half of 2024 amounted to 2,221 K, 2,201 K of which corresponding to 80% of the repayable advances granted in connection with the PSPC Neurolead project, canceled by BPI France on project completion. Other purchases and external charges decreased during the first half of 2024 to 1,294 K, down from 2,457 K. This item mainly includes R&D costs incurred by the company. The study purchases and research services item fell sharply due to completion of the Phase I/II clinical trial for Batten-1, which began in the first half of 2022. The other charges also fell due to the cost reduction policy implemented by the company at the end of 2023. Wages and social security charges decreased sharply, with 1,073 K in the first half of 2024 as opposed to 1,520 K over the same period in 2023. The Research Tax Credit (CIR) calculated for the first half is 291 K. The result is a profit of 101 K in the first half of 2024 as against a loss of 3,646 K in the first half of 2023. Total available funds on 30 June 2024 stood at 1,754 K (compared with 4,905 K on 31 December 2023). Taking into account the 785 K Research Tax Credit reimbursement expected in the third quarter of 2024 and the final instalment of the Neurolead grant, the company considers it will be able to cover the funding requirements of its operational activities until at least Q1 2025. Next financial publication: Wednesday 23 October 2024: Cash position as of 30 September 2024 About Theranexus Theranexus is an innovative biopharmaceutical company that emerged from the French Alternative Energies and Atomic Energy Commission (CEA). The company has a unique platform for the identification and characterization of advanced therapy drug candidates targeting rare neurological disorders and an initial drug candidate in clinical development for Batten disease. Theranexus is listed on the Euronext Growth market in Paris (FR0013286259- ALTHX). For more information : http://www.theranexus.com Follow us on Twitter et Linkedln Contacts : THERANEXUS Christine PLACET Chief Financial Officer contact@theranexus.com FP2COM Florence PORTEJOIE Medias relations + 33 (0)6 07 76 82 83 fportejoie@fp2com.fr [1] https://www.theranexus.com/images/pdf/Theranexus_PR_Results_18_Nf_biomarkers_DEF.pdf ------------------------ This publication embed "Actusnews SECURITY MASTER ". - SECURITY MASTER Key: yWycYZWXZGedlpppY5ptbZVqaZpjmWiabGibx5JoaZ6YmGtlnZdkaZWVZnFonmds - Check this key: https://www.security-master-key.com. ------------------------ Copyright Actusnews Wire Receive by email the next press releases of the company by registering on www.actusnews.com, it's free Full and original release in PDF format:https://www.actusnews.com/documents_communiques/ACTUS-0-87926-theranexus_pr_first_half_financial_results_vdef.pdf West Allis, Wisconsin--(Newsfile Corp. - September 26, 2024) - Milwaukee Fly Limo, with its late-model SUV fleet, is redefining what customers can expect from a Milwaukee limo service, offering top-tier luxury transportation throughout the area. This expansion is part of the company's vision of providing limo services to more people, especially those interested in exploring the city's rich culture and famous breweries. To celebrate this new chapter, the company has launched a new website. The site is uniquely designed to help visitors interested in learning more about the company, viewing the luxurious fleet, or reading reviews from other clients. Visitors can also book a ride, talk to a representative, or read more about limousines and airports in Southern Wisconsin. Milwaukee Fly Limo Debuts Elite Limo Service, Setting New Standards for Luxury Travel To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/10740/224671_8f91bfd9d461c964_001full.jpg Milwaukee Fly Limo is a sister company to the award-winning Contact Limo LLC, which recently won Quality Business Awards in the "Best Limousine Service In Kenosha" category. The same management team, known for prioritizing client satisfaction with top-of-the-line vehicles, is also running the new company. The team intends to replicate its success in Kenosha, WI, while customizing its offerings to match Milwaukee's transportation needs. The team behind Milwaukee Fly Limo has over 20 years of combined experience in customer service and transportation, bringing a wealth of expertise to every ride. As a trusted limo service provider in Milwaukee, they ensure that each journey meets the highest standards of luxury and comfort. Milwaukee Fly Limo has a dedicated team available 24/7 to assist travelers from the initial booking until they arrive at the final destination. In addition to excellent customer service, all chauffeurs are highly trained, licensed, and dedicated to providing stress-free rides. Milwaukee Fly Limo serves all types of clients, including both first-time visitors and residents. Clients can request limousine services for airport transfers, corporate travel, special events, or any other need. In each of these travels, the team offers highly customized services to meet every need. If clients have specific needs or require more flexible packages, the company listens and tries to bring the ideas to life as much as possible. In addition to client-centered policies and services, Milwaukee Fly Limo has a fleet consisting primarily of the newest luxury SUV models, which are spacious for high-end occasions. The company ensures each vehicle is well-maintained and clean for added comfort. The Milwaukee Limo Service provider also believes that quality service should extend to transparency and competitiveness in pricing. There are no hidden fees or surprise price hikes, which gives clients peace of mind while enjoying limo rides. Additionally, the company provides clients with a clear breakdown of costs upfront to help them plan accordingly. About Milwaukee Fly Limo: Milwaukee Fly Limo offers luxury limo services to people planning special events, corporate events, airport transfers, and others such as weddings and wine tours. In addition to the company's dedication to professionalism, clients' comfort, and maintaining international standards, the chauffeurs are punctual, experienced, and professional. To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/224671 SOURCE: GetFeatured 2024 half-year sales at 13.8 million, down -7% Backlog 1 at 17.9 million in H1 2024, +73% vs. H1 2023 Gross margin drop to 21% from 41% in H1 2023 With a cash position 2 of 4.7 million as of June 30, 2024 and current orders forecast for H2, the Company's financial visibility goes until end of November 2024 Ordinary and Extraordinary General Meeting to be held on October 23, 2024, in view of a contemplated capital increase with preferential subscription rights3 Regulatory News: BALYO (FR0013258399, Ticker: BALYO), technology leader in the design and development of innovative robotic solutions for industrial trucks, today announces its results for the first half of 2024, approved by the Board of Directors on September 26, 2024. Pascal Rialland, CEO of BALYO, states: "The 2024 first half results were marked by a slower than expected dynamic in Direct Sales which was needed to compensate for the end of order commitments from Linde Material Handling. Still, order intake was in majority generated in direct, representing 68% of total orders received, and our sales were mostly driven by the US market. However, the deployment of service force combined with depreciation of stock and unfavorable product mix over H1 have generated higher costs compared with last year first semester, thus impacting our operating profit for the period. Concurrently, with regards to our current cash position, we recently announced our intention to launch a capital increase with preferential subscription rights of 36 million, which is subject to the Shareholders' Meeting to be held on October 23. The goal of this transaction is two-fold: reinforce our balance sheet and extend BALYO's cash requirements for the 12-month period following the implementation of the transaction to further support our sales momentum. All our teams remains highly dedicated to keep the sales momentum and maintain control over the costs to preserve our cash position." 2024 First Half Activity As already announced, in the second quarter of 2024, BALYO recorded sales at 8.5 million, compared to 7.6 million in Q2 2023, up 12%. In total, sales for the first half of 2024 stood at 13.8 million, a slight decrease of 7% compared with the first half of 2023. As a reminder, sales for the first half of 2023 had benefited from the order commitment contract from Linde Material Handling. By region, lower activity can be observed in the EMEA region in the first half of 2024, where BALYO posted sales of 5.9 million, down -45%. Sales in the United States and APAC grew respectively by +103%, to 6.6 million, and +54%, to 1.2 million, in the first half of 2024. After incorporating new orders, the backlog sets at 17.9 million as of June 30, 2024, up sharply over 10.3 million as of June 30, 2023. BALYO's sales momentum was mainly driven by a 69% increase in order intake over the second quarter of 2024, reaching 5.5 million at end of June 2024. The geographical breakdown shows a surge in the backlog, both in the United States (+215%) and the APAC region (+116%), while the business in EMEA slightly declined. Over the period, direct order intake represented 68% of total orders received, compared with 24% at end of Q2 2023, a level of performance very close to the Company's ambitions. 2024 Half-Year Financial Results* In million H1 2024 H1 2023 Change Sales revenue 13.79 14.89 -7% Cost of sales -10.84 -8.76 +24% Gross profit 2.94 6.13 -52% Gross margin rate 21% 41% -20pts Research and Development -2.77 -2.36 +17% Sales and Marketing -1.90 -1.78 +7% General and administrative expenses -4.11 -3.72 +11% Share-based payment expense -0.11 Other operating profit and expenses -1.16 Operating loss -7.01 -1.85 -279% Financial expense -0.39 -0.54 -28% Net loss -7.40 -2.43 -205% Cash position (as of June 30) 4.73 2.16 *The limited review by the Statutory Auditors and the related report are currently being finalized. In the first half of 2024, the gross profit amounted to 2.9 million, down -52% vs. the first half of 2023. BALYO recorded higher costs of sales relating to a defavorable product mix and an exceptional depreciation on components and batteries inventories amounting to 0.6 million due to obsolescence. As a result, the gross margin decreased to 21% as of June 30, 2024 from 41% as of June 30, 2023. Operating expenses stood at 9.95 million, up 25% due to higher expenses in R&D (+17%), sales and marketing (+7%) and general and administrative (+11%). This increase is related to higher personnel costs and BALYO's participation to major trade fairs to extend the Company's footprint in the United States. After taking these items into account, the operating loss for the period came to -7 million, compared with -1.9 million in the first half of 2023. Net financial expense came to -0.4 million, compared with -0.5 million as of June 30, 2023, impacted mainly by the fair value of convertible bonds. Overall, net income for the first half of 2024 totaled -7.4 million, compared with -2.4 million for the first half of 2023. As of June 30, 2024, BALYO had 169 employees, compared with 155 at the end of December 2023. Financial Position and Outlook On June 30, 2024, BALYO's cash position2 stood at 4.7 million, compared to 8.6 million as of December 31, 2023. Based on the Company's cash position on June 30, 2024, firm order intake, the level of the backlog1 and current forecasts and postponement of payment deadlines granted to BALYO by one of its main suppliers initially scheduled in 2024 to 2025, BALYO has the necessary financial resources to fund its operations until end of November 2024. On September 24, 2024, BALYO's cash position2 stood at 2.4 million. The Company currently anticipates that it will continue to generate losses in the short and mid-terms, and that its cash position as of September 24, 2024 will therefore not be sufficient to cover operating requirements for the next 12 months after that date. As a result, there is uncertainty about BALYO's ability to continue as a going concern over the next 12 months. Given the above-mentioned items, on September 9, 2024, BALYO announced its intention to launch a capital increase with preferential subscription rights of 36 million (the "Rights Issue"). An Ordinary and Extraordinary General Meeting will be held on October 23, 2024, to give a delegation to the Board of Directors to allow the Company to complete the contemplated Rights Issue. The purpose of this capital increase is both to reinforce BALYO's balance sheet as well as to satisfy its cash requirements over the 12-month period following the transaction. The contemplated Rights Issue is subject to (i) the approval by the Shareholders' Meeting of a financial delegation to the Board of Directors, and (ii) the French Autorite des marches financiers' (the "AMF") approval on the prospectus relating to the Rights Issue. Upon satisfaction of the above-mentioned conditions, the SoftBank Group ("SoftBank" through SVF II Strategic Investments AIV LLC ("SSI AIV"), the main Company shareholder), is planning to (x) subscribe to the Rights Issue prorata its shareholding of circa 80% following partial conversion of the convertible bonds in the Company issued to SSI AIV and (y) in the event of any shares remaining unsubscribed at the completion of the rights issue period, SSI AIV is willing to subscribe for such shares, up to 100% of the offering. SSI AIV's subscriptions would be partially effected through set-off against the then outstanding amounts owed to SoftBank under (i) the shareholder loan executed on March 21, 20244 (approx. 13.2 million), and (ii) part of the convertible bonds issued by the Company and subscribed by SSI AIV on June 14, 20235 (approx. 2.7 million). SoftBank has indicated that it contemplates, following the completion of the Rights Issue, to keep the Company listed for a period of at least 12 months. The financial terms of the Rights Issue would be determined on the basis of the then-applicable market conditions. Over the next weeks, BALYO will therefore keep on working in the rebound of its commercial momentum, by leveraging on its model based on Direct Sales and maintaining tight control over its costs to preserve its cash position. 2024 Half-Year Financial Report BALYO will make available to the public and submit to the Autorite des marches financiers its half-year financial report as of June 30, 2024, within the legal timeframe. The 2024 half-year financial report will be made available by September 30, 2024, on BALYO's website at www.balyo.com, in the "Documentation" section. Next BALYO financial announcement: third quarter 2024 revenue, on October 24, 2024 after market closing. About BALYO Humans around the World deserve enriching and creative jobs. At BALYO, we believe that pallet movements in DC and manufacturing sites should be left to fully autonomous robots. To execute this ambition, BALYO transforms standard forklifts into intelligent robots thanks to its breakthrough Driven by Balyo technology. Our leading geo guidance navigation system enables robots to locate their position and navigate autonomously inside buildings without the need for any additional infrastructure. To accelerate the material handling market conversion to autonomy, BALYO has entered into two global partnerships with KION (Fenwick-Linde's parent company) and Hyster-Yale Group. A full range of globally available robots has been developed for virtually all traditional warehousing applications; Tractor, Pallet, Stackers, Reach and VNA-robots. BALYO and its subsidiaries in Boston and Singapore serve clients in the Americas, Europe and Asia-Pacific. The company has been listed on EURONEXT since 2017 and its sales revenue reached 26.7 million in 2023. For more information, visit www.balyo.com. _________________________________ 1 The backlog refers to all project orders received but not yet delivered. The backlog of BALYO refers to all orders for projects received but not yet delivered and evolves every quarter following the taking into account of new orders, the revenue generated by projects during the period and any orders modification or cancellation. 2 This cash position corresponds to the cash and cash equivalents item in the consolidated financial statements. 3 "Announcement of an Ordinary and Extraordinary General Meeting on October 23, 2024, in View of a Contemplated Capital Increase with Preferential Subscription Right", on September 9, 2024 4 Find the terms and conditions on BALYO's investor website in the "Documentation" section 5 "Proposed tender offer from SoftBank Group to acquire Balyo's shares", June 14, 2023 View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20240926723488/en/ Contacts: BALYO investors@balyo.com NewCap Financial Communication and Investor Relations Thomas Grojean Aurelie Manavarere Phone: +33 1 44 71 94 94 balyo@newcap.eu TBILISI, Georgia, Sept. 26, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- This week, the union representing workers of Evolution Georgia, LABOR, petitioned the Swedish Financial Supervisory Authority (Finansinspektionen) to review Evolution's public filings. In a separate letter, LABOR warned the company's shareholders that Evolution's adversarial treatment of employees who seek to exercise freedom of association and collective bargaining rights undermines the core feature of its business model. "We asked for basic things like having a doctor on-site and addressing sanitation issues. They rejected everything, leaving us no choice but to strike. Evolution has built its business on the shoulders of its workers in Georgia and they're expanding in the United States and elsewhere. If this is how they're treating us it should be a sign to investors about their business practices going forward," said Evolution Gaming employee Makhare Patashuri, a worker on strike. On July 12, over half of Evolution Gaming's 8,000 employees in Tbilisi, the Republic of Georgia's capital, went on strike to protest low wages, unsanitary working conditions and other unfair labor practices. Workers presented 44 concerns to the company, noting safety and health issues, including ventilation and temperature control issues and unsanitary work environments. Evolution adheres to OECD Guidelines for Multinational Enterprises, under which investors have a responsibility to use their influence with companies to prevent or mitigate adverse human rights impacts. On August 1, striking workers staged a sit-in at the company headquarters and were met with violence and intimidation, and more than 1,000 workers were laid off in retaliation. The company has been accused of sharing hundreds of strikers' personal information and risking their safety, and on the night of September 15, one of the strike organizers was attacked near his home. "The strikers have been locked out and kicked out," said Giorgi Diasamidze, Leader of the Trade Union LABOR. "Insulting remarks and workplace conflicts are becoming more frequent, and that's what brought even more people out in protest. Evolution's shareholders need to take a hard look at their investment and hold the company accountable for honoring the fundamental rights of the workers whose labor is crucial to the success and healthy reputation of the company." Evolution cannot afford to discount the importance of maintaining a stable, fairly compensated, duly respected gaming workforce at its main hub. Stakeholders in Evolution have a common interest with LABOR members in preserving the viability of Evolution's long-term market position. The ESG case from China's Sinopec, titled "Empowering Green Development, Co-Creating a Zero-Carbon Future," stood out from dozens of entries and was awarded the Best Case in the Environmental Protection category at the first Sino-European Corporate ESG Best Practice Conference held in Frankfurt, Germany. This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20240926903754/en/ An ESG case from China's Sinopec was awarded the Best Case in the Environmental Protection category at the first Sino-European Corporate ESG Best Practice Conference held in Frankfurt, Germany. (Photo: Business Wire) Walter Doring, Chairman of German World Market Leaders Association, on behalf of the event's organizing committee, announced the results. He stated, "Sinopec has demonstrated exceptional practical value in environmental protection. Through its comprehensive environmental management system and innovative technological means, as well as the use of clean energies such as geothermal hydrogen and CCUS, Sinopec has achieved significant emission reductions and green development." The conference committee recognized that Sinopec's case reflects the company's firm steps toward green development, making it highly readable and valuable as a reference. As a result, they granted it the Best Environmental Protection Case award. In his keynote speech at the conference, Sinopec spokesperson Yu Yongsheng said that Sinopec, as an integrated energy and chemical company and a leading participant in the UN Global Compact, always upholds its brand commitment of "Clean Energy, Better Life." Sinopec actively incorporates ESG as a deliberate choice, embedding the concepts of responsibility, innovation, and sustainability into its corporate strategy and operations, transforming ESG from an "idea" into a soft power that strengthens the company, and striving to build a world-leading clean energy and chemical company. Sinopec continuously enhances its ESG capabilities, contributing to the high-quality development of the enterprise. As the world's largest oil refining company and the second-largest producer of chemical products, Sinopec adheres to its corporate mission of "fueling a better life" and seeks the harmonious development of the company and society. In recent years, in response to the severe challenges of global climate change and energy security, Sinopec has continuously improved its ESG governance structure, vigorously implemented its green and clean development strategy, steadily promoted energy transformation, embraced the trend of electrified transportation, and earnestly fulfilled its social responsibilities while strengthening corporate governance efficiency. Since 2007, Sinopec has published its corporate sustainability report for 18 consecutive years. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20240926903754/en/ Contacts: PR Contact: EncycloVision (Shenzhen) Brand Communication Co., Ltd. Eason Zhou Email: evisionsinfo@gmail.com The CDC reports that healthcare workers in the U.S. face an estimated 385,000 needlestick and sharps-related injuries every year. LOS ANGELES, CA / ACCESSWIRE / September 26, 2024 / Responding to the growing concern regarding needlestick injuries, BioMedical Waste Solutions, a leading medical waste disposal company with locations in Los Angeles, CA, is proactively informing the community about the risks of incorrect medical waste disposal, especially concerning needles. Los Angeles Biomedical Waste Los Angeles Biomedical Waste Based on a CDC report, roughly 385,000 needlestick and sharps-related injuries occur annually among U.S. healthcare workers. This number could be much bigger due to unreported cases, particularly in private residences where elderly individuals and the 38.4 million Americans living with diabetes rely on daily needle use. Emphasizing the threats associated with sharps injuries in the transmission of severe diseases, the World Health Organization (WHO) reports the following global annual infection rates among healthcare workers: Nearly 2,005,000 cases of HIV (human immunodeficiency virus) 66,000 cases of hepatitis B virus (HBV) 16,000 cases of hepatitis C virus (HCV) These infections can lead to serious repercussions, including the possibility of fatality or enduring health issues, such as disabilities. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) mentions that nearly one in three sharps injuries happen at the time of disposal, reinforcing the critical importance of adhering to rigorous medical waste disposal standards to safeguard both healthcare workers and the broader community. To remedy this situation, the Los Angeles medical waste disposal company BioMedical Waste Solutions will release The Definitive Guide to Medical Waste Disposal in 2024. This essential guide offers crucial advice on safely disposing of needles, syringes, and other sharp materials, reflecting the company's ongoing commitment to safety enhancement and infection prevention through proper waste disposal. The guide features five vital suggestions for minimizing the occurrence of needlestick injuries: Opt for containers that are FDA-approved for the secure disposal of sharps. Ensure disposal containers are filled within capacity. Refrain from inserting your hand into sharps disposal containers. Avoid the practice of recapping needles after use. Place sharp objects and disposal containers in areas that are inaccessible to children. JP Richards, Director of Communications at BioMedical Waste Solutions, remarked, "The increasing frequency of needlestick injuries and their serious implications for healthcare workers and the community are significant concerns. Our guide is vital for preventing these injuries and ensuring the safety of healthcare providers and individuals using needles at home. We are dedicated to delivering dependable Los Angeles medical waste disposal solutions. Together, we can mitigate the risks associated with needlestick injuries." BioMedical Waste Solutions urges healthcare facilities, professionals, and individuals using needles to explore their extensive guide for properly disposing of sharps and medical waste. The company's expertise and advanced technology guarantee the safe handling, transportation, and disposal of medical waste, adhering to the highest national, state, and local standards. For further details on safe medical waste disposal or to view the guide from BioMedical Waste Solutions, please visit their website at https://www.biomedicalwastesolutions.com/medical-waste-disposal/ or reach out directly at 346-660-4994 or JPRichards@BioMedicalWasteSolutions.com. To learn more about this Los Angeles medical waste disposal company, visit: https://www.biomedicalwastesolutions.com/locations/california/los-angeles-medical-waste-disposal/. About BioMedical Waste Solutions: BioMedical Waste Solutions is a leading medical waste disposal company dedicated to providing safe and reliable solutions for the management and disposal of medical waste. With a commitment to environmental responsibility and public health, the company serves healthcare facilities, private practices, dental offices, veterinarians and laboratories across America. BioMedical Waste Solutions offers comprehensive services to ensure the proper collection, transportation, and disposal of medical waste, including sharps, in compliance with all regulatory requirements. Contact Information JP Richards Director of Communications releases@drakedigital.com (346) 660-4994 SOURCE: Biomedical Waste Solutions View the original press release on newswire.com. Toronto, Ontario--(Newsfile Corp. - September 26, 2024) - Wellfield Technologies Inc. (TSXV: WFLD) (OTC Pink: WFLDF) (FSE: K8D) ("Wellfield" or the "Company") announces that the TSX Venture Exchange (the "Exchange") has accepted the Company's application for the reinstatement of trading in the Company's common shares (the "Shares"). On September 5, 2024, the British Columbia Securities Commission issued a ceased trade order ("CTO") due to the Company's failure to file its interim unaudited financial statements for the fiscal first quarter ended June 30, 2024, as required under National Instrument 51-102 - Continuous Disclosure Obligations, as previously disclosed on September 10, 2024. As a result of the CTO, trading of the Shares was suspended on the Exchange. The BCSC revoked its CTO effective September 9, 2024. The Shares will be reinstated to trading on the Exchange two business days after issuance of Exchange bulletin. Corporate Update As disclosed in the Company's audited financial statements dated March 31, 2024, the Company had a working capital deficiency of $12,481,148. The Company has the ability to remedy such deficiency by drawing down on its equity financing facility with Alumina Partners (Ontario) Ltd. Further information regarding the equity financing facility is available in the Company's March 12, 2024 press release. In addition, and further to the Company's September 6, 2024 press release, the Company entered into a share purchase agreement with Leonovus dated September 5, 2024 the result of which will be the spin out of the Tradewind business and a reverse takeover of Leonovus following which the shares of the resulting issuer will be traded on the Exchange. As consideration for the spin out, the Company will receive common shares of the resulting issuer equal to the value of the Tradewind business which is equal to $20 million. The Transaction is subject to Exchange acceptance and other customary closing conditions, including the completion of a concurrent financing by Leonovus. As disclosed in the Company's press release dated August 21, 2024, the Company has decreased the aggregate indebtedness to be settled (the "Debt Settlement") through the issuance of common shares in the capital of the Company to $676,970 through the issuance of 11,043,395 common shares. Pursuant to the Debt Settlement, the Company issued 3,724,727 common shares on September 17, 2024 and 5,918,668 common shares on September 25, 2024 at $0.06 per common share in settlement for existing convertible debentures. As well, the Company issued 1,400,000 common shares on September 25, 2024 at $0.0714 per common share in settlement for accounts payable. The Company's audited financial statements dated March 31, 2024 noted a receivable in the amount of $484,040. This amount was owed in relation to the subscription for certain convertible debentures as disclosed in the Company's August 4, 2023 press release. On closing of such transaction, the subscriber failed to deliver the subscription proceeds and therefore such convertible debentures were held in escrow pending delivery of the subscription funds. The subscriber ultimately did not advance the subscription funds. The parties entered into an agreement whereby such convertible debentures were cancelled and the amount owing by the subscriber and the debentures to be issued by the Company were both cancelled. In connection with the Company's business combination transaction as disclosed in the Company's press release dated November 24, 2021, the Company agreed to convert certain legacy SAFT agreements issued by its predecessor Seamless Logic Software Limited. The Company issued 3,776,932 RSUs to related parties in exchange for the settlement of legacy SAFT liabilities, including 2,682,326 RSUs issued to Brian Lock, Chief Financial Officer and 1,094,606 RSUs issued to Chanan Steinhart, Director, which will vest one year from the grant date, being September 5, 2024. On closing of such transaction, certain insiders and consultants of the Company deferred their entitlement to common shares until September 5, 2024. Such parties agreed to receive equivalent numbers of RSUs pursuant to the Company's equity incentive plan. In settlement for compensation, the Company issued 520,000 RSUs to settle $86,667 to Levy Cohen, CEO and Director of the Company on September 5, 2023 through the Company's equity incentive plan, which will vest one year from the date of grant being September 5, 2024. The Company was advanced a short-term credit line agreement in the form of cryptocurrency for a minimum of 20 BTC and a maximum of 30 BTC. The loan is subject to accrued interest of 2.5% per annum to be paid monthly, including a late payment interest of 1% per month if applicable. The total loan amount plus accrued interest is to be repaid 48 months following the January 1, 2022 effective date. In addition, the Company was advanced two minor loans from related parties in the form of cryptocurrency in the total amount of 2.7 BTC and 11 ETH. Pursuant to the loan agreements, the total loan amount shall be repaid plus accrued interest of 3% per annum in the same currency of the loan being either cryptocurrency or fiat no later than 12 months from the date of disbursement. About Wellfield Technologies Wellfield Technologies, Inc. (TSXV: WFLD) is a leading fintech company specializing in innovative solutions leveraging blockchain technology. Our platform Coinmama (web and Mobile app), provides seamless access to the cryptocurrency market for over 3.5 million registered users across 180 countries. We offer disruptive on-chain and web3 secure and friendly self-custody solutions through Coinmama. Additionally, Wellfield operates Tradewind Markets platform to digitize and trade real-world assets, including our flagship VaultChain Gold and VaultChain Silver products. Expanding our offerings for institutional clients, we present Brane Trust aiming to operate Alberta Canada's second qualified digital asset custodian. Join Wellfield's digital community on LinkedIn and Twitter, and for more details, visit wellfield.io. For further information contact: About Leonovus Leonovus is a secure data management software company. The Leonovus suite of data management tools offer customers a complete end-to-end data-centric solution. This solution can stand on its own or integrates with the organization's zero-trust strategy and architecture. It takes seamless advantage of the organization's existing storage infrastructure and network architecture, working on-premises in the cloud. It extends the data-centric controls across the entire architecture, including cloud resources. To learn more, please visit www.leonovus.com. For further information contact: Michael Gaffney, Chair and CEO mgaffney@leonovus.com Cautionary Notice on Forward-Looking Statements This news release contains statements that constitute "forward-looking information" ("forward-looking information") within the meaning of the applicable Canadian securities legislation. All statements, other than statements of historical fact, are forward-looking information and are based on expectations, estimates and projections as at the date of this news release. Any statement that discusses predictions, expectations, beliefs, plans, projections, objectives, assumptions, future events or performance (often but not always using phrases such as "expects", or "does not expect", "is expected", "anticipates" or "does not anticipate", "plans", "budget", "scheduled", "forecasts", "estimates", "believes" or "intends" or variations of such words and phrases or stating that certain actions, events or results "may" or "could", "would", "might" or "will" be taken to occur or be achieved) are not statements of historical fact and may be forward-looking information. Forward-looking information in this news release includes statements regarding: the completion of the RTO; the completion of the Financing; the timeline to complete the RTO and the Financing; the anticipated benefits of the RTO; the conditions to be satisfied for completion of the RTO; completion of the Stock Consolidation; the name and business carried on by the Resulting Issuer; the reliance on a prospectus exemption for the issuance of the Leonovus Shares to Wellfield; obtaining a waiver from the TSXV sponsorship requirements; the timing and completion of the Tradewind platform upgrades; the terms of the ancillary agreements to the Definitive Agreement relating to the RTO, including the support agreement, non-competition agreement and investor rights agreement; and the approval of the TSXV of the transactions contemplated herein, which are based on Wellfield and Leonovus' current internal expectations, estimates, projections, assumptions and beliefs, which may prove to be incorrect. These statements are not guarantees of future performance and undue reliance should not be placed on them. Such forward-looking information necessarily involves known and unknown risks and uncertainties, which may cause Wellfield and Leonovus' actual performance and results in to differ materially from any projections of future performance or results expressed or implied by such forward-looking information. These risks and uncertainties include but are not limited to Wellfield and Leonovus satisfying the conditions for TSXV approval of the transactions herein; there is no assurance that the Financing will be completed or as to the actual gross proceeds to be raised in connection with the Financing; there is no assurance that Wellfield and Leonovus will obtain all requisite approvals for the RTO, including the approval of the shareholders of Leonovus, or the approval of the TSXV for the RTO (which may be conditional upon amendments to the terms of the RTO); following completion of the RTO, the Resulting Issuer may require additional financing from time to time in order to continue its operations, which may not be available when needed or on terms and conditions acceptable to the Resulting Issuer; unanticipated costs and expenses of the RTO or the Financing; the ability of Wellfield to conduct the Tradewind platform upgrades, in a timely manner, if at all; new laws or regulations could adversely affect the Resulting Issuer's business and results of operations; the stock markets have experienced volatility that often has been unrelated to the performance of companies, which fluctuations may adversely affect the price of the Resulting Issuer's securities, regardless of its operating performance; and general business, financial market, economic, competitive, political and social uncertainties. There can be no assurance that forward-looking statements will prove to be accurate, and actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated. Readers are cautioned that the foregoing list is not exhaustive, and readers are encouraged to review the disclosure documents accessible on Wellfield and Leonovus' respective SEDAR+ profile at www.sedarplus.ca. Readers are further cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward-looking information as there can be no assurance that the plans, intentions or expectations upon which they are placed will occur. Such information, although considered reasonable by management at the time of preparation, may prove to be incorrect and actual results may differ materially from those anticipated. Except as required by law, Wellfield and Leonovus disclaims any intention and assumes no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking information. All information contained in this news release with respect to Wellfield and Leonovus was supplied by the parties, respectively, for inclusion herein, and each party and its directors and officers have relied on the other party for any information concerning such party. Neither the TSXV nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSXV) has approved nor disapproved the contents of this news release, nor do they accept responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/224715 SOURCE: Wellfield Technologies Inc. Altamonte Springs, Florida--(Newsfile Corp. - September 26, 2024) - Premier Equipment, a CNC machine dealer is proud to announce the Premier Equipment Veteran Scholarship, providing $1,000 for students in manufacturing, and engineering. This scholarship is specifically designed for the U.S. Veterans and Active Military members, supporting their academic goals and future careers in manufacturing. The scholarship helps train the next generation of the manufacturing industry. Premier Equipment - CNC Machine Dealers Candidates interested in applying must submit their DD-214 to verify Honorable Discharge. Applications for the scholarship are now open, and the Company encourages eligible individuals to apply to advance their careers in CNC technology and engineering. The Premier Equipment Veteran Scholarship will be an annual scholarship targeted at college students who have served in the United States military. The $1,000 scholarship can be used for tuition, room and board, textbooks, or other educational expenses. The application deadline is Feb 14th, 2025, and the recipient will be announced Feb 28th, 2025. Thomas Khom, CEO of Premier Equipment, stated, "Veterans hold immense potential for the future of the U.S. manufacturing industry. Their hard work, dedication, discipline, and leadership qualities are invaluable assets in today's manufacturing landscape. At Premier Equipment, we are proud to offer opportunities to U.S. veterans, while also contributing to the growth and strength of the American manufacturing industry." Since 1988, Premier Equipment has established itself as a trusted name in the machine tool industry, serving the U.S. with high-quality used CNC machines. The Company's expertise in machine tools ranges from brands like Haas and Mazak to machine types like CNC lathes, vertical mills, boring mills, and even fabrication equipment. Premier Equipment is committed to more than just buying and selling; the Company provide solutions designed to drive customers' manufacturing success. For more information about the scholarship and to apply, visit the website at https://premierequipment.com/veteran-scholarship/ About Premier Equipment Premier Equipment is the largest seller of used CNC machines. Used CNC for sale are added on the hour. The Company is the #1 used CNC stocking dealer in the U.S. Premier Equipment's sales team possesses a collective 120+ years of extensive knowledge and experience with Mazak used CNC machines, as well as other brands including Mori Seiki, Okuma, Haas, Daewoo, Matsuura, Kitamura and many other used CNC brands. To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/224689 SOURCE: Premier Equipment AM Best has affirmed the Financial Strength Rating (FSR) of A+ (Superior) and the Long-Term Issuer Credit Rating (Long-Term ICR) of "aa" (Superior) of Swiss Reinsurance Company Ltd (Switzerland) and most rated operating affiliates, all subsidiaries of Swiss Re Ltd (Swiss Re). At the same time, AM Best has affirmed the Long-Term Issue Credit Ratings (Long-Term IRs) on the debt and the indicative Long-Term IRs on securities available under Swiss Reinsurance Company Ltd.'s debt issuance programme. The outlook of these Credit Ratings (ratings) is stable. (See below for a detailed listing of the companies and ratings.) Additionally, AM Best has maintained the under review with negative implications status for the FSR of A+ (Superior) and the Long-Term ICR of "aa" (Superior) of iptiQ Life S.A. (Luxembourg), as well as the FSR of A (Excellent) and the Long-Term ICR of "a" (Excellent) of Lumico Life Insurance Company (Jefferson City, MO) and Elips Life Insurance Company (Jefferson City, MO). Concurrently, AM Best has withdrawn the ratings of iptiQ Life S.A., Lumico Life Insurance Company, and Elips Life Insurance Company as the companies have requested to no longer participate in AM Best's interactive rating process. The ratings reflect Swiss Re's balance sheet strength, which AM Best assesses as strongest, as well as its strong operating performance, very favourable business profile and very strong enterprise risk management. Swiss Re's balance sheet strength is underpinned by its consolidated risk-adjusted capitalisation that is comfortably in excess of AM Best's minimum requirement for the strongest assessment level, as measured by Best's Capital Adequacy Ratio (BCAR). The assessment considers the group's conservative asset allocation, strong asset liability management capabilities and low dependence on retrocession coverage. In addition, Swiss Re's financial flexibility is excellent, supported by effective capital management. Swiss Re's operating performance metrics, particularly in more recent years, have been supportive of a strong operating performance assessment. The group reported a strong net profit under IFRS of USD 2.1 billion in the first half of 2024 (compared with USD 1.8 billion in the restated prior year), reflecting the follow through of corrective underwriting actions taken in recent years, below budget natural catastrophe losses, and the solid performance of the L&H Reinsurance division. In this period, the group reported solid combined ratios of 88.7% (net-gross) for Corporate Solutions and 84.5% (net-net) for P&C Reinsurance, despite continued strengthening of its U.S. casualty reserves. Prospectively, underwriting performance is expected to remain robust, supported by favourable market conditions and effective cycle management. Swiss Re maintains a leading position in the global reinsurance market. In AM Best's view, the group's strong brand and excellent geographic diversification partly insulate it from competition in the international reinsurance market and leave it well-positioned to navigate the underwriting cycle. The FSR of A+ (Superior) and the Long-Term ICR of "aa" (Superior) have been affirmed with a stable outlook for Swiss Reinsurance Company Ltd and its following affiliates: Swiss Re Asia Pte. Ltd. Swiss Re Europe S.A. Swiss Re International SE Swiss Re Life Health America Inc. Swiss Reinsurance America Corporation Westport Insurance Corporation Swiss Re Corporate Solutions America Insurance Corporation Swiss Re Corporate Solutions Premier Insurance Corporation Swiss Re Corporate Solutions Elite Insurance Corporation Swiss Re Corporate Solutions Capacity Insurance Corporation The Long-Term ICR of "a" (Excellent) has been affirmed with a stable outlook for Swiss Re America Holding Corporation. The following indicative Long-Term Issue Credit Ratings (Long-Term IRs) on securities available under Swiss Reinsurance Company Ltd's USD 10 billion debt issuance programme have been affirmed with a stable outlook: Swiss Reinsurance Company Ltd- -- "aa-" (Superior) on all senior unsecured notes to be issued under the programme -- "a+" (Excellent) on all senior subordinated notes to be issued under the programme -- "a" (Excellent) on all junior subordinated notes to be issued under the programme The following Long-Term IR has been affirmed with a stable outlook: Swiss Re Treasury (US) Corporation (guaranteed by Swiss Reinsurance Company Ltd)- -- "aa-" (Superior) on USD 500 million 4.25% senior unsecured notes, due 2042 The following Long-Term IRs have been affirmed with a stable outlook: Swiss Re America Holding Corporation- -- "a" (Excellent) on USD 600 million 7.00% senior unsecured notes, due 2026 -- "a" (Excellent) on USD 350 million 7.75% senior unsecured notes, due 2030 This press release relates to Credit Ratings that have been published on AM Best's website. For all rating information relating to the release and pertinent disclosures, including details of the office responsible for issuing each of the individual ratings referenced in this release, please see AM Best's Recent Rating Activity web page. For additional information regarding the use and limitations of Credit Rating opinions, please view Guide to Best's Credit Ratings. For information on the proper use of Best's Credit Ratings, Best's Performance Assessments, Best's Preliminary Credit Assessments and AM Best press releases, please view Guide to Proper Use of Best's Ratings Assessments. AM Best is a global credit rating agency, news publisher and data analytics provider specialising in the insurance industry. Headquartered in the United States, the company does business in over 100 countries with regional offices in London, Amsterdam, Dubai, Hong Kong, Singapore and Mexico City. For more information, visit www.ambest.com. Copyright 2024 by A.M. Best Rating Services, Inc. and/or its affiliates. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20240926751632/en/ Contacts: Jessica Botelho-Young, CA Associate Director, Analytics +44 20 7397 0310 jessica.botelho-young@ambest.com Christopher Sharkey Associate Director, Public Relations +1 908 882 2310 christopher.sharkey@ambest.com Dan Hofmeister, CFA, FRM, CPCU, ARe Associate Director, Analytics +1 908 882 1893 dan.hofmeister@ambest.com Al Slavin Senior Public Relations Specialist +1 908 882 2318 al.slavin@ambest.com Louis Silvers Senior Financial Analyst +1 908 882 2316 louis.silvers@ambest.com Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - September 26, 2024) - Silver Elephant Mining Corp. (TSX: ELEF) (OTCQB: SILEF) (FSE: 1P2) ("Silver Elephant" or the "Company") is pleased to announce that all resolutions put forward at the Annual General & Special Meeting (the "Meeting") of the Company's shareholders held on September 25, 2024, as described in the Company's information circular dated August 9, 2024 (the "Circular"), were approved. A summary of the results are set out below: Number of Directions: set the number of directors at four (4). Election of Directors: the nominees listed in the Circular were all elected as Directors until the next annual general meeting of the shareholders. Detailed results of the vote are set out below: Votes For % For Withheld / Abstain % Withheld / Abstain John Lee 3,001,378 95.92% 127,602 4.08% Greg Hall 3,028,285 96.78% 100,695 3.22% Douglas Flett 3,027,888 96.77% 101,092 3.23% Nigel Lees 3,027,181 96.75% 101,799 3.25% Approved the appointment of Mao & Ying LLP, Chartered Professional Accountants as the auditors of the Company and authorizing the directors to fix the remuneration to be paid to Mao & Ying LLP, Chartered Professional Accountants. Re-approved the Company's 2021 Stock Option Plan, as more particularly described in the Information Circular dated August 9, 2024. For more information on the voting results, please see the Report of Voting Results which is available at www.sedarplus.ca. About Silver Elephant Mining Corp. Silver Elephant is a silver mining company, with its flagship Pulacayo-Paca silver project in production since October 2023 in Bolivia. Further information on Silver Elephant can be found at www.silverelef.com. SILVER ELEPHANT MINING CORP. ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD "John Lee" Executive Chairman Neither the TSX nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in policies of the TSX) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/224738 SOURCE: Silver Elephant Mining Corp. Fullerton, California--(Newsfile Corp. - September 26, 2024) - The Law Offices of Jacqueline Goodman, a prominent criminal defense law firm in Los Angeles and Orange County, announces a renewed emphasis on handling rape and molestation cases in Irvine and Riverside. With over two decades of experience, this law firm has earned a reputation for providing skilled and compassionate legal representation to those facing serious criminal charges, particularly in sex crimes defense. Los Angeles and Orange County sex crimes defense specialist now focuses on Irvine and Riverside rape and molestation cases, offering expert legal representation for complex criminal charges. As a recognized expert in sex crimes defense, Jacqueline Goodman has a proven track record of defending clients accused of rape, sexual assault, molestation, and other criminal offenses. Her legal expertise covers all aspects of criminal defense, including domestic violence, drug crimes, and felonies, making her one of the most sought-after attorneys for high-stakes cases. With an expanding focus on Irvine and Riverside, the firm aims to provide top-tier legal support to individuals confronting life-altering allegations in these regions. The Law Offices of Jacqueline Goodman stands out as a premier criminal law specialist, meeting the rigorous standards required of certified specialists in the field of law. With a broad range of criminal law experience, Jacqueline Goodman and her team have developed specialized skills to navigate the complexities of criminal procedure and provide a robust legal defense for their clients. Their extensive experience handling sex crimes cases, as well as white-collar crimes, positions the firm as a leader in criminal defense across Southern California. As a certified criminal defense lawyer, Jacqueline Goodman has met the strict requirements set by the State Bar of California, a testament to her exceptional knowledge and level of experience in criminal law. Her work as a criminal attorney spans a wide range of cases, from rape and molestation to more complex legal matters, ensuring clients receive the highest quality legal representation. The firm's legal professionals are equipped with the skills and expertise needed to guide clients through every step of the legal process. Cannot view this video? Visit: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pVHLUlBNtVM This level of experience is particularly crucial when facing serious allegations in criminal justice cases. The Law Offices of Jacqueline Goodman prides itself on offering each client a thorough initial consultation, allowing individuals to explore their legal options and build a strong defense strategy. Criminal law attorneys at the firm are dedicated to providing a personalized approach, ensuring that every client's rights are protected throughout the legal journey. By combining extensive experience with a deep understanding of criminal procedure, the firm continues to set the standard for criminal law attorneys in Los Angeles, Orange County, Irvine, and Riverside. The Law Offices of Jacqueline Goodman invites those in need of a skilled criminal defense attorney to contact the firm immediately for a confidential consultation. Anyone facing charges related to rape or molestation is encouraged to seek professional legal counsel without delay to ensure their rights are protected. For more information, visit www.californiadefenselawyer.net or call 714-266-3945. Jacqueline Goodman is a well-respected figure in the legal community, frequently sought after for her insight on high-profile criminal cases. Her expertise in sex crimes defense has made her a powerful advocate for clients across Los Angeles and Orange County. With the expansion into Irvine and Riverside, the firm continues its mission to defend the accused with integrity, dedication, and an unparalleled commitment to justice. Listen to Jacqueline Goodman, a seasoned criminal defense attorney and former president of California Attorneys for Criminal Justice, on The Attorney Post Podcast. About The Law Offices of Jacqueline Goodman: Located in Fullerton, California, The Law Offices of Jacqueline Goodman is a premier criminal defense firm known for its aggressive defense strategies and client-focused approach. Specializing in sex crimes, arson, domestic violence, drug crimes, DUI defense, felonies, theft, and violent crimes, the firm provides comprehensive legal services to clients throughout Southern California. Specializing in sex crimes, the Los Angeles and Orange County criminal defense expert expands to handle Irvine and Riverside rape and molestation cases, ensuring dedicated legal support. To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/223959 SOURCE: The Law Offices of Jacqueline Goodman Toronto, Ontario--(Newsfile Corp. - September 26, 2024) - Safe Supply Streaming Co. Ltd. (CSE: SPLY) (FSE: QM4) (OTCQB: SSPLF) (the "Company" or "Safe Supply") is pleased to announce a proposed acquisition in Drug Lab 118 Ltd. a portfolio of proprietary harm reduction test strips, enhancing its moot and SKU portfolio. The Company has entered into a non-binding letter of intent with Druglab118 Ltd. ("Drug Lab Parent") in respect of an investment in its wholly owned subsidiary, Drug Lab 118 Ltd. ("Drug Lab U.S."), dated September 26, 2024 (the "LOI"). The LOI contemplates Safe Supply acquiring all of the issued and outstanding shares in the capital stock of Drug Lab U.S. from Drug Lab Parent (the "Acquisition") in exchange for common shares in the capital of Safe Supply ("Consideration Shares") at a deemed value of $0.05 per share. It is currently expected that Safe Supply will issue 10,000,000 Consideration Shares to Drug Lab Parent in connection with the Acquisition, which will be subject to contractual restrictions on resale such that 1/3 of the Consideration Shares may be traded on each of the four, eight and twelve month anniversaries of the closing of the Acquisition. In addition, it is anticipated that Drug Lab Parent will appoint one nominee to the board of directors of Safe Supply at closing of the proposed Acquisition. In addition, upon closing of the Acquisition, the Company will issue 1,000,000 common shares of Safe Supply to an arm's length third party finder as a finder fee (the "Finder Fee Shares"). All securities issued connection with the above transactions will be subject to a hold period of four months and a day pursuant to applicable securities laws. This Acquisition significantly enhances Safe Supply's portfolio, expanding its capabilities in harm reduction with a suite of test kits developed through Drug Lab Parent's extensive research and development efforts over the last several years. Drug Lab Parent's team boosts an impressive scientific bench who have spent years refining and developing their portfolio of proprietary test strips and we are pleased to have them for the very important North American market. Drug Lab U.S., a Delaware registered corporation is a wholly owned subsidiary of Drug Lab Parent and it has an exclusive distribution agreement with Drug Lab Parent to distribute products of Drug Lab Parent in North America. With Drug Lab Parent's portfolio, Safe Supply now offers a comprehensive suite of test kits that address a wide range of narcotics, providing a competitive edge in the market. The ongoing collaboration with Greenlane Holdings amplifies the distribution and market reach of Safety Strips (an investee company of Supply), creating a robust pipeline for growth. Bill Panagiotakopoulos, CEO of Safe Supply, stated: "This Acquisition marks a salient milestone as we strengthen our growing portfolio in medical testing and harm reduction. We are confident that we can add substantial value to Druglab in their North American sales effort and position their products as leaders in their respective categories.." Colin L, CEO of Druglab Parent, stated, "We are excited to work with Safe Supply to expand our North American business, and we are confident with strong partners such as Safe Supply, we can successfully execute on our vision, while dominating the harm reduction space." A Growing Market Opportunity The global market for narcotic testing and harm reduction solutions is experiencing rapid growth, driven by increasing awareness and regulatory demands for safer drug use practices. The Acquisition of Drug Lab U.S. positions Safe Supply to capitalize on this expanding market, with proprietary technology that has already seen significant investment in Europe. The global market for drug testing kits is expected to reach $11.83 billion by 2028, growing at a CAGR of 5.0% from 2021 to 2028. (Polaris Market Research) This Acquisition is not only a testament to Safe Supply's strategic vision but also serves as a strong catalyst for future revenue growth. With the integration of Drug Lab Parent's technology, Safe Supply is poised to see a substantial increase in its market share within the medical testing and harm reduction industry. The acquisition of Drug Labs U.S. is a pivotal step in Safe Supply's journey to becoming a leader in the medical testing space, particularly in harm reduction technologies. Investors can look forward to continued growth, driven by strategic acquisitions, innovative partnerships, and a clear commitment to expanding the Company's market presence. Safe Supply remains committed to delivering shareholder value through strategic growth initiatives and its goal to achieve a leadership position in the rapidly evolving market for harm reduction solutions. About Drug Labs Parent, Drug Labs U.S. Druglab118 Ltd. was incorporated in the United Kingdom in March 2013 with a mission to deliver the science used in forensic testing and detection to consumers. The company is focused on the development of innovative chemical technologies. Druglab118 Ltd. has developed specific expertise in the area of illicit substance detection through the creation of innovative and patented drug detection solutions. Drug Lab 118 Ltd., a Delaware registered corporation is a wholly owned subsidiary of Druglab118 Ltd. and it has an exclusive distribution agreement with Druglab118 Ltd. to distribute products of Druglab118 Ltd. in North America. SPLY through this Acquisition will acquire all the issued and outstanding shares Drug Lab 118 Ltd. and will retain the exclusive rights to distribute current and future products of Druglab118 Ltd. in North America. About Safe Supply Streaming Co. Ltd. Safe Supply Streaming Co. Ltd. (CSE: SPLY) (FSE: QM4) (OTCQB: SSPLF) is a publicly traded company specializing in the acquisition, investment, and development of companies within the medical and wellness sectors. With a focus on innovative technology-driven solutions, Safe Supply aims to create sustainable value for its investors while addressing critical needs in the healthcare industry. The Company is committed to delivering high-impact solutions and fostering growth through its diverse portfolio of companies. The CSE does not accept responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. The securities issuable under the Acquisition and the Advisor Agreement have not been and will not be registered under the U.S. Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "1933 Act"), or under any state securities laws, and may not be offered or sold, directly or indirectly, or delivered within the United States or to, or for the account or benefit of, U.S. persons (as defined in Regulation S under the 1933 Act) absent registration or an applicable exemption from the registration requirements. This news release does not constitute an offer to sell or a solicitation to buy such securities in the United States. CAUTIONARY NOTE REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS This press release contains "forward-looking information" within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities legislation. These statements relate to future events or future performance. The use of any of the words "could", "intend", "expect", "believe", "will", "projected", "estimated" and similar expressions and statements relating to matters that are not historical facts are intended to identify forward-looking information and are based on the Company's current belief or assumptions as to the outcome and timing of such future events. The forward-looking information and forward-looking statements contained herein include, but are not limited to, statements regarding: the Company's performance, business objectives and milestones and the anticipated timing thereof, and costs in connection with, the execution or achievement of such objectives and milestones; the potential benefits resulting from the entering of the LOI between the Company and Drug Lab Parent; the Company, Drug Lab Parent, and Drug Lab U.S. to maintain its stated licenses and obtain all necessary additional licenses and regulatory approval required for the Company to carry out its plans as described; the Company issuing 10,000,000 Consideration Shares to Drug Lab Parent in connection with the Acquisition, which will be subject to contractual restrictions on resale; the appointment of one nominee to the board of directors of the Company at closing of the proposed Acquisition; the issuance of 1,000,000 Finder Fee Shares upon closing of the Acquisition; the Company's portfolio being significantly enhanced due to this Acquisition, expanding its capabilities in harm reduction with test kits developed through Drug Lab Parent's research and development efforts; statements with respect to the growing market for narcotic testing and harm reduction solutions; statements with respect to the market for narcotic testing and harm reduction solutions experiencing rapid growth on a global scale; statements with respect to the ability for the Company to be a leader in the medical testing space due to this Acquisition; and statements with respect to the expansion of the Company's market presence due to continued growth, strategic acquisitions, and innovative partnerships. Forward-looking information in this press release are based on certain assumptions and expected future events, namely: the Company's ability to maintain or exceed its current performance, and carry out its business objectives and milestones and under the anticipated timing and costs in connection with, the execution or achievement of such objectives and milestones; the Company's ability to capitalize on the potential benefits resulting from the entering the LOI, including the potential distribution expansion in the North American market; the Company, Drug Lab Parent, and Drug Lab U.S's abilities to maintain its stated licenses and obtain all necessary additional licenses and regulatory approval required for the Company to carry out its plans as described; the Company's ability to issue 10,000,000 Consideration Shares to Drug Lab Parent in connection with the Acquisition, which will be subject to contractual restrictions on resale; the Company's ability to appoint one nominee to the board of directors of the Company at closing of the proposed Acquisition; the Company's ability to issue 1,000,000 Finder Fee Shares upon closing of the Acquisition; the Company's portfolio will be significantly enhanced due to this Acquisition, expanding its capabilities in harm reduction with test kits developed through Drug Lab Parent's research and development efforts; statements with respect to the growing market for narcotic testing and harm reduction solutions; statements with respect to the market for narcotic testing and harm reduction solutions experiencing rapid growth on a global scale; the ability for the Company to be a leader in the medical testing space due to this Acquisition; and that there will be continued growth, strategic acquisitions, and innovative partnerships that would expand the Company's market presence. These statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors, which may cause actual results, performance or achievements to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such statements, including but not limited to: the Company's inability to maintain or exceed its current performance, and carry out its business objectives and milestones and under the anticipated timing and costs in connection with, the execution or achievement of such objectives and milestones; the Company's inability to capitalize on the potential benefits resulting from entering the LOI, including the potential distribution expansion in the North American market; the Company, Drug Lab Parent, and Drug Lab U.S's inabilities to maintain its stated licenses and obtain all necessary additional licenses and regulatory approval required for the Company to carry out its plans as described; the Company's inability to issue 10,000,000 Consideration Shares to Drug Lab Parent in connection with the Acquisition, which will be subject to contractual restrictions on resale; the Company's inability to appoint one nominee to the board of directors of the Company at closing of the proposed Acquisition; the Company's inability to issue 1,000,000 Finder Fee Shares upon closing of the Acquisition; the Company's inability to significantly enhance its portfolio after this Acquisition, leading to the Company's inability to expand its capabilities in harm reduction with test kits developed through Drug Lab Parent's research and development efforts; statements with respect to the growing market for narcotic testing and harm reduction solutions; statements with respect to the market for narcotic testing and harm reduction solutions experiencing rapid growth on a global scale; the ability for the Company to be a leader in the medical testing space due to this Acquisition; and that there will be continued growth, strategic acquisitions, and innovative partnerships that would expand the Company's market presence. Readers are further cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward-looking statements, as there can be no assurance that the plans, intentions or expectations upon which they are placed will occur. Such information, although considered reasonable by management at the time of preparation, may prove to be incorrect and actual results may differ materially from those anticipated. Forward-looking statements contained in this press release are expressly qualified by this cautionary statement and reflect the Company's expectations as of the date hereof and are subject to change thereafter. The Company undertakes no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, estimates or opinions, future events or results or otherwise or to explain any material difference between subsequent actual events and such forward-looking information, except as required by applicable law. THIS NEWS RELEASE IS NOT FOR DISTRIBUTION TO U.S. NEWSWIRE SERVICES OR DISSEMINATION IN THE UNITED STATES To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/224714 SOURCE: Safe Supply Streaming Co Ltd. Toronto, Ontario and New York, New York--(Newsfile Corp. - September 26, 2024) - Micromem Technologies Inc. (CSE: MRM) (OTCQB: MMTIF) ("Micromem" or the "Company") announces its management met with Chevron representatives in their Houston offices on September 25th; several topics were reviewed and a go forward process and timetable has been mutually agreed upon, these are the subject of additional press releases. Micromem has secured access to the Chevron designed automated sampler system (the 'System'), the system and methods for the automated fluid sampling for tracer testing. The Company will not pay any fees for the use of the System and any intellectual property that it may generate will remain with Micromem. The System is crucial in any well mounted system for our ARTRA device. Chevron will introduce Micromem to the engineer that designed their sampler system; this will provide Micromem with the opportunity to make any required modifications for use with 3rd parties. Access to this system should save the Company substantial time and expense in developing sampler systems in future dealings with other users. Micromem will provide modified sampler designs to Chevron for their own testing and evaluation for potential future use. About Micromem. Micromem Technologies Inc. and its subsidiaries, a publicly traded (OTCQB: MMTIF) (CSE: MRM), company analyzes specific industry sectors to create intelligent game-changing applications that address unmet market needs. By leveraging its expertise and experience with sophisticated sensor applications, the Company successfully powers the development and implementation of innovative solutions for oil & gas, utilities, automotive, healthcare, government, information technology, manufacturing and other industries. Visit www.micromeminc.com. Safe Harbor Statement This press release contains forward-looking statements. Such forward-looking statements are subject to a number of risks, assumptions and uncertainties that could cause the Company's actual results to differ materially from those projected in such forward-looking statements. In particular, factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those in forward-looking statements include: our inability to obtain additional financing on acceptable terms; risk that our products and services will not gain widespread market acceptance; continued consumer adoption of digital technology; inability to compete with others who provide comparable products; the failure of our technology; the infringement of our technology with proprietary rights of third parties; inability to respond to consumer and technological demands; inability to replace significant customers; seasonal nature of our business; and other risks detailed in our filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Forward-looking statements speak only as of the date made and are not guarantees of future performance. We undertake no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements. When used in this document, the words "believe," "expect," "anticipate," "estimate," "project," "plan," "should," "intend," "may," "will," "would," "potential," and similar expressions may be used to identify forward-looking statements. The CSE or any other securities regulatory authority has not reviewed and does not accept responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this press release that has been prepared by management. ### To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/224742 SOURCE: Micromem Technologies Inc. CGTN America & CCTV UN releases "My China Story: the Future Youth Leaders Forum" WASHINGTON, Sept. 26, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- As we approach the 75th anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China, a special event to be presented by the China Media Group and the Bank of China USA will highlight the country's commitment to peace, progress through our youth - the leaders of tomorrow. On September 28th in New York City, "My China Story: The Future Youth Leaders Forum" will bring together diplomats, professors, analysts and students from China and the U.S. to understand the complex challenges we face today and the solutions the leaders of tomorrow can provide. During last year's visit by Chinese President Xi Jinping to San Francisco, he invited 50 thousand young Americans to visit China through study and exchange programs over the next five years. The belief is that the young can help forge better relations between China and the United States. Educators who visited China will tell us about their experiences, how these people-to people exchanges offer students a chance to learn more about Chinese culture, create lasting friendships and help them gain a global perspective. We'll hear from students about their trips to China - the places they visited, the people they met - and how that has enriched their education and bolstered their hopes for improved Sino-U.S. relations. The event underlines the importance for young people in both China and the U.S. to understand and appreciate each other as part of a broader effort to improve ties through steady public interactions. (This material is distributed by MediaLinks TV, LLC on behalf of CCTV. Additional information is available at the Department of Justice, Washington, D.C.) Contact: Distribution@cgtnamerica.com View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/cgtn-america--cctv-un-my-china-story-the-future-youth-leaders-forum-302260510.html Beijing Daxing International Airport welcomes 5th anniversary of operation, Chinese cities strive to become world-class transport hubs 10:38, September 26, 2024 By Tu Lei ( Global Times Passengers attend a celebration held by the Beijing Daxing International Airport on September 25, 2024, as the airport celebrates its fifth anniversary of operation. (Photo: Courtesy of Beijing Daxing International Airport) Beijing Daxing International Airport, the second international airport in the Chinese capital, celebrated its fifth anniversary of operation on Wednesday, as China plans to establish a group of world-class aviation enterprises and hubs by 2050. The airport has hosted 65 Chinese and foreign airlines, served more than 127 million passengers, and had more than 980,000 flight movements during the past five years, data from the airport showed. Carriers using the airport have 216 passenger routes, covering 197 destinations in 25 countries and regions. There are 43 international and regional destinations, and the cumulative number of international and regional passengers has exceeded 3.1 million. Passengers line up in the Beijing Capital International Airport on April 26, 2023. (Photo: Tu Lei/GT) During this year's summer travel season, the airport witnessed a single-day passenger volume of nearly 180,000 passengers, the highest since it began operating. Take China Southern Airlines as an example. The Guangdong-based airline is increasing the routes in Beijing, and it has resumed and opened 17 overseas routes since 2023. It is quite impressive for the airport to show such a performance, Li Yuan, an independent market watcher, told the Global Times on Wednesday. The airport adopted a comprehensive transportation planning concept from the start, as introducing fast rail and high-speed rail, and designing a terminal that is conducive to connecting flights, boosted passenger throughput, Li said. The airport is committed to building the world's most popular world-class hub airport, Wang Yaqi, head of the aviation business department of Beijing Daxing International Airport, told the Global Times on Wednesday. The number of international passengers has increased rapidly and the number of cities connected has gradually increased since the resumption of international routes on January 17, 2023. "We will focus on the development of the international route network, mainly on the European and North American routes," Wang added. The Daxing airport has made Beijing another city in China to have two airports. The number of passenger trips at the Beijing Capital International Airport (BCIA) is also rising fast. Passenger throughput at BCIA this year is expected to exceed 50 million, up more than 30 percent year-on-year, Si Rong, a deputy head of the aviation business department of BCIA, said at an industry forum held in Beijing on Tuesday. Our international passenger throughput this year surpassed 10 million in early September, and the overall growth rate exceeded 100 percent year-on-year. It is expected that the aviation market will continue to recover in the upcoming winter/spring season as carriers using the airport add routes, Si said. The fast expansion route of airports in Beijing is in line with a plan by the Civil Aviation Administration of China, which has set a target of establishing a group of world-class aviation enterprises and hubs by 2050. The number of airports with an annual passenger volume of 10 million increased from 21 in 2012 to 39 before the pandemic. The global passenger throughput ranking of BCIA is second, with ninth for Shanghai Pudong International Airport and 11th for Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport. Beijing and Shanghai rank among the top 10 cities in the world with annual passenger throughput exceeding 100 million. The CAAC said it will further strengthen the intercontinental connection capabilities and global radiation capabilities of the three major hub airports in Beijing, Shanghai, and Guangzhou, and create an all-round, gateway international aviation hub. "I believe that Daxing airport still has great potential and will achieve an annual passenger volume of 70-80 million in the near future, with an annual passenger volume of more than 150 million in the city including BCIA," Li said. (Web editor: Tian Yi, Zhong Wenxing) Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - September 26, 2024) - SkyChain Technologies Inc. (TSXV: SCT.H) (the "Company") wishes to provide additional updates on its annual and general special meeting of the shareholders and its communication with Small Minority Dissidents (as defined in the Company's news release dated September 16, 2024 (the "September 16 News Release")). The Company advised the counsel for Small Minority Dissidents that their attempt to requisition a shareholders meeting (the "Failed Effort") is not compliant with corporate law and therefore is invalid and any proposed meeting of shareholders resulting from the Failed Effort is void. The Company also required the Small Minority Dissidents to issue a news release acknowledging that the Failed Effort was invalid to avoid causing confusion to the public. So far, they have either failed or are unwilling to do so, creating unnecessary issues for our shareholders. Accordingly, the Company wishes to reiterate that the shareholder meeting requisitioned by the Small Minority Dissidents purported to be held on October 10, 2024 in their Failed Effort will not take place and results from that meeting, if any, will have no force and effect at law. The Company has properly called an annual and general special meeting of the shareholders to be held on November 7, 2024 (the "Meeting") with a record date of October 3, 2024. The Company has received an advance notice (the "Advance Notice") from the Small Minority Dissidents seeking to nominate certain candidates for election as directors at the Meeting (effectively confirming that the Small Minority Dissidents acknowledge that the Meeting is valid and the Failed Effort is not). However, like the Failed Effort, the Advance Notice was also not compliant with corporate law and is invalid. The Company has communicated with the Small Minority Dissidents so they can rectify the deficiencies should they choose to do so. More details for the Meeting will be provided in the management information circular (the "Circular") to be delivered to the shareholders and filed on SEDAR+. The Company also wishes to reiterate its caution in its September 16 News Release to all persons against participating in arrangements for the purchase and sale or future purchase and sale of common shares of the Company (the "Attempted Arrangements") while the Company is subject to a cease trade order. Such Attempted Arrangements are prohibited under applicable securities law, and all persons engaged in such prohibited activities are subject to investigation and prosecution by securities regulatory authorities. About Skychain Technologies Inc. Skychain Technologies Inc. is a Vancouver based company providing crypto/data centre and NFT and valued added services. To learn more, visit skychaintechnologiesinc.com. ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS Don Gordon, President and CEO ___________________________________________________________ Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. Statements in this news release may be viewed as forward-looking statements. Such statements involve risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those projected. There are no assurances the Company can fulfill such forward-looking statements and the Company undertakes no obligation to update such statements. Such forward-looking statements are only predictions; actual events or results may differ materially as a result of risks facing the Company, some of which are beyond the Company's control. To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/224762 SOURCE: Skychain Technologies Inc. Toronto, Ontario--(Newsfile Corp. - September 26, 2024) - Aion Therapeutic Inc. (CSE: AION) ("Aion Therapeutic" or the "Company") is providing this bi-weekly update on the status of its management cease trade order issued on August 29, 2024 (the "MCTO"), by its principal regulator, the British Columbia Securities Commission (the "BCSC"), under National Policy 12-203 Management Cease Trade Orders ("NP 12-203"). The Company announced on August 14, 2024 (the "Default Announcement"), that it expected to be unable to file its annual audited consolidated financial statements for the financial year ended April 30, 2024, the related annual management's discussion and analysis and the related CEO and CFO certifications (collectively, the "2024 Financial Disclosure") by the filing deadline of August 28, 2024 (the "Filing Deadline") and last provided an update on the status of the MCTO on September 12, 2024. As a result of certain complexities associated with the acquisition of Toppen Health, Inc. on December 15, 2023, the accounting and audit process remains ongoing at this time. The BCSC has given the Company until October 28, 2024 to complete its 2024 Financial Disclosure, which the Company anticipates being in a position to meet. The Company confirms that there are no material changes to the information contained in the Default Announcement. In addition, (i) the Company is satisfying and confirms that it intends to continue to satisfy the provisions of the Alternative Information Guidelines set out in NP 12-203, including the issuance of bi-weekly default status reports in the form of news releases, for as long as the Company remains in default with its 2024 Financial Disclosure; (ii) the Company does not have any information at this time regarding any anticipated specified default subsequent to the default in filing the 2024 Financial Disclosure; (iii) the Company confirms as of the date of this news release, that there is no insolvency proceeding against it; and (iv) there is no other material information concerning the affairs of the Company that has not been generally disclosed. About Aion Therapeutic Inc. Aion Therapeutic is a forward-thinking business within the health and wellness sector with a diverse portfolio of intellectual property. With a commitment to innovation and transformative solutions, the Company is poised to drive positive change to redefine the boundaries of health and wellness. Toppen, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Aion Therapeutic, is a US-based health and wellness company dedicated to delivering state-of-the-art water filtration solutions. With a focus on innovation, affordability, and sustainability, Toppen's water filtration solutions are designed to meet the diverse needs of consumers, businesses, and industries around the world as they strive to provide access to clean and safe water. DISCLAIMER & READER ADVISORY This release contains forward-looking information within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities legislation. Expressions such as "anticipates", "expects", "believes", "estimates", "could", "intends", "may", "plans", "predicts", "projects", "will", "would" and other similar expressions, or the negative of these terms, are generally indicative of forward-looking information. Forward-looking statements in this press release include statements regarding: Aion Therapeutic and Toppen's business, business goals and management's expectation on the growth and performance of its business; the preparation and timing of filing the 2024 Financial Disclosure. Forward-looking information involves known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause actual results or events to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking information, such as, without limitation, the risk that the parties will be unable to complete, in a timely manner, the 2024 Financial Disclosure. In addition, the forward-looking information contained in this release is based upon what management believes to be reasonable assumptions. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward-looking information as it is inherently uncertain, and no assurance can be given that the expectations reflected in such information will prove to be correct. The forward-looking information in this release is made as of the date hereof and, except as required under applicable securities legislation, the Company assumes no obligation to update or revise such information to reflect new events or circumstances. The securities of the Company have not been registered under the United States Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and may not be offered or sold in the United States absent registration or an applicable exemption from the registration requirements. This release is issued for informational purposes only and does not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy any securities, nor shall there be any sale of any securities in any jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful. The Canadian Securities Exchange (operated by CNSX Markets Inc.) has neither approved nor disapproved of the contents of this press release. To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/224766 SOURCE: Aion Therapeutic Inc. Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - September 26, 2024) - Spark Energy Minerals Inc. (CSE: SPRK) (OTC Pink: SPARF) (FSE: 8PC) ("Spark" or the "Company") is pleased to announce that it has completed its previously announced acquisition of Latam Energy Acquisition Corp. ("Latam") pursuant to a securities exchange agreement ("SEA") dated September 10, 2024, among Latam, each of the shareholders of Latam (the "Latam Shareholders") and the Company (the "Transaction"). Pursuant to the Transaction, the Company issued to the Latam Shareholders 20 million common shares of the Company at a deemed price of $0.7 per share in consideration for all of the issued and outstanding shares of Latam. Additional details regarding the terms of the Transaction can be found in the Company's news release dated September 12, 2024. None of the securities issued as part of the Transaction are subject to a statutory hold period, and no finder's fees were paid in connection with the Transaction. Through this transaction, Spark Energy Minerals has acquired the rights to the Joaima and Vertex Projects in Minas Gerais, Brazil. The Joaima Project, located near Spark's flagship project, consists of 12 lithium tenements covering 21,165 hectares. The Vertex Project includes 7 lithium tenements and 1 gold tenement, totaling 15,314 hectares. Both projects are strategically located in Brazil's Lithium Valley, close to major lithium players like Sigma Lithium, Lithium Ionic, Pilbara Minerals, and Atlas Lithium. (see map below). Map of Minas Gerais's Pegmatite Province highlight Latam's tenements in relation to Spark's flagship project and other notable projects in the region To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/10093/224764_1be1811a14a69b12_002full.jpg As seen in the map above, the tenements are located in Brazil's Lithium Valley, which the Government of Minas Gerais identifies as home to the country's largest lithium reserve. Lithium is a key mineral, primarily used in the production of long-lasting batteries for electric vehicles and energy storage. A major player in the region is Sigma Lithium, a multi-billion-dollar mining company with a 77 million-ton lithium resource at 1.40% Li2O and a 25-year mine life1 across two processing lines. Geologically, the area features rocks like meta-mafic, ultramafic, gneiss, and schist, along with S-type granitoid rocks. These formations are favorable for lithium-cesium-tantalum (LCT) pegmatites and spodumene-rich pegmatites (SRP), as seen in the well-known deposits across the Eastern Brazil Pegmatite Province (EBPP). As part of the Transaction, Michael Stier, former CEO of Latam, has been appointed to Spark Energy Minerals' board of directors. Mr. Stier commented, "I'm thrilled to announce that the transaction has officially closed! I'm excited to join the board of directors and eager to embark on our exploration programs as we build the future of the company together." Additionally, Mario Drolet has resigned from the board of directors with immediate effect. The Company thanks Mr. Drolet for his service and support and wishes him well in his future endeavors. In connection with the resignation of Mr. Drolet, the Company has extended the expiry date of his outstanding stock options to the date that is one year from the closing of the Transaction. Eugene Hodgson, CEO of Spark Energy Minerals, stated, "The successful completion of this acquisition marks a pivotal moment for Spark Energy Minerals. By integrating Latam's assets into our portfolio, we've expanded our footprint in Brazil's Lithium Valley, positioning Spark as a major player in this region. Our newly acquired projects, combined with our existing assets, creates a large land package with promising exploration potential. We're excited to welcome Michael Stier to our board and look forward to leveraging his expertise as we advance our ambitious exploration programs. This strategic move aligns perfectly with our vision to become a key supplier of sustainable lithium to the growing electric vehicle and energy storage markets." Qualified Person The scientific and technical information disclosed in this document has been reviewed and approved by Jonathan Victor Hill BSc Hons, FAUSIMM, a Qualified Person consistent with NI 43-101. About Spark Energy Minerals Inc. Spark Energy Minerals, Inc. is a Canadian company focused on the acquisition, exploration, and development of battery metals and mineral assets, with a particular emphasis on its substantial interests in Brazil. The Company holds significant land and mineral rights in Brazil's renowned Lithium Valley, one of the most prolific mining regions in the world. This region is rapidly gaining global recognition for its vast deposits of lithium and rare earth minerals, positioning Brazil as a critical player in the global energy transition. Neither the Canadian Securities Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the Canadian Securities Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. Source: https://sigmalithiumresources.com/sigma-lithium-increases-proven-probable-open-pit-mineral-reserve-by-40-to-77mt-extending-operations-to-25-years/ Forward-Looking Statement Disclaimer Certain statements contained in this release may constitute "forward-looking statements" or "forward-looking information" (collectively "forward-looking information") as those terms are used in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 and similar Canadian laws. These statements relate to future events or future performance. The use of any of the words "could," "intend," "expect," "believe," "will," "projected," "estimated", "anticipates" and similar expressions and statements relating to matters that are not historical facts are intended to identify forward-looking information and are based on the Company's current belief or assumptions as to the outcome and timing of such future events. Actual future results may differ materially. In particular, this release contains forward-looking information relating to the businesses of the Company and Latam, the respective assets of the Company and Latam, financing and certain corporate changes. The forward-looking information contained in this release is made as of the date hereof, and the Company is not obligated to update or revise any forward-looking information, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by applicable securities laws. To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/224764 SOURCE: Spark Energy Minerals Inc. Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - September 26, 2024) - Sanu Gold Corporation (CSE: SANU) (OTCQB: SNGCF) ("Sanu Gold" or the "Company") is pleased to announce the closing of the Company's C$5,000,000 non-brokered private placement (the "Placement") originally announced on September 6, 2024. The Company has issued 100,000,000 common shares (each, a "Common Share") at a price of C$0.05 per Common Share. Two new strategic investors have made lead subscriptions to the Placement: AngloGold Ashanti plc ("AngloGold Ashanti") participated for 33,400,000 Common Shares in the Placement for aggregate gross proceeds of C$1,670,000. AngloGold Ashanti's strategic investment represents an approximate 14% ownership in the Company. Capital DI Limited, the investment subsidiary of Capital Limited ("Capital"), participated for 24,000,000 Common Shares in the Placement for aggregate gross proceeds of C$1,200,000. Capital's strategic investment represents an approximate 10% ownership in the Company. "We are grateful to be welcoming two large, new Strategic Investors into Sanu Gold which highlights the prospectivity and high-quality nature of the Company's assets in Guinea, West Africa. AngloGold Ashanti plc, a top-tier global gold miner, has been operating its Siguiri mine in Guinea for the last 25 years, producing 221,000 oz of gold in 2023. Capital is a rapidly expanding international drilling and mining services provider, with deep operational roots in West Africa and Guinea. Capital is supporting the mining industry in Guinea with investments, drilling and laboratory services. We look forward to working with both AngloGold Ashanti plc and Capital on unlocking some potential major discoveries on both the Diguifara and Daina permits with up to 10,000m drilling," commented Martin Pawlitschek, President and CEO of Sanu Gold. The net proceeds of the Placement will be used to advance exploration, including ground geophysics and a 10,000m drilling program on the Company's Diguifara and Daina Gold Exploration Permits in Guinea, West Africa, the Company's other exploration permits in Guinea, West Africa and for general working capital purposes. The Placement is subject to the Company's filing requirements with the Canadian Securities Exchange ("CSE"). All securities issued pursuant to the Placement are subject to a four-month hold period under applicable Canadian securities laws and will be subject to a resale restriction expiring four months and one day from the closing date. In connection with the closing of the Placement, the Company paid aggregate total finders' fees of $177,450 to the following finders: Eventus Capital Corp. and Euroz Hartleys Limited. In connection with the closing of AngloGold Ashanti's strategic investment, the Company has entered into an investor rights agreement (with the "Investor", as defined below), whereby, subject to certain conditions, including time and ownership thresholds, AngloGold Ashanti will have certain rights, including the right to participate in future equity issuances to maintain its ownership in the Company, participation and top up rights, a right of first refusal on certain asset-level transactions for Diguifara, and the formation of a technical advisory committee focused on the Diguifara project. Two directors and officers of the Company ("Related Parties") acquired an aggregate of 3,500,000 Common Shares under the Placement for a total purchase price of $175,000. This participation by Related Parties of the Company constitutes a "related party transaction" as defined under Multilateral Instrument 61-101 Protection of Minority Security Holders in Special Transactions ("MI 61-101"). However, the Placement will be exempt from the formal valuation and minority shareholder approval requirements of MI 61-101 as neither the fair market value of any Common Shares issued to or the consideration paid by such Related Parties exceeds 25% of the Company's market capitalization. Early Warning Disclosure As disclosed above, AngloGold Ashanti Holdings plc (the "Investor") has acquired 33,400,000 Common Shares pursuant to a subscription agreement dated September 26, 2024. The Investor is a wholly owned direct subsidiary of AngloGold Ashanti. Immediately prior to the Placement, the Investor did not have beneficial ownership of any securities of the Company. Immediately after the Placement, the Investor acquired beneficial ownership of 33,400,000 Common Shares, representing approximately 14% of the issued and outstanding Common Shares on a non-diluted basis. The Investor acquired Common Shares in the Placement for investment purposes and intends to review its investment in the Company on a continuing basis. Depending upon a number of factors including market and other conditions, the Investor may from time to time increase or decrease its beneficial ownership, control, direction or economic exposure over securities of the Company. The Company is a corporation existing under the laws of British Columbia with its head office at 918-1030 West Georgia Street, Vancouver, BC V6E 1Y3. An early warning report will be electronically filed with the applicable securities commission in each jurisdiction where the Company is reporting and will be available on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca. For further information or to obtain a copy of the early warning report, please contact: Press Office Andrea Maxey +61 08 9435 4603 / +61 400 072 199 Investor Relations Andrea Maxey: +61 08 9435 4603 / +61 400 072 199 Yatish Chowthee: +27 11 637 6273 / +27 78 364 2080 AngloGold Ashanti Holdings plc Communications House, South Street, Staines-Upon-Thames Surrey, TW18 4PR United Kingdom This news release does not constitute an offer to sell or solicitation of an offer to sell any securities in the United States. The securities have not been and will not be registered under the United States Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "U.S. Securities Act") or any state securities laws and may not be offered or sold within the United States or to U.S. Persons unless registered under the U.S. Securities Act and applicable state securities laws or an exemption from such registration is available. About Sanu Gold Located within the Siguiri Basin, a world class gold district that is host to several operating mines and major new discoveries, Sanu Gold is exploring three high quality gold exploration permits in Guinea, West Africa. The Company has defined multi-kilometer long gold-bearing structures on each of the gold exploration permits, with multiple high-value drill targets and is targeting multi-million ounce gold discoveries. Sanu is operated by a highly experienced team, with successful records of discovery, resource development and mine permitting. Martin Pawlitschek President & CEO, Sanu Gold Corp. Neither the Canadian Securities Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements This news release contains certain statements that may be deemed "forward-looking statements" with respect to the Company within the meaning of applicable securities laws. Forward-looking statements are statements that are not historical facts and are generally, but not always, identified by the words "expects", "plans", "anticipates", "believes", "intends", "estimates", "projects", "potential", "indicates", "opportunity", "possible" and similar expressions, or that events or conditions "will", "would", "may", "could" or "should" occur. Forward-looking statements in this news release includes, but is not limited to, the anticipated timing for completion of various exploration or drilling programs and the use of proceeds from the Placement. Although Sanu Gold believes the expectations expressed in such forward-looking statements are based on reasonable assumptions, such statements are not guarantees of future performance, are subject to risks and uncertainties, and actual results or realities may differ materially from those in the forward-looking statements. Such material risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to, the Company's plans for exploration on its properties and ability to execute on plans, ability to raise sufficient capital to fund its obligations under its property agreements going forward, ability to maintain its material property agreements, mineral tenures and concessions in good standing, to explore and develop its projects; changes in economic conditions or financial markets; the inherent hazards associated with mineral exploration and mining operations, future prices of gold and other metals, changes in general economic conditions and local risks in the jurisdiction (Guinea) in which it operates, accuracy of mineral resource and reserve estimates, the potential for new discoveries, the ability of the Company to obtain the necessary permits and consents required to explore, drill and develop the projects and if obtained, to obtain such permits and consents in a timely fashion relative to the Company's plans and business objectives for the projects; the general ability of the Company to monetize its mineral resources; changes in environmental and other laws or regulations that could have an impact on the Company's operations, compliance with environmental laws and regulations, dependence on key management personnel; general competition in the mining industry availability of capital and financing; general economic, market or business conditions, regulatory changes; timeliness of regulatory approvals as well as those factors discussed in the Company's public disclosure record. Forward-looking statements are based on the reasonable beliefs, estimates and opinions of the Company's management on the date the statements are made. Except as required by law, the Company undertakes no obligation to update these forward-looking statements in the event that management's beliefs, estimates or opinions, or other factors, should change. Not for dissemination in the United States or through U.S. newswires To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/224774 SOURCE: Sanu Gold Corp. Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - September 26, 2024) - Waraba Gold Limited (CSE: WBGD) (FSE: ZE0) (OTC Pink: WARAF) (the "Company" or "Waraba") is pleased to announce the continuation of its drilling program at the Fokolore Gold Project in western Mali, West Africa and the transition to a diamond core drilling program from reverse circulation ("RC") drilling. The initial results of the ongoing Phase 1 drilling campaign, which were announced on August 7, 2024, have provided significant geological and structural insights into the mineralized zones at the Fokolore Project. The Company is committed to unlocking the full potential of the Fokolore Project. The diamond core drilling technique to be employed in the next part of the Phase 1 drilling campaign allows for the recovery of more detailed geological information, which is crucial for understanding the mineralization and structural controls within the deposit. Highlights : Transition to diamond core drilling following initial RC drilling marks a key milestone in Waraba's exploration strategy, aimed at systematically defining the extent and grade of gold mineralization. Diamond core drilling targeting both known zones and exploring new areas within the Fokolore Project will provide higher-quality samples and enable a more comprehensive analysis of the mineralized zones, in order to expand Waraba's understanding of the mineralized system. Carl Esprey, CEO of Waraba Gold, commented: "We are excited to advance our exploration efforts at Fokolore with the commencement of diamond core drilling. The data gathered from this work will enhance our geological model and guide us toward unlocking the project's full value. This step reaffirms our commitment to advancing Fokolore as a significant gold project in Mali." About Waraba Gold Limited The Company is a resource exploration company that is acquiring and exploring mineral properties. The Company is a reporting issuer in the provinces of British Columbia and Alberta. The Company's common shares trade on the Canadian Securities Exchange under the trading symbol "WBGD" and on the Frankfurt Stock Exchange under the trading symbol "ZE0". For more information about the Company, please refer to the Company's profile available on SEDAR+ (www.sedarplus.ca). Forward-Looking Information and Cautionary Statements Certain information in this news release constitutes forward-looking statements under applicable securities laws. Any statements that are contained in this news release that are not statements of historical fact may be deemed to be forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are often identified by terms such as "may", "should", "anticipate", "expect", "potential", "believe", "intend" or the negative of these terms and similar expressions. Forward-looking statements in this news release include statements relating to: the Company's plans and scope with respect to its drilling campaign, including, details of the Phase 1, Phase 2, and Phase 3, and the stated timelines thereof; the Company's continued exploratory work of the Fokolore project; and the Company's anticipation of providing its shareholders with further updates. Forward-looking information in this press release are based on certain assumptions and expected future events, namely: the Company's ability to carry out its plans with respect to its drilling campaign under the stated scope and timelines; the Company's ability to continue its exploratory work of the Fokolore project; and the Company's ability to provide its shareholders with further updates. These statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors, which may cause actual results, performance or achievements to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such statements, including but not limited to: the Company's inability to carry out its plans with respect to its drilling campaign under the stated scope and timelines; the Company's inability to continued its exploratory work of the Fokolore project; and the Company's inability to provide its shareholders with further updates. Readers are cautioned that the foregoing list is not exhaustive. Readers are further cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward-looking statements, as there can be no assurance that the plans, intentions, or expectations upon which they are placed will occur. Such information, although considered reasonable by management at the time of preparation, may prove to be incorrect and actual results may differ materially from those anticipated. Forward-looking statements contained in this press release are expressly qualified by this cautionary statement and reflect the Company's expectations as of the date hereof and are subject to change thereafter. The Company undertakes no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, estimates or opinions, future events or results or otherwise or to explain any material difference between subsequent actual events and such forward- looking information, except as required by applicable law. To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/224707 SOURCE: Waraba Gold Limited Toronto, Ontario--(Newsfile Corp. - September 26, 2024) - Fraser Mackenzie Accelerator Corp. (TSXV: FMAC.P) (the "Company" or "FMAC") is pleased to announce that it has closed the second and final tranche of its previously announced private placement of subscription receipts (the "Offering") of the Company (the "Subscription Receipts"). The second tranche consisted of the issuance of the remaining 3,594,927 Subscription Receipts available under the Offering at a price of C$0.107 per Subscription Receipt (the "Issue Price") for aggregate gross proceeds of C$384,657.19. Together with the previously announced first tranche, which closed on September 11, 2024, the Company issued a total of 15,887,850 Subscription Receipts for aggregate gross proceeds of C$1,699,999.95. In difficult market conditions the Company is pleased to have completed the maximum amount under the Offering. The Offering was completed in connection with the previously-announced arm's length Qualifying Transaction (as such term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange ("TSXV")) (the "Qualifying Transaction") proposed to be completed by the Company and Forward Water Technologies Corp. ("FWTC"), further details of which may be found in the prior news releases of the Company, including the most recent news release of the Company dated July 22, 2024 and September 12, 2024. The Subscription Receipts were created and issued pursuant to the terms of a subscription receipt agreement dated September 11, 2024 (the "Subscription Receipt Agreement") between the Company and TSX Trust Company (the "Subscription Receipt Agent"), as subscription receipt agent. Upon the satisfaction and/or waiver of certain escrow release conditions (the "Escrow Release Conditions") specified in the Subscription Receipt Agreement at or before January 9, 2025 (the "Escrow Release Deadline") each Subscription Receipt will be deemed to be automatically converted, without payment of additional consideration or further action by the holder thereof, into one unit of the Company (each, a "Unit"). Each Unit consists of one common share in the capital of the Company (each, a "FMAC Share"), and one-half of a common share purchase warrant of the Company (each such whole warrant, a "Warrant"). Each Warrant will entitle the holder thereof to acquire one (1) Common Share at an exercise price of $0.15 for a term expiring on the third anniversary of the closing of the Qualifying Transaction. Upon completion of the Qualifying Transaction, each FMAC Share will be immediately exchanged for 0.95 (the "Exchange Ratio") common share of FWTC (after giving effect to FWTC's proposed 10 to 1 share consolidation), and each Warrant will be adjusted to entitle the holder to purchase common shares of the Resulting Issuer (as defined below) based on the Exchange Ratio at a purchase price of $0.1579 per share. The Company and FWTC are currently aiming to close the Qualifying Transaction on or about September 30, 2024, subject to the timely satisfaction of a number of customary closing conditions, all as more particularly described in the Company's management information circular dated August 23, 2024. At the closing of the Qualifying Transaction, the Company will pay to certain finders (each, a "Finder") a fee comprised of: (a) a cash fee not exceeding 8.0% of the gross proceeds raised from subscriptions in the Offering from persons who participate in the Offering that were introduced to the Company by such Finder (the "Finder's Fee"), and (b) a number of compensation warrants (the "Finder Warrants") issued by the Company that equal to not more than 8.0% of the total number of Subscription Receipts issued to persons who participate in the Offering that were introduced to the Company by each Finder. Each Finder Warrant shall entitle the holder to subscribe for one Unit at the Issue Price for a period of twenty-four (24) months from the date that the common shares of FTWC (following the closing of the Qualifying Transaction) (the "Resulting Issuer") commence trading on the TSXV. The gross proceeds of the Offering were deposited in escrow with the Subscription Receipt Agent pending satisfaction and/or waiver of the Escrow Release Conditions in accordance with the provisions of the Subscription Receipt Agreement. Unless the requisite approval is obtained pursuant to and in accordance with the terms of the Subscription Receipt Agreement, if the Escrow Release Conditions are not satisfied and/or waived on or before the Escrow Release Deadline, each of the then issued and outstanding Subscription Receipts will be cancelled and the Subscription Receipt Agent will return to each holder of Subscription Receipts an amount equal to the aggregate Issue Price of the Subscription Receipts held by such holder plus an amount equal to the holder's pro rata share of any interest or other income earned on the escrowed funds (less applicable withholding tax, if any). The proceeds of the Offering are expected to be principally used for corporate and administrative expenses of the Resulting Issuer. Raising the maximum amount allows the Resulting Issuer more flexibility to drive its business plan going forward. This news release does not constitute an offer to sell or a solicitation of an offer to buy the securities described herein in the United States or in any other jurisdiction, nor shall there be any sale of the securities in any state in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful. The securities have not been and will not be registered under the U.S. Securities Act, or any state securities laws, and accordingly, may not be offered or sold in the United States except in compliance with the registration requirements of the U.S. Securities Act and applicable state securities requirements or pursuant to exemptions therefrom. About Fraser Mackenzie Accelerator Corp. The Company is a "capital pool company" which completed its initial public offering on February 22, 2023. The FMAC Shares are listed for trading on the TSXV under the stock symbol FMAC.P. FMAC has not commenced commercial operations and has no assets other than cash. It is intended that the Qualifying Transaction, when completed, will constitute the "Qualifying Transaction" of FMAC pursuant to Policy 2.4 - Capital Pool Companies of the TSXV. About Forward Water Technologies Corp. Forward Water Technologies Corp. (TSXV: FWTC) is a publicly traded Canadian company dedicated to saving the earth's water supply using its patented Forward Osmosis technology. FWTC was founded by GreenCentre Canada, a leading technology innovation centre supported by the government of Canada. FWTC's technology allows for the reduction of challenging waste streams simultaneously returning fresh water for re-use or surface release. FWTC's mandate is to focus on the large-scale implementation of its technology in multiple sectors, including industrial wastewater, oil and gas, DLE, mining, agriculture and ultimately municipal water supply and re-use market sectors. FWTC has immediate plans to treat brine from the direct lithium extraction (DLE) sector using is mobile pilot equipment this summer in conjunction with its partners. This project will establish FWTC's iFOTM technology as a valuable component in producing lithium carbonate from aquifer sourced brines for use in applications such as electric vehicle (EV) battery production. In addition, FWTC has initiated early-stage R&D for the treatment of food and beverage process streams. For more information, please visit www.forwardwater.com. Cautionary Statements This news release contains forward-looking statements and forward-looking information (collectively, "forward-looking statements") within the meaning of applicable securities laws. Any statements that are contained in this news release that are not statements of historical fact may be deemed to be forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are often identified by terms such as "may', "should',' "anticipate',' "will',' "estimates',' "believes': "intends" "expects" and similar expressions which are intended to identify forward-looking statements. More particularly and without limitation, this news release contains forward-looking statements concerning the Qualifying Transaction (including, without limitation, the anticipated timing of the completion thereof, the use of proceeds, and the satisfaction and/or waiver of the Escrow Release Conditions). Forward-looking statements are inherently uncertain, and the actual performance may be affected by a number of material factors, assumptions and expectations, many of which are beyond the control of the parties, including expectations and assumptions concerning (i) the Company, the Resulting Issuer, and the Qualifying Transaction, and (ii) the timely receipt of all required shareholder, court and regulatory approvals (as applicable), including the approval of the TSXV. Readers are cautioned that assumptions used in the preparation of any forward-looking statements may prove to be incorrect. Events or circumstances may cause actual results to differ materially from those predicted as a result of numerous known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors, many of which are beyond the control of the Parties. Readers are further cautioned not to place undue reliance on any forward-looking statements, as such information, although considered reasonable by the respective management of the Company at the time of preparation, may prove to be incorrect and actual results may differ materially from those anticipated. The forward-looking statements contained in this news release are made as of the date of this news release, and are expressly qualified by the foregoing cautionary statement. Except as expressly required by securities law, neither the Company nor FWTC undertakes any obligation to update publicly or to revise any of the included forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. Further Information For more information concerning the Offering and the Qualifying Transaction, see FWTC and the Company's 's joint news releases dated May 14, 2024, June 18, 2024, July 22, 2024 and September 12, 2024 and the Company's management information circular dated August 23, 2024. The parties will provide further details in respect of the Transaction in due course by way of press release in accordance with the requirements of the CPC Policy. Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this news release. No stock exchange, securities commission or other regulatory authority has approved or disapproved the information contained herein. Not for distribution to United States newswire services or for release, publication, distribution or dissemination, directly or indirectly, in whole or in part, in or into the United States. To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/224788 SOURCE: Fraser Mackenzie Accelerator Corp. Relativity's annual Innovation Awards recognize the change agents of its user community CHICAGO, Sept. 26, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Relativity, a global legal technology company, today announced the winners of this year's Innovation Awards at Relativity Fest. The Innovation Awards celebrate the trailblazing individuals and teams building custom solutions, empowering their peers and forging new paths to improve the legal industry and its communities. "Another year of the Innovation Awards signals another opportunity to celebrate our community's dedication to making a positive impact- whether that be through developing new solutions, providing excellent customer service, or elevating and advocating for their peers in the legal industry," said Laurie Usewicz, Chief Partner Officer at Relativity. "This year's winners exemplify the impassioned and innovative spirit that makes the future of our industry a bright one." The winners hail from, or work directly with law firms, financial institutions and consultant management companies large and small, private and public. Through a combined process of a judging committee and a community vote, Best Innovation winners are selected based on how they've leveraged the Relativity application programming interfaces in creative ways to solve Relativity's customers' most unique challenges. In addition to the standard six individual and two Best Innovation awards, a new Best Innovation category was added for this year, Developer Partner. This award recognizes solutions created by Relativity's independent software vendor (ISV) community that are offered directly to customers. Eligibility is restricted to solutions that are not owned by an Enterprise or Solution, Advisor, or Provider Partner. The 2024 Innovation Awards winners are: Artificial Intelligence: Ben Sexton, Vice President, JND eDiscovery Customer Experience: Jenna Rooney, Director, Client Services, Arete Incident Response Education & Mentorship: Deedra Smith, Managing Director, FTI Consulting Inclusion: Vazantha Meyers, Vice President, Discovery Services, Haystack ID Security: Jenna Rooney, Director, Client Services, Arete Incident Response Stellar Women: Stephanie L. Goutos, Lead Practice Innovation Attorney, Gunderson Dettmer Best Innovation: Developer Partner: Redaction Suggestions in Blackout by Milyli Best Innovation: Enterprise: Flywheel by Troutman Pepper eMerge Best Innovation: Partner: GenAI Toolbox by EY Switzerland Each of the award winners above exemplify what it means to be a changemaker at the individual, organizational and industry levels. All award winners are determined by a combination of Relativity judging committees unique to each category and a community vote. Relativity congratulates all submissions for the innovative work delivered this past year. About Relativity Relativity makes software to help users organize data, discover the truth and act on it. Its SaaS product, RelativityOne, manages large volumes of data and quickly identifies key issues during litigation and internal investigations. Relativity has more than 300,000 users in approximately 40 countries serving thousands of organizations globally primarily in legal, financial services and government sectors, including the U.S. Department of Justice and 198 of the Am Law 200. Please contact Relativity at sales@relativity.com or visit www.relativity.com for more information. Logo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/445801/new_Relativity_logo_Logo_v2.jpg View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/relativity-spotlights-legal-industry-leaders-at-the-2024-innovation-awards-302257929.html Asabys Partners, a Barcelona, Spain-based life sciences focused venture capital firm, closed its second fund, Sabadell Asabys Health Innovation Investments II (SAHII II), with total commitments of 180m. LPs included new US and international investors in addition to investors from its previous fund, SAHII I, which closed with 117m in commitments. Read more on VCWire.tech, our new website dedicated to the tech venture capital industry. FinSMEs 26/09/2024 Boldstart Ventures, a Miami, FL-based venture capital firm, raised $250m for its seventh fund. According to a regulatory form filed with the S.E.C., 68 investors supported the raise efforts for Boldstart Ventures VII L.P.. Read more on VCWire.tech, our new website dedicated to the tech venture capital industry. FinSMEs 26/09/2024 DeepOpinion, an Innsbruck, Austria-based startup specializing in enterprise agentic process automation, raised 11M in funding. The round was led by Red River West and AIpha Intelligence Capital, with participation from existing backers Lunar Ventures and Stride VC. The company intends to use the funds to accelerate its global expansion and further enhance the development of its core AI platform. Led by Stefan Engl, DeepOpinion has developed proprietary technology that leverages context-understanding capabilities and large language models (LLMs) to process data adapting to any document type, offering zero-shot document understanding that eliminates the need for templates or training data, and connects to over 200 enterprise software tools. It offers an enterprise-grade agentic automation platform enabling teams to put their business operations on autopilot, especially the unstructured data jobs like claims management, loan approvals, and purchase-to-pay processing. Combining agentic AI, business process digitization, and no-code development, DeepOpinion enables teams to create AI apps in minutes to achieve 90%+ straight-through processing efficiency. It used by companies like Allianz, HannoverRe, Erste Group, e&, Bitpanda, and Siemens. FinSMEs 25/09/2024 Despite efforts to attract students through free uniforms, mid-day meals, and promises of quality education, parents are increasingly turning away from government schools. According to the latest statistics from the states education department, more than 5,500 government schools have failed to enrol a single student in Class 1 for the 2024-25 academic year read more while over 5,000 government schools have recorded no admissions, approximately 25,000 schools have enrolled only one or two students in the first grade. Image for Representation. PTI Classrooms in Madhya Pradesh have fallen eerily silent, as thousands of government schools in the state have reported no admissions this year. Despite efforts to attract students through free uniforms, mid-day meals, and promises of quality education, parents are increasingly turning away from state-run institutions. Recent statistics from the states education department paint a concerning picture, revealing that more than 5,500 government schools have failed to enrol a single student in Class 1 for the 2024-25 academic year. This raises a critical question: Why is making them turn away from government schools? Lets take a closer look. The shocking numbers The report highlights a grim reality: while over 5,000 government schools have recorded no admissions, approximately 25,000 schools have enroled only one or two students in the first grade. Additionally, 11,345 schools have fewer than ten students each. Advertisement Certain districts are particularly affected, with Seoni, Satna, Narsinghpur, Betul, Khargone, Sagar, Vidisha, Raisen, Mandsaur, and Dewas reporting significant numbers of zero enrolments. Narsinghpur, which is also the home district of the states school education minister, Rao Udai Pratap Singh, stands out with 299 schools lacking any students in Class I, ranking among the top five districts for zero enrolments. Certain districts are particularly affected, with Seoni, Satna, Narsinghpur, Betul, Khargone, Sagar, Vidisha, Raisen, Mandsaur, and Dewas reporting significant numbers of zero enrolments. Image for Representation. PTI Seoni in the Jabalpur region has the highest number, with 425 schools, followed by Satna in the Vindhya region with 303. Narsinghpur is next, alongside Khargone in western Madhya Pradesh, which has 287 schools, and Betul with 265 schools. Expressing dismay over these government statistics, opposition Congress spokesperson Bhupendra Gupta stated to The New Indian Express, These latest figures expose how the education system in the state has been ruined during the nearly two decades of BJP rule in the state. Still, this state government claims that the state is functioning smoothly. Why are parents avoiding government schools? The reasons behind parents steering away from government schools are becoming increasingly clear. According to NDTV, Mangal Tawde, a hotel employee residing in Berasia near Bhopal, initially intended to enrol his daughter in a government school. However, upon visiting the institution, he discovered rainwater leaking from the roof of the dilapidated building. Alarmed by the poor conditions, Mangal decided to enrol his daughter in a private school instead. This sentiment is echoed by many parents across the state. The government documents indicate that 7,189 schools in the state are in dire need of repairs, yet budget allocations for these renovations have stagnated. Despite the government spending between Rs. 1.5-2 lakh crore on school education over the past decade, experts have raised questions about the effectiveness of these investments. Advertisement Another pressing issue is the shortage of teachers. In total, 1,275 schools across 46 districts lack any permanent teachers, while 6,838 schools in 47 districts are staffed by only a single teacher each. In total, 1,275 schools across 46 districts lack any permanent teachers, while 6,838 schools in 47 districts are staffed by only a single teacher each. Image for Representation. PTI The Department of Public Instruction has stated that the Right to Education (RTE) Act of 2009 mandates a pupil-teacher ratio (PTR) of 30:1 at the primary level and 35:1 at the upper primary level. To fill these gaps, the system relies on 1.7 lakh guest teachers. However, these teachers are often burdened with non-educational tasks, severely disrupting the learning process, Upendra Kaushal, President of the State Teachers Association, informed NDTV. He further said that teachers are frequently reassigned to other departments, further limiting their availability in classrooms. Advertisement As a result, many parents now prioritise basic amenitiessuch as functional toilets, well-maintained buildings, and the consistent presence of teachersover incentives like free uniforms and mid-day meals. What are authorities saying? Addressing the issue of low enrolment numbers, the states school education minister, Rao Udai Pratap Singh, highlighted that the absence of nursery classes in government schools plays a significant role. He pointed out that this gap leads to more young children being admitted to private schools, where they often continue their education. Well soon go for a drive to ensure that all those kids who complete six years by September 30, 2024, are enroled in Class I of the government schools. The drive will have the participation of all concerned, including the gram rozgar sahayaks (GRS), the secretary of every village panchayat, and all teachers in every village, Singh told The New Indian Express. Advertisement Educational Advisor BN Trishal, speaking to Free Press Journal, said the lack of accountability within the government is a critical factor behind this decline. He suggested that schools with fewer than ten enroled students should be closed, and those students transferred to other institutions. The funds currently spent on maintaining such schools could be better utilised for the overall improvement and development of the students, added Trishal. Sanjay Goyal, the secretary of the school education department, stressed the urgency of addressing the situation. He stated, Our current focus is on ensuring all students are enroled, as no student should be left behind. Additionally, schools should remain accessible to all students within their reach. Advertisement With input from agencies With Israels war entering the next phase, the focus has shifted from Gaza to Lebanon, where Hezbollah is its rival. Hundreds of people have died in airstrikes carried by Israeli forces, which are said to be ready for a ground invasion read more Israel is preparing for a ground invasion of Lebanon as it intensifies its fight against Hezbollah, the Iran-backed Shia militia currently engaged in a war with the Jewish in support of another Tehran-backed group, Hamas in Palestines Gaza. Amid international efforts to de-escalate Israel-Hezbollah conflict, with the US and France proposing an immediate 21-day truce, Israeli defence forces chief has asked troops to be in ready state for a ground invasion. Advertisement Israels military chief Lt Gen Herzi Halevi told troops that extensive air strikes in Lebanon were aimed at paving the way for them to enter enemy territory. Halevi said, You hear the jets overhead; we have been striking all day. This is both to prepare the ground for your possible entry and to continue degrading Hezbollah. More than 600 people have died in Israeli strikes in Lebanon, including areas that are beyond Hezbollah strongholds, forcing Beirut to appeal to the US for taking immediate steps. Lebanon said only the US could end the ongoing conflict, emphasising Washington DC is the key to our salvation as Israel continues to pound the country. Why Lebanon cant act against Hezbollah Hezbollah has a unique role and position in Lebanon. It has legislators and enjoys wide public support among Shia Muslims, but it operates independently of the official government of Beirut. Hezbollah has about 80,000-100,000 armed fighters separate from the official army of Lebanon. Hezbollah watchers say that the militia is capable of defeating the Lebanese army if the two go to the war. While Hezbollah fighters are battle-hardened for having been in a state of war, not only in its campaign against Israel but also Syria, where it supported the forces of Bashad al-Assad. The backing of Iran and uninterrupted supplies of arms and ammunition to the Lebanon-based outfit gives an added advantage to Hezbollah over the Lebanese armed forces. Advertisement But the Iran-backed group is not only an armed unit, it is a political party its name translates to the Party of God. It has three ministers in the interim government of Lebanon. It is part and parcel of the government decision-making process in Lebanon, yet it maintains autonomy in its armed operations in West Asia say, against Israel. Lebanon has a complicated government structure that is based on sectarian distribution of power among Christians, Shias and Sunnis for the posts of the president, the prime minister and the speaker of its parliament. Most Shia groups are either aligned with Hezbollah or have ties of cooperation with it. This makes any action by the government of Lebanon, if in place, difficult to act against Hezbollah. Advertisement No president since 2022 Former Lebanese army commander and former prime minister Michel Aoun served as the Lebanon president from 2016 to 2022, when he quit. Parliamentary election was held in 2022 but no party gained a majority. Hezbollah, which earlier enjoyed a majority, lost its control of parliament. Najib Mikati, who has since been serving as the caretaker prime minister, leads an interim government that does not have control over Hezbollah. The Lebanese constitution says that the president can only be elected by the 121-member parliament through voting. For more than two years, Lebanon has been without a president. And every time the matter comes to vote in the Lebanese parliament, Hezbollah uses its might in the legislature to block the election of the countrys president. This works well for Hezbollah as it runs its writ without any nominal or real pressure from the official government of Lebanon. Advertisement The incumbency of the president gives the government the authority of popular mandate to act against a group, irrespective of its position in politics, if found to be a threat to national security a situation that Lebanon finds currently itself in because of Hezbollah stand on Israel-Hamas conflict. It was not the Lebanese army but Hezbollah that declared war on Israel, following its military campaign in Gaza after Hamas fighters killed more than 1,200 people and abducted over 250 during the October 7 raid last year from Israeli areas. This explains Lebanons hesitation in acting against Hezbollah. Lebanese prime minister, Mikati, who positions himself as a liberal leader, has failed to impress upon Hezbollah led by Lebanese Shia cleric Hassan Nasrallah, who has continued to keep fighting Israel until the Jewish state stops its Gaza campaign. Advertisement Lebanon, once called Switzerland of the East and was part of the Ottoman Empire, will likely plunge into a greater chaos if Mikati orders the national armed forces to rein in Hezbollah as the Shia group is capable of pushing the country to a civil-sectarian war, and be sure of victory with the help of and supplies from Iran. Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeaus minority Liberal government survived a key no-confidence vote this week, defeating Conservative efforts to force early elections. With 211 votes against and 120 in favour, the motion failed, but opposition parties remain poised to challenge Trudeaus leadership read more Canada's Prime Minister Justin Trudeau speaks during Question Period in the House of Commons on Parliament Hill in Ottawa, Ontario, Canada, September 25, 2024. File Image/Reuters Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeaus minority Liberal government escaped a no-confidence vote this week, a critical test for his leadership after nine years in power. Despite slipping popularity due to mounting economic concerns, Trudeau secured enough parliamentary support to stay in office. However, the future remains fraught with political challenges as opposition parties, particularly the Conservatives and the Bloc Quebecois, prepare for renewed attempts to topple his government. How did Trudeau survive the no-confidence vote? Advertisement On Wednesday, Trudeaus government faced a no-confidence motion brought forward by Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre. The motion was part of a broader Conservative effort to push for early elections, arguing that Trudeaus government had failed to address rising costs of living, the housing crisis, and an increase in crime. The vote took place amid a tense parliamentary session where Poilievre lambasted the prime minister, accusing him of overseeing a broken Canada and doubling the national debt. Why cant we bring it home today? Poilievre asked during question period, reiterating his pledges to axe the [carbon] tax, build the homes, fix the budget, and stop the crime should the Conservatives form the next government. Despite the heated rhetoric, Trudeaus government emerged victorious, with 211 MPs voting against the motion and 120 supporting it. The two Green MPs and two Independent MPs voted against the motion, while two other Independent MPs sided with the Conservatives. I believe today we will see that this House does not have confidence in the leader of the Conservative Party, Trudeau quipped during the debate, countering Poilievres slogans by accusing him of lacking actual solutions. This was the first major vote of the fall parliamentary session and also marked the first time the Liberals faced a confidence motion without the solid backing of the New Democratic Party (NDP). Advertisement The NDP had previously agreed to support Trudeaus government under a 2022 supply-and-confidence agreement, but they recently withdrew their backing due to concerns that their association with the Liberals was hurting their own political standing. Who holds the balance of power in Ottawa? Though the Liberals survived this vote, Trudeaus government remains vulnerable as opposition forces regroup. Bloc Quebecois leader Yves-Francois Blanchet has issued a stark ultimatum, laying out key demands the government must meet to secure his partys continued support. Specifically, the Bloc demands the passage of two pieces of legislation: Bill C-319, which would increase Old Age Security (OAS) benefits by 10 per cent for seniors aged 65-74, and Bill C-282, which would protect supply-managed farm sectors such as dairy, poultry, and eggs from future trade negotiations. The deadline for these actions is set for October 29, reported CBC News. Advertisement Blanchet warned that if the government fails to meet these demands, the Bloc will engage in talks with the Conservatives and NDP to orchestrate the fall of Trudeaus administration. However, he softened his stance by noting that if the government complies, the Bloc would refrain from voting against the Liberals before Christmas, essentially guaranteeing Trudeaus survival into the new year. What we are proposing is good for retired persons in Quebec but also in Canada. Its good for milk, eggs, and poultry producers in Quebec but also in Canada. Thats good for everybody, said Blanchet, highlighting the national benefit of the Blocs legislative demands. Advertisement Despite the threats, analysts believe it is unlikely that the government will fall before 2025, when the next scheduled federal election is due. We are going to work piece of legislation by piece of legislation, issue by issue, negotiating with the different political parties, said Karina Gould, the Liberal House Leader, following the vote. Why havent the Conservatives been able to topple Trudeaus government? While the Liberals won this vote, the Conservatives have not given up their quest for a snap election. The party plans to introduce another no-confidence motion next week, taking advantage of their allotted opposition days. The Conservatives have three more such opportunities before the House rises for the Christmas break, while the Bloc and NDP each have one opposition day of their own. Advertisement Poilievre and the Conservatives are buoyed by a strong lead in opinion polls. According to an Angus Reid poll, the Conservatives currently hold 43 per cent of voting intentions, while the Liberals lag far behind at 21 per cent. The NDP holds 19 per cent. Such numbers have emboldened the Conservatives, who believe that an early election would result in a majority government under Poilievres leadership. Enough is enough. Costs are up, taxes are up, crime is up, and time is up, the Conservatives declared in a post-vote statement. However, the challenge for Poilievre lies in rallying enough cross-party support to bring down the government. Both the NDP and Bloc have signalled reluctance to align fully with the Conservatives. Jagmeet Singhs NDP, in particular, risks losing more ground if it backs a snap election, as recent polls show that the NDP would also struggle if elections were held today. Is Trudeaus government secure now? Although Trudeau survived this vote, his government is far from secure. The next major test will likely come during a budgetary vote, which also functions as a matter of confidence. That vote is expected next week, and while most political observers anticipate the Liberals will survive, the governments grip on power is precarious. Poilievre has already vowed to keep trying, saying, Were going to keep pressing this issue. This government is out of touch, and Canadians deserve better. The New Democratic Partys decision to terminate its formal cooperation with the Liberals further complicates Trudeaus political future. While the NDP continues to support the government on a case-by-case basis, the once-stable coalition has been shattered, leaving Trudeau dependent on individual policy negotiations to pass legislation. In the meantime, the Conservatives and Bloc are sharpening their strategies for what seems to be an inevitable push for elections. Also Watch: Trudeau himself acknowledged the struggles facing Canadians. During a recent appearance on The Late Show with Stephen Colbert, the prime minister said, People are hurting. People are having trouble paying for groceries, paying for rent, filling up the tank. He conceded that these economic hardships have led many to seek political change. But he insists that the solution is not to replace his government with one he accuses of playing games and offering slogans without solutions. With Canadas next scheduled federal election not due until October 2025, the months ahead promise continued political uncertainty. According to University of Ottawa professor Genevieve Tellier, a weakened Trudeau administration will find it more difficult to govern as opposition parties keep the pressure on. While the harsh Canadian winter typically deters elections, Tellier tells AFP that anything is possible. It could come before Christmas. With inputs from agencies Ukrainian President Volodymr Zelenskyy will meet his American counterpart, Joe Biden during his US visit. Meanwhile in India, PM Modi is set to visit Pune to inaugurate a part of the underground Metro corridor. Heres what else to expect today read more Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy is set to meet US President Joe Biden on Thursday. File Image/White House Its going to be a busy Thursday. Ukrainian President Volodymr Zelenskyy will meet his American counterpart, Joe Biden during his US visit. PM Modi will inaugurate an underground metro in Pune as well several other projects. Congress leader Rahul Gandhi will begin the Haryana campaign. The former first lady of US, Melania Trump will sit in the first interview in over 2 years. The Delhi Assembly will commence a special two-day session starting today. Japan to announce verdict for worlds longest-serving death row inmate Advertisement Heres a glimpse of what will happen today Zelenskyy to meet Biden in US Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy is set to meet US President Joe Biden on Thursday. Volodymyr Zelenskyy will present his victory plan to [Biden]. He expects to discuss the details of the plan, as well as further US support for Ukraine, announced Zelenskyys spokesman, Sergii Nykyforov. In addition to Biden, Zelenskyy will meet US Vice President Kamala Harris, members of Congress from both parties, and Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump, according to Nykyforov. In addition to Biden, Zelenskyy will meet US Vice President Kamala Harris. File Photo: AFP Zelenskyy is also scheduled to deliver a speech at the United Nations General Assembly and meet with representatives from American defence and energy companies. During his visit, he will connect with the Ukrainian community and hold bilateral discussions with national leaders and international organizations on the sidelines of the General Assembly. PM Modi to inaugurate Pune underground metro PM Modi is set to visit Pune to inaugurate the underground Metro corridor connecting Civil Court to Swargate, marking a significant leap in the citys urban transport infrastructure. During his visit, PM Modi will also lay the foundation for the metros expansion from Swargate to Katraj, further strengthening Punes metro network. Since laying its foundation in 2016, PM Modi has personally participated in five Maha-Metro events, including ceremonies and inaugurations. Advertisement During his visit, PM Modi will also lay the foundation for the metros expansion from Swargate to Katraj, further strengthening Punes metro network. File Image/PTI The new underground metro line features modern amenities such as advanced security systems, digital information displays, and eco-friendly technology. Additionally, PM Modi will launch several other key initiatives, including the highly anticipated memorial at Bhide Wada, the historic site where Jyotiba and Savitribai Phule established Indias first female school. Rahul Gandhi to begin Harayana campaign Congress leader Rahul Gandhi is set to kick off the Haryana election campaign with rallies in Assandh and Barwala, following a truce between the states rival leaders brokered by the partys central leadership. Party insiders told ETV Bharat, that Rahuls rallies had been delayed due to internal conflicts between the camps of former Chief Minister Bhupinder Hooda and former Union Minister Kumari Selja. The differences were resolved after Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge stepped in. Advertisement Congress leader Rahul Gandhi is set to kick off the Haryana election campaign with rallies in Assandh and Barwala .File image/ ANI Rahul Gandhis speeches will boost the Congress campaign in the state. The Congress is united and getting stronger, AICC Secretary Manoj Chauhan told the news outlet. Haryana will go to the polls for its 90-member assembly on October 5, with the results expected on October 8. Melania Trumps first interview in over 2 years USs former first lady Melania Trump is set to appear for an interview on Fox & Friends show on Fox News. The interview, conducted by co-host Ainsley Earhardt, will cover topics including the new book, Melania, the Trump campaigns strategy in the final six weeks before the election, the two assassination attempts on her husband, and other current news, according to the US-based news outlet. USs former first lady Melania Trump is set to appear for an interview on Fox & Friends show on Fox News. File Image/ Reuters This will be Melanias first sit-down interview in two years, as her husband faces a tight race against Vice President Harris in the upcoming election. Delhi Assembly to begin two-day special session Advertisement The Delhi Assembly will commence a special two-day session starting today. Chief Minister Atishi is expected to address her first session as the leader of the house, AAP functionaries told The Hindustan Times. While the agenda for the session hasnt been finalised, a senior party member shared that Atishi will be speaking at the house on the issues faced by Delhi and the way forward. The Delhi Assembly will commence a special two-day session starting today. Chief Minister Atishi is expected to address her first session as the leader of the house, AAP functionaries said. Reuters Typically, three major sessions the budget, monsoon, and winter sessions are held annually. However, there have been occasions where additional sessions were convened to address urgent government matters. Japan to announce verdict for worlds longest-serving death row inmate Advertisement Iwao Hakamada, the worlds longest-serving death row inmate, will learn today whether he will face execution or finally be acquitted, a decade after securing a retrial for his murder conviction. Hakamada, 88, spent 46 years on death row before being released in 2014 pending his retrial. The former boxer was convicted in 1968 for the murder of his boss, the bosss wife, and their two teenage children. Over time, doubts emerged about the case, including allegations of fabricated evidence and coerced confessions, raising concerns about Japans justice system, which critics say holds suspects hostage." While his family believes he will be released, prosecutors, however, remain convinced of Hakamadas guilt beyond reasonable doubt, AFP reported. With input from agencies Subodh Chandra, the leader of a non-profit representing the Haitian community in Ohio, has invoked a private-citizen right to file charges against Donald Trump and his running mate, JD Vance for spreading misleading claims about Haitians eating cats and dogs. He filed a criminal complaint against the Republican candidates with the Clark County Municipal Court on Tuesday read more Subodh Chandra is a co-founder and managing partner at The Chandra Law Firm LLC. Image Courtesy: chandralaw.com The Haitian community living in Ohio has been in the news since former President Donald Trump accused the immigrant community of eating cats and dogs during a presidential debate. The misleading claims even led to chaos and bomb threats to the region. Now, in a new development, the leader of a non-profit representing the community has invoked a private-citizen right to file charges against Trump and his running mate, JD Vance. The Haitian Bridge Alliance made the move after inaction by the local prosecutor, said their attorney, Subodh Chandra of the Cleveland-based Chandra Law firm. Advertisement Heres all we know about him. Who is Subodh Chandra? Subodh Chandra is a co-founder and managing partner at The Chandra Law Firm LLC. A former federal prosecutor, he focuses on civil rights litigation, along with white-collar criminal defence and internal investigations, according to his website. He has handled high-profile cases like the police shooting death of 12-year-old Tamir Rice by Cleveland police. Chandra oversaw the work of an 82-lawyer department with both criminal and civil divisions while serving as the city of Clevelands director of law prior to starting the business. He began his legal journey as the American Bar Associations special presidential counsel. Chandra is an alumnus of the Yale Law School and has graduated with honours and distinction from Stanford University. He has long been involved in helping those who want to work in public service. In 2006, he ran for Ohio attorney general and received the majority of newspaper endorsements. He is the co-vice chair of the US Commission on Civil Rights Special Ohio Advisory Committee. Also read: Are US migrants eating pet cats and ducks? Bizarre rumour pushed by Donald Trump What are the charges against Trump and Vance? Chandra filed the criminal complaint against Trump and Vance with the Clark County Municipal Court on Tuesday, on behalf of the Haitian Bridge Alliance. Advertisement Trump and Vance, a US Senator from Ohio, are charged with disrupting public services, making false alarms, telecommunications harassment, aggravated menacing and complicity. The filing asks the Clark County Municipal Court to affirm that there is probable cause and issue arrest warrants against Trump and Vance or refer the matter to the prosecutor for further investigation. Republican presidential nominee and former US President Donald Trump and Republican vice presidential nominee Senator JD Vance have been repeatedly making claims of how Haitian immigrants pose a threat to Americans to target Kamala Harris in the White House race. Reuters Although Chandra has strong Democratic Party ties, he insisted that this had no bearing on his decision to take up the case. Their persistence and relentlessness, even in the face of the governor and the mayor saying this is false, that shows intent. Its knowing, wilful flouting of criminal law, Chandra said. Advertisement If it were anyone else other than Trump and Vance who had done what theyve done wreak havoc on Springfield, resulting in bomb threats, evacuated and closed government buildings and schools, threats to the mayor and his family they would have been arrested by now. They are not above the law, he added. Charges brought by private citizens are rare, but not unheard of, in Ohio. For instance, a grocery store charging a customer for a bounced check. State law requires a hearing to take place before the affidavit can move forward. As of Tuesday afternoon, none had been scheduled. What is Trump campaigns response? Advertisement Steven Cheung, communications director for the Trump-Vance campaign, said, President Trump is rightfully highlighting the failed immigration system that (Vice President) Kamala Harris has overseen, bringing thousands of illegal immigrants pouring into communities like Springfield and many others across the country. Whats the controversy? For the past week, Springfield has been the talk of the town due to false rumours that Haitian migrants have been killing and eating pets. These claims have been reiterated by Republican presidential nominee and Vance. On September 10, in his first debate with Democrat rival Kamala Harris, Trump claimed, In Springfield, theyre eating the dogs the people that came in. Theyre eating the cats. Advertisement Thousands of Haitians are fleeing their homes every day and many are fleeing the country. Reuters Trumps comments echoed claims made by his campaign, including his running mate, Ohio Senator JD Vance, and other Republicans. The claims attracted attention when Vance posted on social media that his office has received many inquiries, about Haitian migrants abducting pets. Vance later acknowledged it was possible all of these rumours will turn out to be false. Officials have said there have been no credible or detailed reports about the claims, even as Trump and his allies use them to amplify racist stereotypes about black and brown immigrants. Because of the claims, however, more than 30 bomb threats were directed at state and local government buildings and schools, prompting closures, and the assignment of additional law enforcement protection and security cameras. Some of the citys Haitian residents have also said they feared their safety as public vitriol grew, and Mayor Rob Rue has received death threats. Whats behind the rumour? On September 6, a post surfaced on X that shared what looked like a screengrab of a social media post apparently out of Springfield. The retweeted post talked about the persons neighbours daughters friend seeing a cat hanging from a tree to be butchered and eaten, claiming without evidence that Haitians lived at the house. The accompanying photo showed a black man carrying what appeared to be a Canada goose by its feet. That post continued to get shared on social media. Springfield is a small town in Ohio. 4 years ago, they had 60k residents. Under Harris and Biden, 20,000 Haitian immigrants were shipped to the town. Now ducks and pets are disappearing. pic.twitter.com/OOFq3ZdTiA End Wokeness (@EndWokeness) September 6, 2024 On Monday, Vance posted on X. Reports now show that people have had their pets abducted and eaten by people who shouldnt be in this country. Where is our border czar? he said. The next day, Vance posted again on X about Springfield, saying his office had received inquiries from residents who said their neighbours pets or local wildlife were abducted by Haitian migrants. Its possible, of course, that all of these rumours will turn out to be false. Other Republicans shared similar posts. Among them was Texas Sen. Ted Cruz, who posted a photo of kittens with a caption that said to vote for Trump So Haitian immigrants dont eat us. Hours before Trumps debate with Harris, he posted two related photos on his social media site. One Truth Social post was a photo of Trump surrounded by cats and geese. Another featured armed cats wearing MAGA hats. Why did so many Haitians move to Springfield? Jobs and word of mouth. Springfield shed manufacturing jobs and its population decreased significantly as a result towards the end of the last century. However, the city has made a concerted effort to lure employers and Haitians immigrants have helped meet rising demand for labour in factories and warehouses. Word spread, and Haitians began arriving in greater numbers over the last few years. Haitians in Springfield and elsewhere came to the US to flee violence in their home country. The 15,000 to 20,000 Haitian immigrants who have arrived in Springfield over the past several years have been granted Temporary Protected Status to be in the US legally. With inputs from agencies Amid its barrage of airstrikes, Israels top general said that it was preparing for a possible ground offensive in Lebanon against Hezbollah. Such a move, analysts believe, would be catastrophic, as it would lead to an all-out war between the Jewish nation and the militant group and its many allies, including Iran read more Smoke billows over southern Lebanon following an Israeli strike, amid ongoing cross-border hostilities between Hezbollah and Israeli forces, as seen from Tyre, Lebanon. Reuters It has been a devastating 10 days for Lebanon-based Hezbollah and the people of Lebanon. And, on Wednesday, it got even worse when Israel announced that it would be preparing for a ground offensive in the neighbouring country. The news of a possible invasion comes amid continued Israeli airstrikes, which have killed more than 615 people in the past three days and injured more than 2,000 others. It also comes as thousands of Lebanese try to flee the country, with many countries such as the United Kingdom and even India issuing advisories to their citizens to leave. Advertisement As the world watches on anxiously for the possible ground offensive, with France and the US trying their hardest to broker a ceasefire, we take a closer look at what could be the implications of such a move and what could be the potential outcome. Ground offensive in the making? Amid the barrage of missiles that Israel has been raining down on Lebanon since last Friday, the countrys top general on Wednesday said that the troops should prepare for a possible ground operation into Lebanon. Israels chief of staff, Maj Gen Herzi Halevi during a visit to the troops in the north, said, You hear the jets overhead; we have been striking all day. This is both to prepare the ground for your possible entry and to continue degrading Hezbollah. He added that the incursion would be to facilitate the re-entry of thousands of Israelis who were previously displaced from their homes. To achieve that, we are preparing the process of a manoeuvre, he said. It means your military boots, your manoeuvring boots, will enter enemy territory, enter villages that Hezbollah has prepared as large military outposts. People gather at the site of an Israeli airstrike that hit a hangar in the southern town of Jiyeh, Lebanon. AP Entering into Lebanon will show them what it means to face a professional, highly skilled and battle-experienced force, Halevi said. The remarks came amid Israel and Hezbollah trading fire in the air, with the Lebanese-based militant group even firing a ballistic missile at the headquarters of Mossad near Tel Aviv the first time the group has tried to strike so deeply into Israeli territory. The constant rain of rockets and firing over Lebanon has led to thousands of residents trying to flee the country, with the United Nations saying more than 90,000 people have been displaced by five days of Israeli strikes on Lebanon. Advertisement For the possible ground offensive, Israel has already recalled reservists. According to Yedioth Ahronoth newspaper, the Israeli army has summoned those who had been discharged from the army years ago, or had been exempted from service over the past few years. This will enable the continuation of combat against the Hezbollah terrorist organisation, the Israeli military reportedly said. People inspect the damage at the site of an Israeli strike that hit the Lebanese seaside town of Jiyeh, early on Wednesday, Lebanon. Reuters Beginning of an all-out war? Defence analysts and geopolitical observers worry that Israels imminent ground invasion would be the start of an all-out war between Israel and Hezbollah. US President Joe Biden in an interview said that an all-out war is possible. Others also agree. Imad Salamey, a professor of political science at the Lebanese American University in Beirut, told Al Jazeera, The possibility of an Israeli invasion in Lebanon is gaining momentum within the Israeli political and military establishment. Advertisement Should the Israeli government opt for this strategy, it is likely that the invasion could commence within 72 hours, as Israel may believe that Hezbollahs control and command structure has been sufficiently weakened, leaving the party vulnerable to a swift strike before it has the chance to regroup. Iran, who is a backer of Hezbollah, has said that Israel had crossed all red lines and their leaders must understand their crimes wont go unpunished. Irans Foreign Minister said that his country supported Hezbollah in its just cause to defend Lebanon against Israeli atrocities and occupation. A day earlier, Irans President Masoud Pezeshkian also said that Hezbollah cannot stand alone against Israel and called on the UN Security Council to take immediate action against the insane Israeli escalation. Advertisement Hezbollah supporters carry a flag depicting Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah as they ride a scooter following the funeral procession of Hezbollah commanders Ibrahim Kobeisi and Hussein Ezzedine in Beiruts southern suburb, on Wednesday. AP What an all-out war would mean? Israels possible ground offensive in Lebanon would be catastrophic for all, believe analysts. Many believe that a ground invasion would favour Hezbollah, as the true extent of its military might still remain unknown. Karim Emile Bitar, a professor of international relations at St Josephs University in Beirut, told Al Jazeera, If there is an Israeli ground invasion of Lebanon, paradoxically, Hezbollah could feel that it is back in its comfort zone because they are used to fighting Israeli invasions, they know every single village in south Lebanon. They still have an abundance of fighters ready to try to repel this Israeli invasion. Advertisement Bitar also notes that a ground invasion is a different ball game for Israel and they might witness significant losses because even if Hezbollah has been weakened, Hezbollah still has the capacity to inflict harm on Israel. A protester waves a Lebanese flag as demonstrators gather to protest the war in Gaza and Lebanon in front of the Los Angeles Federal Building on Tuesday, in Los Angeles. AP Moreover, in the case of a ground invasion, Hezbollah fighters would receive support from other Iran-back groups as well as from groups in Yemen and elsewhere in the region. Others note that the ground offensive is simply a threat by Israel to goad Hezbollah into submission. Israel is really trying to do something quick, in the hopes that they might be able to bring so much pressure to bear on Hezbollah that they will have no choice but to try to negotiate a quick end to this thing, Yousef Munayyer, head of the Palestine/Israel Program and senior fellow at the Arab Center Washington DC, told Al Jazeera. Analysts also believe that if Israel were to put boots on the ground it would also risk international condemnation and greater isolation. It seems that neither side can win, but both continue the posturing. With inputs from agencies A 45-year-old woman in Mumbai drowned after falling into an open drain last night, as heavy rains lashed the city. This is not the first such death in Indias financial capital. In 2017, the tragic demise of a doctor who fell into a manhole had put the spotlight on the BMC. Is the civic body to be blamed for these accidents? read more Two school students share an umbrella to shield themselves during rain, in Mumbai, September 25, 2024. PTI Mumbai rains turned deadly as a 45-year-old woman died after falling into a drain in suburban Andheri on Wednesday (September 25). The victim, identified as Vimal Anil Gaikwad, drowned in a nullah overflowing due to a heavy downpour in the city yesterday. The tragic incident reportedly took place at night near gate no. 8 of Maharashtra Industrial Development Corporation (MIDC), Andheri East. The Mumbai Police has filed an accidental death report (ADR) in the matter. Advertisement The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC), which has come under the scanner, said in a statement, A 45-year-old lady Vimal Gaikwad drowned in an open drain in the MIDC area of Andheri. She was rescued by the Mumbai fire brigade and sent to Cooper Hospital but was declared dead by doctors. The civic body has set up a three-member panel, headed by a Deputy Municipal Commissioner, to probe the incident. It has sought a report within three days. Lets take a look at how open drains turn fatal in Mumbai during monsoons. Mumbais killer drains In August 2017, a medical practitioner died after slipping into a manhole in Mumbai, causing outrage. The body of Dr Deepak Amrapurkar, the 59-year-old gastroenterologist, was found close near a drain opening in Worli two days after he went missing after a downpour in Indias financial capital. Dr Amrapurkar had fallen into a manhole near Lower Parel while returning home from Bombay Hospital. The incident had put the spotlight on the BMC which faced questions about its efforts to cover open manholes. In 2018, the counsel appearing for the Mumbai civic body had blamed residents near Dr Amrapurkars residence for his death, saying they kept the manhole next to his house open. The BMC had claimed that it was not at fault. In the next two years after the doctors death, a two-year-old and a seven-year-old lost their lives in Chembur and Dharavi, respectively. In 2021, a video of two women in Bhandup who fell into an open manhole went viral. They had both escaped unhurt. Advertisement In 2022, the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) claimed it discovered 109 open manholes in Mumbai. A 68-year-old woman lost her life that year after falling into an open manhole in Virar. Why are drains open? There are two types of drains a sanitary drain and a storm water drain. A storm water drain is present as holes and gutters on the street corners or along the pavements. It collects rainwater and directs it into a natural body of water like rivers or ponds. However, people often clog storm water drains with garbage including plastic packets, leading to the accumulation of water. The destruction of wastelands and wetlands due to the constant concretisation of urban areas further exacerbates the problem of flooding in monsoons. Advertisement A sanitary drainage system is a system of piping that carries sewage or other liquid waste to a public sewer or private sewage disposal system. This drain is covered by manholes on roads. During heavy rains, people remove manhole covers of sanitary drains to divert the excess water as they panic that the entire street will be uncontrollably flooded, according to a DNA article. Workers clean drains at Vashi ahead of pre-monsoon season in Navi Mumbai, May 5, 2020. File Photo/PTI Sometimes thieves steal the manhole covers and sell them off in scrap markets. The BMC is trying to tackle the problem of stolen manhole covers. Is BMC to blame? The BMC Indias richest civic body has faced increased scrutiny since 2017 when the medical practitioner lost his life after falling into an open manhole. Advertisement In 2018, the Bombay High Court had issued directives to the civic body to repair potholes along all arterial roads in Mumbai and come up with a uniform mechanism to redress grievances of the citizens concerning bad roads. It had also ordered the BMC to cover manholes. A panel appointed by the BMC had submitted a 36-page report with several suggestions to prevent accidents due to open manholes. These recommendations included installing mesh wires under manhole covers, radio frequency identification (RFID)-tagging of these covers, and using hinge covers that cannot be removed completely, as per a Hindustan Times (HT) report. The RFID tagging would alert the BMC every time a manhole cover is removed or displaced. However, the Mumbai civic body had implemented only one of these suggestions installing mesh wires by 2019. Advertisement In 2022, the Bombay High Court had warned that the BMC officials would be held responsible if anyone died due to open manholes in Mumbai. It had dubbed the open manholes in the city death traps", asking the civic body to take immediate steps to cover these manholes. The court had questioned the BMC, In this day of modern technology, why dont you device something that if someone touches a manhole cover, tampers with the cover, you get to know immediately in your office? Why not something like a sensor? Last June, the Bombay High Court had asked why the BMC could not install protective grills on all 74,000 manholes in the city. This came after the court was told that only 1,908 manholes in flood-prone areas had protective grills. A BMC official told Mid-day in early June this year that over 80 per cent of manholes have been installed with safety nets. He said the work will be completed that month. In August, the civic body rolled out its smart manhole cover project, which was launched last year to combat the theft of manhole covers. Under this, the BMC planned to install smart sensors over manhole covers to arrest the rising theft incidents. If a cover was removed, sensors would ring an alarm and alert a control room. The death of a 45-year-old woman is a reminder that the BMC needs to do more to prevent the loss of lives in Mumbai due to open drains. The problem of open manholes has not only taken lives in Mumbai but also in Delhi. In July, a mother and her son drowned in a half-open under-construction drain in a waterlogged street in east Delhis Ghazipur as heavy rains lashed the National Capital. The Delhi High Court had come down heavily on the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) over the incident. With inputs from agencies Mira Murati, the chief technical officer, who has spent six and a half years with OpenAI, has announced that she quit the artificial intelligence startup after much reflection. The 35-year-old Murati has played a key role in OpenAIs advancements, including developing products like the GPT-4o model and DALL-E. What does her exit mean for the company? read more Murati is the latest addition to the growing list of high-profile executives who have announced their exit from the billion-dollar tech firm Open AI. Image Courtesy: Open AI Mira Murati, the Chief Technical Officer, who has spent six and a half years with Open AI, has announced her departure from the artificial intelligence startup. Murati, who played a key role in OpenAIs advancements, shared her decision in a post on X (formerly Twitter). She described the choice as a difficult decision made after much reflection, noting, Theres never an ideal time to step away from a place one cherishes, yet this moment feels right. Advertisement Murati is the latest addition to the growing list of high-profile executives who have announced their exit from the billion-dollar tech firm. But who exactly is Mira Murati, and what prompted her to leave Open AI? Whats next for the AI company? Lets take a closer look About Mira Murati Born and raised in Albania to Albanian parents, Murati moved to Canada to attend Pearson College UWC at 16. She obtained a degree in Mathematics from Colby College and went ahead to pursue another graduation in mechanical engineering from the USs Ivy League Dartmouth College. According to the New York Times, she constructed a hybrid race car as her final project while still a student. Her professional journey began in 2011 as a summer intern at Goldman Sachs, followed by a stint at Zodiac Aerospace. She then worked on the Model X for Tesla for three years as a Senior Product Manager. Mira Murati became the vice president of partnerships and applied AI at Microsoft-led OpenAI in 2018. AFP According to Tech Crunch, Murati became the vice president of product and engineering at sensor startup Leap Motion in 2016. After working there for two years, she resigned from the company to become the vice president of partnerships and applied AI at Microsoft-led OpenAI. Both in my time at Tesla, and at a VR Company (Leap Motion) I was doing applications of AI in the real world. I very quickly believed that AGI would be the last and most important major technology that we built, and I wanted to be at the heart of it, Murati told Wired in an interview in 2023. Advertisement In 2018, Murati started working on supercomputing as part of OpenAI. She was elevated to chief technology officer in 2022. The 35-year-old former CTO of OpenAI has led product development of OpenAIs groundbreaking products like the GPT-4o model and DALL-E. Sam Altman, right, then CEO of ChatGPT maker OpenAI, and Mira Murati, chief technology officer, appear at OpenAI DevDay, OpenAIs first developer conference. AP Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella wrote in a piece in Time Magazine that he believes Murati has a demonstrated ability to assemble teams with technical expertise, commercial acumen and a deep appreciation for the importance of mission As a result, she has helped build some of the most exciting AI technologies weve ever seen." Following Open AI founder Sam Altmans brief ouster last November, Murati led the AI firm as its interim CEO. Advertisement Why did Murati resign? Mira Muratis resignation from OpenAI surprised many, but in her post on X (formerly Twitter), she explained it was driven by a desire for personal exploration. Describing her time at OpenAI as an extraordinary privilege, Murati expressed gratitude for the individuals she worked with and thanked CEO Sam Altman for his trust in her. Im stepping away because I want to create the time and space to do my own exploration. For now, my primary focus is doing everything in my power to ensure a smooth transition, maintaining the momentum weve built, she wrote. Murati also noted, While I may no longer be in the trenches with you, I will still be rooting for you all. With deep gratitude for the friendships forged, the triumphs achieved, and most importantly, the challenges overcome together. Advertisement I shared the following note with the OpenAI team today. pic.twitter.com/nsZ4khI06P Mira Murati (@miramurati) September 25, 2024 In response, Sam Altman paid tribute to Murati on X, acknowledging her vital contributions to the company. Its hard to overstate how much Mira has meant to OpenAI, our mission, and to us all personally, he said, expressing his immense gratitude for her role in shaping OpenAIs success. Advertisement Whats next for Open AI? Altman has announced the appointment of Mark Chen as Senior VP of Research and Josh Achiam as Head of Mission Alignment to ensure a smooth transition following Mira Muratis departure. According to Reuters, Muratis exit coincides with OpenAIs efforts to finalise a major $6.5 billion funding round, which could value the company at $150 billion. This deal reportedly involves restructuring OpenAI into a for-profit benefit corporation, granting CEO Sam Altman an equity stake. Muratis exit coincides with OpenAIs efforts to finalise a major $6.5 billion funding round, which could value the company at $150 billion. This deal reportedly involves restructuring OpenAI into a for-profit benefit corporation, granting CEO Sam Altman an equity stake. Reuters It remains unclear whether Muratis departure will affect the fundraising, as such agreements often include clauses allowing investors to reconsider terms in the event of significant leadership changes. Muratis exit is part of a wave of high-profile departures at OpenAI. On Wednesday, VP of Research Barret Zoph and Chief Research Officer Bob McGrew also announced their resignations on X. In August, co-founder John Schulman revealed he had joined rival AI company Anthropic. Co-founder Greg Brockman also announced he would be taking a sabbatical until the end of the year, while Chief Scientist and co-founder Ilya Sutskever left the company in May after a boardroom dispute. With Muratis resignation, only two of OpenAIs original 11 founders remain, raising further questions about the companys leadership and future direction amidst these major changes. With input from agencies The scandal around Qantas Airways, Australias national carrier, which was caught selling tickets for tens of thousands of cancelled flights has intensified after court documents revealed that the airline misled nearly a million passengers. Between 2022 and 2024, over 71,000 flights were scrapped, but tickets were still sold, leaving 884,000 customers unaware they had booked onto non-existent flights read more Qantas planes are seen at a domestic terminal at Sydney Airport in Sydney, Australia, November 16, 2020. File Image/Reuters Months after Qantas Airways, revered as the Spirit of Australia, found itself entangled in a massive scandal involving fake flights, recent court documents reveal that national carrier had misled nearly a million passengers. The controversy, which has led to significant financial penalties, management changes, and legal consequences, revolves around the airline selling tickets for thousands of flights that had already been cancelled. What was the scandal? According to court filings, Qantas sold tickets for 71,000 flights scheduled between May 2022 and May 2024, despite knowing these flights were cancelled. Over 884,000 passengers were not informed that they had booked tickets on flights that would never take off. Advertisement The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) revealed that Qantas continued to sell these tickets for an average of 11 days after deciding to cancel the flights. For some flights, the notification delay reached as long as 18 days. Qantas settled the lawsuit in May 2024, agreeing to pay A$120 million (approximately $82 million) in fines and compensation. This settlement includes A$100 million (52.7 million) in penalties and an additional A$20 million (10.5 million) in compensation to 87,000 victims of its ghost flights policy. The case was initially brought by the ACCC, which sought a record penalty of over A$250 million. Vanessa Hudson, Qantas CEO since September 2023, acknowledged, We know many of our customers were affected by our failure to provide cancellation notifications in a timely manner, and we are sincerely sorry. Who at Qantas was responsible for the scandal? Court documents also reveal that senior managers at Qantas were aware of the systemic issues surrounding flight cancellations and the misleading sale of tickets. However, no single individual was found to have had complete knowledge of the scope of the problem. Former CEO Alan Joyce, who stepped down prematurely amidst the scandal, faced scrutiny over his leadership during the critical period when Qantas failings came to light. Advertisement The airlines systems, at the time, did not promptly remove cancelled flights from sale, which contributed to the widespread sale of tickets for non-existent flights. Qantas was aware of the way in which its system operated, read the court filing. In response to the legal actions, Qantas has since updated its processes and invested in new technology aimed at preventing similar issues from occurring again. Hudson said that these changes would restore public confidence, stating, We have since updated our processes and are investing in new technology across the Qantas Group to ensure this doesnt happen again. What was the financial fallout for Qantas? Advertisement The settlement marks a significant blow to the airline both financially and reputationally. Qantas was accused of selling over 8,000 tickets on cancelled flights between May and June 2022 alone. As the ACCC investigation concluded, Qantas admitted that it had indeed engaged in such practices between May 2021 and August 2023, a period that also coincided with the height of the COVID-19 pandemic. The ACCCs chair, Gina Cass-Gottlieb, described the airlines conduct as egregious and unacceptable. She further stated, Qantass conduct was egregious and unacceptable. Many consumers will have made holiday, business, and travel plans after booking on a phantom flight that had been cancelled. Advertisement The settlement agreement, which is subject to approval by the Federal Court of Australia, ensures that 86,000 affected customers will receive compensation. Domestic travellers will be awarded A$225 each, while international travellers will receive A$450. These payments will be made in addition to any refunds or alternative flights that had already been provided. The legal action forced Qantas to take responsibility for its actions, and Hudson admitted the companys shortcomings. She acknowledged the companys failings following the COVID shutdown, stating, The return to travelling was already stressful for many, and we did not deliver enough support for customers. How has this scandal affected Qantas reputation? Advertisement The ghost-flight scandal is just one of several issues that have plagued Qantas over the past few years. The airline faced harsh criticism for its skyrocketing ticket prices, inadequate customer service, and the controversial firing of 1,700 ground staff during the pandemic. In 2023, despite the controversy, Qantas reported a profit of $1.1 billion, demonstrating its ability to rebound financially post-COVID, even while facing severe reputational damage. Qantas had previously defended its practice of selling tickets for cancelled flights, arguing that customers purchased a bundle of rights and that the airline was committed to doing its best to get passengers to their destinations on time. However, this defence crumbled in the face of overwhelming evidence from the ACCC investigation. The airlines long-held reputation for reliability and customer service has taken a major hit. Qantas has been working to address the damage done, with Hudson stating, Today represents another important step forward as we work towards restoring confidence in the national carrier. Whats next for Qantas? With the settlement in place and the compensation program ready to roll out, Qantas aims to put this scandal behind it. The airline has committed to improving its systems and customer service to prevent future incidents. As part of the settlement, Qantas has avoided further legal challenges by agreeing to expedite its compensation payments. Cass-Gottlieb of the ACCC noted, In the interest of getting an early settlement and the additional payments and compensation to customers, we are no longer taking forward a requirement that they admit to a contravention of selling the service and receiving payment with no intention of providing the service. Cass-Gottlieb stated, This A$100 million penalty, if accepted by the Federal Court, will send a strong message to Australian companies that they must comply with the Australian Consumer Law. With inputs from agencies Forty-three students went to protest 10 years ago in Mexicos Iguala, Guerrero, and disappeared. Their bodies were never recovered. Heres what happened read more The photos of 43 students, who have been missing for 10 years, cover the stairs at their former Raul Isidro Burgos Rural Normal School in Ayotzinapa, Guerrero state, Mexico. AP A decade has gone by and there are few answers to the mysterious disappearance of 43 students from a rural teachers college in Mexico. While authorities believe that they have been killed, the families have been demanding justice. The students belonged to the Rural Normal School, known for its radical activism, at Ayotzinapa. According to reports, they were planning to steal buses for a protest. However, there is little evidence of what went amiss. Advertisement What happened on September 26, 2014? The students were attacked by security forces linked to a local drug gang, Guerreros Unidos, in Iguala, when they were stealing buses to transport themselves to a protest. During the administration of then-Mexico president Enrique Pena Nieto (2012-2018), authorities said the students had gone to Iguala, Guerrero to protest at an event. They were allegedly mistaken for members of a rival gang. The Pena Nieto administration said that Guerreros Unidos had abducted and killed the students, burned their bodies in a huge fire and tossed their ashes into a river. But investigations by the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights, the successor Attorney Generals Office and a Truth Commission created in 2019, found that the fire at a dump was a lie built on false statements extracted under torture and manipulated evidence. Classmates of the 43 Ayotzinapa students who went missing almost 10 years ago march to demand justice for their loved ones in Chilpancingo, Mexico. AP Those subsequent investigations found that an enormous operation was put in motion that night involving members of Guerreros Unidos, but also local, state and federal police. The army was aware of everything because it had a base in Iguala. Investigators said members of the army were involved with the gang in smuggling heroin from the mountains of Guerrero on buses to the United States. Prosecutors said the decision to hide the truth was taken at the highest levels of government. Has anyone been held responsible for the disappearance? Two weeks ago, Mexican authorities said they arrested an alleged cartel chief linked to the disappearance of students. Advertisement Gildardo Lopez Astudillo, the suspected cartel leader, was detained on charges of organised crime and taken to the Altiplano maximum security prison in south-central Mexico, Reuters news agency reported, citing a federal security source. Known as El Gil, he was arrested in 2015 but was released in 2019 after a judge found the evidence against him was obtained illegally. He leads the cartel accused of orchestrating the disappearance and murder of students. Apart from him, more than 100 people are in custody and dozens have been charged, but no one has been convicted. At the end of the previous administration, Mexican courts determined that the investigation was plagued by errors and manipulation. Advertisement There were dozens of cases of torture. Those abuses and missteps led to many of those involved being released. Some have been arrested again under the current administration. The highest-ranking person charged is former Attorney General Jesus Murillo Karam, who is accused of torture, forced disappearance and obstruction of justice. There are also 16 soldiers, most of whom are awaiting trial on house arrest, which infuriates the students families. What is the current administration doing? Mexican President Lopez Obrador had promised to find students and hold those responsible accountable. But in 2022, when more and more evidence pointed toward the militarys involvement in the attack and cover-up, the administrations tone changed. Advertisement The president had ordered the military to open its archives to investigators. That didnt happen. Instead, Obrador shifted more power and responsibility to the military than any president in recent history. The prosecutor leading the investigation, Omar Garcia Trejo, was suddenly demoted after he sought arrest orders for two dozen soldiers. He was replaced by someone unfamiliar with the case. People protest the disappearance of 43 students from Raul Isidro Burgos Rural Normal School and demand authorities find them, in Chilpancingo, Guerrero state, Mexico. AP There was also growing political pressure to show results, said Santiago Aguirre, one of the families lawyers. The administration presented some evidence that did not appear to come from reliable sources and the governments searches turned slipshod. What are the families alleging? Lawyers representing the family point out key arrests are still lacking. Among them is the man who led the investigation during the Pena Nieto administration, Tomas Zeron. In videos, Zeron is seen interrogating and threatening prisoners. He sought refuge in Israel, which has not agreed to extradite him despite Mexicos request. Advertisement They also say they want to see military intelligence records from that night that they still havent had access to. They want more cooperation from the United States government, which has prosecuted members of Guerreros Unidos in drug trafficking cases that also revealed their ties to the military. The families claim that a lack of political will is responsible for not finding the truth. If it was a state crime as the current administration says, the government must know what happened and who is hiding information. Why is the case still relevant? Mexico is notorious for its disappearances; at least 115,000 cases have been registered. The story of the students continues to hold the publics attention because it involves cartel violence and corrupt authorities and remains stubbornly unresolved. It is an example of abuses that occurred decades ago in Mexicos dirty war and were never corrected. With inputs from AP On Wednesday, Israel intercepted a Qader-1 ballistic missile fired by Hezbollah on a building near Tel Aviv using its Davids Sling defence system. Jointly developed by Raytheon and Israels Rafael Advanced Defense Systems, it is built to counter tactical ballistic missiles, medium-to-long range rockets, enemy planes, drones and cruise missiles, including the Scud missiles read more The David's Sling sits above the Iron Dome and Iron beam and below the Arrow-2 and Arrow-3 missiles. Each interceptor costs ove a million dollars. Image courtesy: Raytheon On Wednesday, Hezbollah shot a ballistic missile at Israel. The Lebanon-based terror group said the Qader-1 missile was aimed at Mossad headquarters near Tel Aviv where they believe the pager attacks had been planned. However, Israels defence forces said they intercepted the Qader-1 missile with their Davids Sling defence system and that there were no reports of deaths or injuries in the attack. The Qader-1 surface-to-surface missile is known for its accuracy and payload. Advertisement But what do we know about Davids Sling? Lets take a closer look: The Davids Sling is part of Israels air defence system. As per Jerusalem Post, it was previously known as the Magic Wand. It began being developed in 2006. A joint effort of US firm Raytheon and Israels Rafael Advanced Defense Systems, it was declared fully operational in 2017. It was developed under the direction of the Homa Missile Directorate at Israels Defense Ministry. It sits above the Iron Dome and Iron Beam and below the Arrow-2 and Arrow-3 missiles. As per The Print, the Davids Sling is at the heart of Israels air defences. As per the Raytheon website, Davids Sling is built to work against tactical ballistic missiles, medium- to long-range rockets, enemy planes, drones and cruise missiles, including the Scud missiles. It comprises the multi-pulse Stunner missile, which uses sophisticated sensors and control systems and an active electronically scanned array (AESA) multi-mission radar for targeting and guidance. It comes with a vertical launcher which comes a dozen stunner missiles which lets the missile hit the target. The stunner missile comes without a warhead it relies on impact to destroy targets. Advertisement It has been shown to negate all short-range ballistic missiles which comprise 92 percent of the worlds inventory of missiles. The The Qader-1 is a surface-to-surface missile developed by Iran. Image courtesy: Mohammad Sadegh Heydari Each interceptor costs over $1 million, as per Jerusalem Post. As per Inews.co.uk, it can intercept targets up to 300 kilometres away including the latest Russian Iskander and the Chinese DF-15 ballistic missiles. As per Washington Post, it can intercept targets at an altitude of 14.4 kilometres. The control system was developed by Elbit, while its radar was developed by Elta a division of the Israel Aerospace Industries. In 2018, Davids Sling failed in its first interception attempt of two missiles fired from Syria. Advertisement As per Jerusalem Post, this is perhaps why the Air Forces air defense system decided to try it this time to see if it fared any better. Finland has also bought the Slings Blade after Russias invasion of Ukraine. Finland in 2023 said it would buy the Slings Blade in a $345 million deal. Finland has the option to increase it to $600 million. As Dr Yehoshua Kalisky of the Institute for National Security Studies, explained to the Globes website why the David Sling is perfect for intercepting low-altitude missiles. A missile launched from Lebanon to Israel does not reach an altitude outside the atmosphere. A ballistic missile launched from Yemen, for example, climbs to the edge of the atmosphere, an altitude of over 100 kilometers, to reach its target. It therefore has to be intercepted by a long-range interceptor, Arrow 2 or Arrow 3, which have ranges of over 2,000 kilometers and can intercept a threat a long way from Israel. Since the distance is shorter, the missile launched by Hezbollah flies at a lower altitude, and so Davids Sling provides the appropriate response. It is designed for hit-to-kill at an altitude of 50-70 kilometers, Kalisky said. Advertisement With inputs from agencies Indias top drug regulator, the Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO), has flagged over 50 commonly used medications, including household names like paracetamol, antiacid Pan-D, and Vitamin D3 supplement Shelcal, for failing to meet safety and quality standards. How big a concern is this? read more The alert issued by CDSCO in August revealed over 50 popular drugs failing to meet quality standards, spanning pain relievers, antibiotics, and supplements from major pharmaceutical manufacturers. Image for Representation. Pixabay In a shocking revelation, Indias top drug regulator, the Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO), has flagged over 50 commonly used medications, including household names like Paracetamol and antacid Pan D, for failing to meet safety and quality standards. These are not obscure drugs, but essentials found in millions of homes across the country. From vitamins and calcium D3 supplements to antiacid Pan-D and diabetes and blood pressure medications have been listed as not of standard quality by the CDSCO. Advertisement These findings, released in a recent alert, have sparked significant worry among consumers and healthcare professionals alike. Heres what we know about the situation Which medicines have been flagged? Several well-known medications have been flagged by CDSCO, following random monthly testing by state drug officers. CDSCO is the sole authority that grants no-objection certificates to pharmaceutical companies that manufacture drugs that are unapproved, new, or banned for the sole purpose of exports in India. The alert issued in August revealed over 50 popular drugs failing to meet quality standards, spanning pain relievers, antibiotics, and supplements from major pharmaceutical manufacturers. Among the flagged medications are Paracetamol 500 mg tablets, the anti-diabetic drug Glimepiride, and high blood pressure medication Telma H (Telmisartan 40 mg). Acid reflux treatment Pan D and calcium supplements Shelcal C and D3 were also on the list. Additionally, the widely prescribed antibiotic Metronidazole, produced by Hindustan Antibiotics Limited, and Shelcal, distributed by Torrent Pharmaceuticals but produced by Pure & Cure Healthcare in Uttarakhand, did not meet quality standards. A Kolkata-based lab found that antibiotics Clavam 625 and Pan D, produced by Alkem Health Science, were substandard. This same lab also flagged Cepodem XP 50 dry suspension, used for treating bacterial infections in children, from Hetero as failing tests. Advertisement Several well-known medications have been flagged by Indias drug regulator, CDSCO, following random monthly testing by state drug officers. Image for Further concerns were raised over Paracetamol tablets from Karnataka Antibiotics & Pharmaceuticals Ltd. Additionally, Sun Pharmas Ursocol 300, a drug for dissolving gallstones, was labeled spurious, and several batches of Telmisartan, manufactured by Life Max Cancer Lab, failed to pass quality checks. Interestingly, a non-sterile gauze roll also made it onto the flagged list. Bhaskara Vilasam Vaidyasalas Haridrakhandam has also come under scanner as it failed the test pH as per API or the Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of India. Yogaraja Guggulu from the same firm has also failed the quality test, reported The Times of India. #UPDATE | The Central Drugs Standard Control Organization (CDSCO) has issued an alert regarding 59 medicines that were found to be substandard during tests conducted in August. The list includes commonly used medications such as Pan-D, #Paracetamol , antibiotics, blood pressure pic.twitter.com/GJ76VC8ab9 PB-SHABD (@PBSHABD) September 26, 2024 Advertisement This come after the the regulator previously banned 156 fixed-dose drug combinations in August, raising concerns about drug safety in India. These included popular fever medications, painkillers, and allergy tablets, commonly used for cold, fever, and pain relief. Pharma companies deny involvement Several pharmaceutical companies have denied responsibility for producing the drugs that were flagged in the CDSCOs quality tests. The drug regulator shared two lists: one featuring 48 drugs and a second with 5 additional medications. Advertisement In the reply column, many manufacturers claimed, The actual manufacturer (as per label claim) has informed that the impugned batch of the product has not been manufacturer by them and that it is a spurious drug. The product is purported to be spurious, however, the same is subjected to outcome of investigation." Several pharmaceutical companies have denied responsibility for producing the drugs that were flagged in the CDSCOs quality tests. Image for Companies like Sun Pharma and Glenmark have echoed similar denials. Sun Pharma, which had three drugsPulmosil (for erectile dysfunction), Pantocid (for acid reflux), and Ursocol 300fail the tests, stated they were not responsible for the production of the flagged batches. Likewise, Glenmark rejected claims that their hypertension drug Telma H (Telmisartan) was part of the substandard findings. Advertisement Additionally, Macleods Pharma faced allegations over its arthritis medication Defcort 6, which was flagged as failing quality tests. The pharmaceutical companies maintain their stance that the drugs in question were either counterfeit or spurious, as investigations continue. Monitoring drug quality alerts from regulatory bodies is vital for safeguarding public health. These alerts help identify harmful or ineffective drugs, reducing risks of adverse reactions, treatment failures, and serious health complications. Staying informed can ensure patient safety and maintain trust in the healthcare system. With input from agencies Swiss authorities have arrested four people after a woman ended her life using a Sarco suicide pod, a first for the world. This case has put a spotlight on Switzerlands laws on assisted dying. But what do they say? read more Swiss authorities have arrested four people in connection to a woman's death after she chose the Sarco capsule to end her life. File image/AP An American womans death in an assisted suicide capsule in Switzerland has snowballed into a criminal and legal matter with Swiss authorities arresting four people on Tuesday (September 24). Police in Schaffhausen, Switzerland, wrote in a news release that the public prosecutors office of the canton of Schaffhausen has opened criminal proceedings against several persons for incitement and aiding and abetting suicide and that several persons have been placed in police custody. Advertisement This comes after an unidentified 64-year-old American woman made use of the so-called suicide pod, called Sarco, on Monday afternoon in a forest close to the German border in the Swiss town of Merishausen. Whats the case? How does the suicide pod work? We take a closer look at this case and why it has become a legal matter. Death by capsule On Monday (September 23), a 64-year-old woman from the US Midwest died in the Sarco pod, becoming the first person to end her life using the controversial capsule. The Last Resort, the company that developed and manages the machine, said that the woman died under a canopy of trees at a private forest retreat in the canton of Schaffhausen in northern Switzerland. The firm said that the woman had chosen the Sarco capsule after suffering for many years from a number of serious problems associated with severe immune compromise. In a statement, it added that the death was peaceful, fast and dignified. The Sarco suicide capsule is a 3D-printed capsule that gives the user the ultimate control over the timing of her/his death, which was created by Australian euthanasia advocate Philip Nitschke. File image/Reuters The pod in question The womans death has shone a spotlight on the Sarco pod, which is the brainchild of Philip Nitschke, an Australian physician famous for his work on assisted suicide since the 1990s. His work has also earned him the nickname of Dr Death. Advertisement The capsules have also been named, Sarco, as an abbreviation for the sarcophagus coffins that were used in Ancient Egypt, Rome, and Greece. But how does it work? First introduced in 2019, the sleek-looking contraption replaces oxygen with nitrogen inside the pod, leading to death through hypoxia (low levels of oxygen in body tissues). According to the company managing the Sarco pod, the user is meant to fall asleep and, according to rumours, suffocate to death within a few minutes. The Sarco pod is made with the help of a 3D printer and costs more than a million dollars to develop. Nitschke speaking on the pod had earlier said that theres no changing your mind when using it. Once you press that button, theres no way of going back, he was quoted as saying earlier. Advertisement Australian euthanasia advocate Philip Nitschke is the brains behind the Sarco suicide pod. File image/Reuters The arrests and the legal case A day after news emerged that the woman had died using the controversial Sarco pod, Swiss authorities have arrested four people and opened criminal proceedings against them for inducing and aiding and abetting suicide. Police said a law firm informed them about the suicide involving the device. The Sarco suicide capsule was secured and the deceased person was taken to the IRMZ for autopsy, police were quoted as telling DW. In addition, several people in the Merishausen area were placed in police custody. Prosecutors are also examining other potential criminal acts. It remains unknown as to who has been arrested and what are the exact charges being levelled on them. Advertisement The arrests come as the use of these capsules is not fully compliant with Swiss law as of now. According to Elisabeth Baume-Schneider, the minister for health, the capsule does not meet the requirement of product safety law, and its use of nitrogen is not legally compliant. She told parliament on Monday, Firstly, it does not meet the requirements of product safety law and therefore cannot be placed on the market. Secondly, the corresponding use of nitrogen is not compatible with the purpose article of the chemicals act. However, the company, Last Resort, has defended itself by saying, The Last Resort was acting at all times on the legal advice of their lawyers. Legal advice since 2021 has consistently found that the use of Sarco in Switzerland would be lawful. Advertisement It further added that the woman, who had died, had confirmed that it had been her wish to die and she had the support of her two sons. Swiss laws on death The womans death in the Sarco pod has also raised questions about Switzerlands laws on assisted suicide and euthanasia. While these two terms are often used interchangeably, there is a difference between them. Assisted suicide is the act of helping another person end their life intentionally. It can involve someone who is not terminally ill. Euthanasia, on the other hand, is the deliberate act of ending someones life to relieve them of their suffering. Euthanasia involves a lethal drug being administered by a physician. In Switzerland, the law states that the person wishing to die must perform the act leading to death themselves. Representational image/AFP In Switzerland, the law states that the person wishing to die must perform the act leading to death themselves. The doctors involved in the process are responsible for checking the capability of judgement and determining if the desire to die is well-considered, permanent, and comprehensible in view of the circumstances and the available treatment options. If this is met, they can prescribe the drug to the person. However, the Swiss Criminal Code adds that if these requirements are not met, and an individual induces or assists someone else to die of suicide for selfish motives, this could carry a jail penalty of up to five years. The laws on assisted suicide in Switzerland are also extended to foreigners, which means that people from outside the Alpine nation can also go there to end their life. This has, in fact, led to a form of death tourism with many foreigners choosing Switzerland for their final breath. Earlier in July, a report stated that over 1,000 people had chosen to end their life in Switzerland through assisted suicide organisations such as Exit or Dignitas. With inputs from agencies The prime suspect in the Bengaluru woman murder case, identified as Mukti Ranjan Ray, allegedly hanged himself from a roadside tree near his house in Odisha, fearing arrest read more A 30-year-old man, who was the prime suspect in killing 29-year-old Bengaluru woman, Mahalakshmi, and chopping her body into 59 pieces before storing them in a fridge, has allegedly died by suicide in Bhadrak district, Odisha. The prime suspect in the Bengaluru woman murder case, identified as Mukti Ranjan Ray, allegedly hanged himself from a roadside tree near Bhuinpur, where he lived, fearing arrest, police said. A massive manhunt was launched by Bengaluru police in Odisha to arrest Ray but they were informed by local cops about his death by suicide. Advertisement A bag, notebook, and a scooty (two-wheeler) were recovered by the police from the crime site. A purported suicide note was found inside the notebook in which he allegedly confessed to killing and dismembering Mahalakshmis body into pieces in Bengaluru. In the suicide note, Ray allegedly stated that he had killed Mahalakshmi and kept chopped pieces of her body in a fridge. Ended life fearing arrest A report by Times of India quoted Bhadrak SP Varun Guntupalli as saying that the cops strongly suspect that Ray ended his life fearing arrest in connection with the Bengaluru murder. Bengaluru police had been closing in on the suspect in Bhadrak and Balasore districts for the last three days. We extended all necessary assistance to them, Guntupalli said. The Odisha Police have already registered an unnatural death case. Based on the suicide note, the Bengaluru police have confirmed he is the accused in the gruesome murder case, a report by The Indian Express quoted Odishas Additional Director General, Law and Order, Sanjay Kumar, as saying. When asked if the Odisha police have handed over the purported suicide note to the Bengaluru police, Kumar said its now a court document. The Bengaluru police have to submit a requisition first and take permission of the court, following which we will hand over the suicide note, the senior police officer said. Advertisement How Ray & Mahalakshmi met As per police, Ray, who was a resident of Dhusuri area, used to work in a clothing store in Bengalurus Malleshwaram in the same mall where Mahalakshmi worked as a team leader with a costume outlet. The cops further informed that Mahalakshmi and Ray had been friends since 2023. Mahalakshi was married to Hemant Das for six years and the couple has a daughter. They started living separately about nine months ago due to domestic disputes. Recently, Das claimed that Mahalakshmi had an extra marital affair with Ashraf from Uttarakhand who could be behind her murder. Also Read: Did Mahalakshmis boyfriend Ashraf kill, chop her into 50 pieces? What Bengaluru womans husband says Advertisement How Bengaluru Police got to know about Rays death As part of investigation, the Bengaluru Police questioned several people associated with Mahalakshmi, including her colleagues, when they found Ray missing from his residence in the city. The cops then contacted his brother, who revealed that Ray had called him over the phone and confessed to the murder, Indian Express report said. He further told the police that he had asked Ray to leave Karnataka. Cops further said that Ray called his brother from West Bengal and that was his last location. The Bengaluru Police team, on reaching Bengaluru, had detained Rays brother. According to a report by India Today, the cops got to know about Rays alleged suicide after Odisha Police called his brother to inform him about brother. He later told Bengaluru Police about his death. Advertisement Also Read: 50 body pieces, foul smell: How shocking murder of Bengaluru woman found inside refrigerator unravels A report by ToI quoted police sources as saying that Rays family members claimed he arrived in Bhadrak on September 24. He left home early in the morning and after a few hours, he was found hanging from a tree, a few hundred meters from his home. The maggot-infested body of Mahalakshmi was found chopped into 59 pieces in a single-door refrigerator in her one-bedroom apartment in Bengalurus Vyalikaval area on September 21. With inputs from agencies. While the situation has calmed along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) in Ladakh and there have not been fresh rounds of clashes, the India-China stand-off remains far from over as the two militaries are yet to disengage from all friction points and de-escalation is yet to start read more Indian and Chinese militaries have been engaged in a stand-off in eastern Ladakh since 2020. (Representative Photo, Credit: CNN-News18) Four years after Indian and Chinese militaries clashed along the de-factor border, the India-China military stand-off is far from over. In April 2020, the Chinese soldiers crossed over into Indian territory in Ladakh and clashed with Indian personnel, triggering the stand-off that continues to this date. The stand-off and accompanying skirmishes, which turned fatal on June 15, 2020, when 20 Indian soldiers and an unspecified number of Chinese soldiers were killed, plunged the India-China relationship to its lowest since 1962 when the two nations fought a brief war. Advertisement Since then, several rounds of talks at the level of senior military officers, top diplomats, and top ministers have taken place. While the troops have disengaged at some points, broader de-escalation is yet to take place. In such context, the comment by Minister of External Affairs S Jaishankar a few weeks back that 75 per cent of the stand-off had got resolved led to speculation whether the stand-off was heading towards a resolution. Later, however, Jaishankar clarified that he was merely talking about disengagement and the stand-off was far from any resolution. Here is how things stand in eastern Ladakh and what we know of the resolution of the stand-off so far. Jaishankar says 75% stand-off resolved then clarifies Earlier this month, External Affairs Minister Jaishankars comments at an event in Switzerland were interpreted as saying that 75 per cent of the border stand-off had been sorted but that was not what he meant. In a conversation with former diplomat Jean-David Levitte at the Centre for Security Policy in Geneva, Jaishankar said that 75 per cent of disengagement problems are sorted out with China even as some things are left out, according to ANI. Advertisement Then, earlier this week, Jaishankar clarified that he only referred to the disengagement and the broader de-escalation still remained. Disengagement refers to troops physically disengaging from a particular point of friction. De-escalation refers to the broader withdrawal of troops and war-waging equipment such as tanks, armoured vehicles, warplanes, and artillery guns, from the broader theatre. No de-escalation has taken place so far and even disengagement is not yet complete as Jaishankar also said. Clarifying the previous comments, Jaishankar said, When I said 75 per cent of it has been sorted out, I was asked in a way to quantify its only regarding the disengagement. Advertisement Jaishankar further said that the India-China relationship is significantly disturbed after 2020 and patrolling remained the main issue. The main issue right now is patrolling how both sides patrol up to the Line of Actual Control. The patrolling arrangements after 2020 have been disturbed, said Jaishankar. Series of high-level meetings but military-level talks delayed There has been a string of high-level engagements between India and China in recent months. In July and August, the Working Mechanism for Consultation & Coordination on India-China Border Affairs (WMCC) met twice. In the past two months, Jaishankar also met Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi twice. National Security Adviser (NSA) Ajit Doval also met Wang earlier this month on the sidelines of a BRICS conclave in Russia the same visit in which he met Russian President Vladimir Putin reportedly as a messenger of Prime Minister Narendra Modi regarding the Russia-Ukraine War. Advertisement There have been reports that some progress even if not an outright breakthrough has been made in the meetings. The tone of the public messaging around the meetings certainly suggests so. After the Doval-Wang meeting, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said they reviewed the recent efforts towards finding an early resolution of the remaining issues along the LAC, which will create conditions to stabilise and rebuild bilateral relations. Both sides agreed to work with urgency and redouble their efforts to realize complete disengagement in the remaining areas, said the MEA. The tone was much cordial than last year when Doval conveyed to him that Chinese actions since 2020 had eroded strategic trust and the public and political basis of the bilateral relationship, as per the MEA, which added that he also emphasised the importance of resolving the situation so that impediments to normalcy in bilateral relations may be resolved. Advertisement Even as talks at political and diplomatic level have continued, no military-level talks have taken place since February. Observers have said that the gap longest since 2020 when the stand-off began may reflect the fact that talks over certain friction points like Depsang Plains and Demchok may have stalled. This may be an over-interpretation as well. Military-level talks are meant for tactical ground-level affairs and actual decisions to disengage or de-escalate are taken at the top political level. As the purpose of military-level talks is to figure out the implementation of the understanding reached at the political level, the absence of talks may simply mean that as negotiations are ongoing at diplomatic and political level, the military-level talks are naturally on a pause. Once an understanding is reached at the political level, the military-level talks for its implementation may start. Glass half-full or half-empty: What happened in 2020, how is it now? While the situation along the LAC in Ladakh has calmed to the extent that no fresh round of significant clashes has happened in a long time, the situation remains far from ideal as the stand-off continues and patrolling remains limited in the region. As patrolling is critical to asserting ones claim to the territory and enforcing that claim, the lack of patrolling effectively negates your claim and control of that territory. It has been a Chinese practice to effectively gain control of stretches of territory by denying the other side the right to patrol that territory. In 2020, the deadliest confrontation took place at Pangong Tso lake, whose control is divided between India and China, and Galwan Valley where 20 Indian soldiers were killed in clashes with Chinese soldiers. Even though there are several locations and patrolling points (PPs) in contention, the major areas of contention have been Pangong Tso, PP-17 at Gogra-Hot Springs area, PP-15, Galwan Valley, Depsang, and Demchok. So far, disengagement has taken place at Pangong Tso, PP-15, PP-17, and Galwan Valley, whereas deadlock continues to persist regarding Depsang and Demchok, according to The Hindu. The disengagement had happened by 2022 and no change in the ground situation has taken place in the past two years, a defence official told The Hindu. Is an India-China thaw on the horizon? Even as no disengagement has taken place in two years and de-escalation is yet to start at all there are indications that a thaw may be on the horizon. India and China have made significant progress in narrowing their gap on pending issues along the LAC in eastern Ladakh, according to The Indian Express. Officials told the newspaper that the progress was made during the latest diplomatic- and political-level talks between India and China the series of high-level exchanges mentioned above. The newspaper reported that, following the progress made in the diplomatic- and political-level talks, the 22nd round of military-level talks are expected to be held shortly to chalk out the modalities, including the timeframe, for revised troop deployment in the region as per the terms of the agreement. Sources told the newspaper that this might imply that Indian personnel, whose access to certain PPs and areas along the LAC in Ladakh had been restricted since 2020, might be close to accessing the PPs and areas again. As per a report, India may have lost access to as many as 26 of 65 patrolling points along the LAC. In a research paper submitted to a national police conference last year, an officer said while initially the access is lost as Indian forces themselves dont patrol these areas and later the Chinese restrict them, according to The Week. The result is that ultimately such a situation leads to loss of control over these areas by India, said the report. Of the 65 patrol points, the presence was lost in PPs 5-17, 24-32, 37, 51, 52, and 62, according to the report cited by The Week. West Asia has been a region of special focus for India in the past decade and has truly been an unprecedented success story. This emphasis has been continued in the third term of the Modi government read more In a world of flux and uncertainty, Modi 3.0 took oath on June 9, 2024, making history as Narendra Modi was sworn as the Prime Minister for a third time in a row, an unprecedented feat in the past 50 years in India. The numbers were not as overwhelming as the previous two occasions resulting in the formation of a coalition government, thereby putting doubts in the minds if and how the government would be able to carry on its agenda as proactively as the previous two terms. Advertisement The results in parliamentary elections may have some restricting effects domestically, but on the foreign policy front, Modi 3.0 has hit the ground running. In fact, days after being sworn in, PM Modi attended the G7 Summit in Italy on June 14 as a special invitee. Developing Partnership West Asia has been a region of special focus for India in the past decade and has truly been an unprecedented success story. During this phase, India forged strategic partnerships with many countries in the region. The UAE emerged as a key anchor and Indias closest partner in the region with a strategic partnership agreement signed with it in August 2015 during PM Modis first visit there. The scope and depth of strategic convergence with the region got a further boost when India signed similar agreements with Saudi Arabia in October 2019 and Egypt in January 2023. Modis visit to Bahrain in August 2019 (the first-ever Indian PMs visit to the nation) and to Qatar in February 2024 were significant in enhancing outreach in the region. Indias traditional dependence on the region for its energy imports got a major boost in the past decade, with Iraq, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE emerging as the top three exporters of crude oil, despite Russia offering discounted prices owing to the ongoing war in Ukraine since 202223. The UAE became the first country in February 2018 to agree to store strategic oil reserves in India. Advertisement Economic partnership with the region too has emerged as a major form of cooperation. The CEPA (Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement) signed with the UAE on February 18, 2022, developed and agreed upon in a record time of 88 days was the biggest highlight, aiming to increase bilateral trade to $115 billion in five years. Adding to it, on February 1, 2024, India also approved the Bilateral Investment Treaty (BIT) with the UAE. With PM Modi pushing for faster roll-out of Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) in India and in the region, Fintech emerged as yet another area of mutual convergence. The RuPay card was launched in the UAE in August 2019. Oman too signed an agreement on Fintech cooperation with India in October 2022, becoming the fourth country in the region after Bahrain, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE where Indias UPI is accepted for financial transactions. Advertisement Security cooperation with the region has emerged as a new area of collaboration. Oman, with which India has the oldest military cooperation agreement in the region, signed in November 2008, has been a frontrunner in security cooperation. A military agreement facilitating the provision of logistical facilities to the Indian Navy in the port of Duqm in Oman was a game changer, as it now offers critical advantage to the Indian Navy in its operations in the Arabian Sea, Persian Gulf, and even the Red Sea. Interest in countries to import high-value weapon platforms like Tejas fighter aircraft, Brahmos missiles, and other weapons and ammunition offers a lucrative market for Indian defence exports. The nine million Indian expatriate community, through their discipline and hard work, too have contributed immensely to Indias growing ties with the region, and their safety and welfare is an important form of engagement. Advertisement Modi 3.0 and West Asia Modi 3.0 has started well in trying to build on the solid platform of the past decade and consolidate its relations further with the region. The start of the new phase was, however, not too auspicious, as a major fire in Kuwait on June 14 took 49 Indian lives. However, prompt action and close collaboration between both governments ensured that the repatriation of mortal remains and other settlements were smooth and seamless. It also perhaps paved the way for a closer understanding between the two countries in the future, as Kuwait is the only country in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) that is yet to host a Modi visit. Advertisement Later on August 18, S Jaishankar, the External Affairs Minister (EAM), visited Kuwait, where he held discussions with the Crown Prince Sheikh Sabah Khaled Al-Hamad Al-Mubarak Al-Sabah and the Prime Minister Ahmed Abdullah Al-Ahmed Al-Jaber Al-Sabah. The strong interest to provide impetus to economic ties, both in trade and investments, as well as talks on new areas of untapped potential, is likely to impart a fresh momentum to the bilateral relations. The adversity of the unfortunate fire and the realisation that there is a need to make up for the lost time in re-invigorating ties may finally result in a visit by PM Modi to Kuwait later in the term. The UAE remains the primary focus and anchor of the ties with the region, and it was clearly evident when PM Modi and UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan met at the G7 Summit in Italy on June 14. It was soon followed by the visit of S Jaishankar to the UAE on June 23, 2024, where he met the UAE Minister of Foreign Affairs Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan. Among other things, both sides reviewed the rapid progress being made under the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA), which has already contributed to bilateral trade growing to $84 billion in FY 2023-24. Shortly, thereafter, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi Sheikh Khaled, the son of UAE President, and next in line for the leadership of the UAE, was on a state visit to Delhi where he was accorded protocols reserved for Heads of State. During the visit, he held talks with PM Modi on trade and strategic ties. As a result of the visit, five agreements pertaining to nuclear energy, LNG, petroleum, and food parks were signed. Qatar was another important visit undertaken by EAM soon when he visited Doha on June 30 and held talks with Qatars Prime Minister Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al Thani. Apart from bilateral ties, a key element of talks was the Gaza war, where Qatar is playing a key role as an interlocutor. Perhaps the most significant engagement of the first 100 days was the First India-GCC Foreign Minister Meet held in Riyadh on September 9, formally institutionalising an important relationship with the region. During the visit, EAM not only held bilateral talks with counterparts of GCC countries but also forged a clear understanding of the basic tenets of the relationship with the region, which is built on a foundation of trust, mutual respect, and a shared vision for the future. Also, the fact that the partnership in all areas, especially in the fields of renewables, technology and innovation, health, space, and education, can bring about collective prosperity as well as help realise respective national goals, was highlighted. This first dialogue has laid a strong foundation for an institutional arrangement of strong cooperation spanning various facets between India and the Gulf region in the future, including a possible Free Trade Agreement (FTA). India and Iran are looking to make up for the lost time and forge a stronger partnership. The operationalisation of the Chabahar port deal on May 14 is a major boost. But both need to build on other facets too. A statement by Irans Supreme Leader on September 16, where he listed India along with Gaza and Myanmar as one of the places where Muslims are suffering, was obviously not received well in India, which rebutted it immediately by stating that India strongly deplored the comments and called them misinformed and unacceptable. However, both nations have to understand that this bilateral partnership is too important and precious to be derailed by such stray statements (often targeted at domestic audiences). However, as Modi 3.0 progresses, India-Iran ties are likely to take better shape. With Oman, the strong security cooperation continues. The India-Oman joint military exercise, AL-NAJAH 5-2024, at the Rabkoot Training Area in Oman, is in progress, from September 13 to 26. A delegation from Indias National Defence College (NDC) too visited Oman in the first week of September to further consolidate bilateral defence ties. Conclusion Modi 3.0 and West Asia have started strongly and hope to continue their strong cooperation and collaboration across multiple fields. With four visits by the EAM to the region (more than any other region), ie, UAE, Qatar, Kuwait, and Saudi Arabia, in the first 100 days, and a high-profile incoming visit of the Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi, India has made it clear that West Asia continues to be its foreign policy priority. The Gaza war and the continued demand for India to take on the role of peacemaker too indicate the trust and confidence that the region places in India. As Modi 3.0 continues its term, there is hope and certainty that the relationship with the region will continue to grow stronger. A visit to the region by PM Modi shortly, perhaps to Kuwait, may work magic even faster. Col Rajeev Agarwal is a military veteran and West Asia expert. During his service, he has been Director in Military Intelligence as well as Director in the Ministry of External Affairs. His X handle is @rajeevidsa. Views expressed in the above piece are personal and solely those of the author. They do not necessarily reflect Firstposts views. Sheikh Hasinas ouster and the consequent regime change in Bangladesh come out as another geopolitical shake-up in a series of tremors upsetting the existing world order. Bangladesh, a rare example of an Islamic nation with vibrant democracy and a burgeoning economy, falls flat and surrenders to Islamist forces led by the Jamaat-e-Islami, an Islamic extremist organisation with proven links to terrorist groups in Pakistan and Afghanistan. Undoubtedly, the drama that unfolded in Dhaka has global ramifications with several foreign players involved; however, a country that is going to feel the most pronounced impact will certainly be India. Advertisement India shares a 4,000-kilometre-long land boundary with Bangladesh. Bangladesh is Indias largest trade partner in South Asia, and India is Bangladeshs second largest trade partner in Asia. With its crucial role in the formation of Bangladesh as an independent nation in 1971, India has always been a key factor in Bangladeshs internal and external policies since 1971. Mujibs family enjoyed personal warmth and family ties with the Gandhi family in India. After the assassination of Mujib and his 18 family members, Indian PM Indira Gandhi offered security and shelter to Sheikh Hasina and her family, who were in West Germany then. The ousted PM Sheikh Hasina spent six years in exile in Delhi. In return, Mujib and his daughter remained firm supporters of India, and this equation further strengthened under the Narendra Modi government. However, the bilateral ties have not always been smooth and cordial. New Delhi has had its own share of troubles with Bangladesh, ranging from illegal immigration and boundary issues to anti-India terrorist activities. Nevertheless, the Sheikh Hasina government was always a preferable choice for New Delhi to guard and promote its interests in Bangladesh. Over the last 15 years of the Hasina government, India emerged as a robust strategic, economic, and development partner of Bangladesh. Dark Future for Indias Interests The recent geopolitical upheaval in Bangladesh will be severely detrimental to Indias security and economic interests vis-a-vis Bangladesh. Sheikh Hasina was the last secular leader standing between Islamist radicals and secular democracy in Bangladesh. The biggest danger that India confronts with her ouster is the rise of Islamic extremist forces and their overwhelming sway over the state and society in Bangladesh. Not that under Hasina, Bangladesh was an epitome of secularism. It was already under the heavy undercurrents of extremist forces. The spread of Daesh was evident in the attack on the Gulshan bakery in the diplomatic enclave in 2016. The incidents of radical Islamists killing secular bloggers are well known. However, Hasina was well aware of the menace of fast-spreading Islamic extremism, and she dealt with it firmly and ruthlessly. Now in the Hasinaless Bangladesh, the extremist forces will be unchecked, riding roughshod over the state machinery and society. It is a known fact that in the recent anti-government protests, the banned extremist outfit Jamaat-i-Islami and its ally Bangladesh National Party played an instrumental role. The Jamaat cadres were the leading force mobilising the violent crowds in the streets. After Hasinas ouster, Jamaat opened its public office after more than a decade of being shut, and its chief Shafiq-ur-Rehman attended the meeting with the Army Chief Waker-us-Zaman to decide upon the formation of the interim government. On August 27, the interim government led by Nobel laureate Mohammad Yunus removed the ban on Jamaat-e-Islami and released jailed Islamist leaders. Further, the leader of the largest Islamist group, Hifazat-e-Islam, AFM Khalid Hussain, has been appointed in the interim government. These events sufficiently indicate that Jamaat-i-Islami and its allies will be the principal players in the future. Advertisement Notably, Jamaat-i-Islami is an extremist organisation that supported the Pakistani army during the Bangladesh liberation war of 1971. It believes in fundamentalist Islamic thinker Maududis ideology of political Islam and is akin to the Muslim Brotherhood of Egypt. Its final aim is the establishment of Taliban-styled sharia rule in Bangladesh. Reportedly, JI cadres were complicit with the Pakistani army in the mass slaughter, rapes, and torture of locals, mostly Hindus of Bangladesh. JIs top six leaders have been executed for heinous war crimes. Jamaat has proven links with Deobandi terrorist groups of Pakistan, such as Harkat-ul-Jihad al Islami (HuJI). Its cadres have participated in terrorist operations and training in Afghanistan with HuJI. Advertisement When Jamaat and its key ally BNP were in power in Bangladesh from 2001-2006, India had a tough time dealing with Pakistan-backed terrorists. There was a large-scale infiltration of Pakistani terrorists into the Indian territory from Bangladesh. Earlier, when BNP leader Khalida Zia served as the PM of Bangladesh between 1991 and 1996, some of the most dreaded terrorist commanders, such as Maulana Masood Azhar and Sajjad Afghani, infiltrated into India via Bangladesh. For the Deobandi groups like Harkat-ul-Mujahiddin, the Bangladesh route was one of the most convenient ones to enter India. The ISI had cultivated a robust base in Bangladesh, with a string of agents, sleeper cells, and proxy actors. Jamaat was the most powerful ISI proxy in Bangladesh. It is well known that during the 1990s and early 2000s, Pakistan orchestrated many big-ticket terrorist attacks in India. Also, the terrorist groups of the North East, like the United Liberation Front of Assam (ULFA) and National Socialist Council of Nagaland (NSCN), found safe havens in Bangladesh. Advertisement The ISI was training and funding them. However, the Sheikh Hasina government extended full cooperation to Indian authorities in neutralising and arresting the terrorist elements escaping to Bangladesh. Unlike in the Sheikh Hasina regime, the Indian government is less likely to receive such cooperation and support from the future Jamaat/BNP political players. ISI-supported terrorist groups like Lashkar-e-Taiba had cultivated strong bases and sleeper cells in Bangladesh. In Chittagong, they were radicalising the Rohingya refugees. With BNP/Jamaat back in power, the ISI will have much stronger control and penetration in Bangladesh, which imposes a direct terrorist threat to India. The powerful presence of radical Islamists will bring the worst times for the Hindu minority in Bangladesh. After Hasinas ouster, Jamaat cadres and protestors have attacked several Hindu houses and temples, killed Hindu men, and raped their women. The gory images coming from Bangladesh have sent shock waves across the length and breadth of India, generating strong resentment and hatred towards Bangladesh. In the future, if these persecuted minorities immigrate to India, it will add more weight to the tensions between New Delhi and Dhaka. Advertisement India faces a major challenge of illegal immigration from Bangladesh. Massive influx of illegal Bangladeshi immigrants and Rohingyas via Bangladesh has resulted in major changes in the demography of several districts in Assam and West Bengal, the two states bordering Bangladesh. Reportedly, the extremist and terrorist elements have strong penetration among these illegal immigrants. Settling of the illegal immigrants in the chicken neck corridor, the narrow strip that connects India with its North East, has raised alarming security concerns for India. With the potential revival of BNP/Jamaat governments, the problem of illegal immigration and human trafficking can metamorphose into serious frictions and major security threats for India. The anti-India Islamic radicals and extremist elements have established bases in that corridor. With the ISI-supported political system back in power in Bangladesh, this problem becomes more alarming. Accentuating these concerns are the rising trends in Islamic extremism and communal polarisation in India over the last ten years of the Modi government. Indian agencies have busted Islamic State-Khorasan Province modules in various parts of the country. A strong radical foothold in Bangladesh makes it easier for Pakistan to network with Islamic extremists in the Indian hinterland through northeastern India, infiltrate cadres, and create security threats for India. On account of the rising Hindu nationalism in India, the collective national sentiments against Islamic extremism are very harsh, and in the light of ongoing atrocities against Hindus in Bangladesh, they are likely to get worse. That said, the bilateral relations will go for a toss. The regime change in Bangladesh provides China with ample opportunities to pressure India by tightening its noose in the North Eastern region. In the past, China has allegedly funded rebels and militants in the disturbed northeastern states of India. After the Galwan clash in 2020, the bilateral relations between Delhi and Beijing are going through a tough phase. With intransigence on both sides, the boundary dialogue has reached a stalemate. Hence, in such a scenario, China is likely to leverage the anti-India regime in Bangladesh to its advantage. Also, Chinas all-weather friend and Indias arch-enemy Pakistan will have a stronger foothold in Bangladesh, which is going to make things much smoother for China. A hostile regime in Dhaka will not be conducive to Indias deep-sea drilling projects in the Bay of Bengal. The oil and gas exploration in the Bay of Bengal region can play a crucial role in reducing Indias dependence on oil imports. India is the worlds third-largest oil and gas importer. Before the Ukraine war, it imported most of its crude oil from West Asia; however, after the Ukraine war, India has been buying subsidised Russian oil. Today, Russia has the largest share of Indias oil imports, ie, 40 per cent. If India successfully exploits hydrocarbon reserves in the Bay of Bengal region, it will be a breakthrough development for Indias economic growth. Namit Verma, a veteran intelligence and security analyst, in an interview with an India-based thinktank, informed that deep-sea drilling in the Bay of Bengal region has been a bone of contention between India and the US. He further suggested that in the 1971 war, the US blatantly supported Pakistan by sending its 7th fleet to the Bay of Bengal region to ensure that India gets defeated. The objective was to stop India from deep-sea drilling in the region. However, in those days, despite winning the 1971 war, India chose not to start those projects because of the pressure from the US and the lack of technology. However, today India is in a much stronger position geopolitically and technologically to explore deep-sea drilling in the region. As of now, the Shwe gas project off the Myanmar Coast, jointly developed by POSCO DAEWOO Corporation, ONGC Videsh Ltd, GAIL, and Korean Gas Company, is in its second and third phases. However, a stronger foothold of Indias adversaries in Bangladesh, in the future, increases the chances of sabotage to Shew gas project. Conclusion It can be argued that regime change in Bangladesh is, in many ways, a colossal intelligence failure for India. In the past, India lost Nepal with such a regime change. The new communist government that came after deposing the monarchy has not been as loyal to India as the monarchs. Lately, in its neighbourhood, China has made significant inroads in most of the countries, including Nepal, Bhutan, Sri Lanka, and Maldives. Besides, one also comes across the genuine anti-India sentiment in these countries. In Bangladesh, due to Hasinas close friendship with India, there is strong anti-India sentiment. Hence, it will be extremely challenging for India to find synergies with the new political players in Bangladesh. For Bangladesh, history has come full circle. The man who liberated Bangladesh from the Islamist tyranny of Pakistan and established a secular republic, Sheikh Mujib-ur-Rehman, popularly known as Bangbandhu (friend of Bengalis), is a reviled and abused figure now. Violent protestors are demolishing his statues, and with this, his secular legacy comes to a dead end. Now begins a new chapter in Bangladesh where Islamist forces will reign supreme. It is pertinent to mention that such catastrophic changes can hardly happen without the backing of powerful foreign forces. However, their shortsighted approach has brought elements who believe in the ideology of Al Qaeda, Muslim Brotherhood, and Islamic States to power. Soon these elements will invade the streets of their foreign supporters, unleashing the destruction that many countries in Europe are witnessing already. The author is a Cornell University graduate in public affairs, bachelors from St Stephens College, Delhi. He is a policy analyst specialising in counterterrorism, Indian foreign policy and Afghanistan-Pakistan geopolitics. The views expressed in this article are those of the author and do not represent the stand of this publication. The stakes in this new era of space exploration are high, and the choices made by major powersthe US, China, Russia, and Indiawill significantly influence the trajectory of global security read more After the successful Chandrayaan-3 moon mission, the Indian government approved the Chandrayaan-4 lunar mission in the Chandrayaan series. This demonstrates that the competitions to explore and expand and the dominance in space have intensified, evolving into a complex geopolitical arena marked by rivalry among great powersnamely the United States, China, Russia, and India. This reflects technological ambitions and deep-seated fears rooted in who can dominate this contested domain, which is vast and unexplored in many ways. The major geopolitical players have ambitions and high-end technological prowess to demonstrate dominance and hegemonise the space for more utility. Advertisement The recent launch of the Qianfan constellation by China, alongside the ongoing advancements in space capabilities by the United States, Russia, and India, demonstrates how this great-power competition is shaping the future of space as a potential military domain. Chinas rise in the space sector is particularly noteworthy. On August 6, 2023, a Long March 6 (LM-6) rocket launched from the Taiyuan Satellite Launch Centre, carrying 18 satellites as part of the Qianfan constellationan endeavour designed to rival SpaceXs Starlink. This launch highlights Chinas strategic pivot towards commercial space endeavours facilitated by non-state-owned companies like Yuanxin Satellite (SSST). As China strives to establish itself as a leading space power by 2045, its increasing capabilities in satellite technology and space exploration signal a shift towards a more competitive posture in space to counter perceived threats from American advances. The motivations behind Chinas rapid space ambitions are multifaceted. The expansion of Starlink, with over 6,000 satellites launched in a few years, has created a sense of urgency within China, prompting concerns about national security and economic viability. Chinese state media have characterised Starlink as a potential monopoly in global communications, reinforcing the perception of a strategic rivalry. As Chinas commercial space sector gains momentum, the countrys historical reliance on state-owned enterprises has evolved, indicating a newfound adaptability in the face of competition. Advertisement However, the space race is not confined to the Sino-American rivalry. Historically, Russia has been a significant space player and has developed counter-space technologies that challenged the US during the Cold War. Following a series of anti-satellite tests, Russias military initiatives have raised alarms regarding space weaponisation. The prospect of co-orbital weapons and the development of nuclear anti-satellite (ASAT) capabilities illustrate a dangerous trajectory that not only threatens existing satellites but also complicates international security dynamics. The historical cooperation between the US and Russia is now strained by mutual distrust and military posturing, leaving the space domain increasingly fraught with competition rather than cooperation. The implications of this great power rivalry extend beyond technological advancements. As states pursue their security interests, the potential for conflict in space grows. The anarchic nature of the international system fosters a realist dilemma, wherein nations prioritise self-help measures to ensure their security. In this context, the militarisation of space seems inevitable. Advertisement The US and China have initiated efforts to develop space-based military capabilities, driven by fears of vulnerabilities posed by adversaries technological advancements. While traditionally maintaining a stance of neutrality in great power rivalries, India is now also asserting itself in the space race. Indias space program primarily focuses on socio-economic development, but recent developments indicate a pivot towards bolstering national security through space capabilities. The countrys successful ASAT test in 2019 demonstrates its commitment to enhancing deterrence, even as it continues to advocate against the weaponisation of space. Indias approach reflects a nuanced understanding of the strategic environment, seeking to leverage space technology for military applications while prioritising peaceful exploration and global cooperation. The growing competition among these major powers raises critical questions about the future governance of space. The legacy of cooperation in space explorationexemplified by initiatives like the Apollo-Soyuz handshake and the International Space Station (ISS)is now overshadowed by a prevailing atmosphere of rivalry. Advertisement Political manoeuvring among the US, Russia, and China has hindered meaningful dialogue on space security, leaving a vacuum where multilateral agreements could provide frameworks for responsible behaviour in outer space. As states increasingly perceive space as a domain for military engagement, the risk of conflict escalates. The historical context reveals a shift from focusing on scientific cooperation to strategic competition, where technological supremacy serves national interests. The Outer Space Treaty of 1967, which aims to prevent the militarisation of space, faces challenges in enforcement and interpretation in the current geopolitical climate. With the rise of counter-space capabilities and anti-satellite tests, the international community grapples with the implications of an unregulated arms race in space. The evolution of space competition is reminiscent of past geopolitical rivalries yet it also introduces unique challenges. The exponential growth of private space enterprises, particularly in China and the US, complicates traditional state-centric narratives. Advertisement The interplay between state and non-state actors raises questions about accountability, governance, and the future of collaborative endeavours. The increasing reliance on commercial entities for satellite technology and launch capabilities creates opportunities for innovation but also amplifies the risks of unchecked competition. As nations vie for supremacy, the potential for conflict looms large in an environment characterised by distrust, mistrust, and strategic posturing. The realist dilemma of fear and self-help manifests in pursuing military capabilities and counter-space technologies, heightening the risk of conflict in the final frontier. Moving forward, the need for robust frameworks to govern space activities and facilitate cooperation among nations is more pressing than ever. The stakes in this new era of space exploration are high, and the choices made by major powers will significantly influence the trajectory of global security and the future of humanitys endeavours in space. The author is a PhD candidate at Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi. The views expressed in the above piece are personal and solely those of the author. They do not necessarily reflect Firstposts views. A global reminder of the pressing need for nuclear disarmament, this day calls for renewed efforts to eliminate nuclear arsenals and safeguard future generations from the threat of nuclear warfare read more The International Day for the Total Elimination of Nuclear Weapons, observed annually on September 26, serves as a critical reminder of the worlds ongoing struggle against one of the most dangerous threats to humanitynuclear weapons. Established by the United Nations in 2013, this day aims to increase global awareness about the catastrophic humanitarian and environmental consequences of nuclear warfare and promote collective efforts toward achieving a world free of nuclear arms. Despite significant strides made in international diplomacy and non-proliferation treaties, the existence of over 13,000 nuclear weapons worldwide continues to pose a grave risk to global peace and security. Advertisement Here are 10 key points about the importance of the day and why it is observed: 1. UN General Assembly resolution: The day was established in 2013 through a UN General Assembly resolution, recognising the need to raise public awareness about the dangers of nuclear weapons. 2. Global disarmament efforts: It encourages countries to take active steps toward nuclear disarmament highlighting the urgency for the elimination of nuclear arsenals globally. 3. Link to Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT): The day aligns with the objectives of the NPT, which aims to prevent the spread of nuclear weapons and promote complete disarmament. 4. Historical context: It builds on the momentum of decades-long efforts, from the first atomic bombings in Hiroshima and Nagasaki to the Cold War nuclear arms race, emphasising that the goal of nuclear disarmament remains unachieved. 5. Nuclear weapon-free zones: It highlights the role of established nuclear-weapon-free zones in various regions, such as Latin America and the Pacific, as steps toward a nuclear-free world. 6. Role of civil society: Civil society organisations play a key role by advocating for disarmament and raising public awareness about the catastrophic humanitarian consequences of nuclear weapons. Advertisement 7. Humanitarian impact: The day stresses the severe human and environmental impact of nuclear weapons, urging countries to consider the global threat these weapons pose. 8. Multilateral diplomacy: It promotes the role of multilateral diplomacy and international cooperation encouraging countries to engage in meaningful dialogue and negotiations to eliminate nuclear arsenals. 9. Resistance from nuclear powers: Despite the global call for disarmament, nuclear-armed states continue to maintain and modernise their arsenals, creating a major challenge for the disarmament agenda. 10. Public awareness campaigns: Various events, discussions and educational campaigns are held globally to commemorate the day, fostering public engagement and support for a nuclear-free world. Advertisement According to World Population Review, the global stockpile of nuclear warheads is estimated to be around 13,080. While the overall number has significantly reduced since the Cold War era, more nations now possess nuclear capabilities. Russia holds the largest arsenal, with approximately 6,257 warheads, of which 1,458 are actively deployed. The remaining are either inactive, available for reactivation, or in the process of being dismantled. The US follows with around 5,550 warheads, including 1,389 that are currently operational, while the rest are either reserved for potential reactivation or slated for dismantling. These numbers highlight the enduring threat posed by nuclear weapons despite disarmament efforts. Advertisement The International Day for the Total Elimination of Nuclear Weapons is a clarion call for action, encouraging governments, civil society and the global community to reinvigourate efforts for disarmament. While challenges persist, particularly with nuclear-armed states resisting disarmament, the international movement for a nuclear-free world remains strong. By continuing to promote dialogue, enhance public awareness and support multilateral diplomacy, there is hope that future generations will live in a world free from the threat of nuclear annihilation. The Israeli military said on Thursday its latest strike on south Beirut killed Mohammed Srur, the head of Hezbollahs drone unit, who a source close to the group had earlier said was the target read more Lebanese soldiers cordon off the area at the site of an Israeli airstrike in Beirut's southern suburbs, on Thursday. AP The Israeli military said on Thursday its latest strike on south Beirut killed Mohammed Srur, the head of Hezbollahs drone unit, who a source close to the group had earlier said was the target. Following precise intelligence guidance from the Air Force and the Intelligence Division, fighter jets targeted and eliminated (Srur), the commander of Hezbollahs air unit, in Beirut, AFP quoted a military statement as saying. Srur studied mathematics and was among a number of top advisers sent by Hezbollah to Yemen to train the countrys Houthi rebels, who are also backed by Iran, AFP quoted a source close to Hezbollah as saying. Advertisement Earlier, Lebanons health ministry had said that the strike killed two people and injured 15. The Israeli enemy strike on Beiruts southern suburbs killed two people and wounded 15, including a woman in critical condition, AFP quoted a ministry statement as saying. pic.twitter.com/6KYlyqBDVN (@thisislebnews) September 26, 2024 Meanwhile, some 40 rockets were fired from Lebanon into the Upper Galilee a short while ago, according to a Times of Israel report, citing the IDF. IDF said sirens were activated in several northern communities and some of the rockets were intercepted by air defences, while others landed in open areas. Confirming the targeted strike on south Beirut earlier, the IDF said it will provide further details on the strike in the Lebanese capital soon, reported Times of Israel. Advertisement Meanwhile, Israel on Thursday flatly rejected a push led by key backer the US for a 21-day ceasefire in Lebanon, vowing to keep fighting Hezbollah militants until victory. Israeli bombing of Iran-backed Hezbollah strongholds around Lebanon has killed hundreds of people this week, while the militant group has retaliated with rocket barrages. There will be no ceasefire in the north. We will continue to fight against the Hezbollah terrorist organisation with all our strength until victory and the safe return of the residents of the north to their homes, Foreign Minister Israel Katz said in a post on X. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahus office issued a statement earlier saying he had not even responded to the truce proposal, and that he had ordered the military to continue the fighting with full force. Advertisement The United States, France and other allies called for a 21-day halt, after President Joe Biden and his French counterpart, Emmanuel Macron, met on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly in New York. The situation in Lebanon has become intolerable and is in nobodys interest, neither of the people of Israel nor of the people of Lebanon, their joint statement read. Despite these diplomatic efforts, violence raged on the ground. With inputs from agencies According to a statement released by the Oman embassy and obtained by Firstpost, the initiative is being organised in collaboration with IBEX Expeditions from India and the Bait Al Qanoon Foundation from Oman and will be implemented from 10-18 January 2025 read more The Embassy of the Sultanate of Oman in the Republic of India recently hosted a ceremony to unveil its upcoming tourism campaign, A Journey to Explore Oman, set to take place from January 10 to 18, 2025. Source: Embassy of Oman The Embassy of the Sultanate of Oman in India announced an innovative tourist campaign Journey to Explore Oman. The project was unveiled at a ceremony which was hosted by H.E. Issa Saleh Shaibani, Omans Ambassador to India, earlier this week. According to a statement released by the Oman embassy and obtained by Firstpost, the initiative is being organised in collaboration with IBEX Expeditions from India and the Bait Al Qanoon Foundation from Oman and will be implemented from 10-18 January 2025. Advertisement The launch event conducted by the embassy on September 21 was attended by over 100 dignitaries from India and overseas as well as influencers and keen travellers who have experienced Ibex Expeditions curated journeys in and around the world. Through this initiative, the country is seeking to host travellers and open doors for more tourism exchanges between India and Oman. The embassy believes that initiatives like these would facilitate cooperation between India and Oman in areas of business and trade. Dignitaries with H.E. Issa Saley Shaibani and Consul, Yahya Aldugaishi with Anita & Mandip Soin of Ibex Expedition. Source: Embassy of the Sultanate of Oman in India We are a place where history whispers through ancient forts: Omans envoy to India While delivering his address at the ceremony, Omans Ambassador to India Issa Saleh Abdullah Saleh Alshibani shared that the initiative will be part of Oman Vision 2024. During the event, Saleh extended gratitude to Aseem Mahajan, Joint Secretary Gulf at the Ministry of External Affairs for his support in strengthening India-Oman ties. Oman, as many of you know, is striving to continue along the path of development and progress as outlined by Oman Vision 2040. Central to this vision is the pursuit of a diversified economy, with sectors such as tourism playing a key role in supporting development, creating opportunities for Omani youth, and preserving both our environment and national identity. This evening is a reflection of that visiona blend of adventure, culture, and collaboration, showing how Oman continues to open its doors to the world," the ambassador said at the event. Speaking of Oman, our nations deep-rooted history, shared heritage, and people-to-people links with the rest of the world are what make it truly special. We are not just a destination but a place where history whispers through the ancient forts, where the warm desert sands and towering mountains tell stories of generations past, and where the embrace of our culture and hospitality welcomes you like family, he added. Advertisement Omans Ambassador to India Issa Saleh Abdullah Saleh Alshibani delivers an address at the ceremony. Source: Embassy of Oman in India The ambassador emphasised that India and Oman share deep cultural connections that resonate through history and continue to grow today. In Oman, you wont just find adventure; youll find connection. Whether through exploring our breathtaking landscapes or sharing a meal with a local family, every experience will bring you closer to the heart of our people. So, I encourage each of you to visit, explore, and discover the beauty, not only of Omans nature but of its soul. I promise you that once you do, you will feel at home, he concluded. Ms Tahra Albelushi graces the evening with the beautiful, nostalgic rhythms of Oman. Oman Embassy in India According to the embassy, the tourism campaign will be curated by Ibex Expeditions, taking in experiences of Muscat, the souqs, Nizwa, Jebel Akhder Mountain walk, the exciting via ferrata and hot air ballooning, quad biking, camel riding and dune bashing, not to mention the interaction with the Bedouin in the Wahiba Sands, snorkelling and walking through the wadis, visiting turtle nesting sites, to mention a few of the highlights. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyys visit to the US did not sit well with the Republicans as the partys presidential nominee slammed the comedian-turned-politician. After former US President Donald Trump lambasted Zelenskyy and claimed that he is refusing to negotiate a peace deal with Russian President Vladimir Putin, US House Speaker Mike Johnson condemned the Ukrainian leaders visit to a munitions factory in Scranton, Pennsylvania. In a public letter on Wednesday, Johnson demanded that Ukraine fire its ambassador to Washington, Oksana Markarova, after Zelenskyys controversial visit. He complained that Markarova had organised the visit to the Scranton Army Ammunition Plant as a partisan campaign event designed to help Democrats. Advertisement The accusation by the Republicans became ripe since the event was attended by the Pennsylvania governor, Josh Shapiro, a Democrat who has campaigned in support of Kamala Harris. The facility was in a politically contested battleground state, was led by a top political surrogate for Kamala Harris, and failed to include a single Republican because on purpose no Republicans were invited, Johnson wrote in a letter on congressional letterhead addressed to the Ukrainian embassy. The tour was clearly a partisan campaign event designed to help Democrats and is clearly election interference. This shortsighted and intentional political move has caused Republicans to lose trust in Ambassador Markarovas ability to fairly and effectively serve as a diplomat in this country. She should be removed from her post immediately, the letter continued. Trump refuses to meet Zelenskyy During a North Carolina rally, held the same day Johnson issued the letter, Trump called out Zelenskyy for taking billions of dollars from the United States. The president of Ukraine is in our country. He is making little nasty aspersions toward your favourite president, me, Trump said. We continue to give billions of dollars to a man who refuses to make a deal: Zelenskyy. Meanwhile, Trumps campaign made it clear that he will not be meeting the Ukrainian leader. Trumps barrage of attacks against Zelenskyy came after the latters controversial interview with the New Yorker in which he questioned Trumps plan to end Ukraines war with Russia and sharply criticized Republicans vice-presidential candidate, JD Vance. Zelenskyy went on to refer to the Ohio senator as too radical. Advertisement Earlier, Vance proposed that peace in Ukraine could entail Russia retaining the Ukrainian land it has annexed. His message seems to be that Ukraine must make a sacrifice, Zelenskyy said in the interview with the New Yorker. 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, he added. In the recent letter, Johnson also brought up the comments made by Zelenskyy about both Trump and Vance. Additionally, as I have clearly stated in the past, all foreign nations should avoid opining on or interfering in American domestic politics, he said. Advertisement Support for ending Russias war against Ukraine continues to be bipartisan, but our relationship is unnecessarily tested and needlessly tarnished when the candidates at the top of the Republican presidential ticket are targeted in the media by officials in your government, the Republican Speaker of the House averred. Other top Republicans condemned Zelenskyys recent remarks. I dont mind him going to a munitions plant thanking people for helping Ukraine. But I think his comments about JD Vance and President Trump were out of bounds, said the Republican senator Lindsey Graham. With conservatives, its going to hurt Ukraine, the veteran Republican politician added. The chief adviser of Bangladesh, Muhammad Yunus, met with Pakistan PM Shehbaz Sharif in New York and sought his support for reviving SAARC read more Chief Adviser of Bangladesh's interim government Muhammad Yunus meets Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly in New York. Source: X / @CMShehbaz Bangladesh chief adviser Muhammad Yunus met Pakistans Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) during which the two leaders called for the revival of SAARC for regional cooperation in South Asia. SAARC - a regional grouping comprising India, Bangladesh, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Afghanistan, Bhutan, the Maldives, and Nepal - has not been much effective since 2016. The last SAARC biennial summits was in 2014 in Nepals Kathmandu. Advertisement Now, the government of Bangladesh and Pakistan, both having anti-India sentiments running high, want the revival of SAARC. Why Bangladesh & Pakistan want SAARC revival Back in August, days after getting the charge to lead Bangladeshs interim government, Yunus called for revival of SAARC to boost economic cooperation in the neigbourhood. Back then he held this discussion with Pakistan high commissioner Syed Ahmed Maroof. On Wednesday (September 25) Yunus met Sharif and said reviving SAARC could be a good way to start and sought support from Pakistan. Meanwhile, Sharif promised Pakistans support for the initiative and suggested that they should move step by step in reviving the regional platform. Held a most cordial meeting with Chief Adviser of Interim Government of Bangladesh, Prof. Muhammad Yunus on the sidelines of #UNGA79, today. While recalling their many commanalities and historic relations, both sides reiterated their common desire to enhance economic and pic.twitter.com/0Qo4U2z7fB Shehbaz Sharif (@CMShehbaz) September 25, 2024 When was the last SAARC summit held? The last SAARC summit was in 2014 in Nepal after which the chairmanship was handed over to Pakistan. As per charter rules, a summit cannot be held if all the members do not agree. In 2016, the SAARC summit was planned to be held in Islamabad between 15 and 19, but India expressed its inability to participate. Advertisement Why India denied participating in 2016 SAARC summit in Islamabad India does not have any angst against SAARC. Prime Minister Narendra Modi invited all the SAARC leaders to his swearing-in in May 2014. He invited several SAARC nations to a gathering of world leaders in Goa on October 14-15. However, things got bad in 2016 as there were two terrorist attacks in India that year - Pathankot attack in January and Uri attack in September. India did not attend the SAARC summit that year in Pakistan due to prevailing circumstances. Later, Afghanistan, Bangladesh and Bhutan also declined to participate. SAARC pushed to back burner In January 2016, Pathankot airbase was attacked by Pakistani terrorists. Eight people, including seven security personnel, were killed and 38 others were injured in the attack. Advertisement A five-member Joint Investigation Team (JIT), constituted by the government of Pakistan, visited India between March 27 and April 1, 2016. It was given evidence by the National Investigation Agency (NIA) against individuals, including members of Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM), who had conspired in the Pathankot attack and the handlers of terrorists who facilitated and guided them. The NIA, in a chargesheet, also said the attack on the Pathankot airbase was planned in April 2014 at a meeting in Sialkot in Pakistan by Jaish-e-Mohammed operative Shahid Latif. However, reports in Pakistani media said that after returning from India, the Pakistan JIT claimed that the Indian authorities made it a three-day drama to get maximum attention from the world community in order to malign Pakistan." Advertisement A report on Pakistan Today, back then, also claimed the JIT alleging that India used the attack as a tool to expand its vicious propaganda against Pakistan without having any solid evidence to back the claim. The same year on September 18, a couple of months ahead of the SAARC summit in Pakistan, there was a terror attack on an Indian Army camp in Jammu and Kashmirs Uri in which 19 Indian soldiers were killed. Ten days after Uri terror attack, on September 28, the Indian Army carried out surgical strikes against terror launchpads on and along the Line of Control (LoC) This did not end. On February 14, 2019, a convoy of vehicles carrying CRPF personnel on the Jammu-Srinagar National Highway was attacked by a suicide bomber driving an explosive-laden vehicle in the Pulwama district of erstwhile Jammu and Kashmir. The ghastly terror attack left 40 CRPF personnel dead and over a dozen injured. Advertisement According to the NIA, the Pulwama attack was a well-planned criminal conspiracy hatched by the Pakistan-based JEM terror outfit. The relationship between the two neighbouring nations deteriorated further after India withdrew the special powers of Jammu and Kashmir and bifurcated it into two union territories in August, 2019. Terrorism and talks cannot go hand in hand In 2014, addressing the United Nations General Assembly in New York in Hindi, PM Modi said, India was prepared to engage in serious bilateral dialogue with Pakistan in a peaceful and violence free atmosphere. It is also upto Pakistan to create the right atmosphere and come forward for bilateral talks." On several occasions, slamming Pakistan, PM Modi has said, terrorism and talks cannot go hand in hand." In 2022, the then spokesperson of Pakistan Foreign Office, Asim Iftikhar, claimed that Indias obstruction of the SAARC process was an established fact." His statements received a response from the then External Affairs Ministry (MEA) spokesperson Arindam Bagchi, who said: You are aware of the background as to why the SAARC summit has not been held since 2014. There has been no material change in the situation since then. Therefore, there is still no consensus that would permit holding of the summit." Soldiers guarding French energy giant TotalEnergies project detained dozens of men in steel containers. The prisoners only got a handful of rice and a sip of water from a bottle cap after being starved for days read more French energy giant TotalEnergies said it was not aware of the human rights violations happening on ground. File image/Reuters French energy giant TotalEnergies had enlisted the help of Mozambican soldiers to safeguard its natural gas project in northern Mozambique in Africa. But these government forces reportedly strayed far away from their mandate, becoming the nightmare for desperate villagers. A report by Politico published earlier on Thursday (September 26) reveals that soldiers hired by TotalEnergies detained, tortured, and killed over 150 men from local villages. The atrocities took place in 2021 during a military operation to retake the Afungi peninsula from ISIS-linked insurgents, who had attacked the nearby town of Palma. Despite the militarys mission to protect the gas facility, villagers seeking refuge were caught in a deadly cycle of abuse and violence at the hands of government forces. Advertisement What happened? In 2021, as Mozambiques military forces battled Islamist insurgents in the countrys northern Cabo Delgado region, villagers near the Afungi peninsula found themselves trapped in a harrowing situation. They had come near the plant seeking refuge from the ongoing conflict. However, a commando unit led by an officer who said his mission was to protect the project of Total detained between 180 and 250 villagers, accusing them of being insurgents. Whether they had any proof of this is not known. Torture, killing, and rape The soldiers separated the men from women and children, subjecting the men to brutal treatment, including starvation, torture, and beatings, in shipping containers near the gates of a gas plant operated by French energy company TotalEnergies. At least one woman was gang-raped. Victims reported that the men were held for three months in the containers, where the extreme heat, lack of food, and cramped conditions made survival nearly impossible. The men soiled themselves as there were no toilets in the containers. The soldiers starved the prisoners of food and water for days. When they did finally give them sustenance, it was limited to a fistful of rice and a sip of water from a bottle cap, Politico reported. Advertisement Witnesses claim that only 26 men survived the ordeal, with others succumbing to suffocation or execution. Some prisoners, under the pretext of being assigned to trash collection tasks, were led away to be killed. TotalEnergies role The atrocities took place against the backdrop of a major natural gas project that was once heralded as Africas largest private investment, involving TotalEnergies and other international partners. While the company evacuated its staff and contractors during the Islamist attacks, the Mozambican military, including a Joint Task Force supported by TotalEnergies, remained in charge of securing the gas plant and the surrounding area. The company denies knowledge of the atrocities, stating they had no physical presence on the ground during the events and claiming their role was limited to funding the Joint Task Force to secure the plant. However, internal reports from TotalEnergies indicate that the company was aware of the militarys history of abuses, which included extortion, torture, and intimidation of civilians. Advertisement TotalEnergies now faces potential legal challenges, as questions persist about their responsibility for the Mozambican militarys actions. The Mozambican government has not commented on the incident Many villagers, meanwhile, are still grappling with the trauma of what they endured, living in fear that their plight will be ignored in favor of economic interests tied to the lucrative gas project. Israeli aerial bombardment of Iran-backed Hezbollah strongholds around Lebanon has killed hundreds of people this week, while the militant group has hit back with barrages of rockets. read more Smoke and flames are visible near homes in Kiryat Shmona after a rocket attack launched from Lebanon, amid cross-border hostilities between Hezbollah and Israel, in northern Israel, September 26, 2024. - Reuters According to US Secretary of State Antony Blinken, countries worldwide including prominent Arab countries, G7 nations, and the European Union are urging an immediate cessation of hostilities between Israel and Hezbollah along Israels northern border with Lebanon. Asked about Israels rejection of a U.S.-backed Lebanon ceasefire proposal, Blinken told MSNBC: The world is speaking clearly for virtually all of the key countries in Europe and in the region on the need for the ceasefire. He added that he would be meeting with Israeli officials in New York later on Thursday. Advertisement However, Israel flatly rejected on Thursday a push led by key backer the United States for a 21-day ceasefire in Lebanon, as it vowed to keep fighting Hezbollah militants until victory. There will be no ceasefire in the north. We will continue to fight against the Hezbollah terrorist organisation with all our strength until victory and the safe return of the residents of the north to their homes, Foreign Minister Israel Katz said in a post on social media platform X. Israel earlier this month said it was shifting its focus from Gaza, where it has been fighting a war with Hamas since the October 7 attack, to securing its border with Lebanon. Hamas ally Hezbollah has been fighting Israeli troops across the Lebanon border since October, forcing tens of thousands of people on both sides to flee their homes. The hostilities between Israel and Lebanons Hezbollah group have raised fears of a regional war. Israel widened its airstrikes in Lebanon on Wednesday and killed dozens. Israeli airstrikes this week have targeted Hezbollah militant leaders and hit hundreds of sites deep inside Lebanon, where hundreds of thousands have fled the border region, while the group has fired barrages of rockets into Israel. Scores have been killed in Lebanon. Advertisement According to the UN, Israels bombardment of Lebanon had by Wednesday forced 90,000 people to flee their homes in traditional Hezbollah strongholds to safer areas elsewhere in the tiny Mediterranean country. On Thursday, two Syrian security sources told AFP more than 22,000 people had crossed the Lebanese border into Syria this week, most of them Syrians. With inputs from agencies. The incident, confirmed by a senior US defence official, occurred between May and June but was concealed by the PLA Navy. Chinas defence industry has long been plagued by corruption and oversight challenges read more Chinese Navy's nuclear-powered submarine takes part in a naval parade off the eastern port city of Qingdao. Image used for representational purpose/Reuters File Chinas newest nuclear-powered attack submarine sank earlier this year, a senior US defence official said on Thursday, a potential embarrassment for Beijing as it seeks to expand its military capabilities. China already has the largest navy in the world, with over 370 ships, and it has embarked on production of a new generation of nuclear-armed submarines. A senior US defence official, speaking on condition of anonymity, said Chinas new first-in-class nuclear-powered attack submarine sank alongside a pier sometime between May and June. Advertisement The official said it was not clear what caused it to sink or whether it had nuclear fuel on board at the time. In addition to the obvious questions about training standards and equipment quality, the incident raises deeper questions about the PLAs internal accountability and oversight of Chinas defence industry - which has long been plagued by corruption, the official said, using an acronym for the Peoples Liberation Army. Its not surprising that the PLA Navy would try to conceal the sinking, the official added. Chinas embassy in Washington did not immediately respond to a request for comment. The news was first reported by the Wall Street Journal. A series of satellite images from Planet Labs from June appear to show cranes at the Wuchang shipyard, where the submarine would have been docked. As of 2022, China had six nuclear-powered ballistic missile submarines, six nuclear-powered attack submarines and 48 diesel-powered attack submarines, according to a Pentagon report on Chinas military. That submarine force is expected to grow to 65 by 2025 and 80 by 2035, the US Defence Department has said. On Wednesday, China said it had successfully conducted a rare launch of an intercontinental ballistic missile into the Pacific Ocean, a move likely to raise international concerns about the countrys nuclear buildup. The United States and China held theater-level commander talks for the first time earlier this month, amid efforts to stabilise military ties and avoid misunderstandings, especially in regional hot spots such as the South China Sea. India last sat at the UN high table as a non-permanent member in 2021-22. There has been a growing demand to increase the number of permanent members to reflect the contemporary global reality. read more Advocating for the expansion of the powerful UN body, French President Emmanuel Macron has extended support for Indias bid for permanent membership in a reformed United Nations Security Council (UNSC) Currently, the UNSC comprises five permanent members and 10 non-permanent member countries, elected for a two-year term by the General Assembly of the United Nations. The five permanent members are Russia, the UK, China, France and the United States and these countries can veto any substantive resolution. Advertisement Macron said at the United Nations General Assembly in New York We have a Security Council that is blockedLets make the UN more efficient. We have to make it more representative,. Thats why, he said, France is in favour of the Security Council being expanded. Germany, Japan, India, and Brazil should be permanent members, as well as two countries that Africa will decide to represent it. India has been at the forefront of efforts at the UN to push for urgent long-pending reform of the Security Council, emphasising that it rightly deserves a place at the UN high table as a permanent member. India argues that the 15-nation council founded in 1945 is not fit for purpose in the 21st Century and does not reflect contemporary geo-political realities. In his address, Macron also called for a change in the UNSCs working methods, a limitation of the right of veto in cases of mass crimes, and more attention to operational decisions required for maintaining peace. The time has come to regain efficiency in order to act better on the ground, he said. Macrons remarks came days after Prime Minister Narendra Modi in his address to the Summit of the Future on Sunday emphasised that for global peace and development, reforms in institutions are essential, underlining that reform is the key to relevance. Advertisement Addressing the Summit, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres also warned the 15-nation UNSC, which he described as outdated and whose authority is eroding, will eventually lose all credibility unless its composition and working methods are reformed. The UN chief gave a clarion call: We cant build a future for our grandchildren with a system built for our grandparents. With inputs from agencies. The White House eventually released a statement following the meeting, which called for ceasefires in Lebanon and Gaza. However, the latest statement pushed by the US was more forgiving to Israel read more After an intense debate, the United States and France, along with some other European allies agreed to call for a 21-day ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah at the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) meeting on Wednesday. The plan came as the UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, warned that hell is breaking loose in the country, and the UK foreign secretary called for an immediate ceasefire, a joint statement on which the US has not endorsed. Advertisement The White House eventually released a statement following the meeting, which called for ceasefires in Lebanon and Gaza. However, the latest statement pushed by the US was more forgiving to Israel. The situation between Lebanon and Israel since October 8th, 2023, is intolerable and presents an unacceptable risk of a broader regional escalation, the joint statement reads, citing the date Hezbollah began launching attacks on northern Israeli communities and military posts following its ally Hamass October 7 massacres in southern Israel. This is in nobodys interest, neither of the people of Israel nor of the people of Lebanon. It is time to conclude a diplomatic settlement that enables civilians on both sides of the border to return to their homes in safety," the statement further reads. Diplomacy over conflict In the statement, the US and its Western allies emphasised that diplomacy cannot succeed amid an escalation of this conflict, before urging an immediate 21-day ceasefire across the Lebanon-Israel border to provide space for diplomacy towards the conclusion of a diplomatic settlement. We are then prepared to fully support all diplomatic efforts to conclude an agreement between Lebanon and Israel within this period, building on efforts over the last months, that end this crisis altogether, concluded the statement. Apart from the US, Australia, Canada, the European Union, Germany, Italy, Japan, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates and Qatar were the signatories of the joint statement. Advertisement Meanwhile, the White House released a separate Joint Statement from US President Joe Biden and French President Emmanuel Macron, who met on the sidelines of the UN meeting. The statement called for the immediate support of the governments of Israel and Lebanon. It is time for a settlement on the Israel-Lebanon border that ensures safety and security to enable civilians to return to their homes. The exchange of fire since October 7th, and in particular over the past two weeks, threatens a much broader conflict, and harm to civilians, the two presidents averred. We therefore have worked together in recent days on a joint call for a temporary ceasefire to give diplomacy a chance to succeed and avoid further escalations across the border, the statement further reads. Advertisement No explicit mention of Hezbollah: The cracks in the West It is interesting to note that neither of the joint statements made an explicit mention of Hamas and Hezbollah. Earlier today, reports emerged that the US thwarted the initial efforts of France and the UK, urging the UN to call for an immediate ceasefire. During the UNSC meeting, Washington actively avoided the suggestion that there was any equivalence of blame for the eruption of the crisis between the two nations. US Secretary of State Antony Blinken continued to maintain that Israel has a legitimate problem to solve and blamed Hezbollah for continued rocket attacks into Israeli territory. Advertisement Hence, the whole ordeal reflected the tensions between the US and its European allies over how they are approaching the ongoing conflict in the Middle East. Meanwhile, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi told UNSC that the US and UKs unwavering support for Israel has given them carte blanche for all sorts of sinister behaviour. Without a ceasefire in Gaza there will be no guarantee for peace in the region, he added. The international community cannot afford to remain silent the UN security council must shoulder its responsibility and respond decisively. With inputs from agencies. In the first legal move of this type since the Taliban took over, Afghanistan will have six months to respond before the ICJ holds a hearing and likely proposes provisional measures read more In a groundbreaking move, Canada, Australia, Germany, and the Netherlands are taking the Taliban to the International Court of Justice (ICJ) over gender discrimination, according to a report. Announced during the UN General Assembly, this is the first instance of one country suing another at the ICJ over gender discrimination. According to The Guardian report, the case is based on the convention on the elimination of all forms of discrimination against women, which was adopted by the General Assembly in 1979 and came into force in 1981. Advertisement Afghanistan ratified this convention in 2003, prior to the Talibans takeover in 2021, added the report. In the first legal move of this type since the Taliban took over, Afghanistan will have six months to respond before the ICJ holds a hearing and likely proposes provisional measures. According to The Guardian, advocates believe that even if the Taliban dismiss the courts authority, a ruling could deter other countries from normalising relations with them, as signatories are expected to comply with ICJ decisions. Concerns have arisen over UN discussions with the Taliban that exclude womens issues to encourage their participation. The initiative is supported by three female foreign ministers: Penny Wong (Australia), Annalena Baerbock (Germany), and Melanie Joly (Canada), along with Dutch Foreign Minister Caspar Veldkamp, added the report. Recently, the Taliban banned Afghan women from speaking in public, sparking an online protest campaign where Afghan women sing in defiance. A female cat has more freedom than a woman. A cat may go sit on her front stoop and feel the sun on her face. She may chase a squirrel into the park. A squirrel has more rights than a girl in Afghanistan today because the public parks have been closed to women and girls by the Taliban. A bird may sing in Kabul, but a girl may not, The Guardian quoted actor Meryl Streep as saying at a UN side event this week. Advertisement The countries involved in the litigation are prepared to negotiate with the Taliban in good faith to address gender discrimination, but if those efforts fail, they will seek a hearing at the ICJ. Last month, the Taliban issued new vice and virtue laws stating that women must be fully covered when leaving the house and are prohibited from singing or raising their voices in public. Streep spoke alongside Afghan activists and human rights defenders, urging the UN to take action to protect and restore the rights of women and girls in Afghanistan. Asila Wardak, a leader of the Womens Forum on Afghanistan, emphasised that the system of gender apartheid imposed on women and girls in Afghanistan is not just an Afghan issue, but part of the global fight against extremism. Advertisement This case, by centering violations of womens rights not only has the potential to deliver much needed justice to the women and girls of Afghanistan, but also forge new precedents for gender justice, The Guardian quoted Akila Radhakrishnan, strategic legal advisor on gender justice at the Atlantic Council think tank, as saying. With inputs from agencies While she attacked Trumps economic policy agendas, the vice president dodged to answer specifics about her own economic proposals read more This combination of photos taken at campaign rallies in Atlanta shows Vice President Kamala Harris on July 30, 2024, left, and Republican presidential candidate former President Donald Trump on Aug. 3. File Image: AP As the race for the White House intensifies, US Vice President Kamala Harris slammed her Republican rival and former US President Donald Trumps economic policies. In a one-on-one interview with MSNBC, Harris criticised Trumps calls for broad tariff hikes and insisted that the 79-year-old Republican firebrand was not very serious. While she attacked Trumps economic policy agendas, the vice president dodged to answer specifics about her own economic proposals. You dont just throw around the idea of just tariffs across the board. And thats part of the problem with Donald Trump, Harris told MSNBCs Stephanie Ruhle in a brief clip previewing an interview set to air later Wednesday. Advertisement Kamala Harris to MSNBC: "Frankly, and I say this in all sincerity, he's just not very serious about how he thinks about some of these issues. And one must be serious and have a plan that's not just a talking point ending in an exclamation at a political rally." pic.twitter.com/GnZYPq8Z3R Aaron Rupar (@atrupar) September 25, 2024 In the clip of the same interview, however, Harris declined to lay out a road map on how exactly she would achieve some of her own economic plans. Ever since Harris entered the presidential race after US President Joe Biden ended his re-election bid, she faced criticism for rarely sitting for interviews and holding news conferences. Frankly, and I say this in all sincerity, hes just not very serious about how he thinks about some of these issues. And one must be serious and have a plan thats not just a talking point ending in an exclamation at a political rally, she added. What is Trump saying on the matter? The former president has maintained that he would slap steep tariffs on companies that dont manufacture their goods in the United States. He insisted that these tariffs would raise hundreds of billions of dollars that would ultimately help the American people. The Republican presidential nominee floated the idea of imposing a 200 per cent tariff on auto imports from Mexico, as well as another tariff upward of 60 per cent on all Chinese imports. Advertisement He rejected the claims made by several economists that the companies would pass those costs to the customers through higher prices. Harris falls short of laying out a concrete plan While elaborating on her economic agenda, Harris told MSNBC that the United States is going to have to raise corporate taxes to pay for her economic proposals, such as an expanded child tax credit, downpayment assistance for first-time homebuyers and more. But in the clip, she was not seen specifying exactly how she would raise those taxes if the GOP holds the Senate majority following the November polls. Its about paying their fair share, she said while speaking about big corporations and wealthy Americans. I am not mad at anyone for achieving success, but everyone should pay their fair share," she added. Advertisement The interview clip was released shortly after Harris delivered an economic-focused speech in Pittsburgh during which she pledged to expand the nations manufacturing industry. We will prioritize investments for strengthening factory towns, retooling existing factories, hiring locally and working with unions because no one that grows up in Americas greatest industrial or agricultural centres should be abandoned, Harris said in her address at the Economic Club of Pittsburgh. Harris told MSNBC, that Trump left office with the worst economy since the Great Depression, pointing to declines in manufacturing jobs under the former president whose last year in office also saw the economy dented by the coronavirus pandemic. She insisted that Trumps plans would only benefit wealthy people. Advertisement Donald Trump has a history of taking care of very rich people, Harris said. My perspective on the economy is when you grow the middle class, Americas economy is stronger," she concluded. While speaking to the reporter ahead of the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) meeting, Araghchi warned that the region is facing a full-scale catastrophe read more Amid the brewing tensions in the Middle East, Irans Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi threatened to back Lebanons Hezbollah, if Israel continued striking the country. While speaking to the reporter ahead of the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) meeting, Araqchi warned that the region is facing a full-scale catastrophe. He made it clear that Iran will support the Lebanese group by all means if the fighting continues. The region is on the brink of a full-scale catastrophe. If unchecked, the world will face catastrophic consequences, he told the reporters outside the UN building. The Iranian diplomat made it clear that his country would stand with the people of Lebanon by all means. Araghchi also claimed that Israel has crossed all red lines and called the UNSC to intervene in this regard. Advertisement The proclamation from the Iranian official came as France pushed a 21-day ceasefire plan between Israel and Lebanon at the UNSC meeting. Netanyahu emplanes for New York in a bid to defend himself Meanwhile, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu boards the Wing of Zion with his wife Sara for his trip to the United Nations. While several journalists posed many questions, the couple did not respond to any of them before boarding the plane. Netanyahu is now expected to defend Israels attack in Southern Lebanon at the UN. According to The Times of Israel, Foreign Minister Israel Katz will be Netanyahus stand-in until the Israeli premier is out of the country. With this, Katz will also have the power to convene a security cabinet in case of any emergency. Before heading to New York, the Israeli premier has already held a security cabinet meeting to discuss the escalating fighting with Lebanons Hezbollah. France pushes for 21-day ceasefire Amid the chaos, France pushed for a 21-day temporary ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah in Lebanon. While reports suggested that the US was thwarting the efforts, French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot told the UNSC that the plans were discussed with the United States as well. Advertisement The plan came as the UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, warned that hell is breaking loose in the country, and the UK foreign secretary called for an immediate ceasefire, a joint statement on which the US has not endorsed. Hence, the French initiative reflected the tensions between the US and its European allies over how they are approaching the ongoing conflict in the Middle East. Meanwhile, the US deputy envoy Robert Wood said Washingtons plans would be unveiled in the coming days and would require a real and effective mechanism enforcing the blue line, the UN-drawn provisional border between Israel and Lebanon. We are working with other countries on a proposal that we hope will lead to calm, discussions and diplomatic solutions, he said. Advertisement In response to this, Araghchi told UNSC that the US and UKs unwavering support for Israel has given them carte blanche for all sorts of sinister behaviour. Without a ceasefire in Gaza there will be no guarantee for peace in the region, he added. The international community cannot afford to remain silent the UN security council must shoulder its responsibility and respond decisively. With inputs from agencies. Israel strikes have killed more than 630 people in Lebanon since Monday, about a quarter of them women and children. Hezbollah has fired hundreds of projectiles towards Israel over the past week, including a surface-to-surface missile toward Tel Aviv that was intercepted Wednesday. read more An emergency worker cuts concrete blocks as he searches for survivors at the scene of an Israeli airstrike in the town of Maisara, north of Beirut, Wednesday, Sept. 25, 2024.- AP Twenty-three Syrian refugees were killed in east Lebanon after the Israeli military said it hit Hezbollah targets in the area. An Israeli enemy strike on the village of Yunin killed 20 people, including 19 Syrian nationals, the health ministry said in a statement, raising an earlier toll of nine dead. Lebanons state-run news agency Thursday quoted the villages mayor Ali Kassas as saying that the bodies of 23 Syrian citizens were pulled out from under the rubble, adding that four other Syrians and four Lebanese were wounded in the same airstrike late Wednesday in the village of Younine. Advertisement Israel on Thursday categorically rejected a proposal for a 21-day ceasefire in Lebanon, spearheaded by its key ally, the United States. Instead, Israel reaffirmed its commitment to persist in its military campaign against Hezbollah militants until achieving victory. The Israeli military has intensified its aerial bombardment of Hezbollah strongholds in Lebanon, backed by Iran, resulting in hundreds of casualties this week. Meanwhile, the militant group has retaliated with intense rocket fire. There will be no ceasefire in the north. We will continue to fight against the Hezbollah terrorist organisation with all our strength until victory and the safe return of the residents of the north to their homes, Foreign Minister Israel Katz said in a post on social media platform X. Moments earlier, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahus office issued a statement saying he had not even responded to the truce proposal, and that he had ordered the military to continue the fighting with full force. The United States, France and other allies issued a joint statement calling for a 21-day halt in the fighting, after President Joe Biden and his French counterpart, Emmanuel Macron, met on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly in New York. The situation in Lebanon has become intolerable and is in nobodys interest, neither of the people of Israel nor of the people of Lebanon, the statement said. Advertisement On the ground, there was no let-up in the violence. On Thursday, the Israeli military said it had struck approximately 75 terror targets in the Bekaa Valley in eastern Lebanon and the south, both Hezbollah bastions that have seen a huge exodus people fleeing their homes in recent days. One strike on the town of Yunin near the ancient city of Baalbek killed at least 20 people, Lebanons health ministry said, with the official National News Agency describing the bombing of the area as the most violent of recent days. It was indescribable, it was one of the worst nights weve lived through. You think theres just a second between life and death, said Fadia Rafic Yaghi, 70, who owns a shop in Baalbek. Advertisement The Israeli military also said around 45 rockets had been fired from Lebanon, adding that some had been intercepted while others had landed in unpopulated areas. Hezbollah said that it had again targeted defence industry complexes near the city of Haifa in northern Israel, saying it was defending Lebanon and its people. Israeli strikes killed at least 558 people on Monday by far the deadliest day of violence in Lebanon not just in the latest escalation, but since the 1975-1990 civil war. For many on both sides of the border, the violence has sparked bitter memories of the 2006 war between Hezbollah and Israel that killed 1,200 people in Lebanon, most of them civilians, and 160 Israelis, most of them soldiers. Advertisement According to the UN, Israels bombardment of Lebanon had by Wednesday forced 90,000 people to flee their homes in traditional Hezbollah strongholds to safer areas elsewhere in the tiny Mediterranean country. On Thursday, two Syrian security sources told AFP more than 22,000 people had crossed the Lebanese border into Syria this week, most of them Syrians. The Lebanese health minister said Israeli strikes killed more than 72 people Wednesday. That raised the death toll since Monday to more than 630, with more than 2,000 people wounded, and thousands in southern Lebanon seeking refuge. The United Nations says over 90,000 people have been displaced by five days of Israeli strikes on Lebanon, bringing the total to 200,000 people who have been displaced in Lebanon since Hezbollah began firing rockets into northern Israel in support of Hamas after it stormed into Israel, sparking the Israel-Hamas war. Advertisement Syrian pro-government media outlets say Israels air force has carried out airstrikes along the Lebanon-Syria border, wounding five people and destroying a bridge that links the countries. Syrias Sham FM radio station and Dama Post reported that the airstrike wounded five people and destroyed the bridge near the Matraba border crossing on the Lebanese side in the northeastern Hermel region. Lebanons state-run National News Agency reported several Israeli airstrikes in Hermel. The Israeli military said it attacked infrastructure used to transfer weapons from Syria to Hezbollah in Lebanon. Families of Israeli hostages still held in Gaza for nearly a year are urging Israel to ensure than any possible cease-fire deal with Hezbollah includes provisions for the war in Gaza. Gil Dickmann, whose cousin, Carmel Gat, was kidnapped and was one of six Israelis killed in Hamas tunnels in August, said the families of the hostages are feeling forgotten as attention shifts to the northern front. We know that these things are connected to each other, the northern part and the southern part, theyre all part of the same large situation in which we are at from October 7th on. And were very worried that if we dont make the right decisions now, we will miss this amazing opportunity to get the hostages out, Dickmann said on Thursday. He slammed Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu for missing multiple opportunities to free his cousin over the past 11 months and begged him to agree to a cease-fire with both Hezbollah and Hamas that would include provisions for the hostages. Dickmanns sister-in-law, Yarden Roman-Gat, was released in the week-long cease-fire deal last November, along with nearly 100 other hostages. Hamas-led militants abducted some 250 people during their Oct. 7 attack in Israel in which some 1,200 people, mostly civilians, were killed. More than 41,000 Palestinians have been killed in the war in Gaza since then. The office of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said the cease-fire called on by the United States, France and other allies is only a proposal, and that Netanyahu, who is on a flight en route to the United States for the United Nations General Assembly, has not responded to it. The U.S. and its allies jointly called Wednesday for an immediate 21-day cease-fire to allow for negotiations in the escalating conflict between Israel and Hezbollah that has killed more than 600 people in Lebanon in recent days. Israels Foreign Minister Israel Katz, who is the acting prime minister during Netanyahus trip abroad, said there will be no cease-fire in the north, vowing to continue the fighting in the north with full force until victory and returning the tens of thousands of Israeli citizens evacuated from their homes. Netanyahus office added that the Israeli military was continuing to strike Hezbollah targets in Lebanon. An Israeli airstrike on a village in northeast Lebanon destroyed a building housing Syrian workers, killing 23 of them and wounding another eight people. State-run National News Agency quoted the villages mayor Ali Kassas as saying that the bodies of 23 Syrian citizens were pulled out from under the rubble, adding that four other Syrians and four Lebanese were wounded in the same airstrike late Wednesday in the village of Younine, just north of the ancient city of Baalbek in Lebanons eastern Bekaa Valley that borders Syria. The Lebanese Red Cross said it evacuated the bodies of nine people following the airstrike. Others were taken by Hezbollahs paramedic arm as well as the Lebanese Civil Defense, NNA said. A country of about 6 million people, Lebanon hosts nearly 780,000 registered Syrian refugees and hundreds of thousands who are unregistered the worlds highest refugee population per capita. The Israeli military says it struck 75 sites overnight across southern and eastern Lebanon, part of a punishing air campaign in response to Hezbollah rocket fire. The military said Thursday it was targeting Hezbollah military infrastructure, including weapons storage facilities and rocket launchers. Around half a dozen Israelis have been wounded in the latest escalation. The Israeli military said around 45 projectiles were fired from Lebanon on Thursday, all of them either intercepted or falling in open areas. There were no reports of casualties or damage. Hezbollah began firing rockets into Israel after Hamas Oct. 7 attack ignited the war in Gaza, hoping to pin down Israeli forces. Both Hezbollah and Hamas are close allies of Iran. The fighting has driven tens of thousands of people from their homes on both sides of the border. Israel has vowed to do whatever is necessary to allow its citizens to return, and has moved thousands of troops to the northern border in preparation for what could be a ground campaign into southern Lebanon. The United States, France and other allies jointly called for an immediate 21-day cease-fire in the conflict to provide space for diplomacy as fears grow that the violence could become an all-out war between Israel and Hezbollah, which would further destabilize a region already shaken by the war in Gaza. Britain says its sending $6.7 million worth of humanitarian assistance, including medical supplies, hygiene kits and fuel to Lebanon to support the civilian population there as fighting forces thousands to flee their homes. The United Kingdom said in a statement that the United Nations agency for children, UNICEF, will distribute the supplies, which will also help aid workers better deal with urgent health and nutrition needs. The UK earlier announced that 700 troops, including Border Force and Foreign Office officials, would be deployed to a British military base in Cyprus to prepare for possible evacuations of British citizens from the region as fighting could potentially escalate. An online portal and phone line have been reopened for British nationals in Lebanon to register their presence. Cyprus is situated approximately 210 kilometers (130 miles) west of the Lebanese capital. The east Mediterranean island nation served as a waystation for the repatriation of approximately 60,000 foreign nationals who where evacuated from Lebanon during the 2006 Israel-Hezbollah war. Britains Minister of State for Development, Women and Equalities, Anneliese Dodds, said the U.K. will continue to support Lebanese people as it urges British nationals to leave the country. British navy ships RFA Mounts Bay and the HMS Duncan were already in the eastern Mediterranean on Thursday, while the Royal Air Force has aircraft and transport helicopters on standby to provide support if needed. The United States, France and other allies called Wednesday for an immediate 21-day cease-fire to allow for negotiations in the conflict between Israel and Hezbollah that has killed more than 600 people in Lebanon in recent days. The joint statement, negotiated on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly in New York, says the recent fighting is intolerable and presents an unacceptable risk of a broader regional escalation. We call for an immediate 21-day cease-fire across the Lebanon-Israel border to provide space for diplomacy, the statement reads. We call on all parties, including the Governments of Israel and Lebanon, to endorse the temporary cease-fire immediately. The signatories include the United States, Australia, Canada, the European Union, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates and Qatar. With inputs from agencies. The recent voyages did not sit well with China. As per the reports, 5 Chinese warships reportedly surrounded the two vessels. Meanwhile, the Japanese destroyer JS Sazanamis passed through the contentious Strait as well read more People stand near a building overlooking the Taiwan Strait, at the 68-nautical-mile scenic spot, one of mainland China's closest points to the island of Taiwan, in Pingtan island, Fujian province, China. File image/ Reuters After Japans Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF) destroyer, naval vessels from Australia and New Zealand sailed through the highly contentious Taiwan Strait. According to the Taiwan News, the three vessels sailed on Wednesday, September 25. This is the first time Australian and New Zealand vessels have transited through the Taiwan Strait together in 22 years. The recent voyages did not sit well with China. As per the reports, 5 Chinese warships reportedly surrounded the two vessels. Meanwhile, the Japanese destroyer JS Sazanamis passage through the contentious Strait on Wednesday. This is the first time in history, that the JMSDF vessel sailed through the region. Advertisement The transits also came just days after US President Joe Biden hosted the Quad Leaders Summit in Delaware. Which was attended by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Australian PM Anthony Albanese and Japanese PM Fumio Kishida. The Aus, NZ keep a close eye According to Taiwan News, a missile destroyer of the Royal Australian Navy, the HMAS Sydney (DDG 42), and the supply ship HMNZS Endeavour (A11) of the Royal New Zealand Navy navigated from north to south in the strait. On September 13, the German Navy frigate Baden-Wurttemberg (F222) passed through the region with its Automatic Identification System (AIS) activated. The AIS allowed the world to navigate to track the movement over the vessel. However, this time, neither Australia nor New Zealand warships activated their AIS, making it difficult to determine their exact speed and location. As per the report, the Royal Australian Navy missile destroyer entered the northern entrance of the Taiwan Strait on Wednesday afternoon and sailed east of the median line. The Peoples Liberation Army Navy dispatched five naval vessels in the morning to monitor the area, positioned both west and east of the median line. After the Royal New Zealand Navy ship entered the strait, the five Chinese warships reportedly surrounded the Australian and New Zealand vessels, conducting close surveillance. Meanwhile, Taiwans Ministry of National Defence stated that it is closely monitoring the situation. With inputs from agencies. Frequent government changes make it difficult for Japanese leaders to tackle long-term policy goals or develop trusted relations with other leaders. Japans diplomatic and security policies, though, will continue to be based on its key alliance with the United States. read more A poster showing portraits of candidates for the Liberal Democratic Party's presidential election at the party headquarters in Tokyo on Wednesday | REUTERS The Liberal Democratic Partys presidential election is set for Friday, with three key contenders vying for leadership in a race to determine Japans next prime minister. Former LDP Secretary-General Shigeru Ishiba, 67, economic security minister Sanae Takaichi, 63, and former Environment Minister Shinjiro Koizumi, 43, have emerged as front-runners. With nine candidates in the field, a runoff between the top two is expected if no one secures a majority in the initial round. Ishiba, Takaichi, and Koizumi have garnered strong backing from the 368 LDP parliamentarians and the 368 votes from rank-and-file party members. Advertisement The vote is limited to LDP lawmakers and 1.1 million grassroots members. Thats less than 1% of the countrys eligible voters. No candidate is expected to win a majority in the first round of voting because of split votes, so the winner will probably be determined in a runoff between the top two vote-getters. LDP leadership votes used to be determined by the partys powerful faction leaders, but experts say that may change this time because all but one of the six factions have announced their dissolution following the partys corruption scandals. The vote is crucial for the LDP, which seeks a leader who can revive public support for the party after scandals that hurt Kishidas popularity. Experts told news agency Associated Press that this election could return to an era similar to the early 2000s, when revolving door leadership changes and political instability ended only with former Prime Minister Shinzo Abes eight-year reign. This is because the new leader will lack stable backing by powerful factions. Kishidas three-year leadership stint followed Yoshihide Suga, who had one year in power before he was forced to resign over his unpopular handling of the COVID-19 pandemic. With less influence from factions, the prime minister can exercise more power, but stability depends on support ratings, said Yu Uchiyama, University of Tokyo politics professor. The question is whether the next prime minister can decisively carry out political reform. A new leader will also have to deal with soaring military, child care and climate change costs, he said. Advertisement The most damaging scandal centers on the failure of dozens of the partys most influential members to report political donations. That led to the indictment of several lawmakers, their aides and accountants. Kishidas party has tightened political funds laws and conducted an internal investigation, but critics say the measures werent enough. I foresee a continued stagnation in the political situation, with the LDP repeatedly changing faces, said Chiyako Sato, a political editorial writer for the Mainichi newspaper. With inputs from agencies. Days before Claudia Sheinbaum takes oath as Mexicos first woman president on October 1, thousands of relatives, students and other protesters are expected to march through Mexico City shouting their slogan: Alive they took them! Alive we want them! read more In this aerial view people belonging to collectives of missing persons march during a march on the International Day of the Victims of Enforced Disappearances, in Guadalajara, Jalisco state, Mexico, on August 30, 2024. AFP Relatives of 43 Mexican students presumed to have been massacred will take to the streets on Thursday for an emotionally charged protest marking the 10th anniversary of a tragedy that shocked the nation. The case, one of the violence-plagued countrys worst human rights atrocities, has become emblematic of a missing persons crisis that has seen more than 100,000 people disappear. A decade later, we are still far from knowing the truth and the students whereabouts, said Vidulfo Rosales, a lawyer for the families. Days before Claudia Sheinbaum takes oath as Mexicos first woman president on October 1, thousands of relatives, students and other protesters are expected to march through Mexico City shouting their slogan: Alive they took them! Alive we want them! Advertisement But 10 years later, the focus has turned to finding the students remains as well as the truth about who was responsible, in a nation where criminal violence has claimed more than 450,000 lives since 2006. So far, the remains of only three of the missing students from the Ayotzinapa rural teacher training college in the southern state of Guerrero have been found and identified. The families hold the ruling left-wing party of outgoing President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador a close ally of Sheinbaum responsible for the failure to locate the remainder. We believe this president lied to us. This president deceived us, Maria Elena Guerrero, the mother of one of the missing, said at one of a series of events marking the somber anniversary. Hilda Hernandez, whose son also disappeared, said the authorities are trying to wear down the parents, hoping they forget. But despite every attempt to divide and discredit, without rest or reprieve the parents continue to demand truth, justice and accountability, she said. President defends record Lopez Obrador defended his record in a letter sent to parents this week that underscored the prosecution of 151 people including 16 military personnel and the imprisonment of 120 people, as well as searches of hundreds of sites. Advertisement There is no evidence that the army participated in the disappearance of the young people, Lopez Obrador said at a news conference Wednesday, adding that military commanders had cooperated in the investigation. The students from the Ayotzinapa college whose members have a history of political activism had commandeered buses to travel to a demonstration in Mexico City when they went missing. Investigators believe they were abducted by a drug cartel with the help of corrupt police, although exactly what happened next is unclear. The so-called historical truth an official version of the case presented in 2015 under then-president Enrique Pena Nieto was widely discredited, notably the theory that the remains were incinerated at a garbage dump. Advertisement In 2022, a truth commission set up by Lopez Obradors government branded the case a state crime and said the military shared responsibility, either directly or through negligence. The commission found that the army was aware of what was happening and had real-time information about the kidnapping and disappearance. One theory it put forward was that cartel members targeted the students because they had unknowingly taken a bus with drugs hidden inside. On Tuesday, protesters demonstrated outside the Senate, throwing firecrackers to express the anger also voiced by frustrated relatives. For many of us, these 10 years represent impunity, injustice and a lack of commitment, seriousness and significant progress in this investigation, said Meliton Ortega, whose nephew is one of the missing. We invite ethnic armed groups, terrorist insurgent groups, and terrorist PDF groups which are fighting against the state to give up terrorist fighting and communicate with us," the junta said read more The military junta in Myanmar extended an invitation to armed groups for talks following several defeats on the battlefield. AFP Myanmars military junta on Thursday (September 26) extended an unexpected invitation to armed groups opposing its rule, calling for an end to fighting and the start of peace talks, after three and a half years of intense conflict. The offer comes as the military faces significant setbacks on the battlefield, losing ground to ethnic minority armed groups and pro-democracy Peoples Defence Forces (PDF) that emerged in response to the juntas 2021 coup. Advertisement We invite ethnic armed groups, terrorist insurgent groups, and terrorist PDF groups which are fighting against the state to give up terrorist fighting and communicate with us to solve political problems politically, the junta said in a statement. A human rights abyss The United Nations warned last week that Myanmar was descending into a human rights abyss, highlighting widespread torture inflicted on detainees by the military. In addition to the ongoing conflict, the junta is grappling with the devastation left by Typhoon Yagi, which has caused severe flooding, leaving more than 400 people dead and hundreds of thousands in urgent need of assistance. Unfulfilled promise of elections The military seized power from Aung San Suu Kyis elected civilian government in February 2021, sparking nationwide protests that were violently suppressed. In response, civilians formed PDFs to resist the military, while ethnic minority groups that have long fought against the military regime renewed their efforts, pushing the country deeper into civil war. Since the coup, more than 5,700 civilians have been killed and over 20,000 arrested, according to the Assistance Association for Political Prisoners, a local watchdog group. The junta, which justified its coup by levelling fraud allegations on the 2020 election won by Suu Kyis party, has repeatedly promised to hold fresh elections once the country stabilises. Advertisement So far, there have not been any indications of serious preparations in holding fresh polls. With inputs from AFP Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has not even responded to the US-French proposal for a ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah, said Israel PMs Office read more Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has denied the existence of any ceasefire Israel and Hezbollah. Instead, Netanyahu said he has instructed the Israeli military to continue fighting the Iran-backed and Lebanon-based terrorist group Hezbollah with full force. Netanyahus rejection of any ongoing ceasefire efforts with Hezbollah comes after the United States and France floated a ceasefire proposal to contain the escalating violence between Israel and Hezbollah. There were reports that a 21-day ceasefire in line with the proposal was imminent. Advertisement Rejecting such reports, the Prime Ministers Office (PMO) in a statement on X (formerly Twitter) said that Netanyahu has not even responded to the proposal. The news about a ceasefire not true. This is an American-French proposal to which the Prime Minister did not even respond, said the Israeli PMO. : - . -, . . , . , Benjamin Netanyahu - (@netanyahu) September 26, 2024 One official told the newspaper that diplomats had conversations with both the Israeli and Lebanese governments and were hopeful they would accept the proposal for a cease-fire in the coming hours. Now, Netanyahu has not just rejected the peace proposal, but has vowed to continue attacking Hezbollah. He also refused reports that he has asked the military to tone down the assaults. The news about the supposed directive to moderate the fighting in the north is also the opposite of the truth. The Prime Minister instructed the IDF to continue the fighting with full force, and according to the plans presented to him. Also, the fighting in Gaza will continue until all the goals of the war are achieved, said Netanyahu. Advertisement Previously, The New York Times had reported officials as saying that Israel had reacted positively in discussions over the past two days for a 21-day ceasefire with Hezbollah. The newspaper reported that the proposal was endorsed by Australia, Canada, the European Union (EU), Germany, Italy, Japan, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, and Qatar. While endorsing the US-French ceasefire proposal, the leaders of the grouping said the proposed ceasefire would allow diplomatic efforts to succeed and enable civilians to return to their homes. The ceasefire proposal, announced after tense discussions at the United Nations on Wednesday, focuses on the Blue Line, the demarcation between Israel and Lebanon, with hopes of diffusing tensions and paving the way for a potential resolution. Advertisement Hezbollah has clashed with Israel on a near-daily basis since the October 7 attack of Hamas. The fighting along Israels northern region at the border with Lebanon has led to the displacement of several thousands of people. Over the past week, the fighting has intensified to the extent that now there are fears that the two sides may enter into a full-scale war that may destabilise the region further. Following the targeted attacks on Hezbollahs handheld communication devices, Israel has carried out airstrikes against Hezbollah in Lebanon on a near-daily basis. Earlier this week, Israel struck 1,600 Hezbollah targets in a single day in the most intensive strike since the Israel-Hezbollah War of 2006. Advertisement Netanyahus rejection comes after Israeli outlet Channel 12 reported that Netanyahu has ordered Israel Defense Forces (IDF) to lower the intensity of their attacks in Lebanon amid an international push for a ceasefire in the fighting. Another report by Channel 12 quoted officials at Netanyahus office saying that there is greenlight for ceasefire with Hezbollah. Even as Netanyahu has rejected the proposed ceasefire, Lebanese Prime Minister Najib Mikati welcomed the ceasefire proposal, though he emphasised the need for Israel to adhere to international resolutions to ensure the ceasefires success. Hopefully, yes, Reuters quoted Mikati as saying when he was asked if a ceasefire was likely soon. A Norwegian linked to the detonation of communication devices used by Lebanese militant group Hezbollah has been reported missing, prompting authorities to issue an international arrest warrant, police said Thursday read more Pagers on display at a meeting room at the Gold Apollo company building in New Taipei City, Taiwan, on September 18, 2024. Reuters File A Norwegian-Indian man linked to the detonation of communication devices used by Iran-backed Hezbollah has been reported missing, prompting authorities to issue an international arrest warrant, police said Thursday (September 26). The 39-year-old Rinson Jose is the founder of Norta Global, a Bulgarian company started in 2022 that was reportedly part of the pager supply chain. The company had last year declared revenue of 650,000 euros ($725,000) for consulting activities outside the European Union. Advertisement The company told the Verdens Gang newspaper last week that Jose has been on an overseas work trip since September 17 and that they had not been able to reach him. Reuters also reported that Jose disappeared while on a work trip to the United States last week. Oslo police had last week opened an investigation into his alleged links to the blasts. Norways National Criminal Investigation Service (Kripos) told AFP that it had sent an international notice, without identifying the man. A missing persons case has been opened and we have issued an international search for the person, Mari Elise Bunaes Myhrer of the Oslo police told broadcaster NRK. Hundreds of pagers and walkie-talkies detonated across Lebanon last week, killing at least 37 people and wounding nearly 3,000 in an attack widely blamed on Israel, which has refused to comment. Bulgarian authorities opened an investigation after Hungarian website Telex reported that Norta Global - a company registered in Bulgaria by a Norwegian - had imported the devices and then delivered them to Hezbollah. Bulgarias National Security Agency (SANS) later said the company had nothing to do with the delivery of the exploding devices, but Oslo police said they had opened a preliminary investigation into the information that has emerged. Advertisement With inputs from agencies The Pakistani operation targeted Taliban near the Afghan border seized weapons and ammunition read more Pakistani security forces killed eight militants in an overnight raid in a former stronghold of the Pakistani Taliban in the volatile northwest bordering Afghanistan, the military said Thursday. Troops also seized weapons and ammunition from the insurgents hideout after an intense shootout in North Waziristan, a district in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, it said in a statement. The military provided no details about the slain militants, including their affiliation. Such operations often target the Pakistani Taliban, also known as Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan, or TTP. Advertisement North Waziristan served in the past as a base for TTP and foreign militants until many were killed or forced out in multiple operations by security forces. The TTP are a separate group but a close ally of the Afghan Taliban, who seized power in neighboring Afghanistan in 2021. The Taliban takeover in Afghanistan has emboldened the Pakistani Taliban. Many TTP leaders and fighters have found sanctuaries in Afghanistan, raising tensions between the two countries. Pakistan wants the Afghan Taliban government to stop the TTP from using Afghanistan to launch attacks in Pakistan. Afghanistans government says it does not allow anyone to use Afghan soil to attack any other country, including Pakistan. The aircraft is co-produced by the Pakistan Aeronautical Complex and developed jointly with China, with whom Islamabad has grown increasingly close as ties with traditional military ally the United States have weakened over the last few years. read more Pakistans military announced on Thursday that it has signed a contract to sell JF-17 Block III fighter jets to Azerbaijan. The aircraft, co-produced by Pakistan Aeronautical Complex and developed in collaboration with China, with whom Islamabad has grown increasingly close as ties with traditional military ally the United States have weakened over the last few years. While the specific cost or number of jets involved in the deal was not disclosed, the military emphasised that the agreement reflects Pakistans commitment to strengthening defence cooperation with friendly nations and boosting Azerbaijans air power. Advertisement Pakistan is also a close ally of Turkey, which backed Azerbaijan in its standoff with Armenia when clashes erupted between the two South Caucasus countries last year, resuming decades-old hostilities. Azerbaijan President Ilham Aliyev was in Pakistan in July on a state visit where the two countries agreed to enhance cooperation in a number of areas, including defence. Following the visit, Pakistan deployed an air force contingent at Baku to participate in the Azerbaijan defence exhibition to showcase the aircraft, Pakistans military said. The aircraft is capable of undertaking a wide array of combat missions providing contemporary airpower employment options, the statement added. With inputs from agencies. Russia will not prevail. Ukraine will prevail, and well continue to stand by you every step of the way, Biden told Zelenskyy read more President Joe Biden meets Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in the Oval Office of the White House in Washington, on Thursday. AP US President Joe Biden met Volodymyr Zelenskyy at the White House on Thursday and during the talks on Kyivs victory plan against Moscow told the Ukrainian President that Russia will not prevail. Hours before their meeting, the US president had announced $8 billion surge in military aid for Kyivs fight against Russia. Russia will not prevail. Ukraine will prevail, and well continue to stand by you every step of the way, AFP quoted Biden as saying to Zelenskyy, who wore his trademark military-style clothes, in the Oval Office. Advertisement Zelenskyy replied that we deeply appreciate that Ukraine and America have stood side by side. Zelenskys visit, however, was clouded by a blazing row with Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump that underscored how Novembers US election could upend the support that Kyiv receives from its biggest backer. Zelenskyy is looking to shore up support for his war effort at the same time as Biden tries to lock in aid for Ukraine, ahead of the white-knuckle vote pitting Bidens Vice President Kamala Harris against firebrand Trump. This meeting between Zelenskyy and Joe Biden marks their 11th encounter and is Ukrainian presidents fifth visit to Washington since Russias invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. Ahead of the meeting, Biden had released a statement, saying, I am proud to welcome president Zelenskyy back to the White House today. For nearly three years, the United States has rallied the world to stand with the people of Ukraine as they defend their freedom from Russian aggression, and it has been a top priority of my Administration to provide Ukraine with the support it needs to prevail. Announcing more than $8 billion in military assistance for Ukraine earlier in the day, Biden said in a statement that the surge in security assistance for Ukraine would help Ukraine win this war. The aid includes the first shipment of a precision-guided glide bomb called the Joint Standoff Weapon, with a range of up to 81 miles (130 km). The medium-range missile gives Ukraine a major upgrade to the weapons it is using to strike Russian forces, allowing the Ukrainians to do it at safer distances. Advertisement The bomb, capable of striking targets with high accuracy, is to be dropped from fighter jets. Biden will not announce that Washington would let Ukraine use US missiles to hit targets deeper in Russia, Reuters quoted a US official as saying. Supporting Ukraine has been a US top priority, Reuters quoted Biden as saying in a statement. That is why, today, I am announcing a surge in security assistance for Ukraine and a series of additional actions to help Ukraine win this war, said Biden, who leaves office in January. The bulk of the new aid, $5.5 billion, is to be allocated before Mondays end of the US fiscal year, when the funding authority is set to expire. Another $2.4 billion is under the Ukraine Security Assistance Initiative, which allows the administration to buy weapons for Ukraine from companies rather than pull them from US stocks. Advertisement According to The Guardian report, Biden has instructed the Defence Department to allocate all remaining security funding designated for Ukraine by the end of his term. Biden has also directed the Defence Department to expand training for Ukrainian F-16 pilots, including support for training an extra 18 pilots next year, added the report. With inputs from agencies Rival tribes in Pakistans Kurram district are clashing over a land dispute. Efforts by police, government, and tribal elders to negotiate peace have failed, leading to food shortages, road blockades, and school closures read more Clashes between rival tribes in Pakistan has led to si days of violence and bloodshed. Reuters At least 36 people have been killed and 80 others injured in clashes between two warring tribes over a piece of land during the last six days in Pakistans restive northwestern Kurram district, bordering Afghanistan, police said on Thursday. According to police, the clashes started over a land dispute despite the efforts of the government and tribal elders to calm down the situation. So far, 36 people have been killed and 80 others injured in clashes during last six days, police said. Advertisement Locals, however, claimed much higher casualty figures. The fighting spread to areas such as Balishkhel, Sadda, Khar Kallay, Peewar and Maqbal in the district, which borders Afghanistans Khost, Paktia, Logar and Nangarhar provinces, which are considered strongholds of the ISIS and the Pakistan Taliban. In July, at least 50 people were killed and more than 225 injured in week-long clashes between Boshehra and Maleekhel tribes in the same region. A jirga (tribal council) consisting of tribal elders from both sides met with the Deputy Inspector General of Police and Commissioner Kohat to contain the clashes, without much success. The violent clashes entered their sixth consecutive day on Thursday, with fresh exchanges of heavy gunfire across Upper, Lower, and Central tehsils, resulting in six more fatalities and ten injuries. According to police, both sides continue targeting each other with small and large weapons. The intensity of the fighting has led to the closure of the Parachinar-Peshawar main road and the Pak-Afghan Kharlachi border, disrupting transportation and movement. The road blockade has caused a shortage of essential items, including food, fuel, and medicines, worsening the situation for residents. Both private and public schools in the affected areas, including Parachinar City, have been closed for six days. Advertisement Deputy Commissioner Javedullah Mehsud said that efforts are ongoing for a ceasefire, with district administration, police, military leadership, and tribal elders working together to bring peace to the region. He said that the Jirga members had been dispatched to different areas to talk with stakeholders. Meanwhile, the Kurram Bar Association has moved a local court over the frequent tribal clashes and lawlessness, which has made the lives of the common people miserable. Kurram, a mountainous area in the northwestern province of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa that shares a long border with Afghanistan, has witnessed deadly conflicts among tribes and religious groups as well as sectarian clashes and militant attacks in the past. Advertisement The fighting in July turned into sectarian skirmishes and spread to other areas, including Peewar, Tangi, Balishkhel, Khaar Kalay, Maqbal, Kunj Alizai, Para Chamkani, and Karman. It stopped after the two sides agreed on a peace agreement brokered by Jirga leaders. We have confirmation that the Russians and the Houthis are in dialogue about ways to cooperate, including on weapon transfers, US Special Envoy for Yemen Tim Lenderking said on Wednesday on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly in New York read more US Special Envoy for Yemen Tim Lenderking takes part in a conference on Yemen's devastating war hosted by the six-nation Gulf Cooperation Council in the Saudi capital Riyadh on March 30, 2022, hours after the Riyadh-led coalition announced a ceasefire for the Muslim holy month of Ramadan. AFP File The United States has accused Russia of discussing weapon transfers with Yemens Iran-backed Houthi rebels whose attacks on Red Sea shipping are holding hostage a vital commercial waterway. Speaking to AFP on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly in New York, US Special Envoy for Yemen Tim Lenderking said Moscow was cutting its own deals with the Houthis to allow their ships to sail through the Red Sea unharmed. We have confirmation that the Russians and the Houthis are in dialogue about ways to cooperate, including on weapon transfers, Lenderking said Wednesday. Advertisement We dont know that weapons are being transferred as we speak, but its come to the point that were all sounding the alarm bell to make sure that this does not happen, he added. If the weapon transfers were to materialise, it could potentially change the conflict in a significant manner, Lenderking said, warning of an escalation that would derail already stalled efforts to end Yemens decade-long war. The notion that the Russians would provide the Houthis with lethal weapons is deeply alarming to the countries of the region, he said. Russia has been stepping up military relationships with Iran and North Korea, both under heavy sanctions, as it seeks to bolster its arsenal in its war in Ukraine. Russias relationship with the United States has deteriorated sharply since the invasion of Ukraine, with Washington leading the West in slapping sanctions on Moscow and arming Kyiv. Russia, however, has a cordial relationship with oil producer Saudi Arabia, which waged a military campaign against the Houthis and would be alarmed by any step to boost the insurgents. Advertisement Pressures and inducements The Huthis have been firing drones and missiles at ships in the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden since November, saying they are targeting vessels linked to Israel, the United States and Britain in a show of solidarity with Palestinians over the Israel-Hamas war in Gaza. The Huthi campaign has killed at least four sailors and sunk two ships. One vessel the Galaxy Leader was hijacked in November and continues to be held by the Huthis along with its 25 international crew. The United States and Britain have been striking Huthi targets in Yemen since January in an attempt to deter further strikes. Advertisement Their efforts, however, have failed to slow the attacks that have disrupted maritime traffic in a commercial waterway that normally carries up to 12 percent of global trade. The US envoy noted a flurry of diplomatic efforts on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly to curb the Red Sea attacks. US Secretary of State Antony Blinken discussed Yemen with foreign ministers of the Gulf Cooperation Council in New York on Wednesday, Lenderking said. My team and I have been meeting with the Saudis, the Emiratis, the Omanis, and the Yemen government this week, he added. I think were all looking for what is the right set of pressures and inducements to encourage the Huthis to back away from the Red Sea, he said. Advertisement Our preferred outcome is diplomatic. When asked about Irans role in the Russia-Houthi talks, the US envoy said: Iran is always looking for ways to protect and amplify the interest of the Houthis. The increased high-level engagement with Russia and Ukraine in recent months has led to calls for India to have a proactive peacemaking role read more After more than two years of war, Ukraine is now counting on India to play peacemaker in the conflict with Russia, according to a report. Since the Russian invasion of Ukraine in 2022, there have been multiple rounds of peacemaking efforts, but none has borne fruit. In the initial weeks of the war, talks between Russia and Ukraine were facilitated by Turkey and a draft peace agreement had also emerged, but talks fizzled out over Russian demands. Advertisement Now, as India remains the only major nation with constant open channels with both the countries, Ukraine has hopes with India, according to Politico. Despite Indias historically close ties with Russia, India appears to be open to a peaceful resolution of the Russia-Ukraine War that may be acceptable to Ukraine. So far, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has repeatedly said a surrender to end the war is not acceptable. He has also rejected proposals by Russia, which have also been nearly repeated by Donald Trumps camp in the United States, about ending the war with cessation of provinces. As India has cordial relations with both the countries, calls have mounted over time for India to play a major role in resolving the conflict between Ukraine and Russia. India sympathetic to Ukrainian concerns: Ukrainian official Even as India continues to maintain close ties with Russia, which has drawn Western as well Ukrainian ire after the Russian invasion, India has been sympathetic to Ukraines concerns about the resolution of the conflict, according to a senior Ukrainian official. A high-ranking Ukrainian official told Politico that Ukraine is indeed counting on India regarding peace efforts. During his visit to Ukraine last month, Modi was clear in discussions that while Ukraine would inevitably need to compromise on some things for the war to end, any proposals to end the war should not include giving up territory to Russia, said the high-ranking Ukrainian official to the magazine. Advertisement Separately, Ukrainian Foreign Minister told Politico that India is a reliable partner and is a global force that can contribute to the peace formula. I can say that India is a reliable partner for Ukraine and it is a global force that can influence the dynamics and the course of events in the world and we want to see Indias participation in the peace formula process as India can make a difference," said Ukrainian Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Heorhii Tykhyi. What we know of Indias role in Ukraine-Russia War In the wake of frequent high-level Indian exchanges with Russia and Ukraine, there have been reports that India may be playing a mediator behind the scenes. Advertisement Since the outbreak of the war, India has called for the two sides to engage and resolve the conflict through dialogue. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has repeatedly stated that a solution cannot be found on the battlefield. Following Modis visit to Ukraine, National Security Advisor Ajit Doval travelled earlier this month to Kyiv and met his counterpart Sergei Shoigu and Russian President Vladimir Putin. The PTI reported that the talks between Modi and Zelenskyy the previous month had figured in Dovals talks. Previously, the NDTV had reported sources as saying that Doval was scheduled to meet top Russian officials and present a peace proposal outlined by Modi. The sources said that Doval would present the proposal to Putin. Advertisement After Modi returned from Kyiv last month, he held talks with Putin over phone and it was during that conversation that it was decided that Doval would travel to Russia for talks regarding the resolution of the Russia-Ukraine War, according to NDTV. After Dovals talks with Shoigu and Putin, Hindustan Times reported that Doval indeed carried a message from Modi to Putin regarding the Ukraine war. The newspaper reported that Doval told Putin that Modi was keen to brief him regarding Ukraine and had dispatched him as a messenger. He [Modi] was keen to brief you about his visit to Ukraine and his meeting with President Zelenskyy. He wanted me to come especially and personally to brief you about the talks. The conversation was in a very close formatonly the two leaders. I attended the conversation, said Doval to Putin, as per HT. Advertisement The newspaper reported that Modi during his visit to Ukraine shared interesting ideas with Zelenskyy that had previously been discussed in July with Putin during Modis visit to Russia. Doval accompanied Modi on both of the visits to Kyiv and Moscow is deeply involved in the peace initiative which aim to find a solution to the conflict in Ukraine, according to the newspaper. Helene, now projected as Category 4, is likely to get stronger as it makes landfall on Floridas northwestern coast on Thursday evening. Along with devastating winds, rain, and flash floods, the hurricane is threatening an unsurvivable storm surge in the states northwest read more A man pushes his bicycle through a flooded street after Hurricane Helene passed through Guanimar, Artemisa province, Cuba, Wednesday, September 25, 2024. AP Fast-moving Hurricane Helene is advancing Thursday across the Gulf of Mexico towards Florida. Along with devastating winds, rain, and flash floods hundreds of miles inland throughout much of the Southeast United States, Helene is threatening an unsurvivable storm surge in the states northwest. There is not much time left for people in its path to be ready for what might be the strongest hurricane in more than a year. About Hurricane Helene Hurricane Helene is expected to be a major hurricane meaning a Category four when it makes landfall on Floridas northwestern coast. Advertisement By Thursday afternoon, the storm is predicted to have winds of at least 130 metres per hour, but the hurricane centre warned that additional strengthening is possible in the hours leading up to impact. The centre of the hurricane where the most dangerous winds are is expected to make landfall around Apalachicola on Thursday evening. This GOES-16 GeoColor satellite image taken at 5:51 p.m. EDT and provided by National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) shows Hurricane Helene in the Gulf of Mexico, Wednesday, September 25 2024. AP The National Weather Service in Tallahassee forecast storm surges of up to six metres and warned they could be particularly catastrophic and life-threatening in Floridas Apalachee Bay. It added that high winds and heavy rains also posed risks. This forecast, if realised, is a nightmare surge scenario for Apalachee Bay. Please, please, please take any evacuation orders seriously! the office said. Early Thursday, Helene was about 680 kilometres southwest of Tampa and moving north at nine 15 kilometres per hour with top sustained winds of 137 kilometres per hour. Forecasters said it should become a higher hurricane, meaning winds would top 177 kilometres per hour. A man lights charcoal to cook dinner in his flooded home after the passage of Hurricane Helene in Guanimar, Artemisa province, Cuba, Wednesday, September 25, 2024. AP Its fury The storm formed Tuesday in the Caribbean Sea and intensified into a hurricane on Wednesday, swamping parts of Mexicos Yucatan Peninsula, flooding streets and toppling trees as it passed offshore and brushed the resort city of Cancun. In several areas of the Mexican state of Quintana Roo, torrential rains submerged cars, while strong waves battered the shore. Advertisement More than 50,000 residents in the province of Pinar del Rio in western Cuba lost electricity as a result of Hurricane Helenes powerful winds. Helene was expected to dump up to 15 inches (38.1 centimetres) of rain in some isolated spots after making landfall in Florida, causing considerable flash and urban flooding, the hurricane centre said. Air traffic is already being disrupted by the hurricane, and this will only get worse as it gets stronger. FlightAware reports that about 800 flights have been cancelled for Thursday. The majority were leaving Tampa International Airport, which made the announcement on Thursday that it would be stopping all commercial and cargo operations. There is also a significant impact on flights from Fort Myers, Clearwater, Sarasota, and Tallahassee. Advertisement While Helene will likely weaken as it moves inland, its fast forward speed will allow strong, damaging winds, especially in gusts, to penetrate well inland across the southeastern United States, including in the southern Appalachian Mountains, the National Hurricane Centre said. One of the largest storms Helene is forecast to be one of the largest storms in breadth in years to hit the Gulf of Mexico, said Colorado State University hurricane researcher Phil Klotzbach, as per The Associated Press. He said since 1988, only three Gulf hurricanes were bigger than Helenes predicted size: 2017s Irma, 2005s Wilma and 1995s Opal. Areas 160 kilometres north of the Georgia-Florida line can expect hurricane conditions. More than half of Georgias public school districts and several universities cancelled classes. Advertisement People traverse a flooded street on a boat after the passage of Hurricane Helene in Guanimar, Artemisa province, Cuba, Wednesday, September 25, 2024. AP According to CNN, the hurricanes wind field could be big enough to stretch from Washington, DC, to Indianapolis. For Atlanta, Helene could be the worst strike on a major Southern inland city in 35 years, said University of Georgia meteorology professor Marshall Shepherd. Landslides were possible in southern Appalachia, and rainfall was expected as far away as Tennessee, Kentucky and Indiana. Federal authorities have positioned generators, food and water, along with search-and-rescue and power restoration teams. Preparing for the storm As of early Thursday, hurricane warnings and flash flood warnings extended far beyond the coast up into south-central Georgia. The governors of Florida, Georgia, Virginia and the Carolinas have all declared emergencies in their states. More than 40 million people in Florida, Georgia, and Alabama were under hurricane and tropical storm warnings, according to the National Weather Service. Advertisement A life-threatening storm surge, devastating winds, and flooding downpour have already forced thousands of Floridians to leave, and almost the whole state is under notice due to the storms potential. Governor Ron DeSantis of Florida urged people to follow their emergency plans and stockpile supplies, but cautioned that because of the storms size and pace, they should not evacuate hundreds of miles away. He said that in counties where a state of emergency has been issued, the Florida Division of Emergency Management has teamed up with Uber to offer free transportation to shelters for Floridians. The governor remarked, Remember, you run from the water, but you hide from the wind. Rain was already falling steadily in Atlanta on Wednesday evening as shoppers emptied shelves of water at a Kroger supermarket east of downtown. The National Weather Service in Atlanta issued flash flood warnings for much of the state. In Crawfordville, farther inland and about 40 kilometres northwest of Apalachee Bay, Christine Nazworth stocked up on bottled water, baked goods and premade meals at a Walmart. Wakulla County was one of several to issue evacuation orders. Along Floridas Gulf Coast, school districts and multiple universities have cancelled classes. In Cuba, the government preventively shut off power in some communities as waves as high as 16 feet (five metres) slammed Cortes Bay. And in the Cayman Islands, schools closed and residents pumped water from flooded homes. Charles McComb said he still found it hard to believe Helene would seriously impact the city, which is more than 400 kilometres north of the Gulf of Mexico. It would be really unique for it to hit so far inland, Charles said as he bought water, bread and lunch meat. He was, however, worried about losing electricity. I do live in an area where it doesnt take so much for the power to go out, he said. In Hernando County, located along the states west-central coast, the county commissioner told residents under evacuation orders to get out now. The county could see up to 12 feet of flooding from storm surge in the most significant forecast that weve come up against, said Commissioner Brian Hawkins. Another storm in preparing In further storm activity, Tropical Storm Isaac formed Wednesday in the Atlantic. The storm was expected to strengthen as it moves eastward across the open ocean, possibly becoming a hurricane by the end of the week, forecasters said. Isaac was about 1,115 kilometres northeast of Bermuda with top sustained winds of 85 kilometres per hour, according to the US National Hurricane Centre in Miami, which said its swells and winds could affect parts of Bermuda and eventually the Azores by the weekend. In the Pacific, former Hurricane John reformed Wednesday as a tropical storm and was strengthening as it threatened areas of Mexicos western coast. Officials posted hurricane warnings for southwestern Mexico. John hit the countrys southern Pacific coast late Monday, killing at least two people, triggering mudslides, and damaging homes and trees. It grew into a Category three hurricane in a matter of hours and made landfall east of Acapulco. It re-emerged over the ocean after weakening inland. Storms that strengthen quickly, like Hurricane Helene, are happening more frequently as a result of pollution from fossil fuels. With inputs from agencies Revelations of corrupt practices by a high-profile Democratic mayor are likely to fuel Republican attacks. The charges may also undermine the Democratic narrative of restoring trust in government read more Mayor Eric Adams is present during a press conference at City Hall in New York. File image/AP New York Citys Democrat Mayor Eric Adams was charged with bribery and fraud on Thursday (September 26). Federal prosecutors have accused Adams of engaging in a years-long conspiracy involving illegal foreign campaign donations, wire fraud, and accepting bribes, including from Turkish officials, in exchange for political favours. The 57-page indictment alleges that Adams accepted luxury gifts and solicited illegal contributions dating back to his time as Brooklyns borough president. Likely impact on the Harris campaign Advertisement With just weeks to go before the 2024 presidential election, this scandal that could prove embarrassing for Democrats on the national stage. These charges come at a crucial time for the Democratic Party, as its candidate, Kamala Harris, is locked in a tight race against Republican frontrunner Donald Trump. Revelations of corrupt practices by a high-profile Democratic mayor are likely to fuel Republican attacks, complicating the partys messaging in the final weeks before the election. The charges may also undermine the Democratic narrative of restoring trust in government, a key theme of Harriss campaign. Political ammunition in the final stretch of the campaign in the opponents hand cant be a good thing. It could raise questions about the Democratic Ppartys leadership and integrity in major urban centres. Adams response and the potential fallout Mayor Adams has strongly denied the accusations, pledging to defend himself and urging the public to wait to hear our side of the story. However, the investigation has already led to calls for his resignation, including from fellow Democrats like Congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, who stated that Adams must step down for the good of the city. Adams legal troubles may also have ramifications for local politics, with progressive figures like Public Advocate Jumaane Williams poised to take the helm if Adams is forced to resign. This could shift the citys leadership further to the left, creating new dynamics in one of the countrys most influential political arenas. Advertisement With inputs from AFP The possibility of Donald Trumps second term has made European leaders uneasy as they fear he would pull the plug on support against Russian aggression and reduce the commitment to NATO read more The FBI is investigating what appears to be an attempted assassination of Donald Trump at his Florida golf club. Trump was not harmed in the incident. AP The possibility of Donald Trumps second term has not just made many Americans uneasy. Europes leaders are also concerned about disruptions he may bring. While concerns regarding the future of North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO), particularly in the face of expansionist Russia, have been raised for some time, now such concerns have spread to other multilateral organisations as well. British Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer is particularly concerned about the future of the United Nations (UN) in a second Trump presidency, according to Politico. Advertisement Trump has long been a critic of the UN. In his first term (2017-21), he cut funding to the UNs HIV/AIDS programme, the population programme, and the Palestinian relief agency, and completely stopped funds to the World Health Organization (WHO). Starmer is concerned that similar scenes may play out if Trump wins the US presidential election in November. A British diplomat told Politico that there was significant concern that if Trump cuts or even stops funds to the WHO, it will become very problematic very quickly. Two other British officials told the magazine that Trump is erratic and you just never know what youre going to get. Richard Gowan, the UN Director at the Crisis Group, said that senior UN officials are pretty convinced that a second Trump administration would impose even more savage financial cuts. UN is not a friend of US For years, Trump has been critical of the UN. Upon becoming the president, he implemented the budget cuts. In 2016, Trump said that the UN was not a friend of the United States. I also want to say to you that I have long felt the United Nations is an underperformer but has tremendous potential. There are those people that think its an underperformer and will never perform, said Trump at the time. As Trump and his far-right Make America Great Again (MAGA) movement have become increasingly isolationist in foreign policy outlook, the allies have been concerned that the US support in a second Trump term may dry for NATO and other alliances. Advertisement Trumps main contention has been that the United States is bankrolling NATO and European security. He has also refused to commit himself to the victory of Ukraine against Russia and has been critical of support to Ukraine. He has gone to the length of saying that if nations dont pitch in funds to his liking, he would encourage them [Russia] to do whatever the hell they want with these countries. Kamala Harris, in the past, has mentioned owning a firearm but she has mostly kept that quiet on exactly what kind of weapon she owns. Her boldly pro-gun stance just a month and a half from the November 5 US Presidential election has surprised many read more Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump has repeatedly claimed that US Vice President Kamala Harris would try to take away Americans' guns in violation of the constitution's Second Amendment. Source: AFP. Kamala Harris packs a gun and wants Americans to know it. Im a gun owner, the Democratic presidential candidate said last week in a forum hosted by television star Oprah Winfrey. If someone breaks in my house, she said with a chuckle theyre getting shot. Harris has mentioned owning a firearm in the past, but she has mostly kept that quiet in line with her partys emphasis on curtailing access to guns in a country that has grown wearily used to armed crime and mass shootings. Advertisement The former longtime prosecutor also remains mum on exactly what kind of weapon she owns. So her boldly pro-gun stance just a month and a half from the November 5 election surprised many including Winfrey. I probably shouldnt have said that, laughed Harris after her vow to shoot intruders at her California home. Experts, however, say that the sitting vice presidents revelation was no accident. Putting kibosh on attacks Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump has repeatedly claimed that Harris would try to take away Americans guns in violation of the constitutions Second Amendment. The billionaire former president has been endorsed by the powerful lobby group, the National Rifle Association. Harris has not made any such threat. In line with most of her party, she only backs tightening of current laws for example requiring criminal and psychiatric background checks for all firearms purchases. Harris says she supports a ban on semi-automatic assault-style rifles, but no longer backs a mandatory buy-back program. And when she jumped into the US election after President Joe Bidens late, shock exit, Harris picked Minnesota Governor Tim Walz an avid hunter and National Guard veteran for vice president. Kamala Harris wants to stop her opponents from branding her as anti-gun, said Joan Burbick, author of the book Gun Show Nation: Gun Culture and American Democracy. Advertisement The easiest way to do that is to announce she is a gun owner. Steffen W. Schmidt, professor of political science at Iowa State University, added: Its also very interesting she joked with Oprah that if anyone broke into her house shed shoot the intruder. Democrats have been seen as soft on crime. This kind of puts the kibosh on that line of attack. Balancing act Harris faces a difficult balancing act. About one-third of US adults and 40 per cent of households own at least one firearm. They reportedly include Trump, who according to US media owns three handguns. A concealed carry permit, however, was reportedly revoked by the New York Police Department after Trump was charged and convicted on 34 criminal counts for falsified business records. Advertisement Typically, gun owners are more than twice as likely to identify as Republican as opposed to Democrat. But these are tendencies, not absolutes, said Gregg Carter, professor emeritus of sociology at Bryant University in Smithfield, Rhode Island. Many Americans are also eager for better controls on access to powerful weapons. A Pew poll showed that gun regulation is the seventh highest concern for voters in November. Harris has the pro-controls voting block firmly in her camp already. The inroads she needs to make are on the other side. Because the election is so close this year all but a dead-even heat each party, each candidate, is trying to pull over a few more votes to its side whenever possible, Carter said. Advertisement Harris, who back in 2019 told reporters that she kept a firearm for personal safety while working as a prosecutor, thinks shell be on target. Im a good marksman, she once boasted. The US president also announced Washington would provide Ukraine with the Joint Standoff Weapon (JSOW) long-range munition, to enhance Ukraines long-range strike capabilities. read more Ahead of a White House meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, US President Joe Biden announced on Thursday a surge in assistance to Ukraine, including nearly $8 billion in military aid and new long-range munitions. Reacting to the development, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy expressed gratitude for the military aid, saying it would significantly bolster Ukraines efforts to triumph over Russia. In a social media statement, Zelenskyy vowed to utilise the assistance efficiently and transparently to achieve a shared objective: a victorious Ukraine and enduring peace and transatlantic security. Advertisement I am grateful to @POTUS Joe Biden, U.S. Congress and its both parties, Republicans and Democrats, as well as the entire American people for todays announcement of major U.S. defense assistance for Ukraine totalling $7.9 billion and sanctions against Russia. On behalf of the Volodymyr Zelenskyy / (@ZelenskyyUa) September 26, 2024 The announcement came as Russias nuclear threats intensified and Ukrainian President Zelensky engaged in a heated exchange with Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump. This rift underscores the potential risks to US support for Kyiv in its conflict with Moscow, with the US elections outcome hanging precariously in the balance. Today, I am announcing a surge in security assistance for Ukraine and a series of additional actions to help Ukraine win this war, Biden said in a statement. However, the statement did not mention Kyivs hoped-for permission to launch US-made long-range missiles into Russia which Zelensky has been pushing hard for, and which Biden has so far refused. Russia has strongly warned against such a step, and President Vladimir Putin on Wednesday announced plans to broaden Moscows rules on the use of its nuclear weaponry, allowing it to unleash a nuclear response in the event of a massive air attack. Advertisement The Kremlin said the updated doctrine should be seen as a warning to the West. Kyiv has relied on the United States as its main military backer, and Zelensky said his country would use the new assistance in the most effective and transparent way possible to achieve our main common goal: a victorious Ukraine, a just and lasting peace, and transatlantic security. But the white-knuckle US vote on November 5, pitting Bidens Vice President Kamala Harris against firebrand Trump, means that support may now hang in the balance. Trump had also been due to meet Zelensky during his US visit, but their talks now appear to be on ice. Advertisement The Republican accused Zelensky on the eve of the visit of refusing to strike a deal with Moscow and once again questioned why the United States was giving billions of dollars to Kyiv. Biden will host Zelensky in the Oval Office at 1:45 pm local time (1745 GMT), the White House said. The Ukrainian leader and Harris will deliver remarks at 3:05 pm before their meeting in the vice presidents office. Zelensky was also due to visit the US Congress, after giving a defiant address at the UN General Assembly on Wednesday in a bid to rally international support amid an increasingly difficult situation on the battlefield. Advertisement The Ukrainian has for several weeks touted the so-called victory plan he will present to Biden, but has given no details of his proposals to end the war, which is now in its third year. Biden, in his last months in office, also said he would convene a high-level meeting of Ukraine allies in Germany in October to coordinate the efforts of the more than 50 countries supporting Ukraine in its defense against Russian aggression. With inputs from agencies. US Secretary of State Antony Blinken continued to maintain that Israel has a legitimate problem to solve and blamed Hezbollah for continued rocket attacks into Israeli territory read more The United States objected to an effort led by France and the United Kingdom to secure a joint statement from the United Nations Security Council (UNSC), calling for a ceasefire in the newly escalating Israel-Lebanon conflict. During the UNSC meeting, Washington actively avoided the suggestion that there was any equivalence of blame for the eruption of the crisis between the two nations. US Secretary of State Antony Blinken continued to maintain that Israel has a legitimate problem to solve and blamed Hezbollah for continued rocket attacks into Israeli territory, The Guardian reported. Blinken reiterated his proclamation in a round of morning interviews. Advertisement While the US diplomat did not call for a ceasefire in Lebanon, he stated that a diplomatic agreement could be in place to deal with the crisis. Meanwhile, at the G7 dinner on Tuesday, both French President Emmanuel Macron and UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy actively called for a ceasefire to end the fighting that has led to the death of hundreds of people. US thwarts any effort for a ceasefire in a bid to appease Israel In an interview with ABC News, Blinken noted that it was Hezbollah which started the rocket firing into Israel, shortly after Hamas deadly October 7 attack. People who lived in northern Israel had to flee their homes - homes were destroyed; villages were destroyed - about 70,000 Israelis. Israel started responding. You have Lebanese in southern Lebanon whove also had to flee their homes. We want to see people get back to their homes. The best way to do that is through a diplomatic agreement - [one that] pulls the forces back, creates space and security so that people can get back to their homes, kids can get back to school, Blinken averred. The remarks from Blinken came after US President Joe Biden told ABC News that all-out war was possible. Were still in play to have a settlement that can fundamentally change the whole region, he added after the shocking remarks. During his address to the General Assembly, Macron made it clear that any escalation of the conflict needed to be prevented. There cannot be, must not be war in Lebanon, he said. Earlier, foreign ministers of Egypt, Jordan and Iraq said in a joint statement: Israel is pushing the region towards total war. Advertisement Amid the chaos, Lebanese Foreign Minister Abdallah Bou Habib slammed the US and called their approach not promising. It will not solve the Lebanese problem. The US is the only country that can really make a difference in the Middle East with regard to Lebanon, the Lebanese diplomat exclaimed. With inputs from agencies. Several countries, including the United States, France, Britain and Germany, have thousands of nationals living or travelling through Lebanon. All have worked in recent months to prepare plans with Cyprus in case of a full-scale war. read more A man stands on top of a damaged car at the site of an Israeli airstrike in Saksakieh, south Lebanon, Thursday, Sept. 26, 2024. - AP Western nations are considering evacuation plans for their citizens in Lebanon amid concerns of a potential full-scale war with Cyprus and Turkey being discussed as potential safe havens for tens of thousands of people if the conflict escalates. Cyprus is the closest European Union member state, some 264 km (164 miles) from Lebanon. It has been at the forefront of maritime aid efforts for Gaza and in the past was used to coordinate evacuations from Lebanon. Advertisement Cyprus processed around 60,000 people fleeing the Hezbollah-Israel war in 2006, and a potential Israel ground invasion into southern Lebanon with a response from Iran-backed Hezbollah of ballistic missiles and drones could mean mass evacuations from both Lebanon and Israel. We have requests from a number of countries, not only from the European Union but also from other third countries. We are ready to play this role in case of a need, Cyprus President Nikos Christodoulides told Reuters on the sidelines of the U.N. General Assembly in New York. We did it back in 2006 and we are ready to do it again, Christodoulides said. It is difficult but also it is our moral responsibility. Dimming hopes for a cease-fire, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Thursday that Israel will continue striking Hezbollah with full force and will not stop until all of its goals are achieved. Israel carried out a new strike in the Lebanese capital, which it said killed a senior Hezbollah commander. Netanyahu spoke as he landed in New York to attend the annual U.N. General Assembly meeting. At the gathering, U.S. and European officials were putting heavy pressure on both sides to accept a proposed 21-day halt in the fighting to give time for diplomacy to avert a potential all-out war. Hundreds have been killed in Lebanon this week as Israel dramatically escalated strikes, saying it is targeting Hezbollahs military capacities. Israeli leaders say they are determined to stop more than 11 months of cross-border fire by the militant group, which has forced the evacuation of tens of thousands of Israelis from communities in the north. Advertisement Netanyahu said Israels policy is clear. We are continuing to strike Hezbollah with full force. And we will not stop until we reach all our goals, chief among them the return of the residents of the north securely to their homes. With inputs from agencies. Otumfuo Nana Osei Tutu II, the Ashanti king, holds a highly respected role as the Asantehene and is often referred to as Nyame Kessie, meaning greater god, a title that commands deference in Ghanaian society read more A public dispute between prominent journalist Afia Pokua and the Ashanti king, Otumfuo Nana Osei Tutu II, has sparked widespread attention in Ghana, after Pokua criticised the monarchs influence and the political deference shown to him. In a recent interview on local broadcaster Onua TV, Pokua voiced frustration over the dominance of the Asante community and the respect paid to the Ashanti king by political leaders. Even the president bowed to show respect to the chief, BBC quoted her as saying. Advertisement Asante is not the whole of Ghana. If you are only thinking about Asante, they can amend the laws so that you can separate yourself from the rest of the country. The comments were not well received by the king or his supporters. Otumfuo Nana Osei Tutu II, the Ashanti king, holds a highly respected role as the Asantehene and is often referred to as Nyame Kessie, meaning greater god, a title that commands deference in Ghanaian society. Royal historian Osei Bonsu Sarfo Kantanka told the BBC that any criticism of the king must follow strict protocol. You go through the queen mother she is the only person who can rebuke him. If you dont go through the queen mother and do it yourself, youre in trouble, he said. Pokua, accompanied by elders, visited the Manhyia Palace in Kumasi to offer a public apology, kneeling before the traditional ruler. The apology, broadcast on television, was rejected by the king, who reportedly asked her to leave the palace, telling her to take your cursed self and your troubles with you. Despite Pokuas earlier apology on social media, royal representatives stated that the failure to follow proper customs was the reason her apology was refused. Kantanka explained that for her apology to be considered, she should have first sought permission from the Agona traditional authority and brought her parents and representatives of the TV station that aired her remarks. Advertisement If the correct steps are followed, it may still be possible for Pokua to make amends, according to the historian. The unprecedented indictment of New York City Mayor Adams exposes not only his alleged wrongdoing but also the larger, insidious issue of foreign powers attempting to manipulate US political arena read more On September 25, 2024, New York City Mayor Eric Adams was indicted in a significant federal investigation into his 2021 mayoral campaign. The charges, though still sealed, reportedly centre around his alleged connections with Turkish officials and businessmen, who are suspected of funnelling illegal campaign donations through straw donor schemes. Adams indictment marks a historic moment, making him the first sitting mayor of New York City to face criminal charges while in office, an unprecedented blow to his political career and his administration. Advertisement The federal investigation focussed on whether Turkish nationals, seeking to influence New York Citys political landscape, illegally channelled campaign contributions to Adams through construction companies with ties to the Turkish government, a report in the Politico said. Earlier this year, authorities seized Adams phone and iPad, an extraordinary move for a sitting mayor. Moreover, three of his aides faced raids by federal agents, further intensifying the probe. Despite the mounting legal pressure, Adams has repeatedly denied any wrongdoing. In a public statement, he dismissed the indictment as politically motivated and pledged to continue his duties as mayor. This scandal, however, casts a significant shadow over his administration and could jeopardise his chances for re-election in 2025. Expanding threat of foreign influence in US politics The indictment of Mayor Adams is just the latest example of the increasing concerns over foreign interference in US politics. For years, foreign governments and actors have tried to influence the American political process, sometimes successfully. The use of political donations, lobbying and even espionage has become a sophisticated tool for foreign actors to exert influence on US decision-making, often undermining national security and the democratic process. Campaign finance laws in the US are designed to protect elections from foreign interference, yet they are frequently exploited. The Adams case may reveal just how vulnerable political campaigns are to foreign funds, especially when routed through intermediaries such as businesses, straw donors or shell companies. In Adams case, Turkish nationals allegedly used these methods to inject money into his campaign, possibly with the goal of shaping his political positions on issues related to Turkey. Advertisement Such interference raises alarming questions about the integrity of the political system, particularly in a city as globally influential as New York. The Adams investigation may only be the tip of the iceberg, highlighting broader vulnerabilities in how political donations are monitored and the ease with which foreign actors can bypass regulations. Recent cases highlighting foreign influence In addition to Adams, several other cases have emerged, illustrating the ongoing threat of foreign meddling in US politics. One high-profile example is Linda Sun, a former aide to New York Governor Kathy Hochul. Sun was arrested for allegedly acting as an agent for the Chinese government, using her position to block access for Taiwanese officials and promote Chinese interests. Her case demonstrates how foreign influence can penetrate the highest levels of state government and policy-making. Advertisement Similarly, former New Jersey Senator Bob Menendez was convicted earlier this year for accepting bribes from Egyptian officials in exchange for using his position to influence US policy in favour of Egypt and Qatar. Menendezs case drew widespread attention due to the scale of the bribes and the seriousness of the charges, which involved compromising US foreign policy decisions. These cases emphasise the growing concern that foreign governments are using financial incentives and other forms of influence to manipulate US politicians and government officials. The damage goes beyond mere corruption as it can affect international relations, policy decisions and even national security. Advertisement Risks of espionage and compromised officials Foreign influence in politics is not limited to campaign donations and lobbying, espionage remains a constant threat. Several high-profile cases of espionage have compromised US national security, often involving officials and public servants who were turned against their country. Perhaps the most notorious example is Robert Hanssen, a former FBI agent who spied for Russia for over two decades. Hanssens betrayal exposed numerous US intelligence operations, causing irreparable damage to the countrys intelligence network. Hanssen was arrested in 2001 and sentenced to life in prison without parole. Similarly, CIA officer Aldrich Ames provided Russian intelligence with the names of American informants resulting in their execution. He was arrested in 1994 and is currently serving a life sentence without parole. Advertisement More recently, former CIA officer Kevin Patrick Mallory was sentenced for selling US defence secrets to the Chinese government. Mallorys actions were motivated by financial gain as were many other cases of espionage. The common thread running through these cases is the ability of foreign powers to exploit weaknesses in the US systemwhether through greed, ideology or coercion. Broader implications for 2024 elections The timing of the Adams indictment is especially significant as the US prepares for the 2024 presidential elections. Allegations of foreign interference are already a major issue, with concerns that nations like Russia, China and Turkey may attempt to influence the outcome. The Adams case is likely to be scrutinised in the context of these broader concerns as Americans demand transparency and integrity from their political leaders. As the 2024 election season intensifies, the indictment of a sitting mayor like Adams serves as a stark reminder of the vulnerabilities in the US political system. A call for vigilance Adams indictment, though still in its early stages, is emblematic of the growing issue of foreign interference in US politics. Whether through campaign donations, espionage or covert influence, foreign actors continue to pose a significant threat to American democracy. The Adams case serves as a critical reminder for US officials and voters alike to remain vigilant and ensure that safeguards are in place to protect the political system from corruption and foreign manipulation. Donald Trumps provocative remarks come after US intelligence warned of threats from Iran against his life after two apparent assassination bids in recent months read more Donald Trump claimed that he and the United States have been 'threatened very directly by Iran'. Source AFP. Donald Trump said Wednesday Iran should be blown to smithereens if the Islamic Republic is involved in the harming of a US White House candidate or ex-president. The provocative remarks come after US intelligence warned of threats from Tehran against the Republicans life after two apparent assassination bids in recent months. As you know, there have been two assassination attempts on my life that we know of, and they may or may not involve but possibly do Iran, Trump said at a campaign event in North Carolina. Advertisement If I were the president, I would inform the threatening country, in this case Iran, that if you do anything to harm this person, we are going to blow your largest cities and the country itself to smithereens, he added. Trump went on to say he and the United States have been threatened very directly by Iran and that a firm message needed to reach Tehran that there would be the most severe consequences should it be involved in plots to kill or hurt a US president or presidential candidate. The best way to do it is through the office of the president, that (if) you do any attacks on former presidents or candidates for president, your country gets blown to smithereens, as we say. Trump also said it was strange that Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian was in New York this week and accorded substantial protection as he attends the United Nations General Assembly even as news of the threats emerged. Also Read: US intelligence reveals real and specific threats from Iran to assassinate Trump We have large security forces guarding him, and yet theyre threatening our former president and the leading candidate to become the next president of the United States, Trump said, referring to himself. The United States is obligated to extend security to foreign heads of state at the General Assembly under its treaty with the United Nations and its own laws. Advertisement Credible intelligence Trumps remarks come as world leaders scramble to try to avert hostilities between Iran-backed Hezbollah and Israel escalating into a wider regional war. Iran has rejected accusations it is trying to kill Trump this summer, shortly after a gunman opened fire at a rally in Pennsylvania on July 13, killing one person and wounding the presidential candidate. Days later, Trump posted on social media that if Iran did kill him, I hope that America obliterates Iran, wipes it off the face of the Earth. In a highly critical report on the security arrangements around Trump at the Pennsylvania rally, a US Senate committee noted that the deployment of elite US Secret Service countersnipers was made in response to credible intelligence of a threat. Advertisement On Wednesday, the 78-year-old Trump suggested the would-be assassin in Pennsylvania had used potentially foreign-based apps, and that the alleged gunman in the second attempt in Florida had multiple mobile phones that Trump said US authorities have been unable to open. They must get Apple to open these foreign apps (and) open the six phones from the second lunatic, Trump said. Because we have a lot at stake. On Wednesday, US Attorney General Merrick Garland called the attempted assassination bids abhorrent. Our nation has now experienced two assassination attempts against the former President in just the last three months. That is abhorrent, he said. Advertisement The Justice Department will not tolerate violence that strikes at the heart of our democracy. And we will find and hold accountable those who perpetrate it. This must stop. In August, the United States announced that it had foiled a plan by a Pakistani linked to Tehran to assassinate a US official in revenge for the death of Iranian general Qassem Soleimani, killed in 2020 in a US strike in Iraq ordered by then-president Trump. US intelligence services have also warned of attempted cyberattacks on the presidential campaigns of Trump and rival Kamala Harris by actors it says are backed by Iran. The scandal severely damaged the political standing of former Prime Minister Theresa May, who had overseen immigration policy as Home Secretary during the period of enforcement read more A long-withheld official report released Thursday (September 26) has revealed that decades of discriminatory immigration laws, designed to reduce Britains non-white population, led to the wrongful detention and deportation of Caribbean migrants, known as the Windrush scandal. The newly published report, titled The Historical Roots of the Windrush Scandal, outlines how immigration and citizenship laws between 1950 and 1981 were systematically aimed at limiting the number of Black people allowed to live and work in Britain. Advertisement Every single piece of legislation during this period was crafted, at least in part, to diminish the Black population, the report found. The report highlights key immigration laws in 1962, 1968, and 1971 that were specifically designed to restrict non-white immigration, framing the scandal as an issue of deep-rooted racism in British immigration policy. It also details how Black and minority ethnic lives were profoundly shaped by the legacy of the British Empire. The Windrush scandal came to light in 2018, when it was revealed that thousands of Caribbean migrants, many of whom had legally arrived in Britain between 1948 and 1971 to fill labour shortages, were wrongly detained, denied rights, and deported under stricter immigration policies. The scandal severely damaged the political standing of former Prime Minister Theresa May, who had overseen immigration policy as Home Secretary during the period of enforcement. The previous Conservative government in 2022 refused to release the report, rejecting Freedom of Information requests. The document was finally made public by the newly elected Labour government. The report does not make any recommendations but illustrates the broader historical context, showing how Britains immigration policies grew out of the countrys colonial past. It also highlights how racial and immigration politics became intertwined over the decades. The report references the 1833 abolition of slavery, noting that the belief in Black inferiority persisted long after, influencing modern British policy. Advertisement Britain apologised in 2018 for its treatment of the Windrush generation and established a compensation scheme for those affected. With input from Reuters 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. International naval cadets leadership camp held in China Xinhua) 10:41, September 26, 2024 JINAN, Sept. 25 (Xinhua) -- More than 60 cadets from over 20 countries are attending a leadership camp launched on Wednesday in Yantai, a coastal city in east China's Shandong Province. The camp aims to create a platform for naval cadets to conduct exchanges, learn from each other and foster friendships. The cadets come from countries including Cuba, Nigeria, Indonesia, Venezuela, Myanmar, Vietnam and Singapore. Over six days, they will engage in interactive study and training, and an immersive cultural experience. The camp is organized by the Chinese People's Liberation Army Navy and hosted by the Naval Aviation University. (Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Zhong Wenxing) Copyright 2024 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed. Utilities Engineer for the City of Aspen Phil Overeynder at the hydroelectric plant at Ruedi Reservoir. Releases from the reservoir in recent years have been too high in the summer and too low in the inter for Aspen to make hydropower efficiently. Data on interceptions of aircraft completed near the Baltic States' borders on September 16-22, 2024 Republic of Lithuania - Ministry of National Defence 2024-09-24 Security and defense policy On September 16-22 fighter aircraft of the NATO Baltic Air Policing Detachment were scrambled five times to intercept aircraft of the Russian Federation violating flight rules in international airspace over the Baltic Sea. On September 16 fighter aircraft of the NATO Baltic Air Policing Detachment were dispatched to patrol the Gulf of Finland and safeguard against two potentially incoming MIG-31 of the Russian Federation. The suspected Russian aircraft were identified by the Finnish control and reporting centre as an Aeroflot liner keeping a radio contact with the regional air traffic control centre of Tallinn, the NATO aircraft were notified and the scramble status was changed from alert to training. On September 20 NATO fighter aircraft were scrambled to identify and escort one SU-30 flying via international airspace from Kaliningrad and back, it had no flight plan, the onboard transponder was switched off and radio communication was not maintained. On September 20 NATO fighter jets identified and escorted one SU-30 which flew into international airspace from Kaliningrad and then returned. It had no pre-filed flight plan, the onboard transponder was switched off, the crew was not maintaining radio communication. On September 21 NATO fighter aircraft were scrambled to intercept four SU-30-SM and one SU-35 flying from Kaliningrad to mainland Russia through international airspace, without the flight plans, not maintaining radio communication, with their onboard transponders switched off. On September 22 NATO fighter jets were scrambled to identify and escort five MIG-31 in international airspace, flying from Kaliningrad to mainland Russia, without the flight plans, with onboard transpondesr switched off, not maintaining radio communication. Apart from that, on September 17NATO fighter jets were also scrambled to identify and uncertain aerial object crossing the border from Belarus to Latvia which was identified as a flock of birds and the alert scramble status was changed to training. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Minister L. Kasciunas to discuss terms of Lithuania's participation in a U.S.-led international operation during visit to Bahrain Republic of Lithuania - Ministry of National Defence 2024-09-24 International cooperation | Minister's news Minister of National Defence Laurynas Kasciunas departs for Bahrain to carry out discussions on the terms of Lithuania's contribution to U.S.-led multinational maritime security operations in the Middle East with the leaders of the Defence Ministry and the military of the country. Minister will also pay a visit to the Naval Support Activity Bahrain, base of the United States Fifth Fleet based in Bahrein and meet with Vice Admiral George M. Wikoff, Commander, U.S. Naval Forces, Central Command/Commander, Fifth Fleet/Commander, Combined Maritime Forces. "The aim of my visit is to reach the agreements necessary for establishing the status of the Lithuanian military with the Ministry of Defence of Bahrain which is needed to be able to contribute troops to the U.S.-led maritime security operations in the Persian Gulf and the Gulf of Aden, the Arabian and Red Sea. The United States is a strategic partner so it is important that we send troops in response to the U.S. invitation to contribute to the maritime security efforts in the region. This is one of Lithuania's long-term aims," said Minister L. Kasciunas before leaving. Lithuania demonstrates solidarity with the U.S. and other Allies and is looking to join the international effort in support of security and safe navigation in the region of global strategic political and economic importance. The goal of the Combined Maritime Forces based in Bahrain and led by the United States is to support the rules-based international order against illicit activities of non-state actors in international waters and to maintain security and stability in key maritime trade routes. The international operation aims to fight drug trade, smuggling, terrorism and piracy, and if necessary, to respond to humanitarian and natural disaster-caused emergencies. According to 2024 data, the Combined Maritime Forces includes 46 member states. Contribution to the U.S.-led international maritime security operation in the Strait of Hormuz is regulated by the mandate of the Seimas which allows to deploy up to 5 military and civilian personnel of the National Defence system until 31 December 2025. Currently there are 80 Lithuanian troops deployed across different multinational missions and operations, such as the NATO operations in Iraq and EUNAVFOR ATALANTA, in contribution to the allied efforts to ensure peace and security in the Middle East. Lithuania marks the 30th anniversary since the first international deployment this year. More than 8 thousand Lithuanian military personnel from all Lithuanian Armed Force services have served in multinational operations in Europe, Asia and Africa since 1994. The active contribution and merits of the Lithuanian Armed Forces have earned high evaluation from the Allies and raised more than one generation of our troops on the invaluable experience. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Address by Gitanas Nauseda, President of the Republic of Lithuania, at the General Debate of the 79th Session of the United Nations General Assembly President of the Republic of Lithuania September 24, 2024 Dear President of the General Assembly, Excellencies, Ladies and Gentlemen, Over the last two days, in this very room, global leaders welcomed the Pact for the Future. Together, we reaffirmed our commitment to multilateralism, anchored in the three pillars of the United Nations - sustainable development, peace and security, and human rights. These are all great and noble principles that have defined the essence of the United Nations system ever since the end of the Second World War. Most significant global political developments, from decolonization to the end of the Cold War and the "singing revolutions" in Europe, have seemed to bring us closer to a bright future of peace, freedom and human dignity. While this international rules-based world order was never perfect, it helped us to search for joint solutions. For many decades, we have been trying to resolve multiple conflicts and crises and address emerging global challenges such as climate change, unequal development, food insecurity, terrorism, and illegal migration. And then, more than 10 years ago, something entirely different happened. A permanent member of the Security Council began military aggression against a peaceful member state. At first covertly. Then more and more openly, breaking ever more international norms. And finally, Russia started the full-scale invasion of Ukraine. Today, even though we face yet another distressing crisis in the Middle East as well as rising tensions in the Indo-Pacific region, the Russian war of aggression is the most dangerous threat. The entire international order, defined by sovereignty, territorial integrity and inviolability of borders, is under assault in Ukraine. Each and every member of the United Nations - every sovereign nation - has also much to lose. To fully understand what is presently at stake, we must all start paying attention to the words of Russian leaders and their representatives at the United Nations Security Council. How many times have they openly admitted that the Kremlin intends to wipe Ukraine from the face of Earth! If any sovereign nation is under the threat of complete destruction, no country is truly safe anymore. If the international community looks away and ignores the unpleasant truth, no country is truly safe anymore. And if mass killings, deportations and deliberate attacks on civilian population become the new norm, no country is truly safe anymore. That should be perfectly clear to anyone. That should disturb us all. Ladies and Gentlemen, What Russia presents to the world is a return to the era of imperial conquest, colonial domination and genocide. And I do not believe we are ready to follow this path. I do not believe any of us want to see powerful neighbors convincing themselves that from now on every dispute should be settled by force. Therefore, right now, Ukraine is fighting not only a war of self-defense. Ukraine is also fighting for the future of all those countries who believe in the United Nations Charter and its principles. Ukraine is fighting for us all! And yet our joint collective response to this day has been insufficient. We have not been able to stop this madness. We have not been able to force Russia to reconsider its dangerous course. We have not been able to hold it accountable for so many violations of the United Nations Charter! Why was that the case? Because to this day, the aggressor is hiding under the cover of the Security Council's permanent membership. Hiding in plain sight. Mocking every one of us with its unrestricted veto power. It is a terrible blow to the very credibility of the United Nations system. And still, we keep hearing some calls for Ukraine to surrender, to compromise on its sovereignty and territorial integrity, or to accept Russia's ultimatums. Why should the aggressor be rewarded? Why should appeasement work this time, when it failed so spectacularly almost 90 years ago? Why should the victim agree to the demands of the terrorist-in-chief, sitting safe in the Kremlin after so much bloodshed and loss of innocent lives? Ukraine is still fighting. Ukraine is still going strong, regardless of all the appeasers and doomsayers. And only Ukraine has the right to determine the actual conditions for peace. Meanwhile, we have the duty to support Ukraine. To restrict Russia's ability to wage war and ensure the accountability of those responsible for the crime of aggression and crimes against humanity. To reform the Security Council and to rebuild the credibility of the United Nations Charter. To withstand enormous pressure and win this war, Ukraine will need more military equipment, ammunition, medical supplies. Ukraine also urgently needs humanitarian and financial aid. This upcoming winter will be extremely difficult for the Ukrainian people. Constant deliberate Russian attacks on critical energy infrastructure have destroyed more than 80 percent of Ukraine's thermal energy generation and a third of its hydro generation. To prevent a humanitarian catastrophe, our assistance should be swift and focused on the energy sector. Lithuania calls on other parties, including Belarus, Iran, North Korea, and China, to stop providing Russia with military support, including the transfer of dual-use materials. More arms for Russia means more civilian deaths. More civilian infrastructure destroyed. More chaos. There is only one path towards comprehensive, just and lasting peace - Ukraine's Peace Formula. It deserves universal support because it is based on the universal principles of the United Nations Charter - sovereignty, territorial integrity and international law. Lithuania urges all peace-loving countries to actively engage in these efforts, including preparation for and participation in the next Summit of the Peace Formula. The war could enter the end phase tomorrow if only Russia agrees to disengage and withdraw its forces from all the occupied territories. Ukraine does not want Russia's territories. It wants to liberate its own people - not Russia's. It wants to see prisoners of war and abducted children - thousands of them - returned. It wants the constant deliberate bombing of civilian infrastructure, of so many schools, hospitals, and power stations, to finally stop. To achieve lasting peace, more actions will have to follow. Justice will have to be served. Russia will have to atone for its many crimes and pay damages. The main culprits of the war of aggression and numerous war crimes will have to stand before the court. Vladimir Putin is already under an arrest warrant by the International Criminal Court for his crimes, specifically unlawful deportation and unlawful transfer of children. I call on the United Nations member countries to enforce this warrant. Immobilized Russian foreign assets should also be used to pay for the damage done to Ukraine. Finally, we must all join forces in pushing for a comprehensive Security Council reform. There is simply no place for Russia in the Security Council, which was created to maintain international peace and security. Excellencies, Lithuania hopes to witness Ukraine's victory soon. Until this becomes reality, Lithuania's position remains steadfast. We will not recognize Russia's illegal annexation of any Ukrainian region, be it Crimea, Sevastopol, Donetsk, Kherson, Luhansk, or Zaporizhzhia. We will not stop demanding that Russia ends grave violations of human rights and fundamental freedoms in the occupied territories of Ukraine. Lithuania will continue providing shelter to Ukrainian war refugees. Lithuania will continue supporting Ukraine with all possible means. Ladies and Gentlemen, Today, as political divisions deepen and democracy seems to falter all around the globe, multilateralism remains our greatest hope. The United Nations has a crucial role to play not only Ukraine but also in the Middle East, Sahel, Horn of Africa, and the Indo-Pacific region. We, as representatives of the international community, cannot remain indifferent in the face of global crises. We cannot stay silent on breaches of international law and universal human rights, thus normalizing them. The pursuit of peace and justice requires our collective determination. It requires our unwavering adherence to the guiding principles of the United Nations. Now, as always, Lithuania is committed to promoting democracy, human rights and accountability on the global stage. We call on all the members of the United Nations to unite in securing a better future for all. A future where every sovereign country is protected from imperialism and every human being from arbitrary violence and war. Let us build a safer future together! Thank you. Gitanas Nauseda, President of the Republic of Lithuania NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address The President at the UN General Assembly: There is no place for aggressor countries in the UN Security Council President of the Republic of Lithuania September 24, 2024 President Gitanas Nauseda addressed world leaders on Tuesday during the 79th session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in New York. In his address, the President focused on the implications of Russia's war in Ukraine for global security and the failure of the international community to stop the brutal war in Europe, stressing the importance of restoring the world order based on international rules and the need to reform the UN Security Council. In his speech, the President stressed that the UN must play a more significant role in securing lasting peace in Europe. The President pointed out that more than 10 years ago, something entirely different happened that shattered the previous international order based on international rules: a permanent member of the United Nations Security Council began military aggression against a peaceful member state, violating an increasing number of international norms. According to the Lithuanian leader, this is a dangerous situation, the seriousness of which becomes evident through the statements made by the Russian leaders and their representatives in the United Nations Security Council. "How many times have they openly admitted that the Kremlin intends to wipe Ukraine from the face of Earth! If any sovereign nation is under the threat of complete destruction, no country is truly safe anymore. If the international community looks away and ignores the unpleasant truth, no country is truly safe anymore. And if mass killings, deportations and deliberate attacks on civilian population become the new norm, no country is truly safe anymore," President Gitanas Nauseda spoke. The Head of State pointed out that today Ukraine is fighting for itself and also for the future of all those countries who believe in the United Nations Charter and its principles. "Our joint collective response to this day has been insufficient. We have not been able to stop this madness. We have not been able to force Russia to reconsider its dangerous course. We have not been able to hold it accountable for so many violations of the United Nations Charter. All because the aggressor is hiding under the cover of the Security Council's permanent membership," the President underscored. According to Gitanas Nauseda, the duty of the international community is to support Ukraine, to restrict Russia's ability to wage war and ensure the accountability of those responsible for the crime of aggression and crimes against humanity, to reform the Security Council and to rebuild the credibility of the United Nations Charter. The Lithuanian leader emphasized the importance of support for Ukraine. To win this war, Ukraine will need more military equipment, ammunition, medical supplies, as well as humanitarian and financial aid, Gitanas Nauseda pointed out. The President called on Belarus, Iran, North Korea, and China to stop providing Russia with military support, including the transfer of dual-use materials, adding that more arms for Russia means more civilian deaths, more destruction and more chaos. The Head of State urged all peace-loving countries to support Ukraine's Peace Formula, which is grounded in the universal principles of the United Nations Charter: sovereignty, territorial integrity, and international law. The President noted that in order to achieve lasting peace, more actions will have to follow justice will have to be served, Russia will have to atone for its many crimes and pay damages, the perpetrators of the war of aggression and numerous war crimes will have to stand before the court. According to Gitanas Nauseda, we must all join forces in pushing for a comprehensive Security Council reform. There is simply no place for Russia in the Security Council, which was created to maintain international peace and security, the President said. "I am confident that Ukraine will soon achieve victory. Until this becomes reality, Lithuania's position remains steadfast. We will not recognize Russia's illegal annexation of any Ukrainian region, be it Crimea, Sevastopol, Donetsk, Kherson, Luhansk, or Zaporizhzhia. We will not stop demanding that Russia ends grave violations of human rights and fundamental freedoms in the occupied territories of Ukraine. Lithuania will continue providing shelter to Ukrainian war refugees. Lithuania will continue supporting Ukraine with all possible means," the Lithuanian leader spoke at the UNGA session in New York. The President's Communication Group NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Participation of Minister of Foreign Affairs Luminita Odobescu in the Informal Meeting of EU Foreign Ministers Romania - Ministry of Foreign Affairs Press release 09/24/24 Minister of Foreign Affairs Luminita Odobescu attended on Monday, September 23, 2024, the informal meeting of the Ministers of Foreign Affairs of the EU Member States. The event took place in New York, on the margins of the high-level week of the 79th session of the UN General Assembly. European foreign ministers had discussions on Russia's aggression against Ukraine and the latest developments in the Middle East. The new Minister of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine, Andriy Sybiha, was invited to the meeting, where he presented the current situation and called for increased efforts to support Ukraine, particularly at the military level, in order to counter Russian aggression. He also provided information on the reforms undertaken by the Ukrainian government and underlined the commitment to advance the accession negotiations with the European Union as soon as possible. Commenting on Russia's aggression against Ukraine, Minister of Foreign Affairs Luminita Odobescu underlined the security risks posed by the repeated attacks on the Ukrainian population and civilian infrastructure, which are evidence of an irresponsible escalation by the Russian Federation. She condemned the violation of Romanian airspace and the attack by Russian forces on a merchant ship transporting grain in the Black Sea, showing that these developments threaten European security and constitute another flagrant violation of international law. The Romanian official stressed that, in these circumstances, it is essential that the EU continues to support Ukraine, at all levels, especially the military one. Minister Luminita Odobescu also stressed the importance of raising global awareness of the risks posed by the intensification of Russia's hybrid threats, which affect both Ukraine and the Republic of Moldova, as well as the states of the South Caucasus. In this regard, she reiterated the need for the EU to adopt a new sanctions regime against Russia's destabilizing actions. The head of Romanian diplomacy stressed that a just and lasting peace in Europe can only be based on the UN Charter and international law, and in this regard expressed the support for the Peace Formula proposed by President Zelenskiy. With regard to the situation in the Middle East, the Romanian Minister for Foreign Affairs expressed her concern about the increasing volatility of the security situation in the region, both in Gaza and on the border between Israel and Lebanon, and reiterated the call for restraint on the part of all parties involved. She stressed that the priority for the international community at the moment must be to prevent war in the region. In this context, Minister Luminita Odobescu appreciated the mediation efforts of the US, supported by Egypt, and Qatar, aimed at reaching a ceasefire agreement in Gaza, releasing all hostages and improving the humanitarian situation. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Bilateral Actions and Meetings of Minister of Foreign Affairs, Luminita Odobescu, on the Occasion of Her Participation in the Plenary Session of the Summit of the Future (New York) Romania - Ministry of Foreign Affairs Press release 09/24/24 Minister of Foreign Affairs Luminita Odobescu delivered a speech at the plenary session of the UN Summit - Summit of the Future on September 23, 2024. The Romanian official presented Romania's perspective on the implementation of the Pact for the Future, based on the interdependence of the three pillars of UN activity: peace and security, sustainable development and human rights. Minister Luminita Odobescu stressed that the rules-based international order must remain at the heart of Member States' efforts. She also referred to current global challenges such as climate change, managing the digital transition and misinformation, which require global solutions. All of these elements are essential in the collective effort to meet the needs and aspirations of future generations. She noted that the adoption of the Compact for the Future provides useful guidance for the UN to adequately fulfil its role now and in the future. Minister of Foreign Affairs Luminita Odobescu also participated in a new G7+ Foreign Ministers' format meeting on support for Ukraine's energy infrastructure. The event was organized at the initiative of US Secretary of State Antony Blinken and Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani, with the participation of Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha. The meeting discussed the impact of Russia's recent attacks on Ukraine's energy infrastructure and its current state of operation. Urgent needs and priorities for assistance from the international community were discussed as the cold season approaches. During her intervention, the Romanian official stressed the need to continue international efforts to support Ukraine, highlighting the consistent support that Romania has provided to the energy sector of this state, but also to the Republic of Moldova, since the beginning of the war. She also underlined Romania's commitment to working with international partners to find sustainable and lasting solutions to the effects of the war on civilians in Ukraine. In addition to the above activities, Minister Luminita Odobescu had a bilateral meeting with her counterpart from the Kingdom of Thailand, Maris Sangiampongsa. The Romanian Minister commended Thailand's decision to include Romania on the list of countries whose citizens can travel without having to obtain an entry visa for stays of up to 60 days. Both Ministers expressed their determination to work together to strengthen Romanian-Thai bilateral relations, both at the political level, through consultations at the level of the Ministries of Foreign Affairs, as well as at sectoral level, in areas such as trade and investment, the digital sector, etc. On the same day, the Minister of Foreign Affairs attended the informal meeting of the Foreign Ministers of the Member States of the European Union. The main topics of discussion focused on the stage of Russia's war of aggression against Ukraine and the situation in the Middle East. The objective was to coordinate European positions in the context of multilateral meetings in New York. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Secretary of State Antony Blinken's Call with Mauritian Prime Minister Pravind Jugnauth US Department of State Readout Office of the Spokesperson September 24, 2024 The below is attributable to Spokesperson Matthew Miller: Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken spoke with Mauritian Prime Minister Pravind Jugnauth to discuss the strong U.S.-Mauritius partnership and our shared goal of enhancing security and prosperity for our people and the region. Secretary Blinken and Prime Minister Jugnauth discussed ongoing formal talks between the United Kingdom and Mauritius on the status of the island of Diego Garcia and the surrounding territory which includes the site of the joint U.S.-UK military facility which plays a vital role in Indo-Pacific and global security. Secretary Blinken expressed strong support for the progress made in the ongoing UK-Mauritius negotiations, and highlighted continued close collaboration with Mauritius on a wide range of bilateral, regional, and multilateral issues. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Secretary Antony J. Blinken At the Partnership for Global Infrastructure and Investment Roundtable On the Lobito Corridor: Supporting Transcontinental Connectivity US Department of State Remarks Antony J. Blinken, Secretary of State Palace Hotel New York City, New York September 24, 2024 SECRETARY BLINKEN: Well, good afternoon, everyone. And to all of our partners from across governments, financial institutions, from regions around the globe, welcome. Thank you for being here this afternoon. Since 2022, the United States and other G7 members have been working together to finance infrastructure projects that support economic growth all around the world. We've been bringing together governments, business, financial institutions to pool our resources, to pool our expertise. And the goal, the objective, is to build quality, sustainable infrastructure - from roads to clean energy to fiber optic cables. We're doing this with the highest standards of transparency, labor and environmental protections, in partnership with communities, to make sure that we're being responsive to their needs. And just over the last two years, the United States has mobilized some $60 billion to support projects around the world, from South America to Southeast Asia to Africa. The Lobito Corridor - connecting Angola, Zambia, the Democratic Republic of Congo - is one of our biggest projects. The ultimate goal is infrastructure connecting the Atlantic to the Indian Ocean. The coalition that we've built includes three African countries, two of our G7 partners, and the Africa Finance Corporation and African Development Bank. We look forward to welcoming Italy, which has already made significant investments on the continent through its own Mattei Plan. So far, the United States and our partners have committed over $4 billion to Lobito Corridor projects. Together we're expanding access to clean energy, the internet, healthcare, and we're upgrading and building railways, roads, bridges. And we're already seeing results. It used to be that it took up to 45 days to get shipments to port by truck. Now, just a fraction of that time by train. Today, multiple international shipments are running every week - including to the United States - bringing, for example, copper, helping to fuel the clean energy transition. Regional shipments will soon include agricultural products to strengthen food supply chains. In January, I had a chance to visit Angola. I saw the benefits of this development firsthand. I heard from CEOs about investments they're making in the corridor, like developing solar grids to bring clean, affordable energy to more than a million people. Just moments ago, several members of the group announced new steps forward to build a railway connecting Zambia and the Port of Lobito, including: signed agreements between Angola, Zambia, and the Africa Finance Corporation to continue developing the project; the U.S. Trade and Development Agency providing more than 2 million in grants for environmental and social impact assessments to uphold standards, building on recently completed feasibility studies. Today, Tanzania is also joining conversations about the Lobito Corridor for the first time - something we very much welcome. This afternoon, we'll have a chance to discuss how we can expand the Lobito Corridor and also lay the groundwork for the convening of leaders in Angola, led by President Biden and President Lourenco. So I'm very eager to have this conversation, to get a chance to hear from our colleagues. This is an incredibly positive endeavor, one that's already showing results. But as I had a chance to see for myself, the possibilities are extraordinary. And the challenge before us is to continue the work to actually realize them. With that, thank you very much and I'll hand it over to you. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Gaza crisis reveals 'true nature' of Israeli regime, Iranian President says 24 September 2024 - The President of Iran told world leaders at the UN General Assembly on Tuesday that the past year revealed to the world the true nature of the Israeli regime. Addressing the general debate at the Assembly's 79th session, Masoud Pezeshkian, who assumed office in July, also expressed readiness to engage with the partners of the stalled Iranian nuclear deal. On the situation in Gaza, he emphasized that the world has witnessed Israeli atrocities, which "in eleven months has murdered in cold blood over 41,000 innocent people, mostly women and children." As Israel assassinated Iranian scientists, diplomats, and guests, Iran supported popular liberation movements of those victimized by the Israeli regime's crimes and colonialism, he continued. "We have been siding with the people across the world, who have flooded the streets in outrage against Israeli atrocities; we condemn Israeli crimes against humanity," he said, urging the international community to immediately stop the violence and establish a permanent ceasefire in Gaza. He also condemned Israel's "desperate barbarism" in Lebanon, warning that it must be halted "before it engulfs the region and the world." President Pezeshkian further noted that he campaigned on a platform focused on reform, empathy, and constructive global engagement and expressed his honour in earning the trust of Iranian citizens. "I aim to lay a strong foundation for my country's entry into a new era, positioning it to play an effective and constructive role in the evolving global order. My objective is to address existing obstacles and challenges while structuring my country's foreign relations in cognizance of the necessities and realities of the contemporary world." He emphasized that in today's globalized world, no country can attain security by undermining the security of others and called for a "new paradigm" built on opportunities and cooperation to address global challenges. Recalling the "historic" 2015 nuclear deal, he noted that Iran, under the Joint Comprehensive Programme of Action (JCPOA), had agreed to the highest level of nuclear oversight in return for the recognition of its rights and the lifting of sanctions. However, former US President Donald Trump's unilateral withdrawal from the JCPOA represented a "threat-ridden approach" to politics, Mr. Pezeshkian added, stressing that unilateral sanctions targeted innocent people and weakened the Iranian economy. "We are ready to engage with JCPOA participants. If JCPOA commitments are implemented fully and in good faith, dialogue on other issues can follow," he said. "We have the opportunity to transcend limitations and enter a new era, commencing with the acknowledgment of Iran's security concerns and cooperation on mutual challenges," he said. Reiterating the destructive impact of sanctions, he emphasized that Iran is ready to foster meaningful economic, social, political and security partnerships with its neighbours and global partners, "based on equal footing." "The appropriate response to this message from Iran is not to impose more sanctions, but to fulfil existing obligations to remove sanctions, benefiting Iranian people and hence laying the foundations for more constructive agreements." NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Qatar will continue to mediate for peace in Gaza, Amir Al Thani tells world leaders 24 September 2024 - The international community bears responsibility for its failure to stop the catastrophe in Gaza, the Amir of Qatar told world leaders at the UN General Assembly on Tuesday, emphasizing that after almost a year of conflict, it is no longer tenable to speak of Israel's right to defend itself without being complicit in justifying their actions. Speaking at the Assembly's high-level debate, Sheikh Tamim Bin Hamad Al Thani described the "blatant aggression" against Palestinians in Gaza as the "most barbaric, heinous, and extensive" breach of human values, international charters, and norms. "This is not a war as commonly understood in international relations, but a crime of genocide, by means sophisticated weapons against a people trapped in a detention camp, where there is no escape from a barrage of aerial bombing." Expressing opposition to violence and the targeting of civilians by any party, he stressed that "with all that has taken place and continues to be take place, it is no longer tenable to speak of Israel's right to defend itself in this context without being complicit in justifying the crime." The Amir said it was unfortunate that the Security Council failed to enforce its ceasefire resolution in Gaza and that it did not grant full UN membership to the State of Palestine, despite a General Assembly resolution. "The State of Palestine's full UN membership neither establishes its sovereignty nor ends the occupation, but at least it sends a clear message to the far-right government involved in challenging international legitimacy that force does not eliminate rights." In addition to its humanitarian efforts, Qatar has engaged in mediation alongside Egypt and the United States to end the conflict in Gaza and secure the release of prisoners and detainees. Despite challenges and attempts to obstruct these efforts, "we will continue our mediation to resolve disputes through peaceful means," he affirmed. The Amir also expressed concern over the escalation in Lebanon, particularly the targeting of communication devices with complete disregard for the identity or location of those affected. He also referred to other conflicts and crisis, including Yemen, Syria, Sudan and Libya, and the war between Russia and Ukraine, urging peaceful settlements of dispute, in line with UN Charter and international law. In conclusion, the Amir reaffirmed Qatar's commitment to working with international partners and the United Nations to strengthen peace, security, sustainable development, human rights, and the rule of law, to achieve a better future for all. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address 'We won't be silent as apartheid is perpetrated against others' - South Africa 24 September 2024 - South African President Cyril Ramaphosa on Tuesday told the UN General Assembly that his nation had benefited from a wave of international solidarity in the battle to end apartheid and usher in a new democratic era. In his address to Assembly's annual high-level debate, he said, "The South African story bears witness to the enduring role of the United Nations in global matters. In supporting our struggle, the UN affirmed the principles of the UN Charter - fundamental human rights, the dignity and worth of every person, and the equal rights of nations large and small." With his country's historic struggle to secure a flourishing democracy in mind, President Ramaphosa emphasized: "We South Africans know what apartheid looks like [and] we will not remain silent and watch as apartheid is perpetrated against others" in Gaza as Israel continues its collective punishment of the Palestinians. He called for a collective effort through the UN system and other multinational institutions to end civilian suffering and for South Africa's legal action taken against Israel through the International Court of Justice (ICJ) to prevail. "The only lasting solution is the establishment of a Palestinian State that will exist side by side with Israel with East Jerusalem as its capital," he stressed. On other issues, he said every effort must be taken to bring peace to the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Sudan, Yemen, Ukraine and the Sahel region, but that all requires a truly representative and inclusive Security Council. "The Security Council must be reformed as a matter of urgency. It must become more inclusive so that the voices of all nations can be heard and considered." He added that, "Africa stands ready to play its role in building a safer global order by participating in the work of the UN Security Council on the basis of respect and acceptance." President Ramaphosa said as part of the search for a safer world order, there must be greater cooperation between the UN and the African Union to resolve the root causes of wars on the continent. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address 'If we act together,' we can overcome global challenges - UN Assembly President 24 September 2024 - In a powerful address to the UN General Assembly, the 193-member body's President, Philemon Yang said the annual high-level debate "remains one of the world's most inclusive, represented, representative and authoritative platforms for global reflection of collective action". Emphasizing the urgent need for collective action to address pressing global issues, Mr. Yang highlighted the critical state of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), noting that with only five years remaining until the globally agreed 2030 deadline, less than 17 per cent of the targets are on track. He also underscored the immediate threats posed by the climate crisis, which is impacting ecosystems and livelihoods worldwide. "The urgency of our task cannot be overstated," he said, calling for a united front against the escalating climate emergency. Call for ceasefires in ongoing conflicts The Assembly President then turned to ongoing conflicts in the Middle East, Ukraine, Haiti, and Sudan, urging immediate ceasefires and adherence to international humanitarian law. He specifically called for an end to the violence between Hamas and Israel, advocating for the unconditional release of hostages and a two-State solution to ensure lasting peace and dignity for both Palestinians and Israelis. Military spending and the rising nuclear threat Mr. Yang warned against the diversion of resources into military stockpiles, which he described as fueling an unprecedented arms race reminiscent of the Cold War. He reiterated the existential threat posed by nuclear weapons, calling for urgent measures to abolish these instruments of destruction. In his remarks, the Assembly President stressed the importance of dialogue and trust among nations, noting that old prejudices and new divisions hinder peaceful resolutions to conflicts. "Constant dialogue is a powerful weapon," he asserted, emphasizing that trust is essential for human dignity and lasting peace. Gender equality and human rights The President also addressed gender equality, highlighting the ongoing struggles faced by women and girls worldwide who are denied basic rights and opportunities. He condemned forced labor and modern slavery, calling for a global commitment to combat these injustices. Reforming multilateral institutions Yang pointed to the urgent need for reform in the international financial system, as many countries grapple with crippling debt. He noted the widening digital divide, which excludes entire populations from essential resources needed for success in the modern world. Mr. Yang reminded world leaders of their collective responsibility to shape a better future. He referenced the recent Summit of the Future and the adoption of the Pact for the Future, which aims to reinvigorate multilateral institutions to meet the challenges of a rapidly changing world. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address The world is at an inflection point but 'there's always a way forward', says Biden 24 September 2024 - United States President Joe Biden told leaders at the United Nations on Tuesday that with the world at a historical inflection point "our task, our test, is to make sure that the forces holding us together are stronger than those that are pulling us apart." In his fourth and final speech to the General Assembly, Mr. Biden stated, "The choices we make today will determine our future for decades to come." He also reflected on his more than 50 years in public life and counseled other leaders that "some things are more important than staying in power." While he sounded an optimistic note about the international community's ability to pull together to tackle global crises, he highlighted key problems that are yet to be solved. Indeed, the world "must not flinch from the horrors" of Hamas' 7 October attack on Israel, President Biden said and called for the return of the Israeli hostages taken during that attack and a ceasefire that will end the current conflict in the Gaza Strip. He underscored that innocent civilians in Gaza are "also going through hell, thousands and thousands killed including aid workers" and stressed that since 7 October, the United States has been determined to prevent a wider war that engulfs the entire region. "Hezbollah, unprovoked, joined the October 7th attack, launching rockets into Israel. Almost a year later, too many on each side of the Israeli-Lebanon border remain displaced. Full-scale war is not in anyone's interest," said President Biden. He went on to warn that the world "cannot look away" from Russia's invasion of Ukraine, but said "the good news is [Russian President Vladimir] Putin's war has failed at its core aim ... he set out to destroy Ukraine, but Ukraine is still free. He set out to weaken NATO, but NATO is bigger, stronger, more united than ever before." The US President also drew attention to the "bloody civil war" in Sudan, which he said has "unleashed one of the world's worst humanitarian crises." As such, he called for the international community to increase pressure to end the conflict. In the face of these and other challenges, including the responsible use of artificial intelligence, Mr. Biden asked the assembled leaders: "Will we stand behind the principles that unite us? Will we stand firm against aggression? Will we end the conflicts that are raging today? Will we take on global challenges like climate change, hunger and disease?" He argued that there is always a "way forward," and stressed: "Things can get better...We should never forget that. I've seen that throughout my career." NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Trust in UN's cornerstone ideals 'crumbling': King Abdullah II of Jordan 24 September 2024 - Addressing world leaders at the UN General Assembly, King Abdullah II of Jordan warned that the United Nations is facing an unprecedented crisis, one that threatens its legitimacy and undermines global trust in its moral authority. He noted that while the world has seen many conflicts over the years, "there has never been a time of greater peril than this." Even the UN is under attack, both literally and figuratively, with its sky-blue flag "powerless" to protect civilians from Israeli military bombardment, he stated, adding that its aid workers have been disparaged and targeted, and the opinions and rulings of the International Court of Justice (ICJ) disregarded. "It is no surprise that both inside and outside this Hall, trust in the UN's cornerstone principles and ideals is crumbling," he said. This, he argued, is because many perceive that some nations operate above international law, global justice is swayed by power and human rights are selectively applied. King Abdullah II urged world leaders to reflect on the state of the world, asking: if nations are not united in their commitment to equal rights, dignity, and justice for all, what kind of world are they creating? While reiterating his country's condemnation of the 7 October 2023 attack on Israeli civilians, he said that the "unprecedented scale of terror unleashed on Gaza since that day is beyond any justification". "This Israeli government has killed more children, more journalists, more aid workers, and more medical personnel than any other war in recent memory," he said, noting also attacks in the West Bank and violations of the historical and legal status quo of Holy Sites in Jerusalem. "During this time, the Israeli government has been allowed to cross one red line after another," he said. "The world is watching, and history will judge us by the courage we show. And it's not just the future that will hold us accountable, so will the people of the here and now." He emphasized that it is the moral duty of the international community to establish a protection mechanism for Palestinians in the occupied territories, who have endured over 57 years of occupation and oppression. Nearly a year into the conflict, he stressed that while the world has failed politically, humanity must not fail the people of Gaza. Recalling his father's address to the fifteenth session of the General Assembly, he expressed the deep hope that world leaders will have the courage to act decisively and with urgency, as the crisis and their conscience demand. "My father was a man who fought for peace to the very end. And, like him, I refuse to leave my children, or your children, a future we have given up on." NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Readout of President Joe Biden's Meeting with Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus of Bangladesh September 24, 2024 President Joseph R. Biden, Jr. met today with Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus of Bangladesh to congratulate him on his recent appointment as the head of the interim government. Both leaders affirmed the close partnership between the United States and Bangladesh, which is rooted in shared democratic values and strong people-to-people ties. President Biden welcomed further engagement between the two governments and offered continued U.S. support as Bangladesh implements its new reform agenda. ### NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Washington Guard, Thailand Collaborate on Stryker Readiness By Peter Chang, Joint Force Headquarters - Washington National Guard September 25, 2024 CHON BURI, Thailand -- The 1st Battalion, 205th Regimental Training Institute, Washington National Guard, and the 112th Stryker Regiment, Royal Thai Army, strengthened their partnership during a Stryker maintenance exchange Sept. 7-19. The initiative in Chon Buri was part of the State Partnership Program, which enhances military capabilities and collaboration between the two forces. Since the Royal Thai Army fielded the Stryker combat vehicles, the 205th Regiment launched the Stryker Leader Course in Thailand. The course focused on operational effectiveness and tactical maneuvers. As the course progressed, the emphasis shifted to maintenance and logistics, critical components for maintaining unit readiness. "Operational training is important, but having a solid maintenance unit is equally vital for Stryker operators," said Chief Warrant Officer 4 Ricky Thomas, the exchange team lead. "We're working with their leadership and maintenance managers to identify ways to streamline operations. They currently lack some basic repair tools, and we are looking at ways to speed up parts acquisition and provide relevant training for fiscal year 2025." Training sessions have uncovered gaps in maintenance protocols and logistics, prompting discussions between Washington National Guard and Royal Thai Army leaders. The collaboration seeks to establish best practices in vehicle upkeep and supply chain management to improve overall efficiency. The Washington National Guard works closely with Thai soldiers, delivering hands-on equipment maintenance and inventory management training. "Our goal is to provide the tools, training and knowledge necessary for the NCOs and officer corps of the Royal Thai Army at the 112th Stryker Regiment and their support battalion," said 1st Sgt. Jacob Harrington, chief instructor for the 1st Battalion, 205th Regimental Training Institute. "If they require specific training, we can tailor our approach. Ultimately, it's about meeting their needs." This partnership enhances military readiness and strengthens the longstanding relationship between the United States and Thailand. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Address by the President of the Republic of Cyprus, Mr Nikos Christodoulides, at the plenary of the United Nations General Assembly Press and Information Office, Ministry of Interior, Republic of Cyprus 25-09-2024 18:51 United Nations, New York Madam President, Your Excellencies, Ladies and gentlemen, At the outset, I wish to congratulate His Excellency Ambassador Philemon Yang for his election as President of the 79th Session of the General Assembly. Rest assured, Mr President, of Cyprus' steadfast support for your mission. Your Excellencies, I humbly stood at this podium for the first time last year. My main premise then was that the United Nations (UN) Charter is not a reality. It is a promise. A sacred pledge that we inherited from our predecessors. From those who had the remarkable courage, the clarity of vision, to put pen on paper, vision to action, and to solemnly declare - Never Again. These great visionaries, who had the audacity to build peace upon still burning ashes of war, assumed the tremendous responsibility to look beyond the horrors of the past. To learn from history, no matter how painful, and to lay the foundations for a world anchored on peace and stability, respect for international law, the sovereignty and territorial integrity of states. A world that leaves no one behind. hat ensures prosperity and human dignity for all. Burning like a torch, lit from those ashes, this promise was passed to us. Their voices are echoed in the halls of this building, which stands as a beacon and a symbol of the only path to the fulfilment of the UN Charter, which each and every state, each and every one of us, undertook to uphold - multilateralism and respect for International Law. Diplomacy, peaceful settlement of disputes, cooperation over use of force and aggression. Laying down arms. A world order that does not appease the aggressor, the violator of international legality. Ladies and gentlemen, Only a few weeks after last year's General Assembly, on October 7th, the world was shocked by the unimaginable, horrendous brutality of the terrorist attack against innocent civilians. No one was spared by the blindness and cruelty of terror that Friday morning. Women raped. Children killed and abducted. The elderly witnessing the burning flame of their loved ones; their future, extinguished before their eyes. Their screams penetrating their hearts, forever changing the landscape of their lives. Penetrating the conscience of humanity. There is never, ever, any justification for terror. There is never, ever, any justification for such blatant disregard for human life and dignity. No matter where it comes from, no matter whom it concerns. It concerns us all. When rape is used as a weapon of war against women and girls, when children are abducted, our voice needs to be loud, clear, united, unequivocal. Those are our daughters. Those are our children. And we failed them. Let me be clear - ours is a mission for the innocent. Innocence knows no country, age, race, nor religion. Human pain and human dignity is equal for all. And it must be upheld always, in each and every context. In the immediate aftermath of the October 7th attack, and as the humanitarian situation in Gaza deteriorated, the Republic of Cyprus acted. We acted on our moral responsibility to help the innocent civilians of Gaza - men, women, children - suffering abhorrent conditions no human should ever endure. As a country that is an integral part of the region, Cyprus built on the longstanding bonds of friendship and trust with our neighbours. Fulfilling our duty as an anchor of stability in a turbulent sea, as the European Union's lighthouse in the Eastern Mediterranean, we delivered the Amalthea maritime corridor to the international community. A lifeline of hope and humanity. The Cyprus humanitarian corridor is a manifestation of the spirit and the letter of the UN Charter: cooperation and multilateralism. It aptly demonstrates the power of diplomacy, one of our most powerful tools. Cyprus worked closely with regional and international partners - with the United Arab Emirates, the United States - with the concrete support of the European Union (EU), the UN, united by a shared vision. These guiding principles are the beacon of our engagement in international relations - the power of diplomacy as a force for good. We have consistently manifested this commitment, and will continue to do so. Cyprus has acted, time and time again, as a regional evacuation hub at times of crisis. A safe bridge, a safe haven for civilians. Ladies and gentlemen, The Palestinian children that have been orphaned, forced to live in tents, with no access to the most basic items of existence - food, shelter, education, safety - are also our children. No child should ever endure such nightmare. They did not cause this war. They do not deserve it. They suffer in silence. Their cries are haunting our conscience. We have also failed them. The situation in Gaza is a desperate cry for us to act decisively. We must do all that is in our power, we must act - as leaders, as states, as international and regional organisations. My country has emphatically stressed the need for the respect of international humanitarian law, the protection of civilians, the rapid, safe and unhindered flow of humanitarian aid into Gaza. For the immediate and unconditional release of all hostages. This war must end now. The suffering must stop now. We have also consistently underlined and acted on the imperative of avoiding further escalation and destabilisation in the region, and of the vital importance of preventing regional escalation. We are deeply alarmed by recent developments in our neighbouring Lebanon and stress the need for restraint. A step back must be taken from the brink. Excellencies, The wider region of the Eastern Mediterranean and the Greater Middle East - Cyprus' neighbourhood - is no doubt a turbulent region, faced with a multitude of complex challenges. And yet, this neighbourhood is so much more than the prevailing narrative. I will never accept the linear narrative of a region in turmoil. It is a narrative that ignores the complexities, but also the immense promise of the region and its people. The dynamics of opportunity and change that are unfolding. I have seen this journey closely, witnessed the fruit of cooperation in the region, experienced first-hand what countries of the region can achieve when they come together, behind a common vision for the future, committed to multilateralism, always in respect of international legality. And I am convinced that the Eastern Mediterranean and the wider Middle East can move decisively beyond the prevailing narrative of being a region in turmoil and become a hub of stability, peace, and cooperation. For the region to fulfil its promise, there has to be a path for lasting peace. There is an urgent need to reinvigorate the Middle East Peace Process and reach a political settlement, in line with the relevant UN Security Council Resolutions. There is no other path to walk. Out of the tragedy and suffering of the last year, let us exert every effort to ensure there is a lifeline to peace. There are no shortcuts, no alternatives, or substitutes to a lasting peace. There are no frozen conflicts. The vacuum created in the absence of a viable peace becomes a breeding ground for crisis and conflict. We can never be complacent. This is a painful lesson recent history teaches over and over again. The Russian invasion of Ukraine, a sovereign nation, came as yet another stark reminder of what is at stake if we do not defend and uphold the principles enshrined in the UN Charter. Cyprus strongly condemns any breach of international peace and security effected through military action by any state, against the independence, sovereignty, and territorial integrity of another state. My country has stood in an unwavering manner, since the first day of the Russian invasion, on the right side of history. Cyprus, itself a victim of invasion and continuing occupation, has steadfastly supported the unity, territorial integrity, and sovereignty of Ukraine. Madam President, Your Excellencies, The torch for peace in Cyprus awaits to be lit. This year, on July 20th, we mourned 50 years since the Turkish invasion of Cyprus. Through use of force, Turkey occupies a sovereign European state. It violates the sovereignty and territorial integrity of an EU member state. Fifty years, half a century, of continuing Turkish occupation of approximately 37% of the territory of the Republic of Cyprus. Of continuous violation of the UN Charter, international law, including international humanitarian and human rights law. Fifty years that the displaced stoically await to return to their ancestral homes. Fifty years that the mothers of the missing stoically await the remains of their loved ones. To lay them to rest in peace. Half a century of blatant disregard of UN Security Council Resolutions. Resolutions that have also called for the return of the fenced town of Varosha to its lawful inhabitants, and its transfer to the administration of the UN. And yet, 50 years of resilience and hope by Cypriots. Hope for peace. A burning desire and a deep belief by my people, by all Cypriots, that this cannot be the future of Cyprus. It cannot be the future of our children and of the generations to come. They deserve to live, to thrive in coexistence and co-creation in a reunified country, in conditions of viable peace. I am often asked if I am optimistic about peace in Cyprus after 50 years. Let me recall the words of Jean Monnet, one of the inspired founders of the EU, when he proclaimed that, "This is not a time for blind optimism or paralysing pessimism. Now is the time to be determined." And so, the answer is that I am determined to work tirelessly and bravely for peace in Cyprus. To reunify my country and its people, in a modern, viable European state, with no troops of occupation, no foreign guarantees. I am determined to provide for all Cypriots all rights and fundamental freedoms that other Europeans enjoy. They deserve nothing less. I am determined NOT to fail them. To my Turkish Cypriot and Greek Cypriot compatriots, I hear your call for peace. It has not faded over time. It has grown louder. More determined. We look to the UN, to the UN Secretary General, who understands the imperative of reunification to fulfil the promise of peace. To deliver on the pledge of the UN Charter. I am determined to continue exerting all efforts to resume negotiations for a viable solution to the Cyprus issue, within the only framework: the relevant UN Security Council Resolutions that call for a bizonal, bicommunal federation with political equality, as defined by the relevant UN Security Council Resolutions, and fully in line with EU law, values and principles. Your Excellencies, Since the last time I stood before you in this hall, we have exerted every effort to resume the peace process. There is no alternative to the path of peace. I am committed and I am ready to sit at the negotiating table today. Not tomorrow. Today. I have clarity of vision for the future of Cyprus, for the future of our children in a reunified, prosperous, viable European state. To Mr Erdogan, history will judge us. And history is unforgiving in the light it casts on leaders who have an opportunity to deliver peace, and instead choose the path of revisionism and disregard for international law. Those who want to lead must lead by example. The voice of morality cannot have selective historical amnesia or selective sensitivity to violations of international law. The aggressor, the violator of international law, cannot be the advocate of legality, nor point the finger to others. On this podium yesterday we heard Mr Erdogan call for the disregard of the UN Charter, the violation of UN Security Council Resolutions, and international law, including the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea. And my response, the response of the international community is clear: Illegality stemming from invasion, aggression and use of force CANNOT be recognised. International law is not a la carte. Its interpretation does not change depending on who is the violator. It applies equally to all contexts, to all countries. It applies to Turkey, a country that 50 years ago, used force in violation of the UN Charter, invaded a sovereign state, and is an occupation force in Cyprus. It is an affront to this plenary to name an invasion a peace operation. Revisionism cannot change reality. Not now, not ever. To Mr Erdogan, I also say: now is the time to deliver on your proclaimed commitment to international law and to peace. No country that believes in the moral superiority of its position refuses to sit on the negotiating table. I adamantly believe that we can carve a new path, one of peace, cooperation and collaboration. We cannot change geography. It is an opportunity, not a curse. Turkey and Cyprus will always remain neighbours. Let us change the narrative. Let us transform our proximity into a promise. Let us build together a legacy of peace, that can be transformative for the whole region. Ladies and gentlemen, In "Our Common Agenda" the Secretary-General remarked that humanity faces a stark and urgent choice - "a breakdown or a breakthrough". I welcome the Secretary-General's New Agenda for Peace and support multilateral efforts towards peace and security. Collective action is urgently needed to address the changing nature of conflicts, including challenges posed by new technologies, the climate emergency, rising inequalities, and backtracking on human rights. Halfway to the deadline, it is alarming that our world is off-track to achieve the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. Despite some glimmers of hope, action, transformative solutions, and comprehensive reforms are urgently needed. The Agendas and Resolutions are in place. We do not need more words. We need action. Human rights constitute the backbone of the multilateral system. And it is a top priority of Cyprus foreign policy. Guided by our longstanding commitment to promoting, protecting, and fulfilling all human rights, as well as advancing and strengthening international Human Rights within the UN, Cyprus has announced its first-ever candidacy for the Human Rights Council for the period 2025-2027, with elections taking place this autumn. Our candidature stems from our deep dedication to promoting, protecting, and fulfilling basic human rights for all, as well as advancing and strengthening international human rights within the United Nations' system. Ladies and gentlemen, The world is at an inflection point. Our children, the generations to come are watching. And they will hold us accountable. The decisions we make today, the courage and vision we transform into action, have the potential to change the trajectory of the world. We have an opportunity to come together and through multilateralism, by upholding the primacy of the UN Charter, to build a safer, more secure world. The nature of the challenges we face is such that no country can address it on its own. We need to come together. "We, the peoples of the United Nations, DETERMINED ." Thank you. (RM/AP/GS) NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address September 25, 2024 Release Readout of Acting Under Secretary of Defense for Policy Ms. Amanda Dory Meeting With Minister of Defense of North Macedonia Mr. Vlado Misajlovski Pentagon Spokesman LtCol Garron Garn, USMC, provided the following readout: On September 25, 2024, Ms. Amanda Dory, the Acting Under Secretary of Defense for Policy in the Office of the Secretary of Defense, met with Mr. Vlado Misajlovski, Minister of Defense of North Macedonia. The meeting took place at the Pentagon in Washington, DC. The leaders discussed progress made in the U.S.-North Macedonia bilateral defense relationship, including increased joint exercises and training, military-to-military engagements, and support to Ukraine. The leaders also exchanged views on security situation in the Western Balkans and how to strengthen their cooperation in the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) Alliance. https://www.defense.gov/News/Releases/Release/Article/1926383/ NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address September 25, 2024 By Joseph Clark, DOD News DOD Official Briefs Lawmakers on Financial Management Progress, Path Forward A senior Pentagon official briefed lawmakers yesterday on the Defense Department's progress with improving and modernizing its financial management systems and strengthening the integrity and transparency in its financial reporting. Thomas C. Steffens, the senior assistant to the DOD's comptroller provided testimony before the House Oversight and Accountability Subcommittee on Government Operations and the Federal Workforce, outlining the Defense Department's recent financial management success and its path toward receiving an unmodified audit opinion by 2028. Meeting that objective, Steffens said, remains a top priority for senior DOD leaders, including Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III and Deputy Defense Secretary Kathleen Hicks. He said the Defense Department's focus on financial management, modernization and improvement have improved audit results, noting that in fiscal year 2023, the Marine Corps became the first branch to post an unmodified, or "clean," opinion indicating that a third-party auditor found no material errors or misstatements in financial statements. Each year, the department-wide audit, comprised of dozens of standalone audits of the services and other components, marks a significant undertaking for the Pentagon. DOD is one of the largest organizations in the world, accounting for $3.8 trillion in assets and $4 trillion in liabilities in fiscal year 2023. Steffens said at the start of the fiscal year 2024 audit, unmodified and unqualified audit opinions together covered 51% or $1.9 trillion of DOD's total assets. He said that figure will continue to increase in coming years. He added that investing in key financial management technologies will be critical to achieving the congressionally mandated timeline for a clean audit. In fiscal year 2023, DOD invested $991 million in audit remediation including investments in key technologies to accelerate audit progress and improve controls. "This investment focuses heavily on tackling the root cause of systemic, long-standing issues that impede success," Steffens said. He added that the Defense Department has also partnered with Congress to improve financial management by reforming the planning, program, budgeting and execution process. "The PPBE process is a fundamental strategic decision support mechanism for our leadership," Steffens said. This year, the commission on PPBE reform released 28 recommendations that were parceled into 35 recommendations. Hicks later endorsed 26 of those recommendations for implementation across the Defense Department. "The timeline for PPBE reform relies on outcomes from complex, multiorganizational discussions and legislative actions and success depends on sustained cooperation and transparency," Steffens said. "We appreciate congressional support for the National Defense Strategy and the [Defense] Department's financial management improvement efforts." He said Congress' continued support is critical for the Defense Department's ability to continue to make strides. That support, he said, includes passing full and on-time appropriations. He noted that over the last 15 fiscal years, the Defense Department has operated under 48 stop-gap funding measures, or continuing resolutions, lasting 1,794 days or nearly five calendar years. The unpredictability of funding, Steffens said, has compounding effects on the DOD's ability to make critical investments needed to accomplish its mission. Congress is expected to enact another short-term continuing resolution as fiscal year 2024 funding expires later this month. "Without a timely budget, we are challenged in investing in new technologies, equipment and training," Steffens said. "This has a profound impact on the quality of life of our service members, damages military hiring and delays vital investments in capacity such as submarine and shipbuilding." "Undersecretary of Defense Comptroller Michael McCord and I join Secretary Austin in urging Congress to act urgently," he added. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address September 25, 2024 By C. Todd Lopez, DOD News Senate Confirms More Than 6,000 Military Leaders for Promotions, New Positions The U.S. Senate has confirmed, via voice vote, the promotions of some 6,030 military officers across the Department of Defense to both new ranks and in some cases to new jobs. "Last night, the Senate confirmed more than 6,000 of our highly qualified military nominees in the Air Force, Army, Marine Corps, Navy and Space Force," said Deputy Pentagon Press Secretary Sabrina Singh during a briefing today. Less than a year ago, hundreds of similar nominations were held up in the Senate due to a blanket hold on confirmations implemented in February 2023. "We're very glad that the Senate has confirmed these officers for critical positions during this time and for our national security," she said. Among those names submitted to and confirmed by the Senate were Air Force Lt. Gen. Steven S. Nordhaus, who was promoted to general and who will serve as chief of the National Guard Bureau; Navy Vice Adm. Alvin Holsey, promoted to admiral, who serve as commander of U.S. Southern Command; Air Force Lt. Gen. Randall Reed, to general, to serve as commander of U.S. Transportation Command; and Air Force Lt. Gen. Xavier T. Brunson, to general, to serve as commander of U.S. Forces Korea. Hurricane Helene Singh also said the department is monitoring the path of Hurricane Helene for what kind of impact it may have and what type of assistance will be needed. "Florida and Georgia have both declared states of emergency, and the governor of Florida has activated more than 3,300 National Guardsmen and 12 rotary wing aviation assets in state active duty status," Singh said. "These guardsmen are pre-positioned around the state to provide responsive state support, including high-wheeled vehicle rescues, aerial support, route clearance and commodities distribution." Singh also said that in the next 24 to 48 hours, Georgia, Alabama and North Carolina are expected to activate their National Guard units as well. According to a National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration public advisory released earlier today, Hurricane Helene is expected to make landfall Thursday evening along the Florida Big Bend coast. "After landfall, Helene is expected to slow down and turn toward the Northwest over the Southeastern United States Friday and Saturday," the advisory reads. "Data from an Air Force Reserve hurricane hunter aircraft indicate that maximum sustained winds remain near 80 mph with higher gusts. Strengthening is forecast, and Helene is expected to be a major hurricane when it reaches the Florida Big Bend coast Thursday evening." NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address European Peace Facility: Council adopts the second EU assistance measure in support of the Army of the Republic of North Macedonia European Council / Council of the European Union Council of the EU Press release 25 September 2024 16:25 The Council has adopted an assistance measure under the European Peace Facility (EPF) worth 13 million with the aim of strengthening the capacities and capabilities of the Army of the Republic of North Macedonia. The assistance measure will strengthen North Macedonia's capacities with respect to its participation in the EU's Common Security and Defence Policy (CSDP) operations and missions and other international missions. Today's decision further illustrates the growing association with North Macedonia on security and defence. It reflects the consistent commitment of the partners to enhance their cooperation in this policy area, in full alignment of North Macedonia's with the EU's Common Foreign and Security Policy. The EPF will provide equipment not designed to deliver lethal force and, related supplies and services, including technical training as appropriate. The Assistance Measure will include support on technologies related to intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance, electronic warfare and signal intelligence, logistics and engineering equipment, as well as communication and information systems. Background and next steps The European Peace Facility was established in March 2021 for the financing of actions under the Common Foreign and Security Policy to prevent conflicts, preserve peace and strengthen international security and stability. In particular, the EPF allows the EU to finance actions designed to strengthen the capacities of third states and regional and international organisations relating to military and defence matters. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Western Balkans: High Representative Josep Borrell hosts regional leaders in New York European External Action Service (EEAS) 25.09.2024 EEAS Press Team High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy/Vice-President of the European Commission Josep Borrell hosted an informal meeting with Western Balkans leaders on Wednesday in New York, in the margins of the United Nations General Assembly. The annual gathering reflects the European Union's commitment to our partnership with the Western Balkans - our future Member States. It serves as an occasion for exchange of views on issues of common interest, beyond enlargement, on issues of global security and stability. The discussion centred on the pressing geopolitical challenges, particularly the damaging impact of Russia's aggression against Ukraine and China's efforts to expand its economic influence. High Representative Borrell and the Western Balkans leaders discussed the importance of strengthening resilience, emphasising the need for strategic alignment with the European Union to safeguard regional stability. High Representative Borrell highlighted that the Western Balkans is an integral part of Europe's future. He emphasised the importance and strength of EU-Western Balkans ties, and reiterated that EU membership is within reach, provided that the key reforms are pursued with renewed focus. The meeting was an opportunity to recall the need to resolve existing bilateral disputes. High Representative Borrell underlined the importance of good neighbourly relations achieved through dialogue and compromise as essential steps toward the EU integration. The leaders must take bold, strategic decisions to advance their European aspirations. High Representative Borrell concluded by reaffirming the EU's commitment to supporting the Western Balkans on their European path, highlighting that enlargement remains a top priority for the EU. Prime Minister of Albania Edi Rama, Chairman of the Presidency of Bosnia and Herzegovina Denis Becirovic, President of Kosovo Vjosa Osmani-Sadriu, President of North Macedonia Gordana Siljanovska-Davkova, President of Serbia Aleksandar Vucic and Deputy Prime Minister for Foreign and European Affairs of Montenegro Filip Ivanovic participated in the meeting. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address UNGA: Address by High Representative/Vice-President Josep Borrell at the G20 Ministerial meeting on the "Call to Action on Global Governance Reform" European External Action Service (EEAS) 25.09.2024 New York, 25/09/2024 EEAS Press Team Check against delivery! Thank you to Brazil, I commend you, Minister, [for Foreign Affairs of Brazil, Mauro Vieira] and President [of Brazil, Luiz Inacio] Lula [Da Silva] for making the G20 a driver for change and a key forum to address the complex challenges of our time. The G20 'Call to Action on Global Governance Reform' presented today, translates our commitment to move from words to action. We have a lot of words, maybe not so much action. And [it serves] to increase the effectiveness of the multilateral system, with the United Nations at the core. The European Union fully supports this text. These reforms should reflect our commitment to the rule of law, to humanitarian principles, and to protect human rights and dignity for all individuals. But how can we be credible, to reinforce our commitment to the United Nations Charter and international law, when Russia has started and continues a brutal, illegal and unprovoked war of aggression against Ukraine? How can we say that we are committed to the United Nations Charter when, in the Middle East, so many resolutions of the United Nations have been unfulfilled, for many years? How many resolutions of the United Nations and rulings of the International Court of Justice have been completely forgotten and not implemented by Israel? How can we continue saying that we are upholding the United Nations Charter when some relevant actors continue forgetting, and misleading, and not implementing what the United Nations' institutions decide? We have heard President [of Ukraine, Volodymyr] Zelenskyy here in New York: we support the key objectives and principles of his Ukrainian 'Peace Formula' for a comprehensive, and lasting peace. Only this path will bring a durable solution, which matters beyond Europe as well. [There are] many other crises. I mentioned only two, but there are Sudan, Haiti - just to name a few, that call for an effective United Nations that can uphold in fact the United Nations Charter and deliver our commitment to peace and security. In the Middle East in particular, [it] is indispensable to reach a ceasefire to alleviate the catastrophic humanitarian situation and stop the escalation of violence in the region. As my colleague from Australia [Minister for Foreign Affairs, Penny Wong] has said, Lebanon cannot become a second Gaza. And Gaza cannot become a second West Bank, and a second West Bank cannot become a third Gaza. The reforms addressed in the 'Call to Action' are of key importance. I think there are three issues in which we have to focus our attention. First, representation and accountability. Second, financial vulnerabilities. And third, stop the global economic fragmentation. We need a comprehensive reform of the [United Nations] Security Council - talking about representation and accountability. A Security Council that strengthens the voice of underrepresented regions, [especially, but] not only [limited to] Africa. We need a United Nations General Assembly working better and more on the areas of peace and security. The second in the 'Call to for Action' is an effective international financial architecture to address global challenges. Together, [with] the G20, we have identified the potential to unlock about $357 billion in additional lending from the headroom by multilateral development banks. This is remarkable. Just mobilising these resources would be already a great success. We have to, certainly, finalise the G20 Roadmap for a better, bigger and more effective system of Multilateral Development Banks by October this year. We know what it means: private sector mobilisation, domestic resource mobilisation, [and] increasing concessional finance for low-income and middle-income countries. The third [in the 'Call to Action'] global debt vulnerabilities. Low-income and middle-income countries cannot continue to pay their debt at the expense of investment in education or health. Our priority is not to create new debt relief instruments, but to scale up the implementation of existing ones. [Another] dimension: you have to face the risk of geopolitical tensions, by sustaining the multilateral trading system and the World Trade Organisation (WTO) rules as our best guardrail against global economic fragmentation. We have to restore a well-functioning dispute settlement system [of the World Trade Organisation], accessible to all Members. This is our top priority. Let me finalise by thanking again President Lula for his leadership in bringing the G20 closer to the United Nations and reminding us that only through an effective, representative rules-based international order, we can aspire to global peace and prosperity. Your Excellencies, I wish a successful outcome to this meeting. Thank you. Link to video: https://audiovisual.ec.europa.eu/en/video/I-261100 NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Press Briefing by IDF Spokesperson RAdm. Daniel Hagari- September 25, 2024 IDF Press Release September 25, 2024 25.09.24 IDF Good evening, In the past few minutes, sirens were heard in Eilat following the infiltration of two UAVs. An Israeli Navy vessel intercepted one of them, while the second fell in the Port of Eilat area. Two people were lightly injured at the scene. Throughout the day, we continued conducting airstrikes across Lebanon. Fighter jets struck hundreds of terrorist targets across Lebanon, degrading Hezbollah's capabilities and infrastructure. So far, over the past three days, we struck more than 2,000 terrorist targets, including the rocket launchers that launched toward Safed, Nahariya, Wadi Ara, and HaAmakim today. In today's strikes, we carried out a wave of strikes on targets belonging to Hezbollah's Intelligence Directorate at 70 different sites, making it more difficult for Hezbollah to produce an intelligence situational assessment. The strikes that we have carried out in recent days have proven what we have been saying for yearsHezbollah exploits the civilian population and its surroundings in Lebanon for terrorist activities. In the footage we captured after the strikes, the weapons that were embedded in homes and destroyed after we struck the homes are visible. In the house you see here, in the village of Mayfadoun, in the heart of a civilian area, we struck a rocket launcher that was exposed after the strike. The house and the rocket launcher were destroyed. Another example is the house in the village of Baraachit, north of Bint Jbeil. The strike revealed a rocket launcher, which was destroyed. These are launchers that Hezbollah had embedded in the homes of Lebanese families, of civilians, preparing to launch rockets from them to distances of tens to hundreds of kilometers, in order to attack Israeli civilians. We are continuing to strike, we're not stopping, while simultaneously preparing plans for the next phases. Today, we mobilized two reserve brigades for operational missions in the northern arena, which will allow the continuation of the war. Hezbollah expanded its range of fire today. This morning, a surface-to-surface missile was fired toward central Israel and was intercepted by a David's Sling interceptor, destroying it at a very high altitude. We targeted the structure and launcher from which the missile was fired. Numerous alerts were triggered, some of them intended to prevent harm from fragments from the interception. We are continuously conducting a situational assessment regarding the home front, and we will update the defensive guidelines only when necessary, with your safety as our top priority. It is important that you continue to act responsibly and follow the Home Front Command's defensive guidelines. They save lives. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Iran condemns joint US-UAE statement on Persian Gulf islands IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency Sep 25, 2024 Tehran, IRNA -- Iranian Foreign Ministry Spokesman Nasser Kanaani has condemned a joint statement issued by the United States and the United Arab Emirates regarding the three Iranian islands in the Persian Gulf. "The three islands of Abu Musa, Greater Tunb, and Lesser Tunb are inseparable parts of Iran's territory and any remarks by third parties regarding them are fundamentally invalid and unacceptable," Kanaani said in a statement on Wednesday. He added that the repeated baseless claims by the UAE about the three Iranian islands and the issuance of political statements in collaboration with other parties lack legitimacy and do not undermine Iran's legal status or sovereignty over the islands. Following a meeting at the White House on Monday, US President Joe Biden and UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan issued a joint statement on the strategic partnership between their countries, which included a paragraph repeating the UAE's claim to the Iranian islands. The three Persian Gulf islands have historically been part of Iran, proof of which can be found in historical, legal, and geographical documents in Iran and other countries. 4353**2050 NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Hezbollah carries out fresh missile attacks on Israeli-occupied lands IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency Sep 25, 2024 Tehran, IRNA -- Lebanon's Hezbollah has launched a barrage of missiles on Israeli settlements in the occupied lands, local media reported. According to a report by Al Manar, the official television channel of Hezbollah, the resistance group struck the town of Sa'ir in southern West Bank and Kiryat Motzkin, a city in the Haifa district on Wednesday. The attacks came in retaliation for widespread Zionist strikes on southern Lebanon over the past few days. Hezbollah missiles have hit the towns of Zikhron Ya'akov and Bat Shlomo in southern Haifa, Israeli media reported, the first attacks by the group on this part of the occupied territories. A Zionist settler has reportedly been killed in the strikes with three others being wounded. 9341**2050 NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address President Pezeshkian warns of escalating regional instability due to Israeli regime's actions IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency Sep 25, 2024 Tehran, IRNA -- President Masoud Pezeshkian says that the people of Iran and the region are seriously affected by the Israeli regime's crimes, and the continuation of these crimes might lead to the situation getting out of control. President Pezeshkian made these remarks during a meeting with his French counterpart, Emmanuel Macron, held on the sidelines of the annual session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in New York late Tuesday local time. In the meeting, Pezeshkian stated that France can play a more effective role in preventing the Zionist regime from continuing its crimes. To prevent further tension and conflict in the region, the Islamic Republic practiced self-restraint towards Israel; however, the regime instead aggravated its crimes in Gaza and started attacking Lebanon, the Iranian president emphasized. Then, he censured the US and some Western states, including France, for excusing the crimes and claiming that they are being committed by the regime in self-defense. He went on to criticize the so-called advocates of human rights, who come together to defend an individual if they are abused, but remain silent on the massacre of thousands of innocent people in Gaza and Lebanon. The president urged Western countries to end to their double standards. Elsewhere in his remarks, the president said his administration seeks unity both within the country and externally, and follows a policy of constructive interaction with neighboring countries. The Iranian government is also ready to cooperate and interact with European states, he added. On the issue of Iran's nuclear program, the president reiterated that the Islamic Republic has never pursued and will not pursue nuclear weapons. For his part, the French president expressed concern over the situation in the region. Macron said his country condemns Israeli aggression against Lebanon and makes its all-out effort to put pressure to end the aggression. A few days ago, President Pezeshkian left Tehran for the New York City to participate in the 79th session of the UNGA, held from September 10-24. 1483**9417 NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Iran's president: Israel has committed genocide in region IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency Sep 25, 2024 Tehran, IRNA -- Iran's President Masoud Pezeshkian says the Zionist regime has committed genocide in the region. If everyone is united, Israel will not dare to continue its criminal actions, Pezeshkian told Al-Jazeera. He described Israel's actions in the region as genocide, saying that unfortunately, European countries and the US continue to defend these crimes. Israel hopes to expand the scope of the war in West Asia to guarantee its survival, he noted. He also pointed out that Israel has failed to achieve its goals and has not been able to destroy the Hamas movement, saying the regime has only destroyed the cities and prevented humanitarian aid. He also urged Islamic countries to give an integrated response to Israel. "We will determine the time for the response to the assassination of Ismail Haniyeh", the head of Hamas politburo, he said. Netanyahu is trying to gain political vitality through the current crisis, Pezshkian added. "We have never been after conflict with any side and have been committed to the nuclear agreement," he stated. "Our weapons and missiles are for self-defense, If we are threatened by an attack from Israel," he added. "We have no problem with talking to the US, but it did not fulfill its commitments," Iran's president said. 9376**4354 NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Hezbollah carrying out major sacrifices, will emerge victorious: Supreme Leader IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency Sep 25, 2024 Tehran, IRNA -- Supreme Leader of the Islamic Revolution Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei says Lebanese Hezbollah is making heroic sacrifices and will emerge victorious on the battlefield. Ayatollah Khamenei on Wednesday made the remarks on the occasion of the Sacred Defense Week in a meeting with a group of veterans from the era of Sacred Defense and the resistance in Tehran. Some influential and invaluable figures of Hezbollah have been martyred, he said, noting that the measures will not bring the resistance movement to its knees. The Sacred Defense Week marks eight years of the Iraqi imposed war on the Islamic Republic in the 1980s. This week is annually celebrated nationwide to mark martyrs and war veterans of the Iraqi-imposed war on the Islamic Republic in 1980-88. Commenting on the Iraqi imposed war against Iran, the Supreme Leader elaborated on the reasons behind the war. Saddam and the Iraqi Ba'ath regime were not alone in imposing the war against the Islamic Republic, he noted. The arrogant powers the US and the former Soviet Union at the time were hungrier than Saddam to attack Iran, he added. They could not stand the Islamic Republic as the country had created a unique Revolution, Ayatollah Khamenei said. The Revolution had presented a new way of thinking to govern the world, he said, adding that the order that ruled the world at the time could not tolerate this new thinking. At that time, the hegemony ruled the world, he said, adding that some countries were domineers and some others were submissive. The Islamic Republic, the Islamic Revolution, and the Islamic system managed confront that order, he further noted. The Islamic Republic introduced a new notion against the false order, the Supreme Leader said. Warmongers and domineers at the time could not bear the notion, Ayatollah Khamenei stated. That new notion was promoted in the world and could attract the attentions of the nations, he added. An incident like the Sacred Defense is taking place in Lebanon and Palestine, he said. Defense in Lebanon and Palestine is regarded jihad for the sake of Allah, he said, referring to the ongoing developments in the Arab countries. Hezbollah, which is currently making sacrifices to back the people in the Gaza Strip, is carrying out jihad, said Ayatollah Khamenei. In the ongoing war, the foes are fully equipped and enjoy the American assistance, he stated. The US backs the enemy but denies its supportive measures, he said. The US is well aware of the measures and the country brazenly advocates the Israeli regime, he asserted. Americans will take advantage of the Israeli victory in the aggression, he added. The enemy is equipped with money, arms, equipment and propaganda, the Supreme Leader said. Hezbollah and the combatants of resistance have gained victory, Ayatollah Khamenei said. One of the reasons that confirms their victory is the killing of the innocent people, he added. Destroying houses, schools, and hospitals, and killing women and children prove that the Zionists have been unsuccessful in defeating the combatants of the Resistance, he said. The structure and human resources of Hezbollah are far more solid than that, the Supreme Leader said, adding that, of course, losing individuals like commanders is a loss. The Fronts of the Resistance and Hezbollah have succeeded on the battleground so far, and they will eventually triumph. Political, spiritual appeals of Islamic Republic attract nations The Supreme Leader said that the Islamic Republic boasts political and spiritual attractions among nations in the world. Confronting the inappropriate order in the world is regarded the political attraction of Iran, he said. Its spiritual attraction, on the other hand, addresses religious beliefs that create a source of calm for pious people, he added. While the young people in the so-called developed countries feel void, he further noted. Supreme Leader calls Sacred Defense jihad for Allah Elsewhere in his remarks, Ayatollah Khamenei said that the Sacred Defense has kept the Islamic Republic alive. The incident promoted spirituality in the country and helped the youth to enhance their faith, he said. As to the importance of the notion of martyrdom, he touched on a remark by Imam Khomeini, the founder of the Islamic Republic, saying, "May God accept your 70-year-long worship. Time to read the wills of the martyrs." 7129**4354 NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address What do we know about Hezbollah's ballistic missile fired at Israel's Tel Aviv? IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency Sep 25, 2024 Tehran, IRNA -- Lebanese Hezbollah has fired a ballistic missile at Tel Aviv for the first time since the beginning of the war. Hezbollah fired a medium-range ballistic missile which was intercepted by David's Sling air defense system (designed to intercept medium-range missiles), not the Iron Dome. The timing of this missile launch was especially significant. It was fired at 06:29, the same moment when the October 7th Operation started. This attack caught the Israelis off guard because they had concluded that Tel Aviv was not involved at this stage. Hezbollah has not yet issued any statement, and it is unclear what the exact target of this missile had been. The Zionists are distributing a photo showing that a plane was flying not far from the point of interception of the missile. 6125**9417 NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Iraqi resistance conducts missile strike on Israeli position IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency Sep 25, 2024 Tehran, IRNA -- The Islamic Resistance in Iraq has launched an attack against a key target in the Israeli-occupied Palestinian territories using Al'Arqab cruise missiles. The group said in a statement on Wednesday that it had targeted a vital location in the occupied Palestinian territories with Al'Arqab cruise missiles. It said the operation was carried out in solidarity with the oppressed people of Palestine and Lebanon facing heavy assaults from the Zionist enemy. The attacks were part of the Iraqi resistance's ongoing efforts to fight the Israeli occupation and were in response to the crimes committed by the regime against Palestinians, including women, children, and the elderly. The Islamic Resistance in Iraq, which is an umbrella group of various resistance movements in the Arab country, has vowed to continue its operations on Israeli positions until the Gaza war comes to an end. In a related development, the Islamic Resistance in Iraq announced that it attacked a target in the Golan Heights in its third drone strike on the occupied territories on Wednesday. Since the start of Israel's genocidal war in the Gaza Strip last October, some 41,431 Palestinians have been killed and 95,818 others injured, according to the latest report from the Palestinian Ministry of Health. 7129**4354 NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Israel regime continues to strike Lebanese villages, towns IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency Sep 25, 2024 Tehran, IRNA -- The Israeli regime has launched new airstrikes across several towns in eastern Lebanon, escalating tensions in the region, Al Mayadeen television channel reported on Wednesday. In a significant escalation of military aggression by the Israeli occupation, a series of airstrikes were reported across eastern Lebanon, affecting multiple regions including the areas around Baalbek, Al Jamila, Brital, and El Khodor. Hezbollah also launched a new wave of missile attacks towards the occupied territories on Wednesday. According to media outlets, the Lebanese resistance movement fired some 40 rockets towards 'Safed' in the occupied territories. The Zionist army started large-scale attacks on various areas of eastern Lebanon on Monday morning, and it continues until now. Lebanon's Hezbollah also has reacted decisively to the attacks on civilians in this country, and from the early hours of Monday morning, operations against Zionist positions and settlements in the north of occupied Palestine were on the agenda. 6125**4354 NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Sirens blare in Tel Aviv, other occupied territories IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency Sep 25, 2024 Tehran, IRNA -- Rocket warning sirens have sounded in Tel Aviv and other areas across occupied Palestine, news outlets reported. According to Palestinian media, for the first time since the beginning of the war against Gaza, Tel Aviv has been targeted by a rocket attack from Lebanon. Following the attack, alarms sounded in Tel Aviv, Gush Dan, Netanya and some other areas. While Israeli media reported that a missile was fired from Lebanon towards Tel Aviv, they claimed that the missile was intercepted and destroyed by the David's Sling air defense system. The Zionist Army Radio also reported that Hezbollah fired a medium-range ballistic missile towards the Gliot base. According to Al-Mayadeen, Ben Gurion Airport flights have been suspended. Hebrew-language media also reported that more than one million Zionists were forced to flee to shelters after Hezbollah's missile attack on Tel Aviv. 9376**4354 NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Don't underestimate the power of Hezbollah: Iran FM warns Israel IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency Sep 25, 2024 Tehran, IRNA -- Iran's Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, while reacting to the latest deadly Israeli mayhem in Lebanon, has warned the Zionist regime not to underestimate the power of the Lebanese nation and the Hezbollah resistance movement. Araghchi posted a message on his X social network and wrote: "Do not ever underestimate Hezbollah's ability to defend Lebanon against any aggression". "Hezbollah's true power is rooted in its own capacities and popular support. It is more than capable of flattering the bases and colonies of the Israeli regime", he said in the post The top diplomat continued by saying that of course, "this fact does not, however, excuse Arab & Islamic world from exercising duty to stand up to Israel". The recent Israeli bombardment of Lebanon that has claimed the lives of hundreds of people concurrently with the regime's ongoing genocide of Palestinians in the besieged Gaza Strip have spared global condemnations. Also on Monday, the Iranian foreign minister in a message on social media reiterated his country's support for the people of Lebanon and Palestine in the face of the Zionist crimes. "Israel's crimes, enabled by the US, are crystal clear for the world to witness. Do not look away. This brutal and criminal disregard for human life cannot be permitted to continue Iran will NOT remain indifferent. We stand with the people of Lebanon and Palestine", Araghchi said. 4399 NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Iran wants global peace, end to Israeli crimes: Pezeshkian tells UNGA IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency Sep 25, 2024 New York, IRNA -- Iran's President Masoud Pezeshkian, in his debut speech to the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA), has reiterated his call for global peace and justice, which he said, cannot be accomplished unless the rights of all people, communities and nations are respected within the framework of justice and fairness. Addressing the 79th session of the UNGA in New York on Tuesday local time, Pezeshkian began by congratulating the UN chief and expressed hope that the important issues of the meeting, that is, Peace, Sustainable Development and Human Dignity would help open a clear horizon for current and future generations. The Iranian president touched on a wide range of issues facing the world today, especially the West Asia region, ranging from Israel's genocidal war on Gaza and the crimes in Lebanon to Iran's peacemaking efforts as well as its effective role in the emerging global system. While stating that Israel's recent terrorist crimes and the widespread aggression against Lebanon will not go unanswered, Pezeshkian said the only way to end the decades-long nightmare of insecurity in West Asia and the world is to restore the Palestinian people's right to self-determination. The following is the full speech of President Pezeshkian at 79th UN General Assembly: Mr. President, Excellencies, I extend my sincere congratulations both on the opening of the 79th session of the United Nations General Assembly and to you, Mr. President, on your well-deserved election. I trust that the crucial themes of this sessionpeace, sustainable development, and human dignitywill illuminate a bright path for both present and future generations. Last year, the devoted president of my country, Ebrahim Raisi, addressed you from this very podium. He was martyred in the service of the Iranian people. May his soul rest in peace. This is my first time addressing you as the President of the Islamic Republic of Iran, a position I assumed after the Iranian people voted for my central campaign platform of "National Empathy". This guiding principle is rooted in the command of Almighty God, as set forth in the Holy Qur'an. According to the teachings of the Qur'an: Mankind was [once] one nation, so God dispatched prophets as heralds and warners. He sent the Book down along with them to bring the Truth, so as to decide among mankind concerning whatever they had been disagreeing about. However only those to whom it was given disagreed about it out of envy towards one another, after explanations had been brought them. (Quran, II:213) Imam Ali (peace be upon him) instructed one of his governors: Embrace the people with all your heart; show them kindness, and extend your compassion towards them. Never treat those under your command with harshness or violence. For people fall into two categories: they are either your brothers in religion or equals in creation. The mission of all prophets has been to establish and promote truth and justice in society among all people, regardless of color, race, gender, or language. Peace and security in the world will not be achieved unless the rights of all individuals, communities, and nations are upheld with justice and fairness. Let's ask ourselves: Are the roots of wars and bloodshed we see in today's world anything other than the fact that aggressors have violated the rights of others, overlooked the rights of nations, enforced discrimination and inequality, kept certain groups weak and underdeveloped, and disregarded the rights of individuals? As long as injustice, oppression, greed, poverty, and ignorance prevail in any region, violence and conflict will continue. Unless we confront the root causes of such disorders, we cannot rescue the future of our children from darkness and destruction. I embarked on my electoral campaign with a platform focused on "reform," "national empathy," "constructive engagement with the world," and "economic development," and was honored to gain the trust of my fellow citizens at the ballot box. I aim to lay a strong foundation for my country's entry into a new era, positioning it to play a effective and constructive role in the evolving global order. My objective is to address existing obstacles and challenges while structuring my country's foreign relations in cognizance of the necessities and realities of the contemporary world. Mr. President, Over the past year, the world has witnessed the true nature of the Israeli regime. It has witnessed how this regime carries out atrocities in Gaza; and in eleven months has murdered in cold blood over 41000 innocent peoplemostly women and children; Its leaders label this genocide; the killing of children, war crimes, and state-terrorism as "legitimate self-defense"; They label hospitals, kindergartens, and schools as "legitimate military targets"; They label the freedom-loving and brave people around the world who protest against their genocide as "anti-Semitic"; They label an oppressed people, who have stood up against seven decades of occupation and humiliation, as "terrorists". It is Israel that has assassinated our scientists, diplomats, and even guests on our soil; and supported - both covertly and overtly - terrorist groups like ISIS. Iran, in contrast, has supported popular liberation movements of people that have been victims of four generations of the crimes and colonialism of the Israeli regime. We have been siding with the people across the world, who have flooded the streets in outrage against Israeli atrocities; we condemn Israeli crimes against humanity. It is imperative that the international community should immediately stop the violence and bring about a permanent cease-fire in Gaza and bring an end to the desperate barbarism of Israel in Lebanon, before it engulfs the region and the world. Israel has been defeated in Gaza and no amount of barbaric violence can restore its myth of invincibility. Naturally, blind Israeli state terrorism over the past few days in Lebanon followed by a massive aggression with thousands of victims cannot go unanswered. The responsibility for all consequences will be born by those who have thwarted all global efforts to end this horrific catastrophe, and have the audacity to call themselves champions of human rights The only path to end this 70 years old nightmare in West Asia and the world is to restore the right of all Palestinians to self-determination. We propose that all the people of Palestineboth those who live in their motherland as well as those who have been forced into its diasporadetermine their future in a referendum. We are confident that through this mechanism we can achieve a lasting peace, with Moslems, Christians and Jews living alongside one another in one land in tranquility and peace, and away from racism and apartheid. Excellencies, Examine the contemporary history of the region: Iran has never initiated a war; it has only defended itself heroically against external aggression, causing the aggressors to regret their actions. Iran has never occupied the territory of any nation. It has not sought the resources of any country. It has repeatedly offered various proposals to its neighbors and international fora aimed at establishing lasting peace and stability. We have emphasized the importance of unity in the region, and establishing a "strong region." A "strong region" rests on several fundamental principles: First, we must recognize that we are neighbors and, because of this bond, we will always remain together. The presence of foreign powers in our region is temporary and leads to instability. Our development and progress are interconnected, and outsourcing security to extra-regional powers will not benefit any of us. Second, the new regional order must be inclusive and beneficial for all neighbors. An order that fails to safeguard the interests of each neighboring country cannot be sustained. Third, neighboring and brotherly countries should not waste their valuable resources on attritional rivalries and arms races. Our region suffers from war, sectarian tensions, terrorism and extremism, drug trafficking, water scarcity, refugee crises, environmental degradation, and foreign interventions. We can collectively address these common challenges for a better future for coming generations. I am the president of a country that has endured threats, war, occupation, and sanctions throughout its modern history. Others have neither come to our assistance nor respected our declared neutrality. Global powers have even sided with aggressors. We have learned that we can only rely on our own people and our own indigenous capabilities. The Islamic Republic of Iran seeks to safeguard its own security; not to create insecurity for others. We want peace for all and seek no war or quarrel with anyone. We seek lasting peace and security for the people of Ukraine and Russia. The Islamic Republic of Iran opposes war and emphasizes the urgent need to end military hostilities in Ukraine. We support all peaceful solutions and believe that dialogue is the only way to resolve this crisis. Mr. President, In the current globalized world, the security and interests of no country can be attained through undermining the security and interests of others. We need a new paradigm to address global challenges. Such a paradigm must focus on opportunities rather than being obsessed with perceived threats. Through such an engagement approach, we can find fresh opportunities for cooperation. Iran and global powers achieved a historic nuclear deal in 2015 through that fresh outlook, based on shared opportunities. Iran agreed to the highest, unprecedented level of nuclear oversight in return for recognition of our rights and the lifting of sanctions within the framework of the JCPOA. Trump's unilateral withdrawal from that agreement manifested a threat-ridden approach in politics and a coercion-driven strategy in the economic domain. Unilateral sanctions target innocent people and seek to undermine the foundations of the Iranian economy. The goal is to securitize Iran; which instead leads to insecurity for all. The policy of the U.S.' so-called "maximum pressure" was in fact implemented against the Iranian people when Iran was fulfilling all its obligations under the JCPOA, as was verified repeatedly by the IAEA. We are ready to engage with JCPOA Participants. If JCPOA commitments are implemented fully and in good faith, dialogue on other issues can follow. Here, I want to address the American people: It is not Iran that has established military bases along your borders. It is not Iran that has imposed sanctions on your country and obstructed your trade relations with the world. It is not Iran that prevents you from accessing medicine. It is not Iran that has restricted your access to the global banking and financial system. It is not we who have targeted your military leaders; rather, it is the United States that assassinated Iran's most revered military commander at Baghdad airport. My message to all states pursuing a counterproductive strategy towards Iran is to learn from history. We have the opportunity to transcend these limitations and enter a new era. This era will commence with the acknowledgment of Iran's security concerns and cooperation on mutual challenges. Sanctions are destructive and inhumane weapons designed to cripple a nation's economy. The deprivation of access to essential medications is one of the most painful consequences of sanctions, endangering the lives of thousands of innocent people. This measure is not only a blatant violation of human rights but also constitutes a crime against humanity. Our nation has demonstrated resilience in the face of numerous hardships caused by sanctions over the years. Although the wounds inflicted by these sanctions are deep within our society, confronting this bitter experience has transformed us into a stronger nation, with unwavering resolve and self-confidence. In order to build a better future world, Iran stands prepared to foster meaningful economic, social, political, and security partnerships with global powers and its neighbors based on equal footing. The appropriate response to this message from Iran is not to impose more sanctions, but to fulfil existing obligations to remove sanctions, benefitting the Iranian people and hence laying the foundations for more constructive agreements. I hope that this message from Iran is carefully heard. Thank You Mr. President 4399 NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address The Foreign Minister in New York: the transatlantic Alliance is the cornerstone of peace, security and stability Republic of Latvia - Ministry of Foreign Affairs 25.09.2024 On 24 September 2024, in continuation of her working visit in New York, the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Baiba Braze, responded to an invitation from the United States Secretary of State, Antony Blinken, to attend the Transatlantic Dinner, underlining in her address the importance of transatlantic relations for peace, security and stability. The Minister stressed that Russia was the most direct and serious threat to the security of the Euro-Atlantic space and she called on the Allies to agree on a concerted action to achieve a comprehensive containment of the aggressor. "PeaceandsecurityinEuropeareonlypossibleifUkraine prevails,soitisvitaltogiveUkraineallthemilitary,humanitarianandfinancialsupportitneeds,whileerodingRussia'sabilitytocontinueitsaggression," Baiba Braze said. The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Baiba Braze, took part in the opening of the 79thSessionoftheUnited Nations General Assembly (UNGA) and the General Debate. On the first day of the General Debate, remarks were also delivered by the President of Latvia, Edgars Rinkevics. As part of the UNGA High-Level Week, the Foreign Minister met with the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Labour and Trade of Tuvalu, Paulson Panapa, to sign a communique on cooperation in international organisations, especially on climate change and related issues of state sovereignty and state continuity. During her working visit, the Foreign Minister had several bilateral meetings - with the Foreign Ministers of Burkina Faso, Belize, Cambodia, Kazakhstan, the Philippines, and Trinidad and Tobago. The High-level Week the 79th Session of the UNGA in New York is held from 21 to 30 September. Alongside discussions on international developments, the key focus of this session will be placed on the strengthening of international solidarity and the rules-based order. Topics to be highlighted while participating in UN events will be Russia's accountability for international crimes committed in Ukraine, the strengthening of multilateralism and international order, and the need for a global governance reform. At the events of the High-Level Week, Latvia is represented by President Edgars Rinkevics, the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Baiba Braze, and the Minister of Health, Hosams Abu Meri. For updates on the working visit, follow the Foreign Ministry on its social network accounts. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Looking back and moving forward: Marking 20 Years of NATO - Istanbul Cooperation Initiative partnership NATO - North Atlantic Treaty Organisation 25 Sep. 2024 NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg called for stronger, more strategic and results-orientated partnerships with countries in the Gulf region during an event in the margins of the UN General Assembly on Wednesday (25 September 2024). Hosted by the Crown Prince of Kuwait, his Highness Sheikh Sabah Khaled Al-Sabah, the event celebrated 20 years of NATO-Istanbul Cooperation Initiative (ICI). It brought together NATO's four ICI partners (Bahrain, Kuwait, Qatar and the United Arab Emirates) as well as Saudi Arabia, Oman and the Secretary General of the Gulf Cooperation Council. Mr. Stoltenberg thanked the Crown Prince for hosting the anniversary event and reaffirmed the importance of the NATO-ICI partnership as a platform for cooperation, highlighting its evolution and achievements. The Secretary General underlined areas of close cooperation between NATO and the ICI partners - including cyber defence, security sector reform, climate change, energy security, maritime security, and the protection of critical infrastructure. "During these two decades, our cooperation has grown from strength to strength", he said, praising the Gulf partners' contributions and participation. Mr. Stoltenberg emphasized that, when faced with "a deeply deteriorated security environment, we see more than ever that our security is not regional, but global", closer cooperation with partners in the Gulf and wider Middle East region is a necessary step. He outlined the decisions taken by Allies at the Washington Summit in July 2024 to increase NATO's engagement in the Middle East, North Africa and the Sahel. Referring to Javier Colomina's appointment as the new Special Representative for the Southern Neighbourhood, the Secretary General stated that it is "the first time the Alliance has a dedicated focal point for this work". He also referred to the upcomingopening of the NATO Liaison Office in Jordan, the broadened scope of the training mission in Iraq, the NATO-Istanbul Cooperation Initiative Regional Centre in Kuwait and the Hub for the South in Naples, which provide "an even stronger basis on which to take our partnerships forward", said the Secretary General. The Istanbul Cooperation Initiative (ICI) was launched in 2004 and provides a partnership forum to practical cooperation and political dialogue between NATO and partner countries in the Gulf region. Four countries, Bahrain, Kuwait, Qatar and the United Arab Emirates, have joined the initiative, which celebrates its 20th anniversary this year. The NATO-Istanbul Cooperation Initiative Regional Centre in Kuwait (NIRC) opened in 2017 and helps strengthen political dialogue, education and training, and public diplomacy. The centre was inaugurated in 2017 by Secretary General Stoltenberg, marking NATO's first such presence in the Gulf region. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address NATO and Bulgaria announce major emergency response exercise NATO - North Atlantic Treaty Organisation 25 Sep. 2024 In September 2025, Bulgaria will host NATO's 20th civil emergency response exercise. These exercises are among the world's largest and most complex training events in disaster response and the management of complex emergencies. Organised by NATO's Euro-Atlantic Disaster Response Coordination Centre (EADRCC), the exercise will bring together Allies and partners, as well as other international organizations. Participants will be confronted with scenarios that include natural and industrial disasters, hybrid threats, and complex emergencies. They will be able to test procedures related to the coordination of different activities and logistical support. Exercises like this help to gauge the ability of personnel from different countries to work effectively alongside each other, promote cooperation between civilian and military actors involved in disasters response, and build up the ability of Allies and partners to tackle complex and interconnected security threats. This is essential to building resilience and to preparing for potential challenges, including those related to climate change. The Euro-Atlantic Disaster Response Coordination Centre (EADRCC) is NATO's principal civil emergency response mechanism. It is available to all Allies and partner countries and can support them with both response and preparedness for natural and human-made disasters and other emergencies. The exercise was announced today (25 September 2024) at NATO Headquarters by NATO's Deputy Assistant Secretary General for Operations, Ms. Burcu San, and the Director General for Fire Safety and Civil Protection at the Ministry of Interior of Bulgaria, Mr. Aleksandar Dzhartov. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Outgoing KFOR Commander briefs Allied and partner Ambassadors on contributions to regional stability NATO - North Atlantic Treaty Organisation 25 Sep. 2024 The outgoing Commander of the NATO-led KFOR mission, Major General Ozkan Ulutas, from Turkiye, updated the North Atlantic Council and operational partners on Wednesday (25 September) at NATO Headquarters. He also met with NATO's Acting Deputy Secretary General, Ambassador Boris Ruge. KFOR makes critical contributions to stability in Kosovo and the Western Balkans, providing a safe and secure environment for all communities and freedom of movement in an impartial manner. During his tenure, Major General Ulutas has forged close relations with representatives of the Institutions in Kosovo, the Chief of Staff of the Serbian Armed Forces, and the international community, including the EU, the OSCE and the UN missions. One year after the attacks in Zvecan and Banjska, it is urgent to bring those responsible to justice and NATO looks to Serbia to help ensure full accountability. KFOR aims to ensure such attacks do not happen again. It is paramount that both sides refrain from uncoordinated actions which could fuel tensions, jeopardise security or put KFOR soldiers at risk. NATO continues to support the EU-facilitated Dialogue as the framework to achieve a long-term, sustainable solution that respects the rights of all communities. "Under my command, KFOR has successfully maintained peace and security throughout Kosovo, in accordance with our long-standing UN mandate. Through a visible, flexible and adaptable posture, we have prevented risks for renewed violence, and swiftly contained situations that could lead to incidents or escalation. We have further reinforced the mission and continued our role as an impartial force, working with all communities to foster safety and security, for all. We have also continued to provide the secure environment necessary for diplomatic efforts to move forward," said Major General Ulutas. Major General Ulutas steps down on 11 October 2024. He will be succeeded by Major General Enrico Barduani, from Italy. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address DND: PH not engaged in arms race, only boosting defense capabilities Philippine News Agency By Priam Nepomuceno September 25, 2024, 3:18 pm Updated on September 25, 2024, 3:52 pm MANILA -- The Philippines is only building up its defensive capabilities and is not engaged in an arms race, Department of National Defense (DND) Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. said on Wednesday. "It seems to me that before other countries interfere (with) the creation of our credible defense posture, they should first stop their illegal activities, get out of the West Philippine Sea (WPS), take away their ballistic capabilities, destroy their nuclear arsenal, before they interfere with our creating a credible deterrent," he said at the sidelines of the Asian Defense and Security Exhibition (ADAS) 2024 being held at the World Trade Center in Pasay City. The Defense chief issued the statement in reaction to claims that China has expressed alarm over ongoing efforts to build up Philippine defense posture. Teodoro maintained that the Philippines will do what it needs to beef up its defensive capabilities. "We will do what needs to be done to create a credible deterrent posture," he said. The DND chief also said China is using "reverse psychology" to deter the country from building its defensive capabilities. "So, as I said, before they start talking, why don't they lead by example? Destroy their nuclear arsenal. Remove all their ballistic missile capabilities. Get out of the WPS and get out of Mischief Reef. I mean, don't throw stones when you live in a glass house and that goes for other countries also that are worried about our defensive capability enhancement. Don't throw stones if you live in glass houses," he said. Meanwhile, Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) chief of staff Gen. Romeo Brawner Jr., who was also present in the event, said the country's is looking for "big-ticket items" that will allow its military to comply with the Comprehensive Archipelagic Defense Concept" (CADC). He said these "big ticket items" include naval ships for the Navy to have an "effective presence" in the WPS, platforms for maritime patrols, and multi-role fighters that augment the existing fleet of FA-50PH light combat aircraft. When asked if the AFP is looking to acquire the US-made Mid-Range Capability (MRC) Typhon missile system which is still in the country and being used for training purposes by American and Filipino troops, Brawner said he would like to, but stressed there is a need to first develop the country's cyber defense capabilities and other infrastructure in order for the military to support these high-tech platforms. ADAS 2024 In a separate statement, the DND said Teodoro, representing President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., officially opened this year's ADAS 2024. The event, which runs from Sept. 25 to 27, 2024, brings together key stakeholders in defense, security, and crisis management to explore the latest technologies and foster collaboration. Teodoro commended ADAS as a platform for showcasing the world's most advanced defense technologies and systems, creating valuable opportunities for partnerships and cooperation. He emphasized the importance of strategic decision-making in the defense sector, underscoring that the Philippines has a clear understanding of its needs and priorities. "The Philippines knows what it needs and what it wants. We know what we don't need and what we don't want. But what we don't need and don't want, other countries may want. So let's join hands to produce in this country, sustainably, what the Philippines needs and wants, and what other countries need but we don't want. Fair enough?" Teodoro said, stressing the need for sustainable approaches in defense initiatives. Global security Teodoro delivered the Chief Executive's message highlighting the pivotal role of ADAS in enhancing security not just in the Asia-Pacific but globally. Marcos highlighted the importance of comprehensive, cooperative efforts to tackle emerging security challenges, including cyber threats, natural disasters, and geopolitical tensions. "Over the past decade, ADAS has evolved into a premier platform for dialogue and collaboration among governments, military institutions, and defense contractors. This evolution underscores our shared understanding that the complexities of modern security threats cannot be effectively addressed in isolation," Marcos said. The President reaffirmed the Philippines' commitment to multilateral platforms such as ASEAN, along with its robust bilateral relationships, which have been critical in responding to crises and safeguarding citizens. "In the Philippines, our experiences in humanitarian assistance and disaster response have demonstrated the profound impact of a shared purpose. Through multilateral platforms such as ASEAN and strong bilateral partnerships, we have successfully responded to crises, ensuring the safety of our citizens," Marcos said. The President stressed the need for engagement with technology providers to build mutual trust and fortify global partnerships. "As we engage with the diverse capabilities of technology solution providers, let us approach this exhibition as more than a mere showcase of advancements. It represents a unique opportunity to share best practices, exchange innovative ideas, and build mutual trust and confidence among nations," he added. ADAS 2024 will feature live demonstrations, product presentations, and networking opportunities with global leaders in defense and security. The event will also host a series of symposiums and panel discussions, offering expert insights into trends, innovations, and strategies shaping the future of defense and disaster management in the region. (PNA) NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Israel calls up 2 reserve brigades to Lebanese border amid fears of ground invasion Iran Press TV Wednesday, 25 September 2024 5:54 PM Israel is calling up two reserve brigades to the north of the occupied Palestinian territories along the Lebanese border. The military announced that in a statement on Wednesday as Israel's bombardment of Lebanese villages and towns continued for the third consecutive day. An Israeli infantry brigade typically comprises about 1,000 to 2,000 soldiers, while an armored tank brigade has about 100 tanks. According to the statement, Israel's Lieutenant General Herzi Halevi told soldiers that the air attacks on Lebanon would continue in order to destroy the infrastructure and to prepare the way for a possible ground offensive. In an apparent reference to the missile aimed at Tel Aviv, he said, "Today, Hezbollah expanded its range of fire, and later today, they will receive a very strong response. Prepare yourselves." "You hear the jets overhead; we have been striking all day," the Israeli military chief said. "This is both to prepare the ground for your possible entry and to continue degrading Hezbollah." Israeli strikes on Wednesday killed more than 50 people. That raised the death toll from the past three days to at least 620, with more than 2,000 people wounded. In the most recent retaliatory strikes, the resistance movement Hezbollah said it fired a Qader 1 ballistic missile targeting the headquarters of Mossad. Meanwhile, the foreign ministers of Iraq, Egypt, Jordan said Israel was pushing the region "towards all-out war." The three Arab ministers met on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly in New York and discussed the Israeli attacks in Lebanon and Gaza. Israeli troops to become 'sitting ducks' for Hezbollah The mayor of the northern Israeli settlement of Kiryat Shmona earlier highlighted Israel's vulnerability in the face of Hezbollah's elite Radwan Force on the northern front. Stern has repeatedly urged Israeli settlers not to return to the settlements in the north. Israeli media have repeatedly said the northern settlements have been emptied of settlers, noting that it is doubtful whether the settlers will ever be able to return. Meanwhile, a Lebanese political analyst on Wednesday praised Hezbollah's operational capabilities, warning that Israeli forces will become "sitting ducks" for the Lebanese resistance group should they attempt a ground invasion of southern Lebanon. "Hezbollah's ability to rebound from the pager attacks and the assassination of its senior commanders is a testament to its operational resilience and capacity to withstand shocks to its command-and-control structure," Amal Saad, a lecturer at Cardiff University, said in a post on X. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address People fleeing Israel's Lebanon aggression Syria's top priority: President Assad Iran Press TV Wednesday, 25 September 2024 4:09 PM President Bashar al-Assad says the newly formed government of Syria will prioritize assistance to the people of Lebanon fleeing Israel's barbarism. The president issued a decree forming a new government under Prime Minister Mohammad Ghazi al-Jalali on Monday. Addressing the newly formed cabinet, Assad instructed the ministers on Wednesday that Damascus has to "stand by our friends in Lebanon in all fields and in all sectors, without exception and hesitation." "With the first hours of your work, the main focus of your work must be, during these hours and days, before all other priorities, how can we stand by our friends in Lebanon." Syrian security officials said Tuesday that over 500 people have crossed from Lebanon to the country seeking refuge there. Israel's heavy shelling of Lebanon, which started on September 23, have claimed the lives of over 600 people, including more than 50 children, according to health officials. According to the UN High Commission for Refugees (UNHCR), hundreds of vehicles are backed up in queues while seeking to cross the Syrian border on Wednesday. "Many people are also arriving on foot, carrying what they can," UNHCR said in a statement. "Large crowds, including women, young children and babies are waiting in line after spending the night outdoors in falling temperatures. Some carry fresh injuries from the recent bombardments." UNHCR chief Filippo Grandi described the news as "yet another ordeal for families" who had fled years of civil war in Syria, "only now to be bombed in the country where they sought shelter. He said West Asia "cannot afford a new displacement crisis. Let us not create one by forcing more people to abandon their homes." Millions of Syrians became refugees in Lebanon following the start of the 2011 foreign-backed militancy against the government of Assad. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Iran dismisses joint US-UAE statement on Persian Gulf islands Iran Press TV Wednesday, 25 September 2024 4:01 PM Iran has condemned a joint statement by the United Arab Emirates and the United States regarding the three Iranian islands of Greater Tunb, Lesser Tunb, and Abu Musa. Foreign Ministry spokesman Nasser Kana'ani reiterated on Wednesday that the three islands are inseparable parts of Iran's territory and sovereignty, and any comments by third parties in that regard are fundamentally invalid and dismissed. The Iranian official said the repetition of baseless claims by the UAE about the three Iranian islands and the issuance of joint political statements with other parties lack legitimacy and do not affect the legal status of these islands. The UAE's President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan and Joe Biden of the United States issued the joint statement following their meeting at the White House on September 23. The statement supported the UAE's claim to the three Iranian islands in the Persian Gulf. "The leaders stressed the importance of reaching a peaceful solution to the dispute over the three islands, Greater Tunb, Lesser Tunb, and Abu Musa, through bilateral negotiations or the International Court of Justice, in accordance with the rules of international law including the UN Charter," said the statement. The three Persian Gulf islands have historically been part of Iran, proof of which can be found and corroborated by countless historical, legal, and geographical documents in Iran and other parts of the world. However, the United Arab Emirates has repeatedly laid claim to the islands. The islands fell under British control in 1921 but on November 30, 1971, a day after British forces left the region and just two days before the UAE was to become an official federation, Iran's sovereignty over the islands was restored. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Israel kills 72 more people in Lebanon, Hezbollah responds with missiles Iran Press TV Wednesday, 25 September 2024 2:47 PM The Israeli regime has killed at least 72 more people and injured 400 others in Lebanon on the third consecutive day of psychopathic bombardment of the Lebanese territory amid the intensifying conflict with Hezbollah. The Lebanese health ministry announced the casualties on Wednesday, saying they had been caused during Israeli airstrikes against the country earlier in the day. The airstrikes included rare bombardment of the villages of Joun and Maaysramountain areas outside Hezbollah's traditional strongholds in southern and eastern Lebanon. The regime's military reported conducting strikes in the Nabatiyeh region, with the National News Agency indicating that an Israeli strike partially damaged a hospital there. The Lebanese ministry stated that the strike on Joun in the Chouf mountains southeast of Beirut resulted in four fatalities, while another strike in Maaysra, a Shia-majority village about 25 kilometers north of Beirut, killed three people. Additionally, nine individuals were killed in strikes in southern Lebanon, and seven in the east. Meanwhile, the United Nations reported that approximately 90,000 people have been displaced in Lebanon due to the ongoing Israeli bombardments targeting what the regime claims to be Hezbollah positions. Since September 23, the UN's International Organization for Migration has recorded "90,530 newly displaced persons" in Lebanon. The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) has expressed concern over the escalating tensions in Lebanon. "International humanitarian law must be upheld, and ensuring the protection of civilians is a critical obligation," the UNHCR stated on X. "We are committed to standing by Lebanon during this critical time." The Israeli regime claimed to have hit more than 280 Hezbollah targets in Lebanon on Wednesday alone. Meanwhile, the head of Israel's Northern Command said the military should "strongly prepare" for a potential ground offensive into Lebanon. The regime has announced plans to call up reserve brigades for operational activities in the north. Hezbollah responds Hezbollah announced it had fired a ballistic missile that reached Tel Aviv for the first time. Hezbollah also claimed missile strikes targeting the Sa'ar kibbutz near Nahariya in northern Israel, resulting in injuries, according to local media reports. Since the Palestinian resistance group Hamas conducted the unprecedented Operation Al-Aqsa Storm on October 7, 2023, Hezbollah and Israel have engaged in near-daily exchanges of cross-border fire. On September 23, Israel conducted devastating strikes across southern and eastern Lebanon, resulting in over 550 deathsthe deadliest single-day toll since 2006. These attacks followed explosions from communication devices that killed 39 people and injured thousands on September 17 and 18. Three days of Israeli bombardment of Lebanon since September 23 has left at least 641 people dead. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Hezbollah: Mossad HQ near Tel Aviv targeted with Qader 1 ballistic missile Iran Press TV Wednesday, 25 September 2024 7:25 AM Lebanon's resistance movement Hezbollah says it has targeted the headquarters of the Israeli spy agency Mossad with an advanced ballistic missile in response to the recent pager explosions and the assassination of top commanders of the popular group. Hezbollah announced in a statement on Wednesday that it has struck a Mossad headquarters in the suburbs of Tel Aviv with a Qader 1 ballistic missile. "In support of our defiant Palestinian people in the Gaza Strip and as part of backing its daring and honorable Resistance, and in defense of Lebanon and its people, the Islamic Resistance fighters targeted on Wednesday, September 25, 2024 at 6:30 a.m. the Mossad headquarters in the suburbs of Tel Aviv with a 'Qader 1' ballistic missile," the statement said. "This headquarters is responsible for assassinating leaders and blowing up pagers as well as the wireless devices," it added. The projectile triggered sirens in Tel Aviv as well as multiple other towns in the central occupied territories, with Israeli media reports declining to provide details on the extent of damage and the number of casualties. The Wednesday strike marks the first time Hezbollah has used a long-range missile in the near-daily conflict with the occupying entity. After the targeting, air traffic at Israel's Ben Gurion Airport stopped and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu was forced to postpone his trip to New York, which was scheduled for September 25. The Lebanese resistance movement had a day earlier fired 50 rockets at the Dado base, the headquarters of the Northern Command of the Israeli military, located northwest the occupied city of Safad, just 12 kilometers from Lebanon's border. In the early hours of Wednesday, Hezbollah announced the Israeli assassination of one of its senior commanders and another member of the Lebanese resistance movement in a raid on the capital Beirut. The group identified the victims as Ibrahim Mohammed Qobaisi, aka Haj Abu Musa, and Hussein Hani Ezz el-Din, aka Hajj Fares. The Israeli aggression also claimed the lives of six people and wounded 15 others. Hezbollah and Israel have been involved in fierce fire exchanges since early October last year, shortly after the regime launched a genocidal war against the Gaza Strip following a surprise operation by the Palestinian resistance groups. As part of the latest escalation, the regime carried out extensive airstrikes against southern and eastern Lebanon on Monday, killing at least 569 people, including 50 children and 94 women, and wounding 5,000 others. The attacks came less than a week after the regime killed 38 people, including three children and seven women as well as Ibrahim Aqil, another one of Hezbollah's senior commanders, in an attack on a residential building in a southern Beirut suburb. A couple of days earlier, it had also detonated thousands of booby-trapped pagers and walkie-talkie radios across the country, killing at least 39 people and wounding 3,000 others. 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 more than 41,000 Palestinians, mostly women and children. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Kashmir votes in second phase of regional polls under heavy security Iran Press TV Wednesday, 25 September 2024 6:32 AM People in Kashmir have started casting ballots in the second round of regional elections amid elaborate security measures. Polling stations opened at 7 a.m. (0130 GMT) on Wednesday, as the region's 8.7 million registered voters prepared for electing their first local government under heavy security since the 2019 cancellation of the Muslim-majority territory's special semi-autonomous status by the government in New Delhi. In the biggest regional main city of Srinagar, some voters queued outside polling stations early in the morning, as paramilitary troops stood guard at polling booths and patrolled largely deserted streets. Turnout is expected to be high unlike in past elections when separatists opposed to Indian rule boycotted polls. Back in August, India announced three-phased assembly elections in the Kashmir region. Last week, the mountainous territory witnessed the first phase of its assembly election for 24 seats in six districts. The polls were the first for the region's assembly in a decade. The third phase of polling will be held on October 1, with results expected to be declared on October 8. About 500,000 Indian troops are deployed in the region, which has witnessed a 35-year violence that has killed tens of thousands, including civilians and soldiers. A federally appointed governor has controlled the disputed territory since August 2019 when the Hindu-nationalist government of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi ordered the abrogation of the region's special status under Article 370. Modi urged people in all constituencies in a post on X to vote in large numbers and strengthen what he claimed to be the "festival of democracy." Kashmir has been split between India and Pakistan since their partition in 1947. Both countries claim all of Kashmir in its entirety and have fought at least three wars over the territory. New Delhi accuses Islamabad of supporting pro-independence fighters, an allegation rejected by the Pakistani government. Islamabad, in turn, is critical of India's heavy military deployment to Kashmir and its crackdown on the region's Muslim population. Pakistan has described the move by the government in New Delhi to revoke the self-autonomy of Kashmir as illegal. Since the revocation, India has imposed more internet shutdowns and other restrictions in the region. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Hezbollah launches ballistic missile strike at Tel Aviv for first time Iran Press TV Wednesday, 25 September 2024 5:18 AM Hezbollah has launched a ballistic missile at Tel Aviv for the first time, triggering sirens in the city and elsewhere including Netanya, the Lebanese resistance group says. Israel's Arrow anti-ballistic missile system was activated in Tel Aviv early Wednesday, sending residents in the city to shelters. The Israeli military said that for the "first time ever" a missile fired by Hezbollah reached the Tel Aviv area. "It is the first time ever a Hezbollah missile reached Tel Aviv area." 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 Hamas. Earlier, Hezbollah targeted the Israeli Ilaniya military base at the northern side of the occupied territories with a salvo of Fadi-1 rockets. The base is reportedly affiliated with the 146th Reserve Division of the Israeli military, which is part of the Northern Command. The group announced in a brief statement that the operation was carried out in defense of Lebanon and its people. Hezbollah also said it targeted a military base near Safad twice with salvos of rockets. The group stated that it targeted "the Dado base near Safad - the headquarters of the Israeli military's Northern Command - with a total of 90 rockets in defense of Lebanon and its people." Hezbollah said in a separate statement that it unleashed a squadron of attack drones on the headquarters of the Israeli army's Special Naval Task Force at the Alit Base. The group said the attack on the Alit base, south of the major port city of Haifa, targeted "the locations of [Israeli] officers and soldiers" and achieved direct hits. 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 41,467 Palestinians, mostly women and children. Hezbollah officials have repeatedly said they do not want a war with Israel while stressing that they are prepared in case it occurs. Two Israeli wars waged against Lebanon in 2000 and 2006 were met with strong resistance from Hezbollah, resulting in the retreat of the regime in both conflicts. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Hezbollah announces martyrdom of senior commander, member in Israeli attack on Beirut Iran Press TV Wednesday, 25 September 2024 3:02 AM Hezbollah has announced the martyrdom of one of its senior commanders and another member of the Lebanese resistance movement during an earlier Israeli raid against the country's capital Beirut. The group provided the information on Wednesday, identifying the victims as Ibrahim Mohammed Qobaisi, aka Haj Abu Musa, and Hussein Hani Ezz el-Din, aka Hajj Fares. It denounced the raid as "a treacherous Israeli assassination operation," which, according to Lebanon's health ministry, claimed the lives of six people and wounded 15 others. Hezbollah also published Qobaisi's biography, in which it credited the 62-year-old with having served the group since its inception in 1982. Upon joining the movement, Qobaisi "rose through the ranks of organizational responsibilities within the structures of the Islamic Resistance and underwent many senior leadership courses," Hezbollah said. His leadership roles featured his commanding Hezbollah's Badr Military Unit between 2001 and 2018 and leading a number of the group's rocket formations among other things, it noted. Throughout his membership of the movement, Qobaisi "supervised and planned many operations of the Islamic Resistance against the Israeli occupation," the group stated. The assassinations came as part of the Israeli regime's escalation against Lebanon, which has been targeting the country since October 7, when the regime launched a genocidal war on the Gaza Strip. As part of the escalation, the regime carried out extensive airstrikes against southern and eastern Lebanon on Monday, killing at least 569 people, including 50 children and 94 women, and wounding 5,000 others. The attacks came less than a week after the regime killed 38 people, including three children and seven women as well as Ibrahim Aqil, another one of Hezbollah's senior commanders, in an attack on a residential building in a southern Beirut suburb. A couple of days earlier, it had also detonated thousands of booby-trapped pagers and walkie-talkie radios across the country, killing at least 39 people and wounding 3,000 others. Hezbollah has been responding to the aggression with numerous operations against the occupied Palestinian territories. Earlier this week, the group launched its farthest-reaching strikes on the territories since October, hitting Ramat David, an Israeli air force base, and the facilities of the Rafael weapon manufacturing company near the city of Haifa as well as many other targets. The movement has vowed to respond with all its resources and prowess in the event of another wholesale Israeli war. The regime waged wars against Lebanon in 2000 and 2006 only to be forced into beating humiliating retreats as a result of Hezbollah's decisive defensive operations. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Iran FM: Do not underestimate Hezbollah's ability to defend Lebanon Iran Press TV Wednesday, 25 September 2024 2:30 AM Iran's Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi has hailed Lebanon's Hezbollah movement for its resistance against the Israeli regime. Araghchi said that no one should underestimate Hezbollah's ability to defend the country against any Israeli aggression. The top Iranian diplomat made the comments on Tuesday on the sidelines of the 2024 United Nations General Assembly in New York. Araghchi said Hezbollah is "more than capable of flattening the bases and colonies of the Israeli regime." He noted that Hezbollah's true power is rooted in its inner capacities and the popular support it enjoys among the Lebanese people. Araghchi called on the Arab and Islamic countries to fulfill their duty by standing up against Israel. On Monday, the Israeli regime's military carried out over 330 raids in more than 117 Lebanese towns and cities, particularly in the south and Beqaa regions. At least 569 people -- including 50 children, and 94 women -- were killed while 5,000 were wounded. In retaliation for Israel's bombardment of Lebanon, Hezbollah conducted new missile strikes against the northern occupied territories. On Tuesday, the Lebanese resistance movement fired 50 rockets at Dado base, the headquarters of the Northern Command of the Israeli military, located northwest of the occupied city of Safad, just 12 kilometers from Lebanon's border. Separately on Tuesday, Hezbollah said it had targeted the Samson base, a command preparation center and regional preparation unit, using Fadi 3 missiles for the first time. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Singapore commissions 2 new submarines The city state now has a fleet of six submarines, with two more expected to arrive by 2028. By RFA Staff 2024.09.25 -- Singapore has put two new diesel electric submarines into operation, expanding its fleet of underwater warships to six - the largest in Southeast Asia and on par with Vietnam. Prime Minister Lawrence Wong commissioned the two ships - RSS Invincible and RSS Impeccable - at a ceremony on Tuesday. "Singapore's survival and prosperity depend on free and unimpeded movement over the seas," he said. The two advanced Invincible-class submarines were built by Germany's Thyssenkrupp Marine Systems, which is expected to deliver two more of the same class by 2028 within a 1-billion-euro contract signed in 2013. Prior to these two, the Singaporean navy had only operated second-hand submarines of Challenger and Archer classes acquired from Sweden. Invincible-class submarines can operate longer underwater with better sensors, according to Singapore's ministry of defense. A ship is typically 70 meters in length, with a displacement of 2,000 tons when surfaced, and has a crew of 28. "Singapore has one of the world's most rigorous defense procurement policies that are premised on extant national interests, and this means purchases aren't made on flippant decisions," said Collin Koh, a security expert at the S. Rajaratnam School of International Studies in Singapore. "Submarines can provide an asymmetric counter against a stronger foe, at least complicate its war planning, and in times of peace helps to magnify the effect of deterrence," Koh said. "The other factor is that Singapore has a shrinking population that has a knock-on effect on the armed forces' manpower levels," the analyst said, noting that such "force multipliers," or tools with disproportionately large operational impact, as submarines could help maintain the overall deterrent and warfighting capability of a shrinking military. Shallow waters getting 'too busy' Several other Southeast Asian nations including Vietnam, Malaysia and Indonesia have their own submarine programs, with Vietnam, until now, fielding the largest fleet of six Russian-made Kilo-class diesel electric subs. Indonesia has four active submarines after one, the KRI Nanggala, sank in 2021. In April, Jakarta ordered two improved Scorpene-class submarines to be built in Indonesia with French technology. The Royal Malaysian Navy also operates two Scorpene-class diesel electric attack submarines. Another Southeast Asian country, Myanmar, has commissioned two submarines from India and China but has yet to operate an active fleet. Both the Philippines and Thailand have expressed interest in acquiring underwater boats to boost their maritime deterrence capabilities. "The undersea traffic is getting too busy," said Wendell Minnick, a U.S. defense analyst and author of the China in Arms Substack, "Too many subs in the water make accidents more probable, especially when the waters are shallow and busy in the Malacca and Singapore Strait." Compared with air traffic control, the rules undersea are less stringent and "some of the submarine countries don't necessarily abide by rules," Minnick said. According to him, the U.S. is not keen on countries acquiring too many submarines in the region. "It keeps the U.S. Navy busy trying to track all the underwater targets: Who is friend and who is foe during a war will make it unnerving," Minnick said. "The U.S. was very much against Taiwan procuring submarines for this very reason," he added. Koh from the S. Rajaratnam School of International Studies said that besides threats to the safety of undersea navigation, more submarines raised the risks of diplomatic disputes. "There's of course the constant challenge of submarines being embroiled in diplomatic incidents between countries considering the geopolitical sensitivities these days," Koh said. Singapore's submarines are expected to be "operating across the Southeast Asian waters, right out into South China Sea for example, and even further," he said. The analyst added that regional nations should urgently work on a joint water-space management and prevention of mutual interference mechanism. Edited by Taejun Kang. 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 Biden meets Vietnam's president in New York It ends an eventful trip for To Lam, who now heads to Cuba. By Alex Willemyns for RFA 2024.09.25 -- U.S. President Joe Biden and his Vietnamese counterpart, To Lam, met on the sidelines of the U.N. General Assembly in New York on Wednesday, with the pair praising rapidly warming bilateral relations nearly half a century after the end of the Vietnam War. It marked the end of a whirlwind trip to New York for Lam, who in May became president - typically considered the second-most powerful office in Vietnam - and then ascended to the top role of general secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam last month. Lam earlier met with U.S. business executives on Monday and delivered a concise - and mostly circumspect - inaugural speech as Vietnam's president to the U.N. General Assembly on Tuesday. He also met with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on Tuesday and with U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres on Wednesday. Meeting at the InterContinental New York Barclay hotel three blocks from the U.N. Headquarters, Lam thanked Biden for sending condolences upon the passing of his predecessor as general secretary, Nguyen Phu Trong, who died aged 80 after 13 years in office. "Even during his lifetime, the late general secretary often spoke of you with fond memories and sincere appreciation," Lam said to Biden in his remarks in front of reporters prior to the closed-door meeting. "His historic visit to the U.S. in 2015 followed by your visit to Vietnam in September last year were historic milestones," he added, "and have significantly advanced the growth of the Vietnam-U.S. relations, resulting in the higher level of the relations that we enjoy today." "We appreciate very much your fondness for Vietnam, and your historic contributions have been pivotal in elevating our bilateral relations." 'Unprecedented cooperation' Reading from notes, Biden noted that he and Vietnam's leadership elevated bilateral ties to the "highest level possible" during his trip to Hanoi last year, which commentators at the time said was driven by the countries' mutual distrust of Beijing's growing power. "Since then, we've been very proud of the progress we've made," Biden said, pointing to U.S. investments in microchips and supply chains in Vietnam and the countries' "unprecedented cooperation" on cybersecurity as areas where the relationship was blossoming. Neither leader directly mentioned China in their remarks, with the Vietnamese government seeking to carefully balance its growing ties with America with productive relations with its northern neighbor. However, Biden said Hanoi and Washington were united in efforts to build "a more open and secure Indian Ocean, committed to freedom of navigation and the rule of law" - an apparent gaffe meant to refer to the Indo-Pacific region, which U.S. officials use for the vast region stretching from India through the Pacific to America's west coast. "We continue our path breaking work to heal the wounds of war," he added. "There's nothing beyond our capacity to work together." A senior administration official who spoke to reporters on condition of anonymity after the talks said it was "an extremely warm meeting" and that the pair had also discussed "stability in the South China Sea." Earlier on Wednesday, Lam met with Guterres, the U.N. secretary general, and discussed "the importance of multilateralism, the work of the U.N., international law including the Convention on the Law of the Sea," according to a readout released by the United Nations. Vietnamese Foreign Minister Bui Thanh Son also met with his Laotian and Cambodian counterparts, Saleumxay Kommasith and Sok Chenda Sophea, to affirm continuing cooperation in the wake of Cambodia's recent decision to withdraw from a three-country development pact. US business leaders Lam was not only in New York for diplomatic meetings, though. His meeting with U.S. executives at a forum on the sidelines of the U.N. General Assembly on Monday was a productive one, according to Vietnamese state media, which reported that numerous cooperation deals were signed by Vietnamese and American businesses. Former British Deputy Prime Minister Nick Clegg, who is now the president of global affairs for Facebook parent company Meta, told Lam during their talks that the company planned to manufacture its Metaverse virtual reality glasses in Vietnam, the reports said. A separate meeting with Nick Ammann, Apple's vice president in charge of global government affairs, produced an agreement to create an Apple research and development center at the National Innovation Center in Hanoi, including scholarships for Vietnamese students to study artificial intelligence and "the internet of things." Vietnamese tycoon Nguyen Thi Phuong Thao's Vietjet Group also signed a $1.1 billion cooperation agreement with Maryland-based Honeywell Aerospace Technologies to provide avionics and aviation technical services for Vietjet's aircraft fleet, the reports said. Deals on liquid natural gas and data center development were also signed during the forum, according to the state media reports. After five days in New York, Lam is scheduled to fly to Cuba on Wednesday night for meetings with his country's old communist allies in Havana. He is scheduled to return to Vietnam on Friday. 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 White House Disinvites Georgian PM From UN Reception As Relations Sour By RFE/RL's Georgian Service September 25, 2024 The White House has disinvited Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze from a prestigious reception during the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA), another sign of souring relations between the two once-close allies over what Washington says are the "anti-democratic actions" of the Caucasus nation's government. Media reports about the White House's decision were confirmed to RFE/RL on September 25 by the U.S. Embassy in Tbilisi, which also said all meetings with Kobakhidze's delegation have been canceled. "The Biden Administration rescinded Prime Minister Kobakhidze's invitation to its annual UNGA reception and declined to meet with the Georgian delegation due to increasing concerns about the Georgian government's anti-democratic actions, disinformation, and negative rhetoric about the United States and the West," the embassy's statement said. The Voice of America's Georgian Service first reported that Kobakhidze's invitation to the traditional event had been canceled. Georgia's government, dominated by the Georgian Dream party, has come under fire from the country's Western allies following its move to introduce a "foreign agent" law that many fear will stifle media and independent voices. Parliament in May gave final passage to the law, overriding a veto by President Salome Zurabishvili, who split with legislators and party leaders in support of protesters who took to the streets en masse. The law is modeled on a similar measure in Russia, which was initially passed in 2012 and has been gradually expanded and toughened to encompass civil society groups, human rights activists, media organizations, and others. The law has forced the closure of dozens of organizations and individuals in Russia, and forced activists and reporters to flee the country. The Georgian Dream party insists the new law was needed to ensure transparency in the country's political scene and to protect its sovereignty, while the government has denied heavy-handed tactics were used against demonstrators. Last week, the U.S. ambassador to Georgia, Robin Dunnigan, reiterated Washington's displeasure over the Georgian government's recent statements and actions, saying they "further isolate Georgia from the West." "The Georgian people have overwhelmingly said that their future is a future with Europe and with the West, and actions and statements that isolate Georgia don't help that goal," she said. "I want to reiterate once again that there is no stronger supporter in the world than the United States for the Georgian people and for the Georgian people's Euro-Atlantic integration," Dunnigan added. Dunnigan's statement came after Kobakhidze summoned her to officially protest the sanctions imposed by the United States on two Georgian officials and two Georgian citizens associated with brutal crackdowns on peaceful protestors and political opponents who rallied against the foreign agents law. In May, the United States, which for years had been a steady supporter of Georgia's aspirations to join NATO and the European Union, announced visa restrictions on Georgian government officials and a comprehensive review of bilateral relations over the legislation, which was signed into law in June. Georgia was given EU candidate status on December 14, but has yet to start the accession negotiations, which can last for years. Georgians have also been given the green light for visa-free travel in the Schengen zone. Both of the diplomatic initiatives are under threat because of the law's approval. Source: https://www.rferl.org/a/kobakhizde-white-house-un- reception-invitation-cancellation/33134929.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 IDF Preparing for All Options in Lebanon, Including Ground Operation - Representative Sputnik News 20240925 MOSCOW (Sputnik) - The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) is preparing for all options in Lebanon, including for a ground operation, a representative of the Israeli army, Avichay Adraee, told Sputnik on Wednesday. "We are preparing for all options, including for a ground operation," Adraee said, answering a question about the likelihood of such a development. He added that the IDF may launch more large-scale strikes against Hezbollah targets than those that were carried out in the previous hours. "It is time to add a goal to the goals of the war to ensure the safe return of Israeli residents to their homes. This requires the creation of a new security situation, completely different from the situation on the border that appeared on October 8 [2023]," Adraee said. Earlier on Wednesday, the Israel Defense Forces announced the decision to mobilize two reserve brigades to carry out tasks on the northern front. "In accordance with the situational assessment, the IDF is calling up two reserve brigades for operational missions in the northern arena. This will enable the continuation of combat against the Hezbollah terrorist organization, the defense of the State of Israel, and create the conditions to enable the residents of northern Israel to return to their homes," the IDF said on Telegram. In the meantime, the commander of the Northern Military District of the Israel Defense Forces, Major General Ori Gordin, announced a new phase of the military campaign on the northern front, and called on soldiers to be ready for "maneuver and action." "We have entered a new phase of the military campaign and are in the midst of 'Northern Arrows'. We need to be very well prepared for the start of the maneuver and actions," Gordin told IDF fighters who completed exercises simulating ground operations in Lebanon. Sputnik NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address $920 Million U.S.-Romania Foreign Military Financing Direct Loan Strengthens NATO US Department of State Press Statement Matthew Miller, Department Spokesperson September 25, 2024 The United States announcing a new $920 million Foreign Military Financing (FMF) direct loan to Romania today. Romania is a valued U.S. partner and Ally, and this significant loan agreement will further strengthen NATO's Eastern Flank. Romania is undertaking a major military modernization program, including purchases of U.S. defense equipment such as Abrams main battle tanks and coproduction of ammunition. Romania is a leader in NATO, working closely with Allies to advance Black Sea security and providing critical assistance to Ukraine, including the transfer of a Patriot strategic air defense system and training Ukrainian F-16 pilots. The U.S. government is providing $60 million in FMF grant funding for the cost of this loan, which will help accelerate Romania's defense modernization by supporting urgent procurements of defense articles and services from the United States. FMF direct loans are a security cooperation tool reserved for some of our most important partners. Loan proceeds will further advance Romania's military modernization effort across a wide range of capabilities, substantially contributing to strengthening the defense and deterrence of NATO's Eastern Flank. Today's agreement further solidifies our unwavering commitment to enhancing NATO's eastern flank. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Secretary Antony J. Blinken At a G20 Foreign Ministers Meeting US Department of State Remarks Antony J. Blinken, Secretary of State UN Headquarters New York City, New York September 25, 2024 SECRETARY BLINKEN: Vieira, Mauro, thank you very, very much. I'm really grateful for this opportunity to gather with fellow G20 foreign ministers ahead of the Rio Summit in November. When President Lula and President Biden met here last year, President Lula said this: "Another world is possible with more fraternity, with more solidarity...with more fairness." That's the spirit in which we gather here today and that's the spirit the United States is bringing to the G20's agenda under Brazil's presidency. Our country is committed to broad-based, inclusive growth that can expand opportunity and lift up all of our people. That's only possible in an economy that honors and protects its workers, particularly the most discriminated against, the most vulnerable. President Biden and President Lula launched the Partnership for Worker Rights last year to promote labor rights, worker voices, collective bargaining - unleashing a race to the top for workplace, economic, and environmental standards. The United States is also investing in quality, sustainable infrastructure - roads, clean energy, fiber optic cables - through our Partnership for Global Infrastructure and Investment. We're coming together with partner countries to enhance food security. The United States is proud to be the world's largest donor - funding one out of every three dollars of the World Food Programme's global operations, providing more than $17.5 billion in food aid since 2021, in addition to our long-term investments to prevent hunger. We strongly support Brazil's initiative to stand up the G20's Global Alliance Against Hunger. We'll do our part to ensure the alliance delivers on its ambitious - and crucial - mission. So many of us are also seized by the need to tackle the climate crisis, which threatens not only our individual nations but our entire planet. The United States is making the biggest investments of any country ever to accelerate the transition to clean energy, keeping us on track to cut our emissions by half by 2030. At the same time, we're working with partners like Brazil to preserve the Amazon, dedicating billions to help people in developing countries adapt to and manage the impacts of the climate crisis. Three years ago, President Biden pledged to quadruple climate financing to developing nations. This year we're on pace to provide $11 billion toward that goal. Effectively addressing any of these challenges - economic inequality, food security, climate change - requires us to reform global institutions to better reflect today's world, not the world of 80 years ago. Developing countries in particular must have a greater voice in the multilateral system. That's why the United States strongly supported the African Union joining the G20 - and we're so glad to have them with us today. Earlier this month, Ambassador Thomas-Greenfield announced that the United States supports expanding the UN Security Council to include two permanent seats for African countries, a non-permanent seat for Small Island Developing States, and to move from talk to action - text-based negotiations through the intergovernmental negotiations process. We've reaffirmed our support for permanent representation for Latin America and the Caribbean, as well as those countries we have long supported for permanent seats - Germany, India, Japan. It's critical as well that we reform the multilateral development banks - an effort that India did so much to advance during its own G20 presidency - to better deliver on the Sustainable Development Goals, to ensure that the benefits of greater prosperity are shared more equitably. Our collective efforts have increased the capacity of our international financial institutions to support low- and middle-income countries as they respond to climate shocks, public health challenges, crushing debt. As the G20 Global Governance Call to Action and the Pact for the Future underscore, all of these reforms must be rooted in the principles at the heart of the UN Charter and international law. And I would add we were glad to see the near consensus on the Pact for the Future. It's unfortunate that there was one outlier. We also look and support reform of the WTO - this, too, would be important progress. Finally, let me just briefly address current challenges that many have alluded to and that actually are the things that make it harder for us to deliver on this affirmative agenda. We continue to strongly condemn Russia's war of aggression against Ukraine. We continue to stand for the principles at the heart of the United Nations Charter. We all have to do that whenever those principles are being violated, especially by a member of the United Nations Security Council and a member of this group, the G20. And in the Middle East, we're intensely engaged with a number of partners to de-escalate tensions in Lebanon and to work to get a ceasefire agreement that would have so many benefits for all concerned. But mostly, what I want to say today and what we'll continue to do in Rio is to affirm the United States commitment to promoting an affirmative agenda. And we look forward to working with all of our partners toward a future of greater dignity and greater opportunity for all of our people. I thank you very much. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Sanctioning Former Haitian Politician and Gang Leader in Connection with Serious Human Rights Abuse US Department of State Press Statement Matthew Miller, Department Spokesperson September 25, 2024 The United States is today sanctioning a former member of Haiti's parliament, Prophane Victor, for his role in forming, supporting, and arming gangs that have committed serious human rights abuse in Haiti, as well as the current leader of the Gran Grif gang, Luckson Elan, for his involvement in serious human rights abuse related to gang activity in Haiti's Artibonite department. Both Victor and Elan are highlighted in the recent final report of the United Nations Panel of Experts as being significantly responsible for the crisis in Haiti. The report states that the "levels of violence and the depths of cruelty that gangs will go to in violating human rights are unprecedented, with regular indiscriminate attacks against the population and the obstruction of humanitarian assistance. Sexual and gender-based violence and rape, in particular, have become one of the most horrific expressions of violence over the past two years." Promoting accountability for gender-based violence is a top priority for the U.S. government and for our use of the Global Magnitsky sanctions program. We will continue to use the tools at our disposal to expose those who commit such heinous crimes anywhere they occur. President Biden issued a Memorandum on Promoting Accountability for Conflict-Related Sexual Violence in November 2022 that directs the U.S. government to strengthen our exercise of financial, diplomatic, and legal tools against this scourge. The Department of the Treasury sanctions actions today were taken pursuant to Executive Order 13818, which builds upon and implements the Global Magnitsky Human Rights Accountability Act and targets perpetrators of serious human rights abuse and corruption around the world. For more information, see Treasury's press release. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Secretary Antony J. Blinken With Qatari Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani and GCC Secretary General Jasem Mohamed Al-Budaiwi At a Meeting with the Foreign Ministers of the Gulf Cooperation Council Member States US Department of State Remarks Antony J. Blinken, Secretary of State Palace Hotel New York City, New York September 25, 2024 SECRETARY BLINKEN: Well, good morning, everyone. Colleagues, friends, so good to see you around this table at a critical time. But we start out with gratitude for this partnership. To the secretary general, to our foreign minister colleagues: Thank you. We meet at a time of high tension. Risk of escalation in the region is acute, and I know that we are all very much focused on that. The best answer is diplomacy, and our coordinated efforts are vital to preventing further escalation and to paving the path to greater peace and stability. With regard to Lebanon, we've been working tirelessly with partners to avoid a full-blown war and to move to a diplomatic process that would allow Israelis and Lebanese alike to go back to their homes. On Gaza, we are grateful to GCC partners - especially to our friends from Qatar and Egypt - for tireless efforts to get to a ceasefire, one that would bring the hostages home, bring immediate relief to the people of Gaza, and create an opportunity for more enduring peace and stability. Each of us has to continue to press all of the parties to make the decisions necessary to get this deal over the finish line. It remains, again, the best way to get hostages home, bring relief to people, and also can help us reduce tensions on other fronts. Even as we're working to advance the ceasefire deal and to prevent its derailment, even as we're working for de-escalation and preventing a broader conflict, we can't wait on any of that in order to continue to effectively address the humanitarian crisis that people are facing. My thanks to countries here today for all the work that is contributed to this effort thus far, providing thousands of tons in aid, building field hospitals, desalination plants, getting flour to bakeries. We not only have to sustain these efforts - we have to grow them. And I think we can take some inspiration from the effective polio campaign that demonstrated that we can have a strong, powerful impact, and we can get results, but it requires everyone to be working together and it requires that this effort be a focus, a priority for everyone involved. We also have to coordinate and work together to deter destabilizing activities by Iran. And I use - I urge all of us to use the leverage that we have to press Iran to stop fueling escalation via the Houthis, via Hizballah, in Iraq, on the West Bank. We also look to the West Bank to ensure that violence against innocent Palestinians stops. That, too, is critical. This is an opportunity today, all of us together, to further coordinate our efforts - to coordinate efforts with partners who have a shared belief in the necessity - indeed, in the urgency - of advancing a path to a better life for all people in the region that you share. So to each and every one of you, my thanks. I think now I would - yes, we're going to turn to Sheikh Mohammed. PRIME MINISTER AL THANI: Well, first of all, I would like to thank you, Mr. Secretary, for hosting us here today. On behalf of my colleagues from the GCC and myself, we really commend the relationship and the strategic partnership that GCC has with the United States, and we believe that throughout the decades, that we see a very positive outcome for security and stability of the region and for prosperity for both peoples. I think that our meeting cannot be more timely with all what's ongoing in the Middle East, whether it's in Gaza, the West Bank, the front in Lebanon that was just escalated to a situation which is going have a spillover on the entire region. I believe it's getting more and more dangerous and worrying, and we believe that all of us, we have a responsibility to stop this, and just to stand up and to step up and to say enough is enough, and we need to find a solution. Of course, we appreciate the commitment of the United States role in the Middle East and stabilizing the situation in the Middle East. We appreciate the partnership that we have together with you and Egypt in order to achieve outcomes and bring the hostages back and put an end for this war. This is a very important war. Qatar remain committed to that. And I think that we should do everything in our hands in order to achieve this goal. I'm very much looking forward for our discussion today, and I hope that this is - will be productive and fruitful and will bring us an outcome that stabilize the region. Thank you. SECRETARY GENERAL AL-BUDAIWI: Thank you. (Via interpreter) In the name of God the most - (in English) Your Highnesses and Excellencies, I would like to express my great pleasure to participate in this very important gathering, which is organized under the framework of the GCC-U.S. Strategic Partnership. I also want to welcome Secretary Blinken, his honorable team, and all involved for the efforts and commitment to make this meeting happen as well as moving forward with this very important strategic partnership. Our meeting today is very timely in response to the critical threats facing our region and the rest of the world, as well as promising opportunities for greater bilateral cooperation. I look forward to discussing these pressing challenges together and how to best work to utilize the opportunities at hand. Your Highnesses and Excellencies, the holding of this meeting comes at a - as an affirmation of the strategic importance of the historical relation between the two sides and their joint commitment to build upon achievements of previous ministerial meetings and summits held, the most recent being the Jeddah summit in July 16, 2022 to enhance consultation, coordination, and cooperation in all fields to support common interests in a way that contributes to achieving regional and international security and stability. We believe in the need to join hands to reduce escalation and prevent the region from being dragged into new levels of violence, tension, and instability, such as the threat of nuclear proliferation, ballistic missiles, threat to maritime security, and freedom of navigation, in addition to recent developments and humanitarian catastrophe in Gaza, the military escalation between Iran and Israel, and escalating tension in the Red Sea. The ongoing Palestine-Israel conflict, which remains unresolved, continues to threaten peace and security of this region, and prevents it from reaching its full potential. The continued mutual escalation across the region risks triggering a broader and uncontrollable conflict, potentially expanding the circle of violence and undermining security and stability. This requires all parties to exercise the utmost restraint and resolve their differences through dialogue and diplomatic channels, sparing the region and its people the dangers of war. Moreover, the Gulf Cooperation Council reaffirms its steadfast position in supporting Lebanon's sovereignty, territorial integrity, security, and stability. The council also expresses deep concern regarding the recent Israeli violations in Lebanon territory, which poses serious threat of escalating the region. The GCC calls on the international community to take urgent measures to halt these provocative action and to work towards lasting stability in the region, thereby helping to prevent the risk of escalating into broader conflict. Your Highnesses and Excellencies, since the GCC-U.S. Strategic Partnership was announced in May 2015, we have all sought to strengthen our cooperation in all areas through maintaining regular engagement at all level. There have been four summits at the heads-of-state level, numerous ministerial meeting, and specialized working groups to translate this partnership into effective, practical steps. Our beneficial partnership contributes to peace and prosperity of both the United States and the GCC countries, as well as extending beyond our region and benefit the global community. The GCC-U.S. partnership is built on solid historical ties, shared interest, and the belief that international law and UN-centered world system is the best foundation for peace and security. The GCC Strategic Partnership with the United States is at forefront of our priorities, and this meeting underscores that fact. The joint summits and ministerial meetings have provided a clear guidance on the evolution of our partnership. We have established more than 10 working groups and task forces across GCC, covering critical areas such as integrated air and missile defense, maritime security, cyber security, logistics, military preparedness, military training exercises, special operations, counterterrorism, trade, investment, and other areas of cooperation. These GCC-U.S. groups are in addition to the important bodies established bilaterally between U.S. and other member-state. In May 2022, the integrated air and missile defense and maritime security working group met at the GCC headquarter in Riyadh to further strengthen our military cooperation. Similarly, the fifth Trade and Investment Dialogue and Business Roundtable held in Washington, D.C. on June 26, 27 resulted in an important outcome that will advance our mutual interest and objectives. I would like to thank the teams from both side for their planning and hard work for further meeting and workshop, including the discussion on the prevention of counterfeits, border enforcement, and free trade zone regulation, and scheduled - scheduled for January and February 2025; furthermore, the planned meeting and study tour focused on cooperation and capacity-building for the deployment of advanced nuclear energy technologies in April 2025. These initiatives reflect our shared commitment to cleaner, more secure energy solution, and are critical for ongoing collaboration in key areas. In all of these meetings, GCC and U.S. representatives have shown their commitment to their important political security and economic partnership, working together to achieve common objectives. I would like to point out that the upcoming year, 2025, will mark the 10th anniversary of the first summit that brought together the leaders of the Gulf Cooperation Council and the President of the United States. We look forward to the possibility of convening a fifth summit during the next phase with the hope that this fruitful cooperation, which is built on a solid foundation of distinctive strategic relations between both sides, will continue to thrive. In conclusion, I would like our friends and partners from the United States to understand one crucial fact. The GCC countries are unwavering in their commitment to enhance and strengthen their relationship with the United States. A testament of this is that the United States is the only country with whom we have held two ministerial meetings, both in the year 2023 and 2024. Regardless of our growing partnerships across the globe, the United States remains one of the most reliable, steadfast partner. I look forward to a productive meeting that will advance our partnership in facing the growing challenges. Thank you very much. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Secretary Antony J. Blinken, White House Homeland Security Advisor Dr. Liz Sherwood-Randall, And Colombian Foreign Minister Luis Gilberto Murillo At the Ministerial Meeting on the Los Angeles Declaration on Migration and Protection US Department of State Remarks Antony J. Blinken, Secretary of State Palace Hotel New York City, New York September 25, 2024 DR. SHERWOOD-RANDALL: Good morning. It is my distinct honor and pleasure to welcome each of you here today, in particular our distinguished foreign ministers and endorsing country representatives who are joining us for this fourth Ministerial of the Los Angeles Declaration on Migration and Protection. Today marks an opportunity for us to celebrate over two years of progress that we have made together in addressing the migration challenge in our hemisphere under the Los Angeles Declaration, which is a framework that we have built together to share responsibility, partnership, and the pursuit of humane solutions that benefit the peoples of all of our countries. I am grateful to each of you for your unwavering commitment to addressing the hemispheric challenges that we face and to promoting a safe, orderly, and humane approach to migration. It is my privilege and pleasure to introduce Secretary of State Blinken for making opening remarks on behalf of the United States of America. Secretary Blinken. SECRETARY BLINKEN: Liz, thank you so much. And good morning, everyone, and thank you for being here today. To all our partners in this endeavor, thank you. As Liz said, back in June of 2022, during the ninth Summit of the Americas, President Biden convened nearly two dozen countries to launch the Los Angeles Declaration on Migration and Protection. In doing so, we recognized together the need to strengthen regional cooperation to ensure safe, orderly, humane, and regular migration - and to help people lead peaceful, productive, and dignified lives in their countries of origin. Just over the last two years, our countries have taken meaningful, concrete steps toward these shared commitments. Together, we're making it easier for migrants, already in-country, to obtain legal status. For example, governments throughout the region are helping Venezuelans acquire lawful residency status. Colombia, Ecuador, and Peru are at the forefront - advancing measures to fully incorporate migrants into their receiving communities and economies. We're also promoting secure migration pathways - to dissuade individuals from taking perilous journeys to our borders in the first place. Here, in the United States, we've led one of the largest expansions of lawful migration - including through new humanitarian and family-reunification parole processes, and raising our annual target for refugee resettlement to 125,000 - while also strengthening enforcement measures to discourage irregular migration. In the last year, we resettled more than 20,000 refugees from Latin America and the Caribbean - the highest-ever level. The Safe Mobility Initiative equips individuals in Latin America with accurate information and an online process to apply for lawful entry into the United States, among other countries. And again, that means that people can determine whether they have a legal means to come to the United States from their own countries, not making the journey to the border. Since its establishment in June of '23, this program has overseen the arrival of tens of thousands of qualified refugees into the United States - and helped many others access integration resources in their countries of first refuge. In the coming months, we will also push to further develop lawful and humane labor pathways that respect workers' rights - across our hemisphere. This follows the United States' decision in May to join the International Labour Organization's Fair Recruitment Initiative, which aims to ensure practices that protect migrants against exploitation. Together, we're also disrupting human trafficking and smuggling. Through visa restrictions, financial sanctions, we're cracking down on criminal networks. And we're applying similar measures against companies that charter flights and boats to facilitate dangerous, irregular migration routes. Just yesterday, the United States imposed visa restrictions on multiple travel agency executives engaged in this practice. Finally, we're working together to address the root causes of irregular migration, including the lack of economic opportunity, which we know is one of the biggest drivers of migration. Under Vice President Harris' Central America Forward initiative, we've generated over $5.2 billion in private sector investments in Honduras, Guatemala, El Salvador. These investments will expand economic possibility, creating good new jobs. They're also targeting groups traditionally excluded or underrepresented in the formal economy - and with an emphasis on encouraging good governance as well as growth. Building on this work, I can announce today that the United States will additionally invest more than $685 million across Latin America and the Caribbean. With this announcement, the United States has now dedicated - in 2024 alone - over $1.2 billion to advance the objectives of the Los Angeles Declaration. These new funds include nearly $369 million to aid refugees, vulnerable migrant populations, and host countries - as well as $228 million in emergency food assistance for Venezuelan migrants and displaced persons in Colombia, Ecuador, and Peru. Our assistance also provides $10 million to the World Bank's Global Concessional Finance Facility's work in Latin America and the Caribbean. This programming promotes economic development that's tailored to benefit both refugees and their host communities. This support will also help institutionalize our partnership by setting up and maintaining a Technical Secretariat, with support from the Pan American Development Foundation and the Organization of American States. This office will oversee coordination between our countries. And it will monitor progress - so that we can hold ourselves accountable to the goals that we establish together. Our inaugural chair, Colombia, will work closely with the Secretariat - to guide our priorities for the L.A. Declaration's implementation in 2025. This morning, as we reflect on these last two years, the impact of our collective efforts is clear - but so, too, are the complex and ongoing challenges that we face in this era of unprecedented global migration. I'm confident that together we can move toward a hemisphere where migration is a choice, made freely, pursued lawfully, and where people - all people - can live with security, dignity, and opportunity. I thank you all again for your presence today but most of all for the work we're doing every day to advance this shared agenda. Thank you. (Applause.) Thank you. DR. SHERWOOD-RANDALL: Thank you, Secretary Blinken, for your leadership and for the leadership of your team in advancing the shared commitments that we made. And I am struck in listening to what you've recounted by how far we have come since your leaders around this table stood on the podium in Los Angeles with President Biden and made this bold promise that we would build a system in our hemisphere in which we shared the burden and responsibility that we have taken on together and which is showing results today. And as you've now said, we also have the opportunity to institutionalize this with the establishment of the new secretariat to ensure that the leadership endures and that our agenda is sustained throughout the region going forward. So with that, I want to introduce the foreign minister of Colombia, Luis Gilberto Murillo. We are so grateful for Colombia's leadership and partnership, particularly in welcoming and integrating more than 2 million Venezuelan migrants and serving as a model for the region and indeed for the whole world. We are thrilled that Colombia is taking on this new role as the first country chair of the Los Angeles Declaration and will host next year's ministerial to ensure that this work carries forward and that it is regionally based and regionally owned. So thank you, Ambassador, Minister. Welcome. FOREIGN MINISTER MURILLO: Thank you very much, Dr. Sherwood Randall. We are really pleased with the honor to chair for the next year Los Angeles Declaration and also very pleased that we are going to have the secretariat, which is very important to moving to institutionalization of this process. We have very important progress in responding to the joint challenge of migration, particularly in terms of the Western Hemisphere under the L.A. Declaration, but still we have a lot of challenges. Colombia, as Secretary Blinken was saying, have welcomed almost 3 million Venezuelans. Of those, 2.5 million have been already regularized. And we are pleased to announce that we are working on regularization of 500,000 more that are already in Colombia, but they need to be legal in our country with the necessary possibility to move into integrating to Colombian society if that's the case. In addition to that, Colombia have evolved from being a country that welcome migrants to a country that is a transit country. But in terms of welcoming migrants, we have - in a full capacity we are - we have invested almost one point of our GDP in responding to the needs of migrants. Almost 1 million and 600,000 migrant all already receiving health services. We have almost 600,000 kids in our schools. And we do that because that's our commitment to respond to the challenge of the hemisphere. Colombia in that demonstrate the principle that we committed under L.A. Declaration. However, we need to expand ways of responding to the migrants that are already transit to Colombia. We have a trilateral mechanism with the United States and Panama to respond to the challenge of the Darien Gap, where we have almost every year around 500,000 people crossing. It is obviously reducing them - we are reducing that number. And we are working with our partners in Panama to obviously have more migration control in those areas. In addition to that, we are working on providing some Safe Mobility Offices that we agreed with the United States to facilitate their process of migrants that are willing to come to the United States through legal pathways. That office has also have been very effective so far. But we need more - obviously more work to do, join with other countries. On a bilateral basis, we are working with our Mexican partners also to respond to some of the challenges in terms of joining an effort to provide more support to Colombia in term of responding to the new challenge of having migrants that are transiting to our country. Almost 92 nationalities have been dictated to go to Colombia, and we have the challenge of responding to those extracontinental migrant that are going through our country. In finalizing, let me say that Colombia continue committed to the goals of the L.A. Declaration, and we are very excited and motivated that we are going to work with all of you - the 25 countries in term of really having a migration process that is safe, that is doing it in a orderly way, and also provide the possibility of people to have human mobility in a human way. Thank you very much. (Applause.) DR. SHERWOOD-RANDALL: Thank you, Minister Murillo. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Secretary Antony J. Blinken With George Stephanopoulos of ABC Good Morning America US Department of State Interview Antony J. Blinken, Secretary of State New York City, New York September 25, 2024 QUESTION: Okay. And thanks very much. Let's take that question to Secretary of State Antony Blinken right now. He joins us live in the studio. Do you think this can be contained? SECRETARY BLINKEN: I do, and it needs to be contained. We're working to prevent escalation. We're working to make sure this doesn't get into a full-scale war. Look, Israel has a very legitimate problem it has to solve. Right after the horrific events of October 7th, Hizballah in the north, from Lebanon, starting lobbing rockets into Israel. People who lived in northern Israel had to flee their homes - homes were destroyed; villages were destroyed - about 70,000 Israelis. Israel started responding. You have Lebanese in southern Lebanon who've also had to flee their homes. We want to see people get back to their homes. The best way to do that is through a diplomatic agreement - pulls the forces back, creates space and security so that people can get back to their homes, kids can get back to school. That's what we're working on. QUESTION: Do you have any objections to the way Israel is prosecuting the war right now? SECRETARY BLINKEN: Look, you've got a group in Hizballah that's a designated terrorist organization. Back in 2000, Israel got out of southern Lebanon, which it had been occupying. All of these groups, including Hizballah, were supposed to put down their weapons. Hizballah didn't do it. It attacked Israel repeatedly in the ensuing years. It created insecurity in northern Israel. And then since October 7th it's really ramped that up. So this is an important problem to solve, get people back to their homes. But the best way to do it, George, is through diplomacy. If there were a full-scale war - and we've managed to avert one until now. We've had a number of times since October 7th where we seemed to be on the verge of it. Deterrence, diplomacy by the United States prevented that from happening. But if there were to be a full-scale war, that wouldn't solve the problem. It wouldn't get people back to their homes. QUESTION: Let's talk about Ukraine and Russia right now. President Zelenskyy is going to be visiting the White House tomorrow, visiting President Biden tomorrow. He has what he's calling a victory plan. SECRETARY BLINKEN: Yeah. QUESTION: He's going to unfold that tomorrow, wants permission to strike deeper inside Russia. Will he get it? SECRETARY BLINKEN: So I was in Kyiv a couple of weeks ago with President Zelenskyy. I heard parts of this plan, but he's going to present the entire plan to President Biden when he sees him this week, and we're awaiting that. Look, every step along the way since before the Russian invasion, we've tried to make sure that Ukraine had what it needed when it needed it to defend against Russian aggression. We got them Stingers, Javelins before the Russian aggression because we saw it coming. That prevented the takeover of the country, the erasing of Ukraine from the map. The Ukrainians were able to repel the Russians, push them back. Every day since, we've been working to adapt and adjust depending on the battlefield needs, what does Ukraine need in any given moment. We'll continue to do that. QUESTION: What about striking inside Russia? SECRETARY BLINKEN: Look, we're looking at how we can make sure that Ukraine is most effective in deterring and dealing with this Russian aggression. And they have extraordinary means at their disposal, starting with their own resilience. We're going to make sure that they have what they need to succeed. QUESTION: Yesterday former President Trump expressed serious doubts about Ukraine's ability to win this war. He also praised Russia's military saying they beat Hitler, they beat Napolean. Do you have doubts about Ukraine's ability to win this war? SECRETARY BLINKEN: No, I don't, George. And in fact, to the contrary, remember what Putin tried to do. He tried to come in and erase Ukraine from the map. He's failed in that. That is not going to succeed. The challenge now is to make sure that Ukraine can be a strong independent country that stands up militarily, economically, democratically. We're working to ensure that, and not just us - more than 50 countries. Look, and this matters. It matters to the United States. It's not just about Ukraine. We're here in New York for this UN General Assembly. The UN was created after two world wars to make sure there wouldn't be another. And one of the things that it did was it got countries together and say - to say there are basic rules of the road. One country can't simply attack another, redraw its borders by force, dictate to another country its future, its decisions. That's what's going on in Ukraine. And if we allow that to happen with impunity, if we allow those basic principles, those basic rules to be violated, then its open season. Would-be aggressors everywhere will say hey, we can get away with it too. That's a world full of conflict, not a good world for the United States. That's why, with so many other countries, we've been working to help Ukraine not only defend itself but defend these principles that are at the heart of the international system. QUESTION: Secretary Blinken, thanks, as always, for your time. SECRETARY BLINKEN: Thanks, George. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Secretary Antony J. Blinken with Tony Dokoupil, Nate Burleson, and Adrianna Diaz of CBS Mornings US Department of State Interview Antony J. Blinken, Secretary of State New York City, New York September 25, 2024 QUESTION: We're joined by Secretary of State Antony Blinken, in town for the United Nations General Assembly. Mr. Secretary, good morning to you. SECRETARY BLINKEN: Morning. QUESTION: Thank you very much for being here. Boy, there's only so many times you can mention escalating tensions and risks of an all-out war before it becomes cliche, but things are definitely not going in the right direction. And I think there's a philosophy question here for the U.S. to answer: Do you end all of this violence in the Middle East by putting pressure on Israel to stop on both fronts, or do you empower Israel to finish the job? SECRETARY BLINKEN: Look, what we've seen since the horrific attacks on October 7th are periods when we've had a real risk of escalation, a real risk of something turning into a full-blown war, including in Lebanon between Israel and Hizballah. And through diplomacy, through deterrence, we've managed to avert that in the days immediately following October 7th, more recently in April. We're focused right now on making sure that we can de-escalate, avoid a full-scale war. But Tony, Israel's got a legitimate problem here. Starting on October 8th, Hizballah in the north from southern Lebanon started lobbing rockets and missiles into Israel. People living in northern Israel had to flee their homes - about 70,000 - and Israel understandably, legitimately wants a secure environment so people can return home. The best way to get that is through diplomacy, an agreement to pull back forces, allow people to return home in northern Israel - also many Lebanese in southern Lebanon forced from their homes. We want to get people back home. The best way to do that is not war; it's diplomacy. QUESTION: So Hizballah went to their weapon systems. Hizballah began firing into Israel after October 7th SECRETARY BLINKEN: That's right. QUESTION: in allyship with Hamas and the people in Gaza. SECRETARY BLINKEN: Exactly. QUESTION: Where do ceasefire talks stand? Because that - if that is their motivation there on the Hizballah side, that's the key to making them pull back and stop. SECRETARY BLINKEN: That would certainly be one of the keys. It would be an ideal key because it would end the horrific situation in Gaza - horrific for the hostages, horrific for so many men, women, and children who've been caught in this crossfire of Hamas's making. We've been working on this ceasefire deal for a while. We have an agreement, a piece of paper that's got 18 paragraphs. Fifteen of them are agreed. The last three continue to need some work. The problem we have right now is that Hamas hasn't been engaging on it for the last couple of weeks, and Sinwar, its leader, has been talking about an endless war of attrition. Now, if he really cares about the Palestinian people, he'd bring this agreement over the finish line. QUESTION: Mr. Secretary, do you believe that Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu truly wants a ceasefire? SECRETARY BLINKEN: If we're talking about Gaza, as I said, I think hard decisions remain to be made by Israel. But the problem right now in terms of bringing this across the finish line has - is Hamas, its refusal to engage in a meaningful way. We've been at this in recent weeks again trying to get these last QUESTION: So in no part do you put blame on Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu? SECRETARY BLINKEN: So what we're seeing is this. I don't think this is a question really anymore of the substance of the agreement, because it's very close. It is a question of political will. In the first instance, that political will needs to be demonstrated by Hamas. We haven't seen it the last couple of weeks. Israel would have some hard decisions to make to bring this to a close, but we've got to see if Hamas is actually serious. QUESTION: Mr. Secretary, ProPublica has determined that two agencies found that Israel is deliberately stopping humanitarian aid from getting to civilians. And as you well know, the U.S. Government says that it has to restrict supplying weapons to a country that does this type of thing. Why have we not done so? SECRETARY BLINKEN: So this is actually pretty typical. We had a report to put out on the humanitarian situation in Gaza and what Israel was doing to try to make sure that people got the assistance they needed, and I had different assessments from different parts of the State Department, from other agencies that were involved like USAID. My job is to sort through them, which I did, draw some conclusions from that, and we put out our report. And we found that Israel needed to do a better job on the humanitarian assistance. We've seen improvements since then. It's still not sufficient. QUESTION: Secretary Blinken, the man in the arena, thank you very much. Appreciate it. SECRETARY BLINKEN: Good to be with you. Thanks. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Secretary Antony J. Blinken With Savannah Guthrie of NBC Today US Department of State Interview Antony J. Blinken, Secretary of State New York City, New York September 25, 2024 QUESTION: And joining us now, Secretary of State Antony Blinken. Mr. Secretary, good morning to you. SECRETARY BLINKEN: Good morning. QUESTION: Let's start right there. Donald Trump says he was briefed by intelligence officials about Iran's efforts to assassinate him. The ODNI has confirmed this. U.S. officials have. How concerned are you about this threat? And will there and should there be consequences against Iran? SECRETARY BLINKEN: Look, this is something we've been tracking very intensely for a long time - an ongoing threat by Iran against a number of senior officials, including former government officials like President Trump, and some people who are currently serving the administration. So it's something we take very, very seriously. We're looking at it very carefully. I don't have any further information to share, but know that we're watching this very carefully. QUESTION: Let's talk about what's going on right now in the Middle East - as you well know, a massive bombardment by Israel into the north into Hizballah territory. The Israeli theory here is escalate to de-escalate; in fact, just in essence, hit Hizballah so hard they're forced to the negotiating table. Put simply, does the U.S. support this escalation strategy by Israel? SECRETARY BLINKEN: Well first, Israel has a real and legitimate problem, because here's what happened. After the horrific events of October 7th by Hamas in Israel in the south, Hizballah from Lebanon joined in and started firing rockets into Israel. People who lived in northern Israel had to evacuate their homes. Villages were destroyed. Homes were destroyed. Seventy thousand Israelis were forced from their homes. And Israel started firing back. You had a tit-for-tat going back and forth. People in southern Lebanon had to leave their homes too. And what everyone wants is to have a secure environment in which people can simply return home, kids can go back to school. That's what Israel is after. So the best way to get that is not through war, not through escalation. It would be through a diplomatic agreement that has forces pulled back from the border, create a secure environment, people return home. That's what we're driving toward. Because while there's a very legitimate issue here, we don't think that war is the solution. QUESTION: Well fair enough, but Israel is not listening to that. In fact, the U.S. defense secretary on Sunday told his Israeli counterpart to give time for diplomacy to work. And on Monday, this Israeli bombardment was the most serious, deadliest day in Lebanon since 2006. SECRETARY BLINKEN: Yeah, what QUESTION: But Israel is not listening to the U.S. Why not? SECRETARY BLINKEN: What we're focused on now, including with many partners here in New York at the UN General Assembly, the Arab world, Europeans and others, is a plan to de-escalate and, again, to make sure that people can go back to their homes. But if there were to be a full-scale war - which we don't have and which we're working to avoid - that's actually not going to solve the problem. It's unlikely that people would be able to return home if there's a full-scale war going on. QUESTION: Short answer: Does the U.S. support what Israel is doing right now in terms of this escalation in order to later de-escalate and get to the negotiating table? SECRETARY BLINKEN: What we support is solving the problem of making sure that people can go home. But we believe the best way to solve it is through diplomacy, not through war. QUESTION: Why does the U.S. not have or use more leverage over Israel, its ally? We are the supplier of the bulk of its weapons of war, and yet there are countless examples - and you probably know them better than I - where Israel seems to flout what the U.S. is asking or suggesting. Why is that? SECRETARY BLINKEN: Look, we have a longstanding relationship and security relationship with Israel, including making sure that it has what it needs to prevent the many enemies that it has from attacking it, to deter them. And that's important to avoiding war as well. And in this instance, there is a real problem that needs to be solved. Again, from our perspective, the best way to do it is diplomatically. We're engaged with Israel on that. We're engaged with others in the region on that. And we need to, I think, find the opportunity now to stop any escalation, prevent a full-scale war, get people back to their homes. QUESTION: Should the U.S. have been given a heads-up, for example, that Israel was going to assassinate a political leader in Iran, in Tehran, or this pagers attack of last week? Shouldn't the U.S., its Israeli ally, have gotten a heads-up at that a minimum? SECRETARY BLINKEN: Look, it's always nice not to be surprised by the action that someone takes. Certainly that's better. But since October 7th, besides trying to make sure that October 7th never happens again, besides trying to sure that civilians in Gaza - men, women, and children who are caught in this horrific crossfire of Hamas's making - are better protected and get the assistance they need. We're - we've also been working to prevent this war from spreading, from escalating, from going to other places. That's what we're focused on now - making sure that what you're seeing in northern Israel, southern Lebanon now, doesn't become a full-scale war, and on the contrary, that we resolve the problem that Israel has. QUESTION: Can I ask about that pagers attack where Hizballah members were the targets and their - literally in their hands their pagers exploded. Some see this as a technological coup and an ingenious move by Israel. Others, including John Brennan, former Defense Secretary Leon Panetta, who you know well, saying it's a form of terrorism and it went too far. Where do you come down on it? SECRETARY BLINKEN: Look, we've got to start with the proposition that Hizballah is a terrorist organization. QUESTION: No question. SECRETARY BLINKEN: So designated by the United States. And the reality is Israel left southern Lebanon. It had been occupying southern Lebanon for 15 years. It left in 2000. And all of these militia that existed there were supposed to put down their weapons. Hizballah didn't do it. And then repeatedly in the time after that, it attacked and posed a threat to people living in northern Israel. So it's very legitimate that Israel do something about Hizballah. We'd like QUESTION: No question about it. SECRETARY BLINKEN: The only question is: What's the best way to do it? QUESTION: Oh, and the tactics. SECRETARY BLINKEN: And what are the best tactics? And those are things that we're always discussing with them. But right now, our main challenge is preventing a broader war, one that actually won't solve the challenge that Israel has, and by the way the Lebanese have because they want to get their people back to their homes in southern Lebanon too. We want that too. QUESTION: In fairness, you didn't answer whether or not you approved of this particular tactic. SECRETARY BLINKEN: Look, you're always looking at what someone is doing, trying to figure out what the second- or third-order consequences may be. Does it open up a whole new Pandora's box? It is something we're looking at. QUESTION: Both sides, as far as the ceasefire in Gaza, do not seem very interested in a deal. It seems like the U.S. is working quite hard at it, and you have Netanyahu moving the goal posts late in the negotiations in some case, you have the Hamas leader who's also doing the very same thing. And it goes without saying it is Hamas that broke the ceasefire that existed on October 6th. SECRETARY BLINKEN: Right. QUESTION: Let's not forget that. You had said in mid August that there was - this was sort of maybe the last best chance, you said, for the deal. So in that same spirit of candor, what is the likelihood of a ceasefire deal right now? SECRETARY BLINKEN: We have a piece of paper, an agreement. It's got 18 paragraphs. Fifteen of those paragraphs have been agreed between Hamas and Israel. But what's happened over the last few weeks is Hamas has simply not been at the table, not been willing to engage on the remaining outstanding issues that, if we close them, will close the deal, will get it over the finish line. Now, Israel would have some hard decisions to make in the very end game too, so we have to look to that. QUESTION: Well, let's just say the quiet part out loud. President Biden is a lame duck president. He's not running again. Do you think that Netanyahu, Sinwar, other world leaders, are biding their time just running out the clock hoping they'll fare better in a new administration, potentially one of Donald Trump? SECRETARY BLINKEN: Look, I can't put myself in the minds of other leaders, other partners. I can tell you though that with the end of a term, with the end of an administration - and I've been through a few of them in the past - there's also a certain amount of freedom because - and especially for President Biden, who has been doing this for so long and so well. He knows what he wants to get accomplished. He is determined to use the months that he has left as president to run through the tape. QUESTION: So your message to anyone who perceives weakness or indecision SECRETARY BLINKEN: Our message, my message to anyone who perceives weakness, is President Biden is here till January 20th. He's going to use every single day to advance the national interest. QUESTION: Secretary of State Tony Blinken, thank you so much for your time. SECRETARY BLINKEN: Great to be with you. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Secretary Blinken's Meeting with Senegalese President Faye US Department of State Readout Office of the Spokesperson September 25, 2024 The below is attributable to Spokesperson Matt Miller: Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken met with Senegalese President Bassirou Diomaye Faye yesterday in New York. Secretary Blinken and President Faye discussed their shared commitment to democratic values, peace and security, and economic growth and prosperity. President Faye briefed the Secretary on his vision for Senegal's development and emphasized his intent to create economic opportunities for youth and to bolster food security. He also discussed his efforts to work with partners in West Africa to counter terrorism. The Secretary welcomed this update and reiterated that the United States stands with the Senegalese people as they build a more prosperous Senegal. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Treasury Sanctions Former Haitian Politician and Gang Leader for Their Connections to Serious Human Rights Abuse U.S. Department of the Treasury September 25, 2024 WASHINGTON -- Today, the U.S. Department of the Treasury's Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) is sanctioning a former member of Haiti's parliament, Prophane Victor, for his role in forming, supporting, and arming gangs and their members that have committed serious human rights abuse in Haiti. OFAC is also designating Luckson Elan, the current leader of the Gran Grif gang, for his involvement in serious human rights abuse related to gang activity in Haiti's Artibonite department. "Victor and Elan, through their influence over or leadership of the gangs in Haiti, have sought to perpetuate the horrific violence and instability," said Acting Under Secretary of the Treasury for Terrorism and Financial Intelligence Bradley T. Smith. "Treasury remains committed to holding accountable those who seek to leverage human rights abuses, violence, and corruption to achieve their political aims." Promoting accountability for gender-based violence is a top priority for the U.S. government. President Biden issued a Memorandum on Promoting Accountability for Conflict-Related Sexual Violence in November 2022 that directs the U.S. government to strengthen our exercise of financial, diplomatic, and legal tools against this scourge. The UN Panel of Experts report on Haiti states that the "levels of violence and the depths of cruelty that gangs will go to in violating human rights are unprecedented, with regular indiscriminate attacks against the population and the obstruction of humanitarian assistance. Sexual and gender-based violence and rape in particular have become one of the most horrific expressions of violence over the past two years. Such violence and insecurity not only undermine the political transition, but also decimate the national economy and threaten the future of the country." Today's action targets one actor directly responsible for gender-based violence and one that has provided material support to gangs, including those that have engaged in gender-based violence as a regular practice of intimidation, control, and extortion. serious human rights abuse IN ARTIBONITE, Haiti Prophane Victor is a former Haitian legislator who started arming young men in Petite Riviere, Artibonite to secure his control over the area and his election in 2016. Those men went on to form the Gran Grif gang, which is currently the largest gang in the Artibonite department and the main perpetrator of abuses, including sexual violence. Prophane Victor materially supported Gran Grif until at least 2020. Prophane Victor has also trafficked weapons to Haiti and is known to have relationships with and provided funds to other gangs throughout Haiti, including rivals of Gran Grif. Prophane Victor's gang affiliations and material support to them contribute to the climate of terror as the gangs engage in an array of cruelty and violence, fight for control, and leave residents to pay the consequences. Luckson Elan is the current head of Gran Grif gang. Luckson Elan and other members of the Gran Grif gang are responsible for serious human rights abuse including kidnapping, murder, beating, and raping of women and children, as well as looting, destruction, extortion, hijacking, and stealing crops and livestock. The situation is especially devastating for his child victims who have been subjected to forced recruitment and sexual violence. OFAC is designating Prophane Victor pursuant to Executive Order (E.O.) 13818 for being a person who has materially assisted, sponsored, or provided financial, material, or technological support for, or goods or services to or in support of an entity, including any government entity, that has engaged in, or whose members have engaged in, serious human rights abuse, where the activity is conducted by a foreign person. OFAC is designating Luckson Elan pursuant to E.O. 13818 for being a foreign person who is responsible for or complicit in, or has directly or indirectly engaged in, serious human rights abuse. OFAC also is designating Luckson Elan pursuant to E.O. 13818 for being or having been a leader or official of an entity, including any government entity, that has engaged in, or whose members have engaged in, serious human rights abuse relating to the leader's or official's tenure. SANCTIONS IMPLICATIONS As a result of today's action, all property and interests in property of the designated persons described above that are in the United States or in the possession or control of U.S. persons are blocked and must be reported to OFAC. In addition, any entities that are owned, directly or indirectly, individually or in the aggregate, 50 percent or more by one or more blocked persons are also blocked. Unless authorized by a general or specific license issued by OFAC, or exempt, OFAC's regulations generally prohibit all transactions by U.S. persons or within (or transiting) the United States that involve any property or interests in property of designated or otherwise blocked persons. U.S. persons may face civil or criminal penalties for violations of E.O. 13818. Non-U.S. persons are also prohibited from causing or conspiring to cause U.S. persons to wittingly or unwittingly violate U.S. sanctions, as well as engaging in conduct that evades U.S. sanctions. OFAC's Economic Sanctions Enforcement Guidelines provide more information regarding OFAC's enforcement of U.S. sanctions, including the factors that OFAC generally considers when determining an appropriate response to an apparent violation. Financial institutions and other persons that engage in certain transactions or activities with the sanctioned entities and individuals may expose themselves to sanctions or be subject to an enforcement action. The prohibitions include the making of any contribution or provision of funds, goods, or services by, to, or for the benefit of any designated person, or the receipt of any contribution or provision of funds, goods, or services from any such person. The power and integrity of OFAC sanctions derive not only from OFAC's ability to designate and add persons to the Specially Designated Nationals and Blocked Persons (SDN) List, but also from its willingness to remove persons from the SDN List consistent with the law. The ultimate goal of sanctions is not to punish, but to bring about a positive change in behavior. For information concerning the process for seeking removal from an OFAC list, including the SDN List, please refer to OFAC's Frequently Asked Question 897 here. For detailed information on the process to submit a request for removal from an OFAC sanctions list, please click here. GLOBAL MAGNITSKY Building upon the Global Magnitsky Human Rights Accountability Act, E.O. 13818 was issued on December 20, 2017, in recognition that the prevalence of human rights abuse and corruption that have their source, in whole or in substantial part, outside the United States, had reached such scope and gravity as to threaten the stability of international political and economic systems. Human rights abuse and corruption undermine the values that form an essential foundation of stable, secure, and functioning societies; have devastating impacts on individuals; weaken democratic institutions; degrade the rule of law; perpetuate violent conflicts; facilitate the activities of dangerous persons; and undermine economic markets. The United States seeks to impose tangible and significant consequences on those who commit serious human rights abuse or engage in corruption, as well as to protect the financial system of the United States from abuse by these same persons. Click here for more information on the individuals and entities designated today. ### NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address UNHCR scales up support as people flee Lebanon for Syria UNHCR - United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees 25 September 2024 GENEVA -- Thousands of Lebanese and Syrian people are fleeing Lebanon for Syria in desperation as Israeli airstrikes continue to devastate civilian lives. UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency, is scaling up its support to the growing number of displaced people. Hundreds of vehicles are backed up in queues at the Syrian border. Many people are also arriving on foot, carrying what they can. Large crowds, including women, young children and babies are waiting in line after spending the night outdoors in falling temperatures. Some carry fresh injuries from the recent bombardments. "This bloodshed is extracting a terrible toll, driving tens of thousands from their homes," said Filippo Grandi, UN High Commissioner for Refugees. "It is yet another ordeal for families who previously fled war in Syria only now to be bombed in the country where they sought shelter. We must avoid replaying these scenes of despair and devastation. The Middle East cannot afford a new displacement crisis. Let us not create one by forcing more people to abandon their homes. Protecting civilian lives must be the priority." UNHCR and partners, including the Syrian Arab Red Crescent, are present at the border crossings, providing food, water, blankets and mattresses to those arriving, and guiding them towards support available once in Syria. The humanitarian situation in Syria remains dire; the 2023 earthquake and the drawn-out conflict there have left critical infrastructure in tatters and millions in need of assistance. According to the Lebanese authorities, over 27,000 people have been displaced over the past 48 hours, and more are abandoning their homes by the minute. The latest hostilities have killed 558 people and injured 1,835. UNHCR is responding to the needs of forcibly displaced people across Lebanon, coordinating closely with the authorities and other humanitarian organizations. Our teams are on standby to help more civilians who have fled the airstrikes, providing shelter, health care and psychosocial support. Lebanon hosts an estimated 1.5 million Syrian refugees and over 11,000 refugees from other countries. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Global community to urge action on escalating Sudan crisis at UN General Assembly UNHCR - United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees 25 September 2024 17 months of brutal conflict in Sudan have fuelled the world's worst hunger crisis At the UN General Assembly today, the United Nations and Member States will call for stepped-up action to end the war and to fast-track the humanitarian response in Sudan and the region The meeting will be livestreamed from 10 a.m. EST/2 p.m. GMT/4 p.m. CET NEW YORK - As the catastrophic humanitarian crisis in Sudan enters its 18th month, the United Nations and Member States will today call for immediate steps to be taken to protect civilians, scale up humanitarian funding and access, and end the fighting once and for all. Relentless hostilities across the country have brought misery to millions of civilians, triggering the world's fastest-growing displacement crisis. More than 10 million people have fled their homes since April 2023 - half of them children - including more than 2 million people who have sought safety in neighbouring countries. Sudan is now also the world's largest hunger crisis, with over half of the country's population - nearly 26 million people - facing high levels of acute hunger. Famine has been confirmed in North Darfur's Zamzam camp, with many other areas at risk. Nearly 5 million children and pregnant and breastfeeding women are acutely malnourished. Health care and basic services have been decimated, cholera and other diseases are on the rise, and children are out of school for a second straight year. The emergency is one of the worst protection crises in recent history, with alarming levels of sexual and gender-based violence continuing to terrorize civilians, particularly women and girls. As hostilities continue unabated, humanitarian action to support millions of people in Sudan and the region has never been more urgent. Inside Sudan, underfunding, insecurity and restricted humanitarian access continue to hamper efforts to scale up response efforts. Neighbouring countries - despite already grappling with chronic underfunding and large displaced populations before the Sudan conflict - have continued to welcome Sudanese refugees. More support is needed to help host governments provide essential protection and critical life-saving assistance to the new arrivals. Today's ministerial meeting at the UN General Assembly in New York is being co-hosted by the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) and UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency - alongside the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, the Arab Republic of Egypt, the United States of America, the African Union, and the European Union. Together, they will outline the devastating human toll if the international community fails to take urgent and collective action to stem the humanitarian crisis and stop the fighting in Sudan. The 2024 Humanitarian Needs and Response Plan for Sudan seeks US$2.7 billion to help 14.7 million people until the end of this year. It is currently less than half funded, at 49 per cent. This year's Sudan Regional Refugee Response Plan requires $1.5 billion to support 3.3 million refugees, returnees and host communities in seven countries neighbouring Sudan. It is currently just 25 per cent funded. The Acting Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs and Emergency Relief Coordinator, Joyce Msuya, said: "People in Sudan have endured 17 months of hell, and the suffering continues to grow. Thousands of civilians have been killed, entire communities displaced and deprived of food, families scattered, children traumatized, women raped and abused. Decisive international action is urgent. We need humanitarian access to everyone in need, through all necessary routes, ramped-up funding for the response, ironclad commitments to protect civilians, and most of all, real and inclusive steps to end this ruinous war." said: "People in Sudan have endured 17 months of hell, and the suffering continues to grow. Thousands of civilians have been killed, entire communities displaced and deprived of food, families scattered, children traumatized, women raped and abused. Decisive international action is urgent. We need humanitarian access to everyone in need, through all necessary routes, ramped-up funding for the response, ironclad commitments to protect civilians, and most of all, real and inclusive steps to end this ruinous war." The UN High Commissioner for Refugees, Filippo Grandi, said: "This brutal war has uprooted millions of people, forcing them to leave their homes, schools and jobs behind in search of safety. Countries neighbouring Sudan are generously hosting a rising number of refugees, but cannot shoulder that responsibility alone. People need humanitarian aid now and support to rebuild their lives. Meaningful peace efforts are also urgently needed so people can eventually return home. The stability of the whole region hangs in the balance." said: "This brutal war has uprooted millions of people, forcing them to leave their homes, schools and jobs behind in search of safety. Countries neighbouring Sudan are generously hosting a rising number of refugees, but cannot shoulder that responsibility alone. People need humanitarian aid now and support to rebuild their lives. Meaningful peace efforts are also urgently needed so people can eventually return home. The stability of the whole region hangs in the balance." The Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, H.H. Prince Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud, said: "The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has spared no effort in supporting the Sudanese people since the beginning of the crisis. This includes our contribution to the establishment of a humanitarian hub for the World Food Programme in Jeddah, which serves as a centre for storing and sending aid to Sudan and neighbouring countries affected by the crisis. It is critically important to restore humanitarian operations, protect civilians and aid workers, and ensure the safety of humanitarian corridors for the delivery of essential aid." said: "The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has spared no effort in supporting the Sudanese people since the beginning of the crisis. This includes our contribution to the establishment of a humanitarian hub for the World Food Programme in Jeddah, which serves as a centre for storing and sending aid to Sudan and neighbouring countries affected by the crisis. It is critically important to restore humanitarian operations, protect civilians and aid workers, and ensure the safety of humanitarian corridors for the delivery of essential aid." The Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Arab Republic of Egypt, H.E. Mr. Badr Abdelatty, said: "The Government of Egypt is committed to ending the conflict in Sudan, ensuring humanitarian assistance, and the protection of civilians. Collective action to preserve the sovereignty, unity and territorial integrity of Sudan is a must." said: "The Government of Egypt is committed to ending the conflict in Sudan, ensuring humanitarian assistance, and the protection of civilians. Collective action to preserve the sovereignty, unity and territorial integrity of Sudan is a must." The Ambassador and Permanent Representative of the United States of America, H.E. Ms. Linda Thomas-Greenfield, said: "The war in Sudan has created the worst humanitarian crisis on Earth, and as leaders gather in New York, the country is on the verge of a generational famine. The United States has worked tirelessly with partners to negotiate life-saving humanitarian access across conflict lines and borders and mediate an end to the violence. The international community must redouble efforts to arrest this spiral of death and destruction. The Sudanese people deserve nothing less." said: "The war in Sudan has created the worst humanitarian crisis on Earth, and as leaders gather in New York, the country is on the verge of a generational famine. The United States has worked tirelessly with partners to negotiate life-saving humanitarian access across conflict lines and borders and mediate an end to the violence. The international community must redouble efforts to arrest this spiral of death and destruction. The Sudanese people deserve nothing less." The African Union Commissioner for Health, Humanitarian Affairs and Social Development, H.E. Ambassador Cessouma Minata Samate , said: "The African Union (AU) has committed US$11 million in 2024, including $7 million from the AU Peace Fund, to support peace and stability in Africa. This funding will aid humanitarian efforts for Sudan and its neighbours hosting refugees, and back Sudan's peace process. The AU condemns the ongoing conflict in Sudan, urging swift action to protect lives and infrastructure." , said: "The African Union (AU) has committed US$11 million in 2024, including $7 million from the AU Peace Fund, to support peace and stability in Africa. This funding will aid humanitarian efforts for Sudan and its neighbours hosting refugees, and back Sudan's peace process. The AU condemns the ongoing conflict in Sudan, urging swift action to protect lives and infrastructure." The EU Commissioner for Crisis Management, H.E. Mr. Janez Lenarcic, said: "The situation in Sudan can now only be described as a humanitarian disaster of the highest level. All sides are committing atrocities, as recently confirmed by the United Nations fact-finding mission. The war, now in its second year, has pushed parts of North Darfur into famine conditions, with the situation expected to deteriorate. Atrocities, and famine, are the results of conflict: I reiterate my call on all parties to the conflict to explore all possible ways to resolve it, while at the same time respecting international humanitarian law. To help address the repercussions of war, I have requested from the EU's Budgetary Authority to approve additional humanitarian funding for Sudan and its neighbouring countries." NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address South Sudan: extension of transitional government will compound dire human rights crisis if leaders do not change course - UN experts United Nations Human Rights Council 25 September 2024 JUBA/GENEVA -- The further two-year extension of South Sudan's transitional government is in large measure due to the failure by the country's transitional political leaders to conscientiously implement the revitalised peace agreement, whose key provisions have the potential to consolidate peace, uphold human rights protections, and transform the country, the UN Commission on Human Rights in South Sudan said today. On Saturday 21 September, the Transitional Constitution was amended, to extend by another two years the transitional governance arrangements in place under the 2018 Revitalized Agreement on the Resolution of the Conflict in the Republic of South Sudan. Beyond delaying elections, the extension further defers action on human rights and peace. "Since independence in 2011, South Sudan's unelected leaders have continued to entrench impunity for systematic and gross human rights violations, fuel insecurity, and deliberately thwart efforts to democratise the country," said Yasmin Sooka, Chair of the Commission. "Addressing civil, political, and socio-economic rights is a core obligation of all governments, yet South Sudan's leaders have failed to fulfil these obligations. The challenges to a peaceful transition to democracy are not insurmountable if one implements the Revitalised Agreement as it was envisaged. However, the delays and unwillingness to compromise reflect the preoccupations of a predatory elite most concerned with remaining in power, and enriching themselves from the country's vast oil and other wealth. A flagrant disregard for the plight of their own citizens is a testament to unaccountable leaders not having the political will to respect and protect human rights," said Commissioner Sooka. "Across the country, South Sudanese face incredible economic and social hardships, and have shared with our Commission their deep sense of betrayal and helplessness. Meanwhile, their leaders have saddled current and future generations with unsustainable levels of debt to foreign entities, undermining popular aspirations for prosperity, peace and democracy," continued Sooka. "In the six years since the Revitalized Agreement was adopted, the main political parties have had sufficient time to implement its key provisions. But they have squandered the goodwill and practical advice of the African Union, IGAD and the international community, as well as the desperate hopes of citizens." The Commission observed that the delay by South Sudanese leadership to pursue peace has resulted in a dire humanitarian crisis, characterized by extreme hunger and food insecurity, and the displacement of more than four million South Sudanese both in the country and the region. In South Sudan, the basic needs of nine million people are unmet, equating to around three quarters of the population, while the humanitarian assistance levels are insufficient, with vulnerable women and children most profoundly affected. The Commission noted that despite the last two-year extension of the Revitalized Agreement in August 2022, most critical tasks remain unimplemented, including the comprehensive unification of armed forces and their deployment, development of a permanent constitution, establishment of rule of law and transitional justice mechanisms, and credible electoral arrangements. All these are the minimum requirements for good governance, to ensure the promotion and protection of human rights to prevent further violations, as well as being the pathway for South Sudan's durable recovery from devastating conflict. Commissioner Barney Afako observed that, "South Sudan faces a maelstrom of interlinked crises. Damage to one of the oil export pipelines, linked to war in Sudan, has significantly reduced national revenue at a time when South Sudan hosts hundreds of thousands of newly displaced persons, including Sudanese refugees. South Sudan is also at the frontline of the climate crisis, with both flooding and drought adding to widespread deprivations and prolonged displacement. In the face of these multiple challenges, South Sudan cannot afford to endure more business as usual. Its political leaders must finally and urgently invest in delivering tangible democratic, protection and human rights outcomes." "The latest two-year extension envisages 'austerity measures' - but this is in a context where most most civil servants are already unpaid, while schools, health clinics and courts are not even receiving their woefully inadequate budget allocations," stated Commissioner Carlos Castresana Fernandez. "The vast theft of national revenue and its criminal diversion continues even with the interruption to oil exports this year. South Sudanese want to see where their national revenue is going. They want to see the resources supporting services essential to building a democracy, such as reliable law enforcement and administration of justice institutions, to address conflicts, violence and corruption, and resolve disputes through adjudication. With a dysfunctional justice system, the denial of the right of access to justice perpetuates impunity to the detriment of the most vulnerable groups, including women subjected to endemic sexual violence, and children abducted into enslavement or armed violence." Earlier this month, lawmakers submitted two bills to the President that would enable the establishment of a Commission for Truth, Reconciliation and Healing alongside a Compensation and Reparation Authority, as envisaged under the Revitalized Agreement. The Commission notes that while these bills represent an important step towards dealing with the past and responding to victims, the content of the bills has not yet been made public, and there are no known measures for open and broad-based public and victims awareness and participation in consultations, which is an existing requirement both domestically and internationally. The concerns shared by victims' groups and civil society on the lack of transparency and meaningful consultations must be addressed in implementation, starting with the critical process of selecting independent and impartial members of the independent bodies, to ensure the credibility and legitimacy of the truth-seeking and reparation processes. Since the original commitment to establish a Hybrid Court in 2015, the Government has failed to engage seriously with the African Union to establish it. Without a functioning Hybrid Court, there is little prospect that South Sudan will build an effective criminal justice system and a culture of accountability. Impunity for gross human rights violations has become entrenched, as evidenced by the lack of accountability for egregious violations across the country, with ongoing grotesque violations including widespread killings, sexual violence, abductions, and trafficking - continuing in the climate of near absolute impunity, and visiting immense suffering on South Sudanese communities. In a move that will further empower and embolden State repression, in July 2024 the Government adopted legislation preserving powers of detention routinely abused by the National Security Service, which maintains clandestine 'ghost houses' of torture and enforced disappearances. The determination of the President to keep this repressive legislation, despite pleas for revisions from several national, regional and international entities, including this Commission, reflects a troubling disregard for the basic rights of the people of South Sudan, and bodes ill for the prospects of a peaceful transition and credible elections. It is imperative that South Sudanese should be enabled to finally choose their leaders, participating in an an inclusive transformative processes such as making a permanent constitution and dealing with accountability for the past, which are preconditions for building a democratic and stable society. The Government should also ensure an inclusive and participatory process in regard to the peace processes, including through the ongoing Tumaini Initiative. More than ever, South Sudanese desperately need their leaders to become responsive to their rights, needs, and aspirations, otherwise the country's transition is in peril, with potential for catastrophic consequences. The members of the Commission urge the African Union, IGAD and the international community to continue their support to South Sudan and to hold the country's leadership to account for the implementation of the outstanding tasks linked to the transition. It also urges that the processes that remain are transparent, and provide opportunities for public participation in all their aspects, guaranteeing the safety and security of all. // END // NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Sudan crisis: Top ministers meet in New York in call for concerted action 25 September 2024 - With war raging in Sudan and no end in sight to the catastrophic hunger crisis it has created, UN agencies and Member States meeting at the General Assembly in New York on Wednesday prepared to issue a renewed call for urgent action to protect the country's people. The development comes almost 18 months since rival militaries started fighting each other in Sudan, forcing more than 10 million people from their homes - half of them children. "People in Sudan have endured 17 months of hell, and the suffering continues to grow," said the UN's top relief official Joyce Msuya, Acting Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs and Emergency Relief Coordinator. "Thousands of civilians have been killed, entire communities displaced and deprived of food, families scattered, children traumatized, women raped and abused. Decisive international action is urgent. We need humanitarian access to everyone in need, through all necessary routes, ramped-up funding for the response, ironclad commitments to protect civilians, and most of all, real and inclusive steps to end this ruinous war." Difficult diplomacy Repeated warnings from UN humanitarians and appeals for an end to the hostilities from the Security Council have not halted the violence, although US-led peace talks in Switzerland in August with mediators from Egypt, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates resulted in commitments to boost aid access from neighbouring Chad in the west and from Port Sudan in the east. The emergency is now the world's largest hunger crisis, according to UN humanitarians, who have warned that nearly 26 million people are already acutely hungry across Sudan. US pledges $242 million in new assistance Speaking at the high-level Ministerial side event in New York, US Ambassador to the UN Linda Thomas-Greenfield said that many civilians "are in famine, some reduced to eating leaves and dirt to stave off hunger pains, but not starvation." "I feel, as I know all of you must, a sense of shame and embarrassment that this is happening on our watch. Of course, none of this just simply happened. This humanitarian catastrophe is a man made one brought on by a senseless war that has wrought unspeakable violence and by heartless blockades of food, water and medicine for those made victims of it, the rape and torture, ethnic cleansing, weaponization of hunger, it is utterly unconscionable." She said compassion fatigue must not win out: "In this moment, the international community needs to do everything in our power, in our power to silence the guns and massively scale up aid." OCHA's Ms. Msuya told the event that despite the "courageous efforts of local and international humanitarian organizations, we simply cannot deliver adequate levels of assistance. Let us not be here again in one year's time, lamenting another 12 months of death, destruction and unbearable suffering. Today, let us commit to taking urgent concrete steps to protect and support civilians in Sudan." Death toll warning "Without urgent assistance, hundreds of thousands could die," the UN World Food Programme (WFP) said, at a briefing in Geneva on Tuesday. The UN aid coordination office, OCHA, and the UN refugee agency, UNHCR, noted that famine has been confirmed in North Darfur's Zamzam camp, but "many other areas" are at risk. A staggering near five million children and pregnant and breastfeeding women are acutely malnourished, latest assessments show. Sickness stalks weakest Disease is also spreading rapidly among malnourished communities whose immune systems have been laid low. "Health care and basic services have been decimated, cholera and other diseases are on the rise, and children are out of school for a second straight year," the UN agencies said in a statement. "The emergency is one of the worst protection crises in recent history, with alarming levels of sexual and gender-based violence continuing to terrorize civilians, particularly women and girls." In addition to the threat posed by ongoing heavy fighting, humanitarians have struggled to ramp up lifesaving relief deliveries because of restricted aid access and chronic underfunding. Of the $2.7 billion required to help 14.7 million people inside Sudan until the end of this year, funding is currently at just 49 per cent. The $1.5 billion appeal to help 3.3 million refugees from Sudan in seven neighbouring countries is only 25 per cent funded. Refugee agency appeal "This brutal war has uprooted millions of people, forcing them to leave their homes, schools and jobs behind in search of safety," said UN High Commissioner for Refugees, Filippo Grandi. "Countries neighbouring Sudan are generously hosting a rising number of refugees, but cannot shoulder that responsibility alone. People need humanitarian aid now and support to rebuild their lives. Meaningful peace efforts are also urgently needed so people can eventually return home. The stability of the whole region hangs in the balance." These and other challenges will be discussed at ministerial level at the UN General Assembly on Wednesday, co-hosted by OCHA, UNHCR, Egypt, Saudi Arabia, the US, the African Union and the European Union. All have underscored their support for the people of Sudan and a peaceful resolution to the crisis. "For over 500 days, the Sudanese people have been bearing the brunt of this war, feeling forgotten and abandoned by the world," said WFP spokesperson Leni Kinzli. "They are still holding on to the hope that one day they can return to their lives together. We owe it to the Sudanese people to step up collective action and prevent mass-scale starvation." NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Ongoing war in Gaza will set children and young people's education back by up to five years, report suggests UNRWA 25 Sep 2024 The ongoing war in Gaza will set children and young people's education back by up to five years and risks creating a lost generation of permanently traumatised Palestinian youth, a new study warns. The report, by a team of academics working in partnership with the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestinian Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA), is the first to comprehensively quantify the war's toll on learning since it began in October 2023. It also details the devastating impact on children, young people and teachers, supported by new accounts from frontline staff and aid workers. The study was a joint undertaking involving UNRWA and researchers at the Faculty of Education, University of Cambridge and the Centre for Lebanese Studies. It shows that Gaza's children have already lost 14 months of education since 2019 due to COVID-19, earlier Israeli military operations, and the current war. On this basis and using information such as global post-COVID-19 education recovery data, the researchers model several potential futures for Gaza's younger generation, depending on when the war ends and how quickly the education system is restored. The most optimistic prediction - assuming an immediate ceasefire and rapid international effort to rebuild the education system - is that students will lose two years of learning. If the fighting continues until 2026, the losses could stretch to five years. This does not account for the additional effects of trauma, famine and forcible displacement, all of which are deepening Gaza's education crisis. Without urgent, large-scale international support for education, the researchers suggest that there is a significant threat not just to students' learning, but their overall faith in the future and in concepts such as human rights. Despite this, the study shows that education has been deprioritised in international aid efforts, in favour of other areas. "Education, simply put, is not seen as lifesaving," the report warns. Professor Pauline Rose, Director of the Research for Equitable Access and Learning (REAL) Centre, University of Cambridge, said: "Palestinian education is under attack in Gaza. Israeli military operations have had a significant effect on learning." "As well as planning for how we rebuild Gaza's shattered education system, there is an urgent need to get educational support for children now. Education is a right for all young people. We have a collective responsibility to protect it." According to the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs, more than 10,600 children and 400 teachers had been killed in Israeli military operations by August 2024, and more than 15,300 students and 2,400 teachers injured. Hundreds of thousands of young people have been displaced and are living in shelters. Satellite images analysed by the Occupied Palestinian Territory Education Cluster have verified that over 90 per cent of schools have been damaged, many beyond repair. Since August, UNRWA has provided education in the shelters, reaching about 8,000 children, but the study warns that much more is needed to mitigate lost learning, which was already considerable following COVID-19. The researchers calculate that 14 months of lost schooling so far have increased "learning poverty" - the proportion of children unable to read a basic text by age 10 - by at least 20 percentage points. The accurate figure may be even higher, as the calculation does not account for the wider impacts of the war on children and teachers. The study draws together information from different sources and includes a comprehensive involvement of the Education Cluster and Cluster partners sharing their inputs, challenges and progress to enrich the report. The report provides a comprehensive overview of those broader effects. It highlights the devastating psychological consequences for Palestinian children who were already living "in constant fear and lack of hope" after 17 years of blockade, according to a 2022 report by Save The Children. Professor Maha Shuayb, Director of the Centre for Lebanese Studies, said: "Young people's prospects in Gaza are being extinguished and our findings show that with it they are losing hope. Education is central to stabilising that spiral of decline. If it is simply erased, the consequences will be far-reaching." Save The Children has estimated that more than 10 children per day have lost limbs since the war began. The report warns of rising numbers of less visible disabilities, which will put further strain on an education system ill-equipped to support children with special needs. The study suggests that continuous shock and suffering are now shaping children's outlook and world views. Interviewees reported some children questioning values such as equality, human rights and tolerance when these are taught in the shelters. "This is a full generation of trauma," one humanitarian aid official said; "it will take a generation to overcome it." The report highlights the immense suffering teachers and counsellors have endured physically and mentally. The killings, displacement and daily realities of life during war have taken a tremendous toll on their ability to engage meaningfully in education and will, it says, adversely affect reconstruction efforts. Professor Yusuf Sayed, from the University of Cambridge, said: "It is important to recognise teachers and counsellors have, like the rest of the population, suffered immensely. There is evidence of extraordinary commitment from educators striving to maintain learning, but inevitably the deprivation, killings and hardship are affecting their ability to do so." Despite a flash appeal from the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA), the analysis shows that just 3.5 per cent of aid for Gaza has been invested in education. Major donors like the US and Germany have neglected education in their aid packages, and blockades continue to hinder the delivery of resources on the ground. Without more funding and access to learning, structured play and other forms of support, the report warns, the long-term repercussions for Gaza's next generation will only worsen. It calls for immediate steps focusing on the resumption of education, which include providing counselling, safe learning spaces, and support for students and educators with disabilities. It also calls for an immediate and permanent ceasefire and an end to occupation, in line with the International Court of Justice advisory opinion and UN recently-adopted resolution, as only then can Gaza's education system be rebuilt. This will require a focus on recruiting more teachers and counsellors to cope with the scale of learning loss and trauma suffered by children and young people. "Education is the only asset the Palestinian people have not been dispossessed of. They have proudly invested in the education of their children in the hope for a better future. Today, more than 625,000 deeply traumatised school-aged children are living in the rubble in Gaza. Bringing them back to learning should be our collective priority. Failing to do that will not only lead to a lost generation but also sow the seeds for more extremism, hatred and violence", said Philippe Lazzarini, UNRWA Commissioner General. The study also stresses that Palestinians themselves must lead the education recovery. "A ceasefire is the key for the success of any human development activity in Gaza, including education," the authors write. "Children have seen that the international community will sit idly by as they are killed. This has left them with questions about values that schools and learning aim to instil around humanitarian principles that teachers will have to navigate." The full report, Palestinian Education Under Attack in Gaza: Restoration, Recovery, Rights and Responsibilities in and through Education, is now available online. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Secretary-General's message to the Ministerial Meeting: "Building on Progress to Restore Security in Haiti" United Nations Secretary-General New York 25 September 2024 Delivered by the Chef de Cabinet, Courtenay Rattray I am pleased to send my greetings to this high-level event to spur progress on security in Haiti. The crisis in Haiti is a protracted human tragedy with a long and well-known history. It is one of the most disastrous humanitarian situations in the world. The international community has a responsibility to step up to support the Haitian people in their efforts to restore stability. Recently, we have seen some progress in putting transitional governance structures in place - a vital step on the way to inclusive democracy and the rule of law. But the Haitian people are still subjected to egregious human rights abuses by gangs. Young women and girls continue to suffer appalling levels of sexual violence and abuse. During the first half of this year, the United Nations documented 3,638 homicides -- an increase of nearly 74 percent over 2023. Despite the imposition of the arms embargo in October 2023, gangs and other non-State actors continue to procure arms and ammunition illicitly. The first deployments of the Multinational Security Support mission - the MSS - are a positive step. I commend Kenya for its leadership as well as those countries that have pledged to contribute with personnel, equipment, and necessary logistical resources. I also commend countries that have contributed to the Trust Fund for the mission, set up by the Secretary-General in accordance with the request of the Security Council. The fund now stands at $85.3 million. However, funding for the mission, and for the Haitian National Police, remains totally inadequate. I urge all those who have made financial commitments to deliver on them urgently. We must keep working to mobilize sufficient resources for the mission, and for the humanitarian response in Haiti. Close to 703,000 people have been displaced and more than 5 million Haitians are food insecure - almost half of the population. There is an urgent need for resources to support humanitarian efforts. The Humanitarian Needs Response Plan for Haiti, totaling $674 million, is currently only 39 per cent funded. Excellencies, A durable solution to the current crisis can only come from a political process that restores democratic institutions through elections. Improving security is crucial to creating the conditions necessary for these elections. The UN will not waver in its commitment to Haiti. We continue to support the transition process, in line with the mandate of our current mission, BINUH - the UN Integrated Office in Haiti. I also welcome CARICOM's support to the Haitian-led efforts and its cooperation with BINUH. Like people everywhere, Haitians demand and deserve to live in dignity, free from the threat of violence. Thank you. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Secretary-General's remarks to the Security Council - on the Maintenance of International Peace and Security: Leadership for Peace United Nations Secretary-General New York 25 September 2024 Mr. President, Excellencies, I thank the government of Slovenia for convening this high-level debate on Leadership for Peace. The topic is rooted in a fundamental truth: Peace is never automatic. Peace demands action. And peace demands leadership. Instead, we're seeing deepening geo-political divisions and mistrust. Impunity is spreading, with repeated violations of international law and the UN Charter. Conflicts are multiplying, becoming more complex and deadlier. All regions are affected. And civilians are paying the steepest price. From Gaza to Ukraine to Sudan and beyond wars grind on, suffering grows, hunger deepens, lives are upended, and the legitimacy and effectiveness of the United Nations, and this Council, are undermined. Mr. President, Excellencies, Leadership for peace requires action in at least two key areas. First leadership for peace means all Member States living up to their commitments in the UN Charter, in international law and in recent agreements such as the Pact for the Future. Among other things, the Pact calls for strengthening tools and frameworks to prevent conflict, sustain peace and advance sustainable development, with the full, equal and meaningful participation of women. It calls for updating our tools for peace operations to allow for more agile, tailored responses to existing, emerging and future challenges. It reinforces the commitment to all human rights civil, political, economic, social and cultural. It includes initiatives around disarmament, peacebuilding, and managing threats posed by lethal autonomous weapons and artificial intelligence and in new domains, including outer space and cyberspace. It calls for measures to quickly address complex global shocks. And it contains a new push to reform key institutions of global governance, including the global financial architecture and this very Council. The Pact is a down-payment on these reforms. But we will need strong political will to implement them, and rebuild the legitimacy and effectiveness of this Council. Which brings me to my second point about leadership for peace. Leadership for peace means ensuring that the UN Security Council acts in a meaningful way to ease global tensions and help address the conflicts that are inflicting so much suffering around the world. Geopolitical divisions continue to block effective solutions. A united Council can make a tremendous difference for peace. A divided Council cannot. It is imperative that Council Members spare no effort to work together to find common ground. And it has proven capable of doing so in some key areas. From currently overseeing 11 peacekeeping operations on three continents, involving nearly 70,000 uniformed peacekeeping personnel... To resolutions that help keep vital humanitarian aid flowing to the world's hotspots... To the landmark Resolution 2719, which provides for African-Union led peace support operations authorized by the Council to have access to UN assessed contributions... To the groundbreaking Resolutions that recognized the clear implications of peace and security challenges on the lives of women and youth... To this Council's growing ties to regional and sub-regional organizations to foster consensus and peace. These examples and more prove that forging peace is possible. When we consider the most difficult and intractable conflicts on this Council's agenda, peace can seem an impossible dream. But I strongly believe that peace is possible if we stick to principles. Peace in Ukraine is possible. By following the UN Charter and abiding by international law. Peace in Gaza is possible. By sparing no effort for an immediate ceasefire, the immediate release of all hostages, and the beginning of an irreversible process towards a two-State solution. Peace in Sudan is possible. By sending a clear message to the warring parties that all Members of this Council including the five permanent Members will not tolerate the horrific violence and desperate humanitarian crisis being unleashed on innocent civilians. Mr. President, Excellencies, The situations on this Council's agenda are complex and do not have quick fixes. But the scale of the challenge should not deter us. Our only hope for progress on peace is active collaboration and unity among Council Members. Today, I call on all Members to live up to this great responsibility, and to the promise of the UN Charter. Contribute to this Council's success not its diminishment. Let's ensure that this Council serves as an effective and representative forum for peace today and in the years to come. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Secretary-General's remarks to the Security Council on the situation in Lebanon United Nations Secretary-General New York 25 September 2024 Madam President, Excellencies, Hell is breaking loose in Lebanon. As I told the General Assembly yesterday, we should all be alarmed by the escalation. Lebanon is at the brink. Of course, the Blue Line has seen tensions for years. But since October, exchanges of fire have expanded in scope, depth, and intensity. Hizbullah and other non-state armed groups in Lebanon and the Israel Defense Forces have exchanged fire on an almost daily basis - with Hizbullah indicating that they would require a ceasefire in Gaza to cease hostilities. The exchanges of fire have been in repeated violation of Security Council resolution 1701. The daily use of weapons by non-State armed groups is in violation of Security Council resolutions 1559 and 1701. Lebanese sovereignty must be respected and the Lebanese state must have full control of weapons throughout Lebanese territory. We support all efforts to strengthen the Lebanese Armed Forces. Madam President, Since October, nearly 200,000 people within Lebanon and over 60,000 from northern Israel have fled their homes. Many lives have been lost. All this must stop. The communities of northern Israel and southern Lebanon must be able to return to their homes, and live in safety and security, without fear. Madam President, Since the emergency Council session on Lebanon on 20 September - in the wake of the remote detonation of pagers and hand-held radios used by Hizbullah across Lebanon - hostilities have escalated dramatically. The past weekend saw heavy exchanges of fire endangering civilians on both sides of the Blue Line -- with Israel Defense Forces striking approximately 400 Hizbullah targets in Lebanon, while Hizbullah launched hundreds of missiles, rockets and drones into northern Israel. Monday was the bloodiest day in Lebanon in a generation. The Israel Defense Forces said that it struck some 1,600 Hizbullah targets. Many civilians were killed, and many, many more were injured. Since then, Israel continued its deadly strikes across Lebanon, including in the southern suburbs of Beirut. Hizbullah targets. Lebanon's Ministry of Public Health reported that 569 people were killed on Monday and Tuesday -- including 50 children and 94 women. Over 1,800 people were injured. Lebanese authorities report a total of 1,247 deaths since October. Two colleagues from UNHCR were among those killed in yesterday's bombing. Today, further strikes killed at least another 50 people and injured more than 200. Meanwhile, roads are clogged as families desperately seek safety. Many are stranded at the Beirut airport. The Ministry of Interior of Lebanon has reported that over 90,000 people have fled southern and eastern Lebanon towards Beirut and the northwest, with 30,000 people in shelters. At least $170 million are needed to respond to growing numbers of displaced and mounting humanitarian needs. Madam President, The people of Israel have endured also repeated attacks from Hizbullah and others. According to Israeli officials, since last October, more than 8,300 rockets, around 1500 anti-tank missiles and hundreds of explosive unmanned aerial vehicles have targeted Israel -- with 49 Israeli deaths and hundreds injured. Hizbullah continues to launch drone and increasingly high calibre missile and rocket attacks on military targets and residential areas in Israel. Earlier today, they launched a ballistic missile targeting Mossad headquarters near Tel Aviv. The ongoing rocket attacks have injured several people in Israel, with homes and other structures damaged. Madam President, Diplomatic efforts have intensified to achieve a temporary ceasefire - allowing for delivery of humanitarian relief and paving the way for the resumption of more durable peace. We fully support these efforts. Earlier this week, the United Nations Special Coordinator for Lebanon - Jeanine Hennis-Plasschaert - travelled to Israel for consultations, underscoring that military escalation is in no one's interest. The Head of Mission and Force Commander of the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon, UNIFIL - General Aroldo Lazaro - has continued his close engagement with the parties, supporting humanitarian access wherever possible and continuing to urge immediate de-escalation. Despite the dangerous conditions, our peacekeepers remain in position. To mitigate the risk to mission personnel, most civilian personnel have temporarily relocated north of the Litani River. A few critical staff members remain in the mission's area of operations, together with the Blue Helmets. I want to reiterate our sincere gratitude to our peacekeepers - civilian and military - who serve along the Blue Line, as well as to all the troop-contributing-countries. Madam President, I implore the Council to work in lock-step to help put out this fire. The parties must immediately return to a cessation of hostilities and take real action towards full implementation of resolutions 1559 and 1701. Civilians must be protected. Civilian infrastructure must not be targeted. The safety and security of all UN personnel and assets must be ensured. International law must be respected. To all sides, let us say in one clear voice: Stop the killing and destruction. Tone down the rhetoric and threats. Step back from the brink. An all-out war must be avoided at all costs. It would surely be an all-out catastrophe. The people of Lebanon - as well as the people of Israel - and the people of the world - cannot afford Lebanon to become another Gaza. And I thank you. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Air Combat Command activates 3 Air Task Force units Published Sept. 25, 2024 By 1st Lt. Michael Caggiano Air Combat Command JOINT BASE LANGLEY-EUSTIS, Va. (AFNS) -- Air Combat Command held an Assumption of Command ceremony for three Air Task Force units of action assigned to ACC at Joint Base Langley-Eustis, Sept. 23. The ceremony, presided over by Lt. Gen. Michael Koscheski, deputy commander of ACC, marked the official activation of ACC's ATFs. ATFs are the next step the Air Force is taking toward Combat Wings as units of action to present to combatant commands. "This is a GPC-era defining event," Koscheski said. "This will start us on a journey creating a definable and sustainable force presentation model for the United States Air Force. With the ultimate goal of Combat Wings, ATFs will serve as pathfinders; helping the Air Force understand the necessary support and training Airmen will need to succeed under the Combat Wing concept. "These ATFs represent a significant milestone in ACC's journey towards modernization and readiness," Koscheski said. "They will lay the groundwork to ensure our force maintains its competitive advantage over our pacing challenge." Air Force leaders identified a need for cohesive and flexible units of action to be able to operate in contested environments with agility. ATFs are designed so that roughly 400 Airmen can train together as teams at separate bases prior to deploying, ensuring maximum capability and unit familiarization at the start of the deployment. The ACC ATFs are: 13th ATF, Joint Base San Antonio, Texas, commanded by Col. Benjamin Donberg 22nd ATF, Fairchild Air Force Base, Washington, commanded by Col. William Watkins 23rd ATF, Seymour Johnson AFB, North Carolina, commanded by Col. Bradley Baker The ATF locations were selected based on the ability of a host installation to support with current personnel and infrastructure. The commanders of these ATFs were selected directly by Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. David Allvin and their respective command chiefs were selected by Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force David Flosi. Throughout the global war on terror, the Air Force had been using a crowd-source model to fill deployment billets, essentially taking Airmen from across the Air Force and putting them together for the first time at a deployed location. As the threat evolves and the Air Force enters an era of Great Power Competition, a more agile and capable force presentation is required. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Harry S. Truman Carrier Strike Group Deploys US Navy 25 September 2024 From Harry S. Truman Carrier Strike Group Public Affairs NORFOLK, Va. -- The Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Harry S. Truman (CVN 75) departed Naval Station Norfolk for a regularly scheduled deployment, Sept. 23. The Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyers USS Jason Dunham (DDG 109) and USS Stout (DDG 55) will join the Harry S. Truman and guided-missile cruiser USS Gettysburg (CG 64), to conduct a regularly scheduled deployment to the U.S. Naval Forces Europe-Africa/U.S. Sixth Fleet area of operations, demonstrating the commitment and power projection capability of the Navy's globally deployed force. "This deployment comes on the heels of the Dwight D. Eisenhower Carrier Strike Group's nine-month mission that highlighted the need for continuity in our sustained presence amid escalating international tensions," said Adm. Daryl Caudle, commander, U.S. Fleet Forces Command. "The Truman Carrier Strike Group will contribute to the ongoing training and combat readiness of our naval forces. The operational experience gained through these deployments is invaluable for maintaining a deep bench of skilled warfighters with trust and confidence in their system's reliability, adaptability, and lethality in a rapidly changing security environment." The Italian Navy Carlo Bergamini-class frigate ITS Carabiniere (F 593) is expected to join the strike group and support operations and exercises during portions of the deployment. HSTCSG practiced interchangeability and transfer of authority with Carabiniere during the Composite Training Unit Exercise (COMPTUEX) in August. "Over 6,500 Sailors of the Harry S Truman Carrier Strike Group have put in a tremendous effort to train and prepare to demonstrate the combat power and flexibility of our U.S. Naval forces and the warfighting advantage they bring anywhere in the world," said Rear Adm. Sean Bailey, commander HSTCSG. "We are looking forward to operations in the SIXTH Fleet area of operations and to working with our Allies and partners to continue building interoperability and deter potential adversaries and threats." The deployment follows months of intense training and preparation, including the Board of Inspection and Survey (INSURV) and various underway training exercises such as Group Sail and COMPTUEX. "At the heart of the Carrier Strike Group is the aircraft carrier, and this impressive warship remains the cornerstone of the Navy's forward presence through sea control and power projection capabilities," said Capt. Dave Snowden, commanding officer of Harry S. Truman. "I'm incredibly proud of our Team Truman and Tarbox Sailors and their warfighting spirit and professionalism that brings our ship and flight deck to life." Throughout its 26 years of service, Harry S. Truman has deployed nine times to support critical missions and numerous operations and played a pivotal role in the United States' commitment to ensuring a free and open international order that promotes security and prosperity. The squadrons of Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 1 embarked aboard Harry S. Truman include: - The "Red Rippers" of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 11 - The "Pukin' Dogs" of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 143 - The "Sunliners" of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 81 - The "Knighthawks" of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 136 - The "Main Battery" of Electronic Attack Squadron (VAQ) 144 - The "Seahawks" of Control Squadron (VAW) 126 - The "Proud Warriors" of Helicopter Maritime Strike Squadron (HSM) 72 - The "Dragonslayers" of Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron (HSC) 11 - A detachment from the "Rawhides" of Fleet Logistics Squadron (VRC) 4 Ships of DESRON 28 include the Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyers USS Stout and USS Jason Dunham. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Joint Force Command Norfolk, U.S. Second Fleet Join 2024 Tri-Party in Halifax: Focuses on Arctic Defense and Homeland Security US Navy 25 September 2024 From Commander, U.S. 2nd Fleet NORFOLK, Va. -- Vice Adm. Doug Perry, Commander, U.S. 2nd Fleet (C2F) and Joint Force Command Norfolk, joins leaders from the U.S. Coast Guard Atlantic Area and Canadian Joint Task Force Atlantic in Halifax, Nova Scotia, for the 2024 Tri-Party Staff Talks. The Tri-Party Staff Talks, established in 2015, bring together key maritime forces to enhance collaboration and ensure interoperability between U.S. and Canadian forces. The discussions center on joint operations, intelligence sharing, and defense strategy, particularly in the North Atlantic and Arctic. As Second Fleet leads naval operations in the western Atlantic, Perry's dual role with NATO adds further significance to the talks, underscoring the need for seamless coordination among Allied forces. "Our mission is clear, to safeguard the Atlantic and Arctic, maintain maritime security, and ensure free and open access to international waters," said Perry. "These talks enhance our joint capabilities as we confront emerging challenges, including the protection of undersea infrastructure and rising competition in the Arctic." This year's talks will address several pressing issues. A primary focus is the growing importance of Arctic operations as the region has increased activity. The Tri-Party will evaluate strategies for improving Arctic domain awareness, enhancing cold-weather capabilities, and refining joint responses to potential security threats. The 2024 Tri-Party staff talks also provide an opportunity to review joint exercises held earlier this year. Operation Nanook (OP NANOOK) 2024, conducted from August 15-27, brought together the U.S. Navy, U.S. Coast Guard, Royal Canadian Navy, and Royal Danish Navy for exercise operations in the Arctic waters near Nuuk, Greenland. These exercises included maritime interdiction training, gunnery drills, and search-and-rescue simulations that tested the forces' ability to operate in harsh Arctic conditions. "Operation Nanook proved that our joint forces are ready to meet the challenges of the Arctic environment," said Perry. "It also strengthened our collaboration with Canada and other NATO partners. Second Fleet is a premier fighting force, and we will continue to demonstrate this to the world. We are adaptable, flexible and above all, ready to fight." Additionally, Tri-Party members conducted Frontier Sentinel 2024 in June; a tabletop exercise focused on refining operational procedures for defending undersea infrastructure. These exercises highlight the need for enhanced communication and operational alignment among the Tri-Party forces. Royal Canadian Rear Adm. David Patchell, Vice Commander, U.S. 2nd Fleet, emphasized the growing strategic importance of the Arctic. "The arctic environment is dynamic, its maritime terrain changes every day, and it is essential that we prioritize Northern operations," said Patchell. "The ability for the Tri Party forces to operate together in this environment is essential to maintaining stability in the region. This year's talks are focused on understanding our shared challenges and optimizing our joint training to ensure we're ready for future challenges." Perry noted the DoD's 2024 Arctic Strategy has provided a framework for the Tri-Party partnership to further strengthen Arctic defense amongst the everchanging Arctic landscape. The 2024 Tri-Party staff talks reaffirm the enduring partnership between U.S. and Canadian maritime forces and their commitment to maintaining peace, security, and freedom of navigation in the Atlantic and Arctic. With joint exercises, enhanced interoperability, and shared strategic planning, the Tri-Party partnership remains prepared to protect North American interests and address future security challenges. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address CNO, NAVSOUTH Strengthen Partnerships at Inter-American Naval Conference in Brazil US Navy - Press Release 25 September 2024 RIO DE JANIERO - Chief of Naval Operations Adm. Lisa Franchetti and Commander U.S. Naval Forces Southern Command/U.S. 4th Fleet (USNAVSOUTH) Rear Adm. Carlos Sardiello, participated in the 31st Inter-American Naval Conference (IANC), Sep. 23-25, joining naval leaders from 18 countries from across the Western Hemisphere. IANC, hosted this year by Brazil, serves as a forum for partner nations to discuss maritime security challenges and promote hemispheric solidarity. "This conference has been crucial to strengthening our bonds of friendship, collaboration and partnership for more than half a century," said Franchetti. "We are all united by our shared values, our shared geography, and our shared stake in the continued stability, security and prosperity of the Western Hemisphere and our world." The theme for this year's conference is 'Naval challenges and strategies to ensure operational readiness in the face of new technologies and the expansion of the navies' responsibilities: strategic planning, doctrine development, and professional training in the medium and long term.' Franchetti emphasized the importance of working together as part of a security and warfighting ecosystem to address shared challenges, as outlined in her recently released Navigation Plan for America's Warfighting Navy, noting that every Navy and Coast Guard has a role to play as a vital link in the maritime chain. "In this increasingly turbulent and unpredictable world, security through partnership is essential because no single nation can handle our maritime challenges alone," said Franchetti in her remarks. "It is critical that we, the global maritime community, work together to align our efforts in a way that can benefit us all. And you will have no stronger partner than the United States Navy and the United States Marine Corps team." As part of the visit, Adm. Marcos Sampaio Olsen, Commander of the Brazilian Navy, hosted the delegates aboard the multipurpose amphibious ship NDM Bahia (G40) for a celebratory dinner and performance by the Brazilian Marine Corps Symphonic Band. Franchetti also participated in bilateral meetings with her Head of Navy counterparts from Argentina, Brazil, Canada, Chile, and Colombia, and she had meaningful discussions with leaders from Ecuador, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, and Mexico. Meanwhile Sardiello participated in bilateral engagements with The Netherlands, Panama, Peru and Urugay, and had meaningful discussions with leaders from the Dominican Republic and Paraguay. During their engagements Franchetti and Sardiello discussed the role of USNAVSOUTH in employing maritime forces in cooperative maritime security operations in order to maintain access, enhance interoperability, and build enduring partnerships that foster regional security in the U.S. Southern Command area of responsibility. "This conference promotes an important permanent, professional interaction among Heads of Navy on a regular basis so that we can find solutions to problems that no one nation can solve on their own," said Sardiello. "The security environment has changed since 1959, and we are very focused on today's challenges to the security and welfare in our region." IANC was established in 1959 to strengthen the bonds of friendship, partnership, and collaboration among Western Hemisphere naval leaders through the exchange of ideas and knowledge. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Biden reaches out to Africa at UN General Assembly By Anita Powell September 25, 2024 President Joe Biden is turning to Africa in the sunset of his presidency. In the space of one day, in front of world leaders, he elevated Sudan's conflict to a priority, announced he would travel to Angola and endorsed adding two seats for African countries to the U.N. Security Council. In his valedictory speech to the U.N. General Assembly on Tuesday, Biden made several brief overtures to the African continent reminding world leaders of the evils of South Africa's apartheid regime, calling for an end to Sudan's grueling conflict and citing urgency in combating an mpox outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. But these two short lines may have the most weight: "The U.N. needs to adapt to bring in new voices and new perspectives," he said. "That's why we support reforming and expanding the membership of the U.N. Security Council." For years, African leaders have called for a seat at this table. But critics point out that Washington does not support a critical privilege enjoyed by the current permanent members of the Security Council: veto power. Cameron Hudson, a senior fellow in the Africa Program at the Center for Strategic and International Studies, says African nations are puzzled by Biden's position. "This is really, I think, an unfinished project of his, probably more words than reality," he told VOA. The fact that Biden supported council membership for them but not veto power "has left Africans scratching their heads." John Fortier, a senior fellow at the American Enterprise Institute, said it mattered that Biden used this platform to call for an end to Sudan's raging 17-month conflict, but he doubted whether that call would provoke action. Trying to elevate issue "This is one of the conflicts that is serious but has not been getting world attention, and I think his pointing to it is really to elevate it in world consciousness but not yet to really know how we're going to see an end to this," Fortier said. This conflict has displaced millions of people and sparked a near-famine. And so, analysts say, it matters that the American president is putting pressure on the warring parties. "I think Biden genuinely wants to alleviate the humanitarian crisis and resolve the conflict in Sudan," said Daniel Volman, director of the African Security Research Project, in an email to VOA. "But I think he is reluctant to press countries like Egypt and the [United Arab] Emirates that are arming the generals, because they are key allies during the Gaza war. "Also, Biden is being driven by pressure from some members of Congress to take stronger and more effective action. I think he will take some limited action, like the new funds for humanitarian aid just announced, but I don't think this will yield significant results." And finally, Biden's off-camera announcement that he will visit Angola next month allows him to keep his promise to visit the continent. But again, Hudson wondered how this long-delayed visit would land. "Coming, as it does, at the very tail end of his administration, without much to, I think, really celebrate in terms of his involvement in Africa, I think the visit will ring rather hollow," Hudson said. Biden has four months left in his presidency. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Israeli army chief tells troops to prepare for possible Lebanon ground invasion By VOA News September 25, 2024 Israel's army chief told troops Wednesday to be prepared for a possible ground invasion of Lebanon even as Israeli fighter jets bombarded Hezbollah militant targets for a third straight day. "You can hear the planes here; we are attacking all day, both to prepare the ground for the possibility of your entry, but also to continue striking Hezbollah," Lieutenant General Herzi Halevi told a tank brigade, according to a statement issued by the military. "We are not stopping. We will keep attacking and harming them everywhere," Halevi said. "To do this, we are preparing for the course of the maneuver, and the sense is that your military boots, your maneuver boots, will enter enemy territory." The army chief spoke to his troops just hours after Hezbollah launched a ballistic missile targeting the headquarters of Israel's Mossad intelligence agency near Tel Aviv. Israel shot down the missile, but Halevi warned, "Today, Hezbollah expanded its range of fire, and later today, they will receive a very strong response. Prepare yourselves." Israel also said it has activated reserve troops in response to the fight against the Iran-backed Hezbollah militants. Lebanese health officials said Israeli strikes had killed another 50 people on Wednesday, bringing the death toll over three days to 615, with more than 2,000 wounded. Despite the Israeli warnings, officials in Washington insisted there was still time for diplomacy and de-escalation. "It doesn't look like anything is imminent," Pentagon deputy press secretary Sabrina Singh said when asked about the prospects of a major Israeli ground operation against Hezbollah. "What we're seeing on that northern border is an increase in the tit-for-tat, going- back-and-forth strikes between Israel and Lebanese Hezbollah," Singh told reporters Wednesday. "We still believe that there is time and space for diplomacy." U.S. officials did voice concern that the fighting, combined with miscalculations and missteps, could bring on a bigger, more dangerous conflict. "An all-out war is possible," President Joe Biden told the ABC talk show "The View" on Wednesday. "What I think is, also, the opportunity is still in play to have a settlement that could fundamentally change the whole region," he said. The Pentagon described the U.S. efforts to secure a cease-fire as a "full-court press." "We want to see a diplomatic solution, and we want to see it urgently," Singh said, noting that the U.S. military was not providing Israel with any intelligence or military support for its operations in Lebanon. But she said discussions with Israel have been constant. "We do believe that Israel is listening," Singh said. However, obstacles to a wider, regional de-escalation remain. Negotiations for a cease-fire in the nearly yearlong war between Israel and Hamas militants in Gaza have been at a stalemate for months. The United Nations said more than 90,000 people have been displaced by the Israeli strikes on southern Lebanon, with many of them trying to flee north to Beirut, even as Israeli jets have also targeted sites in the capital. Lebanon's state news agency reported heavy Israeli bombardments Wednesday hitting areas across southern Lebanon. Israel's targets included dozens of ammunition depots, the Israeli military said. It added that about 40 Hezbollah rocket launches were detected, with some being intercepted by Israeli air defenses. The escalated conflict along the Israel-Lebanon border was set to be the focus of a U.N. Security Council meeting later Wednesday in New York. Pope Francis said Wednesday he was saddened by the situation in Lebanon and that the international community will need to work to stop what he called "this terrible escalation." Diplomatic efforts to contain the fighting and prevent a wider regional conflict included a meeting Tuesday between French President Emmanuel Macron and Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian, during which Macron's office said he "highlighted the responsibility of Iran to support a general de-escalation and use its influence with destabilizing actors." Iran is a backer of both Hezbollah and the Hamas militant group that Israel is fighting in the Gaza Strip. Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei said Wednesday that Israel's killing of top Hezbollah commanders will not bring the group to its knees. "The organizational strength and human resources of Hezbollah is very strong and will not be critically hit by the killing of a senior commander, even if that is clearly a loss," Khamenei said. Israel said one of its strikes in Beirut's suburbs Tuesday killed Ibrahim Muhammad Kobeisi, identified by Israel as a senior Hezbollah military commander who oversaw the group's missile systems. The conflict has also prompted some governments to urge their nationals to leave Lebanon. The United States announced it was sending more military personnel to the region to augment its existing forces, while Britain said it expected 700 of its forces to arrive Wednesday in Cyprus in preparation for potential evacuations of its nationals from Lebanon. U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres told the U.N. General Assembly on Tuesday, "We should all be alarmed by the escalation. Lebanon is at the brink. The people of Lebanon, the people of Israel and the people of the world cannot afford Lebanon to become another Gaza." Israel and Hezbollah have traded fire since the outbreak of the war in Gaza last October 7, when the militant group began firing rockets in solidarity with Palestinians and its fellow Iran-backed ally Hamas. The fighting has killed dozens of people in Israel, along with hundreds in Lebanon, and displaced tens of thousands on both sides of the border. The war in Gaza began with Hamas' October 2023 attack on southern Israel, in which Palestinian militants killed about 1,200 people and took about 250 others hostage. They are still holding around 100 captives, one-third of whom is believed to be dead. Israeli airstrikes and ground attacks have killed more than 41,400 Palestinians, mostly women and children, according to Gaza's health ministry, with the Israeli military saying the death toll includes thousands of Hamas fighters. Hamas has been designated a terror group by the United States, the United Kingdom, the European Union and others. Hezbollah also is a U.S.-designated terror group. VOA National Security Correspondent Jeff Seldin contributed to this report. Some information came from The Associated Press, Agence France-Presse and Reuters. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Egypt, Jordan and Iraq say halting Gaza war key to stopping escalation in region By VOA News September 25, 2024 Egypt, Jordan and Iraq said Wednesday that stopping "Israeli aggression on Gaza" is needed to halt dangerous escalation in the region. A joint statement following a meeting of the foreign ministers from the three countries also condemned Israel's military action in Lebanon and said Israel is "pushing the region into an all-out war." The ministers also called on the U.N. Security Council and the international community to act to stop the war. Israel has ramped up strikes targeting Hezbollah militants in Lebanon, citing a need to enable residents of northern Israel to return to the homes they fled during a year of Hezbollah rocket attacks. Hezbollah launched its campaign against Israel the day after the October 2023 Hamas attack on Israel that killed about 1,200 people and led to the capture of about 250 hostages. Israeli ground attacks and airstrikes have killed at least 41,495 Palestinians and wounded more than 96,000, according to the health ministry in Gaza. The ministry does not differentiate between civilians and militants in its count. Crews on Wednesday recovered the bodies of four people killed in Israeli strikes in and near a refugee camp in central Gaza. Three bodies were recovered at the site of a strike that hit a vehicle near the camp. The fourth body was found in the rubble of a home in the camp where an airstrike killed a total of at least 11 people. Hamas said in a statement Tuesday that it is expecting the United Nations to take "immediate action" to end the war in Gaza. "We demand immediate action to stop the Israeli aggression and the war," said the Hamas statement, which was directed at United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres. But the Palestinian group also said it will not participate in new cease-fire talks. It said will not waver from its position "against entering new negotiations that would provide [Israel] with cover to continue its aggression." Both Hezbollah and Hamas are Iranian-funded groups designated by the U.S. and other countries as terrorist organizations that have vowed to destroy the Jewish state of Israel. In remarks Tuesday, U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres called Gaza "a nonstop nightmare that threatens to take the entire region with it." Guterres told the opening of the annual United Nations General Assembly, "We should all be alarmed by the escalation. Lebanon is at the brink. The people of Lebanon, the people of Israel and the people of the world cannot afford Lebanon to become another Gaza." Some information for this report was provided by Agence France-Presse and Reuters. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Taliban formally seek invitation to Russia's BRICS summit By Ayaz Gul September 25, 2024 Afghanistan's ruling Taliban confirmed Wednesday that they have formally sought to join the upcoming Russia-hosted summit of the BRICS intergovernmental group of major emerging economies. The leaders of the 10 members of BRICS, which stands for Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa, are set to convene October 22-24 in the southwestern Russian city of Kazan for the meeting. Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates joined the bloc this year. "BRICS is an important economic forum, and as a developing economy, Afghanistan needs to join such economic gatherings," Hamdullah Fitrat, the deputy Taliban spokesperson, stated in a video message aired by their official broadcaster. "The Islamic Emirate is seeking a presence at the upcoming BRICS forum, and the request has been formally communicated to the host nation," Fitrat stated, using the official title of their government in Kabul, which is officially not recognized by any country. He shared no further details. There has been no immediate Russian response to the Taliban's assertion. Moscow has developed close informal ties with the de facto Afghan leaders since they retook control of the conflict-ravaged nation three years ago, when the United States-led Western countries withdrew their troops after almost two decades of war with the then-insurgent Taliban. However, Russia has not recognized the Taliban as a legitimate government in alignment with the global consensus on the issue of recognition. Taliban delegations have repeatedly visited Moscow in recent months for bilateral economic and trade discussions. The Russian foreign and justice ministries submitted a proposal to President Vladimir Putin in June to remove the radical Afghan group from Russia's list of designated terrorist organizations. The move prompted speculations that Moscow has come closer to officially recognizing the de facto Kabul authorities. The Taliban have been on Russia's list of transnational militant groups, which includes al-Qaida, since 2003. The de facto Afghan leaders have implemented their strict interpretation of Islamic law, known as sharia, in the impoverished South Asian nation, prohibiting Afghan girls from attending schools beyond the sixth grade, suspending female students from universities, barring women from most workplaces, and banning music. The Taliban also have introduced stoning and public executions of women for crimes such as adultery. The U.N. and other nations The international community, including the United Nations, has consistently called for the urgent reversal of restrictions on women before considering granting diplomatic legitimacy to the Taliban regime. U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres told a meeting on the sidelines of the U.N. General Assembly this week that the Taliban's treatment of women can be compared to "some of the most egregious systems of oppression in recent history." "We will continue to amplify the voices of Afghan women and call for them to play a full role in the country's life, both inside its borders and on the global stage," he said. U.N. officials maintain that last month's enactment of a morality law by the Taliban has made it even more challenging to recognize Kabul rulers. Taliban leaders reject criticism of their governance, saying it is aligned with local culture and sharia. "It means that one of the major obstacles to Afghanistan's full reintegration into the international community cannot be part of a necessary dialogue," Roza Otunbayeva, the head of the U.N. Assistance Mission in Afghanistan, told a Security Council meeting last week. China and the Taliban China has also ramped up its political and economic ties with Kabul and is one of two countries, along with the United Arab Emirates, that have formally accepted a Taliban-appointed ambassador. On Monday, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian told a news conference that Beijing expects the Taliban to "look at the legitimate concerns" of the global community. "That said, women's rights and interests are not the entirety of the Afghan issue, nor the core or root cause of the issue," Lin said. He referenced the U.N. estimates stating that almost 24 million people in Afghanistan need humanitarian assistance, with more than half of them battling severe food insecurity. "The international community needs to focus on the most pressing difficulties Afghanistan faces, promote the rebuilding and development in Afghanistan ... and at the same time encourage, in the spirit of equality and respect, the governing authorities of Afghanistan to improve and strengthen protection of women and children's rights," Lin stated. Chinese companies have signed several agreements with the Taliban to enhance economic and trade cooperation, focusing mainly on the Afghan mining sector. Taliban Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi told a news conference in Kabul last week that his government controlled about 40 Afghan embassies and consulates worldwide, and that its diplomatic relations with the international community were improving. He stated that the Taliban are keen to develop "friendly" ties with Western nations. The U.S. and the West at large insist that formal recognition of the Taliban depends on their actions regarding women's rights, education for girls and women and freedom of movement. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Sri Lanka's new president faces uphill task in push for change By Anjana Pasricha September 25, 2024 Catapulted to power on an anti-corruption platform, Sri Lanka's new Marxist-leaning president, Anura Kumara Dissanayake, faces an uphill task in meeting his commitments to clean up the country's political culture and improving lives for millions mired in poverty since the country's economic collapse two years ago, say analysts. With his party having only three lawmakers in the 225-member parliament, Dissanayake has called for fresh elections a year ahead of schedule to choose a new house that could give him wider support for the sweeping reforms that he has promised. "Dissanayake's hope would be to secure a comfortable majority in parliament," according to Jayadeva Uyangoda, a political analyst in the Sri Lankan capital, Colombo, told VOA. "In the past, it was customary for mainstream parties to bribe opposition lawmakers to join them, but his main plank is clean governance, so he will need to win the numbers." In a country that rejected mainstream parties in the presidential polls, there is what Uyangoda calls a "very good chance" that he will be able to substantially improve his party's parliamentary tally. Elections will be held on Nov. 14. Currently, Dissanayake has the smallest cabinet in the country's history as he lacks the numbers for a full-fledged cabinet. He has named a new prime minister, Harini Amarasuriya, and two ministers -- in Sri Lanka, only lawmakers can be appointed as ministers. Winning wider support will be crucial. "Otherwise attempts to deliver on his election promises can be blocked by knee-jerk opposition, due to differences in ideology or political opportunism," Rajni Gamage, a research fellow at the Institute of South Asian Studies at the National University of Singapore, told VOA. Meeting expectations of relief from the punishing austerity measures imposed by a $ 2.9 billion bailout deal with the International Monetary Fund is the first big test Dissanayake faces. He will handle the key finance portfolio. His pledge to renegotiate Sri Lanka's deal with the IMF - which he says is not favorable to working class citizens will not be easy at a time when the country is still heavily debt-ridden and has limited room to expand welfare measures. The package has helped steer the economy back to a nascent growth path, but the government will need to stick to the program's criteria of keeping the budget deficit in check. An IMF spokesman in Washington said on Monday that it looked forward to working with President Dissanayake "towards building on the hard-won gains that have helped put Sri Lanka on a path to economic recovery." While options for providing relief may be limited, analysts said Dissanayake is expected to reduce income taxes for lower income groups and lower taxes on food and medicine. There is also concern among the business community about the position the Marxist leader, the son of a laborer, will take on free market policies. The policies of his Marxist party, Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna, are aligned with protectionism, according to Gamage. "Their party's economic growth policy is woven around prioritizing industrialization and domestic manufacturing, supporting local businesses and agriculture." However, Dissanayake now heads a coalition, the National People's Power, an umbrella group of small political parties, youth, civil society and women's groups and trade unions. In recent years he has also moderated his party's hard-left stance and said he believes in an open economy. "The business class is uneasy because of the Marxist tradition to which he belongs. But my sense is that Dissanayake is a very pragmatic and rational man," Jehan Perera, who heads the National Peace Council in Colombo, told VOA. "And the coalition the president heads is not a Marxist group." Delivering on the clean governance he has promised could also face a pushback. "Corruption is very deep-seated in the system. It is endemic in society and goes from top to bottom, so rooting it out is very tough," said Perera. "He will face strong vested interests to rebuild a system that has broken down. But on the positive side, he has the support of the people." After taking the oath of office, Dissanayake sounded a note of caution amid the widespread optimism raised by his victory among millions of Sri Lankans, saying he is not a "magician" but an "ordinary citizen." "There are things I know and don't know. My aim is to gather those with the knowledge and skills to help lift this country," he said on Monday. The coming months will be crucial for a country that is navigating a vastly altered political landscape. "The management of the economic crisis and management of public expectations will be his biggest challenge, otherwise discontent will grow again," said analyst Uyangoda. "Past leaders have all belonged to the political elite. This is the first time there is a president who belongs to the working class, so the hopes of the ordinary people are very, very high." NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Biden gives final UN speech with 'competition' agenda on mind Global Times US urged to focus on joint efforts to address global challenges at UN platform By Zhang Han and Li Yawei Published: Sep 26, 2024 12:08 AM In his farewell speech at UN stage before leaving the Oval Office of White House, US President Joe Biden recalled his early political career as a US senator elected in 1972, summarized his "achievements" over the past four years as president before quickly shifting focus to China. Biden reiterated competition with China while implicitly boasting about certain areas of cooperation. China is such an important topic that the US president could not deliver his speech at the UN without it, Chinese observers said on Wednesday, urging the US to reflect on its domestic and international policy agenda as it is the US that has been fueling and instigating many of the global conflicts. Biden claimed the US seeks to responsibly manage the competition with China and stands ready to cooperate, when he addressed the General Debate of the 79th session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) on Tuesday. "We recently resumed cooperation with China to stop the flow of deadly synthetic narcotics. I appreciate the collaboration," Biden said, according to a press release on White House website. Biden also said the US is unabashed, pushing back against "unfair economic competition and against military coercion of other nations" in the South China Sea, in maintaining peace and stability across the Taiwan Straits, in protecting the US' most advanced technologies so they cannot be used against the US or its partners. Li Haidong, a professor at the China Foreign Affairs University, told the Global Times on Wednesday that without saying the word "threat," Biden's remarks seem to send a message that "China is a threat to the US." Lu Xiang, an expert on US studies at the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences, saw Biden's mentioning of the South China Sea also as "offering comfort to the Philippines" as the US shows little credibility in its actions before its allies. Analysts pointed out that Biden's speech hijacked the UN platform to push its strategic competition agenda, which is irresponsible and harmful when the General Debate is supposed to be a most inclusive, representative and authoritative platform for global reflection and collective action to address global challenges. World leaders gathered in New York for the UNGA amid growing calls for more international cooperation to address challenges such as climate change, poverty and inequality, while tackling the fallout from ongoing conflicts and global health crises, Xinhua News Agency reported Tuesday. Wang Yi, member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and Chinese foreign minister, is having a whirlwind of bilateral meetings with representatives of other countries and will address the UNGA on Saturday. On the Palestinian-Israeli conflict, the UNGA on September 18 passed a non-binding resolution by an overwhelming margin, demanding an end to Israel's occupation of Palestinian territory within the next 12 months. South African President Cyril Ramaphosa called for a collective effort through the UN system and other multinational institutions to end civilian suffering and for South Africa's legal action taken against Israel through the International Court of Justice (ICJ) to prevail, according to Xinhua. In regard to the Russia-Ukraine conflict, Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva said the use of increasingly destructive weapons brings to mind the darkest times of the sterile confrontation of the Cold War. Creating conditions to resume direct dialogue between the parties is crucial at this time, a message of the six-point understanding that China and Brazil are jointly promoting. Wang said at a ministerial-level Security Council meeting on Ukraine crisis that the more weapons are sent to the battlefield, the more difficult it is to achieve the goal of cease-fire, while noting that "China has all along stood on the side of peace." But the US' attitude on the two most prevailing and devastating conflicts was frustrating, analysts said. Biden, although showing some concern over the crisis in Gaza in his speech, backed Israel's need for "security" without the mentioning of latest explosions in Lebanon that were widely believed to be Israel's action. Biden also underlined US-led aid to Ukraine, security and humanitarian assistance, and boasted about a bigger, stronger, and more united NATO. Lu said the US is just making a mediation gesture on the Mideast issue when it indulges Israel's behavior. As for Ukraine, the US keeps fanning flames so that its military-industrial complex can make a big fortune from the prolongation of the war, Lu noted. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Thriving development of free trade zones, Hainan Free Trade Port mirrors China's high-level opening up 10:51, September 26, 2024 By Ren Ping ( People's Daily Photo shows the Dishui Lake in the Lingang new area of the China (Shanghai) Pilot Free Trade Zone. (People's Daily Online/Ji Haixin) As a significant strategic measure to advance reform and opening up, the establishment of pilot free trade zones (FTZs) and the Hainan Free Trade Port (FTP) marks an epitome of China's efforts to promote high-level opening up. From setting up the first pilot FTZ in Shanghai, China now boasts a formation consisting of 22 pilot FTZs. Together with the thriving Hainan FTP, they serve as comprehensive experimental platforms for reform and opening up. Today, the 22 pilot FTZs make up an innovative pattern of reform and opening up that covers the entire country. With less than 0.4 percent of China's land area, they account for approximately 1/5 of the country's total foreign investment and foreign trade. Compared to opening up based on flows of goods and factors of production, institutional opening up with regard to rules, regulations, management, and standards, represents a higher level of openness. With a focus on institutional opening up, a large number of landmark and leading achievements have been made in institutional innovation. Recently, the 2024 version of the negative list for foreign investment access was released. In comparison to the 2021 version, the new negative list reduces the number of restrictions from 31 to 29, achieving zero restrictions on the manufacturing sector. Aligning with international first-class standards at a higher level, it solidly leads the pace of reform and opening up. The Hainan FTP put into operation a multi-functional free trade account system, which greatly facilitates cross-border fund transfers for enterprises. Accelerating the alignment of domestic regulations with international standards, the system promotes deep-level reform at a faster pace. A cargo vessel docks at a port in the Qingdao area of the China (Shandong) Pilot Free Trade Zone in east China's Shandong province. (People's Daily Online/Zhang Jingang) Following the implementation of an international trade single window system, the Xiamen area of China (Fujian) Pilot FTZ has seen significantly shortened time for goods declaration and release. The system has made it a thing of the past for enterprises to log in to multiple systems, fill out multiple forms, and make multiple trips to the port. Innovating management models to improve efficiency, the system is making further efforts to build first-class business environment. So far, successful practices in 349 cases of innovation in institutional reform have been promoted at the national level, leading to a favorable situation where dividends of reform and opening up are shared by all. China's efforts to promote alignment with high-standard international economic and trade rules also provide solid support for establishing a new system for higher-level open economy. It is reported that since the issuance of a circular on piloting international high standards and promoting institutional opening-up in some eligible pilot FTZs and the Hainan FTP in June 2023, all pilot measures have been fully implemented. For instance, the Beijing Pilot FTZ started piloting a mutual recognition mechanism for domestic and foreign professional qualifications and certifications; the Tianjin Pilot FTZ also introduced multiple innovative measures, including six-hour customs clearance for air express shipments. Besides, regulations on international commercial arbitration have been put into place in the Hainan FTP. In May this year, Tesla broke ground on an energy storage mega factory in the Lingang new area of the China (Shanghai) Pilot FTZ. The project went from negotiation to signing in just one month, once again setting a new record for "Lingang speed." Photo shows the beautiful scenery in Sanya, south China's Hainan province, where the Hainan Free Trade Port is located. (People's Daily Online/Ye Longbin) It is expected that the factory will have an energy storage capacity of nearly 40 GWh upon completion, equivalent to the annual electricity consumption of 50,000 households in Shanghai. From the implementation of the foreign investment law and the regulation on optimizing business environment, to the introduction of the negative list for cross-border trade in services, and to the efforts made to advance institutional opening up through alignment with high-standard international economic and trade rules... As China continuously builds a business environment that is based on market principles, governed by law and up to international standards, it is attracting more and more foreign investment. In the first seven months of this year, 31,654 new foreign-invested enterprises were established in China, representing a year-on-year growth of 11.4 percent. The "next China" is still China. China will remain the best investment destination globally. China's pilot FTZs and the Hainan FTP pursue differentiated and specialized development paths. They support the development of new industries, new business forms, and new models, gradually becoming demonstrators and leaders of China's high-quality development. The Tianjin Pilot FTZ, focusing on the financial leasing industry, has grown into the world's second largest hub for aircraft leasing. The Hubei Pilot FTZ has attracted over 16,000 optoelectronic information enterprises, becoming China's largest technology research and production base in the field of optical communication. The Jiangsu Pilot FTZ is home to nearly 4,000 bio-pharmaceutical enterprises, with an annual output value of nearly 300 billion yuan ($42.58 billion). From the pilot FTZs to the Hainan FTP, and from coastal to inland areas, China is steadfastly advancing high-level opening up, continuously injecting new impetus into the world economic development, and providing new opportunities for deepening mutually beneficial cooperation with countries around the world. (Web editor: Chang Sha, Hongyu) Russo-Ukraine War - 26 September 2024 - Day 946 Su M Tu W Th F Sa 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 A number of claims and counterclaims are being made on the Ukraine-Russia conflict on the ground and online. While GlobalSecurity.org takes utmost care to accurately report this news story, we cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos and videos. On 24 February 2022, Ukraine was suddenly and deliberately attacked by land, naval and air forces of Russia, igniting the largest European war since the Great Patriotic War. Russian President Vladimir Putin announced a "special military operation" (SVO - spetsialnaya voennaya operatsiya) in Ukraine in response to the appeal of the leaders of the "Donbass republics" for help. That attack is a blatant violation of the territorial integrity, sovereignty and independence of Ukraine. Putin stressed that Moscow's goal is the demilitarization and denazification of the country. The military buildup in preceeding months makes it obvious that the unprovoked and dastardly Russian attack was deliberately planned long in advance. During the intervening time, the Russian government had deliberately sought to deceive the world by false statements and expressions of hope for continued peace. "To initiate a war of aggression... is not only an international crime; it is the supreme international crime differing only from other war crimes in that it contains within itself the accumulated evil of the whole." [Judgment of the International Military Tribunal] The General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine reported that in total, since the beginning of this day, there have been 181 combat encounters. Ukrainian defenders continue to decisively interrupt the attempts of the Russian enemy to advance into the depths of Ukrainian territory, giving him a fiery impression. The hottest situation remains in the Pokrovsky direction, also Russia is active in the Kurakhiv direction. Russian zagarbniki launched on the territory of Ukraine four missile strikes with the use of six missiles, as well as 57 air strikes, dropping 66 cabiv. In addition, 729 kamikaze drones were recruited and carried out more than 3,800 shelling at the positions of Ukrainian troops and settlements. In the Kharkiv direction, there were three boons. Defense forces repelled Russian attacks near Staritsa, Tikhoy and Vovchansk. The battle is over. In the Kupiansky direction, Russian forces carried out offensive actions near Sinkivka, Glushkivka, Lozova, Stelmakhivka and Kolisnikivka. Nineteen battles completed, one more to go. In the Lyman direction Russian zagarbniki stormed the positions of Ukrainian troops near Grekivka, Nevsky, Novosadovy and Torsky. As of now, all 15 combat clashes are completed. In the Sivers komu direction Ukrainian defenders repelled four Russian offensive actions in the areas of bilogorivka, verkhnyokamansky and spirnogo. In the Kramators komu direction, there were 10 battles near Minkivka, Grigorivka and White Mountain, where two Russian attacks are currently continuing. 17 combat clashes took place in the Toretsky direction. The Russians stormed the positions of Ukrainian units near Toretsk, scherbinivka and leonidivka. Fourteen clashes completed, three still going. On the Pokrovsky direction, since the beginning of this day, 39 battles have been sharpened in the areas of the settlements Green Field, Mykolaivka, Fox, Cool Yar, Novogrodivka, Selidove, Marinivka and Red Yar. The Defense Forces repelled 34 offensive actions, five are still continuing. Today 278 Russian invaders were defecated in this direction, of which 116 - irrevocably. Also destroyed two Russian cannons, four BPLAs, two trench REBS, three cars and two units of motor equipment. In addition, an armored transporter, four artillery systems, two cars and two motorcycles were damaged. In the Kurakhiv direction, Russian forces stormed 34 times near Tsukurinyogo, the desired second, Georgiyivka, Mykolaivka, Paraskoviyivka, Konstantinivka and Katerynivka. Ukrainian defenders have stopped 27 attacks, seven are still ongoing. In the Vremivs komu direction, Russian forces made five attempts to push Ukrainian units out of the occupied borders of defense near Vodyany, Katerinivka and Epiphany. Four fights down, one still going. In the Orihiv direction, there were three collisions. Russian zagarbniki attacked near Robotiny. In the Pridniprovsk direction, the Russian occupiers were defeated, twice storming the positions of Ukrainian troops. Defense Forces of Ukraine continue the operation in the Kursk region. The Russian enemy's aviation does not stop striking controlled aviation bombs on the territory of Russia. At this moment it is known about 12 aviation strikes with the application of 14 cabiv. In other directions - without much change. The Ministry of Defense of the Russian Federation reported that units of the Sever Group of Forces inflicted losses on formations of the 57th Motorised Infantry Brigade of the AFU, 36th Marine Brigade, and 113th Territorial Defence Brigade near Liptsy, Volchansk, and Volchanskye Khutora (Kharkov region). The AFU losses amounted to up to 235 troops, three motor vehicles, one 152-mm D-20 gun, one 122-mm D-30 howitzer, one 122-mm Grad MLRS launcher. Units of the Zapad Group of Forces took more advantageous lines and positions as well as inflicted losses on manpower and hardware of the 3rd Tank Brigade, 14th, 44th, 53rd, 63rd, 66th mechanised brigades of the AFU near Kupyansk-Uzlovoy, Petropavlovka, Vishnyovoye, Pershetravnevoye, Olgovka (Kharkov region), Grigorovka (Donetsk People's Republic), and Chervonaya Dibrova (Lugansk People's Republic). One counter-attack launched by an assault detachment of the AFU 66th Mechanised Brigade was repelled. The AFU losses amounted to up to 435 troops, one Kozak armoured fighting vehicle, eight motor vehicles, one U.S.-made 155-mm M198 howitzer, two Polish-made 155-mm Krab self-propelled artillery systems, one 122-mm Gvozdika self-propelled artillery system, one 122-mm D-30 howitzer, and one Croatian-made RAK-SA-12 MLRS launcher. Two Anklav-N electronic warfare stations, one U.S.-made AN/TPQ-37 counter-battery radar, and two ammunition depots were destroyed. Units of the Yug Group of Forces improved the tactical situation along the front line and inflicted losses on formations of the 24th, 54th mechanised brigades of the AFU, and 119th Territorial Defence Brigade near Seversk, Verkhnekamenskoye, Kramatorsk, and Nikolayevka (Donetsk People's Republic). The AFU losses amounted to up to 750 troops, ten motor vehicles, two U.S.-made 155-mm M777 howitzers, one Polish-made 155-mm Krab self-propelled artillery system, one 152-mm D-20 gun, two 152-mm Akatsiya self-propelled artillery systems, one U.S.-made 105-mm M119 gun, Anklav-N and Nota electronic warfare stations. Nine ammunition depots were destroyed. As a result of decisive actions, units of the Tsentr Group of Forces liberated Ukrainsk (Donetsk People's Republic). Losses were inflicted on manpower and hardware of the 53rd, 100th, 110th, 151st mechanised brigades, 68th Jaeger Brigade of the AFU, and 116th Territorial Defence Brigade near Leonidovka, Krasnoarmeysk, Shcherbinovka, Dobropolye, Nikolayevka, Gornyak, and Tarasovka (Donetsk People's Republic). Ten counter-attacks launched by assault detachments of the 53rd, 150th, and 151st mechanised brigades, 59th Motorised Infantry Brigade, 68th Jaeger Brigade, 142nd Infantry Brigade of the AFU, 12th, 14th, and 15th national guard brigades were repelled. The AFU losses amounted to up to 670 troops, one tank, two armoured fighting vehicles, five motor vehicles, two 152-mm D-20 guns, and one 152-mm Giatsint-B gun. Units of the Vostok Group of Forces improved the tactical situation along the front line and inflicted losses on formations of the 72nd Mechanised Brigade, 58th Motorised Infantry Brigade of the AFU, and 118th Territorial Defence Brigade near Ugledar, Novoukrainka, and Zolotaya Niva (Donetsk People's Republic). Two counter-attacks launched by assault detachments of the AFU 72nd Mechanised Brigade were repelled. The AFU losses amounted to up to 130 troops, one tank, three infantry fighting vehicles, seven motor vehicles, and one French-made 155-mm CAESAR self-propelled artillery system. Units of the Dnepr Group of Forces took more advantageous lines and inflicted losses on manpower and hardware of the 39th Coastal Defence Brigade and 124th Territorial Defence Brigade near Ponyatovka, Antonovka, and Pridneprovskoye (Kherson region). The AFU losses amounted to up to 60 troops, ten motor vehicles, one 155-mm Bogdana self-propelled artillery system, and one 152-mm Msta-B howitzer. One P-19 radar station and one ammunition depot were destroyed. Operational-Tactical Aviation, unmanned aerial vehicles, and Missile Troops and Artillery of the Russian Groups of Forces delivered strikes at power objects ensuring operation of Ukrainian defence industry enterprises, infrastructure of a military airfield, and engaged AFU manpower and hardware clusters in 142 areas. Air defence units shot down one Neptune long-range guided missile, three French-made Hammer guided aerial bombs, five U.S.-made HIMARS MLRS projectiles, and 45 fixed-wing unmanned aerial vehicles. In total, since the beginning of the special military operation, 646 aircraft, 283 helicopters, 32,263 unmanned aerial vehicles, 579 anti-aircraft missile systems, 18,356 tanks and other armoured fighting vehicles, 1,464 MLRS combat vehicles, 15,207 field artillery guns and mortars, and 26,510 units of support military vehicles have been neutralised. The Ministry of Defense of the Russian Federation also reported that the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation are repelling an attack of the Armed Forces of Ukraine against the territory of the Russian Federation. Units of the Sever Group of Forces continued offensive operations and inflicted losses on formations of the 21st, 22nd, 41st mechanised brigades, 17th Tank Brigade, 95th Air Assault Brigade, 36th Marine Brigade, 112th, and 129th territorial defence brigades of the AFU near Lyubimovka, Daryino, Novy Put, Nikolayevo-Daryino, and Plekhovo. Over the past 24 hours, units of the Sever Group of Forces repelled one enemy counter-attack in the direction of Obukhovka. As a result, the AFU losses amounted to up to 15 troops killed and wounded; two armoured fighting vehicles and one motor vehicle were destroyed. With the support of Army Aviation and artillery fire, three AFU attempts to break through the border of the Russian Federation in the direction of Novy Put and Medvezhye were foiled. The AFU losses amounted to up to 40 troops killed and wounded, four armoured fighting vehicles, and two motor vehicles. Army Aviation and artillery fire inflicted losses on manpower and hardware clusters of the 21st, 22nd, 41st, 61st, 115th mechanised brigades, 17th Tank Brigade, 80th, 95th air assault brigades, 36th Marine Brigade, 103rd, and 129th territorial defence brigades of the AFU near Bogdanovka, Guyevo, Daryino, Kruglenkoye, Kubatkin, Knyazhy Pervy, Kositsa, Lyubimovka, Martynovka, Makhnovka, Malaya Obukhovka, Medvezhye, Novaya Sorochina, Novoivanovka, Novy Put, Orlovka, Plekhovo, Tolsty Lug, and Yuzhny. Operational-Tactical Aviation and Missile Troops delivered strikes in Sumy region at concentration areas and reserves of the 21st, 22nd, 41st, 47th, 115th mechanised brigades, 82nd, 95th air assault brigades, 1st National Guard Brigade, 101st, 103rd, 106th, 129th territorial defence brigades near Barilo, Belovody, Byvalino, Vorozhba, Zhuravka, Glukhov, Gurinovka, Zarutskoye, Iskriskovshchina, Kislaya Dubina, Katerinovka, Pavlovka, Rechki, Starye Virki, Stetskovka, Sumy, Shalygino, and Khoten. Over the past 24 hours, the AFU losses amounted to more than 340 troops and 12 armoured fighting vehicles as well as four artillery guns and 11 motor vehicles. Since the beginning of hostilities in Kursk region, the Armed Forces of Ukraine lost more than 17,400 troops, 130 tanks, 62 infantry fighting vehicles, 95 armoured personnel carriers, 824 armoured fighting vehicles, 525 motor vehicles, 142 artillery guns, 31 MLRS launchers, including eight of HIMARS and six of MLRS made by the USA, eight SAM launchers, five transport-loading vehicles, 35 electronic warfare stations and eight counter-battery radars, two air defence radars, 18 engineering vehicles, including 11 counterobstacle vehicles and one UR-77 mine clearing vehicle, as well as one armoured recovery vehicle. The operation to neutralise the AFU units is in progress. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Remarks by President Biden at the Global Coalition to Address Synthetic Drug Threats | New York, NY September 24, 2024 1:57 P.M. EDT THE PRESIDENT: Thank you. To all the a my fellow leaders from nations around the world, thank you for being here. It makes a big difference. A couple of years ago, a father who I got to meet from a small town here in the United States wrote me a letter about his daughter. Her name was Courtney. She was bright and smart, she had a laugh that was contagious, and wanted to travel the world. But in high school, she became addicted to pills. Her father eventually brought her to a treatment facility, but his insurance company wouldn't cover the cost. They said, quote, "It wasn't a matter of life and death." A month later, Courtney died from a fe- a fentanyl overdose. She was just 20 years old a 20 years old. In his letter that he wrote to me, he described life without his child. He said, and I quote, "There is no greater pain." "There is no greater pain." I told him I know what it's like, having lost several children myself a two children. There is no greater pain. They still live in your heart, but there's no greater pain. Ladies and gentlemen, that's why we're here. Too many people all across our nation have stories like this. Too many families have suffered unbearable pain and unbearable loss. Opioids are the deadliest drug threat in our history. I've been working on drug control for a long, long time a since the days I was a senator, but this is the deadliest of them all. For years, too little has been done to beat this threat here at home and around the world. In fact, before I came to office, overdose deaths in our country were increasing by more than 30 percent year over year. But when I became president, I made beating the opioid endemic [epidemic] a central part of the Unity Agenda, something that our entire nation could rally around and has. For over the last four years, we've turned that agenda into action. My administration made Nal- a excuse me, Na- a made Naloxone, a lifesaving overdose reversal medicine, available over the counter. You can purchase it over the counter for the first time. We invested over $80 billion across 50 states to expand access to addiction treatment and support. I issued an executive order that cut cartel leaders off from fina- a our financial system, including issuing 300 sanctions. And I've deployed hundreds of advanced X-ray ou- a machines to stop the threat of pills and powder coming across our border. Because I want to be clear: This is a this is a national security threat. In July of this year, I signed a national security memorandum. It officially recognized that fact, that it is a national security threat. It calls on every part of our government to do more to stop fentanyl and protect our homeland from this threat. But as all of you know, this a global challenge and it requires a global solutions. So, we established the Tri- a the Trilateral Fentanyl Committee with Canada and Mexi- a and Mexico to stop narcotics from crossing our border. I reignited counternarcotics cooperation with China to increase law enforcement cooperation and tackle the supply chains of precursor chemicals and pill presses. And I directed my team to build this coalition a this Global Coalition to Address Synthetic Drugs. As all of you here know, this coalition now has, as the secretary of State said, 150 nations as part of it. The result of these efforts: More fentanyl has been seized at our border in the last two years than the previous five years combined a in the previous five years combined. Nearly 60,000 pounds of fentanyl have been seized. That's enough to kill every single American many times over. Dozens of major cartel leaders and traffickers are now behind bars. And I'm proud to announce, for the first time in five years, overdose deaths are actually coming down across America. The latest data shows a 10 percent drop. That's the largest decrease on record. Folks, this matters. These aren't just facts and figures. They're families a families who don't have to bear the loss of a child, a parent, a spouse a families who are kept whole. But there are too many that are still dying. There's so much more that needs to be done. So, my message today is very simple: We can't let up. We cannot let up. Drug manufacturers and cartels continue to adapt their practices, develop new chemicals, move fast to evade our efforts. We have to move faster. They continue to exploit the global supply chains to expand their networks. We've got to cut them off. They continue to fuel violence, corruption, and instability. We've got to protect our people and our communities. So, that's why I'm calling on every nation here to commit to our new global coalition pledge. This lays out the action we must all take to seize more drugs, stop more cartels, save more lives. I also want to thank the leaders here who are stepping up and launching a new initiatives today to advance coalition efforts all across three key a key areas. First, disrupting supply chain, including production and distribution of illicit a of illicit drugs. Secondly, detecting emerging drug threats and increasing information sharing across all our countries. And thirdly, preventing more deaths by treating more people through public health interventions, increased access to lifesaving medications. It's possible. It's about disrupt, detect, prevent, and treat. Together, we're making it clear: Enough is enough is enough. Let me close with this. As leaders, we all have one solemn responsibility: protect our people from harm. Together, through this coalition, I believe we can do just that. We can disrupt the cycle of violence and instability that drug cr- a traffickers create. We can get our people the care they need and deserve. We can save lives, but only a but only if we come together and work together. The choice is ours. And I believe there can be only one answer: We can, we will, and we must. So, thank you all for being here. Let's get to work. And I want to a you to hear from other leaders in this room as well. So, thank you, thank you, thank you. (Applause.) 2:04 P.M. EDT NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Treasury Sanctions Networks Enabling Illicit Trade that Benefits IRGC-QF and Hizballah U.S. Department of the Treasury September 25, 2024 WASHINGTON -- Today, the Department of the Treasury's Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) sanctioned more than a dozen entities and vessels for their involvement in the shipment of Iranian crude oil and liquid petroleum gas to Syria and East Asia on behalf of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps-Qods Force (IRGC-QF) and Hizballah. Among the vessels sanctioned today are four ships associated with the fleet of illicit shipping Syrian magnate Abdul Jalil Mallah (Abdul Jalil) and his brother Luay al-Mallah. Since Abdul Jalil's June 10, 2021 designation for his support to the network of IRGC-QF-backed Houthi financial official Sa'id al-Jamal, Luay al-Mallah has continued to use their shipping empire to support Iran's malign activities and those of its proxies. Luay al-Mallah is also being designated in this action. "Iran continues to rely heavily on the illicit sale of oil and liquid petroleum gas by the IRGC-QF and Lebanese Hizballah to fund its terrorist proxies and destabilizing activities," said Acting Under Secretary of the Treasury for Terrorism and Financial Intelligence Bradley T. Smith. "Treasury remains committed to disrupting the networks of shippers, brokers, and buyers that facilitate these schemes." Today's action is being taken pursuant to counterterrorism authority Executive Order (E.O.) 13224, as amended. OFAC designated the IRGC-QF pursuant to E.O. 13224 on October 25, 2007, for providing material support to multiple terrorist groups. The U.S. Department of State designated Hizballah as a Specially Designated Global Terrorist group (SDGT) pursuant to E.O. 13224 on October 31, 2001. HIzballah and IRGC-QF shipments Marshall Islands-registered, People's Republic of China (PRC)-based Star Ocean Shipmanage Ltd. is the ship manager, technical manager, and operator of the Panama-flagged vessel ETERNAL SUCCESS (IMO: 9307633), the Panama-flagged ETERNAL 8 (IMO: 9232448), and the Panama-flagged ETERNAL PEACE (IMO: 9259745). The IRGC-QF used the ETERNAL SUCCESS to facilitate illicit trade as recently as July 2024, manipulating its Automatic Identification System to disguise its movements while sailing toward East Asia, where it transferred its cargo to another tanker via a ship-to-ship transfer. Similar to its sister ship, the ETERNAL 8 has also been involved in transferring shipments for the IRGC-QF. Star Ocean Shipmanage Ltd. is being designated pursuant to E.O. 13224, as amended, for having materially assisted, sponsored, or provided financial, material, or technological support for, or goods or services to or in support of, the IRGC-QF. The ETERNAL SUCCESS, ETERNAL 8, and ETERNAL PEACE are being identified as property in which Star Ocean Shipmanage Ltd. has an interest. Marshall Islands-based Dragon Road Ltd is the registered owner of the Panama-flagged SERENE I (IMO: 9197832). As recently as summer 2024, the SERENE I loaded IRGC-QF-owned products in Iran on behalf of the U.S.-sanctioned, Lebanese Hizballah-affiliated, Lebanon-based company Concepto Screen SAL Offshore. Similarly, the Panama-flagged FENG TAI (IMO: 9248473) transported IRGC-QF-owned products, loaded in Iran, to the PRC on behalf of Concepto Screen SAL Offshore. Hong Kong-based Tai Feng Hai Shipping Limited is the registered owner of the FENG TAI. Dragon Road Ltd and Tai Feng Hai Shipping Limited are being designated pursuant to E.O. 13224, as amended, for having materially assisted, sponsored, or provided financial, material, or technological support for, or goods or services to or in support of, the IRGC-QF. SERENE I and FENG TAI are being identified as property in which Dragon Road Ltd and Tai Feng Hai Shipping Limited have an interest, respectively. MALLAH SHIPPING NETWORK Luay al-Mallah has assisted his brother, sanctioned Syrian shipping magnate Abdul Jalil Mallah, in running his family's business following the latter's designation for assisting the illicit shipping network of Sa'id al-Jamal, an IRGC-QF-backed Houthi financial official. The Mallah family's ships, including the Panama-flagged CONFIDENCE P (IMO: 9178044), Sao Tome and Principe-flagged NOVA (IMO: 9141259), Panama-flagged RIVAL (IMO: 9117818), and Iran-flagged TIYARA (IMO: 9231224), have facilitated illicit trade between Syria and Iran for the benefit of the IRGC-QF and Hizballah. As recently as 2021, Luay al-Mallah managed a shipment for Sa'id al-Jamal. In 2021, Sa'id al-Jamal's network used the NOVA and TIYARA to facilitate illicit trade between Iran and Syria. Luay al-Mallahowns the Abdul Jalil Mallah-directed, TArkiye-based Oryx Denizcilik Limited Sirketi. Luay al-Mallah is being designated pursuant to E.O. 13224, as amended, for having materially assisted, sponsored, or provided financial, material, or technological support for, or goods or services to or in support of, Abdul Jalil Mallah. Oryx Denizcilik Limited Sirketi is being designated pursuant to E.O. 13224, as amended, for being owned, controlled, or directed by, directly or indirectly, Luay al-Mallah. CONFIDENCE P, NOVA, RIVAL, and TIYARA are being identified as property in which Abdul Jalil Mallah has an interest. SANCTIONS IMPLICATIONS As a result of today's action, all property and interests in property of the designated persons described above that are in the United States or in the possession or control of U.S. persons are blocked and must be reported to OFAC. In addition, any entities that are owned, directly or indirectly, individually or in the aggregate, 50 percent or more by one or more blocked persons are also blocked. Unless authorized by a general or specific license issued by OFAC, or exempt, OFAC's regulations generally prohibit all transactions by U.S. persons or within (or transiting) the United States that involve any property or interests in property of designated or otherwise blocked persons. U.S. persons may face civil or criminal penalties for violations of E.O. 13224, as amended. Non-U.S. persons are also prohibited from causing or conspiring to cause U.S. persons to wittingly or unwittingly violate U.S. sanctions, as well as engaging in conduct that evades U.S. sanctions. OFAC's Economic Sanctions Enforcement Guidelines provide more information regarding OFAC's enforcement of U.S. sanctions, including the factors that OFAC generally considers when determining an appropriate response to an apparent violation. Furthermore, engaging in certain transactions with the individuals designated today entails risk of secondary sanctions pursuant to E.O. 13224, as amended. Pursuant to this authority, OFAC can prohibit or impose strict conditions on the opening or maintaining in the United States of a correspondent account or a payable-through account of a foreign financial institution that knowingly conducted or facilitated any significant transaction on behalf of an SDGT. In addition, financial institutions and other persons that engage in certain transactions or activities with the sanctioned entities and individuals may expose themselves to sanctions or be subject to an enforcement action. The prohibitions include the making of any contribution or provision of funds, goods, or services by, to, or for the benefit of any designated person, or the receipt of any contribution or provision of funds, goods, or services from any such person. View identifying information on the individuals and entities designated today. ### NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address UN paralyzed, crises piling up, world leaders 'going around in circles', says Brazil's Lula 24 September 2024 - President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva on Tuesday called for a major overhaul of the United Nations, including a critical examination of the Organization's nearly eight decades-old Charter, blaming the incapacity of the international community to engage in sincere negotiations for the failure to find solutions to the world's problems. Speaking to world leaders at the General Assembly's annual debate, President Lula lamented that the current global situation, including the seeming paralysis of the UN to act, reflects a "weakening of our collective capacity for negotiation and dialogue." By example he said that the recently adopted UN Pact for the Future was limited in scope, though its proposed aim is to chart the course for multilateral relations in the years ahead. "It's ...limited scope is also an expression of the paradox of our time: We go around in circles between possible compromises that lead to insufficient results," he argued. Moreover, despite the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, no comprehensive treaty on pandemics has been adopted by the UN World Health Organization (WHO). He continued, "We are living in a time of growing anguish, frustration, tension, and fear" and criticized the rising military budgets and conflicts, stating that the use of force is becoming the norm, often without the backing of international law. Mr. Lula firmly condemned the invasion of Ukraine and, alongside China, has sought to promote constructive dialogue through a proposed "six-point plan." The humanitarian crises in Gaza and the West Bank were also focal points of his speech. Describing the situation as one of the greatest humanitarian crises in recent history, the Brazilian President condemned what he saw as the collective punishment of the Palestinian people, noting the tragic loss of over 40,000 lives, primarily among women and children. "The right to defense has become the right to vengeance," President Lula said, expressing his concern about the current escalating situation in Lebanon. Turning to climate change, President Lula warned that "we are doomed to climate change interdependence," stressing that future generations will bear the consequences of unfulfilled climate commitments. He emphasized Brazil's commitment to environmental protection, stating that deforestation in the Amazon has been reduced by 50 per cent and aims to be eradicated by 2030. In a call for reform of the global financial system, President Lula pointed out that low- and middle-income countries are often disadvantaged, leading to a "reverse Marshall Plan" where the poorest finance the richest. Highlighting the stark contrast in borrowing rates between African nations and wealthier countries, he urged greater representation of developing countries in institutions like the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and the World Bank. Finally, he proposed a "comprehensive review" of the UN Charter and called for urgent reforms within the Organization itself, advocating for the Security Council to reconsider its exclusionary practices regarding permanent seats for Latin American and African countries. e concluded with a reminder that the world cannot afford to wait for another tragedy to prompt necessary governance changes, urging that the will of the majority must prevail over entrenched power structures. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Prime Minister Justin Trudeau meets with President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen Prime Minister of Canada - Justin Trudeau September 24, 2024 New York City, United States of America Today, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau met with the President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, on the margins of the 79th Session of the United Nations General Assembly. The leaders highlighted the close relationship between Canada and the European Union (EU) and the importance of continued collaboration on shared priorities, including economic security, sustainable development, and global stability. The Prime Minister and the President discussed the need to take action on climate change, carbon pricing, and industrial decarbonization. They emphasized the crucial role of the private sector in driving innovation and accelerating investments for a clean energy transition. The leaders exchanged views on pressing geopolitical issues. They reaffirmed their unwavering support for Ukraine in the face of Russia's unjustifiable war of aggression, and emphasized the importance of promoting lasting peace and security in the Middle East. They also underscored their support for Haiti, highlighting the pivotal steps that have been taken toward restoring peace and stability in the country. Prime Minister Trudeau noted the need for additional support for the UN-authorized Multinational Security Support mission to ensure its success. Prime Minister Trudeau and President von der Leyen looked forward to continue strengthening the strong partnership between Canada and the EU, including in the context of Canada's G7 Presidency next year. The two leaders agreed to remain in close contact. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address HMCS Shawinigan, HMCS Charlottetown and NATO Allies monitor Russian Navy Vessels in Western Europe and Mediterranean Sea National Defence News release A Russian submarine is monitored by the crew of HMCS Shawinigan, as it transits through the Baltic Sea, on Thursday, August 29, 2024. September 25 - Ottawa- National Defence / Canadian Armed Forces From August 29th to September 18th, 2024, while conducting vigilance activities alongside NATO ships, His Majesty's Canadian Ships (HMCS) Shawinigan and Charlottetown monitored Russian submarines and surface ships. Beginning August 29th HMCS Shawinigan monitored a Russian submarine and surface vessel through the Baltic and North Seas before handing over responsibility to His Majesty's Ship (HMS) Iron Duke, of the Royal Navy on September 1st. HMCS Charlottetown, flagship of Standing NATO Maritime Group 2 (SNMG2) assumed monitoring duties on September 17th from ESPS Cristobal Colon of the Spanish Navy, also part of SNMG2, and monitored the vessels for the remainder of their journey through the Eastern Mediterranean Sea. During this period HMCS Charlottetown also conducted monitoring activities of a separate Russian Federation Navy submarine and three surface vessels as they participated in Exercise OCEAN 24, a large-scale Russian exercise. HMCS Shawinigan is currently deployed to Europe alongside HMCS Glace Bay on Operation REASSURANCE with Standing NATO Mine Countermeasures Group 1 (SNMCMG1), working alongside allied NATO ships to safely dispose of historical ordnance in the region's waters, in addition to participating in NATO enhanced Vigilance Activities. HMCS Charlottetown is currently deployed on Operation REASSURANCE as the flagship for SNMG2, working alongside allied NATO ships to support regional maritime security in the Mediterranean. The right of innocent passage provides standards and expectations for ships to follow while transiting the waters of another country. At all times the Russian vessels were observed to have complied with these standards and expectations. Additional multimedia A Russian submarine is monitored by the crew of HMCS Shawinigan, as it transits through the Baltic Sea, on Thursday, August 29, 2024. A Russian submarine is monitored by the crew of HMCS Shawinigan, as it transits through the Baltic Sea, on Thursday, August 29, 2024. Quotes "I am immensely proud of the crew's unwavering dedication and skill. Their ability to successfully apply their training in anti-submarine warfare and monitor surface vessels is a testament to their hard work and professionalism. In the face of complex challenges, their commitment to excellence shines through, showcasing the true spirit of our Navy. Together, we stand vigilant, ready to protect our collective waters and uphold our values." Commander Nicholas Buxton, Commanding Officer, HMCS Charlottetown and Maritime Task Force Commander, Operation REASSURANCE Maritime Task Force 24-02 "I am proud of His Majesty's Canadian Ships Shawinigan's crewfor their dedication, flexibility and professionalism during the international monitoring effort that was recently conducted in concert with our NATO allies. The ship's company continues to showcase on a global stage that sailors of the Royal Canadian Navy are some of the best in the world, and we will continue to remain focused on our mission alongside our NATO allies for the remainder of our deployment." Lieutenant-Commander Andrew Foran, Commanding Officer HMCS Shawinigan "It fills me with a great sense of pride as the Maritime Task Force Commander to see our shipmates in His Majesty's Canadian Ships (HMCS) Shawinigan contribute in such a meaningful way to the safety and security of our NATO allies and partners in Europe. Ships of the Royal Canadian Navy deployed on Operation REASSURANCE are ready for a wide spectrum of operations such as this one which provided invaluable maritime domain awareness, in addition to supporting and protecting Canadian and Allied interests. HMCS Shawinigan has rejoined HMCS Glace Bay and the other Alliance ships of Standing NATO Mine Countermeasures Group 1 and will continue its important work in Europe." Lieutenant-Commander Paul Morrison, Commanding Officer HMCS Glace Bay and Maritime Task Force Commander, Operation REASSURANCE Maritime Task Force 24-03 Quick facts Canada has deployed Royal Canadian Navy ships on Operation REASSURANCE on a continuous, rotational basis since 2014, following Russia's illegal invasion of Crimea. Deploying Royal Canadian Navy ships in support of NATO provides Canada with the flexibility to execute a range of exercises and operations in real training environments with our Allies. This helps support the Alliance efforts in the Baltic region, including surveillance, monitoring, and diplomatic engagement. SNMCMG1 is one of four Standing Naval Forces that operate under NATO Allied Maritime Command, headquartered in Northwood, United Kingdom. NATO Standing Naval Forces are multinational, integrated, maritime forces made up of vessels from various Allied countries which demonstrate solidarity, conduct routine diplomatic visits to different countries, support partner engagement, and provide a variety of maritime military capabilities to ongoing missions. Operation REASSURANCE is Canada's largest current international military operation. Under Operation REASSURANCE, the Canadian Armed Forces has deployed a Maritime Task Force, which contributes ships to the Standing NATO Maritime Groups; an Air Task Force, providing logistical support out of Prestwick; and a Land Task Force, including the NATO Multinational Battlegroup Latvia, for which Canada is the Framework nation. HMCS Shawinigan and Glace Bay are Kingston-class Maritime Coastal Defence Vessels (MCDVs) with a ship's company of approximately 45 personnel of all ranks for a total of 90 sailors. The MCDVs are a modular platform which can accommodate several types of mission-specific payloads offering the Royal Canadian Navy a large degree of flexibility in support of Allies. SNMG2 is one of four Standing Naval Forces that operate under NATO Allied Maritime Command. These groups provide NATO with a continuous maritime capability for operations and other activities in peacetime and in periods of crisis and conflict. They help to establish alliance presence and deterrence, demonstrate solidarity, conduct routine diplomatic visits to different countries, support transformation and NATO interoperability, and provide a variety of maritime military capabilities to ongoing missions. HMCS Charlottetown is one of 12 Halifax-class multi-role patrol frigates, that are considered the backbone of the Royal Canadian Navy. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address China: High Representative Borrell met with Foreign Minister Wang Yi European External Action Service (EEAS) 25.09.2024 EEAS Press Team On 25 September, High Representative/Vice-President (HR/VP) Josep Borrell met with Foreign Minister of China Wang Yi in the margins of the 79th United Nations General Assembly in New York. They discussed the current geopolitical situation, focusing on the main challenges and threats that the EU and China have to face. The HR/VP raised Russia's illegal war of aggression against Ukraine, reiterating his conviction that China's ongoing material and diplomatic support to Russia fuels Russia's war, thus contributing to a direct threat to European security. He expressed deep concern about China's increasing exports of large amounts of dual-use goods and items, which substantially help the build-up of Russia's military industrial base. The HR/VP also underscored that any proposal for a comprehensive, just and sustainable peace in Ukraine must be based on the UN Charter and considered that the joint statement with Brazil of May 2024 does not go in that direction. The HR/VP and Foreign Minister Wang Yi also discussed the situation in the South China Sea and recent actions by the Chinese Coast Guard. The HR/VP called for de-escalation of tensions and reiterated that the UN Charter, the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) should be upheld and respected at all times. On the Middle East, in the face of the ongoing dramatic escalation in hostilities, the HR/VP and Foreign Minister Wang Yi recalled their shared commitment to a just and comprehensive resolution of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, based on the two-state solution. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Lin Jian's Regular Press Conference on September 25, 2024 Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the People's Republic of China Updated: September 25, 2024 19:12 China News Service: We noted that at the just concluded 2024 World Manufacturing Convention, Chinese companies shared the latest innovations in commercial aerospace, humanoid robot, quantum computer, among others. Some commented that China is turning from a follower into a pacesetter in tech innovation. Do you have any further comment? Lin Jian: Science and technology is the primary productive force, anda innovation is the primary driver of development. The CPC and the Chinese government view tech innovation as the core of national development. After 75 years of relentless effort, China has established the most complete academic discipline system and the largest human resource pool, broken new ground in basic research and research of cutting-edge technologies, achieved new milestones in strategic high-tech fields, made new progress in innovation-driven high-quality development and accelerated the building of a higher-standard national innovation system. China ranked 12th in the 2023 Global Innovation Index released by WIPO, the only middle-income economy among the top 30. In this globalized world where innovation factors flow across borders at scale like never before, no country can handle all difficulties in innovation alone, and humanity needs international cooperation, openness and sharing more than ever. Commitment to reform and opening up and mutually beneficial cooperation is the reason for China's leapfrog developmentathis is our invaluable experience. Having participated in and benefited from globalization, and also contributed to and worked for globalization, China advocates and practices open, fair, equitable and non-discriminatory cooperation, and is committed to working with other parties to explore a new model for global innovation and cooperation that is win-win for all, share resources, match complementary advantages, and jointly resolve common challenges and difficulties. Going forward, China will, as always, advance international innovation cooperation and contribute its wisdom to building a better world for all. Bloomberg: China said it will investigate US apparel maker PVH Corp. for suspected boycotting of cotton sourced from Xinjiang. The Ministry of Commerce asked PVH to submit a written response in 30 days on whether it has adopted discriminative measures against Xinjiang-related products in the last three years. If found at fault, PVH Corp. could be added to an unreliable entity list, according to a 2020 order released by China. Is this connected to the US government's plan of blocking the sale or import of vehicle software and hardware originating from China? And will China initiate similar investigations in more US companies? Lin Jian: The Ministry of Commerce has made a response concerning the issue you asked about. Let me stress that the Chinese government is firmly committed to advancing high-standard opening up, upholding the multilateral trading system and defending the lawful rights and interests of various kinds of market entities. China always prudently handles issues related to the unreliable entity list, which only targets the very few foreign entities that undermine market rules and violate Chinese laws. There's nothing to worry about for honest and law-abiding foreign entities. CCTV: On September 24, at the 57th session of the UN Human Rights Council, over 100 countries spoke up to support China's position on issues related to Xinjiang, Hong Kong and Xizang, and to oppose politicizing human rights issues. What's China's comment? Lin Jian: On September 24, at the 57th session of the UN Human Rights Council held in Geneva, in response to the attacks and smears on China's human rights situation by the US and a handful of countries, over 100 countries supported China's just position and opposed the politicization of human rights issues in various ways, including making separate and joint statements. Cuba delivered a joint statement on behalf of nearly 80 countries. They stressed that issues related to Xinjiang, Hong Kong and Xizang are China's internal affairs. They spoke against the politicization of human rights issues, the application of double standards and interference in other countries' internal affairs in the name of human rights. They called on parties to abide by the purposes and principles of the UN Charter, follow the principles of universality, impartiality, objectivity and non-selectivity, and respect the right of people of all countries to independently choose development path in accordance with their national realities. China delivered a joint statement on behalf of member states of the Group of Friends on the Promotion of Human Rights through Dialogues and Cooperation. They called on the UN Human Rights Council to play its due role for countries to accumulate trust and advance cooperation through dialogue and exchanges. Statements were made in support of China's position by Uganda on behalf of the Non-Aligned Movement, Venezuela on behalf of the Group of Friends in Defense of the Charter of the United Nations, and Gambia on behalf of the African Group. The fact that over 100 countries spoke up once again for justice and voiced support for China at the UN fully shows that the US and a handful of Western countries politicizing human rights issues find no support in the international community, and such move is doomed to fail. China urges the US to deeply reflect on and earnestly address its domestic human rights issues, including racism, gun violence, social inequality, and infringement on the rights of refugees and immigrants, protect the human rights of its own citizens, stop interfering in other countries' internal affairs and play a constructive role in international human rights cooperation. Reuters: China said today that it has successfully launched an intercontinental ballistic missile to the high seas in the Pacific Ocean and that countries concerned have been notified in advance. A question is which countries did China notify and what path did the missile take?a Lin Jian: The Ministry of National Defense has released information on that. I'd refer you to the Ministry of National Defense for your specific question. Ukrinform News Agency: President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy in an interview with ABC News stated the Ukrainian side has evidence that Russia is using Chinese satellites to take a photo of nuclear power plants in Ukraine as part of preparations to potentially strike them. How can you comment on such a Ukrainian leader's statement? Lin Jian: I'm not familiar with what you mentioned.a Reuters: Follow up to my question. Has the Ministry received any objections from the countries that China notified about the missile launch or from any other countries as well? Lin Jian: I'd refer you to the Ministry of National Defense for your question. Shenzhen TV: It's reported that in the Global Financial Centers Index 36 Report jointly published by the UK's Z/Yen and China Development Institute from Shenzhen, Hong Kong ranked third globally among 121 financial centers, moving up one place from the March issue of the index this year. What's the Foreign Ministry's comment? Lin Jian: Under One country, Two systems, Hong Kong's economy has flourished, and its status as an international financial, shipping and trading center continues to be consolidated. In particular, it remains a strong magnet with great influence and competitiveness as an international financial center, and has stayed among the top in the global financial centers index. The latest ranking represents another vote of confidence from the international community for Hong Kong's unique status and advantages and the promising prospects of One country, Two systems. We have every confidence in Hong Kong's outlook after it has restored order and is set to thrive. We welcome companies and talents from across the world to invest, do business and tap full potential there so as to benefit from Hong Kong's development and One country, Two systems. Reuters: We have a follow-up question on the ballistic missile. Japan's Chief Cabinet Secretary has said that the missile launch is a matter of "serious concern" for Japan and the international community. And we would like to seek a comment on this. Lin Jian: The readout released by the Ministry of National Defense pointed out that this test launch is a routine arrangement in the annual training plan. It is in line with international law and international practice and is not directed against any country or target. I'd suggest you direct the specific question to the Ministry of National Defense. AFP: Israel said today that Hezbollah fired a missile on Tel Aviv for the first time ever. Is China concerned about the situation in the Middle East? Is China willing to facilitate a ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah? Lin Jian: At yesterday's press conference, I stated China's position on the current tensions between Lebanon and Israel. Let me reiterate that China calls on relevant parties to take measures immediately to cool down the situation, prevent further escalation of regional tensions, uphold peace and stability in the Middle East, and protect the safety of the people there. China stands ready to work with the international community towards this end. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address US, EU demand China respond to human rights abuses in Xinjiang Diplomats made the statements at the current UN Human Rights Council session in Geneva. By Alim Seytoff for RFA Uyghur and Roseanne Gerin for RFA English 2024.09.25 -- The U.S. ambassador to the U.N. Human Rights Council called on China on Tuesday to implement recommendations made by the U.N.'s human rights office in a two-year-old report issued and to release Uyghurs and others unjustly detained in Xinjiang. American diplomat MichAle Taylor also demanded that China clarify the fate and whereabouts of missing family members and facilitate safe contact and reunion during a speech at the current Human Rights Council session in Geneva, which runs from Sept. 9 to Oct. 11. Taylor read the joint statement on behalf of Australia, Canada, Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Lithuania, Norway, Sweden, the United Kingdom and the United States - all members of the Core Group on Xinjiang. In September 2022, the U.S. and Norway cosponsored a proposal that the Human Rights Council hold a debate on the situation of human rights in Xinjiang, home to roughly 12 million Uyghurs, as a follow-up to a report issued that August by the Office of the High Commission for Human Rights, or OHCHR. The 46-page report by then-U.N. human rights chief Michelle Bachelet said "serious human rights violations" had been committed in Xinjiang in the context of the Chinese government's application of counter-terrorism and counter-extremism strategies, and that repression of the Uyghurs and other Turkic minorities there "may constitute international crimes, in particular crimes against humanity." But China and its allies on the 47-member Council defeated the proposal in a 19-17 vote, with 11 abstentions. "Over the past two years, China has had many opportunities to meaningfully address these well-founded concerns," Taylor said. "We regret that China has denied the impartial and objective findings and rejected the recommendations of the OHCHR's assessment," she said. Earlier this year during China's Universal Periodic Review - a human rights record review by U.N. member states that occurs every five years - "China rejected many legitimate concerns and dismissively labeled the OHCHR's assessment 'completely illegal and void,'" Taylor said. EU's statement Rushan Abbas, executive director of Campaign for Uyghurs, praised the Core Group's statement because it highlighted "the undeniable atrocities" of arbitrary detention, forced labor and cultural erasure occurring in Xinjiang, as documented by the OHCHR. "The way the CCP exerts influence in the U.N. is to bury the ongoing genocide, and these findings are deeply troubling," she told Radio Free Asia, referring to the Chinese Communist Party. "Every day of inaction only prolongs the suffering of Uyghur families." "It is essential that the U.N. strengthens its efforts to hold China accountable," Abbas said. The U.S.'s statement, along with another by the European Union, coincided with this week's U.N. General Assembly meeting in New York. The EU's delegation to the U.N. Human Rights Council expressed concern over China's mistreatment of Uyghurs on Tuesday in Geneva, including political re-education camps, mass detentions, widespread surveillance, the use of forced labor, and sexual and gender-based violence in Xinjiang. "Numerous reports by U.N. treaty bodies and special rapporteurs, and in particular OHCHR's assessment report on human rights in China's Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region, confirm that the human rights situation requires the urgent attention of the government of China, U.N. bodies and the human rights system," the delegation said. It also noted that the human rights situation in neighboring Tibet "continues to be dire" with compulsory boarding schools for Tibetan children and DNA sampling, and said the EU would closely monitor the safeguarding of the fundamental freedoms, cultural heritage and identity of Tibetans. The delegation called on China to provide bilingual education in Tibetan and Chinese at all levels of instruction. "The EU continues to urge China to abide by its obligations under national law, including its own Constitution, and international law, to respect, protect and fulfill the rule of law and human rights for all, including Uyghurs, Tibetans and other persons belonging to national or ethnic, linguistic, religious or other groups and minorities across China," the delegation said. At a regular press conference on Wednesday, Chinese Foreign Affairs Ministry spokesman Lin Jian noted that Cuba delivered a joint statement on behalf of nearly 80 countries at the Human Rights Council session in Geneva "in response to the attacks and smears on China's human rights situation by the U.S. and a handful of countries." "They stressed that issues related to Xinjiang, Hong Kong and Xizang are China's internal affairs," he said, using the Chinese government's word for Tibet. "They spoke against the politicization of human rights issues, the application of double standards and interference in other countries' internal affairs in the name of human rights," Lin said. Edited by Matt Reed. 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 INTERVIEW: Umbrella Movement changed the face of Hong Kong politics 10 years on, protest leader Chan Kin-man says it pushed people into embracing more radical resistance. By Chen Zifei for RFA Mandarin 2024.09.25 -- In 2013, former politics lecturer Chan Kin-man, law professor Benny Tai and Rev. Chu Yiu-ming called a news conference to urge people to occupy Hong Kong's Central business district in a peaceful civil disobedience campaign for fully democratic elections. Many feared Beijing would not allow it despite promises made during the negotiations for the 1997 handover from Britain. The following year, the ruling Chinese Communist Party issued a plan on Aug. 31 setting out Beijing's plan for reforms of the electoral system that would give everyone a vote - but would also ensure that only candidates approved by the government would be allowed to run in elections. The public backlash amid growing calls for genuine democratic reform took the form of a student strike, camps on major roads, sit-ins, mass rallies of hundreds of thousands of people and an unofficial referendum that came out overwhelmingly in favor of open nominations for electoral candidates. While the authorities refused to back down, saying there was 'no room' for discussion on the electoral rules, police fired tear gas and beat protesters in clashes that began this week 10 years ago. To protect themselves, demonstrators used umbrellas, and the "Umbrella Movement" was born. 'Watershed' moment Ten years on, Chan, now 65 and living in Taiwan, told RFA Mandarin that the movement -- and the authorities' response -- served as a wake-up call to many in Hong Kong who may not previously have considered themselves political at all. Describing the 2014 movement as a "watershed" for Hong Kong, Chan said it turned his home city from a money-oriented former colony to a society that was willing to take radical action to protect its promised rights and freedoms. "The Umbrella Movement of 2014 was a watershed," he said. "It was the first time we had used a so-called illegal method -- that of occupation." "It was a citizens' resistance movement, fighting for democracy on a huge scale," Chan said, adding that an estimated 1.2 million people were involved at some point during the movement. "People who took part were willing to pay the price of legal action," he told Radio Free Asia. "The biggest impact of the pro-democracy movement was on people's political awakening - people who hadn't paid much attention to the issue in the past ended up joining in and caring what was happening," he said. "The fact that many more people just watched from the sidelines doesn't mean it didn't have an impact on them." Deeply etched memories Ten years on, the scenes he witnessed on Hong Kong's streets remained deeply etched into Chan's memory. "I remember seeing one lady at the Occupy site who was very conventionally dressed," he said. "She didn't look at all like the protesters." "She ran a business near Admiralty, and I started to apologize to her, saying our occupation was likely affecting her business, but she told me never to apologize, and that she wanted to thank me," Chan recalled. The woman told Chan that she hadn't been remotely interested in politics before this happened, but since then she'd started reading more news reports, and she had come to understand why the occupation was happening. "She started to feel that she had been in the wrong all these years, for not paying much attention to Hong Kong's political development, and just being focused on making money," he said. "She felt she was letting the next generation down." While the Umbrella Movement did have its critics among those who blamed it for accelerating China's meddling in the city's political affairs, Chan said Beijing had left young Hong Kongers with little option but to take to the streets. "It's simplistic to look at whether the movement succeeded in changing the system overnight - it managed to mobilize 1.2 million people and continue an occupation for 79 days," Chan said. "Not many movements in the history of the world have managed that." More militant And when the movement failed to pressure the authorities into allowing properly democratic elections, it was inevitable that the next round of protests in 2019 would become much more militant, he said. "When even civil disobedience fails, and there is no way to fight for democracy [under Chinese rule] using peaceful means, there is going to be a move towards localism and militancy," Chan said. "We warned people about this at the time." "Young people were very dissatisfied and impatient, and they were already starting to agitate [for a more radical approach]," he said. "This was a critical movement, but the root cause of it all was the authoritarian approach of the Chinese Communist Party." "It was they who forced the people of Hong Kong, bit by bit, down the road to civil disobedience," Chan said. "The whole thing stems from the fact that the Chinese Communist Party rejects and resists democracy at every turn." When protests against plans to allow extradition to mainland China erupted in 2019, Chan was still in prison. By the time he got out in 2020, the National Security Law had already been imposed on the city, ushering in a crackdown on public dissent and peaceful political opposition. Fleeing to Taiwan When Benny Tai was arrested alongside dozens of former pro-democracy lawmakers in 2021, Chan fled the city for Taiwan. He still keeps a close eye on developments there, but is unclear whether resistance of the kind he proposed in 2013 is even an option these days, now that the authorities have two national security laws to use against dissenting voices. "Overt resistance hasn't been possible since the National Security Law came out [in 2020], but it's too early to say whether Hong Kong is dead or not," he said, citing plummeting turnout figures in recent elections under Beijing's new, highly restrictive rules. "A lot of people may still be holding onto their beliefs -- the authorities say that this is a form of soft confrontation," he said of the recent lack of interest in voting. "But that would mean people haven't died inside," Chan said. "And that means there's still hope." Translated by Luisetta Mudie. Edited by Malcolm Foster. Copyright 1998-2024, RFA. Used with the permission of Radio Free Asia, 2025 M St. NW, Suite 300, Washington DC 20036. For any commercial use of RFA content please send an email to: mahajanr@rfa.org. RFA content September not be used in a manner which would give the appearance of any endorsement of any product or support of any issue or political position. Please read the full text of our Terms of Use. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address China In Eurasia Briefing: Beijing Flexes Its Muscles At The UN General Assembly By Reid Standish September 25, 2024 China And The UN General Assembly World leaders have gathered in New York for the 79th United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) under the shadow of global conflict as wars rage in the Middle East, Ukraine, Sudan, and elsewhere. Here's what's on China's radar so far and what could play out as UNGA continues. Finding Perspective: While the gathering began with the adoption of an ambitious document called the Pact for the Future, which contains a series of pledges to improve development, fight climate change, and take more sustained action toward ending conflicts -- among other measures -- the mood is not particularly optimistic at the UN. In his opening speech, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said, "Our world is heading off the rails, and we need tough decisions to get back on track." U.S. President Joe Biden, in his last speech as president before the assembly, called for countries to band together amid the spiraling conflict in the Middle East, Russia's ongoing war in Ukraine, and rising concerns about China's growing influence. Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi is in New York as Beijing's highest-ranking official and used his remarks on September 23 at the Summit of the Future to stress China's position as a rival power to the United States and its role in leading shifts to the current global order. "We need to build an equal and orderly, multipolar world and defend the UN-centered international system. The international order is based on international law and the basic norms of international relations, underpinned by the purposes and principles of the UN Charter," Wang said. China's top diplomat will also address the General Assembly on September 28. What To Watch: Israel carried out air strikes against Hezbollah sites in Lebanon this week, which Lebanese authorities said had killed hundreds of people and sent tens of thousands fleeing for safety. Wang already met with Lebanese Foreign Minister Abdallah Bou Habib on the sidelines of the gathering and strongly condemned violations after Israel's large-scale strikes while saying Beijing firmly supported Lebanon. Wang then said China has been working for peace in the Middle East and will continue to work with Arab countries and the international community. Things were much more tense when Wang met with his Japanese counterpart, Yoko Kamikawa, where she demanded a clearer explanation of the circumstances behind the recent stabbing death of a Japanese boy in China. Kamikawa asked that Beijing strongly punish the alleged perpetrator and that officials should also crack down on anti-Japanese comments online. Wang called the attack an "isolated incident" whose motive is unclear. Elsewhere, Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva touted a joint Chinese-Brazilian proposal during his September 24 speech to the assembly that calls for talks to begin between Russia and Ukraine to end the war. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy has already rejected the proposal as "destructive" but the Brazilian leader still said his foreign policy adviser Celso Amorim will seek support for the plan from representatives of 20 countries later this week in New York. Why It Matters: Beijing has been flexing its muscles at the UN for years to block and stymie Western initiatives as its international stature has grown, and now China is throwing its newfound superpower weight around, as well. And with Washington taking a more hawkish stance against China in general, and especially lately due to its support for Moscow's war in Ukraine, the dividing lines have only become starker. Beijing has sold itself as leader of the so-called Global South and through policies like the Belt and Road Initiative has aimed to offer the world's less-developed countries an alternative, non-Western model for growth and progress. That strategy has led to widespread influence within the UN General Assembly, with strong pro-China diplomatic support coming from African nations, Central Asia, and parts of Latin America. The current General Assembly also comes as Washington finds itself increasingly isolated from large portions of the Global South over its votes to protect Israel at the UN as the war in Gaza escalates. Three More Stories From Eurasia 1. Central Asia's Big Project Trickles Ahead Kyrgyzstan announced it will allocate 11 billion som (roughly $130 million) from its state budget for the construction of the high-profile China-Kyrgyzstan-Uzbekistan railway project, my colleague Ernest Nurmatov from RFE/RL's Kyrgyz Service reports. What It Means: The announcement of new funds is an important step for the long-planned rail line, but the amount announced still falls below the $573 million Bishkek is expected to contribute toward its share of construction costs. China announced the project would move ahead during a summit in May 2023 with Xi Jinping and Central Asian leaders. According to the agreements signed between Beijing, Bishkek, and Tashkent, China enjoys a controlling interest in the project, responsible for 51 percent of construction costs. Kyrgyzstan and Uzbekistan each have a 24.5 percent share. However, questions remain over when and how Bishkek will allocate the remaining $443 million it will need to contribute for its section of the railway, especially given previous statements that construction could begin as soon as October. 2. Uzbekistan's Cotton Industry Looks To China Uzbek officials are touting high yields in their cotton fields thanks to new technology and expertise brought from China, RFE/RL's Uzbek Service reports. The Details: Uzbek President Shavkat Mirziyoev said an agricultural pilot program that aimed to experiment with different ways of growing cotton has brought encouraging results, with methods and equipment from China proving to be cost-efficient while still improving the quality of the crop. The main advantage brought from the imported expertise is water-saving and energy-efficient benefits that the new equipment was reportedly able to contribute. Uzbek Agriculture Minister Ibrokhim Abdurakhmonov said Tashkent is satisfied with the results of the pilot project and now plans to expand it to cotton crops across the country. 3. More Joint Naval Drills In The Pacific A detachment of warships of Russia's Pacific Fleet and the Chinese Navy entered the Sea of Okhotsk in the western Pacific as part of joint naval exercises on September 24. What You Need To Know: Russia said earlier that it was starting the joint Russian-Chinese Beibu/Interaction 2024 naval exercise that would include anti-aircraft and anti-submarine weapons. The Sea of Okhotsk in the western Pacific Ocean is located between Russia's Kamchatka Peninsula on the east, the Kuril Islands on the southeast, and Japan's island of Hokkaido to the south. The exercises follow a round of large-scale naval and air joint exercises in the Pacific and other oceans earlier this month. The joint drills, which are increasingly taking place in new locations around the world, have alarmed the West and its allies like Japan. On September 23, Japan said Russia violated its airspace with a patrol plane. Across The Supercontinent Up and Running: China's Linglong tire factory, one of the premier investments under way in Serbia, is now operating one of its three plants, RFE/RL's Balkan Service reports. The Homeland: In 2024, 12,325 ethnic Kazakhs born outside Kazakhstan have moved to the country, according to official statistics. The largest share of those arrivals -- 45.6 percent -- came from China, followed by Uzbekistan, Turkmenistan, Mongolia, and Russia. Middle Corridor Boost: With traffic along the Eurasian trade route growing, Kazakhstan and China are setto launch a new container hub in Aktau, where one of the key ports for the Caspian Sea is located. South Asian Expansion: Chinese electric-car giant BYD is expected to announce a new manufacturing hub in Pakistan, the Financial Times reports, which would be the automaker's first venture into South Asia. One Thing To Watch The death of Liu Wenjie, the finance chief of Hunan Province, by falling has triggered a flurry of speculation in China. Liu's body was found outside her apartment building in Changsha last week and police say she was killed by two men who also happened to fall to their deaths from the building. Amid an unconvincing official story for the turn of events, the case has captured the public imagination in China, even as censors work to delete online chatter. The case also adds to a growing list of deaths and disappearances that have set China's rumor mill into overdrive. Zhu Hengpeng, a top economist who served as deputy director of the Institute of Economics at the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences (CASS) for around a decade, has vanished from public life since criticizing Xi's policies. High-profile cases last year involving China's defense and foreign minister have also captured international headlines and sparked speculation about behind-the-scenes power struggles. Source: https://www.rferl.org/a/china-eurasia-unga-global- south-russia/33134255.html Copyright (c) 2024. RFE/RL, Inc. Reprinted with the permission of Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, 1201 Connecticut Ave., N.W. Washington DC 20036. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Press release on Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov's meeting with Minister of Foreign Affairs of China Wang Yi 25 September 2024 17:49 1768-25-09-2024 On September 25, Sergey Lavrov met with Minister of Foreign Affairs of the People's Republic of China Wang Yi on the sidelines of the 79th session of the UN General Assembly. The parties praised the development of political dialogue and practical cooperation between Russia and China amidst the highly turbulent international situation. Focus was placed on the implementation of agreements reached at the higher level, as well as the preparations for the BRICS summit in Kazan and new contacts between the two countries' leaders. The ministers stressed the importance of enhancing the two countries' foreign policy coordination at international platforms, such as the UN and its Security Council, BRICS, SCO, APEC, G20, and other formats. Sergey Lavrov and Wang Yi mentioned that Western countries' illegitimate sanctions imposed in circumvention of UN Security Council resolutions are unacceptable as they undermine the stability of the global economy and universal forms of trade and economic cooperation. An in-depth discussion was held on global and Eurasian security, including settlement process for the Ukrainian crisis and measures to counter the West in escalating the situation in the Asia-Pacific region and around Taiwan, as well as on a number of other issues on the regional agenda. The conversation took place in the traditionally trust-based and constructive spirit typical of the Russian-Chinese strategic partnership. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Maria Zakharova's answer to a media question about reports on closing the research of the alleged sonic attacks against US diplomats in Cuba 25 September 2024 15:09 1766-25-09-2024 Question: What can you say about US media reports saying that National Institutes of Health at the US Department of Health and Human Services is closing its research of the so-called sonic attacks against Western diplomats in Cuba, which it has been conducting since 2016? Maria Zakharova: When the staff of American and allied embassies, primarily the Canadian one, started reporting similar symptoms, as if on cue, which they claimed was the result of direct exposure to radiofrequency fields, the blame was immediately assigned to Cuba and several other countries, including Russia. A new round of anti-Cuba campaign was launched. Cuba was later designated a state sponsor of terrorism, although under another far-fetched pretext. It was proved to be ungrounded, but Cuba has not been removed from the notorious US list. They have been trying to find scientific and medical proof of the "sonic attacks" for eight years, but to no avail. Moreover, the Americans who worked in Havana publicly mentioned coercion by US security services, direct and veiled threats if they refused to "cooperate," and "stretch" their testimony to suit their goals. In short, the plan to blame Cuba, as well as Russia, of inhumane influence on the health of American foreign policy staff has turned out to be impossible to implement. But some of our questions remain unanswered. First, if the Americans and their Canadian satellites failed to sell their lies because their story has not been confirmed by medics, why can't they say that they were wrong? An honest self-assessment, even when this is painful, has never been perceived as a sign of weakness. Second, the media have written volumes about the "Havana syndrome." Why has the admission of being wrong not created a media sensation, or even a newsbreak for the self-respecting free press? Is it because a refutation was not ordered? Or because objectivity has fallen out of favour? Or life is easier when the US authorities try to remove alternative but highly professional media outlets, like RT or Sputnik, from the stage? Without them, it is much easier to shape a distorted reality where only appropriate news is welcome and anything else that does not fit the artificial information picture is blotted out, isn't it? We reaffirm our position of principle that we categorically reject any manifestations of sanctions pressure on sovereign states, including under far-fetched pretexts and in violation of the UN Charter and the universally recognised standards and principles of international law. We strongly reject unilateral restrictions. All and any elements of pressure on the government they do not approve of are illegal. It should be said in conclusion that we wish good heath to American, Canadian and other Western diplomats wherever they work. We can hold different political views, but health is no joke. If they felt ill for the past eight years, we hope that they took their problems to professional doctors who have helped them, without any political encumbrances. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address North Korea says its satellite spied US nuclear submarine The North's state media did not provide photos supporting the surveillance report. By Taejun Kang for RFA 2024.09.24 -- North Korea's space agency spotted a U.S. nuclear-powered submarine in South Korea, the North Korean leader's powerful sister, Kim Yo Jong, said, in what would be the first confirmation that the North has a functioning spy satellite. Kim said the arrival of the submarine in South Korea's Busan port demonstrated what she said was an "insane" U.S. strategy to impose its superiority on the world. "The Aerospace Reconnaissance Agency, an independent intelligence agency directly under the head of state of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea, has reported that it detected an abnormal object at a pier in Busan Port, South Korea, on the 23rd," said Kim on Tuesday, cited by the state-run Korean Central News Agency, or KCNA. The Democratic People's Republic of Korea is North Korea's official name. "A nuclear submarine has appeared in the harbor where a U.S. aircraft carrier is moored," said Kim. "This is a clear demonstration of the insane military-strategic prayer of the United States, which is preoccupied with deliberately demonstrating its 'power superiority' in the face of the world." The 7,800-ton USS Vermont submarine entered a major naval base in the South Korean city of Busan on Tuesday to replenish supplies and provide rest for crew members, South Korean media reported. KCNA did not carry photographs supporting Kim's assertion. In November last year, North Korea successfully placed a spy satellite into orbit, and said it planned to launch three more such satellites in 2024. Its attempt to launch another satellite in May ended in failure. In February, however, South Korea's National Security Advisor Shin Won-sik, who was then defense minister, said that the North's Malligyong-1 spy satellite appeared to be orbiting Earth without activity. Kim said the submarine's arrival was "proof that the U.S. ambition to often take up nuclear strategic assets, boast of its strength, increase its threat to the rival and enjoy its hegemonic privilege.," She vowed to "continuously and limitlessly" bolster the country's nuclear war deterrent against "U.S. threats." "The DPRK's nuclear war deterrent to cope with and contain various threats from outside is bound to be bolstered up both in quality and quantity continuously and limitlessly as the security of the state is constantly exposed to the U.S. nuclear threat and blackmail," she said. "The U.S. strategic assets will never find their resting place in the region of the Korean peninsula," Kim said, adding that such nuclear-powered submarines could never be an "object of fear." Quad summit Separately, North Korea's foreign ministry spokesperson criticized the U.S. for "violating" the North's sovereign rights and trying to justify its hostile policy by hosting the Quad summit. After holding the fourth in-person summit in Wilmington, Delaware, 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. "QUAD, the end product of the U.S. Cold War mentality and policy of inter-camp confrontation, has become a dangerous factor that deepens mistrust and antagonism between countries in the Asia-Pacific region and provokes international instability," the spokesperson said in a statement carried by the KCNA on Wednesday. The North will never tolerate any hostile acts that encroach upon its national sovereign rights, security and interests and continue to make efforts to build a multipolar international order, the spokesperson added. Edited by Mike Firn. Copyright 1998-2016, RFA. Used with the permission of Radio Free Asia, 2025 M St. NW, Suite 300, Washington DC 20036. For any commercial use of RFA content please send an email to: mahajanr@rfa.org. RFA content September not be used in a manner which would give the appearance of any endorsement of any product or support of any issue or political position. Please read the full text of our Terms of Use. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address September 25, 2024 Release Readout of Deputy Secretary of Defense Hicks' Meeting With Indian Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri Pentagon Spokesman Eric Pahon provided the following readout: Deputy Secretary of Defense Kathleen Hicks hosted Indian Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri at the Pentagon today to discuss priorities for strengthening the U.S.-India defense partnership through defense industrial cooperation, technology innovation, and operational cooperation. She noted that the United States and India continue to break new ground in areas of cooperation that will enhance the security of both countries, as well as the broader Indo-Pacific region. Deputy Secretary Hicks thanked Foreign Secretary Misri for India's strong support of the maritime security and logistics initiatives announced at the Quad Leaders Summit last weekend. They also discussed ongoing efforts to co-produce jet engines, land mobility systems, and munitions, as well as the continued progress through the India-U.S. Defense Acceleration Ecosystem (INDUS-X) to foster joint innovation among defense industry stakeholders in both countries. Deputy Secretary Hicks highlighted the success of the recent INDUS-X Summit, which resulted in the announcement of a new joint innovation challenge for space domain technologies, as well as an upgraded memorandum of understanding between the U.S. Defense Innovation Unit (DIU) and the Indian Defense Ministry's Innovations for Defense Excellence (iDEX) office. The two officials also discussed regional security issues and a range of operational cooperation initiatives aimed at promoting stability and security in the Indo-Pacific. Deputy Secretary Hicks expressed the importance of continuing to advance progress across all areas of the Major Defense Partnership, and pledged to deepen cooperation to promote a shared vision for a free and open Indo-Pacific. https://www.defense.gov/News/Releases/Release/Article/3917528/ NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Pezeshkian Says Tehran Ready To Cooperate To End Nuclear Standoff By RFE/RL September 24, 2024 Iranian President Masud Pezeshkian has told the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) that Iran is ready to end its nuclear standoff with the West and called for an end to the wars in Ukraine and the Middle East through dialogue. "We are ready to engage with JCPOA (Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action) participants if JCPOA commitments are implemented fully and in good faith. Dialogue on other issues can follow," Pezeshkian said in his first address to the annual gathering on September 24. Pezeshkian, who was sworn in as president in July after being elected following the death of President Ebrahim Raisi in a helicopter crash, has previously said Tehran would be open to holding talks with the United States to restart the 2015 nuclear deal. President Donald Trump in 2018 unilaterally pulled the United States out of the deal, which was also signed by China, France, Russia, Britain, Germany, and the European Union, and reimposed crippling financial sanctions against Tehran. President Joe Biden has sought to restart the agreement, but Washington and Tehran have disagreed on terms. Pezeshkian said Iran hoped to see an easing of sanctions, which he called "destructive and inhumane weapons designed to cripple a nation's economy." He called for a new global paradigm that focuses on opportunities "rather than being obsessed with perceived threats," saying there is an opportunity to transcend limitations and enter a new era. "This era will commence with the acknowledgement of Iran's security concerns and cooperation on mutual challenges," he said. Relations between Iran and the West have worsened since the Iranian-backed Hamas, which is designated as a terrorist organization by the United States and the European Union, attacked southern Israel on October 7, 2023, and as Tehran has increased its support for Russia's war in Ukraine. But Pezeshkian emphasized in his UNGA speech that Iran wants "peace for all and seek[s] no war or quarrel with anyone" and the urgent need to end military hostilities in Ukraine. "We support all peaceful solutions and believe that dialogue is the only way to resolve this crisis," he said. Pezeshkian also sharply criticized Israel for what he called "its genocide in Gaza" and said it should stop immediately. "It is imperative that the international community should immediately...secure a permanent cease-fire in Gaza and bring an end to the desperate barbarism of Israel in Lebanon before it engulfs the region and the world," he said. Pezeshkian earlier warned that Israel's air campaign in response to attacks by Hezbollah -- designated as a terrorist organization by the United States -- on its territory from southern Lebanon "may turn into a regional war." Pezeshkian told CNN's Fareed Zakaria in an interview that aired on September 23 that Iran is supporting Hezbollah because the group "cannot stand alone" in the face of the attacks. "The danger does exist that the fire of events that are taking place [in Lebanon] will expand to the entire region," he said in the interview, given in Persian and translated into English. Iran has long been Hezbollah's main sponsor. Source: https://www.rferl.org/a/pezeshkian-hezbollah- lebanon-israel-iran-regional-war/33132240.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 Iran: High Representative Borrell met with Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi in New York European External Action Service (EEAS) 25.09.2024 New York EEAS Press Team On Tuesday, High Representative/Vice-President Josep Borrell met with the Foreign Minister of the Islamic Republic of Iran, Abbas Araghchi, for a bilateral meeting in New York in the margins of the UN General Assembly. The meeting provided an opportunity to share the EU's position on a wide range of problematic issues with a particular focus on Iran's military support to Russia and on the pressing regional crisis. High Representative Borrell stressed the EU strong condemnation of the recent transfer of Iranian-made ballistic missiles to Russia. He underlined to Minister Araghchi that the EU considers the delivery of such weapons a direct threat to European security and that it represents a substantial material escalation, after the provision of Iranian UAVs and ammunition, which Russia has used in its illegal attacks at civilian targets in Ukraine. On the situation in the Middle East, the High Representative stressed that the risk of full military escalation, with devastating consequences for the entire region, needs to be addressed with urgency. The European Union will continue to do its utmost to support the voices of peace and reason. The High Representative called on Iran to use its influence to avoid further escalation. A ceasefire and hostage deal should be the real priority to improve the situation for civilians in Gaza and ease the tensions. The High Representative also stressed the importance of human rights and fundamental freedoms. The EU will continue to call on the Iranian authorities to respect and uphold the rights of all its citizens, and to cease the practice of arbitrary detention including of EU citizens. Finally, High Representative Borrell underlined the importance of renewed nuclear diplomacy. In his role as coordinator of the JCPOA, under UN Security Council Resolution 2231, the High Representative expressed his continued readiness to facilitate a diplomatic solution that addresses the concerns of different sides. The UN High Level week provides an occasion to be in touch with relevant parties. Both sides acknowledged the importance of dialogue to address current geopolitical and bilateral challenges. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Junta offensive underway to recapture towns in northern Shan state Truck convoys carrying troops are headed north to Mongyai, Tangyan and Nam Lan By RFA Burmese 2024.09.25 -- Myanmar's junta is shifting troops from southern to northern Shan state in a bid to recapture several towns it lost to in an offensive launched by an alliance of ethnic armies last year, according to residents and rebel officials. The Three Brotherhood Alliance launched an offensive last October, codenamed Operation 1027, that pushed back the military from several regions in Shan state it controlled following its February 2021 coup d'etat, including along northeastern Myanmar's border with China. China helped to negotiate an end to hostilities between the junta and the alliance - made up of The Ta'ang National Liberation Army, Arakan Army and Myanmar National Democratic Alliance Army - but the alliance resumed attacks in Shan state in late June following the lifting of the ceasefire. On Wednesday, residents and a spokesperson for the Ta'ang National Liberation Army, or TNLA, told RFA Burmese that the junta had dispatched troops from its Eastern Central Command based in southern Shan state's Hko Lan township to the townships of Mongyai, Tangyan and Nam Lan in northern Shan state. "I saw more than 10 covered military trucks as well as many soldiers in the cars," said a resident of Kyay Thee township who, like others interviewed for this report, spoke on condition of anonymity due to security concerns. "I saw the vehicles near a village between Kyay Thee and Mong Yai townships." A resident of Panglong township told RFA that junta forces were using civilian cars to travel to Kyay Thee and Mong Yai, via the Panlong-Le Char road. "We saw around 15 covered military vehicles beyond Le Char about two days ago," said the resident. "A second military convoy included 12-foot long civilian light trucks in Panglong township, heading to Le Char and Kyay Thee. There were more than 10 vehicles in that group." Residents said the second convoy was likely to be transporting "about 1,000 soldiers." TNLA spokeswoman Lway Yay Oo confirmed the troop movement, but said her group was unclear which towns the junta is targeting. "We know that many junta troops are heading to our areas, but we have no idea about their intentions," she said. Other sources told RFA that the junta is gathering soldiers who retreated from the alliance offensive in northern Shan state in the townships of Mongyai, Tangyan and Hko Lan. They said that reinforcements are being sent from the No. 55 Light Infantry Division, as well as Nos. 18, 17 and 7 Military Operations Commands. Vow to retake lost towns Earlier this month, junta chief Senior Gen. Min Aung Hlaing said during a trip to southern Shan state's Taunggyi city that the junta would launch air and ground offensives to recapture lost towns in northern Shan state. The comments followed the junta's Sept. 2 designation of the members of the Three Northern Brotherhood Alliance as "terrorist groups." Since Min Aung Hlaing's vow to retake townships in northern Shan state, airstrikes have intensified, leading to a threefold increase in civilian casualties compared to August, according to data compiled by RFA. Between Sept. 1 and 24, junta airstrikes killed more than 130 people and injured more than 70 others across eight states and regions, including Mandalay, Magway, Bago, Sagaing, Tanintharyi, Shan, Rakhine, and Kayah, the data showed. Maung Maung Swe, the deputy secretary of the shadow National Unity Government, or NUG, told RFA that the uptick in airstrikes was part of a bid by the junta to show China it means business along its neighbor's border. "They resorted to bombing as a means to rekindle the support of their allies, which had waned due to territorial losses," he said. "Simultaneously, this tactic serves to instill fear within our population." A former military officer and political commentator, who also declined to be named, said that the junta likely decided to move on northern Shan state amid Chinese pressure on the alliance members to stop fighting. Attempts by RFA to contact junta spokesperson Major General Zaw Min Tun regarding military movements in northern Shan state went unanswered Wednesday. The Three Brotherhood Alliance captured a total of 16 townships in northern Shan state between October 2023 and January 2024 as part of the first round of Operation 1027, before China mediated a suspension in fighting. However, in late June the alliance launched a second round of the offensive, capturing Lashio city, where the junta's Northeast Military Command headquarters was located, Kyaukme township which was also the base of the junta's No. 1 Military Operations Command, and Nawnghkio township, as well as Mogoke township in neighboring Mandalay region. The junta has been conducting daily airstrikes and artillery strikes on Hsipaw and Nawnghkio townships, as well as Lashio city, according to residents. According to RFA data, junta airstrikes and heavy weapons attacks killed nearly 2,000 civilians and injured nearly 4,000 others between the military's February 2021 coup d'etat and May 2024. Translated by Aung Naing. Edited by Joshua Lipes and Malcolm Foster. Copyright 1998-2024, RFA. Used with the permission of Radio Free Asia, 2025 M St. NW, Suite 300, Washington DC 20036. For any commercial use of RFA content please send an email to: mahajanr@rfa.org. RFA content September not be used in a manner which would give the appearance of any endorsement of any product or support of any issue or political position. Please read the full text of our Terms of Use. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Meeting with President of the Grand National Assembly of TArkiye Numan Kurtulmus Vladimir Putin met at the Kremlin with President of the Grand National Assembly of TArkiye Numan Kurtulmus, who is in Russia on an official visit. September 25, 2024 17:30 The Kremlin, Moscow On the Russian side, the meeting was attended by Federation Council Speaker Valentina Matviyenko. * * * President of Russia Vladimir Putin: Mr President, I am delighted to see you. Welcome to Russia. I know that you have a busy programme here. We are very pleased that our relations with the Republic of TArkiye are expanding across the board, including parliamentary ties. Just recently, President of TArkiye Recep Tayyip Erdogan and I met in Astana, and we will see each other again at the BRICS summit in Kazan in October where we are scheduled to have a bilateral meeting. I would like to note that cooperation between TArkiye and Russia is making active progress along almost every avenue, including economic ties, social projects, and interaction between the foreign ministries. We are good neighbours overall, working for the benefit of our nations, and we are largely succeeding. There are specific issues that we need to review. We will briefly exchange views on all of them. Welcome again. President of the Grand National Assembly of TArkiye Numan Kurtulmus (retranslated): First of all, I would like to express my gratitude for your warm welcome and your kind hospitality. I would like to convey the sincere greetings and best wishes from our President, Mr Erdogan. Today is the third day of our visit. Our programme is very rich indeed. I met with Ms Matviyenko; we had a very extensive discussion on bilateral relations. I had the honour to speak at the assembly and meet with members of both houses [of the Russian parliament]. I also had the opportunity to visit the Diplomatic Academy, where I met with young people. I also visited the Moscow Cathedral Mosque and met with representatives of the clergy. I spoke at a ceremony at the Yunus Emre Institute. This visit has been productive for me, and I am taking home the fondest memories and impressions. I really do hope that my trip to St Petersburg will be just as rewarding. This morning, we held a meeting at the Federation Council, where I took the opportunity to express my vision of Turkish-Russian relations. We are now in a phase where deep ties are being forged on the basis of a shared history and neighbourly relations, and I hope that inter-parliamentary relations will contribute to the development of our solid relations, which grow deeper day by day within the framework of priorities outlined by our presidents. We are very pleased that we hold similar views on the global agenda and the deep crisis that is now raging in the Middle East. Israel's attack on Palestine is not merely a regional problem, not only a Palestinian problem; it is a problem of the international community. It is gratifying that we are in agreement on this. I would like to note with pleasure how similar our peoples and our priorities are, and I want to say that we have never supported the sanctions or embargoes that were introduced against the Russian Federation. The West is using these measures to punish the Russian Federation; this is wrong, and we have never supported this approach. During our meetings, we discussed what steps can be taken, and what else we can do to advance our relations. Thank you. I would like to thank Ms Matviyenko for her warm and friendly invitation and for the candid dialogue we had here in Moscow. I think that the progress we are making in inter-parliamentary relations will help expand our relations in general. Vladimir Putin: Thank you. Please convey my best wishes to President of TArkiye, Mr Erdogan. I am looking forward to seeing him in Kazan. Our bilateral meeting is scheduled for October 23. <...> NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address In Russia's Ukraine Invasion, The Burden Of War Falls Hard On Bashkortostan, Tatarstan By RFE/RL's Tatar-Bashkir Service September 25, 2024 More soldiers from the central Russian regions of Tatarstan and Bashkortostan have died than any other region in the country, according to a confirmed tally of war deaths compiled by RFE/RL's Tatar-Bashkir Service, with a further sharp increase recorded in recent weeks. The tally, corroborated in part by a separate count by the BBC Russian Service and Mediazona, is the latest indication of how the burden of the Kremlin's war on Ukraine is disproportionately falling on more distant regions of Russia, further away from the wealthy population centers of Moscow and St. Petersburg. The reason for the recent increase is unclear, but it comes two years after President Vladimir Putin stunned the country by announcing a "partial" mobilization that called up some 300,000 men to fight. Overall, Russian casualties -- killed or wounded in action -- are believed to exceed 500,000 according to Western estimates, with more men killed over the past 30 months than in an entire decade of the Soviet invasion of Afghanistan in the 1980s. That burden has fallen heavily on regions where members of other ethnic groups outnumber ethnic Russians, such as Bashkortostan and Tatarstan. "Tatarstan and Bashkortostan are not poor regions," said Dmitry Treshchanin, editor of the Russian-language Mediazona website, which together with the BBC Russian Service is independently compiling tallies of Russian casualties. "Tatarstan, in particular, is the envy of many other regions. It cannot be said that people in these two republics volunteer to fight because of a lack of resources or money," he told RFE/RL. "In my opinion, there is a lot of administrative pressure, and people are being sent there 'voluntarily-compulsorily.'" The situation with casualties from the two regions seems "irrational," he said. "At the beginning of the war, deaths from [the North Caucasus region of] Daghestan were conspicuous," Treshchanin said. "But now we see constantly Tatar and Bashkir names like Marat and Marsel." Death On The Volga The Russian government has been notoriously tightlipped about its war losses since it launched its full-scale invasion in February 2022. Its last official figure came in September 2022, with 5,937 Russian soldiers killed. At the time, the Ukrainian side was reporting Russian losses at nearly 10 times that figure. That has made it difficult for reporters, analysts, and outside observers to gauge the full impact of the war on specific populations. Still, from the beginning of the full-scale invasion, analysts have noted that nonethnic Russians have been disproportionately represented among the country's military casualties. Bashkortostan, a mid-Volga republic with a population a little over 4 million, has 2,981 confirmed deaths, according to RFE/RL's accounting, which used announcements on social media, obituaries, and other open sources to gather the data. In Tatarstan, which has a similar population, RFE/RL registered 2,691 deaths from the region. Those figures are reflected in the BBC Russian/Mediazona tally, which used a similar methodology: 2,705 confirmed deaths in Bashkortostan, and 2,259 in Tatarstan. In addition to mobilized soldiers sent to fight in Ukraine, other populations include prison inmates and private military company mercenaries, as well as "kontraktniki"-- men who voluntarily sign contracts to fight, induced by extraordinarily high wages and veterans benefits, including for widows and survivors. Among kontraktniki, Bashkortostan leads Russia in the number of confirmed deaths: 965, according to the RFE/RL tally. Tatarstan ranked second, with 557 volunteer deaths. By comparison, only 135 volunteers from Moscow -- with an official population of more than 13 million -- have been confirmed as killed. Over the last four weeks, RFE/RL's Tatar-Bashkir Service has added 575 names to its list of dead soldiers from the two regions, nearly 20 per day. The confirmed figures are assumed to be a major undercount given the difficulty in identifying deaths amid official secrecy. It's also unclear exactly how many men in total have been sent from Bashkortostan and Tatarstan to fight in Ukraine: kontraktniki, prison inmates, mobilized troops, or otherwise. A Statistic Or A Tragedy? Moscow is paying "special attention" to the Volga region, Tatar political analyst Ruslan Aysin said, as part of what he said was a deliberate Kremlin attempt to "confuse the political status" of the so-called ethnic republics, as the regions of Russia with large nonethnic-Russian populations are known. Putin's government, he said, is trying to bolster support for the war -- or at least temper discontent -- among ethnic Russians in large cities like Moscow and St. Petersburg by minimizing their casualty burden. For the authorities, each military death, Aysin said, is "just a statistic." "But for the republic, for the ethnic group, for the individual family, this is a great tragedy," he said. "There is a big gap between the leadership and the average citizen. In January, Bashkortostan saw a wave of nonviolent protests over the sentencing of Fail Alsynov, a popular activist longtime advocate for minority rights and the Bashkir language and culture, to four years in prison for purportedly stoking interethnic enmity. The protests were fueled in part by simmering discontent about the costs of the Ukraine war for the region, analysts said. 'Most Of The Fatalities Now Are Volunteers' On September 20, the BBC Russian/Mediazona project -- which tracks war deaths by monitoring funeral notices and other open-source data -- reported it had confirmed more than 70,000 killed soldiers nationwide. In the early phases of the war, the average Russian war death was a contract soldier in his early 20s, the project noted. Now, however, typical deaths are volunteers in their 40s, 50s, and even 60s, "most often without military experience or specialized training." The oldest reported casualty was a 71-year-old volunteer, according to the report. Treshchanin said about 12.7 percent of all killed Russian soldiers were caught up in the September 2022 mobilization order. Officially, some 300,000 men were mobilized, but some analysts believe the figure was higher. Overall, BBC Russian/Mediazona estimated the total number of casualties nationwide ranging from 107,000 to 155,000. Western estimates are similar. In May, then French Foreign Minister Stephane Sejourne said that about 150,000 Russian soldiers had been killed. U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin said. in June that at least 300,000 Russian soldiers had been killed or wounded, calling it "the price that Russia has paid for Putin's imperial ambitions." Treshchanin said he and his colleagues have a backlog of about 4,000 names that they are trying to confirm. But he said the main trend now involves volunteers, who have recently gone to fight. "It is not a rare situation," Treshchanin said, "when a man who went off to war in July already has his obituary published in August." Source: https://www.rferl.org/a/russia-war-casualties- tatarstan-bashkortostan/33131093.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 Putin Widens Scope Of Russia's Nuclear Doctrine By RFE/RL's Russian Service and RFE/RL's Ukrainian Service September 25, 2024 Russian President Vladimir Putin said on September 25 that a conventional attack on Russia by any country that is supported by a nuclear power will be considered a joint attack. Putin made the statement as he outlined revisions to Russia's nuclear doctrine at a meeting of Russia's Security Council in Moscow. Russia's current nuclear doctrine says Russia may use nuclear weapons in case of a nuclear attack by an enemy or a conventional attack that threatens the existence of the state. The revised version of the document says that Russia could use nuclear weapons in response to a conventional attack posing a "critical threat to our sovereignty," Putin said. "It is proposed that aggression against Russia by any nonnuclear state, but with the participation or support of a nuclear state, be considered as their joint attack on the Russian Federation," Putin said. "The conditions for Russia's transition to the use of nuclear weapons are also clearly fixed," Putin said, adding that Moscow would consider such a move if it gets reliable information about the start of a mass cross-border attack by air from strategic and tactical aviation, cruise missiles, drones, and hypersonic weapons. Putin also said the list of states and military alliances subject to nuclear deterrence should be expanded but did not mention which countries would be added. A top Ukrainian government official denounced the revisions, saying they proved Moscow had nothing left but nuclear blackmail to intimidate the world. "Russia no longer has any instruments to intimidate the world apart from nuclear blackmail," Andriy Yermak said on September 25 on Telegram. "These instruments will not work." Since Putin sent troops into Ukraine in 2022, he and others in the Kremlin have threatened the West with Russia's nuclear arsenal to discourage it from ramping up support for Kyiv. The revisions come as Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy seeks permission from his allies in the United States and Europe to use the longer-range weapons to strike deep inside Russian territory. The change follows Putin's warning to the United States and other NATO allies that allowing Ukraine to use Western-supplied longer-range weapons to hit Russian territory would mean that Russia and NATO are at war. Putin said the revisions were carefully calibrated and commensurate with the modern military threats facing Russia. Source: https://www.rferl.org/a/russia-ukraine-nuclear-doctrine- putin/33135153.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 4th-gen nuclear submarines Emperor Aleksandr III and Krasnoyarsk enter service with Pacific Fleet Submarine Force 25.09.2024 The Pacific Fleet Submarine Force base, located in closed town Vilyuchinsk, hosted a welcoming ceremony for the nuclear-powered strategic submarine Emperor Aleksandr III and the multi-purpose nuclear-powered submarine Krasnoyarsk who made the Arctic inter-fleet passage from the Northern Fleet right to the base at the Pacific Fleet. The servicemen were met by Deputy Minister of Defence of the Russian Federation Pavel Fradkov and Commander-in-Chief of the Russian Navy Admiral Alexander Moiseyev. The ceremony was also attended by Commander of the Pacific Fleet, Admiral Viktor Liina, Governor of Kamchatka region Viktor Solodov, personnel of the Pacific Fleet Submarine Force, and families of submariners. Captain 1st Rank Oleg Grishaev, the commander of the nuclear submarine Emperor Aleksandr III, and Captain 1st Rank Ivan Artyushin, the commander of the nuclear submarine Krasnoyarsk, reported to the Commander-in-Chief of the Navy Admiral Aleksandr Moiseyev. Pavel Fradkov presented gifts on behalf of the Minister of Defence of the Russian Federation to the commanders of submarines during the solemn ceremony. Soon, the crews of the newest nuclear-powered submarine Emperor Aleksandr III and Krasnoyarsk will have to replenish their stocks to the required standards and start tasks of the Navy command according to the combat training plans. Constructing the strategic nuclear submarines and multirole nuclear submarines is one of the highest priorities of the Russian Ministry of Defence and the High Command of Navy. There is continuing work to develop a maritime strategic nuclear force in the Northern and Pacific fleets. Submarine seamen are performing successfully combat duty tasks in all latitudes of the World's Oceans and seas on the modern 4th-gen Yasen class multipurpose nuclear submarines and Borei class nuclear submarines. Department for Media Affairs and Information NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Laros 2024: Russian and Laotian military train in liberating settlements from mock terrorists 25.09.2024 In Primorsky region at the Sergeyevsky training ground of the Eastern MD, an active phase of the Laros 2024 joint Russian-Laotian drills started. The joint group of troops of Russia and Laos practised negotiating with mock terrorists, evacuating civilians, isolating and moping up a settlement from illegal armed formations. According to the scenario, a detachment of terrorists seized a settlement and imprisoned local civilians. The Joint Staff of the drills decided to negotiate with the terrorists to free civilians. The Zhuk-75 robotic system, a Russian cutting-edge system, designed to lay cable lines, ammunition, and communication assets. Tank crews of the Lao People's Army have inflicted fire damage on mock manpower clusters. Special forces team, together with mine action specialists, carried out tasks to detect explosives, weapons and ammunition caches. The final stage of the Laros 2024 exercise is to take place on 26 September 2024. During the stage, tactical groups of the two armies will chase and isolate illegal armed groups in an assigned area, inflict fire damage on enemy manpower and hardware, and launch an air strike on enemy reserves. Special forces units, tank crews, artillery, infantry fighting vehicles, flamethrowers, and Igla man-portable air defence systems, as well as Russian ground-attack and army aviation will be involved in this stage. Tactical airborne troops of the Armed Forces of Russia and the Lao People's Army will also be deployed as part of joint assault groups. Press Service of the Eastern Military District NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Putin: Russia Reserves Right to Use Nuclear Weapons in Response to Critical Threats Sputnik News 20240925 On Wednesday, Russian President Vladimir Putin held a session of the permanent meeting of the Russian Security Council on nuclear deterrence, where he touched upon key issues pertaining to Russia's security. President Putin outlined plans to update Russia's nuclear doctrine, the Fundamentals of State Policy on Nuclear Deterrence. The core principle of nuclear weapon use remains the same - they are a last resort to protect sovereignty. However, the changing geopolitical landscape and emerging military threats have required adjustments. "At the same time, we see that the current military and political situation is changing dynamically, and we are obliged to take this into account, including the emergence of new sources of military threats and risks for Russia and our allies," he emphasized. The Russian President noted that Russia reserves the right to use nuclear weapons in case of aggression against Russia and Belarus. "We reserve the right to use nuclear weapons in the event of aggression against Russia and Belarus, as a member of the Union State. All these issues have been agreed upon with the Belarusian side, with the President of Belarus, including if the enemy, using conventional weapons, creates a critical threat to our sovereignty," Putin said at the meeting. Clarifications of the foundations of Russia's state policy in the field of nuclear deterrence have been agreed with Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko as a member of the Union State, President Putin noted. "I note that all the clarifications are deeply calibrated and commensurate with modern military threats and risks with regard to the Russian Federation," he said. Putin added that today, the nuclear triad remains the most important guarantee of the security of the Russian state and its citizens and a tool for maintaining strategic parity and balance of power in the world. The fundamentals of state policy on nuclear deterrence need to be adapted to current realities, Putin stated. "It is necessary to adapt the provisions of the strategic planning document to current realities," he said. A deep and comprehensive analysis of Russia's approaches to the possible use of nuclear forces and their possible adjustment has been conducted, Putin added. "Over the past year, specialists from the Defense Ministry, the Foreign Ministry, the Security Council apparatus and other agencies have conducted a deep and comprehensive analysis and assessed the need to adjust our approaches to the possible use of nuclear forces," he said. It has been proposed to make a number of clarifications in terms of definitions of the conditions for Russia's use of nuclear weapons, Vladimir Putin elaborated. The scenarios under which Russia could theoretically use nuclear weapons are outlined in Russia's military doctrine and the "Fundamentals of State Policy in the Field of Nuclear Deterrence." According to the documents, this is possible in the event of aggression against Russia or its allies using weapons of mass destruction or aggression using conventional weapons, when the existence of the state itself is threatened. Russia has always sought to prevent the proliferation of nuclear weapons and their components, Putin stated. "We have always taken a highly responsible approach to such issues, well aware of the colossal power of these weapons, and have sought to strengthen the international legal basis for global stability, to prevent the spread of nuclear weapons and their components," he said. Russia has always taken a highly responsible approach to the use of nuclear forces, which is an extreme measure to protect the country's sovereignty, President Putin pointed put. At the session, Putin suggested discussing an issue related to updating the foundations of the state policy in the field of nuclear deterrence. "Along with the military doctrine, this is the document that officially defines and details Russia's nuclear strategy. First of all, the basic principle of the use of nuclear weapons is fixed, namely, the use of nuclear forces is an extreme measure to protect the country's sovereignty. I emphasize that we have always taken a highly responsible approach to such issues," Putin said. The updated state policy in the field of nuclear deterrence proposes to consider aggression by a non-nuclear state with the participation of a nuclear state as their joint attack on the Russian Federation, Vladimir Putin explained. "The draft framework expands the category of states and military alliances in respect of which nuclear deterrence is carried out, and supplements the list of military threats for the neutralization of which nuclear deterrence measures are carried out," he said. Russia, aware of the colossal power of nuclear weapons, has always sought to strengthen the international legal framework for global stability. "We have always taken a highly responsible approach to such issues, well aware of the colossal power of these weapons, we have always sought to strengthen the international legal basis for global stability, to prevent the spread of nuclear weapons and their components," Putin clarified. Russia may consider the use of nuclear weapons as soon as it receives reliable data on the massive launch of aerospace attack means, including missiles and drones, and their crossing of the Russian state border. "The conditions for Russia's transition to the use of nuclear weapons are also clearly fixed. We will consider such a possibility already when we receive reliable information about a massive launch of aerospace attack means and their crossing of our state border. I mean strategic or tactical aircraft, cruise missiles, drones, hypersonic and other aircraft," the president said. A Sputnik NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address UN: Russia muzzling dissent amid climate of fear, repression By Lisa Schlein September 25, 2024 As Vladimir Putin's war against Ukraine grinds on for a third year, a United Nations report says all dissenting voices in the Russian Federation have been muzzled, civic and political rights have been shut down, and the human rights situation in the country "has significantly worsened." "The country is now governed by a state-sponsored system of fear and punishment including the use of torture, with absolute impunity," Mariana Katzarova, who monitors rights in Russia under a mandate from the U.N.-backed Human Rights Council, said Tuesday. Katzarova said civil and political freedoms in Russia have become further restricted since she submitted her first report to the council more than a year ago. "The severity of the government's human rights violations has escalated, and its tools expanded to suppress dissent against its repressive domestic policy and war-driven foreign policy," she said. As with last year's report, Katzarova noted that she was obliged to gather information for this year's 23-page report from a range of sources inside and outside the Russian Federation. Despite repeated requests, she said she was not granted access to Russia, "which would have allowed a dialogue with the government and other stakeholders and enabled the reflection of their position in this report." The report paints a chilling picture of a dystopian society in which Russian citizens are not free to express their views, state-driven human rights violations are legalized by new or amended legislation, public anti-war expression or dissent of any kind is criminalized, the use of violence by law enforcement is condoned, and "an environment of absolute impunity has been created." 'War censorship' Under Russia's so-called "war censorship" legislation, Katzarova noted that hundreds of people who "dare to speak the truth" about what is happening in the war against Ukraine have been prosecuted, given long prison sentences and subjected to the "crippling financial punishment" of having property and assets confiscated. The report says at least 1,372 human rights defenders, journalists and anti-war critics have been detained on politically motivated charges and sentenced "in sham trials to lengthy imprisonment, often with treatment amounting to torture." While Russian authorities have intensified their crackdown on these "traditional sources of opposition," Katzarova said poets, playwrights, artists, religious figures, indigenous groups, migrants, and those who've fled abroad are often targeted with "harsh censorship, intimidation and prosecution for any perceived transgression." "Of particular concern is the evidence of state-condoned violence and torture against civilians arrested for peacefully exercising their human rights," she said. "Brutal assaults of detainees by law enforcement officials go unpunished; there is increased use of solitary confinement in prisons and other deliberate ill-treatment amounting to torture." The report spells out in searing detail the many human rights violations and state-condoned discriminatory policies used by the state to intimidate, harass and punish vulnerable groups, including women and girls, LGBTQ persons, indigenous peoples, minorities and migrants. "The risk of severe punishment for any form of public dissent is very high, particularly for individuals and groups vulnerable to discrimination based on gender, sexual orientation, political opinion, religion, indigenous status or minority background," says the report, which devotes a long section to the wide range of violations of international human rights and humanitarian law precipitated by the ongoing war against Ukraine. Ukraine-related violations It expresses particular concern about Ukrainian civilians held in arbitrary detention because "Russian authorities do not provide information about their number, fate or whereabouts, and many are subjected to enforced disappearance." The report says at least 1,672 Ukrainian civilians are known to have been arbitrarily detained by Russian authorities and kept "in penal colonies, pretrial detention centers and temporary makeshift tent camps" located throughout Russian-occupied parts of Ukraine, Russia and Belarus. It also says an estimated 14,000 Ukrainian civilians are missing. The report documents the plight of captured military and civilian Ukrainians, including children, who have been forcibly transferred or deported to the Russian Federation. According to the Ukrainian government, 19,546 children were forcibly transferred to Russian-occupied Crimea or deported to Russia or Belarus as of the end of July 2024; 388 have been returned. The whereabouts and fate of the thousands of other children remains unknown, though some are believed to have been given up for adoption by Russian families. The report notes that some of the returned children who were interviewed said they "were subjected to sexual violence during their time in Russian institutions and some experienced or witnessed physical violence and threats against children by the staff." Last year, the International Criminal Court issued arrest warrants against Russian President Vladimir Putin and Commissioner for Children's Rights Maria Lvova-Belova for "the war crimes of unlawful deportation and unlawful transfer of children from occupied areas of Ukraine to the Russian Federation." Katzarova told council members that "The Russian authorities must bring to justice all those responsible for this torture and ill-treatment and immediately and unconditionally release all Ukrainian detainees, ensuring their safe return, especially of children. "As special rapporteur on the Situation of Human Rights in the Russian Federation, I will continue to call for accountability for these crimes," she said. It is a call likely to be ignored by Russia, which boycotted the meeting and did not respond as a concerned country. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address China distorting U.N. resolution to hamper Taiwan: Lai ROC Central News Agency 09/25/2024 03:18 PM Taipei, Sept. 25 (CNA) President Lai Ching-te (ea) has reiterated the government's frequent criticism of Beijing for "distorting" a United Nations resolution to justify its claims over Taiwan and deny Taiwan's participation in the U.N. system. China has "distorted" U.N. Resolution 2758 "in support of its 'one China principle,'" Lai said in a pre-recorded speech at the 2024 Concordia Annual Summit in New York on Tuesday. Through its misinterpretation of the resolution, Lai said, China has falsely "claim[ed] that Taiwan is a part of the People's Republic of China (PRC)" and that "we have no right to participate in the U.N. system and other international fora." The resolution, passed by the 1971 General Assembly, recognizes the PRC as "the only legitimate representatives of China to the United Nations" and confirms the expulsion of "the representatives of Chiang Kai-shek from the place which they unlawfully occupy" at the world body. The resolution addressed the issue of China's representation at the U.N. and resulted in Taiwan, officially named the Republic of China (ROC), losing its seat to the PRC. "I want to emphasize that democratic Taiwan and authoritarian China are not subordinate to each other," Lai said at the summit being held Sept. 23-25 to coincide with the opening of the general debate of the 2024 U.N. General Assembly. Lai's comments were part of ongoing efforts by Taiwan's government to reject Beijing's claims that the U.N. resolution "confirmed" its one China principle, which asserts there is only one China in the world and that Taiwan is "an inalienable part of China." The president also called on other democratic nations to support democratic institutions worldwide and "counter authoritarian aggression," including China's military intimidation in the Taiwan Strait and East and South China Seas and Russia's invasion of Ukraine. China has employed gray-zone tactics, such as economic coercion and cognitive warfare, against Taiwan, Lai said, arguing that these activities posed a threat not only to Taiwan but also to the entire international community. According to Lai, Beijing not only intends to alter the status quo in the Taiwan Strait but is also seeking to change the rules-based international order and achieve global hegemony. "Taiwan will neither yield nor provoke, and will maintain the status quo in the Taiwan Strait," Lai said, adding that his administration remained committed to working to safeguard regional peace and stability through a four-pillar plan. The plan underscores the need to boost Taiwan's defense capabilities, economic security and partnerships with other democracies, and maintain a stable and consistent cross-strait policy. (By Teng Pei-ju) Enditem/ls NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Allies call for Taiwan's inclusion in U.N. system ROC Central News Agency 09/25/2024 11:24 AM New York, Sept. 24 (CNA) Four diplomatic allies of Taiwan have urged that the United Nations include the country in its system during the just-concluded U.N. Summit of the Future held during the annual U.N. General Assembly. Marshall Islands President Hilda Heine, Palau President Surangel S. Whipps, Jr., Eswatini Prime Minister Russell Mmiso Dlamini, and Paraguay President Santiago PeAa all called for Taiwan's participation in the U.N. system at the inaugural Summit of the Future held Sept. 22-23, according to Taiwan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA). In her address, Heine highlighted Taiwan's role as a "key partner" to the Marshall Islands. "Taiwan's important partnership deserves appropriate recognition. If we are to truly 'leave no one behind,' then Taiwan deserves meaningful and enhanced participation in the U.N. system," she said. Whipps, Jr. said that Taiwan's absence from the international organization and its specialized agencies was "ironic" given that this year's U.N. General Assembly theme is "Leaving no one behind." He also said that Taiwan's absence from the U.N. was due to a "misinterpretation" of U.N. resolution 2758. Resolution 2758 was adopted by the 26th U.N. General Assembly in 1971 to address the issue of China's representation at the world body. It resulted in Taiwan, officially named the Republic of China (ROC), losing its seat at the U.N. to the People's Republic of China (PRC). Taiwan has since been excluded from participating in the international organization and its affiliates. In his Summit of the Future speech, Dlamini said Taiwan "contributes significantly to global public health, economic development and technological innovation" and called for Taiwan's "meaningful participation in international organizations." PeAa, meanwhile, said Paraguay was "convinced that the future should be one of peace, taking us further from violence and conquest." "In a phrase, 'might does not make right.' For this reason, we defend countries like Ukraine, Israel and Taiwan, that have a right to be respected and treated with dignity." The inaugural summit came at the start of the U.N. General Assembly's "High-level Week" in New York. The summit endorsed a so-called Pact for the Future, a sweeping document intended to make the U.N. system fit for the needs of the 21st century. Among other ambitions, the pact includes commitments to reform the global financial architecture, adapt the U.N. to new security threats, advance sustainable development, harness digital technologies, and address the needs of youth and future generations. The 79th session of the U.N. General Assembly commenced at U.N. Headquarters in New York on Sept. 10, with the General Debate to be held Sept. 24-28 and Sept. 30. (By Tony Liao and Joseph Yeh) Enditem/ls NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address PLA activities in the waters and airspace around Taiwan ROC Ministry of National Defense 2024/09/25 PLA activities in the waters and airspace around Taiwan Date 6 to 6 a.m. (UTC+8) Tuesday to Wednesday, Sep. 24-25 PLA activities 2 PLA aircraft and 6 PLAN vessels operating around Taiwan were detected up until 6 a.m. (UTC+8) today. 2 of the aircraft crossed the median line of the Taiwan Strait and entered Taiwan's eastern ADIZ. ROC Armed Forces have monitored the situation and employed CAP aircraft, Navy vessels, and coastal missile systems in response to the detected activities. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Prime Minister Justin Trudeau meets with President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy Prime Minister of Canada - Justin Trudeau September 24, 2024 New York City, United States of America Today, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau met with the President of Ukraine, Volodymyr Zelenskyy, on the margins of the 79th Session of the United Nations General Assembly. Prime Minister Trudeau reiterated Canada's condemnation of Russia's ongoing war of aggression against Ukraine, including its horrific targeting of civilians and energy infrastructure. The Prime Minister reaffirmed Canada's commitment to continue providing military, financial, humanitarian, development, and other assistance to Ukraine as it fights to preserve its sovereignty, territorial integrity, and independence. The two leaders discussed countering Russian misinformation and disinformation, and President Zelenskyy's diplomatic efforts toward peace, including through Ukraine's Peace Formula. They committed to continue building on the success of the recent Summit on Peace in Ukraine, and the Prime Minister underlined ongoing contributions to these efforts. This includes Canada's co-leadership, with Ukraine, of the International Coalition for the Return of Ukrainian Children, and the meeting of foreign ministers on the human dimension of Russia's war against Ukraine, to be hosted by Canada in October. Prime Minister Trudeau and President Zelenskyy reaffirmed their intention to remain in close and regular contact. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Director Rachel Rossi Delivers Opening Remarks at the World Affairs Council's "From Local to Global: Justice Reform & Community Engagement in the United States and Ukraine" Tuesday, September 24, 2024 Location Seattle, WA United States Remarks as Prepared for Delivery Thank you, Fraser, for that kind introduction and thank you to the World Affairs Council for organizing this panel. A big thank you to Jared Kimball and our colleagues with the Criminal Division's Office of Overseas Prosecutorial Development, Assistance and Training (OPDAT) for inviting the Office for Access to Justice to partner in this engagement. It is an honor to be here in the company of distinguished representatives from Ukraine and Seattle - to learn about their respective community prosecution efforts and to think more deeply about the prosecutor's role in ensuring equal access to justice for all. I must first acknowledge and applaud the Ukrainian Prosecutor General's Office for its pursuit of community driven approaches to prosecution - especially during such a complex and devastating time. Roman Shpyrka is here with us from the Office of Ukraine's Prosecutor General with a number of his colleagues. Roman - thank you and your team for being here and for all you are doing in the face of unimaginable challenges. We are honored to stand with you as Ukraine plans for a future grounded in the rule of law. While our circumstances are quite different, through our collaboration we have seen that that community driven approaches to prosecution align with the mission of equal access to justice for all. Achieving "access to justice" requires that all communities can equally access public safety and the promise of justice. This requires equal enforcement of laws, but it also requires us to intentionally dismantle barriers many continue to face, to accelerate innovative strategies and to safeguard the integrity of our legal systems, so that justice doesn't depend on income, status, who you are or where you live. This, in turn, promotes trust in the rule of law. This is the mission of the Office for Access to Justice. As a stand-alone federal office, we are housed within the Justice Department - the United States' leading federal prosecuting agency - because closing access to justice gaps for all is central to the pursuit of justice. Attorney General Merrick B. Garland underscored the importance of our mission in quoting former Attorney General Robert F. Kennedy who stated, quote "It must be our purpose ... to insure that the department over which I preside is more than a Department of Prosecution and is in fact the Department of Justice." Attorney General Garland further stated: "We are responsible not only for enforcing the law, but for upholding the Rule of Law. We are responsible for protecting civil rights and pursuing justice for all Americans." As prosecutors stand at the forefront of this pursuit of access to justice, community prosecution strategies incorporate a multi-dimensional approach. First, this mission requires consistent engagement with the community. We'll soon hear more about prosecutorial strategies to engage and collaborate with community members and community-based organizations in a variety of innovative ways. And it is with this commitment that our office is working to ensure engagement advances culturally responsive approaches, including for communities that don't speak or write English. Through our Language Access Program, we have partnered with 38 United States Attorneys' Offices and 24 other Justice Department offices to translate public-facing materials, include webpages, complaint forms and more. We've also launched the Access DOJ initiative, to make the Justice Department's programs and services more efficient and accessible. And we lead the Federal Government Pro Bono Program, assisting federal prosecutors and government employees across the country to engage with communities by volunteering to provide pro bono legal help. Prosecutors can also support access to justice by supporting access to counsel for the accused. A robust public defense function helps to ensure the integrity of convictions and that due process rights are protected - central elements to the pursuit of justice. Just last year, our office launched a Public Defense Resource Hub for professionals providing public defense services and related organizations. And we recently partnered with the Federal Bureau of Prisons to conduct a first-of-its-kind comprehensive review of access to counsel in federal pretrial facilities. Prosecutors can further pursue equal access to justice through the development of and support for innovative approaches to ensuring justice. For example, our office is supporting leaders across the country who are moving away from the reliance on fines and fees to promote economic justice. We recently published a spotlight report to uplift promising practices across the country, including those lead by prosecutors, to reduce these economic burdens faced by low-income communities. And over the last year, our office, led by my colleagues Jarvis Idowu, Jesse Bernstein and Lauren Lambert, has joined OPDAT to support the exchange of knowledge by organizing virtual sessions with Ukraine and U.S. prosecutors and experts from around the country to uplift a variety of innovative prosecutorial strategies. Topics have included youth justice, trauma-informed victims and witness engagement, community-based alternatives and partnerships, diversion programs and specialty courts, bail and pretrial detention, restorative justice, data-driven strategies and working with internally displaced persons and the veteran community. This week, we're thrilled to learn more about the innovations driven by the King County Prosecutor's Office a like their focus on access to justice for those struggling with addiction through LEAD, a community-driven partnership to direct people engaged in low-level drug activity into evidence-based, intensive wrap-around services. Finally, prosecutors pursue access to justice through efforts like this one today, to share best practices and engage with our partners at home and abroad. Our office proudly supports U.S. implementation of UN Sustainable Development Goal 16, focused on access to justice. We serve as the U.S. authority on access to justice internationally, like at the U.N. Crime Commission and the Cross Border Crime Forum, centering the importance of access to justice as we tackle complex cross-border criminal issues and pursue strengthened democracy and rule of law globally. Prosecutors carry a heavy burden and awesome privilege to pursue public safety. They regularly stand with those experiencing our society's worst violence, trauma and unimaginable harm. They lead the charge to safeguard the integrity of the criminal justice process, advance community collaboration, uphold civil rights, protect due process and pursue the promise of access to justice for all. And in Ukraine today, it is undeniable that this burden has only become more complex and difficult. We're impressed by the dedication of our colleagues, both here in Seattle and abroad in Ukraine to these principles. The Office for Access to Justice looks forward to continued collaboration as we stand shoulder to shoulder with you in this critical mission. Together, we can increase community trust and strengthen the rule of law. I'll now turn it over to our moderator, and former King County Prosecuting Attorney, Dan Satterburg. Speaker: Rachel Rossi, Director Topic: Access to Justice Component: Office for Access to Justice NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Speech by Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock at the United Nations Security Council on the situation in Ukraine Germany Federal Foreign Office 24.09.2024 - Speech 943 days ago, Russia launched its full-scale war of aggression against Ukraine. 943 days of suffering. 943 days during which women were raped in Bucha, 943 days of people being tortured in eastern Ukraine. 943 days of children being deported. And, as we have heard here today, there is no denying this. The Russian Ambassador here didn't even say it wasn't true. He said it's better for the children. It has been estimated that more than 20,000 children have been deported. Imagine these were your children. And that you are told here in the Security Council that this is in the best interests of your child, to be stolen from you, as a mother or a father. I had the chance to speak to one of the very few teenage girls who could be returned to Ukraine. She told me, through tears: "Please promise me one thing. You won't stop. You won't stay silent until all the other girls, all the other boys, the little children, have been returned." And this is the promise we made. We as European neighbours. We as Germans. My country was responsible for the worst crimes on the European continent. Today, we are lucky to live in peace again. My generation was able to live in peace, in a reunified country in the middle of Europe, because others were there for us. Other European friends and partners. Today, some are asking us if it would maybe help to end the war if we didn't support Ukraine's self-defence. If we just ignored what's happening. We cannot do that because my country's pledge is that we will always stand up for the principles of the United Nations. And we won't rest until these children come back to their families. And to the Russian Federation's Ambassador, who always leaves after he has spoken here: you can fool yourself. The strongest man in your country can hide behind teenage girls who he kidnapped. But you cannot fool the world. We don't have to go through all the 943 days of atrocities to see this. We can all just remember what happened here in New York on Sunday. Russia wanted to prevent us from achieving a real breakthrough for the UN. But it didn't succeed when a vast majority of states rallied around the values of the Charter. And then we read what the Russian Deputy Ambassador wrote on Twitter. The truth is that the majority from the, and I quote, "jungle", was not capable of taking the right decision. This is how Putin's Russia speaks about other countries these days: "the jungle". And this is how they speak about Ukraine: "a beauty" that has to be raped. And this is how Putin's soldiers, Putin's army, behaves. Every day, for 943 days. Lately, we've seen heavy drone attacks and missiles directly targeting power plants. Two thirds of electricity and heating in Ukraine is destroyed. Even though we try to protect it with air defence. And Russia's actions are not a coincidence, but because winter is coming again. At minus 15 degrees, when electricity doesn't work, when heating doesn't work, when all water is frozen. This is a crime against humanity. People freezing to death. And this is why, again, I would like to call on all our friends around the world. We can totally understand that some of you think: maybe if there is no weapons support for Ukraine anymore, maybe if we just neutrally call on all sides, things will be better. But the truth is if there is no air defence left around the remaining electricity hubs, there is no electricity in Ukraine anymore. Then everything would be destroyed. President Zelensky invited the Russian President to the negotiating table in the summer. He offered dialogue, and Vladimir Putin responded with new levels of aggression. In June, Ukraine invited Russia to a second international peace conference. Putin responded by bombing a children's hospital in Kyiv. And this is why we believe we have to send further air defence to Ukraine. To protect children's hospitals. And this is why we are very grateful that an increasing number of our partners around the world are thinking about how to end this war. We need this. We need an end to this war. But this cannot mean that we stand by and watch while there is no end to this war. While Putin hasn't taken a seat at the negotiating table. To just stand by and watch Russia destroy the remaining half of Ukraine. When we speak about peace, we believe it must be a just and lasting peace. Speaking about peace means Ukraine must be sure that the end of the fighting does not mean another round of preparations in Russia. Neither for Ukraine, nor Moldova, nor Poland, as we've heard from our EU colleague. Speaking about peace, just and lasting peace, means that Ukraine's existence as a free and independent country must be guaranteed. It means security guarantees. This is hard. Every day, people are dying. But, Excellencies, on Sunday we showed what we can achieve if we join forces. We showed that those who want to destroy our Charter will not succeed if we stand together and rally around it. Let's rally around the Charter also for Ukraine. In the same spirit, for a just and lasting peace, for Ukraine, for Europe and the whole world. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Secretary Antony J. Blinken at a UN Security Council Ministerial Meeting on Ukraine US Department of State Remarks Antony J. Blinken, Secretary of State UN Headquarters New York City, New York September 24, 2024 SECRETARY BLINKEN: Well, thank you very much, Mr. President. And welcome, President Zelenskyy. We meet more than two and a half years since Russia launched a full-scale invasion of Ukraine, shredding the core principles of the United Nations Charter - sovereignty, territorial integrity, and independence. Every day since, Russia has waged a war of aggression - the textbook example of a threat to international peace and security that this council was created to prevent and address. The question before us today is not what will Russia do. We already know that. Putin will continue to wage his unjust war. The question before us is how we, members of this council, can end Putin's war and reinforce the international rules and rights that make all of our nations safer and more secure. There are two immediate and interrelated steps that we must take. First, we must address Russia's growing cooperation with North Korea and Iran. Iran has been providing armed drones to the Kremlin since 2022. It built a drone factory in Russia. Just a few weeks ago, it transferred hundreds of short-range ballistic missiles to Russia, and Tehran has trained Russian military personnel in Iran how to operate these weapons. Meanwhile, the DPRK has delivered trainloads of weapons and ammunition to Russia, including ballistic missiles, launchers, and millions of artillery rounds. Support from Tehran and Pyongyang is helping Putin inflict carnage, suffering, and ruin on innocent Ukrainian men, women, and children; demolish Ukrainian apartment buildings, grain silos, and ports; ravage Ukrainian power plants, heating, and natural gas facilities just as freezing temperatures are setting in. These actions by Iran, North Korea, and Russia have violated multiple Security Council resolutions - resolutions that Russia voted for, and as a permanent member, has a special responsibility to enforce. This is also not a one-way street. The more Russia relies on their support, the more Iran and North Korea extract in return. And the more Putin gives to Pyongyang and Tehran, the more he exacerbates threats to peace and security - not just in Europe, but in the Indo-Pacific, in the Middle East, all around the globe. As North Korea ramps up its military support for Russia, Putin has reciprocated with military commitments and with money. The two countries recently revived a treaty pledging to provide military assistance if either is invaded. In March, Russia used its veto to end the work of the UN Panel of Experts on the DPRK, which for 14 years had monitored the regime's nuclear and ballistic missile programs. Russia's banks are helping North Korea evade sanctions, freeing up more funds for its unlawful weapons programs. All this for a regime that has carried out more than 150 ballistic missile tests since 2022 and whose leader routinely threatens to obliterate South Korea and Japan and other countries. Meanwhile, as Tehran provides Putin with drones, ballistic missiles, and training, Russia is sharing technology with Iran on nuclear issues, as well as space information. The two countries have accelerated negotiations on a comprehensive strategic partnership. Last year, Russia announced plans to send Iran advanced fighter aircraft and attack helicopters. This as Iran continues to arm, to train, and to fund proxies in the Middle East to carry out terrorist attacks across the region and beyond - including Hamas, whose appalling October 7th attacks killed civilians from over a dozen UN member-states; and including the Houthis, whose attacks on international shipping have driven up the cost of food, of medicine, other supplies for people around the world, and have added to the suffering of the Yemeni people. North Korea and Iran are not the only ones aiding and abetting Russia. China, another permanent member of this council, is the top provider of machine tools, microelectronics, and other items that Russia is using to rebuild, to restock, to ramp up its war machine and sustain its brutal aggression. Now, some may ask how the United States or any other country helping Ukraine defend itself can criticize countries for providing military support to Russia. There is a profound difference. Russia is the aggressor; Ukraine, the victim. Russia fights for conquests. Ukraine fights for survival. If countries stopped supporting Russia, Putin's invasion would soon come to an end. If countries stopped supporting Ukraine, Ukraine could soon come to an end. This brings me to the second step that members of this council can take. One of the council's primary responsibilities is seeking to peacefully resolve conflicts. As President Zelenskyy has said, no one wants peace more than Ukraine. The United States also wants to end this conflict. And before Putin launched his full invasion, we used every tool we could to try to prevent it, including right here at the Security Council. But the way the council seeks to end this conflict matters. The UN Charter is crystal clear on this point. When fulfilling its responsibilities, the Security Council, and I quote, "shall act in accordance with the purpose and principles of the United Nations," end quote. In other words, we must seek a peace that upholds, rather than undermines the UN's core tenets. That's why all of us here have a responsibility to support Ukraine's call for a just and lasting peace to end Russia's war of aggression. A just and lasting peace must affirm the principles of sovereignty, territorial integrity, and independence. A just and lasting peace must preserve Ukraine's right to choose its own path, its own allies, its own future. A just and lasting peace requires Ukraine's full participation - and assent. A just and lasting peace must support Ukraine's reconstruction and recovery, with Russia paying to fix the damage it's caused. A just and lasting peace must address both accountability and reconciliation. The United States is ready and willing to work with any partner dedicated to supporting peace based on these principles. Ukraine has said multiple times that diplomacy is the only way to end this war - and that it's prepared to engage in negotiations. Putin, on the other hand, has no interest in such a peace - recently declaring that Russia would return to the negotiating table only when Ukraine withdraws its troops from Donetsk, Luhansk, Kherson, Zaporizhzhya; in other words, when Ukraine withdraws from its own territory. Putin continues to claim, falsely, that Ukraine is not a real state. He continues to deny that the Ukrainian people have their own identity. In Putin's eyes, the Ukrainian people - like Ukraine itself - do not exist. Other countries have put forward their own proposals - some of which make no mention of the UN Charter or its principles, fail to distinguish between the aggressor and the aggressed, and call on all sides to de-escalate. A proposal along these lines would reward Putin's aggression, allow him to rest, re-arm, re-invade Ukraine - as he has done time and again. It would also embolden would-be aggressors everywhere around the world. As history teaches us, peace without principle is prologue to more conflict, to more suffering, to more instability. So, to all nations who want this conflict to end - and do it in a way that will endure - the quickest way forward is simple: stop those who are enabling and fueling Putin's aggression and demand a just peace that upholds the principles of the United Nations Charter. I thank you, Mr. President. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Ukraine: Address by High representative/Vice-President Josep Borrell to the UN Security Council on the Russian aggression European External Action Service (EEAS) 25.09.2024 New York, United States, 24/09/2024 EEAS Press Team Check against delivery! Ms President, Distinguished Members of the Council, We meet today as a Permanent Member of this Council, Russia, continues carrying a brutal, unjustified and unprovoked war of aggression against Ukraine. As many have said today, it is a blatant violation of United Nations Charter. Russia launched a war against Ukraine. It is the first interstate war in Europe since World War II. Ukraine defends itself in line with its right to self-defence under United Nations Charter, and it does so against a nuclear-armed state. The international community must remain determined to support Ukraine's freedom, independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity within its internationally recognised border. Some have declared here today that they love peace. Oh, yes, they love peace - no one loves peace more than the Ukrainians. [So,] they want peace quickly, [in] the quickest possible way. But they have not mentioned that the quickest possible way [towards peace] is Russia withdrawing their troops from Ukraine. This would be the quickest possible way. Yes, there is another way, Ukrainian surrender. But we do not want this kind of ending [of] the war. They are desolated, because the fact that we have been providing support to Ukraine has not finished the war. No, but it has allowed Ukraine to defend itself. We want Ukraine to continue defending itself. So, to all "lovers of peace", please take into consideration that it matters the way [how] this war is going to end. It matters. One way of ending this war, which is Ukrainian surrender in front of the violation of their territorial integrity, will be a "good example" for the perpetrator of this violation to start [doing it] again and again. So please, my call to all "peace lovers" is to keep in mind that what we are talking about is the freedom of one country, one people, who are defending themselves against an aggression. United Nations reports are unequivocal. The deliberate destruction of civilian homes and infrastructure, depriving the civilian population of services necessary for its survival. Particularly when the winter season starts - and two-thirds of electricity production capacity of the country has been destroyed. The recent transfer of short-range ballistic missiles by Iran to Russia, and in doing also with North Korea, is becoming an enabler of Russian aggression. This represents a sustained material escalation and a direct threat to European security. These weapons will be likely used against Ukrainian civilians, adding another layer of suffering and destruction of this war. The European Union remains unwavering in its support for Ukraine and to achieve a lasting peace. Yes, because we want peace, we too want peace, but based on international law and United Nations Charter. As do more than 110 partners who supported the Summit [on Peace in Ukraine's] Joint CommuniquA of this last meeting on a peace framework, supporting again sovereignty, independence, and territorial integrity of an aggressed country. At the end of the day, it is up to Ukraine, and only to Ukraine, to define the terms in which they want this war eventually to end. We need to pay more attention at the constant violations of the embargo against Russia. We need to be concerned by the circumvention of sanctions that is making the war longer. We have to reinforce the legitimacy of our support to Ukraine by being consistent with our values and applying these values everywhere. This is the best way of supporting Ukraine. Consistency is of the essence. In a world that is becoming less multilateral and more and more transactional, and in order to prevent this slide to have more transactions and less norms, we need to work very hard. This is the best way to support Ukraine for a peace, a just peace, that makes the aggressor fail. Thank you. Link to the video: https://audiovisual.ec.europa.eu/en/video/I-261098 NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Ukraine: Press remarks by the High Representative after the UN Security Council meeting on the Russian aggression European External Action Service (EEAS) 25.09.2024 New York, United States, 24/09/2024 EEAS Press Team Unfortunately, for the third year - it is already three times - the Security Council needs to convene to address this Russian full-scale and illegal invasion of Ukraine and against Ukrainian people. I reminded [the Security Council] that Russia is a permanent member of this Council and that despite of that, Russia continues this brutal war against Ukraine, violating its territorial integrity and the United Nations Charter. In July and August, we saw the highest civilian casualties since October 2022. It is the United Nations who reported that the number of civilian casualties has been increasing along the war. It is clear that for Putin the purpose is to deliberately destroy homes and civilian infrastructure, especially ahead of the winter. You know that two-thirds of the electricity production capacity has been destroyed. It is quite cold in Ukraine in winter. So, the purpose is to push people into the cold and the dark in the coming winter. This is not a 'special operation'. This is a way of terrorising the civilian population. We, at the European Union, commit to supporting Ukraine and we continue supporting Ukraine. And I heard here some "peace lovers" say that they love peace, and they want peace in the quickest possible way. Yes, they love peace; me too, the European Union [loves peace] too. Ukrainians more than anyone else. If someone is willing [to have] peace, it is certainly the Ukrainians which are suffering the consequences. Some said: "Oh, stop this war because it is too costly for us." Well, it is very costly for Ukrainians in terms of lives, not only in terms of money. Yes, we have to end this war quickly. What is the quickest way of ending this war? They have not mentioned the quickest way of ending the war, which is the withdrawal of Russian troops. Russia withdraws the troops and the war will end. But they have not mentioned this quickest way of ending the war. Maybe they are thinking of another quick way of ending the war, which is Ukrainian surrender. Yes, without our support, Ukraine would have to surrender. Is that what they are proposing? [It is] not our case. We do not want this way of ending the war. We do not want Ukraine surrendering and losing its national identity, its freedom and its territory, and becoming a second Belarus. That has to be clear. I would like to explain to all these "peace lovers" - who say they want peace - why we should continue supporting Ukraine, if they are attached to the United Nations Charter and the dignity and freedom of the people. Peace does not mean submission. We want a lasting peace. Peace does not mean surrender. We want a peace that respects the sovereignty [of Ukraine]. Peace does not mean occupation. Let's clarify what does it mean when we talk about peace: no occupation, no surrender, no submission. It is important to engage in peace efforts, certainly. To support the Ukrainian military does not exclude to support the peace process. Both things have to go together, hand in hand, the two sides of the same coin. The more Ukraine will be stronger, the more we will be able to go to a peace negotiation. A peace initiative that will not reward the aggressor. No peace initiative should succeed if it neglects the United Nations Charter. And as President [of Ukraine, Volodymyr] Zelenskyy said, there is one [UN] Charter, only one [UN] Charter, no different one for different situations, and borders cannot be re-drawn by force. As simple as that. Borders cannot be re-drawn by force. This is the first interstate war in Europe since the end of World War II [launched] in order to change the borders. The Security Council should stand to reaffirm its commitment to the United Nations Charter - it is quite elementary, no? - that the Security Council should support the United Nations Charter, demand an immediate end to Russia's [war of] aggression, and hold accountable those responsible for the many atrocities committed. I was in Bucha, and it was not 'theatre', as the Russian ambassador has said; "it was just a fake". Well, it was not a fake. The corpses of hundreds of people in the streets were not fake. They were there during the Russian occupation. The satellites do not lie. The satellite shows reality and shows who was there before the Russians left. This war will end. All wars end - but it matters how they end. Today, Ukraine is paying the highest price with their blood and their lives, with the destruction of their country. It also matters to the rest of the world. Because this war is not only destabilising the world. It is not only creating hunger and high prices of food and energy worldwide. It is also creating a new way of imperialism from the past, to try to dominate the common future. So, international law and rule is not a choice, it is a necessity. If we fail in Ukraine, we will fail everywhere else. That is the message I tried to convey to the Security Council. Thank you. Q&A Q. First of all, you have talked about the need for Ukraine not to lose this war. Yet we have in this country, Donald Trump has said if he seeks negotiation, he will not say who wants to win this war. What do you make of that approach, if you can comment on that? Secondly, if I may ask you about the Middle East. We are nearly a year now into this crisis, and I just wanted to ask you to reflect on the approach of the United States and its diplomacy, while on the one hand arming Israel but seeking a diplomatic outcome. Can you reflect on how effective you think that approach has been? Here we are a year later with still the war in Gaza, now the potential for a very serious escalation in Lebanon. On Gaza, you will have to wait for the debate of the Security Council on Gaza. Today is about Ukraine. There is another Security Council discussion in Gaza, and believe me, I will attend and I will answer your question. And the first question ... [former President Donald] Trump, for the time being, is just a candidate. I will wait until Trump is sitting again in the White House in order to consider his proposals. Q. What do you think of his comment that he will not say who should win the war? Well, I do not want to comment [former President Donald] Trump's comment. I am not a commentator. Q. Are you saying that the European Union is making no preparations whatsoever for a Donald Trump victory and you are only going to change course once the elections happen? No. I have been following this war from the beginning. One thing is clear: at the beginning of the war, nobody was expecting Ukraine to resist. At the American Embassy, immediately after the war started, they were packing to leave because nobody expected Ukraine to resist. The reason was clear: Russia is the number four in the world for military expenditure. Ukraine is number 35. So, the difference between the military capacity of Russia and Ukraine is an abysmal, it's incredible. So, the fact that Ukraine was resisting was a kind of miracle. In the beginning, we offered Ukraine - what did we offer to Ukraine? - helmets. Now we are offering F-16. It is quite a difference, no? But immediately after, when people in the Chancelleries - and myself in Brussels - considered that Ukraine was resisting, was not 2014. Allow me to remind you, in 2014, when the Crimea invasion [happened], in the Munich Conference, the Europeans did not want to arm Ukraine, they refused to arm Ukraine. They considered this.. well, impossible to resist. This time, we did it. We have to continue doing that. I do not know what the Americans, the United States with the new presidency will do or not. But for the time being, allow me to say that, European Union support - if you add military, civilian, economic, financial and humanitarian is greater than [from] the United States. More than a100 billion is the bill that we have paid. Among them, a45 [billion] for military support. Less than the United States, yes, certainly, but quite an important figure; a45 [billion] is not negligible. Adding everything together we are - I think, the European Union - no, I am sure: the greatest supporter to Ukraine. And one thing for me is clear. As long as the Ukrainians want to resist, we have to support them. Otherwise, we will make a historical mistake. Thank you. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Gitanas NausAda at the UN Security Council: The international community has a duty to support Ukraine until victory President of the Republic of Lithuania September 25, 2024 President Gitanas NausAda continues his working visit to the United Nations in New York, where on Tuesday, he participated in the UN Security Council meeting on Ukraine. The President addressed the meeting on behalf of the three Baltic States. In his address, the Lithuanian leader pointed out that Ukraine is currently being deprived of peace and security, and Russia, a permanent member of the United Nations Security Council, bears direct responsibility for this. Russia can no longer be allowed to hide behind its status as a member of the UN Security Council and abuse its veto power, Gitanas NausAda said. "The entire political and military leadership of Russia, along with their accomplices, must face justice for their crimes. A Special International Tribunal has to be set up to investigate the crimes of aggression against Ukraine," the Head of State pointed out. The President stressed that without Ukraine's victory, true justice is impossible. "Peace can only come with the complete restoration of Ukraine's territorial integrity. Only when Russia acknowledges that it can never defeat the courageous people of Ukraine will we secure lasting peace and security. It is the duty of the international community to support Ukraine for as long as it takesauntil victory," Gitanas NausAda underlined. The President's Communication Group NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Minister RadosAaw Sikorski delivers speech at the UN Security Council Ministry of Foreign Affairs - Republic of Poland 25.09.2024 On Tuesday, 24 September 2024, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Poland RadosAaw Sikorski delivered a speech at the UN Security Council. Madam President, Excellencies, The Russian ambassador predicated that this debate will consist of "hackneyed statements dictated by Brussels" - that's a lie. I assure you that what you're about to hear, I wrote myself. The Russian ambassador claims that Russia does not bomb civilian targets, that's a second lie. Two weeks ago I visited the Ukrainian city of Lviv, where a townhouse was hit with a Russian Kalibr missile. A man saw his wife and three daughters taken out of the rubble - dead. All of them were civilians, all of them lived far away from the frontline, and all of them were killed. Th Russian ambassador has talked about children's graveyard in Gaza, which is indeed a tragic situation. Well, Ukrainian children are targeted not only with bombs. Thousands have been kidnapped and taken into Russia where they are brainwashed in order to strip them of memories and national identity. Russia claims these children are orphans left alone in a war-zone. Another lie. Many of them were separated from their parents - either by accident during the attacks, or deliberately by the aggressor's army. Independent reports revealed that - and I quote - "officials have deported Ukrainian children to Russia or Russian-held territories without consent, lied to them that they weren't wanted by their parents, used them for propaganda, and given them Russian families and citizenship". Special camps offer the abducted children Russian "patriotic education" and a hotline was established to pair the minors with potential "foster families", luring the latter with money. On top of that Mr. Putin signed a decree fast-tracking the process of granting Russian citizenship to stolen Ukrainian children. This is not a collateral war damage. It was a plan devised before the war and ruthlessly executed. UN investigators concluded that these actions constitute war crimes. In October 2022 the International Criminal Court issued an arrest warrant for Vladimir Putin. Ambassador Nebenzia and Russian propagandists like to refer to the democratically elected government of Ukraine as Nazis - as you've just heard. It so happens that in Poland I live 3 kilometers from Potulice, the site of a former Nazi filtration camp during the Second World War. It's known for the fact that thousands of children were imprisoned there - from Poland and the Soviet Union, from around SmoleAsk and Witebsk. Up to 800 of these children died but thousands were transferred west to be Germanized. Blond, blue-eyed - Aryan - children deemed to be racially suitable. I therefore have a few questions to the Russian ambassador and his superiors: How does what you are doing to Ukrainian kidnapped children differ from what German Nazis did to your children and ours? How many Russian officials have adopted stolen Ukrainian children following - as reported by the BBC - the example of Sergey Mironov, former Chairman of the Russian Federation Council? When will you return the remaining thousands of stolen Ukrainian children back to Ukraine? Do you know that stealing another country's children is tantamount to genocide, as recently affirmed by the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe? Do you remember that diplomats and propagandists of a genocidal regime are also criminals - as Soviet prosecutors argued at Nuremberg with reference to Ribbentrop and Streicher? Permanent members of the UN Security Council are supposed to be guardians of peace and not to fight their wars with other people's children. This is Russia's shame that will not be forgiven or forgotten. And by the way, since Ambassador Nebenzia denies the reality of Soviet-Nazi collaboration in the invasion of Poland in 1939, here is a picture of their joint parade. I'm sure you recognize the Soviet uniforms. Thank you very much! NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address At UN, Zelensky rejects China-Brazil peace plan The Ukrainian president questioned the 'true interest' of the two countries in pushing the plan. By Alex Willemyns for RFA 2024.09.25 -- Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky used a speech before the U.N. General Assembly on Wednesday to forcefully reject China and Brazil's renewed push for a peace plan for Russia and Ukraine, questioning their "true" motivations in making the proposal. In his speech at the opening of the assembly on Tuesday, Brazilian President Luiz Inacio "Lula" da Silva said Brazil and China wished to revive their six-point proposal to end the conflict, which was originally released in May. The two countries are reportedly set to host an event on the plan in New York on Friday with at least 20 other countries. But Zelensky said the only acceptable peace plan was for Russia to withdraw its forces from his country and end the invasion, in line with the U.N. Charter's principles of independence and territorial integrity. "If someone in the world seeks alternatives to any of these points or tries to ignore any of them, it likely means they themselves want to do a part of what [Russian President Vladimir] Putin is doing," Zelensky said, slamming China and Brazil for suggesting a brokered peace. "When the Chinese-Brazilian duo tries to grow into a choir of voices - with someone in Europe, with someone in Africa - saying something alternative to a full and just peace, the question arises: What is the true interest?" he said. "You will not boost your power at Ukraine's expense." Zelensky previously rejected the Chinese-Brazilian plan as "destructive" given that it would require Ukraine to cede territory to Russia, which the Ukrainian president said would be tantamount to defeat. Questionable source It's not the first time questions have been raised about China and Brazil's motivations in pushing for a negotiated peace. China has been repeatedly accused by the United States of materially aiding Putin's war effort, with officials in Washington going as far as to say the invasion would not be sustainable without Beijing's help. Outside commentators have suggested that China is closely watching the situation between Russia and Ukraine given its own aspirations to invade Taiwan, which it similarly regards as a renegade province. Chinese officials have rejected the claims, defended China's right to continue trading with Russia and said Washington is the only power sending munitions into the conflict through its support for Ukraine. Brazil's president, meanwhile, has also been accused of being too close with Putin, with whom he regularly speaks by telephone. During his campaign to return to the Brazilian presidency, Lula called Zelensky "a bit weird." He also accused him of not wanting to negotiate with Putin so the conflict could be prolonged and the former television star could spend more time in the global media speaking about it. Further irking Zelensky, in April Lula also said that there was "no use" in talking about "who is right" or "who is wrong" in Russia's invasion of Ukraine, and that all that mattered was finding a peaceful outcome. In his speech Wednesday, Zelensky said Putin was trying to use Russia's power to return to a period of colonialism, and that previous victims of the practice should be the most outspoken critics. "The world has already been through colonial wars and conspiracies of great powers at the expense of those who are smaller," he said. "Every country - including China, Brazil, European nations, African nations, the Middle East - all understand why this must remain in the past." "Ukrainians will never accept - will never accept - why anyone in the world believes that such a brutal colonial past, which suits no one today can be imposed on Ukraine now instead of a normal, peaceful life." Edited by Joshua Lipes. 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 At UN, Zelenskiy Claims Russia Plans Attacks On Ukraine's Nuclear Plants By RFE/RL's Ukrainian Service September 25, 2024 Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy on September 25 said he has received reports saying that Russian President Vladimir Putin is planning to attack nuclear power plants and infrastructure in Ukraine with the goal of disconnecting the plants from the power grid. Speaking at the UN General Assembly (UNGA), Zelenskiy said he recently received "yet another alarming report from our intelligence" saying that Russia is using satellites to gather images and detailed information about Ukraine's nuclear infrastructure. "Any missile or drone strike, any critical incident in the energy system could lead to a nuclear disaster, a day like that must never come," Zelenskiy said. Moscow "needs to understand this, and this depends in part on your determination to put pressure on the aggressor," he told the annual UN meeting in New York. "If, God forbid, Russia causes a nuclear disaster at one of our nuclear power plants, radiation will not respect state borders," he said. Zelenskiy also appealed to world leaders to keep his country's fight against Russia's invasion a top priority and warned that Putin is intent on seizing more territory, calling "more land" for a country the size of Russia an "insane" proposition. "I think every leader, every country that supports us...sees how Russia, a country more than 20 times larger than Ukraine in territory, still wants even more land," he said. Zelenskiy has been on an intensive diplomatic mission since his arrival in the United States for the annual UNGA event, meeting with key U.S. lawmakers and appearing on U.S. media to urge Washington to maintain its crucial support for Ukraine. The Ukrainian president plans to lay out a "victory plan" to U.S. President Joe Biden at the White House on September 26 amid relentless strikes on Ukraine's cities and a grinding Russian offensive that is making slow but continuous advances into the eastern part of the country. He dismissed efforts by China and Brazil to end the war, questioning why the pair were proposing an alternative to his peace formula. Proposing "alternatives, half-hearted settlement plans, so-called sets of principles" would give Putin the political space to continue the war, he said. China has been trying to enlist developing nations to join the six-point peace plan it issued with Brazil in May. Their proposal calls for an international peace conference "held at a proper time that is recognized by both Russia and Ukraine, with equal participation of all parties as well as fair discussion of all peace plans." Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva advocated for the plan when he addressed the General Assembly on September 24. "Any parallel or alternative attempts to seek peace are, in fact, efforts to achieve a lull instead of an end to the war," Zelenskiy told the 193-member assembly. "When the Chinese-Brazilian duo tries to grow into a choir of voices -- with someone in Europe, with someone in Africa -- saying something alternative to a full and just peace, the question arises, what is the true interest? Everyone must understand, you will not boost your power at Ukraine's expense," he said. The Ukrainian president told the UN Security Council on September 24 that Russia can only be "forced" into peace, and denounced Iran and North Korea as "accomplices" who have helped Moscow by providing weapons it has used in attacks on Ukraine. Russian President Vladimir Putin has "broken so many international norms and rules that he won't stop on his own. Russia can only be forced into peace, and that is exactly what's needed: forcing Russia into peace as the sole aggressor in this war, the sole violator of the UN Charter," Zelenskiy said. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said on September 25 that Zelenskiy's stance was "a fatal mistake" that would have grave repercussions for Ukraine. "A position based on an attempt to force Russia into peace is an absolutely fatal mistake, because it is impossible to force Russia into peace," Peskov said in a call with reporters. "This is a profound misconception that will inevitably have consequences for the Kyiv regime." Details about Zelenskiy's victory plan remain unknown, but he said the blueprint will be a "bridge" toward ending the conflict. Media reports say the plan will ask for stepped-up U.S. military and financial backing and security guarantees, as well as further sanctions on Russia. The United States, Ukraine's main supporter, and Western allies have given Kyiv billions of dollars in military aid and other assistance while also slapping several rounds of sanctions on Moscow. Zelenskiy's chief of staff, Andriy Yermak, has said the main security guarantee that Kyiv wants is NATO membership, a demand Kyiv has been advancing for years but which has been met with skepticism by the West, including Washington. Zelenskiy has also indicated he will again seek permission to use long-range missiles to strike military targets deep inside Russia, a move Ukraine's allies are divided upon. On September 24, he called on Washington to take "decisive" action to bring the end of the war closer. In a meeting with a bipartisan delegation of U.S. lawmakers, Zelenskiy voiced Kyiv's gratitude for what he called Washington's unwavering support for Kyiv and highlighting the critical U.S. role in defending Ukraine's freedom. "Decisive action now could hasten the just end of Russian aggression against Ukraine next year. Our victory plan will help bring Russia to peace in practice," Zelenskiy said on Telegram after the meeting. "Now, at the end of the year, we have a real opportunity to strengthen cooperation between Ukraine and the United States," he said. Even without the details of Zelenskiy's plan, some of Ukraine's most stalwart Western allies have pointed to the need to find a compromise solution to the conflict. Czech President Petr Pavel, whose country has been one of Kyiv's strongest backers and the driving force behind a multibillion-dollar program known as the Czech Ammunition Initiative that has provided Ukraine with hundreds of thousands of artillery shells, told The New York Times in an interview published on September 23 that Ukrainians "will have to be realistic" about their chances of recovering all territories occupied by Russia. "To talk about a defeat of Ukraine or defeat of Russia, it will simply not happen," the newspaper quoted Pavel as saying. "So the end will be somewhere in between." Pavel added that Ukrainians also need to be "realistic about the support that they can achieve" from allies who are increasingly under domestic pressure to scale back help against Russia after more than 2 1/2 years of war. Kyiv, which has around a fifth of its territory occupied by Russia, has repeatedly opposed such a possibility. "There can be no half-hearted solutions when it comes to human lives, freedom, common values, justice for Russian crimes, restoration of international peace, and security," the Ukrainian Foreign Ministry said in a post on Telegram after Pavel's interview was published. "Temporary solutions will not restore full-fledged peace but will only postpone war." Zelenskiy's diplomatic offensive came as Russia stepped up its strikes on Ukraine. On September 25, Ukrainian air defenses shot down 28 drones and four missiles launched by Russia at 10 regions, Ukraine's air force said in a statement on Telegram. Russian drones and missiles were downed over the regions of Dnipropetrovsk, Kharkiv, Kyiv, Cherkasy, Kirovohrad, Sumy, Poltava, Mykolayiv, Odesa, and Kherson. Four more drones were "locally lost" in several regions of Ukraine, the statement said. In eastern Ukraine, Russian troops have stepped up their attacks on the Donetsk stronghold of Vuhledar as they seek access to the logistics hub of Pokrovsk, some 80 kilometers to the north. Denis Pushilin, the Russian-installed head of Ukraine's Donetsk region, said on September 25 that fighting was ongoing in Vuhledar, although the Ukrainian military said the city was not yet surrounded by Russian forces. Moscow's advances in the east appear to be the fastest over the past two years, despite a shock Ukrainian counteroffensive into Russia's Kursk region last month. Source: https://www.rferl.org/a/drone-missile- strikes-/33134209.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 U.S. Speaker Urges Zelenskiy To Remove Ukrainian Ambassador By RFE/RL September 25, 2024 WASHINGTON -- The speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives, Mike Johnson (Republican-Louisiana), has called on Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy to fire his ambassador to the United States after Zelenskiy took part in a tour of a manufacturing plant in Pennsylvania, which is seen as a battleground state in the upcoming U.S presidential election. Johnson said in a letter to Zelenskiy on September 25 that Ambassador Oksana Markarova organized the tour of a Pennsylvania arms plant that produces munitions critical for Ukraine's country's war effort. The Scranton Army Ammunition Plant is one of only two sites in the United States that produce 155-millimeter artillery shells, which are among the most important aspects of U.S. military aid to Ukraine with more than 3 million shipped to the country. Zelenskiy visited the plant on September 22 ahead of his meetings this week at the United Nations in New York and with President Joe Biden in Washington. Pennsylvania is one of the most important of seven swing states that will determine the U.S. election on November 5. U.S. aid to Ukraine has become an issue in the election after Republicans in the U.S. House of Representatives held up the last aid package for six months in part because they said the money could be better spent at home. Democrats argued that most of the aid is spent on military equipment manufactured in the United States and therefore protects and creates American jobs. Johnson said the tour was led by a top political surrogate for Vice President Kamala Harris and "purposely excluded Republicans." He did not identify that person, but Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro, a Democrat and vocal supporter of Harris, took part in the tour. Johnson added that Republicans have lost trust in the ambassador's "ability to fairly and effectively serve as a diplomat in this country" and demanded that Zelenskiy immediately remove her from her position. "As you have said, Ukrainians have tried to avoid being 'captured by American domestic politics, and 'influencing the choices of the American people' ahead of the November election," Johnson said in the letter. "Clearly that objective was abandoned this week when Ambassador Markarova organized an event in which you toured an American manufacturing site." He claimed the tour intentionally failed to include a single Republican, making it a "clearly a partisan campaign event designed to help Democrats." The Ukrainian Embassy to the United States did not return a call from RFE/RL requesting comment. Johnson added that support for ending Russia's war against Ukraine "continues to be bipartisan," but he said U.S.-Ukrainian relations are "tested and needlessly tarnished when the candidates at the top of the Republican presidential ticket are targeted in the media by officials in your government." Source: https://www.rferl.org/a/zelenskiy-markarova- scranton-munitions-plant-johnson-harris/33135165.html Copyright (c) 2024. RFE/RL, Inc. Reprinted with the permission of Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, 1201 Connecticut Ave., N.W. Washington DC 20036. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Russian Glide Bomb Attack On Kramatorsk Kills 2 By RFE/RL's Ukrainian Service September 25, 2024 The number of people killed in a Russian attack on the eastern Ukrainian city of Kramatorsk rose to two people, regional Governor Vadym Filashkin said on September 25. "As of 5:30 p.m. we know of 2 deaths in Kramatorsk. This afternoon, the Russians dropped three guided aerial bombs on the city. 2 people died and at least 12 were injured. Three children are among the wounded," Filashkin said on Telegram. Local authorities said Russian troops targeted the center of Kramatorsk, damaging two high-rise buildings, shops, and cars. Kramatorsk, which lies about 20 kilometers from the front line, has been hit by two deadly missile strikes that took numerous lives since the full-scale invasion began in February 2022. One killed 13 in June last year, and the other hit the city's train station in April 2022, killing more than 60 civilians. The Kherson region also came under Russian shelling on September 25, local authorities report. An 80-year-old woman was killed, and two people on the street were injured. In addition, a 48-year-old local resident was taken to the hospital with injuries to her face and forearm, Kherson Governor Oleksandr Prokudin said on Telegram. Prokudin said earlier that Kherson city was under attack by Russian aircraft. Russian forces also used glide bombs in that attack. One of the bombs hit a cultural institution, seriously damaging the building and setting off a fire. There was no information about victims, ahe said. Later in the day Prokudin said Kherson remained under attack and called on the townspeople to remain in shelters. Earlier on September 25, the Ukrainian Air Force said the country's air defenses shot down 28 drones and four missiles launched by Russia at 10 regions. In eastern Ukraine, Russian troops have stepped up their attacks on the Donetsk stronghold of Vuhledar as they seek access to the logistics hub of Pokrovsk, some 80 kilometers to the north. Denis Pushilin, the Russian-installed head of the occupied part of Ukraine's Donetsk region, said on September 25 that fighting was ongoing in Vuhledar, although the Ukrainian military said the city was not yet surrounded by Russian forces. Source: https://www.rferl.org/a/ukraine-russia-war-kramatorsk- kherson-glide-bombs/33135090.html Copyright (c) 2024. RFE/RL, Inc. Reprinted with the permission of Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, 1201 Connecticut Ave., N.W. Washington DC 20036. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Russian Defence Ministry report on repelling AFU attempt to invade Russian territory in Kursk region (25 September 2024) 25.09.2024 The Armed Forces of the Russian Federation continue the operation to neutralise an enemy group, which broke into the territory of the Russian Federation. ?The Sever Group of Forces continued offensive and inflicted losses on formations of the 21st, 22nd, 41st mechanised brigades, 17th Tank Brigade, 95th Air Assault Brigade, 36th Marine Brigade, and 112th, 129th territorial defence brigades of the AFU near Lyubimovka, Daryino, Novy Put, Nikolayevo-Daryino, and Plekhovo. Over the past 24 hours, units of the Sever Group of Forces repelled two enemy counter-attacks near Lyubimovka. As a result, the AFU losses amounted to up to 15 troops killed and wounded, an armoured fighting vehicle, and two motor vehicles. One AFU serviceman was taken prisoner. With the support of army aviation and artillery fire, three AFU attempts to break through the border of the Russian Federation in the direction of Novy Put were foiled. The AFU losses amounted to up to 50 troops killed and wounded, three tanks, an infantry fighting vehicle, an armoured fighting vehicle, and a motor vehicle. Air strikes, artillery fire, and actions of the troops inflicted losses on manpower and hardware clusters of the 21st, 22nd, 41st, 61st, 115th mechanised brigades, 17th Tank Brigade, 80th, 95th air assault brigades, 36th Marine Brigade, 103rd, 116th, and 129th territorial defence brigades of the AFU near Bogdanovka, Viktorovka, Goncharovka, Ivashkovsky, Kruglenkoye, Kositsa, Martynovka, Mikhaylovka, Malaya Loknya, Malaya Obukhovka, Medvezhye, Novy Put, Pravda, Pokrovskoye, Plekhovo, Rubanshchina, and Tolsty Lug. Operational-Tactical Aviation, and Missile Troops delivered strikes in Sumy region at concentration areas and reserves of the 21st, 22nd, 41st, 47th, and 115th mechanised brigades, 82nd, 95th air assault brigades, 1st National Guard Brigade, and 103rd, 106th, 107th, and 129th territorial defence brigades of the AFU near Belopolye, Belovody, Boyaro-Lezhachi, Bruski, Vladimirovka, Zhuravka, Komsomolsky, Manukhovka, Novaya Sloboda, Obody, Pavlovka, Rechki, Revyakino, Sosnovka, Stepanovka, Sumy, Shalygino, and Khoten. Over the past 24 hours, the Armed Forces of Ukraine have suffered the following losses: over 300 troops, seven armoured vehicles, three tanks, including two German-made Leopard tanks, an infantry fighting vehicle, and three armoured fighting vehicles, two artillery guns, and six motor vehicles. Since the beginning of hostilities in Kursk region, the Armed Forces of Ukraine lost more than 17,000 troops, 130 tanks, 62 infantry fighting vehicles, 95 armoured personnel carriers, 812 armoured fighting vehicles, 514 motor vehicles, 138 artillery guns, 31 MLRS launchers, including eight of HIMARS and six of MLRS made by the USA, eight SAM launchers, five transport-loading vehicles, 35 electronic warfare stations and eight counter-battery radars, two air defence radars, 18 engineering vehicles, including 11 counterobstacle vehicles and one UR-77 mine clearing vehicle, as well as one armoured recovery vehicle. The operation to neutralise the AFU units is in progress. Department for Media Affairs and Information NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Prime Minister Golob: "We will do everything to preserve the integrity of the Charter and international law" Republic of Slovenia Prime Minister of the Republic of Slovenia 25. 9. 2024 Yesterday late afternoon, Prime Minister Robert Golob presided over the high-level UN Security Council meeting on the situation in Ukraine. The meeting was attended by high-ranking officials, including UN Secretary-General, AntAnio Guterres, the President of Ukraine, Volodymyr Zelensky, US Secretary of State, Antony Blinken, and the High Representative of the EU for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Josep Borrell. This was the first of three high-level discussions chaired by Slovenia this week under its Presidency of the UN Security Council. In his address as Security Council chair, Prime Minister Golob stated that European countries are united in their condemnation of Russia's aggression, which violates all principles of international law and the UN Charter. "At this dire moment, while Ukrainian civilian casualties are on the rise, while critical civilian infrastructure is collapsing and while battlefields keep expanding, Ukraine has not failed the international community," he said, adding that, despite its own problems, Ukraine helped Slovenia after last year's devastating floods. "Even in the darkest moments of this aggression, Ukraine has remained an active member of the UN which has stood in solidarity with other countries," said the Prime Minister. "For Slovenia, the case is clear: With this war, a lot is at stake. If Russia wins, then the trampling of international humanitarian law and gross violations of the UN Charter will win as well," said Mr Golob. "This is not a world that Slovenia wants to be part of. We will do everything in our power to prevent this from becoming a new normal and to preserve the integrity of the Charter and international law. Not just in Ukraine, but also in Palestine and the rest of the Middle East," he concluded. Earlier in the day, Prime Minister Golob met with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky at a bilateral meeting. They talked about Ukraine's European perspective, with a special emphasis on the enlargement portfolio envisaged for Marta Kos, candidate for European Commissioner. Both leaders expressed mutual satisfaction and hope for a fruitful cooperation, as this important responsibility has been entrusted to Slovenia. Prime Minister yesterday also had a telephone conversation with King of Jordan, Abdullah II bin Al-Hussein, with whom he exchanged views on the humanitarian situation in Palestine and discussed how to increase access to humanitarian aid in crisis hotspots. Today will be the main event of Slovenia's Presidency, an open debate entitled "Leadership for Peace", which will focus on Security Council's actions on three foreign policy issues: Ukraine, the Middle East and Sudan. The debate will be chaired by Prime Minister Robert Golob. Before the meeting's beginning, Prime Minister Golob will make a statement to the media. A meeting on Palestine will be held on Friday. Today, Prime Minister Robert Golob will also attend an event dedicated to the recovery and reconstruction of Ukraine, hosted by the President of the United States, Joe Biden. In the evening, the Prime Minister and Ms Gaber will attend a reception hosted by President Biden and his wife Jill Biden. Ms Gaber will also attend a lunch hosted by the first lady of the United States of America, Jill Biden. Yesterday on the margins of the UN General Assembly session, Ms Tina Gaber attended an event hosted by the first lady of Turkey, Emina Erdogan, dedicated to the presentation of the African Culture House. The first lady of Turkey opened the African Culture House in Ankara following several visits to Africa alongside her husband, Recep Tayyip ErdoAYan. Its main mission is to promote the fair sale of handicrafts by African women artisans. Statement by Dr Robert Golob, Prime Minister of the Republic of Slovenia at the Briefing on Maintenance of International Peace and Security in Ukraine, New York, 24 September 2024 I wish to thank the Secretary General for his insightful comments. I welcome the participation of President Zelensky at this meeting, and I also appreciate the participation of other countries in this discussion. Excellencies, The European countries are united in condemnation of this aggression, which violates every possible principle and law, including the UN Charter. My colleagues will elaborate on this. I am genuinely frustrated that I sit here in front of you at this Council, together with the most powerful countries in the world with the sole responsibility to ensure peace and security across the globe, and yet we are unable to do anything about the most extensive conventional war the world has seen in decades. That we are powerless to bring peace to the citizens of Ukraine. Now is a good opportunity to accept some sobering truths and acknowledge that this Council has failed the people of Ukraine. But please, allow me to share a slightly different view of the situation. Even at this dire moment, while Ukrainian civilian casualties are on the rise, while critical civilian infrastructure is collapsing and while battlefields keep expanding, Ukraine has not failed the international community. Far from it. Even in the darkest moments of this ongoing aggression, Ukraine has remained an active member of the UN which has stood in solidarity with other countries. I can personally attest to this. One year ago, Slovenia experienced unprecedented floods of catastrophic dimensions. Rivers were overflowing, family houses were buried underneath heaps of earth and people were drowning. It was a disaster of proportions never seen before in our country. And during all of this, Ukraine made a gesture Slovenians will never forget. During the war, while missiles and drones were hitting Kyiv and other cities, Ukraine sent a whole convoy of aid and over 50 members of its national emergency team to help deal with the aftermath of the floods in Slovenia. Usually we would say that we all stand with Ukraine, but when it really mattered to us, as Slovenians, it was Ukraine that stood with Slovenia. While Ukrainian ports and ships are under constant barrage, and while the Ukrainian civilian population is suffering, Ukraine has done its utmost to practise solidarity with the rest of the world. With its Grain from Ukraine initiative, it has ensured the flow of tens of thousands of tonnes of grain to those who need it most. Even in the midst of an existential war, Ukraine stands with the international community and member states when they need it. For Slovenia, the case is clear: With this war, a lot is at stake. If Russia wins, then the trampling of international humanitarian law and gross violations of the Charter will win as well. If Putin prevails, not only Europe but the whole world will become less safe and less stable. The United Nations was created to prevent bigger countries from imposing their will on their neighbours. We should not allow its members to violate the rules and UN Charter with impunity just because they believe they can. If unchallenged, each one of us will pay the price. And this is not a world that Slovenia wants to be part of. We will do everything in our power to prevent this from becoming a new normal and preserve the integrity of the Charter and international law. Not just in Ukraine, but also in Palestine and the rest of the Middle East. Dear colleagues, The process of restoring European security and healing the rifts in international relations can only begin when peace in Ukraine is achieved. Until then, we will keep pressing for peace. Only a just peace will give generations of Ukrainians a brighter future, and only a lasting peace will allow them to grow and flourish. Such a peace cannot come at the expense of the fundamental principles enshrined in the UN Charter, including respect for territorial integrity. This vision is worth believing in and working towards. Slovenia will continue to stand by Ukraine until it achieves this vision of a just peace. And I know Ukraine will stand with us if and when we need it. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address UK Depleted Own Weapon Stockpiles by Helping Ukraine Sputnik News 20240925 MOSCOW (Sputnik) - The United Kingdom has run out of weapon stocks after having supplied arms to Ukraine for almost three years and needs to replenish them, UK Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for the Armed Forces Luke Pollard said on Wednesday. "We have depleted our own stocks in order to do that," Pollard was quoted as saying by The Times on the sidelines of a Labour conference, adding that national stockpiles were so "threadbare" that the government had to cut supplies to Kiev in mid-2023. Despite the fact that the UK's own stockpiles are critically low, Pollard argued that it was the "right thing" to supply Ukraine with as many weapons as possible. He said that the Labour government not only needed to replenish the depleted stockpiles but also to ensure reliable supplies for Ukraine. "I think most western nations have gifted most of the deployable resources they have ... so we are seeing a greater trading relationship being formed," Pollard added. Russia has continuously warned that arms supplies to Ukraine hinder the peace process and make NATO members party to the conflict. Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov says that any cargo containing weapons for Ukraine will be a legitimate target for Russian strikes. A Sputnik NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Trump Says Ukraine Conflict Could've Been Settled If Biden Didn't Continue Inciting Crisis Sputnik News 20240925 WASHINGTON (Sputnik) - The United States could have helped broker peace in Ukraine if President Joe Biden had avoided inciting the ongoing crisis, former President Donald Trump said on Wednesday. "A deal could have been made if we had a competent president instead of a president that egged it all on," Trump said during a campaign rally in North Carolina. Trump further said that the Biden administration fuels the conflict by continuing to provide financial and security assistance to Ukraine. The Republican presidential nominee has previously pointed out that Biden's remarks about expecting Ukraine to be admitted into NATO provoked Russia. US officials have noted that the reason Ukraine hasn't been invited to join NATO is because it has to undertake a number of reforms to weed out corruption in its government and also because it would immediately drag the alliance into a direct war with Russia. Moscow has long expressed concerns about the Western alliance moving closer to its border and sought security guarantees that Ukraine would never join NATO. A Sputnik NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Approving Strikes Deep Into Russia Will Make US Direct Participant in Conflict - Russian Deputy FM Sputnik News 20240925 UNITED NATIONS (Sputnik) - The United States and its allies will become direct participants in the conflict against Russia if they let Ukrainian forces strike deep into Russian territory with Western-supplied weapons, Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergey Vershinin told Sputnik. "We have already repeatedly given an assessment of this scenario. The assessment of this scenario was given by the president of Russia. It is clear that in this case it will be confirmed that the US and its allies are becoming direct participants in military actions against Russia, which is a nuclear power," Vershinin said on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly in New York. Russian President Vladimir Putin said earlier that NATO countries are not only discussing the possibility of letting Kiev use Western long-range weapons against Russia, but are essentially deciding whether to get directly involved in the Ukraine conflict. The direct participation of Western countries in the Ukraine conflict would change its essence, and Moscow would be forced to make decisions based on the threats that would be created against Russia, he added. A Sputnik NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Hungarian FM Calls Out Ukraine Peace Conference As 'More Propaganda' Without Russia at Table Sputnik News 20240925 UNITED NATIONS (Sputnik) - A conference on the Ukraine conflict can only bear fruit if Russia participates in it and if there is a compromise plan on the table to reach peace, Hungarian Foreign Minister Peter Szijjarto told RIA Novosti. "My position is that a peace conference can be effective or can make sense only if two preconditions are met. First, both parties of the war must be present at the table. Second, there must be a plan that can be discussed. As of now, I don't really see the appetite from those speaking about the peace conference to see both sides around the table," Szijjarto said in an interview. Szijjarto pointed out that the conference on Ukraine as discussed by some politicians appears to be "more about propaganda than substance." Szijjarto also said that Hungary will continue to look for solutions to the conflict in Ukraine and make peace proposals. "We have a very clear position on this war. It must come to an end immediately. A ceasefire must be established, and peace talks should be started. This is a very clear position of ours. So, therefore, we will continue to make peace initiatives," Szijjarto said. Hungary is pursuing this stance both at the United Nations and the European Union, the minister added. The minister added that he plans to meet with his new Ukrainian counterpart, Andrii Sybiha, on Monday in Budapest. He noted that the rights of the Hungarian minority in Ukraine have been seriously violated in the last nine years. Hungary wants to have good relations with all its neighbors, including Ukraine, the minister added. He highlighted that he is hopeful that steps will be taken at the UN General Assembly to deescalate tensions with respect to the conflicts in Ukraine and Gaza. "I hope that some steps towards de-risking, lowering the risk of escalation of the two most severe armed conflicts in the world can be made. Steps towards de-risking or the de-escalation of the war in Ukraine and the conflict in Gaza must be made," Szijjarto said. The global security situation is the worst it has been since the end of the Second World War, and steps must be taken to prevent further escalation of conflicts in Ukraine and Gaza, Szijjarto said, emphasizing that "steps towards de-risking or de-escalation must be made." The minister added that Hungary remains opposed to the idea of allowing Kiev to strike deep inside Russian territory with Western weapons as it can further escalate the situation. "If any step increases the risk of escalation, we are against it. When it comes to the question of using Western weapons against territories in Russia... there's no way to answer this other than to say: yes, it does increase the risk of escalation. Therefore, we definitely cannot support it," Szijjarto said. White House National Security Communications Adviser John Kirby said on Tuesday that Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and US President Joe Biden are going to discuss Kiev's request to lift restrictions on the use of US-supplied long-range weapons deep inside Russian territory. A Sputnik NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Russian Forces Strike Ukrainian Communication Center and Drone Production Sites Sputnik News 20240925 Units of Russia's Battlegroup Yug have also liberated the settlements of Ostroye and Grigorovka in the Donetsk People's Republic. Russian aviation, artillery, and drone units have struck a Ukrainian Armed Forces communication center, as well as drone production workshops and warehouses, the Russian Ministry of Defense has reported. "Operational-tactical aviation, unmanned aerial vehicles, rocket forces, and artillery units of the Russian Armed Forces struck the Ukrainian communication center, UAV production workshops, a drone warehouse, as well as concentrations of enemy personnel and military equipment in 153 areas," the ministry's report stated. Likewise, it informed that air defenses had shot down four French-made Hammer guided bombs, 14 US-made HIMARS rockets, Czech-made Vampire rockets, and 31 fixed-wing drones. Furthermore, as a result of decisive actions by units of the Yug Battlegroup, the settlements of Ostroye and Grigorovka in the Donetsk People's Republic have been liberated, the statement said. Other developments: Zapad Battlegroup - Defeated personnel and equipment of four Ukrainian brigades: the 14th, 28th, 116th Mechanized Brigades and the 115th Territorial Defense Brigade. - Gained more advantageous positions in Kupyansk, Boguslavkaya, Kolesnikovka, Kruglyakovka, and Lozovaya in the Kharkov region. - Repelled three counterattacks, causing up to 390 Ukrainian casualties. Vostok Battlegroup - Improved frontline positions and defeated formations of the 33rd Mechanized, 58th Motorized Infantry Brigades, and the 118th Territorial Defense Brigade near Novoukrainka, Zelenoye Pole, and Zolotaya Niva in the Donetsk People's Republic. - Repelled three counterattacks by the 72nd Mechanized Brigade and the 110th Territorial Defense Brigade. - Destroyed two foreign-made howitzers (British FH-70 and French Caesar). - Caused up to 135 Ukrainian casualties and destroyed three vehicles. Tsentr Battlegroup - Continued advancing into Ukrainian defenses, targeting the 23rd Mechanized, 116th and 118th Territorial Defense Brigades, and the 12th National Guard Brigade near Kleyban-Byk, Gornyak, Zoryanoye, and Shcherbinovka in the Donetsk People's Republic. - Repelled 10 counterattacks from various Ukrainian brigades, including airborne and mechanized units. - Caused up to 580 Ukrainian casualties and destroyed several pieces of equipment, including a combat armored vehicle, multiple artillery systems, and howitzers. A Sputnik NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address The Kremlin could never have envisaged how war in Ukraine is developing: UK statement to the OSCE UK military advisor, Nicholas Aucott, says the military situation is markedly different to what many expected two and a half years ago and this is a testament to the bravery and fortitude of the Ukrainian people. 25 September 2024 Thank you, Mr Chair. The present situation in the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine is one that the Kremlin could hardly have envisaged when it embarked on its devasting war of aggression. Russia boasted that Ukraine would be defeated in a three-day lightning war, yet today marks two years and 219 days of this conflict. Ukraine now controls Russian territory in the Kursk Oblast. This is the first time that Russian territory has been held since the Second World War. We should be clear: this is a direct consequence of Russia's illegal invasion and entirely consistent with Ukraine's right to self-defence. To try and tackle this situation of its own making, Russia has been launching 50% of its glide bombs at its own territory, and on the neighbouring Sumy region of Ukraine. Since we met last week, on the evening of 17-18 September Ukraine conducted a successful attack on the Toropets strategic ammunition depot. Renovated in 2018, this was one of Russia's largest strategic ammunition depots supporting Russia's operation in Ukraine and housing ammunition of varying calibres, including ammunition procured from the DPRK. The resulting explosion recorded 2.7 on the Richter scale, equivalent to a mild earthquake. It forced Russia to declare a state of emergency, with the resulting fires 6 km wide and detectable from space. This was followed on 21 September by additional successful strikes on depots again in Toropets, and in Tikhoretsk. These Ukrainian strikes mark significant strategic setbacks for the Kremlin. The level of losses accounts for months of Russian ammunition expenditure rates. Moreover, Russia continues its attacks on Ukrainian civilian and energy infrastructure in an attempt to try and break the will of the Ukrainian people. Strikes in Ukraine's central region of Poltava cut power to 20 settlements, whilst in Zaporizhzhia Oblast, an attack on Monday killed at least one person and injured seven, amongst them a 13 year old girl and a 15 year old boy. The military situation is markedly different to what many expected two and a half years ago and this is a testament to the bravery and fortitude of the Ukrainian people. But it is also critical that Ukraine continues to receive the support of allies and partners, diplomatically and militarily. The Kremlin would like to portray such support as a western conspiracy. But the reality is that the Russian state isolated itself from the moment it instigated an unprovoked, premeditated and barbaric attack against a sovereign democratic state. Furthermore, Russia has contravened international law and misled this Forum completely. The United Kingdom's support to Ukraine is ironclad. To date the UK's total military, economic and humanitarian support for Ukraine amounts to A12.8 billion, which includes A7.8 billion in military support. A3 billion in military aid has been pledged to Ukraine in 2024-25, a A700 million increase on 2023-24. The gap between Russia's expectation of a three-day operation and the 943-day reality continues to grow. The Russian state has a clear path to prevent this metric from diverging further. It must cease hostilities and withdraw from Ukraine's internationally recognised borders. The United Kingdom, alongside its partners, will continue in its enduring support for Ukraine's independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity. Thank you. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address There Can Be No Just Peace Without Ukraine - Speech of the President at the UN General Assembly President of Ukraine 25 September 2024 - 18:45 Dear leaders, Your excellencies, Today, I want to tell you about a day that has already passed, and a day that must never come. On the night of March 4th, 2022, I received one of the most terrifying reports since the beginning of a full-scale Russian invasion against Ukraine. The report was about Russian tanks firing directly at the buildings of our Ukrainian nuclear power plant. The Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant. The largest one in Europe. Six nuclear reactors. The Russian army stormed this facility just as brutally as any other during this war. Without thinking about the consequences. Possibly disastrous. This was one of the most horrifying moments of the war, when no one could know how Russian strikes on the nuclear facility would end, and everyone in Ukraine was reminded of what Chornobyl means. Now, the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant remains occupied by Russian forces. Unfortunately. And it's at risk of a nuclear incident. This is the major source of radiation danger in Europe, possibly in the world. That's why, in the Peace Formula I presented, the first point is about nuclear safety. In Ukraine, we know exactly what we're dealing with. And I want to thank you - the General Assembly members - for adopting a resolution in July this year on the safety of nuclear facilities in Ukraine. Most in the world understand - what's at stake. The General Assembly demanded that Russia return control of the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant to Ukraine. Only then real nuclear security will return to Europe and the world. And now about the day that must never come. Since Russia can't defeat our people's resistance on the battlefield, Putin is looking for other ways to break the Ukrainian spirit. One of his methods is targeting our energy infrastructure. These are deliberate Russian attacks on our power plants, and the entire energy grid. As of today, Russia has destroyed all our thermal power plants and a large part of our hydroelectric capacity. This is how Putin is preparing for winter - hoping to torment millions, millions of Ukrainians... Ordinary families - women, children... Ordinary towns, ordinary villages. Putin wants to leave them in the dark and cold this winter, forcing Ukraine to suffer and surrender. Just imagine, please, your country with 80 percent of its energy system gone - with such a destroyed part of the system. What kind of life would that be? Recently, I received yet another alarming report from our intelligence. Now, Putin does seem to be planning attacks on our nuclear power plants and their infrastructure, aiming to disconnect the plants from the power grid. With the help of satellites, by the way, ladies and gentlemen, by the way, satellites of other countries, Russia is getting images and detailed information about the infrastructure of our nuclear power plants. But what does this really threaten? Any missile or drone strike, any critical incident in the energy system, could lead to a nuclear disaster. A day like that must never come. And Moscow needs to understand this. And this depends, in part, on your determination to put pressure on the aggressor. These are nuclear power plants! They must be safe. Ladies and gentlemen! Two years ago, in the fall of 2022, I proposed a comprehensive strategy to end the war - and to ensure security. And I presented the Peace Formula at a highly inclusive political platform for world leaders - the G20 Summit in Indonesia - representing billions of citizens from all parts of the globe. And it's important for us that all these people can understand us - understand that Ukraine wants to end this war more than anyone in the world. War always poses a threat to many. You all see in the media and read in reports what is happening in Ukraine because of Russia's war - it's something, many are imagining happening to themselves. And, yes, the smoke from fires in war-torn cities can reach other countries. And if, God forbid, Russia causes a nuclear disaster at one of our nuclear power plants, radiation won't respect state borders, and unfortunately, various nations could feel the devastating effects. Many are concerned, but the deepest understanding of war is always found in the home it destroys. It is the Ukrainian people who feel the full pain of this war. It's Ukrainian children who are learning to distinguish the sounds of different types of artillery and drones because of Russia's war. It's our people who are forcefully separated by occupation because Putin decided he could do whatever he wants. It's our heroic soldiers who are giving their lives to defend our country from invaders trying to steal our land. That's why we say, rightfully so - there can be no just peace without Ukraine. And I thank every leader, every country that supports us in this, that understands us - that sees how Russia, a country more than twenty times larger than Ukraine in territory, still wants even more land, more land - which is insane - and is seizing it, day by day, while wanting to destroy its neighbor. And Russia found very special buddies for that - North Korea and Iran, a telling choice of friends. Now every neighbor of Russia in Europe and Central Asia feels that the war could come to them as well, and just think - what kind of losses that would mean for the world. And I thank nearly one hundred nations and international organizations that have supported the Peace Formula. It's truly a global community - Africa, Asia, Europe, Latin America, North America, the Pacific region - all united by the Peace Formula. And I'm glad that the first Peace Summit was so reminding of the UN General Assembly - everyone was equal. All nations that participated in the Peace Summit - large and small - no veto right, no blocking authority. Those that have been independent for ages, and those that have only recently gained independence. Those that have gone through wars themselves, and those accustomed to peace. All. All were equal - that is what Russia hates the most and cannot control, that's why Russia says the Peace Formula doesn't suit it. Here at the UN, I've already met with leaders from India and Guatemala, Japan and Italy, TArkiye and Finland, Canada and Paraguay, Slovenia, Germany and others. And my meetings will continue. These are different, absolutely, parts of the world and various political ways of life, but they share the same understanding - peace is needed, and it must be a real, just peace. Unfortunately, at the UN, it's impossible to truly and fairly resolve matters of war and peace because too much depends in the Security Council on the veto power. When the aggressor exercises veto power, the UN is powerless to stop the war. But the Peace Formula can - once again, there is no veto power in it. That's why it's the best opportunity for peace - everyone is equal, and it's effective and comprehensive. When some propose alternatives, half-hearted settlement plans - so-called 'sets of principles' - it not only ignores the interests and suffering of Ukrainians, who are affected by the war the most, it not only ignores reality, but also gives Putin the political space to continue the war and pressure the world to bring more nations under control. Any parallel or alternative attempts to seek peace are, in fact, efforts to achieve a lull instead of an end to the war, as a global initiative - the Peace Formula - has already existed for two years. And maybe somebody wants a Nobel Prize for their political biography for frozen truce instead of real peace, but the only prizes Putin will give you in return are more suffering and disasters. We must restore nuclear safety. Energy must stop being used as a weapon. We must ensure food security. We need to bring home all our captured soldiers and civilians forcibly deported to Russia. We must uphold the UN Charter and guarantee our right - Ukraine's right - to territorial integrity and sovereignty, just as we do for any other nation. We need to withdraw the Russian occupiers, which will bring an end to the hostilities in Ukraine. We must hold those responsible for war crimes accountable. We need to prevent ecocide and stop the destruction of nature caused by the war. And we must not allow a second or third phase of this Russian invasion. And we need to make it clear - the war is over. This is the Peace Formula. What part of this could be unacceptable to anyone who upholds the UN Charter? If someone in the world seeks alternatives to any of these points or tries to ignore any of them, it likely means they themselves want to do a part of what Putin is doing - the point they ignore reveals the desire they are hiding. And when the Chinese-Brazilian duo tries to grow into a choir of voices - with someone in Europe, with someone in Africa, saying something alternative to a full and just peace, the question arises - what is the true interest? Everyone must understand - you won't boost your power at Ukraine's expense. And the world has already been through colonial wars and conspiracies of great powers at the expense of those who are smaller. Every country - including China, Brazil, European nations, African nations, Middle East - all understand why this must remain in the past. And Ukrainians will never accept, will never accept why anyone in the world believes that such a brutal colonial past, which suits no one today, can be imposed on Ukraine now instead of a normal, peaceful life. I want peace for my people - real peace and just peace. And I'm asking for your support - from all nations of the world. We do not divide the world. I ask the same of you - do not divide the world. Be united Nations, and that will bring us peace. Thank you. Glory to Ukraine! NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address The President: Putin Does Seem to Be Planning Attacks on Our Nuclear Power Plants and Their Infrastructure President of Ukraine 25 September 2024 - 19:41 Any missile or drone strike, any critical incident in the energy system of Ukraine, could lead to a nuclear disaster. This was stated by President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in his speech at the UN General Assembly. The Head of State thanked the members of the General Assembly for adopting a resolution on the safety of nuclear facilities in Ukraine this July. "Most in the world understand - what's at stake. The General Assembly demanded that Russia return control of the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant to Ukraine. Only then real nuclear security will return to Europe and the world," the President said. Volodymyr Zelenskyy noted that Russia is targeting Ukrainian power plants and the entire energy grid. The aggressor state has already destroyed all thermal power plants and a significant part of Ukraine's hydroelectric capacity. "Recently, I received yet another alarming report from our intelligence. Now, Putin does seem to be planning attacks on our nuclear power plants and their infrastructure, aiming to disconnect the plants from the power grid. With the help of satellites, by the way, of other countries, Russia is getting images and detailed information about the infrastructure of our nuclear power plants," he noted. This can lead to a nuclear disaster, and Russia will understand this only through the determination and pressure of the world. The President urged everyone to unite and support the Peace Formula, where the issue of nuclear safety is the first point. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Only the Unity of World Leaders Can Force Putin to Stop the War - Volodymyr Zelenskyy at the Meeting with Cyril Ramaphosa President of Ukraine 25 September 2024 - 21:11 Only the Unity of World Leaders Can Force Putin to Stop the War - Volodymyr Zelenskyy at the Meeting with Cyril Ramaphosa The President of Ukraine, Volodymyr Zelenskyy, met with the President of the Republic of South Africa, Cyril Ramaphosa. "We are very interested in developing relations between our countries. I want to thank you for your support during our Peace Summit in Switzerland. Thank you for your representatives, and we want to count on your constant support," the Ukrainian leader said. The President of Ukraine emphasized that only the unity of world leaders can force Putin to stop the war, and called all peace proposals based on its freezing unpromising. Volodymyr Zelenskyy spoke about the implementation of the decisions of the first Peace Summit, in particular, the work based on individual points of the Peace Formula, and preparations for the second Summit, he also invited Cyril Ramaphosa to take part in it. The two sides separately discussed ways to expand the representation of the Global South. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Ukraine and Panama Will Develop Cooperation in Agriculture President of Ukraine 25 September 2024 - 19:13 In New York, President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy met with President of Panama JosA Mulino. The Ukrainian leader thanked Panama for its support of Ukraine's sovereignty and territorial integrity, as well as for signing the Joint CommuniquA following the Peace Summit. "I thank your country, your people for supporting us. We have indeed heard the loud voice of your country now. We really feel it. This is very important for us, for our people," Volodymyr Zelenskyy said. The meeting focused on implementing the Peace Formula, strengthening cooperation within the UN Security Council, developing bilateral relations, and conditions for achieving a sustainable and just peace in Ukraine. Ukraine and Panama agreed to expand cooperation in agriculture and other areas. In addition, Panama will become a non-permanent member of the UN Security Council on January 1. JosA Mulino noted that he will try to support Ukraine on this platform in every possible way. Volodymyr Zelenskyy informed about the plans to open an embassy in Panama next year and invited JosA Mulino to come to Ukraine on a visit. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Volodymyr Zelenskyy Met with Jens Stoltenberg President of Ukraine 25 September 2024 - 12:11 President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy held a meeting with NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg in New York. The Head of State praised the significant long-term efforts to support Ukraine during Jens Stoltenberg's tenure as NATO Secretary General. "Thank you very much for your support. Your team worked hard together, and I think we have achieved a lot of various, very important results, especially during the war. You - as well as some other allies - helped to unite the world, including defense ministers, in helping Ukraine, in strengthening our army," the President said. He also thanked for the last two NATO Summits, which brought Ukraine closer to the Alliance. Volodymyr Zelenskyy emphasized the importance of timely implementation of all the agreements reached at the NATO Washington Summit. In particular, for member states to realize their commitments on the allocation of 40 billion euros for the next year. Among the main topics of discussion were the need to enhance Ukraine's air defense, including the expedited delivery of additional systems, and the continued efforts on an invitation for Ukraine to join NATO as soon as possible. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Ukraine and Vietnam Will Work to Expand Trade President of Ukraine 25 September 2024 - 11:32 President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy met with President of Vietnam TA LAm in New York. The Ukrainian leader stated that Ukrainians need the voice of Vietnam to restore a just peace. The meeting focused on the development of bilateral relations and the expansion of trade, particularly in the agricultural sector. TA LAm noted that trade with Ukraine slowed down in 2022, but last year it started to grow again gradually. He suggested that both states work to expand it in various areas. "If the President wants and gives the appropriate impetus, I think it would be good for our teams, the Ministries, to work together and see what can be done to expand trade between our states," Volodymyr Zelenskyy said. He invited Vietnam to sign the Joint CommuniquA of the Peace Summit, and to join the work on the three points of the Peace Formula addressed at the first Summit, as well as to visit Ukraine. The Head of State thanked Vietnam for providing USD 500,000 through international humanitarian organizations and willingness to contribute to Ukraine's post-war reconstruction. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Military Support and Return of Deported Ukrainian Children: President Held a Meeting with Justin Trudeau President of Ukraine 25 September 2024 - 11:21 In New York, President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy met with Prime Minister of Canada Justin Trudeau, and discussed with him the implementation of the Peace Formula and all the agreements reached at the first Peace Summit. The Head of State presented Justin Trudeau with the Order of Freedom and thanked him for military assistance packages, humanitarian support, participation in the first Peace Summit and efforts to bring home Ukrainian children deported by Russia. "I am very grateful to you, to your Government, for standing with us during the war and for continuing to do so after the war, after our victory. It is very important that the Canadian people stay with Ukrainians in the restoration and reconstruction of our country," the President said. During the meeting, Volodymyr Zelenskyy described the situation on the battlefield and the needs of Ukrainian defenders, and also stressed the importance of maintaining this year's level of military assistance in the Canadian budget. The implementation of the Peace Formula was one of the main topics of the talks. In October, Canada will host a thematic conference on the release of all imprisoned and deported Ukrainians. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Strengthening Trade and Economic Cooperation and Rebuilding Ukraine: Volodymyr Zelenskyy Met with the President of TArkiye President of Ukraine 25 September 2024 - 04:11 President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy held a meeting with President of TArkiye Recep Tayyip ErdoAYan. Special attention was given to enhancing bilateral trade, economic, and investment cooperation, as well as involving TArkiye and Turkish companies in the reconstruction of Ukraine. The leaders discussed the implementation of the Peace Formula in detail, emphasizing the importance of ensuring freedom of navigation in the Black Sea and TArkiye's key role in implementing the relevant point of the Formula related to food security. Volodymyr Zelenskyy invited Recep Tayyip ErdoAYan to visit Ukraine. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Volodymyr Zelenskyy Met with the Prime Minister of Slovenia President of Ukraine 25 September 2024 - 02:30 In New York, President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy met with Prime Minister of Slovenia Robert Golob. The President thanked for the defense support and the concluded bilateral security agreement, emphasizing the importance of its practical implementation. He expressed hope for fruitful cooperation with the new European Commission, where a Slovenian representative has taken up the position of Commissioner for Enlargement. During the meeting, the leaders discussed the implementation of the Peace Formula and the participation of Slovenian representatives in thematic conferences on specific points of the Formula. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Zelenskyy tells UN other nations won't impose their will on Ukraine By VOA News September 25, 2024 Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy told the U.N. General Assembly on Wednesday that his country would never accept a deal imposed on it by other countries to end Russia's 31-month invasion, questioning the motives of China and Brazil in pushing for talks with Moscow. Instead, Zelenskyy called for adoption of his two-year-old proposal to restore internationally recognized boundaries between Russia and neighboring Ukraine before Moscow unilaterally seized the counntry's Crimean Peninsula in 2014 and then invaded Ukraine in February 2022. Moscow now controls about a fifth of Ukrainian territory. "We must uphold the U.N. Charter and guarantee our right a Ukraine's right a to territorial integrity and sovereignty, just as we do for any other nation," Zelenskyy said. "We need to withdraw the Russian occupying forces, which will bring an end to the hostilities in Ukraine." "Ukrainians will never accept a will never accept a why anyone in the world believes that such a brutal colonial past, which suits no one today, can be imposed on Ukraine now," he told the 193-member Assembly. "When the Chinese-Brazilian duo tries to grow into a choir of voices a with someone in Europe, with someone in Africa a saying something alternative to a full and just peace, the question arises, what is the true interest?" he said, appearing to allude to developing nations where Russian propaganda has proven effective. "Everyone must understand a you won't boost your power at Ukraine's expense," Zelenskyy said. "The world has already been through colonial wars and conspiracies of great powers at the expense of those who are smaller." Every nation, Zelenskyy added, "including China, Brazil, European nations, African nations, and Middle East, all understand why this must remain in the past. And Ukrainians will never accept why anyone in the world believes that such a brutal colonial past, which suits no one today, can be imposed on Ukraine now instead of a normal, peaceful life." Since Russia "can't defeat our people's resistance on the battlefield," he said, Russian President Vladimir Putin is seeking "other ways to break the Ukrainian spirit." "One of his methods is targeting our energy infrastructure," the Ukrainian leader said. "These are deliberate Russian attacks on our power plants, and the entire energy grid. As of today, Russia has destroyed all our thermal power plants and a large part of our hydroelectric capacity. This is how Putin is preparing for winter a hoping to torment millions of Ukrainians." Zelenskyy's address before the annual meeting in New York came a day after he told the U.N. Security Council that Putin will not stop hostilities on his own and "can only be forced into peace." At the same meeting, U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken urged nations to support Ukraine, saying it is fighting for its survival. "If countries stopped supporting Russia, Putin's invasion would soon come to an end," he said. "If countries stopped supporting Ukraine, Ukraine could soon come to an end." Russia's envoy dismissed Blinken's fears for Ukraine. "It's not threatened with anything. We are not fighting against it," Ambassador Vassily Nebenzia said of Ukraine. "We are fighting against a criminal regime which seized power in Kyiv and is bringing its people towards catastrophe. And this is not a war for territory, regardless of the claims of our foes. This is a struggle for acknowledgment of people's rights." The General Assembly meeting is also hearing other leaders on Wednesday, including French President Emmanuel Macron, Ghana's President Nana Akufo-Addo, Spain's Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez, Senegal's President Bassirou Diomaye Faye, Ecuador's President Daniel Noboa and Marshall Islands President Hilda Heine. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address VANCOUVER, British Columbia, Sept. 25, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Mirasol Resources Ltd. (TSX-V: MRZ) (OTC: MRZLF) (the Company or Mirasol) today announced it is arranging a non-brokered private placement financing (the Offering) of up to 666,667 Units (the Units) at a price of $0.45 per Unit for aggregate gross proceeds of $3.0 million. Each Unit will be comprised of one (1) common share and one-half of one (1/2) non-transferable common share purchase warrant (the Warrant), with each whole Warrant entitling the holder to purchase one additional common share at a price of $0.60 for a period of twelve (12) months from closing of the Offering. The net proceeds of the Offering will be used to expand Mirasols successful exploration programs and for general corporate purposes. Finders fees may be payable on a portion of the Offering. The shares issued under the Offering will be subject to a four month hold period. The Offering is subject to customary closing conditions, including approval from the TSX.V, and is expected to close on or about October 25, 2024. This press release is not an offer of common shares for sale in the United States. The Shares have not been and will not be registered under the U.S. Securities Act, or any state securities laws. About Mirasol Resources Ltd Mirasol is a well-funded exploration company with 20 years of operating, permitting and community relations experience in the mineral rich regions of Chile and Argentina. Mirasol is currently self-funding exploration at the flagship Sobek Copper-Gold project located in the Vicuna Copper-Gold-Silver District of northeast Chile and controls 100% of the high-grade Virginia Silver Deposit in Argentina. Mirasol also continues to advance a strong pipeline of highly prospective early and mid-stage projects. For further information, contact: Tim Heenan, President & CEO or Troy Shultz, Vice President Investor Relations Tel: +1 (604) 602-9989 Email: troy.shultz@mirasolresources.com Website: www.mirasolresources.com Forward Looking Statements: The information in this news release contains forward-looking statements that are subject to a number of known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause actual results to differ materially from those anticipated in our forward-looking statements. Factors that could cause such differences include: changes in world commodity markets, equity markets, costs and supply of materials relevant to the mining industry, change in government and changes to regulations affecting the mining industry and to policies linked to pandemics, social and environmental related matters. Forward-looking statements in this release include statements regarding future exploration programs, operation plans, geological interpretations, mineral tenure issues and mineral recovery processes. Although we believe the expectations reflected in our forward-looking statements are reasonable, results may vary, and we cannot guarantee future results, levels of activity, performance or achievements. Mirasol disclaims any obligations to update or revise any forward-looking statements whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as may be required by applicable law. Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. NOT FOR DISTRIBUTION TO U.S. NEWS WIRE SERVICES OR DISSEMINATION IN THE UNITED STATES. VANCOUVER, British Columbia, Sept. 25, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Westhaven Gold Corp. (TSX-V:WHN) (Westhaven or the Company) is pleased to announce that the Company has entered into an agreement with Red Cloud Securities Inc. (the Agent) to act as sole agent and bookrunner in connection with a best efforts, private placement (the "Marketed Offering") for aggregate gross proceeds of up to C$5,000,000 from the sale of the following: 10,000,000 units of the Company (each, a Unit ) at a price of C$0.15 per Unit for gross proceeds of up to C$1,500,000 from the sale of Units; and ) at a price of C$0.15 per Unit for gross proceeds of up to C$1,500,000 from the sale of Units; and gross proceeds of up to C$3,500,000 from the sale of any combination of (i) common shares of the Company that will quality as flow-through shares within the meaning of subsection 66(15) of the Income Tax Act (Canada) (each, a Traditional FT Share) at a price of C$0.175 per Traditional FT Share and (ii) flow-through units of the Company to be sold to charitable purchasers (each, a Charity FT Unit, and collectively with the Units and Traditional FT Shares, the Offered Securities) at a price of C$0.22 per Charity FT Unit. Each Unit will consist of one common share of the Company (each, a Unit Share) and one half of one common share purchase warrant (each whole warrant, a Warrant). Each Charity FT Unit will consist of one Traditional FT Share and one half of one Warrant. Each Warrant shall entitle the holder to purchase one common share of the Company (each, a Warrant Share) at a price of C$0.22 at any time on or before that date which is 24 months after the closing date of the Offering (as defined below). The Agent will have an option, exercisable in full or in part, up to 48 hours prior to the closing of the Offering, to sell up to an additional C$1,000,000 in any combination of Units, Traditional FT Shares and Charity FT Units at their respective offering prices (the Agents Option and together with the Marketed Offering, the Offering). Subject to compliance with applicable regulatory requirements and in accordance with National Instrument 45-106 Prospectus Exemptions (NI 45-106), those Units, Traditional FT Shares and Charity FT Units representing gross proceeds of up to C$5,000,000 (the LIFE Securities) will be offered for sale to purchasers in the provinces of Alberta, British Columbia, Manitoba, Ontario and Saskatchewan (the Canadian Selling Jurisdictions) pursuant to the listed issuer financing exemption under Part 5A of NI 45-106 (the Listed Issuer Financing Exemption). The Unit Shares, Traditional FT Shares, Warrants and Warrant Shares issuable pursuant to the sale of the LIFE Securities are expected to be immediately freely tradeable under applicable Canadian securities legislation if sold to purchasers resident in Canada. The Units may also be sold in offshore jurisdictions and in the United States on a private placement basis pursuant to one or more exemptions from the registration requirements of the United States Securities Act of 1933 (the "U.S. Securities Act"), as amended. Any Units and Charity FT Units sold in excess of gross proceeds of C$5,000,000 as well as the Traditional FT Shares (collectively, the Non-LIFE Securities) will be offered by way of the accredited investor and minimum amount investment exemptions under NI 45-106 in the Canadian Selling Jurisdictions, or in the case of the Units, also in offshore jurisdictions and the United States on a private placement basis pursuant to one or more exemptions from the registration requirements of the U.S. Securities Act. The Unit Shares, Traditional FT Shares, Warrants and Warrant Shares issuable from the sale of Non-LIFE Securities will be subject to a hold period ending on the date that is four months plus one day following the closing date of the Offering under applicable Canadian securities laws. The Company intends to use the net proceeds from the sale of Units for working capital and general corporate purposes. The gross proceeds from the issuance of the Traditional FT Shares and the Charity FT Units will be used for Canadian exploration expenses on the Companys mineral projects in British Columbia and will qualify as flow-through mining expenditures, as defined in subsection 127(9) of the Income Tax Act (Canada) (the Qualifying Expenditures), which will be incurred on or before December 31, 2025 and renounced to the subscribers with an effective date no later than December 31, 2024 in an aggregate amount not less than the gross proceeds raised from the issue of the Traditional FT Shares and Charity FT Units. The Offering is scheduled to close on or around October 15, 2024, or such other date as the Company and the Agent may agree, and is subject to certain conditions including, but not limited to, receipt of all necessary approvals including the approval of the TSX Venture Exchange. The Company will pay to the Agent a cash commission of 6% of the gross proceeds raised in respect of the Offering (the Agents Commission). In addition, the Company will issue to the Agent warrants of the Company (each warrant, a Broker Warrant), exercisable for a period of 24 months following the Closing Date, to acquire in aggregate that number of common shares of the Company which is equal to 6% of the number of Offered Securities sold under the Offering at an exercise price equal to C$0.15 per Common Share. There is an offering document related to the Offering that can be accessed under the Companys profile at www.sedarplus.ca and on the Companys website at www.westhavengold.com. Prospective investors should read this offering document before making an investment decision. To the extent that any directors and/or officers the Company participate in the Offering, such participation will constitute a "related party transaction" within the meaning of Multilateral Instrument 61-101 - Protection of Minority Security Holders in Special Transactions ("MI 61-101"). The Company expects any participation by directors and officers in the Offering will be exempt from the formal valuation and minority shareholder approval requirements of MI 61-101 pursuant to sections 5.5(a) and 5.7(1)(a) of MI 61-101 based on the fact that neither the fair market value of the Units, Traditional FT Shares or Charity FT Units subscribed for by directors and officers, nor the consideration for such securities to be paid by them, will exceed 25% of the Company's market capitalization. The securities offered have not been, nor will they be, registered under the U.S. Securities Act, as amended, or any state securities law, and may not be offered, sold or delivered, directly or indirectly, within the United States, or to or for the account or benefit of U.S. persons, absent registration or an exemption from such registration requirements. This news release does not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy nor shall there be any sale of securities in any state in the United States in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful. On behalf of the Board of Directors WESTHAVEN GOLD CORP. Gareth Thomas Gareth Thomas, President, CEO & Director Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. About Westhaven Gold Corp. Westhaven is a gold-focused exploration company advancing the high-grade discovery on the Shovelnose project in Canadas newest gold district, the Spences Bridge Gold Belt. Westhaven controls 60,950 hectares (609.5 square kilometres) with four gold properties spread along this underexplored belt. The Shovelnose property is situated off a major highway, near power, rail, large producing mines, and within commuting distance from the city of Merritt, which translates into low-cost exploration. Westhaven trades on the TSX Venture Exchange under the ticker symbol WHN. For further information, please call 604-681-5558 or visit Westhavens website at www.westhavengold.com Forward Looking Statements: This press release contains "forward-looking information" within the meaning of applicable Canadian and United States securities laws, which is based upon the Company's current internal expectations, estimates, projections, assumptions and beliefs. The forward-looking information included in this press release are made only as of the date of this press release. Such forward-looking statements and forward-looking information include, but are not limited to, statements concerning the Company's expectations with respect to the Offering; the use of proceeds of the Offering; completion of the Offering and the date of such completion. Forward-looking statements or forward-looking information relate to future events and future performance and include statements regarding the expectations and beliefs of management based on information currently available to the Company. Such forward-looking statements and forward-looking information often, but not always, can be identified by the use of words such as "plans", "expects", "potential", "is expected", "anticipated", "is targeted", "budget", "scheduled", "estimates", "forecasts", "intends", "anticipates", or "believes" or the negatives thereof or variations of such words and phrases or statements that certain actions, events or results "may", "could", "would", "might" or "will" be taken, occur or be achieved. Forward-looking information involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause the actual results, performance, or achievements of the Company to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements. Such risks and other factors include, among others, and without limitation: that the Offering may not close within the timeframe anticipated or at all or may not close on the terms and conditions currently anticipated by the Company for a number of reasons including, without limitation, as a result of the occurrence of a material adverse change, disaster, change of law or other failure to satisfy the conditions to closing of the Offering; the Company will not be able to raise sufficient funds to complete its planned exploration program; that the Company will not derive the expected benefits from its current program; the Company may not use the proceeds of the Offering as currently contemplated; the Company may fail to find a commercially viable deposit at any of its mineral properties; the Companys plans may be adversely affected by the Companys reliance on historical data compiled by previous parties involved with its mineral properties; mineral exploration and development are inherently risky industries; the mineral exploration industry is intensely competitive; additional financing may not be available to the Company when required or, if available, the terms of such financing may not be favourable to the Company; fluctuations in the demand for gold or gold prices generally; the Company may not be able to identify, negotiate or finance any future acquisitions successfully, or to integrate such acquisitions with its current business; the Companys exploration activities are dependent upon the grant of appropriate licenses, concessions, leases, permits and regulatory consents, which may be withdrawn or not granted; the Companys operations could be adversely affected by possible future government legislation, policies and controls or by changes in applicable laws and regulations; there is no guarantee that title to the properties in which the Company has a material interest will not be challenged or impugned; the Company faces various risks associated with mining exploration that are not insurable or may be the subject of insurance which is not commercially feasible for the Company; the volatility of global capital markets over the past several years has generally made the raising of capital more difficult; inflationary cost pressures may escalate the Companys operating costs; compliance with environmental regulations can be costly; social and environmental activism can negatively impact exploration, development and mining activities; the success of the Company is largely dependent on the performance of its directors and officers; the Companys operations may be adversely affected by First Nations land claims; the Company and/or its directors and officers may be subject to a variety of legal proceedings, the results of which may have a material adverse effect on the Companys business; the Company may be adversely affected if potential conflicts of interests involving its directors and officers are not resolved in favour of the Company; the Companys future profitability may depend upon the world market prices of gold; dilution from future equity financing could negatively impact holders of the Companys securities; failure to adequately meet infrastructure requirements could have a material adverse effect on the Companys business; the Companys projects now or in the future may be adversely affected by risks outside the control of the Company; the Company is subject to various risks associated with climate change, the Company is subject to general global risks arising from epidemic diseases, the ongoing conflicts in Ukraine and the Middle East, rising inflation and interest rates and the impact they will have on the Companys operations, supply chains, ability to access mining projects or procure equipment, supplies, contractors and other personnel on a timely basis or at all is uncertain; as well as other risk factors in the Companys other public filings available at www.sedarplus.ca. Readers are cautioned that this list of risk factors should not be construed as exhaustive. Although the Company believes that the expectations reflected in the forward-looking information are reasonable, there can be no assurance that such expectations will prove to be correct. The Company cannot guarantee future results, performance, or achievements. Consequently, there is no representation that the actual results achieved will be the same, in whole or in part, as those set out in the forward-looking information. The Company undertakes no duty to update any of the forward-looking information to conform such information to actual results or to changes in the Companys expectations, except as otherwise required by applicable securities legislation. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward-looking information. The forward-looking information contained in this offering document is expressly qualified by this cautionary statement. Grand Cayman, Cayman Islands , Sept. 25, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Caymanian Entrepreneur and Director of Miss World Cayman Islands, Pamela Ebanks-Small is flipping the narrative. This is a unique opportunity for local and global businesses to be part of an empowering movement, one that redefines beauty and promotes leadership and community impact. As the Minister of Tourism & Ports, I am honored to be a major sponsor for this upcoming event.- Hon. Kenneth V. Bryan, MP, Minister of Tourism & Ports. The upcoming Miss World Cayman Islands pageant is set to break the mold, redefining what it means to be a beauty queen. On October 26, 2024, at the ARC Camana Bay, the organization will host Miss World Cayman Islands. The outgoing Miss World Cayman Islands Leanni Tibbetts will crown the winner of 2024-2025. These women represent not only grace and beauty but also a deep commitment to their communities, careers, and global impact. - Pamela Ebanks-Small, Director of Miss World Cayman Islands Hon. Kenneth V. Bryan, MP, Minister of Tourism & Ports, Major Sponsor of the Miss World Cayman Islands Organization Pamela Ebanks-Small, Director of Miss World Cayman Islands and former Miss Cayman Islands, has made it her mission to show that pageantry goes far beyond outward appearances. "This is about more than just a crown," she emphasizes. "Its about empowering young women to pursue their dreams, serve their communities, and use their platforms for meaningful change. We want to challenge the outdated notion that beauty is just skin deep. Our contestants are purpose-driven leaders, each with a unique story and vision for the future." Pamela Ebanks-Small, Director of Miss World Cayman Islands A New Chapter for Cayman Islands Queens In addition to crowning the Miss World Cayman 2024-2025, for the first time, the Miss World Cayman Islands pageant organization will feature Miss Supranational 2024-2025. These two beauty pageants will represent the Cayman Islands on the international stage. This milestone highlights the growth of the organization, which began in 2017 under Ebanks-Smalls leadership. The franchise has since expanded to include Miss Supranational Cayman and Miss Teen World adding to the depth and diversity of opportunities for young Caymanian women. Miss World Cayman Islands is more than just a beauty competition; its a not-for-profit organization aimed at creating leaders who can inspire change. Ebanks-Smalls vision is clear: "We want to change how pageantry is perceived, not just locally but globally. Our contestants are scholars, entrepreneurs, activists, and professionals, each with the power to inspire their peers and future generations." This years contestants reflect a diverse array of passions, talents, and ambitions. These young women are not only intelligent and driven but are also deeply committed to making an impact on their communities. -- Contestant #1: Jada Ramoon (26) from Bodden Town Jada is an administrative professional at the Cayman Islands National Attractions Authority (CINAA) and is working toward completing her degree in Business Administration with a focus on Marketing. She also expanded her expertise by completing a non-credit course in Copyright Law through the University of Pennsylvania. Contestant #1 - Jada Ramoon -- Contestant #2: Linda Nahomi Duarte Rodriguez (23) from Cayman Brac Linda holds a Bachelors Degree in Science and Arts from Honduras and is currently pursuing an Associate Degree in Business Administration at UCCI. She also serves as a dedicated Customer Service Representative at the Cayman Brac branch of Cayman National Bank, bringing her passion for helping others to her community every day. Contestant #2 - Linda Nahomi Duarte Rodriguez -- Contestant #3: Estefania (Steff) McDermot (23) from Cayman Brac Steff is the owner and operator of a yacht lifestyle company, At Sea, and is also the project manager for a Virtual Reality Mangrove Experience with Sustainable Cayman. A maverick conservationist and entrepreneur, Steff is redefining environmental conservation. Contestant #3 - Estefania (Steff) McDermot -- Contestant #4: Angelina Brown (23) from West Bay Angelinas career spans customer service, the tourism industry, and administrative services. Her dedication to delivering exceptional service shines through in everything she does. Contestant #4 - Angelina Brown -- Contestant #5: Hailey Myles (25) from George Town A professional pastry chef, Hailey holds dual Bachelor of Science degrees in Baking and Pastry Arts as well as Food Science. She brings her expertise and creativity to every unique dessert she creates. Contestant #5 - Hailey Myles -- Contestant #6: Erica-Simone Powell (23) from Bodden Town Erica-Simone is a retail professional and Sunday School teacher pursuing a degree in Primary Education with a concentration in English literature. Her passion for teaching and literature is evident in her volunteer work and academic pursuits. Contestants #6 - Erica-Simone Powell -- Contestant #7: Ashley Lisayda Swaby (20) from West Bay A Certified Healthcare Assistant, Ashley has three years of experience working across more than seven departments in the medical field. Her dedication to healthcare and her community is her driving force. Contestant #7 - Ashley Lisayda Swaby -- Contestant #8: Latecia Bush (22) from George Town Latecia holds an associate degree in Social Sciences from UCCI and is pursuing her dream of becoming a lawyer. She also has aspirations to run for public office one day. Contestant #8 - Latecia Bush -- Contestant #9: Tracey Campbell (19) from Bodden Town Tracey is currently pursuing a bachelors degree in Business Administration with aspirations of becoming a successful realtor. She also works part-time at Caymans first female-only gym, FitBabe. Contestant #9 - Tracey Campbell A Call for Sponsors with Purpose Ebanks-Small is calling on sponsors who align with this broader vision. "We want partners who see the value in supporting not just a beauty pageant but a movement for young women to lead with purpose and integrity," she said. "This is a chance for businesses to associate with a cause thats about more than appearancesits about empowering the next generation of Caymanian leaders." In a world where beauty pageants often face criticism, especially in religious and conservative communities, the Miss World Cayman Islands organization is flipping the narrative. With the support of major sponsors like the Ministry of Tourism, the Ministry of Education, and F45 Training, the organization is proving that beauty can indeed have a purpose. Empowering Beauty with Purpose: Miss World Cayman Teams Up with KISS PR Digital, a Global Leader in PR, SEO, and Branding, to Champion Leadership and Community Impact Miss World Cayman is offering a unique opportunity for local and global businesses to join an empowering movement that redefines beauty by focusing on leadership and community impact. To support this initiative, Miss World Cayman has partnered with KISS PR Brand Story Public Relations, led by Qamar Zaman, a member of the Forbes Influencer Council, to build a powerful brand presence and promote this impactful cause. KISS PR is a leading PR company amplifies content for top organizations, including Manganese X Energy Corp. (TSXV: MN) (FSE: 9SC) (TRADEGATE: 9SC) (OTCQB: MNXXF) and the Cayman Islands Department of Economics. KISS PR has helped over 130,000 small businesses globally achieve media exposure and brand growth. Join Us at the Grand Event The Miss World Cayman Islands and Miss Supranational Cayman pageant, alongside the inaugural Miss Teen World Cayman pageant, will take place on October 26, 2024, at the ARC Camana Bay. Tickets are available at ticketsplus.ky or through contestants and committee members. For Pamela Ebanks-Small and the entire Miss World Cayman Islands organization, this is about celebrating the holistic beauty of Caymanian womenmind, body, and spirit. As Ebanks-Small says, "These young women are not just beautiful; they are driven, intelligent, and ready to make a difference." For Media Inquiries: Cayman Islands: Pamela Ebanks-Small, Director Miss World Cayman Islands +1(345)938-0009 Global Media Inquiries: Jaci Patrick T: 1-305-988-8664 BANGALORE, India, Sept. 25, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Preqin, the global leader in alternative assets data, tools, and insights, recently published its Preqin Territory Guide: Private Capital in India 2024 report. It covers private capital* growth in India, assets under management (AUM), deals volume and value, and fundraising data. Private debt fastest growing private capital asset class in India as businesses need more flexible financing options As Indias economy grows, many of its fast-growing mid-sized businesses need more flexible financing solutions. This has been influential in making private debt the fastest growing private capital asset class in India. India-focused private debt AUM grew from just below $14bn by the end of 2022 to near $18bn by the end of 2023 a rise of 29%**. Notably, Preqin data shows that India is now a regional leader in private debt, with AUM higher than each individual market in the Asia-Pacific (APAC) region. Alongside the need for flexible financing, the introduction of regulatory reforms such as the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code by the Indian government has also increased investor confidence in the private debt market. Venture capital and private equity buoyed by Indian economy and equity markets Venture capital is the largest private capital asset class in India due to the countrys strong economic growth and increasingly wealthy, young demographic. At the end of 2023, India-focused venture capital AUM was almost $45bn and accounted for 36% of all India-focused private capital AUM. India-focused venture capital deal volume and value were 961 and close to $14bn in 2023, respectively, while in 2024 to June, deal volume and value were 560 and nearly $6bn, respectively. Moreover, aggregate venture capital fundraising is on track to match 2023 levels, from $2bn in 2023, to $1bn by June 2024. India-focused private equity remains resilient in a softer global deal market, largely due to Indias public markets outperforming most major economies in recent years. Preqin data shows that exit volumes were 85 in 2023 and 46 in 2024 to June. Aggregate fundraising in 2024 is on course to surpass 2023, with over $1bn raised by June 2024, compared to just below $2bn in 2023. Harsha Narayan, lead author of the report, says: India's economy is experiencing rapid growth, fueled by strong GDP expansion, favorable demographics, large-scale infrastructure investment, and economic reforms. As a result, Preqin is seeing increasing numbers of eager global private capital players participating in this market, as India-focused private capital assets under management grows at a significant pace. Additional key findings include: Infrastructure deals in India: India-focused infrastructure deal volume and value was supported by government spending in this area, with its 2024 budget targeting capital expenditure of $133bn. There were 92 deals, aggregately worth over $14bn, in 2023. Preqin figures show that there were 77 deals, with an aggregate value of $9.5bn, by June 2024. India-focused infrastructure deal volume and value was supported by government spending in this area, with its 2024 budget targeting capital expenditure of $133bn. There were 92 deals, aggregately worth over $14bn, in 2023. Preqin figures show that there were 77 deals, with an aggregate value of $9.5bn, by June 2024. India-focused infrastructure AUM growth: India-focused infrastructure AUM grew from over $8bn by 2022-end to almost $9bn by 2023-end. India-focused infrastructure AUM grew from over $8bn by 2022-end to almost $9bn by 2023-end. India-focused real estate: By the end of 2023, India accounted for 8% of real estate funds APAC-focused AUM. India-focused real estate AUM grew from over $20bn at the end of 2022 to over $21bn by the end of 2023. Notes to editor: *The report covers the five key private capital asset classes: private equity, venture capital, private debt, real estate, and infrastructure. **Preqin has a six-month lag in its AUM analysis to ensure it has a complete dataset as possible when calculating values. If you would like more information or would like to speak with the report author, please contact Oliver Keyser at oliver.keyser@preqin.com. About Preqin Preqin, the Home of Alternatives, empowers financial professionals who invest in or allocate to alternatives with essential data and insight to make confident decisions. It supports them throughout the entire investment lifecycle with critical information and leading analytics solutions. The company has pioneered rigorous methods of collecting private data for over 20 years, enabling more than 200,000 professionals globally to streamline how they raise capital, source deals and investments, understand performance, and stay informed. For more information visit www.preqin.com. Austin, Sept. 26, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The Methanol Market Share was valued at USD 33.7 billion in 2023 and is expected to reach USD 54.5 billion by 2032 and grow at a CAGR of 5.5% over the forecast period 2024-2032. The global methanol market is quite vibrant in terms of rising demand coming in from multiple end-user industries including automotive, energy, chemicals, and pharmaceutical. Methanol represents a very basic alcohol but plays a pivotal role as feedstock for producing formaldehyde, acetic acid, and a wide range of derivatives across petrochemicals. Increased demand for energy resources has led to higher applications of the use of methanol in energy applications, especially as a fuel and fuel additive. There is an increasing demand with the march of methanol-powered vehicles and further integration of methanol with fuel cells. Book Your Sample PDF for Methanol Market Report @ https://www.snsinsider.com/sample-request/2011 The rising applications of methanol in the manufacture of biodiesel mainly contributed to the growth in the market because of the trend of the world focusing on the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions. Methanol plays a very vital role in the chemical industry, acting as feedstock in manufacturing methyl tert-butyl ether used in producing high-performance fuels with lesser emissions in gasoline. The new technological breakthroughs in MTO keep opening up more possibilities in the market, especially in China and other Asian regions, because demand for plastics and other petrochemicals is heating up at a blistering pace. The market prospects seem generally promising given the increasing focus of governments on the use of sustainable sources of energy and their efforts at any cost to reduce the carbon footprint of fuels. Moreover, investments in methanol production facilities are also expected to gain speed in the next few years and therefore support market growth. What is the growth of the Fats and Oils market? Renewable fuel, especially in energy applications for biodiesel and clean energy, and the growth of formaldehyde and MTBE in the petrochemical sector, constitute the prime drivers for the methanol market. Besides, the production of more methanol as a renewable fuel source has created high growth demand mainly due to relatively low emissions compared to traditional fossil fuels. Supportive government policies also contribute to this growth. Top 10 Companies Operating in the Fats and Oils Industry Worldwide Methanex Corporation SABIC Celanese Corporation LyondellBasell Industries Mitsubishi Gas Chemical Company Southern Chemical Corporation Zagros Petrochemical Company OCI N.V. Mitsui & Co., Ltd. Petronas Chemicals Group Which segment dominated the Fats and Oils Market? In 2023, the Formaldehyde segment dominated and accounted for more than 30% of revenue market share in the Methanol Market. Formaldehyde is one of the most important derivatives of methanol, with wide applications in resins, adhesives, and coatings. The product also captures quick demand as it complements a growing trend in associated construction, automotive, and other consumer goods industries. For instance, formaldehyde resins - including urea-formaldehyde and phenol-formaldehyde resins - have been known as the most important feedstocks to the production of engineered wood products whose demand increased because of continued development in construction sectors of Asia and North America. Thus, with applications such as construction materials, and even household items such as doors, tabletops, counters, and so on requiring formaldehyde, this compound will continue at the helms of the methanol market. If you need any Customization in the Report as per your Business Requirement Ask @ https://www.snsinsider.com/enquiry/2011 What are the driving factors of the Fats and Oils market? Increasing Demand in Energy Applications Methanol is one of the fast-growing fuels for clean fuel utilization. Fuel cells and biofuels are taking forward strides in the market; hence the adoption of methanol also gains traction. Methanol, with potential for usage in vehicles in particular to China, is gaining momentum due to government policies regarding reduction in emissions and renewable fuel. Increase in chemical production One of the factors driving the production of methanol-based chemicals, including formaldehyde, MTBE, and acetic acid, is the rapid growth of these chemicals in plastics, resins, and solvents. The multifunctional characteristic of methanol is continually inspiring demand from different sectors as a chemical feedstock. Sustainable Solution and Environmental Advantages The appeal of methanol is its capability to reduce the overall emissions of greenhouse gases; hence, it stands as a popular commodity in the renewable energy sector. This is further enhanced by government support for the production of biodiesel, hence indirectly propelling growth in the market. What are the opportunities of the Fats and Oils market? Scaling Up of Methanol-to-Olefins Technology For the Asia market players, the rising adoption of MTO technology affords a major opportunity. MTO processes convert methanol to ethylene and propylene which are in massive demand for plastic production, thus very promising growth prospects. Increasing Demand for Marine Fuel Methanol is considered an emerging player in the marine fuel game because it has a significantly lower emissions profile compared to traditional marine fuels. With international regulations nudging the shipping industry toward cleaner fuels, this aspect of the industry promises significant growth potential for methanol. Which region dominated the Fats and Oils market? Asia-Pacific dominated the Methanol Market in 2023 with more than 45% revenue share in the worldwide market. In the region, China was seen as the largest consumer of methanol worldwide, and it is driven by huge demand for methanol-to-olefins (MTO) and the production of formaldehyde. The growing construction and automotive industries have made a significant contribution to the demand for methanol, primarily due to resin, plastics, and coatings. More so, its position in the alternative fuel category in the region has been gaining considerable momentum with governments across Asia-Pacific focusing increasingly on renewable energy and reduction of emission strategies. The increasing adoption of methanol in biodiesel production and blending fuel in the emerging economies of Asia further solidifies the region's leadership in the market. Key Takeaways MTO technology has a good chance of being absorbed by the market players, particularly Asian players; the process converts methanol into ethylene and propylene in high demand for plastic production, hence offering lucrative growth prospects. Increased Usage of Marine Fuels Methanol is a promising alternative marine fuel since it emits less than traditional marine fuels. Cleaner fuels for shipping, as mandated internationally will present bright growth prospects for methanol in shipping. Buy this Exclusive Report Which Includes @ https://www.snsinsider.com/checkout/2011 BENEFITS: 1 No. Of Pages: 310 Pages Report 2 Regions/Countries: North America (3 Countries) Europe (~15 Countries) Asia Pacific (~10 Countries) Latin America (~5 Countries) Middle East & Africa (~5 Countries) (Include Israel) 3 ME Sheet: Market Estimation in Excel Format 4 Company Analysis: Major 16 companies covered in final report. Additional 5 companies will be covered as per client demand complimentary. 5 Statistical Insights and Trends Reporting: Vehicle Production and Sales Volumes, 2020-2032, by Region Emission Standards Compliance, by Region Vehicle Technology Adoption, by Region Consumer Preferences, by Region 6 Buying Options Single User License: USD 3350 USD 3350 Enterprise User License: USD 5350 USD 5350 Excel Data Sheet: USD 2350 Read Full Report Description @ https://www.snsinsider.com/reports/methanol-market-2011 [For more information or need any customization research mail us at info@snsinsider.com] SNS Insider Offering/ Consulting Services: Go To Market Assessment Service Total Addressable Market (TAM) Assessment Competitive Benchmarking and Market Share Gain About Us: SNS Insider is one of the leading market research and consulting agencies that dominates the market research industry globally. Our company's aim is to give clients the knowledge they require in order to function in changing circumstances. In order to give you current, accurate market data, consumer insights, and opinions so that you can make decisions with confidence, we employ a variety of techniques, including surveys, video talks, and focus groups around the world. Austin, Sept. 26, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The Agricultural Tractor Market Share is expected to expand from 2024 to 2032 into USD 175.66 billion, while trailing a CAGR of 7%. Farmers are outpacing their means by investing in tractors due to the exponentially increasing need for agricultural mechanization. This can be attributed to the yield and labor shortages in the regions, especially with emerging economies. Other government incentives and credit-friendly financing will also propel the use of tractors across the world. Book Your Sample PDF for Agricultural Tractors Market Report @ https://www.snsinsider.com/sample-request/2005 What Growth Drivers Dominate the Agricultural Tractors Market? The primary growth driver, in general, is the upward trend in high-tech farming systems to increase crop yield, especially in response to population pressure. Precision farming is the new global trend; to date, 40% of tractors used in advanced economies are fitted with GPS technology, changing the face of farming practices. There is, however, a steadily increasing concern over labor shortage issues, particularly in European and North American regions that motivate farmers to invest in autonomous tractors, the segment being expected to record a growth of 10% annually. Emerging Opportunities in the Agricultural Tractors Market The electric and autonomous tractors signal the future of agriculture. The growth in renewable agriculture technologies has added unprecedented opportunities to this market, and electric tractors are expected to account for 15-20% of the world's tractor fleet by 2030. The electric variants are being promoted by governments worldwide as part of their other strategies for agricultural carbon reduction. Besides, AI and IoT technologies have created unparalleled prospects for growth in smart tractors. Percentage of Agricultural Tractors Autonomous Around the World It is estimated that 5-7% of all the agricultural tractors in the world have gone autonomous, and this number is expected to accelerate as more firms present driverless models. To begin with, autonomous tractors are very popular, especially in North America, due to the need experienced from labor shortages and large-scale farming. Companies, including among others John Deere and CNH Industrial, are still at the helm, spearheading the trend to automate farming, seeing deployment of autonomous tractors increase by 30% by 2030. If you need any Customization in the Report as per your Business Requirement Ask @ https://www.snsinsider.com/enquiry/2005 What segment of the Agricultural Tractors Market is most likely to grow the fastest? Compact tractors are likely to grow the fastest in the agricultural tractors market, mainly in smaller-sized farms and less arable regions. This compact tractor segment, with an annual growth rate of 8%, is expected to explode as increasing demand requires multi-function and versatile machinery. Compact tractors are gaining popularity in regions like Asia-Pacific and Africa where, on average, farms are much smaller in size and have fewer acres of arable land. Which Region Would Dominate the Agricultural Tractors Market by 2032? Asia-Pacific is expected to be the biggest market for agricultural tractors by 2032, largely due to rapid mechanization in countries like China and India. In the last few years, the region accounted for nearly 45% of the total tractor demand in the world and is likely to continue dominating the market as governments in countries here are providing strong support to agricultural modernization. Total investments in the farming infrastructures of the region have also seen a significant rise in the last few years, thereby creating more demand for agricultural tractors. North America and Europe are also expected to witness steady growth due to the increasing adoption of precision farming techniques as well as autonomous tractors. Which one among All Leading Players possesses the highest share of the market in agricultural tractors? Major players like John Deere, Kubota, and Mahindra will continue to lead the agricultural tractor market across the globe with about 50% of the market share. These players continue to innovate and focus on the development of advanced electric and autonomous tractors that will best meet the evolving needs of the farmers around the globe. Newer players are also entering the fray, especially in the compact and electric tractor categories, thereby expanding the competitive landscape. Key Takeaways: Precision farming and autonomous tractors tend to drive growth in the agricultural tractors market. Emerging opportunities of electric and autonomous tractors are witnessed as the governments focus on the sustainability agenda in agriculture. Compact tractors are the fastest-growing categories, primarily with increasing demand for versatile equipment among small and mid-sized farms. The Asia-Pacific market will dominate, while North American and European markets are expected to grow steadily with technological innovations in farming. Buy this Exclusive Report Which Includes @ https://www.snsinsider.com/checkout/2005 BENEFITS: 1 No. Of Pages: 350 Pages Report 2 Regions/Countries: North America (3 Countries) Europe (~15 Countries) Asia Pacific (~10 Countries) Latin America (~5 Countries) Middle East & Africa (~5 Countries) (Include Israel) 3 ME Sheet: Market Estimation in Excel Format 4 Company Analysis: Major 16 companies covered in final report. Additional 5 companies will be covered as per client demand complimentary. 5 Statistical Insights and Trends Reporting: Vehicle Production and Sales Volumes, 2020-2032, by Region Emission Standards Compliance, by Region Vehicle Technology Adoption, by Region Consumer Preferences, by Region 6 Buying Options Single User License: USD 3350 USD 3350 Enterprise User License: USD 5350 USD 5350 Excel Data Sheet: USD 2350 Read Full Report Description @ https://www.snsinsider.com/reports/agricultural-tractors-market-2005 [For more information or need any customization research mail us at info@snsinsider.com] SNS Insider Offering/ Consulting Services: Go To Market Assessment Service Total Addressable Market (TAM) Assessment Competitive Benchmarking and Market Share Gain About Us: SNS Insider is one of the leading market research and consulting agencies that dominates the market research industry globally. Our company's aim is to give clients the knowledge they require in order to function in changing circumstances. In order to give you current, accurate market data, consumer insights, and opinions so that you can make decisions with confidence, we employ a variety of techniques, including surveys, video talks, and focus groups around the world. Singapore, Sept. 26, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The AI Apex Asia Capital Connect Forum served as a crucible for challenging established norms in AI investment and public listings, forcing a rethink of strategies in a maturing market. The high-profile panel discussion, featuring luminaries from venture capital, investment banking, and brokerage, painted a nuanced picture of an industry at a crossroads, balancing technological promise with financial realities. In a striking departure from the typical tech investment narrative, Joyce NG, General Partner of iGlobe Partners introduced the concept of "Joy of Missing Out" (JOMO) to the AI investment world. "We've seen the consequences of inflated valuations and rushed investments," NG cautioned. "It's crucial that VCs embrace the joy of missing out on deals that don't align with sound business fundamentals." This sobering perspective comes at a time when AI hype is at its peak, urging investors to recalibrate their strategies. The panel, moderated by Peter Chen of Tikehau Capital, grappled with a fundamental question: How can speculative AI technologies effectively communicate long-term value to investors? Chen posed the challenge bluntly: AI valuation can be speculative. How can companies effectively communicate the long-term value proposition to investors, especially when the technology might be several years from commercialization?" This dilemma was further complicated by Allen Chng of Insignia Ventures Partners, who insisted, "Any AI innovation any company is doing has to translate down to the bottom line, has to translate down to the financial performance of the company. If not, then the expanded multiples are worthless. It's just all hype and crash." This stark reality check suggests a coming reckoning for AI startups unable to bridge the gap between technological promise and financial performance. Yet, amidst these challenges, the forum also highlighted unexpected opportunities. Southeast Asia emerged as a dark horse in the global AI race. Ian Leong, CEO of Tiger Brokers Singapore noted, "Southeast Asia is a promising market whereby AI companies can take a look at... When it comes to the population, it's younger... When it comes to penetration, it's actually much higher." This view was echoed by Chng, who spoke of a "very big talent migration of entrepreneurs" to the region, particularly from China. The discussion also revealed a potential shift in the global center of gravity for tech listings. Jerry Chua, CEO of Evolve Capital highlighted Singapore's unique position, stating, "Singapore is positioning itself as an attractive venue for tech listings, offering a unique value proposition for companies looking to tap into Asian markets." This comes as Peter Chen called for a "paradox shift" in Singapore's exchange, suggesting that marginal changes are no longer sufficient in the rapidly evolving global financial landscape. As AI companies navigate this complex terrain, the panel emphasized the critical importance of "exit readiness" and building "optionality" for various listing venues from an early stage. This strategic approach, coupled with a focus on solid business models and revenue potential, may well determine the winners and losers in the next phase of AI industry evolution. Adding a fresh perspective to the listing strategy discussion, Xinhua Liu, a core founding member of AI Apex Asia and Venture Partner of Gaorong Capital, challenged entrepreneurs to think differently: "I encourage AI entrepreneurs to think out of the box when it comes to listing or exiting," Liu stated. "Sometimes, it's better to be a big fish in a small pond rather than a tiny fish in a big ocean. This approach can provide greater visibility, influence, and potentially better valuations in the right market." Liu's statement underscores the importance of strategic thinking in choosing a listing venue, suggesting that entrepreneurs should consider factors beyond just market size and prestige. The AI Apex Asia Capital Connect Forum has thus set the stage for a period of introspection and strategic realignment in the AI investment world. As the industry matures, several key takeaways emerge: 1. The era of unchecked optimism in AI investments is giving way to a more disciplined approach, with investors finding joy in selective, fundamentally sound investments. 2. AI companies must bridge the gap between technological innovation and financial performance to justify their valuations. 3. Southeast Asia is positioning itself as a new frontier for AI development and investment, offering unique opportunities for growth and talent acquisition. 4. Traditional listing venues are being challenged, with markets like Singapore emerging as attractive alternatives for tech companies looking to make a bigger splash. 5. Entrepreneurs are encouraged to think creatively about their path to public markets, considering strategic fit over conventional prestige. As the dust settles on this groundbreaking forum, one thing is clear: the future of AI funding and listings will belong to those who can balance innovation with pragmatism, embrace strategic thinking, and navigate the evolving global landscape with agility and foresight. About AI Apex Asia AI Apex Asia is a leading artificial intelligence community dedicated to advancing AI technologies and applications across Asian markets. With a focus on innovation, regional expertise, and responsible AI development, AI Apex Asia is committed to driving the adoption of AI solutions that address unique challenges and opportunities in diverse Asian industries. Dublin, Sept. 26, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The "United States Pipeline & Process Services Market by Region, Competition, Forecast & Opportunities, 2019-2029F" report has been added to ResearchAndMarkets.com's offering. The United States Pipeline & Process Services Market was valued at USD 1.13 Billion in 2023 and is predicted to experience robust growth in the forecast period with a CAGR of 5.01% through 2029, reaching USD 1.53 Billion. The United States Pipeline & Process Services Market is a crucial segment of the energy and industrial sectors, characterized by significant growth and evolving dynamics. This market encompasses a wide range of services, including pipeline maintenance, process services, dewatering, leak detection, cleaning, and more. The market is driven by the need for operational efficiency, safety, and regulatory compliance across the oil and gas, chemical, and water industries. One of the primary drivers of growth in this market is the ongoing expansion and maintenance of the extensive pipeline network in the United States. The country's vast pipeline infrastructure, which is essential for the transportation of oil, gas, and other industrial fluids, requires regular maintenance and upgrades to ensure safety and efficiency. The aging pipeline infrastructure necessitates continuous investment in inspection, repair, and replacement services, further propelling the demand for pipeline and process services. Technological advancements are also playing a significant role in shaping the market. The integration of advanced technologies such as the Internet of Things (IoT), artificial intelligence (AI), and automation has revolutionized pipeline monitoring and maintenance processes. These technologies enable real-time monitoring, predictive maintenance, and automated operations, enhancing the reliability and efficiency of pipeline systems. Companies in the market are increasingly adopting these technologies to offer more sophisticated and efficient services, thereby gaining a competitive edge. Environmental regulations and safety standards are critical factors influencing the market. Stringent regulations aimed at preventing pipeline leaks and ensuring environmental protection have led to increased demand for compliance-related services. Companies are investing in advanced leak detection systems, corrosion protection, and environmental monitoring solutions to meet these regulatory requirements and avoid hefty penalties. This regulatory environment not only drives the demand for specialized services but also fosters innovation in safety and compliance technologies. Moreover, the market's growth is supported by the steady demand from end-user industries. The oil and gas sector, in particular, remains a major consumer of pipeline and process services, driven by ongoing exploration, production, and transportation activities. Additionally, the chemical and water industries contribute to the demand, requiring specialized services for their pipeline systems. Key Market Drivers Increasing Energy Demand Technological Advancements Regulatory Compliance and Environmental Concerns Aging Infrastructure Key Market Challenges Regulatory Compliance and Environmental Concerns Aging Infrastructure and Maintenance Costs Technological Advancements and Cybersecurity Threats Workforce Shortages and Skill Gaps Key Market Trends Integration of Advanced Technologies Focus on Environmental Sustainability Expansion of Natural Gas Infrastructure Increasing Investment in Pipeline Safety and Integrity Rise of Digital Transformation in Pipeline Operations Regional Insights Northeast dominated the United States Pipeline & Process Services market in 2023. The Marcellus and Utica shale formations, located primarily in the Northeast, are among the most prolific natural gas-producing regions in the United States. The abundance of natural gas in these formations has driven significant investments in pipeline infrastructure to transport the gas to markets across the country and for export. The high level of activity in drilling and production necessitates extensive pipeline networks to manage the transportation of natural gas, thereby driving demand for pipeline services in the region. The Northeast is one of the most densely populated regions in the United States, with significant urban and industrial centers such as New York City, Boston, and Philadelphia. This high population density and industrial activity result in substantial energy consumption, requiring a robust and reliable pipeline infrastructure to ensure adequate supply. The region's energy needs encompass residential heating, electricity generation, and industrial use, all of which rely heavily on natural gas and oil delivered through pipelines. Aging pipeline infrastructure in the Northeast requires extensive upgrades and modernization to meet current safety standards and accommodate increased capacity. Many of the existing pipelines in the region were constructed decades ago and need replacement or significant rehabilitation to prevent leaks, improve efficiency, and comply with regulatory requirements. These infrastructure projects drive demand for pipeline and process services, contributing to the market's growth in the Northeast. The Northeast faces stringent regulatory and environmental pressures to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and transition to cleaner energy sources. States in the region, such as New York and Massachusetts, have implemented ambitious climate goals, including the reduction of carbon emissions and the promotion of renewable energy. These regulatory frameworks necessitate the construction of new pipelines for natural gas, which is considered a cleaner alternative to coal and oil, as well as the development of infrastructure for renewable energy integration. The Northeast's strategic location provides access to major export markets for liquefied natural gas (LNG). Ports in the region, such as those in New Jersey and Maryland, serve as critical hubs for LNG exports to Europe and other international markets. The demand for LNG exports drives the construction of pipelines to transport natural gas from production sites to liquefaction facilities and export terminals, bolstering the region's dominance in the pipeline and process services market. Economic growth in the Northeast, coupled with investments in energy infrastructure, supports the dominance of the pipeline and process services market. Economic development initiatives and government incentives for infrastructure projects attract investments from both public and private sectors. These investments are channeled into the construction, maintenance, and upgrading of pipeline networks, further enhancing the region's market position. The Northeast region is at the forefront of adopting advanced technologies and innovative solutions in pipeline and process services. Companies in the region are leveraging cutting-edge technologies such as smart sensors, IoT, and advanced monitoring systems to enhance pipeline safety, efficiency, and reliability. The focus on technological advancements drives demand for specialized services and expertise, contributing to the market's growth and dominance in the Northeast. The Northeast is actively engaged in energy transition initiatives aimed at reducing dependency on fossil fuels and promoting renewable energy sources. These initiatives include the development of infrastructure for renewable natural gas (RNG) and hydrogen, which require new pipeline networks and retrofitting of existing ones. The shift towards cleaner energy sources creates new opportunities and demand for pipeline and process services in the region. Key Market Players Baker Hughes Company Halliburton Energy Services, Inc. Altus Intervention Blue Fin Group Fortis Inc. ENERMECH UK Limited Enerpac Tool Group Corp. IKM Gruppen AS Ideh Pouyan Energy Co. Techfem S.p.A. Trans Asia Pipeline Services FZC Report Scope In this report, the United States Pipeline & Process Services Market has been segmented into the following categories: By Asset Type: Pipeline Process By Operation: Construction Maintenance Engineering & Design Inspection & Integrity Services Turnaround Management By End User: Oil & Gas Chemical Power Water & Wastewater Others By Region: Northeast Southwest West Southeast Midwest Key Attributes Report Attribute Details No. of Pages 88 Forecast Period 2023-2029 Estimated Market Value (USD) in 2023 $1.13 Billion Forecasted Market Value (USD) by 2029 $1.53 Billion Compound Annual Growth Rate 5% Regions Covered United States For more information about this report visit https://www.researchandmarkets.com/r/19wrzd About ResearchAndMarkets.com ResearchAndMarkets.com is the world's leading source for international market research reports and market data. We provide you with the latest data on international and regional markets, key industries, the top companies, new products and the latest trends. Attachment Dublin, Sept. 26, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The "Saudi Arabia Ultrasound System Market by Region, Competition, Forecast & Opportunities, 2019-2029F" report has been added to ResearchAndMarkets.com's offering. Saudi Arabia's Ultrasound System Market was valued at USD 119.05 Million in 2023 and is expected to reach USD 168.13 Million by 2029 with a CAGR of 5.88% during the forecast period. The market is experiencing robust growth, driven by several key factors. The rising prevalence of chronic diseases and the increasing demand for early diagnostic tools are significant contributors. Government initiatives to improve healthcare infrastructure and the expansion of medical facilities also play a crucial role. Technological advancements, such as the development of portable and high-resolution ultrasound systems, are enhancing diagnostic accuracy and accessibility. The growing emphasis on preventive care and routine health check-ups fuels market demand. A rising awareness of women's health issues and an aging population further accelerate the adoption of ultrasound technologies. These factors collectively drive the expansion of the ultrasound system market in Saudi Arabia, positioning it as a dynamic sector in the healthcare industry. Key Market Drivers: Rising Prevalence of Chronic Diseases Government Healthcare Initiatives Technological Advancements Increase in Preventive Healthcare and Routine Check-ups Key Market Challenges: High Costs of Advanced Ultrasound Systems Limited Availability of Skilled Technicians Key Market Trends: Expansion of Medical Facilities Rising Medical Tourism Regional Insights In the Saudi Arabia ultrasound system market, the Central Region stand out as the dominant area, driven by its significant healthcare infrastructure, high population density, and the concentration of advanced medical facilities. This region includes major cities such as Riyadh, which is not only the capital of Saudi Arabia but also a major hub for healthcare services and technological advancements in the country. The Central Region's dominance in the ultrasound system market can be attributed to several key factors. Riyadh, as the capital, is home to numerous large hospitals, specialized medical centers, and research institutions that are at the forefront of adopting and implementing advanced medical technologies, including ultrasound systems. The presence of leading healthcare providers and academic institutions in Riyadh drives high demand for state-of-the-art diagnostic equipment, reflecting the region's role as a major center for medical innovation and comprehensive healthcare delivery. The Central Region benefits from substantial government investment in healthcare infrastructure. As part of the Vision 2030 initiative, there has been a significant focus on upgrading and expanding healthcare facilities in Riyadh and its surrounding areas. This investment includes the establishment of new hospitals, diagnostic centers, and specialized clinics equipped with the latest ultrasound technologies. The influx of advanced medical equipment in these facilities further consolidates the Central Region's leading position in the ultrasound system market. The high population density in the Central Region also contributes to its dominance. With a large and growing population, there is a substantial demand for diagnostic services, including routine and specialized ultrasound examinations. This high patient volume drives the need for more ultrasound systems and advanced imaging technologies to meet the diagnostic needs of the population. The Central Region's central location and connectivity also facilitate the efficient distribution and servicing of ultrasound equipment, further supporting its market dominance. Key Market Players: Siemens Ltd. Saudi Arabia Hitachi Saudi Arabia, Ltd. Medical Supply & Services Co. Ltd (MEDISERV) Emam Distribution Co. Ltd. (Fujifilm) ASCEND Solutions Report Scope In this report, the Saudi Arabia Ultrasound System Market has been segmented into the following categories: By Technology: Diagnostic Ultrasound Therapeutic Ultrasound By Display Type: Black & White Colored By Mobility: Fixed Mobile By Application: General Imaging Obstetrics/Gynecology Cardiology Urology Orthopedic & Musculoskeletal Others By End User: Hospitals & Clinics Diagnostic Centers Ambulatory Care Centers Others By Region: Western Region Central Region Southern Region Eastern Region Northern Region Key Attributes Report Attribute Details No. of Pages 80 Forecast Period 2023-2029 Estimated Market Value (USD) in 2023 $119.05 Million Forecasted Market Value (USD) by 2029 $168.13 Million Compound Annual Growth Rate 5.8% Regions Covered Saudi Arabia For more information about this report visit https://www.researchandmarkets.com/r/3ffl61 About ResearchAndMarkets.com ResearchAndMarkets.com is the world's leading source for international market research reports and market data. We provide you with the latest data on international and regional markets, key industries, the top companies, new products and the latest trends. Attachment Dublin, Sept. 26, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The Bath and Shower Toiletries Market (2024 Edition): Analysis by Product Type, Sales Channels, and Price Point: Market Insights and Forecast (2020-2030)" report has been added to ResearchAndMarkets.com's offering. This report provides a complete analysis of the Global Bath and Shower Toiletries industry for the historical period of 2020-2023, the estimates of 2024 and the forecast period of 2025-2030. The market showcased growth at a CAGR of 5.64% during 2020-2023. The market was valued at USD 39.61 Billion in 2023, and is expected to reach USD 61.09 Billion in 2030. The global bath and shower toiletries market encompasses a wide range of products designed for personal hygiene and grooming. This market includes items such as body washes, shower gels, bar soaps, shampoos, conditioners, bath salts, bath bombs, and other related products. Preferences for natural and organic ingredients, as well as products with specific benefits such as moisturizing or anti-aging properties, influence product development and consumer choices. The bath and shower toiletries market, is competitive and fragmented, owing to the presence of many regional and international players. The leading companies are using strategic approaches, like mergers, expansions, acquisitions, partnerships, and new product developments, to boost their brand presence among consumers. Key players dominating the market include L'Oreal, Unilever, Johnson & Johnson, etc. The growing emphasis on sustainability and environmental consciousness is reshaping the bath and shower toiletries market. Consumers are increasingly mindful of the environmental impact of their purchasing decisions, leading to a demand for eco-friendly packaging and biodegradable product formulations. Moreover, consumer preferences play a vital role in shaping product development and innovation within the bath and shower toiletries market. There is a growing demand for products formulated with natural and organic ingredients, catering to individuals seeking sustainable and skin-friendly solutions. Manufacturers are investing in research and development to introduce innovative formulations, packaging designs, and product variants that align with these preferences. Scope of the Report The report analyses the Bath and Shower Toiletries Market by Value (USD Billion). The report analyses the Bath and Shower Toiletries Market by Region (Americas, Europe, Asia Pacific, Middle East & Africa) and 10 Countries (United States, Canada, Germany, United Kingdom, France, Italy, China, Japan, India, and South Korea). The report presents the analysis of Bath and Shower Toiletries Market for the historical period of 2020-2023, the estimated year 2024 and the forecast period of 2025-2030. The report analyses the Bath and Shower Toiletries Market By Product Type (Bar Soaps, Liquid shower products, Bath additives, and Other Products) The report analyses the Bath and Shower Toiletries Market By Sales Channels (Online channels, Supermarkets/Hypermarkets, Specialist retailers, Departmental stores, and Other Sales Channels) The report analyses the Bath and Shower Toiletries Market By Price Point (Premium, and Economy) The key insights of the report have been presented through the frameworks of SWOT and Porter's Five Forces Analysis. Also, the attractiveness of the market has been presented by region, By Product Type, By Sales Channels & By Price Point. Also, the major opportunities, trends, drivers, and challenges of the industry has been analyzed in the report. The report tracks competitive developments, strategies, mergers and acquisitions and new product development. The companies analysed in the report are: L'Oreal Unilever Johnson & Johnson ITC Ltd. Bath and Body Works Inc. Colgate-Palmolive Company Procter & Gamble Co. Beiersdorf Marico Limited Avon For more information about this report visit https://www.researchandmarkets.com/r/lzdslw About ResearchAndMarkets.com ResearchAndMarkets.com is the world's leading source for international market research reports and market data. We provide you with the latest data on international and regional markets, key industries, the top companies, new products and the latest trends. ZAOZHUANG, China, Sept. 26, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- According to the Cyberspace Affairs Office of the CPC Zaozhuang Municipal Committee, the 2024 Pomegranate Industry Development Conference was held recently in Zaozhuang City, Shandong Province, China. Themed "Facilitate Industrial Revitalization through Pomegranates to Embrace a Thriving Life," this year's conference featured activities like the Pomegranate Bonsai Crafting Competition, the Zaozhuang Pomegranate Cultural Creative Design Contest, and the Selection for Zaozhuang's Best Pomegranate. Centered around the goal of achieving win-win outcomes, the conference exhibited new achievements in the development of the pomegranate industry in Zaozhuang. It also served as a platform for exchanges in scientific research, cultivation, processing, and brand marketing to advance the development of the pomegranate industry. A Media Snippet accompanying this announcement is available by clicking on this link. Zaozhuang is renowned as the "Hometown of Pomegranates in China," with pomegranates serving as a distinctive and influential agricultural brand as well as a city hallmark. In recent years, the pomegranate industry in Zaozhuang has reached new heights and demonstrated fresh vigor and vitality. Currently, Zaozhuang boasts over 100 products in the deep processing domain of pomegranates, encompassing series such as food, beverages, health supplements, cosmetics, and handicrafts, making it one of the most significant pomegranate deep processing industrial clusters in China. The total area for pomegranate cultivation in the city has reached 120,000 mu, with an annual yield exceeding 120 million catties. The market entities involved in pomegranate cultivation, processing, and sales have grown to 118. Over 500 enterprises and cooperatives are engaged in the pomegranate bonsai industry, generating an annual output value of nearly 600 million yuan. Locally, more than 20 pomegranate-themed cultural and creative products have been developed, enriching the cultural significance of pomegranates. In 2023, the total output value of the pomegranate industry chain in Zaozhuang approached 4 billion yuan, solidifying the pomegranate's status as a genuine "fruit of wealth" in the region. Source: Cyberspace Affairs Office of the CPC Zaozhuang Municipal Committee Delhi, Sept. 26, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Global CD47 Inhibitor Drug Clinical Trials Insight & Market Opportunity Outlook 2028 Report Highlights Global & Regional Market Opportunity Outlook Insight On More Than 100 CD47 Inhibitor Drugs In Clinical Trials Global CD47 Inhibitors Clinical Trials Insight By Company, Country, Indication & Phase Orphan, Fast Track, Breakthrough Therapy Designation Insight Key Drugs Initiation & Completion Year CD47 Clinical Application & Development Outlook By Indication CD47 Inhibitor Drugs Clinical Developments & Trends By Country Global CD47 Inhibitor Drug Market Dynamics Download Report: https://www.kuickresearch.com/report-cd47-antibody-cd47-inhibitor-cd47-function-cd47-expression-cd47-t-cells-cd47-marker-anti-cd47-antibody Traditionally, cancer management has primarily relied on surgery, radiation therapy, and chemotherapy. While these treatments have demonstrated significant efficacy in eradicating primary tumors, they are accompanied by systemic toxicities and high rates of relapse, which represent major limitations. The increasing prevalence of cancer and the shortcomings of conventional therapies have driven the demand for novel targeted therapies that can address these limitations while enhancing specificity and targeting capabilities against the disease. One such innovative approach involves targeting the CD47 surface checkpoint, which can inhibit cancer proliferation. Cancer immunotherapy has emerged as a promising strategy capable of overcoming the challenges associated with traditional cancer treatments. This novel therapy aims to harness the immune systems ability to recognize, target, and destroy cancer cells. Preliminary and clinical studies have shown that CD47 proteins are overexpressed in various tumor types. A primary factor contributing to the hallmark characteristics of cancer is the inhibition of macrophage phagocytosis due to the blockade of the CD47/SIRP interaction, which sends a dont eat me signal to macrophages. Consequently, multiple antibodies targeting the CD47 checkpoint are currently in development to reduce cancer cell proliferation. Moreover, CD47-targeted therapies aim to utilize various components of the immune system, acting at different stages of the immune response to enhance the bodys natural defense against target cells. In support of this hypothesis, numerous clinical studies are underway. For example, HX009 is a recombinant humanized anti-CD47/PD-1 bifunctional antibody under development and clinical investigation by Waterstone Hanxbio. An ongoing Phase 1/2 clinical trial is assessing HX009 as a novel treatment for patients advanced solid tumors. The therapeutic landscape of immunotherapy now includes a range of agents, such as monoclonal antibodies, immune checkpoint inhibitors, vaccines, antibody-drug conjugates, and more, all aimed at improving outcomes for cancer patients through combination therapies. For example, the novel CD47 inhibitor evorpacept (ALX148) is currently being evaluated in several clinical trials as part of various combination regimens. Specifically, evorpacept is being tested in combination with Cetuximab and Pembrolizumab for the treatment of colorectal cancer, with Venetoclax and Azacitidine for acute myeloid leukemia, and with Rituximab and Lenalidomide for various types of B-cell non-Hodgkin lymphoma. Furthermore, regulatory bodies have been supportive towards the growing class of CD47-targeting therapies, as suggested by the recent IND clearances and the awarding of drug designations. FDA granted the fast track designation to PT217, a bispecific antibody targeting CD47 and DLL3, in April 2024, while Chinas NMPA also accepted Immuneoncos clinical trial application to conduct pivotal phase 3 clinical studies for its CD47 inhibitor IMM-01, in combination with the PD-1 Inhibitor tislelizumab. All these factors indicate that the CD47 market is expanding rapidly and is expected to grow further due to the rising incidence of cancer, which is projected to increase in the coming years. Additionally, the involvement of multiple pharmaceutical companies in the field of CD47-targeted immunotherapy has spurred growth in clinical research. Various organizations, hospitals, and centers, such as The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Cancer Hospital Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, and Zhejiang Cancer Hospital, are conducting clinical trials to address cancer-related ailments. In summary, immunotherapy targeting the CD47 protein has emerged as a breakthrough therapy in cancer management, demonstrating promising responses in patients. Although no therapies have yet been approved for the commercial market, several CD47-targeted immunotherapies are anticipated to enter the market soon, driven by a surge in clinical trials and research in this area. Currently, the United States leads the CD47 immunotherapy sector; however, developing countries like China are increasingly engaging in numerous preclinical and clinical studies in this domain, fueled by technological advancements, a rising cancer patient population, and expanding collaborations. Dublin, Sept. 26, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The "Africa & Middle East Alternative Lending Market Business and Investment Opportunities Databook - 75+ KPIs on Alternative Lending Market Size, By End User, By Finance Model, By Payment Instrument, By Loan Type and Demographics - Q2 2024 Update" report has been added to ResearchAndMarkets.com's offering. The alternative lending in the region is expected to grow by 31.3% on an annual basis to reach US$5.7 billion in 2024. Alternative lending adoption is expected to grow steadily over the forecast period, recording a CAGR of 21.4% during 2024-2028. The alternative lending market in the region will increase from US$4.3 billion in 2023 to reach US$12.3 billion by 2028. Medium to long term growth story of alternative lending in Middle East & Africa remains strong. This report provides a detailed data-centric analysis of the alternative lending market covers in-depth market potential and various. Embark on a detailed exploration of the alternative lending market with our latest report, dissecting key economic indicators to provide a holistic view of this dynamic landscape. Delve into the alternative lending market's expansive horizons, from overall market size and forecasts to granular analyses of end-user segments, diverse finance models, and payment instrument intricacies. The alternative lending sector is rapidly expanding, driven by rising demand for flexible financing, innovative fintech solutions, and supportive regulatory frameworks. Key developments include new product launches, strategic partnerships, and regulatory advancements, positioning alternative lending as a pivotal element of the region's financial landscape. Growth in the Alternative Lending Sector Alternative lending has experienced significant growth, driven by increasing demand for flexible financing options and the rapid expansion of fintech solutions. Key sub-segments such as buy now, pay later (BNPL) and digital lending platforms are gaining traction, particularly in markets like Saudi Arabia and the UAE, where a tech-savvy population and favorable regulatory environments foster innovation. Alternative lending is expected to continue growing in the next few months, with firms likely to form strategic partnerships to launch new products and enhance service delivery. The ongoing economic pressures and the need for accessible credit solutions will further propel the sector's growth, positioning it as a vital component of the region's financial landscape. In Africa, alternative lending has surged due to growing demand for flexible financing among SMEs and mid-market businesses. Digital platforms and fintech innovations have enabled faster, more accessible lending tailored to diverse borrower needs. The alternative lending sector is expected to expand further in the next few months, particularly in areas such as peer-to-peer lending and microfinance. As economic conditions evolve and the need for inclusive financial services becomes more pronounced, alternative lending will likely play a crucial role in supporting economic recovery and development across the continent. Key Attributes: Report Attribute Details No. of Pages 1312 Forecast Period 2024 - 2028 Estimated Market Value (USD) in 2024 $5.7 Billion Forecasted Market Value (USD) by 2028 $12.3 Billion Compound Annual Growth Rate 21.4% Regions Covered Africa, Middle East Product Launches and Innovations Halo's Mortgage Service in the UAE - Halo, a digital mortgage service provider in the UAE, recently completed a seven-figure seed funding round in February 2023. This funding will allow Halo to expand its mortgage offerings to meet increasing demand due to rising real estate prices in the region. Kiva's Expansion in Africa - Kiva, a global crowdfunding platform, has expanded its operations in Africa by launching new initiatives aimed at enhancing access to microloans for entrepreneurs. This expansion funds underserved communities, leveraging technology to streamline the lending process and promote financial inclusion. M-Pesa's Enhanced Lending Features - M-Pesa, the renowned mobile money service, has rolled out enhanced lending features that allow users to access credit directly through their mobile wallets. This initiative aims to simplify the borrowing process and make it more accessible for individuals and small businesses in Kenya and beyond. Lulalend's New Credit Solutions - South Africa-based digital lender Lulalend announced the launch of new credit solutions after raising $35 million in a Series B funding round. The firm has integrated its lending services with partners like Vodacom and e-commerce giant Takealot, aiming to better serve SMEs in various sectors, including construction and retail. Strategic Partnerships African Guarantee Fund and European Partners - The African Guarantee Fund (AGF) has partnered with the African, Caribbean and Pacific Group of States, the European Union, and the UN Development Programme to provide credit guarantees for around 5,000 SMEs in five countries, facilitate affordable financing for "development minerals" businesses, and improve access to capital for underserved sectors. The International Finance Corporation (IFC) and Ecobank Collaboration - The IFC and Ecobank are partnering to support SMEs in fragile and conflict-affected states in West and Central Africa. They have established a $110 million risk-sharing facility to enable Ecobank to provide credit to SMEs, bolstering economic resilience in these regions. EIB Partnerships with Local Financial Institutions - The European Investment Bank (EIB) has been collaborating with local financial institutions to improve SME access to finance across Africa, focusing on financial sustainability and positive developmental impacts. HES FinTech and AZM - HES FinTech partnered with AZM, a leading entity in digital lending, to enhance digital lending capabilities for SMEs as it expands into Saudi Arabia and the UAE. MasterCard and Egabi - In May 2023, MasterCard partnered with Egabi, an Egypt-based company, to expand digital lending services in the Middle East. This aims to enhance Egabi's digital lending capabilities, allowing more businesses to enter the market and enabling consumers to benefit from buy now, pay later (BNPL) services. Emkan Finance and IBM Collaboration - Emkan Finance partnered with IBM to launch a new digital lending solution aimed at small businesses in Saudi Arabia. This collaboration enhances Emkan's ability to provide financial support through a decision-making engine, streamlining the lending process for SMEs. Regulatory Changes South Africa's Conduct of Financial Institutions Bill (COFI) - South Africa will promulgate the Conduct of Financial Institutions Bill (COFI) in 2024. COFI will provide a unified regulatory framework for financial institutions, ensuring fair treatment and protection for customers, while setting clear guidelines for alternative lending providers. Crypto Asset Regulations in South Africa - South Africa now regulates crypto assets, recognizing them as financial products. Crypto asset service providers (CASPs) are considered accountable institutions under the Financial Intelligence Centre Act, requiring them to conduct customer due diligence, maintain client information and transaction records, and comply with reporting obligations to address money laundering and terrorist financing concerns. African Development Bank's Initiatives - The African Development Bank (AfDB) has actively promoted alternative financing solutions globally. In 2022, AfDB launched the African Guarantee Fund, providing credit guarantees to enable financial institutions to offer more affordable financing to SMEs. Additionally, the bank partnered with local financial institutions to enhance financing access for SMEs in fragile and conflict-affected states in West and Central Africa. Saudi Arabia's Fintech Strategy - Saudi Arabia leads fintech regulation in the Middle East. In 2022, the Saudi Central Bank (SAMA) launched the Fintech Strategy to establish the Kingdom as a global hub for fintech innovation, including initiatives to support startups, attract investment, and develop a strong regulatory framework. UAE's Virtual Asset Regulation - In 2022, the UAE introduced the Virtual Asset Regulation Law to oversee and license virtual asset service providers, ensuring consumer protection and market integrity. Bahrain's Open Banking Regulation - In 2020, the Central Bank of Bahrain introduced the Open Banking Framework, requiring banks to provide third-party providers access to customer data upon customer consent. This has facilitated the development of alternative lending platforms using open banking APIs to streamline the lending process and offer personalized solutions. For more information about this report visit https://www.researchandmarkets.com/r/ciid7y About ResearchAndMarkets.com ResearchAndMarkets.com is the world's leading source for international market research reports and market data. We provide you with the latest data on international and regional markets, key industries, the top companies, new products and the latest trends. Attachment Highlights include new safety and efficacy data of Barrigel rectal spacer, the first and only sculptable rectal spacer1-3 Teleflex to host Barrigel Educational Symposium featuring a physician panel discussion on the Science of Personalized Spacing with Barrigel rectal spacer WAYNE, Pa., Sept. 26, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Teleflex Incorporated (NYSE: TFX), a leading global provider of medical technologies, today announced three clinical studies4-6 focused on its Barrigel rectal spacer are to be presented at the 2024 American Society for Radiation Oncology (ASTRO) Annual Meeting, which will take place in Washington, DC, from September 29 to October 2, 2024. The featured data will contribute to the expanding body of clinical evidence regarding the safety and efficacy of Barrigel rectal spacer, the first and only commercial hyaluronic acid rectal spacer that separates the prostate from the rectum to protect the rectum during prostate cancer radiation therapy.1 The company will also be exhibiting and hosting a Barrigel Educational Symposium at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts. Barrigel rectal spacer is a Non-Animal Stabilized Hyaluronic Acid (NASHA) spacer designed to reduce radiation that reaches the rectum during prostate cancer radiation therapy, with the goal of improving patient quality of life. It has been clinically proven to significantly reduce unwanted radiation exposure in 98.5% of patients.1 Barrigel rectal spacer is indicated for prostate cancer patients with T1-T3b disease. Radiation therapy can have a significant and positive effect on the treatment of prostate cancer, and these data further demonstrate Barrigel rectal spacer as a safe and effective option for patients that reduces prostate radiation side effects, said Jacqueline Welch, Vice President of Global Clinical and Scientific Operations at Teleflex. This research underscores Teleflexs commitment to advancing therapies that improve patient outcomes and set new benchmarks in prostate cancer care. Presentation Information: 1. Impact of Hyaluronic Acid (HA) Rectal Spacer Quality Score (SQS) and Fischer-Valuck (FV) Spacer Symmetry Score on Rectal Dosimetry and Acute and Late Gastrointestinal (GI) Toxicity Outcomes an Australian Experience (Abstract #3222); Tuesday, Oct. 1, 2:30-3:45 ET, Hall C This retrospective multi-institutional review assessed the implant quality and gastrointestinal (GI) toxicity of Barrigel rectal spacer in prostate cancer patients treated with moderately hypofractionated external beam radiotherapy (EBRT).4 2. Rectal Wall Infiltration with Hyaluronic Acid Based Rectal Spacer Reversal Protocol (Abstract #3185); Tuesday, Oct. 1, 2:30-3:45 ET, Hall C This retrospective analysis assessed the outcomes of inadvertent rectal wall infiltration (RWI), which can occur with rectal spacers, following use of Barrigel rectal spacer.5 3. Hyaluronic Acid Rectal Spacer in Locally Recurrent Prostate Cancer with Prior Radiation Receiving SBRT: on Feasibility, Safety, and Toxicity (Abstract #3236); Tuesday, Oct. 1, 2:30-3:45 ET, Hall C This study evaluated outcomes in prostate cancer patients who had previously been treated with EBRT but experienced localized recurrence and were treated with SBRT. These patients often are not candidates for repeat radiation due to concerns about safely implanting a rectal spacer in previously irradiated tissue.6 Barrigel Educational Symposium Information: On September 30 at 6:00 p.m. at the REACH at the John F. Kennedy Center for Performing Arts, Teleflex will host an educational symposium, The Science of Personalized Spacing. The event will feature a panel discussion with Peter F. Orio III, DO, MS, FASTRO, FABS*; Daniel Kim, MD*; Nedhim Ruhotina, MD*; Michael Greenberg, MD*; and Martin King, MD,* who will discuss best practices for addressing challenging cases with Barrigel rectal spacer. Teleflex Booth Activities: At the Teleflex booth 1223 in the ASTRO Annual Meeting Exhibit Hall, clinicians can view the Barrigel rectal spacing procedure or perform it via a simulation. In addition, Michael Greenberg, MD* and John Han-Chih Chang, MD* will conduct clinical discussions and case presentations on September 29 and 30. Dr. Greenberg will present at 11:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m. and Dr. Chang will speak at 1:00 p.m. and 4:00 p.m. About Barrigel Rectal Spacer Barrigel rectal spacer is the first and only hyaluronic acid rectal spacer that separates the prostate from the rectum to protect the rectum during radiation therapy treatment for prostate cancer.1 Barrigel is made from Non-Animal Stabilized Hyaluronic Acid (NASHA).7 Hyaluronic acid is a substance naturally present in the human body and is highly compatible and fully absorbable. NASHA has a proven history of safety and efficacy in a wide variety of medical applications in men, women and children worldwide.8,9 Barrigel rectal spacer has been proven to significantly reduce unwanted side effects from prostate cancer radiation therapy and is approved for rectal spacing in the United States, Australia, and Europe. Barrigel rectal spacer is indicated for prostate cancer patients with T1-T3b disease. For more information about Barrigel rectal spacer, please visit https://barrigel.com/hcp/barrigel-control-matters. Barrigel Rectal Spacer Important Safety Information Barrigel rectal spacer is intended to temporarily position the anterior rectal wall away from the prostate during radiotherapy for prostate cancer and, in creating this space, it is the intent of Barrigel rectal spacer to reduce the radiation dose delivered to the anterior rectum. Barrigel rectal spacer is composed of biodegradable material and maintains space for the entire course of prostate radiotherapy treatment and is intended to be absorbed by the patients body over time. Barrigel rectal spacer should only be administered by qualified and properly trained physicians with experience in ultrasound guidance and injection techniques in the urogenital/pelvic area. As with any medical treatment, there are some risks involved with the use of Barrigel rectal spacer. Potential complications associated with the use of Barrigel include, but are not limited to: pain associated with Barrigel rectal spacer injection; needle penetration of the bladder, prostate, rectal wall, rectum, or urethra; injection of Barrigel rectal spacer into the bladder, prostate, rectal wall, rectum, urethra, or intravascularly; local inflammatory reactions; infection; urinary retention; rectal mucosal damage, ulcers, necrosis; bleeding; constipation; and rectal urgency. More information on indications, contraindications, warnings and instructions for use can be found in the Instructions For Use at www.barrigel.com. Caution: Federal (USA) law restricts this device to sale by or on the order of a physician. *Peter F. Orio III, Daniel Kim, Nedhim Ruhotina, Michael Greenberg, Martin King and John Han-Chih Chang are paid consultants of Teleflex. About Teleflex Incorporated As a global provider of medical technologies, Teleflex is driven by our purpose to improve the health and quality of peoples lives. Through our vision to become the most trusted partner in healthcare, we offer a diverse portfolio with solutions in the therapy areas of anesthesia, emergency medicine, interventional cardiology and radiology, surgical, vascular access, and urology. We believe that the potential of great people, purpose driven innovation, and world-class products can shape the future direction of healthcare. Teleflex is the home of Arrow, Barrigel, Deknatel, LMA, Pilling, QuikClot Rusch, UroLift and Weck trusted brands united by a common sense of purpose. At Teleflex, we are empowering the future of healthcare. For more information, please visit teleflex.com. References: Mariados NF, Orio PF, Schiffman Z, et al. Hyaluronic acid spacer for hypofractionated prostate radiation therapy: a randomized clinical trial. JAMA Oncol. 2023; e1-e8.** King MT, Svatos M, Orio PF III et al. Evaluating the Quality-of-Life Effect of Apical Spacing with Hyaluronic Acid Prior to Hypofractionated Prostate Radiation Therapy: A Secondary Analysis, Pract Radiat Oncol. 2023;e1-e6. (Study sponsored by Palette Life Sciences, now part of Teleflex).** Data on File. As of 06/01/2024. Lin YH, et al. Impact of Hyaluronic Acid (HA) Rectal Spacer Quality Score (SQS) and Fischer-Valuck (FV) Spacer Symmetry Score on Rectal Dosimetry and Acute and Late Gastrointestinal (GI) Toxicity Outcomes an Australian Experience. Abstract #3222. Presented at ASTRO 2024. Hong A, Bolton D, Ramani S, et al. Rectal wall infiltration with hyaluronic acid based rectal spacer reversal protocol. Abstract #3185. Presented at ASTRO 2024. McLean L, et al. Hyaluronic Acid Rectal Spacer in Locally Recurrent Prostate Cancer with Prior Radiation Receiving SBRT: on Feasibility, Safety, and Toxicity. Abstract #3236. Presented at ASTRO 2024. Barrigel Injectable Gel Instructions for Use (2022). Restylane celebrates 25 years of natural-looking results with its signature line of hyaluronic acid fillers. 2021. Available at: https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/restylane-celebrates-25-years-of-natural-looking-results-with-its-signature-line-of-hyaluronic-acid-fillers-301388779.html. Accessed Sept 30, 2021. Svatos M, Chell E, Low DA, et al. Symmetry, separation, and stability: Physical properties for effective dosimetric space with a stabilized hyaluronic acid spacer. Med Phys. 2024; 1-15. https://doi.org/10.1002/mp.17292** **Study sponsored by Palette Life Sciences, now part of Teleflex. Forward-Looking Statements Any statements contained in this press release that do not describe historical facts may constitute forward-looking statements. Any forward-looking statements contained herein are based on our management's current beliefs and expectations, but are subject to a number of risks, uncertainties and changes in circumstances, which may cause actual results or company actions to differ materially from what is expressed or implied by these statements. These risks and uncertainties are identified and described in more detail in our filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including our Annual Report on Form 10-K. Teleflex, the Teleflex logo, Arrow, Barrigel, Deknatel, LMA, Pilling, QuikClot, Rusch, Titan SGS, UroLift and Weck are trademarks or registered trademarks of Teleflex Incorporated or its affiliates, in the U.S. and/or other countries. All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners. 2024 Teleflex Incorporated. All rights reserved. APM942A Contacts: Teleflex Lawrence Keusch Vice President, Investor Relations and Strategy Development investor.relations@teleflex.com 610-948-2836 Media Contact: Glenn Silver Partner National Media Relations Specialist glenn.silver@finnpartners.com 646-871-8485 Dublin, Sept. 26, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The "The Brand Reputation Summit" conference has been added to ResearchAndMarkets.com's offering. The Brand Reputation Summit has been announced! Part of the 'TED-style' storytelling leadership Summit portfolio, this is a cross-industry event designed for PR/Marketing/Branding & Communications professionals to help create an infallible reputation management plan that ensures you can protect your company or brand against any potential reputational threat. In today's super-connected world, news travels fast, especially if it's bad news. A negative perception of your company or brand can have disastrous consequences for your company's stability and revenue. The smallest incident can snowball into a reputational threat and every organization - from Fortune 500s to start-ups, is vulnerable. Join PR/Marketing & Communications professionals for the Industry's ONLY 'TED-Style' Reputation & Brand Resilience Summit. By attending you will learn best practices in how to: DIAGNOSE where reputational threats to your company or brand currently lie IDENTIFY the types of PR crisis you may deal with in the future DEVELOP a robust and infallible reputation management strategy plan involving pre-emptive planning, contingency and recovery plans of action. KNOW the do's and don'ts from brand and communications experts when responding to major reputational threats TURN potential crisis moments into positive opportunities for future company success So whether you're a smaller company dealing with negative online reviews or a larger company dealing with increased scrutiny from the media, online and the general public, this event is not to be missed! Hear from 20+ cross-industry speakers sharing their stories and front-line experiences of planning, contingency & recovery, while managing internal and public communications in often challenging, fast-moving situations. Summit Themes Include: Critical Thinking: The Bridge PR & AI Need The Future of Online Reputation Management The Art of Storytelling to Enhance Your Brand Reputation You are only as good as your Reputation! Leading by Example in Your Organization From Unknown Brand to Known Brand Maintaining your Reputation: Do's & Don'ts Social Leadership & Accountability Protecting your Reputation from Imposters Building a Brand on Social Media Cyber Security for Reputation and Brand Resilience in the Digital World Integrating Old School Tactics with New Tools into Reputation Strategy What's next for Reputation Management: 2024 & Beyond? Marketers and Communicators: Take the Helm with Generative (Gen) AI Change Management Building your Brand with Diverse Audiences Developing & Maintaining an Authentic Brand Voice Choosing a Reputation Management Partner Turning Negative PR into Positive PR For more information about this conference visit https://www.researchandmarkets.com/r/bhcem8 About ResearchAndMarkets.com ResearchAndMarkets.com is the world's leading source for international market research reports and market data. We provide you with the latest data on international and regional markets, key industries, the top companies, new products and the latest trends. Dublin, Sept. 26, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The "Analysis on Xiaomi Auto's Electrification, Connectivity, Intelligence and Sharing, 2024" report has been added to ResearchAndMarkets.com's offering. Since the release of SU7, Xiaomi delivered 7,058 units and 8,630 units in April and May, respectively, and more than 10,000 units in both June and July. Xiaomi officially expects to fulfill 110,000 orders in November, which means it needs to achieve the average monthly delivery of 16,000 units in the next four months from August to November. Xiaomi Auto's first car was a success thanks to its advantages in many aspects, but there are also some shortcomings in its development. Strength 1: Sufficient funds, ten times more investment to polish hot-selling products Compared with other emerging auto brands that need to keep raising funds, Xiaomi Group itself is a listed company with about RMB100 billion in cash. Traditional OEMs generally input 300 to 400 people and RMB1-2 billion in R&D funds to develop a vehicle. Xiaomi put 3,400 engineers and a total R&D funds of RMB10 billion to develop its first car, of which the investment in the key technology intelligent driving was as high as RMB4. 7 billion, with the dedicated team size exceeding 1,000 people. By H1 2024, Xiaomi Auto has published about 1,200 Chinese patents/patent fillings, most of which are autonomous driving and vehicle design patents. Strength 2: High brand awareness and a huge fan base Xiaomi has built a fan base by marketing means such as community marketing. As of Q4 2023, the global monthly active users of MIUI have numbered 641 million. Lei Jun's personal Weibo has 24 million fans, far more than other emerging auto brand leaders. Traditional OEM bosses lack influence on Internet. Xiaomi Group's new retail system enables vehicle sales services. Xiaomi has created a new online and offline integrated retail model. Major online channels are Xiaomi Mall, Xiaomi Youpin (e-commerce platform), Xiaomi Tmall Flagship Store, Xiaomi JD Flagship Store, and offline channels are mainly Xiaomi Home (including direct-sale and franchised) in the core business districts of cities, authorized experience stores/special areas in suburbs and towns, and service outlets. As of April 2024, Xiaomi Group has boasted a total of 12,060 offline stores, including 5,993 Xiaomi Home stores/franchised stores/exclusive stores + 281 Xiaomi Home direct-sale stores + 1,595 service outlets + 4,472 authorized experience stores/special areas. By the end of July 2024, Xiaomi Auto has opened across China: 30 delivery centers, 102 sales stores, and 58 service outlets. Strength 3: The people-car-home ecosystem brings convenience to Xiaomi Auto users through integration of information and intelligent applications In 2022, Xiaomi decided to unify the OS of various devices, involving the software architecture of MIUI, Vela, Mina, and IVI OS. In October 2023, Xiaomi announced HyperOS, a system which is based on the fusion of Android in deep evolution and the self-developed Vela system, rewrites the underlying architecture, and enables dynamic real-time networking of all devices, bringing a new terminal interconnection experience. Strength 4: Excellent marketing and pre-sale activities Xiaomi is good at using social media and online and offline channels for all-round marketing and promotion. The Xiaomi Auto Launch in December last year and the Xiaomi SU7 Launch in March this year were particularly eye-catching. In these two launches, Xiaomi Auto easily dominated the top trending searches on major social media platforms. According to the statistical report of Zhiwei Data, on the Launch day in December, Xiaomi Auto had more than 350,000 posts and more than 200 hot searches/hashtags on the entire Internet. This launch event had an influence index of up to 80. 6, higher than 97% of events and higher than 98% of corporate events. It was really the king of traffic, and even the king of Weibo, Li Auto, could not catch up with it. Through well-planned launch and online live broadcast, it attracted a mass of viewers. Meanwhile, Xiaomi introduced limited-time offers such as generous gifts for first-day car purchase and exclusive rights for limited-time car ordering, which stimulated consumers' enthusiasm for ordering. Strength 5: Supply chain integration and manufacturing capabilities Although Xiaomi is a fresh entrant in the automobile manufacturing industry, it has been able to quickly build a high-quality automobile production system relying on its strong supply chain management and resource integration capabilities, ensuring the timely delivery and stable production supply, thus eliminating consumers' concerns about insufficient supply in the early stages of new product launch. Despite multiple advantages, Xiaomi Auto also has some obvious shortcomings: Shortcoming 1: Insufficient manufacturing experience Xiaomi has always adopted an asset-light business model, and often relies on external partners in product manufacturing. Yet the manufacturing process of automobiles is far more complicated than consumer electronics, which is a big challenge to Xiaomi. Since its birth, Xiaomi has entrusted mobile phone production to ODMs. Xiaomi is responsible for design and sales, while ODMs take charge of production. Among emerging carmakers, Li Auto, Xpeng Motors and NIO all chose the OEM/ODM mode to enter the market at the beginning. Under the premise that mobile phones are all produced by ODMs/OEMs, it is undoubtedly a huge challenge for Xiaomi to directly skip to building its own car factory and manufacturing cars. Shortcoming 2: The threshold for core automotive technology is high, and Xiaomi's automotive R&D expertise is insufficient. Although Xiaomi has gathered rich experience in intelligent hardware and electronics, automobile manufacturing is a complex system engineering that requires higher technical thresholds and longer technology accumulation. Xiaomi's technical expertise in battery management, vehicle systems, power batteries, and autonomous driving development is relatively insufficient. Compared with Huawei, Li Auto, NIO, and Tesla, Xiaomi makes underinvestment in EE architecture, automotive basic software, and charging/swapping facilities. Compared with traditional OEMs such as Geely, BYD, and Changan, Xiaomi has insufficient expertise in batteries, hybrids, chassis, and production & manufacturing. Shortcoming 3: BEV market growth slows down, and need to start from scratch in extended-range models. Sales data from 2023 to 2024 show that the BEV market has reached a growth bottleneck, and hybrid electric vehicles (especially the extended-range) grew much faster. Xiaomi plans to launch an extended-range SUV in 2026. It has started R&D of extended-range vehicles. After all, it needs to start from scratch and lags behind Li Auto and Huawei for several years. It is not easy to catch up with the two tough rivals. Shortcoming 4: There are many faults in new cars. Xiaomi still needs to polish software and manufacturing and improve after-sales services. According to feedback from some we-media (like Leyuan Wangchuang), Xiaomi Auto mainly has following problems since car release: 1. Battery: Many users said that the cruising mileage of cars is quite different from the officially announced, and even some cars had battery failures, thus failing to start normally. 2. Software failures: Problems such as vehicle system halt, inaccurate navigation system, and slow response of voice control affect user experience. 3. Manufacturing quality: Some car owners reported that there are defects in the vehicle assembly process, such as uneven door gaps, loose interior trims, and abnormal body noise. 4. After-sales services: Faced with frequent quality problems, Xiaomi Auto seems to be overstretched in after-sales services, for example, long time to wait for repair and insufficient supply of accessories. Xiaomi Auto's long-term goal is to 'become one of the top five global automakers with 15-20 years of efforts and create a mobile smart space that looks good and is easy to drive, comfortable and safe.' Relying on the strengths of Xiaomi Group, Xiaomi Auto has made an initial success in SU7. However, to achieve its long-term goal, Xiaomi Auto still has many problems to overcome. Key Topics Covered: 1 Overview of Xiaomi Auto Profile Core Team First New Car Sales and Channels Xiaomi Application Service Capabilities Xiaomi Software Product: HyperOS Investment Dynamics Supply Chain Comparison between Xiaomi SU7 and Its Competitors Reasons for the Success of Xiaomi SU7 2 Xiaomi SU7 E/E Architecture 3 Xiaomi Hyper OS Development History of Xiaomi's Operating System Overview of HyperOS Xiaomi Hyper OS Architecture Design (1): Overall Architecture Xiaomi Hyper OS Architecture Design (2): Cross-end Layer Xiaomi Hyper OS Architecture Design (3): Middleware Layer Xiaomi Hyper OS Architecture Design (4): Kernel Layer Xiaomi Hyper OS IVI Features Xiaomi Hyper OS Access to Foundation Models Xiaomi Hyper OS Adopts Nuttx kernel Comparison between HyperOS and HarmonyOS 4 Xiaomi Modena and SOA 'Modena' Architecture and Intelligent Driving Technology 'Modena' Architecture and Intelligent Cockpit Technology Xiaomi SOA Technology Vehicle OS Communication Technology under Xiaomi SOA 5 Voice and AI Foundation Model Xiaomi Software Product: AI Voice Xiao'Ai Tongxue Provides Scenario Coverage via Voice Commands Voice Task Parsing and Execution Flow Xiao'Ai Tongxue's Accurate Matching via RAG Xiaomi AI Service Framework Deployment Location in OS Two Types of Foundation Models as the Core of Xiaomi AI Essence of Xiaomi AI Intelligence Center 6 Intelligent Cockpit and Human-car-home Ecosystem Xiaomi Auto's Intelligent Cockpit System Xiaomi Auto's Intelligent Cockpit Domain Control Platform Xiaomi Infotainment System Xiaomi Human-car-home Eco-Strategy Xiaomi Cross-end Connection System Xiaomi Cross-end Connection System Application Xiaomi Cross-end Connection System Application in Vehicles Xiaomi SU7 Peripheral Products Xiaomi Phone-Car Integration Solution: CarWith Xiaomi Eco-Domain Extension Hardware Xiaomi Eco-Domain Partners 7 Electrification Layout CTB Technology Ten-way Valve Vehicle Thermal Management System Thermal Management System Patents Xiaomi HyperEngine 8 Integrated Die Casting and Chassis System Xiaomi Integrated Die Casting Core Technologies Xiaomi Integrated Die Casting Technology Solutions and Implementation Cases Xiaomi Integrated Die Casting Technology Patents Xiaomi Chassis System 9 Humanoid Robot Xiaomi AI Humanoid Robot Layout Xiaomi AI Humanoid Robot Planning Xiaomi AI Humanoid Robot Introduction Xiaomi AI Humanoid Robot Hardware Disassembly Xiaomi AI Humanoid Robot Software Algorithm For more information about this report visit https://www.researchandmarkets.com/r/l1epze About ResearchAndMarkets.com ResearchAndMarkets.com is the world's leading source for international market research reports and market data. We provide you with the latest data on international and regional markets, key industries, the top companies, new products and the latest trends. Dublin, Sept. 26, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The "mRNA Vaccine and Therapeutics Market Industry Trends and Global Forecasts to 2035: Distribution by Application Area, Target Disease Indication and Geographical Regions" report has been added to ResearchAndMarkets.com's offering. The mRNA Vaccine and Therapeutics Market is valued at USD 9 billion in 2024 growing at a CAGR of 16% during the forecast period from 2026 to 2035. Messenger ribonucleic acid (mRNA) is a form of single-stranded ribonucleic acid (RNA) that plays a crucial role in transferring genetic information necessary for protein synthesis. The instructions encoded in mRNA for producing proteins are relayed from a DNA strand to ribosomes, where they are translated into functional proteins. The advent of mRNA therapeutics and vaccines has emerged as a groundbreaking alternative to traditional treatment methods. Following the COVID-19 pandemic, mRNA therapeutics and vaccines have gained substantial attention, establishing themselves as a revolutionary class of drugs for treating not only COVID-19 but also various other conditions, including infectious diseases, cancer, genetic disorders, and more. To date, four mRNA-based vaccines have received approval for COVID-19 treatment, with numerous additional candidates currently undergoing evaluation as potential therapies. The overall success of mRNA-based vaccines and therapies against COVID-19 has piqued the interest of many investors, particularly in small and emerging biotechnology companies focused on mRNA technology. The achievements in mRNA therapeutics and vaccines have spurred increased research activity in the next-generation RNA therapeutics market. A robust pipeline of mRNA-based therapeutics and vaccines is also propelling growth in the mRNA synthesis and manufacturing sector, as drug developers seek contract services to scale up the production of mRNA-based treatments. Research Coverage: A general introduction to mRNA, featuring insights on the historical evolution of mRNA therapeutics and vaccines. It also presents elaborate description on advantages associated with mRNA therapeutics and vaccines. It also features some of the key applications of both mRNA therapeutics and mRNA vaccines. Additionally, the chapter includes details on the various types of delivery routes and delivery strategies for mRNA drugs. Further, the chapter discusses the challenges associated with large scale adoption of mRNA therapeutics and vaccines and the associated future perspectives. A detailed overview of the overall market landscape of mRNA therapeutics and vaccines, based on several relevant parameters, such as phase of development, type of drug candidate, therapeutic area, type of delivery system, type of molecule encoded and route of administration. A detailed overview of the current market of players engaged in the development of mRNA vaccine and therapeutics. An in-depth company competitiveness analysis of players in mRNA vaccine and therapeutics domain, based on their developer strengthand number of therapeutic areas targeted. Elaborate profiles of key companies engaged in mRNA vaccine and therapeutics market. Each profile features a brief overview of the company, financial information, mRNA vaccines and therapeutics pipeline, recent developments and an informed future outlook. A review of the various mRNA-focused initiatives undertaken by big pharma players, featuring a heat map representation that highlights mRNA therapeutics and vaccines under development, along with information on funding amount raised, partnership activity, and diversity of product portfolio, as well as a spider web representation, comparing the initiatives of big pharmaceutical players on the basis of multiple relevant parameters. An analysis of start-ups in this domain, based on several relevant parameters, such as number of candidates in discovery, preclinical and clinical phases of development. This chapter also provides details on amount raised, number of investors and number of deals inked. An analysis of completed, ongoing and planned clinical studies of mRNA therapeutics and vaccines, based on several relevant parameters, such as trial registration year, trial status, trial phase, therapeutic area, study design, type of sponsor / collaborator, leading industry players,enrolled patient population and geography. An analysis of recent collaborations and partnerships within the mRNA therapeutics and vaccines industry, based on several relevant parameters, such as year of partnership, type of partnership, therapeutic area, most active players and regional distribution of partnership activity that have been undertaken in this domain, since 2013. A detailed analysis of various investments made by players in this domain, since 2013, based on several relevant parameters, such as year of funding, type of funding, amount invested, therapeutic area, most active players and key investors. An in-depth analysis of the various patents that have been filed / granted related to mRNA therapeutics and vaccines domain, since 2016, based on several relevant parameters, such as type of patent, publication year, geographical region, CPC symbols, leading industry playersand patent valuation. An in-depth analysis of the factors that can impact the growth of the market. It also features information on key drivers, potential restraints, emerging opportunities, and existing challenges within the mRNA vaccine and therapeutics market. A detailed mRNA vaccine and therapeutics market forecast analysis with our estimates of the existing market size, market value and future opportunity for mRNA vaccine and therapeutics companies over the next 11 years. Based on multiple parameters, likely adoption trends and through primary validations, we have provided an informed estimate on the market size during the forecast period 2024-2035. Detailed projections of the current and future opportunity within the mRNA vaccine and therapeutics market across different application area, such as COVID-19 and other indications. Detailed projections of the current and future opportunity within the mRNA vaccines & therapeutics market across different target disease indication, such as influenza, respiratory syncytial virus infection and cytomegalovirus diseases. Detailed projections of the current and future opportunity within the mRNA vaccine and therapeutics market across different geographical regions. Leading Market Companies Arcturus Therapeutics BioNTech CureVac Ethris IMMORNA Moderna Providence Therapeutics RNACure Suzhou Abogen Biosciences Turn Biotechnologies Gennova Innovac Therapeutics Kernal Biologics Pantherna Therapeutics pHion Therapeutics Recode Therapeutics Rejuvenation Technologies RNAimmune Strand Therapeutics Walvax Ziphius Vaccines Key Topics Covered: 1. PREFACE 2. RESEARCH METHODOLOGY 3. ECONOMIC AND OTHER PROJECT SPECIFIC CONSIDERATIONS 3.1. Chapter Overview 3.2. Market Dynamics 4. EXECUTIVE SUMMARY 5. INTRODUCTION 5.1. Chapter Overview 5.2. mRNA Therapeutics 5.3. mRNA Vaccines 5.4. mRNA Delivery Routes 5.5. mRNA Delivery Strategies 5.6. Key Challenges Associated with mRNA Vaccine and Therapeutics 5.7. Future Perspectives 6. MARKET LANDSCAPE 6.1. Chapter Overview 6.2. mRNA Vaccine and Therapeutics: Overall Market Landscape 7. COMPETITIVE LANDSCAPE 7.1. Chapter Overview 7.2. mRNA Vaccine and Therapeutics: List of Developers 8. COMPANY COMPETITIVENESS ANALYSIS 8.1. Chapter Overview 8.2. Key Assumptions and Parameters 8.3. Methodology 8.4. mRNA Vaccine and Therapeutics Developers: Company Competitiveness Analysis 8.5. mRNA Vaccine and Therapeutics Developers based in North America 8.6. mRNA Vaccine and Therapeutics Developers based in Europe 8.7. mRNA Vaccine and Therapeutics Developers based in Asia-Pacific and Rest of the World 9. COMPANY PROFILES Leading Companies in mRNA Vaccine and Therapeutics Market Arcturus Therapeutics BioNTech CureVac Ethris Immorna Moderna Providence Therapeutics Suzhou Abogen Biosciences Other Leading Players in mRNA Vaccine and Therapeutics Market Gennova Biopharmaceuticals Innovac Therapeutics Kernal Biologics Pantherna Therapeutics pHion Therapeutics Recode Therapeutics Rejuvenation Technologies RNACure RNAimmune Strand Therapeutics Turn Biotechnologies Walvax Ziphius Vaccines 10. BIG PHARMA INITIATIVES 10.1. Chapter Overview 10.2. Scope and Methodology 10.3. mRNA Related Initiatives of Big Pharmaceutical Players 10.4. Benchmarking Analysis: Big Pharma Players Amgen AstraZeneca Bayer BioNTech Eli Lilly Gilead Sciences GlaxoSmithKline Merck Moderna Novartis Novo Nordisk Pfizer Roche Sanofi Takeda 11. START-UP HEALTH INDEXING 11.1. Chapter Overview 11.2. Start-ups focused on mRNA Vaccine and Therapeutics 11.3. Benchmarking of Start-ups 11.4. Startup-Health Indexing 12. CLINICAL TRIAL ANALYSIS 12.1. Chapter Overview 12.2. Scope and Methodology 12.3. mRNA Vaccine and Therapeutics: Clinical Trial Analysis 13. PARTNERSHIPS AND COLLABORATIONS 13.1. Chapter Overview 13.2. Partnership Models 13.3. mRNA Vaccine and Therapeutics: Partnerships and Collaborations 14. FUNDING AND INVESTMENT ANALYSIS 14.1. Chapter Overview 14.2. Types of Funding 14.3. mRNA Vaccine and Therapeutics: Funding and Investments 15. PATENT ANALYSIS 15.1. Chapter Overview 15.2. Scope and Methodology 15.3. mRNA Vaccine and Therapeutics: Patent Analysis 15.4. Patent Benchmarking Analysis 15.5. mRNA Vaccine and Therapeutics: Patent Valuation Analysis 16. MARKET IMPACT ANALYSIS: DRIVERS, RESTRAINTS, OPPORTUNITIES AND CHALLENGES 17. GLOBAL mRNA VACCINE AND THERAPEUTICS MARKET 17.1. Chapter Overview 17.2. Assumptions and Methodology 17.3. Global mRNA Vaccine and Therapeutics Market, till 2035 18. mRNA VACCINE AND THERAPEUTICS MARKET, BY APPLICATION AREA 18.1. Chapter Overview 18.2. Key Assumptions and Methodology 18.3. mRNA Vaccine and Therapeutics Market: Distribution by Application Area, 2024, 2028 and 2035 19. mRNA VACCINE AND THERAPEUTICS MARKET, BY TARGET DISEASE INDICATION 19.1. Chapter Overview 19.2. Key Assumptions and Methodology 19.3. mRNA Vaccine and Therapeutics Market: Distribution by Target Disease Indication, 2026, 2030 and 2035 20. mRNA VACCINE AND THERAPEUTICS MARKET, BY GEOGRAPHICAL REGIONS 20.1. Chapter Overview 20.2. Key Assumptions and Methodology 20.3. mRNA Vaccine and Therapeutics Market: Distribution by Geographical Regions, 2020, 2024 and 2035 For more information about this report visit https://www.researchandmarkets.com/r/5o5abx About ResearchAndMarkets.com ResearchAndMarkets.com is the world's leading source for international market research reports and market data. We provide you with the latest data on international and regional markets, key industries, the top companies, new products and the latest trends. Attachment LAS VEGAS, Sept. 26, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Tritent International Corp. ("Tritent"), a US public company (US OTC: TICJ), and Burst Technologies, Inc. ("Burst Technologies"), a Delaware corporation, are pleased to announce the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding ("MOU") that outlines the key terms and conditions for a proposed strategic merger. The MOU was officially executed on September 24, 2024. In a groundbreaking move to enhance healthcare billing efficiency, Burst Technologies and Tritent are excited to announce their potential merger, which introduces the build out of an AI-accelerated billing solution designed to recover Medicare Part B costs for nursing homes across the United States where in most cases currently goes unrecovered. This innovative technology aims to streamline billing processes, reduce administrative burdens, and ensure that nursing homes receive maximum reimbursement for these products and services. Key Benefits of Bursts AI-Accelerated Healthcare Solution Maximized Reimbursement: Nursing homes can achieve direct recovery of Medicare Part B costs, significantly improving their bottom line. Efficiency Boost: Automated processes reduce the time and effort required for billing, freeing up staff and resources to focus more on patient care. Enhanced Accuracy: Technology and AI-driven algorithms minimize errors and optimize claim submissions and help ensure compliance with Medicare and insurance regulations. Key Points of the MOU This proposed merger is designed to enhance the capabilities and market presence of both organizations by integrating Burst Technologies as a wholly owned subsidiary of Tritent. Merger Structure: Under the proposed terms, Tritent will become the primary entity, and Burst Technologies will be integrated as a wholly owned subsidiary, ensuring operational continuity and strategic alignment between the companies. Governance and Management: Post-merger, key management and operational roles within Tritent will be filled by executives from Burst Technologies. Additionally, Burst Technologies will appoint a majority of the Board of Directors of the merged entity, ensuring a cohesive leadership team. Share Exchange: As part of the merger, Tritent will issue common restricted shares in accordance with the Definitive Share Exchange Agreement, facilitating the acquisition of Burst Technologies. Good Standing and Compliance: Both companies have committed to maintaining good standing with relevant regulatory bodies and ensuring compliance with all applicable laws, including those set forth by the OTC Markets, FINRA, and the State. Mutual Responsibilities: The MOU emphasizes the spirit of cooperation, transparency, and mutual respect between the parties. Both Tritent and Burst Technologies will work together diligently to finalize the Definitive Share Exchange Agreement and ensure the success of the merger. Market Size: Burst Technologies has developed a multi-year financial plan, focusing on expanding its client base and boosting revenue inside the Nursing Care Facilities and Continuing Care Retirement Communities representing 4%, or $180 billion, of the $4.5 trillion National Healthcare Expenditure (NHE) marketplace1. "This MOU represents an exciting opportunity for both companies to leverage each other's strengths and drive growth in our respective markets," said Reno J. Calabrigo, CEO of Tritent International Corp. "We are confident that this merger will create significant value for our shareholders and position us for long-term success." Eric Hansen, CEO of Burst Technologies, added, "This partnership marks the first step toward making the nursing home industry a leader in technology. Well start by building the first AI-driven billing solution specifically for nursing homes. From there, well continue pushing boundaries to bring fresh innovation to an industry ready for transformation. Our goal is not just to modernize long-term care, but to set a new tech standard for the entire sector, and were confident this merger offers an exciting path for our shareholders." The MOU sets the framework for the negotiation and execution of a Definitive Share Exchange Agreement, which both parties expect to finalize in the coming weeks. About Burst Technologies, Inc. Burst is building out an AI-accelerated healthcare billing solution designed for America's nursing homes, addressing a critical gap where many Medicare Part B supply costs currently go unrecovered. Currently, Burst supports 30 nursing homes and over 3,000 residents, ensuring they receive the healthcare returns they deserve. With a market size serving 1.6 million elderly residents across 16,700 facilities, Burst can ensure that essential Medicare reimbursements are accessible, transforming the way nursing homes manage healthcare billing. With a focus on healthcare inclusion, Burst's success-based model allows any nursing home to sign up at no upfront cost, delivering reimbursements directly to their bank accounts. For more information please visit, www.burstmedicalbilling.com. About Tritent International Corp. Tritent International Corp. (US OTC: TICJ) is focused on the acquisition of controlling equity interests in disruptive companies by taking an active role to improve their growth, provide capital and management expertise. For more information, please contact: Tritent International Corp. Reno Calabrigo, Director Email: info@tritentintlcorp.com Burst Technologies, Inc. Eric Hansen, Director Email: Eric@Burstbilling.com Safe Harbor Statement This Press Release may contain certain forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. The Company has tried, whenever possible, to identify these forward-looking statements using words such as "anticipates," "believes," "estimates," "expects," "plans," "intends," "potential" and similar expressions. These statements reflect the Company's current beliefs and are based upon information currently available to it. Accordingly, such forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which could cause the Company's actual results, performance or achievements to differ materially from those expressed in or implied by such statements, as well as other risks discussed from time to time in our filings with OTC Markets, including, without limitation, our latest Quarterly Report filed on August 13th, 2024. The Company undertakes no obligation to update or advise in the event of any change, addition or alteration to the information catered in this Press Release, including such forward-looking statements. Footnote 1: references Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, Office of the Actuary, National Health Expenditures 2022 Highlights https://www.cms.gov/newsroom/fact-sheets/national-health-expenditures-2022-highlights A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/65b45d29-324a-4e7c-8687-64bd4f854a51 VANCOUVER, British Columbia, Sept. 26, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- IMPACT Silver Corp. (IPT:TSX.V, ISVLF:OTCQB, IKL:FRA), based in Vancouver, BC, focused on silver and zinc exploration and production, today announced that Steven Gold, will present live at the Battery and Precious Metals Virtual Investor Conference, hosted by VirtualInvestorConferences.com, on October 1st 2024. DATE: October 1st TIME: 11:00 AM ET LINK: https://bit.ly/3z584tW Available for 1x1 meetings: September 30, October 1 and October 2, 2024 This will be a live, interactive online event where investors are invited to ask the company questions in real-time. If attendees are not able to join the event live on the day of the conference, an archived webcast will also be made available after the event. It is recommended that online investors pre-register and run the online system check to expedite participation and receive event updates. Learn more about the event at www.virtualinvestorconferences.com . IMPACT Silver Corp. (TSXV:IPT, OTCQB:ISVLF) is a successful intermediate mineral producer and explorer with three mining projects in Mexico. Royal Mines of Zacualpan Silver-Gold District: IMPACT owns 100% of the 211 km2 Zacualpan project in central Mexico where four underground silver mines and one open pit mine feed the central 500 tpd Guadalupe processing plant. To the south, the Capire Project includes a 200 tpd processing pilot plant adjacent to an open pit silver mine with an NI 43-101 inferred mineral resource of over 4.5 million oz silver, 48 million lbs zinc and 21 million lbs lead (see IMPACT news release dated January 18, 2016, for details and QP statement). Company engineers are reviewing Capire for a potential restart of operations to leverage improving commodity prices. Over the past 18 years, IMPACT has developed multiple exploration zones into commercial production and has produced over 12 million ounces of silver, generating revenue more than $271 million, with no long-term debt. Plomosas Zinc-Lead-Silver District: Plomosas is a high-grade zinc producer in northern Mexico with exceptional exploration upside potential. The Company recently restarted mining operations and is expected to reach design capacity production levels over the next six months. Exploration potential at Plomosas is exceptional where only 600m of the 6 km-long structure have seen modern exploration. This is in addition to other exploration targets on the 3,019-hectare property including untested copper-gold targets with indications of high-grade material from surface. Regionally, Plomosas lies in the same mineral belt as some of the largest carbonate replacement deposits in the world. About Virtual Investor Conferences Virtual Investor Conferences (VIC) is the leading proprietary investor conference series that provides an interactive forum for publicly traded companies to seamlessly present directly to investors. Providing a real-time investor engagement solution, VIC is specifically designed to offer companies more efficient investor access. Replicating the components of an on-site investor conference, VIC offers companies enhanced capabilities to connect with investors, schedule targeted one-on-one meetings and enhance their presentations with dynamic video content. Accelerating the next level of investor engagement, Virtual Investor Conferences delivers leading investor communications to a global network of retail and institutional investors. CONTACTS: Jerry Huang Chief Financial Officer jerry@impactsilver.com Virtual Investor Conferences John M. Viglotti SVP Corporate Services, Investor Access OTC Markets Group (212) 220-2221 johnv@otcmarkets.com ATLANTA, Sept. 26, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Monarch Private Capital (Monarch), a nationally recognized impact investment firm that develops, finances and manages a diversified portfolio of projects generating both federal and state tax credits, is pleased to announce the closing of tax equity financing for the historic preservation and adaptive reuse of 1904 Farnam, a major redevelopment project located in downtown Omaha, Nebraska. The $25 million development, spearheaded by Clarity Development, will transform the historic building into 54 studio and one-bedroom units, providing much-needed affordable housing for the community. The financing includes Nebraska Low-Income Housing Tax Credits (LIHTCs) as well as State Historic Tax Credits (HTCs), making it a powerful tool for community revitalization. The 1904 Farnam project will offer affordable housing options to tenants earning 40%, 50%, and 60% of the Area Median Income (AMI). All units will be located in a seven-story, elevator-serviced building with ground-floor commercial space, designed to support the local economy and meet community needs. The development is expected to be completed by the end of 2025. Originally constructed in 1927 as The Union State Bank building, 1904 Farnam is a significant part of Omaha's architectural and economic history. The building, which exemplifies early Art Deco design, reflects the spirit of modernity that characterized the 1920s and 1930s. Situated in the heart of Omaha, it has long been a landmark of the citys growth and development. Of note, the building is located directly across the street from Omahas City Hall and the District Courthouse; furthermore, Omahas streetcar main route from Downtown to Midtown Omaha will run down Farnam Street. "Being part of a development that benefits the community in such a meaningful way is a privilege," said Rick Chukas, Partner and Managing Director of Historic Tax Credits at Monarch Private Capital. "This project not only preserves a piece of Omaha's history but also addresses the critical need for affordable housing in the downtown area. We are proud to support developments that have a positive impact on communities." The 1904 Farnam project is a great example of how LIHTC financing can be used to create affordable housing in areas that need it most, said Steve LeClere, Partner, LIHTC at Monarch Private Capital. With the help of Nebraska LIHTCs, were able to transform a historic building into modern, affordable housing while preserving the character and history of Omaha. The redevelopment of the Farnam Building continues its legacy as an integral part of the downtown business community, while providing much-needed affordable housing in Omaha. Monarch Private Capital's involvement underscores its commitment to community impact and sustainable development. For more information about Monarch Private Capital and its investment initiatives, please visit www.monarchprivate.com. About Monarch Private Capital Monarch Private Capital manages impact investment funds that positively impact communities by creating clean power, jobs and homes. The funds provide predictable returns through the generation of federal and state tax credits. The Company offers innovative tax credit equity investments for affordable housing, historic rehabilitations, renewable energy, film and other qualified projects. Monarch Private Capital has long-term relationships with institutional and individual investors, developers, and lenders participating in these federal and state programs. Headquartered in Atlanta, Monarch has offices and professionals located throughout the United States. CONTACT Jane Rafeedie Monarch Private Capital jrafeedie@monarchprivate.com 470-283-8431 A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/4b1343b0-2a34-4a27-ad7b-64b884c626ef CURITIBA, Brazil, Sept. 26, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Trans Obra announced today that it is offering a unique opportunity for entrepreneurs to join its franchise model (franquia), allowing new partners to explore the growing market of construction equipment rental with the support of a well-established brand. With over 20 years of experience, Trans Obra is one of the most recognized names in Brazil, offering a proven business structure that has supported successful projects over the years. With a diversified portfolio that includes over 300 types of machines and tools, Trans Obra provides solutions for projects ranging from small residential renovations to large infrastructure works. Franchisees will have access to high-quality equipment such as concrete mixers, generators, and aerial platforms, ensuring their clients receive reliable solutions. Trans Obra's focus on well-maintained equipment gives franchisees a competitive edge, as clients rely on the safety and performance of these solutions. A key feature of the Trans Obra franchise model is the comprehensive support package offered to franchisees. This includes thorough technical and operational training, as well as ongoing guidance for business management. With over two decades of expertise in the construction equipment rental industry, Trans Obra ensures that each franchisee is equipped with the knowledge and tools necessary for success. Franchisees benefit from a proven business model, reducing risks and improving returns. For those unfamiliar with the term, (franquias o que e) what is franchising is a page on the Trans Obra website that explains the franchise concept. This page offers potential franchisees detailed information about the franchise process, its benefits, and opportunities for growth. As the Brazilian construction sector continues to grow, the demand for equipment rentals increases. Joining the Trans Obra franquia network allows entrepreneurs to enter this market while receiving full support from an established brand. Trans Obra offers a flexible business structure, ensuring each franchisee can operate efficiently from day one. Media Contact: Name: Jose Gomes Title: Franchise Development Manager Phone: +55 41 99245-4944 Email: franquia@transobra.com.br Website: https://www.franquiatransobra.com.br About Trans Obra Founded over 20 years ago, Trans Obra is a leading provider of construction equipment rental solutions throughout Brazil. The company supports projects of all sizes, from small renovations to major infrastructure works, with a commitment to offering high-quality equipment and full support. A video accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/f1ceab09-64fb-48ca-bc81-b190b02f2c5c SINGAPORE, Sept. 26, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Galaxy Girl Interactive (GGI), a web3 group co-founded by MixMarvel and Yeeha! Games, is thrilled to announce its strategic partnership with ArkForge, a groudbreaking move that signifies the fusion of traditional gaming with the cutting-edge world of Web3 games. This exciting collaboration marks a pivotal moment in the gaming industry, where the best of Web2 and Web3 come together to create a truly immersive and engaging experience for players worldwide. GGI is a leading Web3 gaming group based in Singapore. Born from MixMarvel and Yeeha Games' collaboration, it is all about fun and possibility, like exploring a galaxy. Our motto 'Play Together Create Together' perfectly matches the idea of forming communities, or 'Galaxies', where players share experiences and benefits. As we expand, this community will become a powerful force, shaping the Web3 gaming world and beyond. GGI serves as the definitive gateway to gaming for builders and mass players with cutting-edge infrastructure, platform and top-tier investment, incubation, and publishing services. ArkForge, renowned for its expertise in Web 2.0 gaming and full-suite marketing and publishing services, has been a dominant force in the Web2 space since its founding in 2017. With a strong presence in markets across Southeast Asia, Japan, Korea, Europe, and the U.S., ArkForge has established itself as a leading player in the industry. Moreover, ArkForges unwavering commitment to Esports and its vibrant global community of passionate gamers, has demonstrated remarkable engagement and growth over the past years. Beyond Esports, ArkForge's platform has connected gamers from diverse regions, fostering a community of dreamers known as Raiders. Through captivating exhibitions and community events, ArkForge has rapidly expanded its reach across the globe, solidifying its position as a key player in the gaming industry. Meanwhile, GGI has been empowering growth in Web3 gaming, leading the movement in pioneering innovation and excellence within the decentralized web. As the leading Web3 group serving as the definitive gateway to gaming for builders and players, GGI has a proven track record of delivering high-quality titles celebrated by communities worldwide. MetaCene, the highly anticipated MMORPG incubated and published by GGI, has garnered over 100,000 players at its ongoing Gold Rush playtest on Mantle. GGIs upcoming publishing lineup includes 7 Telegram mini-games, 5 large-scale midcore games, and 10 indie studios, showcasing its expertise in selecting and optimizing diverse, high-potential projects across genres. GGI collaborates closely with seasoned APAC game developers and content creators, providing modular infrastructure and tailored go-to-market support, co-creating IPs that transcend ecosystems and attract mass audiences. By combining forces with ArkForge, GGI aims to create a more inclusive and dynamic gaming ecosystem that spans both Web2 and Web3. This partnership holds great promise for GGI. It is positioned to drive innovation and enhance the gaming experience for players by combining the strengths of both Web2 brought by ArkForge and Web3 technologies and insights from GGI. This will be achieved by utilizing ArkForge's extensive experience in Esports, Influencer Marketing, Exhibitions, and Community Events, along with GGI's expertise in Content Incubation, Gaming Distribution and Publishing, and Web3 Infrastructure. "We believe that this partnership represents a significant step forward in the evolution of gaming," said Nancy, CEO of Yeeha! Games, the co-founder of GGI. "By harnessing the strengths of both Web2 and Web3, we aim to create a more vibrant and inclusive gaming ecosystem that benefits players, developers, and the industry as a whole." While recognizing the challenges ahead, GGI and ArkForge are resolute in their commitment to progress, understanding that the fusion of traditional gaming and Web3 technology will yield remarkable outcomes for all stakeholders. Together, they eagerly anticipate the ongoing evolution of the gaming industry on Web3 and extend a warm invitation to gaming enthusiasts to join them in this exhilarating new chapter. About GGI GGI, the leading Web3 group co-founded by MixMarvel and Yeeha! Games, serving as the definitive gateway to gaming for builders and mass players with cutting-edge infrastructure, platform and top-tier investment, incubation, and publishing services. Affiliated Brands: MixMarvel Yeeha Rangers Protocol GGI Pillar Services: Investment Content Incubation Game Publishing & Distribution Platform Infrastructure Contact Details: Connie Wu Marketing Manager connie.w@yeehagames.com Fay Ying, Co-Founder fay@arkforge.gg Disclaimer: This content is provided by Yeehagames. The statements, views and opinions expressed in this column are solely those of the content provider. The information provided in this press release is not a solicitation for investment, nor is it intended as investment advice, financial advice, or trading advice. It is strongly recommended you practice due diligence, including consultation with a professional financial advisor, before investing in or trading cryptocurrency and securities. Please conduct your own research and invest at your own risk. Photos accompanying this announcement are available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/4d0cd4af-4e03-459a-9dd7-fb16cf1ce046 https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/31188fb3-c040-4e79-8b07-504abb2663c3 MONTREAL, Sept. 26, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- From September 28 to October 1, the Shriners Hospitals for Children - Canada will host the 4th International Symposium on Arthrogryposis. Organized in collaboration with the other Montreal pediatric centers - CHU Sainte-Justine, Centre de readaptation Marie Enfant and Montreal Children's Hospital - the symposium will take place at the Hotel Omni Mont-Royal, 1050 Sherbrooke Street West. Pre-conference workshops will be held on Saturday, September 28 at the Shriners Hospitals for Children - Canada. Arthrogryposis is a group of rare diseases that occur in around 1 in 3,000 children. Arthrogryposis manifests itself as joint stiffness, present from birth and affecting all four limbs to varying degrees. It may be accompanied by other signs: skeletal, visceral or neurological. People with arthrogryposis live with a limited range of movement, often restricting their participation in daily activities. Arthrogryposis is one of a wide range of so-called fetal immobility syndromes, encompassing a multitude of neurological and muscular abnormalities whose inventory is not yet complete. Over the course of four days, experts from around the world will discuss ways of approaching and treating this pathology, as well as the latest research projects in progress. For Dr. Reggie Hamdy and Dr. Noemi Dahan-Oliel, co-chairs of the scientific and organizing committees, the need for this 4th international symposium is clear. Noemi Dahan-Oliel, clinical researcher and associate professor at McGill University, explains: By promoting knowledge sharing and networking among an international community of experts and people living with this condition, we are on the lookout for scientific advances and discoveries that will enable optimal evidence-based care. One of our Quebec stars, Luca Lazylegz Patuelli, www.lucapatuelli.com, a member of the organizing committee for this 4th edition of the international symposium, will perform a dance show on Sunday, September 29 at the Omni Hotel's Salle Pierre de Coubertin during the cocktail reception at 5:45 pm. Luca embodies the can-do attitude of people living with a rare disease. He is proof that support for patients and families, as called for by Quebec's policy on rare diseases, is not only an inescapable necessity, but also a source of wealth. The Shriners Healthcare Network is at the forefront of clinical advancements, and its Genomics Institute seeks to better understand the genetic causes of rare diseases such as arthrogryposis. It's by working together with clinicians, researchers and people living with arthrogryposis that we can learn, innovate and move forward to meet the needs of this community, says Reggie Hamdy, MD, MSc (Ortho) FRCSC, orthopaedic surgeon and director of the Arthrogryposis Clinic at the Shriners in Montreal. Several patients and families living with arthrogryposis will also be there speaking about the care they received and their life experiences. To view the symposium program and find out more about the guest speakers: https://event.fourwaves.com/fr/amcinternationalsymposium/pages The first international symposium on arthrogryposis was held in 2007 in Birmingham, UK, to discuss different aspects of care for people with arthrogryposis. These learnings set the tone for the second symposium, held in St Petersburg, Russia, in 2014. Clinical and research advances made in the field of arthrogryposis were shared at the 3rd symposium in Philadelphia, USA, in 2018. The hospital, in collaboration with other Montreal pediatric facilities, is proud to welcome the 4th International Arthrogryposis Symposium to Montreal! About Shriners Hospitals for Children Canada Established in Montreal in 1925, Shriners Hospital for Children Canada is the only Canadian facility within the extensive Shriners Hospitals network. A bilingual hospital, it offers ultra-specialized acute orthopedic care to children from Canada, the United States and around the world. The hospital's mission is to promote health and provide treatment and rehabilitation for infants, children and young adults with orthopedic and neuromuscular conditions such as scoliosis, osteogenesis imperfecta, clubfoot, hip dysplasia and cerebral palsy. The hospital is committed to excellence and innovation in clinical practice, research and education. Affiliated with McGill University, the hospital enables resident physicians and healthcare professionals to take advantage of its facilities on the Glen site to further their training and experience. In addition to offering a patient- and family-centered care environment, the hospital is present in communities across Canada through telemedicine, outreach clinics and satellite clinics. Information: Emmanuelle Rondeau Communications Shriners Hospitals for Children Canada Tel.: 514-282-6990; Cell.: 514-207-1057 erondeau@shrinenet.org A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/7dc067b6-e47b-49a5-99fd-8507debbcdf2 RIO DE JANEIRO, Brazil, Sept. 26, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The International Myeloma Foundation (IMF) is proud to announce that the inaugural IMF Latin American Myeloma Network (LAMN) Summit will be held on Saturday, September 28, from 3pm 7pm, after the International Myeloma Society (IMS) Meeting at Lagune Barra Hotel in Rio De Janeiro, Brazil. The incidence of multiple myeloma in Latin America is becoming more prevalent. While the numbers are comparable to those in Western countries, it has become a concerning issue due to poorer outcomes. Similar to the Asian Myeloma Network (AMN), the LAMN was created by the IMF to conduct multinational trials, provide myeloma education to patients and providers, facilitate collaborative research, and deepen myeloma expertise across the Latin American region. Another important objective is to bring the Latin American perspective and expertise to the global programs of the IMF, including the International Myeloma Working Group (IMWG). Through meaningful collaborations, the IMF aims to strengthen partnerships between institutions and the LAMN, establish low-cost combinations of novel therapies to make them more accessible to Latin American countries, as well as to give more prominence to Latin American researchers in the field of myeloma research and treatments. The LAMN Summit will gather top myeloma investigators from Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Mexico, and Uruguay. The summit aims to enhance collaborations between member countries and to provide a forum for investigators and junior investigators to have a robust discussion on concepts and proposals for collaborative research and partnerships. Additionally, the first clinical trial for early relapsed disease (LAMN001) will be launched soon. It is such a privilege to bring together this wonderful group of myeloma physicians from across Latin American for the inaugural LAMN Summit. We have the unique opportunity to improve the outcomes of thousands of patients in jurisdictions where there tends to be minimal access to novel myeloma therapies. I am excited to discuss collaborative project proposals that will be presented at the Summit. We trust this will be the first of many others, said IMF Chief Medical Officer Dr. Joseph Mikhael, who will be leading this years first LAMN Summit. Participating in this inaugural LAMN Summit are the following myeloma experts: Natalia Schutz, MD Department of Internal Medicine and Hematology (Hospital Italiano de Buenos Aires Argentina) Dorotea Fantl, MD International Myeloma Society Board Member Consultant Physician, Hematology Department (Hospital Italiano de Buenos Aires Argentina) Angelo Maiolino, MD, PhD International Myeloma Working Group Member Professor of Medicine (Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro Rio de Janeiro, Brazil) Director, Hematology Department (Oncologia Americas Rio de Janeiro, Brazil) Principal Investigator (Instituto Americas de Ensino, Pesquisa Inovacao Rio de Janeiro, Brazil) Vania Hungria, PhD, MD Co-Founder and Coordinator, Brazilian Multiple Myeloma Group (GBRAM) Clinical Director (Sao Germano Clinic Sao Paulo, Brazil) Associate Professor of Hematology and Oncology (Santa Casa de Sao Paulo Sao Paulo, Brazil) Co-founder and Chair, Scientific Advisory Board (International Myeloma Foundation Latin America) Member, Board of Directors (Brazilian Association of Hematology, Hemotherapy and Cell Therapy) Member, Membership Subcommittee (International Myeloma Society) Edvan Crusoe, MD, MsC, PhD Hematologist, Departamento de Medicina Interna e Apoio Diagnostico (Universidade Federal da Bahia Salvador, Brazil) Camila Pena, MD Hematology (Hospital del Salvador Santiago, Chile) Humberto Martinez-Cordero, MD HematologistMyelomaLymphomaTransplant and Cell Therapy Specialist National Cancer Institute (Hospital Militar Central Bogota, Capital District, Colombia) Aline Ramirez Alvarado, MD Hematologist (Universidad Nacional Autonoma de Mexico Mexico City, Mexico) Eloisa Riva, MD, MEd Associate Professor of Hematology (Hospital de Clinicas Montevideo, Uruguay) Hematologist (Hospital Britanico Montevideo, Uruguay) Junior faculty from each member country are also expected to attend, along with a few North American myeloma investigators. The International Myeloma Foundation wishes to thank the following sponsors for making the inaugural LAMN Summit possible: Binding Site, Bristol Myers Squibb, Johnson & Johnson, Sanofi, Sebia, and Stemline - A Menarini Group Company. ABOUT MULTIPLE MYELOMA Multiple myeloma is a cancer of the bone marrow plasma cells white blood cells that make antibodies. A cancerous or malignant plasma cell is called a myeloma cell. Myeloma is called multiple because there are frequently multiple patches or areas in bone where it grows. It often involves damage to bone and kidneys. Multiple myeloma is still incurable, but great progress has been made in terms of survival over the last two decades. The disease is twice as common and is diagnosed at a younger age in African Americans than white Americans. The most common presenting symptoms include fatigue and bone pain. ABOUT THE INTERNATIONAL MYELOMA FOUNDATION Founded in 1990, the International Myeloma Foundation (IMF) is the first and largest global foundation focusing specifically on multiple myeloma. The Foundation's reach extends to more than 525,000 members in 140 countries worldwide. The IMF is dedicated to improving the quality of life of myeloma patients while working toward prevention and a cure by focusing on four key areas: research, education, support, and advocacy. The IMF has conducted more than 250 educational seminars worldwide, maintains a world-renowned InfoLine, and in 2001, established the International Myeloma Working Group (IMWG), a collaborative research initiative focused on improving myeloma treatment options for patients. In 2012, the IMF launched the Black Swan Research Initiative, a groundbreaking research project aimed at curing myeloma. The IMF can be reached at (800) 452-CURE (2873). The global website is www.myeloma.org. Follow the IMF on: X (Twitter): @IMFmyeloma Instagram: @imfmyeloma Facebook: @myeloma LinkedIn: International Myeloma Foundation Media Contacts: Peter Anton Panton@myeloma.org Jason London Jlondon@myeloma.org MONTREAL, Sept. 26, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Genetec Inc. (Genetec), a leading technology provider of unified security, public safety, operations, and business intelligence solutions, today announced a new collaborative intelligence feature for its AutoVu Cloudrunner vehicle-centric investigation system. Collaborative intelligence facilitates the sharing of ALPR data between partnered organizations such as local police departments, private businesses, and community groups. By enabling organizations to connect and share on a secure single network, they benefit from enhanced situational awareness and a more unified response to security challenges. This way, no matter where a crime occurs, it can be addressed collectively and efficiently. Collaborative intelligence prioritizes data privacy, allowing customers to retain full ownership and control of their data. Organizations manage who can share and access ALPR data within the Cloudrunner platform, ensuring sensitive information is protected. Law enforcement cannot share ALPR data with private entities, and private organizations can revoke sharing permissions at any time. The platform also offers tools for managing discoverability, privilege-based access, and an audit trail for accountability. Thomas Sexton, Investigator at Belle Meade Police Department in Nashville (TN), shares his experience as an early adopter of the collaborative intelligence feature: "The ability to share data, from fingerprints to driver's license information, is essential for modern law enforcement. AutoVu Cloudrunner's collaborative intelligence feature allows our department to develop specific hot lists and securely share data with other agencies in real time, while safeguarding privacy. This technology enables us to operate more efficiently and securely." Securely Sharing Data Between Law Enforcement Agencies Sharing ALPR data among law enforcement agencies enhances their ability to catch suspects who cross jurisdictional lines. For example, if a vehicle linked to a recent crime is on a local hotlist, collaborative intelligence can immediately alert officers if the vehicle is detected by ALPR systems in neighboring areas. This real-time coordination enables law enforcement to quickly locate and apprehend the suspect before they travel further. Sharing Between Private Entities and Law Enforcement Collaborative intelligence helps communities proactively protect themselves by allowing law enforcement to initiate ALPR data-sharing requests with private entities like schools and neighborhood homeowners' associations (HOAs). For instance, if a private entitys Cloudrunner camera detects a vehicle on a law enforcement hotlist, officers can instantly be alerted, enabling them to respond quickly. Data Sharing Among Private Entities Retailers, residential communities, and parking companies can use ALPR technology to synchronize their security efforts by sharing data with other private entities. For instance, a network of different retailers can install Cloudrunner cameras to track vehicle plates across multiple locations. When a vehicle associated with thefts is detected, a real-time alert is sent to the store that flagged it. The store can then conduct a thorough investigation by reviewing data from partner ALPR systems to track the vehicle's movements. By sharing information about the suspect vehicle with their partners, retailers can work together to prevent further thefts, strengthen their cases against offenders, and enhance the protection of their assets. Availability Available to all Cloudrunner subscribers in North America, collaborative intelligence will be showcased for the first time at IACP (Boston, October 19-22, 2024) at booth 1540. For more information, please visit https://www.genetec.com/product-releases/autovu-cloudrunner-collaborative-intelligence. About Genetec Genetec Inc. is a global technology company that has been transforming the physical security industry for over 25 years. The companys portfolio of solutions enables enterprises, governments, and communities around the world to secure people and assets while respecting individual privacy and the demand for operational efficiency. Based on an open architecture, and built with cybersecurity at their core, Genetec solutions can be implemented on-premises, in the cloud, or in hybrid deployments. The companys flagship products, Genetec Security Center and Genetec Security Center SaaS, unify core physical security functions, such as access control, video surveillance, automatic license plate recognition (ALPR), intrusion detection, communications, and analytics. Headquartered in Montreal, Canada, Genetec serves its customers via an extensive network of accredited channel partners and consultants in over 159 countries. For more information about Genetec, visit: https://www.genetec.com Genetec Inc., 2024. Genetec, AutoVu Cloudrunner and the Genetec logo are trademarks of Genetec Inc. and may be registered or pending registration in several jurisdictions. Other trademarks used in this document may be trademarks of the manufacturers or vendors of the respective product. A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/a32aee9d-5fdd-4835-85b4-b2033d7382cd MINNEAPOLIS , Sept. 26, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Dominium, a leading affordable housing owner, developer, and manager, proudly reveals the recipients of the 2024 Opportunitys Front Door Scholarship Program. This initiative reaffirms Dominiums unwavering commitment to empowering individuals through education and bridging the gap between potential and opportunity. The Opportunitys Front Door Scholarship Program is dedicated to providing vital financial assistance to Dominium residents, employees, and their dependents, with the goal to facilitate access to higher education. In 2024, Dominium granted a total of 335 scholarships, amounting to over $1.6 million. These scholarships are awarded to individuals enrolled in two-year or four-year colleges, vocational schools, or certificate programs. Designed to support a diverse array of scholars including first-generation students, nontraditional students, and single parents, the Opportunitys Front Door Program exemplifies Dominiums commitment to forging pathways for individuals to unlock their potential through education. This extensive program stands as a resounding testament to Dominiums enduring dedication to fostering growth, empowering communities, and creating opportunities for success. Through these scholarships, Dominium is making a substantial investment in personal and professional growth, reinforcing its commitment to educational development. For more information about Dominium and Opportunitys Front Door Scholarship Program, please visit: https://www.dominiumapartments.com/scholarship.html. About Dominium Founded in 1972, Dominium is a leading national owner, developer, and manager of affordable apartment communities with offices in Atlanta, Dallas, Phoenix, and Minneapolis. Owning and managing over 38,000 homes at over 230 sites in about half of all U.S. states, Dominium is known for creative solutions to unique and challenging development projects, and property management expertise. Dominium was named a Best Managed Company by Deloitte in 2020. For more information, visit www.dominiumapartments.com. Media Contact Miles Plueger For Dominium (952)851-7239 mplueger@tunheim.com CAMDEN, Ohio, Sept. 26, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Officials from MedShip LLC, JobsOhio, the Dayton Development Coalition, Preble County, and local elected officials today celebrated the grand opening of MedShips new downtown headquarters. The investment is the most significant within the village in decades, completing the demolition of two blighted buildings, establishing a new 12,000-square-foot facility, and bringing jobs supporting logistics and distribution in the critical medical supply industry. This journey has been a testament to growth and opportunity. Due to growth, we expanded our facility to accommodate not just our original vision, but the workforce that has grown beyond our expectations, said MedShip COO Ryan Jarrell. With 86 of our 93 employees based here, we look forward to seeing our company and Camden thrive together. The new headquarters provides an anchor catalyzing additional investments in the rural village. Ohios historic small and medium-sized downtowns play an important role in the economic strength of the entire state, and MedShips new building in the heart of Camden will bring new jobs and renewed energy to South Main Street, said Ohio Governor Mike DeWine. We welcome MedShip to Preble County and applaud their work to strengthen the healthcare supply chain here in the United States. JobsOhio assisted the project with a $750,000 Vibrant Community Grant, a program established to help small and medium-sized communities implement catalytic development. Eligible projects include mixed-use projects, real estate development projects, and shared spaces that meet the JobsOhio project criteria. MedShips decision to choose Camden for its new headquarters attracts a company on the cutting edge of creating solutions for caregivers, ensuring they are efficiently providing the most advanced surgical dressings to serve patients nationwide, said JobsOhio President and CEO J.P. Nauseef. Through a combination of the JobsOhio Vibrant Community Grant and strong local partnerships, MedShip is investing with confidence, bringing jobs, new business, foot traffic, and vitality to a space that stood vacant for many years in downtown Camden. The now-demolished properties on S. Main Street had been in the heart of downtown Camden since 1890 and received little investment since their conversion from retail to multi-family housing in the early 1990s. The building at 25 S. Main has been vacant since 2017, and the 11-19 S. Main buildings have been vacant since 2021. MedShip is less than four years old and has experienced explosive growth. Like so many of our Ohio-grown start-ups, they saw a need and built a successful business meeting that need, said Dayton Development Coalition Executive Vice President of Regional Development Julie Sullivan. When a company like MedShip tells us they want to strengthen their roots in Ohio, we want them to stay. The grand opening is part of a long-term vision of Celebrate Camden, a strategic plan established by the community to provide a roadmap for future economic development. MedShip has invested more than $2.3 million in its headquarters. The company provides innovative surgical dressings to help patients reach their treatment goals while working alongside physicians and clinics nationwide to deliver solutions to increase compliance, provide convenience, and improve patient outcomes. MedShips investment in Downtown Camden has transformed the community. From removing blighted properties to employing local talent, MedShips choice to locate in Camden and Preble County will have a major impact for years to come, said Preble County Development Partnership Director for Economic Development Justin Sommer. The Preble County Development Partnership appreciates the collaboration with MedShip leadership from the start. The MedShip LLC headquarters project is a perfect example of how economic development and company leadership can work together toward positive outcomes. # # # About JobsOhio JobsOhio, Ohio's private nonprofit economic development corporation, enhances company growth and personnel development through business attraction, retention, and expansion across ten competitive industry sectors. With a team of seasoned professionals, JobsOhio utilizes a comprehensive network to foster talent production in targeted industries and attract talent through Find Your Ohio. Collaborating with seven regional partners, including Dayton Development Coalition, Lake to River Economic Development, Ohio Southeast Economic Development, One Columbus, REDI Cincinnati, Regional Growth Partnership, and Team NEO, JobsOhio delivers world-class customer service to provide companies with a competitive advantage. Learn more at www.jobsohio.com. Follow us on LinkedIn, Twitter and Facebook. Nashville, Tennessee, Sept. 26, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Mars Veterinary Health today hosted the 23rd annual Pet Healthcare Industry Summit, convening more than 120 leaders from across the profession to collaborate on solutions to build a more sustainable future for veterinary medicine. Fostering open dialogue and collaboration among the veterinary industrys top leaders is critical to tackle the pressing challenges we face in creating a more sustainable future for veterinary medicine, said Doug Drew, president, Mars Veterinary Health. By working together, we can ensure our beloved profession not only adapts to the evolving landscape but also thrives as we work to create A BETTER WORLD FOR PETS, their caregivers, and our planet for generations to come. Making a Better Future for Pets by Expanding Access to Care With animal shelters and rescues across the U.S. in need of Veterinarians of Record (VOR) to provide veterinary care and medications to pets awaiting adoption, many shelters cant afford veterinarians on staff or have difficulty filling open roles due to the industry-wide shortage of veterinary professionals. Today, Mars Veterinary Health announced a grant to Shelters Uniteda national buying group dedicated exclusively to helping nonprofit animal welfare organizations save more livesto enable a free, online course that will train veterinarians on establishing a VOR relationship in their community through lessons and interactive experiences. The Registry of Approved Continuing Education (RACE)-approved offering will also train shelters and rescues to symbiotically work with veterinarians. This initiative aims to help increase access to care for shelter pets, improve relationships between veterinarians and animal rescues, and make it easier for veterinarians to give back to their local communities through shelter work. With support from partners like Mars Veterinary Health, our goal to create a sustainable and mutually beneficial VOR model will become a reality, said Mal Schwartz, founder and CEO of Shelters United. The new program will include relationship guidelines, an online education course, and a state-by-state resource directory to benefit rescue organizations, shelter pets, and veterinary professionals. The partnership originated from collaborative access-to-care ideation sessions during last years Summit and further demonstrates how Mars Veterinary Health is putting its reach into action to make a better, more sustainable world for pets and the people who care for them. Safeguarding the Future of Pet Health through Care for the Planet Todays Summit discussions also centered on reducing the climate change impacts of veterinary medicine, integrating sustainability into veterinary school curricula, and embedding sustainable practices in veterinary clinic operations. Building on its commitment to advance environmental sustainability in veterinary medicine, Mars Veterinary Health announced its founding sponsorship of the Veterinary Sustainability Alliance (VSA). The VSA is the first U.S.-focused nonprofit dedicated to preserving and protecting animal and human health by promoting sustainability. This partnership will provide extensive learning and networking opportunities, resources, and training to Mars Veterinary Healths Associates and include the development of resources to help all veterinary professionals practice sustainable medicine. Veterinary professionals are extremely passionate about caring for animals and for the planet that they depend on, said Will Sander, Founding Director, Veterinary Sustainability Alliance. Were thrilled to partner with Mars Veterinary Health to integrate sustainability into the veterinary sector. Advancing the Future of Veterinary Medicine through Educational Investments To address the industry-wide veterinary shortage and ensure best-in-class veterinary care for pets now and in the future, Mars Veterinary Health prioritizes education and training for its Associates and future veterinary professionals. In addition to creating career advancement opportunities, Mars Veterinary Health offers industry-leading professional educationand as one of the largest contributors to post-graduate veterinary education in the world, hosted more than 1,500 externs, hundreds of rotating and specialty interns, and 40 residents last year alone. Mars Veterinary Healths collaborations with industry and academic institutions boost interest in the veterinary profession and enable opportunities and training for students, interns, and residents. Additionally, its investments in inclusion and diversity initiatives and youth-centered programs help address profession-wide talent shortages, promote diversity in the field, and inspire the next generation of veterinary professionals. Enhancing veterinary education, creating new career pathways, and promoting diversity are pivotal to the future of our profession, said Molly McAllister, DVM, MPH, Chief Medical Officer, Mars Veterinary Health. By fostering an inclusive environment and providing robust educational opportunities, we can empower students from all backgrounds to pursue careers in veterinary medicine. Together, we can build a more diverse and dynamic workforce, dedicated to advancing animal health and wellbeing. Summit discussions addressed the faculty shortage in academic veterinary medicine and solutions to enhance and modernize traditional approaches to filling academic positions and adequately educate and train future veterinarians. A Sustainable Future for the Veterinary Profession Mars Veterinary Healths 2024 Pet Healthcare Industry Summit provides an important opportunity to examine recent advancements and explore ways to make even more progress toward a sustainable profession. Impactful collaborations from past Summitspreviously hosted by Banfield Pet Hospitalhave included support to build the Veterinary Innovation Councils Access to Care Hub to help veterinary professionals expand access to care in their practices, and the founding of the Diversify Veterinary Medicine Coalition (DVMC), focused on meeting the needs of the Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) community and other underrepresented groups interested in veterinary medical education. Sharing resources with the veterinary profession has been another critical component of previous Summits, such as the launch of ASK (Assess, Support, Know), a first-of-its-kind training to help veterinary professionals recognize and address emotional distress in themselves and others, and the founding of a working group with the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) to deliver the Positive Pet Care Guide, a resource aimed at strengthening the relationship between veterinary teams and clients in support of providing the best possible care to pets. These investments, collaborations, and resources build on more than two decades of industry dialogue fostered at the Summit, further demonstrating Mars Veterinary Healths commitment to advancing its Purpose: A BETTER WORLD FOR PETS. ### About Mars Veterinary Health Mars Veterinary Health is a global division of Mars Petcare dedicated to delivering high-quality pet healthcare to further its collective Purpose: A BETTER WORLD FOR PETS. Mars Veterinary Health's 70,000 Associates across 3,000 global veterinary clinics put pets, people, and the planet first. The Mars Veterinary Health family includes Associates at AniCura, Banfield, BluePearl, Creature Comforts, Gentle Oak, Hillside, Linnaeus, Mount Pleasant, Tai Wai, VCA, VES, and VSH who demonstrate compassion and expertise while enabling millions of pet visits each year. Learn more at marsveterinary.com. About Shelters United Shelters United is dedicated to helping nonprofit and municipal animal welfare organizations save money on the things they need to care for their pets awaiting adoption and earn money from the things their adopters purchase for their new pets. Members include more than 2,300 animal welfare organizations that purchased $44 million from Shelters Unitedwith $5 million saved in the past 12 monthsand adopt more than 1.8 million pets annually. Shelters Uniteds mission is to help the awesome people who help animals. Learn more at sheltersunited.com. About the Veterinary Sustainability Alliance The Veterinary Sustainability Alliance (VSA) is a non-profit organization committed to advancing sustainability in veterinary and animal health professions across North America for the protection of health and the planet. VSA has three strategic pillars focused on clinical tools, resources, and standards; educational materials and curricula; and policy utilization beneficial to the veterinary profession around sustainability. Learn more at veterinarysustainabilityalliance.org. Ottawa, Sept. 26, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The global healthcare cloud computing market size was USD 61.80 billion in 2023 and is predicted to grow from USD 69.80 billion in 2024 to approximately USD 210.51 billion by 2033, a study published by Towards Healthcare a sister firm of Precedence Statistics. The market is expected to expand at the fastest CAGR of 13.05% between 2024 and 2034. Download a sample version of this report @ https://www.towardshealthcare.com/download-statistics/5221 Major Key Insights of the Healthcare Cloud Computing Market North America dominated the healthcare cloud computing market share in 2023. Asia Pacific is expected to grow at the fastest rate during the forecast period. By deployment, the private segment held the largest share in 2023. By application, the non-clinical information system segment dominated the healthcare cloud computing market share in 2023. By services, the Software as a Service (SaaS) segment held the dominant share of the market in 2023. By end-user, the healthcare providers segment dominated the market in 2023. Healthcare Cloud Computing Market: Digital Revolution The healthcare cloud computing market encompasses the industry involved in providing clou-based solutions and services to healthcare organizations. This is mark increasing adoption of electronic health records (EHRs), the growing need for interoperability and data sharing, and the desire for cost effective IT infrastructure, these are some factors we chose significantly driving the healthcare cloud computing market. Healthcare providers, hospitals, and pharmaceutical companies are increasingly turning to cloud-based solutions to manage their data, improve patient care, and enhance operational efficiency. The healthcare cloud computing market is characterized by a diverse range of players which includes technology giants, specialized cloud service providers and healthcare IT companies. These providers offer a variety of cloud-based solutions, such as infrastructure as a service, platform as service and software as service tailored to the specific needs of healthcare organizations. Get the latest insights on healthcare industry segmentation with our Annual Membership: https://www.towardshealthcare.com/get-an-annual-membership Top Companies in the Healthcare Cloud Computing Market: Cisco Systems Inc Bayer Allscripts Healthcare Solution Inc Qualcomm Inc Cognizant GNAX Health EMC Corp Athenahealth Inc Iron Mountain Inc IBM Cor Oracle Corp VMware Inc Dell Inc Microsoft Corp Others Recent Developments in Healthcare Cloud Computing Market: Company Name Genesys and Epic Headquarters USA, North America Development In March 2024, Genesys collaborated with Epic to ensure a more consistent, connected experience between patients and the care team and help in recording clinical data across systems and departments. Company Name Microsoft and Nivida Headquarters USA, North America Development In March 2024, Microsoft collaborated with NVIDIA to accelerate life sciences and healthcare innovation with advanced cloud, accelerated computing capabilities, and AI. Driver The Proliferation of High-Speed Internet Driving the Market In recent years the global expansion of high-seed Internet is proving a significant driver for the healthcare cloud computing market. As more regions are gaining access to high-speed and reliable Internet, healthcare providers are increasingly adopting cloud-based technologies to improve patient care, data management and communication across the industry. In developing nations such as North America and Europe, the presence of high-speed Internet has allowed healthcare institutions to seamlessly integrate cloud solutions reach out improving efficiency in clinical workflows, telemedicine and patient record management. For instance, in the United States, from March to June of 2020 alone, daily medicine consultants increased by over 150%, according to a study by the Centers for Disease control and Prevention (CDC). This shift demonstrated how healthcare cloud computing, backed by Internet infrastructure could enhance access to medical care in remote areas and during global health crisis. Telemedicine Adoption Rates (2019-2023) in percent: You can place an order or ask any questions, please feel free to contact us at sales@towardshealthcare.com Restraint Privacy and Data Security Concerns Restraining the Market In recent years healthcare cloud computing market has grown significantly and earned fair amount of fame in healthcare sector but data security and privacy concerns remain one of the major concerns our challenge for the healthcare cloud computing market. The healthcare industry handles sensitive data of patients, including medical histories, personal information and insurance details, which makes it a prime target for cyberattacks. The shift toward cloud storage raises significant concerns protecting this data from breachers, especially as regulations surrounding data security such as HIPPA (health insurance portability and accountability act) in the United States impose strict rules. For instance, the HCA Healthcare, one of the largest healthcare systems in the United States, in 2022, experienced a significant data breach that affected 11,000,000 patients records, exposing private health information. This incident highlighted the vulnerabilities associated with storing medical data in the cloud and the necessity of implementing robust security measures. Upcoming Opportunity for Healthcare Computing Expanding Use of Cloud Computing in Big Data Applications The growing use of cloud computing is creating new opportunities for big data applications in the healthcare sector. Cloud based systems allow for the integration of massive amounts of patient data from various sources, providing unprecedented access to real time data for healthcare professionals. This shift is transforming healthcare delivery by enhancing decision making, improving diagnostic accuracy and personalizing patient treatment plans. For instance, in April of 2024, Google Cloud announced a partnership with Mayo Clinic to implement cloud based-powered machine learning algorithms for predicting patient outcomes in oncology. The ability to store, process, and analyze vast amounts of data from electronic medical records (EMRs) and critical trials is accelerating advancements in precision medicine, allowing healthcare providers to tailor treatments based on individual patient data. The Private Segment Held the Largest Share of the Market in 2023 The private segment held the largest market share of healthcare cloud computing market by deployment in 2023. The heightened focus on data security and privacy in the healthcare sector are some of the factors this dominance can be attributed to. Private cloud services offer healthcare providers dedicated infrastructure that is not shared with other users, which ensures better control over sensitive patient data and compliance with strict regulations like HIPAA and GDPR. Major hospitals and clinics prefer private clouds for their ability to provide customized solution while mitigating risks related to data breaches and cyber-attacks. Private clouds enable healthcare organizers to integrate their system seamlessly without risking data exposure in a shared environment. The Non-Clinical Information System Segment Dominated By application, the non-clinical information system segment emerged as the dominant application of healthcare cloud computing market in 2023. Revenue cycle management claims processing and supply chain management are some of the essential administrative functions covered in this segment. These administrative functions are crucial for the efficient functioning of healthcare organizations. Cloud solutions in this area allow hospitals and healthcare providers to streamline operations, reduce administrative costs and improve workflow efficiency. Cloud based financial management systems help healthcare organizations manage their billing and insurance claims more reflectively, which enables real time access to financial data and reduces errors in the reimbursement process. Software as a Service (SaaS) Segment Held Dominant Share By services, the software as a service (SaaS) segment dominated the healthcare cloud computing market in 2023. Software as a service offers flexible, subscription-based access to various healthcare applications which eliminates the need for healthcare providers to invest in expensive hardware and software installations. This model is highly preferred because it reduces the upfront cost and allows for easier scalability as healthcare organizations grow. Software as a service also provides automatic updates which ensure that users have access to the latest features and security patches without needing internal I.T. Resources. Providers like Cerner and Alscripts have continued to innovative software as a service offering, which makes it easier for healthcare facilities to implement electronic health records and other essential healthcare software solutions. In February 2024, MyStay Mobile, a revolutionary Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) solution that lets patients access digital services on personal devices, is being unveiled by Oneview Healthcare with much excitement. To co-design and test the new solution at the Long Island Community Hospital, Oneview has teamed up with longtime client NYU Langone Health. Healthcare Providers Segment Dominated the Market By End user, healthcare providers including hospitals, clinics and ambulatory centers dominated the healthcare cloud computing market in 2023. This can be attributed to the growing need for efficient patient management systems especially as patient data and healthcare records increasingly move to digital platforms. Healthcare providers rely heavily on cloud solutions to store, manage and access large volumes of patient data which improves collaboration among healthcare teams and ensures continuity of care. North America to Sustain the Leadership The region North America dominated and held largest share of the global healthcare cloud computing market, making hit the largest regional market in 2023. The technological advancements in countries like US and Canada, is one of the primary reasons for this growth. These nations have well established healthcare infrastructure, backed by a mature I.T. sector that promotes the adoption of cloud-based solutions across the healthcare industry. Do you know United States leads the regional market due to the early adoption of cloud technologies, increased government support and strong financial backing for healthcare advancements. For instance, in February of 2024, Amazon Web Services (AWS), expanded its cloud-based solution specifically for the healthcare sector which allows hospitals to integrate artificial intelligence tools with patient data for better diagnosis and treatment outcomes. Asia Pacific on to Grow at the Fastest Rate During Forecast Period The region Asia Pacific is projected to witness the fastest growth in the healthcare cloud computing market. This growth is primarily driven by the rapid development of healthcare infrastructure and increasing patient populations in the major countries like China, South Korea, Japan and India. These nations are not only expanding their healthcare sectors but also embracing cloud computing to manage the influx of patient data, cost reduction and improve overall efficiency of healthcare services. In the year 2023, the Chinese government has made substantial investments in healthcare, with the national medical products administration reporting that healthcare funds reached 74.5 billion Chinese yuan in the year. In January of 2024, the Indian government announced plans to digitize 100,000 public health centers by 2025, with cloud computing playing a key role in managing patient records and enabling remote consultations. Browse More Insights of Towards Healthcare: The global healthcare revenue cycle management market was valued at $136.40 billion in 2023 and is expected to grow to $453.47 billion by 2034, with an annual growth rate of 11.54% from 2024 to 2034. was valued at $136.40 billion in 2023 and is expected to grow to $453.47 billion by 2034, with an annual growth rate of 11.54% from 2024 to 2034. The global healthcare IT market was valued at $238.30 billion in 2023 and is projected to reach $1,404.55 billion by 2034, growing at a rate of 17.5% annually from 2024 to 2034. was valued at $238.30 billion in 2023 and is projected to reach $1,404.55 billion by 2034, growing at a rate of 17.5% annually from 2024 to 2034. The market for conversational AI in healthcare is rapidly increasing, with revenue expected to rise significantly between 2024 and 2033. is rapidly increasing, with revenue expected to rise significantly between 2024 and 2033. The generative AI market in healthcare is expected to grow from $1.07 billion in 2022 at an annual rate of 35.1%, reaching about $21.74 billion by 2032. is expected to grow from $1.07 billion in 2022 at an annual rate of 35.1%, reaching about $21.74 billion by 2032. The AI in drug discovery market was estimated at $1,495.28 million in 2022 and is projected to hit around $14,518.68 million by 2032, growing at an annual rate of 20.08%. was estimated at $1,495.28 million in 2022 and is projected to hit around $14,518.68 million by 2032, growing at an annual rate of 20.08%. The blockchain market in healthcare was valued at $0.76 billion in 2022 and is expected to reach $14.25 billion by 2032, with a strong annual growth rate of 34.02%. The telehealth and telemedicine market grew to $214.55 billion in 2023 and is projected to reach $869.22 billion by 2033, with an annual growth rate of 15.5%. grew to $214.55 billion in 2023 and is projected to reach $869.22 billion by 2033, with an annual growth rate of 15.5%. The electronic health records (EHRs) market grew to $27.42 billion in 2023 and is expected to reach $41.87 billion by 2033, with an estimated annual growth rate of 4.32% from 2024 to 2033. grew to $27.42 billion in 2023 and is expected to reach $41.87 billion by 2033, with an estimated annual growth rate of 4.32% from 2024 to 2033. The healthcare automation market was valued at $34.50 billion in 2022 and is projected to grow to $80.28 billion by 2032, with an expected annual growth rate of 9.3%. was valued at $34.50 billion in 2022 and is projected to grow to $80.28 billion by 2032, with an expected annual growth rate of 9.3%. The healthcare digital twin market was valued at $1.17 billion in 2022 and is projected to reach $38.43 billion by 2032, with a remarkable annual growth rate of 42.2%. Segments Covered in the Report By Deployment Private Public Hybrid By Application Non-clinical Information System Revenue Cycle Management (RCM) Billing & Accounts Management Solutions Claims Management Others Clinical Information System Telehealth Solutions Computerized Physician Order Entry Population Health Management (PHM) Solutions Electronic Medical Records Pharmacy Information System Radiology Information System Others By Service Software as a service (SaaS) Platform as a service (PaaS) Infrastructure as a service (IaaS) By End Users Healthcare Providers Healthcare Payers By Region North America U.S. Canada Asia Pacific China Japan India South Korea Thailand Europe Germany UK France Italy Spain Sweden Denmark Norway Latin America Brazil Mexico Argentina Middle East and Africa (MEA) South Africa UAE Saudi Arabia Kuwait Acquire our comprehensive analysis today @ https://www.towardshealthcare.com/price/5221 You can place an order or ask any questions, please feel free to contact us at sales@towardshealthcare.com Gain access to the latest insights and statistics in the healthcare industry by subscribing to our Annual Membership. Stay updated on healthcare industry segmentation with detailed reports, market trends, and expert analysis tailored to your needs. Stay ahead of the curve with valuable resources and strategic recommendations. Join today to unlock a wealth of knowledge and opportunities in the dynamic world of healthcare: Get a Subscription About Us Towards Healthcare is a leading global provider of technological solutions, clinical research services, and advanced analytics to the healthcare sector, committed to forming creative connections that result in actionable insights and creative innovations. We are a global strategy consulting firm that assists business leaders in gaining a competitive edge and accelerating growth. We are a provider of technological solutions, clinical research services, and advanced analytics to the healthcare sector, committed to forming creative connections that result in actionable insights and creative innovations. Browse our Brand-New Journals: https://www.towardspackaging.com https://www.towardsautomotive.com https://www.precedenceresearch.com For Latest Update Follow Us: https://www.linkedin.com/company/towards-healthcare Get Our Freshly Printed Chronicle: https://www.healthcarewebwire.com Easton, MD., Sept. 26, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Qlarant announced today the appointment of Ms. Amanda Neal as the Executive Director of Qlarant Foundation. Having served for over 8 years on the Qlarant Board and most recentl as the Qlarant Foundation Chair, Ms. Neal has provided valuable insight and leadership to the organization. In recognition of her unique skills and contribution, she will now serve the Foundation in a leadership role as part of the Qlarant executive team. While her presence as a board member will be greatly missed, we are thrilled to welcome Amanda in her new role says Qlarant CEO Dr. Ron Forsythe, Jr. The Qlarant Foundation has a profound impact on our community and has become a significate component of the overall organization. Having Amanda at the helm will continue to ensure its success. From her previous role as Donor Relations Coordinator for Beebe Medical Foundation in Lewes, Delaware, Ms. Neal has experience executing multi-million dollar, capital fundraising campaigns; designing and implementing donor stewardship programs; and managing system-wide patient feedback programs. Her prior healthcare experience includes serving as the Director of Contracting and Procurement for United Medical Center in Washington, D.C. Ms. Neal has deployed her skills as a certified Six Sigma Green Belt, a Six Sigma Lean Professional, and a Change Management Specialist in multiple industries, including legal, information technology and finance. She has a bachelors in Communications from the University of Maryland and, prior to joining the Qlarant Foundation Board, Ms. Neal served on the Board of Associates for Kids Peace Foster Care in Baltimore, Maryland. The Qlarant Foundation is the philanthropic arm of Qlarant, Inc. It provides annually over $400k in grants to a variety of charities across Maryland and the District of Columbia. In 2024, 23 different groups received monetary support from the Foundation. To date, the Foundation has funded over $7 million in grants and continues to expand each year. The work done by our grantees is exceptional and often quite humbling, notes Ms. Neal. The dedication and commitment of each group is astounding. Its quite a difficult decision to allocate funds each yearso many groups have impact on the community and clearly deserve our support. As the current Vice Chair of the Qlarant Foundation, Lamont Thompson will serve as Chair until confirmed to officially fill the new vacancy in November. Lamont brings a wealth of experience and insight, and under his leadership, the board will continue to thrive and guide the Foundation to even greater heights. About Qlarant Qlarant is a not-for-profit, nationally respected leader in fighting fraud, waste, and abuse, improving program quality, and optimizing performance. The company uses subject matter experts and innovative data science and technology to help organizations see risks, solve problems, and seize opportunities. Qlarant provides customized solutions for state, federal and commercial industries across the nation. The Qlarant Foundation the mission arm of the organizationhas provided over $7 million in grants to charities throughout Maryland and the District of Columbia. Qlarant has a 50-year record of accomplishment improving the performance of some of the Nations most important programs. Headquartered in Easton, MD, Qlarant has offices throughout the country and employs over 500 people. Qlarant is a five-time winner of the Best Places to Work award. For more information, visit www.qlarant.com or contact boosp@qlarant.com Attachment Provincial and local results for students in English- and French-Language Schools TORONTO, Sept. 26, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The Education Quality and Accountability Office (EQAO) has released provincial, school- and board-level data from its 20232024 assessments, which marks the third consecutive year of the agencys reporting on the student achievement results of its online provincial assessments. EQAO data provide an independent snapshot that shows whether students are meeting curriculum expectations in reading, writing and mathematics at key stages of their education. The results also provide additional insights into students attitudes and perceptions related to their learning. More than 570 000 students across the province completed EQAO assessments at the elementary and secondary levels of the English- and French-language school systems during the 20232024 school year. EQAO is reporting on achievement results as well as data from student questionnaires. This provides contextual and attitudinal information about student learning to build a fuller picture of learners contexts and the factors that influence achievement. While mathematics results are generally stable relative to last years, many students across Ontario are meeting the provincial standard, or are very close to meeting the provincial standard. Several English- and French-language school boards across Ontario saw significant gains in students mathematics achievement in 20232024, thanks to a combination of factors. These include tailored and innovative strategies developed locally by educators with the support of the provincial Math Action Team and board math leads and EQAOs School Support and Outreach staff. Recently implemented plans across schools and boards have started strengthening students mathematics skills and are encouraging positive attitudes toward mathematics in numerous schools. Later this year, to inform best practices in student learning across Ontario, EQAO will share approaches educators used that made a marked difference in student achievement and attitudes. EQAO is reporting assessment data on its website through an individual school and school board search function and the EQAO data reporting tool, a platform that leverages interactive and user-friendly dashboards that educators, parents and guardians and the public can access to view assessment and questionnaire data at the provincial and local levels. EQAOs evidence-based data can be analyzed by educators across the province as they review and develop strategies to support each students learning journey. By making contextual, attitudinal and achievement data for each school and school board available, the agency satisfies its mandate to contribute to the accountability of Ontarios education system and to the ongoing conversation about student learning and achievement. Assessment Data and Observations Assessment results from the previous two school years are provided along with those from 20232024 to show trends in achievement and attitudes from year to year. Such analyses of results contribute to a better understanding of student learning over time. Students in English-Language Schools Assessments of Reading, Writing and Mathematics, Primary and Junior Divisions The Assessments of Reading, Writing and Mathematics, Primary Division (Grade 3) and Junior Division (Grade 6) are computer-based assessments that measure the reading, writing and mathematics knowledge and skills students are expected to have learned by the end of Grades 3 and 6 according to The Ontario Curriculum. Primary Division (Grade 3) According to the data from 20232024, Grade 3 student achievement results, which are given in relation to the provincial standard (Levels 3 and 4), have decreased in reading and writing relative to those from 20222023, and have increased in mathematics. The three-year trend shows a decrease in the percentage of students meeting the provincial standard in reading and writing, and an increase in mathematics. Percentage of Grade 3 students who met the provincial standard: 71% of Grade 3 students met the provincial standard in reading in 20232024 (73% met the standard in 20222023, and the same percentage met the standard in 20212022). 64% of Grade 3 students met the provincial standard in writing in 20232024 (65% met the standard in 20222023, and the same percentage met the standard in 20212022). 61% of Grade 3 students met the provincial standard in mathematics (60% met the standard in 20222023, and 59% met the standard in 20212022). Learners Context: 71% of Grade 3 students indicated that they like to read, and 73% that they think they are a good reader. 58% of Grade 3 students indicated that they like to write, and 59% that they think they are a good writer. 68% of Grade 3 students indicated that they like math, and 64% that they think they are good at math. Junior Division (Grade 6) According to the data from 20232024, Grade 6 student achievement results, which are given in relation to the provincial standard (Levels 3 and 4), have decreased in reading and writing relative to those in 20222023, and have remained the same in mathematics. The three-year trend shows a decrease in the percentage of students meeting the provincial standard in reading and writing, and an increase in mathematics. Percentage of Grade 6 students who met the provincial standard: 82% of Grade 6 students met the provincial standard in reading in 20232024 (84% met the standard in 20222023, and 85% met the standard in 20212022). 80% of Grade 6 students met the provincial standard in writing in 20232024 (84% met the standard in 20222023, and the same percentage met the standard in 20212022). 50% of Grade 6 students met the provincial standard in mathematics (50% met the standard in 20222023, and 47% met the standard in 20212022). Learners Context: 60% of Grade 6 students indicated that they like to read, and 69% that they think they are a good reader. 52% of Grade 6 students indicated that they like to write, and 49% that they think they are a good writer. 47% of Grade 6 students indicated that they like math, and 50% that they think they are good at math. Grade 9 Assessment of Mathematics The Grade 9 Assessment of Mathematics is a multi-stage computer adaptive assessment that measures the mathematics knowledge and skills students are expected to have learned by the end of the Grade 9 mathematics course according to The Ontario Curriculum. According to the data from the 20232024 EQAO assessments, Grade 9 student achievement results, which are given in relation to the provincial standard (Levels 3 and 4), have remained stable relative to those in 20222023. The three-year trend shows that the percentage of students meeting the provincial standard has increased. Percentage of students who met the provincial standard in mathematics: 54% of Grade 9 students met the provincial standard in mathematics in 2023 2024 (54% met the standard in 20222023, and 52% met the standard in 20212022). Learners Context: 48% of Grade 9 students indicated that they like mathematics, and 51% that they think they are good at mathematics. 64% of Grade 9 students indicated that they think they understand most of the mathematics they are taught. Ontario Secondary School Literacy Test (OSSLT) The OSSLT is a linear test design computer assessment that measures whether students are meeting the minimum standard for literacy across all subjects up to the end of Grade 9 according to The Ontario Curriculum. First-time eligible students typically take the assessment in Grade 10. According to the data from 20232024, overall success rates on the OSSLT are high, showing stability in students acquisition of the literacy knowledge and skills stated in The Ontario Curriculum. The three-year trend shows that success rates have increased. It is encouraging to note that the achievement gap between the success rates of students taking the applied course and those taking the academic course has been steadily narrowing over the past three years, although the achievement gap between academic and applied students remains an area of concern. Percentage of students who wrote the OSSLT and were successful: 85% of first-time eligible students who wrote the OSSLT were successful in 20232024 (85% were successful in 20222023, and 82% were successful in 20212022). 52% of previously eligible students who wrote the OSSLT were successful in 20232024 (63% were successful in 20222023, and 85% were successful in 20212022).1 First-time eligible students enrolled in the Grade 10 academic English course: 90% of first-time eligible students enrolled in the academic course were successful in 20232024 (91% were successful in 20222023, and the same percentage were successful in 20212022). First-time eligible students enrolled in the Grade 10 applied English course: 58% of first-time eligible students enrolled in the applied course were successful in 20232024 (55% were successful in 20222023, and 50% were successful in 20212022). Learners Context: 47% of students who wrote the OSSLT indicated that they read on their own time, 72% indicated that they think they are a good reader and 76% indicated that they think they can read easily. 35% of students who wrote the OSSLT indicated that they write on their own time, 59% indicated that they think they are a good writer and 62% indicated that they think they can write easily. Students in French-Language Schools Tests en lecture, ecriture et mathematiques, cycles primaire et moyen 2 The Test en lecture, ecriture et mathematiques, cycle primaire (Grade 3) and cycle moyen (Grade 6), are computer-based assessments that measure the reading, writing and mathematics knowledge and skills students are expected to have learned by the end of Grades 3 and 6 according to The Ontario Curriculum. Cycle primaire (Grade 3) According to the data from 20232024, Grade 3 student achievement results, which are given in relation to the provincial standard (Levels 3 and 4), have increased in reading and mathematics and decreased in writing relative to those from 20222023. The three-year trend shows an increase in the percentage of students meeting the provincial standard in reading and in mathematics, and stability in writing. Percentage of Grade 3 students who met the provincial standard: 84% of Grade 3 students met the provincial standard in reading in 20232024 (82% met the standard in 20222023, and 81% met the standard in 20212022). 67% of Grade 3 students met the provincial standard in writing in 20232024 (68% met the standard in 20222023, and 67% met the standard in 20212022). 74% of Grade 3 students met the provincial standard in mathematics (70% met the standard in 20222023, and 67% met the standard in 20212022). Learners Context: 69% of Grade 3 students indicated that they like to read, and 65% that they think they are a good reader. 60% of Grade 3 students indicated that they like to write, and 59% that they think they are a good writer. 81% of Grade 3 students indicated that they like math, and 72% that they think they are good at math. Cycle moyen (Grade 6) According to the data from 20232024, Grade 6 student achievement results, which are given in relation to the provincial standard (Levels 3 and 4), are the same in reading relative to those in 20222023, have decreased in writing and have increased in mathematics. The three-year trend shows an exceptionally high percentage of students meeting the provincial standard in reading, a decrease in writing and an increase in mathematics. Percentage of Grade 6 students who met the provincial standard: 97% of Grade 6 students met the provincial standard in reading in 20232024 (97% met the standard in 20222023, and the same percentage met the standard in 20212022). 79% of Grade 6 students met the provincial standard in writing in 20232024 (83% met the standard in 20222023, and 80% met the standard in 20212022). 58% of Grade 6 students met the provincial standard in mathematics in 20232024 (55% met the standard in 20222023, and 50% met the standard in 20212022). Learners Context: 57% of Grade 6 students indicated that they like to read, and 61% that they think they are a good reader. 50% of Grade 6 students indicated that they like to write, and 48% that they think they are a good writer. 60% of Grade 6 students indicated that they like math, and 58% that they think they are good at math. Test de mathematiques, 9e annee The Test de mathematiques, 9e annee is a multi-stage computer adaptive assessment that measures the mathematics knowledge and skills students are expected to have learned by the end of the Grade 9 mathematics course according to The Ontario Curriculum. According to the data from the 20232024 EQAO assessments, Grade 9 student achievement results, which are given in relation to the provincial standard (Levels 3 and 4), have increased relative to those from 20222023. The three-year trend shows an increase in the percentage of students meeting the provincial standard. Percentage of students who met the provincial standard in mathematics: 61% of Grade 9 students met the provincial standard in mathematics in 2023 2024 (60% met the standard in 20222023, and 56% met the standard in 20212022). Learners Context: 50% of Grade 9 students indicated that they like mathematics, and 52% that they think they are good at mathematics. 65% of Grade 9 students indicated that they think they understand most of the mathematics they are taught. Test provincial de competences linguistiques (TPCL) The TPCL is a linear test design computer assessment that measures whether students are meeting the minimum standard for literacy across all subjects according to The Ontario Curriculum. First-time eligible students typically take the assessment in Grade 10. According to the data from 20232024, overall success rates on the TPCL are high, showing stability in students acquisition of the literacy knowledge and skills in The Ontario Curriculum. The three-year trend shows that success rates have increased. It is encouraging to note that the achievement gap between the success rates of students taking the applied course and those taking the academic course has been steadily narrowing over the past three years, although the achievement gap remains an area of concern. Percentage of students who wrote the TPCL and were successful: 92% of first-time eligible students who wrote the TPCL were successful in 20232024 (91% were successful in 20222023, and 89% were successful in 20212022). 67% of previously eligible students who wrote the TPCL were successful in 20232024 (76% were successful in 20222023, and 91% were successful in 20212022).3 First-time eligible students enrolled in the Grade 10 academic French course: 97% of first-time eligible students enrolled in the academic course were successful in 20232024 (97% were successful in 20222023, and 96% were successful in 20212022). First-time eligible students enrolled in the Grade 10 applied French course: 73% of first-time eligible students enrolled in the applied course were successful in 20232024 (71% were successful in 20222023, and 69% were successful in 20212022). Learners Context: 39% of students who wrote the TPCL indicated that they read on their own time, 64% indicated that they think they are a good reader and 73% indicated that they think they can read easily. 27% of students who wrote the TPCL indicated that they write on their own time, 57% indicated that they think they are a good writer and 64% indicated that they think they can write easily. Quotes EQAO contributes to the accountability of our public education system through assessments that are administered in elementary and secondary schools across the province. EQAOs modernized assessments serve the education community and other partners by producing evidence-based data that inform Ontarians on how students are doing in their learning year after year. Access to EQAO assessment data and appropriate use of this information is an important element of our collective support of students as they progress on their learning journey. Sanjay Dhebar, Chair, EQAO Each year, EQAO assessment and questionnaire results contribute insights into student learning throughout Ontario. Having completed the third administration of its provincial online assessments, EQAO is able to release achievement and contextual data that showcase trends over three years. The data at both the elementary- and the secondary-school levels show that mathematics achievement has been stable or growing since last year; this trend appears over three years as well. Reading achievement at the elementary-school level is high and shows an encouraging stability over time, while writing achievement deserves more attention. Closing learning gaps remains the ultimate goal of everyone invested in education. EQAO data and outreach help develop and strengthen initiatives that support students locally and system-wide, as assessment information enhances our understanding of students needs and strengths. The additional support that year-to-year data provide to parents and guardians, educators and policy-makers can lead to the development of effective plans of action that will assist every child and youth on their education journey and prepare for successful outcomes for all. Dan Koenig, Chief Executive Officer, EQAO Links For further information, please contact: Sophie Auclair Senior Communications Officer Sophie.Auclair@eqao.com _____________________ 1There was a considerable difference between the size and composition of the 20212022 previously eligible cohort and the size and composition of this cohort in both 20222023 and this school year due to the pandemic-related disruption to the tests in 20192020 and 20202021. 2The name of each assessment remains in French, since the French and English assessments are distinct in their content and the curricula they cover. 3There was a considerable difference between the size and composition of the 20212022 previously eligible cohort and the size and composition of this cohort in both 20222023 and this school year due to the pandemic-related disruption to the tests in 20192020 and 20202021. Lehi, Utah, Sept. 26, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- DigiCert, a leading global provider of digital trust, today announced the results of the inaugural DigiCert Quantum Readiness Awards. Cloudflare (NYSE: NET), the leading connectivity cloud company, won the prestigious honor, while Migros, one of the largest retail companies in Switzerland, and DXC Technology, a leading global technology service provider, were selected as finalists by the judges. The awards ceremony took place during DigiCerts World Quantum Readiness Day, a virtual event dedicated to raising awareness about the threats quantum computing poses and steps companies should take now to prepare. Cloudflare's journey towards post-quantum cryptography excellence started with experimentations in 2017, to deploying advanced algorithms to its services in 2022, to today providing broad post-quantum encryption support for free by default across its products and services to help customers secure their websites, APIs, cloud tools, and remote employees against future threats. Cloudflare has set a benchmark in the industry. Their proactive community-first approach, which includes open-sourcing implementations and extensive collaborations with industry partners, has significantly contributed to global standardization efforts. Cloudflares strategy of forming a dedicated task force, to facilitate the company-wide transition to secure both internal and external connections against quantum threats, showcases a commitment to innovation and security. Cloudflare's leadership in this field was further underscored by its commitment made at the 2023 Summit for Democracy, to make post-quantum cryptography available for free, solidifying its role as a pioneer in promoting a safer Internet for the future. "Cloudflare recognized early on that it was necessary to get our systems ready for the undefined time at which quantum computers would become a threat to cryptography," said John Graham-Cumming, Chief Technology Officer at Cloudflare. "We made a commitment to post quantum readiness in 2017 through the work of our Research team. We began working, doing experiments, and the result is this Quantum Readiness Award and the fact that all of our customers have post quantum cryptography available today." This year's honorees were selected by an expert panel of judges, including: Blair Canavan, Director, Alliances PQC Portfolio, Thales Tim Hollebeek, Industry Technology Strategist, DigiCert Dr. Ali El Kaafarani, CEO, PQShield Bill Newhouse, Cybersecurity Engineer & Project Lead, National Cybersecurity Center of Excellence, NIST Alan Shimel, CEO, TechStrong Group Hugh Thompson, Chairman, RSAC Quantum computing presents both an unprecedented opportunity and a significant threat to the current encryption standards that enable security, trust and online privacy. It is encouraging to see many of the applicant companies leaning into this very important transformation to quantum agility in order to protect data and infrastructure, said Dr. Hugh Thompson, RSAC Chairman and Quantum Readiness Award judge. On behalf of the judging panel, we are excited to see Migros, DXC Technology, and of course, the winner, Cloudflare recognized for their efforts in acting with haste on this critical move to quantum resistant cryptography. Most enterprises (61%) report being unprepared for the threat posed by quantum computing. The DigiCert Quantum Readiness Awards recognizes organizations that are at the forefront of safeguarding digital security in the quantum era. These leaders are setting an example for what it means to be quantum-ready, demonstrating exceptional innovation in addressing quantum challenges. DigiCert Quantum Readiness Awards underscore the importance of collaborative efforts in developing robust defenses against the looming quantum threats. As quantum computing technology continues to advance, DigiCert remains committed to supporting organizations worldwide in their journey toward quantum preparedness. For more information about the Quantum Readiness Awards and World Quantum Readiness Day, please visit DigiCert's website. About DigiCert DigiCert is a leading global provider of digital trust, enabling individuals and businesses to engage online with the confidence that their footprint in the digital world is secure. DigiCert ONE, the platform for digital trust, provides organizations with centralized visibility and control over a broad range of public and private trust needs, securing websites, enterprise access and communication, software, identity, content and devices. DigiCert pairs its award-winning software with its industry leadership in standards, support and operations, and is the digital trust provider of choice for leading companies around the world. For more information, visit www.digicert.com or follow on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/company/digicert-inc-/. __PRESENT RANKIN INLET, Nunavut, Sept. 26, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Arctic Gateway Group (AGG) and Sakku Investments Corporation (Sakku) are pleased to announce the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) aimed at fostering regional economic development, creating new opportunities for growth, while also deepening the historical connection between the Kivalliq Region and Manitoba. AGG, a proudly Indigenous- and northern-owned company, owns and operates the Port of Churchill, the Hudson Bay Railway, and other critical trade infrastructure in Northern Manitoba. This partnership with Rankin Inlet based Sakku, the Development Corporation of the Kivalliq Inuit Association (KIA), is set to advance joint initiatives that will contribute to the economic growth of both regions, with a focus on transportation, energy and telecommunications, infrastructure development, and workforce development. "We are excited to partner with Sakku to leverage the Arctic Trade Corridor. This agreement is designed to bring economic growth and cost savings to Kivallirmiut and Northern Manitoba, while also strengthening northern infrastructure to further assert Canadian Arctic sovereignty," said Chris Avery, CEO of AGG. "The revival of the Port of Churchill and Hudson Bay Railway is important for the Kivalliq region of Nunavut. We all benefit from increased frequency of resupply ships from Churchill, which will reduce costs for businesses and families in the region. The MOU weve signed means more of this work will continue for the benefit of the Kivalliq region. We look forward to working closely with AGG to achieve our shared goals," said David Kakuktinniq, President & CEO of Sakku Investments Corporation. Recent work undertaken by AGG is proving the Port of Churchill and Hudson Bay Railway are once again a viable and efficient way to ship goods and resources to and from the north, as well as international markets. The successful export of critical minerals from the Port of Churchill in August marks a key milestone in AGG's vision for an efficient, reliable, and prosperous Arctic Trade Corridor. These achievements demonstrate AGG's commitment to revitalizing the Hudson Bay Railway and diversifying the Port of Churchill and to its core principle of Indigenous economic reconciliation. With the support of the Government of Canada and the Province of Manitoba, AGG has replaced hundreds of thousands of rail ties, rebuilt multiple bridges, improved the reliability of operations, and cut rail travel times by 2.5 hours. These investments have been instrumental in securing important contracts and ensuring the stability and reliability of freight and passenger services. Sakku Investments Corporation has been advancing major projects in the Kivalliq region, including the recent acquisition of the Clarion Hotel in Winnipeg as the new Uquutaq Medical Boarding Home, is building the first modular housing manufacturing plant in Nunavut, now under construction in Arviat, and is leading major clean energy projects, including both transmission and solar generation and storage infrastructure. Looking ahead, AGG and Sakku will focus on: Continued investments in the Port of Churchill and the Hudson Bay Railway to enhance capacity, efficiency and frequency of service to Nunavut. Exploring new joint ventures in areas such as renewable energy, telecommunications, and innovative technologies. Creating training and employment opportunities for local communities, with a focus on Indigenous and northern populations. Prioritizing projects that align with environmental sustainability and contribute to the long-term well-being of the region. About Sakku Investments Corporation Sakku Investments Corporation is an Inuit birthright corporation representing the interests of all Inuit in the Kivalliq region of Nunavut. Sakku is the development arm of the Kivalliq Inuit Association (KIA) and its objective is to generate sustainable revenue and strengthen KIAs capacity to enhance the quality of life of Kivallirmiut, fulfilling the promises of the Nunavut Land Claims agreement. About Arctic Gateway Group The Arctic Gateway Group is a proudly Indigenous- and community-owned Manitoba company that owns and operates the Port of Churchill, Canadas only Arctic seaport serviced by rail, as well as the Hudson Bay Railway, which operates from The Pas to Churchill. IRVINE, Calif., Sept. 26, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The burger world is ripe with tension as a potential Battle of the Better Burgers threatens to erupt. The spark? After Habit Burger & Grill's Double Charburger claimed the #1 spot on USA TODAY's 10Best list,* a series of billboards have popped up around California, with one particularly bold display catching eyes directly across from the iconic In-N-Out location near LAX. The billboards, part of a daring campaign by Habit Burger & Grill, congratulates In-N-Out on their second-place finish in a recent national burger ranking by USA TODAY 10Best. This not-so-subtle reminder of Habit's own first-place victory has set social media ablaze with speculation, arguments and excitement. Burger fans passionately defended their burger alliances in the comments section and questioning whether this playful jab will escalate into a full-fledged food fight. The most attention was drawn to In-N-Out's LAX location, where customers waiting in the drive-thru found themselves face-to-face with Habit's saucy billboard. Perched strategically above the drive-thru, the sign offers "congratulations" to In-N-Out for their #2 ranking, while proudly proclaiming Habit Burger's Double Char as the reigning #1 champ. This bold move has turned a simple burger run for In-N-Out fans into an unexpected talking point. There are hundreds, if not thousands, of burger options out there, and being second best is huge, said Habits Chief Marketing Officer Jack Hinchliffe. Second place is nothing to be ashamed of, especially in such a competitive field. I have immense respect for our competition and so although our tone is playful, the sentiment is genuine. We mean it when we say congratulations on #2. In a tale of two California burger titans, Habit Burger & Grill and In-N-Out have long been locked in a rivalry in the "better burger" category. In-N-Out, founded in Baldwin Park in 1948, and Habit, hailing from Santa Barbara since 1969, have spent decades competing for devoted fans. Now, Habit's Double Char has claimed the #1 ranking on USA Todays 10Best list. This victory may have officially ignited the "Battle of the Better Burger," transforming a simmering rivalry into a full-fledged grill-to-grill showdown. As Habit serves up playful jabs at its competitor, burger enthusiasts across California eagerly take sides, marking the dawn of a new era in the state's cherished burger culture. Known for its chargrilled, made-to-order burgers, Habit Burger & Grill reminds everyone that while they may have the #1-ranked burger, they're still the same humble, chargrilling neighbors they've always been just with a slightly bigger trophy case. Connect with Habit Burger & Grill on social media at: *Based on USA Today 10Best Readers Choice 2024 Awards for Best Fast Food Burger. (Published July 2024). About The Habit Restaurants, Inc. Born in sunny Southern California in 1969, Habit Burger & Grill is known for Charburgers cooked-to-order over an open flame. But the menu extends far beyond burgers it's a celebration of Californian-inspired flavors. Alongside the brand's signature Charburgers is a meaningful array of handcrafted sandwiches, crisp salads, and creamy shakes, ensuring there's something for everyone. Habit Burger & Grill has earned notable recognition, being featured in Newsweeks Americas Favorite Restaurant Chains 2023 and praised for its Tempura Green Beans, named as the top green bean dish in The Daily Meals Ranking Green Bean Dishes From 11 Chain Restaurants in 2023. Additionally, it was listed in Thrillists roundup of Underrated Burger Chains that Need to be in Every State! Habit Burger & Grill has since grown to over 385 restaurants across 14 states and internationally and continues to grow, serving up delicious meals that capture the essence of California feel-good food. Learn more at www.habitburger.com. The Habit Burger Grill Press Contact: HBGMedia@yum.com A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/45fd179a-d16a-40c8-bfe3-39adcdc88a07 MIAMI, Sept. 26, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Defiance ETFs, a leading provider of thematic and leverage-focused exchange-traded funds, is thrilled to announce that its MSTX ETF (1.75X MicroStrategy ETF) has surpassed $300 million in assets under management (AUM). This milestone underscores the strong investor demand and confidence in the products innovative approach to offering amplified exposure to MicroStrategy Inc. (MSTR), a company known for its substantial Bitcoin holdings and cutting-edge data analytics solutions. Key Highlights: Unprecedented Growth: The MSTX ETFs rapid ascent to $300 million in AUM reflects investors growing interest in leveraged strategies and their desire to capitalize on the high volatility and significant movements in MicroStrategys stock. Innovative Investment Strategy: MSTX offers 1.75x the daily performance of MicroStrategys stock, providing sophisticated investors with a powerful tool to enhance their exposure to the companys dynamic market positioning. The ETF is designed for investors with a strong appetite for risk who seek the potential for amplified returns over short-term holding periods. Market Demand: The strong reception of the MSTX ETF signals confidence in Defiance ETFs ability to meet market demand for targeted leverage exposure, particularly in the tech and cryptocurrency sectors. MicroStrategys strategic focus on Bitcoin has made it a popular choice among investors looking to gain exposure to the cryptocurrency market. Strategic Timing: The launch of MSTX comes at a time when interest in both MicroStrategy and Bitcoin is surging, driven by the increasing institutional adoption of digital assets and the evolving landscape of corporate strategies centered around blockchain technology. We are excited to see such strong early interest in the MSTX ETF, which validates our belief in the demand for specialized leveraged products that offer precise exposure to high-growth sectors, said Sylvia Jablonski, CEO of Defiance ETFs. The rapid growth of MSTX is a testament to our teams ability to deliver innovative investment solutions that resonate with todays investors. About Defiance ETFs: Defiance ETFs is a leader in leverage-focused exchange-traded funds, providing innovative solutions designed for tactical traders and investors seeking amplified exposure to individual companies. For more information about the MSTX ETF or to explore Defiance ETFs full lineup of products, please visit DefianceETFs.com. Media Contact: David Hanono Defiance ETFs Tel: 833.333.9383 The Fund is not intended to be used by, and is not appropriate for, investors who do not intend to actively monitor and manage their portfolios. The Fund pursues a daily leveraged investment objective, which means that the Fund is riskier than alternatives that do not use leverage because the Fund magnifies the performance of its Underlying Security. The Fund is not suitable for all investors. The Fund is designed to be utilized only by sophisticated investors, such as traders and active investors employing dynamic strategies. Investors who do not understand the Funds, or do not intend to actively manage their funds and monitor their investments should not buy shares of the Funds. About Defiance ETFs Founded in 2018, Defiance stands as a leading ETF issuer dedicated to income and thematic investing. Defiance also pioneers leveraged ETFs designed for traders seeking tactical opportunities. Our suite of first-mover leveraged & thematic ETFs empowers investors to express targeted views on disruptive innovations, including artificial intelligence, machine learning, and quantum computing, while our actively managed options ETFs are designed to seek current income. Important Disclosures The Funds investment objectives, risks, charges, and expenses must be considered carefully before investing. The prospectus contains this and other important information about the investment company. Please read carefully before investing. A hard copy of the prospectuses can be requested by calling 833.333.9383. Defiance ETFs LLC is the ETF sponsor. The Funds investment adviser is Tidal Investments, LLC (Tidal or the Adviser). Investing involves risk. Principal loss is possible. There is no guarantee that the Funds investment strategy will be properly implemented, and an investor may lose some or all of its investment. Underlying Security Risk. The underlying security is subject to many risks that can negatively impact the Fund. Leverage Risk. Leverage may increase the risk of loss and cause fluctuations in the market value of the Funds portfolio to have disproportionately large effects or cause the NAV of the Fund generally to decline faster than it would otherwise. Derivatives Risk. Derivatives may be more sensitive to changes in market conditions and may amplify risks. Effects of Compounding and Market Volatility Risk. The Fund has a daily leveraged investment objective and the Funds performance for periods greater than a trading day will be the result of each days returns compounded over the period, which is very likely to differ from the Fund performance, before fees and expenses. Single Issuer Risk. Issuer-specific attributes may cause an investment in the Fund to be more volatile than a traditional pooled investment which diversifies risk or the market generally. The value of the Fund, which focuses on an individual security, may be more volatile than a traditional pooled investment or the market as a whole and may perform differently from the value of a traditional pooled investment or the market as a whole. MSTR Performance Risk. MSTR may fail to meet its publicly announced guidelines or other expectations about its business, which could cause the price of MSTR to decline. Bitcoin Risk. While the Fund will not directly invest in digital assets, it will be subject to the risks associated with Bitcoin by virtue of its investments in options contracts that reference MSTR. New Fund Risk. As of the date of this prospectus, the Fund has no operating history and currently has fewer assets than larger funds. Like other new funds, large inflows and outflows may impact the Funds market exposure for limited periods of time. Brokerage Commissions may be charged on trades. MSTX is distributed by Foreside Fund Services, LLC. A photo accompanying this announcement is available at: https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/635bf72e-d601-46b0-ad6b-7b0377cd2e1f A Media Snippet accompanying this announcement is available by clicking on this link. SANDY, Utah, Sept. 26, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Mountain America Investment Services is pleased to announce the addition of Lucas Montes as the newest wealth advisor at its West Valley Branch. Originally from Argentina and a native Spanish speaker, Montes brings a wealth of experience and a unique bilingual capability that will enable him to serve a broader client base in the region. Montes joins Mountain America Investment Services from Fidelity Investments, where he developed a strong track record of helping clients navigate complex financial landscapes. His fluency in both English and Spanish will be a significant asset to the West Valley branch, providing personalized wealth management services to the growing Hispanic community. We are thrilled to welcome Lucas to the team, said Chad Waddoups, vice president of wealth management. His expertise combined with his bilingual skills will allow us to enhance the level of service we offer to our diverse clientele. We believe his experience and dedication will make a great impact here. As a wealth advisor, Montes will offer clients guidance on retirement planning, investment strategies, and comprehensive financial planning, with a focus on building long-term relationships. Montes attended Utah Valley University studying business administration and personal financial planning, graduating with his bachelors degree in 2018. To learn more or set up a virtual or in-person meeting with Lucas, visit macu.com/lmontes. For more information about Mountain America Investment Services, visit macu.com/wealth. About Mountain America Investment Services Mountain America Investment Services provides comprehensive, long-term wealth planning services to help credit union members work toward their goals. We specialize in offering support for personal investments, tax strategies, retirement, and estate planning. We provide investment services through LPL Financial at locations across the Intermountain West. Our team of experienced wealth advisors are here to guide you along your journey. About LPL Financial LPL Financial is a leader in the retail financial advice market and the nations largest independent broker-dealer.* We serve independent financial professionals and financial institutions, providing them with the technology, research, clearing and compliance services, and practice management programs they need to create and grow thriving practices. LPL enables them to provide independent guidance to millions of American families seeking wealth management, retirement planning, financial planning and asset management solutions. *Based on total revenues, Financial Planning magazine June 1996-2021 Securities and advisory services are offered through LPL Financial (LPL), a registered investment advisor and broker-dealer (member FINRA/SIPC). Insurance products are offered through LPL or its licensed affiliates. Mountain America Credit Union and Mountain America Investment Services are not registered as a broker-dealer or investment advisor. Registered representatives of LPL offer products and services using Mountain America Investment Services, and may also be employees of Mountain America Credit Union. These products and services are being offered through LPL or its affiliates, which are separate entities from, and not affiliates of, Mountain America Credit Union or Mountain America Investment Services. Securities and insurance offered through LPL or its affiliates are: Not Insured by NCUA or Any Other Government Agency Not Credit Union Guaranteed Not Credit Union Deposits or Obligations May Lose Value Contact: publicrelations@macu.com MONTREAL, Sept. 26, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Stella-Jones Inc. (TSX: SJ) (Stella-Jones or the Company) announced today that it has priced an inaugural offering of Canadian dollar denominated senior unsecured notes. Stella-Jones will issue C$400 million aggregate principal amount of senior unsecured notes due October 1st, 2031, bearing interest at the rate of 4.312% per annum, payable semi-annually until maturity (the Notes). The Company intends to use the net proceeds from the offering to repay existing indebtedness under its revolving credit facilities, and any balance will be used for general corporate purposes. The Notes are being offered in Canada through an agency syndicate consisting of TD Securities Inc., CIBC World Markets Inc. and RBC Dominion Securities Inc., as joint lead agents and bookrunners, along with Merrill Lynch Canada Inc. and Scotia Capital Inc., as co-managers. The offering is expected to close on October 1st, 2024, subject to customary closing conditions. The Notes will be unsecured obligations of Stella-Jones, will rank equally and pari passu with the other present and future unsecured and unsubordinated obligations of Stella-Jones, and will be issued pursuant to a trust indenture, as supplemented by a first supplemental indenture, each to be dated the date of closing of the offering. Payment of the Notes will be guaranteed on an unsecured basis by certain wholly-owned subsidiaries of Stella-Jones. The Notes have been assigned a provisional rating of BBB, with a stable trend, by DBRS Limited.* The Notes will be offered on a private placement basis in each of the provinces of Canada in reliance upon exemptions from the prospectus requirements of applicable securities laws. The Notes have not been, and will not be, registered under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the U.S. Securities Act), or any state securities laws and may not be offered or sold in the United States absent registration or an applicable exemption from the registration requirements of the U.S. Securities Act. This press release shall not constitute an offer to sell or a solicitation of an offer to buy any of the Notes in the United States or any other jurisdiction where such offering or sale would be unlawful. * Credit ratings are not recommendations to purchase, hold or sell such securities as such ratings are not a comment upon the market price of the securities or their suitability for a particular investor. ABOUT STELLA-JONES Stella-Jones Inc. (TSX: SJ) is a leading North American manufacturer of pressure-treated wood products, focused on supporting infrastructure that is essential to the delivery of electrical distribution and transmission, and the operation and maintenance of railway transportation systems. It supplies the continents major electrical utilities and telecommunication companies with wood utility poles and North Americas Class 1, short line and commercial railroad operators with railway ties and timbers. It also supports infrastructure with industrial products, namely wood for railway bridges and crossings, marine and foundation pilings, construction timbers and coal tar-based products. Additionally, the Company manufactures and distributes premium treated residential lumber and accessories to Canadian and American retailers for outdoor applications, with a significant portion of the business devoted to servicing Canadian customers through its national manufacturing and distribution network. CAUTION REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING INFORMATION This press release contains information and statements of a forward-looking nature, including statements regarding the timing and completion of the proposed offering of Notes and the expected use of the net proceeds of the offering. These statements are based on suppositions and uncertainties as well as on management's best possible evaluation of future events, including those referenced in the Companys continuous disclosure filings (available on SEDAR+ at sedarplus.ca). The completion of the proposed offering of Notes is subject to general market and other conditions and there can be no assurance that the proposed offering will be completed or that the terms of the proposed offering will not be modified. As a result, readers are advised that actual results may differ from expected results. Unless required to do so under applicable securities legislation, the Company does not assume any obligation to update or revise forward-looking statements to reflect new information, future events or other changes after the date hereof. EconoScope | World Manufacturing Convention welcomes rising global participation Ecns.cn) 11:51, September 26, 2024 The 2024 World Manufacturing Convention was held in Hefei, capital of east China's Anhui province, from Sept. 20 to 23, 2024. (Photo: China News Service/Han Suyuan) (ECNS) -- The 2024 World Manufacturing Convention, themed "Intelligent Manufacturing for a Better Future," was held in Hefei, capital of east China's Anhui Province, from Friday to Monday. The convention, focusing on the topic related to the 75th anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China, featured several exhibitions from domestic and international guests. It showcased achievements at national-level and Anhui manufacturing development since the founding of China, including the world's first 25MW offshore wind turbine main bearing, innovative Jinghua shield machine, Qijiang-2 humanoid robot, Jiuzhou Yunjian's LongYun rocket engine, Origin Wukong superconducting quantum computer, and FDS' Hedianbao nuclear power system. New and old friends commend business prospects John McLean OBE, chair of the China UK Business Development Centre, visited Anhui for the first time. He believed that the province has enormous growth potential, with its business environment and policy support making it an especially attractive investment destination. Among the first-time attendees was Vice Chairman of the Ulyanovsk provincial government of Russia Kabanov Oleg Vladimirovich. He told China News Network, the conference scale surprised him the most. As we all know, the larger the event, the more opportunities there are for participants to develop mutually beneficial cooperation." In 2017, Ulyanovsk and Anhui signed a cooperation agreement. Currently, both sides are working together to develop an action plan to implement a regional cooperation agreement. Sean Stein, chair of the American Chamber of Commerce in China, is an old friend of Anhui, and this marked his 15th visit to the province. Over the past 18 months, he has led delegations to Anhui twice, due to the growing interest of foreign companies and investors in the region. Stein noted that Anhui has a wealth of talent, a strong workforce, and a well-developed infrastructure, along with business-friendly policies introduced by the government. The government collaborates with businesses to create opportunities and improve the business environment, which he finds very encouraging. A Qijiang-2 humanoid robot hands fruit to a visitor at the 2024 World Manufacturing Convention held in Anhui Province on Sept. 20, 2024. (Photo: China News Service/Han Suyuan) Carlos Magarinos, chairman emeritus of the Global Alliance of SMEs, was an important old guest at the convention. Magarinos said that returning to Anhui after six years filled him with joy. He was impressed by how Anhui has accurately grasped the new trends in global manufacturing development over the past six years and called the speed at which its manufacturing sector has grown truly remarkable. As one of the organizers, the alliance is very willing to engage in comprehensive, multi-level exchanges and cooperation with Anhui and other partners in fields including manufacturing. This will also encourage more international companies to establish themselves in China, especially in Anhui, to achieve resource sharing and win-win outcomes through practical cooperation, he said. Success of Chaohu Conference attracts global projects The Chaohu Overseas Chinese conference on innovation and entrepreneurship (Chaohu Conference) is a key event of the 2024 World Manufacturing Convention, aiming to bring together high-level talent from among the overseas alumni of prestigious institutions including the University of Science and Technology of China, to foster innovation and entrepreneurship in Anhui, and further support high-quality integrated development of the Yangtze River Delta. Li Shiyun, chairman of the Overseas Chinese Federation of Anhui Province, said that the Chaohu overseas Chinese conference has been successfully held seven times, including activities to present provincial development and new innovations by overseas Chinese, attracting over 1,000 alumni from prestigious universities in more than 100 countries and helping establish high-tech projects and talent teams locally. At the Chaohu conference matchmaking event of "Overseas Chinese innovation and entrepreneurship and Anhui-Hong Kong-Macao Manufacturing," 43 overseas Chinese projects, 33 Hong Kong and Macao projects, and five Hefei competition projects were signed, totaling over 36.3 billion yuan ($5.15 dollars) in investment. The China Federation of Overseas Chinese Entrepreneurs signs several projects at each World Manufacturing Convention, with total contracts growing each year. Currently, the total investment from these signed projects is about 1.2 billion yuan, said Wang Bangkan, vice president of the federation. Over the past six years since 2018 when the World Manufacturing Convention made Hefei, Anhui, its permanent venue, the province has consistently issued invitations to the world, drawing in a diverse array of domestic and international business representatives. Notably, this year, foreign guests constituted more than 50 percent of key attendees for the first time. Since 2018, the convention has facilitated the signing of over 4,000 cooperative projects and attracted major initiatives, including Volkswagen's new energy vehicles from Germany. (Web editor: Tian Yi, Zhong Wenxing) Vancouver, September 26, 2024 - Pacific Ridge Exploration Ltd. (TSXV: PEX) (OTCQB: PEXZF) (FSE: PQWN) ("Pacific Ridge" or the "Company") is pleased to announce that the Company has completed its inaugural drill program at the Chuchi copper-gold project ("Chuchi" or the "Project"), and that copper mineralization was intersected in every drill hole. Chuchi is road accessible and is located 35 km to the northwest of Centerra Gold Inc.'s ("Centerra") Mount Milligan mine in B.C. (see Figure 1). Highlights: Pacific Ridge completed 2,716 m in five diamond drill holes over a 750 m strike length across the BP Zone ("BPZ") (see Figures 2 and 3). Every drill hole intersected alkalic porphyry copper mineralization consisting of chalcopyrite and pyrite hosted in breccias, veins, and as disseminated mineral replacements. The results will be released once the assays are received and compiled. The Company believes that the BPZ has excellent potential for continued expansion of alkalic porphyry copper mineralization along strike and at depth. BPZ is just one of several porphyry targets that occur within a six-kilometre north-northwest trend at Chuchi (see Pacific Ridge news release dated April 30th, 2024). A two-hour drive from Fort Saint James, the drill program was completely ground-supported. Quote "The last major drill program at the BP Zone was more than three decades ago," said Blaine Monaghan, President and CEO of Pacific Ridge. The Company believes that the BP Zone has significant, untested potential for porphyry copper-gold mineralization along strike and at depth as many of the historical drill holes were shallow and ended in mineralization. We look forward to reporting the assay results from our very first drill program at Chuchi." Figure 1 Location of Chuchi and Pacific Ridge's Other Copper-Gold Porphyry Projects To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/5460/224636_73ec6b91c47c39ad_001full.jpg Figure 2 Location of the BPZ and Other Targets at Chuchi To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/5460/224636_73ec6b91c47c39ad_002full.jpg 2024 Drill Hole Program Design The 2024 drill program was designed to test the interpretation that BPZ mineralization forms a tabular shaped body with a high degree of northeast-trending structural control, has a steep westward dip (eastward tilt), and is deep rooted. It appears to be related to a 550 m (E-W) x 500 m (N-S) x 600 m (depth) stock complex. This interpretation is based on combined 3D geophysical inversion models (ZTEM and IP), grade shell model of historical drilling, and historical work. Further, drilling tested for evidence that BPZ is structurally segmented with greater preservation potential in downthrown blocks towards the northeast. Over the 750 m strike length of BPZ tested in 2024, sulfide mineralization appears to follow a northeast trending corridor centered on the North Central ("NC") fault zone (see Figures 3 and 4). Brecciated and altered lithological contact zones around the monzodiorite porphyry complex are also identified as areas of enhanced mineralization. Figure 3 2024 BPZ Drill Holes in Plan View with 3D ZTEM Model in Background To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/5460/224636_73ec6b91c47c39ad_003full.jpg Figure 4 2024 Chuchi Drilling with 3D ZTEM Model in Background (450 m wide slice) and TMI Magnetics on Surface To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/5460/224636_73ec6b91c47c39ad_004full.jpg CH-24-070 (azimuth 090, inclination -70, length 603 m) was collared on a historical drill trail near the centre of the BPZ, within the mapped calc-potassic alteration domain, and near drill hole CH-91-40 which returned 40 m at 0.45% Cu and 0.41 g/t Au from 64 m depth (see Table 1). Figure 5 Chalcopyrite-Pyrite Mineralization in CH-24-070 at 406.0-406.5 m (See A in Figure 4) To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/5460/224636_73ec6b91c47c39ad_005full.jpg CH-24-071 (azimuth 088, inclination -80, length 577 m) was collared on a historical drill trail at the southern end of the BPZ, within the mapped potassic alteration domain, and in the area of historical drill hole CH-89-07 which returned 16 m at 0.71% Cu and 1.32 g/t Au within 100 m of 0.27% Cu and 0.37 g/t Au from 38 m depth (see Table 1). Figure 6 Chalcopyrite-Pyrite Mineralization in CH-24-071 at 85.0 m (See B in Figure 4) To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/5460/224636_73ec6b91c47c39ad_006full.jpg CH-24-072 (azimuth 090, inclination -75, length 600 m) was collared on a historical drill trail at the southwestern side of the BP Zone, within the mapped calc-potassic alteration domain, and in the area of historical drill hole CH-90-27 which returned 70 m at 0.31% Cu and 0.34 g/t Au within 194 m of 0.21% Cu and 0.21 g/t Au from 32 m depth (see Table 1). Figure 7 Chalcopyrite-Pyrite Mineralization in CH-24-072 at 388-389 m (See C in Figure 4) To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/5460/224636_73ec6b91c47c39ad_007full.jpg CH-24-073 (azimuth 036, inclination -55, length 588 m) was collared on a historical drill trail near the centre of the BPZ, within the mapped calc-potassic alteration domain. The in-field drill hole design was based on observations from the first three drill holes and on the identification of a previously unused drill trail that was optimally located to test the predicted high-grade core of the BPZ from numeric modelling of historical drilling results. Figure 8 Chalcopyrite-Pyrite Mineralization in CH-24-073 at 505.0 m (See D in Figure 4) To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/5460/224636_73ec6b91c47c39ad_008full.jpg CH-24-074 (azimuth 300, inclination -70, length 348 m) was collared on a historical drill trail on the northeastern side of the BPZ, within the mapped calc-potassic alteration domain, and near historical drill hole CH-90-30 which returned 74 m at 0.26% Cu and 0.13 g/t Au from 182 m depth (see Table 1). Drilling tested the predicted core zone of the historical drilling results grade shell model. Figure 9 Chalcopyrite-Pyrite Mineralization in CH-24-074 at 305.0 m (See E in Figure 4) To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/5460/224636_73ec6b91c47c39ad_009full.jpg Table 1 Historical Drill Highlights1 Hole No. From (m) To (m) Width (m) Cu (%) Au (g/t) CuEq (%)2 AuEq (g/t)3 CH-89-07 38.0 138.0 100.0 0.27 0.37 0.51 0.76 Includes 82.0 98.0 16.0 0.71 1.32 1.60 2.37 CH-90-27 32.0 226.0 194.0 0.21 0.21 0.35 0.52 Includes 156.0 226.0 70.0 0.31 0.34 0.54 0.80 CH-90-30 98.0 256.0 158.0 0.22 0.10 0.29 0.43 Includes 182.0 256.0 74.0 0.26 0.13 0.35 0.52 CH-90-33 54.0 304.5 250.50 0.21 0.12 0.29 0.44 Includes 64.0 152.0 88.0 0.36 0.21 0.51 0.75 CH-90-37 54.3 262.1 207.8 0.22 0.12 0.30 0.45 Includes 110.0 154.0 44.0 0.35 0.18 0.47 0.70 CH-91-40 50.0 130.0 80.0 0.30 0.29 0.49 0.73 Includes 50.0 114.0 64.0 0.35 0.33 0.57 0.85 Includes 64.0 104.0 40.0 0.45 0.41 0.73 1.08 CH-91-42 91.4 320.6 229.2 0.10 0.61 0.51 0.76 Includes 94.0 144.0 50.0 0.09 2.10 1.50 2.23 Includes 94.0 122.0 28.0 0.07 3.61 2.49 3.70 And 200.0 242.0 42.0 0.13 0.55 0.50 0.74 CH-19-003 91.5 411.0 319.5 0.16 0.14 0.25 0.37 Includes 341.0 401.0 60.0 0.26 0.24 0.42 0.63 1Sources include: Chuchi project historical drilling database; also reported in BC Geological Survey (Branch) Assessment Reports 20018 (CH-89-7), 21113 (CH-90-27, CH-90-30, CH-90-33, CH-90-37), unpublished Placer Dome Inc. database (CH-91-40, CH-91-42), 39061 (CH-19-003). The Company has not independently validated all historic work, and the reader is cautioned about its accuracy. 2CuEq = ((Cu%) x $Cu x 22.0462) + (Au(g/t) x AuR/CuR x $Au x 0.032151) / ($Cu x 22.0462). 3AuEq = ((Au(g/t) x $Au x 0.032151) + ((Cu%) x CuR/AuR x $Cu x 22.0462) / ($Au x 0.032151). Commodity prices: $Cu = US$3.25/lb and $Au = US$1,800/oz. There has been no metallurgical testing on Chuchi mineralization. The Company estimates copper recoveries (CuR) of 84%, and gold recoveries (AuR) of 70% based on the average recoveries from Kemess Underground, Mount Milligan, and Red Chris. Factors: 22.0462 = Cu% to lbs per tonne and 0.032151 = Au g/t to troy oz per tonne. End of hole About Chuchi Chuchi is over 160 km2 in size and comprises three mineral tenure blocks, Chuchi, under option from Centerra, and Chuchi South and Chuchi West, under option from American Copper Development Corp. (ACDX: TSXV) and a private individual. The Project is road accessible and is located 35 km northwest of Centerra's Mount Milligan mine. The Project has seen less than 15,360 metres (89 drill holes) of historical drilling to an average vertical depth of 140 m. Most of this drilling was completed in 1989-1991. Chuchi hosts several compelling exploration targets within a six-kilometre-long porphyry trend, including the BPZ. The Company believes that Chuchi has significant untested potential for porphyry copper-gold mineralization at depth as many of the historic drill holes were shallow and ended in mineralization. Further, the porphyry centre has yet to be identified. About Pacific Ridge Our goal is to become B.C.'s leading copper-gold exploration company. Pacific Ridge's flagship asset is its 100% owned Kliyul copper-gold project, located in the Quesnel terrane close to existing infrastructure. In addition to Kliyul, the Company's project portfolio also includes the Chuchi copper-gold project, the 100% owned RDP copper-gold project, the 100% owned Onjo copper-gold project, and the 100% owned Redton copper-gold project, all located in British Columbia. Pacific Ridge would like to acknowledge that its B.C. projects are located in the traditional, ancestral and unceded territories of the Gitxsan Nation, McLeod Lake Indian Band, Nak'azdli Whut'en, Takla Nation, and Tsay Keh Dene Nation. On behalf of the Board of Directors, "Blaine Monaghan" Blaine Monaghan President & CEO Pacific Ridge Exploration Ltd. Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. The technical information contained within this News Release has been reviewed and approved by Danette Schwab, P.Geo., Vice President Exploration, and a Qualified Person as defined by National Instrument 43-101 policy. Forward-Looking Information: This release includes certain statements that may be deemed "forward-looking statements". All statements in this release, other than statements of historical facts, which address exploration drilling and other activities and events or developments that Pacific Ridge Exploration Ltd. ("Pacific Ridge") expects to occur, are forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements in this news release include geological descriptions of the 2,716 m drill program at Chuchi. Although Pacific Ridge believes the expectations expressed in such forward-looking statements are based on reasonable assumptions, such statements are not guarantees of future performance and actual results or developments may differ materially from those forward-looking statements. Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those in forward-looking statements include market prices, exploration successes, and continued availability of capital and financing and general economic, market or business conditions. These statements are based on a number of assumptions including, among other things, assumptions regarding general business and economic conditions, that one of the options will be exercised, the ability of Pacific Ridge and other parties to satisfy stock exchange and other regulatory requirements in a timely manner, the availability of financing for Pacific Ridge's proposed programs on reasonable terms, and the ability of third party service providers to deliver services in a timely manner. Investors are cautioned that any such statements are not guarantees of future performance and actual results or developments may differ materially from those projected in the forward-looking statements. Pacific Ridge does not assume any obligation to update or revise its forward-looking statements, whether because of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by applicable law. Unconformity-Hosted Uranium Consists of 3.88% eU 3 O 8 over 13.2 metres, Including 23.22% eU 3 O 8 over 2.0 Metres Summer Drill Program Complete with Multiple Ultra High-Grade Uranium Intersections; Assays Pending Vancouver, September 26, 2024 - CanAlaska Uranium Ltd. (TSXV: CVV) (OTCQX: CVVUF) (FSE: DH7) ("CanAlaska" or the "Company") is pleased to provide an update on the summer diamond drill program at the Pike Zone on the West McArthur Joint Venture project (the "Project") in the eastern Athabasca Basin. Multiple drillholes have confirmed high-grade mineralization, highlighted by WMA094-2 which intersected 3.88% eU 3 O 8 over 13.2 metres, including 23.22% eU 3 O 8 over 2.0 metres and WMA094-1 which intersected 3.41% eU 3 O 8 over 9.9 metres, including 8.08% eU 3 O 8 over 3.7 metres on expansion drilling to the west. These new drillholes expand the high-grade footprint at Pike Zone over 100 metres at the unconformity and indicate the potential for significant additional zones of ultra high-grade uranium mineralization to the west of the Pike Zone where the trend remains open along strike. The West McArthur project, a Joint Venture with Cameco Corp., is operated by CanAlaska that holds an 83.35% ownership in the Project (Figure 1). CanAlaska is sole-funding the 2024 West McArthur program, further increasing its majority ownership in the Project. Figure 1 - West McArthur Project Location To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/2864/224642_1b45be42f4292b85_002full.jpg CanAlaska CEO, Cory Belyk, comments, "The intersection of ultra high-grade uranium 100 metres west of the main pod at Pike Zone is exactly what the team was hoping to achieve as part of the summer drilling program. Tier 1 Athabasca Basin uranium deposits commonly occur as high-grade 'pearls on a string' and this is what we are seeing develop at the Pike Zone. The importance of this new ultra high-grade uranium discovery to CanAlaska, our shareholders, and the Joint Venture cannot be understated. With drilling now complete and with nearly $12 million in CanAlaska's treasury, the team is now focused on developing the 2025 exploration program and budget with our partner to follow-up these incredible drilling results." Figure 2 - West McArthur Pike Zone Plan To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/2864/224642_1b45be42f4292b85_003full.jpg New Ultra High-Grade Uranium Discovered The summer drill program on the West McArthur project is now complete. The program consisted of 15 unconformity tests split between Pike Zone expansion and extensional testing along the geophysical corridor. At the Pike Zone, 12 unconformity tests were completed, 11 of which contained uranium mineralization. The results of the summer drill program indicate a strike length of uranium mineralization along the unconformity target area of approximately 200 metres that remains open in all directions. Multiple drill fences within the unconformity target area define a high-grade core that remains open and extends over 100 metres in strike length. In addition, these results confirm that the Pike Zone remains open along strike to the west where the nearest drill hole is over 1 kilometre away. Drillhole WMA094, completed along section L0, intersected the graphitic stratigraphy approximately 15 metres below the unconformity and contained multiple intervals of unconformity and basement-hosted uranium mineralization. WMA094 was completed approximately 100 metres up-dip along the graphitic stratigraphy from the first Pike Zone basement-hosted discovery hole (WMA067). Subsequent drilling along L0 and L15W intersected unconformity-associated uranium mineralization in WMA094-1, WMA094-2, and WMA094-3. Drillhole WMA094-2, which intersected high-grade unconformity uranium mineralization consisting of 3.88% eU 3 O 8 over 13.2 metres, including ultra high-grade uranium mineralization of 23.22% eU 3 O 8 over 2.0 metres, indicates the significant potential for additional ultra high-grade zones or pods within and beyond the currently established Pike Zone footprint. Figure 3 - Pike Zone L0 and L15W Sections To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/2864/224642_1b45be42f4292b85_006full.jpg The Company completed one additional drillhole on L70E, WMA082-15, which tested down-dip of the ultra high-grade uranium mineralization reported in WMA082-7 (see News Release dated July 9th, 2024). WMA082-15 returned basement-hosted uranium mineralization along the controlling structures on L70E. Table 1 - Radiometric Equivalent Uranium Grades DDH From (m) To (m) Length (m)5 Average Grade (% eU 3 O 8 )6 WMA0941,3 790.5 796.7 6.2 0.54 Including4 794.3 794.8 0.5 3.21 WMA0941,3 807.0 810.4 3.4 2.17 Including4 807.7 810.0 2.3 2.95 WMA0941,3 812.7 813.3 0.6 0.48 WMA0941,3 815.6 823.2 7.6 0.35 WMA094-11,3 790.7 800.6 9.9 3.41 Including4 792.1 795.8 3.7 8.08 Including4 796.8 797.2 0.4 3.09 WMA094-11,3 803.2 803.6 0.4 0.2 WMA094-21,3 784.7 797.9 13.2 3.88 Including4 794.4 796.4 2.0 23.22 WMA094-31,3 787.5 790.4 2.9 0.17 WMA094-31,3 791.4 796.8 5.4 0.41 WMA094-31,3 800.8 806.7 5.9 0.51 WMA094-31,3 814.8 816.4 1.6 0.83 WMA082-152,3 824.2 829.0 4.8 0.8 Including4 828.4 828.7 0.3 2.89 WMA082-152,3 835.7 836.3 0.6 0.31 WMA094, WMA094-1, WMA094-2, and WMA094-3 were all drilled at an azimuth of 313 with an inclination of -80.0, collared at 477,236 mE / 6,396,517 mN, 600 m A.S.L. (UTM NAD83 Z13N) as a pilot hole with subsequent daughter holes from WMA094. WMA082-15 was drilled at an azimuth of 295 with an inclination of -79.3, collared at 477,345 mE / 6,396,525 mN, 605 m A.S.L. (UTM NAD83 Z13N) as a daughter hole from WMA082. Intersection interval is composited above a cut-off grade of 0.1% eU 3 O 8 with a maximum of 1.0 m of internal dilution. Intersection interval is composited above a cut-off grade of 2.0% eU 3 O 8 with a maximum of 1.0 m of internal dilution. All reported depths and intervals are drill hole depths and intervals, unless otherwise noted, and do not represent true thicknesses, which have yet to be determined. Radiometric equivalent ("eU 3 O 8 ") derived from a calibrated gamma downhole probe. In addition, during the summer drill program, three drill holes were completed several kilometres along strike to the east of the Pike Zone on the geophysical target corridor. These drill holes were focused on testing geophysical gaps and structural targets identified from previous drill programs. Within WMA091 and WMA092, a broad sandstone structure characterized by strong silicification, clay alteration, and hydrothermal dravitic breccias was intersected. Within WMA093, a graphitic, chlorite altered fault zone was intersected approximately 90 metres into the basement. The results from the drill holes along strike to the east of the Pike Zone show encouraging post-Athabasca structural re-activation along the graphitic stratigraphy. The Company is currently engaged in the budget process for the 2025 exploration program. Geochemical assay results from the summer portion of the 2024 exploration program are pending. Figure 4 - WMA094-2 Core Photograph To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/2864/224642_1b45be42f4292b85_008full.jpg Drillhole Details: WMA094: The lower sandstone column of WMA094 is strongly bleached with limonite alteration extending over 80 metres above the unconformity. Within the lower sandstone column, multiple metre-scale fault zones were intersected and are characterized by broken to blocky core, broad hydrothermal dravitic breccias with localized re-activation, and zones of quartz dissolution. One interval of unconformity-associated uranium mineralization was intersected and is associated with strongly grey-altered sandstone (Figure 3; Table 1). The unconformity contact between the Athabasca sandstone and underlying basement rocks is interpreted to be at 793.9 metres down hole. Several intervals of basement-hosted uranium mineralization were intersected throughout the graphitic pelitic rocks (Figure 3; Table 1). These zones are characterized by structurally-controlled, disseminated, and foliation-controlled uranium mineralization. Within the mineralized intervals, isolated intervals of core loss were recorded due to intense alteration and quartz dissolution. The basement is strongly clay and chlorite altered as a broad halo around the basement-hosted uranium mineralization with multiple re-activated fault zones throughout the interval. WMA094-1: The lower sandstone column of WMA094-1 is strongly bleached with limonite alteration extending over 90 metres above the unconformity. Within the lower sandstone column, multiple metre-scale fault zones were intersected and are characterized by broken to blocky core, large intervals of hydrothermal dravitic breccias with localized re-activation, and zones of quartz dissolution. Near the unconformity, the fault zones are associated with intense silicification and sooty pyrite alteration. WMA094-1 contains one main interval of unconformity-associated uranium mineralization characterized by massive to semi-massive, structurally-controlled, and disseminated mineralization associated with strong sooty pyrite, dark red hematite, and green-grey clay replacement immediately around the unconformity contact. (Figure 3; Table 1). Within the mineralized interval, isolated intervals of core loss were recorded due to intense alteration and quartz dissolution. The unconformity contact between the Athabasca sandstone and underlying basement rocks is interpreted to be at 795.1 metres down hole. The basement is strongly clay and chlorite altered as a broad halo around the high-grade uranium mineralization with multiple re-activated fault zones throughout the interval. WMA094-2: The lower sandstone column of WMA094-2 is strongly bleached with limonite alteration extending over 90 metres above the unconformity. Within the lower sandstone column, multiple metre-scale fault zones were intersected and are characterized by broken to blocky core, large intervals of hydrothermal dravitic breccias with localized re-activation, and zones of quartz dissolution. Near the unconformity, the fault zones are associated with intense silicification and sooty pyrite alteration. WMA094-2 contains one main interval of unconformity-associated uranium mineralization characterized by massive to semi-massive, structurally-controlled, and disseminated mineralization associated with strong sooty pyrite, dark red hematite, and green-grey clay replacement immediately around the unconformity contact. (Figure 3; Figure 4; Table 1). Within the mineralized interval, isolated intervals of core loss were recorded due to intense alteration and quartz dissolution. The unconformity contact between the Athabasca sandstone and underlying basement rocks is interpreted to be at 799.8 metres down hole. The basement is strongly clay and chlorite altered as a broad halo around the high-grade uranium mineralization with multiple re-activated fault zones throughout the interval. WMA094-3: The lower sandstone column of WMA094-3 is strongly bleached with limonite alteration extending over 80 metres above the unconformity. Within the lower sandstone column, multiple metre-scale fault zones were intersected and are characterized by broken to blocky core, large intervals of hydrothermal dravitic breccias with localized re-activation, and zones of quartz dissolution. Near the unconformity, the fault zones are associated with silicification and sooty pyrite alteration. WMA094-3 contains two intervals of unconformity-associated uranium mineralization characterized by structurally-controlled and disseminated mineralization associated with strong sooty pyrite, dark red hematite, and green-grey clay replacement immediately around the unconformity contact. (Figure 3; Table 1). Within the mineralized interval, isolated intervals of core loss were recorded due to intense alteration and quartz dissolution. The unconformity contact between the Athabasca sandstone and underlying basement rocks is interpreted to be at 794.6 metres down hole. Several intervals of basement-hosted uranium mineralization were intersected throughout the graphitic pelitic rocks (Figure 3; Table 1). These zones are characterized by semi-massive, structurally-controlled, and disseminated uranium mineralization. The basement is strongly clay and chlorite altered as a broad halo around the high-grade uranium mineralization with multiple re-activated fault zones throughout the interval. WMA091 was completed 4.3 kilometres along strike to the east of the Pike Zone. Within the basal sandstone, from 580 - 630 metres, a large post-Athabasca fault zone was intersected. The fault zone is characterized by strong bleaching and silicification with multiple re-activated hydrothermal dravitic breccia zones. WMA092 was completed 4.6 kilometres along strike to the east of the Pike Zone, following up the results from WMA091. In WMA092, a large post-Athabasca sandstone fault zone was intersected immediately at the unconformity, from 765 - 810 m, and was characterized by strong bleaching, limonite, silicification with multiple re-activated hydrothermal dravitic breccia zones. WMA093 was completed 5.1 kilometres along strike to the east of the Pike Zone, following up the encouraging sandstone structures in WMA091 and WMA092. WMA093 intersected a 7 metre-wide post-Athabasca basement fault zone approximately 90 metres below the unconformity. The fault zone was hosted in a chlorite-altered graphitic pelite interval with intervals of clay gouge and breccia. Other News The Company will be presenting a webinar hosted by Red Cloud on October 2nd, 2024. Registration is available through the following link: https://redcloudfs.com/events/rcwebinar-cvv-4/ The Company invites you to view a special video tour of the West McArthur uranium project. This video provides an exclusive look at our key exploration activities and the exciting potential of the Pike Zone discovery. The video tour is available on the Company's YouTube channel or through the following link: Inside West McArthur: Exploring High-Grade Uranium with CEO Cory Belyk and VP Nathan Bridge (youtube.com) Geochemical Sampling Procedures and Use of Radiometric Equivalent Grades All drill core samples from the program were shipped to the Saskatchewan Research Council Geoanalytical Laboratories (SRC) in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan in secure containment for preparation, processing, and multi-element analysis by ICP-MS and ICP-OES using total (HF:NHO3:HClO4) and partial digestion (HNO3:HCl), boron by fusion, and U 3 O 8 wt% assay by ICP-OES using higher grade standards. Assay samples are chosen based on downhole probing radiometric equivalent uranium grades and scintillometer (SPP2 or CT007-M) peaks. Assay sample intervals comprise 0.3 - 0.8 metre continuous half-core split samples over the mineralized intervals. With all assay samples, one half of the split sample is retained and the other sent to the SRC for analysis. The SRC is an ISO/IEC 17025/2005 and Standards Council of Canada certified analytical laboratory. Blanks, standard reference materials, and repeats are inserted into the sample stream at regular intervals by CanAlaska and the SRC in accordance with CanAlaska's quality assurance/quality control (QA/QC) procedures. Geochemical assay data are subject to verification procedures by qualified persons employed by CanAlaska prior to disclosure. During active exploration programs drillholes are radiometrically logged using calibrated downhole GeoVista NGRS and TGGS (Triple GM) gamma probes which collect continuous readings along the length of the drillhole. Preliminary radiometric equivalent uranium grades ("eU 3 O 8 ") are then calculated from the downhole radiometric results. The probe is calibrated using an algorithm calculated from the calibration of the probe at the Saskatchewan Research Council facility in Saskatoon and from the comparison of probe results against geochemical analyses. At extremely high radiometric equivalent uranium grades, downhole gamma probes may become saturated, resulting in the probe being overwhelmed, which in turn can create difficulties in accurately determining extremely high-grade radiometric equivalent uranium grades, and a cap may be applied to the grade. The equivalent uranium grades are preliminary and are subsequently reported as definitive assay grades following sampling and chemical analysis of the mineralized drill core. In the case where core recovery within a mineralized intersection is poor or non-existent, radiometric grades are considered to be more representative of the mineralized intersection and may be reported in the place of assay grades. Radiometric equivalent probe results are subject to verification procedures by qualified persons employed by CanAlaska prior to disclosure. All reported depths and intervals are drill hole depths and intervals, unless otherwise noted, and do not represent true thicknesses, which have yet to be determined. About CanAlaska Uranium CanAlaska Uranium Ltd. (TSXV: CVV) (OTCQX: CVVUF) (FSE: DH7) is a Canadian based exploration company and holds interest in approximately 500,000 hectares (1,235,000 acres) in Canada's Athabasca Basin focused on exploration and discovery of high-grade unconformity uranium deposits. The Company is actively advancing the Pike Zone discovery - a new high-grade uranium discovery on its West McArthur Joint Venture project in the eastern Athabasca Basin. In addition, the Company has several other uranium-focused exploration programs. CanAlaska deploys a hybrid project generator model, focusing on the acquisition and sale of prospective projects, while also executing exploration programs on CanAlaska's most strategic land holdings. The Company's extensive portfolio has attracted international mining companies, including Cameco Corporation and Denison Mines as active partners. CanAlaska is led by an experienced team of professionals with a proven track record of discovery. The Company's head office is in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada with a satellite office in Vancouver, BC, Canada. For further information visit www.canalaska.com. The Qualified Person under National Instrument 43-101 Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects for this news release is Nathan Bridge, MSc., P. Geo., Vice-President Exploration for CanAlaska Uranium Ltd., who has reviewed and approved its contents. On behalf of the Board of Directors "Cory Belyk" Cory Belyk, P.Geo., FGC CEO, President and Director CanAlaska Uranium Ltd. Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. Forward-Looking information All statements included in this press release that address activities, events or developments that the Company expects, believes or anticipates will or may occur in the future are forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements involve numerous assumptions made by the Company based on its experience, perception of historical trends, current conditions, expected future developments and other factors it believes are appropriate in the circumstances. In addition, these statements involve substantial known and unknown risks and uncertainties that contribute to the possibility that the predictions, forecasts, projections and other forward-looking statements will prove inaccurate, certain of which are beyond the Company's control. Readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements. Except as required by law, the Company does not intend to revise or update these forward-looking statements after the date hereof or revise them to reflect the occurrence of future unanticipated events. To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/224642 TORONTO, September 26, 2024 - Enerev5 Metals Inc. ("Enerev5" or the "Company") (TSXV:ENEV / OTCQB:ENEVF) announces that it plans to raise $150,000 for working capital and administrative expenses the details of which are below. The Company plans to issue up to 15,000,000 units ("Units") at a price of $0.01 per unit ($150,000). Each Unit consists of one common share of the Company and one common share purchase warrant (a "Warrant"). Each Warrant will entitle the holder to acquire one additional common share of the Company at a price of $0.05 for a period of five years from the date of issue. The Company intends to use the net proceeds of the offering for general and administrative expenses and for working capital. Assuming aggregate gross proceeds are raised, approximately 20% will be used for Non-Arm's length salaries, 80% for its annual audit and corporate expenses. Insiders of the Company may participate in issuance of such common shares which may constitute a "related party transaction" under Multilateral Instrument 61-101 - Protection of Minority Security Holders in Special Transactions ("MI 61-101"). The Company is relying on the exemption from the formal valuation requirement in section 5.5(b) of MI 61-101 (as a result of its common shares being listed on the TSXV) and the exemption from the minority approval requirement in section 5.7(1)(a) of MI 61-101 (as neither the fair market value of the common shares distributed to, nor the consideration paid by, such directors and officers or insiders will exceed 25% of the Company's market capitalization). The Comapny also wishes to announce the settlement of up to $366,402 of debt with the issuance of 36,640,200 common shares priced at $0.01 per share. Management and directors will be participating in the debt settlement for a total of $189,750. Four insiders of the Company, Errol Farr (CFO), Michael Cachia (Independent Director), Samuel Peralta (former Independent Director) and the estate of William F. White (plus 10% shareholder), and four other arms'-length creditors have agreed to convert outstanding debt. No Warrants will be issued in connection with the debt settlement. The debt settlement transaction is subject to the approval of the TSX Venture Exchange. The debt settlement will not create a new Insider nor a new Control Person. The Company believes it is in the best interest of its shareholders to reduce the amount of accrued indebtedness to improve its financial position. The issuance of a portion of the Common Shares in the debt settlement transaction constitutes a Related Party Transaction within the meaning of Multilateral Instrument 61-101, as directors, officers and Insiders of the Company will receive an aggregate of 26,754,900 Common Shares. The Company is relying on exemptions from the formal valuation and minority approval requirements of MI 61-101 contained in sections 5.5(a) and 5.7(1)(a) of MI 61-101 as the fair market value of the debt settlement insofar as it involves Related Parties, does not exceed 25 per cent of the market capitalization of Enerev5. Additionally, no new Insider nor new Control Person will be created as a result of either the debt conversion transaction or the private placement Offering. All securities issued in these offerings are subject to a 4-month hold period from the date of closing. The Company also wishes to acknowledge that on March 22, 203, May 22, 2023 and September 26, 2023, William F White advanced $60,000, $34,000 and $28,000 repsectively to the Company in anticipation of participating in private placements then open at those times. The private placements did not close and Mr. White and the Company agreed to treat the advances as loans bearing interest at 7.2% annually. On April 17 and May 3, 2024, IBK Capital Inc. advanced $2,000 and $10,000 respectively to pay operating costs of the Company with these loans bearing interest at 7.2% annually. These loans plus accrued interest are part of the debt settlement contemplated above. About Enerev5 Metals Inc. Enerev5 Metals Inc. (TSXV: ENEV/ OTCPinks:ENEVF) is a Canadian resource company which has been focusing on exploration and development potential, related to energy metals such as nickel, copper, cobalt and other strategic battery minerals, as well as other net zero carbon related assets. For more information on the Company, investors should review the Company's filings at www.sedarplus.ca. For additional information, please contact: John F. O'Donnell CEO and Chairman of the Board Enerev5 Metals Inc. Telephone: +1-647-966-3100 Website: www.enerev5.com Forward-Looking Statements This release includes certain statements that may be deemed "forward-looking statements". All statements in this release, other than statements of historical facts, that address future activities and events or developments that the Company expects are forward-looking statements. .Such statements include those regarding the proposed financing and debt settlements, including the success and timing thereof. Although the Company believes the expectations expressed in such statements are based on reasonable assumptions, such statements are not guarantees of future performance and actual results or developments may differ materially from those in the statements. There are certain factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those in forward-looking statements. These include market prices, exploitation, and exploration successes, continued availability of capital and financing, and general economic, market or business conditions, including the continuing effects of the COVID pandemic and the situation in Ukraine. Investors are cautioned that any such statements are not guarantees of future performance and actual results or developments may differ materially from those projected in the forward-looking statements. For more information on the Company, investors should review registered filings at www.sedarplus.ca or on its website at www.enerev5.com. Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. NOT FOR DISTRIBUTION TO U.S. NEWS WIRE SERVICES OR FOR DISSEMINATION IN THE U.S. Copyright (c) 2024 TheNewswire - All rights reserved. /NOT FOR DISTRIBUTION TO U.S. NEWSWIRE SERVICES OR DISSEMINATION IN THE UNITED STATES/ VANCOUVER, Sept. 26, 2024 - Outcrop Silver & Gold Corp. (TSXV: OCG) (OTCQX: OCGSF) (DE: MRG) ("Outcrop Silver" or the "Company") is pleased to announce a non-brokered private placement offering of 22,727,273 units of the Company (the "Units") at a price of $0.22 per Unit for aggregate gross proceeds of up to $5,000,000 (the "Offering"). The Company is pleased to advise that Eric Sprott, through 2176423 Ontario Ltd., has subscribed for the entire Offering. Each Unit will be comprised of one common share of the Company (a "Common Share") and of one-half of one Common Share purchase warrant of the Company (each whole warrant, a "Warrant"). Each Warrant will entitle the holder thereof to purchase one Common Share at an exercise price of $0.30 for a period of 24 months following the closing of the Offering. The net proceeds from the Offering will be used by the Company for the exploration and development of the Santa Ana Project, working capital and general corporate purposes. The closing of the Offering is expected to occur on or about October 3, 2024 (the "Closing"). The Units to be issued under the Offering will have a hold period of four months and one day from Closing. The Company will pay finder's fees to eligible finders in accordance with the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange ("TSXV"). The issuance of the Units and payment of the Finder's Fee is subject to certain conditions including, but not limited to, the receipt of all necessary approvals including the approval of the TSXV. This press release is not an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy the securities in the United States or in any jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful prior to qualification or registration under the securities laws of such jurisdiction. The securities being offered have not been, nor will they be, registered under the United States Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and such securities may not be offered or sold within the United States or to, or for the account or benefit of, U.S. persons absent registration or an applicable exemption from U.S. registration requirements and applicable U.S. state securities laws. About Outcrop Silver Outcrop Silver is a leading explorer and developer focused on advancing its flagship Santa Ana high-grade silver project in Colombia. Leveraging a disciplined and seasoned team of professionals with decades of experience in the region. Outcrop Silver is dedicated to expanding current mineral resources through strategic exploration initiatives. At the core of our operations is a commitment to responsible mining practices and community engagement, underscoring our approach to sustainable development. Our expertise in navigating complex geological and market conditions enables us to consistently identify and capitalize on opportunities to enhance shareholder value. With a deep understanding of the Colombian mining landscape and a track record of successful exploration, Outcrop Silver is poised to transform the Santa Ana project into a significant silver producer, contributing positively to the local economy and setting new standards in the mining industry. ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS Neither the Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. Forward-looking statements This news release contains certain statements which constitute forward-looking statements or information under applicable Canadian securities laws, including statements relating to the expected size of the Offering, the anticipated timing of closing the Offering, the ability of the Company to satisfy all conditions to closing the Offering, and the expected use of proceeds from the Offering. Such forward-looking statements are subject to numerous known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors, some of which are beyond the Company's control, which could cause actual results or events to differ materially from those stated, anticipated or implied in the forward-looking statements. These risks and uncertainties include general economic and capital markets conditions, stock market volatility, the ability of the Company to obtain necessary consents for the Offering, including the approval of the Exchange, and the ability of the Company to complete the Offering on the terms expected or at all. Although the Company believes that the forward-looking statements in this news release are reasonable, they are based on factors and assumptions, based on currently available information, concerning future events, which may prove to be inaccurate. As such, readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on the forward-looking statements, as no assurance can be provided as to future plans, operations, results, levels of activity or achievements. The forward-looking statements contained in this news release are made as of the date of this news release and, except as required by applicable law, the Company does not undertake any obligation to publicly update or to revise any of the forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. SOURCE Outcrop Silver & Gold Corporation /NOT FOR DISTRIBUTION TO U.S. NEWS WIRE SERVICES OR FOR DISSEMINATION IN THE UNITED STATES/ LONGUEUIL, Sept. 26, 2024 - Greenheart Gold Inc. (TSXV: GHRT) (the "Company") is pleased to announce that as a result of strong investor demand, the Company has amended its agreement with a syndicate of underwriters led by Canaccord Genuity and Paradigm Capital (collectively, the "Underwriters"), to increase the size of its previously announced "bought deal" private placement to aggregate gross proceeds of C$33,000,000 (the "Offering"), consisting of 66,000,000 common shares of the Company (the "Common Shares") at a price of C$0.50 per Common Share (the "Offering Price"). The Company has also granted the Underwriters an option to purchase up to an additional 9,900,000 Common Shares at the Offering Price for additional gross proceeds of up to C$4,950,000 exercisable at any time up to 48 hours prior to the closing of the Offering. The net proceeds received from the Offering will be used by the Company to acquire and explore mineral properties in Guyana and Suriname, as well as for working capital and general corporate purposes. It is anticipated that closing of the Offering will occur on or about October 17, 2024, or such other date or dates as the Company and the Underwriters may agree. The Offering is subject to the satisfaction of certain conditions, including receipt of all applicable regulatory approvals including the approval of the TSX Venture Exchange. The securities sold under the Offering will be subject to a four month hold period in Canada. This news release does not constitute an offer to sell or a solicitation of an offer to buy nor shall there be any sale of any of the securities in any jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful, including any of the securities in the United States of America. The securities have not been and will not be registered under the United States Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "1933 Act") or any state securities laws and may not be offered or sold within the United States or to, or for account or benefit of, U.S. Persons (as defined in Regulation S under the 1933 Act) unless registered under the 1933 Act and applicable state securities laws, or an exemption from such registration requirements is available. About Greenheart Gold Inc. Greenheart Gold is an exploration company that builds on a proven legacy of discoveries in the Guiana Shield, a highly prospective geologic terrain that hosts numerous gold deposits, though remains relatively under-explored. The Company is aiming to build a portfolio of early-stage projects in Guyana and Suriname that are prospective for orogenic gold deposits. Greenheart Gold is a Canadian corporation that was created as a "spin-off" from the business combination between G Mining Ventures Corp. and Reunion Gold Corp. completed on July 15, 2024. The Company is led by former executive team members of Reunion Gold, a team that was most recently noted for the discovery and delineation of the Oko West deposit in Guyana, which is set to become the next gold development project in the region. Greenheart Gold trades on the TSX Venture Exchange under the symbol 'GHRT'. Additional information about the Company is available on SEDAR+ (www.sedarplus.ca) and the Company's website (www.greenheartgold.com). Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Information All statements, other than statements of historical fact, contained in this press release constitute "forward-looking information" and "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of certain securities laws and are based on expectations and projections as of the date of this press release. Forward-looking statements contained in this press release include, without limitation, those related to the listing of the Common Shares on the TSX Venture Exchange, the use of proceeds of the Offering, the anticipated closing date of the Offering, and the Company's plans and objectives and more generally, the section entitled "About Greenheart Gold Inc". Forward-looking statements are based on expectations, estimates and projections as of the time of this press release. Forward-looking statements are necessarily based upon a number of estimates and assumptions that, while considered reasonable by the Company as of the time of such statements, are inherently subject to significant business, economic and competitive uncertainties and contingencies. These estimates and assumptions may prove to be incorrect. Such assumptions include, without limitation, those underlying the statements in the section entitled "About Greenheart Gold Inc.". Many of these uncertainties and contingencies can directly or indirectly affect, and could cause, actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied in any forward-looking statements. By their very nature, forward-looking statements involve inherent risks and uncertainties, both general and specific in nature, including among others, those risks and uncertainties set forth in the Listing Application (Form 2B) dated August 30, 2024, management's discussion & analysis for the initial period from April 19, 2024 to June 30, 2024 and other documents and reports filed by the Company with Canadian securities regulators available under the Company's profile on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca, and the risk that estimates, forecasts, projections and other forward-looking statements will not be achieved or that assumptions do not reflect future outcomes. Forward-looking statements are provided for the purpose of providing information about management's expectations and plans relating to the future. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements as a number of important risk factors and future events could cause the actual outcomes to differ materially from the beliefs, plans, objectives, expectations, anticipations, estimates, assumptions and intentions expressed in such forward-looking statements. The Company cautions that the list of factors set forth in the Company's filings that may affect future results is not exhaustive, and new, unforeseeable risks may arise from time to time. The Company disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements or to explain any material difference between subsequent actual events and such forward-looking statements, except to the extent required by applicable law. Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this press release. SOURCE Greenheart Gold Inc. Spokesman plays down fears about Madrid GP A government spokesman in Madrid has played down new fears about the health of the new Formula 1 project. Singapore GP 2024 Haas The Spanish capital, via its events subsidiary Ifema, has agreed a long-term deal with F1 to host a brand new street race from 2026 - even taking over the Spanish GP title from the now-endangered existing host in Barcelona. But the city council's economy and finance head, Engracia Hidalgo, admitted this week that race organisers have yet to find any private investors for the F1 event. However, official Madrid government spokesman Miguel Angel Garcia insists that Ifema is still complying with its work program in preparation for the race's 2026 debut. He insisted that taxpayers will not provide funds for the F1 event. Ifema Madrid, as the promoter, is fulfilling its work program and taking the necessary steps so that our region can host an event like this, he added. (Ifema) is working with the calendar that had been set. We remain calm that the Formula 1 event is well underway. With a similar reassuring message is the urban planning delegate, Borja Carabante. No pessimism at all, he insisted. I think it is extraordinary news that such an important event as Formula 1 is coming, which represents a lot of money in investment and direct jobs, and above all positions Madrid as a capital that is experiencing its best moment. (GMM) After spending the last few weeks going over the Bureau of Land Management's (BLM) updated plans for the Rock Springs Field Office Resource Management Plan (RMP), the Sweetwater County Board of County Commissioners has submitted a letter to the BLM to protest the RMP and highlight their concerns about the plan. The county's protest focused on the BLM's failure to follow proper procedures in the RMP process, and highlighted the potential negative socioeconomic impacts the proposed RMP could have on Sweetwater County. After the RMP draft was released last year and received thousands of comments, the BLM made changes and released the Final Environmental Impact Statement (FEIS) and Proposed Resource Management Plan on August 22, kicking off a protest period. With almost exactly a month to file a protest, the county started going through the document. Land Use Director Eric Bingham, Chief Civil Deputy and Prosecuting Attorney John DeLeon and Environmental Attorney Danielle Bettencourt have worked together on responding to the RMP over the past year, and they once again teamed up to put together the county's protest letter, working closely with the county commissioners. The commissioners discussed the letter's progress at both their September 3 and September 17 meetings, and hosted a special meeting on September 20 where they approved the protest letter, which had to be filed by September 23. "We have gone through the Resource Management Plan and identified some of the comments that were addressed by the Bureau of Land Management in their FEIS and some of the items that we still have concerns with," Bingham told the commissioners during the September 3 meeting. Bingham showed the commissioners maps comparing the differences between the currently existing RMP, the BLM's previous preferred Alternative B, and the new proposed plan. He used the maps to highlights changes in things like Areas of Critical Environmental Concerns (ACECs), trail corridors, visual resource management areas, and right of ways, all of which influence what development can take place in certain areas. Commission Chairman Keaton West noted that the proposed RMP did address some of the previous concerns, and made improvements in areas like the checkerboard and Little Mountain, but all of the commissioners expressed the fact that they still have concerns. "It has improved from Alternative B, but I don't think many understand the severity that Alternative B brought forth," Commission Chairman Keaton West said. "It's a large change from Alternative B to the proposed RMP, but it's still a significant hit, especially to oil and gas, and that's problematic." Commissioner Taylor Jones agreed, pointing out how different the proposed RMP is from what currently exists. Both he and Commissioner Island Richards expressed concern about the possibility of current leases for oil and gas being in restricted areas under the new RMP, and either being difficult to renew or difficult to access to get the product out. "They layered upon layered ways to destroy our economy," Commissioner Richards commented. "It hurts us in a number of different ways, and what they have proposed is absolutely not a balance," Jones said. During their special meeting last Friday to approve the letter, the commissioners and Bingham went over some of the final details to be added to the letter, including addressing the potential socioeconomic impacts of the proposed RMP. Commissioner Mary Thoman pointed out that the cooperators who worked on the RMP for years wanted to heavily emphasize the fact that the RMP used outdated models when it presented its information on socioeconomic impacts, using models that were nearly a decade old. Bingham also pointed out that the BLM didn't do much actual study on socioeconomic impacts, even with the outdated models, and only provided a range of potential effects but not specifics. The protest letter points out that the county relies on income from natural gas, oil and trona, and a decrease in valuation due to closing public lands to fluid mineral leasing or closing access to areas "will severely impact a wide range of County services that depend on this money." The proposed RMP shows a potential 74% reduction in oil and gas production, which the county explains would result in a loss of over $12 million. "The most significant revenue shortfall would impact local school districts, whose revenue would drop from $8,502,839.98 to $2,946,684.32," the protest letter states. "This loss of public revenue would further reduce funding for essential services, including health and safety agencies such as the Sheriff's Department, County Health, and Sweetwater County Public Works." "The biggest thing when you look at this letter and the protest is BLM's lack of following procedures and process," Bingham also explained to the commissioners. The bulk of the protest letter goes into detail about the ways the BLM failed to follow proper procedures. "The BLM's complete disregard for mandatory processes and procedures outlined in FLPMA, NEPA, and implementing regulations and policies has resulted in a flawed and unsupported Proposed RMPA and FEIS," the letter concludes. "The only way to sufficiently resolve the many errors and insufficient analysis is to either go back to step one and start the RMPA again or conduct a supplement environmental impact statement that is based on appropriate inventories of the planning area with the appropriate level of involvement of the cooperators during the process." Other leaders throughout Wyoming have also been at work to protest or try to stop the proposed RMP. Congresswoman Harriet Hageman introduced a bill to prohibit the implementation of the RMP and FEIS, which has been passed by the House Natural Resources Committee. Governor Mark Gordon announced on Wednesday that the Wyoming Department of Environmental Quality, Wyoming Game and Fish, Wyoming Department of Agriculture, Wyoming Oil and Gas Conservation Commission, and Wyoming State Parks submitted protest packages to the BLM. The BLM Director is required to respond to these protests, and a Protest Resolution Report will be published by the BLM in the near future, according to Governor Gordon's office. The Governor is also conducting the 60-day consistency review that is part of the process, and his review will be submitted and reviewed in late October. Acting U.S. Attorney Eric Heimann announced Sept. 13 that the Cody man whose girlfriend disappeared while the couple and their two children were returning from Alabama in October of 2023 was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Alan B. Johnson. Adam Shane Aviles, Jr., age 26, of Cody, Wyoming, was sentenced to 87 months in federal prison for being a felon in possession of ammunition. Based on evidence presented by the government at the sentencing hearing, Judge Johnson found that Aviles unlawfully possessed the ammunition in connection with the voluntary manslaughter of Katheryn Ferguson. She was reported missing in October 2023 and is presumed dead. Aviles was arrested in early November 2023, after the Park County Sheriffs Office found bullet holes, a fully loaded .45 caliber magazine and ammunition, and numerous blood-stained items inside his vehicle. Aviles is a convicted felon and is not allowed to possess firearms or ammunition. Aviles was indicted by a federal grand jury on Nov. 15, 2023 and he pleaded guilty on Jun. 14. Todays sentence is a product of close cooperation between local, state, and federal law enforcement and prosecutors. We hope the sentence provides a measure of justice, however partial, for the loss of Katheryn Ferguson to her children and her family, said Acting U.S. Attorney Eric Heimann. This case is a sad reminder that felons cannot be trusted with firearms. The U.S. Attorneys Office will continue to aggressively prosecute gun crimes to help make the people of Wyoming safer. This crime was investigated by the Park County Sheriffs Office, Wyoming Division of Criminal Investigation, and the FBI with assistance from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Paige Hammer. This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results. Other recent sentencings, crimes on public lands: Clarence Yoder, 40, from Idaho Falls, Idaho, pleaded guilty to three separate charges last week. The first offense was for intentionally disturbing bison for which he was sentenced to a ten-day term of incarceration with credit for two days served and was fined $3,000. He also pleaded guilty to being under the influence of alcohol to a degree that rendered him a danger to himself and others and was fined $200. Finally, he pleaded guilty to disorderly conduct and was fined $250. Yoder was placed on two years of unsupervised probation. He is not permitted to enter Yellowstone National Park during his term of probation. U.S. Magistrate Judge Stephanie A. Hambrick imposed the sentence on Sept. 10, in Mammoth. Assistant U.S. Attorney Ariel C. Calmes prosecuted the case. Recognizing voter concerns over non-citizens attempting to vote nationwide, Governor Mark Gordon issued an Executive Order (EO) directing state agencies to take further steps to ensure Wyomings elections continue to be safe and secure. Recognizing the Biden/Harris Administrations disastrous border policies compel us to do all we can to protect the integrity of our elections, I, alongside fellow Republican Governors, have taken the action afforded to me by the Constitution and the Laws of Wyoming to confirm the security of Wyomings elections, Governor Gordon said. I remain confident Wyomings elections are the most secure in the nation, the Governor added. As required by the laws enacted by the legislature, our county clerks are thorough and diligent when determining, investigating and verifying voter citizenship. With this Executive Order, I reaffirm my commitment to that ideal. Residents can be confident that this order removes any confusion and clarifies for our agencies should there be any doubt that they will not enable or facilitate any noncitizen to register to vote or help them to vote. Executive Order 2024-11 directs State agencies to take a variety of actions to ensure that non-citizens do not vote or register to vote. State agencies may not provide voter registration materials to non-citizens and must confirm that they are not required to provide those materials to non-citizens when contracting with federal programs or agencies. In addition, the EO encourages the Secretary of State and the County Clerks to continue to effectively and efficiently use the tools provided to each of them by Wyomings election code to investigate and verify voter registration. The Wyoming Constitution requires every person to be a citizen of the United States before they can legally register and vote in Wyoming. As he did earlier this year, the Governor continues to urge the legislature to provide clarity on the definition of the term bona fide resident. Wyomings county clerks have indicated to the Legislature that this clarification is needed, and the Governor agrees. In response to Governor Gordons Executive Order 2024-11, Secretary Chuck Gray made the following statement: Im glad that Governor Gordon appears to be retreating from some of his previous wrong statements regarding our election integrity efforts. The Governors statement and executive order show he may be beginning to take the issues we previously identified with the Biden Administrations unconstitutional use of executive action to convert federal agencies into vote harvesting operations seriously. But this statement and executive order do not address in any way the problem he created when he vetoed our rulemaking in April, which would have been the key fix to stop illegal aliens from voting. Wyoming needs proof of residency and citizenship verification for voting to ensure that only Wyomingites are voting in Wyoming elections. As I have previously said, we also need a durational residency requirement. I continue to hope that Governor Gordon will agree to work with us and the legislature to actually address the problem head-on. The spirit of generosity has been strong in Sweetwater County recently, with several organizations working together to give and receive donations to support important causes. Boys and Girls Club "The Boys and Girls Club of Sweetwater County was gifted with an awesome donation for members and families to enjoy," the club recently announced in a press release. "Dawson Bernard chose to donate this year's 4-H pig to the club as part of the Fair to Fork program." Dawson Bernard is a freshman at Green River High School this year. This is his seventh year showing and raising pigs for 4-H, and his first year with Green River FFA. "He is excited to explore more with the FFA program," the press release said of Bernard. "In his spare time he enjoys fishing, playing Xbox and spending time with his family. He was excited to be able to help other youth in Sweetwater County." The Fair to Fork program is part of the First Lady Jenny Gordon's Hunger Initiative that helps many non-profits and organizations throughout Wyoming. "Sources of high-quality protein are notoriously expensive and difficult to procure for local anti-hunger organizations," the press release said. "In partnership with University of Wyoming Extension 4-H and FFA, Fair to Fork works to purchase secondary hogs through a lottery selection, from every county in Wyoming. Wyoming Hunger Initiative will purchase the pig, ensure the meat is processed by a USDA or state-inspected participating facility, and then coordinate with the 4-H or FFA member to donate it to a local anti-hunger organization in the county of origin." Women's Club The GFWC Women's Club of Sweetwater County recently received a donation to help with their latest community impact project. "This project was the purchase of a six-foot metal bench to be dedicated to veterans and placed beside the columbarium reserved for veterans in the Green River Cemetery," the Women's Club explained in a press release. JJ Hadley with BAB Investments recently gave the club a generous donation to help complete the project. "We want to thank BAB Investments as well as the people who donated at our booth at Green River Farmers Market and those who donated at the Green River American Legion," Club President Marcia Volner said. "It is through this support that we are able to help our community." Western awarded $1.9M to launch Nuclear Technology Program Western Wyoming Community College (Western) is excited to announce the award of $1.9 million from Governor Mark Gordons Wyoming Innovation Partnership (WIP) to establish a groundbreaking Nuclear Technology Program. As Wyominglong known as the Energy Stateembraces the rapidly expanding nuclear energy sector, Westerns program will be the first of its kind in Wyoming, offering both a certificate and an Associate of Applied Science (AAS) degree in Nuclear Technology. Wyoming has built its reputation as the Energy State through its vast resources in coal, oil, natural gas, and wind. Now, with the development of advanced nuclear power, Wyoming is poised to lead the nation in innovative energy solutions. A key part of this transformation is the construction of the TerraPower Natrium facility in Kemmerer, Wyominga next-generation nuclear plant backed by TerraPower, a company founded by Bill Gates. The Natrium facility, scheduled to begin operations in the late 2020s, represents a major step in diversifying Wyomings energy portfolio with a cleaner, more sustainable source of power. Westerns Nuclear Technology Program will equip students with essential knowledge and hands-on experience in areas such as reactor operations, radiation protection, and safety protocols. Utilizing industry-standard facilities, students will benefit from the expertise of Westerns experienced faculty, ensuring they are well-prepared to enter Wyomings emerging nuclear workforce. Westerns Nuclear Technology Program addresses a critical workforce need in Wyoming and in the future, the surrounding states, said Westerns President, Dr. Kirk Young. With TerraPowers advanced nuclear facility slated to begin hiring in 2027, our program will align perfectly with regional industry demands, preparing a pipeline of skilled workers ready to support the nuclear power sector. According to industry projections by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the U.S. nuclear sector anticipates approximately 500 job openings for nuclear technicians annually over the next decade. The TerraPower Natrium project is expected to create numerous job openings as it begins its hiring process in the coming years, further increasing the demand for well-trained nuclear professionals in Wyoming. Westerns Nuclear Technology Program will provide students with both the academic and technical skills needed for successful careers in nuclear power generation. The programs development is directly tied to the Natrium facility in Kemmerer, as Western recognized the need for nuclear industry expertise throughout Wyoming and neighboring states. Supported by the Wyoming Innovation Partnership (WIP), this program will not only serve local economic and energy diversification efforts but will also contribute to the nations broader clean energy goals. Western launches new program in software development Western Wyoming Community College is proud to announce the launch of its new Associate of Science in Software Development, designed to equip students with the skills needed for a rapidly evolving technology landscape. This cutting-edge program aligns with the increasing demand for skilled software developers and addresses a critical need in the tech industry. The program is accepting students starting Fall 2024. According to recent data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the employment of software developers is projected to grow 26% from 2022 to 2032, significantly faster than the average 3% for all occupations. This surge is driven by the continual expansion of technology and the increasing reliance on software solutions. With the software development field offering median annual wages exceeding $100,000, according to the BLS, it represents a promising career path for those seeking stability and growth in the workforce. The Associate of Science in Software Development program curriculum prioritizes projects developed with the help of our industry partners to use current trends in programming tools and languages. This prepares the students to become experts in practical coding applications by gaining experience in making the innovations our tech-driven world needs here and now. The digital world is rapidly changing, and the technology sector will need workers, said Dr. Tammy Robertson, Assistant Professor of Computer Science at Western. We are excited to be able to meet this demand with support from the Wyoming Innovation Partnership program and our business partners. Its important to equip our students for the future workforce and thats just what were doing. The Software Development Program is a component of the digital infrastructure and technology category of the Wyoming Innovation Partnership (WIP). Through WIP, Western is focusing on industrial partnerships and collaboration with the University of Wyoming and other community colleges in the state. Two separate vehicular crashes led to the death of a 22-year-old man on Wednesday night in Hagat, and another man on Thursday afternoon in Mangilao. These mark Guams 9th and 10th traffic fatalities for 2024, Guam Police Department spokesperson Sgt. Paul Tapao said on Thursday. Preliminary GPD reports suggest that at past 10 p.m. Wednesday, a 22-year-old operator of a truck was traveling southbound on Route 2A in Hagat, when he lost control of his vehicle and ran-off-roadway. The vehicle then collided with a guardrail, GPDs Tapao said on Thursday morning. The male operator was later transported to Guam Memorial Hospital where he was pronounced deceased by attending physicians, Tapao said. The Guam Fire Department responded at 10:13 p.m. Wednesday by Inn on the Bay in Hagat, where they found one vehicle off the roadway. GFD spokesman Lt. Nick Garrido said rescue personnel started extraction of the lone occupant but due to the nature of the injuries, sustained care was terminated by paramedics. GPDs Highway Patrol Division was activated to assume a fatal crash investigation. Thursday motorcycle crash At 2:42 p.m. Thursday, GFD crews were called to the entrance of Guam Community College in Mangilao where a motorcycle struck a tree, GFDs Garrido said. When they arrived, GFD personnel found a man with serious injuries, and CPR was started. However, because of the extent of the mans injuries, care was terminated by paramedics, Garrido said. GPD traffic investigators were on the scene, and motorists were advised to take alternate routes, avoiding the area near Gate 1 by the shooting range. Hours later, GPDs Tapao said preliminary reports suggest that the male motorcycle operator was traveling east on Corten Torres St. towards GCC while overtaking vehicles. As the motorcycle was entering the east campus entrance, the motorcycle operator lost control and ran off the roadway, colliding with a tree within GCC, Tapao said. The male operator was later transported to Guam Memorial Hospital where he was pronounced deceased by attending physicians, Tapao said. This case is ongoing as traffic investigators have yet to determine if speed, alcohol or drugs were factors of the crash. These two cases came just weeks after GPD reported a Sept. 5 Dededo traffic crash fatality. GPD earlier said that was the 9th traffic fatality for the year. Free workshops that are meant to get more people engaged in sustainable practices from composting to sustainable fishing, aquaponics and learning more about medicinal plants will be available on Sept. 30, courtesy of the University of Guam. UOG, the Office of the Governor and Guam Green Growth are capping off Sustainable September with a culminating event that will showcase the achievements and launch new partnerships in sustainability on Guam. This event will take place from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. on Monday at Dusit Thani Guam Resort and is open to the public with no admission fee. The Sustainable September Finale will feature a series of engaging workshops led by partners of the Guam Green Growth Community Education Series. Participants will have the opportunity to learn about a wide range of sustainable practices. The workshops will provide valuable insights and practical tips for individuals and businesses looking to make a positive impact on the island. Workshop sessions from 1:30 to 2:30 p.m. Service learning and your NPO with Juanita Blaz: Coming together as a community to help children learn and grow through service-learning projects can help non-profit organizations, too. Learn more in this session. Aquaculture and aquaponics with David Crisostomo: Learn about the community-based aquaponics system and how one can start growing their own food. UOG online learning class creation with Andrea Sant: UOGs Andrea Sant from the Center for Online Learning talks about the process and the needs for the creation of sustainability courses offered through the university. Want to pitch one? Learn more during this session. Workshop sessions from 2:45 to 3:45 p.m. Sustainable sishing with Kevin Rivera: How can people continue their traditional practice of fishing, while ensuring resources are there for future generations? Learn more in this session. Composting workshop with Michelle Crisostomo: Learn about how you and your family can start composting and the benefits that it can bring with Guahan Sustainable Culture. Place-based education: The CHalan Deskubre team discusses the placed-based educational products available to Guam students and how you can implement them. Workshop sessions from 4 to 5 p.m. Making Amot with Mama Lou Manglona: Learn about the ancient CHamoru uses of medicinal plants. Sea turtle conservation with Addie Ferguson: Find out more about conservation efforts for the local sea turtle population and the historical and traditional significance of this iconic species. Circular economy creation with Abby Crain: Participate in a hands-on class with renowned local artists from the G3 Circular Economy Makerspace and Innovation Hub. We are very excited to celebrate all the great work our team and partners are doing through the year with this Sustainable September Finale, UOG Center for Island Sustainability and Sea Grant Director Austin Shelton, Ph.D., said in a statement. We welcome everyone from the community to join us for this opportunity to learn more about these projects and how they can help. G3 biannual meeting The sessions will begin after the Guam Green Growth bi-annual meeting, which will feature the G3 Working Group members and the G3 co-chairs Gov. Lou Leon Guerrero and UOG President Anita Borja Enriquez at 10 a.m. The University of Guam is dedicated to workforce development and enhancing educational opportunities for the entire community, Borja Enriquez said in a statement. These workshops will be giving concrete examples of sustainability in action and all the sustainable development goals that we are addressing with the Guam Green Growth Initiative. Space for each workshop is limited and interested attendees must register ahead of time at www.guamgreengrowth.org to secure a seat. The Guam Fire Department is down to having only four working ambulances out of its fleet of 15 as of Wednesday, while the 11 other non-operational vehicles await parts and repairs, GFD spokesperson Lt. Nick Garrido confirmed. GFD is doing everything within its power to provide the best service for the community, he said. Garrido said the four working ambulances are stationed in Astumbo, Yigo, Piti and Talofofo, and GFD continues to respond to emergencies with fire engines and rescue units. Those four ambulances are less than the five reported operational by GFD in July, and the seven reported in February, Pacific Daily news files show. GFD has put the ideal number of ambulances to handle emergency calls at eight. It should not be concerning for the public. The ambulances provide transport, however, if an emergency is called, we have our fire engines (and) rescue units (that) are equipped with medical equipment and EMTs who respond accordingly and provide care, Garrido told the PDN. Garrido said the fire department also has its mutual aid partnership agreement with federal partners in place. The local fire department can call on federal firefighters to assist, as needed, under the agreements. GFD is looking to purchase five new ambulances, to replace an aging fleet of vehicles between five and 15 years old, the PDN reported back in July. But a bid for new ambulances has not been announced as of Wednesday, according to Garrido. As for ambulances that are in the shop or waiting on parts, Garrido said, We are hoping they can be back online as soon as possible. But its ultimately with the vendor and how they are able to retrieve the parts needed. He said parts for the vehicles are not easily accessible. There are also multiple vendors involved, depending on the work required. The number of ambulances breaking down, and response time from GFD has prompted outrage from at least one doctor this year. Dr. Vince Akimoto in July said the shortage of ambulances saw a delayed response to one of his patients, who had a heart attack. The government of Guam has hired a construction manager to oversee the building of a new Simon Sanchez High School in Yigo, 10 years after local law authorized construction of a new campus. Gov. Lou Leon Guerrero on Thursday afternoon signed off on the $7.9 million contract with construction management firm SSFM International Inc. According to Adelup, the firm will work to finance the project and bid out construction work for the new campus, alongside the Guam Economic Development Authority. Leon Guerrero, in a video statement, said the firm will be reviewing the designs for the new school and will oversee all of the actual construction work. Lt. Gov. Joshua Tenorio called the signing a major milestone towards construction of a new campus. This will really move us quicker and faster towards, as the lieutenant governor said, groundbreaking, Leon Guerrero added. The signing of the construction management contract comes over a year after senators changed the law to simplify the construction process for a new Simon Sanchez High School. It also comes after more than a year of Simon Sanchez High School students in double-session classes at John F. Kennedy High School in Tamuning. The old Sanchez campus in Yigo, first built in 1974, was abandoned in the summer of 2023 after Typhoon Mawar severely damaged the buildings. The governor, speaking to a frustrated, booing crowd of Sanchez Sharks during a town hall in May, said her administration will have the new campus built in three years. Its unclear what will happen to Sanchez High students in double-session classes in the meantime, with GDOE still waiting on word about funding for a temporary campus for the Sharks as of last week. Michael Lujan Bevacqua is an author, artist, activist and the curator for The Guam Museum. Angel R. Sablan is the current director of the Department of Parks and Recreation and a former longtime executive director of the Mayors Council of Guam. He is also currently vice chairman of the Guam Education Board. A hallmark of Florida southern comfort is closing, but what does it mean for the Villages of Florida? Harry and the Natives, the restaurant known for pig roasts, fried catfish and strong cocktails, is closing its original (and currently only) location in Hobe Sound, Florida. Harry MacArthur, the Harry of Harry and the Natives, shared the news that the popular southern comfort eatery would close Oct. 12, in a Facebook post Wednesday night. Unless something happens, we will be closing Harry and the Natives, MacArthur said. Yes, this is because of COVID. We have struggled the last four years, and weve never come close to coming back. During the less than two-minute video post, MacArthur did not mention what, if any, impact the closing will have on the new Harry and The Natives restaurant set to open in The Villages in Florida later this year. MORE: New restaurant hopes to bring southern comfort to The Villages of Florida However, in a phone call to the Hobe Sound location this afternoon, a worker who wished to remain anonymous told GulfLive.com that the new site in The Villages is owned by a different group of partners, and its scheduled opening should not be affected. In response to an email query, one of those partners, Scott Bianculli, reached out to GulfLive.com to confirm that Harry and the Natives is indeed, still coming The Villages. We are 100% moving forward with Harry and The Natives at The Villages. Construction is underway and we cant wait for it to be concluded, Bianculli said. Our exciting, over the water tiki hut and 100% from scratch food will be an exciting addition to The Villages in 25. The 5,000-square-foot restaurant, featuring a 2,500 square-foot waterfront tiki hut, broke ground in December, between The Village of Richmond and The Village of St. Johns, on the shores of Lake Okahumpka around four miles away from MacArthurs own home in The Villages. At the time, MacArthur said the only place hed would rather be is The Villages, adding, The Villages are such a special place, the people are so great, everything is so wonderful here, so its the only reason we would expand to do another restaurant. In the Facebook post, MacArthur said he put $400,000 of his own money into trying to save the landmark Hobe Sound restaurant but cant come close to doing it. Im broke, so were at the end, and were just going to try to say goodbye to our friends and everybody, he said. According to MacArthur, the business has been family run for 72 years. After leaving Hobe Sound in 1976, MacArthur traveled the world, honing his culinary skills, before returning home to the family restaurant in 1989, when he remodeled the kitchen and reopened the business as Harry and the Natives. Less than 24 hours after creating the post, it had already received more than 3,800 likes, comments and reactions. Haiti - US Sanctions : A former deputy and a gang leader on the list Yesterday, Wednesday, a former Haitian deputy and a gang leader were added to the list of people sanctioned by the US government. The U.S. Department of the Treasurys Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) is sanctioning a former member of Haitis parliament, Prophane Victor, for his role in forming, supporting, and arming gangs and their members that have committed serious human rights abuse in Haiti. OFAC is also designating Luckson Elan, the current leader of the Gran Grif gang, for his involvement in serious human rights abuse related to gang activity in Haitis Artibonite department. "Victor and Elan, through their influence over or leadership of the gangs in Haiti, have sought to perpetuate the horrific violence and instability, said Acting Under Secretary of the Treasury for Terrorism and Financial Intelligence Bradley T. Smith. "Treasury remains committed to holding accountable those who seek to leverage human rights abuses, violence, and corruption to achieve their political aims." Prophane Victor is a former Haitian legislator who started arming young men in Petite Riviere, Artibonite to secure his control over the area and his election in 2016. Those men went on to form the Gran Grif gang, which is currently the largest gang in the Artibonite department and the main perpetrator of abuses, including sexual violence. Prophane Victor materially supported Gran Grif until at least 2020. Prophane Victor has also trafficked weapons to Haiti and is known to have relationships with and provided funds to other gangs throughout Haiti, including rivals of Gran Grif. Prophane Victors gang affiliations and material support to them contribute to the climate of terror as the gangs engage in an array of cruelty and violence, fight for control, and leave residents to pay the consequences. Luckson Elan is the current head of Gran Grif gang. Luckson Elan and other members of the Gran Grif gang are responsible for serious human rights abuse including kidnapping, murder, beating, and raping of women and children, as well as looting, destruction, extortion, hijacking, and stealing crops and livestock. The situation is especially devastating for his child victims who have been subjected to forced recruitment and sexual violence. OFAC is designating Prophane Victor pursuant to Executive Order (E.O.) 13818 for being a person who has materially assisted, sponsored, or provided financial, material, or technological support for, or goods or services to or in support of an entity, including any government entity, that has engaged in, or whose members have engaged in, serious human rights abuse, where the activity is conducted by a foreign person. OFAC is designating Luckson Elan pursuant to E.O. 13818 for being a foreign person who is responsible for or complicit in, or has directly or indirectly engaged in, serious human rights abuse. OFAC also is designating Luckson Elan pursuant to E.O. 13818 for being or having been a leader or official of an entity, including any government entity, that has engaged in, or whose members have engaged in, serious human rights abuse relating to the leaders or officials tenure. As a result of todays action, all property and interests in property of the designated persons described above that are in the United States or in the possession or control of U.S. persons are blocked and must be reported to OFAC. In addition, any entities that are owned, directly or indirectly, individually or in the aggregate, 50 percent or more by one or more blocked persons are also blocked. Unless authorized by a general or specific license issued by OFAC, or exempt, OFACs regulations generally prohibit all transactions by U.S. persons or within (or transiting) the United States that involve any property or interests in property of designated or otherwise blocked persons. U.S. persons may face civil or criminal penalties for violations of E.O. 13818. Non-U.S. persons are also prohibited from causing or conspiring to cause U.S. persons to wittingly or unwittingly violate U.S. sanctions, as well as engaging in conduct that evades U.S. sanctions. OFACs Economic Sanctions Enforcement Guidelines provide more information regarding OFACs enforcement of U.S. sanctions, including the factors that OFAC generally considers when determining an appropriate response to an apparent violation. Financial institutions and other persons that engage in certain transactions or activities with the sanctioned entities and individuals may expose themselves to sanctions or be subject to an enforcement action. The prohibitions include the making of any contribution or provision of funds, goods, or services by, to, or for the benefit of any designated person, or the receipt of any contribution or provision of funds, goods, or services from any such person. HL/ HaitiLibre Haiti - FLASH : Results of the 2024 Baccalaureate exams for 4 departments The Ministry of National Education informs that the results of the secondary school leaving exams (BAC 2024) are currently available for 4 Departmental Directorates of Education (DDE): Nippes, South, North and North-East. According to the information provided by the National Office of State Examinations (BUNEXE), for the secondary school leaving exams (BAC) in Nippes, out of a total of 3,922 participants, 2,629 candidates are admitted, i.e. a success rate of 67.03% (Strong increase 48.69% in 2023) For the second session of the failed candidates of the academic year 2023-2024 (permanent BAC), out of a total of 369 participants, 302 candidates are admitted, which gives a success rate of 81.84% (Significant increase 68.56% in 2023) For the South, out of a total of 6,372 participants, 2,350 candidates are admitted, i.e. a success rate of 36.88% for the BAC secondary school leaving exams (slight drop to 39.54% in 2023). For the second session of the failed candidates of the 2023-2024 academic year (permanent baccalaureate), out of a total of 584 participants, 145 are admitted, i.e. a success rate of 24.83% (a sharp increase of 13.12% in 2023) To date, the results are known for four departments: Sud, Nippes, Nord and Nord-Est. Results for the Nord and Nord-Est departments : https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-43277-haiti-flash-results-of-the-2024-baccalaureate-exams-for-2-departments.html School heads are invited to collect their school's rankings from their relevant Departmental Directorate. The Ministry specifies that the results of the baccalaureate exams for other DDEs will be published as they become available. HL/ HaitiLibre Haiti - News : Zapping... UN : Antony Blinken advocates for Haiti US Secretary of State Antony Blinken : "I met with world leaders to encourage them to redouble their efforts to address Haitis security, economic and humanitarian needs. The United States is making its contribution to helping the Haitian people write the future they deserve by providing an additional $160 million in foreign aid" https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-43285-haiti-usa-$160m-for-the-pnh.html Twinning Cap-Haitien with Allada Yvrose Pierre, the Mayor of Cap-Haitien, accompanied by Antoine Augustin, the Minister of Culture, welcomed a Beninese delegation led by Joseph Cakpo, the Mayor of Allada (Southern Benin), at the diplomatic lounge of the Cap-Haitien International Airport. The authorities of the two cities will take the opportunity to finalize the signing of a twinning agreement between Cap-Haitien and Allada. Sunrise Airways : Baggage Notice As of September 22, 2024, additional baggage is no longer accepted on flights to Les Cayes. Only baggage included in the baggage allowance of the ticket price is accepted, informs Sunrise Airways. UN : Important meeting on security in Haiti Wednesday, September 25 an important multilateral meeting took place on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly on the security situation in Haiti. Edgar Leblanc Fils, the President of the Transitional Council and Prime Minister Garry Conille took part, along with representatives of the United States, including Secretary of State Antony Blinken and the Chief of Staff of the President of Kenya, who are leading the mission. Taiwan : Construction of the Saint-Pierre Hospital Georges Fils Brigno, the Minister of Public Health, met with the Ambassador of Taiwan to Haiti, Cheng-hao HU. They discussed cooperation between Haiti and Taiwan in the field of health, addressed the issue of the construction of the Saint-Pierre Hospital in Terrier Rouge, in the Northeast of the country and also discussed the ongoing training of young Haitian scholarship holders in Health Sciences in Taiwan. UNICEF : End of Mission for Bruno Maes Bruno Maes, UNICEF Representative in Haiti, is at the end of his Mission after 4 years of fighting to defend the rights of Haitian children. A farewell cocktail was organized at the beginning of the week in Petion-Ville with the organization's executives and partners and representatives of civil society organizations, community organizations and representatives of national and international NGOs. HL/ HaitiLibre The biggest problems with macOS 15, which has been available for a week, should actually have been resolved, as a beta phase has been running since the beginning of June. Nevertheless, major security companies have now reported problems with their filter and protection programs, which mean that users are better off not using them with the new Mac operating system Sequoia: Apparently, some of their entire functionality is disrupted. Anzeige Developers angry, hope for macOS 15.1 Difficulties have been reported by companies such as CrowdStrike, Microsoft, SentinelOne, ESET and smaller companies such as DoubleYou by well-known security expert Patrick Wardle. The creators of the Little Snitch network filter, Objective Development from Vienna, also advise against using macOS 15 for the time being. There are still "several errors in macOS 15 in the area of networks and firewalls", which could lead to "date corruption" in TCP connections. Christian Starkjohann from Objective Development told Mac & i that although it is possible to use Little Snitch 6 in Sequoia, the software only works "as well as the system allows". They are now hoping for macOS 15.1 and quick bug fixes. Wardle told TechCrunch that it was "incredibly frustrating to have to deal with users being understandably angry every time and understandably blaming their own tools for "breaking the Mac". Yet it is Apple's fault. Of course it is difficult to "write bug-free software". But Apple should perhaps spend less money on marketing and more money on software testing. "Then we'd all be better off!" Why the security companies apparently only noticed the problems with the general release of macOS 15 or whether they had already reported the bugs beforehand without Apple fixing them remained unclear at first. TCP packets corrupted, DNS requests thrown away So far, it is only partially clear what exactly seems to be happening with macOS 15. On Reddit and in other forums, the problems are mainly divided into two areas. For example, certain connection types with active network filters (via Apple's Network Extension Framework, which the security tools use) are said to cause connection problems at TCP level , possibly because they crash. This applies to ssh via terminal, for example, but also to other routines. With ssh , error messages such as "Connection corrupted" or "Wrong Key Size" are spit out. The connections work without a network filter. Sometimes, however, even when surfing the web, unexpected connection problems occur, even when reloading content. If Apple's own App Firewall is also activated, all incoming UDP packets are suddenly blocked , at least in some applications. This also affects DNS queries in browsers such as Firefox (Chrome and Safari apparently do not), which then simply stop working. According to Starkjohann, this has to do with the various developer interfaces used to access the UDP packets. Objective Development recommends simply switching off the Apple firewall until a fix is found , which is also a rather unsightly solution. Furthermore, shared networking for virtual machines no longer seems to work, or only stutter, and DHCP no longer assigns IPs to Macs from time to time. VPN clients such as NordVPN are apparently also affected by this. Anzeige Empfohlener redaktioneller Inhalt Mit Ihrer Zustimmmung wird hier ein externer Preisvergleich (heise Preisvergleich) geladen. Preisvergleiche immer laden Preisvergleich jetzt laden (bsc) To exaggerate, if nail care had at some point been incorporated into tax-funded services, its discontinuation would get the same reception today, she argued last week on X. MINISTER of Finance Riikka Purra (PS) has likened nail care with the health care services of undocumented immigrants following international attention for a government plan to restrict the service rights of undocumented immigrants. You cant. We have to have. A right. Human rights. What will people think of us? That made me think that the idea isnt limited to immigration. Purra made the post in response to a report by YLE. The Finnish public broadcaster highlighted last week that a government proposal to restrict the health care rights of undocumented immigrants has caught the attention of the Guardian. The proposal would reverse a decision made by the previous government to expand the rights from urgent to necessary care to services such as abortions, certain maternity and child health services, and treatments for chronic diseases. Those who tabled this proposal pretend that we dont have enough money for everyone and that full access to health care would invite more people to Finland, Aino Tuomi-Nikula, an adviser at Physicians for Social Responsibility, stated to the Guardian. 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. Undocumented immigrants cause little health care costs in Finland, according to Helsingin Sanomat. The Social Insurance Institution of Finland (Kela), the newspaper pointed out, paid 300,000 euros to well-being services counties in the whole of last year for health care services provided to undocumented immigrants. The Finnish government is nonetheless concerned that if the number of undocumented immigrants increased, their health care needs could pose a threat to both the health care system and central government finances. Also the Finnish Medical Association has expressed its disapproval with the plan to limit the health care rights, pointing to the already vulnerable standing of undocumented immigrants. The governments plan completely contradicts the fact that it has declared that it is working determinedly to promote equity, equality, non-discrimination in society, the association said in a statement urging the government to scrap what it described as a damaging and problematic proposal. The government is scheduled to bring the proposal to parliament next spring. Aleksi Teivainen HT Extinction Rebellion said the water-soluble paint was sprayed on the columns with fire extinguishers. THE COLUMNS AND STEPS of the Parliament House in Helsinki were daubed with red paint yesterday morning in a protest against peat extraction staged by Extinction Rebellion Finland and Aterstall Vatmarker, a group of environmental activists from Sweden. Helsinki Police Department on Wednesday reported that it received no advance notice of the demonstration a fact that was corroborated by the organisers and that roughly a dozen protesters were taken into custody at the scene of the protest. The incident is provisionally investigated as aggravated criminal damage. Lior Stefansson, the spokesperson for Aterstall Vatmarker, said the Parliament House was targeted because also Finnish lawmakers are responsible for some people losing their lives and homes due to the climate emergency. Finland has received over 400 million in support to discontinue its own peat production, but then Finland sends its own company, Neova, to Sweden to destroy Swedens nature. This has to stop, he stated according to YLE. Formerly known as Vapo, Neova operates around 200 peat production areas in Finland, Estonia and Sweden. The Finnish government is its majority owner, with a stake of 50.1 per cent. Neova on Wednesday rubbished the claims made by the activists. Id say that theyre completely false claims, Ahti Martikainen, the director of communications and media relations at Neova, said to Helsingin Sanomat. We havent moved peat production from Finland to Sweden. In both countries, the volume of peat production has decreased in recent years. In Sweden, its very low. In Finland, he added, the company expects to extract about five million cubic metres of peat this year, marking a 75-per-cent drop since 2018. In Sweden, the production will be slightly over one million cubic metres for the second consecutive year, possibly the lowest total ever for a two-year period. Martikainen also said Neova has received no support from the fund identified by the activists, the EUs Just Transition Fund. The fund was created to promote the 27-country blocs effort to become carbon neutral by 2050. Finland has received 466 million euros from the fund, allocating the sum for offsetting the adverse environmental and socio-economic effects of reducing the energy use of peat. Helsingin Sanomat wrote that most of the paint had been washed off from the columns and steps of the building by early yesterday evening, with the exception of some residue in the grains of the granite facade. Well start looking into it tomorrow, and well be accompanied by a representative from the Finnish Heritage Agency. Its a protected building, so the Heritage Agency is overseeing also the facade clean-up, Juha-Pekka Ryynanen, the property manager of the Parliament House, said to the newspaper on Wednesday. The protest was condemned widely by lawmakers. Prime Minister Petteri Orpo (NCP) described it as a condemnable and incomprehensible act of disturbance. Finland is a free democracy. We have the right to protest and influence things, but we have civilised ways for doing so, he commented to members of the media in the Parliament House on Wednesday. He also argued that resorting to increasingly aggressive measures to secure an audience for protests does not promote the cause of the protest but will instead result to the ramping up of supervision in public spaces. You can demonstrate, protest, stand in elections, engage in all sorts of civic engagement, but acts like this dont belong in Finnish society. Aleksi Teivainen HT A JOURNALIST from Binfield Heath has won an award. Lucy Watkinson, who is a senior producer and reporter for BBC Health, won the award for best case study at the Medical Journalism Awards. She collected the prize along with cameraman and editor Niall Gallagher. Editor Dominic Hughes also won the award but was not present. The case study was about a 12-year-old girl, Sarah Griffin, from Belfast, who started vaping when she was nine and caused so much damage that she had to be put into a coma. The judges commended the portrayal, describing it as a powerful case study on one of this decades biggest health issues. They said: This entry created a strong emotional reaction in the audience in a way that places itself at the heart of the ongoing debate in this area. If we are considering impact, this particular case study was most likely to drive awareness, behavioural change and ignite policy discussions. It stuck in the minds of the judges; we knew it instantly which is a real mark of power. The story, Never start vaping, says 12-year-old girl with lung damage, was featured on BBC Breakfast and the 1pm and 6pm news slots as well as online. Ms Watkinson said her interest in the issue began at the end of 2022, having written articles on the issues, included revealing the high level of metal found in the vapes and how their promotion ahead of cigarettes backfired. She said: I became obsessed with it. I was looking at the bus stop when we were taking the kids to and from school. I knew the school had a problem with vaping but I did not really know anything about it. The private schools can afford monitors in the bathrooms but comprehensives cant. I needed a serious picture of whats in vapes and I found they contain high levels of metal. We then looked at kids who used them and I came across this girl. We obviously had difficulty trying to get parents and children to talk about their vaping habits and hers was particularly severe. There was a lot of people at the time who looked at vaping as not serious but this case study showed there was a huge problem with child vaping. I was following all the local and national wires on the story at that time and when this story came up with a 12-year-old girl from Belfast, I just knew it was a great case study. I phoned my editor and then Dominic and I flew to Belfast and the next morning we filmed with the mum and daughter and went to hospital to talk to respiratory doctors. It was a perfect storm. Ms Watkinson said the mother and daughter wanted to go on the record to warn off other children vaping in the hope some good would come out of the situation. She said: It was not until the girl was in hospital that the mum realised how addicted she was to vape she found vapes in her teddies. I dont think she realised the frequency she was vaping. It was a really difficult decision and when Dominic interviewed the mum sat around the kitchen table her mum was very upset because she didnt know the extent. She wanted it to be a warning to other parents. I went to speak to Sarah in her bedroom. It was a normal 12-year-olds bedroom but she talked about hiding vapes in her teddies and that vaping was the first thing she would do in the morning. The story also raised ethical questions for Mrs Watkinson. She said: I had to ask Sarah if she realised the impact of speaking about the story and how that might make her feel and whether she would be happy with the media interest. After our story she was on Good Morning Britain and ITV because of how huge the severity of the case was. I knew that what she was talking about was more common than people imagine. For me, she was the one that was brave enough to. The story was rolled out extensively by the BBC running on television, radio and online and Mrs Watkinson said this was due to the strong interviews. She said: No, I was not thinking about winning awards, I think she encapsulated all that of the work I had done around vapes. Its really nice to be recognised for that body of work. Ms Watkinson, who has worked as a BBC journalist for 15 years, previously for BBC news, BBC studios, Newsnight and Panorama, said: I felt really proud to get the award to be recognised, I worked for the BBC for 15 years on Panorama and Newsnight and then left taking a break for five years. She said that the time away from journalism made her realise what a privilege it is to be a journalist and have people share their story with her. She said: When I came back I wanted the BBC to cover stories around me that I felt were not being uncovered. I am quite nosey, I enjoy talking to people hearing their stories. I think its a huge privilege be a journalist, to go into peoples lives and that they trust you enough with their stories. I delivered a series of high impact investigations showing the effect of vaping on childrens health and the investigations were praised by the Prime Minister, cited in government policy documents and helped change the policy on vaping. The TikTok streams have had more than 12 million views. Headteachers wrote to parents warning of the dangers to their childrens health and now use our material in lessons. U.S. political manipulation of human rights issues unpopular worldwide: Chinese FM Xinhua) 13:17, September 26, 2024 NEW YORK, Sept. 25 (Xinhua) -- Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi said here on Wednesday the political manipulation of human rights issues by a few countries, such as the United States, is becoming increasingly unpopular across the world. Wang, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, made the remarks when meeting with United Nations (UN) High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Turk and multiple countries' foreign ministers on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly in New York. Over 100 countries have voiced their support for China's position and opposed the politicization of human rights at the 57th session of the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC) held in Geneva on Tuesday, said Wang. During the session, nearly 80 countries, including many Muslim nations, delivered a joint statement supporting China, and more than 20 other countries expressed their support in various ways, backing China's just position when a few countries, including the United States, used Xinjiang-related issues to attack and smear China's human rights situation. The vast majority of Muslim countries have long seen through the tricks of the United States and understand that it is merely using human rights as a pretext to interfere in the internal affairs of China and other developing countries, he added. Wang said that the clear support from over 100 developing countries at the UNHRC is not only to defend China's legitimate rights but also to uphold international fairness and justice, safeguard the common interests of developing countries, and protect the fundamental principle of non-interference in internal affairs in international relations, said Wang. Wang pointed out that such action of the United States and its followers once again exposed their double standards on human rights issues to the world. People cannot help but ask: if the United States is so concerned about the human rights of Muslims, why does it continuously provoke or support wars in regions like the Middle East, causing numerous innocent Muslim casualties? Why does it turn a blind eye to the historical injustices faced by the Arab people and not support Palestine in becoming a full member of the United Nations? Why does it fail to play its due role in achieving a permanent ceasefire and full military withdrawal from Gaza? The top Chinese diplomat emphasized that this year marks the 75th anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China, and China's achievements in protecting and promoting human rights are widely recognized, and the development and progress in the Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region are evident to all. Wang said China is willing to engage in dialogue with all countries on human rights issues on the basis of equality. China's doors are open to the world, and it welcomes friends from all nations to visit China and see for themselves, he added. (Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Zhong Wenxing) Founded 56 years ago near Pondicherry, the chosen abode of Bengal-born revolutionary-turned-philosopher Sri Aurobindo, the experimental community of Auroville was conceived with an eco-utopian vision aimed at building a community beyond cultural and geographical boundaries. On February 28, 1968, Aurobindo's spiritual collaborator Mirra Alfassa, also known as Mother, to countless followers across the globe, established it at a location in the Villupuram district of Tamil Nadu, hardly 10 km from the former French trading post of Pondicherry. She described it as a place of unending education, constant progress, and eternal youth. Termed an "ideal township" dedicated to human unity to accommodate 50,000 people from around 60 nations, Auroville was one of several attempts to create utopian communities. Representatives from 124 nations attended the inaugural event where the idea of unity beyond divisions was celebrated. Auroville appears more like a battleground now. The community, comprising a few thousand people, is divided over several issues. Several lawsuits are currently in progress. Accusations of corruption and infighting have altered the character of the township's recent history. Many members have been waging a legal war with its present administration, which, they said, is attempting to bring back total governmental control over this historic township. It has been just a month since Union minister of state for education, Sukanta Majumdar, informed the Lok Sabha that the Union government was investigating various complaints, including questionable land exchanges and encroachment involving Auroville members. Though the governing body (the seven-member body nominated by the union government) has welcomed investigations, most residents accuse the body of being part of Sangh Parivar's larger agenda to usurp the rich cultural legacy of Aurobindo and Alfassa. They are also seeking the resignation of Tamil Nadu governor R N Ravi from the chairman post of the Auroville Foundation, saying his stand is also one-sided and beneficial to the Sangh Parivar. Despite being a universal township that evolved through voluntary contributions, Auroville has been under the oversight of the Union education ministry since 1980. Majumdar said he received representations and complaints from various sources, including community members, and said that the present investigations will expose criminal activities in Auroville. In his Lok Sabha statement, the minister alleged that the accusations include trespassing on land, drug abuse and sales, cybercrimes involving data theft and leaks via servers located outside of India, breaking immigration regulations, circulating illicit funds, money laundering and soliciting donations without first registering under the Foreign Contribution Regulation Act (FCRA). Representations and complaints regarding land exchanges have been forwarded to the Auroville Foundation to be examined, the minister said. The Auroville Foundation and its governing board are expected to recommend a course of action. However, some insiders, who asked not to be named, alleged that the government did not appoint the local member of parliament, the Viduthalai Chiruthaikal Katchi party's D Ravikumar, as an ex-officio member of the executive council of the Auroville foundation. They allege that the government is using old, unfounded charges to claim control of the institution's legacy. According to Section 10(3) of the Auroville Foundation Act, 1988, the foundation comprises three authorities: the governing board, the resident's assembly, and the Auroville International Advisory Council (AIAC). The union government took control of the township in 1988 to resolve intense disputes between community power centres and representatives of the Sri Aurobindo Society of Pondichery, which had previously managed the township's affairs. Despite having jurisdiction over Auroville since 1988, the Indian government has largely allowed the community to govern itself. Civil servant Jayanti S Ravi was appointed as the new secretary of the foundation four years ago. Members have expressed concern that the current leadership in Auroville has shifted from a self-governing model to a more autocratic, top-down approach. They feel that power is now concentrated in the hands of a select few who have not been appointed by the residents and do not represent the needs and aspirations of the majority. Many members feel that they are not involved in the decision-making process and that the sustainable model that Auroville has been known for is being compromised. There are also concerns about large-scale construction projects and deforestation, as well as the misuse or unauthorized sale of funds and assets. Additionally, members have reported extreme censorship and fear of reprisal if they speak out. K. Kannadasan, a Kancheepuram-based activist, who has lodged several complaints against the governing board in the Madras High Court, said Auroville's current problems include governmental antipathy, environmental concerns, and ideological and cultural differences within the community. A section of the residents are also concerned that the sudden push for development may be part of a larger agenda to appropriate Aurobindo's legacy or to turn Auroville into a profitable destination for spiritual tourism. K Jayarajan, a Pondicherry-based rights activist, said tension has increased after the current administration, which took charge in 2020, fast-tracked a few pending controversial township projects. The administration wanted projects to progress quickly and resumed implementing the French architect Roger Anger's master plan by clearing trees and residential and community structures. A group of residents have opposed the development works, leading to ongoing legal battles. In response to Majumdar's statement, the working committee of the residents' assembly criticised it as "evasive and misleading, stating that it failed to address concerns regarding land exchanges in Auroville. "The present leadership diverts public attention by digging up old allegations related to activities in Auroville, which have neither been properly investigated nor proven, despite numerous audits conducted by the secretary and her office in the last three years," the committee members said in their mail. The members said the questions raised in parliament by MP Ravikumar rightly focused on the serious issue of Auroville's high-value lands being exchanged at alarmingly low rates without consultation including with the residents. They claim it resulted in a loss of 200 crore for Auroville. The members said the governing body has taken drastic decisions independently, disregarding the other committees outlined in the Foundation Act. In recent years, bulldozers and earth-moving vehicles have been deployed inside the campus to continue construction, cutting down trees and razing hillocks. The campus has also witnessed Aurovillians standing in their pathway and organising protests against the demolition drives. A few residents have filed a case against the Auroville Foundation with the Green Tribunal, India's highest environmental court, which has resulted in a temporary halt on the felling of trees. Residents who disagree with the foundation's land exchange mechanism, contend that the foundation should only engage in land exchanges after following the proper procedures or discussing them with the residents assembly and the advisory council. The situation has escalated with 22 court cases brought by a section of residents against the foundation and the authorities rescinding visas for several dissenting long-time Aurovillians who are foreign nationals. When contacted, the office of the secretary stated that she would not comment to the media on internal matters of Auroville. The office has confirmed that the investigations ordered by the union government are ongoing, and no official can comment on the issues involved until the investigations are over. Former Chief Justice of India, N. Ramana, in 2021 stated that the most dangerous places in the country for threats to human rights are police stations. Looking at the recent case of police brutality in Odisha, it seems nothing has changed in the last three years. Police brutality and custodial torture despite their shocking nature have been normalised in India. It is precisely because of this, that most people think twice before going to a police station. Courts over the years have ordered several reforms to prevent the occurrence of custodial violence, be it orders to install CCTV cameras inside every room in police stations, constituting a police review board and issuing fresh guidelines on arrest. The parliament has also amended laws to create stringent punishments against custodial violence and made judicial magisterial enquiries mandatory in case of custodial deaths. However, despite these steps, a report noted that from 2001-2020 a total of 1,888 custodial deaths had occurred a total of 893 cases registered and 358 personnel charge-sheeted. The report also noted that only 26 policemen had been convicted in this period. Subsequently, the National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB) recorded 88 custodial deaths in 2021 and 75 deaths in 2022. In 2021, 26 cases were registered against the police for human rights violations, which included extra-judicial killings, torture, illegal detention, and extortion along with deaths in custody with 16 personnel being arrested and 2 being charge-sheeted. There was an increase in this trend in 2022, a total of 30 cases have been registered against the police for human rights violations, with 41 personnel arrested and 24 charge-sheeted. As per NCRB data, there has been a total of 275 cases of custodial rapes from 2017 to 2022; there seems to be a gradual decrease in the trend with 24 cases of custodial rape registered in 2022 as against 89 cases in 2017. Of the 24 cases registered in 2022, seven are attributed to police personnel, three to armed forces, 12 to staff of jails and remand homes and one each to public servants and hospital staff. These are the statistics provided by the NCRB and include only cases where an FIR was registered. The reality is that most cases of police atrocity go unreported. The Supreme Court once said: Bound as they are by the ties of brotherhood, it is not unknown that the police personnel prefer to remain silent and more often than not even pervert the truth to save their colleagues. In 1992, in a shocking case of violence, a man picked up on the suspicion of being a thief was brutally tortured and died in custody while his wife was stripped and gang raped before him. The woman, a sweeper, ran from pillar to post seeking assistance but was up against an uncooperative criminal justice system. It was only after the intervention of the Madras high court and the transfer of the case to the CID did the investigation progressed. While framing the charges, the charge of murder was dropped and only charges pertaining to wrongful confinement, assault and custodial rape survived. The conviction of the police personnel for gang rape was sustained by all three courts. The Supreme Court in an appeal in this case (Mehboob Batcha & Ors v State) lamented the lack of a murder charge in the case, while quoting the judgment in Justice DK Basu noted, Experience shows that worst violations of human rights take place during the course of investigation when the police with a view to secure evidence or confession often resorts to third-degree methods including torture and adopts techniques of screening arrest by either not recording the arrest or describing the deprivation of liberty merely as a prolonged interrogation. This is a rare case where the police personnel were convicted. In most cases, FIRs once registered are put in the cold storage. The nature of the offence, lack of evidence and the confusing labyrinth of the criminal justice system make it very difficult for someone wanting to fight the system. Last year, the Delhi High Court in Pradeep Kumar v. State of UP, upheld the conviction of police personnel in a case of custodial death. The incident took place in 2006 in Uttar Pradesh. The complainant was informed by the police that his son had committed suicide in custody. Suspecting foul play the father began his fight for justice. The case was transferred to Delhi in 2011 by the Supreme Court due to the influence exerted by the police in Uttar Pradesh, making a free and fair trial an impossibility. While initially a charge of murder was framed, the Court on examination of the evidence concluded that an intent to kill was not present and modified the charge to culpable homicide not amounting to murder and convicted the personnel in 2019 and sentenced them to 10 years rigorous imprisonment. The conviction was upheld by the Delhi High Court in 2023. Thus, it took 13 years for the legal process to convict the errant officials. In March 2024, while reversing the bail granted to a police constable accused of being party to violence, the Supreme Court noted that a stricter approach needed to be applied while deciding cases of police personnel accused of custodial violence. Custodial violence is a deep-rooted problem and requires a multifaceted approach. Mere changes in the law or procedures will be redundant if reforms in the policing system are not undertaken. The errant officials need to be held accountable, with a fair and speedy investigation and trial. The Indian police still reel under a colonial hangover where its focus seems to be more on ruling over the citizens rather than serving them in their pursuit of justice. Only when the police realise that they are bound by the law and not a law unto themselves can there be any reform. Parijata Bharadwaj, a lawyer and researcher based in New Delhi, co-founded the Jagdalpur Legal Aid Group that offered legal services to adivasis in Chhattisgarh. The views expressed are personal. Imarticus Learning, India's leading professional education company, has reported a 100% year-on-year increase in enquiries for its 100% Job Assured Postgraduate Program in Data Science and Analytics. This surge reflects the growing need for professionals to upskill and adapt to India's evolving data economy, where digitisation has positioned data as a core asset for growth across industries. The program has seen a 70% increase in enrolments with a balanced 56:44 male-to-female ratio. It is reshaping how professionals approach data science. The success is further amplified by word-of-mouth referrals from previous batches, driving interest as graduates share their positive experiences with friends and relatives. With over 300 completed batches across 15 centers, the program highlights its wide-reaching impact. The program's 100% job assurance offering remains a defining feature; it provides a degree of security that only a few others can match in today's rapidly changing field of education. Beyond job assurance, the program equips learners with a nuanced understanding of emerging technologies, touching on critical topics like the ethics of AI, data privacy regulations, and the limits of automation. This comprehensive approach not only enhances their technical skills but also instils long-term confidence in their career paths. Nikhil Barshikar, Founder and Managing Director of Imarticus Learning, commented, We're not just teaching data science; we are teaching data science professionals to dream a little, to question the utility of data, to challenge what it is they're being given and question how they could explore the next horizon of these emerging technologies. Our growth reflects that people now want more than just an employability skill; they want insightful learning experiences in the world of data. Imarticus Learning's intensive career services, including mock interviews, personalised career mentoring, and national-level data science hackathons, have been vital in driving this placement success. The fact that the cutting-edge job-oriented curriculum includes topics like machine learning, deep learning and dynamic programming makes them job-ready for a variety of roles ranging from Data Scientist to Business Analyst to Machine Learning Engineer and more. Moreover, the 6-month program boasts a network of over 3500+ global hiring partners, including industry leaders like Infosys, Wipro, Genpact, J.P. Morgan, Deloitte, PwC, and Accenture, among others, actively recruiting Imarticus Learning graduates. The program also includes 10 guaranteed interviews. However, its experiential learning model puts Imarticus Learning above the rest. The program features 300+ hours of learning and more than 25 live business projects across sectors to orient learners to professionally apply data science to live industry challenges. The curriculum also goes beyond what is standard, including the use of hands-on experience with 10+ tools like Power BI, Tableau, Scikit-learn, Spark, and Hadoop and encouraging learners to solve live, complex problems via hackathons involving small teams, in essence, teaching students in a data-infused world how to interrogate data and what it can tell them. In a fast-evolving industry where skills from a few months ago may no longer be sufficient, Imarticus is committed to preparing its learners for the current trends and an adaptable future. About Imarticus Learning Imarticus Learning is a leading Edtech company in India, offering high-quality, industry-specific education via innovative technology, specialised training, career assistance, and mentorship from industry professionals. It has impacted over 10,00,000 careers within a decade through leading-edge curriculums, highly experienced faculty, and over 500 global partnerships with leading institutions and corporations. Imarticus Learning seeks to upskill existing and future workers to fulfil various industries' current and upcoming job market demands. Its objective is to provide learners with valuable learning experiences, educate them with industry-specific skills, and prepare them to take on multiple job roles in their sector. Imarticus Learning is renowned for its unique teaching methodology, including immersive live lectures (online and offline), peer-to-peer discussions, hybrid learning modules, industry-focused seminars, capstone projects, guest lectures, soft skills training, etc. It offers courses that prepare learners for successful careers in data science, analytics, finance, banking, and technology. Disclaimer: This article is a paid publication and does not have journalistic/editorial involvement of Hindustan Times. Hindustan Times does not endorse/subscribe to the content(s) of the article/advertisement and/or view(s) expressed herein. Hindustan Times shall not in any manner, be responsible and/or liable in any manner whatsoever for all that is stated in the article and/or also with regard to the view(s), opinion(s), announcement(s), declaration(s), affirmation(s) etc., stated/featured in the same. New Delhi, 26th September 2024 Knauf India, a leading name in building materials and part of global Knauf Group, has announced that all its plasterboard products now comply with the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) ISI norms. Knauf is one of the first companies in India to meet the new government regulations, which require gypsum-based building materials to adhere to stringent Indian Standards Institution (ISI) norms. With a strong focus on quality and innovation, Knauf India has always delivered products that exceed industry expectations. Known for its contributions to the building materials sector, including advanced drywall systems, gypsum ceilings, and plasterboards, Knauf continues to set the benchmark for excellence in construction solutions. As part of the Knauf Group, which operates in over 90 countries and runs more than 300 manufacturing plants globally, Knauf India is committed to both international and local quality standards. Knauf India Manufacturing Since 2008 Sumit Bidani, the CEO of Knauf India said: Knauf India, is proud to be the first company in the market to achieve full compliance with the new ISI standards for plasterboards. This milestone is a reflection of our ongoing commitment to quality, safety and sustainability. We believe these standards will further enhance the trust our customers and partners place in us. Manufactured at state-of-the-art facilities in Rajasthan and Andhra Pradesh, Knauf Indias plasterboards now meet the IS 2095 (Part 1): 2023 standards. These standards ensure the products meet the stringent safety, fire-resistance and durability criteria, essential for modern-day construction demands. Knauf India continues to ensure its products undergo rigorous BIS test and certification, giving customers and the concerned stakeholders peace of mind when it comes to safety and quality in construction business. For more details on Knauf India and its product range, please log on to https://www.usgknauf.com/ Disclaimer: This article is a paid publication and does not have journalistic/editorial involvement of Hindustan Times. Hindustan Times does not endorse/subscribe to the content(s) of the article/advertisement and/or view(s) expressed herein. Hindustan Times shall not in any manner, be responsible and/or liable in any manner whatsoever for all that is stated in the article and/or also with regard to the view(s), opinion(s), announcement(s), declaration(s), affirmation(s) etc., stated/featured in the same. Google CEO Sundar Pichai said it will take many years to resolve Googles antitrust battles, implying that they do not pose an immediate threat to the companys business. He said, Its going to take time for it to play out. Where we think it really harms our ability to innovate on behalf of our users, we are going to be vigorous in defending ourselves. Sundar Pichai indicated that Google's antitrust battles will take years to resolve without immediate business impact. He highlighted a new $120 million AI education fund and reflected on his journey from limited technology access in India to advanced resources in the US.(AFP) This comes as Google is embroiled in two separate antitrust trials brought by the US Justice Department, which alleges that the company illegally dominates the digital advertising market and online search. The ads trial kicked off in court this month while in the search case Google lost. Sundar Pichai said, We definitely disagree with the ruling, but its still in the middle of the remedies phase. And you know, we will appeal and this process will likely take many years. To explain how long appeals can take, Sundar Pichai pointed to Googles victory against a 1.5 billion ($1.7 billion) antitrust fine in the European Union General Court last week which came more than four years after it was levied. Sundar Pichai has also announced a new $120 million Global AI Opportunity Fund' which is aimed at expanding AI education and training across the world, with a focus on local languages and partnerships with nonprofits and NGOs. Reflecting on his own journey, he shared a personal story, saying, "Growing up in Chennai, India, with my family, the arrival of each new technology improved our lives in meaningful ways. I didnt 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." Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, along with his cabinet ministers, launched Knowledge, Wellbeing, and Innovation (KWIN) City near Bengaluru on Thursday. This project was earlier called Knowledge, Health, Innovation, and Research (KHIR) City, but it has now been renamed KWIN City. Karnataka CM Siddaramaiah, along with his colleagues launch KWIN city near Bengaluru. (X/MBPatil) Also Read - Karnataka government's KHIR city to be established 60 km away from Bengaluru. Here is what we know All we need to know about the KWIN city The project aims to create a parallel city to Bengaluru for equal growth and opportunities in all sectors within an accessible distance to Karnatakas capital. After taking all the suggestions, the state government rounded off the area between Doddaspete and Doddaballapur, which is roughly 60 kilometres from Bengaluru. This will be built in a total of 2000 acres of land which is on the Satellite Town Ring Road. (STRR) KWIN City will primarily focus on attracting top educational institutions, start-ups, research centres and global health centres, which can provide employment to the local people. The Departement of Commerce and Industries is implementing the project, and as it is away from the usual Bengaluru traffic, it is likely to attract investors, keeping its accessibility to the international airport in mind. The Kempegowda International Airport is just an hour away from the KWIN city, and a new real-estate boom is expected around Doddaballapur. Also Read - Viral video of train amid Bengaluru traffic: Railways says stop was for technical checks Karnataka minister MB Patil earlier said that the KWIN city is going to contribute a lot to the states GDP. He said, There is an increased economic activity in the state, and we need to attract investments. Karnataka is known for its public-private partnership, which will be enhanced further for the city of KHIR. It is also easy for the global players to find talent here in Bengaluru, and they would not find a better option than this new city. It will provide a big-time contribution to the state's GDP. According to Patil, this project is expected to attract investments worth 40,000 crores in all four segments and will likely create around 80,000 new jobs. The Karnataka government has revoked the general consent given to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) to investigate cases in the state, citing the agency's alleged bias. The decision, announced on Thursday after a cabinet meeting led by Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, comes amid growing demands from the opposition BJP for a CBI investigation into the Mysuru Urban Development Authority (MUDA) land allotment case. Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah speaks to the media, in Bengaluru on Thursday. (ANI Photo)(ANI) Law and Parliamentary Affairs Minister H K Patil dismissed claims that the withdrawal was linked to the MUDA controversy, where allegations surfaced regarding the allotment of 14 sites to Siddaramaiahs wife. Patil clarified that the CBIs consent has been revoked under the Delhi Special Police Establishment Act, and any future investigations will require case-by-case approval, news agency PTI reported. He accused the CBI of operating with prejudice, leading to the government's decision. Karnataka now joins other non-BJP-ruled states, including West Bengal, Kerala, and Tamil Nadu, in revoking general consent for CBI investigations. The decision follows a Special Court order instructing the Lokayukta police to investigate Siddaramaiah in the MUDA case. The court order comes after the Karnataka High Court upheld the Governors sanction for an inquiry into the allegations. Responding to BJP accusations of shielding the Chief Minister, Patil denied any connection between the withdrawal of CBI consent and the ongoing probe. He also emphasized concerns over the CBI's handling of past cases, including mining investigations where the agency allegedly failed to file chargesheets. Siddaramaiah has since rejected the BJPs claims of wrongdoing and accused the opposition of conspiring against him. He reaffirmed his intention to fight the case legally and stated he would not resign from the CM post. (With PTI inputs) A Special Court here on Wednesday ordered a Lokayukta police probe against Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah in the Mysuru Urban Development Authority (MUDA) site allotment case, setting the stage for filing of an FIR against him. A Bengaluru court on Wednesday directed the Lokayukta to investigate Karnataka chief minister Siddaramaiah in connection with land allotment involving the Mysuru Urban Development Authority (Muda). (PTI) Reacting to the Special Court order, Siddaramaiah reiterated that he was ready to face an investigation. The order of the Special Court Judge, Santhosh Gajanan Bhat, came a day after the High Court upheld the sanction granted by Governor Thaawarchand Gehlot to conduct an investigation against Siddaramaiah on the allegations of illegalities in the allotment of 14 sites to his wife B M Parvathi by MUDA. The Special Court exclusively to deal with criminal cases related to former and elected MPs/MLAs issued the order directing the Lokayukta police in Mysuru to initiate an investigation on the complaint filed by RTI activist Snehamayi Krishna. The Court issued directions to take up the probe under section 156 (3) of the Code of Criminal Procedure (CrPC) (that gives a magistrate the power to order an investigation into a cognisable offense.) and file the investigation report by December 24. "Acting under Sec.156(3) of Code of Criminal Procedure, the jurisdictional police i.e., Superintendent of Police, Karnataka Lokayukta, Mysuru is hereby directed to register the case, investigate and to file a report as contemplated under Sec.173 of Cr.P.C., within a period 3 months from today..." the court said. It has listed offences punishable under Sec.120B (Punishment of criminal conspiracy), 166 (Public servant disobeying law, with intent to cause injury to any person), 403 (Dishonest misappropriation of property), 406 ( Punishment for criminal breach of trust), 420 ( Cheating and dishonestly inducing delivery of property), 426 ( Punishment for mischief), 465 (Punishment for forgery) , 468 (Forgery for purpose of cheating), 340 (Wrongful confinement), 351 (Assault) and other relevant sections of the Indian Penal Code. The court has also listed offences punishable under sections 9 and 13 the Prevention Of Corruption Act, 1988 and under Sec.3, 53 and 54 of the Prohibition Of Benami Property Transactions Act, 1988 and 3, 4 of Karnataka Land Grabbing Prohibition Act, 2011. Siddaramaiah's wife Parvathi, brother-in-law Mallikarjuna Swamy, Devaraju (from whom Mallikarjuna Swamy purchased land and gifted it to Parvathi) are the other respondents in the case. The HC had also vacated its August 19 interim order directing the Special Court to defer the decision on complaints against the Chief Minister, giving the green signal for ordering a probe. It had dismissed Siddaramaiah's petition challenging the legality of the Governor's August 16 order granting approval for investigation under Section 17A of the Prevention of Corruption (PC) Act, 1988. The CM said he was ready to face the probe. "Already I have said that I am ready to face an investigation. I am not afraid of a probe," Siddaramaiah told reporters here. "I am ready for a legal fight. I had said this yesterday and I am reiterating it today as well." Meanwhile, the BJP once again demanded Siddaramaiah's resignation to resign and cooperate with the probe. State BJP President B Y Vijayendra said: "the CM has said that he is ready for any probe, but has questioned why he should resign. Siddaramaiah seems to have forgotten what he preached as Leader of Opposition to the then chief minister Yediyurappa. He had asked Yediyurappa to resign for fair and impartial probe when the accused person is at the helm of affairs." "The Court might have asked Lokayukta police to probe, but we urge the CM -- before he resigns -- that he should order the investigation to be handed over to independent agency CBI, for free and impartial probe,", he said. The opposition BJP and JD(S) tried to lay siege to the CM's residence. Holding posters, placards and raising slogans, members of BJP Yuva Morcha marched towards "Cauvery" but the police thwarted their attempt, took them into preventive custody and whisked them away in a bus. Complainant Snehamayi Krishna hailed the Special Court's order and said, after filing of the FIR, he would appeal to the High Court to hand over the case to CBI. In the MUDA site allotment case, it is alleged that compensatory sites were allotted to Siddaramaiah's wife in an upmarket area in Mysuru, which had higher property value as compared to the location of her land which had been "acquired" by the MUDA. The MUDA had allotted plots to Parvathi under a 50:50 ratio scheme in lieu of 3.16 acres of her land, where it developed a residential layout. Under the controversial scheme, MUDA allotted 50 per cent of developed land to the land losers in lieu of undeveloped land acquired from them for forming residential layouts. It is alleged that Parvathi had no legal title over this 3.16 acres of land at survey number 464 of Kasare village, Kasaba hobli of Mysuru taluk. For over 18 months, residents of Kamadhenu Layout in Bengalurus Mahadevapura area have been battling a severe water shortage, relying heavily on expensive private water tankers to meet their daily needs. With no reliable water supply from the citys water agency, the Bangalore Water Supply and Sewerage Board (BWSSB), families are forced to spend between 10,000 and 25,000 per month on water, leading to fierce competition for tanker deliveries, The Times of India reported. BWSSB blames the delay on the pending release of Cauvery Stage 5 water, promising a resolution soon. (HT FILE PHOTO) A Bengaluru resident spoke to the publication and described the challenges his family faces due to the irregular supply. Homes with infants and/or the elderly also face various problems amidst uncertain and inconsistent water supply, having no choice but to depend on tankers. Due to high demand and constrained resources, tankers are now charging between 1,500 and 4,000 for 5,000 litres, often make deliveries as late as 1 am, creating further difficulties, the report noted. Larger families are hit even harder by these costs. Another resident revealed that his family spends up to 35,000 a month on water. Despite repeated complaints to the BWSSB, no immediate solution has been offered, the publication stated. Elderly residents, living on pensions and savings, are particularly affected, with a senior citizen expressing frustration at the financial burden, saying that the dependency on tankers is draining their savings. A local tanker owner Venkateshwar acknowledged the struggle to meet the area's high demand for water, though residents continue to complain about rising costs. BWSSB chairman Ram Prasath Manohar cited the delay in Cauvery Stage 5s activation as the cause of the shortage, as quoted in the report. He assured residents that water from the project would reach the area in a few weeks, and efforts were underway to address the tanker monopoly. BHOPAL: A five-year-old girl, who went missing on Tuesday, was found dead in a neighbours flat in Bhopals Vajpayee Nagar Multi area, police said on Thursday. The girl was found dead in a water tank in the house. Shalini Dixit said the police was waiting for the autopsy report to indicate the precise cause of death. (Getty Images/iStockphoto) Additional deputy commissioner of police (ADCP) Shalini Dixit said: The girl went missing on Tuesday As many as 100 police personnel were searching for her. On Thursday morning, her family complained of a pungent smell coming from a locked flat. Police broke open the door and entered the flat where the body was found.... Police said the girl was in a small kitchen tank. Dixit said the police could not immediately comment on the precise cause of death and will wait for the postmortem report. Two-three people are being interrogated in connection with the case, she said, refusing to reveal any further details about the investigation. Police said the flat where the girl was found dead was put out on rent only five months ago by the landlord. The little girls family have accused the police of negligence when she was reported missing and led a protest blocking the TB Hospital Road. Congress MLAs Arif Masood and Atif Aqueel joined the protest. The National Green Tribunal (NGT) has imposed 10,000 fines on each of the municipal corporation (MC) and the Ludhiana Improvement Trust (LIT) for failing to follow its orders in tow cases, officials said. The next hearing is scheduled for October 4. (HT File) They added that the penalty was imposed on the MC in connection with an ongoing case related to the green belt near Lodhi Club. The petition which led to the hearings is regarding the installation of inter-locking tiles. The NGT noted that the applicant, Kapil Dev, highlighted that the land in question was designated as a park in the citys master plan. The tribunal said that despite its order pronounced on September 2, the MC commissioner has not submitted the approved layout plan showing the status of this land. Submit master plan within two weeks, NGT tells MC chief The NGT has again ordered the MC commissioner to submit the approved layout plan or the master plan within two weeks, along with the payment the 10,000 fine. The next hearing is scheduled for October 4. In another petition against the MC, it was alleged that despite an NGT order, the MC and LIT continued to install solid inter-locking tiles in prohibited areas. In its response, the MC said it had decided to use perforated tiles in non-walking areas after approval from their technical advisory committee. The LIT failed to submit a compliance report and requested more time. The NGT granted them a week, subject to the payment of a 10,000 fine. The next hearing in the case is scheduled for October 3. Out for a swim, two Class 12 students drowned in the Sidhwan Canal on Wednesday, officials said. Vikas (HT Photo) They added that the body of 19-year-old Vikas has been fished out, divers are continuing the search for his cousin, Praveen, 19. Both the boys were students at a government school in Sangowal. According to the officials, the cousins were accompanied by their friend Suraj, who was rescued by the passersby. Officials said the three victims went to the canal to take a dip in cold water amid rising heat. They encounters issued while swimming began to drown. As passersby noticed them struggling, they managed to rescue Suraj using a rope. However, the strong current swept away the two cousins. Officials added that a terrified Suraj went home and did not inform anyone about the incident. He came clean the next morning, after both families had spent the night searching for the boys. Divers were called in and after hours of searching, Vikas body was fished out a kilometre from where the boys were swimming. Officials from the Kanganwal police post, with the help of divers, are continuing the rescue operation. Assistant sub-inspector (ASI) Mewa Singh, who is investigating the case, said that soon after receiving information, police reached the spot and initiated a rescue operation. The ASI added that the deputy commissioner of police (DCP) has banned diving and bathing in the canal. The families hailed from Pratapgarh in Uttar Pradesh. Vikas was the lone son of his parents and has a sister. Praveens parents, Raj Kishore and Sushma, have refused to leave the canals banks till their son is found. Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Thursday accused Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the BJP government in Haryana of systematically ending the employment system in the country. Congress leader Rahul Gandhi addressing a Congress rally at Assandh in Karnal district on Thursday in the run-up to the October 5 assembly elections in Haryana. (PTI Photo) Addressing a Congress rally at Assandh near Karnal, the Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha referred to his recent visit to the US and said he met immigrants from Haryana who went there in search of a better future as they were unable to get employment in their home state. I understood their journey, how they reached the US to live with 20 others packed in a house. They have seen our people die on their way. They first sold their land or took loans on high interest to reach, but could not spent 50 lakh to start their business because there is no guarantee of profit, he said. They cannot meet their families for 10 years and cant even return to perform the last rites if their parents die. They urged me to meet their parents and I did at 4am. Ive not seen such an emotional scene in my life. You must have seen the video how a son is crying before his father on video call, he said. Gandhi went on to claim: This is because of the Modi government and the state government that has systematically damaged employment. Modi brings black laws to snatch away what you have (agriculture). I went to J&K, in HP, apple businesses have been sold to Adani. Their loans worth crores are waived, but not yours. Raising the issue of caste census, he said that he will ensure that it gets passed in Parliament in front of PM Modi. We are just asking to find out how many Dalits, OBCs, STs/SCs are there in the country, what is the issue in that? Gandhi said. Rahul Gandhi with party leaders Bhupinder Singh Hooda and Kumari Selja during the rally at Assandh in Karnal district on Thursday. (PTI photo) He exuded confidence that the Congress would sweep the October 5 Haryana assembly elections. Congress MP Kumari Selja, former chief minister Bhupinder Singh Hooda and state unit chief Udai Bhan were present at the rally. This was for the first time that rivals Hooda and Selja shared the stage in these elections. Congress candidates from the region, namely Shamsher Singh Gogi (Assandh), Sumita Singh (Karnal), Rakesh Kamboj (Indri), Dharampal Gondar (Nilokheri), Subhash Deswal (Safidon), Virender Shah (Panipat City) and Sachin Kundu (Panipat Rural), were present on the stage. Gandhi also spoke about the Congress poll promises for Haryana, including 2,000 a month for women and LPG gas cylinders at 500 if his party is voted to power. Two lakh vacancies would be filled in Haryana and the Congress has promised a legal guarantee for minimum support price, he said. Polling for the 90 assembly seats in Haryana will be held on October 5 and votes will be counted on October 8. As many as 202 pilgrim deaths were reported so far due to health-related ailments during the Char Dham yatra which began on May 25, Uttarakhand state government official said. So far, 3.7 million pilgrims have visited Char Dham shrines. (PTI file photo) Of the 202 pilgrim deaths, 93 deaths, the highest, were reported from Kedarnath Dham, followed by 52 in Badrinath Dham, 38 in Yamunotri Dham and 15 in Gangotri Dham, the data till Wednesday evening stated. According to health department officials, the state government has stepped up its efforts to mitigate the number of deaths and is also conducting a health audit of the deaths occurring during the Char Dham Yatra. To check death duo to health issues, the state government has made effective interventions and up-graded health system by increasing the number of health screening centres, increasing the medical staff on Yatra route to ensure that the pilgrims get prompt medical service in case of any emergency, R Rajesh Kumar secretary health department said. Also Read:86 deaths during Char Dham yatra so far: State govt data We issued health advisory to all state governments in 12 regional languages requesting the pilgrims prior to start of Yatra to carry their health history and acclimatise before embarking on the arduous Char Dham. Apart from this, we have also created a mechanism for early evacuation of ill patients through Heli services and regular ambulance service, he added. He said that medical screening was increased at key points via 50 medical screening centres. Also 80 specialists and 426 doctors have been deployed on the yatra routes while additional medical staff has also been roped in from the periphery areas of other adjacent districts with all medical facilities available at medical relief posts on the yatra route, he said. So far, 3.7 million pilgrims have visited Char Dham shrines and Hemkund Sahib shrine since the opening of the portals. Out of 37,05283 pilgrims who have visited Char Dham shrines, 1.02 million visited Badrinath, as many as 17,103 visited Hemkund Sahib, 1.18 million visited Kedarnath, 0.69 million visited Gangotri Dham and 0.61 million visited Yamunotri Dham. Last year, Char Dham Yatra, which concluded on November 18, broke previous records with pilgrim influx crossing the 5.6 million-mark, tourism department officials said. The Delhi government on Wednesday launched a comprehensive 21-point Winter Action Plan, focussing on real-time monitoring of pollution using drones, deploying special task forces and putting into action emergency measures, such as artificial rain and vehicle rationing scheme, to tackle rising air pollution levels in the Capital. Evening haze engulfing Kartavya Path in New Delhi on Wednesday. (Sanjeev Verma/HT Photo) Environment minister Gopal Rai, introducing the plan at the Delhi Secretariat, said: This year our theme is Mil Kar Chalein, Pradushan Se Ladein and for that, we need public participation. For the first time, drones will monitor air quality at Delhis pollution hot spots, and an STF, comprising six members, will ensure enforcement of pollution control measures. He emphasised that the plan, which comes into effect immediately, also includes an anti-dust campaign from October 7. To be sure, the Delhi government makes a Winter Action Plan every year, but it has little impact on peak pollution, which plunges the city into a public health emergency. Drone monitoring In a first, drones will be deployed to monitor 13 pollution hot spots in Delhi, which have consistently recorded more than the average level of PM2.5 (particulate matter having a diameter of less than 2.5 microns). Earlier, pollution sources were identified manually. This will allow real-time identification and action against sources of pollution on the spot, Rai said. Identified by the Delhi Pollution Control Committee (DPCC) and Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) in 2018, these hot spots are at Anand Vihar, Mundka, Wazirpur, Jahangirpuri, RK Puram, Rohini, Punjabi Bagh, Okhla, Bawana, Vivek Vihar, Narela, Ashok Vihar and Dwarka. The annual average PM 2.5 concentration was 101 microns per cubic metre (ug/m3). According to CPCB, the permissible level of PM2.5 is 40ug/m3. A senior environment department official said one to two drones are planned to be utilised at each hot spot, and a tender will be floated soon. Public participation The Winter Action Plan also aims to mobilise public participation through various campaigns, including an e-vehicle parade, an anti-pollution march, and the Red Light On, Gaadi Off initiative at traffic signals, officials said. The government is also introducing the Harit Ratna award to recognise individuals, NGOs, and private companies contributing to reducing pollution. Rai said that the number of days having poor, very poor and severe air quality index reduced by 35% over a seven-year span. In 2016, we had 243 days of high pollution, whereas in 2023, we had 159 such days, Rai said, adding that the campaigns will be at the heart of this years efforts. CPCB classifies an AQI between 0-50 as good, between 51 and 100 as satisfactory, between 101 and 200 as moderate, between 201 and 300 as poor, between 301 and 400 as very poor, and over 400 as severe. Rai said that under the anti-dust campaign from October 7, dust pollution at construction sites and along roads will be tackled. All construction sites with an area over 500 square metres need to register with the government on on a web portal created by the government specifically to register and monitor construction sites. A total of 523 teams will inspect construction sites. For roads, we are deploying 85 road sweeping machines and 500 water sprinkling machines, Rai said. He said that over 200 anti-smog guns will also be deployed in three shifts. Emergency measures The government has proposed artificial rain and Odd-even vehicle rationing scheme as emergency measures to tackle a sudden spike in pollution levels, which is generally recorded between November 1 and 15. Last year, the AQI consistently remained in the very poor and severe levels. As part of the plan, the government will encourage people both in the government and private sectors to opt for work-from-home. The Odd-even scheme and out artificial rain have been included as emergency measures, said Rai. He said that if required, guidelines will also be issued in the next few weeks devising work-from-home schedules. For artificial rain, a letter has been written to the Union environment minister to call a meeting of all relevant departments to discuss this, Rai said, adding that departments concerned are also working on the vehicle rationing scheme. Tackling sources The Winter Action Plan 2024 aims to address various pollution sources, including open waste burning, industrial emissions, and vehicular pollution. To reduce vehicular pollution, 360 teams will be deployed to monitor both Pollution Under Control (PUC) certificates and overage vehicles. Traffic police teams will be deployed on 134 roads to reduce congestion, Rai said. Rai said an advisory will be issued to encourage voluntary vehicle restriction. Besides deployment, a real-time source apportionment study, along with a Green War Room and the Green Delhi app will help tackle pollution, Rai said. The minister said the Graded Response Action Plan (Grap) and the ban on firecrackers will be implemented stringently. Like previous years, there will be a complete ban on the production, storage, use, and sale of firecrackers in Delhi, including online delivery. The notification (for the ban) will be issued soon, he said. Additionally, 59 teams will inspect industrial areas, and 588 teams will prevent open burning. To combat stubble burning, a bio-decomposer solution will be sprayed over 5,000 acres of farmland, Rai said. Experts, while saying the plan was robust, cautioned that enforcement holds the key to its success. Many effective measures have been proposed, but their impact depends on how well they are enforced. For instance, the firecracker ban is a good step, but compliance has been inconsistent in past years, said Abhishek Kar, senior programme lead of the Council on Energy, Environment, and Water (CEEW). Kar said there is limited evidence to suggest that measures, such as spraying water or artificial rain, have a significant effect on improving air quality. Meanwhile, Delhi Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) president Virendra Sachdeva said it was regrettable that Rai keeps making announcements instead of taking serious anti-pollution steps. Rai claimed improvement in the pollution situation in Delhi on a day when morning newspapers brought news of stubble burning in Punjab much before time, Sachdeva said. Sachdeva urged Rai to call an all-party meeting on September 26 to address stubble burning concerns, threatening to otherwise contact Punjab CM Sardar Bhagwant Mann on Friday. KOLKATA: A special Alipore court on Thursday awarded the death penalty for a man convicted of rape and murder of a seven-year-old girl in the citys Tiljala area in March 2023, lawyers who attended the hearing said. The West Bengal government had handed the case to the city polices detective department in 2023 (FILE IMAGE) The convict, Ashok Shaw, lured his neighbours little daughter to his apartment with chocolates, raped her and then smashed her head with a hammer. The girls mutilated body was found in his kitchen, said a police officer who had investigated the gruesome crime. There were 28 wounds on her body, he added. The case was tried by a special court notified for cases registered under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (Pocso) Act. As he handed down the death sentence to Shaw, special Pocso judge Sudipto Bhattacharya described the crime as rarest of the rare. The state government had handed the case to the city polices detective department following mass protests and even instances of vandalism. The court heard 45 witnesses, including the victims parents and forensic experts, during the trial, the officer cited above said. The crime took place on the morning of March 26 last year. The girl, who lived in an apartment building, went to buy a packet of milk from the local market but did not return home. Her family informed the police. Footage from security cameras in the area showed the girl heading for home after buying the milk. Her body was found in the convicts flat during a search of the building. The girls mutilated body was found inside a jute bag hidden in the convicts kitchen. Forensic reports confirmed that she was gagged and tied up when she was abused. The convict hit her on the head with a hammer to kill her, public prosecutor Shibnath Adhikari told reporters. Thursdays sentence comes weeks after West Bengals Mamata Banerjee cabinet on September 10 decided to set up five more fast-track courts for Pocso cases. On September 3, the state assembly also passed the Aparajita Woman and Child (West Bengal Criminal Laws Amendment) Bill, 2024, piloted by chief minister Mamata Banerjee following the nationwide outrage over the rape and murder of a 31-year-old post-graduate trainee doctor at a government hospital in Kolkata. During the discussion on the Bill, Banerjee said Bengal has 88 fast track courts and 62 Pocso courts. The Bill has been forwarded to the President by governor CV Ananda Bose. LUCKNOW The CBIs Anti-Corruption Bureau busted a bribery nexus in RDSOs finance & accounts division in Lucknow after receiving information that some officers and employees, in connivance with other senior officers of the department, were allegedly taking bribes for clearing pending bills of firms. The CBI registered three FIRs against officers/employees of RDSOs division and three firms of Lucknow and Noida for their alleged involvement in corrupt practices under different sections of Prevention of Corruption Act and IPC section 120-B for criminal conspiracy. (Pic for representation) The agency registered three FIRs against officers/employees of RDSOs division and three firms of Lucknow and Noida for their alleged involvement in corrupt practices under different sections of Prevention of Corruption Act and IPC section 120-B for criminal conspiracy. The CBI slapped IPC section as the alleged malpractice happened before July 1, 2024, when the Bhartiya Nyay Sanhita (BNS) was made effective. Officials confirmed that CBI teams carried out searches at offices and residential locations of suspected officials, employees and others in Lucknow and Noida on Wednesday. A senior CBI official said the first FIR was lodged against RDSO (Lucknow) employees, including senior accounts officer Arpit Asthana, accounts assistant Abdul Latif and his brother Abdul Karim Siddiqui, director of Noida-based firm M/S ADJ Engineering Private Limited Manish Kumar Pandey and his firm as well as other unknown persons. The FIR stated that Latif indulged in corrupt and illegal activities in connivance with Arpit Asthana and other unknown officers of the finance and accounts division of RDSO, demanding and accepting undue advantage from private parties who applied for approval of some tender or whose bills were pending for payments from RDSO Lucknow. As per the FIR, Abdul Latif accepted bribes in cash either directly or in the bank account of his brother Abdul Karim Siddiqui. His brother used to transfer the bribe amount to the account of Abdul Latif or sometimes hand over the same in cash. The second FIR was registered against two brothers Abdul Latif and Abdul Karim Siddiqui, proprietor of Industrial Corporation Works of Lucknow, Abhinav Sinha and his firm and other unknown government servants for demanding and accepting undue advantage from private parties. Another FIR was registered against the two brothers as well as a junior assistant accountant Nasir Hussain for having connivance with them as well as the owner of Noida-based firm M/s Puri Electronics Private Limited, Ashok Puri, his firm and his firms accountant Vishal Sharma and other unknown persons. When contacted, RDSO (Lucknow) executive director Naveen Sharma refused to comment on the issue. Senior Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) leader and Maharashtra minister Chhagan Bhujbal was admitted to a hospital in Mumbai following a sudden deterioration in his health. Nationalist Congress Party leader Chhagan Bhujbal. (HT Photo) He was flown to Mumbai from Pune on a special flight and later admitted to Bombay Hospital, according to the office of Chhagan Bhujbal. The 76-year-old politician handles the portfolio of food, civil supplies and consumer protection in the Maharashtra government led by chief minister Eknath Shinde of Shiv Sena. A statement from Bhujbal's office said he was in Pune to attend an event with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, which was cancelled due to heavy rains. He was admitted to Bombay Hospital this afternoon due to complaints of fever and throat infection and his condition is stable, the statement mentioned. Chhagan Bhujbal's health is stable and people should not believe in rumours, the statement added. Prime Minister Modi was scheduled to flag off the metro train from district court to Swargate in Pune and lay the foundation stone for various projects worth over 20,900 crore. However, heavy waterlogging and mud slurry at SP College campus, where PM Modi was to hold a public rally after the metro inauguration, led to the cancellation of his visit. His health is stable and people should not believe in rumours, the statement added. Bhujbal also hared a health update on X (formerly Twitter), saying that he was admitted to Bombay Hospital due to fever and throat discomfort, but his condition is now stable. I was in Pune today for some events. Since yesterday, I have been experiencing a slight fever and throat discomfort due to the current weather. However, as the discomfort worsened today, I came to Mumbai in the afternoon and got admitted to Bombay Hospital for treatment. My condition is now stable, and theres no need to worry, wrote Chhagan Bhujbal. Mumbai: A metropolitan magistrate court in Mazgaon on Thursday sentenced Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Sanjay Raut to 15 days of simple imprisonment and imposed a fine of 25,000 in a criminal defamation case. The case was filed by Medha Somaiya, wife of BJP leader Kirit Somaiya, over Raut's allegations of her involvement in a 100 crore "toilet fraud". Shiv Sena leader Sanjay Raut (Kunal Patil/HT Photo) Responding to the court order, Raut said, "I respect courts but can't believe that they passed such an order. How can we expect justice in a country where the PM goes to the Chief Justice of India's house for Ganesh festival and eats modak?" The allegedly defamatory statements were made by Raut in April 2022. While taking cognisance of the defamation complaint, the court observed that the words spoken by the MP had harmed the reputation of the complainant. Somaiya filed the criminal case after encountering an allegedly defamatory article in the Shiv Sena mouthpiece, Saamna. The article accused her of building unauthorised toilets by cutting mangroves without obtaining the necessary permissions from environmental authorities. It further claimed that she was involved in a 100 crore scam, allegedly perpetrated through their NGO, Yuva Pratishthan. In addition to the article, Somaiya alleged that Raut gave interviews to electronic media, repeating the allegations the following day, 16 April. She submitted video clips of Raut's interviews to the court in support of her claims. Somaiya stated that the allegations were widely broadcast by leading news channels and were made solely to tarnish the image of the complainant, who has worked as a professor of organic chemistry and has been associated with prestigious institutions such as the Tata Institute of Social Sciences. Reacting to the verdict, Medha Somaiya said, "I am happy that I have got justice and the allegations against me and my family members have proved false. I fought to get justice and did it like any other woman in the family would have done. I think the court has respected my position as a teacher and a social worker. I have nothing to say about the right of the accused to move in appeal against the ruling." As many as 46 people, including 37 children, died in separate incidents of drowning across Bihar on the festival of Jitiya or Jivitputrika over the last 24 hours, a government official said. Devotees gather on the banks of the Ganga in Patna on the occasion of Jitiya festival on Wednesday. (Santosh Kumar/ HT Photo) Chief minister Nitish Kumar condoled the deaths, which included seven women, and announced an ex-gratia amount of 4 lakh each for the next of kin of the deceased. The incidents of drowning were reported from East and West Champaran, Aurangabad, Kaimur, Buxar, Siwan, Rohtas, Saran, Patna, Vaishali, Muzaffarpur, Samastipur, Gopalganj and Arwal districts. So far, 43 bodies have been fished out. The kin of the victims will be given 4 lakh ex-gratia. Eight of them have already been disbursed, a disaster management department (DMD) official said. DMD has pressed several teams of the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) and State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) for search and rescue operations. The festival of Jitiya is observed by mothers for the well-being and prosperity of their children. The incidents took place when children, accompanied by their mothers, went to take a dip in various water bodies. Eight children drowned in Aurangabad district four at Itahat village under Baruna police station area and another four at Kushaha village of Madanpur police station. According to reports from Kaimur, seven minors drowned in Bhabhua and Mohania police station areas when they were taking bath in the Durgawati river and a pond, respectively. Four incidents of drowning were reported on Wednesday evening from Amnabad village under Bihta police station area of rural Patna and five persons, including two boys, drowned in Daudpur, Manjhi, Taraiya and Marhaura police station areas of Saran district. The incidents took place when the victims, along with their family members, went for a holy dip in the water bodies, Aurangabad District Magistrate Srikant Shastri said. Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to Pune has been cancelled due to heavy rains in the city, news agency ANI reported. Heavy water logging and mud slurry at SP College campus, where PM was to hold public rally after metro inauguration, has forced PM Modi to cancel his visit. The Pune metro stretch from District Court to Swargate spans 3.64 kilometres and includes three stations Budhwar Peth, Mandai, and Swargate. In February, a test run was conducted on the route that passes beneath the Mutha riverbed between District Court and Budhwar Peth. (HT FILE)(HT_PRINT) PM Modi was set to inaugurate the underground section of the city's Metro rail connecting Civil Court to Swargate. He was also planning to lay the foundation stone for the network's expansion from Swargate to Katraj, news agency PTI reported. The cost of the underground section between District Court to Swargate is around 1,810 crore, said an official statement. The inauguration of this underground section will mark the completion of Pune Metro Rail Project (Phase-1). Also read | Sule, Joshi criticise BJP over Pune Metro inauguration In addition to infrastructure push in Pune, Modi was to lay the foundation stone for the memorial for Krantijyoti Savitribai Phules first girl school at Bhidewada in memory of the noted social reformer. Traffic restrictions Traffic restrictions will be enforced in the city from 3 pm onwards and remain in force till the convoy passages are over. Entry for heavy vehicles have been banned on 13 roads, reported The Indian Express. -The road from Savarkar Statue Square to Sarasbaug Puram Chowk will be closed for traffic. Alternate routes have been arranged from Sinhagad Road and Mitramandal Chowk. -Vehicle passage will be stopped from Jedhe Chowk to Satara Road. Alternate road has been arranged via Vakhar Mahamandal and Market Yard Junction. -Traffic from Seven Loves Chowk to Jedhe Chowk will be closed. Alternate route will be via Vakhar Mahamandal and Satara Road. -Volga Chowk to Jedhe Chowk road will be closed to traffic. Vehicles will be diverted via Savarkar Chowk and Market Yard Junction. -The two-way traffic between Kamgar Putla and Shivaji statue will be closed. Alternate routes are through Shahir Amar Shaikh Chowk and Mangala Theatre. -Tofkhana Chowk to Shivajinagar Court road will beclosed. Traffic will be diverted via PMC and Khude Chowk. -Road from Na Si Phadke Chowk to Nath Pai Chowk will be closed. Alternate road is through Nilayam Bridge. -Baburao Ghule to Ambil Odha junction road closed. Traffic will be diverted via Shastri Road. Check allocated parking spaces Parking of vehicles has been banned on ten important roads. Pune District Collector Dr Suhas Diwase has issued an order under Section 65 of the Disaster Management Act 2005 to uphold peace and order during PM Modi's visit to the city on Thursday. According to the order, the following places have been marked as designated parking zones for vehicles - Neelayam Theatre, Vimaltai Garware School, Abasaheb Garware College, Kataria Secondary School, Patil Plaza, New English School Tilak Road, DP Road, Mhatre Bridge, New English School Ramanbaug, Harjivan Hospital, Savarkar Chowk, PMPML Ground, Puram Chowk, Neelayam Theatre, and Minerva Parking Mandai. SBI PO 2024 Live: The recruitment notification will be released on sbi.co.in SBI PO Notification 2024 LIVE: The State Bank of India will likely release the SBI PO Notification 2024 soon. Candidates waiting for the notice can check it on the SBI official website at sbi.co.in and also on sbi.co.in/web/careers/ after it is released. Like every year, this year too, SBI PO notification is expected to be out in September. However, the date and time of the release of the Probationary Officer recruitment notice have not been announced yet....Read More The official notification will include all the details, including important dates, eligibility, number of posts, selection process, application process, and other details. In 2023, the notice was released on September 6, and registration started on September 7. This recruitment drive had filled a total of 2000 posts. Similarly, in 2022, the notice was released on September 21 and the registration commenced on September 22, 2022. State Bank of India had filled 1673 Probationary Officer posts in the organisation. Follow the blog for latest updates on notification, direct link and more. India, with more than 1.4 billion, will be the most populous country in the world for the foreseeable future, according to the United Nations population forecast. This massive population presents a major challenge in delivering quality healthcare, with a critical shortage of doctors and health workers in the country, particularly in rural areas. According to a recent report by the Government shared with Parliament, India has achieved a doctor-patient ratio of 1:834, better than the prescribed norm of one doctor for every 1,000 people set by the World Health Organization. However, in most parts of the country, the need for medical professionals is still far outstripped by the supply, and the rural areas suffer the most. Despite an 82% rise in the number of medical colleges, from 387 in 2014 to 706 in 2023, and a 112% increase in MBBS seats, the gap between demand and supply of medical professionals in India remains stark.(Getty Images/iStockphoto/ Representational image) Despite an 82% rise in the number of medical colleges, from 387 in 2014 to 706 in 2023, and a 112% increase in MBBS seats, the gap remains stark. India has made commendable strides in expanding medical education, but the path forward, particularly in post-graduate (PG) medical education, presents unique challenges. The main problem is that many MBBS graduates do not get the opportunity to pursue further specialisation, leading to a significant shortfall of highly trained specialists. This trend has critical implications for healthcare delivery in India, where the need for specialised doctors is growing alarmingly. Additionally, medical colleges in India are unevenly distributed geographically, so most are established in southern states, which worsens students' lack of access to quality medical education outside that area. The curriculum focuses less on critical issues such as medical ethics, health economics, and behavioural sciences. Besides, research in medical colleges is often conducted as a formality with little focus on the importance of its value, impact, or any other outcome. In response, the Government of India, in collaboration with the relevant medical institutes, is initiating many forward-looking reforms aimed at improving PG medical education, expanding seats, and enhancing the quality of education to meet the demands of a growing population. Expansion of Medical Colleges and Addition of Seats The growing demand for highly qualified medical professionals has, in turn, led to an increased focus on the quality and quantity of medical education in the country. The Government of India has sanctioned 157 new medical colleges in the form of Centrally Sponsored Schemes (CSS) to upgrade district and referral hospitals, out of which 109 are already functional. The Government has also increased the MBBS and PG seats at all existing medical colleges, which is continuing to record an enormous increase in available slots for medical professionals. The Government's move to establish six new AIIMS in underrepresented regions is yet another positive step toward achieving tertiary-level health care and eliminating regional imbalances. Medical institutions' spatial and geographic distribution still lies at the heart of proportionate healthcare accessibility across the country. Moreover, Super Specialty Blocks under Pradhan Mantri Swasthya Suraksha Yojana (PMSSY) has sanctioned 75 projects and completed 66. In addition, 22 new AIIMS institutions have been sanctioned with courses in place at 19 locations. Simulation-Based Education and Virtual Learning Simulation-based education (SBE) is emerging as an integral part of medical education training. In this regard, institutions such as JSS AHER Skill and Simulation Centre and Sri Ramachandra Institute of Higher Education and Research (SRIHER) are using virtual reality to create an immersive, hands-on experience for students. The National Medical Commission (NMC) has mandated skills training using simulation in undergraduate education and recommended its use in PG programs. This revolution in medical training allows students to practice in a controlled, realistic environment, reducing the risk of patient harm. Additionally, the rise of virtual learning and gamification strategies is enhancing student engagement. Curricula now feature interactive technologies to intensify students' interest, including polling functions, virtual environments, and the flipped classroom model. These digital tools provide students access to global education standards, enhancing their problem-solving and decision-making capabilities. Building on the international reforms, the Indian Medical Council (now NMC) introduced a new curriculum of Competency-Based Medical Education in 2019. CBME was designed to teach medical content and equip the graduates with crucial skills in ethics, communication, and patient-centred care. Under undergraduate training, the introduction of the AETCOM module, attitudes, ethics, and communication is a huge leap towards humane and ethical medical professionals. CBME's focus on performance, rather than mere competence, represents a major paradigm shift. Tools like workplace-based assessments (WPBA) allow medical professionals to be assessed in real-time settings, allowing for more nuanced feedback. This system encourages continuous learning and growth, ensuring that trainees acquire and apply medical knowledge effectively in real-world scenarios. Aligning with Global Standards Recently, the NMC received recognition from the World Federation for Medical Education, making history of medical education in the country. For the first time, graduates of Indian medical education will be able to pursue PG training and practice thereafter in countries like the United States, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand. Most importantly, this accreditation will ensure that all 706 existing medical colleges in India and any new college established over the next decade will have international standards. Apart from this, some Indian hospitals and universities also collaborated with international institutions to provide PG medical education. Max Healthcare has collaborated with the Joint Royal College of Physicians Training Board of the UK to offer a three-year PG course in medicine. Similarly, Kasturba Medical College and Apollo University have collaborated with institutions abroad and provided opportunities to its students for clinical rotation and internship, which will improve student's exposure in the world arena. Addressing Faculty Shortage and Enhancing Teacher Training To address the acute shortage of qualified teaching faculties, the government has recognised the Diplomat of National Board (DNB) qualifications for faculty appointments, which has increased the availability of teaching faculty. The age limit of appointment to a teacher or dean in a medical college has been raised to 70 years so that experienced professionals may continue to contribute to the nation's medical education. In parallel, faculty development programs have been introduced, and simulation societies are actively working to educate teaching staff across healthcare disciplines. Technology, such as virtual learning platforms and interactive technologies, has been incorporated to enhance teaching methods. Future Perspectives and Recommendations The future of PG medical education in India lies in incorporating new strategies to address the growing healthcare needs of the population. One such strategy is achieving a balanced inter-specialty distribution of MBBS-to-PG medical education, with a 70:30 ratio between clinical and non-clinical seats. These should be well represented in the health care system to meet clinical and public health demands. We must encourage the use of technology more intelligently through artificial intelligence, virtual learning, and simulation-based studies to prepare future Indian healthcare providers. International collaborations must also be amplified so that Indian medical professionals get international exposure and learn the best practices worldwide. An emphasis on performance-based assessment rather than merely outcomes-based competence is needed for quality improvement in PG medical education. Tools like workplace-based assessments, clinical encounter cards, and DOPS can give rich feedback to the trainee concerning his real-world competency in practice. In conclusion, post-graduate medical education is on the right track with enhanced Government support, adoption of innovative educational tools, proper international alignment, and faculty development. These efforts will ensure the supply of skilled professionals to meet the country's healthcare demands and also place India at the forefront of global medical education. As these solutions take root, the future of healthcare in India looks increasingly promising, bridging the gap between current limitations and future potential. (Author HS Chhabra is National President, Association of National Board Accredited Institutions. Views expressed are personal.) The Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC), Govt. of India has teamed up with Amazon.in and Pi Jam Foundation to launch an Eco Creativity and Innovation Hackathon on Thursday, September 26, 2024. The Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC), Amazon.in and Pi Jam Foundation have joined hands to launch Eco Creativity and Innovation Hackathon' that seeks to empower students to become eco-problem solvers through technology and creativity. The objective of the Eco-Hackathon is to empower students to become eco-problem solvers through technology and creativity. As part of the program, school students from classes 6th to 12th from government schools have been invited to participate across 14 states, including Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, Jammu & Kashmir, Gujarat, Chhattisgarh, Haryana, Madhya Pradesh, Delhi, Andhra Pradesh, Odisha, Tamil Nadu, Telangana, Maharashtra and Karnataka, a press release informed. Also read: XAT 2025: 34 new test cities added, aim to improve accessibility for candidates nationwide Kriti Vardhan Singh, Minister of State in the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, and Ministry of External Affairs, highlighted that the Eco Creativity and Innovation Hackathon is an environment education program under Prime Minister Narendra Modi's LiFE campaign which seeks to ignite passion amongst young minds to solve environmental issues. We encourage and invite creative solutions to tackle pressing environmental problems, whether at home, in their neighbourhood, or on a global scale. This hackathon will improve their problem-solving capabilities by puzzle solving and thinking out of the box, Singh added. Akshay Kashyap, India Lead at Amazon Future Engineer Program, expressed delight at collaborating with the Ministry and Pi Jam Foundation to host the Eco-Hackathon, which he said is a step towards encouraging students from diverse regions across India to think creatively and develop solutions to some of the most pressing environmental issues of present time. Also read: Struggle is real: Grad student shares why it is difficult to get a job in Canada, says you got to keep trying your luck! Pranjali Pathak, Partnerships Lead at Pi Jam Foundation stated that hackathon engages students in gamified, sustainability-focused activities by combining environmental education with digital innovation. Powered by our Code Mitra platform and supported by Amazon Future Engineer, we have reached over 4 lakh participants and received nearly 2 lakh innovative ideas, Pathak added. Application process Students are allowed to submit only one application, although there is no restriction on the number of applications that can be submitted from a particular school. Students can submit their application under various themes including Save Energy, Say No to single use of plastic, save water, adopt sustainable food system, reduce waste, adopt a healthy lifestyle, and reduce e-waste. To apply, students need to register and sign up at codemitra.org/eco-life. Following this, students will need to watch the video prompted on their screens complete the activities as directed, and then submit a problem statement under the given themes on the environment and its solution. Participants will be provided with video content explaining the life themes and block-based coding projects to help them develop ideas. Initially, the participants will need to submit a detailed idea of the solution. The prototype development will be required in the later stages for shortlisted finalists. Also read: Kerala SET January 2025: Registration begins at lbsedp.lbscentre.in, direct link here Once shortlisted, the finalists will be provided with adequate materials, mentorship, and supervision for creating projects showcasing the implementation of their ideas. Notably, Amazon and Pi Jam will award top winners across three categories namely Class 6th to 8th, Class 9th to 12th, and UG & PG students at an event in Delhi. Two teenage tribal students died after getting electrocuted at a government-run hostel in Dhar district of Madhya Pradesh, an official said on Wednesday. The incident took place on Tuesday night at the Senior Students Hostel run by the state Scheduled Tribes Welfare Department at Ringnod, some 50 km from the district headquarters, said the official. (StockPic) The state government on Wednesday suspended the superintendent of the hostel and an assistant commissioner of the Tribal Welfare Department besides ordering a probe. The incident took place on Tuesday night at the Senior Students Hostel run by the state Scheduled Tribes Welfare Department at Ringnod, some 50 km from the district headquarters, said the official. "A live electricity wire fell near a water tank. When Vikas and Akash, both aged 17 years, went to fetch water from the tank, they came in contact with it," said Assistant Commissioner Brijkant Shukla. Also Read: Bridging the gap: Revolutionising post-graduate medical education in India They were immediately taken to hospital where doctors declared them dead, he told reporters. Later in the day, Shukla was suspended. Madhya Pradesh Tribal Affairs Minister Vijay Shah instructed officials to conduct a thorough probe and register a First Information Report against those found guilty, said a government release. He also asked officials to take preventive action at all hostels so that such an incident does not recur. On the minister's direction, Indore Divisional Commissioner Deepak Singh suspended assistant commissioner Brijkant Shukla with immediate effect, the release said. District collector Priyank Mishra suspended hostel superintendent Bansingh Kannauj. A show-cause notice was also issued to the Block Education Officer, Sardarpur. Chief Minister Mohan Yadav sanctioned financial assistance of 2 lakh each for the deceased students' kin, the release said. Also Read: Exploring the benefits of integrating AI into hospitality management courses A remarkable trend has emerged in India's education landscape in recent years: an increasing number of parents are investing in their children's global education. This phenomenon has far-reaching implications for education providers, policymakers, and industry stakeholders. A staggering 78% of Indian parents actively invest in their children's international education, reflecting a significant shift in educational priorities and aspirations. A staggering 78% of Indian parents actively invest in their children's international education, reflecting a significant shift in educational priorities and aspirations.(Shutterstock) Education as a Pathway to Economic Mobility To understand this trend, it's crucial to recognise the deep-rooted importance of education in Indian culture. For generations, education has been considered a critical element for upward economic mobility. In a country with a population of over 1.3 billion and intense competition for limited resources, education is often seen as the great equalizera means to break socio-economic barriers and achieve success. Indian parents have long prioritised education, often making significant sacrifices to ensure their children receive the best possible schooling. However, the focus on global education is a relatively new phenomenon, driven by several factors including the quality of education, career prospects, and cultural exposure that international study offers. The Global Education Investment The scale of investment in international education by Indian families is substantial. While exact figures can fluctuate, recent data suggests that Indians spend billions of dollars annually on overseas education. For instance, in the 2021-2022 academic year, Indian students in the United States alone contributed approximately $7.7 billion to the U.S. economy. Top destinations for Indian students studying abroad include: 1. United States 2. Canada 3. United Kingdom 4. Australia 5. Germany 6. Singapore Emerging destinations also include Ireland, South Korea, and Hong Kong. Regarding student population share, Indian students often form one of the largest international student groups in many countries. For example, in the United States, Indian students make up about 20% of all international students, second only to China. Degree Levels and Preferences The distribution of Indian students across different degree levels varies, but generally follows this pattern: - Bachelor's level: 15-20% - Master's level: 60-70% - Ph.D. level: 10-15% This distribution highlights a strong preference for postgraduate education, particularly at the master's level. Regarding degree preferences, STEM-based degrees (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) are overwhelmingly popular among Indian students, especially in the United States. Degrees such as Computer Science, Mathematics, Economics, and Data Science are particularly sought after. This preference is partly due to these fields' career opportunities and partly due to immigration policies. For instance, STEM degrees offer a significant advantage in the USA: they allow for 36 months of Optional Practical Training (OPT) on a student visa. This extended period provides students with valuable work experience and three opportunities to be selected in the H1B work visa lottery, greatly enhancing their chances of long-term employment in the U.S. Career Prospects and Quality of Life The allure of career prospects in countries like the USA, Canada, the UK, and Singapore, compared to India, is a significant driver for international education. On a Purchasing Power Parity (PPP) basis, these developed nations often offer a higher quality of life, with lower levels of pollution and, in many cases, a better work-life balance. Moreover, these countries typically provide more opportunities for career growth and development. The exposure to cutting-edge technologies, diverse work cultures, and global business practices equips students with skills and experiences that are highly valued in today's interconnected world. It's worth noting that even when students return to India after studying and working abroad, they are often perceived as more valuable in the Indian job market. The international exposure, advanced skills, and global networks they bring back are highly prized by Indian employers, especially in multinational corporations and rapidly growing start-ups. The Continuing Trend and Its Implications As India continues to experience rising standards of living and increasing incomes, the trend of students choosing to study abroad is likely to persist and even grow. This is particularly true given the limited number of high-quality educational institutions in India compared to the large population of aspiring students. The intense competition for seats in top Indian institutions like the Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs) and Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs) further drives this trend. Many students who might not secure a place in these elite Indian institutions find that studying abroad offers an alternative path to quality education and promising career prospects. However, this trend also presents challenges for India. The "brain drain" phenomenon, where highly skilled individuals leave to work in other countries, can result in a loss of productivity for the Indian market. While many students initially plan to return to India after gaining international experience, a significant number end up settling abroad for extended periods or permanently. Conclusion The growing trend of Indian parents investing in their children's global education is a complex phenomenon with multifaceted implications. It reflects the high value placed on education in Indian culture, the aspirations for better career prospects and quality of life, and the challenges within India's own education system. As this trend continues, it will be crucial for Indian policymakers and education providers to address the factors driving students abroad. This may involve increasing the capacity and quality of domestic institutions, fostering stronger industry-academia partnerships, and creating more attractive career opportunities within India. At the same time, countries receiving Indian students will need to adapt their policies and systems to cater to this growing demographic. This could include tailoring courses to meet the specific needs and aspirations of Indian students, providing better support systems, and potentially revisiting immigration policies to retain top talent. Ultimately, the global aspirations of Indian parents and students are reshaping not just India's education landscape, but also influencing global education and employment patterns. As India continues its economic rise and integration with the global economy, this trend is likely to play a significant role in shaping the country's future workforce and its position in the global knowledge economy. A theft took place at Mohan Babu's residence in Jalpally with a domestic worker stealing 10 lakh case, the police told PTI. The worker has now been arrested for allegedly straling money from the actor's residence, police said on Thursday. (Also Read: Lakshmi Manchu says men down south don't want sisters or daughters to act: My dad tried to) Mohan Babu's personal secretary was robbed of cash recently. What happened The domestic worker allegedly stole the cash from Mohan Babu's personal secretary who visited the house on Sunday, a police official told the agency. When the personal secretary noticed that the cash was missing, a case was registered at Pahadishareef police station. In course of the investigation, the domestic worker was nabbed in Tirupati and brought back to Hyderabad. The worker placed under arrest on Wednesday, an official said. The accused allegedly stole the cash from the personal secretary's bag, they added. While the police managed to recover 7.36 lakh cash from the accused, they found out that the worker had spent the remaining amount. Further investigation is on. The actor is yet to release a statement or address the issue at the time of writing. Upcoming work Mohan Babu's first major breakthrough as an actor came with the 1975 film Swargam Narakam, directed by Dasari Narayana Rao. After his movie, he began using the stage name Mohan Babu instead of his birth name, Bakthavatsalam Naidu. After playing the comedic villain in numerous films, he transitioned to playing the lead in films like Khaidi Kalidasu, Ketugadu, Gruha Pravesam, Assembly Rowdy and Allari Mogudu. The actor was last seen in the 2023 Samantha Ruth Prabhu-starrer Shaakunthalam as Durvasa Maharishi. He will soon be seen in Kannappa, sharing the screen with his son, Manchu Vishnu. His other children, Lakshmi Manchu and Manchu Manoj are also actors and are carrying on the family legacy. Alia Bhatt is busy promoting her upcoming film Jigra, which releases next month. In a recent chat with Devara: Part 1 star Jr NTR and filmmaker Karan Johar, Alia talked about the time she signed Jigra, right after giving birth to daughter Raha Kapoor. It was that maternal instinct that she found to be present in the film too, which revolves around her character trying to save her brother. (Also read: Alia Bhatt shares new pics with Heidi Klum from Paris Fashion Week; returns to India with Ranbir Kapoor, Raha Kapoor) Alia Bhatt talked about the connection she felt while signing Jigra. What Alia said During the chat, Alia opened up about the time she received the offer of doing Jigra, and said, When I signed Jigra I think I was in my tigress mode. I was in my most protective- like, No one come near her, mode. That was the energy. That is why I always say destiny, luck, life has so much to play in things going a certain way. Forget the fate of Jigra, the fact that it came to me also was wow what is this timing! That I am feeling this way and it came. It had all of those things laced over it. The focus is on her Alia shared how motherhood changed her as an actor and as a person, saying: I don't think I am the same person. Life has so much more meaning and I think like actors can get really self-obsessed if they are constantly thinking about themselves Now when there is another being in your life suddenly it is like Alia who? It is Raha, Raha, Raha! Alia comes in and out! The focus is on her and nurturing and my mind always being there is something that will never change now. Alia and Ranbir Kapoor welcomed their baby daughter Raha in November 2022. She is often spotted with the two of them during public appearances. Jigra is slated to release in cinemas on October 11. Directed by Vasan Bala, it stars Alia and Vedang Raina as the sister and brother. Also starring Manoj Pahwa, the escape thriller is co-produced by Alia and her sister Shaheen Bhatt's Eternal Sunshine Productions and Karan's Dharma Productions. Alia will also be star in Alpha, Love & War, and Jee Le Zaraa. Historian Makkhan Lal, sho has been appointed as subject expert by the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) for Kangana Ranauts political biopic Emergency, has defended the film in an interaction with India Today. The film, which retells the life and Prime Ministership of PM Indira Gandhi, has been stuck with the CBFC for months leading to a delay in its release as well. (Also read: Kangana Ranaut's Emergency can be released with cuts: Censor board to court) Kangana Ranaut stars as PM Indira Gandhi in Emergency Makkhan Lal clarified that he found the film factual and that it does not portray the late Prime Minister in a negative light. The film is entirely based on facts, and they havent altered the truth. I would say the filmmakers are very sympathetic to the issue depicted. While every political leader has flaws, the film does not show the negative aspects of Indira Gandhis character, he said. The controversy around Emergency As the film awaits certification from the CBFC, the censor board has filed an affidavit in the Bombay High Court saying that the film can be released but with cuts. The affidavit includes Makkhan Lals name as the subject expert. Members of the Sikh community had raised objections on the film, following which the CBFC had convened a review committee. Makkhan Lal, however, dismisses those concerns, particularly about the depiction of Jarnail Singh Bhindranwale. He said, Does Bhindranwale represent the entire Sikh community? If so, why do other figures from the community, such as former Congress Chief Minister Beant Singh or Parkash Singh Badal, differ from him? Why is criticising Bhindranwale seen as an insult to the Sikh community? Who shot Mrs Indira Gandhi? If they were Sikhs, that is a fact. How can this be denied? Emergencys release Emergency, directed by Kangana Ranaut, stars her as PM Indira Gandhi. The film also features Anupam Kher, Shreyas Talpade, Mahima Chaudhry, Milind Soman, Vishakh Nair, and the late Satish Kaushik. The film was slated to be released on September 6 but had to be postponed after it failed to receive the CBFC certification. A final call on the certification will be taken by the CBFC on Monday, which may pave the way for the films release. Actor Shah Rukh Khan was spotted at the Mumbai airport in the early hours of Thursday as he headed to Abu Dhabi for the IIFA event. Several videos and pictures of the actor arriving at the airport emerged on social media platforms. (Also Read | Gurdas Maan recalls Shah Rukh Khan's humility during Veer-Zaara shoot: 'Pyaar-satkaar karne waala fankaar') Shah Rukh Khan was spotted at the Mumbai airport. Shah Rukh Khan trips at airport In a clip, the actor was seen getting out of his car, escorted by his bodyguards and security personnel. Even though his team formed a ring around him, fans were seen running and screaming his name. A girl rushed towards him and started pushing, making Shah Rukh lose his balance briefly as he hopped to one side. However, he kept his cool and also waved before entering the airport. For the travel, he wore a black sweatshirt, matching pants, and shoes. He also wore a cap and dark sunglasses. Internet reacts Reacting to the video, a fan wrote, "The real star of the Indian film industry." A tweet read, "The way some fans are screaming, it sounds scary." "The girl pushed his team and tried to reach him, SRK, such a big actor. The security should be stronger." "SRK is SRK. How he kept his calm. But this isn't done. The girl nearly jumped on him." Shah Rukh and IIFA Shah Rukh is a part of the International Indian Film Academy Awards (IIFA), which will take place from September 27 to September 29. The three-day gala is set to kick-start with IIFA Utsavam, an event dedicated to southern film industries- Tamil, Telugu, Malayalam and Kannada. Megastar Chiranjeevi will be honoured at the event. On the second day, Shah Rukh, Vicky Kaushal, and Karan Johar will come on stage to host the IIFA Awards night. Rekha will return to the IIFA stage after a long time. Shahid Kapoor, Kriti Sanon, Ananya Panday, and Janhvi Kapoor will also perform at the event. Honey Singh, Shilpa Rao, and Shankar-Ehsaan-Loy will perform live for the audience. Shah Rukh's next film Fans will see Shah Rukh next in King, directed by Sujoy Ghosh. Reportedly, his daughter, Suhana Khan, will also be part of the film. He will also lend his voice to the Hindi version of Disney's highly anticipated release, Mufasa: The Lion King, slated for release in Indian theatres on December 20. Shah Rukh Khan left Mumbai on Thursday morning to attend the IIFA Awards in Abu Dhabi. After getting mobbed at the airport and almost falling down, the actor received a warm welcome once he reached his destination. Take a look at what was waiting for him. (Also Read: Shah Rukh Khan almost falls at Mumbai airport as fan pushes through crowd to meet him, internet calls it scary. Watch) Shah Rukh Khan's room in Abu Dhabi was filled with delectable treats to make his stay special. He's there to host IIFA Awards. A sneak peek of Shah Rukhs room The official Instagram page of IIFA shared numerous pictures, captioning it, Sneak peak into Shah Rukh Khans room! #ShahrukhKhan #Hilton @hiltonabudhabiyasisland. The pictures show customised treats waiting for him in his room in Abu Dhabi. The first picture is that of a chocolate platter and a customised cake with posters of some of his recent films. Another picture shows numerous notes left for the actor, welcoming him for his stay. One picture shows how Shah Rukh can pick from truffle-flavoured chips and lush chocolate. I would gladly share the snacks with him, joked one fan commenting under the post. Most others commented with heart emojis. Trips at the airport On Thursday morning, Shah Rukh left the city in the wee hours. He reached the airport and was escorted by his security personnel as he exited the air. Despite a ring forming around him, fans ran and screamed his name. A fan rushed towards him and pushed, making him lose his balance briefly and trip. Despite that, he kept cool and waved at fans while heading inside. The IIFA Awards will take place from September 27 to September 29. The three-day gala is set to kick-start with IIFA Utsavam, an event dedicated to southern film industries- Tamil, Telugu, Malayalam and Kannada. Telugu actor Chiranjeevi will be honoured at the event. On the second day, Shah Rukh, Vicky Kaushal, and Karan Johar will come on stage to host the IIFA Awards night. Upcoming work Shah Rukh will soon star in Sujoy Ghoshs King, which will reportedly also feature his daughter Suhana Khan. He also lent his voice for the Hindi version of Disneys Mufasa: The Lion King, which will be released in theatres in India on December 20. Hugh Hefner's ex-girlfriend Kendra Wilkinson shared her experience of partying with Sean Diddy Combs. The hip-hop artist, who is presently in detention awaiting trial on allegations of racketeering and sex trafficking, has reportedly hosted several wild parties involving various renowned figures and celebrities. Hugh Hefner's ex-girlfriend Kendra Wilkinson, the 39-year-old TV personality, gained notoriety as a party girl who attended upscale gatherings, such as Diddy's wild festivities. Speaking on The Kyle and Jackie O Show, Kendra revealed that she attended a few parties where the rapper, who has refuted all of the accusations made against him, was present. I remember just going to like one or two (parties that Diddy was at), but again, like I had a great time in my youth, said Kendra, a former girlfriend of late Playboy mogul Hefner, during the radio interview. The 39-year-old TV personality gained notoriety as a party girl who attended upscale gatherings, such as Diddy's wild festivities. Stating that she did not see anything bad at Diddy's parties, she noted, Sex is sex, in my opinion. Kendra, however, added, that So, I'm not saying that something bad didn't happen, adding that what she is trying to say is nothing bad ever happened to me. KIIS FM host Jackie 'O' Henderson further inquired Kendra about her encounters with Diddy, who used to throw exclusive sex parties in opulent hotel suites with unlimited supply of wine and drugs, industrial amounts of baby oil and lubricants, and prostitutes. The federal authorities stated that they found 1,000 bottles of baby oil and lubricant during raids at Diddy's houses in Miami and Los Angeles. Also Read: Justin Bieber trying to protect Billie Eilish from the dark music industry resurfaces amid Sean Diddy Combs fiasco Did Kendra Wilkinson see anything unusual at Diddy's parties? The host asked if she had never observed anything unusual that you wouldn't typically see at a major Hollywood party, Kendra stated, Look, you're going to the Playboy Mansion. You know, there's girls topless in the grotto. Don't we already know that? Diddy is charged with abusing, threatening, and coercing women for years to gratify his sexual urges, safeguard his reputation, and conceal his actions. He has entered a not guilty plea to the allegations. Upon his arrest, he offered his mother's and his $50 million Miami houses as collateral, but a judge denied him bail. He lost his appeal last Wednesday to overturn the ruling. Therefore, he will be in detention until his trial. Former Death Row Records CEO Suge Knight has accused industry titans of manipulating Sean "Diddy" Combs through drugs and alcohol. Knight, currently serving 28 years in prison for manslaughter, claims that powerful executives introduced Diddy to these substances as a means of control. While Knight also mentioned Usher and Justin Bieber, no specific allegations of abuse have been made against them. The controversial figures claims came during a recent interview with Chris Cuomo, conducted from prison. Megyn Kelly criticises celebrities like Justin Bieber and Usher for their silence on Sean Combs' arrest for serious charges. Urges them to speak out, highlighting their close ties with Combs Suge Knight names figures who controlled Diddy Knight told News Nation that artists under his label were only exposed to marijuana, but heavier drug use reportedly became common once they signed with other record companies. In a phone interview with Chris Cuomo from prison, Knight expressed his belief that Diddy may have been a victim of sexual abuse, as the bad boy record producer faces accusations of sex trafficking, racketeering and sexual assault in addition to conducting his notorious freak off parties with Hollywood A-listers. Knight accused executives like Clive Davis, Russell Simmons, and Andre Harrell of using these substances to "control" and compromise the manhood of stars, particularly targeting Diddy. Those guys they introduced cocaine to my artists, Knight told the host during a live call. So once they got on cocaine, once they got on drugs, once they got on alcohol, then thats when the weird stuff happened. I think thats what took Puffy [Combs] down that lane, he added. Also read: Justin Bieber trying to protect Billie Eilish from the dark music industry resurfaces amid Sean Diddy Combs fiasco Suge Knight names Clive Davis, Russell Simmons and Andre Harrell [Combs] was taught that. He got Usher as a kid alcohol, drugs, sex. Justin Bieber and see they do these things to take control the convicted felon added in his statement. You choose to be gay thats your preference, but theyre doing this to people for control, he continued alleging that Davis, Simmons and Harrell are among the top musicians behind this ring. It is important to note that none of the individuals named by Knight have been charged with the allegations he made. While these claims have not been substantiated, and Davis' spokesperson has vehemently denied them, Knights accusations have sparked discussion on the internet. This is a completely fabricated thread that is being trafficked by an incarcerated felon, the spokesperson told PageSix. Mr. Knights assertions about Clive Davis are 100 percent false as nothing of the sort ever happened, they added. Despite never being accused of sexual misconduct, Clive Davis, who launched faces like Whitney Houston, Aerosmith etc, has remained a staunch supporter of Sean "Diddy" Combs, even during a high-profile rape lawsuit filed by Combs' ex-girlfriend, Cassie Ventura. Russell Simmons, another influential figure in the music industry, has been embroiled in his own controversies, with multiple women accusing him of sexual assault, allegations he has vehemently denied. While Andre Harrell, Diddy's mentor, was never charged with any sex crimes, he passed away in 2020. Also read: Leonardo DiCaprio breaks silence over appearance at Sean 'Diddy' Combs' wild parties: They were not freak offs Justin Bieber and Usher urged to speak out Following Diddy's recent arrest, former associates like Justin Bieber and Usher are facing increasing pressure to speak out against the disgraced mogul. Fans believe these young artists may have personal experiences that could help with the case. Earlier this year, a video surfaced of Combs publicly criticising a teenage Bieber for not spending enough time with him. A source earlier informed the outlet that, While Bieber is reportedly aware of the situation, he is currently focused on his family and kid. Usher, on the other hand, mysteriously deleted his entire Twitter account, claiming it had been hacked. Korean actor Park Seo-joon has expressed his love for Bollywood films and revealed he would love to visit India if invited. Speaking with news agency PTI, Seo-joon also spoke the second season of his soon-to-be-released web series Gyeongseong Creature, directed by Chung Dong-yoon. (Also Read | Are Park Seo-joon and Lauren Tsai in a relationship? His agency breaks silence on dating rumours) Park Seo-joon spoke about Bollywood and India. Park Seo-joon talks about visiting India When asked whether he would come to India to meet fans, Seo-joon said, "If you invite me, anytime. I love Bollywood... Yeah, please invite me. If I get the chance, I'd love to fly over." Han So-hee and Chung Dong-yoon agreed with him saying, "same here". Seo-joon on Gyeongseong Creature 2 The actor was asked whether the two-part Gyeongseong Creature appealed to him because it doesn't follow the traditional K-drama arc, Park said even when the narrative is similar, the way the story is told makes a show unique. "As an actor, it's my job to provide different content, stories to the viewers. In that sense, Gyeongseong Creature makes (for) really good content, and I'll be waiting for your invitation to India. Not everything that happened between the past and the present are in the script, so I had to fill in the void with my own imagination," he added. About Gyeongseong Creature The first part of Gyeongseong Creature, which premiered on December 22, 2023, revolved around Jang Tae-sang (Seo-joon), the owner of the House of Golden Treasure (Geumokdang), the best pawnshop in Gyeongseong, and Yoon Chae-ok (So-hee), a specialist in finding missing people who is searching for her mother. Set during the Japanese occupation of Korea, the series saw the destinies of Tae-sang and Chae-ok intertwine. The second season is set in 2024 Seoul. It uncovers the never-ending ties the good and the bad that fate weaves in Gyeongseong via Ho-jae, a man deceptively similar in looks and demeanour to Tae-sang (Seo-joon), and Chae-ok (So-hee), a survivor of the Gyeongseong spring. Season two of the Netflix series will start streaming on Friday. Seo-joon is popular among K-drama fans for his shows, such as What's Wrong With Secretary Kim and She Was Pretty. So-hee is known for her work in K-dramas such as Nevertheless, The World of the Married and My Name, among others. Soudi Al Nadak, 26, has fanned up quite a frenzy on the internet with her latest reel. Originally from the UK, Soudi is wife to Dubai-based businessman Jamal Al Nadak. Having met in Dubai while studying, the duo soon took the plunge and have now been married for 3 years. Soudi appears to be quite happy in her life, regularly sharing updates of her whereabouts and experiences on social media. The latest revelation she made, was about Jamal buying a private island for her. Dubbing it to be "his best investment yet", the reason she cited is what appears to have caught the internet's fancy. What is it you ask? Well Soudi wanted to wear a bikini, albeit with complete privacy. Costing about $50 million, the private island whose exact location has for obvious reasons not been disclosed, is located in Asia. Both the loved up gesture as well as the reason behind it, has the internet running around in circles. Dubai businessman buys private island for wife for a peculiar reason: The internet dubs him 'husband of the year'(Photos: Instagram/soudiofarabia) Some just saw the gesture as simply an extravagant, yet wholesome result of the two being so in love with one another. Some comments echoing this read: "Things MEN do for love ", "*If he wanted to he would ", "Realllllll menn" and "Husband of the year". Some others wishfully expressed their desires to also land a man who would go to such lengths for them. Some of these comments read: "Why we don't get husband like him ", "I want a husband like him " and "Aisa ladka kaha milta hai". Humour of course, was not lost on the internet's conscience, with some hilarious comments reading: "Did he also stop helicopters from coming there ", "That's why one legend said-Habibi welcome to Dubai ", "Bhai ye dubai walo ne theka le rakha hai sab ko garib karne ka " and "Taj mahal wala award akbar se wapas leke ise dedo". Our favourite of the lot however, has to be this comment which reads, "But does he have a Coldplay ticket ?". What do you think about today's find from the internet true love, or overkill? The Telangana government on Wednesday will soon began the removal of 10,000-odd dwellings and commercial structures that came up all along the Musi river in Hyderabad and adjoining districts, officials said. In the first phase, 1,600 occupied houses in the Musi riverbed will be removed, with the residents relocated. (REUTERS) An official statement said a latest survey conducted by the revenue department along the Musi river revealed that there are 2,116 structures on the river bed and another 7,850 in the buffer zone. Municipal administration and urban development principal secretary Dana Kishore, who is also the managing director of Musi River Front Development Corporation, told reporters that the government has prepared an action plan to clear the constructions that came up along the river course. As per the directions of the chief minister, we are going to provide rehabilitation of the evacuees of the Musi river front in double bedroom houses. The government has allotted nearly 16,000 double bedroom houses in different parts of the city to provide accommodation for the people who will be evacuated from the dwellings along the river, Kishore said. In the first phase, as many as 1,600 occupied houses in the Musi riverbed will be removed, with the residents relocated. Those living in the buffer zone will receive compensation for their structures in accordance with the Right to Fair Compensation and Transparency in Land Acquisition, Rehabilitation, and Resettlement Act, 2013. As part of the exercise, officials from the Hyderabad Disaster Response and Asset protection Agency (HYDRAA) began moving bulldozers to the riverfront area on Wednesday to demolish the illegal structures. The exercise is likely to begin by Saturday. Simultaneously, four teams of officials belonging to revenue department from Hyderabad, Ranga Reddy and Medchal-Malkajgiri districts started surveying the constructions along the Musi river to conduct door-to-door survey of the people living in these illegal constructions and negotiate with them to vacate their houses and shops, which would be demolished. Kishore assured that the demolition exercise would begin only after relocating the people from the river front to the allotted double bedroom houses. We have sent proposals for the rehabilitation of people from the buffer zone to the government. Those who have clear title deeds would be paid suitable compensation as per the 2013 act, he said. On Tuesday evening, chief minister A Revanth Reddy held a high-level review meeting to discuss the modalities in carrying out demolition of structures along the Musi river and rehabilitating the people from there. He announced the allocation of 16,000 double-bedroom homes for such families. Reddy directed that not a single family should be left homeless and must either be allotted double-bedroom houses or provided with suitable alternatives, an official statement from the CMO said. The chief minister directed officials to collect detailed information on the eligible poor living in the Musi catchment area, including those residing around encroached lakes and canals in Hyderabad, who could be allotted double bedroom flats or assisted otherwise. Several temple authorities across Uttar Pradesh's Prayagraj have advised devotees to bring alternatives such as dry fruits and coconut instead of sweets, news agency PTI reported on Thursday. The move comes amid concerns over purity of offerings after adulterated ghee with animal fat was allegedly used to make laddus in Tirupati temple. Bade Hanuman temple near Sangam in Prayagraj. (HT)(HT_PRINT) Prominent temples which have enforced these restrictions are Alop Shankari Devi, Bade Hanuman temple, Mankameshwar temple and Lalita Devi temple among others. Shiv Murat Mishra, the chief priest of the famous Lalita Devi temple, said, In the meeting of our temple management held on Tuesday, it was decided that prasad of sweets will not be offered to the goddess in the temple, but devotees have been requested to offer coconut, fruits, dry fruits, cardamom, etc. He added that plans were underway to open shops inside temple premises where pure sweets will be made available to the devotees. Mahant Shridharanand Brahmachari Ji Maharaj of the Mankameshwar temple said they have written to the district magistrate to test the laddu-peda being sold outside the temple. Until the purity of the sweets is clear in the investigation, they will not be allowed to be offered in the temple. Anyway, we believe in fruits more than sweets, he told PTI. After the controversy in Tirupati, the Mankameshwar temple has also banned devotees from bringing their own prasad as offerings to the deity. It also plans to conduct quality checks and potentially establish its own testing facilities. Bade Hanuman temple also plans to make sacred offerings inside temple premises. After the construction of the corridor of the temple is completed, the temple management itself will prepare 'laddu-peda' prasad for the Shri Bade Hanuman temple, said Mahant Balbir Giri Ji Maharaj, the patron of the temple. SIT to probe Tirupati Laddu row The Andhra Pradesh government appointed senior IPS officer Sarvashresth Tripathi as the head of the Special Investigation Team (SIT) on Tuesday to probe the alleged adulteration of ghee used in making the famous Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanam (TTD) temple laddu prasadam. Also read | Tirumala laddu row: TTD lodges complaint against ghee supplier SIT will comprise two more senior IPS officers Visakhapatnam range deputy inspector general of police Gopinath Jetty and Kadapa district superintendent of police Harshavardhan Raju. BHUBANESWAR: The Odisha man accused of killing and dismembering a womans body in Bengaluru told his family about the crime before dying by suicide and allegedly claimed that Mahalakshmi and her brothers used to thrash him and extort money from him. The man accused of murdering her died by suicide in Odishas Bhadrak district on Wednesday, five days after the crime came to light. (FILE PHOTO) On Thursday, the mans younger brother, a B.Tech student in Berhampur town, told reporters that his brother confessed to the murder and that he chopped her body after an initial plan to pass her death as a suicide did not work. My brother was with me for the last 9-10 days. After staying for 3 days, he confessed to killing Mahalakshmi. He told me that Mahalakshmi used to blackmail him and extorted money from him, the B.Tech student told reporters, adding that his brother blamed Mahalakshmi for messing up his life. He kept on saying that the girl has destroyed our family, the brother said. He wanted to marry her and was taking her on a bike to Kerala. However, she accused him of kidnapping and got him thrashed by the public. The public beat him up badly and handed him over to the police. He was also beaten by the cops and left after he gave 1,000 bribe. The womans brother along with his friends had also threatened to kill my brother. So, out of rage, he held her neck and choked her. After realising that she died, he initially tried to hang her body to pass her death as a suicide. However, he could not hang her and hence chopped it into pieces and put it in the fridge before fleeing to Odisha, he said. To be sure, the Bengaluru police believe that Mahalakshmi (29) was stabbed to death on the suspicion that she was involved with another man. The two were colleagues at a Bengaluru mall and had been in a relationship since late 2023. She was married to Hemant Das but came to Bengaluru nine months ago to start afresh following marital discord. The man accused of murdering her died by suicide in Odishas Bhadrak district on Wednesday, five days after the crime came to light. In a note, the man wrote: I was fed up with her conduct. I fought with her over personal matters and Mahalakshmi assaulted me. Enraged by her act, I killed her. It also said that he strangled her on September 3 after an altercation and later chopped the body. Before he died, the man visited his mother on Tuesday. She said he was tense when he came home at 10pm on Tuesday. When I asked him why he was so tensed, he told me that he had done something wrong. He revealed that he had killed the girl in Bengaluru who worked with her. He did not visit us for last 2-3 years and would not pick up our call or even tell us what was going in his life. He told me Mahalakshmi `used to beat him regularly. Once she beat him up and demanded 1 lakh. Her brothers threatened to kill him. He told me that he had to kill her to save himself, his sobbing mother told reporters. If you need support or know someone who does, please reach out to your nearest mental health specialist. Helplines: Aasra: 022 2754 6669; Sneha India Foundation: +914424640050 and Sanjivini: 011-24311918, Roshni Foundation (Secundrabad) Contact Nos: 040-66202001, 040-66202000, ONE LIFE: Contact No: 78930 78930, SEVA: Contact No: 09441778290 The body of a five-year-old girl was found in the water tank of a locked apartment at a multi-storeyed building in Bhopal on Thursday. The girl had been missing for two days, and an extensive search had been conducted by dozens of police officials, reported PTI. Body of a missing girl found inside water tank (Getty Images/iStockphoto) After the body of the girl was found, angry locals blocked roads and gheraoed the Shahjahanabad police station demanding the death penalty for the killers and questioning why it took three days for the police to find the body. Police have picked up two persons in connection with the incident, reported PTI quoting sources. At least 100 policemen, as well as drones and divers (for search in nearby water bodies and drains) had been roped in to trace the girl, who went missing on Tuesday noon from the building where her family resided, police said. The body was found in a water tank which was placed directly above a locked flat. Locals questioned why police questioned hundreds of people inside the apartment building but didn't open the locked flat despite neighbours complaining of a strong odour from the apartment. The girl's family members along with locals staged a road blockade, claiming they had asked police to get the locked flat opened after filing the missing complaint but the police did not pay heed to their demand. The protesters cleared the road after some time but continued their sit-in agitation outside the police station, seeking the death penalty for the killers. The police searched over 1,000 flats in the area in connection with the case, which included the inspection of washing machines, before they opened the locked flat, reported NDTV. The body of the girl has been sent to the hospital for a medical examination, but the police suspect that the girl was sexually assaulted and murdered, reported NDTV. The police are also probing a black magic angle in the 5-year-old girl's death. (With inputs from PTI) The Supreme Court on Thursday dismissed a plea from the Gujarat government seeking to review its decision, which criticised the state while overturning the remission given to 11 men convicted of raping Bilkis Bano and killing seven of her family members during the 2002 riots. The Supreme Court on January 8 overturned the release of 11 convicts in the Bilkis Bano case and ordered that they return to prison.(PTI) A bench of Justices BV Nagarathna and Ujjal Bhuyan also denied the request to list the review petition in open court. Having carefully gone through the review petitions, the order under challenge and the papers annexed therewith, we are satisfied that there is no error apparent on the face of the record or any merit in the review petitions, warranting reconsideration of the order impugned. The review petitions are accordingly dismissed, the bench said. In its plea, the Gujarat government argued that the Supreme Court's January 8 judgment, which found the state guilty of usurpation of power and abuse of discretion for following an order from another bench, contained an error apparent on the face of the record based on three main grounds. Bilkis Bano was 21 years old and five months pregnant when she was raped while fleeing the horror of the communal riots that broke out after the Godhra train burning incident in February 2002. Her three-year-old daughter was among the seven family members killed. All 11 convicts were granted remission by the Gujarat government and released on August 15, 2022. In its more than 100-page judgment, the Supreme Court said the Gujarat government was not the appropriate government to pass the remission order. It clarified that the state in which an offender is tried and sentenced is competent to decide the remission plea of convicts. The convicts were tried in Maharashtra. The top court had also nullified its May 13, 2022 order of another bench asking the Gujarat government to consider a remission plea of one of the convicts as the order was obtained by "playing fraud on the court" and by suppressing material facts. With PTI inputs Calling the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) biased, the Karnataka government on Thursday decided to withdraw general consent given to the agency to probe cases in the state. Karnataka chief minister Siddaramaiah addresses a press conference, in Bengaluru, on Tuesday. (PTI) The law and parliamentary affairs minister of the state, HK Patil, informed the media about the decision after a meeting of the state cabinet, which was chaired by chief minister Siddaramaiah. "The notification granting general consent for CBI to probe criminal cases in Karnataka state, under the Delhi Special Police Establishment Act, 1946, has been withdrawn," the minister said. According to the law, the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) requires consent from the respective state governments to conduct investigations in their jurisdiction. "It has been done because it is clear that the CBI or the central government while using their instrumentalities are not using them judiciously. So, case-by-case, we will verify and give (consent for CBI probe); general consent has been withdrawn," the minister said, according to PTI. He further said that the decision was not taken to shield the CM in the MUDA case. "On CM there is a court order for the Lokayukta probe, so there is no such question," he added. He said the CBI was misused in several cases. He claimed the agency hadn't filed chargesheets in several of the cases in Karnataka. They (CBI) refused to file chargesheets, they refused to probe umpteen number of mining cases, he added. Meanwhile, CM Siddaramaiah today said he would not be resigning from his post amid the MUDA scam allegations. "I won't resign; why should I resign? There are allegations against HD Kumaraswamy, did he resign? Let Kumaraswamy resign. Has Modi taken resignation of Kumaraswamy," the CM said. Deputy CM DK Shivakumar also commented on the matter. "I think it is all a political drama which they are trying to do. There are a lot of cases against several central ministers and other leaders of the BJP. Have all of them resigned? There is no need for the CM to resign Being the party president, I am telling you there is no question of CM resigning," he said. With inputs from PTI, ANI Madhya Pradesh chief minister Mohan Yadav on Thursday attacked the Communist Party of India (Marxist), saying that communists don't believe in God or religion and their ideology is similar to that of anti-nationals. Madhya Pradesh CM Mohan Yadav (ANI) Yadav, who was addressing a rally in Haryana's Bhiwani, said, It is very unfortunate to see that our opponent in the constituency is a CPI (M) candidate. Communists don't believe in God or religion and the country doesn't matter to them. Their ideology is similar to that of anti-nationals. In our country, there is not a single state that has a Left government, Yadav said. After a gap of thirty-seven years since its lone victory in the Haryana Assembly, the CPI(M) is aiming for a comeback as Congress unexpectedly allocated a constituency to the party for the upcoming elections on October 5. Om Prakash, CPI(M)s district secretary for Bhiwani and a state committee member is contesting the Bhiwani assembly seat with Congress party's backing. This is seen as a win for the CPI(M) even as the state Congress has held firm against other INDIA allies like the Aam Aadmi Party and Samajwadi Party. The BJP has chosen Ghanshyam Saraf, the current MLA and a former minister, to run against Prakash, who used to lead bank employees. Prakash retired voluntarily as the chief manager of UCO Bank in 2014 and said after submitting his nomination papers that he wants to focus on the issues faced by farmers and workers and also address social matters. His non-political entity, Jan Sangharsh Samiti, is widely recognised in the community for championing the rights of traders and everyday citizens against any form of oppression, Indian Express reported. The elections of Haryana assembly polls are slated to be held on October 5 and results of the same will be out on October 8. Himachal Pradesh minister Vikramaditya Singh was reportedly reprimanded by the Congress high command in Delhi over a contentious decision requiring food outlets across the state to display the identity cards of the owners prominently. PWD minister Vikramaditya Singh (HT File Photo)(HT_PRINT) The move, which the minister had announced earlier this week, sparked a backlash on social media and from within the party ranks, raising concerns about the Congresss stance on such policies after it had previously criticised a similar move by the Uttar Pradesh government during the Kanwar Yatra. Singh, who holds the Public Works and Urban Development portfolios, was summoned to Delhi for consultations and asked to refrain from making controversial remarks on the matter, reported India Today quoting party insiders. Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge is reported to have expressed his displeasure with Singhs handling of the matter, which has now snowballed into a significant issue for the states ruling party. The policy mandates that shopkeepers and street vendors display their identity cards at their establishments, ostensibly to improve transparency and enhance security, according to Singh. The minister cited public concerns about the growing number of migrants in the state as a justification for the move. "We have decided to make it mandatory for street vendors to display their ID cards, issued by the local street vendors' committee," Singh told reporters. He added that the measure was designed to allay fears among locals regarding the increase in migrant workers in Himachal Pradesh, particularly in popular tourist areas such as Shimla. Also Read | UP revives eatery nameplate diktat after Kanwar Yatra row Discontent in Congress The cards would be issued along similar lines as those implemented by the Yogi Adityanath-led government in Uttar Pradesh, which had generated controversy for allegedly targeting minority communities. Many within the Congress are concerned that the policy echoes the measures enacted in Uttar Pradesh, which were met with fierce opposition from prominent Congress leaders, including Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, earlier this year, reported ANI. The Congress leadership had cheered the Supreme Court's decision to stay the UP governments directive in July, with leaders hailing it as a victory for secularism and justice. Now, facing a similar issue within a state where it holds power, Congress finds itself in a difficult position. Singh has been asked by the Congress leadership to provide clarification on the rationale behind the decision and to ensure that future statements and policies are framed in a manner that does not generate confusion or controversy, according to ANI. With inputs from agencies The Enforcement Directorate (ED) uncovered a 400 crore fraud linked to the online gaming app, Fiewin, which reportedly involved Chinese nationals. The app allegedly attracted users by offering them a chance to easily earn money through mini-games. Binance, the worlds largest cryptocurrency exchange, supported the investigation. (Shutterstock) According to an NDTV report, four Indians accused of aiding the Chinese nationals in this scheme were arrested by ED officials in Kolkata. Binance, the worlds largest cryptocurrency exchange, supported the investigation. Additionally, approximately 25 crore has been frozen as part of the probe. How was the fraud uncovered? The Fiewin app attracted users by offering an easy way to earn money through mini-games, as noted in a Binance statement cited by NDTV. "New users could quickly create an account and begin participating in the app's activities, with the option to 'top up' their in-app balance via various payment methods. However, reports have surfaced suggesting that once users' accounts accumulated substantial funds, the app stopped allowing them to withdraw the funds, leaving them unable to recover their money, the statement said. The ED's investigation uncovered that approximately 400 crore was misappropriated through this scheme. "This money was transferred into various cryptocurrency addresses, which were later traced back to the operation," Binance reported. As more individuals fell victim to the online gaming app, local police began receiving an increasing number of complaints. Due to the rising complaints, the case was handed over to the ED. The ED's inquiry revealed that Chinese nationals, working in collaboration with certain individuals in India, were behind this fraudulent operation. Who are recharge persons involved in the fraud? The investigation revealed that the funds collected from gaming were deposited into the accounts of individuals referred to as recharge persons. These individuals permitted their accounts to be used in exchange for a commission from the app owners. According to the ED, the total amount was subsequently converted to cryptocurrency and transferred to the crypto accounts of Chinese nationals. Through its investigation, the ED discovered that the app had been part of a cross-border criminal network that used various methods to obfuscate the origin and movement of illicit funds by utilizing bank accounts of 'mules' and cryptocurrency wallets, creating a complex web of transactions to hinder detection and tracing, Binance said. Who has all been arrested so far? - The ED investigation revealed that Arun Sahu and Alok Sahu, from Rourkela, Odisha, acted as "recharge persons," collecting money from online gamers and depositing it into their accounts. This money was then converted to cryptocurrency and transferred to online wallets belonging to Chinese nationals. - Chetan Prakash, an engineer from Patna, was arrested for his role in converting funds from the recharge persons' accounts into cryptocurrency. - Joseph Stalin, a software engineer from Chennai, was also arrested. He allegedly assisted Pie Pengyun, a Chinese national from Gansu province, in becoming a co-director of his company. - The ED found that Pengyun utilised Stalin's company, Studio 21, for bulk payouts related to the Fiewin app, which initially built trust with online gamers, encouraging them to place larger bets. - The investigation has led to multiple arrests of individuals facilitating the fraud, who communicated using privacy-focused messaging apps and operated from various locations. - So far, approximately 400 crore has been laundered through the Fiewin app, deposited as cryptocurrency into eight Binance wallets owned by Chinese nationals. These Chinese nationals communicated with the Indian accused via the Telegram platform. Union minister Amit Shah on Thursday extended an olive branch to the terrorists in Jammu and Kashmir while addressing a poll rally. Shah asked the terrorists to give up arms and approach the government for talks, or the armed forces would hunt them down. Union Home Minister and BJP leader Amit Shah speaks during a public meeting for J&K Assembly elections, at Chenani (PTI Photo)(PTI) The home minister, while addressing a rally ahead of the third and final phase of the Jammu and Kashmir assembly election, reiterated that there will be no dialogue or cross-border trade with Pakistan. Launching a scathing attack on the opposition parties, Amit Shah accused Congress and the National Conference of shielding terrorists in the union territory for the last three decades. Promising a terror-free Jammu and Kashmir, the home minister said that if the Congress-National Conference alliance won the assembly election, they would implement Pakistan's agenda in the UT. "For vote-bank politics, they (opposition parties) are asking for talks with terrorists. If they (terrorists) want to talk, let them come forward after giving up arms. In the northeast, 10,000 people have surrendered," Shah told the gathering at Jasrotia, extending an olive branch to the terrorists. Addressing back-to-back rallies in the Chenani and Udhampur Assembly segments in Udhampur district, Bani and Jasrotia in Kathua district and Marh in Jammu district, the home minister said, Give up arms and come for talks or our forces will hunt you down. While addressing a rally at Marh, he said that PDP, NC and Congress are advocating talks with Pakistan and the resumption of cross-border trade. "They want to do 'ILU ILU' (I love you) with Pakistan.... We will not talk to Pakistan and Prime Minister Narendra Modi has closed the trade that will not be resumed," Shah asserted. While addressing a rally at Bani, the union minister said that the NDA government won't even allow the shadow of terrorism over the hills of the Jammu region. "Let Pakistan do whatever it wants, we will not allow the shadow of terrorism in the hills of the Jammu region. We have strengthened the VDGs and youngsters in villages and given them INSAS rifles to fight terrorism," Shah said. Slamming the opposition alliance, he said, If the NC-Congress alliance wins, there will be fireworks in Pakistan. Do you want Pakistan to celebrate? (With inputs from PTI) Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Thursday claimed God taught a lesson to Prime Minister Narendra Modi by defeating the BJP in Ayodhya in the recent Lok Sabha elections. Congress leader Rahul Gandhi addresses a public meeting for the Haryana Assembly elections, at Assandh, in Karnal district.(PTI) "Have you seen PM Modi's face these days? Earlier, he used to claim that he has a 56-inch chest, and now he says that he has a direct connection with God. He panicked. He tells the countrymen that they are biological but he is non-biological and he will directly speak to God. But God taught him a lesson in (Lok Sabha) polls, and Awadhesh Singh (Samajwadi Party candidate) defeated BJP's candidate in Ayodhya, Uttar Pradesh," he said in an election rally in Haryana. During his campaign rally in the poll-bound state, he claimed PM Modi and the BJP-led Haryana government have destroyed the employment system in the state. "What does Modi do? He gave away the farmland you have to Adani. The loans of Haryana farmers will not be waived off but he waived off the loans of capitalists," Rahul Gandhi said. He claimed in the US, people from Haryana live in difficult conditions. "A few days ago I went to America. I met young men from Haryana in my program in Texas. I saw the video from there. Do you want to understand Haryana today? In that video, I was told that 15-20 thousand people from Haryana are going to America. Then I met your brothers. 15-20 people sleep in one room," said the Congress leader. Also read: Rahul says would fight in Parliament, take to streets to restore J&K statehood Rahul Gandhi said the Congress will give women gas worth 500 every month. "For Mahila Shakti (women empowerment), we will be giving 500 gas every month, we will give two lakh jobs to the youth. We will give MSP guarantees to the farmer and insurance money as soon as the crop is destroyed, he added. The BJP won 240 Lok Sabha seats. The party later formed a coalition government with support from JDU and TDP. The biggest surprise in the elections was the BJP's loss in Ayodhya, where the party inaugurated the Ram Temple in January. With inputs from PTI, ANI The Supreme Court on Wednesday branded a remark made by the Patna high court in a 1985 murder case as highly objectionable, saying such a comment was not commensurate with the sensitivity and neutrality expected from a court. A view of Supreme Court of India (HT Photo/Sanjeev Verma) The court made the remark while hearing appeals filed against a high court verdict in which a woman was abducted and murdered over a house she had inherited. The high court had upheld the conviction of five persons in the case and had set aside the acquittal of two other co-accused. It had convicted the two persons, who were earlier acquitted of all charges by a trial court and sentenced them to life term, PTI reported. A bench of Justices Bela M Trivedi and Satish Chandra Sharma noted the high court had examined the question of whether the victim was residing in the house from where she was alleged to have been abducted. The apex court also noted that relying on the testimonies of the maternal uncle and brother-in-law of the deceased as well as the investigating officer (IO), the high court had concluded that the victim was residing in the said house. The bench noted the IO had inspected the house and no direct material, except some make-up articles, could be gathered to indicate that the victim was residing there. It said admittedly, another woman, who was a widow, was also residing in the same portion of the house. The Supreme Court said that the high court observed that since the woman was a window, the make-up articles could not have belonged to her. "...there was no need for her to put on make-up, being a widow," it said. The court said the remark was legally untenable and highly objectionable. "In our opinion, the observation of the high court is not only legally untenable but also highly objectionable. A sweeping observation of this nature is not commensurate with the sensitivity and neutrality expected from a court of law, specifically when the same is not made out from any evidence on record," the bench said in its verdict. It also said that the presence of make-up items can't prove that the victim was the house's resident. "The make-up articles were linked with the deceased based on a completely unacceptable reasoning and without any corroborative material," the bench noted. No other personal belongings of the deceased were found in the house. The bench noted that the victim had died in August 1985 in Munger district and a report was lodged by her brother-in-law that she was abducted by seven persons from their house. The bench noted that an FIR was lodged and later, a charge sheet was filed against seven accused, reported PTI. The trial court had convicted five accused for commission of offences, including that of murder while the other two were acquitted of all charges, it added. In its verdict, the apex court said there was no direct evidence on record to prove the commission of murder by the accused persons. With inputs from PTI Taking a cue from Uttar Pradesh, the Himachal Pradesh government on Wednesday issued an order requiring shopkeepers and street vendors, particularly eateries, to display the owner's identification. State public works minister and Congress leader Vikramaditya Singh announced that this order was issued during a joint meeting with the Public Works, Urban Development, and Municipal Corporation. Himachal Pradesh minister Vikramaditya Singh (HT Photo)(HT Photo) We met with the UD (Urban Development) and the Municipal Corporation. To make sure that hygienic food is sold, a decision has been taken for all the street vendors... especially those selling edible items, Vikramaditya Singh was quoted as saying by news agency ANI. We have decided to make it mandatory for the street vendors to display their ID cards given by the street vendor's committee, he added. This follows a directive from the Uttar Pradesh government on Tuesday, which mandated that the name and address of operators, proprietors, and managers be displayed at all food establishments. Chief minister Yogi Adityanath also instructed that chefs and waiters must wear masks and glovesand that CCTV cameras in hotels and restaurants be installed. Decision made amid rising number of migrants Vikramaditya Singh told reporters that the decision was made in response to apprehensions voiced by several locals regarding the increasing number of migrants in the state. People expressed their concerns and doubts, and considering this, we have decided to implement a similar policy to that in UP, in which it has been made mandatory that vendors have to display their names and IDs... Every shopkeeper and street vendor has to display their identification, he said. The ID cards will be issued based on the model adopted by the Uttar Pradesh government, which first introduced the idea and sparked considerable controversy. Street vendors, especially those selling food items, will also be checked for hygiene and quality by the food supplies department, the minister said. On Friday, in pursuance of a decision taken by the house on September 10, Himachal Pradesh Assembly Speaker Kuldeep Singh Pathania constituted a seven-member committee headed by Industries Minister Harshwardhan Chauhan to formulate a policy for 'Street Vendors.' A statement said Vikramaditya Singh, Rural Development and Panchayati Raj Minister Anirudh Singh, Congress MLA Harish Janartha, and BJP MLAs Anil Sharma, Satpal Singh Satti, and Randhir Sharma are the other members of the committee. Recent protests by Hindu outfits The decision to register outside workers using their real identities followed significant protests a few weeks ago regarding the demolition of alleged unauthorised sections of a mosque in Sanjauli. Hindu organisations carried out demonstrations across the state, calling for the registration of workers from outside who come to work in Himachal Pradesh. The protesters also insisted that street vendor licenses be granted exclusively to locals. They expressed concerns over a rise in the number of street vendors from the Muslim community. As Israel prepares for a ground invasion in Lebanon amid rising tensions in the region, India on Thursday evacuated an injured Indian soldier from Tel Aviv and brought him to the Army Hospital (Research and Referral) in New Delhi for further treatment, officials aware of the matter said. To be sure, the case is not related to the ongoing war between Israel and Hezbollah in Lebanon. (ADG PI - INDIAN ARMY) To be sure, the case is not related to the ongoing war between Israel and Hezbollah in Lebanon. The 33-year-old-soldier, Havildar Suresh R, had suffered a serious head injury in an accident while serving with the United Nations Disengagement Observer Force (UNDOF) in Golan Heights. The mandate of UNDOF includes maintaining the ceasefire between Israel and Syria and supervising the disengagement of Israeli and Syrian forces. He was transferred to India in a C-130J air ambulance. In a remarkable display of synergy, the Indian Armed Forces, supported by the #MoD successfully conducted a critical medical evacuation of Havildar Suresh R. On 20 Sept 2024, the individual suffered grievous injuries in the line of duty and was transferred to a #UN hospital in #Israel, the Indian Army wrote on X. Also Read: Watch: Army rescues over 800 stranded tourists in Sikkim However, as his situation required further treatment, it was decided to evacuate him to India, the army said. A team of Army Medical Corps #AMC in close collaboration with #IAF, #IDS & #DMA, in a highly coordinated mission, not only ensured that the injured soldier was evacuated amidst an extremely uncertain situation, but also provided state of the art critical care support en route to the patient, it added. The critical air evacuation medical team was led by Lieutenant Colonel Anuj Singh. The air ambulance took off from Tel Aviv on Thursday and reached Jamnagar from where the patient was further airlifted to Palam before being admitted to the RR hospital, HT has learnt. This mission exemplifying the highest values of the armed forces, highlights the unwavering commitment to saving lives, even in the most challenging circumstances, the army added. India has again urged its citizens to leave Lebanon in view of reports that said Israel is preparing its troops for a possible invasion of the country. Smoke billows over southern Lebanon amid the ongoing cross-border hostilities between Hezbollah and Israeli forces. (Reuters Photo) In an updated advisory issued on Wednesday, the Indian embassy in Beirut also strongly advised Indian nationals not to travel to Lebanon in view of the recent developments and escalations in the region. All Indian nationals already in Lebanon are also strongly advised to leave Lebanon. Those who remain for any reason are advised to exercise extreme caution, restrict their movements and remain in contact with the Embassy of India in Beirut through our email ID: cons.beirut@mea.gov.in or the emergency phone number +96176860128, the advisory added. Also Read | Israel prepares for ground invasion of Lebanon; Joe Biden warns of all out war as US, France raise concerns: 10 points The updated advisory was issued as Israel continued its attacks across Lebanon that have already killed more than 620 people and injured thousands more. Israels military chief Herzi Halevi has told troops that the air strikes on Lebanon will continue to destroy Hezbollahs infrastructure and to prepare for a possible ground offensive. According to the website of the Indian embassy in Beirut, there are nearly 4,000 Indian nationals in Lebanon, and a majority of them are employed as workers in companies, the construction sector and agricultural farms. Also Read | Lebanon: How Israel sent warning texts before bombing Hezbollah locations Indian Army personnel have also been deployed with the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) since November 1998. On August 1, the Indian embassy had issued an advisory asking citizens to leave Lebanon because of potential threats in the region following an escalation of tensions due to the killing of leaders of Hamas and Hezbollah. BJP national spokesperson Jaiveer Shergill condemned his party MP Kangana Ranaut for her recent statement on three farm laws and thanked the BJP for distancing itself from her consistent rant and illogical statements", news agency ANI reported. This is the second time in two months that Kangana Ranauts rash remarks on the 2020-21 farmer agitation has forced her party to reprimand her, and ultimately made her retract the comment. (PTI)(HT_PRINT) I am grateful to the BJP for distancing themselves from the comments of Kangana Ranaut, said Jaiveer Shergill, adding that Kangana Ranaut statements should not create any doubt on Prime Minister Narendra Modi's bond with the people of Punjab. As a Punjabi, I must say that Kangana Ranaut's consistent rant, useless, baseless and illogical statements against the Sikh community, the farmers of Punjab are damaging all the good work, the welfare-oriented, the Vikas-oriented work being done, that has been done by PM Modi for the welfare of Punjab, Punjabi and Punjabiyat, Shergill told ANI. The BJP on Wednesday distanced itself from the Mandi MP's remarks clarifying that Kangana's statement on the need to bring back the now-repealed controversial three farm is her personal opinion and does not reflect the views of the party. Also read | 5 controversial statements by Kangana Ranaut On the social media platforms, BJP MP Kangana Ranaut's statement on the farm bills that was withdrawn by central government is going viral. I want to make it clear that this statement is a personal statement of her. Kangana Ranaut is not authorised to make such a statement on behalf of BJP and it doesn't depict BJP's view on the farm bills. We disapprove of this statement, BJP spokesperson Gaurav Bhatia said. Widespread condemnation from within the BJP and the opposition forced the actress to issue a clarification. Absolutely, my views on Farmers Laws are personal and they dont represent partys stand on those Bills. Thanks, Kangana Ranaut wrote on social media platform X. Ranaut's statements on the farmers protest or three farm laws is not a recent one. In August, she stirred yet another controversy by suggesting that the farmers' protests could have led to a Bangladesh-like situation if strong measures had not been taken by the government. Former Haryana deputy chief minister Dushyant Chautalas Jannayak Janta Party (JJP) was trounced in the Lok Sabha elections. It got less than 1% vote share months after its alliance with the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) ended in March. As the JJP is contesting the assembly election in alliance with Azad Samaj Party (ASP), Chautala spoke to HT about his partys prospects, the Lok Sabha poll debacle, etc. Edited excerpts: Former Haryana deputy chief minister Dushyant Chautala. (X) What are your prospects given you were also in power for over four years? We are at the same position from where we started in 2019. But we are improving fast. ...there is a factor of anti-incumbency primarily because of the farmers agitation. But people also understand that JJP did a lot for farmers...hassle-free payment for crop procurement in two days, buying 14 crops on minimum support price, increasing the crop damage compensation amount to 15,000 per acre, and depositing it in farmers accounts within 30 days of crop loss. We have delivered successfully. Would the JJP have been a front-runner in the assembly elections had you resigned during the farmers agitation against the three farm laws? Who knows what would have happened? Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) leader...Harsimrat Kaur Badal resigned from the Union cabinet in protest against the three laws. Where do they stand today? Indian National Lok Dal leader Abhay Singh Chautala resigned from his assembly seat. Did he win the Kurukshetra Lok Sabha seat? No. It seems the public sentiment somewhere was that if I had resigned in 2020, the BJP government would have fallen which did not happen in March. I was out of the government in March and Nayab Singh Saini continued as the chief minister. The BJP broke ties with the JJP after four and half years. What went wrong? We could not come to an understanding regarding seat sharing for Lok Sabha elections. That is why we parted ways and decided to contest on our own. Did this hurt JJP in the Lok Sabha elections? National issues and a fight between the BJP-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA) and the Opposition Indian National Developmental Inclusive Alliance (INDIA) influenced the 2024 Lok Sabha elections. In the fight between NDA and INDIA, regional parties that did not partner with either of the two alliances failed to gain any momentum... Was this the reason that the JJP performed poorly getting a mere 0.87% vote share in the Lok Sabha elections? The numbers went down. Look at the Lok Sabha election results for SAD in Punjab. They have never performed so badly. Their vote share decreased to 13%. However, the voting pattern will be entirely different in assembly elections in Haryana. It would not be on the lines of the Lok Sabha polls. Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), a constituent of the INDIA in Lok Sabha polls, is contesting against the Congress in the assembly polls. The vote share that the AAP got in Kurukshetra was an outcome of INDIA bloc where they had the Congress support. What are the issues on which the JJP is contesting the assembly polls? The law and order situation in Haryana is a big issue. The state is in a complete mess as no one is scared of the police now. This deterioration in the law-and-order situation has happened in the last five months. There have been a large number of extortion cases, firing incidents, murders, rapes. And no action has been taken. Saini does not have any control over the home department. How would you respond to Congress leader Bhupinder Singh Hoodas claim that JJP is BJPs B-team? It is an absurd argument. Every party and its cadre work for themselves. No party would work for another political party. Did we fight for the Congress in 2019? No. We have allied with the ASP and will do well. Our target is to make maximum gains. What do you mean when you say the JJP holds the key [partys poll symbol] to the assembly elections? The JJP and ASP will jointly open the lock [to power]. In 2019, we helped the BJP open the lock. But this time we will form the government. Will you consider a post-poll alliance with the BJP again? I think it is too early to say this. First, we should have the numbers. If the numbers are positive, we will form the government. Let us see who all supports us. A Bengaluru court on Wednesday directed the Lokayukta to investigate Karnataka chief minister Siddaramaiah in connection with land allotment involving the Mysuru Urban Development Authority (Muda), compounding the trouble for the senior leader a day after the high court approved the governors nod to probe him. A Bengaluru court on Wednesday directed the Lokayukta to investigate Karnataka chief minister Siddaramaiah in connection with land allotment involving the Mysuru Urban Development Authority (Muda). (PTI) Special court judge Santhosh Gajanan Bhat issued directions to take up investigation under section 156 (3) of the Code of Criminal Procedure that gives a magistrate the power to order an investigation into a cognisable offence, and directed the police to file the investigation report by December 24. Acting under Section 156(3) of Code of Criminal Procedure, the jurisdictional police i.e., Superintendent of Police, Karnataka Lokayukta, Mysuru is hereby directed to register the case, investigate and to file a report as contemplated under Section 173 of CrPC, within a period 3 months from today, the court said in its order. This is the second setback in two days for Siddaramaiah, who is serving his second term as chief minister of Karnataka after winning a sweeping mandate in 2023. On Tuesday, the Karnataka high court rejected his petition challenging governor Thaawarchand Gehlots decision to permit his prosecution in connection with the Muda case. The case involves allegations of irregularities in a 2020 land allotment to Siddaramaiahs wife, Parvathi. The chief minister put up a brave face. It has come to my attention through the media that the special court for elected representatives has ordered an investigation by the Mysuru Lokayukta. I will provide a detailed response after reviewing the full copy of the order. I am ready to face the investigation and continue the legal fight, he posted on X. As I said yesterday, I repeat today: there is no question of fearing an investigation; I am determined to face everything. After discussing with legal experts, I will decide the next course of action, he added. The activists hailed the court order. FIR will have to be registered as per the order. Mysuru Lokayukta jurisdiction will register an FIR and do the investigation, advocate Vasant Kumar, representing petitioner activist Snehamayi Krishna, told reporters. The chief minister must resign so the Lokayukta can investigate transparently, he added. The special courts order compounds the problems for Siddaramaiah, who swept to power in 2023 on a promise of clean governance and after painting the previous Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) regime as corrupt. Karnataka is one of only three states governed by the Congress, which has attempted to put up a united face and blamed the charges on political vendetta. Hours after the order, members of BJPs youth wing marched towards the CM residence and demanded his resignation. I welcome the order of the special court. I demand the CM to hand over the investigation to the CBI and tender his resignation immediately. Tomorrow [Thursday], BJP and JD(S) will hold a protest at the Vidhana Soudha premises [seeking his resignation], state BJP chief BY Vijayendra said. Even Prime Minister Narendra Modi touched on the controversy. It has only been two years, and just look at the Congress government in Karnataka. The chief minister is facing accusations of a land scam. When he appeared in the high court, he was dismissed. The court stated that a proper investigation is necessary in this matter, he said in a rally in Haryana. The petition against the chief minister was filed by activists TJ Abraham, Snehamai Krishna and Pradeep Kumar SP, who alleged that Parvathi received 14 developed plots in a prime location in Mysuru as compensation for a three-acre plot of land, which they claim was excessive under MUDAs 50:50 scheme. On August 16, the governor granted sanction under Section 17A of the Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988, and Section 218 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), 2023, enabling the prosecution of Siddaramaiah in connection with the alleged offences mentioned in the petition. On August 19, Siddaramaiah approached the high court, challenging the governors sanction. But on Tuesday, the high court sided with Gehlot. Justice M Nagaprasanna, who delivered the verdict, upheld the governors decision, explaining that under certain exceptional conditions, the governor can act independently, as per the provisions of the Constitution. The governor under normal circumstances has to act on the aid and advice of the council of ministers as under Article 163 of the Constitution but can take independent decisions if exceptional circumstances arise. The present case projects one such exception, the court observed. The approval under 17A is mandatory in the fact situation. It nowhere requires a police officer to seek approval in a private complainant under 200 or 223 of BNSS. It is the duty of the complainants to seek such approval, the court clarified, rejecting the governments argument that sanction for prosecution should only be requested by a police officer, not a private party. The case pertains to a land deal when a 3.16 acre land plot was gifted to Parvathi by her brother, Mallikarjuna Swamy in 2010. Muda allegedly illegally developed the land between 2011-13, following which Parvathi , in 2014, sought compensation. In 2017, Muda agreed to compensate her and in 2022, she was given 14 plots. The complainants argued these 14 plots in the heart of Karnatakas second-largest city were far more valuable than the original land, under MUDAs 50:50 scheme. After the controversy came to light, Siddaramiah offered to return the 14 plots if his wife was given 62 crore as compensation. The Muda 50:50 scheme, announced in 2016, entailed offering 50% of the developed sites as compensation to the original land owners. The controversial scheme was scrapped in 2023. Monsoon remains active over central and western parts of the country due to cyclonic circulation that has caused heavy rainfall in the region. Since June 1, there is 5% excess rainfall with 4% excess over northwest India. (PTI file photo) According to India Meteorological Department (IMD) forecasts, monsoon had withdrawn from parts of Rajasthan, Gujarat, some parts of Punjab and Haryana on Tuesday but now the withdrawal is expected to slow down. Monsoon is very active now because of a cyclonic circulation. Its a very largescale system stretching from east to west over central India. There is already very heavy to extremely heavy rainfall over west India. Heavy rain may continue till September 28 at least. There will be no progress in withdrawal of monsoon until this system weakens. Also, we have to see if more monsoonal systems are developing, said M Mohapatra, director general, IMD. In the next 2-3 days, there will be enhanced rainfall activity with isolated heavy rain is likely over Western Himalayan region, central, east and northeast India, IMD has warned. Also Read: Monsoon withdraws from parts of Rajasthan, Kutch There will also be isolated extremely heavy rainfall likely over Konkan, Goa, Madhya Maharashtra, Gujarat, Sub-Himalayan West Bengal and Sikkim till Friday. Monsoon normally starts withdrawing on September 17 and withdraws completely from the country on October 15. There is a cyclonic circulation over north Madhya Maharashtra and neighbourhood extending upto middle tropospheric level. A trough is running from the cyclonic circulation over north Madhya Maharashtra to north Bangladesh extending upto middle tropospheric level. Since June 1, there is 5% excess rainfall with 4% excess over northwest India; 16% excess over central India; 16% excess over south peninsula; 17% deficiency over east and northeast India. Maharashtra weather updates: The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a red alert warning for Mumbai, Maharashtra, till 8:30am, September 26, forcing the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation to declare a holiday for schools and colleges in Mumbai and its suburbs. Water logging in Chuna Bhatti area due to Heavy rain. Heavy rain continued to several parts of Mumbai city and suburbs, as the India Meteorological Department (IMD) issued an orange alert for heavy rainfall in Mumbai and Thane. Mumbai on Wednesday.(Raju Shinde/HT Photo) School education minister Deepak Kesarkar, the guardian minister for Mumbai city, declared a holiday as heavy rain pounded Mumbai. The IMD has also issued a red alert for heavy rainfall in the Palghar and Nashik districts of Maharashtra and an orange alert for Mumbai on Thursday in its overall forecast for the next five days. Torrential rain hit Mumbai and other parts of Maharashtra on Wednesday, causing widespread disruptions, including delays in local train and flight services, and severe waterlogging, which led to traffic congestion across several areas. In response to the IMD's heavy rain forecast, officials in Mumbai, Pune, Thane, and Palghar have announced the closure of schools and colleges on Thursday. IMD's rain prediction for September 26 The weather agency has issued an orange alert for heavy to very heavy rainfall, along with thunderstorms, lightning, and gusty winds in isolated areas of Mumbai, Thane, Raigad, Dhule, Nandurbar, and Pune. The regional meteorological centre in Mumbai stated, "Heavy to very heavy rainfall & Thunderstorm with lightning & gusty winds at isolated places Very Likely" in its latest weather bulletin. Additionally, the department has warned of heavy rainfall in Madhya Maharashtra, as well as the Gujarat region, Konkan, and Goa, with the rain likely to continue from Thursday until Friday. Here's how torrential rains affected Maharashtra Waterlogging reported: Severe waterlogging and traffic disruptions were observed in various areas of the city. A landslide at the Mumbra bypass further impacted movement. Areas like Kurla East, Nehru Nagar, and Chembur were heavily waterlogged, while significant traffic jams were reported on the Kurla bridge due to the rainfall. Schools holiday in Mumbai, Pune, Thane, Palghar: The BMC announced a holiday for all schools and colleges in Mumbai for Thursday, September 26, due to the heavy rain alert issued by IMD. The BMC urged citizens to leave their homes only if necessary. Similarly, Pune's District Collector Suhas Diwase, declared a public holiday for all schools and colleges in Pune city and Pimpri Chinchwad following IMD's orange alert. Thane Municipal Corporation also declared a holiday for all private and public schools. The Palghar district administration has announced that all public and private schools and colleges in the district will remain closed. Local train services: Mumbai's local train services on the Harbour line resumed after water levels receded following heavy rains on Wednesday. Trains were delayed and running at reduced speeds, as confirmed by Central Railways. In a statement, the CPRO of Central Railway said, Harbour line local trains have resumed after the water receded between Govandi-Mankhurd. Trains are running with caution and a restricted speed of 25kmph. Services resumed at 11.23 pm. With rainfall easing and water clearing from the tracks, train services on the Central Railway's main line also resumed. Landslide: Heavy rains triggered a landslide at the Mumbra bypass around 11:30 pm on Wednesday, causing a three-hour-long traffic jam. Fire officer Swapnil Sarnobat confirmed that no casualties were reported, and the traffic department managed the situation by controlling traffic from one side. The road was cleared using JCB machinery, and vehicles resumed movement towards Thane. Woman drowns to death: A 45-year-old woman, Vimal Gaikwad, drowned in an open drain in the MIDC area of Andheri after heavy rains on Wednesday. BMC officials reported that she was rescued by the Mumbai fire brigade and taken to Cooper Hospital, where she was declared dead on arrival. Flight delays: A total of 14 incoming flights to Mumbai Airport were diverted on Wednesday due to heavy rainfall, according to an airport official. Of these, nine were IndiGo flights that were not cleared to land because of the bad weather. The remaining diverted flights included two from Vistara, and one each from Air India, Akasa, and Gulf Air. Seven flights were redirected to Hyderabad, four to Ahmedabad, two to Mopa Airport in Goa, and one to Udaipur. Continuous heavy rainfall since the afternoon caused waterlogging and traffic disruptions in the city. Former Delhi chief minister and Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) national convenor, Arvind Kejriwal, on Thursday attacked the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) while addressing the Delhi Legislative Assembly for the first time since his resignation. AAP supremo Arvind Kejriwal addressing Delhi legislative assembly. "My colleagues in the opposition must be sad to see Manish Sisodia and me here," Kejriwal said. "I always say Prime Minister Modi is very powerful and has a lot of resources, but Modi is not God. The God who is there is with us. I want to thank the Supreme Court." Also Read | Delhi govt braces for heated assembly session Kejriwal, who once occupied the number one chair as chief minister, was assigned seat number 41, several paces away from his former position. His successor, Atishi, now occupies the chief minister's seat, while Kejriwal's trusted lieutenant, Manish Sisodia, was placed next to him at seat number 40. Kejriwal had served as chief minister of Delhi for nearly a decade before stepping down. His resignation followed more than a year of mounting pressure on the AAP over allegations of corruption in a liquor distribution scheme. Multiple AAP leaders, including former deputy chief minister Manish Sisodia, were kept without trial for months in connection with the case. Kejriwal claimed that a recent conversation with a senior BJP leader had surprised him. "I asked how arresting me helped them. He told me that they derailed the entire Delhi government by arresting me," Kejriwal said. I was surprised by what he said to me. I wonder what kind of party it is that it is happy by ruining the life of the people of Delhi. Earlier in the day, Kejriwal and CM Atishi inspected a damaged road site in the capital. Kejriwal said that now that he is out of jail all the pending work in Delhi will be complete. "They stopped the work in Delhi by sending me to jail. The roads also got damaged. This was their only motive. Today I inspected a road in Delhi University with Chief Minister Atishi ji. This road will also be repaired soon, the rest of the roads in Delhi will also be repaired soon. Now that I am back, people of Delhi need not worry. All the pending work in Delhi will be completed," Kejriwal posted on X. Days after Nitin Gadkari claimed he was approached by a senior opposition leader, ahead of the Lok Sabha polls, with an offer to be the country's next prime minister, he reiterated this on Thursday, and said he was approached after the general elections as well. Union road and transport minister Nitin Gadkari (File Photo) I got offers before and after (Lok Sabha) elections, the Union minister told India Today at its conclave in Mumbai. Further, the ex-BJP president stated he does not harbour prime ministerial ambitions. I asked them, Why do you want me to be the PM and why I should not be with the PM (Narendra Modi)? So, becoming prime minister is not my ambition," Gadkari remarked. I am not in any race, nor have I given my biodata to anyone. I keep doing my work. I am happy with where I am. I am a worker of the party and a member of the RSS. I won't bother if not made a minister. I will continue to work without any worry, he added. Meanwhile, Gadkari had first mentioned the offer at an event in Nagpur, his home city and Lok Sabha constituency, on September 14. "I told the (opposition) leader I follow one ideologoy and conviction. I am in a party that has given me everything that I never even dreamt of. No offer can entice me, he had said. Though the BJP won the Lok Sabha polls, it fell short of what would have been its third consecutive single-party majority in the House. However, it formed government with its allies and PM Modi achieved a hattrick of prime ministerial terms. New Delhi The Supreme Court on Wednesday stressed that off-the-cuff observations made by judges during legal proceedings can influence public perception and, at times, cause undue harm to the image of the judiciary. The courts observations came as it reproached a Karnataka high court judge for referring to a Muslim-dominated area in Bengaluru as Pakistan. The bench, comprising Chief Justice of India Dhananjaya Y Chandrachud, and justices Sanjiv Khanna, Bhushan R Gavai, Surya Kant and Hrishikesh Roy, warned that casual observations made by judges during open court sessions could inadvertently project bias. (Hindustan Times) While closing proceedings initiated on its own motion regarding the controversial remarks made by the judge during judicial proceedings, a bench comprising the five most senior judges of the top court noted that such comments not only undermine the territorial integrity of India but can also have broader social implications. No one can call any part of India as Pakistan. It is fundamentally against the territorial integrity of the nation, observed the bench, underlining the need for decorum and restraint from judges in the digital age when court proceedings are frequently live-streamed and closely watched and shared on social media. The bench, comprising Chief Justice of India Dhananjaya Y Chandrachud, and justices Sanjiv Khanna, Bhushan R Gavai, Surya Kant and Hrishikesh Roy, warned that casual observations made by judges during open court sessions could inadvertently project bias, particularly when the remarks are directed against a specific gender, community or region. Casual observations may indicate a certain degree of individual bias, particularly when perceived to be directed at a certain gender or community. Courts, therefore, have to be careful not to make observations that can be construed as misogynistic, or for that matter, prejudicial to any segment of our society, held the bench. A perception of justice to every segment to society is as important as the rendition of justice as an objective fact, stated the bench in its order, recording its serious concern over the high court judges reference to gender and a segment of the community. Such observations are liable to be construed in a negative light, thereby impacting not only the court of the judge who expressed them but also the wider judicial system, stressed the bench, calling for modulation of behaviour on the part of the bar and the bench to meet the expectations in the digital age. The top court on September 20 initiated proceedings on its own motion against controversial remarks made by Karnataka high court judge, justice Vedavyasachar Srishananda, in two videos widely that recently surfaced on social media. In one clip, the judge was heard referring to a Muslim-dominated area in Bengaluru, Gori Palya, as Pakistan, while in another, he was heard making inappropriate comments directed at a woman advocate, sparking widespread criticism on social media, drawing the ire of legal professionals and the public alike. On the day, the bench ordered a report from the Karnataka high court registry regarding these remarks. A day later, justice Srishananda expressed regret in open court, saying that his observations were unintentional, but they were reported out of context on social media platforms. I express my sincere regrets if they hurt any individual or any section of the society or community, said the judge on September 21, addressing bar leaders and other lawyers in the high court. On Tuesday, when the matter was taken up, attorney general R Venkataramani suggested that continuing with judicial proceedings against the high court judge may not be proper and that the top court may consider dealing with the issue on the administrative side. Solicitor general Tushar Mehta recommended that the judicial proceedings be closed in view of the judges apology, adding he completely agreed with the bench that a restraint by the bar and the bench is imperative to maintain judicial decorum. The five-judge bench decided to close proceedings against justice Srishananda after taking note of his contrite apology and in deference to the dignity of the institution, even as it was careful to frame its decision within a broader context. Noting how the digital age, accelerated by the Covid-19 pandemic, has made courtroom interactions accessible far beyond the physical boundaries of the courtroom, the court highlighted that judicial remarks are being scrutinised by audiences far removed from the legal profession. With this expanded reach comes a greater responsibility for judges, lawyers, litigants and all parties involved to be mindful of the impact their words may have on society at large, said the bench, delving into the necessity for judges to be self-aware of their own biases and predispositions and stressing the importance of impartiality. As judges, we are conscious of the fact that each individual has a set of predispositions based on early or later experiences of life. The heart and soul of a judge is the need to be impartial and fair. Intrinsic to this is for a judge to be aware of his own predispositions to be able to deliver objective and fair justice, it held. The only values that guide judicial decision-making are the ones enshrined under the Constitution of India, said the bench, cautioning against personal biases that may inadvertently emerge in casual remarks made in court. In the present case, the bench noted that justice Srishanandas remarks made in the proceedings in June and August were unrelated to the judicial determination and should have been eschewed. The bench said it was desisting from passing any adverse order against the high court judge since he was not issued personal notice of the proceedings in view of preserving the dignity of the institution. As the suo motu proceedings by the top court came to a close, AG Venkataramani cautioned against the vitriolic social media comments around the comments made by the high court judge. He added that the Supreme Court order should not become a handle for the social media users to target the judge again. SG Mehta added that social media cannot be controlled but anonymity attached to it makes it a very dangerous tool. Responding, the bench was emphatic that closing the doors of the court room cannot be an answer. Answer to sunlight is more sunlight... Not to suppress what happens in the court. This is a very important reminder to everyone. The answer is not to close doors and shut down, it told the AG. The benchs remarks came a day after the Karnataka high court restrained public and social media platforms from sharing the court proceedings, live-streamed on the high courts YouTube channel. The interim order was issued on Tuesday on a petition filed by the Advocates Association Bengaluru (AAB), which complained that the social media platforms and private YouTube channels were editing the videos of live-streamed proceedings of the high court, contrary to the Karnataka Rules on Live-Streaming and Recording of Court Proceedings, 2021. The Himachal Pradesh government on Thursday, backtracking on minister Vikramaditya Singh's statement, said that no decision regarding the mandatory display of names by stalls and eateries has been taken by the administration, reported PTI. This comes after Singh faced flak for his announcement regarding the rule, and was reprimanded by the Congress party. Himachal Pradesh minister Vikramaditya Singh . (ANI Photo)(HT_PRINT) Singh, the public works and urban development Minister, had on Wednesday told media that it would be mandatory for street vendors, especially those selling food items, to display their identity cards at their shops. He had said that the call had been taken on the lines of the one taken by the Uttar Pradesh government. "We have decided to make it mandatory for the street vendors to display their ID cards given by the street vendor's committee on the pattern adopted by the Uttar Pradesh government, which pioneered the idea," Singh had said. The state government assured that it has not taken any decision on the rule that mandates street vendors to display nameplates or other identification at their stalls. BJP leader Jai Ram Thakur, who is the Leader of Opposition in the Himachal assembly, said that Singh must stick to his decision. If Vikramaditya Singh has talked about implementing vendors' policy on the pattern of Uttar Pradesh, he should stick to his words, Thakur said. Vikramaditya Singh had said that the decision regarding the display of vendor names was taken due to apprehension by locals about the rising number of migrants in the state. He drew the censure of several leaders of the INDIA bloc when he posted his remarks on Facebook. The directive did not go down well with a section of the party's leaders, which slammed the decision and demanded its revocation. The central leadership intervened in the matter following which the state governments clarification came, reported PTI quoting people aware of the matter. AICC in-charge of Himachal Pradesh Rajiv Shukla said, They (shop vendors) will be given licences and regulated so that police do not harass them. The designated places will require identification such as Aadhaar cards and licences, but there is no requirement for them to display a sign stating their name as the owner. The senior Congress leader also debunked the notion that the Himachal government followed the footsteps of Yogi Adityanath-led UP government. "This is not on Yogi pattern, as those things are done in UP on communal pattern, which is not the case here. I want to clarify that the government has not given any such order... they (government or Vikramaditya) have not been reprimanded," Shukla said. (With inputs from PTI) Lok Janshakti Party (Ram Vilas) leader and Union minister Chirag Paswan on Thursday said that Kangana Ranaut, who has sparked a row with her remarks on reviving the controversial farm laws repealed in 2021, is no longer just an artist and it is her responsibility to prioritise the partys position over personal views. Lok Janshakti Party (Ram Vilas) leader Chirag Paswan reacted to the controversy surrounding Kangana Ranaut's remarks on the now-repealed farm laws. I am not upset with Kangana, but she is no longer just an artist. She is now a member of a political party, Paswan told reporters on Thursday. He stressed that when someone joins a political party, it becomes their responsibility to prioritise the partys position over personal views. I accept the fact that you might have your own personal opinion but when you are part of a political party, it becomes your responsibility to put forward the topics of that party, the minister said. Kangana Ranaut and Chirag Paswan, now members of Lok Sabha, starred together in the 2011 movie Mile Na Mile Hum. She is new to politics and taking time to understand things, but she is intelligent enough and she will understand these things soon, Paswan added. Also Read | Queen of faux pas? Ranaut retracts farm comment in damage control What Kangana Ranaut said on farm laws Kangana Ranaut, a BJP MP from Mandi, Himachal Pradesh, found herself at the centre of the controversy after urging the government to reintroduce the three contentious farm laws during an event in Mandi earlier this week. "Farmers are a pillar of strength in India's progress," she had said, while expressing her belief that the laws would benefit the agricultural sector, despite protests that led to their repeal in 2021. The three farm laws had triggered a year-long protest, particularly in Punjab, Haryana, and western Uttar Pradesh, leading to their eventual withdrawal by Prime Minister Narendra Modi's government. Ranauts comments have come at a sensitive time for the BJP, which is heavily focused on retaining power in Haryana, where the farmers' protests were particularly intense. The BJP quickly distanced itself from Ranauts remarks, with party spokesperson Gaurav Bhatia clarifying that she was not authorised to make any such statement and nor does her stand reflect the party's views. BJP national spokesperson Jaiveer Shergill said Ranaut's "consistent, baseless and illogical rant" against farmers and Sikh community has a "damaging impact" on all the good work done by Prime Minister Narendra Modi for the welfare of "Punjab, punjabi and punjabiyat". Himachal Pradesh BJP leaders also sought to distance themselves from the actor-politicians remarks. Ranaut, facing backlash from opposition parties and even within her own ranks, backtracked by stating on social media that her views were personal and did not represent the BJPs official stance. My views on Farmers Laws are personal and they dont represent the partys stand on those Bills, she wrote in a post on X. Congress leader Rahul Gandhi accused Prime Minister Modi of testing the waters by allowing Ranaut to make the statement. Those associated with the BJP keep testing ideas. They ask someone to voice an idea among people and then gauge the reaction. This is what has happened here. One of their MPs has talked about reviving the three black farm laws. Modiji, you must clarify whether you are against this or you are again up to some mischief, Gandhi said in a video message. A raft of farmer unions in Punjab have criticised the governments decision to mark red entries in land records of cultivators caught burning paddy stubble in the state, hitting out a key sanction that would disallow people from selling or mortgaging the plot or availing any farm loans. A farmer sets fire to paddy stubble after harvesting a paddy crop in the field, Amritsar on Wednesday. (Sameer Sehgal/HT) Around a dozen farmer unions have said the move unfairly penalises farmers and urged the state government to reverse the decision to clamp down on stubble fires, which are a major factor behind Delhis annual winter pollution scourge. Joginder Singh Ugrahan, president of Bharatiya Kisan Union Ekta Ugrahan, a prominent farmers body, accused the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP)-run administration of turning away from earlier promises. Instead of addressing the problem of stubble management, the government is using pressure tactics that we will not succumb to. Chief minister Bhagwant Mann recently assured us that private biogas plants would collect stubble from paddy fields and pay farmers 3,000 per acre. Instead of implementing the CMs promises, government officials are issuing threats, he said. Speaking to HT, Amritsar deputy commissioner Sakshi Sawhney said that they have recovered environment compensation of around 50,000 from 29 farmers who resorted to stubble burning. She said that they were also cancelling the Arms licence of such farmers, have started the process of marking red entries, and have initiated criminal proceedings. Amritsar has so far reported the highest number of farm fire incidents. A red entry against a plot on the districts land records disallows a farmer from being able to take a loan against the plot, mortgage it or sell it. Owners of red-listed plots are also denied gun licences. To be sure, the Punjab government has attempted to impose such sanctions earlier as well in 2022 and 2023, but reversed the plan each time. The Supreme Court on Tuesday sought a report from the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) on steps taken to prevent farm fires and on action taken against officers for allowing such incidents despite past orders to stop them, as news reports of such blazes trickled out of the agrarian state. Punjab has reported 93 farm fires so far. It reported 36,623last year. Sarwan Singh Pandher, convener of the Kisan Mazdoor Morcha, another farmer union, said, Will the Punjab government dare to threaten industrial owners for their role in air pollution? Farmers are being unfairly blamed. This is not a wise decision. Dharamshala/New Delhi This is the second time in two months that Kangana Ranauts rash remarks on the 2020-21 farmer agitation has forced her party to reprimand her, and ultimately made her retract the comment. (PTI) Mandi parliamentarian Kangana Ranaut on Wednesday retracted her controversial comments on three withdrawn agricultural laws after the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) distanced itself from her views the latest in a string of instances where the actor-turned-lawmakers intemperate remarks have landed herself and her party in trouble. This is the second time in two months that Ranauts rash remarks on the 2020-21 farmer agitation has forced her party to reprimand her, and ultimately made her retract the comment. The gaffe by Ranaut embarrassed the party at a time when political parties are preparing for the October 5 assembly elections in Haryana, which saw major protests by farmers against the now-repealed three laws. The latest controversy began on Tuesday evening, when Ranaut said the farm laws which were withdrawn by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in 2021 after a months-long protest by cultivators should be brought back. As the row swirled, the party scrambled to distance itself from her comments and said it disapproved of her remarks. This was almost a play-by-play repeat of an earlier controversy on the same issue in August, when her comments were condemned by several party leaders and were finally retracted after a rebuke from the party. In a video posted on X on Wednesday, Ranaut said she must remember that she is not only an artiste but also a BJP member now and her statements should be in line with her partys policies. When the farmers laws were proposed, several of us supported them. But with great sensitivity and sympathy, our respected Prime Minister had withdrawn those laws. I must remember that now I am not only an artiste but also a member of the BJP and my opinion should not be personal but the stand of the party, the MP said, still hinting that her individual views remain out of sync with the party line. I regret if I left anybody disappointed with my words and opinions. I take my words back, she added. In a separate post, she said: My views on farmer laws are personal and they dont represent the partys stand on those Bills. Thanks. On Tuesday evening, Ranaut was speaking at an event in her constituency when she said the three farms laws faced protests only in some states. Farmers are a pillar of strength in Indias progress. Only in some states, they had objected to farm laws. I appeal with folded hands that farm laws should be brought back in the interest of farmers, she said. The comment sparked an immediate controversy, especially in poll-bound Haryana, a major node for the farm stir where the BJP is hoping to win a third straight term in the assembly elections next month. Late on Tuesday, BJP spokesperson Gaurav Bhatia said the statement was made in a personal capacity. I want to make it clear that this statement is a personal statement of hers. Kangana Ranaut is not authorised to make such a statement on behalf of the BJP and it doesnt depict the BJPs view on the farm bills. We disapprove of this statement, Bhatia said in a statement. Individual leaders of the BJP also distanced themselves from what they described as Ranauts tendency to flout the party line and stoke unnecessary controversy. BJP national spokesperson Jaiveer Shergill said Ranauts consistent, baseless and illogical rant against farmers and the Sikh community has a damaging impact on all the good work done by Modi for the welfare of Punjab, punjabi and punjabiyat. The Prime Ministers bond with the farmers and Punjab cannot be and must not be judged through the lens of one MPs irresponsible comments, Shergill said on X. The Congress sought to corner the BJP, alleging the ruling party was making efforts to bring back the three laws. The BJP people keep testing ideas. They ask someone to voice an idea among the people and then they see the reaction. This is what has happened, one of their MPs has talked about reviving the three black farm laws. Modi ji you must clarify, whether you are against this or you are again up to some mischief, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi said on X. Will the three farm laws be revived or not? If you do so, I guarantee you that the INDIA bloc will together stand against it. 700 people were martyred, they must be remembered and respected, he added. In 2021, while announcing the repeal of the three laws, Modi had apologised to the nation for failing to convince the farmers. A BJP leader, who did not wish to be identified, said the party leadership asked Ranaut to avoid commenting on issues that have the potential to trigger a controversy and create trouble for the party. As an MP, she cannot have an individual opinion on policy issues she was told this before as well. The party line must be followed, and statements must be made with sensitivity she was told, the leader said. Such statements have the potential to damage the partys prospects there is an election narrative decided by the leadership and taking a position contrary to that means giving the Opposition a chance to hurt the party and the government, the leader added. In August, Ranaut said the farmers protests against the three laws in 2021 could have caused a Bangladesh-like situation if India did not have a strong leadership. The BJP distanced itself from her remarks, saying it was not the partys position and directing her to not to make any statement of this kind in future. On behalf of the party, Kangana Ranaut is neither permitted nor authorised to make statements on party policy issues, the party said in a statement. The BJPs allies said Ranauts latest comments were a liability. After the partys decision to distance itself from the statement, BJP MP Kangana Ranaut had no option but to apologise, Janata Dal (United) national spokesperson Rajiv Ranjan Prasad said. The three agricultural laws Farmers Produce Trade and Commerce (Promotion and Facilitation) Act, Farmers (Empowerment and Protection) Agreement on Price Assurance and Farm Services Act, and the Essential Commodities (Amendment) Act were enacted by the Centre in September 2020 to liberalise the trade of farm produce. Farm unions, however, protested against the legislation, saying they would leave cultivators at the mercy of large corporations and with little bargaining power. The protests began in Punjab in October 2020 but snowballed into a full-blown political uprising spreading to several states in the course of a year, including Haryana, Uttar Pradesh and Rajasthan. The laws were repealed in 2021. Union minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan hit out at opposition leaders Farooq Abdullah of the National Conference (NC) and Rahul Gandhi of the Congress saying not even their generations can bring Article 370 back in Jammu and Kashmir", news agency ANI reported. Union Minister and BJP leader Shivraj Singh Chouhan speaks during a public meeting for Jammu & Kashmir Assembly elections, in Kathua district, Wednesday, Sept. 25, 2024. (PTI) The senior Bharatiya Janata Party leader, addressing a rally in Jammu amid the ongoing assembly poll of Jammu and Kashmir, said, Today, I want to say that 'Farooq Abdullah aur Rahul Gandhi ki saat pidhiyan (generations) bhi Article 370 nahi la sakti' (even the generations of Farooq Abdullah and Rahul Gandhi cannot bring back Article 370)... the BJP government is there. Shivraj Singh Chouhan accused the Congress-NC alliance in the Union territory of diverting public attention from pressing issues such as employment, food, education, health, and development. We say what we do. Our goal is to change the fate of the people, to bring happiness into your lives, to bring smiles to your faces, and for you to live your life in peace. But what are they saying? They are saying that if our government comes to power, we will abolish Article 370. Rahul Baba, even the NC leaders cannot abolish Article 370. Is this the issue, brothers and sisters? Our issue is employment, food, education, health, and development. They are leading us in the wrong direction, Chouhan said. What has Opposition said Congress leader and Leader of the Opposition Rahul Gandhi reiterated on Wednesday the Opposition will exert all its efforts to pressure the Centre into restoring Jammu and Kashmir's statehood. Speaking at a public rally in Sopore, Rahuil Gandhi said for the first time in history, a state has been downgraded to a union territory which he deemed an injustice to the people of the region, asserting that the INDIA bloc will fight for its restoration. We wanted that the statehood be restored before elections. All the people of Jammu and Kashmir wanted the elections to take place after the restoration of the statehood. The first and foremost issue is regarding your statehood. Several UTs have been made states, and states have been bifurcated. But this is the first time in history that a state has been turned into a Union Territory. It did not happen, the first step is election. But after this, the statehood of Jammu and Kashmir has to be restored, Rahul Gandhi said. Meanwhile, Farooq Abdullah reiterated on Monday his party would continue to fight a legal battle for the restoration of Article 370. He criticised the BJP, calling the Centres decision unilateral and unjust", which he claimed brought hardships to the people of Jammu and Kashmir. The NC pledged to advocate for Articles 370 and 35A in their manifesto. The BJP revoked the contentious region's special status by abrogating Article 370, rescinding its statehood, and dividing it into two Union territories on August 5, 2019. Jammu and Kashmir assembly poll The assembly election in Jammu and Kashmir are being held in three phases. The second phase of voting took place on Wednesday, covering 26 constituencies across six districts of the Union Territory, with a voter turnout of over 57 per cent. The first phase, conducted on September 18, recorded a voter turnout of 61.13 per cent across 24 constituencies in seven districts, according to the Election Commission. Voting for the third phase is scheduled for October 1, with vote counting set for October 8, coinciding with the counting of votes in Haryana. Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Sanjay Raut was sentenced to 15 days of simple imprisonment by a Mumbai court on Thursday in a defamation case filed by Medha Somaiya, the wife of BJP leader Kirit Somaiya. Shiv Sena (UBT) leader and MP Sanjay Raut (PTI) The metropolitan magistrate at the Sewree court convicted Raut under Section 500 of the Indian Penal Code (punishment for defamation) and fined him 25,000. Reacting to the verdict, Medha Somaiya said, I am happy that I have got justice and the allegations against me and my family members have proved false. I fought to get justice and did it like any other woman in the family would have done. I think the court has respected my position as a teacher and a social worker. I have nothing to say about the right of the accused to move in appeal against the ruling. What is the case against Sanjay Raut? In her complaint filed through advocate Vivekanand Gupta, Medha Somaiya accused Sanjay Raut of making baseless and defamatory allegations against her and her husband, claiming their involvement in a 100 crore scam related to the construction and maintenance of public toilets under the Mira Bhayander Municipal Corporation. The statements made by the accused to the media are per se defamatory. The statements have been made to malign my character in the eyes of the general public, her complaint said. Somaiya initiated the criminal case after coming across an article in the Shiv Sena mouthpiece, Saamna. She deemed the article defamatory. The article accused her of constructing unauthorised toilets by damaging mangroves without the required approvals from environmental authorities. Additionally, it alleged her involvement in a 100 crore scam purportedly carried out through their NGO, Yuva Pratishthan. Medha said that Raut, serving as the Executive Editor of the Saamna and the chief spokesperson for the Shiv Sena, made these defamatory comments on April 15, 2022. These remarks were widely published and circulated across both print and electronic media. She further alleged that these remarks were broadcast on major media channels and shared across social media platforms, aiming to tarnish her reputation publicly, as well as among her family and friends. Her lawyer submitted video clips and newspaper cuttings in court as evidence. Medha also highlighted her extensive academic and social work, including over 20 years as a professor of Organic Chemistry at Ramnarian Ruia College, Matunga, her involvement in over 25 charitable activities, and her receipt of a Doctorate in Slum Development. Her plea emphasised her "excellent reputation in society" and recognition in the educational and social sectors. In June 2022, the court issued a summons to Raut, stating that the complainant had "prima facie" demonstrated that Rauts statements harmed her reputation. Metropolitan magistrate PI Mokashi said that the video clips and documents submitted showed Raut made these defamatory statements on April 15 and 16, 2022, intending for them to reach the general public. The Supreme Court on Thursday granted bail to former Tamil Nadu minister V Senthil Balaji in an alleged money laundering case related to a 2014 cash-for-jobs scam. Former Tamil Nadu minister V Senthil Balaji. (PTI Photo) We have granted bail with some onerous conditions put in, a bench of justices AS Oka and Augustine George Masih said. While the court did not elaborate on the conditions, the bench stated that on examining the earlier decisions on the scope of granting bail in money laundering crimes, it believes stringent conditions on bail cannot go together with delay in prosecution. Balaji was arrested in the ED case in June last year. The bench had reserved orders in August on Balajis plea challenging an order of the Madras high court in February denying him bail and had noted that the trial was delayed on account of delay in granting sanction by the Governor for prosecuting Balaji. However, due to the courts nudge, after a seven-month delay, the Governor granted sanction on August 23. The court was even assured that the prosecutor conducting the trial is an experienced hand. Balaji is accused of allegedly receiving bribes for providing jobs in the state transport department during his tenure as state transport minister in 2014-15. Then, he was part of the AIADMK government. In 2021, he became a minister in the present DMK government and continued as a minister till his resignation in February this year. Appearing for Balaji, senior advocate Mukul Rohatgi argued that the former minister has remained in custody for over a year. The charge sheet had also been filed in the cases against him. The ED represented by solicitor general Tushar Mehta submitted that Balaji had been trying to influence witnesses and releasing him would be detrimental for the trial. Balaji also sought bail on medical grounds claiming that he had undergone coronary bypass surgery and required medical attention. He also questioned the evidence produced against him by doubting that the material forming part of the charge sheet was not recovered from his residence. This fact was disputed by ED. The HC, while denying bail, had observed, The fact that the petitioner continued to hold the position as a minister for nearly 8 months and that too without a portfolio when he was inside the jail, shows the tremendous influence of the petitioner and the importance that is given to him by the state government. GUWAHATI: A special court in Arunachal Pradesh handed the death sentence on Thursday to a hostel warden convicted for sexual assault of 21 students at a government-run residential school from 2014 to 2022. The case came to light in November 2022 when a parent lodged a complaint at the Monigong police station in Shi Yomi district accusing hostel warden of rape (FILE IMAGE) Special judge Jaweplu Chai, who announced the death sentence for warden Yumken Bagra, also sentenced former headmaster Singtung Yorpen and Hindi teacher Marbom Ngomdir to 20 years for abetment of the offence under Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (Pocso) Act and failing to report it. Some of the students had reported the abuse to Yorpen, but he asked them to keep quiet so that the reputation of the school is not sullied. We are happy with the verdict as the court heard our pleas for stringent and exemplary punishment, said Oyam Bingepp, who appeared for the 21 children before the Pocso special court. This is the first death sentence in India given to an accused under Pocso Act for aggravated penetrative sexual assault of victims in which the victims had not died, Bingepp added. Jaweplu Chai convicted the three under the Indian Penal Code (IPC) and the Pocso Act. Two other accused, Tajung Yorpen, another teacher in the same school, and Daniel Pertin, an acquaintance of the hostel warden, were acquitted. Yorpen, who was also accused of sexually assaulting one student, was acquitted after the victim turned hostile in court while Pertin, who was accused of giving shelter to the hostel warden prior to his arrest, was acquitted due to lack of evidence. The case came to light in November 2022, when a man filed a complaint against Bagra for sexually assaulting, harassing, and attempting to rape his 12-year-old twin daughters at the residential school. A special investigation team (SIT) which probed the case found that Bagra sexually assaulted at least 21 minors, including six boys aged 6-14 years, between 2014 and 2022 during his tenure as hostel warden at the school. The chargesheet, filed in July last year, accused the warden of drugging students before assaulting them and also threatening them against reporting the assault. The SIT said six of Bagras victims had unsuccessfully attempted to die by suicide. Bagra has been convicted under sections 328, 292 and 506 (administering poison/harmful substance with the intention of committing an offence, showing obscene material and criminal intimidation) of the IPC and sections 6,10 and 12 of Pocso Act that pertain to aggravated penetrative sexual assault and sexual harassment. Ngomdir, who was a female teacher in the school, has been convicted under Section 506 (criminal intimidation) of IPC and sections 17 and 21 (1) of POCSO Act for abetment of offence and failing to report an offence. According to the prosecution, the victims had narrated their ordeal to her, but she didnt report it to higher authorities, which allowed the abuse to continue. Yorpen, who was the headmaster of the government residential school at the time the assaults took place, has been convicted under sections 17 (for abetment of an offence) and 21 (2) (for failing to report an offence) of the IPC. A Lucknow court on Wednesday accepted a request of the Enforcement Directorate (ED) to declare Rashid Naseem, the promoter of real estate firm Shine City who has been wanted in a 1,000 crore money laundering case and is missing since 2019, as a fugitive economic offender (FEO). A Lucknow court accepted EDs request to declare Naseem a fugitive under the Fugitive Economic Offenders Act. (HT PHOTO) According to people aware of the details, the Naseem is reportedly residing in the UAE and is suspected of frequently travelling between Abu Dhabi and Dubai. A Lucknow court on Wednesday accepted EDs request to declare Naseem a fugitive under the Fugitive Economic Offenders Act, 2018, which is a big win for us, a senior ED official said, seeking anonymity. The Fugitive Economic Offenders Act, 2018, empowers authorities for non-conviction-based attachment and confiscation of assets and proceeds of crime abroad in cases involving amounts above 100 crore. Officials said Naseem would be the 13th individual after diamantaire Nirav Modi, former liquor baron Vijay Mallya and arms dealer Sanjay Bhandari, among others, to be declared a fugitive under the stringent law. Providing details of the money laundering case against Naseem, a second ED official said a probe was initiated in 2021 based on approximately 554 first information reports (FIRs) filed by Uttar Pradesh Police over a period. The group companies allegedly collected 800- 1,000 crore from the public, promising them huge returns under the guise of investment in real estate and other schemes. However, instead of giving any returns, the collected funds were utilised for buying land, office space for personal use by Naseem and his aides and allegedly diverted to foreign countries, the official said, seeking anonymity. Intelligence inputs revealed that Naseem fled India via Nepal in 2019 and settled in the UAE, the first ED official said. He did not respond to summons for a probe, after which an Interpol red notice was issued against him in March this year and subsequently, FEO proceedings were initiated, the official said. ED has identified several addresses of Naseem in the UAE. These include a villa at Dubai Library Road, Abu Dhabi; a property in District 1, Jumeirah Village triangle, Dubai; a commercial property in Dubai, and another residential address in Dubai, the official added. Eight people believed to have close ties with Naseem have been arrested by the federal agency so far. Besides, proceeds of crime worth 189.39 crore have also been attached by the agency. HT could not trace any legal representative of Naseem. Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Sanjay Raut was granted bail on Thursday by a Mumbai court, after being convicted in a defamation case filed by Medha Somaiya, the wife of BJP leader Kirit Somaiya. A Mumbai court on Thursday, Sept. 26, 2024, sentenced Raut to 15 days simple imprisonment in a defamation case. (PTI) Raut was sentenced to 15 days of simple imprisonment by Judicial Magistrate (First Class) Aarti Kulkarni. The court found Raut guilty under Section 500 of the Indian Penal Code, which pertains to punishment for defamation. In addition to the jail sentence, a fine of INR 25,000 was imposed on the Rajya Sabha member. Raut, however, was granted a 30-day suspension of the sentence, allowing him to file an appeal. His lawyer filed applications for both suspension of the sentence and bail, which the court approved. Also Read | Sanjay Raut sentenced to 15 days imprisonment: What is the case against him? The defamation case was filed by Medha Somaiya, who alleged that Raut had made defamatory accusations against her and her husband, linking them to a INR 100 crore scam involving the construction and maintenance of public toilets under the Mira Bhayander Municipal Corporation. "The statements made by the accused to the media are per se defamatory. The statements have been made to malign my character in the eyes of the general public," Medha Somaiya said in her complaint, which was filed through advocate Vivekanand Gupta. Kirit Somaiya on jail sentence Reacting to the court's ruling, Kirit Somaiya said, Today, the punishment has been given to Uddhav Thackeray as Sanjay Raut is a leader of his party. They both are now exposed. In 28 months, Sanjay Raut couldn't bring a single document. "The court said that this is the first time and that's why the sentence is 15 days, if it happens again then the punishment will not be less than 2-5 years," he added. Somaiya criticised the alleged pressure exerted by the then Uddhav Thackeray-led Maharashtra government, which, according to Somaiya, had prevented the police from accepting his wife's complaint against Raut. "We tried filing a police complaint against Raut, but it was not accepted because of Thackeray's pressure. We approached the local court here on May 18, 2022, and today, it gave its judgement," Kirit Somaiya added. Medha Somaiya said she and her husband would not tolerate baseless allegations. "This case against Raut would set an example for society. If someone tries to tarnish me or my organisation, I will stand up against it," she said. Karnataka chief minister Siddaramaiah on Thursday reiterated that he would not resign while dismissing allegations of wrongdoings in Mysuru Urban Development Authority (MUDA)s allotment of 14 sites to his wife a conspiracy of the Opposition Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). Karnataka chief minister Siddaramaiah. (PTI) There is no question of resigning because I have done no wrong, Siddaramaiah said. He asked whether Narendra Modi resigned when he was the Gujarat chief minister during the 2002 Godhra riots. ...[Union minister HD] Kumaraswamy, who is in Narendra Modis government, is on bail. Has he resigned? Siddaramaiah said he would fight legally. I would not resign. Let them get Kumaraswamys resignation; he is on bail. He is in whose Cabinet...in which government? He should [resign first]. Did Modi resign? Despite hundreds of people dying, he did not resign. I have done no wrong. There is no need for me to resign. The comments came a day after a special court asked Lokayukta Police to investigate allegations in the MUDA case. Siddaramaiah was likely to challenge the single-bench high court order on Monday upholding the governors sanction to prosecute him. On Wednesday, a special court ordered the Lokayukta Police probe against Siddaramaiah. Lokayukta Police said they were studying the court order and will decide on the First Information Report soon. Siddaramaiahs deputy and state Congress chief D K Shivakumar also ruled out the possibility of Siddaramaiah stepping down, calling the case the BJP and Janata Dal (Secular) political conspiracy. On Thursday, the BJP staged a protest in front of the Mahatma Gandhi statue at Vidhana Soudha, the seat of state legislature and secretariat, demanding Siddaramaiahs resignation. Two court orders have come against Siddaramaiah. When we first protested inside and outside the assembly, they termed it politically motivated. When the governors order came, they said it was at the behest of the BJP-led government at the Centre. Now the high court and special court have given orders...they have found truth in allegations and said they need to be investigated and the chief minister should resign, said BJP leader R Ashoka. Jharkhand chief minister Hemant Soren has written to his Assam counterpart, Himanta Biswa Sarma, seeking scheduled tribes (ST) status for tea tribes underlining that the community was marginalised despite their significant contribution to the economy of the northeastern state. Jharkhand chief minister Hemant Soren. (PTI) Soren expressed concern over the plight of around seven million-strong community in Assam currently categorised as other backward class (OBC) in Assam. Sarma, who is the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)s co-in charge in poll-bound Jharkhand, has been attacking the Soren-led Jharkhand Mukti Morcha-Congress-Rashtriya Janata Dal alliance government over issues such as alleged reduction in tribal population and demographic change allegedly due to Bangladeshi infiltration. Soren said he was aware of the significant challenges the tea tribes face in Assam as a majority of them, including Santhali, Kuruk, Munda, Oraon, have their roots in Jharkhand. He noted their ancestors migrated to Assam during colonial rule to work in tea plantations. I very strongly feel that they meet the criteria for ST status, including their distinct cultural identity, traditional way of life, and vulnerability to exploitation. Soren added most of these groups are recognised as ST in Jharkhand, West Bengal, Chhattisgarh, and Odisha but Assam continued to classify them as OBCs. Despite their vital contributions to Assams economy and culture, they continue to be marginalised and denied the benefits and protections accorded to Scheduled Tribes, Soren wrote. The Supreme Court on Thursday granted bail to former Tamil Nadu minister V Senthil Balaji in the money laundering case related to the alleged 2014 'cash-for-jobs' scam. Former Tamil Nadu minister V Senthil Balaji. (PTI file) A bench of Justices Abhay S Oka and Augustine George Masih put onerous conditions while granting relief. The Supreme Court had reserved its verdict on August 12 after hearing submissions of solicitor general Tushar Mehta, representing the Enforcement Directorate (ED), and senior advocates Mukul Rohatagi and Sidharth Luthra, appearing for Senthil Balaji. The high court, while dismissing Senthil Balaji's bail plea, had said if he was let out on bail in a case of this nature, it would send out a wrong signal and be against larger public interest. The high court had said since the petitioner was in custody for more than eight months, it will be appropriate to direct the special court to dispose of the case within a time frame. "Accordingly, there shall be a direction to the Principal Special Court, Chennai, to dispose of the case within a period of three months from the date of receipt of copy of this order," it had ordered. The high court ordered that the trial shall be conducted on a day-to-day basis in accordance with the guidelines issued by the top court. MK Stalin reacts Chief minister MK Stalin welcomed minister Senthil Balaji saying the ED is used to suppress political opponents. Even during the Emergency, there was no jail time for so many days. A political conspiracy continued for 15 months. By arresting him and keeping him in jail, they wanted to break the resolve of brother Senthil Balaji, MK Stalin said. Senthil Balaji's arrest last year Senthil Balaji was arrested on June 14 last year by the ED in connection with a money laundering case linked to an alleged cash-for-jobs scam when he was the transport minister in an earlier AIADMK government. The ED had on August 12 last year filed a 3,000-page charge sheet against Balaji. On October 19, the high court had dismissed Balaji's earlier bail plea. A local court has also dismissed his bail petitions thrice. (With inputs from agencies) NEW DELHI: The Supreme Court on Thursday dismissed the Gujarat governments plea seeking a review of the order setting aside the remission granted to the 11 convicts in the Bilkis Bano gang rape case of 2002. The top courts January 8 order had made harsh observations against the state for being complicit and acting in tandem with the accused -- statements that the Gujarat government wanted reviewed and expunged. A bench of justices BV Nagarathna and Ujjal Bhuyan also turned down the request for an open-court hearing. (File Photo/PTI) Rejecting the review plea , a bench of justices BV Nagarathna and Ujjal Bhuyan said: Having carefully gone through the review petitions, the order under challenge and the papers annexed therewith, we are satisfied that there is no error apparent on the face of the record or any merit in the review petitions, warranting reconsideration of the order impugned. The judges also turned down the request for an open-court hearing. Along with the states plea, the court dismissed the review petition of one of the convicts, Ramesh Rupabhai Chandana, challenging the verdict that set aside Gujarat governments remission order passed in August 2022 and directed the 11 convicts to surrender. The court held that the Maharashtra government was the competent authority to decide on remission as the trial in the Bilkis Bano case shifted to Maharashtra on a direction passed by the top court in 2004. The state filed its review petition in February objecting to the remarks made against it claiming they were contrary to the record. Terming it as an error apparent on the face of the record, which justifies review of a top courts decision, the state sought these remarks to be removed. The review plea said, The extreme observation made by this Court that the state of Gujarat acted in tandem and was complicit with accused is not only highly unwarranted and against the record of the case, but has caused serious prejudice to the state of Gujarat. The January 8 judgment recorded these remarks while discussing the inaction of the Gujarat government to challenge an earlier decision of the top court on May 13, 2022. In that decision, the top court had directed Gujarat to process the remission plea of one of the convicts -- Radheyshyam Bhagwandas Shah -- without being informed that the same accused had earlier approached the Gujarat high court, which held that the Maharashtra government will be the competent authority to decide on grant of premature release. The January 8 judgment, which set aside the May 2022 order to be per incuriam as it was obtained without disclosing full facts to the court, said: The state of Gujarat never sought for the review of the order of this court dated May 13, 2022 by bringing to the notice of this Court that it was contrary to Section 432(7) CrPC and judgments of this court. Instead, the state of Gujarat has acted in tandem and was complicit with what the petitioner (Radheyshyam) had sought before this Court...the exercise of discretion and the passing of the impugned orders of remission in the case of respondent Nos.3 to 13 (convicts) was an instance of usurpation of power. Bano was 21, and five months pregnant when she was gang-raped as she tried to flee with her family to safety during the 2002 riots in Gujarat. The 11 convicts also killed seven members of her family including her three-year old daughter. The trial of the case took place at Mumbai and the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) investigated the case. A Mumbai court convicted and sentenced the 11 people to life imprisonment in January 2008, and their appeals were dismissed by the Bombay high court in 2017. Union home minister Amit Shah on Thursday hit out at the Congress-National Conference alliance in Jammu and Kashmir, saying that neither them nor three generations of their family will be able to bring back Article 370 in the union territory. Shah claimed that Congress and NC were responsible for the killing of over 40,000 people in J&K, accusing them of propagating terrorism. Union Home Minister and BJP leader Amit Shah speaks during a public meeting for J&K Assembly elections, in Udhampur district (PTI Photo)(PTI) Addressing a public meeting in Chenani, Amit Shah said, "You will all vote not just for Chenani but make a decision for the entire Jammu and Kashmir. After independence, it is for the first time that an election is held here where there is no Article 370 or a separate flag...National Conference and Rahul Baba say that we will bring back Article 370, but I want to tell them that neither you nor the three generations of yours will be able to bring back Article 370." Attacking three political families - 'Gandhis'', 'Muftis' and 'Abdhullas' - the home minister said that they only gave tickets to their people and perpetuated terrorism in the region. "The three families have given tickets to their own people and made only 87 MLA. But we made more than 30,000 Panch, Sarpanch and Tehsil Panchayats... The river of corruption that they started was cleaned by Prime Minister Modi from the bottom," the home minister said. "The world is closely watching the Jammu and Kashmir elections, where two vastly different visions are at play. On one hand, the NC, Congress, and PDP parties, perpetuating terrorism in the region for around 40 years, are eyeing for power. On the other hand, the BJP, committed to rooting out terrorism entirely, offers an absolutely contrasting picture," he said. Shah said that the Abdullahs and Nehrus are to be held accountable for the killing of 40,000 people in Jammu and Kashmir. Where was Farooq Abdullah at that time? He was vacationing in London during the summers, and was riding expensive motorcycles, he said. The voting in the second phase of the Jammu and Kashmir elections took place on September 25, with over 57 per cent voter turnout recorded till 11:30 pm, according to the Election Commission data. The third and final phase of J&K assembly polls will take place on October 1. The results will be declared on October 8. (With inputs from PTI) The Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD), the trust that manages the Lord Venkateshwara shrine in Tirupati district of Andhra Pradesh, on Wednesday lodged a police complaint against a Tamil Nadu-based dairy firm for allegedly supplying ghee adulterated with animal fat to the temple for making laddu prasadam, people aware of the matter said. The complaint against AR Dairy Foods Pvt Ltd was lodged with the Tirupati town police comes amid the constitution of a special investigation team (SIT) by the state government to probe into allegations of adulteration of ghee used in laddu prasadam offered to the deity. (PTI) The complaint against AR Dairy Foods Pvt Ltd was lodged with the Tirupati town police comes amid the constitution of a special investigation team (SIT) by the state government to probe into allegations of adulteration of ghee used in laddu prasadam offered to the deity. In his complaint, TTD general manager (procurement) P Muralikrishna said the temple management had on May 15 this year placed an order with AR Dairy Foods for supply of 1 million kg of ghee. The firm supplied four tankers of ghee on June 12, 20, 25 and July 6. The TTD used this ghee for making of prasadam after conducting the quality test using old methods, but it did not go for adulteration testing. In view of various complaints from pilgrims over the lack of quality of laddu, the TTD decided to get the adulteration test done at National Dairy Development Board (NDDB), Muralikrishna alleged in the complaint. The TTD collected ghee samples from the four tankers supplied by AP Dairy Foods and sent them to NDDB labs for adulteration testing. The reports indicated that the ghee samples had tested positive for presence of vegetable and animal fat, the complaint said. HT has not seen the report. After receiving the adulteration reports from NDDB, Muralikrishna said, show-cause notices were issued to the Tamil Nadu-based company on July 22, 23 and 27 seeking an explanation, however, the firm replied only on September 4 stating it had not done any adulteration. The development comes close on the heels of Andhra Pradesh chief minister N Chandrababu Naidu claiming that substandard ingredients, including animal fat, were used in the preparation of Tirupati laddu prasadam during the previous YSR Congress Party (YSRCP) government. The state government also formed an SIT headed by inspector general of police (IGP) Sarvashresht Tripathi to probe the matter. Former chief minister and YSRCP chief YS Jagan Mohan Reddy has dismissed the allegations, saying the ruling Telugu Desam Party (TDP) was politicising religious matters. He also wrote to Prime Minister Narendra Modi alleging that attempts were being made by Naidu to irreparably tarnish the sanctity, integrity, and reputation of TTD. On Wednesday, YSRCP chief Reddy called on people to take part in temple poojas (rituals) across Andhra Pradesh on September 28 to atone for the sin allegedly committed by CM Naidu through his allegations on Tirupati laddus. Taking to X, Reddy urged the people to stand against the false claims made by Naidu that Tirumalas sacred laddu prasadam was adulterated with animal fat. It not only misled devotees, but also tarnished the revered image of Lord Venkateswara, he claimed in a post in Telugu on X. YSRCP is calling for statewide rituals in temples to sanitise (undo) this sin committed by Chandrababu on Saturday, September 28. Hitting back at the YSRCP, senior TDP leader and state finance minister Payyavula Kesav said the opposition party was trying to make the protests over Tirumala laddu issue a political event. It is a fact that the ghee was adulterated with animal fat, as indicated in the reports. Jagan had already hurt the sentiments of millions of people by allowing adulteration. He might not have faith in Lord Venkateswara, but we, millions of Hindus, have a strong faith in the Tirumala god. It is better that he doesnt indulge in further politics, Kesav said. Amid concerns about the alleged presence of animal fat in Tirupati laddus, the chief priest of the Ram temple on Thursday questioned the purity of ghee sold across the country and said that prasad should only be prepared under the supervision of temple priests. Ram Janmabhoomi temple chief priest Acharya Satyendra Das called for a complete ban on prasad prepared by external agencies in all major temples.(HT_PRINT) Acharya Satyendra Das also called for a complete ban on prasad prepared by external agencies in all major temples and monasteries. The controversy over the alleged use of fat and meat in Tirupati Balaji's prasad is escalating across the country. Both seers and devotees are expressing anger and demanding an investigation, PTI quoted him as saying. In an appeal to all monasteries and temples across the country, he said, Prasad for the deities should be prepared under the supervision of temple priests, and only such prasad should be offered to the deities. He reiterated the importance of inspecting the purity of oil and ghee sold nationwide, alleging an international conspiracy to undermine the sanctity of the countrys monasteries and temples by mixing meat and fat into offerings. He also urged the government to enforce strict inspections of the purity of oil and ghee available in the market. Meanwhile, several temple authorities across Uttar Pradesh's Prayagraj have advised devotees to bring alternatives such as dry fruits and coconut instead of sweets, news agency PTI reported on Thursday. Prominent temples which have enforced these restrictions are Alop Shankari Devi, Bade Hanuman Temple, Mankameshwar Temple and Lalita Devi Temple among others. Shiv Murat Mishra, the chief priest of the famous Lalita Devi temple, said, In the meeting of our temple management held on Tuesday, it was decided that prasad of sweets will not be offered to the goddess in the temple, but devotees have been requested to offer coconut, fruits, dry fruits, cardamom, etc. He added that plans were underway to open shops inside temple premises where pure sweets will be made available to the devotees. Mahant Shridharanand Brahmachari Ji Maharaj of the Mankameshwar temple said they have written to the district magistrate to test the laddu-peda being sold outside the temple. With PTI inputs The Trinamool Congress (TMC), which is the fourth largest party in Lok Sabha and third biggest in Rajya Sabha, is set to nominate Kirti Azad and Dola Sen as chairpersons of standing committees, people aware of the matter said on Thursday. Azad, a Lok Sabha member, is likely to head the chemical and fertilizers committee and Sen the commerce and industries panel. TMC lawmaker Kirti Azad. (sansad.in) The partys floor leadersSudip Bandopadhyay (Lok Sabha) and Derek OBrien (Rajya) Sabhaheaded two standing committees in the 16th Lok Sabha (the current being the 18th). Bandopadhyay had led the consumer affairs, food and public distribution committee in the 16th Lok Sabha while OBrien headed the transport, tourism and culture panel. According to an official, Bandopadhyay will remain a member of the co panel. In the 17th Lok Sabha, TMC didnt get any chairmans post. A TMC leader said the move to nominate Azad and Sen indicates the party wants to reward senior lawmakers and prevent centralisation of power. Azad, a former Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) lawmaker, won on a TMC ticket for the first time this year. Sen has been a key TMC Rajya Sabha member. TMC lawmaker Mahua Moitra is expected to remain in the information technology panel. Congress leader KC Venugopal is likely to be a member of the transport and tourism panel. Former Tripura chief minister Biplab Deb was expected to be a member of the science and technology committee. The standing committees are expected to be announced by Friday. The Congress is set to head four parliamentary standing committees including on external affairs and education. It might also head the panels on agriculture and rural development. The lawmakers of Congress, which has 98 lawmakers in the Lok Sabha and 27 in the Rajya Sabha, last time chaired environment, commerce and chemicals and fertilizers panel. A Congress leader said the party has asked for the chairmanship of the health panel but the government has indicated that it would possibly go to another Opposition party; Samajwadi Party (SP) has held the post before. SP, Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam, Janata Dal (United) and Telugu Desam Party are expected to head one panel each. The BJP, which is likely to chair at least 14 of the 24 panels, has indicated it might accommodate some of the ex-chief ministers in the Union council of ministers. Manipur's security advisor Kuldiep Singh and director general of police Rajiv Singh released a joint statement on Wednesday evening disputing the chief minister's office (CMO) claim of over 900 Kuki militants entering the state from Myanmar, saying that it could not be sustained on the ground, The Indian Express reported. Subsequently, the CMO retracted its earlier statement, it added. Manipur chief minister N Biren Singh (X/@NBirenSingh) On September 17, an intelligence report from the CMO was leaked and circulated widely claiming that over 900 Kuki militants, newly trained in drone-based bombs, projectiles, missiles, and jungle warfare, have entered Manipur from Myanmar". It further suggested that these militants are organised into units of 30, are scattered on the periphery", and are expected to launch multiple coordinated attacks on Meitei villages around September 28". On September 20, security advisor Kuldiep Singh informed reporters that security agencies, especially the Assam Rifles, had been placed on high alert in the hill districts bordering Myanmar following the intelligence input. He mentioned that the issue was discussed in a Strategic Operation Group meeting he chaired, which included top officials from various security forces such as the Army, Assam Rifles, Central Reserve Police Force, Border Security Force, and state police. Kuldiep Singh's statement faced criticism from Kuki-Zo groups, with the Indigenous Tribal Leaders' Forum accusing him of promoting devious propaganda to defame the Kuki-Zo people and use it as a pretext to attack Kuki-Zo volunteers". On Wednesday, Manipur's two top security officials issued a clarification", saying that the input was verified from different quarters, but it could not be substantiated on the ground". The statement indicated that security forces deployed on the ground were on high alert to protect the lives and property of citizens. It assured all communities of their safety and advised them not to believe in any rumors or unverified information. Following this joint statement, the chief minister's office also communicated with the Information and Public Relations Department, as well as security officials, retracting its earlier claims. Kuki groups react Several Kuki groups in Manipur have called for a shutdown in tribal-dominated areas after the government cited an intelligence report claiming that 900 Kuki militants had infiltrated the state from Myanmar to launch attacks on the Meitei community on September 28. Two Kuki apex bodies declared a total shutdown in all Kuki-inhabited regions and issued a public response to the intelligence report referenced by State Security Advisor Kuldiep Singh, asserting that the claim was baseless. The statements were released on Tuesday by the Kuki Inpi Manipur (KIM), an apex Kuki organization, and the Indigenous Tribal Leaders Forum (ITLF), another Kuki group, both based in Churachandpur, Manipur. The Kuki Inpi Manipur (KIM) said that the information from the CMO regarding the supposed infiltration of 900 trained Kuki militants from Myanmar and a coordinated attack on Meitei villages scheduled for September 28 was unfounded. The Kuki organisation claimed that the statement was entirely baseless and allegedly fabricated by the Manipur government to justify a planned attack against the Kuki-Zo community It urged all Kukis to stay home and avoid travelling or working on September 27 and 28. The statement noted that a complete shutdown would be enforced on September 28 in all Kuki-Zo inhabited regions, monitored by Kuki Inpi and the KSO in their respective areas. The organization also expressed concern that coordinated attacks might be launched on September 28, targeting Kuki areas, and advised all Kuki-Zo village volunteers to strengthen their positions in the buffer zones. The first woman dafadar of the Greater Chennai Corporation has raised allegations that she has been removed from the post and transferred as officials were unhappy with her for wearing lipstick. SB Madhavi, 50, ceremonially accompanies Chennai mayor R Priya has been transferred to a civic role in Chennais Manali zone . Transferred for my lipstick choice: Chennai Mayors dafadar A week before they transferred me, the mayors office told me to wear at least a different and a lighter colour lipstick, Madhavi said. But I like applying lipstick. Its my personal freedom. If Im not working properly, they can find fault with it, she added. She also told the vernacular media that the Mayors office did not want her to wear the same shape of lipstick as the Mayor herself used. She received a memo from the Mayor, dated August 6, however, the issue came to light a month later and turned into a controversy in the city on Wednesday. They cited six reasons to transfer me and I responded on the same day, Madhavi said. HT has seen a copy of the order in which the reasons include reporting to work late and ignoring orders of superiors. To the last reason violation of office procedures, Madhavi responded, You told me not to wear lipstick and I defied you. If its wrong to wear lipstick, please show me a government order which prohibits wearing lipstick. BJP councillor Uma Ananthan defended the dafadar. She can wear whatever lipstick shade she wants. This is again womens rights, said Anandan. The BJP councillor highlighted the issues of ageism and sexism saying that though chief minister MK Stalin is two years older to her, shes addressed as paati meaning grandmother in Tamil. She (Madhavi) is 50 years old. Maybe they didnt want her to wear lipstick at that age. DMK has to respond to her. Though I dont wear lipstick, in the next corporation council, Ill wear lipstick to express my support to her. HT reached out to DMK but did not get a response to request for comment. The Greater Chennai Corporation on Wednesday evening released a statement denying the allegations. An explanation was sought through a memorandum last month as per the office procedures, due to Madhavis continuous violation of office procedures, coming late without properly reporting to the office, and not carrying out work in the office, the statement said. Apart from this, no explanation was asked about her personal make-up. No questioning was conducted. However, there have been reports in some media that she has been transferred for personal cosmetic choices. This is completely wrong, it added. The US wants the Indian Ocean to remain free and open and believes transparency about maritime activities, public-private partnership to improve maritime infrastructure, and multilateral coalitions to secure the waters are key to achieving this goal, a top National Security Council (NSC) official has said. President Joe Biden and Prime Minister Narendra Modi at the Quadrilateral Cancer Moonshot initiative event on the sidelines of the Quad Leaders Summit at Archmere Academy in Claymont, Delaware. (PTI) Lindsey Ford, the senior director for South Asia at NSC who has earlier served in senior roles in Pentagon, also outlined the high costs of instability in the waters of the Indian Ocean, visible in the ongoing Houthi attacks in the Red Sea and the doubling of insurance costs for ships, the vulnerabilities due to disruptions and chokepoints, and warned that challenges were not standing still. Ford was speaking at the launch of The Contest for the Indian Ocean: And the Making of a New World Order, written by Darshana Baruah, the director of security and geopolitics at Australia-India institute, at Carnegie Endowment for International Peace in Washington DC. Veteran scholar, Ashley J Tellis, chaired the event. A key argument of the book is that while the Pacific may see military conflict, the key theatre of geopolitical contestation will be the Indian Ocean where China is continuing to make inroads and which Beijing depends on for its economic advancement from energy to minerals to trade to outreach to global south. Ford, who said that the first Indian Ocean dialogue between the US and India was on track to be held by the end of the year, acknowledged that keeping the ocean free and open was a lofty goal given its expanse and diversity and challenges, but pointed to three lines of effort towards this goal. The first is transparency. Lack of transparency about the activities or rules of the road is a recipe for instability, Ford said, giving the examples of illegal fishing, reclamation, and movement of dark vessels. She spoke about the Indo-Pacific Maritime Domain Awareness (IPMDA) initiative of Quad as aimed to address this need by leveraging technology to bring transparency and offering real-time, integrated, cost-effective maritime information to over two dozen countries. Ford, who was a part of Bidens select delegation at the Quad Leaders Summit, also referred to the groups recent efforts to deepen analytical training and legal dialogue on maritime issues. Bringing transparency, Ford said, would help bring stability. The second line of effort that the US is pushing is around public-private partnership, with Ford pointing out that it was not just governments but port operators, insurance and shipping companies and private sector as a whole that shared this interest. They also had a shared interest in quality infrastructure. She placed Quads efforts on cable connectivity and resilience to support and strengthen the capacity, durability and reliability of undersea cable networks, the announcement of a Quad Regional Ports and Transportation Conference in India next year, and the US Development Finance Corporations $500 million support for a deep water shipping container terminal in Sri Lanka (in collaboration with Adani Ports) as examples of this line of effort. And finally, Ford suggested that the US believed in multilateral coalitions to secure the waters, but she emphasised this did not mean military alliances. This is not the goal that US has now or in the future, Ford reiterated, but added that it was not possible for a single country to manage problems in such a vast region. She gave the example of the Combined Maritime Forces, a 46-nation grouping where countries could come as they are and were not bound by any political or military mandate. This flexibility is particularly important of late, Ford said and offered the example of Operation Prosperity Guardian where a willing subset of countries worked together to secure the Red Sea against Houthi attacks. While Ford did not say it, other countries such as India worked separately but in close coordination with the same objective. Kriti Sanon and Parineeti Chopra were clicked at the Mumbai airport today. While Kriti arrived at the airport to catch a flight out of the bay, Parineeti arrived in the city with her politician husband, Raghav Chadha. Check out their stylish yet comfy airport fits. Kriti Sanon and Parineeti Chopra, with Raghav Chadha, at the airport. Kriti Sanon and Parineeti Chopra's Airport Fashion 101 The paparazzi clicked Kriti Sanon and Parineeti Chopra at the airport today. The two actors chose comfy yet chic fits for their airport look, proving that though they are comfy jetsetters, they don't forego style for comfort. While Kriti wore an elegant all-black ensemble and styled it with a printed cardigan, Parineeti embraced the co-ord fashion aesthetic with her husband for their arrival in Mumbai. Read on as we decode both the actors' outfits. Decoding Kriti Sanon's airport look Kriti wore a black bodysuit and matching high-waisted denim pants to the airport. While the blouse has a scoop neckline and a figure-hugging fit, the jeans comes with a flared silhouette and a floor-length hem accentuating the actor's long legs. Kriti layered the all-black fit with an olive green cardigan featuring a criss-cross pattern, an open front, full-length sleeves, and a relaxed silhouette. She accessorised the ensemble with a black leather belt, black slingback kitten heels, an olive green handbag, a beaded bracelet, a dainty necklace, and gold earrings. Lastly, she chose minimal glam and tied her hair in a centre-parted bun to complete the airport look. What did Parineeti Chopra wear? Parineeti opted for a co-ord ensemble for her arrival in Mumbai with Raghav Chadha. She wore a cobalt blue oversized shirt featuring an open front, a collared neck, side slits, half-length sleeves, and a curved hem. The actor paired it with a black tee and blue shorts. Parineeti completed the airport look with black loafers, a Saint Laurent tote bag, gold earrings, a sleek watch, and her hair tied in a centre-parted bun. Meanwhile, Raghav complemented her in a white T-shirt, a matching shirt, black shorts, and comfy sneakers. H D Kumaraswamy has often spoken about reviving the ailing Hindustan Machine Tools (HMT) over the last couple of months. He also appears keen on bringing HMTs watch division back from the dead. In July this year, in Mandya, the union minister for heavy industries and steel lamented the fading out of Indias first watch brand. Earlier this month, on the occasion of the Gauri Ganesha festival, the minister reportedly bought two HMT watches, one of which he gifted to his son, JD (S) youth wing president Nikhil. Gyaneshwar Patil, the BJP MP from Khandwa, in Madhya Pradesh, is also reported to have gifted Kumaraswamy a pair of HMT watches. (While HMT Watches was liquidated in 2016, it is currently run as part of the Auxiliary Business Division and assembles rather unremarkable products.) The revival of nationalised watch brands, from HMT in India to Raketa in Russia, showcases a growing trend of breathing new life into legacy timepieces. We dont know how far the latest revival plan will go, or the direction it will take, but all this talk about PSUs and watches and revival packages made this reporter take a closer look at the fate of other nationalised watchmakers across the world. How many of these entities still survive? Has the phoenix risen from the ashes elsewhere and if so, what gave it wings? Watchmaking has been driven by private investment since 1735, when Blancpain, the worlds oldest watch company, was set up. The only exception to this rule was engineered by political and economic ideology: besides India, the other countries with a legacy of state-owned watchmakers were the USSR, East Germany, the former Czechoslovakia, and China. From Russia with love The USSR, which started its modern watchmaking journey after the Russian Revolution by buying the assets of bankrupt American watch company Deuber-Hampden, had about ten nationalised watch companies. These were set up across the confederation, from Moscow and Minsk to Petrodvorets and Chelyabinsk, and produced millions of robust watches with a utilitarian appeal and, often, space pedigree: Poljot, Slava, Strela, Vostok, Raketa The First Moscow Watch Factory, set up as part of the Soviet Unions first five-year plan, produced watches such as the Pobeda (victory) in 1946 and the Sturmanskie watch, believed to have been worn by Yuri Gagarin on the first human space flight in 1961. The Raketa Takema is a Russian-made wristwatch known for its robust design and reliability. The Raketa (Russian for rocket) Big Zero, on the other hand, was a favourite of the Russian statesman and the architect of perestroika, Mikhail Gorbachev. The story goes that when he was asked to define perestroika at a summit in Italy in the late 1980s, he pointed to his Big Zero watch, with its signature oversized numerals and a big zero, and said: Its like on my watch; the Soviet people want to start everything from zero. Three decades after the collapse of the Soviet Union, only a few of these brands still exist. The vintage Raketa Takema is a Soviet-era wristwatch Most of them are kept alive by licensing deals, globalised supply chains, and watch enthusiasts fascination for a different, and slightly quirky, philosophy of watchmaking. Poljot, now Poljot International, produces its watches in Germany, while Vostok largely makes its watches out of Lithuania, though its Christopol factory still produces classic hits such as the Amphibia and the Komandarskie on a small scale. Raketa, helped back on its feet by David Henderson-Stewart, a British entrepreneur with Russian roots, appears to be doing better. Its watches are still made at the historic St Petersburg factory, and the updated Big Zero is, in fact, available in India, with prices starting at 1.7 lakh. The Saxon Revival Unlike the USSR, East Germany, its puppet state, had an impressive watchmaking heritage, with watchmakers such as Ferdinand Adolf Lange, and Robert Muhle, brands such as Laco and Stowa, and thriving watchmaking hubs such as the towns of Glashutte, near Dresden, and Ruhla, in Thuringia. Several of these companies were corralled into collectives with rousing names such as the Volkseigener Betreib Glashutter Uhrenbetreib (GUB) or the Peoples Company of Glashutte Watchmakers after WW-II. The watches they made were made available across the Eastern Bloc and exported to countries on the other side of the Iron Curtain. Freed from the shackles of socialism after the fall of the Berlin Wall, many of these watch brands struck out on their own and began the arduous journey towards privatisation. The watches made by GUB inspired the creation of the high end Glashutte Original brand, which was acquired by the Swatch Group in 2000. Gunter Blumlein, the watch industry visionary who helped revive IWC and Jaeger-LeCoultre, came on board to re-establish A.Lange & Sohne as one of the worlds greatest watchmakers. A.Lange & Sohne as one of the worlds greatest watchmakers. A. Lange & Sohne is now owned by the Swiss Richemont Group, while the premium watches made by the now family-owned Muhle Glashutte, and fliegers offered by Laco and Stowa offer, along with the rest of the German constellation of watchmakers, a solid, Bauhaus-inspired alternative to Swiss and Japanese timepieces. A similar story has been unfolding across the German border in the Czech Republic, where former nationalised and defunct watchmakers such as Chronotechna are getting a new lease of life, thanks to investors. The only country in which state- owned watchmakers appear to be doing well is China. The public sector Seagull, located in Tianjin, is believed to be Chinas biggest watchmakmer, and claims to make over 5 million movements annually. One doesnt have to be too astute to discern patterns from this brief plunge into the history of state-owned watch companies, but what is clear is that resuscitating ailing or defunct watch brands requires both passion and a relentless entrepreneurial drive. And two, governments across the world should ideally stay out of it. Vision issues are reaching alarming levels, resembling a pandemic. A recent study reveals that nearly a billion children globally may require glasses. Researchers in China have discovered a significant increase in myopia, or nearsightedness, among children and adolescents. Published in the British Journal of Ophthalmology, the study predicts that by 2050, around 740 million young people worldwide could be impacted by this condition. Research indicates myopia among children is rising dramatically, with nearly a billion potentially needing glasses. (Unsplash) The study, conducted by researchers from Sun Yat-Sen University in China, examined data from 276 studies with over 5.4 million participants across 50 countries. It reveals a significant increase in the global prevalence of nearsightedness among children and teens over the past 30 years, rising from 24.32% in the 1990s to 35.81% in the early 2020s. This rise in myopia rates is especially notable in certain regions and demographics. East Asian countries have the highest prevalence, with Japan leading at an alarming 85.95%. Additionally, the study found that girls are more prone to developing myopia than boys, particularly during adolescence. (Also read: Dont let rain ruin your vision: Essential eye care tips for monsoon, to prevent infections ) Myopia Trends in Different Countries Interestingly, the research reveals a significant disparity between developed and developing countries. Contrary to expectations, developing or underdeveloped nations exhibit a higher prevalence of myopia at 31.89%, compared to 23.81% in developed countries. The researchers suggest that the early introduction of formal education in some East Asian nations may contribute to this trend. Projections for the future are even more concerning, with estimates indicating that by 2050, 39.80% of children and adolescents globally will be myopic. This equates to nearly four in ten youths requiring prescription glasses, posing a considerable public health challenge. Causes and Solutions The researchers identify several contributing factors to the rise in myopia, including increased screen time, decreased outdoor activities, and the early introduction of formal education in certain cultures. For instance, in countries like Singapore and Hong Kong, children as young as two or three often participate in supplementary educational programs before entering formal schooling. The gender disparity in myopia rates is also noteworthy. The study suggests that girls may be more susceptible to myopia due to earlier physical development, reduced outdoor time, and possibly more engagement in close-range activities such as reading. The study underscores the importance of cultivating good eye habits from an early age. This involves promoting outdoor activities, limiting screen time, and ensuring regular eye examinations. On a larger scale, the researchers recommend that governments introduce policies to alleviate the excessive homework and off-campus tutoring pressures faced by young students. With the large sample size considered, our estimates of myopia prevalence are likely very accurate, the team notes. It is essential to acknowledge that myopia could pose a significant global health challenge in the future. 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. India's luxurious and oldest heritage train 'Palace on Wheels' has embarked on its first journey for this tourism season from New Delhi Safdarjung Railway Station on Wednesday. Rajasthan Tourism Development Corporation (RTDC) Managing Director Sushma Arora, Executive Director Rajendra Singh Shekhawat, Managing Director of the private company operating the train, O&M, Bhagat Singh Lohagarh, and Director Pradeep Bohra flagged off the royal train. Palace on Wheels is a luxury tourist train in India renowned for its opulent amenities and royal travel experience.(Pinterest) For this year 32 passengers have set off on this Royal journey. The passengers included five each from the US and the UK, two each from Spain, Australia and Singapore, one each from Sri Lanka, Ukraine and Poland and 12 from India. The train can accommodate up to 82 passengers at a time. Palace on Wheels Embarks on a New Season of Royal Journeys RTDC's Managing Director Sushma Arora expressed her excitement and happiness as the train embarked on its first journey. She said, "It is a moment of happiness for all of us as 'Palace on Wheels,' which is the pride of Rajasthan, is ready to embark on its first journey for this tourist season. The train will reach its first destination Jaipur on Thursday morning, and then the tourist will leave for Sawai Madhopur. She further added, "This train is the pride of Rajasthan and has a global image. It is a landmark crane and people from different parts of the world come to travel on this train. The infrastructure of the train has a touch of Rajasthani art and culture. This is a prestigious project for RTDC. The tourists will receive all the five-star facilities and amenities throughout the journey." Celebrating Rajasthan's Rich Heritage RTDC's executive Director Rajendra Singh Shekhawat after flagging off the train said, "This train has been running since 1982. Keeping in mind the hospitality of Rajasthan, the people are very happy and get immersed in the journey. Rajasthan is famous for mainly three things i.e. hospitality, welcome and respect. Every guest or tourist in Rajasthan is welcome with the feeling of Atithi Devo Bhava and the royal train also rides on this principle." Managing director of the private company operating the train, O&M, Bhagat Singh Lohagarh told reporters about the design of the train and how it resembles the theme of Raj gharanas in Rajasthan. He said, "The renovation of the train differs from previous years, and people are really excited to embark on this journey. Every Raj Gharana of Rajasthan used to have their own theme and this has what been tried to keep in mind while designing the train. The restaurant has been designed keeping in the Sheesh Mahal in Amber." The travellers on the train also expressed their happiness and excitement. They were excited to embark on this Royal journey. One of the tourists from Chennai, Madana Gopal said, "I am looking forward to the journey and I am very excited to see the decor. I hope we have a good and pleasant experience. We would like to look to the hospitality of the train." A couple Pooja and Ajay Joshi who are travelling on this train also expressed how this has been their dream for quite some time. Pooja Joshi said, " It was a dream, his dream actually and we thought of doing it this year." To this, Ajay Joshi also added, It has been on our bucket list for a very long time and she was in India so I flew down here. We want to experience Royal treatment as well as the whole excursion. The train will cover eight cities starting from Jaipur, Sawai Madhopur, Chittorgarh, Udaipur, Jaisalmer, Jodhpur, Bharatpur and Agra in Uttar Pradesh in just 7 days. More about Palace on Wheels Palace on Wheels is India's first luxury and heritage train. It was launched 42 years ago in the year 1982 and was a joint initiative of Indian Railways and Rajasthan Tourism Development Corporation. This super Luxury train has made an unparalleled contribution to elevating Rajasthan Tourism to new heights and has even made it popular overseas. Since Anura Kumara Dissanayake of the Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna (JVP) was elected as the ninth executive president of Sri Lanka, there is speculation about the new governments foreign policy. Given the economic and geopolitical scenario, pragmatism is likely to take precedence Sri Lanka will continue to balance between India and China. The new dispensations quest for good governance and reforms will also likely benefit India. FILE PHOTO: Sri Lanka's newly elected President Anura Kumara Dissanayake addresses a gathering after taking his oath of office at the Presidential Secretariat, in Colombo, Sri Lanka, September 23, 2024. Sri Lanka President Media/Handout via REUTERS/File Photo (via REUTERS) At its inception in the 1960s, the JVP was a staunchly anti-Indian organisation with its Marxist and Sinhala nationalist ideology. Fighting Indian expansionism in South Asia was one of its core ideological themes. Its first insurrection against the Sri Lankan State in 1971 ended quickly, with India stepping in to secure the Colombo airport and conducting maritime patrols at the request of the Sri Lankan government. However, the second insurrection, between 1987-1990, became even more anti-Indian with the JVP criticising the Indo-Lanka accord that permitted the deployment of Indian Peace Keeping Forces (IPKF) in Sri Lanka. While the JVP renounced its armed struggle and entered mainstream politics in 1994, it remained a non-traditional choice. It was during the economic crisis and the 2022 Aragalaya movement that Dissanayake emerged as a popular choice for a populace disenchanted with traditional elites. JVPs rising popularity compelled India to enhance its engagements with the party. The unpredictability of the elections also meant that India maintained engagements with all the key contenders. Delhi invited Dissanayake on an official visit, even as external affairs minister S Jaishankar and national security advisor Ajit Doval met Sri Lankan leaders across party lines in the run-up to the elections. Indias pragmatic engagement is part of its Neighbourhood First policy and Security and Growth for All in the Region (SAGAR) vision. As Sri Lankas geopolitical significance increases, India has pushed for connectivity to further its leverage. In fact, during the island-nations recent economic crisis, India stepped in to offer assistance of $4 billion. As a result, India will be managing and upgrading airports and maritime ports in Sri Lanka, developing the Trincomalee region, and investing in renewable energy projects, oil refineries, an energy grid, and a bi-directional petroleum pipeline. Multiple Indian firms have expressed interest in investing in Sri Lankan State-owned enterprises (SOEs), and India and Sri Lanka are also discussing a land bridge and the Economic and Technology Cooperation Agreement (ETCA). On their part, JVP understands that Cold War-era alliances and affiliations make little sense in the contemporary world order. This realisation existed even before the elections and underpinned its outreach towards India. It recognises that Indias geopolitical clout and economic growth will help the country recover and strengthen its economy. Several promises in Dissanayakes manifesto, such as developing Sri Lanka into a maritime hub, a port and trading hub, and a regional logistics management hub, will depend on the latters connectivity with India. Dissanayake wants to improve tourism and information technology revenues for which India will again prove to be an important country. It is this growing importance of connectivity and economic leverages that has prompted JVP to be sensitive to Indias concerns. Its manifesto specifies that the countrys land, sea, and air spaces will not be permitted to threaten the national security of any country, particularly India. That said, the new government will even attempt to balance relations with China, too. Beijing will continue to enhance its relationship, leveraging the new regimes Communist leanings. Dissanayake had visited Beijing before he visited Delhi; several high-level Chinese delegates had also visited him before the elections. As one of the biggest lenders to Sri Lanka, Beijing will continue to engage with the government to further its interests in the Indian Ocean. This capacity to invest and assist will continue to woo an economically recovering Sri Lanka. But having won the election with strong rhetoric on transparency and accountability, the governments balancing will be subject to more pressure. Dissanayake aims to promote a rigorous and transparent tender process for all foreign investments, avoid privatisation of critical SOEs, conduct detailed debt audits on foreign loans, and enact legal action against those misusing these loans. On a short-term basis, this will be challenging current Indian and Chinese competition for a stake in crucial SOEs, and their investments. The call to suspend the Adani energy project is a case in point. However, in the longer term, scrutinising loans and the new investment conditions (if implemented) are not likely to go down well with Beijing, which has exploited systemic loopholes, promoting corruption, and opaque loans. On the contrary, this could be more beneficial for India and its like-minded partners who are genuinely interested in strengthening institutions and promoting transparency and accountability in the countrys governance. Harsh V Pant is vice president for studies and foreign policy, and Aditya Gowdara Shivamurthyis associate fellow, neighbourhood studies, Observer Research Foundation.The views expressed are personal A boarding school in China faced severe backlash after an incident of staff members punishing a student for using the toilet at night came to light. The student, who went to the washroom at 11:00 pm, 15 minutes past curfew, was caught and reprimanded. This incident, which many have likened to a 'prison' environment, has sparked anger among people. The news of a student being punished for using the boarding school toilet at night left Chinese social media users angry. (Unsplash/amybethreed, hannaholinger) According to Beijing News, an anonymous teacher informed that students cannot walk around the dormitory after 10.45 pm, and there are restrictions on using the toilet. Students reportedly need to contact dorm administrators for permission if they want to use the toilet after curfew. What was the students punishment? According to the South China Morning Post (SCMP), the boy was asked to write a deep self-reflection letter and instructed to distribute 1,000 copies among his peers. Marks were also deducted from his class monthly discipline score. What did the student write? I have seriously breached the school rules, and going to the toilet in the evening not only disturbed other students sleep but also brought shame to my class, the student wrote in his letter. Reportedly, he also apologised to his teachers and fellow students, promising not to repeat this behaviour in the future. Social media outrage SCMP reported that an individual wrote on Chinese social media Douyin, I dont understand why going to the toilet after 11 pm breaks the schools rules. Who can control when they need to go? Another added, This school resembles a prison with such strict regulations. Action against school Following the outrage, the Education Department of Huairen, where the school is located, asked the institute to reflect on their errors. We instructed the school to learn from this incident and reflect on its errors. We told them to revise their discipline policies, the education authority stated, reported the outlet. They also asked the school to pay the student 100 yuan (US$14) to compensate him for printing 1,000 copies of his deep-reflection letter. Officials have reportedly instructed all the schools in the area to impose reasonable and humane discipline policies. The Delhi Police has arrested a 32-year-old woman for allegedly stealing gold jewellery worth lakhs of a social media influencer while taking taking pictures with him, an officer said on Thursday. The woman who stole the jewellery was arrested in Manali. The woman was apprehended from Manali in Himachal Pradesh with her husband and gold ornaments weighing 100 grams were recovered from her Haryana house, the officer said. The influencer had approached police alleging he was robbed by a woman who posed as a fan on social media. (Also Read: Viral video: Influencer dresses up as Spider-Man to beg for money in Mumbai) "On September 18, the woman insisted on meeting the complainant under the pretext of taking photos/videos with his expensive jewellery," Deputy Commissioner of Police (south) Ankit Chauhan said. They both decided to meet at his office in South Delhi's Chattarpur and the woman asked him to wear his gold jewellery and pose for the camera. The man complied. "In the meantime, when the influencer was busy on a call, the woman fled with 100 grams of his gold ornaments," the DCP said to PTI. "CCTV footage was checked and the location of the woman was traced to Manali. Team apprehended her in Manali and recovered the gold ornaments from her Jhajjar's house. Further investigation into the matter is underway," he said to PTI. (Also Read: Mumbai woman conned out of 3.37 lakh on Tinder, saved from losing more by alert bank staff) Earlier, a 26-year-old man who aspired to be an influencer and content creator on social media was taken into custody for committing at least six burglaries in Vasant Kunj between June 5 and August 26. The police also found 12 pricey imported watches, seven perfumes, and three pairs of sunglasses that he had bought with stolen money. The suspect was identified as Vivek Kumar Gupta. Hundreds of CCTV footage were obtained and analysed and it was found that the burglaries were committed by the same set of people. They were identified as Gupta and his associate Vikhyat Sharma (22), an investigator said. A Dubai-based housewife claims her millionaire husband bought a private island so she can feel safe on the beach. Soudi Al Nadak, 26, shared an Instagram video of the private island with the caption: POV: You wanted to wear a bikini so your millionaire husband bought you an island. Soudi and Jamal Al Nadak say they have purchased a private island in Asia(Instagram/@soudiofarabia) Soudi, 26, is the British-born wife of Dubai businessman Jamal Al Nadak. In a conversation with HT.com, she described herself as a full time housewife. The high-profile couple met when they were both studying in Dubai and have been married for over three years now. Besides being a rich housewife, Soudi is also well known as an influencer - her Instagram and TikTok accounts showcase her lavish lifestyle. In one video, for example, the couple buys a diamond solitaire ring for $1 million and invests another $2 million in artwork - all in a days work. Private island life Soudi Al Nadaks video claiming that her husband purchased an entire island has gone viral on Instagram, collecting over 2.4 million views in less than a week. Speaking to HT.com, the Dubai-based influencer said that she and her husband had been planning to buy an island as an investment. It was something we were looking to do for a while for investment and my husband wants me to feel safe on a beach which is why he purchased one, she said. Soudi refused to disclose the islands exact location for privacy and safety reasons but said that her husband Jamal shelled out a whopping $50 million for the private retreat. For privacy reasons we arent sharing the exact location but its in Asia and it was $50 million, she told HT.com. You can catch a glimpse of the island in her video below: Message to haters In the past, the UK-born influencer has attracted criticism for what many call showing off on social media. Her feed is full of photos and videos that show glamorous holidays abroad, fancy dinners, shopping at designer boutiques and other assorted glimpses into her privileged lifestyle. Her video of the private island, too, attracted backlash, with some viewers doubting the authenticity of her claims. I dont understand why I get so much hate as I just like to share my lifestyle with everyone, Soudi told HT.com Google Trends Interest in the search term "Dubai man private island" surged on September 27, reaching its peak at 5.46 am and continuing to gain traction, according to Google Trends. Most searches originated from Chandigarh, Goa, Bihar, Odisha, and Uttar Pradesh. Related searches included "island" and private island. A chimpanzee who became popular in Guinea for using tools ripped an eight-month-old baby from her mother's arms and dragged her into the forest before killing her. The angry locals, who protected the chimpanzee as they believe them to be reincarnated ancestors, have now turned against the primates.(Pixabay) Seny Zogba, who works in cassava fields in Bossou, said the chimpanzee Jeje bit her and stole her baby girl, Yoh Helene. The mutilated body of the girl was found near a nature reserve and witnesses claimed the chimpanzee used tools to butcher her body. (Also read: Brutal hippo attack: 63-year-old dragged to bottom of river, tossed like rag doll opens up about the nightmare) "No longer fear humans" According to a primate researcher, the chimpanzees in Guinea are turning into killers as they "no longer fear humans". Upset over the gruesome killing, an angry mob of locals broke into the Bossou Environmental Research Institute, where the chimpanzees are being studied for decades by scientists. The mob destroyed the building and set fire to the scientists' equipment like drones and computers and torched research documents. "Violence has become a habit" The angry locals, who protected the chimpanzee as they believe them to be reincarnated ancestors, have now turned against the primates saying the way she was killed angered the population. In Guinea, chimpanzees are given gifts in the form of food, making them move out of the protected area and into human settlements. "It was not their will [to be violent] but it has become the habit of the chimpanzees," a youth leader told media. This is the seventh recorded chimpanzee attack on humans since last year, the research centre said. Killing out of excitement? Ecologists argued the attacks came as the supply of food in the reserve fell, pushing the chimpanzees to leave their protected area more frequently. However, some experts said that food may not be the only reason and some primates may act "excited" and cannot control themselves, much like how they treat each other. The chimpanzees in Bossou are known to use stone hammers to crack open nuts - a scientifically sophisticated act by the primates that are believed to be human's closest relatives. (Also read: Baby chimpanzee rushes to hug surrogate mom after spending a day apart) A fun trip for a 63-year-old man and his wife to Zambia turned into a horror show when a hippo attacked the couple's canoe. The animal dragged Roland Cherry underwater and tossed him into the air like a rag doll. The attack caused significant injuries, but thankfully, he survived the nightmarish ordeal. Reportedly, a hippo dragged a man to the bottom of a river before tossing him into the air (Representative image). (Unsplash/jwolpers) Recalling the attack: Cherry told the BBC that they were on Kafue River when the tragedy left him lodged between a hippos jaw. "When the hippo first hit the canoe, there was a massive crash, much like a car crash really," he told the outlet. "I remember surfacing, realising my shoulder was quite badly injured and I realised I'd dislocated it from the outset and the consequences were that I couldn't actually swim, he said, adding, "The instructions were to swim to safety but I couldn't swim so I was really a sitting duck, trying to swim with one arm which was never going to end well - and then it grabbed me." He recalled that he kept thinking, I dont want to die, and thought , That's not good when he saw blood over his abdomen at one point during the attack. Wifes account of the horror: "I did see him surface and I think he took a gulp, and then I thought I saw him being thrown in the air," Cherrys wife, Shirley, said. "The hippo could have attacked any one of us and I can't help feeling if the hippo had... if it had been me, I wouldn't be here now, so I think Roland took one for the team, she added. Injuries suffered: As per the outlet, Cherry suffered a 10-inch wound to his abdomen. He also has a dislocated shoulder and a thigh injury. The hospital staff where he was treated considered this his lucky escape, adding that he wouldnt have survived the attack if his injuries were even a little bit deeper. Dont hate hippos Cherry shared that he was "conscious we were in their territory" while navigating the river. He added that he was "not very fond of what [one] did to me". Also Read: Horrifying video shows seawater turning red as shark attacks four people in Texas Are hippos deadly? According to an article published by the BBC titled 10 deadliest animals to humansyou don't want to get too close, hippopotamuses kill more humans than predators like lions. The deadly land mammals reportedly cause 500 deaths annually. They are known to be aggressive and very territorial, often making them charge at boats and capsize them. The hippos, weighing an average of 1,500 kg (males), often kill people on board by drowning or biting with their large, sharp teeth. An American woman, residing in Delhi for the past two years, recently shared a video addressing those considering the merits of living in India versus the United States. She detailed her reasons for relocating from the US to India, adding her belief that the latter offers a superior quality of life to her former home. The image shows American content creator Kristen Fischer, who shared a US vs India video. (Instagram/@kristenfischer3) It is always the same question, Why in the world would I want to leave America and move to India? she wrote, adding two stereotypes people often have about these countries. I think my kids are being set up for a more successful life and future in India. They will have such a rich life, experiences, and community that they would never have gotten in the USA, she elaborated. She further stressed that while the United States of America may be ideal for those solely focused on financial gain, India offers a more fulfilling lifestyle for those seeking personal growth and a more meaningful existence. Take a look at the viral video here: Mixed reactions from social media users: Fischers decision to leave the US and settle in India has sparked a diverse range of opinions. Some resonated with her views, finding India a more favourable place to live, while others held contrasting perspectives. Making money in the US is not easy. The cost of living in the US is too high. Purchasing power in India is far better than in the US, and people in India with different socio-economic backgrounds live cohesively, an Instagram user stated. Another joined, India is not safe for women. Replying to this comment, a third expressed, "Neither is America. In that sense, Germany and Scandinavian countries are far better. And Israel, surprisingly. This individual, who claimed to be a foreigner, commented, Perfectly said. Im Tibetan, born and raised in India, but I'm now a Dutch citizen. When I was in India, my life was way better regarding my mind and health. You never feel alone. Im thinking of moving back to India next year! A fifth wrote, I agree with you. Despite living in the US for ten years, I have never felt at home here. Home will always be India. Who is Kristen Fischer? Kristen Fischer, a content creator at SkyFish Development, has called Delhi home for two years, where she resides with her family. Her Instagram page, boasting over 58,000 followers, offers a humorous glimpse into her life in India. Fischer candidly shares her experiences through her videos, often leaving viewers amused and nodding in agreement. Her content resonates with many as she navigates the cultural transition from America and documents the changes she's embraced in her new home. What are your thoughts on this video of a woman explaining why she prefers India over the US? Mumbai, often called the "City of Dreams," is a place where millions flock with hopes of building a future. Unfortunately, Mumbai's soaring rents have turned the City of Dreams into a daunting financial challenge for many. A 2BHK apartment in Mumbai is raising eyebrows for its unique design(X/PaneerMakkhani) The rent crisis in Mumbai is driven by limited land for a large population. It is not uncommon to find small apartments commanding a rent that would get you entire mansions in smaller Indian cities. People who move to Mumbai for higher education or jobs are no strangers to skyrocketing rent in the city of skyscrapers. But even they are sometimes left surprised by the lengths that Mumbaikars go to in order to conserve every inch in a city where space is a luxury. Take, for example, the X user who found a 2BHK in the posh Pali Hill neighbourhood of Mumbai while apartment hunting. Utkarsh Gupta was so surprised by the design of the apartments bathroom that he took to the social media platform X (formerly Twitter) to express his disbelief. He shared a photograph that shows a washing machine installed above the commode in the small washroom. What made the whole thing even more hilarious was the expected rent for the apartment - 1.35 lakh per month, along with 4 lakh as security and 1.4 lakh as brokerage. Only in Mumbai, you can front load your washing machine while top loading your commode. At an affordable price of 1.35L per month! Gupta wrote while sharing the photograph. Take a look at his post below: People in the comments section dropped laughing face emojis to express their amusement. Everything is fair in Pali Hill, wrote one person. The apartment in question is listed on Housing.com and is built on the fourth floor of an eight-storey building. Covering an area of 850 square feet, it is advertised as having an affordable rent in Mumbai. The apartment has two bedrooms, two bathrooms and no balconies. It comes fully furnished, and the asking rent of 1.35 lakh is within the expected range for Bandra apartments of this size, says a Housing.com analysis. NEWS PROVIDED BY Catholic League for Religious and Civil Rights Sept. 26, 2024 NEW YORK, Sept. 26, 2024 /Christian Newswire/ -- The following is submitted by Bill Donohue, President, Catholic League: Every survey shows that most Americans do not consider Donald Trump to be a particularly devout Christian. Indeed, only 14 percent of U.S. adults say the word "Christian" describes the former president. Even among evangelical Protestants who think favorably of Trump, only one in five strongly associates the term "Christian" with him. This obviously does not bother his supporters, but it sure bothers others. The others are those who are unhappy with the faithful for standing by Trump, a man they say is characterologically flawed. They are basically saying that religious Americans who are in Trump's corner are hypocrites. R. Marie Griffith is a religion and politics professor at Washington University in St. Louis. Speaking of the faithful who support Trump, she says, "They really don't care about, is he religious or not." According to Newsweek, this signifies a "disconnect" between personal faith and political support, one that "prioritizes political goals over traditional religious values." Not really. What it suggests is that Christians who like Trump are mature voters: They are not choosing the most pious candidatethey are choosing the person who is the most likely to promote their values. Whether the candidate is religion-friendly matters gravely, not his personal relationship with God. In June, we published a report, "Biden and Trump on Religious Liberty," that compared the Trump-Pence administration's record on this subject to that of Biden-Harris. "In his four years as president," I noted, "Trump addressed religious liberty issues 117 times. From the beginning of his presidency in January 2021 to May 1, 2024, Biden addressed these matters 31 times." I added that while quantitative data were important, qualitative analysis was also critical. On this score, Trump wins easily: he expanded religious liberty while Biden often contracted it. Our report looked at the following issues: Faith-based initiatives; Conscience rights; Abortion; HHS Mandate; Foster Care; Gays; Transgenderism; and International Issues. "No one seriously believes that Trump is a man of deep faith," I said. "But his policies on religious liberty are a model of excellence. Biden, on the other hand, tries hard to convince the public that he is a 'devout Catholic' yet his religious-liberty rulings are unimpressive, and in some cases are subversive of this First Amendment right." Harris' views on religious liberty are inextricably linked to the administration she serves. This explains why Sen. Mike Lee recently said that "Kamala Harris doesn't believe that religious institutions should be able to live according to their faith. Rather, they must bend the knee to the popular social justice movement of the day." Lee does not exaggerate. Harris is a co-sponsor of the Equality Act and she introduced the Do No Harm Act. Both would gut religious liberty protections by sidelining the 1993 Religious Freedom Restoration Act. And unlike Trump, who gave us Supreme Court Justices who respect the First Amendment guarantee of religious liberty, Harris would go the other way. There is no disconnect between people of faith who are unimpressed with Trump's personal Christian credentials and his phenomenal record of promoting religious liberty for all Americans. After all, they know what the choices are. Harris, who is a religious hybrid (she was raised Baptist and Hindu), is not exactly known as Ms. Devout. But she is known as someone who entertains a militant secularist mindset. It is the latter that counts. Persona matters but policies matter more. That's the mature way of sizing up candidates for public office. UN Security Council holds emergency meeting on Lebanon amid Israel-Hezbollah conflict Xinhua) 13:19, September 26, 2024 UNITED NATIONS, Sept. 25 (Xinhua) -- Requested by France, the UN Security Council on Wednesday convened an emergency meeting on Lebanon, the second meeting on the country's deteriorating situation in less than a week, with UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres saying that "hell is breaking loose in Lebanon." In his remarks, Guterres urged the Security Council "to work in lock-step" to end the escalating violence between Israeli forces and Hezbollah militants across the Blue Line, a buffer zone in southern Lebanon. Hezbollah and Israel must pull back from the brink of a potentially catastrophic regional war, he insisted, adding that there was now massive civilian displacement from southern and eastern Lebanon towards the Lebanese capital of Beirut, while the Israelis have endured repeated attacks from Hezbollah with more than 8,300 rockets, drones and increasingly high caliber missile attacks on military targets and residential areas. With an appeal for both sides to respect Lebanese sovereignty, Guterres said that Lebanon "must have full control of its weapons" throughout the country. "We support all efforts to strengthen the Lebanese Armed Forces," he added. "We say it very clearly and honestly: what we have been witnessing over the past year in Gaza and what we are witnessing now in Lebanon is likely to expand to other areas in the region if the international community does not shoulder its responsibility to put an end to the machine of death and destruction," Badr Ahmed Mohamed Abdelatty, Minister for Foreign Affairs, Emigration and Egyptian Expatriates of Egypt, told the meeting. "They are spreading terror and fear among Lebanese citizens ... We cannot bear to lose another generation because of the war," said Lebanese Prime Minister Najib Mikati. "The ongoing aggression against Lebanon is fueled by the failure of the international community, and in particular by the UN Security Council, to hold Israel accountable for war crimes and genocide in Gaza," said Seyyed Abbas Araghchi, Iranian foreign minister. France on Wednesday unveiled a proposal for a 21-day ceasefire in Lebanon in UN diplomacy with the United States as the death toll mounted in deadly strikes by Israel. French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot said that the two Western powers were proposing a "temporary ceasefire" of 21 days "to allow for negotiations." The Arab League Council has at the level of foreign ministers warned of the repercussions of escalating "the Israeli aggression" against Lebanon in light of recent developments, which could lead to the outbreak of a large-scale regional war and threaten the security and stability of the entire region. Israel said on Wednesday it was readying troops for a potential ground incursion into Lebanon, telling soldiers to prepare to "enter enemy territory" as it called up more reservists and sent world leaders scrambling to prevent a full-scale war with Hezbollah militants. "We are preparing the process of a maneuver," Israeli Military Chief Herzi Halevi told troops at an exercise along the northern border. Israeli warplanes resumed intensive airstrikes on eastern and southern Lebanon on Wednesday evening, carrying out about 70 raids on the areas of Baalbek, Hermel, and Western Bekaa in eastern Lebanon. On Monday and Tuesday, Israel conducted its most extensive attacks on Lebanon since 2006, resulting in more than 550 deaths and over 1,800 injuries across the country. Lebanese Environment Minister Nasser Yassin said Israel's bombardment has displaced over 150,000 residents over the past 72 hours. The sharp escalation has raised concerns about a potential full-scale conflict between Israel and Lebanon, with fears that other regional powers could also be sucked in. (Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Zhong Wenxing) Mira Murati, OpenAI's chief technology officer (CTO), announced her resignation from the Microsoft-backed company through an X post. She shared that she is leaving the organisation after spending six-and-a-half years there, adding that she came to the difficult decision after much reflection. OpenAIs CTO, Mira Murati, announced her resignation through an X post that went viral. (File Photo) Here are some things about Mira Murati, born on December 16, 1988. Education She attended the Pearson United World College of the Pacific in Canada at 16 after winning a scholarship. As per Live Mint, she also has a Bachelor of Arts (AB) in Mathematics from Colby College and a Bachelor of Engineering from the Thayer School of Engineering at Dartmouth College. Career She started her career as a Summer Analyst intern at Goldman Sachs. She then started working as an Advanced Concepts Engineer at Zodiac Aerospace before moving to Elon Musks Tesla as a Senior Product Manager. She joined OpenAI in 2018 as VP of Applied AI & Partnerships. After a few years, she was promoted to CTO, a position she held for over two years. At OpenAI, she led product development, including GPT-4. Muratis take on supposed dangers of AI In an earlier interview with Time, she said, There are ... a ton of questions around societal impact, and there are a lot of ethical and philosophical questions that we need to consider. And it's important that we bring in different voices, like philosophers, social scientists, artists, and people from the humanities." Since news of her resignation broke online, there has been a surge of interest in the executive, with many curious about her former role and company. Hence, her name Mira Murati is trending on Google. Why did she resign? According to her X post, she expressed her gratitude for many individuals and also thanked Sam Altman, OpenAIs CEO, for his trust in her. I'm stepping away because I want to create the time and space to do my own exploration. For now, my primary focus is doing everything in my power to ensure a smooth transition, maintaining the momentum we've built. I will forever be grateful for the opportunity to build and work alongside this remarkable team. she wrote. While I may no longer be in the trenches with you, I will still be rooting for you all. With deep gratitude for the friendships forged, the triumphs achieved, and most importantly, the challenges overcome together, she added in her note. Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau on Wednesday survived a vote of no confidence in the first major test for his minority Liberal government whose popularity has waned after nine years in office. (FILES) Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau arrives for the NATO 75th Anniversary Celebratory Event at the Mellon Auditorium in Washington, DC, on July 9, 2024. Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau on September 25, 2024 survived a vote of no confidence, with 211 lawmakers opposing and 120 in favor, in the first major test of his minority Liberal government (Photo by Brendan SMIALOWSKI / AFP)(AFP) His tenuous grip on power, however, is already set to face more challenges in the coming weeks, with the main opposition Conservatives vowing to try again to topple the government as early as Tuesday. Following a heated debate that saw members of Parliament trade insults and slam their fists on desks, they voted 211 to 120 against the Conservative motion to unseat the Liberals. Also read | Canada to further reduce study permits for international students, know motive behind the move Far ahead in public opinion polls, Tory leader Pierre Poilievre has been itching for a snap election since the leftist New Democratic Party (NDP) earlier this month tore up a coalition agreement with the Liberals, leaving the Trudeau administration vulnerable to being toppled. A combative Poilievre railed against Trudeau for what he said was a failure to address soaring costs of living, a housing crisis and crime, while doubling the national debt. The promise of Canada, "after nine years of Liberal government, is broken," he said during a Commons debate on Tuesday. But other opposition parties, whose support is needed to bring down the Liberals, have pushed back against his right-wing agenda. After the vote, Liberal House leader Karina Gould accused the Tories of "playing games." "We are going to get back to work and do the hard work of governing this country," she added. Try, try again Immediately following the no-confidence vote, the NDP again sided with the Liberals to pass legislation on capital gains taxes, averting another political crisis. Poilievre vowed to keep trying, with the next opportunity to bring down the government to be presented next week. If that fails, he will have a few more chances before the end of the year. The separatist Bloc Quebecois has also demanded concessions from the ruling Liberals for its continued support in parliament beyond the end of October. In Canada's Westminster parliamentary system, a ruling party must hold the confidence of the House of Commons, which means maintaining support from a majority of members. The Liberals currently have 153 seats, versus 119 for the Conservatives, 33 for the Bloc Quebecois, and the NDP's 25. Trudeau swept to power in 2015 and has managed to hold on by defeating two of Poilievre's predecessors in 2019 and 2021 ballots. But he has faced a number of setbacks in recent months, including by-election losses in two of his party's strongholds. Also read | What you should know about Canadas new study permit rules People are hurting During an appearance in New York on the "Late Show with Stephen Colbert" TV program on Monday evening, Trudeau acknowledged that Canadians are facing "a really tough time." "People are hurting. People are having trouble paying for groceries, paying for rent, filling up the tank," and "are looking at change," he said. The deal with the New Democratic Party to prop up the Liberals would have kept his government in office until late 2025. But the NDP, seeing its alignment with the Liberals hurting its own popularity, exited the pact early. Provocative, adept at catchphrases and a champion of an anti-establishment discourse, the populist Poilievre has continued to gain ground in recent months. According to an Angus Reid poll, the Conservatives are well ahead of the Liberals, with 43 percent of voting intention against 21 percent for the ruling party. The NDP is at 19 percent. With legislation pending on NDP priorities including a national dental plan, and because Canada rarely goes to the polls during its harsh winters, political analysts suggested an election will not likely be triggered until at least spring 2025. University of Ottawa professor Genevieve Tellier told AFP: "Anything is possible. It could come before Christmas." A weakened Trudeau administration under constant threat "will find it more difficult to govern" in the interim, she added. The Israeli Army asked its soldiers to prepare for a possible ground invasion of Lebanon, after the militant group Hezbollah claimed to have launched its biggest strike yet on Israel in response to airstrikes on Tuesday that killed more than 550 people in Lebanon, news agency AP reported. United Nations Security Council meets on the escalation in fighting in Lebanon between Israel and Hezbollah during the United Nations General Assembly at U.N. headquarters in New York, U.S., September 25(Reuters) The war in Gaza looks set to take a deadly escalation with Israel and Hezbollah engaged in a constant battle since past week. On Wednesday, Hezbollah launched dozens of projectiles, including a missile aimed at Israel's capital Tel Aviv, which marked the group's deepest strike since the Gaza war began on October 7 last year. The attack came after Israel's biggest airstrikes claiming to target the group's weapon stores across south and eastern Lebanon. Earlier, thousands of pagers and radios exploded across Lebanon targeting Hezbollah members for which the Lebanese government blamed Israel's Mossad. Also read | Top Hezbollah commander killed; Israel airstrike death toll rises to 558 Daily skirmishes and rocket attacks has become a constant feature across Israel's northern border with Lebanon, as the group said it was responding in solidarity with Palestinians surviving Israel's brutal military action in Gaza. 10 points on the latest developments 1. Israeli Army chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Herzi Halevi told the troops on the north that the punishing airstrikes was designed to prepare the ground for your possible entry and to continue degrading Hezbollah. Today, Hezbollah expanded its range of fire, and later today, they will receive a very strong response. Prepare yourselves, he added. 2. The Israeli military and the US had indicated over last week that there were no plans on ground invasion of Lebanon, but the recent comments are strongest indication in that direction. 3. The US told the annual UN Security Council that it was working with partners towards a temporary ceasefire plan to reduce tensions and allow Israelis and Lebanese to return to their homes in border areas. 4. U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken urged both sides to step back from an all-out war saying it would be disastrous for the people and the region. 5. France Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot also said his country is working with the US towards a 21-day ceasefire proposal to set the stage for negotiations between Israel and Hezbollah. 6. Barrot said the details of the proposal would be announced soon and he planned to travel to Beirut by the end of the week. We are counting on both parties to accept it without delay in order to protect civilian populations and allow for diplomatic negotiations to begin, he said. 7. Israels ambassador to the UN Danny Danon said his country is open to ideas to prevent an escalation. We are grateful for all of those who are making a sincere effort with diplomacy to avoid escalation, to avoid a full war, he said before Barrot announced the ceasefire plan. 8. Lebanons Prime Minister Najib Mikati urged the Security Council to act immediately "to guarantee the withdrawal of Israel from all the occupied Lebanese territories and the violations that are repeated on a daily basis". 9. US President Joe Biden warned of an all-out war. I dont want to exaggerate it, but a possibility, if we can deal with a cease-fire in Lebanon, that it can move into dealing with the West Bank, and also in Gaza and so, its possible, Biden told ABCs The View in an interview. 10. UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres urged an immediate ceasefire in Lebanon and warned, Hell is breaking loose. The UN said more than 90,000 Lebanese people have been displaced over five days of Israel's airstrikes. Over 200,000 people have been displaced in Lebanon since the beginning of Gaza war on October 7. (With inputs from agencies) Open AI's chief technology officer Mira Murati announced on social platform X that she is leaving the company to create time and space to do her own exploration. The company's CEO Sam Altman also announced that chief research officer Bob McGrew and another research leader Barret Zoph are also leaving the company. FILE - Sam Altman, right, CEO of ChatGPT maker OpenAI, and Mira Murati, chief technology officer, appear at OpenAI DevDay, OpenAI's first developer conference, on Nov. 6, 2023 in San Francisco. (AP Photo/Barbara Ortutay, File)(AP) Mira Murati, in a statement posted on X, said she has made the difficult decision to leave the ChatGPT maker after much reflection. Im stepping away because I want to create the time and space to do my own exploration. For now, my primary focus is doing everything in my power to ensure a smooth transition, maintaining the momentum we've built, read her statement. Also read | OpenAI close to releasing Strawberry Model with reasoning capabilities Speaking positively of the company, Mira Murati described it as being at the pinnacle of AI innovation and added that it's hard to leave the company she will always cherish. Mira Murati said her six-and-a-half years in the company has been an "extraordinary privilege" and thanked CEO Sam Altman and president Greg Brockman for their support over the years. I will forever be grateful for the opportunity to build and work alongside this remarkable team. Together, we've pushed the boundaries of scientific understanding in our quest to improve human well-being. While I may no longer be in the trenches with you, I will still be rooting for you all. With deep gratitude for the friendships forged, the triumphs achieved, and most importantly, the challenges overcome together, her statement read. Altman expressed this gratitude and thanked Murati for her service to the company. Noting that leadership changes are natural for a fast-growing organisation, he promised to announce transition plans 'soon'. I feel tremendous gratitude towards her for what she has helped us build and accomplish, but I most of all feel personal gratitude towards her for the support and love during all the hard times. I am excited for what shell do next. Well say more about the transition plans soon, but for now, I want to take a moment to just feel thanks, Altman wrote on X. President Vladimir Putin warned the West on Wednesday that Russia could use nuclear weapons if it was struck with conventional missiles, and that Moscow would consider any assault on it supported by a nuclear power to be a joint attack. Russian President Vladimir Putin warned the west that any strikes by Ukraine could lead to nuclear action (Alexander Kazakov, Sputnik, Kremlin Pool Photo via AP)(AP) The decision to change Russia's official nuclear doctrine is the Kremlin's answer to deliberations in the United States and Britain about whether or not to give Ukraine permission to fire conventional Western missiles into Russia. Also Read: US 2024 election: New poll shows Kamala Harris, Donald Trump locked in tight race in four swing states Putin, opening a meeting of Russia's Security Council, said that the changes were in response to a swiftly changing global landscape which had thrown up new threats and risks for Russia. The 71-year-old Kremlin chief, the primary decision-maker on Russia's vast nuclear arsenal, said he wanted to underscore one key change in particular. Also Read: Is Taylor Swift endorsement hurting Kamala Harris campaign? New poll finds "It is proposed that aggression against Russia by any non-nuclear state, but with the participation or support of a nuclear state, be considered as their joint attack on the Russian Federation," Putin said. "The conditions for Russia's transition to the use of nuclear weapons are also clearly fixed," Putin said, adding that Moscow would consider such a move if it detected the start of a massive launch of missiles, aircraft or drones against it. Also Read:US Secret Service agent under investigation, placed on leave after alleged sex assault on Harris campaign staffer Russia reserved the right to also use nuclear weapons if it or ally Belarus were the subject of aggression, including by conventional weapons, Putin said. Putin said the clarifications were carefully calibrated and commensurate with the modern military threats facing Russia - confirmation that the nuclear doctrine was changing. Russia's current published nuclear doctrine, set out in a 2020 decree by Putin, says Russia may use nuclear weapons in case of a nuclear attack by an enemy or a conventional attack that threatens the existence of the state. The innovations outlined by Putin include a widening of the threats under which Russia would consider a nuclear strike, the inclusion of ally Belarus under the nuclear umbrella and the idea that a rival nuclear power supporting a conventional strike on Russia would also be considered to be attacking it. The United States in 2022 was so concerned about the possible use of tactical nuclear weapons by Russia that it warned Putin over the consequences of using such weapons, according to Central Intelligence Agency Director Bill Burns. CONFRONTATION The 2-1/2-year-old Ukraine war has triggered the gravest confrontation between Russia and the West since the 1962 Cuban Missile Crisis - considered to be the closest the two Cold War superpowers came to intentional nuclear war. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy has been urging Kyiv's allies for months to let Ukraine fire Western missiles, including long-range U.S. ATACMS and British Storm Shadows, deep into Russia to limit Moscow's ability to launch attacks. With Ukraine losing key towns to gradually advancing Russian forces in the country's east, the war is entering what Russian officials say is the most dangerous phase to date. Zelenskiy has urged the West to cross and disregard Russia's so-called "red lines", and some Western allies have urged the United States to do just that, though Putin's Russia, which controls just under one-fifth of Ukrainian territory, has warned that the West and Ukraine are risking a global war. "Russia no longer has any instruments to intimidate the world apart from nuclear blackmail," Andriy Yermak, Zelenskiy's chief of staff, said in response to Putin's remarks. "These instruments will not work." Putin, who casts the West as a decadent aggressor, and U.S. President Joe Biden, who casts Russia as a corrupt autocracy and Putin as a killer, have both warned that a direct Russia-NATO confrontation could escalate into World War Three. Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump has also warned of the risk of nuclear war. Russia is the world's largest nuclear power. Together, Russia and the U.S. control 88% of the world's nuclear warheads. In his remarks to Russia's Security Council, a type of modern-day politburo of Putin's most powerful officials including influential hawks, Putin said that work on amendments on changing the doctrine had been going on for the past year. "The nuclear triad remains the most important guarantee of ensuring the security of our state and citizens, an instrument for maintaining strategic parity and balance of power in the world," Putin said. Russia, he said, would consider using nuclear weapons "upon receiving reliable information about the massive launch of aerospace attack vehicles and their crossing of our state border, meaning strategic or tactical aircraft, cruise missiles, drones, hypersonic and other aircraft." Social media is buzzing after former US President Donald Trump may have unintentionally violated federal law while on the campaign trail by trying to be good to someone. Donald Trump hands $100 to PA mom of 3 for groceries in viral video (@margommartin/X) The incident happened at a small grocery store in Pennsylvania, where Trump generously offered to pay $100 for a womans groceries. President @realDonaldTrump helps a mom of 3 pay for her groceries, the Trump Campaign posted the video on X (formerly Twitter.) ALSO READ| Donald Trump hands $100 to PA mom of 3 for groceries in viral video, gets mixed reactions: This is more than While some applauded the gesture, others pointed out that this action could be a breach of election laws The video shows Trump visiting Sprankle's grocery store in Kittanning, Pennsylvania. As he mingled with shoppers and store employees, he encountered a woman who was shopping alone with her three children. The ex-prez then pulled out a $100 bill from his wallet and handed it to the woman to assist with her grocery bill. As he handed her the money, Trump remarked, Here. It's going to go down a little bit. It just went down $100. Trump then added, Well do that for you for the White House, alright? and then went on complimenting her son, Beautiful. A lot of people have interpreted this statement as a veiled inquiry into womens votes, which has escalated legal worries about potential violations of election laws. Naysayers contend that it is unlawful, under federal election statutes, to offer money or any other valuable consideration in exchange for a ballot, thanks to the law prohibiting bribery in elections. ALSO READ| Transgender surgeries for minors, taxpayer-funded reparations: Donald Trump lays out Kamalas Project 2025 While the Trump campaign has not yet commented on the incident, opinions are divided. Some view it as a kind gesture, while others see it as Offering money or any form of valuable consideration as a Presidential candidate in exchange for a vote is considered bribery and violates federal election laws. Former head of the Federal Election Commission, Hans von Spakovsky, dismissed the claims of wrongdoing as absurd. He told the Daily Mail, Trump was obviously making what he considered to be a charitable donation and that in no way implicates any federal laws governing elections. Donald Trump will meet with British Prime Minister Keir Starmer on Thursday, according to a source with knowledge of the matter as foreign leaders scramble for face time with the Republican presidential candidate ahead of the Nov. 5 election. Starmer is set to meet the former president at his Trump Tower property in Manhattan after addressing the U.N. General Assembly on Thursday evening, said the source, who requested anonymity as Trump's schedule was not public.(Getty Images via AFP) Starmer is set to meet the former president at his Trump Tower property in Manhattan after addressing the U.N. General Assembly on Thursday evening, said the source, who requested anonymity as Trump's schedule was not public. Their encounter follows a separate meeting on Wednesday between Trump and Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the United Arab Emirates president widely known as MBZ, the source added. The Trump campaign did not respond to a request for comment, nor did the embassies of the United Kingdom or the UAE in Washington. It was not immediately clear what Trump discussed with the UAE's leader, nor what he planned to discuss with Starmer, both of whom are in the United States during the 79th session of the UN General Assembly. Starmer, the leader of Britain's Labour Party, sharply diverges from Trump on many public policy matters, but he has expressed an interest in getting along with whoever wins the U.S. election. He met with Democratic President Joe Biden earlier in September, for talks centering on whether to allow Western missiles to be used to hit targets in Russia. The UAE is an important geopolitical player in the Middle East, and the country has played a role in evacuating the wounded from the Gaza Strip, the scene of an ongoing war between Israel and Palestinian Hamas militants that has devastated the civilian population. The United States has been concerned about the UAE's warm relationship with China and has placed restrictions on exports of some American technology to the country. Some congressional leaders have also expressed concern that the UAE has been covertly supporting paramilitary fighters in Sudan, an allegation the UAE denies. Earlier in the week, the Emirati leader met with President Joe Biden, as well as Vice President Kamala Harris, the Democratic presidential candidate. Meetings between presidential candidates and foreign leaders have happened during previous elections. In 2016, Trump and Democratic candidate Hillary Clinton both met with the leaders of Japan, Egypt and Ukraine during that year's U.N. General Assembly. But such encounters are nonetheless sensitive, as the law limits what candidates can say or discuss during such encounters. The 1799 Logan Act permits Americans outside the government to meet with foreign officials, but it also limits their ability to negotiate U.S. disputes. Trump has opted against meetings with some foreign leaders in recent days. He canceled a joint appearance in Pennsylvania with Polish President Andrzej Duda over the weekend, and did not meet Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi as he had planned. He is also unlikely to meet with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy, despite saying last week the two likely would talk while Ukraine's leader was in the U.S. Billionaire Elon Musk clapped back at reports that he was not invited to an upcoming investment summit in the United Kingdom due to his provocative statements on social media regarding the far-right riots that swept over large parts of the nation this summer. Musk vs Starmer: Responding to reports of UK's snub, Musk reignited his row with Prime Minister Keir Starmer by declaring on X that people should stay away from the UK.(AP) Responding to reports of UK's snub, Musk reignited his row with Prime Minister Keir Starmer by declaring on X that people should stay away from the UK. I dont think anyone should go to the UK when theyre releasing convicted pedophiles in order to imprison people for social media posts, he wrote. Starmer wants to bring together hundreds of top investors at the October summit in order to raise tens of billions of pounds in capital for the UK and stimulate economic growth. The billionaire's jibe seems to be directed at the government's choice to release prisoners who were convicted in the wake of the racist attacks. Meanwhile, Shadow chancellor Jeremy Hunt told the BBC that the Tories blasted the decision to exclude Musk from the summit as a big loss. He told me last year he was planning a new car plant in Europe and had not decided where but the UK was a candidate, Hunt stated. Also Read: We all know what happened next: Maye Musk reacts to Elon Musk, Giorgia Melonis viral pic All you need to know about Musk's feud with Starmer Following a stabbing attack in Southport that claimed the lives of three children, Musk frequently derided the UK PM on X and even predicted a civil war in the country. Subsequently, the government pledged to prosecute individuals involved in the riots, even if it had to free some prisoners early to relieve pressure on its deteriorating jail infrastructure. Musk called Starmer a two-tier Keir, alleging that non-white offenders commit violent crimes and that British Police handle them leniently. In addition, he shared and then deleted a conspiracy theory alleging that the United Kingdom had been housing protesters in detainment camps built on the Falkland Islands. He also compared the UK to the Soviet Union. UK ministers at the time chastised Musk for his remarks, calling them totally unjustifiable and pretty deplorable. Last year, Musk did not attend a similar investment summit held by the former Conservative government, despite receiving the invite, as per the BBC. Eric Adams has broken his silence after being indicted following a federal corruption investigation. In a video message, the New York City Mayor insisted that he has been targeted for speaking against the Harris-Biden administration on migrants flooding the city. Eric Adams indictment: NYC mayor says he became a target for opposing Harris-Biden policies (New York City Office of the Mayor via AP)(AP) I will fight these injustices with every ounce of my strength and my spirit. If Im charged, I know I am innocent, Adams said in the video. I will request an immediate trial so that New Yorkers can hear the truth. New Yorkers know my story. They know where I come from. I have been fighting injustice my entire life, he continued. Adams added, That fight has continued as your mayor. when the federal government did nothing as its broken immigration policies overloaded our shelter system with no relief, I put the people of New York before party and politics. According to the Big Apples own online asylum-seeker funding tracker, the migrant crisis has cost the city over $5 billion. New York City has reportedly spent a whopping amount on services for migrants, including housing them. Adams administration previously projected that the cost could rise to $10 billion over the three-year period that will end on June 30, 2025. I always knew that if I stood my ground for New Yorkers that I would be a target Adams told New York Post in a statement that he always knew he would be targeted. I always knew that if I stood my ground for New Yorkers that I would be a target and a target I became, he said. Adams added that he would not leave office even if he faces criminal charges. He also criticised the federal government for its broken immigration system. I put the people of New York before party and politics. Now, if I am charged, many may say I should resign because I cannot manage the city while fighting the case, he said. But I have been facing these lies for months since I began to speak out for all of you and their investigations started yet the city has continued to improve, Adams added. Make no mistake you elected me to lead this city and lead it, I will. A grand jury reportedly indicted Adams on charges tied to a federal probe. On September 4, several raids targeted various Adams administration officials. JD Vance, the Ohio Senator and Donald Trump's running mate in the 2024 White House race, clapped back at Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy after he labelled him too radical. JD Vance stated that he doesn't appreciate Zelenskyy's visit to the US and his instruction to the American taxpayer what they oughta do. (AP) In an interview published this past Sunday with The New Yorker, Zelenskyy assailed Vance for proposing a resolution to the conflict between Russia and Ukraine. On September 11, Vance appeared for an interview with the Shawn Ryan Show podcast expressed his views on a deal to resolve Russia-Ukraine conflict. Ukraine retains its independent sovereignty, Russia gets the guarantee of neutrality from Ukraineit doesn't join NATO, it doesn't join some of these allied institutions. In retaliation, Zelenskyy declared during a trip to the United States this week: The idea that the world should end this war at Ukraine's expense is unacceptable. He blasted Vance, saying that he should study the events of the Second World War, in which a nation was compelled to cede a portion of its territory to one individual. What did that man do? Was he appeased or did he deal a devastating blow to the continent of Europeto many nations, broadly, and to the Jewish nation in particular? Let him do some reading. Also Read: Zelenskyy visits Washington as election year divide grows over Ukraine war Vance hits back at Zelenskyy During Vance's campaign rally in Traverse City, Michigan on Wednesday, a reporter asked him to comment on Zelenskyy's statement. The Ohio Senator clarified that the deal he presented on the podcast was one possible scenario rather than a plan. He, however, added that he doesn't appreciate Zelenskyy's visit to the US and his instruction to the American taxpayer what they oughta do. Vance went on to suggest to the Ukrainian President that he should be grateful to the American taxpayers, in reference to US' financial and military aid to his nation. The Republican vice presidential candidate claimed in his speech in Traverse City that Trump will put a stop to the conflict in Ukraine by not being weak and not being dumb, which is unfortunately not something you can say for the current administration. He mentioned that Russia did not attack Ukraine under Trump's tenure. However, Russia continues to invade their neighbors under the administrations of Democratic government because they don't respect American leadership and because our leaders aren't smart. Trump, who served as the US President from 2017 to 2021, has stated repeatedly that if he had been elected in 2020, he would have resolved the conflict in Ukraine in 24 hours. He has also reiterated that he would speak to Russian President Vladimir Putin to quickly end the conflict in Ukraine if he gets re-elected to the White House. In her first one-on-one interview since being endorsed by president Joe Biden, Kamala Harris spoke out about her role at McDonald's during her student job. After her speech at Carnegie Mellon University in Pittsburgh, the vice president spoke to MSNBC's Stephanie Ruhle, talking about her economic vision for the country and her previous role at the fast food giant. Kamala Harris open up about her role McDonald's during college years (Photo by JEFF SWENSEN / GETTY IMAGES NORTH AMERICA / Getty Images via AFP)(Getty Images via AFP) Ruhle noted while talking about the economy that polls still indicate that voters think Donald Trump will be better on the economy. Harris responded that because of her background, she has more in common with the average American than the former president does. Harris pointed out that she worked at McDonald's during her college years. Kamala Harris speaks out about her role at McDonald's Harris discussed dishing out hamburger buns when Ruhle asked, "At any point in your life, have you served two all-beef patties, special sauce, lettuce, cheese, pickles, onions, on a sesame seed bun..." Harris replied, "On a sesame seed bun?" before adding, but it was not a small job. Like, I did fries. Harris then spoke more seriously about her past job. "Part of the reason I even talk about working at McDonalds is that there are people who work at McDonalds in our country there who are trying to raise a family. I worked there as a student. I was a kid who worked there. I think part of the difference between me and my opponent includes our perspective on the needs of the American people and what our responsibility is to meet those needs, she said. Elsewhere in the interview, Harris spoke about Trump saying he was a "protector" of women. The veep told Ruhle that Trump actually punishes women with his policies. Speaking about Trumps record in overturning Roe V Wade, Harris said, "So, I think we would all agree that, as a result of that perspective that he has about women, he also then chose three members of the United States Supreme Court who did as he intended, undid the protections of Roe v. Wade. She added, "And now in, state after state, you see laws being passed that do punish women, laws that -- I mean, most recently, a heartbreaking story resulted in a young woman dying, a mother of a 6-year-old, heart-wrenching stories. And thats for the listener, much less their family. Melania Trump, who has been active on social media for the past few weeks for the launch of her upcoming book, appeared for an exclusive sit-down interview with Fox & Friends co-host Ainsley Earhardt on Thursday. The former First Lady shared her views on Biden-Harris record ahead of the 2024 White House race, stating the United States is witnessing several challenges under their leadership. Melania Trump shared her views on Biden-Harris record ahead of the 2024 White House race, stating the United States is witnessing several challenges under their leadership.(AP) On being asked about her opinion on Vice President Kamala Harris taking over President Joe Biden as the Democratic Party nominee, the former model hailed her husband Donald Trump's term in office and blasted Biden-Harris record, which according to her speaks for itself. The country is suffering. People are not able to buy usual necessities for their families. We have wars going on around the world. Soldiers are dying. They were dying under this administration because of weak leadership, Melania told Earhardt. As the border issue and surge of migrants remain key issues in this election, she continued, The border is open and dangerous. A lot of fentanyl is coming over, killing our youth. It's very hard to see. Urging US voters to compare the four years of her husband's leadership with four years of the Biden administration, she said, American people need to decide what they really want. Under Trump's leadership, she claimed there was more safety at the border, there were no wars and people had jobs. Also Read: Melania Trump reflects on Trump's miraculous survival after assassination attempts in rare interview Melania Trump's new book to hit the shelves on October 8 Notably, this was Melania's first television interview in almost two years. Her memoir 'Melania', which will provide an uncensored glimpse at her journey from the catwalk to the Oval Office, is all set for release on October 8. Earlier this month, Melania teased her memoir's unapologetic honesty in a social media post with a video, featuring the FBI's August 2022 search of her Mar-a-Lago residence. I never imagined my privacy would be invaded by the government here in America, Slovenian-born Melania stated. This is not just my story. It serves as a warning to all Americans, a reminder that our freedom and rights must be respected. Mar-a-Lago property was searched by federal investigators as part of a probe into claims that after leaving office, Donald Trump removed secret papers from the White House. The charges against the ex-President were rejected in July. Melania Trump, who appeared for her first TV interview in at least two years on Thursday, spoke candidly about her first date with Donald Trump, describing the time the duo spent together as nice. Melania Trump, the 54-year-old former First Lady, talked about her early courting with the former president and disclosed that he took her to Bedford, New Jersey, to explore some real estate he was interested in.(AP) Melania, who moved to the US from Slovenia in 1996 and began her career as a model, first met Trump at a gathering in the Kit Kat Club in New York City during Fashion Week in 1998. Melania took Trump's contact number, but she did not give him her's to him. In an interview, the 54-year-old former First Lady talked about her early courting with the former president and disclosed that he took her to Bedford, New Jersey, to explore some real estate he was interested in. Describing their nearly two hour car journey, Melania said it was very nice because we were two of us alone in the car for hour, hour and a half. No other noise, no other people because, at that time, he was already known as a zit celebrity. So it was really nice to be just the two of us. She mentioned that she felt some connection with Trump immediately, adding that she adored the vision that he had and their bond was very special. Melania further described the former President in one word: Caring. In a bid to promote her upcoming book Melania, the former First Lady sat down for an exclusive interview with Fox News's Ainsley Earhardt in New York. She discussed her life in the White House, the 2024 presidential race, and how being a model prepared her to be the First Lady of the US. Melania touches on her family life, reveals Trump wanted more kids In 2004, Trump proposed to Melania on her birthday with a 15-carat ring worth $1.5 million. However, she said that Trump never mentioned or gave any indications of wanting to run for president. As Melania touched on her family life, she shared that it was difficult for her to inform her son Barron,18, about the attempt on his dad's life. Trump, according to her, is a family man, who loves his country and wants to build better and prosperous. And when asked what it is about him that she finds so endearing, she replied, His humor, his personality, his kindnesshe is very special. She also disclosed Trump wanted to have more kids with her, but she was content with just Barron. I was always perfectly fine. And Donald was encouraging to have more and I said I'm completely fine with one because it's very busy life. And I know how busy he is. And I'm in charge of everything. So, that's why it's just perfect, Melania stated. Before getting married to Melania, Trump already had four children from two prior marriages. Also Read: Melania Trump breaks silence on Kamala Harris replacing Biden in fight with Donald Trump: 'It's very hard to' Melania says Barron Trump enjoying his college life Speaking about Barron's admission at New York University's Stern School of Business, she stated that it was his decision and he is having a good time at college. Lauding her son's move to stay in New York, she said he wanted to study in NY and live in his home. She called him incredible, young man, adding that I'm very proud of what he grew up to be. His strength, his intelligence. His knowledge. His kindness. He's enjoying his college days. She further hoped that Barron will have a great experience, admitting that his life is very different than any other 18, 19-year-old child. Former presidential hopeful Nikki Haley said on Wednesday that she hasn't forgotten former US President Donald Trumps behaviour toward her, her husband, and his military service, despite endorsing him for the presidency. Former U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations Nikki Haley makes a speech at the annual Ketagalan Forum in Taipei, Taiwan August 21, 2024. REUTERS/Ann Wang/File Photo(REUTERS) On her new SiriusXM radio show, Haley openly expressed, Youre not going to hear me say glowing things about Donald Trumps personality. I have issues with him as well. I have not forgotten what he said about me. I have not forgotten what he said about my husband or his deployment time or his military service. ALSO ERAD| Trump 'attacker' Ryan Routh supported Indian origin Republicans, Vivek, Nikki and Tulsi; voted for Trump Haley fires back at Trump Campaign's mean tactics Notably, during a rally back in February, Trump publicly questioned why Haleys husband, Michael Haley, was not appearing at her campaign events, quipping, Where is he? Hes gone. At the time, Michael Haley was deployed on a National Guard mission in Africa. And at that time Trumps own wife, Melania, has been largely absent from his current campaign. Haley also recounted another incident where Trumps campaign attacked them personally. I havent forgotten about his or his campaigns tactics, from, you know, putting a birdcage outside our hotel room to calling me birdbrain, she shared. I havent forgotten any of that, but politics is not for thin-skinned people. The best way to serve your country is to not get personal, but focus on where we are with the economy, focus where we are with the border, focus on national security, focus on freedom, she said. ALSO READ| Donald Trump apparently broke the law but this time just for doing good. Will he face any legal wrath now? Haley was highly critical of Trumps policies when she was still in the race During her campaign, the Indian-American politician frequently called out Trumps financial record, particularly regarding the national debt. In February, she remarked, President Trump has surrounded himself with the political elite, but they are the same political elite that have spent like drunken sailors, theyve raided social security, and they continue to waste taxpayer dollars. She also pointed out that while Trump often took credit for the economy, He put us $8 trillion in debt in just four years. New York City Mayor Eric Adams has reportedly been indicted following a federal corruption investigation, people with knowledge of the matter have revealed, according to The New York Times. The indictment remained sealed on Wednesday night, September 26. It is unclear what charge or charges he will face. Eric Adams indicted in federal probe amid calls to resign (AP Photo/Seth Wenig, File)(AP) When the charges are made public, Adams will become the first New York City mayor to be criminally charged while in office. It remains unclear how the indictment is related to a set of September 4 raids that targeted various Adams administration officials. However, this comes after federal prosecutors asked City Hall to cough up communication between the Adams administration, Turkey and five other foreign countries amid the probe. Mayor Eric Adams faces calls to resign, says it isdue to rumors and innuendo Adams indictment followed calls for the mayor to resign, including from USRep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez. I do not see how Mayor Adams can continue governing New York City, AOC wrote on X. She added, The flood of resignations and vacancies are threatening gov function. Nonstop investigations will make it impossible to recruit and retain a qualified administration. For the good of the city, he should resign. Adams later said in a statement that AOCs demand for his resignationis due to rumors and innuendo, The Hill reported. For anyone who self-righteously claims people charged with serious crimes should not be in jail to now say that the second Black mayor of New York should resign because of rumors and innuendo without even a single charge being filed is the height of hypocrisy, he said in the statement. I am leading this city to protect it from exactly that kind of phony politics. The people of this city elected me to fight for them, and I will stay and fight no matter what, he added. New York City Mayor Eric Adams sold his influence for bribes from foreign nationals in a grave breach of the publics trust," a federal prosecutor alleged Thursday. New York City Mayor Eric Adams speaks during a news conference outside Gracie Mansion, Thursday, Sept. 26, 2024, in New York. (AP Photo/Yuki Iwamura)(AP) Adams had a duty to disclose gifts he received, but year after year kept the public in the dark," Damian Williams, the U.S. attorney for Manhattan, said at a news conference after corruption charges against Adams were made public. Adams was indicted on federal charges alleging that he secured bribes from foreign nationals and illegal campaign contributions in exchange for favors that included helping Turkish officials get fire safety approvals for a new diplomatic building in the city. Adams, a former captain in the New York City police department, faces conspiracy, wire fraud and bribery charges in a five-count indictment that describes a decade-long trail of crimes. Despite the corruption case, Adams said he does not plan to resign from his job running the countrys largest city, telling reporters he hopes New Yorkers will wait to hear his legal teams defense before making any judgments. THIS IS A BREAKING NEWS UPDATE. APs earlier story follows below. NEW YORK (AP) New York City Mayor Eric Adams was indicted Thursday on federal charges alleging that he secured bribes from foreign nationals and illegal campaign contributions in exchange for favors that included helping Turkish officials get fire safety approvals for a new diplomatic building in the city. Adams, a former captain in the New York City police department, faces conspiracy, wire fraud and bribery charges in a five-count indictment that describes a decade-long trail of crimes. Despite the corruption case, Adams said he does not plan to resign from his job running the country's largest city, telling reporters he hopes New Yorkers will wait to hear his legal team's defense before making any judgments. From here, my attorneys will take care of the case so I can take care of the city, he said at a hastily assembled news conference outside Gracie Mansion after the charges were made public. It's an unfortunate day. And its a painful day. But inside all of that is a day when we will finally reveal why, for 10 months, Ive gone through this. And I look forward to defending myself, he said. As Adams and others close to him addressed the media, protesters heckled them, with some chanting abuse of power" as police circled them and one shouting, Hes a corrupt mayor. He deserves to be in handcuffs. The U.S. attorney's office in Manhattan alleges in the indictment that Adams not only accepted, but sought illegal campaign contributions to his mayoral campaign. A senior official in the Turkish diplomatic establishment facilitated many straw donations to Adams and arranged for Adams and his companions to receive free or discounted travel on Turkeys national airline to destinations including France, China, Sri Lanka, India, Hungary, and Turkey, the indictment alleges. Adams compounded his gains from the illegal campaign contributions by gaming the citys matching funds program, which provides a generous match for small dollar donations. His campaign received more than $10 million in matching public funds as a result of the false certifications, according to the indictment. Adams allegedly solicited and demanded bribes, including free and heavily discounted luxury travel benefits from a Turkish official, the indictment alleges, noting that the official was seeking Adams help pertaining to regulations of the Turkish consulate in Manhattan. Adams created and instructed others to create fake paper trails in order to falsely suggest he had paid for travel benefits that were actually free, prosecutors allege. He also deleted messages with others involved in his misconduct, at one point assuring a co-conspirator that he always deleted her text messages, according to the indictment. The charges were made public hours after FBI agents entered the mayors official residence and seized his phone early Thursday. The U.S. attorneys office in Manhattan scheduled a late-morning news conference to discuss the case. Adams spent 22 years in New York Citys police department before going into politics, first as a state senator and then as Brooklyn borough president. He was elected as the citys second Black mayor in 2021. Gov. Kathy Hochul has the power to remove Adams from office. Her spokesperson, Avi Small, issued a statement late Wednesday that said Governor Hochul is aware of these concerning news reports and is monitoring the situation. It would be premature to comment further until the matter is confirmed by law enforcement. The indictment caps an extraordinary few weeks in New York City, as federal investigators have honed in on members of Adams inner circle, producing a drum-beat of raids, subpoenas and high-level resignations that have thrust City Hall into crisis. Federal prosecutors are believed to be leading multiple, separate inquiries involving Adams and his senior aides, relatives of those aides, campaign fundraising and possible influence peddling of the police and fire departments. In the last two weeks alone, the citys police commissioner and head of the schools system have announced their resignations. FBI agents had seized Adams electronic devices nearly a year ago as part of an investigation focused, at least partly, on campaign contributions and Adams interactions with the Turkish government. Because the charges were sealed, it was unknown whether they dealt with those same matters. In early September, federal investigators seized devices from his police commissioner, schools chancellor, two deputy mayors and other trusted confidants both in and out of City Hall. All have denied wrongdoing. The US Secret Service has responded to the reports of an armed stranger allegedly strolling up to former President Barack Obama's SUV in Los Angeles despite the presence of the federal agency in the vicinity. Former US President Barack Obama speaks after receiving the 2024 Sylvanus Thayer Award from the US Military Academy at West Point, New York, on September 19, 2024. (AFP) Disregarding the allegations levelled by a guard, who remained nameless, as inaccurate, a spokesperson for the Secret Service released a statement, which was shared with Newsweek and TMZ. The Secret Service cannot provide the details on our means and methods of protection, but we can confirm that at no time were any Secret Service protectees in the vehicle while the individual was walking down the alleyway. These claims are inaccurate, the rep said in an email on Wednesday. They also added, The photo in question was upon departure and not during the alleged incident. On the contrary, an eyewitness painted a different picture while recounting the purported incident in their interview with TMZ. The person maintained that an armed security guard came inches away from Obama and observed him sitting in the back seat of his SUV while using a laptop. He claims to have panicked at the moment he realised he was armed and at the mercy of the Secret Service. As a result, he instantly walked away from the vehicle. Also read | Kamala Harris opens up about her role at McDonald's during college years: Part of the reason I Secret Service security lapse allegations: What does the initial report say about the incident? The security guard said that the former president's vehicle was parked outside the restaurant Mother Wolf in a Hollywood alleyway on Saturday at 7:30 p.m. The armed man employed for a bar mitzvah that day claimed to have gone downstairs at some point after someone told him federal agents were posted outside. After walking out from a staircase, the man seemed to have spotted two Secret Service agents in the alleyway. On the other side, he saw a black SUV with Department of Homeland Security plates. The media outlet also shared a snap, offering a look at the guard's view of the SUV. The eyewitness had no idea Obama was in the vehicle until he got closer to the passenger side. Once the man walked away from the vehicle, he greeted the agents on the street, who, as he said, were surprised to see him. Also read | NYC Mayor Eric Adams indicted in federal probe amid calls to resign Obama's daughters Malia and Sasha were pictured joining the former president for dinner at the same restaurant. As far as the guard's understanding goes, he labelled the incident as a definite security lapse on the part of the Secret Service as there was no one on the backside of SUV, nor covering the stairwell." He also believed the agents were obviously embarrassed by the situation. The alleged incident was reported on the heels of two assassination attempts targetting Donald Trump within months. As the agency faces a mountain of criticism, other emerging reports also state that a US Secret Service agent has been accused of sexually harassing a member of Vice President Kamala Harris' official staff during a trip last week. BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir in Sacramento, California, was vandalised with anti-Hindu messages on the night of September 25. This act of desecration comes less than ten days after a similar incident at the BAPS Mandir in Melville, New York. BAPS Mandir in Sacramento vandalised with anti-Hindu messages. Among the disturbing messages found on the walls were the threatening words "Hindus go back," which have sparked serious concern within the local Hindu community. In response to this intolerance, community leaders have pledged to come together against hate, emphasising their dedication to promoting peace and unity. BAPS mandir in Sacramento attacked, community unites "Less than 10 days after the desecration of the BAPS Mandir in New York, our Mandir in the Sacramento, CA area was desecrated last night with anti-Hindu hate: "Hindus go back!" We stand united against hate with prayers for peace," the BAPS official X post reads. The incident marked by hateful graffiti and water supply cut, has sparked a strong response from the Hindu community. According to officials, hate crime investigation is currently in progress, with BAPS collaborating closely with law enforcement to address the vandalism and ensure the responsible individuals face consequences. In the wake of this troubling event, community members gathered for a prayer ceremony, taking comfort in the teachings of peace and togetherness from His Holiness Mahant Swami Maharaj. local leaders such as California State Assembly Member Stephanie Nguyen, Elk Grove Mayor Bobbie Singh-Allen, Rancho Cordova Vice Mayor Siri Pulipati, and Police Chief Matthew Tamayo, among others, joined the prayers showing support and respect for the community and their beliefs. Investigation underway According to CBS, the Sacramento County Sheriff's Office responded to reports of vandalism at the BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir in Mather. The vandals had spray-painted graffiti on the building and damaged the water pipes. The sheriff's office is currently investigating the incident and searching for the suspect. There is no place for religious bigotry and hatred in #SacramentoCounty. I strongly condemn this apparent act of vandalism in our community. All of us must stand against intolerance and ensure that everyone in our community, regardless of faith, feels safe and respected, Ami Bera, who represents CA06 and Sacramento County in the US House of Representatives, shared a message on X. When BAPS New York temple was vandalised Before this incident, over two dozen prominent American lawmakers voiced their outrage regarding the recent vandalism of a Hindu temple in New York on September 17, which occurred just days before Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to the U.S. The exterior of the BAPS Swaminarayan Temple in Melville, New York, was covered with with offensive graffiti. Congressman Brad Sherman condemned the act, calling it a "vile act of hate" directed at the Hindu community and an "unjust attack on our shared value of religious pluralism." He backed up Hindus living in America, saying the people who did this should really face the full wrath of the law. This wasn't the first time something like this happened either. The BAPS Swaminarayan Mandir in Edmonton, Canada, also got hit with graffiti in July. Alila Ventana Big Sur, the intimate luxury retreat nestled in the heart of California's breathtaking Big Sur coastline, is pleased to announce the appointment of Matt Skaletsky as its new General Manager. A seasoned hospitality professional with over two decades of experience, Skaletsky brings a wealth of knowledge and leadership to the iconic Big Sur resort. In his new role, Skaletsky will oversee the resort's day-to-day operations, lead and inspire the Alila Ventana team, and develop strategic initiatives to further elevate the guest experience. He is committed to enhancing the guest journey through fostering deeper connections, sparking wonder, and making a positive impact on the environment. Skaletsky's impressive career spans a variety of roles within the luxury hospitality industry, including significant contributions to renowned brands such as Montage and Ritz-Carlton. His expertise encompasses both culinary arts and food and beverage leadership, cultivated at some of the country's most prestigious resorts. Most recently, Skaletsky served as the general manager of The Islamorada Collection, a collection of four hotels in the Florida Keys managed by Davidson Hospitality. Prior to that, his career journey included positions in diverse locations such as the Caribbean, Washington, D.C., San Diego, Aspen, and Maui, where he oversaw food and beverage operations for a resort exceeding 1,000 rooms. A graduate of the esteemed Johnson & Wales University in Charleston, South Carolina, Skaletsky's passion for hospitality began early in his career. Currently residing in Big Sur with his wife, Grace, and their two dogs, he is deeply connected to the local community and enjoys embracing the area's natural beauty. In breaking news, TFE Hotels has partnered with New Zealands leading accommodation provider, Heritage Hotels, in a multi-property management agreement that will see five hotels refurbished in the next few years and send a positive signal to the local accommodation sector amid a resurgent international tourism market. Under the newly inked agreement, Heritage Hotels retains ownership of its portfolio in New Zealand. TFE Hotels will manage more than 500 rooms across five properties, including the Adina Citylife Auckland and Rendezvous Heritage Auckland. In Wellington, the Adina CityLife Wellington will give TFE an apartment-style accommodation offering in the capital whilst in the south, the Rendezvous Heritage Hotel will re-establish a brand presence in Christchurch. The 175-room Rendezvous Heritage Queenstown rounds out the offering, delivering a strong MICE and leisure offering in New Zealands adventure capital. Heritage Hotels Managing Director, Jeffrey Tang, said the partnership added value to New Zealands economy and hotel sector, with plans already underway to upgrade all five hotels in a rolling refurbishment plan over the next few years. Rendezvous Heritage Aucklands rooftop pool with views to Waitemata Harbour. Photo by TFE Hotels TFE Hotels is an owner, manager and developer and we see their impressive presence in multiple markets - which includes more than 50 properties in Australia, a strong pipeline* of properties and ties to Singapore and Europe - as complementary to our vision for the future. In partnering, were bringing together two values-aligned, businesses and brands to work together in elevating guest experiences, strengthening our position in the competitive hospitality landscape, leveraging capability, and providing guests with a fresh, globally connected hotel experience. Tang said Heritage Hotels would also benefit from TFE Hotels global distribution systems and centralised service model. TFE Hotels Group Chief Operating Officer, Chris Sedgwick, said the partnership allowed TFE to establish a stronger presence in New Zealand and build a stronger platform for future growth. Auckland and Wellington are key target markets for us, with our Adina and Travelodge brands already well established. Plus, the reintroduction of the much-loved Rendezvous brand into New Zealand through the Rendezvous Heritage Auckland, Rendezvous Heritage Christchurch and Rendezvous Heritage Queenstown provides Asia Pacific scale to the portfolio and will see TFE venture into Otago for the first time. Given the expanded presence, TFE Hotels will also establish a New Zealand Country Office in Auckland. The partnership will support and offer expanded choice to international visitors to New Zealand, in line with tourisms upward trends post-pandemic. Overseas visitor arrivals were 3.22 million in the July 2024 year, an increase of 604,000 from the July 2023 year. Visitors from Australia for this period were up 73,000 to 1.31 million.[1][2] TFE Hotels Chief Executive Officer, Antony Ritch, said the partnership paid homage to the amazing work that Heritage Hotels has done in developing these assets and creating a strong New Zealand business. We look forward to working closely with Heritage Hotels and the local team to build on their stellar reputation with the continuation of a refurbishment programme across the portfolio, Ritch said. The partnership comes as TFE Hotels prepares for a busy year ahead with the opening of The EVE Hotel, a 102-room boutique property, in Sydney this summer and the $150 million Hannah St. Hotel in Melbourne in the back half of 2025. The next 12 months are shaping up to be an important time for TFE as we continue to invest in technology and in growing our quality, design-led hotel portfolio in strategic locations. " As our New Zealand hotels continue to forecast robust revenue growth for the year ahead. Beyond these five properties, Heritage Hotels and TFE Hotels will be seeking further opportunities to expand and develop together. There is also significant opportunity for professional development and growth for their valued and committed staff. [1] https://www.stats.govt.nz/information-releases/international-travel-january-2024/ [2] https://www.stats.govt.nz/information-releases/international-travel-july-2024/ Jodi Clark TFE Hotels (Public Relations and Communications) +61 2 9356 1048 TFE Hotels Innovations are decisive for the success of developing and securing the future of the tourism industry. As the Worlds Largest Travel Trade Show, ITB Berlin offers these innovations a groundbreaking platform. From 4 to 6 March 2025 the eTravel Stage, an integral part of the ITB Berlin Convention, will be focusing on technological change and digital progress in the travel industry. Experts can share their knowledge with an international audience of trade visitors at a total of five theme tracks. With the ITB Innovators, ITB Berlin puts the spotlight on the visionaries in the travel industry. The future-oriented platform presents the latest products, innovations and services by ITB Berlins exhibitors that have the potential to make a long-term impact on the industry. Call for papers: ITB Berlin eTravel Stage Travel industry specialists are invited to actively contribute to the convention programme. At live sessions they can present their ideas, case studies, best practices and report on their experiences in travel technology and digitalisation to an industry audience that includes travel industry executives, a wide range of decision-makers from eCommerce to IT, international industry professionals, media representatives, bloggers, young professionals and students. Topic headings range from AI and Travel Technology for a sustainable future to Mixed Reality, Web3 and Hotel Technology. The call for papers is open now and free of charge for anyone involved in the digital transformation of the travel industry. The final selection of entries for the eTravel Stage will be made by the Board of Experts of ITB Berlin and the convention team. Applications can be submitted until 31 October 2024. Additional information and an application form can be found here: Call for Papers ITB Berlin eTravel Stage. Entries for ITB Innovators 2025 can be submitted now Since 2023, ITB Berlins ITB Innovators has been a platform for exhibiting companies to present innovations with the potential to make a long-term impact on the travel industry by driving social, economic or technological change. Startups and established companies can submit their pioneering solutions to the ITB Innovators team, who will examine them free of charge. Ideas can be submitted until 17 January 2025. Additional details and an application form can be found here: Call for Papers ITB Innovators 2025. ITB 360 Travel Hero Podcast: the prospects for innovations in tourism In addition to being in the spotlight at ITB Berlin in March, trends and developments in the digital transformation of the tourism industry are the main focus at ITB 360 all year round. With its specialist content, interviews and the Travel Hero Podcast, ITB 360 offers a 365-day platform for groundbreaking ideas and industry pioneers. The latest episode of the Travel Hero Podcast entitled Tech Travel: AI Transforming the Future of Tourism looks at AIs prospects in the travel industry. Industry experts Leila Summa of Play To Change, Markus Stumpe, CEO of Cruisewatch, and Christian Watts, CEO of Magpie Travel, share their insights and discuss the opportunities this technology offers. Additional ITB 360 content is available online. About ITB Berlin and the ITB Berlin Convention and ITB 360 ITB Berlin 2025 will take place from Tuesday, 4 to Thursday, 6 March as a B2B event. Since 1966, ITB Berlin has been the World's Leading Travel Trade Show. As in previous years, the internationally acclaimed ITB Berlin Convention will take place parallel with the show as a live event on the Berlin Exhibition Grounds. Under this year's heading 'Pioneer the Transition in Travel & Tourism. Together.', leading speakers from business, science and politics examined current and future challenges facing the industry on four stages and at a total of 17 theme tracks with over 24,000 visitors in attendance. At ITB Berlin 2024 more than 5,500 exhibitors from 170 countries and territories displayed their products and services to almost 100,000 visitors. As a global innovation hub with a year-round presence, ITB Berlin offers the global tourism community valuable insights throughout the year with ITB 360 in the form of expert articles, podcast episodes and other innovative formats. Additional information is available at www.itb.com and from the ITB News & Insights & Social Media. Preferred Travel Group, parent company of Preferred Hotels & Resorts, Beyond Green, Historic Hotels of America, Historic Hotels Worldwide, PTG Consulting, and Beyond Green Travel, is reaffirming its commitment to sustainable tourism and climate action with the development of a comprehensive Climate Action Plan (CAP). Created in partnership with the Travel Foundation, a prominent international sustainable tourism organization, this initiative builds on the organizations signing of the Glasgow Declaration on Climate Action in Tourism. It underscores Preferred Travel Group's proactive role in leading by example to drive necessary change within the travel industry. Acknowledging the urgent need for climate leadership, scalable solutions, and collaborative efforts in the tourism sector, Preferred Travel Group is dedicated to taking real action by integrating climate action into its core priorities, supported by widespread employee engagement. By developing a corporate Climate Action Plan, the organization also aims to integrate climate action into its broader metrics for measuring business success. Partnering with the Travel Foundation ensures that Preferred Travel Groups climate action journey aligns with industry best practices and helps scale positive impact by empowering stakeholders to also join this journey. At Preferred Travel Group, we are resolute in our dedication to harnessing the power of travel as a force for positive change. Building upon our core 'Believe in Travel' ideology, we are stepping up our commitment by actively investing in climate action leadership. By prioritizing climate action, Preferred Travel Group is supporting efforts to build a more sustainable and resilient industry. Our commitment contributes to protecting our planet's natural and cultural heritage for future generations, and empowering local communities to adapt and thrive in a rapidly changing world. Lindsey Ueberroth, CEO of Preferred Travel Group We've seen very few organizations across all of travel and tourism make such an extensive and integrated commitment to climate action as Preferred Travel Group and want to shine a light on the example they are setting. We're proud to be their partner in this effort and are so pleased to see the way climate action is being meaningfully resourced, as well as the way strategic discussions on climate are engaging all employees across the organization, no matter which team or level of leadership they serve on. We are excited to continue collaborating as PTG prioritizes meaningful actions and expands its sphere of influence to generate changes on the ground, in destinations and through its growing network of high-quality boutique hotels. Jeremy Sampson, CEO of the Travel Foundation The development process for the organizations CAP is structured around the creation of a public-facing document that will define the companys objectives and key actions to halve carbon emissions by 2030 and achieve net zero as soon as possible before 2050, bolstered by an internal cross-departmental implementation strategy with slated activities for 2025 and beyond. Aligned with the five pathways of the Glasgow Declaration, the CAP will integrate associate engagement and input from across the organization to ensure seamless integration and support throughout every department. To kickstart this initiative, Preferred Travel Group worked with ecollective, a carbon consultancy based in the United Kingdom, to establish a baseline for its carbon emissions through a companywide measurement process. This baseline is guiding the development of the CAP, which will ultimately outline specific strategies to reduce emissions, reach ambitious targets, and enhance accountability and transparency within the organization. Following a detailed analysis of ecollective's findings, Preferred Travel Groups policies, practices, philanthropic efforts, and input from associates, the organization is working to identify opportunities to integrate climate action throughout its operations. An executive Climate Steering Committee and a Climate Action Task Force of associate volunteers have been established to prioritize actions for the plan. In addition, all-associate climate action training sessions will launch soon to build climate literacy, share best practices, and drive collective, meaningful change. This process is expected to culminate in a condensed public-facing CAP document to be released in December 2024, outlining PTGs climate action priorities in the coming years. With 468 seats in the U.S. Congress (33 Senate seats and all 435 House seats) and the U.S. presidency up for grabs this November, the stakes have never been higher for the hotel industry. This years AAHOA (Asian American Hotel Owners Association) Fall National Advocacy Conference (FNAC) underscored hoteliers critical role in shaping policies impacting their businesses and the broader hospitality sector. On September 18 and 19, some 200 AAHOA Members and leaders came together in Washington, D.C., to spotlight the most urgent issues impacting hotel owners across the country. During nearly 200 meetings with Senate and House members and their staff, hoteliers had the chance to advocate for their key policy priorities, many of which were discussed face-to-face with U.S. senators and representatives. As hotel owners, we understand our businesses and the industry better than anyone, AAHOA Chairman Miraj S. Patel said. Its crucial that the voices of AAHOA Members are heard and their realities are taken into account when policymakers are making decisions that affect their livelihoods and businesses. Day 1 Advocacy Education, Keynote Speaker, Congressional Reception This years event featured keynote speaker U.S. Senator Ted Cruz (R-TX), who hails from the same state as AAHOA Chairman Patel. It was an honor to have Senator Cruz as the keynote speaker at this years event, said AAHOA Chairman Patel. As a fellow Texan, Im proud to see strong leadership from our state. His insights on the challenges facing our industry and the broader economy are invaluable, and his commitment to advocating for small businesses like ours is something all AAHOA Members can appreciated. Senator Cruz shared the story of his father, who fled Cuba, and how he started a small business in the oil and gas industry, likening his experience to many in the audience. He also discussed the 2024 presidential election and the need for job creation, border security, tax cuts, and a reduction in government regulations. My priority every day is fighting for you, fighting for your small businesses to grow and prosper, Senator Cruz said. He also praised the extraordinary impact of AAHOA Members, who own nearly 90% of the hotels in Texas, and added, I am proud of everyone in this room. Youre driving jobs, youre driving security. AAHOA also hosted a Congressional Reception for its members and legislators so they had the opportunity to further connect on issues. Those attending included: Rep. Judy Chu (D-CA) Rep. Jim Costa (D-CA) Rep. John Duarte (R-CA) Rep. Chuck Edwards (R-NC) Rep. Mike Ezell (R-MS) Rep. Bill Foster (D-IL) Rep. Russell Fry (R-SC) Rep. Josh Gottheimer (D-NJ) Rep. Glenn Grothman (R-WI) Rep. Michael Guest (R-MS) Rep. Andy Harris (R-MD) Rep. Dusty Johnson (R-SD) Rep. Raja Krishnamoorthi (D-IL) Rep. Ralph Norman (R-SC) Rep. Greg Stanton (D-AZ) Rep. Michelle Steel (R-CA) Rep. Marilyn Strickland (D-WA) Rep. Shri Thanedar (D-MI) Rep. Lori Trahan (D-MA) Rep. Tim Walberg (R-MI) Day 2 Advocacy in Action AAHOAs advocacy efforts support its members and their hotels while positively impacting the communities they serve. FNAC allows AAHOA Members to continue building relationships with members of Congress and discuss solutions to ongoing challenges faced by hoteliers, many of whom are small business owners. In talking to legislators, AAHOA Members focused on three key legislative priorities to ensure the sustainability of hotels and the broader American travel industry. AAHOA Members urged Congress to support the following issues: Expanding access to capital by supporting the Loans In Our Neighborhoods (LIONS) Act of 2024 (H.R. 9176), which seeks to increase the maximum loan amount for Small Business Administration 7(a) loans from $5 million to $10 million. Introducing more competition in credit card processing via the Credit Card Competition Act (S. 1838/H.R. 3881). This legislation aims to introduce more competition in credit card processing, potentially saving businesses billions annually by reducing transaction fees. Defending hotel owners from regulations that could impose significant financial burdens. A prime example is the Department of Labors new Overtime Rule, which has substantially raised the salary threshold for overtime exemptions. To address this, AAHOA is supporting the Congressional Review Act (S.J. Res. 97/H.J. Res. 166), which seeks to repeal the new rule. Engaging directly with lawmakers is how we turn passion into policy, said AAHOA President & CEO Laura Lee Blake. Representing more than 60% of U.S. hotel owners, it is essential that AAHOA leaders collaborate with legislators to drive positive changes that will support the industry in these challenging times. By sharing their experiences and addressing key issues, AAHOA Members are building meaningful relationships with the nations top policymakers. The long-term benefits will be substantial, allowing AAHOA to continue supporting the industry for generations to come. Day 2 PAC Reception AAHOA hosted a special reception for those members who donated $1,001 or more to its Political Action Committee (PAC). The AAHOA PAC gives AAHOA the opportunity to advocate on behalf of its members on Capitol Hill and in state capitals across the country. Our Political Action Committee is the cornerstone of AAHOAs advocacy efforts, giving us a powerful voice on Capitol Hill and in state capitals nationwide, Patel said. Im deeply grateful to our members who have generously contributed to our PAC. Their commitment ensures we can continue to fight for policies that protect and empower hotel owners across the country. Together, we are making a lasting impact on our industry and our communities. For more information on AAHOAs policy priorities and issues advocated for at the 2024 AAHOA Fall National Advocacy Conference, view the AAHOA 2024 FNAC Backgrounder. Photos of the event are available upon request to [email protected]. The World Committee on Tourism Ethics (WCTE), an impartial body reporting directly to the World Tourism Organization (UN Tourism) General Assembly, met under interim chair and with a new composition. After deliberations, the Committee agreed to issue the following statement: The World Committee on Tourism Ethics (WCTE) welcomes the decision of World Tourism Organization(UN Tourism) to designate "Tourism and Peace" as the theme for World Tourism Day 2024. The theme is particularly timely in light of the current global climate of conflict and division. Recognizing tourisms significant influence in fostering cross-cultural understanding as a foundation for peace and sustainable development, the Committee reaffirms the vital role of tourism as a catalyst for peace, mutual understanding, and friendship among people worldwide. Acknowledging the statement of the United Nations Secretary-General building peace is a conscious, bold and even radical act. and guided by article 1 of the UN Tourism Global Code of Ethics for Tourism, the Committee calls for all efforts to support peace negotiations in conflict-affected destinations, adhering to the fundamental principles of the United Nations Charter. The World Committee on Tourism Ethics interprets, implements, and evaluates the provisions of the UN Tourism Global Code of Ethics for Tourism, promotes its ethical principles, and monitors their practical application by the private sector including the right to Tourism. Tourism should always serve as a reminder of the importance of dialogue, peace, tolerance and mutually beneficial interactions between people and countries. Related links: The effectiveness of an upsell strategy hinges on understanding your guests needs and providing personalized, relevant offerings that enhance their stay. When upselling is approached thoughtfully, it not only adds value to the guest experience but also maximizes the utilization of the propertys amenities, benefiting both the guest and the hotel. Personalization is keyby tailoring upsell opportunities to individual guest preferences and timing them appropriately, you can significantly improve the guest experience. For example, offering a room upgrade, dining experiences, or spa services that align with the guests interests can make their stay more enjoyable and memorable. This approach ensures that the upsell feels like a natural extension of their journey rather than a sales pitch, making it more likely to be well-received throughout the entire guest journey, from inspiration to loyalty. Creating guest experiences that seamlessly integrate upselling opportunities through a website booking page, while also being sustainable, is an essential strategy for modern hotels. The digital landscape offers a unique opportunity to craft personalized, engaging, and responsible guest journeys that enhance both satisfaction and revenue. Heres how to achieve this effectively. The foundation of a successful upselling strategy begins with understanding the guests needs and preferences. This can be accomplished through data-driven insights gathered from past interactions, preferences indicated during the booking process, or demographic trends. By leveraging this information, hotels can present tailored upsell options on their website booking page that resonates with the guest. For example, a guest booking a room might be offered a discounted spa package, an upgrade to a suite, or a special dining experienceeach suggestion aligned with their profile and preferences. This approach not only increases the likelihood of a sale but also makes the guest feel understood and valued. Sustainability should be woven into the fabric of these upsell options. Hotels can promote eco-friendly choices that appeal to environmentally conscious travelers, such as offering organic, locally-sourced dining experiences, or suggesting carbon-neutral transportation options. When guests are presented with these sustainable choices during the booking process, they are more likely to engage, as they see their values reflected in the options provided. Additionally, by incorporating sustainability into the upsell strategy, hotels can differentiate themselves in a crowded market, appealing to the growing segment of travelers who prioritize eco-friendly practices. The booking page itself should be designed to facilitate smooth upselling. This involves creating a user-friendly interface where upsell options are seamlessly integrated into the booking flow. Rather than overwhelming the guest with multiple add-ons at once, these options can be presented in a tiered manner, allowing the guest to customize their experience step by step. For instance, after selecting a room, the guest might be prompted to choose personalized services such as airport transfers, wellness packages, or in-room amenities. Each upsell should be presented as a natural enhancement to their stay, rather than an unnecessary extra. Transparency is key in this process. Guests should feel that the upsell options are genuinely enhancing their experience, rather than being an attempt to simply increase the booking cost. Clearly communicating the benefits of each option, such as how a room upgrade includes access to exclusive amenities or how opting for a sustainable dining package supports local farmers, helps build trust. When guests understand the value behind their choices, they are more likely to opt for the upsell, knowing it contributes positively to their experience and the environment. Integrating feedback loops into the booking process can further refine the upselling strategy. After the guest completes their stay, follow-up surveys can capture insights into how the upsell options impacted their experience. This data can then be used to adjust and optimize future offerings, ensuring that the upselling strategy evolves in line with guest expectations and sustainability goals. Moreover, hotels can leverage the booking confirmation page to reinforce upsell opportunities. Even after the initial booking, there is an opportunity to offer personalized services or experiences, such as a pre-arrival room upgrade, spa appointment, or local tour booking. This approach keeps the guest engaged and excited about their upcoming stay while providing additional revenue streams for the hotel. The entire upselling process should be underpinned by a commitment to even sustainability. From reducing the carbon footprint associated with digital transactions to promoting eco-friendly services and experiences, every aspect of the upselling journey can contribute to a more sustainable operation. This not only aligns with the values of eco-conscious guests but also positions the hotel as a responsible and forward-thinking brand. Creating guest experiences that facilitate smooth upselling through a website booking page, while being sustainable, requires a thoughtful approach that combines personalization, transparency, and guest-friendly practices. By understanding guest needs, integrating sustainability into the offerings, and designing a seamless booking experience, hotels can enhance both guest satisfaction and revenue in a way that supports long-term sustainability. Incorporating a full runway of experiences in one holistic viewfrom the moment they first engage with your brand to the point of booking, during their stay, and even after theyve checked outcreates a seamless and enhanced experience. This holistic approach not only drives immediate revenue but also fosters long-term loyalty, encouraging guests to book directly and inspire loyalty. Its essential to redefine and expand the range of experiences offered through upselling. This could include exclusive access to certain amenities, personalized in-room services, curated local experiences, or special packages that cater to specific guest needs. By doing so, you not only enhance the guest experience but also increase the perceived value of direct bookings, making your property more attractive compared to third-party booking platforms. By strategically utilizing the propertys offerings, you can enhance both guest satisfaction and the overall success of your hotel. First lets talk about what services are considered as upselling and redefine and add new experiences that can encourage direct bookings, and inspire loyalty: Service category functionalities list: Dining Experiences Wellness & Spa Experiences Healthcare + Therapy Sessions Car Rental Service Airport Transfer Service Group fitness sessions Meeting space arrangements to celebrate the occasion Perks for Advance Booking Retail eGift Shop Local Adventure Experiences (Complementary or Paid) Hotel Property Tour Special Membership for Local Residents ....and more (hotel by hotel) Enhancing and expanding the above upsell and cross-sell services can be a powerful and profitable strategy for new business and revenue streams, as well as improving guest convenience. By offering personalized options that guests can easily add during room booking, you increase conversions and satisfaction. This approach will also promote direct bookings and help you: Forge a stronger connection with your target audience Build a more profitable and powerful direct business channel Differentiate your property in a sea of sameness Whether you use data on STR or Rate Shopper to beat the competition, an interactive booking page module will give you a competitive edge with minimal effort. This solution synchronizes the guest experience journey with your core system, streamlining the process for both staff and guests. Heres how you can redefine your upselling and guest experience strategy in just three steps: Target - Begin by thoroughly understanding the interests and needs of your target audience from the outset. Rather than waiting until real-time interactions, anticipate what your guests will value and suggest experiences and activities tailored to their preferences. Engaging with guests before, during, and after their stay can be overwhelmingso streamline this by understanding their needs early on. Design - Design a tech-agnostic approach that can seamlessly integrate with your existing website, app, or third-party tools. Let guests define their own inspiring moments by choosing personalized experiences through a user-friendly interface designed to reflect your unique brand identity .Serve - Enhance your guests experience by offering them the ability to select services and experiences in their native language, making their stay more personal and welcoming. This not only deepens their connection to your property but also aligns them more closely with your culture and services. Not every staff member can consistently remember to discuss upsell opportunities with guests. By providing pre-defined options, guests can plan and reserve the above services in advance, extending their stay or adding activities for a more complete experience. Whether you opt for a new booking system or integrate these strategies into your existing technology, the goal is the same: allow guests to easily add rooms, experiences, and services they value. Consolidating ideas, products, and business strategies into a cohesive and synchronized system can be a win-win-win for everyone involved. By revising your booking interface, you can reduce departmental costs while creating an innovative online visual journey that serves your guests before they even check-in. This approach offers a responsive, simple, intuitive, and enjoyable guest experience, leading to higher conversion rates and greater satisfaction. Reprinted from the Hotel Business Review with permission from www.HotelExecutive.com Holiday Travel Trends Upward As Culinary and Cruise Vacations Surge in Popularity Among Americans According to MMGY Report - Image Credit MMGY More than a third of all U.S. adults intend to travel for the winter holiday season Eat, drink and be merry: culinary tourism, cruises and the upcoming holiday season are among the trending topics featured in the Fall Edition of MMGYs Portrait of American Travelers study. An examination of the evolving habits, preferences and behaviors of todays U.S. travel consumers, the quarterly survey found that nearly 8 in 10 U.S. adults plan to take a vacation in the next 12 months, which represents an increase of 6% compared to the results from fall 2023. "Despite economic uncertainties and global complexities, travel continues to be a major priority for Americans," said Simon Moriarty, MMGY Travel Intelligences Vice President of Research and Analytics. "Our survey highlights a marked rise in interest in culinary and cruise experiences, reflecting a trend toward more immersive and meaningful travel. As we head into the busy but lucrative holiday season, marketers should recognize that travelers are planning their trips with increased thoughtfulness and genuine intent." Additional highlights from the report follow. Travel Plans and Concerns: In welcome news for the industry, U.S. travel intentions have increased across every generation and all household income levels. Since the summer survey, consumer concerns about the price of gas have decreased alongside price declines in the marketplace. Generational Differences: Among generations, Boomers anticipate spending the most on leisure travel during the next 12 months, while Gen Xers expect to take the most trips (3.9 on average). Interestingly, Gen Zs interest in travel has changed course and risen after four quarters of consecutive decline, with 67% now planning to travel for leisure in the next 12 months. Holiday Travel: As a whole, more U.S. adults (38%) intend to travel for the upcoming winter holiday season (compared to 34% in 2023). Thanksgiving travel intentions have increased slightly (53% this year compared to 51% last year), as have intentions to travel for the holidays of Christmas, Hanukkah or Kwanzaa (61% this year compared to 58% last year). Culinary Travel: For the second year in a row, the influence of a destinations culinary scene has grown in importance from the previous year. Although authentic local cuisine is still the most sought-after culinary experience (55%), there is growing interest in high-end culinary experiences such as award-winning restaurants or food and wine festivals. Cruising: Over half of active leisure travelers are interested in taking an ocean cruise (58%) or river cruise (52%) during the next two years, while 40% are interested in an expedition cruise. Notably, there is a statistically significant 6% increase in interest in ocean cruises, signaling a promising future for this mode of travel. Traveling Abroad: Interest in international travel remains strong, with 8 in 10 active leisure travelers interested in traveling internationally within the next two years (82%). This is up slightly from this time last year (79%). Hot Destinations: Hawaii, Florida, Colorado and California remain the top states that attract leisure travelers' interest. Beach experiences and visiting state or national parks remain consistent as the top two activities of interest for all generations both gaining in popularity since 2023. Featuring these findings and more, the Fall Edition of Portrait of American Travelers is now available for purchase or as part of an all-access subscription to MMGYs new Intel Library. To learn more, visit store.mmgyintel.com. MMGYs Portrait of American Travelers study provides an in-depth examination of the impact of the current economic environment, prevailing social values and emerging travel habits, preferences and intentions of Americans. Now in its 34th year, it is widely regarded as a leading barometer of travel trends and an essential tool for developing and evolving brand and marketing strategies. The travel trend information presented in this Fall Edition report was obtained from interviews with 4,501 U.S. adults in August 2024 and features data from four generations: Gen Zers (1824), Millennials (2540), Gen Xers (4156) and Boomers (5775). The Silent/GI generation (76+) was also surveyed, but results are not broken out for this specific generation due to a small respondent sample size. This is the third of four quarterly reports to be released this year. Wait! Before you go Please sign up for our Evening Digest and Breaking Newsletters Success! An email has been sent to with a link to confirm list signup. Error! There was an error processing your request. * I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy. Community Contra Dance in Williamstown WILLIAMSTOWN The North Berkshire Contra Dance returns to Williamstown on Saturday, Sept. 28, with a community contra dance taught by caller Jeff Walker and New England-style fiddle music. Contra dancing is the contemporary face of a living tradition; some of the dances are hundreds of years old, some are recently composed. Everyone is welcome. New dancers and families with children are encouraged to arrive at 7:30 pm for an introductory lesson. Come with or without a partner; most people change partners for each dance throughout the evening. Kathy and Jeff Walker have been playing New England-style dance music for over 40 years. Kathy plays fiddle and Jeff accompanies her on guitar and calls. Their repertoire spans the Celtic world drawing tunes from Ireland, Scotland, Galicia, French Canada, Cape Breton, and Appalachia, and includes many kinds of dance music from fast, energetic jigs and reels to slow waltzes. The dance will run 7:30 to 10:30 p.m. in the Community Hall of the First Congregational Church, 906 Main St., Williamstown. Admission is pay-as-you-can, $12 - $20 suggested. The annual Halloween Parade is set for Friday, Oct. 25, on Tyler Street. Pittsfield Halloween Parade Returns with Hollywood Theme PITTSFIELD, Mass. The city's historic Halloween parade rises from the dead this year with a Hollywood theme. On Monday, the Department of Community Development Recreation Program announced that the "Spooky Hollywood" parade will be held on Friday, Oct. 25, at 7 p.m. on Tyler Street. Aside from the usual ghouls, goblins, and superheroes, there will be an abundance of spooky pop culture icons. Think the Sanderson Sisters from "Hocus Pocus," Michael Myers from the "Halloween" franchise, or even Casper the Friendly Ghost. "Participants are encouraged to base their float designs, decorations, and/or costumes around their favorite Halloween movie," the department wrote. "Every school and community/civic group is encouraged to participate in this great Pittsfield tradition." This will be the 78th Halloween parade in the city. It was originally held on North Street and was moved to Tyler Street in 2011. Trick-or-treat is scheduled for Thursday, Oct. 31, from 5:30 to 7 p.m. rain or shine. Participants are asked to leave their porch or exterior light on. Every parade unit needs to review the application packet posted on the city website and a representative from interested parties must attend a float seminar on Thursday, Sept. 26, at 6 p.m. in Room 203 at City Hall. The Historical Commission approved the demolition of this Wahconah Street property to make way for a new Head Start building. Child-care Agency Plans Wahconah Street Facility PITTSFIELD, Mass. Berkshire County Head Start plans to demolish a Wahconah Street building and construct an early child-care facility near the people it serves. Last week the Historical Commission OK'd the demolition of 224 Wahconah St. The approval is contingent upon a letter of support from the owner, as the child-care agency is under contract and has not closed on the property yet. Director of Finance and Chief Financial Officer Hunter McCormick explained that this is in the beginning stages of a lengthy process because federal dollars will fund the project. "In addition to all of the proper procedures to meet all the city of Pittsfield requirements with the various entities and agencies, we are in the process of preparing what's called a 1303 application for the office of Head Start, which is a request for federal funds to fund the complete project," he said during the virtual meeting. "Which would start with a teardown of the existing building and then the construction of an early child-care facility at that location." The location is optimal for program purposes because of its proximity to several housing entities, McCormick said, and would provide easy access for families in the primary market. Head Start offers an evidence-based preschool curriculum for ages 2.9 to 5 years as well as family advocates who provide support through home visits and connection with other resources. The building is more than 120 years old and according to Zillow is being sold as is for $70,000. "Currently being used as storage but could be converted to [apartments], offices and/or retail. Property is in need of full renovation/rehab," the listing reads. A narrative provided to the commission demonstrated the long history of the property but nothing of particular historical significance. Berkshire Community Land Trust Awarded Grant BOSTON The state awarded Berkshire Community Land Trust a $172,500 grant to acquire a 66.75-acre CR at River Run Farm. The remaining 12.25 acres is designated as a farmstead area and includes a farmhouse and large barn. The full 79 acres will be leased through a 98-year ground lease to Off-the-Shelf Farm to pasture their mobile, pasture-grazed chicken and egg operation. The Healey-Driscoll Administration announced over $27.8 million in grant funding for park improvements and open space acquisitions across Massachusetts that will conserve 2,375 acres. The Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs (EEA) awarded Parkland Acquisitions and Renovations for Communities (PARC), Local Acquisitions for Natural Diversity (LAND), Conservation Partnership, Cranberry Bog Acquisition for Restoration, and Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF) grants that will support 54 communities. The five grant programs will help municipalities and land trusts safeguard land for outdoor recreation, biodiversity, climate change mitigation, and other purposes. "Investing in parks and open space is critical for our states resilience against climate change, tackling issues like urban heat islands, flooding, sea level rise, and drought," said Governor Maura Healey. "These projects boost public health, drive tourism, and strengthen our economy. By aligning our grants with the Resilient Lands Initiative, we commit to creating sustainable communities and safeguarding our natural resources for future generations." Also in Berkshire County, Monterey was awarded a $3,317 grant to fund the improvement of two town-owned properties, Bidwell Park and the Monterey Library, with interpretive signage. Secretary of Housing and Livable Communities Ed Augustus visited Pittsfield Housing Authority and Berkshire Community Action Council's central office. PHA, Tina Danzy middle Mayor Peter Marchetti, Augustus, and State Rep. John Barrett III. BCAC, Deborah Leonezyk right of Augustus PreviousNext Housing Secretary Applauds County's Collaborative Housing Efforts taking a tour with PHA director of facilities Patrick Pettit PITTSFIELD, Mass.State leadership recognized the collaborative spirit that drives Berkshire County to address hard-hitting issues with a multi-faceted approach. On Thursday, Secretary of Housing and Livable Communities Ed Augustus visited Pittsfield Housing Authority (PHA) and Berkshire Community Action Council's central office. His overarching observation? The collaborative spirit that surrounds nonprofit providers, state, federal, and local government. "It's not about turf, it's not about fiefdom, it's about who you're trying to serve and the difference you're trying to make with your targeted population," he said, adding that there is still a lot of work to do and they will need the state's help with funding and technical assistance. PHA owns and administers public housing for over 200 families and more than 400 individual tenants. Augustus walked through Columbia Arms, which houses elders and disabled community members through income-based rental apartments. Earlier this year, Tina Danzy was hired as the executive director. During a private meeting, she and other PHA representatives discussed the city's aging housing stock, CARES Act funding increases, and community coordinators' positive impact. Augustus explained that both the housing authority and state are enthused about community coordinators, which track issues and assist with developing programs and events. "We know what a difference it makes to the quality of life of tenants in public housing but also the operations of public housing because when you have tenants who have behavioral issues, health issues, substance abuse issues, they can drain a lot of resources from the maintenance and administrative staff who aren't always equipped to deal with those underlying conditions," he said. "And just evicting folks doesn't really help solve the problem." The state much prefers solving problems and figuring out ways to support folks where they are, he added. During his keynote address at Berkshire Regional Planning Commission's annual meeting on Wednesday, Augustus said the biggest growth area within individual homelessness is senior citizens. "They may be living in a rental property and all of a sudden, somebody else buys the property and says, 'Hey, I can get $500 more a month in rent than your landlord previously was charging you,' jacks it up, and the individuals, couple, don't have the ability to absorb those kind of rent increases and at 70 or 80 years old, find themselves living in a car or ultimately in the shelter," he said. "That is unacceptable in Massachusetts and so we are doing everything we can to really support those individuals and work upstream." Within the $5.16 billion Affordable Homes Act signed into law earlier this year included $2 billions or public housing. "Massachusetts is the only state in the country that has 43,000 units of state-owned public housing," Augustus said. "That is a huge benefit that we have as a state. Most of those elderly folks, folks with disabilities, or families who live in our state-owned public housing across the Commonwealth are folks who are living on less than 30 percent area median income so they are the most vulnerable folks in our communities. There are 70,000 people that live in those 43,000 units." Since 1966, BCAC has been designated as the anti-poverty community action agency for the county. It assists limited-income residents with heating and weatherization programs, food and warm clothing programs, financial assistance and money management programs, and more. "Our community action is not directly involved in housing per se," Executive Director Deborah Leonezyk explained. "What we are involved in is that preventative work to keep existing housing online." In 2023, over 9,100 families were assisted with the Low Income Energy Assistance Program which is in partnership with the Department of Housing and Community Development, and BCAC's Heating Emergency Assistance Retrofit Task Weatherization Assistance program replaced 174 heating systems. The agency received $500,000 in American Rescue Plan Act funding from the city and spent $433,000 to weatherize 69 homes. It was described as "life-giving." "At an average cost of $6,000 of federal money, we were able to put in $14,000 per home of repairs and upgrades," Leonezyk reported. "So the leveraging power of that utility money to government money is pretty substantial. We put in about $1.30 for every dollar that we spent of federal money." BCAC is currently in the process of writing a federal grant that would allow it to address 300 existing homes in the county, as 37 percent of the area's homes were built before 1939. Leonezyk said the demand for weatherization and energy efficiency projects is skyrocketing and utility companies are willing to pay for the work but housing deterioration poses a problem. On Wednesday, Augustus said that one of the first jobs with the Affordable Homes Act is to protect the state's existing housing stock. Much of the public housing system was built for returning veterans from World War Two and is in desperate need of capital repairs, he reported. "We also want to shrink our carbon footprint. Housing is the biggest contributor to carbon emissions and we're never going to hit our carbon emission goals as a state unless we decarbonize our existing housing stock we ought to lead by example with the state and focus on our 43,000 units of state-owned housing," he said. "Transition to renewable energy sources, solar, better insulated, better windows, so that that is also what we're accomplishing, not just the housing needs but our climate goals at the same time, and our public housing needs to be and deserves to be healthy and safe and dignified and this $2 billion investment is going to help us get a long way toward that goal." State Rep. Tricia Farley-Bouvier wants to see wifi become a utility at every public housing facility, explaining that it should be the same as having electricity, water, and heat. "People need this and they shouldn't be paying these outrageous prices and there shouldn't be this digital divide," she said. During the COVID-19 pandemic, Farley-Bouvier was chagrined to learn that many children couldn't access virtual education because they didn't have wifi access. She said that the state needs to make sure it uses Massachusetts Broadband Institute monies to eliminate the digital divide and putting connectivity into public housing is one great way to do it. Exciting news ahead of payday! nubia Philippines is gearing up for a fantastic Shopee Exclusive Payday Sale on September 30. If youve been eyeing the nubia Focus Pro 5G and nubia V60 Design, now is the perfect time to make your move! For just one day, you can grab the nubia Focus Pro 5G for only 8,999, down from 11,999thats a whopping 3,000 in savings! While youll have the chance to own the nubia V60 Design for only 5,299 from 5,999! a 700 peso markdown! Focus like a pro The nubia Focus Pro 5G is not just another smartphone; its designed to elevate everyday experience. With its sleek design and powerful features, anyone will be ready to tackle anything life throws their way. Impressive Camera: Capture every moment beautifully, thanks to a versatile camera system that performs well in any lighting. Capture every moment beautifully, thanks to a versatile camera system that performs well in any lighting. Vibrant Display: Whether you're gaming or streaming your favorite shows, the high-resolution screen brings everything to life with stunning clarity. Whether you're gaming or streaming your favorite shows, the high-resolution screen brings everything to life with stunning clarity. All-Day Battery: Stay on-the-loop without worrying about a sudden disconnectthis battery is built for all-day use. Stay on-the-loop without worrying about a sudden disconnectthis battery is built for all-day use. Stylish Look: The modern design fits comfortably in your hand and will complement whatever style you're on! Flex in style The nubia V60 Design boasts impressive specifications that are perfect for a day-to-day adventure. This smartphone will definitely up your A game for an all day fun! Display: With a refresh rate of 90Hz and a screen-to-body ratio of 91%, the 6.6-inch HD+ display provides a clear and vibrant visual feast. It has a sleek and beautiful appearance with superb texture that is made of crystal-clear Sky-mirror Glass. Additionally, it delivers superior wear resistance, protecting your phone from everyday wear and tear. With a refresh rate of 90Hz and a screen-to-body ratio of 91%, the 6.6-inch HD+ display provides a clear and vibrant visual feast. It has a sleek and beautiful appearance with superb texture that is made of crystal-clear Sky-mirror Glass. Additionally, it delivers superior wear resistance, protecting your phone from everyday wear and tear. Live Island: Enjoy the all-new Live Island, an interactive capsule that features notifications, real-time activities, and reminders that allows any user to multitask. Enjoy the all-new Live Island, an interactive capsule that features notifications, real-time activities, and reminders that allows any user to multitask. Storage: With a huge 256GB storage capacity, you can store over 50,000 photos, 60,000 songs, or 900+ episodes of your favorite TV series. This device also supports memory fusion technology, which may increase the standard 4GB RAM to 14GB for an enhanced user experience. With a huge 256GB storage capacity, you can store over 50,000 photos, 60,000 songs, or 900+ episodes of your favorite TV series. This device also supports memory fusion technology, which may increase the standard 4GB RAM to 14GB for an enhanced user experience. Lasting battery life: Its 5000mAh battery and intelligent power-saving features ensure a longer battery life. The phone's 22.5W fast charging capability can support the phone to be fully charged in a short period of time. A Special Treat for Early Birds But thats not all! The first 25 lucky customers to checkout nubia Focus Pro or nubia V60 Design will receive a free Romoss 10,000mAh Power Bankperfect for keeping your devices charged on the go. This offer is first-come, first-served, so dont wait around! Why nubia? nubia Philippines believe in creating exceptional products that offer great value for Filipinos. This payday sale is their way of ensuring anyone can enjoy the latest technology without the hefty price tag. Save the Date: When: September 30, 2024 September 30, 2024 Where: Exclusively on Shopee Dont Miss Out! Hurry and get ready to add to cart the Focus Pro 5G, and V60 design to take advantage of these incredible promos. With limited stock, this exclusive offer is one you dont want to miss! To know more about nubia Philippines products and latest updates, follow their socials (Facebook, Instagram & TikTok) @nubiaPh or @nubiaphilippines. 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 }} International bestselling author Sally Rooney kicked off an event about her new book Intermezzo with an impassioned speech about the ongoing crisis in Palestine. The 33-year-old Irish writer, dubbed the voice of a generation, is best known for her romantic fiction novels Conversations with Friends and Beautiful World, Where Are You?, and the TV adaptation of Normal People launched the careers of stars Paul Mescal and Daisy Edgar-Jones. Rooneys fourth novel, Intermezzo, breaks the format of its predecessors as it follows two brothers, Peter and Ivan Koubek, and their very different ways of dealing with the death of their father. The book has been released to critical acclaim. Opening an event held at the Southbank Centre on Wednesday (26 September), Rooney welcomed audience members, including The Independent, before delivering a speech about the ongoing conflict. Before we begin, I want to acknowledge the broader context in which were gathered here this evening, she began, before reading two pages from her book. For almost a year, the people of Palestine have faced a military campaign characterised by mass murder and structural devastation. All of this with the support of the European Union and the United Kingdom. She continued, referring to the Southbank Centre: Countless heritage sites, museums, libraries, schools and mosques, as well as art venues and cultural centres, much like this one, have been irretrievably destroyed. The author highlighted the death toll from the campaign, which has resulted in over 40,000 people killed since 7 October. Conservative estimates suggest nearly 17,000 of those are children. Sally Rooney discusses her new book Intermezzo in conversation with Merve Emre at the Southbank Centre's Queen Elizabeth Hall on Wednesday 25 September 2024. Photo by Pete Woodhead for Southbank Centre. ( Pete Woodhead ) Each one a precious and irreplaceable life. Each one loved and mourned, she said. It is difficult to avoid the conclusion that we are witnessing unfolding genocide. As Israels military action has expanded into Lebanon, with hundreds of civilians already killed as the state attempts to eradicate Hezbollah, Rooney added: The violent death of any civilian in Israel, in Lebanon, in Palestine, or anywhere is a terrible tragedy and an outrage and the roots of this particular tragedy are in the illegal Israeli occupation of Palestine and the apartheid system under which Palestinians are forced to live. Israel has vehemently denied these claims, which have also been made by the UN, Amnesty International, human rights groups and the ICJ, and has said it is eradicating Hamas following the groups attacks on the state, which killed over 1,139 people including 815 civilians. Sally Rooney discusses her new book Intermezzo in conversation with Merve Emre at the Southbank Centre's Queen Elizabeth Hall on Wednesday 25 September 2024. Photo by Pete Woodhead for Southbank Centre. ( Pete Woodhead ) As we are lucky enough to be here tonight in London and beautiful surroundings for what I hope will be an evening of celebration and community, I want to make clear that we are also here in solidarity with the people of Palestine, Rooney continued. She urged: I want to urge you all just as I also urge myself not to turn away, not to give in to despair or fatigue, to keep protesting, to keep speaking out to keep landing an end to this horrifying war. It is the least we can do. For the remainder of the event, Rooney engaged in a discussion with author and New Yorker contributor Merve Emre, touching on topics as diverse as the textual lineage of a novel, sibling dynamics, language theory and Wittgenstein, Marxism and climate collapse. 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 Japan has sent a warship through the Taiwan Strait for the first time in its history in an attempt to send a message to China, media reports said. Japans Maritime Self-Defense Force warship Sazanami made the passage through the strait from the East China Sea on Wednesday morning, the Yomiuri newspaper reported citing multiple government sources, as Tokyo stepped up deterrence against Beijings territorial claims. The SDF destroyer spent more than 10 hours sailing southward to complete the passage along with naval ships from Australia and New Zealand. The three countries navies were on their way to participate in planned multilateral drills in the disputed South China Sea beginning Thursday. Japanese chief cabinet secretary Yoshimasa Hayashi declined to comment on the transit but expressed concern about Chinas increased military activity in the region. "We have a strong sense of crisis that airspace violations have occurred one after another over a short period of time," he told a regular press conference. "We will continue to monitor the situation with strong interest." China is expected to respond to it in the regular press briefing on Thursday. The Global Times, a state media outlet, said: The PLA followed and monitored them throughout the process and the situation was under control. China, which claims democratically governed Taiwan as its territory, has in the past reacted sharply to similar transits through these waters, perceiving them as challenges to its sovereignty. This latest passage is expected to further inflame tensions with Beijing, especially in light of recent territorial disputes between China and Tokyo. Last week, Japan lodged a protest with China over a new route taken by the People Liberation Army Navys aircraft carrier Liaoning and two destroyers on their way to the Pacific Ocean. It said a Chinese aircraft carrier entered the waters for the first time, sailing between Japans westernmost island of Yonaguni and nearby Iriomote. Tensions also ratcheted up last month after Chinese military aircraft entered its airspace for the first time, the Japanese defence ministry said. Recently, Germany also became one of the latest countries to sail through the Taiwan Strait for the first time in 22 years. The transit on 13 September irked Beijing which accused Berlin of increasing security risks but it said it operated in accordance with international standards. The US Navy and its allies such as the UK and Australia regularly transit through the strait to reinforce "freedom of navigation". Also, the leaders of the Quad grouping of Australia, India, Japan and the US last week expanded joint security steps in Asias waters due to shared concerns about China 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 court in Japan has acquitted an 88-year-old man after he spent nearly 46 years on death row for a quadruple murder. Iwao Hakamada, then a professional boxer, was accused in 1966 of killing four people, including two children, and burning down their house. He is the longest-serving death row prisoner in the world, after being sentenced to death in 1969. His execution was repeatedly delayed by lengthy appeals and several retrials, which eventually led to his acquittal on Thursday. Mr Hakamadas acquittal by the Shizuoka district court makes him the fifth death-row convict to be found not guilty in a retrial in post-war Japan. Presiding judge Koshi Kunii said that the court acknowledged there had been multiple fabrications of evidence and that Mr Hakamada was not the culprit, broadcaster NHK reported. He had allegedly admitted to the killings during the initial proceedings in the 1960s, but then retracted his confession, which he said was made in the course of a brutal police interrogation. Hakamada was a professional boxer before his arrest ( AFP/Getty ) His retracted confession was at the centre of a series of trials, with his death sentence ultimately upheld by Japans supreme court in 1980. Mr Hakamadas second appeal for a retrial was filed in 2008 by his sister Hideko Hakamada, now 91, and the court finally ruled in his favour in 2023, paving the way for the latest retrial, which began in October. For so long, we have fought a battle that has felt endless, Ms Hakamada told reporters ahead of the verdict. But this time, I believe it will be settled. Mr Hakamada was represented by his sister during the retrial, because of her younger brothers failing physical and mental health. There has been no immediate announcement of whether prosecutors will appeal against the verdict. His lawyers urged the prosecutors not to challenge the ruling, Kyodo News reported. Mr Hakamada was released from prison in 2014 when a court ordered a retrial based on new evidence suggesting that his conviction may have been based on fabricated accusations. Hideko Hakamada, Iwaos 91-year-old sister, fought for his release ( Kyodo News/AP ) After enduring almost half a century of wrongful imprisonment and a further 10 years waiting for his retrial, this verdict is an important recognition of the profound injustice [Mr Hakamada] endured for most of his life, Amnesty International said in a statement. We strongly urge Japan to abolish the death penalty to prevent this from happening again. 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 }} The family of one of three Americans held prisoner by the Taliban in Afghanistan is urging Washington to confirm his whereabouts amid online rumours of his impending execution. Afghan-born US citizen Mahmood Shah Habibi, 37, was working with an American telecommunications company when he was arrested by the Taliban in August 2022 after a drone strike killed al-Qaeda leader Ayman al-Zawahiri. The Taliban likely assumed Mr Habibis employer was involved in the strike, but did not charge him. Sarah Adams, a former American spy employed by the CIA, recently claimed without providing evidence that Mr Habibi had been transferred by the Taliban to al-Qaeda and would likely be executed soon. His family say they have received no such information from Kabul or the US State Department. I dont agree with reports that the Taliban have handed over my brother to al-Qaeda. As per my information, the Taliban have him. They took him in August 2022 and they still have him. The US government should verify such reports and confirm if the Taliban has handed over my brother to al-Qaeda, Mr Habibis brother Ahmad Shah Habibi told The Independent. In the history of the Talibans rule, we have not seen any case where they have handed over a detainee to any other group. We have not received any official information from the US government or from the Taliban. I am hoping it is just a rumour. The FBI last month issued a notice seeking information about Mr Habibis disappearance in Afghanistan. It is believed that Mr Habibi was taken by Taliban military or security forces and has not been heard from since his disappearance, it said. Mr Habibi urged the US government to redouble efforts to free his brother, noting that the Taliban had indicated a willingness to exchange the American prisoners. The Taliban claim they only hold two Americans, Ryan Corbett and George Glezmann, allegedly for violating the countrys laws. They are keeping them, Taliban spokesperson Zabiuhllah Mujahid indicated earlier this year, to exchange for Afghans imprisoned by the US in Guantanamo Bay. The Taliban denies having Mr Habibi in custody. I think the Taliban want three people. One is in Guantanamo Bay and two in the US. I dont know who they are asking for in the US, but the American government has to put in more effort in getting my brother released, Mr Habibi said. He said the family has had no communication with Mr Habibi since he vanished in Afghanistan. I dont know the reason why they are not acknowledging my brother when they actually detained him on 10 August 2022. Mahmood Habibi with his young daughter a few weeks before he disappeared in Afghanistan in August 2022 ( Sourced/ The Independent ) Mr Habibi served as director of civil aviation and deputy minister of civil aviation in the Nato-backed Afghan government that was overthrown by the Taliban in 2021. There is a possibility that he was arrested because he worked for the previous regime and also with the US embassy in Afghanistan between 2011 to 2013. We think his work for the US government and his American citizenship put him in trouble, his brother told The Independent. Mr Habibis detention was flagged in March by the US Congress in a resolution seeking his release. Mahmood Habibis family believes his work with the US government led to his alleged arrest by the Taliban ( Sourced/ The Independent ) His brother denied that Mr Habibi was in any way involved in the American strike that killed Mr Zawahiri. My brother had nothing to do with that, he said. When the strike happened, my brother was not even on Afghan soil. Mr Habibi said some workers of his brothers company told them they had been interrogated by the Taliban about two towers near the location of the drone strike. My brother worked with a telecommunication company with towers all over Afghanistan, around 600 in total. There were cameras installed on the towers for their security and not for civilians. My brother didnt decide where to install the towers or the cameras. He was just one of the 1,200 employees, working as an adviser. 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 The parent company of Poundland suffered a slump in sales this year amid delays in stock reaching its stores due to disruption to cargo ships travelling through the Red Sea. Pepco, which also runs discount brand Dealz, said like-for-like turnover fell 3.1% for the year ending September 22. It said that delays to shipments due to cross the Red Sea which have been redirected below the foot of Africa due to attacks on ships by Houthi rebels in the region were partly to blame. Pepco said the delays were affecting the consistent and timely availability of stock in stores. It said it was taking mitigating actions including asking ships to set off earlier, changing shipping routes and sometimes using faster carrier options to tackle the problem for the coming years trading. The company said Poundland has largely seen trends follow previous quarters, where it reported challenges linked to the launch of new clothing and general merchandise ranges from its Pepco business. Pepco said the problems are being addressed and initial benefits are expected to come in the next financial year. Andy Bond, chair of Pepco Group, said life-for-like revenues were down because of ongoing supply chain disruption but that the company expects to see record underlying earnings amid margin improvements. Meanwhile, the business also opened 390 new stores over the year across all of its brands, which operate across 20 countries stretching from eastern Europe to Ireland. Mr Bond added: While there is much more to do, particularly around like-for-like sales progress, we remain committed to expanding our price leadership position, enhancing the core customer proposition and improving our supply chain capabilities. 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 Award-winning writer John Vaillant provided a captivating yet disconcerting view of our new era of megafires at the launch of The Independents Climate 100 List, telling the audience: The world we thought we knew is changing because we changed it. Vaillant, a Pulitzer Prize finalist for his book, Fire Weather: A True Story from a Hotter World, is part of the inaugural 2024 class of The Independents Climate 100 List. The Vancouver-based writer uses both fiction and non-fiction to illuminate often overlooked consequences of human impact on the environment. Fire Weather was awarded the Baillie Gifford Prize for Non-Fiction 2023. He spoke at Climate 100s launch event in New York City on Wednesday, alongside keynote speaker, former British prime minister Theresa May, leading Gen Z climate activist Wawa Gatheru, and The Independents chief international correspondent Bel Trew. open image in gallery Bestselling author John Vaillant (left) speaks at the inaugural Climate 100 List event in New York City on September 25. He read from his award-winning book Fire Weather: A True Story from a Hotter World ( Alex Kent ) The Independents Climate 100 List celebrates the remarkable achievements of change-making activists, scientists, philanthropists, political figures, business and tech leaders, and more, tackling the most urgent challenge of our time. The list was published to coincide with Climate Week NYC, one of the climate worlds biggest annual events. Fire Weather recounts the 2016 wildfire in Fort McMurray, Alberta, at the time the costliest disaster in Canadian history. It burned for more than a year and razed large parts of the city to its foundations but fortunately, the death toll remained low with only two indirect deaths. Many who ran out of gas as they were evacuating said it looked like the city had been nuked, Vaillant said. That apocalyptic scene was unusual back in 2016 but now a familiar sight with megafires erupting with stunning frequency not only in Canada but across the world from the US and Brazil, to Greece, Spain, France and China. The terrible irony of the devastating 2016 fire is that it struck Fort Mac, the heart of Canadas oil industry, which produces several million barrels per day of bitumen, one of the dirtiest, least economically viable fossil fuels, extracted from tar sands. Vaillant addressed the cognitive dissonance among Fort McMurrays hard-working residents, who have sought opportunities in the remote, oil boomtown 600 miles north of the US border, but where mention of the climate crisis is practically non-existent even when science has made clear fossil fuel emissions impacts on more dangerous, devastating fires. open image in gallery The smoke plume darkens the sky in Fort McMurray, Alberta, during the devastating wildfire of May 2016 ( Cole Burston/AFP via Getty Images ) You have to kind of agree with yourself to not understand this thing in order to feel okay about your salary, Vaillant said Wednesday. All of them were in it together, but thats where all their paychecks are. And so to become a climate activist, or to be critical of the company, or to question even its methods and policies, is not just a kind of professional suicide, its also a social suicide. In the years since, Fort McMurray has rebuilt with bigger and better houses, and the oil industry is enjoying record profits, the author said. But residents continue to experience post-traumatic stress. Many of the people who went through that fire moved away and many of them are still dealing with PTSD, Vaillant said. They really were living with this uncertainty of if they would live or die that day. And the next wildfire crisis is never far away. open image in gallery Smoke rises outside Fort McMurray in May 2016, as forest fires forced tens of thousands from their homes. Heat radiating from the fire caused structures to burst into flame ( Cole Burston/AFP via Getty Images ) A third of the city was evacuated this summer because of fire, he said. Several of the big [oil industry] operations were shut down due to fire. So,theyre living in this unbelievable tension and it cannot last, it cannot hold. He added: The world we thought we knew is changing, because we changed it. Valliant explained that the Fort McMurray fire was an early example of pyrocumulonimbus fires extreme systems which generate their own weather. They can be 45,000ft tall. They can generate their own lightning, which can start new fires 30-40 miles away. Theyre like perpetual combustion machines and thats what sat on top of Fort McMurray for about seven days, he said. The immense heat of that fire caused every flammable object to start off-gassing - releasing chemicals into the air. The house doesnt catch on fire, it bursts into flame all at once, he said. Fighting a blaze of this magnitude with water hoses is near useless, he pointed out. open image in gallery Vaillant described these extreme events as 21st-century fire ( Credit: Alex Kent ) Theres so much energy in this fire that it basically sucks the stream sideways, evaporates it, and then sends it up the fire column, he said. The next time youre going to see that water is after its gone up 30,000 feet and frozen in little droplets around bits of burned tree and house, and then come back down in a downdraft as black hail, Vaillant continued. If you want to find black hail in literature, you have to go to Exodus in the Bible. Vaillant has described these extreme events as 21st-century fire and pointed out that the day the blaze broke out in Fort McMurray, which is located in the sub-Arctic, the temperature was 93 degrees and humidity was comparable to Californias Death Valley in July. With these conditions in a fire-prone, boreal forest system, youre going to see something extraordinarily explosive, he said. Its just unheard of in the history of human beings. Vaillant spoke ahead of former British prime minister Theresa May who painted a troubling picture about the links between climate change and modern slavery, an issue she tackles by leading the Global Commission on Modern Slavery and Human Trafficking. Some of the most dire outcomes of climate change are humanitarian, May said. Wawa Gatheru, founder of Black Girl Environmentalist, called on older generations to play their part in fighting the climate crisis, and not borrow hope from highly-engaged activists of Gen Z. The Independents award-winning, chief international correspondent Bel Trew reflected on the intersection of the climate crisis and conflict, which she witnessed during many reporting trips across Africa and the Middle East. 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 Leading climate activist Wawa Gatheru says there is no such thing as a perfect environmentalist. Gatheru is the founder of Black Girl Environmentalist, one of the largest youth-led climate organizations in the US, and part of the inaugural class of The Independents Climate 100 List. She spoke at the launch event in New York City on Wednesday alongside keynote speaker, former British prime minister Theresa May, award-winning author John Vaillant, and The Independents chief international correspondent Bel Trew. Gatheru hit back at the idea that people who care about the climate crisis must be perfectionists. I think that this idea of the perfect environmentalist is keeping us as a movement from building the strongest team possible, she said. Ultimately, were all flawed individuals. In order for us to apply ourselves meaningfully, we have to apply our unique talents, spheres of influence, and really bring ourselves to the table in authentic ways. By being so selective about the idea of an environmentalist, we risk being exclusionary, she said. How do we have holistic conversations around what access looks like in those circumstances? Are we leaving people out? she asked. When asked how she fights despair in the face of extreme climate challenges, she said that Gen Z feels like older generations over-rely on youth efforts. It almost feels as though people want to borrow our hope, as though theyre taking some of our inspiration, our energy, and feeling empowered in that moment, and... they can walk away, go back to their lives, and leave it to us, she said. open image in gallery Wawa Gatheru spoke at the inaugural Climate 100 List event in New York City on September 25 and stressed the importance of community in a warming world ( Alex Kent ) I dont think thats enough. I think its a cop-out. The Independents Climate 100 List celebrates the remarkable achievements of change-making activists, scientists, academics, philanthropists, political figures, business and tech leaders, and more, all trying to tackle the most urgent challenge of our time. The list was published to coincide with Climate Week NYC, one of the climate worlds biggest events. Gatheru, a Kenyan-American who grew up in rural Connecticuts Mashantucket Pequot land, founded Black Girl Environmentalist to support Black girls, women, and non-binary people in joining the climate movement and establishing green careers. Her numerous achievements include being the first Black person to receive the prestigious Rhodes, Truman, and Udall scholarships for her environmental work. She is an inaugural member of the Environmental Protection Agencys National Environmental Youth Advisory Council and serves on boards of organizations including Earthjustice and Climate Power. open image in gallery Wawa Gatheru poses in front of the step and repeat for The Independents Climate 100 List event, where she stressed the importance of community in the face of the climate crisis ( Alex Kent ) She told The Independents audience that many people care about tackling issues, but feel that they cant because they dont fit the narrative. There is this really interesting paradox where you look at polling on who is most upset about, or alarmed by climate change its communities of color. But then why is it that in the spaces that Im doing work for, that representation really isnt seen? Gatheru also noted that people of color were more likely to be considered the victim than problem-solver during climate disasters. She also stressed the importance of community and wondered if it was a Gen Z perception that many people now dont know their neighbors. If you think of a worst-case scenario, a hurricane or a flood, not being able to call out for someone by name: that is a problem, she said. Gatheru spoke ahead of the keynote address from former British prime minister Theresa May who painted a troubling picture about the links between climate change and modern slavery, an issue she tackles by leading the Global Commission on Modern Slavery and Human Trafficking. open image in gallery Former British Prime Minister Theresa May speaks to attendees of The Independents Climate 100 List event, where she discussed links between the climate crisis and modern slavery ( Alex Kent ) Some of the most dire outcomes of climate change are humanitarian, May said. The event began with a captivating talk by author John Vaillant, a Pulitzer Prize finalist for his 2023 book, Fire Weather: A True Story From A Hotter World, which recounts the catastrophic 2016 wildfire in Fort McMurray, Alberta. Through this harrowing tale, Vaillant provides a stark warning about the increasing frequency and intensity of wildfires, and the deep connections between the oil industry and climate change. The Independents award-winning, chief international correspondent Bel Trew, who reflected on the intersection of the climate crisis and conflict which she witnessed during her many reporting trips across Africa and the Middle East. 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 Brad Pitt representative issued a warning to fans after five imposters were arrested in Spain after defrauding two women out of $362,000 by posing as the actor. According to a statement released on September 23 by Spains Interior Ministry, five people have been arrested and face fraud and money laundering charges with three of the online swindlers arrested last November and two more arrested in July. The statement revealed that the imposters reached out through an online Brad Pitt fan page, exchanging instant messages and emails with the women, who were under the impression that they were speaking to the real A-list actor. The imposters tricked the women into believing that their online interactions had evolved into a romantic relationship. In order to find their victims, the cyber criminals studied their social networks and put together a psychological profile of them, discovering as a result that both women were vulnerable people suffering from depression and a lack of affection, the statement said. They also used instant messaging platforms to exchange messages and emails with the two women until they thought they were chatting via WhatsApp with Brad Pitt himself, who promised them a romantic relationship and a future together. Authorities added that the situation escalated once the Pitt imposters began to ask the victims for money, with one losing up to $168,000, while another sent around $195,500. Both of the women made numerous bank transfers to the imposters until realizing they were being scammed, thats when they went to the authorities. Throughout the ongoing investigation, they have so far only recovered $94,000. open image in gallery Brad Pitts representative remind fans that the actor has no social media presence ( Getty Images ) They also found that the scam was run via multiple bank accounts created using fake identity documents, with mules helping the fraudsters launder the money. As a part of their operations, they raided five homes, reportedly seizing several mobile phones, bank cards, two computers and a diary in which the phrases used by the fraudsters to deceive their victims were written down. Pitts publicist Matthew Hiltzik, dispelled any notion that the Bullet Train actor was on social media, stating to the New York Times: Its awful that scammers take advantage of fans strong connection with celebrities. But this is an important reminder to not respond to unsolicited online outreach, especially from actors who have no social media presence. The Fight Club actor has long been off social media platforms including Instagram, X (formerly Twitter), TikTok, and Facebook. Sign up to our free Living Well email for advice on living a happier, healthier and longer life Live your life healthier and happier with our free weekly Living Well newsletter Live your life healthier and happier with our free weekly Living Well newsletter SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy Coronation Street star Sue Cleaver has no intention of shuffling off now shes in her 60s. In fact, shes heading into this new life-chapter filled with goals, drive and newfound self-assuredness. Im of that age and Im surrounded by a lot of women, were all going through the same thing but I dont want to just shuffle off, Cleaver says as we chat over Zoom. I feel like Ive still got a lot to give, and I want adventures. Im not going to let fear hold me back, and Im not going to let society hold me back either absolutely not. I want to forge my own path, and I encourage all women to do the same. Are there areas of my life that could be improved? Of course. Is every day a great day? Of course not. But I know where Im going, and Im alright. I quite like myself now. I dont feel I need to hide certain parts of me. This is all new territory for Cleaver, who has played no-nonsense Eileen Grimshaw on ITVs long-running soap Corrie since 2000. Earlier this year, she took a break from the cobbles to star in a musical touring production of Sister Act it was the first time shed been on stage in 25 years and, she admits, she s*** myself with nerves. But it was fabulous, Cleaver beams. Im scared so what? I could have wound myself up and talked myself out of it in the past, going, Oh no what if, what if, what if? But I dont listen to those voices any more. If I want to do it, if it feels like a good opportunity, I go: Yeah OK, lets give it a go whats the worst that can happen? While its easy to think celebrities who appear in front of an audience of millions week after week must be brimming with confidence, for most of her life, Cleaver grappled with internal self-doubt, often feeling other and that she didnt really belong and its only in the last two years that this has changed. Cleaver, who has a grown-up son, Elliot Quinn, with her ex-husband James Quinn, peels back the layers on how she reached this point in her new book, A Work In Progress, which she describes as part memoir, part manifesto for women. It starts at the very beginning, when Cleaver was adopted as a newborn from a north London hospital. She recalls a wonderful childhood with loving parents the family moved locations a few times, including a spell in Scotland before settling in Manchester. But as Cleaver writes in the book: Despite the fact that I was never made to feel lesser in any way by my loving family, not knowing who I was or where I came from added another layer of uncertainty about myself, which has underlined my life for as long as I can remember, until relatively recently. It was her stint on Im A Celebrity Get Me Out Of Here! in 2022 that triggered her to really start letting go of the negative self-beliefs shed been carrying. Although Cleaver had already started having therapy in her mid-40s, sharing her story publicly turned out to be a key step. It was never a plan, Cleaver says now. It happened really when I started opening up in the jungle, just talking about my adoption, and that wasnt planned. When youve got 24 hours to fill and a campfire and nothing else, you forget the cameras are there I completely forgot that and then I opened up, whereas Ive never spoken about that before. And that was the start of it. As Cleaver revealed in the jungle, she eventually met her birth mother through an extraordinary twist of fate while at drama school in her early 20s. Manchesters Royal Exchange were looking for actors for small parts in an upcoming production despite the fact theyd only been casting for males, she put herself forward and landed a part. On set, a fellow actor noticed Cleaver was a dead ringer for his wife when she was around the same age. He asked where and when shed been born, and quickly connected the dots his wife was Cleavers birth mother. Shed been a single, 17-year-old when Cleaver was born, later going on to meet her husband and have two other children. Getting into acting was also how Cleaver discovered her talents and found a sense of direction. But despite being outwardly successful, that internal uncertainty and low self-esteem often clouded how she felt and experienced the world. She knows shes far from alone in this, which is why she didnt want her book to just be a memoir, instead putting equal spotlight on all the things shes learned about anxiety, imposter syndrome and shaking off limiting self-beliefs. I dont think [my story] is any different to what a lot of us go through, says Cleaver. The circumstances may be different, but I think its universal that at some point we feel other or different or not quite good enough. One of the most transformative things shes discovered is just learning to be kinder to herself. The most important thing you can do is show yourself love and compassion... Id say the most important thing you can do is show yourself love and compassion. So often well say, Oh Im such a d***head, or, Oh God, Im so ugly. Would you go to your best friend and say, God, youre so ugly? No, you would not, you would be horrified, and yet we think its OK to talk to ourselves like that. Its not. Be kind to yourself, because actually, youre OK. We are all OK. Another thing Cleaver delves into is that oh-so human ability for negative thoughts and worries to spiral in our minds, and how shes learned not to give these thoughts so much power. We believe our thinking, and we dont need to, she reflects. Its interesting when were having a happy or good time, we dont sit and think, Oh Im having such a happy time, were just in the moment, enjoying it. And yet if I have a bad thought, its: Oh my god, Im having a really bad thought, why am I having a bad thought? Whats wrong with me? Wheres that come from? Why am I feeling that now? Then we go on this journey of layering and layering those thoughts, as opposed to just going: Oh, now Ive got the bad thoughts come into my head its alright, it doesnt mean anything, Im just going to ignore that. Its just a thought and it will pass. A Work In Progress by Sue Cleaver is published in hardback by Bloomsbury Publishing, priced 20. Available now 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 }} A judge on Wednesday ordered a halt to a special election initiated by residents of the one of the Souths last remaining Gullah-Geechee communities of Black slave descendants, who looked to voters to undo zoning changes that residents say threaten island homes. Senior Judge Gary McCorveys ruling to stop the referendum came after hundreds had already voted early in coastal McIntosh County and barely a week before polls countywide were to open on the official election day Oct. 1. The judge sided with McIntosh Countys elected commissioners seeking to cancel the election, ruling that Georgias constitution doesnt allow citizens to challenge zoning ordinances by referendum. He dismissed arguments by attorneys for island residents that county officials had no legal standing to sue. McIntosh County has the duty to avoid wasting public funds and must be afforded some remedy to challenge the decision to hold an election ordered erroneously, McCorvey's ruling said. Residents of the tiny Hogg Hummock community on isolated Sapelo Island said they were blindsided a year ago when county officials voted to weaken restrictions on development used for decades to protect the enclave their enslaved ancestors founded after the Civil War. Residents and their supporters spent months collecting 1,800 petition signatures to force the referendum, which a Probate Court judge approved after verifying the petition in July. ___ Bynum reported from Waycross, Georgia. 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 }} The Nevada Supreme Court has ordered the dismissal of a sprawling sex abuse indictment against Nathan Chasing Horse, while leaving open the possibility of charges being refiled in a case that sent shockwaves throughout Indian Country and led to more criminal charges in the U.S. and Canada. The full seven-member court's decision, issued Thursday, reverses earlier rulings upholding the charges by a three-member panel of the high court and a state judge. Proceedings in the 18-count criminal case have been at a standstill for more than a year while the former Dances with Wolves actor challenged it. Kristy Holston, the deputy public defender representing Chasing Horse, had argued that some evidence presented to the grand jury, including an improper definition of grooming that was presented without expert testimony, had tainted the states case. Holston said prosecutors also failed to provide the grand jury with exculpatory evidence, including inconsistent statements made by one of the victims. The high court agreed. The combination of these two clear errors undermines our confidence in the grand jury proceedings and created intolerable damage to the independent function of the grand jury process, the court said in its scathing order. Holston declined to comment further. Prosecutor Stacy Kollins did not immediately respond to emails seeking comment. The ruling directs the judge overseeing the case in Clark County District Court to dismiss the indictment without prejudice, meaning the charges can be refiled. The allegations against Chasing Horse are indisputably serious, and we express no opinion about Chasing Horses guilt or innocence, the order says. Chasing Horses lawyer had also had argued that the case should be dismissed because, the former actor said, the sexual encounters were consensual. One of his accusers was younger than 16, the age of consent in Nevada, when the alleged abuse began, authorities said. The 48-year-old has been in custody since his arrest last January near the North Las Vegas home he is said to have shared with five wives. He also faces criminal sexual abuse charges in at least four other jurisdictions, including U.S. District Court in Nevada and on the Fort Perk Indian Reservation in Montana. Chasing Horse is best known for portraying Smiles A Lot in the 1990 film Dances with Wolves. But in the decades since starring in the Oscar-winning movie, authorities said, he built a reputation as self-proclaimed medicine man among tribes and traveled around North America to perform healing ceremonies. He is accused of using that position to gain access to vulnerable girls and women starting in the early 2000s. Las Vegas police arrested Chasing Horse in January 2023. The arrest helped law enforcement agencies in two countries corroborate long-standing allegations against the former actor. 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 }} A record nine candidates are running in Japan's ruling party election Friday to replace outgoing Prime Minister Fumio Kishida. A former defense minister who is a longtime veteran, the relatively young son of a popular former prime minister and the economic security minister who would be the country's first woman prime minister are considered top contenders. No candidate is likely to win a majority in the first round, so the top two vote-getters will advance to a second round to be held immediately after the first on Friday afternoon. Here are the candidates: Shigeru Ishiba Ishiba, a 67-year-old former banker, is running in the leadership race for a fifth time and said this will be his final battle. First elected to parliament in 1986, he has served as defense minister, agriculture minister and other key Cabinet and party posts. Despite his longstanding popularity among voters, the outspoken idealist has struggled to win enough support from fellow party lawmakers. But now, Ishibas experience, stability and expertise is increasingly considered a strength for the party as it prepares to face the main opposition Constitutional Democratic Party of Japans new leader, former Prime Minister Yoshihiko Noda, a veteran known for gripping speeches. Considered a defense policy expert, Ishiba has proposed an Asian version of the NATO military alliance and a more equal Japan-U.S. security alliance. Ishiba is a supporter of Taiwan s democracy. He calls for an establishment of a disaster management agency in one of the worlds most disaster-prone country. Ishiba vows to push for more diversity and gender equality. He supports a revision to a 19th century civil code requiring married couples to choose one of their surnames, which has caused most women to adopt their husbands surname. Moves to change the code have stalled for decades due to the LDPs sole opposition. Ishiba also supports legalizing same-sex marriage. Shinjiro Koizumi Koizumi, the son of popular Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi, has been considered a potential candidate for the top position since he was elected to parliament in 2009 and at 43 would be Japan's youngest prime minister. Considered a political blue blood, he has been popular despite his relative lack of experience, and is backed by a former prime minister, Yoshihide Suga. But some of his popularity has eroded as policy debates have heated up, displaying his lack of expertise. Koizumi has vowed to push reforms that would create more choices in careers and life paths. In an attempt to promote paternity leave, he took two weeks off when his first child was born in 2020. Koizumi also supports allowing a duel surname option for married couples, an option that is now supported by the countrys powerful business lobby but opposed by conservatives in the LDP. His policy proposal of easing regulations on dismissing workers as a way of promoting a flexible labor market has stirred controversy because it was seen as a lack of protection of labor rights. He said he would further strengthen the Japan-U.S. alliance and expand a cooperation network with other like-minded nations to deter Chinas growing influence. He regularly visits Tokyos controversial Yasukuni Shrine, seen by Asian neighbors as a symbol of Japans wartime militarism. As environment minister in 2019, Koizumi made his international debut at a United Nations summit, saying a big-scale issue like climate change has got to be fun, its got to be cool, and its got to be sexy, too. His choice of language was criticized as shallow. Koizumi holds a masters degree in political science from Columbia University. Sanae Takaichi Takaichi, 63, is the economic security minister and is making her second bid to become Japans first female leader. A protege of former Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, she is a staunch conservative and attracts the right wing. In the 2021 party leadership vote, she finished third in a runoff. Takaichi has vowed to fortify Japans resilience to natural disasters and security risks by bolstering food security, supply chains and military capability. She calls for strengthening cyber and space defense, and has proposed the creation of a Cabinet-level intelligence bureau. She has stressed economic growth over fiscal discipline as a key pillar of her policies. A regular visitor to Yasukuni, Takaichi is known as a revisionist who downplays Japans wartime atrocities, and has called for a tougher stance on China. Her ties to Abe faction membes who have been implicated in a slush fund scandal have been seen as a potential weakness. Taikaichi opposes same-sex marriage and the proposal to allow married women to keep their maiden name, and supports the imperial familys male-only succession. Her support for traditions considered paternalistic have been cited by critics as bad for womens advancement. After serving as a newscaster for a Japanese TV station, Takaichi was elected to parliament in 1993 and has also served as minister of internal affairs and gender equality. She has said her role model is Margaret Thatcher. Additional candidates: Yoshimasa Hayashi, 63, is chief Cabinet secretary and a former foreign minister who is known as Kishidas confidante and for his all-round policy expertise. Takayuki Kobayashi, 49, a former economic security minister, is a rising policy guru among the younger generations and a conservative who backed Takaichi in 2021. Toshimitsu Motegi, 67, is the LDP's secretary general who has served as foreign minister and trade minister and who is known as a tough negotiator. Yoko Kamikawa, 71, is the foreign minister. She is a Harvard-educated former think tank analyst known as low-key and dilligent, and has pushed a U.N. initiative of women, peace and security. Taro Kono, 61, is the digital minister who is known as a maverick for criticizing party policies, but has reversed his opposition to nuclear energy citing growing power demands for data centers and AI. Katsunobu Kato, 68, is a former health minister who was close to Abe and shares his conservative views. His campaign policies include seeking to double income. 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 }} Sometimes the issues brought forward at the United Nations signature annual meeting may feel a bit familiar. Climate change is always in focus, especially in the past few years. There are regular disputes about who is on the security council. Pleas to stop wars and address hunger. But this year, it's what's not getting as much attention that has Ukraine concerned. The war in Ukraine was center stage the last two times that world leaders convened for the high-level meeting of the General Assembly. But this year, the Israel-Hamas war in Gaza and the escalating developments along the Israeli-Lebanese border have gotten much of the spotlight. Ukraine president VOLODYMYR ZELENSKYY, at the podium, implored world leaders not to give in to calls for a ceasefire that doesn't guarantee Ukraine's sovereignty. When some propose alternatives, half-hearted settlement plans, so-called sets of principles, it not only ignores the interests and suffering of Ukrainians who are affected by the war the most, it not only ignores reality, but also gives Putin the political space to continue the war, Zelenskyy said. Heres your daily guide to whats going on at the United Nations this week, day by day: From the podium French President EMMANUEL MACRON told the U.N. General Assembly that "Israel cannot, without consequence, just expand its operations to Lebanon. He urged Israel to cease the escalation, and Hezbollah to cease missile launches to Israel. Panama President JOSE RAUL MULINO drew attention to the humanitarian crisis playing out in his country. More than half a million migrants crossed the Darien jungle last year that joins Colombia and Panama. Panama today is the new border of the United States, Mulino said, noting that the migrants crossing his country are seeking a better life in the U.S. I ask you to see the magnitude of what is happening because we feel like we dont have the international support we are due." On the sidelines The chance of a ceasefire proposal to try to stop fighting between Israel and Lebanon took up a lot of oxygen behind the scenes on Wednesday. Rumors floated through the halls, and France called a last-minute session to discuss the conflict. At the session, French Foreign Minister JEAN-NOEL BARROT said later in a meeting of the Security Council that France was working with the U.S. on a proposal for a 21-day ceasefire. Climate moment In a special high-level summit to address the impacts of rising seas, small island nations pleaded for the survival and insisted on their sovereignty despite overflowing oceans. Sea level rise threatens the well-being of our peoples cultures, food security and livelihoods, said Samoan Prime Minister FIAME NAOMI MATA'AFA, speaking for 39 small island nations. Marshall Islands President HILDA HEINE and others said even if their lands are submerged, their nations should still be recognized, asking the world not to rig the map and try to erase us with a pencil sovereignty ultimately rests with our people, not in distant diplomatic centers. U.S. Secretary of State ANTONY BLINKEN said the United States is committed to counter or at least adapt to rising sea levels that pose an existential threat to many coastal communities around the world. Blinken also said that the Biden administration would oppose any effort to limit or curtail the rights of any countries affected by it. Voices you might have missed Globalization has failed in its mission to bring prosperity to people. XIOMARA CASTRO, president of Honduras ___ "In this emerging global order, we must ensure the United Nations remains at the forefront of global governance. If multilateralism is to trump unilateralism, the UNs role, as the worlds foremost multilateral organization, is pivotal. With the necessary resources and resolve, the UN can ensure a future of peace, sustainable development, and human dignity." MOHAMED IRFAAN ALI, president of Guyana ___ Island nation leaders warned about sea level rise in the most dire and personal terms. Our future is uncertain, Fiji President WILIAME KATONVIERE said. Will our children and their children have a place to call home? And Maldives President MOHAMED MUIZZU said: An emergency is upon us, threatening our way of life. Our fight to live on will survive. Something you might not know Leaders speeches take a variety of forms and are delivered in a variety of languages -- some rendered on plain paper, others on elaborate letterhead. Taken collectively, they represent the words and ideas of an entire governed world and the politics and maneuverings that come with leading, or helping to lead, one of the nations of Earth. In photos, you can sometimes see the speech on the lectern, including one of Zelenskyy from Wednesday. One notable number Number of speakers scheduled at a last-minute, evening Security Council session on conflict between Israel and Lebanon: 24 Quotable Colleagues, Im often asked which one issue keeps me up at night. What I always say is this: We cant afford to limit our attention to just one issue. U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations LINDA THOMAS-GREENFIELD, speaking to the Security Council ___ Annihilation may bring military success but not political or moral victory. If security systems take over every political decision you forfeit your option to negotiate. MIRJANA SPOLJARIC EGGER, president of the International Committee of the Red Cross ___ Rising seas mean a rising tide of misery. Communities swamped, fresh water contaminated, crops ruined, infrastructure damaged, biodiversity destroyed, and economies decimated with sectors such as fisheries, agriculture, and tourism pummeled. The poorest and most vulnerable are hardest hit. U.N. Secretary-General ANTONIO GUTERRES ___ Do not divide the world. Be united nations. And that will bring us peace. Ukraine's Zelenskyy, to leaders at the General Assembly Up next Palestinian President MAHMOUD ABBAS is scheduled to speak Thursday morning and Israels Prime Minister BENJAMIN NETANYAHU on Friday. ___ AP writers Seth Borenstein, Michael Weissenstein and Matthew Lee contributed. See more of APs coverage of the U.N. General Assembly at https://apnews.com/hub/united-nations 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 }} A regional court in East Africa opened proceedings on Thursday in a case filed by Congo against neighboring Rwanda, accusing it of violating Congo's sovereignty and territorial integrity by sending troops to help rebels in the country's east. Eastern Congo has struggled with armed violence as more than 120 groups fight for power, land and valuable mineral resources, while others try to defend their communities. Some armed groups have been accused of mass killings. Congo alleges that Rwandan forces have been involved in aggression and war crimes in the east. In July, U.N. experts estimated that between 3,000 and 4,000 Rwanda government forces are deployed in eastern Congo alongside the M23 rebel group, which has been making major advances. The East African Court of Justice, based in Arusha, Tanzania, was established as a regional court under a 1999 treaty among a group of east African nations and is meant to hear cases from Kenya, Burundi, Rwanda, Uganda and Tanzania. The court has been ratified by the United Nations. The proceedings came a day after Congos President Felix Tshisekedi called for sanctions against Rwanda at the U.N General Assembly, alleging it supports the M23 rebels in the restive eastern region. In the lawsuit, Congo seeks to hold Rwanda accountable for violations including atrocities against civilians and breaches of international law, and also secure reparations for the victims of these alleged crimes. The lawsuit underscores the long-running tensions between the two countries, particularly over the mineral-rich eastern Congo. We are happy the case has taken off, the lawyer representing Congo, Elisha Ongoya, told The Associated Press. Rwanda raised objections, questioning the court's jurisdiction in the case. Its lawyer, Emile Ntwali, urged for the case to be dismissed since the regional court does not handle criminal matters. Ntwali also pointed out procedural mistakes, such as Congo's failure to translate court documents into English, the official language of the court. Congos legal team asked the court to be allowed to submit new evidence and translated documents. Presiding Judge Yohanne Masara said the court would review each side's arguments and deliver a ruling on the objections 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 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 }} The governing party of outgoing Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida holds a key vote Friday that will establish a new national leader. The vote is limited to the long-ruling Liberal Democratic Party's parliamentarians and dues-paying members. Because the party's governing coalition dominates parliament, the winner is assured to be Japans next prime minister. A record nine lawmakers, including two women, are vying for the job in an unpredictable race. The winner must quickly regain public trust, or Japan could face a return to a damaging cycle of short-lived governments, experts say. How does the election work? The vote is limited to LDP lawmakers and 1.1 million grassroots members. That's less than 1% of the countrys eligible voters. No candidate is expected to win a majority in the first round of voting because of split votes, so the winner will probably be determined in a runoff between the top two vote-getters. LDP leadership votes used to be determined by the partys powerful faction leaders, but experts say that may change this time because all but one of the six factions has announced their dissolution following the partys corruption scandals. The vote is crucial for the LDP, which is looking for a leader who can revive public support for the party after scandals that hurt Kishida's popularity. What does the vote mean for Japan? Experts say this election could mark a return to an era similar to the early 2000s, when revolving door leadership changes and political instability ended only with former Prime Minister Shinzo Abe' s eight-year reign. This is because the new leader will lack stable backing by powerful factions. Kishida's three-year leadership stint followed Yoshihide Suga, who had one year in power before he was forced to resign over his unpopular handling of the COVID-19 pandemic. Frequent government changes make it difficult for Japanese leaders to tackle long-term policy goals or develop trusted relations with other leaders. Japans diplomatic and security policies, though, will continue to be based on its key alliance with the United States. With less influence from factions, the prime minister can exercise more power, but stability depends on support ratings, said Yu Uchiyama, University of Tokyo politics professor. The question is whether the next prime minister can decisively carry out political reform. A new leader will also have to deal with soaring military, child care and climate change costs, he said. The most damaging scandal centers on the failure of dozens of the partys most influential members to report political donations. That led to the indictment of several lawmakers, their aides and accountants. Kishidas party has tightened political funds laws and conducted an internal investigation, but critics say the measures weren't enough. I foresee a continued stagnation in the political situation, with the LDP repeatedly changing faces, said Chiyako Sato, a political editorial writer for the Mainichi newspaper. Who's running? All nine candidates are incumbent or former Cabinet ministers. Shigeru Ishiba, a former defense minister, has steadily ranked No. 1 in media surveys. Environment Minister Shinjiro Koizumi, the son of a former popular prime minister, Junichiro Koizumi, is behind Ishiba. Economic Security Minister Sanae Takaichi, an Abe protege and staunch conservative who ran against Kishida in 2021, is third by a narrow margin. Experts say two of the three are expected to advance to a runoff. But it's difficult to predict a winner, because a runoff could be influenced by backroom dealing among party heavyweights. A first female prime minister? Takaichi and Foreign Minister Yoko Kamikawa are seeking to become Japans first female leader. That, however, is largely in the hands of senior male veterans like former Prime Ministers Taro Aso, Suga and Kishida. Of the two women, Takaichi ranks higher in media surveys than Kamikawa. She has ties to Abe faction members, including those implicated in the slush funds scandal, and her conservative support for paternalistic traditions are criticized by some as bad for womens advancement. Kamikawa is seen as a safe choice by some. She has said that just being able to enter the race has demonstrated a new LDP. Women make up only 10.3% of Japan's lower house of parliament. That makes the country 163rd for female representation among 190 countries examined in an April report by the Geneva-based Inter-Parliamentary Union. In Japan's largely paternalistic culture, it's still normal for sons to inherit political power from their fathers, often limiting opportunity for women from nonpolitical families to run. The nine candidates include five male hereditary politicians. What happens next? On Oct. 1, Kishida and his Cabinet ministers will resign. The new leader, after a parliamentary endorsement, will then form a new Cabinet later in the day. While the current term for the lower house lasts until October 2025, most candidates say they'll hold an early election soon after taking office. Observers expect an election within weeks, so the new prime minister can try to capitalize on a fresh image. The main opposition the liberal-leaning Constitutional Democratic Party of Japan has scored some wins in local elections this year. That was helped by LDP scandals. But the party has since struggled to build momentum. The CPDJ on Monday chose former Prime Minister Yoshihiko Noda as leader. That's a conservative shift likely meant to grab swing voters and LDP supporters disgusted by the scandals. Political watchers say the opposition is too fractured to attract voters who want to punish the LDP, and there's skepticism that the opposition parties are viable alternatives. At an LDP candidates' campaign event in Tokyo, party member Shohei Tsunoda, 72, said: It would be good if we could have a system like in America, where two parties compete and take turns in power. But right now, the CPDJ doesnt seem to have that kind of strength. ___ Follow AP's Asia-Pacific coverage at https://apnews.com/hub/asia-pacific 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 }} Hong Kong welcomed a new pair of giant pandas gifted by Beijing on Thursday with a lavish ceremony, raising hopes for a boost to the city's tourism. An An and Ke Ke are the third pair of giant pandas to be sent to the city from mainland China since the former British colony returned to Chinese rule in 1997. Their arrival came after their new neighbor, Ying Ying, gave birth to twins last month and became the worlds oldest first-time panda mother on record. With the addition of the new bears, the twins, and their father, Le Le, Hong Kong now houses six pandas. Chief Executive John Lee on Tuesday said An An is a 5-year-old male panda who is agile, intelligent and active, while Ke Ke, a 5-year-old female, is good at climbing, cute and has a gentle temperament. The new arrivals will undergo two months of quarantine and adapt to their new home at Ocean Park, a zoo and aquarium that has long been a favorite of residents and tourists. Lee expressed hope that the public could meet the new bears in mid-December. In October, the government will invite residents to propose new names that showcase the pandas characteristics. Tourism industry representatives are optimistic about the potential impact of housing six pandas, hoping it will boost visitor numbers in Hong Kong. Officials have encouraged businesses to capitalize on the popularity of the new bears and newborn cubs to seize opportunities in what some lawmakers have dubbed the panda economy." Pandas are widely considered Chinas unofficial national mascot. The country's giant panda loan program with overseas zoos has long been seen as a tool of Beijings soft-power diplomacy. Giant pandas are only found in China's southwest and their population is under threat from development. But caring for pandas in captivity is expensive. A zoo in Finland agreed with Chinese authorities to return two loaned giant pandas to China more than eight years ahead of schedule because they were too costly for the facility to maintain amid declining visitors. Hong Kong's Ocean Park has been hosting pandas since 1999, when the first pair, An An and Jia Jia, arrived in the financial hub shortly after it was handed back to China. Jia Jia, who died at 38 in 2016, is the worlds oldest-ever panda to have lived in captivity. The average lifespan for a panda in the wild is 18 to 20 years, while in captivity its 30 years, according to the Guinness World Records. 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 }} A judge on Wednesday dismissed a federal lawsuit challenging a suburban New York ban on wearing masks in public except for health and religious reasons. The class action lawsuit was filed last month by Disability Rights New York on behalf of two individuals with disabilities against Nassau Countys Mask Transparency Act, or MTA. The law makes it a misdemeanor punishable by up to a year in jail and a $1,000 fine for anyone in the county to wear a face covering to hide their identity in public. The lawsuit claims the ban is unconstitutional and discriminates against people with disabilities. The legal action includes two plaintiffs with various health conditions who wear medical-grade face masks to protect themselves. They said they were fearful of being harassed and possibly arrested because of the new mandate. But U.S. District Judge Joan Azrack ruled that the plaintiffs failed to show they have legal standing to sue since the law since has exemptions for people who wear masks for health reasons. Plaintiffs wear masks to protect themselves from illness, the judge wrote. That is expressly excluded from the MTA's reach by its health and safety exception. Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman, a Republican who signed the bill into law in August, said in a written statement that residents can be grateful that the court dismissed a lawsuit that would have made Nassau County less safe. An email seeking comment was sent to Disability Rights New York. 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 }} The Taliban said Thursday it was absurd to accuse them of gender discrimination and other human rights violations, as four countries vow to hold Afghanistans rulers accountable under international law for their treatment of women and girls. Australia, Canada, Germany and the Netherlands are set to start legal proceedings against the Taliban for violating a U.N. convention on women, to which Afghanistan is a party. The countries launched the initiative on Wednesday on the sidelines of the U.N. General Assembly, which is taking place in New York until Monday. Despite promising more moderate rule after they seized power in 2021, the Taliban have barred women and girls from education beyond sixth grade, many public spaces and most jobs. In August, the Vice and Virtue Ministry issued laws banning womens bare faces and prohibiting them from raising their voices in public. More than 20 countries expressed their support Thursday for the proposed legal action against the Taliban. We condemn the gross and systematic human rights violations and abuses in Afghanistan, particularly the gender-based discrimination against women and girls," the countries said. Afghanistan is responsible under international law for its ongoing gross and systematic violation of numerous obligations under the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women, they added. The countries said they did not politically recognize the Taliban as the legitimate leaders of the Afghan population. Afghanistans failure to fulfill its human rights treaty obligations is a key obstacle to normalization of relations, they said. The Talibans deputy spokesman Hamdullah Fitrat said human rights were protected in Afghanistan and that nobody faced discrimination. Unfortunately, an attempt is being made to spread propaganda against Afghanistan through the mouths of several fugitive (Afghan) women and misrepresent the situation, he said on social media platform X. It is absurd to accuse the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan of violating human rights and gender discrimination, he added. The Taliban reject all criticism of their policies, especially those affecting women and girls, describing it as interference. They maintain that their actions are in line with their interpretation of Islamic law, or Sharia. Fereshta Abbasi, an Afghanistan researcher at Human Rights Watch, urged other countries to register their support for the four countries legal action and for them to involve Afghan women as the process moved forward. The announcement by Germany, Canada, Australia and the Netherlands may mark the beginning of a path to justice for the Talibans egregious human rights violations against Afghan women and girls, said Abbasi. 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 man has been left in a life threatening condition after being stabbed at a London railway station, British Transport Police (BTP) have said. Police officers and paramedics rushed to Barnes Station in south west London after the attack unfolded at around 7.10am on Thursday. The first ambulance arrived at the scene in just one minute, according to London Ambulance Service. The station is currently closed and all trains have been cancelled. Commuters have been asked to use other means of transport. Disruption to train services serving the station is expected to last until at least midday, a spokesperson for South Western Railway said. The man has been rushed to hospital, where his injuries are said to be life-threatening and consistent with a stabbing, according to BTP. No arrests have been made so far. The spokesperson added: Enquiries into this incident are ongoing, and anyone who may have witnessed the incident or has information is asked to contact BTP by texting 61016 or by calling 0800 40 50 40, quoting reference 89 of 26 September. Detective Superintendent Sam Blackburn said: There is absolutely no place for violence on the railway network and detectives are working at pace to investigate the incident. The station will remain closed while our initial enquiries are carried out, and the public will see increased high-visibility patrols in the area and across the network to provide reassurance. A London Ambulance Service spokesperson said: We were called at 7.07am this morning (Thursday 26 September) to reports of a stabbing in Station Road, Barnes. We sent resources to the scene, including ambulance crews, a paramedic in a fast response car, an incident response officer and Londons Air Ambulance. The first of our crews arrived in one minute. Our crews treated a man at the scene, before taking him to a London major trauma centre by road as a priority. A spokesperson from South Western Railway said on X: At this time, we estimate that disruption to our services will end at 12:00. We will let you know if this changes or when we have more information. A spokesperson for National Rail said: Trains are currently unable to call at Barnes in either direction due to the police dealing with an incident at the station. You may use your ticket on London Bus routes 33 and 337 in the Barnes area at no extra cost. 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 mother-of-five has become the first person to die following a non-surgical liquid Brazilian butt lift (BBL) procedure at a UK clinic. Alice Webb, 33, died at Gloucestershire Royal Hospital in the early hours of Tuesday morning after falling unwell. Gloucestershire Police launched an investigation and two people were arrested on suspicion of manslaughter. Both have since been released on police bail. Save Face, a national register of accredited practitioners who offer non-surgical cosmetic treatments, said its director Ashton Collins has been speaking with Ms Webbs family. The organisation was told that Ms Webb underwent a non-surgical liquid Brazilian butt lift (BBL) before her death. Save Face also confirmed to The Independent that no one has previously died after having the cosmetic procedure in a UK clinic, although some have experienced life-threatening complications. It has been calling for the government to ban high-risk liquid BBL procedures since December, warning someone could lose their life unless urgent action was taken. Ms Collins said: It makes me incredibly sad and angry that Alices death could and should have been prevented. The procedure, which can legally be carried out by untrained individuals in the UK, involves injecting hyaluronic acid to change the shape of the buttocks or breasts ( Getty Images ) It comes as what is believed to be Ms Webbs final Facebook post was revealed. Alongside a photo of a pumpkin that appeared to have been given to her by a relative and then a later photo of the pumpkin carved and lit, she wrote: How cute. Dane Knight, who is thought to be Ms Webbs partner, wrote on Facebook: Want to say a heartfelt thank you to all family and friends that were here for us at our time of need, including all of the kind messages sent to my children and myself. There [were] some very beautiful messages sent by some of your children that formed a start of a smile from the corner of my kids mouth. He added: Please, please have these five girls feelings at heart here. Amy Seville, who says Ms Webb was her best friend, also wrote on Facebook: This past 24 hours has been a dream Ive so desperately wanted to wake up from. You were the best friend anyone could ever ask for. Im heartbroken that you had to grow your angel wings and become another guardian angel to watch over me, your family, the kids and Dane! I will forever love and miss you. Its not goodbye, just tada for now Amy ... Life will never be the same again. Ms Collins said: We launched a campaign in December 2023 calling upon the government to take urgent action to ban these procedures. We made it absolutely clear, that without urgent intervention someone would die. I am devasted by the news of Alices passing. Non-surgical BBLs are not illegal in the UK but Save Face said it has supported 500 women who have suffered life-threatening complications from the procedure, with more than 50 per cent of cases reported to the organisation contracting sepsis and 39 per cent needing corrective surgery. Ms Collins warned: Liquid BBL procedures are a crisis waiting to happen. They are advertised on social media as risk-free, cheaper alternatives to the surgical counterpart and that could not be further from the truth. All of the procedures reported to us were carried out by non-healthcare practitioners who are carrying out incredibly dangerous procedures in unsterile environments. I would advise anyone considering one of these treatments to avoid them at all costs. The risks significantly outweigh any associated benefits. The Independent recently reported hundreds of women have been rushed to hospital after getting botched bum lifts and breast enlargements from unregulated practitioners. The procedure, which can legally be carried out by untrained individuals in the UK, involves injecting hyaluronic acid to change the shape of the buttocks or breasts. Data shows that botched bum lifts have permanently disfigured women and required surgery to rectify the defective work. One woman told The Independent she was put in a coma for four days after a liquid bum job went wrong. She said the ordeal has left her with chest and arm pain. 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 }} The Metropolitan Police has said it investigated 19 allegations against Mohamed al-Fayed, including rape and sexual assault, but none resulted in charges. Of the previous allegations, three were of rape, 15 were sexual assault, and one related to trafficking, with the offences claimed to have taken place between 1979 and 2013 against 19 separate women. The alleged crimes were reported to the Met between 2005 and 2023, during which time the force said it approached the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) on five occasions. Two of these, in 2009 and 2015, were to pass full files of evidence, it said, while the remaining three approaches were for early investigative advice. The force said it has now received new allegations from people who have not previously contacted them about the former Harrods owner, although it is not confirming the number. It added that it will fully explore whether any other people could be pursued for criminal offences in connection with the Fayed accusations, which includes a review of all existing allegations. It comes as the current managing director of Harrods has apologised and said the business failed our colleagues following the sexual misconduct allegations against the stores former owner. Managing director of Harrods Michael Ward apologised and said we failed our colleagues ( PA Archive ) Michael Ward said in a statement that it is clear Fayed presided over a toxic culture of secrecy, intimidation, fear of repercussion and sexual misconduct. Mr Ward, who worked for Fayed for four years, said he was not aware of his criminality and abuse and described it as a shameful period in the business history. His statement comes as another alleged victim told the BBC she was summoned to the billionaire businessmans apartment where he became angry, the doors were locked and I couldnt get out. He raped me. Five women claim they were raped by Al Fayed, who died last year at the age of 94, with a number of others alleging sexual misconduct. Mr Ward said an independent review was underway into issues arising from the allegations and that he had provided all the information I have to ensure my own conduct can be reviewed alongside that of my colleagues. In his statement, Mr Ward said: As we have already stated, we failed our colleagues and for that we are deeply sorry. As someone who has worked at Harrods since 2006, and therefore worked for Fayed until the change of ownership in 2010, I feel it is important to make it clear that I was not aware of his criminality and abuse. While it is true that rumours of his behaviour circulated in the public domain, no charges or allegations were ever put to me by the police, the CPS, internal channels or others. Had they been, I would, of course, have acted immediately. The Harrods department store in Knightsbridge, central London, was owned by billionaire Fayed for 25 years ( PA Wire ) Mr Ward continued: Fayed, who owned Harrods from 19852010, operated this business as his own personal fiefdom. It is now clear that he presided over a toxic culture of secrecy, intimidation, fear of repercussion and sexual misconduct. The picture that is now emerging suggests that he did this wherever he operated. This was a shameful period in the business history, however, the Harrods of today is unrecognisable to Harrods under his ownership. As detailed new information has come to light over the past 18 months, the business has established a settlement process, designed in consultation with independent, external experts in personal injury litigation. We encourage former colleagues to contact us using this process so that we can provide the support, and recourse, they need. Sources within Harrods have said the business has accepted vicarious liability for the conduct of Al Fayed for the purpose of settling claims of alleged victims brought to its attention since 2023, reaching settlements with the vast majority. Mr Ward said he would in no way influence an independent review into the allegations. He said: Alongside this there is an independent review led by a non-executive committee of the board to further consider the issues arising from the allegations. I am not part of the committee conducting this review and will in no way influence its operation or recommendations. However, I have provided all the information I have to ensure my own conduct can be reviewed alongside that of my colleagues. I have also stepped back from my charity trustee positions while this review is taking place. The Met is urging any potential survivors to come forward. The force said lawyers representing those whose allegations have recently featured in media reports are among those officers are in touch with. Commander Stephen Clayman said: We recognise the significance of the allegations made against Mohamed Al Fayed and the impact this has had on those affected. It is vital that any victims have a voice and are able to report any allegations if they have not done so before, and know that they will be taken seriously. We have specialist teams to ensure all those victims who make contact with us are supported in the best way possible. I understand that for many years many people have sought answers in relation to this case. We will do everything possible to update on our progress when we can, but it is crucial we do this thoroughly and we do it right. 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 }} Five of the 37 prisoners who were revealed to have been incorrectly freed under the governments early release scheme are still not back in jail. The Ministry of Justice (MoJ) admitted on Thursday that they and the police are still trying to return the five offenders to custody after they were wrongly released. It comes after the MoJ confirmed that 37 prisoners in jail for breaching restraining orders were mistakenly freed after their offences were logged under outdated legislation in a system error. The other 32 have since been taken back into custody. The department said that the prisoners were incorrectly charged and convicted under old legislation the Protection from Harassment Act 1997 when they should have been charged under the Sentencing Act 2020. This meant that their sentences were not identified as rendering them ineligible for the early release scheme, which they should have been. Around 1,750 inmates were released early from jails in England and Wales earlier this month ( Jeff Moore/PA Wire ) The MoJ said the prisoners will each serve the remainder of their custodial sentence, and guidance has been issued to staff to ensure that all future releases are correct. However, the department has offered little information on the five prisoners who have still not been locked up again, including progress on efforts to return them to jail, their crimes, and any indication as to their whereabouts. A MoJ spokesperson said: Public safety is our first priority. That is why we took decisive action to fix the broken prison system we inherited and keep the most dangerous offenders locked up. This included blocking the early release of domestic abuse offences such as stalking and controlling behaviour. We are working with the police to urgently return a very small number of offenders who were charged incorrectly and sentenced under repealed legislation to custody. The convictions remain valid with offenders monitored since their release and will soon be back behind bars." It added that victims have been informed. Justice Secretary Shabana Mahmood introduced the scheme to address prison overcrowding amid fears jails will run out of space ( PA Wire ) Around 1,750 inmates were released early from jails in England and Wales earlier this month in an effort to alleviate the overcrowding crisis that is overwhelming prisons. The policy saw the proportion of a sentence that some inmates must serve behind bars temporarily cut from 50 per cent to 40 per cent, amid government warnings that jails were being pushed to the point of collapse. The governments handling of the early release scheme has been fraught with problems. It emerged that hundreds of prisoners were freed without tags despite the devices being a condition of their release, and another prisoner was accused of sexually assaulting a woman on the same day he was freed. He has since been charged and recalled to prison ahead of a court date. Pictures emerged of an inmate being sprayed with champagne by their friends at the prison gates as they were released, while ministers faced accusations when the policy was launched that serious career criminals were among those walking free. Criminals serving prison sentences of less than four years for violent offences, including manslaughter, are among those eligible to be freed under the scheme. Despite government efforts to prevent domestic abusers from leaving prison early, the restrictions will not apply to all criminals with a history of domestic abuse, as the policy only excludes particular offences, such as stalking. Attackers convicted of other crimes, such as threats to kill or actual bodily harm, could still qualify for early release. Rioters involved in this summers unrest are also not specifically excluded from early release. They will only stay behind bars for longer if they are serving more than four years for a violent offence. Terrorists and sex offenders are excluded from the scheme, and will not be freed early. 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 }} Metropolitan Police officers have been accused of accessing files on Sarah Everard without a proper policing purpose just days after she was abducted. The 33-year-old was kidnapped, raped and murdered by then-serving firearms officer Wayne Couzens who used his warrant card to get her into his car as she walked home in March 2021. Five serving officers police constable Myles McHugh, police constable Clare Tett, detective constable Tyrone Ward, detective sergeant Robert Butters and sergeant Mark Harper will now face a hearing after an audit was carried out by the forces Directorate of Professional Standards. Wayne Couzens is serving a whole life sentence for the kidnap and murder of Sarah Everard in 2021 ( PA Media ) It is alleged each of the seven individuals accessed a police system relating to Ms Everards case between March 5 and 15 2021, some on multiple occasions, and that this was not undertaken in the course of their duties. The audit looked at who had accessed files relating to Ms Everards disappearance and the subsequent investigation, and whether those who had accessed the files did so with a proper policing purpose. They will answer allegations concerning breaches of confidentiality, orders and instructions, and discreditable conduct. Trainee detective constable Hannah Rebbeck and inspector Akinwale Ajose-Adeogun, who have resigned from their roles since the investigation, will also face the same hearing. Deputy assistant commissioner Stuart Cundy apologised to the Everard family for any added distress ( PA Archive ) The Met said it would not be making any comment prior to or while proceedings were taking place, but added the allegations were serious enough to justify dismissal. Deputy assistant commissioner Stuart Cundy said: First and foremost our thoughts remain with Sarah Everards family. We have kept them updated throughout the investigation and have apologised to them for the added distress this has caused. All Met officers and staff should have no doubt of the rules around accessing files and they know there must be a legitimate policing purpose to do so. As well as mandatory training on this issue, they are regularly reminded of our policies when logging into IT systems. It is right this was subject to an investigation. It will now be for the hearing panel to look at all of the evidence and decide whether conduct matters are proven for any of these individuals. All of the serving officers under investigation have been placed on restricted duties. Ms Everards family described her as a shining example ( PA Media ) Couzens pleaded guilty to Ms Everards rape and kidnap in June 2021 before admitting to her murder a month later while locked up at Belmarsh high-security jail. He is currently serving a whole-life sentence. The horrifying crime shocked the nation and led to a widespread outpouring of grief, thrusting issues of police corruption and violence against women and girls into the spotlight. After Ms Everards body was identified, her family issued a statement, describing her as a shining example. They said: Sarah was bright and beautiful a wonderful daughter and sister. She was kind and thoughtful, caring and dependable. The statement added: She always put others first and had the most amazing sense of humour. She was strong and principled and a shining example to us all. We are very proud of her and she brought so much joy to our lives. Police chiefs called Ms Everards death one the darkest days in police history as a shocking report uncovered the scale of failures in recruiting the monster, and eight missed chances to stop him in his tracks. The hearing will take place from October 28 to November 15 at Palestra House in central London. 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 }} An 18-year-old man has been charged with murder after a 15-year-old schoolboy was stabbed to death with an alleged zombie knife in south east London. Jacob Losiewicz, of Church Manor Way, Abbey Wood, will appear at Bromley Magistrates Court on Thursday charged with the murder of Daejaun Campbell. Daejaun died from stab injuries after being attacked on Eglinton Road, Woolwich on Sunday. Neighbours described hearing the teenager cry out Im 15, dont let me die as a local woman tried to save his life. A ban on owning zombie-style knives and machetes came into force on Tuesday, just two days after the stabbing. A second man, aged in his 50s, who was arrested on suspicion of murder has been released without charge, the Metropolitan Police said. Daejauns family are being supported by specially trained officers, the force added. The ban on zombie-style knives is part of efforts to reduce knife crime, with campaigners including actor Idris Elba pushing for the large blades to be outlawed. The new legislation closes a loophole to an initial ban on the knives first imposed in 2016, which meant the weapon could be kept and sold if it did not have images depicting violence. On Monday, a white forensic tent and police cordon were put in place at the scene in Eglinton Road, while officers searched the area and spoke to neighbours. Police officers work at the scene in Woolwich where a boy was fatally stabbed on Sunday ( The Independent ) Detective Chief Superintendent Trevor Lawry, who is in charge of policing for the South East Basic Command Unit, said: Local officers will remain in the area whilst we continue with our investigation. Please do not hesitate to ask any questions, they are there to support you and the community. I want to appeal again for anyone who knows anything about the death of young Daejaun to come forward. Did you see anything suspicious around the Eglinton Road area? Did you see anyone running away from the area? Do you have any footage? If you do, then please contact police; you can upload any footage via a link or you can also remain anonymous by contacting Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111. Anyone with information is asked to call police on 020 8721 4005 quoting Operation Baghaze. Get the free Morning Headlines email for news from our reporters across the world Sign up to our free Morning Headlines email 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 }} A Welsh art gallery has been visited by police following allegations that pornographic material was being displayed in its window and now the controversial artwork has been sold. Featuring a woman wearing nothing but cowboy boots with her legs open and a black triangle preserving her modesty, the work at The Table Hay was said by police to constitute a potential public order offence. A representative for Dyfed Powys Police told The Independent: We can confirm we have received a report in relation to this, and officers have attended the gallery. But despite the police visit, the art, which was part of an exhibition running from September 16 to 22, was kept on display by gallery curator Val Harris and artist Poppy Baynham, 22. They subsequently took action to open up a conversation based on the work, adding a sign in front of the painting that said the gallery is willing to have dialogue on the issue. Passersby were also invited to share their thoughts in a book about the art, which is called: This is not p***ography. Following the controversy, Ms Baynham said she believes that the painting was doing exactly what she intended it to, but admits that she had no idea the exhibition of her work, which features several similar pieces, would be so controversial. Ms Banyham told The Independent: In the first minute of [the exhibitions] opening, we had a woman saying we need to take it down because of the children. I was confused but also didnt know how to react. The negative comments kept coming and we kept refusing, as I thought nothing was wrong with it. [But] we had made a book for people to comment in about the painting and 90% of it was positive. The painting has received largely positive feedback in a book inviting a conversation. Pictured here with its creator, Poppy Baynham. ( Billy Charity / Supplied ) The first complaints were received within hours of the paintings display at the gallery which is curated by Val Harris, pictured. ( Supplied ) Ms Baynham described the controversy as an important opportunity to have her work seen and open up a conversation about attitudes towards female genitalia, in particular. Thats all an artist ever dreams of their name getting out there and being heard and their work being seen, she said, as reported by the BBC. Following news of the controversy spreading, several people have publicly defended the painting. Jessie Dixon said: I thought of it as exciting and playful and I never thought of it as a sexual object or anything like that. Dawn Lewis similarly added: Its not my cup of tea, but I cant see it being offensive personally, its art. Ms Baynham told The Independent: that the piece has now sold to a local person who said they would put it in their window. Ms Harris, the gallerys curator, however, added that the piece would have likely sold anyway as its buyer is a fan of Ms Bayhams work who purchased an additional two pieces. Two-thirds of her exhibition sold which is excellent in these uncertain times, she said. The controversial artwork featured a felt triangle in place of the female figures genitalia. ( Val Harris / Supplied ) The artist and gallery wrote in a joint statement on Instagram: In my opinion, all the women that have something bad to say about the painting arent grossed out so much as insecure. And its sad to see so many women upset by something we all have. Most straight women havent seen a vulva, so I see why they might be scared of it. And its proving to me that there must be a lot of straight people here in Hay. I think also penises can be seen as comical, while vulvas are only sexual. The reason why I paint the female body and not the male body is because I want the world to normalise these nonsexual body parts that 50% of the world has. This is also the reason why I dont want to take it down. If I took it down the whole reason why I do art would be thrown back in my face. When I started painting it I didnt have one thought in my head thinking this would even get commented on. Half the art out there is nudity. So why should I remove it? Why is it inappropriate? Is it because its not a ladylike pose? Who made these rules about ladylike poses? Men? The world needs to get away from these normative rules and normalise vaginas. Ms Harris added: The exhibition has finished now so Im sure the police wont take it any further. The gallery is now looking forward to its inaugural Open Submission Slay Hay Life Drawing Exhibition at the end of October. Contributors are invited to submit up to six pieces each. A representative for Dyfed Dyfed Powys Police confirmed to The Independent that they would be taking no police action at this time. Get the free Morning Headlines email for news from our reporters across the world Sign up to our free Morning Headlines email 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 }} A senior medic has broken down in tears as he described scenes from hell on intensive care wards during the Covid pandemic, with staff running out of body bags and sick patients raining from the sky. Professor Kevin Fong former national clinical adviser in emergency preparedness, resilience and response at NHS England told the Covid inquiry he was on the scene of the Soho bombing in 1999 and worked in A&E during the July 7 London bombings but nothing that I saw was as bad as Covid was every single day for the hospitals most badly hit during the pandemic. Speaking to the inquiry in central London, he said: The scale of death experienced by the intensive care teams during Covid was unlike anything they had ever seen before. Theyre no strangers to death they are the intensive care unit. They look after some of the sickest patients in the hospital, but the scale of death was truly, truly astounding. I worked on a shift where we had six deaths in a single shift. Another hospital told us that they had 10 deaths on a shift, two of whom were their own staff. We had nurses talking about patients raining from the sky, where one of the nurses told me they just got tired of putting people in body bags. (One hospital) said that sometimes they were so overwhelmed that they were putting patients in body bags, lifting them from the bed, putting them on the floor, and putting another patient in that bed straight away because there wasnt time. We went to another hospital where things got so bad, they were so short of resource, that they ran out of body bags, and they were instead issued with 9ft clear plastic sacks and cable ties. And those nurses talk about being really traumatised by that, because they had recurring nightmares about feeling like they were just throwing bodies away. These people are used to seeing death, but not on that scale, and not like that It really was like nothing else I have ever seen. Professor Sir Chris Whitty was questioned by the inquiry on Thursday ( PA Archive ) In one hospital, nurses took to wearing adult nappies because they were so stretched they could not take toilet breaks. Others went to Screw Fix to buy visors for their own protective equipment. Prof Fong also told the inquiry he undertook an informal visit to one of the hardest hit intensive care units in the country. It was very memorable, I was greeted at the entrance by one of the intensive care registrars, he said. I asked him immediately what things have been like. Ill never forget his reply, he said: Its been like a terrorist attack every day since it started, and we dont know when the attacks are going to stop. The senior medic described gruesome scenes in hospital during the pandemic ( PA Media ) Prof Fong said the experience for NHS staff on the front line in intensive care was indescribable and there were units where 70% of patients died. During one visit in late December 2020, Prof Fong said he was at a hospital with a medium-sized unit. Ill never forget it, he said. It was a scene from hell. This was a hospital in massive, massive trouble. We went to an intensive care unit There were so few staff that some of the nurses had chosen to either use the patient commodes in the side rooms, and some of the nurses had chosen to wear adult diapers because there was literally no one to give them a toilet break and take over their nursing duties. The intensive care unit was full. Their overflow areas were full, their non-invasive ventilation unit, their respiratory unit was full. This was a hospital bursting at the seams. I then toured the hospital with the intensive care staff a doctor who then looked after the unit and the rest of the hospital. Ill never forget being in the stairwell with him, and hes out of breath on the stairs because he has himself had Covid in the first wave and now is suffering the consequences of long Covid, but hes still there. The referrals were coming up all the time, (but there were) no places to put patients in the intensive care unit Prof Fong told how one patient died in an ambulance because they could not get into the hospital, while other patients could not be intubated as there was no room or staff and ICU was full. Its genuinely the closest Ive ever seen a hospital to a state of collapse in my entire career, he said. Earlier, Prof Fong told the inquiry that, in one unit, patients were close enough to hold hands when each bed in an intensive care unit should each be given a space the size of a very large living room. The anaesthetist at University College London Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, who was seconded to NHS England in March 2020, told the UK Covid-19 Public Inquiry that a colleague at a district general hospital contacted him in the early days of the crisis to tell him they were overflowing with patients. He was told that the hospital was running out of staff and running out of basic consumable items including drugs and equipment. On another occasion, an intensive care consultant told him about the difficult experiences his unit experienced in the first wave including wearing gowns over underwear because of a lack of scrubs, and sleeping in cars. He talked about having to sleep in the boot of his Ford Galaxy when he was on duty for three months at the start of the pandemic, Prof Fong said. They talked about running out of PPE. They talked about going to Screwfix to get visors. They talked about running out of theatre scrubs and having to go to the local private hospitals and beg them for their supply. And when they ran out of that, they talked about having to have one shift where they had no theatre scrubs and they went around in their underwear and gowns for the shift. Prof Fong added: I went into another unit of similar size, where they talked about how on the television, what you saw was these big units who complained about being short of equipment, but were usually wearing PPE, and how they said that they were watching those programmes, and they were standing in their own units wearing cagoules and waterproof trousers that the chief exec had bought from an outdoor shop. And they were, they were angry, actually, that is all that people knew was, was this sight of well-resourced hospitals, when the truth in the smaller hospitals was just that. Several people in the public seating area at the inquiry wiped away tears during Prof Fongs testimony. Prof Fong added: Its easy for us to think that we knew whats going on this isnt just a problem with the NHS, any large organisation suffers this problem, of what you can measure most easily thats seen at the top, between what is actually happening at the front line. And I think that it was easy to convince ourselves that we knew what was happening. He broke down as he added: But you dont know unless youre the people going into that shop floor. You dont know if youre the not the people who are putting on PPE before we got vaccinations available, wondering if its buttoned up OK. You dont know unless (you are) the people are trying to find bodybags and putting people in plastic sacks. You dont know, if you are not the people who held onto iPads while relatives were screaming down the phone. You dont know if you havent sat in transfer vehicles next to a patient whos dying of Covid, wondering if your PPE is buttoned up well enough that you might not do the same. It is impossible to know. Although this is not hard numerical data, the information is important. There is more to know than just what you can count. 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 ongoing public hearing into the Titan submersible disaster has revealed that part of the experimental vessel fell off before it imploded last June. Better known as the Titanic tourist sub, the Oceangate submersible had a controversial design that raised concerns inside and outside of the company before it led to the deaths of five men. Former Oceangate operations director David Lochridge revealed last week that he was actually fired for raising his concerns. It is believed that the vessels carbon fibre hull considered by experts to be unsuitable for use at depth was weakened on repeat dives to the Titanic wreck, which lies at around 12,500 feet below the North Atlantic Ocean, as testified by National Transportation Safety Board engineer Don Kramer on Wednesday. Now, the US Coast Guard, which is investigating the sinking, has released a picture showing that the dome part of the vessel, which was used to view the doomed Titanic, fell off when it returned to the surface after a dive in 2021. The inquest heard in an earlier session how the bolts around the dome shot off like bullets when the Titan hit the deck of its mother vessel. One of the Titans commercial passengers, Fred Hagen, testified: The force of the platform hitting the deck it basically sheared off several bolts and they shot off like bullets. And the titanium dome fell off. This was one of over 100 technical failings that the submersible was said to have suffered, including its earlier prototype being hit by lightning, before last Junes catastrophic implosion. It claimed the lives of Oceangate CEO Stockton Rush, 61, French Titanic expert Paul-Henri Nargeolet, 77, otherwise known as Mr Titanic, as well as commercial $250,000-a-head customers British billionaire Hamish Harding, 58; Pakistani billionaire Shahzada Dawood, 48; and his son Suleman Dawood, 19. The Titans cone fell off as it returned from a dive in 2021, the public inquest heard. ( U.S. Coast Guard ) A mission specialist from the 2021 mission where the dome fell off, Renata Rojas, claimed in a hearing on 19 September that the Titan was working very smoothly before its dive. She recalled: There was only, I think, two bolts or four bolts on the dome. It started dripping, falling off. In response to the malfunction, 18 bolts were added to the dome to ensure it stayed in place, and Ms Rojas insisted that she never felt unsafe when she dived in the Titan. This was never sold as a Disney ride, she said. It was an expedition that things happen and you have to adapt to change. Other controversial elements of the Titan operation included the fact that the sub was reportedly controlled by a PlayStation controller and had its movements tracked on an Excel spreadsheet, according to previous witnesses at the hearing. Stocktons vision was give somebody this PlayStation controller and within an hour theyre going to be a pilot its not the way it works, Mr Lochridge said as part of his testimony. Antonella Wilby, a former OceanGate contractor, told the hearing last week: There were delays because there was this manual process of first writing down the lat-long coordinates and then typing them in. The Titan lost contact around an hour and 14 minutes into its dive to the Titanic wreck last June. What followed was an international search and rescue mission before its debris was discovered on the ocean floor. Footage from a remotely operated vehicle showed what the Titans debris looked like on the ocean floor. ( USCG/Reuters ) A spokesperson for Oceangate told The Independent: OceanGate expresses our deepest condolences to the families and loved ones of those who died in the tragic implosion of the Titan. There are no words to ease the loss endured by the families impacted by this devastating incident, but we hope that this hearing will help shed light on the cause of the tragedy. OceanGate, which is no longer an operating company, having ceased all business activity shortly after the tragedy, and which has no full-time employees, is a party in interest in the Coast Guard proceeding. The Company has been fully cooperating with the Coast Guard and NTSB investigations since they began, including at the ongoing public hearing convened by the Coast Guard. OceanGate is represented at the hearing by Jane Shvets and Adrianna Finger of Debevoise & Plimpton LLP. The public hearing is set to come to a close on Friday. 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 }} Sir Keir Starmer is still open to agreeing a deal on youth mobility with the EU but does not want to give away his negotiating hand too early as he prepares to head to Brussels next week. The Independent understands that the Labour government has a three pillar blueprint to reset the relationship with the EU in painstaking talks. The main talks will be headed by European affairs minister Nick Thomas-Symonds, who is based in the Cabinet Office and has been handed some of the most complex and sensitive tasks in the Starmer government. The youth mobility scheme has become a symbolic issue for those who claim that Sir Keir is not being ambitious enough with his EU relationship reset. Keir Starmer and Ursula von der Leyen talk at the UN ( Reuters ) While the prime minister has told The Independent that he is very serious about the reset, pro-EU activists in groups like the European Movement and sources in Brussels have questioned whether the government wants to achieve much change. With Sir Keir and European Commission president Ursula von der Leyen tweeting their meeting at the United Nations this week and agreeing to meet in Brussels next week the talks seem set to properly start. The revelations come as Pedro Serrano, the EU ambassador, told Times Radio that he believes a youth mobility scheme will be agreed suggesting that it could cover areas like gap years for under-30s. There have been discussions that the scheme would cover all under-30s and allow for ease in getting jobs in the UK or EU but Mr Serrano appears to be suggesting a more limited deal. He said: This is about ensuring that our youth continues to get together to know each other. And if we have a mechanism that allows young British citizens to go for a gap year, for example, to any of 27 states within the European Union to do a bit of learning and get pay while theyre there, why not? It is understood that Mr Thomas-Symonds has made it clear that he wants to take a careful approach in a new positive atmosphere created by the change of government. He is understood to believe that the briefings from Brussels are coming from people who were involved in the talks after 2016 and still have the [negative] attitude of those years in their minds. Nick Thomas-Symonds will be heading the talks ( PA ) A source said: We are getting a much more positive response now, not least because we spoke a lot in the aftermath of the referendum and they know we have a much more positive attitude towards the EU than the last [Tory] government. But there is an acknowledgement that the talks will be incredibly difficult. The senior source noted: They [the EU] are very good at negotiations. They are very tough. This is why Sir Keir and his government have not been in a rush to agree to a Youth Mobility Scheme even though there is widespread support for it in Brussels and European capitals, particularly Berlin, If you agree to something like youth mobility and make it clear you want it then the cost of getting it goes up, the source added. We need to agree what youth mobility means as well. It needs to be beyond mobility for students with schemes like Erasmus+. At some point you have to say well we want this and we will agree to this but there is no point doing that too soon before you have got other concessions. Mr Thomas-Symonds is understood to believe the success of the talks will depend on whether a new pragmatic atmosphere prevails in the EU. The sense is that there are a lot of pragmatic things we could agree on which would be good for us both, but of course there are single market purists arguing about the integrity of the European Single Market, the source said. John Healey is in talks with Germany on a defence deal ( AFP/Getty ) The European affairs minister has spoken of a three pillar strategy for the rest - defence and security; safety including immigration and tackling crime; and finally trade. The defence strategy is based on reviving the Lancaster House defence pact with France, creating a new deal with Germany and using this as the basis of a EU/ UK security pact in conjunction with Nato. Defence secretary John Healey is understood to be preparing a major announcement for a substantial agreement with Germany before the end of October. Sources close to him have said: We will always base our defence policy on Nato but whoever wins the election in the US this year (Donald Trump or Kamala Harris) we know that their focus will be increasingly going towards the Pacific and China. That means Europe will have to do more of the heavy lifting, invest more in defence and work more closely together. The source close to Mr Thomas Symonds noted: We [the UK] are in a good place with defence and security because we have a lot to offer and the EU knows it. The safety issue will look at shared data and working together on tackling crime including organised criminal gangs particularly those involved in human trafficking and irregular immigration leading to the small boats on the Channel. A lot of this is very obvious and we all have a shared interest in making this work better. Complications may emerge over extradition agreements and border controls where UK citizens are going to have too soon fill in paperwork to travel into the EU. But the toughest area for the government is trade which is third on the list. Already there are concerns about the impact of BTOM, the digital border checks, where both the UK and EU have postponed the implementation for fresh goods such as fruit and vegetables because of the length of time checks will take. Sir Keir has indicated he is prepared to look at dynamic alignment of regulations with the EU. But there is an acknowledgement that with a market of 500 million people it is hard to get changes out of the bloc. However, Mr Thomas Symonds is said to believe that the EU is not happy with the agreement they made with Lord Frost and Boris Johnson and accept it is not working well. So if there is a pragmatic attitude then progress can be made. 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 }} The minister in charge of social media and digital technology has not communicated directly with X/Twitter owner Elon Musk, after the platform was linked to the summer riots. Sources close to Peter Kyle, the secretary of state for science innovation and technology, have said that the two men have not spoken and there has been no attempt yet to reach out to the worlds richest man. Sources close to Mr Kyle have explained that he is connected to Mr Musk through a degree of separation in that they have a number of mutual connections and when the billionaire social media platform owner posts people will often contact the minister. But after the billionaire went on a social media blitz of toxic posts against the government around the time of the far-right riots, the two men have yet to meet or talk directly. This is despite social media, artificial intelligence, electric vehicles, space travel and the internet all being major items in the ministers huge portfolio and fields led by Mr Musk. The revelation comes after news that Mr Musk has been snubbed for chancellor Rachel Reeves investment summit in London even though she has invited controversial Gulf nations including the United Arab Emirates and Qatar to the event despite concerns over their human rights records. Ms Reeves is understood to be keen to rebuild relations with the UAE after anger there that the previous government blocked a deal to buy The Daily Telegraph. It is understood it left the UAE feeling humiliated and unsure they could trust the UK as an investment destination. But the biggest surprise omission from the investment summit is Mr Musk, who is also behind investments in space travel and Tesla electric cars. Mr Musk was the guest of honour when former Tory prime minister Rishi Sunak hosted the worlds first summit on artificial intelligence last year, but Musk has been a severe critic of the Keir Starmer government. The billionaire spent much of the summer attacking Sir Keirs actions in swiftly ending the far-right riots and meting out justice to those involved. Peter Kyle is the new secretary of state for science, innovation and technology ( Sky News ) The X owner used his platform to attack the prime minister as two-tier Keir, a reference to a conspiracy theory about policing, and claimed the UK is clamping down on free speech. During the riots, Mr Kyle was on the emergency Cobra committee in his role of being in charge of policing social media and the digital realm. Mr Musk has responded to his snub from the investment summit with another attack on the UK: I dont think anyone should go to the UK when theyre releasing paedophiles in order to imprison people for social media posts. Nevertheless, former Tory business secretary Kemi Badenoch has revealed she is a huge fan of Mr Musk. In an interview with The Spectator, the Conservative leadership hopeful said: I think Elon Musk has been a fantastic thing for freedom of speech. I will hold my hand up and say, Im a huge fan of Elon Musk. I look at Twitter before he took over and after: there is a lot more free speech. Yes, there are many, many more things that I see on X, as he calls it, that I dont like. But I also know that views are not suppressed the way that they were, that there was a cultural establishment that was very left that controlled quite a lot of discourse on that platform. 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 }} Sir Keir Starmer recorded a Covid-era broadcast urging the public to work from home from a Labour donors 18 million penthouse. The Christmas message, broadcast in December 2021, was reportedly filmed at a flat belonging to Lord Waheed Alli - a donor who has handed hundreds of thousands of pounds to the Labour Party over the last two decades. It came five days after the previous Conservative government presided over new guidance to limit the spread of a new Covid-19 variant, including recommendations to work from home when possible. Sir Keir Starmer recorded a Covid-era broadcast from what appears to be a Labour donors 18 million penthouse ( BBC ) The footage was identified as having been recorded from Lord Allis flat by the Guido Fawkes website, as the designer shelves had previously appeared in a video from inside the penthouse. In his Christmas broadcast, Christmas cards and a picture of Sir Keir and his family can be seen on the shelves behind him. On Wednesday, it emerged he used the flat during his sons GCSE exam revision, telling the BBC: I promised him we would move somewhere, get out of the house and go somewhere where he could be peacefully studying. Somebody then offered me accommodation where we could do that. The Christmas broadcast aired on BBC One at 7pm on December 13 2021, the same day new Covid guidance urging people to work from home came into force. But Labour sources have insisted that all guidance was followed completely and no rules were broken. This is not the first time the prime minister has faced serious questions over potential lockdown rule breaches. He and party campaigners were cleared by Durham police of the so-called beergate party in April 2021 when the Labour leader was forced to admit more people were present than originally claimed as well as having to admit Angela Rayner was present after initially denying it. The Covid broadcast saw the Labour leader urge the public to resist the temptation to break from the guidance over the Christmas period and work from home where possible. He said: Lets pull together now and do the right thing once more. At times like this, we must all put the national interest first and play by the rules. Of course, I understand that sticking to the rules can be inconvenient, but stick to the rules we must. The latest revelations come amid a growing row over donations accepted by senior Labour figures, with the prime minister repeatedly having to defend his partys acceptance of hospitality and gifts. On Wednesday evening, Labour MP Zarah Sultana took aim at her own party over the donations row, saying: Google provided 10,000 of hospitality to senior Labour figures & the party ditched plans to raise the Digital Services Tax. Quadrature, a Cayman Islands hedge-fund which invests in fossil fuels, donated 4m & its climate advisory board co-chair is now Climate Envoy. It stinks. The Digital Services Tax, introduced in 2020, is a two per cent levy on the UK income of online companies. In August last year, shadow business secretary Jonathan Reynolds and the then shadow chancellor colleague Rachel Reeves had called for an increase in the tax to ten per cent, saying the income would be used to fund a slash in tax for small businesses but later abandoned the plan after accepting thousands of pounds worth of hospitality. Meanwhile, Jeremy Corbyn ally Diane Abbott suggested Labour policies were for sale, posting on X: Streeting claims people giving big money to political parties are the same as people who donate to animal charities. Nonsense. People give money to political parties to buy politicians. The Labour Party has been contacted for comment. The prime minister addresses the UN General Assembly at a time when wars in Ukraine, the Middle East and Sudan (among many such tragedies) have pushed the organisation to its limits, and have left international diplomacy seeming virtually irrelevant. For his part, Keir Starmer will seek to emphasise why the global nature of the problems every country faces demands an international approach and international action. After the chaos and confusion of recent years, Starmer is also keen to project a new image of a stable Britain committed to playing its part in the world, just as Winston Churchill, a driving force in the foundation of the UN almost 80 years ago, wished it to be. Whats Starmers message? Both the prime minister and the foreign secretary, David Lammy, have already made powerful contributions at the UN Security Council, on which the UK sits as a permanent member. In terms of immediate priorities, Starmer made a plea for an immediate ceasefire between Israel and Lebanese Hezbollah, because the region is on the brink. (He has already called for a similar cessation of hostilities in Gaza.) Lammy made an especially personal and powerful appeal for Russia to end its war of aggression in Ukraine an example of the type of conflict that the creation of the UN was supposed to end: I say to the Russian representative, on his phone as I speak, that I stand here also as a Black man, whose ancestors were taken in chains from Africa, at the barrel of a gun, to be enslaved. Is this a new beginning for British diplomacy? Yes, in the sense that its a clear break from the Conservatives, whose divisions and confusions and above all, Brexit diminished the UKs voice in the world. Rishi Sunak did try to repair some of the damage wreaked on the UKs reputation by Boris Johnson and Liz Truss, but his complacency about the climate crisis and the concept of inviolable universal human rights were also marks of some shame for his administration. Aside from reiterating policy on Ukraine and the Middle East, Starmer is keen to show that the UK is returning to responsible global leadership, as it is in British interests to address problems around the world: War, poverty and climate change all rebound on us at home. They make us less secure, they harm our economy, and they create migration flows on an unprecedented scale. What was the low point? Undoubtedly the address delivered by Johnson on behalf of the United Kingdom to the General Assembly in 2021, when the then prime minister quoted Kermit the Frog and Sophocles to the bemused delegates of countries from Antigua to Zimbabwe: When Kermit the Frog sang Its Not Easy Being Green, I want you to know he was wrong and he was also unnecessarily rude to Miss Piggy. We have the technology; we have the choice before us. A serious point, and he did win some publicity for it, but also some derision. How about a highlight? As the first British prime minister to hold a science degree, Margaret Thatcher spoke with enhanced authority on the issue of global warming and climate change, and helped bring some attention to the issue in her address to the General Assembly in 1989. Her influence helped establish the first Earth Summit in Rio in 1992. Her words were prescient: While the conventional, political dangers the threat of global annihilation, the fact of regional war appear to be receding, we have all recently become aware of another insidious danger. It is as menacing in its way as those more accustomed perils with which international diplomacy has concerned itself for centuries. It is the prospect of irretrievable damage to the atmosphere, to the oceans, to Earth itself, she said. What we are now doing to the world, by degrading the land surfaces, by polluting the waters, and by adding greenhouse gases to the air at an unprecedented rate all this is new in the experience of the Earth. It is mankind and his activities which are changing the environment of our planet in damaging and dangerous ways. Prior to that, the most memorable British moment came in 1960. The British Conservative prime minister, Harold Macmillan, at the height of his power, was making a somewhat self-satisfied speech about decolonisation when Nikita Khrushchev, the excitable Soviet leader, began banging on the desk with his shoe. Macmillan paused, and asked quietly: Mr President, perhaps we could have a translation? I could not quite follow. No doubt Starmer wont be subjected to that sort of interruption; its not the Labour conference, after all. 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 }} Ministers are looking at plans for Texas-style reforms that would allow prisoners to reduce their jail sentences by earning points. Inmates in Texas can cut down the amount of time spent behind bars by earning credit for good behaviour, as well as earning points for taking part in courses aimed at tackling the root causes of offending. The courses include vocational workshops, education and training, as well as sessions on drug rehabilitation and behavioural change. Shabana Mahmood said she would be setting out the Governments long-term plan for the justice system before the end of the year (Stefan Rousseau/PA) ( PA Wire ) Justice secretary Shabana Mahmood is said to be planning a visit to Texas later this year as part of an attempt to mirror their approach to reducing high prison populations, as well as cutting down the rate of reoffending. The Independent understands that it is not yet confirmed policy but Ms Mahmood, alongside prisons minister Lord Timpson, are interested in how the schemes could be implemented in Britain. The prison population hit a record high of 88,521 in September before emergency measures to release inmates 40 per cent of the way through their sentences came into effect. But this week it emerged that 37 offenders who were prosecuted using an old harassment law were released in error as part of the early release scheme. The mistake, first reported by the Mirror, resulted from the inmates not being flagged as exempt from the temporary early release scheme. Five prisoners have not yet been returned to jail but the remainder have been brought back into custody. The UKs prisons are facing an overcrowding crisis ( PA Archive ) Offenders who had committed crimes linked with stalking, controlling or coercive behaviours in an intimate or family relationship, non-fatal strangulation and suffocation, and breach of restraining order were exempt from the scheme. But a technical glitch meant that offenders prosecuted using the Protection from Harassment Act 1997 which was replaced by the Sentencing Act in 2020 - were not labelled as being ineligible for early release. Guidance has now been issued to staff to prevent further incorrect releases. A Ministry of Justice spokesperson said: Public safety is our first priority. That is why we took decisive action to fix the broken prison system we inherited and keep the most dangerous offenders locked up. This included blocking the early release of domestic abuse offences such as stalking and controlling behaviour. We are working with the police to urgently return a very small number of offenders who were charged incorrectly and sentenced under repealed legislation to custody. The convictions remain valid with offenders monitored since their release and will soon be back behind bars. Sir Keir Starmers spokesman added: Were working with the police urgently to return the people that you refer to who were sentenced using outdated legislation. Theyve all been monitored since their release so they will be brought back into prison. China will work with Russia to enrich bilateral ties: Chinese FM Xinhua) 13:31, September 26, 2024 UNITED NATIONS, Sept. 25 (Xinhua) -- Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi said on Wednesday that China will always stay true to the original aspiration of establishing diplomatic relations with Russia and continuously enrich their comprehensive strategic partnership of coordination for a new era for the greater well-being of people of both countries. Wang, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, made the remarks in a meeting with Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly. The two sides should continue to hold high the banner of multilateralism and promote a more just and rational global governance system with the United Nations at its core, Wang said. China will fully support Russia in playing the role as the BRICS chair and ensure the success of the Kazan summit to open a new chapter in the greater BRICS cooperation, he added. For his part, Lavrov said that Russia is willing to work with China to push for greater development of bilateral relations. (Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Zhong Wenxing) Close Sue Gray quits: Defence secretary says Labour cabinet is most unified hes ever served in Sign up for the View from Westminster email for expert analysis straight to your inbox 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 }} Sir Keir Starmer has warned that a two-state solution is the only viable long-term route through the Israel-Hamas war in Gaza, as he said Britains thoughts are with the Jewish people on the anniversary of the 7 October attacks. In a speech to the House of Commons, the prime minister called for an end to the living nightmare Palestinians are enduring, and vowed to use the power of diplomacy to try to minimise suffering on the ground, as he urged Israel to renew efforts for a ceasefire and called for more relief for civilians. He took aim at Iran, saying the launching of 200 ballistic missiles at Israel last week exposes, once again, Irans malign role in the region. His speech comes as David Lammy sought to reassure MPs the Falkland Islands and Gibraltar are not up for negotiation amid backlash over his decision to hand the Chagos Islands over to Mauritius. The Foreign Secretary told the Commons: I want to reassure the House and all members of the UK family worldwide that this agreement does not signal any change in policy to Britains other overseas territories. 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 }} Tom Tugendhat has been criticised for his deeply distasteful remarks, after he said that taking part in the invasion of Iraq in 2003 was the naughtiest thing hes ever done. When he was asked the question as part of an interview with The Spectator alongside his fellow leadership contenders, Mr Tugendhat said: I invaded a country once which was a few years ago, 2003; I was part of the invading army in Iraq. Tugendhat served in both Iraq and Afghanistan ( Supplied ) Evie Aspinall, the director of the British Foreign Policy Group, accused the Tory leadership candidate of making light of conflict. She said: This response makes me deeply uncomfortable. Describing invading a country as naughty is deeply distasteful and makes light of conflict at a time of major global instability. Mr Tugendhat, who also served in Afghanistan, survived being shot twice in a friendly fire incident while serving in Iraq. His comments come as Israel and Hezbollah exchange fire across the Lebanese border, while the UK has sent around 700 troops to Cyprus in case an emergency evacuation is required. Meanwhile, Sir Keir Starmer warned on Wednesday that the Middle East is on the brink of all-out war, before travelling to attend the United Nations General Assembly in New York. Mr Tugendhat gave the same answer to The Spectator during the 2022 leadership race. The question was popularised in 2017 when the then prime minister Theresa May confessed in an interview on ITVs Tonight programme that the naughtiest thing she had ever done was running through fields of wheat as a child. Asked the same question as Mr Tugendhat, fellow leadership contender James Cleverly said: Its all on a [BBC] interview I did with John Pienaar in 2015, referring to an interview in which he admitted to having smoked cannabis at university and watched online pornography. Robert Jenrick said he was actually quite naughty as a child and teenager, adding: A lot of the things I did probably should not enter the public domain. Ill give you one, which, Im afraid, is by no means the naughtiest thing I did. After a few too many drinks, as a teenager, I did accept a bet to climb the Christmas tree in Wolverhamptons city centre. That did not end well. Meanwhile, Kemi Badenoch said: I dont care to say. It definitely is not running through fields of wheat, but Im not going to tell you the naughtiest thing Ive ever done. 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 }} Supporters of former Tory chair Baroness Sayeeda Warsi claim the Tories have lied over the requirement for an investigation which has forced her to quit the party. The furious row has exploded just as the party is preparing to gather for a crucial conference on its future in Birmingham where the four hopefuls to replace Rishi Sunak will make their cases to members. The Muslim peer was brought in as chair by David Cameron in 2010 to help detoxify the partys brand and bring it into the 21st century. But since leaving government in 2014 Warsi has had a difficult relationship with the Tory leadership consistently calling out racism and islamophobia in the Conservative Party. She has angered many recently as a passionate advocate for the suffering of Palestinians with Rishi Sunak as prime minister and the potential leadership candidates to replace him all supporting Israel instead of condemning the killing of 41,000 people in Gaza. Baroness Warsi was brought in as chair by David Cameron in 2010 ( PA Archive ) In a statement on X, formerly Twitter, Baroness Warsi said: It is with a heavy heart that I have today informed my whip and decided for now to no longer take the Conservative whip. This is a sad day for me. I am a Conservative and remain so but sadly the current Party are far removed from the Party I joined and served in Cabinet. My decision is a reflection of how far right my Party has moved and the hypocrisy and double standards in its treatment of different communities. A timely reminder of the issues that I raise in my book Muslims Dont Matter. The row seems to revolve around her agreeing that referring to ethnic minority Conservatives like Rishi Sunak as coconuts - a slur which means of colour on the outside and white on the inside - was an acceptable criticism. Wars pointed out that a trial against the person who had held up the banner, which many deemed racist, had ended in a not guilty verdict. Baroness Warsi said: I will not be gagged on a point of principle. And I am not prepared to play games behind closed doors. If Rishi Sunaks party wants to retry and replay the coconut trial despite the acquittal of Marieha Hussain , the clear legal findings and the overwhelming expert witness testimonies then I wish to do so publicly and transparently. It would be unfair to do this whilst continuing to take the Conservatives whip. I realise I have the privilege of platform and I have decided to exercise that privilege by speaking truth to power. The Tories have insisted that they had no choice but to investigate a complaint into her. But this has been disputed by the Muslim Council of Britain who pointed out that their previous complaints were ignored. A Tory spokesperson said: Complaints were received regarding divisive language allegedly used by Baroness Sayeeda Warsi. Baroness Warsi was informed an investigation was about to begin earlier this week. We have a responsibility to ensure that all complaints are investigated without prejudice. However, Miqdaad Versi, media spokesperson for the Muslim Council of Britain disputed this claim. Attaching a copy of a previous complaint about senior Tories, he tweeted: This is a lie by the Conservatives . They claim all complaints are investigated but the Muslim Council submitted this complaint in February about Suella Braverman, Lee Anderson, [GB News owner] Paul Marshall, Nick Timothy and Liz Truss . No investigation occurred and no reply given. 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 }} The Windrush scandal had its origins in laws that were specifically designed to strip Black and Asian people of their rights to live in the UK, according to a new report. The Conservative government refused to publish the report in 2022 but, following a decision by a tribunal judge last year, the Labour administration today published it in full. The report, The Historical Roots Of The Windrush Scandal, concludes that the scandal was the culmination of three decades of racist immigration laws designed to reduce the UKs non-white population and disenfranchise Black people. It highlights that the deep-rooted racism of the Windrush scandal is a result of government policies designed to reduce the proportion of people living in the United Kingdom who did not have white skin specifically major immigration legislation in 1962, 1968 and 1971. Every single piece of immigration or citizenship legislation was designed at least in part to reduce the number of people with Black or brown skin who were permitted to live and work in the UK, the report reads. It adds: The Windrush Scandal was caused by a failure to recognise that changes in immigration and citizenship law in Britain since 1948 had affected Black people in the UK differently than they had other racial and ethnic groups. The Windrush scandal erupted in 2018 when British citizens, mostly Black and from the Caribbean, were wrongly stripped of their rights to live in Britain ( PA ) As a result, the experiences of Britains Black communities of the Home Office, of the law, and of life in the UK have been fundamentally different from those of white communities. It says the relationship between the Home Office and organisations set up to deal with race relations was dysfunctional in the second half of the 20th century. The work of various governmental bodies in combatting discrimination in the UK was separate from the task given to the Home Office to reduce immigration, it says. This led to a paradoxical situation in which immigration policy assumed that too many immigrants from a minority ethnic background were bad for society, but race relations policy promoted the idea of racial equality. The Home Office, under Boris Johnsons Conservative government at the time, with Priti Patel as Home Secretary, refused to publish despite requests under the Freedom of Information Act. It argued that publication may result in communities trust in government being negatively impacted. However, a tribunal judgement declared last September that the department must disclose the report to the requester, while the new Labour government decided instead to publish the report in its entirety. The Windrush scandal previously led to protests against the government ( PA ) Responding to the reports publication, the Joint Council for the Welfare of Immigrants said: This proves what we all know: this countrys immigration system is fundamentally racist to its very core. Instead of trying to suppress this report, the government must completely dismantle this racist system and start actually listening to Black and brown communities. Jacqueline McKenzie, a prominent human rights lawyer who represents Windrush scandal victims, is calling upon the new Labour government to take further action, saying it must address the Windrush scandal of which there remain thousands of victims in the UK and overseas. This included raising greater awareness of the schemes available and ensuring that justice be swiftly delivered to those affected. The Windrush scandal erupted in 2018 when British citizens were wrongly detained, deported or threatened with deportation despite having the right to live in Britain. Many lost homes and jobs, as well as being denied access to healthcare and benefits. Fitzroy Maynard ended up homeless because he could not prove his right to work in the UK ( PA ) Following the reports publication, Home Office minister Seema Malhotra said: Greater transparency from the Home Office will be accompanied by a commitment to listen and learn. For too long you have gone unheard, but that will not happen on my watch. As the home secretary did in opposition, we will continue to meet with victims, families, and stakeholders from the outset. As a department, we need to hear from communities first hand if we are to deliver on our promises to the Windrush generation for a fundamental reset, with respect and dignity at its very core. As a government, we are determined to make good on the commitments we made in opposition to reviewing the Home Offices continued response, by ensuring the compensation scheme is delivered effectively and that lasting cultural change is embedded across the department. Home secretary Yvette Cooper will outline the first steps she has set for the department to build trust and deliver the change owed to the Windrush generation and the country, Ms Malhotra added. Separate figures published by the Home Office on Thursday show that of the 868 Windrush compensation scheme claims that were still being processed at the end of August, 135 (16 per cent) had been in the system for at least 12 months. This proportion is broadly unchanged since recent months but is up from 12 per cent in October 2023. 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 British businessman was nearly killed when he was attacked by a hippo in Zambia and dragged to the bottom of a river. Roland Cherry, from Warwickshire, said the animal chewed his flesh and he was badly injured when it threw him through the air like a rag doll. The 63-year-old says a local hospital saved his life, and he is now fundraising for it. A surgeon who treated him in South Africa said he had never met anybody who had survived a hippo attack before, Mr Cherry said. Hippos live in rivers in southern Africa ( Getty Images ) Mr Cherry and his wife Shirley were on the Kafue River, during a dream trip to Africa in June, when the hippo smashed into their canoe, tossing the couple into the water. The impact dislocated Mr Cherrys shoulder, leaving him unable to swim to safety, but his wife managed to escape. He told the BBC: I was really a sitting duck, trying to swim with one arm which was never going to end well and then it grabbed me. He said the hippo snatched him and kept him in its jaws before dragging him to the bottom of the river. I remember thinking oh no, what a way to go... Im not ready to die and I thought this was it, because nobody survives hippo attacks. He suffered severe bite wounds across his body, including a 10-inch wound to his abdomen, as well as a thigh and leg injury. He said he did not hate hippos since he was conscious we were in their territory while in the water, but he was not very fond of what [one] did to me. The couple were canoeing in the Kafue River ( Getty Images ) The hippo released Mr Cherry underwater, and his lifejacket lifted him back to the surface, where he took a big gulp of air. I was grabbed again and thrown through the air like a rag doll but towards the bank, which was the godsend, Mr Cherry said. The rest of the group raised the alarm, a motorboat came to my aid and I was pulled onto it, he wrote on his fundraising page. I was badly mauled with severe bite wounds to both my legs and my left side, my left upper arm and a dislocated right shoulder. I was in a very bad way. I looked down at my thigh, which was very badly chewed up, and I could see flesh sticking out from my shorts, and I could see the blood on my left side as well, Mr Cherry told Sky News. The abdomen wound... I wasnt really aware of it at the time because it was all covered up by the life vest. So it was really after that, I became aware of how badly injured I was. Mr Cherry, who has since undergone seven operations, set a target of raising 20,000 for the Mtendere Mission Hospital in Zambia, a small hospital which he says undoubtedly saved his life. 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 slow-motion catastrophe has been playing out in the coastal North Carolina village of Rodanthe, where 10 houses have fallen into the Atlantic since 2020. Three have been lost since Friday. The most recent collapse was Tuesday afternoon, when the wooden pilings of a home nicknamed Front Row Seats" buckled in the surf. The structure bumped against another house before it bobbed in the waves, prompting now familiar warnings about splintered wood and nail-riddled debris. The destruction was decades in the making as beach erosion and climate change slowly edged the Atlantic closer to homes in the somewhat out-of-the way vacation spot. The threat is more insidious than a hurricane, while the possible solutions won't be easy or cheap, either in Rodanthe or other parts of the U.S. Barrier islands aren't ideal for building Rodanthe is a village of about 200 people on the Outer Banks, a strip of narrow barrier islands that protrude into the Atlantic like a flexed arm. Barrier islands were never an ideal place for development, according to experts. They typically form as waves deposit sediment off the mainland. And they move based on weather patterns and other ocean forces. Some even disappear. David Hallac, superintendent of the Cape Hatteras National Seashore, along which Rodanthe is located, said it was more common in previous decades for homeowners to move their houses from the encroaching surf. Perhaps it was more well understood in the past that the barrier island was dynamic, that it was moving, Hallac said. And if you built something on the beachfront it may not be there forever or it may need to be moved. The beach is rapidly eroding Rodanthe is one of many communities on Hatteras Island, which is roughly 50 miles (80 kilometers) long and has been experiencing beach erosion for decades. The Cape Hatteras Lighthouse was 1,500 feet (457 meters) from the ocean when it was built in 1870, Hallac said. By 1919, the Atlantic was 300 feet away. The lighthouse was later moved to a more protected location. The erosion has been measured to be as much as 10 to 15 feet (3 to 4.5 meters) a year or more in some places. And so every year, 10 to 15 feet of that white sandy beach is gone, Hallac said. And then the dunes and then the back-dune area. And then all of a sudden, the foreshore, that area between low water and high water, is right up next to somebody's backyard. And then the erosion continues. Like a toothpick into wet sand Ocean waves eventually lap at the wooden pilings that hold up the beach houses. The supports could be 15 feet deep. But the surf slowly takes away the sand that is packed around them. It's like a toothpick in wet sand or even a beach umbrella, Hallac said. The deeper you put it, the more likely it is to stand up straight and resist leaning over. But if you only put it down a few inches, it doesnt take much wind for that umbrella to start leaning. And it starts to tip over. A single home collapse can shed debris up to fifteen miles along the coast, according to an August report from a group of federal, state and local officials who are studying threatened oceanfront structures in North Carolina. Collapses can injure beachgoers and lead to potential contamination from septic tanks, among other environmental concerns. Collapsed houses were likely in compliance Rules that govern coastal development in North Carolina have been in place since the 1970s, before many of the collapsed houses were constructed and when there was a lot more beach, said Noah Gillam, Dare County's planning director. At the time they were built, they were likely in compliance with all of the set-back requirements," Gillam said. "And they were set back, in many situations, hundreds of yards from the dune line, let alone the ocean." Since then, the rate of erosion has sped up, swallowing swaths of sand. Storms also have become more frequent and more intense, pounding the shoreline of a community that is acutely exposed to the ocean. This is a national issue Meanwhile, officials and experts have been focused on solutions or at least ways to address the problem. The report on threatened oceanfront homes noted that 750 of nearly 8,800 oceanfront structures in North Carolina are considered at risk from erosion. Among the possible solutions is hauling dredged sand to eroding beaches, something that is already being done in other communities on the Outer Banks and East Coast. But it could cost $40 million or more in Rodanthe, posing a major financial challenge for its small tax base, said Gillam, of Dare County. Other ideas include buying out threatened properties, moving or demolishing them. But those options are also very expensive. And funding is limited. U.S. Rep. Greg Murphy, a North Carolina Republican, recently introduced a bill in Congress that would make some money available. For example, the legislation would authorize federal flood insurance dollars to help demolish or relocate erosion-plagued homes before they collapse. Braxton Davis, executive director of the North Carolina Coastal Federation, a nonprofit, said the problem isn't limited to Rodanthe or even to North Carolina. He pointed to erosion issues along Californias coast, the Great Lakes and some of the nations rivers. This is a national issue, Davis said, adding that sea levels are rising and the situation is only going to become worse. 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 young Arkansas couple are accused of trying to sell their baby for a 6-pack of beer and $1,000 at a campground. Darien Tyler Urban, 21, and Shalene Ehlers, 20, have been charged with endangering the welfare of a minor in the first degree and attempting to accept compensation for relinquishment of a minor, both felony offenses, according to Benton County Sheriffs Office court records obtained by Law & Crime. On September 21, Benton County Sheriffs Office responded to a 911 call from the owner of Beaver Lake Hide-A-Way Campground after he caught wind of the transaction, according to an affidavit of probable cause filed in the case. Authorities found the two-month-old at the campground and alerted emergency services, who transferred the child to a hospital for evaluation, according to KFOR. The babys biological parents were nowhere to be found. Father of the two-month-year-old has a history of offenses including domestic battery in the third degree ( Benton County Sheriffs Office ) A witness told law enforcement the baby boy had a bad ammonia and fecal odor and a heavy rash, blisters and swelling on their buttocks and genitals, according to The Kansas City Star. Police ultimately tracked down a contract signed by both the runaway parents and one would-be buyer, who was identified by authorities as Cody Martin. It read: I Darien Urban and Shalene Ehlers are signing our rights over to Cody Nathaniel Martin of our baby boy for $1,000 on 09/21/2024. Disclaimer: Alter signing this there will be no changing yall twos minds and to never contact again. A video sent to authorities by a witness allegedly showed Urban, Ehler, and Martin signing the document. Ricky Crawford, a man at the campground who detectives say was drunk and slurring his speech, told authorities that the sale was prompted by his concern for the babys welfare, according to the affidavit. He asked the couple if he could take the child in exchange for several cans of beer, and they willingly agreed, handing him the boy along with a diaper bag. Crawford then went to Martin, who was also staying at the campground, and together they signed the document, offering the couple another $1,000 for the baby, according to police documents. Martin told law enforcement that, while he was the person who drew up the contract, no money ever changed hand, as he planned to bring the couple their $1,000 check in a couple of days. Benton County Sheriffs Office said: It is believed both Urban and Ehler created a substantial risk of death or serious physical injury by abandoning their minor child initially with an obviously intoxicated male and ultimately with someone they did not know. The couple was taken into custody, and held on $50,000 bail. The boys father appears to have since been released, while his mother is still being detained, according to Benton County Sheriffs Office records say Law & Crime. 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 California man facing firearms charges threw a bomb into a courthouse shortly before his arraignment, police say. Nathaniel McGuire, 20, of Santa Maria, was apprehended outside the Santa Maria Superior Court complex at around 8.48am on Wednesday. Police say he entered the courthouse and threw a bag at the screening station that exploded. Five people were treated for non-life-threatening injuries. Emergency personnel transported four individuals from the scene to a nearby hospital and one person later arrived at the hospital on their own. Three of the victims suffered burns from the bombing. Emergency personnel released all of the individuals later on Wednesday. After the bombing, officials evacuated the courthouse, surrounding homes, businesses and one school. The bomb squad searched the area for additional explosives before rendering the courthouse safe. McGuire was booked on felony charges of attempted murder, using an explosive in an attempt to kill someone and possession of explosive devices, Santa Barbara County Sheriffs Office Undersheriff Craig Bonner said at a news briefing following the incident. McGuire had been booked in July for firearms violations after investigators found a loaded, concealed revolver in his pants pocket that was not registered to him. His arraignment in that case had been scheduled for Wednesday morning at the complex. The suspect attempted to flee the scene by getting into his car but was caught by officers. McGuire was alone when he was apprehended and officials do not currently believe there to be additional suspects. He was not injured in the explosion, but his mugshot shows bloody marks on his face. Police are separately investigating whether McGuire is connected to several arson fires that have taken place in the area, Bonner said. Investigators were preparing warrants for the mans home and car. McGuire is being held without bail. 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 suspect has been charged with murder 40 years after the beheaded and burnt body of a 24-year-old woman was found dumped in a ditch in Wisconsin. Terry Dolowy, a student at the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse, was last seen alive at her home at a trailer park in Barre Mills on February 14 1985, after she returned from her job at a local restaurant. She then vanished without a trace along with her white poodle. Police said at the time that the door to the trailer she shared with her fiance was found ajar but her personal items were still inside, The Vernon Reporter reported. Four days later, Dolowys decapitated and burnt body was found along Mohawk Valley Road, Vernon County. For 40 years, the case appeared to go cold, with over 500 people interviewed but no arrests made until now. At a press conference on Tuesday, Monroe County District Attorney Kevin Croninger announced that Michael Raymond Popp, a 60-year-old truck driver from Tomah, Monroe County, had been arrested and charged with first-degree murder. Michael Raymond Popp, a 60-year-old truck driver from Tomah, Monroe County, is charged with first-degree murder ( WMTV ) Advances in DNA technology had enabled investigators to match the DNA taken during Dolowys autopsy to DNA samples taken from Popp in January 2023, according to a criminal complaint. Popp initially told police that Dolowy was only a casual acquaintance but, when confronted with the DNA evidence, he claimed they maybe had a little affair lasting six to eight months, NBCChicago reported. Popp was arrested for Dolowys murder and is now being held in Vernon County Jail, Vernon County Sheriff Roy Torgerson said at the briefing. He faces life in prison if convicted. Croninger said that Popp had also been charged with stalking, threats to communicate derogatory information, as well as other charges related to the possession of drugs in connection to a separate alleged victim. At the briefing, Torgerson insisted that the case had never gone cold. Those sheriffs carried the torch of this investigation, which as I talked about earlier, I dont feel ever went cold, he said, thanking the numerous law enforcement authorities that had collaborated in the investigation. He added: I really want to underscore that the La Crosse County Sheriffs Office has worked with the Vernon County Sheriffs office in tandem for all these years, 39 years, and have never ever given up. 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 }} Extreme Makeover: Home Edition star Eduardo Xol has died 10 days after he was stabbed in an apartment in Palm Springs, California. Xol, 58, was pronounced dead at the Desert Regional Medical Center on Friday 20 September, Riverside County Sheriffs Department confirmed. His death comes 10 days after the 58-year-old called 911 in the early hours of Tuesday 10 September to say that he needed help, People reported. Officers arrived on the scene of an apartment block on East Arenas Road, Palm Springs, to find the TV star suffering from multiple stab wounds. Palm Springs Police Department told TMZ that Xol sustained significant injuries and was taken to Desert Regional Medical Center in serious but stable condition. Richard Joseph Gonzales, a 34-year-old from Cathedral City, California, was initially arrested on suspicion of attempted murder. Following Xols death, Gonzalez has been charged with murder. It is unclear how the two men are connected, with police confirming to People that they were associates. Eduardo Xol (pictured) died 10 days after he was stabbed ( Picture Perfect/Shutterstock ) It is also unclear what led up to the fatal stabbing. However, Gonzales had allegedly contacted police later in the morning of September 10 after Xol had been stabbed to report that he himself had been the victim of an assault the night before, reported People. Following the call, police allegedly established that Gonzales was at the scene of the stabbing and was likely the suspect, according to the outlet. Gonzales was booked into John Benoit Detention Center in Indio where he is being held without bail. Xolss family released a statement to Deadline saying they are heartbroken at the tragic loss of our beloved Eduardo Xol. As his family, we know that his kindness has touched the lives of so manywe ask for that kindness returned now allowing our privacy to be respected as we process our grief, the statement read. In lieu of flowers we ask that donations be made in Eduardos name to the Lupus Foundation of America as he spent so much of his life in the service of others. Richard Joseph Gonzales, a 34-year-old from Cathedral City, California, is seen in mugshot ( Palm Springs Police Department ) Richard Perez Feria, a friend of the late TV star designer and former editor-in-chief of People en Espanol, took to Instagram to pay tribute to Xol. Its nearly incomprehensible that Im writing this post as a goodbye to someone who has been so present, so important in my life, he wrote. When I first learned that Eduardo Xol had passed, I went numb. It was impossible to process that information as it didnt square with my thousands of experiences with him. In the post, which pictured the star with friends, Perez Feria described Xol as a talented, beautiful, passionate friend, brother, son and partner. Xols was born in east LA to Mexican-American parents and studied musical theater and comedy at the University of California, Los Angeles, according to IMDB. He acted in Latin-American television projects for Latin-American audiences before appearing in seven seasons of Extreme Makeover, according to The Hollywood Reporter. 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 }} Bryan Kohberger, the man charged with fatally stabbing four University of Idaho students, has asked a judge to let him wear civilian clothing to trial instead of a jailhouse orange jumpsuit. Kohberger, 29, is accused of killing the students at their off-campus house in 2022. He was a criminology Ph.D. student at Washington State University in Pullman at the time of the murders. The universities are a short drive away from each other. The defendant has been wearing suits to court ever since his first initial court appearances in 2023. His attorneys previously requested to move his trial from Latah County to Ada County citing a mob mentality that threatened their clients safety. The new motion on Kohbergers court attire has been submitted to Ada County Judge Steven Hippler for consideration. Kohbergers attorneys argue his right to a fair trial would be protected if he is allowed to wear civilian clothing to proceedings. Bryan Kohbergers attorneys have asked a judge to let their client wear civilian clothes to court ( Ada County Sheriffs Office ) Authorizing Mr Kohberger to wear street clothing to all public hearings is one way to reduce potential for prejudice, his attorney Anne Taylor wrote in court filings obtained by Fox News. Taylor cited a Supreme Court decision from 1976 stating that forcing a defendant to wear a jail uniform to court could negatively impact whether a jury saw them as guilty of alleged crimes. Additionally, his legal team has successfully argued against having media inside the courtroom, which has restricted the ability of news outlets to photograph Kohberger. Police say Kohberger entered an off-campus rental home around 4am on 13 November 2022 and stabbed four students to death: Madison Mogen, 21, Kaylee Goncalves, 21, Xana Kernodle, 20 and Ethan Chapin, 20. Upon searching the home, police found a Ka-Bar knife sheath under Mogens body that they say had the mans DNA on it. Data from Kohbergers phone also put him in the same neighborhood at the time of the murders. Steve Goncalves, Goncalves father, has raised his frustrations over the defendants ability to wear suits in court, calling the move one of the unprecedented pretrial privileges that have been given to the accused murderer. Kohbergers trial has been set for 2 June 2025. 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 }} When the state of Missouri put Marcellus Williams to death on Tuesday night, it did so over the strenuous objections of the same prosecutors office that tried him for the 1998 murder of former St. Louis Post-Dispatch reporter Lisha Gayle. St. Louis County Prosecuting Attorney Wesley Bell, along with Williams legal team, had moved, unsuccessfully, to have the 55-year-olds conviction vacated based on new information they said raised questions about his identification as Gayles killer. At 6:01 p.m. local time, Williams was injected with a lethal dose of pentobarbital while his son, an up-and-coming prizefighter named Marcellus Jr., watched from the witness gallery. Nine minutes later, Williams was pronounced dead. There was reasonable doubt, Obie Anthony, a staunch Williams supporter who spent nearly two decades in prison on a wrongful murder conviction, told The Independent. How can you execute a man when there is reasonable doubt? No one was there from Gayles family, who continued to believe in Williamss guilt up until the very end but had been pushing for his sentence to be commuted to life without parole. In a statement issued shortly before Williams was executed, his attorney Tricia Rojo Bushnell, executive director of the Midwest Innocence Project , said, We must all question any system that would allow this to occur. The execution of an innocent person is the most extreme manifestation of Missouris obsession with finality over truth, justice, and humanity, at any cost. Tonight, we all bear witness to Missouris grotesque exercise of state power. Let it not be in vain. This should never happen, and we must not let it continue. Afterward, Bell who is presently running for Congress as a Democrat took to social media with a statement of his own, writing, Marcellus Williams should be alive today. There were multiple points in the timeline that decisions could have been made that would have spared him the death penalty. If there is even the shadow of a doubt of innocence the death penalty should never be an option. This outcome did not serve the interests of justice. We must all question any system that would allow this to occur, Williamss attorney Tricia Rojo Bushnell, executive director of the Midwest Innocence Project , said ( AP ) Sister Helen Prejean, the anti-death penalty activist portrayed by Susan Sarandon in the 1995 film Dead Man Walking, said Williamss execution called into question the legitimacy of the entire legal process. Rep. Cori Bush, Democrat of Missouri, called Williams execution a depravity. And the NAACP said Williams had been lynched, placing the blame directly at the feet of Missouri Gov. Michael Parson, a self-described pro-life Republican. Reached by phone on Wednesday, Gayles former husband, Daniel, a radiologist who has since remarried, declined to comment. Marcellus Williams Jr. was unable to be reached. The top concern Americans have about the death penalty, studies have shown, is the possibility of executing an innocent person, according to attorney Justin Brooks, a professor at University of San Diego School of Law and the founder of The California Innocence Project. Every time an innocent person is freed from death row, that concern is amplified, Brooks told The Independent. Now that 200 innocent people have been freed from death row, we can longer pretend that innocent people are not sentenced to death, nor that it has only happened a few times. Williams was set to be executed in January 2015 but was granted a last-minute reprieve by then-Gov. Eric Greitens, a Republican, for more DNA testing to be performed. In August 2017, he was hours away from being put to death when Greitens ordered the execution stayed after new testing techniques unavailable at the time of Gayles killing determined that DNA on the handle of the murder weapon could not have come from Williams. His execution on Tuesday generated global outrage largely because Parson cravenly pushed for Williams to die in the face of serious concerns about his guilt, Brooks went on. And of course, it is devastating to those of us in the innocence community because this time, no one was able to save him, he said. Joseph Amrine, who was exonerated two decades ago after spending years on death row, speaks at a rally to support Williams ( AP ) Williams execution had one of his fiercest supporters, an exoneree who himself spent nearly two decades in prison for a murder he didnt commit, wrestling on Wednesday with what he described as feelings of profound, deep pain. At the age of 19, Obie Anthony was wrongfully convicted of first-degree murder and sentenced to life without parole for a crime he didnt commit. In 2011, after 17 years behind bars which followed some 18 months in the LA County lockup Anthony was exonerated thanks to new evidence uncovered by a team of Innocence Project lawyers. He later founded Exonerated Nation, a nonprofit that helps other exonerees find their footing upon release. Today, Anthony, a Missouri native, splits his time between California and the St. Louis area, where he emerged in recent years as a firm believer in Williams innocence . By executing Williams, first and foremost, our presumption of innocence has been removed from the court, Anthony told The Independent. Even with evidence of [Williams] innocence, that didnt even matter, he said, voice shifting from outrage to deep sorrow and back again. ... Justice has been cuffed and put behind the bench. Reasonable doubt no longer matters. Putting Williams to death, Anthony went on, constituted a perversion, and, a tragedy in all forms. The justice system, in Williams case, contorted itself into an injustice system, according to Anthony. We know this is not justice, he said. The family members said this is not justice. The prosecutor said this is not justice. Over a million people [who signed a petition against Williams execution] said this is not justice How can people stand for this? 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 }} Emmanuel Antonio Littlejohn has become the fourth US death row inmate to be executed in the last week, despite an Oklahoma clemency board voting to commute his sentence. Littlejohn, 52, was executed by lethal injection at the Oklahoma State Penitentiary in McAlester at 10:17 a.m. Thursday. In August, the states Pardon and Parole Board voted in favor of granting clemency to Littlejohn who has long claimed he didnt commit the crime he was convicted of 22 years ago but Republican Governor Kevin Stitt moved forward with the execution anyway. Stitt had the power to commute his sentence to life in prison without the possibility of parole, something hes done once before in the case of Julius Jones in 2021. Littlejohn had been convicted of murdering Kenneth Meers, 31, during a convenience store robbery in Oklahoma City in 1992, but the case has been shrouded in doubt over whether Littlejohn was the one to pull the trigger. I didnt kill Mr. Meers, but I was there, he said in an NPR interview on Wednesday. So why am I to be put to death for not killing nobody but just being there? The death row inmate has admitted to being one of the two robbers but said his accomplice, Glenn Bethany, fired the fatal shot that struck Meers in the face. Littlejohn was 20 at the time. Both men were charged with first-degree murder. Bethany was given life in prison without the possibility of parole following his 1993 trial, while Littlejohn was handed a death sentence the following year, and then again in 2000, when he was retried because a jailhouse snitch gave improper testimony. I know that I didnt kill Mr. Meers. Ive admitted to my part. I committed a robbery that had devastating consequences, Littlejohn told a clemency board ( Oklahoma Department of Corrections ) Attorneys filed last-minute attempts to spare Littlejohns life, but judges on the Court of Criminal Appeals voted against a stay of execution 5 to 0 on Wednesday. Activists rallied to stop his execution in the days before it took place as part of a fierce clemency campaign. His attorneys also argued there were inconsistencies in how prosecutors handled charging the defendants. During his clemency hearing in August, Littlejohn said: I know that you have heard from a variety of people who think I deserve to die. They dont know me. They were not there. I know that I didnt kill Mr. Meers. Ive admitted to my part. I committed a robbery that had devastating consequences. But, I repeat, I did not kill Mr. Meers. Still, Oklahoma Attorney General Gentner Drummond and other state officials told the parole board Littlejohn admitted to killing Meers after the incident, claiming he told Meerss brother: Hes still dead. He aint coming back. After the clemency boards ruling, Drummond said he remained steadfast that the family of Kenny Meers has waited far too long for justice to be done. My office intends to make our case to the governor why there should not be clemency granted to this violent and manipulative killer. At a news conference on Wednesday, the death row inmates sister, Augustina Littlejohn, described Littlejohn as a big kid in a 52-year-old mans body. He is a son, he is a father, he is a brother, he is a grandfather, he is an uncle, she said. I am here to beg and plead for my brothers life. 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 Louisiana pastor, who once competed on the reality TV series Survivor, has been convicted of child abuse after taping students mouths shut. John Raymond, 62, was charged with cruelty to juveniles stemming from his disciplinary actions at a Christian school he founded in Slidell. Raymond had openly admitted to the abuse in online posts, and on another occasion allegedly held his hand over the mouth of a four-year-old boy until the child went limp. He was charged with second-degree child cruelty over that incident. Jurors reached guilty verdicts after only an hour on Monday following a six-day trial at district court in Covington, according to Nola.com. Pastor John Raymond, 62, was convicted of child cruelty on Monday ( Slidell Police Department ) Raymonds sentencing date has not been set but he could spend decades behind bars. Child cruelty carries a sentence of up to 10 years in prison, and second-degree child cruelty carries up to a 40-year sentence. Raymond competed on Survivor: Thailand in 2002 and was the first contestant to be voted off the island. Raymond had maintained his innocence throughout the trial and claimed to have been the victim of cancel culture. I am not guilty. Ive never been cruel to a child, and I love children, he said after the verdict was returned. However, Raymond did not deny taping the childrens mouths shut, and had provided a detailed account of one incident in a post to his schools website in April 2022. He claimed his actions, involving three students, had been in defense of a member of the teaching staff. I pulled out a roll of clear Scotch packing tape and said, Im going to give you a choice. We can either go downstairs and call your parents and you can wait in the lobby to be suspended, or you can get tape on your mouth and learn how to be quiet during class, he wrote. The students all chose tape and I pulled off one piece at a time and carefully placed it over their mouths making sure that it did not touch their nose or interfere with their breathing. At no time was tape wrapped around any students head. John Raymond competed on reality show Survivor: Thailand in 2002 and was the first contestant to be voted off the island ( CBS ) Raymond said he had asked the students if they were in pain or hurting in any way and that all three unanimously shook their heads. The pastor was arrested on April 7 on three counts of cruelty to juveniles. He was arrested again on May 9 and charged with a further count after another student came forward. Police said other witnesses, including former teachers, faculty, and parents, associated with Lakeside Christian Academy, came forward to report additional incidents of juvenile cruelty, some dating back to 2017. One incident involved a four-year-old student, who would occasionally have tantrums. Raymond had once allegedly placed his hand over the boys nose and mouth, preventing him from breathing, to the point of him going limp, according to police. In another incident, Raymond allegedly held the boy upside down by his ankles and repeatedly whipped him on the buttocks. Raymond had said his actions were in line with the Bible and that he was a victim of cancel culture. His defense attorney had argued at trial that many of the 23 witnesses brought by prosecution were unreliable, and that the case was ultimately in the crosshairs of a culture war. Joseph Long framed the case during opening statements as the left against the right, the conservatives against the woke. Make no mistake, folks, this country is in the middle of a culture war, Long told jurors. In Europe, parents cant even physically discipline their children anymore. Its coming. This is government overreach. 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 }} Sean Diddy Combss lawyer has offered a bizarre explanation for why 1,000 bottles of baby oil were found during raids on the disgraced rappers homes. According to an indictment unsealed last week, federal agents had recovered more than 1,000 bottles of baby oil and lubricant when raiding the music moguls mansions in Los Angeles and Miami on March 25. Diddys lawyer Marc Agnifilio has now spoken of his skepticism at the absurd number of bottles authorities allege they found. I dont think it was 1,000. I think it was a lot, he told The New York Post, before suggesting that Diddy simply likes to stock up on his essentials. I mean there is a Costco right down the street. I think Americans buy in bulk, as we know. And, you know, these are consensual adults doing what consensual adults do, you know, he added, seemingly referring to the so-called freak offs Diddy is alleged to have held. Homeland Security Investigation agents load a box into a car at the entrance of Diddys Miami home in March ( AFP via Getty Images ) Agnifilio added: We cant get so puritanical in this country to think that somehow sex is a bad thing because if it was there would be no more people. Freak offs were sessions in which the rapper allegedly forced his then-girlfriend, Cassie Ventura, to perform sex acts with male sex workers while he masturbated and filmed the encounters, according to her now-settled lawsuit. Attorney Marc Agnifilo speaks to the media outside federal court following Diddys hearing on September 18, 2024, in New York ( AP ) Diddy is being held behind bars in Brooklyns Metropolitan Detention Center following his September 16 arrest on charges of sex trafficking, He has pleaded not guilty to the charges and was denied bail twice. Diddy is said to be refusing to eat at the MDC and has been moved to an area of the facility with special protection. Hes really, really paranoid, former MDC inmate Larry Levine told NewsNations Ashleigh Banfield. Diddy is next due in court on October 9 ( Getty Images ) Hes really, really scared. Doesnt know what to think, he doesnt know who to trust or what to believe, However, Agnifilio cast doubts on this, describing Diddy as lazer-focused. Hes engaged, hes helpful, hes confident, he added. His spirits are relatively good. As well as the criminal charges, Diddy is also facing multiple civil lawsuits. In the latest, brought on Tuesday, Thalia Graves accused Diddy and his former head of security, Joseph Sherman, of drugging, and brutally raping and physically assaulting her in 2001. The rapper is due in court next on October 9. 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 New York woman pleaded guilty on Wednesday to second-degree reckless endangerment, after her dog mauled a two-year-old boy. Amy Willi, 45, of Mastic, Suffolk County, admitted that on March 14, 2023, her dog Kojo ran out the front door of her house and attacked a toddler in a yard across the street. The childs uncle raced to pick up the boy, but the dog bit the mans left forearm, causing the child to fall to the ground. Kojo then set upon the two-year-old, biting his face, head, and leg, causing lacerations to the eye, cheek, scalp and leg, according to the Suffolk County District Attorneys Office. The child was taken to Stony Brook University Hospital and received stitches for his injuries. Willi admitted to law enforcement that she knew Kojo was a dangerous dog with violent tendencies and failed to secure the animal inside the house before the incident, per the DAs Office. The defendants dogs dangerous tendencies coupled with her failure to properly secure the animal led to an innocent child and his uncle sustaining serious injuries, District Attorney Raymond Tierney said in a statement. Pet owners must understand the serious responsibility that comes with owning animals. Necessary precautions pet owners must take to ensure the safety of their pets, and the community include maintaining secure enclosures, using leashes in public areas, and not leaving their animals unattended where they could potentially escape. Failure to do so can lead to tragic consequences, as seen in this case. As part of her plea, Willis will be barred from owning, posessing, or caring for any animals for three years. Shes due back in court on November 20. The Independent has contacted her lawyer for comment. 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 }} Two New York City men have been charged with murder after police found the body of a Bronx man dismembered in a city apartment. Muhammad Aadil, 40, and Ronei Harris, 18, allegedly killed and mutilated a man, and then took some remains, in a shopping cart, on a Metro North train to Yonkers where they burned the cart, stated Bronx County District Attorney Darcel D Clark. This was a brutal disregard for a human being. The suspects were indicted on charges of second-degree murder, first-degree manslaughter, and three counts of third-degree criminal possession of a controlled substance over the death of 46-year-old Lutalo Henderson. Both Aadil and Harris were also hit with differing drug charges. Police say the mans murder took place between July 27 and August 5. Cops say the men cut off Hendersons legs below the knees and removed his hands hands and jaw. The suspects then wrapped the mans torso in trash bags and took it in a shopping cart to Yonkers using the Metro North train. After that, they set the cart on fire under the Oak Street Bridge over the Bronx River Parkway in Yonkers. During the course of an investigation, investigators were led to an apartment on Rogers Place in the Bronx where they found the body parts, including the victims legs in the freezer. His hands were found in a crockpot filled with bleach, ABC 7 reported. Additionally, police say drug paraphernalia and a gun were found in the kitchen of the apartment. The DAs office said Aadil and Henderson were roommates and Harris killed the victim following a dispute at their home. One of the mens neighbors reportedly heard loud noises after the incident that sounded like someone carrying something heavy down the stairs. It seemed like it was heavy, she told the outlet in Spanish. And I heard the voice of a man who was telling another man to hurry up. 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 }} At least 41 people are dead after Hurricane Helene crashed into Florida as a Category 4 storm, pounding the states west coast with unsurvivable conditions, before tracking a destructive path north through Georgia and the Carolinas on Friday. The storm is tracking north over the Tennessee Valley Friday night and through the weekend, threatening dangerous flash flooding. Helene has since been downgraded to a tropical depression but remained life-threatening, according to forecasters, causing a flash flood emergency in metro Atlanta and putting Kentuckys Appalachia region on high alert for heavy rains and landslides. A map shows the expected trajectory of Tropical Depression Helene as it continues to move north over the Carolinas on Friday afternoon and is expected to stall over the Tennessee Valley Friday through the weekend ( NHC ) Sustained winds had dropped to around 35mph with higher gusts on Friday after Helene had slammed into the Gulf coast with 140mph winds, and 15ft storm surge, late on Thursday night. As the sun came up in Florida, the damage was widespread and catastrophic. Storm surge has left some homes underwater to the roofline, and boats in marinas were smashed together like bath toys. Downed trees, powerlines and other debris were making navigating roadways treacherous for emergency responders. Around 4 million people were without power from Florida up the east coast to Virgina. A map charts the Excessive Rainfall Outlook for Helene on Friday afternoon, with areas in the Carolinas the hardest hit by rainfall, landslides, and life-threatening flash flooding ( NHC ) Among the fatalities were a driver who was killed when a sign fell onto their car in Tampa. Five other deaths were reported in Floridas Pinellas County. Some 11 people died in Georgia, including two in Wheeler County who were killed after their trailer crashed on a highway. Another person was an emergency responder. At least six people died in South Carolina, including two people who died when tree fells on houses Friday morning in Anderson. In North Carolina, a person was killed by a falling tree in the city of Charlotte. NOAA satellite imagery shows the eye of Helene as it hammers the Carolinas and US Southeast on Friday afternoon ( NOAA Satellites ) Helene continued to bring historic and catastrophic flooding to the Appalachians and large parts of the Southeast on Friday afternoon as the storm hovered about 125miles south of Louisville, Kentucky. Some places in the Carolinas and Tennessee have seen a half of foot of rain since Tuesday. Helene is the fourth hurricane to make landfall in the US this year. 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 }} Hundreds of people are still presumed missing across six states following the devastating impacts from Hurricane Helene. Helene is now one of the deadliest storms in US history, with 160 deaths reported late Tuesday. The majority of fatalities were in North Carolina. The current data that we have, is that it looks like there could be as many as 600 lost lives, Homeland Security Advisor Liz Sherwood-Randall said Monday. But, we dont have any confirmation of that. We know there are 600 who are either lost or unaccounted for. Sherwood-Randall cautioned that the numbers vary widely and theres a lot of reporting that doesnt add up about the numbers. A search and rescue dog and handler searches for victims through thick mud in the aftermath of Hurricane Helene in North Carolina on Tuesday. ( (AP Photo/Mike Stewart) ) She added: And so, while we may see the numbers go up as we get to more locations that have not yet been fully developed in terms of disaster, immediate emergency response operations, we may see more people who unfortunately perished. But we may also not see the numbers skyrocket as people have predicted they might. Governors in the impacted states did not provide an update to that figure on Tuesday. North Carolina Governor Roy Cooper and Director of Emergency Management William Ray said that theyd work with the states information and referral service to determine the number of missing. We know that there will be more fatalities, Cooper said. South Carolina Governor Henry McMaster announced that the number of confirmed deaths from the storm in his state rose to 36 on Tuesday afternoon. This has really hit our region hard, he said. White House Homeland Security Advisor Liz Sherwood-Randall speaks Monday at the White House. She said deaths associated with Hurricane Helene and its devastating impacts could be as many as 600, but cautioned that its too soon to know. ( (AP Photo/Mark Schiefelbein) ) A Facebook group with more than 477,000 members included posts from people looking for family members. Some also provided updates saying their loved ones had been found. Search and rescue efforts continued in western North Carolina with 92 teams working on the ground. Helicopters provided air support while rescuers trudged through deep mud with dogs. Images taken in the Wautaga County town of Boone over the weekend revealed the extent of the damage, with collapsed houses and whole areas underwater. On Tuesday, Watauga County Director of Emergency Management Will Holt said there was one team left in the area. Now were really starting to get into isolated pockets and finding where people are, he said. Scott Richardson surveys his collapsed house in Boone, North Carolina, on Saturday following impacts from Hurricane Helene. ( REUTERS/Jonathan Drake ) The Watauga County Sheriffs Office told The Watauga Democrat on Monday that there had been two deaths related to the storm. In hard-hit Buncombe County, 40 deaths were reported. Thousands of federal personnel have been deployed to respond to Helene, and President Joe Biden will travel to Raleigh, North Carolina on Wednesday. The president had waited to travel there until it was determined his presence would not to disrupt rescue efforts, according to officials. Hurricane Helene hit Floridas Big Bend region last Thursday as a Category 4 hurricane. The National Hurricane Center said Tropical Storm Kirk had strengthened into a hurricane on Thursday. The storm is expected to become a major hurricane in the coming days. Close Long-time friend of OceanGate CEO Stockton Rush said Titan sub explosion was expected 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 }} OceanGate CEO Stockton Rush allegedly declared that he would buy a congressman to make issues surrounding the Titan subs certification go away, a witness testified. Matthew McCoy, who worked at the submersible company for six months from April 2017, addressed the Titan Marine Board of Investigation panel on Friday for the final day of the two-week long hearing into Titans disaster voyage in June 2023. After raising concerns about an alleged lack of certificate of inspection for the first Titan sub in 2017, McCoy testified that Rush told him, I would buy a congressman to make problems disappear during a lunch meeting. The ex-OceanGate employee said that he quit soon after. He was either trying to intimidate me or impress me, he testified. McCoy also alleged that the OceanGate engineering department was full of college interns during his time at the company, adding that he doesnt believe there was a professional engineer on staff. Captain Jamie Frederick, member of the US Coast Guard who oversaw rescue mission of the Titan and its five crew, began testifying after McCoy. Coast Guard Search and Rescue Specialist Scott Talbot was the last person to testify. 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 }} Retired U.S. Army lieutenant colonel and Trump impeachment witness Alexander Vindman mocked the former president on Thursday for what he saw as the Republicans limited historical knowledge, after Trump seemed to describe just learning about WWII history during a recent campaign stop. At a rally in Savannah, Georgia, on Tuesday, the former president took aim at Joe Bidens vow the U.S. will continue supporting Ukraine until it finishes fighting off the invasion from Russia. Biden says, We will not leave until we win, Trump said. What happens if they win? Thats what they do, is they fight wars. As somebody told me the other day, they beat Hitler, they beat Napoleon. Thats what they do. They fight. And its not pleasant. Vindman, who served on the National Security Council, and whose family immigrated to the U.S. from the Soviet Union, took issue with these comments. "First, I have to address this commentary," Vindman told CNN. "I mean, just the other day somebody told him about World War II? I mean, how preposterous is this? It is embarrassing that a former president would say, even use that kind of language, that he just learned about World War II and his false impressions of how the records of the Soviet Union performed, really at the backbone was support from the West in massive casualties that they took. But I think I would say that we would be facing a different kind of disaster. It wouldnt be a complete collapse of the Ukrainians." The Soviet Union defeated Nazi Germany on the eastern front in 1945, four years after the Nazis had invaded and at the loss of tens of millions of Soviet troops and civilians. Imperial Russia defeated a French invasion led by Napoleon Bonaparte in 1812. Trump has insisted he would negotiate end to Russia war in Ukraine ( AP ) Russias military record has been far from the parade of victories Trump seemed to be describing, however. The Ukraine war, for instance, has stretched far longer than Russian war planners thought it would, and the Russian military has been bogged down in other quagmires before, including its campaign and eventual withdrawal from Afghanistan in 1989, as well as other major losses like the Cold War and WWI. Trumps attacks on the Ukraine war, which he often insists without evidence he would rapidly end, come as Joe Biden and Kamala Harris met with the Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. Trump has equivocated over whether he will meet with the Ukrainian leader, suggesting last week the pair would probably get together, a plan that then was reportedly scrapped, ABC News reports. Trump further muddied the waters on Thursday, sharing a purported message from Zelensky seeking a meeting for Friday, where the Ukrainian insisted, I believe its important for us to have a personal contact and to understand each other 100%. On Sunday, Zelensky said he doubted Trump could finish the conflict. My feeling is that Trump doesnt really know how to stop the war even if he might think he knows how, Zelensky toldThe New Yorker. With this war, oftentimes, the deeper you look at it the less you understand. Ive seen many leaders who were convinced they knew how to end it tomorrow, and as they waded deeper into it, they realized its not that simple. Zelensky has also called into question recent comments by Vance appearing to suggest the war could be ended with Russia keeping the Ukrainian land it has conquered, and seemed to suggest that Germany not Russia should lead the way in paying to rebuild the damage Vladimir Putins troops have wrought. 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 }} A Republicancongressman has faced heavy backlash following a racist online post, in which he described Haitian immigrants as slapstick gangsters who ate pets and practiced vudu. Scores of people, including fellow members of the House, condemned Louisiana representative Clay Higgins over the post, which came in response to news that citizen criminal charges have been brought against Donald Trump and JD Vance in Springfield. Lol. These Haitians are wild, Higgins wrote, in response to an article by the Associated Press about the charges. Eating pets, vudu, nastiest country in the western hemisphere, cults, slapstick gangsters... but damned if they dont feel all sophisticated now, filing charges against our President and VP. All these thugs better get their mind right and their ass out of our country before January 20th. January 20 is the date that the next president is sworn into office. Higgins later deleted the post, after multiple complaints, including from fellow congressman and Congressional Black Caucus Chair Steven Horsford on the House floor who submitted a motion to censure Higgins for bringing discredit and disgrace to the House of Representatives. Horsford said Higgins words are inciting hate, they are inciting fear and because of that it is time for this body to stand with one voice and to ensure there is accountability. Speaker Mike Johnson later defended Higgins, who he described as a dear friend of mine and told reporters that Higgins had prayed about the post and then regretted it. He was approached on the floor by colleagues who said that was offensive. He said he went to the back and he prayed about it, and he regretted it, and he pulled the post down, Johnson said. Clay Higgins was accused of inciting hate through his tweet, in which he warned Haitians to get out of the US before January 20 the date that the next president takes office ( Copyright 2022 The Associated Press. All rights reserved ) Im sure he probably regrets the language he used. But you know, we move forward. We believe in redemption around here. Despite its swift deletion, X users also reacted to the original post, including CNN anchor Jake Tapper, who brought up Higgins previous 1992 endorsement of notorious former Ku Klux Klan grand wizard David Duke for governor. By the way, yes, its 2024 and members of Congress are still saying things like this aloud! Tapper wrote. No dog whistle here this is a full-on bullhorn, wrote another user. I thought this was fake, I had to check myself, and he posted this from his official government account, added another user. Higgins tweet was responding to a report that a nonprofit representing the Haitian community has invoked a private-citizen right to file charges against Donald Trump and JD Vance. The Haitian Bridge Alliance brought the charges over the chaos and threats experienced by Springfield since Trump first spread the false claims about legal immigrants there during a presidential debate. Vance, his Republican running mate, has also repeated the slur, even appearing to suggest that he felt entitled to create negative stories about immigrants. Trump has also vowed to deport immigrants like those in Springfield who entered the country legally under a federal program that allows them to remain in the country temporarily. 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 }} President Joe Biden on Thursday said the billions of dollars of defense aid he has authorized for Ukraine will strengthen Kyivs hand in future negotiations as he met with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky in the Oval Office for what could be the final time during his presidency. Sitting alongside Zelensky, Biden thanked the Ukrainian leader for sharing his own plan for victory in his countrys nearly three-year-old war against Russian invading forces. He added that it was important to strengthen Ukraines position on the battlefield by releasing all of the aid approved by Congress in the supplemental defense aid package he signed into law earlier this year. The billions of dollars worth of defense assistance will be delivered to Kyiv before Biden leaves office in January. He also told Zelensky of the importance of supporting Ukraines long-term success, including through eventual paths to European Union and NATO membership as well as through ensuring Kyiv retains sufficient capabilities to against future Russian aggression. I'm proud of the steps we've taken [and] of our partnership on these fronts, Biden said. Earlier this summer, we launched the Ukraine compact with more than 20 nations committed to Ukraine's long-term security, and yesterday, with over 30 nations and the EU, we launched the Joint Declaration of Support for Ukraine's recovery and assets as well... These two elements are critical to how this war ends. Russia will not prevail in war. Russia will not prevail. Ukraine will prevail, and [we] will continue to stand by you every step of the way, the president added. President Joe Biden and Ukranian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy speak in the White House Thursday. ( Getty Images ) For his part, Zelensky thanked Biden once again for his strong support over the course of the war and told the American leader that Ukrainians deeply appreciate that Ukraine and America have stood side-by-side from the very first moment of this terrible Russian invasion. Your determination is incredibly important for us to prevail, he said. We must restore normal life, and we greatly value your leadership, Mr President. Zelensky said the $7.9 billion in aid announced by the White House will be a great help and revealed that he and the American president were preparing to discuss the details and strengthen his plan for victory over Russia. The Ukrainian leader also met with Vice President Kamala Harris on Thursday in her ceremonial office in the Eisenhower Executive Office Building, during which Harris the Democratic presidential nominee told Zelensky that her support for Kyivs defense is unwavering. I have been proud to stand with Ukraine. I will continue to stand with Ukraine, and I will work to ensure Ukraine prevails in this war, to be safe, secure and prosperous. The United States must continue to fulfill our longstanding role of global leadership, she said. We must stand with our allies and our partners. We must defend our democratic values and stand up to aggressors, and we must stand for international order, rules and norms. Each one of these principles is at stake in Ukraine, and that is why Ukraines fight matters, Harris added. She warned that allowing Putin and Russia to prevail would embolden the Russian leader to further threaten NATO members such as Poland and the Baltic states. We also know that other would-be aggressors around the world are watching to see what happens in Ukraine. If Putin is allowed to win, they will become emboldened, and ... history is so clear in reminding us: the United States cannot and should not isolate ourselves from the rest of the world. Isolation is not insulation, she said. In what appeared to be a veiled swipe at former president Donald 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. Biden told Zelensky of the importance of supporting Ukraines long-term success, including through eventual paths to European Union and NATO membership as well as through ensuring Kyiv retains sufficient capabilities to against future Russian aggression. ( AP ) These proposals are the same of 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. 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. The sit-downs between Zelensky and the two American leaders come after Biden announced another large tranche of US security assistance for Kyiv. That assistance includes nearly $8 billion in aid from Defense Department and State Department programs, as well as access to Joint Standoff Weapon long-range munitions and additional Patriot anti-aircraft missiles and another Patriot battery. Through these actions, my message is clear: The United States will provide Ukraine with the support it needs to win this war, Biden said in a statement. The president noted that Ukraine has won the battle of Kyiv, reclaimed more than half the territory that Russia seized at the start of the war, and safeguarded its sovereignty and independence during the time that his administration has worked to surge defense aid to the country. For nearly three years, the United States has rallied the world to stand with the people of Ukraine as they defend their freedom from Russian aggression, and it has been a top priority of my administration to provide Ukraine with the support it needs to prevail ... but there is more work to do, Biden added. Bidens announcement of more security aid to Kyiv comes just weeks before a US presidential election that could determine whether Ukraine remains a sovereign country or becomes a Russian vassal state. Trump was impeached in late 2019 for using US security aid to attempt to blackmail Zelensky into announcing sham investigations into Biden and his son. Nearly five years later, he has threatened to cut off American assistance to Kyiv if he gets a second term, all while promising to end the war by forcing Zelensky to accept terms that would be favorable to Putin. Zelensky was set to meet with Trump in New York, but it was initially canceled. Now, Trump said on Thursday that he plans to meet with the Ukrainian leader on Friday. 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 }} Democrats in Georgia have filed a lawsuit against three Trump allies on the state elections board, which has recently moved to require several changes to election procedures in the state. The suit was led by state senator Nabilah Islam Parkes and alleges that the three election board members violated the law when they pushed through a round of changes. Democrats say these will allow local election officials to unilaterally decline to certify the results of elections, doing so at an allegedly illegal meeting. They further allege that this could cause delays in Georgia reporting its results in the upcoming election. Georgia's Election Board has been hijacked by extreme MAGA operatives, changing election rules to help Trump. State law is clear, Kemp has a duty to act, but he's abdicated responsibility. If the governor won't stop MAGA from hijacking our election, a judge will force him to, Islam Parkes said on Wednesday. She added: The Governor must do his job and convene a hearing to start the process in removing these rogue State Election Board members who are violating the law. The Governor must do his job and convene a hearing to start the process in removing these rogue State Election Board members who are violating the law. https://t.co/O5B1VP2QXf Nabilah Islam Parkes (@NabilahIslam) September 25, 2024 The latest legal action follows a lawsuit filed in August against the state elections board for the same reason filed by the state Democratic Party of Georgia along with Kamala Harriss presidential campaign and the national Democratic Party. The latest suit filed Wednesday by Islam Parkes and her allies seeks to force the states GOP governor to begin the process which could result in the removal of the three GOP members accused of violating the law. While Democrats are leading the charge against the Trump-supporting elections board members, Republicans in the state also agree that the board has gone rogue. The GOP attorney general of Georgia issued an opinion stating that the board overstepped its bounds by issuing the new rules, while the states governor remains between a rock and a hard place. Brian Kemp, a Republican, fought against Donald Trumps stolen election claims in 2020 and in the weeks following the election but has since sought to repair his relationship with the MAGA right. Kemp has resisted calls to hold hearings in response to petitions from Democratic lawmakers in the state asking him to begin hearings to determine whether the three Trump supporters will be purged from the Elections Board, but a judges order could force him to do it. We have a board that appears to be running amok, and we have one avenue, the governor, for removing them in instances when they are breaking the law, said Cathy Woolard, a former chairwoman of the Fulton County Board of Registration & Elections, after the suit was filed Wednesday in a statement to The Washington Post. We simply must take this action in order to attempt to force him to do his job. Georgia was a shock pickup for Democrats in 2020 and was one of the key battleground state losses that led to Donald Trumps defeat to Joe Biden that year. Current polls show him maintaining a slim lead in the state over Kamala Harris, who took over the Democratic ticket in July. 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 }} New York City Mayor Eric Adams was indicted on federal criminal charges on Wednesday, according to people familiar with the matter. It is unclear what the charges are, the indictment is currently under seal. However, Adams has been facing numerous federal investigations. The FBI and the New York City Department of Investigations will release more information about the indictment against Adams on Thursday. For months the mayor and those close to him, including employees, have been facing subpoenas, raids and allegations of wrongdoing. In a statement, Adams said, I always knew that If I stood my ground for New Yorkers that I would be a targetand a target I became. If I am charged, I am innocent and I will fight this with every ounce of my strength and spirit. New York City Mayor Eric Adams, pictures in November 2023, has been facing multiple investigations for over a year now the most prominent related to allegations of campaign finance corruption ( REUTERS ) Adams later released a video proclaiming his innocence. My fellow New Yorkers, it is now my belief that the federal government intends to charge me with crimes, said Adams in the video. If so, these charges will be entirely false, based on lies. But they would not be surprising. I always knew that if I stood my ground for all of you, that I would be a target, and a target I became. He added: I can also understand how everyday New Yorkers would be concerned that I cannot do my job while I face accusations, but I have been facing these lies for months since I began to speak out for all of you and their investigation started. One of those allegations of wrongdoing is related to an alleged straw donor scheme. In November 2023, federal agents seized Adams electronic devices as part of an ongoing probe into allegations of corruption related to campaign finance misconduct. According to reports, Adams allegedly benefitted from a straw donor scheme during his 2021 mayoral campaign through his ties to Turkish government officials and Turkish nationals. The New York City mayor has been vocal about his longstanding relationship with Turkey and the Turkish-American community of New York. He previously boasted that hes made at least six trips to Turkey. Reports circulated that Adams received campaign donations from employees of a Brooklyn-based construction company owned by a Turkish-American businessman. That investigation came to light last year after FBI agents raided the home of his campaigns chief fundraiser, 25-year-old Brianna Suggs. It also adjacently related to an investigation into whether Adams pressured the New York City Fire Department to approve a new Turkish consulate. According to a recent Times report, federal prosecutors expanded that probe to include five other countries, Israel, China, Qatar, South Korea and Uzbekistan. Adams has vehemently denied any allegations of wrongdoing. New York City Mayor Eric Adams attends a press conference after he was subpoenaed by the federal grand jury at New York City Hall on August 16, 2024 in New York ( AFP via Getty Images ) Members of Adamss administration and those in his inner circle have been subject to searches and subpoenas regarding various other investigations. In September, federal prosecutors conducted raids on Edward Caban, the former NY Police Commissioner, and his brother James Caban as part of an ongoing probe into whether James profited off his brothers position to serve as a consultant in the nightclub industry. Edward resigned from his position on September 17, less than two months after taking office. Another federal investigation is examining a potential bribery scheme involving Adams, senior members of City Hall and a government consulting company. Investigators seized the electronic devices of School Chancellor David Banks, Deputy Mayor Philip Banks III and their brother Terence Banks, who previously worked for the Metropolitan Transportation Authority. They also conducted searches on First Deputy Mayor Sheena Wright. On September 24, David Banks announced he would retire at the end of the year. Separately, investigators in the Eastern District of New York have searched the homes of Winnie Greco, a former senior adviser to Adams. Greco has been placed on unpaid leave. News of the indictment led former and current politicians to call for Adams to resign. Earlier in the day on Wednesday, New York Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez asked the mayor to step down amid the scandals. Former NY comptroller Scott Stringer, who is also running against Adams in the Democratic primary next year, said the mayor should resign for the good of the city. Adams is not required to resign. 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 }} Not even Donald Trump could summon a frenzied crowd outside of the federal courthouse in New York City like Eric Adams did Friday when the mayor pleaded not guilty to the five criminal charges hes facing. A sea of broadcast cameras, lighting equipment and reporters filled the sidewalk Friday morning in front of the courthouse. They also packed the area across the street it was more than the amount present at Trumps defamation trial with E. Jean Carroll in January. During the Trump case, the sidewalk across the street was filled with members of the media during that trial and even on the busiest day verdict day the sidewalk directly in front of the building was still navigable. New Yorkers did not seem to care to show up to see the action unfold outside of the federal building. Granted, it was freezing at the time. But even those who wandered by refused to stop to snap a photo or ask questions. Not today. On Friday, runners who, seemingly unintentionally, ran into the crowd stopped their jog to whip out their phones and record the action. Police barricades, holding back New Yorkers who turned up to see their mayor arraigned, stretched up and down the street. No, the mayors 8:45 a.m. arrival time for a noon arraignment was still not early enough to avoid the craze around his criminal allegations. He is, after all, the talk of the town not that he minds. Crowds of people took up the sidewalk in front of, and across the street from, the federal courthouse where New York City Mayor Eric Adams was arraigned. It created a circus-like atmosphere ( AP ) Adams seems completely unfazed by the mass attention. He rolled with Friday afternoons court proceedings as if it were an everyday occurrence, albeit an inconvenient one. Sporting a typical white button-down and dark suit jacket, he arrived early at the courthouse, and subsequently, the courtroom. Something the former president never did. By the time the general press and spectators were permitted in the courtroom, Adams had been seated with his one lawyer for at least 30 minutes. It was so unspectacular it took multiple reporters several minutes to notice the mayors presence. Adams arrived at federal court three hours before his arraignment time. Press line the streets and there were more members of the media present for Adams than former president Donald Trump when he was on trial in connection to sexual abuse allegations ( AP ) The courtroom filled up quickly, mostly with law clerks and attorneys who work in the building. An extra row of plastic chairs was added behind the benches to accommodate the number of people in attendance. A few lucky citizens got to see the historic arraignment from the benches, others were directed to watch from an overflow room on a different floor. It was a noticeable contrast to the number of average Americans who attended Trumps sexual abuse trial earlier this year. Despite that case involving a former president, only a few people enough to count on one hand showed up to see opening or closing arguments. Though the overflow room for Trumps case was almost always full, mostly with reporters. Shortly after noon, Magistrate Judge Katharine Parker entered the courtroom to begin the arraignment. She spent several minutes reading Adams his Miranda rights and then summarizing the allegations and charges laid out in the indictment that accuses Adams of corruption before, during and after his 2021 mayoral campaign. That includes allegedly accepting free or heavily discounted luxury travel, accommodations and other perks from Turkish officials and then wielding his power as mayor to circumvent an FDNY fire inspection on the Turkey consulate. Adams, depicted in a courtroom sketch, sat besides his attorney while being arraigned on Friday. He has denied the allegations against him and resisted calls to resign ( REUTERS ) In all, the five counts: bribery, wire fraud, conspiracy and two counts of soliciting campaign contributions from foreign nationals, are punishable by up to 45 years in prison. Yet Adams seemed fairly relaxed at the list of allegations. He kept a straight face and stared forward refusing to even look in the direction of the press seated in the jury box to his right. I am not guilty, your honor, the mayor pleaded. Adams, depicted in a courtroom sketch, sat beside his attorney while being arraigned on Friday. He has denied the allegations against him and resisted calls to resign ( Getty Images ) It was expected that Adams would plead not guilty, he has vehemently denied all allegations of wrongdoing in multiple mediums. He proclaimed innocence in an official statement, in a pre-recorded video and at a chaotic press conference on Thursday. Hes certain he has not committed any crimes. His lawyer, Alex Spiro, informed Judge Parker they plan to file a motion to dismiss the indictment next week. Adams is permitted to be released while awaiting trial. It would probably be a bit of work to run the city from one of its jails. The conditions of his release are that he may not contact witnesses or the unnamed individuals in the indictment about the charges or facts of the case. Federal prosecutors said they would give Adams lawyer a list of those people and determine how to best approach this since some of those people may be staffers or family that Adams interacts with daily. Approximately 25 minutes after Judge Parker entered the courtroom, and three-and-a-half hours after Adams arrived at the courthouse, the arraignment was over. Maintaining his straight face, Adams exited the courtroom escorted by a group of US Marshalls. Outside the courthouse, New Yorkers and members of the media piled against the barricades, determined to get a photo of the mayor after his first court appearance. The scenes for Adams were dramatically different than Trump, who often only saw a handful of protestors outside the courtroom as he faced E Jean Carroll ( AFP via Getty Images ) A lone New Yorker shouted words of affirmation at Adams as he exited the building. The mayor stood stoically beside Spiro for a brief press conference where his lawyer told reporters the case isnt even a real case. As he entered a black SUV, the mayor flashed his signature thumbs up to the press while maintaining a straight face. Adams, the first New York City mayor to face federal criminal charges in modern history, went about his day on Friday attending an afternoon meeting with his advisory committee on the judiciary and left the circus he created behind. 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 live outside Gracie Mansion in New York City as an indictment detailing charges against mayor Eric Adams, a Democrat, is expected to be unsealed on Thursday, 26 September. Federal agents descended upon his home early that morning, hours after it was reported he was indicted on federal charges. People dressed in suits arrived at the Gracie Mansion in SUVs. A lawyer for the mayor told the New York Times that federal agents seized Mr Adams cell phone the second time this has occurred in a year. The indictment detailing the charges is expected to be unsealed in the Southern District of New York. Mr Adams is the first sitting New York City mayor in modern history to face a criminal indictment. For months, the mayor and those close to him, including employees, have been facing subpoenas, raids and allegations of wrongdoing. In a speech recorded at his official residence, Adams said he would remain in office, describing any charges he may face as entirely false, based on lies. 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 }} Matt Gaetz has published a lengthy letter hed sent to the House Ethics Committee informing the panels lawmakers that he would no longer be complying with the Ethics investigation into allegations that he had slept with an underage girl. The Florida congressman rehashed a number of familiar complaints in the letter, which accused the panel of pursuing the investigation for the purpose of humiliating him and damaging him politically after a Justice Department investigation ended without charges being filed. But he went further than just denouncing the committee Gaetz also would go on to write a Twitter thread on Thursday discussing the evidence in his case, and included several pieces of evidence he argued exonerated his name. The tone of Gaetzs letter was angry and defiant: Your correspondence of September 4 asks whether I have engaged in sexual activity with any individual under 18. The answer to this question is unequivocally NO. You can apply this response to every version of this question, in every forum. He also denied using illicit drugs. Altogether, the thread and letter represent Gaetzs latest salvo against the Ethics Committee, which clearly aims at repairing his image with both journalists and moderate voters. The congressman made no mention of the Deep State or any overarching conspiracies against him or the former president instead, he focused on two pieces of information he argued undermined the allegations against him. One was a grainy image of a text message, purportedly from his former friend and confidante Joel Greenberg, stating that he was arranging to pay for legal representation for someone presumably the underaged girl Gaetz is accused of having sex with. No actual evidence of transferred funds is shown, nor is the identity of the unnamed witness. My final response to the Ethics Committee: pic.twitter.com/iCBR3fyB6D Rep. Matt Gaetz (@RepMattGaetz) September 26, 2024 In a second image shared by Gaetz, an unnamed jailhouse informant describes in an affidavit hearing a plot by Greenberg to smear Gaetz and possibly others in order to secure a sentence reduction deal with federal prosecutors. Greenberg, a former friend and political ally of Gaetz, also served as Tax Collector for Seminole County, Florida, before he was indicted on nearly three dozen federal charges. He eventually pleaded guilty to six, including sex trafficking a minor. None of the images shared by Gaetz constitute the kind of hard evidence that would immediately exonerate him as he has claimed. But they do raise questions about the charges that need to be answered, including how much they revolve around Greenbergs accusations and whether the underage person whom Gaetz supposedly had sex with was financially supported by Greenberg. The Ethics probe into Gaetz has made little public progress under Speaker Mike Johnsons tenure as the highest-ranking House Republican, even as Gaetz contends that the investigation was triggered by allies of the former speaker, Kevin McCarthy. McCarthys political career did not survive to see the investigation completed; he left the House at the end of 2023 after an embarrassing ouster from the Speakers chair. Gaetz, meanwhile, is widely speculated to be considering a run for governor of Florida after Ron DeSantis, who is term-limited, leaves office. Hes expected to face a competitive Republican primary for the nomination, including potentially against a Republican backed in part by McCarthy, who has funded primary challenges against a number of his former party members who backed his downfall last year. McCarthy told The Independent at the Republican National Convention in July that the Ethics investigation would prevent Gaetz from winning that primary: I dont think hell ever be able to run for governor like he wants to. 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 Trumps top ally and attorney Rudy Giuliani was disbarred from practicing law in Washington DC on Thursday, months after a similar decision in his home state of New York left his reputation in tatters. The former New York City mayor was Trumps lead attorney in 2020 and early 2021 as the ex-president launched a series of increasingly desperate schemes to hold on to power. It began in Ukraine, where Giuliani was Trumps man on the ground as part of efforts to coerce that countrys government into opening a criminal investigation into Joe Biden, with the purpose of damaging Biden politically. After Giulianis shenanigans abroad lead to the first impeachment of Trump that year, the ex-mayor would go on to represent Trump at home during the 2020 election and in the days following. In the weeks after his defeat by Biden, Trump leaned on Giuliani and other members of his legal team like Jenna Ellis and Jon Eastman to file legal challenges aimed at halting or reversing the certification of the election results in states including Pennsylvania, Georgia, Michigan and Arizona. Those efforts failed across the board, and Giuliani himself was forced to admit in one instance that the Trump campaign never had the hard evidence of massive numbers of fraudulent ballots which Trump himself was claiming to have obtained. Rudy Giuliani poses for a mugshot weeks after pleading not guilty in an Arizona election interference case ( Maricopa County Sheriff's Office ) On Thursday, the consequences of that admission and his overall scheme to undo the election, which culminated in January 6 were laid bare once again in the nations capital. Giuliani will be permanently banned from practicing law in the District of Columbia. His spokesman Ted Goodman told NBC News that the decision was an absolute travesty and a total miscarriage of justice" and called on top legal minds to speak out in Giulianis defense. But the exact opposite has been happening for years; all credible constitutional legal scholars have rejected the various arguments put forward by the Trump team in 2020, and have derided the continued inability of Giuliani or anyone else who represented those arguments to actually prove the unsubstantiated claims of fraud they were pushing at the time. The people coming after Mayor Giuliani cant take away the fact that he remains the most effective prosecutor in American history, who did more to improve the lives of others than almost any other American alive today, Goodman added. Rudy Giuliani takes part in a press conference alongside members of Donald Trumps legal team including Sydney Powell. ( REUTERS ) Giuliani himself added an element of comedy and sad bufoonery to the proceedings with his own behavior. He frequently made outlandish claims which neither he nor his allies could back up, all the while relying on far-from-credible eyewitnesses who where thrust into the spotlight by Trumps legal team. Then there was the spectacle presented by the former mayor himself sweating some kind of black ooze at one press appearance, audibly breaking wind during one hearing where he attempted to present a group of Trump supporters as eyewitnesses to fraud, and calling a press conference at a landscaping company due to a confusing mix-up with the Four Seasons hotel. Altogether Giulianis contributions to Trumps efforts to overturn the 2020 election likely hurt more than they helped. Now, he claims the RNC and Trump campaign still owe him $2m in unpaid legal fees and he has filed for bankruptcy as the staggering costs of his ride-or-die attitude come to bear. Theres also the issue of the stunning $148m defamation judgement won against him by two election workers in Georgia, whom Giuliani and other Republicans led a harassment campaign against over bogus election fraud claims. But the fallout is not likely to end there. The once-mayor of New York still remains under felony indictment in Arizona, for the Trump campaigns election schemes there, as well as in Georgia where the case is currently held up by the Trump campaigns efforts to delay or shutter the case. 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 }} Kamala Harris doubled down on her burger-flipping duties at McDonalds during her college years, as Donald Trump continues to baselessly claim that the vice president is lying about her summer job. Harris has repeatedly noted her brief stint at the fast food chain before her first law job in the 1980s since she ascended to the top of the Democratic ticket. If elected in the 2024 election, shed make history as the first US president to have worked at McDonalds. A tetchy Trump, however, has repeatedly dismissed Harriss employment as fake. The vice president sat down with MSNBC anchor Stephanie Ruhle in her first one-on-one network interview since she became the Democratic partys presidential nominee, and at one point poked fun at the former presidents obsession with her days at the Golden Arches. Kamala Harris sat down with MSNBC anchor Stephanie Ruhle on Wednesday night in a one-on-one interview ( MSNBC/YouTube ) I just want to ask you, yes or no, Ruhle said. At any point in your life have you served two all-beef patties, special sauce, lettuce, cheese, pickles, onions I have, Harris replied. It was not a small job, I did the fries. She continued: Part of the reason I even talk about having worked at McDonalds is because there are people who work at McDonalds in our country who are trying to raise a family. I worked there as a student. Harris has repeatedly compared her more humble beginnings to Trumps wealthy background, suggesting the former president is out of touch with the average citizen. I think part of the difference between me and my opponent includes our perspective on the needs of the American people and what our responsibility, then, is to meet those needs. Harriss rebuttal comes after Trump once again taunted his Democratic rival for her McDonalds job during his Indiana, Pennsylvania, campaign rally on Monday. Trump speaks during a campaign rally at Ed Fry Arena in Indiana, Pennsylvania, on September 23 ( AFP via Getty Images ) The former president said that he was going to stop by a fast-food joint to try the French fry job for a bit to see how it is. She never worked there! And these fake news reporters will never report it, they dont want to report it because theyre fake, he added. Theyre fake. Trump first declared that Harris was lying about her culinary career at a Moms for Liberty convention at the end of August. Since then, hes fired off numerous social media posts accusing Harris of lying about her stint at McDonalds including a poorly Photoshopped picture of the vice president sporting the iconic Golden Arches cap in a restaurant. On Thursday, Trump took another swipe at the vice president during a Truth Social tirade, once again claiming that her one-time McDonalds job was a lie. Comrade Kamala Harris just put up an Ad saying that I.V.F. was banned in certain areas because of me. That is another LIE, just like her working at McDonalds was a LIE! he said. 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 }} Republican vice presidential nominee JD Vance has suggested that he doesnt need to prepare that much ahead of his debate with Minnesota Governor Tim Walz on October 1. The debate is set to take place at 9pm ET and will be hosted by CBS News. We have well-developed views on public policy, so we dont have to prepare that much, the Ohio senator said during a press call on Wednesday, according to the New York Post. However, The New York Times has reported that Vance is spending several days hosting prep sessions in rural Michigan this week. While President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris spent days preparing for their debates, which in the end led to Bidens departure from the race, Vance said, Were not planning to do anything similar. What were going to focus on is that I make as concise and direct appeal to the American people as possible about Donald Trumps successful policies and Kamala Harris failed policies, he added. Kamala Harris record is one of unadorable groceries, unaffordable housing and Americans who are losing their jobs. So I dont think we have to prepare that much because we dont have to hide our record from the American people, we just have to talk about it, Vance said. Republican vice presidential nominee Sen. JD Vance (R-OH) speaks to supporters during a campaign event at the Northwestern Michigan Fairgrounds. He is now saying he doesnt have to prepare that much for his upcoming debate ( Getty Images ) Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg is playing Vance during Walzs mock debates while Republican and Minnesota Representative Tom Emmer playing the part of Walz during Vances preparations. Emmer was called in to emulate Walzs folksy demeanor, according to ABC News. Vances debate prep has consisted of sessions at his home in Cincinnati, Ohio, as well as online preparations with colleagues, including Trump advisor Jason Miller. The Ohio senator has over the course of the last month looked over debate plans, tactics, as well as questions that might arise during the debate, ABC noted. The Republican VP nominee is set to attempt to depict the Minnesota governor as a far-left progressive, taking aim at his policy priorities during his time in the governors mansion. Emmer, the House Republican majority whip, previously chaired the National Republican Congressional Committee. He endorsed Trump earlier this year even after the ex-commander-in-chief called him a globalist RINO (Republican In Name Only) as he took him out of contention for the House speakership following the departure of former California Representative Kevin McCarthy. Between 2015 and 2019, Walz and Emmer both served in the House. Vances wife Usha, a fellow Yale Law School graduate, has been taking part in the debate preparations, according to ABC News. Usha Vance previously clerked for Supreme Court Chief Justice John Roberts. The debate prep has included watching footage of Walzs previous debate from earlier campaigns but a source close to Vance told ABC that his interviews with the press have also helped him prepare. The debate is set to be moderated by Norah ODonnell, the anchor and managing editor of CBS Evening News, as well as Margaret Brennan, the moderator of Face the Nation and the chief foreign affairs correspondent for the network. 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 }} Stephen Colbert has continued to delight in Donald Trumps rage after baiting the former president by calling him boring. The Late Show host said that his description of the former president in a recent PBS interview was deliberate and intended to upset him. During the interview, Colbert was asked if he would consider having Trump as a guest on his show. Ive had him before and hes kind of boring, so no, he replied. Trump was quick to react, and apparently rattled, as he penned a long post on his social media platform, Truth Social, taking aim at Colbert, who he described a total loser and VERY BORING. The Late Show host said that his description of Trump in a recent interview was deliberate and intended to upset him ( The Late Show/ CBS ) I briefly watched an interview of Stephen Colbert on highly government subsidized PBS, and found it fascinating for only one reason Why would they be wasting time and the publics money on this complete and total loser? Trump wrote Tuesday. He is not funny, which he gets paid far too much to be, he is not wise, he is VERY BORING, and his show is dying from a complete lack of viewers. Colbert responded to Trumps Truth Social post during his late-night show on Wednesday. "Hes clearly upset because I called him boring. And I called him boring because I knew it would upset him, Colbert said, prompting laughter from the audience. Which it did, because hes so predictable. Which is ultimately what makes him kinda boring." During a rally in Pennsylvania earlier this week, Trump also lashed out at Colbert, and his fellow late-night show hosts Jimmy Kimmel and Jimmy Fallon. The former presidents two chief complaints related to a moment from Fallons show eight years ago, and a joke that Kimmel made at the Oscars more than six months ago. When I first ran in 2015 or was thinking about running I went on [Jimmys] show, The Tonight Show, which is dying. Theyre all dying, Trump added. Where is Johnny Carson? Bring back Johnny. It made you appreciate the greatness of Johnny Carson. These three guys are so bad. Trump responded to remarks made by Colbert on his social media platform, Truth Social ( AP ) Trumps comments about Carson have since gone viral, with a number of people wondering if he was speaking literally about bringing back Carson, who died in 2005. The former president often appears to take remarks from late-night comedians to heart and while in the White House, he reportedly tried to have Kimmel censored. Rolling Stone reported last year that Trump made at least two phone calls to a top executive at Disney, the parent company of ABC which airs Jimmy Kimmel, Live!, to demand action against the star in 2018. 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 }} Mark Robinson continues to be battered by staff resignations as the fallout from a CNN investigation into his past continues. The North Carolina lieutenant governor previously saw the lions share of his campaign staff quit over the weekend resignations which included his campaign manager and deputy campaign manager, leaving him with little more than a spokesman. On Tuesday, it was further reported by WRAL, a local news outlet, that the staff exodus extended to non-campaign staff at his state office in Raleigh. Just half of his staff remains, according to WRAL, which cited sources familiar with the situation. Four staffers have quit or are in the process of doing so, according to the news outlet; they include Robinsons spokesman, policy director, government affairs director and another top adviser. A request for comment from The Independent was not immediately answered. The website of the lieutenant governors office indicated that Robinsons scheduler and constituent services director remained as points of contact. Over the weekend, eight staffers resigned from Robinsons campaign. He had just three remaining after the initial exodus, according to reports. Mark Robinson joins Donald Trump onstage at the latters rally in Wilmington in May of 2023. The Trump-endorsed candidate is now seeing his campaign and state office staffers exit in droves after a damaging CNN report. ( Getty Images ) The total collapse of his campaign and state office follows the publication of a lengthy CNN KFile investigation last Thursday. The investigation reported that it had linked Robinson, through a known screenname and email address, to a long series of comments made on a porn site called Nude Africa. The contents of those posts were shocking in nature in addition to calling himself a Black Nazi and telling others he would like to own slaves, the account also made lurid and jaw-droppingly graphic comments about his own sexual habits and preferences, including a fascination for tranny porn, according to CNN. Robinson has strongly denied making the posts in a video message. On Tuesday, he also announced the hiring of a law firm to lead an independent investigation into the posts. He hasnt said what he would do with the results of that investigation, including whether theyd be made public, and has not commented further on a threat to file a defamation lawsuit against CNN over the report. Meanwhile, his own party is abandoning him in droves. Donald Trump declined to mention his candidacy at a rally on Saturday in Wilmington where he shouted-out numerous Republican electeds in attendance. The Republican Governors Association (RGA) has also pulled ad funding for his campaign and a number of GOP governors from neighboring states have withdrawn endorsements. Robinson was already trailing his Democratic rival Josh Stein in all available polling before the publication of CNNs report. Now, it seems like his party is pulling its lifelines at the worst possible moment in more ways than one. In the hours after the publication of CNNs report last week, North Carolinas deadline for the withdrawal of candidacy for the 2024 cycle came and went; Republicans are now stuck with their gubernatorial nominee. Polling of the state separately shows Vice President Kamala Harris trailing Donald Trump by a low single-digit margin, similar to the threshold by which Joe Biden was defeated in the state in 2020. 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 }} Melania Trump has opened up about her son Barrons decision to attend college in New York City, saying she doesnt feel like an empty nester because he still lives at home. In her first sit-down interview in over two years, Melania told Fox & Friendss Ainsley Earhardt that she respected her 18-year-old sons decision to attend college at New York University, which means he can live at home at Trump Tower during his studies. I could not say Im an empty nester, I dont feel that way, she said. I raised Barron as [his] own person and give him his own yes and nos. I respect that, it was his decision to come here, that he wants to be [in] New York and study [in] New York and live in his home and I respect that. Barrons childhood has largely been split between his fathers Trump Tower on Fifth Avenue, Manhattan, and the familys sprawling Mar-A-Lago estate in Florida. After graduating from high school in Florida in May, he began his freshman year at NYU earlier this month. Melania fawned over her only son in the interview, crediting him as an incredible young man. Barron (pictured with Melania and Donald Trump) is living at home while studying at NYU ( REUTERS ) She said: Im very proud of what he grew up to. His strength, his intelligence, his knowledge, his kindness. Its admirable. And hes enjoying his college days. I hope he will have a great experience because his life is very different than any other 18 19 year-old child. When the freshman started at NYU, a flurry of videos popped up on TikTok of the 18-year-old making his way around campus, trailed by Secret Service agents. Fellow NYU students shared the videos of Barron, aptly described by WIRED as Sasquatch-esque: short, frantic, blurry clips of the elusive 69 freshman making his way to class. In the Fox & Friends interview, the former first lady was also asked for her advice on how to navigate being a parent of a blended family, with her husband Donald Trump having four other children with two other women. Everybodys in control of own self, said Melania. Im not in control of my husband. Im not in control of his children. Im not even in control of my child. Barron at his high school graduation in May ( AFP via Getty Images ) Trump has previously revealed that Barron who Melania has long sought to keep out of the spotlight has started to take an interest in politics. Hes really been a great student. And he does like politics, Trump told Talk Radio 1210 WPHT in Philadelphia in May. Its sort of funny. Hell tell me sometimes, Dad, this is what you have to do. Trumps former White House chief of staff, Mick Mulvaney, recently revealed that Barron has been giving advice around how to attract support from younger voters. The teenager is said to have been behind Trumps on-camera interview with social media influencer Adin Ross, who is popular with young men. 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 }} House Speaker Mike Johnson has rebuffed former president Donald Trumps overtures by letting the House of Representatives vote to approve a spending bill to keep the government funded until December despite the fact that it included no provisions to tighten elections. Trump had previously called on House Republicans to not agree to a continuing resolution without the SAVE Act, which claimed it would would prevent illegal immigrants from voting. This, despite the fact that US law already prohibits such a practice in federal elections. If Republicans dont get the SAVE Act, and every ounce of it, they should not agree to a Continuing Resolution in any way, shape, or form, Trump wrote on Truth Social last week. Some conservatives and members of the House Freedom Caucus expressed frustration at the fact that House Republican leadership gave up. And I realize he's got a tough job, but the country's in tough shape, financially, militarily in every way, Representative Ralph Norman of South Carolina told The Independent. So I will wish he had fought harder, but it is what it is. But House Appropriations Chairman Tom Cole told The Independent that including the SAVE Act was not feasible and a government shutdown would be worse. My personal opinion is, we were not likely to be able to get that and the government shutdown was not going to be helpful to President Trump, let alone to our efforts to hold on to the House, he said. The House voted 341-82 to pass the continuing resolution, which will fund the government at levels set in the fiscal year 2024 budget, through December 20. It's pretty consistent to where this congress has been on issues like providing funding to Ukraine and israel and funding government earlier this year, so it's not surprising, House Democratic Caucus Chairman Pete Aguilar of California told The Independent. All of the chambers Democrats voted to approve the measure, joining with 140 Republicans to pass it under a provision of House rules requiring two-thirds of the chamber to vote on bills that bypass the regular legislative process. All Democrats voted with 138 Republicans to keep the government open. The House held the vote under suspension of the rules, which allowed for House Republican leadership to sidestep it having a vote in the Rules Committee, given opposition from far-right members. That meant that the legislation had to pass with more than two-thirds of the vote. Despite defying the former president, Johnson is a Trump loyalist who even turned up to the former presidents trial in New York to support him. It is unclear how Trump will respond to Johnsons defying his demands to keep the government open. Throughout the 118th Congress, Republicans have relied on Democrats to pass stopgap spending bills to prevent a shutdown, to raise the debt limit and pass aid to Ukraine and Israel. The House will now leave until the after the election. Republicans hope to hold onto and grow their narrow majority in the House while Democrats seek to flip a handful of Republican-held seats that voted for President Joe Biden in 2020. The legislation will now head to the Senate where it is expected to pass swiftly. 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 U.N. ambassador Nikki Haley detailed her long and complicated history with Donald Trump during an episode of her new Sirius XM radio show Nikki Haley Live on Wednesday. On this show, youre not going to hear me say glowing things about Donald Trumps personality. I have issues with him, as well, Haley said. I have not forgotten what he said about me. Ive not forgotten what he said about my husband or his, you know, deployment time or his military service. I havent forgotten about his and his campaigns tactics from, you know, putting a bird cage outside our hotel room to calling me bird brain. Despite serving in the Trump administration, Haley has had an often-times contentious relationship with the former president. During the 2024 primary campaign, Haley challenged Trump, and the former president often insulted her in return, calling her bird brain and making light of her husbands military deployment. Haley wasnt afraid to go after Trump either, arguing both he and Joe Biden were too old to still be in the running, and calling for mental competency tests for politicians above age 75. Nikki Haley has alternatively praised and criticized Trump since serving in Trump administration ( AP ) That disdain continued during Wednesdays broadcast, where Haley reiterated her reservations about both men. If I thought either one of those candidates were great, I wouldnt have run for office, she said. Still, despite her issues with Trump, Haley endorsed her rival in July during the Republican National Convention. "Ill start by making one thing perfectly clear: Donald Trump has my strong endorsement, period," she told the crowd. I know there are people out there who dont agree with Donald Trump 100 percent. I happen to know some of them, Haley added. I want to talk to them tonight. My message is simple: You dont have to agree with Donald Trump 100 percent of the time to vote for him. The stance earned her the ire of other Republicans who have criticized Donald Trump, including former congresswoman Liz Cheney, who broke party ranks and endorsed Kamala Harris. I cant understand her position on this in any kind of a principled way, Cheney said. I think that the things that she said, that she made clear when she was running in the primary, those things are true, she continued. Those of us who have fidelity to the Constitution, have a responsibility and a duty to recognize [that] this is not about partisan politics. Embattled gubernatorial candidate Mark Robinson was not the only Republican absent at former president Donald Trumps rally in Wilmington, North Carolina last weekend. While North Carolinas junior senator Ted Budd addressed the crowd, its senior senator and longtime power broker Thom Tillis notably did not speak. In the days after CNNs report that Robinson had allegedly commented on a porno site called Nude Africa calling himself a black Nazi and a perv who would have owned slaves if he had the chance, the incumbent lieutenant governor has vehemently denied his involvement. He has also hired a lawyer who he says will help to prove the allegations are false. But Tillis told The Independent that Robinson needs to come forward to substantiate his claims that artificial intelligence was behind the posts. What I've said publicly is I think it's on Mr Robinson to demonstrate to us that he has evidence to the contrary, he told The Independent in a brief interview on Tuesday. Its fair to say that there is no love lost between Tillis and Robinson. Back in 2023, Tillis endorsed Bill Graham in the primary for governor rather than Robinson, which led to Robinson calling Tillis North Carolinas Mitt Romney. (That is, of course, more than a little ironic, given that Romney put North Carolina back in the Republican column during his 2012 presidential campaign after Barack Obama won it in 2008.) Tillis denied that he endorsed Graham out of any animosity toward Robinson. The basis for me endorsing Graham and the primary was he has extraordinary experience, business experience, he said. That blew up in Tilliss face when Robinson won with overwhelming niumbers. But it doesnt look like such a bad move now. [Democrats] are going to blame other people for having endorsed Robinson before these revelations ever came out, Tillis said this week. Everybody's going to try and associate President Trump [with him] but there's no way on earth President Trump would endorse his person if this proves to be true and he was aware of the facts. Dan Bishop, the Republican congressman and candidate for attorney general, refused to comment on Robinson on Wednesday. Ive already spoken to that, Bishop, who previously backed Robinson, told The Independent when asked. Meanwhile, Representative Jeff Jackson Bishops Democratic opponent in the attorney general race credited Tillis for speaking out. He has basically pulled his support from Mark Robinson, he told The Independent. Not many Republicans in North Carolina have done so, so credit to Thom for doing the right thing here. Tillis and Robinson represent different approaches to Trump, the Republican Party and the future trajectory of the GOP. Tillis in many ways embodies the pre-MAGA Republican. After North Carolina voted for Obama in 2008, Tillis who is from the Charlotte suburb of Cornelius got to work and helped Republicans win both houses of North Carolinas legislature for the first time since 1898 in 2010. His political ally, former Charlotte mayor Pat McCrory, flipped the governorship in 2012. Together, they immediately passed sweeping tax cuts, voter ID laws and other major conservative priorities. In 2014, Tillis would challenge Senator Kay Hagan, the states incumbent Democratic senator, who won the same year Obama won North Carolina. The race was one of the most expensive Senate campaigns in history at the time, and the attacks grew intensely personal as it heated up. Ultimately, Tillis eked out a win. All of this to say: he climbed the ladder in the traditional manner for a Republican. Robinson, on the other hand, largely rose to prominence in 2018 when he gave a scorching speech at the Greensboro City Council defending gun rights after the Parkland shooting. The speech went viral and it led to Robinson easily winning the lieutenant governorship in 2020. That was the same year Tillis won re-election for his second term for Senate. Since then, Robinson has become a favorite of Trump, who called him Martin Luther King on steroids. At the same time, this relatively inexperienced politician has accomplished little though he has made a number of misogynistic, homophobic and transphobic comments. Tillis, for his part, is hardly a moderate McCain-type character. He voted to repeal Obamacare, voted for the Trump tax cuts, confirmed all three of Trumps Supreme Court nominations and more recently helped block a tax package that would have included an expanded Child Tax Credit. Unlike his colleague, former North Carolina senator Richard Burr, Tillis did not vote to convict Trump for his actions on January 6. However, he is a consummate dealmaker in Washington, helping to pass criminal justice reform during the Trump administration and the bipartisan infrastructure bill during Joe Bidens presidency. After the shooting in Uvalde, Texas, Tillis and Texas Republican Senator John Cornyn worked with Democratic Senator Chris Murphy and then-Democratic Senator Kyrsten Sinema to pass gun legislation. His friendship with Sinema also led to them passing the Respect for Marriage Act, which included protections for same-sex and interracial couples. In fact, Tillis likes Sinema so much that one Halloween, he dressed one of his dogs up as her. Thom Tillis famously dressed up his dogs as Mitch McConnell and Kyrsten Sinema one Halloween ( AFP via Getty Images ) Hes also been a major supporter of Ukraine and supported the border-Ukraine bill that Trump killed. But he was careful to couch his language as he did so, saying that supporters needed to tell Trump this was a good deal. Such willingness to work across the aisle has earned Tillis condemnation from some circles in the GOP. Last year, the state party censured him for working with Democrats. Tillis knows he has to walk a fine line and he has been careful not openly criticize Trump. Two weeks after Trump repeated the lie that Haitian migrants were eating pets, for instance, Tillis deflected. I'm worried about the damage being done by one and a half million got-away [migrants] since Biden came into office, he told The Independent. And what I'm saying is, whether it's true or not, it's not near as compelling to people who have not made up their minds as [talking about] the abject failure of the border of the Biden-Harris administration. On Wednesday evening, Tillis posted a photo on X/Twitter of Vice President Kamala Harris with indicted New York City Mayor Eric Adams, writing: North Carolina Democrats made it clear this week that they believe in guilt by association. The message was pretty clear. But there is no simple solution to the Robinson conundrum. Tillis knows much of the MAGA-fied base of the Republican Party still likes Robinson, even if Trump seems to have been creating distance since the damaging CNN story. And even if Robinson loses his own election, Tillis will still need to cater to those voters if he is to have a future in Trumps Republican Party. 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 }} Embattled New York City Mayor Eric Adams was indicted Thursday by federal prosecutors on five counts, including bribery, wire fraud, solicitation of contribution by a foreign national, and conspiracy, making him the first mayor of the city to be charged in office. Prosecutors say Adams, who denies the charges, has been taking bribes and foreign campaign contributions since at least 2014, when he was elected Brooklyn Borough president. Since then, the indictment alleges, Adams has continued to seek out accept, improper valuable benefits, such as luxury international travel, including from wealthy foreign businesspeople and at least one Turkish government official seeking to gain influence over him. All told, he took more than $100,000 in luxury travel benefits and solicited campaign contributions from straw donors, allowing him to rake in at least $10 million in public funds for his campaiang, prosecutors alleged. The Democrat, a retired police captain who grew up in Brooklyn and Queens, is now fighting for his political career with several prominent politicians already calling for him to resign, including congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez. Adams was elected as New York Citys 110th mayor in 2021 and took office in 2022. He was due to run again in next years mayoral race for a second term. So what do we know about the indictment of Adams? New York City Mayor Eric Adams says he will fight the charges ( Eric Adams ) What are the allegations? Federal prosecutors hit Adams with five counts: wire fraud, bribery, conspiracy, and solicitation of a contribution by a foreign national. As Adams prominence and power grew, his foreign-national benefactors sought to cash in on their corrupt relationships with him, particularly when, in 2021, it became clear that Adams would become New York Citys mayor, the indictment states. In exchange for the bribes and campaign contributions, Adams is accused of doing favors for foreign nationals, including a senior Turkish official. In one particularly egregious episode, prosecutors say Adams turned the screws on New York City Fire Department officials to approve an occupancy permit for a newly constructed Turkish consular building in Manhattan that the FDNY did not believe was safe. In all, the indictment says Adams received free international flights to France, Sri Lanka, Hungary, China, India, and Turkey, deeply discounted stays at opulent hotels, pricey meals, and other perks worth more than $100,000. He then repeatedly took steps to shield his solicitation and acceptance of these benefits from public scrutiny, omitting the gifts from his required annual financial disclosures, paying nominal amounts to make it seem as if he had in fact paid for the freebies, and created fake paper trails to obfuscate the truth, according to the indictment. Straw donors allegedly allowed Adams to secretly take in cash from foreign entities, wealthy individuals who had already maxed out their allowable yearly contributions, and corporations prohibited by New York City law from donating money to political candidates. Federal agents seized mayors electronic devices In November 2023, federal agents seized Adams electronic devices as part of an ongoing probe into allegations of corruption related to campaign finance wrongdoings. The New York City mayor has been vocal about his longstanding relationship with Turkey and the Turkish-American community of New York. He previously boasted that hes made at least six trips to Turkey. Reports circulated that Adams received campaign donations from employees of a Brooklyn-based construction company owned by a Turkish-American businessman. Adams denies any wrongdoing At a chaotic press conference on Thursday that was interrupted multiple times by protesters Adams denied all allegations of wrongdoing and said he would not be stepping down as mayor. On Wednesday evening, Adams had released a video statement that also proclaimed his innocence. My fellow New Yorkers, it is now my belief that the federal government intends to charge me with crimes, said Adams in the video. If so, these charges will be entirely false, based on lies. But they would not be surprising. I always knew that if I stood my ground for all of you, that I would be a target, and a target I became. He added: I can also understand how everyday New Yorkers would be concerned that I cannot do my job while I face accusations, but I have been facing these lies for months since I began to speak out for all of you and their investigation started. Calls for mayor to resign Representative Alexandria Ocasio Cortez has called for Adams to resign ( Getty Images ) Ocasio-Cortez called for Adams to resign on Wednesday. I do not see how Mayor Adams can continue governing New York City, she wrote on X. The flood of resignations and vacancies are threatening government function. Nonstop investigations will make it impossible to recruit and retain a qualified administration. For the good of the city, he should resign. Others have echoed her calls, including State Senator John Liu, ABC7NY reports. The people of New York City, however, need a mayor who is able to devote full time and full energy to putting the city on the right track, including recruitment and retention of top leadership for the City, he said. Mayor Adams is simply unable to do that for the foreseeable future and therefore, for the good of all New Yorkers, must resign immediately, Liu added. NYC council member Shekar Krishnan said: New Yorkers deserve better. Mayor Adams has already proven himself unfit and unable to lead from City Hall, Krishnan said. He will absolutely be unable to lead from inside a courtroom. He must resign. Who takes over if the mayor steps down New York City public advocate, Jumaane Williams, would step in as acting mayor if Adams resigns ( Getty ) Adams said he has no intention of resigning. Im stepping up, not stepping down, he said. I have a city to run that I will continue to run. But in the event of his resignation, the citys public advocate, Jumaane Williams, would step in as acting mayor. A special election would be scheduled by Williams who is a fierce critic of Adams which would take place by the end of the year. As the facts emerge, the Public Advocate will have more to say to the people of New York City and right now, he is focused on how best to ensure that New Yorkers can regain trust, confidence and stability in city government, a spokesperson for Williams said in a statement. New York governor, Kathy Hochul ( AP ) Adams is not required to resign but there is only one person has the power to remove him from office before the end of his term: New Yorks governor, Kathy Hochul. A source told the New York Post there is no chance she would, however. String of mayors associates have already resigned Over the past several weeks several of the mayors political associates have resigned or announced their intention to leave their positions. These include the mayors police commissioner, the schools chancellor, the health commissioner and his chief counsel. 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 }} Barbara Comstock wants people to know that she is still very much a Republican despite the fact she is voting for Kamala Harris. Tonight, I'm going to a Larry Hogan event, the former Republican congresswoman told The Independent, in reference to the former governor and Republican Senate nominee in Maryland. But she said that former president Donald Trump was damaging the GOP, and in particular slammed Trumps running mate, JD Vance. While Republicans probably, certainly look to gain the Senate [in general], they are going to lose a number of winnable Senate seats, she said, adding that Vance is such a non-starter for me because of his misogyny. On Thursday, Comstock led an an event in Old Town Alexandria, Virginia to convince her fellow Republicans to vote for Harris, too. She was joined by former Republican congressman Denver Riggleman and former Trump administration official Olivia Troye, both of whom have emerged as major critics of Trump in the past few months. Throughout the event, each of the speakers emphasized their conservative credentials. Comstock talked about how she grew up in a family of Massachusetts Democrats, but was convinced to join the Republican Party when she interned for Ted Kennedy. She worked for numerous Republican administrations before serving in Congress. Former Trump official Olivia Troye, seen speaking at the Democratic National Convention, addressed in a Thursday event why as a Republican she could no longer vote for Trump ( EPA ) Riggleman discussed his time in the House Freedom Caucus, the group of right-wing hellraisers who often accuse other Republicans of being insufficiently conservative. Meanwhile, Troye spoke about her four years in the GOP. Harris has actively courted Republicans throughout her campaign, receiving the backing of some elected officials, as well as former staffers for the Bush and Reagan administration and staff for the late John McCain. Troye even spoke at the Democratic National Convention. What we're saying is, we don't have to be in agreement with everything when it comes to Kamala Harris and Tim Walz. But we can agree on fundamental things, like: we want to preserve our democracy, she told The Independent. We want to be strong on national security. We don't want someone that's cavorting with dictators and lauding praise on dictators like Donald Trump did during the debate. Troye also noted that she is neighbors with JD Vance, who she referred to as anti-women. Attendees at the event talked up their Republican credentials while explaining their decision to vote for Harris. Faith Rodill, who brought her young daughter along to the event, told The Independent that she had worked with numerous Republican members of Congress but I'm worried about the future of my children, especially my daughters, and having an example of the former president who's trying to get his job back is just absolutely unacceptable. I'm really jazzed to have my daughter see that justice needs to prevail, she added. We want to be strong on national security. We dont want someone thats cavorting with dictators and lauding praise on dictators like Donald Trump did during the debate, some Republicans said. Trump is seen meeting with Hungary Prime Minister Viktor Orban ( Zoltan Fischer/X/AFP/Getty ) Specifically, Rodill expressed her concern about reproductive rights being taken away from women. It shouldn't even be a question that, at the end of the day, these conversations need to be with a woman, her partner or her religious leader, not by the government whatsoever. I don't want that taken away from my girls, Rodill said. Steve Devaine said that he had worked on Richard Nixons re-election campaign, but called Nixon quaint by comparison with Trump. Donald Trump is a convicted felon, and guess what? He's going to be convicted of a whole lot more if he doesn't get elected and make sure the charges are dismissed, he said. This guys a bad guy. He is not interested in representational, constitutional democracy. Riggleman said that Harriss campaign has been incredibly welcoming to Republicans, which is a good sign for how she should govern. I think there should be, literally, Republicans at the White House with her after she's elected, just to talk to her about what we've seen, what we've done, he told The Independent. For her part, Harris expressed openness to hiring a Republican in her administration during her first sitdown interview with CNN. Many other notable Republicans such as former members of Congress Liz Cheney and Adam Kinzinger, both of whom voted to convict Trump for his actions on January 6 and worked on the select committee investigating the riot, as well as former vice president Dick Cheney have all indicated they will vote for Harris. Comstock noted that while Virginia is seen as a state that will likely vote Democratic, she was also going to push for her relatives in Pennsylvania and North Carolina to break for Harris, particularly her Catholic family members. Im proud of my family, my Catholic family, who [Trump] said shouldnt be voting for Harris, she said, referencing a recent speech during which Trump said Catholics considering voting for Harris should have their heads examined. Most of my Catholic family is [voting for Harris], Comstock added. Particularly the ones in the swing states. 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 }} Fox News host Martha MacCallum confronted Robert F Kennedy Jr about his alleged sexting scandal with New York Magazines star reporter Olivia Nuzzi live on air on Wednesday. Rumors began swirling last Thursday when the magazine announced that Nuzzi, 31, had been placed on leave after disclosing a personal relationship with a former subject relevant to the election. The magazines media reporter Oliver Darcy revealed soon after that the alleged mystery subject was 70-year-old RFK Jr. MacCallum brought up the alleged scandal on air on Fox News on Wednesday. I want to give you an opportunity to address some headlines, she said. Nodding to wild, resurfaced stories that he dumped a dead bear cub in Central Park and beheaded a dead whale with a chainsaw, she said: Because you seem to be surrounded by, you know, scandals and old stories that keep coming up about animals and all of this. She continued: The latest one is an inappropriate relationship with a New York Magazine political reporter who was covering your campaign. Its gotten a lot of attention, so what do you say to your supporters who question your behavior and want to know whats going on? RFK Jr quickly tried to shut down the question. Reporter Olivia Nuzzi at the White House Correspondents' Association dinner on April 29 2023 ( AFP via Getty Images ) I never comment on those kind of stories, he replied, telling the news anchor he was happy to discuss other topics, such as health and ending the conflict in Ukraine. But as a person do you have any regrets about any- she continued to ask. RFK Jr firmly repeated himself: Like I said, I dont make comments on it. MacCallum backed down, but added that she wanted to give him the opportunity to answer it because its been out there, but we thank you very much for being here, as always. RFK Jr, who has been married to actor Cheryl Hines for a little over 10 years, apparently boasted to his friends about receiving intimate photos from Nuzzi, according to reports from The Daily Beast and Puck News last week. These boasts managed to work their way back to Nuzzis boss, New York Magazine editor David Haskell, resulting in the journalist being put on leave while a review is carried out. RFK Jr (left) was asked about the alleged affair in interview with Martha MacCallum (right) ( Getty ) Had the magazine been aware of this relationship, she would not have continued to cover the presidential campaign, the statement from New York Magazine reads. Nuzzi released her own statement denying the relationship with Kennedy was physical. Earlier this year, the nature of some communication between myself and a former reporting subject turned personal, she said. During that time, I did not directly report on the subject nor use them as a source. She added: 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. A spokesperson for RFK Jr told The New York Times that he had met Nuzzi once in his life for an interview she requested, which yielded a hit piece. The Independent has contacted RFK Jr and Nuzzi for further comment. Olivia Nuzzi and Ryan Lizza at the 2023 White House Correspondents Dinner After Party. The couple got engaged in 2022 but have since broken up ( Getty Images for CBS News ) Hines is RFK Jrs third wife. His first marriage to Emily Black ended in divorce in 1994, while his second wife Mary Richardson died by suicide in 2012, two years after he filed for divorce. On Friday, Nuzzis partner Ryan Lizza, a reporter at Politico, released a statement which referred to Nuzzi as his ex-finacee. It is not clear when the couple parted ways. Because of my connection to this story through my ex-fiancee, my editors and I have agreed that I wont be involved in any coverage of Kennedy in Playbook or elsewhere at POLITICO, Lizza said. Judging by social media posts, the couple had been engaged since September 2022. If you are experiencing feelings of distress, or are struggling to cope, you can speak to the Samaritans, in confidence, on 116 123 (UK and ROI), email jo@samaritans.org, or visit the Samaritans website to find details of your nearest branch. If you are based in the USA, and you or someone you know needs mental health assistance right now, call or text 988, or visit 988lifeline.org to access online chat from the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline. This is a free, confidential crisis hotline that is available to everyone 24 hours a day, seven days a week. 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 }} Roseanne Barr shrieked on stage at a MAGA event sharing conspiracy theories about the 2020 election and the January 6 insurrection. During her Tuesday appearance alongside the former Fox News host Tucker Carlson at the Dickies Arena in Fort Worth, Texas, Barr baselessly claimed that the Democrats overthrew the government in 2020 because they didnt accept Trumps nonexistent victory, Mediaite noted. The former president lost the popular vote in 2016 and again by a wider margin in 2020, allowing President Joe Biden to claim an electoral college win where former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton came up short. On Tuesday, Barr made the fact-free claim that liberals have used the January 6 Capitol riot to distract the public from an insurrection of their own. They overthrew the Constitutional Republic of the United States of America. And then they covered it up with their January 6th bulls***. With their insurrection! she stood up from her seat and shouted from the stage. Roseanne Barr shared conspiracy theories at a MAGA event attended by former Fox News host Tucker Carlson ( Screenshot / X ) President Trump God bless that man I love him and everybody knows it, she added. I love him more now than I ever loved him and I loved him pretty damn good. He drove me out in a Bentley when I did my second HBO special at Trump Palace in Atlantic City if youve seen it. Hes always been a good friend and a good man, she said. Carlson has hosted a traveling talk show alongside other conspiracy theorists, such as InfoWars host Alex Jones, during his national tour. On Tuesday, he watched in silence as Barr yelled at the audience before starting to laugh. Barr recently attempted to distance herself from a video shared on social media in which former independent presidential candidate Robert F Kennedy Jr told her about how he dumped a dead bear in Central Park a decade ago. This was not filmed by me or my team. This was off the cuff after the interview, she wrote on X on August 6. There is no spin here just a funny story. Its nice to see RFK finally get some press Albeit during an economic crash by the Biden-Harris administration. Great job journos! On Tuesday, Barr made the fact-free claim that liberals have used the January 6 Capitol riot to distract the public from an insurrection of their own by stealing the 2020 election ( AP ) Kennedy shared the video on X in an apparent attempt to get out ahead of the publishing of a story by The New Yorker magazine. Kennedy, who joined the Democratic primary before dropping out and running as an independent only to end his campaign before the election and endorse former President Donald Trump, said he left New York in October 2014 to go falconing over the weekend in upstate New York, when he supposedly spotted the driver ahead of him strike a bear, killing it instantly. He claimed that he pulled over to pick up the animal. I was going to skin the bear and it was in very good condition and I was going to put the meat in my refrigerator, he claimed. He subsequently attended a dinner before realizing that he didnt have time to go home before he had to head to the airport, prompting him to dump the bear in Central Park. The next day ... it was on every television station. It was [on the] front page of every paper and I turned on the TV and there was like a mile of yellow tape and 20 cop cars, there were helicopters flying, and I was like, Oh my god. What did I do? he added in the footage with Barr. 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 }} A Secret Service agent is accused of sexually assaulting a staffer for Kamala Harris in a hotel room. The alleged incident took place over the last week, as a team of agents and Harris staffers did advance planning and security work for a September 20 event in Wisconsin that was later canceled, reports RealClearPolitics, citing four unnamed sources in the Secret Service community. The agent in question and the Harris staffers reportedly ate and drank together at a local restaurant, then went back to the female staffers room. There, the agent allegedly forced himself on the woman and groped her, an incident allegedly witnessed by others. Those inside the room allegedly kicked the agent out into the hallway, where he was said to have been so drunk he passed out. The U.S. Secret Service Office of Professional Responsibility is investigating a misconduct allegation involving an employee, a Secret Service spokesman said in a statement to the outlet. The Secret Service holds its personnel to the highest standards. The employee has been placed on administrative leave pending the outcome of the investigation. Agent is accused of groping Harris staffer during advance trip to Wisconsin ( Getty Images ) The Harris campaign office also confirmed it was aware of the allegation. We have zero tolerance for sexual misconduct, it told The Guardian. Senior OVP [Office of the Vice President] officials were alerted by the USSS about an incident involving an agent and informed that USSS initiated an investigation. Secret Service agents have been accused of misbehavior on trips in the past, including a 2012 scandal where agents in Colombia brought prostitutes back to a hotel, and a 2014 incident in which three agents protecting President Obama were sent home and suspended for excessive drinking during a trip to Amsterdam. In recent months, the elite outfit has been under scrutiny for potential security lapses, following multiple close-call threats against the life of Donald Trump, including an assassination attempt in Pennsylvania and an alleged plot in Florida. On Wednesday, a bipartisan Senate report accused the Secret Service of major lapses in planning and communication over the recent incidents. [United States Secret Service] failures in planning, communications, security, and allocations of resources were foreseeable, preventable, and directly related to the events resulting in the assassination attempt, the report says. 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 President Donald Trump has been forced to cancel an outside rally in Wisconsin because of shortages within the Secret Service. The rally was planned for Saturday at an airport, but the agency said it didnt have the staff needed to secure the area, according to CBS News. The former president is instead set to speak at a smaller indoor venue in Prairie du Chien in the southwestern part of the state on the border with Iowa. The Secret Service said it was low on personnel because of the United Nations General Assembly in New York, where they have to provide security for foreign leaders during their time in the US. An agency official told CBS News the Secret Service was never configured to provide such an elevated level of protection for an increasing number of protected. Republican presidential candidate former President Donald Trump is rushed offstage by U.S. Secret Service agents after being grazed by a bullet during a Pennsylvania rally. He has now canceled an outdoor rally in Wisconsin due to Secret Service shortages ( Getty Images ) Our personnel and equipment are being pushed to their limits to sustain the current operational tempo, they added. This proposed Wisconsin event also took place during the United Nations General Assembly, where the Secret Service is responsible for the safety and security of over 140 world leaders amid a challenged global threat level. The Secret Service increased its protection for Trump following the assassination attempt against the Republican nominee in Butler, Pennsylvania, on July 13 when he was grazed by a bullet before being covered by agents. One rally attendee was shot and killed by the gunman and two others were injured. An alleged second attempt on Trumps life was disrupted on September 15 when an agent opened fire on the suspect, who fled but was later detained going down I-95. Secret Service officials have asked Congress for more funding and resources even as legislators have severely criticized the agency for the July 13 security failures. This week, lawmakers approved $231 million in fresh funding for the agency. Trump has held outdoor rallies, such as in Butler, Pennsylvania, but now had to move a planned weekend outdoor event to a smaller indoor location due to lack of personnel ( Copyright 2024 The Associated Press. All rights reserved ) The service is tasked with protecting foreign leaders while theyre in the US as well as President Joe Biden and his family, in addition to former presidents, vice presidents, their families and candidates for president and vice president. The service is currently protecting about three dozen people continually, CBS noted. The Trump campaign decreased the frequency of outdoor rallies following the Pennsylvania shooting as they require more coordination and planning. Former President Donald Trump is receiving heightened levels of US Secret Service protection and our top priority is mitigating risks to ensure his continued safety at all times, a spokesperson for the service told the network. 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 }} Republicans may be outraged over Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskys visit to a munitions plant in the key swing state of Pennsylvania, but the White House isnt paying much heed to their complaints. White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre used her Thursday press briefing to bat down gripes from House Republicans who are accusing Zelensky of improperly interfering in the upcoming US presidential election by visiting a weapons factory where artillery shells used by his countrys armed forces are being produced. The Ukrainian leader is in the US to attend the UN General Assembly and is meeting with President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris at the White House later in the day Thursday. He drew Republicans ire when he visited the Scranton Army Ammunition Plant in Pennsylvania over the weekend. During his visit, Zelensky inspected production lines where the 155mm artillery shells, designed for the front lines in his countrys war with Russia, are manufactured. He did so alongside the states governor, Josh Shapiro. While inspecting the plant, he told workers: It is in places like this where you can truly feel that the democratic world can prevail. Thanks to people like these in Ukraine, in America, and in all partner countries who work tirelessly to ensure that life is protected. Zelenskys sojourn in the Keystone State and his subsequent criticisms of former president Donald Trump and his running-mate, Ohio Senator JD Vance led House Republicans to level charges of putting a thumb on the scales for Harris, particular since Pennsylvania is an important swing state. House Oversight Committee Chair James Comer was moved to send letters to the White House, Department of Justice and Department of Defense in which he demanded any information and communication, both internal and external, about President Zelenskys visit to the United States, and griped that Zelensky was granted the use of an Air Force aircraft for his travel to Pennsylvania. Speaker Mike Johnson went a step further, calling for Zelensky to fire his widely respected ambassador, Oksana Markarova, because shed failed to invite any Republicans to the event. But White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre pushed back on the GOPs assertions by noting that the visit to the plant was arranged at the request of Zelenskys government and no one else. The Ukrainians asked to visit the facility, which employs American workers ... who are manufacturing critical supplies that the Ukrainian military is using every day on the front lines of freedom because of its centrality ... to their countrys continued existence. This came from the Ukrainians, not us, she said. This is something that they wanted to do after they made that request. DoD did what it has done for years: figure out how to provide transportation for foreign leaders traveling on US soil. As for Zelenskys use of an American military plane, Jean-Pierre pointed out that such arrangements are standard for foreign leaders who are traveling domestically within the United States. She stressed that using military aircraft in such instances is commonplace and not just because Zelensky is someone who the Russian government might like to see dead. She also noted that Zelensky had made similar trip to a different defense manufacturing facility in Utah earlier in the year without drawing any complaints. That trip, she said, featured no Democratic participants, but it did include Utahs Republican governor and other GOP officeholders. There wasnt a single demand, not one, not one single demand for an investigation when that occurred a couple months ago in Utah. So this was business as usual ... We would encourage the House Republicans to drop this, she added. This is a political stunt. In the final days of the Second World War, commandos from the SAS parachuted behind enemy lines to attack a crack German mountain unit in an operation which seems like something out of the pages of a novel. Rafael Ramos Masens killed six Nazi troops and carried his wounded captain to safety. His actions earned him the Military Medal for notable bravery during and after the attack behind enemy lines. Before he reached the attack in Italy, Ramos had walked about 125 miles and fought in two other battles. This is just one of many extraordinary tales of hundreds of Spaniards who fought across Europe and beyond for the British Army, to defeat fascism. Spanish soldiers fought in every theatre of war, including Tobruk, Crete, Salerno, Normandy, Arnhem and the Ardennes. When victory over Germany finally came, however, Spaniards who had risked their lives were disappointed that the Allies did not try to bring down the Spanish dictator General Francisco Franco. Their story is captured in dramatic fashion in Churchills Spaniards, published this month, which relates the heroism of these men, who were already veterans of the Spanish civil war when they enlisted for Britain. Sean Scullion, a lieutenant colonel in the British Army, who is based in the Netherlands for Nato, spent eight years researching the stories of about 1,200 Spaniards who fought for Winston Churchill. The SAS had at least nine Spanish troopers. Two of Ramoss comrades, Justo Balerdi and Francisco Geronimo took part in another operation with the secretive army unit. Balerdi lost his life when he was shot in the head. He was buried under the nom de guerre, R Bruce, after Robert the Bruce. He chose the name to avoid being sent back to Spain if he was captured or to escape summary execution under Hitlers 1942 commando order, which said that any Allied commando must be killed when captured. Geronimo, who was known as Frank Williams, wanted to be called Francis Drake but was not allowed to use the name of the English national hero. Angel Camarena, left, and Francisco Geronimo shortly after joining the SAS and arriving in Britain ( Francisco Geronimo collection ) Another remarkable character was Angel Camarena. Before the Spanish civil war, this poetry-writing free spirit worked as a driver for General Franco and played with the future dictators daughter. But after the civil war broke out, he was condemned to death as a Republican. As he was about to be shot by firing squad, he jumped off a prison ship and was picked up by a passing British ship, only to be returned to the Spaniards on the condition he was not executed. After five years in prison in Morocco, he was released, joined the Allies and was recruited by the SAS. Camarena becomes a good friend of Geronimo and after the war they end up living on the same street in Swansea, of all places, Scullion says. He was involved in the SAS operation which was one of the most famous and most dangerous, Operation Loyton. A lot of the SAS troopers were betrayed by infiltrators as they were close to the German border. I think over 30 SAS members were murdered by the Germans. He survived that. He was another hard as nails guy. Ramos, who was born in Barcelona, had fought on the Republican side in the civil war in the battle of the River Ebro in 1938. After being captured, he escaped to France. His story is typical of other countrymen who were forced to flee Spain after the victory of Francos forces in the civil war in 1939. Some ended up in refugee camps in southern France and then enlisted in the French Foreign Legion to fight the Germans after the Nazi invasion in 1940. But when France fell, many were anxious to change armies and fight for Britain as they respected British discipline. A second wave of Spanish troops joined the British in 1942 after the liberation of North Africa by Allied soldiers. Some joined the SAS and took part in long-distance desert forays with this elite unit. The No 1 Spanish Company of the Auxiliary Military Pioneer Corps was the only exclusively Iberian company. Some were judged hotheads by the British, who disdained the lack of discipline of a few Spanish troops. However, Scullion notes, what some Spaniards lacked in discipline, they made up for in bravery. They were not generally great marksmen, he writes. But they loved the feel of cold steel in their hands: knives and bayonets. After the war, many former soldiers formed exile groups in Britain. Some of them settled down, married local girls or Spanish girls or got their families over from Spain. They formed ex-servicemen associations and carried on the fight [against Franco] from there, says Scullion, who speaks Spanish fluently as he spent part of his youth in Madrid. Scullions meticulous research involved interviewing the families of 70 soldiers but sadly all had died before he could reach them. So he had to separate fact from family myth. For Scullion, this was simply a tale which needed to be told: It is a fascinating story. Churchills Spaniards is published by Helion & Company 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 }} Four people have been questioned as witnesses in the investigation into a Taiwanese company linked to pagers that detonated in Lebanon last week, prosecutors said. At least 39 people, including children, were killed and 3,000 injured after hundreds of pagers and walkie talkies exploded across Lebanon in what is widely suspected to have been an Israeli attack. Israeli president Isaac Herzog appeared to deny his countrys involvement in the attack. He told Sunday Morning with Trevor Phillips on Sky News: First of all, I reject out of hand any connection to this, or that source of operation. How or when the electronic devices were weaponised and remotely detonated remains under investigation, which has led prosecutors in Taiwan to look at the roles of companies at home as well as in Bulgaria, Norway and Romania. Manufacturing labels on the exploded pagers indicated they were made by Gold Apollo, but the Taiwanese company denied making them. "The product was not ours. It was only that it had our brand on it," company president Hsu Ching-Kuang said. He added that Gold Apollo had licensed BAC Consulting, a company in Hungary to which the devices were subsequently traced, to use its brand. But University College London (UCL) graduate Cristiana Barsony-Arcidiacono, the CEO of BAC Consultancy, said she was just a link in the supply chain and did not make the pagers. Mr Hsu said his company had no knowledge of the pagers being rigged to explode. The remains of exploded pagers on display ( AFP via Getty ) Although the Taiwanese government also claimed that the pagers were not made on the island, prosecutors in Taipei opened an investigation into Gold Apollo. A spokesperson for the Shilin District Prosecutors Office said a current and a former employee of the company have since been questioned as witnesses. We are processing this case expeditiously and seeking resolution as soon as possible," the spokesperson said They declined to name the people questioned or confirm whether any more employees would be interrogated. "The two helped clarify the case and the whole case is under intensive investigation." Mr Hsu and Teresa Wu, the sole employee of a company called Apollo Systems, were questioned last week, the spokesperson said. The investigators reportedly also conducted searches at four locations linked to the company. A Lebanese security source claimed that Hezbollah had ordered 5,000 pagers from Gold Apollo a few months earlier. The group had reportedly asked members in February to stop using mobile phones, warning they could be tracked by Israeli intelligence. Israeli operatives allegedly manufactured the pagers and had them sent to Lebanon as a part of an elaborate ruse instead of just tampering with the devices at some stage, The New York Times claimed in a 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 }} Israel is preparing for a potential ground invasion of Lebanon, army chiefs said on Wednesday, as US president Joe Biden admitted all-out war is possible and Sir Keir Starmer urged British nationals to leave the area immediately. Airstrikes in Lebanon are laying the groundwork for a possible operation to push Hezbollah back and safely return displaced Israeli citizens, said Israeli army general Lt Gen Herzi Halevi. He told troops on Israels northern border the military is preparing the process of a manoeuvre, which means your military boots, your manoeuvring boots, will enter enemy territory, enter villages that Hezbollah has prepared as large military outposts. A woman reacts at the scene of an Israeli airstrike in the town of Maisara, north of Beirut ( AP ) It came as tensions escalated further with Hezbollah launching its deepest strike yet into Israel, targeting Tel Aviv. Following a day of heavy cross-border strikes, with Hezbollah firing dozens of projectiles into Israel, Lt Gen Halevis statement was the strongest yet that Israeli troops could move in. The intensified violence has led to hundreds of deaths in Lebanon, forced hundreds of thousands of Israelis in the north to huddle in air raid shelters and prompted the displacement of 90,000 Lebanese people from their homes. The prime minister renewed his calls for British nationals to get out while commercial flights are available though most, if not all, are sold out and others cancelled, leaving some stranded. The time to leave is now, he said. If Israel bombs Lebanons only commercial airport in Beirut, as it did in the 2006 war against Hezbollah, it would sever the only means of escape. Britons in Lebanon have told The Independent how they are considering routes out of Syria as they see no other means of escape. Rita El Kassis, 48, has a UK spouse visa and lives in London but is in Lebanon caring for a sick relative. Im trying not to panic but I have called the embassy and they said there is no plan, she told The Independent. Israeli emergency responders arrive at the site of a rocket strike, fired from Lebanon, in the northern Israeli city of Safed ( AFP via Getty ) She continued: I had a search online yesterday and the only alternative flight available was a business class flight for 4,600 to Dubai. I would then need to book another flight to London. Rita says she and her family have discussed getting a flight from Turkey but that first means an eight-hour taxi through Syria. President Biden said on Wednesday he remains hopeful a way can be found to prevent further bloodshed, but acknowledged all-out war is still possible. The Iranian-backed Hezbollah groups latest strike, it said in a statement, had targetted the Mossad spy agency headquarters in a Tel Aviv suburb in support of our steadfast Palestinian people in the Gaza Strip ... and in defence of Lebanon and its people. It blames Mossad for the recent assassination of senior commanders in the southern suburbs of Beirut, the Lebanese capital, as well as the explosion of electronic pagers and walkie-talkies last week. Hours later, Israel announced it was carrying out more extensive strikes across southern Lebanon and the Bekaa Valley running along the border with Syria. Israeli emergency responders inspect the site of a rocket attack, fired from Lebanon, in Kibbutz Saar, north of Nahariya ( AFP via Getty ) Hospitals in Lebanon have been filled with the wounded since a sharp intensification of bombing on Monday which was the countrys deadliest day since the end of a 1975-1990 civil war. Lt Gen Halevis comments came after the Israeli military began activating reserve troops to send to its northern front. Israels military said it would call up two reserve brigades which could consist of 6,000 to 10,000 troops for operational missions in the north. Israel has expanded the zones it has been striking since Tuesday night, with attacks for the first time on the beach resort town of Jiyyeh just south of Beirut and Maaysrah. The strikes also took place in Bint Jbeil, Tebnin and Ain Qana in the south, the village of Joun in the Chouf district near the southern city of Sidon, and Maaysrah in northern Keserwan district. In Beirut, thousands of displaced people who fled from southern Lebanon were sheltering in schools and other buildings. More than 90,000 people have been displaced in Lebanon since Monday, the United Nations said on Wednesday. People take cover as a siren sounds a warning of incoming rockets fired from Lebanon, in Haifa ( AP ) This is in addition to the 111,696 people who have been displaced since October 2023. In northern Israel, about 60,000 people so far have been evacuated because of near-daily attacks by Hezbollah in Lebanon since October. Hezbollah began to fire across Israels northern border on 8 October last year, a day after fellow Iran-backed Hamas launched a deadly attack from the Gaza Strip into Israel, killing around 1,200 people and taking 251 hostage, around half of which remain in Gaza. The subsequent Israeli aerial and ground assault in Gaza has killed more than 41,000 Palestinians, according to the latest update from the local health ministry in the Hamas-run strip, and forced more than 90 per cent of the enclaves population to flee their homes, many on multiple occasions. Local officials in Gaza say the extent of Israels attacks on the enclave has lessened in recent days as Israel shifts its focus to the Israeli-Lebanon border and Hezbollah, at least temporarily. But Palestinians are still being killed. At least a dozen died on Monday, while 24 were killed on Sunday and 40 a day earlier, according to a civil defence spokesperson. People mourn near the coffins of three Hezbollah members, who were killed in Israeli strikes ( Reuters ) Hezbollah says it will not stop firing rockets at Israel until they halt their war on Gaza. Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu is heading to New York for a speech on Friday. Reuters and Associated Press contributed to this report 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 first anniversary of the October 7th attacks. The Israeli military said some projectiles were intercepted, while the rest fell in open areas and added that there were no changes made in the Home Front Commands guidelines. 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 will 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 2080 have been killed in total, and a further 9869 wounded, since Israel began bombing Lebanon a few weeks ago. It comes as Israeli civilians mark the anniversary of Hamas deadly 7 October attack, during which they killed around 1,200 people and took 251 more hostage in Gaza, 101 of which remain in the enclave. Nearly 42,000 Palestinians have since been killed by Israels retaliatory air and ground attack in Gaza, according to the local, Hamas-run health ministry. Families of the hostages marched to Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahus residence in Jerusalem this morning to mark the terror attack. 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 }} Benjamin Netanyahu has ordered the Iraeli military to keep hitting Hezbollah at full force in Lebanon despite growing international pressure for a ceasefire. The US and France have been joined by the UK and nine other allies in calling for a 21-day temporary ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah, to give mediators space to seek a diplomatic resolution to conflict before it becomes an all-out regional war. More than 630 people in Lebanon have been killed by airstrikes since Monday, with thousands wounded. An Israeli warplane struck the edges of the capital Beirut on Thursday, killing at least two people and wounding 15, Lebanon's health ministry said. That took deaths from hits overnight and during Thursday to 28. It is the heaviest bombardment since the Israel-Hezbollah war in 2006. The Beirut strike killed the head of one of Hezbollahs air force units, Mohammad Surur, according to the Israeli army, the latest senior Hezbollah commander to be targeted in days of strikes. A man holds pictures of his dead relatives at the site of an Israeli airstrike ( AP ) Smoke was seen rising after the hit near an area where several Hezbollah facilities are located and many civilians also live and work. Hezbollahs Al-Manar TV broadcast images of a damaged upper floor of a building. Hezbollah has fired hundreds of missiles at targets in Israel including its commercial hub Tel Aviv, although Israels aerial defence system has ensured that the damage has been limited. Landing in the US to address the UN General Assembly, Israels prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu told reporters the military will keep hitting Hezbollah with full force and we will not stop until we achieve all our goals, first and foremost returning the residents of the north safely to their homes. In an earlier statement, Mr Netanyahus office said: The news about a ceasefire not true. This is an American-French proposal, to which the prime minister did not even respond. Israel Katz, the Israeli foreign minister, confirmed that there would be no ceasefire in the north. Smoke rises from an Israeli airstrike in the southern village of Kfar Rouman ( AP ) Mr Katz added on X: We will continue to fight against the Hezbollah terrorist organisation with all our strength until victory and the safe return of the residents of the north to their homes. The US secretary of state, Antony Blinken told MSNBC that major world powers wanted a ceasefire and he would be meeting with Israeli officials in New York. A joint statement from the UK, US, France, Australia, Canada, European Union, Germany, Italy, Japan, Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates, and Qatar, called for an immediate ceasefire in response to the intolerable situation in Lebanon. An immediate 21-day ceasefire would provide space for diplomacy towards the conclusion of a diplomatic settlement, the statement added. It came after the US and France issued a joint statement calling for a ceasefire, saying that the escalation in the past two weeks threatens a much broader conflict, and harm to civilians. In London on Thursday, the US defence secretary, Lloyd Austin, warned there was a risk of all-out war in the Middle East, but a diplomatic solution was still possible. So let me be clear, Israel and Lebanon can choose a different path, despite the sharp escalation in recent days, a diplomatic solution is still viable, Mr Austin said. Lebanese soldiers stand guard at the site of an Israeli airstrike that targeted an apartment in Beiruts southern suburbs ( Getty ) Israeli opposition leader and former prime minister Yair Lapid called instead for a seven-day ceasefire. The State of Israel should announce this morning that it accepts the Biden-Macron ceasefire proposal, but only for seven days so as not to allow Hezbollah to restore its command and control systems, he wrote on X. We will not accept any proposal that does not include removing Hezbollah from our northern border. One of Mr Netanyahus far-right coalition government partners threatened on Thursday to suspend cooperation with his government if it signs onto a temporary ceasefire with Hezbollah, and to quit completely if a permanent deal is reached. It was the latest sign of displeasure from Mr Netanyahus allies toward international efforts for a truce. If a temporary ceasefire becomes permanent, we will resign from the government, said the national security minister, Itamar Ben-Gvir, head of the Jewish Power party. If Mr Ben-Gvir leaves the coalition, Mr Netanyahu would lose his parliamentary majority and could see his government fall, though opposition leaders such as Mr Lapid have said they would offer support for a ceasefire deal Hezbollah launched 57 rockets towards Israel since Thursday morning, the Israeli army said on Thursday lunchtime. It is unclear whether these caused any damage, but since Monday most Hezbollah rockets have been intercepted by Israeli defence systems. John Healey, UK secretary of state for defence, speaks at a joint press conference with his counterparts from Australia and the US ( Getty ) On the Israeli side of the border with Lebanon, the army staged an exercise simulating a ground invasion, a potential next stage after relentless airstrikes and explosions of communications devices. Top Israeli general Lieutenant General Herzi Halevi told his troops to ready themselves for a ground invasion of Lebanon. He said on Wednesday the military is preparing the process of a manoeuvre, which means your military boots, your manoeuvring boots, will enter enemy territory, enter villages that Hezbollah has prepared as large military outposts. Israel has vowed to secure its north and return thousands of citizens to communities there, who have evacuated since Hezbollah launched a campaign of cross-border strikes last year in solidarity with Hamas in Gaza. The exchange of fire with Israeli forces has been almost daily since. Hezbollah has not yet responded to the proposal for a pause in fighting. Lebanons caretaker prime minister Najib Mikati welcomed it, but his government has no sway over the group. Hezbollah has insisted it would halt its strikes only if there is a ceasefire in Gaza, where Israel has battled Hamas for nearly a year. A ceasefire in Gaza appears out of reach as in Lebanon currently despite months of negotiations led by the United States, Egypt and Qatar. The war in Gaza was triggered by a Hamas attack inside Israel on 7 October that killed around 1,200 people with another 251 being taken hostage. Israels ensuing aerial and ground assault on Gaza has killed more than 41,000 Palestinians, according to the local health ministry, and displaced more than 90 per cent of the population. In its statement, Mr Netanyahus office said that the fighting in Gaza will also continue until all the objectives of the war have been achieved. More than 90,000 Lebanese people have been displaced from their homes as a result of the bombing campaign, while thousands of Israelis have sought cover in air raid shelters. 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 }} Israeli troops have started an invasion of Lebanon crossing the border to carry out targeted ground raids against Hezbollah across a number of villages. Since the 7 October attack inside Israel by Hamas and Israels subsequent invasion of Gaza, Hamas-ally Hezbollah and Israel have traded fire almost daily over the northern border with Lebanon. Two weeks ago, a series of exploding device attacks in which Hezbollah pagers and walkie talkies blew up around Lebanon an attack widely believed to have been carried out by Israel the conflict has seen a major escalation. According to the UNs Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs, Lebanese authorities say more than one million people have been displaced in southern Lebanon since last October - 90 per cent of which have been in roughly the past week. Around 60,000 Israelis have been evacuated from northern towns in the same period. More than 1,000 people have been killed, including more than 100 women and children in the past two weeks, according to the Lebanese health ministry. A man who was injured in the exploding devices attack sits outside the Eye Specialist hospital in Beirut ( Copyright 2024 The Associated Press. All right reserved ) This includes more than a dozen Hezbollah commanders, including leader Hassan Nasrallah, who led the militant group for more than three decades. But what is Israels goal in going forward with a ground invasion? What is Israels military doing? Nasrallah was killed in a large strike on Beirut, September 27 ( AP ) Israel says its invasion is aimed at guaranteeing security for the northern border. The Israeli military confirmed at 2am local time on Tuesday morning that it would be launching an asault into villages close to the border in southern Lebanon. On Tuesday morning, Israel said intense fighting had erupted with Hezbollah as commandos and paratroopers launched raids. Israel says it will be a limited, localised operation. In comments to the Washington Post, US officials suggested Israeli troops may withdraw after completing their objectives in southern Lebanon. But Israel has left the door open to a larger scale invasion in the coming weeks if its objective of pushing Hezbollah back and returning Israeli citizens to their homes. Israeli tanks were seen manoeuvring near the Israel-Lebanon border last night ( Copyright 2024 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. ) Major General Ori Gordin, the head of the militarys Northern Command, reportedly wants to clear Hezbollah fighters and infrastructure away from the border to create a buffer zone, which would allow the evacuated Israelis to return home. Hezbollah, a proscribed terrorist group in the UK, was formed in 1982 but gained significant military power in the 2006 Lebanon War against Israel. Its stated objective is to drive Israeli forces away from southern Lebanon. The group is aligned with Iran, which is understood to provide most of its funding. Hezbollahs military wing is sophisticated and thought to be about the strength of a medium-sized army, stronger than Lebanons own forces. What could be the wider consequences of Israel crossing the border? With its close ties to Iran, a direct assault on Hezbollah runs the risk of drawing the country a long-time opponent of Israel into the conflict. Tensions already reached a high point in April when Iran launched a drone and missile attack on Israeli targets in April, responding to the countrys bombing of part of the Iranian embassy in Damascus, Syria. Netanyahu released a video address yesterday ( AP ) Speaking in a video which he said was addressing the Iranian people - but in which he spoke English - Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu said there is nowhere in the Middle East Israel cannot reach. It was a thinly-veiled threat to Tehran, which Mr Netanyahu accused of bringing its own people closer to the abyss. There is nowhere we will not go to protect our people and protect our country, he added. When Iran is finally free - and that moment will come a lot sooner than people think - everything will be different. The West had urged Israel not to invade Lebanon amid concerns of an all-out regional conflict dragging in Iran and huge diplomatic pressure is also being applied on Tehran not to get involved. Israel and Iran have been trading barbed rhetoric and threats about escalation for months, but Mr Netanyahus decison to push into Lebanon is a risk. He may see it as a calculated risk but the US, UK and other nations across the West and Middle East will be deeply concerned about where it might lead. They will see Irans response or preferably a lack of one as key. 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 }} The UK has joined the US and France and a number of other allies in calling for a 21-day ceasefire in the escalating conflict between Israel and Hezbollah. More than 600 people have been killed by Israeli airstrikes in Lebanon this week, as Israel carried out an extensive bombing campaign days after a pair of attacks causing Hezbollah pagers and walkie-talkies to explode. Around 600 people have been killed and thousands more wounded in the strikes. Hezbollah has launched hundreds of rockets towards Israel including one at Tel Aviv - but most have been intercepted by Israeli defence systems. Israeli army general Lt Gen Herzi Halevi told troops to ready themselves for a ground invasion, will enter enemy territory, enter villages that Hezbollah has prepared as large military outposts. Thousands have been forced to flee southern Lebanon after a heavy bombing campaign by Israel ( EPA ) US President Joe Biden is among the Western leaders to express fears of an all-out war and UN secretary-general Antonio Guterres, has told a UN security council meeting that hell is breaking loose. The UK has now joined calls for a 21-day ceasefire. But what does this actually mean, and will Israel accept it? What would a 21-day ceasefire look like? The UK, US, France, have been joined by nine other countries - Australia, Canada, European Union, Germany, Italy, Japan, Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates, and Qatar - in calling for an immediate ceasefire in Lebanon. In a joint statement, they described the situation in Lebanon as intolerable and in nobodys interest. It is time to conclude a diplomatic settlement that enables civilians on both sides of the border to return to their homes in safety, the statement said. More than 600 people have been killed in Lebanon amid Israels bombing campaign ( AFP via Getty Images ) Diplomacy however cannot succeed amid an escalation of this conflict. An immediate 21-day ceasefire would provide space for diplomacy towards the conclusion of a diplomatic settlement, the statement added. The signatories would aim to achieve a diplomatic settlement between Israel and Lebanon within the 21-day period, it adds. It comes after the US and France issued a joint statement calling for a ceasefire, saying that the escalation in the past two weeks threatens a much broader conflict, and harm to civilians. An emergency worker cuts through concrete blocks as he searches for survivors following an Israeli strike in Maisara, north of Beirut ( Copyright 2024 The Associated Press. All rights reserved ) Will Israel accept it? Benjamin Netanyahu said on Thursday that he had not responded to the US-French ceasefire proposal, but called news of a truce not true. Mr Netanyahus office said in a statement: The news about a ceasefire not true. This is an American-French proposal, to which the prime minister did not even respond. He has instead ordered the Israeli military to continue fighting at full power. The Israeli foreign minister, Israel Katz, said on X, formely Twitter: "There will be no ceasefire in the north We will continue to fight against the Hezbollah terrorist organisation with all our strength until victory and the safe return of the residents of the north to their homes." Netanyahu will meet world leaders at the UN summit in New York this week ( PA Archive ) It comes as Mr Netanyahu prepares to join world leaders at the UN summit in New York, where he will face growing pressure to accept the proposal. Much will depend on Washingtons appetite for pushing a ceasefire through and how much they can convince Mr Netanyahu it is in his interests. far-right members of Mr Netanyahus governing coalition has, as with the war in Gaza, outright rejected suggestions for a ceasefire. On Thursday morning, finance minister Bezalel Smotrich wrote on X: The campaign in the north should end with a single result: crushing Hezbollah and elimination of its ability to harm the residents of the north. Opposition leader Yair Lapid has called for a 7-day ceasefire. He said Israel should accept the plan but only for seven days so as not to allow Hezbollah to restore its command and control systems. Sign up to our free weekly IndyTech newsletter delivered straight to your inbox Sign up to our free IndyTech newsletter Sign up to our free IndyTech newsletter 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 IndyTech email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }} Apple and Meta have both rejected a new AI safety pact put forward by the European Union amid ongoing regulatory feuds. Over 100 companies signed the EU AI Pact, including Amazon, Google, Microsoft and ChatGPT creator OpenAI. Other notable non signatories included leading AI firm Anthropic and video-sharing platform TikTok. The EU AI Pact is a voluntary pledge to develop safe and trustworthy artificial intelligence through three core actions: promoting AI awareness; identifying high-risk AI systems; and adopting an AI governance strategy. Artificial Intelligence (AI) is a transformative technology with numerous beneficial effects. Yet, its advancement brings also potential risks. In light of this, the European Union has adopted the first-ever comprehensive legal framework on AI worldwide, the AI Act, the pact states, referring to the AI regulation that came into force last month to provide a legal framework for companies developing artificial intelligence technologies. In this context and within the framework of the AI Pact, the AI Office calls on all organisations to proactively work towards implementing some of the key provisions of the AI Act, with the aim of establishing best practices for mitigating the risks to health, safety and fundamental rights. The refusal of Apple and Meta to join the pact comes amid ongoing disputes between the tech giants and EU governing authorities. Earlier this year, Meta was forced to pause the roll out of its AI assistant in Europe following a ruling by the Irish Data Protection Commission concerning the Facebook and Instagram owners use of peoples data to train its large language models. Meta said it was committed to meeting the regulatory requirements of the AI Act but would not be joining the pact at this time. We welcome harmonised EU rules and are focussing on our compliance work under the AI Act at this time, but we dont rule out our joining the AI Pact at a later stage, A Meta spokesperson said. We also shouldnt lose sight of AIs huge potential to foster European innovation and enable competition or else the EU will miss out on this once-in-a-generation opportunity. Sign up to our free weekly IndyTech newsletter delivered straight to your inbox Sign up to our free IndyTech newsletter Sign up to our free IndyTech newsletter 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 IndyTech email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }} A post titled Goodbye Meta AI has become one of the most viral trends ever posted on Instagram. The message has been copied and re-posted hundreds of thousands of times. It claims to be a way of stopping Meta the parent company of Instagram and Facebook from using peoples data for artificial intelligence and other features. But the truth is that the post and the disclaimer contained in it will change nothing. The original post is not legally meaningful, and re-sharing it does not represent any kind of objection to Metas policies. The company does offer a way to object to the way that Facebook and Instagram data is used. But even then there is no way of guaranteeing that Meta will actually do anything about it. The message has rocketed around Instagram recently, apparently taking advantage of concern about Metas artificial intelligence tools. The company is pushing heavily into AI, including with new technologies that would use peoples personal information. Those technologies and the data that is used to train and inform them are guided by Metas terms of service, which every user agrees to when they sign up. Those terms make clear that Meta has permission to use photos and videos, for instance, which is required so that it can actually show them to other users. Despite those existing terms, the message being shared on Instagram claims that it is possible to revoke permission for using information and photos. Goodbye Meta Al, the message reads. Please note an attorney has advised us to put this on, failure to do so may result in legal consequences. As Meta is now a public entity all members must post a similar statement. If you do not post at least once it will be assumed you are okay with them using your information and photos. I do not give Meta or anyone else permission to use any of my personal data, profile information or photos. But posting such a picture on Instagram has no legal standing. Whats more, it would not be possible for Meta to comply with the message, since it needs to use personal data, profile information or photos to be able to provide its service. Metas actual terms make clear that it is possible to terminate the agreement, but only by deleting an account. If you delete or we disable or delete your account, these Terms shall terminate as an agreement between you and us, the terms read, though it makes clear that some parts such as those relating to how disputes would be settled remain in place even after that. More usefully, the company does offer a way to actually object to the processing of data. On its website, it explains how users in the EU and UK can use local data regulations to officially object to the way their information is being used it is up to Meta to decide whether it will honour the objection and stop processing the data, but it does offer a more concrete way of responding to the companys policies. Sign up to our free weekly IndyTech newsletter delivered straight to your inbox Sign up to our free IndyTech newsletter Sign up to our free IndyTech newsletter SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy Facebook and Instagram owner Meta has added a new AI translation tool that automatically syncs a persons lips to match a different language. The new feature is part of a package of updates for Metas AI assistant, Meta AI, which includes celebrity voice options for its chatbots. Dame Judi Dench, John Cena and Kristen Bell are among those to lend their voice to the artificial intelligence chatbots, which users can access on Facebook, Instagram, Messenger and WhatsApp. The new features were unveiled at Metas annual Connect conference, with chief executive Mark Zuckerberg saying they offered a more natural way to interact with AI. The AI translation feature is not yet available to everybody, with Meta rolling it out to a small group of Instagram and Facebook users. Were testing a Meta AI translation tool that will automatically translate the audio of Reels, so more people can enjoy your content, even if you speak different languages, stated a blog post announcing the new tool. With automatic dubbing and lip syncing, Meta AI will simulate the speakers voice in another language and sync their lips to match. Other Meta AI updates include the ability to analyse images, as well as the option to create an AI-generated image using the Imagine feature. Earlier this year, Meta was forced to pause the roll out of its AI assistant in Europe after the Irish Data Protection Commission blocked the company from using peoples data to train its large language models. The company was one of 59 tech firms to sign an open letter warning that Europe risks falling behind in the AI race due to regulation. Meta was not among the signatories of a new AI Pact, which saw over 100 companies pledge to drive trustworthy and safe AI development. Metas share price hit a record high following the AI announcements, with the tech giants market cap now close to $1.5 trillion. Sign up to Simon Calders free travel email for expert advice and money-saving discounts Get Simon Calders Travel email Get Simon Calders Travel email SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy A woman has been arrested in front of her distressed children at Disneyland Resort for allegedly sneaking the two girls into the California theme park. The unidentified woman reportedly brought her children into the Disney California Adventure Park in Anaheim on Wednesday (25 September) without paying for tickets, as is required for children over three years old. Disneyland officials told California-based KTLA5 that the woman had tried to bring the children in without valid tickets by lying about their age, with the Anaheim Police Department staing that the woman was taken into custody for obstructing a peace officer by refusing to show her ID when confronted by staff Video footage of the Disneyland drama shared on social media shows officers removing the woman from the park with two young girls shouting for help in Spanish as their mother was arrested. Disneyland ticketing rules allow children under three years old to enter Disneyland Resort theme parks for free when accompanied by an adult with a valid ticket and park reservation. Tickets for adults start from $104 (78), with admission for children aged three to nine from $98 (73). According to police, this is not the first time the woman has been suspected of attempting to bypass Disney ticket prices. The Independent has contacted Disney and the Anaheim Police Department for comment. Other parents have previously tried to bend the rules to avoid expensive entry fees at Disney parks. In 2022, a video on TikTok of a woman who disguised her child as a baby to avoid paying the admission price at Disney World sparked a debate about whether it was wrong or a genius idea. I fully support this because we went in May and it was literally like taking a second mortgage out on our house, wrote one social media user. While another stated: No way, I even explain to my kids its wrong to get fountain drinks with a water cup. Its the principle of it. For more travel news and advice, listen to Simon Calders podcast Sign up to Simon Calders free travel email for expert advice and money-saving discounts Get Simon Calders Travel email Get Simon Calders Travel email SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy As Israel attacks targets in central Beirut, the UK Foreign Office has run the first evacuation fliight from Lebanon to help British citizens, their spouses and children under 18 to leave the country. The plane from Beirut touched down at Birmingham airport on Wednesday evening carrying more than 150 British nationals and dependents, according to the Foreign Office. More evacuation flights are planned. The government says they will continue for as long as the security situation allows. But the Foreign Office warns: Do not rely on FCDO being able to evacuate you in an emergency. It is nine weeks since the foreign secretary, David Lammy, first urged UK nationals to leave Lebanon while they could. Sir Kier Starmer reiterated the call last month. The Foreign Office advises against all travel to Lebanon due to risks associated with the ongoing conflict between Israel, Lebanese Hezbollah and other non-state actors in Lebanon, and advises anyone in Lebanon to leave now. The preferred method is by a commercial flight. But options are extremely limited, with almost all airlines cancelling flights in and out of the capital, Beirut. Seven hundred British troops have been sent to Cyprus to prepare for a possible evacuation of around 6,000 Britons from Lebanon. The Foreign Office says: There are ongoing mortar and artillery exchanges and airstrikes in Lebanon, primarily on the boundary with Israel but also in other parts of the country, including Beqaa Valley and locations north of the Litani river. Tensions are high and the situation could deteriorate with little warning, which could affect or limit exit routes out of Lebanon. If the political or security situation, commercial routes out of Lebanon could be severely disrupted or cancelled at short notice, and roads across the country could be closed. We encourage you to book the next available flight, even if it is not a direct route. But how feasible is it to leave? These are the key questions and answers. Is Beirut airport still open? Yes. Rafic Hariri International Airport is operating but far from normally. MEA, the Lebanese national carrier, is running a full programme of flights, including the usual morning departures to London Heathrow. According to data from Flightradar24, the only other departures have been of private jets and some government aircraft flown in to bring citizens out. The UK government stresses it wants British nationals to leave on scheduled flights. The problem is: demand for the few seats is intense, and finding space within the next few weeks is very difficult. With capacity more than halved from Beirut, and large numbers of people of all nationalities seeking to leave Lebanon, The Independent has been able only to find two seats to London, on Friday 4 October, at a fare of 953 each. Some private jet flights to Turkey have been sold for tens of thousands of euros. The first UK evacuation flight from Beirut operated on Wednesday 2 October, and more are being organised. The Foreign Office warns: When planning your travel to the airport, monitor the local security situation and only make the journey if you judge it safe to do so. What do we know about the first rescue flight? Flight DN9999 from Beirut to Birmingham was the first rescue flight organised by the UK government to bring home British citizens since the Covid pandemic. The plane belongs to the Romanian airline, Dan Air. It is a 15-year-old Airbus A320 a standard low-cost jet equipped with 180 seats, . The aircraft began the rescue mission in Bucharest, the airlines base, with a two-hour positioning flight carrying no passengers to Beirut. The plane was on the ground in the Lebanese capital for three-and-a-half hours, missing its intended departure time by 90 minutes. On the 2,400-mile flight from Beirut to Birmingham, it made a technical stop at Bucharest along the way, about one-third of the way into the journey, to refuel and change crew. This was a much shorter stop, just 40 minutes. The plane eventually touched down at Birmingham at 8.39pm, The passengers on board were British citizens in Lebanon who were contacted from the register of those who have provided their contact details in advance. Ahead of the flight, the UK government said: Vulnerable British nationals and their spouse or partner, and children under the age of 18, will be prioritised for this flight. This includes those with greatest need, including those with medical conditions, over-65s and children. British nationals should not make their way to the airport unless they have a confirmed seat on the plane. Passengers paid 350 for the one-way journey well above the average commercial fare. But seats on scheduled flights are extremely scarce, and some private jet operators have been asking tens of thousands of pounds to fly people out from Beirut to Turkey. Other countries have also laid on rescue flights, including Bulgaria, Germany, Jordan, Russia and Spain. What further rescue flights are planned by the UK? It appears the Dan Air DN9999 charter from Beirut to Birmingham via Bucharest will continue for the coming days. The plane that conducted the first flight is heading back empty direct from Birmingham to Beirut. On Thursday afternoon it is scheduled to depart at 3.40pm, Lebanese time, from Beirut, with another technical stop at Bucharest to refuel and change crew. Can people leave by land? The FCDO advises against leaving Lebanon through land border crossings. The border with Israel is closed. The border with Syria is open, but the Foreign Office advises against all travel to Syria due to the ongoing conflict and unpredictable security conditions. Some travellers may decide to risk the journey to Damascus, because the airport in the Syrian capital is running normally with flights to Kuwait City, Abu Dhabi or Sharjah (adjoining Dubai) probably the best bet, due to easier connections to the UK. But some British nationals are travelling to the northern border of Lebanon, taking a taxi for around 100 miles through Syria to Turkey and flying back from Antakya airport via Istanbul. The obvious destination for an evacuation by sea of British citizens would be Cyprus. At their closest the two countries are 100 miles apart. But the distance from the key port of Tripoli in Lebanon and Limassol in Cyprus is about 160 miles, representing typically seven hours sailing. Ferries formerly ran between Tripoli and the Turkish port of Mersin, but no longer operate. How do I contact the British Embassy? The Foreign Office says: If youre in Lebanon and you need emergency help from the UK government, contact the British Embassy in Beirut. But access to the British Embassy is by appointment only. The Embassy says: To call us in an emergency or send us an online enquiry use our contact form. Should people with holidays planned in Cyprus be worried? Understandably people with trips booked to Cyprus are looking at the map of the eastern Mediterranean with concern. The popular Cypriot resort of Ayia Napa is barely 100 miles from the Lebanese capital, Beirut. Yet the Foreign Office does not have concerns about Cyprus. The official travel advice for the island has not been amended since June 2024, when it was reviewed for style and accuracy. Under the heading Regional risks the only concern is the long-standing warning about travel to the self-declared Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus: FCDO can only provide limited consular support if you are visiting areas in the north that are not under control of the Republic of Cyprus. Similarly, the governments of Ireland, Canada, the US and Australia express no alarms about Cyprus in their travel advice to citizens. I think their stance is the right one. Overspill from Lebanon to Cyprus looks extremely unlikely. Consider Syria, which has been in a civil war since 2011; even though the Mediterranean port of Latakia is only 70 miles from Cyprus, there has been no danger posed to the island as a result of that tragic conflict. As the Foreign Office does not warn against travel to Cyprus, there is no prospect of being able to cancel a trip for a full refund. Neither will travel insurance be of help; the insurer will say that there is no reason not to go. It is legally possible to transfer a proper package holiday to someone else. Alternatively, the holiday company may possibly offer the chance to switch to a different destination; this is relatively low season, and there may be capacity elsewhere. Residents have been ordered to evacuate their homes in Florida city as Hurricane Helene makes landfall. The hurricane could bring unprecedented damage to Florida on Thursday (26 Septem ber) with sustained winds up to 135mph and 20ft storm surge. Florida officials are warning residents to brace for life-threatening rain, floods and storm surge. All parts of Florida are under a hurricane or tropical storm warning. In Bradenton, police have issued a mandatory evacuation for residents to leave their homes immediately. A pier was smashed while Hurricane Helene wreaked havoc on Mexico as it advanced across the coast towards the US on Wednesday, 25 September. Samantha Holland, who filmed strong winds in Cancun, told The Independent that guests at her hotel had been advised not to leave the building. Florida is bracing for the hurricane's impact, which threatens to become the strongest storm to hit the US in over a year. It comes just over a month after Storm Debby hurtled into the Sunshine State. Florida officials warned residents to brace for life-threatening rain, floods and storm surge. It is a gauge of the alarm with which the West and its Gulf allies view the latest escalation in the Middle East that all the G7 states and a clutch of others issued a joint call for a 21-day ceasefire in Lebanon, in the hope of paving the way for talks. There was the coincidence, of course, that so many national leaders had converged on New York for this years UN General Assembly, facilitating top-level meetings at short notice. But the will had to be there, and it was. There was also some tentative diplomacy by the French president, Emmanuel Macron, which produced a joint statement with the US president, Joe Biden, calling for a settlement that enabled civilians to return to their homes the professed aim of Israels campaign. The appeals fell on deaf ears, however. It was a matter of hours before Israel responded that it was not done yet. President Benjamin Netanyahu ordered his countrys forces to continue the fight with full force. And with the campaign which began with the exploding pagers and walkie-talkies a week ago so far going well for Israel, why would it not carry on? It remains to be seen whether what is planned is, as Israel says, a limited operation designed to secure the border and ensure the return of Israeli residents, or whether as has been mooted the missile attacks, which have extended into the Bekaa Valley and so far killed an estimated 600 people, might be the prelude to a ground invasion, designed to disarm, or even root out, the Iran-backed militia known as Hezbollah once and for all. Whatever the purpose (and it may not yet have been decided), the truth is that, with Israel now fighting on two fronts to its west and south in Gaza, and to its north in Lebanon the region is closer to all-out war than it has been for many years. With the spread of the war into southern Lebanon, any operations cannot but be haunted by many ghosts from recent history by no means all of which has gone well for Israel. It is 24 years since Israel withdrew from southern Lebanon after an occupation of more than two decades, leaving Hezbollah largely in place. Six years later, it was back in a month-long war after a series of incursions by Hezbollah, but again, there was no real resolution. And the difficult history goes back further. To the massacre by Israeli forces of Palestinians at the Sabra and Shatila camps in Beirut in 1982; to the suicide bombing at the US barracks at Beirut airport the following year, which killed more than 250 US marines; and to what became seen as the ignominious end to the US military presence in Lebanon, when President Reagan took the decision to pull US forces out the following year. With hindsight, this decision can be viewed as the start of the decline of US influence in the region. It is also seen as in the recent BBC TV documentary, Corridors of Power as helping to inform Barack Obamas decision 30 years later not to enforce his stated red lines in Syria. What, his argument went, would really be achieved? For all the evidence that the region could be on the brink of all-out war, however, there are compelling reasons why that might yet not happen. Quite simply, there are many most inside and outside the region who do not want it to happen, and are doing their best to stave it off. The most obvious is Lebanon itself, where memories of the 15-year civil war are still fresh, and where the political and demographic balance is so fragile that any upset in that balance could precipitate chaos. It is an extraordinary situation, where a part of the country and a part of its border are not under central government control, but the accommodation of Hezbollah has fostered a strange kind of stability. Fears that Hezbollah might exploit Israels war against Hamas after 7 October last year to intensify their attacks on northern Israel were also not realised, whether because the militia lacked the capacity or because it was restrained by its Iranian masters. Other Arab states also held back after 7 October. Qatar and other Gulf states initiated various mediation attempts without success. Egypt and Jordan, perhaps for reasons to do with their own weakness, or harbouring their own fears of Hamas, also remained on the sidelines, as Israel laid Gaza waste. The European countries, for the most part, have no interest in any all-out Middle Eastern war. Not only are they preoccupied with a war much closer to home, but many are finding it ever more difficult to persuade their voters of the need to keep their belts tightened for the sake of Ukraine. The new energy price spirals that could be caused by a Middle East war are the last thing they need. All-out war in the Middle East is also the last thing that President Biden needs at this point. There had been reports, in the weeks after 7 October, that the US administration might be eyeing a new peace process with the Gulf states, in the hope of using the new instability in the region as a pretext for trying to formulate a wider regional peace. Any efforts to that end now seem very far away. What is more, now that Biden has given up his ambitions for a second term, he has his legacy on his mind, and perhaps secondarily the prospects for a Democratic victory in the November election. Neither would be served by a conflagration in the Middle East, which could be the last word on his presidency and doom the Democrats to defeat. From a parochial perspective, the UK also has every reason to try to prevent the spread of war in the region. It would not just divert attention from Ukraine one war is enough at any one time but it could also revive the disagreements among Labour MPs about Britains policy towards Israel, at a time when Labours entry into government has not gone as smoothly as they might have hoped. The very public preparations for evacuating UK citizens from Lebanon also suggest an awareness somewhere of the criticism of the last Labour government over what was seen as the inadequate operation to evacuate UK nationals from the same country in 2006. The key to any escalation or not of the current conflict has to lie in Tehran. The signs so far have been that Iran is as averse to any spread of the conflict as is any country in the region and that is not for want of provocations, including an attack on its diplomatic buildings in Damascus and the assassination of a Hamas leader in Tehran. The most articulate exposition of Irans concern not to become embroiled in a Middle East war, however, came only this week, in the speech given by Irans new president to the UN. While Masoud Pezeshkian launched the standard attacks on Israel, and on the West for the sanctions that have so impoverished his country, the rest of what he said and how he said it seemed designed to send a rather different message. First, Pezeshkian appeared in Western dress. Second, he emphasised his election and the reform platform on which he had stood. He made a point of saying that Iran wanted to be an international player, and unlike, notoriously, at least one of his predecessors he expressly allowed for the right of Israel to exist. Proposing a referendum of all Palestinians on self-determination, he said: We are confident that through this mechanism, we can achieve a lasting peace, with Muslims, Christians and Jews living alongside one another in one land in tranquillity and peace... As a final olive branch, he suggested that Iran could return to a nuclear agreement noting that it was Donald Trump who had ended the last one in return for a loosening of sanctions. He concluded by saying that he hoped his message would be carefully heard. It should be. Objections may arise that the president of Iran is not the supreme leader, and that his word on the subject may not necessarily be the last. But none of his points suggest a country that is trying to shut itself off, still less preparing for war. So if Iran, and practically every other country in the region, and with interests there, is so clearly opposed to a wider war, this leaves Israel, and Hamas where this conflict began. In such a perilous situation, the possibility cannot be excluded that a wider war erupts by mistake, or that Iran might be provoked beyond its patience. But with the consensus as it is, and including Iran, there is surely a chance that it can be avoided. With the countdown underway to the ninth Property Industry Excellence Awards which will be presented on November 28, the organisers have appointed four new judges to the judging process. The panel comprises leading experts across various sectors of the property industry. Vincent Traynor, honorary secretary of the Royal Institute of the Architects of Ireland, brings his wealth of architectural experience to the judging panel. Gavin Lawlor, president of the Irish Planning Institute, is a seasoned expert in urban planning. Colum Breslin, managing director of property finance at Capitalflow, will provide a crucial lens for understanding the financial viability and impact of submissions. Capitalflow provides funding for acquisition, expansion and refinancing to property investors and SMEs. David Colbert, managing partner at Sheehan Solicitors, is a legal expert with years of experience and expertise in navigating the complex legal landscape of real estate. They will join the returning judges: Jim Clery, partner and head of real estate at KPMG; Dr Conor Norton, head of the School of Architecture, Building, and Environment at TU Dublin; Maeve Hogan, CEO Property Services Regulatory Authority; Pat Davitt, CEO Institute of Professional Auctioneers & Valuers; Sean Lenihan, Fellow of Engineers Ireland; Shirley Coulter, CEO Society of Chartered Surveyors Ireland and Lorcan Sirr, senior lecturer in Housing, Planning, and Development at TU Dublin. The deadline to enter the KPMG Irish Independent Property Excellence Awards 2024 is October 19th - to enter and for more information visit www.propertyexcellenceawards.com Land at Dunsoghly, St Margarets, Co Dublin, close to the M2 motorway Lands near Dublin Airport with long-term potential for development of industrial properties are being offered for sale with a 4.5m guide price. Located in Dunsoghly, St Margarets, Co Dublin, close to the M2 motorway, they are about 1km from the airport and Dublin Airport Logistics Park is located within 2km. With the lands extending to 129 acres, the guide price equates to less than 34,884 per acre. Currently in tillage, the land could generate farm income while waiting for rezoning. Selling agent Knight Frank points out that the entire farm is zoned objective Green Belt to protect and provide for a greenbelt. About 75 acres are optimally located outside the Airport Public Safety Zones. Eirgrid had already factored data centre into capacity forecasts, says tech giant The data centre would be GILs third data-centre building in the business park. Photo: AP Lawyers for Google Ireland Ltd (GIL) have stated that South Dublin County Council (SDCC) erred in fact and in law in refusing planning permission for the firms planned new data centre at Grange Castle Business Park in south Dublin. The four-page legal letter by Google Irelands legal representatives, AL Goodbody, forms part of a comprehensive appeal to An Bord Pleanala against the council refusal, which was issued last month. In its decision, SDCC cited what it called the existing insufficient capacity in the electricity network (grid) and the lack of significant on-site renewable energy to power the data centre as reasons for refusal. In the letter, the lawyers say that GIL had already secured a grid connection for the data centre extension from Eirgrid in 2021, and add that South Dublin County Council is not the appropriate body to determine whether or not there is sufficient capacity on the network for the data centre. They say the council has made a clear error on the facts and circumstances related to the proposed development. AL Goodbody state: Eirgrid had already contracted with GIL to provide it with import capacity for the proposed development and therefore has already factored this demand into its capacity/demand forecasts. This suggests SDCC reached its decision without comprehensive and authoritative information GIL is planning that the application be the third phase of the Google Ireland data-centre campus at Grange Castle Business Park. The project involves the creation of 800 construction jobs and 50 jobs when operational. The new 72,400sqm data-storage facility involves the construction of eight data halls on a 50-acre greenfield/brownfield site. In the main 42-page appeal document drawn up by planning consultants Arup, they state that despite recognition in the South Dublin County Council Development Plan 2022-2028 of the need for data-centre development, the council has refused planning permission to every new data-centre application which has been submitted since the commencement of the development plan. The appeal states that this amounts to four refusals primarily on the same grounds insufficient capacity in the electricity network. Arup says that the councils error in its claim that there is insufficient grid capacity to allow the development goes to the central pillar of SDCCs decision. The planning consultants claim that it does not appear that any consultation was undertaken with Eirgrid by the council before the refusal was issued. Arup further states: This suggests that SDCC reached its decision without access to comprehensive and authoritative information regarding the electricity networks capacity. The appeal says that the data centre will be GILs third data-centre building and is needed to meet the growing demand for computing power, arising from increased internet use and adoption of artificial intelligence. The appeal concedes that it is correct to acknowledge that data centres do consume a large amount of energy. It adds however that it should also not be overlooked that they contribute to carbon de-intensification in other ways. Airline has been on a crusade against online travel agents, but has signed deals with many Ryanair is seeking legal clarification from a Barcelona commercial court after online travel agent eDreams secured an order instructing the airline not to use denigrating language to describe the travel firm. Ryanair has been on a long crusade against online travel agents that it had claimed resold its tickets with high mark-ups. Most big online travel agents have now inked deals with Ryanair to distribute its tickets on their platforms. eDreams has not, however. Ryanair, and its group chief executive Michael OLeary, have previously described online travel firms as pirates. The airline has claimed that eDreams overcharges what the online travel agent describes as its Prime members, for seats booked with carriers including Wizz and Transavia. Ryanair has also previously claimed that eDreams scams its own customers. In July, eDreams secured an injunction in Spain that ordered the airline to immediately stop using denigrating statements against the online travel agent and its Prime programme. The Court said at the time that Ryanairs denigrating claims constituted a perfectly organised campaign designed to promote the Ryanair website for booking flights and associated services. Despite the Courts clear and binding directive, Ryanair continued its denigrating misconduct on repeated occasions, prompting the Court to escalate the matter, according to eDreams this week. It added: In response to Ryanairs non-compliance, the judge agreed with eDreams request to put the airline on formal notice that any further disobedience may result in criminal consequences under Article 556 of the Spanish Criminal Code, which contemplates potential criminal penalties. eDreams stated that Spains Supreme Court has also confirmed that the online travel agent is legally entitled to distribute Ryanair flights. Ryanair has claimed that the Spanish commercial courts decision this week is unclear and vague, as the court did not specify what exact language eDreams claims has breached the original injunction. Ryanair has instructed its lawyers to appeal this vague ruling, and to seek clarification as to how Ryanair can refer to eDreams continued practice of overcharging its subscribers when purchasing airline tickets or ancillary services, the airline said in a statement. It added: Ryanair will continue to publicise the fact that eDreams continues to overcharge its subscribers, in particular its Prime subscribers, for airline services and ancillary services. Ryanairs lawyers will request the Barcelona court to provide it with guidance as to how these overcharges may be communicated transparently and openly to the travelling public, said the airline. In the past number of months, Ryanair has inked deals with OTAs including Expedia, Etraveli, Loveholidays, TUI, Lastminute.com and On the Beach to permit them to access the airlines website and sell tickets to their customers. However, the OTAs must sell them at the same price at which they are offered on the Ryanair site and must not add any hidden mark-ups. During the summer, it signed an agreement with Travelfusion, billed as the worlds largest flight aggregator, authorising it to offer Ryanairs flights to its network of online travel agent partners. Ryanair also won a case during the summer in the US against Booking.com, where the online travel giant had been accused of selling the airlines flights via its own website. Owner of the chain will run them directly The Wagamama restaurant chain is expected to open new outlets in Ireland, following the closure of three franchises in Dublin yesterday that were operated by the Press Up group. Branches on South King Street in the city centre, as well as in shopping centres in Blanchardstown and Dundrum closed after unsuccessful talks between Wagamamas headquarters and receivers appointed to part of the Press Up group. Sources with knowledge of Wagamamas plans say the British chain is preparing to open new Irish outlets that it will run directly, and this will include a bigger restaurant in Dundrum. Last year, The Restaurant Group which owns Wagamama agreed to be taken private by US equity firm Apollo Global in a deal that valued it at 560m. Since then Apollo has been taking back Wagamama franchises in a number of countries with a view to operating them directly. The company did not respond to a request for comment yesterday. The hope is to redeploy as many of the affected staff members as possible across the wider group Press Up is planning to reopen the premises in South King Street and Blanchardstown under new restaurant brands before Christmas. The Dundrum premises will not be re-opened by the group, however. Press Up has been taken over by Cheyne Capital, a UK-based investment firm, in a debt-for-equity swap that has left co-founder Paddy McKillen Jr, with a stake of about 10pc. His co-founder, Matt Ryan, is no longer involved. Elephant & Castle On Tuesday, Mr McKillen Jr resigned as a director of three companies associated with the group. Records at the Companies Registration Office show that among them was Greenfield Ideas Ltd, which holds the licence for Ashtons Gastro Pub in Clonskeagh and Thomas Rody Mahers on Baggot Street in Dublin. He also stood down from Sanphase Ltd, which held the licence for The Lucky Duck pub on Aungier Street in Dublin, and from Crawley Ltd, the operator of Captain Americas restaurant on Grafton Street. Last week Cheyne appointed Cormac OConnor and Shane McCarthy of KPMG as receivers to companies operating three chains within the Press Up group. They were Elephant & Castle, Wowburger, and Portalon, operator of Wagamama. It is business as usual at 17 other Press Up venues not included in the receivership process. These include the Stella Cinema in Rathmines, the Workmans Club in Temple Bar, and both branches of Captain Americas. Today's News in 90 Seconds - September 26th In a statement, Press Up said the joint receivers of Portalon had failed to reach agreement with Wagamama UK for the continued operation of the franchise in Ireland. They would liaise with the 106 employees at the three Wagamama locations in Dublin to discuss the implications of the move. The hope is to redeploy as many of the affected staff members as possible across the wider group, the statement said. It is understood all 106 employees, both full-time and part-time, are likely to be offered new jobs. The statement added that Press Up has come to an agreement with the landlords of the South King Street and Blanchardstown premises for the venues to remain within the group. Following the termination of the Wagamama franchise agreement, it has been determined that the Press Up group is not in a position to continue to trade at Dundrum Town Centre, the statement added. The Outrun, starring American-Irish actress Saoirse Ronan as Rona and British actor Paapa Essiedu as boyfriend Daynin, is about when 30-year-old Liptrot tries to come to terms with her alcohol addiction after it has swallowed the last decade of her life, and turns to the healing power of nature as she starts cold water swimming, tracking Orkneys wildlife and searching the night sky for the Merry Dancers. Ludwig on BBC One is a cut above the average TV murder mystery despite a tentative start David Mitchell is thoroughly convincing as an anxious intellectual struggling to fill his brothers shoes. Photo: BBC Is Ludwig (BBC One, 9pm, Wednesdays) just another TV murder mystery? Ill admit, the opening scene had me worried. A playful sweeping shot of a lively office block, where hard-working professionals are busy leading their lives, it reminded me a little of the animated title sequence from Only Murders in the Building. Every window tells a different tale, every movement is important. Ludwig | Trailer The score, too, is similar to that of the Steve Martin smash. I love Only Murders, but it doesnt need a copycat show. Later, Ludwig started to remind me of Father Brown, another quirky, lightweight endeavour about a man who really shouldnt be solving crimes. Nobody needs a second version of that, either. Stay with it long enough, however, and Mark Brotherhoods warmly anticipated six-parter begins to develop its own identity. In David Mitchells nervous, agoraphobic protagonist, it also gives us a loveable amateur sleuth who deserves to have his moment. Mitchell, dialling up the awkwardness levels to 11, is John Ludwig Taylor, a reclusive puzzle-setter who lives alone in a house overrun with crossword books. Its a lonely life but a structured one, and thats the way John likes things. Everything goes sideways after his sister-in-law Lucy (Anna Maxwell Martin) calls to say shes booked him a taxi to Cambridge. Its a long journey, and John would very much like to know why she wants him to visit. Delicate matters should never be discussed over the phone, however, so John will just have to pack a bag and do what hes told. Arriving at his destination, the poor chap finally realises what hes getting himself into. This is what we know: John has an identical twin brother, James, who lives in Cambridge with his wife Lucy, and their teenage son. James is a detective chief inspector a popular man with a nice house and a nice life but he appears to have vanished, leaving behind a note that makes no sense. Lucy doesnt believe her husband just scarpered there must be more to it, and perhaps his disappearance is linked to an unsolved case. Whatevers happening, she wants John to pose as his brother so he can head down to police headquarters, pick up Jamess secret notebook from his office (there is always a secret notebook) and study it for clues. Absolutely not, says John, but if Lucy accepted his first answer, then we wouldnt have a show to be getting on with, would we? Anna Maxwell Martin as Lucy in 'Ludwig'. Photo: BBC It doesnt take much to disguise John as James. A quick jacket change, some contact lenses to replace the glasses, so on and so forth. How does he look? Perfect. But thats not the issue. John has neither the confidence nor the social skills to interact with strangers, not like his twin, and his first day on the job gets off to an eventful start after Jamess partner, DI Russell Carter (Dipo Ola), informs him of a murder in a local office building. You can see where this is going. Indeed, a lawyer has been found dead with a knife in his chest, and Carter needs John/James to come and investigate. This isnt his territory and naturally, he panics. Whod have thought watching a David Mitchell-esque character, portrayed by the actual David Mitchell, solving crimes would be this fun? Not me However, John soon discovers that solving murders is a little like solving puzzles. Armed with just a collection of witness statements, a couple of markers and a whiteboard, our man is able to close the case in the time it takes others to grab a coffee. As for the secret notebook, its full of odd scribblings and cryptic symbols, as if James knew his brother might one day come in handy. Meanwhile, colleagues and superiors begin to suspect foul play (make room for stellar support from Izuka Hoyle, Dorothy Atkinson and Ralph Ineson), and its only a matter of time before one of them realises that James has been replaced by an imposter. The missing twin tale will undoubtedly deliver its share of surprises but it isnt enough to fill six hours of television. That probably explains why Ludwig distracts us with a smaller, mystery-of-the-week set-up to sit alongside the bigger story. Fair enough, its a neat touch and despite the occasional wobble, Ludwig is off to a satisfactory start. Whod have thought that watching a David Mitchell-esque character, portrayed by the actual David Mitchell, solving crimes and making a name for himself in the process, would be this fun? Not me, but its a brilliant idea and a lovely bit of casting, and Mitchell is thoroughly convincing as an anxious intellectual struggling to fill his brothers shoes. Worth sticking with. Ludwig continues Wednesday at 9pm on BBC One Maia Dunphy, Kathy Parke-McKenna and clinical nurse manager Princy Praveen at Our Ladys Hospice & Care Services in Blackrock, Dublin. Photo: Naoise Culhane. Maia Dunphy, Kathy Parke-McKenna, and clinical nurse manager, Princy Praveen at Our Ladys Hospice & Care Services in Blackrock, Dublin. Photo: Naoise Culhane. Maia Dunphy with Andy Conroy, a patient at Our Ladys Hospice & Care Services in Blackrock, Dublin. Photo: Naoise Culhane. Broadcaster Maia Dunphy was out supporting the coffee morning for hospices at a major fundraiser in Dublin today. She was out supporting her local hospice Our Lady's Hospice and Care Services in Blackrock at the 32nd annual Bewley's Big Coffee Morning for Hospice. She has rallied the nation to join the cause as one of Ireland's biggest fundraisers had kettles boiling in homes, schools, workplaces and sporting clubs across Ireland. The fundraiser is organised by Together for Hospice and represents 24 hospices across the country. Maia Dunphy at Our Ladys Hospice & Care Services in Blackrock, Dublin. Photo: Naoise Culhane. The funds raised will be used to innovate, build new facilities, develop new services and deliver quality improvements with extra benefits for patients and their family members. While the fundraiser has a 2.4m target this year, Dunphy advised people that there is still time to host a Coffee Morning for Hospice to raise funds for local hospices. The Dalkey native said: Well done to everyone who has hosted a coffee morning this year at such a vital fundraising time for hospices and you still have time to organise one on a date that suits you." If youre not in a position to host or attend an event, please consider donating as hospice care impacts so many families throughout Ireland, she added. Maia Dunphy, Kathy Parke-McKenna and clinical nurse manager Princy Praveen at Our Ladys Hospice & Care Services in Blackrock, Dublin. Photo: Naoise Culhane. Meanwhile, the broadcaster also shared a few photos and a video from this morning's event, where she was joined by the RTE 2FM presenter Carl Mullan. "What a fabulous morning at the Bewley's Ireland Coffee Morning for Hospice at Our Lady's Hospice! And it's not too late to host or donate," she wrote in a post on X, formerly Twitter. The members of the public can register to host a coffee morning on a suitable date or make donations on the charity's website. The Unite union has announced that members including plumbers, fitters, welders and apprentices will mount pickets outside the construction site An aerial photo of the National Children's Hospital in Dublin Construction workers are set to mount pickets at the delay-hit National Childrens Hospital site tomorrow in a row over a travel payment. The Unite union has announced that members including plumbers, fitters, welders and apprentices will mount pickets outside the construction site. The union said the Mechanical Engineering and Building Services Contractors' Association (MEBSCA) had made an approach this week to resolve the dispute, but its disputes committee decided that there will be a further full-day stoppage from midnight tonight. The workers voted overwhelmingly for industrial action last month. They want the first hour of a travel expense payment restored after it was cut during the financial crash. It is thanks to the determined action of Unite members over the past three weeks that MEBSCA has made contact, said Unite general secretary Sharon Graham. She said the employers need to remember that making contact is a long way from resolving the dispute. This is a highly profitable sector, and our members will continue to have Unites unstinting support as they fight to have the first hour of travel time restored, she said. Unite said talks with MEBSCA broke down. Three full-day stoppages have already been held at major construction projects around the country where MEBSCA employers are carrying out works. Unite is always prepared to talk where there is a basis for meaningful engagement and we welcome MEBSCAs approach this week, said regional officer James McCabe. He said the unions focus is on ensuring workers win back the travel time payment cut over a decade ago. The employers can well afford to meet our members demands, he said. A spokesperson for the National Paediatric Hospital Development Board said: As addressed with Unite, any issues or concerns regarding travel time payments to craft personnel who are employees of mechanical contractors involved on the National Childrens Hospital project should be addressed directly to BAM Building Ltd or Jones Engineering, as this is a matter entirely for those parties. A BAM spokesperson declined to comment on the Unite strike at the childrens hospital. The Irish Independent has contacted MEBSCA for a comment. Childrens Hospital The row over long delays to the completion of the new National Childrens Hospital resurfaced again in recent days as the hospital development board accused main contractor BAM of under-resourcing the project and failing to deliver on its contractual obligations. The fresh row over the hospital emerged after it was claimed that not one of the facilitys 5,500 rooms was finished to the expected standard. The beleaguered development has been delayed on 14 occasions four of which occurred within the last year. The projected costs of the hospital have spiralled to 2.2 billion, up from an initial estimated price tag of 650 million in 2014. The current completion date of the state-of-the-art hospital is set at a contested June 2025, followed by a six- to eight-month commissioning period. A DUBLIN man has been charged with hijacking a car and abducting a five-month-old baby who was inside at the time. Noel Ryan (47) appeared in Dublin District Court today after being arrested over the taking of the car in the city centre earlier this week. It is alleged that he got into the vehicle and drove off while the mother was outside taking a buggy from the boot and the child was still in the back seat. The car was found around two hours later with the child unharmed. Judge Gerard Jones remanded the accused in custody after no bail application was made on his behalf. Today's News in 90 Seconds - September 26th Mr Ryan, of no fixed address, is charged with abduction by taking a child from the lawful control of her mother at Mountjoy Square West on September 23. He is also charged with unlawful seizure of a car at the same time and date. The charges are under Section 10 of the Criminal Law (Jurisdiction) Act 1976 and Section 17 of the Non Fatal Offences Against the Person Act. Detective Garda Paul Griffin said he arrested the accused for the purpose of charging him at Mountjoy station this afternoon. He was charged at 3.11pm, made no reply to either count after caution and was handed copies of the charges sheets. Det Gda Griffin said he was objecting to bail. However, defence solicitor Eoin Lysaght said the accused was not making a bail application at this time. Judge Jones asked the garda for an outline of the allegations. Det Gda Griffin said it was alleged the accused unlawfully seized a vehicle at 1.45pm on the day. It was taken by force from the mother of a five-month-old child who was in the rear seat, he said. She was at the rear of the vehicle taking the buggy out of the boot, Det Gda Griffin said of the mother. The woman was outside the car and it was alleged the accused entered it and drove off. The car was recovered at 4pm and the child was present, unharmed, he said. The garda confirmed again to the judge that the child was uninjured. Judge Jones remanded the accused in custody to appear in Cloverhill District Court on October 3. The defence is to give the prosecution 48 hours notice of any intention to apply for bail. The judge also granted free legal aid following an application by Mr Lysaght. Mr Ryan was not required to speak during the brief hearing and has not yet entered pleas to the charges. A male nurse at a care home falsely imprisoned and sexually assaulted a co-worker by cornering her, wrapping his arms around her and kissing her against her will. Liju John (37) kissed the young nurses neck and tried to get her to remove her face mask while they were in a room with a non-verbal elderly patient at the height of the Covid pandemic. Star Limerick hurler Kyle Hayes must wait until at least December to find out if he will go to jail latest | Dad of teen charged with murder of Irish chef Shaun Brady says justice system failed his son Brady (44) was fatally shot during a confrontation with a group outside the Irish restaurant he co-owned in Kansas City Shaun Brady Neil Fetherstonhaugh Thu 26 Sep 2024 at 12:25 The father of one of the Kansas City teens charged with the murder of Irish chef Shaun Brady has said the juvenile system overlooked his son. Woman (50) held on suspicion of directing Irish arm of Black Axe gang that laundered 10m Suspect is key figure in Irish cell of international fraud organisation A 50-year-old woman linked to a Black Axe cell that has laundered over 10m has been arrested Ken Foy Thu 26 Sep 2024 at 03:30 A 50-year-old woman suspected of playing a major role in the activities of the Black Axe crime gang has been arrested under organised crime legislation. A solicitor representing seven of the victims' families wrote to Justice Minister Helen McEntee this week. Photo: PA Garda Commissioner Drew Harris said the investigation into Creeslough has been thorough. Photo: Conor McKeown The scene of an explosion at Applegreen service station in the village of Creeslough in Co Donegal (Brian Lawless/PA) Garda Commissioner Drew Harris has confirmed that a file of investigation into the Creeslough explosion is nearing completion. Ten people were killed in the blast, which ripped through an Applegreen service station and a nearby apartment block in the Co Donegal village on October 7, 2022. Gardai are almost ready to submit a file to the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP). However, speaking at the annual conference of the Association of Garda Superintendents in Trim, Co Meath, Commissioner Harris did not give an exact timeframe on when the file would be submitted. The garda chief was speaking after it emerged earlier this week that several families who lost loved ones in the tragedy have called on the Government to set up a public inquiry into the explosion as the two-year anniversary draws near. They have also called for an independent investigation into the tragedy to be established. Garda Commissioner Drew Harris said the investigation into Creeslough has been thorough. Photo: Conor McKeown Four men, three women and three children, ranging in age from five to 59, died in the explosion. Those who died were Robert Garwe and his five-year-old daughter Shauna Flanagan-Garwe, Catherine ODonnell and her 13-year-old son James Monaghan, fashion student Jessica Gallagher, Celtic fan Martin McGill, Sydney native James OFlaherty, shop worker Martina Martin, carpenter Hugh Kelly and 14-year-old Leona Harper. Commissioner Harris told reporters the comfort he could give grieving relatives is that an investigation into the tragedy was carried out by a committed group of garda members. He stated that when a file is submitted to the DPP, it is important to note that the DPP is entirely independent of the gardai who submit the file. The DPP will decide if there was any criminal liability in relation to the explosion. Describing the garda probe into the Creeslough explosion, he said it has been a very thorough investigation. A solicitor representing seven of the victims' families wrote to Justice Minister Helen McEntee this week. Photo: PA Mr Harris explained that gardai have used experts from Britain with knowledge of gas explosions to assist in their investigations. Four people, including two tradesmen, have been arrested by gardai investigating the explosion. Those arrests happened in March and May and all four were later released without charge. This week, it emerged that a lawyer representing the next of kin of seven of the 10 victims had written to Justice Minister Helen McEntee asking for an independent investigation to be established. At the same event in Trim on Wednesday, Ms McEntee told reporters that the garda investigation must be allowed to take its course. Expressing sympathy to the victims families and the huge amount of trauma and grief they have suffered, she said gardai have left no stone unturned in their investigation. She added that a tragedy like what happened in Creeslough can never happen again. While the cause of the explosion has yet to be formally confirmed by the authorities, a gas leak is the central line of inquiry. Darragh Mackin, solicitor for seven of the families, said they had also requested a meeting with Ms McEntee in the letter written to her. The letter, seen by the PA news agency, said the tragedy of Creeslough had been compounded by the absence of an independent human-rights compliant investigation. If they take away our Prosecco, what next? Mixed reactions to Ryanair boss Michael OLearys proposed crackdown on boozy behaviour Nervous flyers and those who like a drink or two before boarding among those sharing their views Ryaniar CEO Michael OLeary has called for a two-drink limit to be applied at airports as a result of unruly behaviour on flights. Photo: Steve Humphreys Arlene Harris Thu 26 Sep 2024 at 03:30 Ryanair boss Michael OLeary sparked another debate with his calls for air passengers to be limited to two alcoholic drinks before boarding a flight. OPW chair said total expense driven up by CCTV and unseen extras Micheal Martin was shocked by the cost of the security shelter. Photo: PA The security shelter at the Department of Finance, which was built at a cost of over 1.4m. Photo: Collins Photo Tanaiste Micheal Martin has described the 1.4m spend on a security shelter at the Department of Finance as ridiculous and called for a fundamental review of the cost. During a sitting of the Oireachtas finance committee yesterday, it emerged that the structure, which is located on Merrion Street in Dublin city, cost 1.429m. John Conlon, the chair of the Office of Public Works (OPW), revealed the cost of the shelter when he appeared before the committee to answer questions about the Leinster House bike shelter, which cost 336,000. I was shocked to hear that figure this morning. Its ridiculous, the Tanaiste said from New York, where he is attending the UN General Assembly. Theres no need for that level of expenditure. I think we need a fundamental review of whats happening there and full transparency in front of the Oireachtas of the actual breakdown of costs. That does seem shocking, in terms of what is there that would cost that amount of money? Mr Martin said the Comptroller and Auditor General reviews public spending, adding that many projects come in under budget. However, he does not feel that controversies around public spending mean that a dedicated department of infrastructure is needed. While it looks like and is a fairly significant cost, there are very significant mechanical, electrical and security system costs in that I havent seen any blueprint for it at all, he said. And are we really saying that, for example, the Department of Education, which is building schools, goes into an infrastructure department, when theres already significant expertise that was built up over years in the building of schools? So my concern with that proposal is that it would actually lead to a greater delay and even more costly expenditure over time. Mr Conlon told Oireachtas committee members yesterday that the security shelter was built following an extensive review of security in this campus by An Garda Siochana Technical Advisory Group. He said the total cost of 1.429m included the costs of a temporary structure while the work was being completed. While it looks like and is a fairly significant cost, there are very significant mechanical, electrical and security system costs in that, Mr Conlon said. Micheal Martin was shocked by the cost of the security shelter. Photo: PA There was also a significant cost to provide a temporary structure while that building work was taking place. He added that there was a huge security element to the project that also included costs for CCTV, ventilation and underground works. The security shelter is located on Merrion Street and features a large swooping copper roof. Asked by Green Party TD Steven Matthews if he believed the cost was excessive, he disagreed. I dont believe it is, given the significant security dimensions to it and the security elements of it, which were very costly, Mr Conlon told the committee. He added that there were a lot of elements to the project that are not visible. These included mechanical and electrical security systems that link up with a control system across the campus of Government Buildings. Theres a huge amount of networking that arose in that project in the Leinster House and Government Buildings campus including power, communications, security, CCTV systems. So its not just what you see when you look down the south gate. Theres far more to that project than meets the eye. Mr Matthews said he has requested that Kieran ODonnell, junior minister at the OPW, come before the committee. He has also requested a full breakdown of the costs associated with the security shelter. Representatives for the OPW were also grilled over the 336,000 bike shelter at Leinster House. It has been described as the most expensive bike shelter in the world and will be the subject of an external audit. Mr Conlon told the committee that he accepted the location where the bike shelter now stands, close to the National Gallery, was not a cost-effective option. I do acknowledge that the location chosen turned out to be probably the most expensive location that could have been chosen, he said. Mr Conlon added that there were other locations nearby, including the West Road area, that would have been far cheaper. However, that location was rejected due to security concerns. Asked by Sinn Feins Pearse Doherty if he thought the spend on the bike shelter was a waste of taxpayers money, Mr Conlon said he did not. Taxpayers money was spent on the construction of a covered bicycle shelter, at a very expensive cost, he said. I dont accept it was a waste of taxpayers money. I do accept it was very, very expensive. A claim that former finance minister Paschal Donohoe had a confidential phone call in which he assured his Israeli counterpart that the Government would block the Occupied Territories Bill has been denied in the Dail. Sinn Fein foreign affairs spokesman Matt Carthy referred to allegations on The Ditch website, that Mr Donohoe, now Minister for Public Expenditure, had given assurances to Jerusalem that economic penalties on Israel would not be imposed. Tanaiste Micheal Martin told the Dail today that he had spoken to Mr Donohoe and the claim was false. The website reported that Mr Donohoe as Minister for Finance had a secret phone call with his Israeli counterpart in 2019. It was alleged that it was confirmed orally that the Government would block the Occupied Territories Bill, which would impose sanctions on certain Israeli goods because of Israels treatment of Palestinians. The claim about the call with Mr Donohoe was made in documents leaked from the Israeli Ministry of Justice, Mr Carthy said, quoting the website. But Mr Martin said he spoke to Mr Donohoe before he came into the chamber to take Leaders' Questions on Thursday. He is clear that he did not make any such phone call, Mr Martin said. "His published [ministerial] diary doesn't record any such phone call. "I think this speaks to people rushing to judgment before ascertaining the full facts." "He is very, very clear that there was no phone call, the Fianna Fail leader added. The Occupied Territories Bill would have banned certain imports from land illegally occupied by Israel, and imposed sanctions and fines. The Bill was introduced by Independent senator Frances Black and has been passed by both the Seanad and the Dail. However, the Government has failed to enact it and used the money message mechanism needed for Bills with financial implications to block it. The Government had previously been advised by the Attorney General that the Bill could not be enacted because trade was an EU competence, not within the national purlieu. But Tanaiste Micheal Martin said an advisory opinion of the International Court of Justice on Israel and its breach of obligations was a very significant turning point in relation to the Occupied Territories Bill. Further advice is being sought from Attorney General Rossa Fanning within the context of the International Court of Justice" advisory notice, he said. The ICJs opinion was a very significant turning point "and Europe has to face up for that reality, he added. On Tuesday as the Dail returned, demonstrators presented a petition of 40,000 signatures calling for the Bill to be enacted. SDLP leader Colum Eastwood (left) and former taoiseach Leo Varadkar (second left) talking to schoolchildren from Derry during today's event (David Young/PA Wire) Sinn Fein leader Mary Lou McDonald has described comments made by the former taoiseach as him finding his inner Shinner, after Leo Varadkar said every party should make manifesto pledges that Irish reunification is an objective, not an aspiration. The former Fine Gael leader called for politicians in the Republic to back the establishment of a forum to set out plans for Irish unity. Speaking in Derry this afternoon, the former Fine Gael leader proposed a two-stage referendum process for a potential future vote on the reunification of Ireland. Mr Varadkar suggested an initial vote where people on both sides of the border would decide whether they agree in principle with constitutional change, and then a final confirmatory ballot once the structures and constitution of the new political entity were designed and presented to the public. Asked about his comments today, Ms McDonald said they were welcome but belated. Im glad that hes exited the position of taoiseach, that hes found his inner Shinner and his appetite for reunification, the Dublin TD said. This is where every political party should be. This is the big opportunity for our island to consolidate peace, to finally reach a point of reconciliation, and to benefit from the huge economic and social and political opportunity that will present to us. To us, this is a no-brainer. Of course, it has to be more than rhetoric. A soundbite is not enough. Those that are committed to reunification recognise there has to be a citizens assembly, a structured democratic conversation. There has to be commitment to the holding of referendums. Thats really the issue here. If you believe that we support and enforce all of the Good Friday Agreement, well then you have to have a commitment to the holding of referendums. Thats the point at which the people have their say. Sinn Fein leader Mary Lou McDonald (Damien Storan/PA) The ex-taoiseach, who stepped down earlier this year, outlined that idea and a series of other proposals as he addressed schoolchildren at an event in Derry hosted as part of the SDLP's New Ireland Commission initiative. Under the terms of Good Friday peace agreement of 1998, the UK government is obliged to call a referendum in Northern Ireland if there is evidence of a shift in public opinion in favour of unity. In that event, there would be a simultaneous vote in the Republic of Ireland. The peace accord does not currently envisage a two-stage process as suggested by former Fine Gael leader Mr Varadkar. Mr Varadkar, who is not seeking re-election, said he would like to see all parties dedicate a section of their manifestos to the issue. He said the next Irish Government should boost funding in the States existing Shared Island initiative and also set up its own commission to examine reunification. He also insisted that a new Ireland would have to be co-designed along with those of a British identity. Mr Varadkar suggested the Dail could sit at Stormont in Belfast for parts of the year in the event of unification. He also proposed that the unified state could have a president and vice-president, one of whom would be from the unionist/British tradition. He said a unified Ireland would also need to strike international defence agreements and partnerships in order to protect its seas and airspace. In regard to his proposed two-stage referendum, Mr Varadkar acknowledged that it could prove controversial. One idea that Ive suggested, and it might be a terrible idea, but I think its worth thinking about is a two-stage process, one where people vote on the idea in principle, then we have a convention that works out the details and the new constitution, and people get to do a confirmatory vote, he said. A lot of people think thats a bad idea, because they want the clear question first, but its not one that I think should be thrown out. Its something I think should be thought about. And Im conscious that the new prime minister, Keir Starmer, actually advocated this approach in relation to Brexit, called for a second vote on the deal. So its not an entirely crazy idea, and one thats been suggested before. While schools from across Derry were invited to todays event at the citys Playhouse, only schools from the Catholic education sector attended. Mr Varadkar acknowledged that many unionists and loyalists do not wish to engage in discussions about Irish unification. He said he would take a similar stance if asked to consider the Republic of Ireland re-joining the UK. But he said a yes vote in the initial in principle ballot might persuade sceptics to get involved in the process of designing the new state. There are people who are very strong and avowed unionists who will never want to have this conversation, just as I wouldnt want to engage in a conversation about the Republic of Ireland joining the United Kingdom, I wouldnt be interested in that, so that is a real difficulty for us, he said. But I do think there are people who come from a Protestant background, or come from a Protestant/unionist/loyalist background who dont necessarily vote for the unionist parties anymore, who might be interested in engaging. They might vote Alliance, they might vote SDLP or Green, or they might not vote at all. So I do think there are people, and Ive met them, who are interested in having this conversation, and theyre coming from a background that traditionally would be Protestant or unionist, but it is one of the ideas why I think there is some merit in considering a two-stage referendum, because if we had the first stage and people north and south voted for unification in principle, I think you might then get a larger number who would accept the democratic outcome, and then might be willing to engage in the co-design of what that new Ireland looks like. Mr Varadkar said the concept of accommodating people from a British identity in a new Ireland did not go far enough. Its really important that we dont just try to accommodate them in a new Ireland, but that we try and design the new Ireland with them, so thats their home too, he said. Somebody said to me once that they really dont like the word accommodation, because accommodation, its like a hotel, or its a B&B, its somewhere where you get to stay, but its not really your home. And what we have to do to make sure a united Ireland works is to make sure that we co-design this, at least with those who are willing to talk to us about it, and we make accommodations or make changes and concessions that I think would work. Mr Varadkar said while he felt that unity would be achieved in the coming decades, he cautioned it was by no means certain. He said that was why preparation was vital, as he warned that a no vote in any referenda would knock the issue off the agenda for a long time. The ex-Fine Gael leader said unification was becoming a more attractive prospect for a variety of factors. He said the opportunity of Northern Ireland re-joining the EU through unification was one pull factor. Mr Varadkar also said the economy, health service, childcare support and welfare system were all in a better state in the Republic of Ireland than in Northern Ireland. So I think were in a very different place than we were 100 years ago, or 50 years ago, or even 20 years ago, he said. The case for unification and the arguments for unification are a lot stronger than they were then, because of the things that have changed. Courts Unacceptable behaviour for visitors to our country, judge says, as tourists arrested trying to sell cocaine to garda Michael Farrelly was killed in the hit-and-run. Gardai have arrested a man in his late teens over the fatal hit-and-run which killed a pedestrian in north Dublin in July. The collision occurred on the coast road in Baldoyle, Dublin 13 in the early hours of Wednesday morning, July 17. The victim, 40-year-old pedestrian Michael Mikey Farrelly, was pronounced dead at the scene. Michael Farrelly was killed in the hit-and-run. It is understood Mr Farrelly was walking to his home when he was struck by a stolen car, a Hyundai Kona. Gardai today announced that a second suspect has been arrested in connection with the collision. The male juvenile (aged in his late teens) was detained under Section 4 of the Criminal Justice Act, 1984, at a Garda station in Dublin, a spokesperson said. He has since been released without charge and a file will be prepared for the Garda Youth Diversion Office. A representative said: The previously arrested individual, a man (aged in his late teens) was released without charge and a file is being prepared for the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions. Investigations are ongoing. On September 10, Gardai arrested a key member of the Lucky Dip gang over his alleged involvement in the death of Michael Farrelly. The arrested teenager was a central member of the so-called Lucky Dip gang made up of juveniles and teenage males mainly from the Ballyfermot, Inchicore and Blanchardstown areas. The 'Lucky Dip' group is said to have stolen several dozen automobiles over the past year, mostly for joyrides rather than for resale. The 18-year old was a part of the car-theft gang causing disruptions in Leinster. At Mr. Farrelly's Co Meath funeral, it was revealed that he had recently completed his long-held goal of producing an album of original music. Gardai seized a firearm, ammunition and two vehicles during a search operation in Baldoyle, Dublin 13 on Wednesday evening. A sawn-off double barrel shotgun and ammunition were seized from an abandoned vehicle at a property in Dublin yesterday. Two vehicles were also seized by gardai during a search operation at a property on the Moyne Road in Baldoyle on Wednesday evening. It was conducted as part of ongoing investigations into recent criminal activity in the area. A sawn-off double barrel shotgun and ammunition were found concealed in an abandoned vehicle. Both were seized by gardai and are subject to further analysis by the Ballistics Section of the Garda Technical Bureau. Two vehicles were also seized by Gardai during the course of the search and are subject to a technical examination. Gardai in Howth received assistance from the District Detective Unit, Garda Dog Unit, Armed Support Unit, District Drugs Unit, the District Crime Task Force and uniform Gardai from Clontarf and Raheny. No arrests have been made at this time and investigations are ongoing, a garda spokesperson said. Today's News in 90 Seconds - September 26th Disability rights campaigner Cara Darmody (14) has told a protest that Ireland is an international embarrassment on child disability issues, and the Government has let children with disabilities down. Cara held a "Monster Meeting rally at 11am on Thursday outside the gates of Leinster House to protest against the Governments failure to provide proper assessments of needs, services and school places for children with autism and other disabilities. She told the crowd that the fact the Government failed to ratify the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities is an international embarrassment. The Government needs to stop allowing the HSE to break the assessment needs law, she told the Irish Independent. "This is not a national crisis, this is an international embarrassment for our country, for the Government and for the HSE. Any normal person in Ireland would be so embarrassed to talk about how our country treats autistic and disabled people. As we're coming near the end of 2024, there's now over 20,000 kids rushing on the HSE waiting list and that needs to change. Speaking at the event, she said successive governments have let down children with autism and intellectual disabilities. The fact that permanent damage is happening to children is a national disgrace. Everything about me holding a Monster Meeting rally is wrong. I shouldnt be there I should be in school, in class being a normal 14-year-old, Cara said. "Instead, Ill be there standing up for kids who cannot fight back, all because our political system treats children with disabilities disgracefully. Cara, from Ardfinnan, Co Tipperary, is the older sister of Neil (11) and John (7) who are autistic and non-verbal. [My brothers] werent properly assessed, dont get proper services and are in the wrong school for their disability, she said. "No politician is treating this as a national crisis, or like the house is on fire. There is simply no immediate urgency being shown. We must stop the pain and suffering of children right now, she added. After the rally, she was due to go to the Dail by invitation, followed by a meeting with the HSE head of disability Bernard ORegan to discuss the issues brought up at the rally. She also pledged to continue to protest outside the Dail for two hours from noon every Wednesday, until she feels real action is taken on improving access to crucial services for children with special needs. Cara plans to bring this issue to the attention of the European Parliament and the United Nations, following the footsteps of climate campaigner Greta Thunberg. She believes the Governments minds might focus on this issue only when reputational damage is potentially caused. At the rally, many parents were seen holding banners with pictures of their children, including mothers Charlotte Cahill and Caitriona Rohan, who shared their journeys and struggle to navigate disability services and fight for their childrens rights. Cara and her father Mark were also joined by several TDs and party leaders, including Sinn Fein leader Mary Lou McDonald, Labour Party leader Ivana Bacik, Independent Ireland co-leader Michael Collins, People Before Profit TD Richard Boyd Barrett and Senator Tom Clonan, who all spoke to the crowd. Speaking at the rally, Ms McDonald pledged to support Caras campaign. "You can see the evidence of the pressure that [Cara] has put on the political system and I only have this to say keep doing it, she said. "This State is wealthy. This Government spent 10 million fighting for us not to get the 14 billion of Apple taxes to which the State was entitled. How many assessments of needs could have been funded with that 10 million? There is no defence. The State is breaking the law, she told the protesters. Ms Bacik said Caras campaign has brought much-needed progress. "But what we need to hear from the Government is a commitment that they will abide by Caras three asks and an apology to those children who have had to wait for so long with such severe impact on their health, well-being and on their future lives, she told the rally. Stay Well: Why do I have a dowagers hump on my neck and what can I do to fix it? At the United Nations opening conference in 1945, US president Harry Truman pleaded with delegates to reject the premise that might makes right. We must reverse it to right makes might, he said. Almost 80 years later, International Rescue Committee president David Miliband reminded those in attendance in New York of the terrible consequences of the failure to flip this equation, saying: In Gaza, Sudan and Ukraine, might is making right. At a curtain-raiser for the General Assembly, US ambassador Linda Thomas-Greenfield said her countrys focus will be on ending the scourge of war, reminding the audience that two billion people currently live in conflict-affected areas. 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, she said. It is a tall order, requiring a level of determined leadership and commitment yet to be seen within the international community. This was the background against which US president Joe Biden made his final address to the assembly. But his efforts to strike the appropriate authoritative tone seemed to lack the resolve or conviction expected of the worlds remaining superpower in such a decisive moment, with so many lives on the line. His attempt to establish some grounds for optimism fell equally short. We are stronger than we think, when the world acts together, he said. The sentiment is a noble one. The difficulty stems from the fact that as Israels most influential ally, Washington has to lead, not follow. His foreign-policy legacy will chiefly be determined by what happens next in Israel and Ukraine Mr Biden said he came to office promising to rejuvenate US relations around the world and to extract the US from forever wars in Afghanistan and Iraq. The jury may still be out on the claim. Either way, his foreign-policy legacy will chiefly be determined by what happens next in Israel and Ukraine. Efforts to contain the conflicts in Europe and the Middle East look anything but secure. There will always be forces that pull our countries apart, Mr Biden said. Our task, our test is to make sure that the forces holding us together are stronger than the forces pulling us apart. If he wishes to pass his own test, he has an opportunity even in a weakened political state to demonstrate to the world the US still has the power to marshal those forces. America is the sole voice Tel Aviv has to respect. Mr Biden has insisted full-scale war is not in anyones interest and said that despite escalating violence, a diplomatic solution is the only path to peace. He is, again, correct. But Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu has rebuffed every appeal for restraint that he has made to date. Unless maximum pressure is put on Israel to pull back from the brink, full-scale war looks inevitable. The sustainable, integrated Middle East coming into view, of which Mr Biden spoke so confidently only a year ago, will disappear in the ashes. And the forever war proponents will continue to decide the issue. President Joe Biden addresses the 79th session of the UN General Assembly in New York. Photo: AP US president Joe Biden stood before the United Nations this week and quoted a line from WB Yeatss poem The Second Coming that says: Things fall apart, the centre cannot hold, mere anarchy is loosed upon the world. Demurring from Yeats, Biden stated that the centre had held. It took some neck to say that from the podium of an institution that the United States and Israel have consistently ignored over the years. If they think a bloodstained Gaza is holding the centre, that a Middle East just one atrocity away from full-blown war and a continuing European war with Russia are barometers of central stability, we are truly sunk. Yeats also had this to say about those in the audience who mocked history, as happened with the jeering of Sean OCaseys play The Plough and the Stars in 1926. He told them: You disgraced yourself again. Biden started his political life with a nod to the old sod. He ends it holding Israels coat while it destroys Gaza. John Cuffe, Co Meath On the world stage, Simon Harris failed to back up previous words on Gaza Taoiseach Simon Harris sat on the fence this week when asked about the US supplying arms to Israel. How many more children need to die before we call out the US as a fading democracy? More appeasement. Politics before courage. It is either right or wrong to supply weapons, Taoiseach. All your words to date, while brave about Gaza, were not backed up on the world stage. Tony OGorman, Clonmacken, Co Limerick President should be asked why hes blaming Israel for leaking Iran letter I dont understand why our President decided to pick a fight with the Israeli embassy over his letter to the newly elected president of Iran. When asked about the criticism of his letter, President Higgins threw out a question to the media at the UN: Why dont you ask where it came from? He then went on to accuse the Israeli embassy in Ireland of circulating his letter to the media. Who is briefing him? A little bit of research would have shown his letter was released to the media by the Iranian embassy in London on July 28. In any event, it was not a private letter and is available under Freedom of Information. The President didnt like the criticism of the letter by the Israeli embassy and some TDs, including Fine Gaels Charlie Flanagan. He didnt like the embassy highlighting that, in his letter, he failed to criticise Iran for its constant call for Israels total destruction, for funding and arming terrorist organisations like Hamas and Hezbollah, not to mention the many violations of human rights against its own citizens. The President defended his so-called standard letter as normal diplomatic protocol. However, he cannot be above criticism on this he could easily have challenged the new Iranian president on some of the above issues. At a time when relations between Israel and Ireland are at a low point, why did he choose to ignore who actually released the letter and wrongly blame the Israelis? Paddy Monaghan, Glenageary, Co Dublin If Ryanair has its way for passengers who drink, it may be case of two will do Eavan Murrays story in the Irish Independent (September 25) says Ryanair would be willing to set a two-drink limit on passengers if airport bars did the same. This brings to mind the old saying: A bird in the hand is worth two in the bush. Perhaps, the slogan should now be: Two will do. Leo Gormley, Dundalk, Co Louth Its easy to see why even atheists can find comfort in the pews of a church I have read a number of articles recently about atheists attending church and finding it beneficial for their health. In the current political and social climate, there are times when the divisions between friends and neighbours can feel very wide and deep. Although its impossible to see into the hearts of the people seated next to you in a pew, its still strange and perhaps naive comfort that those people are ostensibly there to learn useful real-world skills like forgiveness, charity and love. Going to church reminds people that everyone is just trying to figure out the best way to be human. Many atheists have shared with me, as a clinician and theology graduate, that they enjoy church music along with the intelligent and insightful sermons delivered by the priest. Many crave the human connection with others that such fellowship provides. I find many atheists, far from wanting to deny their children exposure to religious traditions, want to introduce them to religion in a way that allows them to make a thoughtful, informed decision about their own faith (or lack thereof). In the final analysis, I believe we are all on a life journey of discovery and must keep updating, amending and questioning the existential meaning of lifes trek. John OBrien, Clonmel, Co Tipperary Bike shed is a sickener, but delays with new hospital could really finish us off It looks like the new National Childrens Hospital is about to put the Leinster House bike shed in the hapenny place. John Glennon, Hollywood, Co Wicklow Government should not be propagating mantras of the pensions industry I refer to a recent RTE report on pension research by the Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (CCPC). The 21pc of adults who do not have any financial arrangements in place for retirement are probably just surviving on their income. Encouraging them to set up a pension may only increase their misery. Claiming that these people, who may not now be paying any income tax, are potentially missing out on the tax benefits and then claiming tax deferral is tax relief is incredulous. Its very concerning that government agencies are propagating these misleading, well-worn pensions industry mantras. Those on low income may end up paying more tax when drawing their pension than any tax benefit received on pension contributions. Michael Terry, Lucan, Co Dublin Is YouTube Premium worth sticking with despite the price hike? What does Ireland get out of the Amazon.ie launch? And why is Metas Nick Clegg calling Irelands Data Protection Commissioner a mailbox? Producer, JJ Clarke, joined Adrian on this weeks episode of The Big Tech Show. Adrian spoke to the president of Global Affairs at Meta, Nick Clegg last week. The former deputy prime minister of the UK told him that the Irish Data Protection Commission risks morphing into little more than a mailbox. These inflammatory comments pose the question, is the EUs stance on privacy slowing the pace of innovation in the single market? You can listen to the full episode here on the Irish Independent website or wherever you get your podcasts. You might think Mr Beast is the name of a character from a children's story or the moniker of a gangland figure but you'd be wrong. Although you might not have heard of him, he is one of the world's most popular internet personalities. The 26-year old has built a global YouTube empire around; bingeable eye-catching videos, eye watering production budgets and impressive brand deals. But the man born as Jimmy Donaldson has been hit by multiple scandals in recent months and even faces a high-profile legal battle related to his upcoming Amazon co-production. Today on The Indo Daily, Dave Hanratty is joined by Darragh Nolan, journalist with the Irish Independent, to look at how a digital content king has found himself in the belly of the beast. Charleville residents have called for a bypass of the town to be designated funding in the upcoming Budget to prevent further losses of life on Main Street, where several fatalities have taken place after lorries collided with pedestrians. Locals have reiterated their calls for a bypass after a woman in her forties was involved in a collision involving a lorry on the N20 in the Rathgoggan South area of the town on Monday and was taken for medical attention for injuries believed to be non-life-threatening. Banning a breed never solves the problem animal welfare groups Animal welfare groups in Dublin have said the upcoming ban on XL Bully dogs will never solve the problem and will lead to increased abandonment. From October 1, it will be illegal to import, breed, or re-sell XL Bully dogs. Then, from February next year, you will not be permitted to own an XL Bully without a a Certificate of Exemption confirming the animal is licenced, micro-chipped and neutered. Violators may face fines of up to 2,500 or imprisonment, while the dog will be seized. Minister Heather Humphreys announced the upcoming ban during the summer, following a number of horrific attacks by XL Bully dogs, including the death of a young woman who was mauled to death in Limerick. While some animal welfare organisations support the ban in principle due to concerns over public safety, many are also voicing concerns over its implementation, fearing it may lead to increased abandonment and mistreatment of dogs. Other animal shelters vehemently oppose the ban, arguing that it is a knee-jerk reaction that places undue pressure on already strained rescue services. Marie Hannon, founder of Irish Dog Rescue Charity, Dogs in Distress, told the Irish Independent she is horrified by the new regulations on XL Bully breeds. I think its just basically a knee-jerk reaction, and a copy of whats gone on in the UK, she said. All dogs falling into these particular categories are being tarred with the same brush, and its not true. To qualify as an XL bully, the dog must be at least 51 cm (20 inches) tall at the shoulder. There is no specific weight requirement mentioned, but XL bullies are generally characterised by their muscular build and blocky heads. However, animal welfare charities fear the ban could lead to increased abandonment of these dogs and further strain on their already stretched services. None of us have the time, effort, energy, space, or money to continue at this pace, and now this is thrown on top, Ms Hannon said. Banning a breed never solves the problem. Things go underground, and there are more dangerous dogs being brought in now. She said the Government should be targeting puppy farms and backyard breeders and focus on educating people about these types of breeds. Kerry-Anne Pollock, the previous chairperson of the ISPCA, who spoke on behalf of animal welfare organisation My Lovely Horse Rescue, said they fully agree with the ban on XL Bully dogs. However, she is critical of the implementation, arguing it could lead to more abandoned and mistreated animals. Since the ban was announced in July, weve seen a large increase in abandonment, which poses a public safety risk, she said. People who dont know what to expect may approach these dogs, and its not that theyre more dangerous, but their size and capability can be intimidating. My Lovely Horse Rescue is encouraging the Minister to push out a campaign to encourage owners to surrender their dogs to reputable animal welfare charities and rescues. They also request an exemption for XL Bully dogs already in pounds and rescues as they should be given a fair chance with thorough assessments for health, temperament, and suitability for rehoming in a controlled environment. We agree with the ban, but its how its being done thats problematic, Ms Pollock added. The dogs that are already here need to be treated humanely, and those that cant be re-homed should be put down in a stress-free way. Tanya Clarke, who finds rescue dogs forever homes at the Dublin Society for Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (DSPCA), said that while she and the DSPCA support responsible dog ownership, the upcoming ban on XL bullies will not solve the underlying issues. I think the ban will be detrimental to everyone who works in rescue because they care for animals, she said. Its in all of our natures to want to rescue, rehabilitate, and rehome animals. The right to do that for these dogs, whether theyre friendly or not, is being taken away. She said that a lot of people with large bull breed crosses are currently panicking and thinking their dog will be mistaken for an XL bully. Theres going to be a lot of innocent dogs falling into the category of people thinking theyre XL bullies, even though they may look vastly different, she said. The office of Heather Humphreys, Minister for Social Protection and Minister for Rural & Community Development, has been contacted for comment. Councillors pass motion calling for more regulation after a number of incidents in city David Mulreany (39) has been driving a horse and carriage in Dublin since he was 16 David Mulreany, who has been driving a horse and carriage in Dublin since he left school at the age of 16, is calling for more oversight of the industry as it has become a free for all. Dublin city councillors recently passed an emergency motion calling for the regulation of horse and carriage operators in the capital after several incidents of horse welfare concerns, dangerous driving, injuries and anti-social behaviour. Mr Mulreany (39), who is a traditional operator at Mulreanys Carriages, said he is concerned about the safety of the people and animals involved. It was totally different when I started back when I was 16, he told the Irish Independent. Dublins carriage office, the same place that used to pass the taxis, were the ones that passed us out. Your carriage got inspected, your horse was seen by a vet, there was a background check, everything was done. We needed a licence as well for your horse, carriage, and driver. You had to always display your badge too. Now theres none of that whatsoever. DCC have no authority to inspect your horse or carriage now, so they werent going to issue any more licences. It was more or less a free for all. Theres more competition now, its open across the board, we just dont know who half of the lads are anymore. Before there was 16 licences issued. Dublin City Council and the gardai knew exactly who was driving the carriages. Today, we don't know ourselves, he added. David loves his job, but with a lack of regulation and an increase in people riding horses around the city, he does it for pleasure now rather than income. It was very hard to take for the simple reason that it was how we put bread on the table. Its different now because its so hard to actually make any money whatsoever, he added. Now its more a pleasure than anything else to keep the horses. We dont mind everybody having a go at this, once they do it correctly. The people are looked after, tourists are looked after, the horses are minded, and we know whos driving these things. Mr Mulreany is a traditional operator at Mulreanys Carriages I left school to drive a horse and carriage for the simple reason there was no money in our area at the time. It turned out that it was the only thing I knew how to do. We have set routes around Dublin city, and you can travel for half an hour, an hour, the whole day. Dublin has so many hidden gems. Wed take you along Georgian Dublin, along the Grand Canal, the old Georgian houses, Merrion Square and so on. Then youd go by the brewery or Saint Patricks Cathedral and things like that. We go where the buses dont go, especially around the Liberties. Were Liberties lads. Its a proper bit of history. We learn something new every single day. Its the best part of Dublin. Its amazing. Its just one of the best jobs in the world when its done right and proper, he added. Fianna Fail councillor Deirdre Heney is the chair of DCCs Animal Welfare Oversight Committee. She proposed the emergency motion as she believes the current state of the industry is an accident waiting to happen. We have no power to regulate the driver of a horse drawn carriage, so anyone from 16 and up, once they have an equine ID, which is nothing to do with safety, she said. You can just get it from the Department of Agriculture for a horse. Weve no way of regulating what behaviour or what happens in the city in terms of people riding a horse. A horse collapsed in Christchurch recently due to exhaustion and it went viral. This gave us the opportunity to put this as an emergency motion in DCC and put pressure on the Minister [for Transport] to reintroduce our horse and carriage regulations in the city. The Minister needs to bring forward legislation to amend this. Its a health and safety issue to the young drivers, members of the public who use the carriages and the welfare of the animal, some are working to exhaustion. The Alzheimer Society of Ireland is calling on the Government to maintain momentum in funding dementia support and services in Budget 2025 by funding much-needed dementia-specific Day Care at Home Services in Louth. The ASI is looking to increase its Day Care at Home offering in Louth in areas such as Drogheda, Dundalk and Cooley but this is pending funding being allocated from the Government in Budget 2025 taking place on October 1st. In June, The ASI called on the Government to invest 5.5 million in dementia supports and services to address inequity of access across the country. The recommendations are contained in The ASIs Pre-Budget Submission 2025; Equal Dementia Supports, Building on Momentum in 2025. The ASIs submission asks Government to build on the momentum of the past four years with an investment of 5.5m, alongside tangible policy solutions to address ongoing geographical inequity in dementia services and supports, the financial struggles of family carers and the mental health needs of people living with dementia and those who care for them. The ASI also want to see funding for a sustainable dementia workplace and support for Irish dementia research. The ASI is seeking an increase in funding for Dementia Specific Day Care at Home Services by 1,000,000 in Budget 2025 to expand the reach of the services across all areas across the country. Day Care at Home meets an urgent unmet need for people with dementia and their families by providing variety, stimulation, and personalised enjoyable activities. It delivers quality psycho-social support by providing person-centred activities in block hours. The delivery of an additional 645 hours of Day Care at Home per week across Ireland, equating to 32,250 hours of care annually (based on 50 weeks of provision). This will enable The ASI to provide Day Care at Home to 230 more people with dementia per week across the country. In addition, the ASI is calling on the Government to invest 600,000 in the expansion of Day Centres outside major cities. Further investment in dementia-specific Day Centres is essential to support people with dementia, at different stages of their journey, to remain at home in their communities and to provide respite to family carers. There are currently 53 Day Centres in operation across the Republic of Ireland and in 2023 The ASI had just over 63,000 attendances which equates to 1,939 people. The ASIs Head of Operations and Community Engagement, Siobhan OConnor said: There has been enhanced investment in dementia supports from the Government over the last number of years however, there is a need to keep pace with demand. She added: "The ASI is asking the Government to build on the momentum of the last few years with increased funding for Day Care services and Day Care at Home to support, reach and help as many people impacted by dementia in our communities as possible. The Western Development Commission (WDC) has announced that the popular series Moving West will return for a third season on TG4, coinciding with the WDCs 25th anniversary celebration. The new season, airing from October 15 at 7.30 pm on TG4, will feature six weekly episodes, each focusing on a different county, beginning with County Mayo. Produced by Dundara Television & Media in collaboration with the WDC, and hosted by beloved Irish television presenter Mary Kennedy, Moving West continues to capture the heart and soul of life in the West and Northwest of Ireland. Through heartfelt, real-life stories, the series highlights individuals and families who have relocated to this beautiful region to embrace a new way of life. The first series of Moving West was produced in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, capturing the surge in remote working and showcasing how the West of Ireland became an ideal destination for those seeking a new way of living. Initially focused on the rise of flexible working, the series highlighted the region as a perfect escape from the fast-paced urban lifestyle. Now, with its third season, Moving West has developed into a deeper exploration of the many reasons people move to or return to the West. This season not only features stunning shots of the breathtaking landscapes but also introduces viewers to people from all walks of life and from many parts of the world who have made the West their home. The series delves into the rich variety of storiesfrom families seeking a better quality of life, to entrepreneurs, artists, and professionals drawn by the regions opportunities in technology, tourism, and the creative industries. Its a celebration of the community, culture, and natural beauty that make the West of Ireland so unique. Heather Humphreys TD, Minister for Rural and Community Development, welcomed the new season, saying: "The return of Moving West showcases the unique stories and experiences of the people who call this region home. This year's series will focus on the individuals who make the West so special, highlighting their journeys and the vibrant communities they've built. It's a testament to the enduring appeal and potential of rural Ireland." Allan Mulrooney, CEO of WDC, commented: "Our communities are defined by a rich mosaic of people and experiences that give the West of Ireland its unique character. Season Three of Moving West has been an incredible opportunity to showcase individuals working across some of the region's largest employers, from indigenous businesses to foreign direct investments, as well as the remarkable stories of cheese farmers, emergency consultants, and even those in the space industry. "The people we've met arent just drawn to the beauty of the landscape, but to the welcoming communities and the careers that push them to thrive. The support weve received from both local communities and our partners over the years has made all of this possible, and we look forward to continuing our journey of promoting this vibrant region." Mary Kennedy, presenter of Moving West, added: I am delighted to see the way Moving West has developed over three seasons, appealing to growing audiences, different age groups: those contemplating a change of lifestyle and those who are simply interested in hearing about other peoples lives of innovation, possibility and a can do attitude. Its always a joy for me to spend time in our beloved west of Ireland and to showcase this part of the country, rich in community, landscape and progression. Im very proud to be part of the Moving West team and to be working with TG4 on this important and timely programme. Follow Independent Roscommon on Facebook Producer and director Enda Grace of Dundara Television and Media commented: "Im thrilled to see how this season captures the beauty and essence of the West of Ireland in a way that is both authentic and inspiring. This series continues to explore not just the landscapes, but the stories of those who have embraced life in this unique region. This season is all about stories but its also about the warm and authentic welcome each mover received upon arrival to the west. Follow Independent Leitrim on Facebook "We meet wonderful people over the six weeks including a flying doctor, a goat farmer, a lighthouse guide and a professional rock climber! With each episode, we've delved deeper into the rich cultural fabric and diverse experiences that make the West such a vibrant place to live. The response to the first two seasons has been incredible, and I believe this series will resonate even more with viewers. Its a true celebration of community, resilience, and the unmatched natural beauty of the west." Follow Independent Clare on Facebook This series has been made possible with support from the Department of Rural and Community Development, as well as Sligo, Donegal, Roscommon, Galway, Leitrim, and Clare County Councils. To mark the 60th anniversary of Kilrush Drama Group the group is publishing a second book titled More Drama at Kilrush. This book continues on from their 50th anniversary edition, Drama at Kilrush. The newly published book, More Drama at Kilrush, will be launched at 7.30p.m on Sunday, September 29 in St. Brigids Hall Carnew. The new edition features over 30 productions by the group in the last ten years inclusive of two All Ireland Wins in 2015 and 2024. In the same format as the first edition, it includes a fantastic record of the plays and events over these years, based on records kept by founding member of the group Mick Byrne. It also includes hundreds of photographs of their productions and lists the names of actors, stage crews and a list of all awards won over this period. The book also features the pageants the group were involved in such as Flight to Grosse Ile, The Coolattin Pageant and Seven Men, Seven Days both written by Davy Donohoe as well as articles by a number of people who have been connected with the group telling of their own stories. Central to this publication are hundreds of colour photographs from Eamonn Dorans collection and photographs from other members. Eamonn has also once again undertaken the mammoth task of collecting and putting together the articles, information and photographs for the book. All are welcome and books will be on sale for 20 each. Copies of the original Drama at Kilrush book will also be on sale on the night. Meg (Rionagh Lombard) and Wendy (Jan Cullen) during the one act play 'Lucy in the Sky' in Gorey Little Theatre. Pic: Jim Campbell Garda Noreen, Jan Cullen, Garda Nuala, Sorcha Howell and the Sheriff of Nottingham, Ronan P. Byrne during a scene on stage. Alexia (Realtin Ryan), Wendy (Jan Cullen) and Meg (Rionagh Lombard) during a scene in the one act play 'Lucy in the Sky' in Gorey Little Theatre. Pic: Jim Campbell After gathering and brainstorming new ideas to develop and expand the drama element of the Gorey Little Theatre, its member decided to introduce a new initiative this autumn called Ten Tiny Plays. Under the guidance of Sally Stevens, 18 members of Gorey Little Theatre (GLT) met during the summer and embarked on a brave and bold project to encourage new directors to join the theatre. Starting in August, the group met on Monday evenings and began to work on skills and scripts. Each participant received an acting role and ten directors received a script to explore as well as a cast and stage. To direct theatre, a director must have vision, management skills and a toolkit of techniques for casting, rehearsal and workshopping their chosen piece. This initiative allows for novice directors to try their hand and experience the process in a safe and guided environment. The ten plays will take place across three nights on Wednesday, October 2, Thursday, October 3 and Friday, October 5. The shows are set to start at 8p.m. and tickets can be bought at the door. Safety Announcement is directed by Lily Heinrich Doyle, a stalwart of Goreys theatre scene and owner of Innovations. Rionagh Lombard directs her own nine-year-old son, Donal Lombard Ryan, in his straight theatre debut. He is one to watch, he plays Boy in Between Us We Have Everything. Sadie Harpur, a member of the ensemble, will be part of a devised piece of theatre which uses material from her recently published book, The Hidden World of a Foster Child, to create a moving and shocking short play called Sadies Legs. Jan Cullen directs Leave written by Enniscorthy native, Paul OReilly, an exquisite piece which explores the emotions of persons missing as well as those left bereft and wondering. In a fast paced quirky comedy, Craig Bodger directs a couple in waiting in Masochism Tango. Audrey Doran directs a moving play called Somewhere Out There, which talks about romantic love and old time dancing, and trees and heartbreak. Lindsey Tindall takes on Ten Pages with a theme of writers block. Kingdom of the Spider, directed by Lisa Redmond tells the hilarious but sorry tale of a man, a baby, a spider and a missionary. Lastly, the group take on two versions of Broken by Deirdre Kinahan. Ciara Spellman directs the female version and a rehearsed reading of the male version will demonstrate what happens when genders are altered in playscripts. The ensemble consists of Priit Neilinn, Sophia McCarthy, Karen McGillicuddy, Suzi ONeill, Brendan Sheridan, David Pepper and Angus Laverty. Each of the directors will also star in another play and sound and lighting will be by Colin Doran. Kent Stainless has been announced as one of Irelands Best Managed Companies 2024 for the third year in succession. The company, which is based in Ardcavan, was honoured at an awards ceremony hosted by Deloitte.in the RDS on Thursday, September 19 Commenting on the award, Ann OBrien, Managing Director, Kent Stainless said, Achieving this recognition for the third year in a row is an extremely proud moment for all of us. It highlights the dedication and resilience of our team, who consistently push boundaries and deliver exceptional results. This award belongs to every single person at Kent Stainless." Brian Murphy, Lead Partner for Irelands Best Managed Companies Awards Programme, said, The Irish economic growth story has been extraordinary, and we see this evidenced in the success of Irish indigenous businesses and the confidence shown by Best Managed Companies. Ensuring Irelands entrepreneurs and the companies they start get the support they need to grow and scale is crucial. A total of 116 companies requalified as a Best Managed Company. 19 of these achieved Gold Standard (four years as a BMC) and 12 achieved Platinum Standard (seven years as a BMC). Fexco won the Family Business Award in association with the Family Business Network. This year, Deloitte recognised 129 indigenous companies at the awards, representing 28 of the 32 counties across the island of Ireland. The network of companies has a combined turnover of more than 15 billion and provide employment to over 45,000 people across a range of sectors from technology and healthcare to construction. A thorough judging process precedes the recognition each year, evaluating the entire management team and the business strategy of each company. The judges examine a wide range of areas when assessing Irelands top privately-owned businesses, such as a business environmental, social and governance standards, strategic planning and talent strategy. Wicklow founder of GP Practice Ally, Rachel Bothwell, with her Enrepreneur of the Year award at the Lincoln Recruitment Irish Early Career Awards. Visionary Wicklow woman Rachel Bothwell, who stepped in to manage her fathers GP practice after his cancer diagnosis, has been crowned Irelands Entrepreneur of the Year at the Early Career Awards for her outstanding work with her GP practice management community. Using the experience she gained while managing the family GP practice, in 2021, Arklow native Rachel launched GP Practice Ally (GPPA), a unique professional development network serving the needs of GP practice managers in Ireland. Creating a deeply connected community of GP practices, equipped to deliver efficient, quality patient care, the 32-year-old has grown GPPA to become Irelands leading GP practice management community, with over 1,800 members across 75 per cent of the practices in Ireland. GPPA provides a range of supports for practice managers, from access to training and resources to bespoke toolkits, helping practices run smoothly and respond to the changing demands of healthcare. Recognising her innovation and entrepreneurial spirit, Rachel was among a string of rising stars invited to the Royal Irish Academy of Music in Dublin for the Lincoln Recruitment Irish Early Career Awards, which celebrate the achievements of brilliant professionals across 13 diverse sectors who are in the first seven years. Wicklow founder of GP Practice Ally, Rachel Bothwell. Bringing home the coveted title of Entrepreneur of the Year, the award represented yet another prestigious accolade for Rachel, whose impressive CV includes being a finalist at the IMAGE Businesswoman of the Year awards last year, and founding the annual GP Practice Ally (GPPA) Leadership Summit, attended by over 100 practice managers and GPs. Taking over my fathers practice gave me an inside view of the challenges GPs and their practice managers face. I wanted to create a support system that would help them navigate those challenges, Rachel reflected. This award means so much to me because it reflects what we are striving for building confidence in practice managers and making sure they feel valued. At GP Practice Ally, we are creating a supportive space where practice managers can truly thrive and make a meaningful impact in their work. Wicklow founder of GP Practice Ally, Rachel Bothwell. Praising Rachels leadership and community-building skills, Early Career Awards judge Laura Enache commented: Rachel stood out for her impressive results and resilience. She has built a strong network of support around her, embodying the values she promotes through GP Practice Ally. Bray author Alan Nolan has been recognised for his outstanding contribution to childrens literature, after he received the Annual Childrens Books Ireland Award at the Children's Books Ireland International Conference held in Dublins Light House Cinema, on Saturday, September 21. Nominated by fellow artists, Dublin-born Alan was presented with the prestigious award by Laureate na nOg Patricia Forde, who described him as one of the most hard-working and generous writers working in Ireland. Confirming his tireless commitment to childrens books, Alan who recently launched his latest book, Molly Malone & Bram Stoker in the Riddle of the Disappearing Dickens (The O'Brien Press), in the Halfway Up the Stairs bookshop in Greystones also joined Patricia at the launch of the Recommended Irish Reads 2024 guide at a Culture Night event in Dubray Books, Dublin last Friday, reading from and signing copies of his new book, which features in the guide. Curated by Childrens Books Ireland, the reading guide spotlights authors, illustrators and their publishers from or based in Ireland and features 200 titles, in Irish and English. Aimed at children aged 10-12, The Riddle of the Disappearing Dickens is a mystery novel that follows best friends Molly Malone and Bram Stoker on an adventure from Dublin to London, where they embark on a heroic quest to find the renowned author Charles Dickens who has been kidnapped. Sarah Webb, Natasha Mac A Bhaird, Alan Nolan, Una Woods, Eve McDonnell at Alan's launch at Halfway Up The Stairs, Greystones. Speaking at the launch of the reading guide, Patricia said: Our children need to see themselves in books, whether they trace their lineage back to Fionn Mac Cumhaill, or have only recently arrived on our shores. "This reading guide is an essential resource for parents/carers, educators, librarians and booksellers in Wicklow and of course, our young readers themselves. And it will definitely come in handy for anyone starting to think about gift-buying for young readers in the coming months, she said. Why does it matter that the writers and illustrators featured call Ireland home? Because our children need to see stories that reflect their identities and surroundings, from artists who understand and can relate to their lived experiences. Children in Wicklow need role models to pave pathways that will help them to realise their dreams. We see it in sport, we see it in theatre and film, and we need to see it in the realm of childrens books, she added. Alan visited Greystones on Saturday, September 7, to launch his new book, where he had a jam-packed house with some children coming from as far away as Cavan for the launch. The book is set in 1859 and is all about Molly and Bram going on the trail of a kidnapped Charles Dickens, the author said. "Its a tale of two cities, set in Dublin and London, so I was very glad I had rehearsed my readings (and all the posh London and gruff Cockney accents) beforehand. NYC mayor indicted by federal prosecutors: reports Xinhua) 14:14, September 26, 2024 NEW YORK, Sept. 25 (Xinhua) -- New York City Mayor Eric Adams has been indicted by a federal grand jury, according to multiple reports on Wednesday citing anonymous sources. A federal investigation is focusing, at least in part, on whether Adams and his campaign conspired with the Turkish government to receive illegal foreign donations, said a report by The New York Times. Federal prosecutors from the Southern District of New York are expected to unseal charges against Adams on Thursday. The Federal Bureau of Investigation made multiple raids targeting Admas and his senior aides since November 2023, and several high-ranking officials in New York City resigned in September. With a long police career, Adams became the 110th mayor of New York City in January 2022 and his term ends in January 2026. Adams faces multiple challengers within the Democratic Party in his re-election bid and some public figures called for him to resign following the reports of indictment. (Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Zhong Wenxing) The owner and founder of a Bray digital marketing firm, which specialises in helping salon and clinic owners create a strong online presence, has been shortlisted for the prestigious Business Director of the Year accolade at the Professional Beauty, Hair and Spa Awards 2024. Proving that beauty can be big business, Salon Solutions, founded by Lisa Kelly, is a leading provider of branding, websites, online shops, and mobile apps for the salon and aesthetic clinic industries. And the tech entrepreneur said she has seen a rise in demand for her services, year on year, since the business started in 2006. The industry is in the middle of a seismic transformation caused by new emerging aesthetic technologies and skin care products that offer a multitude of non-invasive treatments to address ageing and the more common skin complaints like acne, Lisa said. " "The introduction of these new technologies comes at a crossroads for the industry battling with the inability to pass on rising costs to the client, she added. What we see today is the more established salons making large investments into upgrading their skills and for the purchase of new aesthetic technologies so that they can transition their businesses into offering higher value more profitable services. To achieve this and get a return on their investment our clients need to re-position their business by rebranding and upgrading their online presence and service offerings, she explained. A strong online presence can determine if a business survives or thrives. We help salon owners attract and retain clients, generate new bookings, and grow online sales to make more money. Lisa Kelly, of Salon Solutions. Lisa said many of her clients are busy, time-poor working mothers, so the mission is to get them online as easily and cost-effectively as possible and to ensure they reap the rewards of extra business. Clients can lack technical skills and be daunted by a male-dominated IT industry," she explained. As a woman working in the industry for 18 years, I bridge the gap for them and speak their language. My first-hand knowledge of beauty products and treatments, combined with my background in tech and marketing, and our connections and specialism in beauty, means we bring salon and clinic brands to life, quickly and easily, with minimal input required from clients. Motivating and mentoring clients in the early stages of their business or guiding more established salons to transition to high-value services like aesthetics, is viewed by Lisa as central to the marketeers work. Salon Solutions hosts educational webinars and a business development blog, as well as providing e-books to help clients deliver more profit and better online service. Lisa has a background in digital marketing with blue-chip companies. Eighteen years ago, she started her first digital business, offering marketing consultancy. Salon Solutions grew from that, delivering what she calls big company solutions for little salon prices. I have supported well over 100 salons and clinics with an online presence, many of them start-ups. We help clients secure the online trading grant, and, especially during Covid, our online shops for salons made the difference in keeping many beauty businesses alive, she said. We create partnerships, on the basis that the business only succeeds if we all succeed. Irelands Professional Beauty, Hair and Spa Awards take place on Sunday, November 10, at the Intercontinental Hotel, in Dublin. Ukraines president urged global leaders yesterday to stand with his country and not seek a lull instead of a real, just peace more than two years into Russias war. At a time when he faces growing pressure from Western allies and some of his fellow Ukrainians to negotiate a cease-fire, President Volodymyr Zelensky told the UN General Assembly theres no alternative to the peace formula he presented two years ago. Latest | Benjamin Netanyahu rules out US-led ceasefire plans and orders military to fight at full power UK, US, EU and other allies call for a 21-day temporary ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah IDF announced this morning that it had targeted Hezbollah weapons depots, rocket launchers, military buildings and infrastructure in 75 attacks UK joins US and allies in calling for ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah John Besley Thu 26 Sep 2024 at 08:47 Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu has ruled out current US-led plans for a ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah, instead ordering his military to fight at full power. Israeli troops told to prepare for ground operation in Lebanon Strongest hint yet that Israel plans further escalation, as military says it shot down missile aimed at Tel Aviv A Lebanese police intelligence officer stands near a crater at the site of an Israeli airstrike in the southern town of Jiyeh. Photo: AP Melanie Lidman, Tia Goldenberg and Kareem Chehayeb Thu 26 Sep 2024 at 03:30 The Israeli military is preparing for a possible ground operation in Lebanon, the Israeli army chief said yesterday, as Hezbollah fired dozens of rockets into Israel, as well as a missile aimed at Tel Aviv that was the militant groups deepest strike yet. UK joins US and allies in calling for ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah UK joins US and allies in calling for ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah Thu 26 Sep 2024 at 09:40 The UK has joined the US, France and a host of allies in calling for an immediate temporary ceasefire in Lebanon, warning the escalating violence between Israel and Hezbollah is intolerable. Donald Trump briefed on suspected Iranian plot to assassinate him Republican posts message saying he is aware of big threats on my life Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump dances after speaking at a campaign event in Savannah, Georgia, earlier this week. Photo: AP Matt Viser Thu 26 Sep 2024 at 03:30 Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump was briefed by Biden administration officials on Tuesday about real and specific threats from Iran to assassinate him, his campaign has said in a statement. Tensions high as Iran urged to attack Israel but timing not right for now Guard remains high as killing of Hamas leader yet to be avenged Iranian president Masoud Pezeshkian addresses the UN general assembly in New York yesterday. Photo: Getty Melanie Swan UK Independent Thu 26 Sep 2024 at 03:30 Hezbollah urged Iran to attack Israel but it refused because the timing isnt right, two Israeli officials have said. Thailands landmark marriage equality bill has officially been written into law, allowing same-sex couples to legally wed. The law was published in the Royal Gazette after endorsement by King Maha Vajiralongkorn, and will come into effect in 120 days. 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. Image Credit: Facebook/Siddaramaiah Bengaluru/IBNS: Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah has dared Prime Minister Narendra Modi for a "direct debate" on corruption after the latter attacked the Congress leader over the alleged Mysuru Urban Development Authority (MUDA) scam. Addressing a rally in poll-bound Haryana, Modi said, "Congress government is in power in Karnataka for only two years. Within two years, the Congress has led Karnataka to a dire situation. Congress' Chief Minister is accused of a land scam. "The Chief Minister moved the High Court challenging the probe. Now the High Court has rejected his plea and cleared that the probe order was justified and investigation should take place. Just two years have passed and Congress is back in corruption." In a counter, Siddaramaiah said the Prime Minister has no "moral right" to speak on corruption as he too is involved in corruption. The Chief Minister wrote on X, "Prime Minister @NarendraModi, who is accused by his own party leaders of auctioning off the Chief Minister's post for 2,500 crores, has no moral right to speak about corruption! Even after a BJP MLA openly accused his own party of selling the CM post, no action has been taken. "Day after day, BJP MLAs are involved in corruption, yet Modi remains silent. Whats the reason for this silence, Mr. Modi? Are you complicit in this corruption? You lecture about corruption in your speeches, Mr. Modi. If you can show just one BJP leader in Karnataka without the stain of corruption, we will invite you to Karnataka and publicly honor you!" Siddaramaiah has also slammed the Prime Minister for allegedly dropping charges against corrupt leaders from the Opposition camp after they switched to Modi's Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). The Congress leader wrote, "You have inducted H.D. Kumaraswamy, who is facing a 100 crore illegal mining scam, into your cabinet without hesitation. Doesn't your conscience prickle when you accuse others of corruption? Why is the Honorable Governor turning a blind eye to Lokayukta's request for permission to prosecute in this scam? Whos pressuring him, Mr. Modi? The nation has watched for the past 11 years as your office has turned into a washing machine, cleaning the corruption stains of opposition leaders who join BJP. Bravo, Mr. Modi! "Since 2014, more than 25 opposition leaders with corruption allegations have joined your party, and 23 of them have been cleared by central agencies. Isnt this a miracle? From Himanta Biswa Sarma to Suvendu Adhikari, H.D. Kumaraswamy, Ajit Pawar, Ashok Chavan, Narayan Rane, and the latest, Muniratnahow many corrupt leaders have you washed clean in your machine? Is this your idea of public service, Mr. Prime Minister?" Prime Minister @NarendraModi, who is accused by his own party leaders of auctioning off the Chief Minister's post for 2,500 crores, has no moral right to speak about corruption! Even after a BJP MLA openly accused his own party of selling the CM post, no action has been taken. Siddaramaiah (@siddaramaiah) September 25, 2024 The Karnataka High Court on Tuesday rejected the Congress veteran's plea challenging Governor Thaawarchand Gehlot's approval for a probe against the state's administrative head in connection with the alleged irregularities in the land allocation by MUDA. A Karnataka High Court bench of Justice M Nagaprasanna said the Governor "did apply his mind in abundance" in sanctioning the prosecution. In a press statement, Siddaramaiah had termed the Governor's decision "anti-Constitution" and "contrary to the law." Siddaramaiah also alleged that it was a "conspiracy to dislodge a democratically elected government by the BJP, JD(S), and others". What is the MUDA scam? The MUDA 50:50 scheme, which was introduced in 2009 but was scrapped in 2020 by the then BJP government, promises land owners 50 percent of the developed land per acre which they give up. Though it was scrapped in 2020, MUDA continued to allot land under the scheme. MUDA continued even after the government ordered twice in the last six months asking it to cancel all allotments until clear guidelines are issued. It is suspected that the sites were alloted to influential people and real estate agents instead of giving them to the eligible beneficiaries. Photo courtesy: Sanjay Raut/ Facebook Mumbai/IBNS: A magistrate court in Mumbai has convicted Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Sanjay Raut in a defamation case which was filed by former Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) MP Kirit Somaiya's wife Medha Somaiya, media reports said. Raut, a Rajya Sabha MP, has been imprisoned for 15 days and a fine of Rs. 25,000 is imposed on him. Medha Somaiya, a professor of organic chemistry, had filed a complaint against Raut accusing him of making defamatory and incorrect statements on April 15 and 16. Medha had submitted video clips claiming Raut made the statements to media channels. The professor had demanded an unconditional apology to her and a restrain on him from making any defamatory statement against her in future. In her court plea, Medha claimed an editorial in Shiv Sena's mouthpiece Saamana accused the Somaiya couple of being involved in an alleged toilet scam in the Mira-Bhayander Municipal Corporation. Photo courtesy: Screenshot grab from X video Mumbai/IBNS: A case has been filed against Mumbai's civic body (BMC) after a woman lost her life after falling into a drain amid downpour in the city on Wednesday, media reports said. Vimal Anil Gaikwad, 45, fell into an overflowing manhole near Gate number 8 of the Maharashtra Industrial Development Corporation building in Andheri East, Mumbai, NDTV reports. The victim was rushed to a hospital where she was declared brought-dead. Vimal's husband, who filed a complaint with the police, said the victim was the sole breadwinner of his family. "I am a sick man, my wife used to take care of my house. We have lost everything, I want that whoever is at fault should be punished. We have lodged an FIR," the victim's husband said as quoted by NDTV. The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has constituted a three-member panel and sought a report on the incident within three days. Photo courtesy: IBNS File New Delhi/IBNS: The Supreme Court Thursday rejected the Gujarat government's plea to remove criticisms made in its order related to the release of Bilkis Bano's convicts. The state requested the removal of certain remarks against it in the apex court's order overruling the premature release of 11 men convicted of raping Bilkis Bano and killing her family during the 2002 Gujarat riots. The Gujarat government plea highlighted the court's observation that it had "acted in collusion and colluded with the convicts". The state government stated the comment to be inappropriate and against the record of the case, and also biased against the petitioner. However disagreeing with the argument, a bench of Justice BV Nagarathna and Justice Ujjal Bhuyan sad: "Having carefully gone through the Review Petitions, the order under challenge and the papers annexed therewith, we are satisfied that there is no error apparent on the face of the record or any merit in the Review Petitions, warranting reconsideration of the order impugned." Earlier in July, the top court had dismissed interim bail petitions filed by two convicts - Radheyshyam Bhagwandas and Rajubhai Babulal. The court also noted convicts could only be released by the state that tried them in the first place; which is Maharashtra in this case. "The exercise of power by the state of Gujarat is an instance of usurpation of power and abuse of power," the court had said. In passing this order the court also came down heavily on its judgment of May 2022, delivered by Justice Ajay Rastogi (retired), which allowed the convicts to appeal to the Gujarat government for their early remission. The convicts got the order "through fraudulent means", the judges said. They also noted that the Gujarat government should have sought a review of the 2022 order. The convicts were released by Gujarat on grounds of an obsolete 1992 remission policy, which has since been superseded by a law in 2014 that prohibits the release of convicts in cases of capital offence. The convicts were given a hero's welcome, with garlands and sweets, and they were seen sharing the stage with a BJP MP and an MLA. Convict Radheshyam Shah even started practicing law, the Supreme Court was told during an 11-day hearing last year of petitions, including one by Bilkis Bano. Bano was 21 years old and was five months pregnant when she was gang raped. The 11 convicts allegedly killed seven members of her family, including her three-year-old daughter during the 2002 Gujarat riots. Photo courtesy: RG Kar website/Pixabay Kolkata/IBNS: The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), which is probing the RG Kar Hospital rape-murder case, has told a local court in Kolkata that Tala Police Station, under which the FIR was registered, created "some false records". The federal probe agency, directed by the Calcutta High Court to investigate the brutal rape and murder of a junior doctor on August 9, claimed to possess CCTV footage from the Tala Police Station and that this has been sent to a central forensics lab in the city for examination. The Kolkata Police is yet to respond. The significant revelation was made after the CBI interrogated Abhijit Mondal, the officer-in-charge of the Tala Police Station at the time. Mondal was arrested on charges of tampering with evidence, while Dr Sandip Ghosh, the hospital's former chief, was held over financial irregularities. Both are in CBI custody. Prime suspect Sanjay Roy - a civic volunteer with the cops, who was seen on CCTV footage entering the room in which the body was found, hours before it was - has also been arrested. On Wednesday the agency had produced Mondal and Ghosh before the court following completion of their remand. The court subsequently sent them to judicial custody till September 30. The CBI even told the court last week that it suspects a 'nexus' between Mondal and Ghosh referring to the phone calls between them. Mondal's lawyer pointed out that given a serious crime was reported from the hospital, it was normal for the two to speak multiple times. On Thursday too, the defence pointed out that the CBI had not provided evidence to back its claims. Apart from identifying those guilty of the killing of the 31-year-old junior doctor, the CBI is also investigating reports of destruction of evidence in connection with the rape and murder. Mondal, the CBI has said, is not accused of the rape or murder, but may have played a role in the cover-up that followed. The Bengal government and police force are facing severe flak over the handling of the case and allegations of trying to protect those guilty. The CBI is also probing a "criminal conspiracy" between Mondal, Ghosh, and accused Sanjoy Roy, citing the "unnecessary delay of two days" in the seizure of the clothes the latter wore on the day. This, the agency told the court, could have led to contamination of material evidence. Among the points of order flagged by the High Court and Supreme Court (which took suo moto cognisance) is that there was a 14-hour delay between finding the body and filing a police case. Both courts have demanded to know why the hospital administration, then led by Sandip Ghosh, did not act immediately, which would, in turn, have ensured the police filed an FIR. On Sunday, the CBI also questioned another doctor - Birupaksha Biswas, who was allegedly close to Ghosh - in connection with the rape and murder. Biswas was reportedly part of the 'North Bengal lobby', which medics in the state say have threatened medical students in the past. Meanwhile, on Saturday, junior doctors partially resumed duties after calling off their strike after 40 days to protest the killing of their colleague. They rejoined work for essential and emergency services only. They have been protesting since August 9 - which has included three failed attempts at talks with Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee - for justice for their colleague and the removal of three officials, including the Health Secretary, alleging their involvement in the case. Image Credit: x.com/netanyahu Tel Aviv: Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated on Thursday that his government had not responded to a proposal by the United States and its allies for a 21-day ceasefire in the ongoing conflict with Hezbollah in Lebanon, news agency AFP reported. It is an American-French proposal, which the prime minister has not even responded to, read a statement from Netanyahus office. It further emphasized that the Prime Minister had instructed the Israeli military to continue the fighting with full force. The joint proposal, issued by the United States, the European Union, and several Arab states, called for a three-week ceasefire following intense Israeli airstrikes on Hezbollah positions in Lebanon that have resulted in hundreds of casualties and displaced tens of thousands of people. The joint statement, issued by US President Joe Biden, French President Emmanuel Macron, and other international leaders, described the situation in Lebanon as intolerable and asserted that it is in nobodys interest, neither of the people of Israel nor of the people of Lebanon. The statement urged an immediate 21-day ceasefire across the Lebanon-Israel border to provide space for diplomacy towards the conclusion of a diplomatic settlement. This appeal was seconded by Western powers, Japan, and prominent Gulf states such as Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates, during discussions held on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly in New York. The call for a temporary ceasefire followed remarks by Israeli army chief Lieutenant General Herzi Halevi, who on Wednesday instructed soldiers to be ready for a possible ground offensive against Hezbollah. Over the past week, Israeli airstrikes targeting Hezbollah strongholds in Lebanon have led to significant casualties, while the militant group has retaliated with rocket barrages and claimed to have launched a ballistic missile aimed at Tel Aviv. Outer Banks Season 4 has set its much-anticipated OTT release date. The show that already has had three very popular seasons, is now back with another one and this time the show is going to be bigger and better. The show centers on the struggle between two groups of youngsters looking for a lost treasure and is set in a town on North Carolina's Outer Banks. Outer Banks season 4 Part 1 will be out on October 10 and Part 2 will release on November 7 on Netflix. Plot According to the streamer, the Pogues promise to lead a normal life upon their return to the OBX following their discovery of gold at El Dorado. They have established a new safe haven for themselves, which they have dubbed "Poguelandia 2.0," where they cohabitate and manage a thriving bait, confront, and charter tour business. However, following some financial difficulties, Wes extends an invitation to John B, Sarah, Kiara, JJ, Pope, and Cleo, who accept and are persuaded to return . Cast and crew Stokes as John B., Cline as Sarah, Bailey as Kiara, Daviss as Pope, Pankow as JJ, Grant as Cleo, North as Topper, and Starkey as Rafe are the returning series regulars. Furthermore, Fiona Palomo, who has been promoted to series regular, will reprise her role as Sofia. New stars include J. Anthony Crane, Pollyanna McIntosh, Brianna Brown, Rigo Sanchez, Mia Challis and a few others. For the unversed, the show received a third season renewal in June 2021, and it debuted on February 23, 2023. The show was renewed for a fourth season in February 2023, prior to the release of the third season. For more news and updates from the world of OTT, and celebrities from Bollywood and Hollywood, keep reading Indiatimes Entertainment. Creating buzz on the internet with her recent appearance and social media posts, Ananya Panday is ruling our Instagram feed with ease! While more often than not it is her sartorial picks that become the talk of the town, her latest post has taken things to another level. To announce the release of the trailer of her upcoming Netflix thriller CTRL, the Gen Z diva shared a series of photos with her pet dog Riot. Ananya promotes CTRL with pet dog Riot In the bunch of photos, Ananya can be seen playing with her adorable dog, who is a regular in her photos. The wholesome photo shoot with her fluffy companion comprises of series of heartwarming photos of the duo and is sure to bring a smile to your face. Check out the post below: Soon after the photos were shared, the post went viral and fans showered the diva with their love and compliments in the comment section. One user added, "Aww the cutest!", while another commented, "Cutest pictures I have ever seen" Coming to Ananya's stylish pick for the shoot, we think it is safe to say Ananya and her team of stylists have done it again! They've delivered a perfect ensemble idea that is sure to suit everyone and is an excellent option for a casual outing. Let's decode her fashionable look! Decoding Ananya's fashionable look for the photoshoot Outfit Credit: www.harveynichols.com | Ananya Panday's outfit Starting with her dress, Ananya chose a white calf-length midi dress from the luxury fashion brand De La Vali. Priced at 280 pounds, which equates to about Rs 31,275, the dress features a corset-style bodice which flows into an A-line skirt. The strappy number comes with a delicate sweetheart neckline and is available in a black option as well. The best part about the dress though - it has pockets! Footwear Credit: www.zara.com | Ananya Panday's footwear To complete her look, Ananya went with bright red Mary Jane ballet flats from Zara. Priced at Rs 2,590, the patent leather flats add a bright pop of colour to her otherwise understated outfit and become the focal point of the photos. The shoes also match the colour of Riot's leash and are a smart touch that further elevates the aesthetic appeal of the pictures. She rounded off her outfit with simple barely-there makeup and kept her luscious locks open in a middle-parted style. Also Read: 5 sarees from 'Devara' actress Janhvi Kapoor's collection that you need to bookmark right away For more on celeb lifestyle and fashion from around the world please visit Indiatimes Lifestyle. Bollywood actress Kriti Sanon walked into the Mumbai airport today wearing an all black ensemble. She stepped out of the car, smiling and posing for the shutterbugs. The 'Crew' star opted for a fitted black top along with a high-waisted pair of tailored black trousers. The outfit is definitely appropriate for those cozy date nights and formal get togethers at work. Kriti made her entire look extra chic by throwing in a stylish Burberry cardigan, which we know is pure luxury and comfort. The V-neck style is cut to a relaxed fit. The fabric is a wool mohair blend knitted with Burberry check making Kriti's overall look sophisticated. This kind of lightweight cardigan is usually a looser cut than a regular one, making it perfect for those long hours on the flight, The premium Burberry cardigan is reportedly priced at Rs 1.10 Lakh. Credit: Burberry She completed her overall look with a black belt with a silver buckle and beautiful golden dangling earrings. Kriti tied her hair into a neat bun and took a matching handbag. Kriti opted for a black pair of pump heels adding a touch of style and glamour. Overall, Kriti's look is a 10/10. She inspired her fans to be classy and yet comfortable when going to the airport for those long hauls and flights. Kriti is reportedly flying for IIFA 2024, which is taking place in Yas Island, Abu Dhabi. She will be performing at the award show. Kriti was last seen in Teri Baaton Mein Aisa Uljha Jiya and Crew. Both were commercial hits. Kriti is reportedly preparing for a biopic on Meena Kumari. For more such stories on celeb fashion, follow us on Indiatimes Lifestyle. Pulitzer Prize-winning author Jhumpa Lahiri has chosen to decline the 2024 Isamu Noguchi Award from the Noguchi Museum in New York City. This decision follows the museum's dismissal of three employees for wearing the keffiyeh, a headdress commonly associated with Palestinian solidarity, as reported by The New York Times. In a statement, the museum acknowledged, Jhumpa Lahiri has chosen to withdraw her acceptance of the 2024 Isamu Noguchi Award in response to our updated dress code policy We respect her perspective and understand that this policy may or may not align with everyones views. The museum recently instituted a new dress code prohibiting staff from donning items that convey political messages. This change was made after staff protests, with some asserting that the policy was distinctly anti-Palestinian. The keffiyeh has gained prominence as a symbol among demonstrators advocating for victims in Gaza, especially in light of Israel's ongoing military actions, which have caused significant casualties and displacement. Importance of the keffiyeh as a protest symbol The keffiyeh scarf is recognized globally as a symbol of Palestinian self-determination, worn by those calling for an end to the conflict in Gaza. It has historical significance; anti-apartheid South African leader Nelson Mandela was frequently seen wearing the scarf. However, some supporters of Israel contend that it represents support for extremism. Recently, an incident in Vermont involved three Palestinian descent students being shot, two of whom were wearing keffiyehs. The ongoing violence in Gaza, which has led to tens of thousands of deaths and mass displacement, escalated after a deadly attack by Hamas militants on Israel on October 7. Who is Jhumpa Lahiri? Jhumpa Lahiri was born in London in 1967 and raised in Rhode Island. She is celebrated for her profound portrayals of immigrant and Indian-American experiences, earning the Pulitzer Prize for her debut collection, Interpreter of Maladies (1999). This acclaimed work addresses themes of cultural displacement and identity, drawing from her own background as the daughter of Bengali immigrants. The collection features the award-winning title story and has been translated into 29 languages. Her first novel, The Namesake (2003), explores the immigrant journey through the character Gogol Ganguli, who navigates his Indian heritage alongside American identity. Also Read: Who is Harini Amarasuriya, the alumna of Hindu College who has been appointed as Sri Lankas Prime Minister? Lahiri has received numerous awards, including the PEN/Hemingway Award and a Guggenheim Fellowship. Currently residing in New York City with her husband, journalist Alberto Vourvoulias, and their two children, her work resonates deeply, capturing universal themes of longing, isolation, and the challenges of communication. For more news and current affairs from around the world, please visit Indiatimes News. Who doesn't love a good snack? Whether it's a crunchy bag of chips, a decadent slice of cake for those with a sweet tooth, or a plate of cheesy nachos, snacks have a universal appeal. Interestingly, it turns out that the love for snacks isn't a modern phenomenon; it dates back centuries! Scientists have discovered that during the Bronze Age - between 3300 BCE and 1200 BCE - desert dwellers in northwest China were buried with cheese scattered on their heads and necks. This peculiar practice suggests they were perhaps packing a tasty treat for the afterlife! Say 'cheese' Cheese was unearthed from the necks and heads of Bronze Age desert dwellers in northwest China's Taklamakan Desert, where the arid climate remarkably mummified it. Notably, the world's oldest known cheese, dating back to 1615 BC, was discovered alongside these ancient mummies. This cheese was found in clumps resting on the bodies of the exceptionally well-preserved mummies in the site Small River Cemetery Number 5. Credit: Unsplash | Representational image The site is distinctive because the burial process essentially freeze-dried the bodies, allowing their features, clothing, and even culinary accompaniments to remain intact thousands of years later. This remarkable preservation can be attributed to the dry air, salty earth, and carefully sealed burial conditions of the region. Worlds oldest-known cheese Recently, scientists successfully extracted and sequenced DNA from the 3,600-year-old cheese, making it the oldest known in the archaeological record. Researchers speculate that the ancient cheese was made using a kefir starter, which combines bacteria and yeast with milk. In contrast, most modern cheeses utilize renneta digestive enzyme sourced from an animal's stomachto curdle milk and create the final product. This groundbreaking analysis has shed light on how the Xiaohe people crafted their cheese, illustrating the innovative ways in which humans have harnessed microbes to enhance their food. It also highlights how these microbes can serve as markers to trace cultural influences across the ages. For more news and current affairs from around the world, please visit Indiatimes News. Another video showcasing a "gaffe" by US President Joe Biden went viral on Wednesday after he mistakenly welcomed world leaders to Washington while delivering a speech in Manhattan, New York. Reports highlighted that Biden, while speaking at the Inter-Continental New York Barclay hotel, made the slip-up in front of a gathering of international leaders. "Thank you, thank you, thank you. Welcome to Washington," the 81-year-old US President said during his remarks. Bidens speech, intended to reaffirm Western support for Ukraine amidst its ongoing conflict with Russia, came during the annual meeting of the United Nations General Assembly in New York. He addressed global leaders, emphasizing their collective support for Ukraines recovery. Joe Biden mixed up his location: Welcome to Washington, said the American president, while in New York. pic.twitter.com/2A1hCfNfFf InnA (@Inna_Inna_Iv) September 25, 2024 Fellow leaders, friends, for 944 days [Russian President Vladimir] Putin has waged his vicious onslaught against Ukraine. Ukrainian people have stood unwavering, unbroken, and unbowed. Today, we are launching a joint declaration of support for Ukraine recovery and reconstruction to make it clear we stand with Ukraine, Biden said. The event also preceded remarks from Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, as per a report by the New York Post. On the same day, the US announced a fresh military aid package for Ukraine, valued at $375 million. This package includes artillery and rocket ammunition, armored vehicles, and anti-tank weaponry, according to Bloomberg. Biden's awkward slip-up in front of Zelenskyy In a previous incident, Biden made headlines with another awkward gaffe involving Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. During a NATO summit in July, Biden accidentally referred to Zelenskyy as "President Putin," shocking the gathered leaders. And now I want to hand it over to the president of Ukraine, who has as much courage as he has determination. Ladies and gentlemen, President Putin, Biden said during the summit, prompting gasps from the audience. He quickly attempted to recover from the mistake, saying, "President Putin? You're going to beat President Putin. President Zelenskyy. I'm so focused on beating Putin we got to worry about it, anyway. Mr President." This was not Biden's only mix-up at the time. During a press conference that followed, he mistakenly referred to his Vice President Kamala Harris as his political rival Donald Trump. The July NATO summit came during a critical period when Biden was still a contender in the presidential race. However, after a less-than-stellar debate against Donald Trump on July 27, fellow Democrats grew concerned about Bidens campaign. These concerns eventually led to Biden stepping aside and supporting Vice President Kamala Harris as the partys 2024 presidential candidate. Another awkward mix-up involving PM Modi In yet another mix-up, Biden experienced an embarrassing moment at a Quad event in Wilmington, Delaware, where he struggled to introduce Indias Prime Minister Narendra Modi. After finishing his remarks at the Cancer Moonshot event last week, Biden seemed unsure about who was next to speak. He looked to his staff for assistance, saying, "So, I want to thank you all for being here. And now, who am I introducing next?" A brief silence followed, after which Biden, sounding more urgent, repeated, "Who's next?" We really dont have a president. Biden completely FORGOT he was at a press conference with the Prime Minister of India. The entire world is laughing at us. This guy is COOKED. pic.twitter.com/useM07uh0R Gunther Eagleman (@GuntherEagleman) September 21, 2024 Eventually, a staff member indicated to the podium, where Prime Minister Modi was set to speak. The announcer then took over, saying, "Distinguished guests, the Prime Minister of the Republic of India," allowing Modi to take the stage. Biden later embraced Modi, making a light-hearted comment as they shared the moment. For more news and current affairs from around the world, please visit Indiatimes News. Mira Murati, the chief technology officer (CTO) of OpenAI, has stepped down after more than six years at the company. In a post on X (formerly known as Twitter), Murati shared that she is leaving to make time for "personal exploration," reflecting on her experience as both rewarding and transformative. It has been an extraordinary privilege to work with OpenAI, Murati wrote, expressing her deep gratitude. During her time at OpenAI, Murati played a key role in advancing the companys AI technologies, including the development of ChatGPT. Her leadership helped push OpenAI to the forefront of the global AI landscape. While she did not specify her future plans, Murati mentioned she is looking forward to exploring new opportunities. I shared the following note with the OpenAI team today. pic.twitter.com/nsZ4khI06P Mira Murati (@miramurati) September 25, 2024 Murati extended her appreciation to OpenAIs CEO Sam Altman and president Greg Brockman for their continued support, saying, I will forever be grateful for the opportunity to build and work alongside this remarkable team. Altman responded to Muratis resignation with a post on X, acknowledging her significant impact on the company. I feel tremendous gratitude towards her for what she has helped us build and accomplish, Altman wrote, adding that the company will soon announce transition plans. This high-profile departure comes on the heels of other notable exits, including chief research officer Bob McGrew and research leader Barret Zoph. Mira Muratis journey: From engineering to AI leadership Mira Murati, an Albanian-born tech executive from Vlore, has been instrumental in shaping some of the most groundbreaking AI technologies of our time. Since joining OpenAI in 2018, Murati quickly rose to prominence, playing a key role in the development of ChatGPT and DALL-E. These innovations propelled OpenAI to the forefront of the AI industry, making Murati one of its most recognisable leaders. Her leadership was further solidified in May 2022, when she was appointed Chief Technology Officer (CTO) of OpenAI, continuing to steer the organisation through its advancements in artificial intelligence. Born on December 16, 1988, Murati won a scholarship at 16 to attend the Pearson United World College of the Pacific in Canada. She later earned a dual degree in the United States: a Bachelor of Arts in Mathematics from Colby College and a Bachelor of Engineering from Dartmouths Thayer School of Engineering. Murati also pursued a Masters degree in Computer Science from MIT, reflecting her dedication to both technical depth and innovation. Before OpenAI, Murati worked at Tesla, where she led key projects, including managing the Model X program and contributing to the early releases of Autopilot. She then served as Vice President of Product and Engineering at Leap Motion, where she worked on augmented reality technology. At OpenAI, her leadership extended to GPT-4, enhancing AI models with features like realistic voice conversations. Through her work, Murati has become a key figure in the world of AI research and development. Mira Muratis financial standing and net worth As of 2024, Mira Muratis net worth is estimated to be approximately $5 million, a reflection of her success in the tech industry. While she maintains a private life, her role at OpenAI has inevitably brought attention to her financial status. Her wealth stems from multiple sources, with her earnings as OpenAIs CTO playing a significant role. It is estimated that her annual salary at OpenAI ranged between $1-2 million. Though details about her previous salaries remain limited, her prior positions at prominent tech companies like Tesla and Leap Motion likely contributed to her overall financial standing. Also Read: Who is Harini Amarasuriya, the alumna of Hindu College who has been appointed as Sri Lankas Prime Minister? Information about her real estate holdings and other assets remains private, as Murati has kept much of her personal life out of the public eye. Nonetheless, her estimated net worth of $5 million, according to a merca20.com report, underscores her considerable impact on the tech world. For more news and current affairs from around the world, please visit Indiatimes News. Google, the search engine we rely on every day, is about to turn 26 in 2024. It was founded by two Stanford Ph.D. students, Sergey Brin and Larry Page, in September 1998. We celebrate Google's birth anniversary every year to recognise the moment Sergey Brin and Larry Page introduced what is now the world's most widely used search engine. Before finalising "Google" as the name, the two creators developed a search algorithm called "Backrub." They later chose "Google," a name inspired by "googol," a term representing the number 10 raised to the power of 100, highlighting their goal of organising a massive amount of data. Although we now celebrate Google's birth anniversary on September 27, this wasnt always the case. Before 2005, Google observed its birthday on different dates, such as September 7 and September 8. Eventually, it was set on September 27, and since then, it has been a fun tradition, often accompanied by a special Google Doodle. Today, Google operates in over 100 languages and handles trillions of searches every year. Its presence is worldwide, and it has become an important part of our lives. As Google's 26th anniversary is approaching sharing Happy Birthday Google wishes, quotes and thank you messages is a fun way to mark this impressive journey. To celebrate this milestone, here are some Happy Birthday Google wishes, thank you messages, and quotes to share on its special day. Best Happy Birthday Google Wishes, Messages, and Quotes Happy 26th birthday, Google! Here's to organising the world's information for all these years! Wishing you a very happy Google birth anniversary! Thank you for helping us find answers quickly. Happy birthday, Google! 26 years of making information easily accessible for everyone. Wishing Google a fantastic 26th birthday! You've changed how we search forever. Cheers to Google for 26 years of innovation and endless knowledge at our fingertips. Happy 26th birthday to the search engine that has been helping us with everythingGoogle! Congratulations on your 26th birth anniversary, Google! Keep transforming the world. From Backrub to Googlewhat a journey! Happy birthday! Sending warm happy birthday Google wishes to the tech giant that makes searching so easy! Happy 26th birthday to the search engine that has answers to everythingGoogle! Happy birthday Google 2024: Inspiring Quotes From a small project in a Stanford dorm room to becoming the worlds largest search engine, Googles journey is truly incredible. Happy birthday Google quotes remind us of how this tech giant started and how much it has accomplished over the years. "If it isn't on Google, it doesn't exist." - Jimmy Wales "You may think using Google's great, but I still think it's terrible." - Larry Page Solving big problems is easier than solving little problems. - Larry Page As a leader, It is important to not just see your own success, but focus on the success of others. - A person who is happy is not because everything is right in his life, He is happy because his attitude towards everything in his life is right. - Sundar Pichai Let yourself feel insecure from time to time. It will help you grow as an individual. - Sundar Pichai India has long been an exporter of talent to tech companies... But it is India that's now undergoing its own revolution. - Sundar Pichai "Some say Google is God. Others say Google is Satan. But if they think Google is too powerful, remember that with search engines unlike other companies, all it takes is a single click to go to another search engine." - Sergey Brin "If Google teaches you anything, it's that small ideas can be big." - Bill Callahan "Google is arguably one of the greatest inventions. The search engine is one of the greatest inventions in human history." - Franklin Foer "Google can bring you back 100,000 answers. A librarian can bring you back the right one." - Neil Gaiman Thank You messages to Google on its 26th anniversary Happy 26th anniversary, Google! Thank you for being our trusted search engine for all these years. From simple queries to complex research, you've been an essential part of our daily lives. We are grateful for your innovation, efficiency, and the endless information youve brought to our fingertips. Here's to many more years of growth and discovery with Google! Thank you, Google, for 26 years of making the internet accessible to everyone. Your journey from a small project to the world's largest search engine has been inspiring. Whether its finding a recipe, answering trivia, or solving problems, youve been a true companion. Congratulations on this milestone, and heres to more milestones in the future! Happy 26th birthday, Google! Thank you for helping us navigate the digital world with ease and speed. From learning new things to staying informed, youve made information available to millions in seconds. Your role in shaping the internet has been monumental, and we are truly grateful for all the innovations youve introduced. Wishing you continued success! Thank you, Google, for being a constant source of knowledge and information for 26 years. Youve made it so easy to find answers to our questions and connect with the world around us. Your impact on how we access and use information is immeasurable, and we appreciate all youve done to make our lives simpler. Happy anniversary, Google! Happy 26th anniversary, Google! Thank you for helping millions of people around the globe find answers to their questions with just a few clicks. From students to professionals, we all rely on you to guide us through a vast ocean of information. Your dedication to making the internet a better place has been remarkable, and we appreciate all that youve done for us! Congratulations, Google, on 26 years of revolutionizing the way we access information! Thank you for being more than just a search engine. Youve become a powerful tool that connects people, promotes learning, and helps businesses grow. Your innovations have touched every corner of the world, and for that, we are truly thankful. Here's to many more years of success! Thank you, Google, for 26 incredible years of simplifying our lives. Your journey from a dorm room project to a global tech giant has been inspiring. Youve made it easier for us to learn, discover, and explore the world, all from the comfort of our screens. Your impact on society is unmatched, and we are excited to see what the future holds for you. Happy birthday, Google! Happy 26th birthday, Google! Thank you for being a reliable source of information and for continuously improving the way we search. Youve changed the way we interact with the world, bringing knowledge and convenience to our fingertips. We are grateful for your constant innovation and dedication to making the internet a better place for all of us! A big thank you to Google on its 26th anniversary! Youve been with us every step of the way, making it easy to access the information we need. From solving small everyday problems to guiding important research, youve been there through it all. Your growth and achievements over the years are truly inspiring, and we look forward to more amazing innovations in the future! Thank you, Google, for 26 years of connecting people, ideas, and information. Youve made the vastness of the internet easier to navigate, and youve helped shape the digital world as we know it. Your contributions to education, business, and communication are invaluable. Happy 26th anniversary, and we are excited to see whats next for you! More Wishes for Googles 26th Birthday Happy birthday to Google, the search engine that never lets us down! Here's to 26 years of Google making the world more connected. Happy 26th Google birth anniversary! Youve made the internet smarter for all of us. Happy birthday, Google! Youve been answering our questions for over two decades! Wishing Google an amazing 26th birthday filled with more innovations! From Backrub to Google, what a transformation! Happy birthday! 26 years ago, Google was born, and the world has never been the same! Googles birth anniversary reminds us how technology can shape the world! Happy birthday to Googlethe search engine that has made life easier! Thank you, Google, for always being there with answers. Happy 26th birthday! 10 More Happy Birthday Google Messages Google, youve been making life simpler for 26 years. Happy birthday! Heres to Google, the search engine that never stops working! Happy birthday! Happy 26th birthday, Google! You've been our everyday helper. Google, youve been with us for 26 years, and we cant imagine life without you. Happy birthday! Happy birthday to Google, the search engine thats always ready to help! Thank you, Google, for 26 years of answers! Happy birthday! Cheers to 26 years of efficient searching. Happy birthday, Google! Google, may your 26th birthday be as extraordinary as your journey! Happy 26th birthday, Google! Heres to many more years of innovation! To Google on its 26th birth anniversarythank you for making a global impact! Why Googles Birthday Matters Celebrating Googles birth anniversary is about recognising a company that has dramatically changed the way we access information. Google has become an essential tool for navigating the internet. Sending a happy birthday Google message or sharing a happy birthday Google quote is a great way to appreciate this technology that plays a vital role in our daily lives. To stay updated on the stories that are going viral follow Indiatimes Trending. Kanye West, now legally known as "Ye," is a well-known American music producer, rapper, fashion designer, and entrepreneur with a current net worth of $400 million as of September 25th in Forbes. At one point, Kanye West was a multi-billionaire and one of the richest self-made Black men in U.S. history. His rise to fame began with his 2004 album, The College Dropout, which propelled him into the global spotlight. Kanye West's career as a musician has been highly successful, earning him 24 Grammy Awards out of 75 nominations. In recent years, Kanye West has shifted focus from music to business, generating over $100 million annually from various ventures, including his Yeezy brand. However, his outspoken views and controversial statements have resulted in the loss of sponsorships and partnerships. Kanye West's Net Worth Drops from Billionaire to Millionaire Credit: Reuters Once celebrated as a billionaire, Kanye Wests net worth has taken a sharp decline, falling from $2 billion to $400 million according to Forbes. The significant drop in Kanye West's net worth was largely due to his broken partnership with Adidas, a deal that had previously been a major source of his wealth. His controversial opinions led Adidas to sever ties with him, drastically reducing Kanye Wests income. Despite the setbacks, Kanye West continues to pursue various business ventures. Kanye West's Career and Recent Challenges Even though Kanye West has been a leading figure in the music world for many years, recent events have affected his career. His latest album, Donda 2, was released exclusively on the Stem player, but it did not perform as well as expected. Along with financial troubles, Kanye West has also faced legal issues. He was ordered by a court to pay $200,000 per month in child support for his four children with ex-wife Kim Kardashian. Additionally, he is facing lawsuits from former employees who allege they were not paid their due wages. Although these challenges have impacted Kanye Wests career, he has always been known for his resilience and creativity. Many wonder whether he can once again rise to billionaire status and reclaim his place in the world of wealth and fame. Kanye Wests Real Estate Investments According to Celebrity Net Worth, despite the financial hurdles, Kanye West owns around $100 million worth of real estate in the U.S., including several homes and large estates. One of his most notable properties is the sprawling Hidden Hills estate in California, where he lived with Kim Kardashian during their marriage. This property was acquired in multiple transactions starting in 2014, and over $28.5 million has been spent on acquiring and developing it. After their divorce, Kim Kardashian purchased Kanyes share of the estate for $23 million, including $3 million for interior furnishings. In 2021, Kanye West bought a beachfront property in Malibu for $57.3 million, but he later put it on the market in 2023 for $53 million. Other properties in his portfolio include a 320-acre estate in Calabasas worth $16 million and several ranches in Wyoming, including one he sold in June 2024. Kanye West's Car Collection Credit: Carblogindia According to the website, Samma.tv Kanye Wests taste for luxury extends to his impressive car collection: Aston Martin DBS: Kanye West owns an Aston Martin DBS with a 5.2-liter V12 engine that gives 715 horsepower. It can reach a top speed of 211 mph. In 2023, it's worth $349,800. Kanye West owns an Aston Martin DBS with a 5.2-liter V12 engine that gives 715 horsepower. It can reach a top speed of 211 mph. In 2023, it's worth $349,800. Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren: Kanyes collection includes a Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren, priced between $58,489 and $748,453. It has a 5.4-liter V8 engine with 617 horsepower. Kanyes collection includes a Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren, priced between $58,489 and $748,453. It has a 5.4-liter V8 engine with 617 horsepower. Lamborghini Urus: Kanye often drives a Lamborghini Urus, one of the fastest SUVs. In 2023, it costs $233,995 and delivers 640 horsepower, with a top speed of 190 mph. Kanye often drives a Lamborghini Urus, one of the fastest SUVs. In 2023, it costs $233,995 and delivers 640 horsepower, with a top speed of 190 mph. Bugatti Veyron 16.4: Kanye owns a Bugatti Veyron 16.4, one of the fastest cars ever made. It has a price tag of $1.9 million in 2023 and produces 1,000 horsepower. Kanye owns a Bugatti Veyron 16.4, one of the fastest cars ever made. It has a price tag of $1.9 million in 2023 and produces 1,000 horsepower. Lamborghini Gallardo: Kanye is frequently seen driving his Lamborghini Gallardo, worth $209,500 in 2023. It has a V10 engine with 540 horsepower. Kanye is frequently seen driving his Lamborghini Gallardo, worth $209,500 in 2023. It has a V10 engine with 540 horsepower. Porsche 911 Carrera: Kanyes Porsche 911 Carrera has a 3.0-liter engine with 443 horsepower. It reaches a top speed of 308 km/h and costs $107,550 in 2023. Kanyes Porsche 911 Carrera has a 3.0-liter engine with 443 horsepower. It reaches a top speed of 308 km/h and costs $107,550 in 2023. Lamborghini Aventador: Kanye also owns a Lamborghini Aventador, with a V12 engine producing 730 horsepower. In 2023, it costs over $789,809. Kanye also owns a Lamborghini Aventador, with a V12 engine producing 730 horsepower. In 2023, it costs over $789,809. Porsche Panamera: Kanye added a Porsche Panamera to his collection. The base model starts at $92,400 in 2023. Kanye added a Porsche Panamera to his collection. The base model starts at $92,400 in 2023. Mercedes-Benz SLR Stirling Moss: Kanye has a rare Mercedes-Benz SLR Stirling Moss, valued at millions due to its rarity. It has 641 horsepower. Kanye has a rare Mercedes-Benz SLR Stirling Moss, valued at millions due to its rarity. It has 641 horsepower. Maybach 57: Kanye's customized Maybach 57, featured in a music video, is priced at $194,550 in 2023. Kanye's customized Maybach 57, featured in a music video, is priced at $194,550 in 2023. Dartz Prombron Red Diamond: Kanyes collection includes a Dartz Prombron Red Diamond, a million-dollar armored truck. Kanyes collection includes a Dartz Prombron Red Diamond, a million-dollar armored truck. Sherp: Kanye owns eight Sherp all-terrain vehicles, kept at his ranch. Each weighs 4,300 kg and has a top speed of 30 km/h. Kanye West's private jet Kanye West, now called Ye, still enjoys his luxury items, including large mansions, expensive cars, and possibly a private jet. His plane is a Boeing 747, a massive two-deck aircraft usually designed to carry 660 passengers. Its the same type of plane used by the U.S. president, known as Air Force One. Yes jet, the largest owned by any celebrity, is called the "Yeezy floating office." It comes with luxury features like a double-bed suite, marble bathrooms, a lounge, guest rooms, and a dining area. Some reports say Adidas gave Ye the jet in 2018 for the success of his Yeezy brand. However, a Forbes report from 2018 suggests it might actually belong to Las Vegas Sands Corp., owned by billionaire Sheldon Adelson before he passed away in 2021. His wife, Miriam Adelson, inherited part of his wealth. The plane is a Boeing 747SP, a smaller but longer-range version of the Boeing 747-100. Even if it was a gift from Adidas, its value would be less than $10 million. Also Read: P Diddy's net worth Kanye West's Personal Life Credit: Reuters Kanye Wests personal life has always been in the public eye. He was in a long-term relationship with designer Alexis Phifer from 2002 to 2008 and dated model Amber Rose from 2008 to 2010. Kanye began dating reality TV star Kim Kardashian in 2012, and they married in 2014. The couple had four children together before divorcing in 2022. Shortly after, Kanye briefly dated actress Julia Fox. In 2023, Kanye West reportedly married Bianca Censori, an Australian architect, in a private ceremony. In 2021, Kanye successfully changed his legal name to "Ye," a reflection of his evolving identity. Despite all his challenges, Kanye West continues to remain a significant figure in the worlds of music, fashion, and business. Whether he will regain his former financial glory remains to be seen, but his influence and impact on culture are undeniable. For the latest and more interesting financial news, keep reading Indiatimes Worth. Click here Environment and Energy Minister Theodoros Skylakakis described the Greece-Cyprus electrical interconnection project as being of "immense geopolitical importance." He emphasized that Greece took on the geopolitical risk with full confidence in itself and its alliances. This cable can, must and will be built, he stated in the Hellenic Parliament on Thursday evening , urging all parties to support the relevant amendment he introduced. Skylakakis stressed that the project offers significant benefits for both sides, economically and in terms of energy security. He also addressed the strong concerns raised by opposition party representatives regarding the geopolitical risk, noting, Geopolitical risk can come from many sources, such as a third country that opposes the project or a terrorist act, as seen in other cases." He added that Greece has full confidence in its international standing, international law, alliances, European backing, US support and the strength of its arguments. iefimerida.gr UK tabloids highlight PM Mitsotakis' plans to combat overtourism through a steep new tourist tax on popular destinations. Meanwhile, Germany warns that the move could drive their tourists to Spain and Italy His Excellency the Ambassador of state Kuwait , Mansour Al-Alolaimi, and his spouse Mrs . Kholoud Ahmed, hosted a distinguished musical event over two days at the Ambassadors residence The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Akwa Ibom State Command, has detained five people for vandalising electrical installations, including high tension wires, in Akwa Ibom. Mr Bashar Hussaini, the State Commandant of the NSCDC, said this on Wednesday while briefing reporters at the command headquarters in Uyo. Hussaini stated that the suspects were apprehended on September 22, 2024, at approximately 2:30 a.m. in Ikot Obio Ekpong village, Mkpat Enin Local Government Area, of the state. Advertisement The suspects were caught in the act with the help of the local community, while cutting the high tension cables in the border between Ikot Obio Ekpong and Ikot Ekong village. The suspects had also vandalised power infrastructure in Atanuk village, a neighboring village to the two affected villages. The suspects arrested include Uchenna Uguru, the buyer of the stolen cables. Emmanuel Sampson, Victor Sampson and Kingsley Umoren are the three suspects who vandalised the cables, while Joseph Emmanuel was the bike man who conveyed them, Hussaini said. Hussaini stated that the suspects confessed to the crime and described how they monitored and determined when the electrical supply was turned off, ascended their ladders, and climbed to cut the high tension lines in the early hours of the night. According to the state commandant, exhibits retrieved from the suspects include three bundles of high tension cables vandalised at various points, as well as a motorbike used in the operation. READ MORE: Tell Your Cheating Husband To Protect Himself, Dont Leave Your Marriage Toyin Tomato Advises Women Hussaini expressed his displeasure with the rising rate of vandalism against public infrastructure, particularly power plants in the state. He reaffirmed the Commands determination to confronting the scourge head on and making Akwa Ibom state uncomfortable for vandals and criminal groups. The NSCDC boss added that the Command will continue to use intelligence and a community-based approach to security because it is generating excellent outcomes. He urged individuals, community leaders, adolescents, and residents to work with the Corps to share information on criminal activity in their communities so that action can be taken quickly. The state commandant stated that the five suspects will be charged in court as soon as investigations are completed. The Chief of Army Staff, Lt General Taoreed Lagbaja, has commended soldiers for intensifying operations across various regions in the country. Lagbaja added that the activities of the troops have led to the neutralization of several terrorists and their leaders. COAS made this known on Thursday, while addressing newsmen at the media chat third quarter of 2024 held in Makurdi. Advertisement Represented by the Commander 4 Special Force Command, Major General Hilary Nzan, the Lagbaja noted that the operations have also helped in the restoration of socio-economic activities in some crisis-ridden communities. He said: The Nigerian Army has intensified operations across various regions with tailored strategies to address the unique security threats in each region. I am pleased to report significant successes in these efforts across multiple theatres. READ MORE: COAS Laments Drug Abuse Among Soldiers Fighting Terrorists These include the neutralization of several terrorists and their leaders, the rescue of some abducted Nigerians, and the restoration of socio-economic activities in affected communities, leading to the return of internally displaced persons to their ancestral homes. Our efforts have also significantly boosted crude oil production while enhancing food security through special patrols and escort duties that enable farmers to cultivate their crops. In response to recent human-made and natural disasters in parts of the country, we activated our emergency response capabilities. We leveraged our unique competencies, as demonstrated in the recent flood incident in Maiduguri. The operatives of the Bauchi state police command have apprehended a 29 years old rail track vandalizer, identified as Heli Hassan. It was gathered that the suspect was arrested on Thursday, for allegedly destroying the federal government installation of 95 rail track components in the state. Advertisement Hassan confessed to having conspired with one Jacob Sulaiman (currently at large) to vandalize and steal the recovered items on the 24th of September, 2024, at about 2300 hours, in the vicinity of Inkil quarters, Bauchi. Disclosing this to the public on Thursday, the spokesman for the command, SP Ahmed Wakil, said that security agents, while acting on credible intelligence, apprehended the suspect. He said: This distressing incident poses a substantial threat to public safety and represents a severe act of economic sabotage as it pertains to a crucial infrastructure linking the Inkil community with Gombe State. READ MORE: Bauchi Police Nab Suspect For Allegedly Stealing Iron Rods From Graves, Selling Them To Scrap Metal Buyers (Pictures) The suspect conspired with one another now at large to vandalise critical rail track components. The incident occurred on September 24, at approximately 2300 hours, in the vicinity of Inkil quarters in the Bauchi metropolis. This achievement underscores the Commands dedication to safeguarding public assets and ensuring citizens safety through collaborative community efforts. Solomon Buchi, a social commentator, has expressed displeasure with popular activist, VeryDarkMans recent criticism. The criticism targeted Falz and his father, Femi Falana, amid Bobriskys alleged N15 million Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC settlement. A major controversy occurred after VeryDarkMan revealed audio recordings in which Bobrisky purportedly stated that Femi Falana and his son, Falz, had contacted him before his release from prison. Advertisement Following that, Falz gave VDM a 24-hour deadline to remove all of the disparaging remarks made about him. Solomon Buchi commented on the situation on his X page on Wednesday, stating that Falz and his father did nothing wrong because they are lawyers who can provide legal assistance to any client. He went on to say that VDMs lack of knowledge is obvious, and that the activist requires major education. READ MORE: EFCC Probes Bribery Allegations Involving Personnel, Summons Bobrisky, VeryDarkMan He tweeted: VDM, Falana and Falz have done nothing wrong. Theyre lawyers and can give valid counsel to anyone they deem a client. State/federal pardon is a thing in law. While some of the work you do is great, you need a lot of education because your illiteracy always shines through In another post, he wrote: Now Falz has served VDM papers and claims to have evidence that bobrisky first reached out to them. VDM does good, but he needs education and enlightenment. There are troubles that illiteracy can land you in. Confidence isnt all he needs. He needs education!!!! SEE POST: Nigerian activist VeryDarkMan has denied defaming human rights lawyer, Femi Falana, following a legal threat from his son, rapper Falz. Recall that Falz had given VDM a 24-hour ultimatum in which he demanded that all disparaging remarks be taken down. Falz further confirmed that he never contacted Bobrisky and that VDM had no communication with him prior to publishing the deceptive statements, which included homosexual insinuations. Advertisement The activist, according to a statement released on Wednesday by VDMs attorney, Deji Adeyanju, denies defaming Femi Falana, the Senior Advocate of Nigeria, whom he regards highly. READ MORE: EFCC Probes Bribery Allegations Involving Personnel, Summons Bobrisky, VeryDarkMan VDM explained that he released the audio recordings to compel the relevant authorities to conduct a thorough investigation into Bobriskys charges, and Falz apparently validated some of the information. The letter read in part: Our client denies defaming Mr. Femi Falana, SAN, a renowned Senior Advocate of Nigeria and globally recognised human rights activist, but asserts that he only published the said communication with a view to getting the relevant agencies, and even your client, to initiate a thorough investigation into the far reaching allegations made by Mr. Okuneye in the said voice recording, especially as some element of the voice recording has been confirmed by Mr. Folarin Falana in his solicitors letter of September 25, 2024. SEE POST: Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, has ordered a detailed investigation into bribery allegations within the Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS). The directive came after VeryDarkMan, an activist, shared a video online wherein Idris Okuneye (Bobrisky) claimed he bribed some Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) officials with N15,000,000 to drop the money laundering charges against him. The crossdresser, was released from prison on August 5 after he was sentenced to six months on April 12 for abusing the naira. Advertisement The crossdresser claimed her godfather alongside Haliru Nababa, the Comptroller General of the NCoS, ensured she served the six-month sentence in a private apartment, and not the prison. On my way to prison, my godfather called and assured me I wouldnt enter prison. He told me not to worry and said he would arrange an apartment near the prison and speak to the Comptroller General of Prisons in Abuja, she had said in the viral clip. Bobrisky however later deny the bribery claim, arguing that the viral recording was fake. The social media celebrity also insisted that I served my term in prison. The crossdressers denial came after the EFCC invited her and VeryDarkMan over bribery allegations against its officials. READ ALSO: VeryDarkMan Informed Me First About Bobriskys Leaked Audio, I Authorised His Exposure Seun Kuti Tunji-Ojo, reacting via a Wednesday statement by Alao Babatunde, his media aide, condemned the alleged behaviour of the NCoS. He also vowed to ensure that those found culpable face the full wrath of the law. The Minister of Interior has directed an unconditional and comprehensive investigation into the allegations of bribery and corruption within the Nigerian Correctional Service. Tunji-Ojo unequivocally condemned the alleged reprehensible behaviour, emphasizing that any form of indiscipline, unprofessionalism, or corruption will be met with zero tolerance and severe consequences within the paramilitary services under the Ministrys purview. The ministry will not tolerate any compromise on its core values of integrity, transparency, and accountability. We will leave no stone unturned in rooting out corruption and ensuring that those found culpable face the full wrath of the law, the statement reads. The statement revealed that Magdalene Ajani, the Ministrys permanent Secretary , would head the team investigating the allegations. The minister reassures the public that the investigation will be rigorous, transparent, and impartial, and that appropriate disciplinary actions will be taken against any personnel found guilty, it added. Former Edo State governor, Adams Oshiomhole, has warned defectors planning to leave the Peoples Democratic Party for the All Progressives Congress, that the era of manipulating both parties has ended. The Edo North Senator, made this known on Wednesday, while addressing newsmen, following the conclusion of the state governorship poll. Recall that the Independent National Electoral Commission, had declared Monday Okpebholo of the All Progressives Congress, winner of Saturdays governorship election. Advertisement INEC announced that Okpebholo polled 291,667 votes, and Asue Ighodalo of PDP, scored 247,274 votes while Labour Partys governorship candidate, Olumide Akpata got 22,763 votes to emerge third. READ MORE: Ill Continue Where Oshiomhole Stopped Edo Gov-Elect, Okpebholo Meanwhile, Oshiomhole, urged those considering a switch to APC to remain loyal with their party and its governorship candidate, Ighodalo. He said: You cant be with Asue Ighodalo and expect to eat, celebrate here. The days are gone when you play two sides. Go with your artificial intelligence while we stay without native and organic intelligence so we cant be fooled again. Youve lost. You bolt, and after the election, do you want to jump camp? No stay with him because we dont want people that stay on the fence. Edo State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party, has accused the Independent Electoral Commission and Nigeria police of stealing the governorship election victory from them. This was disclosed by the deputy director general of the Asue-Ogie Governorship Campaign Council, Olu Martins, during a press conference on Wednesday in Benin City. Martins said that the party had already started celebrating the victory before its mandate was stolen by INEC and the police force. Advertisement He added that from the 95 per cent results of the poll released by the electoral commission, PDP was already leading with over 45,000 votes. Martins said: We were already jubilating because by the time the result of the election got to 95 per cent, you know where you have won or not and even if the remaining five per cent voted for APC, we would have won the election with over 45,000 votes. But when we got to the collation centre, things changed as the police said they were on a mission and that whoever cant stomach it should leave. Speaking further, Martins noted that the battle was not between the All Progressives Congress, but with the Nigeria Police and INEC. He said: For us, despite what INEC announced, the governorship election contest was not between the PDP and the APC, who has now been announced as the winner. But the contestation is between the PDP and the police and INEC; the two of them collude together to rape democracy and declare who they have declared the winner. How do you explain that the whole world followed the result on the IREV and saw the result and if they wanted it to end that way, they wouldnt have introduced the IReV. READ MORE: Stop Questioning INECs Authority Over Edo Election Results APC Warns YIAGA Africa The form EC8 is the most important document in this election because it is the form where the election that took place in over 4000 polling units was imputed and any other form is from the collation centre and what you saw in IReV were results from polling units. By 9 pm on Saturday, 95 per cent of the results of over 4000 units were already posted on the IReV and once it is posted, you can begin your calculation and that was what we did in our situation room. When the APC saw that they were losing, they moved to Plan B and my problem is not with the APC or whoever it is that wants to take advantage of the porous system. But my problem is that it is impossible to rig an election or subvert the will of the people without the active connivance of the INEC, who is the umpire of the election and the security agents. Our director general was denied entry into INEC office but the APC were roaming and dictating how they wanted the election to go. It seems that the president wants a one-party state. The APC captured the INEC and the police. The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has filed fresh 16-count fraud charge against the former Governor of Kogi State, Yahaya Bello. The charges, which were filed by the Federal Government through counsels for the EFCC, Kemi Pinheiro, Rotimi Oyedepo and seven other lawyers. Advertisement Joined as defendants are Umar Shuaibu Oricha and Abdulsalam Hudu. The fresh charges before the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) High Court were coming on the heels of the former Governors absence at a Court in Abuja where he was being tried for charges to the tune of N80.2 billion. READ ALSO: Kogi Assembly Tells Tinubu To Sack Olukoyede, Alleges EFCC Attempting To Assassinate Yahaya Bello, Is Threat To Gov Ododos Life In a fresh charge sheet sighted on Wednesday, the anti-graft agency revealed that it had uncovered alleged fresh fraud against the former Governor to the tune of N110,446,470,089.00. That you, YAHAYA ADOZA BELLO, UMAR SHUAIBU ORICHA and ABDULSALAMI HUDU sometimes in 2016 in Abuja, within the jurisdictions of this Honourable Court agreed amongst yourselves to cause to be done an illegal act to wit: criminal breach of trust in respect of the total sum N110,446,470,089.00 entrusted to you, the charge sheet partly read. The Kwara State High Court, sitting in Ilorin, has sentenced five individuals for allegedly involving in the 2018 Offa bank robbery incident to death. INFORMATION NIGERIA reports that the convicted criminals are; Ayoade Akinnibosun, Azeez Salahudeen, Niyi Ogundiran, Ibikunle Ogunleye, and Adeola Abraham. Recall that in April 2018, some armed robbers stormed Offa town in Kwara State and robbed at least five commercial banks in the ancient town. Advertisement READ MORE: Abba Kyari Reacts To Offa Robbery Suspects Statement Saying He Asked Him To Implicate Saraki It was gathered that many people, including nine policemen, were killed in the incident which involved the stealing of an undisclosed sum of money from the banks. Delivering the judgement on Thursday, Justice Haleemah Salman of the State High Court found the suspects guilty of illegal possession of firearms, armed robbery and culpable homicide. She said: The five of you shall be hanged on your neck until you are dead to serve as a lesson to others. Some yet to be identified residents of Ndibokote village in Ezza-Inyimagu, Agbaja Autonomous Community, Izzi Local Government Area of the state have been killed by suspected cholera disease. INFORMATION NIGERIA reports that among the dead person is a nursing mother, who left behind a nine-month-old baby. Speaking with newsmen on Thursday, the state Commissioner for Health, Moses Ekuma confirmed the outbreak and the death. Advertisement According to Ekuma, over 20 other residents in the area have been hospitalised for suspected cholera infection. Meanwhile, a member of the community, Stephen Nwankpuma linked the death to the burial of a woman last weekend. READ MORE: Cholera Outbreak In Adamawa Claims Four Lives, 36 Hospitalized He said: There was a burial there last week and also there were others who went and ate dog killed in the area. People who went to the burial and those who ate the dog were the main people who first got sick. Those who went to the burial ate a cow that was killed and prepared in a very dirty environment. Their community is located in the remotest part of the state. In fact it shares boundary with Benue State. There is no good source of water in the area. The only borehole in the area is no longer functional. The only source of water there now is a pond or stream and it is very dirty. The situation is worsened by the heavy rain falling this period which flowed into the stream carrying all the wastes with it and probably contaminating the pond. Evan Buckman walks out of a courtroom in the Montgomery County Courthouse on Tuesday during his trial on homicide by vehicle and related crimes. Read more A Pennsburg man involved in an illegal drag race that led to the death of a woman in 2023 was found not guilty of homicide by vehicle and related crimes, avoiding any prison time. After a one-day trial, Montgomery County Court Judge Wendy Rothstein on Wednesday found Evan Buckman, 20, guilty of racing, reckless driving, driving at unsafe speeds, and exceeding the speed limit by 40 mph, said Kate Delano, spokesperson for the Montgomery County District Attorneys Office. Advertisement All of those charges are summary offenses, punishable by fines but no jail time, Delano said. Buckman was charged with homicide by vehicle, aggravated assault by vehicle, and related crimes for his involvement in the crash on Bethlehem Pike in Hatfield that caused the death of Ida Lillo, 62, but a jury acquitted him of those charges. The fatal crash happened the night of May 17, 2023, when prosecutors say Buckman was involved in an illegal drag race with Aidan Jarrett, 20, on Bethlehem Pike. Buckmans attorney, Matthew Quigg, told jurors in his opening statement Tuesday that his client was not responsible for Lillos death and was merely trying to keep up with Jarrett and navigate roads that he was unfamiliar with. Lillos death, Quigg contended, was caused by Jarrett losing control of his Mitsubishi Lancer while traveling twice the speed limit on Bethlehem Pike and T-boning a car driven by Lillos husband, Louis. As Louis Lillo was making a left turn onto Bergey Road, Jarretts Mitsubishi slammed into the Nissans passenger-side door. An airbag sensor taken from Jarretts Mitsubishi showed the car had been traveling at 110 mph at the time of the collision, prosecutors said. The posted speed limit on that stretch of road is 55 mph. When officers arrived, they found Jarretts Mitsubishi severely damaged, with its engine on fire, according to court testimony. The Nissan SUV driven by Louis Lillo had been pushed onto its side and rolled through the intersection of Bethlehem Pike and Bergey Road. Ida Lillo suffered severe injuries, including a punctured lung and shattered ribs, and was taken to Grand View Hospital, where she was later pronounced dead. Her husband also suffered serious injuries in the collision and died earlier this year of unrelated causes. Jarrett, 20, pleaded guilty in August to homicide by vehicle, aggravated assault by vehicle, illegal racing, and related crimes. He is scheduled to be sentenced in November. Quigg said in court that Buckman and Jarrett had not made plans to drive recklessly together but were merely headed to the Montgomeryville Mall. Assistant District Attorney Blair Rohlfing said Buckman was just as much at fault in the fatal incident as Jarrett, saying even though Buckman did not crash, he participated in the breathtakingly dangerous crash. File photo of Philadelphia police, crime scene, police tape, yellow tape. Photo take at crime scene N. Simpson Street and Callowhill Street, Philadelphia. Read more A trio of would-be beef thieves were foiled in their attempt to steal 1,600 pounds of meat from a tractor-trailer in Holmesburg on Tuesday after law enforcement officials tracked them to the scene of the crime, authorities said. Douglas Mathis, Jamir Scott, and Tariq Duncan, all of Philadelphia, were charged with corrupt organizations, theft, and related crimes for the brazen beef caper on the 7300 block of Edmund Street, Pennsylvania Attorney General Michelle Henry said Wednesday. Advertisement The men, wearing masks and dark clothing, were seen breaking a lock on the tractor-trailer and carrying 25 cases of beef valued at $7,000 from the rig to their getaway van, authorities said. They were each being held on $200,000 bail, court records show. The arrests were part of an interstate law enforcement investigation dubbed Operation Beef Bandit. The operation, which includes investigators from the New Jersey State Police, Philadelphia police, and the Pennsylvania Attorney Generals Office, has targeted crews of thieves who steal high-value goods including food and alcohol. Earlier this month, New Jersey State Police nabbed four Philadelphia men who authorities said were part of an organized cargo-theft ring that targeted service areas along the New Jersey Turnpike. The crew carried out nine burglaries at service areas along the turnpike, breaking into parked tractor-trailers and stealing cargo including meat, seafood, and alcohol, authorities said. They were connected to a series of thefts across the tristate area involving stolen goods worth millions of dollars, state police said. After an investigation, New Jersey state troopers zeroed in on men suspected of those thefts at the Molly Pitcher Service Area in Cranbury, N.J., on Sept. 13. Troopers spotted two vehicles entering the service area shortly before 1:30 a.m. that day and saw four men attempting to steal boxes of meat from a parked, occupied tractor-trailer, authorities said. When troopers moved in to apprehend them, the would-be thieves scattered, authorities said. Hanif Tucker, 31, was taken into custody, while Shaun Coleman, 23, attempted to run away but was arrested shortly afterward. The last two suspects, Salahudin Reddy, 37, and Rashan Clark-Reddy, 26, tried to get away in a stolen vehicle, ramming an occupied unmarked police car as they tried to escape, authorities said. After a brief pursuit during which the two damaged two marked trooper cars, they were also taken into custody, authorities said. All four men were charged with conspiracy to commit cargo theft and related crimes, authorities said. The beef theft was the latest in a string of cargo robberies in the Philadelphia region. Thieves, it seems, have a surf-and-turf approach to their schemes, with recent thefts including expensive seafood. Earlier this month, a crew of six thieves stole three large pallets of crabmeat worth $42,000 from a tractor-trailer in South Philadelphia. Officers responded to a report of a theft from the back of a tractor-trailer on the 600 block of Packer Avenue around 3:30 a.m. on Sept. 4, police said. The truck driver said he was sleeping inside the truck when he felt movement in the rear of the vehicle and saw six men stealing boxes of crabmeat from the truck. After loading the stolen seafood into three different cars, the crew split up and fled, police said. Philadelphia police said such cargo thefts have been a problem in the city, in part because the culprits can be elusive. Police officials said they have worked with multiple jurisdictions in recent months to target such crime. Department officials declined to comment on the most recent arrests and referred questions to the state Attorney Generals Office. Anyone with information about cargo thefts is encouraged to submit a tip to phillypolice.com or via the departments tipline at 215-868-8477. District Attorney Larry Krasner during a press conference at the DAs office in Philadelphia on May 17. Read more The Pennsylvania Supreme Court handed Philadelphia District Attorney Larry Krasner another victory and perhaps a decisive one in his effort to block a long-stalled impeachment drive, ruling that state lawmakers who tried to remove him from office two years ago had improperly attempted to stretch that process across two different legislative sessions. The decision, issued Thursday, could spell an end to a 2022 effort to oust the citys reform-oriented prosecutor, and it raised significant new questions about how or whether lawmakers might move forward with any similar attempts in the future. Advertisement Krasner did not comment on the decision. But his office, in a statement, called the decision a victory for democracy and for the citizens of Philadelphia. And one of his lawyers, John Summers, said the ruling means that the impeachment effort is dead, saying it ended an unconstitutional effort to remove a locally elected official over policy disagreements. Legislators, predominantly from outside of Philadelphia, effectively tried to nullify [Krasners] election by trying to impeach him, and the courts said, appropriately, that there are guardrails on this process, Summer said. Jason Gottesman, a spokesperson for House Republicans who initiated the original impeachment process two years ago declined to say if the caucus might try to pursue the matter again. He said the measure that passed in 2022 was a momentous step in holding [Krasner] accountable and will remain a stain on his record. State Rep. Martina White, a Northeast Philadelphia Republican who was among the most enthusiastic backers of the impeachment drive, said Krasner had simply benefited from a legal technicality. He cannot claim his innocence, as [a] trial has not yet happened, White said in a statement. The House GOP launched impeachment proceedings in 2022 by accusing Krasner, a Democrat, of enacting policies that fueled the citys shooting crisis, mishandling criminal cases, and violating the rights of crime victims. They introduced an impeachment resolution that November, which passed almost exclusively along party lines. Krasner denied the allegations and cast the process as illegal and politically motivated. He sued to overturn the resolution, placing the issue on hold before a trial could begin in the state Senate. Last year, Commonwealth Court sided with Krasner on the heart of his challenge, ruling that none of the articles of impeachment met the required legal standard of misbehavior in office. READ MORE: Pa. Commonwealth Court releases opinion calling impeachment articles against DA Larry Krasner legally insufficient But the court rejected two other arguments raised by Krasner in the same suit, ruling that impeachment proceedings could occur across different legislative sessions which the district attorney said was unlawful and saying state lawmakers could impeach a locally elected district attorney. The high courts new ruling left intact Krasners initial legal victory. But it also sided with Krasner on one of the other issues, saying the articles of impeachment became null and void at the end of 2022, when a two-year legislative session came to a close. Most legislation must be proposed, voted on, and signed into law within the same two-year term because the makeup and leadership of the House or Senate can change from term to term based on election results. And Chief Justice Debra Todd said there are other practical reasons this principle must apply to impeachment, including that some senators who would have been asked to vote on Krasners fate in 2023 may not have been elected to office yet in 2022, when the articles were approved by the House and then accepted by the upper chamber. The Constitution simply does not textually permit the House and the Senate of a subsequent session of the General Assembly to take any further action on matters which the House or Senate of a prior session of the General Assembly may have begun, but not finished during that session, Todd wrote in her opinion. (Two justices did not participate in the decision: Justice Kevin Dougherty, a Philadelphia Democrat, who withdrew because he had written an earlier court opinion criticizing Krasner, and Justice P. Kevin Brobson, a Dauphin County Republican, who recused himself because a lawyer representing Krasners opponents had previously worked as the justices personal attorney.) Indeed, the issue of legislative timing was of particular interest to Krasner. When his impeachment was approved, House Republicans were on the verge of losing their controlling majority for the first time in decades. The district attorney and his allies believed it would be far less likely for Democrats to reintroduce or approve impeachment legislation while in control of the chamber. Summers, one of Krasners lawyers, said he believed Thursdays decision would have lasting significance because it made clear that those types of political calculations should not be a central consideration when legislators are weighing something as serious as impeachment. Someday, the majority may be different, and the politics may be different, and these [court] decisions stand for the neutral proposition that political majorities cant just try and remove elected officials or other officials because they have the power, he said. And that will be a long salutatory shadow of these decisions. Just after midnight, Philadelphia police investigate the scene of a one car crash at the intersection of Pattison Ave. and South 3rd Street in Philadelphia on Sunday. Read more A 25-year-old man has been charged with aggravated assault and related crimes for driving his car toward officers who had been attempting to break up one of nearly a dozen illegal car meetups throughout the city over the weekend, authorities said. Deonte Vincent of Tacony sped his vehicle toward two officers who had sought to detain someone at a meetup in Rhawnhurst on Saturday night, prosecutors said. Neither the officers nor the bystander was hit, officials said, but Vincent did strike the bystanders car before driving away. Advertisement Vincents arrest marks the second criminal case to be filed in the aftermath of a night of mayhem that began late Saturday and spread from Northeast to Southwest Philadelphia and just outside City Hall. The chaos attracted widespread attention on social media, with photos and videos spreading quickly and showing hundreds of people dressed in costumes and masks while drag racing, doing doughnuts, exploding fireworks, and jumping onto moving police vehicles. Participants dubbed the nights events Project X. A host of officials said Thursday that they were continuing to investigate the incidents using those same videos and social media posts to try to identify perpetrators. Deputy Police Commissioner Frank Vanore said police have identified nearly 40 cars across the various scenes, and five of them have been seized to be searched. About two dozen people were given citations that night, Vanore said, and some could end up facing additional criminal charges. Vanore and others, including First Assistant District Attorney Robert Listenbee, said the illegal meetups were dangerous and destructive, and would not be tolerated. They said law enforcement was continually monitoring social media to proactively identify potential gatherings and would work to ensure accountability afterward. If you engage in these kind of illegal [meetup] activities, drifting activities we are going to do everything we can to arrest you and prosecute you, Listenbee said. Still, Vanore acknowledged that police had been aware of the possibility for meetups over the weekend, but that the scale and persistence of the gatherings caught authorities by surprise leading a handful of officers to respond to an incident with hundreds of participants, only for the crowd to disperse and gather again elsewhere. The scope, the locations, the timing of this was not evident in advance, Vanore said. Car meetups, also known as takeovers or slide shows, have been going on for years, and are not unique to Philadelphia. One driver who spoke to The Inquirer earlier this week said drivers from states including New York, North Carolina, and Virginia had decided to gather in the city as a final ode to summer. But the spectacles quickly grew unruly, and remained that way throughout the night. One person was arrested earlier, police said: Jhonny Martinez, 19, of Upper Darby, was charged with recklessly endangering another person after crashing into a pole in South Philadelphia while fleeing officers. Vanore said that a 17-year-old girl from Delaware, who attended with one of the participants, was hospitalized after being struck by fireworks and that doctors initially thought she had been shot. He said detectives were continuing to review that incident and many others. We are nowhere near done, Vanore said. Editors note: An earlier version of this article provided an incorrect last name for Deonte Vincent. A new analysis by the Thomas B. Fordham Institute identified 500 historically struggling schools across the country that lost at least 20% of their enrollment.. Read more One in 12 U.S. public schools lost at least 20% of its students post-pandemic and it was often schools with significant academic struggles that displayed the sharpest enrollment declines, according to a new analysis by the Thomas B. Fordham Institute. Thats germane as leaders around the country, including in Philadelphia, prepare to make decisions about possible school closings. Advertisement The new analysis by the conservative-leaning think tank identified 500 historically struggling schools across the country that lost at least 20% of their enrollment, including eight in Philadelphia: Grover Washington Middle School in Olney Wagner Middle School in West Oak Lane Clemente Middle School in North Philadelphia AMY at James Martin in Port Richmond Steel Elementary in Nicetown Comegys Elementary in Southwest Philadelphia Heston Elementary in Overbrook Harrington Elementary in Southwest Philadelphia Fordham Institute officials argue that with an abundance of underutilized buildings, many of which have significant capital needs, closings are necessary. Philadelphias school board last week voted to formally begin the final phase of its comprehensive school facilities master planning process, awarding $5 million worth of contracts for planning and community engagement services and directing Superintendent Tony B. Watlington Sr. to assemble a committee and start the work in earnest. Officials have said they expect the work to take multiple years to complete. District-run schools have space for 180,000 students, but currently have about 116,000 enrolled, meaning about 35% of seats districtwide are empty. In Renaissance schools, neighborhood schools run by charter companies in district-owned buildings, theres room for 19,801 students, but 14,387 are enrolled. Painful, politically fraught decisions Fordham chose its schools based both on enrollment lost and on designation by states as needing a Comprehensive School Improvement plan. CSI schools are the bottom 5% of Title I schools as measured by academic achievement, student growth, and other areas, or are schools with a graduation rate of 67% or lower. Fifty-five Philadelphia schools made that statewide list. It then cross-checked the struggling schools list with a list of schools that lost at least 20% of their enrollment in the three years since the start of the pandemic. Fewer students and the expiration of COVID relief funds mean that districts will have to tighten their belts, possibly in ways that affect already uneven educational quality, the report said. School closings are painful, politically fraught decisions, and we understand why district officials and local leaders often kick the school-closure can down the road for as long as they can, the report states. But many of them will eventually be forced to decide the fate of their near-empty buildings. What should inform that decision? To us, its clear: The foremost consideration is within the resources available to us whats best for educating the students of this community? Fordham officials do say, however, that inclusion on the list does not mean the identified schools will or should be closed. There might be some schools on the list with very low test scores but strong year-to-year growth. We would consider those good schools, not bad schools, the report says. Also, researchers note, simply making the list does not mean a high-quality alternative exists, or take into account the physical conditions or trajectory of the individual schools. One of the Philadelphia schools on the list, AMY at James Martin, is getting a brand-new building, for instance. (AMY at James Martin lost 45% of its students, or 195 students, between 2019-20 and 2022-23. It had 240 students in the 2022-23 year.) Clemente already shares a building with two other schools. Wagner is attempting to build a middle-grades career and technical education program. Fordham officials said closing schools can be traumatic and even harmful for students, especially if they end up attending lower-performing campuses. Yet closing a school is beneficial when displaced students land in better alternatives. And of course, the primary purpose of most closures isnt just to help this generation of students. Its to ensure that innumerable future generations are well-served. What have Philly officials said? Philadelphia leaders have not responded to the Fordham Institute analysis, but have previously stressed that no decisions have been made, and said that closings wont happen the way they did in 2013, when dozens of schools were closed, sometimes sending students into lower-performing schools. Multiple options will be considered, the board has said, including closings, new construction, and colocations of schools and other city services. And multiple pieces of information will be considered as decisions are made, not just building condition, enrollment, or academic performance. Board documents call for the district to maximize school building use, and provide more equitable prekindergarten programs, access to art and music, and career and technical education opportunities. Board officials also directed the administration to address enrollment trends that have created financial and operational inefficiencies, identify district schools/buildings to be modernized, colocated, repurposed or closed. Residents protest at the Souderton school board meeting on Aug. 29, held in the district's middle school auditorium. Read more People attending the Souderton school boards meeting Thursday night will be asked to show identification, as the board continues to face backlash over member Bill Formicas social media posts. District officials say the plan to check IDs is meant to ensure that residents are prioritized for entry following a school board meeting last month that drew hundreds of people, many demanding Formicas resignation in the wake of his comments that Vice President Kamala Harris blew a lot of dudes. Advertisement Unlike that meeting, which was moved to a middle school auditorium that could hold 550 people, Thursdays will be held at the boards usual meeting location in the districts administrative office building, with a 110-person capacity. They are intentionally trying to suppress public participation, said Stephanie Jamison, chair of Souderton Area for All, a community group that supports diversity, equity and inclusion efforts. Im sensing theyre really uncomfortable with this level of criticism. Formica has defied the calls for his resignation over his comments about Harris, which he said he made impulsively on X while responding to another user asking people to name ONE thing this chick has accomplished, politically. But critics have pointed out a history of inflammatory comments by Formica, a Republican appointed to the board last year and elected in November including others targeting teachers, non-English speakers, and LGBTQ people. The Republican-controlled boards president, Ken Keith, said at last months meeting that the district does not condone Formicas comments. But the board has not urged him to resign, as opponents contend it should. Is checking IDs legal? Keith did not respond to questions Wednesday about the new ID practice and criticism of the board. Jeffrey Sultanik, the districts solicitor, said the board was not seeking to turn away nonresidents. The intention is just to give priority seating to residents first, and employees, and the press, Sultanik said Wednesday. He said the board had the authority to prioritize residents under a provision in Pennsylvanias school code that gives school districts power over the reasonable use of their facilities. Melissa Melewsky, media law counsel for Pennsylvania NewsMedia Association, disagreed with that interpretation. While the Sunshine Act allows school boards to limit public comment to residents and taxpayers, it doesnt say boards can restrict attendance at public meetings to residents, she said. If theyre going to prioritize some, that may mean exclusion for others, and theres nothing that justifies that under the law, Melewsky said. If the district is concerned there wont be enough space for everyone who wants to attend, Melewsky said, the most obvious remedy for that is go to a bigger room. Sultanik said it was logistically easier for the board to run its meetings out of its typical room. He also said the board believes that the need for a larger size venue has been lessened, because its been receiving fewer emails in the wake of the Formica uproar. The board checked IDs at a recent committee meeting, and there was no one from the public or region who was denied access, Sultanik said. Jamison, who attended that meeting, said she saw some people leave because they didnt have IDs on them, which concerned her. The district does not appear to have publicized the new requirement, she said. There are also reasons for nonresidents, like advocacy groups or potential contractors or vendors, to attend board meetings, she said. Jamison questioned whether the impetus for the ID requirement stemmed from an online rumor by a local conservative activist who alleged that Antifa had attended the last school board meeting citing out-of-state license plates in the school parking lot. The activist, Kaitlin Derstine, declined to comment Wednesday on whether she made that assertion. The meetings are open to the public, Derstine said in an email. The school district is just making sure residents and taxpayers of the district get first seats. Jamison said she was aware of some people who did not intend to comply with the ID requirement, and said she was deeply concerned about potential conflict at Thursdays meeting, which is scheduled to start at 7 p.m. Dwayne Dobbins, co-principal, Woodbury Junior/Senior High School, helps Elijah Morre, 16, 11th grade, with the locking mechanism for his phone pouch as he enters school on Friday, Sept 20, 2024. This program to keep kids off their phones during school started this school year. Read more Students at Woodbury High School begin lining up shortly after they arrive at 7 a.m. for a check-in: to lock up their cell phones for the duration of the school day. A new policy that took effect at the beginning of the school year bans students from using their cell phones and other electronic devices, including wireless headphones, during school. The devices are kept locked in a pouch until the final school bell. Advertisement The South Jersey school system joins a growing number of schools nationwide that are trying to limit cell-phone use while students are in school. Educators say the restrictions are needed to keep students engaged in learning, without distractions. READ MORE: Pa. is offering schools money for lockable cell phone pouches. Heres why some Philly-area schools arent taking it. Superintendent Andrew Bell pushed for a tougher approach after a policy in place for years banning students from using their cell phones proved difficult to enforce. Under that rule, students were instructed to keep their phones in their lockers or tucked away in backpacks. Now, Bell said, We just removed a distraction. We think its a game changer. Teachers are ecstatic to have control of the classrooms back, and not in a battle over cell phones. We had to do something Bell said the problems with cell phones had become untenable. Teachers were frustrated trying to enforce the rules in class. Cyberbullying was on the rise, with students using the devices to carry over conflicts that often began in neighborhoods, he said. We had to do something, said Dwayne Dobbins, coprincipal of the high school. Our kids werent paying attention. Senior Cassie Gallagher, 17, applauded the new policy but acknowledged it was a culture shock. Already, she can see a change in the school environment. Students are more attentive in the classroom and socialize with each other more, especially at lunchtime, she said. I have seen myself struggle downhill in school just because I use my phone so often in classes, Gallagher said. Were surrounded by technology so much nowadays that it is really hard to get out of that. Bell said the district, which enrolls about 1,600 students, spent $30,000 in federal pandemic relief funds to purchase gray neoprene pouches made by Yondr, a California-based company. The students keep the locked pouches in their possession all day. School officials have portable and mounted magnetic keys that are used to unlock the devices at dismissal. As older students arrived at Woodbury Junior-Senior High at the beginning of a recent school day, many already had their phones out ready for lockup. Some had to dig in their pockets or backpacks to pull the devices out. Signs in front of the entrances read: Cell phone free campus 7:15 a.m. to 2:37 p.m. Make sure theyre locked up, Kyle Grizzard, the schools dean, told them. Everything has to be away. Students without their pouches must place their phones in a box and retrieve them from the office at the end of the day. Six phones were placed in the box on a recent school day. Every student was assigned a pouch, which costs $40 to replace if lost or damaged. There is a separate entrance for sixth- through eighth-grade students who attend the junior high school in another wing. The same procedures and bell schedules are followed at both entrances, staffed by teachers and administrators. The cell ban applies to about 750 students in sixth through 12th grades. Woodbury also has three elementary schools for pre-K through fifth graders, but few have cell phones, Bell said. School officials say the ban is working with little pushback from students, though a few have tried to bypass the policy by having a second burner phone or purchasing magnets to unlock the pouches. Bell estimates that about 95% of the students have cell phones. READ MORE: To ban or not to ban the cell phone? Without them, schools see more learning, fewer fights, and calmer hallways. During the pandemic, students became accustomed to virtual learning and spending time on their cell phones, said Jeremiah Graham, 16, a junior. He believes the new policy will help his classmates cope better. Its not healthy for you because you need social skills, Graham said. A few parents have objected, and one started a petition to block the policy. Some parents have expressed concern about being unable to reach their children in the event of an emergency, such as a school shooting. Jessica Lorimor, who launched the petition, said she supports having a cell phone-free campus to avoid distractions, but said she would prefer a less restrictive policy, such as letting students place the devices in a bin at the start of class and retrieving them on their way out. For those kids who might need access, its a scary thought for them to not have their phones, said Lorimor, the mother of a sixth grader. Instead of hiding the technology, we need to find a way to work with it. Read the Woodbury cell phone policy Im not as exciting as TikTok So far, few students have been cited for violating the policy, Bell said. The policy calls for progressive discipline, beginning with a warning call home, detention, and suspension, he said. The policy allows exceptions for students with IEPs, or individual education plans, or a 504 Plan to use wireless communication devices as part of their curriculum. Its rare that you see a phone out, Dobbins said. Bell said he hopes the new cell phone policy will help boost academics and close the racial achievement gap. Hispanic and Black students compose about 75% of the student population and lag behind their white counterparts. Bell said other districts have inquired about Woodburys policy. Cherry Hill enacted a cell phone ban this year requiring students to secure their devices during instructional time. Students may use their cell phones and other wireless communications devices during study hall, lunch, and recess. Dobbins and coprincipal Mylisa Himmons said they have observed changed student behavior in Woodbury High since the school took a cell phone-free stance. Students are reading more books, talking to one another more, and playing board games at lunch instead of burying their heads in the phones. We havent done this to penalize or restrict, Himmons said. You come here to learn. Just put your phone away. Freshman biology teacher Megan Lucidi said it had not been uncommon to find students watching cartoons or Netflix movies during class, or FaceTiming friends at other schools. Others would frequently ask to go to the restroom and text friends to meet them there, she said. Im not as exciting as TikTok, she said with a smile. I couldnt compete with them. Their phone was their primary concern. Lucidi, a teacher for 27 years, said she is amazed by the changes since the new policy took effect. She also limits their time allowed on Chromebooks to engage them more. We dont want them to be thoughtless zombies, she said. When the final school bell sounded, students rushed to the exits, stopping to unlock their pouches and retrieve their phones. Some immediately began checking messages and making calls on the walk home. We are pleased to report, the letter from Jefferson Einstein Philadelphia Hospital read, that the result of your recent mammogram shows no sign of breast cancer. But the letter was wrong. Her scan had actually been inconclusive, and an internal error resulted in the patient not being notified to come back for additional testing. Advertisement The issue came to light one year later, when the patient returned for another routine mammogram and was diagnosed with breast cancer. The incident, described in a report released by Pennsylvania hospital inspectors in September, drew one of the states harshest warnings for the North Philadelphia hospital formerly known as Einstein Medical Center. Einstein staff realized that the patients scan a year earlier had been misclassified, which resulted in her receiving an incorrect notification letter, Damien Woods, a spokesperson for Jefferson, said in a statement. The hospital referred the woman for follow-up care and reported the incident to the health department. During the health departments investigation, inspectors found that the hospitals board of trustees had not done enough to prevent the mistake from happening again. The board had not investigated the incident or done quality control audits to ensure patient notification letters were accurate. In a lawsuit filed in Philadelphia in June, another Einstein patient claims doctors also never informed her that her mammogram results were inconclusive, and says she was never asked to come back for more testing. Earlier this year she was diagnosed with breast cancer. The womans case falls within the window of time in which health inspectors say the hospital was not conducting quality control audits. To fix the safety problems inspectors found, Einstein updated its protocol for reading mammograms to reduce the likelihood of another patient notification error. The electronic system now prevents radiologists from closing out their notes about a patients scan if they have not completed the entry. The hospital has also agreed to increased monitoring, to check daily that letters correlate with scans. Jefferson Health is committed to providing our community with the highest quality of care, Woods said. He said the hospital cannot comment on the pending lawsuit. The Inquirer was unable to reach the woman who is suing or her lawyer. READ MORE: Penns BRCA cancer vaccine trial aims to prevent the disease in healthy people Mammogram reading protocol Mammogram reporting mistakes are rare but alarming, medical experts said. Breast screening is considered medicines best tool for catching breast cancer in early stages, when it is most treatable. Routine screening is recommended for women with average risk of breast cancer beginning at age 40 by the United States Preventive Services Task Force, a panel of independent experts whose guidance sets national standards. We want to be treating cancer because we did the screening and found it, not because someone starts experiencing symptoms, said Oluwadamilola Lola Fayanju, the breast surgery division chief at Penn Medicine, who is not involved in the Einstein cases. Radiologists follow a detailed process to read and categorize screening mammograms, which are the routine scans for people of average risk. Mammograms are evaluated using a rating scale called Breast Imaging Reporting and Data System, or BI-RADS. The rating system assigns each scan a number between zero and six. A zero rating means the scan was inconclusive, and the patient should come back for additional scans. A rating of one means the scan did not show any signs of cancer; a two means the scan showed an abnormality that doctors believe is benign and not likely to cause cancer. Higher numbers indicate a greater likelihood of cancer and more urgent need for additional testing. Each BI-RADS score correlates with a letter instructing patients on any additional steps they should take. Health inspectors found that a patients mammogram should have been rated BI-RAD 0, and she should have received a letter asking her to return for additional scans. The lawsuit from a different patient also alleges that her scan was rated inconclusive, BI-RAD 0, and that doctors didnt ask her to come for more imaging. Exact protocol can vary by health system, but doctors typically read screening mammograms in batches and send results to patients within a few days, said Claire Streibert, site chief of breast imaging at Fox Chase Cancer Center, who is not involved in the Einstein cases. Federal law requires notification to patients within 30 days. Typically notification letters are automatically produced and sent based on the BI-RADS score entered into the patients electronic health record, Streibert said, and providers are required by federal law to follow up with phone calls if patients do not respond to notification letters requesting additional testing. Jefferson said it plans to prevent future errors with a new hard stop in its electronic record system that requires a radiologist to enter a BI-RADS classification before they are able to close out their notes about a patients scan. Virtua Voorhees Hospital patients said they did not consent to being drug-tested before giving birth. Read more Virtua Healths policy of universally drug testing pregnant patients violates the states antidiscrimination law, New Jersey Attorney General Matthew J. Platkin said in a lawsuit filed Thursday, claiming the nonprofit health systems policy unfairly catapults families into a child-welfare investigation that can separate newborns from their parents. The lawsuit, filed in New Jerseys Superior Court, also claims that Virtuas South Jersey hospitals in Voorhees, Mount Holly, and Camden violated patient privacy laws and their own policies by not obtaining informed consent before testing patients urine for drugs. Advertisement Virtua does not submit any other group of patients to universal drug testing, Platkins lawsuit said. In doing so with pregnant patients, Virtua violated its own policy, which requires providers to obtain consent before collecting urine samples for drug testing, the lawsuit claims. Virtuas practices single out pregnant patients for mandatory drug testing without informed consent. As a result, patients are unnecessarily traumatized and fear they will lose their children mere hours after giving birth, Sundeep Iyer, director of the Division on Civil Rights within the Attorney Generals Office, said in a statement. Drug screening among pregnant patients is controversial because the urine tests commonly used at hospitals have a high false-positive rate, and the results can be skewed by consuming items as common as poppy seeds, over-the-counter pain relievers, and some prescription anxiety medications. The American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology, a leading medical professional organization, recommends that drug testing only be done among pregnant patients who have agreed to it, and that families should not be separated solely based on a drug tests results. Following the national organizations guidance, many hospital systems have adopted drug-screening policies that require informed consent and that favor verbal screening methods over urine tests. Yet universal drug testing remains common nationally, and parents may be reported for suspected child abuse within hours of giving birth if their drug screen comes back positive, according to an investigation published by the Marshall Project earlier this month. A spokesperson for Virtua said the system provides safe, exceptional maternity experiences for thousands of families. We hold the safety and well-being of each patient paramount, especially our newborns. We have a relentless commitment to evidence-based, equitable care for every family, additionally meeting the highest standards of regulatory compliance, Daniel Moise, a Virtua spokesperson, said in a statement. He declined to provide more detail about Virtuas policy or respond to the attorney generals allegations of discrimination because the lawsuit is pending. New Jersey is among several states that require hospitals to report positive drug tests among pregnant patients to child protective services. Virtua hospitals in Voorhees, Mount Holly, and Camden accounted for nearly a quarter of such reports made to the states Division of Child Protection and Permanency between 2021 and 2023, despite delivering just 9% of babies in the state during that time, according to a state investigation. A total of 46 New Jersey hospitals made reports of substance-affected newborns. Two Virtua Voorhees patients at center of N.J. lawsuit The lawsuit details the experience of two patients who were subjected to mandatory drug testing before giving birth at Virtua Voorhees. After being admitted to the labor and delivery unit, both patients gave urine samples that they assumed would be tested for protein levels, a metric commonly used to monitor the babys growth and the mothers risk for complications, such as preeclampsia. Neither patient was told she was being tested for drugs, according to the lawsuit. Both women had eaten foods containing poppy seeds, and their tests came back positive for drugs. The women were subjected to monthslong investigations by New Jerseys child protective services agency after the hospital reported them for suspected abuse. Parents who are being investigated for potential child abuse may not be able to take their baby home from the hospital and are subjected to unannounced home visits, and their other children may be interviewed by authorities. Their child could ultimately be taken away from them, according to the Attorney Generals Office. High rate of false positive drug tests Hospitals across the nation commonly screen pregnant patients for drug use in the interest of protecting infants who may have been exposed to drugs in utero and require additional support or monitoring after birth, the Marshall Projects investigation found. But the urine tests used have a false positive rate of up to 50%, according to some studies. READ MORE: A Philadelphia man said he was sober, but kept testing positive for alcohol. How did a UPenn doctor crack the case? In other settings where urine drug tests are required, positive results must be verified with additional testing. But the Marshall Project found that hospitals often report positive drug screens from pregnant patients immediately, without additional testing to verify the results. This can lead to hardships, such as newborns being separated from their parents in their first weeks of life, unannounced home visits from social workers, and other children being removed from the home. Police officers stand outside Gracie Mansion, the official residence of New York City Mayor Eric Adams, on Thursday, Sep. 26, 2024, in New York. Read more NEW YORK New York City Mayor Eric Adams vowed to stay in office Thursday after federal prosecutors unsealed an indictment accusing him of letting Turkish officials and businesspeople buy his influence with illegal campaign contributions and lavish overseas trips. Adams, a Democrat, faces conspiracy, wire fraud and bribery charges in a five-count indictment outlining a decade-long trail of corruption that began when he served as an elected official in Brooklyn and continued through his mayoral administration. Advertisement READ MORE: New York City Mayor Eric Adams has been indicted, sources say Among other things, prosecutors say Adams received free and steeply discounted flight upgrades valued at more than $100,000, free stays in opulent hotel suites and expensive meals, as well as campaign contributions from straw donors, some of which helped him qualify for more than $10 million in matching public campaign funds. I want to be clear, these upgrades and freebies were not part of some frequent flyer or benefits program available to the general public, U.S. Attorney Damian Williams said at a news conference. This was a multiyear scheme to buy favor from a single New York City official on the rise. In exchange for the bribes, Adams took actions that appeared to benefit Turkeys leaders, including expediting the fire safety inspection at a consulate building and not releasing a statement on Armenian Genocide Remembrance Day, according to the indictment. Adams had a duty to disclose gifts he received, but year after year kept the public in the dark, the U.S. attorney said. Speaking outside Gracie Mansion, Adams denied wrongdoing and said he doesnt plan to resign. Flanked by prominent Black clergy members, Adams, who is the citys second Black mayor, lashed out at federal prosecutors and suggested he had been unfairly targeted. I ask New Yorkers to wait to hear our defense before making any judgments, he said. From here, my attorneys will take care of the case so I can take care of the city. Adams arraignment was scheduled for noon on Friday before Magistrate Judge Katharine Parker. The indictment brought a stunning crescendo to the drumbeat of federal investigations that has engulfed the mayor and his top aides in recent weeks, prompting resignations from his police commissioner, schools chancellor and top legal adviser. While Adams faced calls to resign from Republicans and several of his likely opponents in next Junes mayoral primary, top Democrats such as Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer and House Democratic leader Hakeem Jeffries stopped short of asking him to step down and instead said the legal process should play out. Gov. Kathy Hochul has the power to remove Adams from office. In a statement Thursday, she said shes considering the options. I expect the Mayor to take the next few days to review the situation and find an appropriate path forward to ensure the people of New York City are being well-served by their leaders. If Adams were to resign, he would be immediately replaced by Jumaane Williams, a progressive Democrat who serves as the citys public advocate. Williams would then schedule a special election. In a statement Thursday, Williams said Adams time to show he can effectively govern and regain the citys trust is rapidly running out. Adams spent 22 years in New York Citys police department before going into politics, first as a state senator and then as Brooklyn borough president, a largely ceremonial position but one that gave him a springboard to run for mayor in 2021. FBI agents initially seized Adams electronic devices nearly a year ago as part of an investigation focused on campaign contributions during his mayoral run as well as Adams interactions with the Turkish government and the Turkish American business community. Since then, he has been asked repeatedly at news conferences about his frequent global trips over the years and who paid for them. Adams said there was nothing nefarious about his trips and that he never did anything improper in exchange for campaign money. But prosecutors allege that Adams sought and accepted illegal contributions funneled to his campaign through an unnamed official in the Turkish diplomatic establishment. The official arranged for Adams and his companions to receive free or discounted travel on Turkeys national airline to destinations including France, China, Sri Lanka, India, Hungary, and Turkey, the indictment contends. Additionally, Adams sought contributions from foreign officials who are banned by law from donating to U.S. political candidates then compounded his gains by gaming the citys matching funds program, which provides a generous match for small-dollar donations, prosecutors allege. In total, his campaign received more than $10 million in matching public funds, which are only supposed to be available to candidates who play by the rules, according to the indictment. In September 2021, a Turkish official told Adams it was time to repay him for the contributions and benefits by pressuring the fire department to facilitate the opening of the consulate without a fire inspection, in time for a visit by Turkeys president, according to prosecutors. That request would have been a few months before Adams took office, but after it was clear he would become mayor. Even after a fire department official warned that major defects at the consulate building had left it unsafe to occupy, Adams pushed safety officials to allow it to open. Days later, Adams relayed news of the approval to the Turkish official, who called Adams a true friend of Turkey, the indictment states. Adams responded: You are my brother. I am hear (sic) to help, according to the indictment. Several months later, the Turkish official messaged an Adams staffer with another request: that the mayor not make any statement about the Armenian Genocide ahead of an April remembrance day, according to the indictment. The staffer confirmed that Adams wouldnt mention it, which he didnt. The Turkish government denies that the 1915 killing of an estimated 1.5 million Armenians qualifies as a genocide. At times, Adams created and instructed others to create fake paper trails in order to falsely suggest he had paid for travel benefits that were actually free, prosecutors allege. He also deleted messages with others involved in his misconduct, at one point assuring a co-conspirator that he always deleted her text messages, according to the indictment. His lawyer, Alex Spiro, argued that the conduct described in the charges either didnt involve the mayor or wasnt illegal, noting that free flights are commonly afforded to politicians. He said Adams had responded to a courtesy request from a Turkish official seeking to expedite a fire inspection at a new consulate. New Yorkers do this all the time, Spiro added. The charges were made public hours after FBI agents entered the mayors official residence, Gracie Mansion, and seized his phone early Thursday. The U.S. attorney, Williams, said the corruption investigation would continue. Federal prosecutors are believed to be leading multiple, separate inquiries involving Adams and his senior aides, relatives of those aides, campaign fundraising and possible influence peddling of the police and fire departments. In the last two weeks alone, the police commissioner and schools chancellor have resigned. Neither has been charged with a crime or publicly accused of wrongdoing. In early September, federal investigators seized devices from the police commissioner, schools chancellor, two deputy mayors and other trusted Adams confidants. Scene of the swan boats from the 2023 Delaware River Festival held both in Philadelphia and Camden. Read more The annual family-friendly Delaware River Festival will take place Saturday in both Philadelphia and Camden, with activities including paddling in swan boats, crafts, games and free ferry rides. The event runs 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Penns Landing in Philadelphia and at Wiggins Park directly across the river in Camden. Advertisement Organized by the nonprofit Partnership for the Delaware Estuary, the rain-or-shine events goal is to promote awareness of conservation efforts regarding the river, and its recreational uses. The organizers say there will be hands-on activities for all ages, visits by animals and birds, and games with prizes. Theyll provide face painting, as well as educational experiences from environmental exhibitors. The Philadelphia Water Department will host its Philly Water Bar, offering to fill water bottles. The RiverLink Ferry will shuttle attendees across the river and back for free. Admission to Independence Seaport Museum will also be free, but fees will still apply to enter the museums two ships, the Olympia and the Becuna. Festival-goers should be aware there is construction along the waterfront at Penns Landing, and organizers encourage people to use public transit or carpool. There is limited parking at the Lombard Circle and Market Street Lots along the waterfront, as well as at the Hilton Hotel Parking Garage. Organizers posted travel information here: delawareriverfest.org/getting-to-the-festival. United Way of Greater Philadelphia and Southern New Jersey laid of more than a third of its staff as part of an effort to narrow its focus to fighting intergenerational poverty. Read more United Way of Greater Philadelphia and Southern New Jersey employees showed up at a quarterly meeting on Tuesday, expecting run-of-the-mill presentations from colleagues. Instead, their president and CEO, Bill Golderer, announced 16 people were being laid off, roughly 38% of the staff. The agenda was scrapped and the employees were told to return to their desks, where those terminated received an email informing them. Advertisement It is the latest in a series of layoffs since 2018, when the affiliate overhauled its mission to focus on eradicating poverty. The steady staff cuts have raised concerns from some employees about the future of the nonprofit. Former employees said they worry the United Way affiliate is trying to do more with less, having reduced its staff from 97 in 2018 to 26 this week. Golderer rejected that framing and said the nonprofit finds itself at an inflection point where it is investing in a new direction and trying to be more efficient. In the past five years, we have had success in reducing our footprint in terms of [full-time employees] and driving greater community investment year over year, he told The Inquirer. Whats more, the United Way affiliate plans to make some new hires and will be posting several positions in the next 30 days, Golderer said. The layoffs at United Way are the latest to hit the regions nonprofit sector. Resources for Human Development, a large Philadelphia health and social services provider, kicked off the year by laying off 65 employees, citing a cash crunch, and Benefits Data Trust announced its abrupt closure this summer. Rumors of layoffs and an abrupt dismissal Four laid-off employees, who spoke to The Inquirer on condition of anonymity due to terms of their severance packages, said Tuesday morning was full of sad goodbyes and contact exchanges in an open-floor office where in-office staffers condensed themselves on top of one another so they could easily communicate about work over their low-walled, modern cubicles. People were just crying, even the people who werent laid off, said one employee. Before the start of the July 1 fiscal year, former employees said, the company described a less-than-ideal financial picture at an all-staff meeting, citing a $3 million operating deficit. Employees recall being told layoffs were not on the table at the time. By September, however, rumors of layoffs were making the rounds in the office, but employees said no one anticipated the cuts would be so significant. Email access was cut off Tuesday before the laid-off employees could notify their contacts. One affected employee said the action felt disrespectful to staff as well as the organizations partners. Whats more, staff said the steady layoffs have been a gutting of institutional knowledge. Former staff pointed to the results of an internal employee survey presented at the June all-staff meeting that highlighted low morale and employee concerns about the nonprofits future. Employees said several staffers left on their own between that meeting and Tuesdays layoffs. Golderer said that the layoffs were difficult, but that he hoped the adjustments would yield results for partners, such as more money flowing to communities. The organization, he said, aimed to make the transition as smooth as possible. The challenges with workplace giving Originally called the Community Chest, the concept of what is the modern-day United Way was launched in 1887. Today there are more than 1,100 local United Way affiliates across 34 countries, with each choosing the causes most pertinent to its communities. The United Way of Greater Philadelphia and Southern New Jersey focuses on causes that aim to break the cycle of poverty. Their fundraising champions early learning, financial literacy and empowerment, training that gives people the ability to further employment and careers, and ensuring that basic needs are met for the people who need them most. Though the organization at large has long ranked as one of the top charities in the United States, its reliance on workplace giving campaigns has led to declines in the number of donations affiliates take in. In the past, people have reported feeling pressured to contribute to their works campaign and individual donors increasingly prefer to have more of a say in the causes they contribute to. Meanwhile, larger donors have demanded more accountability and clearer goals for their dollars. The changing habits of donors and demands for a deeper impact led to an overhaul of the local affiliates grant-making framework in 2018. It whittled its grant offerings to eight areas of interest that focus on poverty, down from having funded 57 types of activities before. READ MORE: United Way focuses on poverty, upsets groups cut out of funds A series of layoffs followed the mission change, the most significant taking place in 2018, when the nonprofit eliminated 37 of its 97 positions. Additional layoffs have taken place in subsequent years amid the pandemic. Where Golderer sees opportunities for efficiency, former employees see an organization thats getting in the way of its own success. The people responsible for doing the actual work are being laid off, said one employee who was let go Tuesday. Golderer would not confirm which departments were affected, citing personnel privacy concerns, but employees said marketing, mission, and development staff experienced cuts. Fundraisers and people who help organizations navigate the application process and then help steward the awarded funds have been let go, according to former staff. Yet Golderer pointed to the nonprofits successes. The United Way affiliate said in financial statements it invested more than $20.5 million in the 2023 fiscal year. The organization reported a $71.3 million endowment that same year, but Golderer said the affiliate would tap into those funds only to underwrite organizational expenses. Keeping a healthy endowment, said Golderer, is a way to demonstrate stability to donors. The United Way should be of service and not exist as an organization that exists for itself, but for others, and if it doesnt exist for others, it shouldnt exist, he said. Students eat at Champs Downtown in State College in September 2020, when pandemic restrictions impacted how bars could operate. LineLeap rolled out a reservation system around this time that let customers book spots at their favorite bars in advance. Read more Start your day with the Philly news you need and the stories you want all in one easy-to-read newsletter Good morning, Philly. Our wet days will continue as Hurricane Helens leftovers may affect the region this weekend. (But no, its not expected to impact Sundays Eagles-Bucs game in Florida.) Its homecoming weekend at Penn State, and alumni wont need to bribe the bouncer to skip the line at their favorite bar. Theres an app for that. Advertisement And employment among Americans with disabilities soared during the pandemic. Can the trend survive the return to office? Plus, we have the story from Mayor Cherelle L. Parkers highly choreographed reveal about the citys agreement with the Sixers on the new arena project, the Aramark stadium worker strike, and much more below. Julie Zeglen (morningnewsletter@inquirer.com) If someone forwarded you this email, sign up for free here. This homecoming weekend at Penn State, scores of students, families, and alumni will descend upon State College to celebrate their school and to drink. For those who dont want to wait hours in long lines to enter the central Pennsylvania towns bars and dont mind paying to avoid the hassle, theres LineLeap. How it works: Think of the app like Disney FastPass or TSA PreCheck. Users can skip the line at almost any downtown bar by buying digital passes that range from $10 to $100 or more per person, depending on demand. Thirsty lions: Despite that potentially steep price, Penn State is the $100 million start-ups most popular market. When alumni return, theyre not there to wait around, cofounder Max Schauff told The Inquirer. Theyre there to get into their spot and have a good time. What about Philly? Youd never call Philadelphia a college town, but the city has its share of queues. LineLeaps founders see expansion opportunities here along with the Jersey Shore and New Brunswick, N.J. The regions thousands of Penn State alumni and their families might be grateful for that. Consumer reporter Erin McCarthy explains how the app has changed the game when it comes to going out, especially during football season. The widespread embracing of remote work during the pandemic was a boon to many workers with disabilities. Employment for this group has spiked dramatically over the past five years, while employment of people without disabilities remained constant. The rise, according to new research, correlates with changing workplace norms that allow for more flexibility. By working from home, I dont have to worry about losing my job because I cant get to work, one South Philly resident said about the possibility of his wheelchair lift malfunctioning or public transportation delays. But as some employers move back to fully in-office employment, advocates are concerned these workers will be left behind. Reporter Jake Blumgart has the story. What you should know today Trivia time Which celebrity and Chicago Cubs superfan poured drinks at Bob and Barbaras after Mondays Phillies game? A) Bill Murray B) Common C) Bradley Cooper D) Jesse Williams Think you know? Check your answer. What were... Signing up for: The latest round of free COVID tests. Dancing along with: This eight-piece Philly band performing a mix of cumbia, klezmer, and punk. Wondering: How well Tom Brady will call Sundays Eagles game against the Buccaneers. Unscramble the anagram Hint: The former University of Pennsylvania president who is now back on campus MANNY GAMUT Email us if you know the answer. Well select a reader at random to shout out here. Cheers to Matt Palombaro, who solved Wednesdays anagram: Graffiti Pier. The owner of the rebelliously decorated Port Richmond landmark plans to sell it by the end of the year. Photo of the day One last whirling thing: Gillians Wonderland Pier closes for good Oct. 13. Shore reporter Amy Rosenberg has the details to know about the beloved Ocean City amusement parks last days. Thanks, as always, for starting your day with The Inquirer. Back at it tomorrow. By submitting your written, visual, and/or audio contributions, you agree to The Inquirers Terms of Use, including the grant of rights in Section 10. Standing atop the crushed roof of a campus police car, a University of California student asks Cal students to identify themselves during the third day of Free Speech Movement demonstrations in Berkeley, Calif., on Oct. 2, 1964. One student was arrested and confined in the police car, surrounded by the demonstrators. Read more Years later, somebody would dub them the Silent Generation. But on Oct. 1, 1964 60 years ago this Tuesday a cohort of young people born mostly during World War II, raised in consumer affluence and under the threat of nuclear annihilation, could not keep it bottled up any longer. The place was the University of California, Berkeley, and the trigger was school administrators telling students that the strip where students passed out political literature from support for voting rights in Mississippi to backing of right-wing Barry Goldwater for president was now off limits. What amounted to a campuswide ban on political activity simmered from the start of 1964s fall semester and finally boiled over on Oct. 1, when police arrived at a demonstration and arrested a recent grad named Jack Weinberg who refused to give them an ID. Advertisement The hapless Berkeley city cops seemed to have no idea that the sleepy 1950s of crew cuts and sexist fraternity pranks had passed its expiration date. Instead of scattering, a few hundred students surrounded the police car and, with Weinberg in the back seat, prevented it from going anywhere. Protest leaders not only continued the rally but decided to use the blockaded police car as a stage to address a crowd that kept getting bigger and bigger. I went up to the police car, and asked if we could use the car to speak from, Jackie Goldberg, a leader of what was becoming known as the Berkeley Free Speech Movement, recalled in an oral history. And the policeman said, Sure, if you take your shoes off. Upon hearing that, the fiery activist Mario Savio jumped on the roof of the cop cruiser, addressing the throng in his white socks. That really captured the moment a generation raised to respect authority, yet bubbling up with defiance against their elders hypocrisy. The Berkeley Free Speech Movement proved to be about much, much more than passing out leaflets on Telegraph Avenue. It was an unavoidable battle between an outdated notion that college students were still wards under the smothering in loco parentis of their universities, and the growing idea that free speech especially for undergrads is essential to the academys mission of promoting critical thinking. It took a tumultuous 10 weeks, an iconic speech, and even an appearance by Joan Baez, but the Berkeley Free Speech Movement, or FSM, won. In doing so, the FSM launched what we now recall broadly as the Sixties, and created the atmosphere to nurture the other movements including feminism, environmentalism, and LGBTQ rights, among others that shape our modern world. But it also triggered a powerful right-wing backlash, which started with Ronald Reagan elected California governor in 1966 ranting against the Berkeley protesters and also has not stopped. Indeed, the American conflict that began around that one police car still defines us. To call this falls 60th anniversary bittersweet would be a gross understatement. It coincides with a repressive nationwide clampdown on student protest both by school administrators and outside forces, citing the chaotic demonstrations over the war in Gaza that broke out last spring that advocates say threatens to return campus free speech back to where it stood before Berkeleys FSM. When I emailed Lynne Hollander, a 1964 protester who later married the late FSM leader Savio, about an interview, she replied that regarding the 2024 climate [I] dont know that I have more to say than Mario would turn over in his grave! Barely a month old, the new college semester has brought a bevy of new rules that limit the time or place or manner of protests not much different from what University of California leaders were doing in 1964 or add potentially chilling requirements for would-be demonstrators to register. Some have banned outdoor encampments altogether. Some prominent schools have threatened protesters, or even would-be protesters, with harsh punishment. Risa Lieberwitz, a Cornell labor law professor whos also general counsel for the American Association of University Professors union, told me that U.S. campuses are seeing a wave of repression unlike anything since the pitched battles of the 1960s. University administrators seem to be responsive to external pressures to crack down on actions by student and faculty, she said, as opposed to university administrators considering the fundamental principles of academic freedom and free speech. Lieberwitz is witnessing the new campus zeitgeist firsthand at Cornell, where administrators have threatened to suspend as many as 100 students who disrupted a job fair over the presence of military contractors, including a foreign student from the United Kingdom who would lose his student visa and face the risk of deportation. On the afternoon we spoke, the University of California board of regents, overseeing the sprawling system that includes Berkeley, approved a request from its Los Angeles campus, UCLA, to gear up for the new semester by purchasing three drones, 3,000 rounds of pepper bullets, and eight munitions launchers for its campus police. No doubt Savio, who died too young in 1996, would be shocked at what has happened in the Golden State, and across America. Its easy to blame the current mess on the unique situation that triggered it: Israels deadly war in Gaza launched in response to Hamas bloody attack on Oct. 7, and the web of political land mines around issues like religion, race, and colonialism that it touched off. Some have spoken of a Palestinian exception to campus free speech because of the sensitive accusations that have included both antisemitism and Islamophobia. But experts who focus on academic freedom say problems were brewing well before last Oct. 7, speaking to six decades of radical change in U.S. higher education. The 1964 Berkeley Free Speech Movement didnt happen in a vacuum. At the start of the 1960s, Black college students, later joined by a number of their white peers, protested off campus for civil rights. But back on campus, these young people remained under the thumb of their paternalistic institutions as the Red Scare of McCarthyism made university leaders wary of overt politics. Student activists began to recoil against rules that treated them as children, and were revulsed by Berkeley Chancellor Clark Kerr describing the university as a knowledge factory. We have an autocracy which runs this university, Savio declared at a December 1964 protest a complaint that might sound familiar to todays students. He added: If this is a firm, and if President Kerr is the manager, then Ill tell you something: the faculty are a bunch of employees, and were the raw materials! An offended and exasperated Savio countered, Were human beings! Seconds later, Savio intoned the words that would inspire a generation when he said: Theres a time when the operation of the machine becomes so odious, makes you so sick at heart that you cant take part. You cant even passively take part. And youve got to put your bodies upon the gears, upon the wheel, upon the levers, upon all the apparatus, and youve got to make it stop! Savios speech not only inspired fellow students but won over the Berkeley faculty, which forced Kerr to back down and allow political activity on campus. For all its flaws, the system ultimately worked. Within weeks of the FSM victory, Berkeley emerged as an epicenter of protests against the Vietnam War. READ MORE: Storming colleges with riot cops to keep them safe should scare America about whats next | Will Bunch This California earthquake triggered both the protest culture that incubated many of the principles that still animate liberals six decades later, but also the right-wing backlash that was equally forceful. Reagans 1966 campaign for governor in which he famously said a Berkeley hippie is someone who looks like Tarzan, walks like Jane, and smells like Cheetah launched him on a path toward the presidency. There, he signed off on a 1980s era of college privatization as tuition rose, government support shrank, students became more reliant on loans, and universities became more reliant on billionaire donors and trustees, as well as corporate support for research. Lieberwitz said that from the Reagan administration on, neoliberalism became the dominant philosophy driving the corporatization of universities under leaders much more sensitive to what she called market forces than the notion that higher education is a public good. In particular, wealthy college trustees gained power during these years, often at the expense of the increasingly quaint notion of faculty governance. As many critics have noted, students especially on the left took the free speech rights won in the 1960s for granted in favor of aggressive identity politics. Only when protests over the Middle East erupted last year did activists begin to see what had been lost, especially when billionaire donors like the University of Pennsylvanias Marc Rowan or Harvards Bill Ackman weighed in. The backlash against student protest ran from bloodred Texas, where GOP Gov. Greg Abbott called out state troopers in riot gear to quash a pro-Palestinian protest before it could start, to deep-blue New York City, where doomed Columbia president Minouche Shafik brought in the New York Police Department to bust up a student encampment, leading to hundreds of arrests. Robert Cohen, a New York University history and social studies professor who authored the definitive biography of Savio and his role in the FSM, crunched the numbers and discovered that the largely peaceful Gaza protesters of 2024 were getting arrested at higher rates than Vietnam protesters at the end of the 1960s even as those protests had turned violent, including the burning down of dozens of military ROTC offices. All this suggests an erosion of free speech as a priority of university leadership, Cohen wrote in an unpublished essay about the Berkeley anniversary that he shared with me. He wrote that while college administrations in the Vietnam era used police force as a last resort in the face of major campus disruptions, this past semester administrators used police as a first resort to suppress student protests even when those protesters encamped outdoors on campus plazas or lawns did not commit major disruptions of the university and its educational functions. That was before students returned to campus late this summer amid a new climate of repression. In Manhattan, the student Columbia Daily Spectator published a bombshell report that aggressive surveillance tactics involving not just ID swipes and closed-circuit TV but the use of private investigators has created a climate of fear and paranoia for campus activists. I dont like going on campus, Layla Saliba, a Palestinian American grad student and activist, told the Spectator. It kind of feels like youre in a panopticon, like every time you go on campus, somebody is always watching you to see what youre doing or see what youre saying. Then theres Michigan Democratic Attorney General Dana Nessel whod just electrified the Democratic National Convention in Chicago with her impassioned defense of LGBTQ rights, which had been won after protests that included civil disobedience in the late 1960s. She disappointed some supporters and drew the ire of the American Civil Liberties Union with criminal charges against 11 spring protesters at the University of Michigan. Hollander, whos returning to the Berkeley campus in mid-October for a 60th-anniversary forum, said she might not agree with all the tactics employed by todays Gaza protesters, but she is dismayed at the pushback against the rights she, her late husband, and their fellow protesters won in 1964. You constantly have to keep fighting for free speech, she said. No way can you say, Now we have it, and relax. All the time, you have to battle. But Lieberwitz noted that repression has a history of backfiring when it goes too far. It happened in 1964, and she thinks it could happen now. She sees the rapid rise of unions supporting adjuncts, grad students, and even undergrad student workers as signs that students were rising up against corporatized college even before the Gaza uproar. You saw free speech coming out of the 1950s because people finally pushed back, she noted. But will todays youth generation coming of age in a more repressive time, saddled with problems like debt and rampant careerism not faced by their predecessors be able to accept that torch? Huge issues, including the constitutional right of dissent and the future of colleges as bastions of open discourse and critical thought, hang in the balance. Sixty years later, America is desperately waiting for a second Free Speech Movement. READ MORE: SIGN UP: The Will Bunch Newsletter Oh, I get it now. Were just going to wait until the incompetence at the Philadelphia Sheriffs Office leads to someone dying or getting seriously hurt again before anyone is held accountable. Advertisement Silly us for thinking city leaders would step in prior to thoughts and prayers, or maybe even a slick City Hall video, a la the Sixers arena debate, where Mayor Cherelle L. Parker could look earnestly into a camera and tell another group of Philadelphians, I hear you. Can anyone in leadership hear us now? Because its been one ridiculous scandal after another while many mostly shrug. To name just a few of the most notable lowlights: Sheriff sales had been on hold for more than three years, leaving tens of millions of dollars in tax revenue uncollected. Deed transfers after mortgage foreclosures that typically took six to eight weeks were inexplicably taking seven months or longer. Meanwhile, Sheriff Rochelle Bilals staff continues to spend millions out of slush fund fee revenue thats supposed to be turned over to the city. But then, how else could they afford a new $9,000 office mascot? And thats just the financial issues, which on principle alone should have forced city leaders to insist on an overhaul of the office. Now comes the latest revelations by my Inquirer colleagues William Bender and Ryan W. Briggs that Bilals office is failing miserably in its handling of court security and inmate transportation two of its chief responsibilities because of a dangerous shortage of deputies the office blames on a lack of funding. But surprise that doesnt add up. One judge called the situation a disaster waiting to happen, but based on the examples we know of, the disaster is already happening. The disturbing video of a brawl inside Philadelphias Family Court that left one man seriously injured got a lot of attention earlier this year. But, in fact, the Administrative Office of Pennsylvania Courts tracked 72 security incidents at the Criminal Justice Center and the citys four other court buildings last year nearly triple the incidents logged in 2019 under Bilals predecessor. If all of that wasnt bad enough, there is also the matter of justice delayed and therefore denied, with court proceedings being put off for hours or postponed altogether because sheriffs deputies arent able to transport defendants from holding cells to courtrooms. Maybe that doesnt register with most people; theres not usually an overabundance of compassion for people who find themselves on the wrong end of our criminal system. But those delays dont just affect defendants. They also affect the loved ones of victims who have sometimes waited years, if not a lifetime, for justice. READ MORE: History makes it clear: Abolish the sheriffs office | Editorial I can only imagine the city leaders shrugging off the latest problems at the sheriffs office havent spent much time in courtrooms. Those who have know they can be tinderboxes. Court security officers deserve the support and resources to be able to do their jobs safely. And court staff should never be put in a position to have to fill the dangerous gaps. For her part, Bilal a former police officer who was elected to a second term as sheriff last year insisted budget limitations made it impossible for her to increase staffing, even though City Hall officials say shes authorized to hire 50 more deputy sheriffs. Meanwhile, Bilals chief budget director, Craig Martin, pointed to lengthy training requirements, and officers out on disability, for sucking away the money meant to hire more deputies. But the only thing consistently sucking away money seems to be the mess of a sheriffs office. Last year, according to an internal memo, the office diverted money intended for new positions to pay raises including one that would have seen Bilals then-$136,083 salary increased by 105%. Bilal later said a staffer had tried to double her salary without her knowledge. Sure, that tracks. Dont you hate it when your colleagues try to secretly give you a fat raise? The sheriffs office ended the last fiscal year with a $1 million payroll surplus due to unfilled positions. And in June, City Council voted to allocate $35.7 million to it for fiscal year 2025 $1 million more than what was in Parkers proposed budget. Fantastic message there, Council members: Welcome to Philly, where incompetence not only pays its rewarded! Id tell you how much down to the penny, but the city has yet to disclose the salary of a disgraced former lawmaker the sheriffs office recently hired as its new spokesperson. In fairness, some city officials have tried to push the issue. Most recently, State Rep. Jared Solomon wrote a letter to Nina N. Wright Padilla, the president judge, to diplomatically suggest that she hold an evidentiary hearing to fully document the current deficiencies. She has yet to publicly respond. No rush. The author writes that despite the School District of Philadelphia's rebranding, the process of applying to special admissions high schools still fosters inequity. Read more In 2019, I wrote about the disingenuous Find Your Fit campaign and the School District of Philadelphias failure to address the citys vast educational inequalities. Five years later, not much has changed. District leadership continues to hide behind catchy branding, neglect real problems, and fail its students. The Find Your Fit campaign is back. On Sept. 13, the annual race for special admission schools began, with eighth graders fighting to escape their struggling neighborhood schools for one of the coveted spots. Advertisement For context, special admission schools were originally introduced in Philadelphia in the 1960s to encourage voluntary desegregation by drawing families to specialized schools. What was once a well-intentioned desegregation tool is now marketed as an exciting school choice system a far cry from the equitable access to education promised by Brown v. Board of Education. Instead, for generations, the selection process has upheld a chasm between traditional neighborhood and special admission schools. Endorsing a system that intentionally bifurcates students is a clear violation of the law of the land. Since 1954, the Brown ruling has affirmed that education must be made available to all on equal terms. These two Philadelphia school types are on anything but equal terms. The school district continues to reward the privileged while punishing the vulnerable. While the district busies itself with rebranding, the inequalities between schools like Julia R. Masterman and Strawberry Mansion remain glaring. Masterman has a national reputation for excellence, boasting a 99% graduation rate and 89% college matriculation rate. These results are hardly surprising since the schools selection criteria require students to have already scored in the 80th percentile on state assessments. The district proudly celebrates its success as a beacon of Philadelphia schools. Meanwhile, Strawberry Mansion, just two miles from Masterman, has garnered national attention, but not the type that attracts families. Just over a decade ago, ABC journalist Diane Sawyer visited Strawberry Mansion with a film crew to investigate what had been designated one of the nations most dangerous schools. Indeed, there has been progress worth noting. Violence and discipline have been on the decline in Philadelphia schools. After years of ramping up the school-to-prison pipeline where harsh disciplinary measures such as suspensions and expulsions for minor infractions push students into the criminal justice system the district has facilitated a significant decline. This shift can be attributed to Police Commissioner Kevin Bethels Philadelphia Police School Diversion Program, which redirects students to social services rather than punitive measures. However, while violence and disciplinary issues have subsided, academic performance remains a concern. For Strawberry Mansion, this has meant a modest uptick in the graduation rate to 66% and college matriculation to 19% in 2023. These figures still lag behind district and national averages and markedly behind Mastermans results. And even though school violence has decreased, Strawberry Mansion students continue to struggle in the face of relentless neighborhood violence. Racial inequities are just as stark as the academic ones. At Strawberry Mansion, 92% of students identify as Black, 3% Hispanic, and 2% white. The racial makeup of Masterman is 40% white, 27% Asian, 17% Black, and 8% Hispanic. In fact, the Black student population at Masterman has dropped by 26% over the last decade. Even with calls for a more equitable system, the district offers little more than lip service to equity. The gap between Masterman and Strawberry Mansion is representative of other special admission and neighborhood schools, even when students share the same building. READ MORE: End the Philly School Districts unfortunate history of prioritizing the privileged | Opinion In 2019, my piece criticized the chaotic relocation of Science Leadership Academy, a special admission school, to the neighborhood school, Benjamin Franklin High. Asbestos, dust, and noise displaced over 1,000 students for five months. The districts own inspector general later admitted to a series of critical missteps that were largely ignored as they unfolded and led to the hospitalization of adults and children, among other incidents. Now that students cohabitate in the same building, disparities in racial makeup and academic outcomes are impossible to ignore. To add insult to injury, Science Leadership Academy and Ben Franklin students are physically divided by a wall of glass at lunch, so the disparities are on full display. Separating students by educational resources is one thing, but not allowing them to eat lunch together hearkens back to the antebellum era. READ MORE: The Ben Franklin and SLA asbestos crisis is a symptom of a bigger disease | Opinion Heres what the School District of Philadelphia has accomplished: more rebranding. Special admission schools are now criteria-based, and neighborhood schools are catchment. New name, same problems. Just like promoting Find Your Fit, relabeling schools is far easier than repairing and reforming crumbling and faltering institutions. Branding work, after all, is so much easier. This spring, students, often ones with greater resources, will be rewarded with acceptances to enriching criteria-based schools. The rejected and remaining students, disproportionately with greater needs, will be funneled into struggling catchment schools. The district claims its new processes will better account for student preference. But for students and families, this is no relief. Even the majority of students, over 54%, want the selection process removed altogether. Officials in other cities are not comfortable with this level of failure. In Chicago, leaders are courageous enough to take on real challenges. Earlier this year, the Chicago Board of Education passed a resolution to reduce the citys reliance on school choice, which forces families to compete for resources like Philadelphias. While there is much work to do, Chicagos leaders have at least begun to acknowledge that such systems harm neighborhood schools, particularly in communities that racist policies and disinvestment have long neglected. Theyve committed to prioritizing neighborhood schools, ensuring they are fully resourced, and addressing the inequities that continue to harm students of color and low-income families. Acknowledgment and action are far more palatable than complacency and catchphrases. While Chicago begins dismantling the inequitable system, Philadelphia is doubling down on its broken model, forcing students into a competition they cant win. The school district continues to reward the privileged while punishing the vulnerable. The Find Your Fit campaign is an attempt to gloss over this fundamental failure. Its abhorrent that we still treat quality education as something that must be earned or competed for when it is a civil right that should be afforded to every child in this city. The districts leaders should stop pretending that rebranding is the same as progress and start investing in the neighborhood schools theyve neglected for so long. We should applaud initiatives like former Mayor Jim Kenneys pre-K expansion and the future ambitions of current Mayor Cherelle L. Parkers year-round school. But every accomplishment will be tainted until the very structure of separate and unequal schools is addressed. No child in this city should be forced to leave their neighborhood just to get a decent education. Philadelphia deserves leaders who dont hide behind slogans. Until we have them, lets at least call this what it is: The Hunger Games. AJ Ernst worked as a teacher and administrator in Philadelphia for 13 years and has his doctorate from the University of Pennsylvania Graduate School of Education, where he studied school discipline. As an African American veteran who served in a military that values unity and diversity, Ive seen firsthand the dangers of division. This is why Donald Trumps continued association with far-right extremists like Laura Loomer is more than just political theater its a dangerous precedent. Loomers racist attack on Vice President Kamala Harris, mocking her Indian heritage, is just the latest in a troubling pattern. Trumps refusal to condemn these actions isnt just concerning; its a sign of how extremist rhetoric is creeping into the highest levels of leadership, threatening to further divide an already fractured nation. Advertisement Embracing individuals like Loomer, who openly espouse racism and Islamophobia, not only tarnishes the political discourse but undermines the very values our country and military are built upon. The military is one of the few institutions where Americans of all backgrounds come together in service of a common mission. We rely on each other, regardless of race or creed. Its disheartening to see someone who aspires to the highest office of leadership embrace a divisive figure like Loomer, whose rhetoric stands in direct opposition to these values. Trumps pattern of courting extremists isnt confined to isolated incidents like this. His promotion of the birther conspiracy, which aimed to delegitimize President Barack Obama, was an unmistakable dog whistle to his base, built on racist undertones. His very fine people comment following the 2017 white supremacist rally in Charlottesville, Va., further emboldened far-right extremist groups, signaling that he would tolerate if not embrace their presence in American politics. What makes this dangerous is that extremist ideologies, once on the fringes of political discourse, are now being legitimized by mainstream figures. When leaders refuse to condemn or distance themselves from individuals like Loomer, it sends a message that hate and division are not just tolerated they are part of the political strategy. And as history has shown, legitimizing extremist ideologies can have devastating consequences. Extremist rhetoric fuels resentment, encouraging acts of violence and discrimination against marginalized communities. For veterans, this is not an abstract problem. In a divided nation, leadership has the power to either unite or divide. The decisions and actions of those in power reverberate far beyond their immediate circles, influencing the behavior and attitudes of the broader public. When a leader, particularly a former president, refuses to stand up against hate, it emboldens others to act on their own prejudices. This has the potential to tear at the social fabric of our democracy, creating deeper divisions and encouraging violence and extremism. Just think back to Trumps infamous role in calling for the death penalty for the Central Park Five five Black and Latino teenagers who were later exonerated as an illustration of how hes long exploited racial tensions for personal gain. Even after the teens were cleared by DNA evidence, Trump refused to apologize, signaling that racial justice and truth take a back seat to his political ambitions. For veterans, this is not an abstract problem. Many of us have served in environments where extremism poses a direct threat to national security. When leaders tolerate racist and extremist ideologies at home, it weakens our ability to confront these threats abroad. The military thrives on unity and trust, and any effort to erode these values threatens the strength of our national defense. As Election Day approaches, we are faced with a critical choice. Do we want to continue down a path where extremists are welcomed at the highest levels of leadership, or do we want to chart a new course toward unity, inclusivity, and progress? Vice President Kamala Harris represents a vision of America that values diversity, fairness, and equality principles veterans like me fought to uphold. Trumps willingness to embrace and elevate figures like Loomer is a clear warning that his political strategy is rooted in division, not unity. This is not just about political preferences; its about the future of our democracy. America cannot afford to embrace the politics of hate, division, and extremism. We need leaders who will unite us in our shared mission to build a better future for all. Malcolm Nance is a career intelligence community veteran, counterterrorism expert, and New York Times best-selling author. He is a retired senior chief petty officer in the United States Navy and a veteran of the Ukrainian Army International Legion. He was born and raised in Philadelphia. Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro said former President Donald Trumps repeatedly debunked claims about Haitian immigrants in Charleroi, Pa., are complete and utter bull during a recent podcast appearance. Hes been called out on it by the town manager, Shapiro said on an episode of the New Republics Daily Blast podcast released Thursday. Hes been called out on it by the Republican state senator who represents, quite honorably represents, that community. Hes been called out on it by local officials and others who have said what Donald Trump is saying is absolutely false. Advertisement Shapiro is the latest elected official to publicly condemn Trumps xenophobic and false claims about Haitian immigrants in Charleroi a small borough of about 4,000 people in Washington County. After Trump said Haitian immigrants were a burden on local taxpayers and bringing an influx of crime, Charleroi officials vehemently denied those claims. Trump doubled down on his lies about Haitian immigrants during his rally in Indiana, Pa., earlier this week, which took place about 65 miles away from Charleroi. Trumps disparaging remarks about the borough came soon after he baselessly said on the presidential debate stage in Philadelphia that Haitian immigrants in Springfield, Ohio, were eating the towns pets, which have culminated in threats to the city. When Donald Trump creates a kind of others in our community, he puts people at risk and he makes us all less safe, Shapiro said. That is really, really dangerous and destructive. Haitian immigrants have legally come to Charleroi for numerous reasons, including to escape violence and political unrest in their home country. Since Trumps surfacing of these vilifying remarks, conservative social media accounts and politicians including the former presidents running mate, Ohio Sen. JD Vance, have been pushing these falsehoods. One far-right social media account, Libs of TikTok, posted a hateful video about Haitian immigrants on X and falsely claimed that 90% of the workforce in Charleroi is composed of Haitians and that Vice President Kamala Harris imported 2,000 Haitians to the town who are now taking American jobs. The account also said there is an operation in Charleroi where Haitians are being bussed to and from food factories operated by Fourth Street Foods, a food manufacturer. State Sen. Camera Bartolotta (R, Washington), who follows and often reposts Libs of TikTok, rebuked these unfounded remarks and said the account is playing into the hands of people who are jeopardizing the safety of innocent children in our local school. Republican Senate candidate Dave McCormick has also propagated material that promotes these unfounded accusations. By the way, what Dave McCormick, the guy running for Senate against Bob Casey, has said about it is absolutely false, Shapiro said on the podcast. Charleroi is a wonderful community in Washington County, Pennsylvania, a community that has seen migrants contribute to their economy, contribute to their community. Youve heard that from residents in the area. Haitian immigrants have brought professional and entrepreneurial skills to Charleroi, opening businesses along the boroughs Main Street and working at businesses that are in need of employees. Echoing the sentiment of Charleroi officials and organizations, like the Mon Valley Alliance, Shapiro noted this rhetoric is a distraction from the real issues the borough faces. Charleroi is also a community thats facing serious economic challenges, Shapiro said. And instead of actually offering something thats going to help them address their economic challenges, Donald Trump goes and s on the community. Its not only disrespectful, its really dangerous. The town founded on glassmaking has experienced the closure of the Corning Glass plant and the Quality Pasta facility. Shapiro says his office has been working to address the economic issues in the borough. Both Casey and McCormick have pledged to assist the workers at the at-risk Corelle Brands glass plant, with McCormick attending a rally there late last week. Id love to have elected officials and wannabe elected officials like Donald Trump actually do something constructive that helps the community instead of tearing them down, Shapiro said. Staff writer Rob Tornoe contributed to this article. Phillip Pulley, photographed in Sept. 2022 outside a City Hall courtroom, following the partial collapse of one of his buildings, Lindley Towers, in the Logan section of Philadelphia. Read more Embattled landlord Philip C. Pulley finally got his comeuppance Wednesday in a Philadelphia federal courtroom. But it was not the 2022 collapse of one of his North Philadelphia apartment buildings a calamity that displaced nearly 100 residents that landed him, this time, in front of a judge. Nor was it the piles of unpaid tax and utility bills, building code violations, or complaints from tenants, contractors, and the state attorney general that have chased him for much of the last decade. Advertisement It wasnt even the legal fight with his insurance company over $300,000 in damage sustained by his 70-foot yacht when it ran aground near Fort Lauderdale, Fla., in 2019 a dispute that last year landed before the U.S. Supreme Court. Instead, Pulley, 62, strode into the courtroom Wednesday to admit to an entirely separate set of wrongs falsely registering to vote and casting multiple ballots in several recent elections. Are you pleading guilty because you are indeed guilty? U.S. District Judge Mitchell S. Goldberg asked Pulley near the end of the brief court proceeding. The landlord, seated next to his lawyer, responded with a terse: Yes. Pulleys guilty plea to counts including voter fraud, voter registration fraud, and voting more than once in a federal election came as part of a deal struck with prosecutors after elections officials in Philadelphia flagged his suspicious voter registrations last year and reported them to the FBI. Under questioning Wednesday from Goldberg, Pulley admitted that between 2020 and 2023 he had simultaneously registered to vote in three different counties, claiming false addresses as his primary residence and sometimes providing fake Social Security numbers. Then, as former President Donald Trump unsuccessfully sought a second term in the White House in the 2020 presidential race against Joe Biden, Pulley attempted to vote in all three. He successfully cast an in-person ballot in Montgomery County, where he has lived since the mid-1980s and in 2000 purchased a gated estate in Huntingdon Valley called Stonewall Manor. He had also voted by absentee ballot in Broward County, Fla., where the Pulley family owns a $1.7 million mansion overlooking an inlet and quay. Were it not for elections administrators denying a request he submitted that year for a mail ballot in Philadelphia, prosecutors say, its likely he would have attempted to vote there, too. But undeterred, Pulley told Goldberg on Wednesday, he continued to vote multiple times in elections for at least the next three years. He voted both in Philadelphia and Montgomery Counties 2021 and 2023 municipal elections, he said, for which hes currently facing state charges. And during the 2022 Pennsylvania gubernatorial matchup between then-Attorney General Josh Shapiro and Republican rival State Sen. Doug Mastriano, Pulley voted in person in both Philadelphia and Montgomery Counties a week after he had also cast an early ballot in Florida. Prosecutors did not identify Wednesday the candidates for which Pulley voted in any of those races. But voter records reveal hed registered as a Republican in Florida but as a Democrat in the two Pennsylvania counties. For his own part, Pulley declined to discuss his voting record as he left the courtroom, accompanied by defense lawyer Brian J. McMonagle. Its a silence he has maintained since an Inquirer investigation last month highlighted the myriad legal problems hes facing in his capacity as a landlord. Last year, the Pennsylvania Attorney Generals Office filed a consumer-protection suit against Pulley and his companies, accusing them of renting apartments with substandard living conditions and retaliating against tenants who complained. He has sued his insurers over denied claims, including costs linked to the 2022 collapse of his Lindley Tower apartments in North Philadelphia. And weeks after prosecutors unveiled the voter fraud charges against him this summer, government-backed mortgage financier Fannie Mae hit Pulley and several of his property holding companies with a suit over $60 million in defaulted mortgages. Those cases remain ongoing, and Pulley is expected to be sentenced in for his election crimes in the coming months. He faces up to five years in prison for each of the four counts to which he pleaded guilty Wednesday. Senator John Fetterman speaks during an event with US Vice President Kamala Harris & Gov. Tim Walz at Temple University's Liacouras Center in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, August 6, 2024. Read more Sen. John Fetterman (D., Pa.) is working with a Republican senator from Alabama to push for a mental health warning label on social media platforms. Fetterman and Sen. Katie Britt (R., Ala.) introduced the Stop the Scroll Act on Tuesday. The bill, if passed into law, would require the surgeon general to design a warning label system enforced by the Federal Trade Commission. The label would appear as a pop-up box warning users about the potential mental health risks of using social media and providing links to mental health resources every time a user opens a platform like Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, or X. Users would need to acknowledge the warning before continuing to the platform. Advertisement Find anybody that is like Hey, I just spent an hour on social media and I feel better about the world and about myself, Fetterman said in a Tuesday appearance with Britt on Fox News. Ive never met one, but if there is one, Id like to meet them. In the interview on Fox host Bret Baiers Common Ground segment, Fetterman and Britt described themselves as friends who bonded during their freshman orientation in the U.S. Senate along with each others spouses, Gisele Fetterman and former New England Patriots player Wesley Britt. Sen. Britt visited Fetterman when he was in Walter Reed National Military Medical Center for major depression last year following his near-fatal stroke and election win in 2022. Fetterman said in the interview that he has witnessed the negative impact of social media both on himself and on his children. The two senators said they have bonded over their experiences as elected officials with children, which directly ties to their support for the bill. Fetterman has three children and Britt has two. If you have a person thats spending hours and hours every day with one of your kids, you would want to know who that person is about, Fetterman said. U.S. Surgeon General Vivek Murthy would be expected to be on board with the bipartisan bill, seeing that he already proposed these labels himself. Pennsylvania Attorney General Michelle Henry, as well as more than 40 other attorneys general across the country, urged Congress to pass legislation of this sort earlier this month. Murthy has warned of the negative impacts social media has on youth. He has said that 95% of young people ages 13 to 17 said they use social media, and more than a third said theyre on it almost constantly. He said young people who spend more than three hours a day on social media face double the risk of depression and anxiety symptoms, yet a 2021 survey found that adolescents spend an average of 3 hours a day on social media. In 2023, the surgeon general made a call for urgent action to better understand how social media affects young people and how to protect children from its adverse effects. He warned that children are exposed to violent and sexual content, bullying, and harassment on social media, and that social media is compromising their sleep and valuable in-person time with loved ones. We are in the middle of a national youth mental health crisis, and I am concerned that social media is an important driver of that crisis one that we must urgently address, he said. Fetterman called his safety warning bill common sense and something a parent would want for their kid. He described what kids see on social media as what he used to read on the back of the bathroom stall but its at their fingertips, and theyre on it for hours. Its a conversation that we would be having as a parent, let alone as a senator, so I think its an entirely appropriate conversation that we should be having at a national level, he added. READ MORE: John Fetterman was open about his depression. Now he wants to create a national mental health commission Fetterman has been open about his personal struggle with depression, and said social media was an accelerant for it. He wants to create a federal commission focused on mental health and introduced a bill in May with Sen. Tina Smith (D., Minn.) to do so. The commission, if created, would provide policy recommendations to Congress and the president about improving access to and affordability of mental health care. Smith has also spoken publicly about her struggle with depression. Fetterman also cosponsored a revised Kids Online Safety Act, which aims to improve privacy for minors, after LGBTQ protections were incorporated. Different versions of the bill passed the House and Senate, and it cannot move forward until they come to an agreement. He also cosponsored the Eyes on the Board Act with Sen. Ted Cruz (R., Texas), a bill that would limit social media access in schools and has not progressed. Fetterman and Britt both said they would welcome more bipartisan opportunities. I think some people think we must hate each others guts, you know, D.C., Oh, youre Republican, Im Democrat or whatever, Fetterman said. But its just not true, it couldnt be further from the truth. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskys visit to Scranton earlier this week with Gov. Josh Shapiro is now a subject of a U.S. House committee investigation, as Republicans allege the trip had ulterior political motives in support of Vice President Kamala Harris presidential bid. Heres a look at why Zelensky visited Pennsylvania, what he did while he was here, and why House GOP leaders are investigating the trip. What Zelensky did during his visit to Pennsylvania with Shapiro Shapiro and Zelensky on Sunday visited the Scranton Army Ammunition Plant in Lackawanna County, which manufactures large-caliber metal projectiles that are being used by Ukraine to fight Russias invasion. Advertisement Specifically, the plant builds 155-millimeter howitzer rounds for the U.S. Department of Defense that the two leaders signed as part of a photo op. The plant is in President Joe Bidens hometown which is in an especially important battleground county in the critical swing state. The two leaders were joined by U.S. Sen. Bob Casey and U.S. Rep. Matt Cartwright, both Democrats who are up for reelection on the Nov. 5 ballot. Pennsylvania is the birthplace of American freedom, and our commonwealth proudly stands with the people of Ukraine as they fight for their freedom against naked aggression, Shapiro said. Im proud to welcome President Zelensky and his delegation to Scranton, to visit with the women and men who are fueling his countrys fight for freedom. Shapiro also signed a five-year agreement with a Southeastern Ukrainian provinces military to enhance overall cooperation between the Ukrainian provinces military and Pennsylvania and support its rebuilding efforts. Why House Republicans are investigating the visit Republican leaders in and outside Pennsylvania questioned the motivations of Zelenskys trip almost immediately, arguing that the trip was a taxpayer-funded campaign event for Harris and that Zelensky was trying to interfere with the 2024 presidential election. House Oversight Committee Chairman James Comer (R., Ky.), opened an investigation into the trip on Wednesday, questioning the use of taxpayer resources to fly Zelensky to Pennsylvania, just days after the Ukrainian leader made critical remarks about former President Donald Trumps running mate, U.S. Sen. JD Vance (R., Ohio), in a New Yorker article, in which he said Vance was too radical. The House Oversight Committee is now investigating any coordination among the Biden-Harris administration, Shapiros staff, and Zelensky to use government property to politically benefit Vice President Harris presidential campaign, Comer said in a news release. House Speaker Mike Johnson (R., La.) also canceled his scheduled visit with Zelensky on Thursday and demanded that he fire Ukraines ambassador to the United States. As you have said, Ukrainians have tried to avoid being captured by American domestic politics, and influencing the choices of the American people ahead of the November election, Johnson wrote in a letter to Zelensky on Wednesday. Clearly, that objective was abandoned this week when Zelensky visited the Scranton ammunition plant and no Republicans were invited, he added. The part of Scranton where the ammunition plant is located is represented by only Democrats at the state and federal levels. Johnson also noted that Pennsylvania is an important battleground state, and that Shapiro is a top surrogate for Harris. Shapiro was a top contender to be Harris running mate, and he remains a top supporter of Harris in Pennsylvania and nationally. Johnson called the visit a shortsighted and intentionally political move that has caused Republicans to lose trust in Ukraines ambassador to the U.S. Zelenskys recent comments and past visits Zelenskys visit to Pennsylvania was not entirely unusual. Zelensky has visited with other state governors, including Utahs Republican Gov. Spencer Cox earlier this year. However, Zelensky and Trump have a long history. Trumps first impeachment trial, which ended in his acquittal in 2020, was about whether he tried to pressure the Ukrainian president to investigate Biden and his son Hunter Bidens business dealings in the country. More recently, Trump has been increasingly critical of Zelensky and his leadership since Russia began its invasion of its neighboring country in 2022. He refused in the Sept. 10 presidential debate to say whether he wants Ukraine to win the war over Russia. Harris was scheduled to meet with Zelensky while he was in Washington on Thursday. Zelensky had been scheduled to meet with Trump on Thursday, too, but that meeting was canceled, NBC News reported. Ukraine has leaned on the United States throughout the Russian invasion for financial and arms aid. Biden announced Thursday he would send $7.9 billion in military aid to Ukraine, as part of a $61 billion aid package passed by Congress earlier this year. Generally speaking, the commissions can be as low as 10% on motor and commercial motor or motor fleet, but commissions can be as high as 25% on some of these negotiated products with the insurers, said Van Der Merwe. The vast majority of our business is negotiated directly with the insurers where the average commission rate would be 15% on the base premium. Safe Works report found that workers suffering from mental health issues experience median time lost from work that is more than five times longer than that recorded across all other injuries and diseases. The data indicates a worrying trend, with mental health claims increasing 19.2% compared to the previous year and showing a staggering 97.3% increase over the past decade. Price Forbes, a global specialty insurance broker with more than a century of experience, operates in various sectors including energy, property, and financial lines. It is part of Ardonagh Specialty, the largest independent specialty broker in the London market, which manages over $7 billion in gross written premiums globally. Commenting on the formalisation of the Lloyds-MIGA partnership, Lloyds chief executive John Neal (pictured) said: Collaboration is the hallmark of the Lloyds market, and through our ongoing partnership with MIGA, the (re)insurance industry has facilitated projects around the world which are having a tangible impact on the local and national communities that need it most. Phil and Kristen Shearer will remain involved temporarily to assist with the transition before retiring. First Wests team will continue to operate from Inszones Huntington Beach office, with access to additional carriers and support provided by Inszone. The company also said that it aims to maintain a local presence while offering the resources of a larger organization. At the same time, 65% of SBOs said they feel prepared to prevent an attack, a 17-point improvement from last year. This confidence may stem from the steps they are taking to educate their employees, as 71% of business owners now provide formal cybersecurity training for staff at least once a year. In addition, 36% of businesses conduct phishing tests on their employees every few months to help maintain awareness of cyber threats. David Self, chair of CIRCA, spoke on the importance of collaboration between the public and private sectors in the Cayman Islands. He pointed to the partnership between the private sector, the Cayman Islands Government, and the Cayman Islands Monetary Authority (CIMA) as a key factor in the jurisdiction's success. However, Helene is not a typical storm due to its large wind radius, which is expected to bring hurricane-force gusts and significant storm surge to the densely populated Tampa Bay area, as well as tropical storm-force winds across most of the Florida peninsula, Georgia, the Carolinas, Tennessee, and southern Appalachia. This post is part of a series sponsored by AgentSync. Insurance compliance is serious business. Falling out of compliance can have real consequences for everyone from insurance agencies, carriers, MGAs, and MGUs, to individual producers, adjusters, and dually licensed broker-dealers. Whom you choose to partner with for your compliance needs matters. Choosing the right technology partner can transform your insurance licensing compliance practices from a nightmare into a dream-come-true. Choosing the wrong partner, on the other hand, can lead to undesirable outcomes, such as: Spending too much money on something thats not meeting your needs Risking compliance and data security mishaps Failing to achieve organization-wide adoption and the continued use of manual and error-prone processes Losing staff and distribution channel partners because of how frustrating it is to work for or with you While the industry urges insurance businesses to adopt more modern practices, many insurance compliance technology vendors still have no qualms doing business the way theyve always done it. Often, this includes committing some serious crimes against their own customers. No, were not talking about the kinds of crimes that land anyone in jail, but these transgressions are frustrating, costly, and just plain wrong nonetheless. In this three-part series, well cover some of the most common crimes we see insurance compliance tech vendors committing against their customer base. Weve already covered crimes of the financial variety as well as support crimes. In this third and final installment, were taking a look at technology crimes. If youve fallen victim to any of these tech-related crimes, then were sorry to say it, but the vendor youve invested your money and resources in is a total dud. When insurance compliance vendors commit technology crimes You might be able to forgive the crimes that cost your business more money or even the ones that create friction in your user experience, but if the technology itself doesnt work, then what are you really getting from your compliance tech spend? Investing your time, energy, and money into a solution that doesnt pay dividends is more than just frustrating. It can negatively impact every aspect of your business, from your data security and reputation to your ability to scale and grow in the future. Set yourself up for long-term success by avoiding these commonly perpetrated technology crimes: 1. Dirty and stale data Making good business decisions relies heavily on your access to good data. The quality of your data is at the core of whether your compliance management solution is benefiting you or just costing you. Whether its due to technical errors that allow missing or inaccurate data into your system, or intermittent syncs with your data source, inaccurate producer and adjuster licensing and appointment data will cause problems for every part of your business. Insurance compliance standards and regulations are constantly changing and updating. If the solution you sought specifically to help you keep up with these things isnt providing you with accurate and complete data, you might as well still be managing things by hand. While most compliance tools on the market these days sync to the industrys one source of truth for producer information, remember that not all syncs are created equal. Consider how often the sync occurs, the quality of the data received, and how discrepancies are handled. Customer confession: Were finding that our current solutions PDB sync isnt occurring. Theres this constant defect they seem to be fighting and the information available through the product doesnt seem accurate. 2. Still requiring spreadsheets Some insurance businesses put up with technology crimes like bad or stale data and compensate for them by keeping internal spreadsheets to double-check the data thats in their system. This is quite possibly the biggest technology crime of them all! You likely went looking for a compliance vendor in the first place because you wanted to replace your spreadsheets with a more modern tech solution. So why settle for a solution that essentially puts you back at square one? No organization should pay for technology so unreliable that staff need to keep their own records and continuously cross-reference for accuracy. Talk about defeating the whole purpose of digitization. Customer confession: We frequently need copies of licenses. I cant get that from the product, so Im retaining copies of licenses in another system. 3. Old, siloed tech Your tech stack should create efficiencies that help modernize your business, not make your workflows clunkier. Modern insurance infrastructure means being adaptive and making constant improvements to your compliance ecosystem. Any solution that stops improving the moment the contract is signed should raise an immediate red flag. Solutions built on mainframe code dont offer the same flexibility as those that leverage a cloud-native architecture. Theyre typically harder (or even impossible) to integrate with the other software you use for daily business operations and can cause major downtime and cost inefficiencies when youre ready to scale your business. 4. Processing bad transactions Some producer license management technologies have built in checks and balances to stop an invalid transaction before it happens. Others dont. Incomplete producer applications or license renewal forms can result in the state canceling the application, but still keeping the associated fees. Without a system that can flag a potentially bad transaction, youre left with the risk of processing and paying for transactions that needed further human intervention before going through. At the very least, your compliance tech should give you the option to build warnings, alerts, and hard stops into your workflows to keep transactions from being processed when a producer doesnt meet certain criteria. The right compliance management solution will save your business money in the long run, not add extra (and completely avoidable) expenses to your bottom line. Customer confession: The notifications in our current solution are pretty lackluster, and were billed per transaction. Sometimes we end up paying for the same transaction multiple times even though it only went through once. 5. Exposes you to higher security risks The data-driven nature of the insurance business means industry players have more cybersecurity concerns than most. The success of your organizations data security depends on the security and preparedness of any third-party vendors or software you use. If youve taken the necessary steps to ensure your own cyber hygiene, dont let your compliance technology vendor take you down with their own lax security practices. By vetting compliance technology vendors for their cybersecurity practices, you can reduce the risk of a data breach and protect your reputation. If a vendor isnt up-to-date on their cybersecurity requirements, theyre putting you at risk, and thats just not the recipe for a good partnership. Avoid falling victim to technology crimes from your compliance vendor If youre currently working with an insurance compliance technology that isnt treating you the way you deserve in these ways or others! see how AgentSync is different. AgentSyncs committed to the idea of Customer Love. This means fair and transparent pricing, support thats actually supportive, and a tech platform that delights its users and receives regular updates and improvements. See how different insurance compliance could be at your organization; check out an AgentSync demo today. Topics Fraud Tech Lawyers for New Jersey insurance executive and political power broker George Norcross III say the states 111-page indictment against him and others for alleged racketeering is a crime thriller with no crime. In calling for dismissal of the charges, Norcross defense team says the indictment is less like a legal document and more like a screenplay for a putative summer blockbuster as it seeks to turn routine politics and everyday business negotiations undertaken to revitalize an economically depressed Camden waterfront into crimes of extortion, racketeering, kickbacks and bribery. Although the indictment exceeds 100 pages and asserts over a dozen counts, it still fails to properly allege a single crime, the defense filing asserts. Furthermore, according to Norcross lawyers, the alleged crimes occurred more than a decade ago and are barred by statutes of limitations, which his lawyers suggest might be why federal prosecutors did not pursue them. In June, New Jersey Attorney General Matthew J. Platkin charged Norcross with leading a criminal enterprise in the state for the past dozen years. Norcross, executive chairman of Camden-based insurance agency Conner Strong & Buckelew (CSB) and chairman of the board of trustees of Cooper Health, was among six people alleged to have acquired property rights and tax credits in Camden and elsewhere through coercion, extortion, and other criminal acts. Norcross and five alleged associates have been all charged with racketeering. Platkin said the 13-count indictment came after a years-long investigation into the activities of Norcross and his associates in South Jersey and elsewhere. The indictment filed in Superior Court alleged that from about 2012 through the present, the Norcross Enterprise used coercion, extortion, and other criminal acts to tailor legislation to serve its interests, obtain property and property rights on the Camden waterfront, collect as much as $240 million in government-issued tax credits, and control and influence government officials including a former mayor of Camden. The defendants include Norcross III, who now resides in Florida; his brother Philip A. Norcross, an attorney and CEO of Parker McCay, a New Jersey law firm; William M. Tambussi, a partner at the law firm of Brown and Connery and counsel to the Camden County Democratic Committee; Dana L. Redd, currently CEO of Camden Community Partnership and former mayor of Camden (2010 to 2018); Sidney R. Brown, CEO of NFI, a trucking and logistics company; and John J. ODonnell, an executive with The Michaels Organization, a residential development company. Norcross and the co-defendants entered not guilty pleas in July in state Superior Court in Mercer County. According to the Norcross defense filing on Tuesday, all 13 counts rest on two types of supposed wrongs: criminal threats and official misconduct. But the only threats alleged are everyday economic onese.g., to cease doing business, or to breach a contractthat are not prohibited. If its a crime to warn of consequences if a deal is not reached, or to use expletives in doing so, New Jersey needs to build more prisons, the filing states. As for official misconduct allegations, the indictment alleges that a former mayor of Camden solicited stakeholders views, supported efforts to revitalize the city, and declined to meet an out-of-town developer who was standing in the way. The defense argues that this is all normal conduct well within the discretion of an elected official. The indictment seems offended that some private citizens have close connections with public officials, but that is a feature of democratic self-governmentnot a bug. And certainly not a crime, the filing continues. The defense says that what the indictment calls unlawful threats were just ordinary hard bargaining: The Indictment tells a story of defendants hustling, cajoling, lobbying, and networkingall in an effort to push Camdens Waterfront redevelopment past those who would stymie it. But all of that arm-twisting and maneuvering is routine in both business and politics. Much of it is constitutionally protected. None of it is remotely criminal. The defendants argue that the state never alleges that any defendant threatened anyone with violence or blackmail; nor does it allege any corruption of public officials; rather, the indictment alleges the defendants exerted economic pressure and political influence. Many of the states allegations involve efforts by Norcross using the Camden Redevelopment Agency to obtain easements held by developer Carl Dranoff that limited the height of buildings. Norcross attorneys maintain he and his associates applied normal business leverage and threats that were not of physical harm or in any way criminal in nature. As the indictment itself details, all of Norcrosss alleged threats were made in response to Dranoff using hardball tactics of his own in a commercial negotiation. In particular, Dranoff was leveraging his view easement to block much of the planned (and highly beneficial) redevelopment until he obtained a payout, the defense filing maintains. Mercer County Superior Court Judge Peter Warshaw has given prosecutors until November 22 to respond with briefs in advance of a January hearing to consider whether the court should dismiss the charges In a press statement, Platkins office said the motion to dismiss was expected and the state is confident in its charges and will respond with briefs to the court. Topics Fraud Wealthy neighborhoods in Quito remain under threat of flames, and schools have shifted to online teaching through the end of the week as firefighters battle forest fires in Ecuadors capital. Quito Mayor Pabel Munoz of the left-wing Citizen Revolution party declared an emergency for the city of almost 3 million residents to obtain additional funding to tackle more than two dozen blazes since Tuesday, almost of all of them set intentionally. Police detained a male, 19-year-old suspected arsonist after flames forced firefighters and government ministers to abandon a command post near a highway. Two hundred firefighters from seven local governments and 180 soldiers are working to contain the fires, while 1,600 police are keeping the peace. President Daniel Noboa canceled his planned speech before the United Nations General Assembly in New York to return home and manage the crisis. An extended drought is also threatening agriculture in Ecuador and has prompted rolling blackouts nationwide. Were experiencing the worst climate situation in decades, which calls for urgent decisions at all levels of government, Noboa said late Tuesday in a post on X. Adversity will find us more determined than ever. Resurgent flames near the colonial neighborhood of Guapulo where Noboa rents a mansion led to a major highway and tunnel being closed again Wednesday, blocking direct access between north-central Quito and its eastern suburbs. Nearby homes are being evacuated. Air force helicopters outfitted with suspended buckets are flying between a low-lying reservoir and burning wooded mountain slopes that separate downtown from the valley a steep 400 meters below. While no deaths have been reported, the flames destroyed several homes in the Guapulo and Bellavista neighborhoods. Six firefighters and five civilians including an infant have been injured, newspaper Expreso reported. The health ministry reported 44 people treated and released for smoke inhalation. Volunteers flocked to support firefighters while neighborhood and animal welfare organizations worked to coordinate aid for people, pets and both feral and wild animals affected by the fires. Aid agencies and municipal offices called for water, eye drops, industrial-strength gloves and other help for firefighters and people evacuated from their homes. While the interior ministry ordered large-scale events canceled, the prosecutor generals office said it would investigate the causes of the blazes. Beyond the suspect arrested Wednesday, other individuals in recent days were found to have set fires in other parts of the capitals metropolitan area. Photograph: Smoke from a wildfire plumes above Quito, Ecuador, on Sept. 24, 2024. Photo credit: Galo Paguay/AFP/Getty Images Acrisure, the Grand Rapids, Michigan-based insurance broker and fintech specialist, has launched an office in Bermuda to focus on wholesale insurance broking for its global clients. Trading as Acrisure Bermuda Ltd., the new business unit aims to complement current reinsurance and specialist MGA facilities, said Acrisure. Industry veteran Paul Scope has joined the company to serve as CEO of this entity, reporting to Jason Howard, president of Acrisure International and chairman of Acrisure Re. The new wholesale broking team will begin with professional liability, including directors and officers, errors & omissions, employment practices liability, cyber, and wage and hour, followed by property and casualty. An established leader in the Bermuda market, Scope brings more than 40 years of experience to Acrisure, joining from Ardonagh Specialty (Bermuda) Ltd., where he had been chairman since 2021. Prior to this, Scope spent six years as chairman of Willis Towers Watson Bermuda. In 1989, he founded Park International, which was acquired by JLT in 2007, becoming JLTPark. He served as chairman and CEO of this business until 2014. There has been a growing US and international appetite to access Bermudas wholesale market and, as a result, we are pleased to be opening this office, Howard commented. We are fortunate to have a leader of Pauls expertise, experience and industry connections. I look forward to working with him to further establish and expand our position on the island and in the wider wholesale market. Acrisure places $4 billion of premium into the wholesale market annually, and I am pleased to be a part of this rapidly growing business, according to Scope. There are a multitude of wholesale opportunities on the island which Acrisure is well positioned to access, he added. I look forward to working with Jason to build out our Bermuda team and proposition, continuing to partner with retail brokers and deliver tailored insurance solutions to our global client base. Additionally, I am delighted to welcome experienced Bermuda brokers, Alexandra Hayne and Trevor Ferguson to the team, Scope said. Source: Acrisure Topics New Markets Amwins has recommitted to giving the University of Louisiana Monroes Risk Management and Insurance program by donating $100,000 over 10 years. Amwins and ULM held a check presentation to commemorate the donation on September 17. David Lavins, president of Amwins Access, and Tammy Culmone, EVP and regional leader of AmwinsGroup, presented the check to ULM President Dr. Ron Berry and First Lady Dr. Christine Berry. The funds will support student and faculty travel to visit companies and brokers in cities such as Dallas and Chicago, according to a press release by ULM. The funds will also support recruitment and marketing efforts, student scholarships and support of events like the ULM RMI Career Fair and Career Fair Reception. ULM said more than 100 RMI students have interned and been hired by Amwins, more than any other company. Topics Louisiana In the long war between auto insurers and windshield repair shops, the Florida Supreme Court this week sided with glass companies, leaving GEICO with little choice but to ask lawmakers to change the law if it feels repair prices have been padded. The court on Wednesday answered two certified questions from the 11th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals, finding that Florida law does not grant GEICO a private cause of action or right to sue Glassco Inc., one of Floridas largest windshield repair networks. The high court also found that GEICO cannot refuse to pay invoices as a punitive remedy when a repair shop allegedly violates statutes and does not provide a written estimate or invoice to the motorist. The answer to the first certified question is no: section 559.921(1) does not grant an insurance company a cause of action when a repair shop does not provide any written repair estimate,' Chief Justice Calos Muniz wrote in the opinion, seen here. The case began after 2019. From 2016 to 2019, Glassco sought and accepted assignments of benefits on almost 1,800 windshield repair or replacement jobs in Florida, farming most of them out to subcontractor shops. GEICO paid the invoices but only at a deeply discounted rate. Glassco sued in state court, and the state court found in favor of the glass firm in 11 claims, noting that the competitive price was, in fact, more than what GEICO had paid. Meanwhile, GEICO, one of the largest auto insurers in the country, filed its own suit in federal court, charging that the shops had committed fraud and had violated the states motor vehicle repair law. That act was adopted in 1980 and has been amended a few times since then. The insurance giant also argued Glassco had made other errors, such as failing to provide written estimates and written invoices to the insureds and failing to properly notify customers that the work would be subcontracted to other shops. The federal district court decided against GEICO, holding that the Florida Motor Vehicle Repair statute grants lawsuit rights only to an injured customer, not an insurance company. GEICO appealed to the 11th Circuit and that court asked the state Supreme Court for clarity. The Florida Supreme Court justices noted that the Florida statute provides administrative remedies by a state agency when repair shops are accused of not following the law. To now allow GEICO to create punitive actions that are not prescribed by statute would go beyond the judicial branchs authority, the high court wrote. GEICO misconceives a courts role in interpreting and applying statutes, the opinion reads. A court can look to statutory purpose to illuminate the meaning of the statutory text, but statutory purpose cannot be invoked to justify ignoring the text the Legislatures actual work product. GEICO essentially urged the court to engage in a form of imaginative reconstructionthe idea that a court may implement what it is sure the legislature would have done (had it faced the question explicitly) rather than what the legislature actually did,' the justices wrote, quoting from a 2006 court decision. The case now goes back to the federal appeals court, which will likely dismiss GEICOs suit. The Supreme Court also noted that if GEICO has identified a flaw in the Repair Act, policy-based fixes are for the Legislature. GEICO representatives declined to comment Thursday morning. The court decision may have less of an impact on the longstanding dispute between insurers and auto-glass shops than initially anticipated. The Florida Legislature in 2023 approved Senate Bill 1002, which ended AOBs for auto glass repair, after insurers complained for years that the arrangements had encouraged repairers to jack up prices then file excessive amounts of lawsuits against auto insurance companies. The law also barred shops from offering gifts to insured motorists. But some insurance agents have told Insurance Journal that some shops have recently tried to offer gifts to agents, hoping to influence their policyholders choice of repair firms. Others have said that repair shops continue to look for ways to elevate costs when insurers foot the bill. Background: Read More About Courts Questions in GEICO Case Topics Lawsuits Florida Auto As Hurricane Helene gains strength in the unusually warm waters of the northern Gulf of Mexico, forecasters, claims adjusting firms and analytics experts are warning that the storm could be more damaging than other recent storms that hit the same area. Helene, a Category 1 storm Thursday morning, could strengthen by landfall Thursday evening. Even if the worst of it misses the sprawling Tampa area in Florida, the system is expected to take dead aim at Atlanta, where millions of people and properties could be affected by Friday. CoreLogic, a property analytics company, said about 25,000 residential properties with a rebuild value of $5.6 billion are now at risk from storm surge and flooding. AccuWeather said Helene could soon become a Category 4 storm. That means the storm is likely to be more damaging than Category 3 Hurricane Idalia, which hit the same region of Florida in 2023, causing more than $2.2 billion in insured losses, Karen Clark & Co. estimated last year. Hurricane Debby, which made landfall in the Big Bend area of Florida last month, caused an estimated $1.4 billion in privately insured losses, KCC said. Other estimates for Helene suggest losses could be greater. Moodys, an analytics and ratings firm, warned Thursday morning that almost 162,000 commercial properties lie in the path of the storm. That includes multifamily residential buildings, offices, industrial sites, hotels and retail shops. Gallagher Re, the global reinsurance brokerage, said that private insured losses could be from $3 billion to $6 billion higher if Helene strikes a major metropolitan area such as Tampa, according to public radio and the News Service of Florida reports. Altogether, damages and losses will likely reach about $15 billion, said Chuck Watson, a disaster modeler with Enki Research. Thats actually a bit less from an earlier estimate of $20 billion, based on the assumption that Helene doesnt hold onto its most powerful winds for as long after it comes ashore, Bloomberg news service reported. Meanwhile, almost every courthouse and most schools in Florida were closed Thursday ahead of the hurricane, which grew to more than 345 miles in width, according to news reports. Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis said at a news briefing that Floridas long-stressed property insurance industry is improving and should be able to manage the losses. The worst impact wrought by Helene will likely be flooding, which could lessen the cost for property insurance companies that do not cover flood damage. As much as 8 inches of rain has already fallen across parts of the Appalachian mountains in advance of Helene and another 12 or more could fall as the storm heads north, Bloomberg noted. Photo: Paulette and Ben McLin outside their summer home on Alligator Point, Florida, on Wednesday. Their family has owned the home since it was built in 1963, and she is concerned this particular storm may impact them more severely than previous storms. (AP Photo/Gerald Herbert) Topics Trends The passenger in a car was killed when a horse smashed through the windshield during a series of crashes on a Southern California interstate, authorities said. The first collision occurred about 2 a.m. Sunday when a Toyota Tacoma towing a horse trailer veered to the right and struck a guardrail on northbound Interstate 15 near Norco, according to the California Highway Patrol. The trailer split open, sending the horse onto the freeway. Then a semitractor-trailer smashed into the horse trailer. The horse made it to the median but then tried to cross the interstate, when it was clipped by a black Honda Accord, highway patrol Officer Javier Navarro told the Southern California News Group. Next, a gray Honda Accord struck the horse, which smashed through the cars windshield, Navarro said. The passenger, a 25-year-old man in the front seat, was killed. The horse also died. The Hondas driver, a 27-year-old man, suffered minor injuries, the news group reported. No one has been arrested, Navarro said Monday. What caused the Toyota towing the horse trailer to hit the guardrail is under investigation, he said. Copyright 2024 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed. Topics California Tradespeople who are members of the union Unite are set to picket the site of the National Childrens Hospital on Friday as part of their ongoing dispute with employers over pay. The tradespeople including plumbers, fitters, welders and apprentices have been taking industrial action against their employers, members of the representative group Mechanical Engineering & Building Services Contractors' Association, since the middle of August. They are seeking the restoration of payment for the first hour of travel time which Unite said was initially cut during the 2008 financial crisis in what was supposed to be a temporary measure. According to the union, 90% of their members voted for industrial action in order to restore this payment. Since the notice of industrial action was served, three full-day of stoppages have been held at major construction projects around the country where contractors' association employers are carrying out works. The National Childrens Hospital has been the subject of numerous controversies over the last several years but there has been renewed focus on it in recent weeks. Earlier this week, the head of the National Paediatric Hospital Development Board David Gunning said he could not make assurances the hospital would be completed by June next year and it is now likely to be pushed back to 2026. The long-delayed project is now expected to cost the State 2.2bn, with Mr Gunning insisting the price would not be inflated further and the board was unwilling to give developers BAM Ireland any further funds. BAM Ireland has reportedly made thousands of claims for more money to the tune of 750m. Full-day stoppage In a statement, Unite said despite contact with contractors' association this week, their disputes committee had decided there would be a further full-day stoppage on Friday from 12.01am to 11.59pm. Unite general secretary Sharon Graham said it was thanks to the determined action of Unite members over the past three weeks that the contractors' association had made contact. But the employers need to remember that making contact is a long way from resolving this dispute. This is a highly profitable sector, and our members will continue to have Unites unstinting support as they fight to have the first hour of travel time restored. Unite regional officer James McCabe said "employers can well afford to meet our members demands. When the industrial action first began, the contractors' association said its pay agreements had already been negotiated eight months prior and it was extremely disappointed its members were again being targeted by Unite for additional pay increases. In a statement, it called for an end to Unites picketing warning that continuing industrial action could cause "reputational damage to the sector, which will result in job losses". "The union is striking in pursuit of its claim for the 'restoration of the first hour of travel time'. This allowance was incorporated into hourly rates of pay in 2011 in accordance with an agreement reached at the Workplace Relations Commission between MEBSCA, Unite and Connect," it said. "Hourly rates of pay increased when the first hour of travel was incorporated into the rate and the higher rate is also paid for overtime and travel. "We urge Unite to withdraw their notice of further industrial action to protect jobs and livelihoods." The Irish Examiner contacted representatives of BAM Ireland for comment and to ask if the company expected the picketing to cause disruption to the site. A representative for the company said it would not be commenting on the picket. The current levels of bovine tuberculosis have gone through the roof in Cork, the Senate was told. Senator Tim Lombard said the reactor rate had increased by 22% across the county in the past six months, and was causing terrible stress and hardship for families. As he was walking to the Chamber, he said he received a phone call from a neighbour who had a TB test done on his farm that day and lost 10 cows. He met another man in Timoleague who had 52 reactors in his herd during the week. The numbers are frightening, he said, warning the problem would worsen when herds are housed over the winter. Mr Lombard said: We will see the levels of TB increase dramatically next spring, which will have a huge financial impact on family farms and the co-operative societies. It will cause unbelievable mental trauma for farmers to have their stock taken away to be slaughtered. Members of the veterinary community coming into the yards of farmers they know very well [and] they may have to put down a large percentage of their herds as reactors. That is another trauma in the system. Mr Lombard claimed the TB eradication programme, which started in the mid-1950s, had been a failure. Despite increased levels of funding, it had not dealt with the issue. I have farmers who are under financial, physical and mental pressure because of what has happened to their herds in the past few months, he said. Larger herds, fragmented farms, and herds with buy-in cattle are all more at risk of TB breakdown. Agriculture Minister Charlie McConalogue earlier told the Dail bovine TB was a challenging disease to control and eradicate. He said he was committed to making real progress in controlling the disease as he was aware of the financial and emotional trauma associated with a herd breakdown for farmers. The minister said the number of new restrictions and reactor numbers had been increasing since 2016 and the pace of deterioration had accelerated in recent years. Nationally, as of September 1, 2024, on a 12-month rolling basis, herd incidence increased to 5.52%, compared to 4.74% at the same time last year. In the past 12 months, 5,607 herds were restricted, compared to 4,872 in the previous 12-month period. Mr McConalogue said Ireland's bovine TB eradication programme was guided by national and international scientific research and advice. A large body of peer-reviewed research has been conducted into the spread of TB in Ireland and the risks underlying its transmission. Movement of infected cattle with undetected infection, residual infection in cattle previously exposed to TB, and spread across farm boundaries from infected to uninfected cattle were among the principal causes. Indirect spread through other biosecurity breaches, and/or spread from infected wildlife to uninfected cattle were also found to be among the principal causes. Larger herds, fragmented farms, and herds with buy-in cattle are all more at risk of TB breakdown. Last year, more than 9,000 badgers were captured in the vaccination zones, Agriculture Minister Charlie McConalogue said In addition, the expansion of the dairy herd since 2015 has had an impact on increasing TB levels also, he said. Mr McConalogue, replying to a series of questions from Galway East TD Sean Canny, said the spread of the disease was multifactorial and was being fought on many fronts. Since he launched the TB Strategy in 2021, stakeholders have been working collectively to reduce TB rates. We must keep this going with the ultimate aim of eradicating TB from the herd, he said. Mr McConalogue said a large-scale rollout of badger vaccination commenced in late 2019. Every year, more and more of the countryside is designated as vaccination zones. This is reflected in the numbers of badgers captured for vaccination in these zones rising from an initial figure of 1,937 badgers in 2019, to 4,698 badgers in 2020. It rose again in 2021 to 6,586 badgers, with a further 7,244 badgers captured for vaccination in 2022. Last year, more than 9,000 badgers were captured in the vaccination zones, he said, adding there had been a significant increase in funding for the Wildlife Programme in recent years. Film: The Outrun Friday, September 27 Is this the film that finally nets Saoirse Ronan her Oscar? Based on the memoir of the same name by Amy Liptrot, Ronan plays Rona, who is out of rehab after suffering with alcoholism and decides to move from her wild life in London back home to the Orkney Islands off the north coast of Scotland. Its a coming-of-age tale about coming home. Music festival: Cork Folk Festival Wednesday, October 2 to Sunday, October 6 Folk legends and new talent mix for whats sure to be an exciting week of the 45th Cork Folk Festival. Meadhbh Hayes and Jimmy Crowley launching the 45th Cork Folk Festival. Picture: Darragh Kane Paul Brady, Frankie James, De Danann, Iarla O Lionaird, Ger Wolfe, and Mercury Prize-nominated Seth Lakeman all feature over the week, alongside art exhibitions and book launches. Literary Festival: Write by the Sea Friday, September 27 to Sunday, September 29, Kilmore Quay, Co Wexford. This boutique literary festival features readings, conversations, workshops, and interviews, opening on Friday with a special ceremony led by the poet Patrick Cotter. Colin Barrett: Longlisted for the Booker Prize, and set to appear at Write by the Sea Tessa Hadley, Lucy Caldwell, Cat Hogan, Booker Prize-longlisted Colin Barrett, and Elaine Feeney all star over the weekend in one of the most picturesque settings in the country. Arts event: Gleann a Phuca Saturday, September 28. The Glen, Cork. The year-long creative climate action arts project Gleann a Phuca, responding to the ecological, cultural, industrial, and historical heritage of The Glen River Park, culminates with a full day of events showcasing artist works and poetry trail launch. Ann Dalton is part of the art project in The Glen in Cork on Saturday. The day includes a picnic, dance performance, film and animation screenings and the launch of the FuaimMna audio trail celebrating the women of the Glen River Park. Streaming: Love is Blind Wednesday, October 2. Netflix. The global dating experiment returns to Netflix for its seventh season. Ranging from ages 27 to 37, the cast includes military veterans, multiple scientists, a lawyer, journalist, and for the first time ever a pair of siblings who will enter the experiment together. Two handsome rooks greet you at the entrance to a new exhibition at the National Gallery of Ireland. Loaned by the Natural History Museum, the mounted pair guard a collection of large-scale watercolours by a painter who had a soft spot for these birds. Mildred Anne Butler was born in 1858 at Kilmurry House near Thomastown County Kilkenny. Apart from visits to London Paris and Cornwall, she lived her entire life in this 18th-century Palladian mansion, with its fields, woods, and a large pond. Not having to earn a living, she began painting rural scenes. Cattle, steam-powered threshing machines, and doves, were among her subjects. Of the 17 pictures on show at the Gallery, five depict rooks. Another features a magpie strung up as a scarecrow pour encourager les autres. Andrew Wyeth, in his Study for a Woodshed, would embrace that ghoulish theme in the 1940s. Mildred Anne Butler (1858-1941), Shades of Evening, 1904. Photo National Gallery of Ireland Crows, especially ravens, appear widely in Western art. A magpie is forced into respectful silence in Piero della Francescas Nativity. Van Goghs ominous Wheatfield with Crows is a cultural icon. A young woman hugs a crow in a Picasso Blue Period picture. Oliver Shephards Cuchulainn bronze includes the raven, while Vincent Sheridan celebrates corvids in his work. Butler kept stuffed specimens to ensure that her depictions were anatomically correct. Its distinctive profile makes the rook an ideal artists model. The shaggy plumage, long nose-like bill and trousers-covered knees, give it an uncanny human resemblance. She sets the black plumage against the pale mauve winter light of the Irish countryside. Her evocative Shades of Evening is an atmospheric masterpiece. Water Party, Kilmurry, by Mildred Anne Butler for auction on September 30 at Whyte's. Estimate: 15,000 - 20,000 Rooks are the most human of our birds. Feeding and roosting in flocks, they nest communally in tree-top rookeries, avian villages. Lively and quarrelsome, they chatter noisily, each trying to outdo its neighbour in a hierarchical rat-race. Lovable rogues, these 'neighbours from hell', who may steal nesting materials when owners backs are turned, are, to borrow Nietzsches phrase, human, all too human. Each bird species has its own unique personality. Having captured and ringed rooks for more than 30 years, I think I know their character fairly well. Perhaps its a figment of my imagination, but Butler seems to capture that essence perfectly. With their quasi-binocular vision, rooks seem to gaze knowingly into our souls. Resourceful and intelligent, their lifestyles uncannily resemble ours. Am I indulging in sentimental anthropomorphism? Yes, guilty as charged! But this is art, not science. Butler knew some of the impressionists. Like them, she painted en plein air an unusual practice in her day. But she didnt follow them down the fleeting impressionistic road. Instead, she turned to moral and traditional themes, even offering an avian version of Davids The Oath of the Horatii. "And straight against that great array went forth the dauntless three" wrote Thomas Babington Macaulay. Her Green-eyed Jealousy references Shakespeares Merchant of Venice. Our Mildred had a sense of humour. Crows, in their funereal attire, parody pompous lawyers in her High Court of Justice. A snowy avian procession caricatures the opening of Parliament. The curator of the exhibition is Niamh MacNally. Gardai have seized a shotgun and ammunition during a search operation in Co Dublin. As part of ongoing investigations into recent criminal activity in the Baldoyle area, Gardai in Howth searched a property on the Moyne Road in Baldoyle, Dublin 13, on Wednesday evening. Assistance was provided by the District Detective Unit, Garda Dog Unit, Armed Support Unit, District Drugs Unit, the District Crime Task Force and uniform gardai from Clontarf and Raheny. "During the course of the search, a sawn-off double barrel shotgun and ammunition was found concealed in an abandoned vehicle. The firearm and ammunition were seized by gardai and is subject to further analysis by the Ballistics Section of the Garda Technical Bureau," a garda spokesperson said. Two vehicles were also seized by gardai during the course of the search and are subject to a technical examination. Gardai also confirmed that no arrests have been made and investigations are ongoing. Children from an orphanage supported by the Irish Defence Forces have been forced to flee to Beirut from their southern Lebanon base because of Israeli bombing. Dubbed Irelands embassy in south Lebanon, Tibnine Orphanage was at the centre of a major bombing campaign that started on September 23. More than 600 people have already died, including more than 170 women and children. Bombs landed within 50 to 100 metres of the orphanage after the attacks began and saw 40 children cowering behind thick walls. It was absolutely terrifying, an orphanage staff member told the Irish Examiner. We could hear the jets overhead, then the bombs or missiles hitting and exploding. They were going off all around us and it was like a horrific war film, and you just didnt know where they were going to drop next. The children were absolutely terrified, especially when the bombs started landing near us and also the Tibnine Hospital. Bombs also landed near the towns Lebanese Red Cross HQ, with one exploding right beside the walls of the stations yard where its ambulances are parked. Orphanage staff put the children into a bus and they joined the hundreds of thousands of people fleeing the Israeli air attack on targets across southern Lebanon, and more lately now, in Beirut itself. However, while the 105km journey to Beirut from Tibnine would normally take two hours, it took the orphanage staff 15 hours to get to the city. The roads were all packed with people trying to get away from the Israeli bombing, the staff member said. At one point, I think there were 500,000 people all heading the same direction. The orphanage was built with the help and support of peacekeepers from the Netherlands in 1979, but Irish peacekeepers have been heavily involved with it ever since. Funding for the orphanage, which normally houses up to 65 children, comes from a variety of sources, including the Lebanese government, Defence Forces personnel serving with the UN, and donations from UN veterans. Funding usually comes via Irish Aid, Irelands development co-operation programme, and is for so-called 'micro projects'. Micheal Martin has repeatedly met children and staff from the orphanage when he has visited in his capacity as Taoiseach or Tanaiste and Defence Minister. During the 1980s, Irish soldiers supplied the orphanage with food and helped to equip and install bedrooms. Irish medics serving with the UN also do health checks on the children and provide an element of care for them. As well as providing fresh water, soldiers also teach English to the children. Funds supplied by Irish Aid and Defences Forces personnel have also supplied buses over the years, as well as a kitchen and a playground. The Israeli Defence Forces was asked for a comment about bombs landing near the orphanage and the local hospital and Lebanese Red Cross. It was also asked if it could make any assurances that every effort would be made to ensure these and other civilian buildings in Tibnine would not be blown up. A spokesperson said a statement will be issued later today. George Mitchell has said he feared Northern Ireland was heading for true disaster in the months before the Good Friday Agreement was signed. The veteran US diplomat said that he had moments of despair after years of failed negotiations before the historic 1998 peace deal was agreed. Mr Mitchell chaired the negotiations which eventually led to the agreement, which largely ended decades of violence in Northern Ireland and the establishment of a powersharing Assembly at Stormont. Speaking at Queens University in Belfast, Mr Mitchell recalled the challenges he faced before the deal was agreed. George Mitchell spoke at the event at the Whitla Hall at Queens University, Belfast (Kelvin Boyes/PA) He said he had believed his previous experience as the US Senate majority leader had prepared him to deal with the polarised political landscape. He said: Nothing in the United States Senate came near to what I went through in Northern Ireland. It was very tough and very rough. I had been a federal judge before I entered the senate so I was used to presiding over disputes, but I had never encountered a dispute like this. It was very, very difficult. It was difficult, but I controlled myself. I had moments of great despair. The setbacks were many Monica (McWilliams, one of the founders of the Womens Coalition) will remember the early days, Paul (Murphy, former Northern Ireland Secretary) will remember the early days when it was impossible to have a reasonable conversation. When Monica and her co-chair of the Womens Coalition, Pearl Sagar, sought to speak, they were insulted, they were demeaned. I had a tough time making it plain that they were to be treated with the same respect as any other speaker in the room. Which, unfortunately, was not much respect, but at least it was better than the way they were treated. It was difficult, but I controlled myself. I had moments of great despair. The setbacks were many. Mr Mitchell said that when then US president Bill Clinton had first sent him to Northern Ireland, he had expected to stay for six months. I really did think we were headed for true disaster He said: It was five years. I chaired three separate sets of negotiations and for almost all that time it was failure, failure, failure, recrimination, anger, hostility. The ceasefires were routinely broken and killings in late 1997, early 1998 accelerated. I really did think we were headed for true disaster. He continued: I really felt it was critical that this could be an example, that you can end violence, you can bring an end to conflict, no matter how old it was, no matter how violent it was, no matter how vicious it was. If for no other reason than the fear of escalation. Reducing the number of children in poverty is a question of political priorities, an Oireachtas committee has heard, as proposals to lift 40,000 children out of poverty would cost the same as reducing the Vat rate for the hospitality sector to 9%. Trinity College Dublins Dr Barra Roantree addressed the Social Protection Committee on a report he recently co-authored with ESRI researchers on poverty, income inequality and income standards in Ireland. That report found around 250,000 children under the age of five in Ireland and their parents are living below the poverty line when housing costs are taken into account, as inflation has eroded real incomes in recent years. Dr Roantree told the committee: Welfare payments have not kept pace with inflation. If we look at them today, and by the end of this year, wed see theyre currently between 6-8% lower than their 2020 levels in real terms. And that poses a very real challenge to the Government in the upcoming Budget, given the limited resources that is allocated to tax and welfare measures in the Summer Economic Statements. The researcher said that the increases in welfare rates are unlikely to offset the eventual withdrawal of one-off payments that have characterised recent budget announcements, such as electricity credits. Dr Roantree said that, for children in poverty, a means-tested second-tier of child benefit payment could take over 40,000 children out of poverty, or one quarter of the current number living in poverty. But reducing child poverty will require spending money, he said. Our proposal which is much more effective than other approaches would still cost just under 700m. Ultimately, I think its a question of political priorities. That cost of 700m is similar to what we currently raise in capital acquisitions tax, often called inheritance tax, or what we would forgo by cutting the Vat rate on hospitality to 9%. Given the substantial body of evidence which shows the negative causal impacts that child poverty has on child and later life outcomes, theres a very strong argument that it would be money well spent. When pressed by TDs such as Fianna Fails Eamon O Cuiv and Sinn Feins Donnchadh O Laoghaire on how such a system would work, Dr Roantree said our current welfare system looks like the British one 30 years ago, and is in dire need of reform. While Taoiseach Simon Harris has ruled out a second, means-tested rate of child benefit in next weeks Budget, he has said he is open to the idea in the future. Chinese FM attends UN Security Council's high-level meeting on "Leadership for Peace" Xinhua) 14:38, September 26, 2024 UNITED NATIONS, Sept. 25 (Xinhua) -- Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi on Wednesday addressed the United Nations (UN) Security Council's high-level meeting on "Leadership for Peace" at the UN headquarters in New York. Wang, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, said that to achieve peace, it is necessary to uphold the correct security concept. This requires abiding by the purposes and principles of the UN Charter, respecting the sovereignty and territorial integrity of all countries, abandoning the Cold War mentality and zero-sum game, and resisting bloc politics and camp confrontation. Wang said to achieve peace, it is necessary to uphold international fairness and justice. Maintaining that all countries, regardless of size, are equal, Wang said they should safeguard the authority of the Security Council and oppose any illegal unilateral sanctions imposed without its authorization. Palestine should become a full member of the United Nations, Wang said, adding that the urgent task is to achieve a permanent ceasefire in Gaza and the complete withdrawal of Israeli forces, and to prevent a new humanitarian crisis in Lebanon. To achieve peace, it is necessary to stick to political and diplomatic solutions, Wang said. He reiterated China's consistent position on the Ukraine crisis, which is to promote peace talks and a political settlement. To achieve peace, it is necessary to promote common and sustainable development for peace, Wang said. (Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Zhong Wenxing) " " We're not exaggerating when we say there are thousands of snakes on Ilha da Queimada Grande. John Lund / Getty Images Snake Island, also known as Ilha da Queimada Grande, is one of the most intriguing and dangerous places on Earth. Located off the coast of Brazil, this island is home to some of the most venomous snakes in the world. The isolation of the island, combined with its unique environment, has led to the evolution of a snake species that you cant find anywhere else on the planet. Advertisement What makes Snake Island so fascinating and terrifying is the sheer number of snakes that call it home. With no natural predators to keep their population in check, these snakes have become the dominant species on the island, creating a place so hazardous that the Brazilian government has made it illegal for anyone to visit without special permission. The Tanaiste said the Minister for Public Expenditure Paschal Donohoe is clear he did not make any phone call to an Israeli minister about the Occupied Territories Bill. Micheal Martin said he spoke to the Fine Gael minister on Thursday, and was clear that the reported phone call did not happen, nor does his published diary record any phone call. It was reported by the online website The Ditch that the then finance minister had a secret phone call in 2019 with his Israeli counterpart to assure him the Irish Government would block the Bill. The website said the call was disclosed in documents leaked from the Israeli Ministry of Justice. Sinn Feins Matt Carthy raised the issue in the Dail on Thursday, calling on Mr Martin to clarify whether the phone call took place. Mr Carthy, the Sinn Fein spokesman on foreign affairs, said: One of the things that we can do and, in fact, should have done years ago, is to enact the Control of Economic Activity (Occupied Territories) Bill 2018. The Bill is not controversial or, at least, it should not be. It simply bans trade with and economic support for illegal settlements and territories deemed occupied under international law. The Tanaistes party supported it when it was in opposition. It not only supported it but ran a roadshow in towns and cities across Ireland setting out its importance. On entering Government, Fianna Fail and the Green Party, it has to be said, have allowed Fine Gael to continue blocking this legislation. We have heard the excuses as to why the Bill has not been enacted. Reporting from The Ditch website suggests that following a confidential and unrecorded call with the minister, Paschal Donohoe, Israeli officials were in little doubt that the Bill would be blocked by the Fine Gael Government. We are told that Israeli officials emphasised that this was a confidential call and that, of course, chimes with the ministers own failure to record it in his ministerial diary and the Tanaistes contention that the minister cannot recall a conversation. Mr Martin said he spoke to Mr Donohoe on Thursday. He is clear that he did not make any such phone call, he said. His published diary does not record any such phone call. Sinn Feins Matt Carthy raised the issue of the reported phone call in the Dail on Thursday (Liam McBurney/PA) It speaks to people rushing to judgment before ascertaining the full facts. He is very clear and I think deputy Carthy should perhaps withdraw the assertions in his earlier public statements in that regard. Mr Carthy, a TD for Cavan Monaghan, called on the Tanaiste to commit to enacting the Occupied Territories Bill, and to allow for the passage of Sinn Feins Illegal Israeli Settlements Divestment Bill 2023, which bans the state from investing in companies that profit from illegal Israeli settlements. Mr Martin went on to say that the Israeli response to the attack on October 7 by Hamas has been absolutely disproportional and led to near famine conditions and the killing of more than 40,000 people in Gaza. In my view, that is reprehensible, he told the Dail. Mr Martin said he met the Prime Minister of the Palestinian Authority (Mohammed Mustafa), who he said was very grateful and very appreciative of Irelands stance and support of the Palestinian right to self-determination. A 34-year-old man on a stag night could not keep pace drinking with younger men and ended up getting so drunk that he abused a member of An Garda Siochana and had no memory of doing so. Brian OConnell of 43 Grattan Street, Cork, pleaded guilty at Cork District Court to threatening and obstruction charges arising out of the incident as well as being so intoxicated that he was a danger to himself or others. Sergeant Gearoid Davis outlined in court the background to Garda Barry OSheas encounter with the defendant on the occasion last month. At 3.15am on August 3 Garda OShea observed a man causing a disturbance on Daunt Square. He was unsteady on his feet and slurring his words. Garda OShea found that he was engaging in threatening, abusive and insulting behaviour and he called Garda OShea a c***. Garda OShea was attempting to arrest him and he resisted arrest, obstructing Garda OShea in the performance of his duty. The accused had a previous conviction for obstruction as well as four for engaging in threatening behaviour and three for being drunk and a danger. On hearing the list of previous convictions, Judge Philip OLeary said: He is a bit of a repeat offender. Defence solicitor, Eddie Burke, said: He is not happy that he finds himself here. On the night he went to a stag party. He was trying to keep up with young people drinking with him and he cannot drink like that. He cannot remember what happened after 10pm, Mr Burke said. In his favour, Mr Burke said Mr OConnell was in full-time employment. Judge OLeary said: He is not the worst offender but it is unfortunate that this has happened again. He has apologised for the disrespect shown. He fined the defendant 200 for his threatening behaviour, 250 for obstructing Garda OShea and took the drunkenness charge into consideration. He will have to be careful not to come back before the court again, Judge OLeary said. A man in his 20s was taken to hospital after being stabbed in Dublin. Gardai in Crumlin have arrested one man following a serious assault in Ballymount, Dublin 12, on Wednesday evening. A drug and alcohol addiction treatment charity has seen a 26% increase in the number of women accessing its recovery services in the Mid-West. Among them, a Cork mother joined an addiction centre after reaching her last straw. In 2023, Elaine Cremin, now aged 34, joined Westbourne House, a Coolmine addiction centre in Limerick City, which allows women to undergo treatment while remaining close to their children. From June to October of last year, she was in its residential treatment programme. She is now 15 months sober. It was her family who urged Ms Cremin to seek help. She contacted Coolmine for the first time in 2022. I would have been in and out of addiction for years. When I finally went to Coolmine, not that I was forced in, but my family started to realise I had a problem, so they asked me to seek help, Ms Cremin recalls. At first, it was so hard to stay sober, to stay clean. I kind of dipped in and out of addiction. In May 2023, I just had my final straw. Things had gotten worse between myself, my partner and my kids, to the point where I was just taking drugs all day, every day. That was when she asked if she could join Westbourne House. Things were really, really bad. I wasn't eating, I wasn't sleeping, I had a fear of people coming through the door, looking for their money and all of that, she says. In Westbourne House, Ms Cremin got back into a routine and joined groups to speak about her experience with addiction. I was in residential for 19 weeks, and Im now 15 months clean, she says. People suffer in silence in addiction, especially being a parent, sometimes it is very, very hard to ask for help with the stigma around having kids and addiction. Coolmine take that on board and they do try to help you as much as they can. Last year, Coolmine provided 2,523 treatments support in communities across Ireland, as well as 217 residential placements. So far this year, Westbourne House has welcomed 18 new admissions. Among the latest admissions, most women are from Cork and Limerick. The primary substance of abuse reported by more than a third of Coolmines clients is cocaine, closely followed by alcohol. According to Coolmine, the average age of its clients is 31. Self-referrals account for 44% of admissions, followed by referrals from Tusla at 39%. Notably, 78% of new admissions were homeless upon entry to the service. Coolmine team leader Aoife Marshall said: The unique thing about Coolmine Mid-West is we wouldn't just support the woman in isolation, we support your family. Ms Marshall understands women may be wary of contacting them. You can make that call yourself. We don't look for any identifying information if you call and look for information. We offer support and allow the woman to choose whether we're the service for her or not, she says. This Friday, a group of people will be taking part in a fundraising abseil at Thomond Park, to ensure Coolmine can continue to deliver vital addiction recovery services. Further information about the event can be found here. This time last year, President Michael D Higgins caused some consternation when he said that the United Nations was losing credibility. On Sunday, he spoke to the UN Summit of the Future, and asked all member countries to look not only at current weakness but at those abuses of power that have consciously undermined the UN since its foundation in 1945. Chief among those abuses of power is the exercise of the veto in the UNs Security Council. Oxfam has just published a major report entitled Vetoing Humanity: How a few powerful nations hijacked global peace, which shows how the use of the veto by the Permanent Five China, France, Russia, Britain, and the US has blocked efforts to bring peace to conflicts around the world. We have studied 23 of the worlds bloodiest conflicts in the past 10 years, and found the UN Security Council is paralysed on some, neglects others, and freely passes resolutions on the rest without following up with necessary actions and resources in order to make those resolutions meaningful. Of the 30 votes where the veto has been used to block resolutions, 27 of them have been on the conflicts in the occupied Palestinian territories, Ukraine, and Syria. Oxfam Ireland CEO Jim Clarken. Russia has used its veto four times on Ukraine, despite being an aggressor in the conflict, and should therefore be disqualified from voting. Russia, often with China, has vetoed 12 resolutions on Syria, and those resolutions that have passed have been weakened by fear of the veto. The US has used its veto and its well-known threat of a veto to repeatedly block actions on Palestine. It took more than six months to get the Security Council to agree to call for a ceasefire as thousands were being killed in Gaza. These votes have real and practical ramifications, as with a 2023 draft resolution where Russia vetoed a nine-month extension of cross-border assistance to northern Syria, leaving 4.1m people with little or no access to food, water and medicine. The Permanent Five have cherry-picked which conflicts to focus on, to appease their own geopolitical and economic interests. Eleven of the 23 conflicts studied have been largely ignored by the Security Council. These include Ethiopia, Burundi, Myanmar, Chad, and Niger. Even when resolutions are passed, for example, nearly 80 resolutions on Sudan and South Sudan, 53 on Somalia, and 48 on Libya, none of these have led to lasting peace. This is because there is a lack of political will to do the hard and necessary work of peacekeeping and peacebuilding on the ground in these conflict zones. The real consequences of this failure can be seen in the more than 1m lives that have been lost in these 23 conflicts alone over the past decade. The number of people in urgent need of aid has more than doubled to more than 230m over that same period. Globally, conflict remains the primary driver for hunger for more than 135m people. Nearly 100m people have been forced to flee their homes. The Irish Government does advocate for reform of the UN Security Council and for enhanced multilateralism. Indeed, one of Irelands own draft resolutions co-led with Niger on climate and security was blocked by Russia while we were members of the Security Council in 2021. Taoiseach Simon Harris has said he will prioritise resolution of the conflicts in Gaza, Ukraine, and Sudan while he is in New York this week as well as for reformed multilateralism. We submit that a reformed UN Security Council is necessary to even begin to deal with the conflicts in Gaza, Ukraine, Sudan, and so many others. For every time the world seeks to act in unison, one of the Permanent Five will act only in their own interests. The veto should be abolished. No government should hold the power to block progress towards peace. At the very least, the Permanent Five must refrain from exercising vetoes on issues involving war crimes, crimes against humanity, genocide, and other serious human rights violations. The rule against the Permanent Five using vetoes on disputes to which they are party Article 27(3) of the UN Charter must be adhered to. No country which is an aggressor in a conflict should be able to block the path to peace. Membership of the Security Council should be increased to include those under-represented regions and countries, particularly from the Global South. We recognise that some of these reforms will necessitate a review of the UN Charter but this is exactly what needs to happen. The architecture of the Security Council was designed after the Second World War when the UN only had 51 member states, many of which were colonies. Until the UN can enact the will of over 190 countries and not simply the big five, we will be stuck in a never-ending cycle of conflict and hunger. This week in New York, the rest of the world needs to unite, and Ireland can and should play its part. Jim Clarken is CEO of Oxfam Ireland and chair of the EU Fundamental Rights Agency The escalating conflict between Israeli forces and Hezbollah has put a renewed focus on the battle-hardened Lebanese militant group. The two sides have been exchanging fire since the beginning of the war in Gaza in October last year, but the violence has increased markedly in the past week on the Lebanese side of the border, where Israel killed hundreds of people in strikes on Monday. The violence is seen as the most likely avenue for the war in Gaza to explode into an uncontrollable regional conflagration. Here is a guide to the Party of God and its position in and testy relationship with the fragile Lebanese state. What is Hezbollah? Hezbollah is a powerful Islamist movement that was founded by Iran during the middle of the Lebanese 1975-90 civil war. It was further shaped by its fight with Israeli forces after their 1982 invasion of Lebanon. While the US and other western governments deem it a terrorist organisation and Hezbollah has conducted mass-casualty attacks on civilians the groups reach extends far beyond militancy. The Shia Muslim movement has become a political and social powerhouse in Lebanon, running medical clinics, schools, a regional television network and even a hilltop museum that has been popular with European tourists. What is Hezbollahs position in Lebanon? For years, Hezbollah has played an official political role, with ministers in government and lawmakers in parliament. It holds the ministry of public works and the ministry of labour, and has often formed coalitions with other political parties, including Christian ones, under power-sharing agreements. Fractured, sectarian politics means the government in Lebanon has remained weak, politically divided and plagued by corruption. Currently, there is no president due to infighting. The upshot is that even Hebzollahs domestic adversaries are unable to reel in the group. Lebanons prime minister, Najib Mikati, for example, describes himself as liberal and is not part of Hezbollah, but he has little control over what it does. It is widely accepted that Hezbollah could overpower the national army if it wanted to, although the group appears to have preferred to maintain its current status as a powerful player. How has Hezbollah become so influential? Lebanons 15-year civil war, which was fought largely along religious and sectarian lines, ended with warring militias laying down their arms. Hezbollah, however, was the exception, keeping its weapons ostensibly to fight the Israeli forces that occupied southern Lebanon at the time. Hezbollah members march during the funeral procession of their comrades who were killed in in an Israeli strike, in the southern suburb of Beirut on September 21. Hezbollah garnered widespread domestic support for pushing out Israel in 2000, even among Christian, Druze and Sunni Muslim sections of society outside its main Shia base in the south of Lebanon. It fought a five-week war with Israel in 2006. Substantial backing from allies in Iran and Syria has also allowed Hezbollah to play an outsized role in the Lebanese state. How popular is Hezbollah in Lebanon? The local support Hezbollah received as the only Lebanese force able to provide a deterrent to Israels attacks has been chipped away over the years, most significantly after it helped the Syrian dictator, Bashar al-Assad, suppress a pro-democracy uprising with bloody and lethal force. As Irans most powerful proxy force in its region, Hezbollah could have been forced or at least coerced into fighting for Assad, who is a close ally to Tehran and part of its axis of resistance against Israel and the US. However, many Lebanese people saw Hezbollahs attacks on Syrians as an unjust intervention in a foreign conflict one that risked drawing their fragile state into further unrest while it was still recovering from the scars of its own civil war, decades after it formally ended. What is Hezbollahs relationship with Hamas in Gaza? Hezbollah has allowed Hamas to operate in Lebanon and coordinates closely with the group. However, while they share a common enemy in Israel, they are certainly not strong allies. The Sunni Muslim Hamas is also considered an Iranian proxy force but it operates with independence, notably by initially backing anti-Assad forces during the Syrian civil war, which strained its relationship with Hezbollah. Guardian For some companies, an initial public offering (IPO) a stock market flotation is seen as the best way to access capital on the public markets. What are the benefits of an IPO? Are there any disadvantages? And is it only for large companies? An IPO is the sale of a companys shares to the public and the listing of shares on a stock exchange for the first time, says Fergal McAleavey, corporate finance partner at EY Ireland. Through the issuance of new shares to public investors, it allows a company to raise capital in order to build and expand its business, he adds. Fergal McAleavey, corporate finance partner at EY Ireland. For private companies seeking to raise capital or provide exits for their shareholders, an IPO can be a compelling route or strategic option for funding growth and accessing deep pools of capital, says McAleavey. An IPO can fund innovation, growth, acquisitions, and internationalisation, as well as raise outside capital and enhance corporate governance, attract talent and incentivise management, and carve out and maximise values from different businesses. McAleavey says an IPO provides efficient access to capital markets to raise money through equity and bond offerings with better future financing opportunities. It creates flexibility to trade shares with high liquidity and daily valuation, he adds. Shares can also be used as a new liquid M&A currency. An IPO also garners attention and creates better brand recognition and prestige with customers and suppliers, which can also enhance the companys ability to attract, retain, and reward valued employees with long-term incentive plans. An IPO also gives the company the ability to benchmark operations against their industry peers, provides a diversification of wealth for shareholders, and improves standing and creditworthiness. The disadvantages of an IPO include the possibility of diluting existing ownership stakes and the potential risk of management distraction from core business operations, McAleavey says. Going public also requires more transparency and disclosure, demanding periodic reporting and higher corporate governance standards, and increased and ongoing regulatory scrutiny and supervision. Additionally, the initial IPO expenses and ongoing costs to maintain listing status can be significant. Pressure to deliver New investors also gain voting rights, which may put pressure on the company to deliver on its promises and manage shareholders expectations. An IPO is not only for large companies but is best suited to high-growth companies, private equity- and venture capital-backed companies, family businesses, scale-up companies, conglomerates, and state-owned entities, says McAleavey. With the volume of capital out there today dry powder as it is known an IPO is one option, but its no longer the holy grail that it might have been seen as 20 years ago. Becoming a public company was the ultimate way, whereas now there are substantial funds, including PE and VC funds, that can just as easily provide capital for a large company, says McAleavey. Alternatively, there are trade sales, mergers with special purpose acquisition companies, bank finance and other private funding sources. Key to an IPO is the careful evaluation of the pros and cons, which requires thorough preparation and planning, and viewing the IPO as a transformational process rather than just a financing event, in McAleaveys view. It is essential to have a Plan B, such as a multitrack approach, in case market conditions change, he says. Secondly, the Irish Stock Exchange (Euronext) recently launched its IPOready programme, which is seeking to attract Irish companies considering an IPO. This programme is really welcome and will be a positive option for companies seeking to understand the path to an IPO, the preparation required for an IPO and the requirements by the Stock Exchange and public markets once a company is listed. Frances foreign minister says his country and the United States are working on a proposal for a 21-day ceasefire to allow for negotiations in the escalating conflict between Israel and Hezbollah. Jean-Noel Barrot told the UN Security Council during a meeting about the conflict that the proposal would be released shortly and we are counting on both parties to accept it without delay. Mr Barrot said France, a former colonial power to Lebanon, and the US had consulted with the sides on final parameters for a diplomatic way out of this crisis, adding that war is not unavoidable. Lebanons Prime Minister Najib Mikati speaks during a meeting of the Security Council (AP Photo/Frank Franklin II) US deputy ambassador to the UN Robert Wood encouraged the council to support the diplomatic efforts but did not offer specifics about the plan. We are working with other countries on a proposal that we hope will lead to calm and enable discussions to a diplomatic solution, he said. Earlier on Wednesday, Secretary of State Antony Blinken said the US administration was intensely engaged with a number of partners to deescalate tensions in Lebanon and to work to get a ceasefire agreement that would have so many benefits for all concerned. Mr Blinken and other advisers to President Joe Biden have spent the past three days at and on the sidelines of the annual UN General Assembly meeting of world leaders in New York lobbying other countries to support the plan, according to US officials, who spoke on condition of anonymity. Americans hope such a ceasefire could lead to longer-term stability along the border between Israel and Lebanon. Months of Israeli and Hezbollah exchanges of fire across the border drove tens of thousands of people from their homes on both sides of the border, and escalated attacks this week have rekindled fears of a broader war in the Middle East. Mr Bidens national security adviser Jake Sullivan and senior advisers Brett McGurk and Amos Hochstein have been meeting with Middle East allies in New York and have been in touch with Israeli officials about the proposal, one of the US officials said. Mr McGurk and Mr Hochstein have been the White Houses chief interlocutors with Israel and Lebanon since the October 7 attack on Israel by Hamas, another Iranian-backed militant group. Israels ambassador to the United Nations Danny Danon arrives during a meeting of the Security Council (AP Photo/Frank Franklin II) An Israeli official said Mr Netanyahu has given the green light to pursue a possible deal, but only if it includes the return of Israeli civilians to their homes. The official spoke on condition of anonymity because they were discussing behind-the-scenes diplomacy. Lebanese Prime Minister Najib Mikati threw his support behind the French-US plan that enjoys international support and which would put an end to this dirty war. He called on the Security Council to guarantee the withdrawal of Israel from all the occupied Lebanese territories and the violations that are repeated on a daily basis. When asked about the possibility of a halt in the fighting taking effect on Thursday, a Lebanese official, who spoke on condition of anonymity because he was not authorised to share details with the media, said it was not wishful thinking. Earlier on Wednesday, Mr Biden warned in an appearance on ABCs The View that an all-out war is possible but said he thinks the opportunity also exists to have a settlement that can fundamentally change the whole region. Mr Biden suggested that getting Israel and Hezbollah to agree to a ceasefire could help achieve a cessation of hostilities between Israel and Hamas in Gaza. That war is approaching the one-year mark after Hamas raids in southern Israel on October 7 killed about 1,200 people. Israel responded with an offensive that has since killed more than 41,000 Palestinians, according to Gaza health officials, who do not provide a breakdown of civilians and fighters in their count. The US government also raised the pressure with additional sanctions Wednesday targeting more than a dozen ships and other entities it says were involved in illicit shipments of Iranian petroleum for the financial benefit of Irans Revolutionary Guard and Hezbollah. Meanwhile, the chief of Israels army said on Wednesday that the military is preparing for a possible ground operation in Lebanon as Hezbollah hurled dozens of projectiles into Israel, including a missile aimed at Tel Aviv that was the militant groups deepest strike yet. A Hong Kong court is set to sentence two journalists in a landmark sedition case widely seen as an indicator of media freedom in a city once known as a beacon of press freedom in Asia. Stand News former editor-in-chief Chung Pui-kuen and former acting editor-in-chief Patrick Lam were the first journalists convicted under a colonial-era sedition law since the former British colony returned to Chinese rule in 1997. The now-shuttered news outlet was one of the last in Hong Kong that dared to criticise authorities as Beijing imposed a crackdown on dissidents following massive pro-democracy protests in 2019. The closure came months after the demise of pro-democracy newspaper Apple Daily, whose jailed founder Jimmy Lai is battling collusion charges under a tough national security law imposed by Beijing in 2020. Jimmy Lai, centre, who founded the Apple Daily tabloid, is escorted by Correctional Services officers to get on a prison van (AP Photo/Kin Cheung) Last month, the court found Chung and Lam guilty of conspiracy to publish and reproduce seditious publications, along with Best Pencil (Hong Kong) Ltd., the outlets holding company. They face up to two years in prison and a fine of 5,000 Hong Kong dollars. Judge Kwok Wai-king wrote in his verdict that Stand News had become a tool for smearing the Beijing and Hong Kong governments during the 2019 protests. He ruled that 11 articles published under the pairs leadership carried seditious intent, including commentaries written by activist Nathan Law and veteran journalists Allan Au and Chan Pui-man. Chan, who is also Chungs wife, earlier pleaded guilty in the Apple Daily case and is in custody awaiting her sentence. Mr Kwok said Lam and Chung were aware of and agreed with the seditious intent, and that they made Stand News available as a platform to incite hatred against Beijing or Hong Kongs government and the judiciary. On Thursday morning, dozens of residents were in lines to secure a seat in the courtroom. Former Stand News reader Andrew Wong, 35, said he wanted to attend the hearing to show his support though he felt like attending a funeral. Mr Wong, who works in a non-governmental organisation, said he had expected the convictions last month but he still felt a sense that weve passed a point of no return when he heard about the verdict. Everything we had in the past is gone, he said. Chung Pui-kuen, the ex-chief editor of the now-shuttered Stand News online outlet, outside the district court, in Hong Kong (AP Photo/Billy HC Kwok) Their trial, which began in October 2022, lasted some 50 days. The verdict was postponed several times for reasons including a wait for an appeal outcome in another landmark sedition case. Their lawyer Audrey Eu argued for the pair to be sentenced to up to time served, saying their case was different because they were journalists whose responsibility was to report on the citys situation and different peoples views. The pair also stressed their journalistic mission in their mitigation letters. The pair was detained for nearly a year after their arrests before being released on bail in late 2022. Ms Eu said Lam has been diagnosed with a rare disease and has had to undergo chemotherapy. Lam, who has a young daughter, lost his chance to pursue overseas studies due to this case, she said. Chung has been out of work and his wife is now in custody, she added. Hong Kong was ranked 135 out of 180 territories in Reporters Without Borders latest World Press Freedom Index, down from 80 in 2021, and 18 in 2002. Self-censorship has also become more common during the political crackdown on dissent following the 2019 protests, with increased reports of harassment against journalists in recent months. In March, the city government enacted another new security law that raised concerns about further curtailment of press freedom. A zoo in Finland has agreed with Chinese authorities to return two loaned giant pandas to China more than eight years ahead of schedule because they have become too expensive for the facility to maintain amid declining visitors. The private Ahtari Zoo in central Finland, some 330 kilometres (205 miles) north of Helsinki, said on its Facebook page that the female panda Lumi, Finnish for snow, and the male panda Pyry, meaning snowfall, will return prematurely to China later this year. The panda pair were Chinas gift to mark the Nordic nations 100 years of independence in 2017, and they were supposed to be on loan until 2033. 1.25 million Annual cost of upkeep of Lumi and Pyry, including a preservation fee to China But since then the zoo has experienced a number of challenges, including a decline in visitors due to the 2020 coronavirus pandemic and the conflict between Russia and Ukraine, as well as an increase in inflation and interest rates, the facility said in a statement. The panda deal between Helsinki and Beijing, a 15-year loan agreement, had been finalised in April 2017 when Chinese President Xi Jinping visited Finland for talks with Finlands then-president Sauli Niinisto. The pandas arrived in Finland in January 2018. The Ahtari Zoo, which specialises in typical northern European animals such as bears, lynxes and wolverines, built a special panda annex at a cost of some eight million euros (6.7 million) in the hopes of luring more tourists to the remote nature reserve. The upkeep of Lumi and Pyry, including a preservation fee to China, cost the zoo some 1.5 million euros (1.25 million) annually. The bamboo that giant pandas eat was flown in from the Netherlands. The Chinese embassy in Helsinki noted to Finnish media that Beijing had tried to help Ahtari to solve its financial difficulties, including by urging Chinese companies operating in Finland to make donations to the zoo and supporting its debt arrangements. Male panda Hua Bao, named Pyry in Finnish, rolls in snow during the official opening of the Ahtari Zoo Snowpanda Resort in Ahtari, Finland, in 2018 (Tommi Anttonen/Lehtikuva via AP) However, declining visitor numbers combined with drastic changes in the economic environment proved too high a burden for the smallish Finnish zoo. The panda pair will enter into a month-long quarantine in late October before being shipped to China. Finland, a country of 5.6 million, was among the first Western nations to establish political ties with China, doing so in 1950. China has presented giant pandas to countries as a sign of goodwill and closer political ties, and Finland was the first Nordic nation to receive them. The tomato brown rugose fruit virus was first detected in the Northern Adelaide Plains last month. And dramatic measures have now been carried out. Perfection Fresh's SA facility has been forced to fire around 500 employees after the tomato brown rugose fruit virus was detected. Source: 7News Hundreds of employees have been axed after South Australia's government announced a very significant virus had forced it to shut down three tomato farms in the state including the southern hemisphere's biggest grower. Major grower Perfection Fresh broke the news to an estimated 500 workers on Wednesday after the companys glasshouse in Two Wells was cordoned off by authorities. Gawler River Tomatoes and South Australia Tomatoes have also been placed on lockdown following the sudden detection of the tomato brown rugose fruit virus (ToBRFV) in the Northern Adelaide Plains. Worryingly, it is the first time the virus which causes brown wrinkled spots and deformations has been confirmed in the country. While it is safe for people to consume, the highly-contagious virus that also affects capsicums and chillies could bring the countrys multimillion-dollar tomato industry to its knees. The disease can result in a loss of yield of up to 75 per cent so that would have a very significant impact on South Australian and Australian growers more broadly, if that was to occur, Clare Scriven, SAs Primary Industries Minister, said during a press conference. Other states, if we were not to get on top of this or were not to put this quarantine in place, they would potentially close the doors to South Australian tomatoes. West Australia and Queensland have already moved to ban tomato imports from SA. Tomato grower Frank Pangallo earlier warned the virus could result in dramatic price increase of up to $20-$30 per kilogram. Tomato supply is set to take a huge hit from the shut downs in South Australia. Source: 7News Tomato farms to be closed for at least 'several weeks' Scriven said the virus appears to be contained at the three growers. All plants will be removed and the facilities will be disinfected. Nick Secomb, director of plant and invasive species biosecurity for SAs Department of Primary Industries and Regions, said the farms are expected to be closed for at least several weeks but that eradicating the disease is entirely possible. It has been agreed at the national level that this is a very significant disease and warrants further attention, he said, adding another 18 facilities had been tested but had negative results. Brown rugose can spread easily through contaminated tools, hands, clothing and direct plant to plant contact, according to the states Department of Primary Industries and Regions. It can also be seed-borne and remain in plant waste and contaminated soil for months. The rugose virus causes 'brown wrinkled spots and deformations' but is safe for consumption. Source: Department of Primary Industries and Regions Production Fresh's lockdown 'is simply devastating' Perfection Freshs chief executive Michael Simonetta said the company had been forced to destroy hundreds of thousands of tonnes of fruit following the quarantine announcement, Adelaide Now reported. While we appreciate the South Australian governments efforts to contain ToBRFV and recognise the pressure coming from other states, we believe the lockdown of our operations is entirely unnecessary as the virus has been successfully contained, he said. The impact of the lockdown on our employees and their families is simply devastating. With no timeline for when the lockdown might be lifted, we have no choice but to stand down workers, some of whom have been with us for many years. A state taskforce has been established to help growers contain the virus and support those who have lost their jobs. A worker assistance hub open from Thursday will connect workers with financial services and offer counselling. Do you have a story tip? Email: newsroomau@yahoonews.com. You can also follow us on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, Twitter and YouTube. An Israeli air strike in Lebanon has hit a building that housed Syrian workers, killing 23 of them and wounding eight other people, Lebanons state-run news agency said. The National News Agency said the strike late on Wednesday occurred near the ancient city of Baalbek, in Lebanons eastern Bekaa Valley running along the Syrian border. The agency quoted Ali Kassas, mayor of the village of Younine, as saying that the bodies of 23 Syrian citizens were pulled from under the rubble. Emergency workers arrive at the scene of an Israeli air strike in the town of Maisara, north of Beirut (Bilal Hussein/AP) He said four Syrians and four Lebanese were wounded. The Lebanese Red Cross said it recovered nine bodies, while others were recovered by the Hezbollah militant groups paramedic service and the Lebanese Civil Defence. Israel has carried out days of heavy strikes across Lebanon targeting what it says are sites belonging to Hezbollah, which has fired hundreds of rockets into Israel. More than 630 people have been killed on the Lebanese side, according to local health authorities, who say around a quarter were women and children. Several people have been wounded by shrapnel in Israel. Lebanon, with a population of around six million, hosts nearly 780,000 registered Syrian refugees and hundreds of thousands who are unregistered the worlds highest refugee population per capita. A Hong Kong court has sentenced a former editor of a shuttered news publication to 21 months in prison in a sedition case that is widely seen as an indicator of media freedom in the city, once hailed as a beacon of press freedom in Asia. A second editor was freed after his sentence was reduced because of ill health and time already served in custody. Former Stand News editor-in-chief Chung Pui-kuen and former acting editor-in-chief Patrick Lam are the first journalists convicted under a colonial-era sedition law since the former British colony returned to Chinese rule in 1997. Patrick Lam, the former acting editor-in-chief of Hong Kongs now shuttered pro-democracy news outlet Stand News, arrives at the District Court in Wan Chai, Hong Kong, ahead of sentencing (May James/AP) Chung was sentenced to 21 months but is expected to stay in prison for about 10 months given his pre-conviction detention. Lam was also sentenced but allowed to go free. The online news outlet was one of the last in Hong Kong that dared to criticise authorities as Beijing imposed a crackdown on dissidents following massive pro-democracy protests in 2019. The closure came months after the demise of pro-democracy newspaper Apple Daily, whose jailed founder Jimmy Lai is battling collusion charges under a tough national security law imposed by Beijing in 2020. Last month, the court found Chung and Lam guilty of conspiracy to publish and reproduce seditious materials, along with Best Pencil (Hong Kong) Ltd, Stand News holding company. They faced up to two years in prison and a fine of 5,000 Hong Kong dollars (480). The company was fined that amount. Judge Kwok Wai-kin began Thursdays sentencing hearing two hours after the scheduled time. The journalists lawyer, Audrey Eu, requested a sentence mitigation, saying Lam had been diagnosed with a rare disease and she was concerned that he could not be treated by the hospital handling his case if he were sent to jail again. Everything we had in the past is gone She argued that they should be sentenced to up to time served, saying their case was different because they were journalists whose duties were to report different peoples views. The defendants were detained for nearly a year after their arrests before being released on bail in late 2022. In his sentencing, Judge Kwok dismissed the defences argument that the journalists had unintentionally fallen foul of the law, and accused them of siding with the protesters. Since Stand News had a mass following, the seditious articles caused serious harm to the Beijing and Hong Kong governments, he said. The three defendants were not engaged in genuine media work but were instead participating in the so-called resistance movement of that time, he said. Judge Kwok wrote in his verdict in August that Stand News had become a tool for smearing the Beijing and Hong Kong governments during the 2019 protests. He ruled that 11 articles published under the defendants leadership carried seditious intent, including commentaries written by activist Nathan Law and veteran journalists Allan Au and Chan Pui-man. Chan, who is also Chungs wife, earlier pleaded guilty in the Apple Daily case and is in custody awaiting her sentence. Media line up outside the District Court in Wan Chai, Hong Kong (May James/AP) Judge Kwok said Lam and Chung were aware of and agreed with the seditious intent, and that they made Stand News available as a platform to incite hatred against the Beijing and Hong Kong governments and the judiciary. Ms Eu told the court that the articles in question represented only a small portion of what Stand News had published. The defendants also stressed their journalistic mission in their mitigation letters. On Thursday morning, dozens of people waited in line to secure a seat in the courtroom. Former Stand News reader Andrew Wong said he wanted to attend the hearing to show his support, though he felt it was like attending a funeral. Mr Wong, who works in a non-governmental organisation, said he expected the convictions last month, but still felt a sense that weve passed a point of no return when he heard the verdict. Everything we had in the past is gone, he said. Their trial, which began in October 2022, lasted some 50 days. 135 Hong Kong's ranking out of 180 territories in Reporters Without Borders latest World Press Freedom Index The verdict was postponed several times for reasons including a wait for an appeal outcome in another landmark sedition case. After Thursdays sentencing, Cedric Alviani, Asia-Pacific director for media watchdog Reporters Without Borders, said Chung and Lam were serving the publics interest and should never have been detained. He urged the international community to increase pressure on China to secure the release of Chung and other journalists detained in the city. Amnesty Internationals China director, Sarah Brooks, said the sentences given to the defendants simply for doing their job makes this another bleak day for press freedom in Hong Kong. Hong Kong was ranked 135 out of 180 territories in Reporters Without Borders latest World Press Freedom Index, down from 80 in 2021, and 18 in 2002. Self-censorship has also become more common during the political crackdown on dissent following the 2019 protests, with increased reports of harassment against journalists in recent months. In March, the city government enacted another new security law that raised concerns about further curtailment of press freedom. Hong Kong officials insist the two security laws are necessary to maintain stability and that there are no restrictions on media freedom when journalists report the facts. The Israeli prime minister has appeared to downplay hopes of an imminent truce with Hezbollah after the United States and its allies called for an immediate 21-day ceasefire to provide space for diplomacy. In a statement released as Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu was en route to New York to attend the UN General Assembly, his office said there was only a proposal on the table and that he had not yet responded to it. The statement also denied that there had been any directive to ease up on fighting on the northern border with Lebanon. The comments raised questions about a new international initiative to halt increasingly heavy exchanges of fire that have killed hundreds of people in Lebanon and threatened to trigger an all-out war between Israel and Hezbollah. The statement was issued as Israel threatens to launch a ground invasion into Lebanon to push the militant group away from the border and after an Israeli strike in Lebanon killed 20 people, most of them from Syria. Soon after the statement was issued, the TV station of Lebanons Hezbollah group reported an Israeli air strike in a suburb of Beirut. Al-Manar TV did not give details about the strike. The Israeli military said it carried out a strike south of Beirut without elaborating. Military officials said details will be released later. The Israeli foreign minister, Israel Katz, previously said that the country would continue fighting with all our might until victory and the safe return of the residents of the north to their homes. Hezbollah has not yet responded to the proposal for a pause in fighting. Lebanons caretaker Prime Minister Najib Mikati has welcomed it, but his government has no sway over the group. If a temporary ceasefire becomes permanent, we will resign from the government Hezbollah has insisted it would halt its strikes only if there is a ceasefire in Gaza, where Israel has been battling Hamas for nearly a year. That appears out of reach despite months of negotiations led by the United States, Egypt and Qatar. In its statement, Mr Netanyahus office said that the fighting in Gaza will also continue until all the objectives of the war have been achieved. Mr Netanyahu is expected to meet with other world leaders on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly. In other developments, a far-right partner in Mr Netanyahus government threatened to quit the coalition if a permanent ceasefire is reached with Hezbollah. Itamar Ben-Gvir, head of the Jewish Power party, threatened to suspend co-operation with the coalition if a temporary deal is reached. If a temporary ceasefire becomes permanent, we will resign from the government, he said. It was the latest sign of displeasure from Mr Netanyahus hard-line government towards international ceasefire efforts. If Mr Ben-Gvir leaves the coalition, Mr Netanyahu would lose his parliamentary majority and could see his government come toppling down, though opposition leaders have said they would offer support for a ceasefire deal. Israel launched a massive operation in Gaza after a Hamas-led attack into southern Israel on October 7 in which some 1,200 people, mostly civilians, were killed, and some 250 were taken hostage. Theyre all part of the same large situation which we are in from October 7 on, and were very worried that if we dont make the right decisions now, we will miss this amazing opportunity to get the hostages out More than 41,000 Palestinians have been killed in Gaza since then, according to local officials. Hezbollah began firing rockets into Israel one day after the October 7 attack in support of its Hamas allies, and Hezbollah and Israel have traded fire ever since. Israeli families of the hostages said they are pushing for a possible ceasefire deal for Lebanon to include provisions for the war in Gaza, especially securing release of the roughly 70 hostages still presumed to be alive and the bodies of some 30 others. Gil Dickmann, whose cousin Carmel Gat was kidnapped and was one of six Israelis whose bodies were recovered from tunnels in Gaza in August, said the hostages families are feeling forgotten as attention shifts to the northern front. We know that these things are connected to each other, the northern part and the southern part. Theyre all part of the same large situation which we are in from October 7 on, and were very worried that if we dont make the right decisions now, we will miss this amazing opportunity to get the hostages out, Mr Dickmann said on Tuesday, as hopes for a ceasefire deal swelled. He slammed Mr Netanyahu for missing multiple opportunities to free his cousin and begged him not to miss another chance by agreeing to a truce with both Hezbollah and Hamas that would include provisions for the hostages. Mr Dickmanns sister-in-law, Yarden Roman-Gat, was released in a week-long ceasefire deal last November, along with some 100 other hostages. Israel has carried out days of heavy strikes across Lebanon, targeting what it says are Hezbollah rocket launchers and other military infrastructure. An Israeli Air Force Black Hawk helicopter flies over the Mediterranean Sea near the northern Israeli city of Kiryat Yam (Baz Ratner/AP) The militants have fired hundreds of rockets into Israel and on Wednesday targeted Tel Aviv for the first time with a longer-range missile that was intercepted. On Thursday, an Israeli air strike in Lebanon hit a building housing Syrian workers and their families, killing 19 Syrians and one Lebanese, according to the Lebanese Health Ministry. It was one of the deadliest single strikes in the intensified air campaign against Hezbollah. Lebanons National News Agency said the strike occurred near the ancient city of Baalbek in the Bekaa Valley, which runs along the Syrian border. The news agency initially reported that 23 people were dead. Hussein Salloum, a local official in Younine, said most of the dead were women and children, and that rescue efforts lasted through the night and into Thursday morning. We dug through the rubble with our own hands until a small bulldozer was brought in, Mr Salloum told The Associated Press. We had very limited capabilities. A man stands in a damaged apartment after an Israeli air strike in Saksakieh, south Lebanon (Mohammed Zaatari/AP) The Lebanese Red Cross said it recovered nine bodies, while others were recovered by Hezbollahs paramedic service and the Lebanese Civil Defence. Lebanon, with a population of around six million, hosts nearly 780,000 registered Syrian refugees and hundreds of thousands who are unregistered the worlds highest refugee population per capita. Israel struck 75 sites overnight across southern and eastern Lebanon, the military said. At least 45 projectiles were fired from Lebanon early on Thursday, all of which were intercepted or fell in open areas, it said. Israeli strikes since Monday have killed more than 630 people in Lebanon, according to local health authorities, who say around a quarter were women and children. Several people have been wounded by shrapnel in Israel. The fighting has killed dozens of people in Israel and driven tens of thousands from their homes on both sides of the border. Israel has vowed to do whatever is necessary to allow its citizens to return, and it has moved thousands of troops to the northern border in preparation for a possible ground operation. British supermodel Naomi Campbell has been disqualified from being a charity trustee for five years after the UK's Charity Commission found serious mismanagement of funds at Fashion for Relief, which she founded. This included using charity funds to pay for Campbells stay at a five-star hotel in Cannes, France, as well as spa treatments, room service and cigarettes. The model is one of three of the charitys trustees to be disqualified as a result of the probe. The Charity Commission, which registers and regulates charities in England and Wales, opened an inquiry into Fashion for Relief in 2021. The charity, which it says was founded by Campbell in 2005, was dissolved and removed from the register of charities earlier this year. It had been set up with the aim of uniting the fashion industry to relieve poverty and advance health and education, by making grants to other organisations and giving resources towards global disasters. Our inquiry into Fashion for Relief has concluded the charity was poorly governed and had inadequate financial management. We've disqualified 3 individuals from trusteeship, recovered over 344,000 and protected a further 98,000 of charitable funds: https://t.co/xjlSvHMlRk pic.twitter.com/SgLtJpo7FG Charity Commission (@ChtyCommission) September 26, 2024 It hosted fundraising events to generate income, including in Cannes and London. Some 344,000 has been recovered and a further 98,000 of charitable funds protected, the regulator said. The Charity Commissions inquiry found that between April 2016 and July 2022, 8.5% of the charitys overall expenditure was on charitable grants. The probe saw no evidence that trustees took action to ensure fundraising methods were in the charitys best interests, or that the money it spent was reasonable relative to the income it generated. It also said it found some fundraising expenditure to be misconduct or mismanagement by the charitys trustees. This included a 12,300 flight from London to Nice for transferring art and jewellery to a fundraising event in Cannes in 2018. It also looked into the decision to spend 7,800 of charity funds on a three-night stay at a five-star hotel for Campbell. In these cases, the trustees failed to show how these were cost-effective and an appropriate use of the charitys resources, the Charity Commission said. Furthermore, it examined expenses incurred by Campbell totalling nearly 6,600, alongside the hotel stay, paid for by the charity. These costs included spa treatments, room service, and the purchase of cigarettes and hotel products. The regulator said trustees explained that hotel costs were typically covered by a donor to the charity, therefore not costing the charity, but failed to provide any evidence to support this. Bianka Hellmich has been disqualified as a trustee for nine years, and Veronica Chou for four years, as well as Campbells five-year ban. It means they are prevented from being a trustee or holding a senior management role in any charity in England and Wales during the length of the disqualification. The Metropolitan Police are investigating a number of new allegations made against late Harrods owner Mohamed Al Fayed on top of reports previously made by 19 separate women. The force said it will carry out full reviews of all existing allegations of incidents which are said to have taken place between 1979 and 2013 to ensure there are no new lines of inquiry based on new information which has emerged. Police said although it is not possible to bring criminal proceedings against someone who has died, we must ensure we fully explore whether any other individuals could be pursued for any criminal offences. It comes as the current managing director of Harrods, Michael Ward, said he was not aware of the criminality and abuse and described it as a shameful period in the businesss history. Mr Ward apologised and said the business failed our colleagues following the allegations made against Mr Al Fayed. He said in a statement that it is clear Mr Al Fayed presided over a toxic culture of secrecy, intimidation, fear of repercussion and sexual misconduct. Managing director of Harrods Michael Ward apologised and said we failed our colleagues (Ian West/PA) His statement comes as another alleged victim told the BBC she was summoned to the billionaire businessmans apartment where he became angry, the doors were locked and I couldnt get out. He raped me. Five women claim they were raped by Mr Al Fayed, who died last year at the age of 94, with a number of others alleging sexual misconduct. The Met said officers are making contact with lawyers representing alleged victims to ensure they have the opportunity to speak with us and report any offences. Commander Stephen Clayman said: We recognise the significance of the allegations made against Mohamed Al Fayed and the impact this has had on those affected. We have specialist teams to ensure all those victims who make contact with us are supported in the best way possible. I understand that for many years many people have sought answers in relation to this case. We will do everything possible to update on our progress when we can, but it is crucial we do this thoroughly and we do it right. This was a shameful period in the businesss history, however the Harrods of today is unrecognisable to Harrods under his ownership The Met said the initial complaints made by 19 women were reported to the force between 2005 and 2023 including three allegations of rape, 15 sexual assaults and one related to trafficking. Police approached the Crown Prosecution Service five times including two occasions where a full file of evidence was passed on in 2009 and 2015. No further action was taken against Mr Al Fayed in respect of the original complaints. Mr Ward said an independent review was under way into issues arising from the allegations and that he had provided all the information I have to ensure my own conduct can be reviewed alongside that of my colleagues. In his statement, Mr Ward said: As we have already stated, we failed our colleagues and for that we are deeply sorry. As someone who has worked at Harrods since 2006, and therefore worked for Fayed until the change of ownership in 2010, I feel it is important to make it clear that I was not aware of his criminality and abuse. While it is true that rumours of his behaviour circulated in the public domain, no charges or allegations were ever put to me by the police, the CPS, internal channels or others. Had they been, I would, of course, have acted immediately. Mr Ward continued: Fayed, who owned Harrods from 19852010, operated this business as his own personal fiefdom. It is now clear that he presided over a toxic culture of secrecy, intimidation, fear of repercussion and sexual misconduct. The picture that is now emerging suggests that he did this wherever he operated. Five women claim they were raped by Mr Al Fayed, who died last year at the age of 94 (Anthony Devlin/PA) This was a shameful period in the businesss history, however, the Harrods of today is unrecognisable to Harrods under his ownership. As detailed new information has come to light over the past 18 months, the business has established a settlement process, designed in consultation with independent, external experts in personal injury litigation. We encourage former colleagues to contact us using this process so that we can provide the support, and recourse, they need. Sources within Harrods have said the business has accepted vicarious liability for the conduct of Mr Al Fayed for the purpose of settling claims of alleged victims brought to its attention since 2023, reaching settlements with the vast majority. Mr Ward said he would in no way influence an independent review into the allegations. He said: Alongside this there is an independent review led by a non-executive committee of the board to further consider the issues arising from the allegations. If we identify any potential fitness to practise concerns about individual doctors, we will thoroughly examine all relevant information and take action as appropriate I am not part of the committee conducting this review and will in no way influence its operation or recommendations. However, I have provided all the information I have to ensure my own conduct can be reviewed alongside that of my colleagues. I have also stepped back from my charity trustee positions while this review is taking place. Some women have claimed they were subjected to intrusive and wholly unnecessary gynaecological tests to work for Mr Al Fayed and have alleged the purpose of the tests was for checking for sexually transmitted infections. Alleged victims are set to lodge a complaint against Dr Ann Coxon, claiming she has questions to answer over the examinations. Dr Coxon declined to comment on the matter. A General Medical Council spokeswoman said: If we identify any potential fitness to practise concerns about individual doctors, we will thoroughly examine all relevant information and take action as appropriate. Vice President Kamala Harris said calls for Ukraine to cede territory to Russia were dangerous and unacceptable as she met with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy on Thursday. The comments from the Democratic presidential nominee were thinly veiled criticism of suggestions from Republican candidate Donald Trump and his running mate, JD Vance, that Ukraine should quickly cut a deal to end the war. They are not proposals for peace, Ms Harris said. Instead they are proposals for surrender. Democratic presidential nominee Kamala Harris said that calls for Ukraine to cede territory to Russia were dangerous and unacceptable (Jacquelyn Martin/AP) US support for Ukraine faces a partisan reckoning in this years presidential election, with Mr Trump criticising billions of dollars in military assistance and Ms Harris pledging to continue helping the besieged country. Ms Harris meeting with Mr Zelenskyy came shortly after the Ukrainian leader sat down with President Joe Biden, who announced billions of dollars more in missiles, drones, ammunition and other supplies. The weapons include an additional Patriot missile defence battery and a new shipment of glide bombs that can be deployed from Western fighter jets, increasing their strike range. Mr Biden pledged to ensure that all approved funding is disbursed before he leaves office, and he said he plans to convene a meeting with other world leaders focused on Ukraines defence during a visit to Germany next month. We stand with Ukraine, now and in the future, Mr Biden said, alongside Mr Zelenskyy in the Oval Office. Russia will not prevail. Ukraine will prevail. Meanwhile, Mr Zelenskyys tumultuous relationship with Mr Trump continued to deteriorate this week. President Joe Biden with Ukraines President Volodymyr Zelensky (Susan Walsh/AP) Instead of meeting with Mr Zelenskyy, Mr Trump criticised him. As for US support for Ukraine, Mr Trump complained that we continue to give billions of dollars to a man who refuses to make a deal to end the war. His message dovetails with Russian propaganda that claims intransigence by Kyiv not aggression from Moscow has prolonged the bloodshed. Its the most politically treacherous landscape that Mr Zelenskyy has encountered in Washington since Russia invaded nearly three years ago. Ukrainian officials are anxious to maintain good relations with whoever becomes the next president of the United States, which is its biggest and most important provider of arms, money and other support. But the effort risks slipping into the political blender of the presidential campaign, polarising the discussion around a war that used to be a bipartisan cause celebre in Washington. On Thursday, Mr Zelenskyy found some bipartisan support as he visited Capitol Hill, where he was greeted by Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer and Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell. Ukraines President Volodymyr Zelensky met US officials(Jacquelyn Martin/AP) Senator Lindsey Graham, a South Carolina Republican, said Mr Zelenskyy asked to use long-range weapons, such as British-supplied Storm Shadow missiles or US-made ATACMS, for maximum benefit to bring (Russian President Vladimir) Putin to the table and increase Ukraines negotiating position. If we dont make that fundamental choice this week, I think the outcome for Ukraine is dire, Mr Graham said. Administration officials have been sceptical of Mr Zelenskyys request, believing the weapons could have limited benefits but increase the risk of escalating the conflict. Richard Blumenthal, a Connecticut Democrat, said senators gave Mr Zelenskyy advice on how to persuade Mr Biden to loosen restrictions. Jim Himes, another Connecticut Democrat and the ranking member of the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence, said Mr Zelenskyy wanted more, faster. He was politely frustrated, Mr Himes said and specifically requested more Patriot missile defences as Russia escalates strikes on Ukraines cities and energy grid before the winter. Mr Zelenskyys trip to Washington coincides with the annual meeting of the UN General Assembly in New York, where the Ukrainian leader spoke on Wednesday. Donald Trump had originally said he would probably meet the Ukrainian president but a campaign official says no meeting was ever on the books (Seth Wenig/AP) Last week, Mr Trump said he would probably meet with Mr Zelenskyy while he was in the US, but a senior campaign official said there was never a meeting on the books. The official said Mr Trump had told Mr Zelenskyy back in July that it would probably be better not to sit down together until after the election. An aide for Mr Zelenskyy did not respond to questions about the potential meeting. Mr Trump was impeached during his first term for asking Mr Zelenskyy for help investigating Mr Biden, then a candidate for the Democratic presidential nomination, at a time when the Ukrainian leader was seeking support from Washington. Now there are fears that Mr Trump would cut off or add strings to US military assistance if he returned to the White House. Mr Trump has also spoken admiringly about Mr Putin, and this week he praised Russias record of winning wars. Mr Zelenskyy can expect a far different tone from Ms Harris, who met with him in Munich just days before Russia invaded. During her debate with Mr Trump earlier this month, she expressed pride in US support for Ukraines righteous defence. If Donald Trump were president, Putin would be sitting in Kyiv right now, she said. Drivers face huge fines for flouting rules after the popular 4WD beach was shut down by council. 4WD access to the popular Harbour Beach will be closed off in just weeks. Source: CourierMail/Instagram A local council is bracing for backlash after taking a stand against what has been described as bad behaviour by "hoons and yobbos" who have been accused of degrading the sand dunes and putting wildlife in danger on a popular 4WD beach. Mackay Regional Council voted to close access to vehicles at Harbour Beach, a popular beach among the four-wheel-drivers and motorcyclists but also an important turtle nesting area in the Queensland town. There will be two weeks of educating the local community about the big change before council work with local law enforcement and Queensland police to close access. Those who break the rules will face "huge fines" of $774. "Weve put a stake in the ground," Mayor Greg Williamson said. "Were shutting off vehicle access altogether south of the harbour beach area through to the mouth of the river." He went on to explain that it is a protection mechanism for the dune system, coastal flora and fauna along with the nesting sites of turtles and shorebirds in the area. The impact of that damage over many years is threatening the ecological integrity of this area," he said. Mayor Greg Williamson addressed locals online. Source: Facebook 4WD ban coincides with start of turtle breeding season Council voted to make the move on Wednesday night, where ex-NRL star and local councillor Martin Bella blamed hoons and yobbos for turning the spot into an absolute mess. The drastic outright ban comes as turtle nesting season kicks off in October and runs through to January. "Weve tried in the past with barriers up but the 4WD and motorbikes just drive straight over them," the mayor said. Last year, rules were put in place for driving over the nesting areas which included using signage and cameras to deter drivers dishing out fines of $774 for those who broke the rules. And while there were benefits, according to council, the success was "temporary". "Once the campaign concluded at the end of the nesting season, vehicle access resumed," he said. The mayor told 7News they are "prepared to wear the public backlash because now the environmental damage has got to the point where it is unsustainable. Mackay District Turtle Watch (MDTW) President Steve Fisher told the Courier Mail Harbour Beach is one of the most dense turtle nesting beaches in the area with more than 1,000 hatchlings are born each year in the region and that there is "widespread community support" for the decision. The ban covers Harbour Beach foreshore of East Point, at the southern tip of the beach and foreshore. Police will be patrolling those flouting the ban in two weeks time. Access to the Pioneer River will still be available to fishing enthusiasts via an inland track. Reckless behaviour on Aussie beach tracks This instance is not the first where an Aussie council has been forced to take drastic measures on popular 4WD beaches. Yahoo previously reported that reckless behaviour on Goolwa Beach had devastating consequences for the environment. Cars were seen performing wild manoeuvres and causing significant damage to the area with the local mayor saying it would take "years" to recover. It resulted in a major rule change with new speed limits being set on SA beaches. Read more: Do you have a story tip? Email: newsroomau@yahoonews.com. You can also follow us on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, Twitter and YouTube. Today Plenty of sunshine. Near record high temperatures. High 112F. Winds light and variable. Tonight A few passing clouds. Low 76F. Winds W at 5 to 10 mph. Tomorrow Some clouds in the morning will give way to mainly sunny skies for the afternoon. Near record high temperatures. High around 110F. Winds W at 5 to 10 mph. A fellow prisoner has told a court the prime suspect in the Madeleine McCann case confided in him about an abduction where he "took the girl". German authorities have long believed Christian Brueckner to be the man responsible for taking Madeleine from her Portugal holiday apartment in 2007. Brueckner is standing trial for seperate charges of rape and indecent exposure in front of children and his old cell mate Laurentiu Codin has provided evidence in court, retelling a story he claims Brueckner told him in 2020, Sky News reports. "He told me that in Portugal, that he had stolen there... he was in a region of hotels where people are there, not sure how you say, rich people, where rich people live," he said. Christian Brueckner is the prime suspect in the disappearance of Madeleine McCann. "And when he was in the area of the hotels where the rich people live, there was somewhere an open window, he told me this, and this was the reason he asked me whether fingerprints could be left when he went out of the window. "He said he went into the flat because of money and said that he didn't find any money, but found a kid, and took the child, and that two hours later, the place he was, it was then surrounded by police and dogs. "And he then went away, out of the area, I am just saying what he told me... and he took the child in Portugal in his car, and in the time when the police and dogs were there at the house, he drove away, and he was gone, he asked me if the DNA from a child can be found as evidence and I answered yes." Codin also claims he was told he took a girl to a bus of his and "had sex with her... but he didn't kill her". Victorian Jim Zacharias said he sees seemingly dodgy builds like this all the time. He said it reflects a growing issue in Australia. There's merely centimetres between these two neighbouring properties in Melbourne. Source: TikTok An Aussie building inspector has blasted the company responsible for a half-finished home in Melbourne where the garage is so close to its neighbours it is nearly impossible to finish the job branding the project effectively "stuffed" and a total "shemozzle". A video posted online by Victorian man Jim Zacharias who also works in the construction industry as an excavator operator showed the two homes, in Sunbury in Melbourne, merely centimetres apart. "I'm just looking at these two garages side by side. They've framed it up. But how do you brick it?" Zacharias questioned in the video. "How do you put anything on it between that little gap? Seriously? What? What's happening here?" Speaking to Yahoo, Zacharias said this is just one example of a broader problem taking place around the country. "I see a lot of this stuff happening around in subdivisions, I came across this house and ...there's lots of them the same [in the area]," he said. Tradie Jim Zacharias blasted a Melbourne home build where the garage is so close to its neighbours, it's almost impossible to finish the job properly. Source: TikTok In the video, a complete home is seen on the right, beside a new home to its left. The newer build's framework has been erected, but there's merely centimetres between the structures, meaning it would be incredibly difficult to lay any brickwork. Prominent building inspector Zeher Khalil questioned how the project would be completed in this state, theorising that "they may install hebel panels". "But I don't think that will work," Khalil told Yahoo News Australia. "That builder stuffed the process up, most likely to get paid for the frame stage," he added, explaining that builders are paid in parts, across the base, frame, lock-up and fix, and final stage. "It's a complete shemozzle, it's going to be difficult to achieve compliance now," he said. Building standards on decline in Australia, experts warn The Melbourne home is the latest example of what industry experts warn is a worsening standard in the sector. Yahoo News has reported on a number of other recent instances in which Australians have been forced to fork out big bucks to fix dodgy construction jobs. Earlier this year a NSW resident was stunned to find their neighbour had built their home on the boundary line. Last year, a family were forced to give their brand new home a "1.5 metre haircut" after an oversight saw two properties constructed beside one another merely 40 centimetres apart. Gold Coast residents Kathy Morin and Devon Matsalla say their neighbour's property was built so close to their future home still under construction that they had struggled to reach completion on the project due to builders being unable to squeeze scaffolding between the structures. The gap between the homes, in Coomera Waters, was the subject of an investigation by Gold Coast City Council, who have now officially found the "neighbour's building plans were in clear violation of a setback requirement". Do you have a story tip? Email: newsroomau@yahoonews.com. You can also follow us on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, Twitter and YouTube. 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 By Mireille Rebeiz, Dickinson College | (The Conversation) Lebanese families have been fleeing the countrys south in the thousands amid escalating tensions and an Israeli bombardment that has so far killed hundreds. Their fear, echoed by many onlookers, is that Israel will accompany the airstrikes with something that has the potential to have far worse consequences: a ground invasion of south Lebanon. The rational behind such a move, from the Israeli governments perspective, is that a ground offensive may be its best chance to push Hezbollah fighters beyond the Litani River in the middle of the country. This would achieve an Israeli war goal of securing its northern borders and allowing an estimated 60,000 residents who have been forced to flee northern Israel to go back to their homes. Irrespective of motive, a ground invasion and potential occupation is more than wild speculation. Israel has placed thousands of soldiers on standby close to the Lebanon border for such an eventuality. Nor is such a move without precedent. As a scholar of Lebanese history, I know Israel and Lebanon have been here before. In 1982, Israel invaded Lebanon in the middle of the latters civil war, imposing a siege on the capital Beirut. The results were catastrophic for the whole region. Not only did the ground invasion result in the death of thousands of civilians, the occupation of Lebanon plunged an already fragile nation into lasting political and economic chaos and led to the birth of Hezbollah, the very group that threatens northern Israel today. Refuge and armed resistance The Israeli invasion of Lebanon in June 1982 had its roots in the PalestinianIsraeli conflict, much as the fighting between Hezbollah and Israel does today. The creation of the state of Israel in 1948 was accompanied by the Nakba, or catastrophe, for the Palestinians. In the violent birth pangs of a Jewish state on land inhabited by, among others, Arab populations with deep ancestral ties to villages, more than 750,000 Palestinians were expelled or fled. Many refugees entered Lebanon, where in 1964 the Palestine Liberation Organization was born. By the mid-1970s, the armed resistance group had recruited and trained over 20,000 fighters who actively participated in launching attacks on Israel from Lebanese soil. By 1982, Lebanon was already seven years into its civil war, with violence flaring between Lebanese Christians and Lebanese and Palestinian Muslims. On June 6, 1982, Israeli Defense Minister Ariel Sharon, a future leader of the country, launched Operation Peace for Galilee and invaded Lebanon with the purpose of eliminating the PLO. More than 40,000 Israeli troops with hundreds of tanks entered Lebanon from three points: by land across the border into south Lebanon; by sea from the coast of Sidon; and by air as the Israeli forces bombed the Beqaa Valley, Beirut and its Palestinian refugee camps. For two months, Beirut was under siege, with water and electricity cut off. As a result of the heavy bombardment and lack of access to basic needs, an estimated 19,000 Lebanese, Syrian and Palestinian civilians and combatants died, of which 5,500 were civilians from West Beirut. The Lebanese authorities appealed to the United States, France, Italy and the United Kingdom for help. These countries formed the multinational peacekeeping force, which was designed to restore peace in Lebanon, assist the Lebanese armed forces and evacuate PLO fighters to Tunisia. By August 1982, the multinational force had successfully relocated PLO fighters and began pulling out of Lebanon. They were called back, however, as violence flared. After the assassination of Lebanese President-elect Bashir Gemayel on Sept. 14, 1982, the Christian Phalangist militia entered the two Palestinian refugee camps of Sabra and Shatila and killed over 2,000 Palestinian civilians. The Israeli government later set up the Kahan Commission of Inquiry to look into the killings, which concluded that Israel was indirectly responsible for the massacres. The birth of Hezbollah All of this history remains relevant to the current situation in the region. Israels invasion and occupation of Lebanon, its siege on Beirut and the massacres that followed all led to the birth of Hezbollah. While members of Lebanons marginalized Shiite community in the south had long sought to mobilize through pan-Arab political parties and militias, it was Israels invasion that galvanized members of the community to ultimately create Hezbollah in 1985. As former Israeli Defense Minister and Prime Minister Ehud Barak noted in a 2006 interview: It was our presence there that created Hezbollah. Israels invasion also soured Lebanons relations with the West. Many Lebanese and Palestinian Muslims considered the multinational force especially the United States to be a failure and even an accomplice to Israel. From 1982 onward, Americans and other Westerners became a target. In the following decade, more than 80 Americans and Europeans were taken hostage by Hezbollah fighters. Some were tortured for months; others died in custody. And on Oct. 23, 1983, a terrorist attack targeted the American barracks in Beirut, killing over 300 people, including 220 Marines, 18 sailors and three soldiers. Minutes later, a second suicide attack killed 58 French paratroopers. The Islamic Jihad claimed responsibility for the two attacks; some of its members are thought to be among those who officially founded Hezbollah in February 1985. Aiding Hezbollah recruitment Israels 1982 invasion of Lebanon failed to accomplish its goals of stemming attacks on Israel from southern Lebanon. If anything, it had the opposite effect by turning many Lebanese against Israel and creating the conditions in which Hezbollah could recruit. Although Israel retreated from Beirut in August 1982, it continued to occupy south Lebanon until 2000. During that period it unlawfully detained many Lebanese suspected of resisting the Israeli occupation. Some were detained without charges in inhumane conditions, while others were illegally transferred into Israel. With such a backdrop, Hezbollahs legitimacy in the eyes of many Lebanese grew as did its support. So much so that in 1989, at the end of the Lebanese civil war, the authorities signed an agreement that, although not referencing Hezbollah directly, asserted Lebanons right to resist the Israeli occupation in the south. This clause was interpreted by Hezbollah as legitimizing its armed fight against occupation. After occupation ended in 2000, Hezbollah had to reinvent its role, claiming that it would continue fighting against Israel until the liberation of the disputed Shebaa Farms, the Golan Heights and occupied Palestine. In 2006, Hezbollah entered Israeli territory for the first time, killing three soldiers and kidnapping two, demanding the release of Lebanese prisoners in exchange. In retaliation, the Israel Defense Forces attacked Lebanon by air, sea and land, with Israeli ground forces entering Lebanon and carrying out a number of operations on Lebanese territory. A subsequent war saw no such prisoner swap but resulted in the deaths of about 1,100 Lebanese civilians and 120 Israelis, mostly soldiers. History repeating? Until Hamas attacked Israel on Oct. 7, 2023, there had been hopes that decades of hostilities between Lebanon and Israel could be on the cusp of turning. In October 2022, Lebanon and Israel signed a maritime border agreement brokered by the U.S interpreted as the beginning of normalizing relations between two countries technically at war. But the magnitude of the human crisis in Gaza and the series of events that followed in Lebanon have ended such hopes for now. Hezbollahs vow of solidarity with Hamas has resulted in a running series of tit-for-tat attacks with Israel that have escalated over the past year. The attack using booby-trapped pagers that targeted Hezbollah fighters and killed several civilians across Lebanon on Sept. 17, 2024, has set off a chain of events that have now seen nearly 500 Lebanese killed and Hezbollah extend the geographical scope of its missile attacks in Israel. Its long-range ballistic missiles can reach 250-300 kilometers (155-186 miles) and have reached Haifa and the citys Ramat David Airbase. The next step in this deadly escalation could well be a ground invasion. But in 1982, such an operation resulted only in catastrophic results for all concerned and set in place the conditions for decades of hostilities across the Lebanon-Israel border. A similar offensive today would almost certainly have similar results especially for the people of Lebanon. Mireille Rebeiz, Chair of Middle East Studies & Associate Professor of Francophone & Womens, Gender & Sexuality Studies, Dickinson College This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article. Bonus video added by Informed Comment: People fleeing Israeli strikes on south Lebanon flock to Syria crossing | AFP Company Should Address Root Causes of Censorship of Palestine Content ( Human Rights Watch ) Earlier this month, Metas Oversight Board found that three Facebook posts containing the phrase From the River to the Sea did not violate Metas content rules and should remain online. The majority of the Oversight Board members concluded that the phrase, widely used at protests to show solidarity with Palestinians, is not inherently a violation of Metas policies on Hate Speech, Violence and Incitement, or Dangerous Organizations and Individuals (DOI). In line with Human Rights Watchs submission, it affirmed that while the phrase can have different meanings, it amounts to protected speech under international human rights law and should not, on its own, be a basis for removal, enforcement, or review of content under Metas policies. Meta created the board as an external body to appeal moderation decisions and provide non-binding policy guidance. A minority of board members recommended imposing a blanket ban on use of the phrase unless there are clear signals it does not constitute glorification of Hamas. Such a ban would be inconsistent with international human rights standards, amounting to an excessive restriction on protected speech. The boards decision upholds free expression, but Meta has a broader problem of censoring protected speech about Palestine on its platforms. A 2023 Human Rights Watch report found that Meta was systemically censoring Palestine content and that broad restrictions on content relating to groups that Meta puts on its DOI list often resulted in the censorship of protected speech. Meta has said that core human rights principles have guided its crisis response measures since October 7. But its heavy reliance on automated detection systems fails to accurately assess context, even when posts explicitly oppose violence. Digital imagining of From the River to the Sea, Palestine will be Free, Dream / Dreamland v3 / Clip2Comic, 2024. For instance, on July 19, Human Rights Watch posted a video on Instagram and Facebook with a caption in Arabic that read: Hamas-led armed groups committed numerous war crimes and crimes against humanity against civilians during the October 7 assault on southern Israel. Metas automated tools incorrectly removed the post for violating its DOI policy. Formal appeals were unsuccessful, and the content was only restored after informal intervention. Meta should address the systemic issues at the heart of its wrongful removal of protected speech about Palestine. Amending its flawed policies, strengthening context-based review, and providing more access to data to facilitate independent research are essential to protecting free expression on its platforms. Via Human Rights Watch Ann Arbor (Informed Comment) Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian, during his first appearance at the annual UN General Assembly meeting, met on the margins of the conference with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi. He elicited from the Chinese one of the strongest statements of Chinese support we have seen. According to the UAEs al-Khaleej, Wang told Pezeshkian, No matter how the international and regional situation develops, China will always be a reliable partner of Iran. This statement seems to have been intended to reassure Tehran in the wake of the Israeli attack on Lebanon, where the Hezbollah party-militia is a close ally of Iran. Wang continued, China will continue to support Iran in maintaining its sovereignty, security, territorial integrity and national dignity. He insisted that China will take a strong stand against all those who interfere in Irans internal affairs and impose sanctions. The latter is a slam at the United States. Wang is not only the foreign minister but also serves on the 24-member Chinese Communist Party Politburo Iraqs Shafaq newspaper reports that China is more dependent than in the past on Iranian and Russian petroleum exports. About 17% of its oil comes from Iran now. These two countries have cut their prices for China and so have displaced Saudi Arabia and Iraq as the largest oil exporters to China. China is investing billions in the Iranian economy, especially in the transportation and industrial sectors. On Monday, Yi had met with his Lebanese counterpart Abdallah Bou Habib (a Christian), and attacked Israel for its invasion of Lebanon, Lebanons al-Ghad News reports. Wang pledged that no matter what changes take place, China will persevere in standing on the side of justice and on the side of our Arab brothers, including Lebanon. Wang added, We are closely following developments in the regional situation, especially the recent detonation of telecommunications equipment in Lebanon, and we firmly oppose indiscriminate attacks on civilians. He expressed the conviction that replying to violence with more violence will just lead to increased humanitarian catastrophes in the region. He called for a permanent ceasefire and a complete withdrawal of forces (including, he seemed to say, the withdrawal of Israeli forces from the occupied Palestinian territories), so that a two-state solution can be practically implemented. For his part, Pezeshkian addressed the UNGA on Wednesday concerning the Israeli wars on Gaza and Lebanon, saying that the global community must urgently halt the violence and establish a lasting armistice immediately, bringing an end to Israels extreme brutality in Lebanon before it incites further chaos in the region and across the globe. The Iranian president implied that the Israelis are now attacking Lebanon in a bid to cover up their failures in Gaza and the loss of their myth of invincibility. He vowed that the indiscriminate and terroristic actions of recent days, along with the extensive aggression against Lebanon, which has resulted in the deaths of thousands of innocent individuals, will not go unpunished. He implicitly slammed the US for forestalling any international effort to resolve the appalling crisis, while posing as a champion of human rights. He said that the only solution was to reinstate the Palestinians right to self-determination through a referendum in which all Palestinians, including expatriates in the diaspora, could participate. This is a reference to Irans long-standing proposal for a one-party state in which both Palestinians and Israelis could vote equally. He concluded, Only through this approach can Muslims, Jews, and Christians coexist harmoniously in a united land, free from racism and segregation. Bonus video added by Informed Comment: South China Morning Post: China voices support for Lebanon as Israeli strikes kill hundreds Toronto, Ontario--(Newsfile Corp. - September 25, 2024) - Maritime Resources Corp. (TSXV: MAE) ("Maritime" or the "Company") is pleased to announce that Allen Palmiere, an existing member of the Company's board of directors (the "Board"), has been named Chairman of the Board. John Hayes has stepped down as Chairman but will continue as a member of the Board. Garett Macdonald, President and CEO, commented, "This change is being made to support the Company as it transitions towards development with the near term cash flow from our Hammerdown Gold Project in Newfoundland and Labrador. Maritime closed an $8 million rights offering backed by the Company's largest shareholder Dundee Corporation, who further increased their ownership to approximately 43% (calculated on a partially diluted basis), since the rights offering closed on September 11, 2004. This represents an important endorsement of the Company's potential. We think that Allen's 35 years of management experience in the mining industry will be of significant benefit to Company at this stage. I would like to thank John Hayes for his contribution as board chair over the last five years, where he successfully led the board through challenging capital markets while being instrumental in Maritime reaching this important inflection point." Echoing support for the current position of the Company, Jonathan Goodman, CEO of Maritime's major shareholder Dundee Corporation commented, "Maritime presents a unique opportunity. With a fully permitted mine at Hammerdown and an operational mill at Pine Cove, Maritime has a pathway to become a cash flow generating company. Add the exploration potential, and you have the requirements for a long-term successful venture. Dundee is committed to supporting Maritime and all our portfolio companies to unlock value for investors." About Maritime Resources Corp.: Maritime (TSXV: MAE) (OTC Pink: MRTMF) is a gold exploration and development company focused on advancing the Hammerdown Gold Project in the Baie Verte District of Newfoundland and Labrador, a top tier global mining jurisdiction. Maritime holds a 100% interest directly and subject to option agreements entitling it to earn 100% ownership in the Green Bay Property which includes the former Hammerdown gold mine and the Orion gold project. Maritime controls over 439 km2 of exploration land including the Green Bay, Whisker Valley, Gull Ridge and Point Rousse projects. Mineral processing assets owned by Maritime in the Baie Verte mining district include the Pine Cove mill and the Nugget Pond gold circuit. The Company also owns the Lac Pelletier gold project in Rouyn Noranda, Quebec. On Behalf of the Board MARITIME RESOURCES CORP. 3200-650 West Georgia St. Vancouver, British Columbia V6B 4P7 Caution Regarding Forward Looking Statements: Certain of the statements made and information contained herein is "forward-looking information" within the meaning of National Instrument 51-102 - Continuous Disclosure Obligations of the Canadian Securities Administrators. These statements and information are based on facts currently available to the Company and there is no assurance that actual results will meet management's expectations. Forward-looking statements and information may be identified by such terms as "anticipates", "believes", "targets", "estimates", "plans", "expects", "may", "will", "could" or "would". While the Company considers its assumptions to be reasonable as of the date hereof, forward-looking statements and information are not guarantees of future performance and readers should not place undue importance on such statements as actual events and results may differ materially from those described herein. There can be no assurance that such information will prove to be accurate, as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such information. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking information. The forward-looking statements in this news release include without limitation, statements with respect to development of the Hammerdown Gold project and near term cash flow, among others. All forward-looking information contained in this press release is given as of the date hereof, and is based on the opinions and estimates of management and information available to management as of the date hereof. The Company disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking information, whether as a result of new information, future events, or otherwise, except as may be required by applicable securities laws. Neither the TSX Venture Exchange (the "Exchange") nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. VANCOUVER, BC, Sept. 26, 2024 /CNW/ - Outcrop Silver & Gold Corporation (TSXV: OCG) (OTCQX: OCGSF) (DE: MRG) ("Outcrop Silver" or the "Company") is pleased to announce a non-brokered private placement offering of 22,727,273 units of the Company (the "Units") at a price of $0.22 per Unit for aggregate gross proceeds of up to $5,000,000 (the "Offering"). The Company is pleased to advise that Eric Sprott, through 2176423 Ontario Ltd., has subscribed for the entire Offering. Each Unit will be comprised of one common share of the Company (a "Common Share") and of one-half of one Common Share purchase warrant of the Company (each whole warrant, a "Warrant"). Each Warrant will entitle the holder thereof to purchase one Common Share at an exercise price of $0.30 for a period of 24 months following the closing of the Offering. The net proceeds from the Offering will be used by the Company for the exploration and development of the Santa Ana Project, working capital and general corporate purposes. The closing of the Offering is expected to occur on or about October 3, 2024 (the "Closing"). The Units to be issued under the Offering will have a hold period of four months and one day from Closing. The Company will pay finder's fees to eligible finders in accordance with the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange ("TSXV"). The issuance of the Units and payment of the Finder's Fee is subject to certain conditions including, but not limited to, the receipt of all necessary approvals including the approval of the TSXV. This press release is not an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy the securities in the United States or in any jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful prior to qualification or registration under the securities laws of such jurisdiction. The securities being offered have not been, nor will they be, registered under the United States Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and such securities may not be offered or sold within the United States or to, or for the account or benefit of, U.S. persons absent registration or an applicable exemption from U.S. registration requirements and applicable U.S. state securities laws. About Outcrop Silver Outcrop Silver is a leading explorer and developer focused on advancing its flagship Santa Ana high-grade silver project in Colombia. Leveraging a disciplined and seasoned team of professionals with decades of experience in the region. Outcrop Silver is dedicated to expanding current mineral resources through strategic exploration initiatives. At the core of our operations is a commitment to responsible mining practices and community engagement, underscoring our approach to sustainable development. Our expertise in navigating complex geological and market conditions enables us to consistently identify and capitalize on opportunities to enhance shareholder value. With a deep understanding of the Colombian mining landscape and a track record of successful exploration, Outcrop Silver is poised to transform the Santa Ana project into a significant silver producer, contributing positively to the local economy and setting new standards in the mining industry. ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS Neither the Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. Forward-looking statements This news release contains certain statements which constitute forward-looking statements or information under applicable Canadian securities laws, including statements relating to the expected size of the Offering, the anticipated timing of closing the Offering, the ability of the Company to satisfy all conditions to closing the Offering, and the expected use of proceeds from the Offering. Such forward-looking statements are subject to numerous known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors, some of which are beyond the Company's control, which could cause actual results or events to differ materially from those stated, anticipated or implied in the forward-looking statements. These risks and uncertainties include general economic and capital markets conditions, stock market volatility, the ability of the Company to obtain necessary consents for the Offering, including the approval of the Exchange, and the ability of the Company to complete the Offering on the terms expected or at all. Although the Company believes that the forward-looking statements in this news release are reasonable, they are based on factors and assumptions, based on currently available information, concerning future events, which may prove to be inaccurate. As such, readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on the forward-looking statements, as no assurance can be provided as to future plans, operations, results, levels of activity or achievements. The forward-looking statements contained in this news release are made as of the date of this news release and, except as required by applicable law, the Company does not undertake any obligation to publicly update or to revise any of the forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. VANCOUVER, BC / ACCESSWIRE / September 26, 2024 /GMV Minerals Inc. (the "Company" or "GMV") (TSXV:GMV) (OTCQB:GMVMF) is pleased to announce that, pursuant to its news release dated September 10th, 2024, it has completed its initial drill program on the Daisy Project, located in Lander County, Nevada. The Company drilled five targets with 643m (2109 feet) of RC and tricone drilling. All holes intercepted various claystone horizons and claystone with felsic ash to lapilli tuffs with a distinctive trend towards more abundant claystone in the central portions of the caldera. Abundant alteration was noted in some drill holes with both oxidized and sulphide-bearing horizons observed. A total of 221 samples have been submitted to ALS Global for analysis in Elko Nevada, including 10 Certified Reference Standards. The results will be released once they have been received and checked. No lost time accidents occurred, and all disturbed sites were graded and reseeded with the recommended seed mix. Dr. D.R. Webb, Ph.D., P.Geo., P.Eng. is the Q.P. for this release within the meaning of NI 43-101 and has reviewed the technical content of this release and has approved its content. About GMV Minerals Inc. GMV Minerals Inc. is a publicly traded exploration company focused on developing precious metal assets in Arizona. GMV, through its 100% owned subsidiary, has a 100% interest in a Mining Property Lease commonly referred to as the Mexican Hat Property, located in Cochise County, Arizona, USA. The project was initially explored by Placer Dome (USA) in the late 1980's to early 1990's. GMV is focused on developing the asset and realizing the full mineral potential of the property through near term gold production. The Company's NI 43-101 resource estimate (Inferred) is 36,733,000 tonnes grading 0.58 g/t gold at a 0.2 g/t cut-off, containing 688,000 ounces of gold. In 2023, GMV acquired a total of 165 lode claims covering 3,408 acres in Lander County, Nevada where it is exploring highly prospective claims for uranium & lithium. ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS Ian Klassen, President For further information please contact: GMV Minerals Inc. Ian Klassen Tel: (604) 899-0106 Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Information This news release includes certain "forward-looking statements" under applicable Canadian securities legislation. Forward-looking statements include estimates and statements that describe the Company's future plans, objectives or goals, including words to the effect that the Company or management expects a stated condition or result to occur. Forward-looking statements may be identified by such terms as "believes", "anticipates", "expects", "estimates", "may", "could", "would", "will", or "plan". Since forward-looking statements are based on assumptions and address future events and conditions, by their very nature they involve inherent risks and uncertainties as described in the Company's filings with Canadian securities regulators. There can be no assurance that such statements will prove to be accurate, as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements. The Company disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking information, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, other than as required by law. Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. VANCOUVER, British Columbia, Sept. 26, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Prime Mining Corp. (Prime, or the Company) (TSV: PRYM) (OTCQX: PRMNF) (Frankfurt: O4V3) is pleased to announce the appointment of Sunny Lowe to its Board of Directors. I am very pleased to welcome Sunny to the Prime Board, stated Murray John, Chair of the Board of Directors. As an Independent Director, Sunny brings a wealth of financial, mining and executive experience to Prime. We are looking forward to working with her as the Management team advances the Los Reyes Project. Ms. Sunny Lowe is a CPA, CA with more than 20 years of finance, international tax and risk management experience mostly spent in the mining sector. Ms. Lowe is currently the Chief Financial Officer of Solaris Resources Inc. Prior to joining Solaris Resources, Ms. Lowe was with INV Metals as Chief Financial Officer and at Kinross Gold Corporation, first as Vice President, Internal Audit & Enterprise Risk Management and then as Vice President, Finance, overseeing the companys External Financial Reporting and Corporate Controllership functions. Ms. Lowe also worked at Inmet Mining Corporation where she held leadership roles across functions including Enterprise Risk Management, Global Taxation & Compliance, and Business Systems & Controls. Ms. Lowe obtained her CPA, CA designation while working at Ernst & Young LLP and a MBA from the Schulich School of Business. The Company has granted Ms. Lowe 88,415 deferred share units (DSUs) effective September 25, 2024 at Primes 5-day volume weighted average price of $1.64 on the terms set out in the Companys DSU Plan. About the Los Reyes Gold and Silver Project Los Reyes is a rapidly evolving high-grade, low sulphidation epithermal gold-silver project located in Sinaloa State, Mexico. Since acquiring Los Reyes in 2019, Prime has spent approximately CAD$55 million on direct exploration activities and has completed over 198,500 metres of drilling. On May 2, 2023, Prime announced an updated multi-million-ounce high-grade open pit constrained resource (see the May 2, 2023 press release for more details). May 2, 2023 Resource Statement Assurance Category Ore Tonnes Mt Average Gold Grade (g/t) Contained Gold (k ozs) Average Silver Grade (g/t) Contained Silver (k ozs) Average AuEq Grade (g/t) (1) Contained AuEq (k ozs) Measured (M) - - - - - - - Indicated (I) 27.2 1.16 1, 013 40.40 35,263 1.68 1,470 M+I 27.2 1.16 1, 013 40.40 35,263 1.68 1,470 Inferred 18.1 0.85 497 31.52 18,334 1.26 734 (1) Refer to the Additional Technical Notes section for the gold equivalent grade (AuEq) calculation method. Drilling is on-going and suggests that the three known main deposit areas (Guadalupe, Central and Z-T) are larger than previously reported. Potential also exists for new discoveries where mineralized trends have been identified outside of the currently defined resource areas. Historic operating results indicate that an estimated 1 million ounces of gold and 60 million ounces of silver were recovered from five separate operations at Los Reyes between 1770 and 1990. Prior to Primes acquisition, recent operators of Los Reyes had spent approximately US$20 million on exploration, engineering, and prefeasibility studies. About Prime Mining Prime is managed by an ideal mix of successful mining executives, strong capital markets personnel and experienced local operators all focused on unlocking the full potential of the Los Reyes Project. The Company has a well-planned capital structure with a strong management team and insider ownership. Prime is targeting a material resource expansion at Los Reyes through a combination of new generative area discoveries and growth, while also building on technical de-risking activities to support eventual project development. For further information, please visit https://primeminingcorp.ca/ or direct enquiries to: Scott Hicks CEO & Director Indi Gopinathan VP Capital Markets & Business Development Prime Mining Corp. 710 1030 West Georgia St. Vancouver, BC V6E 2Y3 Canada +1(604) 238-1659 This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. Cautionary Notes to U.S. Investors Concerning Resource Estimates This news release has been prepared in accordance with the requirements of the securities laws in effect in Canada, which differ from the requirements of the U.S. securities laws. In particular, and without limiting the generality of the foregoing, the terms mineral reserve, proven mineral reserve, probable mineral reserve, inferred mineral resources, indicated mineral resources, measured mineral resources and mineral resources used or referenced in this presentation are Canadian mineral disclosure terms as defined in accordance with National Instrument 43-101 Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects (NI 43-101) under the guidelines set out in the 2014 Canadian Institute of Mining, Metallurgy and Petroleum Standards for Mineral Resources and Mineral Reserves, Definitions and Guidelines, May 2014 (the CIM Standards). The CIM Standards differ from the mineral property disclosure requirements of the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (the SEC) in Regulation S-K Subpart 1300 (the SEC Modernization Rules) under the U.S. Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the Securities Act). As a foreign private issuer that is eligible to file reports with the SEC pursuant to the multijurisdictional disclosure system, the Company is not required to provide disclosure on its mineral properties under the SEC Modernization Rules and will continue to provide disclosure under NI 43-101 and the CIM Standards. Accordingly, the Companys disclosure of mineralization and other technical information may differ significantly from the information that would be disclosed had the Company prepared the information under the standards adopted under the SEC Modernization Rules. Forward Looking Information This news release contains certain forward-looking information and forward-looking statements within the meaning of Canadian securities legislation as may be amended from time to time, including, without limitation, statements regarding the perceived merit of the Companys properties, including additional exploration potential of Los Reyes, potential quantity and/or grade of minerals, the potential size of the mineralized zone, metallurgical recoveries, and the Companys exploration and development plans in Mexico. Forward-looking statements are statements that are not historical facts which address events, results, outcomes, or developments that the Company expects to occur. Forward-looking statements are based on the beliefs, estimates and opinions of the Companys management on the date the statements are made, and they involve several risks and uncertainties. Certain material assumptions regarding such forward-looking statements were made, including without limitation, assumptions regarding the price of gold, silver and copper; the accuracy of mineral resource estimations; that there will be no material adverse change affecting the Company or its properties; that all required approvals will be obtained, including concession renewals and permitting; that political and legal developments will be consistent with current expectations; that currency and exchange rates will be consistent with current levels; and that there will be no significant disruptions affecting the Company or its properties. Consequently, there can be no assurances that such statements will prove to be accurate and actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Forward-looking statements involve significant known and unknown risks and uncertainties, which could cause actual results to differ materially from those anticipated. These risks include, but are not limited to: risks related to uncertainties inherent in the preparation of mineral resource estimates, including but not limited to changes to the cost assumptions, variations in quantity of mineralized material, grade or recovery rates, changes to geotechnical or hydrogeological considerations, failure of plant, equipment or processes, changes to availability of power or the power rates, ability to maintain social license, changes to interest or tax rates, changes in project parameters, delays and costs inherent to consulting and accommodating rights of local communities, environmental risks, title risks, including concession renewal, commodity price and exchange rate fluctuations, risks relating to COVID-19, delays in or failure to receive access agreements or amended permits, risks inherent in the estimation of mineral resources; and risks associated with executing the Companys objectives and strategies, including costs and expenses, as well as those risk factors discussed in the Company's most recently filed management's discussion and analysis, as well as its annual information form dated March 25, 2024, available on www.sedarplus.ca. Except as required by the securities disclosure laws and regulations applicable to the Company, the Company undertakes no obligation to update these forward-looking statements if managements beliefs, estimates or opinions, or other factors, should change. Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - September 26, 2024) - American Pacific Mining Corp (CSE: USGD) (OTCQX: USGDF) (FWB: 1QC) ("American Pacific" or the "Company") is pleased to report high-grade underground sampling results and provide an update on the ongoing regional sampling work at the Company's 100%-owned Madison Copper-Gold Project ("Madison" or the "Project") in Montana. During a recent visit to Madison, the Company accessed the upper levels of the Madison Mine and collected four (4) samples from the ribs of the old mine workings where visible copper oxidation and copper sulfide mineralization remains in the exposed back and ribs (see Photo 1). Sample Highlights: MADZH24-003: 45.50% Cu and 2.17 g/t Au MADZH24-001: 31.00% Cu and 8.40 g/t Au MADZH24-002: 23.30% Cu and 1.90 g/t Au MADZH24-004: 3.19% Cu and 0.14 g/t Au Notes: Cu = copper; Au = gold; g/t = grams per tonne Sampling Methodology Samples were collected across a 20-foot section, with each sample being five feet wide. These were taken in the form of channel samples, ensuring representative material was extracted for analysis. This consistent sampling methodology helps provide accurate and reliable data reflective of the target area. "These incredibly high copper values from the past underground workings highlight the type of grade the mineralized system at Madison can carry, and our recently completed Phase I drilling demonstrated that significant grades continue well beyond the areas mined out by predecessors," commented CEO Warwick Smith. "Our ongoing regional sampling and structural mapping work is designed to refine our step-out and extension focused drilling plans and generate additional discovery targets throughout the broader property package. We look forward to sharing further results and our updated 3D model and Phase II plan in Q4, 2024." Watch: Short video clip of CEO, Warwick Smith, collecting high-grade copper samples at Madison Photo 1: CEO, Warwick Smith, collects rock chip samples from Madison underground (left); high-grade copper associated with chalcanthite and chalcocite from the Madison underground workings (right) Mapping and Sampling A comprehensive geological exploration program has now commenced at Madison, aimed at identifying new mineralized zones and expanding known areas of interest. The program will follow up on historic high-grade samples, while detailed mapping of geological structures will provide insights into the mineral potential of areas beyond the current mine sites. This work, along with data collected from mapping and sampling efforts, will inform the design and implementation of future drilling and exploration programs. The Madison Mine is dry to the 200-foot level of the 600-foot final mining level by Coronado in 2012. Nine hundred feet of the 2600 feet of ramp, are currently accessible. The focus of Coronado was on the high-grade copper sulfide material (chalcocite) with no real consideration for the gold or native copper mineralization. Conversely, the Broadway Mine, active from 1900 to 1950, focused exclusively on oxidized gold mineralization with no consideration of copper mineralization or gold in sulfides. This provides American Pacific with numerous opportunities in the near-mine area due to those past highly selective mining techniques. Madison Project Sampling and Analysis Quality Assurance and Quality Control Statement The Company is committed to maintaining high standards of accuracy and reliability in our sampling and analysis procedures. The following Quality Assurance and Quality Control (QAQC) measures are employed in our sampling and analysis processes. Analytical Methods for the samples include: ME-MS61 - 48 Element Suite using a Four Acid digestion followed by ICP-MS (Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry) ME-OG62 - Ore Grade Elements using Four Acid digestion and analysis by ICP-AES (Optical Emission Spectroscopy) Cu-OG62 - Ore Grade Copper using Four Acid digestion and analysis by ICP-AES for high-grade copper samples Au-AA23 - Au analysis using a 30g fire assay with an Atomic Absorption (AA) finish The Company believes that the QAQC measures employed provide a reliable basis for the assay data presented in this release. Qualified Person Technical aspects of this press release have been reviewed and approved by the designated Qualified Person under National Instrument 43-101, Managing Director of Exploration, Eric Saderholm, P.Geo. About American Pacific Mining Corp. American Pacific Mining Corp. is a precious and base metals explorer and developer focused on opportunities in the Western United States. The Company has two flagship assets: the Palmer Project, a Volcanic Massive Sulphide-Sulphate (VMS) project in Alaska, under a joint-venture partnership with Dowa Metals & Mining, owner of Japan's largest zinc smelter; and the Madison Project, a past-producing copper-gold project in Montana. For the Madison transaction, American Pacific was selected as a finalist in both 2021 and 2022 for 'Deal of the Year' at the S&P Global Platts Metals Awards, an annual program that recognizes exemplary accomplishments in 16 performance categories. Also, in American Pacific's asset portfolio are high-grade, precious metals projects located in key mining districts in Nevada, USA, including the Ziggurat Gold project and the Tuscarora Gold-Silver project. The Company's mission is to grow by the drill bit and by acquisition. On behalf of the American Pacific Mining Corp Board of Directors: Warwick Smith, CEO & Director Corporate Office: Suite 910 - 510 Burrard Street Vancouver, BC, V6C 3A8 Canada Full disclosure can be found in our NI43-101 Technical Report for the Madison Project at www.americanpacificmining.com. The Canadian Securities Exchange has neither approved nor disapproved the contents of this news release. Vancouver, British Columbia, Sept. 26, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Surge Copper Corp. (TSXV: SURG) (OTCQB: SRGXF) (Frankfurt: G6D2) (Surge or the Company) is pleased to announce the successful completion of its 2024 field program at its 100%-owned Berg and Ootsa copper-molybdenum-precious metals projects located in central British Columbia. Field crews have now been demobilized, and with the conclusion of physical operations, the Company is ramping down associated expenditures as it transitions into the data analysis and reporting phase. 2024 Field Program Highlights Completed a total of 13 diamond drill holes for 5,054 metres: At the Berg Project, 10 holes were drilled for a total of 3,707 metres within the main Berg deposit, with an additional 450-metre hole testing the Berg SW exploration target. At the Ootsa Project, two holes were drilled for a total of 897 metres, targeting the copper-gold porphyry zone discovered in 2022, northeast of the Seel deposit (see January 9, 2023 press release). All 10 holes at the Berg deposit are expected to support resource definition and conversion of Inferred resources to higher confidence categories. Six of the Berg deposit holes underwent downhole geotechnical testing, including Packer tests, piezometer installations, and televiewer surveys, supporting pre-feasibility mining studies. Core samples will also undergo geochemical analysis and acid-base accounting test work during the winter, supporting ARD/ML environmental baseline and pre-feasibility studies on waste rock management. An environmental baseline data collection program was initiated across the project area to bolster previously completed database efforts. A pre-feasibility level metallurgy program is ongoing and slated for completion in early 2025. Assay results from all drill holes will be released once data are received, verified, and interpreted. Leif Nilsson, Chief Executive Officer, commented: Were pleased with how efficiently this years field program progressed. We achieved all the critical objectives, and thanks to high productivity and favourable weather conditions, we exceeded our original drilling target. I would like to extend my sincere gratitude to all the employees and contractors whose hard work and dedication contributed to this successful program. We look forward to providing further updates as we analyze the results in the coming months. Annual General Meeting The Company held its Annual General Meeting on September 25, 2024. All proposed resolutions, as described in the notice of the meeting and information circular dated August 13, 2024, were approved by the shareholders of the Company. Qualified Person Dr. Shane Ebert P.Geo., is the Qualified Person for the Berg Project and the Ootsa Property as defined by National Instrument 43-101 - Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects ("NI 41-101") and has approved the technical and scientific disclosure contained in this news release. About Surge Copper Corp. Surge Copper Corp. is a Canadian company that is advancing an emerging critical metals district in a well-developed region of British Columbia, Canada. The Company owns a large, contiguous mineral claim package that hosts multiple advanced porphyry deposits with pit-constrained NI 43-101 compliant resources of copper, molybdenum, gold, and silver metals which are critical inputs to the low-carbon energy transition and associated electrification technologies. The Company owns a 100% interest in the Berg Project, for which it announced a maiden PEA in June 2023 outlining a large-scale, long-life project with a simple design and high outputs of critical minerals located in a safe jurisdiction near world-class infrastructure. The PEA highlights base case economics including an NPV8% of C$2.1 billion and an IRR of 20% based on long-term commodity prices of US$4.00/lb copper, US$15.00/lb molybdenum, US$23.00/oz silver, and US$1,800/oz gold. The Berg deposit contains pit-constrained 43-101 compliant resources of copper, molybdenum, silver, and gold in the Measured, Indicated, and Inferred categories. The Company also owns a 100% interest in the Ootsa Property, an advanced-stage exploration project containing the Seel and Ox porphyry deposits located adjacent to the open pit Huckleberry Copper Mine, owned by Imperial Metals. The Ootsa Property contains pit-constrained NI 43-101 compliant resources of copper, gold, molybdenum, and silver in the Measured, Indicated, and Inferred categories. On Behalf of the Board of Directors Leif Nilsson Chief Executive Officer For further information, please contact: Riley Trimble, Corporate Communications & Development Telephone: +1 604 416 2978 Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. Twitter: @SurgeCopper LinkedIn: Surge Copper Corp https://www.surgecopper.com Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. This News Release contains forward-looking statements, which relate to future events. In some cases, you can identify forward-looking statements by terminology such as "will", "may", "should", "expects", "plans", or "anticipates" or the negative of these terms or other comparable terminology. All statements included herein, other than statements of historical fact, are forward-looking statements, including but not limited to: the commencement of drilling at the Berg Project and the timing thereof; the surface exploration work at the Berg Project and the timing thereof; the size and focus of the exploration drill program at the Berg deposit; the potential for program expansion based on initial results of the exploration drill program; the objectives of the drill hole design; the use of proceeds from the Top-Up Offering; and the Companys plans regarding the Berg Project and the Ootsa Property. These statements are only predictions and involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties, and other factors that may cause the Companys actual results, level of activity, performance, or achievements to be materially different from any future results, levels of activity, performance, or achievements expressed or implied by these forward-looking statements. Such uncertainties and risks may include, among others, actual results of the Company's exploration activities being different than those expected by management, delays in obtaining or failure to obtain required government or other regulatory approvals, the ability to obtain adequate financing to conduct its planned exploration programs, inability to procure labour, equipment, and supplies in sufficient quantities and on a timely basis, equipment breakdown, impacts of the current coronavirus pandemic, and bad weather. While these forward-looking statements, and any assumptions upon which they are based, are made in good faith and reflect the Company's current judgment regarding the direction of its business, actual results will almost always vary, sometimes materially, from any estimates, predictions, projections, assumptions, or other future performance suggestions herein. Except as required by applicable law, the Company does not intend to update any forward-looking statements to conform these statements to actual results. Kelly Rocheleau Education, court and crime reporter Follow Kelly Rocheleau 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 AUBURN For years, Cayleb Blay and Evan Townes heard about the Harvest of Sound. The senior and junior members of the Auburn Vanguard Marching Band knew the competition was a beloved fall tradition. For 39 years it saw Auburn host marching bands from throughout central New York, with a performance by the home band as well. But the competition hasn't taken place since COVID-19, so Cayleb and Evan didn't know if they'd ever get to experience it. "It's been going on for so long," Cayleb told The Citizen, "so it's hard not to think of everyone else who's done the exact same thing and how awesome it is." This Saturday, however, Cayleb and Evan and every other member of the Vanguard will finally get to experience the Harvest of Sound for the first time when the competition returns to Auburn Junior High School after five years. Featuring eight other school bands and coordinated by the Auburn Music Boosters, it will also be the first competition in the USBands circuit held in upstate New York. 'When is there going to be Harvest?' Vanguard Director Erin Coughlin and Auburn Music Boosters President Allison Fennessy, both alumnae of the band, told The Citizen they attempted to bring the Harvest of Sound back in 2022 and 2023. "The main thing I've heard in three years is, 'When is there going to be Harvest?'" Fennessy said. Along with being the first in five years, this year's Harvest of Sound will mark its 40th anniversary. To celebrate, Vanguard alumni will be invited on the field of Holland Stadium during the competition. Many will also be volunteering there, Fennessy said, noting that Auburn music alumni hold the tradition in high regard. Coughlin, who began performing with the Vanguard as an eighth grader and continued until graduating in 2013, said the event highlights senior band members and serves as a reunion for those alumni. "I just hope they get to come back and reminiscence on their time in the marching band and it gives them a little taste of, 'Oh wow, I had such a great experience and I'm so glad to be back,'" she said. The boosters asked USBands about hosting a competition earlier this year. Fennessy said the Vanguard took part in two of the scholastic band association's competitions last year, and it was a good experience for the students and the adults. She has been working on the Harvest of Sound since February, she continued, and she praised the work of the boosters and other volunteers. "I'm nervous, but at the same time, I know we're going to pull it off," she said. "I'm really fortunate that I have a great team, we have a great group of band parents and without that support, I wouldn't feel as comfortable as I do right now." 'Put it all on the field' Cayleb and Evan, who as the Vanguard's drum majors conduct the marching band on the field, said work on this year's performance began in mid-July. The theme of the performance is "Voyage to Valhalla," and it honors Viking warriors and their journey to the afterlife with Wagner's "Ride of the Valkyries," Dvorak's "New World Symphony" and more. The music is harder than recent Vanguard material, Cayleb and Evan said, but they feel they and their bandmates have risen to the challenge over the last few weeks. Evan said he didn't have much leadership experience before becoming a drum major, but he's developed his skills over time. "I (had) to learn, basically, to work better with much larger groups than I'm used to, how to be able to raise my voice when I need to be able to, to keep things under control," he said. While he's looking forward to everything about the Harvest of Sound, Cayleb said he's most excited to become part of the tradition. "Everyone around us has done a ton of work, including our staff. It's been really hard on all of us, but with all that work being done, that makes it easier and easier as we go," he said. "I'm confident that we'll be able to put it all on the field." If you go WHAT: Harvest of Sound WHEN: Noon Saturday, Sept. 28 WHERE: Holland Stadium, 191 Franklin St., Auburn COST: Admission $8 in advance, $10 at the gate INFO: Visit facebook.com/groups/auburnvanguard Harvest of Sound schedule 11:55 a.m.: National anthem Noon: Jordan-Elbridge High School (Group II, A Class) 12:15 p.m.: Phoenix High School (Group III, A Class) 12:30 p.m.: Le Roy Jr.-Sr. High School (Group III, A Class) 12:45 p.m.: Auburn High School (Group III, A Class) 1 p.m.: Jamestown High School (Group IV, A Class) 1:15 p.m.: Intermission 1:45 p.m.: Corning-Painted Post Area School District (Group III, Open Class) 2 p.m.: Liverpool High School (Group IV, Open Class) 2:15 p.m.: Cicero-North Syracuse High School (Group IV, Open Class) 2:30 p.m.: Baldwinsville High School (Group V, Open Class) 2:45 p.m.: Alumni and senior recognition 3 p.m.: Awards VANCOUVER, BC, Sept. 26, 2024 /CNW/ - Scottie Resources Corp. ("Scottie" or the "Company") (TSXV: SCOT) (OTCQB: SCTSF) (FSE: SR8) is pleased to announce the successful completion of its 10,000-metre diamond drill program on the Scottie Gold Mine Project, located in BC's Golden Triangle. This milestone marks a significant step forward in advancing the Company towards a Mineral Resource Estimate, anticipated in late Q1 2025. Assay results from the drilling are pending, and the Company is awaiting these results to further evaluate the potential of the mineralized zones. The Company is proud to report that the program was completed within the planned budget of $4.5 million, while also intersecting substantial intervals of mineralization and instances of visible gold across multiple exciting targets. Drilling Highlights The 10,000-metre program, originally budgeted for 6,000 metres, was extended due to promising early mineralization and drilling efficiencies while remaining within the allocated $4.5 million budget. Key targets included the Scottie Gold Mine, Blueberry Contact Zone, C and D Zones, and the 2023 outcrop discovery named the Golden Buckle Zone. President and CEO, Brad Rourke commented: "We are thrilled with the results of our 2024 drill campaign. Not only did we achieve significant mineralization and visible gold across several key targets, but we also stayed on budget, reflecting the efficiency and effectiveness of our team. With these results in hand and a robust financial position, we are well on track to deliver a maiden Mineral Resource Estimate in early 2025." Next Steps As Scottie Resources progresses towards the release of its maiden Mineral Resource Estimate in Q1 2025, the Company will continue to focus on expanding its high-grade targets and evaluating new opportunities within the Golden Triangle. The results from this drill program affirm the significant upside potential of the Scottie Gold Mine Project. About the Scottie Gold Mine Project Exploration of the Scottie Gold Mine Project over the past 5 years has produced exceptional drill results through the discovery of high-grade gold in four new zones (Blueberry Contact Zone, Domino, D-Zone, P-Zone) and the expansion of previously drill confirmed targets (Scottie Gold Mine, C-Zone, Bend Vein, Stockwork). When depicted on a map of property scale geology there is a clear spatial relation between the outcropping and drill-confirmed high-grade gold targets and the contact with the Jurassic aged Texas Creek Plutonic suite intrusion. The new 2023 surface discovery (Golden Buckle Zone) of gold-rich vein style mineralization between the Scottie Gold Mine and the C & D-Zones further supports this relationship. Geological work in the area has established strong connections between the various deposits. The chemical, mineralogical, structural, and age relationships of the deposits and host rocks support a genetic model whereby all deposits are linked to the same mineralizing event. About the Blueberry Contact Zone The Blueberry Contact Zone is located just 2 kilometres northeast of the 100% owned, past-producing Scottie Gold Mine located in British Columbia, Canada's Golden Triangle region. Historic trenching and channel sampling of the Blueberry Vein include results of 103.94 g/t gold over 1.43 metres, and 203.75 g/t gold over 1.90 metres. Despite high-grade surficial samples and easy road access, the Blueberry Vein had only limited reported drilling prior to the Company's exploration work. The target was significantly advanced during Scottie's 2019 drill program when an interval grading 7.44 g/t gold over 34.78 metres was intersected in a new N-S oriented zone adjacent to the main Blueberry Vein. The drill results received from 2020 - 2023, coupled with surficial mapping and sampling suggest that the N-S mineralized trend is a first order structure that hosts an array of SW-trending, sub-parallel, sulphide-rich veins that obliquely crosscut it which host high-grade gold. As of the end of 2023, the extent of the N-S zone, defined by the contact between andesite and siltstone units of the Hazelton Formation and the presence of the cross-cutting sulfide-rich structures, has a drilled strike length of 1,550 metres and has been tested to >525 metres depth. The Blueberry Contact Zone is located on the Granduc Road, 20 kilometres north of the Ascot Resources' Premier Mine. Newmont's Brucejack Mine is located 25 kilometres to the north. Quality Assurance and Control Results from samples taken during the 2021-2024 field seasons were analyzed at SGS Minerals in Burnaby, BC. The sampling program was undertaken under the direction of Dr. Thomas Mumford. A secure chain of custody is maintained in transporting and storing of all samples. Gold was assayed using a fire assay with atomic absorption spectrometry and gravimetric finish when required (+9 g/t gold). Analysis by four acid digestion with multi-element ICP-AES analysis was conducted on all samples with silver and base metal over-limits being re-analyzed by emission spectrometry. Dr. Thomas Mumford, P.Geo., a qualified person under National Instrument 43-101, has reviewed the technical information contained in this news release on behalf of the Company. ABOUT SCOTTIE RESOURCES CORP. Scottie owns a 100% interest in the Scottie Gold Mine Property which includes the Blueberry Contact Zone and the high-grade, past-producing Scottie Gold Mine. Scottie also owns 100% interest in the Georgia Project which contains the high-grade past-producing Georgia River Mine, as well as the Cambria Project properties and the Sulu and Tide North properties. Altogether Scottie Resources holds approximately 58,500 hectares of mineral claims in the Stewart Mining Camp in the Golden Triangle. The Company's focus is on expanding the known mineralization around the past-producing mines while advancing near mine high-grade gold targets, with the purpose of delivering a potential resource. All of the Company's properties are located in the area known as the Golden Triangle of British Columbia which is among the world's most prolific mineralized districts. Forward Looking Statements This news release may contain forwardlooking statements. Forward looking statements are statements that are not historical facts and are generally, but not always, identified by the words "expects", "plans", "anticipates", "believes", "intends", "estimates", "projects", "potential" and similar expressions, or that events or conditions "will", "would", "may", "could" or "should" occur. Although the Company believes the expectations expressed in such forwardlooking statements are based on reasonable assumptions, such statements are not guarantees of future performance and actual results may differ materially from those in forward looking statements. Forwardlooking statements are based on the beliefs, estimates and opinions of the Company's management on the date such statements were made. The Company expressly disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any forwardlooking statements whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy of accuracy of this release. September 26, 2024 TheNewswire - Vancouver, British Columbia - Pampa Metals Corp. (Pampa Metals or the Company) (CSE:PM / FSE:FIR / OTCQB:PMMCF) is pleased to announce the appointment of Oscar Nunez as Project Director Piuquenes and the appointment of Gladys Castro as Senior Geologist. Oscar Nunez Project Director Piuquenes Oscar Nunez is a San Juan based geologist with over 40 years experience in management positions across exploration, production and development. Oscar gained significant experience managing exploration programs in the San Juan high cordillera during his 17-year career at Barrick Exploration Argentina, including direct oversight of a >140,000-meter drill program during his time as Head of Project Lama. Oscar has assumed operational responsibility for the 2024/25 Piuquenes field season. Gladys Castro Senior Geologist Gladys Castro is a San Juan based geologist with over 15 years experience in copper-gold porphyry systems and was involved in an earlier exploration program at the Piuquenes project during her time at Anglo American. Gladys has also previously worked in the San Juan high cordillera with Barrick, and more recently served as a Senior Geologist on Sendero Resources Penas Negras project. Joseph van den Elsen, Pampa Metals President and CEO commented: We are delighted to welcome Oscar and Gladys to our team, their enthusiasm and local operational and technical experience will prove valuable as we rapidly advance the Piuquenes Project. The Piuquenes project is a Company making asset and we are all looking forward to more fully delineating the size and grade potential of the first deposit during the 2024/25 field season and concurrently testing a second undrilled, outcropping porphyry at Piuquenes East. Desktop work to-date confirms the potential for a cluster of deposits along a trend, and we will advance several other targets this field season through surface exploration and possibly geophysics. ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD INVESTOR CONTACT Joseph van den Elsen | President & CEO Joseph van den Elsen | This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. ABOUT PAMPA METALS Pampa Metals is a copper-gold exploration company listed on the Canadian Stock Exchange (CSE:PM), Frankfurt (FSE: FIR), and OTC (OTCQB: PMMCF) exchanges. In November 2023, the Company announced it had entered into an Option and Joint Venture Agreement for the acquisition of an 80% interest in the Piuquenes Copper-Gold Porphyry Project in San Juan Province, Argentina. Neither the CSE nor the Investment Industry Regulatory Organization of Canada accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENT This news release contains certain statements that may be deemed "forward-looking statements". All statements in this release, other than statements of historical fact, that address events or developments that Pampa Metals expects to occur, are forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are statements that are not historical facts and are generally, but not always, identified by the words "expects" and similar expressions, or that events or conditions "will" or "may" occur. These statements are subject to various risks. Although Pampa Metals believes the expectations expressed in such forward-looking statements are based on reasonable assumptions, such statements are not guaranteeing of future performance and actual results may differ materially from those in forward-looking statements. Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - September 26, 2024) - Pacific Ridge Exploration Ltd. (TSXV: PEX) (OTCQB: PEXZF) (FSE: PQWN) ("Pacific Ridge" or the "Company") is pleased to announce that the Company has completed its inaugural drill program at the Chuchi copper-gold project ("Chuchi" or the "Project"), and that copper mineralization was intersected in every drill hole. Chuchi is road accessible and is located 35 km to the northwest of Centerra Gold Inc.'s ("Centerra") Mount Milligan mine in B.C. (see Figure 1). Highlights: Pacific Ridge completed 2,716 m in five diamond drill holes over a 750 m strike length across the BP Zone ("BPZ") (see Figures 2 and 3). Every drill hole intersected alkalic porphyry copper mineralization consisting of chalcopyrite and pyrite hosted in breccias, veins, and as disseminated mineral replacements. The results will be released once the assays are received and compiled. The Company believes that the BPZ has excellent potential for continued expansion of alkalic porphyry copper mineralization along strike and at depth. BPZ is just one of several porphyry targets that occur within a six-kilometre north-northwest trend at Chuchi (see Pacific Ridge news release dated April 30th, 2024). A two-hour drive from Fort Saint James, the drill program was completely ground-supported. Quote "The last major drill program at the BP Zone was more than three decades ago," said Blaine Monaghan, President and CEO of Pacific Ridge. The Company believes that the BP Zone has significant, untested potential for porphyry copper-gold mineralization along strike and at depth as many of the historical drill holes were shallow and ended in mineralization. We look forward to reporting the assay results from our very first drill program at Chuchi." Figure 1 Location of Chuchi and Pacific Ridge's Other Copper-Gold Porphyry Projects Figure 2 Location of the BPZ and Other Targets at Chuchi 2024 Drill Hole Program Design The 2024 drill program was designed to test the interpretation that BPZ mineralization forms a tabular shaped body with a high degree of northeast-trending structural control, has a steep westward dip (eastward tilt), and is deep rooted. It appears to be related to a 550 m (E-W) x 500 m (N-S) x 600 m (depth) stock complex. This interpretation is based on combined 3D geophysical inversion models (ZTEM and IP), grade shell model of historical drilling, and historical work. Further, drilling tested for evidence that BPZ is structurally segmented with greater preservation potential in downthrown blocks towards the northeast. Over the 750 m strike length of BPZ tested in 2024, sulfide mineralization appears to follow a northeast trending corridor centered on the North Central ("NC") fault zone (see Figures 3 and 4). Brecciated and altered lithological contact zones around the monzodiorite porphyry complex are also identified as areas of enhanced mineralization. Figure 3 2024 BPZ Drill Holes in Plan View with 3D ZTEM Model in Background Figure 4 2024 Chuchi Drilling with 3D ZTEM Model in Background (450 m wide slice) and TMI Magnetics on Surface CH-24-070 (azimuth 090, inclination -70, length 603 m) was collared on a historical drill trail near the centre of the BPZ, within the mapped calc-potassic alteration domain, and near drill hole CH-91-40 which returned 40 m at 0.45% Cu and 0.41 g/t Au from 64 m depth (see Table 1). Figure 5 Chalcopyrite-Pyrite Mineralization in CH-24-070 at 406.0-406.5 m (See A in Figure 4) CH-24-071 (azimuth 088, inclination -80, length 577 m) was collared on a historical drill trail at the southern end of the BPZ, within the mapped potassic alteration domain, and in the area of historical drill hole CH-89-07 which returned 16 m at 0.71% Cu and 1.32 g/t Au within 100 m of 0.27% Cu and 0.37 g/t Au from 38 m depth (see Table 1). Figure 6 Chalcopyrite-Pyrite Mineralization in CH-24-071 at 85.0 m (See B in Figure 4) CH-24-072 (azimuth 090, inclination -75, length 600 m) was collared on a historical drill trail at the southwestern side of the BP Zone, within the mapped calc-potassic alteration domain, and in the area of historical drill hole CH-90-27 which returned 70 m at 0.31% Cu and 0.34 g/t Au within 194 m of 0.21% Cu and 0.21 g/t Au from 32 m depth (see Table 1). Figure 7 Chalcopyrite-Pyrite Mineralization in CH-24-072 at 388-389 m (See C in Figure 4) CH-24-073 (azimuth 036, inclination -55, length 588 m) was collared on a historical drill trail near the centre of the BPZ, within the mapped calc-potassic alteration domain. The in-field drill hole design was based on observations from the first three drill holes and on the identification of a previously unused drill trail that was optimally located to test the predicted high-grade core of the BPZ from numeric modelling of historical drilling results. Figure 8 Chalcopyrite-Pyrite Mineralization in CH-24-073 at 505.0 m (See D in Figure 4) CH-24-074 (azimuth 300, inclination -70, length 348 m) was collared on a historical drill trail on the northeastern side of the BPZ, within the mapped calc-potassic alteration domain, and near historical drill hole CH-90-30 which returned 74 m at 0.26% Cu and 0.13 g/t Au from 182 m depth (see Table 1). Drilling tested the predicted core zone of the historical drilling results grade shell model. Figure 9 Chalcopyrite-Pyrite Mineralization in CH-24-074 at 305.0 m (See E in Figure 4) Table Historical Drill Highlights1 Hole No. From (m) To (m) Width (m) Cu (%) Au (g/t) CuEq (%)2 AuEq (g/t)3 CH-89-07 38.0 138.0 100.0 0.27 0.37 0.51 0.76 Includes 82.0 98.0 16.0 0.71 1.32 1.60 2.37 CH-90-27 32.0 226.0 194.0 0.21 0.21 0.35 0.52 Includes 156.0 226.0 70.0 0.31 0.34 0.54 0.80 CH-90-30 98.0 256.0 158.0 0.22 0.10 0.29 0.43 Includes 182.0 256.0 74.0 0.26 0.13 0.35 0.52 CH-90-33 54.0 304.5 250.50 0.21 0.12 0.29 0.44 Includes 64.0 152.0 88.0 0.36 0.21 0.51 0.75 CH-90-37 54.3 262.1 207.8 0.22 0.12 0.30 0.45 Includes 110.0 154.0 44.0 0.35 0.18 0.47 0.70 CH-91-40 50.0 130.0 80.0 0.30 0.29 0.49 0.73 Includes 50.0 114.0 64.0 0.35 0.33 0.57 0.85 Includes 64.0 104.0 40.0 0.45 0.41 0.73 1.08 CH-91-42 91.4 320.6 229.2 0.10 0.61 0.51 0.76 Includes 94.0 144.0 50.0 0.09 2.10 1.50 2.23 Includes 94.0 122.0 28.0 0.07 3.61 2.49 3.70 And 200.0 242.0 42.0 0.13 0.55 0.50 0.74 CH-19-003 91.5 411.0 319.5 0.16 0.14 0.25 0.37 Includes 341.0 401.0 60.0 0.26 0.24 0.42 0.63 1Sources include: Chuchi project historical drilling database; also reported in BC Geological Survey (Branch) Assessment Reports 20018 (CH-89-7), 21113 (CH-90-27, CH-90-30, CH-90-33, CH-90-37), unpublished Placer Dome Inc. database (CH-91-40, CH-91-42), 39061 (CH-19-003). The Company has not independently validated all historic work, and the reader is cautioned about its accuracy. 2CuEq = ((Cu%) x $Cu x 22.0462) + (Au(g/t) x AuR/CuR x $Au x 0.032151) / ($Cu x 22.0462). 3AuEq = ((Au(g/t) x $Au x 0.032151) + ((Cu%) x CuR/AuR x $Cu x 22.0462) / ($Au x 0.032151). Commodity prices: $Cu = US$3.25/lb and $Au = US$1,800/oz. There has been no metallurgical testing on Chuchi mineralization. The Company estimates copper recoveries (CuR) of 84%, and gold recoveries (AuR) of 70% based on the average recoveries from Kemess Underground, Mount Milligan, and Red Chris. Factors: 22.0462 = Cu% to lbs per tonne and 0.032151 = Au g/t to troy oz per tonne. End of hole About Chuchi Chuchi is over 160 km2 in size and comprises three mineral tenure blocks, Chuchi, under option from Centerra, and Chuchi South and Chuchi West, under option from American Copper Development Corporation (ACDX: TSXV) and a private individual. The Project is road accessible and is located 35 km northwest of Centerra's Mount Milligan mine. The Project has seen less than 15,360 metres (89 drill holes) of historical drilling to an average vertical depth of 140 m. Most of this drilling was completed in 1989-1991. Chuchi hosts several compelling exploration targets within a six-kilometre-long porphyry trend, including the BPZ. The Company believes that Chuchi has significant untested potential for porphyry copper-gold mineralization at depth as many of the historic drill holes were shallow and ended in mineralization. Further, the porphyry centre has yet to be identified. About Pacific Ridge Our goal is to become B.C.'s leading copper-gold exploration company. Pacific Ridge's flagship asset is its 100% owned Kliyul copper-gold project, located in the Quesnel terrane close to existing infrastructure. In addition to Kliyul, the Company's project portfolio also includes the Chuchi copper-gold project, the 100% owned RDP copper-gold project, the 100% owned Onjo copper-gold project, and the 100% owned Redton copper-gold project, all located in British Columbia. Pacific Ridge would like to acknowledge that its B.C. projects are located in the traditional, ancestral and unceded territories of the Gitxsan Nation, McLeod Lake Indian Band, Nak'azdli Whut'en, Takla Nation, and Tsay Keh Dene Nation. On behalf of the Board of Directors, "Blaine Monaghan" Blaine Monaghan President & CEO Pacific Ridge Exploration Ltd. Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. The technical information contained within this News Release has been reviewed and approved by Danette Schwab, P.Geo., Vice President Exploration, and a Qualified Person as defined by National Instrument 43-101 policy. Forward-Looking Information: This release includes certain statements that may be deemed "forward-looking statements". All statements in this release, other than statements of historical facts, which address exploration drilling and other activities and events or developments that Pacific Ridge Exploration Ltd. ("Pacific Ridge") expects to occur, are forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements in this news release include geological descriptions of the 2,716 m drill program at Chuchi. Although Pacific Ridge believes the expectations expressed in such forward-looking statements are based on reasonable assumptions, such statements are not guarantees of future performance and actual results or developments may differ materially from those forward-looking statements. Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those in forward-looking statements include market prices, exploration successes, and continued availability of capital and financing and general economic, market or business conditions. These statements are based on a number of assumptions including, among other things, assumptions regarding general business and economic conditions, that one of the options will be exercised, the ability of Pacific Ridge and other parties to satisfy stock exchange and other regulatory requirements in a timely manner, the availability of financing for Pacific Ridge's proposed programs on reasonable terms, and the ability of third party service providers to deliver services in a timely manner. Investors are cautioned that any such statements are not guarantees of future performance and actual results or developments may differ materially from those projected in the forward-looking statements. Pacific Ridge does not assume any obligation to update or revise its forward-looking statements, whether because of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by applicable law. VANCOUVER, British Columbia, Sept. 25, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Westhaven Gold Corp. (TSX-V:WHN) (Westhaven or the Company) is pleased to announce that the Company has entered into an agreement with Red Cloud Securities Inc. (the Agent) to act as sole agent and bookrunner in connection with a best efforts, private placement (the "Marketed Offering") for aggregate gross proceeds of up to C$5,000,000 from the sale of the following: 10,000,000 units of the Company (each, a Unit ) at a price of C$0.15 per Unit for gross proceeds of up to C$1,500,000 from the sale of Units; and ) at a price of C$0.15 per Unit for gross proceeds of up to C$1,500,000 from the sale of Units; and gross proceeds of up to C$3,500,000 from the sale of any combination of (i) common shares of the Company that will quality as flow-through shares within the meaning of subsection 66(15) of the Income Tax Act (Canada) (each, a Traditional FT Share) at a price of C$0.175 per Traditional FT Share and (ii) flow-through units of the Company to be sold to charitable purchasers (each, a Charity FT Unit, and collectively with the Units and Traditional FT Shares, the Offered Securities) at a price of C$0.22 per Charity FT Unit. Each Unit will consist of one common share of the Company (each, a Unit Share) and one half of one common share purchase warrant (each whole warrant, a Warrant). Each Charity FT Unit will consist of one Traditional FT Share and one half of one Warrant. Each Warrant shall entitle the holder to purchase one common share of the Company (each, a Warrant Share) at a price of C$0.22 at any time on or before that date which is 24 months after the closing date of the Offering (as defined below). The Agent will have an option, exercisable in full or in part, up to 48 hours prior to the closing of the Offering, to sell up to an additional C$1,000,000 in any combination of Units, Traditional FT Shares and Charity FT Units at their respective offering prices (the Agents Option and together with the Marketed Offering, the Offering). Subject to compliance with applicable regulatory requirements and in accordance with National Instrument 45-106 Prospectus Exemptions (NI 45-106), those Units, Traditional FT Shares and Charity FT Units representing gross proceeds of up to C$5,000,000 (the LIFE Securities) will be offered for sale to purchasers in the provinces of Alberta, British Columbia, Manitoba, Ontario and Saskatchewan (the Canadian Selling Jurisdictions) pursuant to the listed issuer financing exemption under Part 5A of NI 45-106 (the Listed Issuer Financing Exemption). The Unit Shares, Traditional FT Shares, Warrants and Warrant Shares issuable pursuant to the sale of the LIFE Securities are expected to be immediately freely tradeable under applicable Canadian securities legislation if sold to purchasers resident in Canada. The Units may also be sold in offshore jurisdictions and in the United States on a private placement basis pursuant to one or more exemptions from the registration requirements of the United States Securities Act of 1933 (the "U.S. Securities Act"), as amended. Any Units and Charity FT Units sold in excess of gross proceeds of C$5,000,000 as well as the Traditional FT Shares (collectively, the Non-LIFE Securities) will be offered by way of the accredited investor and minimum amount investment exemptions under NI 45-106 in the Canadian Selling Jurisdictions, or in the case of the Units, also in offshore jurisdictions and the United States on a private placement basis pursuant to one or more exemptions from the registration requirements of the U.S. Securities Act. The Unit Shares, Traditional FT Shares, Warrants and Warrant Shares issuable from the sale of Non-LIFE Securities will be subject to a hold period ending on the date that is four months plus one day following the closing date of the Offering under applicable Canadian securities laws. The Company intends to use the net proceeds from the sale of Units for working capital and general corporate purposes. The gross proceeds from the issuance of the Traditional FT Shares and the Charity FT Units will be used for Canadian exploration expenses on the Companys mineral projects in British Columbia and will qualify as flow-through mining expenditures, as defined in subsection 127(9) of the Income Tax Act (Canada) (the Qualifying Expenditures), which will be incurred on or before December 31, 2025 and renounced to the subscribers with an effective date no later than December 31, 2024 in an aggregate amount not less than the gross proceeds raised from the issue of the Traditional FT Shares and Charity FT Units. The Offering is scheduled to close on or around October 15, 2024, or such other date as the Company and the Agent may agree, and is subject to certain conditions including, but not limited to, receipt of all necessary approvals including the approval of the TSX Venture Exchange. The Company will pay to the Agent a cash commission of 6% of the gross proceeds raised in respect of the Offering (the Agents Commission). In addition, the Company will issue to the Agent warrants of the Company (each warrant, a Broker Warrant), exercisable for a period of 24 months following the Closing Date, to acquire in aggregate that number of common shares of the Company which is equal to 6% of the number of Offered Securities sold under the Offering at an exercise price equal to C$0.15 per Common Share. There is an offering document related to the Offering that can be accessed under the Companys profile at www.sedarplus.ca and on the Companys website at www.westhavengold.com. Prospective investors should read this offering document before making an investment decision. To the extent that any directors and/or officers the Company participate in the Offering, such participation will constitute a "related party transaction" within the meaning of Multilateral Instrument 61-101 - Protection of Minority Security Holders in Special Transactions ("MI 61-101"). The Company expects any participation by directors and officers in the Offering will be exempt from the formal valuation and minority shareholder approval requirements of MI 61-101 pursuant to sections 5.5(a) and 5.7(1)(a) of MI 61-101 based on the fact that neither the fair market value of the Units, Traditional FT Shares or Charity FT Units subscribed for by directors and officers, nor the consideration for such securities to be paid by them, will exceed 25% of the Company's market capitalization. The securities offered have not been, nor will they be, registered under the U.S. Securities Act, as amended, or any state securities law, and may not be offered, sold or delivered, directly or indirectly, within the United States, or to or for the account or benefit of U.S. persons, absent registration or an exemption from such registration requirements. This news release does not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy nor shall there be any sale of securities in any state in the United States in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful. On behalf of the Board of Directors WESTHAVEN GOLD CORP. Gareth Thomas Gareth Thomas, President, CEO & Director Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. About Westhaven Gold Corp. Westhaven is a gold-focused exploration company advancing the high-grade discovery on the Shovelnose project in Canadas newest gold district, the Spences Bridge Gold Belt. Westhaven controls 60,950 hectares (609.5 square kilometres) with four gold properties spread along this underexplored belt. The Shovelnose property is situated off a major highway, near power, rail, large producing mines, and within commuting distance from the city of Merritt, which translates into low-cost exploration. Westhaven trades on the TSX Venture Exchange under the ticker symbol WHN. For further information, please call 604-681-5558 or visit Westhavens website at www.westhavengold.com Forward Looking Statements: This press release contains "forward-looking information" within the meaning of applicable Canadian and United States securities laws, which is based upon the Company's current internal expectations, estimates, projections, assumptions and beliefs. The forward-looking information included in this press release are made only as of the date of this press release. Such forward-looking statements and forward-looking information include, but are not limited to, statements concerning the Company's expectations with respect to the Offering; the use of proceeds of the Offering; completion of the Offering and the date of such completion. Forward-looking statements or forward-looking information relate to future events and future performance and include statements regarding the expectations and beliefs of management based on information currently available to the Company. Such forward-looking statements and forward-looking information often, but not always, can be identified by the use of words such as "plans", "expects", "potential", "is expected", "anticipated", "is targeted", "budget", "scheduled", "estimates", "forecasts", "intends", "anticipates", or "believes" or the negatives thereof or variations of such words and phrases or statements that certain actions, events or results "may", "could", "would", "might" or "will" be taken, occur or be achieved. Forward-looking information involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause the actual results, performance, or achievements of the Company to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements. Such risks and other factors include, among others, and without limitation: that the Offering may not close within the timeframe anticipated or at all or may not close on the terms and conditions currently anticipated by the Company for a number of reasons including, without limitation, as a result of the occurrence of a material adverse change, disaster, change of law or other failure to satisfy the conditions to closing of the Offering; the Company will not be able to raise sufficient funds to complete its planned exploration program; that the Company will not derive the expected benefits from its current program; the Company may not use the proceeds of the Offering as currently contemplated; the Company may fail to find a commercially viable deposit at any of its mineral properties; the Companys plans may be adversely affected by the Companys reliance on historical data compiled by previous parties involved with its mineral properties; mineral exploration and development are inherently risky industries; the mineral exploration industry is intensely competitive; additional financing may not be available to the Company when required or, if available, the terms of such financing may not be favourable to the Company; fluctuations in the demand for gold or gold prices generally; the Company may not be able to identify, negotiate or finance any future acquisitions successfully, or to integrate such acquisitions with its current business; the Companys exploration activities are dependent upon the grant of appropriate licenses, concessions, leases, permits and regulatory consents, which may be withdrawn or not granted; the Companys operations could be adversely affected by possible future government legislation, policies and controls or by changes in applicable laws and regulations; there is no guarantee that title to the properties in which the Company has a material interest will not be challenged or impugned; the Company faces various risks associated with mining exploration that are not insurable or may be the subject of insurance which is not commercially feasible for the Company; the volatility of global capital markets over the past several years has generally made the raising of capital more difficult; inflationary cost pressures may escalate the Companys operating costs; compliance with environmental regulations can be costly; social and environmental activism can negatively impact exploration, development and mining activities; the success of the Company is largely dependent on the performance of its directors and officers; the Companys operations may be adversely affected by First Nations land claims; the Company and/or its directors and officers may be subject to a variety of legal proceedings, the results of which may have a material adverse effect on the Companys business; the Company may be adversely affected if potential conflicts of interests involving its directors and officers are not resolved in favour of the Company; the Companys future profitability may depend upon the world market prices of gold; dilution from future equity financing could negatively impact holders of the Companys securities; failure to adequately meet infrastructure requirements could have a material adverse effect on the Companys business; the Companys projects now or in the future may be adversely affected by risks outside the control of the Company; the Company is subject to various risks associated with climate change, the Company is subject to general global risks arising from epidemic diseases, the ongoing conflicts in Ukraine and the Middle East, rising inflation and interest rates and the impact they will have on the Companys operations, supply chains, ability to access mining projects or procure equipment, supplies, contractors and other personnel on a timely basis or at all is uncertain; as well as other risk factors in the Companys other public filings available at www.sedarplus.ca. Readers are cautioned that this list of risk factors should not be construed as exhaustive. Although the Company believes that the expectations reflected in the forward-looking information are reasonable, there can be no assurance that such expectations will prove to be correct. The Company cannot guarantee future results, performance, or achievements. Consequently, there is no representation that the actual results achieved will be the same, in whole or in part, as those set out in the forward-looking information. The Company undertakes no duty to update any of the forward-looking information to conform such information to actual results or to changes in the Companys expectations, except as otherwise required by applicable securities legislation. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward-looking information. The forward-looking information contained in this offering document is expressly qualified by this cautionary statement. US President Joe Biden on Tuesday urged all countries to stop arming rival generals in Sudan, whose bloody war has triggered a major humanitarian crisis. "The world needs to stop arming the generals. Speak with one voice and tell them: 'Stop tearing your country apart. Stop blocking aid to the Sudanese people. End this war now,'" Biden told the UN General Assembly. The address came one day after Biden met in Washington with the leader of the United Arab Emirates, widely accused of arming the Rapid Support Forces, which the United States says has carried out war crimes against the ethnic African population of Darfur. UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, speaking before Biden, voiced frustration at the role of foreign powers in the "brutal power struggle" in Sudan that has "unleashed horrific violence." "A humanitarian catastrophe is unfolding as famine spreads. Yet outside powers continue to interfere, with no unified approach to finding peace," Guterres said. Biden pointed to US efforts to mediate the crisis. A US-led conference in Switzerland last month led to limited promises by the two sides on aid access. "The United States has led the world to provide humanitarian aid to Sudan, and with our partners, have led diplomatic talks to try to silence the guns and... avert a wider famine," Biden said. The United States has quietly pressed the United Arab Emirates over support to the Rapid Support Forces, according to diplomats. In a joint statement on Monday, Biden and UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan said they shared concerns about "the risk of imminent atrocities" in Darfur. They urged all sides to "comply with their obligations under international humanitarian law." Sudan's army has also allegedly received foreign support in its fight against the Rapid Support Forces, including from Iran. The World Health Organization said this month at least 20,000 people have been killed since the war began, but some estimates show up to 150,000 dead, according to US envoy on Sudan Tom Perriello. The war has also displaced more than 10 million people -- a fifth of Sudan's population -- both within the country and across borders. A UN-backed assessment has warned of the risk of widespread famine in Sudan on a scale not seen anywhere in the world in decades. Jordan's King Abdullah II on Tuesday ruled out the possibility of his country becoming an "alternative homeland" for the Palestinians, warning that their forced displacement by Israel would be a "war crime." Speaking during a gathering of world leaders at the United Nations General Assembly, King Abdullah said "the idea of Jordan as an alternative homeland (for Palestinians)... will never happen." He said he was responding to proposals floated by "extremists who are taking our region to the brink of an all-out war." Jordan, which borders the West Bank and Israel and has a large Palestinian population, "will never accept the forced displacement of Palestinians, which is a war crime," King Abdullah said. The monarch urged the international community to join "a massive relief effort to deliver food, clean water, medicine and other vital supplies" to the Gaza Strip, where nearly a year of war has triggered "unprecedented suffering." "I urge all nations of conscience to unite with Jordan in the critical weeks ahead on this mission," he said. "Our world has failed politically, but our humanity must not fail the people of Gaza any longer." US President Joe Biden asked world leaders Tuesday to prevent "full-scale war" over Lebanon, as clashes escalated between Israel and Hezbollah, prompting the UN chief to warn of a situation "on the brink." The UN General Assembly, the high point of the diplomatic calendar, comes as Lebanese authorities say Israeli strikes killed 558 people -- 50 of them children. "Full-scale war is not in anyone's interest. Even though the situation has escalated, a diplomatic solution is still possible," Biden said in his farewell address to the global body. "In fact, it remains the only path to lasting security to allow the residents from both countries to return to their homes on the border safely," Biden said. Biden also pushed again for an elusive ceasefire between Israel and Hamas, telling the global body it was time to "end this war." Mediator Qatar accused Israel of obstructing talks, with Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani saying "there is no Israeli partner for peace" under the government of Benjamin Netanyahu. But he added: "We will continue our efforts of mediation to resolve the disputes through peaceful means." UN Security Council member France called for an emergency meeting on the crisis, and the EU's top diplomat Josep Borrell warned "we are almost in a full-fledged war." "We should all be alarmed by the escalation. Lebanon is at the brink," UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said. President Masoud Pezeshkian of Iran -- which backs both Hezbollah and Hamas -- condemned the "senseless and incomprehensible" inaction by the UN against Israel, as Turkish president Recep Tayyip Erdogan accused Israel of dragging the entire region "into war". "Not only children but also the UN system is dying in Gaza," Erdogan said. The United States, Israel's closest ally, has opposed a ground invasion into Lebanon. A senior official said ahead of Biden's speech that the United States would bring "concrete" ideas for de-escalation to the UN. It is unclear what progress can be made to defuse the situation in Lebanon as the efforts to broker a ceasefire in Gaza, which Israel has relentlessly pounded since October 2023, have come to nothing. Guterres cautioned against "the possibility of transforming Lebanon (into) another Gaza," calling the situation in the embattled Palestinian territory a "non-stop nightmare." - 'Charade of hypocrisy' - Israel's ambassador to the UN, Danny Danon hit back at the UN chief, calling the General Assembly debate an "annual charade of hypocrisy." "When the UN Secretary General speaks about the release of our hostages, the UN assembly is silent, but when he speaks about the suffering in Gaza, he receives thunderous applause," Danon said. Since last year's annual gathering, when Sudan's civil war and Russia's Ukraine invasion dominated, the world has faced an explosion of crises. The October 7 attack by Palestinian Islamist group Hamas on Israel and the ensuing violence in the Middle East has exposed deep divisions in the global body. Richard Gowan of the International Crisis Group think tank said he expected many leaders to "warn that the UN will become irrelevant globally if it cannot help make peace." Palestinian president Abbas took his seat alongside the Palestinian delegation, placed in alphabetical order in the General Assembly for the first time after the delegation received upgraded privileges in May. At the rostrum, Jordan's King Abdullah II on Tuesday ruled out the forced displacement by Israel of Palestinians to his country, which he said would be a "war crime." "The idea of Jordan as an alternative homeland (for Palestinians)... will never happen," he said. - Ukraine - Ukraine will also be on the agenda Tuesday when President Volodymyr Zelensky addresses a UN Security Council meeting on the Russian invasion. Biden said that Russian President Vladimir "Putin's war has failed at its core aim. He set out to destroy Ukraine, but Ukraine is still free." Despite lofty speeches, it was uncertain what the grand diplomatic gathering can achieve for the millions mired in conflict, poverty and climate crises globally. "Any real diplomacy to reduce tensions will take place behind the scenes," Gowan said. World leaders lined up at the United Nations on Tuesday to call on Israel to refrain from a full-scale war in Lebanon, with the organization's chief warning the situation was on the "brink." The UN General Assembly, the high point of the international diplomatic calendar, comes after Lebanese authorities said Israeli strikes had killed 558 people -- 50 of them children. "Full-scale war is not in anyone's interest. Even though the situation has escalated, a diplomatic solution is still possible," US President Joe Biden said in his farewell address to the global body. "In fact, it remains the only path to lasting security to allow the residents from both countries to return to their homes on the border safely," Biden said ahead of an emergency UN Security Council session on Lebanon planned for Wednesday. Biden's remarks drew disappointment from Lebanon's foreign minister Abdullah Bou Habib who said they were "not promising" and "would not solve the Lebanese problem," as he estimated that the number of people displaced by Israel's strikes has likely soared to reach half a million. "We should all be alarmed by the escalation. Lebanon is at the brink," UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said when he opened the gathering. Israel's ambassador to the UN Danny Danon said his country was "not eager" for a ground invasion of Lebanon. "We don't want to send our boys to fight in a foreign country," he said. - 'End this war' - It is unclear what progress can be made to defuse the situation in Lebanon, with efforts to broker a ceasefire in Gaza -- which Israel has relentlessly pounded since October 2023 -- coming to nothing. Biden on Tuesday pushed again for an elusive ceasefire between Israel and Hamas, telling the global body it was time to "end this war." Mediator Qatar accused Israel of obstructing Gaza ceasefire talks, with Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani saying "there is no Israeli partner for peace" under the government of Benjamin Netanyahu. But he added: "We will continue our efforts of mediation to resolve the disputes through peaceful means." Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan accused Israel of dragging the entire region "into war." "Not only children but also the UN system is dying in Gaza," Erdogan said in a scathing speech. Guterres cautioned against "the possibility of transforming Lebanon (into) another Gaza," calling the situation in the Palestinian territory a "non-stop nightmare." European Council President Charles Michel said that Israel had the right to exist and defend itself but without inflicting "collective punishment" on civilians living in areas targeted by its military. President Masoud Pezeshkian of Iran -- which backs Hezbollah in Lebanon and Hamas in Gaza -- condemned "senseless and incomprehensible" inaction by the UN against Israel. - 'Charade of hypocrisy' - British foreign minister David Lammy also sounded the alarm over the escalating violence in Lebanon. "I am very worried about the risk of escalation, and this breaking into a wider regional conflict," he told AFP as Britain announced it was deploying military units to Cyprus to assist with any evacuation of its citizens from Lebanon. Responding to criticism of Israel, Danon called the General Assembly debate an "annual charade of hypocrisy." Since last year's annual gathering, when Sudan's civil war and Russia's Ukraine invasion dominated, the world has faced an explosion of crises. The October 7 attack by Palestinian group Hamas on Israel resulted in the deaths of 1,205 people and prompted a military response in Gaza that authorities say has killed at least 41,467 people. Militants also seized 251 hostages, 97 of whom are still held in Gaza, including 33 the Israeli military says are dead. Violence has raged across multiple fronts in the Middle East since the crisis erupted, with the conflict exposing deep divisions at the UN. Palestinian President Mahmud Abbas took his seat alongside the Palestinian delegation, placed in alphabetical order in the General Assembly for the first time on Tuesday after the delegation received upgraded privileges in May. At the rostrum, Jordan's King Abdullah II on Tuesday ruled out the forced displacement by Israel of Palestinians to his country, which he said would be a "war crime." Ukraine was also on the agenda Tuesday with President Volodymyr Zelensky addressing a UN Security Council meeting on the Russian invasion. "Russia can only be forced into peace, and that is exactly what's needed -- forcing Russia into peace," Zelensky said. US President Joe Biden on Tuesday urged all countries to cut off weapons supplies to rival generals in Sudan, as the UN chief said he regretted inaction in stopping a war that has triggered a major humanitarian crisis. "The world needs to stop arming the generals. Speak with one voice and tell them: 'Stop tearing your country apart. Stop blocking aid to the Sudanese people. End this war now,'" Biden told the UN General Assembly. The address came one day after Biden met in Washington with the leader of the United Arab Emirates, widely accused of arming the Rapid Support Forces, which the United States says has carried out war crimes against the ethnic African population of Darfur. UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, speaking before Biden, voiced frustration at the role of foreign powers in the "brutal power struggle" in Sudan that has "unleashed horrific violence." "A humanitarian catastrophe is unfolding as famine spreads. Yet outside powers continue to interfere, with no unified approach to finding peace," Guterres said. Biden pointed to US efforts to mediate the crisis. A US-led conference in Switzerland last month led to limited promises by the two sides on aid access. "The United States has led the world to provide humanitarian aid to Sudan, and with our partners, have led diplomatic talks to try to silence the guns and... avert a wider famine," Biden said. The United States has quietly pressed the United Arab Emirates over support to the Rapid Support Forces, whose fighters worked with Abu Dhabi in an offensive against Yemen's Iranian-backed Huthi insurgents, according to diplomats. Biden nonetheless designated the United Arab Emirates as a "major defense partner." Abu Dhabi has worked closely with the United States on other issues and won Washington's praise for the landmark step of recognizing Israel in 2020. In a joint statement on Monday, Biden and UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan said they shared concerns about "the risk of imminent atrocities" in Darfur. They urged all sides to "comply with their obligations under international humanitarian law." - Major humanitarian crisis - Sudan's army has also allegedly received foreign support in its fight against the Rapid Support Forces, including from Iran. Qatar's Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani -- whose wealthy nation has been comparatively less involved in Sudan than its rivals -- called for international efforts to "ensure the unity of state institutions and the sovereignty and stability of Sudan." The World Health Organization said this month at least 20,000 people have been killed since the war began. But some estimates are far higher, with the US envoy on Sudan, Tom Perriello, saying that up to 150,000 people may have died -- a toll far above that in the more closely watched conflict in Gaza. The war has also displaced more than 10 million people -- a fifth of Sudan's population -- both within the country and across borders. A UN-backed assessment has warned of the risk of widespread famine in Sudan on a scale not seen anywhere in the world in decades. World leaders expressed alarm Tuesday over the prospect of a wider war after Lebanon suffered its deadliest day in two decades after Israeli air strikes on Hezbollah strongholds. After nearly a year of cross-border fire since the Gaza war erupted, Israeli bombardment on Monday killed 558 people in Lebanon, including 50 children, according to the country's health ministry. The toll, the highest since Israel and Iran-backed Hezbollah went to war in mid-2006, raised fears of an all-out conflict engulfing the Middle East. - 'Nonstop nightmare': UN - "Lebanon is at the brink," UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said before the United Nations General Assembly in New York. "Gaza is a nonstop nightmare that threatens to take the entire region with it," he said, calling for an immediate ceasefire in the Palestinian territories. "Look no further than Lebanon." Guterres is "gravely alarmed by the escalating situation... and the large number of civilian casualties, including children and women", his spokesman Stephane Dujarric said. "Tens of thousands of people were forced from their homes yesterday and overnight, and the numbers continue to grow," UN refugee agency spokesman Matthew Saltmarsh said in Geneva. - 'Spiral of violence': US - The United States, Israel's closest ally, urged against any Israeli ground invasion targeting Hezbollah. "We obviously do not believe that a ground invasion of Lebanon is going to contribute to reducing tensions in the region, to preventing an escalatory spiral of violence," a senior US official said Monday on condition of anonymity. - 'Full-fledged war': EU - "We are almost in a full-fledged war," EU foreign affairs chief Josep Borrell said Monday. "We're seeing more military strikes, more damage, more collateral damage, more victims... Everybody has to put all their capacity to stop this," he said. - 'Another Gaza': Iran - "We must not allow Lebanon to become another Gaza at the hands of Israel," Iran's President Masoud Pezeshkian told CNN when asked if Tehran would use its influence with Hezbollah to urge restraint. "Hezbollah cannot stand alone against a country that is being defended and supported and supplied by Western countries, by European countries and the United States," he said. - 'Attacks against civilians': China - China's top diplomat Wang Yi said: "We pay close attention to developments in the region, especially the recent explosion of communications equipment in Lebanon, and firmly oppose indiscriminate attacks against civilians." Later Tuesday, foreign ministry spokesman Lin Jian said Beijing was "deeply shocked by the relevant military actions that have caused a large number of casualties". - 'War crimes': OIC - The Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), which is headquartered in the Saudi city of Jeddah, denounced the strikes as "an extension of ongoing Israeli war crimes and a violation of international law" and UN resolutions. The OIC said it held Israel "fully responsible for this dangerous escalation, which threatens the security and stability of the entire region". - 'Israeli escalation': Jordan - Jordan's King Abdullah II called on the international community to take action to stop the "danger of Israeli escalation" in Lebanon and "protect innocent civilians... before the region is dragged into a comprehensive regional war". In a phone call with the Lebanese caretaker Prime Minister Najib Mikati, the king said that "stopping the escalation in the region begins with an immediate end to the war on Gaza", according to a palace statement. - 'Brink of the abyss': Qatar - In a statement Tuesday, Qatar "condemned in the strongest terms the Israeli aggression on Lebanon". A key mediator in talks on reaching a Gaza truce, Qatar said the escalation "puts the region on the brink of the abyss and exposes it to more tensions". - 'Complete destabilisation': Russia - Russia called the strikes "an event that is potentially very dangerous", risking the expansion of the conflict and "complete destabilisation of the region", Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said. "Of course that causes us extreme concern and worry," Peskov said. burs-sbk/tw/ju/js Shanghai (Gasgoo)- On September 25, Great Wall Motor's HAVAL brand officially put the second-generation HAVAL H9, the flagship model in its new family-oriented off-road vehicle category, onto the market. Photo credit: HAVAL The new vehicle offers three petrol-powered variants, each priced lower by 6,000 yuan compared to pre-sale prices. To be specific, the Jijing ("Extreme") edition is priced at 229,900 yuan, the Tuojing ("Explore") edition at 215,900 yuan, and the Tanjing ("Adventure") edition at 199,900 yuan. In terms of exterior design, the second-generation HAVAL H9 adopts the latest family style, featuring a bold, boxy appearance. The front end is characterized by a large grille with thick horizontal chrome accents and a prominent "HAVAL" logo, flanked by distinct LED headlights. The sculpted hood lines and wide front bumper further enhance the vehicle's rugged and muscular look. Photo credit: HAVAL The new SUV's side profile emphasizes straight lines, with slightly flared wheel arches and multi-spoke rims adding to its off-road aesthetic. Additionally, blacked-out roof rails, window frames, and side skirts give the vehicle a more modern and stylish appearance. At the rear, vertically arranged LED taillights and a rear-mounted spare tire enhance its distinctive look. Notably, the vehicle comes with towing capability, an approach angle of 31, a departure angle of 26, and a ground clearance of 224 mm when unloaded. Photo credit: HAVAL Inside, the second-generation HAVAL H9 also reflects the brand's latest design language. The cabin features a dual-tone color scheme and extensive use of soft-touch materials on the dashboard and door panels, creating a more refined interior atmosphere. The vehicle comes equipped with a fully digital instrument cluster, a 14.6-inch central touchscreen (with 540-degree camera view), and a multifunctional steering wheel, adding to its tech-savvy appeal. The center console retains physical buttons and knobs for enhanced practicality. The new HAVAL H9 offers eight pre-configured modification points, including spaces for a detachable grille, front and rear bumpers, fender flares, skid plates, a snorkel, a front winch, a floating roof rack, and a secondary fuel tank. It also boasts a towing capacity of up to 2.5 tonnes. Photo credit: HAVAL Built on the off-roader-dedicated TANK platform, the second-generation HAVAL H9 features a body-on-frame design. The variant with an exterior-mounted spare tire measures 5,070mm long, 1,976mm wide, and 1,930mm tall, with a wheelbase of 2,850 mm, while the version with a rear storage box measures 4,950mm (5,000mm) long, 1,960mm (1,976mm) wide, and 1,930 mm tall, with the same wheelbase of 2,850 mm. Photo credit: HAVAL The new HAVAL H9 is equipped with a range of advanced off-road features, including seven driving modes, TOD intelligent four-wheel drive, Mlock mechanical locks, and electronic differential locks on both the front and rear axles, providing excellent adaptability to various challenging terrains. Under the hood, the second-generation HAVAL H9 is powered by a 2.0-liter turbocharged engine paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission, delivering a maximum output of 165 kW. It also includes off-road capabilities such as an all-terrain control system, low-speed four-wheel drive, and a tank turn feature. Norwegian police on Wednesday said they had arrested a man on suspicion of incitement to commit crimes against humanity in Cameroon, with sources identifying him to AFP as separatist leader Lucas Cho Ayaba. The Kripos police unit that deals with war crimes and crimes against humanity said in a statement that it had arrested "a man in his 50s" on Tuesday, but did not name him. "Kripos considers that the suspect is playing a central role in the ongoing armed conflict in Cameroon," it added. Cameroon has been gripped for years by a conflict in its two anglophone regions, in the northwest and southwest, between separatists and the state. The anglophone community, which has long complained of marginalisation and discrimination, makes up about 20 percent of the largely-francophone central African country. Ayaba is the leader of the Ambazonia Defence Forces, one of the main armed groups operating in the anglophone areas. According to a source in the communications ministry and a lawyer representing victims of the armed conflict, who spoke on condition of anonymity, Ayaba was the man arrested. The 52-year-old, a former student union activist in the 1990s, holds German nationality. It was the first time that Norway arrested someone on suspicion of inciting crimes against humanity. If convicted, he could face 30 years in prison. Norwegian police on Wednesday said they had arrested a man on suspicion of incitement to commit crimes against humanity in Cameroon, where a radio station identified him as "separatist leader" Lucas Cho Ayaba. The Kripos police unit that deals with war crimes and crimes against humanity said in a statement that it had arrested "a man in his 50s" on Tuesday, but did not name him. "Norwegian police have arrested the separatist leader Lucas Cho Ayaba. He is implicated in atrocities committed in the northwest and southwest," said CRTV radio station. Two sources had earlier told AFP that Ayaba, 52, was the man arrested. Cameroon has been gripped since 2016 by a bloody conflict in its two anglophone regions, in the northwest and southwest, between separatists and state forces. The conflict was sparked by the brutal suppression of peaceful protests in the anglophone regions by long-time President Paul Biya. "Kripos considers that the suspect is playing a central role in the ongoing armed conflict in Cameroon," the Norwegian police statement said. The anglophone community, which has long complained of marginalisation and discrimination, makes up about 20 percent of the largely-francophone central African country. Ayaba is the leader of the Ambazonia Defence Forces, one of the main armed groups operating in the anglophone areas. International NGOs accuse both the armed separatists and government forces of abuses. More than 6,000 people have been killed and at least a million displaced during the conflict, the International Crisis Group has said. A lawyer representing victims of the conflict filed a complaint in the United States against Ayaba and the Norwegian state. In February, the lawyer, Emmanuel Nsahlai, also petitioned the International Criminal Court to launch an investigation. Ayaba was a former student union activist in the 1990s and holds German nationality. It was the first time that Norway had arrested someone on suspicion of inciting crimes against humanity. If convicted, he could face 30 years in prison. Relatives of 43 Mexican students presumed to have been massacred will take to the streets on Thursday for an emotionally charged protest marking the 10th anniversary of a tragedy that shocked the nation. The case, one of the violence-plagued country's worst human rights atrocities, has become emblematic of a missing persons crisis that has seen more than 100,000 people disappear. "A decade later, we are still far from knowing the truth and the students' whereabouts," said Vidulfo Rosales, a lawyer for the families. Days before Claudia Sheinbaum takes oath as Mexico's first woman president on October 1, thousands of relatives, students and other protesters are expected to march through Mexico City shouting their slogan: "Alive they took them! Alive we want them!" But 10 years later, the focus has turned to finding the students' remains as well as the truth about who was responsible, in a nation where criminal violence has claimed more than 450,000 lives since 2006. So far, the remains of only three of the missing students from the Ayotzinapa rural teacher training college in the southern state of Guerrero have been found and identified. The families hold the ruling left-wing party of outgoing President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador -- a close ally of Sheinbaum -- responsible for the failure to locate the remainder. "We believe this president lied to us. This president deceived us," Maria Elena Guerrero, the mother of one of the missing, said at one of a series of events marking the somber anniversary. Hilda Hernandez, whose son also disappeared, said the authorities are "trying to wear down the parents," hoping they forget. "But despite every attempt to divide and discredit, without rest or reprieve the parents continue to demand truth, justice and accountability," she said. - President defends record - Lopez Obrador defended his record in a letter sent to parents this week that underscored the prosecution of 151 people -- including 16 military personnel -- and the imprisonment of 120 people, as well as searches of hundreds of sites. "There is no evidence that the army participated in the disappearance of the young people," Lopez Obrador said at a news conference Wednesday, adding that military commanders had cooperated in the investigation. The students from the Ayotzinapa college -- whose members have a history of political activism -- had commandeered buses to travel to a demonstration in Mexico City when they went missing. Investigators believe they were abducted by a drug cartel with the help of corrupt police, although exactly what happened next is unclear. The so-called "historical truth" -- an official version of the case presented in 2015 under then-president Enrique Pena Nieto -- was widely discredited, notably the theory that the remains were incinerated at a garbage dump. In 2022, a truth commission set up by Lopez Obrador's government branded the case a "state crime" and said the military shared responsibility, either directly or through negligence. The commission found that the army was aware of what was happening and had real-time information about the kidnapping and disappearance. One theory it put forward was that cartel members targeted the students because they had unknowingly taken a bus with drugs hidden inside. On Tuesday, protesters demonstrated outside the Senate, throwing firecrackers to express the anger also voiced by frustrated relatives. "For many of us, these 10 years represent impunity, injustice and a lack of commitment, seriousness and significant progress in this investigation," said Meliton Ortega, whose nephew is one of the missing. For four hours on the afternoon of September 18th and one more the following morning, retired Colonel Hernan Mejia Gutierrez sat silently not far from the man who, two decades ago, was his number two in the La Popa No. 2 Artillery Battalion, in charge of security in a vast cattle-raising and coal mining area flanked by mountains in Colombias Caribbean region, near the Venezuelan border. Heber Hernan Gomez Naranjo, also a retired colonel, recounted how Mejia pushed since early 2002 for soldiers and officers in the military unit he presided to present the bodies of a dozen unidentified persons as false combat kills. My colonel, you talk a lot about honour. I dont think its honourable to give orders to your subordinates and then turn your back on them and wash your hands, he told him, the only moment that he addressed him directly. The scene took place in a small courtroom in the scorching city of Valledupar. It was the opening of the first adversarial trial conducted by the Special Jurisdiction for Peace (JEP), the judicial arm of Colombias transitional justice system stemming from the 2016 peace deal with the former Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC) guerrilla. Mejia is accused of being involved in 72 extrajudicial executions between 2002 and 2003. The two former high-ranking Colombian army officers have been charged with war crimes and crimes against humanity, but represent two opposites of the countrys transitional model. While Mejia chose not to acknowledge his role in the scandal known by the euphemism of false positives, his interlocutor was one of the 12 military from the La Popa battalion who accepted the JEPs charges. But after admitting his role during a public hearing in Valledupar in 2022 and apologising to victims, Gomez Naranjo is set to receive a more lenient sanction than his former boss will receive if defeated in the trial running until later this year. After admitting his guilt at a public hearing in Valledupar (north-east Colombia) in 2022 and apologising to the victims, Colonel Hernan Gomez Naranjo (centre) recounts how his superior Mejia (left) asked for unidentified bodies to be presented as fake deaths in combat. Photo: JEP The JEPs first adversarial trial The JEPs first adversarial trial has been very different from what Colombians have seen so far from the special tribunal. Instead of carefully choreographed public hearings in which former members of the military or FARC listened to the painful accounts of dozens of victims and admitted their participation in extrajudicial executions or kidnappings, the trial against Mejia has a staccato rhythm more typical of an ordinary criminal trial, with the fragmentary responses and small theatricalities of interrogations and cross-examinations. Its also not taking place in a large auditorium decorated with giant photos of victims and filled with their relatives. In the anodyne courtroom on the fifth floor of Valledupars tallest building, only ten victims silently follow the judicial proceedings, some of them wearing their relatives faces printed on T-shirts. Their voices are only heard when one of them takes the stand to testify, as when Alith Pacheco narrated how his brother Anuar de Armas was killed in February 2004 by paramilitaries of the United Self-Defence Forces of Colombia (AUC) and his body presented by the army as a National Liberation Army (ELN) rebel killed in combat. The windows reveal five overlapping layers of emerald green to greyish purple foothills, as the countrys highest mountain range, the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta, rises. But its not an ordinary criminal trial either. It wasnt decided until a week before it would be public, as the defence and the JEPs own prosecutors office requested that it be kept confidential. The three justices who will rule on it decided however that the transitional justices principle of publicity prevailed and ordered a live broadcast which reached 19,700 views except when theres a security risk for a witness. It was also unclear whether victims lawyers would be able to intervene, something that the criminal justice system excludes but that the JEP has favoured. Mejias defence and the Inspector Generals Office opposed it, and after the justices decision allowing it, the defence appealed. Mejia, emblematic figure of the false positives During the trials first three days, Colonel Mejia remained unmoved, his hands forming a triangle on the table, or his arms folded. From time to time, hed jot something in his notebook. The rest of the time his gaze remained fixed, inscrutable, on the witness stand to his left. He spoke only once. Your Honour, as I have said and I reiterate, for the truth and the history that the JEP must reconstruct for this country, for the respect of victims and dignity of the institutions, I do not accept the charges brought against me. I cannot accept what I never did, he said at the outset, dressed in a grey pinstripe suit and blue tie. To most Colombians, Mejia has been one of the emblematic figures of the false positives. Considered one of the armys most decorated officers and holder of five public order medals, Mejia was relieved of his post in January 2007 by Defence Minister Juan Manuel Santos, during the administration of Alvaro Uribe, in one of the first corrective measures before the scandal broke publicly. It was also the first time in history that a defence minister publicly acknowledged the links of a senior active military officer with paramilitaries. His case was referred to the Attorney Generals Office following a whistle-blower complaint by one of his subordinates, in Santos words, over possible links to paramilitarism, human rights violations, casualties that may not be the result of military operations, and acts of corruption. Six years later, he was sentenced by the ordinary justice system to 19 years in prison for links to paramilitaries. Years later, the political faction led by Uribe started using his case to oppose peace negotiations with FARC, disseminating his thesis that he was the victim of an alleged plot hatched by then President Santos and his peace commissioner Sergio Jaramillo, or that the guerrillas had a special secretariat that secretly controlled the state and even the church and large corporations. The colonel who designed the criminal plan Colonel Mejia is accused of devising, designing and executing, through an illegal organised apparatus of power, a criminal plan that consisted of murdering civilians and presenting them as combat casualties, motivated by giving society a false perception of security and seeking to consolidate his image as the best officer in the National Army, according to the indictment by the JEPs Investigation and Accusation Unit. It is the body in charge of accusing those who after previous investigations conducted by the tribunals Acknowledgement Chamber refuse to admit their role, clarify the truth and redress victims. According to prosecutor Samuel Serrano in Valledupar, there is copious evidence that Mejia was aware of and participated in 72 of the 75 extrajudicial executions attributed to the La Popa battalion during his command between January 2002 and November 2003. These crimes occurred, the prosecutor argued, in three modalities. Initially, the military banded together with paramilitaries, who targeted or killed people who would end up being presented as false combat kills, in what he described as a mutually beneficial alliance. They then went on to personally murder civilians. And in parallel, they executed combatants whod surrendered or were hors de combat to inflate their casualty numbers. Call for the harshest transitional justice sentence It was irrelevant whether Mejia was present or not in the place where events took place. Members of the illegal organised apparatus of power that he devised, created and now directed knew what tasks each of them had been entrusted with [and] once again the cycle of crime was activated, the prosecutor said. One received from paramilitaries the location where theyd find false casualties and simulate a combat, another took them to the morgue in Valledupar and accompanied the officials whod carry out the autopsy, another wrote the patrol report and the false operations order used to legalise the alleged combat, and all of them then coordinated the stories theyd tell the justice system. In prosecutor Serranos words, the train was in motion: it was enough to get on it to commit these crimes. The battalions victims, the prosecutor explained, were young men and in some condition of vulnerability. Out of a total of 129 victims, 39 were farmers and 30 informal workers, a third never finished school and five were children. Thirteen were indigenous Kankuamos or Wiwas from the Sierra Nevada. Id like you to think about what has happened in your lives over the past 22 years: many finished studying, built a home, said goodbye to loved ones and welcomed others, saw or lived in new places. All of this was denied to 72 persons, as well as to their parents, siblings, children and wives. Arguing that Mejia was given multiple opportunities (...) to acknowledge responsibility but cast them aside, he called for Colombias harshest transitional justice sentence of 20 years imprisonment. The murderous train was not created by my client On the other side, the defence characterised Mejia as an exemplary military official who saved [Cesar department, whose capital city is Valledupar] from the plagues ravaging it and received the battalion command at a turbulent time, three months after FARC kidnapped and murdered Consuelo Araujo, the godmother of Valledupars famous vallenato music festival and the countrys minister of culture until just six months before. This wasnt a murderous train created by my client, said defence lawyer German Navarrete, picking up on the prosecutors metaphor in a country that has no passenger rail transport. The defence didnt deny that crimes were committed in the battalion, but sought to distance Colonel Mejia from them, insisting that he never gave an illegal order. There were soldiers who killed and officers who promoted crimes within the battalion. We have them in the police and everywhere because of the great corrupting power of drug trafficking and criminality. But we cannot blame commanders for everything that some of their subordinates do, he argued. That train of death was already there According to the defence, Mejias leadership conducted 500 successful military operations in two years and prosecuted soldiers who diverted weapons to the paramilitaries, always adhering to military regulations in force at the time. He had 2,000 soldiers under his command in a battalion the size of a brigade, meaning context, he argued, should not be considered sufficient evidence to convict him. Today we are prosecuting him for what some lieutenants and officers and a colonel did, Navarrete said, referring to the 12 officers who, after being indicted alongside Mejia in July 2021, have accepted responsibility and are still awaiting their more leniente 5-to-8-year sentence in a non-prison setting. Two already testified against Mejia and eight others should do so at the remaining three hearings later this year. The defence lawyer portrayed them as a gang of hired killers committed to paramilitaries and guerrillas who will now serve as witnesses and with whom the prosecution made a convenient alliance, in which they receive favourable criminal treatments. How strange that [Mejia] created a train of death and it only ever worked in Valledupar! That train was already there, he closed. The commander according to his subordinates Among the first group of 63 witnesses requested by the prosecution, three served under Mejia in Valledupar and recounted several of the crimes in which they were directly involved. First Colonel Gomez Naranjo recounted how Mejia instructed him to go at night with a group of soldiers to a rural road near Valledupar where hed spot a bonfire. Right in front of the place, a car fled while firing shots into the air, after which they found a uniformed corpse in the bush, which they presented as a combat kill. There was no combat, the dead man was already there, he said, adding that he raised his concern to Mejia, who told him not to worry, as he was a bandit. Gomez Naranjo, who was a major at the time, said he received similar oral instructions from Mejia, picking up corpses without even firing a shot and legalising them as combat casualties. No one forced him, he underscored several times. Lieutenant Nelson Llanos who was detained for eight years but wasnt deemed as most responsible for these crimes then recounted how on another occasion he arrived at a designated spot in Patillal where four bodies were found. Gomez Naranjo ordered him to prepare the operations order detailing the combat but, after the 21-year-old refused, sent him to talk to Mejia. There are always things in life that you remember very well, he said, his hand clutching a golden rosary. According to his account, the colonel told him, they were bandits and had to die, ok? He obeyed because, in his words, when the battalion commander speaks to you in those terms, you cant even utter a word. A more cryptic account was given by Manuel Valentin Padilla, who was often seen in the battalion dressed as a civilian but in fact was unbeknownst to others a sergeant in counter-intelligence duties. Padilla narrated how, hidden behind his alias Hugo and his disguise as a banana seller in the public market, he became the human courier between the paramilitaries and Mejia, reporting directly to him messages detailing where theyd find bodies of new casualties. For this role he was indicted by the JEP and accepted the charges. According to lieutenant Nelson Llanos account, the colonel Mejia told him, when he refused to report on a combat that had not taken place, they were bandits and had to die, ok?. Photo: JEP My image of the honourable officer was shattered The names of their victims were surprisingly absent from their testimonies. Asked if hed ever known them, Colonel Gomez Naranjo replied never. On the contrary, their emotion was visible when they recounted the moment they decided to break with their former boss. For Gomez Naranjo, it happened when, while both were detained, hed asked about several innocent indicted soldiers and, according to his account, Mejia told him not to worry about them. Thats when I saw that the leader wed defended for so long wasnt who we thought he was. My image of the honourable officer who was close to his troops was shattered, he said. Lieutenant Llanos, who described Mejia with awe as the person we all wanted to become one day, said that his turning point came when, having been deprived of his liberty for four years, he heard him say that theres nothing in those [criminal] cases. At that moment Llanos replied, according to his account, that after reading the case files and realising what we did, he couldnt go on manipulating me. Politicians who defended him are now silent Besides the indictment, another significant change occurred during the six years of the JEPs investigations. Despite his combative attitude, Mejia doesnt seem to enjoy today the ascendancy and magnetism of the past, when the political sector most critical of peace negotiations with FARC lauded him as a victim of infamy and a great hero. Many politicians who fiercely defended him a decade ago are now silent. Former president Uribe, who spread the thesis of an alleged conspiracy against him, last tweeted about him in 2018, the year Mejia flirted with being a presidential candidate. It is not yet clear whether Uribe will testify on Mejias behalf as requested by his defence. Uribes party, the Democratic Centre, has similarly not spoken about him since 2016. Several of its most visible senators, like Paola Holguin and Paloma Valencia, also ceased defending him around that time. Only Maria Fernanda Cabal, currently a presidential pre-candidate and part of the partys far right, has continued doing so, even from the courtroom. Invitamos a reflexionar sobre lo dicho por el Cr Hernan Mejia pic.twitter.com/ZUAKTnV2b4 Alvaro Uribe Velez (@AlvaroUribeVel) December 6, 2015 Former president Uribe shares Mejia's quote saying that the Colombian justice system is in collusion with terrorists to persecute soldiers like him. My rest will come when he says my son was not a rebel For the dozen victims who attended the trial, seeing Mejia on the stand was difficult - especially at moments like the first lunch break when they all coincided on the lift landing - but satisfying. I feel a sense of calm because the truth is emerging about what he was not, says Carmen Ruidiaz, referring to her son Jaider Valderrama who was murdered on 22 March 2003 and presented as a paramilitary. It was also comforting for victims, like Mara Nieto, who werent part of the trial. Her brother Jose Luis disappeared in 2003 on his way to the Valledupar bus terminal where he sold coffee and was found murdered five years later. Its like when youre very sick, youve been to all kinds of doctors and suddenly one calls you to announce that you have cancer but that its at a stage where something can be done. Thats what I felt, she says. A similar sentiment was expressed by Armando Pumarejo, whose son Carlos Alberto was killed inside the battalion on 22 June 2002 and presented in the media as a FARC militiaman. He attended the three days of the trial, jotting down on his notebook. He was accompanied by his daughter-in-law Gelka Hinojosa, who was one month pregnant with twins when she lost her husband and had to use her holidays to attend the trial. My rest will come when this man, having tarnished Carlos Albertos good name, says my son was not a rebel, Pumarejo says. Or at least that the transitional justice system says so. Read the full story on The Auto Wire Cop Shot Right After Performing PIT On Fleeing Suspects Being a cop puts a target on your back with some of the worst elements of society. Unfortunately, one never knows which people during a routine situation will suddenly turn violent. But even when doing a risky maneuver like a PIT, the danger can escalate dramatically and things take an even more vicious turn. Thats exactly what this New Mexico trooper faced in the town of Edgewood after he pitted two suspects for alleged drug use in a gas station bathroom. Watch a trooper PIT a fleeing Nissan into a church. At first the trooper responds to a call from the gas station attendant who suspected a woman who was taking a long time in the restroom was in fact doing drugs. She claims that after the woman finally emerged there was burnt aluminum foil in the garbage can. If you know, you know. With that information in hand, the trooper pulled up behind the Cadillac the woman and her male friend were sitting inside. Hed probably done something like this dozens of times, possibly hundreds or maybe more. But this time was a little different than most others because the man who was in the drivers seat threw the car into gear, ramming the troopers cruiser. ADVERTISEMENT After doing a 15-point turn, the driver jumped the curb and drove the Cadillac through an empty lot to the road. Chasing them down, the trooper was able to catch up, then performed a beautiful PIT to spin the Caddie out. And thats when all hell breaks loose. Literally one second into the bodycam footage one of the suspect starts firing at the trooper, reportedly with an AK-style rifle. The trooper returns fire with his sidearm but is hit in the neck. Eventually, he retreats behind a barrier on the other side of the road and the suspects flee by foot. Shot in the neck, the trooper retrieves his AR from the trunk in case the suspects return to finish him off. Still, the guy is in obvious pain. Thankfully the trooper in this video didnt die and the suspects didnt come back to have another gunfight. Instead, thanks to a tip SWAT was able to pay the man and woman a nice visit at their house. You get to see that and the male suspect whine about how hes actually the victim in the whole situation. Predictable. Story continues Because of the obvious graphic nature of this video, it is age restricted, meaning youll have to watch it on YouTube. This gives anyone who isnt a cop a better appreciation for how quickly things can turn downright deadly during a tactical vehicle intervention and why those wearing the badge act so aggressively when ordering suspects out of the car. Join our Newsletter, subscribe to our YouTube page, and follow us on Facebook. Shin Min Ah was spotted at Incheon International Airport today en route to Paris Fashion Week 2024. Her airport fashion was casual and dressy all at the same time. She wore a pastel-colored blouse and tan pants. The oversized look really suits the A-list actress, and her fans heartily agree. See: 'No Gain, No Love' Recap Episode 10: Shin Min Ah and Kim Young Dae's Relationship Faces a New Crisis Jasmineuelese730:"She's so beautiful always!" Kryst_al1996: "The protagonist of the best drama of the moment, loving 'No Gain, No Love!' You are amazing, Shin min." Dorisblessrg: "That's Cha Eun Woo's ideal woman!" See: 'No Gain, No Love': Shin Min Ah Shines in Never-Before-Seen Photos An exclusive video and images of her at the airport were shared online via 'Korea Dispatch.' Paris Fashion Week 2024 concludes on October 1. She is currently starring in the hit tvN series 'No Gain, No Love'. It costars Kim Young Dae, Lee Sang Yi, and Han Ji Hyun. The story is about a woman who wants to secure her job promotion by entering a fake marriage. 'No Gain, No Love' airs Mondays and Tuesdays at 8:50 PM KST on tvN, and it's streaming for a global audience on Amazon's Prime Video. Are you loving her performance in 'No Gain, No Love?' What do you think about Shin Min Ah's chic airport fashion? Netflix is bringing the role-playing game show back to his streaming platform. 'Crime Scene', which is also known as 'Crime Scene Returns,' is currently in production.Today, the official announcement was made about the new season that the global audience can enjoy. See: Blue Dragon Series Awards 2024: YoonA, Jun Hyun Moo Return as the Ceremony's MCs 'Crime Scene' is a famous series where hosts and guests alike work together to solve a pretend murder case. Jang Jin, SHINee's Key, IVE's An Yu Jin, and more were part of the 2024 season. See: 5 Mini Crime K-dramas To Watch On Netflix: 'My Name,' 'Mask Girl,' More! "We're thrilled to introduce the new chapter of 'Crime Scene,' which has opened new horizons for mystery variety shows to fans in Korea and around the globe through Netflix," a Netflix representative said in a statement, according to a report from 'Soompi.' Director Yoon Hyun Joon added, "We wanted to share the excitement of 'Crime Scene,' which has been so well-loved, not only with domestic fans but also with audiences worldwide. We ask for your support and interest in 'Crime Scene' new journey." 'Crime Scene' premiered in 2014 on JTBC. It ran for a while before taking a seven-year hiatus, and TVING joined forces with Netflix to resurrect it earlier this year. Season one, which aired in 2014, featured Kim Yoon Ji, Hong Jin Ho, and Jun Hyun Moo. Will you be watching another season of 'Crime Scene' on Netflix? The 'Queen of Tears' actress attended BVLGARI's Eternally Reborn Exhibition at a museum in Seoul today. After making history as the first model for their Korean house, she is ready to promote the posh Italian jeweler and perfumer. Photos of Kim Ji Won arriving solo were shared online. She wore a glamouous white gown with a plunging neckline. Of course she was adored in BVLGARI jewelry. See: Fans Respond to Kim Ji Won's History-Making BVLGARI Ambassador Title Fans raved about her beauty and congratulated her 'Queen of Tears' costar and rumored boyfriend Kim Soo Hyun on his beautiful significant other. They proved their Kdrama love through the comments. Spanishguitar2024: "Congrats to Kim Jiwon for being the face of Bulgari! She deserves it 100%, slaying every look and looking absolutely gorgeous in that BVLGARI fashion. That white dress-oh my goodness, she's like an angel!" kangnan_02: "@soohyun_k216 So beautiful. Why not marry her?" Behindmycloset: "@soohyun_k216 Your wife is so damn damn gorgeous. You are so lucky. We envy you." See: Kim Ji Won's BVLGARI Announcement Ignites Dating Buzz with Kim Soo Hyun as Fans Detect Lovestagram Hints 'Korea Dispatch' shared her photos from the event. Kim Ji Won and Kim Soo Hyun have been the target of dating rumors since their hit Netflix show 'Queen of Tears ended in March. Fans saw similarities between their Instagram posts, which they affectionately call "Lovestagrams." He openly supported BVLGARI brand before she was hired, and their social media posts allegely link them at the same locations. Neither star has confirmed the relationship. Do you love her BVLGARI fashion? What do you think about her dating rumors with 'Queen of Tears' costar Kim Soo Hyun? LOS ANGELESMen.com will soon release Rise of the Prison Bitch, a new series starring contract star Jake Preston. The three-part prison-themed series also stars Joel Hart, Cole Connor, Bruce Jones and Brody Meyer. In the first scene, Jake Preston plays a delivery guy who is arrested after sending a dick pic with the package confirmation. Now transported to prison, the young convict is processed by prison guard Brody Meyer. But Jake finds the cavity search a turn-on, and he's hard as he steps into his orange prison scrubs. Soon Jake has the guard stripping and sucking him. He's the one in charge as he fucks Brody doggystyle. The bottom rides the inmate, then takes it bent over the table. In the second scene, prison guard Cole Connor warns new inmate Jake Preston to make nice with his celly, because he's kinda crazy. As soon as Jake tries to introduce himself, Joel Hart pops off, so Cole restrains him and brings him to solitary. Joel says he'll chill out if Cole sucks him, so the guard does, unstrapping the prisoner so Joel can pound him from behind and on his back on the bunk. In the third and final scene, Joel Hart and Jake Preston start fooling around in the cell while the guard has his back turned. Trusty Bruce Jones sees Jake sucking his celly and gets horny, telling the twink to put his ass by the bars so he can fuck it. The CO is getting some shuteye, so Bruce lifts the keys, but instead of trying to escape, he lets himself into the cell to join Jake and Joel for a threesome. Then Jake and Joel double penetrate Bruce. Thursday, September 26, 2024 Renowned activist Boniface Mwangi has urged Narok Senator Ledama Olekina to pay child support for his son. Taking to his X account, Mwangi castigated Olekina for supporting Ruto, whom he claims murdered innocent people. The vocal activist alleged that ODM leader Raila Odinga received billions from Ruto to support his government and he might have dished out millions to Olekina, one of his key allies. Mwangi shared photos of Olekinas look-alike son and urged him to pay for his child support. Olekina was taken to court by the mother of his son, who demanded Ksh 200,000 monthly child support. She claimed that she went through pregnancy and even during the birth of the child alone and without any assistance or financial help from him. The woman said she was left with no other choice but to settle the bills of the prenatal and delivery all by herself without any involvement from Ole Kina. The Kenyan DAILY POST. Thursday, September 26, 2024 - Drama unfolded within the court premises after angry investors accosted Cytonn Investments Chief Executive Officer Edwin Dande and threatened to beat him up. The investors had turned up for the hearing of a case filed in the High Court after they lost Ksh 14 billion to the company through a dubious investment scheme. They accused the CEO of being protected by the court and rogue police officers. Police officers whisked him away after the situation escalated. When launching operations, Cytonn ran glitzy ads in which it invited prospective investors to be Cytonnaires and not regular millionaires. Promising annual returns of up to 18 percent with minimal risk, Cyton drew thousands of middle-class Kenyans and wealthy investors from whom it raised billions of shillings. For about three years, investors enjoyed the highest returns in the fixed-income world which Cytonn said was due to the elimination of middlemen such as banks by connecting savers with property developers directly. Cytonn, however, went into a comprehensive default in early 2020, a move it blamed on the outbreak of the Covid-19 pandemic. As the legal battles unfolded, it emerged that Cytonns founders had deliberately structured to shield the real estate assets from the investors. Earlier this year, the High Court ordered the liquation of investment projects owned by Cytonn Real Estate to recover more than Ksh 14 billion the firm owes 4,000 investors. Watch the video of the CEO being confronted by angry investors. We will not allow fraudsters to use the court process to frustrate creditors never Hii pesa sio ya mama yake pic.twitter.com/D5n6OE7Pft kioko Nguti (@miamoreazure) September 25, 2024 The Kenyan DAILY POST. Thursday, September 26, 2024 - Reports of substandard cooking oils flooding the Kenyan market have sparked a heated debate, with the Kenya Bureau of Standards (KEBS) now dismissing claims of a suspension on ten popular brands. KEBS has labeled recent news circulating on the suspension of edible oils as false, warning the public against misinformation as the quality of products continues to come under scrutiny. The alleged suspension followed shocking revelations that Kenyans might be consuming cooking oils that fall short of health standards. Cooking oil is among the commodities commonly used in many households, and it poses a huge health hazard if substandard cooking oil is not removed from the market. However, KEBS has categorically denied these reports, terming them as misleading. The Bureau flagged the news as fake, contradicting claims that it had temporarily suspended several brands of edible oils and fats. A letter purportedly written by Peter Kaigwara, KEBS Director for Market Surveillance, allegedly directed the Retail Traders Association of Kenya (RETRAK) to remove the products from shelves. But KEBS maintains that no such communication was issued, instead pointing to routine inspections as part of its consumer protection mandate. This comes against the backdrop of a Senate inquiry that exposed damning details about the quality of imported cooking oils. KEBS managing director Esther Ngari, addressing the Senate Committee on Trade and Industrialization, revealed that substandard edible oils had found their way into Kenyan kitchens. The Kenyan DAILY POST Thursday, September 26, 2024 While President William Ruto has kept Kenyans focused on Deputy President Rigathi Gachaguas impeachment talks, his son, Nick, has been quietly securing billion-shilling deals at their expense. This is after it merged that Lawyer Nick Ruto is the one representing the rogue company by the name Adani Holdings as its lawyer in the controversial deal to take over Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA). Nick Ruto was controversially hired by Dentons, Hamilton Harrison & Mathews, the law firm that is defending Adani Airports Holdings in the lawsuit contesting its takeover bid for JKIA. Safaricom board chair Adil Khawaja is the managing partner at the law firm. He has been Rutos friend for over 30 years and he has accompanied the head of state on several foreign visits. Khawaja defended Nick's appointment, claiming that he was employed in a fair recruitment process. "I didn't even know that he (Nick) had applied. We receive thousands of applications each year, and he was one of the applicants. He went through the process and was selected," Khawaja stated. Rutos government is leasing JKIA to the Adani group for 30 years for Ksh 238 Billion amid uproar from the public. Suppose that Nick Ruto and his company are paid only 0.1 percent of the contract as legal fees, that's a cool Ksh238 million, which is equivalent to salaries for 4 MPs for for 5 years. The Kenyan DAILY POST Thursday, September 26, 2024 - Kiharu Member of Parliament, Ndindi Nyoro, has confirmed that he supports the impeachment of Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua. Kikuyu MP Kimani Ichung'wah has allegedly drafted a motion to impeach Gachagua, and it's now a question of when, not if, it will be tabled in Parliament. Gachagua is being impeached for gross violation of the constitution, related legal breaches, and abuse of office. Other charges include his contentious remarks about the Mt. Kenya region's share in the Kenya Kwanza government and accusations of promoting divisive politics in the country. On Tuesday there were claims that Nyoro was among MPs who were opposing Gachaguas impeachment. However, in a social media post on Wednesday, Nyoro denied opposing the impeachment of Gachagua and terms the claims as fake. "Fake news alert: We've recently and consistently seen some fake news on social media that started with a video posted last week that is 4-year-old trying to distort information, Nyoro stated after a post claimed he was opposed to Gachaguas impeachment. The Kenyan DAILY POST Thursday, September 26, 2024 - Muranga County Woman Rep Betty Maina has stated that the impeachment motion against Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua is irreversible, and no one, including his restive Mt. Kenya electorate, can save him. Speaking on Wednesday, Maina, who is among the lawmakers preparing a motion to impeach Gachagua, said Kenyans are tired of his blackmail and his tribal remarks and they have instructed their lawmakers to send him home. She also criticised Gachagua for his perceived arrogance and urged him to stop threatening her. Betty assured Mt Kenya residents that they have capable leaders to fill the Deputy President's role, mentioning potential successors like Interior Cabinet Secretary Prof Kithure Kindiki, National Assembly Majority Leader Kimani Ichungwah, and Kirinyaga County Governor, Anne Waiguru. "He shouldnt threaten me, he shouldnt tell me about votesonly God commands my destiny, not him. Even when we stood, we didnt look for him; he found out that we were standing. "He should stop boasting, stop beating his chest in front of the Presidenthis time is done; it's home, express," Maina said. The Kenyan DAILY POST Thursday, September 26, 2024 - Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna was yesterday kicked out of the Senate after he failed to substantiate and withdraw remarks he made against President William Ruto during a session last week. Senate Speaker Amason Kingi made the ruling after he directed the Senator to substantiate claims he made regarding the President and the recent abductions of Kenyans. On his part, Sifuna noted that he had gathered evidence to back his claims. However, he expressed that the speaker would not find them satisfactory. The Nairobi representative also maintained that he could not withdraw the remarks which apportioned blame on Ruto for the recent abductions and killings alleged to have been commissioned by state officials such as the police. "Hon. Speaker, I suspect that you know that it might not be possible for me to withdraw those words and apologise. "Therefore, I request that I sit down and await judgment as shall be directed by the Chair," Sifuna responded. Consequently, Kingi ruled the ODM SG out of order and directed him to leave the chambers. "Speaker Kingi rules Senator Sifuna out of order for failing to substantiate his statements regarding the President's conduct, directing him to withdraw from the Senate precincts for the remainder of the day," read the statement by the Senate. In the meantime, the Speaker cautioned Senators against making claims against state officials without substantiating them. The Kenyan DAILY POST Ancient crop brings tourism boom to village in NW China's Shaanxi People's Daily Online) 14:39, September 26, 2024 Aerial view of newly planted buckwheat in Yukou village, Jiujianfang township, Lantian county, Xi'an city, northwest China's Shaanxi Province. (Photo courtesy of the interviewee) A village in northwest China has transformed its centuries-old buckwheat fields into a tourist attraction, boosting local incomes and revitalizing its economy. Yukou village, located in Jiujianfang township, Lantian county, Xi'an city, northwest China's Shaanxi Province, has grown buckwheat for over 200 years. In the spring of 2021, villagers in Yukou, which is situated on the northern slopes of the Qinling Mountains, planted buckwheat on nearly 200 mu (13 hectares) of barren mountain slopes. When the buckwheat flowered, it created a stunning visual spectacle that quickly became an internet sensation, attracting tourists from Xi'an and surrounding areas. Buckwheat flowers bloom in Yukou village, Jiujianfang township, Lantian county, Xi'an city, northwest China's Shaanxi Province. (Photo courtesy of the interviewee) Encouraged by this success, the villagers expanded the buckwheat planting area to 300 mu by transforming more barren slopes, renovating poor-yielding farmland, and transferring land use rights. This year, the total area dedicated to buckwheat planting has surpassed 1,000 mu in the village. In 2022, Shaanxi Province initiated a broader project to restore the ecology of the Qinling Mountains' northern slopes, including Yukou village. This initiative has further supported the village's efforts in ecological restoration and agricultural development. Tourists photograph a sea of buckwheat flowers in Yukou village, Jiujianfang township, Lantian county, Xi'an city, northwest China's Shaanxi Province. (Photo courtesy of the interviewee) "We plant buckwheat twice a year. Since early spring, lines of tourist vehicles have stretched for several kilometers, said Lin Pengtao, Party chief of Yukou village. With this latest planting, visitors can come to see the flowers around November." Lin added that the village's annual collective income now stands at about 1.8 million yuan ($255,274), with villagers' average income doubling each year. Buckwheat coffee served at a shop in Yukou village, Jiujianfang township, Lantian county, Xi'an city, northwest China's Shaanxi Province. (People's Daily Online/Wang Li) The once-abandoned land now hosts buckwheat fields, creating scenic views and economic opportunities. Villagers have opened B&Bs and campsites, developing rural tourism. Lei Na, a local, returned to work at a village coffee shop. She said they sell up to 100 cups daily, especially during the blooming season. Enthusiastic villagers are developing a range of buckwheat products, including wine, vinegar and tea, as well as innovative items like coffee and ice cream. Buckwheat flowers in full bloom in Yukou village, Jiujianfang township, Lantian county, Xi'an city, northwest China's Shaanxi Province. (Photo courtesy of the interviewee) Shaanxi has restored 31,916 hectares of land and 592 kilometers of river courses in this project. It has improved the ecosystem of mountains, water, forests and fields, connecting over 70 villages and establishing an ecological industry. (Web editor: Hongyu, Du Mingming) BROOMFIELD, Colo.Eldorado Trading Company has scheduled a live, virtual Elevation event as part of their sexual health and wellness educational programming for Oct. 2. This live webinar will be hosted by Kristen Denton, Doc Johnsons Senior Sales Executive, and Krystal Silva, Doc Johnsons Brand Manager. Doc Johnson is a family-owned American pleasure products brand that was first established in North Hollywood, California in 1976 and has become one of the leading manufacturers in the world. The virtual event will take place on Wednesday, October 2 at 11 a.m. MT. This 60-minute training is a private event for adult retailers and will review the top new product releases and sales tips and tricks for Doc Johnson bestsellers. Denton is looking forward to next weeks event. We are so excited to be partnering with Eldorado for this Virtual Elevation event," she said. "We truly value the opportunity to engage with customers. During this event, we will be giving you a detailed overview of our hottest new releases! We will cover item features and functions as well as advice and recommendations on how to best sell and promote these items in-store. Eldorado Marketing Manager Nathan Morimitsu encourages retailers to register for these training events. Unlock expertise from the comfort of your screenjoin our virtual training event to elevate your knowledge and enhance your retail sales experience," he said. Register here. For more information about Doc Johnson products, contact your Eldorado Account Manager. For more information about Eldorado, call 800.525.0848 or visit eldorado.net. Thursday, September 26, 2024 New Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja is under siege. This is after Busia Senator and Activist Okiya Omtatah filed a court petition seeking his removal from office. In the petition, the Senator avers that Kanja's appointment contravenes the Constitution since he believes the new IG was handpicked and the appointment is not subjected to a competitive process. IG Kanjas appointment was approved a week ago by the National Assembly. He would later be sworn in by Chief Justice Martha Koome and subsequently, installed into office by President William Ruto. The High Court of Kenya has since certified the petition filed by Omtatah as urgent. Besides the issue of competitive recruitment, several other issues are hanging over Kanja's head including atrocities meted on demonstrators during his stint as Acting Inspector General. The Inspector General is also battling with the critical question on how to address the issue of police reforms which Ruto is on record stating will require Ksh106 billion in funding. The Inspector General of Police position has been riddled with several controversies since it was declared vacant on July 12 after then IG Japhet Koome tendered his resignation. Koome had been accused of presiding over the brutalization of Gen Z protestors, the abduction of activists and the murders of tens of protestors. The Kenyan DAILY POST Thursday, September 26, 2024 Former Baringo Senator Gideon Moi-led KANU has weighed in on the planned impeachment against Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua. In a bold statement yesterday, Gideon Mois party blasted President William Ruto and his allies, accusing them of focusing on the wrong things like impeaching the DP instead of working for Kenyans. "While we respect the role of impeachment as a crucial tool for parliamentary oversight, our nation is currently facing pressing issues that demand urgent legislative attention and vigilance," the statement read. "We cannot be preoccupied with an impeachment as the country stares at significant failures in public policy decisions, including the potential takeover of key strategic national assets, such as JKIA, by the now infamous Adani Group, failed funding model for tertiary education, and a broken public healthcare system." According to the Independence party, if an impeachment motion is to be tabled, it should be aimed at both President William Ruto and his deputy. "If Parliament decides to pursue impeachment, it should be of both the President and the Deputy President, having been elected as a package, for the executives continued malfeasance," the statement went on. Gideon Moi, the chairman of KANU, is not fond of the Kenya Kwanza regime, especially because he has been embroiled in a battle to reign supreme in his native Rift Valley, which also happens to be Ruto's stronghold. The Kenyan DAILY POST Thursday, September 26, 2024 - A section of Mt Kenya elders has endorsed their preferred individual to replace Nairobi County Governor Johnson Sakaja in 2027. Since his election in 2022, Sakaja, who won on the United Democratic Alliance (UDA) party ticket, has done little to improve the lives of Nairobi residents. The only thing Sakaja is good at is looting money from Nairobi county and buying houses in South Africa, Dubai, and the Americas as claimed by Embakasi East Member of Parliament, Babu Owino. Due to his nonperformance and endemic corruption in his administration, Sakaja has fallen out with the Mt Kenya electorate who supported his bid in 2022. On Tuesday, Mt Kenya elders met at a Nairobi hotel and endorsed politician Agnes Kagure as Sakajas replacement during the 2027 general election. The elders accused the Sakaja administration of harassing traders through an increment of county fees and making many Nairobians suffer. "My fellow Kenyans, especially those from Mt Kenya, we have really suffered because we don't have caring leaders. "We want to value Kagure so that Nairobi can reform so our children can attend school. "Right now, even our university students are not getting help from the county, even though we have not benefited from the governor's bursaries. "But we know Kagure is on the way coming," one of the elders said. On her part, Kagure urged leaders to serve the people, as she emphasized important places of cultural heritage ahead of Kikuyu Cultural Day in October. The Kenyan DAILY POST Thursday, September 26, 2024 - Renowned Nairobi lawyer Ahmednasir Abdullahi has dismissed claims that Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua is being mistreated by President Ruto's allies. Gachagua has in the last six months claimed that he has been abused and humiliated by men close to President William Ruto, led by his PA Farouk Kibet and State House blogger Dennis Itumbi. In a post on X on Tuesday, Ahmednasir challenged Gachagua to provide more clarity on his allegations, suggesting that the DP's complaints lack public evidence. Drawing a contrast between the treatment of Gachagua and that of Ruto during the Jubilee administration, Ahmednasir pointed out that when former president Uhuru Kenyatta's allies showed disrespect toward Ruto, it was always evident and public. "When H.E UHURU's sidekicks used to abuse his Deputy William Ruto, it was in the open. Even CSs like Fred Matiang'i and Tobiko never used to hide their disdain and contempt for Ruto. "Now DP Gachagua is telling Kenyans he is being abused by H.E Ruto's sidekicks, and we, the public, haven't heard anything in the open," Ahmednasir wrote on his X page. The Kenyan DAILY POST Thursday, September 26, 2024 - Job scam victims stormed the Nairobi offices of Vintmark Agency on Wednesday demanding refunds after the agency allegedly collected millions of shillings from them under the pretense of securing overseas jobs that never materialized. The chaotic scene unfolded at Kenindia House in the city centre as angry victims gathered to confront the agency, which is linked to Ceaser Wagicheru King'ori. Reports indicate that guards hastily closed the offices for most of the day as the number of frustrated victims grew. The owner of the recruitment agency is reported to have defrauded numerous job seekers by promoting non-existent employment opportunities in Canada and Germany. His promises of greener pastures led many to part with their hard-earned money in pursuit of better futures that ultimately vanished into thin air. Numerous victims, both Kenyans and foreigners, have shared their experiences, collectively reporting losses nearing Ksh 720 million due to Vintmarks marketing strategies, which heavily utilize platforms like TikTok and other social media. Kingori recently accompanied President William Ruto to Germany for a diplomatic trip where several agreements were signed aimed at facilitating job placements for Kenyans abroad, despite being under the radar of DCI. It is alleged that he is connected to high-ranking government officials. Watch the video of victims of the multi-million jobs scam camping outside the recruitment agency. Job scam victims stormed the Nairobi offices of Vintmark Agency on Wednesday demanding refunds after the agency allegedly collected millions of shillings from them under the pretence of securing overseas jobs that never materialized. The chaotic scene unfolded at Kenindia House pic.twitter.com/5RVzRFyn1w Cyprian, Is Nyakundi (@C_NyaKundiH) September 25, 2024 The Kenyan DAILY POST. Thursday, September 26, 2024 - A close ally of former Prime Minister Raila Odinga has said they must impeach Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua despite the threats they are receiving. The motion to impeach Gachagua has been finalized and is awaiting to be tabled in Parliament anytime from today. The charges against Deputy President Gachagua are believed to focus on violations of the Constitution, gross misconduct, and abuse of office, particularly concerning his public statements, which MPs claim have alienated other Kenyans. Commenting on social media on Thursday morning, Narok County Senator, Ledama Ole Kina said they will impeach Gachagua despite threats from the Mt Kenya region. We must make decisions regardless of threats! Its so decided, Ole Kina wrote on X Mt Kenya residents who have been interviewed have issued threats to lawmakers who will impeach Gachagua warning them of dire consequences in 2027 should they support Gachagua impeachment. The Kenyan DAILY POST Thursday, September 26, 2024 As President William Ruto and his allies prepare to table a motion of impeachment against Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, the second in command has received support from unlikely quarters. This is after Wiper Leader Kalonzo Musyoka and his DAP-K counterpart Eugene Wamalwa pledged their support to Gachagua, saying they will never let Ruto and Raila Odinga have their way. While speaking during the Memorial Service of the Hillside Endarasha Academy Fire victims, Kalonzo assured the deputy president that he would not stay silent while a section of politicians attempted to impeach him. The former Vice President believes now is the high time for Kenyans to remain united and avoid falling prey to schemers planning to divide the country. We have a nation to model together. I never liked pretence, there is tension in this country. Political tension. When the moment comes, we will always be there for the people of Nyeri, Kalonzo stated. The country is bigger than all of us. Respect is vital in this country, he added. While reiterating his stance, the Azimio principal called on the deputy president to stand firm on his decision despite the lack of respect for him by some of the politicians. Kalonzo's sentiments were echoed by Wamalwa who also assured support for DP Gachagua. While commenting on the matter, Wamalwa called on the deputy president to stand firm on his decision. Those planning to burn the mountain, I want to tell them that this mountain has friends. If you seek Kalonzo here, he is the friend of the mountain just like me, Wamalwa said. "I told Gachagua that there is a plan to split the Mt Kenya region. If the day comes and the mountain calls upon us, we will stand with you. You will not walk alone." The Kenyan DAILY POST Credit: ABC 7 Whatever Oakland As owner John Fisher was hoping to accomplish by publishing an open letter to fans as they conclude their time in the Bay Area, it doesnt seem to have happened. As fans chided Fisher, who will move the team to Sacramento for several years until their new stadium is built in Las Vegas, for trying to make it seem like he did everything in his power to keep the team in Oakland where theyve played for 57 years. Former SportsCenter anchor and current ABC7 broadcaster Larry Beil synthesized all of the anger, frustration, and pain that As fans are feeling in a scathing rant against Fisher on Monday, which included him literally ripping the letter into pieces. The clip invariably went viral. Larry Beil of KGO (Bay Areas ABC affiliate) read a great work of fiction, AKA John Fishers letter to Oakland As fans. Then strongly reacted to it. Well worth the time. (H/T @LastDiveBar)pic.twitter.com/JJmyDVuKyY Awful Announcing (@awfulannouncing) September 24, 2024 John, you tried five different extremely flawed stadium proposals. You never got even close to a shovel in the ground. Yes, Oakland politics is often a mess, I will give you that. But John, you surround yourself with incompetent yes men. And because you were born into a billionaire family, apparently never learned you have to spend money to make money. John, youre a serial penny pincher. Youve destroyed your familys great name and legacy because of your cheapness. Beil spoke with The San Francisco Standards Michael McLaughlin about the rant, saying his intention wasnt to go viral. Lord councilors at the City Hall in Kampala will hold an ordinary council meeting on Thursday to discuss, among other things, a report on the Kiteezi landfill. The report is expected to be presented by the council executive after they failed to do so on September 17, 2024, which resulted in chaos. The chaos ensued after a group of councilors demanded an apology from members of the executive for their failure to present the report during the meeting. According to Thursdays order paper, the council will also consider and approve the Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA) land management policy, among other matters. The Kiteezi landfill in Kasangati Town Council, Wakiso District, was a disaster waiting to happen, based on unmet promises by Kampala City authorities, and warnings from several reports. BY REUTERS Representatives of Libyas rival eastern and western legislative bodies, in talks facilitated by the United Nations, signed an agreement on Thursday to end a crisis over the leadership of the central bank, nominating an interim governor and deputy. The agreement could help to defuse a crisis over control of the Central Bank of Libya (CBL) and oil revenues that has sharply reduced Libyas oil output and exports. The crisis began when the head of the Presidential Council based in Tripoli, Mohammed al-Menfi, moved to replace veteran central bank governor Sadiq al-Kabir last month. That led eastern factions to order a halt of output from Libyas oil fields in protest. The rival factions agreed on nominating Naji Mohamed Issa Belqasem, the CBLs director of banking and monetary control, as an interim governor. Mari Muftah Rahil, who was appointed deputy governor in 2023, is nominated to continue in his position. I want to emphasise the urgent need to end the closure of oil fields and disruption of oil production and export and to channel the revenue from this vital resource through the appropriate institutional framework to the Central Bank of Libya, the U.N. secretary-generals special adviser on Libya, Stephanie Williams, said. The legislative bodies are the House of Representatives in Benghazi and High State Council in Tripoli. Libya has been divided since 2014 into rival authorities in the west and east that emerged from the chaos following the fall of Muammar Gaddafi in a NATO-backed uprising in 2011. This crisis has shown the imperative for all parties to refrain from unilateral decisions. Such decisions not only escalate tensions, but they also deepen the institutional divisions, Williams said. Libyas National Oil Corporation said on Aug. 28 that oil production had dropped by more than half of typical levels. It has not made public any new production figures since then. The North African countrys crude exports have averaged about 400,000 barrels per day in September, down from over 1 million bpd in August, shipping data show. President Yoweri Museveni stated that the commissioning of the 600MW Karuma Hydropower Plant will support the countrys development goals. He directed the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Development to explore ways of increasing electricity consumption per capita for all Ugandans. The President made the remarks on Thursday during the official commissioning ceremony of the plant in Kiryandongo District. Museveni also proposed four other strategic economic initiatives aimed at achieving sustainable economic development. These include modernizing the transport sector by focusing on railways and water transport, addressing the high cost of business financing, improving human capital through skills development, and leveraging regional markets. We are moving now but we are going to continue because there is no time to relax. The electricity we have here is enough because it is going to support all the factories very soon because right now the surplus is like 500 megawatts but very soon it will be overtaken, Museveni said. Additionally, Museveni instructed the Ministry of Energy to address the current low electricity consumption per capita, which stands at 218 kWh, emphasizing that developed countries have a per capita consumption of over 20,000 kWh. President Museveni has accused moneylenders of using fraudulent agreements that ultimately result in the confiscation of peoples assets, vowing to take action against them. The President made the remarks on Thursday during the official commissioning ceremony of the Karuma Hydropower Plant in Kiryandongo District. Im going to crash the moneylenders. They are criminals but they are encouraged by you people. How do you allow somebody to say that he has given you money but you make an agreement saying he has bought? Why should you do that? But anyway we are going to rescue you now, Museveni said In addition, Museveni directed the Ministry of Energy to address the countrys low per capita electricity consumption, which currently stands at 218 kWh, emphasizing that developed nations have a per capita consumption of over 20,000 kWh. The possibility to give parking grace to Community First Responders (CFRs) whilst on call despite opposition from both legislation and the Executive stayed alive to fight another day after a compromise offered by a third councillor managed to buy this worthwhile idea some more time. The Social Democrat pair of Cllrs Chris Pender and Pat Balfe brought this motion at this weeks meeting of the Kildare-Newbridge Municipal District: that the Council implements a parking pass scheme specifically for emergency first responders to allow them to park in designated areas when responding to emergencies. This pass should grant temporary parking access without the risk of penalties, ensuring that first responders can efficiently and safely attend to emergencies in a timely manner. Something similar to what key workers had during Covid, maybe not as expansive, but we are talking about people who are integral to our communities, offered Cllr Pender. I have been approached by CFRs who have been fined while attending an emergency, and they havent got past the first stage of appeal, he noted. To double down, its proven they save lives and everything they do I on their own time with their own car, but they are part of the official response service, clarified Cllr Balfe. Every second counts and they have enough to be thinking about without worrying about getting a fine, so is there any way Kildare County Council can issue a bye-law on this? However, he did not get the reply they were hoping for. There are no provisions in road traffic legislation to permit this, [only] official emergency vehicles such as ambulances are exempt under road traffic legislation in the event of attending an emergency, explained Mark McLoughlin, Chief of the Roads Section in the formal reply. There is also an appeal process in place where persons or organisations can appeal fines which will be considered, he offered as a compromise. The concern here is that the precedent would be very had to police, and might encourage members to hand out their permits, he shrugged. I dont like this, Im not saying everyone would, but there are bad actors everywhere, said Cllr Suzanne Doyle in support of the official line. This would not be a problem if the appeal process worked, but at the moment Im with Mark, she said. They have attended 125 calls in Newbridge this year alone, and they save lives, theyd be unlikely to abuse the system, said Cllr Pender. It worries me that there might e too much permits to issue, offered Cllr Rob Power, but there is an official log book they must sign in on, and maybe we could use that in an appeal? If we can get details of those appeals, we can have a look at that, conceded Mr McLoughlin, and it was agreed that this issue would now go on the monthly Progress Report. In solidarity with the CFRs Cllr Peggy ODwyer, Chair of the meeting said: that happened to me in Dublin during Covid when I was a vaccinator, and the appeal failed. I wasnt an essential worker. A staggeringly high level of alcohol was detected in the breath of a driver who twice tried to evade arrest following a car accident. Kilkenny District Court heard that Andreia Dos Santos Araujo, Barrack Lane, Kilkenny, was pleading guilty to charges including drink driving, dangerous driving, driving without insurance and driving without a licence, following an incident on February 7 last. Garda Aoife Doyle gave evidence that she attended a call following a crash on Bishops Hill, Kilkenny, at about 9.30pm on that date. Driver of the car, Ms Dos Santos Araujo, had fled the scene. Garda Doyle saw her, followed and caught her. She tried to flee again as the garda was arresting her. Ms Dos Santos Araujo was known to the garda, who knew she was disqualified from driving. She was cautioned and then informed the garda she had a fight with her husband, was scared and drove. Ms Dos Santos Araujo was arrested for drink driving and taken to Kilkenny Garda Station. A breath sample was provided at the station, showing a level of 94mcg of alcohol per 100mls of breath. Garda Doyle said Ms Dos Santos Araujo had driven from the direction of the army barracks, across Greens Bridge and on to Vicar Street, where she turned right then collided with the wall. There was a witness to all this, the garda said. There were 16 previous convictions recorded against the defendant, including three for drink driving and six for driving without insurance. Inspector Barry Smith confirmed those previous convictions included an occasion when Ms Dos Santos Araujo was convicted of driving without insurance in court and within an hour of leaving court was apprehended again after a garda watched her drive away from court. Garda Doyle agreed with solicitor Ed Hughes that Ms Dos Santos Araujo was erratic in her interactions but was pleasant thereafter. The defendant has alcohol dependency issues, the solicitor said. His clients vehicle was substantially damaged in the incident but, luckily, there was no third party involved, Mr Hughes said. Ms Dos Santos Araujo has lived in Ireland since 2011 and has a mother and daughter in Brazil. She started a business here that was going well. However after a rough divorce ended up in debt she developed a significant alcohol dependency. She was not doing it on purpose. Mr Hughes said his client was under severe pressure which is why she kept getting back into her vehicle. She has not replaced her car so cannot drive now. Judge Geraldine Carthy noted the level of alcohol in Ms Dos Santos Araujos system was staggeringly high. Getting behind the wheel not only put herself at risk but other road users, the judge said, adding that the defendant has a dependency that has to be addressed. Stark The judge said Ms Dos Santos Araujos previous convictions were quite stark. Referring to the charge of driving without insurance, Judge Carthy said the defendant had been given numerous opportunities and she was satisfied it would not be appropriate to impose a suspended sentence, as a lesson had not been learned. For driving without insurance, a sentence of five months imprisonment was handed down, with a driving disqualification of 10 years. Convicting Ms Dos Santos Araujo of drink driving, a sentence of five months in prison was imposed and a disqualification of six years, to run concurrently. Charges of dangerous driving and driving without a licence were taken into consideration. Recognisance was set in the event of an appeal, which Mr Hughes said would be taken up immediately. Sinn Fein leader Mary Lou McDonald has described comments made by the former taoiseach as him finding his inner Shinner, after Leo Varadkar said every party should make manifesto pledges that Irish reunification is an objective, not an aspiration. The former Fine Gael leader called for politicians in the Republic to back the establishment of a forum to set out plans for Irish unity. He made the comments in an interview with the Irish Times ahead of his appearance at the SDLPs New Ireland Commission. Asked about his comments on Thursday morning, Ms McDonald said they were welcome but belated. Im glad that hes exited the position of taoiseach, that hes found his inner Shinner and his appetite for reunification, the Dublin TD said. This is where every political party should be. This is the big opportunity for our island to consolidate peace, to finally reach a point of reconciliation, and to benefit from the huge economic and social and political opportunity that will present to us. To us, this is a no-brainer. Of course, it has to be more than rhetoric. A soundbite is not enough. Those that are committed to reunification recognise there has to be a citizens assembly, a structured democratic conversation. There has to be commitment to the holding of referendums. Thats really the issue here. If you believe that we support and enforce all of the Good Friday Agreement, well then you have to have a commitment to the holding of referendums. Thats the point at which the people have their say. I very much hope that every single political party will make clear-cut commitments on this regard, not just to move from an aspiration to an objective, but rather to move from an objective to an active plan of action. I hope that will be the case for Fine Gael. I wonder, will the taoiseach now make absolutely clear that the position of Fine Gael is now finally to recognise the need for referendums, the need for planning. Ms McDonalds comments were put to Mr Varadkar during the event in Derry as he was asked why he was being more outspoken on the issue of unification since he had stood down as taoiseach. One of the advantages of not being involved in electoral politics now is Im more free to say what I think and do what I think is right, he said. Whereas you know, when youre taoiseach, when youre a leader of a political party, you have to think about how your partys going to react, how your coalition partner is going to react, how the media might interpret it, how it might be heard in London, for example. And, look, Im less concerned about those things. Constraints come with office, and you accept them, but when you dont hold office anymore, you dont have the same level of constraints. Speaking at the Sinn Fein alternative budget launch, Mayo TD Rose Conway-Walsh also welcomed Mr Varadkars comments. But it needs to mean much more than that, she added. He was taoiseach and he should have been planning. I think its absolutely reckless for any government not to be planning for reunification at this stage. Obviously, Sinn Fein believes that citizens have the right to national self-determination. Currently, were living on a partitioned island, and that is costing us dearly. Addressing this by achieving Irish unity through the referendums included within the Good Friday Agreement is and always has been a Sinn Fein priority. A new and united Ireland with citizens rights as its core is what we seek to deliver. The Irish Government has a constitutional obligation to pursue and to prepare for unity. Giant panda Ke Ke eats bamboo at the Dujiangyan base of the China Conservation and Research Center for Giant Panda in Dujiangyan, southwest China's Sichuan Province, Sept. 25, 2024. (Photo: China News Service/Li Chuanyou) A farewell party was held for panda pair An An and Ke Ke at the base on Wednesday. They will arrive in Hong Kong on Thursday, and settle down at the Ocean Park. New President of KIT: Professor Jan S. Hesthaven will take office on October 1, 2024. (Photo: Markus Breig, KIT) On October 1, 2024, Professor Jan S. Hesthaven will take office as President of Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT). The first term of office of the 58-year-old Dane will focus on a clearer positioning of KIT within the national and international science community. Central issues will be the close interplay of research, academic education, knowledge transfer and engagement with society, attracting international talent and close collaboration with strong partners worldwide. KIT is an institution with an enormous potential both nationally and internationally. It is my clear goal to enhance its strengths, make KIT more visible, and fully utilize the numerous areas of exceptional strength, says the designated President of KIT, Professor Jan S. Hesthaven. KIT has already achieved a lot, but has the potential for a lot more. Together with the researchers, employees, students, and my colleagues in the Executive Board, I will continue to shape KIT. I am very much looking forward to this. I am very pleased that with Professor Jan S. Hesthaven we have been able to recruit an internationally recognized and renowned scientist to head KIT. Now, we have to continue KIT's success story and tackle the upcoming tasks and challenges with full power. For this, I wish him good luck, says Baden-Wurttemberg Minister for Science, Research, and the Arts Petra Olschowski. I am convinced that President Professor Hesthaven will successfully lead KIT into the future. His vast expertise and his vision for KIT make him the ideal person to further shape this unique institution and to advance KITs positioning in the international science community, says Professor Michael Kaschke, Chairman of the Supervisory Board of KIT. For his coming into office I wish him the very best. With Professor Hesthaven taking office, KITs Executive Board will be complete again after a transitional period of just over a year, says Professor Oliver Kraft, Vice President Research of KIT, who has been Acting President during the transition period. I am very pleased that we will be able to tackle the upcoming challenges together such as the upcoming reviews for the excellence strategy and program-oriented funding within the Helmholtz Association at the beginning of 2025. I look forward to cooperating with Jan S. Hesthaven. His vast international expertise, outstanding scientific know-how, and strategic intuition will not only advance research and academic education at KIT, but also enrich the exchange of ideas within the Helmholtz Association, says Professor Otmar Wiestler, President of the Helmholtz Association. With him, we win an acknowledged expert for the transfer of information sciences to industry and society. For instance, Hesthaven developed new computation methods and algorithms for machine learning, for supercomputers, and for complex simulations. These are valuable instruments to jointly address the challenges of our time. Strong Partnerships in Germany and Worldwide Hesthaven emphasizes that research and academic education are poised to change substantially in the years to come, not least as a result of the opportunities and challenges associated with Artificial Intelligence. It is now time to discuss how this can be handled by KIT as an institution. To have an impact and to keep up with the best international institutions, KIT needs strong partners: I believe much more in collaboration than in competition. We will need reliable and complementary partners in the region, in Germany and worldwide, with whom we can collaborate in our core areas of research, academic education, innovation, and transfer as well as engagement with society, Hesthaven points out. Science to Benefit Society He emphasizes that it will be important to never lose sight of the ultimate goal: Science and technology must eventually seek to impact and improve society by which it is financed. In research, we do this by developing solutions for societal challenges. However, education is equally important: It is a core part of our mission to educate young people as the future workforce to help address current and future challenges. The success of this combined mission is our contract with society. Attracting Talent from All Walks of Life Overall, KIT needs to open up internationally, Hesthaven points out. To achieve this, it is essential to attract talent from all over the world. In terms of diversity, however, socio-economic diversity needs to be taken into account as well. We cannot afford losing young talented and committed people, who decide against studies at a university because it makes them feel like strangers in a strange land, Hesthaven says. Central Role within the Helmholtz Association KIT should take a central part as The Research University in the Helmholtz Association, emphasizes Hesthaven. The unique strength of a university is that it, in contrast to a research center, can undertake very-high-risk research and occasionally fail while still fulfilling its educational mission, effectively hedging the risk with the educational mission. This opens up unique opportunities for closer collaboration with the research centers in the Helmholtz Association, which in turn provides exciting options for our students. We need to make optimal use of our resources across the Helmholtz Association to collaborate more closely across disciplines in research and education to enable the transition from fundamental research to applied research at realistic levels of complexity to provide solutions to societal challenges. Hesthaven, the new President of KIT, will succeed Professor Holger Hanselka, who moved to Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft in August 2023. In January 2024, KITs Supervisory Board elected Hesthaven President. In February, his election was confirmed by the KIT Senate. During the transition period, Professor Oliver Kraft, Vice President Research of KIT, has been Acting President. (mle) About the Person Professor Jan S. Hesthaven, born in 1965, has been Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs of the Ecole Polytechnique Federale de Lausanne (EPFL, Swiss Federal Institute of Technology in Lausanne) since 2021. His scope of responsibility included strong integration of research and academic education, all appointment and promotion procedures, as well as close cooperation with the President of EPFL on the universitys strategic orientation. Since 2013, Hesthaven had been Professor of Mathematics of EPFL. Before, in 1995, he was a faculty member at Brown University, one of the oldest and most renowned universities in the USA, where he was Founding Director of the Center for Computation and Visualization (2006 to 2013) and co-founder of the Institute for Computational and Experimental Research in Mathematics. Hesthaven studied Computational Physics and earned his doctorate at the Technical University of Denmark in Copenhagen. Hesthaven is Fellow of the Royal Danish Academy of Sciences and Letters, the American Mathematical Society, and the Society of Industrial and Applied Mathematics. He also is member of the European Academy of Sciences and Academia Europaea. In May 2024, the Technical University of Denmark awarded Hesthaven an honorary doctorate. More Information: I Believe much more in Collaboration than in Competition Interview with Professor Jan S. Hesthaven in the research magazine lookKIT KIT Press Release Supervisory Board Elects Jan S. Hesthaven President of KIT (January 23, 2024) KIT Release KIT Senate Confirms Election of Jan S. Hesthaven (February 19, 2024) Being The Research University in the Helmholtz Association, KIT creates and imparts knowledge for the society and the environment. It is the objective to make significant contributions to the global challenges in the fields of energy, mobility, and information. For this, about 10,000 employees cooperate in a broad range of disciplines in natural sciences, engineering sciences, economics, and the humanities and social sciences. KIT prepares its 22,800 students for responsible tasks in society, industry, and science by offering research-based study programs. Innovation efforts at KIT build a bridge between important scientific findings and their application for the benefit of society, economic prosperity, and the preservation of our natural basis of life. KIT is one of the German universities of excellence. The 2024 World Manufacturing Convention, themed "Intelligent Manufacturing for a Better Future," was held in Hefei, capital of east China's Anhui Province, from Friday to Monday. The 2024 World Manufacturing Convention, themed "Intelligent Manufacturing for a Better Future," was held in Hefei, capital of east China's Anhui Province, from Friday to Monday. The convention, focusing on the topic related to the 75th anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China, featured several exhibitions from domestic and international guests. It showcased achievements at national-level and Anhui manufacturing development since the founding of China, including the world's first 25MW offshore wind turbine main bearing, innovative Jinghua shield machine, Qijiang-2 humanoid robot, Jiuzhou Yunjian's LongYun rocket engine, Origin Wukong superconducting quantum computer, and FDS' Hedianbao nuclear power system. New and old friends commend business prospects John McLean OBE, chair of the China UK Business Development Centre, visited Anhui for the first time. He believed that the province has enormous growth potential, with its business environment and policy support making it an especially attractive investment destination. Among the first-time attendees was Vice Chairman of the Ulyanovsk provincial government of Russia Kabanov Oleg Vladimirovich. He told China News Network, the conference scale surprised him the most. As we all know, the larger the event, the more opportunities there are for participants to develop mutually beneficial cooperation." In 2017, Ulyanovsk and Anhui signed a cooperation agreement. Currently, both sides are working together to develop an action plan to implement a regional cooperation agreement. Sean Stein, chair of the American Chamber of Commerce in China, is an old friend of Anhui, and this marked his 15th visit to the province. Over the past 18 months, he has led delegations to Anhui twice, due to the growing interest of foreign companies and investors in the region. Stein noted that Anhui has a wealth of talent, a strong workforce, and a well-developed infrastructure, along with business-friendly policies introduced by the government. The government collaborates with businesses to create opportunities and improve the business environment, which he finds very encouraging. A Qijiang-2 humanoid robot hands fruit to a visitor at the 2024 World Manufacturing Convention held in Anhui Province on Sept. 20, 2024. (Photo: China News Service/Han Suyuan) Carlos Magarinos, chairman emeritus of the Global Alliance of SMEs, was an important old guest at the convention. Magarinos said that returning to Anhui after six years filled him with joy. He was impressed by how Anhui has accurately grasped the new trends in global manufacturing development over the past six years and called the speed at which its manufacturing sector has grown truly remarkable. As one of the organizers, the alliance is very willing to engage in comprehensive, multi-level exchanges and cooperation with Anhui and other partners in fields including manufacturing. This will also encourage more international companies to establish themselves in China, especially in Anhui, to achieve resource sharing and win-win outcomes through practical cooperation, he said. Success of Chaohu Conference attracts global projects The Chaohu Overseas Chinese conference on innovation and entrepreneurship (Chaohu Conference) is a key event of the 2024 World Manufacturing Convention, aiming to bring together high-level talent from among the overseas alumni of prestigious institutions including the University of Science and Technology of China, to foster innovation and entrepreneurship in Anhui, and further support high-quality integrated development of the Yangtze River Delta. Li Shiyun, chairman of the Overseas Chinese Federation of Anhui Province, said that the Chaohu overseas Chinese conference has been successfully held seven times, including activities to present provincial development and new innovations by overseas Chinese, attracting over 1,000 alumni from prestigious universities in more than 100 countries and helping establish high-tech projects and talent teams locally. At the Chaohu conference matchmaking event of "Overseas Chinese innovation and entrepreneurship and Anhui-Hong Kong-Macao Manufacturing," 43 overseas Chinese projects, 33 Hong Kong and Macao projects, and five Hefei competition projects were signed, totaling over 36.3 billion yuan ($5.15 dollars) in investment. The China Federation of Overseas Chinese Entrepreneurs signs several projects at each World Manufacturing Convention, with total contracts growing each year. Currently, the total investment from these signed projects is about 1.2 billion yuan, said Wang Bangkan, vice president of the federation. Over the past six years since 2018 when the World Manufacturing Convention made Hefei, Anhui, its permanent venue, the province has consistently issued invitations to the world, drawing in a diverse array of domestic and international business representatives. Notably, this year, foreign guests constituted more than 50 percent of key attendees for the first time. Since 2018, the convention has facilitated the signing of over 4,000 cooperative projects and attracted major initiatives, including Volkswagen's new energy vehicles from Germany. DAKOTA CITY Within an hour of finding Jason Jones guilty of shooting four Laurel, Nebraska, residents and setting fires in their homes, jurors were back in the courtroom, this time to decide if certain circumstances existed that could lead to Jones receiving a death sentence. The 12 jurors reached their verdict Thursday morning, concluding six and a half hours of discussions that began Wednesday afternoon. Jones, 44, was found guilty of four counts each of first-degree murder and use of a firearm to commit a felony and two counts of second-degree arson for the Aug. 4, 2022, shooting deaths of Michele Ebeling, 53, in her home and Gene Twiford, 86, his wife, Janet Twiford, 85, and their daughter Dana Twiford, 55, in their home. Jones was initially charged with first-degree arson, but jurors found him guilty, instead, of the lesser charge of second-degree. Relatives of Ebeling and the Twifords remained composed as the verdicts were read. Some smiled and one woman happily rubbed the shoulder of the person seated next to her. "We are relieved by todays conviction and appreciate the hard work of the legal team and law enforcement throughout this process. We would also like to convey our gratitude to the jury for their time and attention in this long process. While this is one step toward justice for our loved ones, we must respect the ongoing investigation and the legal proceedings in the second case. Our focus remains on healing and honoring our mother/grandma, father/grandpa and sister/aunt, while carrying their love and memories in our hearts every day," the Twiford family said in a statement released to the media. Because of the first-degree murder convictions, jurors are being asked in an additional hearing, Assistant Nebraska Attorney General Corey O'Brien said, to determine if there are aggravating facts in Jones' case that "distinguish his crime from an ordinary murder." The state is alleging six aggravating circumstances: In four instances, that Jones committed a murder at the same time he committed another murder. In the other two aggravators, the state alleges Jones killed Janet and Dana Twiford after he killed Gene Twiford in order to conceal his identity as the shooter or to conceal the commission of another crime -- murder or his break-in at their home. Nebraska State Patrol investigator Pedram Nabegh testified that when mapping bullet trajectories and the location of spent shell casings in the Twiford home, he believes Jones first shot Gene Twiford while standing in or near the doorway to the bedroom, then walked into the room and shot Janet Twiford. Dana Twiford likely was shot last while standing near the bedroom doorway and then falling onto her back into an office across the hall from the master bedroom. After a lunch break, the defense will put on any evidence before closing arguments. The jury will again deliberate, and if jurors unanimously decide any of the aggravating circumstances were present, the case becomes eligible for the death penalty. The case then would go before a three-judge panel consisting of District Judge Bryan Meismer, who is presiding over the trial, and two randomly appointed judges. They would hear evidence at a hearing weeks later and decide whether to sentence Jones to death. If the jury does not find aggravating circumstances, Jones would be sentenced to life in prison. Thursday's verdict came after 10 days of evidence and witness testimony. Throughout the trial, moved to Dakota County from Cedar County after Meismer determined Jones was unlikely to receive a fair trial there, jurors heard from 38 witnesses and saw more than 1,000 exhibits and pieces of evidence. "Everything leads to Jason Jones at both of those houses," Assistant Nebraska Attorney General Sandra Allen said during Wednesday's closing arguments. "His DNA's on everything. It's all over the place." The defense did not deny Jones killed the Twifords, but said he'd had a mental breakdown and was not capable of premeditation, an element necessary for a first-degree murder conviction. Jones instead should be found guilty of second-degree murder, defense attorney Matthew McDonald said in his closing argument. "Yes, he's liable," McDonald said, "but what he did in his mind was involuntary. Because he had a mental breakdown, it was not voluntary." As evidence of Jones' mental state, McDonald pointed to a purported suicide note Jones left for his wife, Carrie Jones. McDonald said Carrie Jones killed Ebeling. Firefighters were dispatched to Ebeling's house at 209 Elm St. at 3:11 a.m., and found Ebeling's body, with two gunshots, inside. Firefighters had barely left the scene when there were called to the Twiford home, just down the street at 503 Elm St., at 9:30 a.m. Responders found the bodies of the three family members, all with gunshot wounds. At trial, investigators said they determined the Twiford fire likely had been started first but smoldered unnoticed for hours and had burned itself out before a neighbor saw smoke coming from the eaves. Evidence from both homes pointed in Jason Jones' direction. Inside Ebeling's home, investigators found a burned plastic gas can, three .44-caliber shell casings and a live round. Outside the house they found a flashlight and a lighter and a drop of blood on the garage. At the Twiford house, a Ruger 57 handgun, along with an extra ammunition magazine and 11 shell casings were found. Just outside the back door, they found a pry bar and a broken door frame, plus a Mountain Dew bottle with gasoline and a rag stuffed inside. All the items were tested at a crime lab and contained Jones' DNA, fingerprints, or both. Ballistics experts determined the shell casings and bullets removed from the Twifords' bodies during their autopsies all had been fired from the Ruger 57, which was traced back to Jones. A bullet removed from Ebeling's body at autopsy, plus two more from her kitchen wall, and the shell casings all had been fired by a .44-caliber handgun found inside a dresser drawer in Jones' bedroom. Jones emerged as a suspect after receipts for gas at two stores in Laurel and gas cans and a backpack purchased at the Sioux City Fleet Farm store were found in Ebeling's kitchen. Investigators traced credit card numbers on the receipts to Jones, and surveillance video showed him buying the gas cans in Sioux City and later filling them with gas at a Laurel gas pump. Jones, who lived at 206 Elm St. across the street from Ebeling, was arrested early on Aug. 5, lying in his bed and barely able to move because of severe burns on his legs, arms and hands. Because of his injuries, it's hard for him to sit upright for long periods of time, and he did not attend his trial, instead remaining in custody in Lincoln. Carrie Jones had accused Gene Twiford of continually driving by her house and verbally harassing her. Text messages between Carrie and Jason Jones presented at trial showed she was fed up with Twiford's alleged behavior. In April 2022, Jason Jones texted his wife, "I really f-----g hate that guy about to go kill his ass." A second string of text messages on Aug. 3, hours before the shootings, showed Jason Jones was tracking Twiford as he drove about Laurel. Jason Jones told his mother in a recorded jail phone call, a portion of which was played for the jury, he thought Ebeling and her boyfriend, Brian Welch, were possessed and they often sat outside their house and watched Carrie Jones when she was working in her yard. Welch denied it in his testimony. The defense's lone witness, who lived across the street from Ebeling, testified that shortly after 3 a.m. on Aug. 4, she heard one or two gunshots from Ebeling's house, looked out and saw someone with long hair leaving the house. Jason Jones had short hair at the time, but Carrie Jones has long hair. Carrie Jones' fingerprints and DNA weren't found inside Ebeling's house, the state countered, and the gun used to kill her had Jason Jones' DNA on it. A second person's DNA also was found on it, but could not be identified. "There was no evidence she pulled the trigger. There is nothing in that house that points the finger at her," Allen said. Carrie Jones, 45, is charged with and has pleaded not guilty of first-degree murder, tampering with physical evidence and being an accessory to a felony. She is accused of aiding and abetting the death of Gene Twiford. Her trial date has not been set. NET Power Inc. (NYSE:NPWR Get Free Report) major shareholder 8 Rivers Capital, Llc sold 26,926 shares of NET Power stock in a transaction that occurred on Friday, September 20th. The stock was sold at an average price of $7.00, for a total transaction of $188,482.00. Following the completion of the sale, the insider now owns 73,074 shares of the companys stock, valued at $511,518. The transaction was disclosed in a document filed with the SEC, which can be accessed through this link. Large shareholders that own at least 10% of a companys stock are required to disclose their transactions with the SEC. 8 Rivers Capital, Llc also recently made the following trade(s): Get NET Power alerts: On Monday, September 23rd, 8 Rivers Capital, Llc sold 1,764 shares of NET Power stock. The shares were sold at an average price of $7.00, for a total transaction of $12,348.00. On Wednesday, September 18th, 8 Rivers Capital, Llc sold 80,122 shares of NET Power stock. The stock was sold at an average price of $7.02, for a total transaction of $562,456.44. NET Power Stock Down 0.3 % NPWR stock opened at $7.13 on Thursday. NET Power Inc. has a 12 month low of $6.57 and a 12 month high of $15.69. The firms fifty day simple moving average is $8.25 and its 200-day simple moving average is $9.64. Institutional Trading of NET Power NET Power ( NYSE:NPWR Get Free Report ) last posted its quarterly earnings results on Monday, August 12th. The company reported ($0.06) EPS for the quarter. The business had revenue of $0.24 million for the quarter. On average, equities analysts anticipate that NET Power Inc. will post -0.4 EPS for the current fiscal year. A number of hedge funds have recently modified their holdings of the stock. Williams Jones Wealth Management LLC. purchased a new position in NET Power during the first quarter valued at approximately $128,000. XTX Topco Ltd acquired a new stake in shares of NET Power during the 2nd quarter worth approximately $133,000. B. Riley Wealth Advisors Inc. purchased a new position in shares of NET Power during the 2nd quarter valued at approximately $136,000. K2 Principal Fund L.P. acquired a new position in shares of NET Power in the 1st quarter valued at $148,000. Finally, Neuberger Berman Group LLC acquired a new position in shares of NET Power in the 4th quarter valued at $163,000. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 53.62% of the companys stock. Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades NPWR has been the subject of a number of research analyst reports. Citigroup reduced their target price on NET Power from $11.00 to $8.00 and set a neutral rating for the company in a research note on Thursday, September 12th. Barclays reduced their price objective on NET Power from $13.00 to $11.00 and set an equal weight rating for the company in a research note on Wednesday, August 14th. Read Our Latest Analysis on NPWR About NET Power (Get Free Report) NET Power Inc operates as a clean energy technology company. The company invents, develops, and licenses clean power generation technology. NET Power Inc was founded in 2010 and is headquartered in Durham, North Carolina. See Also Receive News & Ratings for NET Power Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for NET Power and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Shares of BJs Wholesale Club Holdings, Inc. (NYSE:BJ Get Free Report) have earned an average recommendation of Moderate Buy from the sixteen analysts that are presently covering the firm, Marketbeat Ratings reports. Seven investment analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and nine have assigned a buy rating to the company. The average twelve-month target price among brokerages that have issued a report on the stock in the last year is $86.31. Several equities analysts recently weighed in on BJ shares. Evercore ISI raised their price objective on shares of BJs Wholesale Club from $86.00 to $89.00 and gave the company an in-line rating in a research report on Thursday, June 20th. Wells Fargo & Company upgraded shares of BJs Wholesale Club from an equal weight rating to an overweight rating and raised their price target for the company from $75.00 to $92.00 in a report on Friday, August 23rd. Melius Research started coverage on shares of BJs Wholesale Club in a report on Monday. They issued a buy rating and a $90.00 price objective for the company. Loop Capital raised their target price on BJs Wholesale Club from $80.00 to $85.00 and gave the company a hold rating in a report on Thursday, July 11th. Finally, JPMorgan Chase & Co. upgraded BJs Wholesale Club from an underweight rating to a neutral rating and upped their price target for the stock from $76.00 to $78.00 in a research note on Monday, August 26th. Get BJ's Wholesale Club alerts: Read Our Latest Stock Analysis on BJs Wholesale Club Insiders Place Their Bets Institutional Inflows and Outflows In related news, CEO Robert W. Eddy sold 11,000 shares of the stock in a transaction dated Monday, July 1st. The shares were sold at an average price of $86.90, for a total value of $955,900.00. Following the completion of the sale, the chief executive officer now owns 467,792 shares in the company, valued at $40,651,124.80. The transaction was disclosed in a filing with the SEC, which can be accessed through this link . In related news, CEO Robert W. Eddy sold 11,000 shares of the companys stock in a transaction on Monday, July 1st. The stock was sold at an average price of $86.90, for a total value of $955,900.00. Following the completion of the transaction, the chief executive officer now directly owns 467,792 shares in the company, valued at $40,651,124.80. The sale was disclosed in a filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is accessible through the SEC website . Also, EVP Graham Luce sold 16,596 shares of BJs Wholesale Club stock in a transaction on Tuesday, July 16th. The stock was sold at an average price of $91.15, for a total transaction of $1,512,725.40. Following the sale, the executive vice president now owns 14,131 shares in the company, valued at approximately $1,288,040.65. The disclosure for this sale can be found here . Insiders have sold 79,438 shares of company stock worth $6,980,938 in the last ninety days. Insiders own 2.00% of the companys stock. Hedge funds and other institutional investors have recently added to or reduced their stakes in the business. Blue Trust Inc. acquired a new position in shares of BJs Wholesale Club in the 2nd quarter worth approximately $25,000. Rise Advisors LLC bought a new stake in BJs Wholesale Club in the first quarter valued at $26,000. J.Safra Asset Management Corp acquired a new position in BJs Wholesale Club during the second quarter worth $45,000. Benjamin Edwards Inc. lifted its holdings in shares of BJs Wholesale Club by 394.5% during the second quarter. Benjamin Edwards Inc. now owns 628 shares of the companys stock valued at $55,000 after acquiring an additional 501 shares during the period. Finally, Whittier Trust Co. of Nevada Inc. boosted its stake in shares of BJs Wholesale Club by 103.6% in the 2nd quarter. Whittier Trust Co. of Nevada Inc. now owns 745 shares of the companys stock valued at $65,000 after purchasing an additional 379 shares in the last quarter. Institutional investors own 98.60% of the companys stock. BJs Wholesale Club Trading Up 0.1 % Shares of NYSE:BJ opened at $82.14 on Thursday. BJs Wholesale Club has a 12-month low of $63.08 and a 12-month high of $92.37. The company has a quick ratio of 0.15, a current ratio of 0.76 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.24. The firm has a market capitalization of $10.89 billion, a P/E ratio of 21.34, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 3.02 and a beta of 0.24. The firm has a fifty day moving average of $83.63 and a two-hundred day moving average of $82.16. BJs Wholesale Club (NYSE:BJ Get Free Report) last issued its earnings results on Thursday, August 22nd. The company reported $1.09 EPS for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $1.00 by $0.09. BJs Wholesale Club had a return on equity of 36.12% and a net margin of 2.62%. The firm had revenue of $5.21 billion for the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $5.15 billion. During the same quarter in the previous year, the company posted $0.97 earnings per share. The businesss quarterly revenue was up 4.9% compared to the same quarter last year. On average, equities analysts expect that BJs Wholesale Club will post 3.83 EPS for the current fiscal year. About BJs Wholesale Club (Get Free Report BJ's Wholesale Club Holdings, Inc, together with its subsidiaries, operates warehouse clubs on the eastern half of the United States. It provides groceries, general merchandise, gasoline and other ancillary services, coupon books, and promotions. The company sells its products through the websites BJs.com, BerkleyJensen.com, and Wellsleyfarms.com, as well as the mobile app. Featured Articles Receive News & Ratings for BJ's Wholesale Club Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for BJ's Wholesale Club and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Shares of Cardinal Health, Inc. (NYSE:CAH Get Free Report) have received a consensus recommendation of Moderate Buy from the twelve brokerages that are covering the company, MarketBeat Ratings reports. One analyst has rated the stock with a sell recommendation, four have assigned a hold recommendation and seven have issued a buy recommendation on the company. The average 1 year price objective among analysts that have issued a report on the stock in the last year is $119.36. CAH has been the subject of several research reports. Wells Fargo & Company lifted their price objective on shares of Cardinal Health from $95.00 to $101.00 and gave the stock an underweight rating in a research note on Thursday, August 15th. Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft lifted their price target on Cardinal Health from $115.00 to $119.00 and gave the stock a hold rating in a research report on Friday, August 16th. JPMorgan Chase & Co. raised their price objective on Cardinal Health from $111.00 to $123.00 and gave the stock a neutral rating in a research note on Wednesday, August 21st. Robert W. Baird lifted their target price on Cardinal Health from $130.00 to $137.00 and gave the stock an outperform rating in a report on Thursday, August 15th. Finally, Morgan Stanley increased their price target on shares of Cardinal Health from $114.00 to $119.00 and gave the stock an overweight rating in a report on Thursday, August 15th. Get Cardinal Health alerts: Check Out Our Latest Stock Report on CAH Insiders Place Their Bets Institutional Investors Weigh In On Cardinal Health In other news, CEO Jason M. Hollar sold 26,716 shares of the firms stock in a transaction dated Friday, August 16th. The stock was sold at an average price of $108.87, for a total transaction of $2,908,570.92. Following the sale, the chief executive officer now directly owns 244,091 shares in the company, valued at approximately $26,574,187.17. The transaction was disclosed in a legal filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available through this hyperlink . In other news, CEO Jason M. Hollar sold 46,455 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction that occurred on Monday, August 19th. The stock was sold at an average price of $109.02, for a total value of $5,064,524.10. Following the completion of the sale, the chief executive officer now directly owns 197,636 shares in the company, valued at $21,546,276.72. The transaction was disclosed in a document filed with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which can be accessed through this link . Also, CEO Jason M. Hollar sold 26,716 shares of the stock in a transaction that occurred on Friday, August 16th. The shares were sold at an average price of $108.87, for a total value of $2,908,570.92. Following the transaction, the chief executive officer now owns 244,091 shares in the company, valued at approximately $26,574,187.17. The disclosure for this sale can be found here . Over the last quarter, insiders sold 113,963 shares of company stock worth $12,379,980. Company insiders own 0.15% of the companys stock. Institutional investors and hedge funds have recently added to or reduced their stakes in the stock. Cultivar Capital Inc. acquired a new stake in shares of Cardinal Health in the second quarter valued at about $27,000. Raleigh Capital Management Inc. lifted its stake in Cardinal Health by 4,466.7% in the 4th quarter. Raleigh Capital Management Inc. now owns 274 shares of the companys stock valued at $28,000 after buying an additional 268 shares in the last quarter. Ashton Thomas Private Wealth LLC purchased a new position in Cardinal Health in the 2nd quarter valued at about $29,000. YHB Investment Advisors Inc. acquired a new stake in Cardinal Health in the 1st quarter worth about $32,000. Finally, LRI Investments LLC purchased a new stake in Cardinal Health during the 1st quarter worth approximately $32,000. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 87.17% of the companys stock. Cardinal Health Price Performance Shares of CAH stock opened at $108.82 on Thursday. The stocks fifty day moving average price is $106.53 and its 200 day moving average price is $103.99. Cardinal Health has a 1-year low of $85.82 and a 1-year high of $116.05. The company has a market cap of $26.50 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 48.36, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 1.33 and a beta of 0.60. Cardinal Health (NYSE:CAH Get Free Report) last posted its quarterly earnings data on Wednesday, August 14th. The company reported $1.84 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $1.74 by $0.10. The firm had revenue of $59.87 billion for the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $58.74 billion. Cardinal Health had a net margin of 0.37% and a negative return on equity of 54.85%. The companys revenue for the quarter was up 12.1% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same quarter in the prior year, the company posted $1.55 earnings per share. As a group, equities research analysts anticipate that Cardinal Health will post 7.62 earnings per share for the current year. Cardinal Health Increases Dividend The company also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Tuesday, October 15th. Investors of record on Tuesday, October 1st will be issued a dividend of $0.506 per share. The ex-dividend date is Tuesday, October 1st. This is an increase from Cardinal Healths previous quarterly dividend of $0.51. This represents a $2.02 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 1.86%. Cardinal Healths dividend payout ratio is 89.78%. About Cardinal Health (Get Free Report Cardinal Health, Inc operates as a healthcare services and products company in the United States, Canada, Europe, Asia, and internationally. It provides customized solutions for hospitals, healthcare systems, pharmacies, ambulatory surgery centers, clinical laboratories, physician offices, and patients in the home. See Also Receive News & Ratings for Cardinal Health Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Cardinal Health and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. M&T Bank (NYSE:MTB Get Free Report) was downgraded by investment analysts at StockNews.com from a hold rating to a sell rating in a research note issued to investors on Tuesday. Other research analysts also recently issued research reports about the company. Royal Bank of Canada increased their target price on M&T Bank from $160.00 to $174.00 and gave the stock an outperform rating in a report on Friday, July 19th. Citigroup lifted their price objective on shares of M&T Bank from $180.00 to $195.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a report on Friday, July 19th. Wells Fargo & Company cut shares of M&T Bank from an equal weight rating to an underweight rating and dropped their target price for the stock from $170.00 to $165.00 in a report on Thursday, August 15th. Wedbush lifted their price target on shares of M&T Bank from $208.00 to $210.00 and gave the company an outperform rating in a report on Tuesday. Finally, DA Davidson increased their price objective on shares of M&T Bank from $159.00 to $185.00 and gave the stock a neutral rating in a research note on Friday, July 19th. Two research analysts have rated the stock with a sell rating, seven have given a hold rating and seven have issued a buy rating to the company. According to MarketBeat, M&T Bank presently has a consensus rating of Hold and an average target price of $178.35. Get M&T Bank alerts: Get Our Latest Stock Report on M&T Bank M&T Bank Trading Down 1.2 % Shares of MTB opened at $172.66 on Tuesday. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.44, a quick ratio of 1.00 and a current ratio of 1.00. M&T Bank has a one year low of $108.53 and a one year high of $180.63. The stock has a 50-day moving average price of $168.09 and a 200 day moving average price of $154.06. The company has a market capitalization of $28.81 billion, a P/E ratio of 11.67, a P/E/G ratio of 3.55 and a beta of 0.76. M&T Bank (NYSE:MTB Get Free Report) last announced its quarterly earnings data on Thursday, July 18th. The financial services provider reported $3.73 earnings per share for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of $3.50 by $0.23. M&T Bank had a net margin of 17.84% and a return on equity of 9.62%. The company had revenue of $3.37 billion during the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $2.27 billion. During the same period last year, the business earned $5.12 EPS. Sell-side analysts forecast that M&T Bank will post 14.23 EPS for the current fiscal year. Insider Activity at M&T Bank In other news, Vice Chairman Gary N. Geisel sold 500 shares of the companys stock in a transaction that occurred on Wednesday, July 24th. The shares were sold at an average price of $172.50, for a total value of $86,250.00. Following the completion of the sale, the insider now directly owns 16,429 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $2,834,002.50. The sale was disclosed in a document filed with the SEC, which is available at this hyperlink. In other news, Vice Chairman Gary N. Geisel sold 500 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction on Wednesday, July 24th. The stock was sold at an average price of $172.50, for a total value of $86,250.00. Following the sale, the insider now owns 16,429 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $2,834,002.50. The transaction was disclosed in a document filed with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which can be accessed through this link. Also, Director Denis J. Salamone sold 10,000 shares of the firms stock in a transaction dated Tuesday, September 3rd. The shares were sold at an average price of $172.03, for a total value of $1,720,300.00. Following the transaction, the director now directly owns 44,902 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $7,724,491.06. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. Insiders have sold a total of 32,699 shares of company stock worth $5,115,349 over the last ninety days. 0.82% of the stock is currently owned by corporate insiders. Institutional Inflows and Outflows Hedge funds have recently added to or reduced their stakes in the business. Massachusetts Financial Services Co. MA grew its holdings in shares of M&T Bank by 4.8% in the 2nd quarter. Massachusetts Financial Services Co. MA now owns 1,781,816 shares of the financial services providers stock worth $269,696,000 after acquiring an additional 81,004 shares during the last quarter. Dimensional Fund Advisors LP increased its stake in M&T Bank by 6.1% in the 2nd quarter. Dimensional Fund Advisors LP now owns 1,613,174 shares of the financial services providers stock worth $244,129,000 after purchasing an additional 93,113 shares in the last quarter. Bank of New York Mellon Corp raised its holdings in M&T Bank by 3.0% during the 2nd quarter. Bank of New York Mellon Corp now owns 1,513,452 shares of the financial services providers stock worth $229,076,000 after buying an additional 44,442 shares during the period. Barrow Hanley Mewhinney & Strauss LLC lifted its stake in M&T Bank by 3.2% during the second quarter. Barrow Hanley Mewhinney & Strauss LLC now owns 1,398,199 shares of the financial services providers stock valued at $211,631,000 after buying an additional 43,795 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Los Angeles Capital Management LLC boosted its holdings in shares of M&T Bank by 77.0% in the second quarter. Los Angeles Capital Management LLC now owns 733,304 shares of the financial services providers stock worth $110,993,000 after buying an additional 319,051 shares during the period. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 84.68% of the companys stock. M&T Bank Company Profile (Get Free Report) M&T Bank Corporation operates as a bank holding company for Manufacturers and Traders Trust Company and Wilmington Trust, National Association that engages in the provision of retail and commercial banking products and services in the United States. The company operates through three segments: Commercial Bank, Retail Bank, and Institutional Services and Wealth Management. Further Reading Receive News & Ratings for M&T Bank Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for M&T Bank and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Shares of Philip Morris International Inc. (NYSE:PM Get Free Report) have received an average rating of Moderate Buy from the eleven brokerages that are currently covering the stock, Marketbeat Ratings reports. One investment analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, three have assigned a hold rating and seven have given a buy rating to the company. The average 12 month price objective among brokers that have issued ratings on the stock in the last year is $117.05. A number of equities analysts have recently weighed in on PM shares. Stifel Nicolaus upped their target price on Philip Morris International from $120.00 to $138.00 and gave the company a buy rating in a report on Wednesday, September 4th. Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft increased their target price on shares of Philip Morris International from $116.00 to $118.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a research report on Thursday, July 25th. JPMorgan Chase & Co. boosted their price target on shares of Philip Morris International from $110.00 to $125.00 and gave the company an overweight rating in a report on Thursday, July 25th. Bank of America increased their price objective on Philip Morris International from $125.00 to $139.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a report on Wednesday, September 4th. Finally, Barclays boosted their target price on Philip Morris International from $130.00 to $145.00 and gave the company an overweight rating in a research note on Monday, September 9th. Get Philip Morris International alerts: Get Our Latest Stock Analysis on PM Philip Morris International Stock Performance Shares of NYSE:PM opened at $121.72 on Thursday. The firm has a 50 day simple moving average of $118.79 and a 200 day simple moving average of $105.17. Philip Morris International has a 52 week low of $87.23 and a 52 week high of $128.22. The company has a market cap of $189.25 billion, a PE ratio of 23.79, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 2.37 and a beta of 0.55. Philip Morris International (NYSE:PM Get Free Report) last released its earnings results on Tuesday, July 23rd. The company reported $1.59 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $1.57 by $0.02. Philip Morris International had a negative return on equity of 113.32% and a net margin of 9.41%. The company had revenue of $9.47 billion during the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $9.19 billion. During the same quarter in the prior year, the company earned $1.60 earnings per share. The companys revenue for the quarter was up 5.6% on a year-over-year basis. On average, equities analysts predict that Philip Morris International will post 6.45 earnings per share for the current year. Philip Morris International Increases Dividend The business also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Thursday, October 10th. Investors of record on Thursday, September 26th will be issued a $1.35 dividend. This is a positive change from Philip Morris Internationals previous quarterly dividend of $1.30. This represents a $5.40 annualized dividend and a yield of 4.44%. The ex-dividend date is Thursday, September 26th. Philip Morris Internationals payout ratio is 101.56%. Insiders Place Their Bets In other news, insider Wilde Frederic De sold 20,000 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction on Thursday, July 25th. The shares were sold at an average price of $113.01, for a total value of $2,260,200.00. Following the completion of the sale, the insider now directly owns 158,447 shares in the company, valued at $17,906,095.47. The sale was disclosed in a filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available through this link. In other news, insider Wilde Frederic De sold 20,000 shares of Philip Morris International stock in a transaction dated Thursday, July 25th. The stock was sold at an average price of $113.01, for a total value of $2,260,200.00. Following the transaction, the insider now directly owns 158,447 shares in the company, valued at $17,906,095.47. The transaction was disclosed in a filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available at the SEC website. Also, insider Massimo Andolina sold 9,000 shares of the stock in a transaction that occurred on Thursday, August 8th. The shares were sold at an average price of $115.35, for a total value of $1,038,150.00. Following the sale, the insider now owns 85,629 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $9,877,305.15. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. Company insiders own 0.13% of the companys stock. Hedge Funds Weigh In On Philip Morris International A number of institutional investors and hedge funds have recently bought and sold shares of the stock. GQG Partners LLC raised its position in shares of Philip Morris International by 5,006.0% during the first quarter. GQG Partners LLC now owns 5,958,391 shares of the companys stock valued at $545,908,000 after buying an additional 5,841,696 shares during the last quarter. Capital Research Global Investors raised its holdings in Philip Morris International by 9.1% in the 4th quarter. Capital Research Global Investors now owns 58,416,175 shares of the companys stock valued at $5,495,794,000 after acquiring an additional 4,869,272 shares in the last quarter. Lone Pine Capital LLC acquired a new position in Philip Morris International in the 4th quarter valued at approximately $282,785,000. Massachusetts Financial Services Co. MA lifted its position in shares of Philip Morris International by 79.3% in the 2nd quarter. Massachusetts Financial Services Co. MA now owns 5,878,158 shares of the companys stock worth $595,634,000 after acquiring an additional 2,599,684 shares during the period. Finally, Van ECK Associates Corp grew its holdings in shares of Philip Morris International by 5,045.1% during the 1st quarter. Van ECK Associates Corp now owns 2,122,729 shares of the companys stock worth $194,484,000 after purchasing an additional 2,081,472 shares in the last quarter. Institutional investors own 78.63% of the companys stock. About Philip Morris International (Get Free Report Philip Morris International Inc operates as a tobacco company working to delivers a smoke-free future and evolving portfolio for the long-term to include products outside of the tobacco and nicotine sector. The company's product portfolio primarily consists of cigarettes and smoke-free products, including heat-not-burn, vapor, and oral nicotine products primarily under the IQOS and ZYN brands; and consumer accessories, such as lighters and matches. Featured Stories Receive News & Ratings for Philip Morris International Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Philip Morris International and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Eaton Vance California Municipal Income Trust (NYSE:CEV Get Free Report) major shareholder Saba Capital Management, L.P. sold 15,017 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction that occurred on Monday, September 23rd. The stock was sold at an average price of $10.83, for a total value of $162,634.11. Following the sale, the insider now owns 836,608 shares of the companys stock, valued at $9,060,464.64. The transaction was disclosed in a legal filing with the SEC, which is available at this link. Large shareholders that own more than 10% of a companys stock are required to disclose their transactions with the SEC. Saba Capital Management, L.P. also recently made the following trade(s): Get Eaton Vance California Municipal Income Trust alerts: On Wednesday, September 18th, Saba Capital Management, L.P. sold 28,682 shares of Eaton Vance California Municipal Income Trust stock. The shares were sold at an average price of $10.89, for a total value of $312,346.98. On Monday, September 16th, Saba Capital Management, L.P. sold 11,503 shares of Eaton Vance California Municipal Income Trust stock. The stock was sold at an average price of $11.02, for a total value of $126,763.06. On Friday, September 13th, Saba Capital Management, L.P. sold 23,665 shares of Eaton Vance California Municipal Income Trust stock. The shares were sold at an average price of $11.03, for a total value of $261,024.95. Eaton Vance California Municipal Income Trust Stock Down 0.2 % Shares of CEV opened at $10.81 on Thursday. Eaton Vance California Municipal Income Trust has a 52-week low of $8.83 and a 52-week high of $11.29. The firms fifty day moving average is $10.99 and its two-hundred day moving average is $10.77. Eaton Vance California Municipal Income Trust Dividend Announcement Institutional Trading of Eaton Vance California Municipal Income Trust The firm also recently declared a monthly dividend, which was paid on Friday, September 20th. Investors of record on Friday, September 13th were given a dividend of $0.05 per share. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Friday, September 13th. This represents a $0.60 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 5.55%. Hedge funds have recently bought and sold shares of the business. Napa Wealth Management acquired a new position in shares of Eaton Vance California Municipal Income Trust during the 4th quarter worth approximately $665,000. Hennion & Walsh Asset Management Inc. increased its holdings in shares of Eaton Vance California Municipal Income Trust by 37.5% in the second quarter. Hennion & Walsh Asset Management Inc. now owns 174,143 shares of the companys stock valued at $1,895,000 after purchasing an additional 47,514 shares during the last quarter. Sanctuary Advisors LLC purchased a new position in Eaton Vance California Municipal Income Trust during the second quarter worth approximately $328,000. Finally, Cypress Wealth Services LLC acquired a new position in Eaton Vance California Municipal Income Trust during the first quarter worth $335,000. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 35.88% of the companys stock. About Eaton Vance California Municipal Income Trust (Get Free Report) Eaton Vance California Municipal Income Trust is a close ended fixed income mutual fund launched and managed by Eaton Vance Management. It invests in the fixed income markets. The fund invests primarily in debt securities issued by education, hospital, housing, insured-education, insured-electric utilities, insured-hospital, insured-transportation, insured-water and sewer, transportation, and other sectors. Featured Stories Receive News & Ratings for Eaton Vance California Municipal Income Trust Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Eaton Vance California Municipal Income Trust and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. New program to highlight modern Korean composers By Lee Gyu-lee This year, the Seoul International Music Festival (SIMF) will take the audience on a musical tour around Central European countries, introducing classical masterpieces by highly recognized composers from Poland, Austria, the Czech Republic and Hungary. "The theme Central Europe is a geographical interpretation from Poland and Slovakia stretching to the Czech Republic. We organized this festival with the intention of exploring Central Europe this time," the festival's artistic director, Ryu Jea-joon, said during the press conference for the festival in Jung District, Seoul, Wednesday. "Most of the noteworthy musicians that celebrated the anniversary this year seemed to be mainly from Central Europe. So, we decided to bring these artists together under this one festival." The 16th SIMF is set to run from Oct. 18 to 26 at the Seoul Arts Center in Seocho District and Ilshin Hall in Yongsan District, Seoul. This year's festival will consist of seven programs, encompassing four countries' music and a special program dedicated to Korean composers. The programs will feature world-class musicians from Austrian conductor Manfred Honeck, English tenor Ian Bostridge, Croatian hornist Radovan Vlatkovic, Finnish violinist Elina Vahala and Korean pianist Mun Ji-yeong. The artistic director emphasized the two purposes of this festival for the audience and the performers themselves. "I set two goals for SIMF. First, the audience should come, enjoy the music and leave satisfied. Second, to create a platform for collaboration and exchange among good performers who gather together," Ryu said, adding he hopes this year's festival can open up more opportunities for wind instrument players. "There are much fewer good wind instrument performers compared to string instruments in Korea, although they have been gradually increasing. However, it's still not enough. We need more talented individuals. And the opportunities for these musicians to perform are limited. Outside of orchestras, there aren't many venues for them to perform and showcase themselves. So we intend to introduce the charm of wind instruments." The festival will open with "Autumn in Warsaw" on Oct. 18 at the Seoul Arts Center, which will explore the deep romantic music of renowned Polish composers Karol Szymanowski, Wojciech Kilar and Krzysztof Penderecki. The following day is "Summer in Vienna" at the Seoul Arts Center, which will celebrate the 150th anniversary of Austrian American composer Arnold Schoenberg's birth. The concert will have Schoenberg's "Verklarte Nacht (Transfigured Night), Op.4" and Franz Schubert's "Octet in F Major, D. 803." The director shared that this program aims to introduce audiences to the lesser-known side of Schubert's music. "Schubert's pieces, there are often seen as having too many musical barriers, but when they are performed well, they make you want to listen again," Ryu said. "So the reason we deliberately included (Schubert's) piece is that we hope these excellent performers will give us such an experience, for which we would be very grateful." On Oct. 20, "Spring in Prague" will present three pieces from two Czech composers: Bedrich Smetana's "Piano Trio in G minor, Op. 15" and Antonin Dvorak's "Serenade in D minor, Op. 44, B. 77" and "Piano Quintet in A Major, Op. 81." For the first time in SIMF's history, the festival is showcasing a program dedicated to modern Korean music. "The Mood of Seoul," scheduled on Oct. 21 at Ilshin Hall, will introduce pieces from three composers: Lee Won-jung's "Back to Heaven for Female Gagok and String Ensemble," Kang Suk-hi's "Buru" and Kim Ji-hyang's world premiere song "Tenebrae." "If he were alive, composer Kang would be turning 90 this year. To commemorate his 90th anniversary, we planned this program with his music, along with pieces by two Korean composers, Lee and Kim, who, in my opinion, are doing incredibly interesting and excellent work," Ryu said, describing the program. "The music created together by the pioneer, Kang, who first established contemporary music in Korea, and his successors is the history we are making right now." The next stop of the festival is Hungary. "Winter in Budapest," on Oct. 23 at the Seoul Arts Center, will have Zoltan Kodaly's "Serenade for two violins and viola. Op.12," Erno Dohnanyi's "Piano Quintet No. 2 in E-Flat minor, Op. 26," Bela Bartok's "Suite for Brass," and Franz Liszt's "Hungarian Rhapsody No.2 C# minor." The show will wrap with "SIMF Orchestra with Manfred Honek" as the closing concert on Oct. 26, after a program dedicated to Schubert, "Schubert Winterreise," on the day before, both at the Seoul Arts Center. "Schubert Winterreise" will play the composer's "Auf dem Strom, D. 943," and "Winterreise, Op. 89 D. 911," and the closing concert will present the artistic director's world premiere song "Concerto per Clarinetto e Orchestra," and Bruckner's "Symphony No. 7 in E Major, WAB 107." By Vanessa Cai The musical theater scenes in Korea and China are experiencing an increase in cultural exchanges, with Korean productions captivating Chinese audiences and Chinese musicals making a notable debut on Korean stages. This dynamic interplay is not only attracting theatergoers but also reshaping the musical landscapes of both countries. This growing relationship began with Chinese musical enthusiasts traveling to Korea, drawn by the country's reputation for high-quality productions featuring A-list actors. Xiao Yimeng, a 25-year-old who works in Beijing, has been visiting Seoul for musicals on a regular basis since June 2023, after hearing praise about Korea's musical scene from friends. She estimated that she has seen more than 60 shows since then. The first performance she watched left her amazed with the casts excellent singing skills. I felt as if I could touch the waves of the actors voices," she recalled. I can feel the actors vocal foundations are all very good ... Not only the lead actors but the whole ensemble is at this high level. Xiao is among many Chinese musical enthusiasts who find Seoul a go-to destination for overseas trips for the shows, while others who study or work in Korea also appreciate the opportunities to see the performances during their stay. Korean original musicals including Frankenstein and La Rose de Versailles as well as Korean licensed productions of Western musicals Hadestown, Chicago and Les Miserables, all recognized for their quality, are warmly accepted by Chinese viewers who share their reviews and comments on Chinese social media platforms Weibo and Xiaohongshu after seeing the performances. The cast is so incredible that I want to see it in various combinations (of the cast) dozens of times, one wrote on Xiaohongshu, after seeing a performance of Hadestown. Unlike Broadway, where lead roles are typically cast with one actor, Koreas musical productions often feature multiple actors for the same part, resulting in a wealth of diverse interpretations and combinations. On stage, theres a collision of souls among the actors ... It instantly became my favorite show, I ended up crying from start to finish. The atmosphere and impact can only be truly understood by experiencing it in the theater! For Xiao, the musicals Dear Evan Hansen and Hadestown have become her new favorite shows. And for Korean productions of Western musicals, while (the original) scripts and compositions are used, Korea can often raise the same play to a higher level, she noted. Another Chinese viewer surnamed Sheng, who lives in Tokyo and traveled to Seoul for the musicals Hadestown and Chicago, also said she was impressed by the actors who are very dedicated. Hadestown is my favorite musical. I used to live in New York and saw it many times, so I was very curious about the Korean version, the 28-year-old said. For Chicago, I was amazed by the high level of performance I saw in the clips of the Korean version on YouTube and wanted to see those two actors, Choi Jae-rim and Min Kyoung-ah, in person, so I specifically chose the cast to see them, she added, highlighting how social media has blurred borders in theater, making international performances more accessible. Despite language barriers, Sheng noted that she doesnt really feel affected as long as she prepares with some understanding of the plot and lyrics before viewing. Shana Ma, a 31-year-old who works in Beijing, has been a musical fan since she was studying in Korea for a masters degree about a decade ago and now she still frequently travels back for shows. The most popular original work might be Frankenstein, which is quite representative of large cast Korean musicals. I flew there three times, in June, July and August, to see it, she said, adding that she also likes the original Korean musicals staged in smaller theaters in Daehangno, where her interest in musicals started. Ma also organizes several chat groups on Chinese messaging app WeChat, where about 2,000 musical fans gather to share information and tips about Korean musicals. She also pointed to some K-pop idols who join musicals as actors as one of the reasons behind the popularity of Korean musicals among Chinese fans. Cross-cultural appeal Korean original musicals such as "Gloomy Day" and "Fan Letter" are finding enthusiastic audiences in Chinese cities, signaling an expanding appeal. In Shanghai, which also has a burgeoning musical theater scene, the Chinese versions of Korean musicals "Mia Famiglia" and "Mio Fratello" have enjoyed popularity since opening in August 2020 and April 2021, respectively. Both productions feature immersive stage sets and directing styles, allowing audiences to engage more deeply with the performances. Due to their immense success, these shows are running as open-ended, site-specific immersive productions, further cementing the status of Korean musicals in the Chinese market. The cultural exchange flows both ways. In July, the Chinese musical "The Butterfly on the Bund 1939" became the first Chinese production to be licensed and staged in Korea. Set in Shanghai under Japanese occupation, the musical resonated with Korean audiences by exploring the shared historical experience of colonization between the two countries. The Chinese production company Focustage praised the performances of Korean actors, stating that they brought fresh perspectives to the production, while the plot which closely reproduces the original content allows audiences to experience the unique charm of an authentic Chinese story. Chinese fans who have watched both versions of "The Butterfly on the Bund 1939" mentioned subtle differences between the original and the Korean adaptation. Xiao said she felt quite satisfied with the Korean version, though she still spotted some nuances in the lyrics that got lost in translation. The original lyrics are really well-written and there are many nuances that only someone who understands the language can fully appreciate. This part inevitably gets lost due to word count limitations or other challenges during translation, she said. Ma, who has also seen the Korean version, agreed but also said she was still fully drawn into the story. I think this play has a solid foundation, with a complete story, good pacing and music. So no matter which language its performed in, I think it remains a highly complete work, she said. These cultural exchanges are fostering a deeper appreciation and understanding between the audiences of both nations, proving that musical theater is a medium for bridging cultural divides beyond language barriers. Ma noted the broader benefits of these exchanges, suggesting that musical theater not only entertains but also educates audiences about historical and cultural contexts. Regardless of the type of cultural work, there will always be a sense of cultural exchange. We will come to understand some of the stories background as long as we are willing to step into the theater, she said. Vanessa Cai is a reporter with the South China Morning Post. She is currently based in Seoul, reporting for both The Korea Times and the South China Morning Post under an exchange program. By Yi Whan-woo Nearly one in three elderly Koreans living alone have no one to talk to, as more senior citizens are living longer but often find themselves isolated after the death of a spouse and other family members, according to data, Thursday. Data released by Statistics Korea also revealed that more than half of individuals aged 65 or older who live alone are not well-prepared for the remainder of their lives. The data was released amid Korea's rapid aging, with senior citizens comprising 19.2 percent of the countrys 51.75 million population this year. The country is expected to become a super-aged society by 2025, with senior citizens making up 20 percent of the population. And by 2072, the proportion of older adults out of the entire population is estimated to reach 47.7 percent. As of 2022, the remaining life expectancy for individuals aged 65 was estimated at 20.7 years on average, which is approximately one year higher than the average for Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) member nations. Under the circumstances, the stats agencys data showed the number of households headed by senior citizens stood at 5.65 million this year, accounting for 26.5 percent of all households nationwide. Of the 5.65 million households, 37.8 percent of them were one-person households. Among single-person households headed by seniors, 32.6 percent reported having no one to talk to. Some 34.8 percent of single-person households reported having no one to turn to for help when they were sick or needed support with household chores. Additionally, 71 percent indicated they had no one to borrow money from when they were financially strained. Approximately 18.7 percent of single-person households reported experiencing all three of the aforementioned problems. When asked if they were financially prepared for their later years, 55.8 percent of senior citizens living alone answered "no." Some 50 percent of them said they solely rely on the state-run pension to sustain a living. With regard to quality of life, 47.8 percent of the senior citizens who live by themselves said they were unsatisfied with their income, compared to 20.7 percent who were satisfied. Of the elderly people who constitute single-person households, women account for 69 percent compared to 31 percent for men. Those in their 70s accounted for 40.3 percent of the senior citizens who live alone. Those aged between 65 to 69 made up 30.1 percent, and those in their 80s accounted for 29.6 percent. By Lee Yeon-woo The Corporate Value-up Index is facing continued criticism from the securities industry, both domestically and abroad. Critics argue that the index has strayed far from its original purpose, as many undervalued high-dividend stocks were excluded, while stocks with low dividend yields and limited shareholder returns were included. The index announced by the Korea Exchange (KRX) on Tuesday is part of the Corporate Value-up Program, a government-led initiative to revamp the stagnated stock market by improving corporate governance and shareholder returns. An employee at UBS, a global investment bank based in Switzerland, commented that it was left "speechless" after reviewing the 100 stocks on the index. In an investment note sent to institutional clients, Wednesday, he slammed the KRX, urging the exchange to quickly realize that the index will not function as intended. The market's dissatisfaction with the index largely stems from the stock selection process. The exchange said it underwent a five-step screening. Initially, stocks within the top 400 by market capitalization were selected, excluding those with consecutive losses or combined losses over the past two years. The selection was then narrowed to include companies that had consistently paid dividends or conducted share buybacks over the past two years and whose price-to-book ratio (PBR) ranked within the top 50 percent, either overall or within their respective industry. "The index faces a significant limitation due to its overly simplistic stock selection criteria, which rely primarily on high PBR and return-on-equity (ROE). Companies making efforts to align with the policy objectives are not being properly recognized," iM Securities analyst Lee Woong-chan said. The low PBR led to the surprising exclusion of KB Financial Group and Hana Financial Group from the index, despite their proactive shareholder return initiatives. On the other hand, several significantly overvalued companies were included, such as HANMI Semiconductor with a PBR of 18 and POSCO DX with a PBR of 9.8. The criteria for shareholder returns are also being criticized. It only considered whether returns have occurred, without factoring in qualitative aspects such as scale. According to iM Securities, 53 out of the 100 stocks in the index have a dividend yield below 2 percent, while 54 percent of the stocks have a dividend payout ratio under 20 percent. Another concern is that the index may closely mirror a semiconductor index, as both Samsung Electronics and SK hynix, the top two companies by market capitalization, are included. Combined, these two companies account for nearly 30 percent of the index. When adding mid-cap stocks related to semiconductor equipment and components, the weight of the industry becomes even more pronounced. Amid concerns about the ambiguous identity of the index, attention is now shifting to the potential success of the Value-up exchange-traded fund (ETF), set to launch in November. CLSA, a Hong Kong-based brokerage, released a report titled "Value-down?" and claimed that the amount of capital flowing into the upcoming ETF will be limited unless the composition of the stocks is revised. Facing increasing criticism, the KRX held an emergency media briefing on Thursday. The exchange stated that the primary goal of developing the index is not to identify undervalued or high-dividend companies. Instead, the aim is to build an index composed of leading companies across various sectors that demonstrate strong qualitative indicators. Actively involving these companies, it said, will enhance the overall value of the Korean stock market. The exchange also explained that if the size of shareholder returns becomes the sole selection criterion, high-growth companies that prioritize value creation through future investments rather than dividends could be at a relative disadvantage. Additionally, the exchange plans to differentiate itself from major market indices by capping the weight of individual stocks within the index at 15 percent. "We plan to maintain ongoing communication with the market regarding the future operation of the index," it said. A Billings woman was sentenced Wednesday to prison time for running over her boyfriend, then leaving him to die. Nicola Ann Beverlin previously admitted to counts of negligent homicide and fleeing the scene of a fatal accident in Yellowstone County District Court. At Beverlins sentencing, the 40-year-old listened to testimony from three siblings of Luis Torres, who died of his injuries after being left for several hours in a grassy lot near Wilson Park. If I could tell Luis one thing, said Deputy Yellowstone County Attorney Sabrina Currie, reading from a statement provided by Torres sister. Its that he wasnt alone that night. He had a family that loved him and really good friends that miss him every day. And we will be his voice for justice. Late on the night of Aug. 12, 2023, Beverlin and Torrez were traveling together in a pickup truck in the southwest corridor of Billings. Prior to that, the two had visited several bars in town. Both had been drinking and Beverlin was at the wheel of the truck. Beverlin later told police and testified in court that she couldnt remember much of what happened that night, but detectives with the Yellowstone County Sheriffs Office gathered surveillance footage showing the pickup truck traveling north on King Avenue East, then veering off the right side of the road and into the lawn of a business on City Center Circle. The truck stopped on the lawn. At that point, Torres got out of the passengers side of the pickup truck, YCSO Det. Bethany Richter testified Wednesday. With Beverlin still driving, the truck went forward briefly. Investigators later determined that the truck had rolled over Torres. Beverlin then got out of the truck and stayed with Torres, who was lying on the ground, for roughly 40 minutes, Richter said. Beverlin spoke with him and occasionally tried to pull him up. She then got back into the pickup truck and drove away, Richter said. Beverlin left Torres without his cellphone, wallet or his shoes, and never reported the crash. Torres survived another six hours, Richter said, with surveillance footage showing him writhing on the ground. An autopsy later determined that hed suffered multiple broken ribs and eventually died of flail chest, a condition caused by trauma to the chest in which a portion of the rib cage is cracked and impeding the respiratory system. In plain terms, Torres suffocated to death. He was 44 years old and left behind a large family that included his children and nine siblings. Three of those siblings were present in court Wednesday, while around two dozen other friends and family members watched the proceedings over teleconference. Had he received timely medical care, or someone had contacted emergency medical services, Richter said, recalling the conclusions of the Montana Medical Examiners Office, he could have survived those injuries. Richter, one of several YCSO members assigned to investigate the case, met with Beverlin the same day that Torres body was found. After agreeing to speak with investigators, Beverlin responded with shock upon learning that Torres was dead, Richter said. In subsequent interviews with law enforcement, Beverlin said she did not remember driving the pickup truck because she had blacked out from too much drinking. The night she left Torres, the two had visited three bars in Billings within the span of a few hours, Richter testified, and Beverlin had consumed over a dozen alcoholic drinks. The alcohol use on the night of the offense, the amount used, is stunning, said Yellowstone County District Judge Rod Souza, who presided over the case, before issuing Beverlin her sentence. You should never have been near a vehicle. In late September 2023, Yellowstone County prosecutors charged Beverlin with vehicular homicide while under the influence. In the alternative to vehicular homicide, prosecutors charged her with negligent homicide and failing to remain at the scene of the accident. Beverlin, a tattoo artist with two children who live with her, was released from custody on a $50,000 bond after she pleaded guilty to the accusations. In April, Beverlin reached a plea agreement with prosecutors. Through tearful testimony shared at her sentencing, Beverlin heard from Torres brothers and sister and her own children. When given the chance to speak, Beverlin said she never would have left Torres had she been sober. Beverlin pleaded for forgiveness from her children and Torres family, and said she knows she can prove herself to be a better person. In total, Judge Souza sentenced Beverlin to 25 years in Montana Womens Prison, with 10 years suspended. Although Beverlin cooperated with investigators after the crash, and spared Torres family the grief of sitting through a trial, Souza said Beverlin still left an man she injured to die, and left him with no means of calling for help. Mr. Torres was alive for approximately six hours. This is an extremely long period of time for this man to suffer alone, Souza said. And this was unquestionably an agonizing death. Before adjourning the court, Souza encouraged Beverlin to take advantage of treatment court, specifically Yellowstone Countys STEER treatment court headed by Judge Mary Jane Knisely. Beverlin owed the work of seeking treatment to herself, and to the family of Luis Torres, he said. You are a young woman. You have a lot of life left, Souza said. I believe that a treatment court as your return to the community would help address some of those long-term issues that are at the root of all this. By Jun Ji-hye Attention is focused on whether IMM Private Equity, which holds the management rights for Hanssem, a Korean home appliances and furniture company, can restore it to a leading position in the industry. After Hanssem relinquished its top spot to Hyundai Livart for the first time ever in the first quarter of this year, IMM took the drastic step of selling Hanssems company building instead of opting for an exit. On Aug. 30, Hanssems board of directors approved a plan to sell Hanssems headquarters located in Sangam-dong in Seoul to Gravity Asset Management for 320 billion won ($240 million). This amount represents a substantial 30 percent of Hanssems total assets as of the end of last year. The furniture brand received the sale proceeds from Gravity Asset Management on Tuesday, though it plans to continue utilizing the current building through a sale and leaseback arrangement. The home furnishing firm purchased its current headquarters for 148.5 billion won in 2017, resulting in more than double the profit after just seven years. IMM, which led the sale, jointly acquired a 27.7 percent stake in Hanssem with Lotte Shopping for 1.45 trillion won in 2021, becoming the largest combined shareholder. The private equity firm paid about 222,550 won per share, which was more than double Hanssems stock price at the time, as it included a management rights premium. However, with the real estate market downturn, Hanssems performance began to decline. In 2022, its revenue was limited to 2 trillion won and recorded an operating loss of 20 billion won for the first time. In response, IMM appointed its partner and head of operations Eugene Kim as CEO of Hanssem. Since then, the firm has successfully returned to profitability in 2023, although its revenue decreased to approximately 1.9 trillion won. In the first quarter of this year, Hanssem reported sales of 485.9 billion won, losing its number one position for the first time to Hyundai Livart, which achieved over 500 billion won in sales. According to investment banking industry officials, the sale of Hanssems headquarters has enabled the company to gain time to make a comeback, as IMM has obtained a waiver for financial covenants from the senior lenders involved in the acquisition financing of Hanssem. The lenders reportedly agreed to the waiver, considering the improvement in Hanssems financial situation due to the sale of its headquarters, as well as the recent performance and potential for future performance improvements. A Hanssem official said, While no specific plans have been established for the use of the 320 billion won we secured this time, the intention is to secure future resources for the companys development, including enhancing corporate value. Private equity firm MBK Partners and Young Poong raised their tender offer price for shares in top non-ferrous metal smelter Korea Zinc to 750,000 won per share, up from 660,000 won initially, they said in a regulatory filing. The move makes the tender offer now worth as much as 2.3 trillion won ($1.7 billion), according to Reuters calculations. On Wednesday, Korea Zinc shares closed at 704,000 won. The tender offer ends on Oct. 6, with the last trading day on Oct. 4. Young Poong is already Korea Zinc's largest shareholder, with a 25.4 percent stake as of end of June. The current management at Korea Zinc, which has deemed the tender offer a "hostile" takeover attempt, is working to secure support from various parties, officials said. They declined to confirm the parties. An analysis by Meritz Securities showed that as of early September Young Poong and investors supportive of it controlled a 33.13-percent stake, while Korea Zinc's current management and supportive investors controlled a 33.99-percent stake. (Reuters) By Lee Hae-rin ATLANTA Incheon International Airport has become the first and only airport in the world to receive the highest level of passenger experience accreditation for three consecutive years, the airport operator announced on Wednesday local time. The announcement was made during the sixth edition of the Airports Council International (ACI) Customer Experience Global Summit, which took place in Atlanta, Georgia. Launched in 2019, ACIs customer experience accreditation program is the industrys first and only customer experience certificate that assesses the customer experience management and service innovations of airports, aiming to elevate the overall airport experience for passengers. In 2022, the airport became the first in the world to acquire level 5 in the five-tier system for its customer service and systematic operations handling regarding increased demand for air travel. Accreditation is valid for 12 months and the airport has renewed the certificate for three years in a row. Additionally, the airport received the Best Airport award and the Most Enjoyable Airport award this year. Thanks to the tireless work of some 85,000 airport families, including Incheon International Airport employees, resident institutions and subsidiaries for service innovation, the airport was evaluated as the world's No. 1 in both the customer experience certification system and Airport Service Quality (ASQ) evaluation, which are the two prominent pillars of airport service evaluation, Incheon International Airport Corp. (IIAC) President and CEO Lee Hag-jae said. To make 2024 the first year for digital airport innovation, we will focus on improving airport operation efficiency and passenger convenience with cutting-edge technology, he added. The airport's success is driven by innovations aimed at reducing passenger stress through digital technology. Last July, IIAC introduced a new biometric identification system, which uses the facial features of travelers instead of passports and boarding passes to make passenger identification quicker and more efficient. The system is currently available across all departure gates and 16 boarding gates. Incheon airport previously set a milestone as the world's leading airport, ranking number one in ASQ for 12 consecutive years from 2005 to 2016, and no airport has broken this record so far. Over 600 international delegates, including government officials, and airport and aviation executives from 130 airports in 65 countries attended this years four-day event hosted by the Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport. The ACI is the trade association for the worlds airports, with 814 members operating 2,110 airports across 169 countries as of September. North Korea may carry out its seventh nuclear test after the U.S. presidential vote in November, South Korea's spy agency was quoted as telling lawmakers Thursday. The National Intelligence Service (NIS) made the assessment to the parliamentary intelligence committee, saying Pyongyang has other options, such as an intercontinental ballistic missile test, according to Rep. Lee Seong-Kweun of the ruling People Power Party and Rep. Park Sun-won of the main opposition Democratic Party of Korea. The NIS also reported that the North possesses around 70 kilograms of plutonium and a significant amount of highly enriched uranium (HEU), which is sufficient to build at least a two-digit number of nuclear weapons. The agency said the North appears to have the U.S. election in mind when it disclosed an HEU facility for the first time earlier this month. The disclosure could also be targeted at instilling confidence in the domestic audience struggling with the country's crippling economy, the NIS reported. "Externally, it can be interpreted as a move conscious of the U.S. ahead of its presidential election, while internally it appears to be an attempt to boost confidence among the population amid the extremely dire economic situation," Lee said. Earlier this month, North Korean state media publicly disclosed details of its uranium enrichment facility for the first time in the form of leader Kim Jong-un's visit there, but it did not disclose the location of the facility or date of Kim's visit. As to the facility's location, the NIS said it is likely to be the Kangson nuclear complex near Pyongyang, though it is hard to give a definite answer. The agency said the North's test launch of new tactical ballistic missiles on Sept. 18 was aimed at verifying its precision strike capability. One of the two missiles fired successfully reached the target, the NIS said, calling it a "slight improvement from the past." (Yonhap) A Korean national who was kidnapped in Peru has been safely rescued, the foreign ministry said Thursday. The businessman, abducted by members of a criminal ring in the Peruvian capital of Lima on Tuesday (local time), was rescued by local police authorities the following day, the ministry said. The victim, who is in his 60s, was transferred to a hospital for treatment of non-life-threatening injuries, officials added. "At present, it does not appear that the individual was specifically targeted for being Korean. There was a kidnapping incident in 2011, but such cases involving Koreans are considered very rare," the official added. According to Peru's interior ministry and police, three kidnappers were arrested while attempting to move to another location after demanding a large ransom. A gunfight broke out in downtown Lima during the rescue operation, with a grenade being thrown at a police car, injuring one officer in the process. Authorities believe the kidnappers, who are Venezuelan nationals, are part of a criminal ring. The victim has been conducting business in Peru for a significant period of time. Although Peru was once considered relatively safe, the country has seen a sharp rise in crime rates since the COVID-19 pandemic, driven by economic downturns and an influx of migrants. About 1,200 Koreans live in Peru, with 1,000 of them residing in Lima, the official said. (Yonhap) By Lee Hyo-jin Korea and Japan will hold a rare meeting in Tokyo on Friday to discuss the joint development of Block 7, an area located on the continental shelf of the East China Sea, marking the first such talks in nearly four decades. According to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Thursday, this will be the sixth meeting of the joint committee established under the Korea-Japan Agreement on Joint Development of the Southern Part of the Continental Shelf, commonly known as the Joint Development Zone (JDZ) Agreement. The fifth meeting took place in 1985. In effect since 1978, the agreement was designed to facilitate joint resource exploration and development in designated areas of the continental shelf between the two countries, approximately 200 kilometers south of Jeju Island. However, since the 1990s, progress has stalled due to Japan's reluctance to pursue further exploration, as it perceives the area's resource potential to be lower than Korea's assessments. Japan has not officially designated operators for additional exploration since 1993. "While it is significant that this meeting is taking place after a nearly four-decade hiatus, convening the joint committee does not automatically lead to resumed joint development, nor can we expect all outstanding issues related to the agreement to be resolved in one meeting," a ministry official said during a closed-door briefing. The official emphasized that the Korean government has been in regular communication with Tokyo across multiple channels and is thoroughly reviewing various scenarios related to the agreement. This meeting comes as the agreement approaches a critical juncture. From June 2025, either party can formally declare its intent to extend or terminate the agreement, which is set to expire in June 2028. "Even if the JDZ agreement is terminated, Block 7 will not vanish. The waters in that area will remain where the maritime boundaries of Korea and Japan overlap. According to international law and relevant U.N. conventions, in cases of overlapping boundaries, neither party can unilaterally develop the area or draw a boundary to claim it," the ministry official explained. Korean officials are said to have been more proactive than their Japanese counterparts in reaching out to arrange Friday's meeting. The resumption of talks concerning the JDZ is expected to gain significant attention, as some observers have expressed concerns that the continental shelf could become a new flash point in Korea-Japan relations, despite recent improvements in ties following diplomatic efforts to address historical grievances. Experts discuss necessity of South Koreas nuclear armament By Kwak Yeon-soo Regardless of who wins the U.S. presidential election, the outcome is expected to significantly impact South Korea's national interests, particularly the U.S.-South Korea alliance and East Asian security, according to political analysts on Thursday. At a forum titled "The U.S. Presidential Election, the Restoration of the Russia-North Korea Alliance and South Korea's Nuclear Strategy," hosted by The Sejong Institute, a Seoul-based think tank, U.S. and South Korean experts discussed how the change in U.S. administration could see it shift its policies regarding the Indo-Pacific region and affect its alliance with South Korea. Two U.S. experts assessed how the outcome of the U.S. presidential race could change the United States' commitment to the alliance and the Indo-Pacific region. Jennifer M. Lind, professor of government at Dartmouth College, said a Kamala Harris victory would reassure South Koreans that the U.S. would continue to station military forces on the Korean Peninsula. "If elected, Harris is expected to follow the Biden administration's policy with respect to the U.S. alliance with South Korea and its nuclear umbrella against North Korea's nuclear and missile threats. She would oppose South Korea developing its independent nuclear arsenal," Lind said, adding that the Biden administration has engaged in bilateral diplomacy with President Yoon Suk Yeol, notably at the 2022 summit in Washington, to dispel concerns over whether the U.S. nuclear umbrella remains a credible deterrent. However, she argued that the shift in the global balance of power from U.S.-dominated unipolarity to bipolarity, along with the enduring appeal of the anti-globalization backlash in the U.S., could pose challenges to South Korea's future foreign policy direction. "South Korean hedging vis-a-vis China and North Korea's growing ability to strike the U.S. with nuclear weapons has significantly raised the risks of the alliance to the U.S.," Lind said. Daryl G. Press, professor of government at Dartmouth College, said a second Donald Trump presidency wouldn't disrupt the U.S.-South Korea alliance because the two have substantial shared interests on every issue the economy, international governance, markets and peace and stability on the Korean Peninsula. "Trump will say things like burden-sharing that will frustrate South Korea, but the foundation of the alliance will remain strong," Press said. Press, however, pointed out two sources of tension for U.S.-South Korea relations. "The first is the asymmetry at the core of the U.S.-South Korea alliance. The reliability of U.S. promises on nuclear assurance comes into question as North Korea's nuclear arsenal matures and begins to hold the U.S. mainland at risk," he added. He noted that the Washington Declaration failed to fix the problem of deterrence. Instead, it was aimed at reassuring its allies of the U.S.' extended deterrence and increasing visibility. "If Trump is reelected, his administration will likely make (an) adjustment to the U.S. nuclear posture. The U.S. arsenal size would likely grow, and some modernization efforts would move forward. South Korea could provide the additional security its partner needs as it stands out among U.S. allies in actual military capabilities," he said. South Korean experts discussed the necessity of South Korea's nuclear armament. "Nuclear-armed South Korea can effectively deter North Korea's attack more than the U.S. extended deterrence. The balance of terror between the two Koreas can contribute to peace and stability to the peninsula. By removing the need to deploy strategic assets, it is likely to relieve the financial burden for the U.S.," Kim Min-hyung, professor of political science at Kyung Hee University, said. He also shared the cons of South Korea's nuclear armament, saying, "It could reduce the possibility of a nuclear war but increase low-intensity conflicts and result in regional instability. It could also weaken the role of the U.S.-South Korea alliance in security." Lee Jeong-kyu, former South Korean ambassador to Sweden and another advocate of the country's own nuclear armament, argued the Washington-Seoul alliance would presumably be upgraded to a "nuclear alliance." A total of 387 individuals have been apprehended this year for deepfake sex crimes, with 80 percent of them teenagers, police said Thursday. From January to last Wednesday, a total of 812 police reports were filed nationwide for deepfake-related sex crimes, with 387 suspects apprehended during this period, according to the National Police Agency. Of the total reports, 367 were filed in the past month since Aug. 28, when police launched a special crackdown on such crimes due to the increasing severity of the issue. Of the apprehended suspects, 324, or 83.7 percent, were teenagers, including 66 under the age of 14, who are legally exempt from criminal punishment. Suspects in their 20s numbered 50, or 12.9 percent, followed by nine in their 30s, two in their 40s and another two at 50 or over. Among the suspects were two teenage men arrested for selling deepfake content on Telegram between November last year and July this year, along with 24 individuals booked for investigation for purchasing such content from them. Another man in his 30s was also referred to prosecutors on charges of manipulating the face images of 24 colleagues and friends to create 128 deepfake videos, which he distributed on Telegram between December last year and July this year. (Yonhap) The operator of Amanda, a Korean dating app, was fined for allegedly creating fake accounts using photos of its members without notice and matching them with real users, the data protection watchdog said Thursday. The Personal Information Protection Commission (PIPC) said it decided to impose a penalty of some 220 million won ($165,712) on Techlabs during a plenary meeting Wednesday. Investigations found that Techlabs, which operates three dating apps in Korea and Taiwan, created 276 fake accounts in total and automatically matched the false profiles with its real users for about a year, starting in October 2020. The company also allegedly ordered its employees to take part in the fabrication process. The commission concluded that taking photos on dating apps without consent is a deviation from its original purpose and a "deeply grave violation" of the rights, interests and privacy of the subjects of that information. The commission also reported the company to police on charges of violating the Personal Information Protection Act and recommended it notify its members whose profiles were misused. (Yonhap) Law proposed to ban unauthorized occupation By KTimes A video showing a woman blocking a parking spot with her body in a parking lot has gone viral, drawing widespread criticism. The incident was shared on the YouTube channel "Han Moon-chul TV" on Tuesday under the title, "I spent 30 minutes looking for a parking spot, only to have a woman rush in to reserve it." According to the video, the incident occurred during the Chuseok holiday at Lotte Premium Outlet in Uiwang, Gyeonggi Province. The parking lot was completely full due to the large number of visitors. The video uploader, identified as A, said that he had been circling the parking lot for 20-30 minutes in search of a spot. When a car finally began to pull out, A prepared to reverse into the space. However, as soon as the spot opened up, a woman ran from the opposite direction and stood in the middle of the parking space, effectively blocking his car. The video shows the woman making a phone call while standing in the space. When A asked her what she was doing, she simply replied, "A car is coming," and continued to stand her ground. Despite A's attempts to back into the space, the woman did not move until he insisted by inching his car closer, at which point she finally stepped aside. A expressed his frustration, saying, "Its supposed to be a car that parks, not a person. What car is coming?" According to A, the woman eventually left to find another spot. Parking disputes lead to legislative proposals A shared his disbelief, saying, "I never thought Id experience something like this in real life only on TV. Its really absurd. We should all avoid such selfish behavior that goes beyond common sense." Lawyer Han Moon-chul, who runs the YouTube channel, said, "In most cases, people come first, but when it comes to parking, the car comes first." Disputes over parking spot reservations have become a growing social issue. Last month, a similar incident occurred at Seoul Grand Park in Gwacheon, Gyeonggi Province, where a woman stood in a parking space to reserve it, leading to a confrontation with a driver. In April last year, a video went viral on social media showing a woman lying down in an empty parking spot in Busan's Haeundae, claiming to reserve it. As controversies over parking spot reservations intensify, legislative efforts to prohibit such actions have emerged. In the 21st National Assembly, Rep. Song Ki-heon of the opposition Democratic Party of Korea proposed an amendment to the Parking Lot Act that would ban obstructing parking spaces by placing objects or standing in parking spaces, but the bill was scrapped when the session ended earlier this year. In the current 22nd National Assembly, Rep. Han Min-goo of the DPK has reintroduced a similar amendment to the Parking Lot Act, which would prohibit unauthorized occupation of parking spaces and obstructing their use. This bill is currently under review by the National Assembly's Land, Infrastructure, and Transport Committee. This article from the Hankook Ilbo, a sister publication of The Korea Times, is translated by a generative AI and edited by The Korea Times. By Jung Min-ho Seoul Cyber University has been approved to offer online doctoral programs in social work and counseling psychology, according to officials on Thursday. After the recent approval by the Ministry of Education, Seoul Cyber University will become the first online university in Korea to offer doctoral programs in social work, starting next year. It will also become one of the first cyber universities to offer doctoral degrees in counseling psychology, officials said. The school plans to start accepting applications for its masters and doctoral programs in social work and counseling psychology in the coming weeks. It is also working on integrating its two graduate schools into a unified new graduate school for these programs. Before the approval, Seoul Cyber University offered only two "special graduate schools," which provided masters programs primarily for working professionals. These programs awarded professional degrees that did not require a dissertation. The school has been promoting itself as a leading online institution for counseling psychology, highlighting that students can gain practical experience through courses partnered with counseling centers in five major cities, including Seoul and Incheon. Established in 2000, Seoul Cyber University offers over 40 majors, with the most popular being social work, psychology, and counseling. It is one of the most popular fully online schools among the 22 nationwide, with over 16,000 undergraduate students and 398 graduate students. By Jung Da-hyun K-water is working to globally standardize its artificial intelligence (AI) water treatment plant technology and has been exploring enhanced cooperation with the American Water Works Association (AWWA) during Asia International Water Week, Wednesday. The water treatment system uses AI throughout all stages of production and distribution, aiming to optimize resources and energy through autonomous operations. K-water is striving to establish its AI-driven water treatment technology as a global standard, aiming to lead in climate technology. Its AI water treatment plant has been recognized by the World Economic Forum (WEF) for its innovation in water management. To advance this goal, K-water CEO Yun Seog-dae met with John Albert, Vice President of the AWWA, at the third Asia International Water Week in Beijing. They discussed expanding cooperation to promote AI-based water treatment technologies globally. Yun reaffirmed AWWA's support for the establishment of an international organization for standardization (ISO), a position first expressed at the AWWAs annual conference (ACE) 2024. They also explored joint initiatives to tackle key challenges, such as droughts and aging water infrastructure in the U.S., as part of broader efforts to develop digital water management solutions. Both K-water and AWWA underscored the need for proactive measures to address rising water demand, driven by industrial growth in sectors like AI and semiconductors. K-water has been strengthening its global network, collaborating with countries such as the U.S., Australia, France and China, participating in ISO/TC224, which focuses on water services, to secure approval for the joint development of international standards. In addition, K-water signed a memorandum of understanding with AWWA in 2023 and took part in ACE 2024 in California, where it showcased innovations in smart water management. Yun emphasized that leading in standardization is crucial for shaping the future, and K-water is committed to advancing global water management with its advanced technology. "Based on our cutting-edge water management technology, we will strengthen cooperation with nations that have advanced water technology and spearhead the international standardization of AI-driven water treatment plants," he said. Prosecutors are expected to announce their final decision next week to drop charges against both first lady Kim Keon Hee and a Korean American pastor in connection with the pastor's gift of a luxury bag to her, sources said Thursday. The announcement is expected to follow the final approval by Prosecutor General Shim Woo-jung of the investigation result reported earlier in the day by Lee Chang-soo, the chief of the Seoul Central District Prosecutors Office, legal sources said. The first lady and Korean American pastor Choi Jae-young have been under investigation for the pastor's gift of a Dior handbag worth 3 million won ($2,256) and other expensive items to Kim at her office in 2022. Choi secretly filmed the meeting with a hidden camera and the video was later published by an online news media outlet last year. Lee reportedly submitted the conclusion that graft charges are not applicable to Kim because the gifts were not related to President Yoon Suk Yeol's official duties and no favors were exchanged in return. It was also reportedly concluded that charges cannot be pursued for Choi, and therefore, Yoon had no obligation to declare the gifts received by his wife. The reported conclusion followed the prosecution's independent investigation review committee's decision recommending Choi's indictment earlier this week. The unexpected recommendation was an embarrassment for the prosecution, as Choi's indictment could raise questions about the prosecution's tentative decision not to pursue charges against the first lady over the scandal. Prosecutors were reportedly leaning toward dropping charges against Choi as well, following a legal review, despite the panel's recommendation. (Yonhap) By Lee Nan-hee A lot of time has passed since the incident happened in January this year. That was none other than the horrific, sudden incident of attacking and supposedly an attempt to kill the leader of the opposition Democratic Party of Korea. I couldn't believe the fact that such a terrifying incident took place in a crowded place with many reporters in broad daylight in the large city of Busan in 21st-century Korea. I have thought that such political violence usually happens in foreign countries, thus strange to us. For example, just about two months ago, on July 15, former U.S. President Trump was shot by a young man. But I came to realize that such frightful incidents are not strange at all to us. I was reminded of many people who had been attacked and killed unfairly, desperately in our modern history. Cho Bong-am is precisely the individual I referenced in my research article. He served as the minister of agriculture during the Syngman Rhee administration. Cho founded a progressive party at that time, and in addition, he was a lawmaker in the National Assembly. As he asserted a peaceful reunification of the Korean Peninsula, he was accused of being a communist at a trial and killed. It was obviously a judicial murder. At that time, Rhee astonishingly and openly asserted reunification by invading even without estimating the exact military power of South Korea. From the present perspective, it is a shocking and deplorable irony. Several decades later, under the Roh Moo-hyun administration, false accusations surrounding Cho were cleared. Cho's honor was restored. He was actively involved in the Korean independence movement during the Japanese colonial era (1910-1945). He had encountered socialist ideas but broke up with them due to conflicts with Park Heon-young, the then-leader of a socialist group. Our society has gone through severe conflicts and hostility deriving from ideological differences between left and right, more than any other society. Such conflicts still continue. Thus, the political world has always been boisterous and unpredictable. Ideologies and ideas (that is, a system of thoughts and beliefs) are made up of human beings. Nonetheless, ideas or ideologies make people live or rule and even kill people. Above all, no idea or ideology is perfect. In a way, every idea and ideology seems so vain in people's daily lives. It feels pitiful and deplorable that so many ordinary people had to suffer and die swayed, swirled by striking, dazzling ideas and ideologies. The famous American thinker and poet Ralph W. Emerson wrote in "What is success?", "To laugh a lot, to be respected by the wise ... to appreciate beauty, to find out the best in other people ... to make this world a bit better place to live in than before... these are the true success." Reading these words, I think to myself that the best success would be for me to be happy. I would rather laugh and love more today than be swung by grand, systematic ideas. I would rather call my friends and say good things to them with a warm voice. Lee Nan-hee studied English in college and theology at Hanshin University. Google, Apple under fire for unfair practices Criticism is mounting against global tech giants like Google and Apple for paying disproportionately low taxes despite their substantial earnings in Korea. In its 2023 financial report, Google Korea reported sales of 365.3 billion won ($274 million) and paid 15.5 billion won in corporate taxes. Concerns are growing over potential underreporting of Google's sales, as its revenue amounts to just 3.8 percent of Naver's and 4.8 percent of Kakao's, two major local competitors. In contrast, Naver posted 9.67 trillion won in sales last year and paid 496.4 billion won in taxes. Rep. Choi Soo-jin of the ruing People Power Party (PPP) claimed that Google should have paid 622.9 billion won in taxes, based on an estimated revenue of 12.13 trillion won, which includes income from ads, YouTube services, and app market commissions. Her claim is supported by research from the Korea Financial Management Association. Industry insiders are also voicing suspicions that other tech companies, such as Facebook Korea and Netflix Korea, may have underreported their actual revenues. Global tech giants operating in Korea often place their servers in low-tax countries like Singapore and attribute their local earnings to their overseas headquarters. This practice allows them to pay significantly less tax than what their actual earnings in Korea would require. As a result, the Korean government faces reduced tax revenues, potentially worsening its budget deficit. More critically, domestic companies are forced to compete under unfair conditions, as these global firms can reinvest the money saved through apparent tax avoidance, giving them a financial advantage. In 2020, the National Tax Service imposed a 500 billion won tax on Google Korea, arguing that the company is conducting business in Korea despite its servers being located abroad. Google Korea is currently challenging this ruling in court. Meanwhile, more countries are adopting policies that require tech giants to pay taxes in the nations where they generate their profits. Earlier this month, Google successfully appealed a 1.49 billion euro fine imposed by the European Union in 2019 for anticompetitive practices in its online advertising business. However, member states of the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development are still working to implement a global digital tax system to ensure tech giants pay taxes in countries where they generate profits. Google and Apple, which control 85 percent of Korea's app market, have been taking up to a 30 percent commission on payments. This practice has reportedly cost domestic game companies around 9 trillion won in commissions over the past four years. To address this issue, action must be taken to end what is seen as an unfair practice. Both the United States and the EU have already reduced fines, arguing that the 30 percent commission is excessive. As a result, the commission rate in the EU has been lowered to around 17 percent, while the U.S. has provided 1,100 trillion won in relief to app developers and consumers. In 2021, Korea passed a bill aimed at preventing the forced use of in-app payment systems. However, Google and Apple have continued to collect commissions by exploiting legal loopholes in the legislation. This has allowed them to maintain their commission practices despite the new regulations. The government and political parties must take action to prevent global tech firms from earning excessive profits while evading significant taxes, and also address the reverse discrimination faced by local tech companies. An immediate priority is investigating whether these global firms are underreporting their sales. Efforts to pass relevant legislation have stalled, as political parties have failed to make progress. Although the Korea Communications Commission imposed a 68 billion won fine on Google and Apple last year for forcing the use of their apps and payment systems, the National Assembly has not held a plenary session to finalize the punishment in over a year. This political inaction has left businesses and consumers vulnerable. By Jason Lim So, Korean boys and young men are taking the photos of their classmates or acquittances and superimposing them onto pornographic videos or photos for personal titillation, group sharing, and even distribution for money. Such pornographic deepfakes are old; however, the recent advancement of AI has made creating such deepfakes much more accessible and seamless. Gone are the days when deepfakes were obviously fakes. These days, a few minutes on a free app can produce deep fakes that look indistinguishable from the real thing except for the fact that its not. Add to this the anonymity of encrypted group chat programs like Telegram that makes discovery by law enforcement very unlikely. The only way that a woman is made aware that she has been victimized is when someone, for whatever reasons, show her the deepfakes that feature the victim. I cant imagine the ickiness that the victim would feel upon knowing that her likeness, without her knowledge or consent, has been abused in such a fashion, fantasized over by trusted acquaintances and total strangers alike. Its definitely enough to lose faith in all men, if not humanity. Korea actually has laws on the books that makes creating deepfakes illegal. In Article 14-2 (Distribution of False Video Products) of the Act on Special Cases concerning the Punishment of Sexual Crimes, it states: (1) A person who edits, synthesizes, or processes photograph, video, or audio (hereinafter referred to as photograph, etc. in this Article) targeting the face, body or voice of a person for the purpose of dissemination, etc., in a form that may cause sexual desire or shame against the will of the person who is subject to video, etc. (hereinafter referred to as editing, etc. in this Article), shall be punished by imprisonment with labor for not more than five years or a fine of not more than 50 million won. Compared to the U.S. in which a patchwork of state and local laws forbids deepfakes for specific purposes such as abusing of minors, defamation, election interference, etc., Korea is actually better off from a legal framework perspective despite gaps in the law. As New York Times pointed out in its article titled, In South Korea, Misogyny Has a New Weapon: Deepfake Sex Videos, Under the law enacted in 2020, people convicted of making sexually explicit or abusive deepfakes with an intent to distribute them can be sent to prison for up to five years. Those who seek to profit financially from distributing such content can face up to seven years. But there is no law against buying, storing or watching deepfakes. The New York Times articles title echoes the interview that it includes with Lee Yu-jin, a female university student who states that, Korean society doesnt treat women as fellow human beings. The article doubles down on this conclusion that pornographic deepfakes are a symptom of societal misogyny: But to many women, these deepfakes are just the latest online expression of a deep-rooted misogyny in their country a culture that has now produced young men who consider it fun to share sexually humiliating images of women online. Is it all attributable to misogyny though? I agree that creating and distributing deepfakes should be a crime. But is it happening because Korean men hate women, which is what misogyny means? Granted, my age has long freed me from the clutches of testosterone, but I remember having crushes on pretty classmates and fantasizing about them (and feeling guilty about it) in private. I am sure that I am not the only boy who has done this. I have also found opportunities to peek at dirty magazines (this was before internet) whenever older boys would surreptitiously but proudly share them with their younger hangers-on. The difference today is that these young men have access to advanced technologies that allows them to bring literally their fantasies to life and share them with others to elevate their in-group status. Their brain and maturity have stayed the same, but what they can do with that immaturity and underdeveloped prefrontal cortex is outlandish and dangerous. In a way, I feel sorry for access that todays young men have to the capacity to cause harm. Instead of misogyny, however, can we also consider that the deepfake phenomenon is also driven by natural curiosity about sex? In fact, the same New York Times article actually quotes Kim Ji-hyun, a Seoul city official whose team has counseled 200 teenagers implicated in digital sexual exploitation since 2019, who is quoted as saying, many young people were first drawn to deepfakes out of curiosity. Of course, this doesnt mitigate the shock and shame that female victims would feel upon finding out pornographic deepfake should and is a crime. However, I would like to see a more thoughtful and nuanced discussion about the motivations that drive such behavior, rather than a wholesale and indiscriminate condemnation against young men. Not everything is the Nth Room or Spycam. Generalizing extreme cases of criminal sexual abuse and blackmail to another phenomenon based on superficial similarities doesnt help resolve the situation. Rather, it actually exacerbates what it already assumes: misogyny. Jason Lim (jasonlim@msn.com) is a Washington-based expert on innovation, leadership and organizational culture. The views expressed in this article are the authors own and do not reflect The Korea Times editorial stance. By Park Jae-hyuk The chairmen of SK Group and LG Group each convened their top executives and examined various ways to exploit artificial intelligence (AI) in their businesses, the companies said Thursday. During the 2024 Ulsan Forum on Wednesday in the city housing SK Innovation's refinery, SK Group Chairman Chey Tae-won proposed developing AI infrastructure for manufacturers in the southeastern industrial city so that they can share their data and commercialize AI. "To avoid underutilization, AI should be trained by a large scale of well-cleansed data, but it is difficult for individual companies in Ulsan to do so," he told the forum's participants, including the group's senior executives, as well as businesspeople and politicians in the city. Expecting other cities to follow Ulsan's footsteps, Chey added that a vast AI infrastructure embracing the data sets of the manufacturing industry can be facilitated. He also advised Ulsan's policymakers to discover cultural content and focus more on residents' main concerns if they want to prevent the outflow of the population. "You may consider painting pictures on exterior walls of oil storage tanks in use and transforming tanks out of use into a library or an opera house," Chey said. LG Group Chairman Koo Kwang-mo discussed the group's responses to the rapidly changing business environment and studied cases related to the use of AI by the group's affiliates. During a workshop with the conglomerate's top executives in Icheon, Gyeonggi Province, Wednesday, LG executives explored the so-called "affectionate intelligence," which modifies in-car environments, when driving conditions change. The conglomerate said that they also examined an AI phone agent, which summarizes conversations and helps with scheduling. "Although everyone talked about the limitations of white goods, we aimed for 30 percent growth, instead of 5 percent growth, becoming the world's leading home appliances brand," Koo said. "In the battery business that had once been at risk of liquidation, we became the first company to mass-produce electric vehicle batteries. Additionally, we received a U.S. (Food and Drug Administration) approval for a new drug, which had once been considered impossible in Korea." Korea plans to launch an antidumping investigation into stainless steel plates imported from China after a local company claimed that cheap imports have damaged the domestic market, the industry ministry said Thursday. The move came after DK filed a complaint with the Korea Trade Commission in June, claiming that stainless steel plates from four Chinese companies were imported at below reasonable market prices, according to the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy. The plates are widely used in various industries, including the petrochemical, shipbuilding, and semiconductor sectors. The commission said it plans to carry out investigations on products imported in 2023. (Yonhap) SK On, the battery unit of Korea's chip-to-construction conglomerate SK Group, said Thursday it has offered a retirement program to its employees to ride out the slowdown in electric vehicle sales. SK On has decided to adopt the "efficiency measures" to reduce its workforce and stay competitive against challenging EV market conditions, people familiar with the matter told Yonhap News Agency. The company confirmed the voluntary retirement package for workers who joined the company before November 2023. SK On employees stood at about 3,500 as of end-June. If they opt to retire early, the company will offer 50 percent of annual salaries plus a lump-sum cash payment. It also proposed an unpaid leave option to its employees, an SK On spokesperson said over the phone. "These proactive measures are aimed at establishing a lean, agile workforce, so that we can better navigate shifting EV market conditions," he said. SK On said it will help employees use the "special leave program" to recharge and advance their professional skills for the future. The company will support half of tuition costs for two years for workers pursuing academic degrees during their unpaid leave. If they earn degrees related to their professions and return to work, they will receive the remaining half of the tuition, the spokesperson said. In July, SK On announced it will make companywide cost-cutting efforts that include freezing the salaries of all executives until it turns a profit. SK On has posted operating losses for the past 11 consecutive quarters since it began operations in October 2021. In the second quarter ended in June, it reported an operating loss of 460 billion won ($346 million). Car battery makers have suffered from lower utilization rate in their plants and higher costs amid the EV chasm, which occurs before the widespread adoption of pure electric cars. SK Innovation Co., the country's leading refiner, holds an 89.52 percent stake in SK On. (Yonhap) By Nam Hyun-woo Construction project management firm HanmiGlobal said Thursday it was named as one of the worlds top 10 non-U.S. firms in construction management (CM) and project management (PM) for the fourth consecutive year. The company ranked eighth in Engineering News-Record's (ENR) 2024 list of the top 10 non-U.S. firms in Total Global CM and PM fees, with a combined revenue of $244.8 million last year. This represents a two-spot improvement from its 10th-place ranking the previous year. ENR is a leading magazine in the construction industry, publishing annual rankings of top global players. Hanmi Global first appeared on the list in 2005 at No. 18 and has consistently remained within the top 10 since 2021. Since 2000, HanmiGlobal has been engaging in more than 3,000 construction projects in more than 60 countries. The company now has units, affiliates and branches in 16 countries. The company noted that 57.7 percent of its total revenue in the first half of this year came from overseas businesses, demonstrating its expanding presence in the global market. HanmiGlobal said its overseas subsidiaries, such as OTAK in the U.S., K2 and Walker Sime of the U.K., are achieving solid earnings, and secured a series of major projects last year, including the development of Kuwait's South Saad Al-Abdullah City and the construction of worker accommodations for Saudi Arabias NEOM City project. Domestically, we have diversified our business portfolio by expanding into sectors such as high-tech plants, data centers, and energy infrastructure projects, including the modernization of cogeneration power plants, a HanmiGlobal official said. China's listed firms sustain recovery momentum as policy support builds up Xinhua) 14:40, September 26, 2024 BEIJING, Sept. 26 (Xinhua) -- China's listed companies have seen improvement in performance quarter by quarter since the beginning of this year, with service consumption, export growth and new economic drivers contributing to the recovery trend. A total of 5,104 companies listed on the Shanghai and Shenzhen bourses saw their combined profits decrease by only 0.4 percent from a year earlier in the second quarter, significantly improving from a drop of 4.5 percent in the first quarter, according to their latest half-year financial reports. Listed firms have seen narrowing declines in profits and a drop in the proportion of loss-making companies, their reports showed. Nearly 80 percent of the listed firms reported profits while around 50 percent of the companies experienced profit growth in the first half. Experts held that Chinese listed firms, whose revenue accounted for 56.5 percent of the country's GDP in the first six months, serve as a window to observe new trends in the country's economic development. RECOVERY IN CONSUMPTION AND EXPORTS Despite rising challenges from home and abroad, China's economy expanded 5 percent year on year in the first half, putting the country on track to hit its full-year economic growth target of around 5 percent. During this period, service consumption has continued to recover, supported by robust travel and tourism growth. Airport companies reported a year-on-year rise of 20.7 percent in revenue. Commodity consumption has also seen positive signs, with net profits of listed companies in sectors such as food and beverage, consumer electronics and automobile rising by 14.1 percent, 24.4 percent and 22.7 percent, respectively. Moreover, listed companies have increasingly tapped into international markets, with improving competitiveness in overseas markets. In the first six months, China's exports in goods rose 6.9 percent year on year, while the overseas revenue of listed companies surged by 13.4 percent. Companies in the electronics, household appliances and automobile industries reported rises of 17.6 percent, 13.8 percent and 10.7 percent respectively in overseas revenue. Huang Wentao, chief economist at China Securities, said that China's trade structure has shown continuous improvement, signaling the strengthening global competitiveness of the country's economy. NEW GROWTH DRIVERS China's manufacturing companies, which account for nearly 70 percent of the total number of the listed firms, demonstrated resilience in the first half, underpinning the foundation for the country's high-quality economic development. Listed companies in high-tech manufacturing sectors, including electronics, automobile and communication equipment, stood out with net profits up 39.6 percent, 22.7 percent and 17.6 percent respectively. During this period, investment in research and development (R&D) for listed companies reached 709.46 billion yuan (about 100.84 billion U.S. dollars), marking a 5.1-percent increase from the previous year. The R&D intensity, measured as a percentage of revenue, rose to 2.3 percent, up from 2.2 percent in the same period last year. Li Zhan, chief economist at China Merchant Fund, said that with the accumulation of positive factors in China's economy, there is a solid foundation for the country to realize this year's growth target. China has rolled out an array of measures to boost growth this year, including a program that promotes large-scale equipment upgrades and consumer goods trade-ins, and the issuance of ultra-long special treasury bonds, among others. In the latest move, China announced a raft of monetary stimulus, property market support and capital market strengthening measures earlier this week to shore up the economy. The country will cut the reserve requirement ratio, lower mortgage rates on existing home loans and create new monetary policy tools to support the stock market, and encourage medium and long-term funds to enter the capital market. Experts consider the release of the new batch of policies a positive signal of strengthening policy coordination and efforts to boost the vitality and resilience of the Chinese economy. (Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Zhong Wenxing) Hyundai Motor Group said Thursday it plans to develop an unmanned firefighting robot to deal with underground electric vehicle fires in underground parking lots. The automotive group said it will partner with the National Fire Agency to develop the firefighting robot by the end of the year and deploy them for real use starting in 2026. Hyundai Motor Group expressed its intention to provide firefighting equipment to the government through the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy in August. The fire agency proposed developing a fire suppression vehicle using Hyundai Rotem's multipurpose unmanned vehicle platform by equipping it with water cannons and enhancing its heat resistance. Following further discussions and a demonstration of the vehicle platform this month, the parties reached a final agreement to co-develop the unmanned firefighting robot. The agency plans to deploy a prototype of the unmanned firefighting robot for trial operation in the first half of next year. Based on feedback, the agency aims to distribute updated units to regional special firefighting rescue teams by the end of 2026. The robot is expected to allow remote-controlled fire suppression, providing an effective solution for fires in underground facilities, where it is difficult or dangerous for firefighters to enter, the group said. (Yonhap) The United States, France and several allies called for an immediate 21-day ceasefire across the Israel-Lebanon border while also expressing support for a ceasefire in Gaza following intense discussions at the United Nations on Wednesday. The ceasefire would apply to the Israel-Lebanon "Blue Line," the demarcation line between Lebanon and Israel, and would allow the parties to negotiate towards a potential diplomatic resolution of the conflict, a senior Biden administration official said. "We call on all parties, including the governments of Israel and Lebanon, to endorse the temporary ceasefire immediately," according to a joint statement of the countries released by the White House. The allies that signed the joint statement included Australia, United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia and the European Union. Israel widened its airstrikes in Lebanon on Wednesday and at least 72 people were killed, according to a Reuters compilation of Lebanese health ministry statements. The ministry earlier said at least 223 were wounded. Israel's military chief said a ground assault was possible, raising fears the conflict could spark a wider Middle East war. Over the last several months, Washington has been engaging with officials in Israel and Lebanon to reduce hostilities, the senior White House official said. "We have had those discussions for quite some time," the official said, adding Washington and its allies were aiming to convert those discussions into a broader agreement during this 21-day ceasefire period. The official said Biden had been focused on the possibility of a ceasefire "in almost every conversation he had with world leaders" at the United Nations General Assembly this week. Based on discussions with Israelis and Lebanese, the U.S. and its allies felt this was the right time for a call for a ceasefire, the official added. Israel's U.N. Ambassador Danny Danon told reporters before a U.N. Security Council meeting on Wednesday that Israel would welcome a ceasefire and preferred a diplomatic solution. He then told the Security Council that Iran was the nexus of violence in the region and peace required dismantling the threat. Iran's Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi told reporters before the council meeting that his country supported Hezbollah and would not remain indifferent if the conflict in Lebanon spiraled. Lebanese Prime Minister Najib Mikati welcomed the call for a ceasefire, saying the key to its implementation is whether Israel is committed to enforcing international resolutions. Asked earlier if a ceasefire could be reached soon, Mikati told Reuters: "Hopefully, yes." World leaders voiced concern that the conflict running in parallel to Israel's war in Gaza against Palestinian Hamas militants also backed by Iran was escalating rapidly as the death toll rose in Lebanon and thousands fled their homes. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu was due to arrive in New York on Thursday and address the U.N. General Assembly on Friday. Lebanon conflict puts pressure on Biden, Harris The U.S. administration has for nearly a year sought unsuccessfully to secure a ceasefire in Gaza. The conflict has been costly politically for U.S. President Joe Biden and by extension Vice President Kamala Harris' presidential campaign with the violence in Lebanon increasing pressure on his administration to find a diplomatic solution. Earlier on Wednesday Israel shot down a missile that the Iranian-backed Hezbollah movement said it had aimed at the headquarters of the Mossad intelligence agency near Israel's biggest city, Tel Aviv. Israeli officials said a heavy missile had headed towards civilian areas in Tel Aviv, not the Mossad HQ, before being shot down. "You hear the jets overhead; we have been striking all day," General Herzi Halevi told Israeli troops on the border with Lebanon, according to a military statement. "This is both to prepare the ground for your possible entry and to continue degrading Hezbollah." A Pentagon spokesperson said an Israeli ground incursion did not appear imminent. As many as half a million people may have been displaced in Lebanon, its foreign minister said. In Beirut, thousands of people displaced from southern Lebanon were sheltering in schools and other buildings. Israeli airstrikes target Hezbollah leaders Israeli airstrikes this week have targeted Hezbollah leaders and hit hundreds of sites deep inside Lebanon, where hundreds of thousands have fled the border region, while the group has fired barrages of rockets into Israel. Mourners thronged a funeral on Wednesday in Beirut's suburbs for two senior Hezbollah commanders killed in Israeli strikes the day before. Fighters in fatigues carried the flag-covered coffins as a band played. The crowd chanted Hezbollah slogans and some wept. Israel said its warplanes were hitting south Lebanon and the Bekaa Valley, a Hezbollah stronghold further north, and that it was calling up two more reserve brigades for operations on Israel's northern border. In a video message that made no comment on diplomatic efforts to secure a ceasefire, Netanyahu said Hezbollah was being hit harder than it could ever have imagined. Israel has made a priority of securing its northern border and allowing the return there of some 70,000 residents displaced by near-daily exchanges of fire since war broke out in October between Israel and Hamas in Gaza on Israel's southern border. Lebanese hospitals have filled with the wounded since Monday, when Israeli bombing killed more than 550 people in Lebanon's deadliest day since its civil war ended in 1990. (Reuters) Russian President Vladimir Putin on Wednesday called for changes to rules on the use of Russia's nuclear deterrent, a move that could affect Moscow's approach to the current conflict in Ukraine. In a televised meeting with security officials, Putin detailed proposed changes to the country's nuclear doctrine, adding new criteria for launching a nuclear response. "We see the modern military and political situation is dynamically changing and we must take this into consideration," Putin said, citing "the emergence of new sources of military threats and risks for Russia and our allies." Putin outlined a potential update, saying that "it is proposed to consider aggression against Russia by any non-nuclear state, but with the participation or support of a nuclear power, as their joint attack on Russia." This would seemingly apply to Ukraine, a non-nuclear state that receives military support from the United States and other nuclear-armed countries. Putin also said that proposed changes "clearly set the conditions for Russia to transition to using nuclear weapons." "We will consider such a possibility once we receive reliable information about a massive launch of air and space attack weapons and their crossing our state border," the president added. "I mean aeroplanes of strategic and tactical aviation, cruise missiles, drones, hypersonic and other aircraft," Putin said. The president said the proposed changes also meant "we reserve the right to use nuclear weapons in case of aggression against Russia and Belarus," Moscow's close ally. He added that this included a situation in which another state "using ordinary weapons, creates a critical threat to our sovereignty." The president said that Russia's nuclear weapons were "the most important guarantee of security of our state and its citizens." "It's important to predict how the situation will develop and accordingly adapt the clauses of the document on strategic planning to current realities," Putin said. (AFP) Hezbollah's flexible chain of command, together with its extensive tunnel network and a vast arsenal of missiles and weapons it has bolstered over the past year, is helping it weather unprecedented Israeli strikes, three sources familiar with the Lebanese militant group's operations said. Israel's assault on Hezbollah over the past week, including the targeting of senior commanders and the detonation of booby-trapped pagers and walkie-talkies, has left the powerful Lebanese Shiite militant group and political party reeling. On Friday, Israel killed the commander who founded and led the group's elite Radwan force, Ibrahim Aqil. And since Monday, Lebanon's deadliest day of violence in decades, the health ministry says more than 560 people, among them 50 children, have died in air barrages. The Israeli military chief of staff Herzi Halevi said on Sunday that Aqil's death had shaken the organisation. Israel says its strikes have also destroyed thousands of Hezbollah rockets and shells. But two of the sources familiar with Hezbollah operations said the group swiftly appointed replacements for Aqil and other senior figures killed in Friday's airstrike in Beirut's southern suburbs. Hezbollah leader Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah said in an Aug. 1 speech that the group quickly fills gaps whenever a leader is killed. A fourth source, a Hezbollah official, said the attack on communication devices put 1,500 fighters out of commission because of their injuries, with many having been blinded or had their hands blown off. While that is a major blow, it represents a fraction of Hezbollah's strength, which a report for the U.S. Congress on Friday put at 40,000-50,000 fighters. Nasrallah has said the group has 100,000 fighters. Since October, when Hezbollah began firing at Israel in October in support of its ally Hamas in Gaza, it has redeployed fighters to frontline areas in the south, including some from Syria, the three sources said. It has also been bringing rockets into Lebanon at a fast pace, anticipating a drawn-out conflict, the sources said, adding that the group sought to avoid all out war. Hezbollah's main supporter and weapons supplier is Iran. The group is the most powerful faction in Tehran's "Axis of Resistance" of allied irregular forces across the Middle East. Many of its weapons are Iranian, Russian or Chinese models. The sources, who all asked not to be named because of the sensitivity of the matter, did not provide details of the weapons or where they were bought. Hezbollah's media office did not reply to requests for comment for this story. Andreas Krieg, a senior lecturer at the School of Security Studies at King's College London, said that while Hezbollah operations had been disrupted by the past week's attacks, the group's networked organisational structure helped make it an extremely resilient force. "This is the most formidable enemy Israel has ever faced on the battlefield, not because of numbers and tech but in terms of resilience." Powerful missiles Fighting has escalated this week. Israel killed another top Hezbollah commander, Ibrahim Qubaisi, on Tuesday. For its part, Hezbollah has shown its capacity to continue operations, firing hundreds of rockets towards Israel in ever deeper attacks. On Wednesday, Hezbollah said it had targeted an Israeli intelligence base near Tel Aviv, more than 100 kilometers (60 miles) from the border. Warning sirens sounded in Tel Aviv as a single surface-to-surface missile was intercepted by air defence systems, the Israeli military said. The group has yet to say whether it has launched any of its most potent, precision-guided rockets, such as the Fateh-110, an Iranian-made ballistic missile with a range of 250-300 kilometers (341.75 miles). Hezbollah's Fateh-110 have a 450-500 kilograms warhead, according to a 2018 paper published by the Center for Strategic and International Studies in Washington. Hezbollah's rocket attacks are possible because the chain of command has kept functioning despite the group suffering a brief spell of disarray after the pagers and radios detonated, one of the sources, a senior security official, said. The three sources said Hezbollah's ability to communicate is underpinned by a dedicated, fixed-line telephone network - which it has described as critical to its communications and continues to work - as well as by other devices. Many of its fighters were carrying older models of pagers, for example, that were unaffected by last week's attack. Reuters could not independently verify the information. Most injuries from the exploding pagers were in Beirut, far from the front. Hezbollah stepped up the use of pagers after banning its fighters from using cellphones on the battlefield in February, in response to commanders being killed in strikes. If the chain of command breaks, frontline fighters are trained to operate in small, independent clusters comprised of a few villages near the border, capable of fighting Israeli forces for long periods, the senior source added. That is precisely what happened in 2006, during the last war between Hezbollah and Israel, when the group's fighters held out for weeks, some in frontline villages invaded by Israel. Israel says it has escalated attacks to degrade Hezbollah's capabilities and make it safe for tens of thousands of displaced Israelis to return to their homes near the Lebanon border, which they fled when Hezbollah began firing rockets on Oct. 8. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's government has said it prefers to reach a negotiated agreement that would see Hezbollah withdraw from the border region but stands ready to continue its bombing campaign if Hezbollah refuses, and does not rule out any military options. Hezbollah's resilience means the fighting has raised fears of a protracted war that could suck in the U.S., Israel's close ally, and Iran - especially if Israel launches, and gets bogged down in, a ground offensive in southern Lebanon. Israel's military did not respond to a request for comment for this story. Iran's President Masoud Pezeshkian warned on Monday of "irreversible" consequences of a full blown war in the Middle East. A U.S. State Department official said Washington disagreed with Israel's strategy of escalation and sought to reduce tensions. Underground arsenal In what two of the sources said was an indication of how well some of Hezbollah's weapons are hidden, on Sunday rockets were launched from areas of southern Lebanon that had been targeted by Israel shortly before, the two sources said. Hezbollah is believed to have an underground arsenal and last month published footage that appeared to show its fighters driving trucks with rocket launchers through tunnels. The sources did not specify if the rockets fired on Sunday were launched from underground. Israeli Defence Minister Yoav Gallant said Monday's barrage had destroyed tens of thousands of Hezbollah rockets and munitions. Israel's military said long-range cruise missiles, rockets with warheads capable of carrying 100kg of explosives, short-range rockets, and explosive UAVs were all struck on Monday. Reuters could not independently verify the military claims. Boaz Shapira a researcher at Alma, an Israeli think tank that specializes in Hezbollah, said Israel had yet to target strategic sites such as long-range missiles and drone sites. "I don't think we are anywhere near finishing this," Shapira said. Hezbollah's arsenal is believed to comprise some 150,000 rockets, the U.S. Congress report said. Krieg said its most powerful, long-range ballistic missiles were kept below ground. Hezbollah has spent years building a tunnel network that by Israeli estimates extends for hundreds of kilometres. The Israeli military said Monday's air strikes hit Hezbollah missile launch sites hidden under homes in southern Lebanon. Hezbollah has said it does not place military infrastructure near civilians. Hezbollah has issued no statement on the impact of Israel's strikes since Monday. Tunnels The group's arsenal and tunnels have expanded since the 2006 war, especially precision guidance systems, leader Nasrallah has said. Hezbollah officials have said the group has used a small part of the arsenal in fighting over the past year. Israeli officials have said Hezbollah's military infrastructure is tightly meshed into the villages and communities of southern Lebanon, with ammunition and missile launcher pads stored in houses throughout the area. Israel has been pounding some of those villages for months to degrade Hezbollah's capabilities. Confirmed details on the tunnel network remain scarce. A 2021 report by Alma, an Israeli think tank that specializes in Hezbollah, said Iran and North Korea both helped build up the network of tunnels in the aftermath of the 2006 war. Israel has already struggled to root out Hamas commanders and self-reliant fighting units from the tunnels criss-crossing Gaza. "It is one of our biggest challenges in Gaza, and it is certainly something we could meet in Lebanon," said Carmit Valensi, a senior research fellow at the Institute for National Security Studies in Tel Aviv, a think-tank. Krieg said that unlike Gaza, where most tunnels are manually dug into a sandy soil, the tunnels in Lebanon had been dug deep in mountain rock. "They are far less accessible than in Gaza and even less easy to destroy." (Reuters) The Israeli prime minister appeared to downplay hopes of an imminent truce with Hezbollah on Thursday after the United States and its allies called for an immediate 21-day cease-fire to provide space for diplomacy. In a statement released as Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu was en route to New York to attend the U.N. General Assembly, his office said there was only a proposal on the table and that he had not yet responded to it. The statement also denied that there had been any directive to ease up on fighting on the northern border with Lebanon. The comments raised questions about a new international initiative to halt increasingly heavy exchanges of fire that have killed hundreds of people in Lebanon and threatened to trigger an all-out war between Israel and Hezbollah. They came as Israel has threatened to launch a ground invasion into Lebanon to push the militant group away from the border and as an Israeli strike in Lebanon killed 23 people. The Israeli foreign minister, Israel Katz, had previously said that the country would continue fighting with all our might until victory and the safe return of the residents of the north to their homes. Hezbollah has also not yet responded to the proposal for a pause in fighting, although Lebanon's caretaker Prime Minister Najib Mikati has welcomed it. The Lebanese militant group has insisted it would only halt its strikes if there is a cease-fire in Gaza, where Israel has been battling Hamas for nearly a year. That appears out of reach despite months of negotiations led by the United States, Egypt and Qatar. In its statement, Netanyahu's office said that the fighting in Gaza will also continue until all the objectives of the war have been achieved. Netanyahu is expected to meet with other world leaders on the sidelines of the U.N. General Assembly. Israel launched a massive operation in Gaza after a Hamas-led attack into southern Israel on Oct. 7 in which some 1,200 people, mostly civilians, were killed, and some 250 were taken hostage. More than 41,000 Palestinians have been killed in Gaza since then, according to local officials. Hezbollah began firing rockets into Israel one day after the Oct. 7 attack in support of its Hamas allies, and Hezbollah and Israel have traded fire ever since. Israeli families of the hostages said they are pushing for a possible cease-fire deal for Lebanon to include provisions for the war in Gaza, especially securing release of the roughly 70 hostages still presumed to be alive and the bodies of some 30 others. Gil Dickmann, whose cousin Carmel Gat was kidnapped and was one of six Israelis whose bodies were recovered from tunnels in Gaza in August, said the families of the hostages are feeling forgotten as attention shifts to the northern front. We know that these things are connected to each other, the northern part and the southern part, theyre all part of the same large situation which we are in from Oct. 7 on, and were very worried that if we dont make the right decisions now, we will miss this amazing opportunity to get the hostages out, Dickmann said on Tuesday, as hopes for cease-fire deal swelled. He slammed Netanyahu for missing multiple opportunities to free his cousin and begged him not to miss another chance by agreeing to a truce with both Hezbollah and Hamas that would include provisions for the hostages. Dickmanns sister-in-law, Yarden Roman-Gat, was released in a weeklong cease-fire deal last November, along with some 100 other hostages. Israel has carried out days of heavy strikes across Lebanon, targeting what it says are Hezbollah rocket launchers and other military infrastructure. The militants have fired hundreds of rockets into Israel and on Wednesday targeted Tel Aviv for the first time with a longer-range missile that was intercepted. On Thursday, an Israeli airstrike in Lebanon hit a building housing Syrian workers and their families, killing 23 people, Lebanese officials said. It was one of the deadliest single strikes in the intensified air campaign against Hezbollah. Lebanons National News Agency said the strike occurred near the ancient city of Baalbek in the Bekaa Valley, which runs along the Syrian border. It quoted Ali Kassas, mayor of the village of Younine, as saying that the bodies of 23 Syrian citizens were pulled from under the rubble. He said four Syrians and four Lebanese were wounded. Hussein Salloum, a local official in Younine, said most of the dead were women and children, and that rescue efforts lasted through the night and into Thursday morning. We dug through the rubble with our own hands until a small bulldozer was brought in, Salloum told The Associated Press by telephone. We had very limited capabilities. The Lebanese Red Cross said it recovered nine bodies, while others were recovered by Hezbollahs paramedic service and the Lebanese Civil Defense. Lebanon, with a population of around 6 million, hosts nearly 780,000 registered Syrian refugees and hundreds of thousands who are unregistered the worlds highest refugee population per capita. Israel struck 75 sites overnight across southern and eastern Lebanon, the military said. At least 45 projectiles were fired from Lebanon early Thursday, all of which were intercepted or fell in open areas, it said. Israeli strikes since Monday have killed more than 630 people in Lebanon, according to local health authorities, who say around a quarter were women and children. Several people have been wounded by shrapnel in Israel. The fighting has killed dozens of people in Israel and driven tens of thousands from their homes on both sides of the border. Israel has vowed to do whatever is necessary to allow its citizens to return, and it has moved thousands of troops to the northern border in preparation for a possible ground operation. (AP) 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. After School Nana turned heads at the Courreges show during the Paris Fashion Week, and made people scream after giving a kiss to a lucky fan! During the event, Nana didn't disappoint with her $1,300 black Midi Tulle Dress from the brand Undressed. It is an unconventional slip outfit that showcases the illusion of a half-exposed bra. She completed her regal look with her blood-red lipstick and bob cut. the getty image curse doesnt work on NANA pic.twitter.com/VY3ErbQ01I NANA (@Nanaarchives) September 25, 2024 When Nana reached the show's venue, all eyes were on her. She took photos of the venue, and even when she was just sitting in the front row, she was giving off an unmatched aura. She has an impressive background when it comes to modeling as she joined the Asia Pacific Super Model Contest in 2009. After her debut in After School in the same year, she was hailed by TC Candler as the "Most Beautiful Face in the World" for two consecutive years (2014-2015). In 2021, she was listed as one of the "Most Beautiful Faces of the Decade 2010s" for appearing on the rankings for nine years since 2013. the luckiest girl who got a kiss from nana pic.twitter.com/hZWFUAqFqG NANA (@Nanaarchives) September 25, 2024 READ ALSO: Only 6 Kpop Idols to Rank #1 in TC Candler's 'Most Beautiful/Handsome Faces' Through the Years: Nana, Tzuyu, Nancy, V, More! As she graced this beauty at the show then, she decided to greet her fans and walked to them closer, and one lucky fan not only got to meet her up close but got a souvenir kiss from the star! In a video, the fan was admiring Nana at a safe distance when the idol actress approached her and gave her a soft kiss on the cheek. The whole crowd who were also surprised can be heard cheering for the girl. On X, netters also expressed their jealousy and happiness for the fan, writing comments such as: has anyone seen this person since this video was taken? im afraid i would die if this happened to me https://t.co/PIJGkvIkbt September 25, 2024 a kiss on the cheek?? A KISS ON THE CHEEK FROM NANA??? THIS FAN IS LIVING THE DREAM https://t.co/NCUu5blzBo (@friedkimchae) September 25, 2024 RELATED ARTICLE: Top 10+ Second-Generation Female Idols with Unrivaled Visuals For more K-Pop news and updates, keep your tabs open here at KpopStarz. KpopStarz owns this article. Written by Eunice Dela Cruz A West Virginia man who allegedly told authorities he came to North Dakota to sell fentanyl pills because "there was money to be made" pleaded not guilty to felony charges Thursday in Burleigh County. Jamone Walker Estes, 31, faces a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison if convicted on either of two counts related to conspiracy to possess and distribute fentanyl. Walker Estes is the final of four people charged in connection with a search warrant that was executed in August at an apartment on East Arbor Avenue, according to an affidavit. Steven Hicks of Huntington, West Virginia, and Davon McClinton of Detroit, Michigan, face the same charges. The fourth defendant, Albrina Curtis, of Los Angeles, faces one count of conspiracy to manufacture or deliver fentanyl. Her charge carries a 20-year maximum prison sentence as well. All three previously pleaded not guilty. Authorities found Walker Estes, McClinton, Hicks and Curtis inside the apartment with more than 720 suspected fentanyl pills, with a street value of about $20,000, according to the affidavit. The apartment's resident told authorities she was aware McClinton was staying there for more than a month while he was also selling fentanyl pills, the document stated. Walker Estes allegedly told police in an interview that he had come to Bismarck on McClinton's advice and that Hicks was a recent arrival, the affidavit stated. The apartment's resident also allegedly told officers she overheard Walker Estes and McClinton talking about Hicks bringing more fentanyl pills with him. Hicks' involvement was allegedly confirmed by officers who interviewed Walker Estes. Walker Estes also implicated Curtis, whom investigators found at a Bismarck motel, according to the affidavit. Inside her motel room authorities found more than $1,000 that Curtis allegedly said came from acting as a prostitute, as well as records that allegedly showed money transfers associated with drug sales, the document stated. Other evidence found on Curtis' cellphone allegedly revealed conversations between McClinton and Curtis about drug sales. Walker Estes, Hicks and McClinton remain in custody at the Burleigh Morton Detention Center on $200,000 cash bonds. Curtis remains in custody on a $100,000 cash bond. Trials in all four cases are scheduled to begin Dec. 4. Chappell Roan declined an invitation to perform at the White House for a Pride Month event, in protest over the conflict in Gaza An appeals court has sent back part of a lawsuit brought by a protester of the Dakota Access oil pipeline, who alleged excessive force by law enforcement officers. Eric Poemoceah, of Oklahoma, filed the federal court lawsuit in 2020 against Morton County, County Sheriff Kyle Kirchmeier, then-Cass County Sheriff Paul Laney and other officers, including unidentified ones. He sought unspecified damages to be determined at trial. Poemoceah alleged that during a demonstration in February 2017, when a protest camp was being evacuated, Bismarck Police Officer Benjamin Swenson tackled him, causing a pelvic fracture. He also alleged other injuries from other officers, and that the officers disregarded his pelvic injury and retaliated against him for livestreaming the events. The defendants sought to dismiss the case. U.S. District Judge Daniel Traynor granted their motions to dismiss in December 2020. He said the officers were entitled to qualified immunity regarding use of force, and that Poemoceah didn't sufficiently back up his claims. Poemoceah appealed in 2021. A three-judge panel of the 8th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals on Wednesday upheld the judge's dismissal of most of Poemoceah's claims. But the panel said he "plausibly alleges a Fourth Amendment excessive force claim against Swenson," and sent that claim back for further proceedings. The Associated Press emailed attorneys for both sides, but did not immediately receive responses to requested comment. The Standing Rock Sioux Tribe's opposition to the pipeline's Missouri River crossing drew thousands of people who demonstrated and camped for months in 2016 and 2017 near the crossing. Hundreds of arrests resulted from the sometimes-chaotic protests. The multistate pipeline has been transporting oil since 2017, including during an ongoing, court-ordered environmental review process for the controversial river segment. Law enforcement has long denied using excessive force against the pipeline protestors. Authorities maintain some protesters used violent and illegal tactics and assaulted officers. Many protesters allege law enforcement acted unreasonably and violated their rights. Several other excessive force lawsuits stemming from the DAPL protests were filed. Some have been resolved, including the cases of two photographers who sued law enforcement individually in federal court. Tracie Dawn Williams, who said she was on assignment for the National Press Photographers Association, and Oregon photographer Tonita Cervantes both lost their cases when Traynor earlier this year granted defendants' motions to dismiss. International declaration on the fight against AMR The Commission welcomes the Political Declaration reached today at the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) to step up action against antimicrobial resistance (AMR). At the High-Level ministerial meeting in New York, UN member countries, including EU Member States, and the EU committed to concrete actions to address AMR across all sectors, through a One Health approach that acknowledges that human, animal and environmental health are intrinsically linked. The Declaration is a strong signal of the global consensus on the necessity to address this serious global health threat, which was directly responsible for almost 1.2 million deaths worldwide in 2021 and contributed to another 4.7 million deaths the same year. It is estimated that there could be over 8.2 million deaths linked to resistant bacteria globally in 2050, if urgent action is not taken. Political leaders committed to a series of measures to tackle AMR, including improved prevention, surveillance, monitoring, financing, access, innovation and awareness-raising. Among the commitments in today's declaration are: A target to reduce the number of global deaths from bacterial AMR by 10% by 2030. from bacterial AMR by 10% by 2030. The implementation of national action plans by all countries, to address AMR through One Health approach. by all countries, to address AMR through One Health approach. The establishment of an independent panel for evidence-based action against AMR. The panel, which the EU will help to fund with 2.5 million in 2025, will gather and consolidate data on AMR and provide guidance to policymakers worldwide. for evidence-based action against AMR. The panel, which the EU will help to fund with 2.5 million in 2025, will gather and consolidate data on AMR and provide guidance to policymakers worldwide. The use of existing frameworks to exchange experiences and best practices , and to assess progress in implementing national action plans, drawing the scientific guidance above. Regular ministerial meetings will take stock of global progress. , and to assess progress in implementing national action plans, drawing the scientific guidance above. Regular ministerial meetings will take stock of global progress. A pledge to meaningfully reduce the use of antibiotics in agri-food by 2030. by 2030. The promotion of sustainable financing, with particular support for low- and middle-income countries, and mapping of available funding for AMR. Background AMR is one of the greatest health threats of our times, placing significant strain on our healthcare systems. In Europe, 1 in 5 bacterial infections is resistant to antibiotics, with this figure as high as 40% in some Member States. Additionally, AMR has a serious economic impact, estimated to cost healthcare systems alone an additional US$ 1 trillion by 2050. In Europe, the current estimated cost of AMR is 11.7 billion per year in health expenditure and lost productivity. At EU level, AMR is one of the highest public health priorities, reflected in the action taken to tackle it at all levels of the ecosystem. Among the key EU measures to address AMR are targets to reduce antibiotic consumption in humans, rules to limit antibiotics in livestock, Research and Development investment to support the development of novel antibiotics, and strengthened environmental monitoring to prevent antibiotic residues from contaminating soil and water. Furthermore, the Commission has also launched a new campaign this week to promote greater awareness of AMR amongst young people and tackle AMR through a whole of society approach. The EU is also a vocal advocate of a stronger One Health response to the threat of AMR globally. More information Remarks by Commissioner Kyriakides at UNGA High Level meeting on Antimicrobial Resistance EU statement at High-Level Meeting on Antimicrobial Resistance Quote Todays Political Declaration is a strong signal of the global commitment to address antimicrobial resistance a significant and evolving health threat to every person, community and country. The Declaration puts a much-needed spotlight on AMR. We now need to turn these commitments into real actions and intensify our global collaboration in tackling AMR. We are at a turning point that could define the health and well-being of future generations. Team Europe, through our European Health Union, is ready to play its part in this global effort. Stella Kyriakides, Commissioner for Health and Food Safety 2024-09-25 Zarazeno ct 26.09.2024 18:09:00 Zdroj Evropska komise en Original ec.europa.eu/commission/presscorner/api/documents?reference=IP/24/4847&language=en lang en guid /IP/24/4847/ The story behind the release of The Plot Against Harry is a jaw-dropping bit of showbiz insanity. The film was shot and completed in 1970, but it couldn't garner any traction with distributors, exhibitors, or other early viewers. It was deemed a comedy too impenetrable to laugh at. So director Michael Roemer decided to cut his losses and move on to the next project. In the late '80s, Roemer decides to have a video transfer of Harry made for himself and his family. When he does, the technician at the post house who is doing the transfer immediately starts laughing at the film. Thinking the film might have a second shot, Roemer has new prints struck and sent to festivals. And the film gets accepted: to New York, to Toronto, to Cannes. It gets an indie distributor and is released in 1989 and 1990 as a "new" release. Looking at the film now, it's more than a little baffling that those early viewers didn't know what to make of it. It's such a delightfully wry and richly conceived depiction of both small-time racketeering and the social circles of New York Jews that this viewer was instantaneously disarmed. I will admit that the movie is light on schtick or hard jokes, but lead actor Martin Priest is a consistently warm and charming presence, even as his character gets more and more beleaguered and confused. The film opens with Harry Plotnick (Priest) getting out of prison. Even though he was only gone for a short stint, he returns to find his numbers racket is nearly in shambles. One of his runners, Big Julie (Julius Harris), has decided to go into business for himself, and a few others from his crew have joined up. Against his better judgment -- and in violation of his parole -- Harry goes to his Italian capo to ask him to intimidate Big Julie into falling back in line. Meanwhile, Harry reconnects with his ex-wife Kay after a silly traffic accident and discovers that he has two grown daughters, a grandchild, and another grand-baby on the way. Kay is cautious but the others are oddly welcoming to Harry and are willing to give him a shot at rejoining their family. The film is light on its feet at 80 minutes and mostly consists of Harry's attempts to rebuild his business and his family life, with a seemingly inverse amount of success at every turn. His attempts to lead a "straight" life are undercut by his history of racketeering and his attempts to reclaim his place in the rackets seem destined to lead him straight back to prison. (He hasn't even been out a week!) Writer-director Roemer peoples his film with a lot of non-actors who offer the necessary authenticity of the characters they are portraying and without the stiffness you sometimes find in performances from first-timers. Ben Lang is particularly good as the social climbing ex-brother-in-law who wants Harry's help in boosting his catering business. Margo Solin also impresses as Harry's younger model daughter who immediately understands that she has her prodigal father neatly under her thumb. While The Plot Against Harry might have seemed offputting in 1970, with its streetwise naturalistic style and unrepentantly Jewish sense of humor, now it feels like a forbear to work of Albert Brooks and Larry David (among others). As the camera slowly pulls back in the film's final shot, we see Harry standing in the middle of his kid's wedding, seemingly as lost and uncertain as the couple at the end of The Graduate. In this moment, I could almost hear the signature theme tune from Curb Your Enthusiasm kicking in before a final cut to black. Vital Disc Stats: The Blu-ray The initial limited run of The Plot Against Harry with a collectible slipcover has already sold out. No matter, the flick is still worth owning, and The Film Desk's standard keepcase still comes with a generous booklet featuring photos, critical writing from four different critics, and a piece by director Michael Roemer that introduced the published screenplay. The disc loads to a copyright warning and the Film Desk logo before landing on a full motion menu. If you stop the disc and restart, it will play the warning and logo again before offering the option to play from where you left off. Newly appointed Minister of Foreign Affairs Vijitha Herath assumed duties at the Ministry today (25 September 2024) at a simple ceremony. Foreign Secretary Aruni Wijewardane and senior officials of the Ministry were present. As a Member of Parliament, Minister Herath has represented the Gampaha District since 2000. He had also previously served as the Minister of Cultural Affairs & National Heritage. Minister Herath holds a Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Kelaniya. Ministry of Foreign Affairs Colombo 25 September 2024 James Cox Gardai in Crumlin have arrested one man following a stabbing incident in Ballymount, Dublin 12 on Wednesday evening. At approximately 9pm, gardai were alerted to an assault at an industrial estate in Ballymount. A man (aged in his 20s) received a stab wound during the course of an altercation with a second man. The injured man was taken to Tallaght University Hospital where he remains in a stable condition. A man, aged in his late teens, was arrested at the scene of the incident and is currently detained under Section 4 of the Criminal Justice Act, 1984, at a Garda station in Dublin. A weapon which is understood to have been used during the course of the incident was seized by gardai for a technical examination. Investigations are ongoing, gardai said. A new speed record has been set for completing the Appalachian Trail, according to media reports and the feat-tracking website fastestknowntime.com. Tara Dower finished the 2,189-mile trail southbound from Katahdin, Maine, to Springer Mountain, Georgia, on Sept. 21, in just 40 days, 18 hours and 6 minutes, the website states. Supported by a crew, Dower had set out Aug. 12. The site lists the previous fastest known time as set northbound in the summer of 2018 by Karel Sabbe, in 41 days, 7 hours and 39 minutes. Dower surpassed her goal, shared via social media, of raising $20,000 during the trek for the Charlotte, North Carolina-based nonprofit Girls on the Run International. Virginia-based Tara Dower, 31, on Sept. 21, 2024, completed the 2,189-mile Appalachian Trail in under 41 days, setting the fastest known time. Here, she is seen during her trek in a photo taken by friend Rascal.Courtesy photo | For lehighvalleylive.com Dower spoke with Easton-based Runners World magazine following her journey, saying her crew shares in her record and detailing the grueling schedule that kept her on pace. The 31-year-old is an ultra-runner and long-distance hiker originally from North Carolina and now based in Virginia, according to a profile by Outside. With a vertical gain of 465,000 feet, the Appalachian Trail is known for its scenic beauty but also challenging, rugged stretches. Pennsylvania is home to 229 miles of the trail, the fourth-longest stretch among the 14 states it passes through, according to the state Department of Conservation and Natural Resources. Another 72 miles cross through northern New Jersey. Our journalism needs your support. Please subscribe today to lehighvalleylive.com. Kurt Bresswein may be reached at kbresswein@lehighvalleylive.com. The most popular visitor attraction in Laois last year was Emo Court Parklands, clocking in a whopping 238,039 visitors at the site. Failte Ireland has published the results of its annual survey of attendance at Ireland's visitor attractions for 2023. The report released today shows a breakdown of how each county performed. County Laois pulled in a respective number of visitors in 2023 to some of its visitor attractions. It is worth noting that participation in the survey was voluntary and therefore it is not a complete record of all visitor attractions that were open in Laois in 2023. As well as Emo Court Parklands bringing in over 230,000 visitors at the site, Emo Court House also welcomed 337 visitors. The historical site the Rock of Dunamase greeted 48,832, while Timahoe Round Tower & Heritage Centre saw 15,000 visitors. READ NEXT: Daring abseil attempt in memory of Laois Credit Union manager Donaghmore Famine Workhouse Museum had 2,486 visitors and Ballykilcavan Farm and Brewery saw 2,126. Despite only being open for 2 months during last year, Abbeyleix Heritage House welcomed 1,000 visitors. Some key findings in the survey showed that visitor levels in 2023 were 95% of 2019 overall, and were higher than in 2022 (85%). The number of international visitors to Ireland has risen in 2023 to 57%, as attendance at visitor attractions continues to grow following the pandemic. Dublin hosted the greatest share of international visitors at 68%, while Irelands Hidden Heartlands experienced the biggest shift from 21% of international visitors in 2022 to 32% in 2023. Mountrath Town Team have secured over 315,000 in funding to improve and regenerate the town. Having worked with Laois County Council Town Regeneration Officer, Denise Rainey, to secure the funds, the team are encouraging local people to have their say and take part in their upcoming consultation events. In the past 12 months, in collaboration with Laois County Council, they have sourced the funding for a range of projects which aim to transform and regenerate and improve Mountrath. The largest sum secured by the team was 250,0000 under the Town & Village Renewal Scheme which will see improvements to the Town Square, enhanced public lighting in the town centre, improved landscaping and signage along the River Walk and Patrick Street and enhancements to the Farmers Market. A further 50,000 was secured under the Town & Village Project Development Measure to re-design the Town Square and 6,800 has been allocated under the Community Climate Action Fund for the provision of a bicycle repair station, rack and shelter in the centre of Mountrath. Meanwhile, a total of 10,000 in funding was awarded by the Irish Architecture Foundation Re-Imagine Project. This funding will be used for a design project to explore ways to enhance the White Horse River as an amenity in the town. Chairman of Mountrath Town Team, Mark Sheeran is determined to follow through on the plans for Mountrath. We are committed to implementing these schemes over the course of the next year. People living and visiting Mountrath will start to see real improvements in our town centre," he explained. Anyone who wants more information on any of the above, should contact Denise Rainey Town Regeneration officer with Laois County Council by emailing drainey@laoiscoco.ie. Consultation Clinics will be held in Mountrath over the course of the next year to get your feedback and input into the above schemes. The Town Team welcomes your opinions and would love to hear from residents, businesses, community groups and people who visit Mountrath." said Mark. Ms Rainey said that while the exact dates of the consultation clinics have yet to be confirmed, the consultation will likely take place next month for the Re-Imagine Project . She said the consultation for the redesign of Town Square won't take place until 2025. A daring vertical abseil will soon be attempted, in memory of a Laois Credit Union manager who died suddenly while at work. Colm Heslin managed Mountmellick Credit Union, where he took ill and died on October 11 2022, to the shock and grief of his family, his fiancee Michelle Kemmy, manager of Kildare Credit Union, and of his staff and friends in Mountmellick. It was all the more tragic because Colm's younger brother Ollie had died in a road crash just four months previously. Now Michelle's sister Edel is planning a heroic feat in Colm's honour, and to help others. Edel Kemmy from Kildare is asking for donations for the Irish Heart Foundation, ahead of her attempt to abseil down the Generator's Skyview Tower in Smithfield Square, Dublin 7. Edel launched her online fundraiser in late August. "In Loving Memory of my sisters fiance, Colm, Im taking on an abseil challenge in November in support of the Irish Heart Foundation. Please donate &/or share my page https://eventmaster.ie/fundraising/pages/EK72283369". She set herself a target to raise of 1,000 and in less than a month it received 840, along with many messages of support, including from Colm's former colleagues in Mountmellick. "Such a worthy cause. Colm is sorely missed," one colleague said. "Fair play Edel! We all miss him in MMCU x," another said. The Skyview tower in Smithfield is 60 metres tall, one of the tallest structures in Dublin. Previously a chimney for the Jameson Distillery, it is now topped by a glass viewing platform taken from a former air traffic control tower. Edel's abseil will be part of a group challenge on Saturday, November 2, with red heroes cape provided to everyone, all in aid of the charity. It is fully booked for participants. Each will have the help of experienced, qualified instructors to guide them through every step, with all safety equipment provided. Concerns have been raised to Kildare County Council (KCC) in relation to one section of the River Barrow in Monasterevin. Fine Gael councillor Kevin Duffy raised the concerns via a motion he submitted at the latest Kildare-Newbridge Municipal District meeting, which was held on Wednesday, September 18 last. His motion asked that the council 'prioritises the dredging of the River Barrow Special Area of Conservation (SAC) between the Monasterevin Town Bridge to the Passlands Bridge as part of the 2025 program given the significant in river overgrown that is impeding the navigation of the river.' The motion was seconded by Cllr Duffy's party colleague, Cllr Tracey O'Dwyer, and also found support in Social Democrats Cllr Pat Balfe and Fianna Fail Cllr Brian O'Loughlin. In response, KCC told Cllr Duffy via its report at the meeting: "Drainage maintenance works carried by KCC include: silt and vegetation management, aquatic vegetation cutting, bank protection, tree cutting, branch trimming, bridge and structural repairs, in specific drainage districts across the county. "In-stream works with machinery are limited to the months of July, August and September." KCC continued: "Due to the width and depth of the River Barrow, its designation as a SAC and limited access to the riparian zone, standard machine maintenance has not been possible in some sections. "To resolve this, KCC are piloting the use of a weed cutting boat on the Barrow this year. "Similar boats are used by Waterways Ireland. "Weed cutting, when carried out over a number of years, may reduce the likelihood of vegetation regrowth." KCC concluded: "The boat is currently working close to Dunrally Bridge (see photos) and is scheduled to move to Monasterevin in mid-September." A representative of KCC who was present at the meeting also told Cllr Duffy that if he had any more concerns, that they would take them to a KCC engineer. Fine Gael Cllr Kevin Duffy. Photograph credit: Facebook. USE ARROWS OR NEXT BUTTON TO SEE MORE Newbridge Musical Theatre (NMT) is thrilled to present our upcoming concert, Now Thats What I Call 80s!, taking place at the Riverbank Arts Centre on October 17 and 18. This exciting show will transport you back to the decade that gave us some of the most iconic music in history. With unforgettable performances of hits like Time After Time, Total Eclipse of the Heart, Girls Just Wanna Have Fun, Eye of the Tiger, and many more, this concert promises to be a celebration of 80s music, showcasing incredible local talent. Our members have been hard at work rehearsing to bring these beloved songs to the Riverbank stage, and we cant wait to share the results with you. As a community-driven local theatre group, we are proud to bring together performers and volunteers not just from Newbridge, but also from surrounding towns across County Kildare. Each year, we stage a large-scale musical production at Easter in Newbridge College Theatre. NMT is a proud member of the Association of Irish Musical Societies (AIMS), which represents over 130 musical societies across Ireland, involving around 14,000 people in the world of musical theatre and reaching an audience base of 1.2 million. The talent on the amateur musical scene in Ireland has gone from strength to strength in recent years. We are deeply connected to this thriving community, which is driven by a passion for performance, creativity, and community spirit. Aside from our Easter productions, we remain active throughout the year, hosting a range of fundraising and social events, such as concerts, table quizzes, coffee mornings, bake sales, and carol singing. These events not only help to support our productions but also offer our members a chance to connect with the local community and provide a great social outlet. Its a wonderful opportunity to meet new people and engage in something fun and fulfilling. We welcome everyone over the age of eighteen who is interested in joining uswhether on stage or behind the scenes! Were always looking for new members, so reach out to us on social media or at hello@ newbridgemusicaltheatre.com if youre interested. After much anticipation and with the recent release of rights for a show weve had our eye on for years, we are delighted to reveal that our 2025 production will be...The Witches of Eastwick! In collaboration with CAMERON MACKINTOSH LTD and Music Theatre International, we will bring this magical musical to life. Based on John Updikes novel and the 1987 film starring Jack Nicholson, Cher, Susan Sarandon, and Michelle Pfeiffer. Mark your calendarsthis spectacular production will take place April 21st to 26th, 2025, at Newbridge College Theatre. Now Thats What I Call the 80s! will be a true celebration of music, community, and nostalgia, and we cant wait to share it with you. Tickets are available now, so dont miss out on an incredible night of 80s hits performed by our talented cast. For more information and to book tickets, visit HERE.. We cant wait to welcome you to our upcoming showsboth Now Thats What I Call the 80s and The Witches of Eastwick! Thank you for your continued support, and we look forward to sharing more unforgettable performances with our local community! A Kildare secondary school pupil is one of two deaf students campaigning to have Irish Sign Language (ISL) made a Leaving Certificate examination subject. Shane Hamilton (17) from Kilcullen and Ellie Woods (18) from Clonee, Co Meath are both Leaving Certificate students at the Holy Family School for the Deaf in Dublins Cabra, and say they and other students who are users of ISL are being unfairly disadvantaged in the third level points race. The passing by the Oireachtas of the Irish Sign language Act of 2017 gave ISL official language status, alongside Irish and English, but it is not available as a Leaving Certificate exam subject. Chime, the national charity for deaf and hard of hearing people, says there are over 5,000 deaf and hard of hearing students in the Irish education system, with 95% of those in mainstream schooling. There are approximately 40,000 daily Deaf and hearing users of ISL. Currently, the State Examinations Commission (SEC) provides Leaving Certificate examinations in a range of what it refers to as non-curricular EU languages. These include Latvian, Romanian, Slovenian, Modern Greek, Finnish, Estonian, Slovakian, Swedish, Czech, Bulgarian, Hungarian, Danish, Dutch, Croatian and Maltese. The SEC states on its website that it is its policy to accede to requests to provide examinations for native speakers in their mother tongue in the case of national languages of EU states, as per Article 149 of the Treaty of Nice. The Irish Sign language Act requires that public services are available through ISL and also outlines the need for greater access to education through sign language. ISL is Shanes first language and says the campaign is about equal rights for deaf students. I learned ISL before English and it is an official language of the State. Surely it is only fair that I sit a Leaving Certificate examination in it? Other students get to sit an exam in their first language, he said. According to Ellie, provision of an ISL Leaving Certificate examination would remediate the fact that many deaf students are unable to learn Irish. It is about getting the points that deaf Leaving Certificate students deserve. A lot of colleges require a grade in Irish but many deaf students are unable to study it, she said. Both students hope to progress to third-level education. Shane has an ambition to study politics, while Ellie hopes at some point to work with deaf children in the area of early intervention. And they say that placing ISL on the Leaving Certificate curriculum would provide students who are not deaf the option of learning another practical language and gain an understanding of issues faced by the deaf and hard of hearing. Chime says ISL as a Leaving Certificate exam subject would also benefit family members who are not deaf but who have deaf parents and siblings. While my deafness is not a barrier to what I want to achieve, I need the support of a fair system, said Ellie. According to Brendan Lennon, Director of Advocacy, Research and Public Affairs at Chime, not having ISL on the Leaving Certificate curriculum clearly marginalises the deaf community, which is already under represented at third level. It is manifestly unfair and disadvantages deaf students because it means they cannot compete on the same basis as their peers for third level places and career opportunities. It is blatant inequality, he said. Aside from ignoring an indigenous Irish language, the failure to include ISL as a Leaving Certificate examination subject runs counter to the inclusivity and equality which should underpin education. Irish Sign Language Awareness Week 2024 takes place until Sunday, September 29. On Wednesday, September 25, Dail Eireann held a debate on the Carers Allowance Means Test. The personal toll of caring for a loved one was brought to the attention of the Dail by a Sligo-Leitrim TD. Carers Allowance is a means-tested payment, meaning eligibility depends on the applicant's income being below a certain threshold, assessed by the Department of Social Protection. For those caring for two or more people, the allowance is increased by 50 percent. However, if a person is receiving another social welfare payment, they may only qualify for the half-rate Carers Allowance. Many TDs and councillors have been calling for an abolition of the means test for Carers Allowance, arguing it is unfair and undermines the vital work of Irelands carers. More than 500,000 people in Ireland, or one in eight of the population are carers. Sligo-Leitrim TD Martin Kenny brought a local case to the attention of the Dail, and called for these carers in the North West to receive fair payment. Most of the people doing the care are female and are caring for the people they love. They are caring for a sibling, or an elderly parent or child, Deputy Kenny said. In many of those cases, they would do it even if money were taken off them, never mind if they got money. That needs to be recognised. Deputy Kenny discussed a local case involving a woman who has been caring for her child for 25 years, but is unable to access full Carers Allowance because income coming into the house from her husbands work exceeds the eligibility threshold. It causes such stress and hardship on that woman. I have seen her age significantly over the past decade because the child she cares for is deteriorating continuously, Deputy Kenny explained. It is the worry about all of that which is putting such a plight on her. The notion of carer's allowance and carer's benefit, and the amount of money put into those, is simply not adequate to reflect that support. We need to ensure that happens. The Minister of State needs to listen to what is happening here. We need to ensure that we provide for people into the future. The budget coming up in the next couple of days needs to deliver, Deputy Kenny concluded. In Family Carers Irelands pre-budget submission for 2025, the charity called to raise the weekly Carers Allowance income disregard to 1,250 for couples and 625 for single carers. Additionally, they have also advocated for the abolition of the means test and the introduction of a Family Carer Payment by 2027. As the upcoming Budget approaches on Tuesday, October 1, it is imperative for carers that the Government takes decisive action to ensure that support provided is fair and sufficient for more than half a million carers nationwide. READ NEXT - Leitrim house prices jump by 2.4pc in three months, latest figures show The Holey Soles Hill Walking Group, in collaboration with guide Dave Lawless, is hosting its annual Fr. Ed Memorial fundraiser on Sunday, 6th October. This years event will support the Warmi Huasi project in Peru, which works to improve the lives of vulnerable communities. Speaking about the event, Noirin Clancy from the Holey Soles group said, This walk is not just about coming together for a beautiful day outdoors; it's about making a real difference to peoples lives in Peru. All funds raised will go directly to support the Warmi Huasi project, which provides essential services to vulnerable families. The fundraiser offers two walking options, both set in the picturesque surroundings of Glenfarne, Co. Leitrim. Registration will take place at St. Michaels National School starting at 10:30 AM, with the hill walk beginning at 11:00 AM and the ramble at 11:15 AM. Theres no need to register beforehand, Clancy explains. Participants can simply turn up on the day, and well have everything set up to get everyone on their way. Its a fun, inclusive event thats open to all, whether youre an experienced hill walker or someone looking for a more gentle ramble. The 8km ramble along Barrs Line promises a relaxed walk with panoramic views of Glenfarne Valley, Thur Mountain, and Cuilcagh Mountain. According to Clancy, "Its the perfect route for those who want to take things a little easier while still enjoying the beautiful surroundings. You dont have to be a seasoned walker to enjoy this one. For those looking for a challenge, the 10km hill walk follows a historic route over Thur Mountain, providing sweeping views of Sliabh an Iarainn, Cuilcagh Mountain, and Lough MacNean. Walkers will be transported by minibus to McManus Quarry to begin the hike. This route holds a special significance, Clancy explains. It retraces the footsteps of local people from pre-famine times who carried coffins over the mountain to Kilmakerrill Graveyard. We walk this path today in solidarity with the people of Peru, who, like our ancestors, continue to show resilience in the face of hardship. After the walk, participants can enjoy a short film titled Kilmakerrill Graveyard, produced by Leitrim County Councils Heritage Office. The film tells the poignant story of the local history behind the route, says Clancy. Its a fitting way to end the day and reflect on the deeper connections between our past and the communities were supporting in Peru. All donations raised will go directly to the Warmi Huasi project. Every cent raised on the day will help the people of Peru," Clancy emphasizes. "For those who cant join us, theres still the opportunity to contribute through our Eventbrite page, where people can 'buy a ticket' and support the cause remotely. For more information on the Warmi Huasi project, visit www.warmihuasi.org. To learn more about the event, check out www.leitrimhillwalking.org. By joining this walk, participants will not only experience the beauty of Glenfarne but also make a tangible difference to communities in need. Gardai are appealing for witnesses following the death of a cyclist in a fatal road traffic collision in Monaghan in the early hours of Saturday morning. Gardai and emergency services were alerted to a "single vehicle road traffic collision involving a male pedal cyclist" near Gort an Teannal, Knockatallon, at approximately 1.15am on Saturday, September 21. The cyclist, aged in his 30s was seriously injured and removed from the scene to Enniskillen Hospital. He passed away soon after, on the night of Tuesday, September 24. Read Also: Man hospitalised following 'serious' stabbing incident at industrial estate in Dublin Gardai are appealing for any witnesses to this collision to come forward. Any road users who may have camera footage (including dash-cam) and were travelling in the area at the time of the incident, are asked to make this footage available to investigating Gardai. Anyone with any information is asked to contact Monaghan Garda Station on 047 77 200, the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111, or any Garda Station. Gardai have received footage of violent disorder in Dublin which was first broadcast during an RTE documentary. They are examining the footage to see if charges can be brought against further individuals involved in the unrest. The site of the former Crown Paints factory in Coolock, Dublin, was subjected to a blockade for more than 100 days after it was earmarked for use to accommodate asylum seekers. In the early hours of Monday July 15, the Public Order Unit assisted the owner of the site to regain access to the property. He was accompanied by security and maintenance workers. The Public Order Unit left the scene hours later at 7am. Soon thereafter, tensions escalated at the site and a digger and mattresses were burned. The public order unit was later redeployed to the site but security staff at the building had been injured during the intervening period. Thirty-four people have been arrested and 26 people have appeared before the courts charged with offences. RTE Investigates broadcast footage from the unrest last week showing workers at the site expressing frustration in the response time of Gardai to their calls for assistance, following shouts of racist abuse and the throwing of projectiles. The footage included what appeared to be bodyworn cameras worn by security on the site on the day. On Thursday, Commissioner Drew Harris said gardai received the footage which was shown in the documentary. He had previously said that he first saw the footage during the RTE broadcast. He said gardai would now assess whether the footage would relate to people who had already been charged or could be used as evidence for additional resources. Speaking at a meeting of the Policing Authority, he said 7am would have been the normal finishing time for the public order unit after working through the night In hindsight and a lot of things are very clear in hindsight that wasnt the correct decision given what subsequently developed, he said. Elsewhere, authority member Paul Mageean asked for clarity as to when gardai were informed the contractor wanted to re-enter the site on July 15. He said he had been told at a previous meeting that gardai had been given only five days notice, on July 10. However, the documentary shows that the contractor met the local superintendent about the matter weeks before that date. Assistant commissioner for Dublin Metropolitan Region Angela Willis acknowledged a meeting with the contractor and superintendent did occur on June 12, but said the July 15 target for commencing works was put forward only as a tentative date. However, she said many things had to happen before assuring the security for the work would be put in place for the July 15 date. There was an agreement there would be a minimum of seven days notice provided of any intended works to commence to the gardai in Coolock to enable relevant planning to take place, she said. She said the next time the contractor contacted the superintendent was on July 10, where he expressed his desire to move into the site on July 15. The superintendent expressed concern that it was very short notice and that he may not be in a position to have an appropriate amount of resources. She said there were competing demands in the city including at Croke Park and the 3Arena. RTE has handed over documentary footage featuring public disorder to gardai following receipt of a court order. The Garda Commissioner said he had received the footage of the violent disorder in Dublin which was first broadcast in an RTE Investigates documentary last week. Gardai are examining the footage to see if charges can be brought against further individuals involved in the unrest. The site of the former Crown Paints factory in Coolock, Dublin, was subjected to a blockade for more than 100 days after it was earmarked for use to accommodate asylum seekers. In the early hours of Monday July 15, the Public Order Unit assisted the owner of the site to regain access to the property. He was accompanied by security and maintenance workers. The Public Order Unit left the scene hours later at 7am. Soon thereafter, tensions escalated at the site and a digger and mattresses were burned. The public order unit was later redeployed to the site but security staff at the building had been injured during the intervening period. Thirty-four people have been arrested and 26 people have appeared before the courts charged with offences. RTE Investigates broadcast footage from the unrest last week showing workers at the site expressing frustration in the response time of Gardai to their calls for assistance, following shouts of racist abuse and the throwing of projectiles. The footage included what appeared to be bodyworn cameras worn by security on the site on the day. On Thursday, Commissioner Drew Harris said gardai received the footage which was shown in the documentary. He had previously said that he first saw the footage during the RTE broadcast. He said gardai would now assess whether the footage would relate to people who had already been charged or could be used as evidence for additional resources. In a statement, RTE said: Following the receipt of a court order, RTE can confirm it has provided An Garda Siochana with footage it recorded inside the former Crown Paint factory for the recent RTE Investigates documentary, while fulfilling its journalistic obligations to protect sources. The RTE Investigates documentary demonstrated a clear public interest in highlighting the use of disinformation to initiate violence, showing the extent of how the state has, at times, struggled to respond when these protests have gotten out of control, and raises questions around freedom of speech and intimidation of immigrants, journalists, business people, volunteers and the An Garda Siochana themselves. Speaking at a meeting of the Policing Authority on Thursday, Mr Harris said 7am would have been the normal finishing time for the public order unit after working through the night In hindsight, and a lot of things are very clear in hindsight, that wasnt the correct decision given what subsequently developed, he said. Elsewhere, authority member Paul Mageean asked for clarity as to when gardai were informed the contractor wanted to re-enter the site on July 15. He said he had been told at a previous meeting that gardai had been given only five days notice, on July 10. However, the documentary shows that the contractor met the local superintendent about the matter weeks before that date. Assistant commissioner for Dublin Metropolitan Region Angela Willis acknowledged a meeting with the contractor and superintendent did occur on June 12, but said the July 15 target for commencing works was put forward only as a tentative date. However, she said many things had to happen before assuring the security for the work would be put in place for the July 15 date. There was an agreement there would be a minimum of seven days notice provided of any intended works to commence to the gardai in Coolock to enable relevant planning to take place, she said. She said the next time the contractor contacted the superintendent was on July 10, where he expressed his desire to move into the site on July 15. The superintendent expressed concern that it was very short notice and that he may not be in a position to have an appropriate amount of resources. She said there were competing demands in the city including at Croke Park and the 3Arena. A man has appeared in court charged in connection with the hijacking of a car and the abduction of a baby girl. Noel Ryan, 47, of no fixed abode, appeared before Dublin District Court on Thursday. The court heard that the babys mother was taking the buggy from the boot of the car when the incident happened at Mountjoy Square West in the capital on Monday. Ryan is accused of unlawfully taking the baby girl from the lawful control of her mother and the unlawful seizure of a vehicle. Detective Garda Paul Griffin, of Mountjoy Garda Station, told the Dublin court that Ryan was charged with the offences shortly after 3pm on Thursday. He made no reply to the charges. He told the court that at around 1.45pm on Monday, the five-month-old baby was sitting in the rear seat of the vehicle while her mother was removing the buggy from the boot of the car. It was alleged that the vehicle was taken by force from the mother while the baby was inside the car. It is alleged that Ryan entered the vehicle and drove off. The car was then recovered at around 4pm later that day. The court heard that the baby was in the car and unharmed. Mr Griffin said there was objection to bail, however the accuseds solicitor Eoin Lysaght said there was no application for bail. Mr Lysaght said there was also an application for legal aid, which was granted. Judge Gerard Jones adjourned the case until October 3, with Ryan appearing before Cloverhill Court. Epicenter Bolsters AI Strategy with Appointment of Veteran Tech Leader Babita Tomar as Chief Strategy Officer MUMBAI, India, Sept. 25, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Epicenter, a tech-driven customer experience management firm, is deepening its investment in digital transformation and artificial intelligence with the addition of an experienced Chief Strategy Officer. Babita Tomar is joining Epicenter to lead the practical application of artificial intelligence in augmenting the call center operations and business process outsourcing needs of their customers. Epicenter's focus on customer-centricity and human-centric design enables it to deliver transformative outcomes... For the last 20 years, Ms. Tomar has been helping major financial institutions and technology companies to deploy analytics to improve operations, while deepening their understanding and measurement of the customer experience. Working with companies like Wells Fargo and Amazon Web Services, her role in deploying analytics teams, and leading organization transformations makes her a powerful addition to the Epicenter team. "We are lucky to be adding such an experienced officer to our ranks. We have always had a focus on technology, and Babita will focus on the strategic use of AI/ML technologies to provide maximum impact across our organization," expressed Epicenter CEO - Rajesh Thankappan. In Epicenter, she will drive projects to identify and bring together the data needed to deploy machine learning and advanced data analytics, with the goal of providing end users/consumers with a better experience working with call center agents. With her help, we will identify opportunities to maintain our competitive advantages in technology through the application of artificial intelligence. "I am very excited to take on new challenges that will directly impact both the consumers we service and our enterprise customers who place their trust in us as an extension of their business. Through my decades of experience, I have been responsible for the practical application of technology to finance and technology businesses. Working in the BPO space will provide new challenges, and the opportunity to apply my experience to gain traction and quickly make an impact at Epicenter," said Ms. Tomar. About Epicenter: Epicenter is a global partner in business transformation, leveraging over two decades of expertise to drive innovation and operational excellence. It specializes in cutting-edge technology solutions and data-driven strategies that optimize processes, costs, and revenue streams. Epicenter's focus on customer-centricity and human-centric design enables it to deliver transformative outcomes for Global Fortune 500 companies across diverse industries. For More Information: www.epicenter.tech | Follow us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/epicentertech SOURCE Epicenter 25 september 2024 at 18:32 News published onand distributed by: O2Gold Announces AGM Results TORONTO, Sept. 25, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- O2Gold Inc. (TSX-V: OTGO) ("O2Gold" or the "Company") is pleased to announce the results of its annual and special meeting of shareholders ("AGM") held on Wednesday, September 25, 2024 in Toronto, Canada. AGM Results The nominees listed in the Company's management information circular dated August 23, 2024 (the "Circular"), which was mailed to O2Gold shareholders of record as of August 26, 2024, were elected to the board of directors of the Company to hold office until the next annual meeting of shareholders or until their successors are duly appointed or elected. Nominee Percentage of Votes For Percentage of Votes Against Scott Moore 74.90% 25.10% Kam Gill 99.93% 0.07% Roger Lemaitre 76.20% 23.80% A total of 11,067,073 common shares were voted at the AGM, representing approximately 40.33% of the issued and outstanding common shares of the Company. In addition, O2Gold shareholders received the audited consolidated financial statements of the Company for the year ended December 31, 2023, and approved all of the other resolutions detailed in the Circular and put forward at the AGM, namely: Re-appointing McGovern Hurley LLP as auditor of the Company for the ensuing year; Approving the proposed omnibus incentive plan of the Company (the " Omnibus Plan "), to be implemented upon completion of the uplisting of the Company's common shares from the NEX board of the TSX Venture Exchange (" TSXV ") to Tier 2 of the TSXV (the " Uplist "); "), to be implemented upon completion of the uplisting of the Company's common shares from the NEX board of the TSX Venture Exchange (" ") to Tier 2 of the TSXV (the " "); Re-approving the existing stock option plan of the Company, which will remain in effect if the Uplist is not completed or the Omnibus Plan is otherwise not implemented; and Approving the acquisition of a gold mining exploration property in Quebec through the acquisition of all of the issued and outstanding securities of Quebec Aur Ltd. from its shareholders, one of which is a related party (as such term is defined in MI 61-101 Protection of Minority Security Holders in Special Transactions) of the Company. The Circular is available under O2Gold's profile on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca. About O2Gold O2Gold is a mineral exploration company. For additional information, please contact: Scott Moore, Chief Executive Officer Phone: (416) 861-1685 Email: [email protected] Cautionary Notes Certain of the information contained in this news release may constitute ?forward-looking statements' within the meaning of applicable securities laws. Such forward-looking statements, including (but not limited to) statements with respect to the election and appointment of directors and the Uplist, involve risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause the actual results to be materially different from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Such factors include, among others, obtaining regulatory approvals. Although the Company has attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in forward-looking statements, there may be other factors that cause results not to be as anticipated, estimated or intended. There can be no assurance that such statements will prove to be accurate, as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements. The Company does not undertake to update any forward-looking statements, except in accordance with applicable securities laws. NEITHER TSX VENTURE EXCHANGE NOR ITS REGULATION SERVICES PROVIDER (AS THAT TERM IS DEFINED IN THE POLICIES OF THE TSX VENTURE EXCHANGE) ACCEPTS RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE ADEQUACY OR ACCURACY OF THIS RELEASE. 25 september 2024 at 21:00 News published onand distributed by: Arizona Sonoran Appoints Nick Hayduk as VP Corporate Development, General Counsel and Corporate Secretary Arizona Sonoran Copper Company Inc. (TSX:ASCU | OTCQX:ASCUF) ("ASCU" or the "Company") today announces the appointment of Mr. Nicholas (Nick) Hayduk as VP Corporate Development, General Counsel and Corporate Secretary complementing the team with a wide-range of Corporate Development and General Counsel expertise for the metals and mining industry. Effective October 1, 2024, Mr. Hayduk will replace Ms. Rita Adiani who will be leaving the Company following a two-week transition period. The Company wishes Ms. Adiani success in her future role. George Ogilvie, Arizona Sonoran President and CEO commented, "I am delighted to be re-united with Nick after working so successfully with him at Battle North Gold prior to its sale to Evolution Mining. His extensive experience providing strategic and legal advice to established mining and metals companies will be an asset to the team as we build and derisk Arizona's low-risk copper developer through technical studies, and towards final investment decision. I'd like to thank Rita for her good work steering the Company through the IPO in 2021 and being instrumental in giving the Company other strategic alternatives. The Board and I wish her every success in her future endeavours." Nick Hayduk has been a corporate lawyer for over 23 years, including 16 years in senior management and executive roles at publicly traded mining companies. Most recently, Nick was Chief Legal Officer, Vice President Corporate Affairs and Corporate Secretary at Excellon Resources Inc., and previously he was Vice President, General Counsel and Corporate Secretary at Battle North Gold Corporation, Senior Vice President, Chief Legal Officer at Lundin Mining Corporation, Senior Vice President and General Counsel at Kinross Gold Corporation, General Counsel, Operations ? Canada and U.S. at Goldcorp Inc. and General Counsel, Canada at Placer Dome. Nick's experience in these roles includes corporate governance best practices, securities and other regulatory compliance, public M&A and private asset transactions valued at over US$18 billion, public equity and debt offerings raising over US$3 billion, senior secured credit facilities of up to US$1.5 billion, multi-national joint-ventures, a wide variety of domestic and international contracts, litigation management, global compliance programs, enterprise risk management, and land title and mineral tenure management. His other professional activities have included being a member of the Advisory Group to the UN Global Compact Network Canada for its Guide for General Counsel ? How to influence the board of directors to drive sustainability and the Steering Committee for the European Commission's Feasibility Study for EU-Canada Mineral Cooperation. Prior to joining the mining industry, Nick practiced corporate law at Blake, Cassels & Graydon LLP. Nick is licensed by the Law Society of Ontario, Canada. He holds a Master of Business Administration in Finance and a Law Degree from Dalhousie University, in addition to a Bachelor of Arts in Economics and History from the University of Alberta. About Arizona Sonoran Copper Company (www.arizonasonoran.com) ASCU's objective is to become a mid-tier copper producer with low operating costs and to develop the Cactus and Parks/Salyer Projects that could generate robust returns for investors and provide a long term sustainable and responsible operation for the community and all stakeholders. The Company's principal asset is a 100% interest in the Cactus Project (former ASARCO, Sacaton mine) which is situated on private land in an infrastructure-rich area of Arizona. Contiguous to the Cactus Project is the Company's 100%-owned Parks/Salyer deposit that could allow for a phased expansion of the Cactus Mine once it becomes a producing asset. The Company is led by an executive management team and Board which have a long-standing track record of successful project delivery in North America complemented by global capital markets expertise. Forward-Looking Statements Forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause the actual results, performance or achievements of ASCU to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements. Factors that could affect the outcome include, among others: future prices and the supply of metals; the results of drilling; inability to raise the money necessary to incur the expenditures required to retain and advance the properties; environmental liabilities (known and unknown); general business, economic, competitive, political and social uncertainties; results of exploration programs; accidents, labour disputes and other risks of the mining industry; political instability, terrorism, insurrection or war; or delays in obtaining governmental approvals, projected cash operating costs, failure to obtain regulatory or shareholder approvals. Although ASCU has attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual actions, events or results to differ materially from those described in forward-looking statements, there may be other factors that cause actions, events or results to differ from those anticipated, estimated or intended. Forward-looking statements contained herein are made as of the date of this news release and ASCU disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or results or otherwise, except as required by applicable securities laws. 26 september 2024 at 06:35 News published onand distributed by: Surge Copper Completes 2024 Field Program and Provides Corporate Update Vancouver, British Columbia, Sept. 26, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Surge Copper Corp. (TSXV: SURG) (OTCQB: SRGXF) (Frankfurt: G6D2) ("Surge" or the "Company") is pleased to announce the successful completion of its 2024 field program at its 100%-owned Berg and Ootsa copper-molybdenum-precious metals projects located in central British Columbia. Field crews have now been demobilized, and with the conclusion of physical operations, the Company is ramping down associated expenditures as it transitions into the data analysis and reporting phase. 2024 Field Program Highlights Completed a total of 13 diamond drill holes for 5,054 metres: At the Berg Project, 10 holes were drilled for a total of 3,707 metres within the main Berg deposit, with an additional 450-metre hole testing the Berg SW exploration target. At the Ootsa Project, two holes were drilled for a total of 897 metres, targeting the copper-gold porphyry zone discovered in 2022, northeast of the Seel deposit (see January 9, 2023 press release). All 10 holes at the Berg deposit are expected to support resource definition and conversion of Inferred resources to higher confidence categories. Six of the Berg deposit holes underwent downhole geotechnical testing, including Packer tests, piezometer installations, and televiewer surveys, supporting pre-feasibility mining studies. Core samples will also undergo geochemical analysis and acid-base accounting test work during the winter, supporting ARD/ML environmental baseline and pre-feasibility studies on waste rock management. An environmental baseline data collection program was initiated across the project area to bolster previously completed database efforts. A pre-feasibility level metallurgy program is ongoing and slated for completion in early 2025. Assay results from all drill holes will be released once data are received, verified, and interpreted. Leif Nilsson, Chief Executive Officer, commented: "We're pleased with how efficiently this year's field program progressed. We achieved all the critical objectives, and thanks to high productivity and favourable weather conditions, we exceeded our original drilling target. I would like to extend my sincere gratitude to all the employees and contractors whose hard work and dedication contributed to this successful program. We look forward to providing further updates as we analyze the results in the coming months." Annual General Meeting The Company held its Annual General Meeting on September 25, 2024. All proposed resolutions, as described in the notice of the meeting and information circular dated August 13, 2024, were approved by the shareholders of the Company. Qualified Person Dr. Shane Ebert P.Geo., is the Qualified Person for the Berg Project and the Ootsa Property as defined by National Instrument 43-101 - Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects ("NI 41-101") and has approved the technical and scientific disclosure contained in this news release. About Surge Copper Corp. Surge Copper Corp. is a Canadian company that is advancing an emerging critical metals district in a well-developed region of British Columbia, Canada. The Company owns a large, contiguous mineral claim package that hosts multiple advanced porphyry deposits with pit-constrained NI 43-101 compliant resources of copper, molybdenum, gold, and silver ? metals which are critical inputs to the low-carbon energy transition and associated electrification technologies. The Company owns a 100% interest in the Berg Project, for which it announced a maiden PEA in June 2023 outlining a large-scale, long-life project with a simple design and high outputs of critical minerals located in a safe jurisdiction near world-class infrastructure. The PEA highlights base case economics including an NPV8% of C$2.1 billion and an IRR of 20% based on long-term commodity prices of US$4.00/lb copper, US$15.00/lb molybdenum, US$23.00/oz silver, and US$1,800/oz gold. The Berg deposit contains pit-constrained 43-101 compliant resources of copper, molybdenum, silver, and gold in the Measured, Indicated, and Inferred categories. The Company also owns a 100% interest in the Ootsa Property, an advanced-stage exploration project containing the Seel and Ox porphyry deposits located adjacent to the open pit Huckleberry Copper Mine, owned by Imperial Metals. The Ootsa Property contains pit-constrained NI 43-101 compliant resources of copper, gold, molybdenum, and silver in the Measured, Indicated, and Inferred categories. On Behalf of the Board of Directors "Leif Nilsson" Chief Executive Officer For further information, please contact: Riley Trimble, Corporate Communications & Development Telephone: +1 604 416 2978 Email: [email protected] Twitter: @SurgeCopper LinkedIn: Surge Copper Corp https://www.surgecopper.com Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. This News Release contains forward-looking statements, which relate to future events. In some cases, you can identify forward-looking statements by terminology such as "will", "may", "should", "expects", "plans", or "anticipates" or the negative of these terms or other comparable terminology. All statements included herein, other than statements of historical fact, are forward-looking statements, including but not limited to: the commencement of drilling at the Berg Project and the timing thereof; the surface exploration work at the Berg Project and the timing thereof; the size and focus of the exploration drill program at the Berg deposit; the potential for program expansion based on initial results of the exploration drill program; the objectives of the drill hole design; the use of proceeds from the Top-Up Offering; and the Company's plans regarding the Berg Project and the Ootsa Property. These statements are only predictions and involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties, and other factors that may cause the Company's actual results, level of activity, performance, or achievements to be materially different from any future results, levels of activity, performance, or achievements expressed or implied by these forward-looking statements. Such uncertainties and risks may include, among others, actual results of the Company's exploration activities being different than those expected by management, delays in obtaining or failure to obtain required government or other regulatory approvals, the ability to obtain adequate financing to conduct its planned exploration programs, inability to procure labour, equipment, and supplies in sufficient quantities and on a timely basis, equipment breakdown, impacts of the current coronavirus pandemic, and bad weather. While these forward-looking statements, and any assumptions upon which they are based, are made in good faith and reflect the Company's current judgment regarding the direction of its business, actual results will almost always vary, sometimes materially, from any estimates, predictions, projections, assumptions, or other future performance suggestions herein. Except as required by applicable law, the Company does not intend to update any forward-looking statements to conform these statements to actual results. 26 september 2024 at 07:00 News published onand distributed by: Pan American Energy Announces Board and Management Changes CALGARY, Alberta, Sept. 26, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Pan American Energy Corp. (CSE: PNRG | OTCQB: PAANF | FRA: SS60) ("Pan American" or the "Company"), an exploration stage company engaged principally in the acquisition, exploration and development of mineral properties containing battery metals in North America, announces that Mr. Jason Latkowcer has resigned as Chief Executive Officer and Director of the Company in order to pursue other interests. Mr. Latkowcer will continue to support the Company through an advisory role. Mr. Paul Gorman, a seasoned executive, will assume the role of Interim CEO. Mr. Gorman is a resource sector-focused corporate specialist with over 25 years of experience in junior mining finance, public listings, viability assessment, and the operational rationalization of several emerging-growth public companies. For 18 years, he served as President and Managing Partner of Riverbank Capital, working with small-cap companies to assist in financing, property, and profile development. Paul was instrumental in raising over $85 million of capital, and in developing plans for ongoing sustainable business growth. He was instrumental in revitalizing the junior graphite space in North America in 2008 by funding Industrial Minerals Inc, which became Northern Graphite and assisting four other graphite companies in an advisory role. Paul founded Mega Graphite Inc. in 2009 and has served as chief executive for three other companies. He is currently the Chief Executive Officer of Reflex Advanced Materials Corp and the Interim Chief Executive Officer of Traction Uranium Corp. Sean Kingsley, Director of the Company, comments, "On behalf of the Board of Directors, shareholders, and the entire management team, we extend our sincere gratitude to Jason for his exemplary leadership and tireless dedication to Pan American Energy. Under his guidance, the Company achieved significant milestones, including multiple successful financings, strategic project acquisitions, and the spin-out of Legacy Lithium, which led to a subsequent asset sale. Jason was also instrumental in establishing key partnerships, and fostering strong collaborations with industry partners, enabling the Company to secure several non-dilutive grant funding opportunities. His contributions to resource exploration and development, including the ongoing mineral resource estimate and metallurgical testing in Ontario, have positioned the Company for continued success. We wish Jason the very best in his future endeavors." The Company would also like to announce the resignation of Mr. William Gibbs from the Board of Directors and would like to thank him for his service. About Pan American Energy Corp. Pan American Energy Corp. (CSE: PNRG) (OTCQB: PAANF) (FSE: SS60) is an exploration stage company engaged principally in the acquisition, exploration and development of mineral properties containing battery metals in North America. The Company has executed an option agreement in Canada with Magabra Resources pursuant to which it has acquired a 75% interest in the Big Mack Lithium Project, 80 km north of Kenora, Ontario. The Company can earn an additional 15% interest in Big Mack, for a total of 90% interest. To register for investor updates, please visit https://panam-energy.com. On Behalf of the Board of Directors: Paul Gorman CEO Contact: Phone: (587) 885-5970 Email: [email protected] Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements This news release contains certain forward-looking statements within the meaning of applicable securities laws. All statements that are not historical facts, including without limitation, statements regarding future estimates, plans, programs, forecasts, projections, objectives, assumptions, expectations or beliefs of future performance, are "forward-looking statements." These forward-looking statements reflect the expectations or beliefs of management of the Company based on information currently available to it. Forward-looking statements are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties, including those detailed from time to time in filings made by the Company with securities regulatory authorities, which may cause actual outcomes to differ materially from those discussed in the forward-looking statements. These factors should be considered carefully and readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on such forward-looking statements. The forward-looking statements and information contained in this news release are made as of the date hereof and the Company undertakes no obligation to update publicly or revise any forward-looking statements or information, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, unless so required by applicable securities laws. The CSE has neither approved nor disapproved the information contained herein. 26 september 2024 at 08:00 News published onand distributed by: Phenom Resources Corp. to Present at the Battery and Precious Metals Virtual Investor Conference October 2nd VANCOUVER, British Columbia, Sept. 26, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Phenom Resources Corp. (TSX-V: PHNM) (OTCQX: PHNMF) (FSE: 1PY0) ("Phenom" or the "Company"), focused on gold and vanadium in Nevada, today announced that Paul Cowley, President & CEO, will present live at the Battery and Precious Metals Virtual Investor Conference, hosted by VirtualInvestorConferences.com, on October 2nd, 2024. DATE: October 2nd TIME: 10:30am EST LINK: https://bit.ly/3z584tW Available for 1x1 meetings This will be a live, interactive online event where investors are invited to ask the company questions in real-time. If attendees are not able to join the event live on the day of the conference, an archived webcast will also be made available after the event. It is recommended that online investors pre-register and run the online system check to expedite participation and receive event updates. Learn more about the event at www.virtualinvestorconferences.com Recent Company Highlights Phenom to Drill Crescent Valley Gold Project in October Phenom Reports Strong Gold Results from its Dobbin Gold Project, Nevada Phenom Shares Historic Drill Results from its King Solomon Gold Project, Nevada About Phenom Resources Corp. Phenom has 100% interest in the Carlin Gold-Vanadium Project, located in Elko County, 6 miles south from the town of Carlin, Nevada and Highway I-80 which hosts the Carlin Vanadium deposit, North America's largest highest grade primary vanadium resource. The Project lies within the prolific Carlin Gold Trend. Approximately 9 million ounces comprised of multiple gold deposits, including past producing mines, are present near the Phenom property (5-15km). The Company has options on three gold projects in Nevada, the King Solomon and Dobbin Properties which are Carlin Gold-type targets and the Crescent Valley Property, a Bonanza high grade gold vein-type target. About Virtual Investor Conferences Virtual Investor Conferences (VIC) is the leading proprietary investor conference series that provides an interactive forum for publicly traded companies to seamlessly present directly to investors. Providing a real-time investor engagement solution, VIC is specifically designed to offer companies more efficient investor access. Replicating the components of an on-site investor conference, VIC offers companies enhanced capabilities to connect with investors, schedule targeted one-on-one meetings and enhance their presentations with dynamic video content. Accelerating the next level of investor engagement, Virtual Investor Conferences delivers leading investor communications to a global network of retail and institutional investors. CONTACTS: Phenom Resources Corp. Paul Cowley CEO & President (604) 340-7711 [email protected] www.phenomresources.com Virtual Investor Conferences John M. Viglotti SVP Corporate Services, Investor Access OTC Markets Group (212) 220-2221 [email protected] 26 september 2024 at 08:35 News published onand distributed by: Trulioo and Airwallex Expand Global Partnership Trulioo, an industry-leading identity platform with proven global coverage for person and business verification, today announced its partnership expansion with Airwallex, a leading global payments and financial platform for modern businesses. Since the two joined forces in 2017, Airwallex has integrated Trulioo Identity Document Verification, Business Verification and Person Match to achieve compliance and robust fraud prevention across 181 countries. Airwallex recently announced it surpassed $100 billion in annual processing volume and achieved an annual run rate of nearly $500 million. The global fintech platform maintains more than 60 licenses and permits across the globe, including money transmitter licenses in 42 U.S. jurisdictions. Airwallex adheres to regulations set by, among others, the Monetary Authority of Singapore, the Australian Securities and Investments Commission, the Financial Transactions and Reports Analysis Centre of Canada, the Financial Conduct Authority of the U.K. and the Dutch Central Bank. Airwallex relies on advanced verification technology from Trulioo to navigate a complex, global regulatory landscape. Since integrating Person Match and Identity Document Verification in the APAC region in 2017, Airwallex has extended its use of Trulioo capabilities to the Americas and Europe. In 2022, the partnership expanded with the integration of Trulioo Business Verification to streamline verifying businesses and their beneficial owners. "Trulioo delivers a dynamic solution, enabling Airwallex to adapt our identity workflows over time to outpace fraud and maintain compliance," said Elliot Colquhoun, vice president, IT & Information Security at Airwallex. "Partners like Trulioo are essential to effectively identify and block fraud so that we can ensure the security of over 100,000 global businesses while allowing legitimate transactions to proceed without interruption." Across the 181 countries in which the companies have partnered, Trulioo has verified passports from 162 countries, ID cards from 119 countries and 104 types of driver's licenses for Airwallex. In 2024, Airwallex achieved significant improvements in automatic document verification that led to a reduction in median processing times. "We take pride in supporting Airwallex's remarkable global expansion," said Steve Munford, Trulioo CEO. "Our cutting-edge verification technology has empowered Airwallex to confidently enter new markets, meet stringent regulatory requirements and build trust and safety. This collaboration goes beyond technology. It's a relationship built on flexibility, innovation and a commitment to navigating the complexities of compliance and fraud prevention across the globe." With flexible integration options from Trulioo, including a modern API and a hosted image-capture SDK, Airwallex can quickly adjust its verification workflows to comply with evolving regulations. That agility is crucial for supporting the company's continuous, rapid international expansion. For more information about Trulioo, please visit trulioo.com. About Trulioo Trulioo is the world's identity platform, trusted by leading companies for their verification needs. Offering business and person verification across the globe, Trulioo covers 195 countries and can verify more than 14,000 ID documents and 700 million business entities while checking against more than 6,000 watchlists. Its comprehensive suite of in-house capabilities, integrated across a single automated platform, powers customizable onboarding workflows tailored to meet any market requirement. Combining its state-of-the-art technology with expert verification knowledge across diverse markets, Trulioo enables the highest verification assurance levels, optimizing onboarding costs and fostering trust in the global digital economy. About Airwallex Airwallex is a leading global financial platform for modern businesses, offering trusted solutions to manage everything from payments, treasury, and spend management to embedded finance. With our proprietary infrastructure, Airwallex takes the friction out of global payments and financial operations, empowering businesses of all sizes to unlock new opportunities and grow beyond borders. Proudly founded in Melbourne, Airwallex supports over 100,000 businesses globally and is trusted by brands such as Brex, Rippling, Navan, Qantas, SHEIN and many more. For more information, visit www.airwallex.com. 26 september 2024 at 09:05 News published onand distributed by: Siemens Launches Digital Decarbonization Tool at Climate Week NYC to Help Simplify the Path to Net-Zero Facilities Siemens Financial Services launched the Decarbonization Business Optimizer (DBOtm), a cloud-based tool created to help address the overwhelming complexity of decarbonizing buildings and the financing needed to get to net-zero emissions. The DBO is a free, digital web tool that removes the initial knowledge barrier and uncovers more efficient strategies to help decarbonize a company's facilities. The scenario modeling and optimization tool aggregates and leverages data from relevant governmental agencies including the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE), the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), and the DOE's National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL). "Companies, specifically those in the supply chain, are increasingly asked to report their carbon footprint to their customers -- yet many do not know where to begin," said Anthony Casciano, President and CEO of Siemens Financial Services, Inc. "The DBO addresses these barriers by taking action and puts companies of all sizes, and at all stages, in a better position to create long-term value, accelerating participation in the transition to net-zero emissions." The DBO generates cost effective decarbonization scenarios for each facility using the address, facility size and type (for example, a hospital, office building, manufacturing plant, etc.). The estimated carbon footprint calculated for the facility, as well as the energy cost, is based on data relevant to its geographic location, enabling a more accurate estimate than using country-wide averages. The tool also considers site-specific data such as the annual energy use or load profile, if available, to generate an even more accurate result. "A lack of data sometimes can deter companies from initiating a sustainability strategy," said Lee Evangelakos from American Industrial Partners (AIP). "As an initial tester, we found that the DBO tool is a great way to get started in estimating facility footprints. The tool enables industrial businesses to think through the building blocks of their emissions profiles and how they could begin to take action towards decarbonization." Users can discover and choose a combination of generation and storage technologies that makes the most sense for their site such as solar panels, combined heat and power (CHP), thermal energy storage, battery storage, and more. Customized decarbonization scenarios can also be generated based on a desire for specific technologies, resilience to grid outages, or a maximum budget, enabling data-driven decarbonization decision making. The tool also provides a summary of estimated return on investment (ROI). "Trusted data sets coupled with credible modeling and analysis tools are vital in the complex decision-making process to achieve a clean energy future," said Roderick Jackson, Laboratory Program Manager for Building Technologies at NREL. "NREL-developed tools are built to be leveraged in this way?including ComStocktm, REopt, and our Annual Technology Baseline framework. It's great to see that in practice." SFS developed the tool in partnership with Siemens Technology, the company's central R&D department. The tool is built on AWS, utilizing server-less architecture to lower its workload carbon footprint by allowing the DBO to operate only when needed, rather than running constantly. A recent study estimates AWS's infrastructure is up to 4.1 times more efficient than on-premises, and when workloads are optimized on AWS, the associated carbon footprint can be reduced by up to 99 percent. The tool also leverages public data made available through the Amazon Sustainability Data Initiative (ASDI) to help estimate thermal properties of materials in buildings. ASDI works with sustainability-focused government agencies to host, and deploy key datasets on the AWS Cloud, including weather observations and forecasts, climate projection data, satellite imagery, hydrological data, air quality data, and ocean forecast data. "At AWS, we are committed to helping our customers build a more sustainable future," said Chris Walker, Director of Sustainability for AWS. "This is a shared goal we have with Siemens and all of our customers. We also provide knowledge and tools, such as Amazon Sustainability Data Initiative (ASDI), for organizations of all sizes, and across all sectors, to build and implement solutions like DBO that support their sustainability goals." Looking ahead, SFS will add a vehicle fleet analyzer to assist companies with fleet electrification and a climate resiliency feature to help identify a site's ability to withstand extreme weather. To access the DBO and learn more, those interested can visit www.dbo.siemens.com. The tool is currently available for free in the U.S. and can be accessed via Siemens Xcelerator, an open digital business platform that helps companies accelerate their digital transformation easier, faster, and at scale. Companies can reach out to Siemens Financial Services for more information and to learn about how Siemens Smart Infrastructure can help act on their DBO results toward realizing their sustainability strategies. For more information about the DBO, please visit: http://www.dbo.siemens.com For more information about technology and financing from Siemens, please visit: www.usa.siemens.com Siemens Financial Services (SFS) ? the B2B financing arm of Siemens ? provides financing that makes a difference. At SFS, we empower customers around the globe to access technology with purpose and increase their competitiveness. Based on our unique combination of financial expertise, risk management and industry know-how we provide tailored financing solutions ? including flexible leasing and working capital products, project-related and structured financing, corporate lending, equity investments, finance advisory, as well as trade and receivables financing. With highly experienced and passionate teams in 20+ countries, SFS paves the way for industrial productivity, smart infrastructure and sustainable mobility, facilitating the energy transition and enabling high-quality healthcare. Supporting the Siemens DEGREE framework, SFS is one of the leading providers in financing greenfield renewable projects. www.siemens.com/finance. Siemens Corporation is a U.S. subsidiary of Siemens AG, a leading technology company focused on industry, infrastructure, transport, and healthcare. From more resource-efficient factories, resilient supply chains, and smarter buildings and grids, to cleaner and more comfortable transportation as well as advanced healthcare, the company creates technology with purpose, adding real value for customers. By combining the real and the digital worlds, Siemens empowers its customers to transform their industries and markets, helping them to transform the everyday for billions of people. Siemens also owns a majority stake in the publicly listed company Siemens Healthineers, a global leading medical technology provider shaping the future of healthcare. In addition, Siemens holds a minority stake in Siemens Energy, a global leader in the transmission and generation of electrical power. In fiscal 2023, which ended on September 30, 2023, the Siemens Group USA generated revenue of $19.9 billion and employs approximately 45,000 people serving customers in all 50 states and Puerto Rico. 26 september 2024 at 09:05 News published onand distributed by: BAE Systems awarded modernization contract for USS Halsey SAN DIEGO, Sept. 26, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- BAE Systems (LON:BA) has received a $177.8 million contract from the U.S. Navy for the maintenance and modernization of the Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Halsey (DDG 97). The total value of the previously awarded undefinitized contract award could reach $225.5 million if all options are exercised. BAE Systems will dry-dock the ship, perform underwater hull preservation, upgrade systems, and refurbish living spaces. Under the Depot Maintenance Period (DMP) contract, BAE Systems' San Diego shipyard will dry-dock the 509.5-foot-long ship, perform underwater hull preservation work, enhance the ship's Aegis combat system with the Surface Electronic Warfare Improvement Program (Block 3), upgrade the command-and-control systems, and refurbish the living spaces for the ship's 260 crewmembers. The work is expected to begin later this month and will continue into 2026. "This type of deep-level sustainment work is necessary and critical to maintain the combat effectiveness of the USS Halsey," said Eric Icke, vice president and general manager of BAE Systems San Diego Ship Repair. "Our San Diego team is ready to conduct the assigned DMP work that will enable the Halsey to move into its next phase of fleet readiness." The San Diego shipyard recently completed similar work aboard the USS Mustin (DDG 89). The Halsey will be the shipyard's fifth DMP project. USS Halsey is the 47th ship in the Arleigh Burke class of guided missile destroyers and was commissioned in July 2005. It is the second Navy ship named in honor of Fleet Admiral William F. "Bull" Halsey, who gained fame in the Pacific theatre during World War II. BAE Systems is a leading provider of ship repair, maintenance, modernization, conversion, and overhaul services for the Navy, other government agencies, and select commercial customers. The company operates three full-service shipyards in California, Florida, and Virginia, and offers a highly skilled, experienced workforce, seven dry-docks and railways, and significant pier space and ship support services. The company's San Diego shipyard employs about 650 people and works with the Navy and several subcontractor companies to accomplish ship sustainment work. For more information, please contact: Karl Johnson, BAE Systems Mobile: 757-375-5086 [email protected] www.baesystems.com/US @BAESystemsInc SOURCE BAE Systems, Inc. 26 september 2024 at 10:00 News published onand distributed by: Media advisory - First Nations National Guardians Network joins Ministers Guilbeault and Hajdu to announce major investment in Indigenous-led stewardship initiatives GATINEAU, QC, Sept. 26, 2024 /CNW/ - Media representatives are advised that the Honourable Steven Guilbeault, Minister of Environment and Climate Change, will make an announcement on Indigenous-led stewardship initiatives. He will be joined by the Honourable Patty Hajdu, Minister of Indigenous Services; Marcus Powlowski, Member of Parliament for Thunder Bay?Rainy River; Jaimee Gaunce, Executive Director, First Nations National Guardians Network; and Valerie Courtois, Executive Director, Indigenous Leadership Initiative. Following the announcement, Minister Guilbeault will hold a media availability. Event: Announcement and media availability Date: Friday, September 27, 2024 Time: 9:00 a.m. EDT Location: Spirit Garden Sleeping Giant Parkway (near Prince Arthur's Landing) Thunder Bay, Ontario Media representatives are encouraged to register for this in-person event by contacting Media Relations at Environment and Climate Change Canada to be made aware of any changes. Environment and Climate Change Canada's X (Twitter) page Environment and Climate Change Canada's Facebook page SOURCE Environment and Climate Change Canada 26 september 2024 at 10:38 News published onand distributed by: Smoke billows over southern Lebanon, amid ongoing cross-border hostilities between Hezbollah and Israeli forces, as pictured from Marjayoun, near the border with Israel, September 26, 2024. KARAMALLAH DAHER / REUTERS The United States, European Union, and Arab countries including Saudia Arabia and Qatar issued a joint call Wednesday, September 27, for a 21-day "temporary ceasefire" in Lebanon after Israeli strikes on Hezbollah threatened to tip the Middle East into all-out war. Hundreds have been killed and thousands have been displaced since Israel launched its strikes, with the Lebanese health ministry saying that another 72 people died on Wednesday. Read more Subscribers only Israel triggers sudden escalation of conflict with Hezbollah "It is time to conclude a diplomatic settlement that enables civilians on both sides of the border to return to their homes in safety," said the joint statement issued by the United States, Australia, Canada, European Union, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates and Qatar. "Diplomacy however cannot succeed amid an escalation of this conflict. Thus we call for an immediate 21-day ceasefire across the Lebanon-Israel border to provide space for diplomacy towards the conclusion of a diplomatic settlement." France's Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot told an emergency UN Security Council meeting on Lebanon that Paris and Washington were proposing a three-week truce "to allow for negotiations and a more sustainable ceasefire." Wednesday saw a flurry of diplomatic activity on the issue at the United Nations, which is hosting its flagship world leaders' week. UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres had urged an immediate ceasefire in Lebanon and warned "hell is breaking loose." Lebanon and Israel were expected to decide "within hours" whether to accept, a US official said, adding: "We have had this conversation with the parties and felt this was the right moment." Read more Understanding the tensions between Hezbollah and Israel in five key dates Ousmane Sonko speaks after he was appointed prime minister by Senegal's newly-elected President Bassirou Diomaye Faye, in Dakar, Senegal on April 2, 2024. ABDOU KARIM NDOYE / REUTERS Senegal's Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko on Thursday, September 26, vowed investigations into what he termed "widespread corruption" under the previous administration, accusing it of having fiddled its financial figures. "The policy of unbridled indebtedness [under former president Macky Sall] has led to the use of resources that is not transparent and that is conducive to widespread corruption," he told journalists, denouncing the "embezzlement of public funds en masse." Sonko and President Bassirou Diomaye Faye swept to power in March on a pledge of radical change in the West African nation. The pair ran on a ticket of social justice, sovereignty and leftist pan-Africanism raising hopes in the country battling a high cost of living and widespread unemployment. After being sworn in in April, Faye requested that Sonko conduct a thorough review of the country's financial situation, with the stock-take's conclusions shared on Thursday. "We had no idea that things were so catastrophic," Sonko said, accusing the former authorities of having lied and falsified figures, particularly with international partners. Read more Senegal President Faye announces dissolution of parliament "The Macky Sall administration lied to the people, lied to its partners, fiddled with the figures to give an economic and financial picture that had nothing to do with reality," Sonko said. "All those who played their part ... will have to explain to the Senegalese people why and how they were able to plunge the country into this situation," he added. Besides former president Sall, Sonko pointed the finger at ex-prime minister Amadou Ba and two former finance ministers. Also speaking at the press conference, Justice Minister Ousmane Diagne said the actions appeared to be "criminal in nature, which the competent judicial authorities will have to determine by means of investigations that they deem appropriate". 'Challenging' economic prospects Taking place weeks before snap parliamentary elections scheduled for November 17, Thursday's press conference was the first held by the new government. Faye, in mid-September, dissolved the opposition-dominated national assembly and called fresh legislative elections, banking on the move to implement his policy agenda. The International Monetary Fund (IMF) warned in September that Senegal's economic prospects remained "challenging for the remainder of the year." Following a visit to the country by its staff, the fund said it expected the country's budgetary situation "to deteriorate amid lower revenue collections and increased expenditure on energy subsidies and interest payments". To lower public debt the IMF urged Sonko's government to implement measures "including streamlining tax exemptions and phasing out untargeted and costly energy subsidies". Senegal's national statistics agency in September reported an unemployment rate of 21.6% in the second quarter, up three percent on the same period in 2023. Meanwhile, scores of Senegalese continue to risk their lives leaving the country in search of a brighter future in Europe, with dozens dying every year on the perilous Atlantic crossing. The government has said it will launch a national transformation agenda in early October, aimed at bringing about "a lasting transformation of the Senegalese economy and build a sovereign, fair and prosperous Senegal." Faye and Sonko have repeatedly said they will seek accountability from the previous administration, with a number of former officials having been prevented from leaving the country. Speaking at Thursday's press conference, economy minister Aboudrahmane Sarr said the budget deficit which was put at an average of 5.5% of GDP over the period 2019 to 2023 had in reality been 10.4%. Public debt had been announced at 65.9% of GDP, when in fact it had been 76.3%, he added. Sonko and Sarr said they planned to broaden the tax base, cut waste in government spending, abolish energy subsidies and attempt to formalize Senegal's largely informal economy. Republican presidential nominee, former U.S. President Donald Trump, during a campaign rally at the Mosack Group warehouse on September 25, 2024 in Mint Hill, North Carolina. BRANDON BELL / AFP Donald Trump said Wednesday, September 25, that Iran should be blown "to smithereens" if the Islamic Republic is involved in the harming of a US White House candidate or ex-president. The provocative remarks come after US intelligence warned of threats from Tehran against the Republican's life after two apparent assassination bids in recent months. "As you know, there have been two assassination attempts on my life that we know of, and they may or may not involve but possibly do Iran," Trump said at a campaign event in North Carolina. "If I were the president, I would inform the threatening country, in this case Iran, that if you do anything to harm this person, we are going to blow your largest cities and the country itself to smithereens," he added. Trump went on to say he and the United States have been "threatened very directly by Iran" and that a firm message needed to reach Tehran that there would be the most severe consequences should it be involved in plots to kill or hurt a US president or presidential candidate. "The best way to do it is through the office of the president, that (if) you do any attacks on former presidents or candidates for president, your country gets blown to smithereens, as we say." Trump also said it was "strange" that Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian was in New York this week and accorded substantial protection as he attends the United Nations General Assembly even as news of the threats emerged. "We have large security forces guarding him, and yet they're threatening our former president and the leading candidate to become the next president of the United States," Trump said, referring to himself. The United States is obligated to extend security to foreign heads of state at the General Assembly under its treaty with the United Nations and its own laws. 'Credible intelligence' Trump's remarks come as world leaders scramble to try to avert hostilities between Iran-backed Hezbollah and Israel escalating into a wider regional war. Iran has rejected accusations it is trying to kill Trump this summer, shortly after a gunman opened fire at a rally in Pennsylvania on July 13, killing one person and wounding the presidential candidate. Days later, Trump posted on social media that if Iran did kill him, "I hope that America obliterates Iran, wipes it off the face of the Earth." In a highly critical report on the security arrangements around Trump at the Pennsylvania rally, a US Senate committee noted that the deployment of elite US Secret Service countersnipers was made "in response to 'credible intelligence' of a threat." On Wednesday, the 78-year-old Trump suggested the would-be assassin in Pennsylvania had used "potentially foreign-based apps," and that the alleged gunman in the second attempt in Florida had multiple mobile phones that Trump said US authorities have been unable to open. "They must get Apple to open these foreign apps (and) open the six phones from the second lunatic," Trump said. "Because we have a lot at stake." On Wednesday, US Attorney General Merrick Garland called the attempted assassination bids "abhorrent." "Our nation has now experienced two assassination attempts against the former President in just the last three months. That is abhorrent," he said. "The Justice Department will not tolerate violence that strikes at the heart of our democracy. And we will find and hold accountable those who perpetrate it. This must stop." In August, the United States announced that it had foiled a plan by a Pakistani linked to Tehran to assassinate a US official in revenge for the death of Iranian general Qassem Soleimani, killed in 2020 in a US strike in Iraq ordered by then-president Trump. US intelligence services have also warned of attempted cyberattacks on the presidential campaigns of Trump and rival Kamala Harris by actors it says are backed by Iran. China ready to join El Salvador for upgrading ties -- Chinese FM Xinhua) 14:42, September 26, 2024 UNITED NATIONS, Sept. 25 (Xinhua) -- Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi said here on Wednesday that China is willing to make joint efforts with El Salvador to upgrade bilateral ties and help the country achieve better national development. Wang, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, made the remarks during talks with Salvadoran Foreign Minister Alexandra Hill Tinoco. China will continue to support the Salvadoran side in independently exploring a development path suited to its national conditions, he said. He also said that Beijing is ready to work with El Salvador to speed up negotiations on a free trade agreement so as to allow more Salvadoran products to enter the Chinese market. For her part, Hill said El Salvador firmly adheres to the one-China principle, and is committed to expanding cooperation with China and deepening bilateral friendship. She added that her country looks forward to reaching a free trade agreement with China at an early date to upgrade bilateral economic and trade cooperation. (Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Zhong Wenxing) A LIMERICK-based woman, who was diagnosed with diabetes when she was 13-months-old, is helping organise a national awareness event this October. The annual event, Thriveabetes, is led by an organisation with the same name and aims to bring people with diabetes together so that no one feels alone. The volunteer group leading the event includes Aisling White, who lives and works in Limerick city as a primary school teacher in a school for children with additional needs. The organisation Thriveabetes was founded by two individuals who live with type 1 diabetes and they now have nine volunteers, including Aisling. Also involved in running the Limerick Adults with Type 1 Diabetes Support Group, which meets regularly in the city, Aisling participated in the International Diabetes Federation Europes Youth Leadership Programme and the One Young World Leadership Platform, in 2022. READ MORE: All smiles at the Croom Community Development Association Seniors Party A distinguishing feature of Thriveabetes is its peer-led and community-driven approach, organisers say. Our peer-led model ensures that Thriveabetes is deeply relevant and responsive to the needs of the community. We understand first-hand the challenges of living with diabetes, which allows us to create programmes and resources that resonate on a personal level with participants. This is the seventh conference since its creation in 2015. The conference is open to adults, young adults and parents with children living with type 1 diabetes. The event also includes an exhibition involving companies that provide diabetes devices to the community, as well as some small diabetes businesses. Thriveabetes was created to offer somewhere people with diabetes could connect with others like them and, because of the unmet need, to discuss the psychological aspects of living with the condition. This years annual event takes place on Saturday, October 5, in The Midlands Park Hotel, Portlaoise, Co Laois. COUNCIL has said it cannot change the pay rates of its staff members, despite a motion from a new member urging them to do so. Sinn Fein councillor Ursula Gavan asked at this months metropolitan meeting that the local authority pays everyone a living wage, and ensure any contracts it hands down go to companies which do likewise. As it stands, the living wage is 12.70 per hour in Ireland. READ MORE: Pharma worker refuses to pay TV licence due to 'corruption in RTE', court told A voluntary rate, its based on living costs including energy, food and personal care among other things. Cllr Gavan said: One in five of the Irish workforce is on low pay. We can lead in Limerick City and County Council by ensuring all staff in our employ and contractors earn a living wage thus assisting those most vulnerable in our society for a more liveable and prosperous Limerick, she said. In a written response, Deirdre Minogue, the acting head of human resources stated pay rates at council are set nationally by the Minister for Housing and Local Government. Limerick, she added, has no discretion to deviate from this. George Mitchell has said he feared Northern Ireland was heading for true disaster in the months before the Good Friday Agreement was signed. The veteran US diplomat said that he had moments of despair after years of failed negotiations before the historic 1998 peace deal was agreed. Mr Mitchell chaired the negotiations which eventually led to the agreement, which largely ended decades of violence in Northern Ireland and the establishment of a powersharing Assembly at Stormont. Speaking at Queens University in Belfast, Mr Mitchell recalled the challenges he faced before the deal was agreed. He said he had believed his previous experience as the US Senate majority leader had prepared him to deal with the polarised political landscape. He said: Nothing in the United States Senate came near to what I went through in Northern Ireland. It was very tough and very rough. I had been a federal judge before I entered the senate so I was used to presiding over disputes, but I had never encountered a dispute like this. It was very, very difficult. Monica (McWilliams, one of the founders of the Womens Coalition) will remember the early days, Paul (Murphy, former Northern Ireland Secretary) will remember the early days when it was impossible to have a reasonable conversation. When Monica and her co-chair of the Womens Coalition, Pearl Sagar, sought to speak, they were insulted, they were demeaned. I had a tough time making it plain that they were to be treated with the same respect as any other speaker in the room. Which, unfortunately, was not much respect, but at least it was better than the way they were treated. It was difficult, but I controlled myself. I had moments of great despair. The setbacks were many. Mr Mitchell said that when then US president Bill Clinton had first sent him to Northern Ireland, he had expected to stay for six months. He said: It was five years. I chaired three separate sets of negotiations and for almost all that time it was failure, failure, failure, recrimination, anger, hostility. The ceasefires were routinely broken and killings in late 1997, early 1998 accelerated. I really did think we were headed for true disaster. He continued: I really felt it was critical that this could be an example, that you can end violence, you can bring an end to conflict, no matter how old it was, no matter how violent it was, no matter how vicious it was. If for no other reason than the fear of escalation. It is important for Stormont ministers to listen to everyone, Communities Minister Gordon Lyons has said. He made the comments after his DUP party colleague and Education Minister Paul Givan faced criticism for meeting a group which represents loyalist paramilitaries. Mr Givan met the Loyalist Communities Council (LCC) earlier this week. In a statement after the meeting, the LCC said that it had advised Mr Givan that a proposal to build an Irish language school in east Belfast should be stopped. The LCC, chaired by David Campbell, is an umbrella group which represents the Ulster Volunteer Force, Ulster Defence Association and Red Hand Commando. North Belfast MP John Finucane (Sinn Fein) described reports of the meeting between Mr Givan and the LCC as deeply concerning. Its outrageous that a group which includes representatives of loyalist gangs are attempting to influence decisions about our childrens future and right to be educated through the language of their choice, he said. The Education Minister must make it clear that his department rejects this outrageous demand and that work will continue to progress on delivering this facility. Former Ulster Unionist leader Doug Beattie posted on X, formerly Twitter, that he did not believe the stance taken by the LCC represents the majority view of the loyalist community. Alliance Party education spokesperson Nick Mathison also joined the criticism, saying: Questions must be asked about the ministers judgment in this case. A spokesperson for the Department of Education said the meeting had been arranged at the LCCs request and had discussed educational underachievement in loyalist areas. On Thursday, Mr Lyons said it is important that ministers meet with all who have an interest in Northern Ireland. I have many, many invitations from many, many different groups, I dont turn those down because I think that it is important to listen, to hear from people, he told the PA news agency. I want to see Northern Ireland move forward. I want to make sure that were improving the lives of people. The only way to do that is through democratic processes, through politics, and I will engage with those, including those within loyalism if they have a positive role to play. He added that the school referenced is not a decision for the education minister, adding it is right that the normal processes take place on that. We should always listen to those who are interested, local residents, the education sector, those who are involved, he said. I think it is always a good idea to talk and to make sure that we have the opportunity to discuss all of these issues, but obviously the normal processes need to be followed. Belfast City Council gave planning permission for the proposed temporary nursery and primary school and soft play area in June. Met Eireann has issued its full weather forecast for Ireland this weekend and it makes for grim reading after the sunshine of last week. The national forecaster has already issued a weather warning for Thursday in Dublin, Louth, Meath and Wicklow, alerting residents there to "rain, heavy at times, coupled with gusty winds, strongest near the coasts and on higher ground." The warning is in place until 8pm on Thursday with people also warned of the risk of spot flooding and disruption to travel. Their outlook beyond that warns of "rather mixed weather over the next few days and quite cold too for this time of year." They say Thursday "will be dull and wet as rain in the northeast and east extends across most of the country. The rain will be heavy at times, particularly in eastern parts of Leinster, and may cause spot flooding. It will become windy with fresh to strong and gusty northerly winds, strongest on Irish Sea coasts. Highest temperatures of 9 to 13 degrees. "The heavy and persistent rain will gradually clear southwards through the evening but it will remain rather cloudy. Fresh to strong and gusty northerly winds will gradually ease too with lowest temperatures of 4 to 7 degrees. READ NEXT: Met Eireann update on flooding risk for Ireland amid brutal weather twist "A rather cloudy start with a good scattering of showers drifting down from the north [on Friday]. Some sunny spells will develop later in the afternoon as the northerly breeze weakens. Highest temperatures of 10 to 13 degrees. "Rather cool with a fresh northerly breeze [on Friday night]. Quite cloudy too with a few showers drifting down over the country but it should stay mostly dry across the southern half of the country. Lowest temperatures of 2 to 6 degrees." Looking to the weekend, Met Eireann predict Saturday will be "a mostly dry day then with scattered cloud and good sunny spells at times too especially in the south and east. A few isolated showers will develop over Connacht and Ulster at times. Westerly winds will fall light later in the day with highest temperatures of 10 to 13 degrees. "Cloud will thicken early [on Sunday] in the day with outbreaks of rain developing across parts of the southwest too. More persistent rain will move over from the west later in the morning as southerly winds increase fresh to strong and gusty. Winds will increase to very strong at times along the west coast later in the afternoon with some heavy falls of rain spreading throughout the country. Highest temperatures of 12 to 15 degrees." Next week isn't looking any better with Met Eireann's latest forecast concluding: "Looking ahead, current models indicate another very unsettled day with heavy rain at times and very strong and gusty winds throughout. Temperatures likely to be in the mid-teens." Lincoln University welcomed Missouri Secretary of State Jay Ashcroft as a guest speaker in Dr. Elizabeth Dorssoms American State and Local Government class, offering students a unique opportunity to engage with a government leader. Dr. Dorssom, who has taught the course since 2018, regularly invites government officials to enrich student learning. Guest speakers are an important part of the learning experience because it helps students apply topics theyve learned in class, Dr. Dorssom said. Lincolns location in the capital allows for frequent guest lectures from state and local officials, enhancing the educational experience. During his talk, Secretary Ashcroft discussed the multifaceted role of the Secretary of State and emphasized that elections in Missouri are not just statewide but are, in fact, conducted as 114 separate elections at the county level. I really enjoyed hearing Secretary Ashcroft explain this, as I had recently covered it in class, Dr. Dorssom said. Jay Ashcroft has been serving as the 40th Secretary of State of Missouri since 2017. Ashcroft, who has been in office since 2017 and was re-elected in 2020, brings a rich and diverse background to his role as Secretary of State. Prior to his public service, he gained valuable experience as an engineer, professor and attorney. His leadership has played a significant role in establishing Missouri as one of the top ten states for election integrity. In his capacity as Chief Elections Official, Ashcroft oversees various responsibilities, including the storage and publication of state documents, management of business services, administration of the State Library, records services and enforcement of administrative rules. This was a great opportunity for Lincoln students to meet Secretary Ashcroft, as this creates more trust between our community and our elected officials, said Nia Walker a senior political science major. I felt it was important to hear firsthand from an elected official who plays a pivotal role in maintaining the integrity of our states democratic processes. The session concluded with a Q&A, where students engaged with Ashcroft, seeking advice on entering politics and the importance of being informed voters. He encouraged them to research candidates and issues thoroughly, urging students to utilize resources like sample ballots and the Secretary of States website for further information. I am very fortunate to have the chance to meet Secretary Ashcroft through our University, Walker said. Kieron Walquist, a 2020 graduate of Lincoln University of Missouri, has been named a winner of the 2024 National Poetry Series. Walquist's debut full-length collection, Our Hands Hold Violence, was selected by renowned poet Brenda Hillman for publication with Beacon Press. The National Poetry Series, a prestigious literary awards program, annually sponsors the publication of five poetry collections selected from an open competition judged by prominent poets. Past winners include literary luminaries such as Tyehimba Jess, Billy Collins, Terrance Hayes and Naomi Shihab Nye. It wasnt long ago that Kieron was studying past winners of this competitions poems right here in LU classrooms and workshops," said Eli Burrell, professor of English and creative writing at Lincoln University. "This achievement is a testament to Kierons commitment to craft, creativity and raw talent. It's exciting to see a Blue Tiger make such a tremendous mark on the national stage. Walquist, a former fellow at the Fine Arts Work Center in Provincetown, Massachusetts, has also earned residencies at the Monson Arts Center and the Vermont Studio Center. After completing their Bachelor of Arts at Lincoln University, Walquist earned an MFA from Washington University in St. Louis and is currently pursuing a Ph.D. in English with a specialization in creative writing at the University of Utah. In 2022, Walquists chapbook "Love Locks" won the Quarterly West Chapbook Competition. Lincoln Universitys Department of Humanities and Communications, housed in Martin Luther King Jr. Hall, offers a Bachelor of Arts in English with an emphasis on creative writing and a minor in English with an emphasis in creative writing. For more information about the program, contact Professor Burrell at BurrellE@LincolnU.edu. New Delhi: Mahindra & Mahindra Ltd and the Volkswagen group are exploring a partnership in which the Indian company will contribute the bulk of investments in future vehicle platforms and technologies in exchange for around 50% stake in Skoda Auto Volkswagen India Pvt. Ltd, two people privy to the discussions said. Mahindra may get access to Volkswagens underutilized Pune factory as part of the non-cash transaction, the people cited above said on the condition of anonymity. The factory has an annual capacity of 190,000 vehicles, while Volkswagen India managed to sell only 136,000 vehicles in 2023, including exports. According to the two people, the two automakers hope to finalize a deal focusing on future investments in platforms and technologies before the end of the year. Volkswagen's Pune factory capacity can be expanded to 350,000-400,000 units, one of the two people cited above said. "Besides, with half of the available land in the Volkswagen factory in Chakan still vacant, this facility could expand to accommodate 700,000-750,000 units annually with the necessary investments. A deal will also help Mahindra better challenge domestic rival Tata Motors, which will benefit from Jaguar Land Rover's EV platform expertise for its future vehicles. Moreover, Skoda Volkswagen's manufacturing facility is located just a stone's throw away from Mahindra's largest facility in Pune, and the company has been finding it difficult to find a suitable parcel of land to expand in Chakan", the person said on the condition of anonymity. Also read | Mahindra rolls out 1.5 lakh discount on Thar after Thar Roxx launch While extra capacity from Volkswagen would help Mahindra overcome production bottlenecks at its Chakan plant running at full capacity, finding an Indian partner will help Europe's largest automaker share investments to scale in India, where it has just 2% of the passenger vehicles market despite continued presence over 20 years. A deal will also help Mahindra better challenge domestic rival Tata Motors, which will benefit from Jaguar Land Rover's EV platform expertise for its future vehicles. For Volkswagen, the premise of the discussions is to achieve scale via joint platform production to achieve better cost structures", the person cited above added. While the transaction valuing Volkswagen India slightly below a billion dollars will primarily involve Mahindra's future investments, it may involve a small element of cash as well, the person cited above said. Mahindra to fund the deal via platform investments, not cash The partnership will likely involve sharing platforms and components, particularly for EVs, with both companies looking to pool resources for future growth. SAVW will be able to build SUVs on Mahindra's NFA platform, which will also be able to accommodate hybrid technologies, the people cited above added. It was made clear from day one: This is more about building up future business rather than paying for what has already been built", the person cited above said. The deal will not involve cross-badging of products or utilization of each other's local sales networks. "We are closely monitoring recent developments to see which products and platforms will be shared between the two players," Gaurav Vangaal, analyst, S&P Mobility said. "At present, all automakers are striving to reduce the risks associated with powertrain investments, and collaborations like these often lead to innovative solutions. After more than two decades in India, it is good that Skoda is now open to partnerships with Indian companies, while Mahindra's recent product successes are driving their interest in collaborating with global partners for export market aspirations," Vangal added. The two companies began collaborating earlier this year, under which Mahindra will source components from Volkswagens Modular Electric Drive (MEB) platform for EVs built on its own INGLO platform. The supply agreement came nearly two years after the company first expressed intent to explore a strategic alliance in 2022. Volkswagens underutilized Indian capacity Volkswagen operates two India factories; the Pune plant makes mass-premium brands Volkswagen and Skoda, while the one in Aurangabad handles and assembles premium models such as the Tiguan and Kodiaq, as well as imported Audis, Porsches and Lamborghinis. The Pune plant has a capacity of 190,000 vehicles, while the Aurangabad plant can produce 60,000 vehicles annually. The Ford connection between Mahindra and Volkswagen This isnt the first time Mahindra and Volkswagen have explored a partnership. When Ford exited its joint venture with Mahindra in 2020, it opened a gap in Mahindra's expansion strategy. To fill this void, Mahindra approached Volkswagen for a potential collaboration, the second person said. The discussions initially focused on platform-sharing, where Mahindra, Skoda and Volkswagen vehicles would be built on a common architecture. However, concerns arose around the feasibility of selling multiple brands on the same platform, particularly with pricing differences and the potential for cannibalization between models. Mahindra eventually grew skeptical of the arrangement, citing challenges in differentiating products enough to maintain brand integrity. Still, those talks laid the groundwork for ongoing discussions between the companies years later, focusing on new opportunities in both ICE and electric vehicles. Lowering costs to tame India's predatory market For the Volkswagen group, cost optimization is the most critical element of the partnership, leveraging Mahindras established supplier network to bring down the cost of producing its vehicles, which are currently priced at a premium in Indias competitive market. "Skoda wants to leverage Mahindra's relationships and bring down costs. The idea this time may be to reduce the price gap between Mahindra cars and Skoda-VW cars," the second person said. We are very impressed with what Indian OEMs like Tata Motors and Mahindra & Mahindra have managed to achieve in terms of costs with their suppliers", a Volkswagen India executive said on the condition of anonymity. In June, Klauz Zellmer, chairman of the board of Czech carmaker Skoda Auto said it is looking to partner an Indian automaker to grow its business in a market that's brutally price-competitive, and one that it's been unable to crack in more than two decades of its existence there. It believes that finding a local partner is a "very attractive" scenario, as it aims to make deeper inroads into the Indian market with the help of a domestic entity that has close linkages in the supplier ecosystem, a rich understanding of local customer preferences and scale that can drive down the European carmaker's costs in the country's competitive market. Also read | Mahindra set to drive in its first electric truck in 2025 However, concerns may could still arise over potential cannibalization of sales and an adverse impact on brand image if Mahindra and Volkswagen share platforms. The products will be very differentiated and not comparable, I dont see a need for one brand to be cheaper than the other because they will target very distinct audiences. There will be some bit of cannibalization between the two German brands - but not with Mahindra", the first person said. Mahindra also stands to gain a lot from a highly trained workforce which pays a lot of attention to detail and quality", the person added. In a statement to Mint, Volkswagen said, "Skoda Auto is leading the India operations on behalf of the Volkswagen Group and its brands. To fully explore the countrys growth potential, we are always considering new business opportunities and are evaluating various options to ensure the best possible solution to implement our strategy in the highly dynamic Indian market. Earlier this year, Volkswagen Group and Mahindra signed a supply agreement on components of Volkswagens MEB for Mahindras purpose-built electric platform, taking a step further on a joint vision for e-mobility collaboration. Volkswagen Group and Mahindra continue to explore multiple opportunities to expand the collaboration potential." On 23 September, a Mahindra statement to the stock exchanges said, Mahindra and the VW Group continue to explore multiple opportunities to expand the collaboration potential. In case there are any concrete outcomes with regard to any of the aforementioned discussions, appropriate disclosures will be made in a timely manner" GEORGETOWN, GuyanaMore than 100 miles off the coast of Guyana, Exxon Mobil is pumping hundreds of thousands of barrels every day from a gargantuan oil discovery that is transforming the sparsely populated South American country. Back onshore, much of the transformation is being undertaken by China. Chinese companies are building waterside hotels, bridges, roads and shopping centers. They mine for bauxite and manganese in the remote areas of the countrys Amazon region. The main international airport was renovated with a $150 million loan from Chinas Export-Import Bank. Outside of the oil project, Chinese companies are edging Western rivals out of major projects with aggressive terms, and ushering in large groups of Chinese workers. Shipping containers turned into makeshift lodging for Chinese laborers are sprouting up at new construction sites across the country. The Chinese are slowly owning this country, through and through," said cabdriver Raphael Singh, echoing a popular refrain from Guyanese citizens. That trend has some U.S. diplomats and lawmakers concerned that Chinas investmentswhich go back more than five decadesare translating into political clout in the resource-rich country, as it has in other parts of South America. We need to show up," said Geoff Pyatt, the U.S. assistant secretary of state for energy resources. Pyatt has visited Guyana twice since taking the role and said the U.S. is closely watching Chinas activity in Guyana. [Guyanas leaders] want the U.S. to be their partner of choice and we want to be their partner of choice." While China has doubled down on its investments in Guyana, the U.S. has been more selective in the projects it supports. In 2022, the Biden administration rejected a $180 million Inter-American Development Bank debt consolidation for a Guyanese port servicing the oil-and-gas industry, though the U.S. Export-Import Bank is now backing a project to use Guyanas natural gas in the countrys power plants. Resource rich The attention Guyana is drawing reflects its vast petroleum resources. It is on track to surpass neighboring Venezuelas oil production and has been courted by the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries to join the global cartel. An Exxon-led consortium, which includes Hess and Chinese oil company Cnooc, is expected to pump more than one million barrels a day throughout the 2030s. Exxon has spent close to $1 billion in the local economy and on community outreach across Guyana, but China has largely surpassed its Western competitors in commercial projects, particularly in construction. Guyanas trade with China has ballooned nearly 600% since oil began flowing five years ago. Near an unfinished bridge over the Demerara River that China Railway is building, a Chinese construction firm is revamping a plot of land with Asian-style pavilions and walkways for families that is slated to be redubbed the China-Guyana Friendship Park." Last year, a multistory mall was built just yards away from the Chinese Embassy, which features an office of telecom company Huawei, a hot pot and karaoke restaurant, a casino and a gym for foreign executives. Economists say China appears to be making a longer-term bet on Guyanas small economy, which has yet to see the exponential growth from oil and gas spread to other sectors. The oil sector expanded 67% in the first six months of 2024 compared with last year, according to the Finance Ministry, while traditional industries such as sugar, bauxite and gold contracted 60%, 20% and 10%, respectively. For decades, China has invested heavily in countries with natural resources, often bringing in Chinese workers to build roads and ports to ship those commodities to China. In Argentina, Chinas recent investments in lithium and agriculture are making it difficult for Javier Milei, the countrys anticommunist president, to distance his government from Beijing. Now, Guyana is at risk of becoming economically dependent on Beijing, say former U.S. diplomats and foreign affairs analysts, though Guyanese officials reject the assertion. Guyana President Irfaan Ali said his country isnt economically dependent on anyone, pointing to billions in investment offered by the U.S. and other countries. He said large U.S. oil-field services companies, hotel brands and airlines have expanded in Guyana in recent years. Ali met with U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken this week, and touted the expanding bilateral partnership between the two countries. Today, Guyanas relationship with our Western partners are at their strongest ever at any time in our countrys history, and we intend to build even further on this," Ali said. The president also said in a televised interview last year that China would play a role in every area of advancement" in Guyana. Deep ties In Guyana, China has longstanding advantages over the U.S. Its diplomatic relationship with the country stretches back to 1972, with Chinas first Western foreign aid project, a brick factory near Georgetown. The South American country, with about 800,000 inhabitants, has had a sizable ethnic Chinese population since the mid-19th century, counting the diaspora in its national anthem as one of its six peoples." Arthur Chung, a Chinese-Guyanese land surveyor, served as Guyanas president throughout the 1970s. Chinese restaurants, retail stores and other businesses have proliferated for decades. Chinese companies have been involved in Guyanas agriculture sector and bauxite mining before the oil discovery. Last year, Ali was welcomed during a state visit to Chengdu where Chinese President Xi Jinping pledged to deepen the two nations ties with more economic support through Chinas Belt and Road Initiative, a hallmark of Beijings global aspirations. China has also worked to shape Guyanas foreign policy. In 2021, the Guyanese government scrapped an agreement to open a trade office with Taiwan just hours after a Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman criticized the plan and called on Georgetown to correct its mistakes." During his trip, Ali reiterated his support for Beijings position that Taiwan is part of China, known as the One China" policy. Chinese interests are diversifying into other areas including the countrys electrical systems and a stalled effort to build a hydroelectric plant. Last year, Guyana hired Chinese telecom giant Huaweisanctioned by the U.S. over security concernsto expand its Safe City" surveillance technology to various regions, an effort to cut down on crime. Some analysts said China offers Guyana much-needed investments in projects while counterparts in the U.S. lag behind. We ignore this at our peril," said Dennis Hays, a former U.S. diplomat who served as an acting ambassador to Guyana. If we allow the Chinese to continue to basically dominate every bidding cycle that comes along, it hurts us in the long run and the short run." Write to Collin Eaton at collin.eaton@wsj.com and Kejal Vyas at kejal.vyas@wsj.com The lenders of Jet Airways informed the Supreme Court that the Jalan-Kalrock Consortium (JKC) has not released the full first tranche of a 350-crore deposita key condition for transferring the bankrupt airlines ownership. The lenders, led by the State Bank of India, also stated that the consortium has not complied with any conditions necessary for ownership transfer, making a case for the bankruptcy resolution plan to be set aside, which could potentially result in Jet Airwayss liquidation. Jet Airways, founded by Naresh Goyal, went bankrupt in April 2019 when it suspended all flight operations due to financial woes. The Jalan-Kalrock Consortium comprises Murari Lal Jalan, a UAE-based non-resident Indian, and Florian Fritsch, who holds shares in Jet Airways through his Cayman Islands-based investment holding company, Kalrock Capital Partners Ltd. The National Companies Law Tribunal approved the consortiums resolution plan for Jet Airways on June 22, 2021. At the Supreme Court on Thursday, Jet Airwayss lenders argued that JKC was in breach of a previous Supreme Court directive requiring the consortium to deposit 150 crore to complete the first tranche of 350 crore. Jet Airwayss lenders also informed the Supreme Court that they had only received 200 crore out of the 4,783 crore promised to them as per the resolution plan, which is to be paid over 5 years, and that they were incurring losses of 22 crore monthly while maintaining the airline and its assets. Furthermore, they stated that Jet Airways owes around 7,500 crore to lenders. This is a case of gross abuse of the (Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code) process. This is a definite momentenough is enough. The court must make it clear that the IBC is not for abuse but a genuine facilitator for takeovers. Operators like this cannot come and play with the courts, stated additional solicitor general N. Venkataraman, representing Jet Airwayss lenders. Stalling the takeover The lenders reiterated that JKC had not fulfilled various preconditions necessary to take over Jet Airways, including obtain an air operator certificate (AOC), approval from the Directorate General of Civil Aviation, slot allotment, bilateral rights, and international traffic rights. Additionally, JKC has failed to pay dues amounting to about 272 crore for provident fund and gratuity to workers, they said. The lenders added that JKC had not released three Dubai-based immovable properties offered as security for the 150 crore performance bank guarantee. In response, JKC maintained its argument that the lenders were stalling its takeover of the airline. The consortium had announced in September last year that it had infused 350 crore equity into Jet Airways and fulfilled its financial commitment as per the court-approved resolution plan. The Supreme Court will continue hearing the case on October 1. The bench, led by Chief Justice D.Y. Chandrachud, was hearing the lenders plea against the National Company Law Appellate Tribunals ruling in March upholding the handover of Jet Airwayss ownership to JKC by approving its resolution plan. A fraud investigation in Europe The NCLAT had affirmed NCLTs January 2023 order allowing the transfer of ownership and directed the lenders to complete the handover process within 90 days. This process includes transferring the shares of Jet Airways to JKC and obtaining an air operators certificate. The NCLAT also instructed the lenders to create security on the three Dubai-based properties within 30 days. Upon the creation of this security, the lenders were to adjust the 150 crore performance bank guarantee, with JKC required to complete payment of the first tranche of 350 crore as a condition precedent to ownership. The appellate tribunal noted that JKC had already raised 200 crore out of the 350 crore. However, lenders appealed NCLATs ruling in the Supreme Court, arguing that the January order mandated a cash deposit of 150 crore and set aside the earlier NCLAT ruling that permitted JKC to submit a bank guarantee to fulfill its obligations. Previously, lenders also expressed concerns about the source of the 200 crore payment, stating that JKC was not cooperating with an investigation to determine the source, as directed by the NCLT, after consortium member Fritsch was investigated for fraud and money laundering offenses in Europe. Meta, the parent company of Facebook, has announced updates to its virtual reality (VR) headset and Ray-Ban smart glasses, demonstrating its commitment to artificial intelligence (AI) and next-generation computing platforms, per Reuters. At the company's headquarters in Menlo Park, California, CEO Mark Zuckerberg revealed a prototype called Orion, which he described as the most advanced glasses the world has ever seen. During the Meta Connect 2024 on September 25, Zuckerberg said these holographic augmented reality (AR) glasses were designed to be lightweight and wireless and feature a unique wrist-based neural interface that translates brain signals into digital commands. The technical challenges to make them are insane, Zuckerberg told the audience. While no release date was announced for Orion, Zuckerberg referred to it as a glimpse of the future, as quoted by Reuters. The event also showcased updates to Meta's AI system, including voice interaction capabilities featuring celebrity voices. Zuckerberg emphasised the company's vision: We are trying to build a future that is more open, more accessible, more natural, and more about human connection. Also Read | Meta turns to Awkwafina, John Cena to draw users to AI Meta's AI launches Meta introduced new AI features aimed at content creators, allowing them to create AI versions of themselves for fan interactions. The company also demonstrated live translation capabilities using its smart glasses, with Zuckerberg conversing in English while Mexican mixed martial artist Brandon Moreno replied in Spanish, with real-time translation. The company announced that its Meta AI now has 500 million users, a figure that industry analyst Jeremy Goldman called jaw-dropping. In terms of hardware, Meta unveiled the Quest 3S, a more affordable version of its VR goggles priced at $299, ready to ship on October 15. The company also highlighted the success of its Ray-Ban smart glasses, which Zuckerberg described as the perfect form factor for AI. While Meta continues to generate a vast majority of its revenue from advertising, it is heavily investing in AI and emerging computing platforms. However, some industry experts remain sceptical about the mainstream adoption of VR headsets, with Forrester research director Mike Proulx stating, VR headsets, despite Meta's assertion, will not go mainstream. They're too cumbersome, and people can only tolerate them in short bursts. (Bloomberg) -- OpenAI is discussing giving Chief Executive Officer Sam Altman a 7% equity stake in the company and restructuring to become a for-profit business, people familiar with the matter said, a major shift that would mark the first time Altman is granted ownership in the artificial intelligence startup. The company is considering becoming a public benefit corporation, tasked with turning a profit and also helping society, said the people, who asked not to be identified because the information is private. The transition is still under discussion and a timeline has not been determined, one of the people said. In a statement, a spokesperson said OpenAI remains focused on building AI that benefits everyone, adding, the nonprofit is core to our mission and will continue to exist. OpenAI is mulling these changes against the backdrop of an exodus of senior managers. Chief Technology Officer Mira Murati said on Wednesday she is leaving, a surprise move that marks the latest high-profile departure from the startup. In the months after it suddenly fired and then rehired Altman last year, OpenAI has been in a state of flux losing multiple managers and shifting the structure of some of its teams. In a statement on X, Murati said she was stepping away because I want to create the time and space to do my own exploration. In response, Altman expressed tremendous gratitude for Muratis contributions, writing, Its hard to overstate how much Mira has meant to OpenAI, our mission, and to us all personally. He also said that he would share more with employees about transition plans soon. Murati does not yet have a exit date at the company, according to a person familiar with the matter. She is still speaking with OpenAIs leadership about plans for her replacement, including the timeline. In the post, she wrote, For now, my primary focus is doing everything in my power to ensure a smooth transition, maintaining the momentum weve built. Representatives for OpenAI and Murati declined to provide further comment. OpenAI was founded in 2015 as a nonprofit research organization with the goal of building artificial intelligence that would be safe and beneficial to humanity. The company created a for-profit subsidiary in 2019 in order to help fund the high costs of AI model development, and has since drawn billions in outside investment from Microsoft Corp. and others. This month, Bloomberg reported that OpenAI is currently working to raise $6.5 billion at a $150 billion valuation, making it one of the most valuable startups in the world. In keeping with the companys nonprofit origins, Altman had famously not taken equity, stressing that the company was meant to broadly benefit society, and that he had enough money. But he has also occasionally said in interviews that he wished he had taken equity so that people would stop asking him about it. Reuters earlier reported on the companys plan to restructure and give Altman equity for the first time. On Wednesday, many employees were shocked by the announcement of Muratis departure. On the companys internal Slack channel, multiple OpenAI employees responded to the news with a WTF emoji, according to a person familiar with the matter. Murati, an Albanian-born Dartmouth-educated engineer, played a key role in shepherding major product releases, including OpenAIs popular ChatGPT chatbot, its DALL-E image generation software, and its recently released advanced voice mode that lets users talk to ChatGPT in essentially real-time. This spring, Murati came under fire for saying in an interview with the Wall Street Journal that she wasnt sure whether Sora, a text-to-video generator that OpenAI has showed off but not yet released, was trained on user-generated videos from YouTube, Facebook and Instagram. Such a use of YouTube content would be an infraction of the platforms terms of service, YouTube CEO Neal Mohan later told Bloomberg. After Altmans ouster, Murati gained a higher profile when she was appointed as interim CEO but she quickly joined a group of executives pushing for Altman to be reinstated. Her departure marks the latest executive exit at OpenAI since Altmans firing and rehiring last year. Ilya Sutskever, the companys chief scientist, left in May. In August, co-founder Greg Brockman said he would go on leave until the end of the year, and researcher John Schulman left for AI rival Anthropic. The departures leave only two members of OpenAIs original founding team at the startup: Altman and Wojciech Zaremba. In her post on X, the text of which she earlier sent to employees at the company, Murati said she was grateful to have worked with the OpenAI team. Together weve pushed the boundaries of scientific understanding in our quest to improve human well-being, she wrote. The company currently has about 1,700 employees, more than double the roughly 770 it had in late 2023. Also Read | Who Is Mira Murati? All about OpenAI CTO who quit after shaping ChatGPT Altman subsequently announced additional changes to OpenAIs management. In a memo to OpenAI he also posted to X on Wednesday, he wrote that Chief Research Officer Bob McGrew is leaving, along with Barret Zoph, a vice president of research who worked on products like ChatGPT. In his own post on X, Zoph said it was a very difficult decision to leave and he plans to explore new opportunities outside the company. OpenAI is doing and will continue to do incredible work and I am very optimistic about the future trajectory of the company and will be rooting everybody on, he wrote. Altman also named six existing employees who will now report directly to him, some in new roles, including Matt Knight as chief information security officer. I have over the past year or so spent most of my time on the non-technical parts of our organization; I am now looking forward to spending most of my time on the technical and product parts of the company, the CEO wrote, adding that there will be an all-hands meeting Thursday to answer employee questions. NTPC Green Energy Ltd (NGEL), which is preparing for a public listing, has entered into a joint venture with Mahatma Phule Renewable Energy and Infrastructure Technology Ltd (Mahapreit) to develop renewable energy parks and projects with a cumulative capacity of 10 GW across Maharashtra and other states. In a statement, the NTPC subsidiary announced that both companies signed a joint venture (JV) agreement on Wednesday. The agreement was signed by Rajiv Gupta, chief executive, NGEL, and Bipin Shrimali, managing director, Mahapreit, in Mumbai. "The JV company will undertake development of 10 GW of renewable energy parks and projects in Maharashtra or in any other state of India," the statement added. This development comes shortly after NGEL filed its draft red herring prospectus (DRHP) for a 10,000 crore initial public offering (IPO). The public offering is expected to launch in the first week of November, with roadshows planned in key markets like Mumbai, London, the US, and Singapore. As per the DRHP, NGEL's installed solar capacity stood at 3,071 MW as of 31 August, while its wind power generation capacity was 100 MW. The IPO aims to fund the companys ambitious expansion, with a target of reaching over 60 GW capacity by 2030. This aligns with the governments broader goal of achieving 500 GW of non-fossil energy capacity by the end of the decade. As part of our strategy, we intend to expand our renewable energy business, NGEL noted in its DRHP. And this | NTPC arm in talks with HPCL, Hindalco for green hydrogen supply joint ventures The company also intends to increase its power generation capacity by completing ongoing solar and wind projects and exploring growth opportunities with both public sector units (PSUs) and private corporations. We regularly evaluate potential opportunities to acquire renewable energy assets, the company added. Alphabet Inc CEO Sundar Pichai has indicated that Google's ongoing antitrust challenges will likely take years to resolve, suggesting they do not pose an immediate risk to the tech giant's operations, as per a report by Bloomberg. In a recent interview for The David Rubenstein Show: Peer to Peer Conversations, Pichai addressed the company's legal battles, stating, It's going to take time for it to play out. He added, Where we think it really harms our ability to innovate on behalf of our users, we are going to be vigorous in defending ourselves, as quoted by Bloomberg. Antitrust trials The tech leader is currently facing two separate antitrust trials initiated by the US Justice Department. One case alleges Google's illegal dominance in digital advertising, while the other focuses on its control of online search. The advertising trial has recently begun, and in the search case, which Google lost, Judge Amit Mehta aims to resolve final issues by August. Also Read | Visa stock plunges as DOJ files antitrust lawsuit alleging market dominance Regarding the search case ruling, Pichai commented, We definitely disagree with the ruling, but it's still in the middle of the remedies phase. And you know, we will appeal, and this process will likely take many years. The legal proceedings are unfolding against a backdrop of rapid technological advancements, particularly in artificial intelligence, where Google is striving to establish a strong foothold. Industry experts note that by the time these cases conclude, the tech landscape may have undergone significant changes. In the advertising case, if the government prevails, it could lead to a breakup of Google and the forced sale of some assets. Google is expected to appeal any such decision, arguing that it has competed fairly against rivals like Facebook and Amazon. The Radisson Hotel Group is ramping up its presence in India, tapping into a burgeoning demand for hospitality services and strategically expanding across both metropolitan and emerging tier II-III markets. With 200,000 branded rooms currently available in India, demand is significantly outpacing supply, creating an opportunity for growth in the hospitality sector. Demand is risingand so are room rates," Nikhil Sharma, managing director and area senior vice president, told Mint exclusively. "India has only as many branded rooms as New York, and demand will continue to outpace supply for the next 7-10 years. Before the pandemic, there was a latent demand but somehow people were conservative in terms of spending a lot of money on hotel rooms. That perception has now evolved." The international hotel management company's India arm is estimated to have had a revenue of about 4,000 crore across its 123 hotels, putting it ahead of competitors such as IHG and Hilton here. It has another 80 hotels in various stages of development. The group's strategy includes a robust expansion into religious tourism, with recent openings in Ayodhya and Vrindavan. "We were the first movers in Ayodhya, Uttar Pradesh. We also recently opened a hotel in Vrindavan. We are moving at a fast clip. Next on the horizon is Ujjain in Madhya Pradesh, and Guruvayur, Kerala. We are also present in Katra in Jammu and Kashmir and Amritsar, Punjab, where the circuit is becoming much stronger," Sharma said. Occupancy rate The company's occupancy rate - the percentage of hotel rooms that are filled with guests during a specific time period - exceeds 70%. "That is higher than most other competitive players today, according to data from hotel market research company, STR. We will continue to grow," he said. Radisson Hotel Group is owned by Radisson Hospitality AB, a subsidiary of the Jin Jiang International Holdings Company, a Chinese state-owned enterprise, which acquired it in 2018. The group operates brands including Radisson, Radisson Blu, RED, and Park Inn by Radisson. Globally and in India, it competes with Marriott International, Hyatt Hotels Corp, and InterContinental Hotels group. View Full Image Sharma was appointed as India head in April this year In India, it is also focusing on smaller cities, planning new hotels in Sagar (Madhya Pradesh), Phagwara (Punjab), and Saputara (Gujarat). Srinagar, Goa, and Dhanbad in Bihar are on its list of openings in calendar year 2024. About 50% of its hotels are in tier II and III towns. The company aims to have an all-round development strategy and has plans for asset acquisitions through conversions and soft branding. Soft branding is when the hotel owners work with a hotel management company like Radisson and are allowed some flexibility in terms of managing their own property. Goa exception Sharma said there was a drastic shift in hotel consumer behavior after the pandemic. Disposable incomes are growing, he said, adding that he does not expect any price corrections now, except, possibly in Goa, where occupancy has fallen by about 4%. "Prices (in Goa) have stayed constant there by and large too, despite a drop in demand. This market could be an exception because of new supply coming in. With the exception of a black swan event, we are spread almost evenly between leisure and business properties," he said. Today, as much as 50% of the company's revenues are from food and beverage operations. It introduced a high-end Indian sweets brand, Meetha, which it operates as luxury retail stores outside its hotels. The overall buoyancy of the hospitality sector has not gone unnoticed in the stock markets. Prashant Biyani, vice president of institutional equity research at Elara Capital, said there is strong investor confidence in the hospitality sector right now. "Stock prices for hotels have held around the same place as a few months ago, despite there being a small correction in Q1 in terms of consumption. The market has faith in the sector still," Biyani said. As demand surges, Sharma said the next few years are crucial for Radisson. "While the bigger cities are getting penetrated in terms of spaces where new hotels can be built, there will be a lot of developments in redeployed and redeveloped land parcels. Now the market is maturing to see some amount of re-branding of hotels as well," he said. Rebranding is when hotel-managing companies change while the owners of the assets remain the same. Experiential travel "We are also focused on developing the Radisson RED brand and will have two more assets by next year," Sharma said. This brand was announced in 2021 and is a lifestyle-oriented millennial brand catering to younger travellers. In response to changing market dynamics, the company introduced the Radisson Individuals and Radisson Individuals Retreats brands in India about two years ago, targeting the experiential travel segment. Sharma said the company has set a goal of opening 20 properties this calendar year. A fifth of them will be leisure resorts in places like Jawai in Rajasthan and Nainital in Uttarakhand, which command higher prices. "India's average daily rate for organised hotels is about 7,000. Exclusive resorts are able to command anything upwards of 10,000 a night," he said, highlighting the potential for revenue growth. Chinas over $100 billion push to bolster its stock markets has stirred optimism, but begs the question of whether investors and businesses will take the bait amid lingering doubts about the economys underlying weakness. In an unprecedented move, the Peoples Bank of China vowed to invest 800 billion yuan of liquidity, equivalent to $113.77 billion, into Chinese stock markets through new swap and loan facilities, a move cautiously welcomed by analysts. While the measures are an absolute positive," the key will be in the implementation, Morgan Stanley analyst Laura Wang said in a note. Under the liquidity facility, 500 billion yuan will be available in the first phase for funds, brokers and insurers to buy Chinese stocks, while an additional 300 billion yuan will go toward financing share buybacks by publicly listed companies. Analysts say some challenges that are likely to arise during implementation include the ability and willingness of investors to take risks, and the gestation period it takes for the support to positively affect economic data points, which will signal whether the Chinese economys fundamental challenges have been addressed. Institutional investors incentives to use PBOC facility to build up leverage remains constrained by the availability of attractive investment options," Citi analysts said in a note, adding that the investment risk and repayment of debt taken from the facilities would ultimately rest with the borrower. The size of the fund itself could be another challenge. Some say the fund, in this first phase, isnt big enough to be meaningful. CreditSights said in a note that the liquidity facility announced by the central bank in the first phase accounts for only 1% of Chinese equity markets market capitalization. The central banks moves were part of a broader monetary package that included slashing banks reverse ratio requirements. Chinese authorities could introduce more easing measures in the coming months. Chinas equity markets experienced some of its biggest gains in more than four years immediately after the announcement of the stimulus package. The benchmark Shanghai Composite Index rose 1.2% on Wednesday after ending 4.15% higher Tuesday. Similarly, Hong Kongs Hang Seng Index gained 0.7% after surging 4.1% in the previous session. Stock markets in China have been among the worst performers globally since the pandemic, dragged by a slowing economy and capital outflows. Last year, the Hang Seng Index lost 14%, while the Shanghai benchmark was down 15%. Since the start of the year, authorities have undertaken piecemeal measures to instill confidence among investors and address market volatility, such as suspending the lending of restricted shares to make short selling more difficult and tightening supervision of new listings. But the measures havent been able to move the needle much due to lingering concerns about the economys health, especially after August economic data came in weaker than expected. Home prices in China registered their steepest decline in nine years for the month, while retail sales and industrial production activity continued to slow. Aside from the facilities to inject liquidity, the PBOC is also studying the likelihood of a market-stabilization fund, PBOC Gov. Pan Gongsheng said Tuesday. While direct government buying of stocks could help boost returns in the short run, plans to address structural headwinds facing the Chinese economy are required to rerate China equity, analysts said. The scale of the rebound and its sustainability hinge on a successful breakout from deflation and corporate earnings growth bottoming out," Morgan Stanleys Wang said. Write to Sherry Qin at sherry.qin@wsj.com and Jiahui Huang at Jiahui.Huang@wsj.com New Delhi: To promote electric ambulances in India, the heavy industries ministry will consult with the health ministry next week to determine the technical specifications needed for these vehicles, according to two people aware of the matter. Discussions with the health ministry will cover issues such as the weight of these ambulances, including heavy medical equipment, that will play a pivotal role in deciding how to electrify them while maintaining safety and performance. The final guidelines are expected to be rolled out after these consultations. With a total outlay of 10,900 crore, the PM E-Drive scheme aims to sell various electric vehicles, including e-ambulances, at subsidized prices to accelerate the countrys transition to cleaner transport. Out of this, 500 crore is for the production of e-ambulances over the next two years, ending FY26. "Ambulances have to carry heavy loads, and the equipment inside the vehicle may also be particularly heavy. The e-ambulance will need to carry this weight quickly and safely, and the deliberations (with the health ministry) will be about this, among other things," one of the officials said on condition of anonymity. The Centre had previously said it would collaborate with all stakeholders to notify performance and safety standards of e-ambulances. An email query sent to the ministry of heavy industries and the ministry of health and family welfare about the deliberations remained unanswered till press time. The PM E-Drive scheme, launched recently to replace the Faster Adoption and Manufacturing of Electric (and Hybrid) Vehicles (FAME) programme, is a big leap in Indias push for e-mobility. By offering subsidies to original equipment manufacturers (OEMs), the government intends to incentivize affordable electric vehicle sales while ensuring reimbursement for manufacturers on the discounted amounts. This push for e-ambulances aligns with Indias larger goal of achieving 30% electric vehicle adoption by 2030. With over 30,000 ambulances currently in operation, a shift toward electrification in this sector could significantly contribute to the countrys e-mobility targets. The cost benefits are clear: electric vehicles are cheaper to maintain and operate, and they offer an environmentally friendly alternative to traditional fuel-powered options. International crude oil prices reversed their gains picked after the US Federal Reserve's supersized interest rate cut and dropped over three per cent on Thursday, September 26, on a media report that Saudi Arabia, the world's top crude exporter, will give up its price target in preparation for raising output. Brent crude futures were last down $1.62, or 2.2 per cent, to $71.84 a barrel, while US West Texas Intermediate crude fell $1.6, or 2.3 per cent, to $68.09 per barrel. Both contracts fell more than $2 per barrel. Back home, crude oil futures tarded 2.9 per cent lower at 5,667 per barrel on the multi-commodity exchange (MCX). What's dragging crude oil prices? -Saudi Arabia is preparing to abandon its unofficial price target of $100 a barrel for crude as it prepares to increase output, the Financial Times reported. The Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countriesled de facto by Riyadhalong with the group's allies, including Russia, are known as OPEC+. -The OPEC+ cartel has been cutting oil output to support prices. However, prices are down nearly six per cent so far this year, amid increasing supply from other producers, especially the US, and weak demand growth in China. Also Read: Oil dips as weak euro zone business activity compounds demand worries -Analysts said the prospect of additional supply from Libya and Saudi Arabia has been the main driver behind the latest weakness. A United Nations statement on Wednesday said delegates from divided Libya's east and west agreed on appointing a central bank governor. -This step could help resolve the crisis over control of the country's oil revenue, which has disrupted exports. Libya's crude exports have averaged about 400,000 barrels per day (bpd) in September, down from over 1 million bpd in August. -The news of a new Chinese stimulus package limited further losses. The top government officials in China, the world's largest crude oil importer, pledged on Thursday to deploy "necessary fiscal spending" to meet this year's economic growth target of roughly five per cent, acknowledging new problems and raising market expectations for fresh stimulus in addition to measures announced this week. Where are oil prices headed? Analysts said WTI crude oil prices surged above $72 per barrel on Tuesday due to concerns about potential supply disruptions in the US from hurricane threats, escalating conflict in the Middle East, and an improving demand outlook driven by fresh stimulus in China. Pranav Mer, Vice President, EBG - Commodity & Currency Research, JM Financial Services Ltd said, "Prices are additionally supported by a higher than expected drawdown in oil and products inventories, as reported by API. On chart, trend remains positive till prices are above support at 5,920, can buy at dips for target at 6,050/ 6,100". In the Middle East, Israel conducted strikes across southern Lebanon, resulting in nearly 500 fatalitiesthe deadliest day of conflict since the 2006 war with Hezbollah. The looming threat of a second hurricane in two weeks has prompted US oil producers to evacuate personnel from offshore platforms in the Gulf of Mexico. "Today, oil prices steadied around $71.30 per barrel amid rising geopolitical risks related to the Israel-Lebanon situation and expectations of a draw in US EIA oil inventories. Iran's President Masoud Pezeshkian stated that Israeli attacks in Lebanon cannot go unanswered. Meanwhile, the API reported a significant draw of 4.339 million barrels for the week ending September 20," said Kaynat Chainwala, AVP-Commodity Research, Kotak Securities. ITC share price gained nearly a per cent on Thursday, September 26 to hit a record high of 522.50 on BSE, with its market capitalisation crossing 6.5 lakh crore for the first time. The hotels-to-FMCG conglomerate ITC on September 25 announced that it has been allotted 1,413 Compulsorily Convertible Preference Shares of Sproutlife Foods Private Ltd. The preference shares of Sproutlife have been acquired pursuant to a follow-on investment in terms of the Securities Subscription & Purchase Agreement and the Shareholders Agreement executed on 19th April, 2023 to acquire 100% of the share capital (on a fully diluted basis) of Sproutlife in one or more tranches. With the acquisition of 1,413 CCPS, ITCs shareholding in Sproutlife aggregates to around 47.50% of its share capital at a total investment of 255 crore. The acquisition is in line with the strategy to augment the Companys future ready portfolio in the foods segment, ITC said. Sproutlife is a start-up engaged in the business of manufacturing and selling food products under the trademark Yoga Bar. It currently has high salience of on-line sales (D2C, e-commerce platforms etc.) with growing presence in offline stores. Also Read | Easy Trip Planners share price rises 5%: Promoter stake sale overhang is behind ITC Share Price Outlook ITC stock price has seen a gradual upmove as it has risen nearly 22% in the past three months. The stock has gained over 12% year-to-date (YTD), while it is up more than 17% in the past one year. Analysts are bullish on ITC shares as long as they remains above the psychological mark of 500 level. I expect ITC shares to stay strong and make incremental highs. The overall FMCG sector is expected to outperform the broader markets and so will ITC stock. ITC shares are estimated to do well above the 500 level, which is its major technical as well as psychological support, said Milan Vaishnav, founder of ChartWizard FZE and Gemstone Equity Research. He expects ITC stock to see an upside to 530 - 538 levels in the near term. However, if ITC shares fall below 500 level, Vaishnav expects the stock to see a consolidation thereon. At 11:45 am, ITC shares were trading 0.39% higher at 519.45 apiece on the BSE, commanding a market cap of over 6.49 lakh crore. Rappid Valves SME IPO: The Initial Public offering closed for subscription on 25 September. On Thursday, September 26, 2024, the allocation for the Rappid Valves (India) IPO is anticipated to be completed. The tentative listing date for the Rappid Valves (India) IPO is set on Monday, September 30, 2024 on NSE SME. The Rappid Valves (India) IPO's book running lead manager is Shreni Shares Limited, and the registrar is Link Intime India Private Ltd. Here are the steps to check allotment status online, GMP as focus shifts to listing Since Link Intime India Private Ltd is the registrar to the Rappid Valves (India) IPO and Rappid Valves share is to be listed on the NSE , investors can check allotment status on the Link Intime website or the NSE Step1- Click on registrar Link Intime India Private Ltd website by clicking on this link Step2- click on Company selection and thereafter from the drop down select the company name Rappid Valves (India) Ltd. Step 3 Select from among any one of the following as - Application No., Demat Account, PAN number or Bank account number along wih IFSC code Step 4- Enter these details from the option selected Step 5 Enter the Submit button and Don't forget to enter Captcha code if asked for before submitting for search Also Read | Diffusion Engineers IPO subscribed over 6x on day 1 of issue; Latest GMP here Similar to this, investors can use the NSE website to verify the status of Rappid Valves IPO allotment by providing the required information.. Rappid Valves IPO Grey Market Premium or the GMP The GMP for the Rappid Valves IPO was +100, per information obtained from Investorgain.com. This indicates that Rappid Valves' IPO shares ae available for 100 more than the issue price in the Grey market, at the time of the IPO. This shows that the market is expecting the share price of Rappid Valves to list at 322, which is 45.05% more than the top range of the issue price of 222. In Ullozhukku, the first feature film by writer-director Christo Tomy, the women are not only confined to their home, but also unable to find terra firma. Set in Alappuzha, Kerala, during the monsoon, the film looks at the aftermath of a death in the family, as relatives gather in the house for days to mourn the deceased. Forced to sit together and grieve (not unlike the tradition of sitting Shiva under Judaism), the characters slowly reveal secrets and own up to their transgressions. This Malayalam film, which released in June, is founded on the relationship between Leelamma (Urvashi) and her daughter-in-law, Anju (Parvathy Thiruvothu). Both are caregivers to Thomaskutty, the ailing man whose death sets the film in motion, yet their purpose in the film is at odds. In the hands of any other actor, Anju the pregnant widow would be an unsympathetic characterafter all, she cheats on a dying man. But as played by Parvathy, Anju is an incandescent being. There is anger at her circumstance, but also the light in her determination. Also read: Hanif Kureshi (1982-2024): Bringing art out into the open The film makes no mention of patriarchy, yet reminds us how limited a womans choices are. Forced to give up a previous romantic relationship due to religious differences, Anju also forsakes her job and accepts Leelammas son as her husband. Soon enough, Anju is confined to the role of caregiver with no employment or financial independence or prospects. The drudgery of caregiving is mechanical, yet Parvathy comes alive with a kind of loose tension. When Thomaskutty dies, the flooded home, in turn, becomes the symbol of a possibility of a happier future. If inherited by the widowed, adulterous, pregnant daughter-in-law, the house has the potential to finally become her home. In India, where inheritance by women is often turned into a morality tale, the question of whether Anju deserves the house becomes paramount. Succession is lightly worn as legacy by men. But for women, inheritance is a very complex legal matter which involves jumping through many hurdlesprimarily, a hostile legal framework. For example, only in 2005, Hindu women, through an amendment in the Hindu Succession Act, gained equal inheritance rights to her family assets. (Unsurprisingly, Dr Ambedkar, in 1948, had suggested a reformist Hindu Code Bill which proposed equality of inheritance rights of widows.) Succession is rarely straightforward. In India, religions are allowed flexibility to deal with succession as a personal matter. In Ullozhukku, there is a clever engagement with the issue of inheritance rights of widowed daughters-in-law. The film does not make a mention of the tangled legal situation of inheritance by the widow and her illegitimate unborn child, but hints at the financial destitution that awaits. It is also revealing to look at the law that applies to widows such as Anju. For matters related to the succession rights of Christians, the Indian Succession Act of 1925 is applicable, and needless to say, the law is complicated. Religious freedom, a constitutional right, has led to development of personal religious laws. Sadly, such laws have developed at the expense of women, often siding with confusion over cogency. The poll plank of the central government of implementing a Uniform Civil Code is not likely to help. Take the instance of the Uttarakhand Uniform Civil Code, 2024: the issue of reform in the structure of the Hindu Undivided Family to allow greater participation of widows has not been addressed. There are several other provisions in the Code which erode the agency of women; when gender justice is one of the stated objectives of implementing a uniform code throughout the country. Ullozhukku offers a fresh look at the consequences of a family as an economic unit for women. It might not be long before the issue of succession rights is not just an undercurrent but the primary focus in a film. Bengaluru horror: The accused who allegedly killed a Bengaluru woman, chopped her body into over 50 pieces and stuffed the body parts into a fridge, had told his family that the victim Mahalakshmi used to blackmail and extort money from him. Before ending his life in Bhadrak district of Odisha, the accused, identified as Mukti Ranjan Ray, told family members that his initial plan to pass her death as a suicide. His body was found hanging from a tree in a village in Bhadrak district. According to Hindustan Times report, before committing suicide, Ray told his family about the crime and allegedly claimed that the woman - Mahalakshmi - and her brothers used to thrash him and extort money from him. On Thursday, Muktis younger brother told reporters that his brother confessed to them about committing the crime, saying he chopped her body after an initial plan to pass her death as a suicide did not work. My brother was with me for the last 9-10 days. After staying for 3 days, he confessed to killing Mahalakshmi. He told me that Mahalakshmi used to blackmail him and extorted money from him, the report quoted younger brother as saying. Mukti had blamed Mahalakshmi for messing up his life, he added. Also Read | Headless body of a woman found on Kanpur highway; investigation on Before Mukti died, he had visited his mother on Tuesday. She said he was tense when he came home. The maggot-infested body of Mahalakshmi, chopped into several pieces and stuffed into the fridge, was found by her mother and elder sister at her Vyalikaval home on Saturday. The deceased woman's estranged husband on Sunday expressed suspicion about the involvement of a man known to Mahalakshmi, who had been living alone, in her neighbourhood. He kept on saying that the girl has destroyed our family, Muktis brother said. WASHINGTON : President Biden on Thursday directed that Ukraine receive the remaining $5.5 billion worth of American weapons and equipment previously authorized by Congress, underlining his commitment to Kyivs cause ahead of his meeting Thursday with President Volodymyr Zelensky at the White House. The administrations announcement also includes separate funding of about $2.4 billion through whats known as the Ukraine Security Assistance Initiative, which will provide Ukraine with air defenses, drones and other weapons that over the long term will help to sustain its military needs. The president also approved the transfer of the Joint Standoff Weapon, a long-range munition that will help Ukraine strike faraway Russian positions in its own territory and within Ukraine, as well as one Patriot missile-defense system to protect Ukrainian cities facing consistent Russian bombardment. The announcement included the expansion of the F-16 pilot-training program for 18 additional Ukrainian pilots. Through these actions, my message is clear: The U.S. will provide Ukraine with the support it needs to win this war," Biden said in a statement. Bidens announcement came on what could be a pivotal day for Zelensky, who retains significant support in Washington but has faced relentless criticism from Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump and has recently angered some GOP backers over perceived political missteps. Zelensky is meeting with Biden as well as with congressional leaders from both parties and Vice President Kamala Harris, the Democratic presidential nominee. During his visit, Zelensky is set to present his full victory plan" in Washington, which U.S. officials have described as underwhelming, saying that Ukraine is mainly asking for advanced weapons to continue repelling Russian President Vladimir Putins forces. The aid plan announced Thursday concludes a dispute between the White House and Congress that averts the possibility that previously authorized funding for Ukraine could be lost after the fiscal year ends Sept 30. It assures funding for Ukraine at least through the end of Bidens term but doesnt give the administration the flexibility it sought to potentially use the money for any new programs, only existing ones. Critics from both parties contended that the administration had dragged its feet on providing weaponry to Ukraine, while administration officials pointed out that the supplemental funding bill first proposed last fall wasnt passed until April, thus forcing officials to scramble to get the money spent on time. Just the dribbling of what weve authorizedwhy in the world would you do that?" said Sen. Roger Wicker (R., Miss.), the top-ranking Republican on the Senate Armed Services Committee. That doesnt sound like a good way to help our friends." Biden has also declined to lift restrictions on Ukraines use of long-range missiles against Russia, despite Kyiv and European allies, as well as members of Congress, openly calling for him to do so. The administration has argued such a move could escalate the conflict with Russia. I think at this point, we need to make the case strongly to the administration that they need to provide permission for him to strike deeper into Russia," said Sen. Richard Blumenthal (D., Conn.). Russia and Ukraine are in an effective stalemate, with Moscow pushing to solidify gains in the southeast even as Ukraine holds, for now, the territory it took in a bold offensive inside Russia in the Kursk region. Much has changed in the U.S. and Ukraine since Zelensky received a heros welcome while delivering a joint address in a packed House chamber two years ago. Republicans were sharply divided earlier this year in votes to approve a $95 billion package of new aid for Ukraine, Israel and Taiwan, and the uncertainty over which party will control the White House and Congress next year has cast doubt over future assistance. At his campaign rallies, Trump has pledged to end the war and jabbed at Zelensky. We will win, we will win," the former president said, mimicking Zelenskys accent, at a rally in Pennsylvania this week. Hes been saying that for three years. Every time Zelensky comes to the U.S. he walks away with $100 billion," he said, to boos. But were stuck in that war unless Im president." Trump wont be meeting with Zelensky during this visit to the U.S., according to people familiar with his plans. In a recent interview with the New Yorker, Zelensky said Trump doesnt really know how to stop the war even if he might think he knows how" and that Trumps vice presidential pick, Ohio Sen. JD Vancean outspoken opponent of Ukraine aidis too radical." Some Republican lawmakers complained that Zelenskys appearance at an ammunition factory in Pennsylvania alongside Gov. Josh Shapiro and Sen. Bob Casey, both Democrats, was inappropriate. In a letter Wednesday, House Speaker Mike Johnson (R., La.) demanded that Zelensky fire the Ukrainian ambassador to the U.S. for organizing the event, denouncing it as election interference." Johnson said he had no plans to meet with the Ukrainian president. It was a major screw-up," said Sen. Lindsey Graham (R., S.C.), an ally of Trump who has been supportive of Ukraine aid. Sen. Mike Rounds (R., S.D.) said it is up to Zelensky to begin repair work with Trump and other Republicans right away. Hes working with us to get more resources for his country, but these types of activities probably do not help his cause long-term." Casey, who is running for re-election, scoffed at the idea that Zelenskys appearance at the plant, which makes shells for Ukraine, was political. How could you be against him visiting a plant where theyre helping Ukraine win the war?" Casey said. Supporters of Ukraine in Congress say theyre expecting that Zelensky will need another aid package early next year, or potentially in the lame-duck period between Election Day and Jan. 3, when the new Congress will be sworn in. The most critical element is assurance of uninterrupted support over the course of the next several months and beyond, and thats what I hope we can assure him," said Sen. Jack Reed (D., R.I.), chair of the Senate Armed Services Committee. Vivian Salama contributed to this article. Write to Lindsay Wise at lindsay.wise@wsj.com, Gordon Lubold at gordon.lubold@wsj.com and Alexander Ward at alex.ward@wsj.com The man accused of killing and dismembering a Bengaluru woman earlier this month was found dead in Odisha on Wednesday. A suicide note left behind by the suspect suggests that Mahalakshmi was killed following a heated altercation with Muktiranjan Pratap Ray at her residence in Vyalikaval. A diary recovered by the police also had the suspect confessing to the murder and subsequently dismembering the woman into 59 pieces. The two had met while working in a garment shop and entered into a relationship. According to the police, Mahalakshmi was pressuring him to marry her which led to constant arguments and finally an altercation. Preliminary investigation suggests that the short-tempered accused had killed her and later dismembered her body. The maggot-infested body of Mahalakshmi, chopped into several pieces and stuffed into the fridge, was found by her mother and elder sister at her Vyalikaval home on Saturday. Also Read | Bengaluru traffic halts train: Video causes hilarious comments on social media A senior police officer told PTI that Ray had called up his younger brother after the killing and asked the latter to immediately vacate the rented house. He did not give a reason but insisted that he would share details once they met. During an interrogation the younger brother of the accused revealed that Ray had confessed to the crime upon returning home. He had also said that he was unable to stay in the city any longer and would be leaving for their native place. Ray returned to the Odisha village in the days following the murder with the police hot on his trail. Also Read | North Indian influencer takes a U-turn after getting slammed by Karnataka celebs With the help of technical analysis and Call Record Details, the accused was identified and his mobile location was initially traced to West Bengal but later he switched it off. However, with the help of technical surveillance, his location was traced to a village in Odisha where we sent our teams to nab him, a senior police officer said. News of his death also came mere hours after Karnataka Home Minister G Parameshwara indicated that the police had information about the presence of the suspect in Odisha, and teams formed to crack the case have been sent there to nab him. With India becoming the third non-African country to report a case of clade 1b Mpox, the Union health secretary Apurva Chandra has directed state governments to take preventive measures to minimize the risk of Mpox outbreak in the country. He directed all states to spread awareness about the disease, its mode of spread, the need or importance of timely reporting, and preventive measures. It is crucial that any panic amongst the masses is prevented, he said. Also Read: How prepared is India for an Mpox outbreak? Samples from skin lesions of any patient with suspected symptoms of Mpox should be sent to the designated labs immediately, and for those that test positive, a sample should be sent to ICMR-NIV for genome sequencing to determine the clade, Chandra said in a letter dated 26 September. He informed that robust diagnostic testing capabilities are already available with 36 ICMR-supported labs across the country, and the Central Drugs Standard Control Organization (CDSCO) has approved three ICMR-validated commercial PCR kits. On Monday, India reported clade 1b strain in a 38-year-old man from Kerala, who recently returned from the United Arab Emirates. The patient is currently stable and under observation. Also Read: ICMR conducting serosurvey to assess mpox risk in India Earlier this month, India's first Mpox case was reported in a 26-year-old man from Haryana who returned from one of the affected African nations. However, the Mpox strain was the one that was prevalent in the previous outbreak seen in India in 2022. Meanwhile, the Union health secretary has advised states to review public health preparedness, identify isolation facilities in hospitals, and train human resources, etc. On 14 August, the World Health Organization announced that the current Mpox outbreakpreviously known as Monkeypox diseaseis a public health emergency of international concern (PHEIC). This is the second time the WHO has declared Mpox PHEIC under the International Health Regulations, 2005, to which India is a signatory. Also Read: A deadly new strain of Mpox is raising alarm A previous Mpox outbreak in 2022 was caused by Mpox virus clade 2. The 2024 PHEIC is related to Mpox virus clade 1, which is more virulent and more transmissible than Mpox clade 2. This clade has been found outside Africa. One case each of clade 1b has recently been seen from Sweden and Thailand. Manipur's security adviser said last week that authorities had received reports from local intelligence agencies about a possible crossing by "Kuki militants". The intelligence report suggested that 900 suspected militants from war-torn Myanmar have crossed over into Manipur. There were claims that these militants were planning to attack peripheral villages of Imphal valley districts around September 28. Days later, the Manipur government retracted its statement, asserting that the likelihood of "any such misadventures by armed groups is minimal and unsubstantiated", news agency PTI reported. Also Read | Why is Centre allowing Manipur to be like banana republic, asks Congress MP In a joint statement, Security Advisor Kuldiep Singh and DGP Rajiv Singh said on Wednesday, "In view of recent reactions from different communities regarding the input on the infiltration of 900 trained Kuki militants from Myanmar to carry out attacks on Meiteis on September 28, it is clarified that the input was verified from various sources but could not be substantiated on the ground. There is no current basis to believe in any such input." As per the report, the statement assured that "security forces are on high alert to protect the lives and property of citizens. All communities are assured of their safety." It also advised the public to not believe in any rumors or unverified news. What was claimed earlier? On September 20, the security advisor said security forces have taken a number of steps in the wake of reports that militants might carry out violence in peripheral villages. He had said that reports of movement of these militants have been circulating for the past three to four days. The security advisor had also indicated that security forces were on high alert following reports that the militants had entered the state to target peripheral villages, with potential attacks expected around September 28. Singh had said that the hill districts of Churachandpur, Tengnoupal, Ukhrul, Kamjong, and Pherzawl have been placed on high alert. Manipur govt spreading misinformation Earlier on Wednesday, Manipur Congress MLA Th Lokeshwar expressed concern over Singh's claim that 900 Kuki militants had entered the state, which he argued had caused panic in the outlying villages of the Imphal valley. He demanded clarity on the assertion. Lokeshwar stated, "Singh's claim has created unrest in peripheral areas. He should clarify the grounds for his assertions and outline what measures are in place to counter the militants entry. Villagers should not be left to live in fear." On Wednesday, the Manipur Tribals' Forum Delhi also accused the Manipur government of spreading misinformation about Kuki-Zo communities and urged the Centre to intervene and address the "bias and injustice" against them. Also Read | Manipur violence: Indefinite curfew imposed in Imphal amid renewed violence "The Manipur Tribals' Forum Delhi (MTFD), representing the Kuki-Zomi-Hmar communities, strongly condemns the recent acts of misinformation, unjust allegations, and systematic marginalisation against our people," the forum said in a statement. "We call on the national government to intervene and address the bias and injustices perpetuated by the Meitei-majority leadership in Manipur," it was quoted by PTI as saying. Top Events of the Day: Today's global stage is set for high-stakes diplomacy as Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy meets with US President Joe Biden, presenting his victory strategy and discussing continued US support. Prime Minister Narendra Modi is visiting Pune today to inaugurate the citys new underground metro corridor. Congress leader Rahul Gandhi is beginning his Haryana election campaign with rallies in Assandh and Barwala today. Meanwhile, in Japan, the world watches as Iwao Hakamada, the longest-serving death row inmate, awaits a verdict that could end his 46-year ordeal or seal his fate. Amazon Great Indian Festival sale to start for Prime members Starting September 26, midnight, the sale prices across all the categories went live and is available exclusively to Prime members. Zelenskyy to meet Biden during crucial US visit Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy is set to meet US President Joe Biden today. During the visit, Zelenskyy plans to present his victory strategy and discuss continued US support for Ukraine. Apart from Biden, Zelenskyy will meet with US Vice President Kamala Harris, members of Congress, and Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump. He will also address the United Nations General Assembly and engage with representatives from US defence and energy companies. Modi to sound poll bugle at the Maharashtra public rally Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to visit Pune on September 26, where he is expected to kick-start the Bharatiya Janata Partys (BJP) campaign for the upcoming Maharashtra assembly polls with a public rally at SP College Ground. Diffusion Engineers IPO The Diffusion Engineers IPO is scheduled to open for public subscription on September 26, 2024. The company, known for its expertise in heavy machinery repair and reconditioning services, is attracting significant interest following its successful anchor book allocation. PM Modi to inaugurate Pune underground metro Prime Minister Narendra Modi is visiting Pune today to inaugurate the citys new underground metro corridor, linking Civil Court to Swargate. This development is expected to boost Punes urban transport infrastructure significantly. Modi will also lay the foundation stone for the metros extension from Swargate to Katraj. Other key initiatives include the launch of a memorial at Bhide Wada, marking the site of Indias first female school founded by Jyotiba and Savitribai Phule. Also Read | Vladimir Putin previews changes to Russias nuclear doctrine Melania Trumps first interview in over two years Former US First Lady Melania Trump is set to give her first interview in two years on Fox Newss Fox & Friends today. In the interview, Melania will discuss the Trump campaigns strategy, her new book Melania, and other current issues, including the assassination attempt on her husband. As Donald Trump faces a challenging race against Vice President Kamala Harris, this interview marks a significant return to the public spotlight for the former First Lady. Rahul Gandhi to kick off Haryana campaign Congress leader Rahul Gandhi is beginning his Haryana election campaign with rallies in Assandh and Barwala today. His campaign follows a reconciliation between rival state leaders Bhupinder Hooda and Kumari Selja, mediated by the central Congress leadership. Haryana will go to the polls on October 5, with results expected on October 8. Delhi Assembly special session begins The Delhi Assembly will begin a special two-day session today, where Chief Minister Atishi is expected to address the house for the first time as its leader. Although the sessions agenda has not been finalised, Atishi is expected to discuss key issues affecting Delhi and propose solutions for the future. Kerala news: Kerala Police issued a lookout notice on Thursday against Malayalam actor Siddique in connection with a rape case, reported ANI. All district police chiefs in Kerala, in addition to the police chiefs of all states, received the notice on September 26. Siddique faces serious allegations in a rape case and is on the run after the Kerala High Court dismissed his anticipatory bail application on September 24. The Special Investigation Team (SIT) of the Kerala government is currently investigating the case. Also Read | Bollywood actor Arjun Kapoor buys EV scooter: Netizens react The museum police in Thiruvananthapuram on August 27 registered a case against the Malayalam actor under charges of rape and criminal intimidation. The case was filed after a young actor pressed charges against Siddique. The former General Secretary of the Association of Malayalam Movie Artists (AMMA), Siddique, has categorically denied the accusations and filed a countercomplaint against the victim. However, a comprehensive court order is awaited. This development comes in the light of the #MeToo movement that has rocked the Malayalam film industry and has uncovered stories of numerous victims who reported and levelled various sexual abuse allegations. The actor resigned from his AMMA position after allegations accusing him of rape surfaced. Consequently, AMMA's entire 17-member executive committee resigned. Several women actors levelled serious allegations against prominent figures in the Malayalam film industry. The list of actors accused of sexual abuse includes director Ranjith and actors Mukesh, Jayasurya, and Edavela Babu, among others. Justice Hema Committee report was the first to highlight the issue, following which allegations erupted against leading figures from the industry. The Committee report released on August 19 detailed disturbing accounts of harassment, exploitation, and the systematic mistreatment of women in the industry. The report said the Malayalam film industry is controlled by about 10 to 15 male producers, directors, and actors who dominate and exert control over the industry. A 45-year-old woman drowned in an overflowing nullah in Andheri, a suburban area, on Wednesday, September 25, according to police. The incident took place around 9:20 pm near gate no. 8 of MIDC in Andheri East during heavy rains. The victim has been identified as Vimal Anil Gaikwad. The woman was rushed to Cooper Hospital by local police and the fire brigade but was declared dead on arrival. Her husband has told NDTV that she was the sole breadwinner of the family. I am a sick man, my wife used to take care of my house. We have lost everything, I want that whoever is at fault should be punished. We have lodged an FIR, he said. Mumbai Police has filed a case against the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) and a contractor for negligence after the death of the woman by drowning in a nullah. The civic body, too, has announced a high-level investigation into the case. In a statement released Thursday, the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) confirmed the formation of a three-member committee to investigate the incident. The committee, led by Deputy Municipal Commissioner Devidas Kshirsagar (Zone 3), includes Mumbai fire brigade chief Ravindra Ambulgekar and Chief Engineer (Vigilance) Avinash Tambewagh. The committee is expected to submit its report within three days. The incident has been reported amid the heavy rains on Wednesday that threw the lives of Mumbaikars in disarray. Commuters were stranded, train services were cancelled and schools were closed as the weather department predicted more rains in the city. Residents were advised to avoid leaving their homes. Sean Diddy Combs, the music mogul, is making headlines again, but this time not for sex trafficking and racketeering allegations but instead for Netflix docuseries,Variety reported on Thursday. The American rapper and actor Curtis James Jackson III, popularly known as 50 Cent, will furnish details in the upcoming documentary, which will throw light on sexual assault and violent abuse allegations against the rapper P Diddy. The project, directed by Alexandria Stapleton, is currently under production. In a post on X (formerly Twitter), 50 Cent said, I been telling yall about all this weird shit, I dont do NO puffy partys. you didnt believe me but I bet you believe me now! This is a story with significant human impact. It is a complex narrative spanning decades, not just the headlines or clips seen so far, Variety quoted 50 Cent and singer-songwriter Chris Stapleton as saying. In an interview with the News Daily, the duo said they are committed to give a voice to the voiceless and to present authentic and nuanced perspectives. Providing a disclaimer to the documentary, they said Sean Combs story is not the full story of hip-hop and its culture. 50 Cent and Stapleton added, We aim to ensure that individual actions do not overshadow the cultures broader contributions." It is important to note that 50 Cent executive produces through production houses G-Unit Film and Television. Meanwhile, Chris Stapleton executive produces for House of Nonfiction and Texas Crew Productions. G-Unit's Diddy project first announced that its production plans for the docuseries were set in early December. At this point, the music mogul was sued by four different women. Ex-girlfriend Cassie Ventura filed the first lawsuit. Boarding schools in India and abroad are considered tough and strict. Often, cases of punishment of children staying in hostels become newspaper headlines. A similar incident took place in Yundong Secondary School in China's Shanxi province, where incidents of students being punished by staff members for using the toilet at night came to light. According to a report by South China Morning Post (SCMP) that cited Beijing News, the student went to the washroom at 11 pm, which is 15 minutes past curfew, and was caught. Following this, he was reprimanded by the staff members, and the boarding school administrators forced him to write a 'deep self-reflection' letter and distribute 1,000 photocopies of the essay to his schoolmates as punishment. The school even deducted five points from his classs monthly discipline score. The Beijing News further reported, citing a teacher, that students were prohibited from walking around the dormitory after 10:45 PM, including a bar on using the toilet. The students needed to contact dorm administrators for permission in case they wanted to use the toilet after curfew. As quoted by SCMP, the student's letter read, I have seriously breached the school rules, and going to the toilet in the evening not only disturbed other students sleep but also brought shame to my class. He even apologised to his classmates and teachers, stating he would not repeat the same mistake. The incident has gained momentum in social media, and people have compared the boarding school with a prison. Government's response: The South China Morning Post reported that the Education Department of Huairen asked the institute to reflect on its errors in reaction to the incident. We instructed the school to learn from this incident and reflect on its errors. We told them to revise their discipline policies, SCMP quoted the education authority as saying. Also Read | 19-year-old daughter of IPS officer found dead in hostel room in Lucknow Apart from this, the Education Department of Huairen directed the school to engage with the boy caringly, mandating compensation of 100 yuan to cover the cost of copying the self-reflection essay. Some former staff of Meghan Markle have described her as a difficult boss, with one source calling her a "demon" who had moments of extreme anger, according to The Daily Beast. This comes after positive reports from other staff members who painted Prince Harrys as a thoughtful boss, gifting flowers and eggs, and making her employees feel valued. The supportive comments about the Duchess of Sussexs management style were published in Us Weekly, likely in response to a report by The Hollywood Reporter, which portrayed Meghan as a demanding leader who caused emotional distress to some of her employees. Meghan and Prince Harry's team denied those claims, calling them fabrications. One former palace worker admitted that while Meghans tough moments were real, they may have been exaggerated after the Sussexs departure from Royal duties, known as "Megxit". The worker also compared Meghan's behaviour to other Royals like Princess Margaret and Prince Andrew, who also had difficulties with their staff. There have been plenty of difficult Royals over the years, and I do think that after the ill-feeling of Megxit, Meghans bad moments were amplified and distorted and blown out of proportion, one source told The Daily Beast. That said, there definitely were bad, very bad, even psycho moments. I witnessed people being chewed up in person and over the phone and made to feel like s**t. But it was an incredibly fraught time and Im inclined to give her the benefit of the doubt, the source added. Meghan Markle: A classic narcissist Another former worker said that Meghans behaviour often came across as narcissistic, where she was kind when things went well but harsh when faced with challenges. Also Read | Not Harry or Meghan, Ipsos survey reveals THIS person is most popular UK royal I always thought she was a classic narcissist and getting her staff to tell a magazine how amazing she is only confirms that in my mind. She is lovely when it is all going her way but a demon when the worm turns, another source told The Daily Beast. Kristen Fischer, an American who permanently relocated to New Delhi in 2022, recently shared her thoughts on Instagram about why she chose to leave the USA for India. Addressing a common question she faceswhy she would move from America to IndiaFischer challenges the assumptions that India is a lesser place to live and that she is worse off for making the move. Fischer feels that these questions often suggest two things: that living in India is a downgrade, and that leaving the USA is an irrational decision. However, she disagrees with both ideas. According to her, India offers something unique, particularly for her children, who she believes are set up for a more successful future here. Fischer highlights that the life, experiences and sense of community her children will gain in India are things they would never have had in the USA. Reflecting on conversations with Indians living abroad, Fischer notes that many people realise how much they miss India after leaving. They often assume life will be better elsewhere, only to discover the value of what they left behind. She also emphasises that life is about more than just financial wealth. While the USA may offer more money, Fischer believes that India offers a richer life in terms of community, relationships, experiences and overall happiness. She shares that these aspects of life matter most to her, and they make India a place of true wealth. I think my kids are being set up for a more successful life and future in India. They will have such a rich life, experiences, and community that they would never have gotten in the USA, Fischer says. Social media divided There are some Indians who disagree with Fischer, though. One of them wrote, You live the life 99.99% Indians don't. So your opinion is not a representative of a major population of India where they struggle to make ends meet to just get basic food!! As an introvert America is a perfect place for me, wrote another Indian user while an American user wrote about India, Lovely people but they suffer the same social ills as any other place. Here are some comments from users who agree with Fischer. India is a place where the warmth of its people makes it feel homely, whether youre a local or a foreigner. I agree with you, living in US since 10 years, still never felt like home here. Home will be always India. A horrific incident was reported from Uttar Pradeshs Aligarh district where a 7-year-old boy was allegedly stripped, brutally beaten and given electric shocks by the school teacher for forgetting his bag at home. The incident came to the fore after thetraumatised boy came home crying and narrated his ordeal to his mother. The incident took place in Lodha police station area of Aligarh. The boy,James,is a class UKG student studying at a private school near Khereshwar Dham temple. Jamesfamily immediately went to the school and protested about the incident. The family has filed a complaint with the police. Dilip Kumar, James's father,alleged that his son had forgotten his school bag at home. After learning about this, the teacher beat him up brutally. The teacher beat him severely, the father said. They removed his clothes and shoes, gave him electric shocks and subjected him to extreme cruelty, he added. However, the school's principal has denied the allegations, saying that the student's complaint of being subjected to electric shocks was false. The principal also asserted that the school authorities were ready to provide the CCTV footage. The allegations are unsubstantiated, said the principal. On the day of the horrific incident, Dilip Kumar was out of town, and James mother was unwell, so the child's grandfather dropped him off at the school. The police are probing the matter further. Class 2 student dies under mysterious circumstances In another incident, a class 2 student at a private school in Hathras died under mysterious circumstances. According to the complaint filed by the student's father, Krishan Kushwaha, he received a call from the DL Public School administration on Monday informing him that his son had fallen ill. When he reached the school, the staff told him that the school director, Dinesh Baghel, had taken his son to a hospital in his car. In his police complaint, the father alleged that he later recovered his son's body from Baghel's car. He accused Baghel and four unidentified men of being responsible for his son's death, said Himanshu Mathur, the Circle Officer (CO) of the area, on Wednesday. Rumours continued to swirl this week about the origins of a tell-all memoir outlining the many transgressions of Sean Diddy Combs. The book purportedly based on the diary and notes of late model Kim Porter has been denounced as a complete fabrication by their children. Claims that our mom wrote a book are simply untrue. She did not, and anyone claiming to have a manuscript is misrepresenting themselves. Any so-called friend speaking on behalf of our mom or her family is not a friend, nor do they have her best interests at heart, the statement read. The missive posted on Instagram also flagged hurtful and false rumors about the relationship between Porter and Combs without making any direct mention of his arrest. This is the first statement they have shared since criminal charges were levelled against their father. Allegations against the music mogul have been building since last year when Casandra Ventura claimed that Combs subjected her to more than a decade of coercion by physical force and drugs as well as rape. A spate of lurid lawsuits have followed in recent weeks as 11 women stepped forward to allege sexual assault and physical violence with some incidents dating back to the 1990s. The rapper and music producer is currently in federal custody awaiting trial on charges of racketeering and sex trafficking. He has has pleaded not guilty to the criminal charges. Combs was indicted last week on three criminal counts that allege he sexually abused women and coerced them into drug-fueled sex parties using threats and violence. The statement from Combs' children came even as Thalia Greaves sued the artist for rape the latest accuser to come forward. The woman alleged that Combs and his bodyguard had drugged, bound and violently raped her. He had allegedly filmed the assault so he could sell it for the titillation of others. 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. The states that supported Democratic President Joe Biden in 2020 and former Republican President Donald Trump in 2016 are frequently cited as swing states. These seven statesArizona, Georgia, Michigan, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, and Wisconsinare critical to determining the next president. Michigan (Electoral Votes: 15) Michigan has been a bellwether state, supporting the winning presidential candidate in the last two elections. While it backed Biden in 2020, recent tensions surrounding his support for Israel during the Gaza conflict have sparked backlash. Amid the ongoing Gaza conflict, the USIsrael's primary ally and weapons supplierhas supplied Israel with over 10,000 highly destructive 2,000-pound bombs and thousands of Hellfire missiles since the conflict began in October, according to US officials reported by Reuters in June. The state also has the highest percentage of Arab-Americans in the country, a demographic whose support for Biden has come under scrutiny. In response, Harris has adopted a firmer stance on Israel, and some protesters advocating for Gaza have expressed hope that she will be more sympathetic to their concerns. As reported by Reuters, the Harris campaign celebrated a new endorsement just a week after the pro-Palestinian grassroots organization, Uncommitted National Movement, announced it would not endorse Harris, Trump, or any third-party candidate. Despite this setback, Harris has gained support from smaller Muslim groups, including the Black Muslim Leadership Council Fund and the American Muslim Democratic Caucus. Arizona (Electoral Votes: 11) In 2020, Democrats secured the presidency with Arizona's support, marking the first time since the 1990s that the state voted for their candidate. Located along the US-Mexico border, Arizona has become a key battleground in the national immigration debate. Recently, border crossings have decreased from record highs, making immigration a top concern for voters, BBC reported. Trump has frequently criticized Kamala Harriss immigration record, given her role in addressing the border crisis under President Biden. He has also pledged to implement the largest deportation operation in US history if he returns to the presidency. Additionally, Arizona has seen contentious debates over abortion access, highlighted by state Republicans' unsuccessful attempt to reinstate a near-total ban on abortions from 160 years ago. Georgia (Electoral Votes: 16) In Fulton County, Georgia, Trump faces allegations of election interference as part of one of his four criminal prosecutions, having already been convicted in one case while the others are still pending. He and 18 co-defendants are accused of conspiring to overturn his narrow loss to Biden in the state. Trump denies any wrongdoing, and it appears the case may not reach court before the upcoming election. Georgia has a significant African-American population, making up about a third of its residents, which played a crucial role in Biden's victory in 2020. This demographic's support is believed to have been instrumental in flipping the state blue. North Carolina (Electoral Votes: 16) Polling in North Carolina has tightened since Harris took the lead on the Democratic ticket, with some analysts now labeling the state a toss-up. This shift may be influencing Trump's decision to hold his first outdoor rally there since the assassination attempt in July. In 2020, Trump won North Carolina by a narrow margin of just over 70,000 votes, fueling Democratic optimism that this purple statecapable of swinging either red or bluecould be a competitive target in the upcoming election. North Carolina (Electoral Votes: 16) Analysis by US News suggests that North Carolina may lean Republican, as Trump won the state in 2020 by a narrow margin of 1.3 percentage points. Democrats are hopeful that North Carolina could mirror Georgia's success in 2024. Biden notably made it his last stop on a post-State of the Union tour of swing states before he suspended his campaign. If other battlegrounds favor Trump, North Carolina could become a vital win for Harris. Pennsylvania (Electoral Votes: 19) In the 2020 election, Pennsylvania played a key role in helping Joe Biden secure the presidency and reclaim the blue wall. Historically, Democratic candidates have had significant success in the state until Donald Trump's win in 2016. Bidens victory in 2020 was tightly contested, decided by just 1.2 percentage points. As the swing state with the highest electoral votes, Pennsylvania remains crucial in elections. Wisconsin (Electoral Votes: 10) Wisconsin has been pivotal in both the 2016 and 2020 elections, with the winning candidate decided by just over 20,000 votes each time. Analysts believe that third-party candidates could significantly influence outcomes in marginal states like Wisconsin, especially as they campaign against the dominant two parties. Also Read: Nevada attorney general appeals to state high court in effort to revive fake electors case Trump has emphasized the state's importance, stating, "If we win Wisconsin, we win the whole thing." Notably, the summer Republican National Convention took place in Milwaukee, further highlighting the state's strategic value in the electoral landscape. WASHINGTON : Chinas newest nuclear-powered attack submarine sank in the spring, a major setback for one of the countrys priority weapons programs, U.S. officials said. The episode, which Chinese authorities scrambled to cover up and hasnt previously been disclosed, occurred at a shipyard near Wuhan in late May or early June. It comes as China has been pushing to expand its navy, including its fleet of nuclear-powered submarines. The Pentagon has cast China as its principal long-term pacing challenge," and U.S. officials say that Beijing has been using political and military pressure to try to coerce Taiwan, a separately governed island that Beijing claims as part of its territory. China says its goal in building a world-class military is to deter aggression and safeguard its overseas interests. A spokesman for the Chinese embassy didnt immediately respond to a request for comment. The U.S. doesnt know if the sub was carrying nuclear fuel at the time it sank, but experts outside the U.S. government said that was likely. Undersea technology has long been an area of U.S. advantage, but China has been pushing hard to narrow the gap. China has been moving to diversify the production of nuclear-powered submarines. Production has been centered in the northeastern city of Huludao, but China is now moving to manufacture nuclear-powered attack submarines at the Wuchang Shipyard near Wuhan. Beijing had 48 diesel-powered attack subs and six nuclear-powered attack subs at the end of 2022, according to a Pentagon report issued last year on Chinas military power, That report said that Chinas aim in developing new attack submarines, surface ships and naval aircraft is to counter efforts by the U.S. and its partners to come to Taiwans aid during a conflict and to achieve maritime superiority" within the first island chain, a string of territory from the Japanese archipelago through Taiwan and the Philippines to the South China Sea. The Zhou-class vessel that sank is the first of a new class of Chinese nuclear-powered subs and features a distinctive X-shaped stern, which is designed to make the vessel more maneuverable. The sub was built by China State Shipbuilding Corp., a state-owned company, and was observed alongside a pier on the Yangtze River in late May when it was undergoing its final equipping before going to sea. After the sinking, large floating cranes arrived in early June to salvage the sub from the river bed, according to satellite photos of the site. The sinking of a new nuclear sub that was produced at a new yard will slow Chinas plans to grow its nuclear submarine fleet," said Brent Sadler, a senior research fellow at the Heritage Foundation, a Washington think tank, and a retired U.S. Navy nuclear submarine officer. This is significant." Neither the Peoples Liberation Army, as the Chinese military is known, nor local authorities, have acknowledged the episode. Its not surprising that the PLA Navy would try to conceal the fact that their new first-in-class nuclear-powered attack submarine sank pierside," said a senior U.S. defense official. In addition to the obvious questions about training standards and equipment quality, the incident raises deeper questions about the PLAs internal accountability and oversight of Chinas defense industry, which has long been plagued by corruption." The first public indication that something was amiss at the shipyard near Wuhan came in the summer when Thomas Shugart, a former U.S. submarine officer and an adjunct senior fellow at the Center for a New American Security, wrote a series of social-media posts noting the unusual activity of the floating cranes, which was captured by commercial satellite imagery. Shugart surmised that there might have been an incident that involved a new type of submarine, but he didnt know at the time that it was nuclear-powered. Can you imagine a U.S. nuclear submarine sinking in San Diego and the government hushes it up and doesnt tell anybody about it? I mean, Holy Cow!" Shugart said in an interview this week with The Wall Street Journal. While the submarine was salvaged, it will likely take many months before it can be put to sea. The whole boat would be full of water," Shugart said. Youd have to clean out all the electronics. The electric motors may need to be replaced. It would be a lot of work." American officials havent detected any indication that Chinese officials have sampled the water or nearby environment for radiation. It is possible Chinese personnel were killed or injured when the sub sank, but U.S. officials say they dont know if there were casualties. Shugart said that the risk of a nuclear leak was likely to be low as the sub hadnt ventured out to sea and its reactors were probably not operating at a high power level. The U.S. has suffered similar setbacks, which proved costly. In 1969, the nuclear-powered USS Guitarro was moored at a shipyard in California when it sank following a series of mistakes by construction workers. It wasnt officially commissioned until 32 months after its sinking. Write to Michael R. Gordon at michael.gordon@wsj.com France on Wednesday unveiled a proposal for a 21-day ceasefire in Lebanon in a UN diplomatic push with the United States as the death toll mounted from strikes by Israel against Hezbollah. Shortly after talks at the United Nations between Presidents Joe Biden and Emmanuel Macron, France outlined the proposal at an emergency Security Council session. French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot said that the two Western powers were proposing a truce of 21 days to allow for negotiations and a more sustainable ceasefire. "There has been important progress in the past few hours," Barrot said. "We've been working since the start of the week in New York on a diplomatic solution with our American friends in particular." UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres urged an immediate ceasefire in Lebanon and warned, "Hell is breaking loose." Israel said it welcomed diplomacy on Lebanon but did not commit to a ceasefire, vowing to pursue its goal of degrading Hezbollah. "We are grateful for all those who are making a sincere effort with diplomacy to avoid escalation, to avoid a full war," Israel's envoy to the United Nations, Danny Danon, told reporters before entering the session. But he added: "We will use all means at our disposal, in accordance with international law, to achieve our aims." The violence comes after the failure to reach a ceasefire in Gaza where Israel for nearly a year has been seeking to wipe out another Iranian ally, Hamas, which carried out the deadliest attack ever on Israel. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi warned that Tehran, which in recent weeks has held back on retaliatory strikes on Israel after attacks targeting Iranian interests, may no longer be restrained. "The region is on the brink of a full-scale catastrophe. If unchecked, the world will face catastrophic consequences," he told reporters. Hezbollah holds powerful influence within long-turbulent Lebanon. The country's foreign minister, Abdallah Bou Habib, asked by reporters if a ceasefire was possible, said: "Hopefully yes." - 'Acute' risk of escalation - Israel went ahead with the offensive in Lebanon despite repeated appeals by the United States to avoid a wider war. "Risk of escalation in the region is acute," said Secretary of State Antony Blinken, who has made 10 trips to the Middle East since the Hamas attack of October 7, 2023. "The best answer is diplomacy, and our coordinated efforts are vital to preventing further escalation and to paving the path to greater peace and stability," Blinken said as he met Gulf Arab counterparts at a New York hotel. Israel and Hezbollah had been skirmishing since the outbreak of the war in Gaza, but at a lower level. Last week pagers and other handheld communications devices of Hezbollah exploded in an operation widely attributed to Israel. Hundreds have died and thousands have been displaced since Israel launched its strikes, with the Lebanese health ministry saying that another 72 people died on Wednesday. Diplomats said that the United States was no longer directly linking its struggling push for a Gaza ceasefire with Lebanon efforts. US officials said their main goal was to avoid a wider conflict. "An all-out war is possible," Biden said on ABC's chat show "The View." "What I think is, also, the opportunity is still in play to have a settlement that could fundamentally change the whole region," Biden said. Robert Wood, the deputy US ambassador to the United Nations, told the Security Council he was concerned by deaths in Lebanon. Also Read: The vast Hezbollah arsenal awaiting Israel in Lebanon But he also pinned blame on Hezbollah, accusing it of violating Security Council resolutions through its alliance with Hamas since October 7. "Nobody wants to see a repeat of the full-blown war that occurred in 2006," Wood said. Advocating the expansion of the United Nations Security Council (UNSC), French President Emmanuel Macron has supported India's bid among other nations for permanent membership of the UNSC. We have a Security Council that is blocked...Lets make the UN more efficient. We have to make it more representative, Macron said at the United Nations General Assembly in New York on Wednesday. That's why, he said, France is in favour of the Security Council being expanded. Germany, Japan, India, and Brazil should be permanent members, as well as two countries that Africa will decide to represent it. Macron's remarks came days after Prime Minister Narendra Modi in his address to the 'Summit of the Future' on Sunday emphasised that for global peace and development, reforms in institutions are essential. India has pushed several times for long-pending reform of the UN Security Council, seking its permanent membership. India argues that the 15-nation council founded in 1945 is not fit for purpose in the 21st Century and does not reflect contemporary geo-political realities. Also Read | UN Chief Rues World Without Rules With Eye on Israel, Russia Presently, the UNSC comprises five permanent members -- Russia, the UK, China, France and the United States --, and 10 non-permanent members, which are elected for a two-year term by the General Assembly of the United Nations. The French president has also called for a change in the UNSC's working methods, a limitation of the right of veto in cases of mass crimes, and more attention to operational decisions required for maintaining peace. The time has come to regain efficiency in order to act better on the ground, he said. Also Read | PM Modi emplanes for US to participate in Quad Summit UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has also warned the 15-nation UNSC, which he described as outdated and whose authority is eroding, will eventually lose all credibility unless its composition and working methods are reformed. Israel has rejected Western efforts to broker a ceasefire in Lebanon and vowed to ramp up its attacks against Hezbollah. The appeal for a 21-day truce came hours after Israeli military chief Herzi Halevi asked soldiers to prepare for a possible ground offensive against Hezbollah. There will be no ceasefire in the north. We will continue to fight against the Hezbollah terrorist organisation with all our strength until victory and the safe return of the residents of the north to their homes, Foreign Minister Israel Katz said in a social media post. A statement from Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's office added that he had "not even responded" to the truce proposal and ordered the military to continue the fighting with full force. IDF chief Halevi also assured a very strong response to Hezbollah after the militant group fired a missile at central Israel on Thursday morning. You can hear the planes above, we are attacking all day. Both to prepare the area for the possibility of your entry [into Lebanon], and also to continue causing blows to Hezbollah. Hezbollah today expanded its [range] of fire. Later today, it will receive a very strong response. Today we will continue, we do not stop, we continue to attack and continue to strike them everywhere. The goal is a very clear goal, to return the [displaced] residents of the north safely. To do this, we are preparing the [ground] maneuver, Halevi said. Also Read | The vast Hezbollah arsenal awaiting Israel in Lebanon The developments came even as Israeli fighter jets hit infrastructure on the Lebanese-Syrian border on Thursday, allegedly to stop the transfer of weapons to Hezbollah. Hezbollah uses these means of warfare against the citizens of the State of Israel. The IDF will continue to strike and act against the Hezbollah terrorist organization's attempts to arm itself and transfer weapons into Lebanon from Syrian territory, read an official statement. Also Read | Backed into corner, Hezbollah must make a fateful decision An incident on 28 March 1979 changed the course of energy forever, at least in the US. The Three Mile Island Nuclear Generating Station at Pennsylvania had a partial meltdown of a reactor core. No injuries were reported, but the reactor was mothballed, and it heightened public fears of nuclear power. So, it came as a bolt from the blue when Three Mile owner Constellation said last week that it will restart the nuclear reactor and Microsoft will buy the energy generated for 20 years. The reason: to meet its burgeoning need for clean energy for its massive artificial intelligence (AI) data centres, as the tech industry balances building giant energy-sucking AI models with its environmental, social and governance goals. The GenAI revolution sparked off by the launch of ChatGPT in 2022 has catalysed an insatiable appetite among tech firms and countries to build bigger AI models in their race towards artificial general intelligence (AGI) and global domination. AI bots are adding hundreds of millions of users and promise to reshape industries and societies. As Big Tech CEOs commit hundreds of billions of dollars to lead this era-defining technology, they also face huge obstacles in scaling up. Data availability is one, the price of Nvidia graphics processing units (GPUs) is another, but the biggest perhaps is the availability of clean and reliable power for both the training and inferencing needs of large language models. For example, Microsoft and OpenAI are contemplating a $100 billion AI supercomputer, and the five gigawatts it would take to power it is whats required for all of New York City today! The Electric Power Institute expects data centres to consume up to 9% of US electricity generation by 2030, more than double what they currently use. This translates to 50 gigawatts (GW) of additional power, a colossal amount of energy which could power 10 New Yorks. Moreover, it requires an investment of over $500 billion in data centre infrastructure alone. Most of the power generated globally is from coal and other fossil fuels, making it a top contributor to carbon-dioxide emissions and global warming. The global concern this spawned has led Big Tech firms to declare aggressive net-zero targets, which would mean they must rely on green power for almost all their needs. They have signed long-term power purchase agreements (PPAs) with wind and solar power companies, but as the Electric Power Institute reports, those deals typically do not match electricity demand hour by hour with local resources" and so there is no guarantee that all electricity-related greenhouse gas emissions are offset." Internal data released by Microsoft, Google and others supports this claim. Thus, the gold rush for clean power. Other than the Three Mile Island revival, Microsoft has made other moves. It has tied up with Brookfield Asset Management in a $10 billion deal to develop another 10.4GW of renewable energy capacity across the US and Europe. It has even started dabbling in nuclear fusion energy, with an agreement with Helion Energy and by hiring people to build small modular nuclear reactors. Google is signing PPAs with companies to procure 100 megawatts of offshore wind farm energy. The question is whether it is worth chasing the AI dream, with all this potential damage and what it will cost to undo it through clean power generation. The tech industry thinks so. McKinsey estimates (bit.ly/47DYYB2) that GenAI could help create $2.6-4.4 trillion in economic value for the global economy. Sam Altman believes Artificial Super Intelligence will help humanity solve big problems like climate change, longevity and nuclear fusion, thus making the investments worthwhile. Even Bill Gates has said, The question is, will AI accelerate a more than 6% reduction [in emissions]? And the answer is: certainly." He also believes that Big Tech businesses would pay a green premium for clean energy, thus incentivising its development and deployment over fossil fuels, and so the AI rush would be worth it. Every technology has raised such existential questions, and none of them has been as consequential as AI promises to be. Another such technology was nuclear, but the spectre of Hiroshima and Nagasaki made a fearful world clamp down on it. While there has not been another nuclear attack since 1945, the flip side was that we slowed down nuclear power generation in favour of coal and gas, which, in turn, worsened global warming. There were no easy solutions then and there arent any now. Electric Vehicles (EVs) replace petrol as a source of energy used in petrol vehicles (PVs) with electricity. While electricity can be generated from fully renewable sources, such as the sun and wind, and can be completely green, petrol comes from fossil fuels, which results in air pollution and greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. As climate change caused by these emissions increasingly threatens life on Earth, the world needs to replace fossil fuels with green sources of energy and PVs with EVs. This was not possible some years ago, as green electricity and EVs were very expensive. However, things have changed and green electricity now costs less than the electricity generated using fossil fuels such as coal, gas and diesel. At the same time, EVs are becoming cost-competitive vis-a-vis PVs. Manufacturers of PVs that have failed to carry out sufficient R&D in time to switch over to EV-making seem to have embarked on a campaign to run down and slow the emergence of EVs. First, they claimed that EVs are not green, as the power used is sourced from fossil fuels, that they cost too much, do not go long distances, and that they lack charging infrastructure. These half-truths did not stop EVs from selling. Then, to prolong the life of their PVs, they came up with hybrids and tried to portray them as part-EVs. Let us examine what these hybrids are. Ever since the use of petrol grew, auto-makers have been carrying out R&D to enhance the efficiency of their vehicles and reduce the amount of petrol used per kilometre. As petrol costs rose, fuel efficiency arose as a marketing edge. This was indeed welcome. Energy in a vehicle is wasted when brakes are applied while descending a slope or slowing down. As power electronics advanced and EVs emerged, researchers developed a mechanism called regeneration to recover part of this energy and convert it back into electricity to charge the vehicles battery. This made these vehicles more efficient. Makers of PVs seized upon this technology to stretch the life of their product portfolios. They inducted regeneration into their vehicles and started charging auxiliary batteries to deliver better fuel economy. They called these vehicles hybrids. But, as they could derive only a small advantage through regeneration, they started doing more. Recognizing that petrol engines reach peak efficiency only when these vehicles are driven at a particular speed, torque and power, they came with another form of hybrid. They added an electric drive-train with a small battery and motor to be used while starting the vehicle and to increase speed; the petrol engine would turn on only once its speed reached a certain level. To differentiate between these and vehicles using only regeneration, they rechristened the former as mild hybrids and these new ones as strong hybrids. The latter assured higher energy efficiency, using less petrol per kilometre, and resulted in less GHG emissions. This led PV makers to project such hybrids as EV equivalents. The fact that these vehicles still use a fossil fuel as their energy source has largely been obfuscated. As regulators refused to accept strong hybrids as EV equivalents, PV makers came up with yet another version: plug-in hybrids (PHEVs). These would indeed have an electric drive-train, but with a small battery to be charged using electricity from the grid. PHEVs operate as EVs for a limited range (say, the first 60km), but to go further, they have a petrol fuel tank and a generator that converts petrol to electricity and charges the battery. The argument was that since most vehicles travel only a small distance on most days, they would be driven with grid electricity. Only if they needed to go longer distances would petrol be used for range extension. PV makers have used these arguments to lobby for green incentives for PHEVs of the kind that EVs are given (with success in some places). However, the experience of some European countries shows that PHEV users usually do not plug their vehicles in for grid charging and mostly use just the petrol engine to drive their vehicles. The plug-in apparatus then looks like just a facade to get incentives. Manufacturers have also come up with parallel PHEVs, with an internal combustion engine (ICE) and electric motor designed to work in parallel. Confusing? It sure is. The primary purpose of these so-called hybrid variants appears to be largely to obtained EV-like incentives. It is unfortunate that some governments are falling for such tricks that extend PVs lease of life and slow down the adoption of EVs. In Series PHEVs, an internal combustion engine cannot drive the vehicle directly, but only charge the battery. Such vehicles have a real-life driving range of 100km with air-conditioning (equivalent to a 140km certified range) and could be useful if they use GPS technology to stay strictly off ICE in geo-tagged urban centres, so as to restrain emissions. If these conditions are satisfied without exception, incentives provided to Series PHEVs will not go waste and could perhaps be used till such time that our charging infrastructure gets strengthened. Else, incentives for hybrids could hurt the climate by prolonging the life of ICE in the name of going green. The planets future depends on fully replacing energy from fossil fuels with renewable electricity and the latters use for transport. This transition is what people and governments need to support. There is the letter of the law and then theres the spirit of the law. The letter could be followed while ignoring the spirit. This is not lost on the government, which might be veering that way on genetically modified (GM) crops. Towards the end of July 2024, a two-judge bench of the Supreme Court delivered a split verdictas well as significant observationson a case going back to October 2022. Back then, the University of Delhi had developed GM mustard seeds which the Union ministry of environment, forests and climate change (MOEFCC) approved for cultivation. This was opposed and a case filed; the apex court not only stayed the distribution of these seeds, but also added them to a two-decade-old case it has been hearing on constitutional challenges to Indias regulatory regime for GM crops. The July verdict being split means the case is headed for a larger bench, but both judges asked the government to develop a national policy for GM crops, after due consultation with all stakeholders and adequate publicity for the exercise. The government has now duly set up an expert committee, but secrecy around the panels composition gives rise to suspicion over how bipartisan it is. A larger question has arisen too. Does the Centres policy push for GM crops miss real concerns about food security? Reservations over the new panels neutrality are aroused by the governments recent record on exercises that need a bipartisan approach, which has not been exemplary. Consider the manner in which the ruling party managed the passage of bills in Parliament during the last Lok Sabhas tenure, bypassing the time-tested ritual of letting departmental standing committees critically examine the validity of various provisions, or overlooking the need for a wide range of views. In August, a confederation of agricultural activists and citizens wrote to the MOEFCC secretary, expressing the hope that the proposed panel will adhere, in spirit, to the Supreme Courts direction on meaningful stakeholder consultations. However, news reports now suggest that the GM committee is expected to submit its report in two months. Given the complexity of the issues at stake, this hurry is inconsistent with the top courts obiter dicta to engage in wide consultations. To be fair, the governments policy predilection for GM crops perhaps emanates from concerns over future food security; in other words, it may be looking to mitigate future risks arising from Indias food demand outstripping its production, given that the country is now the worlds most populous, and that too, with its agriculture sector contributing only 18% to GDP. Add to this the myriad problems that plague the farm sector: fragmented land holdings leading to low productivity, an over-dependence on monsoon rains resulting in frequent crop failures, and uncertainty over the supply and pricing of both raw materials and finished products. In the face of these challenges, GM crops promise higher yields, which would translate into higher income for farmers and better food availability for consumers. But that may turn out to be a simplistic line of reasoning; there are many unresolved concerns about GM plants, especially when combined with herbicides that are suspected carcinogens. The Supreme Courts call for wider consultation has merit. Diverse representation on the panel will help contain future health and environment risks. Hezbollah is dealing with some disagreement among its ranks over how to respond to a series of devastating attacks on the Lebanese militant group, according to people familiar with the groups deliberations. With no good options available, the group faces one of the most consequential decisions in its four-decade history. Hezbollah, the worlds most heavily armed nonstate paramilitary group, fired its first missile at the commercial capital of Tel Aviv on Wednesday, its boldest response yet to a dramatic series of strikes by Israel. It must now choose whether to unleash more of its advanced weapons, striking deeper into Israel and potentially triggering a full-scale war, or hold back and risk diminishing its reputation as one of the fiercest fighting forces in the Middle East. This is the single most crucial moment for Hezbollah since it was created," said Rym Momtaz, a security analyst at the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace with expertise in Hezbollah. Hezbollah has no good options." A full-scale war, such as the one Hezbollah fought with Israel in 2006, would likely be devastating for Lebanon, exacerbating its economic crisis and eroding Hezbollahs support among the population. Still, if the group doesnt respond in kind to the recent attacks, it could undermine the deterrence that Hezbollah spent decades building against Israel, largely with military and financial help from Iran. Israel says the recent attacks were aimed at stopping Hezbollah strikes that have continued for nearly a year and allowing Israelis to return to parts of northern Israel. A series of attacks by Israel have left Hezbollah in disarray. Last week, thousands of Hezbollah pagers and walkie-talkies exploded, and an airstrike in Beirut killed a group of elite military commanders. On Tuesday, another Israeli airstrike in southern Beirut killed Hezbollahs top missile commander, Ibrahim Muhammad Qabisi. There is disagreement among Hezbollah members over how to respond, the people familiar with Hezbollahs discussions said. Some members say the group has been too cautious about escalating the conflict. They argue that Hezbollah should retaliate now, taking advantage of the anger in its own ranks and the broader Lebanese population. Hezbollah members also have expressed frustration in conversations with Iranian Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps officials that Tehran hasnt stepped in to support its Lebanese ally, the people said. But Hezbollahs leadership wants to avoid what it sees as a trap set by Israel: Getting Hezbollah to be seen as starting a regional war that draws in Iran and the U.S., the people said. The groups leadership is trying to figure out how to re-establish deterrence without going to war with Israel, these people said. It isnt clear how much Israels attacks have degraded Hezbollahs weapons. Until recently, the group possessed an estimated 150,000 missiles and rockets, about 10 times the number it had in 2006. Israels military says Hezbollah has fired 9,000 projectiles at Israel since last year, and the recent strikes have destroyed tens of thousands of munitions. I believe Israel disrupted the groups military capability, at least temporarily, and made it harder to respond coherently," said Daniel Byman, senior fellow at the Center for Strategic and International Studies in Washington who co-wrote a recent study of Hezbollahs arsenal. Hezbollah is believed to still possess a vast arsenal, including hundreds of guided ballistic missiles. A Hezbollah official said Israels recent strikes had destroyed fewer munitions than during the 2006 war. On Monday, Hezbollah fired tactical surface-to-surface rockets, known as Fadi, with a range of up to 65 miles, into Israeli territory. Aside from the Qadr-1 medium-range ballistic missile fired at Tel Aviv on Wednesday, it has yet to deploy its most-advanced weapons, including an estimated tens of thousands of unguided ballistic missiles with a range of 80 to 180 miles, and hundreds of guided ballistic missiles with a range of 150 to 300 miles. Some current and former Israeli security officials said they were surprised that Hezbollah didnt retaliate with more force after Israels strikes in recent days. Emergency and municipal authorities, who were briefed by the Israeli military weeks ago in preparation for possible Hezbollah strikes, were told to expect 4,000 missiles and rockets each day and to prepare for possible daily casualties in the thousands. The strikes targeting Hezbollah launchers likely helped subdue the response, said one official, who added that the military wasnt counting on its ability to consistently pre-empt those attempts. One possible response by Hezbollah could be to launch hundreds of nonguided rockets to overwhelm Israels air defenses and target nonmilitary sites. When Iran attacked with more than 300 rockets and drones in April, Israel relied on assistance from the U.S., Jordan and other countries to shoot them down, even though Tehran had telegraphed its attack in advance. One complication is that Hezbollahs longer-range precision missiles are more visible when being set up, potentially exposing them to Israeli strikes, Byman said. The risk is amplified by the recent attacks, which have shown Hezbollah to be thoroughly infiltrated by Israel. The pager and walkie-talkie attacks also likely complicatedbut didnt destroyHezbollahs communications. Most of the groups communications take place through coded language over landlines and human couriers, not pagers and radio. Hezbollahs predicament is partly of its own making. The group has fired rockets at Israel since Oct. 8the day following Hamass attack on Israeland has refused to halt its attacks until there is a cease-fire in Gaza, an ultimatum that has now backed it into a corner. It tied its fortunes to the Gaza front, which it cannot control, is constrained by the dire Lebanese situation, was pulled into an attritional war it wasnt built to fight, and has been outgunned and outfoxed by Israel," said Momtaz, the security analyst. Even after Hezbollahs top military commander, Fuad Shukr, was killed in an airstrike in Beirut in July, the leadership overwhelmingly refused to separate the fighting in southern Lebanon from the conflict in Gaza. Hezbollah officials have been concerned about penetration by Israeli intelligence since it began shelling northern Israel last October. Officials were concerned about leaks and Israeli infiltration and were trying to plug holes in the organization, they told The Wall Street Journal at the time. By the end of that month, Hezbollah operatives were being killed at a rapid clip, in areas that hadnt previously been exposed as housing weapons facilities. Hezbollah officials believe Israels recent attacks are aimed at offsetting the tactical win the group scored in northern Israel, where some 60,000 Israeli residents have been evacuated, by exacerbating the mass displacement and humanitarian crisis in southern Lebanon, the people familiar with the matter said. Hezbollahs leadership still believes Israel is hesitant to launch a ground invasion, which would be harder to pull off than airstrikes and likely cause significant Israeli casualties, the people said. There is precedence for diplomacy. The most recent war between Israel and Hezbollah, in 2006, ended when the Lebanese and Israeli cabinets voted for a United Nations Security Council Resolution, which positioned U.N. peacekeepers in south Lebanon. As part of the cease-fire, Hezbollah agreed not to place armed forces south of the Litani River, 18 miles from the Israeli bordera requirement Israel wants the group to adhere to today. Hezbollahs decision in the coming days could have momentous consequences for its future. It could cost the group credibility in Lebanon, where it is also a powerful political party, a welfare provider and a stronger military force than the national armyall founded primarily on resistance to Israel. Hezbollah are damned if they do and damned if they dont," said Aram Nerguizian, a nonresident senior associate at the Center for Strategic and International Studies with expertise in military dynamics in the Middle East. The risk for the group is that the longer this goes onand the longer the Israelis are able to avoid getting into a ground campaign that only benefits Hezbollahthe more rapidly the groups credibility, monopoly on national security politics, and de facto political hegemony are degraded," Nerguizian said. Carrie Keller-Lynn and Shayndi Raice contributed to this article. Write to Sune Engel Rasmussen at sune.rasmussen@wsj.com and Summer Said at summer.said@wsj.com An associate of Jamestown drug trafficker Rocco Beardsley has pleaded guilty to a federal drug conspiracy charge, U.S. Attorney Trini E. Ross announced. Charles Lawson, 34, of Jamestown, also known as Charley Marley, entered his plea to conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute, and to distribute, heroin, methamphetamine and fentanyl, before U.S. Magistrate Judge Michael J. Roemer. He faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison and a $1 million fine. A sentencing date will be scheduled. Prosecutors said Lawson worked with Beardsley and others to sell heroin, fentanyl and methamphetamine and assisted in a controlled purchase of fentanyl from Beardsley by undercover investigators on Jan. 23, 2020. They noted that Lawson used social media to advertise drugs for sale and received narcotics for his own use as compensation. Beardsley was previously convicted and is awaiting sentencing. Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) MP Swati Maliwal, who has accused Arvind Kejriwal's aide Bibhav Kumar of assault at his residence, has slammed the former Delhi chief minister, saying he hired the most expensive army of lawyers to save him. She said that his actions crossed all limits of shamelessness. In a long post on X, Swati Maliwal said, You have crossed all limits of shamelessness. @ArvindKejriwal Sir, the goon who attacked me in your presence at your residence, while he was in jail, you hired the country's most expensive army of lawyers to save him, got PC after PC done against me. Today, when he is out on bail, he is being called the biggest leader of the party and they are saying that he has been put in jail in a fake case. Even the Supreme Court said that who keeps such goons in their residence. If these statements of theirs do not boost the spirits of goons like Bibhav, then what else will? The message is clear - even if you thrash again, we will save you, Swati Maliwal said. Continuing her attack on Arvind Kejriwal, Swati Maliwal said, Not every person who is a partner in all your wrongdoings is a great leader. You have a hobby of keeping people who say Wah Sir, Wah Sir around you, that is why the world has started looking blurry. Every other day you compare yourself with Maryada Purushottam Ram! So much arrogance is not good. If someone cannot take a stand for his party's female MP, how will he take a stand for the women of Delhi? Jharkhand Chief Minister Hemant Soren on Thursday denied the BJP's charges that the state's demography has changed. He said people in the state are living peacefully. "But these people [RSS, BJP] don't like it when people live in peace...so don't let them enter your villages," the Jharkhand Chief Minister said. Soren compared the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) to rats, saying, "These people of RSS will enter society like rats and destroy it." He also urged the people of Jharkhand to recognise "these forces and not let them enter villages." The Jharkhand CM dismissed the BJPs allegations of demographic changes in Jharkhand, suggesting that critics should examine the demographic data of neighbouring West Bengal. "Go and see what is Bengal's data. Then see the data of various districts in Jharkhand. You would find no change in the demography here...," Soren added. Soren also took a jibe at Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, and said, "...Assam CM comes to Jharkhand and criticises the state's people and state government...We will give a befitting reply..." "They talk about spoiling the demography and Bangladeshi intruders. I would like to tell them to go and get the data from the Centre and see in which district and in which state it has changed," Soren said. BJP hits back at INDIA bloc BJP spokesperson Shehzad Poonawalla hit back at Soren over his "rat comment" and said the Jharkhand chief minister "has accepted that there has been a demographic change in West Bengal, which was ruled by the Left as well as Mamata Banerjee." "He [Soren] says that no demographic change has occurred in Jharkhand, it has happened in West Bengal. Who has had governments in West Bengal? Not BJP. Left, followed by the TMC," said Poonawalla. "It means that one party of INDI Alliance is targeting another party of the alliance. No mission, no vision, no common part, only ambition, their own confusion and their own corruption...," Poonawalla said. Did he [Soren] attack them [TMC and Mamata Banerjee] inadvertently or was it deliberately, he only knows it, the BJP leader said. He added that Jharkhand CM Hemant Soren calls nationalists and people elected by the public 'chooha'. BJP's claim Soren's statement days after Prime Minister Narendra Modi said that infiltration from Bangladesh is "changing Jharkhand's demography." PM Modi said in Jamshedpur on September 15, every Jharkhandi is feeling unsafe because of the infiltrators... The JMM is standing with Bangladeshis and Rohingyas... On Wednesday, BJP MP Ravi Kishan also accused the Jharkhand government of trying to change the demography of the state for political mileage. Meanwhile, Himanta Biswa Sharma informed that the Assam government will bring out a white paper by April-May of next year on the demographic changes in the state. "We are bringing a white paper, how on polling booth level demography is changing in Assam so the people at large realise the challenges. Yesterday I told it in the Assam Assembly that by April or May, we are bringing a comprehensive white paper," CM Sarma said. Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to visit Pune on Thursday, where he is expected to kick-start the Bharatiya Janata Partys (BJP) campaign for the upcoming Maharashtra assembly polls with a public rally at SP College Ground. Meanwhile, PM is slated to launch projects worth 22,600 crore. Here are the top ten updates: 1. An official statement said the inauguration of Pune Metro section of District Court to Swargate will mark the completion of Pune Metro Rail Project (Phase-1). The cost of the underground section between District Court to Swargate is around 1,810 crore. 2. He will also lay the foundation stone for Swargate-Katraj extension of Pune Metro Phase-1 to be developed at the cost of around 2,950 crore. This southern extension of around 5.46 km is completely underground with three stations namely Market Yard, Padmavati and Katraj, it said. 3. Among other projects, he will lay the foundation stone for the memorial for Krantijyoti Savitribai Phules first girl school at Bhidewada in commemoration of the noted social reformer. The statement said, Modi will dedicate to the nation three PARAM Rudra Supercomputers worth around 130 crore, developed indigenously under the National Supercomputing Mission (NSM). 4. Supercomputers have been deployed in Pune, Delhi, and Kolkata to support groundbreaking scientific research. The Giant Metre Radio Telescope (GMRT) in Pune will utilize the supercomputer to investigate Fast Radio Bursts (FRBs) and other astronomical phenomena. Meanwhile, the Inter University Accelerator Centre (IUAC) in Delhi will enhance research capabilities in areas such as material science and atomic physics. 5. The S N Bose Centre in Kolkata will drive advanced research in areas such as physics, cosmology and earth sciences, it added. During his visit to the poll-bound state, the prime minister will inaugurate a high-performance computing (HPC) system tailored for weather and climate research. This project represents an investment of 850 crore, marking a significant leap in India's computational capabilities for meteorological applications. 6. Located at two key sites, the Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology (IITM) in Pune and the National Center for Medium Range Weather Forecast (NCMRWF) in Noida, this HPC system has extraordinary computing power. The new HPC systems are named 'Arka' and 'Arunika,' reflecting their connection to the Sun, it said. 7. Modi will launch various initiatives of petroleum and natural gas sector worth 10,400 crore. These initiatives will focus on energy, infrastructure, safety and convenience of truck and cab drivers, cleaner mobility and a sustainable future. 8. To enable ease of driving, he will launch way side amenities for truck drivers at Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar in Maharashtra, Fatehgarh Sahib in Punjab, Songadh in Gujarat, and Belagavi and Bangalore Rural in Karnataka. With the objective of developing modern facilities for the comfortable journey break at one place designed to cater to the needs of truckers and cab drivers during their long journeys, way side amenities such as affordable boarding and lodging facilities, clean toilets, safe parking space, cooking area, WiFi and Gym are being developed at a cost of around 2,170 crore at 1,000 retail outlets. 9. Among numerous other projects, Modi will inaugurate Bidkin Industrial Area, a transformative project covering an expansive 7,855 acres under the National Industrial Corridor Development Program of the government of India, situated 20 kms south of Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar in Maharashtra. 10. The project developed under Delhi-Mumbai Industrial Corridor holds immense potential as a vibrant economic hub in the Marathwada region. The Central government has approved this project with an overall project cost of over 6,400 crore for development in three phases, it said. NASA astronaut Nick Hague and Roscosmos cosmonaut Aleksandr Gorbunov will head to the International Space Station on Saturday after several delays. The SpaceX Crew-9 mission will launch from the Cape Canaveral region with live coverage accessible across the globe. An official release from the space agency indicates that the duo are scheduled to lift-off from Space Launch Complex-40 at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station in Florida at 1:17 pm EDT on September 28. The targeted docking time is approximately 5:30 pm on Sunday. Launch coverage will begin around 9:00 am on Saturday (6:40 pm in India) through the NASA+ site as well as the official NASA website. Arrival coverage will pick up the next day at 3:30 pm on the same platforms. The Crew-9 mission was originally slated for a mid-August launch. It was pushed back a month to spend more time analyzing issues with Boeing's Starliner spacecraft which remains docked at the station. The departure date was moved yet again this week amidst tropical storm Helene. The hurricane is expected to bring high winds and heavy rain to the launch area in Florida as it moves through the Gulf of Mexico. This will be the ninth crew rotation mission with SpaceX under the space agency's Commercial Crew Program. Astronauts Butch Wilmore and Indian-origin Sunita Williams have been stranded in space for several weeks after their Boeing Starliner suffered helium leaks and experienced issues with the its reaction control thrusters while approaching the space station. NASA had later deemed it too risky' for the duo to return by the same capsule extending their eight day mission to more than eight months. The duo are now full-time station crew members along with the seven others on board. They will fly home in February aboard a Dragon spacecraft with the two other crew members assigned to the agency's SpaceX Crew-9 mission. Two women made initial federal court appearances Thursday on misdemeanor charges they participated in the storming of the U.S. Capitol on Jan. 6, 2021. Wendy Dominski, 55, and Traci Quimby, 54, both of Porter, face four charges, including two counts of disorderly conduct in the Capitol grounds or buildings. The two friends traveled together to Washington on Jan. 4 and for two days attended election-related protests, including the Stop the Steal rally where they listened to former President Donald Trump. They were among those who supported Trump and objected to President Bidens election. After the rally, the two headed for the Capitol. Ignoring a blaring alarm, the two entered the Capitol at 2:24 p.m. through the Senate Wing doors, which had been kicked open by rioters, according to the criminal complaint against the two. The pair remained inside the Capitol for about 11 minutes, according to the complaint. Upon entering the Capitol Crypt, Quimby spotted a rioter who was wearing a Confederate flag beanie and smoking a marijuana joint. Quimby moved over to the rioter, took the joint or cigarette, and after the rioter with the Confederate flag beanie lit it, took a puff and then handed it back, the complaint alleges. As Dominski exited the Capitol through a smashed window, she stood on the outside ledge facing a crowd of rioters, raised her hands above her head as if in triumph and danced side to side, according to the complaint. Quimby then followed Dominski out of the window. Dominski and Quimby are the eighth and ninth Western New Yorkers, respectively, who have faced Jan. 6 charges. Six of the previous cases have been resolved through pleas, usually followed by sentences of probation or home confinement. But judges imposed jail time for two local defendants. Thomas Sibick, an Amherst man who pleaded guilty to stealing a police officers badge and radio during the insurrection, was sentenced to 50 months behind bars as punishment for his crimes. Thats the stiffest punishment for any of the previous local defendants. It took four years to bring these charges, and were certainly prepared to go down to D.C. to defend this, said attorney Thomas Eoannou, who represents Quimby. These are not major players by any means. Attorney Herbert Greenman, who represents Dominski, called the women two nice people. They love their country, Greenman said. They really do. A court document included a screenshot of a photo of Dominski and Quimby posing at the Capitol on Jan. 4. Dominski posted it on her Facebook page with the message, Prayer time in DC, Gods victory!! The two were shackled in the seventh-floor courtroom at the federal courthouse in Buffalo during their court proceeding before Magistrate Judge H. Kenneth Schroeder. A prosecutor did not seek either of them to be detained, so the judge released both with some conditions. The lawyers for the two women waived preliminary hearings. The next court appearances for the two will be on Oct. 8 in U.S. District Court in Washington, although the two women will be allowed to participate remotely through video if they choose. Since Jan. 6, 2021, more than 1,488 individuals from nearly all 50 states have been charged for crimes related to the breach of the U.S. Capitol. About 140 police officers were assaulted that day. Upon leaving the Capitol building on Jan. 6, the two made their way back through the Capitol grounds toward the edge of the restricted area at the Lower West Plaza. A photojournalist questioned the two about whether they entered the Capitol. The criminal complaint recounted their conversation. How did it go down? the photojournalist asked. Well, we tried to go upstairs and they smoked us down twice, Dominski replied. We all, thank you Jesus, finally stood together and went right through it. Got up to the doors. The door busted out, the windows got busted out, and we barged into our house. Its our house. Let me tell you, Dominski continued. I approached a police officer because my daughter is a police officer and I asked him, I said, Can I walk out or are you taking me to jail? Because Im ready today. The officer threw up his hands and shrugged, she told the photojournalist. And I said done. Hes done. Theyre done. The cops are done. They all threw their hands up. Theyre done. Quimby told the photojournalist the two went to the round chamber, so there was a lot of people there. Once we saw the breakthrough, we pushed through, Quimby told the photojournalist. We pushed through because we told our grandchildren were not letting this happen. The ambitious plans to develop the motte and bailey in Granard have been pared-back as the project experienced a massive 600% increase in costs in five years. Billed as a major tourism and amenity attraction featuring a living model of a Norman village the project was poised to be developed at the site of Granard Motte. In 2019 it was announced that the project would develop the heritage park on 15 acres of land at a cost of 2.8 million with support from Failte Ireland. The village and park was to be built adjacent to the Knights & Conquests Heritage Centre. The plan was to build a Norman village located near the site of Ireland's highest Norman Motte, originally built in 1199. PICTURES: Charming bungalow within walking distance of Lough Ree for sale in Longford At the September meeting of Granard MD, Cllr Padraig McNamara called on Longford County Council to provide an update on the GMCE project. Mr McNamara declared an interest in the project as a committee member of Granard Motte Community Enterprise Ltd, which was formed in 2018. Paul Newell, Acting Director of Services, told members that the project had been through a number of iterations since 2018. Acknowledging a number of setbacks he said: You'll be glad to know that the current iteration is now going to progress. Above: An image of the original plan unveiled in 2019 Mr Newell said the original plans put forward by GMCE in 2019 was costed at 3m, however escalating costs saw that figure jump to 9m by 2021. The feedback from the market was that it was actually more expensive, around 9m. So we then appointed a QS to look at the project. The QS report came back then in July last year for a project of 15m. Additional works, design breaks and overruns, would probably have brought the project up to about 18m. So something had to give, he told the meeting. Also read: Restaurant worker very thankful he was not seriously injured in Longford blaze The project has been backed by the local authority, the Rural Development Fund, the Department of Rural Development, Community Development and Failte Ireland. However the funding only stretches to 3m, with 682,000 already spent on reports. We had a high level meeting on September 9 with Minister Peter Burke, Senator Micheal Carrigy, a local councillor in Granard who has been involved in the project for 11 years, members of GMCE, our Chief Executive and the Director of Services, John Bannigan. We have now pared back the plans to a 4m project, Mr Newell told the meeting. Also read: Granard primed for 3.8m Norman Heritage Park The scaled back work focuses on the core of the land: It's to the north west of the site, it is the bailey, which is the centre, the focus point of the project. This bailey is a three metre high fortress built in the middle of the site, in a circular culture. Inside that there's going to be a granary, which is like an old Norman store, a chapel, and then activity shelters. Also read: Failte Ireland invests in new state-of-the-art visitor attraction for Granard Mr Newell said a steering group is being established to coordinate the project. He said the massive jump in the cost of the project is down to a number of factors: There has been significant delay, I suppose, over the last three years. Covid didn't help us. The price increase was significant. It was only really that we got to grips with the price last July after we appointed the QS. Cllr Turlough McGovern, who seconded the motion, expressed his dismay at not being invited to the meeting on September 9: As a Granard elected member, along with other members that I wasn't invited to the meeting. I don't know how Cllr McNamara worked in the Post Office, but usually you want the support of your colleagues. I wasn't asked to that meeting and I felt a little left out. Also read: Concerns north Longford tourism project monies being spent elsewhere He continued: It will be great to get it started. It will expand the Rebel Trail we have in North Longford. We will look to push on this project. Replying to the rebuke, Cllr McNamara, said an email was sent out to local representatives about the meeting. Cathaoirleach Garry Murtagh said: It's a fantastic project. This is only Phase 1 of it, we will keep chipping away and it will come to fruition over time. PICTURES | Longford ASI Memory Walk raises awareness and funds for dementia supports Longford triplets who were born three months premature and survived against all the odds enjoyed their first day at school recently. Mother Marie Murphy, from Campbells Drive, said they were very proud to bring Darcie, Daisie and Dominic (all 4) to St Eimear's National School where they have settled in very well. "They are the first ever set of triplets to go to the school. They are the liveliest little kids that you would ever see in your life and they are all go all day long." she stated. "They are best friends one minute and they are boxing the head off each other the next. But then if you give out to one for fighting with the other the other one is hugging her and saying don't give out to her." Also read: Longford nurse Siobhain Kiernan breaking new ground with key appointment at Portiuncula University Hospital Marie insisted they are very close and she compared them to a little army who protect each other. The adoring mother said the triplets have brought a lot of happiness and joy to her, dad Warren, their five older siblings and their grandparents. PICTURES | Longford enjoys amazing array of cultural events and exhibits on Culture Night 2024 "The biggest challenge they overcame was that they were three months premature and I was told none of them would ever live," she recalled. "They fought the whole way, the smallest one was born just one pound in weight and they really were up against it, they were in hospital for the first 12 weeks of their lives." Also read: Triple joy for Longford couple as triplets are brought home after nine weeks in intensive care The mother of eight, whose eldest child is 21, stated that it is a very busy house in the mornings with plenty of chaos and noise. "It is tough going getting them all out but I am lucky to have them," she added. Proud grandparents PJ and Lucy Finnan were also at the house to mark the occasion before the triplets milestone first day. Also read: Mum of triplets at wits end over Longford boil water saga Mr Finnan, from Springlawn, was seriously injured following a shooting on July 17. He was in the downstairs living room of his home at around 7:50pm when shots were fired through the window. The 74 year old was taken to Regional Hospital Mullingar following the incident. Marie said thankfully PJ was there to mark the special occasion with them. It was an even better day to have dad there, we were very lucky, she added. Two teenage brothers will go on trial after the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) gave its approval for the pair to be prosecuted in connection with a violent county Longford train station assault that left another teenage boy hospitalised and in a serious condition. The siblings, who are aged 18 and 17, were arrested and charged with assault causing harm days after the alleged attack on April 6 at Edgeworthstown Train Station. The brothers cannot be identified due to the age of the younger accused. Sgt Enda Daly, court presenter, informed Judge Bernadette Owens at Longford District Court on Tuesday the DPP had given the green light for the two brothers to be sent forward for trial. PICTURES: Charming bungalow within walking distance of Lough Ree for sale in Longford The alleged victim was left with a fractured skull, a bleed on his brain and bruising on his head and body following the incident. Gardai stated that the alleged attack was captured on CCTV and a clawhammer was produced and used by one of the alleged attackers to strike the injured party. After the alleged assault, the four assailants fled the scene and the injured party was taken to Mullingar hospital, before later being transferred to Beaumont Hospital after a deterioration in his condition. PICTURES: Longford bungalow with lots of potential on the market for 185,000 During the course of the assault, the court heard, the injured party was punched twice to the face and 16 times to the back. Defence solicitor Fiona Baxter told Judge Owens on Tuesday she would be looking for the case to be given priority ahead of the servicing of books of evidence and before the sitting of Longford Circuit Criminal Court in November. Judge Owens said the court was required to enable the younger of the two accused had the protection of a Section 75 of the 2001 Children's Act hearing before he could be sent forward. PICTURES | Longford enjoys amazing array of cultural events and exhibits on Culture Night 2024 Those sittings heard by a district court judge consider the defendant's young age and level of maturity and any other notable information and they must proceed before a final decision is reached to send an accused minor forward for trial. The youngest accused brother has made no bail application since being taken into custody and he is currently at Oberstown Children Detention Campus, while his older brother is subject to strict bail conditions. The younger accused sibling was remanded in continuing custody by Judge Owens on Tuesday until September 24 for the Section 75 hearing, while his older brother was remanded on continuing bail until October 22 for the service of a book of evidence. Also read: Garda probe launched after vicious group assault of 12 year-old girl during hurling match A former Longford county councillor accused of assault was given the benefit of the Probation Act at Longford District Court after he pleaded guilty to the offence. Gerald Farrell (43) of Aughamore, Lanesboro, Longford came before Judge Bernadette Owens charged with a Section 2 assault on Sara O'Connor at Adie Farrell's Bar, Main St, Lanesboro on January 8, 2022. Counsel for the State, Shane Geraghty BL, said the matter originally came before the court in March of this year when the defendant was facing a sexual assault charge in respect of the incident, however this was changed to the lesser assault charge. Prosecution witness Detective Garda Deirdre Morris outlined the details of the matter before the court. The witness said the incident took place on Saturday, January 8, 2022. The injured party, Ms O'Connor, was visiting a friend in Lanesboro and they went to Adie Farrell's Pub with a group of her friends at about 7:30pm on the evening in question. Also read: Large Longford residential farm to go under the hammer at online auction on Friday The Detective Garda said the group were drinking and went out to the smoking area in the course of the evening. Mr Farrell, who was known to other members of the group, engaged in conversation with them. When speaking to Ms O'Connor he said he was low on staff and the victim said she had bar and waitress experience. Mr Farrell asked for her Snapchat details and in the course of the evening exchanged messages with her on the online platform. Mr Farrell closed the pub, but the group stayed on chatting and singing. The defendant got a round of drinks for the group and sat in on the couch beside Ms O'Connor. At around 1:07am Ms O'Connor felt a flick on her right thigh, she was shocked, upset and welled up. Mr Farrell got another round of drinks, but Ms O'Connor did not drink hers. Also read: The Crypt in Longford's St Mels Cathedral is unique venue for National Womens Enterprise Day event The group left the bar at 1:50am. The following day Ms O'Connor returned home and when she spoke to her mother about what had happened she got upset, started crying and became hysterical about the incident, which was described as a pinch. Detective Garda Morris told the court that on April 27, 2022 she met Mr Farrell by arrangement to speak to him about the matter. She said he was 41 years of age at the time and in a relationship, and his partner had given birth to a child three months earlier. The defendant said he had just sent some silly Snapchats and denied sexual assault. He volunteered passwords for his phone and allowed access to the pub CCTV. Most of the group with Ms O'Connor declined to make a statement. One female member of the group expressed reluctance, saying that they knew both parties and didn't want to get involved, however they added that if sometime of that order (sexual assault) had happened I would have got up and left. Also read: Longford nurse Siobhain Kiernan breaking new ground with key appointment at Portiuncula University Hospital The CCTV footage of the incident was shown to the court. Ms O'Connor could be seen sitting on the couch in the bar with her legs tucked up and her arms wrapped around them. The defendant was on his phone sitting beside her. Mr Farrell was visible in the footage moving his hand toward the victim, who made a sudden movement. In cross examination Michael Bowman SC, counsel for the defendant, put it to Detective Garda Morris that there were discrepancies between the account Ms O'Connor initially gave to Gardai and what is visible on CCTV. You can see from the footage that she did not say get off me, she did not jump up and she did not say what the f**k when the incident happened, Mr Bowman said. Also read: Restaurant worker very thankful he was not seriously injured in Longford blaze Counsel explained that a family member of Mr Farrell had died in a car accident on the day of the incident. Mr Bowman described a split second of gross stupidity that brought his client before the court. He said his client is an active member of the local IFA and GAA. Counsel said Mr Farrell's relationship at the time had been in difficulty, and has since broken down and he now has limited access to his son. Ms O'Connor took to the witness stand to give her victim impact statement. The victim described suffering behind closed doors for two years awaiting the trial. She said at that time she had wanted to end it all and said it could have ruined her relationship, but the support and love of her partner and her family had helped her through. The victim acknowledged she had accepted 5,000 in compensation from the defendant. In closing Mr Bowman asked Judge Owens to consider a number of factors. He pointed out that Mr Farrell had been drinking during the day and that violence or threats were not a factor in the case. PICTURES | Longford ASI Memory Walk raises awareness and funds for dementia supports He said the defendant approached the prosecution responsibly, realistic and as faithfully as he could. Mr Bowman asked to judge to note the considerable contribution Mr Farrell makes to his community. In concluding matters Judge Owens commended the victim on her impact statement. The judge observed that the court has the benefit of an independent eye in the CCTV, which she said gave a clear picture of the assault and the aftermath. It's my job to impose a penalty that is proportionate, Judge Owens said. The judge noted a number of factors including that Mr Farrell had no relevant previous convictions, cooperated fully with the investigation and assisted the progress of the prosecution with a guilty plea. Judge Owens also pointed out the defendant had apologised to the injured party, expressed remorse and paid a sum of compensation. Taking all the facts into consideration the judge said the matter would be dealt with by Section 1.1 of the Probation Act. PICTURES | Longford enjoys amazing array of cultural events and exhibits on Culture Night 2024 Irish Wheelchair Association (IWA) is calling on Longford to support their Annual Fundraising Day that takes place today, Thursday, 26 September 2024. You can show your support by making a donation to one of their on-street collectors or by donating online at www.iwa.ie. This year, IWA is excited to announce that donations can also be made at over 30 Chadwick stores. Chadwicks has been a longstanding supporter of IWA at a local level, and their partnership will help further the organisation's mission. IWA's Community Centre based in Kenagh, will also be out shaking buckets to fundraise for the day. IWA is dedicated to supporting people with disabilities in communities at a local and national level, helping people live a life full of choice, freedom, and joy. The charity relies on donations to fund essential services that benefit over 20,000 individuals nationwide. Also Read: Longford Disabled Activist James Cawley and 300 others "Reclaim their Rights" These services include sport, accessible homes, transport, assisted living services, and Community Centre programmes that are a vital lifeline for many, helping to combat loneliness and isolation. Stephen Cawley, an IWA member, shared his gratitude for the organisation stating, "They seriously help out with everything, every single problem you could ever think of. There's really nothing that they won't go out of their way to help you with. That's what makes this place so special. I've been here for two years, and I hope to be here for many more, so please donate now." Stephen is among the many who receive a variety of supports from IWA, including their accessible bus service. Also Read: PICTURES | Longford ASI Memory Walk raises awareness and funds for dementia supports Without IWAs bus service, many of our members would be isolated in their homes. Without our Community Centres, many would miss out on opportunities for learning and that social connection everyone needs. So much magic happens daily in IWA communities across Ireland and we rely on the generosity of donations to help to continue this amazing work. Says Breige McGinn, Head of Fundraising at Irish Wheelchair Association. For more information on how you can support Irish Wheelchair Association's Annual Fundraising Day, visit www.iwa.ie. Sinn Fein has pledged to abolish the universal social charge (USC) for average workers, reduce childcare costs to 10 euro per day, and abolish the TV licence, as part of its alternative budget. The party said it will undo the damage of previous governments, while ramping up public spending. The document, published on Thursday, set outs the partys budget plans, with a lot of focus on measures for families in an attempt to reduce everyday costs. Pearse Doherty, the partys finance spokesman, said it is a budget package of 12.4 billion euro, including 7.3 billion euro of new measures. In this document youre not going to see bike shelters for 336,000 euros. Youre not going to see security huts for 1.4 million euro and youre not going to see runaway projects like the Childrens Hospital, costing us now 2.2 billion euro, he said. That happens under (Minister for Public Expenditure) Paschal Donohoe and Fine Gael and Fianna Fail. Sinn Fein knows that your money needs to be invested and needs to be spent wisely. Launching the 57-page plan at the Irish Architectural Archive in Dublin, Mr Doherty said it includes an additional four billion euro of capital investment. As we know that the Government have failed to meet their own capital investment targets over the last number of years, targets that they set out. The National Development Plan set out annual targets and they have been missed every year. The under-investment from those missed targets is approximately 7.6 billion euro in capital investment over the last four years alone. As part of their cost-of-living package, they party said they will provide 450 euro electricity credits to householders; a double child benefit payment in October and December; reverse excise duty on petrol and diesel; reduce student fees by 1,500 euro and abolish the TV licence. Nothing frustrates people more than seeing public money go to waste. From the bike shed to the Childrens Hospital, it's always someone elses fault. Now we can add the 1.49m security hut to the list. This Gov continues to prove its incompetence in spending taxpayers' money. pic.twitter.com/EyvV18i4rw Sinn Fein (@sinnfeinireland) September 26, 2024 The party said it will reduce childcare costs for parents to 10 euro a day in centre-based care and Tusla registered childminders, rolling out fully to childminders thereafter, at a cost of 35 million euro. As part of its healthcare package, the party said it would also reduce the cost of medicine by lowering the maximum monthly drugs payments by households from 80 euro to 50 euro, and reduce prescription charges and extend the medical card to 150,000 additional people. The party said it would also put one billion euro of the Apple tax money into a community fund to invest in working class communities. As part of the partys alternative budget plan, it said it will increase the minimum wage by 1.10 euro and increase child benefit by 10 euro, at a cost of 152.60 million euro. The party said it would also provide funding for 1,000 garda recruits in 2025 and increase the garda trainee allowance of 30%. It said it would also tax wealth emissions via a levy on private jets, which would raise 18 million euro. Mr Doherty said his party is committed to abolishing the USC on the first 45,000 euro that every worker in the State earns. Sinn Feins alternative budget would deliver immediate and long lasting benefits to workers and families and help ordinary people struggling with the cost of living. You can see our fully-costed budget at https://t.co/Pjc1bNOqnX pic.twitter.com/nwtX2FPbgW Sinn Fein (@sinnfeinireland) September 26, 2024 The alternative budget process allows us to show how we would invest in the future. This is a fully costed set of budget proposals, and no other opposition party provides the level of detail for voters. Mr Doherty accused the Government of failing to provide the projected surplus for the year. The Donegal TD said it will be quite substantial, and could be as much as eight billion euro. This is the first time that weve ever gone into an alternative budget where the Government has not given or published what the expected surplus is, he added. They have refused to provide any information in relation to whats called the general government balance, which is the projected surplus measure. This is unheard of. In my view, I think its anti-democratic. Its not acceptable. But what they have said is they expected the surplus in the region of about six billion euro. We know that that figure is no longer accurate, because that was before we seen the most recent tax receipts, where they expected an increase of tax receipts compared to next year. Were already two billion ahead of that, so therefore the service will go up and if that trend is continued for the remainder of the year, then it will go up even further. Sinn Fein leader Mary Lou McDonald said their budget plan is fully costed and presents the necessary investments for the country. She said that many people are desperate for change. We have 14,000 people in emergency accommodation, more than 4,000 of those are children. Thats pretty desperate, she added. Our young people are voting with their feet. Theyre leaving. Theyre in Toronto and Perth and Boston, and many who are away dont have any real prospect of coming back. So we are in desperate need of a change of government. We are very clear that we have to be setting out choices for people. We have to make clear to people that we live in the real world, that unlike the Government, were not sloppy and negligent with public money, that we know the value of a euro. We certainly know the value of 336,000 euros and 1.5 million euros, and we recognise that in areas of childcare, health and cost of living, things need to change. Local News By Chris Boyle Published: September 26 2024 This tiny pest, no larger than a grain of rice, has wreaked havoc on over 5,000 acres of forest in my district alone, threatening our ecosystem and critical natural resources, said LaLota. Rep. Nick LaLota (R-Suffolk County) successfully passed his amendment to H.R. 8790, the Fix Our Forests Act, focusing on the devastation caused by the southern pine beetle in the Northeast, particularly within Long Island's Pine Barrens. LaLotas amendment directs the Secretary of Agriculture to conduct a comprehensive study on the causes, effects, and solutions for the infestation of pine beetles in the Northeastern United States, ensuring that the problem is addressed with targeted actions. This tiny pest, no larger than a grain of rice, has wreaked havoc on over 5,000 acres of forest in my district alone, threatening our ecosystem and critical natural resources. The southern pine beetle infestation has put immense pressure on Long Island's Pine Barrens, which serve as a vital habitat for wildlife and play a crucial role in protecting our water supply, said LaLota. My amendment is not just about studying a pest; its about taking proactive measures to protect our environment, safeguard the drinking water of millions, and ensure that our forests' rich biodiversity and natural beauty remain intact for future generations. Without intervention, the consequences for our ecosystem and local economy could be severe so we must take action now. LaLota spoke on the House floor ahead of the amendments passage, click HERE to watch. To read the full text of the amendment, click HERE. Background: The Pine Barrens, crucial for preserving clean drinking water and home to endangered species, have suffered significant damage from the pine beetle infestation. LaLotas amendment will enable federal, state, and local officials to better understand and mitigate the pine beetle's impact, fostering resilient forest ecosystems across the region. Along with this amendment, LaLota has fought to preserve the abundant natural environment Long Island is blessed with. Earlier this year , LaLota announced he had secured $40 million in federal funding for the Long Island Sound Program. This funding for the Sound is provided by the Interior and Environment Appropriations bill LaLota helped pass, which was signed into law in March. In January , LaLota testified at a Natural Resources Committee hearing in support of his Long Island Sound Stewardship and Restoration Act. The same month , LaLota testified at the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee in support of including a reauthorization of the Long Island Sound Program in the biannual Water Resources Development Act. The Long Island Sound Stewardship and Restoration Act would reauthorize the Long Island Sound Program through 2028. In 1985, Congress created the Long Island Sound Study (LISS) to identify and address the major environmental problems affecting the Long Island Sound. The LISS brings together the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), New York State, Connecticut, non-profit organizations, and educational institutions to help restore and protect the Long Island Sound, including the watershed, which spans up towards New Hampshire and Vermont into Canada. Local News By Chris Boyle Published: September 26 2024 Dr. McCormick expressed his gratitude for being welcomed to the Stony Brook community with warmth and generosity. Yesterday, Stony Brook University Interim President Richard L. McCormick delivered his first Stony Brook State of the University address to faculty, staff, administrators, students, alumni, healthcare workers, elected representatives and local community members. Dr. McCormick expressed his gratitude for being welcomed to the Stony Brook community with warmth and generosity and how he immediately felt at home having spent many of his early years and most of his adult life on public university campuses. President McCormick grew up near Rutgers University where his father was a history professor and where he served on the history faculty for sixteen years and later returned as the universitys president. He spoke fondly of his experience team-teaching a course with his father on the history of American politics. President McCormick indulged in a brief history lesson that clearly illustrated the link between Stony Brooks extraordinary trajectory and the most important developments in modern American higher education including: Stony Brook has been attracting a growing and highly diverse student body with half who are from economically disadvantaged families. Stony Brook has a large and expanding research enterprise that is fueled by more than $300 million annually, mostly from the federal government. Stony Brook graduates and research have a profound impact on the economies of Long Island, New York, the nation and the world. Dr. McCormick touted the universitys historic enrollment increase of first-year students this fall saying, Their presence testifies to our universitys reputation as a top choice for talented, diverse, and ambitious students from all backgrounds across New York State, the nation, and the world. He added over forty percent of our undergraduates receive federal Pell grants, which means they come from financially qualifying families. And, by the way, our Pell students graduate at a rate that is slightly higher than that of the rest of the student body. Dr. McCormick praised the universitys best fundraising year in its history, including securing $655 million dollars in contributions with $563 million going directly to the endowment. He also acknowledged the passing of Dr. James Simons, who with his wife Dr. Marilyn Simons, has impacted Stony Brook University with their unwavering support, visionary generosity and decades long friendship. Dr. McCormick recognized Stony Brook Medicine for greatly contributing to the health and wellness of the Long Island community. They do so through the proud stewardship of the Long Island State Veterans Home, and a myriad of other health care programs that are carried on at Stony Brook University Hospital, our Childrens and East End hospitals, and in more than two hundred ambulatory care facilities. Stony Brook University Hospital is one of the first eight hospitals in the United States to attain Health Care Equity Certification from The Joint Commission. It is Long Islands only institution to achieve this level of certification and demonstrates Stony Brooks commitment to embracing diversity, addressing health disparities, and providing equitable, patient-centered care. While celebrating the universitys momentum, Dr. McCormick identified some institutional challenges including the need to: Expand and encourage more interdisciplinary research; Invest in the universitys facilities to support the needs of a true flagship university; and Make strategic decisions about increasing our enrollment as a first-choice destination for both undergraduate and graduate students Dr. McCormick challenged the university community, lets take our university to the next level. Lets be a true flagship. We can do it together. Russian rocket fire hits Vuhledar. (Via Telegram) Ukraines yearslong defense of Vuhledar, a small city serving as a defensive stronghold in the Donetsk region, appears to be nearing its denouement. Russian advances on Vuhledars flanks have put it at risk of encirclement, and Russian troops have now begun attempting to enter the city itself. Located in the southern part of Donetsk Oblast, Vuhledar had a prewar population of around 14,000. Ukrainian troops often refer to it as a fortress. The city sits on high ground, and its high-rise buildings provide advantageous positions for first-person view (FPV) strike drone and anti-tank guided missile (ATGM) operators. The current battle for Vuhledar is not the first. Russia attempted to take the city in the fall and winter of 20222023, likely seeking to gain breathing room for a nearby rail line running from Donetsk to Volnovakha. Moscows forces managedat a high costto push Ukrainian troops out of the nearby village of Pavlivka but were stymied at Vuhledar. Russian commanders stubbornly threw troops into fruitless attacks, destroying the better part of two naval infantry brigades (the 40th and 155th). Anti-tank mines, ATGMs, and artillery destroyed many Russian armored fighting vehicles as they drove down routinized avenues of advance under constant Ukrainian surveillance. Due to insufficient mine clearing, attack after attack foundered in the same fields after Ukrainian troops re-mined them. The commander of Russias Vostok grouping of forces, responsible for southern Donetsk Oblast, was fired the following March. Estimate of current Russian and Ukrainian lines in the Vuhledar area, based on geolocated footage and data from the Ukrainian analytical project DeepState. (Google My Maps image annotated by LWJ) However, this time around, the Russians have benefited from a weary Ukrainian defense. The 72nd Mechanized Brigade, which has anchored Ukraines defense in the Vuhledar area for the last two years, is exhausted, one of its deputy commanders recently acknowledged. With Ukraine short on combat-ready forces, the brigade has had zero rotations since the full-scale invasion began in 2022, he said. Ukraine reportedly rushed some territorial defense troops to the Vuhledar area earlier this month to try to stem the bleeding but to no avail. On September 21, the Ukrainian military announced that the 72nd Brigades commander had been reassigned, though the reason remains unclear. The Russians have also been smarter than in past operations. Rather than immediately attempting to assault Vuhledar, Russia first captured villages on its flanks. Over the last few weeks, Russia has taken the village of Vodiane, northeast of Vuhledar, as well as the nearby Pivdennodonbaska-1 and Pivdennodonbaska-3 coal mines, whose large concrete structures offered advantageous defensive positions. In early September, Russian forces captured Prechystivka, which was defended by Ukraines 58th Motorized Infantry Brigade. The Russians have advanced several kilometers northeast of Prechystivka in recent days, threatening Vuhledars western flank. Russia is thus dangerously closing to cutting the corridor from Vuhledar to the village of Bohoyavlenka, north of the city. This route is already well within range of Russian artillery and FPV drones. On Tuesday, a soldier from the 72nd Brigade said the Russians were pushing toward the Vuhledar-Bohoyavlenka road and using drones to mine it. Meanwhile, Russia has closed in on Vuhledar itself while pounding the city with glide bombssomething Moscow largely lacked during the last battle for Vuhledarand artillery. In recent days, Russia captured the cottages on the citys eastern outskirts. And as of Tuesday, small groups of Russian assault infantry began penetrating Vuhledars eastern edge. Whether the Russians have managed to secure a foothold there remains unclear. Given the risk of encirclement, Ukraine may soon decide to withdraw from Vuhledar. In prior situations like this, however, Ukrainian commanders have often clung to positions for longer than is advisable. This tactic tends to result in higher casualties for troops defending the pocketsomething Ukraine can ill-afford, given its current manpower shortage. Vuhledars fall will aid Russias efforts to push Ukrainian forces out of southern Donetsk Oblast. A northward push from Vuhledar would complement Russias ongoing efforts to reach the city of Kurakhove from the north, east, and southeast. Without the Vuhledar fortress to lean on, maintaining a defense in that area may require additional forces, even as the 72nd Brigade is in dire need of rotation. With few units available to plug the gap, Ukraines lines may soon be stretched even thinner. John Hardie is the deputy director of FDDs Russia Program and a contributor to FDD's Long War Journal. LIVONIA, MICH. Each year, on the last Sunday in September, the Catholic Church commemorates World Day for Migrants and Refugees. This commemoration reminds us that the Holy Family was forced to leave Israel and flee to Egypt to protect the life of the infant Jesus. For this years 110th observance, Pope Francis selected the theme God walks with his people. Pope Francis calls for solidarity with migrants, reminding us that their journeys mirror the biblical Exodus, with God as their guide and companion, said Bishop Mark J. Seitz of El Paso, chairman of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) Committee on Migration. He emphasizes that every encounter with migrants is an encounter with Christ, urging us to respond with compassion, recognizing their struggles as a reflection of our shared journey toward the Kingdom of Heaven. Our Catholic faith inspires us to stand with the vulnerable and protect the dignity of each person. As a Felician-sponsored ministry, Madonna University has a special connection to the people of Haiti. The Felician Sisters have a ministry in Jacmel, Haiti and the University, offers bachelors and masters degrees in business administration for Haitian students. The Bible asks us to show hospitality to strangers. [Hebrews 13: 2] Our support for the people of Haiti extends to Haitian people in the United States as well. The Felician Sisters, in their September 2024 Solidarity Statement, stress the time is now for us to stand up for the dignity of Haitian Americans: The negative media these past weeks concerning our Haitian brothers and sisters has been very painful for us. We have lived and worked with Haitians in Haiti for 10 years, and Haitian immigrants in North Miami these past two years. We know them well. Haitians take great pride in family and community they are survivors, talented, hardworking and are seeking the American dream like many of our families did when they arrived in America. The lies being spread have been verified to be false and demean the human dignity of Haitian Americans. This is not what America was built upon. We are to be one nation under God, where all should be respected and not be disparaged. We can do better.1 We reaffirm the Mission and Core Values of Madonna University on behalf of Haitian migrants: Respect for the Dignity of Each Person Peace and Justice Reverence for Creation Education for Truth and Service These values, grounded in Gospel teachings and experienced through a Felician-Franciscan lens, reflect the constitutive element of radical inclusion. Therefore, we stand in solidarity with our Haitian Brothers and Sisters as well as all migrants and refugees who flee oppression, violence, or climate change. Our hope is that we may embrace, welcome, and show kindness to all migrants and refugees who are hurt by false statements and the threat of violence. We hold ourselves to a higher standard and strive to live in a society where all are encouraged to reach their full potential. Please join Madonna University students and staff this Sunday, September 29, at 2:30 p.m. at Blessed Sacrament Cathedral, in Detroit, as they participate in the march to commemorate the World Day for Migrants and Refugees. May we as a Catholic institution, live fully our values to protect life and to stand with the most vulnerable in our world. 1. https://www.felician.org/2024/09/19/felician-sisters-of-north-america-stand-in-solidarity-with-our-haitian-brothers-and-sisters/ Leaders convene at UNGA79 to address urgent threat of antimicrobial resistance 26 September 2024 World leaders are meeting to address the growing global threat of antimicrobial resistance and form a united response against this multifaceted problem. Community dialogue facilitator in Bangladesh leads meeting to raise awareness of antimicrobial resistance as part of the COSTAR project Today, world leaders convene in New York for the High-level Meeting on Antimicrobial Resistance to tackle this urgent threat to human, animal and environmental health. The high-level meeting is being held as part of the 79th session of the UN General Assembly (UNGA). The meeting highlights the critical need for multi-sectoral global, regional and national actions and investment to address antimicrobial resistance (AMR). Drug-resistant infections know no borders, which means countries must work together to respond to it effectively. AMR is one of the most pressing public health and development threats facing the global community. Findings from a recent Lancet study show that in 2019, bacterial AMR was directly responsible for 1.27 million global deaths and contributed to 4.95 million deaths. That number could rise to 10 million deaths by 2050. AMR occurs when bacteria, viruses, fungi and parasites no longer respond to antimicrobial medicines, making infections harder to treat and increasing the risk of disease spread, severe illness and death. The misuse and overuse of antibiotics to prevent, control and treat infection are key drivers in accelerating its spread. The problem is global, but exacerbated by inequalities and a lack of resources, its impact is felt most by people in low-and middle-income countries, where access to healthcare and proper medical resources is limited. Without urgent action, AMR could reverse decades of medical progress, making it harder to save lives and control diseases worldwide. Helen Hawkings, Malaria Consortiums Senior Social and Behaviour Change Specialist commented, AMR knows no boundaries, neither should our response. Urgent action is needed to unite and innovate for effective solutions to AMR. In our COSTAR project in Bangladesh and Nepal, we are applying innovative models like interactive community dialogues, which strengthens local communities capacity to identify the contextual drivers of AMR and develop sustainable, tailored action plans. These kinds of creative solutions are needed to de-activate the ticking time bomb that is AMR. Prevention of AMR has been a particularly neglected area for investment. A key area of discussion at the high-level meeting will be on sustainable financing for AMR and the financial mechanisms and innovations that can be leveraged for AMR financing at the national, regional and global levels. Alongside this discussion, the meeting will explore how AMR can be tackled across sectors human, animal, plant and environmental by raising awareness, using novel approaches and addressing socio-economic inequities that impact on healthcare access. Engaging communities to better recognise their role in mitigating the causes and protecting themselves against the consequences of AMR plays a vital part in addressing AMR in a sustainable manner. It is hoped that the actions resulting from the high-level meeting will be taken forward in a meaningful way, measuring progress and ensuring accountability at all levels. Creative, tangible, impactful solutions are needed, delivered through coordinated response globally and at the country level, to tackle this multifaceted problem. Read about the COSTAR project Manchester, VT (05254) Today Cloudy skies this evening will become partly cloudy after midnight. Low 39F. Winds W at 5 to 10 mph.. Tonight Cloudy skies this evening will become partly cloudy after midnight. Low 39F. Winds W at 5 to 10 mph. Kate Middleton ensured she reached out to her estranged brother-in-law on his 40th birthday to leave him a "thoughtful message", despite the ongoing feud between Prince William and Prince Harry. The Duke of Sussex quit his status as a working member of the British Royal Family in 2020 when he relocated to California with Meghan Markle as tensions flared between Prince Harry and his blood relatives. It then exploded with the infamous Oprah Winfrey interview in 2021 and since then, there appears to have been an irreparable breakdown in relations between the two sons of Princess Diana and King Charles III. But surprisingly on September 15 a post appeared on X.com, formerly Twitter, from Prince William and Middleton's shared account that read, "Wishing a Happy 40th Birthday to The Duke of Sussex," and it turns out the mother-of-three was the reason behind it The Princess of Wales made a kind gesture by ensuring she organized the post as Prince Harry hit his fourth decade after suspecting the runaway royal was feeling homesick some 5447 miles away from the United Kingdom. "Kate was very much the driving force behind Harry's birthday wishes," a source told Bella. "As she slowly makes good on her vow to restore some kind of peace and forgiveness between the estranged royal and his family before it's too late. "She told William in no uncertain terms that this is not the time for resentment, they needed to show the world that love and family are front and centre of their values. "But more importantly she wanted Harry to have this message on his big day. It meant the world to Harry that the royals, as well as the Waleses, sent this olive branch on social media. And Kate made a point to call him and send a thoughtful gift his way as well." Middleton ready to move on and forgive Prince Harry Prince Harry revealed the brothers have always been rivals since their early childhood in his 2023 memoir, Spare, but things took a serious turn for the worse when Markle entered the picture following claims of mistreatment towards the ex-Suits actress. It even extended to questions regarding the skin color of her baby, since the Duchess is mixed race, before the Oprah interview in which the pair made a series of explosive claims about the Royal Family. But Middleton enjoys a close relationship with her parents, brother and sister and her husband, children and extended family and in her eyes, that includes Prince Harry and despite what happened in the past, she's ready to let bygones be bygones. "Kate's always had a soft spot for Harry, and despite the hurtful things he's said and done, she's found it in her heart to forgive him and has quietly been chipping away at William to convince him it's time to let the anger go. "She doesn't believe it's right to just give up on Harry. She's worried for him because she sees all the signs of how homesick and vulnerable he is. Her view is that no matter what, family is family." UFC Paris is continuing to transcend, both spectacle and its big special guest. Benoit Saint Denis [13-2-0 and 1NC] (Nimes, France), who although he is not a champion and must sweat blood to be one in the very complicated lightweight is already an idol of the masses. And UFC rewards him. The life of 'BSD' would be comparable to a film character. Because he was part of the first Marine Parachute Regiment, a Special Forces Command unit of the French Army. There he became a textbook tough guy and then jumped into mixed martial arts. In the octagon, he was a cyclone. Tough as nails, a puncher of infinite class and with a score to settle after losing at UFC 299. Saint Denis is the man to watch in UFC Paris Because the man from Nimes had only lost in his debut. He competed against Elizeu Zaleski out of his category, took a beating and resisted. He moved up, and UFC wanted to put him in the 155-pound contenders. He was paired with Dustin Poirier, a legend, and the American didn't allow 'BSD' another afternoon of glory. In Miami, he landed a huge hand that knocked the Frenchman out. He changed plans in Saint Denis. He was in line for the belt, but stopped, won't be back until UFC Paris and the lightweight took another turn. Arman Tsarukyan, the best physique in the division, will challenge UFC No. 1 Islam Makhachev when the Russian recovers from injury. Charles Oliveira, a pure spectacle, is still there and will meet Michael Chandler (he stopped waiting for Conor McGregor). Dustin Poirier has (in his words) one more fight left. Justin Gaethje is ready to return. And Dan Hooker comes flying in after a spectacular win over Mateusz Gamrot. In conclusion, there is a lot. And there the Gallic hero has to know how to survive. Something that has become a regular feature of his life. He's up there with another big name in the division, Brazil's Renato Moicano, for moving up, burying ghosts and keeping the God of War's UFC bid on top. His four tattoos, with the special forces dagger, the helmet of the first club he fought for, Joan of Arc and a Templar cross (for his missions in Mali), will continue to shine. Starmers government has been one of crisis since day one rocked by riots, rebellions, and scandals. All of this overshadowed this years party conference, spoiling the celebrations that the Labour leaders were expecting. But worse is yet to come. [Originally published at communist.red] Protests over Palestine. A snowballing scandal over grubby freebies. And clashes over cuts to pensioners winter fuel allowance. Welcome to the latest annual conference of Starmers Labour the party that hubristically promised to bring about political stability and decency after 14 years of Tory chaos and corruption. The Labour leaders were hoping that their first conference since coming to power would be a celebratory affair; a chance to parade the party before the establishment and the capitalist press, showing how much things have changed since the troublesome Corbyn days. Instead, this years event in Liverpool has been dogged by disruption, dodgy dealings, and division, providing a microcosm of the turmoil that Starmers government has already experienced since the 4 July election and which it will continue to face in the months and years ahead. Out of touch Problems were mounting for Keir Starmer and co. before delegates had even arrived. Over the last week, revelations have unravelled about the grotesque amount of lavish gifts that the Labour leaders have received from wealthy donors most notably from multi-millionaire media mogul Lord Waheed Alli. Starmer alone is estimated to have accepted over 100,000-worth of designer clothes, sporting and concert tickets, and other such corporate perks. Deputy PM Angela Rayner, meanwhile, shrugged off questions about donations that she and her cabinet colleagues had accepted including a five-day stay in Allis Manhattan apartment by saying that all MPs do it. Well thats ok then! Starmer and his team have attempted to sweep the story under the carpet, with pledges that Labour ministers would not be taking any free clothing in the future. But the damage is already done. With a drip feed of shocking stories emerging almost every day, this scandal has become Labours #partygate. The hypocrisy of all these out-of-touch capitalist politicians is sickening. Boris Johnson and the Tories seemingly saw no problem with boozing it up in Number 10, while the rest of the population stayed at home, alone and isolated, in order to protect against the pandemic. Similarly, while the elderly shiver in the cold this winter, Starmer and his cronies will be wrapped up nice and warm in their fancy gear, rubbing shoulders with the super-rich at VIP events, and heating their homes and offices at the taxpayers expense. They are all a bunch of liars, crooks, and thieves living on another planet from the rest of us. Blood on their hands The question of Palestine has also overshadowed this years Labour Party conference. On Saturday, thousands of protestors marched through the streets of Liverpool to denounce Labours complicity in the genocidal slaughter taking place in Gaza, calling on Starmer and his government to end all arms trade with Israel. Rather than heed these demands, however, Labour officials doubled down banning the use of the words genocide and apartheid from a Palestine solidarity fringe event, for example. Undeterred, pro-Palestine protestors decided to spray paint genocide conference on the walls of the venue. This proved a little more difficult for conference managers to censor. Yesterday, meanwhile, Chancellor Rachel Reeves faced heckles from the audience while she attempted to deliver her speech on the partys economic programme, with one activist dragged away by security as he called out the governments continued arms sales to the murderous Israeli regime. While a small number of delegates applauded this act of defiance by this young demonstrator, the majority clapped at his violent removal an indication of how Labour has been transformed into a reliable champion of the establishments interests. This is a changed Labour Party, Reeves stated in response to the interruption. We are not a party of protest. We changed the party, Starmer repeated in reply to similar jeers during his speech today. This guys obviously got a pass from the 2019 conference, the Labour leader smugly quipped. Yes, Labour has certainly changed. Just like the good old days of Blairs imperialist adventures in Iraq, Labour is back to being a party of warmongers and proudly so, it seems. The partys henchmen might have tried to scrub off activists Gaza-related graffiti. But Starmer and Reeves, desperate to prove their loyalty to western imperialism, arent even trying to wash away the blood on their hands. BREAKING: Campaign group Youth Demand have painted the words "Genocide Conference" on the Labour conference marquee. The Labour party reportedly banned the words "genocide" and "apartheid" from its 2024 conference. pic.twitter.com/8Y84JTBweZ Declassified UK (@declassifiedUK) September 24, 2024 BREAKING: A heckler interupts Keir Starmer's speech Starmer: His pass must be from the 2019 conference pic.twitter.com/enZ5JuB3NW Politics UK (@PolitlcsUK) September 24, 2024 Austerity by another name The main priority for the Labour leaders this week, and ever since they arrived in Downing Street has been to reassure their big business backers. Speaking at the partys main corporate-orientated event on Monday (priced at 3,000 per ticket), Keir Starmer told his 500-strong audience of CEOs and business leaders that wealth creation is the [Labour governments] number one mission. I want you to invest in the UK and make a profit, chimed in business secretary Jonathan Reynolds, in a further effort to woo the assembled crowd of capitalists. The main priority for the Labour leaders this week, and ever since they arrived in Downing Street has been to reassure their big business backers / Image: The Communist The Financial Times, meanwhile, the organ of UK finance, reported that the Prime Minister told executives that if they were struggling to get a response from the government or find the right person to talk to they should contact his office directly. The same paper also noted that the contents of Reeves conference speech was warmly received by the representatives of big business, including the British Chambers of Commerce and the Confederation of British Industry, the disgraced lobbying group. And no doubt they would have been similarly impressed by Starmers keynote speech today, which repeated the motifs earlier introduced by the Chancellor: that the Labour leaders are prepared to take the tough decisions needed to fix the foundations of British capitalism. Having been criticised by establishment figures for painting too gloomy a picture of the UK economy in recent weeks, damaging investors confidence and enthusiasm, Reeves and Starmer both tried to strike a more upbeat tone from the conference platform. My optimism for Britain burns as bright as it ever has done, the Chancellor stated on Monday. There is light at the end of the tunnel, the PM promised. Furthermore, Reeves assured that there will be no return to austerity. But what on Earth do they call their Dickensian cuts to energy subsidies for vulnerable pensioners? Or their decision to maintain the Tories two-child benefit cap, which keeps an estimated 1.6 million of the countrys children in poverty? If these policies arent austerity, then what is? No, this isnt austerity, the Labour leaders tell us. Instead, these attacks on the working class and the poor are euphemistically described as a framework of fiscal stability and economic responsibility. A rose by any other name would smell as sweet, Shakespeares Juliet tells Romeo. And austerity by any other name still stinks however Starmer and Reeves try to spin it. Storm and struggle Starmers Labour may take us all for fools. But ordinary people will not be so easily duped. And nor will workers and their families take these attacks lying down. Already, the Labour leadership is facing a backlash to their winter fuel allowance cut, with affiliated unions such as Unite and the CWU pushing a motion of opposition to this cruel measure at conference. Worried about the embarrassment this could cause, party officials have manoeuvred to move the vote to tomorrow, in an attempt to shut down the debate and muzzle any voices of dissent. But whether it takes place on the conference floor or on the streets, there will be a wave of resistance to this big business governments onslaught against the working class. Delegates in Liverpool can be silenced and ejected. But workers and youth organised and mobilised will not be suppressed or subdued. Yesterday, for example, the RCN union announced that nurses have rejected the governments pathetic pay offer. And other public sector workers could well follow suit. Moving the #WinterFuelPayment motion to Wednesday when the 'lights are out' at conference is a tin-eared approach by @UKlabour. People are talking about the fuel allowance and to shut it down at your own conference is not a good look. #LabourConference2024 pic.twitter.com/sckgvFZ2Uk Sharon Graham (@UniteSharon) September 23, 2024 Starmer and Reeves can arrogantly congratulate themselves all they like from the podium, in an effort to impress their chums in the City, their pals in the capitalist media, and the rest of the British establishment. But their smirks and smiles will quickly be wiped away by the coming storms. Next months Budget will confirm what is already clear to most: that a tsunami of cuts and attacks is heading for working-class communities; that Britain is entering into a new period of turbulence and upheaval, which will leave no stone unturned. This summers far-right riots and social explosions; the collapse in support for Starmer and his government over the past few months; the scandals and splits that have recently emerged at the top of the Labour Party: all of these are a harbinger of the titanic and tumultuous events that will shake Britain in the coming years. So strap yourself in. Its going to be a bumpy ride. Somaek in Boston, a Korean restaurant that opened in March, was named one of the New York Times 50 best restaurants in the United States. New York Times annual search for the countrys best restaurants led staff from eating dishes served out of a trailer in a rural Virginia field to tasting menus in one of San Franciscos most refined rooms. Among the 50 finalists, 32 opened since the outlets 2023 list was published, including Someak. Times writer Julia Moskin said the restaurant presents Korean home cooking in all its magnificence and abundance. Alongside robust classics like chilled pork belly, seared beef and stir-fried squid with rice cakes, Soamaek serves a master class in banchan, like chive-garlic salad, radish kimchi and pickled perilla leaf, Moskin wrote. Mr. Bissonnette, a veteran of Bostons fine-dining kitchens (and the tapas juggernaut that was Toro), has built his dream chef cave, with a vinyl listening bar next door and a sushi speakeasy downstairs. The restaurant pays tribute to the food that chef Jamie Bissonnette fell in love with while cooking with his mother-in-law, Soon Han, whom the Someak is named after. In addition to the traditional Korean fare, the menu boasts a convivial cocktail menu, featuring flavor-forward, low-ABV libations, and, of course, the eponymous Somaek, a popular Korean drink made with soju and maekju (beer), the restaurants website states. Someak is located at 11 Temple Place in Downtown Boston. The restaurant is open from 5 to 10 p.m. Monday through Thursday and from 5 to 10:30 p.m. Friday through Saturday. While Someak was the only Massachusetts spot on the NYTs list, other New England eateries that made the cut were The Shipwrights Daughter in Mystic, Connecticut; The Alna Store in Maine and Gift Horse in Providence, Rhode Island. Click here to see the NYTs full list. Designer and TV personality Eduardo Xol, who starred in the popular ABC series Extreme Makeover: Home Edition, has died after reportedly being stabbed. He was 58. Xol died on Sept. 20 after he was injured in an incident that occurred in the early morning hours of Sept. 10 in Palm Springs, California, according to a press release from the Riverside County Sheriffs office. Officers received a call at about 5:41 a.m. from a man at a home in the 400 block of E Arenas Road who requested help but was unable to provide specific details, the Palm Springs Police Department said. When they arrived, police heard a mans voice in apparent distress. The man later identified as Xol told officers that he had been stabbed, but did not identify the stabber. Xol was brought to the hospital where he died 10 days later, according to the Riverside County Sheriffs office. Richard Joseph Gonzales, 34, of Cathedral City, California, was arrested in connection with the stabbing. He was charged with attempted murder and booked on Sept. 10, Palm Springs police said. We are heartbroken at the tragic loss of our beloved Eduardo Xol. As his family, we know that his kindness has touched the lives of so many, Xols family said in a statement shared with TODAY.com. We ask for that kindness returned now allowing our privacy to be respected as we process our grief, the statement reads. In lieu of flowers, we ask that donations be made in Eduardos name to the Lupus Foundation of America as he spent so much of his life in the service of others. Xol appeared in more than seven seasons of Extreme Makeover: Home Edition that aired from Feb. 15, 2004, to Jan. 13, 2012. His acting credits include roles in the 1998 film Bravo and telenovelas like La Jaula de Oro, Sentimientos de Oro and Acapulco, Cuerpo y Alma. Xol was also a correspondent for People en Espanol and AOL Latino, a published author and involved in charity work. The city of Boston will devote $100 million to new housing as it implements other changes to encourage and accelerate new development. Newly announced recommendations to tweak the development planning and approval process are expected to shorten the time between proposal submission and beginning construction. For affordable housing, that timeline is expected to be cut in half by next year, Mayor Michelle Wu said. With these changes, were confident we can add predictability and cut time and expense for everyone, the mayor said during her annual address to the Greater Boston Chamber of Commerce Wednesday morning. We heard loud and clear that a fast no is better than an endless series of maybes and projects that are checking all the boxes should sail through the process to deliver the housing and other benefits the city needs quickly and predictably. The first project to benefit from the new Housing Accelerator Fund will be a Boston Housing Authority redevelopment project in Charlestown. Wu said the funds will be invested alongside private capital in other mixed-income, public-private partnership residential projects, but the city is considering if it could be effective for fully private projects as well. Since 2022, the Boston Planning and Development Agency board has approved more than 170 new projects, including nearly 13,000 new homes, Wu said. Of those, more than 4,000 are income-restricted. The city has also seen a rise in market-rate housing development. In Roslindale, Hyde Park and Mattapan, there has been a 66% rise in new housing construction in 2024 compared to the previous year. Wednesday afternoon, the citys Planning Department released its draft recommendations for updates to the development review process known as Article 80. The existing process has been criticized for dragging on for months or even years as developers try to achieve all of the necessary approvals. The recommended changes include increased engagement and feedback opportunities for community members, clearly defined standards for community benefits and better coordination among city departments along the review process. The draft recommendations come as the city has been overhauling its zoning laws. Wu said this would let developers know right from the start what they can and cannot build and avoid having to request zoning variances. Our decision-making should track the way buildings are actually envisioned and built, with a process that locks in major decisions and avoids relitigating every aspect of the project until the board votes, she said. The draft recommendations will enter a 60-day comment period, and the Planning Department is expected to release final recommendations in 2025. However, the city is already overhauling other processes that can also hold up construction and other economic development. A team within City Hall has been tasked with streamlining the more than 85 permitting processes, everything from food trucks and portable generators, fuel storage, open burning and cooking, Wu said. Already, the amount of time from application submission to approval has been cut by more than 40%, she added. In addition, two weeks ago, the Inspectional Services Department established a new, centralized process for submitting building inspection requests over the phone. A new, online inspection request portal will launch in the next few months. The permitting process for construction will also be restructured and modernized. Wu said that under the current system, plan examiners do not specialize in any particular type of project, so if youre trying to build a skyscraper, you could get stuck behind someone whos building a triple-decker. Instead, small and large projects will be separated into different teams to allow them to move through more quickly. Business leaders critical of Wu Business leaders have at times criticized Wu for being against development, and during a question and answer session after her speech Wednesday, she addressed two policies that have been particularly called out. The first, an update to the citys inclusionary development policy requiring larger residential projects to set aside 17% of their units as income-restricted and reserving another 3% for housing voucher holders, is set to go into effect on Oct. 1. Earlier this week, a local real estate association publicly asked the mayor to delay that implementation, saying the changes would slow housing production, Boston Business Journal reported. Wu pointed out that the new policy had originally been meant to begin in January, but was delayed to avoid hurting development during difficult market conditions. She said that while the existing IDP rules require only 13% of units to be income-restricted, in practice, the average percentage ends up being around 17% after negotiations between developers and the city. Our adjustment was really to just set that as the actual baseline, to remove the need for years of having to meet in the middle, Wu said. Commercial tax rate increase Wus proposal to temporarily raise commercial property taxes to reduce the burden on residential property owners has received perhaps even more pushback from business leaders. While the proposal passed the City Council this summer, it requires state legislative approval, which thus far has not happened. Real estate and business leaders have said the plan will hurt them during an already difficult economic period, but Wu has repeatedly rejected that argument. She said Wednesday that currently, because of falling commercial property values, residential taxes are expected to go up significantly to make up for that drop in commercial taxes. Under this proposal, residential taxes would still go up, commercial taxes would still go down, but it would be less of an extreme in either direction for a three-year period to make sure that were smoothing that curve, Wu said. She said that when Proposition 2, the law limiting municipal property tax increases in Massachusetts to 2.5% per year, was passed in 1980, about 30% of Boston property taxes came from the residential sector and 70% from commercial. This year, the split is closer to 40% residential and 60% commercial, and next year, it could be about 45% to 55%. Too extreme of a jump in residential taxes would also hurt local businesses as residents would have to deal with increasing housing costs, Wu said. I see our dual mandate as balancing opportunity and stability, she said. We want to be the place where were incentivizing growth, where theres new development, where we are creating every possible opportunity for entrepreneurship and investment, and we want to make sure that the pressures on our residents from gentrification or cost of living going up or displacement are managed very carefully as well. While some critics have said the city should consider using its cash reserves to balance the budget rather than moving forward with the tax shift, Wu said that would cut the reserves nearly in half, calling it not a fiscally responsible choice for the city. Suggestions to cut the budget would not be effective either, she said, because the amount needed would equal about half of the police budget or more than the entire budget for the Public Health Commission. If I didnt have to, I would be trying to pursue a different method, because getting through all these levels of approvals is tough, but it is the one that maintains balance while managing this unique moment, Wu said. Despite concerns about falling commercial property values and struggling businesses, Wu was optimistic about the citys future. She said requests for new business licenses have increased in 2023 and 2024; retail vacancy rates are between 2% and 3%, which is lower than in other major cities, downtown foot traffic is close to reaching pre-pandemic levels and consumer spending is even higher than before the pandemic. In addition, Wu said office occupancy from Tuesdays to Thursdays is at about 96% of pre-pandemic levels, though the percentage on Mondays and Fridays is lower. When it comes to purpose-driven work, inspiring workplaces, amenities, benefits packages, training and a laser focus on workers all-around well-being, Bostons business community is in a league of its own, she said. And we need to be because were competing on an international scale when it comes to the best talent, where they want to put down roots and where companies will choose to grow. 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 our 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. Elizabeth CruzSebastian Restrepo Elizabeth Cruz Community: Worcester Her story: Elizabeth Cruz is the president of the Latin American Business Association (LABO), the president and founder of Empowering Latina Leaders Affirmation (ELLA) and a Worcester-area realtor. She has over 20 years of experience in IT software development, project management and business consulting and over 30 years of experience as a realtor, according to Cruz and her Worcester Business Journal (WBJ) profile. My work is dedicated to advancing the Latinx community through economic and personal development, she wrote. Cruzs journey to success wasnt an easy one. While earning a degree in computer science from Central New England College which closed in 1989, she was the only woman and Latina in her class. She found the lack of peers challenging, she wrote. Soon, Cruz realized that there was a need for more minority role models and mentors. The experience ultimately led her to found ELLA in 2023 after 30 years of meditating about the concept, according to her WBJ profile. ELLA works to empower Latina leaders through mentorship, leadership development and networking opportunities, according to Cruz. It also offers college scholarships to young Latina women who lack the financial means to pay for higher education on their own. We address challenges such as imposter syndrome and advocate for increased Latina representation in leadership roles, she wrote. LABO has a similar mission of helping Latinx-owned businesses grow and prosper, according to Cruz. The non-profit holds workshops and expos that serve as networking opportunities and offers a variety of professional training programs in English, Spanish and Portuguese. The challenges of starting and running a business can be significant, especially with language barriers or limited resources, she wrote. ELLA and LABO also offer awards to celebrate the success of the people they empower. Both organizations contribute to a more vibrant and inclusive community, she wrote. We drive economic growth, support entrepreneurship, and promote personal development, ensuring Latinx individuals have the opportunities and resources needed to thrive and succeed. Cruzs commitment to lifting up the Latinx community and other women is longstanding. She previously served on the board of directors at the Central Massachusetts YWCA and was a vice president with the National Association of Hispanic Real Estate Professionals (NAHREP) of Central Massachusetts, according to her biography on LABOs website. Before entering the non-profit world, Cruz worked as a programmer for Tennessee-based Unum Insurance for 15 years, according to her LinkedIn profile. After leaving Unum, she spent over 15 years in project management roles at large companies such as Fidelity Investments and Dell EMC. Today, Cruz owns and operates two businesses: Cruz Realty Group a Shrewsbury-based Century 21 real estate group and Cruz Control Property Management, which manages 26 units in Worcester County, according to her LABO biography. Over the years, shes helped over 500 families buy, sell, invest and lease properties, she wrote. Anyone looking to follow in Cruzs footsteps should work to build relationships that will help further their career, be prepared for unexpected setbacks and use their unique perspective to drive meaningful change, she wrote. My journey in IT, real estate, and community leadership has taught me that success often comes from understanding and addressing the specific needs of your community, she wrote. Seeking out people whose success you aspire to emulate is also key, Cruz wrote, but being a mentor to others is just as important. Sharing your knowledge and experiences helps build a supportive network and promotes growth in others, she wrote. In her words: My professional journey has been driven by a deep commitment to community development and empowerment. 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 statee. 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. Shirley Arriaga.Courtesy photo Shirley Arriaga Age: 34 Community: Chicopee Her story: A lifelong resident of Chicopee and U.S. Air Force veteran, Shirley Arriaga is the Democratic state Representative on Beacon Hill for the 8th Hampden District. Advocating for the needs of Chicopee residents under the golden dome, Arriagas legislative priorities are empowering women and girls, assisting veterans and elders and championing education. During her 10 years with the Air Force, Arriaga was deployed to Iraq and Afghanistan. She continued her education at Springfield Technical Community College, Elms College and Western New England University, obtaining several degrees. Her military service eventually led her to civil service. She was elected to state office in November 2022, a role that had been held by an incumbent for more than three decades. From a very young age, I knew I wanted to help those who are the most vulnerable in our communities, Arriaga said. I had a plan to arm myself with education and knowledge so that one day I would be able to serve and advocate for the laws and to help those in our community. Arriaga is also a mother and educator at Chicopee High School. In her words: I encourage all who aim to serve to do so. There are many methods and ways in which one can help. Whether its by advocating for legislation, whether is sharing information and resources throughout our community, whether supporting those who want to run for office or simply by running themselves if they feel that it is their calling. It is not easy, but I encourage all to do so because otherwise change will never come. 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. Yadilette Rivera ColonSebastian Restrepo Yadilette Rivera Colon Age: 38 Community: Holyoke Her story: A native of Puerto Rico and proud first-generation college student, Yadilette Rivera Colon calls herself a rebel teacher. A researcher and educator who chairs the undergraduate science programs at Bay Path University, Rivera Colon has a strong, personal drive to connect with Latinas and other underserved populations to share her love of science. She earned her doctorate in molecular and cellular biology from the University of Massachusetts Amherst in 2013 and went on to become a post-doctoral fellow at the University of Pennsylvania. Today, Rivera Colon splits her time between the labs at Bay Path helping students with their research projects, teaching biochemistry, visiting the Holyoke STEM Academy to open students there to the wonders of the scientific world, and an array of community service roles. Rivera Colon is passionate about inspiring the next generation of women scientists, especially those from underrepresented backgrounds. Her community service has also included involvement with Girls Inc. of the Valley, Latino Scholarship Fund of Western Massachusetts and MassHire Holyoke. She is also a Holyoke School Committee member. Rivera Colon said one of her greatest accomplishments has been the development of a new STEM class for 7th and 8th grade students in Holyoke Public Schools, focused on hands-on learning and problem-solving. In her words: Grow your network. Everyone has something to offer to this world and has different talents, so meet others. Once you identify your passion find opportunities and get involved. 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. What, him worry? The top Democrat in the State House shrugged off the results of a new poll showing widespread public dissatisfaction with the Legislatures job performance. I dont read the polls, state House Speaker Ronald J. Mariano, D-3rd Norfolk, told reporters Thursday during a brief interview at the State House. I dont know what the questions were, the Quincy Democrat said. To refresh the speakers memory, the WBUR/CommonWealth Beacon poll released this week asked: Do you approve or disapprove of the job the Massachusetts state Legislature is doing lately? Forty-seven percent of respondents to the poll of 800 likely voters said they somewhat or strongly disapproved of the Legislature, which is entirely controlled by Democrats. Forty-two percent of the polls respondents said they somewhat or strongly approved of the 200-member body (40 in the Senate, 160 in the House). The poll, conducted from Sept. 12 to Sept. 18, had a margin of error of 4.1%, putting that 5-point split just outside the margin. Even with that margin, 70% of respondents also said theyd vote in favor of a fall ballot question that would give state Auditor Diana DiZoglio the power to audit the Legislature. Legislative leaders have bitterly contested the question, arguing that DiZoglio, a fellow Democrat, doesnt have the authority to force the Legislature to throw open its books. The Methuen pol has remained undeterred. This is a nonpartisan issue, it impacts all families in Massachusetts, regardless of bank balance or political background, she told MassLive last fall. ... Its about us as the people of Massachusetts, regardless of where we stand, about getting information. Its about how our tax dollars are being spent on Beacon Hill. So we can get a seat at the table. The poll comes amid grumbling that lawmakers are lagging on passing the half-dozen remaining bills that didnt make it over the goal line when formal sessions ended in July. Lawmakers have whittled down the list. Marianos remarks Thursday followed a news conference at which Gov. Maura Healey signed one of those bills that was finally passed, a measure strengthening state oversight of the long-term care industry, into law. But other significant measures, including the Democratic governors signature economic development proposal, remain unfinished with the clock ticking down to Election Day. Asked Thursday whether it mattered if those bills were passed in informal sessions after Nov. 5, Mariano offered a simple No. Because these things take time, he continued. Its like making a stew. Its not done until its done. The Democratic boss bristled when he was asked whether potentially lame-duck incumbents, who would not have to face voters again, should cast a ballot on those bills. So what? They were elected to fill the whole term to January of next year, he said. Reminded that roughly two-thirds of legislative incumbents are expected to coast to reelection, Mariano quipped thats an editorial comment you can make, [Im] not gonna make it for you. BOSTON (AP) The U.S. Senate approved a resolution Wednesday intended to hold Steward Health Care CEO Ralph de la Torre in criminal contempt for failing to testify before a Senate panel. The senate approved the measure by unanimous consent. Members of a Senate committee looking into the bankruptcy of Steward Health Care adopted the resolution last week after de la Torre refused to attend a committee hearing last week despite being issued a subpoena. The resolution was sent to the full Senate for consideration. Sen. Bernie Sanders, a Vermont independent and chair of the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee, said de la Torres decision to defy the subpoena gave the committee little choice but to seek contempt charges. The criminal contempt resolution refers the matter to the U.S. attorney for the District of Columbia to criminally prosecute de la Torre for failing to comply with the subpoena. A representative for de la Torre did not immediately respond to a request for comment. Sanders said he wanted de la Torre to explain how at least 15 patients at hospitals owned by Steward died as a result of a lack of medical equipment or staffing shortages and why at least 2,000 other patients were put in immediate peril, according to federal regulators. He said the committee also wanted to know how de la Torre and the companies he owned were able to receive at least $250 million in compensation over the past for years while thousands of patients and health care workers suffered and communities were devastated as a result of Steward Health Cares financial mismanagement. Sen. Bill Cassidy of Louisiana, the ranking Republican on the committee, said communities were harmed because of the actions of Steward and de la Torre. Stewards mismanagement has nationwide implications affecting patient care in more than 30 hospitals across eight states including one in my home state, he said. In a letter sent to the committee ahead of last weeks hearing, Alexander Merton, an attorney for de la Torre, said the committees request to have him testify would violate his Fifth Amendment rights. The Constitution protects de la Torre from being compelled by the government to provide sworn testimony intended to frame him as a criminal scapegoat for the systemic failures in Massachusetts health care system, Merton wrote, adding that de la Torre would agree to testify at a later date. Texas-based Steward, which operates about 30 hospitals nationwide, filed for bankruptcy in May. Steward has been working to sell a half-dozen hospitals in Massachusetts. But it received inadequate bids for two other hospitals, Carney Hospital in Boston and Nashoba Valley Medical Center in the town of Ayer, both of which have closed as a result. A federal bankruptcy court this month approved the sale of Stewards other Massachusetts hospitals. Steward has also shut down pediatric wards in Massachusetts and Louisiana, closed neonatal units in Florida and Texas, and eliminated maternity services at a hospital in Florida. Sen. Edward Markey of Massachusetts said over the past decade, Steward, led by de la Torre, and its corporate enablers, looted hospitals across the country for profit, and got rich through their greedy schemes. Hospital systems collapsed, workers struggled to provide care, and patients suffered and died. Dr. de la Torre and his corporate cronies abdicated their responsibility to these communities that they had promised to serve, he added. In a post to X, U.S. Sen. Elizabeth Warren, D-Mass, who also has been a vocal critic of de la Torre said that after spending nearly two decades sucking every last bit of value out of Steward Health Care, the high-flying executive will be held accountable. Ellen MacInnis, a nurse at St. Elizabeths Medical Center in Boston, testified before the committee last week that under Steward management, patients were subjected to preventable harm and even death, particularly in understaffed emergency departments. She said there was a time when Steward failed to pay a vendor who supplied bereavement boxes for the remains of newborn babies who had died and had to be taken to the morgue. Nurses were forced to put babies remains in cardboard shipping boxes, she said. These nurses put their own money together and went to Amazon and bought the bereavement boxes. Its here and it only happens once a year thats right The Big E. Nothing says fall in Massachusetts quite like kicking off the fair season, and what better way to ring it in than trying all the flavors the fair has to offer? After all, The Big E has been known to get people talking for its elaborate shows, concerts and of course, food. This year brought in some new recipes like Fluffys Donuts Glazed Donut Coffee Float, while embracing some returning favorites like LuAnns Bakery pickle cupcake. But between admission costs, amusement rides and carnival games, celebrating can get expensive rather quickly. With this in mind, MassLive made our rounds of the fairgrounds in search of food options that were budget-friendly but still fun. Check it out. Traditional Poutine Traditional poutine, featuring french fries, gravy and cheese curds, are $10 at Poutine Gourmet.Dallas Gagnon At Poutine Gourmet, you can get a bowl of french fries smothered in gravy and cheese curds for $10. This option offers attendees a pretty good bang for their buck and is a safe option for picky eaters. The ratio of gravy to potato makes it an easy-to-eat option providing you use a fork. Pickle Lemonade Pickle lemonade made with bread and butter pickles. $6 Vendor: Lemonade & Corn DogsDallas Gagnon This unconventional take on lemonade features a bread and butter pickle flavor rather than dill. Other vendors offer $3 cups of pickle juice and pickle juice only. The pickle lemonade shown is available at Lemonade & Corn Dogs for $6. Cookie Dough Sugar cookie, cookie dough from Cora and Mika's Cookie Dough. $8.Dallas Gagnon For $8, fairgoers looking for a little something sweet and light for an afternoon pick me up can enjoy hand-dipped cookie dough on a stick from Cora and Mikas Cookie Dough. We opted for the classic sugar cookie dough, but other options such as chocolate chip, Oreo crumble and chocolate cookie dough are also available. Mac N Cheese Cheddar Mac n' Cheese from the Mac Trailer. $9Dallas Gagnon Those who need something more sustainable than cookie dough or pickle juice can get a heaping bowl of fresh Mac N Cheese from the Mac Trailer. This cheesy classic is not only budget-friendly, but a good option for both adults and children who arent feeling too adventurous in the food category while at the fair. Also available at the Mac Trailer are $8 cheddar melts. Smores Smoked Bacon Candy A stick of S'mores Smoked Bacon Candy | From the House of BBQ & Bacon | Behind the Connecticut Building at The Big E.(Nick O'Malley, MassLive) Ever get the urge to try candied bacon on a stick? Well, at The Big E, you just might. And in case that happens, House of BBQ & Bacon, behind the Connecticut Building, has got you covered. For $5 you can try a smores smoked bacon. Our self-proclaimed, staff Weird Food Guy, Nick OMalley described this treat as having a delicious coating of brown sugar, though not a lot of chocolate or graham cracker notes. He concluded it was $5 well spent. Doughnuts 5 1 / 5 Fluffy's Donuts Fluffys Donuts offers an array of classic and specialty doughnuts for $10 or less. Specialty doughnuts include a Strawberry Lemonade option, Cookie Monster doughnuts, Stores, Oreo and more. The Strawberry Lemonade doughnut is a hand-cut, yeast-raised doughnut frosted with buttercream frosting and rolled in strawberry lemonade toppings. Its topped with a lemon gummy candy, a freeze-dried strawberry and a pipette of strawberry lemonade you can squeeze into the pastry yourself. For those wanted a sweet treat thats a little lighter can get hand-cut doughnut holes for $2 each. Pizza Pizza by the slice at Angela's Pizza is $7 for cheese and $8 for a slice with toppings.Dallas Gagnon Angelas Pizza offers a variety of pizzas including slices of pickle pizza, street corn pizza, plain cheese and more. A slice of cheese is $7 but those feeling a bit more adventurous can splurge on an $8 slice of street corn pizza topped with buttered sweet-corn, mozzarella cheese, drizzled mayo, parmesan and Tajin seasoning. Angelas is also home to a foot-long mozzarella stick, which costs $11. Veggie Egg Rolls Veggie egg rolls from the Veggie Patch. Two rolls for $8.Dallas Gagnon For $8, attendees can get two veggie egg rolls from The Veggie Patch stuffed with cabbage, carrots, celery, onions and mushrooms. These rolls are fried to perfection, sporting a golden dough and crunchy texture. Funnel Cakes and Fried Dough Tootsie's Fried Dough funnel cakes, $10 a funnel cake. Toppings, such as strawberries, are a $2 up charge.Dallas Gagnon Fried foods are a fair season staple, and at Tootsies Fried Dough attendees can get a fried dough or funnel cake for a flat $10. This price does not include additional toppings. For extras, such as strawberries, there is a $2 upcharge. Candy Apples, Hot Dogs, Popcorn and more Candy apples at Cotton Candy Apples are $5 each.Dallas Gagnon At Cotton Candy Apples, everything is $10 or less. For just $5, guests can score a candy or Carmel apple, small popcorn, cotton candy, hot dog or snow cone. For $7, you can upgrade to a jumbo bag of cotton candy, large popcorn, nachos or traditional lemonade. China ready to work with Bangladesh to carry forward traditional friendship -- Chinese FM Xinhua) 14:45, September 26, 2024 UNITED NATIONS, Sept. 25 (Xinhua) -- Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi said here on Wednesday that China is ready to work with Bangladesh to carry forward their traditional friendship. Wang, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, made the remarks during talks with Muhammad Yunus, leader of the interim government of Bangladesh. China and Bangladesh enjoy traditional friendship, he said. Wang also called on the two sides to consolidate political mutual trust and deepen their Belt and Road cooperation. The Chinese side, Wang said, is ready to expand cooperation in agriculture, poverty alleviation and new energy in light of Bangladesh's needs, strengthen the exchanges of experience in governance as well as in reform and opening up, and help boost economic and social development in Bangladesh. Yunus, for his part, said his country is ready to learn from China's experience and expand the friendly cooperation of the two countries. (Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Zhong Wenxing) BOSTON About $14 million in grants will aid in the repair of dams and coastal flood prevention structures across the state, the Healey-Driscoll administration announced Thursday, with a share of the money destined for Western Massachusetts. The fixes about a $1 million locally will help deal with severe weather, flooding and rising tides across the state. Devin Bryden, a man charged with first-degree murder charge in connection with the death of a woman in July 2022, pleaded guilty on Wednesday in Hampshire County Superior Court and sentenced to life in prison. Bryden pleaded guilty to second-degree murder, armed robbery and tampering with evidence, all in connection with the stabbing death of Jana Abromowitz, 21, Northwestern District Attorney David Sullivans office said in a statement. Bryden and Abromowitz lived together as roommates at 11 Hatfield St. WESTFIELD The Episcopal Church of the Atonement will host a Recovery Service at 6 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 29, to mark National Recovery Month. A few days later, at 7 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 1, the church will begin its Recovery Bridge Fellowship program, a series of weekly get-togethers that aims to create a bridge between recovery and faith. Jon Taffer, host of the Bar Rescue television series, will meet and greet fans and sign bottles of Taffers Brown Buttered Bourbon in Shrewsbury on Monday. Taffer will be at Market Basket Spirits at 200 Hartford Turnpike in Shrewsbury at noon, according to the Taffers Brown Buttered Bourbon social media page on X, formerly known as Twitter. Ill see you soon Massachusetts! Taffer wrote in a post on X. In addition to making an appearance in Shrewsbury, Taffer will hold meet-and-greets and bottle signings at Liquor Junction in Reading at 5 p.m. on Oct.1, Julios Liquors in Westborough at 7 p.m. on Oct. 2, and Billys Liquors in Abington at 5 p.m. on Oct. 3, according to posts on X. Taffers Brown Buttered Bourbon is available for purchase in Massachusetts and Nevada, according to the companys website. On his show Bar Rescue, Taffer offers advice, renovations and equipment to save struggling bars from closing. The show currently has nine seasons, according to IMDB Taffers Tavern, a restaurant chain named after Taffer, opened a location in Watertown in 2022 but closed in 2024. The first location of Taffers Tavern opened in Atlanta, Georgia, in October 2020, according to Taffers website. The restaurant chain is known for being an innovative, casual dining restaurant franchise concept that provides a solution for many of the woes that plague the restaurant industry, according to Taffers website. Recent comments from architect Hugh Wallace, describing Castlebar as depressing and lacking in vision, must surely have stung. Its not the first time Wallace has taken aim at Mayo; back in 2019, he basically suggested that we may well just turn off the lights in North Mayo and stop bothering to try, because town and city living is where it is at these days, apparently. So, the good people of Castlebar have this writers sympathy its not nice when someone, even if theyre not all that famous, takes aim at the place you call home. But there is nothing like it to motivate people either. We must be doing something right in Ballina these days. Doubling down on his comments about the county town, Wallace used Ballina as an example of a town that has taken significant steps forward with public works and community-driven initiatives to make it better. High praise, but the man seems fickle. Whatever about the work of officialdom, I can certainly testify to the contribution of hundreds of community volunteers to driving Ballinas fortune. So much so, that Ballina has just been announced as a candidate for the title of European Volunteering Capital 2026 by the Centre for European Volunteering in Brussels, one of just three European municipalities shortlisted for the prestigious title. But I wouldnt say that proving Hugh Wallace wrong was the main motivation. There is no denying the issues that Wallace has highlighted in Castlebar. I work in the town now, and I see it up close every day. I love it there. It is a place for which I have always held a soft spot, and it is home to some of the best people I know. Its a town that has only this year been publicly named as a great place to live, and in which to achieve a great work-life balance. As an outsider looking in, I cant help feeling it deserves better, both from public authorities and from its own people and businesses. Wallace highlighted the dearth of town centre dwellings. He pointed out the use of a huge swathe of town centre land for a car park. He mentioned dereliction and a lack of vision. To be fair, the only remarkable thing about these observations is that he targeted Castlebar, when it could have been any town in Ireland. Ballina certainly suffers from plenty of these issues, but has perhaps had better PR. Wallace did, however, point out that 11 million had been allocated to Castlebar in 2021 under the Urban Regeneration Development Fund (URDF) with very little visible evidence of this money having yet been spent in the town. Aside from the welcome plans for the old Post Office, is anything else even happening? Ballina, having received a comparatively small 3.2 million in 2018, has meanwhile transformed its town-centre military barracks into the modern Innovation Quarter. Volunteers from Ballina have also worked incredibly hard fought, in fact over the past decade, in large numbers to create a vibrant programme of events, and to address some of Ballinas unsightly public-realm issues. These things have been achieved, it must be noted, sometimes with the help of officialdom, but sometimes in spite of it. Could a similar effort happen in Castlebar? Town planning has played a huge role in Castlebars problems. Unlike Ballina, which kept its town centre intact, commercial development on the fringes has hollowed out Castlebars nucleus, and creeping dereliction and boarded-up buildings have taken its place, with no penalties for those irresponsible property owners. Yet it is still home to some lovely shops, eateries and bars. It just lacks people. Town-centre living is not regarded as sexy these days (and being honest, I cannot fathom why not), so town-centre land is used to park cars, including my own, five days a week. Active volunteer groups, such as Castlebar Tidy Towns and Castlebar Community Clean Up, are doing great and visible work, but there is only so much they can achieve. It is frustrating, because the raw materials are there; some of the buildings being left to crumble and rot are, heartbreakingly, some of the most beautiful. And Ballina would kill for a green space like the Mall in the centre of our town. So why isnt Castlebar capitalising? Is the issue one of a lack of leadership and vision, as Wallace suggests? Is it a lack of consensus and common will, or a lack of volunteerism? Is it down to bureaucracy stifling development? Who will step up and take the bull by the horns? Or does anyone have the time and energy these days to take on the responsibility and meet the demands of this often thankless work? Cllr Ger Deere was absolutely right to invite Mr Wallace to visit and engage with the community, risky though it might be. People are the main strength of any town. Wallaces criticisms, though uncomfortable and maddening, can potentially serve as a catalyst for the county town to reassess its direction and inject it with a shot of pride. Theres nothing like adversity and criticism to light a fire. Revitalising Castlebars town centre wont happen overnight, and a clear rethink of government policy is required to assist towns like it all over Ireland, but with vision, strategic collaboration and community input, it is still possible for it to flourish. Lets hope that in a few years, Mr Wallace will be eating his words. Mayo based charity, Western Care Association, who were accused of operating six care homes within the district without registering them, have been cleared of all charges brought against them. In a prosecution which is the first of its kind in Ireland, Western Care Association were accused of six counts of breaching the Health Act 2007 by operating six care homes within the district without registering them with the Chief Inspector of Social Services. The Castlebar-based charity which provides support to people with intellectual disabilities and their families denied that the homes in which the residents were living were care homes as outlined in the act. The evidence in the case was heard over a number of days before Judge Adrian Harris in Castlebar District Court in April and June. In his judgement at a special sitting of Castlebar District Court this morning, Judge Harris said that for the court to find the accused guilty of the offence, it must be satisfied beyond all reasonable doubt that the accused was carrying on the business of a designated centre on the dates referred to in the summons and providing residential services. The court is not satisfied, based on the evidence heard and documents submitted in evidence, beyond reasonable doubt that Western Care Association provided or was providing residential services on the dates in question and at the six residences in question as set out in the summons before the court, he said. On that basis Judge Harris said the court is not satisfied beyond reasonable doubt that Western Care Association carried on the business of a designated centre and he was dismissing all the charges. Judge Harris had heard evidence that unannounced inspections of the properties which were located in various locations around Co Mayo took place in May and June of 2023. The court heard that there was concern in the office of the Chief Inspector of Social Services regarding a number of properties where Western Care provided care that they believed should have been registered as care centres. These concerns were flagged with Western Care in advance of visits to five properties conducted on May 2 and 3, 2023. A separate inspection took place at the sixth property on June 13, 2023. The court heard that many of the residents of the properties inspected needed one to one care and a staff member of Western Care had to be present on the property at all times. In their defence, Western Care argued that they did not believe the majority of their services met the criteria for designated centres to be registered as the properties were not owned or leased by the charity. The residents who were provided with care by Western Care were the tenants of the property. Ms Tia Crowley, who served as CEO of Western Care between 2019 and 2022, gave evidence where she felt that guidance from HIQA at the time was clear that designated centres were where accommodation and support was being provided and they only provided care. Judge Harris was informed that the Chief Inspector of Social Services had no issue regarding the level of care given to the care user. It was also agreed that the media would not report the location of the properties in order not to identify the service users. Few characters in Mayo history are as infamous as George Robert Fitzgerald of Turlough House, more commonly known as Fighting Fitzgerald. Now, a new book Fighting Fitzgerald The turbulent life and terrible death of a Mayo legend, George Robert Fitzgerald, by Patrick Butler seeks to cast a fresh light on this most fascinating and troublesome character. It could be argued that no one is better placed than Butler to write about the subject. He lived in Turlough Park a building in ruins at the entrance to what is now the National Museum of Country Life for 40 years, from 1952 to 1991, maintaining the house and grounds for much of that time. He could feel the history of the place and has a keen appreciation of those who were there before him and none more so than George Robert Fitzgerald. As I would explore the grounds and the old Turlough House over the years, I would ask myself more and more questions about what had happened there, Butler explains. Because of my connections with the house, I felt I had a responsibility with the information I had and managed to collect. I was at it for 24, years and the more information I got, the more of an appetite I got. Fighting Fitzgerald was one of the most colourful and dangerous personalities of the mid 1700s. A small man but a larger-than-life character, he was considered part genius, part madman. Ultimately, he was wholly tragic. Here was a man born with all the privileges of high social status, great wealth, intelligence and good looks, but whose career ended on the gallows. He strode across the stages of Mayo, Dublin, Paris, Florence, Brussels, Rome and London, dominating attention. He became involved in a bitter feud with his father and brother over the control of the vast Fitzgerald estate in Mayo, during which time he took his father prisoner, tied him to a bear, kept him in a cave, fortified his own house with cannon from a shipwreck and defended it with his own militia. He was sent to prison, but with his connections, not for long. The final chapter in his erratic, tempestuous life was typically explosive. Fitzgerald was found guilty of involvement in the murder of Patrick Randal McDonnell, a neighbouring small landowner and attorney and long-time adversary, and was sentenced to death an end that was not without drama either. Published by Mayo Books Press, Butlers book is based on extensive research and contains new, previously unpublished material. It seeks to clarify the narrative that lies behind the legends that have grown up and flourished around an extraordinary man. He spent 24 years researching and writing this book, and also spent decades researching various aspects of Mayo history, historical houses, buildings and churches. I want people to read this book and make up there own minds on Fighting Fitzgerald. All I will say is he was a very unusual and mercurial character. Women loved him, but watch out men if you so much as looked at him crosseyed, trouble was coming your way, he said. LAUNCH Fighting Fitzgerald The turbulent life and terrible death of a Mayo legend, George Robert Fitzgerald will launch at the Wild Atlantic Words Literary Festival in Castlebar on Tuesday, October 8, at 7pm. The book is available in all good bookshops and online on mayobooks.ie. FORMER NASA astronaut Cady Coleman has visited one of Westports most iconic traditional music pubs. Ms Coleman, one of approximately 600 people in history to travel to space, joined Matt Molloy and friends for a music session in the Molloys renowned pub during a recent visit. In 2011, Ms Coleman took a 100-year-old Irish wooden flute belonging to Molloy Matt into space and marked St Patricks Day by playing a solo. Her stopover in Westport came during a visit to the west of Ireland, where she gave a talk to over 250 secondary school students from across the region at ATUs Sligo campus. The event was held to highlight the importance of science and space exploration and the need for more young people to explore careers in STEM subjects. The visit was organised by Dr Jerry Bird, Head of the Faculty of Science at ATU Sligo, in collaboration with the American Embassy in Ireland. Ms Colemans journey into space began with NASA in 1992. She later flew two space shuttle missionsSTS-73 in 1995 and STS-93 in 1999before spending nearly six months aboard the ISS in 2010. Dur her career, she logged more than 180 days in space, conducting numerous scientific experiments. She even performed a flute duet with the Chieftains and Ian Anderson of Jethro Tull from space, a first in the history of music. In addition to her educational talk, Ms Coleman took part in a traditional Irish music session hosted by ATUs Traditional Music Society, who presented her with a tin whistle to commemorate her visit. We are incredibly honoured to have Cady Coleman here at ATU Sligo, said Dr Gerry Bird. Her career with NASA and her time in space serve as a real inspiration to the students, staff, and the entire community. She shows just how far a love of science can take you, and her message will resonate with these young minds for years to come. News / National by Gideon Madzikatidze President Emmerson Mnangagwa's non-committal to handover Isuzu double cab vehicle to the allegedly fraudulent Chief Chivero has been welcomed by several communities and Mashonaland West provincial chiefs council executive.The reversal by Mnangagwa to recognise Chivero chieftainship (by withholding vehicle and supposed benefits) after leadership wrangle and contestation spilled into courts of law, was described as the best sign of non-interference and neutrality.Speaking after the handover of ninety vehicles by President Mnangagwa in Harare this Wednesday, Tendai Chitinhe described Mnangagwa as the best template for a true leader who values, listens and respects diverse traditional customs and procedures."We really appreciate President Mnangagwa for listening to our plea for Chief Chivero installation redress. This shows that he considered our complaints against imposition of Cornelius Chengera Chivesani as Chief Chivero," Chitinhe said."Despite being dictated by some corrupt elements, Chengera was disowned by everyone because he is not the rightful heir to the Chivero chieftainship," Chitinhe added."My candidature and ascendancy was confirmed by everyone including Chief(s) Ngezi, Nebiri, Nyamweda and Nherera; whilst district, local and provincial authorities have also endorsed that am the rightful heir to the throne," Chitinhe said."To consider Chengera continuing to serve as Chivero is a gross miscarriage of traditional justice. He is bogus and will merely serve as a mediator," Chitinhe said.Another Chief from Mashonaland West province also echoed the same sentiments, describing that the Chivero chieftainship wrangle has been kept hanging for quite long and there is a need to address it soonest."Since the matter will be addressed soon in Kadoma, it is important to note that President Mnangagwa has given courts and traditional resources to play their role without interfering with procedures," the Chief said."Chitinhe is the rightful heir and it was unfortunate that there are elements who misled our leadership into believing that Chengera is the best candidate of which this was wrong," he added."It would therefore distort our historical traditions, norms and values to entertain Chengera in assuming the chieftaincy," he remarked.Tendai Chitinhe who is involved in a fierce wrangle for the Chivero chieftainship with Cornleous Chengera once took Mnangagwa to court before the case was removed from the roll then.Chitinhe argues that the installation process then, was done fraudulently and is therefore seeking to be declared substantive Chief Chivero instead.Chengera of Chivesani sub-house was appointed substantive chief by Mnangagwa on the 21st of May 2020 succeeding Chief Shopo who died in 2009.Chitinhe said due process was not followed and accused the Director Traditional Leadership Support of diverting his appointment.He said the Chivero chieftainship has its traditions and customs when it comes to ascension.Meanwhile, when contacted for comment, Chengera was evasive to justify his ascendancy, describing Chitinhe as a public nuisance who deserves no attention."Chitinhe is a public nuisance and he is a victim of greediness. Everything that he does is associated with dismal performance and absolute failure," Chengera said.Of the ninety vehicles dished out to Chiefs this Wednesday, the Chivero chieftaincy bites dust as Mnangagwa gives them a chance to put their house in order through addressing their wrangle using internal conflict resolution mechanisms. News / National by Staff reporter The Zimbabwe Revenue Authority (Zimra) has issued a stern warning to truck drivers who are contributing to the growing congestion at the Beitbridge Border Post by failing to follow proper clearance procedures.In a public notice released on Wednesday, Zimra expressed concern over the increasing number of trucks parked within the border area without having completed the necessary customs processes. This, Zimra stated, has led to severe congestion at the border and on the major highways leading to the Beitbridge crossing.Under current procedures, commercial truck documents are meant to be processed before arrival at the border. However, some truckers have been parking their vehicles near the border post while waiting for clearance, contributing to unnecessary traffic.Zimra emphasized that only trucks with completed documentation will be permitted to enter the control zone at Beitbridge for release and departure."Trucks are therefore directed to park at truck stops until their documentation is ready. They can then proceed to the border control zone for release and departure," Zimra said in the notice.The authority warned that any trucks found parked within the control zone or joining queues without proper clearance will face fines. Zimra clarified that this decision followed extensive consultations with stakeholders to streamline operations at the busy border post."Any trucks found parked within the control zone or joining the queue without complete clearance of documents shall be levied with appropriate fines. This decision has been taken after extensive consultations with relevant parties," the notice added.Truckers were also reminded of the provisions under Statutory Instrument (SI) 57 of 2007, which regulates the movement and parking of vehicles within customs-controlled areas. Zimra urged full cooperation from all stakeholders to reduce congestion and improve efficiency at the border.The Beitbridge Border Post is a vital transit point for trade between Zimbabwe and South Africa and has often been plagued by congestion, leading to delays and frustration for truckers and businesses alike. The new measures are expected to reduce delays and improve traffic flow at the border. Finance Officer, USAID Central Africa Regional Third-Party Monitoring Project, Kinshasa, DRC Company profile: Management Systems International (MSI), a Tetra Tech Company, is a Washington, D.C. metro area management consultancy with a 40-year history of delivering results for our clients. Our expertise is in the fields of monitoring and evaluation; democracy and governance; peace and stability; rule of law and accountability; education; gender and inclusion; strategic communications; and leadership and organizational development. MSI has implemented projects in 90 countries around the world such as Colombia, Indonesia, Jordan, Kenya, Mexico, Nigeria, Pakistan, Syria and Ukraine, and works domestically. We support clients ranging from the U.S. Government (e.g., the U.S. Agency for International Development, U.S. Department of Defense, U.S. Departments of State and Labor, and the Millennium Challenge Corporation) to large bilateral and multilateral donors (e.g., the World Bank and the United Nations Development Program). We also work with national and local governments, nongovernmental organizations (NGOs), think tanks, foundations, and universities. For more information, please visit our website at www.msiworldwide.com Project summary: The USAID Central Africa Regional Third-party Monitoring (CART) project establishes independent, impartial, timely, responsive, contextualized, and forward-looking third-party monitoring (TPM) and operational support services. CART provides a comprehensive range of verification and outcome monitoring and learning services that increase USAID BHAs and its implementing partners (IP) understanding of the outputs, outcomes, progress, challenges, successes, results, and lessons learned for both emergency and non-emergency activities within Central Africa Republic (CAR), Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), and Republic of Congo (ROC). This project seeks to improve BHAs capability to utilize humanitarian assistance resources to ameliorate the drivers of poverty and malnutrition characterized by complex emergencies within the region **Please note: Only [Congolese (DRC)]citizens are eligible for this position** Position summary: The Finance Officer, based in Kinshasa, DRC will be responsible for all financial and operational tasks associated with the projects Kinshasa office. This position reports directly to the Director of Finance and Administration. Responsibilities: Oversee the Kinshasa offices day-to-day financial management and accounting. Maintain and manage field accounts, in coordination with the Finance and Administrative Director and MSI/HO. Prepare and track activity budgets and budget projections. Review vouchers and payment requests, including proper back-up documentation to ensure compliance with TT/MSI and USAID policies, procedures, rules and regulations. Maintain complete, accurate and timely financial records in compliance with USAID and TT/MSI policies and procedures. Assist with developing financial reports as needed. Help reconcile monthly accounts; submit receipts and invoices to MSI HO as required. Set up and oversee management of field office financial filing system (both paper and electronic), in coordination with the Senior Finance & Administration Officer. Ensure adherence to USAID rules and regulations and subject matter relevant Congolese laws. Process bank and cash transactions, including reconciliations. Maintain adequate administrative and financial controls and records pursuant to MSIs financial and administrative procedures. Perform other tasks as needed. Qualifications : Bachelors degree in relevant field is required: accounting finance, business administration, economics. Masters degree is preferred. Minimum of five (5) years of experience in finance and administrative and/or operational management, preferably in an international organization required. USAID experience is a plus. At least three years of experience working for a USAID project is desirable with experience in accounting for similar projects financed by donors. Thorough knowledge of USAID rules and regulations in the areas of financial management, procurement and compliance required. Strong multi-tasking, organizational, and time-management skills. Must be able to problem solve. Understanding of the principles of adequate documentation and audit, and of the procedures necessary to ensure audit compliance. Strong attention to detail and ability to follow instructions. Strong attention to detail and ability to follow instructions. Strong oral and written communication skills are required. Discretion and respect for confidentiality is required. Strong Knowledge of accounting software, including Quick books Knowledge of MS Office programs (Word, PowerPoint, Excel) is required. Experience in a USAID project will be prioritized. Fluency in written and oral French is required. Fluency in written and oral English is preferred. MSI is an equal opportunity employer that values diversity and inclusion. We strive to develop and maintain a culture that honors the perspectives and identities of our employees, our communities and those impacted by our work. We do not discriminate on the basis of any protected attribute, including race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, age, marital or veteran status, pregnancy or disability, or any other basis protected under applicable law. In accordance with applicable law, we make reasonable accommodations for applicants and employees religious practices and beliefs, as well as any mental health or physical disability needs. MSI is an Equal Opportunity Employer/Affirmative Action/Americans with Disabilities/Veterans Employer. Reasonable Accommodations: MSI is dedicated to hiring an inclusive workforce. If you would like to request reasonable accommodations during the application process, please visit Tetra Techs Disability Assistance Page. Our recruitment team looks forward to engaging in an interactive process to provide reasonable accommodations for candidates. Only candidates who have been selected for an interview will be contacted. No phone calls, please. To apply: Please visit our website, Finance Officer, CART Project - Tetra Tech Careers (selectminds.com) Please submit your application by October 8, 2024 ----------------------------------------------- Finance Officer, USAID Central Africa Regional Third-Party Monitoring Project, Kinshasa, DRC Profile de la compagnie : Management Systems International (MSI), une compagnie Tetra Tech, est une societe de conseil en gestion dans la region metropolitaine de Washington, DC, avec une histoire de 40 ans dans la fourniture de resultats a nos clients. Notre expertise principale se situe dans les domaines du suivi et de l'evaluation (S&E), democratie et gouvernance ; paix et stabilite ; etat de droit et responsabilite ; education ; genre et inclusion ; communication strategique ; et le leadership et le developpement organisationnel. MSI a mis en uvre les projets dans 90 pays a travers le monde, dont la Colombie, lIndonesie, la Jordanie, le Kenya, le Mexique, le Nigeria, le Pakistan, la Syrie et lUkraine, et travaille au niveau national. Nous soutenons des clients allant du gouvernement americain (par exemple, lUSAID, le Departement de Defense, le Departements d'Etat et du Travail, et la Millennium Challenge Corporation) aux grands donateurs bilateraux et multilateraux (par exemple, la Banque mondiale et le Programme des Nations Unies pour le developpement). Nous travaillons egalement avec des gouvernements nationaux et locaux, des organisations non gouvernementales (ONG), des groupes de reflexion, des fondations et des universites. Pour plus d'informations, veuillez visiter notre site web a l'adresse www.msiworldwide.com. Resume du projet : Le projet de lUSAID Central Africa Regional Third-Party Monitoring (CART) etablit et met en uvre un mecanisme de suivi par tier qui est independant, impartial, reactif, contextualise et prospective avec des services de soutien operationnel. CART fournit une gamme complete de services de verification et de suivi des resultats, et d'apprentissage qui permettront aux partenaires du Bureau de lUSAID en charge de lAssistance Humanitaire (BHA) de mieux comprendre les realisations, les resultats, les progres, les defis, les succes, les resultats et les lecons apprises pour les projets d'urgence et non-urgence en Republique Democratique du Congo (RDC), Republique Centrafricaine (RCA) et la Republique du Congo (RC). Le projet CART vise a ameliorer la capacite de lUSAID BHA a utiliser les ressources destinees a l'assistance humanitaire pour attenuer les facteurs de pauvrete et de malnutrition caracterises par des situations durgence complexes dans la region **Remarque : seuls les citoyens de la Republique Democratique du Congo (RDC) peuvent pretendre a ce poste** Resume du poste : Le Charge de Finances, base a Kinshasa, RDC sera charge de toutes les taches financieres, et operationnelles associees au bureau du projet a Kinshasa. Ce poste est directement rattache au Directeur Administratif et Financier. Responsibilities: Superviser la gestion financiere et la comptabilite du bureau de Kinshasa au quotidien. Maintenir et gerer les comptes sur le terrain, en coordination avec le Directeur Administratif et Financier et le siege de MSI. Assister dans la preparation et suivi des budgets dactivites et les projections budgetaires. Examiner les pieces justificatives et les demandes de paiement, y compris les documents justificatifs appropries, afin de garantir la conformite aux politiques, procedures, regles et reglements de TT/MSI et de l'USAID. Maintenir des dossiers financiers complets, precis et opportuns, conformement aux politiques et procedures de l'USAID et de TT/MSI. Aider a developper des rapports financiers selon les besoins. Aider a reconcilier les comptes mensuels ; soumettre les recus et les factures au siege de MSI, si necessaire. Assurer la gestion du systeme de classement des dossiers financiers (a la fois papier et electronique), en coordination avec le Senior Finance and Administration Officer. Faire le suivi des avances de voyage du personnel et s'assurer qu'elles sont reconciliees conformement a la politique de MSI en coordination avec le DAF Assister dans la verification de la paie mensuelle et le paiement des impots aux organes statutaires du pays dans les delais, en coordination avec le Directeur Administratif et Financier Traiter les transactions bancaires et de tresorerie, y compris les rapprochements. Maintenir le controle des dossiers administratifs et financiers adequats conformement aux procedures financieres et administratives de MSI. Effectuer toutes autres taches connexes selon les besoins Qualifications : Licence en comptabilite-finances, en administration des affaires, en economie est requis. Niveau Master prefere. Minimum de cinq (5) ans d'experience en finances et en gestion administrative et/ou operationnelle, de preference dans une organisation internationale est requis. L'experience avec l'USAID est un plus. Au moins trois ans d'experience de travail pour un projet USAID est souhaitable, avec une experience de la comptabilite pour des projets similaires finances par des donateurs. Une connaissance approfondie des regles et reglements de l'USAID dans les domaines de la gestion financiere, des achats et de la conformite est requise. Solides competences multitaches, d'organisation et de gestion du temps. Doit etre capable de resoudre des problemes. Comprehension des principes de documentation et d'audit adequats, et des procedures necessaires pour assurer la conformite en matiere d'audit. Forte attention aux details et capacite a suivre des instructions. De solides competences en communication orale et ecrite sont requises. Discretion et respect de la confidentialite sont requis. Avoir la maitrise des logiciels comptable entre autres Quick books La connaissance des programmes MS Office (Word, PowerPoint, Excel) est requise. L'experience dans un projet USAID sera priorisee. La maitrise du francais ecrit et oral est requise. La maitrise de l'anglais ecrit et oral est preferable MSI est un employeur garantissant l'egalite des chances qui valorise la diversite et l'inclusion. Nous nous efforcons de developper et de maintenir une culture qui honore les perspectives et les identites de nos employes, de nos communautes et de ceux qui sont touches par notre travail. Nous ne faisons aucune discrimination sur la base d'attributs proteges, y compris la race, la religion, la couleur, l'origine nationale, le sexe, l'orientation sexuelle, l'identite de genre, l'expression de genre, l'age, l'etat matrimonial ou de veteran, la grossesse ou le handicap, ou toute autre base protegee en vertu de loi applicable. Conformement a la loi en vigueur, nous faisons des amenagements raisonnables pour les pratiques et croyances religieuses des candidats et des employes, ainsi que pour tout besoin de sante mentale ou de handicap physique. MSI est un employeur soucieux de l'egalite des chances, de l'action positive, des Americains handicapes et des veterans. Amenagements Raisonnables : MSI est dedie a lembauche dune main-duvre inclusive. Si vous souhaitez demander des accommodements raisonnables pendant le processus de soumission, veuillez visiter, priere de visiter Tetra Techs Disability Assistance Page. Notre equipe de recrutement se rejouit a lidee de sengager dans un processus interactif afin doffrir des mesures dadaptation raisonnables aux candidats. Seuls les candidats selectionnes pour un entretien seront contactes. Nous vous remercions de ne pas nous contacter par telephone. Pour postuler : accedez a notre site web, Finance Officer, CART Project - Tetra Tech Careers (selectminds.com) Veuillez soumettre votre candidature au plus tard le 8 octobre 2024 by Danielle Oster , September 24, 2024 Over the course of the last several months, a number of companies have capitulated to demands from the far right and ended or altered DEI policies and programs, partnerships with civil rights organizations, and long-standing event sponsorships including Ford, Harley-Davidson, John Deere, Lowes, and Tractor Supply. Last week, 20 civil rights organizations responded in the form of an open letter to Fortune 1000 companies, with a clear message: Enough is enough. Put simply, hastily abandoning efforts that ensure fair, safe, and inclusive work environments is bad for business, unpopular and unwise, one section states. As business leaders who helped to build DEI programs, you know it's good business, and we have the receipts that show it. Groups signing the letter, entitled Collective Statement to Fortune 1000 CEOs to Defend Values of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, include the American Association of People with Disabilities, Asian Americans Advancing Justice, the Human Rights Campaign, the NAACP and the National Womens Law Center, among others. advertisement advertisement The letter was sent to leaders at the Fortune 1000 companies, as well as being published across channels owned by the organizations involved, including the Human Rights Campaign's website. The recent wave of attacks on corporate DEI polices have largely been fueled by far-right media figure Robby Starbuck. A former music video director and failed GOP congressional candidate in Tennessee, Starbuck pivoted to attacks on companies over DEI and Pride event sponsorship after publishing on X an anti-trans disinformation film he co-directed earlier this year. Notably, the letter from civil rights organizations calls out the business risks inherent in capitulating to extremists and abandoning DEI efforts, characterizing such decisions as short-sighted and a fiduciary failure to investors. In fact, the letter further notes, Businesses that fail to include women, people of color, people with disabilities, and LGBTQ+ people neglect their financial duty to recruit and retain top talent from across the full talent pool and limit their company's performance overall." The letter also cites a survey of top companies that found better business performance among those in the top quartile for gender and ethnic diversity, along with further data demonstrating that such decisions are unpopular with employees who broadly support DEI efforts. Companies in the bottom quartile of executive diversity on gender and ethnicity underperform all other companies by 27%, the letter further notes, citing a McKinsey & Company report. The letter concludes by calling on business leaders and corporate board members to lead, by publicly and unequivocally defending the values of diversity, equity, and inclusion from attacks by politically motivated, anti-business forces." It also notes the safety risks inherent in such attacks on brands, given their potential to spark violence. Target cited threats to employee safety when customers began harassing employees and destroying property after absorbing hateful disinformation on the stores Pride Month collection in 2023. We welcome your partnership and understand the safety risks posed by bad actors are serious, the letter notes. Abandoning long-standing commitments to DEI values only serves to empower those who threaten your workers and customers. by Sarah Mahoney @mahoney_sarah, September 25, 2024 Image: Kroger Given the neck-and-neck nature of the presidential race and considerable macroeconomic challenges, it makes sense that consumers might be holding off on major purchases. And thats what researchers at 84.51, Krogers retail data and insights company, thought as they fielded the companys latest research. What they found, instead, was a surprisingly unfazed consumer. Our original hypothesis was that more people would delay big-ticket purchases, expecting well over 47% to hold back until after the election, says Melissa Myres, insights director for 84.51. But what stood out was that 53% of shoppers are not holding off on any purchases, which shows a bit more optimism than anticipated. advertisement advertisement In an email to Marketing Daily, she explains that the company decided to probe Kroger shoppers on election topics this year, even though it hasnt done so in the past. We thought it was important to see if people were holding off on major purchaseshomes, cars, investmentsbecause of uncertainty. The data shows that election outcomes will likely do little to change how consumers make their day-to-day financial decisions. But it doesnt mean they arent thinking about big-picture economic issues. Indeed, the latest polling from Pew Research finds that the economy is the top issue among voters, with 81% saying the candidates economic policies are very important to their vote. Among voters likely to support former President Donald Trump, 93% say economic considerations are very important, compared to 68% of those likely to support Vice President Kamala Harris. Younger shoppers in the 84.51 survey are most likely to say they are deferring significant purchases, with 62% of those between 18 and 34 holding back, compared to just 44% of shoppers between 55 and 74. Weve seen a similar pattern with this group beforethey tend to be more cautious during uncertain times, and that held true here, Myres says. Kroger shoppers are highly engaged in the political races, with 34% describing themselves as extremely engaged, 57% moderately engaged and only 9% extremely unengaged. Image: Kroger Both older and younger consumers are more optimistic about the election outcome, with 29% of those 55 to 74 saying they are upbeat versus 20% who say they are gloomy. In the 18 to 34 group, 19% are optimistic versus 17% pessimistic. But among those aged 35 to 54, 21% are pessimistic, versus 19% who are optimistic. While Kroger, Americas biggest grocery chain, may reflect a broad cross-section of America, the company leans Republican. In its report on political donations in 2021, Kroger says it gave $307,771 away, with 26% going to Republican Party candidates and 23% to Democratic candidates. KroPAC, its political action arm, made 57% of its gifts to Republicans and 43% to Democrats. by Wendy Davis @wendyndavis, September 26, 2024 Lawmakers throughout the country, as well as parents and teenagers, have accused social media platforms addicting young people by serving them with personalized content, sending notifications and automatically playing video after video. Now, the Federal Trade Commission appears to be gearing up to weigh in on social media use by teens. On Thursday, the agency said it plans to hold a virtual workshop to study the use of design features on digital platforms aimed at keeping kids, including teens, online longer and coming back more frequently. The FTC elaborated that the workshop will delve into whether design features result in more engagement or time spent on digital platforms, the effects of design features on minors' physical and psychological health, and what measures might be effective, feasible, and consistent with the current legal landscape. advertisement advertisement News of the workshop comes amid increasing efforts to regulate how social platforms display material to teens. For instance, California Governor Gavin Newsom late last week signed a bill requiring social media platforms to display content to known minors in reverse chronological order, as opposed to algorithmically curating their feeds, unless parents consent to the curation. Earlier this year, New York enacted similar legislation. Both state laws also restrict platforms from sending notifications to minors during certain hours. In California and New York, the statutes were touted as measures that would help combat social media addiction. But critics say the laws unconstitutionally interfere with platforms' First Amendment right to wield editorial control. Opponents also argue that algorithms benefit users by weeding out problematic posts -- such as bullying comments -- that would appear if comments were displayed chronologically. Neither one of those bills has been challenged in court -- at least not yet. But a federal appellate court recently blocked key portions of a different California bill -- the Age Appropriate Design Code -- that also would have regulated social media companies' ability to display content to minors. That statue requires online companies likely to be accessed by users under 18 to evaluate whether the design of their services could expose minors to potentially harmful content, and to mitigate that potential harm. The law also includes privacy provisions, such as a requirement to configure default settings in a privacy-protective way, unless the business can show a compelling reason that a different setting is in the best interests of children. The FTC workshop will take place on February 25, 2025. by Wendy Davis @wendyndavis, September 26, 2024 Meta is pressing a judge to reject Amherst University professor Ethan Zuckerman's request for an order preventing the company from suing over a research tool designed to study how Facebook's algorithms affect people's health. Among the many reasons why the court should decline plaintiffs invitation, the most important is that his grievances are not ripe, Meta writes in papers filed this week with U.S. District Court Judge Jacqueline Scott Corley in San Francisco. Meta adds that Zuckerman hasn't yet released the tool, and that there's no guarantee that the tool -- a browser extension dubbed Unfollow Everything 2.0 -- will operate as expected. Until the extension actually exists, Meta cannot determine how it might respond, the company adds. The company's argument comes in a legal battle that began in May, when Zuckerman sought a judicial declaration that Unfollow Everything 2.0 doesn't violate Facebook's terms of service or anti-hacking laws, and an injunction that would prohibit Meta from suing over the extension. advertisement advertisement Unfollow Everything 2.0 is designed to allow Facebook users to automatically unfollow friends, groups and pages, and then decide which people or groups to manually follow again. Downloaders would be able to opt in to Zuckerman's proposed study, which aims to collect anonymized data in order to study the impact of Facebook's news feed on users' well-being. He alleged in the complaint that he hadn't yet released the extension because Meta previously threatened legal action over similar tool issued in 2021 by developer Louis Barclay. In July, Meta urged Corley to dismiss the case as premature. Zuckerman's lawyers countered in court papers filed late last month that the case is timely because he has a real and reasonable apprehension that Meta will take legal action against him if he releases Unfollow Everything 2.0. But Meta argues in its newest papers that Zuckerman's abstract fears of legal action aren't enough to warrant a lawsuit. There is no substantial, immediate, or real controversy, not least because 'Unfollow Everything 2.0' is hypothetical, the company says. Meta adds that its terms of service as well as computer hacking laws focus on specific, technical conduct relating to the interaction between data, computers, and servers. Even if plaintiff could allege sufficient details about a nonexistent tool he plans to invent to allow an initial hypothetical adjudication, readjudication would be required if the tool were to operate differently than suggested, Meta adds. The dispute has drawn the attention of outside organization, including the civil rights groups Electronic Frontier Foundation, American Civil Liberties Union of Northern California, and Center for Democracy & Technology. They say in a friend-of-the-court brief filed earlier this month that Zuckerman's tool is protected by Section 230 of the Communications Decency Act -- an argument he also raised in his complaint. In addition to immunizing web publishers from lawsuits over users' posts, Section 230 protects interactive computer services providers that offer technology that restricts objectionable material. The civil rights groups contend Unfollow Everything 2.0 is covered by that provision -- essentially arguing that certain Facebook pages or groups are objectionable to users, and the extension prevents that material from appearing in the newsfeed. Unfollow Everything 2.0 is a prime example of user-empowerment technology that can help people using the internet control their online experiences, the groups write. Corley is expected to hold a hearing in the matter in November. Opinion / Columnist Preparing the public's mind Mobilising MPs Preparing Western allies Why Hichilema is desperate to retain power at all costs 'I can't wait to vote Hichilema out' On 13 September, Zambia's President Hakainde Hichilema addressed parliament in fulfilment of the Constitution that requires the president to address the National Assembly every year and provide a report on the progress made in the application of the national values and principles. During his address, Hichilema made a series of revealing and largely off-the-cuff remarks on constitutional reform that are worth quoting at length.He said: "The country has failed to reach consensus on this very important national document over many years. As a country, therefore, we still need to reform our constitutional order to ensure that it is truly reflecting the aspirations of our citizens. Given the substantial work that has already been done in the past, this government is committed to facilitate a least cost, efficient, and credible process [of constitutional reform] to address lacunae, omissions, or oversights in our Republican Constitution. So, we are looking at this House to be supportive of a process that would be least cost, that will be time conscious, that would not lead to allowances and more allowances and sittings and [more] sittings. And this House is the one that should help us. After all, some of your constituencies are too big. After all, I don't understand the wisdom of how members of parliament were taken out of the council chambers. After all, some lacunae can lead us to a situation where we could have no general election for eight years. That is not a joke. Yes, we could have no elections for eight or nine years. Those lacunae sit in the Constitution. So, those who designed or signed off that Constitution, I am not sure what they were intending to do."Many organisations and individuals have since condemned Hichilema's remarks. Former president Edgar Lungu described the comments as "reckless" and urged Zambians to "wake up and stop this apparent dictator from tampering with our Constitution to extend his stay in power even when he has lamentably failed to improve the lives of the people."Several opposition parties accused Hichilema of not understanding the Constitution and attempting to distract attention from the real issues that affect Zambians such as mass hunger, the cost-of-living crisis and the 21 consecutive hours of load-shedding a day.This condemnation is necessary, but not sufficient. Zambians also need to understand why Hichilema is making such comments. The president's implied threats to extend his stay in power were neither random nor a result of ignorance of the law. Hichilema has a proven record of undermining democratic institutions in a crude manner. If Zambians wish to reclaim their democratic institutions and space, they will do well not to underestimate Hichilema and the lengths to which he is prepared to go in his bid for absolute power. His warning that Zambia could have no general election for eight years should be seen as part of his wider strategy to stay in power beyond 2026.Hichilema's remarks were directed at different audiences for different objectives.The first targeted audience was the public. His objective here is to prepare the minds of Zambians to accept both his U-turn on a major policy issue and the changes that his administration plans to make to the Constitution on the understanding that the exercise would be cheap, time efficient and result in the removal from the Constitution of clauses that have been the subject of criticism. A brief discussion of the wider context that preceded Hichilema's comments is needed to understand this point.Over the past year, some opposition parties and prominent individuals have repeatedly accused the government of scheming to amend the Constitution to, among other objectives, extend presidential term limits from five to seven years and remove the requirement that a winning presidential candidate should secure a minimum of "50 percent + 1" of the total vote. For instance, in October 2023, 11 opposition parties wrote a joint open letter to Hichilema in which they criticised the secretive commencement of the constitution-making process."We are alarmed that there are secretive efforts aimed at amending the Republican Constitution in which people are being asked to submit recommendations on non-contentious issues," the letter read in part. It continued: "Given the lack of criteria on what constitutes non-contentious, we do not think that these non-transparent efforts represent the best way of carrying our constitutional reform forward, unless the objective is to remove popular clauses such as that relating to the running mate and the 50+1."In July this year, Lungu, who presided over the 2016 constitutional amendment, repeated these assertions, urging "Zambians to stand up and oppose any arbitrary attempts to defile and rape their Republican Constitution to oppose and stop President Hichilema from taking Zambia back to autocracy and tyranny through these UPND [United Party for National Development] arbitrary schemes to alter our Constitution only to suit their agenda".These allegations prompted Hichilema to finally respond on 2 August. In a statement issued by his spokesperson, Clayson Hamasaka, Hichilema assured Zambians that he has no plans to alter the country's Constitution. As well as criticising "the emotive debate and the distorted narrative being peddled by the opposition to the effect that government wants to embark on a secret constitutional review process", the president vowed that he will "continue to uphold and defend the Constitution" and touted his lack of "interest in manipulating it for personal benefit".This reassurance earned a response from the highly regarded constitutional lawyer, John Sangwa. In a letter to the president dated 8 August, Sangwa made observations that are worth quoting at length, including the point that successive Zambian governments are addicted to amending the Constitution.Sangwa wrote: "I take this opportunity to commend you for clarifying your position on the allegation that you intend to amend certain provisions of the Constitution ahead of the 2026 general election. Your statement that you: (a) "swore to uphold and defend the Republican" (b) "remain resolute to defend the Constitution" and (c) "have no interest in manipulating it [the Constitution] for [your] personal benefit" is commendable. The clarification, coupled with the fact that after nearly three years into your presidency no Bill to amend the Constitution has been published, is noteworthy. It represents a radical departure from what we have witnessed in the last 60 years. Since independence in 1964, all your predecessors either initiated or continued the process to make a new Constitution or amend the Constitution. Their motivation, invariably, was the desire to use the Constitution as a political tool to further their personal benefits. They prioritised their interests over those of the Republic. It is laudable that you have so far not succumbed to his temptation."Sangwa's letter continued:"Any person that seeks the office of president who believes that the fulfilment of his promises to the people, once elected, is dependent on the amendment or making of a new constitution, does not deserve to be re-elected. The promises to the people must be made within the confines of the Constitution as it is and not as it ought to be Your primary focus, Mr President, should be to address the pressing economic, social and political challenges facing the Republic. So far, there is no evidence which shows that the Constitution, as it stands, hinders or undermines your ability to fulfil your campaign promises. Your additional obligation must be to ensure that your commitment to uphold and defend the Republican Constitution' is not just a slogan. You must respect the constitutional limitations on your office and ensure that the Zambians who voted for you and those who did not are: (a) treated equally; (b) afforded the same opportunities" and (c) enjoy the rights and freedoms enshrined in the Constitution. In short, you must do better than your predecessor."This is the wider context within which Hichilema's latest comments should be understood. By claiming that "we could have no general election for eight years", Hichilema is finally confirming that he will, like his predecessors, take to parliament a constitutional amendment Bill that would alter the Constitution ahead of the next election. The objective was to announce this major U-turn using the least embarrassing platform and initiate public conversation on his new position using his set agenda; the process that would inform the content, the mobilisation of resources required to undertake the exercise, and the timing.The reference to the substantial work that has already been done in the past' constitutes a public disclosure of how Hichilema intends to go about this exercise. He may ask the minister of justice to lead the process or appoint a small team of ruling party sympathisers to undertake the amendments using previous reports of constitutional review commissions or identify the so-called non-contentious clauses that must be revised. Both routes may result in the publication of a constitutional amendment Bill.The talk about controlled allowances and sittings is a strategic way of pre-empting public opposition to the exercise on account of the huge costs involved - especially at a time of more pressing national concerns - by suggesting that cost-saving measures will be adopted. The emphasis on efficiency is meant to prevent potential public criticism about the timing: with less than a year and a half remaining before the dissolution of parliament in readiness for the 2026 election, can the exercise be completed in time? Hichilema is suggesting it can be because it would be - in his words - time-conscious.The second audience Hichilema was speaking to are MPs from the governing UPND, opposition parties led by the Patriotic Front (PF) and the Independents. On this front, he has three objectives.Firstly, through his comments, Hichilema was effectively encouraging the MPs to imagine an impossible scenario where a general election is repeatedly postponed for eight or nine years. To avert such a scenario, the president was pleading with MPs to support his planned changes to the Constitution to "straighten" specific provisions that require the cancellation of an election whenever a validly nominated candidate resigns from the race before the date of the election.Here, it is important to briefly discuss the three grounds on which an election can be postponed: death, resignation or disqualification by court. Article 52 (6) of Zambia's Constitution provides that "Where a candidate dies, resigns or becomes disqualified in accordance with Article 70, 100 or 153 or a court disqualifies a candidate for corruption or malpractice, after the close of nominations and before the election date, the electoral commission shall cancel the election and require the filing of fresh nominations by eligible candidates and elections shall be held within thirty days of the filing of the fresh nominations."In June 2023, the constitutional court ruled - in the case of GEARS Initiative Zambia Limited v Electoral Commission of Zambia and the Attorney General - that although this provision does not apply to an independent candidate, the Electoral Commission of Zambia (ECZ) is obligated to cancel the election in instances where the candidate who has died, resigned or been disqualified after the close of nominations but before the election date was sponsored by a political party. This, the court added, is meant to ensure that the affected political party is not disadvantaged by circumstances beyond its control. To avoid misinterpreting what the concourt said, it is worth quoting its ruling at length:"When a political party's candidate resigns from the political party [that sponsored their nomination for election to a given office], that candidate's nomination is invalidated as the candidate can no longer represent that political party in that election. The political party therefore must be given another opportunity to field another candidate for the election which is why the ECZ is required to cancel the nominations and call for fresh nominations from eligible candidates before the election can be held in terms of Article 52 (6) of the Constitution For the avoidance of doubt, we wish to state that in terms of Article 52(6) of the Constitution, where a political party sponsored candidate for election as a member of parliament resigns after the close of nominations but before the election date, the Electoral Commission is obligated to cancel the election and call for fresh nominations from eligible candidates and call for fresh elections in accordance with Article 52(6)."The implication of this judgment is that a general election cannot be postponed on account of the resignation, death or disqualification of one candidate - even if sponsored by a party - who had been validly nominated for election to any public office. Article 266 of Zambia's Constitution provides that "general election" means "presidential, National Assembly and local government elections when held on the same day".The Constitution also states that "A general election shall be held, every five years after the last general election, on the second Thursday of August." This means that if a parliamentary candidate dies, is disqualified or resigns from the political party that sponsored them to parliament after the close of nominations but before the election date, what would be postponed is only the election in the affected constituency. All other elections - presidential, national assembly and local government - will proceed.Similarly, if a presidential candidate dies, is disqualified or resigns from the political party that sponsored them to parliament after the close of nominations but before the election date, what would be postponed is only the presidential election, not the parliamentary or ward elections. Even then, the cancellation of the presidential election itself would be followed by the filing of fresh nominations by eligible candidates and the holding of a new election within the next 30 days.Triggering the postponement of the general election after the close of nominations but before the election date would require the death, resignation or disqualification of a presidential candidate AND at least one candidate sponsored by a political party in ALL the parliamentary constituencies and ALL the wards in Zambia. The prospect of this calamity happening, let alone for eight consecutive years, is exceedingly remote. By asking MPs to support his planned constitutional changes using the threat that failure to do so could delay the general election for as long as eight years, Hichilema is demonstrating his desperation to change the Constitution.The question is: what is in it for him? The simple answer is everything. As well as lacking the capacity to manage the magnitude of the national problems that confront him, Hichilema is realising that he is unlikely to fulfil his campaign promises and secure re-election on merit. As a result, he seems to have decided that the surest way of guaranteeing his stay in power is by manipulating the Constitution to secure political advantage. If he was confident of delivering his promises, he would not be making the kind of desperate manoeuvres he has now resorted to.In any case, Hichilema's opposition to Article 52 (6) demonstrates his opportunism or inability to stick to one position. In opposition, the UPND leader supported the very constitutional provision he is now opposing, stating in early 2021 that Article 52 (6) is "in good faith": "That article protects citizens from having a president who is an imposter, who does not qualify. That article is in good faith. If the election is postponed for 30 days to remove an imposter from the ballot paper, [that is] perfect. 30 days is fine for me. If 30 days are a price we have to pay in order for the people of Zambia to get a leadership that will end violence, corruption, a leadership that will bring credibility and restore the kwacha, stop people [from] sleep[ing] without food, 30 days is a good price to pay."What exactly does Hichilema believe in? How has the same constitutional provision that he previously defended as a necessary check become problematic today? Moreover, even his criticism of his predecessor for the passage of the 2016 constitutional amendment represents a needless attempt to apportion blame and escape responsibility. This is because the amendment was a bi-partisan affair that was supported by both PF and UPND MPs. Without the support of MPs from Hichilema's party, the 2016 amendment could not have passed. In fact, Hichilema's assertion that Zambians have previously "failed to reach consensus on this very important national document over many years" is incorrect. Both the 1991 and 2016 constitutional amendments were products of consensus.In 1991, for instance, the ruling UNIP and the opposition Movement for Multiparty Democracy (MMD) came together to produce a Constitution that was meant to facilitate the holding of the elections. Both parties reached a general agreement that after the election, they would work on a new constitution-making exercise, which is how the John Mwanakatwe Commission came about. But, after former president Kenneth Kaunda returned to active politics in early 1995, the MMD abandoned the agreement and settled for an amendment to the Constitution that excluded Kaunda from running for office. After Levy Mwanawasa came to power in 2002, he attempted to complete the constitution-making exercise by appointing the Willa Mung'omba Constitution Review Commission.Unfortunately, Mwanawasa died in office and his successor, Rupiah Banda, botched the process. When Michael Sata came to power in 2011, he attempted to complete the exercise by appointing the Annel Silungwe Technical Committee, whose draft constitution provided the basis on which the PF and the UPND reached consensus to pass the 2016 constitutional changes that were a product of wider public assemblies at district, provincial and national levels. Hichilema will do well to acquaint himself with the accurate history of constitution-making in Zambia.Second, Hichilema's speech seems intended to use bribery to secure the support of MPs who may be unconvinced by his scaremongering prediction. To pass in Zambia's 167-member National Assembly, the planned constitutional amendment Bill would require at least two-thirds support (at least 111 MPs). This is a tall order given the current composition of party representation in parliament.The UPND has 93 MPs - 85 directly elected and eight nominated. The main opposition PF has 58 MPs. There are 13 independent lawmakers, seven of whom are working closely with Hichilema. Even with the combined support of all UPND MPs, most independents, the deputy speaker (the speaker cannot vote) and the one MP belonging to a small opposition party that tends to support the ruling party, Hichilema would still require the backing of several PF MPs. To induce these legislators to support the Bill, Hichilema has dangled a carrot in front of them by promising to deliver three specific changes - delimitation; the reintroduction of MPs on council chambers; and the "editing" of specific clauses that relate to nominations.The 2016 constitutional amendment removed MPs from municipal councils, much to their annoyance. This change has undermined their capacity to accumulate through increased business opportunities and to check the decisions of the local authority that adversely affect the interests of sitting MPs. Some lawmakers have also repeatedly called for delimitation, blaming their failure to deliver services and the high turnover during general elections to the large size of their constituencies. By claiming that he does not understand why they "were taken out of the council chambers" and decrying the size of some constituencies as "too big", Hichilema is effectively mobilising lawmakers to support the proposed constitutional amendment on the premise that the Bill will include two of their longstanding demands: their reinstatement onto municipal councils and the breakup of some constituencies into two.Here, we see that the would-be content of the "very important national document" has already been decided in a manner that reflects the aspirations of the president and governing party, not the citizens. Gerrymandering would increase the number of constituencies - mostly in Southern, Western, Northwestern, and Central provinces, a region that has historically voted for the ruling party. Winning the new constituency seats created by this partisan exercise would then increase the UPND's overall majority in parliament and make it easier for the president to make further changes to the Constitution in future.Third, if there is credibility in the claims by opposition parties that Hichilema plans to extend the president's term of office to seven years, then his comments also have an indirect appeal to all MPs: that is, in exchange for supporting his own bid, he is offering them the promise of greater security in their positions through longer terms of office.The final audience that Hichilema was speaking to are Western governments, whose representatives in Zambia endured his hours-long address to parliament. His unscripted comments are meant to prepare them to "understand" how he may end up in power for eight or nine years without elections if the constitutional changes he wishes to make do not pass. In effect, the president is warning that if Zambia fails to hold the next general election, it would be because of the unspecified lacunae in the current Constitution, not because he wishes to perpetuate himself in power.Now, it is possible that the planned constitutional amendment Bill may fail since the ruling party lacks a two-thirds majority in parliament, but I should hasten to mention that Hichilema has tried to secure this elusive majority since his election in 2021. His bid to take control of the main opposition party using Miles Sampa was intended to secure the clear majority either through the subsequent cooperation of the PF MPs with his proxy or by inducing by-elections in the constituencies of uncooperative MPs who were to be expelled from the party by Sampa. Hichilema, who set this process in motion in October 2023, went very far in this regard. But he has hit some roadblocks in recent months.Majority PF MPs have refused to cooperate with the Hichilema proxy and remain loyal to former president Lungu. This prompted Sampa to expel in December last year nine PF MPs for alleged gross indiscipline and insubordination. The main motivation behind these expulsions was to trigger several by-elections in the affected constituencies, which the UPND hoped to win to raise the two-third majority needed to make changes to the constitution. Frustratingly for Hichilema, the expelled MPs have challenged the actions of his proxy, slowing the president's desperate search for a two-thirds majority. Despite this setback, Hichilema remains confident that the courts and the electoral commission will yield to his manoeuvres and has now proceeded to publicly disclose that his administration plans to change the constitution and to mobilise MPs to support the exercise that would help him perpetuate his stay in power.In the unlikely event that he fails to secure the majority he craves, Hichilema is revealing a strategy he has carefully devised on how he may avoid elections and prolong his stay in power for at least eight consecutive years: sponsoring some proxy candidates - the same way he has used Sampa to weaken the PF - to file nominations for each presidential election and then inducing them to resign from their political party after the confirmation of nominations but before the election date. Unless induced by an incumbent president who is politically insecure, there is no incentive for opposition parties to delay the presidential election. In fact, opposition parties would wish for an earlier election date, not a delayed one. By law, as earlier shown, the electoral commission will be required to call for a new election each time a validly nominated candidate resigns from the party that sponsored their nomination. He would then be able to tell Western allies that "I warned these natives that this could happen, but they did not listen. They vetoed the constitutional amendment Bill that we took to parliament that could have removed the lacunae that are responsible for the status quo."If Hichilema manages to secure a clear majority in parliament and change the constitution, nobody knows when he may finally leave power.There are three reasons behind Hichilema's desperation to secure a second term and prevent an early assumption of the title he is seeking to avoid: former president of Zambia.The first is the fear of what might happen to his extensive businesses were he to lose power. Hichilema has refused to publish his assets and liabilities, which makes it difficult to work out to what extent his policies are benefiting companies in which he has an interest. Once he leaves office, a new government can revisit the subject and seek to charge him with corruption, such as in relation to his controversial decision to allow private companies with links to him to audit the security wings.The second is that Hichilema wishes to avoid the embarrassment of losing power after just one term. During his decade-and-a half in opposition, he cultivated close ties with private supporters - local and external - who backed his election bid and would wish to recoup their investments. This includes local business people, multinational corporations in the extractive sector and the Johannesburg-based Brenthurst Foundation, a creation of the Oppenheimer family, that appears to have undue influence on the president and direction of policy especially in mining. Given the escalating rivalry between major powers, Western countries would also prefer having Hichilema in office as a gateway to a region that is still dominated by liberation parties and as a counterweight to the growing illiberal influences of China and Russia.Third, Hichilema appears to see himself primarily as the leader of Zambians from one half of the country. Many people from Southern, Northwestern, and Western provinces believe they have been historically marginalised by their counterparts from the Eastern and the Bemba-speaking provinces of Northern, Luapula and Muchinga. As was the case under Lungu, the binary between us and them has been sharply drawn under Hichilema's leadership and found expression in the skewed distribution of appointments to public office.As well as heading the executive, parliament and the judiciary, Zambians from Hichilema's region dominate the key ministries, the leadership positions of four of the five security services, the justice system, electoral commission, foreign service, and most posts in the civil service and parastatal bodies. Hichilema - the first president from his region since independence in 1964 - does not see anything wrong with this, believing he is simply addressing historical imbalances. Fearful that a leader from the other region would reverse the trend were he to lose, the solution is to remain in power until 2031 and then organise a successor from his region who can consolidate its hold on power.As a 55-year-old distressed Zambian who voted for Hichilema in 2021 told me in an email message recently: "I do not know why you bother yourself writing, offering advice or suggestions to our president. Hichilema does not listen to advice, unless it comes from his white friends. He is extremely arrogant and set in his ways, does not care about the poor, and only cares about his rich friends and private businesses I am in Zambia right now, and we have not had electricity for three consecutive days due to load-shedding. It finally came today but lasted for only 45 minutes. I do not know what is worse: the absence of electricity or the tragic lack of leadership Like most Zambians, I have stopped talking. What is the point? In fact, I wish I could go into a coma and only wake up in August 2026 to vote him out."I am just from reading your 2022 article in which you wrote this: Hichilema has shown himself to be out of his depth on many key issues. He only appears positive in contrast to the disastrous Lungu, but as memories of the PF's terrible record fade, the new president's shortcomings may dawn on many people.' I did not agree with you then, but I do now. He is clueless, so terribly out of touch and incompetent that he makes Edgar Lungu look like a better option. It pains me to write the last sentence. We were so consumed by the dislike of Lungu that we did not pay attention to Hichilema's weaknesses. The drought that is affecting Zambia is a natural phenomenon, but it has exposed how poorly equipped he is for the office. He clearly walked into that office without a plan. I can't wait to vote him out."The problem is that voting out Hichilema is no longer as straightforward as it once seemed. At the very least, the exercise of the right to vote would require the holding of a presidential election. Whether that election takes place on 13 August 2026, as provided for in Zambia's Constitution, or in eight or nine years from now, nobody knows for certain.Nothing is guaranteed anymore in Zambia under Hichilema. Not electricity, not food, not water, not even the hope that tomorrow will be better than today.-------------------Dr Sishuwa Sishuwa is a senior lecturer in history at Stellenbosch University. His latest publications are Party Politics and Populism in Zambia; Populism in Africa in Research Handbook on Populism (Elgar, 2024); Defamation of the President, Racial Nationalism, and the Roy Clarke Affair in Zambia, African Affairs, Vol. 122, Issue 486, (2023); Multi-ethnic Vision or Ethnic Nationalism? The contested Legacies of Anderson Mazoka and Zambia's 2006 Election, Canadian Journal of African Studies, Vol. 57.No. 2 (2023). Media: How Zambia's president is using lawfare to subvert democracy, Mail &Guardian; Compromised by politics? A response to the judiciary of Zambia, News Diggers; Zambia is on the verge of being a one-party state, African Arguments Is the #birdflu changing? Recent human infections with #H5N1 have a lower fatality rate than past outbreaks. Could this mean a less severe #pandemic if it happens? #publichealth H5N1s Evolving Threat Trusted Source CDC A(H5N1) Bird Flu Response Go to source Trusted Source Advertisement Advertisement CDC A(H5N1) Bird Flu Response - (https://www.cdc.gov/bird-flu/spotlights/h5n1-response-09272024.html) A study on sustained mammal-to-mammal transmission of bird flu across various species reveals that global control measures are falling short. Published inthe research examined outbreaks in European fur farms, South American marine mammals, and U.S. dairy cattle, raising concerns about the potential risk to humans. Zoonotic influenza expert Dr. Thomas Peacock and his team assessed how recent shifts in the ecology and molecular evolution of H5N1 in wild and domestic birds have heightened the chances of spillover to mammals.They also weighed various evolutionary pathways that could turn the global H5N1 influenza panzootic into a human pandemic virus. Influenza A viruses (IAV) have caused more documented global pandemics in human history than any other pathogen. Historically, swine are considered optimal intermediary hosts that help avian influenza viruses adapt to mammals before jumping to humans, said Dr. Peacock, who investigates the drivers of the current H5N1 avian influenza panzootic. However, the altered ecology of H5N1 has opened the door to new evolutionary pathways.The review highlights potential gaps in control mechanisms, including a reluctance to engage with modern vaccine and surveillance technologies and a dearth of data collection around the transmission of H5N1 between cows and to humans on US dairy farms.Whilst previous generations of US cattle producers had eradicated foot-and-mouth disease by rapidly sharing epidemiological data, the authors say months of missing data is leaving researchers, veterinarians, and policy makers in the dark.H5N1 () is a reportable disease in poultry, but not mammals, in the US. The US Department of Agriculture requires H5N1 testing only in lactating cattle prior to interstate movement, said Dr. Peacock.Current practices for H5N1 testing in wildlife focus on carcasses, not monitoring animals whilst alive, the paper notes, providing opportunities for variants of H5N1 to spread silently undetected.What keeps scientists up at night is the possibility of unseen chains of transmission silently spreading through farm worker barracks, swine barns, or developing countries, evolving under the radar because testing criteria are narrow, government authorities are feared, or resources are thin.An evolutionary process of genomic reassortment in viruses with segmented genomes is driving the global panzootic outbreak. When two or more viruses co-infect a single host, they can swap entire segments during genome replication to create novel hybrids.The reassortment between H5N8 and low pathogenicity avian influenza (LPAI) viruses that generated the panzootic H5N1 virus in the Americas is believed to have occurred in Europe or central Asia around 2020, infecting South American marine mammals and US dairy cattle.The writers say the prospect of H5N1 becoming continually present in Europe and the Americas is a turning point for High Pathogenicity Avian Influenza (HPAI).New control strategies are needed, including vaccination. Influenza vaccines are licensed for poultry that reduce disease burden, but do not prevent infection and have varying degrees of success.Stocks of H5 vaccine that are antigenically related to circulating viruses are available and could be produced at scale using mRNA platforms if H5N1 begins spreading in humans, the authors note.The severity of a future H5N1 pandemic remains unclear. Recent human infections with H5N1 have a substantially lower case fatality rate compared to prior H5N1 outbreak in Asia, where half of people with reported infections died. The lack of severity in US cases may be due to infection through the eye, rather than through viral pneumonia in the lung .Older people appear to have partial immunity to H5N1 due to childhood exposure, whereas younger people born since the 1968 H3N2 pandemic may be more susceptible to severe disease in a H5N1 pandemic.Source-Eurekalert Highlights: Female physicians have seen a decrease in suicide rates, yet remain at a 24% higher risk compared to the general public Contributing factors include the double burden of work and home life, sexual harassment, and perfectionism Strategies to reduce risks involve improving mental health support, combating gender discrimination, and balancing work burdens Trusted Source Suicide rates among physicians compared with the general population in studies from 20 countries: gender stratified systematic review and meta-analysis Go to source Trusted Source Did You Know? Female doctors (physicians) are significantly more likely to face workplace harassment, impacting their mental health and suicide rates. #medindia #mentalhealth #femaledoctors Female doctors (physicians) are significantly more likely to face workplace harassment, impacting their mental health and suicide rates. #medindia #mentalhealth #femaledoctors Advertisement Suicide Rates Among Male and Female Doctors Factors Contributing to Suicide Risk in Female Physicians Double Burden: Women often struggle to balance their demanding medical careers with household responsibilities. This can lead to increased stress and burnout. Women often struggle to balance their demanding medical careers with household responsibilities. This can lead to increased stress and burnout. Sexual Harassment: Schernhammer points to data from 20 years ago that showed three-quarters of female physicians experienced sexual harassment from male colleagues. Schernhammer points to data from 20 years ago that showed three-quarters of female physicians experienced sexual harassment from male colleagues. Mental Health: Perfectionism and self-criticism are common traits among physicians, making them more prone to depression and other mental health issues. Perfectionism and self-criticism are common traits among physicians, making them more prone to depression and other mental health issues. Drug Access and Usage: Female doctors tend to use poisoning as a method of suicide, leveraging their knowledge of drugs for a higher completion rate. Advertisement Addressing Female Physician Suicide Rates Advertisement Strategies to Reduce Suicide Rates Among Physicians Improved Mental Health Support: Creating environments where doctors can freely discuss their mental health without fear of stigma is critical. Creating environments where doctors can freely discuss their mental health without fear of stigma is critical. Combating Gender Discrimination: Addressing and preventing gender-based issues, including harassment and unequal treatment, remains a priority. Addressing and preventing gender-based issues, including harassment and unequal treatment, remains a priority. Reducing Work Burdens: Continued efforts to balance workloads and support work-life balance, particularly for female physicians, are necessary. Suicide rates among physicians compared with the general population in studies from 20 countries: gender stratified systematic review and meta-analysis - (https://www.bmj.com/content/386/bmj-2023-078964) Women physicians face a 24% higher risk of suicide compared to the general population a recent study by Harvard epidemiologist Eva Schernhammer reveals. Although this is a marked improvement from 20 years ago, when the risk was 76% higher, the issue remains significant. Schernhammer first embarked on this research after losing close colleagues to suicide ().Historically, suicide rates among male doctors have been higher than the general public. Schernhammers 2004 analysis showed a 5% higher risk for male physicians. However, the data on female doctors, who had only recently begun entering the field in significant numbers, was less studied. Her findings were shocking at the time, with female physicians exhibiting a much higher suicide risk compared to male counterparts.Several factors contribute to the elevated risk of suicide among female doctors:The recent study confirms that the suicide rate among women physicians has decreased compared to two decades ago. Schernhammer credits the increase in women entering the medical profession and the progress in addressing workplace issues like harassment and the double burden at home. Supportive environments, reduced working hours, and mental health interventions have also contributed to this improvement.However, the study predominantly focuses on women from the U.S. and Europe, with limited data from other regions like India. Schernhammer emphasizes the importance of expanding research globally, particularly in countries where working conditions for female physicians remain challenging.The interview with Schernhammer highlights several strategies to further reduce suicide rates among female physicians:As Schernhammer suggests, Improving strategies for doctors mental health is crucial, as well as creating supportive environments, combating gender discrimination, and including mental health in training.The reduction in suicide rates among female doctors over the past two decades is promising, but the 24% elevated risk remains a stark reminder of the ongoing challenges faced by women in medicine. By expanding research globally, implementing effective mental health programs, and continuing to address gender-based disparities, further progress can be made. As more awareness is raised, it is crucial that female physicians feel empowered to seek help, knowing they are not alone in their struggles.Source-Medindia Trusted Source "I hear you". Validation in the context of children's pain as an untapped opportunity to prevent chronic pain Go to source Trusted Source Listening to children's pain helps them trust and manage it more effectively later in life. #pain #kids #childhealth #medindia Advertisement Building Trust in Childrens Pain Advertisement Consequences of Ignoring Childrens Pain Advertisement Methods to Support Childrens Health and Well-Being I hear you. Validation in the context of childrens pain as an untapped opportunity to prevent chronic pain - (https:journals.lww.com/pain/citation/9900/_i_hear_you___validation_in_the_context_of.669.aspx) Parents and doctors shape how children manage pain later in life by the way they treat pain, whether its a minor injury or fear of injections Researchers at the University of South Australia (UNiSA) urge parents and doctors to be cautious of how they treat and care for children in pain . Acknowledging pain during childhood directly influences their pain responses as adults ().Experts, drawing from research in developmental psychology, child mental health, and pain science, explain the need to validate childrens pain, ensuring their emotions and reactions are recognized as normal and understood.By validating a childs pain, the child feels heard and believed, reinforcing their trust and connection with their parent or a treating doctor. UniSA researcher Dr. Sarah Wallwork says social relationships play a critical role in shaping how health is experienced throughout the lifespan.When a parent or doctor validates a childs experiences in a way that matches their expressed vulnerability, it helps the child to feel accepted, builds connection and trust, and may help the child to develop critical skills in regulating their emotions, Dr. Wallwork says.For example, when a doctor is attentive and responds to a childs emotional and behavioral cues, particularly about seeking help, the clinician tells the child their pain is real and concurrently reinforces helpful pain management behaviors, such as attending the clinic."However, if these cues are missed, or the doctor questions the validity of their pain, this can have negative consequences for the child. Not only can it affect the clinician-patient relationship and trust, but it can also impact future appointment attendance and adherence to a pain management plan.Pain and emotion are inextricably linked, with emotion dysregulation commonly co-occurring with chronic pain. By validating childrens experiences of pain, they are likely to hold fewer negatively biased memories of pain and be in a better position to seek help in the future, when they need it.In Australia, as many as one in four children experience chronic pain. The economic burden of chronic pain in Australia is more than $139 billion, mostly through reduced quality of life and productivity losses.Dr. Wallwork says that setting children up for success should cover all aspects of life, including pain management.Our research highlights an underemphasized element of child and youth pain treatment, especially for children in minoritized groups, who are systematically undertreated for pain, Dr. Wallwork says.People with chronic pain often report that their pain-related experiences are met with disbelief or dismissal. This can have significant consequences, including poor mental health and reduced quality of life.Given the significant burden of chronic pain, and the clear intersection with the rising child mental health crisis, its important that we better manage pain earlier on, rather than waiting until it is too late.Dr. Wallwork says this review provides a building block for future empirical research.Source-Eurekalert Trouble doesnt seem to end for Diljit Dosanjh starrer upcoming film Punjab 95. The Honey Trehan directorial is a biopic on the life of human rights activist Jaswant Singh Khalra who was a prominent figure during the Punjab insurgency and plays an important role in investigating the disappearance and killing of Sikh youths during the Punjab insurgency between 1984 and 1994. Earlier this year, it was reported that the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) had demanded 85 cuts in the film and now the revising committee along with CBFC chief Prasoon Joshi watched Punjab 95 and the required cuts to secure a certificate is increased to 120, as per Mid-Day. The board has also asked the makers to change the films title along with the name of the lead character played by Diljit. The 95 in Punjab 95 signifies the year Khalra was killed and a decade later six Punjab police personnels were convicted of his murder. RSVP A source told the website, Per the CBFCs suggestion, the film will now be called Sutlej, denoting the river that unites Punjab. There are a total of almost 120 changes! The most pivotal change is to not call the protagonist Jaswant Singh anymore. Honey and producer Ronnie Screwvala told CBFC that they wont allow this change in a film that highlights Khalras role in investigating the disappearance and killing of Sikh youths during the Punjab insurgency between 1984 and 1994. Their point of argument was that Khalra is seen as a martyr by the Sikh community and removing his name will be disrespectful not just to him and his family, but to the entire community. Not to mention that it then wont be a biopic anymore. The CBFC also stated that the movie cannot claim to be based on real-life incidents as they felt it would lead to swaying of sentiments. As for some of the cuts demanded by the board, the source revealed, In a scene, there is a Gurbani that has been asked to be removed. They have also instructed that any mention of Punjab and the district of Tarn Taran be dropped. Moreover, display of the national flag and any reference to Canada or the UK has to be dropped altogether. If the makers agree to these changes, they will be handed the certificate before the week ends. It is also reported that the film was first screened for the CBFC in 2022 and has been stuck with the board for two years now. Recently, it was announced that India has selected Kiran Raos Laapataa Ladies as its official submission for Oscars 2025 leaving behind the other 28 films that were in contention. However, the decision was met with some resistance by a number of people on social media who wondered why Payal Kapadias All We Imagine as Light wasnt selected despite it having better chances at the Oscars considering the film won Grand Prix - the second highest honour at the Cannes Film Festival. Aamir Khan Productions While the Aamir Khan-produced Laapataa Ladies is now Indias best bet at the Oscars, the United Kingdom (UK) made a surprising selection while submitting a film for the Best International Feature Film category at the Academy Awards 2025. According to a report in The Hollywood Reporter, filmmaker Sandhay Suris feature film debut Santosh which is an Indian police procedural drama has been selected as the UKs official submission for Oscars 2025. The film stars Shahana Goswami and Sunita Rajwar in the lead roles and is about a young Hindu widow named Santosh (Goswami) who inherits her husbands job of a police constable and finds herself investigating the brutal murder of a lower caste teenage girl from Dalit community. While doing so, she also finds herself embroiled in institutional corruption as he has to work with veteran detective Inspector Sharma (Rajwar). BBC Film Before her feature-length debut, Sandhya Suri made acclaimed documentary I For India (2005) and short film The Field which earned a BAFTA nomination in 2019. As for Shahana Goswami, the actress has starred in many popular Indian films like Rock On, Ra.One, Honeymoon Travels Pvt. Ltd., Zwigato, Heroine etc. Sunita Rajwar was recently seen in mega blockbuster Stree 2 and is known for her performance in the much-loved web series Panchayat. Veteran actress Urmila Matondkar has recently filed for divorce from her Kashmiri husband Mohsin Akhtar after 8 years of their marriage. The reason behind the divorce The real reason behind the divorce is yet to be revealed. A source close to the Mumbai court told Hindustan Times, After careful consideration, Urmila has decided to call it quits on her marriage with Mohsin. She has already filed for divorce in court. While the reason behind the separation is still not known, the divorce isnt happening on mutual terms. The reactions This news has shocked Urmila Matondkar fans and they are sad that the couple had to endure this. One user commented, Hope the media doesnt turn this into another endless debate. Personal matters deserve privacy and respect. Hope the media doesnt turn this into another endless debate. Personal matters deserve privacy and respect Being Indian! (@sangene4life) September 25, 2024 Another user commented, What happened in their life that the take a decision of Urmila Matondkar files for Divorce from husband Mohsin Akhtar after 8 years of marriage. what happened in their life that the take a decision of Urmila Matondkar files for Divorce from husband Mohsin Akhtar after 8 years of marriage #UrmilaMatondkar Baishnva Mishra (@Haruto657359301) September 25, 2024 One user reacted, One more divorce in bollywood Industry. Urmila Matondkar files divorce against her husband after 8 yeard of marriage. One more divorce in bollywood Industry. Urmila Matondkar files divorce against her husband after 8 yeard of marriage. #UrmilaMatondkar#Divorce pic.twitter.com/Sz8MfreJPA RiyA Rawat (@RiyaRawat07) September 25, 2024 The marriage and controversy Urmila and Mohsin got married on February 4, 2016, in a private ceremony. Their wedding gained a lot of attention at the time, not only because they were from different faiths but also due to the 10-year age difference between them. A planned strike by US dockworkers in key US ports such as New York, Houston and Savannah will cause immediate disruption to US-UK trade and a strike lasting just two weeks could disrupt goods into 2025. US dockworkers are planning to strike at 36 ports on the US East Coast and the Gulf of Mexico from 1 October. The UK-US delivery specialist Parcelhero says the strike, if it goes ahead, will have an immediate and significant impact on the flow of goods (ranging from cars to food and beverages) between the USA and the UK. David Jinks M.I.L.T., Parcelheros Head of Consumer Research and former Editor of Lloyds Shipping Index, says: A strike by US dockworkers, known as longshoremen in the US, now looks increasingly likely. It will immediately disrupt the US-UK flow of goods including vehicles, domestic appliances, electronics, cosmetics and plastics such as toys. While it could take up to six days to recover from a single days strike, action lasting more than a fortnight could impact Christmas and beyond. The strike is being organised by the International Longshoremen's Association (ILA) union, which represents port workers across the East and Gulf Coasts. The ILA is demanding sizable wage increases for its members as well as protection from loss of jobs through automation. The ILA says its strike will affect ports from Maine to Texas and could involve up to 45,000 workers. Around 60% of all US shipping traffic could be caught up in the strike. For example, the Port of New York and New Jersey is set to be disrupted by the strike. In 2022, it became Americas largest port in terms of volumes handled. 80% of imports destined for use in the US use the port and in 2023 alone it handled 7.8 million TEU containers. The key ports of Houston, Texas and Savannah, Georgia, are also likely to be impacted by strike action. Already, many shipping companies sailing between the UK/EU and the US are diverting cargo to West Coast ports such as Long Beach and Los Angeles to ensure containers arent trapped. Long Beach has just had its busiest-ever month as shipping companies and exporters hurriedly divert. Many UK-US products rely on direct routes across the Atlantic and they will be heavily impacted. For example, depending on the UK port, it typically takes 12-15 days for a sailing between the UK and New York. By contrast, a typical shipment between the UK and Los Angeles takes around 30-39 days and is likely to be more expensive. One major problem is that container ships leaving the UK now will arrive in the US days after the strike has started, if it goes ahead. Critically, shipping lines may not be able to divert vessels bound for the US East Coast to West Coast ports after 1 October, as the ILA has made it clear it would picket such a move. UK manufacturers and exporters could have their products stuck in US ports just as the run-up to the Christmas peak gets underway, while UK importers will be impacted by the delay of many US-manufactured products. Better news is that most smaller items, such as parcels, are unlikely to be caught up in the strike. Its only once a shipment weighs more than around 100-500kg that shipping by sea becomes potentially a cheaper option than airfreight. That means the strikes are unlikely to significantly impact courier express parcel deliveries such as typical Parcelhero services to and from the US East Coast. Mostly, it will be larger, heavier goods, which cannot be airfreighted, that will be hit by delays. However, UK businesses should also be aware of a potential impact of the restrictions on budget, low-urgency surface mail, the term used by freight companies to describe mail transported by land and sea. We do advise everyone sending items to the US to regularly check Parcelheros USA page, which gives full details of changes in prices, Customs advice and details about sending food etc. Days before deployed soldiers were due to begin getting a much anticipated monthly pay bonus, the Army has delayed the payments with no timeline as to when they will debut. The pay bump was due to begin next Tuesday, but Army officials said that all the details of the bonus had never been sorted, inevitably leading to pay errors if the program was rushed. Military.com was first to report on a draft memo last week that outlined a plan to pay soldiers between $210 and $450 per month extra depending on rank, a bonus dubbed Operational Deployment Pay, for time away from home exceeding 30 days. Read Next: Senate Approves National Guard Chief, Ending 2-Month Vacancy "The Army is reviewing the Operational Deployment Pay policy and, as such, we will not be implementing the policy on Oct. 1," Bryce Dubee, a service spokesperson, said in a statement. "When the review is complete, we will provide additional guidance." The memo was widely circulated and briefed to commanders as recently as two weeks ago, service officials told Military.com. At the time, the Army did not respond to requests for comment when asked about numerous uncertainties in the policy -- such as how the service is paying for it or whether it stacks on top of other deployment bonuses, including imminent fire pay for troops in combat zones. The policy also suggested troops who are hospitalized would lose their bonus pay, which was potentially a typo or gross oversight. "We got ahead of our skis here; it was inappropriate to brief leaders on clearly underbaked policy," one Army official with direct knowledge of the situation told Military.com on the condition of anonymity to avoid retaliation. "This should've never made it as far as it did." Traditionally, such huge policy shifts are tweaked for months at the Pentagon and circulated among top brass for feedback, but word of the bonus pay made its way down to the junior soldier level in some units currently deployed -- leading to some commanders having to warn subordinates not to rely on any new money in their pockets, given the uncertainty around the policy. The deployment bonus was exclusive to the Army. Some services have unique duty pay, such as the Navy's sea pay. The move to give soldiers a little extra pay comes amid a frantic schedule of deployments that outpaces the cadence of missions from the peak of the Global War on Terrorism. The pace of combat missions has dramatically scaled down in the past decade, but troops are still deployed in combat zones in Africa and the Middle East -- though conventional units are rarely engaged in direct combat operations. However, the Army is spread thin across two hemispheres: It is maintaining its mission to bolster NATO's front line in Europe amid Russia's invasion of Ukraine -- as soldiers run prolonged training missions with allies in countries such as Poland, Germany and Lithuania. Meanwhile, the service is also expanding its footprint in the Pacific with the Biden administration's move to establish a powerful foothold in the region to rein in China's expansionist goals. Related: Soldiers Are Getting Burned Out. Army Leadership Knows It's a Problem. WASHINGTON House Republicans on Wednesday voted to condemn President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris for the disastrous U.S. withdrawal from Afghanistan, capping their work in Washington with legislation that carried no legal weight but drove a political point ahead of the November elections. The resolution passed 219 - 194 with 10 Democrats and all Republicans voting in favor. It condemned Biden, Harris and other officials in the administration for decision-making and execution failures throughout the withdrawal from Afghanistan as well as blamed them for the deaths of 13 U.S. service members who were killed by a suicide bomber at Kabul's airport during the final days of the evacuation. On the campaign trail, Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump, who as president negotiated the withdrawal deal with the Taliban, has repeatedly blamed Harris for the chaotic and deadly evacuation while she was serving as Biden's vice president. Harris, now the Democratic candidate for president, has shot back that Trump is to blame for his role in the deal and that she agrees with Biden's decision to end America's longest war. Republicans have used their House majority to make Trump's case in recent weeks, releasing a report that mostly blamed Biden. On Tuesday, the House Foreign Affairs Committee also advanced contempt of Congress charges against Secretary of State Antony Blinken following a contentious back-and-forth with the Cabinet secretary over an appearance to testify on the withdrawal. Three years ago, the world witnessed one of the most devastating policy disasters in American history. The Biden-Harris administration withdrew all U.S. forces from Afghanistan with no plan, no care and no remorse, Rep. Michael McCaul, the chair of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, said on the House floor Wednesday. As a result, 13 brave U.S. servicemembers and over 170 Afghan civilians were murdered and 45 U.S. servicemembers and countless others were injured, added McCaul, a Texas Republican. Most assessments have concluded Trump and Biden share blame for the collapse that concluded the 20-year war, which saw Taliban fighters take over Afghanistan again before the last American troops even flew out of the Kabul airport. Over 2,000 U.S. troops were killed in Afghanistan. The reviews, including the 18-month House investigation led by House Republicans, have not pinpointed any instance where Harris had a particular impact on decision-making on the withdrawal. The main U.S. government watchdog for the war points to Trumps 2020 deal with the Taliban to withdraw all U.S. forces and military contractors as the single most important factor in the collapse of U.S.-allied Afghan security forces and Taliban takeover. Bidens April 2021 announcement that he would proceed with the withdrawal set in motion by Trump was the second-biggest factor, the watchdog said. Democrats on Wednesday faulted House Republicans for rushing the resolution to the House floor and criticized it as an attempt to further politicize blame for the withdrawal. Republicans are trying desperately to clean up a candidate, a candidate that truly has a flawed record Trumps record on this withdrawal, said Rep. Gregory Meeks, the top Democrat on the House Foreign Affairs Committee. President Joe Biden announced $2.4 billion in military assistance for Ukraine on Thursday and plans to convene a leader-level meeting of key allies to coordinate additional support when he visits Germany next month. The announcement, which came ahead of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy's visit to the White House later in the day, said Biden was directing the Pentagon to allocate the full remainder of Ukraine assistance before the end of his term. The Defense Department is also unveiling an initial package that included additional air defense systems, drones, and munitions. Biden is also providing Ukraine with a new long-range munition known as the Joint Standoff Weapon, and has asked the Pentagon to refurbish an additional Patriot air defense battery and expand the F-16 training program for Ukrainian pilots. Additionally, the U.S. is moving to disrupt a cryptocurrency network it says has been helping Russia to evade sanctions over its invasion of Ukraine. And Biden said he was working to ensure that restrictions on the drawdown of U.S. equipment didn't prevent Ukraine from receiving assistance. "There is more work to do," Biden said in the statement. "That is why, today, I am announcing a surge in security assistance for Ukraine and a series of additional actions to help Ukraine win this war." The new steps are in addition to a new $375 million weapons package that included rocket systems and artillery announced Wednesday as leaders met on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly in New York. Still, the effort is likely to fall short of some of the security and economic guarantees Zelenskyy is expected to seek as part of his proposal, including NATO membership and promises of guaranteed access to certain advanced weapons systems. Long-term prospects for Ukraine assistance have also been muddied this week amid a simmering dispute between Zelenskyy and Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump. While the Ukrainian leader will meet with Democratic presidential nominee Kamala Harris during his trip to the White House, Trump declined Zelenskyy's offer for a meeting. The snub came after the New Yorker published an interview in which Zelenskyy called Republican vice presidential nominee JD Vance "too radical." Trump's campaign was dismayed that Zelenskyy visited the battleground state of Pennsylvania on his U.S. taxpayer-funded trip to the U.S., according to a person who requested anonymity to detail internal discussions. At an event Wednesday, Trump said Zelenskyy was "making little nasty aspersions toward your favorite president" and criticized Ukraine for failing to broker a deal with Russia to end the war. "The president of Ukraine is in our country, and he's making little, nasty aspersions toward your favorite president," Trump said Wednesday. "Biden and Kamala allowed this to happen by feeding Zelenskyy money and munitions like no country has ever seen before. Every time he came to our country, he'd walk away with $60 billion." House Speaker Mike Johnson will also not meet Zelenskyy during his visit to Washington, and the Louisiana Republican said Ukraine's ambassador to the U.S., Oksana Markarova, should be fired over her president's visit to a munitions plant in Pennsylvania. "The facility was in a politically contested battleground state, was led by a top political surrogate for Kamala Harris, and failed to include a single Republican because -- on purpose -- no Republicans were invited," Johnson said in a statement. "The tour was clearly a partisan campaign event designed to help Democrats and is clearly election interference." 2024 Bloomberg L.P. Visit bloomberg.com. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC. SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico The president of Haitis transitional presidential council announced Thursday that he supports a U.N. peacekeeping mission to fight gang violence still overwhelming authorities. It was the first public support announced by a Haitian government official since the U.S. proposed a U.N. peacekeeping mission earlier this month as one way to secure more resources for a U.N.-backed mission led by Kenya that officials say lacks personnel and funding. I am convinced that this change of status, whilst recognizing the errors of the past cannot be repeated, would guarantee the full success of the mission, Edgard Leblanc Fils, council president, said at the U.N. General Assembly. On Wednesday, Fils met with U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken and others to talk about the state of the mission, which began when the first contingent of Kenyan police arrived in Haiti in late June. Nearly 400 Kenyan officers are now in Haiti, joined by nearly two dozen police officers and soldiers from Jamaica. The officers fall significantly short of the 2,500 pledged by various countries, including Chad, Benin, Bangladesh and Barbados for the mission. The mandate of the current mission expires soon and must be renewed by Oct. 2. We would like to see a thought being given to transforming the security support mission into a peacekeeping mission under the mandate of the U.N. Leblanc said. A senior U.S. State Department official said Wednesday that the U.S. and some of its partners would like to make changes to the mandate to lay out a path to become a more traditional peacekeeping operation, but the Russians and Chinese, who supported the initial mandate, have expressed concerns about doing that. The U.N. Security Council would ultimately have to vote on a peacekeeping mission, and experts have said its unlikely it would support one. They have noted many Haitians would likely balk at it given the introduction of cholera and sexual abuse cases that occurred when U.N. troops were last in Haiti. Since the early 1900s, there have been at least three major foreign military interventions in Haiti led by the United States and the United Nations. A U.N. peacekeeping effort was launched in September 1993 and ran until 2000. Then in February 2004, former President Jean Bertrand Aristide was overthrown a second time and flown out of Haiti by the U.S., which sent troops as did Canada, France and Chile. They were soon replaced by troops of the United Nations Stabilization Mission in Haiti, which stayed until 2017. Although some of these missions have helped to temporarily stabilize the country, they also have left behind a heavy heritage, Leblanc said. The U.N.s 2004-2017 peacekeeping mission was marred by allegations of sexual assault by its troops and staffers and claims that peacekeepers from Nepal introduced cholera into Haitis largest river in October 2010 through sewage runoff from their base. The U.N. has since acknowledged it played a role in the epidemic and that it did not do enough to help fight it, but it has not specifically acknowledged it introduced the disease. The epidemic killed nearly 10,000 people. Leblanc said that while the current U.N.-backed mission has made some inroads, a lot still remains to be done. He said Haitians continue to live in fear and cannot move around the country freely, unable to work or send their children to school without great risk. He said the country's security continues to deteriorate. Armed gangs that control 80% of the capital of Port-au-Prince have only grown more powerful since the July 2021 assassination of President Jovenel Moise. Its weakening institutions, paralyzing the economy and its undermining hope in a better tomorrow. The future of the country is under threat, Leblanc said. More than 3,600 people have been reported killed during the first half of this year, a more than 70% increase compared with the same period last year. The violence also has left nearly 700,000 Haitians homeless in recent years and thousands have fled Haiti, which shares the island of Hispaniola with the Dominican Republic. On Wednesday, Dominican President Luis Abinader said he would take drastic measures if the mission in neighboring Haiti fails. He did not provide specifics. Also on Wednesday, Haitian Prime Minister Garry Conille noted that about 25% of Haitis police officers have left the country, and of those still working, about two are wounded and one killed every week. He said he expects Haiti to hold elections by November for the first time since 2016 even though we know we will not have the highest level of security. On Thursday, Leblanc said Haitis government was thinking of all the hard-working Haitians who have left their country because of the insecurity and hoped they would return once conditions improve. He thanked those showing solidarity with Haitian migrants, especially those in Springfield." Haitians living in that Ohio town have said they fear for their safety after former President Donald Trump falsely accused immigrants there of abducting and eating pets. The passions that naturally arise during an election campaign should never serve as a pretext for xenophobia or racism in a country such as the United States, a country forged by immigrants," Leblanc said. MOSCOW Changes in Russia's nuclear doctrine that were announced by President Vladimir Putin are intended to discourage Ukraine's Western allies from supporting attacks on Russia, the Kremlin said Thursday. The United States and the European Union both denounced the latest statements by the Russian leader as irresponsible. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told reporters that the revisions in the document outlined Wednesday by Putin are a warning signal to those countries about the consequences in case of their involvement in an attack on our country with various assets, not necessarily nuclear ones. In the strong, new warning to the West, Putin said that any nations conventional attack on Russia that is supported by a nuclear power will be considered a joint attack on his country. The threat was clearly aimed at discouraging the West from allowing Ukraine to strike Russia with longer-range weapons and appears to significantly lower the threshold for the possible use of Russias nuclear arsenal. Speaking at Wednesdays Security Council meeting that discussed changes in the doctrine, Putin didnt specify whether the modified document envisages a nuclear response to such an attack. He emphasized, however, that Russia could use nuclear weapons in response to a conventional assault posing a critical threat to our sovereignty, a vague formulation that leaves broad room for interpretation. U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken criticized Putin's statement as totally irresponsible, saying on MSNBC that many in the world have spoken clearly about that when hes been rattling the nuclear saber, including China in the past. To do that now while the worlds gathered in New York, including talking about the need for more disarmament, nonproliferation, I think thats going to play very badly around the world, Blinken said, referring to the meeting of the U.N. General Assembly. European Commission spokesman Peter Stano similarly criticized Putins statements about the nuclear doctrine as a continuation of the very irresponsible and unacceptable behavior by the Russian leader, showing that he doesnt shy away from playing the nuclear gamble over and over again. Russia is making slow but steady gains in Ukraine as the conflict grinds through its third year, and the Kremlin is seeking to discourage stronger Western support for Kyiv. Ukraine has repeatedly struck Russian territory with missiles and drones in response to Moscows attacks, and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has been pushing the U.S. and other Western allies for permission to use the longer-range Western weapons to strike deep inside Russian territory. The Biden administration has said it hasnt given Kyiv the go-ahead for strikes with American weapons deep inside Russia. Zelenskyy is meeting Thursday at the White House with Biden, who announced billions of dollars more in new weapons deliveries, including an additional Patriot missile defense battery and a new shipment of glide bombs that can be deployed from F-16 fighter jets, a few of which already have been supplied to Ukraine. Putin said the revised doctrine spells out conditions for using nuclear weapons in greater detail, noting that they could be used in case of a massive air attack. The new phrasing holds the door open to a potential nuclear response to any aerial attack -- a deliberate ambiguity intended to make the West more reluctant to allow longer-range strikes. Since Putin sent troops into Ukraine in 2022, he and other Kremlin voices have frequently threatened the West with Russias nuclear arsenal to discourage it from ramping up support for Kyiv. Earlier this month, Putin warned the U.S. and other NATO allies that allowing Ukraine to use Western-supplied longer-range weapons to hit Russian territory would put Russia and NATO in a direct conflict. ___ Associated Press writer Lorne Cook in Brussels contributed. Blue Jays manager John Schneider told reporters (including Ben Nicholson-Smith of Sportsnet) that shortstop Bo Bichette is slated to undergo surgery to repair a displaced fracture in his right middle finger. Bichette was placed on the injured list due to the fracture last week in a move that had already brought his 2024 season to a close, and Schneider indicated that Bichette should be good to go come Spring Training in February. Bichette, 26, endured the worst season of his career this year as he battled injuries and ineffectiveness all year. The two-time All-Star was limited to just 81 games this season due to multiple IL stints caused by calf strains this year, and even when healthy enough to take the field he hit a lackluster .225/.277/.322 (70 wRC+) in 336 trips to the plate. Thats a less than ideal slash line for any regular big leaguer, but its especially troublesome for a young star who has never posted a wRC+ below 120 in his major league career prior to this year. Prior to this years injury-marred blip, Bichette has been among the most consistent stars in the league with a career slash line of .299/.340/.487 (127 wRC+) entering the 2024 campaign. That strong pedigree was enough to generate some trade buzz regarding Bichette ahead of this years trade deadline as the Blue Jays fell out of the postseason picture, though the club seemed hesitant to deal either him or fellow star Vladimir Guerrero Jr. before Bichettes injury woes ultimately snuffed out whatever possibility for a deal to come together there may have been. Looking ahead to the offseason, the Blue Jays have generally indicated that they hope to return to contention in 2025, and if truly the club is committed to putting the best possible team on the field for next season its hard to imagine that being possible while also dealing either Bichette or Guerrero this winter. Of course, that doesnt mean a trade of either or even both stars is impossible with one year left before the pair heads to free agency, and it seems likely that this surgery will do little to dissuade interested parties from pursuing the shortstop given that hes expected to be ready to go by the time Spring Training rolls around. The Blue Jays also provided an update on the status of center fielder Daulton Varsho today in the aftermath of his previously announced surgery to repair a rotator cuff injury in his shoulder. As noted by Scott Mitchell of SportsCenter, no further damage was discovered in Varshos successful rotator cuff surgery today, leading to a standard procedure. That said, Toronto was unwilling to commit to Varsho being ready for Spring Training when his surgery was first announced, and Mitchell indicates even with the procedure completed his readiness for the start of camp is still up in the air. According to Mitchell, Varshos current timeline has him toeing the line to be fully ready for this spring even in the event that he avoids any setbacks over the offseason. Still, even a delayed start to Spring Training wouldnt necessarily stop the outfielder from being back in time to make the clubs Opening Day roster in 2025. The 28-year-old enjoyed a solid season in 2024, slashing a roughly league average .214/.293/.407 (99 wRC+) while also chipping in ten stolen bases and playing superb defense in center field. September 30: Irvin has been outrighted to Triple-A St. Paul, per his transactions tracker at MLB.com. September 25: The Twins made a handful of moves before tonights games against the Marlins. Minnesota designated left-hander Cole Irvin for assignment, optioned southpaw Brent Headrick and placed outfielder Matt Wallner on the 10-day injured list due to a left oblique strain. Theyre replaced on the active roster by Justin Topa, Jorge Alcala and Austin Martin. Minnesota recalled Alcala and Martin from Triple-A St. Paul while activating Topa from the 60-day injured list. Minnesota brought Irvin in on a waiver claim from the Orioles last week. The 30-year-old southpaw made four appearances out of Rocco Baldellis bullpen. He allowed five runs across 3 2/3 innings with four walks and only two strikeouts. Irvin made it through a scoreless inning yesterday against Miami but needed to work around a pair of free passes. This has been a generally tough season for Irvin, whom the Os had DFA twice as well. He bounced between Baltimores rotation and long relief work, combining for a 4.86 ERA across 107 1/3 innings. Irvin had been a durable source of roughly league average innings for the As between 2021-22, but he allowed 4.68 earned runs per nine over a season and a half in Baltimore. The Twins will put Irvin on waivers in the next few days. Hell almost certainly clear and would likely elect free agency at that point. Minnesota acquired Irvin after the calendar flipped to September. Even if they make the postseason which now looks to be a long shot as theyve fallen two games back of the Royals and Tigers with five to play Irvin would have been ineligible to participate. Its possible hell need to take a minor league deal this offseason. Topa, 33, steps right into must-win games for his team debut. The Twins acquired him from the Mariners as part of the Jorge Polanco deal. They no doubt envisioned him as a high-leverage bullpen piece after hed thrown 69 innings of 2.61 ERA ball in a breakout year for Seattle. A lengthy injury history had prevented Topa from emerging until his age-32 campaign, though, and that unfortunately resurfaced with his new organization. The right-hander suffered a left knee injury in Spring Training and was eventually diagnosed with a partially torn patellar tendon. A rehab stint in July proved unsuccessful. Topa began a new rehab stint last week, pitching two innings in as many Triple-A appearances. With the minor league season finished and time running low for the MLB club, hell head to Target Field. Minnesotas bullpen has played a role in their second half collapse. Only the Red Sox have a higher bullpen ERA since the All-Star Break. They havent blown many leads but have had a tough time keeping games from getting out of hand. Baldelli might be reluctant to plug Topa into leverage spots after a six-month layoff. Hell at least be a high-upside option in the middle innings. The Twins will need to mount their playoff push without one of their more productive offensive players. Wallner is hitting .259/.372/.523 with 13 homers across 261 plate appearances. Hes done for the rest of the regular season and would miss at least the Wild Card series if the Twins qualify. Oblique strains usually cost a player multiple weeks, so theres a good chance his season is over. Max Kepler told reporters yesterday that he also wont make it back during the regular season (link via Bobby Nightengale of the Minneapolis Star-Tribune). Kepler has missed most of September with a left knee injury. The Twins are going with an outfield of Willi Castro, Byron Buxton and Trevor Larnach tonight against Miami righty Edward Cabrera. House Democrats have unveiled additional financing that could restore close to half the hundreds of millions of dollars in school mental health and safety funds initially axed this year from Michigans state budget. During a press conference Wednesday, Sept. 25, party lawmakers announced roughly $125 million would be reappropriated in a move they celebrated as just one education-related measure ushered through the Democratic-majority state legislature this week. LANSING, MI Independent auditors submitted their final marks for how well Michigans largest two utilities provide power to 4.1 million ratepayers and its unclear whether the companies even earned passing grades. Investigators submitted to state authorities a wide-ranging laundry list of problems found with power grid infrastructure owned by DTE Energy and Consumers Energy. Not only did auditors confirm a pattern of lengthy and widespread power outages, but they also found heightened electric shock risk to workers and the public, outdated electronic equipment, and often overgrown power line rights-of-way zones. State utility regulators called this an extraordinary and first-of-its-kind examination of the utilities operations. They will hear a rundown of the auditors findings during a Michigan Public Services Commission meeting at 1 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 26. Dan Scripps, commission chairperson, said the nearly 500-page report will be a valuable tool as the regulatory agency works to reduce power outages, shorten the time for services to be restored after storms, and keep people safe when power lines come down. He called it a roadmap to a grid that meets customer expectations. The audit underscores that now is the time for both companies to focus more on strategic investments to prevent outages rather than reacting to them, Scripps said. DTE Energy crews on the scene of a winter power outage in Ann Arbor on Jan. 13, 2024. (Ryan Stanton | MLive.com)Ryan Stanton | The Ann Arbor News Officials with both DTE and Consumers acknowledged the audit revealed major electric grid improvements are expected by their customers. Matt Paul, DTE president and top operating officer, said the company is determined to reduce outages by 30% and cut outage time in half by 2029. He said dramatic improvement in reliability will happen in the next five years with a company plan that includes significant investments in smart grid technology, aggressive tree trimming, infrastructure upgrades and rebuilding portions of the grid. (Auditors) also point out that our plan is both ambitious and aggressive, and we accept that challenge, Paul said. Consumers Energy officials said the audit was constructive and the auditors were deeply experienced. The utility pointed to its reliability plan for fewer and shorter power outages, including a goal that no customer goes without electricity more than 24 hours. Our investments are focused on the customers we serve by adding technology, burying power lines and clearing trees, said Katie Carey, Consumers spokesperson. Consumers Energy workers replace power lines along West Michigan Avenue in Kalamazoo, Michigan on Tuesday, October 19, 2021. (Joel Bissell | MLive.com)Joel Bissell | MLive.com A quick analysis of the reports shows there were both overlapping and distinctive concerns about the two utilities electric service distribution systems. Both DTE and Consumers ranked worse than average among utilities for the average time required to restore service. Also, both utilities failed to keep up with planned tree-trimming rotation schedules, despite falling branches being a key cause of outages. Unique to DTE was that about 45%, or about one million electric ratepayers, are served by an ungrounded 4.8 kilovolt system that requires more time to locate and fix faults. Thats rather than more modern 8.3 kV or 13.2kV systems, which come with lower risk of electric shock for workers and the public. Also, auditors found old and badly maintained substation transformers leave DTE with a high failure rate because of that legacy equipment. Auditors found Consumers had unique issues with its power grid system, too. Warning tape that reads Danger - live wire - keep away surrounds a fallen limb and power line at the corner of Brockman Blvd. and Copley Ave. in Ann Arbor on Thursday, Feb. 23, 2023.Jacob Hamilton | MLive.com Consumers low-voltage distribution poles are smaller and more susceptible to breaking in storms. Additionally, the companys use of catchall weather and unknown as the listed cause of outages is imprecise and masks real causes for loss of service, auditors said. The audit took more than a year to complete and was performed by Liberty Consulting Group, based in Lebanon, Pa. Experts with utility watchdog organization Citizens Utility Board of Michigan have been poring over the audit reports since they were submitted this week. Amy Bandyk, group executive director, said the audit appears to support what theyve been arguing in rate cases and distribution plan cases for both companies. The big utilities are not paying enough attention to the cost-effective, most-bang-for-ones-buck solutions to reliability, like more frequently trimming trees, and too much attention to proposing capital expenditures that cost ratepayers a ton while delivering questionable benefits for reliability, Bandyk said. The audit is proof that both DTE and Consumers need to get these basic practices in order before regulators should even consider massive rate increases both have requested. As we saw in a recent hearing, DTE was already pushing for more capital spending based on what the auditors were saying, even before these reports came out. So we expect DTE will find aspects of this audit to support a narrative for more rate hikes to support more capital improvements, Bandyk said. Complete audit reports for both utility companies can be found on the states electronic docket system. Related articles: Outage-prone Michigan utilities could face $10M in annual fines Michigan utilities ordered to issue higher bill credits for extended power outages Michigan utilities ordered to communicate better during power outages Michigans utilities struggle to keep the power on as climate change intensifies Ice storm showcased Michigans fragile electric grid. Heres what could be done to bolster it BRIGHTON, MI -- There werent any seats at Lukes Diner this weekend, in fact the line was out the door. Gilmore Girls fans flooded a small Michigan town for a chance to step into the fictional Stars Hollow for the day. The viral event brought 40,000 Gilmore Girls fans to the small town of Brighton. Thats about five times Brightons typical population, according to the 2020 Census. Each store on Brightons Main Street transformed into namesakes from the show: Lukes, Kims Antiques, Taylors Olde Fashioned Soda Shoppe, Dooses Market, Stars Hollow Books and more. Merchants reported their sales were double their best days. Hotel bookings increased for visitors staying for VIP experiences. The candy store emptied its shelves. The book store took an extra day off to restock. And, there was a proposal in the middle of it all. The visitors bureau, Explore Brighton Howell Area, called it mind blowing. It was lightning in a bottle, event co-founder Kathleen London said. They came for Stars Hollow, but they discovered Brighton. A huge social media audience gathered in the weeks leading up to its inaugural event, but even still it surpassed all expectations, event co-founder Laura Boote said. I dont think any of it has set in yet, said Boote, 23, who works as mortgage originator and a social media influencer. Bootes social media catapulted the event into virality. The last TikTok promoting the event has nearly 300,000 views. Even before Destination Stars Hollow was in motion, much of Bootes social media was bringing her small town to the small screen. She was the main character in her own idyllic CW show. And since shes rewatched the series 30 times, its easy to draw the parallels shes a familiar face at the local coffee shop, book shop, candy store and farmers market. One of those local merchants is London, who founded London Beauty, a skincare and cosmetic store. London, also a year-round rewatcher, hosted a Gilmore Girls-themed party at her shop the year prior and the two instantly connected. Im sitting here looking at what a cute town this is, but so many people dont come down. They never shop. And yet they all want to be in Stars Hollow, London, 56, said. If you just get [away from] your TV and get off your cell phone and come downtown, we are your Stars Hollow. All of us merchants are just waiting to have the kind of connection I have with Laura. The 41 participating businesses were the centerpiece of the event by design. After all, Stars Hollow is just as much of a character as any of the Gilmores. Boote and London assigned each store a character or place, even providing them with an episode to watch as reference. The cohesive marketing message online and in person brought the magic to life. Boote and London delivered specific design pieces to each shop including Easter eggs like wanted posters for the vicious swan that attacked Jess and the worlds largest pizza (almost) from Lorelais birthday episode all the painstaking details only true fans can appreciate. And yes, Boote and London have a running Google Doc with pages of ideas for future events. ALLEN PARK -- The Detroit Lions have signed their second big-bodied wideout of the week, inking Allen Robinson off the practice squad on Thursday afternoon. Tim Patrick was also added off the P-squad earlier in the week. Offensive coordinator Ben Johnson said he wanted more size on the perimeter during training camp, but all the big bodies wound up striking out. So the Lions turned to their pro scouting department, which identified Patrick (6-foot-4) and Robinson (6-2) as potential fits. Both players signed with the practice squad heading into Week 1, and Patrick made his Lions debut in Week 2, with Robinson following in Week 3. Patrick has three catches for 20 yards, the only production by a Lions receiver not named Amon-Ra St. Brown or Jameson Williams this season. Robinson played one snap in his Lions debut last week in Arizona. Robinson is a Detroit native who played his high school ball at Orchard Lake St. Marys. He became an All-American at Penn State and was a second-round pick of the Jacksonville Jaguars in 2014. He caught 34 passes for 280 yards in Pittsburgh last season. Franz Ferdinands 2025 tour heads to the U.S. and Canada in March following the release of their new album, The Human Fear. Find tickets on Vivid Seats, SeatGeek, StubHub, and Ticketmaster. The members of Scottish band Franz Ferdinand. (Courtesy of Domino Records). Scottish alternative/indie-rock band Franz Ferdinand is embarking on a 2025 North American and European tour in support of their upcoming album release, The Human Fear, expected January 10. The route hits the States on Monday, March 24, performing at the Midland Theatre in Kansas City, The Fillmore Minneapolis, Brooklyn Paramount, and more before closing out the North American leg at History in Toronto. Upon its release early next year, The Human Fear will be Franz Ferdinands first studio drop since Always Ascending came out in 2018. Ahead of the tour and corresponding album, Take Me Out and Darts of Pleasure remain some of the bands biggest hits. Tickets: Vivid Seats | SeatGeek | StubHub | Ticketmaster Schedule: Mon, Mar 24 Showbox SoDo; Seattle, WA Tues, Mar 25 Commodore Ballroom; Vancouver, BC Fri, Mar 28 Warfield; San Francisco, CA Mon, Mar 31 The Grand At The Complex; Salt Lake City, UT Thurs, Apr 3 The Midland Theatre; Kansas City, MO Fri, Apr 4 The Fillmore Minneapolis; Minneapolis, MN Mon, Apr 7 The Anthem - D.C.; Washington, DC Tues, Apr 8 The Fillmore Philadelphia; Philadelphia, PA Thurs, Apr 10 Brooklyn Paramount; Brooklyn, NY Sat, Apr 12 Orpheum Theatre; Boston, MA Mon, Apr 14 MTelus; Montreal, QC Tues, Apr 15 History; Toronto, ON An estimated 57% of residents are unsatisfied with the quality of Michigan roads, according to a recent road funding survey. However, only 27% are willing to pay more for better infrastructure, and residents are split on the most fair way to fund road improvements in the future as the state seeks a remedy for declining fuel tax revenue. Residents were invited by the state to weigh-in on the future of road funding last winter via an online survey. More than 19,000 residents gave their input, helping leaders gauge interest in a pay-per-mile charging system, among other funding streams. Related: Keep gas tax or adopt pay-per-mile system? Michigan residents are split As it stands, the current funding system leans on a fuel tax and vehicle registration fees. But with an increasing move toward electric and more fuel-efficient vehicles, that revenue isnt keeping up with road deterioration. In 2023, there were nearly 4.25 billion gallons of gas sold in Michigan. Aside from 2020 -- when the COVID pandemic forced many drivers off the roads -- it was the lowest gas sales in more than 20 years, according to Michigan Senate Fiscal Agency data. Revenue from the gas tax fell as a result, affecting road repair funds. It wasnt until 2023 that revenue returned to the levels of 2018 and 2019. The survey, conducted by the firm Via Strategies, was open from late January into early March. Below are five key takeaways from the survey results, released by the Michigan Department of Transportation last week: How do residents feel about existing road conditions? Unsatisfied was the most common answer, with 57% of residents unsatisfied or very unsatisfied with the current quality of roads. Of the remaining respondents, 25% said they were neutral and 18% were either satisfied or very satisfied with conditions. Whats the most fair way to fund roads? Residents were split on whats the most fair method for funding road maintenance and repairs. The states general fund was the most popular answer (31%), followed by a pay-per-mile driven charge (25%) and the existing gas tax (23%). Another 14% of respondents chose other, which may include taxing by vehicle weight, toll roads, or increased fees for electric and hybrid drivers. How popular is a road usage fee system? Sixty percent of respondents said they were familiar with a usage based charge system, even before watching a short educational video as part of the survey. Opinions regarding a pay per mile driven system were about 43% negative and 37% positive before respondents watched the video. Afterward, about 34% were negative and 43% were positive. Where is the most regional interest in the proposed system? The Ann Arbor, Lansing and Detroit regions showed the most interest in a usage based charging system, with about 45% of respondents in support. Officials said thats to be expected given that people tend to travel fewer miles to reach essential destinations in more urbanized regions. Northern Michigan residents, who have to drive further for essential destinations, were most likely to be opposed to the proposed change. Whatre the most common reasons for concern? More than four in 10 respondents said they werent confident that a new system would even result in improved roads. Data and privacy was another significant source of concern (39%), as was the difficulty accurately tracking miles driven (31%). Other popular answers included negative affect on low-income people (27%), having to pay more than under the current system (24%), and being double charged if purchasing fuel in other states with a gas tax (20%). Only 6% of residents said they didnt have any concerns. By ED WHITE Associated Press DETROIT (AP) The Michigan Court of Appeals threw out a manslaughter charge against a Detroit gas station clerk who locked the door before an angry customer shot three bystanders, killing one. Prosecutors have argued that clerk Al-Hassan Aiyashs actions make him criminally responsible. But the appeals court said an involuntary manslaughter charge doesnt fit. It was not reasonably foreseeable that the customer, Samuel McCray, would pull out a gun and start shooting, the court said Wednesday. Aiyash was working behind protective glass at 3 a.m. when McCrays failed attempt to make a $3.80 electronic purchase turned into violence in May 2023. Video showed McCray repeatedly cursing and insisting he was going to leave the gas station with the items. Three more people entered before Aiyash pushed a button to lock the door, keeping the four inside. The door was eventually unlocked. But before anyone left, one person was fatally shot and two more were wounded. Prosecutors seeking to keep the case on track cited a groundbreaking 2023 legal precedent that cleared the way for charges against the parents of Michigan school shooter Ethan Crumbley. Authorities said their sons actions were foreseeable. The appeals court, however, said the Crumbley case is not a match. Holding a defendant criminally liable for a third partys intentional misconduct remains the exception, not the rule, the court said in a 3-0 opinion. The prosecutors office could ask the Michigan Supreme Court to take an appeal. We are currently deciding on next steps, spokesperson Maria Miller said. McCray, meanwhile, faces trial in October on murder and attempted murder charges. ___ Follow Ed White at https://twitter.com/edwritez DETROIT -- A judge who ordered a teenager to be handcuffed for falling asleep in his courtroom during a field trip has returned to the bench, but has been demoted from his previous role. According to the Associated Press, Judge Kenneth King is now overseeing speeding tickets and other smaller cases at the 36th District Court. Kings return to the bench comes after he was suspended and ordered to undergo social-emotional training in the aftermath of having 15-year-old Eva Goodman handcuffed and ordering her to change into jail clothes as a punishment. King also threatened to have the teen jailed before eventually releasing her. We appreciate his efforts in preparing for this role, and wish him success as he transitions into this new responsibility, Judge William McConico said in a statement. McConico serves as the chief judge at the 36th District Court. In response to being moved away from overseeing felony cases Kings lawyer told the AP that his client is willing to work anywhere in the court. He truly understands and wholeheartedly embraces the concept of teamwork, said Todd Perkins, Kings lawyer. Goodmans family has filed a lawsuit against King accusing him of humiliation, false arrest and unlawful detention. The lawsuit claims Kings actions were extreme and outrageous and calculated for the purpose of inflicting fear and severe emotional distress. The family is seeking more than $75,000 in damages and King has apologized for his actions. INKSTER, MI The former mayor of Inkster has pleaded guilty to bribery. Patrick Wimberly, 50, of Inkster, served in the Detroit suburb from 2019 through 2023, but lost reelection after he was charged in a corrupt land deal scheme in which he accepted $50,000. According to United States Attorney Dawn N. Ison, Wimberly regularly received payments between $5,000 and $10,000 from someone who wanted to buy a parcel owned by the city. Wimberlys goal was to collect $100,000, but the FBI stepped in before the property was transferred. Public officials who act in their own best interests, motivated by greed, betray the trust of their communities and the general public, Ison said in a statement. We will continue to aggressively prosecute corrupt public officials for their illegal actions. The bribery charge carries a maximum sentence of 10 years in prison and a fine of $250,000. Wimberly acknowledged last October that he was in trouble, according to the Associated Press. Did I put myself in a situation that I shouldve never been involved with? Yes, I did. I take full responsibility for that, he said in a video. Im going to have to go through the process but know that Im standing here and Im standing strong. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Eaton P. Brown. Cheyvoryea Gibson, Special Agent in Charge of the Detroit Field Office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation was also involved. Investigating public corruption is a primary concern and priority of the FBI in Michigan, Gibson said. Patrick Wimberlys guilty plea is a step forward in reminding public officials that they will be held accountable for their actions and should always operate with the highest level of integrity. Inkster, which has a population of about 25,000, is located in Wayne County about 14 miles southwest of Detroit. OTSEGO COUNTY, MI The death of a man found in Northern Michigan is being investigated has a homicide. The Otsego County Sheriffs Office said Thursday that a 31-year-old Otsego County man was found unresponsive at a home in Hayes Township on Wednesday. He had been dead for an undetermined amount of time, deputies said, but a medical examiner quickly determined he had been murdered. No suspects have been identified, but deputies say they believe it was an isolated incident and that they do not believe there is any danger to the public. Anyone with information is asked to contact the sheriffs office by calling 989-732-3555. Michigan State Police in Grayling are assisting in the investigation. ANTRIM COUNTY, MI -- The Mancelona man who was killed Monday in a motorcycle crash has been identified as longtime paramedic Daniel Patton. In a Facebook post published Thursday, the Traverse City Firefighters L646 offered condolences to Patton and his family, following Mondays crash. Mr. Patton was a well respected paramedic that served Northwest Michigan for the past 25 years. He responded and cared for patients in the City of Traverse City for many of those years. He was dedicated to helping others and had a great personality, reads part of the post. Patton, 54, died after he crashed into the side of a semi-truck that pulled out in front of him at the intersection of Alden Highway and Bailey Road. The semi-truck driver failed to stop at a stop sign according to police. WASHTENAW COUNTY, MI Police were called Thursday afternoon to an Ypsilanti-area high school for an unfounded threat of a firearm. Roughly a half dozen deputies from the Washtenaw County Sheriffs Office were still at Ypsilanti Community High School, 2095 Packard St., in Ypsilanti Township around 2 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 26. A comment was added from attorneys for the eight women. ANN ARBOR, MI - A judge has dismissed the remaining lawsuit against former University of Michigan Rock n Roll professor Bruce Conforth. GRAND RAPIDS, MI Two men charged in connection to a shooting that left one man dead, and a teen badly injured took plea deals for their individual roles in the killing. A third codefendant is awaiting his next court appearance after a plea hearing scheduled earlier this week was adjourned. The shooting happened April 14 as 20-year-old Julius Hight and a 15-year-old boy were walking in the area of Batchawana Drive SE. Grand Rapids police said shots came from two vehicles. Hight was killed and the teens injuries required surgeries and multiple hospital stays, police said. RELATED: 1 dead after double shooting on Grand Rapids Southeast Side Officers found multiple shell casings inside one vehicle that matched those found at the shooting scene. Detectives later used surveillance video, cell phone data, interviews and other evidence to link the three suspects to the shooting. Police arrested Cartier Lawrence-Murray, Gemir Blakely, and Omarion Dixon in October on open murder charges. Blakely, 20, appeared Wednesday, Sept. 25, in Kent County Circuit Court and avoided trial by accepting Kent County prosecutors plea agreement for his part in the shooting. He stood between his defense attorneys and pleaded no contest to second-degree murder, attempted murder and felony firearms. RELATED: 3 accused in April fatal shooting in Grand Rapids As part of the deal, minimum sentencing guidelines will be 20 years for the murder and attempted murder charges plus an additional two years for the gun charge totaling at least 22 years behind bars. Lawrence-Murray, 21, took a plea deal on Monday and pled guilty to identical charges. Both men, who remained lodged in jail, will be sentenced on Nov. 6. An upcoming hearing for Dixon, 19, has not been scheduled, according to online court records. 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. OTTAWA COUNTY, MI Sawyer Schipper encouraged his friends and other teens to be themselves not what others thought they should be. Be yourself, he wrote in a journal. He was, he is, and always will be remembered that way! his father, Michael Schipper, said in an online interview with MLive/The Grand Rapids Press. Sawyer was wise well beyond his years. His son, 16, died Sunday, Sept. 22, in a one-vehicle crash. Related: 1 killed, 2 critically injured in Ottawa County crash He was driving on Lakeshore Drive in Ottawa Countys Park Township just miles from his West Olive home when his vehicle left the road and crashed into a tree. Two passengers suffered serious injuries but are recovering, Michael Schipper said. Sawyers family parents Michael and Chelsea Schipper, and siblings, Henry and Evie is devastated. Our sweet, sweet boy , his parents said on Facebook. The pain is just overwhelming. Sawyer Schipper wrote "Be yourself," a phrase he shared with other teens, in a journal. (Provided by Michael Schipper)Michael Schipper A friend said: Sawyer was such an incredible kid, loved deeply by all of us. He touched our lives in meaningful ways, and we should all strive to love like Sawyer - unconditionally. Born in Grand Rapids, Sawyer attended Holland Christian Schools through the ninth grade then attended ICademy as a sophomore and junior. He loved the outdoors, dirt-biking and hunting, and liked detailing cars, especially his dads, his family said. Best times were with family, his dad said. His humor would light up a room, his contagious laugh could make everyone smile. His dad said he has thought a lot about his sons words: Be yourself. He wrote that in a journal last year, the father said. Sometimes the world is just unfair. But we cannot let anyone else tell us who we are, who we arent, nor who we should be. When everyone else dressed up, Sawyer was in shorts and T-shirt. He was himself and thats just how he rolled. The family has turned to faith in the loss. As much as we dont understand, and as much as it makes us angry, as much as it sounds too simple, this is Gods plan. Sawyers life has purpose and promise, even through his passing, his father wrote on Facebook. Visitation is 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 28, at Central Wesleyan Church in Holland. A celebration of life will be held later. His family is establishing the Sawyer Schipper Memorial Foundation in his honor. Here is his obituary. GRAND RAPIDS, MI - At Caledonia Elementary School, fourth-grader Janessa Munger held up photos of a small wooden disc painted with an American flag-patterned heart. This is my Mona Lisa, Munger said. Munger was one of 1,800 students from three West Michigan schools who were given the prompt and asked to draw, What does living in America look like to you? RELATED: 5 West Michigan schools earn 2024 National Blue Ribbon recognition Their drawings, everything from flags and eagles to Spongebob and capybaras, can now be seen during ArtPrize, part of an exhibit titled Celebrating America and located at Veterans Memorial Park, 101 Fulton St E. The annual international art competition kicked off Sept. 13 and ends Sept. 28. Artist Kelly Dentler created the exhibit along with her husband, Michigan Army National Guard Sergeant and veteran James Dentler. Students from Kent, Kalamazoo and Newaygo counties created the drawings in the spring on wooden discs, which were made into hanging ornaments. Dentler said she and her husband envisioned this project as a way to involve the community in something positive, allowing people to see through the eyes of children and giving a greater appreciation for all the good things that really are good in our country. Political differences are high right now, she said. Theres a lot of negativity about our country during this time period, with the election. We thought, lets ask kids whats great about America. RELATED: 15 years later, can ArtPrize still wow Grand Rapids? Students created the drawings in the spring of 2024 on wooden discs, which were made into hanging ornamentsDanielle James | MLive Dentler said outside of the typical flags and red, white and blue, some of the pictures that made her laugh the most were images like the arches of McDonalds, or one drawing that said Taylor Swift, 2024. Ashton Smith, another Caledonia Elementary fourth grader, said he drew a capybara - the worlds largest living rodent, which is native to South America. I chose a capybara because I love capybaras, he said. Ashton Smith, a Caledonia Elementary fourth-grader, drew a capybara - the worlds largest living rodent, which is native to South America.Danielle James | MLive Fourth grader Claire Abraham drew an Upper Peninsula waterfall, inspired by a hopeful future opportunity to visit the area with her grandfather, while Blessed Karageya painted the word freedom on a red, white and blue background. She said it was to represent Black Americans who didnt historically have the same freedoms. I drew a flag with the word freedom, because back in the 1800s, some people werent treated as well as others, Karegeya said. Four Caledonia Elementary fourth-graders display their drawings, part of an ArtPrize exhibit in Veterans Memorial Park celebrating America From left to right: Janessa Munger, Claire Abraham, Blessed Karageya, Ashton SmithDanielle James | MLive Karegeyas and other students work is one of 27 ArtPrize exhibits created by veterans through Art for Honor, a partnership between the Kent County Veterans Services, Michigan Veterans Affairs Agency and Pamela Alderman Art. Dentler, a painter and project manager for Art for Honor, said the collaborative was started four years ago to expose more veterans to art. It sets up in Veterans Memorial Park each year. She and her husband were inspired this year, Dentler said, to create an exhibit at the Fulton Street entrance to the park that would attract visitors in. Artist Kelly Dentler created the exhibit along with her husband, Michigan Army National Guard Sergeant and veteran James Dentler.Danielle James | MLive Dentler said the couples own children attend Caledonia Community Schools, so they started there with around 1,000 students. The couple also worked with students at Schoolcraft Elementary School, Walker Charter Academy and the VFW Camp Trotter in Newaygo. I reached out to the art teachers at all those schools, and they were all just super willing to do it, because its just really cool for the kids to be part of ArtPrize, she said. Dentler said shes received numerous messages and photos from parents and art teachers who went to visit their exhibits. Both him and I were really happy about how it came together, Dentler said. Its really cool to watch people walk through it, and everybody smiles, because everybody sees something that makes them smile. Dentler said its good for veterans, like her husband and others who have artwork at the park, to see the U.S. painted in a positive way when sometimes were surrounded by a lot of negativity. With the election coming up, it seems like all youre hearing is how horrible our country is, or how horrible our country is going to be, she said. As a veteran, he is a veteran himself, and he actually is still active duty, its good for him to get that reminder too. Dentler said the best part of her job working with Art for Honor is getting to hear the stories of veterans. Thats what the program is all about - giving them an opportunity to share their experience, share their story with the community, she said. A lot of times theyre active duty, they deploy and they do all these things, and then they come home and theres a lot of thank yous and celebrating. Then, I think sometimes they feel a little bit forgotten, she said. I think this is an opportunity for them to really connect. More on MLive: Whats being built in Rockford? It will have 10 exam rooms. Oktoberfest Grand Rapids 2024 guide to beer, bands and events State board waives $500,000 fee for struggling Grand Rapids apartment, retail building Take a peek at new health center opening inside a West Michigan high school JACKSON COUNTY, MI A woman who admitted to firebombing a mans house is wanted by police after she didnt show up in court for her sentencing. A judge issued a bench warrant for San Derria Lee Ervin, Sept. 19, after the probation department notified the court Ervin has disappeared, court records show. Ervin, 25, was on bond and set to be sentenced Sept. 19 on various felony counts in connection with the firebombing Instead, an officer with the probation department was at the hearing to notify the court the office had detected Ervin had cut off her GPS tether about 10:45 p.m. the night prior, Sept. 18, court records show. Ervins whereabouts, as of Thursday, are unknown and she is wanted for failing to appear in court and breaking the conditions of her bond. She admitted in May to second-degree arson and manufacturing explosives three months after authorities arrested her for tossing a pair of lit Molotov cocktails into the home and a vehicle parked in the driveway, court records show. Related: Detroit woman accused of firebombing Jackson County home pleads guilty In exchange, the prosecutors office agreed to reduce a charge of first-degree arson, which carries a possible life sentence, to second-degree and dismiss at sentencing charges of possessing an explosive Molotov cocktail, fourth-degree arson and witness interference in another case associated with the arson, records show. Ervin had previously waived her right to a preliminary examination and was set for trial proceedings. The cases stem from a fire reported at 2:18 a.m. Feb. 27 in the 200 block of Bayport Circle. The homeowner suffered minor injuries when his clothing caught fire while he attempted to put out the fire, according to the Jackson County Sheriffs Office, which investigated. Ervin fled the scene before officers arrived, police said. However, investigators identified her as a suspect and were able to track her entering and fleeing the area at the time of the fire utilizing Flock license plate-reading cameras, police said. The cameras are mounted along public roads in the county. They are not monitored, live video recordings. Instead, they take a single photo of the back of a vehicle, capturing its license plate. The plate captured in the photo, saved for 30 days, is cross-checked with a hotlist. This means if a license number is identified as being involved in an assaultive crime, police will be alerted to where and when the photo was taken. Investigators can also run checks for vehicle descriptions passing through an area. Her bond was reduced from $250,000 to $10,000 when she pleaded guilty and she was released from the Jackson County Jail after paying $5,000 to a bondsman. Anyone with information about Ervins whereabouts is asked to contact the Jackson County Sheriffs Office at 517-768-7901 Want more Jackson-area news? Bookmark the local Jackson news page or sign up for the free 3@3 Jackson daily newsletter. ONSTED, MI An Americana landmark in southeast Michigan is celebrating centenarian status. The Irish Hills Historical Society is hosting a 100-year celebration at the Irish Hills Towers along U.S. 12 near Brooklyn this Saturday, Sept. 28 from 2 to 5 p.m. The three-hour celebration event will feature a food truck, music and allow people to walk the grounds and putt-putt course around the twin towers a former roadside attraction that narrowly escaped demolition several years ago. I figured, 100 years we should make that some sort of an event, said Donna Boglarsky, president of the historical society, which owns the property. Built as a roadside attraction in 1924, the towers eventually closed in 2000 and were condemned by Cambridge Township in 2013 after suffering years of disrepair. The society replaced windows and roof caps, installed siding and performed other restoration to avoid demolition. Today, the towers remain closed to the public due to lack of funding necessary to rehabilitate the structures enough to make them safe to ascend again. The towers once featured observation decks and a bridge at the top. Boglarsky said the eventual goal is to reopen them as a museum, but estimated it would take about $1 million. We are just not in a position to do that, she said. The original 50-foot tower was built by the Michigan Observation Company and opened in 1924 when U.S. 12 was still a dirt road. Admission was five cents. Annoyed at how closely the tower was to his property line, the owner of the other half of the hilltop, Edward Kelley, built a similar tower 12 feet away. It was dubbed the spite tower. Michigan Observation retaliated by adding 14 feet and a viewing area to its tower. Kelley then added another four feet to his tower, which was subsequently matched by Michigan Observation. The feud stopped when the company told Kelley it would build a much-taller steel structure if he didnt stop trying to outdo it. The towers soon became a popular roadside attraction that sprouted a small zoo, amusement rides, a hotel, restaurants and Greyhound bus station. The putt-putt course was built in 1987. The towers closed to the public in 2000 and were added to the National Register of Historic Places in 2007. Boglarsky said a National Register plaque will be installed this weekend, and the event will feature dedications from local legislative representatives. Memorabilia and items from the former gift shop will be on sale. The Irish Hills Towers are located on U.S. 12 roughly 4 miles east of the Michigan International Speedway in Lenawee County. Related stories: Irish Hills Towers spared the wrecking ball Michigan is filled with historic bridges War of 1812 battle site gets archeology grant China, U.S. are partners, not rivals -- Chinese FM Xinhua) 15:04, September 26, 2024 NEW YORK, Sept. 25 (Xinhua) -- The most important lesson from the China-U.S. relationship is that the two countries should be partners, not rivals, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi said here on Wednesday. Wang, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, made the remarks when meeting U.S. representatives from the National Committee on United States-China Relations, the U.S.-China Business Council, the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, the Aspen Institute, the Asia Society, and the Council on Foreign Relations on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly in New York. The U.S. side needs to recognize that China also has the right to develop, Wang said, adding that China's development is an opportunity, not a challenge, for the United States and the world. As permanent members of the UN Security Council and the world's two largest economies, China and the United States should strive for a stable, healthy, and sustainable development of their relationship and work with the international community to address the numerous global challenges facing today's world, Wang said. He expressed hope that the United States will adopt an objective and rational understanding of China to enhance mutual understanding and trust. (Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Zhong Wenxing) Jerry Kracl hasn't always been director of Kracl Funeral Chapels, he said. Once upon a time, he ran the Last Chance Bar with his father, but in 1991, after going back to school and having some work done on his back, he decided to change direction and get licensed for funeral directing and embalming. Two years later, his son Matt Kracl followed suit and the pair started working together. "We both lived in and worked in a funeral home in Leavenworth, Kansas. That's where we learned the trade and then Matt worked in Wahoo for 10 years and my wife and I started (Kracl Funeral Chapels)," Jerry said. The first location opened in Schuyler in 1994 and 10 years later, they bought the David City office and four years after that, one in Leigh. There were a few factors that nudged him in that direction, Jerry said, like health and his personal interest in the work. "I had had several back operations. The bar business was just too rough, and then I was involved in the church, and I liked that aspect of it and the medical part," Jerry said. "I helped the local home for a while, you know, just doing front end stuff, driving cars and I thought, 'Well, might as well try it myself.'" His son, Matt, was studying computer science when he decided to move to funeral directing and embalming 30 years ago. Now Matt's son, Jordan, helps out where he can at the family business. Matt also has an assistant around the office, a comfort dog named Bowzer. She came to them by accident, Matt said, but now she goes wherever he goes, providing a friend for those in mourning. "She lived with a bachelor on a farm and when I went to the house when he died, to get him, I saw her, and I told the guy's daughter the next day, if she needed somewhere to go, I'd take her," Matt said. "About three weeks later, she called and asked I wanted to take her. So she came with me and she's been glued to me since the day I brought her home." Matt said Bowzer is a natural at her job and even seems to have a knack for picking the person who needs her most. "The first day I brought her to the funeral home, I had to meet with a family, and one of the family members walked in and started crying. She goes, 'Oh, you have a comfort dog!' and it was the first time she was there. I just started taking her after that," Matt said. The people are the difference when it comes to funeral directing, Jerry said. Most funeral chapels are going to be pretty similar, he noted, but the people who run them and interact with the families of the deceased make the real difference. "It's the people that you work with," Jerry said. "It's about the service. You know, all funeral homes, we all had the same thing. We all got a hearse, sell caskets, vaults. It's how you take care of the people." They try to focus on that aspect of the business, Jerry added, with things like military insignia that can attach to their hearse or services for those without a clergy. People, Jerry said, are also his favorite part of their work. "It's the people. You get to help people at the worst time in their life and help them through that and start to smile again, come out the other side. It's working with friends and neighbors, and that's the joy that I find in it," Jerry said. Annie Jeffrey Memorial County Health Center has announced details about its 20th Annual Fall Health Fair. This years event will be held at Annie Jeffrey Memorial County Health Center in Osceola on Tuesday, Oct. 1. This years event will have some on-site information available along with discounted blood draws, flu shots, and free skin analysis evaluation. If you are experiencing cold or flu symptoms, including but not limited to fever, coughing and/or shortness of breath, if you or a member of your family have traveled from an area where COVID-19 is spreading or if you or a member of your family have been in close contact to or exposed to someone with a confirmed case of COVID-19, the health center ask you do not attend the health fair. This years event will be held from 6:45 to 11 a.m. Annie Jeffrey Health Center will be providing comprehensive blood screening profiles including general blood chemistry analysis, cholesterol profile, and complete blood cell count at a discounted rate of $35 (a $315 value). Thyroid screening (TSH), diabetes screening (Hemoglobin A1C), Vitamin D, and prostate specific antigen (PSA) testing will also be available for $25 per each additional test requested. All participants who want a blood test are asked to not eat or drink 8-12 hours before the test. You are encouraged to drink as much water as possible to keep hydrated and to take your medications as you usually do. You are asked to bring a self-addressed, stamped legal sized envelope so that your test results can be mailed directly to you. The Comprehensive Blood Screening Profile provides information on your bodys ability to fight infection along with helping identify health issues such as but not limited to anemia, diabetes, heart disease, some clotting disorders, cancers, and liver disease. The thyroid screening, TSH, measures a thyroid stimulating hormone that tells if your thyroid is working too hard or not hard enough. The diabetes screening, Hemoglobin A1C, measures your average blood sugar for the past 2 to 3 months. This test provides a much better indication of long-term glucose control than a blood glucose. Vitamin D screening provides a baseline Vitamin D level which is important since insurance companies will not cover this screening unless you are pre-diagnosed with a deficiency. Vitamin D deficiency presents a silent danger, it has been linked to several different illnesses and conditions including osteoporosis, respiratory diseases, high blood pressure, depression, fatigue, mood changes, psoriasis, muscle weakness, bone pain, and kidney problems. The prostate cancer screening, PSA, measures a prostate specific antigen in men. This protein produced by the prostate gland tells men information about their prostate health. The Polk County Health Department will also be on site offering seasonal flu shots. Regular flu shots will be available to fair goers for $35. The Polk County Health Department will also have High Dose Flu shots available for $76 for individuals with Medicare Advantage and Railroad insurance plans. These are recommended for individuals 65 years of age and older. They will be available at no cost for fair goers with a current Medicare Part B card; this does not include Medicare Advantage or Railroad plans. Donations will be accepted by the health department to help cover the expense of administering the immunizations. The Four Corners Health Department will also be on site offering free blood pressure checks. They will also have their skin scope available to provide a free skin analysis evaluating damage caused by the sun. No appointment is necessary; walk-ins are welcome for lab work and flu shots from 6:45 until 11 a.m. Individuals are encouraged to call 402-747-2031 and ask for Robin to address any questions or concerns. State Police at Carlisle said a Mechanicsburg woman faces charges after she imitated being an FBI agent looking to take custody of an inmate. 8 2024 :, , , , , , 1906 . 1955 , . 1958 . . 1972 . 1996 . 2005 7,6 , 50.000 . Australian Agricultural Company Limited (ASX:AAC Get Free Report) insider David Harris purchased 34,866 shares of the companys stock in a transaction dated Monday, September 16th. The stock was acquired at an average price of A$1.40 ($0.96) per share, with a total value of A$48,812.40 ($33,433.15). Australian Agricultural Price Performance The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 31.55, a current ratio of 5.68 and a quick ratio of 0.52. Get Australian Agricultural alerts: About Australian Agricultural (Get Free Report) Read More Australian Agricultural Company Limited produces and sells cattle and beef in Australia. The company engages in owning, operating, and developing pastoral properties; and produces beef, including breeding, backgrounding, and feedlotting. It provides its products under the Westholme and Darling Downs brands. Receive News & Ratings for Australian Agricultural Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Australian Agricultural and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Envista Holdings Co. (NYSE:NVST Get Free Report) has been given an average rating of Hold by the fourteen brokerages that are currently covering the stock, Marketbeat Ratings reports. Three equities research analysts have rated the stock with a sell recommendation, eight have assigned a hold recommendation and three have given a buy recommendation to the company. The average 1 year price target among brokerages that have covered the stock in the last year is $19.59. Several research analysts have recently weighed in on NVST shares. Stifel Nicolaus lowered their price objective on Envista from $20.00 to $18.00 and set a buy rating for the company in a research report on Tuesday, July 30th. Piper Sandler dropped their price target on Envista from $18.00 to $16.00 and set a neutral rating on the stock in a research note on Tuesday, July 30th. Bank of America lowered their price objective on shares of Envista from $22.00 to $19.00 and set a buy rating for the company in a research note on Thursday, August 8th. Evercore ISI increased their target price on shares of Envista from $18.00 to $23.00 and gave the stock an outperform rating in a research note on Monday. Finally, Needham & Company LLC restated a hold rating on shares of Envista in a report on Thursday, August 8th. Get Envista alerts: View Our Latest Report on NVST Insider Activity at Envista Institutional Trading of Envista In related news, CFO Eric D. Hammes acquired 24,532 shares of the firms stock in a transaction on Monday, August 12th. The stock was purchased at an average cost of $16.33 per share, with a total value of $400,607.56. Following the acquisition, the chief financial officer now owns 24,532 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $400,607.56. The purchase was disclosed in a document filed with the SEC, which is accessible through this link . 1.30% of the stock is owned by insiders. Several institutional investors have recently made changes to their positions in the company. Versant Capital Management Inc boosted its holdings in Envista by 1,420.3% during the second quarter. Versant Capital Management Inc now owns 3,147 shares of the companys stock worth $52,000 after purchasing an additional 2,940 shares during the last quarter. Quadrant Capital Group LLC boosted its stake in shares of Envista by 538.0% in the 4th quarter. Quadrant Capital Group LLC now owns 3,209 shares of the companys stock worth $77,000 after buying an additional 2,706 shares during the last quarter. Innealta Capital LLC bought a new position in shares of Envista in the second quarter valued at approximately $78,000. Summit Securities Group LLC purchased a new stake in shares of Envista during the second quarter valued at approximately $85,000. Finally, Signaturefd LLC lifted its holdings in Envista by 85.9% during the second quarter. Signaturefd LLC now owns 5,345 shares of the companys stock worth $89,000 after acquiring an additional 2,470 shares during the period. Envista Price Performance Envista stock opened at $18.64 on Friday. The firm has a market cap of $3.21 billion, a P/E ratio of -25.94 and a beta of 1.31. The stocks 50 day moving average is $17.52 and its 200 day moving average is $18.44. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.47, a current ratio of 2.22 and a quick ratio of 1.90. Envista has a one year low of $15.15 and a one year high of $28.67. Envista (NYSE:NVST Get Free Report) last posted its quarterly earnings data on Wednesday, August 7th. The company reported $0.11 EPS for the quarter, missing analysts consensus estimates of $0.27 by ($0.16). Envista had a negative net margin of 52.25% and a positive return on equity of 4.86%. The firm had revenue of $633.10 million during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $646.88 million. During the same period in the prior year, the company posted $0.43 earnings per share. The companys revenue for the quarter was down 4.4% compared to the same quarter last year. As a group, research analysts expect that Envista will post 0.69 EPS for the current year. About Envista (Get Free Report Envista Holdings Corporation, together with its subsidiaries, develops, manufactures, markets, and sells dental products in the United States, China, and internationally. The company operates in two segments, Specialty Products & Technologies, and Equipment & Consumables. The Specialty Products & Technologies segment offers dental implant systems, guided surgery systems, biomaterials, and prefabricated and custom-built prosthetics to oral surgeons, prosthodontists and periodontists, and general dentist; and brackets and wires, tubes and bands, archwires, clear aligners, digital orthodontic treatments, retainers, and other orthodontic laboratory products. Further Reading Receive News & Ratings for Envista Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Envista and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Inghams Group Limited (ASX:ING Get Free Report) insider Andrew Reeves acquired 158,373 shares of the firms stock in a transaction that occurred on Monday, September 16th. The stock was bought at an average price of A$1.00 ($0.68) per share, with a total value of A$158,373.00 ($108,474.66). Inghams Group Price Performance The company has a current ratio of 1.08, a quick ratio of 0.48 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 785.75. Get Inghams Group alerts: Inghams Group Increases Dividend The business also recently disclosed a Final dividend, which will be paid on Tuesday, October 8th. Investors of record on Tuesday, October 8th will be paid a $0.08 dividend. This is a positive change from Inghams Groups previous Final dividend of $0.01. This represents a dividend yield of 2.68%. The ex-dividend date is Thursday, September 19th. Inghams Groups payout ratio is currently 59.26%. About Inghams Group Inghams Group Limited, together with its subsidiaries, produces and sells chicken and turkey products in Australia and New Zealand. The company provides frozen, gluten free, and ready to cook chicken and turkey products under the Ingham's brand name. It also offers stock feeds for poultry and pig industries. Featured Stories Receive News & Ratings for Inghams Group Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Inghams Group and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. CCL Industries Inc. (TSE:CCL.B Get Free Report) Senior Officer Sean Washchuk sold 657 shares of the companys stock in a transaction on Friday, September 20th. The shares were sold at an average price of C$82.02, for a total transaction of C$53,887.14. CCL Industries Price Performance Shares of TSE:CCL.B opened at C$81.72 on Thursday. The company has a quick ratio of 1.31, a current ratio of 1.96 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 48.08. The company has a market cap of C$13.65 billion, a P/E ratio of 21.73, a PEG ratio of 0.26 and a beta of 0.56. CCL Industries Inc. has a 52 week low of C$52.82 and a 52 week high of C$82.96. The company has a 50-day moving average price of C$76.72 and a 200 day moving average price of C$73.02. Get CCL Industries alerts: Wall Street Analyst Weigh In Several research firms have issued reports on CCL.B. Scotiabank upped their price objective on shares of CCL Industries from C$80.00 to C$84.00 and gave the company an outperform rating in a research note on Monday, August 12th. BMO Capital Markets upped their price objective on shares of CCL Industries from C$84.00 to C$90.00 in a research note on Thursday, September 12th. CIBC upped their price objective on shares of CCL Industries from C$86.00 to C$88.00 and gave the company an outperform rating in a research note on Wednesday, August 14th. Raymond James increased their target price on shares of CCL Industries from C$84.00 to C$87.00 and gave the stock an outperform rating in a research note on Monday, August 12th. Finally, TD Securities increased their target price on shares of CCL Industries from C$90.00 to C$92.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a research note on Monday, August 12th. Nine research analysts have rated the stock with a buy rating, According to MarketBeat.com, the company presently has a consensus rating of Buy and a consensus target price of C$85.44. About CCL Industries (Get Free Report) CCL Industries Inc manufactures and sells labels, containers, consumer printable media products, technology driven label solutions, polymer bank note substrates, and specialty films. The company operates through four segments: CCL, Avery, Checkpoint, and Innovia. The CCL segment offers pressure sensitive and specialty extruded film materials for decorative, instructional, functional, and security applications in the consumer packaging, healthcare, chemicals, consumer electronic device, and automotive markets. Featured Articles Receive News & Ratings for CCL Industries Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for CCL Industries and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Ranger Energy Services, Inc. (NYSE:RNGR Get Free Report) SVP J. Matt Hooker sold 7,803 shares of the companys stock in a transaction that occurred on Friday, September 20th. The shares were sold at an average price of $12.27, for a total transaction of $95,742.81. Following the transaction, the senior vice president now directly owns 92,600 shares in the company, valued at approximately $1,136,202. The sale was disclosed in a filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is accessible through the SEC website. J. Matt Hooker also recently made the following trade(s): Get Ranger Energy Services alerts: On Friday, August 23rd, J. Matt Hooker sold 7,803 shares of Ranger Energy Services stock. The shares were sold at an average price of $11.92, for a total value of $93,011.76. Ranger Energy Services Stock Performance Shares of NYSE:RNGR opened at $11.94 on Thursday. Ranger Energy Services, Inc. has a 1 year low of $9.27 and a 1 year high of $14.64. The stock has a 50-day simple moving average of $11.83 and a 200-day simple moving average of $11.07. The stock has a market capitalization of $265.31 million, a P/E ratio of 17.56 and a beta of 0.49. Ranger Energy Services Dividend Announcement Ranger Energy Services ( NYSE:RNGR Get Free Report ) last issued its earnings results on Monday, July 29th. The company reported $0.21 EPS for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $0.06 by $0.15. The business had revenue of $138.10 million for the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $138.00 million. Ranger Energy Services had a net margin of 2.61% and a return on equity of 5.73%. During the same quarter last year, the firm posted $0.24 EPS. The business also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Friday, August 23rd. Shareholders of record on Friday, August 9th were issued a $0.05 dividend. This represents a $0.20 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 1.68%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Friday, August 9th. Ranger Energy Servicess dividend payout ratio is presently 29.41%. Analysts Set New Price Targets Several research firms recently weighed in on RNGR. Barclays increased their target price on Ranger Energy Services from $12.00 to $13.00 and gave the stock an equal weight rating in a research report on Friday, August 16th. Piper Sandler dropped their price target on shares of Ranger Energy Services from $13.00 to $12.00 and set a neutral rating for the company in a research report on Monday, July 15th. Read Our Latest Stock Report on RNGR Institutional Inflows and Outflows A number of institutional investors have recently made changes to their positions in RNGR. Gladius Capital Management LP purchased a new stake in Ranger Energy Services during the 2nd quarter worth $30,000. CWM LLC raised its position in shares of Ranger Energy Services by 60.2% in the 2nd quarter. CWM LLC now owns 3,512 shares of the companys stock valued at $37,000 after purchasing an additional 1,320 shares in the last quarter. Victory Capital Management Inc. purchased a new position in shares of Ranger Energy Services during the 4th quarter valued at approximately $96,000. Acadian Asset Management LLC acquired a new stake in shares of Ranger Energy Services during the second quarter worth approximately $125,000. Finally, Hsbc Holdings PLC bought a new stake in shares of Ranger Energy Services in the 2nd quarter worth about $134,000. 68.10% of the stock is owned by institutional investors and hedge funds. Ranger Energy Services Company Profile (Get Free Report) Ranger Energy Services, Inc provides onshore high specification well service rigs, wireline services, and complementary services to exploration and production companies in the United States. It operates through three segments: High Specification Rigs, Wireline Services, and Processing Solutions and Ancillary Services. Recommended Stories Receive News & Ratings for Ranger Energy Services Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Ranger Energy Services and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Maggie Beer Holdings Limited (ASX:MBH Get Free Report) insider Thomas (Tom) Kiing bought 10,208,993 shares of the companys stock in a transaction on Thursday, September 19th. The stock was bought at an average price of A$0.05 ($0.04) per share, with a total value of A$541,076.63 ($370,600.43). Maggie Beer Price Performance The company has a quick ratio of 1.22, a current ratio of 2.28 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 9.65. Get Maggie Beer alerts: Maggie Beer Company Profile (Get Free Report) Recommended Stories Maggie Beer Holdings Limited manufactures and sells food and beverage products in Australia. It operates through three segments, Maggie Beer Products, Hampers & Gifts Australia, and Paris Creek Farms. The company provides pates, fruit pastes, jams, sugo, sauces, wine, and other products under the Maggie Beer brand; and hampers and gifts under the Hamper Emporium and Gifts Australia brand; and organic dairy products, such as unsalted butter, bush honey and vanilla yogurt, swiss style cheese, triple cream brie, cream on top milk, and natural swiss yogurt under the Paris Creek Farms brand. Receive News & Ratings for Maggie Beer Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Maggie Beer and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. *We collect cookies for the functioning of our website and to give you the best experience. This includes some essential cookies. Cookies from third parties which may be used for personalization and determining your location. By clicking 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies to enhance your personalized experience on our site. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy *I agree to the updated privacy policy and I warrant that I am above 16 years of age I agree to the processing of my personal data for the purpose of personalised recommendations on financial and similar products offered by MoneyControl I agree personalized advertisements and any kind of remarketing/retargeting on other third party websites I agree to receive direct marketing communications via Emails and SMS Please select (*) all mandatory conditions to continue. I Accept USER CONSENT We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. We also capture cookies to obtain your feedback, analyse your use of our products and services and provide content from third parties. By clicking on 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies and other tracking technologies. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy. *We collect cookies for the functioning of our website and to give you the best experience. This includes some essential cookies. Cookies from third parties which may be used for personalization and determining your location. By clicking 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies to enhance your personalized experience on our site. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy *I agree to the updated privacy policy and I warrant that I am above 16 years of age I agree to the processing of my personal data for the purpose of personalised recommendations on financial and similar products offered by MoneyControl I agree personalized advertisements and any kind of remarketing/retargeting on other third party websites I agree to receive direct marketing communications via Emails and SMS Please select (*) all mandatory conditions to continue. I Accept Kerrville, TX (78028) Today Some clouds this evening will give way to mainly clear skies overnight. Low around 60F. Winds light and variable.. Tonight Some clouds this evening will give way to mainly clear skies overnight. Low around 60F. Winds light and variable. Museum's themed exhibition celebrates Handan tourism conference Chinadaily.com.cn) 15:36, September 26, 2024 With the opening of the 7th Handan Tourism Industry Development Conference in Daming county of Handan city in Hebei province on Sept 21, local museums are delving deeply into the cultural imagery of the Song Dynasty (960-1279), offering a cultural feast that celebrates this rich historical period. Daming county, with its profound historical roots, was one of the three main capitals during the Northern Song Dynasty (960-1127). Today, it is leveraging its historical and cultural heritage to boost tourism development. As a significant event of the conference, the Song Dynasty Jinshi Art Museum has recently planned a grand themed exhibition featuring ancient porcelains and coins. The exhibition is organized into 16 chapters, each showcasing the unique historical atmosphere of the era through its distinct cultural logic. The exhibits include 32 elegant porcelains from the Song Dynasty and the Yuan Dynasty (1271-1368), as well as coins inscribed with different scripts of the Khitan, Tangut, Mongol and Jurchen peoples. Additionally, the exhibition features coins with inscriptions by renowned scholars, politicians and calligraphers from Chinese history such as Su Dongpo, Sima Guang, Wang Anshi and Fan Zhongyan, among others. The Song Dynasty Jinshi Art Museum has now become a stunning landmark within the historical and cultural blocks of the county. The museum comprises several specialized institutions, including the Song Dynasty Porcelain Culture Appreciation Museum, the Daming Jinshi Research Institute, the Coin and Folklore Study Center, the Wulu City Jade Culture Research Institute, and the Han and Tang Dynasty Bronze Culture Research and Appreciation Park. (Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Zhong Wenxing) A view of the exterior of Gracie Mansion, the official residence of New York City Mayor Eric Adams, amid reports that he will be charged with federal crimes in New York City, Sept. 26, 2024. Kenyan service provider Safaricom has been in the news this week for an initiative involving healthcare and also for a sustainability-linked loan. The company has reportedly collaborated with a coalition of businesses to introduce a multi-million-dollar Integrated Healthcare Information Technology System (IHTS system) in Kenya to support the Ministry of Health. Safaricom will lead a partnership that includes Apeiro, said to be a subsidiary of Abu Dhabi-based investment firm, Sirius International Holding, and East Africa-based local technology firm Konvergenz Network Solutions to deliver the IHITS. These three partners will invest roughly US$815 million over ten years to develop, manage and support the IHTS system, beginning in February 2025. The consortium will recover the investment through monthly instalments based on the successful completion of key milestones. The project's key component, according to ITWeb Africa, is the establishment of a Health Information Exchange. This will enhance interoperability among all health systems in the country, allowing for the unification of patient records across healthcare facilities, boosting efficiency and continuity of service. The project also aims to develop a Standards-Based Integrated Hospital Management Information System to digitise public health facilities. The initiative will provide a comprehensive infrastructure for Kenya's digital healthcare ecosystem. This will feature a locally hosted health cloud, devices such as tablets and PCs for healthcare personnel, and a secure mobile and fixed network infrastructure across public health facilities. Power backup systems will ensure uninterrupted operations. Cybersecurity, patient data protection and compliance with Kenyan legislation will also be part of the package, along with training support, project management, and the rollout of technology components nationwide. Safaricom has also this week announced that it has raised about US$116.73 million via the second tranche of a sustainability-linked loan from a consortium of local banks. The sustainability-linked loan programme began last year with a similar amount in the first tranche. The cash will be used for such investments as the conversion of Safaricoms transmission sites to renewable energy instead of expensive and polluting diesel. Zimbabwean telecommunications firm, Powertel Communications, has thrown down the gauntlet to global satellite internet giant, Starlink, claiming superior speed and affordability. The company, a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Zimbabwe Electricity Supply Authority (ZESA) and a Class A Internet Access Provider licensed by POTRAZ, boasts speeds exceeding those offered by Starlink, while matching its entry-level pricing. Powertels acting managing director, Willard Nyagwande, made the bold assertions during a recent connectivity products briefing in Harare. He highlighted a significant US$10 million investment aimed at enhancing Powertels service and solidifying its competitive edge. Nyagwande directly challenged Starlinks advertised speeds and said their network speed is up to four times faster than Starlinks speeds. The speed for Starlink goes up to 250 Mbps; its not a secret, ours can go up to Gigabit per second, he stated. He further emphasised the reliability of Powertels infrastructure: Why would you invest in other technologies that are not all-weather friendly? I want you to be loyal to the most dependable technologies. Powertel leverages a diverse technological infrastructure, including satellite, LEO, LTE, 5G wireless radio technology, and its primary technology fibre optic cables utilising existing ZESA pylons across Zimbabwe. This extensive network, Nyagwande explained, underpins the companys strategy of providing universal access to both data and electricity. Our clientele is the corporate world, the retail market and our drive called urban and rural datafication. I want Zimbabweans to understand that our strategy is to give universal access to data as well as electricity, he said. The companys confidence stems from its substantial investment in infrastructure development. Six months ago, Powertel announced its pursuit of both domestic and foreign partners to implement a new optical ground wire (OPGW) project, significantly boosting internet connectivity. This is further evidenced by a recent US$5.5 million investment in a dual gateway between Zimbabwe and South Africa via Beitbridge, designed to enhance network redundancy and affordability. This year, we have invested more than US$5.5 million in building another gateway, a dual gateway into South Africa through Beitbridge in trying to embrace our redundancy [in case] Mozambique, Beitbridge or Plumtree are down. As you know, in Zimbabwe, internet is very affordable through Beitbridge, so we have invested more than US$5.5 million and that link is almost done, Nyagwande explained. This investment is part of a larger plan outlined in Powertels network investment roadmap, allocating up to US$355 million to fixed access and over US$50 million to LTE, 5G, and the national backbone network. An additional US$2 million has been invested in acquiring its own technologies, rather than relying on borrowed solutions. In terms of investment, remember our brand is 25 years old. We have continued to invest in fibre technology, wireless technology and geo technology, Nyagwande added. Powertel operates an extensive network comprising an optic fibre backbone network, an optic fibre distribution network, and optic fibre and wireless access networks. This infrastructure allows for blazing-fast internet speeds of up to 1 Gbps, significantly faster than Starlinks advertised maximum of 250 Mbps. Technology experts generally agree that fibre internet offers superior speed and lower costs compared to satellite internet, although fibre availability is more limited geographically. Fibre internet, delivered via cables, utilises electricity to transmit data, resulting in its high-speed capabilities. The companys commitment to providing reliable, affordable internet is evident in its promotional materials. Powertels website boasts of lightning fast and uninterrupted connectivity no matter what Mother Nature throws at you!, highlighting the weather-dependent nature of satellite internet services like Starlink. The company directly challenges Starlinks pricing, offering an unlimited home internet package from as little as $30, mirroring Starlinks entry-level offering. Another promotional phrase on the website reads: Whether it is sunny days or cloudy days, whatever the weather, our hybrid connectivity solutions have your business reliably covered at the most affordable price. Furthermore, Powertel has already demonstrated its capacity for large-scale projects. Nyagwande revealed that 200km of ZESA and PowerTel lines have been connected to Bikita Minerals, addressing connectivity challenges within the mining sector. This initiative also involved millions of dollars invested to enable ZETDC to connect miners such as Dinson Iron and Steel Company and Bikita Minerals. We recently powered up Bikita Minerals and as we speak now, they are both electrified and datafied by ZETDC and Powertel, enjoying speeds of more than 100 gigabites per second so that is our relationship. So, if we put that investment combined, it is a lot, Nyagwande confirmed. The entry of Starlink into the Zimbabwean market has ignited a price war, intensifying competition among internet service providers. Econet Wireless Zimbabwe (EWZ), the countrys largest mobile network operator, is also responding aggressively, currently conducting a closed beta test of unlimited data packages priced at $15, $23, and $30 per month for select subscribers. Upon completion of this trial, Econet plans to offer these competitively priced packages to the general public. While Powertel highlights its strengths, the challenges faced by internet service providers in Zimbabwe, such as vandalism and accidental damage to infrastructure, remain a significant factor. For instance, this reporter experienced a week-long internet outage in Marondera in November 2014 while using Powertel, reportedly due to a severed cable caused by another ISP during trench digging. At the time, the lack of a local Powertel office made it difficult to obtain immediate information, with ZESA employees in Marondera providing the explanation. Breaking News via Email Related Zimbabwe Latest News Bird Song of the Day Sage Thrasher, Gunnison, Colorado, United States. Twelve minutes! I guess people become fascinated with the mimicry and wonder what will come next? * * * In Case You Might Miss * * * Politics So many of the social reactions that strike us as psychological are in fact a rational management of symbolic capital. Pierre Bourdieu, Classification Struggles * * * Trump Assassination Attempts (Plural) Biden pretends to squish a bug on the table on The View after Whoopi Goldberg compared Trump to an insect following two assassination attempts [Daily Mail]. Forty days to go, so theres still time for the light bulb to go on in some lone gunpersons brain. Wowsers: Ready for a mindf**k? This video includes a precise POV rendition of the golf course assassination attempt on Trump It is 2 1/2 years old https://t.co/eUr52mziLk Walter Kirn (@walterkirn) September 25, 2024 Not sure what to make of this. 2024 Less than fifty days to go! Fridays RCP Poll Averages: Once again, the Democrats must be very puzzled to have virtual unanimity across the political spectrum that Harris is the one, and yet the election is a virtual tie. How can this be? Perhaps a few more Republicans, generals, or celebrities will turn the tide. * * * Kamala (D): FULL TRANSCRIPT: Kamala Harris Speech At Pittsburgh, PA (Sept. 25, 2024) [The Singju Post (venue)]. And I promise you I will be pragmatic in my approach. I will engage in what Franklin Roosevelt called bold, persistent experimentation. Because I believe we shouldnt be constrained by ideology and instead should seek practical solutions to problems. Realistic assessments of what is working and what is not. Applying metrics to our analysis. Applying facts to our analysis. And stay focused, then, not only on the crises at hand, but on our big goals. On whats best for America over the long term. And part of being pragmatic means taking good ideas from wherever they come. Listen, you all know my career. Andrea shared it with you. I am a devout public servant. I also know the limitations of government. Ive always been and will always be, and be clear about this, Ive always been and will always be a strong supporter of workers and unions. I also believe we need to engage those who create most of the jobs in America. Look, Im a capitalist. I believe in free and fair markets. I believe in consistent and transparent rules of the road to create a stable business environment. And I know the power of American innovation. Ive been working with entrepreneurs and business owners my whole career. And I believe companies need to play by the rules. Respect the rights of workers and unions and abide by fair competition. And if they dont, I will hold them accountable. And if anyone has a question about that, just look at my record as Attorney General. Look at my record in California, taking on the big banks for predatory lending. For Kamalas record on taking on big banks, see NC here. On the mortgage settlement after the Crash, see NC here. And in any case, if you believe Biden now, Kamala was practically co-president during his entire term. So why are we only hearing about this now, 40 days before the election? (And when did people start saying Franklin Roosevelt instead of FDR? Under Obama, wasnt it? It always bugged me that now we leave out Delano, too. Kamala (D): Read the transcript of Kamala Harris exclusive solo MSNBC interview [MSNBC]. The start: RUHLE: Madam Vice President, you just laid out your economic vision for the future. HARRIS: Yes. RUHLE: But, still, there are lots of Americans who dont see themselves in your plans. For those who say, these policies arent for me, what do you say to them? [what a banal softball lambert] HARRIS: Well, if you are hardworking, if you have the dreams and the ambitions and the aspirations of what I believe you do, youre in my plan. I have to tell you, I really love and am so energized by what I know to be the spirit and character of the American people. We have ambition. We have aspirations. We have dreams. We can see whats possible. We have an incredible work ethic. But not everyone has the access to the opportunities that allow them to achieve those things. But we dont lack for those things. But not everyone gets handed stuff on a silver platter. And so my vision for the economy I call it an opportunity economy is about making sure that all Americans, wherever they start, wherever they are, have the ability to actually achieve those dreams and those ambitions, which include, for middle-class families, just being able to know that their hard work allows them to get ahead, right? I think we cant and we shouldnt aspire to have an economy that just allows people to get by. People want to do more than just get by. They want to get ahead. And I come from the middle class. The rest of it is in substance the same as the Pittsburgh speech, except (naturally) no mention of FDR (Pittsburgh being a union town). Commentary: Strong interview for @KamalaHarris just now w/@SRuhle on @MSNBC. Good, detailed conversation on the economy. The @VP made a good case for her plan and the values behind it. David Axelrod (@davidaxelrod) September 25, 2024 I think Axelrod is stretching it with conversation. (Here the Daily Mail uses how you gonna pay for it as a gotcha; NC readers know about MMT, so theres no gotcha here. Kamala doesnt know, and so slithers off into fair share foofra). Kamala (D): Huge ad spending pours into defining Harris in the blue wall battlegrounds [NBC]. The deck: Michigan, Pennsylvania and Wisconsin are absorbing more than half of the presidential campaigns ad spending, with both sides trying to fill in voters perceptions of Harris. And: Harris campaign is running an equal mix of positive and negative ads on broadcast TV, according to the tracking firm AdImpact, while former President Donald Trumps campaign is running almost exclusively negative and contrast ads a demonstration of how focused voters and both campaigns are on defining Harris as she runs against a three-time candidate who has inspired entrenched views among American voters. Its simple: Everyone has made up their mind about Donald Trump. Trumps numbers are the stickiest things in politics; they dont move, said Alex Conant, a Republican strategist and presidential campaign veteran. Whats moveable is Harris weve seen a lot of movement in her numbers since she entered the race, Conant continued, noting the dramatic increase in Harris favorability numbers since she took over as the Democratic Partys presidential candidate. And there are a lot of voters who havent made up their minds about her because shes new to the campaign, so theres an ability to introduce new information. Thats why youre seeing Trump pounding negative information about Harris and Harris feeling the need to give positive information to push back. The trend is similar to how the two parties handled the same period in the 2020 election when Joe Biden ran a significantly higher share of contrast and positive ads compared with Trump, who relied primarily on contrast and negative ads but still ran a small share of positive spots. * * * Trump (R): Trump Should Be Running Away With the Election. Why Isnt He? [The Free Press]. With only a handful of interviews and some help from a sympathetic press corps, Harris has shed her image as the most unpopular vice president in recent history and rebranded as a viable candidate. But more to the point, Trump has allowed her to rebrand. Instead of working hard to convince voters Harris is unfit for the top job, the Trump campaign has wasted too much time on two things: stupid stuff and bad stuff. First, the stupid. On Saturday, Trump posted a video on Truth Social, hawking silver Trump Coins. Last week he paid a visit to a bar in Greenwich Village, where he bought a burger with cryptocurrency (all part of a Trumpworld crypto push). None of this screams I am laser-focused on delivering victory in November. Second, the bad. Hanging out with nutso racist troll Laura Loomer. Preemptively blaming the Jews if he loses in November. Indulging an unproven, sinister fantasy about pet-eating Haitian migrants in Ohio. Greenlighting J.D. Vances onstage appearance with Tucker Carlson last Saturdayjust weeks after Carlson interviewed a Nazi apologist [Darryl Cooper] who he called the best and most honest popular historian working in the United States today. All of thisthe stupid and the badhurts Trumps reelection chances. (Though at least the Trump campaign was smart enough to snub Mark Robinson from a recent North Carolina rally after reports revealed the gubernatorial candidate calls himself a black Nazi on porn websites.) All of this is to say: We are a long way from Butler, Pennsylvania. In the aftermath of the Trump assassination attempt, people around the former president described him as a changed man. Yep. As I pointed out at the time, Trump had the opportunity to turn from a Heel into a Face (which he tried for a moment at the beginning of his acceptance speech at the Republican National Convention, but he didnt persist in it). Theres still a chance for him to make a populist turn in the next 40 days, because IMNHSO Kamalas support cannot but be shallow in the newly persuaded, but the bell will soon signal the end of the round. Trump (R) (Smith/Chutkan): The fruits of Jack Smiths 2-year investigation into Trump will land on Tanya Chutkans desk today [Politico]. On Thursday, Smiths prosecutors are scheduled to submit to Chutkan a 180-page dossier distilling their case against Trump the fruits of a two-year investigation that included secret grand jury testimony from former Vice President Mike Pence and former chief of staff Mark Meadows. It is likely the special counsels final chance before Election Day to lay out his case for why Trump deserves to be put on trial and convicted. The filing a legal brief accompanied by supporting exhibits is expected to contain never-before-seen evidence about Trumps efforts to subvert the last election. It could include snippets of interviews prosecutors conducted with some of Trumps top advisers, documents Smith procured from the National Archives and a log of Trumps Twitter activity as violence raged [oh come on] on Jan. 6, 2021. But prosecutors are not going to file these documents publicly. They must first submit them under seal to Chutkan, who will then decide how much of the evidence is fit for public release. Its all a far cry from the dramatic courtroom showdown Smiths team had been preparing for a year ago, when they hoped to bring the case quickly before a jury. But it is likely to include damaging details for Trump just weeks before Election Day. Trumps lawyers oppose any disclosure of the evidence that prosecutors have amassed, arguing that it amounts to interference in the final weeks of the campaign. They have repeatedly called for the entire case to be dismissed in light of the Supreme Courts July 1 decision granting broad immunity for official presidential acts. But the very purpose of Smiths brief is to advise Chutkan on how much of the case can proceed in light of the immunity ruling. Prosecutors are expected to argue that most of Trumps allegedly criminal acts were in his capacity as a political candidate, not as president or that any purportedly official acts are not entitled to immunity. The very purpose my Sweet Aunt Fanny. Trump (R): Watchdog report on Justice Departments Jan. 6 response wont be done by election [Politico]. How odd. Trump (R): In blow to Trump campaign, Nebraska wont go through with electoral vote change [Scripps]. In a blow to the Republican party and its presidential nominee, Donald Trump, Nebraskas governor said Tuesday he wouldnt call a special session to change how electoral votes in the state are awarded. The decision follows a key state senator saying he would not support the effort. Former President Trump and his allies have been pressuring the state to change its 32-year law that awards electoral votes by congressional district instead of a statewide vote, otherwise known as a winner-take-all system. In winner-take-all states, the candidate winning the popular vote receives all of the states electoral votes. But in Maine and Nebraska, the states popular vote winner receives two electoral votes, and the popular vote winner in each congressional district receives one electoral vote. Nebraska has three congressional districts, and the Republican party believes their candidate will win two along with the two electoral votes coming from the states popular vote. But its Nebraskas 2nd District thats pushed the party to rally for a change in the electoral system, as the Omaha-based seat has tilted blue recently and could be the single electoral vote to decide a 269-269 tie. But no. * * * Its not just Springfield, Haitians being flown to small towns nationwide [Center Square]. Note lack of agency in being flown. This continues throughout the story. Springfield, MO: due to an influx.' Sylacauga, AL: being dropped into their community. Coffee County, TN: are scheduled to arrive. Charleroi, PA: has grown. Del Rio, TX: descended on. Is it too much to ask who, if anyone, organized the flying, the influx, the arrival, the growth, and the descent? Surely it would not have been hard for the writer to have included this information in the story. Is there a Haitian refugee program, as for the Hmong? (For example, a few Somalis chose Lewiston, ME because of low cost of living and cheap land, despite the snow. More followed. The process was organic.) * * * The Undecided Voters Are Not Who You Think They Are [Ron Brownstein, The Atlantic]. When most people think about a voter still trying to make up their mind, they probably imagine a person who is highly likely to vote but uncertain whether to support Harris, Trump, or a third-party candidate. Both political parties, however, are more focused on a differentand much largergroup of undecideds: potential voters who are highly likely to support Harris or Trump, but unsure if they will vote at all. Campaigns typically describe the first group of reliable but conflicted voters as persuadable; they frequently describe the second group as irregular voters. Persuadable voters get the most attention from the media, but campaigns recognize that irregular voters can loom much larger in the outcomeespecially in presidential elections when more of them ultimately participate. And: Among the operatives and strategists that I spoke with in both parties, the best estimate is that just 4 to 7 percent of voters in the battleground states are such persuadablespeople highly likely to vote but genuinely uncertain about whom they will support. But: Catalist, a Democratic voter-targeting firm, shared with me data rarely disclosed in public, based on its modeling, that attempt to quantify the number of infrequent voters in each of the swing states who lean strongly toward Harris or Trump. That research shows, first, that across the battleground states white people without a college degree routinely account for 70 percent or more of the Trump-leaning nonvoters; and, second, that people of color make up a big majority of Harriss potential targets across the Sun Belt battlegrounds, as well as in Michigan. In the three big Rust Belt battlegroundsMichigan, Pennsylvania, and Wisconsinworking-class white women without a college degree, Catalists projections show, also make up a significant share of the voters who lean Democratic but dont vote regularly. The infrequent voters on both parties target list have some common characteristics, other strategists say. Part of what you are seeing in this electorate is: a) a lot of anger; but b) discouragement, Page Gardner, a Democratic expert on voter turnout, told me. People are discouraged about their lives and feel Im trying really hard and Im not getting anywhere. Against that backdrop, she said, the challenge for Democrats is giving them some sort of agency to feel like my vote matters, because a lot of people feel that no one is paying attention to them.' This accords well with alert reader ChrisRUEcons comment yesterday: Those undecideds are likely Chris-Arnade-Dignity adjacent (for undecided, read irregular). If you squint, you can see Kamala trying to make the irregular voters believe their vote counts; Im not sure her logos, ethos, and pathos are up to the task, though. Trump taking over a MacDonalds grill would blow that verbiage away. Happiness swings votes and Americas current mood could scramble expectations of young and old voters [The Conversation]. Research worldwide indicates that happy people prefer keeping things the same, and they tend to vote for the incumbent in political elections. Voters who arent as happy are more open to anti-establishment candidates, seeing the government as a source of their discontent. These findings may help to explain the Democratic Partys waning support among young people. The changing political preferences of unhappy young Americans are particularly revealing when compared with those of older Americans, who have been getting happier in recent years. The 2024 presidential candidates seem to have intuited this. The Harris campaign is all about joy and celebrating happiness and community. The Trump campaign adopts an angrier tone and a grievance-filled approach. Change (not happy) vs. More of The Same (happy). Somehow, I dont think the irregular dignity voters (see above) are happy. But will they be unhappy enough to get off the couch? Democrats en Deshabille NYC Mayor Eric Adams indicted on 5 federal public corruption charges, including bribery and wire fraud [CNN]. Well, so much for Black cop with a million-watt smile. More: The indictment alleges illegal actions stretching back to 2014, from when he was Brooklyn Borough president. For nearly a decade, Adams sought and accepted improper valuable benefits, such as luxury international travel, including from wealthy foreign businesspeople and at least one Turkish government official seeking to gain influence over him, the indictment reads. Specifically, Adams received luxury travel and other benefits from a Turkish official and later in exchange pressured the NYC Fire Department to open a Turkish consular building without a fire inspection, the indictment says. The mayor engaged in a long-running conspiracy, Damian Williams, the US Attorney for the Southern District of New York, said Thursday. ;Mayor Adams took these contributions even though he knew they were illegal, Williams said. He knew these contributions were attempts by a Turkish government official and Turkish businessmen to buy influence with him. Adams said Thursday morning he was not surprised by the charges and encouraged the public to wait to hear our defense before making any judgments, adding he would not be changing his day-to-day responsibilities in light of the indictment. Turkey? Why?! Realignment and Legitimacy Partisan Split on Election Integrity Gets Even Wider [Gallup]. Fifty-seven percent of Americans say they are very or somewhat confident that the votes for president this year will be accurately cast and counted. That aligns with how Americans have viewed the election results most years since 2008. However, it masks Democrats becoming more confident in the process and Republicans becoming less so. This has led to a record-high 56-percentage-point partisan gap, with 84% of Democrats versus 28% of Republicans having faith in the accuracy of the vote . This is a big problem, to understate radically. Any Sanders voter knows Democrats have no issue with jiggering election results. Any Green voter knows that Democrats ruthlessly control all aspects of the balloting process (that being the distinctive competence of the modern political party). And given that digital = hackable, hand-marked paper ballots, hand-counted in public, are the only way to truly secure the vote (and how odd that nobody in the intelligence community, which is quietly but busily amassing the power to legitimate or delegitimate election results, supports them). All that said, Trumps attempt to challenge the 2020 election result driven by the kraken lady and poor old brokedown Rudy Guiliani, and taking into account exactly zero technical experts from the balloting communmity was farcically bad; given every advantage, the AZ recount effort came up dry. So we the voters are in the unenviable position of knowing that the opportunity for fraud exists, while having no evidence that a fraud has been committed in the last Presidential election (and dont @ me without showing a non-crank lawsuit now wending its way through the courts). And that said, threatening election workers makes me want to defend the little old church ladies who checked my name against the voter roll, and gave me an I voted sticker after I handed in my ballot. Very unpleasant possibilities for stochastic terrorism here, I would say. Nobody said the volatility would stop the day after election day. The Potential National Security Consequences of Unplanned Domestic Military Missions [Lawfare]. The headline, combined with the Lawfare venue, gives me pause. What missions do they have in mind, exactly? It reads like Imperial bafflegab, but if I wanted to translate this concluding paragraph into something more menacing, it would not be hard to do: Many interrelated factors should be carefully examined when considering the use of the military. The defense mission and core capabilities developed to carry it out often do not correspond to the skills needed to perform domestic tasks. Serious and likely harmful consequences flow from diverting the armed forces and the resources that support them to missions more appropriately tasked to domestic agencies. Those consequences include distracting the military from its main functiondeterring and if necessary fighting Americas warsand blurring the lines between what civilians are trained and resourced to do and what is expected from a professional military. Speedrunning The History Of The Intelligence State [Mike Benz, RealClearPolitics]. Good research, and you should consider reading in full. Heres how it starts out: Well sort of speed-run the essential history all the way up to the present, but were going to start in the year 1948. This is the sort of Year Zero of the founding of the intelligence capacities of the U.S. government. Instead of learning what youd find in an ordinary history book, were going to start with a document that Im curious if anyone has ever seen, called The Inauguration of Organized Political Warfare. Did you know that George Kennan, in 1948, wrote this memo called The Inauguration of Organized Political Warfare? George Kennan is known as a godfather figure of American diplomacy and the Central Intelligence Agency. He was famous for his long telegram and was the chief strategist of the containment strategy against the Soviet Union during the Cold War. But before all that, when all of this was getting started, he penned this top-secret memo, which was not declassified for 60 years. It was declassified in 2005, and I think it helps elucidate the story as were going to proceed here. Were going to go through this memo, but I want to give some context first. The Inauguration of Organized Political Warfare was written just 12 days after the Central Intelligence Agency did its first government overthrow operation, its first election-rigging event. That was on April 18, 1948, and this memo was written just 12 days after that. Quite an introduction. Read the whole thing, and youll see why I place it here. Its hard to draw connections without creating a yarn diagram especially in the right-wing fever swamp but Benz avoids that here. Very clarifying. Syndemics I am in earnest I will not equivocate I will not excuse I will not retreat a single inch AND I WILL BE HEARD. William Lloyd Garrison * * * Covid Resources, United States (National): Transmission (CDC); Wastewater (CDC, Biobot ; includes many counties; Wastewater Scan, includes drilldown by zip); Variants (CDC; Walgreens); Iowa COVID-19 Tracker (in IA, but national data). Infection Control, Emergency Management, Safety, and General Thoughts (especially on hospitalization by city). Lambert here: Readers, thanks for the collective effort. To update any entry, do feel free to contact me at the address given with the plants. Please put COVID in the subject line. Thank you! Resources, United States (Local): AK (dashboard); AL (dashboard); AR (dashboard); AZ (dashboard); CA (dashboard; Marin, dashboard; Stanford, wastewater; Oakland, wastewater); CO (dashboard; wastewater); CT (dashboard); DE (dashboard); FL (wastewater); GA (wastewater); HI (dashboard); IA (wastewater reports); ID (dashboard, Boise; dashboard, wastewater, Central Idaho; wastewater, Coeur dAlene; dashboard, Spokane County); IL (wastewater); IN (dashboard); KS (dashboard; wastewater, Lawrence); KY (dashboard, Louisville); LA (dashboard); MA (wastewater); MD (dashboard); ME (dashboard); MI (wastewater; wastewater); MN (dashboard); MO (wastewater); MS (dashboard); MT (dashboard) ; NC (dashboard); ND (dashboard; wastewater); NE (dashboard); NH (wastewater); NJ (dashboard); NM (dashboard); NV (dashboard; wastewater, Southern NV); NY (dashboard); OH (dashboard); OK (dashboard); OR (dashboard) ; PA (dashboard); RI (dashboard); SC (dashboard); SD (dashboard); TN (dashboard); TX (dashboard); UT (wastewater); VA (wastewater); VT (dashboard); WA (dashboard; dashboard); WI (wastewater); WV ( wastewater ); WY ( wastewater ). Resources, Canada (National): Wastewater (Government of Canada). Resources, Canada (Provincial): ON (wastewater); QC (les eaux usees); BC (wastewater); BC, Vancouver (wastewater). Hat tips to helpful readers: Alexis, anon (2), Art_DogCT, B24S, CanCyn, ChiGal, Chuck L, Festoonic, FM, FreeMarketApologist (4), Gumbo, hop2it, JB, JEHR, JF, JL Joe, John, JM (10), JustAnotherVolunteer, JW, KatieBird, KF, KidDoc, LL, Michael King, KF, LaRuse, mrsyk, MT, MT_Wild, otisyves, Petal (6), RK (2), RL, RM, Rod, square coats (11), tennesseewaltzer, Tom B., Utah, Bob White (3). Stay safe out there! * * * Morbidity and Mortality Predictors for COVID-19-Specific and Non-COVID-19-Specific Deaths: A Cohort Study in Taiwan [Asia-Pacific Journal of Public Health (RK)]. N = 2196. From the Abtract: Predictors for coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19)-specific and non-COVID-19-specific deaths have not been extensively studied. This cohort study in Taiwan investigated predictors for COVID-19-specific and non-COVID-19-specific deaths among hospitalized patients with severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection. From January to July 2022, 2196 COVID-19 patients at Taipei City Hospital were consecutively recruited in this cohort study Our study findings suggest that vaccination and Paxlovid treatment are crucial for reducing SARS-CoV-2-specific mortalities, while comorbid patients need careful monitoring to reduce non-COVID-19-specific deaths. Science Is Popping Toward a Radically Simple Multi-Modal Nasal Spray for Preventing Respiratory Infection (PDF) [Advanced Materials]. Mouse study (sigh). See the Conflict of Interest statement (page 18). Nevertheless, very big if true. The Abstract: Nasal sprays for pre-exposure prophylaxis against respiratory infections show limited protection (2070%), largely due to their single mechanism of actioneither neutralizing pathogens or blocking their entry at the nasal lining, and a failure to maximize the capture of respiratory droplets, allowing them to potentially rebound and reach deeper airways. This report introduces the Pathogen Capture and Neutralizing Spray (PCANS), which utilizes a multi-modal approach to enhance efficacy. PCANS coats the nasal cavity, capturing large respiratory droplets from the air, and serving as a physical barrier against a broad spectrum of viruses and bacteria, while rapidly neutralizing them with over 99.99% effectiveness. The formulation consists of excipients identified from the FDAs Inactive Ingredient Database and Generally Recognized as Safe list to maximize efficacy for each step in the multi-modal approach. PCANS demonstrates nasal retention for up to 8 hours in mice. In a severe Influenza A mouse model, a single pre-exposure dose of PCANS leads to a >99.99% reduction in lung viral titer and ensures 100% survival, compared to 0% in the control group. PCANS suppresses pathological manifestations and offers protection for at least 4 hours. This data suggest PCANS as a promising daily-use prophylactic against respiratory infections. And from the Conclusion: PCANS presents a promising chemoprophylactic approach against respiratory infections. Besides its potential to act as a first line of defense against respiratory pathogens and emerging variants for which there are no vaccines available, our approach could also be potentially used as an added layer of protection with existing vaccines. Given its broad-spectrum prophylactic activity and shelf stability, we anticipate PCANS holds the potential for global distribution, especially in countries with low vaccination rates against respiratory pathogens. Alongside, the benefits of PCANS can also be extended to immunocompromised patients, high-risk individuals with co-morbidities, and vaccine-hesitant populations. Its pocket-sized spray format allows for easy portability, making it convenient to carry during social gatherings and travel. With these significant benefits, we believe PCANS will experience rapid widespread adoption, enhancing the accessibility of respiratory infection prevention. Lets see what the regulators think. And Big Pharma. * * * TABLE 1: Daily Covid Charts Wastewater This week[1] CDC September 16 Last Week[2] CDC (until next week): Variants [3] CDC September 14 Emergency Room Visits[4] CDC September 14 Hospitalization New York[5] New York State, data September 23: National [6] CDC August 31: Positivity National[7] Walgreens September 23: Ohio[8] Cleveland Clinic September 7: Travelers Data Positivity[9] CDC September 2: Variants[10] CDC September 2: Deaths Weekly Deaths vs. % Positivity [11]CDC September 14: Weekly Deaths vs. ED Visits [12]CDC September 14: LEGEND 1) for charts new today; all others are not updated. 2) For a full-size/full-resolution image, Command-click (MacOS) or right-click (Windows) on the chart thumbnail and open image in new tab. NOTES [1] (CDC) This weeks wastewater map, with hot spots annotated. Keeps spreading. NOTE The date seems to be wrong, but the number of sites has changed so this is new. [2] (CDC) Last weeks wastewater map. [3] (CDC Variants) KP.* very popular. XDV.1 flat. [4] (ED) Down, but worth noting that Emergency Department use is now on a par with the first wave, in 2020. [5] (Hospitalization: NY) Definitely down. [6] (Hospitalization: CDC). The visualization suppresses what is, in percentage terms, a significant increase. [7] (Walgreens) Big drop continues! [8] (Cleveland) Dropping. [9] (Travelers: Positivity) Down. Those sh*theads at CDC have changed the chart so that it doesnt even run back to 1/21/23, as it used to, but now starts 1/1/24. Theres also no way to adjust the time range. CDC really doesnt want you to be able to take a historical view of the pandemic, or compare one surge to another. In an any case, thats why the shape of the curve has changed. [10] (Travelers: Variants) What the heck is LB.1? [11] Deaths low, but positivity up. [12] Deaths low, ED up. Stats Watch GDP: United States GDP Growth Rate [Trading Economics]. The US economy grew at an annualized rate of 3% in the second quarter of 2024, unchanged from the second estimate and above an upwardly revised 1.6% expansion in the first quarter. Employment Situation: United States Initial Jobless Claims [Trading Economics]. The number of people claiming unemployment benefits in the US dropped by 4,000 from the previous week to 218,000 on the period ending September 21st, below market expectations of a rise to 225,000, and reaching a new 4-month low. Despite this decline, the claim count remained above the averages seen earlier this year, as the US labor market has softened since its post-pandemic peak, although it remains historically tight. Manufacturing: United States Durable Goods Orders [Trading Economics]. New orders for manufactured durable goods in the US were loosely unchanged from the prior month in August of 2024, compared to the revised 9.8% surge in July which was the highest in four years, and contrasting sharply with market expectations of a 2.6% drop. The result challenged the growing pessimism over manufacturing activity in the United States, suggesting the current slowdown may be temporary. Manufacturing: United States Kansas Fed Manufacturing Index [Trading Economics]. The Kansas City Feds Manufacturing Production index fell to -18 in September 2024, from 6 in the previous month, marking the lowest reading in 14 months and way below forecasts of 9. * * * Manufacturing: Boeing, workers union to resume talks on Friday [Reuters]. So much for the final part of Best And Final Offer. Negotiators from Boeing and the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM) will meet with federal mediators in a bid to break the deadlock, after two days of previous talks collapsed a week ago. Manufacturing: Can the Machinists Save Boeing from Its Management? [Labor Notes]. While Boeing wailed that the strike may cause mortal wounds to the company, the Machinists union has for decades been fighting against the companys self-wounding practices: rampant outsourcing, undermining of quality inspections, moving work to non-union shops, and hollowing out what used to be a coveted family-sustaining job. Company policies have resulted in the loss of experienced workers, production delays, mismatched and shoddy parts, and the disastrous quality lapses that led to an Alaska Airlines door plug blowout in January. It was the union that was originally responsible for pushing the separation of quality inspection from production pressures, said Steve Cabana, a quality assurance inspector for 13 years. Having quality separate in the supervisory chain is the only way quality can have any teeth, he said. I can look at a process and stop it. This is not true at vendors the company buys parts from, Cabana said, where they have the same management system for manufacturing and quality. Thats how the company figured it could save money by outsourcing, because other people didnt have the same rigorous standards, Cabana said. Its a fragile network of suppliers who honestly arent compensated all that well for the work that they do, said Mylo Lang, an apprentice machinist at Auburn with six years at the company. Theyve really been squeezing them, in fact, over the years. In Boeings own plants, the company has tried to slash inspections, too. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) requires in-person inspections by qualified workers, but in 2017 Boeing tried to speed up production by having mechanics sign off on their own work. At the companys assembly plant in North Charleston, South Carolina, which currently has no union, the lack of worker power and input meant the company tested out cuts to quality inspections there first, around 2017, then expanded into the Puget Sound plants, where union members rallied to stop the cuts, flooding meetings and making the question a shop floor issue. Manufacturing: Boeing confirms production of 737s has halted [Fortune]. Boeings production of 737 jets has come to a complete halt as the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM) strike continues, according to a Bank of America analyst note sent out on Tuesday. Two separate representatives for Boeing confirmed the production stoppage to Fortune. Airplane production in Washington state is temporarily paused including work on the 737 MAX, 767, 777/777X, P-8, KC-46A Tanker, E-7 Wedgetail, a spokesperson wrote Fortune in an email Wednesday. Work at our Fabrication sites in Washington and Oregon will also temporarily pause. Employees not represented by this union will continue to report to work as normal. Boeings stock fell more than 2% on Wednesday, at the time of publication. The stoppages full impact on actual deliveries of the planes remains uncertain, BofA analysts wrote. But the pace has nonetheless slowed significantly. Only two 737s have been delivered in the last week, which they say is well below normal levels. As for the 787 jetsa different, less embattled modelBoeing has made zero deliveries over the past week, and has only delivered two in all of September. But BofA expects Boeing to maintain the same levels of rollouts compared to last month because the assembly line tasked with 787 production is mainly unaffected by unions. As a result, BofA maintained its rating on the stock as neutral. That unaffected by unions (carbon fibre) makes me think. I believe Boeing promised to make the next aircraft, the 797, in Seattle, presumbly also from carbon fibre, if they began it during the life of the contract currently being negotiated. But did Boeing promise the 797 would be built with union labor? Readers? Manufacturing: Spirit Aerosystems beginning to see effects of Boeing strikes reports [Airport Technology]. Boeing parts supplier Spirit AeroSystems has reportedly warned it may begin furloughing employees soon if the strikes at the aircraft manufacturers production plants continue much longer. The supplier, which is set to fall back under Boeings control next year, is currently using the lull in work at the aircraft factories to address a backlog of orders but will soon begin seeing the effects of the work stoppage. Manufacturing: Boeing strike squeezes California aerospace suppliers, including Independent Forge in Orange [Orange County Register]. Machine tool and metal shops across the region are feeling the effects of the Boeing strike, as is a complex supply chain that stretches across the world. This could be devastating for us, said Andrew Flores, president of Independent Forge Co. Inc. Forgings are the start of most parts made in the aviation business, and thats the first thing they want to stop. The company also is worried about a second strike that emerged earlier this week when unionized machinists with a general aviation unit owned by Textron Corp. in Kansas walked off their jobs for higher wages and benefits, Flores said. Hmm. Only Textron, then? Manufacturing: Boeing strike leaves Asian airlines sweating on plane deliveries [The Business Times]. The Seattle factory strike crippling production at Boeing is triggering delays to 737 Max deliveries across Asia, a region thats already home to some of the biggest order backlogs for the flagship aircraft. The US manufacturer is due to hand over 981 Max jets to carriers in Asia, led by Air India and Indonesias Lion Air, by 2030, according to data from Cirium. Thats close to one-third of all scheduled deliveries of the aircraft worldwide over that period. But with Boeing at loggerheads with the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers, which represents some 33,000 Boeing employees who have been striking for almost two weeks, concerns are escalating about the reliability of the plane pipeline. Responding to queries from Bloomberg News, Korean Air Lines, Vietjet Aviation and Japan Airlines said they were either suffering delivery delays due to the strike, expecting planes to arrive late or concerned about handover dates slipping. Others including Singapore Airlines said they were working with Boeing on delivery schedules in light of the factory shutdown. Manufacturing: Senators want to see major changes at Boeing. The FAA says that could take years [Politico]. The head of the Federal Aviation Administration warned senators Wednesday that ensuring troubled planemaker Boeing rights its ship will take years not months even with the FAA looking over its shoulder. But [FAA Administrator Mike Whitaker] said that while Boeing has improved on short-term challenges in its manufacturing lines, [we] would be kidding ourselves to think you can change 170,000 people, culture in 18 months so its going to be a long haul.' Tech: Millions of Vehicles Could Be Hacked and Tracked Thanks to a Simple Website Bug [Wired]. * * * Todays Fear & Greed Index: 67 Greed (previous close: 65 Greed) [CNN]. One week ago: 60 (Greed). (0 is Extreme Fear; 100 is Extreme Greed). Last updated Sep 25 at 1:55:41 PM ET. The Current Cinema Coppolas Megalopolis: Universal derision from the reviewers, which intrigues me. Has anyone seen it? Gallery Quite modern: Class Warfare Amazon Logistics under investigation for alleged labor violations [Seattle Times]. Seattles Office of Labor Standards is investigating Amazon Logistics the companys vast network of delivery services for alleged violations of labor laws, including the citys ordinance requiring paid sick time for gig workers that went into effect this year. The investigation appears focused on Amazons Flex drivers, who operate like gig workers and make deliveries for the company using their own vehicles and on their own schedule. News of the Wired The history of telecoms is at an end [Intermedia]. The deck: In his latest book, William Webb argues that we mostly have all the connectivity we need. The telecoms industry needs to refocus away from technical innovation and towards efficiency. Governments and regulators, he says, will need a new mindset. Perhaps even too much. The power of leisure: How everyday hobbies stop cognitive decline [Study Finds]. In community centers across the country, seniors gather for book clubs, chess matches, and art classes. These social hubs of mental stimulation may be more than just pleasant diversions they could be unofficial cognitive health clinics, according to new research. The study suggests that engaging in cognitively stimulating leisure activities (CSLAs) might be key to preserving cognitive function in older adults with mild cognitive impairment (MCI). This research offers hope for those looking to stave off cognitive decline and potentially reduce their risk of developing dementia. Maybe I should stop reading Model Railroader and build a layout, Perky Pat-style. Not. * * * Contact information for plants: Readers, feel free to contact me at lambert [UNDERSCORE] strether [DOT] corrente [AT] yahoo [DOT] com, to (a) find out how to send me a check if you are allergic to PayPal and (b) to find out how to send me images of plants. Vegetables are fine! Fungi, lichen, and coral are deemed to be honorary plants! If you want your handle to appear as a credit, please place it at the start of your mail in parentheses: (thus). Otherwise, I will anonymize by using your initials. See the previous Water Cooler (with plant) here. From: JG: JG writes: My old neighbor gave me the Roseville pitcher decorated with an abstract landscape and a chain of bows in relief. The mesh pattern on the vase comes from the screen window which provided the lighting on the subject. The zinnias came from another kind neighbor. A lovely pitcher indeed! * * * Readers: Water Cooler is a standalone entity not covered by the annual NC fundraiser. Material here is Lamberts, and does not express the views of the Naked Capitalism site. If you see a link you especially like, or an item you wouldnt see anywhere else, please do not hesitate to express your appreciation in tangible form. Remember, a tip jar is for tipping! Regular positive feedback both makes me feel good and lets me know Im on the right track with coverage. When I get no donations for three or four days I get worried. More tangibly, a constant trickle of donations helps me with expenses, and I factor in that trickle when setting fundraising goals: Here is the screen that will appear, which I have helpfully annotated: If you hate PayPal, you can email me at lambert [UNDERSCORE] strether [DOT] corrente [AT] yahoo [DOT] com, and I will give you directions on how to send a check. Thank you! ASN announced on Wednesday it is collaborating with seismic instrumentation company Nanometrics and environmental monitoring firm RBR to integrate climate-change monitoring tech into subsea cables, starting with a new cable project underway in the Pacific Islands. ASN signed a deal with Vanuatu-based telecoms infrastructure firm Prima in January 2024 to design, manufacture, and deploy the Tamtam subsea cable that will run from Vanuatu and New Caledonia, with an option to extend it to Fiji and Australia. The Tamtam cable is billed as the first-ever Scientific Monitoring and Reliable Telecommunications (SMART) cable, which means that in addition to providing telecoms connectivity the cable will be fitted with climate change nodes that enable real-time monitoring of seismic activities and efficient tsunami detection. The Tamtam project is being spearheaded by French telecoms company Pacific Peering, which manages international data communications and plans for all of its cables in the Pacific to support environmental sensor technology by 2030, according to the companys website. Under the collaboration deal revealed Wednesday, ASN will use high-precision seismic sensors from Nanometrics and advanced environmental monitoring technologies from RBR for the climate-change nodes. Nanometrics has developed custom ocean-bottom seismic instrumentation, while RBRs sensors monitor critical environmental parameters such as temperature and pressure. According to Pacific Peering, the data from the sensors will be stored in a data centre in New Caledonia, and will be made accessible license-free to the scientific community and civil protection agencies. ASN says the technology will enhance security and preparedness against natural disasters in that part of the South Pacific near the seismically volatile New Hebrides Trench. ASN said the SMART technology is also being integrated into the Atlantic CAM subsea cable ring that will connect Portugal and the Autonomous Region of Azores and Madeira by 2026. Our efforts to develop the SMART technology is another testimony of ASNs commitment to sustainability in the implementation of subsea optical networks, said ASN president and CEO Alain Biston in a statement. We believe that Nanometrics and RBR are the right partners for developing this complete SMART solution. The 375-km Tamtam cable will be the second to connect Vanuatu after the Interchange Cable Network 1 (ICN1) system that has connected the island to Fiji since 2014. Apart from Prima and ASN, the project is also supported by New Caledonias Office des Postes et Telecommunications (OPT) and the governments of Vanuatu and France. The cable will have landing sites on Lifou Island in New Caledonia and Port Vila in Vanuatu. OMS has been contracted to install the subsea cable, which is scheduled to be completed and operational in 2026. Yves here. It seems puzzling that the CBO has found that at proposed GOP plan to reduce Social Security benefits by increasing the full retirement age from 67 to 69 would succeed in lowering payments, particularly to those who wanted/needed to retire at an earlier age and receive reduced benefits, without actually improving fund solvency. The nomenclature is confusing, since the later you begin taking Social Security, the higher the benefits are, with 70 the latest start date now. I have not had the time to kick the tires and hope to be able to look at analyses. Perhaps the reason for the lack of a solvency improvement is a gradual phase in. Having said that, it seems that this plan is an existing Republican scheme (I took a brief look at the CBO study and it links to a 2022 description as a source) that has also in some form (not sure if that embodiment or a more general handwave) been picked up by Project 2025. Even though the Democrats have been trying to make Project 2025 a Trump agenda, it is an extreme conservative wish list (with internal contradictions!) that hard core Republicans would try hard to get Trump to adopt. So even though one should indeed worry that Trump is on board, no one has produced the receipts. On top of that, let us also not forget that both Clinton and Obama fully intended to reform as in cut, Social Security, but for different reasons never got there. So those who want to protect and strengthen Social Security must not assume Team Dem is their friend. Both parties need to get the message that they must increase payroll taxes by ending the income cap or otherwise taxing higher income earners more, rather than lowering benefits. Separately, even though the Social Security Administration is the most important actuarial position in the US, I wonder to what degree its models have been updated to reflect the shortening in US lifespans (which for the moment has stalled out) and the prospects for more of the same given long-term Covid health effects and ever-less-affordable US health care. You would think that the resulting thinning of the aged would somewhat improve Social Security solvency, but I have seen no reports of the kind. Note that Trump is presenting himself as increasing incomes of Social Security beneficiaries in his ads. I have seen YouTube promos with a clip from one of his rallies in which Trump says he will stop taxing tips and Social Security benefits. Natch, the roughly 40% who pay income taxes have higher earnings. By Jessica Corbett, staff writer at Common Dreams. Originally published at Common Dreams Social Security defenders have long argued that former Republican U.S. President Donald Trumps return to the Oval Office could spell disaster for seniors, and a nonpartisan government analysis released Wednesday bolsters their warnings. U.S. House Budget Committee Ranking Member Brendan Boyle (D-Pa.) asked the Congressional Budget Office (CBO) to analyze the impact of raising the full retirement age (FRA) for Social Security from 67 to 69, as various Republican groups have proposed. This report shows that raising the retirement age to 69 would slash benefits by an average of $3,500 a year, Social Security Works executive director Alex Lawson told Common Dreams. For seniors and people with disabilities, that means not being able to buy groceries, pay a heating bill, or buy birthday presents for their grandkids. This cruel benefit cut would hit those who claim benefits earlylargely people who work on their feet, not those who work in officesthe hardest, Lawson noted. Even worse, it is only one of the benefit cuts that Republicans are backing. Their goal is to destroy our Social Security system. As CBO Director Phillip L. Swagel wrote to Boyle: All people affected by such an increase in the FRA would receive a smaller amount of Social Security benefits over their lifetime. Workers who chose to delay claiming their retirement benefits by the same number of months as the increase in the FRA would receive the same monthly benefit for a shorter period. Those workers who claimed retirement benefits at the same age as they would have claimed them under current law would receive a smaller benefit for the same number of years. In a statement responding to the report, Boyles office highlighted that for workers currently in their 30s and 40s who are subject to the full retirement age increase, the average annual benefit cut would be 13%, or around $3,500 a year. As the congressmans office pointed out, the CBO also found that though increasing the retirement age would reduce spending, it would not create enough savings to change the expected exhaustion date of the Social Security Trust Fund, which is projected to be unable to pay full benefits by the end of fiscal year 2034. Boyle and Senate Budget Committee Chair Sheldon Whitehouse (D-R.I.) have introduced the Medicare and Social Security Fair Share Act, which would extend the solvency of both programs by requiring Americans with higher incomes to pay more than they do now. BREAKING: The Republican Social Security scams (looking at you Project 2025) are a BAD deal for the American people https://t.co/A9zYuqlwoJ Ways and Means Democrats (@WaysMeansCmte) September 25, 2024 Social Security is a sacred promise that after a lifetime of hard work, Americans have earned the right to retire with dignity, Boyle said Wednesday. This independent, nonpartisan report shows just how devastating Republican plans to rip away hard-earned Social Security benefits would be for American workers. Instead of saving Social Security by making the ultrarich pay their fair share, the GOP is hellbent on gutting benefits for the middle class, he warned, specifically calling out the congressional Republican Study Committee and the Heritage Foundation, which is behind Project 2025. Democrats will never stop fighting to keep the promise of Social Security and defend Americans retirement security from Republican attacks. The CBO report comes less than six weeks away from the U.S. general election. Democratic Vice President Kamala Harris is facing Trump in the race for the White House. Donald Trump plans to slash Social Security and Medicare while giving massive tax handouts to billionaires. https://t.co/lAPsSoEVMQ Social Security Works (@SSWorks) September 25, 2024 Before President Joe Biden left the contest and passed the torch to Harris, the National Committee to Preserve Social Security & Medicare, National United Committee to Protect Pensions, and Social Security Works Political Action Committee were backing him over Trump. All three groups have endorsed Harris. As president, Biden has been an unwavering protector of Social Security and Medicare, Social Security Works president Nancy Altman wrote in a July opinion piece for Common Dreams. Harris will be as fierce a defender, and she will do more. She will expand Social Security and Medicare and ensure that all benefits will continue to be paid in full and on time for the foreseeable future by requiring billionaires to pay their fair share. In stark contrast, Donald Trump and his Republican allies in Congress are a serious threat to our earned benefits and to our families, she stressed, also warning of the GOPs positions on medication prices and tax breaks for the rich. A vote for Democrats is a vote to expand benefits, lower prescription drug prices, and require those billionaires to start paying their fair share. Amazon bans Dr. Paul Mariks book on traditional, natural remedies for cancer The Frontline COVID-19 Critical Care (FLCCC) Alliance has written an open letter to Jeff Bezos and the entire executive leadership structure of Amazon asking them for an explanation as to why they banned a book by Dr. Paul Marik that contains important, life-saving information about how to overcome cancer with easily-accessible remedies. Dr. Marik's work, entitled "Cancer Cure: The Role of Repurposed Drugs and Metabolic Interventions in Treating Cancer," cites 840 peer-reviewed studies on both old pharmaceuticals and natural substances like curcumin alike that are powerfully effective at fighting cancer. "Why burn this book?" asked journalist and author Mary Beth Pfeiffer. "It threatens cancer profits. *Amazon bans access to life saving cancer treatment!* At FLCCC, we advocate for cancer patients worldwide who deserve access to all available treatment options. In this open letter to @jeffbezos and @Amazon leadership, we address their recent decision to ban a critical pic.twitter.com/YIIEpzfspb FLCCC Alliance (@Honest_Medicine) September 20, 2024 (Related: Remember back in early 2023 when Amazon banned Leo Hohmann's book about the Muslim invasion of America?) Another Amazon book burning In their letter, the FLCCC Alliance team questioned how Bezos and Amazon came to the conclusion that withdrawing a valuable resource that has helped thousands of cancer patients find integrative relief was a good idea. "Cancer is one of the greatest public health challenges of our time," it reads. "The American Cancer Society projects an unprecedented rise in cancer diagnoses this year, especially in younger people." "Traditional treatments like surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation have advanced, but they are not enough. In the wake of the COVID pandemic, emerging threats like turbo cancers have pushed oncologists and medical researchers to explore every possible avenue of treatment including the use of repurposed drugs and metabolic interventions as highlighted in Dr. Marik's book." Speaking of repurposed drugs, those also saved many lives during COVID as patients willing to go out on a limb explored the use of drugs like ivermectin and hydroxychloroquine rather than the "vaccines" that were pushed under Operation Warp Speed. Before getting pulled from the Amazon database, Dr. Marik's book ranked #118 out of over 50,000 books on cancer. It also ranked #35 in the medical research category of books on Amazon. More than 20,000 people found Dr. Marik's book through the FLCCC Alliance website alone, proving how popular it is among the general public. Amazon, conversely, wants to keep the publication out of the hands of the people who need it most. "The book has provided a clearinghouse of essential information, allowing doctors to think creatively about accessible, affordable therapies that could significantly improve patient outcomes. However, despite the overwhelming support, Amazon unjustly banned this book on September 16, 2024, citing claims of 'misleading information' and 'defrauding customers.'" At no point since the platform decided to ban the book has Amazon offered Dr. Marik any tangible examples of "misleading information" in the book. It is also unclear how offering the publication could be considered as "defrauding customers" since anyone who is dissatisfied with their purchase can simply return it to Amazon for a refund. "It is essential to understand that 'Cancer Care' does not replace conventional treatments but complements them," the letter continues. "Dr. Marik's extensive research is designed to support patients and physicians in using scientifically backed, repurposed medications alongside traditional therapies to enhance results and improve quality of life. The decision to censor this book silences a critical conversation on innovative cancer care options and undermines the principles of free speech and medical information access." If you are interested in learning more about how to deal with cancer as naturally as possible, be sure to check out CancerSolutions.news. Sources for this article include: X.com X.com NaturalNews.com FTC: Tech giants collecting MASSIVE amounts of data from kids and teens The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has disclosed in a report that tech giants are collecting massive amounts of data from their young users. The FTC report published Sept. 19 expounded on how social media and streaming companies endanger children and teens who use their platforms. It also showed how "the tech industry's monetization of personal data has created a market for commercial surveillance especially via social media and video streaming services with inadequate guardrails to protect consumers." Staffers at the commission examined the practices of various Big Tech companies, including Meta Platforms (Facebook, Instagram and WhatsApp), YouTube, X, Snapchat, Reddit, Microsoft (Discord), Amazon (Twitch) and ByteDance (TikTok). Samuel Levine, director of the FTC's Bureau of Consumer Protection, outlined in the report that "these companies engaged in mass data collection of their users and in some cases non-users." He also wrote that "many companies failed to implement adequate safeguards against privacy risks." The report also expounded on the various ways the aforementioned companies made use of personal data "from serving hypergranular targeted advertisements to powering algorithms that shape the content we see, often with the goal of keeping us hooked on using the service." "These practices pose unique risks to children and teens, with the companies having done little to respond effectively to the documented concerns that policymakers, psychologists and parents have expressed over young people's physical and mental well-being." In a statement, FTC Chair Lina Khan said her agency's report "lays out how social media and video streaming companies harvest an enormous amount of Americans' personal data and monetize it to the tune of billions of dollars a year." "With few meaningful guardrails, companies are incentivized to develop ever-more invasive methods of collection. While lucrative for the companies, these surveillance practices can endanger people's privacy, threaten their freedoms, and expose them to a host of harms, from identify theft to stalking." Bills meant to protect kids online could infringe on First Amendment rights Following the release of the FTC report, child welfare advocates urged U.S. lawmakers to pass a pair of controversial bills that seek to protect the youth from "dangerous and unacceptable business practices." But the two proposals, the Children and Teens' Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA 2.0) and Kids Online Safety Act (KOSA), could infringe on young Americans' rights as guaranteed by the First Amendment. Josh Golin, executive director of the nonprofit organization Fairplay, lauded the FTC report in a statement. He also called for the COPPA 2.0 and KOSA bills to be enacted into law. "This report from the FTC is yet more proof that Big Tech's business model is harmful to children and teens," he wrote. "Online platforms use sophisticated and opaque techniques of data collection that endanger young people and put their healthy development at risk." But rights groups including the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) have condemned the KOSA. According to the ACLU, the KOSA which the U.S. Senate passed in July "would violate the First Amendment by enabling the federal government to dictate what information people can access online and encourage social media platforms to censor protected speech." ACLU and other rights groups have pointed out that the KOSA won't keep children safe. It would instead threaten young people's privacy, limit minors' access to vital resources and silence important online conversations for all ages. Moreover, the ACLU has also raised concerns about how this bill could be used to limit adults' ability to express themselves freely online or access diverse viewpoints. Visit BigTech.News for similar stories. Watch this video about online privacy and security, and how to protect yourself online. This video is from the Daily Videos channel on Brighteon.com. More related stories: Big Government and Big Tech both want your biometric data. Social media use linked to TEENAGE DEPRESSION, warn mental health experts. Social media is the JUNK FOOD of human connection: Looks and feels like connection, but leaves you empty, just like junk food. Sources include: ChildrensHealthDefense.org ACLU.org. Brighteon.com Israels exploding pagers attack qualifies as a WAR CRIME under Geneva Conventions of 1949 As clever as some of Israel's leaders seem to think it is that Mossad decided to cause a bunch of seemingly innocuous pagers to explode in Lebanon this past week, the Geneva Conventions of 1949 says otherwise The simple fact that there was no way to know who was even holding the pagers the moment they were detonated, nor was there any way to know who was standing near them, Israel's execution of this sinister operation constitutes a serious war crime. "Indiscriminate attacks are prohibited," explains a section of the Geneva Conventions about how wars are to be conducted. "Indiscriminate attacks are: (a) those which are not directed at a specific military objective; (b) those which employ a method or means of combat which cannot be directed at a specific military objective; or (c) those which employ a method or means of combat the effects of which cannot be limited as required by this Protocol" (Related: The West continues to cross all of Russia's red lines, including by waging war on the press.) Blowing up handheld radios is also a war crime Israel did not stop after the pagers, though. It proceeded to then also detonate a batch of handheld radios, which similarly injured and killed thousands of people, including innocent children. Around 4,000 people in total were maimed in the two attacks, sustaining serious injuries to the head and stomach. Some of them are now blind or disabled, including the loss of fingers. "As is its policy, Israel has neither confirmed nor denied its alleged involvement in the attacks," reported Middle East Eye. "But multiple media organisations, including within Israel, have reported that the Mossad secret service infiltrated Hezbollah supply chains and planted explosives in the devices." The reason why the International Court of Justice (ICJ) continues to go after Israel for its actions in the Middle East is because the Jewish state is playing the part of the bully and criminal who rejects what is right and true and instead pursues its own ends through any means necessary. Before a nation takes any kind of military action, it is supposed to abide by certain core principles, including: 1) Distinction, which stipulates that all parties involved in warfare must distinguish between combatants and civilian populations. Israel is notorious for not abiding by this one. 2) Proportionality, which means not launching outsized attacks that result in lots of civilian injuries and deaths. Israel also blatantly disregards this tenet of war. 3) Military necessity, which means carefully assessing how to best accomplish a legitimate military purpose while limiting civilian casualties. Israel has shown that it is willing to do just about anything while calling it necessary. "We don't have enough information to know how exactly the pagers were detonated, but if, as it seems from existing reports, they were simply simultaneously detonated, then it is difficult to see how these checks could have been undertaken," commented Alonso Gurmendi-Dunkelberg, a researcher at the London School of Economics. In order for Israel to meet the above-outlined obligations under the Geneva Conventions, it would need to have checked each individual communication device to make sure its detonation occurred only against a targeted combatant and not against any civilian that might have mistakenly held it or been near it the moment it exploded. "The question arises whether such a proportionality calculation for each explosion would even have been possible or meaningful given that we are talking about hundreds of explosions triggered at the same time," said Janina Dill, co-director of the Oxford Institute for Ethics, Law and Armed Conflict. "People typically carry their pagers with them, including taking them home. It is hard to imagine that it would have been possible for the attacking party to limit the effects of these attacks in accordance with the demands of international law." The latest news about the explosive situation in the Middle East can be found at Prophecy.news. Sources for this article include: X.com NaturalNews.com MiddleEastEye.net NYCs political elite were PARTYING with drugs, sex while everyone else was locked up at home during Covid The jig is up for former senior advisor for public health in New York City Dr. Jay Varma who this past week was publicly exposed for engaging in raunchy, drug-fueled sex parties during the Wuhan coronavirus (Covid-19) "pandemic." Steven Crowder captured undercover footage of Varma admitting that he was engaging in all sorts of perverse debauchery at the very same time he was telling New Yorkers to stay at home to stay safe from Covid. "I had to be kind of sneaky about it," Varma told the undercover reporter before proceeding to admit that he and his friends took ecstasy / MDMA while dancing and having an orgy. "I did all this deviant, sexual stuff while I was, you know, like, on TV and stuff." 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 NYC councilwoman Inna Vernikov spoke at a public gathering this week about Varma and former NYC Mayor Bill de Blasio whom she exposed for the world to see. "We couldn't bury our grandparents," Vernikov told the crowd. "People couldn't attend burials of their own parents, all while one sicko was partying at the same time he was mandating this on all New Yorkers." Today just keeps getting worse for Jay Varma and @BilldeBlasio. Councilwoman @InnaVernikov at New York City Hall: "We couldn't bury our grandparents. People couldn't attend burials of their own parents. All while one sicko was partying at the same time he was mandating this on pic.twitter.com/uzkofeZN9T Steven Crowder (@scrowder) September 23, 2024 (Related: Remember when de Blasio doubled down on forcing New Yorkers to get "vaccinated" for Covid as a condition of riding the subway?) Tyrants getting exposed It has been a really long time coming, but the dam is finally starting to crack. Those who spread Covid lies, including those who spread tyranny as the solution while breaking all the rules in secret like Varma did, are finally being exposed for the crooks and perverts they really are. "Covid was a scam and millions suffered and millions will continue to suffer for years with all the small businesses that were forced to close and never reopen while the fat cats made billions!!!" wrote someone on Twitter / X about the hypocrisy of people like Varma. "Covid was an experiment to see how far they could go to control us," wrote another. "Guess what? They succeeded far beyond their expectations." Numerous others who live in the city added to the conversation anecdotes about how they and their families suffered big time under Varma and de Blasio's rules, only to now find out that Varma et al. partied it up in the background where nobody could see them until now. "My family and my father's friends couldn't attend his memorial service because of the mayor, the city council, etc.," one said about the tyranny that ruled the day in NYC during Covid. "They all need to be jailed and sued into oblivion." The far-left The Atlantic magazine once tried to defend Varma, only to now change its tune following his exposure as a crook: Turns out even The Atlantic has some limits - it stealth-edited its headline on its insane defense of Dr. Jay Varmas COVID sexcapades so its no longer calling them relatable pic.twitter.com/FTtyt1TygC Alex Berenson (@AlexBerenson) September 23, 2024 More related news about the Covid crimes of the political elite can be found at Plague.info. Sources for this article include: X.com NaturalNews.com If our cities already look like they belong in Grand Theft Auto, what will they look like once the economy implodes? As you will see below, video footage that was just captured on the streets of Philadelphia looks like it could have been pulled out of an extremely violent video game. If this is what our streets look like now, what are they going to look like once economic conditions become very harsh in this country? Just a few days ago, I wrote about the tremendous chaos that is erupting in cities all over America. When I wrote that article, I wasnt even aware of the drama that had just played out in the city of Philadelphia. From late on Saturday night through the early hours of Sunday morning, there were multiple clashes with police as authorities attempted to break up a series of illegal street takeovers (Article republished from TheEconomicCollapseBlog.com) Philadelphia continues its spiral into chaos under Democratic leadership, with violent mobs once again taking to the streets, this time attacking police officers and patrol cars in a brazen display of lawlessness. According to reports from 6 ABC, hundreds of cars and massive crowds participated in illegal car meetups, causing widespread chaos that lasted from 9:30 p.m. Saturday until 4:30 a.m. Sunday. At least 11 meetups took place, six of which turned into violent confrontations with police. The mayhem resulted in the hospitalization of one officer, while five police cars were heavily damaged. These kids are completely and utterly out of control. One of them even had a flamethrower that he used to create a ring of fire in the middle of one major intersection. And when the police arrived at these events, these kids were not afraid to attack them at all Everything they do is disruptive, theyre ruining the quality of life. At one point, they had a flamethroweryes, theres video with a flamethrower. Theyre able to disperse quickly and then reform at other locations. Thats why we have officers dedicated. Its playing wack-a-mole. We hit them at once, and they move to another, he added. It was the aggressiveness at some of the locations the incident outside of City Hall was aggressive. They physically went after our officers, Cram said. They dont care about your safety, their own safety. Youve all seen the videos of their behavior. How much chaos can they cause? Isnt it odd how the word chaos just keeps popping up all over the place these days? As you can see in this video footage, the streets of Philadelphia really do look like they belong in Grand Theft Auto Of course Philadelphia is far from alone. At this point, there are millions of Americans that are literally afraid to leave their own homes because violent crime has become so pervasive. Read more at: TheEconomicCollapseBlog.com Vermont Sen. Sanders: Pharma companies charge more than $1,000 for diabetes drug that costs $5 to make U.S. Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-VT) has accused pharmaceutical companies of price gouging , alleging that they charge almost $1,000 for diabetes drugs that only cost them a measly $5 to manufacture. The lawmaker zeroed in on pharmaceutical giant Novo Nordisk, the manufacturer of the drugs Ozempic and Wegovy, on Sept. 17. He slammed the company for charging Americans more than $900 a month for Ozempic. According to Reuters, Novo Nordisk sells Wegovy for $1,349 a dose and Ozempic for $935 a dose. During a panel discussion with experts, Sanders said he and his staff have been in touch with executives of major drug firms. These drug firms, he continued, could sell a generic version of Ozempic for less than $100 a month and still turn a profit. A study published March 27 in JAMA Network backed up the Vermont senator's points. According to the paper, a month's supply of GLP-1 drugs like Ozempic and Wegovy could be manufactured for an estimated 89 cents to $4.73. Given this, the study authors concluded that GLP-1 drugs "can likely be manufactured for prices far below current prices, enabling wider access." "Novo Nordisk, which has made nearly $50 billion in sales off of Ozempic and Wegovy, charges Americans almost $1,000 a month the highest prices in the world," Sanders said. "Why? Excessive corporate greed." According to his office, Novo Nordisk sells Wegovy at lower prices in other countries. It is sold in Denmark for $186 and costs $140 in Germany. Meanwhile, Wegovy which contains the same active ingredient as Ozempic costs only $92 in the United Kingdom. (Related: DYING TO LOSE WEIGHT: Study finds alarming link between popular weight loss drugs and increase in suicidality.) Reuters reported that the senator seeks to lower the price of Ozempic to $155, which is the same price for the drug in Canada. Sanders ultimately warned that Medicare premiums could surge if the prices of Ozempic and Wegovy aren't reined in. "Our healthcare system, I think most people understand, is in crisis. The business model of the pharmaceutical industry is unsustainable." Sanders optimistic that Novo Nordisk will bow to pressure, lower prices According to Reuters, the senator for the Green Mountain State is confident that Novo Nordisk can be pressured to lower its prices for the two GLP-1 drugs by shaming it. "I think the major thing that we can do, and we've done this successfully in the past with insulin is to put a focus on the greed of the pharmaceutical industry in general and Novo Nordisk in particular in terms of them ripping off the American people," he said. A Novo Nordisk spokesperson wrote a letter to the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions (HELP) Committee chaired by Sanders in response to his remarks. According to their letter, the net prices of Ozempic and Wegovy have dropped since their launch. More than 80 percent of Americans with insurance pay $25 or less per month for the drugs, the Novo Nordisk spokesperson added. The spokesperson lamented that those savings do not make their way to the general public because of pharmacy benefit managers, who act as middlemen between drug companies and consumers. But according to the senator, the price drop wasn't enough. People paying that amount continue to be affected by the high prices because insurance companies still pay a lot for the drugs, he added. This, in turn, drives up insurance prices as well as hospital costs. "It is very hard for any company, especially one that is making record-breaking profits, to defend itself when they are charging the American people many times more for the same exact drug than they charge people in other countries." Visit BigPharmaNews.com for similar stories. Watch retired chiropractor Dr. Bryan Ardis warning that weight loss drugs like Ozempic and Wegovy can cause cancer. This video is from The Prisoner channel on Brighteon.com. More related stories: Ozempic and Wegovy weight loss drugs are injectable LIZARD VENOM PEPTIDES that may unleash a devastating wave of organ failure side effects align with symptoms of SNAKE BITES. Novo Nordisk makes absurd new health claims about Wegovy weight loss medication, which is synthesized based on REPTILIAN venom peptides. Business Insider confirms Dr. Bryan Ardis allegation that Ozempic weight loss drug comes from Gila monster reptile venom. Sources include: ChildrensHealthDefense.org JAMANetwork.com Reuters.com Brighteon.com UN agency declares war on GENDERED LANGUAGE, starting with the word man An agency under the United Nations has unofficially declared war on gendered language , starting with the word "man." In its latest crackdown on such language, the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) has advised staffers to eschew masculine terms. WIPO, which is based in Geneva, Switzerland, is responsible for protecting trademarks and patents globally. According to the agency's guidance, masculine terms such as "forefathers" and "brotherhood of man" should not be used. The WIPO also proposed several gender-neutral suggestions to replace these gendered terms: Faithful dog to replace "man's best friend" to replace "man's best friend" Birth attendant to replace "midwife" to replace "midwife" Ordinary citizen or typical person to replace "man in the street" or to replace "man in the street" Fair or sporting to replace "sportsmanlike" or to replace "sportsmanlike" Cave dweller or prehistoric people to replace "caveman" / "cavewoman" or to replace "caveman" / "cavewoman" Humanity to replace "the brotherhood of man" According to the Daily Mail, the WIPO is "bent on going after the use of so-called masculine terminology in its communications and documentation." The tabloid explained that the agency's guidance followed the British Red Cross (BRC) receiving accusations of being "hijacked by political extremists" after it issued similar guidelines. The BRC ostensibly prohibited staffers from using phrases such as "ladies and gentlemen" and "maiden name." (Related: UN agency plays language police with new rules against gendered language.) WIPO says its language guidelines are "not prescriptive" According to the WIPO's guidelines signed off by its Director-General Daren Tang, using "masculine-specific" terms risks giving the impression that women are not represented in certain groups or do not possess certain skills. Nevertheless, it reiterates that the guidelines are "not prescriptive and common sense and clarity of text should always prevail." The agency also argued that the guidance was designed to be a straightforward awareness-raising exercise on how to use language that resonates with the widest possible audience, which may include avoiding terms that are linked to one specific gender when other neutral, more-inclusive words are available. But for Toby Young, founder of the Free Speech Union (FSU), "Orwellian" is the right term to describe the WIPO's new guidance. According to its website, FSU is a non-partisan, not-for-profit membership organization that stands up for people whose right to freedom of expression has been violated. "This is precisely what George Orwell warned us about," said Young. "Banning certain words and phrases to advance a dogmatic political ideology is a hallmark of totalitarianism." "While language critics of WIPO note that there is little in the spoken jargon that will encourage people to adopt the nuances of WIPO the same goes for businesses working with patents and trademarks. As confusion abounds, the logical next step is for the agency to take a more aggressive approach to enforcing the guidelines." Head over to SpeechPolice.news for similar stories. Watch this clip of American pediatricians denouncing gender surgeries for minors. This video is from the Daily Videos channel on Brighteon.com. More related stories: Another gender confused teenage mass shooter kills 1 child, injures 5: Pushing gender madness on our nations children is creating murderers and suicidal teens. "Ze" gender-neutral pronoun being pushed by safe space universities is identical to Communist China pronoun. Erasing women: CDC quietly replaces pregnant women with "pregnant people" in its new inclusive flu vaccine advice. Canadian Cancer Society apologizes for using scientific term "cervix" that some trans people find offensive because they are delusional. Facebook censors biologist Richard Dawkins for saying male transwomen boxers shouldnt fight women at Olympics. Sources include: InfoWars.com DailyMail.co.uk Brighteon.com The U.S. military, creator of the COVID VACCINE, already knew since 2016 that IVERMECTIN was the BEST product to use in the event of a pandemic According to Dr. Christopher Shoemaker, an emergency and general hospital medicine doctor across Canada, when the original SARS-CoV-1 occurred, many experiments were conducted by top-level scientists and immunologists to see what could be a useful response if something similar was to spread. This research was done over 15+ years, completed by 2016. DARPA, the American research arm of the U.S. military, specifically knew and specifically recommended information to the CDC that Ivermectin, in particular, was the absolute number one product to be used in the event of a Coronavirus pandemic. Dr. Shoemaker, a courageous whistleblower of the whole scamdemic, emphatically added that hydroxychloroquine was also a known go-to cure for Covid. Both of these antidotes were highly antiviral and immune modulatory, and those two things were the key. He said both elements were totally proven and of course, we knew it was completely safe for humans, because these medications have been used for 35 to 40 years in humans, so thats what was sitting there, ready to be used at the next pandemic. Well-respected Canadian Dr. Shoemaker describes the disastrous and unprecedented prohibitions on prescribing known proper medications to Covid patients Dr. Shoemaker, a very knowledgeable physician, describes a stunning amount of data revealing that the vaccine actually helps children and society to contract Covid, and he also says we should all avoid the dirty, deadly mRNA vaccines. He said the vaccines RAISE death rates to significantly high numbers in children, youth and young adults. This is exactly why the CDC and FDA strictly prohibited medical doctors from prescribing Ivermectin to patients before and during their Covid attacks, so that the virus numbers and death tolls would skyrocket, enabling Big Government to take away Americans medical freedom of choice, constitutional rights to free speech and free press, and help Big Pharma bankroll off the Fauci Flu trillion-dollar cash cow. This testimony by Dr. Shoemaker is another smoking gun about how the whole pandemic really was a PLANDEMIC, including the lab-made gain-of-function virus, the deadliest vaccines to follow, and the absolute censorship and disinformation campaign about the best cures for Covid. Mainstream media was the right arm of Big Pharma, pushing all the lies and disinformation on the masses, around the globe, but especially in America. Its unbelievable that nobody is in prison for it. Not one single politician, scientist, disease expert, reporter, news pundit, talk show host, Biden, Harris, nobody. Where is justice? People should be on trial for mass murder, conspiracy to commit murder, possession and distribution of (mRNA and Covid) biological weapons of mass destruction. Its vaccine violence. Ivermectin was identified by DARPA Biological Technologies as a curative, in April 2020, for Covid, and was declared through scientific evaluation to work throughout all phases of Covid illness because it both inhibits viral replication and modulates the immune response. To add insult to injury, take a look at the VAERS (Vaccine Adverse Event Report System) graph for the first 14 days after the masses got vaccinated for Covid, and check out the mass-murdering first TWO DAYS after the injections were administered. These folks were listed by the corrupt Vaccine Industrial Complex as unvaccinated so that the massive death toll wouldnt be documented properly for all to see. Bookmark Vaccines.news to your favorite independent websites for updates on Long-Vax-Syndrome thats about to be made worse with the next plandemic and the dirty vaccines that come with it as a package plan. #IvermectinCuresCovid Sources for this article include: NaturalNews.com X.com Odysee.com TotalityofEvidence.com Volkswagen to trim upwards of 30,000 German employees as global economy falters German auto giant Volkswagen is having trouble selling cars , which means a large number of the company's employees is now on the chopping block. The latest reports suggest that VW could end up laying off 30,000 of its 300,000 German employees as part of a massive restructuring plan. Between 4,000 and 6,000 of the company's 13,000 research and development employees are expected to go, along with thousands from other divisions of the company. Overall, VW is expected to slash upwards of two billion euros (about $2.23 billion) in investments over the medium term to help steady the ship. From there, the company will take further action if necessary to plug the holes of the sinking ship. The company hinted at some employee trimming earlier this month, but this latest update suggests that VW is planning even more aggressive cuts than previously believed. Official news about the company's final decision on how many jobs to slash is expected to come any day now. VW to close factories for first time in 87-year history In addition to laying off tens of thousands of employees, Volkswagen also announced plans to close production plants in Germany as Europe's industrial collapse accelerates. VW's factory closures mark a first in the company's 87-year history. Executives say the changes are necessary to address soaring business costs, including labor and energy, as well as logistics and supply chain problems, many of which still linger in the aftermath of the Wuhan coronavirus (Covid-19) "pandemic." "It would mark the end of a 3-decade long pact guaranteeing worker safety," tweeted Remix News & Views (@RMXnews). "VW employees [sic] 300,000 workers in Germany, making it a bedrock company for the economy." According to Arno Anlitz, VW's chief financial officer (CFO), the company is simply not selling enough cars anymore to warrant keeping all of its existing plants open into the future. "The market is simply no longer there," he said somberly at the start of September. Should VW follow through on these aggressive cost-cutting plans, it will make Germany's far-left ruling government look really bad in the eyes of the populace. The ruling regime already has record-low support at the polls, and any further destruction of Germany's economy will only worsen the German public's opinion of their government. Alternative for Germany (AfD) co-leader Alice Weidel regularly refers to German Chancellor Olaf Scholz as the "chancellor of decline" and she says this straight to his face. Since Scholz became chancellor of Germany, 500,000 jobs have been lost throughout the country, including: 14,000 jobs lost at auto supplier ZF 10,000 jobs lost at SAP 4,600 jobs lost at Ford 3,760 jobs lost at Bosch ?? AfD co-leader Alice Weidel calls German Chancellor Olaf Scholz the "chancellor of decline" to his face. ?500,000 jobs lost since Scholz became chancellor ?Auto supplier ZF will cut 14,000 jobs ?SAP will cut 10,000 ?Ford 4,600 ?Bosch 3760 And the list goes on... pic.twitter.com/cxbTQ8NPOx Remix News & Views (@RMXnews) September 15, 2024 Another factor in VW's decline, not to mention that of the greater automobile industry, is the failure of electric vehicles (EV). Consumers simply do not want EVs, no matter how aggressively the government and media try to push them. And VW is among the automakers that threw a lot of cash at EVs, only to learn that they do not sell. "If you don't have cheap energy, your manufacturing industry collapses," someone wrote on X about the deindustrialization of Germany and Europe at large. "If the EU, UK, and U.S. do not totally ban autos from China, millions of jobs will shift to China in the next five years," wrote another. The global economy is largely a mirage that will very soon fade into oblivion, unleashing hell from behind the veil. Find out more at Collapse.news. Sources for this article include: RMX.news NaturalNews.com Zelensky outlines his victory plan against Russia using American and British long-range missiles Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has revealed his so-called "victory plan" against Russia, which ostensibly requires the use of long-range missiles provided by the United Kingdom and the United States. He expounded on this victory plan during a Sept. 20 press briefing that coincided with a visit by European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen to the Ukrainian capital Kyiv. This plan reportedly involves the U.S. and the U.K. authorizing Ukraine to launch long-range missile strikes inside Russian territory. According to YourNews, Zelensky's plan stresses "the critical role" of Washington and London in giving the go signal for such strikes. During the briefing, Zelensky disclosed that he plans to meet with U.S. President Joe Biden on Sept. 26 to present this victory plan. He stressed the significance of Washington's support and appealed directly to the Democratic incumbent. According to the Ukrainian leader, his American counterpart could "earn a place in history" by backing Kyiv's strategy. "All the details I will discuss, first of all, with the president of the United States. Most of the decisions from the plan depend specifically on him. [I'll discuss the plan with] other allies too, but there are certain points which depend on the goodwill and support of the United States. I hope [Biden] supports the plan," Zelensky said. "Biden can strengthen Ukraine and make important decisions for Ukraine to become stronger and to protect its independence while he is U.S. president. I think it is a historical mission." In a separate statement on social media posted Sept. 20, Zelensky said he and his team are preparing for negotiations with two major presidential candidates in the U.S. the Republican Party's Donald Trump and the Democratic Party's Kamala Harris. He also expressed plans to meet both candidates, who are set to face each other in the U.S. presidential elections in November. "We are ready to present a concrete plan not just for Ukraine to endure, not just to maintain our resistance at the current level, but to strengthen ourselves right now. To strengthen in such a way that brings a just peace closer, that brings victory closer," the Ukrainian leader said in his post. Russia warns Ukraine's "victory plan" will only trigger WWIII "Despite Zelensky's insistence, both the U.S. and the U.K. have refrained from allowing the use of their missile systems for long-range strikes within Russian borders, limiting their support to strikes near border regions," YourNews continued. "Moscow, meanwhile, has repeatedly warned of dire consequences should Western-backed long-range missile strikes into Russia be authorized. The Ukrainian leadership's proposal and Russia's stark warnings illustrate the growing risks in a conflict that has already significantly impacted global security dynamics." Maria Zakharova, spokeswoman for the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, issued such a warning on the same day as Zelensky's press conference in Kyiv. She reiterated that the West's continued military support for Ukraine could escalate tensions further, potentially triggering a nuclear conflict. Ceasing arms shipments to Kyiv would be the only credible step to resolve the war peacefully, she added, and continuing such shipments would merely escalate the already volatile situation. "As soon as [the West stops] supplying arms and sponsoring the terrorist activities of [the Kyiv regime], then it can be perceived as a signal for political and diplomatic settlement," Zakharova said. (Related: Maria Zakharova warns: Ukraine is spreading TERRORISM worldwide.) "Everything else is either strengthening of anti-Russian ties with the West or an attempt to attract other members of the international community to their reckless schemes or elements of the current White House's electoral program, so to speak, or maneuvering. In fact, this has nothing to do with peace." Vyacheslav Volodin, chairman of Russia's State Duma (lower house of the Russian legislature) and a close ally of Russian President Vladimir Putin, also issued a similar admonition. He warned Western governments that a nuclear war would surely break out if they permitted Kyiv to use long-range weapons to strike targets inside Russia. Head over to WWIII.news for similar stories. Watch this clip of Volodymyr Zelensky aboard a military transport plane en route to the United States. This video is from the Cynthia's Pursuit of Truth channel on Brighteon.com. More related stories: Bulgarian President Radev: It is IMPOSSIBLE for Ukraine to beat Russia. Biden could allow Ukraine to use long-range Western missiles against Russia. Downing Street BANS Ukraine from using Storm Shadow missiles to strike Kursk. U.S. "close" to giving Ukraine long-range JASSM missiles, despite direct warnings from Russia. Delusional Biden declared Ukrainian victory back in February 5 months later, Russian forces are still in control. Sources include: YourNews.com TheEpochTimes.com Brighteon.com Why are Barack and Michelle Obama so closely tied to P. Diddy and many other elite rapists, sex offenders? The downfall of rapper Sean "Diddy" Combs (aka P. Diddy) and Harvey Weinstein before him is once again shining a light on the many elitist rapists and sex offenders who are close friends of Barack and Michelle Obama. P. Diddy is dominating media headlines right now for the wickedness he and his friends perpetrated on Justin Bieber and many others in the music industry who were taken advantage of, often in sexually perverse ways. And the Obamas keep coming up as co-conspirators in the whole mess. Barack and P. Diddy have been close friends for a long while now. They attended the same parties, appeared in pictures together, and were all-around chummy with one another until P. Diddy's time was up, which appears to be now. To be fair, P. Diddy appeared in pictures with Donald Trump, too, along with Kamala Harris and many others. It would seem as though both sides of the aisle roll with the same perverts, though perhaps not for the same reasons. (Related: Did you know that Joe Biden was just Obama's "useful idiot" puppet? "It's always been Obama," says analyst.) Michelle Obama praised Harvey Weinstein, called him a "wonderful human being" Much of the world missed it, but back in Nov. 8, 2013, Michelle Obama appeared before a gathering of students at the Careers in Film Symposium, which just so happens to have been organized by Harvey Weinstein. At the event, Michelle praised Weinstein as a "wonderful human being," a "good friend" of the family, and, creepily, as a "powerhouse." Snopes, which usually lies about these kinds of things and claims they are fake, agrees that Michelle said these words. You can watch her (or him?) say them in the following video clip captured at the event: Harvey Weinstein is a wonderful human being and a good friend, and just a powerhouse Michelle Obama. pic.twitter.com/InKpUbVE9P Ian Miles Cheong (@stillgray) April 25, 2024 The Obamas appear to have first crossed paths with P. Diddy back in 2004 when the rapper came out in support of Democrats ahead of that year's Democratic National Committee (DNC). That same year, P. Diddy interviewed both Barack Obama and Hillary Clinton, who we also know would go on to run for president on the Democrat ticket. With the now-downfall of P. Diddy, video footage of the guy carousing with Barack has resurfaced to suggest that the two were much closer than many people would choose to believe. "This is part of what is important about giving back," the young Obama said about P. Diddy, praising him for supporting Democrats that year "because he doesn't have to do this." P. Diddy's responded jovially to Obama's praise, making fun of him for sweating at the convention. P. Diddy also said to Obama that he "wanted to apologize for not sweating" and as he said this, Obama patted P. Diddy on the head with a napkin. P. Diddy reemerged in 2008 to push Obama on America for what would become Obama's first presidential term. P. Diddy hosted a "Last Chance for Change" rally in support of Obama just days before the election that year. Kamala likewise praised P. Diddy in a tweet, suggesting that she, too, is buds with the disgraced rapper and sexual pervert. "'Vote or Die' was Diddy's claim to fame a campaign that pushed young people to vote with brute-force rhetoric," reported Revolver.news. "Fitting, isn't it, for a man accused of being a cruel slavemaster who forced women to do unspeakable things things everyone knew about but said nothing about. Right, Barack?" Politics is a dirty, ugly game. Learn more at Evil.news. Sources for this article include: Revolver.news NaturalNews.com Blinken SNUBS Congressional hearing on botched Afghanistan withdrawal Secretary of State Antony Blinken has snubbed a Congressional hearing on the botched Afghanistan withdrawal in 2021 , in defiance of a subpoena ordering him to testify before lawmakers. The Biden-Harris administration official was a no-show during a Sept. 24 hearing convened by the House Foreign Affairs Committee (HFAC). According to the Washington Free Beacon, the committee subpoenaed Blinken to elaborate on the failed 2021 withdrawal that claimed the lives of 13 U.S. service members and brought the Taliban back to power after 20 years. The secretary of state was expected to face tough questions detailing how the U.S. abandoned a "significant amount of classified information," advanced biometric data and millions in cash when it fled the war-torn country as revealed by a new Congressional report. But a day prior, on Sept. 23, the Department of State told the HFAC that Blinken won't be appearing before it. According to sources familiar with the situation, the secretary was reportedly too busy with the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in New York City to attend. "The committee received a letter stating the secretary will not come," said one source. "He didn't provide any other dates for this week, claiming he's busy with events and gatherings at the UNGA. Instead, he offered his deputies neither of whom worked at the State Department throughout 2021 nor the Afghanistan withdrawal." The Free Beacon noted that the State Department has long accused the HFAC, chaired by U.S. Rep. Michael McCaul (R-TX), of "pursuing a politically motivated investigation into Afghanistan." The department has also claimed that Blinken would never have been able to make the Sept. 24 hearing due to his UN obligations. But according to HFAC sources, the secretary of state was offered any day in September to appear for testimony with the State Department failing to select another day of its choosing. Lawmakers also were not informed of Blinken's UN schedule in advance, leading them to choose Sept. 24 for the hearing, they added. Blinken's no-show paves the way for contempt citation Blinken's no-show and defiance of the subpoena angered GOP members of the HFAC, including McCaul himself. The committee chairman is now pushing a measure to formally hold the secretary of state in contempt of Congress. During the Sept. 24 HFAC hearing, McCaul announced that Blinken chose to "willingly defy this subpoena." The hearing concluded shortly after the announcement, and the Texas representative later said the HFAC would reconvene to "begin the formal process of holding the secretary in contempt of Congress." The committee later voted along party lines to advance the resolution, which will now be voted on by the entire House floor. McCaul told the Free Beacon before the vote that Blinken "probably had pressure put on him to not testify prior to the election." He continued: "What they were trying to do was push my report and investigation until after the election because then it wouldn't have the impact. There's a campaign to try and bring it down." The Free Beacon managed to obtain a copy of the contempt resolution, with the document pointing fingers at Blinken for the botched Afghanistan withdrawal. The secretary's "pattern of obstruction throughout the course of this committee's investigation is consistent with a finding of contempt now," the document stated. It also emphasizes that Blinken's appearance before the HFAC "is critical to understanding a series of missteps that only became clear years after the Biden-Harris administration abandoned Afghanistan." "[Afghanistan is now] the most gender-oppressive regime in the world, as well as a breeding ground for terrorism. The U.S.'s chaotic withdrawal from Afghanistan kickstarted aggression from America's adversaries like Russia, China and Iran," the resolution stated. "Much of the accountability for the failures involved in that withdrawal belongs with Blinken as head of the State Department." The Free Beacon noted that if the resolution is approved, Blinken would be the first secretary of state to be held in contempt of Congress. This misdemeanor is punishable by up to $100,000 in fines and potential jail time. In June, the Biden-Harris administration declined to prosecute U.S. Attorney General Merrick Garland after the GOP-controlled House voted to hold him in contempt of Congress in June. (Related: Florida Rep. Luna: House sergeant-at-arms CAN ARREST U.S. AG Garland.) Visit BigGovernment.news for similar stories. Watch this clip of U.S. Rep. Darrell Issa (R-CA) questioning Antony Blinken about Chinese nationals entering the U.S. during an HFAC hearing in May. This video is from the NewsClips channel on Brighteon.com. More related stories: Biden knew all along the Taliban takeover of Afghanistan was imminent. Congressional report: Biden-Harris admin DECEIVED Americans on Afghanistan withdrawal. White House now claims it did not leave American weapons in Afghanistan, calls accusation a "farce." Sources include: FreeBeacon.com Brighteon.com Court dismisses wrongful death lawsuit against hospital where COVID-19 patient died after being switched from ivermectin to remdesivir The Nevada Supreme Court has dismissed a lawsuit filed by the family of a man whose doctors switched his ivermectin treatment to remdesivir and other drugs without his permission while he was hospitalized with COVID-19. Hal de Becker was being treated by his family doctor with ivermectin after he developed COVID-19 symptoms in spring of 2021. However, he was then admitted to the Desert Springs Hospital Medical Center out of an abundance of caution so he could undergo close monitoring. The two doctors who served as his attending physicians at the hospital decided to stop giving him ivermectin and started giving him remdesivir and other drugs instead, and his condition quickly deteriorated. He died shortly after being released from the hospital. His family says that this change was made against their wishes, which they clearly expressed to the hospital and two of the doctors treating him, and they insist the drug was switched without consulting them. They filed a lawsuit, suing the doctors and the hospital itself for wrongful death and negligence. They maintain that the physicians and hospital were aware of the scientific evidence demonstrating the effectiveness of ivermectin against the virus but chose remdesivir instead in decisions that they believe were influenced by the media and political beliefs. They also claim that the hospital and the doctors violated the family's right to informed consent when they failed to consult with them or his family doctor about the decisions they made about his treatment. Hospital claims PREP Act protects them The lawsuit was dismissed by the Nevada Supreme Court, who ruled that the Public Readiness and Emergency Preparedness (PREP) Act gives medical professionals and healthcare institutions immunity from liability for any claims of loss that are caused by, arising out of, relating to, or resulting from the administration to or the use by an individual of a covered countermeasure. These covered countermeasures include not only medications and vaccines but also devices and other products that have been authorized to treat patients in declared medical emergencies. According to the court, the man's family does not have grounds to sue because remdesivir is considered a covered countermeasure. However, they added that even if the PREP Act was not applicable in this case, the fact that the family did not provide some specific legal documents that were needed in an affidavit to prove professional negligence would have put the case in jeopardy either way. The family has already appealed the dismissal. PREP Act helps doctors get away with violating patients' fundamental rights Unfortunately, the PREP Act offers broad legal protection for doctors, hospitals and pharmaceutical companies even when they are violating patients' fundamental rights. Some legal experts believe that the case should serve as an example of why legislative action is needed to prevent these acts from causing damage. Children's Health Defense General Counsel Kim Mack Rosenberg said: The decision illuminates the way in which PREP has essentially run roughshod over other laws, including here, state informed consent law. She added that a classification of a product shouldnt overrule a persons rights to make decisions about their own healthcare. It is concerning that simply because a pharmaceutical product is defined as a covered countermeasure, doctors can ignore, without repercussions, an obligation to obtain informed consent. The status of a product should not determine a patients rights to make a decision about whether or not to receive a treatment, she said. Sources for this article include: ChildrensHealthDefense.org ChildrensHealthDefense.org Report: Nearly 900K deceased individuals still registered as active voters in Puerto Rico A report from the Puerto Rico-based investigative journalism firm, the Centro de Periodismo Investigativo (CPI) report has found that hundreds of thousands of deceased individuals in the commonwealth remain registered active voters in the General Registry of Voters (RGE). The investigators analyzed data from the RGE, interviewed sources from major political parties in the territory, spoke with individuals in the Puerto Rico State Commission on Elections (CEE) and assessed hundreds of other documents. The CPI discovered widespread irregularities in the electoral process in Puerto Rico. For instance, the CPI found that at least 5,872 deceased individuals who passed away between 2015 and September 2020 were still marked as active voters in the RGE. Some were even able to vote in the 2016 and 2020 elections after they had been marked as deceased. (Related: Texas PURGES one million ineligible voters from voter rolls, including non-citizens and dead people.) The RGE also includes around 2,865 voters who would be over 100 years old, with some having birth dates in the 1800s. Out of a sample of 450 of these centenarian voters, the CPI found that fewer than two percent had been excluded from the voter rolls due to death. Shockingly, the investigation uncovered records of a voter named Luquillo, born in 1828, who reportedly "reactivated" his registration to cast a ballot in the 2020 election. The discrepancies do not end there. The RGE contains 682,938 active or inactive voters over the age of 80, yet the 2023 Census Community Survey lists only 221,216 living individuals of that age group in Puerto Rico. Similarly, cross-referencing conducted by the CPI between the RGE and the commonwealth's Central Office of the Demographic Registry confirmed that there were at least 155,611 deceased individuals who were registered voters between 2015 and 2022. The CPI could not analyze the deaths before 2015 and in 2023 as the registry refused to provide death records during those years due to ongoing legal battles. The CPI concludes that nearly 900,000 deceased individuals are listed as either active, inactive or excluded voters in the RGE's database, which contains the personal data of nearly five million voters. Puerto Rico practices widespread electoral fraud and the CEE does nothing about it Aside from dead people voting, the CPI also uncovered other kinds of electoral fraud such as submission of false endorsements, exploitation of personal data from RGE and "list clearing" at polling stations on election day to benefit candidates. "List clearing" involves using the RGE or party membership records to conduct false transactions on behalf of voters, including endorsing candidates or submitting early vote requests in the name of incapacitated, elderly or deceased individuals. These votes have been cast by citizens who are bedridden, mentally incapacitated or dead. Many of these individuals are still listed in the electoral rolls and were recorded as having voted in the last three election cycles. The CPI also found that political activists, mobilizers and electoral managers employed by political parties are instrumental in the fraud. These managers, often former employees of the CEE, can access voter information and manipulate it for the benefit of their chosen candidates. Several sources with direct knowledge confirmed that these managers charge candidates for getting endorsements, often forging signatures or falsely claiming endorsements on behalf of real or deceased voters. Moreover, mass submission of early voting requests, which is directly prohibited by the Electoral Code of 2020, is another electoral fraud. Article 9.38 of the code states that early voting requests must be submitted individually by each voter, yet the CEE allows large batches of such requests to be processed. In short, the CEE has shown neither the capacity nor the will to address these issues. The CEE has failed to oversee the issuance and handling of the documents necessary for voting. Follow VoteFraud.news for more stories about voting issues in America. Watch the video below about Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton investigating the voter fraud happening in his state. This video is from the SecureLife channel on Brighteon.com. More related stories: CLEANING HOUSE: Ohio removes nearly 155,000 names from voter rolls due to inactive or expired registrations. 14% of illegal immigrants in Georgia admit they are registered to vote in America's elections. California sending voter registration forms to illegal immigrants. Questions persist about falsification of 100,000 mail-in ballots in Michigan as Gov. Whitmer changes election laws to make fraud harder to expose. Texas AG announces major election fraud raids after organization accused of registering noncitizens to vote. Sources include: TheNationalPulse.com PeriodismoInvestigativo.com Brighteon.com Facebook provided secret online tools and trained CDC employees how to censor the American public The American First Legal team is currently litigating against Facebook and the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) for violating the First Amendment and censoring Americans on important topics that drastically affect their lives. The litigation has just exposed onboarding documents that Facebook (Meta) employees used to train CDC employees on how to censor the American public. Facebook employees coordinated with government employees under the Biden regime to block Americans from learning the truth about COVID-19 and the so-called vaccines. Their censorship portal was titled Covid & Vaccine Misinformation. The CDC was allowed to censor more than 16 million pieces of content on Facebook and Instagram, citing vaccine misinformation as the reason. Biden regime and Facebooks censorship machinations are a threat to the republic In 2021, the Biden-Harris regime pressured social media companies to eliminate important dialogue and public discourse on various issues related to COVID-19. Only accepted government narratives were allowed online. Facebook caved to the pressure and gave the CDC online tools so the government could control speech online. In fact, the litigation documents reveal that Facebook, under pressure from the administration, implemented a new system of censorship, allowing government officials to efficiently request the removal of Facebook posts. This system streamlined the process, enabling officials to submit multiple links for censorship and providing a way to track compliance through ticket numbers. In the portal, CDC employees chose their Reason for Reporting to remove a Facebook users post. These reasons included COVID Misinformation, Vaccine Discouragement, and COVID Vaccine Misinformation. Access to this portal was restricted to approved personnel, making oversight by outside organizations more difficult. Additionally, Facebook clarified the criteria for content removal in collaboration with the CDC. The documents indicate that Facebook outlined specific types of content it would remove and detailed what information it required from the CDC to justify censoring certain narratives while adhering to its community standards. Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg has publicly acknowledged that Facebook caved to government pressure. American First Legal Executive Director Gene Hamilton wrote about the latest findings: These documents showdefinitivelythe architecture behind the systems that political appointees and governmental bureaucrats used to unconstitutionally censor the free speech of Americans online. The right to speakto even question authorityis so fundamental to our national identity, yet in the name of a public health crisis, Biden Administration officials worked with major companies to silence dissent. The American people need to review these documents and understand just how far our leaders in Washington went to violate the First Amendment to our Constitution. CDC removed vaccine truth from Facebook, brainwashing the public and harming countless lives The CDC removed Facebook posts dissenting about social distancing, face masks and testing. All of these devices of control turned out to exacerbate disease theater that not only caused further hysteria, but also damaged the social fabric of society. When the disastrous COVID-19 vaccines were rolled out, the CDC targeted information on spike protein shedding from the vaccines and disregarded the negative effects shedding had on womens menstrual cycles, ovulation and miscarriage risk. The CDC censored common adverse events from the vaccine and ignored the fatalities from the shot, disregarding all evidence suggesting the vaccine was a depopulation weapon. In fact, any information that discouraged vaccine uptake was targeted and removed. These coercive actions had a chilling effect on the informed consent principle and led to widespread violations of body autonomy rights and medical ethics throughout society. Updates to Facebooks community standards were quick to punish repeat offenders who spread so-called misinformation. People who made repeated false claims about masks for example, or who discouraged social distancing had their accounts reach reduced or removed altogether. Pages Groups, profiles, and Instagram accounts that repeatedly post misinformation or coordinated harm (see Coordinating Harm policies at the top of this entry) related to COVID-19, vaccines, and health may face restrictions, including (but not limited to) reduced distribution, removal from recommendations, or removal from our site. The Biden regime made censorship easy, and Facebook caved to the pressure, providing them unlimited power to restrict free speech and stifle the truth on matters that affect the lives and livelihoods of millions of Americans. The federal agents who participated in this censorship scheme harmed countless lives with their vaccine propaganda and controlling narratives. Sources include: AFLegal.org Judiciary.House.gov [PDF] FBI claims it disrupted Chinese hacking campaign on critical U.S. infrastructure Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) Director Christopher Wray recently said that the agency has disrupted a major hacking group nicknamed "Flax Typhoon, " an allegedly China-backed cybercrime group that threatened to hold more expansive power over key infrastructure in the United States. The said hacking campaign, also known as Ethereal Panda and Red Juliett, has so far infected home routers, firewalls, storage devices and Internet of Things devices like cameras and video recorders. As of June, its botnet included more than 260,000 malware-infected devices across North America, South America, Europe, Africa, Southeast Asia and Australia, according to a U.S. government advisory. Wray said at a cybersecurity conference in Washington that Flax Typhoon was being run by a Chinese company called the Integrity Technology Group, which "collected intelligence and performed reconnaissance for Chinese government security agencies." The director also said the operation against Flax Typhoon took place earlier this month. He noted that Flax Typhoon was targeting not only critical infrastructure but also corporations, media organizations, universities and government agencies. Reuters reported that the hacking campaign routed their malicious traffic through something called "a botnet," a network of hijacked devices that in this case included cameras and digital storage devices. When the FBI tried to take control of the botnet's infrastructure, the hackers responded with a cyberattack before abandoning the fight. "When the bad guys realized what was happening, they tried to migrate their bots to new servers, and even conducted a DDoS [distributed denial of service] attack against us," Wray said. "Working with our partners, we were able to not only mitigate their attack but also identify their new infrastructure in just a matter of hours." "At that point, as we began pivoting to their new servers, these guys finally realized it was the FBI and our partners that we were up against. And with that realization, they essentially burned down their new infrastructure and abandoned their salvation efforts." Meanwhile, the Chinese Embassy in Washington accused U.S. authorities of having "jumped to an unwarranted conclusion and made groundless accusations against China," claiming that Beijing cracks down on "all forms of cyberattacks." This is not the first encounter of the U.S. with a Chinese-backed hacking group. Earlier this year, the country's top cybersecurity officials warned Congress about a similar cybercrime group known as "Volt Typhoon," and shared that they had taken down that hacking group's network of infected devices. In May 2023, Volt Typhoon accessed several major critical infrastructure organizations, including a West Coast port, a utility in Hawaii and at least one oil and gas pipeline. Chinese hackers have been lurking in U.S. infrastructure systems for years Earlier this year, a report by U.S. and allied security agencies indicated that Chinese hackers trying to infiltrate transportation hubs and other critical American infrastructure have had access to some of their targets' computer networks for "at least five years" now. (Related: White House official: China maintained PERSISTENT ACCESS to U.S. networks for years.) According to the nearly 50-page report, the Chinese hackers' activity began much earlier than previously known, with the hackers scoping and accessing IT systems years ago. From there, they have spent months looking for ways to maneuver onto more sensitive industrial systems that help control power flow and water. Back then, the spokesperson for the Chinese Embassy in Washington Liu Pengyu denied the U.S. hacking allegations and accused Washington of conducting its own cyberattacks. Meanwhile, Chinese-operated hacking campaigns continue. In August, cybersecurity experts said massive efforts by the U.S. to curb the attacks haven't made a dent, particularly on the Volt Typhoon. "Volt Typhoon is active to this day," Sherrod DeGrippo, director of threat intelligence strategy at the tech giant Microsoft, said on the sidelines of the BlackHat conference. "Have they stopped? Absolutely not. Will they stop? Doubt it." "Generally, there has not been a change in the targeting at all," DeGrippo added. "I would say we're about the same volume, but what the story is there to me is actually the consistency and the persistence. We don't see big changes there." Alex Stamos, chief information security officer of cyber group SentinelOne and former chief security officer at Meta, agreed with the statement and noted that the Biden administration's efforts have not made any difference in stopping China from its efforts. "The fact that it does not deter them does scare me," Stamos lamented. Check out CyberWar.news to read more stories similar to this. Watch the video below where Chinese President Xi Jinping commits to a "stable relationship" with the United States. This video is from the TrendingNews channel on Brighteon.com. More related stories: CCP is embedding itself into U.S. utility infrastructure; Biden administration issues warning about situation they created. Leaked documents reveal China's hacking abilities and potential targets. Patients across the U.S. still unable to access lifesaving medications nearly two weeks after CYBERATTACK on UnitedHealth's Change Healthcare unit. Sources include: Axios.com Reuters.com Politico.com Brighteon.com PUSHED TOO FAR: Former Putin advisor says Russia has no choice but to use tactical NUCLEAR WEAPONS against NATO The continued Western provocation of Moscow via Ukraine will eventually force Vladimir Putin to use tactical nuclear weapons against Western targets, according to former Putin advisor and political analyst Sergei Markov. In a recent interview with Times Radio (United Kingdom), Markov worried out loud about the endgame of all this tension and escalation as the West keeps on poking the bear despite repeated warnings that these provocations will not go unpunished. "You want to target your rocket missiles to Russian cities, to kill our people, and you, Great Britain, are going to do it. And you think we will keep silent?" Markov said. In the event that Ukraine uses Shadow Storm missiles inside Russia, Moscow will have no choice but to launch tactical nuclear weapons on NATO airfields in Ukraine, as well as on British territory. "You want to have war? Go ahead," he added. "You want to have war? Go ahead." Former Putin advisor Sergei Markov has warned that Russia could attack British territory and launch "tactical nuclear weapons" on NATO airfields if Ukraine is allowed to use Storm Shadow missiles inside Russia. @AdamBoultonTABB pic.twitter.com/k8LPab7V7c Times Radio (@TimesRadio) September 15, 2024 (Related: Earlier this year, Putin revealed that Moscow is ready to start manufacturing previously banned missile systems now that NATO countries have abandoned their part of the arms treaties.) It's only a matter of time Moscow has thus far shown incredible restraint in the face of Western aggression, but things can only go so far before Putin has to respond with something formidable to let the West know that it is not playing around. When asked if he sees a tactical nuclear strike happening soon, Markov responded in the affirmative. He revealed that many Russian experts now agree that Moscow has no choice but to take this kind of action, particularly against NATO airfields. As for the possibility of Moscow striking British territories, Markov responded that this could happen "eventually" depending on how Ukraine uses its Western-supplied weapons moving forward. "British missiles may be used from F-16s, but F-16 bases are not in Ukraine they are based in the Romanian and Polish airfields," Markov explained. "Possibly, the Russian army will have to give a real strike to those F-16s, which are on the Romania and Polish airfields." Russia is still open to peace talks, should the West want to play ball. Certain conditions will need to be met, though, including the democratization of Ukraine and the removal of the "Kyiv regime," which at the current time is run by corrupt actor and LGBT stripper Volodymyr Zelensky. "Ukraine could be independent like Switzerland," Markov proposed as one possible option. Many supporters of NATO and the West see Markov as a Kremlin propagandist who should not be allowed on British airwaves. Others see him as holding the West in check with these warnings. What do you think? "I propose that the ruling class be sent to the front line," wrote a member of the general public in response to these escalations of war. "These clowns have thrown almost 600,000 young people to injury or death," wrote another. "My father used to say that the West always wanted a conventional war with the USSR," told another, recollecting what his father told him way back when. "He told me about the death camps in Ukraine and how many Jews the Ukrainian SS killed in World War II. But you never hear about that stuff." "Stop these wars that our leaders want, not the people," said another. "Peace and love, everyone." The latest news about Russia versus the West can be found at WWIII.news. Sources for this article include: RMX.news NaturalNews.com Mayor of Muslim-majority city in Michigan endorses DONALD TRUMP for president The mayor of a Muslim-majority city in the state of Michigan has formally endorsed former President Donald Trump as his pick for the next chief executive. Hamtramck, Michigan Mayor Ameer Ghalib issued his endorsement of Trump on Sept. 22 through a Facebook post. According to 100 Percent Fed Up, the Arab-American mayor was elected in 2021 with 68 percent of the votes cast for him. "Trump and I may not agree on everything, but I know he is a man of principles. I believe he is the right choice for this critical time. I'll not regret my decision no matter what the outcome would be, and I'm ready to face the consequences," Ghalib wrote. "For this and for many other reasons, I announce my support and endorsement for the former and hopefully the next president of the U.S., Donald Trump. Now, let the caravan begin its journey. This is just the starting point." Days before the Yemeni-born Hamtramck mayor posted his endorsement, the Detroit Free Press reported that he met with the former president shortly before Trump's town hall in Flint, Michigan. Ghalib described the 20-minute meeting as "productive" to the outlet, and disclosed that the former president asked for his endorsement which the mayor did through his Sept. 22 Facebook post. "[Trump] knew a lot about me prior to the meeting. We talked about various topics including the debates, the polls updates, the statistics of votes in Michigan and Wayne County, the Arab American concerns and the Yemeni Americans in particular," he said. Ghalib continued that before he and Trump parted ways, he handed the former president "an official letter with some details about our concerns and to invite him to come to Hamtramck if possible." The Free Press continued that "Ghalib appeared to receive a positive response from Arab Americans to his meeting with Trump." It also pointed out that Ghalib and all six members of the Hamtramck City Council are Muslims. (Related: City council in Michigan BANS LGBT flags from public property take note, White House.) Why Ghalib's endorsement of Trump matters "Hamtramck has the second highest percentage of Arab American residents in Michigan after Dearborn, and also [has] a growing Bangladeshi American population," the outlet continued. "Michigan, which has the highest percentage of residents with Middle Eastern ancestry among all states in the U.S., is seen as a swing state." A separate piece on County Local News meanwhile expounded on why Ghalib endorsing Trump matters. First, his endorsement of the real estate mogul "challenges the notion that all Arab Americans are staunch Democrats" and "showcases the diversity of opinions within the Arab-American community." Second, "Ghalib's endorsement could potentially sway other Democrats to reconsider their stance on Trump." The piece also pointed out that it took a huge amount of courage for Ghalib to endorse Trump, given that he hails from Wayne County a Democratic stronghold. "His endorsement of Trump goes against the grain of his constituents and could have far-reaching implications for his political career," it added, with the mayor acknowledging this consequence. "The Democratic Party has been quick to distance itself from Ghalib's endorsement of Trump. Party leaders have emphasized that his views do not reflect the values of the party as a whole. Many Democrats view Ghalib's endorsement as a betrayal of the party and its core principles." Despite condemnation from the Democrats, the Hamtramck mayor's move received much acclaim from Republicans. "Today is a good day in America," political activist Hassan Aoun told the Free Press of Ghalib's announcement. "An Arab American mayor endorses Donald Trump." Dearborn resident Khalil Othman, a former Democrat who jumped to the GOP for his opposition to LGBT books in libraries, also praised the Hamtramck mayor. "Thank you for changing the perception that all Muslim Americans are default tickers to (the) Democratic party," he said. Head over to Trump.news for more stories about the former president. Watch this video about the National Fraternal Order of Police endorsing Donald Trump for president. This video is from the 22Ten.TV News Channel on Brighteon.com. More related stories: Robert F. Kennedy Jr. suspends campaign, endorses Donald Trump. Muslim Women for Harris-Walz disbands and pulls its support for Kamala over Palestine. Democrats using Muslims to steal elections illegal ballots being filled out in dining rooms. America's first all-Muslim city council just got exposed for participating in mass voter fraud. Tulsi Gabbard endorses Donald Trump for president as former Dems reject the tyrannical, Marxist Left. Sources include: 100PercentFedUp.com MSN.com USAToday.com Brighteon.com Trump warns ILLEGAL VOTERS in 2024 elections you will GO TO JAIL Former President Donald Trump has warned that those who plan to vote illegally in the elections this November will spend time behind bars The real estate mogul took to his Truth Social platform to issue a stern warning for those planning to engage in election fraud come November, vowing that they would face severe consequences. "If you vote illegally, you're going to jail," Trump wrote in a brief but direct message on Sept. 20. "The warning comes as part of Trump's recent focus on ensuring election integrity," YourNews remarked. The warning followed an earlier post of Trump three days prior. The Sept. 17 post warned that anyone caught cheating during the election would be "prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law" if he returns to the White House. He wrote: "I, together with my attorneys and legal scholars, am watching the sanctity of the 2024 presidential election very closely. Because I know, better than most, the rampant cheating and skullduggery that has taken place [under] the Democrats in the 2020 presidential election. "It was a disgrace to our nation. Therefore, the 2024 election where votes have just started being cast will be under the closest professional scrutiny. When I win [a second term], those people that cheated will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law, which will include long-term prison sentences so that this depravity of justice does not happen again. "We cannot let our country further devolve into a third-world nation, and we won't. Please beware that this legal exposure extends to lawyers, political operatives, donors, illegal voters and corrupt election officials. Those involved in unscrupulous behavior will be sought out, caught and prosecuted at levels never before seen in the country." Trump's warning coincides with the start of voting window for elections The former president's warning to those who plan to commit vote fraud came amid the opening of the voting window for this year's elections. According to FOX 40, the voting window's opening for this year is on Sept. 21. "The first batch of ballots typically sent out are the ones to military and overseas voters. Under federal law, that must happen at least 45 days before an election," the outlet added. "State and local election officials have warned that problems with the nation's mail delivery system threaten to disenfranchise voters in the upcoming presidential election, telling the head of the U.S. Postal Service that it hasn't fixed persistent deficiencies." But Trump himself faces potential election interference as the Republican presidential nominee. Originally scheduled to be sentenced for the hush money trial on Sept. 18, Judge Juan Merchan has since moved the date to until after the election. In May, the former president was convicted of 34 felony counts of falsifying business records to conceal payments made to adult film actress Stormy Daniels. (Related: Judge Merchan DELAYS Trumps hush money sentencing until after election.) "As the 2024 election begins, Trump's comments have further heightened focus on the issue of voter fraud, a topic that has remained at the forefront of his political agenda since the 2020 election," YourNews concluded. "He remains committed to ensuring that the integrity of the upcoming election is protected, promising strict legal action against any attempts to subvert the process." Visit Trump.news for similar stories. Watch Glenn Beck explaining that Americans are finally starting to feel the impact of unchecked immigration under the Biden-Harris administration. This video is from the High Hopes channel on Brighteon.com. More related stories: Guess what? Illegal immigration is a RICO offense. Is it time to lock up the Harris/Biden regime? Charleroi, Penn., saw 2,000% population surge after Kamala unleashed weaponized Haitian migrants. Pharrell Williams NOT HAPPY with fellow celebs telling people who to vote for. New complaint filed alleging that U.S. Postal Service (USPS) committed electoral fraud in the 2020 Presidential Election. SURVEY: More Americans might NOT VOTE in the 2024 presidential election. Sources include: YourNews.com TruthSocial.com 1 TruthSocial.com 2 Brighteon.com LinkedIn has unveiled its 2024 LinkedIn Top Startups Australia list, highlighting emerging companies that are attracting attention from both investors and job seekers. These startups are not only experiencing rapid growth but are also pioneering innovative solutions across various industries, from lab-grown meat to 3D-printed hypersonic rockets. The list is based on data from LinkedIns 1 billion members, measuring companies across four key metrics: employee growth, jobseeker interest, member engagement, and the ability to attract talent from LinkedIns Top Companies list. To qualify, companies must be headquartered in Australia, privately held, fully independent, and five years old or younger, with at least 30 full-time employees. Top 10 Startups Australia Montu Headquarters: Melbourne | Founded: 2019 Montu is a medical cannabis company connecting Australians with qualified doctors through its telehealth platform. Eucalyptus Headquarters: Sydney | Founded: 2019 Eucalyptus is a telehealth platform covering four key areas: contraception and fertility, skincare, mens health, and sexual wellness. ProcurePro Headquarters: Brisbane | Founded: 2020 ProcurePro creates software that helps construction firms manage and digitise their procurement processes. Heidi Health Headquarters: Melbourne | Founded: 2021 Heidi Health developed an AI tool that automates administrative tasks for medical practitioners, such as writing clinical notes and referral letters. Constantinople Headquarters: Sydney | Founded: 2022 Constantinople offers an all-in-one software platform helping banks manage operations, customer service, compliance, and anti-money laundering. Vow Headquarters: Sydney | Founded: 2019 Vow is a food biotech company using animal cells to produce lab-grown meat products. Ofload Headquarters: Sydney | Founded: 2019 Ofload is a freight logistics platform that digitises trucking fleets, aiming for a more sustainable supply chain. Howatson+Company Headquarters: Sydney | Founded: 2021 This full-service advertising company has experienced rapid growth since its launch in 2021. Zeller Headquarters: Melbourne | Founded: 2020 Zeller provides payment and financial services for small and medium-sized businesses, helping them manage transactions and finances. Safewill Headquarters: Sydney | Founded: 2019 Safewill is an end-of-life planning platform that allows users to create digital wills. The full top 20 list is available on LinkedIn. Cayla Dengate, LinkedIn Australia Career Expert, says the 2024 list demonstrates the vibrant entrepreneurial ecosystem in Australia, with startups making an impact across diverse industries. Dengate also shared tips for professionals interested in joining a startup: Adopt a Growth Mindset : Startups value adaptability and a willingness to learn. Showcase your ability to overcome challenges and develop new skills. : Startups value adaptability and a willingness to learn. Showcase your ability to overcome challenges and develop new skills. Highlight Cultural Fit : Research the companys culture and demonstrate your ability to work collaboratively within their team environment. : Research the companys culture and demonstrate your ability to work collaboratively within their team environment. Demonstrate Critical Thinking : Startups seek fresh perspectives and creative problem solvers. Provide examples of how youve tackled challenges in the past. : Startups seek fresh perspectives and creative problem solvers. Provide examples of how youve tackled challenges in the past. Showcase Your Passion: Express genuine interest in the startups mission, showing youre invested in their success. Keep up to date with our stories on LinkedIn, Twitter, Facebook and Instagram. Sorry, something doesn't look right. Something seems unusual about your device or browser. Please contact support. Closer China-ASEAN cooperation boosts regional high-quality development Xinhua) 08:04, September 26, 2024 NANNING, China, Sept. 25 (Xinhua) -- Visitors arriving at this year's China-ASEAN Expo (CAEXPO) will encounter an intriguing blend of fresh innovations and familiar attractions. A new section spotlights emerging industries such as artificial intelligence and lithium batteries, while longstanding crowd favorites, like durian, longan, and rice, continue to draw attention. This evolving landscape mirrors the deepening partnership between China and ASEAN. China's commitment to expanding high-standard opening-up and the rapid industry upgrading in ASEAN nations has fostered stronger economic ties between the two sides. Together, these efforts drive regional high-quality development while sharing China's development opportunities with ASEAN. EMPOWERING ASEAN SMES Stepping into the Thai Pavilion at CAEXPO, visitors are greeted by the distinct aroma of durian mingling with the herbal scent of Zam-buk, a popular Thai remedy for insect bites. A booth showcasing the collaboration between TOPTHAI and China's e-commerce leader, JD.com, drew significant interest. A visitor learns about a durian-flavored coffee at the booth of Malaysia during the 21st China-ASEAN Expo at Nanning International Convention and Exhibition Center in Nanning, south China's Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, Sept. 24, 2024. (Xinhua/Zhang Ailin) TOPTHAI store on leading e-commerce platforms is an initiative launched by the Thai Department of International Trade Promotion this year. It aims to help Thai small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) expose their products to more overseas markets, among which the Chinese market is a crucial destination, said Dr. Nisachol Thaithong, a Thai trader and researcher in China-Thailand cross-border e-commerce. For SMEs and small-scale farmers in ASEAN countries, participating in e-commerce with China has transformed their businesses. "It (CAEXPO) is moving forward dynamically in terms of the more areas of cooperation, in terms of engaging wider stakeholders," said Kao Kim Hourn, secretary-general of ASEAN, in an interview on the sideline of CAEXPO and China-ASEAN Business and Investment Summit (CABIS). "Now they are involved in the Micro-, Small, and Medium-sized Enterprises (MSMEs), for example. MSMEs are really the backbone of the economy on both sides. We have to get them involved, in addition to the big cooperations. I think this is the right direction that we are taking." Frequent exchanges between China and Malaysia leadership have set a positive tone for SMEs, said Ravenna Chen, the CEO of TusStar Malaysia, an innovation and entrepreneurship platform. Huang Aimin, chairman of the first council of the Guangxi Cross-border E-Commerce Association, said cross-border e-commerce has the potential to be a critical platform for promoting in-depth economic and trade cooperation between China and ASEAN. Collaborating with China has sped up modernization in Laos. For instance, working with China to digitize businesses and develop e-commerce skills has been advantageous for both businesses and young individuals in Laos, according to Thanongsinh Kanlaya, Vice President of the Lao National Chamber of Commerce and Industry. UPGRADING AGRIBUSINESS At a durian orchard in Thailand's Chanthaburi province, Kosai, the 32-year-old owner and a Chinese social media influencer, was promoting durians to Chinese netizens through the live streaming e-commerce platform Tmall. Kosai is proud that his orchard is a smart orchard jointly built by the Commercial Association for Sustainability of Agriculture in Thailand and the Foreign Economic Cooperation Center of China's Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs. The Internet of Things installed by the Chinese side in Kosai's orchard, which includes meteorological, water level, and soil moisture monitoring, could provide data support for the scientific cultivation of durian and the improvement of fruit quality. Klos Hirunburana (R), chairman of the Commercial Association for Sustainability of Agriculture (CASA) in Thailand, promotes durians to Chinese netizens through the livestreaming on e-commerce platform Tmall at a durian orchard in Thailand's Chanthaburi province, May 24, 2024. (Xinhua/Sun Weitong) Modern farming is a sector with a promising future for cooperation between Malaysia and China, said Low Kian Chuan, president of the Associated Chinese Chambers of Commerce and Industry of Malaysia. Despite the difference in size and population between Brunei and China, CAEXPO and CABIS have offered a platform for Brunei enterprises to conduct win-win cooperation with Chinese peers, said National Chamber of Commerce and Industry Brunei Darussalam President Haji Abdul Saman bin Haji Ahmad. Platforms like CAEXPO and CABIS incentivize Brunei SMEs to grow "more resilient and more proactive" by exposing their products and services to the Chinese market, said Saman, adding that he sees particularly promising opportunities for Brunei's halal food. GREEN TRANSITION Leading Chinese renewable energy firms are working closely with ASEAN enterprises and investing in new facilities to produce innovative, locally adapted products, thus actively contributing to ASEAN's green transition. In July, BYD opened an electric vehicle plant in Thailand, the automaker's first Southeast Asian factory, a fast-growing regional EV market. The same month Eve Energy announced a plan to build a new factory in Kulim, Kedah state, Malaysia to meet the fast-growing demand for energy storage and consumer batteries in the South East Asia region. Guests inscribe signatures on the first battery product of NV Gotion jointly established by Gotion High-tech and Nuovo Plus at Siam Eastern Industrial Park in Rayong, Thailand, Dec. 7, 2023. (Xinhua/Wang Teng) In August, Gotion High-tech announced that a battery assembly plant project in Malaysia is under negotiation, in addition to its assembly plants in Indonesia and Thailand. The battery manufacturer's Vietnam factory is expected to begin production in October this year. Malaysia's East Coast Rail Link under the Belt and Road Initiative is expected to drive economic development in the east coast areas and promote more balanced development among regions within the countries, said Anthony Loke Siew Fook, the minister of transport of Malaysia. This photo shows the launching site of the East Coast Rail Link project, a mega rail project in Malaysia being built by the China Communications Construction Company (CCCC), in Kuantan, Malaysia on Dec. 11, 2023. (Xinhua/Chong Voon Chung) As outlined in the National Automotive Policy 2020 and National Energy Transition Roadmap, Malaysia is developing its renewable energy battery sector and welcomes leading battery manufacturers to invest in it, said Loke. Malaysia encourages Chinese companies to form partnerships with local companies to further promote the use of electric and hybrid vehicles in Malaysia, not only in terms of car manufacturing but also in the entire ecosystem, from charging networks to battery manufacturing, said Zalina Zainol, deputy chief executive officer of investment development at Malaysian Investment Development Authority. Malaysia highly encourages such cooperation to further create high-skilled jobs in engineering, research and development, and advanced manufacturing, thereby boosting economic growth here, Zainol added. (Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Zhong Wenxing) China and Vietnam unite to protect rare gibbons People's Daily Online) 16:39, September 26, 2024 A eastern black crested gibbon (Photo/www.gxnews.com.cn) China and Vietnam's long-standing collaboration to protect the eastern black crested gibbon, one of the world's most critically endangered primates, continues to show positive outcomes. Once thought extinct in the 1950s, this rare species was rediscovered along the China-Vietnam border at the turn of the 21st century. This surprising find spurred both nations into action, culminating in a 2011 memorandum of understanding to collaborate on protecting these critically endangered primates. The partnership has yielded impressive results. According to CCTV, in the Chinese reserve, the population of eastern black crested gibbons has now grown to 39 individuals, marking a significant milestone in the species' recovery. This cross-border cooperation between China and Vietnam serves as a model for international biodiversity conservation efforts. (Web editor: Wu Chaolan, Wu Chengliang) The Fair Work Legislation Amendment (Closing Loopholes No. 2) Act 2024 (Cth) (Closing Loopholes No.2 Act) has introduced a swath of reforms that impact both small and medium enterprises (SMEs). Are you a small business? Businesses who employ fewer than 15 staff members at a time are classed as small business employers under the Fair Work Act 2009 (Cth) (FW Act). Several of the legislative changes are more lenient for small businesses. For example, small business employers may be given additional time to comply with the FW Act changes. Changes to the employer and employee definition All employers should familiarise themselves with the revised definition of employer and employee in section 15AA of the FW Act. Until recently, courts in Australia considered the totality of the relationship between the worker and the principal, by reference to various indicators of the day-to-day relationship to determine the nature of the relationship. That changed following the High Courts decisions in Construction, Forestry, Maritime, Mining and Energy Union v Personnel Contracting Pty Ltd and ZG Operations Australia Pty Ltd v Jamsek, which benched the prevailing approach in favour of one that focused primarily on the terms of the contract between the parties. Section 15AA effectively reverses the High Courts ruling by putting the focus back on the real substance, practical reality, and true nature of the relationship between the parties. Section 15AA provides a statutory guideline that courts and the Fair Work Commission (FWC) must consider when interpreting these terms. Misclassification can lead to significant legal and financial repercussions, including penalties, back payments of entitlements and potential litigation. Small business employers who wish to maintain a staff cohort of fewer than 15 employees should review their employment contracts to ensure that workers categorisations align with the new interpretative framework. Changes to the casual employee definition Section 15A has altered the definition of casual employee in the FW Act. Whether an employee is a casual employee now depends upon whether: the employment relationship has no firm advance commitment to ongoing work; and the employee is entitled to a casual loading or specific casual rate of pay under an employment contract, a modern award, or a registered agreement. The amended definition may require your business to revisit and revise how it classifies casual employees. It is important to ensure that your contracts and employment practices reflect this new definition to avoid risks of misclassification. The employee choice pathway The new employee choice pathway allows casual employees to request to convert to permanent employment if they have served at least 6 months of employment. For employees of small businesses, the service requirement is at least 12 months. This pathway replaces the old casual conversion process. For employees who commenced work before 26 August 2024, the employee choice pathway will completely replace the current casual conversion procedure from 26 February 2025 (or 26 August 2025 for employees of small business employers). For those who commenced work after 26 August 2024, the employee choice pathway applies immediately. As employers, you can only refuse a conversion request on certain grounds, such as if granting the request would require substantial changes to how work is organised or if it significantly impacts the operation of your business. For small and medium enterprises, it is more likely that an influx of casual conversion requests under the employee choice pathway could impact business operations and organisational requirements. It is advisable to have clear policies and communication strategies in place to manage these requests and ensure they are handled in compliance with the new requirements. Small businesses are also relieved from the obligation to provide existing casual employees with an annual Casual Employment Information Statement. Right to disconnect for employees New sections 333M and 333N of the FW Act preserves an employees right to refuse to respond to employment-related communications outside working hours unless such refusal is deemed unreasonable. In a post-Covid era where remote work blurs the boundaries between work and personal life, this change reflects the need to protect employees time outside of work. Under section 111D, certain small business employers are exempt from complying with the right to disconnect until 26 August 2025. Unfair contract regime for independent contractors A new unfair contract regime is being introduced in Part 3A-5 of the FW Act, targeting independent contractors who earn under a high-income threshold. This will allow contractors to apply to the FWC to vary or set aside a services contract if it is deemed unfair. Employers should review all existing contracts with independent contractors to ensure they meet the new fairness standards. Considerations might include the balance of power between the parties, the clarity and transparency of contract terms and whether the contract imposes undue disadvantage on the contractor. Failure to adjust could result in contracts being set aside or varied by the FWC, which could disrupt your business operations and lead to unforeseen costs. By Holding Redlich Partner Charles Power, Associate Dogu Yesildag and Undergraduate Isabella Beale Disclaimer The information in this article is of a general nature and is not intended to address the circumstances of any particular individual or entity. Although we endeavour to provide accurate and timely information, we do not guarantee that the information in this article is accurate at the date it is received or that it will continue to be accurate in the future. Keep up to date with our stories on LinkedIn, Twitter, Facebook and Instagram. National Pension Scheme sees 62,880 new contributing subscribers in July T he Centre on Wednesday said the total number of new contributing subscribers under the National Pension Scheme (NPS) stood at 62,880 in the month of July. In June, 64,799 new contributing subscribers joined the NPS in June. The newly registered employees and paying contribution under the Employees State Insurance (ESI) scheme in July stood at 16,61,836 which was 16,33,848 during the month of June, informed Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation. The Cabinet last month approved the Unified Pension Scheme (UPS) for government employees, which will provide an assured minimum pension and a family pension. Around 23 lakh Central government employees will benefit from the Unified Pension Scheme. These employees will now have the option to choose between the NPS and the UPS. In UPS, the government has offered several advantages of the previous Old Pension Scheme (OPS) like assured pension, family pension and indexation benefits. This pension scheme is only for government employees unlike NPS which is offered to both government and private employees. In a key move to secure the financial future of young children in India, the government has also launched the NPS Vatsalya pension scheme, which offers flexible contributions and investment options for parents or guardians. The Vatsalya scheme is a saving-cum-pension scheme, which will be regulated and administered by the Pension Fund Regulatory Authority of India (PFRDA). Under the NPS Vatsalya scheme, parents can invest a minimum of Rs 1,000 per month with no upper limit. The scheme will be operated by parents until the child reaches 18. At the age of 18, the account will transition into the childs name. Meanwhile, the Employees' Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO) has added 19.94 lakh net members in the month of July, marking the highest recorded increase since payroll data tracking began in April 2018. EPFO added 10.52 lakh new members in July, a 2.66 per cent increase over June and a 2.43 per cent rise compared to the same month last year. National Pension Scheme sees 62,880 new contributing subscribers in July Post your comments Found this article helpful? Spread the word and support us! Digital India movement to push nation towards Viksit Bharat, says IBM's Patel (IANS interview) T he Digital India movement is the foundation for moving towards a Viksit Bharat, said Sandip Patel, Managing Director of IBM India. In an interview with IANS, Patel said the country is witnessing this with the governments significant investments in frontier technologies like AI, semiconductors, and quantum technologies. Here are some excerpts from the interview: IANS: How can India become the AI capital of the world? Patel: We are already seeing a huge amount of experimentation with AI in India. We recently did an AI adoption index survey globally and found that 59 per cent of Indian enterprises -- the highest among all the countries surveyed -- said that they were experimenting or deploying AI within their enterprises in some way, shape, or form. So we are already ahead in terms of adopting and using AI in our businesses. Further, looking at the demographic dividend that exists in India, if we can skill that human capital in AI, and also the new skills that are going to be required to deploy AI at scale, I think we can make India the AI capital of the world. This will not only be in terms of scaling AI responsibly but also being the net exporter of AI skills for the world. IANS: How can the industry help develop safe and responsible AI? Patel: Trust is one of the key elements that is a hindrance today in the scaling of AI. During the AI adoption index survey, Indian CEOs pointed out trust as a factor in why they were not moving from experimentation to scale. So this is where responsible AI becomes very critical. This means that when we are creating use cases using AI, we are thinking very carefully about data stewardship. We also have to think about AI as augmented intelligence, because it can help in making better decisions and increase productivity. AI also needs to be transparent, and explainable, and it needs to be free from any bias. If we can do that effectively, both through regulation and how we are deploying AI, that will lead to the right form of responsible AI that we can scale for enterprises as well as for citizen services. IANS: How do you look at Indias digital transformation under PM Modi? Patel: The Prime Minister has rightly said that the whole movement around digital India is going to be the foundation for moving towards a Viksit Bharat. We are already seeing that with the investments that the government has outlaid in terms of focus on technologies, like AI, semiconductors, and quantum technologies. I think this focus on using technology for both commercialisation, as well as citizen services, collectively will continue to move us towards the vision of Viksit Bharat. IANS: Any further investments and hiring plans for India? Patel: So we continue to operate as a microcosm of the IBM Corporation here in India, which means that in addition to having a very healthy IBM domestic business, we have all of our global missions represented in India. We are continuing to focus on innovating in India, for India and the world, and we will continue our growth trajectory in India ahead of the market. We have been doing that for the last several quarters, several years. We will continue to do that going forward. Digital India movement to push nation towards Viksit Bharat, says IBM's Patel (IANS interview) Post your comments Found this article helpful? Spread the word and support us! Women's representation in India Inc remains stable: Report W omens representation in India Inc remains stable and the banking, financial services and insurance (BFSI) sector leads when it comes to women in leadership roles, a report said on Wednesday. In the BFSI segment, 24.5 per cent of corporate executives are women, followed by FMCG which has 21.5 per cent women at the leadership levels, according to the report by Avtar, a leading workplace culture consulting company. Global capability centres (GCCs) report the lowest attrition rate of women at 10 per cent. Data showed that average women representation across industries today is at 36.6 per cent and close to 40 per cent at the entry level. Sectors like professional services are close to gender balance with 46 per cent women while manufacturing reported a gender ratio of 20 per cent, an indication of intensifying efforts. According to Dr Saundarya Rajesh, Founder and President of Avtar, we are at a unique, paradox and juncture in India with respect to women's participation in the workforce. We have made significant progress in many areas such as the sheer volume of the women workforce, the facilities and flexibilities provided and the benefits to name a few but yet far behind in leveraging the opportunity - of enabling women in leadership positions, of ensuring rise in women participation and distribution across sectors and needless to emphasise women's safety and well-being at the workplace so that they are encouraged to stay and grow, Rajesh explained. The 2024 annual listing established that IT industry as the single largest employer of women with 24 per cent companies. BFSI followed with 11. Notably, from 58 per cent companies focusing on people with disabilities (PwDs) in 2019, the number has risen significantly to 98 per cent of companies focusing on building inclusive work environments for PwDs. The index further broadens the understanding of inclusivity in India by evaluating diverse dimensions including gender, disability, age and culture, said the report. Women's representation in India Inc remains stable: Report Post your comments Found this article helpful? Spread the word and support us! DRDO develops indigenous 'ABHED' bulletproof jackets T he Ministry of Defence on Wednesday said that the DRDO has developed the indigenous Advanced Ballistics for High Energy Defeat (ABHED) bulletproof jackets. The ministry said the jackets have been developed at the DRDO Industry Academia Centre of Excellence (DIA-CoE) at IIT, Delhi. "This is an indigenous product and the jackets have been created from polymers and indigenous boron carbide ceramic material. The design configuration is based on characterisation of various materials at high strain rate followed by appropriate modelling and simulation in collaboration with DRDO," the ministry said. It added that the armour plates for the jackets have passed all necessary research and development (R&D) trials as per the protocols. "The jackets meet the highest threat level and are lighter than the maximum weight limits stipulated in respective General Staff Qualitative Requirement of the Indian Army. With a minimum possible weight of 8.2 kgs and 9.5 kgs for different BIS Levels, these modular-design jackets having front and rear armours provide 360-degree protection," the ministry said. It added that based on the selection-criteria matrix, some Indian industries were shortlisted for the Transfer of Technology and handholding. "The government is ready to transfer the technology to three industries," the ministry informed. Secretary of the Department of Defence R&D and Chairman DRDO Samir V Kamat said that the lightweight bulletproof jacket exemplifies the effective ecosystem of successful defence R&D by DRDO, academia and the industry. The DIA-CoE was formed by modifying the Joint Advanced Technology Center of DRDO at IIT Delhi in 2022 to involve Industry and Academia in defence R&D. It has been actively pursuing various projects on advanced technologies, involving DRDO scientists, academic researchers and industry partners, official added. DRDO develops indigenous 'ABHED' bulletproof jackets Post your comments Found this article helpful? Spread the word and support us! PM Modi meets Chess Olympiad gold-winning Indian men's and women's teams P rime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday met the Indian men's and women's teams that won historic maiden gold medals in the recently-concluded 45th Chess Olympiad in Budapest, Hungary. The Prime Minister individually spoke to each player, giving his blessings to them. The teams presented him with a chess board and the PM also watched Praggnanandhaa and Arjun Erigaisi play a blitz game. The PM shared lighter moments with the players and on one occasion, Praggnanandha was seen laughing as he introduced himself and PM Modi commented, according to an audio-less video provided by the authorities. In a historic triumph, India's men's and women's teams clinched gold medals for the first time in the 45th Chess Olympiad last Sunday. Led by the stellar performances of D. Gukesh and Arjun Erigaisi, the men's team, which also included R. Praggnanandhaa, Vidit Gujrathi and Pentala Harikrishna, secured the gold medal after a thrilling final round victory over Slovenia. Undefeated throughout the event, India finished well ahead of top-seeded United States, China and 2022-winner Uzbekistan. The women's team comprising Harika Dronavalli, Vaishali Rameshbabu, Divya Deshmukh, Vantika Agrawal, and Tania Sachdev and led by non-playing captain Abhijit Kunte, also secured the gold medal after beating Azerbaijan. It finished ahead of Kazakhstan and the United States to claim gold. The men's team, with Srinath Narayanan as the captain, led throughout the tournament, winning 10 matches and drawing just one. Before the last round, they were two points ahead of China. In the final round, India only needed a draw to clinch the gold medals or for China not to win their match. However, India continued to press for a win and defeated Slovenia 3.5-0.5. The womens team had a very strong start, leading the event after 7 rounds, having won all their matches. They stumbled in round 8, losing to Poland and then drawing with Team USA, but made a strong finish. Going into the final round, India was tied for first with Kazakhstan, and the race for the medals was down to the wire. The team of Harika Dronavalli, Vaishali R, Divya Deshmukh, Vantika Agrawal, and Tania Sachdev, with Abhijit Kunte as the captain, demonstrated excellent composure and delivered, winning the final match against Azerbaijan 3.5-0.5. At the same time, Kazakhstan only drew with the USA 2-2, making India the sole winner of the event. PM Modi meets Chess Olympiad gold-winning Indian men's and women's teams Post your comments Found this article helpful? Spread the word and support us! No romantic relationship whatsoever with Italian PM Meloni: Elon Musk N ot too long after calling her "beautiful" at an event in New York, American billionaire businessman Elon Musk - the founder of SpaceX and Tesla who also owns X (formerly Twitter) - on Wednesday denied any romantic relationship with Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni. At a glittering awards ceremony held on the sidelines of the 79th Session of the General Assembly of the United Nations on Monday evening, New York time, Musk had bestowed an Atlantic Council Global Citizen Award on Meloni, calling the Italian PM "someone who is even more beautiful on the inside than she was on the outside." "She's also someone who is authentic, honest, truthful. That can't always be said about politicians," Musk added while praising Italy's economic growth and record low unemployment. The Italian leader responded by referring to Musk as a "precious genius". "I thank Elon for the beautiful words that he had for me, and for his precious genius for the era in which we live," she said at the start of her speech. As videos and photographs of Musk and Meloni went viral on social media, Tesla Owners Silicon Valley, which calls itself "the most notorious Tesla club in the world", shared a picture of Musk and Meloni from the event late Tuesday night, asking followers, "do you think they'll date?" Responding to the post early Wednesday, Musk clarified, "We are not dating". Replying to another post that said "we all know what happened next", Musk made it clear that he was at the event with his mother, Maye Musk. "I was there with my Mom. There is no romantic relationship whatsoever with PM Meloni," Musk wrote on X. In December, Musk travelled to Rome to attend Meloni's Brothers of Italy (FdI) party gathering 'Atreju' before Christmas. "We invited Elon Musk because Elon Musk is a person who has things to say, who is relevant in the current context, also on the topic of artificial intelligence. You will know that Elon Musk, who is one of the people who developed artificial intelligence, has asked for a moratorium on the use of artificial intelligence precisely because he is a person who knows it better than us and who can help you on this," Meloni had said while justifying invitation to Musk. At the convention, which was also attended by the then UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, Musk had advised Italians to increase the low birth rate in the country. "My advice to all government leaders and people is: make sure you have children to create a new generation," he had said. No romantic relationship whatsoever with Italian PM Meloni: Elon Musk Post your comments Found this article helpful? Spread the word and support us! Southeast Asia's largest economy to open commercial airport in new capital Trucks are seen near a palm oil plantation at a village located near Indonesia's projected new capital, known as Nusantara National Capital, in Sepaku, East Kalimantan province, Indonesia, March 8, 2023. Photo by Reuters Indonesia's planned new capital, Nusantara, will open its airport for commercial flights by the end of this year, President Joko Widodo announced on Wednesday. "I have instructed the Minister of Transportation to convert this airport into a commercial one for public use," Widodo said during his visit to Nusantara, located in East Kalimantan on the island of Borneo as quoted by Jakarta Post. The airport was initially meant for so-called very, very important persons, or VVIPs, which refer to those with large spending power, high political rank or socio-economic status. Currently under construction, the airport is expected to accommodate 200,000 passengers once operational. In the future, the airport is projected to handle up to seven million passengers annually, offering easier access for religious pilgrims. Originally scheduled to open in August, the airport's completion was delayed. Built at a cost of 4.3 trillion rupiah (US$283 million), it will feature a 3,000-meter-long and 45-meter-wide runway, capable of supporting wide-body aircraft for international flights. While the terminal and main access roads are nearing completion, construction on other supporting facilities is still ongoing, according to The Straits Times. The airport's conversion is also expected to boost tourism to Nusantara. Now visitors have to travel to the city of Balikpapan, a two-hour drive from Nusantara, to board their commercial flights. Construction of Nusantara, which spans 2,600 square kilometers within a dense jungle, began in mid-2022. Indonesian officials envisioned the city as a green urban center, integrating renewable energy sources and smart waste management systems. The new city is poised to replace the current capital Jakarta which already struggled with pollution and traffic gridlock. Bihar govt to allocate INR 12.40 cr to promote jaggery industry I n an effort to promote the jaggery industry in Bihar, the state government has allocated INR 12.40 crore for its development. "We urged interested entrepreneurs to apply through the portal to take advantage of the government support. It is a significant step towards strengthening Bihar's traditional jaggery industry and promoting rural economic development," said Krishnandan Paswan, Bihar's Sugarcane Minister, who confirmed that this funding will be distributed to 81 jaggery units across the state. The initiative is aimed at encouraging industrialists in Bihar to establish jaggery production units, thereby boosting the local agro-industry. The funds will be provided in the form of loans, with the application process available online through the portal of the state's sugarcane ministry. The Bihar government, through its sugarcane department, has structured loan amounts to support the establishment of jaggery units based on their production capacity. The financial assistance is aimed at boosting jaggery production while making it easier for industrialists to invest in the industry. The minister pointed out that for units with a capacity of 5 to 20 tons of sugarcane per day, a maximum loan of INR 6 lakh or 50 per cent of the total cost, whichever is lower, will be sanctioned. Units with a capacity of 21 to 40 tons per day, will be eligible for a maximum loan of INR 15 lakh or 50 per cent of the total cost. A loan of up to INR 45 lakh will be sanctioned for the units with a capacity of 41 to 60 tons per day. Larger units can receive up to INR 1 crore in financial assistance if they have a capacity exceeding 60 tons per day. Apart from the jaggery industry, the minister emphasised Bihar's growing significance in sugar production. "The state is the fifth-largest producer of sugar in India, with ambitions to become the third-largest," he said. Sugarcane is a key commercial crop in Bihar, as highlighted in the state's fourth agricultural roadmap. Sugar production has shown consistent growth, increasing from 4.51 lakh metric tons in 2006-07 to 6.87 lakh metric tons in 2023-24. Bihar govt to allocate INR 12.40 cr to promote jaggery industry Post your comments Found this article helpful? Spread the word and support us! Another narrative war by China? (IANS Analysis) P ropaganda and narratives have consistently formed a fundamental part of the ideological framework within Communist regimes. This was particularly evident in the Soviet Union during Stalin's era, where widespread famine in Ukraine coincided with the exportation of wheat to other nations, all while the regime maintained a facade of normalcy in Ukraine. Similarly, since the conclusion of the Chinese Civil War and its consolidation of power on the mainland, China has established an intricate propaganda apparatus. In today's digital age, characterised by limited internet access and social media restrictions within China, the government has sought to sway foreign public opinion. This includes inviting international vloggers and influencers, predominantly from Taiwan, to counter allegations regarding human rights abuses and other criticisms from democratic nations and global organisations. This article will examine the situations in Xinjiang and Tibet, alongside China's strategy of engaging these influencers. Notably, many of these influencers hail from Taiwana territory that China claims as its own. The implications of this outreach extend to Taiwan itself and resonate with a wider global audience. What is Happening in Xinjiang and Tibet Xinjiang and Tibet represent two of China's most sensitive and contentious regions. Xinjiang is predominantly inhabited by the Uyghur Muslim minority, while Tibet is home to ethnic Tibetans, the majority of whom are practitioners of Tibetan Buddhism. In both areas, China faces accusations of undermining local cultures, restricting religious freedoms, and suppressing dissent. In Xinjiang, allegations of "re-education" camps, extensive surveillance, and forced labour have led to significant international backlash. Conversely, in Tibet, the ongoing exile of the Dalai Lama and China's stringent control over Buddhist practices remain highly controversial issues. China has consistently rejected these allegations, framing its actions as essential for maintaining state integrity, combating terrorism, and facilitating economic advancement. However, the reality presents a stark contrast. Numerous reports from the United Nations document human rights violations perpetrated by China in Xinjiang. The region has effectively become a vast prison for the Uyghur population, where the Chinese government imposes extensive surveillance and restricts religious freedoms. The situation in Tibet mirrors this repression; since the early 1950s, China has systematically undermined local authority and religious practices. Currently, construction projects in the area have led to the destruction of significant Tibetan religious sites and have inflicted considerable harm on the environment and local ecosystems. How China is using influencers in Xinjiang and Tibet The Communist government in China has faced ongoing scrutiny from democratic nations, human rights organisations, and international bodies regarding alleged human rights violations in the regions of Tibet and Xinjiang. The engagement of foreign and Taiwanese social media influencers, particularly on platforms such as Instagram, YouTube, and TikTok, serves as a crucial mechanism for Chinese propaganda. By inviting Taiwanese influencers to visit Xinjiang and Tibet, China gains a strategic advantage, enabling it to connect with a broader demographic of young, tech-savvy audiences both in Taiwan and internationally. Many of these influencers boast substantial followings and significantly shape public perceptions of the regions they depict. Consequently, China aims to present Xinjiang and Tibet as safe, thriving areas, directly opposing the claims of human rights abuses that have been levelled against it. The regions these influencers portray to their audiences are meticulously selected: they visit prosperous urban centres, attend culturally vibrant performances, and tour well-maintained religious sites. Through visually appealing photographs, video blogs, and social media posts, they depict an image of harmony, economic progress, and cultural preservation. This narrative stands in stark contrast to the accounts provided by independent journalists, human rights groups, and Uyghur and Tibetan exiles, who describe a region where state oppression is pervasive. On September 5, Taiwan announced that it was aware of reports suggesting that China had been recruiting Taiwanese influencers to visit Xinjiang and create content aimed at promoting a more favourable image of the region. The Mainland Affairs Council, which oversees cross-strait relations in Taiwan, indicated that it is investigating the recent surge in Xinjiang-related content produced by Taiwanese influencers. The council also cautioned these influencers against violating anti-infiltration laws by accepting financial incentives from Beijing. In June, Taiwanese YouTuber Potter Wang claimed that the Chinese government was inviting Taiwanese influencers on sponsored trips to China to create content. In response to his assertions, several Taiwanese YouTubers who recently published videos about Xinjiang denied receiving any payments from Beijing. The Taiwan Affairs Office in China addressed concerns raised by Taiwanese officials, stating that Beijing had invited "Taiwan compatriots" to visit China to experience "the magnificent mountains and rivers, savour a variety of foods, engage with local customs, and share their observations." What is China trying to achieve through this? Through these sponsored influencer initiatives, China aims to reshape its global image as a violator of human rights. However, for Taiwan, there are underlying motives. Earlier this year, Taiwan conducted democratic elections where Chinese influence was evident in attempts to sway the electorate towards the Kuomintang (KMT), a party more amenable to Beijing. Instead, the Taiwanese populace opted for the ruling Democratic Progressive Party (DPP), which displeased the Chinese government. One of Xi Jinping's long-standing ambitions is to incorporate the self-governing democratic island of Taiwan into mainland Communist China. To achieve this, China has employed various strategies, including military threats, blockades, and misinformation campaigns targeting Taiwan. The current effort to engage Taiwanese influencers is intended to attract citizens who can significantly influence public opinion. Any content shared online can reach a global audience; thus, if Taiwanese influencers produce favourable narratives about China in relation to Tibet and Xinjiang, it may not be perceived as propaganda since it originates from Taiwan. In January, Taiwan's government effectively countered misinformation campaigns from China during its elections. It can identify and disclose any payments made by China with caution. Other countries can adopt similar measures regarding influencers who have visited Xinjiang and Tibet at China's invitation. Regarding the potential impact of this strategy, it is unlikely to have a significant effect as most of the world is already aware of China's human rights violations in Xinjiang and Tibet; however, Taiwan must remain vigilant.(Lt Col JS Sodhi (Retd) is Editor, Global Strategic & Defence News and the Author of Chinas War Clouds: The Great Chinese Checkmate) Another narrative war by China? (IANS Analysis) Post your comments Found this article helpful? Spread the word and support us! When Madhuri Dixit revealed about her goof-up incident B ollywood actress-dancer Madhuri Dixit, known for her commendable works like Lajja and Devdas, once revealed an incident while making prawn curry. In a throwback video with talk show anchor Simi Garewal, Madhuri said, You know, for a woman, I always say she wears many hats. It's like, this is the wife's hat, this is the mom's hat, this is the professional hat and this is the cook's hat, I surprised myself a lot of times and him too. Madhuri continued, But there were a few goof-ups too. I didn't realize, you know, prawns out there are already cooked. So all you do is make your curry, and when the curry is hot, just put them in the curry and I was cooking prawns, and I cooked them for 10-15 minutes and I was cooking them, and I was like, oh, this is going to be really good. I think by the time I got done with those prawns, you can imagine what happened to them because it was so chewy like rubber and he ate them. He ate them, and he's like, mm, really good. I was just, you know, trying to make me feel good and he said, dont worry youll get a hang of it. Madhuri concluded. Madhuri Dixit married Dr. Shriram Madhav Nene on October 17, 1999, in a traditional ceremony held at the residence of Madhuri's elder brother in Southern California. Their wedding reception in Mumbai was attended by several prominent Indian personalities, including then Chief Minister of Maharashtra Vilasrao Deshmukh, Shivsena chief Bal Thackeray, Dilip Kumar, Saira Banu, Yash Chopra, Sridevi, and many others. Later, the Tezaab actress relocated to Denver, Colorado, for over a decade. On 17 March 2003, Dixit gave birth to a son, Arin and two years later she gave birth to another son, Ryan on 8 March 2005. In October 2011, Madhuri Dixit moved back to Mumbai with her family. On the work front, Madhuri was last seen in the 2022 drama film Maja Ma helmed by Anand Tiwari. The film also featured Gajraj Rao, Ritwik Bhowmik, Barkha Singh, Srishti Shrivastava and Simone Singh in pivotal roles. The film is currently streaming on Prime Video. Madhuri will be next seen in 'Bhool Bhulaiyya 3' opposite Kartik Aaryan, Triptii Dimri and Vidya Balan in a crucial role. IANS When Madhuri Dixit revealed about her goof-up incident Post your comments Found this article helpful? Spread the word and support us! AU expresses concern over deteriorating security, humanitarian situation in Sudan A frican Union (AU) Commission Chairperson Moussa Faki Mahamat on Tuesday expressed concern over the deteriorating security and humanitarian situation in Sudan. The chairperson of the 55-member organisation, in a statement issued Tuesday, expressed "grave concern" regarding the security and humanitarian situation in the conflict-affected Sudan, with particular emphasis on the situation in El Fasher, Darfur. Condemning the recent escalation of the crisis and the spread of violence, Faki called for an immediate cessation of the fighting across Sudan, Xinhua news agency reported. He further reiterated the AU's conviction that there can be no military solution to the crisis in Sudan. He said the ongoing "unjustified fighting" only prolongs the suffering of all Sudanese people and the devastation of the country after decades of conflict and forced displacement. Sudan has been embroiled in a deadly conflict between the Sudanese Armed Forces and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces since mid-April 2023. Faki urged the two warring parties and their allies "to immediately and unconditionally embrace a permanent and comprehensive ceasefire." He said a permanent and comprehensive ceasefire would pave the way for an inclusive all-Sudanese political dialogue to address the deep-rooted causes of the conflict and reset Sudan toward constitutional democratic order and stability. He further reiterated the AU's commitment to contribute with all means at its disposal to ending the conflict through various African mechanisms, including the High-Level Panel on Sudan and the AU Special Envoy for the Prevention of Genocide. As the 79th session of the United Nations General Assembly convenes in New York, the AU Commission chairperson also renewed the call for effective unification of efforts for collective international action to solve this extremely dangerous crisis in Sudan. AU expresses concern over deteriorating security, humanitarian situation in Sudan Post your comments Found this article helpful? Spread the word and support us! CM Yogi welcomes Vietnamese delegation U ttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath held a special meeting with the Vietnamese delegation during the inaugural ceremony of the UP International Trade Show 2024 on Wednesday. As part of the five-day Global Industry Mahakumbh, which commenced on Wednesday at the India Expo Mart in Greater Noida, CM Yogi engaged with various delegates, including the Ambassador of Vietnam. It is anticipated that Vietnamese companies will soon invest in the food processing and IT sectors in Uttar Pradesh. Notably, Vietnam is serving as the partner country for this major event. In this context, CM Yogi expressed his heartfelt gratitude to the Vietnamese team for their participation. He praised Vietnam from the stage during the inaugural session. The Chief Minister also thanked the Vietnamese ambassador during his meeting with him. Meanwhile, the Vietnamese delegation also featured artists showcasing traditional arts, who captivated visitors from across the nation and around the globe during the cultural program held on Wednesday. CM Yogi welcomes Vietnamese delegation Post your comments Found this article helpful? Spread the word and support us! UPITS 2024: Entrepreneurs commend CM Yogi govt's commitment to law and order T he remarkable progress of Uttar Pradesh under Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath's leadership took centre stage at the UP International Trade Show, held on Wednesday at Expo Mart in Greater Noida. The event drew a large crowd on its opening day, showcasing the state's rapid development. Utprerak from Siddharthnagar launched a startup a year ago, producing bakery products made from black salt rice. He shared that he applied for startup support through Invest UP. The business commenced within the designated timeframe, and the Yogi government provided a subsidy. Furthermore, the government consistently encourages my business, he noted, mentioning his participation in exhibitions in countries such as Thailand. Ayesha Begum from Prayagraj creates products from Munj, employing 20 additional women in her venture. Ayesha explained that the government trained her team in Munj production, providing food and kits during the training. Plastic poses a significant threat to the environment. The Yogi government has raised public awareness about this issue, leading to an increased demand for Munj products, she stated. On the opening day of the trade show, Gunjan's stall in Ambedkar Nagar attracted a significant crowd, with attendees praising her pizzas while she expressed gratitude to the government. Gunjan recounted how her husband lost his hotel job during the COVID-19 pandemic. I borrowed Rs 10,000 from a self-help group to purchase a pizza-making machine. The business quickly took off. Later, I borrowed Rs 50,000 for a second machine and eventually obtained Rs 100,000 for a larger machine, she explained. Sanyam from Muzaffarnagar, who runs a jaggery business, noted the substantial benefits entrepreneurs gain from such trade shows. He stated, The Yogi government offers more subsidies than those available in Delhi. Law and order in Uttar Pradesh has improved significantly, and we now have 24-hour electricity, which is boosting business activities. Sanskriti from Varanasi, a Zari craft entrepreneur, remarked on the eradication of corruption under Yogi Adityanath's administration. She noted the enhanced law and order, stating, As a woman, I never feel afraid. The government is empowering women with security, respect, and self-reliance. Roshan Kumar, a handloom entrepreneur from Gazipur, mentioned that this is his second consecutive year setting up a stall at the trade show. He expressed optimism based on last year's successful business. Vinod Kumar from Aligarh also commended the Yogi government for fostering a business-friendly environment. UPITS 2024: Entrepreneurs commend CM Yogi govt's commitment to law and order Post your comments Found this article helpful? Spread the word and support us! Industry conclave in Sagar will pave for Bundelkhand's growth: MP CM M adhya Pradesh Chief Minister Mohan Yadav on Wednesday said that the industry conclave scheduled to be held in Sagar on September 27 will pave the way for Bundelkhand growth while the focus will be to bring new industries for the comprehensive development of the region. He said that Prime Minister Narendra Modi has already set the path for development of ther region by initiating the Ken-Betwa project. He asserted that the project will boost both agricultural and industrial growth. The Chief Minister added that similar conclaves held in regional areas have achieved remarkable success in attracting investments, leading to the regions growth and creating numerous job opportunities. "Madhya Pradesh government is fully committed to the overall development of Bundelkhand and will leave no stone unturned in achieving this goal," he said. The Chief Minister also informed that before the Sagar regional industry conclave, discussions were held with the industrialists of Bundelkhand region. "Everyone has agreed to invest on a large scale to promote industries. Industrialists from India and abroad have shown interest in participating and investing in the conclave," he added. He also highlighted existing industrial units in different parts of the Bundelkhand region - Sagar, Chhatarpur, Tikamgarh, Niwari, Damoh and Panna. The MP government has high hope from the upcoming business event, the Chief Minister said. He said that this region holds tremendous potential in various industries, including mineral-based industries, tourism, food processing, brass, petrochemicals, bidi, furniture, engineering works, plastics, and packaging. The proactive measures being implemented by the state government are expected to attract significant investments in these sectors, driving economic growth and creating new employment opportunities, the Chief Minister said. Previously, the regional industry conclaves held in Jabalpur, Ujjain, Gwalior and Indore. After Sagar, the similar events will be held in Rewa and Shahdol in October. Industry conclave in Sagar will pave for Bundelkhand's growth: MP CM Post your comments Found this article helpful? Spread the word and support us! Govt to make Assam Accord's committee report public: CM Sarma C hief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Wednesday said that the state government will make Justice (Retd.) Biplab Kumar Sarma committee report regarding clause 6 of Assam Accord public in a day. The Chief Minister's announcement came after he had a meeting with the All Assam Students' Union (AASU) delegation to implement the recommendations of the high-level committee. "We have discussed the Biplab Kumar Sarma committee report at length with the AASU leaders. The panel gave 67 recommendations regarding the implementation of clause 6. Out of a total 67 points, 40 recommendations come under the purview of the state government while in 12 cases, the involvement of both state and central government is required. In the rest of the recommendations, the centre has to take required steps," the Chief Minister said. He added that AASU leaders agreed with the state government and an action plan in this regard will be prepared. "We will prepare an action plan regarding the recommendations of the committee and it will be submitted to AASU on October 25. On that day, another meeting will be held with the student body leaders," the Chief Minister said, adding that the high-power committee report will be uploaded on the government website within the next 24 hours. The Chief Minister further said that if AASU agrees with the stand of the government, then before April next year, recommendations of Biplab Kumar Sarma under the purview of the state government will be implemented. "We are looking to carry out 52 recommendations of the clause 6 panel," the Chief Minister added. Notably, clause 6 suggested that, as a stopgap measure, the post-1971 stream of proclaimed foreigners should be placed in locations outside Assam until their expulsion is finished. Additionally, the panel also gave the definition of 'Assamese'. The committee mentioned that a number of constitutional and parliamentary reforms will be required in order to fully implement its recommendations. It has stated that the current Article 371-B of the Constitution will need to be changed. The Assam Accord, signed following a six-year foreigners' agitation (1979-1985), stipulates that all foreigners entering the state after March 24, 1971, will be deported regardless of their religious affiliation. Clause 6 of the Assam Accord states that appropriate constitutional, legislative and administrative safeguards will be provided to protect the cultural, social and linguistic identity and heritage of the Assamese people. Govt to make Assam Accord's committee report public: CM Sarma Post your comments Found this article helpful? Spread the word and support us! Vizag to be developed as economic capital of Andhra: Nara Lokesh A ndhra Pradesh Minister for Education, Information Technology (IT) and Electronics, Nara Lokesh, on Wednesday said that Visakhapatnam will be developed as the economic capital of the state and fifth largest city in India. He also revealed that a route map has been designed to take Andhra Pradesh to the number one position in the country. He was addressing the Infrastructure Summit of the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) organised in this port city. Nara Lokesh claimed that the TDP-led NDA government is according highest priority for creating basic amenities. Regretting that due to the previous government's negligence industrial development in the state came to a standstill, he said, adding that all necessary steps were being taken to bring the state back on track. Promising to develop Visakhapatnam as the economic capital of the state, Nara Lokesh said that the works on the Visakha-Chennai Industrial Corridor are being accelerated. "Ease of doing business is past but now we are moving forward with speed of doing business," he added. Maintaining that the target is to develop Visakhapatnam as the number one IT hub in the world, the IT Minister announced that as part of the scheme an international-level data centre is going to be established here. North Andhra Pradesh will be developed as a pharma hub, he said and expressed the hope that all the North Andhra Pradesh districts, including Visakhapatnam, are going to witness a radical progress once the Bhogapuram international airport comes into existence. Nara Lokesh declared that new industrial, IT and electronics policies will soon be announced with industrial-friendly schemes and said that under the leadership of an young IAS officer the Economic Development Board has been revived. Claiming that the state is moving at a fast pace towards development under the able guidance of Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu, he said now the focus is on decentralisation of development. Steps are being taken now to take all the districts towards the progress path by setting up different sectors in each district, he added. Regretting that basic amenities and roads have been completely neglected in the past five years, Nara Lokesh said the largest petrochemical corridor is coming in the Godavari districts. Calling upon the industrialists to become partners in achieving the goal of creating 20 lakh jobs in the state, the IT Minister asked them to play a key role in Vikasitha Andhra Pradesh. The Minister for Infrastructure, Investments, Roads and Buildings, B.C. Janardhan Reddy; the Chairman of the State unit of the CII, V Murali Krishna; and the GMR Airports Business, GBS Raju were among those who addressed the meeting. Janardhan Reddy said that works of Ramayapatnam, Machilipatnam, Bhavanapadu and Kakinada ports are moving at a fast pace with an investment of Rs 17,000 crore while the national infrastructure project is in the pipeline. The Visakhapatnam MP, Mathukumilli Bharat, said that the state government has already initiated steps to complete the Bhogapuram international airport in another 18 months. Vizag to be developed as economic capital of Andhra: Nara Lokesh Post your comments Found this article helpful? Spread the word and support us! Meghalaya govt approve proposal to acquire additional land for expansion of two airports T he Meghalaya government on Wednesday approved the proposal to acquire additional land for expansion of the two airports in the state - Shillong and Baljek Airport, Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma said after a Cabinet meeting. The state Cabinet, chaired by the Chief Minister also decided to seek necessary permission from the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) following the latest survey report which indicates the possibility of expansion of the Shillong Airport for operating bigger aircraft. The Baljek Airport in the West Garo Hills district is currently non-functional. The Chief Minister said that the Transport Department has given a detailed presentation on its survey conducted along with the Airport Authority of India (AAI). Sangma said that the survey suggested that the Shillong airport could be expanded and then it would facilitate the operation of A320 and Boeing 373 aircraft. The runway of the Shillong airport, which is 30 km away from the capital city, can now handle only smaller aircraft like ATR. The survey report said that Shillong Airport's runway can be expanded by 571 meters with a cost of Rs 100 crore to ensure bigger aircraft to operate. Urging the cooperation of all concerned, Sangma said that if the Shillong airport expanded it would be a major game changer for the state. If the Shillong airport expanded, it would boost tourism and related other sectors, he said. I am hopeful that the DGCA would approve the proposal of expansion of the Shillong airport, the Chief Minister said. On Tuesday, the AAI informed the Meghalaya High Court that the expansion of the Shillong Airport's runway by 571 meters can be possible with a cost of Rs 100 crore by the state government, excluding the other costs that would be borne by the AAI which would be to the tune of Rs 500 crore. About the status of Baljek Airport, the Chief Minister said that discussion for land acquisition for Baljek Airport is also underway. Meghalaya govt approve proposal to acquire additional land for expansion of two airports Post your comments Found this article helpful? Spread the word and support us! Its been two months since the Venezuelan people cast their ballots and chose Edmundo Gonzalez Urrutia to be their president. Their rejection of Nicolas Maduro, who has wielded power in Venezuela for over a decade, was decisive, as the United States and other democratic countries have acknowledged. But Maduro and his allies continue to reject the will of the Venezuelan people. With no evidence, Maduro insists he won, and, threatened with arrest and imprisonment, Edmundo Gonzalez has been forced into exile in Spain. At a recent Congressional hearing, Enrique Roig, U.S. Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for the Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights and Labor, said post-election repression in Venezuela has been both severe and unprecedented in the countrys history: Nicholas Maduros regime has resorted to a campaign of violence and intimidation aimed at suppressing the democratic opposition and the Venezuelan people. As of September 9th, there have been 24 deaths and over 2000 detentions, he said. The daily average number of detained or disappeared is nearly ten times higher than the pre-election average. Security forces routinely stop citizens to review their WhatsApp messaging chats for potential organizing involvement and deployed an app for Maduro sympathizers to report suspected efforts to assemble. In addition, an anti-NGO law passed by Maduros National Assembly in August, along with revival of a law against fascism, highlight Maduros intention to undermine civil society, said Deputy Assistant Secretary Roig: These laws are designed to make it nearly impossible for NGOs and opposition organizations to operate in Venezuela, limiting their ability to provide services, organize, or campaign freely. The United States and international partners have signaled to Maduro and his representatives that their fraudulent claims about the election and their subsequent repression of Venezuelan citizens are unacceptable. On September 12, the U.S. Departments of Treasury and State announced sanctions and visa restrictions on Maduro-aligned officials for their role in election manipulation and repression. Democratic governments in the region and beyond have joined with the United States in pressuring Maduro for transparency and for an end to violations of the rights of Venezuelans. The United States, said Deputy Assistant Secretary Roig, will continue to work tirelessly with the international community to apply pressure, demand accountability, and support those who are fighting for a free and democratic Venezuela. If Himachal govt is behind minority boycott, its right to be in power could be questioned, warns TS Singh Deo (IANS Interview) F ormer Chhattisgarh Deputy Chief Minister and senior Congress leader T.S. Singh Deo on Wednesday sounded critical of his own party which is in power in Himachal Pradesh, slamming the government's instructions to all the street vendors and food establishments to prominently display the names of owners, proprietors and staff members. During an interaction with IANS, Deo said that he disagrees with the decision taken by the Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu-led government in Himachal Pradesh. "I do not agree with the Himachal government's decision. I saw a video on social media showing crosses being marked above the shutters of minority-owned shops, indicating a boycott. This is condemnable, and if the Himachal government is doing this, questions will arise about whether it deserves to remain in power," Deo told IANS. The move, seen as following in the footsteps of the Yogi Adityanath government, is aimed at bringing cleanliness and hygiene to the food outlets. Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath also mandated the display of the names of eatery shop owners, managers, and proprietors outside their food centres. Installation of CCTVs in hotels and restaurants has also been made mandatory. Himachal Urban Development Minister Vikramaditya Singh, briefing the media on Wednesday, said that the state government has made a decision similar to that of Uttar Pradesh to ensure that people have access to clean and hygienic food. On Yogi Adityanath-led Uttar Pradesh government's instructions to put name plates outside shops, Deo slammed the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), saying it has no issues left with and therefore, the party is latching in on to the 'Hindu-Muslim' matter. "The BJP has been gradually able to up its seat count on the basis of 'Hindu-Muslim' matter and Babri Masjid issue. The party believes this is the only formula it is left with to attain power," Deo told IANS. Further criticising the BJP, the Congress leader said the party is unable to believe that it can come to power even after the construction of Ram Mandir in Ayodhya and Kashi Vishwanath Corridor in Varanasi. "The BJP cannot come to power unless it plays up the Hindu-Muslim card," Deo said. The former Chhattisgarh Deputy Chief Minister said that in the regional pockets, the BJP has been facing the "minority versus majority" factor. "... and these minorities include not just Muslims, but also Christians and members of other sections of the society," Deo concluded. If Himachal govt is behind minority boycott, its right to be in power could be questioned, warns TS Singh Deo (IANS Interview) Post your comments Found this article helpful? Spread the word and support us! EAM Jaishankar meets Russia Foreign Minister after PM Modi's talks with Zelensky A mid a flurry of diplomacy to end the Ukraine war, India's External Affairs Minister (EAM) S. Jaishankar met with Russia's Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov on Wednesday following Prime Minister Narendra Modi's talks with Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelensky. EAM Jaishankar wrote on X after their meeting at the Russian Mission, "Discussed our bilateral cooperation and regional issues." On Tuesday evening, EAM Jaishankar had indicated that India is trying to see if it could involve the two countries in a peace effort. He said at the Asia Society, "We have been engaging both the Russian government and the Ukrainian government -- in Moscow and in Kyiv and in other places -- to see whether there is something we can do which would hasten the end of the conflict and initiate some kind of serious negotiation." He added that India was "sharing" with both countries the conversations it had with them and his sense was that "both sides appreciate it". New Delhi, which has historically had close diplomatic and strategic ties with Moscow, is forging an independent path open to the West giving it room to be a conduit between the two countries for peace diplomacy. In his Wednesday morning address to the General Assembly, Zelensky mentioned his meeting with PM Modi, and on Tuesday at the Security Council he said that he had invited India to a "second peace summit to end the war". At Monday's PM Modi's meeting with Zelensky, their second within a month, the Ministry of External Affairs said in a statement that "the way forward on pursuing a path to peace" came up "prominently in their discussions". PM Modi reiterated "India's clear, consistent, and constructive approach" to resolving the conflict with Russia through diplomacy and dialogue," the Ministry said. When he visited Ukraine last month, PM Modi said, "Personally, as a friend, if there is any role that I can play, I would very much like to play that role toward peace." After his return home, PM Modi spoke via phone with Russian President Vladimir Putin and he wrote on X that they "exchanged perspectives on the Russia-Ukraine conflict and my insights from the recent visit to Ukraine". India followed that up with a trip earlier this month by National Security Adviser Ajit Doval to meet Putin and, according to reports, brief him on Prime Minister Modi's visit to Kyiv. In the month before his Ukraine trip, PM Modi had visited Moscow to meet Putin. While India, which is heavily dependent on Moscow for defence materials, continues to buy oil and petroleum products from Russia, an investigation by the news agency Reuters said that munitions made by Indian companies were finding their way to Ukraine through third countries in Europe. EAM Jaishankar meets Russia Foreign Minister after PM Modi's talks with Zelensky Post your comments Found this article helpful? Spread the word and support us! Dev Anand: The ageless romantic who pioneered Bollywood's 'Neighbourhood First' initiative F or over six decades, he strode jauntily across the screen - and into the hearts of legions of fans with his distinctive diction, nonchalant nod, and flamboyant fashion, but Dev Anand had another major contribution to Indian cinema than his stardom - pioneering its 'Neighbourhood First' and 'Look East' focus. It was in the 1950s that Indian filmmakers set their sights outside and Ashok Kumar-Nalini Jaywant's "Naaz" (1954) was the first to be shot abroad - in Cairo and London. Raj Kapoor's "Sangam" (1964) opened the floodgates and was followed by the likes of "Love in Tokyo" (1966), "An Evening in Paris" - which marked the start of Bollywood's Switzerland tryst, and "Around the World" (both 1967) and many others. However, Dev Anand, who would have turned 101 on this day (September 26), had his sight on equally picturesque, much closer, yet virtually untapped foreign locales - the Himalayan kingdoms on the country's eastern borders. When his younger brother and collaborator Vijay 'Goldie' Anand wanted to work on suspense thrillers, after the ambivalent response to their ambitious bilingual "Guide" (1965), Dev Anand suggested that he "should explore a new location as the backdrop, a region so far unexplored in Indian cinema". It was then, as Dev Anand recalled in his autobiography "Romancing With Life", that Sikkim came to his mind, as he had been entranced by its scenic locales when he had gone there on a daylong visit in the early 1960s while shooting in Darjeeling for "Jab Pyar Kisi Se Hota Hai" (1960). He had even espied then Chogyal, Tashi Namgyal holding court on a hill. Putting thought into action, both brothers visited Sikkim, where they called on Palden Thondup Namgyal, who had succeeded his father and would be the last Chogyal, and his American wife, as well the redoubtable (then) Major General Sagat Singh, whom Dev Anand threw "an army salute in my best 'Hum Dono' style. They were granted permission to shoot wherever they wanted, including in the areas marked 'Entry Not Allowed'. The filming, Dev Anand said was done in "a very disciplined manner". "The whole kingdom of Sikkim was all smiles and courtesies, and participated in the joy of our filming, like in a grand jamboree, for all the days we stayed there". The outcome was the taut and engrossing gems heist "Jewel Thief" (1967), with its unexpected twist and abundance of female glamour - Dev Anand has to contend with Vyjayantimala as well as Tanuja, Helen, Faryal, and Anju Mahendru. The next port of call was Nepal. Among the guests at the marriage of then Crown Prince Birendra in 1970, Dev Anand ran into a German documentary filmmaker he knew and both decided to go and see the hippies one night. Though they stayed a bit away on the latter's urging, Dev Anand saw something that piqued his interest - and this went on to become the plot of "Hare Rama Hare Krishna" (1971). Meeting King Mahendra to take his leave, Dev Anand broached his idea to shoot a film in Nepal and the monarch was receptive. Not only did he freely grant permission, but invited the actor to stay back and work out his script, placing a royal guesthouse in Pokhara at his disposal. The shooting of "Hare Rama Hare Krishna", which made Zeenat Aman a star, was a mammoth affair but, as he recalled, wrapped up in 10 weeks, due to the exemplary hospitality of the Nepalese who were "agog with excitement" and the King's support. Not only in Kathmandu, the same enthusiasm was witnessed in communist-dominated Bhaktapur, rife with anti-Indian sentiments, but people came out in full force to participate in a song picturised on him and Mumtaz in its main square. While "Hare Rama Hare Krishna" was confined to the Kathmandu Valley, Dev Anand, who would befriend King Birendra and Prince Gyanendra too, was impressed by Nepal's mountains and their "wild natural beauty" and "mystical, ethereal quality" to return to shoot "Ishk Ishk Ishk" (1974) - marked by some stunning visuals of Mount Everest. Bhutan was another destination that Dev Anand, who attended the coronation of Jigme Singye Wangchuk in 1972, wanted to immortalise on screen - but never managed to. All three Himalayan locales would feature in many more Indian films, not just Bollywood, but it was Dev Anand who led the way. It was fitting for an actor and filmmaker known for going off far the beaten track, who discovered/gave a break to a host of film mainstays from Guru Dutt to Sahir Ludhianvi, Waheeda Rehman to Tabu, and Shatrughan Sinha to Jackie Shroff, and among many other impressive performances, essayed a long song as a religious hymn, and stole his elder brother's wallet and younger brother's girlfriend - in the same film! (Vikas Datta can be contacted at vikas.d@ians.in) Dev Anand: The ageless romantic who pioneered Bollywood's 'Neighbourhood First' initiative Post your comments Found this article helpful? Spread the word and support us! Not Shabana Azmi but this actress was Shyam Benegal's first choice for 'Ankur' I n a fascinating throwback video, acclaimed filmmaker Shyam Benegal, a pioneer of parallel cinema in India, revealed that actress Shabana Azmi was not initially his first choice for the lead role in 'Ankur', instead, the legendary Waheeda Rehman was considered for the part. A throwback video shared by Prasar Bharati Archives features clips from 'Ankur,' directed by Shyam Benegal. In the footage, Benegal reflects on the casting process, stating, "As far as the main part is concerned, Shabana's part was very interesting because the first person I asked was Waheeda Rehman. I could see Waheeda in my mind for that particular part. She said yes in the beginning, but later on, she wasn't sure she could do it. So she said no." This candid insight highlights the complexities of casting and the pivotal moments that shape cinematic history. 'Ankur' also marked the debut of actor Anant Nag. Like many of Shyam Benegal's films, 'Ankur' falls within the genre of Indian art films, specifically known as Indian parallel cinema, a genre known for its realistic portrayal of social issues and human emotions. The storyline is inspired by a true event that took place in Hyderabad, reportedly in the 1950s, and was predominantly filmed on location. It showcased the struggles of its characters against the backdrop of a rural setting, reflecting the complexities of caste, gender, and personal relationships. Its narrative, inspired by true events, deviates from mainstream Bollywood norms, focusing instead on character-driven storytelling and nuanced performances. It revolved around social issues like -- alcoholism, casteism, rich vs poor, sexual drive, religious differences and dowry. Benegal is the pioneer of parallel cinema, and he is considered as one of the greatest filmmakers post 1970s. His work includes movies like - Manthan, Bhumika, Kalyug, Hari Bhari, and most recently Mujib. Not Shabana Azmi but this actress was Shyam Benegal's first choice for 'Ankur' Post your comments Found this article helpful? Spread the word and support us! Farhan Akhtar makes the most of his off day by riding a bicycle in the mountains B ollywood multi-hyphenate Farhan Akhtar, who is shooting for a yet-to-be-titled project in Ladakh, is enjoying his day off in the mountains. However, the actor is still working despite taking time off from work. The actor is working on his fitness. On Thursday, Farhan took to his Instagram, and shared a Reel of himself riding a bicycle. The video shows the actor riding a mountain bike uphill as he dons all the necessary bike gear. The actor wrote in the caption, "A day off work is a day on the bike .. #cycology #FarOutdoors #pedaljayenge #ladakh". Earlier, during a podcast, Farhan had said that he and his wife Shibani Dandekar are not a very outgoing couple, and they find the utmost comfort staying in their house. The couple spoke to Rhea Chakraborty about being happy at home, and their aversion to meeting people at social gatherings. Shibani told Rhea, "We don't like to leave the house after 7:00 pm. We will be social maybe once every two months, and even then it is painful. We have a bit of a reputation of being boring among our friends". Farhan then raised an important question, as she said, "I'm saying this very sincerely because I'm sure there are many people like us in the world. The fact is, if you or someone in your life is happier spending time at home, is happy to meet you during the day or evening till a certain time, and doesn't want to go to a club or a bar, and want to hang out at home, let that person be. Why should that person be considered boring because he or she doesn't want to do those things?". He further mentioned, "If I go around asking people, 'I'm planning a 7-day trek, you have to come to the 7-day trek with me'. Where are those people? Are they gonna come? Should I tell them, 'Oh you guys are so boring because you don't want to sign up for a 7-day trek'?" Well, it's interesting how a few days ago Farhan was talking about a trek in the mountains, and now he is riding a bicycle at one of the most scenic mountain passes in the world. Farhan Akhtar makes the most of his off day by riding a bicycle in the mountains Post your comments Found this article helpful? Spread the word and support us! Macron backs India for permanent UNSC membership, calls for comprehensive reforms F rench President Emmanuel Macron has voiced strong support for India's inclusion as a permanent member of a reformed United Nations Security Council (UNSC), along with Germany, Japan, Brazil, and two African nations. "Germany, Japan, India and Brazil should be permanent members, as well as two countries that Africa would designate to represent it. New elected members should also be admitted," Macron said while addressing the general debate at the 79th session of the UN General Assembly in New York early Thursday, India time. The French President stressed the need for reforms within the UN to make it more effective and representative, particularly in light of the challenges posed by the current structure of the Security Council. "The United Nations should not be discarded, but rather reformed to reflect today's realities," he said. He said that the current Security Council, often blocked by conflicting interests, needs to evolve. "Is there a better system? I don't think so. So let's just make these United Nations more effective, first by perhaps making them more representative. That is why France and I repeat here, is in favour of the Security Council being expanded," Macron said. The French President said that he hopes that "this reform will also make it possible to change working methods, to limit the right of veto in the event of mass crime and to focus on operational decisions that are necessary to maintain international peace and security. This is what we must have the courage and audacity to do and that we must carry forward with the current permanent members." Earlier, Chilean President Gabriel Boric Font also advocated for India's inclusion, proposing a deadline for the reform to align the UNSC with modern geopolitical realities by the UN's 80th anniversary. The call for India's permanent membership has also been echoed by other global leaders, including US President Joe Biden, who reiterated Washington's full support for India's bid during his recent bilateral meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Russia, too, continues to back India's aspiration for a permanent seat, with the country's Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov emphasising the need for greater representation of developing countries in the council during the ongoing annual UN event. The growing consensus among world leaders highlights the urgency of reforming the UNSC to reflect the contemporary global order and ensure more inclusive and effective international governance. Macron backs India for permanent UNSC membership, calls for comprehensive reforms Post your comments Found this article helpful? Spread the word and support us! Karisma Kapoor showcases her wild and free side A ctress Karisma Kapoor, who was last seen in the streaming movie 'Murder Mubarak', soaking in the London sun. On Thursday, the actress took to her Instagram, and shared a series of pictures and videos in which she can be seen roaming around the streets of London.The actress also shared pictures of flowers and apparel in her photo dump. In one of the pictures, the actress can be seen strutting around Oxford street in the British capital. She wrote in the caption, "In a world full of roses, be a wildflower". Oxford Street is a major road in the City of Westminster in the West End of London, running from Tottenham Court Road to Marble Arch via Oxford Circus. It is Europe's busiest shopping street, and registers half a million daily visitors. It is designated as part of the A40, a major road between London and Fishguard, though it is not signed as such, and traffic is regularly restricted to buses and taxis. Karisma Kapoor belongs to the first film dynasty of Hindi cinema, the Kapoor family. She is the daughter of actors Babita and Randhir Kapoor, and is the elder sister of actress Kareena Kapoor. Karisma used to be one of the highest-paid actresses of her time, she is the recipient of several accolades, including a National Film Award. Her younger sister Kareena Kapoor Khan was recently seen in the theatrical movie 'The Buckingham Murders' . The film was directed by Hansal Mehta of 'Aligarh' and 'Scam 1992: The Harshad Mehta Story' fame. The film tells the story of a cop who is assigned to investigate the murder of a child in the Buckingham neighbourhood as she battles personal conflict. Karisma Kapoor showcases her wild and free side Post your comments Found this article helpful? Spread the word and support us! How Jackie Shroff walked into film industry because of Dev Anand A ctor Jackie Shroff, who was last seen in the streaming movie 'Mast Mein Rehne Ka', is celebrating the birth anniversary of the late actor Dev Anand. On Thursday, Jackie Shroff took to the Stories section of his Instagram, and shared a video remembering the cinema legend. He wrote on the video, "With the blessings of Dev sahab, I walked into film duniya". For the unversed, Jackie Shroff made his acting debut in Dev Anand's 1982 film 'Swami Dada'. In his first meeting with Dev Anand, he was offered the second lead role but after 15 days, Dev Anand changed his mind and gave the role to Mithun Chakraborty. Jackie was cast as one of the henchmen of Shakti Kapoor in an uncredited role. Prior to this, Jackie used to work as a travel agent, and also worked in an advertising company. His stint in advertising led to modelling assignment, and before he knew it, he was cast in 'Swami Dada'. However, it was the Subhash Ghai directorial 'Hero' in which Jackie Shroff garnered critical and commercial acclaim, and went on to become a huge star in the 1980s. He starred in films like 'Teri Meherbaniyan', 'Tridev', 'Parinda', 'Karma' and others. Earlier, on Thursday, actress and politician Hema Malini also remembered the late actor as she took to her Instagram, and dropped several throwback pictures from the sets of the movies that the two worked together in. She also penned a note in the caption, and spoke about the fond memories of hers with the late actor. She wrote, "I have such lovely memories of Dev sahab who was in fact the hero of my 2nd big release with a top actor. I was raw, and in awe but he quickly put me at ease and behaved as if he was a good friend. This attitude continued till the end, always exuding energy that would stimulate everyone". How Jackie Shroff walked into film industry because of Dev Anand Post your comments Found this article helpful? Spread the word and support us! Engineering goods' share in India's merchandise exports rise to 27.2 pc T he share of engineering goods in India's total merchandise exports increased to 27.20 per cent in August, from 26.60 per cent in July, a report showed on Thursday. The cumulative share stood at 25.97 per cent during the April-August period. According to the Engineering Export Promotion Council (EEPC), the growth was due to a decent rise in shipments of product groups such as 'aircraft and spacecraft parts', 'ships, boats and floating structures', 'automobile and auto components/parts', and 'medical and scientific instruments'. After a decline in April, engineering goods exports from India started showing an increasing trend and registered positive growth in subsequent months. In August, engineering exports rose to $9.44 billion from $9.05 billion in the same month last fiscal year, securing 4.36 per cent growth. As per EEPC, cumulative engineering exports during April-August 2024-25 were recorded at $46.41 billion as against $44.53 billion during the same period of the last fiscal, registering an increase of 4.21 per cent. Arun Kumar Garodia, Chairman of EEPC India, said that global trade data has been positive for Indian exports and as per the latest UN data, India, China, and the US are driving the global trade recovery. "Globally trade within the developing countries or South-South trade is also on the rise. However, the major trade institutions across the world caution that the outlook for 2024 is tempered by potential geopolitical issues and industrial policy impacts," he mentioned. As many as 20 out of 34 engineering panels witnessed positive year-on-year growth last month, while 14 remaining engineering panels experienced a decline. Notably, shipment of 'aircraft and spacecraft parts and products' jumped nearly four times to $436.9 million from $114.6 million in the corresponding month last year. Also, automobile and auto component segment exports registered 6 per cent (year-on-year) growth to $1.97 billion. The US, the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Turkey, Singapore, the UK, and Mexico experienced positive growth in the April-August period. Engineering goods' share in India's merchandise exports rise to 27.2 pc Post your comments Found this article helpful? Spread the word and support us! Six years ago, the Syrian government began formally calling on refugees to return, claiming that the country is now safe. On several occasions, the government also announced a general amnesty. However, warned Robert Wood, U.S. Alternative Representative for Special Political Affairs at the U.N., The recently released report of the Independent International Commission of Inquiry, COI, contains horrifying accounts of arbitrary detention and torture, including rape and gender-based violence, committed by Syrian regime actors and regime-supported militias over the first half of the year. These acts led the Commission to report the regimes continuing patterns of crimes against humanity and war crimes. The COIs report provides yet more evidence that the Syrian regime is not being truthful when it claims the country is now safe whether for the millions still living in fear under regime control, or for the millions of Syrian refugees around the world. The report confirms the regime has not changed and is conducting business as usual, with horrific consequences for Syrian civilians, he said. The report ends with the ominous prediction that the human rights situation will only get worse unless the international community pays renewed attention to the Syria crisis. Indeed, said Ambassador Wood, it is a reminder of why accountability must remain at the heart of our approach to Syria. Unless there is accountability for regime officials responsible for atrocities and other abuses from the bottom of the chain of command all the way up the systematic brutality will not end. We urge all Council members to stand with us in demanding justice and dignity for the Syrian people. That said, We must also keep an international spotlight on efforts to ensure justice and accountability for victims of crimes against humanity committed by ISIS, including genocide against the Yezidis, said Ambassador Wood. The United States stands with the survivors and will continue to support efforts in the Security Council to ensure accountability for the perpetrators. There is no military solution to the chaos in Syria. We urge the Syrian regimes representatives and its backers, said Ambassador Wood, to stop making excuses and work in good faith to implement Resolution 2254, which calls for a political settlement in Syria. The United States will not fund regime-led reconstruction, and U.S. sanctions will remain in place until there is, at a minimum, authentic and sustained progress toward a political solution in line with Resolution 2254. 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. Researchers from the Brigham detail how the spray they created may offer broad-spectrum protection from respiratory infections by COVID-19, influenza, everyday cold viruses, and pneumonia-causing bacteria A new study details how a nasal spray formulated by investigators from Brigham and Women's Hospital, a founding member of the Mass General Brigham healthcare system, may work to protect against viral and bacterial respiratory infections. Based on their preclinical studies, the researchers say the broad-spectrum nasal spray is long-lasting, safe, and, if validated in humans, could play a key role in reducing respiratory diseases and safeguarding public health against new threats. Their results are published in the journal Advanced Materials. The COVID pandemic showed us what respiratory pathogens can do to humanity in a very short time. That threat hasn't gone away. Not only do we have the flu to deal with seasonally, but we now have COVID, too." Jeffrey Karp, PhD, Distinguished Chair, Anesthesiology, Brigham and Women's Hospital Influenza and COVID-19 infections cause thousands of deaths and hundreds of thousands of cases of severe disease every year. Milder infections cause significant discomfort, resulting in missed work or school. Vaccines against these viruses can be beneficial, but they're imperfect. Vaccinated people still get infected and spread the infection to others. Masks are also helpful but aren't perfect, either -; they can leak, and many people wear them improperly or choose not to wear them at all. "We need new, additional ways to protect ourselves and reduce the transmission of the disease," Karp said. Most viruses enter our system through the nose. When we catch an airborne infection like the flu and COVID, we breathe out tiny droplets of fluids that contain the pathogen. Healthy people around us breathe in these pathogen-containing droplets, which attach inside their nose and infect the cells that line the nasal passageways. The pathogen replicates and can be released back into the air when an individual who is sick, whether they know it or not, sneezes, coughs, laughs, sings, or even just breathes. The new study details the research team's efforts to create a nasal spray to defend against airborne respiratory illness. "The spray, called Pathogen Capture and Neutralizing Spray (PCANS) in the paper, was developed using ingredients from the FDA's Inactive Ingredient Database (IID), which have been previously used in approved nasal sprays, or from the Generally Recognized as Safe (GRAS) list of the FDA," said co-senior author Nitin Joshi, PhD, an Assistant Professor of Anesthesiology at Brigham and Women's Hospital. "We developed a drug-free formulation using these compounds to block germs in three ways -; PCANS forms a gel-like matrix that traps respiratory droplets, immobilizes the germs, and effectively neutralizes them, preventing infection." The researchers did the experiments detailed in the study under laboratory settings. They have not studied PCANS directly in humans. The researchers developed the formulation and studied its ability to capture respiratory droplets in a 3D-printed replica of a human nose. They showed that when sprayed in the nasal cavity replica, PCANS captured twice as many droplets as mucus alone. "PCANS forms a gel, increasing its mechanical strength by a hundred times, forming a solid barrier," said primary author John Joseph, PhD, a former postdoctoral fellow at Brigham and Women's Hospital. "It blocked and neutralized almost 100% of all viruses and bacteria we tested, including Influenza, SARS-CoV-2, RSV, adenovirus, K Pneumonia and more." Experiments in mice showed that a single dose of the PCANS nasal spray could effectively block infection from an influenza virus (PR8) at 25 times the lethal dose. Virus levels in the lungs were reduced by >99.99%, and the inflammatory cells and cytokines in the lungs of PCANS-treated animals were normal. "The formulation's ability to inactivate a broad spectrum of pathogens, including the deadly PR8 influenza virus, demonstrates its high effectiveness," said co-senior author Yohannes Tesfaigzi, PhD, AstraZeneca Professor of Medicine in the Field of Respiratory and Inflammatory Diseases at Brigham and Women's Hospital. "In a rigorous mouse model study, prophylactic treatment with PCANS demonstrated exceptional efficacy, with treated mice exhibiting complete protection, while the untreated group showed no such benefit." While the study's limitations include the lack of human studies of PCANS, it provides a strong foundation for future research to explore the full potential of PCANS in a broader context. The researchers are exploring whether PCANS can also block allergens, opening a potential new avenue for allergy relief. Scientists have uncovered alarming evidence of H5N1s rapid adaptation to mammals fueled by genetic mutations. With mammal-to-mammal transmission now confirmed, could this be the precursor to the next global pandemic? Review: The global H5N1 influenza panzootic in mammals. Image Credit: Rui Duarte / Shutterstock In a review article published in the journal Nature, the authors describe molecular and ecological factors associated with the sudden expansion of H5N1 high-pathogenicity avian influenza (HPAI) viruses in mammals. Background Influenza A viruses are associated with most of the documented global pandemics in human history. High pathogenicity avian influenza (HPAI) viruses belonging to the H5N1 subtype are a leading risk factor for future pandemics. The evolutionary barriers to mammalian adaptation of these viruses are lower than previously thought, as shown by rapid mutation accumulation in key viral proteins. H5N1 viruses were initially detected only in Asian poultries during the past two decades. However, in recent years, a rapid transmission of these viruses into new mammal species has been observed worldwide, endangering wildlife, agricultural production, and human health. Mammal-to-mammal transmission confirmed: Evidence from mink farms, marine mammals, and dairy cattle outbreaks show that H5N1 is now capable of spreading directly between mammals, a crucial evolutionary leap. Such rapid viral transmission started after the emergence of a new genotype of H5N1 viruses belonging to clade 2.3.4.4b, which infected wild birds from Europe to Africa, North America, South America, and the Antarctic. These viruses arose from genomic reassortment between the H5N8 and low-pathogenicity avian influenza (LPAI) viruses, generating new hybrid strains. The genomic reassortment event between 2.3.4.4b H5N8 and low pathogenicity avian influenza (LPAI) viruses gave rise to the panzootic 2.3.4.4b H5N1 viruses, which are genetically different from prior strains. This reassortment involved the polymerase gene and surface proteins, facilitating rapid adaptation to new environments. The panzootic 2.3.4.4b H5N1 viruses can silently transmit to new countries or continents through migrating aquatic wild birds. This may result in mass die-offs among social sea birds congregating in large, dense colonies. Birds of prey or animals that eat dead H5N1-infected birds can also die due to neurological disorders. Viral spillover to mammals has been linked to several adaptive mutations that enhance viral replication in mammalian hosts, specifically within the polymerase (PB2) and hemagglutinin (HA) genes. In this review article, the authors discuss influenza A virus spillover and H5N1 pandemic potential by analyzing three H5N1 case studies demonstrating mammal-to-mammal transmission. The article provides information on the acquisition of key adaptive mutations that enabled 2.3.4.4b H5N1 viruses to sustain mammal-to-mammal transmission. The authors have collected this information from three real-world settings: the 2022-2023 H5N1 outbreaks on European fur farms, the 2023 South American marine mammal-adapted virus, and the 2024 US dairy cattle outbreak. H5N1 outbreaks on European fur farms The evidence collected from H5N1-infected European farmed animals (American mink, arctic foxes, and raccoon dogs) revealed the presence of known mammalian-adaptive mutations in the PB2 gene, particularly the PB2 E627K mutation, which enhances viral replication in mammals. Mammal-to-mammal transmission was suspected based on the close genetic relatedness of the viruses found on different farms. Experimental studies confirmed the effective transmission of the viruses between ferrets in direct contact. This genetic proximity is consistent with sustained transmission driven by adaptive changes in the polymerase complex. Farm-to-farm transmission most probably occurred due to the movement of contaminated equipment, clothing, or infected carcasses fed to other mink. The new reassortant H5N1 genotype, BB, which emerged in 2022, represents a hybrid virus combining genome segments from prior H5N1 and LPAI gull-adapted viruses. This genotype caused mass die-offs in black-headed gulls throughout Europe. Rapid virus spread: Migratory birds are playing a critical role in spreading the virus across continents, silently transmitting the disease to new regions and species. Genetic sequencing revealed that the H5N1 viruses belong to a new reassortant H5N1 genotype, BB, that emerged in 2022 and caused mass die-offs in black-headed gulls throughout Europe. An H5N1 outbreak also occurred in Poland in mid-2023, killing more than 30 domestic cats. Raw pet foods sourced from mink farms were assumed to be a potential source of the virus. Sequencing of cat-derived H5N1 viruses revealed identical mammalian adaptations absent in avian viruses circulating in Europe at the time. The cat-derived H5N1 viruses shared identical mammalian-adaptive mutations in PB2 (E627K, D701N), highlighting the viruss ability to adapt across different mammalian hosts. H5N1 outbreaks in South American marine mammals A new reassortant H5N1 genotype B3.2 arrived from North America to South America in late 2022, causing mass die-offs in coastal birds and marine mammals. Genetic sequencing of H5N1 viruses from South American marine mammals identified the same known mammalian adaptations (PB2 D701N and Q591K) and other distinctive mutations absent in birds, supporting mammal-to-mammal transmission. The B3.2 viruses in the marine mammal clade were also identified in South American sea lions, common dolphins, Chilean dolphins, porpoises, sea otters, fur seals, elephant seals, and one human. These mutations allowed the virus to exploit mammalian cellular machinery, facilitating sustained transmission in a mammalian host. The hospitalized man resided near a beach with H5N1-infected animals, and the virus derived from the infected man also contained the same two mammalian adaptations found in pinnipeds, indicating the environmental mode of transmission of the virus. A spillback of mammalian-adapted B3.2 viruses from marine mammals to wild birds was also observed in South America. However, no reversions were observed in the mammalian-adapted PB2 mutations, demonstrating the viruss strong adaptation to mammalian hosts. H5N1 outbreaks in US dairy cattle The H5N1 viruses belonging to the B3.13 genotype were identified as causative pathogens associated with Texas dairy cattle outbreaks in 2024. Phylogenetic analysis showed a single viral introduction from wild birds into cattle. Mammalian-adaptive mutations PB2 M631L and PA K497R were detected in the cattle clade, facilitating increased replication in mammalian cells. Only four B3.13 genotype viruses were identified in US wildlife apart from the cattle clade, suggesting that this genotype is rare in wild birds. The viruses' high genetic diversity points to rapid local evolution in dairy cattle, providing further evidence of sustained mammalian transmission. The high genetic diversity of the H5N1 virus in Texas cattle suggests that the bovine B3.13 outbreak originated in Texas and rapidly spread to additional states. Transport of infected cattle or equipment was considered the most likely cause of viral transmission. Cattle-origin H5N1 viruses were also identified in other species, including domestic cats, alpacas, wild birds, terrestrial mammals, and poultry. Transmission routes likely include milk contamination due to the viruss mammary tissue tropism, leading to widespread infection through contaminated milk. Thirteen human cases, including four dairy farm workers, were also identified in the US. Less than 20 human cases of 2.3.4.4b H5N1 viruses have been documented in Europe and the US since 2020, a low number compared to the H5N1 human cases recorded in Asia and Egypt in 2015. Significance The potency of H5N1 viruses in creating future pandemics remains unknown. Recent human cases with H5N1 2.3.4.4b viruses have significantly lower fatality rates than prior H5N1 outbreaks in Asia. If H5N1 continues spreading in humans, an existing H5 vaccine that is antigenically related to circulating 2.3.4.4b viruses can be scaled up using mRNA platforms. However, the viruss ability to reassort with other influenza viruses, particularly in high-risk settings such as farms, raises concerns about the potential for more transmissible variants. TO ACCESS THIS CONTENT YOU MUST OPEN A SESSION OR CREATE AN ACCOUNT MEMBER LOGIN CREATE YOUR USER ACCOUNT After moving with her family to the United States from Panama when she was just 10 years old, Amair Pralour knows the importance of embracing differen. . . A new study finds that microaggressions aimed at Black women online appear to harm the health of other Black women who see those microaggressions even though the microaggressions are not aimed at them personally. Specifically, researchers found that encountering vicarious microaggressions was associated with worse sleep quality for young Black women. A lot of people falsely treat microaggressions as a kind of joke, but they are serious and have serious consequences." Vanessa Volpe, first author and associate professor of psychology, North Carolina State University Microaggressions are often subtle instances of mistreatment or insulting behavior that usually revolve around negative stereotypes. But while microaggressions are often subtle, they also accrue over time. "And because people including Black women often face a consistent stream of these microaggressions, there's a tremendous amount of evidence showing that these microaggressions can have a serious impact on people's health and well-being," Volpe says. "We launched this study to learn more about the extent to which Black women encounter microaggressions online and offline, as well as how these microaggressions may relate to sleep quality. We focused on sleep quality because it is a health outcome in itself and is also well-established as a behavior that can be affected by stress." For this study, researchers recruited 478 Black women between the ages of 18 and 35 who live in the United States. Study participants completed a detailed survey designed to capture how often they experienced microaggressions related to their race and gender both via in-person interactions and online. For online microaggressions, the survey distinguished between microaggressions aimed at the study participant and vicarious microaggressions, in which the study participant observed microaggressions that weren't aimed specifically at them. The survey also included a range of questions focused on understanding each study participant's sleep quality. Online microaggressions directed at the study participant were the least commonly reported, which researchers believe may be related to the ability of social media users to curate their online experience choosing which accounts to follow, blocking accounts they don't want to see, and so on. "To be clear, the Black women in our study still experienced direct online microaggressions, they just experienced these microaggressions less frequently than other microaggressions," Volpe says. In-person microaggressions were the second-most common, with vicarious online microaggressions being by far the most commonly experienced. In-person microaggressions were associated with lower sleep quality scores, but only the vicarious online microaggressions were uniquely associated with greater likelihood of clinically-relevant poor sleep quality. "Study participants were asked how frequently they were exposed to vicarious online microaggressions, and they answered on a 0-5 scale," Volpe explains. "We found that for each unit you go up on that 0-5 scale, the likelihood of clinically-relevant poor sleep quality goes up by 33%. "The fact that vicarious online microaggressions can adversely impact Black women seems particularly relevant in this election year, with the first Black woman serving as the presidential nominee of a major political party." The findings have ramifications for both health practitioners and researchers. "One takeaway message is that health professionals who are working with people experiencing sleep problems need to ask about stress experiences that may be specific to sex and race including stress related to their online experiences," Volpe says. "They should work with their patients to find stress management plans and solutions that take these unique experiences and their patients' online engagement into consideration. "What's more, it's a little surprising that vicarious microaggressions seem to have a bigger impact on sleep quality than in-person microaggressions that are aimed directly at you. That suggests that the research community needs to take a closer look at vicarious microaggressions." The paper, "Online and Offline Gendered Racial Microaggressions and Sleep Quality for Black Women," is published the journal Health Psychology. The paper was co-authored by Abbey Collins, a Ph.D. student at NC State; Eric Zhou of Harvard Medical School; Donte Bernard, of the University of Missouri; and Naila Smith of the University of Virginia. This work was done with support from the Society for the Psychological Study of Social Issues and the National Institute of Minority Health and Health Disparities. "Stool-based test offers a promising solution to reduce the burden of a colonoscopy," experts emphasized on September 21st, during the ICG 19 Metagenomics for Health (ICG19MH) & The 2nd MOHA Consortium. The conference was held in Harbin, Heilongjiang Province of China. The discussions centered on colorectal cancer (CRC) screening, with experts sharing perspectives on the CRC burden and real-world case studies from their country and active research on exploring solutions to address the global CRC problem. One of the key points highlighted was the global challenge of limited access to colonoscopy, the gold standard for CRC screening. Dr. Yang Yun, Deputy General Manager at BGI Genomics, emphasized that "colonoscopy screening can significantly lower the incidence and mortality rates of CRC." However, she also pointed out the widespread issue of preparation for the surgery, which limits its effectiveness as a first-line screening method. "One of the most important requirements for colonoscopy is the pass rate of intestinal preparation. The minimum requirement is 85%" she added, "but most of them fail to meet this requirement, whether in my country or other countries around the world." Global perspectives on CRC screening obstacles The world faces the same obstacle to CRC screening: lack of colonoscopy medical resources. Dr. Songphol Malakorn from Chulalongkorn University, Thailand, spoke about the shortage of medical resources and the complex preoperative preparations that hinder the widespread adoption of colonoscopy in Thailand. 28 million people versus 800 plus endoscopists. This is the main problem of the screening program of our country." Dr. Songphol Malakorn from Chulalongkorn University, Thailand From New Zealand, Dr. Amanda Dixon-McIver, Laboratory Director at IGENZ highlighted long waiting times for public-funded colonoscopies and the high costs of private procedures, are major deterrents for patients seeking timely diagnostic service. "Colonoscopy capacity is finite and waiting times often exceed targets," she stated. Similarly, in Europe, Professor Robert Benamouzig of Avicenne Hospital, France addressed how screening strategies are shaped by cultural and political contexts through the livestream. He noted that France's healthcare system is based on collective responsibility, aiming to provide equal access to resources. Yet, even within this system, barriers to widespread CRC screening persist, highlighting the need for accessible alternatives. COLOTECT: A promising solution for CRC screening As part of the discussions on overcoming these global challenges, experts advocated for the development of more accessible, accurate, and widely acceptable screening tools. COLOTECT, a stool DNA testing kit developed by BGI Genomics, emerged as a promising solution. Professor Wu Xiaojian from the Sixth Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University shared successful screening programs were conducted in Xinyi and Huazhou, cities in Guangdong Province, using COLOTECT. "In these 10% of positive patients, 77% went on to complete colonoscopies," Professor Wu said. This high compliance rate, he noted, demonstrates the growing acceptance of stool DNA testing over traditional methods like the FIT test. Both Dr. Dixon-McIver and Dr. Malakorn supported the adoption of innovative screening tools like COLOTECT, highlighting their potential to address resource limitations and improve CRC prevention efforts, especially in underserved regions. Gut microbiome: New horizons for disease detection In addition to CRC, experts delved into the potential of gut microbiome signatures as a tool for disease detection. Professor Benamouzig shared his insights on how the gut microbiome could be instrumental in early CRC detection, while Professor Stanislav Dusko Ehrlich from University College London explored its potential in diagnosing Parkinson's disease. Furthermore, Dr. Hamsa T. Tayeb from Saudi Arabia discussed the application of metagenomics in diagnosing infectious diseases, underscoring the potential of these innovative tools in clinical practice. As these discussions from ICG19MH, innovations in CRC screening, such as COLOTECT, along with new applications of metagenomics, hold the potential to transform global health by making preventive healthcare more accessible and effective. These new tools and approaches offer a significant opportunity to reduce the global burden of diseases such as CRC. Since being deemed a public health emergency in 2017, opioids are responsible for 72% of drug overdose deaths in the United States, according to the National Center for Drug Abuse Statistics. New research from the Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine identifies a potential new approach to address the opioid overdose epidemic-;which has devastated families and communities nationally. The study, published today in the journal JAMA Network Open, suggests semaglutide is linked to lower opioid overdoses in people with opioid-use disorder (OUD) and type 2 diabetes (T2D). Semaglutide, a glucagon-like peptide receptor (GLP-1R) molecule that decreases hunger and helps regulate blood sugar in T2D, is also the active component in the diabetes and weight-loss drugs Wegovy and Ozempic. The research team-;led by biomedical informatics professor Rong Xu-;analyzed six years of electronic records of nearly 33,000 patients with OUD who also had T2D. The researchers used a statistical approach that mimics a randomized clinical trial. They found patients prescribed semaglutide had a significantly lower risk for opioid overdose, compared to those who had taken any of eight other anti-diabetic medications, including other types of GLP-1R-targeting medications. About 107,500 people died from drug overdoses nationally in 2023, mostly from opioids, according to the CDC. Despite effective medications to prevent overdoses from OUD, the CDC estimates only a quarter of those with OUD receive them and about half discontinue treatment within six months. Not everyone receives or responds to them. As a result, alternative medications to help people treat opioid use disorder and prevent overdosing are crucial. Therefore, our findings suggest that it is important to continue studying semaglutide as a possible new treatment for combating this terrible epidemic." Rong Xu, Director, Center for AI in Drug Discovery, Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine Nora D. Volkow, director of the National Institute for Drug Abuse, co-led the study. Although their findings potentially support the idea that semaglutide could treat OUD and prevent overdoses, the study's limitations restrict the researchers from making firm causal conclusions, Xu said. Semaglutide's use will need to be further investigated through randomized clinical trials, the researchers said. People with Down's syndrome face a higher risk of developing Leukemia. Now researchers from the University of Copenhagen and Stanford University explain why, by identifying specific changes in blood cells of people with Down's syndrome. In the world, one out of 700 children are born with Down's syndrome. A syndrome, where the child has an extra copy of chromosome 21, resulting in 47 chromosomes instead of 46. This typically results in characteristic physical features and some level of learning disability. But newborns with Downs syndrome also tend to have an elevated number of red blood cells, and as they grow older, they face a 150-fold higher risk of developing leukemia compared to those without the condition. "Our study revealed that the additional chromosome 21 alters how DNA is packed inside the cells. This difference affects how certain genes are regulated and can contribute to the development of leukemia," explains Rebecca Moller, one of the researchers from University of Copenhagen behind the new study. To more precisely understand the impact of the extra chromosome 21, the researchers sequenced the genes of over 1.1 million cells from fetuses with and without Down's syndrome. Interestingly, the dysregulations are not uniform and vary depending on the cell type and its environment. We found for example that blood stem cells in individuals with Down's syndrome show dysregulations of genes involved in making red blood cells, explaining the symptoms in newborns." Professor Ana Cvejic, senior lead scientist, University of Copenhagen Too many cellular "powerhouses" The researchers also identified another crucial difference in the blood stem cells of people with Down's syndrome: an increased number of mitochondria, the "powerhouses" of the cells that generate energy. While energy production is vital, too many mitochondria can damage a cell and its DNA by producing harmful molecules. "These harmful molecules, called reactive oxygen species, are known to attack DNA creating mutations that can lead to pre-leukemia and, eventually, leukemia." explains Dr Andrew Marderstein, from Stanford University and the first author in the study. The findings from the study underscore the importance of understanding the intricate relationship between genetics and the cellular environment of blood cells in individuals with Down's Syndrome. "This study is the largest of its kind, and it shows that the environment and genetic makeup of cells are crucial in understanding how blood cells and leukemia develop. Understanding these mechanisms is essential for guiding future research in stem cell biology and cancer," says Professor Ana Cvejic, who emphasizes that these insights pave the way for a better comprehension of disease development in Down's Syndrome. One evening in May, nursing assistant Debra Ragoonanan's vision blurred during her shift at a state-run Massachusetts veterans home. As her head spun, she said, she called her husband. He picked her up and drove her to the emergency room, where she was diagnosed with a brain aneurysm. It was the latest in a drumbeat of health issues that she traces to the first months of 2020, when dozens of veterans died at the Soldiers' Home in Holyoke, in one of the country's deadliest covid-19 outbreaks at a long-term nursing facility. Ragoonanan has worked at the home for nearly 30 years. Now, she said, the sights, sounds, and smells there trigger her trauma. Among her ailments, she lists panic attacks, brain fog, and other symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder, a condition linked to aneurysms and strokes. Scrutiny of the outbreak prompted the state to change the facility's name to the Massachusetts Veterans Home at Holyoke, replace its leadership, sponsor a $480 million renovation of the premises, and agree to a $56 million settlement for veterans and families. But the front-line caregivers have received little relief as they grapple with the outbreak's toll. "I am retraumatized all the time," Ragoonanan said, sitting on her back porch before her evening shift. "How am I supposed to move forward?" Covid killed more than 3,600 U.S. health care workers in the first year of the pandemic. It left many more with physical and mental illnesses and a gutting sense of abandonment. What workers experienced has been detailed in state investigations, surveys of nurses, and published studies. These found that many health care workers weren't given masks in 2020. Many got covid and worked while sick. More than a dozen lawsuits filed on behalf of residents or workers at nursing facilities detail such experiences. And others allege that accommodations weren't made for workers facing depression and PTSD triggered by their pandemic duties. Some of the lawsuits have been dismissed, and others are pending. Health care workers and unions reported risky conditions to state and federal agencies. But the federal Occupational Safety and Health Administration had fewer inspectors in 2020 to investigate complaints than at any point in a half-century. It investigated only about 1 in 5 covid-related complaints that were filed officially, and just 4% of more than 16,000 informal reports made by phone or email. Nursing assistants, health aides, and other lower-wage health care workers were particularly vulnerable during outbreaks, and many remain burdened now. About 80% of lower-wage workers who provide long-term care are women, and these workers are more likely to be immigrants, to be people of color, and to live in poverty than doctors or nurses. Some of these factors increased a person's covid risk. They also help explain why these workers had limited power to avoid or protest hazardous conditions, said Eric Frumin, formerly the safety and health director for the Strategic Organizing Center, a coalition of labor unions. He also cited decreasing membership in unions, which negotiate for higher wages and safer workplaces. One-third of the U.S. labor force was unionized in the 1950s, but the level has fallen to 10% in recent years. Like essential workers in meatpacking plants and warehouses, nursing assistants were at risk because of their status, Frumin said: "The powerlessness of workers in this country condemns them to be treated as disposable." In interviews, essential workers in various industries told KFF Health News they felt duped by a system that asked them to risk their lives in the nation's moment of need but that now offers little assistance for harm incurred in the line of duty. "The state doesn't care. The justice system doesn't care. Nobody cares," Ragoonanan said. "All of us have to go right back to work where this started, so that's a double whammy." 'A war zone' The plight of health care workers is a problem for the United States as the population ages and the threat of future pandemics looms. Surgeon General Vivek Murthy called their burnout "an urgent public health issue" leading to diminished care for patients. That's on top of a predicted shortage of more than 3.2 million lower-wage health care workers by 2026, according to the Mercer consulting firm. The veterans home in Holyoke illustrates how labor conditions can jeopardize the health of employees. The facility is not unique, but its situation has been vividly described in a state investigative report and in a report from a joint oversight committee of the Massachusetts Legislature. The Soldiers' Home made headlines in March 2020 when The Boston Globe got a tip about refrigerator trucks packed with the bodies of dead veterans outside the facility. About 80 residents died within a few months. The state investigation placed blame on the home's leadership, starting with Superintendent Bennett Walsh. "Mr. Walsh and his team created close to an optimal environment for the spread of COVID-19," the report said. He resigned under pressure at the end of 2020. Investigators said that "at least 80 staff members" tested positive for covid, citing "at least in part" the management's "failure to provide and require the use of proper protective equipment," even restricting the use of masks. They included a disciplinary letter sent to one nursing assistant who had donned a mask as he cared for a sick veteran overnight in March. "Your actions are disruptive, extremely inappropriate," it said. To avoid hiring more caretakers, the home's leadership combined infected and uninfected veterans in the same unit, fueling the spread of the virus, the report found. It said veterans didn't receive sufficient hydration or pain-relief drugs as they approached death, and it included testimonies from employees who described the situation as "total pandemonium," "a nightmare," and "a war zone." Because his wife was immunocompromised, Walsh didn't enter the care units during this period, according to his lawyer's statement in a deposition obtained by KFF Health News. "He never observed the merged unit," it said. In contrast, nursing assistants told KFF Health News that they worked overtime, even with covid, because they were afraid of being fired if they stayed home. "I kept telling my supervisor, 'I am very, very sick,'" said Sophia Darkowaa, a nursing assistant who said she now suffers from PTSD and symptoms of long covid. "I had like four people die in my arms while I was sick." Nursing assistants recounted how overwhelmed and devasted they felt by the pace of death among veterans whom they had known for years years of helping them dress, shave, and shower, and of listening to their memories of war. "They were in pain. They were hollering. They were calling on God for help," Ragoonanan said. "They were vomiting, their teeth showing. They're pooping on themselves, pooping on your shoes." Nursing assistant Kwesi Ablordeppey said the veterans were like family to him. "One night I put five of them in body bags," he said. "That will never leave my mind." Four years have passed, but he said he still has trouble sleeping and sometimes cries in his bedroom after work. "I wipe the tears away so that my kids don't know." High demands, low autonomy A third of health care workers reported symptoms of PTSD related to the pandemic, according to surveys between January 2020 and May 2022 covering 24,000 workers worldwide. The disorder predisposes people to dementia and Alzheimer's. It can lead to substance use and self-harm. Since covid began, Laura van Dernoot Lipsky, director of the Trauma Stewardship Institute, has been inundated by emails from health care workers considering suicide. "More than I have ever received in my career," she said. Their cries for help have not diminished, she said, because trauma often creeps up long after the acute emergency has quieted. Another factor contributing to these workers' trauma is "moral injury," a term first applied to soldiers who experienced intense guilt after carrying out orders that betrayed their values. It became common among health care workers in the pandemic who weren't given ample resources to provide care. "Folks who don't make as much money in health care deal with high job demands and low autonomy at work, both of which make their positions even more stressful," said Rachel Hoopsick, a public health researcher at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. "They also have fewer resources to cope with that stress," she added. People in lower income brackets have less access to mental health treatment. And health care workers with less education and financial security are less able to take extended time off, to relocate for jobs elsewhere, or to shift careers to avoid retriggering their traumas. Such memories can feel as intense as the original event. "If there's not a change in circumstances, it can be really, really, really hard for the brain and nervous system to recalibrate," van Dernoot Lipsky said. Rather than focusing on self-care alone, she pushes for policies to ensure adequate staffing at health facilities and accommodations for mental health issues. In 2021, Massachusetts legislators acknowledged the plight of the Soldiers' Home residents and staff in a joint committee report saying the events would "impact their well-being for many years." But only veterans have received compensation. "Their sacrifices for our freedom should never be forgotten or taken for granted," the state's veterans services director, Jon Santiago, said at an event announcing a memorial for veterans who died in the Soldiers' Home outbreak. The state's $56 million settlement followed a class-action lawsuit brought by about 80 veterans who were sickened by covid and a roughly equal number of families of veterans who died. The state's attorney general also brought criminal charges against Walsh and the home's former medical director, David Clinton, in connection with their handling of the crisis. The two averted a trial and possible jail time this March by changing their not-guilty pleas, instead acknowledging that the facts of the case were sufficient to warrant a guilty finding. An attorney representing Walsh and Clinton, Michael Jennings, declined to comment on queries from KFF Health News. He instead referred to legal proceedings in March, in which Jennings argued that "many nursing homes proved inadequate in the nascent days of the pandemic" and that "criminalizing blame will do nothing to prevent further tragedy." Nursing assistants sued the home's leadership, too. The lawsuit alleged that, in addition to their symptoms of long covid, what the aides witnessed "left them emotionally traumatized, and they continue to suffer from post-traumatic stress disorder." The case was dismissed before trial, with courts ruling that the caretakers could have simply left their jobs. "Plaintiff could have resigned his employment at any time," Judge Mark Mastroianni wrote, referring to Ablordeppey, the nursing assistants' named representative in the case. But the choice was never that simple, said Erica Brody, a lawyer who represented the nursing assistants. "What makes this so heartbreaking is that they couldn't have quit, because they needed this job to provide for their families." 'Help us to retire' Brody didn't know of any cases in which staff at long-term nursing facilities successfully held their employers accountable for labor conditions in covid outbreaks that left them with mental and physical ailments. KFF Health News pored through lawsuits and called about a dozen lawyers but could not identify any such cases in which workers prevailed. A Massachusetts chapter of the Service Employees International Union, SEIU Local 888, is looking outside the justice system for help. It has pushed for a bill proposed last year by Judith Garcia, a Democratic state representative to allow workers at the state veterans home in Holyoke, along with its sister facility in Chelsea, to receive their retirement benefits five to 10 years earlier than usual. The bill's fate will be decided in December. Retirement benefits for Massachusetts state employees amount to 80% of a person's salary. Workers qualify at different times, depending on the job. Police officers get theirs at age 55. Nursing assistants qualify once the sum of their time working at a government facility and their age comes to around 100 years. The state stalls the clock if these workers take off more than their allotted days for sickness or vacation. Several nursing assistants at the Holyoke veterans home exceeded their allotments because of long-lasting covid symptoms, post-traumatic stress, and, in Ragoonanan's case, a brain aneurysm. Even five years would make a difference, Ragoonanan said, because, at age 56, she fears her life is being shortened. "Help us to retire," she said, staring at the slippers covering her swollen feet. "We have bad PTSD. We're crying, contemplating suicide." I got my funeral dress out because the way everybody was dying, I knew I was going to die." Debra Ragoonanan Certain careers are linked with shorter life spans. Similarly, economists have shown that, on average, people with lower incomes in the United States die earlier than those with more. Nearly 60% of long-term care workers are among the bottom earners in the country, paid less than $30,000 or about $15 per hour in 2018, according to analyses by the Department of Health and Human Services and KFF, a health policy research, polling, and news organization that includes KFF Health News. Fair pay was among the solutions listed in the surgeon general's report on burnout. Another was "hazard compensation during public health emergencies." If employers offer disability benefits, that generally entails a pay cut. Nursing assistants at the Holyoke veterans home said it would halve their wages, a loss they couldn't afford. "Low-wage workers are in an impossible position, because they're scraping by with their full salaries," said John Magner, SEIU Local 888's legal director. Despite some public displays of gratitude for health care workers early in the pandemic, essential workers haven't received the financial support given to veterans or to emergency personnel who risked their lives to save others in the aftermath of 9/11. Talk show host Jon Stewart, for example, has lobbied for this group for over a decade, successfully pushing Congress to compensate them for their sacrifices. "People need to understand how high the stakes are," van Dernoot Lipsky said. "It's so important that society doesn't put this on individual workers and then walk away." Healthbeat is a nonprofit newsroom covering public health published by Civic News Company and KFF Health News. This new article publication from Acta Pharmaceutica Sinica B, discusses a transferrin receptor-targeted immunostimulant for photodynamic immunotherapy against metastatic tumors through -catenin/CREB interruption. The immunosuppressive phenotype of tumor cells extensively attenuates the immune activation effects of traditional treatments. In this article, a transferrin receptor (TfR) targeted immunostimulant (PTI) is fabricated for photodynamic immunotherapy against metastatic tumors by interrupting -catenin signal pathway. To synthesize PTI, the photosensitizer conjugated TfR targeting peptide moiety (Palmitic-K(PpIX)-HAIYPRH) is unitized to encapsulate the transcription interrupter of ICG-001. On the one hand, the recognition of PTI and TfR can promote drug delivery into tumor cells to destruct primary tumors through photodynamic therapy and initiate an immunogenic cell death with the release of tumor-associated antigens. On the other hand, PTI will interrupt the binding between -catenin and cAMP response element-binding protein (CREB), regulating the gene transcription to downregulate programmed death ligand 1 (PD-L1) while upregulating C-C motif chemokine ligand 4 (CCL4). Furthermore, the elevated CCL4 can recruit the dendritic cells to present tumor-specific antigens and promote T cells activation and infiltration, and the downregulated PD-L1 can avoid the immune evasion of tumor cells and activate systemic anti-tumor immunity to eradicate lung metastasis. This research may inspire the development of antibody antibody-free strategy to activate systemic immune response in consideration of immunosuppressive conditions. Despite privacy concerns and risks of errors, a new survey shows that many UK doctors are embracing AI chatbots to streamline their work and assist with clinical tasks like documentation and diagnoses. Short Report: Generative artificial intelligence in primary care: an online survey of UK general practitioners. Image Credit: BOY ANTHONY / Shutterstock A recent study published in the journal BMJ Health and Care Informatics measured the use of generative artificial intelligence (AI) by general practitioners (GPs) in the United Kingdom (UK). Following the introduction of the Chat Generative Pretrained Transformer (ChatGPT) in late 2022, Interest in chatbots powered by large language models (LLMs) has substantially increased, with a growing focus on their clinical potential. These new-generation chatbots are trained on extensive data to generate responses and function like autocompletion devices. Documentation assistance was the most common use, with 29% of AI-using GPs leveraging these tools to generate patient notes after appointments, streamlining administrative work. Further, unlike internet search engines, these chatbots can rapidly summarize and generate text, remember previous prompts, and mimic conversational interactions. Preliminary evidence highlights the ability of these tools to help with writing empathic documentation, more detailed documentation than dictation or typing, and help in differential diagnoses. Nevertheless, these tools have limitations; they may provide erroneous information, and their outputs also risk worsening or perpetuating gender, disability, and racial inequities in healthcare. Additionally, there are concerns regarding patient privacy, as it remains unclear how generative AI companies use the collected data. However, there has been limited data on clinician experiences and practices; few studies have investigated doctors' adoption and opinion of these tools in clinical practice. The study and findings In the present study, researchers measured GPs use of AI chatbots in the UK. GPs registered with a clinician marketing service were surveyed. The survey was pretested and piloted with six GPs. This study was launched as an omnibus survey with predetermined sample sizes. Sampling was stratified by regional location. Participants were asked to answer all closed-ended items. The survey collected demographic information, showing that 45% of respondents were GP partners/principals, 34% were salaried GPs, and 18% were locum GPs. Participant data were fully anonymized and numerically stored. Shopping vouchers were offered after survey completion. The survey was conducted between February 2 and 22, 2024. The current study reported responses to the survey item, Q1, which asked participants whether they had ever used Bing AI, ChatGPT, Googles Bard, or other generative AI tools in any aspect of clinical practice. Lack of regulatory guidance: The study emphasizes that despite the increasing use of AI tools, there is still a lack of clear policies or guidelines on how these technologies should be integrated into healthcare safely. Overall, 1,006 participants completed the survey; 53% were males, and 54% were aged 46. The majority of respondents were GP partners or salaried GPs. Overall, 205 respondents reported using generative AI in clinical practice. On February 8, 2024, after 200 responses had been collected, a follow-up question was added in response to the high percentage of AI users; it asked those who responded affirmatively to specify what they were using AI tools for. About 29% reported using AI tools for documentation after appointments, and 28% used AI for suggesting a differential diagnosis. Further, 20% used AI tools for patient timelines or summarization from previous documentation, and 25% used them to explore treatment options. Around 8% used AI to write letters. Conclusions Overall, one in five surveyed doctors reported using AI chatbots to help with tasks in clinical practice in the UK. ChatGPT was the most used. Further, more than a quarter of generative AI users reported using them to help with differential diagnosis or documentation after appointments. These findings suggest that GPs may benefit from these tools, particularly in supporting clinical reasoning and administrative tasks. However, these tools have limitations as they can generate errors and biases. Moreover, they may undermine patient privacy because it is unclear how generative AI companies use the collected information. The medical community will also need to address regulatory uncertainties and create clear work policies to ensure the safe adoption of these tools in healthcare settings. Together, despite the lack of guidance about generative AI tools and unclear work policies, GPs in the UK report using them to assist with their job. Stocks To Watch On September 26: Markets experienced a volatile session on Wednesday but managed to extend their upward trend, with a sharp rally in the fag-end. In todays trade, shares of SpiceJet, SBI, HDFC Bank, Adani Green, and Vedanta among others will be in focus due to various news developments. State Bank of India: SBI aims to be the first Indian financial firm to reach a net profit of Rs 1 trillion within the next 3-5 years, said the banks chairman, C S Setty. With a standalone net profit of Rs 61,077 crore in FY24, a growth of 21.59 per cent year-over-year, the bank is focused on balancing profit growth with customer-centric operations. A robust credit pipeline of Rs 4 trillion from corporate clients is anticipated, particularly in infrastructure sectors. Vedanta: The companys board will meet on October 8 to discuss a potential fourth interim dividend for FY25. The company has already declared a total dividend of Rs 13,474 crore this financial year, showcasing strong shareholder returns. Vedanta Resources plans to reduce its debt by up to $3 billion over the next three years. Piramal Pharma: The pharmaceutical firm aims to double its revenue to $2 billion by FY30, while tripling its Ebitda, said company Chairperson Nandini Piramal. The company plans to maintain a net debt to Ebitda ratio of 1x by FY30. Their CDMO segment is expected to grow significantly, driven by increased demand, especially due to the potential impact of the US Biosecure Act. HDFC Bank: The banks loan growth may slip below 10 per cent YoY in Q2FY25 due to portfolio management strategies, according to a Macquarie research note. The bank is focusing on reducing its loan-deposit ratio and enhancing net interest margins. Separately, UBS Group bought over Rs 543 crore worth of HDFC Bank shares through an open market transaction, acquiring 30.72 lakh shares at Rs 1,768.05 each. Bharti Airtel: The telcom company is rolling out an AI-based solution to detect spam calls and messages, enhancing customer protection and potentially improving customer satisfaction and retention. Titan: The companys fragrance division SKINN Fragrances has launched a new affordable line, 24Seven, targeting younger consumers. The company aims to onboard 2.5 million customers by FY25. Adani Enterprises: Gautam Adanis discussion with Bombardiers CEO about enhancing Indias aviation capabilities, particularly in MRO services and defense, signals potential growth opportunities in the aviation sector. SpiceJet: The airline aims to expand its fleet to 100 aircraft by 2026, according to Chairman Ajay Singh. This announcement follows the airlines successful fundraising of Rs 3,000 crore through qualified institutional placement (QIP). Singh cited challenges like the Boeing 737 Max grounding and the COVID-19 pandemic as significant hurdles but expressed confidence in the airlines fundamentals. Coromandel International: The company announced it will increase its stake in Senegal-based BMCC to 53.8 per cent by acquiring an additional 8.82 per cent for $3.84 million, alongside a loan infusion of $6.5 million for expansion. The investment is crucial as India relies heavily on imported rock phosphate for fertiliser production. Coromandels CEO noted that this move will enhance supply security for its operations, supporting its production at the Kakinada Unit. Shriram Finance: The company has successfully raised $500 million via fixed-rate senior secured social USD notes with a 6.15 per cent coupon. This marks the companys first USD bond issuance in FY25 and reflects strong demand from investors, achieving a 2.4x subscription. Proceeds from the fundraise will be used towards sustainable income-generating segments, particularly in vehicle finance and MSME financing. Reliance Power: Rosa Power, a Reliance Power subsidiary, has prepaid Rs 850 crore to Varde Partners, moving closer to achieving zero-debt status. This initiative supports Reliance Powers broader strategy to strengthen its balance sheet while transitioning towards renewable energy. The company plans to eliminate its remaining obligations by the end of the financial year. Bank of India: The bank has raised Rs 2,500 crore through tier-II bonds at a 7.49 per cent coupon rate, amid a robust demand that saw bids exceeding Rs 6,000 crore. This issuance is part of the banks strategy to bolster its capital adequacy ratio, which is expected to rise to 16 per cent. The bank plans further capital raising through additional tier-I bonds and infrastructure bonds in the coming months. Infosys: The company has partnered with Polestar to create a technology hub in Bengaluru aimed at developing software for electric vehicles, including infotainment and advanced driver assistance systems. Biocon: Biocon Biologics, a part of Biocon, reported positive Phase-III clinical study outcomes for its biosimilars of adalimumab and ustekinumab at the EADV Congress 2024. The studies suggest that patients can switch between the biosimilar and reference drugs safely, indicating significant potential for interchangeability and improved patient access to treatments, which could lower healthcare costs. PM-KISAN 18th Installment Date 2024: As beneficiary farmers are awaiting the 18th installment of the Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi (PM-Kisan) scheme, Prime Minister Narendra Modi will release the amount on October 5. The 17th installment was released by PM Modi in June this year. The prime minister released the 17th installment of the PM-Kisan scheme worth over Rs 21,000 crore to more than 9.26 crore farmers on June 18, 2024, during his visit in Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh. The 16th installment was released by Modi on in February this year. Under the PM-KISAN scheme, eligible farmers get Rs 2,000 every four months, which is Rs 6,000 annually. The money is provided each year in three instalments April-July, August-November and December-March. The fund is directly transferred to the bank accounts of the beneficiaries. The scheme was announced in the Interim Budget 2019 by then finance minister Piyush Goyal and was later launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. It has now become the worlds biggest Direct Benefit Transfer scheme To receive the instalments, the farmers need to complete their e-KYC. According to the schemes official website, eKYC is MANDATORY for PMKISAN Registered Farmers. OTP-based eKYC is available on the PMKISAN Portal, or the nearest CSC centres may be contacted for Biometric-based eKYC. How To Check Beneficiary Status? 1) Visit the official website pmkisan.gov.in 2) Now, click on the tab Know Your Status on the right side of the page 3) Enter your registration number and fill Captcha Code, and select Get Data option Your beneficiary status will come up on the screen. PM-KISAN: Check Your Name in Beneficiary List Step 1: Visit PM Kisan official website www.pmkisan.gov.in Step 2: Click on the Beneficiary list tab. Step 3: Select details from the drop-down such as select state, district, sub-district, block, and village Step 4: Click on the Get report tab. After this, the beneficiary list will be displayed. You can call on the helpline numbers 155261 and 011-24300606. Steps To Apply For PM Kisan Samman Nidhi Step 1: Visit pmkisan.gov.in Step 2: Click on New Farmer Registration and enter Aadhaar number and fill the captcha Step 3: Enter the required details and click on Yes Step 4: Fill in the information asked in the PM-Kisan application form 2024, save it and take a printout for future reference. Domestic carrier SpiceJet has cleared all pending salary dues of its employees after securing a fresh capital infusion of Rs 3,000 crore, a source has said. The salaries for July and August for all employees, as well as the remaining June salaries for those who were partially paid, were deposited into their accounts on Wednesday evening, according to the source. A SpiceJet spokesperson confirmed the disbursement of employees pending salaries. Pending salaries of employees were disbursed on Wednesday evening, the spokesperson said on Thursday without divulging further details. SpiceJet had been delaying salaries to its staff for the last couple of months due to a liquidity crunch. The airline hasnt paid the provident fund for two and a half years while TDS, which is deducted from employees salaries every month, has also not been deposited with the government. On September 23, the airline announced raising Rs 3,000 crore through QIP and an additional Rs 736 crore from the previous funding round, further boosting its financial stability and growth plans. An international passenger train from Kunming of China to Vientiane of Laos arrives at Mohan port in southwest China's Yunnan Province, April 9, 2024. (Xinhua) The China-Laos Railway, which launched its international passenger service on April 13, 2023, has transported passengers from over 100 countries and regions, according to the Mohan border checkpoint in southwest China's Yunnan Province. As of Wednesday, over 1,260 international passenger trains have facilitated the smooth clearance of more than 282,000 inbound and outbound travelers from 101 countries and regions. Boosted by the 144-hour visa-free transit policy, the China-Laos Railway international passenger trains have become the preferred choice for travelers from both countries due to their economical, convenient and comfortable travel options for tourism, study, business and cultural exchange. As a landmark project of high-quality Belt and Road cooperation, the 1,035-km China-Laos Railway connects Kunming, the capital of southwest China's Yunnan Province, with the Laotian capital Vientiane. The group of ministers (GoM) on GST rate rationalisation, led by Bihar Deputy Chief Minister Samrat Chaudhary, has discussed tax rate tweaks on over 100 items, including lowering taxes on certain goods from 12 per cent to 5 per cent, to give relief to the common man, West Bengal Finance Minister Chandrima Bhattacharya said on Thursday. The next meeting of the GoM is scheduled on October 20, Bhattacharya said, adding that rationalising taxes on bicycles and bottled water will be part of the discussion. The six-member Group of Ministers (GoM), which had met on Wednesday, also took up the issue of tax rate cut on medical and pharma-related items in the 12 per cent slab and decided to discuss it in its meeting next month. To make good the revenue loss that will be incurred on account of lowering the tax rate on such items, the GoM also discussed the possibility of raising tax rates on some items, including aerated water and beverages, from the current 28 per cent GST, plus cess. Currently, goods and services tax (GST) is a four-tier tax structure with slabs at 5, 12, 18, and 28 per cent. However, as per GST law, tax of up to 40 per cent can be imposed on goods and services. The average tax rate under GST has fallen to 11.56 per cent in 2024. West Bengal has suggested that the decision taken at the 23rd meeting of the GST Council in which tax rates were slashed on 178 items by pruning the 28 per cent slab should be revisited. This would help to garner more revenues while at the same time give relief to common man by bringing items down to 5 per cent, Bhattacharya told PTI. The GoM would further deliberate on the views of its members in the October 20 meeting and place its recommendations before the GST Council, which is chaired by the Union Finance Minister and comprises ministers from all states and UTs. She said items used by the common man should attract lower tax rates and moving food items from 12 per cent to 5 per cent slab would bring relief for them in terms of reduction in prices. However, some items in the 18 per cent slab like hair dryers, hair curlers, and beauty or make up preparations could be reverted back to the 28 per cent slab. There was no discussion on pruning the slabs. The GoM had consensus that common man should get relief and it also converged that if tax rates are reduced on items for common man, then it should also look at means to make up for the lost revenue, Bhattacharya said, adding that states cannot bear any reduction in GST revenue at this point of time. On taxing bicycles, the West Bengal finance minister said it is an item used by the common man, while there are high-end products, too. We will have to look at reducing the tax rate for those bicycles used by the masses. The GoM will further deliberate on it, she said. Currently, bicycles and its parts and accessories attract 12 per cent GST, while e-cycles attract 5 per cent tax. The six-member GoM also includes Uttar Pradesh Finance Minister Suresh Kumar Khanna, Rajasthan Health Services Minister Gajendra Singh, Karnataka Revenue Minister Krishna Byre Gowda, and Kerala Finance Minister K N Balagopal. Under GST, essential items are either exempted or taxed at the lowest slab, while luxury and demerit items attract the highest slab. Luxury and sin goods attract cess on top of the highest 28 per cent slab. The average GST rate has fallen below the revenue neutral rate of 15.3 per cent. This has prompted the need to start discussions on GST rate rationalisation. Niraj Bagri, partner at Dhruva Advisors, said, The GoM meeting is underway to discuss rate rationalisation of GST rates. Since its introduction, GST has had a four-tier structure 5%, 12%, 18% and 28% (excluding precious metals and compensation cess). The debate is whether it can be reduced to a three-tier structure and one of the possibilities could be collapsing 12% and 18% to a single rate. Whilst it is definitely advantageous for the 18% bracket, it could imply goods/ services in the 12% bracket move to a new higher rate or to 5% rate. The current effective rate of GST is at 12% as against the revenue neutral rate of 15.3%. It would be a tough balancing act to ensure simplicity without compromising on revenue collection. A few other possibilities could be altering the other rates of 5% and 28% and arriving at a three-tier rate which does not result in revenue shortfall. There are no easy solutions, and it would be interesting to see whether the anti-profiteering provision which was expected to be phased out would get a new lease of life if there were significant rate changes intended to be carried out, he added. In the 54th GST Council on September 9, 2024, the Council also formed a new GoM on GST rate reduction on medical health insurance set up, which will submit its report by October-end. FM Nirmala Sitharaman said the GST Council meeting to be held in November will take a call on reduction in rate on health insurance. (With Inputs from PTI) A row has broken out after several candidates who appeared in the Jharkhand Staff Service Commission Graduate Level Combined Competitive (JSSC CGL) examination on Sunday, September 22, complained about alleged tampering of question papers at some examination centres. Around 20 candidates who appeared in the examination at Saint Anthony School centre in Dhanbad protested against the question papers given to them during the examination. According to them, the papers were not fully sealed and the first page of the papers was torn. The candidates insisted that the question papers given to them should be videotaped, and they reportedly submitted blank answer sheets. When the concerned authorities came to know about the protest of the candidates, they rushed to the spot and tried to pacify the candidates. The centres head later submitted a report on the allegations made by the students, following which Hazaribagh Deputy Commissioner Nancy Sahai clarified in a press conference that all the question papers provided to the candidates were completely sealed. The state government has already come under fire after the Jharkhand High Court pulled up the government for suspending all internet services in the state during the examination. According to information, the government has told the court that internet services will be suspended only for mobile phones and that too for a limited period. Reportedly, this is to prevent any attempt at paper leakage. The court in its order has reprimanded the state government for suspending all internet services. The further action of the state amounts to ignoring the September 21 order of this court, especially as the writ petition is still pending. This is a fraud on this court and a deceitful act, the court order said. More than 6 lakh candidates had applied for the Jharkhand CGL exam. The candidates are now waiting for the answer key and result. While there is no official information about the release of the answer key and result, it is expected that they will be released by the end of this month. VidyaGyan, established in 2009, is a residential institution that invests in youth, shaping them into catalysts of change for their communities and beyond. Recently, it launched a golden opportunity for the brilliant students in Lakhimpur Kheri, Uttar Pradesh. Applications have been invited for admission by VidyaGyan. Interested students can apply till 10 October. Under this latest initiative, children will be given education without any fees from class 6 to class 12. According to reports, the students who pass the examination in VidyaGyan School are given free residential education till 12th. However, the age limit has also been fixed for appearing in the exam. Details: Students selected in the entrance exam of VidyaGyan Residential School are provided bags, books, stationery, etc. for free. In this exam, bright students from rural areas are given a special opportunity. Students who have passed the fourth and fifth class exams will also get a chance to participate in this entrance exam. Age Limit: Minimum age for boys: 10 years Maximum age: 11 years Minimum age for girls: 10 years Maximum age: 12 years Application Process: Students willing to apply for admission to VidyaGyan can apply by visiting VidyaGyans website, www.vidyagyan.in. To solve any problem, Vidya Gyan has also issued a toll-free number, 18001021784, on which parents can call and solve their problems. The last date for applications is October 10. Documents Required: Recent Passport Size Aadhar Card Domicile Certificate Date of Birth Certificate School admission receipt Minority Caste Certificate Age Proof of Student Income Certificate Transfer Certificate VidyaGyan, an initiative of the Shiv Nadar Foundation, one of Indias largest philanthropic organisations, is intent on championing change. VidyaGyans mission springs from the belief that quality education holds the power to elevate and revolutionize society. By offering world-class leadership training to rural students, the schools help to narrow the urban-rural divide, bringing rural achievers to the forefront. VidyaGyan is led by our distinguished Trustees, guiding and strategizing to ensure that the school continues its pathbreaking journey in education. VidyaGyan selects meritorious students from rural India through a thorough process to enable access to transformational quality education. Indian Institute of Management (IIM)-Sambalpur recently became the first business school in India to introduce Artificial Intelligence (AI) in classrooms in the capacity of a faculty member. The younger IIM is the first such institute to experiment with the technology which is a relatively new global phenomenon in its classrooms. The institute announced the new initiative at its 10th foundation day on September 23. The first such AI session at the institute is to kickstart from October this year. News18 spoke to IIM director Professor Mahadeo Jaiswal on what integrating AI in classrooms means, how faculty members and students are responding to the experiment, the role of AI in future, cost involved, and why, with all the leading work, younger IIMs are still missing from the list of top management institutes in the National Institutional Framework Rankings (NIRF). Edited excerpts: What does introducing AI as faculty in the classroom mean and is it aimed at improving quality of teaching-learning processes? So, the limitation of traditional classrooms is that students attend and the teacher just teaches. Now, with AI platforms, things are different. Articles or case studies, videos, and other formats are provided to students before class. For example, if you have a Harvard case or any other case study or article, it can be given to students in advance. This could be in video or text format, helping them understand the context better. Students will be given time, say two days or a week, to prepare. Then, in class, there are two types of interactions individual and group. This is a common practice in management schools: we assign group tasks alongside individual assignments. For the same topic or case, students form groups of six, making up 20 or 30 groups. These groups collaborate and are supposed to come prepared, which improves the level of learning. Before coming to the virtual class, they interact within their groups to prepare presentations or articles. In the class lasting about 90 minutes they wont be physically present. Instead, they log in individually, and theres no professor physically present. The professors role is to structure the class, specifying the learning outcomes and the topics for discussion, and they also prepare quizzes and other materials, which are loaded onto an AI-driven LMS. The AI, with machine learning, deep learning, and data analytics, essentially becomes the professor. All the information is fed into the system, and it begins the session. For instance, if the class starts at 9am, the first 15 minutes are for individual introductions and initial discussion. Afterward, a quiz is taken by the AI in the form of a poll, testing if the students have understood the material. Following that, the class proceeds with subtopics of the article or case, with structured group discussions. The AI assigns each group specific points to discuss, and the session progresses with another quiz or analysis every 15 to 20 minutes. By the end of the class, AI evaluates and grades the students, analysing who contributed well and who did not, ensuring theres no bias, as everything is based on facts. Often, there is a common complaint by faculty members that students dont come prepared. Now, with AI handling this part, they will have to come prepared after reading their concepts and ready for answers. So, are you saying this will replace the traditional classroom setting and replace teachers? No, this would supplement the physical classroom. In India, we use Blooms Taxonomy, which includes six layers of learning: information, understanding, analysis, evaluation, application, and creation. However, our focus is usually only on the first four information, understanding, analysis, and evaluation. The application of knowledge in real-life situations and the creation of new ideas is generally not addressed in our system. Thats why even after completing an MBA in finance, some graduates struggle to create a balance sheet, for example. AI will handle the first four layers and the remaining two will be for the faculty, thereby improving their quality of work. Currently, faculty is engaged in explaining concepts, which can be done better by AI. The facultys role will then shift to facilitating application and creation, allowing them to focus on higher-order thinking skills. Once the AI-led class ends, the faculty will conduct a physical session, diving into application-based and creative discussions. So, AI handles the basics, and the professor focuses on more advanced concepts in the physical class. This will elevate the learning experience because professors wont have to repeatedly teach basic concepts every year. The level of classroom discussions will automatically be higher, and evaluations will be more precise and objective. How has the faculty responded to this? Are they comfortable with the idea? Initially, the faculty was anxious. Some were afraid that they might lose relevance. However, after discussions, they became excited about the potential of this approach, especially the younger faculty members. They understood that their role would be elevated, focusing more on applications and innovative thinking. Young faculty are eager to adopt this method, whereas older faculty are more resistant because they are used to traditional methods, but we are holding sessions with them. Implementing this approach in older institutions like the established IIMs would be difficult. In newer institutes, where theres more direct involvement from the director, its easier to implement. Faculty members in older institutes might resist and block such changes. Is this happening in other IIMs or other institutions in India or abroad currently? No, from what we know, were the only Indian institute working with this AI platform. Globally, top institutions like Harvard, Carnegie Mellon, and MIT are also experimenting with similar concepts, but they are all at the pilot stage, just like us. It is a globally new phenomenon. The world is changing, especially with the rise of AI. Its a phenomenon that no one anticipated would develop this quickly or in this way. Its a huge shift in education. For this AI project, were partnering with an AI-based platform. Implementing AI-based teaching in a relatively younger institute like IIM Sambalpur is a major initiative. What does this mean for newer IIMs? Newer IIMs are innovators. We need to experiment and come up with new methods. Think of us as start-ups in the education space; we can try new things and, if successful, others will follow. Im confident that this AI system will be adopted by other institutes as well. Even the older IIMs will have to adopt it. If it enhances student-learning outcomes, why wouldnt they? While it sounds exciting and challenging, do you think AI-enabled teaching can be sustained and is it the future? I believe this will make the system easier. One of the main complaints from our faculty is that students dont come to class prepared. Only a few do and its difficult to evaluate everyone equally since professors cant interact with each student individually. With this system, every student will be engaged, which solves the issue of many students not being prepared. So, has an AI-enabled session taken place yet? Are you discussing the new initiative with students as well? Initially, we wont be using it for every session. For instance, if a course has 20 sessions, well start by integrating AI into five of them. So, AI will handle five sessions, and the faculty will manage the remaining 15. We have identified five faculty members for the session, with whom we are training. We will engage students as well in discussions after the training is completed. It is important that they understand and are prepared for this change. The AI system needs to structure all the questions and content, which will take about two to three weeks. We plan to start the first session in October. Is there a cost factor involved? Yes, theres a cost element, but its not as expensive as you might think. Currently, we purchase cases from Harvard at $5 per case per student. When we move the same case to this AI platform, it costs around $10 per student. However, if we factor in the reduction of faculty costs for those five AI sessions, the overall cost evens out. Once the system is rolled out on a larger scale, the cost per session will reduce as well due to economies of scale. Right now, the cost is higher because the system is still in its introductory phase. Has there been any discussion with the government regarding this initiative? No, this is purely our experiment. We have academic autonomy, so we can innovate and experiment on our own. While IIM Sambalpur is doing well, the NIRF rankings in the management category are dominated by IITs. Whats your take on that? Were more focused on international rankings and accreditations, like AACSB (Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business). The NIRF rankings have certain criteria, such as research publications, where IITs get a significant advantage because they consider the research output from the entire institute and not just the management department. This can skew the results. This is one lacuna in the Indian rankings. Have you raised this concern with NIRF or the ministry? Not directly. Were focused on our own goals. We participate in NIRF, but our priority is quality education, placements, and research. Were working towards international rankings and accreditations. What about placements? Last year, many institutes, including the younger IIMs, faced challenges. How did IIM-Sambalpur fare? Last year was difficult for everyone due to global economic factors like the recession in Europe and the US, the war, and advancements in AI. However, we expect things to improve going forward. A 90-year-old voting in Pulwama, a 75-year-old wheelchair-bound voter in Kishtwar declaring she has never missed an election in her life, long queues outside booths, and record-breaking numbers the ongoing elections in Jammu and Kashmir have showcased some of the most heartening scenes. The voting percentage may have dipped in the Valley in phase 2, especially in capital Srinagar where it did not touch even 30 per cent, but across the Pir Panjal range, the voting figure stood at 74 per cent for Poonch, 71 per cent for Rajouri and a record-breaking 80.7 per cent in newly carved-out Reasi. These numbers could see an upward revision as the final data is still being collated. Shadow of terror While the Election Commission is already calling the voter turnout historic, for the security grid, the bigger achievement is keeping terror at bay. Rajouris Dhangri village is where the current cycle of violence began in 2023 when, on January 1, seven people were gunned down by terrorists. Two others died in an IED blast. Over-Ground Workers, who allegedly helped the terrorists, were arrested from Poonchs Ghursai village. In April that year, an army vehicle was attacked in Bimbhar Gali, Poonch. A month later, Reasi saw a pilgrim bus get attacked on June 9 as the new government was being sworn-in at Rashtrapati Bhavan. Doda-Kishtwar, which also turned up to vote in huge numbers in Phase 1, saw an encounter just four days before polls. Villagers in Dodas Dessa said nightmares of 2018 came back to haunt them as four army men were martyred in an operation in the hills just overlooking the village. In 2018, nine civilians, including village defence guards, were killed by terrorists in the same village. The cycle of violence in Pulwama, Anantnag, and Tral is well documented, though the last five years have seen relative peace. Given the background, the greatest concern of the security grid was to ensure that voting happened outside the shadow of the gun. For politicians, the challenge was to ensure that fear of bullet did not win over ballot. Terror was the biggest talking point in Rajouri, Poonch, Doda, and Kishtwar. In Nowsheras border village of Kala, bunkers are a way of life. Pakistan-occupied Kashmir is just 500 meters from the village, with the local Sarpanch telling News18 that if you run on this hill, you will reach PoK in 10 minutes. A Junior Commanding Officer (JCO) was shot by Pakistan just 24 hours before this conversation. However, the residents did not show any hesitation about voting. Vote toh hum denge. Hamein insaaf nahi mil raha hai. uski guhaar lagate rahenge, par vote denge [We will definitely vote. We are not getting justice and will keep asking for it but we will definitely vote], Gopal Das, a Dhangri massacre survivor, told News18. The terrorists responsible for the Dhangri attack remain unidentified in the National Investigation Agency (NIA) charge sheet and victims feel the local support to them has also not been investigated properly. Aspirational Voters The enthusiasm across large parts of the erstwhile state is being attributed to the last 10 years of bureaucratic autocracy. Not having a local representative for the past 10 years meant the real issues of people were not raised. Even for things as basic as police verification for passport or a government job, the silliest of pretext was given and verification denied. We had no one to hold accountable, an advocate in Doda lamented. In Bijbehera, an early voter raised the issue of unemployment. We have really suffered in the last 10 years. There is so much unemployment. There is no avenue to raise our concerns with anyone and hence, I have come to vote, he said. In conversations across the UT, unemployment, peace, communal harmony, and drug menace were the running themes. 370, statehood, Jamaat From these issues stemmed the larger questions of the abrogation of Article 370 and restoration of statehood. For many in the Valley, Article 370 is not history yet. The National Conference has promised to keep the issue alive. In the Jammu division, the abrogation of special status was welcomed by most but concerns about domicile and protection for locals in employment opportunities remained. The return to statehood is a hope that all J&K voters are looking forward to. Both the Valley and the Jammu division are also closely watching the Jamaat and Engineer Rashid. The Kashmiri Pandits in Nagrotas Jagti Camp cant forget the role the Jamaat played in their exodus but many feel that Jamaat returning to the democratic process will be good for Pandits who want to come back home. The security establishment too has welcomed the participation of Jamaat-backed Independents. This is heartening news that sections of Kashmiri society that indulged in stone-pelting, boycott call, and separatism are now part of the democratic process, an official told CNN-News18. Parties like National Conference see these actors as B-Team of BJP, with Omar Abdullahs shock defeat at the hands of Engineer Rashid in Lok Sabha elections still a talking point. However, increasingly, voters seem to be assessing candidates on the delivery parameter rather than their party affiliations. Ghulam Nabi Azad, whose DPAP is a fringe player in these polls, summed it up when he told CNN-News18: Young voters who do not carry any baggage from the past are the most enthusiastic in these polls. They dont know who did what before 2014. They want delivery and are judging each candidate on what he or she can bring to the table. Renowned Malayalam actor Siddique has been in the headlines after he was accused of sexually assaulting a female actor. The Kerala High Court had rejected his anticipatory bail plea and the actor was reported to be missing following this development. Amidst this, the Kerala Police has issued a lookout notice against the actor. As per a report published by India Today, the lookout notice against actor Siddique has been issued to all police chiefs of all districts in Kerala. The police are suspecting that the actor might have fled the state. The police have shared his information with all police stations in the state. The lookout notice has been signed by the Superintendent of Police. On September 24, the Kerala High Court dismissed the anticipatory bail plea filed by the 61-year-old actor. The actor moved to the Supreme Court to challenge this verdict. But the crime branch had ordered the Kochi Police to arrest the actor. Following this, Siddique has gone missing and has been untraceable. A recent report revealed that the actor had switched on his mobile phone for a short period before switching it off again. A female actor had accused Siddique of sexually assaulting her at a hotel in Thiruvananthapuram on January 28, 2016. She had mentioned that the incident took place after the preview of a movie. He has been charged with rape (Section 376) and criminal intimidation (Section 506). The woman actor had complained after the Hema Committee report was released recently. The findings of the committee has shaken the Malayalam film industry. Following the release of the findings of the Hema Committee, Siddique resigned from his role as the General Secretary of the Association of Malayalam Movie Artistes (AMMA). The United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) adopted an ambitious agreement last week which aims to make the organization more relevant and effective on the global stage in the 21st century. This agreement has been made to prevent wars and hold those who violate its Charter accountable. It is true that the United Nations has failed to prevent wars and conflicts in the last few decades. Seven countries, including Russia and Iran, opposed the Pact for the Future. What is this agreement? This treaty is a 42-page document, which states that the countries of the world should stand united and the 56 goals of the treaty should be implemented rapidly. It talks about working together to deal with challenges like climate change, Artificial Intelligence, conflicts, inequality and poverty so that the lives of eight billion people inhabiting the world can be improved. Seven members of the 193-member General Assembly opposed it. Some of its proposals are quite promising, such as the request to the Secretary-General to review the status of the UN peacekeeping operations and the promise to work towards nuclear disarmament. However, as always, these are being seen as tall rhetoric. Does this agreement explain how it will contribute to improving the world? The agreement is full of big goals and commitments for the future but it lacks real, realistic steps on which the countries of the world are unlikely to move forward and implement them. The document claims that nations will end hunger and eliminate food insecurity, commit to a fair multilateral trading system, achieve gender equality, protect the environment and climate, and protect people affected by humanitarian emergencies. However this pact is silent on how the UN and its members implement this. Why did Russia oppose it? How many countries supported it? Russian representative Sergei Vershinin proposed an amendment to the treaty at the very beginning. He said, Nobody is happy with this treaty. But 54 African countries strongly opposed Russias amendment. The Republic of Congo proposed on behalf of the African countries not to vote for the amendment. This was also supported by Mexico. During voting, this proposal of the African countries got the support of 143 countries, while only six countries- Iran, Belarus, North Korea, Nicaragua, Sudan and Syria, supported Russia. 15 countries abstained from voting. Why has the United Nations talked about strengthening itself in the agreement? The United Nations wants to have more powers in future so that its voice is heard and accepted, which will have an impact on the world. Therefore, the United Nations Security Council should be reformed. The treaty has expressed a commitment to make reforms in the 15-member Security Council of the United Nations so that it can better represent todays world and remove the historical injustice against Africa. Africa has no permanent member in the Security Council. It also talks about correcting the lack of representation of the Asia-Pacific region and Latin America. What are the other special aspects in this agreement, which were included in the Pact for the Future? Leaders should give priority to dialogue and negotiation, end the ongoing wars in the Middle East, Ukraine and Sudan, bring rapid reforms in the international financial system, speed up the process of abandoning fossil fuels and listen to the younger generation by including them in the decision-making process. What is the general response of member countries to this treaty? The G77, the leading group of developing countries of the United Nations, which now has 134 members, supported the words of UN Secretary-General Guterres. Ugandan Prime Minister Robinah Nabanza said in the General Assembly that this treaty should not become just a formality but it should have political will and commitment at all levels of global leadership. What are the challenges to this Pact? What can be expected? The Pact for the Future has come at a time when the world is going through huge changes. It warns that increasing destructive steps can push the world into a state of crisis and disintegration. This pact has sub-treaties like Global Digital Compact and Declaration on Future Generations. Through this pact, for the first time in more than a decade, there have been talks of eliminating nuclear weapons. It also speaks about stopping the arms race in space and commitment to control the use of lethal automatic weapons. The Global Digital Compact talks about making the first global agreement on Artificial Intelligence (AI). There has been debate for some time about making laws on AI. Why did it propose to strengthen the International Court of Justice so that its verdicts are obeyed? As people are losing their lives in Israels war in Gaza and South Lebanon, the Russia-Ukraine war and the civil war in Sudan, the United Nations has shown commitment to support the International Court of Justice (ICJ). However, Israel has made it clear that it will not listen to the United Nations and the International Court of Justice on this matter. Why are 7 countries including Russia and Iran opposing this treaty? Russia, along with six other countries, has opposed the Pact for the Future of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA). Russia argues that the treaty favours Western interests and does not adequately represent the concerns of other countries. Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Vershinin claimed that the drafting process was dominated by Western countries, which sidelined the input of Russia and its allies. Russia has proposed an amendment stating that many of the issues addressed in the treaty fall under domestic jurisdiction and so the United Nations should not interfere in these matters. This amendment was rejected. Russia objected to 25 elements within the treaty, including those related to gender rights and disarmament. The Russian delegation has expressed dissatisfaction with the language related to universal access to sexual and reproductive health rights, and has seen it as an imposition on national sovereignty. Should this be seen as a setback for Russia, as most countries in the world have supported the Pact? It could be a setback for Russia. Russia misread the diplomatic landscape by proposing amendments at a time when other nations were ready to move forward with the agreement. This miscalculation led to public setbacks for Russia as it failed to secure widespread support for its position. A 45-year-old woman drowned in an open drain in the MIDC area of Andheri following a heavy downpour in Mumbai on Wednesday that led to severe waterlogging at several locations, said officials. The incident occurred at around 9.20 pm near gate no. 8 of MIDC, Andheri East, they said. The local police and the fire brigade were alerted and rushed to the incident site to rescue the woman identified as Vimal Anil Gaikwad. The Brihanmumbai Corporation (BMC) officials confirmed that the victim was rescued by the Mumbai fire brigade officials and sent to Cooper Hospital, where she was declared dead. The BMC issued a statement and said, A 45-year-old lady Vimal Gaikwad drowned in an open drain in the MIDC area of Andheri. She was rescued by the Mumbai fire brigade and sent to Cooper Hospital but was declared dead by doctors. BMC Forms 3-Member Panel BMC formed a three-member panel headed by the Deputy Municipal Commissioner to probe the incident that claimed the life of a woman. The probe panel also consist of a fire officer and a city infrastructure engineer, it said. The municipality also blamed the ongoing metro project (Aqua Line) for the incident that sparked concerns among the citizens about public safety. The India Meteorological Department has issued a red alert for heavy rainfall in Mumbai and its adjoining districts till 8:30 am on Thursday. Other districts on red alert are Thane, Palghar, and Raigad. Landslide At Mumbra Bypass A landslide incident was reported at the Mumbra bypass area which further disrupted the traffic flow in the city for more than three hours on Wednesday. Fire officer Swapnil Sarnobat said, The traffic jam persisted for about 3 hours. During this period, the traffic department also controlled the traffic from one side. Fortunately, there is no news of any loss of life. Given the torrential rain, the Mumbai Police and the BMC have issued advisories asking the citizens to remain indoors as much as possible. Following the continuous rain and red alert currently going on in Mumbai, citizens should come out of their homes only if necessary. Avoid going to coastal and low-lying areas, they said in a post on X. Maharashtra Schools Closed Today In the wake of the heavy rain lashing the city, schools and colleges will remain closed in Pune and Pimpri-Chinchwad on Thursday. Earlier, BMC officials issued a similar order for the closure of educational institutes in Mumbai. Pune District collector (DC) Dr Suhas Diwase issued the order after the Met department issued an orange alert for rains on Thursday coupled with lightning and thunderstorms in the region. Similarly, School Education Minister Deepak Kesarkar, the guardian minister for Mumbai city, declared a school holiday in a precautionary measure for a red alert predicting extremely heavy rainfall across the city on Thursday. Days after a massive controversy over prasad laddoos at the famous Tirupati Temple, former Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister YS Jagan Mohan Reddy is set to visit Lord Venkateswara Swamy temple at Tirumala Hills on September 28 to offer prayers. However, spokesperson for Chandrababu Naidus Telugu Desam Party (TDP), Prem Kumar Jain, asserted Reddy will perform a forgiveness ritual. The party also said Reddy should sign a declaration, stating he has faith in Lord Balaji, as he is a believer in Christianity. According to the details, Reddy will offer prayers at the temple, as part of the statewide rituals called by his party, YSRCP, to atone for the sin allegedly committed by Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu. The sin was referred by his party to Naidus accusations against Reddy, alleging his government used substandard ingredients and animal fat for making prasad laddoos at the Tirupati Temple. Commenting on Reddys visit, spokesperson for Naidus Telugu Desam Party (TDP), Prem Kumar Jain, said, According to the information, Jagan Mohan Reddy will be coming to Tirumala Temple on September 28 where he will perform a forgiveness ritual. However, the crime of using fish oil and hurting the sentiments of devotees cannot be forgiven. Kommareddy Pattabhi Ram, another spokesperson for Naidus party, said Reddy would not be allowed to go inside the temple if does not sign a declaration of his faith in Lord Balaji. We all know that you are a believer in Christianity, which we dont have any problem with. However, a person belonging to another religion, whether it be Christianity or Islam, if they intend to have a darshan of Lord Balaji then they have to sign a declaration stating that they have faith in him, Ram said. We respect all religions, but it is a role, it is a custom. So, Jagan Mohan Reddy, you will have to sign the declaration, otherwise you will not be allowed to go inside the temple complex, he added. Further, Ram said, Jagan Mohan Reddy has committed an unforgivable sin so there will be no relief for him. Lord Balaji will not forgive him even if he climbs up the seven hills on his knees. We have released several documents which clearly state that they (Reddys party members) have done this deliberately, so there is going to be no forgiveness for him. All these years, you have been going to the temple without signing the declaration. In line with the TDP, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) also called for Reddy to sign the declaration. We are given to understand that Jagan Mohan Reddy intends to visit Tirumala on the 28th of this month. The practice of declaring ones faith has been in vogue for decades in Tirumala. As per G.O. MS NO- 311 of AP Revenue Endowments1, Rule no 16, Non Hindus must give a declaration at Vaikuntam que (sic) complex before darshan in the faith form. This is also as per TTD general regulations Rule 136, Andhra Pradesh BJP chief D Purandeswari said in a post on X. BJP demands that even before Jagan Mohan Reddy begins mounting (sic) Tirumala, he should give the declaration of his faith at the Garuda statue itself at Alipiri, she demanded. News agency PTI quoted party sources and stated that Reddy is expected to arrive at Tirumala on September 27 and will stay there overnight. JAGAN MOHAN REDDYs CALL FOR PUJA The former Chief Minister has called for the people of the state to participate in temple rituals on September 28, to atone Chandrababu Naidus sin. In an X post, Reddy wrote, YSRCP is calling for statewide rituals in temples to sanitise (undo) this sin committed by Chandrababu on Saturday, September 28. TIRUPATI LADDOO CONTROVERSY Reddys appeal comes days after Naidu alleged during that the previous YSRCP government did not even spare Sri Venkateswara temple at Tirupati and used substandard ingredients and animal fat for making laddoos. Naidu alleged that animal fat was mixed with ghee used to make laddoo prasadam in Tirupati temple with a political motive. Though animal fat adulteration did not occur, he intentionally lied that it happened and falsely propagated that devotees ate them, he said. The allegations sparked a massive controversy across the country. The Indian Embassy in Beirut on Wednesday urged its nationals to leave Lebanon and warned them against travelling to the Arab state amid escalating violence in the region. It also advised Indians to exercise extreme caution while remaining in the country, which is on the brink of an all-out war with Israel. As a reiteration of the advisory issued on 1 August 2024 and in view of the recent developments and escalations in the region, Indian nationals are strongly advised against travelling to Lebanon till further notice, the embassy said in an advisory posted on social media platform X. Advisory dated 25.09.2024 pic.twitter.com/GFUVYaqgzG India in Lebanon (@IndiaInLebanon) September 25, 2024 Leave Lebanon All Indian nationals already in Lebanon are also strongly advised to leave Lebanon. Those who remain for any reason are advised to exercise extreme caution, restrict their movements, and remain in contact with the Embassy of India in Beirut through our email ID: cons.beirut@mea.gov.in or the emergency phone number +96176860128, the embassy said. Last week pagers and other handheld communications devices of Hezbollah exploded in an operation widely attributed to Israel. Hundreds have died and thousands have been displaced since Israel launched its strikes, with the Lebanese health ministry saying that another 72 people died on Wednesday. Robert Wood, the deputy US ambassador to the UN, told the Security Council he was concerned by deaths in Lebanon France and the United States on Wednesday (local time) unveiled a proposal for a 21-day ceasefire in Lebanon as the death toll mounted from Israeli strikes against Hezbollah. This emergency session came as Israeli army chief Herzi Halevi on Wednesday told his troops that the jets flying overhead towards Lebanon are there to prepare the ground for your possible entry and to continue degrading Hezbollah, according to BBC. (With agency inputs) China's commitment to expanding high-standard opening-up and the rapid industry upgrading in ASEAN nations has fostered stronger economic ties between the two sides. Together, these efforts drive regional high-quality development while sharing China's development opportunities with ASEAN. Huang Aimin, chairman of the first council of the Guangxi Cross-border E-Commerce Association, said cross-border e-commerce has the potential to be a critical platform for promoting in-depth economic and trade cooperation between China and ASEAN. Leading Chinese renewable energy firms are working closely with ASEAN enterprises and investing in new facilities to produce innovative, locally adapted products, thus actively contributing to ASEAN's green transition. NANNING, China, Sept. 25 (Xinhua) -- Visitors arriving at this year's China-ASEAN Expo (CAEXPO) will encounter an intriguing blend of fresh innovations and familiar attractions. A new section spotlights emerging industries such as artificial intelligence and lithium batteries, while longstanding crowd favorites, like durian, longan, and rice, continue to draw attention. This evolving landscape mirrors the deepening partnership between China and ASEAN. China's commitment to expanding high-standard opening-up and the rapid industry upgrading in ASEAN nations has fostered stronger economic ties between the two sides. Together, these efforts drive regional high-quality development while sharing China's development opportunities with ASEAN. EMPOWERING ASEAN SMES Stepping into the Thai Pavilion at CAEXPO, visitors are greeted by the distinct aroma of durian mingling with the herbal scent of Zam-buk, a popular Thai remedy for insect bites. A booth showcasing the collaboration between TOPTHAI and China's e-commerce leader, JD.com, drew significant interest. A visitor learns about a durian-flavored coffee at the booth of Malaysia during the 21st China-ASEAN Expo at Nanning International Convention and Exhibition Center in Nanning, south China's Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, Sept. 24, 2024. (Xinhua/Zhang Ailin) TOPTHAI store on leading e-commerce platforms is an initiative launched by the Thai Department of International Trade Promotion this year. It aims to help Thai small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) expose their products to more overseas markets, among which the Chinese market is a crucial destination, said Dr. Nisachol Thaithong, a Thai trader and researcher in China-Thailand cross-border e-commerce. For SMEs and small-scale farmers in ASEAN countries, participating in e-commerce with China has transformed their businesses. "It (CAEXPO) is moving forward dynamically in terms of the more areas of cooperation, in terms of engaging wider stakeholders," said Kao Kim Hourn, secretary-general of ASEAN, in an interview on the sideline of CAEXPO and China-ASEAN Business and Investment Summit (CABIS). "Now they are involved in the Micro-, Small, and Medium-sized Enterprises (MSMEs), for example. MSMEs are really the backbone of the economy on both sides. We have to get them involved, in addition to the big cooperations. I think this is the right direction that we are taking." Frequent exchanges between China and Malaysia leadership have set a positive tone for SMEs, said Ravenna Chen, the CEO of TusStar Malaysia, an innovation and entrepreneurship platform. Huang Aimin, chairman of the first council of the Guangxi Cross-border E-Commerce Association, said cross-border e-commerce has the potential to be a critical platform for promoting in-depth economic and trade cooperation between China and ASEAN. Collaborating with China has sped up modernization in Laos. For instance, working with China to digitize businesses and develop e-commerce skills has been advantageous for both businesses and young individuals in Laos, according to Thanongsinh Kanlaya, Vice President of the Lao National Chamber of Commerce and Industry. UPGRADING AGRIBUSINESS At a durian orchard in Thailand's Chanthaburi province, Kosai, the 32-year-old owner and a Chinese social media influencer, was promoting durians to Chinese netizens through the live streaming e-commerce platform Tmall. Kosai is proud that his orchard is a smart orchard jointly built by the Commercial Association for Sustainability of Agriculture in Thailand and the Foreign Economic Cooperation Center of China's Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs. The Internet of Things installed by the Chinese side in Kosai's orchard, which includes meteorological, water level, and soil moisture monitoring, could provide data support for the scientific cultivation of durian and the improvement of fruit quality. Klos Hirunburana (R), chairman of the Commercial Association for Sustainability of Agriculture (CASA) in Thailand, promotes durians to Chinese netizens through the livestreaming on e-commerce platform Tmall at a durian orchard in Thailand's Chanthaburi province, May 24, 2024. (Xinhua/Sun Weitong) Modern farming is a sector with a promising future for cooperation between Malaysia and China, said Low Kian Chuan, president of the Associated Chinese Chambers of Commerce and Industry of Malaysia. Despite the difference in size and population between Brunei and China, CAEXPO and CABIS have offered a platform for Brunei enterprises to conduct win-win cooperation with Chinese peers, said National Chamber of Commerce and Industry Brunei Darussalam President Haji Abdul Saman bin Haji Ahmad. Platforms like CAEXPO and CABIS incentivize Brunei SMEs to grow "more resilient and more proactive" by exposing their products and services to the Chinese market, said Saman, adding that he sees particularly promising opportunities for Brunei's halal food. GREEN TRANSITION Leading Chinese renewable energy firms are working closely with ASEAN enterprises and investing in new facilities to produce innovative, locally adapted products, thus actively contributing to ASEAN's green transition. In July, BYD opened an electric vehicle plant in Thailand, the automaker's first Southeast Asian factory, a fast-growing regional EV market. The same month Eve Energy announced a plan to build a new factory in Kulim, Kedah state, Malaysia to meet the fast-growing demand for energy storage and consumer batteries in the South East Asia region. Guests inscribe signatures on the first battery product of NV Gotion jointly established by Gotion High-tech and Nuovo Plus at Siam Eastern Industrial Park in Rayong, Thailand, Dec. 7, 2023. (Xinhua/Wang Teng) In August, Gotion High-tech announced that a battery assembly plant project in Malaysia is under negotiation, in addition to its assembly plants in Indonesia and Thailand. The battery manufacturer's Vietnam factory is expected to begin production in October this year. Malaysia's East Coast Rail Link under the Belt and Road Initiative is expected to drive economic development in the east coast areas and promote more balanced development among regions within the countries, said Anthony Loke Siew Fook, the minister of transport of Malaysia. This photo shows the launching site of the East Coast Rail Link project, a mega rail project in Malaysia being built by the China Communications Construction Company (CCCC), in Kuantan, Malaysia on Dec. 11, 2023. (Xinhua/Chong Voon Chung) As outlined in the National Automotive Policy 2020 and National Energy Transition Roadmap, Malaysia is developing its renewable energy battery sector and welcomes leading battery manufacturers to invest in it, said Loke. Malaysia encourages Chinese companies to form partnerships with local companies to further promote the use of electric and hybrid vehicles in Malaysia, not only in terms of car manufacturing but also in the entire ecosystem, from charging networks to battery manufacturing, said Zalina Zainol, deputy chief executive officer of investment development at Malaysian Investment Development Authority. Malaysia highly encourages such cooperation to further create high-skilled jobs in engineering, research and development, and advanced manufacturing, thereby boosting economic growth here, Zainol added. Editor: ZAD The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Thursday launched a blistering attack on Jharkhand Chief Minister Hemant Soren over his Rat-like RSS invaded state remark by questioning his silence on the Bangladeshi infiltrators entering Santhal Pargana to encroach on land. BJP leader Shehzad Poonwalla said, Jharkhand CM Hemant Soren calls nationalists and people elected by the public chooha (rat). But he doesnt say anything about the Bangladeshi infiltrators who enter Santhal Pargana and encroach on land, because this pertains to his vote bank. Soren while addressing a rally in Sahibganj said that RSS is invading Jharkhand like rats and destroying it, inviting sharp criticism from the BJP. Chase such forces away when you see them entering your villages with Handia and daru (locally brewed liquor), Soren said. #WATCH | Delhi: BJP spokesperson Shehzad Poonawalla says, Jharkhand CM Hemant Soren calls nationalists and people elected by the public chooha. But he doesnt say anything about the Bangladeshi infiltrators who enter Santhal Pargana and encroach on land, because this pic.twitter.com/w9ydiMPM0o ANI (@ANI) September 26, 2024 He further accused the BJP of creating communal disturbances and tension ahead of elections by sowing discord between Hindu and Muslim communities, specifically pointing to Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma. Soren also dismissed BJPs allegations of demographic changes in Jharkhand, suggesting that critics should look into the demographic data of neighbouring West Bengal. They talk about spoiling the demography and Bangladeshi intruders. I would like to tell them to go and get the data from the Centre and see in which district and in which state it has changed. Soren Accepted Demographic Change In Bengal: BJP Poonwala flagged Sorens remark that no demographic change has occurred in Jharkhand, but it has happened in West Bengal and asked, Who has had governments in West Bengal? Not BJP. Left, followed by the TMC. So, he has accepted that there has been a demographic change in West Bengal which was ruled by the Left as well as Mamata Banerjee, the BJP leader said. He further narrowed down his attack on the INDIA bloc by saying that one party of the opposition alliance is targeting another which shows that the entire opposition front neither has any mission nor any vision. Did he (Hemant Soren) attack them (West Bengal government) inadvertently or deliberately, he knows it. But the truth has come out that a demographic change in West Bengal has indeed occurred. But the question is that this is happening in Jharkhand as well, the BJP leader said. The changing demographics in Jharkhands Santhal Pargana region have already reached the High Court for argument. Last month, the court observed that the state government remained silent on the reason for the reduction of the tribal population in the Santhal Pargana region. The remarks were made in the courts order passed while hearing a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) plea highlighting alleged illegal immigration from Bangladesh in the region, leading to demographic change of the state. As India prepares to combat the likely more severe strain of the Mpox infection, the union health ministry has directed states and union territories to step up efforts. The union health ministry on Thursday informed states and union territories that the infection caused by clade 1b could be more complicated than what India has already seen with clade II. Clade 1b entry The move was triggered by the entry of the clade 1b strain via a 38-year-old Kerala-based man who came back to India after travelling from the United Arab Emirates and reported symptoms soon after he arrived at the dermatology outpatient department at Manjeri Medical College Hospital, Malappuram, Kerala. As per available information, clinical presentation of Mpox clade 1 in adults remains similar to clade II. However, the rate of complications may be higher in clade 1 than with clade II infections, health secretary Apurva Chandra wrote to chief secretaries of states and union territories. The previous Mpox outbreak which began in 2022 was caused by the clade II virus. However, the 2024 Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC) is related to Mpox virus clade 1 which is more virulent and more transmissible than Mpox clade II, as per the government letter dated September 26. The letter clarifies that clade 1 has been found outside the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) only during the current outbreak. Outside Africa, one case each of Mpox clade 1b has been recently reported from Sweden and Thailand. India is thus the third non-African country to report a case of clade 1b Mpox infection recently, the letter confirmed. Chandra wrote that by implementing the preventive measures, states and UTs can safeguard the health and well-being of individuals and reduce the impact of Mpox outbreaks. He further said that the ministry shall continue to monitor the situation closely and we will extend all requisite support in this regard to States and UTs. Guidelines for states and union territories The central government has told states and UTs to take multiple actions across the nation to prevent and minimise the risk of further spread of Mpox in India. It has asked to undertake appropriate activities to make communities aware of the disease, its modes of spread, the need and importance of timely reporting, and preventive measures. It is crucial that any panic amongst the masses is prevented, the letter said. The ministry has asked states and UTs to conduct a review of public health preparedness, particularly at the health facility level in states and districts by senior officials. It has also asked to identify isolation facilities in hospitals for taking care of both suspect and confirmed cases along with making available the required logistics and trained human resources in such facilities and augmentation plans. All suspected Mpox cases should be isolated and strict infection prevention and control measures should be put in place. Treatment is symptomatic and available treatment guidelines should be followed, said the letter. Also, samples from skin lesions of any patient with suspected symptoms of Mpox will be sent to the designated labs immediately, and for those that test positive a sample will be sent to Pune-based ICMR-National Institute of Virology for genome sequencing to determine the clade. India already has robust diagnostic testing capability with 36 labs supported by ICMR across the country and three commercial kits validated by ICMR that are now approved by the health regulator as well. The Congress-led Siddaramaiah government in Karnataka withdrew its consent on Thursday for the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) to conduct investigations in the Mysuru Urban Development Authority (MUDA) site allotment case. The announcement was made by Karnataka Law Minister H.K. Patil, who expressed concerns about the potential misuse of the CBI. Addressing the media, Patil stated, We are withdrawing open consent for CBI investigation in the state. We are expressing our concerns about the misuse of the CBI. In all the cases we have referred to the CBI, they have not filed charge sheets, leaving many cases pending. Karnataka Law Minister HK Patil says, We are withdrawing open consent for CBI investigation in the state. We are expressing our concerns about the misuse of the CBI. In all the cases we have referred to the CBI, they have not filed charge sheets, leaving many cases pending. They pic.twitter.com/ZsQnnBcirb ANI (@ANI) September 26, 2024 He further accused the CBI of bias, explaining that the decision to withdraw consent was taken to prevent the central probe agency from taking the wrong path. They have also refused to investigate several cases we have sent. There are numerous such instances. They are biased. Thats why we are taking the decision. Its not because of the MUDA case. We have taken this decision to control them (CBI) from taking the wrong path, Patil added. Cabinet Order Directs Officials Not To Share Info With Governor The Karnataka cabinet has also passed an order directing the states Chief Secretary, Shalini Rajneesh, and other officials not to provide any information requested by Governor Thaawarchand Gehlot without cabinet approval. According to Section 6 of the Delhi Special Police Establishment (DSPE) Act, 1946, the CBI must obtain consent from the respective state governments to conduct investigations. This decision comes a day after a special court ordered a probe by the Lokayukta police in Mysuru against the Chief Minister, paving the way for an FIR to be registered against him. The Special Court, which specifically handles criminal cases involving former and current MPs and MLAs, directed the Lokayukta police in Mysuru to initiate an investigation based on a complaint filed by RTI activist Snehamayi Krishna. Senior Congress Leader Urges Siddaramaiah To Resign For Partys Sake Siddaramaiah has repeatedly asserted that he is not afraid of an investigation, dismissing the BJPs pressure for him to resign as the sitting Chief Minister. He has also rejected the partys demand for a CBI probe into the alleged fraudulent allotment of sites by MUDA. However, in a setback for Siddaramaiah, senior leader and Karnataka Congress Disciplinary Committee President K.B. Koliwad on Thursday suggested that Siddaramaiah should resign to avoid embarrassing the party. Speaking to the media, former Assembly Speaker Koliwad said, I appeal to him personally. He has no allegations, has delivered pro-people programmes and has the support of 136 MLAs. Siddaramaiah should resign at this stage and help the party as the Congress would face embarrassment in the forthcoming elections. He added, CM Siddaramaiah will come out clean in this case and he will become the CM yet again. Hence, he should not cause embarrassment to the party and resign. CM Siddaramaiah will have to step down and face the investigation. Koliwad stated that the Opposition was misusing the situation and emphasised that Siddaramaiah would be supported by the 136 MLAs and the high command after he clears the investigation. (With inputs from agencies) Mukti Ranjan Ray, whose body was found hanging from a tree in an Odisha village, killed his lover, Mahalakshmi, in Bengaluru after frequent arguments over marriage. Thirty-one-year-old Ray was the main suspect in the murder case of 29-year-old Mahalakshmi, whose body, chopped into 59 pieces, was found inside a refrigerator at her one-bedroom apartment in Bengalurus Malleshwaram on September 21. In his suicide note, which is presently in the custody of the Bhadrak Police, Mukti Ranjan detailed his fight with Mahalakshmi moments before he killed her. A source told CNN-News18 that the letter began with I did it and mentioned that Mukti Ranjan had been fed up with Mahalakshmis violent behaviour and arguments. She attacked me and that angered me and I hit her and killed her. I cut her into multiple pieces, Mukti Ranjans suicide note allegedly read. The note was found inside a bag right next to where the body was found hanging, said a police source. Meanwhile, the Bhadrak Police were cross-referencing with Mukti Ranjans handwriting and other forensic evidence. WHY DID MUKTI RANJAN KILL MAHALAKSHMI Mahalakshmi and Mukti Ranjan worked together at a garment shop and became friends. They both had been in a relationship for a while, Bengaluru Police said. On September 2, Mahalakshmi, who had her weekly off, had Mukti Ranjan Roy visiting her like every other day. As they both met, they are believed to have entered a serious argument as Mahalakshmi had allegedly been forcing Mukti Ranjan to marry her. As their argument turned violent, Mahalakshmi allegedly attacked Mukti Ranjan. She also allegedly hit and bit him. This was when Mukti Ranjan hit her back, leading to her death. He later dismembered her body. In February this year, Mahalakshmis estranged husband, Hemanth, filed a case against her, alleging that she attacked him after he refused her money. In his complaint, Hemanth had alleged domestic assault and claimed that Mahalakshmi bit his hand. The Bengaluru Police had earlier revealed that Mahalakshmi had split with her husband and had been living alone in her flat for the past few months. Her estranged husband had claimed that she was in a relationship with one Ashraf, who was suspected to be involved in the case. However, as Ashraf was interrogated, it was revealed that he and Mahalakshmi had split a year back. BENGALURU MURDER CASE: MUKTI RANJANs SUICIDE With the recovery of Mukti Ranjans body and his suicide note, the police were waiting for details confirming the fingerprints on the note. Mukti Ranjan is said to have confessed to his younger brother, who lived in Bengalurus Hebbagodi, that he had killed Mahalakshmi. This was when Mukti Ranjans brother questioned him about his phone being switched off. Mukti Ranjan also told his brother that he wanted to run away to escape the cops. The police were recording the statement of Mukti Ranjans brother and were investigating if he was complicit. Mukti Ranjans other brother, living in Bhadrak, was also being questioned by the police, and investigations are underway to ascertain if Mukti Ranjans family helped him escape from Bengaluru to Odisha after the crime. On tracing down Mukti Ranjan, a senior police official told news agency PTI that his mobile location was initially traced to West Bengal but he later switched his phone off. With the help of technical analysis and call record details, the accused was identified and his mobile location was initially traced to West Bengal but later he switched it off. However, with the help of technical surveillance, his location was traced to a village in Odisha where we sent our teams to nab him, he said. Maharashtra minister Chhagan Bhujbal was on Thursday hospitalised after he fell ill. A statement issued from his office said Bhujbal was in Pune to attend Prime Minister Narendra Modis function, which was cancelled. The state minister for food and civil supplies complained of fever and throat infection and rushed back to Mumbai, after which he was admitted in Bombay Hospital, it said. His health is stable and people should not believe in rumours, the statement added. PM Modis visit to Pune on Thursday was cancelled due to heavy rains in the past 24 hours. Modi was to flag off metro rail services from District Court to Swargate in Pune and launch development projects costing Rs 22,600 crore. Heavy rain lashed Mumbai and its suburbs on Wednesday, inundating low-lying areas and affecting local trains, traffic, and flights. One woman was killed after she fell into an open drain in Andheri. Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who was scheduled to visit Pune on Thursday, cancelled his visit to the city in the wake of heavy rain. However, water in many of the affected areas in Mumbai receded by Thursday morning as rain relented post-midnight. Several videos on social media showed heavy waterlogging on tracks between Kurla and Thane stations, leaving passengers stranded. Officials told news agency PTI that many flights were diverted or had to make a go-around at Mumbai airport due to inclement weather. As heavy rain lashed Mumbai, Mulund and its surroundings recorded the heaviest rainfall. HEAVY RAINFALL WITH STRONG FLOOD IN MUMBAI, INDIAHeavy Rainfall: Waterlogging reported in several areas Stay indoors and take necessary precautions Avoid travel unless essential Stay safe, stay informed!#MumbaiRains #PuneRains pic.twitter.com/7DbYprhWkQ Weather monitor (@Weathermonitors) September 25, 2024 According to a Mumbai civic body official, the citys eastern suburbs also received very heavy rain, of less than 30 mm before 6 pm on Wednesday. Significant waterlogging was reported from Kurla, Chembur, Mulund, Vikhroli, Breach Candy and some other areas in Mumbai, where people could be seen wading their way through waist-level water. A landslide hit the Mumbra by-pass road in Thane amid heavy rain in the region. #WATCH | Thane, Maharashtra | Torrential rains in Mumbai lead to landslide at the Mumbra by-pass road. pic.twitter.com/SZ1kVUHmz7 ANI (@ANI) September 25, 2024 Several locals also shared videos of lightning in Mumbai amid heavy rain. CRAZY Lightning & Heavy Rain at Mulund right now! Mumbais weather has flipped! An absolutely stunning yet dangerous display of nature. Be safe out there, Mumbaikars! #MumbaiRains #Thunderstorms #ThunderCity #Mumbai#RedAlert pic.twitter.com/Q53ZdaXdqe YogeshMeena (@Yogeshkherli) September 26, 2024 News18 could not confirm the authenticity of the video. 14 FLIGHTS TO MUMBAI DIVERTED, LOCAL TRAINS AFFECTED Heavy rain led to the diversion of as many as 14 flights to Mumbai on Wednesday. Of these, nine were IndiGo flights alone, which were not given clearance to land in the city due to the inclement weather, an official told PTI. Of the remaining flights which were instructed by the Air Traffic Control (ATC) to divert to other airports were of Vistara, Air India, Akasa and Gulf Air. Seven of the diverted flights were instructed to land in Hyderabad, four at Ahmedabad, two at Mopa Airport in Goa and one at Udaipur. Local train services on the Harbour line were affected on Wednesday but resumed on Thursday morning after the water receded. Earlier, the Central Railways had said that local trains were delayed and were operating at a cautious speed. #WATCH | Mumbai, Maharashtra | Train services resume after the city was affected by torrential rains last evening, causing train and traffic disruptions due to severe waterlogging. Visuals from Kurla Railway Station. pic.twitter.com/Kbn21hDhcB ANI (@ANI) September 26, 2024 Railway commuters were seen walking on tracks at the Chunabhatti Railway station. In a post on X, Central Railways wrote, For your safety, please remain inside the train and avoid stepping onto the tracks. Due to heavy rains and waterlogging, local trains are delayed and operating at a cautious speed. We urge passengers to stay on board as you are safest inside the train. As the water recedes, the train will continue its journey to your destination. Your cooperation is essential for ensuring everyones safety. Later, in a statement, the Western Railway said that despite heavy rain in the city, local trains on Western Railways Mumbai Suburban network were running normally. MUMBAI WEATHER WARNING The India Meteorological Department (IMD) issued a red alert in the city and its neighbouring districts until Thursday. The weather department also issued a red alert for Palghar and an orange one for Thane, Raigad, Mumbai and Pune for Thursday. An orange alert was issued for Nashik and Dhule districts in north Maharashtra. IMD scientist Sushma Nair said a trough runs from north Konkan to south Bangladesh across a cyclonic circulation over south Chhattisgarh and its neighbourhood extending to the middle tropospheric level tilting southwards with height. This will lead to fairly widespread to widespread light/moderate rainfall is very likely over Konkan and Goa during the week, she said. Isolated heavy rainfall is very likely over Konkan and Goa and central Maharashtra until September 27, the weather department said. SCHOOLS CLOSED Amid waterlogging and an alert, all schools and colleges in Mumbai and its suburbs were declared closed on September 26 (Thursday). The notification regarding the holiday was issued by School Education Minister Deepak Kesarkar. All schools and colleges under the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC)s jurisdiction will remain closed on Thursday, considering the safety of the students, the BMC also issued a statement. The civic body also appealed to citizens to step out of their homes only if necessary. Commuters are advised to check weather updates and plan accordingly, it said. Schools in Pune and Pimpri Chinchwad were also ordered closed for today, Pune District Collector Dr Suhas Diwase announced, as the weather department issued an orange alert in Pune for today. CIVIC AUTHORITIES ISSUE ORDERS City civic commissioner Bhushan Gagrani on Wednesday asked all assistant commissioners to ensure that respective executive engineers stayed put in ward control rooms. He also directed chief engineers of the Stormwater Drains (SWD) department to ensure SWD staff was on the field and de-watering pumps were operational. Deputy chief engineers were asked to be available in their respective zones at night, Gagrani added. All Deputy Municipal Commissioners were also directed to monitor the situation in their respective zones. WOMAN DROWNS IN NULLAH Amid heavy rain, a 45-year-old woman drowned in an overflowing nullah on Wednesday. The incident happened in suburban Andheri at nearly 9.20 pm, near gate number 8 of the Maharashtra Industrial Development Corporation (MIDC), Andheri East. The victim was identified as Vimal Anil Gaikwad. Local police and the fire brigade were alerted and they took the woman to the Cooper Hospital where she was declared brought dead. Parliaments standing committees were constituted on Thursday with Lok Sabhas leader of opposition Rahul Gandhi remaining a member of the defence panel. As reported first on CNN-News18, the Congress, which is the leading opposition party, gets the chairmanship of four committees. This includes external affairs, a ministry once led by Congresss Dr Shashi Tharoor, who will now head the related panel. Congress MPs Charanjit Singh Channi and Saptagiri Ulaka have been made chairpersons of the committees on agriculture, animal husbandry and food processing, and rural development and panchayati raj, respectively. For the Trinamool Congress, which had been dragging its feet over the Centres offers, its Lok Sabha MP Kirti Azad will head the standing committee on chemicals and fertilisers while Rajya Sabha MP Dola Sen will lead the commerce panel. As also reported by CNN-News18, the Bharatiya Janata Party has accommodated its allies too. From the Janata Dal (United), Dr Sanjay Jha is now the committee chairman for tourism, transport, and culture. The Telugu Desam Party (TDP) gets the chairmanship of the committee on housing and urban affairs for Magunta Sreenivasulu Reddy. Shrirang Barne from the Shiv Sena led by Eknath Shinde is the chairman of the committee on energy. The BJP, which is leading the ruling National Democratic Alliance, has kept the chairmanships of the most important committees with itself. Dr Radha Mohan Das Agarwal is now the committee chairman for home affairs, replacing Brij Lal. Senior member of Parliament from Lok Sabha Nishikant Dubey will head the IT committee. Radha Mohan Singh, another senior member of Parliament and former union minister, will now lead the committee for defence. Former union minister Anurag Singh Thakur is the chairman of the committee for coal and mines. Another senior member of Parliament, Bhartruhari Mahtab, is the chairman of the crucial committee for finance. Former union minister Rajiv Pratap Rudy has been made the committee head for water resources. Former Karnataka chief minister Basavaraj Bommai has been given the chairmanship of the committee of labour and textiles. Controversial member of Parliament from Mandi Kangana Ranaut will be a member of the IT committee. Actress and politician Jaya Bachchan from the Samajwadi Party and Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Priyanka Chaturvedi are also part of this panel. Interestingly, TMCs Mahua Moitra, who had a huge face-off with BJP MP Nishikant Dubey, continues to be on the IT committee led by him. Former Chief Justice of India Ranjan Gogoi, who was earlier in the external office committee, will be a member of the committee of law and justice, being a nominated member of the Rajya Sabha. Government sources said that it was declared several times, including by parliamentary affairs minister Kiren Rijiju, that there would be no delay in forming the standing committees, and the process has been completed within the deadline before the end of September. A lawyer representing the underage accused in Punes Porsche car crash case on Thursday filed an application in the Juvenile Justice Board, saying he was unable to get admission in a Delhi management institute as it was insisting on a no objection certificate from the JJB. However, the defence lawyer later withdrew the plea. The defence, in its application, said the 17-year-old boy, who was allegedly driving the Porsche car when it crashed into two motorbike-borne IT engineers in May, had sought admission in BBA (Bachelor of Business Administration) course in the Delhi-based institute. Special Public Prosecutor Shishir Hiray said the defence moved an application before the JJB, stating the CCL (Child in Conflict with Law) was unable to secure admission in the Delhi institute as it was insisting on an NOC from the board in view of the case pending against him. I responded that education was everyones right guaranteed by the Constitution and he (minor accused) must get admission, he said. The institute had given admission to the teenager, whose father is a prominent Pune-based builder, but later cancelled it and sought an NOC from the JJB, which is hearing his case. Assistant Commissioner of Police (Crime) Ganesh Ingale, the investigating officer in the case, said the defence sought necessary directions from the JJB over the admission issue, but later withdrew the application. The defence stated that they no longer want to pursue admission in the Delhi-based institute and (the teenager) now wants to take admission in a Pune college, he said. The teen driver was allegedly under the influence of alcohol when his high-end car knocked down the two motorbike-borne IT professionals, one of them a woman, in the upscale Kalyani Nagar locality in the wee hours of May 19, killing both of them. In June, the police had submitted their final report to the JJB detailing all evidence against the 17-year-old boy in the car crash case. In July, the police filed a chargesheet against seven accused in a case linked to the accident, including the parents of the minor boy, in a Pune court. The boys parents and two Sassoon General Hospital doctors and a staffer at the Maharashtra government-run medical facility were accused of swapping the blood samples of the minor with those of his mother after the crash. Two other accused acted as middlemen between the father and the doctors to facilitate financial transactions to swap the blood samples, according to the chargesheet. Days after claiming that 900 Kuki militants were planning to attack peripheral villages of Imphal valley districts around September 28, the Manipur government retracted its statement, asserting that the likelihood of any such misadventures by armed groups is minimal and unsubstantiated. In a joint statement, Security Advisor Kuldiep Singh and DGP Rajiv Singh on Wednesday said: In view of recent reactions from different communities regarding the input on the infiltration of 900 trained Kuki militants from Myanmar to carry out attacks on Meiteis on September 28, it is clarified that the input was verified from various sources but could not be substantiated on the ground. There is no current basis to believe in any such input. The statement assured that security forces are on high alert to protect the lives and property of citizens. All communities are assured of their safety, and advised the public to not believe in any rumours or unverified news. On September 20, the security advisor had said forces have taken a number of steps in the wake of reports that militants might carry out violence in peripheral villages. He had said reports of movement of these militants have been circulating for the past three to four days. The Manipur government seemed to be on the back foot after CNN-News18 reported a day earlier that the Intel alert was unverified and baseless. The state alert had mentioned that over 900 Kuki militants, newly trained in the use of drone-based bombs, projectiles, missiles, and jungle warfare, have entered Manipur from Myanmar. It had stated that these militants are reportedly grouped in units of 30 members each, scattered across the periphery, and are expected to launch multiple coordinated attacks on Meitei villages around September 28. On Thursday, top Intelligence sources told CNN-News18 that CRPF had reached deep inside Kuki areas Kangpokpi, Motbung, Dolaithabi, Geljang after replacing 22 Assam Rifles. According to the sources in CRPF, their focus will be the camps of the Kuki Revolutionary Army (KRA) and Kuki Liberation Army (KLA) situated at T Gamnon. Earlier, top CRPF officials reached Imphal to coordinate the forces movement inside the sensitive areas. Also, the Centre is upset with the state government for issuing an Intelligence alert without verifying and creating an atmosphere of panic. The sources in Intelligence and Indian Army said no infiltration had happened and nothing is available as per our knowledge. They added that the Centre wants peace in any case and the idea is to settle the dispute between both the communities, noting that the timing of the input is being seen as an attempt to derail the peace process as Home Minister Amit Shah has announced the beginning of the outreach and started the fencing of the India-Myanmar border. Since May 2023, Manipur has been embroiled in violence between the majority Meitei and minority Kuki communities, driven by disputes over economic benefits and quotas. Manipur remains divided into two ethnic enclaves a Meitei-controlled valley and Kuki-dominated hills separated by a no-mans land monitored by federal paramilitary forces. Despite efforts to quell the unrest, sporadic clashes persist, with the latest violence resulting in 11 deaths earlier this month. Since May of last year, the conflict has resulted in at least 237 deaths and displaced over 60,000 people in Manipur, which is home to 3.2 million people. H.E. Mr. Firat Sunel is the Turkish Ambassador to India, dedicated to promoting Turkiyes rich cultural heritage and sustainable tourism practices. With extensive experience in cultural affairs, he emphasizes the significance of UNESCO World Heritage sites, including Gobeklitepe and Ephesus, in shaping global narratives about early civilization. Ambassador Sunel advocates for the protection and promotion of Turkiyes lesser-known heritage sites, highlighting initiatives like the Golden Age of Turkish Archaeology project. His commitment to international cooperation underscores Turkiyes leadership in preserving cultural heritage while accommodating the growing demand for tourism. Turkiye boasts important UNESCO World Heritage sites such as Gobeklitepe and Ephesus. How do you think they shape global historical narratives about early human civilisation and ancient architecture? UNESCO Heritage sites, such as Gobeklitepe and Ephesus, reshape and enrich our view of early human civilization and history of ancient settlements. Gobeklitepe in Upper Mesopotamia, known as the cradle of human civilization, is the earliest known temple complex, dating almost 12.000 years back. It helps us unlock ancient Mesopotamian societies daily rituals in all their complexities. Gobeklitepe still preserves its mystery, as one of the most important discoveries in the history of archaeology and is considered as zero-point in time. The wider area is still an excavation site. The new inventories found, drastically expand our knowledge and understanding of humankind and civilization. The ancient city of Ephesus, on the other hand, is located in the western-most city of Izmir. Today an awe-inspiring historic site, Ephesus has been a city since the Neolithic times, with a history extending back to 7.000 BCE. However, it came to full prominence under the Roman Empire, renowned for its exceptional urban planning. Ephesus today showcases the engineering skills of that ancient era. The city has played a significant role in science, culture, and art, making it one of the most important metropolises of the ancient world. Highlights of Ephesus include the Temple of Artemis, as well as the Great Theatre and the Library of Celsus. Ephesus is significant for it is also home to early Christian archaeological remains. These two sites are a couple of many historical wonders of Turkiye. They provide crucial insights into the early history of humanity and enrich our historical narratives, offering important insights into ancient civilizations. How does Turkiye balance preserving Cappadocias landscapes and cave dwellings while promoting tourism? Cappadocia is an open-air museum that is truly one of its kind. It has been designed and carved by the hand of nature, and of skilled labourers, over the course of centuries. This volcanic landscape, boasting conic structures known as fairy chimneys, underground cities, cave dwellings and other historical monuments in a large geography spanning 5 different provinces. Turkiye takes measures to protect and preserve Cappadocia in the best possible way. To ensure the sustainable development and protection of the region in a holistic manner, while balancing the high tourism demand, a specific Law was enacted in 2019. As a result, a dedicated entity titled, The Cappadocia Area Presidency was established. It is affiliated with the Ministry of Culture and Tourism and collaborates with local and regional stakeholders for the successful management and supervision of the area. The Presidency develops and implements projects to provide eco-friendly infrastructure solutions and services to businesses and the local community, regulate the number of visitors, and encourages responsible tourism. These measures ensure that the regions natural and historic beauty is protected, while allowing tourists to experience its wonders. What are some other policies of Turkiye with respect to the protection of UNESCO heritage sites while maintaining her sustainable tourism practices? Turkiye is among the epicenters of world history and heritage. My country is a leading tourism destination, ranked the 5th among most-visited destinations globally in 2023. Our success comes from the institutional capacity, skilled experts and sustainable and effective collaboration among stakeholders. The legal and policy framework of Turkiye on cultural affairs also reflect the values of the international community, materialized in international conventions. A founding member of UNESCO and a party to primary Conventions, Turkiye endorses and supports national and international endeavors that underline our role and responsibility in preserving the cultural heritage that is so valuable to humanity as a whole. Turkiye considers culture and tourism as spheres that complement and strengthen each other and the Turkish Ministry of Culture and Tourism adopts a holistic perspective in this vein. Each UNESCO site has a Management Plan that outlines conservation measures, visitor management strategies and seeks to minimize environmental impacts of tourist flows. What efforts are being made to promote the lesser-known UNESCO sites in Turkiye? How do they enhance the countrys cultural diversity? Turkiye is home to 21 properties inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List, 19 of which are cultural and 2 of which are mixed. There are a total of 79 sites, with 72 cultural, 4 mixed, and 3 natural in UNESCOs Tentative List. In addition to those listed, we have numerous ancient sites and monuments in our national inventory. I would like you to imagine the extent of our cultural wealth and the intensity of the work and effort involved in protecting and promoting heritage areas. Turkiye is focusing on promoting all her UNESCO sites through various marketing campaigns and local tourism projects. By spotlighting locations such as the archeological site of Catalhoyuk and the Mount Nemrut these campaign initiatives aim to showcase the countrys rich cultural landscape. The goal here is to encourage tourism to a diversity of areas and foster greater appreciation for Turkiyes distinct historic heritage. Another important step forward, Golden Age of Turkish Archaeology Heritage for the Future project has begun in 2023. All resources have been mobilized to ensure that in the next four years, our cultural heritage, particularly our ancient sites will be excavated, restored and preserved. The number of ongoing archeological excavations and projects in Turkiye increased from 670 to 720 in the last couple of years. They are set toreach 750 in 2024, with a goal of 800 excavations and projects by 2026. How does Turkiye manage the promotion and conversation of its UNESCO sites amidst growing tourism? Are there new strategies of technologies being used? Turkiye assumed responsibilities in both the UNESCO Executive Board and the World Heritage Committee. As a country dedicated to international cooperation, peace and dialogue, we contribute our share of experience, know-how and skills to UNESCO and play a part in leading sustainable practices and strategies in protecting and promoting heritage. I would like to note that combatting illicit trafficking of cultural property has always formed one of the backbones of the Turkish cultural policies. We are among the leading countries to persistently emphasize the necessity of returning these artifacts to their homeland on both bilateral and multilateral platforms. As stated, Turkiye manages its UNESCO heritage sites by implementing sustainable conservation practices and by regulating visitor access. By promoting our sites through targeted marketing and managing tourist flows, we ensure the preservation of its cultural heritage while accommodating for growing tourism. Moreover, we are implementing nighttime activities in certain museums and historic sites including Ephesus, Hierapolis and many others during peak seasons. I strongly recommend Indian visitors not to miss enjoying these spectacular ancient ruins. Aishwarya Rai Bachchan and her daughter Aaradhya were spotted at Mumbai airport, heading to Abu Dhabi for IIFA 2024. The prestigious awards event will run from September 27 to September 29, with Shah Rukh Khan and Karan Johar set to host, and exciting performances lined up by Kriti Sanon, Shahid Kapoor, Rekha and Janhvi Kapoor. In a video that surfaced online, Aishwarya, dressed in a stylish black jacket adorned with playful motifs, paired it with a sleek black backpack. Aaradhya opted for a comfortable, pastel green sweatshirt, blending chic with casual for their travel ensemble. Both mother and daughter seemed relaxed as they made their way to the international terminal. Aishwarya has been nominated in the Performance in a Leading Role Female (Tamil) category for Ponniyin Selvan: II at the IIFA Utsavam 2024. Interestingly, her mother-in-law, Jaya Bachchan, is also nominated for Best Supporting Actor (Female) for her role in Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani at the IIFA Awards 2024. Though Aishwarya has been making solo public appearances, many are curious to see whether the rest of the Bachchan family will join her in Abu Dhabi. Over the past few months, she has not been spotted with her in-laws at public events, leading to speculation. Earlier this year, Aishwaryas fans were disappointed when Amitabh Bachchan made a post celebrating the iconic Kajra Re song but did not mention her, despite her central role in the track. The post, which celebrated the songs 19th anniversary, focused solely on Amitabh and Abhishek Bachchans performances, sidelining Aishwarya. Fans took to social media to express their discontent, calling out the megastar for the oversight. In July, the Bachchans grabbed attention once again when they attended a high-profile wedding separately. While Amitabh, Jaya and Abhishek arrived together, Aishwarya and Aaradhya made a separate appearance. With IIFA 2024 approaching, fans are eager to see if the event will bring a public reunion for the Bachchans or if Aishwarya will continue to maintain her solo streak at major events. Archana Puran Singh is all set for a jam-packed October. Not only has she resumed her duties on The Great Indian Kapil Show, but shes also making a return to films after four years. The actress will be seen in Vicky Vidya Ka Woh Wala Video, alongside Rajkummar Rao and Triptii Dimri. In an exclusive chat with News18 Showsha, Archana shared that her long hiatus from films was largely due to the demanding schedule of The Kapil Sharma Show when it was aired on television. She revealed that she had been receiving film offers consistently, one of them being from producer Vashu Bhagnani. However, with the grueling pace of the comedy show, she simply didnt have the time to take on a film project. Now that the show has shifted to Netflix and is broken into seasons, Archana finally has the flexibility to explore film opportunities again, which led her to sign Vicky Vidya Ka Woh Wala Video. When we were on television, we didnt get any breaks. We had fun doing episodes over and over, and we got a lot of riyaaz (practice). The entire team was always energised, but I had to turn down a lot of film offers. Now, Im thrilled that I have the time to accept films, Archana explained. Vashu ji and many other producers and directors had offered me projects. Nowadays, films are shot more overseas than in India, so there was always a balance to strike. Id often get calls asking me to come to Scotland for a 20-day schedule. But Id reply, I can only commit if youre shooting in Mumbai. Some shoots were in Mauritius, some in Australia. And we used to shoot Kapils show two or three times a week. Even if a film was being shot in Mumbai, sometimes I still had to decline. Now, Im happy theres a better balance, she added. She recalled one instance when she was in England, and Vashu Bhagnani reached out with a role for a film. He assured her it would be a short schedule, but it clashed with her commitments for Kapils show. I was in England when I got a call from Vashu ji. He said, You wont even need a visa, just come for 20 days. But I told him I had a flight back the next day, and I had to shoot for Kapils show right after, she shared. Despite turning down several film offers, the Kuch Kuch Hota Hai actress has no regrets. No regrets at all. I thoroughly enjoyed that journey, and Im equally enjoying this new chapter, she said. The Great Indian Kapil Show drops new episodes every Saturday on Netflix, while Vicky Vidya Ka Woh Wala Video is slated for release on October 11. Namrata Shirodkar is widely known today as Telugu superstar Mahesh Babus wife, but she was said to be in love with restauranteur Deepak Shetty when she first became an actress. Namrata and Deepak dated for nearly nine years and were said to be living together. However, Deepak tragically passed away in 2008. In a Rediff AMA in the 90s, a fan had asked Namrata if she would marry Deepak. The former model and actress wrote, Surely, soon will I marry Deepak we are just waiting for the right time. However, the duo broke up after this. Deepak passed away a few years later. He drowned in Goa while trying to save another boys life. In the same year, Namratas mother Kunda also succumbed to cancer. Namrata had said in a chat with the Times of India, There was just one time when I let my personal life overwhelm my professional one, and that cost me dearly. The relationship began before the Miss India contest and lasted nine years. But, it wasnt meant to be. There was a void in my life after that, but I moved on. And we will always wish each other well. You know, Aishwarya and I started our careers together. But she stayed on track, while I was diverted by this personal relationship, and it made me less ambitious. But Im not bitter about anything. Perhaps, because Im practical by nature, I dont dwell on things. My sister Shilpa helped a lot too. She joined the industry at 14. She knew the importance of being professional and punctual. She told me to accept that dreams change, people change, but work is constantly fulfilling. And Im happy, particularly now that the industry is sitting up and noticing me once again, she said. Namrata Shirodkar tied the knot with Mahesh Babu in 2005 after dating for five years. She completely gave up acting after marriage as the actor did not want a working wife. They have two children, Gautam Ghattamaneni and Sitara Ghattamaneni. Namrata now resides in Hyderabad with her family. Austin Abrams will be seen sharing the screen with Brad Pitt and George Clooney in Wolfs. The Apple+ film is set to release this weekend in India. Ahead of the films release, the actor sat down for a candid chat with News18 Showsha and revealed that he had a ball shooting for the film with Brad and George. The actor, who shot to fame with the character Ethan Kats boyfriend and the lead of Lexis play also shared that Brad Pitt discussed the show with him while filming the action-comedy. I cant exactly remember hearing from George about it but I definitely heard from Brad about it. It seemed like he watched the show and really liked it, and was sweet about it, Austin Abrams told News18 Showsha exclusively, reiterating, I do remember that Brad had watched the show. Austin plays a pivotal role in Wolfs. His role in the catalyst that brings Brad and George together. While we wont spoil the film for you, there is one scene in which Austin will be seen running in his underwear in the film. By the looks of it, the scene has been shot in the cold temperatures of New York. Admitting that it was a challenging scene to do, Austin said he knew he was ready to do whatever it takes for the film. We shot that scene for a long time, a lot longer than I thought we were shooting. We shot it for a month or something. I think it is three pages in the script but I hadnt fully understood how long action takes to shoot. Thats because I have not done too much action. To be running in New York in my underwear, it was a little uncomfortable but a part of the deal. Mentally, by that point, I just knew that I was ready to do whatever I needed to do for this movie. So, having that purpose behind it, made it a lot easier. Even though it had its challenges, it had purpose and meaning to it. Its not like I was going and running in my underwear for no reason. With that purpose, it made it a lot easier, he shared. There is a slow-motion scene in which George accidentally hits him. The scene plays out in slow motion in the film. Speaking about it, Austin said that scene alone took a couple of days to shoot. There was an acrobatics for a little and it was [shot] over a period of two days, he added. Austin had previously revealed that he felt intimidated by Brad and George on the first day of the shoot. However, once the ball started rolling, the trio had a memorable time together so much so that they played pranks on each other as well. Talking about one such prank, Austin shared that on the first day, three chairs were placed for the trio in the green room: two tall chairs for Brad and George, and a short chair for Austin. While it initially seemed like an accident, as the shoot progressed, it became a running joke in the green room, with the heights of the chairs for Brad and George only increasing. On the first day, I remember, one of the production members had put chairs for us to sit on with the names of the cast. It just happened they put two big, tall chairs for Brad and George, and I happened to get, like, a tiny chair. We all laughed about it. A couple of weeks later, they found themselves in another hilarious moment when they shifted green rooms. The actor recalled the green room was massive, a ball room of sorts, which could accommodate big chairs. The production team found two really regal looking chairs. They must have been like 10 feet tall, they were ridiculous! They taped Brad and Georges names on it and placed it together. And in the middle, they put this little chair for me, that was really funny. Brad has a photo of it somewhere, he shared with a laugh. Wolfs is set to release on September 27 on Apple+. Archana Puran Singh is an important part of the comedy show, The Great Indian Kapil Show. It is back with its second season and is available on Netflix. The actress is known for her boisterous laughter and is the permanent guest on the show. From portraying the evil stepmother, Shalu in Raja Hindustani to her iconic role as Miss Braganza in Kuch Kuch Hota Hai, the actress is a powerhouse of talent. On the occasion of her 62nd birthday, lets take a glimpse into her life and career. Archana Puran Singh marked her debut as an actress with Nari Hiras Abhishek, opposite Aditya Pancholi in 1987. The same year, she starred in Jalwa and shared the screen with Naseeruddin Shah. Later, she was roped in big banner films like Agneepath (1990), Saudagar, Shola Aur Shabnam, Aashiq Awara and Raja Hindustani. Later, she decided to just focus on supporting roles in Hindi films. A few of her notable works are Love Story 2050, Mohabbatein, Krrish, Kuch Kuch Hota Hai, Masti, De Dana Dan and Bol Bachchan. Apart from the big screen, she also earned fame in the TV industry. She started off as a TV anchor with Wah, Kya Scene Hai on Zee TV. She became a household name with the show, Shrimaan Shrimati. She has also worked in Junoon and hosted Archana Talkies. Archana Puran Singh did not shy away from reality shows and was first seen as a contestant in Nach Baliye 1 where she participated with her husband Parmeet Sethi. Later, she was seen as a judge on various comedy shows like Comedy Circus, and The Kapil Sharma Show and now she is back on The Great Indian Kapil Show. Did you know that after her first marriage ended in divorce, she found love again, in her now-husband, Parmeet Sethi? Archana Puran Singh was born into a Punjabi family in Dehradun. She was inclined towards acting and modelling and ran away to Mumbai to pursue her career. As she progressed, she got married, but it eventually did not last long and ended in divorce. Later, at an event, she met Parmeet Sethi, a struggling artist at that time, while the actress was already an established name. On a show, the actress had once revealed that she met the DDLJ actor at a party. She said that she was holding a magazine and he snatched it away from her, which made her feel bad. It was the way he apologised that she actually liked him. This incident, reportedly, marked the beginning of their friendship. As per reports, the duo began staying in a live-in relationship for some time. When she told her family about him, they were furious. Undeterred, the couple decided to tie the knot. They began looking for a priest at 11 pm in the night and finally, they found one and got married the next day. Today, the couple is happily married and has two children Aryaman and Ayushman. The immensely popular manga Jujutsu Kaisen, written by Gege Akutami, is set to conclude with its 271st chapter, scheduled for release on September 30, 2024. This marks the final stage of a captivating journey that has engaged fans since its debut in 2018. For those eager to read the finale, Chapter 271 will be available in Japan on the release date, and fans in India can access it between 8:30 and 9:30 PM IST. Readers can enjoy the chapter for free on platforms like MANGA Plus and Viz Medias official website, as well as through the subscription-based Shonen Jump App. The series has been building toward its conclusion through the current Shinjuku Showdown Arc, which began in May 2023. This arc features intense battles, particularly highlighting the conflict between Gojo and Sukuna, where Gojos death at the hands of Sukuna sets the stage for other sorcerers to rally against him. Central to the narrative are the two main protagonists, Yuji Itadori and Megumi Fushiguro, who confront Sukuna while grappling with their own personal losses and failures. Unresolved Mysteries As the series nears its end, several plot points remain unresolved: Sukunas True Intentions: Not much is known about the motives of Sukuna and the reasons he had for his actions, thus fans wait for answers in the last chapter. Character Fates: The futures of characters including Nobara and Megumi, have not yet been resolved. Each of their characters stories is believed to be resolved by the show before its ending. Kenjakus Plans: The primary framework of Kenjaku based on his plans to assimilate Master Tengen with the Japanese people still remains somewhat ambiguous. It appears highly unlikely that this merger will happen before the series is complete if there are only several chapters remaining. The speculation is also around how Akutami will be concluding different arcs, especially characters such as Gojo who has been out of action due to his defeat. Nevertheless, theres hope for his return in the final chapter of the book. The Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) informed the Bombay High Court on Thursday that Kangana Ranauts film Emergency will only be cleared for release if specific cuts, as recommended by the CBFCs revising committee, are made. This response came in relation to a plea by Zee Studios, co-producer of Emergency, requesting the release of the censor certificate. The film, initially set to release on September 6, was postponed following protests from Sikh groups, who allege the film misrepresents their community. Advocate Abhinav Chandrachud, representing the CBFC, told Justices BP Colabawalla and Firdosh Pooniwalla that the CBFCs revising committee suggested some cuts for Emergency. Advocate Sharan Jagtiani, speaking for Zee Studios, shared a document listing 11 changes, including cuts and insertions, that need to be made before the films release. Now, its up to the filmmakers to either accept these changes or challenge them. The High Court has a adjurned he matter to Monday, September 30. Kangana Ranaut is not only starring in Emergency but also directing the highly anticipated political drama. The film features an ensemble cast, including Anupam Kher, Milind Soman, Mahima Chaudhry, and Shreyas Talpade. Shreyas Talpade takes on the role of former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee, while Anupam Kher portrays political leader Jayaprakash Narayan. The late Satish Kaushik will also make an appearance as former Deputy Prime Minister Jagjivan Ram. Kangana Ranaut spoke about the films delay during News18 Indias Chaupal event. She said, It is our history which has been intentionally hidden. We are not told about this. Bhale logo ka zamaana nahi hai, Kangana said and then added, My film is ready to be released. It has received certification from the censor board. 4 historians supervised our films. We have the proper documents. There is nothing wrong with my film. But some people call Bhindranwale a saint, revolutionary or a leader. They threatened via pleas (to ban her film). I have also received threats. Previous governments have declared Khalistanis as terrorists. He was not a saint who was sitting in a temple with an AK47. Love Sitara Movie Review: In this age of high-concept narratives and experimental storytelling, simplicity has become a rarity. Sobhita Dhulipalas next release, Love Sitara, reminds us of that in a rather neat and beautiful way. Its minimalistic, linear, safe and unapologetic. The film deals with a dysfunctional family, the warped mantra of happiness, complex human emotions, infidelity and so much more. Yes, this is old wine in a new bottle. While there was definitely room for director Vandana Kataria to dig deep and dirty her hands with the grimy and unforgivable messiness of relationships, she deserves credit for not shying from portraying the compassionate nature of feminism. Love Sitara revolves around the life of Sitara or Tara (some parts of the character seem to be an extension of the Tara from Made In Heaven), as shes fondly referred to. The film opens with a sequence where she finds out that shes pregnant. That night, she proposes to her boyfriend, a chef named Arjun, for marriage and soon, preparations begin for their D-Day. Taras best friend Anjali is however not particularly thrilled with the news as she reminds her that marriage or kids wasnt exactly part of her plan. Tara explains to her that she has undergone a shift in her mind-set and now she wants everything marriage, kids, a dog and a cat. She soon travels to her maternal grandmothers home in Kochi where the shotgun wedding (although Arjun and their families are unaware of her pregnancy) is supposed to take place. We also get a glimpse of Arjuns life who plans on shifting base to Singapore to further his career in the culinary world days after the wedding. His father, however, is staunchly against his decision, because how can a man belong in the kitchen and not do something more manly? Taras family also has Hema chechi, her unhinged, modern, progressive and unapologetic maternal aunt. Days before the wedding, Tara while going through a box of old photographs chances upon a picture of her dad and aunt, which leads her to get suspicious of an old extramarital affair between them. This takes a toll on her emotions, leading her to get cynical of marriages and relationships. She along with the help of Arjun and Anjali try hard to unravel Hemas past and finds out her air hostess aunt currently has an extramarital affair with a pilot. And later, a big secret about Sitara also unfolds that changes everything. At 1 hour 45 minutes, Love Sitara makes for a crisp narrative where the director wastes no time in setting its tone. Vandana sensitively portrays extramarital affairs and makes a subtle statement that its not as rare as one would imagine. In Sitaras family, all the three generations of women have experienced it sometimes, they have been the victims and sometimes, the home-breakers. But not even for once, does she look at them through the lens of judgment, reiterating how infidelity isnt a marker of character. It may not make one a bad person but it sure has negative consequences, often impacting the next generation as well. Writers Sonia Bahl, Abbas Dalal and Hussain Dalal deserve credit for penning all the characters Ammuma (B Jayashree), Sitaras mother (Virginia Rodrigues), Hema (Sonali Kulkarni) and Sitara with a lot of nuance and maturity. All of them are written with a rather interesting and cinematic arc that renders them the chance to give the audience a glimpse of the different shades that make a woman up. B Jayashree starts off a curmudgeon, ill-tempered woman who later explains that tough love is her language as she has realised that expressive love can do more harm than good. Virginia transitions from a quintessential homemaker cum mother selfness and unconditionally loving and giving into a woman who stands up for herself when comes to know that she has been cheated on. Vandana here recognises women as who theyre independent of who they become through relationships. But it wouldnt be wrong to say that its Sonalis Hema who stands out. She shares a bittersweet relationship with her sister, is aware of her beauty luring men and has no qualms in admitting that an extramarital affair is her way to be in love. Her heartbreak as the other woman who gets the shorter end of the stick in a relationship is palpable. Sitara, like already mentioned, has shades of Tara from Made In Heaven. Only here, shes put in a different and less glamorous setting. Shes the epitome of modern feminism who calls her own shots but can also go to any length to win back the man she loves. In short, all these women represent love in all its form they rise and fall and suffer and heal. Love Sitara is a classic example of what transpires when women get written by women. The men, on the other hand, are also not even a unilateral treatment. Rajeev Siddharthas Arjun ably supports Sitara and is extremely empathetic through all his emotional upheavals. In a key scene, he helplessly tells her, I might be nice but not dumb. And that sums his personality. Love Sitara is as close to life as it can be. It might not be a genre-defining and trailblazing film but it sure deserves a watch for capturing the essence of relationships. Unlike its heavyweight theme of love and happiness and the difficulty of finding, rediscovering and sustaining them, its frothy, breezy and easy on the eyes. Entrepreneur and Amitabh Bachchans granddaughter, Navya Naveli Nanda, addressed the disturbing Kolkata rape and murder case, shedding light on societal and systemic failures surrounding violence against women. At the India Today Mumbai Conclave 2024, on September 26, during a session titled Beyond the Legacy: Gen Z for a Just and Equal India, Navya emphasised the need for collective accountability and the urgent demand for safer environments for women. The incident in Kolkata is not a first. Its something that weve seen happen multiple times. It was outrageous and horrific. We, as a countrywomen, people, and societydemand law enforcement and stricter protocols, but it is very easy for us to just sit and make demands, Navya stated. She emphasised the necessity for a shared sense of responsibility, noting that societal change cannot happen in isolation. We have to be accountable and responsible as members of society. It is an equal responsibility to create a safe environment for women, not just at work, but even at home. As members of society, we should play our part in that. Strong women deserve better, and she deserved better. No one should have the power to override her rights, Navya continued. The Kolkata case refers to the rape and murder of a trainee doctor, whose body was found on August 9. The accused was arrested shortly after, but the crime shook the nation and reignited discussions on the safety of women in public spaces. Apart from her impassioned plea for justice, Navya also reflected on her academic journey at IIM Ahmedabad, expressing gratitude for the education and opportunities she has received. India has some of the finest institutions in the world, and being a part of IIM Ahmedabad is incredible. I feel fortunate to be under the guidance of some of the best professors in the world. Navya also acknowledged the criticism she often faces due to her privileged background. I accept that I come from a very different lived reality. People will always have something to say about that, she remarked, though she remains focused on her personal and professional growth. Rukmini Vasanth has established herself as a prominent figure in the Kannada film industry. Her impressive performances in various films have garnered her significant acclaim and a dedicated fan base. Known for her versatility as an actress, Rukmini has appeared in several high-profile projects, showcasing her talent and on-screen charisma. Her most recent 2 part film, Sapta Sagaradaache Ello, released as Side A and Side B, earned her a lot of critical acclaim. Beyond her acting, Rukminis vibrant social media presence has played a crucial role in enhancing her popularity. She actively engages with her fans, sharing updates about her life, projects, and personal style, which resonates well with her audience. Her fashion choices often attract attention, reflecting her unique sense of style. Rukmini Vasanth recently attended the Yuva Sambhrama program in Mysore, making a stylish appearance alongside the team of her upcoming film Bagheera. Joined by actor Murali, Rukmini embraced the festive spirit, wearing a stunning orange cotton saree that caught everyones eye. She shone at the Yuva Sambhrama program, adorning her hair with jasmine flowers and accentuating her look with a dabu on her waist. Rukmini Vasanth said she is honoured to grace the event. I was here last time when Sapta Sagaradaache Ello was released. This is my second visit and I am thrilled to be here this evening. She further requested the crowd to continue supporting Kannada films. The Yuva Sambhrama event, ongoing until October 1, focuses on the themes of Constitution, Unity, Democracy, and Kannada Land and Language. This vibrant festival showcases cultural performances that celebrate Karnatakas rich heritage and promote unity among its people. As part of this initiative, the best-performing troupes at Yuva Sambhrama will earn the opportunity to showcase their talents at the upcoming Yuva Dasara, which is set to begin on October 6 on the outskirts of Mysore. In a recent appearance at the India Today Conclave, Saif Ali Khan opened up about the backlash surrounding his film Adipurush, which has faced criticism since its release on June 16, 2023. An advocate from Uttar Pradesh filed a case against Saif and director Om Raut, claiming they hurt religious sentiments with their portrayal of the epic narrative. This controversy intensified after Saif suggested that the character of Raavan would be depicted as more humane, a statement he later retracted amid the uproar. Reflecting on the situation, Saif admitted that the backlash was unsettling. There was a case and some kind of decision taken up by the court that said an actor is responsible for what he says on screen, he noted. Saif expressed uncertainty about the extent of this issue, commenting, I know a lot of people are not free to say or do whatever they want. We all have to police ourselves slightly and be a bit careful; otherwise, there could be trouble. He emphasised the need for sensitivity when dealing with topics like religion, stating, There are certain areas like religion that you need to stay away from. We are not here to make trouble. Saif recalled his experience playing a politician in the series Tandav, which also encountered significant controversy, further shaping his understanding of the delicate balance required in storytelling. I played a politician in a show (Tandav) which ran into a fair amount of trouble. So, you learn from the job. You need to be away from these areas, he added. Saifs primary mission as an actor, he asserted, is to unite people through his work. Our profession is to bring the whole country together, irrespective of caste and creed, he said. Despite the backlash, Adipurush was created with good intentions, according to writer Manoj Muntashir, who later admitted the film was wrong in its execution. His candid acknowledgment reflected the ongoing discourse about the responsibilities of filmmakers in crafting sensitive narratives that resonate positively with audiences. As K-pop, K-dramas and K-films continue to captivate global audiences, K-actors are increasingly expressing their fondness for India. Recently, South Korean heartthrob Park Seo-Joon, renowned for his roles in dramas like Whats Wrong With Secretary Kim and She Was Pretty, shared his admiration for Bollywood films and expressed a desire to visit India. During a roundtable interview with the PTI, when asked if he would ever come to India to meet his fans, Seo-Joon said, If you invite me, anytime. I love Bollywood Yeah, please invite me. If I get the chance, Id love to fly over. The same emotion was resonated by his Gyeongseong Creature co-star, Han So-Hee, and its director Chung Dong-yoon. They nodded in agreement and said, Same here. In the same conversation, the Itaewon Class actor was questioned if the two-part Netflix thriller series Gyeongseong Creature appealed to him due to its unique story arc than the rest of the K-dramas. Seo-Joon opined that even if the narrative of dramas is the same, the way in which the story is told to the audience is where the difference lies. There are a lot of Korean dramas We have this whole history Because we have so many (dramas), there could be similar narratives and processes to making a show. But even if we have the same theme or narrative, like the way it unravels, is what makes a show unique or fun, he said. Seo-Joon further said, As an actor, its my job to provide different content, stories to the viewers. In that sense, Gyeongseong Creature makes (for) really good content, and Ill be waiting for your invitation to India. Not everything that happened between the past and the present are in the script, so I had to fill in the void with my own imagination. Gyeongseong Creatures first season premiered on the streaming platform in December 2023. The story, set in the spring of 1945, follows Jang Tae-sang, a wealthy and skilled businessman with a dark past and Yoon Chae-ok, a skilled bounty hunter during the Japanese occupation of Korea. Together, they try to unravel the mystery behind the disappearances in Gyeongseong. The second season of Gyeongseong Creature will start streaming on Netflix on Friday, September 27. The latest seasons story is set in present-day Seoul. About Seo Joons work front, he made his Hollywood debut last year with MCUs The Marvel and impressed his fans with two Korean films, Dream and Concrete Utopia. Trisha Krishnan is getting brutally trolled for allegedly supporting Harry Potter author JK Rowling amid her transphobic comments controversy. The author has made several comments against the transgender community since 2020 and has been called out by stars like Daniel Radcliff and Emma Watson. As per a Reddit post, Trisha shared Rowlings X post on her Instagram Story to extend her support and call her a boss. After a netizen wrote on X that they burnt Rowlings books, the author replied, I get the same royalties whether you read them or burn them. Enjoy your marshmallows. As per the Reddit post, Trisha shared this interaction on her story and wrote, Like a boss. However, Trishas story cannot be seen on her account at the time of publishing this article. Several fans questioned if Trisha is a transphobe or if this is just a PR fail and the actress was unaware of Rowlings comments. One person wrote, I wish I could earn money by doing literally nothing just like Trishas PR team. Another added, Why are people discounting the possibility that Trisha could be a transphobe as well if not her SM manager maybe? One Reddit user wrote, I think this is more of a PR fail. Trisha may not be aware of recent developments but her team should have known better! Another added, What a disappointment. For the unversed, back in 2020, JK Rowling reshared an essay on people who menstruate, taking issue with the fact that the word women was not used instead. People who menstruate. Im sure there used to be a word for those people. Someone help me out. Wumben? Wimpund? Woomud? she wrote. After receiving a lot of backlash for her remark, Rowling posted on X, If sex isnt real, theres no same-sex attraction. If sex isnt real, the lived reality of women globally is erased. I know and love trans people, but erasing the concept of sex removes the ability of many to meaningfully discuss their lives. It isnt hate to speak the truth. She continued, I respect every trans persons right to live any way that feels authentic and comfortable to them. Id march with you if you were discriminated against on the basis of being trans. At the same time, my life has been shaped by being female. I do not believe its hateful to say so. More recently, Rowling attacked Olympic athlete and Algerian boxer Imane Khelif with transphobic remarks. However, Khelif isnt a trans woman and the incident only highlighted Rowlings transphobia. Khelif then filed a cyberbullying suit against Rowling, Elon Musk and others who spread misinformation about her. The creators of Citadel recently held a special screening of both Citadel: Honey Bunny (India) and Citadel: Diana (Italy) in London, attended by Matilda De Angelis, alongside Priyanka Chopra, who stars in the original US version. Although Varun Dhawan, the lead of the Indian adaptation, was not physically present, he found a way to join the event virtually. The actor posted a series of edited photos, featuring a cutout of himself at the event, on Instagram, claiming, I was there. Coming up with a cheeky response to Varuns post, Primes Video suggested that critics might call it photoshopped. However, it was Varuns friend and co-star, Janhvi Kapoor, who stole the spotlight with her hilarious reaction. In the original pictures from the screening, the series lead Samantha is seen posing with the series directors, Raj and DK. Varun edited his cropped images in the post. London premiere of Citadel honey bunny. I was there. Trailer out in October, the caption read. In one of his edited photos, Varun wore a stylish blue and red striped suit, in another, looked dashing in a black outfit, a vibrant red suit and a green suit paired with a red shirt. Meanwhile, Varun, who frequently posts shirtless pictures on social media, didnt include one in his latest post. Janhvi noticed this change and jokingly mentioned, How come no shirtless, very unlike you. In an earlier interview with OTT Play, Raj and DK talking about Citadel: Honey Bunny said, Its a completely original story. Of course, its a part of the universe, but a lot of people tend to think its an adaptation or a remake. Thats not what it is. Its actually an independent series with an original story of its own thats just part of the universe thats been created by the Russo brothers. So thats the connection; the universe is the connection. The stories are independent. Citadels original series features Priyanka Chopra and Richard Madden in the lead. The Indian version of the series also stars Kay Kay Menon, Simran, Soham Majumdar, Shivankit Parihar, Kashvi Majmundar, Saqib Saleem and Sikandar Kher in supporting roles. The series is scheduled to release on Amazon Prime on November 7, 2024. Kriti Sanon has had a very busy schedule lately. Just days after she returned from London, she was again spotted at the Mumbai airport in the late hours of September 25. Once again, the Teri Baaton Mein Aisa Uljha Jiya actress turned heads with her chic style. She also briefly chatted with the paparazzi stationed outside the airport before she headed inside to catch her flight. In several videos, Kriti can be seen getting off her car and entering the airport when she gets swarmed by paparazzi. The actress was dressed in an all-black outfit comprising a spaghetti top and high-waisted trousers paired with a Burberry cardigan. She opted for a sleek neckpiece, dainty earrings a classy watch and a bag to complete her airport look. In a video, as she was entering the airport, Kriti stopped to ask the paparazzi, Aap log kaise pohonch gaye baarish mein (how did you guys come in such heavy rains)? They replied to her question by saying that they had settled down at the airport, leaving the actress all smiles. Further, they requested that she briefly stop and pose for them before she ventured inside the airport. Kriti jetted off to Abu Dhabi for her upcoming performance at IIFA 2024. She is scheduled to perform live at the ceremony on September 28. Apart from her, Shahid Kapoor, Rekha, Varun Dhawan and Janhvi Kapoor will also perform. Previously, when Kriti landed in Mumbai after attending the London Fashion Week, she once again got all chatty with the paparazzi. As the actress exited the airport wearing a white T-shirt paired with greyish cargo pants and sneakers, she noticed that one of the photographers left his slipper mid-way and gestured to him to wear it. Kriti then asked, Aap log joota kyu nahi pehente ho (why dont you guys wear shoes)? To which one of the paps replied, Baarish chalu hai maam (rain is still pouring). On the other hand, Kriti was recently declared the Global Brand Ambassador for Pepe Jeans, making her the first Indian celebrity to achieve this feat. The brand took to its social media channels to make the announcement. They mentioned, A first look of @kritisanon as our Global Brand Ambassador in our #VeryPepe campaign. The campaign embodies eclectic style, edgy attitude and our London roots! Its Very London. #VeryPepe Stay tuned. Kriti Sanon was last seen in the female-led heist movie Crew, co-starring Kareena Kapoor Khan and Tabu. At present, the 34-year-old actress has Do Patti, alongside Kajol and Tanvi Azmi, in the pipeline. The Shashanka Chaturvedi-helmed movie is going to be a captivating murder mystery set in the hills of north India. Cyber crimes are already on the rise and things are only going to get tougher with the emergence of GenAI. Latest report claims hackers without technical skills are able to utilise GenAI tools to create sophisticated malware. Most people are aware that deepfakes and morphing videos have become a piece of cake since the evolution of freely available GenAI tools but using these to create malware surely raises concerns among security experts and businesses. The HP Threats Insight Report highlights these issues and even found a few real-life cases that will surely be of concern to millions across the globe. PDF Tools, Malicious Images: The Big GenAI Threat Any hacking threat is a concern but when you add GenAI to the dangerous cocktail, it is evident that security experts are forewarning people. The companys report claims French-speaking users have already been targeted with these malicious attacks developed using GenAI tools to write the code. The analysts have deciphered the sophistication of these codes and realised that GenAI tools have been used to create the malware. The biggest issue with GenAI making its presence felt for the wrong reasons is that the same technology is being integrated into daily functions by businesses and the last thing they want is for the AI tech to have the nous to attack the system that runs it. And if GenAI wasnt enough for a credible threat, the report says files like PDFs, .RAR, and even Docx have become the prime focus of hackers to infect systems. Most users rely on these file types for their work and downloading them is a usual affair. One can inadvertently click on these to let the malware infect the device and thereby handing over the control to the bad actor. We have seen many companies use AI to simplify and mature their systems but if the same AI models become a threat, then detecting such issues might be harder than it already is right now. Microsoft Edge browser has a security issue that has been highlighted with a medium severity rating by the Indian Computer Emergency Response Team or CERT-In this week. The security agency in this September 24 bulletin, claims that the web browser from Microsoft has multiple security vulnerabilities that could allow an attacker to bypass the security of your device and give them access to the data stored on it. The security agency has given it a medium severity rating which might sound casual but the overall impact could be damaging. CERT-In Warning For Edge Users Multiple vulnerabilities exist in Microsoft Edge (Chromium) due to inappropriate implementation in UI, Autofill & V8,insufficient data validation in Omnibox, Type confusion in V8, incorrect security UI in downloads, out of bounds write issue and improper neutralisation of input during web page generation. A remote attacker could exploit these issues by persuading the victim to visit a specially crafted website/HTML page. They will also be able to trigger remote code execution, perform UI spoofing, exploit stack, and heap corruption on the targeted system. Fair to say that even though the alert has a medium rating, the longish security details from Microsoft suggest a quick update is critical, if you want to protect your device from bad actors. Microsoft Edge Security Risk: Who Is Affected If youre using the Chromium-based Edge browser with version prior to 129.0.2792.52 then you need to update the browser for your system right away. Microsoft Edge Update: How To Get It You can head over to Microsoft Edge on your Windows PC and do the following: Click on the three-dot menu on the top-right Hover over Help and Feedback Click on About Microsoft Edge The browser start looking for a new version and update to the latest one and reboot to take effect Since its debut in 2008, Taarak Mehta Ka Ooltah Chashmah (TMKOC) has become one of the most popular sitcoms in India. Throughout the years, the show has seen many new faces join its ensemble cast, while others have departed for various reasons. One such departure that left fans in shock was that of Shailesh Lodha, who portrayed the titular character. His unexpected exit from the show dismayed many loyal viewers. Once, during an interview with Lallantop, the 54-year-old actor shared why he left the show abruptly. He revealed that the shows producer, Asit Kumarr Modi, had verbally disrespected him, leading him to decide to exit the show all of a sudden. Lodha recalled that he was invited as a celebrity guest to a stand-up comedy show titled Good Night India on SAB TV. Just a day before the scheduled telecast of an episode, Taarak Mehta Ka Ooltah Chashmah (TMKOC) producer Asit Modi called Shailesh Lodha to question his appearance on another show. Lodha clarified that he was invited as poet Shailesh Lodha and not as TMKOCs Taarak Mehta. He stated, I shot for it and even recited a poem there. A day before the telecast, Taarak Mehtas producer called me asking how I could be on that show. Sharing that Asit Modi used derogatory language, the poet-turned-actor said, Unhone (Asit Modi) asabhya bhasha mein baat ki, jo mujhse bardaasht nahi huyi (I could not tolerate the uncultured language he used for me) and further added, A show is made by many people coming together and not just one person. I thus mailed him on February 17, 2022, that I would not like to continue with the show. In the same interview, Lodha revealed that the producers had not cleared his payments, even when he understood they needed more time to conclude his part. He alleged that the producer withheld his payment as a means of manipulation. Lodha also mentioned that Modi had asked him to sign certain papers, which he declined as he was uninterested in further dealings with the producer. After a prolonged delay, he sent another email indicating that he would continue shooting as a gesture of goodwill but would cease thereafter. Lodha further noted that the producers insisted he sign an agreement, which he viewed as an attempt to silence him. He remarked, Why do I take his permission before going on social media or speaking to the media? These are my basic rights. And why do I do it after I leave the show? The matter was never about money or payment but about how he spoke in an insulting tone. I had to go to the court, and the settlement was done. Shailesh won the legal battle earlier in 2023, freeing himself from the shackles of TMKOC, which he had been part of since its inception. Now, Sachin Shroff currently plays his part. An American woman, who first visited India with her husband in 2017 and has been living in Delhi for the past two years, believes that India is better than the United States. Kristen Fischer describes America as a highly individualistic and socially isolated society, lacking the deep sense of community, culture, and life that she has found in India. She emphasised that there is more to life than money, expressing that her time in India has brought her a sense of joy and fulfilment that she didnt experience in the US. In a detailed video, Fischer explained why she chose to live in India over America. She captioned the video by saying, Its always the same question, Why would I ever leave America to move to India?, adding that people assume India is worse and America is better, a perception she believes is misguided. Read| Indian Company Terminates Employee, Demands 3-Month Salary in Exchange for Experience Letter If you are in India and thinking that life in America is so much better and you are just thinking to yourself I cant wait to leave India. I want to get out of here. I want to go somewhere better like America. Oftentimes, people ask me why on Earth I would have left America to come to India and I will tell you why, Fischer says in the video. She clarifies, Dont get me wrong. I love America, I was raised there. I have my family there. Its a great place but its by no means a perfect place. And even places like America have a lot of issues. America is a very individualistic society. Very socially isolated. Every man for themselves kind of mentality and people are hardly willing to go out of their way to help people that they dont know. India on the other hand, is full of life and colour and culture and community and an overall sense of togetherness. People are so hospitable and they go out of their way to help people no matter what, the mom of three further said, adding, I think my kids are being set up for a more successful life and future in India. In India, you are never alone. Anywhere you go, there are tons of people. I have met so many Indians living in America who have asked where everybody is. Where are the people? And they have felt very socially isolated and alone living in America, she remarks. Also Read| American Womans Hilarious Take On Indian English Goes Viral So, sure. You can make more money living in the US. And if thats your only goal in life then maybe youll be happy there. But I believe that there is so much more to life than just making money. There are a lot better reasons to want to live somewhere, to raise your family somewhere and I believe that joy, that fulfilment and that kind of life is what we can find living in India, Fischer concluded. After watching the video, many even took to the comments section to share their thoughts. While many agreed with her, others shared contrasting views. Making money in US is also not easy. Cost of living in US is too high. Purchasing power in India is far better than US and people in India with different socio economic background live cohesively, said an individual. Another added, Perfectly said. Im a Tibetan, born and raised in India but now Dutch Citizen. When I was in India my life was way better in terms of mind and Health. You never feel alone. Im thinking of moving back to India next year! Many people come to America thinking they will return to India after they make money, but by the time they do, their kids have integrated here and its just too hard to move back, wrote yet another Instagram user. A fourth said, There is no perfect place. You make your own perfect, India or America. A boarding school in China has found itself at the centre of controversies after incidents of students being punished by staff members for using the toilet at night came to light. A student, from Yundong Secondary School in Shanxi province, who went to the washroom at 11:00 pm, 15 minutes past curfew, was caught and reprimanded by the staff members. After the incident surfaced online, the boarding school had to face heat from people, who said the school resembled a prison environment with such strict regulations. A South China Morning Post (SCMP) report said, citing Beijing News, that the administrators forced the boy to write a deep self-reflection letter and distribute 1,000 photocopies of the essay to his schoolmates as punishment. In addition to that, the school also deducted five points from his classs monthly discipline score. Moreover, an anonymous teacher informed Beijing News that students were prohibited from walking around the dormitory after 10:45 pm, and there were restrictions on using the toilet as well. In case a student needs to use the toilet after curfew, they reportedly need to contact dorm administrators for permission, reported SCMP. As asked, the student wrote the self-reflection essay. It read, I have seriously breached the school rules, and going to the toilet in the evening not only disturbed other students sleep but also brought shame to my class. The boy also apologised to his classmates and teachers, promising not to repeat this behaviour in the future. The incident also gained traction on social media, sparking significant criticism against the school. Following the outrage, the Education Department of Huairen responded and asked the institute to reflect on their errors, reported the South China Morning Post. The education authority stated, We instructed the school to learn from this incident and reflect on its errors. We told them to revise their discipline policies. Furthermore, the department advised the school to engage with the boy in a caring manner and mandated compensation of 100 yuan (approximately Rs 1,100) to cover the costs of copying the self-reflection essay. In wake of this incident, the officials have also directed all schools in the city to implement appropriate and humane discipline policies to avoid a recurrence of the late-night bathroom incident. Meghan Markles former staff members have spoken out, and while some described her as ambitious and hardworking, others referred to her as a demon and psycho. This revelation comes after a recent article in US Weekly sought to portray Markle in a better light as a good boss who buys her staff bunches of fresh flowers and home-grown eggs, making them feel like seeds being watered. The Daily Beast reported that while some of her former staff members testified Markle was caring, there were others subjected to threatening behaviour by her. One anonymous source, who worked with Meghan when she was still a member of the royal family said, There definitely were bad, very bad, even psycho moments. According to this source, people have been more focused on Markle after she left her royal duties stating that other royals like Princess Margaret and Prince Andrew have been involved in some similar acts yet they continue to hold their royal duties. The major gripe stemmed from a memo sent by Markles ex-press secretary, Jason Knauf, complaining about her treatment of the palace staff. In the complaint, Knauf accused her of bullying two personal assistants to resign and was determined to destabilise another. In 2018, Knauf wrote to Prince Williams then-private secretary Simon Case, saying: I am very concerned that the duchess was able to bully two PAs out of the household in the past year. The treatment of X was totally unacceptable. This letter, which came to public domain before Markles interview with Oprah Winfrey, was also used as the confirmation of a toxic workplace. The Duchess of Sussex previously accused the London Times of seeking to smear her when it published the Knauf letter, pointing out that the revelations were published shortly before her highly anticipated interview with Winfrey. Josh Kettler, who was employed by Prince Harry and Markle for only a short time, told the Daily Beast that the two were committed and diligent workers but did not explain why he left after working for the couple for three months only. Similarly, few other former aides spoke only good things about the couple and their experience working with them. This report came after Us Weekly provided a much more pleasant narrative including positive remarks from Ben Browning, who worked on her and Prince Harrys documentary for Netflix in 2022 and Catherine St-Laurent, their former chief of staff, who said she had nice interactions with them and supported the couple. But the Hollywood Reporter provided a different view of events with insiders citing her as belittling her staff and becoming a dictator in high heels. A source said that he witnessed her causing grown men to cry. Over the years, both Markle and Prince Harry have had their problems with high staff turnover rates. Earlier this year, Buckingham Palace reportedly looked into allegations of bullying against the Duchess but the outcome was never disclosed to the public. NASA astronaut Tracy C. Dyson has safely landed back on Earth following her six-month mission in the International Space Station (ISS). Together with crew members, Roscosmos cosmonauts Oleg Kononenko and Nikolai Chub, Dysons mission was successfully concluded by a parachute landing in Kazakhstan. The trio undocked from the ISS on September 23 aboard the Soyuz MS-25 spacecraft. Dyson was launched earlier this year on March 23 and reached the ISS within two days of the lift-off. She arrived at the station with Belarusian spaceflight participant Marina Vasilevskaya, together with Roscosmos cosmonaut Oleg Novitskiy. Novitskiy and Vasilevskaya, together with NASA astronaut Loral OHara, left the station on April 6 and returned to Earth after spending 12 days on board. Her mission lasted 184 days and in that time she orbited the Earth 2,944 times and travelled more than 78 million miles. She also completed a 31-minute spacewalk. Her total spacewalk duration, spread across four spacewalks, was 23 hours and 20 minutes. After 184 days in space, 2,944 orbits of the Earth, 78 million miles traveled, and a safe landing, astronaut Tracy Dysons mission concludes. pic.twitter.com/csgJcgSTSZ NASA (@NASA) September 23, 2024 While on the space station, Dyson participated in the following major scientific experiments: Worked on the 3D bioprinter facility to build the cardiac tissues and facilitate the development of organ transplantation. Involved in the crystallisation of model proteins to assess pharma production equipment. Supervised the program that utilises student-created software to operate autonomous flying machines on the ISS, with the goal of fostering future inventors. Crewmates Achievements Oleg Kononenko has conducted his fifth space mission setting a new record of 1,111 days in space. On his first flight, Nikolai Chub had 374 days in space, covered 158.6 million miles and orbited the Earth 5,984 times. Notably, Kononenko and Chub, who spent 374 days on the ISS, shattered all previous records for the longest stays on the station. Before them, NASAs Frank Rubio and fellow cosmonauts Sergei Prokopyev and Dmitry Petelin held the record with 371 days while they were stationed at the ISS from September 2022 to September 2023. This makes Kononenko the most experienced spaceman currently. On the other hand, following post-landing medical examinations, Dyson will board a NASA aircraft headed for the Johnson Space Centre in Houston. International travel can sometimes involve long layovers, which can be quite a hassle for passengers. Cramped seating and uncomfortable waiting areas often lead to body aches and headaches, especially when its an overnight stop. However, when the airport is as luxurious as the Abu Dhabi International Airport, one perhaps wont mind having a few hours to spare. An Indian travellers recent post on a layover in Abu Dhabi has caught the attention of social media users. The clip shows an expansive space, devoid of the usual hustle and bustle of passengers waiting in transit. We see an array of luxury brands such as Hermes, Balenciaga and Gucci, among others. Along with this, he also shared glimpses of the impeccable lounge available to passengers. Sharing the video, X user Katreek who was on his way to Madrid, humorously wrote, 13 hours overnight layover in Abu Dhabi before I fly to Madrid. This airport is basically a luxury mall where flights also land & take off. 13 hours overnight layover in Abu Dhabi before I fly to Madrid. this airport is basically a luxury mall where flights also land & take off pic.twitter.com/YV0XSmi55P Karteek (@hkarteek) September 24, 2024 The Abu Dhabi International Airport is famous for its passenger-friendly facilities including luxury shops, Etihad Airways lounges, duty-free shopping and multiple chains of restaurants. Proving this right, Katreek further shared his experience of the Abu Dhabi airport in a follow-up post where he displayed other grand amenities available to passengers. These included a world-class lounge with comfortable couches with attached restrooms where guests could even take hot showers. We also see a glimpse of his healthy and tasty meal. He quipped over how the Emiratis have decoded luxury and hospitality like no one else. Karteek said, Didnt even know one could take long hot showers in an airport. The very concept of lounges was alien but it is totally worth getting yourself a nice credit card that enables access especially if you travel international. also side notethe Emiratis have cracked luxury & hospitality like no one else. didnt even know one could take long hot showers in an airport. the very concept of lounges was alien. but it is totally worth getting yourself a nice credit card that enables access especially if you travel international.also side notethe Emiratis have cracked luxury & pic.twitter.com/hMkg9tz7d6 Karteek (@hkarteek) September 24, 2024 Reacting to the post, a social media user said, Thats some layover Thats some layover Amit Malik (@amitmalik99) September 24, 2024 Another curious user asked, Flying next month there. Any tips/recommendations on the things to do? Flying next month there. Any tips/recommendations on the things to do? Reyaz Ahmad (@reyaz_ahmad_) September 24, 2024 Which is the most luxurious airport that you have been to? Generally, at a school, there are stories of fights and beefs between students, that sometimes lead to rustications and even news headlines. But the situation is opposite at this school in Madhya Pradesh, where two teachers got into a physical altercation. According to Local18, the incident took place in Gwalior, at the Government Secondary School Adupura. The teachers Vidya Raturi and Shishupal Singh Jadaun, were at odds with each other over a grave matter. The tension between the two escalated so much, that it led to a physical fight, added the reports. The situation got so bad that the other teachers were too shocked to intervene with the two and it only got worse. The female teacher accused the male of recording her in the washroom, leading to a dispute, the reports further state. After the video of the fight went viral, one of the teachers decided to complain with the higher police officials. The students reportedly shared the video on Facebook, through which it gained even more attention. As per reports, the media attempted to get more information on the matter from the education department, but no one seemed ready to break their silence. This silence of the department has made the situation even more serious. The reports added that the incident took place on a Wednesday morning when Shishupal was accused by Vidya of following her to the washroom and making a video. According to Vidya, the students have informed them the male teachers make secret videos from outside. She added, In case a teacher gets late by a few minutes, they insult us in front of the students. The viral video seems to be a short Instagram live, which captured the argument as well as the fight between the teachers. It starts with the teachers in a heated argument with each other, the female teacher even confronts the person recording the video. It then reveals two educators ready to beat each other, on the stairs. Shishupal then shows his bleeding nose to the camera saying, Inhone pehle mujhe kyu mara? (Why did she hit me first?) To this, Vidya retorts, Jhoota (Liar). According to Alok Singh Bhadauria, Siroli station in-charge, complaints have been filed by both parties and action is expected to be taken. Social media is a hub for entertaining clips and a recent video shared by digital creator Arindam Sarkar on Instagram has left viewers amused. In the clip, Arindam approaches a schoolgirl and asks her for the full form of CBI (Central Bureau of Investigation). The girl smiles but is unable to answer. Just then, a boy passing by confidently responds with, Central Bank of India, before walking away. The boy later returns, and Arindam continues to quiz him. When asked about the full form of IAS (Indian Administrative Service), the boy gives a partially incorrect answer, Indian Administration Services. However, he correctly identifies the full form of DM as District Magistrate. He also gets the full forms of BSF (Border Security Force) and CID (Crime Investigation Department) right. Impressed by the boys knowledge, Arindam rewards him with chocolates. The video has gone viral, amassing over 13 million views and still counting. Social media users were impressed with the boys intelligence and how he replied to the incorrect answer to only two questions. Average Backbencher, commented one of the users. Another wrote, The power of topper. Others wrote the correct form of CBI in the comment section. Arindam has shared many other clips on her Instagram feed that show him asking questions to 2 girls. The creator assures them of a pizza if they manage to answer his questions correctly. The first question is the Indias national anthem to which she replies, Jana Gana Mana. She also manages to answer the second question correctly, i.e., Vande Mataram by Bankim Chandra Chatterjee. Arindam, the creator, then questions both women about their language of completing their education. One of those girls replied in the Bengali medium, to which he asked her to narrate the Hindi Varnamala in Bengali. She says it fluently. On the completion of the video, as promised, the creator gifts them the pizzas for answering all the questions correctly. The video has garnered more than 1 million views. Users appreciated the girls intelligence. Delivering his address at the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) on Wednesday, French President Emmanuel Macron voiced strong support for Indias inclusion in a reformed UN Security Council (UNSC) as a permanent member. Speaking at the General Assembly in New York, Macron also supported the candidacy of Brazil, Germany, Japan, and two countries from Africa. Lets make the UN more efficient. We need to make it more representative and thats why France is in favour of the Security Council being expanded, he said. Germany, Japan, India, and Brazil should be permanent members, along with two countries that Africa will decide to represent them, he added. Watch: At UNGA address, French President Emmanuel Macron backs Indias Inclusion in reformed UNSC; he also backed Brazil, Germany, Japan & 2 countries from Africa pic.twitter.com/IAQHZLMCAi Sidhant Sibal (@sidhant) September 26, 2024 What Is The UNSC? As one of the six main organs of the UN, the Security Council is responsible for maintaining international peace and security. It consists of 15 members: five permanent members with veto power (the United States, China, France, Russia, and the United Kingdom) and 10 non-permanent members elected for two-year terms. The Councils primary functions include the investigation of conflicts, the establishment of peacekeeping operations, the imposition of sanctions, and the authorisation of military action when necessary. It plays a crucial role in addressing global crises and conflicts, making it a key player in international diplomacy. Why Are Reforms The Need Of The Hour? The question of equitable representation has been on the Assemblys agenda since 1979. However, the calls for reform grew louder amid widening conflict worldwide. The UN General Assembly concluded its discussion on Security Council reform in November 2022, when member states had agreed on the need to modernise the 15-member body to maintain the relevance of the United Nations. With the UNSC failing to pass resolutions to stop the Russia-Ukraine war, questions were raised on the veto power of some permanent members. The veto is not a right, but rather a privilege unfairly granted to some member states in violation of the United Nations Charter, the representative of Iran had emphasised. He had also noted that the majority of the Councils members were Western nations. For years now, several member states have backed the idea of expanding both the permanent and non-permanent member categories. Indias Bid For Permanent Seat Several nations, including permanent UNSC members like the US, have expressed support for Indias inclusion in this powerful group. However, China has opposed such a move. Under successive governments, India has continued its efforts to move the process of UNSC reforms forward, including by engaging actively in the ongoing Intergovernmental Negotiations (IGN) on the 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. Macrons latest push for Indias bid came just days after Prime Minister Narendra Modi advocated for reformed multilateral forums at the UN stage. On Monday, PM Modi stressed that the future relevance of UN agencies hinges on how swiftly they can reform, implicitly referencing Indias bid for a permanent seat on the Security Council. The long pending UNSC reform continues to be a big talking point. On Sunday, Quad leaders called for urgent reforms to the UNSC to make it more representative and called for its expansion to include representation from more countries. After the leaders summit in President Joe Bidens hometown, Quad leaders 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. Nobel laureate and chief adviser to the interim Bangladesh government Muhammad Yunus this week accepted that there was design and conspiracy involved in the ouster of Sheikh Hasina, the nations former Prime Minister. Speaking at the Clinton Global Initiatives annual meeting, where he was welcomed by former US President Bill Clinton and incumbent President Joe Biden, Yunus paid tribute to Bangladeshi student leaders. They are the ones creating the new version of Bangladeshlets wish them every success, he said. During his speech, Yunus said that no one could make out who was behind the protests but also named Mahfuj Abdullah, indicating that he played a role in Hasinas ouster from the country. He stressed that this was meticulously designed and did not happen by chance. The 84-year-old economist was appointed as the countrys chief advisor in August following the bloody, student-led movement that ousted Hasina, who has since fled the country. There are concerns that the student protests may have been hijacked by external forces. Meanwhile, amid the ongoing turmoil in the country, Biden has offered support as Bangladesh implements its new reform agenda. The US-Bangladesh relationship is rooted in shared democratic values and strong people-to-people ties, the White House stated. An invisible hand This reaffirmation of strong ties between the US and Bangladesh comes in light of earlier reports from CNN-News18, which suggested that an invisible hand played a role in the removal of Sheikh Hasina, following deadly protests demanding reform to a jobs reservation system. Top intelligence sources told CNN-News18 the event was an official introduction at the world stage for the Nobel laureate. Yunus and his association with the US is well-known, the official had said. During the Clinton Global Initiatives event, Clinton said, A few people on this planet have done as much (as Yunus) to change the lives of ordinary people who would never have had access to credit. Clinton and Yunus friendship dates back to the 1980s, when Clinton, then governor of Arkansas, invited Yunus to visit and share his approach to alleviating poverty through small loans, which had successfully empowered impoverished Bangladeshi women without access to traditional banking services. Yunus, in turn, thanked Clinton for believing in him in his early days, and for standing by him despite criticism at the time for promoting a Bangladeshi economists ideas in America. The sources also reminded that Hasina in an interview accepted that a certain nation wanted her removed because she did not want to deal with them on a port issue. In an earlier interview, Hasina had claimed that she was approached by a white man who offered to build an airbase in return for a smooth re-election in the 2024 general elections which was boycotted by the opposition parties. She had warned that conspiracies are still on to carve a new country out of Bangladesh, like East Timor. The Awami League supremo also added that the white man is also targeting several other nations with his offers. (With inputs from AFP) China notified France before test-firing a long-range ballistic missile into the Pacific on Wednesday, authorities in French Polynesia said, adding that the weapon had landed within its exclusive economic zone. The missile test, which Chinas defence ministry said was carrying a dummy warhead, was its first such exercise in decades. The Chinese authorities previously notified their French counterparts of this test, the French High Commission said in a statement, adding that France would make its position on the test known. French Polynesia President Moetai Brotherson earlier told AFP that the missile fell not far from the Marquesas Islands, within the territorys exclusive economic zone. Beijing has stepped up its nuclear development and boosted defence spending in recent years, with the Pentagon warning last October that China was developing its arsenal more quickly than the United States had anticipated. China held more than 500 operational nuclear warheads as of May 2023 and is likely to have more than 1,000 by 2030, the Pentagon said. Beijings defence ministry said the intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) had carried a dummy warhead and the missile fell into expected sea areas on Wednesday. It also said that the firing was a routine arrangement in our annual training plan and not directed against any country or target. The United States said it received some advanced notification of this ICBM test, describing this as a step in the right direction that helps prevent misperception or miscalculation. But the launch sparked protests from countries in the region, with Chinas neighbour Japan saying it had not been given advance notice. Australia said it was seeking an explanation, while New Zealand calling the launch an unwelcome and concerning development. The Israeli military on Thursday killed Hezbollah drone commander Mohammed Srur, aka Abu Saleh, in an airstrike on a Beirut apartment building. The Israeli Defence Forces (IDF) released a video of the attack and said that the mission was carried out by the Israeli Air Force and the Intelligence Division. It said the strike was carried out in the Hezbollah stronghold of Dahiyeh. In recent years, he was one of the project leaders for the production of unmanned aerial vehicles in Lebanon, established sites to create explosives and drones in Lebanon, some of which were located under civilian buildings in the capitals and other areas in Lebanon, the IDF said in a statement. , 26 2024, , , >> pic.twitter.com/9btewwdOwE (@idfonline) September 26, 2024 Precise strikes in Beirut The strike was close to the building where the head of Hezbollahs elite Radwan Force, Ibrahim Aqil, and other commanders were killed in a strike last Friday. The Lebanese health ministry said that the Beirut strikes killed two people and an official said that three missiles targeted a residential apartment in a 10-storey building. Hezbollah, in the aftermath of the strikes, had confirmed that its drone chief was targeted by Israeli forces. A source close to the group told news agency AFP that Israeli airstrikes targeted Mohammed Srur. The Israeli strike targeted the commander of Hezbollahs drone unit, Mohammed Srur, known as Abu Saleh, whose fate is still unclear, the Hezbollah official said at the time, after the Israeli military said it was carrying out precise strikes in Beirut. Hezbollah has now confirmed the death of the head of its air operations, Muhammad Hussein Sarour https://t.co/Ktir8MnmeG pic.twitter.com/ZbWdA5T3xK Israel War Room (@IsraelWarRoom) September 26, 2024 Who Was Mohammed Srur? Srur studied mathematics and was among a number of top advisers sent by Hezbollah to Yemen to train the countrys Houthi rebels, who are also backed by Iran, AFP said. He joined Hezbollah in the 1980s, Israeli news media outlets reported. The IDF has already killed top Hezbollah commanders like Ibrahim Qubaisi, Ibrahim Aqil, Fuad Shukr, Mohammed Nasser and Taleb Abdallah and Srurs death marked at least the fourth time Israel has targeted the groups top commanders in recent days. Full force strikes Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Thursday vowed to carry out full force strikes against Hezbollah until it ceases firing rockets across the border, dimming hopes for a cease-fire proposal put forth by U.S. and European officials. Netanyahu spoke as he arrived in New York to attend the annual gathering of world leaders at the UN General Assembly, where U.S. and European officials were putting heavy pressure on both sides of the conflict to accept a proposed 21-day halt in the fighting to give time for diplomacy and avert all-out war. The BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir in Californias Sacramento city was vandalised with anti-Hindu messages on Wednesday night, less than 10 days after a similar act of desecration was reported at the BAPS temple in New York. Among the disturbing messages found on the walls of the temple in Sacramento were Hindus Go Back, triggering concerns among the local Hindu community. BAPS Public Affairs took to X and said, Less than 10 days after the desecration of the BAPS Mandir in New York, our Mandir in the Sacramento, CA area was desecrated last night with anti-Hindu hate: Hindus go back! We stand united against hate with prayers for peace. Less than 10 days after the desecration of the @BAPS Mandir in New York, our Mandir in the Sacramento, CA area was desecrated last night with anti-Hindu hate: Hindus go back! We stand united against hate with prayers for peace. BAPS Public Affairs (@BAPS_PubAffairs) September 25, 2024 No place for religious bigotry According to the Sacramento County Sheriffs Office, sheriff deputies responded to the BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir in Mather, near Rancho Cordova, where the graffiti was discovered. Deputies also said that vandals had also cut water lines at the property. Responding to the vandalism, Ami Bera, representing Sacramento County in the US House of Representatives posted on X, There is no place for religious bigotry and hatred in #SacramentoCounty. I strongly condemn this apparent act of vandalism in our community. All of us must stand against intolerance and ensure that everyone in our community, regardless of faith, feels safe and respected. Indian-American lawmaker Rohit Khanna said, This type of hate against Hindu Americans and vandalism is appalling and morally wrong. The Department of Justice must investigate these hate crimes, and those responsible should be held fully accountable under the law. Immediate action Another Indian-American lawmaker Shri Thanedar condemned the incident and said that immediate action is needed from the US federal government. BAPS Hindu temple in Sacramento, CA was vandalised overnight with anti Hindu slogans. Immediate action is need from the DOJ. The people responsible for such hate be identified and prosecuted, he said in a post on X. BAPS Hindu temple in Sacramento, CA was vandalised overnight with anti Hindu slogans. Immediate action is need from the DOJ. The people responsible for such hate be identified and procecuted. https://t.co/O5Jpn4dUtF Shri Thanedar (@ShriThanedar) September 25, 2024 Hindu American Foundation, promoting human dignity, mutual respect, and pluralism thanked Beri for raising the issue of hate crime targeting a Hindu temple. Thank you @RepBera. This vandalism is an anti-Hindu hate crime targeting a Hindu temple with messages conflating Hindus with the Govt of India and telling Hindus to go home, posted Hindu American Foundation on X. The earlier incident, at the BAPS Swaminarayan Temple in New York, happened on September 17, drawing condemnation from the Consulate General of India in New York. Several US lawmakers had also condemned the incident and called for swift action against the vandals. In yet another gaffe, US President Joe Biden experienced a moment of confusion during a speech at a New York hotel on Wednesday, where he mistakenly welcomed world leaders to Washington. This blunder comes as the outgoing US president has faced scrutiny over his mental and physical fitness for office. In his Manhattan address, Biden expressed gratitude to the leaders gathered for the annual UN General Assembly, saying, Thank you, thank you, thank you. Welcome to Washington. Without acknowledging his error, he continued with his remarks and reaffirmed US support for Ukraine amid ongoing conflict with Russia. He noted that Russian President Vladimir Putin has waged war on Ukraine for 944 days. Biden forgets hes in NYC, tells world leaders Welcome to Washington during speech in Manhattan https://t.co/vzWJds2ouK pic.twitter.com/LsH63eNiC1 New York Post (@nypost) September 25, 2024 Series of gaffes The event was scheduled to coincide with the annual meeting of the United Nations General Assembly in New York, which Biden addressed on Tuesday. During the Wednesday gathering, Biden spoke ahead of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. In a notable blunder, Biden referred to Zelenskyy simply as Mr. President, neglecting to use his surname. This comes on the heels of a misstep at the NATO summit in July, where Biden mistakenly introduced Zelensky as President Putin. Just hours earlier, he had called Vice President Kamala Harris Vice President Trump. Following Bidens remarks, UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer addressed the gathering in person, while Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni spoke via video feed, the New York Post reported. At 81, Biden is the oldest president in US history. He suspended his campaign for a second term on July 21 after a challenging debate against former President Donald Trump, 78, on June 27. During that debate, Biden appeared confused and made several incoherent statements, including one about finally beating Medicare. US House Speaker Mike Johnson said in July, If Joe Biden is not fit to run for President, he is not fit to serve as President. He must resign immediately. Rep. Marie Gluesenkamp Perez also expressed concerns about Bidens health and decision-making abilities, emphasizing that Americans deserve to feel their president is fit enough to do the job. Bidens current term ends on Jan. 20. A proposal for a 21-day ceasefire in Lebanon was unveiled by France and the United States on Wednesday as the death toll mounted from Israeli strikes against Hezbollah and reports emerged about Tel Avivs plans for a potential ground invasion of Lebanon. Israeli army chief Herzi Halevi on Wednesday told his troops that the jets flying overhead towards Lebanon are there to prepare the ground for your possible entry and to continue degrading Hezbollah. According to BBC, the IDF is calling up two reserve brigades for operational missions in the northern parts of the country and positioning them closer to the Lebanese border. Following are the top updates amid the IsraelHezbollah crisis: READ MORE: Prepare Yourselves: Israel Army Chief Tells Troops To Get Ready To Enter Lebanon Lebanese Prime Minister Najib Mikati expressed hope that a ceasefire can be reached soon to end fighting between Israel and Iran-backed Hezbollah that has shaken his country. Mikati welcomed the call for a truce but said the key to its implementation was whether Israel, which has been moving troops closer to Lebanon, is committed to enforcing international resolutions. Asked if a ceasefire could be secured soon, Mikati told Reuters: Hopefully, yes. Mikatis caretaker administration includes ministers chosen by Hezbollah, widely seen as the countrys most powerful political force. Najib Mikati expressed hope that a ceasefire can be reached soon to end fighting between Israel and Iran-backed Hezbollah that has shaken his country. Mikati welcomed the call for a truce but said the key to its implementation was whether Israel, which has been moving troops closer to Lebanon, is committed to enforcing international resolutions. Asked if a ceasefire could be secured soon, Mikati told Reuters: Hopefully, yes. Mikatis caretaker administration includes ministers chosen by Hezbollah, widely seen as the countrys most powerful political force. Temporary ceasefire: French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot said the two Western powers were proposing a temporary ceasefire of 21 days to allow for negotiations. It is urgent that all actors engage resolutely on a path of de-escalation, Barrot told the UNSC during an emergency meeting it held on the Israeli-Hezbollah crisis. French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot said the two Western powers were proposing a temporary ceasefire of 21 days to allow for negotiations. It is urgent that all actors engage resolutely on a path of de-escalation, Barrot told the UNSC during an emergency meeting it held on the Israeli-Hezbollah crisis. During the UNSC meeting , UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres urged an immediate ceasefire in Lebanon and warned, Hell is breaking loose. Guterres urged the Security Council to work in lock-step to end the escalating violence between Israeli forces and Hezbollah militants across the Blue Line in southern Lebanon. , UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres urged an immediate ceasefire in Lebanon and warned, Hell is breaking loose. Guterres urged the Security Council to work in lock-step to end the escalating violence between Israeli forces and Hezbollah militants across the Blue Line in southern Lebanon. Hell is breaking loose in Lebanon the UN chief warned, noting that the exchanges of fire along the UN-patrolled line of separation have expanded in scope, depth and intensity. Monday saw Lebanons bloodiest day in a generation, as Israel continues to bombard largely Hezbollah-controlled territory, doubling down on the devastating electronic device attacks which killed hundreds last week. the UN chief warned, noting that the exchanges of fire along the UN-patrolled line of separation have expanded in scope, depth and intensity. Monday saw Lebanons bloodiest day in a generation, as Israel continues to bombard largely Hezbollah-controlled territory, doubling down on the devastating electronic device attacks which killed hundreds last week. Israel said it welcomed diplomacy on Lebanon but vowed to pursue its goal of degrading Hezbollah. We are grateful for all those who are making a sincere effort with diplomacy to avoid escalation, to avoid a full war, Israels envoy to the United Nations, Danny Danon, told reporters before entering the session. We will use all means at our disposal, in accordance with international law, to achieve our aims, Danon said. on Lebanon but vowed to pursue its goal of degrading Hezbollah. We are grateful for all those who are making a sincere effort with diplomacy to avoid escalation, to avoid a full war, Israels envoy to the United Nations, Danny Danon, told reporters before entering the session. We will use all means at our disposal, in accordance with international law, to achieve our aims, Danon said. The violence comes after the failure to reach a ceasefire in Gaza where Israel for nearly a year has been seeking to wipe out Hamas. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi warned that Tehran, which in recent weeks has held back on retaliatory strikes on Israel after attacks targeting Iranian interests, may no longer be restrained. where Israel for nearly a year has been seeking to wipe out Hamas. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi warned that Tehran, which in recent weeks has held back on retaliatory strikes on Israel after attacks targeting Iranian interests, may no longer be restrained. The region is on the brink of a full-scale catastrophe . If unchecked, the world will face catastrophic consequences, he told reporters. Israel went ahead with the offensive in Lebanon despite repeated appeals by the United States to avoid a wider war. Risk of escalation in the region is acute, said Secretary of State Antony Blinken, who has made 10 trips to the Middle East since Hamas carried out the deadliest attack ever on Israel on October 7, 2023. . If unchecked, the world will face catastrophic consequences, he told reporters. Israel went ahead with the offensive in Lebanon despite repeated appeals by the United States to avoid a wider war. Risk of escalation in the region is acute, said Secretary of State Antony Blinken, who has made 10 trips to the Middle East since Hamas carried out the deadliest attack ever on Israel on October 7, 2023. Indian Embassy In Lebanon : Amid escalating violence in the region, the Indian Embassy in Beirut on Wednesday urged its nationals to leave Lebanon and warned them against travelling to the Arab state. It also advised Indians to exercise extreme caution while remaining in the country, which is on the brink of an all-out war with Israel. : Amid escalating violence in the region, the Indian Embassy in Beirut on Wednesday urged its nationals to leave Lebanon and warned them against travelling to the Arab state. It also advised Indians to exercise extreme caution while remaining in the country, which is on the brink of an all-out war with Israel. All Indian nationals already in Lebanon are also strongly advised to leave Lebanon . Those who remain for any reason are advised to exercise extreme caution, restrict their movements, and remain in contact with the Embassy of India in Beirut through our email ID: cons.beirut@mea.gov.in or the emergency phone number +96176860128, the embassy said in a social media post on X. . Those who remain for any reason are advised to exercise extreme caution, restrict their movements, and remain in contact with the Embassy of India in Beirut through our email ID: cons.beirut@mea.gov.in or the emergency phone number +96176860128, the embassy said in a social media post on X. Since mid-September , there has been a dizzying escalation in the nearly yearlong conflict between Israel and Lebanons Hezbollah. First came two days of exploding pagers and walkie-talkies used by Hezbollah attacks pinned on Israel that killed at least 39 people and maimed thousands more. , there has been a dizzying escalation in the nearly yearlong conflict between Israel and Lebanons Hezbollah. First came two days of exploding pagers and walkie-talkies used by Hezbollah attacks pinned on Israel that killed at least 39 people and maimed thousands more. Hezbollahs leader vowed to retaliate , and on Sept. 20 the militant group launched a wave of rockets into northern Israel. Since then, both sides have fired dozens of rockets on a daily basis, forcing hundreds of thousands of Israelis in the north to huddle in air raid shelters, and prompting tens of thousands of people to flee their homes in parts of southern Lebanon where Hezbollah has a strong presence. , and on Sept. 20 the militant group launched a wave of rockets into northern Israel. Since then, both sides have fired dozens of rockets on a daily basis, forcing hundreds of thousands of Israelis in the north to huddle in air raid shelters, and prompting tens of thousands of people to flee their homes in parts of southern Lebanon where Hezbollah has a strong presence. The United Nations said more than 90,000 Lebanese people have been displaced in recent days. Lebanon said Israeli strikes Monday killed more than 560 Lebanese and injured almost 2,000. Several Hezbollah leaders have been targeted in the attacks, including the commander of its most elite unit who was killed in a strike in Beirut. in recent days. Lebanon said Israeli strikes Monday killed more than 560 Lebanese and injured almost 2,000. Several Hezbollah leaders have been targeted in the attacks, including the commander of its most elite unit who was killed in a strike in Beirut. A new Israel-Hezbollah war could be even worse than the one in 2006, which was traumatic enough to serve as a deterrent for both sides ever since. That fighting killed hundreds of Hezbollah fighters and an estimated 1,100 Lebanese civilians, and left large swaths of the south and parts of Beirut in ruins. More than 120 Israeli soldiers were killed and hundreds wounded. (With agency inputs) External affairs minister S Jaishankar and Iranian counterpart Seyed Abbas Araghchi met briefly on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly. Jaishankar shared a photo of him and the Iranian foreign minister from the UNGA in New York and said both met before a meeting of the BRICS nations. With FM @araghchi of Iran ahead of the BRICS meeting, Jaishankar said in the post. The meeting comes in the backdrop of the conflicts in West Asia, where Israel is engaged in conflicts with Iran-backed Hamas in Gaza and Hezbollah in Lebanon as well as with Yemens Houthis. The meeting of both ministers also comes in the backdrop of the comments made by Irans Supreme Leader Ayatollah Khamenei regarding the Muslim community in India. Earlier this month, Irans Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei spoke about the suffering of Muslims in Gaza and Myanmar in a message advocating global Muslim unity. On the occasion of Prophet Mohammeds birth anniversary, he also referenced India, though he did not elaborate on why he mentioned the countrys Muslim minority in his statement posted on X. The external affairs ministry strongly condemned comments made by him and urged countries to look at their own record before commenting on others. In a strongly worded statement, the MEA rejected his remarks about the suffering of Muslims in India, describing them as lacking an understanding of the situation in the country. We strongly deplore the comments made regarding minorities in India by the Supreme Leader of Iran. These are misinformed and unacceptable, the MEA said in a statement issued by the official spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal. Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov held talks with Indias External Affairs Minister Dr. Subrahmanyam Jaishankar on the margins of the UN General Assembly in New York. The Russian readout of the meeting said that both ministers discussed Ukraine issues and preparations for the upcoming BRICS Summit. The BRICS, an economic and political group of five emerging nations: Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa, heads of state will meet in Russias Kazan in October for a leadership summit. The readout also said that Lavrov discussed with Jaishankar the situation in Asia-Pacific and Western efforts to introduce NATO elements into the region. It also said that they also discussed issues related to Russia-India bilateral relationship and other matters of global importance. Lavrovs reference to NATO-like elements comes days after Prime Minister Narendra Modi met US President Joe Biden at his home in Wilmington for the Quad Summit along with Fumio Kishida of Japan and Anthony Albanese of Australia. Vowing to be a force for good with lasting, positive impact on the Indo-Pacific, Quad leaders stated in the Wilmington Declaration that their nations are more strategically aligned than ever and will strengthen the Indo-Pacific for decades ahead, referring to the region that Russia referred to as Asia-Pacific. Russia in the past has expressed its apprehensions towards the Quad grouping and in 2023 said it, along with AUKUS, is an attempt to contain China. Former Russian defence minister Sergei Shoigu, on the sidelines of SCO defence ministers meeting in 2023, stated that the US and its allies are actively resisting the creation of a multipolar world in the Asia-Pacific by using military and political alliances like Quad and AUKUS, which are merging with NATO, as counter-measures. 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. PM Modi made a similar pledge. Our message is, the Quad is here to stay, PM Modi, who is due to host next years Quad summit in India, said. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Thursday appeared to reject a temporary truce plan proposed by the United States, European Union, and several Arab states, which called for a 21-day halt in fighting. This came as Israels military conducted fresh airstrikes on Hezbollah hideouts in Beirut, killing drone commander Abu Saleh. This peace proposal followed Israeli airstrikes on Iran-backed Hezbollah that killed hundreds and displaced tens of thousands in Lebanon earlier this week. Prime minister didnt even respond to White House officials said Thursday they had coordinated a ceasefire plan with Netanyahu that the US and France presented a day earlier. They believed Israel was fully on board with the proposal and expressed surprise and disappointment at its rejection. The Prime Ministers Office later stated that Netanyahu had never indicated he would support the plan. Netanyahus office that he had assented to the idea, calling it an American-French proposal that the prime minister didnt even respond to. The Prime Minister has directed the IDF to continue fighting with full force, according to the plan that was presented to him. The fighting in Gaza will also continue until all the objectives of the war have been achieved, his office added. The Prime Ministers Office:The report about a ceasefire is incorrect. This is an American-French proposal that the Prime Minister has not even responded to.The report about the purported directive to ease up on the fighting in the north is the opposite of the truth. Prime Minister of Israel (@IsraeliPM) September 26, 2024 Israeli Ministers Threaten PM The Israeli PM is in the government with a coalition. He relies on the support of far-right members who consistently opposed a truce in the Gaza war, which has not stopped. A minister, from the far-right, has threatened that he will quit the Netanyahu cabinet, if the Israeli PM agrees to the proposed truce plan. If a temporary ceasefire with Hezbollah is signed, the (Jewish Power) faction will not fulfil all coalition obligations this includes voting, attending government and cabinet meetings, and any coalition activities, Itamar Ben Gvir said in a party statement, while vowing to resign altogether if a ceasefire became permanent. Key ministers Itamar Ben-Gvit, who heads the national security portfolio, along with finance minister Bezalel Smotrich, both far-right politicians have expressed their disapproval of the peace plan. Netanyahu has relied on these two and their parties to stay in power. Smotrich insisted that continuing the war against Hezbollah was the only way forward. Foreign Minister Israel Katz also opposed any halt to fighting. There will be no ceasefire in the north. We will continue to fight against the Hezbollah terrorist organisation with all our strength until victory and the safe return of the residents of the north to their homes, Katz said. Residents Fear October 7 Repeat Residents living in northern Israel, who have been impacted by the conflict between Hezbollah and Israel, have said ceasefire plans like the one proposed by US and France would only ensure that terror attacks like the one of October 7, happens again. This government of Benjamin Netanyahu must remove the threat of another October 7 next year. (The government) has all the support it needs (to fight Hezbollah and such a situation) must not happen (again), Metula Regional Council chairman David Azulai was quoted as saying by the Jerusalem Post. They want to do exactly what Hamas did in the south on October 7, he further added. Another regional lawmaker told the outlet that this was not a time for negotiations. This is a time for war! We must not be misled by international pressure, Amir Sofer said. Israel earlier this month said it was shifting its focus from Gaza, where it has been fighting a war with Hamas since the October 7 attack, to securing its border with Lebanon. New York City Mayor Eric Adams was indicted Thursday on charges that he took illegal campaign contributions and bribes from foreign nationals in exchange for favors that included helping Turkish officials get fire safety approvals for a new diplomatic building in the city. Adams, a former police officer, faces conspiracy, wire fraud and bribery charges in a five-count indictment that describes a decade-long trail of crimes. The US attorneys office in Manhattan alleges in the indictment that Adams not only accepted, but sought illegal campaign contributions to his mayoral campaign. A senior official in the Turkish diplomatic establishment facilitated many straw donations to Adams and arranged for Adams and his companions to receive free or discounted travel on Turkeys national airline to destinations including France, China, Sri Lanka, India, Hungary, and Turkey, the indictment alleges. Adams compounded his gains from the illegal campaign contributions by gaming the citys matching funds program, which provides a generous match for small dollar donations. His campaign received more than $10,000 in matching funds as a result of the false certifications, according to the indictment. Adams allegedly solicited and demanded bribes, including free and heavily discounted luxury travel benefits from a Turkish official, the indictment alleges, noting that the official was seeking Adams help pertaining to regulations of the Turkish consulate in Manhattan. Adams created and instructed others to create fake paper trails in order to falsely suggest he had paid for travel benefits that were actually free, prosecutors allege. He also deleted messages with others involved in his misconduct, at one point assuring a co-conspirator that he always deleted her text messages, according to the indictment. The charges were made public hours after FBI agents entered the mayors official residence and seized his phone early Thursday. Federal agents appeared this morning at Gracie Mansion in an effort to create a spectacle (again) and take Mayor Adams phone (again), Adams lawyer, Alex Spiro, said in a statement hours before the indictment was made public. They send a dozen agents to pick up a phone when we would have happily turned it in. In a video speech released Wednesday night, Adams vowed to fights any charges against him, claiming he had been made a target in a case based on lies. I will fight these injustices with every ounce of my strength and my spirit, he said. The indictment caps off an extraordinary few weeks in New York City, as federal investigators have honed in on members of Adams inner circle, producing a drum-beat of raids, subpoenas and high-level resignations that have thrust City Hall into crisis. The U.S. attorneys office in Manhattan has declined to comment on the investigation, though it said it would announce significant public corruption charges at an 11:30 a.m. news conference. An FBI spokesperson declined to comment. A spokesperson for the mayor did not immediately respond to questions Thursday morning. Adams spent 22 years in New York Citys police department before going into politics, first as a state senator and then as Brooklyn borough president. He was elected as the citys second Black mayor in 2021. In a video speech released Wednesday night, Adams vowed to fight any charges against him, claiming he had been made a target in a case based on lies. Gov. Kathy Hochul has the power to remove Adams from office. Her spokesperson, Avi Small, issued a statement late Wednesday that said Governor Hochul is aware of these concerning news reports and is monitoring the situation. It would be premature to comment further until the matter is confirmed by law enforcement. The indictment caps off an extraordinary few weeks in New York City, as federal investigators have homed in on members of Adams inner circle, producing a drum-beat of raids, subpoenas and high-level resignations. Federal prosecutors are believed to be leading multiple, separate inquiries involving Adams and his senior aides, relatives of those aides, campaign fundraising and possible influence peddling of the police and fire departments. In the last two weeks alone, the citys police commissioner and head of the schools system have announced their resignations. FBI agents had seized Adams electronic devices nearly a year ago as part of an investigation focused, at least partly, on campaign contributions and Adams interactions with the Turkish government. Because the charges were sealed, it was unknown whether they dealt with those same matters. In early September, federal investigators seized devices from his police commissioner, schools chancellor, two deputy mayors and other trusted confidants both in and out of City Hall. All have denied wrongdoing. Meteorologist/Multimedia Journalist Per grew up in Sioux Falls and graduated from South Dakota Mines. He found his passion for weather reporting by the impact it has on the community, both in how people work and how it brings people together through severe weather preparation. He also has a passion for preventing health issues with Air Quality Index awareness. Per can be found enjoying outdoor activities in the Black Hills when the weather allows. UPDATE Sep 26, 2024 3:55 PM CDT A Pennsylvania woman charged with killing her two young children, who were found hanging in the basement of their home, has been convicted. Lisa Snyder, 41, was found guilty of two counts of first-degree murder, endangering the welfare of a child, and evidence tampering, the AP reports. Berks County District Attorney John Adams praised the verdict. "This was a nightmare of a case from day one," he said. A psychiatrist testified for the defense that, given years of mental health issues, Snyder could have been in a psychotic state at the time of the killings. A prosecution expert said he didn't see any reason Snyder wouldn't have known right from wrong. Sentencing is scheduled for next month. Dec 2, 2019 12:34 PM CST The story, as Lisa Rachelle Snyder told it, was horrifying: The Pennsylvania mother called 911 on Sept. 23, saying that only minutes before she had discovered her two young children hanging from a support beam in the basement of their Albany Township home. She referenced her 8-year-old son, Conner, having been bullied and threatening suicide, and said he had told her he "didn't want to go alone." His 4-year-old sister, Brinley, was hanging with him, and the two died three days later. Now, a horrifying twist: Snyder was on Monday charged in their deaths, with the 36-year-old hit with counts of first-degree murder, third-degree murder, and tampering with evidence, among other charges, reports the Morning Call. What's known: Ohio Sheriff Bruce Zuchowski has deleted a controversial Facebook post suggesting that addresses of Kamala Harris supporters should be noted so immigrants could be sent to live with them. The post from the Portage County sheriff, a supporter of former President Trump, likened illegal immigrants to "human locusts"; it appeared on his personal Facebook account and his campaign's account. The post provoked a backlash from Democrats who perceived it as a threat, while his supporters defended it as an exercise of free speech. The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) of Ohio demanded Zuchowski remove the post, calling it an "impermissible threat" against residents displaying political yard signs. Zuchowski did not comment on why he removed it. Responding to the uproar, the Portage County Board of Elections voted to remove the sheriff's office from election security roles, citing concerns about voter intimidation. The board's decision means Ravenna police will handle election security during early voting, starting October 8, and in future elections if the incumbent sheriff is running. The motion was prompted by community concerns, expressed during a packed NAACP meeting. Board member Randi Clites emphasized the need for a safe voting environment, while Republican Amanda Suffecool criticized the move as political, arguing that Zuchowski's remarks were not as threatening as perceived. In a later post, Zuchowski suggested his comments "may have been a little misinterpreted??" He noted voters can make their own choices, but "have to accept responsibility for their actions." (This story was generated by Newser's AI chatbot . Source: the AP In what multiple news outlets are painting as an apparent threat to use nuclear weapons against Ukraine, Russian President Vladimir Putin on Wednesday announced proposed changes to Russia's nuclear doctrine. He highlighted one in particular, NBC News reports: "It is proposed that aggression against Russia by any non-nuclear state, but with the participation or support of a nuclear state, be considered as their joint attack on the Russian Federation," he said. That condition would cover Ukraine, which is itself non-nuclear, but which is backed by a number of nuclear-armed nations, the BBC reports. Fox News calls it "a pointed warning to the West" over its support of Ukraine. "Regardless of whether you think this is a bluff or not, it's never good when a major nuclear power loosens the conditions for nuclear use in its declaratory policy," noted one political scientist on X. Putin made the remarks at the opening of a meeting of Russia's Security Council, a day before Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky is due to meet with US President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris in Washington to discuss the possibility of Ukraine using long-range weapons in order to hit targets deeper inside Russia (which Putin has already said would put the West at war with Russia). Also Wednesday, the White House announced $375 million in additional security assistance to Ukraine. (More Russia-Ukraine war stories.) President Biden will meet with Volodymyr Zelensky at the White House Thursday in what could be the Ukrainian president's "final chance to convince a receptive American president of his country's war aims," CNN reports. Laying out his plan for victory amid increasing war weariness from allies, Zelensky will make the case that Ukraine can avoid losing territory if it receives enough US assistance, sources tell the outlet. Ukraine will also request the ability to use US weapons as it wishes, Finnish President Alexander Stubb tells the Wall Street Journal . Publicly, Biden has refused to allow Ukraine to use long-range missiles provided by the West to strike deep inside Russia, though he's "recently appeared more open" to that possibility, per CNN. On Thursday, Biden announced an estimated $8 billion in aid for Ukraine, to include new long-range weapons, without saying how they'd be used, per the Hill and CNN. He said he'd directed the Defense Department "to allocate all of its remaining security assistance funding that has been appropriated for Ukraine by the end of my term in office." In addition to more US assistance, Zelensky will reportedly push for long-term security guarantees for Ukraine that would stretch beyond the US election. Vice President Kamala Harris, the Democratic presidential nominee whom Zelensky will also meet Thursday, has vowed to continue supporting Ukraine. But former President Trump, the Republican nominee, has indicated he will end US military support for the country. "Ukraine is gone," he said Wednesday, per NBC News, faulting Zelensky for not accepting a peace deal. Zelensky is not expected to meet with Trump, whom he recently said "doesn't really know how to stop the war even if he might think he knows how." (More Russia-Ukraine war stories.) UPDATE Sep 26, 2024 8:38 AM CDT FBI agents entered the official residence of New York City Mayor Eric Adams and seized his phone early Thursday morninghours before an indictment detailing criminal charges against the Democrat is expected to be made public. Adams is already defiantly denying the charges, and his lawyer denounced the raid on his residence as an unnecessary "spectacle," per the AP. "They send a dozen agents to pick up a phone when we would have happily turned it in," said Alex Spiro. Sep 26, 2024 1:00 AM CDT New York City Mayor Eric Adams has been indicted by a grand jury on federal criminal charges, according to two people familiar with the matter, an extraordinary culmination to weeks of searches, subpoenas, and resignations of top officials that have thrust the city's government into crisis. The indictment detailing the charges against Adams, a Democrat, was expected to be unsealed Thursday, according to the people, who spoke with the AP on condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to discuss the matter publicly. The US attorney's office in Manhattan declined to comment. More: A Finnish zoo has decided to send back a pair of giant pandas to China years ahead of schedule. The Ahtari Zoo announced that the pandas, Lumi and Pyry, will return to China due to financial strains, exacerbated by a dwindling number of visitors. The decision comes as the zoo battles consequences related to the coronavirus pandemic, the conflict between Russia and Ukraine, and economic inflation. Lumi and Pyry were part of a 15-year loan agreement signed in 2017, meant to celebrate Finland's centennial of independence. The pandas arrived in January 2018. Despite investments like the $9 million Panda House, the zoo has struggled to lure enough tourists and has found maintaining the pandas too costly, with annual expenses reaching more than $1.6 million. Measures, including Chinese embassy efforts, have failed to mitigate the zoo's financial woes. The pandas will be shipped back after a month-long quarantine starting in late October. The zoo's struggle underscores the broader economic challenges faced globally. Finland, which established diplomatic ties with China in 1950, was the first Nordic country to receive giant pandas as a goodwill gesture. (This story was generated by Newser's AI chatbot. Source: the AP) Hong Kong has welcomed a new pair of giant pandas, An An and Ke Ke, gifted by Beijing. Their arrival marks the third pair sent from mainland China since the city reverted to Chinese rule in 1997. These additions follow the birth of twins by Ying Ying last month, making Hong Kong home to six pandas. "Justice delayed is justice denied, and today, justice was unequivocally denied to those who deserve it most," Orleans Parish District Attorney Jason Williams said in a statement after a judge abruptly recused himself from the rape trial of a 93-year-old Catholic priest on what was supposed to be the first day of jury selection. The move further delays the trial of Lawrence Hecker, which Judge Ben Willard had overseen for more than a year, the Guardian reports. The DA's office had 11 witnesses set to testify, including the alleged victim, who said he was a high school student when Hecker choked him unconscious and raped him in a church in 1975. The witnesses, including several others who said Hecker molested them, "had to go through the sordid details of these abuses at the hand of this pedophile priest" as the DA's office prepared them for the trial, said Rafael Goyeneche of the Metropolitan Crime Commission, a New Orleans criminal justice watchdog group. "Everyone walked into court expecting that this is the day of justice, only to find out that the judge, without any advance warning, decided to transfer the case." Hippos are seeing somewhat of a popularity boost lately thanks to internet star Moo Deng , but one British tourist will probably be fine if he doesn't see one for a while. The BBC reports on a trip to southern Africa that Warwickshire resident Roland Cherry took in June with his wife that included a guided canoe safari on Zambia's Kafue River. The couple were floating down the waterway when a hippo slammed into their vessel, "much like a car crash," Roland Cherry tells the broadcaster. That's when the canoe "reared up in the air," tossing both Cherry and his spouse into the water. Shirley Cherry somehow managed to get to shore, but her husband's shoulder had dislocated, making it hard for him to swim with just one functional arm. As the hippo snatched him and dragged him under the surface, Roland Cherry thought to himself, "Oh no, what a way to go ... I'm not ready to die." He managed to briefly escape, but the hippo wasn't done. "I was grabbed again and thrown through the air like a rag doll," he says, adding that that final hurl put him closer to people on a nearby boat, who ended up pulling him to safety. The BBC notes that Cherry found out later the hippo had been a mama protecting her calf. In addition to the dislocated shoulder, Cherry was also hurt on his thigh and suffered a 10-inch wound on his abdomena lucky break, considering nurses at the hospital he was taken to told him they'd never met a survivor of a hippo attack. The couple are now raising money for the hospital as thanks for tending to him. "They've given me ... a second chance at life and I need to give back to them," he says. He's hoping to raise more than $25,000 so that the hospital can buy new medical equipment, per the Guardian. As for his newfound nemesis, Cherry tells the BBC, "I don't hate hippos, despite one attacking me." (More hippopotamus stories.) With the possibility of an Israeli ground invasion into Lebanon to go after the militant group Hezbollah, the United States, France, and other allies proposed a 21-day ceasefire this week. Lebanese Prime Minister Najib Mikati seemed keen on the idea, but Israeli leadersnot so much. "There will be no ceasefire in the north," Israeli Foreign Minister Israel Katz wrote Thursday on X, per Reuters. "We will continue to fight against the Hezbollah terrorist organization with all our strength until victory and the safe return of the residents of the north to their homes." More: Not biting: The Times of Israel reports that reception of the proposal has been "lukewarm" from others in Israel as well, with even opposition leader Yair Lapid offering just "milquetoast support." Lapid suggested a shorter seven-day ceasefire "in order not to allow Hezbollah to restore its command and control systems." The Times of Israel reports that reception of the proposal has been "lukewarm" from others in Israel as well, with even opposition leader Yair Lapid offering just "milquetoast support." Lapid suggested a shorter seven-day ceasefire "in order not to allow Hezbollah to restore its command and control systems." Netanyahu: The office of the Israeli prime minister hasn't yet responded to the allies' proposal, but it did echo sentiments from his foreign minister. "The Prime Minister instructed the IDF to continue the fighting with full force, and according to the plans presented to him," the office said, per NBC News. There's a documentary currently in production about the history of Sean "Diddy" Combs' alleged crimes, on the heels of his arrest earlier this month on sex trafficking, racketeering, and other charges and it's in the hands of a fellow rapper. A publicist for Curtis Jackson, better known as 50 Cent, confirms to the Washington Post that Fiddy is working on a Diddy-themed docuseries for Netflix. The project is being directed by Alexandria Stapleton; both Stapleton and 50 Cent are listed as executive producers. "This is a story with significant human impact," 50 Cent and Stapleton say in a statement to Variety. "It is a complex narrative spanning decades, not just the headlines or clips seen so far. We remain steadfast in our commitment to give a voice to the voiceless and to present authentic and nuanced perspectives." The series was in the works before Combs' arrest; 50 Cent first announced it back in December, amid his longtime rivalry with Combs. TMZ reports that on Wednesday, the former trolled the latter by posting on social media an edited pic of a bottle of baby oil that he renamed "Diddy Oil," a reference to the reports that a massive number of oil bottles were found at Combs' residences by the feds who raided his homes (Combs' lawyer simply says his client likes to buy things in bulk at Costco). In another post, 50 Cent wrote: "I been telling y'all about all this weird s---, I don't do NO puffy party's. you didn't believe me but I bet you believe me now!" story continues below Ultimately, 50 Cent and Stapleton hope that the "disturbing" Diddy allegations don't mar their industry at large. "We urge all to remember that Sean Combs' story is not the full story of hip-hop and its culture," they say in their statement. "We aim to ensure that individual actions do not overshadow the culture's broader contributions." Combs, meanwhile, has denied the accusations against him. One rapper who's offering Combs (or at least Combs' family) some grace: James Todd Smith, aka LL Cool J. "I feel for his kids," LL recently told the AP. (More 50 Cent stories.) Former New York City Mayor Rudy Giuliani was disbarred in Washington, DC, on Thursday, months after he lost his law license in New York for pursuing false claims that then-President Donald Trump made about his 2020 presidential election loss. The brief ruling from Washington DC's appeals court said Giuliani didn't respond to an order to explain why he shouldn't be disbarred in Washington after he lost his law license in New York over the summer. Ted Goodman, a spokesperson for Giuliani, called the decision "an absolute travesty and a total miscarriage of justice," per the AP. North Korea has potentially amassed enough enriched uranium to construct a "double-digit" number of nuclear bombs and is advancing its missile technology, according to Seoul's National Intelligence Service. The intelligence was revealed in a closed parliamentary briefing. This disclosure follows North Korean leader Kim Jong Un's recent public visit to a facility producing weapons-grade uranium, demonstrating his intent to "exponentially" boost the nation's nuclear arsenal. The South Korean intelligence agency detailed that North Korea possesses approximately 154 pounds of plutonium and ample weapons-grade uranium and could build "at least a double-digit number" of weapons. Two key sites, Yongbyon and a suspected facility in Kangson near Pyongyang, are linked to these uranium enrichment activities. Analysts believe even more undisclosed enrichment locations exist within North Korea. Kim's facility visit was likely a show of defiance directed at the US. The South Korean agency suggests North Korea might delay its next nuclear test until after the US presidential election, opting to test other provocative measures first, such as a long-range missile or reconnaissance satellite launch. (This story was generated by Newser's AI chatbot. Source: the AP) The Biden administration has put up $20 million in reward money for a member of Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps charged in a plot to kill a former US national security adviser. The offer is good for information leading to the arrest and conviction of Shahram Poursafi, USA Today reports. US officials said the scheme to kill John Bolton, who served in Donald Trump's administration, is part of a larger plot against Americans in retaliation for the then-president's order to kill Revolutionary Guard Gen. Qasem Soleimani in Baghdad in 2020. U.S. authorities say Shahram tried to hire criminals in the US between October 2021 to April 2022 to kill Bolton in Washington, DC, or Maryland. Bolton now is under 24-hour guard, per NBC News. "When they come after us, government officials, current and former, for doing their job, really, that's an attack on the United States government itself," he said. Intelligence officials briefed Trump this week about an Iranian assassination plot against him. Secretary of State Antony Blinken confirmed Wednesday that the administration is "tracking very intensely an ongoing threat by Iran against a number of senior officials." He said possible targets include Trump as well as current members of the Biden administration. Poursafi, who is at large abroad, was charged in August 2022. An analyst said the reward is unusually high for a terrorist suspect. "That is a statement," said Matthew Levitt. Iran has denied intending to kill US current or former officials. "We do not assassinate people," Vice President Mohammad Javad Zarif told NBC, "but the fact of the matter isthey assassinated a revered Iranian general." (More Iran stories.) A strange moment in American politics emerged at the UN General Assembly on Thursday, courtesy of a top Haitian official. Edgard Leblanc Fils, the president of Haiti's transitional council, spoke to world leaders about gang violence in his country and bemoaned the large number of citizens fleeing the violence. Then he referenced false claims that Haitians living in Springfield, Ohio, were eating cats and dogs, per the AP . "I would like to extend a brotherly greeting to all friends of Haiti that have shown solidarity towards the migrants from our countryand in particular those living in Springfield, Ohio," he said. The history of US-Haitian ties "enables us to say with confidence that the American people reject any incitement to hate against our community," he said. Both Donald Trump and running mate JD Vance have promoted the pet-eating claims. "The passions that naturally arise during an election campaign should never serve as a pretext for xenophobia or racism in a country such as the United States, a country forged by immigrants from all countries, and which has become a model of democracy for the world," said Fils. (More Haiti stories.) TDT | Manama The Daily Tribune - www.newsofbahrain.com Email: editor@newsofbahrain.com Six men have been charged after a chase at sea, during which authorities caught them using banned bottom trawl nets to haul in 40 kilograms of fresh shrimp. The Public Prosecution has now referred the four Indian fishermen and two Bahraini accomplices to the Minor Criminal Court, following an investigation into their illegal fishing activities. The case came to light when the Coast Guard spotted a boat carrying the Indian suspects, who were fishing with bottom trawl nets, locally known as Kofa, a method prohibited by law. The men attempted to flee when they saw the patrol, but officers pursued and apprehended them. Forty kilograms of freshly caught shrimp were found aboard the vessel, which lacked proper safety equipment, including life jackets, a fire extinguisher, and a first aid kit. Investigations revealed the involvement of two Bahraini nationals who had aided in the illegal operation. They have also been arrested and are being held in custody. The authorities have seized the boat involved as evidence. The Chief of the Ministries and Public Bodies Prosecution expressed concern over the damage such illegal fishing methods can cause to Bahrains marine life. Bottom trawl nets are extremely harmful to the marine environment. They are designed to catch large amounts of fish, often trapping species that are not targeted, leading to a decline in marine biodiversity, he said. The nets are also known to destroy vital marine habitats, such as coral reefs and seagrass beds, which has a detrimental effect on the wider ecosystem. Moreover, juvenile fish often become caught in these nets, jeopardising the long-term sustainability of fish stocks. In addition to the illegal fishing, the defendants have been charged with failing to display proper navigational lights, sailing without a valid licence, as well as obstructing law enforcement during the inspection. TDT | Manama The Daily Tribune - www.newsofbahrain.com Email: mail@newsofbahrain.com Ambassador Ali Hassan Al Ahmadi of the Republic of Yemen to the Kingdom of Bahrain confirmed that the five Bahraini nationals detained in Yemen are still under investigation by the relevant authorities in Marib province. Ambassador Al Ahmadi stated that the embassy does not have information regarding the nature of the investigations or the expected duration of the proceedings. He emphasised that the Bahraini Ministry of Interior is in direct contact with its Yemeni counterpart to monitor the situation. The five Bahraini citizens were detained last month by Yemeni security forces in Marib, located northeast of the capital, Sana'a, after crossing into Yemen from Oman with the intention of traveling to southern Saudi Arabia, as confirmed by their families. Meanwhile, the Bahraini Ministry of Interior is actively monitoring their health conditions to ensure their safety and well-being, as well as keeping track of the legal proceedings initiated by the Yemeni authorities. It's worth noting that the father of one of the detainees in Yemen had reported receiving reassuring calls from his son and the other detainees, indicating that investigations into their case have concluded and their release is imminent. Speaking to our sister newspaper "Alayam" the father stated that his son informed him of a verbal notification from the Yemeni authorities confirming the completion of the investigation and the absence of any legal complications. The detainees were assured of their release and expected return to Bahrain soon, the father stated. He also expressed his gratitude for the efforts of Bahraini authorities, particularly the Ministries of Interior and Foreign Affairs, in following up on the case and facilitating the release of the detainees. The Daily Tribune reported earlier this month that MP Jalal Kazim had briefed the families of Bahraini citizens detained in Yemen on the latest developments regarding their loved ones' situation, while the families appealed to His Majesty the King and His Royal Highness the Crown Prince and Prime Minister, to intervene and end the suffering of their detained relatives. TDT | Manama The Daily Tribune - www.newsofbahrain.com Email: mail@newsofbahrain.com His Highness Shaikh Isa bin Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the Isa bin Salman Educational Charitable Trust and Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Labour Fund (Tamkeen), reaffirmed the Kingdom of Bahrains ongoing commitment to initiatives designed to provide quality opportunities for citizens. These initiatives aim to enhance career development and empower Bahrainis as active participants in the Kingdoms economic progress and national development led by His Majesty the King and under the close guidance of His Royal Highness the Crown Prince and Prime Minister. His Highness stated that the commendable achievements of Team Bahrain across various economic sectors encourage a stronger focus on expanding opportunities for Bahrainis. This includes employment, career development, and entrepreneurship, highlighting the importance of collaboration between the public and private sectors for the advancement of our Kingdom and its people. These comments were made during the third quarter Board of Directors meeting of Tamkeen, chaired by His Highness, where key milestones since the launch of Tamkeens largest support bundle were reviewed. Updates were provided on Tamkeens three main initiatives: Employment Support, Career Development Support, and Enterprise Support. Maha Abdulhameed Mofeez, Chief Executive of the Labour Fund (Tamkeen), presented the progress made against the 2024 KPIs, highlighting significant progress in meeting this years targets. Among the achievements,12,017 Bahrainis entered the labour market through employment support, 20,032 Bahrainis received career development assistance, and 7,090 enterprises benefited from various programs, with 52% of supported enterprises being Small and Medium Enterprises. Since the launch of Tamkeens initiatives in November of last year, over 32,000 Bahrainis have benefitted from wage support and career development opportunities, marking Tamkeens highest performance to date. Currently, 47% of Bahraini employees in the private sector are recipients of Tamkeens employment and wage support programmes. The meeting also highlighted Tamkeens economic impact at both individual and enterprises levels, with a focus on job placement, career development, and enterprise support. A first of its kind in Canada an 'all-in-one' target age solution that simplifies retirement income TORONTO, Sept. 26, 2024 /CNW/ - Five million Canadians will turn 65 this decade and be one step closer to retirement. Today, Sun Life introduced Sun Life MyRetirement Income, an innovative first for Canadians that provides retirees with a reliable source of income, while maintaining flexibility and the potential for continued investment growth. This fully automated solution can help ease the transition from saving to drawing income in retirement. Industry first from Sun Life helps Canadian retirees transition their savings into income "With 40% of Canadians worried about outliving their savings, providing support and sustainable retirement income is essential," says Eric Monteiro, Senior Vice-President of Group Retirement Services at Sun Life. "Retirement should be a time of relaxation and enjoyment, not financial stress. We knew we had to find a solution to simplify the process to make Canadians' money last. Sun Life MyRetirement Income ushers in a new era of decumulation for Canadians." Designed to be simple because retirement is complex This fully automated solution, designed in collaboration with Sun Life Global Investments, is an easy and flexible way to help Clients' savings last to the age they want ('maturity age'). Currently, no solution in Canada combines all three of the below benefits in one offering. Reliable income that lasts. The solution turns savings into income all the way through to the selected maturity age. Clients will receive regular payments delivered directly to their bank account, similar to a paycheque. The solution turns savings into income all the way through to the selected maturity age. Clients will receive regular payments delivered directly to their bank account, similar to a paycheque. Flexibility. Individuals can change their maturity age and decide how often they receive payments. They also have full access to their account balance. Money can be withdrawn or added at any time, without fees or penalties. Individuals can change their maturity age and decide how often they receive payments. They also have full access to their account balance. Money can be withdrawn or added at any time, without fees or penalties. Opportunity for growth. Clients can continue to grow their savings throughout retirement. Their savings are invested in a well-diversified portfolio that is specifically designed for individuals in retirement, properly balancing risk and return to generate stable investment returns. "Sun Life Global Investments is proud to be leading the industry with this market-first solution that addresses a significant gap in retirement solutions for Canadians," says Oricia Smith, President, SLGI Asset Management Inc. and Senior Vice-President, Investment Solutions, Sun Life Canada. "The need for financial advice doesn't end in retirement. This unique category of target age solutions automates retirement income, and Canadians benefit from built in advice. It takes the guess work out of retirement and helps their money last so they can enjoy life with financial confidence." Clients have one important decision to make the maturity age, 85, 90, 95 or 100. Each year, payments will be recalculated based on a Client's account balance. These payments will also reflect investment performance and any changes a Client made throughout the previous year. In the accumulation phase, target date funds automate the savings journey for plan members, and the complex investment decisions are taken care of by the professionals. The solution allows for a fully automated experience, simplifying retirement income for Clients so they can focus on living their best retirement. Sun Life MyRetirement Income is exclusively available through our Client Solutions Centre to Sun Life Group Retirement Services plan members transitioning into retirement. Learn more about Sun Life MyRetirement Income now. About Sun Life Sun Life is a leading international financial services organization providing asset management, wealth, insurance and health solutions to individual and institutional Clients. Sun Life has operations in a number of markets worldwide, including Canada, the United States, the United Kingdom, Ireland, Hong Kong, the Philippines, Japan, Indonesia, India, China, Australia, Singapore, Vietnam, Malaysia and Bermuda. As of June 30, 2024, Sun Life had total assets under management of $1.46 trillion. For more information, please visit www.sunlife.com. Sun Life Financial Inc. trades on the Toronto (TSX), New York (NYSE) and Philippine (PSE) stock exchanges under the ticker symbol SLF. About Sun Life Global Investments Sun Life Global Investments was purpose built to combine the strength of Sun Life with some of the best asset managers in the world. Since then, we've become a trusted wealth management firm for so many Canadiansmanaging over $58 billion across a diverse selection of retail mutual funds, insured wealth products, pension funds and other institutional funds, including $12 billion in our flagship Sun Life Granite Target Date Funds (as of June 30, 2024). As part of the Sun Life group of companies we have access to a depth of resources, giving us (and ultimately our Clients) unique advantages. We are driven by our goal to help plan sponsors deliver the best possible retirement for their members. And our unique advantages help us continually enhance our funds and develop new and innovative solutions to achieve this goalto and through retirement. For more information visit www.slgiinstitutional.com. Sun Life Global Investments is a trade name of SLGI Asset Management Inc., Sun Life Assurance Company of Canada and Sun Life Financial Trust Inc. all of which are members of the Sun Life group of companies. Note to editors: All figures in Canadian dollars Media Relations Contact: Alexandra Dalipi Manager Corporate Communications T. 416-526-6881 [email protected] SOURCE Sun Life Financial Inc. - Financial News OTTAWA, ON, Sept. 25, 2024 /CNW/ - Note: All times local National Capital Region, Canada The Prime Minister will welcome the President of France, Emmanuel Macron, to Parliament Hill. Notes for media: Open coverage Media wishing to cover the event must be accredited with the Canadian Parliamentary Press Gallery. The Prime Minister will meet with the President of France, Emmanuel Macron. Note for media: Pooled photo opportunity Greater Montreal Area, Quebec The Prime Minister will host a working luncheon on artificial intelligence with the President of France, Emmanuel Macron. Note for media: Pooled photo opportunity The Prime Minister will participate in a joint media availability with the President of France, Emmanuel Macron. Notes for media: Open coverage Media are asked to arrive no later than 2:30 p.m. Media interested in participating can contact [email protected] for details. The Prime Minister will host a reception in honour of the President of France, Emmanuel Macron, and deliver remarks. Notes for media: Open coverage for the remarks Media are asked to arrive no later than 7:30 p.m. Media interested in participating can contact [email protected] for details. This document is also available at https://pm.gc.ca SOURCE Prime Minister's Office PMO Media Relations: [email protected] / pm.gc.ca/en/media TORONTO, Sept. 26, 2024 /CNW/ - Premium outdoor lifestyle brand, Roots Corporation ("Roots," or the "Company") (TSX: ROOT) announces a three-year partnership with the Nature Conservancy of Canada (NCC), effective September 2024. The partnership was born out of a natural opportunity for two like-minded organizations to come together in an effort to protect and conserve Canada's habitats, consisting of forests, wetlands, and shorelines, with the long-term vision of achieving a more sustainable future for all. Roots Announces Multi-Year Nature Conservancy of Canada (NCC) Partnership (CNW Group/Roots) In the first year, Roots will be supporting the NCC's conservation efforts in the Frontenac Arch Natural Area located in eastern Ontario just north of Kingston and northeast of the St. Lawrence River. This is one of the most biodiverse regions in Canada and a place of great beauty that links the Canadian Shield from Algonquin Park with the Adirondacks Mountains in New York State. Home to thousands of species, the Frontenac Arch serves as a critical habitat linkage through to New York State. It was designated as a UNSECO World Biosphere Reserve in 2002 and is one of the most important forest corridors east of the Rocky Mountains. NCC works here protecting wilderness for species like black bear, moose and eastern wolf, bats, insects and dozens of bird species. Nature has been at the foundation of the Roots DNA since its inception in 1973 in Canada's Algonquin Park. Since then, the brand has developed a rich history of supporting a diverse range of communities and charitable partners. These partnerships align with, and support, the brand's core values of community and authenticity, whilst ensuring efforts contribute to creating positive change today and for future generations. The collaboration with NCC strengthens Roots mission to support and conserve Canada's natural spaces while identifying and addressing critical environmental needs. "At Roots, nature is not just an influence but a core element of our inspiration and product design," commented Meghan Roach, President and CEO of Roots Corporation. "Our deep connection with Algonquin Park has shaped our brand identity for over five decades and remains integral to our ethos. Partnering with the Nature Conservancy of Canada is a natural evolution for usan extension of our commitment to protecting the very source of our inspiration." Throughout the multi-year commitment, Roots will work collaboratively with NCC to identify initiatives requiring priority focus based on research and ongoing analyses. "Our partnership with Roots marks an exciting step forward in accelerating conservation, starting with the Frontenac Arch Natural Area in Ontario," says Catherine Grenier, president and CEO of the Nature Conservancy of Canada. "Multi-year partnerships like this are essential to successful conservation outcomes. Roots' investment in nature is building resilient ecosystems that will thrive for generations." By supporting conservation in the Frontenac Arch , the two organizations will also be contributing to Canada's conservation goals. Other benefits include connecting existing conservation lands and ensuring pathways for species to move throughout their life cycles, the care of existing conservation lands, expanding partnerships in the community to further conservation outcomes, and the prioritization of safe and accessible visitor experiences on lands. NCC currently owns and manages over 2,870 hectares and has assisted with an additional 2,985 hectares of protected habitat in the Frontenac Arch. In February 2020, Roots launched " Roots Cares ," a program designed to give back to and partner with communities in need. Since its launch, Roots has donated approximately $3.6 million, along with in-kind donations to various organizations within communities in which Roots operates. Roots is deeply committed to preserving the landscapes that inspire the brand. Supporting NCC's efforts to conserve Canada's habitats is a commitment both organizations proudly embrace. Together, the goal is to generate meaningful change and promote a brighter, more sustainable future for all. To learn more about Roots and its charitable initiatives, please visit roots.com/ca/en/roots-cares. ABOUT ROOTS CORPORATION Established in 1973, Roots is a global lifestyle brand. Starting from a small cabin in northern Canada, Roots has become a global brand with over 100 corporate retail stores in Canada, two stores in the United States, and an eCommerce platform, roots.com . We have more than 100 partner-operated stores in Asia, and we also operate a dedicated Roots-branded storefront on Tmall.com in China. We design, market, and sell a broad selection of products in different departments, including women's men's, children's, and gender-free apparel, leather goods, footwear, and accessories. Our products are built with uncompromising comfort, quality, and style that allows you to feel At Home With Nature. We offer products designed to meet life's everyday adventures and provide you with the versatility to live your life to the fullest. We also wholesale through business-to-business channels and license the brand to a select group of licensees selling products to major retailers. Roots Corporation is a Canadian corporation doing business as "Roots" and "Roots Canada". ABOUT THE NATURE CONSERVANCY OF CANADA (NCC) The Nature Conservancy of Canada (NCC) is the country's unifying force for nature. NCC seeks solutions to the twin crises of rapid biodiversity loss and climate change through large-scale, permanent land conservation. As a trusted partner, NCC works with people, communities, businesses and government to protect and care for our country's most important natural areas. Since 1962, NCC has brought Canadians together to conserve and restore more than 15 million hectares. To learn more, visit natureconservancy.ca. SOURCE Roots For Roots press inquiries, please contact: Nicole Legate, Director of PR & Social, [email protected], 647-828-5128; Andrew Holland, National Media Relations Director, Nature Conservancy of Canada, [email protected], 506-260-0469 HAMILTON, ON, Sept. 25, 2024 /CNW/ - St. Joseph's Healthcare Foundation is announcing a $550,000 donation over three years from BMO to fund the creation of two new positions designed to improve access to culturally safe care for Indigenous individuals at St. Joseph's Healthcare Hamilton. This gift will further enhance the Hospital's commitment to creating a five-person Indigenous care team in 2025. Representatives from BMO, St. Joseph's Healthcare Hamilton, and St. Joseph's Healthcare Foundation gather to acknowledge a $550,000 donation designed to expand and enhance culturally safe care at St. Joe's for Indigenous patients and clients. (CNW Group/St. Joseph''s Healthcare Hamilton Foundation) BMO logo (CNW Group/St. Joseph''s Healthcare Hamilton Foundation) Over 5,000 St. Joe's leaders, staff and volunteers will benefit from the creation and roll-out of organizational Indigenous cultural safety training designed to strengthen knowledge and awareness among healthcare workers, learners and volunteers to support them in providing culturally safe care. Through its Prioritizing Indigenous Wellness Pathway, it's estimated that St. Joe's will be able to help 100 Indigenous clients per year to receive expedited access to mental health and substance use care. This partnership will ultimately advance the depth and breadth of culturally appropriate services accessible to Indigenous communities in the region. "We're grateful for this new $550,000 donation from BMO that will enable our hospital to invest in key roles focused on improving access to care for Indigenous patients and reinforcing our commitment to taking action on Truth and Reconciliation," says Sera Filice, President and CEO, St. Joseph's Healthcare Foundation. "The operational funding hospitals receive is essential to ongoing care provision, but it isn't always enough to fund programs that are critical to reducing the disparities in health outcomes Indigenous people face. This is where philanthropy can play a key role." "We know that experiences of anti-Indigenous racism can lead to increased risk of physical and mental health difficulties. Anti-Indigenous racism is also a barrier to accessing care," explains Lisa Jeffs, Senior EDI Consultant at St. Joseph's Healthcare Hamilton. "To compound that, Western models of healthcare provision have not historically made space for cultural healing practices that are important to many of our Indigenous patients. But with this new gift from BMO, the roles it's enabling us to hire, and with the direction of Indigenous community members in Hamilton, we're working to change that." "BMO is committed to building an inclusive society by supporting greater accessibility to quality healthcare for Indigenous people," said Clio Straram, Head, Indigenous Banking Unit, BMO. "BMO's Zero Barriers to Inclusion strategy focuses on providing access to opportunities and enabling growth for the communities we serve and is part of our Purpose, to Boldly Grow the Good in business and life. This donation will help enable Indigenous Peoples to receive effective, culturally sensitive treatment through understanding and connection during their time at St. Joe's." This gift is the latest in a series of investments by BMO to reduce disparity in health outcomes among Indigenous populations. Since 2017, BMO has made commitments exceeding $10 million towards Indigenous Health with a priority to continuously expand support, which has grown steadily year after year. About the roles: Full-time Indigenous Clinician Role A full-time clinical role dedicated to helping Indigenous individuals receive effective mental health care as quickly as possible. The role will help formalize the Prioritizing Indigenous Wellness Pathway and improve access to culturally safe, trauma-informed mental health care for Indigenous peoples. This role builds on a pandemic pilot program led by Dr. Caitlin Davey, a Clinical Psychologist who identifies as a mixed background Indigenous (Haudenosaunee - Cayuga Nation, Polish and Scottish) woman, in collaboration with the Hamilton Regional Indian Centre and the De dwa da dehs nye>s Aboriginal Health Centre to fast-track mental health referrals for those Indigenous to Turtle Island. The pilot program saw 50 referrals within months of its launch. St. Joe's estimates that once this clinician is hired, the program will help 100 clients annually. Part-time Indigenous Advisor Role St Joe's will recruit and hire a part-time Indigenous Advisor to help develop and implement an Indigenous Cultural Safety Training plan, review hospital policies and procedures from an anti-Indigenous racism lens, and work with colleagues to expand the hospital's relationships with local Indigenous leaders and communities with the goal of improved access to care, improved health outcomes, and greater health equity. Representatives from BMO were on site at St. Joseph's Healthcare Hamilton today to announce the gift at an event marking the steps the Hospital is taking along its journey towards greater Truth and Reconciliation, and its commitment to continuous reflection, consultation and improvement. Job postings for the two new roles will be posted in November 2024 and can be found on www.joinstjoes.ca/. The Hospital's stated intention is to hire individuals who self-identify as Indigenous. BMO Gives. Good grows here. Helping communities thrive by supporting the organizations that sustain them and encouraging employee giving and volunteerism is at the heart of BMO's Purpose, to Boldly Grow the Good in business and life. In 2023, our social impact included more than $84 million donated to hundreds of charities and non-profit organizations across North America to help drive progress by enabling individuals to thrive and communities to prosper. Our colleagues spent almost 62,000 hours volunteering in the community and contributed more than $31.2 million of donations through our annual employee giving program. For more information, please visit BMO.com. About St. Joseph's Healthcare Hamilton and Foundation St. Joseph's Healthcare Hamilton is an acute care, academic health sciences centre with three main campuses, a formalized research institute that ranks among the top 40 research hospitals in the country, and several community-based programs and services. Affiliated with McMaster University and Mohawk College, St. Joe's is the regional lead for respiratory health, kidney and urinary care and transplantation, eye medicine and surgery, and mental health and addictions care. Our Charlton Campus is home to the busiest emergency room and the only psychiatric emergency service in the city. For more information, visit: www.stjoes.ca. Since 1970, St. Joseph's Healthcare Foundation has worked with our generous community of donors, grateful patients and friends to secure donations of all sizes and types that help our Hospital acquire new equipment, fund patient care programs, build and renovate new facilities, and conduct vital research. To learn more, visit: www.stjoesfoundation.ca SOURCE St. Joseph''s Healthcare Hamilton Foundation Media Contacts: Carrie Trembinski, Vice-President, Communications, St. Joseph's Healthcare Foundation, Email: [email protected], Cell: 905-315-0125; Kate Simandl, Senior Manager, Media Relations, BMO, Email: [email protected], Cell: 416-867-3996 UPDATE: Eagles offensive tackle Lane Johnson (concussion), wide receiver A.J. Brown (hamstring) and wide receiver DeVonta Smith (concussion) did not practice on Thursday. Defensive tackle Milton Williams was limited with a groin injury. Mekhi Becton (finger), cornerback Darius Slay (knee) and offensive guard Landon Dickerson (wrist) were full participants. ### PHILADELPHIA Eagles offensive tackle Lane Johnson watched Thursdays practice from the sidelines, but he didnt rest too much. He dropped down in his stance and copied the movements of Fred Johnson, who lined up at right tackle during individual drills. He also stretched with the team before practice began. Lane Johnson suffered a concussion during the second quarter of the Eagles 15-12 win over the New Orleans Saints last Sunday. After suffering the injury, he threw up on the sidelines. Johnson, who is still in concussion protocol, might not play against the Tampa Buccaneers on Sunday, but he wants to make sure his body is ready to go. He could have just taken mental reps but that wouldnt have prepared him as much. Fred Johnson would play at right tackle if he doesnt get cleared. Lane Johnson is one of three key offensive players who havent practiced this week. Eagles wide receivers A.J. Brown (hamstring) and DeVonta Smith (concussion) both might not play against the Buccaneers. Brown, who suffered a hamstring injury before Week 2, has not played the last two weeks. He could return to play after the bye week (Sept. 30 - Oct. 5). No timetable has been given for Smiths return after he suffered a concussion against the Saints. Jahan Dotson and Johnny Wilson are the only two healthy wide receivers left on the 53-man roster. On Tuesday, wide receiver Britain Covey was placed on injured reserve with a shoulder injury. The Eagles will likely elevate wide receiver Parris Campbell from the practice squad to play against the Buccaneers. John Ross, who was re-signed to the practice squad on Tuesday, might get called up to the roster, too. Thank you for relying on us to provide the journalism you can trust. Cayden Steele may be reached at CSteele@njadvancemedia.com Guitarist Josh Klinghoffer, a former member of the Red Hot Chili Peppers, is set to be arranged Wednesday in connection with a car accident that left one person dead. The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame guitarist who is currently touring with Pearl Jam will be arraigned on a misdemeanor charge of vehicular manslaughter without gross negligence, according to Deadline. He will set his plea on Thursday at 8:30 a.m. PT at the Alhambra, California Courthouse. The charge stems from a car accident March 18, in which Klinghoffer struck 47-year-old pedestrian Israel Sanchez with his SUV in Alhambra, California. Sanchez was in a crosswalk and hit from behind. He was transported to a local hospital, where he was later pronounced dead. Sanchezs family then filed a wrongful death lawsuit against Klinghoffer in July. The suit alleges that Klinghoffer was on his phone while driving an SUV and making a left turn while Sanchez was walking on the pedestrian walkway. Klinghoffers lawyer then said in a statement, This was a tragic accident. After which, Josh immediately pulled over, stopped the vehicle, called 911, and waited until police and the ambulance arrived. He is fully cooperating with the traffic investigation. Related coverage: Our journalism needs your support. Please subscribe today to NJ.com. Murjani Rawls may be reached at mrawls@njadvancemedia.com and followed on Twitter at@MurjaniRawls. A food-delivery service worker arrested on a weapons charge in Westfield earlier this month fired a gun at a pickup truck driver double parked on a street in Jersey City the previous night, authorities said. The Jersey City incident unfolded at about 9:15 p.m. on Sept. 14 when Rianna Williams honked her car horn at the other driver, who was stopped near the intersection of Hague Street and Summit Avenue, a city spokeswoman said. When the 32-year-old man behind the wheel of the truck started to move to allow Williams to pass, she shot at him before driving away. He was not injured. Jersey City police then sent out an alert to other departments to be on the lookout for her vehicle. After Westfield police charged her, Jersey City police charged Williams, of Brooklyn, New York, with two weapons offenses, criminal attempt and two counts of illegal ammunition possession. Williams was in Westfield the following evening working for a food delivery service around 6 p.m. when police in the Union County town pulled her over after getting an alert from one of their license plate recognition cameras. She was found with a gun and officers noticed a spent shell casing on the floor as well as other shell casings when she was stopped, officials said. Minutes later, while being processed at the police station, Williams had a fit of rage, resisting officers efforts to secure her and damaging property, authorities said. She faces a charge of unlawful possession of a handgun in Westfield as well as charges of criminal mischief and obstruction. Jersey City police said Williams is 25, while Westfield police gave her age as 24. Attorney information wasnt available. Our journalism needs your support. Please subscribe today to NJ.com. Jeff Goldman may be reached at jeff_goldman@njadvancemedia.com. Multiple Christ Hospital doctors say the cash-strapped healthcare system that operates three hospitals in Hudson County needs an immediate change in leadership, starting with the ousting of CEO and President Dr. Achintya Moulick. Alleging multiple instances of payroll delays and disruptions, as well as supply shortages that have forced service cuts, three doctors at the Jersey City hospital told The Jersey Journal it is time for new leaders to take the helm at the nonprofit CarePoint Health, which includes Christ, Hoboken University Medical Center and Bayonne Medical Center. CarePoint Health is currently determining how it will restructure its finances, which sources have said could include bankruptcy, a merger with other operators or both. CarePoint has said a decision will be made by the end of the September. Three Jersey City police officer whose termination over off-duty cannabis use had been overturned by the courts are finally back on the job, but the city will not allow them to carry their service weapons. Omar Polanco, Norhan Mansour and Mackenzie Reilly were called Tuesday and told to report to work Wednesday, and they were placed on pay status as of Sept. 20, a source told The Jersey Journal. Polanco was fired March 1, 2023; Mansour on March 23, 2023; and Reilly on Aug. 25, 2023. All three were placed on modified duty and are working in an office capacity, city officials said. Four New Jersey men have been charged in the gunpoint robbery of a FedEx Driver in Edison earlier this month in which $500,000 in perfume and cologne were stolen from a delivery truck, officials said. About 2,700 fragrances were seized when investigators executed a search warrant at a home in Paterson, Edison police said Thursday. Juan A. Juliao Castanos, 30, was taken into custody at Newark Liberty International Airport on Sept. 19, the same day Nengly Sanchez Espaillat, 32, and Jhonatan Gregorio Castillo, 34, were arrested in Paterson. All three are from Paterson. A fourth alleged robber Oscar Lizardo Lopez, 43, of Basking Ridge, was arrested Thursday. All are charged with armed robbery, kidnapping, theft over $75,000, criminal conspiracy and weapons offenses, Edison police said. The robbery took place Sept. 5 when a FedEx driver swapping out trailers on Greek Lane at about 8 p.m. was approached by three men wearing blue medical masks and dark clothing, police said the morning after the robbery. The trio forced the driver at gunpoint to drive to nearby Ethel Road, where a box truck was parked in a lot, authorities said. Two of the men rode in the cab of the FedEx truck with the driver while a third followed in a different vehicle. The robbers then forced the FedEx driver to remove items from his truck and load them into the box truck. After the pallets had been moved, the trio zip tied the driver, stole his phone and fled, according to police The 35-year-old FedEx driver from Elizabeth freed himself about 10 minutes later and alerted police using his Apple watch. He was not injured. All four men arrested are being held at the Middlesex County jail in North Brunswick. Attorney information wasnt immediately available. Our journalism needs your support. Please subscribe today to NJ.com. Jeff Goldman may be reached at jeff_goldman@njadvancemedia.com. A New Jersey man charged with multiple counts of sexual assault in Ocean City, Maryland last year has been found not guilty on all 11 charges, according to court documents. Adrian Castaneda Sanchez was cleared earlier this week by a jury sitting in Worcester County. Castaneda Sanchez was arrested as he tried to board a flight to Cancun, Mexico at Philadelphia International Airport in October 2023. Castaneda Sanchez, then 38, was not aware at the time that there was a warrant for his arrest, his attorney, Andy Jezic said. Castaneda Sanchez was taken into custody after U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers checking passenger manifests of international flights matched Castaneda Sanchez to the outstanding warrant, the federal agency said. He is a Mexican citizen and a lawful permanent resident of the U.S. who resides in Pennsville, Salem County, Customs and Border Protection said at the time. Our journalism needs your support. Please subscribe today to NJ.com. Jeff Goldman may be reached at jeff_goldman@njadvancemedia.com. Royal Caribbean canceled an upcoming voyage for Icon of the Seas, the worlds largest cruise ship. The ship, which was initially supposed to set sail Sept. 28, 2024, had to be docked due to unplanned maintenance, according to the cruise liner. We are currently conducting unplanned maintenance onboard Icon of the Seas, Royal Caribbean disclosed in an email to travel agents. We understand the disappointment this news may bring and were truly sorry for the impact to your vacation plans. The cruise liner is offering guests who were supposed to sail on that date a 100% refund, including food and beverage packages, according to WPLG. Guests who also booked flight packages through Royal Caribbean to go along with the sailing will receive a refund as well. Royal Caribbean will also provide $200 per guest for guests who planned to travel domestically and $400 per guest for guests with international travel plans for all customers who booked flights independently. The ship is expected to stay docked in Miami to undergo repairs. 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. Rep. Tom Kean Jr. should donate his Congressional salary to charity after handing in his resignation. His refusal to answer questions of any kind even what he had for lunch has turned him into a national joke. If you havent seen the video of NJ Spotlights Ben Hulac chasing him into an elevator this week in a futile effort to get even one answer to a question, take a look at it. It is painful to watch, because Kean stands in silence for two minutes, stone-faced, as Hulac asks him a series of questions. Do you regret endorsing Donald Trump? Hulac asks. How are you going to vote on the CR (to keep the government open). Are you in favor of mass deportations in New Jersey in the 7th District? What about Ukraine? Do you think Trump will do enough to support Ukraine in the war effort? Taiwan? You pick the topic. Would love to talk to you about literally anything. And the clincher: What are you having for lunch? It is part of a Congressmans obligations to talk to the public, and to answer legitimate questions from the press. Everyone else seems to get that. Today, for example, the Republican candidate for U.S. Senate, Curtis Bashaw, came to the Star-Ledgers office in Newark and answered questions for nearly two hours, a great discussion. Hulac notes that Keans silence is not a partisan thing, that he gets answers from other Republicans, as we do. But not Kean. Ive sent him dozens of questions in the last few years, and hes never answered one, even in writing. Hes not holding open town halls, either. Its a sad story, really. Kean never had the confidence to speak openly about controversial issues, even when he was a Republican leader in the state Legislature. Hed always begin by asking, Are we off the record? But eventually, he would usually tell you what he thought, even if couched with timid qualifiers. Not now. He just doesnt answer any questions, period. Former Rep. Tom Malinowski, a Democrat who lost a squeaker to Kean two years ago, offered this theory after watching the video: He doesnt have, to put it very kindly, a lot of mental or verbal acuity in those situations. And I think thats really what they are trying to hide from voters here, that this is somebody who isnt capable of doing one of the most basic things that an elected representative is supposed to do. Is it a lack of brain power? Maybe, but I never noticed that in his Trenton days. Is he going through some emotional crisis? Again, maybe. Dont miss the best in editorials, opinion columns and commentary from NJ.com writers. Add your email here: But I suspect its a strategy. Because this silence descended only when Kean Jr. endorsed Donald Trump. Thats tough to defend in the 7th District, a swing district that is rated as the only tossup in the state this year. My guess is that Kean knows that and would prefer to run on that name of his, hoping that voters in the 7th assume that junior is made of the same stuff as his dad. Folks, hes not. The former governor answered questions every time, built bipartisan coalitions, and carved out a national reputation as a thoughtful and unconventional Republican. Junior is an obedient soldier of the MAGA caucus in the House, voting with Trump every time. He refuses to discuss that, too. Even when hes trapped in an elevator. Keans strategy is a slap in the face to voters in his district. This is a democracy. Were supposed to have open discussion. Its part of the job. And Kean has proven himself derelict. So please, junior, either answer questions, or resign. This is pathetic, like nothing Ive ever seen in the 30 years Ive covered Jersey politics. 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. Wanna know what Tom Kean, Jr. has to say about some of Trump's recent ramblings? On Trump's racist lie that Haitian immigrants are eating cats and dogs in Ohio: no comment On Trump claiming he'll restore the SALT deduction when he's the one who got rid of it: no comment On Sue Altman (@suealtman) September 23, 2024 Bookmark NJ.com/Opinion. Follow on Twitter @NJ_Opinion and find NJ.com Opinion on Facebook. When her fiances father became terminally ill in 2022, Jackie Schaffner called the The Art Factory in Paterson to postpone her wedding. She said the owner assured her there would be no problem rescheduling the date to summer. But once I started to ask for a new date, he became very difficult to work with, Schaffner told NJ Advance Media on Wednesday. Schaffner said she was forced to hire a lawyer who wrote The Art Factory a demand letter. She also contacted a consumer affairs bureau, whose members she said convinced the owner to give Schaffner a new date, which he did. But Schaffner still isnt married. The Art Factory no longer returns her calls. She says shes out $10,000. Schaffner is one of dozens of worried brides-to-be who have taken to social media in recent days to say theyve left a deposit or paid for a wedding at The Art Studio and say their plans are now in limbo. The Art Factory fell behind in its $12.5 million mortgage in November 2023, court records show. When that happened, the mortgage company won a judgment for nearly $11 million against Great Falls Industrial Park, which owns The Art Factory. The Art Factory is a complex of industrial buildings on Spruce Street with some structures serving as studios for artists and others converted into banquet rooms. The judgment apparently prompted wedding venues owner, David Garsia, to file for Chapter 11 bankruptcy last month. Court records show the business has assets of $100,000 against liabilities in excess of $10 million. Garsia and his attorney did not return several calls seeking comment on Wednesday. After filing for bankruptcy, Garsia messaged couples who had booked upcoming weddings and told them the federal bankruptcy court had directed his company to stop hosting weddings. Accordingly, we regret to inform you that effective immediately, the company will host no further events, Garsia wrote in a social media message shared with NJ Advance Media. Until further notice, the company is unable to admit any customers or guests onto the premises, the message said. The Art Factory has not only been accused of mishandling upcoming weddings, but at least one vendor sued The Art Factory and obtained a $14,000 judgment for failure to pay for services rendered. The vendor, who asked not to be named, said the owners have not paid any of the money owed for his workers setting up events. One bride-to-be told NJ Advance Media in an email on Wednesday that she gave The Art Factory $24,000 to pay for her Oct. 25, 2025, wedding in full. She said the business within the past two weeks also tried to charge her in full for 19 hotel rooms that are still under construction on The Art Factorys property. I was shocked when David mentioned another couple might be booking these for our date, which then prompted him to send me a payment link to hold them for an additional $10,000 an insane price to pay for accommodations 13 months from now, the woman said in an email. The woman decided not to pay for the hotel rooms after hearing about the bankruptcy and event cancellations. Thank you for relying on us to provide the journalism you can trust. Please consider supporting NJ.com with a subscription. Anthony G. Attrino may be reached at tattrino@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on X @TonyAttrino. Find NJ.com on Facebook. Two high-ranking officials with a pharmacy in New Jersey pleaded guilty to their roles in a $33 million kickback scheme, U.S. Attorney Philip R. Sellinger announced Wednesday. Jeffrey Andrews, 73, of Bryn Mawr, Pennsylvania and Adam Brosius, 55, of Langhorne, Pennsylvania pleaded guilty to separate charges. The two ran a pharmacy in Clifton that was accused of providing prescription pads to marketers that included formulas for compound medications that would provide large reimbursements from health insurers. Andrews pleaded guilty in Newark federal court on Tuesday to one count of conspiracy to violate anti-kickback laws. Brosius pleaded guilty in a federal court in Newark on Monday to separate counts of conspiracy to commit healthcare fraud and conspiracy to violate anti-kickback laws. Andrews and Brosius were originally indicted in 2020 for playing a role in the scheme that included two other Pennsylvania residents. Charges against Chad Beene, 52, of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania remain pending while the fourth person charged in the scheme, 81-year-old Robert Schneiderman of Langhorne, Pennsylvania pleaded guilty to two counts of the indictment, officials said. Federal officials accused the men of using Main Avenue Pharmacy in Clifton to fill prescriptions in order to receive high reimbursements from federal and private insurers from 2014 to 2016, officials said. Andrews was the Chief Financial Officers of Main Avenue while Brosius was director of business development and later became president of the pharmacy, officials said. Main Avenue Pharmacy was a mail-order pharmacy that authorities said ran an illegal kickback scheme involving compounded drugs including scar creams, pain creams, migraine mediation and vitamins. The scheme involved identifying specific prescriptions that would yield exorbitant reimbursements from insurers and then filling out prescription pads with the identified formulas to be handed out to marketers around the country that the pharmacy had contracted with, officials said. The marketers then handed out the prescription pads to telemedicine companies and doctors who authorities alleged the marketers had financial arrangements with. Main Avenue would fill the prescriptions and then submit reimbursement claims to Medicare, Tricare and other commercial payers in New Jersey and other places. Once reimbursements were received, they would pay a portion of that money to the marketers, officials said. Authorities said the terms of the kickback scheme were laid out in contracts the pharmacy had with marketers and based payments on the volume of referrals and the amount of reimbursement the pharmacy received from the insurers. In total, officials said Main Avenue received approximately $33 million in reimbursements. Authorities said about $5.8 million of the total reimbursements came from Tricare alone, a federal payer. Sentencing for Brosius is scheduled for Feb. 20, 2025, while Andrews sentencing is scheduled for Feb. 18, 2025. Mr. Brosius is a good man, his attorneys David Eskew and Mark A. Berman wrote in an emailed statement to NJ Advance Media Wednesday. As reflected by his guilty plea in Court earlier this week, Mr. Brosius has accepted responsibility for his part in conduct that dates back nearly a decade. He looks forward to finally putting this long ordeal behind him for good. Andrews attorney Michael Engle declined to comment on the case Wednesday. Our journalism needs your support. Please subscribe today to NJ.com. Matthew Enuco may be reached at Menuco@njadvancemedia.com. Follow Matt on X A Louisiana Republican faced heated backlash over a racist tweet attacking Haitian migrants, with some users accusing him of bigotry and being tied to the KKK. Rep. Clay Higgins (R-La.) was responding to a report from The Associated Press detailing a lawsuit brought by Haitian migrants against former President Trump. Trump and his running mate, Sen. JD Vance (R-Ohio), have spread false claims that Haitian migrants in Springfield, Ohio are stealing neighbors pets and eating them. After MSNBC host and anchor Stephanie Ruhles feisty appearance on HBOs Real Time last weekend, former president and Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump lashed out at her for insisting that any informed still-undecided voter with a brain should be voting for Kamala Harris. In a Truth Social post after the show, Trump called Ruhle a dumb as a rock bimbo. On Wednesday, while Ruhle appeared on colleague Nicolle Wallaces show, Deadline White House, to promote Ruhles interview with Harris, the Vice President and Democratic presidential nominee, Ruhle said that a refreshing aspect of the interview was that Harris stayed positive. What I didnt hear from her was divisive language, Ruhle said. What I barely even heard from her was ripping on Donald Trump. Imagine if I was sitting [with] Donald Trump. Imagine the language he would be using. Please. And just the fact that we were talking about collaborative inclusivity ... I dont know, Nicolle, vote for her or dont vote for her, but isnt it great to just have a positive conversation right now? Wallace, aware of Trumps insult, stuck up for Ruhle. I hope you would be divisive if you were sitting across from him, but well put a pin in that let me play some more from the interview, Wallace said. But Ruhle cut her off and leaned into the camera for effect, then delivered the knockout blow. Lets be clear, Ruhle said. Lets be clear: I thought he liked bimbos. Trump, of course, is a known philanderer who got caught making hush-money payments to a porn star while being convicted of 34 felonies. Ruhles interview with the vice president piggy-backed on Harris economic speech on Wednesday. She pledged to build an economy that is both pro-business and helps the middle class as she pushed back against Trumps claims that shes advancing communist ideas. Harris said in remarks at the Economic Club of Pittsburgh in battleground Pennsylvania that she would take good ideas from wherever they come as she promised to double the number of people being trained in registered apprenticeships and outlined her support for more home ownership. As president, I will be grounded in my fundamental values of fairness, dignity and opportunity, Harris said. And I promise you, I will be pragmatic in my approach. Harris, who called Trump the biggest loser on manufacturing jobs while pointing out that 200,000 were lost during his presidency, plans to provide $100 billion worth of tax breaks and other incentives to build up U.S. manufacturing and emerging technologies. Our journalism needs your support. Please subscribe today to NJ.com. New swing state polling shows trouble for one candidate as Vice President Harris and former President Trump barrel toward Novembers election. New Marist polls, released Thursday, show Harris narrowly trailing Trump in the battleground states of Arizona and Georgia two states President Biden carried in 2020. Biden won Arizona over Trump in 2020 by less than 11,000 votes and carried Georgia by roughly 12,000 votes in 2020. In Arizona, Trump has 50 percent of support compared to Harriss 49 percent of support, according to the new poll. According to Marist, Harris does not have as strong margins in key demographic groups as Biden did four years ago. She is not performing as well among Latinos as Biden did four years ago in the state. While Marist noted that Biden carried Latinos by 24 percentage points over Trump in 2020, the poll found Harris trailing Trump by 2 percentage points in this key voting group. The Arizona also found that while Harris, the Democratic presidential nominee, is neck-and-neck with Trump, the Democratic candidate for the Senate seat has a lead over their Republican opponent. Democrat Ruben Gallego has a 10-point lead over Republican Kari Lake in the Arizona Senate race, according to the poll. Harris does have a slight edge over Trump among independents who are likely to vote with 51 percent of support compared to Trumps 47 percent of support. Arizonas 11 electoral votes are up for grabs, but the Democratic candidate for U.S. Senate has a double-digit lead, Lee M. Miringoff, Director of the Marist Institute for Public Opinion, said in the press release. Voters in the state, like elsewhere, are willing to split their ticket this time unlike the straight party voting that occurred in 2016 and 2020. In Georgia, Trump is also up by 1 percentage point with 50 percent of support compared to Harriss 49 percent. However, she does lead Trump by 5 percentage points among likely independent votersa group Biden carried by 9 points during the 2020 election, according to Marist. Georgia was thrust into the national spotlight in 2020 after Trump and his allies suggested without evidence that there was voter fraud in the state. The new poll found that despite this, 72 percent of Georgia residents are confident in the fairness of the elections. Georgia was ground zero for election controversies in 2020. Yet, the overwhelming majority of Georgians express confidence that elections will be fair and accurate, Mingroff said. Interestingly, most Democrats and Republicans share this view despite the results last time. The Arizona poll results were based on 1,264 likely voters surveyed Sept. 19-24 with a margin of error of 3.8 percentage points. The Georgia poll results were based on 1,220 likely voters surveyed Sept. 19-24 with a margin of error of 3.9 percentage points. Juan Soto is about six weeks away from becoming a free agent when all the rumors and speculation about his long-term home and huge payday will begin to get more real. Even though New York Yankees owner Hal Steinbrenner said earlier this season he wanted to keep Soto in pinstripes for the rest of his career, will he ultimately offer him the most money, and how much will that matter? One MLB insider has some doubts. SIGN UP FOR OUR FREE YANKEES NEWSLETTER: RESTORING THE GLORY We dont know really whats in Sotos heart does he really want to stay with the Yankees, or like a lot of players, and by the way, this is totally their prerogative, some players equate money for respect, ESPN MLB insider Buster Olney said Sept. 25 on Pinstripe Territory. Is Soto looking to get a record number of dollars from one of these teams? And I do think in the end, the Yankees are going to be outbid by somebody. I cant see Hal (Steinbrenner) going to nutty numbers and we dont know if (New York Mets owner) Steve Cohen is going to do like he does with some of his art and just blow the competition out of the water. Soto is days away from concluding a standout regular season with the Yankees, where the outfielder has hit .288/.419/.574 (178 OPS+) with 41 home runs and 108 RBIs. And then he will begin his quest for a second World Series; he won his first in 2019 with the Washington Nationals, the team that drafted Soto and then traded him away in 2022 after he declined a 15-year, $440 million extension. Thats when it became clear that Soto, a Scott Boras client, was interested in testing the open market during his first opportunity. Free agency is where the threat of the Mets and owner Steve Cohens deep pockets could loom. I was told in spring training: thats our (the Mets) guy, Olney said. Like Soto is the focus on what the Mets are going to try to do. Thank you for relying on us to provide the journalism you can trust. Please consider supporting us with a subscription. Six-day (Tuesday through Sunday) print subscribers of the Watertown Daily Times are eligible for full access to NNY360, the NNY360 mobile app, and the Watertown Daily Times e-edition, all at no additional cost. If you have an existing six-day print subscription to the Watertown Daily Times, please make sure your email address on file matches your NNY360 account email. You can sign up or manage your print subscription using the options below. Guest column: The rule on legislative continuances is an invitation to abuse. Here's why. It's about to get cheesy in Michigan City this weekend. The Mac & Cheese Fest celebrating the classic comfort food will return to the street between Zorn Brew Works, 605 E. 9th St., and Barrelhouse the Venue, 113 York St. in Michigan City from 1-4 p.m. Sunday. Dig the Dunes is staging the Mac and Cheese Fest, which will include samples from 10 to 15 different vendors. The annual celebration of the classic pairing of macaroni and cheese, a popular staple of American home cooking that an estimated 97% of Americans eat at least once a year, is now in its seventh year. This year's mac and cheese vendors include Battista's Artisan Pizzeria, the Brewery Lodge and Supper Club, Burn 'Em Brewery, Fish Camp, the Meals on Wheels Northwest Indiana Culinary Team, Moe's Food Truck, Panini Panini, Patrick's Grille, Trip's Treehouse, Waterford Inn and Zorn Brew Works. Tickets include a sample of each restaurant's mac and cheese dish. Other vendors includes Zombie Buzz Coffee, Firefly Glow Vintage, Futuristic Face Painting by Christopher Messer, Popcorn by the Lake Brothers and Renewal by Anderson. Johnny V, Tastee Treats and WYISIWG will perform live music. Sponsors include North Star Properties, Good News Vintage, MC Auto Supply, Harbour Trust, KPEM, LLC and Meals on Wheels NWI. Tickets cost $30 and include a reusable mac and cheese bowl. Children are free if they eat only parent's samples. Kids under 15 years old and vegetarians can get $20 tickets with four samples. VIP tickets cost $55 and include early entry and seats at Barrelhouse and the Venue to enjoy the live music. For more information or tickets, visit digthedunes.com. Peru I used to take pride in eating the hottest chiles I could. I went up the ranks of the Scoville scale, dosing myself with Thai bird chiles, Scotch bonnets, habaneros, Trinidad Moruga scorpions and bhut jolokias, also known as ghost peppers, whose intensity is so great, the Indian military has reportedly used them to develop a kind of tear-gas grenade. Habanero Ghost Thai bird Scotch bonnet Scorpion This is how most Americans view chiles. In the wildly popular YouTube series Hot Ones, celebrities attempt to eat soul-shatteringly spicy chicken wings. Over time, I came to see the error of chile-eating as competitive sport. A chile is an ingredient, not just a vehicle of sensation (and suffering). I began to wonder if I knew chiles at all. So I flew to Peru to find out. Chiles are beloved in South America. Members of the Capsicum genus, they are believed to have evolved into something close to their present form in the Andes millions of years ago. I wanted to taste a descendant of those ancient peppers, Perus native aji amarillo. If I was going to truly understand chiles, this one grown in the same region for ages, possessed of equal parts fire and flavor might hold the key. Two and a half hours outside Lima, I arrived at a farm planted with several varieties of aji amarillo: blunt-ended; curved at the tip; chubby and juicy; long and thin like a churro. Here, twice a year, pale starlike flowers open, from which the chiles emerge. Once harvested, some are trucked to market, while others end up at factories that turn them into a vital element in Peruvian cooking: salsa de aji amarillo. I visited one small factory to watch the process. The chiles are first blanched in hot water, then swirled in a chugging, bubbling bath. Workers in protective gear carry the chiles from one room to the next. A cook tumbles them in a wok over a roaring burner, flames racing up to the ceiling like freed souls. Then the chiles are run through a grinder, twice, until smooth as cream. Whats left is a sauce of mellowed brightness and a gentle but steady hum of heat. Now it was time to learn how this distillation of aji amarillo manifested in local dishes. I started my quest at Isolina, a restaurant in the bohemian barrio Barranco that serves classics of criollo (creole) cuisine, drawing from Perus multiple traditions: Indigenous, colonial Spanish and African, passed down by enslaved people during the Spanish conquest. Lomo saltado Papa con huancaina y ocopa Aji de gallina Jalea Causa The plates came all at once. The chile turned up in almost every dish, bringing a sly kick to stir-fried tenderloin and potatoes engulfed in two cheese sauces; a faint sweetness to counter the salty funk of sharp cheese in aji de gallina; a warm purr in a spill of leche de tigre over little fried silver fish; and a sunny leavening to tiers of mashed potatoes. I could see why a colleague of mine, the journalist Nicholas Gill, had told me: Aji amarillo is such a friendly chile. It uplifts everything. The next morning, I stopped by Chorrillos, a fishing village now absorbed into Lima. I wanted to find out how the chile gives character to another dish: tiradito, a cousin to ceviche, in which raw fish is cut long, into whisper-thin ribbons, like sashimi, and dressed in leche de tigre, a sauce golden with aji amarillo. In the narrow kitchen of Rocio & Papacho, a makeshift restaurant on the pier, I watched the chef, Rocio Cuba, prepare the dish. The tiradito was garlicky and punchy, the sultry halo of aji amarillo heightened by a brilliant sting of lime. I felt as if this might be the closest Id yet come to really tasting aji amarillo, its frank optimism, its essence as a fruit. But I needed more. I headed to La Picanteria, a rustic lunch-only spot in Surquillo that specializes in seafood and local dishes. We started off with Pisco Sours, of course, in honor of the South American brandy. A chorus of gaping fish, trapped as if midthrash, watched us from a mound of ice by the kitchen. We chose a hefty corvina, which appeared at our table with head, fins and tail intact but its middle transformed into jaladito, in which the fish is cut slightly thicker, cured with salt and then doused in leche de tigre, a pool of gold, with arcs of aji amarillo scattered on top. Here the chile was even more vivid, like sun touching down at the bottom of the sea. I couldnt leave Lima without stopping by Maido, one of the most acclaimed restaurants in the world. Chef Mitsuharu Tsumura made a tiradito with a trout from the fresh highland waters of the Andes. It was the seventh of 15 courses on the tasting menu and was prepared by Tsumura himself tableside. The aji amarillo sauce was frozen into a shimmery yellow dust that turned to leche de tigre on the plate. The flavor was deep and heady, like a lost summer suddenly remembered. This is it, I thought, this is aji amarillo. But when I went back to the kitchen to thank Tsumura, he said I had to try one more dish to complete my quest, a humble soup, sudado, named after the process of sweating that is, steaming fish in hot broth. He lined a bowl with the daintiest of ingredients: clams the size of thumbprints and tiny orbs of cushuro, a bacterium that grows in Andean lakes. Then came the soup, made of aji amarillo gone long on the stove with fish stock and fermented corn. We waited a moment for it to cool. Then I tasted a spoonful: all these little treasures gathered from across Peru, these gifts of land and sea, gilded by an ancient, essential and at the same time totally ordinary, everyday chile. This was the warmth of connectedness, of things falling into place. It was like light entering a dark room. Here Are the Charges Eric Adams Faces, Annotated Federal prosecutors in Manhattan on Thursday unveiled a five-count indictment against Mayor Eric L. Adams of New York, charging him with bribery conspiracy, fraud and soliciting illegal foreign campaign donations. The 5 Charges in the Indictment 1 count Conspiracy to commit wire fraud, solicit foreign contributions and accept bribes Related to accusations that Adams illegally accepted travel and gifts through the Turkish government, solicited the illegal foreign contributions into his campaign from Turkish businessmen and improperly influenced the approval of the Turkish Consulate in New York City. 1 count Wire fraud Related to accusations that Adams fraudulently accepted public matching funds for his campaign by improperly certifying contributions that were made via straw donors, concealing the true sources of the donations. 2 counts Solicitation of a contribution by a foreign national Related to accusations that Adams solicited and received improper campaign contributions through foreign citizens. 1 count Bribery Related to accusations that Adams solicited free and heavily discounted foreign luxury travel in exchange for helping to obtain approval by Fire Department officials of a new Turkish Consulate. Mr. Adams, who is up for re-election in 2025, insisted he was innocent in the case, which is led by U.S. Attorney Damian Williams of the Southern District of New York. At least three other federal investigations have reached people in the mayors orbit. The New York Times annotated this indictment. Download the original PDF. An Indian woman recently filed for divorce from her husband of only 40 days, claiming that he only bathed once or twice per month. The unnamed woman from Agra, in Indias Uttar Pradesh state, approached the local family counseling center to complain about her husbands poor personal hygiene, claiming that he rarely ever bathed, wore dirty clothes, and suffered from bad breath. She could barely stand close to the man, let alone be intimate with him. As a result, after only 40 days of marriage, the woman asked for a divorce. When questioned by the counseling center, the husband, Rajash, admitted to bathing only once or twice a month and cleansing by sprinkling his body with Gangajal (holy water from the river Ganges) once a week. Photo: Olichel/Pixabay One of the counselors at the family center in Agra told reporters that the young couple started getting into heated arguments about the husbands hygiene a few weeks after the wedding. Eventually, the wife left the conjugal home and went back to living with her family. Shortly after, her family lodged a dowry harassment complaint at a local police station and requested a divorce. The scorned wife said that Rajash had bathed 6 times in the last 40 days, a bit more than he usually did, but only because she insisted. Hearing about her decision to divorce him, the husband promised to improve his hygiene and even bathe on a daily basis, but the womans family said that she was unwilling to reconcile with him. As bizarre as this sounds, this is far from the first time that a spouses poor hygiene has led to a divorce. A Taiwanese man once divorced his wife because she only bathed once a year, and another Indian man filed for divorce from his wife because she only bathed once every ten days. Terry Szuplat, White House speechwriter for President Barack Obama from 2009 - 2017, believes that Obama connected so well with people all over the world because he was comfortable with himself and believed in himself. "He had his voice. He had his vision," Szuplat said. Speaking to a packed room during an engaging and timely talk Sept. 19 at The National Churchill Leadership Center at The George Washington University campus in Washington, D.C., Szuplat asserted, We have to believe in ourselves, we have to know what were about. Szuplat's lessons learned from his time with Obama are detailed in his just-released book, Say It Well: Find Your Voice, Speak Your Mind, Inspire Any Audience (Harper Business, HarperCollins Publishers, Sept. 17, 2024). Moderator and Co-Host Anthony Shop of Social Driver (left) and author Terry Szuplat at The George Washington University in Washington, D.C., Sept. 19. During his tenure at the White House, Szuplat traveled with Obama to more than 40 countries on Air Force One and learned much from him about the power of thoughtful communications. "People worry so much about being judged, but if you are true to yourself that wont be a concern," he explained. But when youre confident of who you are, you know what you believe, you know what you stand for, maybe what other people think about you doesnt matter so much, he added. These same principles apply when creating a speech for the president, a CEO or any boss or colleague. He explained that ultimately the words must reflect their thoughts and beliefs. The words always must be authentic to the person. He asserted regarding his subjects, If they dont want to say it the way you have written ityou can encourage, you can cajole, you can point out the pros and cons, but in the end its their words literally. Explaining the speechwriting process for President Obama, he explained, Thats not how we saw itputting words in the presidents mouth. President Obama never had to read a single word that was on the page, he added. Every word was a choice. All it waswas a draft prepared by us in collaboration with him and a leader gets to decide what words come out of their mouth. And if they dont like the draft that the team has prepared, they dont have to give it. He continued, In the end, its their words, their voice. Ultimately its their choice. He reflected that speechwriters and communications professionals must be humble when crafting speeches and follow the three Vs of their subjecttheir voice, their vision and their values. Clear Messages & Personal Stories are Key Regarding speechwriting, Szuplat mentioned how someone once told him they were okay if 90 percent of the people they were speaking to understood what they were saying. He asserted, You should not be okay with that! He added, That means that 10 percent of your audience doesnt understand what youre saying. And maybe that 10 percent is your next partner, your next investor, your next donor, your next volunteer. He continued, And youre leaving them in the dark. Theyre not going to join you, theyre not going to partner with you. Szuplat emphasized the importance of personal stories in speeches. The best way to connect with your audience is to deliver authentic speeches, he said. He continued, The audience wants you. They dont want you to get up and give a policy paper. They want to connect with you. Think of all the speeches that impacted you the most, that resonated with you the most, is when a speaker gets up and speaks from their heartabout who they are, he added. He continued, Personalize your remarks. No one can tell your stories better than you can. You have your own stories. You have your own life. You have your own anecdotes you can share. Audience members received a copy of the new book, which Szuplat signed. In talking about the book, he asserted that its not a memoir, but a handbook, a guidebook and workbook that he wants people to refer to again and again for tips in their daily work life as communicators. Szuplat recounted one of the most moving and memorable parts of President Obamas 2014 State of the Union speech. It came towards the end when the president honored Army Ranger Cory Remsburg, who had been injured in Afghanistan. He (Cory) stood up and it was unbelievable, said Szuplat. Remsburg received a two-minute standing ovation and he touched people all over the world. Stories resonate so powerfully, added Szuplat. Szuplat remembered one of his favorite videos created by President Obama in which he greeted audiences from all over the world in their languages. Watching one of the great orators connect with people all over the world by literally speaking their language. How simple, and yet how profound that is. That one of the most powerful people in the world would take the time to learn somebody elses phrase and language and try to connect with them on a human level, he commented. Szuplat learned so much from President Obama as he gave the speechwriting team time and attention, which was critical. Szuplat asserted about the former president, I am very grateful to him and his office that theyre allowing me to share my conversations with him over the years. I hope that every chapter you feel like youre having a conversation with Barack Obama about writing and communications. 50-25-25 Rule Szuplat believes that fifty percent of your time should be dedicated to thinking about what you want to say before you even begin writing. Then 25 percent can be dedicated to writing and 25 percent to editing and practicing a speech. Szuplat stated, You dont have to start writing immediately. You dont have to start creating right away. Just set aside the first 50 percent of your time to do the most important job of all, which is to think about what you want to say, he continued. Write down your ideas, create a document, start collecting stories, start talking to people. Just do all that work and youll find all of a sudden you have so much more material than you know what to do with, he added. He explained that then you can spend 25 percent writing and 25 percent editing and practicing the speech. He remarked how too many times speeches are written too quickly with only hours to spare with no time to practice or edit the speech, leading to an unsatisfactory result. This advice about thinking carefully about what you want to say first can actually be used for any other type of writing, including articles, papers, and especially e-mails and texts and social media posts! Again, content is key. He asserted, Obsess about your ideas, obsess about your content, say something interesting, say something concrete, say something thats going to challenge people, move people, inspire people. Thoughts on ChatGPT At the end of the meeting, Szuplat did weigh in on ChatGPT and generative AI and how communicators have to be careful how they use these technologies. While he said AI can be helpful for research, etc., it must be used thoughtfully. For example, as a professor at American Universitys School of Public Affairs, he said that if he discovers any of his students submitting AI generated work as their own, its an automatic F! He asserted, If you are going to stand up or sit as a human being in front of other human beings and you expect to form a human connection with them, dont ever use a bot for that. He continued, Your audience wants humanity, they want whats in your heart, they do not want stuff regurgitated by a machine. He declared, We dont know whats true, we dont know whats being generated by a human versus a machine. Talk like a human, he said. Share whats in your heart. The machine will never know whats in your heart. From 2009 to 2017 Szuplat served as special assistant to the president and as a member of the National Security Council staff, and from 2013 to 2017 he was the deputy director of the White House Speechwriting Office. Today, Szuplat runs his own speechwriting firm, Global Voices Communications, and teaches speechwriting at American Universitys School of Public Affairs. He is a popular speaker and trainer and his essays have appeared in The New Yorker, New York Magazine, and The Washington Post, among many other publications. The event was co-hosted by The George Washington University College of Professional Studies and the digital marketing and communications agency Social Driver. PRSA-NCC and IABC DC Metro were promotional partners, and the discussion was also recorded for the Chief Influencer podcast, an initiative of Social Driver and The Communications Board. Timothy Cardinal Dolan Dissing Dolan... Vice President Kamala Harris plans to skip the annual Alfred E. Smith Memorial Dinner in New York on Oct. 17 Smith. She needs to go. Every Democratic and Republican presidential candidate since 1984 has attended the $5K a-plate black-tie fundraiser for New York Catholic Charities. Harris excuse for ditching the dinner is that she plans to campaign in a battleground state on Oct. 17. She did manage to slip away from the battleground states on Sept. 22 to swing into NYC for a fundraiser at Cipriani Wall Street that netted $27M, which is her biggest haul for the election-run. The VP's decision to snub the fundraiser named for a four-time Democratic governor of New York and the first Catholic to run for president on a major party ticket presented a golden opportunity to Donald Trump. Trump, who attended the 2016 dinner and the 2020 virtual affair, posted on Truth Social: Its sad but not surprising that Kamala has decided not to attend. I dont know what she has against our Catholic friends, but it must be a lot, because she certainly hasnt been very nice to them, in fact, Catholics are literally being persecuted by this Administration. Any Catholic that votes for Comrade Kamala Harris should have their head examined. Trumps post about persecution from an administration led by the second Catholic president is nonsense. Regardless, it will register with some Catholic voters. But Harris bigger worry is the slap from the PR savvy archbishop of New York. Cardinal Timothy Dolan said he was looking forward to hosting Harris at the dinner and is disappointed with her cold shoulder. And then he delivered a zinger at his Sept. 23 press conference: Were not used to this. We dont know how to handle it. This hasnt happened in 40 years, since Walter Mondale turned down the invitation. And remember, he lost 49 out of 50 states. I dont want to say theres a direct connection there. Ouch! Dinner organizers could deliver the PR hammer to Harris campaign. How about leaving the podium chairnext to Dolan that was intended for Harrisempty. That would be a very fitting response to her disrespectful brush off and a PR disaster for the VP as the media would focus their coverage on the empty chair and Trump smiling in his seat on the other side of the Cardinal. The VP has time to redeem herself from her very bad rookie mistake. She shouldnt take the Empire State for granted, and just view it as a campaign piggybank. Thin-skinned Bernie. Billionaire Bernard Arnault has ordered executives at his LVMH luxury goods company not to talk to reporters from seven media outlets. I formally condemn any behavior consistent with maintaining relationships with unscrupulous journalists and giving them information or comments about the life of the group, wrote the haughty Frenchman. One of Arnaults lieutenants, of course, leaked the January memo this month to La Lettre, one of the banned outlets on Arnaults hit list. That resulted in an open letter on Sept. 24 in Le Monde, Frances national newsletter, from journalists unions reminding Arnault that the medias role is not to roll over for corporations or billionaires. The mission of the press is not to relay the official communications of companies and institutions but to inform, they wrote. Perhaps Bernie is upset with his tumble from the top of the richest people in the world roster. Declining revenues from LVMH units, which include Louis Vuitton, Christian Dior, Moet & Chandon, and Sephora, hit Arnaults treasure chest. He now ranks No. 5 behind Elon Musk, Jeff Bezos, Larry Ellison and Mark Zuckerberg, according to Bloombergs Billionaires Index. That fall from grace must infuriate Arnault who famously said: As long as Im not the richest man in the world, I wont be happy. Cheer up, you have $177B reasons to be happy. Spinning a corporate flop Vertex Energy on Sept. 24 announced that it was initiating a formal pathway aimed at achieving a sustainable capital structure. In other words, Houston-based Vertex is going belly-up by declaring Chapter 11 and exploring a sale of its assets. Or in Vertexs parlance: the company is pursuing a more value maximizing sale transaction. The Chapter 11 move follows a rugged financial first-half as the refiner of speciality fuels, which says its dedicated to shaping the future of the energy industry, posted a $72M net loss on $1.2B revenues. Vertexs spinmeisters need a new corporate slogan. The Washington Posts latest step in creating a refined product vision for its publishing technology unit Arc XP includes shedding 54 employees. The axing of the staffers, who are not members of the Posts union, follows the layoffs of seven Arc XP employees earlier this year. Set up in 2015 by Post owner Jeff Bezos to provide a customizable set of tools for content and site management, Arc XP had been viewed as a potential profit center for the paper. However, a Wall Street Journal report from 2023 said that it was not profitable, falling behind in meeting its goal of $200 million a year in revenue annually by 2027. Arc XP provides its services, which include content creation, workflow orchestration, asset management and live streaming, tobrands including Reuters, South Koreas Chosun Ilbo and Frances Le Parisien. California Governor Gavin Newsom signs a bill mandating that state agencies develop plans to increase their advertising spending in media outlets serving California's diverse populations. AB 1511, authored by Assemblymember Miguel Santiago (D-Los Angeles) and sponsored by the Latino Media Collaborative, requires agencies to annually report on their progress to ensure transparency and accountability. The bill's provisions will remain in effect until July 1, 2028, ensuring that these vital investments continue for the next several years. "California's ethnic and community media are essential to keeping our diverse populations informed through independent journalism," said Latino Media Collaborative president Arturo Carmona. "This law ensures that state advertising investments will go where they are needed most, creating an economic lifeline for these media outlets while also connecting more Californians to critical state programs. Minhee Cho Guardian Media Group appoints Minhee Cho as communications manager for the Guardian US. She reports to Matt Mittenthal, head of communications. Cho joins the Guardian from Fountain House, a national nonprofit supporting people living with serious mental illness, where she was director, media strategy. Before that, she served as media relations manager at Robert F. Kennedy Human Rights, Ethel Kennedy's social justice organization, and director of public relations for ProPublica, the Pulitzer Prize-winning investigative newsroom. IRELAND was promoted to around 80 Austrian and Swiss tour operators and travel agents at Tourism Irelands B2B workshops which took place in the cities of Linz, Vienna, Zurich and Lausanne. Eight tourism companies from Ireland including Silverline Cruisers from Banagher took part in the workshops, meeting and doing business with Austrian and Swiss travel professionals who bring valuable tourists to our island. The workshops include a series of one-to-one meetings and networking sessions providing a valuable opportunity for the businesses from Ireland to showcase and sell their products and services, as the Austrian and Swiss travel trade begin planning for 2025 and beyond. Tourism Ireland and its partners from Ireland are reminding the Austrian and Swiss travel professionals all about the many great things for their clients to see and do here including our beautiful landscapes, rich heritage, great food and drink offering, as well as world-class attractions and outdoor experiences. Aubrey Irwin, Tourism Irelands Manager for Austria and Switzerland, said: Were delighted that so many key travel professionals from Austria and Switzerland have taken the time to come and meet with our partners from Ireland this week, to find out more about our superb tourism offering. Our aim is to connect our partners with the influential tour operators and travel agents who bring valuable tourists to Ireland and who are now planning for 2025 and beyond. A SUSPENDED sentence of three months was imposed on a man who was one of three individuals involved in the theft of a handbag and use of a bank card stolen from it. Nikolas Holub, Church Hill, Tullamore, appeared at Tullamore District Court having pleaded guilty to the theft of a woman's handbag at the Bridge Centre car park on April 29, 2022. Mr Holub also admitted stealing 400 at Ulster Bank, High Street, and 200 at Applegreen, Main Street. The accused's solicitor, Patrick Martin, told Judge Andrew Cody that two co-accused in the prosecution had already been dealt with by the court. Since then his client had to go to the UK because an uncle of his was ill and he had come back to deal with a bench warrant by appointment. Sergeant Richard Thornton said the offence had been committed when a handbag and its contents were stolen and a card in it was used to withdraw hundreds of euros. Sergeant Thornton said Mr Holub had 19 previous convictions, including convictions for theft, possession of drugs and road traffic offences. On one occasion he had been ordered to complete 60 hours of community service and on another he had received a three-month suspended sentence. The offences dated back to 2016. Judge Cody heard the injured party had been compensated. Mr Martin said his client was prepared to pay further money and he was starting work the following week. The solicitor described Mr Holub as a man who had an issue with cannabis and added that the suspended sentence was after the incident now before the court. Mr Martin said the accused had made admissions and pleaded guilty very early in relation to the offence on April 29, 2022 and he described it as an opportunistic act. The wallet had been left in a trolley in Dunnes Stores. A single man with one child, Mr Holub apologised for what he had done. Judge Cody ordered that a payment of 400 be made to the Acorn Project in Edenderry, in addition to 500 for the court poor box. He also imposed the three-month suspended sentence. The men previously convicted of the same offence were Andris Kuka, High Street, Tullamore and Frantisek Ziga, Jackson Hill, Tullamore. Earlier this year the District Court was told Mr Kuka was a father of three who had previous convictions for drugs and public order offences. The court heard he paid compensation to the injured party and he wished to have an opportunity to take up employment. He received a suspended sentence for the theft at the Bridge Centre and was also ordered to pay money to charity. Mr Ziga, a man who had done a course in a training centre, had previous convictions for driving without insurance and had been disqualified from driving in 2023. Like Mr Kuka, he paid compensation to the injured party, the woman who owned the stolen handbag. Mr Ziga, who was said to have been very embarrassed by the theft offence, also received a suspended sentence and was ordered to pay a fine. THE field in the race for the three Dail seats in Offaly at the next general election has expanded further with two anticipated candidates confirming they will run. Tullamore-based Sinn Fein representative, Cllr Aoife Masterson, will contest the election for her party while Cllr Fergus McDonnell, Edenderry, will be on the ballot paper for the new party, Independent Ireland. Cllr Masterson (pictured below), elected to the council for the first time this year, said her selection is pending ratification from the Sinn Fein Ard Comhairle but added: Since being elected to Offaly County Council, I have worked tirelessly to ensure your voice is heard and your needs represented. Now, with your support, I hope to continue that work as TD for Offaly in Dail Eireann. A lifelong activist, and former lecturer in law, I am not only committed to social justice and equality, but also have a proven track record of delivering results and effecting change for people and communities so often forgotten by Government. I am passionate about delivering on the things that matter to you and to our community and have the policies, ambition, and commitment to bring real change for people across Offaly. With your support, Offaly can have the strong voice it needs to ensure the highest level of services, facilities and economic regeneration and development. I am excited and ready to take on this important challenge and look forward to meeting and working with many of you over the coming weeks, months, and beyond. Cllr McDonnell is a very experienced representative on the local political scene and he made his comeback to the council after a very successful campaign this summer. The Edenderry man said he is bringing a wealth of experience and deep-rooted commitment to community service to the national stage. He said he hopes to expand his role in shaping the future of the region by becoming a strong advocate for his constituency at the national level. He was returned on the first count in the Edenderry Electoral Area in the 2024 Offaly County Council and he said he has earned a reputation as a tireless champion of community development. He referred to his long-standing dedication to grassroots initiatives, alongside his extensive experience in local governance, which he says make him a formidable candidate in the upcoming election. Speaking about his decision to stand for Dail Eireann, Cllr McDonnell (pictured below) said: I have always believed that politics is about people. Throughout my career, Ive worked to ensure that our communities have the resources they need to thrive. If elected to Dail Eireann, I will continue to fight for the people of Offaly, ensuring their voices are heard and their interests represented. I want to create real opportunities for our young people, protect services for the elderly, and ensure that every family in Offaly feels the benefits of a fairer, more prosperous Ireland. Ive spent my life serving this community, from working as a school transport driver to managing the North Offaly Community Development Network. These experiences have grounded me in the realities that families face every day, and I will carry that knowledge with me into Dail Eireann. Its about creating a future where our children and grandchildren can flourish. Independent Ireland leader Michael Collins TD expressed his strong support for McDonnells campaign, highlighting his extensive service to the community: Fergus McDonnell is a man of immense integrity and dedication. His work over the years has been nothing short of extraordinary, and I have no doubt that he will bring the same passion and commitment to Dail Eireann. He has a deep understanding of the needs of Offaly, and he will be a powerful voice for positive change. Adding to the endorsements, MEP Ciaran Mullooly (Independent Ireland, Midlands-North-West) praised McDonnells track record of public service and his commitment to Offalys future: Fergus is someone who has always put his community first. His experience, combined with his ability to connect with people from all walks of life, makes him an ideal candidate. I am confident that he will deliver for Offaly and be a strong advocate in Dail Eireann. Chairman Ken OFlynn shared his admiration for Mr. McDonnell, stating, 'Ive been remarkably impressed by Mr. McDonnell. He reminds me of the charismatic community organiser politician that this country has lacked for a number of years. His deep involvement in the community is evident; he not only knows many residents by first name but truly lives and breathes community. He embodies the essence of what a true community candidate should be.'" Cllr McDonnell was on Edenderry Town Council for nearly 30 years, chaired the Edenderry Joint Policing Committee, and worked as a home carer for nearly two decades. He said his campaign will focus on community development, improving services for older people, and creating sustainable opportunities for future generations in Offaly. On Monday night Fianna Fail selected Tullamore-based businessman, Cllr Tony McCormack (pictured below) as its candidate, with a possibility of a second being added, while earlier Fine Gael picked Kinnitty publican, Cllr John Clendennen. Independent TD Carol Nolan, Cadamstown, will defend her seat and the Green Party Senator from Geashill, Minister of State Pippa Hackett, also previously announced that she will run for the Dail again. There are three Dail seats in the Offaly constituency which has split from the former five-seat Laois-Offaly. The separate constituency of Laois will also have three seats. The general election will take place in November at the earliest or February of next year at the latest. PUPILS and parents at Gaelscoil na Laochra are this week calling on the community of Birr to increase driver awareness near their new school on the Tullamore Road. Parents are asking drivers who are turning in and out of Lidl carpark to take care and to slow down especially when school starts around 9.10am and again when pupils finish at 2pm and 3pm. There have been several near misses at the turn in to the carpark since the school relocated in January 2024. Parents and school management do not want to see anyone get hurt or injured due to a lack of awareness that there is vehicle traffic and pedestrians coming to and from the school. The schools Board of Management are in contact with Lidl Ireland and they have also consulted with Offaly County Council regarding new signage. However, getting signage through these official channels is a slow process. The school do have a large sign directly opposite the exit of Lidls carpark that clearly says the school is now open. In the interim, everyone at Gaelscoil na Laochra is asking drivers to take care when turning at Lidl carpark for everyones sake. BAKU, Azerbaijan, September 26. New companies from the Persian Gulf countries will be welcomed in Azerbaijan, the executive director of the Export and Investment Promotion Agency (AZPROMO) Yusif Abdullayev said at the Azerbaijan-Gulf Cooperation Council economic forum, Trend reports. The Persian Gulf countries have invested more than $4 billion in Azerbaijan's economy. Trade turnover between Azerbaijan and the Gulf countries amounted to $75 million," he said. Abdullayev recalled that during the first forum on economic cooperation between Azerbaijan and the Gulf countries in 2017, the start of projects in Azerbaijan was given to such giants as Masdar and ACWA Power, which have become strategic partners of Azerbaijan. I believe that after today's second forum, Azerbaijan's cooperation with Gulf companies will further intensify, Abdullayev noted. He added that within the framework of COP29 events in Baku in November there will be separate panels for businesses whose solutions should make an important contribution to the world's fight against climate change, and invited Gulf companies to participate in COP29 events. Abdullayev also mentioned that the investment climate in Azerbaijan is favorable for foreign investments and new companies from the Gulf countries will be welcomed in Azerbaijan. BAKU, Azerbaijan, September 26. Energy, transportation, tourism, and agribusiness are among the promising areas of cooperation between Qatar and Azerbaijan, the Undersecretary of Ministry of Commerce and Industry Mohammed bin Hassan Al Malki said during the second Azerbaijan-Gulf Cooperation Council economic forum, Trend reports. He spoke in favor of expanding cooperation aimed at increasing the well-being of the people in Azerbaijan and the Persian Gulf countries. Hassan Al Malki expressed confidence that this forum in Baku will open new opportunities for cooperation in the mentioned sectors. This negotiation platform will not only stabilize our partnership but also increase it many times. I am confident that the agreements to be reached during the negotiations in Baku will increase the level of our trade with Azerbaijan, the undersecretary said. The second Azerbaijan-Gulf Cooperation Council economic forum has started its work in Baku. In the course of the forum, panel discussions are held on Cooperation on renewable energy sources, clean energy, electricity, and water projects, Challenges and opportunities in the sectors of transportation and logistics between Azerbaijan and the Persian Gulf countries, Strategic partnership between Azerbaijan and the Persian Gulf countries on agriculture, food security, and food industry. BAKU, Azerbaijan, September 26. The Federation of Gulf Chambers of Commerce will support the expansion of ties with Azerbaijan, the Chairman of the Federation of Gulf Chambers of Commerce Sheikh Faisal bin Abdulla Al-Rawas said at the forum held in Baku today, Trend reports. According to him, it is very important that the Azerbaijan-Gulf Cooperation Council Economic Forum is under the patronage of the Azerbaijani leadership, which guarantees increased attention and progress on the implementation of projects. I am confident that the negotiations in Baku will open new opportunities for business development between companies of Azerbaijan and the Persian Gulf countries, Al-Rawas emphasized. The second Azerbaijan-Gulf Cooperation Council Economic Forum has started its work in Baku. In the course of the forum, panel discussions are held on Cooperation on renewable energy sources (RES), clean energy, electricity, and water projects, Challenges and opportunities in the sectors of transportation and logistics between Azerbaijan and the Gulf countries, Strategic partnership between Azerbaijan and the Gulf countries on agriculture, food security, and food industry. BAKU, Azerbaijan, September 26. Companies from the Gulf countries are showing interest in doing business in Azerbaijan, Chairman of the Oman Chamber of Commerce and Industry (OCCI) Faisal bin Abdullah Al Rawas told reporters, Trend reports. "Many companies are showing interest in sectors such as food security, logistics, and industry. Yesterday, we visited the free economic zone and familiarized ourselves with the business support measures. Business owners from the Gulf countries viewed these incentives very positively, and we hope that investments will follow soon," he said. Al-Rawas also noted that a memorandum of understanding was signed today, aimed at expanding cooperation between the Gulf countries and Azerbaijan. "We see that the development in Azerbaijan opens up a promising future for us, and we are striving to attract additional investments," he added. The second Azerbaijan-GCC (Gulf Cooperation Council) economic forum is being held in Baku. The event is featuring panel discussions themed "Cooperation on renewable energy, clean energy, electricity, and water projects", "Challenges and opportunities in the transport and logistics sectors between Azerbaijan and the Gulf Countries", and "Strategic partnership between Azerbaijan and Gulf countries in agriculture, food security, and the food industry". Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel She also noted, that of course, "the actual death toll in Gaza is higher, with 'thousands more' children who are 'either dismembered, unrecognizable, or buried beneath the rubble.'" The U.N. Children's Fund calls Gaza "the world's most dangerous place to be a child." Israel is currently on trial for genocide at the International Court of Justice (ICJ). United Nations Secretary General Antonio Guterres says that Israel's new massive bombing campaign in Lebanon raises "the possibility of transforming Lebanon into another Gaza." This can only happen with the support of billions in military aid to Israel from the U.S. government. Sen. Bernie Sanders just introduced a congressional resolution to stop $20 billion in weapons sales to Israel, saying, "Sending more weapons to Netanyahu's extremist government is immoral and illegal...US weapons are responsible for far too many civilian casualties in Gaza...We must end our complicity in this atrocity." Sanders' prepared remarks are below: NEWS: Sanders and Colleagues Move to Block Arms Sales to Israel WASHINGTON, Sept. 25 - Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) today introduced Joint Resolutions of Disapproval to block the sale of more than $20 billion in offensive U.S. weaponry to Israel. Sanders spoke last week on the Senate floor about why the sales must not move forward and today issued the following statement: Today, with colleagues, I introduced Joint Resolutions of Disapproval seeking to block certain arms sales to Israel. The Senate will vote on these resolutions when it reconvenes in November. Let me explain why these arms sales must not proceed. Israel clearly had the right to respond to Hamas' horrific terrorist attack on October 7th, which killed 1,200 innocent Israelis and took hundreds of hostages. But Prime Minister Netanyahu's extremist government has not simply waged war against Hamas. It has waged all-out war against the Palestinian people, killing more than 41,000 Palestinians and injuring more than 95,000 - 60 percent of whom are women, children, or elderly people. Netanyahu has bombed hospitals and schools, starved children, destroyed infrastructure and housing stock, and made life unlivable in Gaza. The United States must end its complicity in this atrocity. Sending more weapons is not only immoral, it is also illegal. The Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 and the Arms Export Control Act lay out clear requirements for the use of American weaponry - Israel has egregiously violated those rules. American weapons have been used indiscriminately, and several of the systems included in these sales are responsible for a large number of civilian casualties. Next Page 1 | 2 (Note: You can view every article as one long page if you sign up as an Advocate Member, or higher). Steven Sahiounie, journalist and political commentator Between Tuesday and Wednesday, 32 people were killed and about 4,000 injured by exploding handheld devices, including pagers, walkie-talkie radios, mobile phones, laptops, and even solar power cells across Lebanon, with two children among the dead. Many of the injured lost fingers, hands, and eyes, with some 300 in critical condition according to the Health Ministry's press briefing on Thursday morning. Hassan Nasrallah, Secretary General of Hezbollah, gave a televised address on Thursday evening. Nasrallah explained how Israel had sent direct and indirect messages on Tuesday threatening the Lebanese resistance that more attacks would follow if the attacks on Israel continued. The Wednesday attack was a follow-up of the threat from the previous day. Nasrallah called the Israeli attacks a 'declaration of war' and a 'war crime'. Belgium's Foreign Ministry called it an act of 'terrorism', with other Western countries also condemning it. Nasrallah reiterated that to stop the attacks on Israel, a ceasefire in Gaza must be put into effect. Hezbollah discontinued the use of mobile phones among its operatives because Israel was capable of listening in. Instead, the Lebanese resistance group started using pagers and walkie-talkies. The pagers were sold under the name Apollo Gold, a well-known Taiwanese manufacturer. However, investigators confirmed that they were not made in Taiwan but by a Hungarian firm, BAC Consulting, which had a contract from Taiwan to use the Apollo Gold brand name. According to the New York Times, BAC was an Israeli shell company set up to mask the identity of the Israeli agents who inserted explosive material and a remote detonator capability into the pagers. According to leaked intelligence to Al-Monitor, the explosions were planned to go off at the start of a full-scale war against Lebanon. Still, a leak alerted two members of Hezbollah to the danger, and the Israelis detonated the devices on Tuesday. Hezbollah had attacked Israel on August 25 and among the targets was the elite spy center known as Unit 8200. 22 Israelis were killed and 74 wounded at the cyber-spy headquarters. When the pagers exploded on Tuesday, many analysts saw the attack as a response to the attack on Unit 8200. The Israeli spies who planted the explosives in the pagers were most likely from Unit 8200. Hezbollah has been calibrating its attacks and minimizing casualties to avoid justifying Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to start a full-scale war against Lebanon. The US administration of President Joe Biden has been asking Netanyahu to rein in the extremist elements in his cabinet who are pushing for a regional war. Israel has been waiting for Hezbollah to lose patience so that they can start a full-scale war. Media reports from Tel Aviv say Netanyahu will fire Yoav Gallant the Defense Minister. The two have a tense relationship, but Gallant seems to accept that his next mission will be a full-scale attack on Lebanon. According to the Times of Israel, Gallant said Israel's focus has moved to the northern front as a "new phase" of the war is beginning. Lebanon's Foreign Minister saw the attack on Lebanon as a signal to a wider war. Netanyahu knows that he could stop the Hezbollah attacks on Israel by agreeing to a ceasefire in Gaza. Biden got Netanyahu's promise of a ceasefire in July, but later Netanyahu reneged on his agreement and used the excuse of demanding Israeli troops on the Philadelphi corridor. Once it was clear to Biden that Netanyahu would not agree to any ceasefire, under any terms, Biden stepped out of the race for a second term as President. Next Page 1 | 2 (Note: You can view every article as one long page if you sign up as an Advocate Member, or higher). In today's fast-paced academic environment, students are constantly juggling multiple responsibilities, from attending lectures to participating in extracurricular activities, all while managing their personal lives. As universities across Australia set high standards, students pursuing management degrees are particularly under pressure to perform. With increasing academic expectations and the competitive nature of the field, many students are in search of reliable and high-quality assignment help. Management Assignment Writer is stepping in Johannesburg, South Africa - KitchenHut (Pty) Ltd, a leading supplier of high-quality spices and herbs, is proud to announce a transformative approach to wholesale procurement, making it easier than ever for businesses across South Africa to source premium spices and herbs with unmatched convenience and reliability. With the rise of the culinary industry and increasing demand for authentic flavors, KitchenHut is stepping up to provide a seamless, efficient, and transparent Boeing is giving the union representing striking factory workers more time to consider a revised contract offer with bigger pay increases and more bonus money, but it was unclear Tuesday whether the union would schedule a ratification vote on the proposal. On picket lines in the Pacific Northwest, strikers said the companys latest offer wasnt good enough. Both the union and many of its members complained about the way Boeing bypassed the union in publicizing the offer, with some workers saying it was an unfair attempt to make them look greedy. Boeings new best and final offer includes pay raises of 30% over four years, up from 25% in a deal that 33,000 members of the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers overwhelmingly rejected when they voted to strike. The union originally demanded 40% over three years. In the face of opposition from the union, Boeing backed down Tuesday from a demand that workers vote on the new offer by Friday night, but the company still wants a vote. This strike is affecting our team and our communities, and we believe our employees should have the opportunity to vote on our offer that makes significant improvements in wages and benefits, the company said in a statement. The new offer seemed to have little support among strikers. Daniel Dias, a test technician at Boeing for the last six years, wasnt bowled over. A 5% increase (from the previous offer)? Its not enough. My mortgage is $4,000. I went to Safeway yesterday to get breakfast, and it cost me $62 in groceries, Dias said. Som Dom, an electrician with 17 years at Boeings factory in Renton, Washington, said workers need better wages for the high cost of living in the Seattle area. We just want a fair deal. Were not greedy, Dom said. Its tough to live in this state. Youve got to make over $160,000, something like that, to buy a house. The new hires, they make $25, $26 an hour. So that (offer) isnt going to be enough. Boeing officials told union representatives about their new offer Monday morning, a couple hours before announcing it to workers through the media. Boeing does not get to decide when or if you vote, union officials told members late Monday. This proposal does not go far enough to address your concerns, and Boeing has missed the mark with this proposal. John Lentz, a Boeing electrician who joined co-workers in waving strike signs along a side road near the Renton factory, said the way Boeing bypassed union negotiators in announcing the offer seems to be kind of shady there. We do have people that are in place to negotiate for us. Boeing said its latest offer includes upfront pay raises of 12% plus three annual raises of 6% each and would take the average annual pay for machinists from $75,608 now to $111,155 at the end of the four-year contract. It also would keep annual bonuses based on productivity. In the rejected contract, Boeing sought to replace those payouts with new contributions to retirement accounts. John Reifel, who has spent nearly 25 years at Boeing, said the company was trying to make the strikers look unreasonable when they are only seeking to negotiate a contract for the first time in more than a decade. We build a product that peoples lives depend on, Reifel said. There will be plenty of bonus money to go around for upper-level and mid-level and first-level managers and all that, but if we dont build it, theres no product. And we work hard. The two sides have not held formal negotiations in nearly a week, since two days of sessions led by federal mediators broke off. Boeing, which has encountered serious financial, legal and mechanical challenges this year, is eager to end the 12-day-old walkout that has halted production of its best-selling airline planes. Cai von Rumohr, an aviation analyst at financial services firm TD Cowen, said Boeings decision to make its latest offer in the absence of additional bargaining sessions put a proposed second ratification vote in doubt. If it fails, it should prompt union leadership to reengage in serious negotiations, he said. However, union leaderships support for Boeings previous offer which lost in a 96% strike vote raises questions about the unions ability to win support for the new, improved offer, he said. The strike has shut down production of Boeing 737s, 767s and 777s and is causing the company to make cost-cutting moves, including rolling temporary furloughs for thousands of nonunion managers and employees. Boeing has lost more than $25 billion since the start of 2019 and fallen far behind rival Airbus in orders and deliveries of planes to airline customers. It needs to deliver more planes to bring in cash, but federal regulators are limiting production of 737s Boeings best-selling plane to 38 per month until the company improves its quality-control process. Boeing was producing fewer than 38 before the strike. The downturn started after two deadly crashes involving Boeing 737 Max jets, and worsened after a panel called a door plug blew off another Max during an Alaska Airlines flight in January. Boeings critics, including some whistleblowers from inside the company, claim Boeing cut corners during production and put profits above safety. The head of the Federal Aviation Administration, Boeings regulator, said Tuesday that while it is not his job to assess Boeings finances, giving too little attention to safety has not turned out well for the company. Even if profits were your No. 1 goal, safety really needs to be your No. 1 goal because its hard to be profitable if youre not safe, and I think Boeing certainly has learned that, FAA Administrator Mike Whitaker said during a U.S. House subcommittee hearing. Whatever money might have been saved has certainly been lost in the fallout. Whitaker, who previously acknowledged his agencys oversight of Boeing wasnt strong enough, told lawmakers that since Boeing submitted a plan to improve its manufacturing in late May, They have been trending in the right direction. Still, he said, it will take years for Boeing to fully change its safety system and culture. -- David Koenig, Lindsey Wasson and Manuel Valdes, The Associated Press BAKU, Azerbaijan, September 26. A delegation led by Deputy Minister of Energy of Azerbaijan Orkhan Zeynalov visited the cities of Beijing and Yangzhang (China) on September 24-26, Trend reports via Energy Ministry. During the visit, the delegation participated in the 2nd meeting of the working group created between the Ministry of Energy and "China Energy Engineering Group Co.Ltd". Meetings were also held with representatives from Guangdong Electric Power Design Institute Co. Ltd., TBEA Co. Ltd., and China Datang Corporation Ltd. The delegation included Elmir Musayev, Director of SOCAR Green. Discussions focused on energy corridors initiated by Azerbaijan, particularly the significance of the Caspian-Black Sea-Europe green energy corridor for large-scale renewable energy exports. The potential for collaboration in renewable energy, energy storage systems, grid enhancement, green energy exports, offshore wind energy, and HVDC supplies was explored, alongside an exchange of views on modern practices. Chinese companies expressed interest in participating in the significant renewable energy potential in Azerbaijan, and investment opportunities for building renewable energy stations in the country were evaluated. Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel A man sneaked into the secured entryway to the Clark County Jail campus, pulled out a pellet gun and put it to his own head Wednesday evening, the Clark County Sheriffs Office said. The man, later identified as Jaison Teragouchi, 53, entered the jails entryway at about 8 p.m. after the security doors rolled up to allow a police car to enter, officials said. A brief standoff followed as a deputy, believing the man to be suicidal, tried to talk to him. Teragouchi then bolted from the jail grounds and the security doors were closed. Teragouchi, still holding the gun to his head, hopped onto an ebike and raced through downtown Vancouver, with police in armored vehicles in pursuit. During the chase, officials sent out a shelter-in-place notice to people within a half-mile radius of the 4300 block of Northeast 26th Court. The Southwest Washington SWAT team, with help from police crisis negotiators, eventually took Teragouchi into custody after he had turned onto the Burnt Bridge Creek Trail. Thats when they learned that the weapon the man had was a pellet gun. Teragouchi who has a 2011 conviction for assault, court records show was evaluated at a local hospital before being booked into the jail on a charge of possession of contraband (dangerous weapon) inside a correctional institution. -- The Oregonian/OregonLive; dperry@oregonian.com A police officer in Umatilla County shot a trespass suspect who was resisting arrest on Tuesday, Oregon State Police said. Officers from the town of Milton-Freewater arrived at a house around 6:30 p.m. after receiving a call from a resident who said a stranger had entered their home, officials said. Officers were told the man had been hanging around the area for several days and was possibly homeless and had mental-health issues, the state police said. Milton-Freewater police identified the alleged trespasser as Daniel Soto Madrigal, 30, of College Place, Wash. Madrigal was convicted over the summer in Umatilla County of robbery in the third degree and recklessly endangering another person, according to court records. Madrigal allegedly resisted attempts to take him into custody, leading to the shooting, the state police said. Madrigal was taken to a local hospital and treated for a gunshot wound. His condition is listed as stable. The officer suffered minor injuries, officials said. He is on administrative leave, per standard procedure. The Oregon State Police is investigating the shooting. -- The Oregonian/OregonLive; dperry@oregonian.com UPDATE: Nominations are closed. You can vote for the best burger through 11:59 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 8, 2024. Voting is open for the best Mexican restaurant in The Oregonians Readers Choice Awards, which means its time to start nominations for another category: the best burger in the Portland area. There are so many standouts to choose from. Were partial to the one at Tulip Shop Tavern. Or if youre willing to wait in line for something you cant get every day, Proletariat Butchery grinds local beef into patties and chars them on a wood fired grill outside 4-8 p.m. the last Friday of every month. If smash burgers are your thing, MidCity SmashBurger was called Portlands best smash burger on a national list last year, and Sure Shot (formerly known as Rough Draft) makes a great one, too. Tell us all about your favorite and nominate it for the best burger honors in the Readers Choice Awards below. The form will take submissions until 11:00 p.m. Monday, Sept. 30, 2024. On Wednesday, Oct. 2, well reveal the finalists and you can vote at oregonlive.com/readers-choice. Nominations for best burger Mims Copeland is a social media producer and covers trending topics for The Oregonian/OregonLive. Reach her atmcopeland@oregonian.com Subscribe to The Best Thing I Ate This Week newsletter Each week, restaurant critic Michael Russell takes Oregonian/OregonLive subscribers along on his culinary explorations. Not a subscriber? You can receive a few weeks of The Best Thing I Ate This Week newsletter as a free trial.Sign up here. Whether you consider it a fun sign of the Rose Citys quirkiness, or wish it would just go away already, apparently Portland still has a national reputation for being weird. In a recent example of the citys enduring Keep Portland Weird image, comedian Taylor Tomlinsons recent local appearance included an odd exchange with an audience member that prompted Tomlinson to make a comment about how purely Portland it was. Tomlinson may be best known for hosting After Midnight, the late-night CBS comedy series that features celebrity guests talking about pop culture and whats getting attention on the Internet. The series airs following The Late Show With Stephen Colbert, and replaced The Late Late Show after host James Corden called it quits. Tomlinson was recently in Portland, performing at the Helium Comedy Club. Yesterday, on her Instagram page, Tomlinson posted a video under text that said, Celebrating this girl today on #NationalDaughtersDay. In the clip, in which Tomlinson is onstage at the Helium Comedy Club, shes talking with a member of the audience, who says, My dads a bong. Tomlinson asks, Your dads a what? and then says, Oh, your dads ashes are in a bong? They are made into a bong, the audience member says, clarifying the dad/bong connection. God, we are in Portland right now, Tomlinson says. If you had put me in this room right now, and were like, We wont tell you, if you had put a sack over my head, put me in a big suitcase, driven me around for three days, put me on this stage, and been like, Guess where you are, and I had heard, They turned my dads ashes into a bong, Id be like, Portland, Oregon. When Tomlinson asks the audience member if her dad was a big weed guy, the audience member says her dad died when she was 23, so she never got to smoke weed with him, which was why she turned his ashes into a bong, so i could smoke with him. Thats the most beautiful story Ive ever heard in my life, Tomlinson says. After Midnight airs weeknights at 12:37 a.m. on CBS, and can be streamed via Fubo, which offers a free trial. Six people were rescued after a fishing boat capsized on the Columbia River on Wednesday, but another person remains missing, the Hood River Sheriffs Office reported. Rescuers arrived at the 24-foot boat near the mouth of the White Salmon River within 15 minutes of a 911 call coming in. They quickly pulled the six fishers out of the water, officials said. Two were taken to a local hospital. Officials have not released any details about what happened or the names of those rescued. The search for the missing person, who also hasnt been publicly identified, will resume Thursday morning, the sheriffs office said. The search on the water by multiple law-enforcement and civilian vessels was aided by a Hood River County Sheriffs Office plane and a Coast Guard helicopter. -- The Oregonian/OregonLive This spring, Oregon Gov. Tina Kotek promised to visit all nine federally recognized Native nations across the state. So far, she has visited eight and attended the annual Tribal-State Government-to-Government Summit in July. That time marked a span of months when Kotek heard from Native leadership across the state. In an interview on Aug. 14, Underscore Native News + ICT followed up on those conversations, asking Kotek to clarify her commitments to Native nations and Indigenous community members in Oregon. She expressed a commitment to strengthening sovereign-to-sovereign consultation, pointing to the new state task force on tribal consultation and acknowledged that the structure of the legislative session makes proper consultation difficult. Consultation is better when it happens before potential policies are even introduced in the legislature, she said. Kotek also talked about her trip to the Klamath Tribes, where the community is reeling from the recent murder of two teenage sisters. The tragedy comes as Indigenous community members across the state continue decades of advocacy, and continue to call on Oregon to address the crisis of Missing and Murdered Indigenous People (MMIP). Underscore and ICTs recent reporting shows how limited transparency, persistent data gaps and secret law enforcement guidelines from the federal coordinator in Oregon hinders progress in addressing an MMIP crisis that impacts Native communities across the state. Kotek acknowledged Oregons lack of data collection as a critical issue and said she is open to the possibility of a statewide MMIP task force. Washington state has established an MMIP task force, administered by the state attorney generals office a move some MMIP activists have said Oregon should replicate. Kotek also signaled openness around another important issue: Land Back. When asked if she sees a possibility of transferring some state lands back to Native nations, or creating more co-management opportunities on state land, Governor Kotek answered favorably. I absolutely think thats a possibility on the horizon, Kotek said. Really understanding lands that are in state possession, whether theyre park lands or other things weve had conversations about hatcheries that are really important. Wherever we can be co-managing and working together, Im definitely open to that. Nika Bartoo-Smith (Underscore Native News + ICT): Youre currently wrapping up your tour of the nine federally recognized Native nations in Oregon, you just completed your eighth. How were your visits so far? What were some of the most interesting moments? Tina Kotek: I think the visits have been absolutely amazing. When I made this commitment to visit all nine tribes, to me, it was getting to different parts of our state, meeting with tribal citizens and speaking with them, speaking with their governments. I think the relationships that Im building is the highlight. For example, the chairs usually drive in my car, so we get to chat when we move from spot to spot. Those relationships and friendships I think are going to be so valuable over the course of my administration. I think its just hearing directly about the history, about whats going on, the excitement about projects. I mean, all of it has just been wonderful. And theyre all different, right? Because every tribal nation is different, and so theyre unique, but the warmth and generosity of every visit has been just really wonderful. Nika Bartoo-Smith: Tell us a little bit about how what you are learning on these visits might inform state policy moving forward. Governor Tina Kotek: I think in terms of state policy, it comes down to why Im doing this. I really believe in government-to-government conversations. I approach these visits kind of like a diplomatic mission. These are sovereign nations within the borders of Oregon. So as a sovereign, being the sovereign, thats why these are visits from the first family. The first lady comes with me. I feel like that is a sign of respect. So you build that foundation of friendship and relationship. I think where its going to affect state policy is really that commitment to consultation. Making sure that the state government has a consistent policy, that we understand how to work with our tribal governments, our tribal nations, in a way thats respectful to the degree that we can co create policy. I think thats always a goal. Weve been doing a lot at the state trying to increase the number of tribal set asides, but making sure that those are whats needed and what can work. So I think theres just, were doing a lot of good work together, but theres always room for improvement. And I want to find out what those areas of improvement can be so we can all be successful together. Missing and murdered Indigenous people Karina Brown (Underscore Native News): Most recently, you visited the Klamath Tribes. I understand there was a lot of discussion about Missing and Murdered Indigenous People, specifically the tragic murder of two young, teenage sisters that devastated the community. What did you hear from their family and from the larger community about what justice would look like and what they want the state of Oregon to do to address this issue? Governor Tina Kotek: It was a really powerful meeting with families. And they werent only families or friends of the two young women who were killed, but Klamath citizens who had, over the years, lost family members and have not had their questions answered by local law enforcement. What I took away from it was, theres a real opportunity here to get questions answered so there can be healing within the community. The broader issue of MMIP, which Ive been hearing from all the tribes, by the way, came home in a really personal way, in visiting the Klamath Tribes. We had a lunch meeting together, where there were posters outside the room where we were meeting, of the individual tribal members who had been lost. Just to see the number of them, the pain that the Klamath Tribes has experienced because of that, was real eye opening for me to say: What more can we do as a state to make sure families can find justice, that they can get answers? Because sometimes thats all youre going to get, is answers, but at least you should get them. So it was really powerful. Nika Bartoo-Smith: In a proclamation declaring May 5th as MMIP Awareness Day you said: Oregon is committed to addressing the root causes and systemic obstacles contributing to this persistent crisis, aiming to mitigate violence against Indigenous Peoples. Can you tell us about the specific actions you plan to take in order to follow through on this commitment? Governor Tina Kotek: I really appreciate the question. The proclamation was important because I think our first goal is to raise awareness for the broader population to understand the impact of whats been happening in our tribal communities, for Missing and Murdered Indigenous People. We have a commitment here from my office of making sure that we build on what weve already been doing, right? So there was legislation to move forward on this. We have legislators that are interested in this, making sure that the state police is involved from a data collection standpoint. Were involved with the U.S. Attorneys Generals office, who also has a task force. But I think its more than just having conversations. Now, the question is, what more can we do? Raising awareness is important. Im looking to other states to see what theyre doing, to see what is that next step for Oregon? Unfortunately, a lot of the work that was started by the legislation got delayed because of the pandemic. The focus groups with tribal communities, we need to get back to that conversation. Because the more we understand, the better we can define solutions with the tribes. You know, we have intergenerational trauma that is a foundation of some of whats been happening in these families. But then its just perpetuated [without] answers and when things happen and law enforcement is not able to react in the way they need to be. So I look forward to working with the tribes and other states and internally here at the state to see what we can do differently. Its tragic, its uncomfortable, its unacceptable, and itll require a complex set of solutions, I think, to make progress. But we have to make progress. Karina Brown: In January, you were very honest with InvestigateWest reporter Melanie Henshaw about having not yet read the Oregon State Police report from 2020 that proposed ways to address MMIP issues in Oregon. I know youve been touring Native nations around the state and as you said, youre hearing a lot about this. There are so many different tactics that different places are taking. Im especially thinking about things happening in Washington state as far as their data collection system. And I know theres a lot that the federal task force in Alaska, for example, has been doing that the federal task force here in Oregon hasnt yet taken up. Since January, Im curious if there are other ways youve been educating yourself on different proactive steps that have been taken and what might be appropriate for Oregon to do? Governor Tina Kotek: I appreciate the question. I have reviewed the report, and I do think the starting point for me has been these conversations with the tribes. But its not just our tribes, right? Its our urban Native American population. These arent incidents that just happen on trust or reservation land. This is a statewide issue and we need to address it that way. I think, for me, trying to understand how the data collection is helpful. For example, what Im hearing and what Im learning is not even being able to identify the individual is being connected to a particular tribe is a real challenge. Just that being able to track, so you can have the connection and the communication with the different law enforcement, depending on the area or whether the tribe itself has a law enforcement agency. So I think its getting into that nitty gritty and being like, Okay, we got to do this piece. Its not just saying, Hey, here are some high level numbers. Weve got to get more into the details, because I dont think we can have the solutions unless we have that level of data. Nika Bartoo-Smith: One of the things that were seeing is a of accurate data, both at the state and the federal level. Washington state has a data tracking system. Oregon doesnt have one yet. And weve had a lot of conversations with activists in the region that have talked about different solutions. Some of them could be including listing tribal affiliation on state drivers licenses or establishing a state task force. Are these things youre open to, and what other plans do you have to address the problems identified in the report? Governor Tina Kotek: Well I do think tracking tribal affiliation this has come up in other contexts, not just MMIP. For example, in healthcare data. So I think thats something we have to explore and understand the pros and cons of that, because not everyones going to want to be sharing that information. That is always something we have to keep in mind, is peoples willingness to share that information. There are trust issues, understandably, about sharing any kind of level of data. One of the things I think thats inherent in the issue of MMIP is, where we arent actually state of the art on what local law enforcement tracks, how criminal or any kind of investigative information is actually tracked. I think were starting from a spot, unlike other systems, where we track all these things. A lot of this is very localized. So how do you make sure you can put an investment there that actually lifts up that local information to have a statewide impact? And this is where I think we really need the help from the federal agencies, because they have that ability, especially if these issues are crossing state lines, which is not unusual. I think the task force idea is an interesting one, and thats what Im trying to figure out. Were doing the training at our state academy, which I think is very helpful for current and future law enforcement to actually understand the issue. Awareness. Education. But then what is the next step? And I think a task force is a possibility, because I think it gives you that, like, Okay, we have to go to the next step. And sometimes thats what you do. You bring some people together and be like, Okay, now what? So that might be something we have to look at, because I feel like weve done some very fundamental things, but we have to do more. Karina Brown: Specifically at OSP, Oregon State Police, Glendon Smith is the tribal liaison there. He is tasked with really a huge issue of focusing on MMIP issues at the state level. Im curious how youre directing OSP to address MMIP issues specifically and particularly around this urgent need to gather more accurate data? And also how youre ensuring that Glendon is supported in his role as just one person with this huge job? Governor Tina Kotek: Well, I always believe in being upfront. I dont have that level of detail to respond to that, if Im being really honest about it. And I do believe we are transmitting to all the partners at the state level that are involved that this is an important issue, that its an urgent issue. But I do need to go back and check and see how the superintendent is feeling and understanding what else do you need to be successful here? So its a question I need to ask. Nika Bartoo-Smith: Your appointment of Tribal Affairs Director (for the governors office) Shana McConville Radford was a historic step, one that many leaders of Native nations have long called for. At the same time, this puts one person in the position of advocating for nine diverse nations, plus urban Indigenous communities on a wide variety of issues from MMIP issues to tribal consultation and so much more. How do you plan to ensure that this role has the support needed to accomplish all of those varied tasks? And also, are there talks or plans of expanding the office in the future? Governor Tina Kotek: I love that question. Well, I think the way Im approaching this, having a tribal affairs director, as youve noted, is a brand new thing. In the past, it was part of the portfolio of our legal counsel in the governors office, which, when I came in, I was like, thats not an appropriate spot to put this significant set of issues. So having a tribal affairs director is our first step. I also dont think of it as that position handling all the issues across state government or for the entire state. Thats why its really important for me, particularly with the consultation task force, to make sure the individual agencies particularly our very large agencies have tribal liaisons within the agencies, they have point people for consultation. I kind of see it as the tribal affairs director making sure theres continuity across all of state enterprise, so everybody can be doing their job within their agency directives, in addition to the kind of overarching work that the tribal affairs director is doing and will do. I see that person as kind of like that chief ambassador to each of the tribes. And theres certainly a lot to do. I mean, thats something thats become very clear from all the business with the tribes. We have government-to-government quarterly meetings on a set of issues. Those are very important opportunities. So how are we supporting those? How much is that support on my office? How much is that support of agencies? So really understanding the whole ecosystem to support our tribes in the government-to-government consultation work with state government. So Shana is doing a great job. I dont think she should do everything, because, one, thats not fair. And two, I dont think thats how we as a government should function. If we just leave it up to the governors office, I dont believe that agencies are doing their job if theyre leaving it up to us. So were really working on every agency having capacity to do the work that they need to do. Government-to-government consultation Karina Brown: Talking a little more about consultation, the state just launched its task force on overhauling the consultation process. Im curious, specifically in the legislative process, one of the problems with improving consultation is just simply the compressed time of the legislative session, and it doesnt necessarily allow for proper government-to-government consultation. We really saw this play out in the most recent session with House Bill 4002 where there was really no, at least high level formal consultation process with Native nations, despite the significant effect of the opioid epidemic on Indigenous communities. With that bill in particular, with one small exception in terms of some funding for services at the Warm Springs Jail, there really wasnt any specific direct funding to Native communities. I know theres other funding coming from the opioid settlement around this, but you know, just zeroing in on the legislative process and consultation, Im curious if you have ideas for improving that? Governor Tina Kotek: Well, I think its a good question for our legislative leaders. I mean, when I was in the legislature, we really looked to the Legislative Commission on Indian Services as that place that is the conduit and focal point for conversations with the tribes during the legislative process. For me, consultation is related directly government-to-government, which in this case is the executives of the state of Oregon to the executives of the nine tribal governments individually. You know, the legislative process is it is what it is. And frankly, I dont think consultation necessarily aligns with the legislative process. But I think where you get more success is taking the time, before policies are even put into a legislative process, to really understand whats the best way to craft them. And again, I go back to those quarterly meetings that we have for government-to-government, where issues are being raised that we can be informing legislators like, This came up, you might need to consider this. House Bill 4002 was on a very fast timeline. However, there have been tribal set asides as youve mentioned, in the opioid settlement, which I think is really important. Theres been a lot of conversation in the Measure 110 money, in the marijuana revenue. Also making sure that tribes are part of the resource networks that are connected to that funding. Weve been working on tribal set asides on housing. So I think one of my goals is to make sure we understand these different funding streams and coordinate them as much as possible. One thing, when state money is moving to our tribes which I think as a state we do much more than I think other states do, because federal resources, as we know, dont tend to cover things in certain communities but making sure that were clear that here are the legal obligations. Because once the money moves to a sovereign nation, we have different obligations than if that money were going to a local nonprofit. And so my commitment to the tribes is, are these processes clear? Do we understand the ramifications when money moves to the tribal governments? Do you understand the reporting or what reporting should happen? Because I want to make sure that were not overwhelming folks with a lot of additional administrative burden, because thats a respect issue. When money moves to a sovereign nation, its a lot different, and we want to make sure we handle it well. Nika Bartoo-Smith: You kind of touched on this, but I really want to clarify. So it sounds like theres either ideas or even plans already in place for expanding the consultation process across all state agencies, right? So whether thats having a tribal affairs director in each agency, I would be just curious for you to expand on what that looks like. Governor Tina Kotek: Well, I think were still assessing that, because under the law, there should be consultation. So that is a baseline expectation I have for our agencies. But in taking on this role, Ive noticed that some agencies theyre staffed, they have experienced people, and other agencies are still trying to decide who their person is. We had the Tribal-State Summit earlier this year here in law in Oregon, there is an annual Tribal Summit. I actually met some folks from agencies that were like, I just was assigned this. This is my first time. This is really helpful. So just even understanding who at each agency is in charge is where were starting. Because again, some of our large agencies are very well staffed, and the smaller ones are like, I know I need to be doing this, but I need some guidance. So that is what we want to be able to provide for them, and that is a big part of the consultation task force. Because I think its going to provide clear guidance of what that actually should look like, which is really important. And the task force will be driven by conversations with the tribes. What does it mean to you? What are you expecting from us? This is a government-to-government conversation. Housing challenges Karina Brown: Speaking of the Tribal Summit, housing was a big topic there, and obviously its a huge priority for your administration. You set an ambitious goal of building 36,000 new homes per year, and you mentioned at the Tribal Summit that the state has set aside $10 million from the biennial budget for the nine federally recognized Native nations for homeless services. Im wondering how else youre including consultation and collaboration with Native nations regarding your push for housing? Governor Tina Kotek: That $10 million is definitely a start, and that was related to my emergency order last year focusing on unsheltered homelessness. And we still are under an emergency order, because its affecting every part of our state. As Ive met with each of the tribes and literally seeing the land theyre using and what theyre trying to build, my first question was: what resources were you using? And what are the challenges? One of the things I learned from the summit is the challenges of being on trust land and reservation land, and what that means for regulation, and having to create regulations to build and whether or not you can get loans. I mean, lets add another level of complexity to do housing, that was really eye-opening for me. So what I would like us to do at the state is continue to have those dedicated funding streams where the tribes can have flexibility with some dollars to do whatever they need to do. For some of them its: We need to figure out how to do the regulations to actually build. Others are like, Were ready to go, but we need some help with people getting down payment assistance. It is all over the map, and thats not surprising, right? Each tribal community is very different in what they need and where theyre located, but every single one of them has a housing challenge. Water is life Nika Bartoo-Smith: At that same Tribal Summit, you talked a lot about your commitment to supporting tribal sovereignty and consultation. One of the largest statewide initiatives right now is the effort to address problems with state water policy. What have you learned about priorities from Native nations on water from your visits? Governor Tina Kotek: To hear directly from tribal leaders about the spiritual and just historic importance to water as we heard in the panel at the summit, water is life really understanding that perspective of, what the approach the tribes are taking to their natural resource policy is really helpful. Ive come into this job knowing, and watching over the years, that our water here is a finite resource and we all need to figure out how to work together to use it appropriately so everyone can be successful. And whats great about our tribal leaders here in Oregon is theyre bringing Indigenous knowledge and expertise to this conversation that is going to be really helpful. Were all in this together. Water has created conflict over the years. We need to set that aside and really work together, because with climate change and all these other things, if were going to continue to do what we need to do in terms of agriculture and just basic understanding and protection of our water systems, were going to have to figure this out together. Thats why that panel at the summit was really important to hear from our tribal leaders. They have a lot of expertise, and how do we integrate that with what were trying to do at the state? Nika Bartoo-Smith: Following up on that, Native nations across the country are wanting to be both co-managers and co-designers of our water and land policy. So Im curious how you think about Native nations leading this work in our state? Governor Tina Kotek: Even today, I know theres a tribal summit about water. I think the leadership that the tribes are bringing into this conversation is very important. Ill be honest, I dont think we know what that path to chart is. I think we all know what we have isnt completely working, and that there are a lot of concerns that we are allocating water that we dont even know we have for not only municipal uses or commercial uses. When I was out in Klamath, and obviously the Klamath Basin has had long standing issues, but we were out at the wetland there, and the restoration projects. How important those restoration projects are to better water quality, reducing the temperature of the water, if you do it right, so we can have the fish come back. Water is so important when it comes to other issues around endangered species like our salmon and our steelhead and our lamprey. So one of the things we can bring to this conversation is not just about water, its about the entire ecosystem thats affected if we dont figure this out. Treaty rights Karina Brown: Im curious about treaty rights. Treaties, obviously, are with the federal government and tribes. But as a state policy matter, does the state recognize off-reservation treaty-reserved rights, for example fishing at usual and accustomed places? Governor Tina Kotek: I think were seeing some great success between the state of Oregon and our individual tribes about these memorandum of understanding that have been coming forth around traditional hunting and fishing, not just for ceremonial purposes, but for the ability to actually go out on ancestral lands and be able to to manage that for tribal citizens. I think were, were showing a lot of success there, so were definitely open to that. I think that is something I inherited with the previous administration, something Im very interested in continuing. You know, all our tribes are a little different, right? We have one that doesnt have a treaty, But I want to be advocating with our tribes, particularly to our federal partners. So getting some of those lands back and being able to be there and do the hunting and the fishing and the gathering of first foods super important. So I just want to be a partner with that. I am certainly no expert on it, but I feel like we are trying to create those relationships, particularly around hunting and fishing on ancestral lands. I think those are going quite well, because it doesnt say this is mine. Its like it could be multiple tribes in certain areas, but at least people understand what tribal citizens can take advantage of to meet their traditional needs. Land back Nika Bartoo-Smith: During your recent visits, you saw and experienced the varying sizes of different nations land bases. I understand that you learned a lot about the history of how that came to be. Knowing all of that, do you see an opportunity to identify state lands that could be transferred back to Native nations, and additional opportunities for co-management and co-stewardship? Governor Tina Kotek: I absolutely think thats a possibility on the horizon. Really understanding lands that are in state possession, whether theyre park lands or other things weve had conversations about hatcheries that are really important. Wherever we can be co-managing and working together, Im definitely open to that. We do have some policies now where it allows us some flexibility to do some of those things, and I think itll be a situation-by-situation exploration with the individual tribes. But Im definitely open to it. Nika Bartoo-Smith: Is there anything else that we didnt ask that we should have asked? Karina Brown: Anything you would like to add? Governor Tina Kotek: I have one more tribal visit because we had to reschedule one. But of all the ones, what has been just inspiring and exciting First Lady and I talk about this when were on our way home is how the youth leaders are lifted up by their elders. If you walk into the tribal chamber at the Umatilla Reservation, they actually have these wonderful studio photographs and portraits of all the youth council members on the one side and on the other side are the tribal council members. It really says, You matter. You are our future. And I met some of those young people, and theyre just amazing. We sat down with young people. We made necklaces across the table with young leaders in Coquille and talked about our lives together. It was amazing. I think weve met youth leaders in all the tribes. And I think that commitment is amazing. And the other piece that came up in some of those conversations is the states commitment on higher education scholarships the tribal education scholarships that we have now. And how that is transforming lives when people know, I have a pathway to college if I want it because its going to get paid. Every single one of the tribes was like, This is so important for our young people. They can see a future because of this. Its really making a difference, were so excited about it. We have left every visit going, There is a bright future because of the young people coming up. And I know that the elders are very, very excited about all the young people. The Challenge 40 airs Episode 6 on Wednesday, September 25 at 8 p.m. on MTV. The reality series features individuals from across reality TV platforms throughout The Challenges 40 seasons all coming together to compete in epic challenges for a chance to win a whopping one million dollars. Tune in to watch this weeks episode called My Real Friends Era, with a free trial of Philo. Dont have cable? You can watch The Challenge for FREE on Philo (free trial) or Fubo (free trial). Who is hosting The Challenge 40? TJ Lavin is back to host the most iconic season of the longest running MTV challenge show. Who is competing on The Challenge 40? Brad Fiorenza from The Real World: San Diego (2004) Brandon Nelson from The Challenge: Fresh Meat II Cory Wharton from Real World: Ex-Plosion Chris CT Tamburello from The Real World: Paris Darrell Taylor from Road Rules: Campus Crawl Derek Chavez from The Real World: Cancun Leroy Garrett from The Real World: Las Vegas (2011) Nehemiah Clark from The Real World: Austin and many others What seasons and shows will re-appear during The Challenge 40? Viewers will see alumni from The Real World, Road Rules, The Challenge (U.S.), Are You the One? (U.S.), Big Brother (U.S.), Survivor (U.S.), Love Island (U.S. and UK), Survival of the Fittest, and Exatlon Estados Unidos. Who has been banned from MTVs The Challenge? Rumor has it that Dunbar Merrill, Duong Dee Nguyen, Tonya Cooley, Evan Starkman, Camila Nakagawa, and Kenny Santucci have all been banned from participating in The Challenge. What TV channel is The Challenge 40 on? What: The Challenge 40: Battle of the Eras When: Wednesday, September 25 at 8 p.m. PT/ET (new episodes every Wednesday) TV channel: MTV Watch live stream online: You can watch The Challenge 40 for FREE on Philo (free trial) or Fubo (free trial). If youre out of free trials, you can sign up for Philo for only $28/month. Photo: Office of the President of Mali BAKU, Azerbaijan, September 25. Representative of the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan on Special Assignments Elchin Amirbayov met with Mali's Interim President Assimi Goita on September 24, Trend reports, citing the office of the President of Mali. The meeting focused on strengthening bilateral ties and exploring new avenues for cooperation across a range of sectors. Following the discussions, Amirbayov reiterated Azerbaijan's commitment to deepening and diversifying its partnership with Mali. He also extended his congratulations on the 64th anniversary of Mali's national sovereignty, wishing the country continued prosperity. Amirbayov emphasized Baku's interest in expanding economic collaboration with Bamako, particularly in energy, mining, vocational education, and public service improvements. Azerbaijan proposed establishing a regular consultation mechanism to facilitate ongoing dialogue and bolster cooperation between the two nations. The high cost of child care in the United States is fast becoming a crisis, with many families struggling to find affordable options. Childcare is among the biggest expenses in American households. Typically, childcare services cost $700 a month, according to data from Bank of America. However, this can go up in some states. In New York, for instance, families spend more than $1,600 a month on childcare. That amounts to $20,000 a year. In all 50 U.S. states and the District of Columbia, the cost of child care was even 25% more expensive than the average cost of renting. To resolve the surging cost of childcare, here are what presidential candidates Kamala Harris and Donald Trump propose. Capping Cost of Childcare In February, Harris proposed capping the cost of child care to no more than 7% of the incomes of working families. The caps were part of the Biden administration's earlier objectives. It is unclear how Harris would pass legislation to cap childcare costs or how the initiative would be funded. In addition to capping the cost, Harris has pushed for a $6,000 child tax credit for newborn parents. She also proposed expanding child tax benefits to give $3,600 to families with children under age six and $3,000 to households with older kids. Trump has remained silent on his plans to address the surging costs of child care. However, his running mate JD Vance floated a $5,000 child tax credit. Other Proposals To Address Child Care Crisis Apart from his child tax credit proposal, Vance also suggested that parents should seek help from family members---specifically grandparents or uncles and aunts---to reduce the cost of child care. In that conversation, Vance later clarified his suggestion, adding that grandparents might want to help with child care. He also called for more accessible educational routes for people hoping to enter the field. Childcare professionals are currently earning $30,360 a year, per the US Bureau of Labor Statistics. The COVID-19 pandemic also led childcare workers to exit the field in favor of higher-paying jobs. BAKU, Azerbaijan, September 26. On September 25, the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Azerbaijan Jeyhun Bayramov met with the Deputy Secretary-General, High Representative of the UN Alliance of Civilizations Miguel Moratinos as part of the participation in the high-level week of the 79th session of the UN General Assembly, the Azerbaijani Foreign Ministry says, Trend reports. During the talks, the main focus was on cooperation between Azerbaijan and the UN Alliance of Civilizations cooperation, Azerbaijan's role in inter-civilizational dialogue, as well as Baku process were in focus. Well, I always knew that it would happen someday. I knew that I was bound to make a mistake. And I did. It happened this morning, when John Donovan Wilson (who plays Brigham Young in Six Days in August) and I were being interviewed earlier today by Tim Hughes and Amanda Dickson during their Utahs Morning News program on KSL NewsRadio. (John and his wife, Twyla, who portrays Mary Ann Angell Young in the film) were on a KSL-TV interview show on Monday. I was asked about the sneak peeks early screening of Six Days in August that will take place tomorrow (Thursday) evening at 7 PM. In reply I mentioned that nine theaters along the Wasatch Front in American Fork, Draper, Farmington, Ogden, Orem, Provo, Ogden, Salt Lake City, and West Jordan. But I said that they were Carmike theaters, whereas theyre actually Cinemark theaters: Six Days in August Early Access And to make things yet worse, I think that Ive probably made this mistake before, as well. Now, Ill admit that inerrancy has been fun. Ive enjoyed it for many years, and probably for far longer than I really should have. And crashing down so abruptly into the world of ordinary mortals has been a real shock. Its not fun, and Ill frankly admit that Ive been reeling all day, ever since. Somebody corrected me during the show, and it was kindly done. Still, it hurts. So please be patient with me as I process my newfound fallibility. Try to imagine what it would be like for Superman if, one morning, he woke up and realized that he was now permanently, and inescapably, Clark Kent. Thats something of what Im feeling right now. You can help out, however, by thronging those nine Cinemark theaters tomorrow night. Incidentally, too: Im informed that signage for Six Days in August has now appeared on billboards along I-15 (of the kind that rotate their content) in the corridor between Provo and Bountiful, and at least one in the St. George area, and, possibly, one at University Mall in Utah Valley. But I havent seen any of them. Can anybody out there confirm that they exist? Incidentally, from tonights big Six Days in August fireside at the SCERA Center for the Arts here in Orem. We had a good turnout, and I hope that you were among those who were able to make it. I had thought that it would be good, but it was even better than I had expected it to be. Back in April 2015, the following figures drawn from the previous twenty general conferences of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints indicating the frequency with which the name Joseph Smith was mentioned in those conferences drew the attention of certain critics of the Church. The numbers, they suggested, demonstrated that the Church was embarrassed by Joseph and that it was attempting to distance itself from the Prophet and, thereby, to go mainstream. Conference Frequency Oct 2005 84 Apr 2006 33 Oct 2006 21 Apr 2007 39 Oct 2007 21 Apr 2008 41 Oct 2008 36 Apr 2009 27 Oct 2009 40 Apr 2010 27 Oct 2010 35 Apr 2011 21 Oct 2011 25 Apr 2012 29 Oct 2012 24 Apr 2013 27 Oct 2013 21 Apr 2014 32 Oct 2014 34 Apr 2015 4 Average = 31.05 per conference (29.6 excluding the extremes). Median = 28. High = 84 in Oct 2005 Low = 4 in Apr 2015 I have no idea whether the figures given were accurate or not. But, even if they were, theres an obvious explanation for the very high spike shown October 2005: We were approaching the bicentennial of Josephs birth. And its probably not insignificant, that the April 2015 general conference of the Church fell on Easter weekend. Jesus tends to be mentioned quite a bit at Easter. Moreover, I wonder what the figures since April 2015 have been. Does anybody know? My guess is that that will typically have ranged from the low twenties to the high thirties, occasionally straying into the low forties in other words, just as they were from October 2005 through October 2014. In other words, April 2015 was very likely an outlier. Im unaware of even the slightest disposition among believing Latter-day Saints and their leaders to back away from the Prophet. Ive detected not a trace of such a retreat. In any event, so as to remove any possible doubt about my own position, I quote the words of John Taylor, who nearly died with Joseph and Hyrum at the hands of that anti-Mormon mob in Carthage, Illinois, and who eventually succeeded Joseph Smith and Brigham Young as the third president of the Church of Jesus Christ in this dispensation: Joseph Smith, the Prophet and Seer of the Lord, has done more, save Jesus only, for the salvation of men in this world, than any other man that ever lived in it. . . . He lived great, and he died great in the eyes of God and his people; and like most of the Lords anointed in ancient times, has sealed his mission and his works with his own blood; and so has his brother Hyrum. . . . Hyrum Smith was forty-four years old in February, 1844, and Joseph Smith was thirty-eight in December, 1843; and henceforward their names will be classed among the martyrs of religion; and the reader in every nation will be reminded that the Book of Mormon, and this book of Doctrine and Covenants of the church, cost the best blood of the nineteenth century to bring them forth for the salvation of a ruined world; and that if the fire can scathe a green tree for the glory of God, how easy it will burn up the dry trees to purify the vineyard of corruption. They lived for glory; they died for glory; and glory is their eternal reward. From age to age shall their names go down to posterity as gems for the sanctified. They were innocent of any crime, as they had often been proved before, and were only confined in jail by the conspiracy of traitors and wicked men; and their innocent blood on the floor of Carthage jail is a broad seal affixed to Mormonism that cannot be rejected by any court on earth, and their innocent blood on the escutcheon of the State of Illinois, with the broken faith of the State as pledged by the governor, is a witness to the truth of the everlasting gospel that all the world cannot impeach; and their innocent blood on the banner of liberty, and on the magna charta of the United States, is an ambassador for the religion of Jesus Christ, that will touch the hearts of honest men among all nations; and their innocent blood, with the innocent blood of all the martyrs under the altar that John saw, will cry unto the Lord of Hosts till he avenges that blood on the earth. Amen. And here are more words from Elder Taylor, some of which, sung by Casey Elliott, of Gentri, to an arrangement by Rob Gardner, will close Six Days in August as the credits roll: O give me back my Prophet dear, And Patriarch, O give them back; The Saints of latter days to cheer, And lead them in the gospel track. But ah! theyre gone from my embrace, From earthly scenes their spirits fled; Those two, the best of Adams race, Now lie entombed among the dead. Ye men of wisdom tell me why, When guilt nor crime in them were found, Why now their blood doth loudly cry, From prison walls, and Carthage ground Your tongues are mute, but pray attend, The secret I will now relate, Why those whom God to earth did lend, Have met the suffering martyrs fate. It is because they strove to gain, Beyond the grave a heaven of bliss; Because they made the gospel plain, And led the Saints in righteousness. It is because God called them forth, And led them by his own right hand Christs coming to proclaim on earth, And gather Israel to their land. It is because the priests of Baal Were desperate their craft to save; And when they saw it doomed to fail, They sent the Prophets to the grave. Like scenes the ancient Prophets saw, Like these, the ancient Prophets fell; And till the resurrection dawn, Prophet and Patriarch-Fare thee well. I join my voice with that of John Taylor and millions of others; Im not backing away from Joseph Smith, the Prophet who opened this last dispensation. Not even close. Olam Agri, a global leader in food and agribusiness, has held a groundbreaking ceremony to mark the start of construction for its state-of-the-art pasta production facility at its wheat milling factory at Kpone near Tema, in the Greater Accra Region. The event was graced by the Deputy Minister for Trade and Industry, Hon. Michael Okyere Baafi, and the Deputy Minister for Transport, Hon. Frederick Obeng Adom, and was attended by the traditional leadership of the Kpone municipality. Also present were Chief Executives and representatives from the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA), the Ghana Investment Promotion Center (GIPC), the Food and Drugs Authority (FDA), the Ghana Chamber of Commerce, and some key stakeholders, including the Ghana Police Service, the Ghana National Fire Service, and Ghana Water Company. The construction of Olam Agris facility marks a significant milestone in the companys commitment to providing high-quality, affordable, and nutritious pasta products for the Ghanaian consumer. When completed, the factory will be the first pasta production facility in Ghana, aiming to bring the product closer to the consumer, ensuring better quality control. In an address read on his behalf by his Deputy, the Minister for Trade and Industry, Hon K.T. Hammond observed that whereas pasta has become a staple in many Ghanaian households, there is heavy reliance on imports, particularly from countries like Turkey, Italy, China, and South Africa. I am therefore happy to note that, Olam Agri as a business is taking advantage of this opportunity to establish this state-of-the-art pasta plant reflecting the companys commitment to transforming Ghanas food industry. This facility is expected to meet the growing demand for pasta locally, supporting the governments import substitution and job creation agenda, Hon K. T. Hammond said. The Minister stressed that the private sector plays a key role in promoting the growth of industrialisation in Ghana, adding that Olam Agri has long set a benchmark in agribusiness, from flour production to supporting local rice farmers and the companys understanding and dedication to quality is exemplified by the success of popular brands like Mama Gold and Royal Feast. Mr. Baibhav Biswas, Country Head of Olam Agri in Ghana, expressed enthusiasm for the project, stating, Our 30 years presence in Ghana has been characterised by significant investments in infrastructure and human resources development. This facility is a testament to our dedication to the country and our effort to contribute positively towards its economic development and food security. This new facility aligns with Olam Agris broader strategy of strengthening its position in the African food market. Mr. Baibhav Biswas expressed gratitude to all stakeholders for supporting Olam Agris operations in Ghana and for creating a friendly environment for businesses to thrive. As our Grains business continues to grow and evolve, it remains dedicated to providing quality floor products to Ghanaians. Our commitment to community development and sustainability has solidified our position as a trusted partner in the regions food industry Baibhav, said. The Commissioner-General of the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA), Ms. Julia Esiam, congratulated Olam Agri on behalf of the commission and reiterated the institution's support through effective collaboration and partnerships. The Groundbreaking of this new facility will open doors to further opportunities for growth and development. This sets the stage for future achievement, innovation, and progress. Ms. Esiam added. Source: King Edward Ambrose Washman/Peacefmonline.com 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 Baffour Owusu Bediako, the Paramount Chief of Domeabra Traditional Area in the Asante-Akim North District, has strongly advocated for the inclusion of traditional authorities in politics, as key stakeholders in national development. He argued that chiefs should be able to scrutinise policies of political parties without conflicting with Article 276 of the Constitution, because the policies of any party that would be elected to form the next government, would directly affect the people that chiefs lead. There is, therefore, the need that the right policies that will be of greater benefit for the people are supported, he said at a peace symposium organised by the Ashanti Regional Peace Council in Kumasi. The symposium, which brought together key stakeholders such as political parties, security agencies, students, religious leaders, media, and the Electoral Commission (EC), was in commemoration of World Peace Day on the theme, Cultivating a Culture of Peace. Baffour Bediako said chieftaincy had evolved into an institution with both traditional and modern dimensions, and that it was a key institution around which the government could build its development programmes. He said openly endorsing political parties or candidates may not be the best of ideas, but chiefs could advise politicians to be fair and true to their promises and have faith in the electoral processes and state agencies during the election period. On peaceful elections, the Paramount Chief said the gospel of peace, truth, justice, reconciliation, unity, respect, and the fear of the Lord were the bedrock of a genuinely true and patriotic election. He pointed out that, our actions and omissions today would largely determine the condition we would find ourselves in during and after the elections and stressed the need for demonstrations to be carried out lawfully and peacefully to prevent any act of violence. Let us express our opinions and differences through the use of dialogue instead of violence because our voice is more important, for we gain nothing from chaos, he advised. He also spoke against the use of foul, unwarranted, and divisive languages that could trigger violent conflicts and disrupt the peace and stability we have been enjoying as Ghanaians. He said advocacy for peaceful election could not have come at a better time than now and charged all stakeholders to join the National Peace Council in advocating for peace ahead of the general election and urged all to commit to sustain a peaceful national artmostphere. Source: GNA 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 Eastern Regional office of the National Peace Council has marked International Day of Peace 2024 by urging all stakeholders to empower youth to harness the power of music and arts for promotion of peaceful elections. Ghanas youth, once equipped with the creative skills and confidence gained through music and arts, according to the peace body, can become a powerful force for peace and positivity in the upcoming elections. Speaking during the International Day of Peace commemoration in Koforidua, Professor Mark Boadu, Chairman of the Eastern Regional Peace Council said, we can nurture a new generation of civically engaged citizens who view political participation as a creative and collaborative endeavours. He underscored the importance of arts and music in safeguarding the integrity of the countrys democratic process. Through creative expression of our shared hopes and dreams, we can cultivate the emotional intelligence needed to resolve conflicts peacefully and engage in productive civic discourse, he stated. This years International Day of Peace was themed: Cultivating a Culture of Peace Through Music and Arts in Promoting Peaceful Elections in 2024. The day is celebrated around the world each year on September 21, to commemorate and strengthen the ideals of peace within and among all nations and people. Professor Boadu noted that the International Day of Peace celebration was an opportunity to uplift theme and inspire all parties to resolve their differences through peaceful and democratic means. Crucially, this initiative is not just about the upcoming elections it is about inspiring a lasting transformation in the way Ghanaians engage with the democratic process, he added. The day was marked by cultural performances, drama, choreography and choir that improved understanding and cooperation between political parties. In his remarks, the Eastern Regional Minister, Mr. Seth Kwame Acheampong, highlighted the power of music and arts to unite Ghanaians and foster meaningful conversations. He noted that these art forms have served as a powerful medium to bring people together and promote dialogue. Through these performances we have been inspired and empowered to engage in peaceful discourse rather than violent activities, he said. He stated that the foundation of democracy would be under jeopardy in the absence of peace, and that it was therefore imperative to ensure that all stakeholders, including civil society, media, and voting public, were dedicated to a non-violent process. We must know that peace does not occur in a vacuum. It has to be nurtured, honoured, and encouraged and here is where the arts and music play an active role as facilitators, he said. The event brought together representatives from various political parties, religions, youth choirs, and institutions. The National Peace Council aims to facilitate and develop mechanisms for preventing, managing, and resolving conflicts. Its goal is to build sustainable peace in the country. Source: GNA Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority. Featured Video Ghana has signed two communique establishing diplomatic relations with Madagascar and St. Lucia and reached a bilateral investment promotion and protection agreement with Trinidad and Tobago. Ghanas foreign minister Shirley Botchwey signed the diplomatic relations communiques with Madagascar and St. Lucia at brief ceremonies on Tuesday's sidelines of the UN General Assembly. Her Malagasy and St. Lucian counterparts, Ms. Rasata Rafaravavitafika and Mr. Alva Baptiste signed for their respective countries. Ms. Rafaravavitafika and Ms. Botchwey discussed the prospects and advantages of intra-Africa trade. Ms. Rafaravavitafika said Madagascar would sign on to the African Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) pact next month. Ghana was on early signatory to the historic trade agreement, and hosts the AfCFTA secretariat in its capital, Accra. Ms. Botchwey and Dr Amery Browne, foreign minister of Trinidad and Tobago, signed an Agreement on the Reciprocal Promotion and Protection of Investment (ARPPI) Im delighted we could do this today, said Dr. Browne. Indeed, its a great day, Ms. Botchwey responded as they shook hands and exchanged documents. The agreement is expected to boost bilateral trade through reciprocal economic cooperation, respect for investors' rights and the prevention of unlawful appropriation. Although trade between Ghana and Trinidad and Tobago is limited, the Caribbean nations Republic Bank is operational in Ghana with a growing footprint. The two also discussed the upcoming Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) due in four weeks in Samoa. Ms. Botchwey is considered the leading candidate among three contestants for the position of Secretary-General of the Commonwealth, to replace Baroness Patricia Scotland of Dominica. Ms Botchwey also held bilateral talks earlier with Lord Collins, British Under-Secretary of State of the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office, and the foreign minister of Grenada, Mr. Joseph Andall. 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 Development Economist and a Senior Research Fellow at the Centre for Social Policy Studies (CSPS) at the College of Humanities, University of Ghana, Dr. George Domfe, has indicated that the current growth rate of the Ghanaian economy is far better than Mahama left it. Ghanaians may still be going through tough times but the current state of the economy is far better than it was when John Mahama was leaving office he indicated. According to him, per capita income now is better than when Mahama was in office. The standard of living of Ghanaians at the moment is higher than when the NDC was in power. Per capita income under Mahama was $1900. As we speak, it is $2200. This simply means that, Ghanaians today, though there are still some challenges, are better off than they used to be under Mahama he observed. He also noted that Mahamas economic record is the worst the country has experienced since 1992. In 2013, the economy recorded a decline as it dropped from 11% to 7.3%. In 2014, it further dropped to 2.8% he said. He further pointed out that the worst economic record experienced by Ghanaians happened under the Mahama administration. Our worst economic record occurred under Mahama. In 2015, we experienced a further decline in growth as the economy grew at 2.1%. This precipitated the Senchi Economic Forum which resulted in Ghana going to the IMF for a bailout With the current growth rate of 6.9%, Dr. Domfe held that this is an indication of the fact that even under some challenges, the economy under the Akufo-Addo/Bawumia administration, has performed better than Mahama. Source: Josephine Acheampomaa/Peacefmonline.com Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority. Featured Video Thailands king has signed a marriage equality bill into law, making the country the first in South East Asia to recognise same-sex unions. The bill cleared the Senate in June but required royal endorsement to become law. It was published in the Royal Gazette on Tuesday and will come into effect on 22 January next year. Activists hailed the move as historic it marks the culmination of years of campaigning for marriage equality. Thailand has long been seen as a relative haven for the LGBTQ+ community in a region where such attitudes are rare. The new law uses gender-neutral terms in place of husbands, wives, men and women. And it grants same-sex couples adoption and inheritance rights. Today were not only getting to write our names in marriage certificates, but we are also writing a page in history that tells us that love never set a condition of who we were born to be, Ann Chumaporn, a longtime LGBTQ+ activist and co-founder of the Bangkok Pride movement, told the BBC. Its a triumph of equality and human dignity. She said she plans to organise a mass wedding for more than 1,000 LGBTQ+ couples on 22 January. [The legal recognition] means we are fully accepted and can live our lives without conditions or compromises, said advertising strategist Kwankaow Koosakulnirund. Thailands LGBTQ+ community can now look toward a future beyond relationships, embracing the sense of pride that this law brings, he said. We are all delighted and excited. Weve been fighting for our rights for over 10 years, and now its finally happening, another activist, Siritata Ninlapruek, told AFP news agency. Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra posted on X: Congratulations on everyones love. #LoveWins. Former PM Srettha Thavisin, who has been vocal in his support for the bill, also applauded the development as a significant step for Thailand. Equity and equality have become concrete in the Thai society. Gender diversity will eventually be fully accepted. Congratulations, he wrote on X. When the law comes into effect, Thailand will become only the third place in Asia, after Taiwan and Nepal, where same-sex couples can get married. In 2019, Taiwans parliament became the first in Asia to legalise same-sex marriage. Nepal registered its first same-sex union in November last year, five months after its Supreme Court ruled in favour of it. This was just one month after Indias top court had ruled against it, leaving the decision to the government, which said it would set up a panel to decide on more legal rights for same-sex couples. Singapore scrapped a colonial-era law that banned gay sex in 2022, but also amended its constitution to prevent the courts from challenging the definition of marriage as one between a man and a woman. 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 Thousands of people took to the streets to celebrate the outdooring ceremony of Ayirebihene Nana Asare Duodu Gyimah III on Wednesday morning 24th September 2024. Ayirebi a farming and business community in the Ofoase-Ayirebi District in the Eastern Region came alive as Nana Asare Duodu Gyimah III adorned in his beautiful Nyame na oyi Ohene Kente cloth rode in palanquin through some principal streets amidst songs of praise. For Ayirebi folks, there was a reason to be happy as a protracted chieftaincy dispute had finally come to an end. Nana Asare Duodu Gyimah III is blessed considering the jubilation of thousands of elderly men and women and the support of the teeming youth from the forested town and its adjoining villages. One townfolk Joseph Donkor a retired District Cocoa Purchasing officer remarked: This is but the beginning of better days ahead of Ayirebi. Addressing the Press and townfolks several of whom had travelled by foot to participate in the procession, Nana Asare Duodu Gyimah III hinted: A new day has dawned for Ayirebi. The town is just on the brink of experiencing unprecedented strides. Ayirebihene outlined a five (5) point strategy to help push Ayirebi forward. 1. Scholarship fund. I will establish a scholarship fund to increase access to secondary and tertiary schools. 2 Mass Education on Sanitation I will pursue a sensitization program on sanitation to help improve the overall environmental Health and sanitation of Ayirebi and its inhabitants. 3. Roads I will cooperate with Government to increase the number of motorable roads in and around Ayirebi. 4. Modern Market Infrastructure I will raise funds and build a modern market to augment trade in Akyem Ayirebi. 5. Reconciliation Considering the division which existed before my installation, I will bridge gaps and foster unity amongst townfolks so we could all join hands and build Akyem Ayirebi for the future of our children. PRIVATE LIFE Born Kwadwo Gyimah in 1968 to Mr Samuel Oduro and Obaapanin Yaa Tenewaa , Nana Asare Duodu Gyimah III was the sixth child of 8 children in the family. Nana Asare Duodu Gyimah III started his education at the Ayirebi Methodist Primary School, continued through to the Middle School and completed in 1988. He then proceeded to study Mechanical Engineering at the famous Accra Technical Training Center (ATTC) from 1992-1995. Nana Asare Duodu Gyimah III thereafter ventured into professional driving, farming and later became a Timber Merchant. Following the death of the Ayirebi chief Obrempong Gyapire Agyekum II, a long history of dispute ensued until Nana Asare Duodu Gyimah III was installed on 21st March 2022 and subsequently gazetted on 14th March 2024. Many inhabitants of Akyem Ayirebi hold an unflinching belief that the forested town is set to march into glory with Nana Asare Duodu Gyimah III an Astute business man on the throne. Source: Josephine Acheampomaa/[email protected] Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority. Featured Video The world's longest-serving death row prisoner has been acquitted by a Japanese court, more than half a century after his 1968 mu%der conviction. The Shizuoka District Court ruled on Thursday, September 26, that 88-year-old Iwao Hakamada was not guilty in a retrial obtained by the former boxer and his supporters a decade ago. 'The court finds the defendant innocent,' judge Koshi Kunii said. Hakamada was sentenced to hang in 1968 after being found guilty of murdering his boss, his wife and their two teenage children, and setting fire to their home two years earlier. The former professional boxer spent 46 years on death row believed to be the longest time spent on death row of any prisoner worldwide, until he was freed in 2014 when new evidence emerged and a retrial was ordered. Hakamada has consistently protested his innocence and said investigators forced him to confess, while his lawyers alleged police had fabricated evidence. There was no immediate decision on whether prosecutors would appeal against the verdict, which was reported by Kyodo news agency and other Japanese media outlets. Hakamadas defence lawyers have urged prosecutors not to challenge the ruling, given his age. The presiding judge at Shizuoka district court, Koshi Kunii, acknowledged that three pieces of evidence had been fabricated, including Hakamadas confession and items of clothing that prosecutors claimed he had been wearing at the time of the murders. Investigators tampered with clothes by getting blood on them, the ruling said, and criticised the use of inhumane interrogations meant to force a statement by imposing mental and physical pain. It said: The prosecutions records were obtained by effectively infringing on the defendants right to remain silent, under circumstances extremely likely to elicit a false confession. Hakamadas 91-year-old sister, Hideko Hakamada, who has campaigned tirelessly on behalf of her brother, told reporters before Thursdays verdict: For so long we have fought a battle that has felt endless. But this time, I believe it will be settled. Hakamada initially denied robbing and fatally stabbing the victims but confessed after what he later described as a brutal police interrogation that included physical abuse. Campaigners said his ordeal had exposed flaws in Japans criminal justice system and the cruelty of capital punishment. We are overjoyed by the courts decision to exonerate Iwao Hakamada, said Boram Jang, an east Asia researcher at Amnesty International. After enduring almost half a century of wrongful imprisonment and a further 10 years waiting for his retrial, this verdict is an important recognition of the profound injustice he endured for most of his life. It ends an inspiring fight to clear his name by his sister Hideko and all those who supported him. As we celebrate this long overdue day of justice for Hakamada, we are reminded of the irreversible harm caused by the death penalty. We strongly urge Japan to abolish the death penalty to prevent this from happening again. 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 BAKU, Azerbaijan, September 26. Foreign Minister of the Republic of Azerbaijan Jeyhun Bayramov met with Federal Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Swiss Confederation Ignazio Cassis within the framework of participation in the high-level week of the 79th session of the UN General Assembly on September 25, 2024, the statement of the press service of the Azerbaijani Foreign Ministry said, Trend reports. According to the information, the role and importance of mutual high-level visits and constant political dialog in expanding the scope and enriching the content of bilateral relations were noted. Information was presented on preparations for the 29th session of the Conference of the Parties to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change, which Azerbaijan will host this year. The Swiss side was informed in detail about the current situation and realities in our region in the post-conflict period, mine threats, and progress in the normalization process of relations between Azerbaijan and Armenia. Furthermore, it was emphasized that the ongoing territorial claims against Azerbaijan in the Armenian legislation, as well as the rapid arming of this country, are the main factors threatening the sustainable peacebuilding process in the region. In the course of the meeting, the sides also exchanged views on other bilateral and multilateral issues of mutual interest, the statement reads. The Electoral Commission (EC) has told the National Democratic Congress (NDC) and the General Public that legal and administrative processes laid down to clean the Provisional Voters Register (PVR) have not been fully exhausted to justify the calls for a Forensic Audit. This was contained in a letter addressed to the Chairman of the NDC, Mr Johnson Asiedu Nketia, in response to the petition submitted to the EC by the NDC at the end of the partys demonstration on Tuesday, 17th September 2024. In the letter that was copied to the Majority Leader of Parliament, the Minority Leader, the Civil Society Organisation, the Diplomatic Community and Foreign Missions in Ghana, the National Peace Council, the Christian Council of Ghana, the Ghana Pentecostal and Charismatic Council, the Chief Imam and the Ahmadiyya Mission, the EC said: the Commission is of the view that the legal and administrative processes laid down to clean the PVR have not been fully exhausted to justify the calls for a Forensic Audit. We entreat the public to trust us to carry out our mandate. At the end of the NDCs Enough Is Enough demonstration, the party made the following demand in its petition: Permit an Independent Forensic Audit of the Voters Register and its IT System: An independent forensic audit of the Provisional Voters Register and its IT System must be conducted to uncover the full extent of the irregularities, including unauthorised log-ins, transfers, discrepancies, and data corruption. This audit should also provide a comprehensive review of the IT infrastructure, human processes, and overall system integrity that led to these errors and discrepancies in the voter register. The audit should also examine both the technical and procedural vulnerabilities of ECs IT and registration system. However, explaining the basis of its position in the letter to the NDC, the EC said: The Constitutional Instrument (C.I.) 91 recognizes that the PVR is a draft Register and recognizing that the PVR is bound to contain discrepancies, the framers of the C.I. 91, instituted the mechanism of the Exhibition Exercise to allow for the cleaning and revision of the PVR to ensure that it is credible and robust for an election. The Register is thus displayed in all Polling Stations (Exhibition Centres) and Online to allow for inspection and corrections where necessary. In essence, the Exhibition Exercise provides the legal basis to clean the PVR. You will agree with us that as with any human endeavour, such as the Registration of Voters, there are bound to be discrepancies. One cannot therefore expect the Provisional Register to be foolproof. It is for this reason that Regulation 23 of C.I. 91 provides clear and well-defined pathways to cure and deal with likely anomalies that are bound to arise from the Registration of Voters, including missing names, errors in biographical data, duplicates, the existence of deceased persons on the Register, incorrect designation of Polling Stations, among others. Thankfully, there exist legal and administrative remedies to resolve all post-registration issues. 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 Prophet Nigel Gaisie, the founder and leader of Prophetic Hill Chapel International, has slammed the leadership of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) over alleged attacks on Rev. Owusu-Bempah the founder and leader of Glorious Word Power Ministry International. According to Prophet Nigel Gaisie, an attack on a prophet comes with consequences, so the party needs to stop such actions. He stated that the NPP under its current leadership focuses on attacking individuals who fail to conform to their needs, unlike the leadership of former President John Agyekum Kufuor. Nigel Gaisie mentioned that if not for Owusu-Bempah, who stood his ground during the 2016 elections, the party would have lost the elections. Speaking in an interview on Accra FM on September 18, 2024, he stated "They sent me a video where Rev. Owusu-Bempah was being attacked at Wontumis TV station. You see, the NPP had already lost, but the same day they arrested Owusu-Bempah, their case worsened, and they will lose. He continued, "They have insulted him massively and taken him to the gutters. The issue is that they said Owusu-Bempah had gone to meet Mahama and some pastors. This is the nature of the NPP; Kufuors NPP wasnt like that. It is the nature of this current NPP that if you dont go by what they want, their whims and caprices, they will come against you with all their arsenals available to them. And they have done it to almost everybody. They have attacked Bishop Agyinasare. I am not exceptional; they attack everybody. It may be recalled that Apostle Amoako Attah has also warned the NPP over what he referred to as an attack on his colleague pastor, Rev. Isaac Owusu-Bempah. Now I want to warn the NPP, I want to warn you people that Owusu-Bempah has become your target. It won't be a blessing for you. The man is a prophet no matter what. Someone who used his church to gamble for you in 2016, for you to give him the red carpet, why are you now insulting him? Why do you want to drag Owusu-Bempah into the gutters, why? he questioned angrily. Amoako Attah criticized the NPP for the treatment of Owusu-Bempah, stating that it was unfair. Speaking to his congregation on Sunday, September 15, 2024, he stated that if the NPP is now dealing with a different pastor for their affairs, Owusu-Bempah should be given a rest. In 2020, he stood up for you, so when things like this happen, it seems ungratefulness has set in. No matter what, Owusu-Bempah is a prophet, so give him every respect he deserves. Those who are going on the radio to insult him should stop because it won't help. I know Bawumia is not like that because Bawumia went to his church. This man has fought earnestly. In 2016, no prophet could come out, but this man stood up and said things that God didnt even say just to help you people, he lamented. He explained that targeting Owusu-Bempah, who is a prophet of God, would come at a cost to the party. He detailed how Owusu-Bempah had helped the NPP since 2016 and how the party is now ditching him. So, stop that and leave him alone. If you have a different pastor, go on because, in every dispensation, God raises a man. Owusu-Bempah cannot singlehandedly continue just like that. Give him respect. It is disheartening and I am pained so much it has been on my mind for a long time so let me say it for you to go and tell your leaders. You respect men of God so much, Dr. Bawumia, stop this. 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 President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, has stressed that Africans do not need handouts from international communities, rather, all Africans on the globe deserve equal opportunities for growth and sustained development. President Akufo-Addo revealed that Africans deserve equal access to education, jobs, and healthcare, as opposed to the marginalization often meted out to Africans by members of the International communities. Speaking at the Annual United Nations General Assembly in New York on Wednesday, September 25, President Akufo- Addo expressed deep concerns about the global systems bias against Africans, viewing them as passive aid recipients rather than equal partners who also deserve the same treatment given to other European partners. In his speech, Nana Akufo-Addo said, Africa in particular, knows the cost of being left out. Yes, we are a continent rich in potential and resilient in the face of adversity. We have also been disadvantaged by the global system that has generally treated us as an afterthought. We have been viewed merely as passive recipients of aid rather than as equal partners in global progress. President Akufo-Addo further highlighted the many promises that have not been fulfilled to bring about the long-chain assistance that Africans passionately need. Such aid offered often comes with strings attached, limiting our ability to shape our future. Africa is not a continent of despair; shes focused on full of great possibilities. Shes required, however, to chart a new course of development, President Akufo-Addo further stated. The people of Africa are not asking for handouts, they are demanding opportunities in the new global architecture so that they can have access to education, health care, and jobs to be able to build better lives for themselves, families, and their descendants. In buttressing his position, Nana Akufo-Addo underscored the need for the poor, vulnerable, and displaced not to be left out in decision-making, adding that, such engagements should not be mere rhetorics but be backed with tangible actions. He reiterated, we cannot in good conscience leave them behind, they should be at the centre of our decision and decision making. Source: Kobina Darlington/peacefmonline.com Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority. Featured Video Dr James Kwabena Bomfeh alias Kabilla, an Nkrumaist and a Development Studies Ph.D holder, has fired shots at those calling for a state of emergency to be declared over galamsey. There is currently a major crusade against illegal mining in Ghana, known in local parlance as galamsey, with the crusaders vehemently imploring the President, Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, to declare a state of emergency and cease all small-scale mining operations. The porponents believe this is the way forward to stopping galamsey activities that have contaminated the water bodies and environment. But Kabilla, who is a former Ag General Secretary of the Convention Peoples Party (CPP), shares dissenting views on the call for state of emergency. According to him, those making the calls are only doing so because they have a "regime change agenda". Kabilla argued that if indeed they seek an end to this menace, they should get to the "root of the matter" instead of their demands on the President. He noted that it's not the fault of the incumbent government under the leadership of President Nana Addo that galamsey persists but rather this canker dates back to the early 2000s with some organizations and individuals raising alarm over the dangers of the galamsey operators. The former CPP General Secretary made these points during Peace FM's "Kokrokoo" show. Source: Ameyaw Adu Gyamfi/Peacefmonline.com/Ghana Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority. Featured Video Joyce Bawah Mogtari, a key figure in the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC) and former Deputy Transport Minister, has warned the government that its handling of the Democracy Hub protesters will not be forgotten by Ghanaians come December 7 general elections. In a sharp criticism of the ruling administration, Mrs. Mogtari condemned the arrest of protesters who were exercising their democratic right to voice their dissatisfaction with the current state of governance. She noted that such actions will have lasting political consequences when the nation heads to the polls. According to Mrs. Mogtari, the government's crackdown on peaceful demonstrators reflects a broader attempt to stifle dissent and intimidate citizens. She emphasized that rather than resorting to arrests, the government should listen to the concerns of the protesters, many of whom are highlighting issues such as economic mismanagement, unemployment and corruption. The former President John Mahamas Special Aide warned that the frustration of ordinary Ghanaians would play a pivotal role in shaping the outcome of the election. She further stated that the arrests of Democracy Hub protesters will serve as a reminder of the ruling partys authoritarian tendencies. She cautioned that such actions are a direct attack on the countrys democratic values and that the governments approach to suppressing protests will fuel voter anger. She predicted that on December 7, Ghanaians would hold the government accountable for its record of governance including its treatment of dissenters. Rather than stop us from exercising our democratic rights, these anti-freedom actions by Akufo-Addo and Bawumia should convince you to look harder at their failures and break through the carefully curated public relations visage they have created. They have failed miserably in almost every arena, and rather than listen to the voice of the people, they hide behind the police and the courts. They will be remembered on December 7th for this alone. We will vote against the NPP, Akufo-Addo and Bawumia. We will vote for John Mahama. Our nation cannot afford a government that is scared of its people, she 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 Former President and flagbearer of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), John Dramani Mahama has stated that there is a need to balance the maintenance of law and order with a deeper sense of responsibility in protecting the rights and freedoms of citizens. John Mahamas statement is in sequel to the treatment meted out to the Democracy Hub demonstrators who took to some streets in Accra to protest against the menace of galamsey on the environment and the living conditions of residents of the galamsey-prone areas. Posting on his official Facebook page on Thursday, September 26, John Mahama bemoaned how the Ghana Police Service and the Judicial Service treated the demonstrators. The demonstrators who belong to the Democracy Hub were arrested and detained by the police for alleged wrongdoings during the process of the demonstration. The police arrested 50 demonstrators in total and charged them with conspiracy to commit a crime, unlawful assembly, causing unlawful damage, offensive conduct conducive to the breach of peace, and assault on a public officer. We must balance our need to maintain law and order with protecting the rights and freedoms of our citizens. Remanding Democracy Hub demonstrators for 2 weeks is high-handed and an abuse of their rights. The youth of Ghana have a right to engage in manifestations to protect their future, especially in respect of key issues like the destruction of the environment through illegal mining. "Draconian judicial decisions such as this wont stop them from speaking out. The authorities must request the judge to review the remand decision and grant them bail immediately, Mr. Mahama stated. Source: Kobina Darlington/peacefmonline.com Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority. Featured Video When her fiances father became terminally ill in 2022, Jackie Schaffner called the The Art Factory in Paterson, New Jersey, to postpone her wedding. She said the owner assured her there would be no problem rescheduling the date to summer. But once I started to ask for a new date, he became very difficult to work with, Schaffner told NJ Advance Media on Wednesday. Schaffner said she was forced to hire a lawyer who wrote The Art Factory a demand letter. She also contacted a consumer affairs bureau, whose members she said convinced the owner to give Schaffner a new date, which he did. But Schaffner still isnt married. The Art Factory no longer returns her calls. She says shes out $10,000. Schaffner is one of dozens of worried brides-to-be who have taken to social media in recent days to say theyve left a deposit or paid for a wedding at The Art Studio and say their plans are now in limbo. The Art Factory fell behind in its $12.5 million mortgage in November 2023, court records show. When that happened, the mortgage company won a judgment for nearly $11 million against Great Falls Industrial Park, which owns The Art Factory. The Art Factory is a complex of industrial buildings on Spruce Street with some structures serving as studios for artists and others converted into banquet rooms. The judgment apparently prompted wedding venues owner, David Garsia, to file for Chapter 11 bankruptcy last month. Court records show the business has assets of $100,000 against liabilities in excess of $10 million. Garsia and his attorney did not return several calls seeking comment on Wednesday. After filing for bankruptcy, Garsia messaged couples who had booked upcoming weddings and told them the federal bankruptcy court had directed his company to stop hosting weddings. Accordingly, we regret to inform you that effective immediately, the company will host no further events, Garsia wrote in a social media message shared with NJ Advance Media. Until further notice, the company is unable to admit any customers or guests onto the premises, the message said. The Art Factory has not only been accused of mishandling upcoming weddings, but at least one vendor sued The Art Factory and obtained a $14,000 judgment for failure to pay for services rendered. The vendor, who asked not to be named, said the owners have not paid any of the money owed for his workers setting up events. One bride-to-be told NJ Advance Media in an email on Wednesday that she gave The Art Factory $24,000 to pay for her Oct. 25, 2025, wedding in full. She said the business within the past two weeks also tried to charge her in full for 19 hotel rooms that are still under construction on The Art Factorys property. I was shocked when David mentioned another couple might be booking these for our date, which then prompted him to send me a payment link to hold them for an additional $10,000 an insane price to pay for accommodations 13 months from now, the woman said in an email. The woman decided not to pay for the hotel rooms after hearing about the bankruptcy and event cancellations. Anthony G. Attrino may be reached at tattrino@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on X @TonyAttrino. Find NJ.com on Facebook. Forty-six years ago Mechanicsburg resident Douglas Wentz stood on the state Capitol steps to issue a diatribe about government corruption. He spoke for 31 hours, trying to landing his name in the Guiness Book of Records. On Wednesday, Wentz, who traveled from his home in Winter Park, Fla., took to the Capitol steps again, this time to make a case for voting against two high-profile Republicans in November. Wentz thinks GOP presidential nominee Donald Trump and incumbent Republican congressman Scott Perry are unfit to serve in public office. But the drizzle that fell during the two-and-a-half hours he spoke limited his audience mainly to a few friends who came out to support him and the few others watching the livestream on Facebook. Wentz aired his criticisms of Trump and his legal entanglements and his role in the Jan. 6, attack on the U.S. Capitol. Trump has denied any culpability for the events that transpired on Jan. 6 and trumpets how several court cases against him have been dismissed. Wentzs remarks also touched on Perrys involvement with the Jan. 6 riot, including the testimony that came out in the House J-6 committee, saying Perry sought a presidential pardon for attempting to overturn the 2020 presidential election. At the time, Perrys spokesman Jay Ostrich called that testimony laughable, ludicrous and a thoroughly soulless lie. On Wednesday, Perrys campaign spokesman Matt Beynon said this about Wentzs criticisms: Congressman Perry would be happy to respond to the concerns of a constituent as always; but well refrain from commenting on the ravings of someone who drove 2,000 miles to rant on the steps of the Pennsylvania State Capitol. Wentz, a former Republican, said he is supporting Democrats Kamala Harris and Janelle Stelson, mainly because they are not Trump or Perry. Im coming at this from somebody who admired President [George H.W.] Bush and worked for the Republican Party, said Wentz, now an independent. Im interested in promoting moderation and politics. This frenzy of chaos that Trump and Perry and folks in their camp cause, its just so discouraging. Whats more, the retired corporate lawyer said he was tired of Floridians badmouthing his hometown of Mechanicsburg. When he tells people thats where he grew up, they recognize it as the area Perry represents and where Riley Williams, who was convicted of participating in theft of Nancy Pelosis laptop during the Capitol riot, once lived. Its incredibly frustrating to me, Wentz said. They get this impression that somehow everybody in Mechanicsburg, this is what theyre like. Wentz was 20 when he last spoke on the Capitol steps, talking for 31 straight hours about corruption in state government in a failed attempt to set a Guinness World Record for the longest continuous political speech. After seeing that record now standing at over 90 hours, he dismissed any thought of trying to break it. First of all, Im 66. Physically, honestly, I just dont think I can do it, he said. I couldnt do 33 hours, let alone 92. A friend and fellow high school classmate David Redlawsk, who was with Wentz for the 1978 speech, was on hand to support his friend on Wednesday. Redlawsk, the political science and international relations department chair at University of Delaware, admires Wentzs passion and long-term goal of creating an environment for people looking for a way to combat extremism and promote moderation in U.S. politics. Thats not something that happens over night. Hard to know how effective it will be. Its hard to do, Redlawsk said. But the fact hes doing it is incredibly impressive. Wentz launched a website MakeModeratesMatter.com to explain what being a moderate is and to promote structural changes in the electoral system that could advance moderation in politics. Among them, he said are ranked choice voting that allows run-off elections if no candidate secures at least half the votes, open primaries and limiting gerrymandering. But on Wednesday, Wentz said his focus was on his concerns about the future of Americas democracy and candidates who he believes are trying to undermine it. My wife tells me you know in life, its giving it a try and trying your best. If it gets you some attention and sways some peoples thinking, great. But youll never know whether you had the chance to do it unless you try, he said. And its such a close election that I mean its not going to take a whole lot maybe to tip the scale so every little bit helps. Jan Murphy may be reached at jmurphy@pennlive.com. Follow her on X at @JanMurphy. Fans of the popular ABC reality show Extreme Makeover: Home Edition, have been hit by heartbreaking news this week. Eduardo Xol, a star on the show, has died. He was 58. According to multiple reports, Xol actually died last week, just days after police say they responded to a call and found him suffering from significant injuries. Per USA Today, police said Xol told them he had been stabbed. USA Today said police later arrested Richard Joseph Gonzalez, 34, after they say he called them claiming to have been assaulted the previous night. USA Today said Gonzalez was originally arrested on suspicion of attempted murder, but police have requested that he now be hit with a murder charge. Devastated to hear about Eduardos passing, HGTV star Ty Pennington wrote on Instagram. Truly the most genuine, kind soul. We are heartbroken at the tragic loss of our beloved Eduardo Xol, his family told USA Today in a statement. As his family, we know that his kindness has touched the lives of so many. We ask for kindness returned now allowing our privacy to be respected as we process our grief. Xol reportedly appeared on seasons 2 through 8 of the series. BAKU, Azerbaijan, September 26. Georgia hails the peace settlement process between Azerbaijan and Armenia, Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze said at the 79th session of the UN General Assembly in New York, Trend reports. He mentioned that Georgia, understanding the crucial role of peace, has taken the initiative to transform the post-conflict South Caucasus into a region of new opportunities. The prime minister expressed his support for the peace settlement process between Armenia and Azerbaijan, particularly highlighting efforts to normalize relations with neighboring countries. "We are ready to offer a regional cooperation format that will promote dialogue and strengthen trust between states to ensure that differences remain in the past," Kobakhidze emphasized. To note, today in New York, a meeting is scheduled to take place between Azerbaijani Foreign Minister Jeyhun Bayramov and Armenian Foreign Minister Ararat Mirzoyan, with the participation of US Secretary of State Antony Blinken. On July 10 of this year, the foreign ministers of Azerbaijan and Armenia convened in Washington during the summit commemorating the 75th anniversary of NATO. The parties agreed to continue working on a peace agreement then. They highlighted the progress made by Azerbaijan and Armenia towards concluding a historic peace agreement and establishing interstate relations and agreed to continue working in this direction. Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel It appears Sean Diddy Combs lawyer ought to try again. Soon after Marc Agnifilo suggested that the droves of baby oil seized during federal raids on the music moguls homes couldve been bought in bulk from Costco, the members-only retailer shot back and deflated the lawyers theory. A spokesperson for Costco told TMZ that none of its U.S. locations carry baby oil. The media outlet also went the extra mile and conducted a quick search of the stores website and confirmed that the store does not offer baby oil. The company, however, sells other baby products such as hair and cleansing gel, but it would be a stretch to confuse that with baby oil. In fact, nothing comes up on the site when you search for baby oil either. Additionally, Sams Club, another major retailer, showed no baby oil listed for sale on its website either. There is a Johnsons Moisturizing Pink Baby Lotion with Coconut Oil available to buy, the product isnt mentioned in the federal indictment. As previously reported, the federal indictment claims 1,000 bottles of baby oil were seized during the March raids of the rappers Miami and Los Angeles homes. A central Pa. couple is taking their bold and ethnic-inspired rice blends and seasonings to the next level. Obi and Nicole Linton, owners of Nicobi Foods, LLC, in Harrisburg, won two golden tickets Wednesday at Walmarts Open Call. The 11th annual event was held in Bentonville, Arkansas, and gives entrepreneurs a chance to pitch their products in hopes of landing a spot on the retailers shelves. The Walmart associates embraced us and our products with such genuine excitement. Their support has been amazing, and were incredibly grateful for how warmly theyve welcomed us, Obi Linton said. The Lintons products, including Jerk Rice, Seasoned Yellow Rice, Spanish Rice and mild and spicy Soul Dust All-Purpose Seasoning, will be sold at select Walmart stores. The Susquehanna Township couple also said Walmart is considering them for future expansion into Sams Club stores. More than 500 entrepreneurs participated in the 2024 Open Call, and each one was given 30 minutes to pitch their products to Walmart buyers. The Lintons encountered a surprise guest, Shark Tanks Daymond John, a fixture on the long-running television show. They said he supported their vision, offered advice, and called their pitch excellent. Pitching to Daymond John was an experience Ill never forget. Weve looked up to him for years as an entrepreneur, and to be put on the spot by Walmart because they believed in our passion was incredible. We stepped up and hit a home run, Nicole Linton said. The Lintons said they entered the contest to springboard their brand and open doors. We knew this could take our business to new heights and help us share our bold, ethnic-inspired flavors with more people than ever before, they said. The couple developed the line after noticing a lack of low-sodium products with flavor. The company operates under the motto, Flavored with Love. The jerk sauce and rice were developed in 2008 during a trip to Jamaica where the Lintons met and took a personal lesson from a chef at Scotchies Restaurant in Montego Bay. He showed them how to make jerk seasoning and rice, creating the basis for Nicobis recipes. The products do not contain additives or stabilizers and are vegan and gluten-free. Nicobis products are sold in more than 1,000 stores, including Giant, Karns, Food Lion and Stop & Shop. Before they became heads of a food brand, the Lintons operated Soul Burrito. They opened a food truck in 2008 and later restaurants but in 2021 they sold the business, including a restaurant in Susquehanna Township and two food trucks. The Herald (Rock Hill, S.C.) (TNS) While Hurricane Helenes likely path will have it travel up Floridas West Coast, its still having an impact on operations at Port Canaveral which is on the states East Coast. The U.S. Coast Guard Captain of the Port (COTP) has set Port Condition Yahnkee for Port Canaveral. Its website explained what that means. Sustained gale-force winds are predicted within 24 hours. Port Canaveral is open and conducting limited Port operations and preparing for the closure of waterside and vessel shoreside Port operations. Vessel owners and operators should take immediate decisive action to comply with Port orders to ensure the safety of their vessels, crews and/or facilities, it posted on its website. The website also had a notification for cruisers both arriving and leaving on Friday, Sept. 27. Because of the effects of Hurricane Helene, we are anticipating cruise vessels scheduled to arrive at Port Canaveral on Friday, Sept. 27 will be delayed. These delays will likely impact guest embarkation times for outbound sailings, it shared. All cruise guests planning to sail from Port Canaveral on Friday, Sept. 27, or Saturday, Sept. 28, are advised to contact their cruise lines to confirm their embarkation and ships departure time. Royal Caribbean sends a notification Royal Caribbean has already sent notice to passengers on the Sept. 27 sailing of Utopia of the Seas that their boarding time has been pushed back. Essentially, all guests have been asked to push their arrival time back 3 hours. The Port Canaveral website shows similar delayed arrivals for Disney Wish, MSC Seashore, Carnival Glory, and Royal Caribbeans Adventure of the Seas. It currently does not show any delays on arrivals on Sept. 28, but the situation remains fluid depending upon the weather. Not every cruise line has notified its passengers about the changes. It remains possible that the storm could change pass or have less of an impact on Port Canaveral than expected and that the arrival and departure times listed on the ports website could change. Are you taking a cruise or thinking about taking one? Visit our Come Cruise With Me website to have all your questions answered. The Arena Media Brands, LLC THESTREET is a registered trademark of TheStreet, Inc. This story was originally published September 25, 2024, 6:26 PM. (c)2024 The Herald (Rock Hill, S.C.) Visit The Herald (Rock Hill, S.C.) at www.heraldonline.com Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC. WILLIAMSPORT The states top prescriber of opioids in 2015 and 2016 wants a new judge to hear his latest appeal of his conviction and 15-year prison sentence. Former Dr. Raymond K. Kraynak, 67, Wednesday filed a motion in the U.S. Middle District Court to have Judge Matthew W. Brann replaced claiming he is not impartial. The Mount Carmel resident also accuses Branns court reporter Collen V. Wentz of criminally redacting and altering part of his testimony from the August 2022 sentencing hearing at which he attempted to withdraw his guilty plea. He contends based on the length of the hearing nearly 80 pages are missing from the transcript of his testimony on why he is innocent. Kraynak, who currently is representing himself, says once an attorney is appointed to represent him he plans to file what is known as a 2255 motion to challenge the validity of his conviction. He would ask the new attorney to seek an evidentiary hearing concerning the alleged missing transcript and if one was granted, he said he would call Brann and Wentz as witnesses. Kraynak says he discovered the alleged altered transcript in February 2023 after he was transferred to his current location at the federal prison in Danbury, Connecticut. His son was unable to contact Stephanie L. Cesare, the Carlisle lawyer appointed by Brann in 2002 after he allowed assistant public defenders Thomas Thornton and Gerald A. Lord to withdraw, he said. With the aid of a prison counselor, Kraynak said he finally made phone contact with the lawyer on March 16, 2023. When he described what he had found, he claims she was dismissive, stated she was hired only for his appeal and if he wanted to pursue the matter he would have to do it on his own. Kraynak claims he has made criminal referrals to Attorney General Merrick Garland, FBI Director Christopher Wray, Inspector General Michael Horowitz, U.S. Sen. John Fetterman and House Judiciary Committee chairman Jim Jordan but has not gotten any responses. He also filed a judicial misconduct complaint with the U.S. Third Circuit Court of Appeals, he said. His motion seeks to have Brann recuse himself from appointing a new attorney for him and for the Third Circuit Court of Appeals to appoint a judge to oversee his case to avoid any appearance of bias or impropriety. Kraynak pleaded guilty on Sept. 8, 2021, after the government had rested its case in the third week of the trial. During the abbreviated trial, jurors were presented evidence the pill doctor as he was dubbed prescribed 1,452,767, 1,994,202, 1,880,223 and 1,433,306 oxycodone and hydrocodone pills in 2014 through 2017, respectively. In February 2022, less than a month before his scheduled sentencing, Kraynak moved to withdraw his plea proclaiming: I am absolutely innocent, which he maintains today. He was sentenced that August and has been appealing since contending ineffective counsel caused him to plead guilty to 12 counts of prescribing drugs outside the course of standard medical practice. Those drugs included hydrocodone, oxycodone and fentanyl. A Third Circuit panel when it denied Kryanaks appeal in October 2023 found he did not demonstrate his innocence and his claim of ineffective counsel was unpersuasive. The record is clear he repeatedly failed to keep appropriate medical records, examine or diagnose his patients before prescribing opioids and failed to note signs of substance abuse all of which are compelled by the standard of medical practice, its opinion stated. The U.S. Supreme Court in February declined to hear his appeal. Kraynak practiced at Keystone Family Medicine Associates in Mount Carmel and Shamokin until his arrest in 2017 when the state Board of Osteopathic Medicine suspended his license. A 65-year-old prison inmate was sentenced to 18 to 30 years in prison on charges he retaliated against judges who wouldnt allow him to have explicit pornographic photos in his cell, Dauphin County prosecutors said. Gregory Dunbar was convicted on Tuesday of nine counts of retaliation against a judicial official and one count of barratry by a jury that deliberated for less than an hour, the Dauphin County District Attorneys office said in a news release. Dunba is serving 2040 years at SCI Mahanoy on convictions of attempted murder and rape in Bucks and Philadelphia counties. He refused to be transported to Dauphin County and therefore was not present for the trial, verdict or sentencing, the DAs office said. In July 2018, while serving his current sentence, Dunbar filed a lawsuit in Commonwealth Court claiming Department of Corrections policy that prohibited him from having pornography in his prison cell violated his rights. A year later, the court dismissed his lawsuit, ruling that the DOC regulations regarding sexually explicit material were reasonably related to legitimate penological interests, the DAs office said. The order did not list the judges who reviewed the suit. But in September 2019, Dunbar filed private criminal complaints with the Dauphin County DAs Office against nine Commonwealth Court judges, charging that, by their actions, they had tampered with public records, obstructed the administration of law and engaged in official oppression. The Commonwealth Court judges targeted were Mary Hannah Leavitt, Renee Cohn Jubelirer, Robert Simpson, Kevin Brobson, Patricia McCullough, Anne Covey, Michael Wojcik, Christine Cannon, and Ellen Ceisler. As part of his complaint, Dunbar sought to have each judge removed from office, the DAs office said. As part of the private criminal complaints, Dunbar sought to have each of the judges removed from office after conviction. The district attorneys office said it denied each of the complaints, then charged Dunbar with retaliating against the judges and barratry, defined as using the legal system to harass other persons with frivolous lawsuits. Chief Deputy District Attorney Jack Canavan said Dunbar was not charged for asserting his right to have pornography. But instead of appealing the decision, he instead sought to punish the nine judges for carrying out their judicial duties. Judge Deborah Curcillo sentenced Dunbar immediately after the jury returned its guilty verdicts. Without the new convictions, he would have been released in April 2025. By Jack Panyard, LNP, Lancaster, Pa. (TNS) A 15-year-old School District of Lancaster student posted threats to McCaskey High School on Instagram this week, according to police and the school district. Posts from an anonymous Instagram account with the tag @pigeonyes targeted McCaskey High School at the beginning of the week, according to a notification sent to parents Tuesday from district Superintendent Keith Miles Jr. The posts were a prank, Miles said, and police have identified and located the person responsible for them. Lancaster police said the student posted at least three threats over two days, Monday and Tuesday. Police have yet to file charges and continue to investigate. Miles said the Instagram posts included pictures of McCaskey High School with threatening messages, but he did not provide further details. He thanked students and police for their help with the investigation. This recent rash of vague and threatening social media messages has been deeply frustrating and disruptive to schools across the country, as students and families are understandably fearful, Miles said in the statement sent to parents. As we have said before, we take any threats concerning our schools very seriously. Making terroristic threats is not representative of our district, our students, or our community. It will be investigated and prosecuted vigorously, up to and including immediate expulsion and criminal charges. The posts are the latest in a string of social media-based threats that have created problems for multiple county school districts since the beginning of the academic year. Police evacuated Lancaster County Career & Technology Centers Willow Street campus last week after similar posts targeted the school. Shortly thereafter, more threats emerged against Lampeter-Strasburg and Manheim Central school districts. Police determined all of the threats were unsubstantiated. West Lampeter Township police charged a 14-year-old girl with making terroristic threats in connection with the Lampeter-Strasburg threats. By Kevin Freking, The Associated Press WASHINGTON Congress on Wednesday passed a temporary measure that keeps government agencies funded into December, avoiding a shutdown for now while punting final spending decisions until after the Nov. 5 election. The Senate approved the measure by a vote of 78-18 shortly after the House easily approved it. The bill generally funds agencies at current levels through Dec. 20. But an additional $231 million was included to bolster the Secret Service after the two assassination attempts against Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump. Money was also added to aid with the presidential transition, among other things. The bill now goes to President Joe Bidens desk to be signed into law. This bipartisanship is a good outcome for America, Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer said moments before the vote. I hope it sets the tone for more constructive, bipartisan work when we return in the fall. House Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La., billed the measure as doing only whats absolutely necessary, a statement directed at members of his own conference concerned about spending levels. Still, it was a no-go for some Republicans, which forced House GOP leadership to rely on Democratic votes to pass the bill through a process that requires at least two-thirds support from voting members. The final vote was 341-82, with Republicans supplying all the no votes in both chambers. Johnson said the only alternative to the continuing resolution at this stage would have been a government shutdown. It would be political malpractice to shut the government down, Johnson said. I think everyone understands that. Sen. John Fetterman, D-Pa., speaks with reporters at the Capitol in Washington, Wednesday, Sept. 25, 2024. (AP Photo/J. Scott Applewhite)AP The House floor was largely empty during debate on the measure. Rep. Chip Roy, R-Texas, was the lone critic among the speakers, saying, We end up in a vicious circle every year, the same vicious circle. Lawmakers in both chambers are anxious to return to their home states and districts to campaign, smoothing the path for passage of the temporary funding fix. But more arduous fiscal negotiations await them at the end of the year. Under terms of a previous deal to avoid a federal default and allow the government to continue paying its bills, spending for defense and nondefense programs would rise 1% next year. The Senate has been charting a course to go above that level, while House Republicans have been voting for steep cuts to many nondefense programs, and they have attached policy mandates to the spending bills that Democrats overwhelmingly oppose. So a final agreement will be difficult to reach. In the meantime, the temporary bill will mostly fund the government at current levels, with a few exceptions like the funding infusion for the Secret Service. The $231 million for the Secret Service does come with strings attached. Its contingent upon the agency complying with congressional oversight. The bill also allows the Secret Service to spend its allocations faster if needed. Everybody understands thats critically important right now, Johnson said of the Secret Service money. Trump thanked lawmakers for the extra Secret Service funding at a campaign event Wednesday. He had earlier called on Republicans not to move forward on a spending bill without also including a requirement that people provide proof of citizenship when registering to vote. That legislation failed in the House last week. In a recent letter, the Secret Service told lawmakers that a funding shortfall was not the reason for lapses in Trumps security when a gunman climbed onto an unsecured roof on July 13 at a rally in Butler, Pennsylvania, and opened fire. But acting Secret Service Director Ronald Rowe Jr., also made clear the agency had immediate needs and that hes talking to Congress. Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., speaks with reporters at the Capitol in Washington, Tuesday, Sept. 24, 2024. (AP Photo/J. Scott Applewhite)AP The Secret Service has asked for this additional funding. Its absolutely essential as they deal with the increased threat environment, said Sen. Susan Collins, the top Republican on the Senate Appropriations Committee. The continuing resolution is needed because Congress is nowhere close to completing work on the dozen annual appropriations bills that fund much of the federal government. The House has passed five of the 12 bills, mostly along party lines. The Senate has passed zero. Republicans blame the impasse on Senate Democrats for not putting the dozen appropriations bills on the Senate floor for a vote, where they then could be reconciled with the House bills during negotiations. But Democrats counter that House Republicans are acting in bad faith, bogging the process down by undercutting the agreement that former Speaker Kevin McCarthy negotiated with the White House over spending caps for the 2024 and 2025 budget years. Rep. Rosa DeLauro, the top Democratic member of the House Appropriations Committee, said her party will accept nothing less than the 1% increase specified in that agreement. Also, if Republicans seek more than that for defense, there must be dollar for dollar parity for nondefense, she said. The White House called on both chambers to pass the stopgap bill, while cautioning that it did not provide adequate funding to help communities recover from natural disasters and failed to include enough funding for health care provided through the Department of Veterans Affairs. Johnson warned that when the temporary extension expires in December, he will not support a massive, catchall bill to fund the government, referred to as an omnibus, so another stopgap may be needed that would allow the new president and Congress to have the final say on fiscal year 2025 spending levels. I have no intention of going back to that terrible tradition, Johnson said. Sen. Patty Murray, the Democratic chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee, urged House Republicans not to follow the loudest voices on the far right in the negotiations for the full-year bill. You cannot strike a deal to govern with people who do not really want to govern, Murray said. By KATE PAYNE and HEATHER HOLLINGSWORTH, The Associated Press CRAWFORDVILLE, Fla. (AP) Hurricane Helene could cause a nightmare scenario of catastrophic storm surge in northwestern Florida, officials warned Thursday as they urged residents to heed evacuation orders ahead of the enormous storm, which is expected to cause significant damage hundreds of miles inland across much of the southeastern U.S. Helene was upgraded to a major Category 3 storm Thursday afternoon ahead of its expected evening landfall on Floridas northwestern coast. Hurricane and flash flood warnings extend far beyond the coast up into south-central Georgia. It was already starting to be felt Thursday afternoon, with tropical storm force winds hitting the state and water lapping over a road on the northern tip of Siesta Key near Sarasota. And rain has started battering places like Asheville, North Carolina, where a 7-inch deluge has raised flooding concerns. This satellite image provided by NOAA shows Hurricane Helene advancing across the Gulf of Mexico toward Florida on Thursday, Sept. 26, 2024. (NOAA via AP)AP With forecasters also warning of tornadoes, damaging winds and mudslides, the governors of Florida, Georgia, the Carolinas and Virginia have all declared emergencies, as did President Joe Biden for several of the states. He is sending the head of the Federal Emergency Management Agency to Florida on Friday to view the damage. Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis said Thursday morning that models suggest Helene will make landfall further east, lessening the chances for a direct hit on the capital city of Tallahassee, whose metro area has a population of around 395,000. The shift has the storm aimed squarely at the sparsely populated Big Bend area, home to fishing villages and vacation hideaways where Floridas Panhandle and peninsula meet. Shuttered gas stations dotted the two-lane highway, their windows boarded with plywood. Philip Tooke, a commercial fisherman who took over the business his father founded near the regions Apalachee Bay, plans to ride out this storm like he did during Hurricane Michael and the others on his boat. This is what pays my bills, Tooke said of his boats. If I lose that, I dont have anything. Many, though, were heeding the mandatory evacuation orders that stretched from the Panhandle south along the Gulf Coast in low-lying areas around Tallahassee, Gainesville, Cedar Key, Lake City, Tampa and Sarasota. Louis Ward, 57, rides his bike along the the Gulfport waterfront as it takes on water as Hurricane Helene makes its way toward the Florida Panhandle, Thursday, Sept. 26, 2024 in Gulfport. (Martha Asencio-Rhine/Tampa Bay Times via AP)AP While Helene will likely weaken as it moves inland, damaging winds were expected to extend to the southern Appalachian Mountains, where landslides were possible, forecasters said. The center posted lesser tropical storm warnings as far north as North Carolina, and warned that much of the region could experience prolonged power outages and flooding. Helene had swamped parts of Mexicos Yucatan Peninsula on Wednesday, flooding streets and toppling trees as it passed offshore and brushed the resort city of Cancun. The storm formed Tuesday in the Caribbean Sea. In western Cuba, Helene knocked out power to more than 200,000 homes and businesses as it brushed past the island. Helene is forecast to be one of the largest storms in breadth in years to hit the region, said Colorado State University hurricane researcher Phil Klotzbach. He said since 1988, only three Gulf hurricanes were bigger than Helenes predicted size: 2017s Irma, 2005s Wilma and 1995s Opal. Parker Berry, left, shares a moment with long-time employee Dan Foster at Berry & Smiths 70th anniversary celebration on Monday. Among the companys many achievements is getting our kids to and from school safely each day. BAKU, Azerbaijan, September 26. The final day of the 5th anniversary Azerbaijan International Defense Exhibition ADEX, the largest event in the region dedicated to the defense industry, has started at Baku Expo Center, Trend reports. The 14th International Exhibition of Equipment for Internal Security, Safety, and Rescue "Securex Caspian" was organized in parallel. The first ADEX exhibition was organized in 2014. The list of exhibitors and the sectors it covers has been expanding from year to year. The exhibition has brought together many companies representing more than 50 countries and about 200 official delegations over 10 years of successful activity. Over these years, more than 30,000 guests have visited the exhibition. Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel During an interview on MSNBC, Vice President Kamala Harris took apart Trumps claim that he is a protector of women. Stephanie Ruhle asked VP Harris, Because today were talking about the economy. And people dont think often about reproductive rights being an economic issue. But it is. A womans ability to plan her future, her education, her life. Today and in the last few days Donald Trump keeps talking about it and how in overturning roe V. Wade he helped women. He protected women. He says theyre miserable today. Theyre poorer today, theyre more vulnerable today. He said he will be the protector of women if elected. Can you respond to that? The Vice President answered: So Donald Trump is also the person who said women should be punished for exercising a decision that they rightly should be able to make about their own body and their future. So I think we would all agree that as a result of that prospective that he has about women, he also then chose three members of the United States supreme court who did as he intended, undid the protections of Roe v. Wade and now in state after state you see laws being passed that do punish women. Laws that, I mean, most recently a heart breaking story resulted in a young woman dying. A mother of a 6-year-old. Heart wrenching stories. And thats for the listener, much less their family. So, look, I think the thing about Donald Trump is that, you know, I dont think the women of America need him to say hes going to protect them. The women of America need him to trust them. Ruhle asked, Can we trust you? Harris answered, Yes. Yes. Im not perfect. But I will tell you, Im always going to put the needs of the people first. Video: .@SRuhle did a great job with this Kamala Harris interview. Harris responded to Trumps claim that he will protect women, I dont think the women of America need him to say hes going to protect them. The women of America need him to trust them. pic.twitter.com/H71KKkCDmt Sarah Reese Jones (@PoliticusSarah) September 25, 2024 The entire interview was very good. Stephanie Ruhle asked tough questions about the economy. Harris shattered the idea that the man who chose the Supreme Court justices who voted to take away the rights of women is also a protector of women. Women dont need protected from their right to choose. They need to make sure that Donald Trump is nowhere near power, because reproductive freedom is not a threat to their safety, but men like Donald Trump are. To comment on this story, join us on Reddit. President Biden will be signing an executive order with more steps to reduce gun violence and the administration is also moving to reduce the trauma for students of active shooter drills. What Does Bidens Latest Gun Violence Executive Order Do? There are two different policies in the executive order. One policy deals with guns, and the other relates to active shooter drills. According to a White House Fact Sheet: President Biden is signing an Executive Order to accelerate progress on two key priorities: combating emerging firearms threats and improving school-based active shooter drills. Combatting Emerging Firearms Threats: In April 2021, one of the Biden-Harris Administrations first executive actions to reduce gun violence was to address the emerging threat of firearms without serial numbers, often referred to as ghost guns. To expand these efforts, ATF established an Emerging Threats Center. This Center focuses ATFs resources on identifying developments in illicit firearm marketplaces, including the use of new technologies to make and unlawfully distribute undetectable firearms and devices that convert semi-automatic firearms into illegal machineguns. Now, President Biden and Vice President Harris are taking additional action on two emerging firearms threats: machinegun conversion devices and unserialized, 3D-printed firearms. Machinegun conversion devices enable semi-automatic firearms, including easily concealable handguns, to match or exceed the rate of fire of many military machineguns with a single engagement of the triggerup to 20 bullets in one second. From 2017 through 2021, ATF recovered 5,454 of these devices, a 570 percent increase over the previous five-year period. Machinegun conversion devices are illegal to possess under federal law, but we continue to see these devices show up at crime scenes because they are small, cheap, and easy to install. Machinegun conversion devices are often illegally imported or illegally made on a 3D printer from computer code found online. The 3D-printing of a machinegun conversion device costs as little as 40 cents and takes fewer than 30 minutes. Unserialized, 3D-printed firearms can be used for illegal purposes such as gun trafficking, unlawful possession by people convicted of felonies or subject to domestic violence restraining orders, or unlawfully engaging in the business of manufacturing or selling firearms. These firearms can be 3D-printed from computer code downloaded from the Internet and produced without serial numbers that law enforcement use to trace firearms recovered in criminal investigations. Some 3D-printed firearms can be made to be undetectable by magnetometers used to secure airports, courthouses, and event spaces, even though these undetectable firearms are illegal to make, sell, or possess under federal law. As 3D-printing technology continues to develop rapidly, the safety threat posed by 3D-printed firearms may suddenly increase. What Is The White House Doing About Active Shooter Drills? Stef Feldman the Director of the White House Office of Gun Violence Protection told PoliticusUSA during a call with reporters about the White House action on active shooter drills: The majority of schools are currently using drills to prepare for an active shooter situation, but there is very limited research and how to design and deploy these drills to maximize their effectiveness and limit any collateral harms they might cause. Many parents, students and educators have expressed concerns about the trauma caused by some approaches to these drills in the executive order President Biden is directing the Secretary of Education and the Secretary of Homeland Security in condition with the Attorney General, the Secretary of Health and Human Services and the US Surgeon General, to develop and publish within 110 days information from schools regarding school based active shooter drills. This will include a summary of existing research and gaps in research. The aim is to help schools improve drills so they can more effectively prepare for an active shooter situation while also preventing or minimizing any trauma that may result from drills that are poorly implemented. Biden Continues To Act To Save Lives President Joe Biden isnt sitting around and running out the clock on his time in office. Biden is continuing to act to save lives. Biden is also potentially setting the table and getting the ball rolling for Vide President Harris if she wins the election. Harris will be able to build on what her former boss is accomplishing, because the goal isnt to score political points. The goal is to save lives and keep Americans families from losing loved ones. To comment on this story, join us on Reddit. White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre pointed out that there were no Republican calls for an investigation after Zelenskyy visited a weapons plant in Utah. The White House Press Secretary was asked, And then critics have said that Zelenskys trip to Pennsylvania was a political stunt. Did the administration communicate at all with Ukraine on who would be attending that trip, or make any effort to make it a bipartisan event? Pierre answered: So, let me just lay this down, because I know that theres been a lot of talk about this. So the Ukrainians asked to visit the facility, which employs American workers, as who are manufacturing critical supplies that the Ukrainian military is using every day on the front lines of freedom. Because of its centrality of the, of their, to their countrys continued existence, this came from Ukrainian, not us. This is something that they wanted to do. After they made that request, DOD did what it has done for years, figure out how to provide transportation for foreign leaders traveling on US soil, which is common, which happens when they come to the U. S., and the whole world knows this is someone Putin wants dead. Hes made very clear. When it comes to President Zelensky. Also, just two months ago, President Zelensky traveled to Utah and held an event with a Republican governor, a very similar event, and Republican officials were there at that event in Utah, and there wasnt a single demand, not one, not one single demand for an investigation when that occurred a couple months ago in Utah. So, this was business as usual. For a Ukrainian request during wartime, during wartime. And so I, I would encourage, we would encourage the House Republicans to drop this. These kind of, this is a political stunt, they need to drop this. And and anything else, any, I think I gave a lot here. A lot of lay a good layout of how this all occurred, but anything else specific, I would for I would certainly refer you to the DOD. The follow up question, Just clarifying, though, that the administration didnt or the campaign, didnt play a role in determining the guest list because theyre theyre claiming that having no Republicans there in a battleground state made it effectively a campaign. Pierre drove the point home, This is something that Ukrainians asked for. They did this a couple months ago in Utah, in Utah, with a Republican governor. And Republican elected officials were there as well. We didnt hear any type of investigation request when we went to a Republican state. We didnt. Video: KJP responds to GOP claims of Zelenskyy election interference, President Zelensky traveled to Utah and held an event with a Republican governor, a very similar event, and Republican officials were there at that event, and there wasnt not one single demand for an investigation. pic.twitter.com/3FPVK87g2n Sarah Reese Jones (@PoliticusSarah) September 26, 2024 Speaker of the House Mike Johnson and Trump accuse Zelenskyy of election interference unless he goes to a red state with Republicans. The hypocrisy even for Trumps Republican Party is off the charts, and Karine Jean-Pierre humiliated the GOP with the facts. To comment on this story, join us on Reddit. BAKU, Azerbaijan, September 26. The Azerbaijani Minister of Defense, Colonel General Zakir Hasanov viewed the booth of the National Defense University and other universities within the 5th Anniversary Azerbaijan International Defense Exhibition ADEX at the Baku Expo Center, Trend reports via the Defense Ministry's statement. "The minister was informed about successful pass of the team of the Military Institute named after Heydar Aliyev of NDU to the selection rounds of the TEKNOFEST 2024 technology competition held in Turkiye and its advancing to the final stage. Azerbaijani team participated in the competition with the project of TORATAN drone ZN-44. NDU booth exhibits KHILASKAR (Rescuer) drone developed by the cadets of the Military Institute named after Heydar Aliyev, taken the 3rd place in B category of the UAVs Competition of TEKNOFEST Azerbaijan Aerospace and Technology Festival held in Baku in 2022," the statement said. Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel Tyrrell Hatton has won the Dunhill Links Championship for a record third time after making birdie at the 18th hole on the Old Course at St. Andrews to finish a stroke clear of playing partner Nicolas Colsaerts. Both players walked down the storied last hole at the home of golf tied for the lead and having hit their drives just short of the green. Colsaerts putted to 8 feet and missed his birdie attempt, leaving Hatton a chance for victory after the Englishman had chipped to 4 feet. Hattons putt went into the center of the cup. He shot 2-under 70 and was 24-under par overall. It tied the tournament record he held from 2017. Hatton also won the Dunhill Links in 2016 and 17. Read moreHatton wins Dunhill Links for record 3rd time after beating Colsaerts by 1 stroke at home of golf The Charleston Library Society is gearing up for a new initiative to foster childhood literacy. Book Drop is a Charleston Library Society effort that brings together community organizations to increase early childhood literacy, as studies show that a child's early exposure to books aids cognitive development, helps them develop a broader vocabulary and assists in forging a deeper bond with their caregivers. Laura Pelzer, the Library Society's executive director, said she began developing the new initiative three years ago, as part of a strategic planning process to commemorate their longevity in the local community. "We needed to think how can we, as the Library Society that has been in this community for 276 years, do something to foster the next generation of readers?" she said. The initiative has two elements. For the first one, the society is partnering with Books in Every Bag, a nonprofit based in Hollywood, SC, that provides free books for children from birth until they are 5 years old. Founded in 2022, Books in Every Bag operates with the support of MUSC Shawn Jenkin's Children's Hospital and Roper St. Francis Hospital. The nonprofit delivers a tote bag with age-appropriate books along with a newsletter and a form for parents to enroll their newborn in a program that provides them a book every month for five years. Barnie Howell, chief executive director and founder, said the organization's main mission is to increase early childhood literacy and kindergarten readiness. In South Carolina, 37 percent of kindergarteners are considered ready to start school, based on the 2023 kindergarten readiness assessment report conducted by the state's Child Early Reading Development and Education Program. COLUMBIA Gov. Henry McMaster is breaking away from top Republican lawmakers and asking South Carolina's top court to reconsider its ruling earlier this month that nixed vouchers. In an appeal that calls the court's Sept. 11 decision "fundamentally flawed," McMaster's legal team argues that the state's publicly funded vouchers program, which benefits K-12 private schools, is just as valid as the financial aid to private colleges that the court okayed in the 1971 Hartness v. Patterson ruling. The governor's move comes a day after top Republican Statehouse leaders decided not to appeal the state Supreme Court's ruling in Eidson v. S.C. Department of Education. Senate President Thomas Alexander, R-Walhalla, and House Speaker Murrell Smith, R-Sumter, issued a joint statement Sept. 25 saying they saw no path forward to changing the opinion of the ruling justices. The high court's 3-2 ruling on Sept. 11 found that the vouchers portion of the Education Scholarship Trust Fund, signed into law in May 2023, was unconstitutional. The fundamental issue in the case is the constitutionality of public money being diverted directly to private education. McMaster's team is arguing that the public money going to private schools under the vouchers program is being diverted indirectly. "The Legislature worked very hard on determining a way to ensure that this would be deemed an indirect benefit," McMaster said in a press conference on Sept. 26. "Of course, it's limited only to lower income families and it's not unlimited in number either. So we think it's a good law." Michael Toscano of Le Farfalle and Porchetta Shop in Charleston has launched something new in Greenville, taking over culinary operations at the 3's Golf and Grill. Read moreCharleston chef bringing his culinary touch to Upstate with new Greenville venture On the heels of yesterday's dozens of delayed and canceled flights, airlines are still experiencing storm-related backups in the wake of Tropical Storm Helene. Tornado warnings were scattered throughout the state in the overnight hours of Sept. 27 into the morning of Sept. 28. Travelers woke up to the number of affected flights in the double-digits per airport and growing by the hour. According to data kept by industry airline tracker Flight Aware, delays and cancellations are being reported in all South Carolina airports, with many planes originating from airports along the storm's previous path and upcoming track. As of 12:15 p.m., Charleston International Airport has 25 delays and eight cancellations, Greenville-Spartanburg Airport has 26 delays and 27 cancellations, Columbia Metropolitan Airport has 13 delays and 10 cancelations, Myrtle Beach International has 27 delays and 12 cancelations and Savannah/Hilton Head International Airport over the border in Georgia has 22 delays and 15 cancellations. Airport officials at Charleston International said there is no damage reported at the airport and it is business as usual, urging travelers to continue checking on their flight status through their airline's website and app. Hurricane Helene was already impacting flight schedules across the region ahead of landfall as it swirled off the coast of Florida, gaining strength to become a Category 4 storm on Sept. 26. Major airline carriers have issued travel advisories, acknowledging anticipated impacts in airports across Florida, Georgia, South Carolina, North Carolina and Tennessee because of Helene. This story will be updated. To stay informed on Helene's impact in South Carolina, go to our Hurricane Wire homepage. COLUMBIA The rain and wind from Hurricane Helene are packing a much stronger punch than predicted for the Midlands, according to National Weather Service forecasters and Columbia officials. Forecasters had forecast a mild 2 to 3 inches of rain for the Columbia area on Sept. 26. North of 7 inches of rain has fallen in the area so far, with 2-4 more inches expected overnight, said Columbia city manager Teresa Wilson. "We are experiencing the rain a little bit earlier and at a lot more volume than what we had anticipated for today," Wilson said. The city has opened its overflow shelter. Officials asked residents to avoid getting on the roads this evening and early Friday morning. They said they expect the wind overnight to knock down trees and power lines. Wind speeds are also expected to be higher than initially thought. The Midlands should expect 40 to 55 mph sustained winds and wind gusts as high as 60 mph. The worst of the storm is expected to roll through overnight into Friday morning. "We can't rule out hurricane-force winds," said Richard Okulski, a meteorologist at the weather service's Columbia office. Impacts are greater because the storm's wind field will expand as it moves further inland, which wasn't factored into many of the hurricane models, Okulski said. Downtown Columbia, West Columbia and Cayce are under a flash flood warning. The Columbia Fire Department had to rescue a man on the morning of Sept. 26 after his vehicle stalled out in flood waters on Key Road near Williams Brice Stadium. The intersection of Main and Whaley streets is also flooded. Officials have closed the Blossom Street Bridge as well. Cars were turning around to avoid high waters at Kilbourne Road and Shady Lane near Lake Katherine. Midlands areas east of Interstate 20 are at greater risk of flooding. You can view a list of flood-prone roadways in Columbia here. BAKU, Azerbaijan, September 26. Azerbaijani Foreign Minister Jeyhun Bayramov met with Secretary General of the Economic Cooperation Organization (ECO) Asad Majeed Khan within the framework of the high-level week of the 79th session of the United Nations General Assembly on September 25, the statement of the Azerbaijani Foreign Ministry said, Trend reports. In the course of the meeting, the sides discussed current issues of cooperation between Azerbaijan and ECO, as well as prospects of cooperation within the framework of the 29th session of the Conference of the Parties to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP29). Jeyhun Bayramov informed the other side that Azerbaijan attaches special importance to cooperation with ECO and is always ready and interested in contributing to the expansion of regional cooperation within the framework of the organization. Moreover, it was noted that the expansion of cooperation in the spheres of economy, energy security, transport, and communications is one of the priority directions for both sides. The importance of enhancing cooperation among the Member States of the Organization and contributing to the joint economic development of the region was emphasized. In line with the organization's lines of action and objectives, the importance of enhancing intra- and inter-regional trade was reiterated. The other side was informed about the current regional situation, rehabilitation and reconstruction works carried out in the territories liberated from occupation, as well as the current status of the agenda of normalization of relations and peace between Azerbaijan and Armenia. Secretary General Asad Majeed Khan noted that Azerbaijan's active and productive participation in the activities of the organization is highly appreciated; our country is a reliable partner for the ECO member states. He noted that ECO attaches special importance to the idea of transitioning to a green and clean environment and expressed readiness to provide appropriate support to the implementation of steps and initiatives put forward by Azerbaijan in this direction. The importance of selecting the city of Shusha by the ECO as a tourist capital for 2026 was noted, and ideas about possible joint events this year were voiced. Furthermore, the sides exchanged views on other issues of mutual interest at the meeting, the statement reads. The outer rain bands of Hurricane Helene reached South Carolina early Sept. 26, stretching from the Gulf of Mexico to deliver a taste of more to come. The powerful storm made landfall on the Florida panhandle late that night and push its way inland, further impacting other states including here. Helene became at least the seventh hurricane to impact South Carolina through the backdoor, that is moving from inland across the Savannah River rather than crashing ashore from the Atlantic Ocean. A few others that made landfall on the Gulf Coast and then crossed back into the Atlantic before impacting South Carolina are not included in this list. These include Donna in 1960, Gladys in 1968, Charley in 2004 and Ian in 2022. Of the six previous hurricanes or their remnants to come from the Gulf to South Carolina via land, four have happened in the last six years and Helene makes the third in a little more than a year, according to an analysis of historical data from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. Below is a brief look at those storms, dating back to when naming tropical systems became official in the U.S. in the 1950s (though the database tracks storms back to 1851.) Agnes, June 1972 One of the largest June hurricanes on record, Agnes made landfall near Panama City on Florida's panhandle late June 19. It weakened into a tropical storm as it crossed Georgia and South Carolina before moving back out to the Atlantic off the coast of Norfolk, Va. A second system developed into an extratropical cyclone to the west and moved in tandem with Agnes. Agnes strengthened to a strong tropical storm off the coast of New Jersey and again made landfall near Long Island, N.Y., and then moved into Pennsylvania, where it was absorbed into the other cyclone. I have probably mentioned John Gerard before, but I can do it again. Gerard (1545-1612) was what we would call an herbalist," in addition to working at least for part of the time as a surgeon." At this time, medicine was absolutely tied in with a knowledge of plants, for the obvious reason Read moreMystery Plant: The lettuce weed No public school teacher should be telling students or even implying that Donald Trump was a bad president, or that it would be dangerous to reelect him. No public school teacher should say politicians who want to build a border wall or deport people in this country illegally are evil. No public school teachers should tell students that politicians who want to outlaw abortion are killing women. Regardless of how we feel about immigration or abortion or Mr. Trump, we can all agree on that, right? Can we also agree that no teacher should be telling students that Joe Biden has been a bad president or that its dangerous to elect Kamala Harris? Can we agree that no teacher should tell students that income inequality is good? That immigration from the Middle East and North Africa are part of the suicide of Europe or that conservatives approach to the environment is better than liberals? As The Post and Courier's Nick Reynolds and Ian Grenier report, those last three are just a few of the clearly ideological assertions made in a series of videos that S.C. Education Superintendent Ellen Weaver is encouraging teachers to use in their classrooms, through her partnership with an organization that calls itself PragerU but that isnt a university and that looks an awful lot like a political propaganda organization. We hesitate to make any claims about what the most astoundingly political assertions are in the videos the superintendent says are linked to South Carolinas curriculum standards, because were not going to watch all of them. But lets just take a look at the one called The Inconvenient Truth About the Democratic Party. FLORENCE Electric vehicle battery production in South Carolina will drive BMW plans to produce six electric vehicle models at its Spartanburg facility, BMW Manufacturing President/CEO Robert Engelhorn said. BMW has partnered with AESC, which will produce round battery cells that will be sent BMW's facility in Woodruff and installed into modules that will provide the power for electric vehicles produced at the BMW manufacturing plant in Spartanburg, Englehorn said. BMW builds three electric vehicles in Spartanburg. All three are plug-in models that must be connected to an electrical source to recharge their battery packs. Engelhorn said BMW will be producing six electric vehicles at its Spartanburg plant by 2030. Englehorn was the the speaker at the Greater Florence Chamber of Commerce's annual membership meeting Sept. 24 at the Florence Center. BMW's Plant Woodruff had a ceremonial beam signing celebration in October 2023. The plant is expected to be finished in 2026. AESC announced its initial plans for a Florence electric vehicle cell manufacturing plant in December 2022. In the past 18 months, AESC has announced two expansion projects at its more than 1,000-acre site at Florence Global Technology Park. AESC will be investing $3.12 billion in Florence while adding approximately 2,800 jobs in the community. The latest expansion allows AESC to extend its BMW partnership to include the BMW Group's Mexico Assembly Operations as well as BMW's plant in Spartanburg. AESC U.S. Managing Director Jeff Deaton said AESC is proud to partner with BMW. "Our Florence-made batteries will be used to power BMW's electric vehicles," Deaton said as he introduced Engelhorn at the chamber event. Today's Top Headlines Story continues below BMW opened its Spartanburg plant in 1994. It is marking its 30th anniversary, Engelhorn said. BMW employs approximately 11,000 automotive workers in upstate South Carolina, which equals approximately $3.2 million in wages annually, Engelhorn said. BAKU, Azerbaijan, September 26. In reference to the false and irresponsible claims made by French President Emmanuel Macron at the United Nations General Assembly on September 25th, addressing "territorial tensions" and Azerbaijan's purported "pressure" on Armenia, the Western Azerbaijan Community strongly disagrees," the community said in a statement, Trend reports The leader of France exhibits a notable inconsistency, given the nation's historical support for the prolonged occupation of Azerbaijani territories by Armenia, its disregard for the displacement of a million Azerbaijanis from Armenia and the occupied regions, and its prior resistance to initiatives aimed at peaceful conflict resolution, to now advocate for peace and adherence to international law. It is worth noting that the UN General Assembly, currently a stage for Macron's apparent duplicity, in 2008 observed France's efforts to obstruct the passage of a suitable resolution aimed at addressing the conflict. It is clear that France, pursuing its imperialist interests, is dissatisfied with Azerbaijan's resolution of the conflict and its restoration of sovereignty and territorial integrity in alignment with international law. As it constrains its capacity to engage in the region. Macron is providing Armenia with substantial military support to rekindle the conflict in the area, attempting to foster the perception of underlying tensions in the region. Emmanuel Macron's disparagement of Azerbaijan similarly fulfills that objective. We urge France to reconsider its detrimental intentions, to cease the provision of arms to Armenia, to refrain from meddling in regional matters, and to facilitate the pursuit of peace. Concurrently, we urge Armenia to refrain from being utilized as an instrument in France's strategic maneuvers, to halt the extensive arms initiative, to prioritize the attainment of peace with Azerbaijan, and to foster an environment conducive to the repatriation of Azerbaijanis displaced from Armenia, the statement reads. Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel PR-Inside.com: 2024-09-26 04:00:24 Press Information Published by ACCESSWIRE News Network 888.952.4446 e-mail http://www.accesswire.com # 967 Words ACCESSWIRE News Network888.952.4446 Co-created With Sierra Family Health Center and Western Sierra Medical Clinic, the Applied Science AdaptivMD Solution Integrates the Verily Retinal Service and eClinicalWorks EHR -- Raising The Bar For Early Detection of Diabetic RetinopathyGRASS VALLEY, CA / ACCESSWIRE / September 25, 2024 / Applied Science, Inc. (ASI), a leading provider of workflow automation and data integration platforms for whole blood collection and chronic care management, today announced the expansion of its AdaptivMD chronic care workflow technology to Sierra Family Health Center (SFHC) and Western Sierra Medical Clinic (WSMC). ASI has successfully integrated a retinal screening solution from Verily Life Sciences LLC (formerly Google Life Sciences) into its workflow automation platform to make easy, high-quality retinal health screenings conveniently accessible and efficient.Diabetic retinopathy is the leading cause of preventable blindness among working-age adults, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Early detection is critical to preserving eyesight. However, annual screening compliance is only 60% nationwide1. Applied Science's simplified clinical workflow solution, coupled with Verily's screening solution, aims to significantly increase compliance through improved clinical workflow and patient convenience.As Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs), SFHC and WSMC are committed to delivering best-in-class care to patients in Northeast California's Nevada, Placer, Sierra, and Yuba counties. Instead of requiring patients to travel to San Francisco or beyond to receive high-quality retinal screenings, they are now locally available at SFHC and WSMC in Grass Valley. The solution combines best-in-class technologies from Verily, which has developed its easy-to-use retinal screening technology, and Applied Science, which has integrated the screening technology into its advanced clinical workflow software platform to ensure that the screening process is convenient, efficient, and secure for the patient and the clinician.Applied Science is committed to delivering tools and technologies that enable better access to care and efficient, high-quality outcomes for underserved rural and urban communities. Cumbersome workflow for the clinical staff and inconvenience for consumers are major barriers to adoption and compliance. Applied Science's AdaptivMD clinical workflow and integration engine solves these challenges by delivering to the FQHC market a suite of tools that are tightly integrated with the facility's electronic health record (EHR) system, resulting in simplified workflows, ease of use, and full integration of clinical and decision-support data."Diabetic Retinopathy is a far too common cause of blindness, and it must be caught early to enable effective treatment," said Debra Plass, CEO of SFHC. "Unfortunately, too few people who need regular screenings get them. With this new technology in place in our clinics, our community members can now receive the essential, timely and convenient, five-minute screenings each year as medically recommended, without the hassle of leaving the community." Daniel Happs, WSMC's Chief Information Officer and Chief Quality Officer, continues, "We understand that managing diabetes can be challenging, so we have been working hard to improve compliance with what the science tells us. I have been impressed by the technology, safety and security of the Verily / Applied Science solution and look forward to deploying additional future innovations to simplify ways to help our community remain healthy." Jonathan Morgan, President and CEO of Applied Science, remarks, "There is a critical need to improve care among the rural and urban communities, especially those supported through the FQHC program. We are dedicated to delivering solutions that make advanced technologies accessible, easy to use, and directly impactful to quality of care for the 30 million Americans who are served by clinics facing the same challenges faced by SFHC and WSMC. No American should lose their eyesight due to missed screenings, nor suffer from the effects of hypertension through lack of monitoring, no matter where they live. Our AdaptivMD AI-powered clinical workflow solutions resolve many of the barriers to efficient, high-quality care for consumers living with chronic health conditions. Seamlessly integrating Verily's retinal screening solution is just one of ASI's answers to addressing these conditions." Rich Glenn, Head of Commercial and Care Delivery for Verily, adds, "Verily is uniquely positioned at the intersection of technology, data science and healthcare. Born at Google with a goal to tackle health's biggest challenges, we are proud to see the work of our leading scientists in the hands of clinicians where it can have a positive impact on so many lives. We are pleased to have teamed up with Applied Science to seamlessly integrate data from our Retinal Service into the clinic's core technology platform, where it can be immediately actionable, and simplify workflows for busy clinicians so they can focus on helping patients." About Applied ScienceApplied Science provides workflow automation and data integration platforms for whole blood collection and chronic care management. Through its HemoFlow brand, Applied Science is the industry-leading provider of automated workflow solutions for customers all over the world, from the American Red Cross to the UK's National Health Service. By extending its automation and integration expertise to underserved healthcare communities, the Company is empowering health systems to manage outcomes remotely and efficiently for their patients with chronic conditions. Through advanced devices, services, informatics, and data tools that automate healthcare workflow processes, customers of Applied Science capture healthcare data that enable actionable intelligence. For more information, please visit applied-science.com About Sierra Family Health CenterSierra Family was founded in 1982 when Dr. Peter Van Houten opened a rural private medical practice in the geographically isolated area of Nevada County known as North San Juan. The full-service family practice had two physicians, two nurse practitioners, and 24/7 medical-call. In 2016, Sierra Family was awarded Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC) status through the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA). Sierra Family's mission is to provide quality healthcare and promote physical and mental wellness for the members of our rural communities PR-Inside.com: 2024-09-26 14:38:53 Press Information Published by ACCESSWIRE News Network 888.952.4446 e-mail http://www.accesswire.com # 522 Words ACCESSWIRE News Network888.952.4446 NEW YORK, NY / ACCESSWIRE / September 26, 2024 / Leading securities law firmBleichmar Fonti & Auld LLPannounces an investigation into Franklin Resources, Inc. (NYSE:BEN) for potential violations of the federal securities laws.If you invested in Franklin Resources, you are encouraged to obtain additional information by visiting https://www.bfalaw.com/cases-investigations/franklin-resources-inc Why Did Franklin Resources's Stock Drop?Franklin Resources is a $1.7 trillion asset management company better known as Franklin Templeton. One of its key divisions is Western Asset Management ("WAM"), which is a fixed income manager.On July 26, 2024, Franklin Resources revealed that "following the launch of an internal investigation focusing on certain past trade allocations of treasury derivatives in select" WAM accounts, "WAM received notification of parallel investigations by the SEC and U.S. Department of Justice." Then, on August 21, 2024, Franklin Resources disclosed that WAM co-Chief Investment Officer Ken Leech had been placed on leave "effective immediately" after he "received a Wells Notice from the Staff of the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission." The company further stated that, "[i]n light of Mr. Leech's leave of absence, the Company has determined that closing its Macro Opportunities strategy (approximately $2.0 billion in AUM as of 7/31/2024) is in clients' best interests." On the same day, Bloomberg reported that federal prosecutors in the Southern District of New York are investigating whether Leech allocated winning trades to favored accounts, as part of a criminal probe into a practice known as " cherry-picking." The news caused a precipitous decline in the price of Franklin Resources stock. On July 26, 2024, the price of the company's stock fell 2.4%, from a closing price of $23.64 per share on July 25, 2024, to $23.08 per share on July 26, 2024. Then, on August 21, 2024, the price of Franklin Resources stock fell 12.5%, from a closing price of $22.62 per share on August 20, 2024, to $19.78 per share on August 21, 2024.Click here for more information: https://www.bfalaw.com/cases-investigations/franklin-resources-inc What Can You Do?If you invested in Franklin Resources, Inc. you may have legal options and are encouraged to submit your information to the firm. All representation is on a contingency fee basis, there is no cost to you. Shareholders are not responsible for any court costs or expenses of litigation. The firm will seek court approval for any potential fees and expenses.Submit your information by visiting:Or contact:Ross Shikowitzross@ bfalaw.com 212-789-3619Why Bleichmar Fonti & Auld LLP?Bleichmar Fonti & Auld LLP is a leading international law firm representing plaintiffs in securities class actions and shareholder litigation. It was named among the Top 5 plaintiff law firms by ISS SCAS in 2023 and its attorneys have been named Titans of the Plaintiffs' Bar by Law360 and SuperLawyers by Thompson Reuters. Among its recent notable successes, BFA recovered over $900 million in value from Tesla, Inc.'s Board of Directors (pending court approval), as well as $420 million from Teva Pharmaceutical Ind. Ltd.For more information about BFA and its attorneys, please visit https://www.bfalaw.com Attorney advertising. Past results do not guarantee future outcomes.SOURCE: Bleichmar Fonti & Auld LLP BAKU, Azerbaijan, September 26. Qatars Barzan Holdings aims to cooperate with Azerbaijan in the development of solutions to combat drones and the use of artificial intelligence (AI) in the defense sector, Chief Strategic Capabilities Officer at Barzan Holdings Anzan Al Naimi told Trend in an exclusive interview within the framework of the 5th anniversary of Azerbaijan's international defense exhibition ADEX 2024, which is being held at Baku Expo Center. First of all, Qatar and Azerbaijan have a long history of relations. One of our main areas of cooperation is the military and defense spheres. Our vision is almost limitless, but it will depend on the market requirements in the future. Development of solutions to combat drones and use of artificial intelligence in the defense sector will be our priority in the future, he said. Anzan Al Naimi emphasized that Barzan Holdings is currently developing a project with Azerbaijan to establish a factory for the production of textiles for both domestic and international markets, as well as for the needs of the military. Thus, the company produces textiles intended for defense purposes. He also noted the importance of the ADEX exhibition for the development of economic relations between Azerbaijan and Qatar. The ADEX exhibition is a very important event for Qatar to enter the Azerbaijani market. We have attended previous exhibitions, but this year we are participating for the first time, and I hope it will not be the last time. Relations between Qatar and Azerbaijan, as well as business opportunities, continue to grow, so our participation in the exhibition will definitely not be our last, the company's representative added. According to him, ADEX has a significant impact at the strategic level. It is, in fact, localization of opportunities in both Azerbaijan and Qatar, which will contribute to strengthening the economies of both countries. From an economic point of view, Barzan Holdings is tapping into the markets of both countries, creating opportunities and jobs in Azerbaijan to serve both domestic and international markets. In this way, the exhibition supports the economic and defense sectors and promotes cooperation. The 5th anniversary Azerbaijan International Defense Exhibition ADEX, the largest event dedicated to the defense industry in the region, is taking place September 24-26 at the Baku Expo Center. The 14th International Exhibition of Equipment for Internal Security, Safety, and Rescue "Securex Caspian" is taking place in parallel. The first ADEX exhibition was organized in 2014. The list of exhibitors and the sectors it covers has been expanding from year to year. The exhibition has brought together many companies representing more than 50 countries and about 200 official delegations over 10 years of successful activity. The exhibition has been visited by more than 30,000 guests over the years. PR-Inside.com: 2024-09-26 16:00:29 Press Information Published by ACCESSWIRE News Network 888.952.4446 e-mail http://www.accesswire.com # 533 Words ACCESSWIRE News Network888.952.4446 Including Best Plans for Families, U.S. Citizens Abroad, Foreigners in the USA, and Global NomadsBOSTON, MA / ACCESSWIRE / September 26, 2024 / International Citizens Insurance, a leading international insurance broker based in Boston, MA, is excited to announce its updated list of 2024's best global health insurance plans for expats, global citizens, remote workers, and immigrants. We aim to simplify the overwhelming array of international health insurance choices for the growing wave of expats moving to new countries.International Citizens Insurance - Global Health, Life, and Travel Plans International Citizens Insurance - LogoThese providers represent the pinnacle of international health insurance, ensuring clients receive top-tier medical care, regardless of location. Whether for expatriates, retirees, long-term travelers, or digital nomads, these plans are designed to meet the diverse needs of today's global citizens.As international moves become increasingly common, access to reliable and comprehensive health insurance is paramount. Today, we are excited to announce the unveiling of the Top 10 International Health Insurance Plans, recognizing the providers that have excelled in offering exceptional global healthcare and peace of mind to clients worldwide."Our top priority is helping international citizens find a suitable plan for their needs and budget. The companies in our list excel at the key criteria that are most important to people living abroad," said Joe Cronin, President of International Citizens Insurance. "These top insurers are trustworthy and reliable, providing great service to clients wherever they live. We're excited to congratulate this year's winners." International Citizens Insurance judged each insurer on key criteria: the size of its network, the breadth of benefits, the availability of features such as telemedicine, the user-friendliness of filing a claim, the ability to adjust a premium through copays or deductibles, and the insurer's financial stability (A.M. Best).The Top Global Health Insurance Providers for 2024:Cigna Global - A favorite among expatriates and families, Cigna Global offers customizable coverage across multiple regions, allowing policyholders to tailor their plans.GeoBlue Xplorer - Perfect for U.S. citizens abroad and foreign nationals moving to the U.S., GeoBlue Xplorer offers extensive benefits, including access to the U.S. Blue Cross Blue Shield network.IMG Global Medical Insurance - Known for its affordability and flexibility, IMG caters to those seeking comprehensive medical coverage on a budget.Additional options added this year include plans from WorldTrips and Trawick International, which offer short-term international medical plans for expats on shorter assignments.International Citizens Insurance has also identified the best plans for specific clients. These include the best premium health plans for U.S. citizens abroad, the best medical insurance plan for non-U.S. citizens, health insurance for foreigners residing in USA, and the most affordable plans for people on a budget.Learn more about the best international health insurers at: https://www.internationalinsurance.com/health/best-companies.php About International Citizens Insurance International Citizens Insurance provides a unique platform that enable travelers and expatriates to research, quote, compare, and purchase international health, life, travel, and expatriate insurance from a variety of international carriers.Contact Information Joe CroninPresidentmedia@ internationalinsurance.com 617-500-6738Andrew BlombergVice President, Global Group Benefitsandrew@ internationalinsurance.com (339) 221-5190SOURCE: International Citizens InsuranceView the original press release on newswire.com PR-Inside.com: 2024-09-26 15:01:22 Press Information Published by ACCESSWIRE News Network 888.952.4446 e-mail http://www.accesswire.com # 545 Words ACCESSWIRE News Network888.952.4446 BioBond Starts Commercialization of Its Plant-Based Adhesives and CoatingLAFAYETTE, IN / ACCESSWIRE / September 26, 2024 / BioBond Adhesives, Inc. ("BioBond"), a portfolio company of Big Idea Venture's Generation Food Rural Partners I, LP ("GFRP") Fund, today announces the opening of its headquarters and development laboratories in Lafayette, Indiana. This strategic location will enable BioBond to accelerate the commercialization of its plant-based, biodegradable adhesive and coating alternatives, targeting a wide range of industries including packaging, construction, electronics, furniture, apparel, marine, and aerospace.BioBond Logo BioBond's mission aligns with the GFRP Fund's focus on driving innovation and economic growth in rural areas. The fund collaborates with universities across the U.S. to commercialize intellectual property in food, protein, and agriculture."We have received tremendous support from the Indiana Economic Development Corporation, AgriNovus, USDA Rural Development, Greater Lafayette Commerce, and Beck's in finding a suitable USDA-qualified site located just south of Lafayette," said Marc McConnaughey, CEO of BioBond. "Indiana is a welcoming environment for startups, and our proximity to Purdue University offers a rich ecosystem for collaboration and growth." BioBond is poised to launch four plant-based adhesive and coating products in Q4 2024, a remarkable achievement in less than a year since its inception. "Petro-based adhesives and coatings are a major source of VOCs and microplastics," stated Frank Klemens, Managing Director of the GFRP Fund. "BioBond's innovative solutions will reduce our daily exposure to these harmful substances and contribute to a healthier environment." Tom Mastrobuoni, Chief Investment Officer for GFRP, added, "Indiana has embraced our investment, and the support from AgriNovus and Beck's has been instrumental in accelerating BioBond's technology towards commercialization." About BioBondBioBond, Inc. is a material science company developing new adhesive materials, coatings, and applications that make our environment a healthier place to live and work. We specialize in the development of biopolymer compounds to displace traditional petroleum-based adhesives and coatings. As the second company formed within BIV's Generation Food Rural Partners (GFRP) Fund, BioBond licenses intellectual property from multiple universities, collaborating to develop novel materials to reduce the amount of plastic waste and VOCs such as formaldehydes entering the environment. For more information, visit https://biobondadhesives.com About Generation Food Rural PartnersGeneration Food Rural Partners ("GFRP" or the "Fund") is an RBIC-licensed investment fund designed to drive economic growth and development in rural communities in the U.S. The Fund invests in the areas of agriculture, food, and protein technologies to form new companies based on intellectual property, creating living-wage jobs at its portfolio companies. GFRP is backed by members of the Farm Credit System, including Farm Credit Services of America, CoBank, Compeer Financial and Mid-America Farm Credit. GFRP is a part of Big Idea Ventures ("BIV"), the world's most active investor in FoodTech, investing in the best food technology and AgriTech companies globally. BIV has teams in New York, Paris and Singapore and has invested in more than 100 companies across 30 countries and manages the Global Food Innovation family of funds and GFRP. For more information, visit www.bigideaventures.com/generation-food-rural-partners Contact InformationTom MastrobuoniChief Investment Officertom@ bigideaventures.com (201) 725-3800Marc McConnaugheyCEOmarc@ biobondadhesives.com (909) 631-9598SOURCE: BioBond Adhesives, Inc.View the original press release on newswire.com PR-Inside.com: 2024-09-26 15:02:44 Press Information Published by ACCESSWIRE News Network 888.952.4446 e-mail http://www.accesswire.com # 520 Words ACCESSWIRE News Network888.952.4446 A renowned leader in the payments industry, Feagan joins Cleverbridge with 20 years of experience in scaling innovative, globally recognized ecommerce companiesCOLOGNE, GERMANY / ACCESSWIRE / September 26, 2024 / Cleverbridge, the all-in-one e-commerce platform for global subscription businesses, today announced the appointment of Kevin Feagan as its Chief Revenue Officer. Feagan will report directly to Wendi Sturgis, Chief Executive Officer, and serve as a member of Cleverbridge's leadership team.Cleverbridge Chief Revenue Officer Kevin Feagan In his new role, Feagan will oversee the go-to-market organization and be responsible for driving strategic alignment between all revenue-related functions. His extensive sales leadership experience in the payments industry from Everyware, FIS, and BluePay make Kevin the perfect fit to guide the continued success of Cleverbridge as it accelerates enterprise adoption of the merchant of record (MoR) model, which simplifies end-to-end ecommerce by consolidating payments, subscription management, sales tax compliance, and more."I'm thrilled to be joining Cleverbridge at this point in the company's history. The product, people, and clients have all impressed me immensely, but I've been particularly drawn to the leadership team. It's clear that Cleverbridge is ready for a major growth event, and I'm here to help make that happen," said Feagan. "I'm ready to take on the challenge, leverage my experience, and partner with our talented team to deliver even greater value to our clients. Together, we're going to build something amazing - and have a lot of fun doing it." Prior to joining Cleverbridge, Kevin served as the CRO at Everyware, an Austin-based company focused on ecommerce payments and card-not-present (CNP) transactions. Before that, Feagan served as Senior Vice President at FIS, a Fortune 500 leading provider of technology solutions for merchants, banks, and capital markets firms. A reflection of his significant contributions to the industry, Kevin was recognized on the Electronic Transactions Association (ETA)'s 2020 Forty Under 40 list."Kevin has a proven track record of growing payments and ecommerce companies, and his addition will enable Cleverbridge to build on existing momentum as we continue to scale merchant of record selling globally," said Sturgis. "It's clear that the industry is rapidly changing, but Cleverbridge's position has never been stronger. Technology businesses are increasingly looking for alternatives to costly, drawn-out implementations and complex multi-vendor ecommerce solutions. Cleverbridge is poised to give these businesses exactly what they're looking for, helping them to drive maximum growth with minimal effort." For more information, visit grow.cleverbridge.com or follow Cleverbridge on LinkedIn.About CleverbridgeCleverbridge is the all-in-one ecommerce platform for global subscription businesses. As a merchant of record (MoR), we consolidate the essential components of an ecommerce solution - including payments, subscription management, tax/VAT handling, and regulatory compliance - to help businesses offload operational work and automate digital transactions throughout the customer lifecycle. Since 2005, leading B2B and B2C technology companies across industries have trusted Cleverbridge to deliver frictionless buying experiences and optimize acquisition, expansion, and retention in over 240 countries and territories. Learn more at grow.cleverbridge.com Contact InformationGordon KnappSenior Director, Marketinggordon.knapp@cleverbridge.com SOURCE: CleverbridgeView the original press release on newswire.com PR-Inside.com: 2024-09-26 18:15:45 Press Information Published by ACCESSWIRE News Network 888.952.4446 e-mail http://www.accesswire.com # 716 Words ACCESSWIRE News Network888.952.4446 PLAYSTUDIOS Impact Fund Fueled the Award-Winning Documentary Showcasing Positively Arts' Empowerment of YouthLAS VEGAS, NV / ACCESSWIRE / September 26, 2024 / HOME: A Mother of 3000 , a feature-length documentary produced by the women-led creative collective Eccentric Artists and directed by three-time Emmy Award-winnerJemsen Yumico Bollozos, has been honored with the prestigious Best Nevada Film award at the 10th Annual Nevada Women's Film Festival. The documentary, which highlights the transformative work of Las Vegas nonprofit Positively Arts, was made possible through a $10,000 endowment from the PLAYSTUDIOS Impact Fund. A celebratory viewing party was held for the "cast & crew" at the HyperX arena on Aug. 18, sponsored by Allied Esports. The film is expected to make waves, with a festival run anticipated through 2025.Women Filmmakers Join Forces to Produce 'HOME: A Mother of 3000' Eccentric Artists produces captivating documentary showcasing Las Vegas nonprofit Positively Arts and its empowerment of children's self-expression.The PLAYSTUDIOS Impact Fund's support allowed Eccentric Artists to assemble an all-women production team, creating a platform for female filmmakers and providing a unique opportunity for emerging talent. The grant specifically supported a 95-minute documentary centered on the non-profit organization Positively Arts.HOME: A Mother of 3000 tells the inspiring story of Positively Arts, an organization dedicated to nurturing creativity, self-expression, and resilience in children through its inclusive performance programs. It delves into the personal journey of Positively Arts' CEO and founder Pilita Simpson, affectionately known as "A Mother of 3000" for her dedication to the thousands of children she mentors. The film also emphasizes Positively Arts' commitment to integrating mental health practices into arts education, ensuring that students are equipped with the social and emotional tools needed to excel in all areas of life.The documentary's impact was celebrated during a special premiere viewing party on Aug. 18 at the HyperX Arena in the Luxor Hotel. The event, sponsored by Allied Esports, featured performances by student-cast members from Positively Arts and also marked County Commissioner Michael Naft's official proclamation of Aug. 18 as "Positively Arts Day" in Clark County.In 2022, Bollozos received a $10,000 endowment from the PLAYSTUDIOS Impact Fund, designed to encourage diversity in filmmaking. True to the fund's mission, Eccentric Artists assembled an all-women production team, creating a powerful platform for female filmmakers and providing a unique opportunity for emerging talent. Eccentric Artists hosted an Empowering Women Workshop in May 2022 to further this mission, offering film students the tools and set experience necessary for success in documentary filmmaking. UNLV FILM supported the workshop by providing space and gear, which were essential to its success. The team's commitment to supporting women in the industry is reflected in the film's credits, where many of the names belong to workshop participants."I'm incredibly proud of the work we're doing at Eccentric Artists," said Tiffanie Rose Ignacio, producer of the documentary and Eccentric Artists co-founder and Director of Operations & Events. "We believe that the future of an inclusive society begins with the next generation. By promoting compassion and healthy self-expression in the arts - a field often known for its competitive nature - we aim to foster a supportive and inclusive world." "Our aspiration is for 'HOME: A Mother of 3000' to touch more lives and spread the warmth and kindness it has brought to our own hearts," added Jemsen Yumico Bollozos, director of the documentary and Eccentric Artists co-founder and Creative Media Strategist."We hope audiences leave with the knowledge that self-expression is powerful, especially when guided by compassion, much like how Positively Arts encourages and uplifts the next generation through its mission." ABOUT ECCENTRIC ARTISTSEccentric Artists, a women-led art collective and creative media production company based in Las Vegas, is dedicated to telling impactful stories that foster inclusivity and empower underrepresented voices. With a commitment to innovation and artistic integrity, Eccentric Artists produces diverse content, from documentaries to narrative films, to inspire positive change in society. The collective's projects are recognized for their emphasis on community, compassion, and the power of self-expression through the arts. For more information, visit www.eccentricartists.space Contact InformationAlana Kohlalana@ alanakohl.com 7023234561Jemsen Yumico BollozosEmmy Award Winning Directorjem@ eccentricartists.space 1.702.788.2074Related FilesPositively Arts_Home Mother of 3000_Movie PosterRelated VideoSOURCE: Positively ArtsView the original press release on newswire.com PR-Inside.com: 2024-09-26 21:30:37 Press Information Published by ACCESSWIRE News Network 888.952.4446 e-mail http://www.accesswire.com # 451 Words ACCESSWIRE News Network888.952.4446 EAST LONGMEADOW, MA / ACCESSWIRE / September 26, 2024 /Fast Company, the world's leading business media brand, with an editorial focus on innovation in technology, leadership, world-changing ideas, creativity and design, has selected Excel Dryer, Inc., for the 2024 100 Best Workplaces for Innovators (BWFI) list, ranking the manufacturer at number 40 among 100 companies that foster a culture of innovation and creativity in their workplaces worldwide. In addition to this distinguished honor, Excel Dryer was also selected as one of 10 finalists in the BWFI category of General Excellence.William Gagnon, Executive Vice President & Chief Operating Officer at Excel Dryer, accepted the Fast Company "100 Best Workplaces for Innovators" award.BWFI honorees are selected from across industries, chosen for their investment in employees and a workplace that encourages experimentation and forward thinking. The General Excellence category, new in 2024, recognizes companies that have established strong innovation cultures that have yielded remarkable results."As the creators of the energy-efficient, high-speed hand dryer category, Excel Dryer is proud to be recognized for our ongoing commitment to fostering employee engagement, creativity and vision," said William Gagnon, Executive Vice President & Chief Operating Officer at Excel Dryer. "We invest heavily in research and development, adopting state-of-the-art technologies that empower our employees across departments." Examples of recent initiatives at Excel Dryer include:Renovation of the company's global headquarters, guided by the WELL (IWBI) Standards with an emphasis on biophilic design, physical and mental well-being, and sustainabilityIntegration of collaborative Cobots' (robotics) into the manufacturing process, enhancing workplace efficiencyDepartment-wide adoption of Cascading Goals and Levels of Excellence principles, providing a structured approach to facilitating communication, encouraging engagement and aligning goals"We remain dedicated to advancing the industry while ensuring that everything we do reflects the company values of sustainability, efficiency, wellness and inclusivity," Gagnon said. "This holistic approach to innovation not only drives Excel forward but improves the quality of life for our employees and the communities we serve." About Excel Dryer, Inc.Excel Dryer is a family-owned and operated company that revolutionized the industry with the invention of the XLERATOR Hand Dryer, which set a new standard for performance, reliability and customer satisfaction. For more than 50 years, Excel has been manufacturing American-made hand-drying solutions that are dependable, cost-effective, safe and sustainable. Backed by the best customer service, Excel Dryer products can be purchased through an established network of sales representatives and distributors globally. Learn more about Excel Dryer at exceldryer.com ###Contact InformationSue SpiryMarket Mentorssspiry@ marketmentors.com 413-787-1133Related ImagesWilliam Gagnon, Executive Vice President & Chief Operating Officer at Excel Dryer, accepted the Fast Company "100 Best Workplaces for Innovators" award.SOURCE: Excel Dryer, Inc.View the original press release on newswire.com PR-Inside.com: 2024-09-26 20:01:14 Press Information Published by ACCESSWIRE News Network 888.952.4446 e-mail http://www.accesswire.com # 312 Words ACCESSWIRE News Network888.952.4446 STRONGSVILLE, OH / ACCESSWIRE / September 26, 2024 / Foundation Software LLC., a leading provider of construction software and services, has received the NorthCoast 99 Top Workplace Award for the 19th year.NorthCoast 99, an annual awards program organized by ERC, honors the top 99 workplaces in Northeast Ohio every year. Winners are chosen based on a variety of factors, including company values, goal achievement, benefits and employee satisfaction.Foundation Software CEO Mike Ode credits the company's ongoing success to its team."It's awesome to be recognized for the 19th year," Ode said. "Our people are what make Foundation Software special - we're all about creating a healthy work environment where employees feel appreciated and are given the tools to grow." Foundation continues to stand out because of its commitment to a balanced work life. Employees are offered free office perks including exercise classes, event tickets and weekly catered meals.Plus, each month there are special benefits, like audiobook subscriptions and gas cards, that team members can opt for, further shaping a workplace that is built around their needs.The company also prioritizes professional development, with free educational opportunities available to help employees build new skills and advance their careers.Looking ahead, Ode says, "Our team is what drives us forward, and we're going to keep making sure Foundation is a place where people love to work." To see the full life of Northcoast 99 winners, click here.Foundation Software, LLCFoundation Software delivers job cost accounting, estimating and takeoff, project management, safety management, HR management, mobile field apps and payroll services to help contractors run the business side of construction. For information, call (800) 246-0800, visit www.foundationsoft.com or email info@ foundationsoft.com Contact InformationTracie KuczkowskiVP of Marketingtak@ foundationsoft.com (800) 246-0800Samantha Ann IlliusMarketing Relations Coordinator and Influence Specialistsillius@ foundationsoft.com (800) 811 5926 x 4823SOURCE: Foundation SoftwareView the original press release on newswire.com PR-Inside.com: 2024-09-26 19:00:37 Press Information Published by ACCESSWIRE News Network 888.952.4446 e-mail http://www.accesswire.com # 442 Words ACCESSWIRE News Network888.952.4446 Dutch Industry Encouraged to Register Online to Propose Technology Pitches for Nov. 19 Innovation and Funding ConferenceSAN DIEGO, CA / ACCESSWIRE / September 26, 2024 / General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc. (GA-ASI) has added Raymond Knops, Chairman of the Dutch Industry Foundation for Defence and Security (NIDV), and Thomas McSorley, General Counsel for NATO DIANA (Defence Innovation Accelerator for the North Atlantic), to a growing list of speakers and panelists on the agenda for the first-ever Blue Magic Netherlands (BMN) event being held on November 19, 2024. Other companies participating in GA-ASI's BMN event include Brainport Development, Brabant Development Agency (BOM), SPACENED, and Lockheed Martin Ventures."We're excited to launch this event in the Netherlands, which will bring together the best of Dutch industry and innovation," said Brad Lunn, Managing Director of Strategic Finance at GA-ASI. "We are already engaged with companies who have contacted us to pitch their capabilities for possible inclusion in Blue Magic and open up funding opportunities." Dutch businesses that would like to pitch their technology and capabilities at BMN 2024 are encouraged to register on the event website by no later than Oct. 28, 2024.Blue Magic Netherlands will be held in Eindhoven, a city known as a global technology hub. BMN will bring together Dutch startups, universities, government officials, aerospace leaders, and representatives from other high-tech industries, who will see technology advancements within the Dutch technology ecosystem and connect qualified partners with funding opportunities to support next-generation dual-use solutions.GA-ASI has organized several successful Blue Magic events in the past and is bringing that same concept to the Netherlands. Areas of focus for BMN 2024 will be artificial intelligence/machine learning, autonomy, advanced materials, sensors, advanced manufacturing, and space. GA-ASI delivered its MQ-9A Remotely Piloted Aircraft (RPA) to the Royal Netherlands Air Force (RNLAF) in 2021 and recently announced an increase in the total order of MQ-9As in its service to eight.About GA-ASIGeneral Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc. (GA-ASI), an affiliate of General Atomics, is a leading designer and manufacturer of proven, reliable RPA systems, radars, and electro-optic and related mission systems, including the Predator RPA series and the Lynx Multi-mode Radar. With more than 8 million flight hours, GA-ASI provides long-endurance, mission-capable aircraft with integrated sensor and data link systems required to deliver persistent situational awareness. The company also produces a variety of sensor control/image analysis software, offers pilot training and support services, and develops meta-material antennas.For more information, visit www.ga-asi.com Avenger, Lynx, Predator, SeaGuardian, and SkyGuardian are registered trademarks of General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc.Contact Information:GA-ASI Media Relationsasi-mediarelations@ ga-asi.com SOURCE: General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc.View the original press release on newswire.com PR-Inside.com: 2024-09-26 14:31:03 Press Information Published by ACCESSWIRE News Network 888.952.4446 e-mail http://www.accesswire.com # 669 Words ACCESSWIRE News Network888.952.4446 Local Firms Plan Full Rehabilitation and Adaptive Reuse of Historic Portland LandmarkPORTLAND, ME / ACCESSWIRE / September 26, 2024 / Local developers plan to transform the former Fidelity Trust Building at 465 Congress Street into a historic hotel that captures the beauty and detail of its 1910 architecture. Fathom Companies, in partnership with SwingPoint Development, will lead the historic Portland landmark's restoration, which will match the style and level of historic preservation of the award-winning Press Hotel, which it developed and operates.Fathom Companies "When we restore historic buildings, we revitalize neighborhoods and promote local businesses while protecting our environment," said Jim Brady, president of Fathom Companies. "Our adaptive re-use from office to hotel will transform this historic landmark in a manner that reflects the culture of Portland's downtown at the turn of the century. In addition to creating high-quality jobs, the Maine-owned and operated hotel will become a destination that attracts both locals and visitors, bringing revenue and energy to Portland's historic Main Street." The former office building will become an upscale boutique hotel with a full-service restaurant, a historic speakeasy bar and approximately 92 rooms and suites on nine floors. It sits across the street from the Time and Temperature building. While the Fidelity Trust Building is currently vacant, it recently housed offices and a retail bank, and the structure is in very good condition. This allows for the full restoration of many historic features, including:The original bank lobby.The basement vault with its original doors, which will be home to the speakeasy bar.A beautiful internal central staircase bathed in natural light from a restored skylight.Kevin Kraft, Portland's director of planning and urban development, commented on the proposal. "Fathom Companies is recognized for its successful historic adaptive reuse projects, particularly the transformation of the Portland Press Herald building into the Press Hotel. Fathom's plans for a new hotel at 465 Congress will breathe new life into a long-vacant historic building at one of Portland's most prominent intersections, offering visitors opportunities to explore our exceptional businesses, restaurants, and cultural landmarks. This development has the opportunity to strengthen the vibrancy of Monument Square and Congress Street, enhancing key cultural institutions such as the Portland Museum of Art, the Maine Historical Society, the Wadsworth-Longfellow House, and the Maine College of Art and Design. Alongside the substantial residential development that is occurring in downtown and nearby areas, this hotel will bolster Portland's economy and significantly contribute to the street life and 24/7 energy of the city's downtown, reinforcing its role as a vital hub for the City, Region, and State." The building opened in 1910 as Maine's first skyscraper. The architect was G. Henri Desmond, who also designed the Portland Press Herald building (now the Press Hotel) and Portland High School, among other recognizable buildings in the area. In the late 1990s-early 2000s, the Libra Foundation brought the building back to life and created the adjacent Portland Public Market. As a Portland historic landmark and part of the Congress Street Historic District, federal and state historic tax credits will help support the building's preservation. Fathom Companies anticipates a mid-2026 reopening as a hotel.About Fathom Companies Fathom Companies is a Portland, Maine-owned real estate development and hospitality management firm recognized for award-winning historic preservation. Jim Brady founded the firm in 2017 after receiving the 2015 Maine Preservation Honor Award for the Press Hotel, a historic adaptive reuse of the former Portland Press Herald building that created Portland's first boutique hotel. Recognition ascended to the national level in 2020 with the American Institute of Architects Design Honor Award for Renovation & Adaptive for Reuse, also for the Press Hotel. Fathom employs approximately 250 associates across two divisions: hotel management and real estate, which includes investment, development, ground-up construction, historic renovations, and repositioning of hotel, office, residential, and mixed-use properties. To learn more about Fathom Companies, visit www.fathomcompanies.com and follow us on Facebook, LinkedIn, and Instagram.Contact Information Carla TracyCommunications, Fathom Companiescarla@ carlatracypr.com 646-591-7126SOURCE: Fathom CompaniesView the original press release on newswire.com PR-Inside.com: 2024-09-26 17:01:55 Press Information Published by ACCESSWIRE News Network 888.952.4446 e-mail http://www.accesswire.com # 312 Words ACCESSWIRE News Network888.952.4446 LOS ANGELES, CA / ACCESSWIRE / September 26, 2024 / The Schall Law Firm, a national shareholder rights litigation firm, announces that it is investigating claims on behalf of investors of Franklin Resources, Inc. ("Franklin" or "the Company") (NYSE:BEN) for violations of the securities laws.The investigation focuses on whether the Company issued false and/or misleading statements and/or failed to disclose information pertinent to investors. Franklin admitted on July 26, 2024, that "following the launch of an internal investigation focusing on certain past trade allocations of treasury derivatives in select Western Asset Management (WAM') accounts, WAM received notification of parallel investigations by the SEC and U.S. Department of Justice." The Company then disclosed on August 21, 2024, that WAM co-Chief Investment Officer Ken Leech had been played on leave "effective immediately" adding that "in light of Mr. Leech's leave of absence, the Company has determined that closing its Macro Opportunities strategy (approximately $2.0 billion in AUM as of 7/31/2024) is in clients' best interests." Finally, the Company also disclosed that Leech had received a Wells Notice from the SEC. Based on this news, shares of Franklin fell significantly.If you are a shareholder who suffered a loss,click here to participate .We also encourage you to contact Brian Schall of the Schall Law Firm, 2049 Century Park East, Suite 2460, Los Angeles, CA 90067, at 310-301-3335, to discuss your rights free of charge. You can also reach us through the firm's website atwww.schallfirm.com , or by email atbschall@ schallfirm.com The Schall Law Firm represents investors around the world and specializes in securities class action lawsuits and shareholder rights litigation.This press release may be considered Attorney Advertising in some jurisdictions under the applicable law and rules of ethics.CONTACT: The Schall Law FirmBrian Schall, Esq. www.schallfirm.com Office: 310-301-3335 info@ schallfirm.com SOURCE: The Schall Law Firm PR-Inside.com: 2024-09-26 17:46:07 Press Information Published by ACCESSWIRE News Network 888.952.4446 e-mail http://www.accesswire.com # 575 Words ACCESSWIRE News Network888.952.4446 Balekian Hayes, PLLC Partners Receive Recognition by Super Lawyers MagazineDALLAS, TX / ACCESSWIRE / September 26, 2024 / Each year, Super Lawyers identifies the top lawyers in Texas through a patented multiphase selection process. Those with the highest scores are recognized in Texas Super Lawyers' Top Lists. Among the distinguished five percent of Texas attorneys on this coveted list are Dallas-based family law attorneys Kris Balekian Hayes and John Withers, Jr. Honorees are selected based on peer nominations, evaluations, and independent research, with each candidate assessed on 12 criteria related to peer recognition and professional achievement. Selections are made annually on a state-by-state basis, aiming to create a credible and diverse resource for those seeking legal counsel."It is a privilege to be recognized as one of the top attorneys in Texas," says Kris Balekian Hayes, managing partner of Balekian Hayes, PLLC. "Alongside my partner John Withers, Jr., we understand that divorce can be an incredibly stressful and challenging experience, which is why selecting a trustworthy attorney is so important. We are committed to being honest with our clients, while honesty may sometimes come at a cost, our clients deserve nothing less. This dedication has earned us recognition from industry leaders and referrals from our loyal clients." Hayes earned her law degree from St. Mary's University School of Law in San Antonio and holds a Bachelor of Business Administration from Southern Methodist University in Dallas, along with an MBA from St. Mary's University School of Business. With over 20 years of family law experience, she is distinguished by her dual certification from the Texas Board of Legal Specialization in family law and child welfare-an honor held by only 47 family lawyers in Texas. Additionally, she is a credentialed mediator in civil, family, and CPS matters and is licensed by the Supreme Court of the United States, showcasing her exceptional qualifications.John Withers Jr., also a dual board-certified attorney, has earned accolades as a Super Lawyer and nominee for Best Lawyers due to his unwavering commitment to excellence and client advocacy. A Dallas native, he holds a Bachelor of Science in civil engineering from Texas A&M University and attended the Field Artillery Officer Basic Course at Fort Sill, Oklahoma, as part of the U.S. Army Reserve. Withers earned his law degree from Southern Methodist University and has extensive legal experience, having served as an assistant district attorney and co-founding a successful law firm. His dedication extends beyond the courtroom through his military service and involvement in the State Bar College and the Texas Academy of Family Law Specialists.At Balekian Hayes, PLLC in Dallas, leadership and commitment to clients are at the core of the firm's reputation. The repeated recognition by Super Lawyers highlights the individual excellence of each partner and reflects the firm's high standards. For more information about Kris Balekian Hayes, John Withers, Jr., and the services offered at Balekian Hayes, PLLC, please visit their website.About Balekian Hayes:Led by Kris Balekian Hayes, the family law attorneys of Balekian Hayes PLLC are dedicated to fighting for their clients and their clients' children. From contested divorces, to child possession disputes, to out-of-court mediation and arbitration proceedings, the firm provides the knowledge and expertise needed to help people during what can be one of the most stressful times in their lives. To learn more about Balekian Hayes, visit https://www.bh-pllc.com/ Media Contact:Katie Mudd katie@ thevokolgroup.com 214-676-4254SOURCE: Balekian Hayes Family Law BAKU, Azerbaijan, September 26. The Western Azerbaijan Community has condemned a document presented by MP Kenneth Gibson in the Scottish Parliament on September 20, Trend reports. The statement of the Community in this regard reads that the use of the term Artsakh in the document, associated with ethnic cleansing and occupation, is disrespectful to the territorial integrity and sovereignty of Azerbaijan. The document attempts to interpret the Karabakh Armenians' rejection of Azerbaijan's reintegration proposal and their voluntary departure from the country as coercion and makes other unfounded claims. The author of the document completely ignores the fate of millions of Azerbaijanis subjected to ethnic cleansing in Armenia and the occupied territories of Azerbaijan. Simultaneously, the document does not contain any information about the large-scale destructions committed by Armenia in the occupied territories of Azerbaijan, about the installation of 1.5 million mines here. The document also omits to mention that Armenia is preventing the return of hundreds of thousands of exiled Azerbaijanis and is trying to portray their right to return in a negative light. Information about Armenia's destruction of hundreds of mosques, countless cemeteries, and samples of Azerbaijani cultural heritage is not given. All this demonstrates that this document is a continuation of the international campaign conducted by certain forces that do not recognize the fact that the conflict was resolved following international law and are trying to reignite it. We strongly condemn such steps and demand from the members of the Scottish Parliament to stop this provocation, the statement reads. Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel PR-Inside.com: 2024-09-26 15:01:51 Press Information Published by ACCESSWIRE News Network 888.952.4446 e-mail http://www.accesswire.com # 435 Words ACCESSWIRE News Network888.952.4446 TYNGSBORO, MA / ACCESSWIRE / September 26, 2024 / Kristen Keegan, co-owner of Silver Key Homes at LAER Realty Partners, has been named Realtor of the Year for 2024 by the Massachusetts Association of Realtors (MAR). This prestigious award recognizes Keegan's exceptional contributions to the real estate industry and her relentless commitment to excellence in serving clients across Massachusetts and New Hampshire.Kristen Keegan Accepting Realtor of the Year Award Since beginning her real estate career in 2004, Keegan has built a reputation as one of the most respected professionals in the field. As a leader at Silver Key Homes, she has driven the growth of her team, now consisting of 18 agents, and has consistently delivered outstanding results, guiding hundreds of families to homeownership.Her leadership extends well beyond her own team. Keegan has held several prominent positions within the industry, including serving as President of the Northeast Association of Realtors (NEAR) in 2020. She is a two-time recipient of NEAR's Realtor of the Year award and was honored with its Distinguished Service Award in 2022. Keegan has also served in various leadership roles at the state and national levels, including as Northern Region Vice President for MAR in 2024 and on the National Association of Realtors (NAR) Sustainability Advisory Group.Keegan's accolades speak to her dedication to fostering professionalism, advocacy, and innovation in the real estate community. Her work on diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives, as well as her involvement in legislative advocacy through the Realtor Political Action Committee (RPAC), further highlight her influence and passion for advancing the industry."Being named Realtor of the Year is an incredible honor, and I am grateful to the Massachusetts Association of Realtors for this recognition. My journey in real estate has always been about empowering others - whether that's my clients, my team or my fellow realtors. I look forward to continuing to contribute to our vibrant industry," said Keegan.Kristen Keegan's vision for the future of real estate is clear: to continue raising standards and supporting the growth of professionals in the field, ensuring that clients receive the highest level of service.For more information, please contact:Kristen Keegan Silver Key Homes at LAER Realty PartnersPhone: (978) 866-2094Email: sellyourden@ gmail.com About LAER Realty Partners:LAER Realty Partners is one of the largest independent real estate brokerages in the U.S., offering expert services across Massachusetts, New Hampshire, and beyond. Silver Key Homes, owned by Kristen Keegan and Christina Silva, is part of the LAER network, known for its exceptional service and client-focused approach.Contact InformationSergio EncisoMarketing Directorhappyagent@ laerrealty.com 9782518221SOURCE: LAER Realty PartnersView the original press release on newswire.com PR-Inside.com: 2024-09-26 20:45:20 Press Information Published by ACCESSWIRE News Network 888.952.4446 e-mail http://www.accesswire.com # 323 Words ACCESSWIRE News Network888.952.4446 LIMASSOL, CYPRUS / ACCESSWIRE / September 26, 2024 / Mohamed El Mahdy, the visionary CEO and Owner of El Homes Development, has been named one of TIME Iconic Magazine's Top 5 Influential and Visionary Business Leaders of 2024. This prestigious accolade acknowledges his groundbreaking leadership in real estate development, his dedication to sustainable innovation, and his significant impact on shaping the industry in Cyprus and the wider Mediterranean region.Under El Mahdy's leadership, El Homes Development has emerged as a major force in Cyprus's real estate market, pioneering state-of-the-art, eco-friendly residential and commercial projects. His forward-thinking approach, focused on sustainability, luxury, and smart-living technologies, has set new benchmarks in the industry. As a result, El Homes Development has become a leader in transforming urban landscapes and delivering exceptional living experiences."I am honored to be recognized by TIME Iconic Magazine as one of 2024's top visionary business leaders," said El Mahdy. "This recognition is a testament to the incredible work of our team at El Homes Development and our relentless pursuit of innovation and excellence." TIME Iconic Magazine's editorial board praised El Mahdy for his transformative leadership style and his role in fostering a culture of collaboration, inclusivity, and innovation within the company. His strategies have not only propelled the company's growth in Cyprus but have also set a new standard for real estate development in the region.El Mahdy's inclusion in the Top 5 business leaders of 2024 places him among a select group of global business icons who are leading their industries into the future with vision, resilience, and groundbreaking ideas.For more information, please contact:Media RelationsEl Homes Development info@ elhomes.comelhomes.com InstagramFacebookLinkedInAbout El Homes Development:El Homes Development is a premier real estate development company based in Limassol, Cyprus, known for its innovative, sustainable, and luxury housing projects. With a focus on environmental responsibility and cutting-edge design, El Homes is redefining the real estate industry across the Mediterranean region.SOURCE: El Homes PR-Inside.com: 2024-09-26 14:50:10 Press Information Published by ACCESSWIRE News Network 888.952.4446 e-mail http://www.accesswire.com # 861 Words ACCESSWIRE News Network888.952.4446 WINDHOEK, NAMIBIA / ACCESSWIRE / September 26, 2024 /O&L Leisure, a subsidiary of the Ohlthaver & List (O&L) Group, is proud to announce its rebranding as part of a strategic move to position itself as a premium provider of authentic, luxury travel experiences. This transformation aligns with O&L Leisure's evolving vision and growth strategy, reflecting its commitment to offering world-class service while maintaining deep connections to its Namibian heritage.The new brand, featuring a sleek and refined logo, captures the spirit of O&L Leisure's dedication to authenticity, care, and passion. Designed to appeal to a premium, international market, the rebrand underscores O&L Leisure's ambition to elevate its offerings while remaining true to its Namibian roots.Sven Thieme - Executive Chairman, O&L Group and Managing Director, O&L Leisure.Sven Thieme, Managing Director of O&L Leisure and Executive Chairman of the O&L Group, elaborated on the rationale behind the rebranding: "As we expand our reach and transition into the premium and super-premium markets, we recognise the need to refine our brand to reflect our new audience. This rebrand positions us to speak directly to our new audience and convey the luxury, authenticity, and world-class standards we uphold across all our properties. Our guests will know that no matter which O&L Leisure property they visit, they will experience the same exceptional standard." The rebranding is also a pivotal part of O&L Leisure's broader strategy as it prepares to grow its portfolio. The new identity reflects a unified promise across all O&L Leisure properties, ensuring a consistent, premium guest experience while allowing each location to retain its unique charm.Thieme added: "With our expansion plans, we are committed to maintaining one consistent standard across all properties. While each destination - whether it's Chobe Water Villas or Mokuti Etosha - has its unique appeal, the golden thread throughout will now be more visible than ever. Our new brand is a promise to our guests that they will enjoy world-class service, comfort, and authenticity, wherever they choose to stay." The new logo reflects this refined approach, combining modern sophistication with a deep respect for the brand's Namibian heritage. Retaining the iconic "1919" symbol, the logo emphasises O&L's legacy while embracing a minimalist and elegant design. The new tagline, " Namibia Through Our Eyes ," encapsulates O&L Leisure's mission to provide genuine, unfiltered experiences that connect guests to the heart of Namibia.Thieme explained: "We are proud to showcase Namibia's true essence through this rebrand. The new tagline is not just a slogan; it represents our authentic, caring, and passionate approach to hospitality. Every interaction with our guests, every detail of their experience, is designed to reflect the beauty and soul of Namibia." As part of its enhanced visual identity, O&L Leisure has introduced new secondary colours such as Dune Beige and Golden Metallic, reflecting Namibia's stunning landscapes and the unforgettable moments shared in its properties. The golden thread in the branding represents the connection between all O&L Leisure destinations, offering a sense of place and a promise of luxury.(from left to right): Shepherd Chinhoi - Operations General Manager; Franziska Rueeck - Chief Experience Officer, O&L Group and Quality & Experience General Manager, O&L Leisure; Sven Thieme - Executive Chairman, O&L Group and Managing Director, O&L Leisure; Maryke van Lill - Marketing Manager, O&L Leisure; Victory Shimwandi - Sales Manager, O&L Leisure and Sonja Bartsch - Financial Director, O&L Leisure.The rebranding aligns with O&L's Vision for 2029, which includes global recognition for service excellence and a focus on being one of the top 10 Great Places to Work (GPTW). By enhancing its brand and service standards, O&L Leisure aims to set new benchmarks for luxury travel, both in Namibia and internationally.Sven Thieme concluded: "Our new brand is a crucial part of O&L's Vision for 2029. We are committed to providing exceptional guest experiences, while creating a work environment that empowers our team to grow and thrive. By elevating our brand and service, we are not only showcasing the best of Namibia to the world, but we are also contributing to our long-term financial goals and ensuring each property operates at the highest standards of efficiency and excellence." This bold rebrand reinforces O&L Leisure's dedication to offering handpicked, unique locations that tell Namibia's story and create memorable, world-class experiences for all guests.About O&L Leisure:O&L Leisure is a subsidiary of the Ohlthaver & List (O&L) Group, offering premium, authentic hospitality experiences in Namibia. Its portfolio includes Strand Hotel Swakopmund, Midgard, Mokuti Etosha, and Chobe Water Villas, with expansion plans underway. O&L Leisure is driven by its mission to provide luxury experiences rooted in Namibia's natural beauty and culture, ensuring a consistent world-class standard across all properties.Media Contact:Organization: The Ohlthaver & List (O&L) GroupContact Person Name: Roux-che LockeWebsite: https://www.ol.na Email: roux-che.locke@ol.na Contact Number: +264612075207Address: Alexander Forbes House, 7th Floor,Address 2: South Block, 22-33 Fidel Castro Street, Windhoek, NamibiaCity: WindhoekState: KhomasCountry: NamibiaSOURCE: The Ohlthaver & List (O&L) Group PR-Inside.com: 2024-09-26 21:55:28 Press Information Published by ACCESSWIRE News Network 888.952.4446 e-mail http://www.accesswire.com # 1013 Words ACCESSWIRE News Network888.952.4446 Program designed to provide state-of-the-art training vessels to five state maritime academiesPHILADELPHIA, PA / ACCESSWIRE / September 26, 2024 / Philly Shipyard, Inc. ("Philly Shipyard"), the sole operating subsidiary of Philly Shipyard ASA (Oslo:PHLY), today delivered the Patriot State, the second of five new purpose-built, state-of-the-art training vessels for America's state maritime academies. The U.S. Department of Transportation's Maritime Administration (MARAD) new vessel program - known as National Security Multi-Mission Vessels (NSMVs) - was designed to provide world-class training for America's future mariners and to support humanitarian assistance and disaster relief missions in times of need. This second vessel, Patriot State, is being delivered to MARAD and will serve Massachusetts Maritime Academy."We stand tall and proud as we wave goodbye to the Patriot State," said Steinar Nerbovik, President & CEO of Philly Shipyard. "It is the second NSMV to be delivered in the program, and the journey to Massachusetts brings well-deserved recognition and excitement for the future of the vessel, the entire NSMV program, and our shipyard. Our workforce has dedicated much time and skill to ensuring a safe at-sea experience for the cadets and crew and a dependable learning environment for all future mariners." Philly Shipyard was awarded the contract to build the NSMVs by TOTE Services, LLC ("TOTE Services"), a U.S.-based company hired by MARAD as the Vessel Construction Manager (VCM) to oversee the construction of the training vessels. The NSMV program is the first government sponsored ship building program to utilize the VCM model. This model places the responsibility for the selection and oversight of the shipyard on a government contractor that utilizes commercial best practices to manage the project.NSMV I, Empire State, was delivered in September 2023 to serve SUNY Maritime College. NSMV III (Maine Maritime Academy) and NSMV IV (Texas A&M Maritime Academy) are both under construction in Philly Shipyard's outfitting and building docks, respectively. NSMV III is scheduled for delivery in 2025. The steel cutting for NSMV V (California Maritime Academy) was completed earlier this year, placing all remaining vessels in various stages of production at Philly Shipyard."The Patriot State is the second of five NSMVs that TOTE Services is managing in partnership with Philly Shipyard. These vessels are a vital investment in the future of maritime in the U.S. and showcase the potential that arises when we utilize the right expertise and resources for the benefit of our country and future generations. TOTE Services' role as the vessel construction manager for these ships highlights its 49-year legacy as a leader in American maritime," commented Jeff Dixon, President of TOTE Services.The NSMV program is an important investment in America's shipbuilding industry, which supports nearly 400,000 U.S. jobs. Each NSMV will feature numerous instructional spaces, a full training bridge, and accommodations for up to 600 cadets to train in a first-rate maritime academic environment at sea. State maritime academies graduate more than half of all new officers each year - the merchant mariners who help keep cargoes and our economy moving. Many also support U.S. national security by crewing military sealift vessels.Today's delivery of the Patriot State marks an important milestone for the NSMV program as well as the VCM contract model. This innovative approach enables shipyards to apply commercial best practices for design and construction to government vessels. There is growing interest in the VCM contract model and its potential applicability to government shipbuilding programs to reduce costs, accelerate delivery times, and build more vessels.###About the National Security Multi-Mission Vessel (NSMV) ProgramThe U.S. Department of Transportation Maritime Administration's (MARAD) NSMV program is designed to provide a purpose-built, state-of-the-art training platform for the state maritime academies in New York, Massachusetts, Maine, Texas, and California, respectively.This next-generation training fleet will address a critical shortage of qualified officers necessary to crew government and commercial owned sealift ships. In addition to providing world-class training for America's future mariners, the NSMVs will be available to support humanitarian assistance and disaster relief missions in times of need.The NSMV will feature numerous instructional spaces, a full training bridge, and have space for up to 600 cadets to train in a first-rate maritime academic environment at sea. State maritime academies graduate more than half of all new officers each year-the merchant mariners who help keep cargoes and our economy moving. Many also support U.S. national security by crewing military sealift vessels.In addition to being a state-of-the-art training and educational platform, each ship will feature modern hospital facilities, a helicopter pad, and the ability to accommodate up to 1,000 people in times of humanitarian need. Adding to the NSMV's capability, it will provide needed roll-on/roll-off and container storage capacity for use during disaster relief missions.Ship specifications will be compatible with the pier length, draft restrictions, and mooring limitations at each of the maritime training academies.Vessel specifications:Length: 159.85 mBreadth: 27.00 mDraft, scantling: 7.50 mTotal berthing: 760 peopleSpeed: 18 ktsDeadweight: 8,487 MTAbout Philly ShipyardPhilly Shipyard, Inc. (PSI) is a leading U.S. shipbuilder that is presently pursuing a mix of commercial and government work. It possesses a state-of-the-art shipbuilding facility and has earned a reputation as a preferred provider of oceangoing merchant vessels with a track record of delivering quality ships, having delivered around 50% of all large ocean-going Jones Act commercial ships since 2000. PSI is the sole operating subsidiary of Philly Shipyard ASA. Philly Shipyard ASA is listed on the Euronext Expand Oslo (Oslo: PHLY) and is majority-owned by Aker Capital AS, which in turn is wholly-owned by Aker ASA (Aker). Aker is an industrial investment company that exercises active ownership to create value. Aker has ownership interests in oil and gas, renewable energy and green technologies, maritime assets, marine biotechnology and industrial software, and its portfolio includes companies like Aker BP, Aker Horizons, Aker BioMarine, Cognite, and Aker Solutions. For more information about Philly Shipyard, please visit www.phillyshipyard.com About TOTE ServicesTOTE Services, LLC ("TOTE Services") is a leading U.S.-based company that provides ship management, vessel c PR-Inside.com: 2024-09-26 17:16:13 Press Information Published by ACCESSWIRE News Network 888.952.4446 e-mail http://www.accesswire.com # 660 Words ACCESSWIRE News Network888.952.4446 Cook brings a wealth of leadership experience in data and analytics to DAS42NEW YORK, NY / ACCESSWIRE / September 26, 2024 /DAS42, a leading data consultancy and Snowflake partner, today announced it has welcomed industry veteran Susan Payne Cook as CEO. With a long and successful track record in leading some of the most well-known organizations in the data industry, Cook is uniquely qualified to drive innovation and growth, leveraging the company's deep expertise in modern data and analytics design and implementation strategies."As I learned more about the team and customer use cases at DAS42, I jumped at the chance to take the CEO role. Data is the key enabler for enterprise AI initiatives, and DAS42 is well-positioned to leverage its unique full-stack approach to support customers on this journey. I am also a big believer that Snowflake will be one of the most significant players in modern data architectures going forward so this partnership makes perfect sense," said Cook. "Innovation and technology in data and AI is changing so rapidly that businesses require partners they can trust to have deep knowledge and a strong opinion about the future. Our people are so incredibly skilled and they have the conviction to do what's right for our customers for the long-term. I am honored and beyond excited for the opportunity to lead this team and work with businesses and executives who understand data is foundational for better decisions and outcomes." Most recently, Cook was the CEO and Director of Zaloni, a venture capital-backed end-to-end data governance software start-up that had a successful exit in 2023. Cook has a proven track record of leading large, global go-to-market organizations in companies like Oracle, IBM, and MicroStrategy."We hand-picked Susan Cook for this role because of her exceptional career as a leader in some of the top data and analytics companies. She has a great balance of sales and operational leadership experience and has worked in big global enterprises and agile startups across both software and services," said Julia Senior, Board Director and Partner at M/C Partners. "We invested in DAS42 because we recognized that data was the essential fuel for businesses to make better and faster decisions and to leverage AI and machine learning to gain competitive advantage. Because of this very complex and fast-changing technology landscape in data, we are fortunate to bring in someone with Cook's deep expertise." Under Cook's leadership and with her extensive experience working across the enterprise technology industry, DAS42 will continue its focus on leveraging modern data technologies and expertise to solve the most vexing business problems for its customers. For more information on DAS42, visit www.DAS42.com About DAS42DAS42 is a premier data and analytics consultancy with deep technical and business expertise. We specialize in solving some of the most complex business challenges for the world's most successful companies. As a Snowflake Elite Partner, DAS42 crafts customized strategies that create a single source of truth and enable faster decision-making through sophisticated analytics and AI solutions. DAS42 has a presence across the U.S. with primary offices in New York City and Denver. Connect with us at das42.com and stay updated on LinkedIn. Join us today on our journey to help you realize the possibilities of transforming your business through data and analytics.About M/C PartnersM/C Partners is a private equity firm focused on small and mid-size businesses in the digital infrastructure and technology services sectors. For more than three decades M/C Partners has invested $2.4 billion of capital in over 140 companies, leveraging its deep industry expertise to understand long-term secular trends and identify growth opportunities. The firm is currently investing its ninth fund, partnering with promising companies and leadership teams to support, scale, and improve operations and maximize value. For more information, please visit https://mcpartners.com/ Contact InformationColleen Trinkausc.trinkaus@das42.com SOURCE: DAS42View the original press release on newswire.com PR-Inside.com: 2024-09-26 17:02:19 Press Information Published by ACCESSWIRE News Network 888.952.4446 e-mail http://www.accesswire.com # 302 Words ACCESSWIRE News Network888.952.4446 LOS ANGELES, CA / ACCESSWIRE / September 26, 2024 / The Schall Law Firm, a national shareholder rights litigation firm, announces that it is investigating claims on behalf of investors of Globus Medical, Inc. ("Globus" or "the Company") (NYSE:GMED) for violations of the securities laws.The investigation focuses on whether the Company issued false and/or misleading statements and/or failed to disclose information pertinent to investors. Globus disclosed in an August 13, 2024, SEC filing that, "on July 16, 2024, Globus Medical, Inc. received a warning letter from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (the FDA') following an inspection of our facilities in Audubon, Pennsylvania. In the warning letter, the FDA cited deficiencies in the response letters sent by the Company to the FDA following the Form 483, List of Investigational Observations, which was delivered to the Company in connection with the inspection that occurred from February 15, 2024 until March 7, 2024. The letter describes observed non-conformities in establishing and maintaining product complaint procedures, including complaint investigations, trending, risk reconciliation, and Medical Device Report (MDR) procedures including timely reporting, pertaining to the ExcelsiusGPS robotic system." If you are a shareholder who suffered a loss, click here to participate.We also encourage you to contact Brian Schall of the Schall Law Firm, 2049 Century Park East, Suite 2460, Los Angeles, CA 90067, at 310-301-3335, to discuss your rights free of charge. You can also reach us through the firm's website at www.schallfirm.com , or by email at bschall@ schallfirm.com The Schall Law Firm represents investors around the world and specializes in securities class action lawsuits and shareholder rights litigation.This press release may be considered Attorney Advertising in some jurisdictions under the applicable law and rules of ethics.CONTACT: The Schall Law FirmBrian Schall, Esq.310-301-3335 info@ schallfirm.comwww.schallfirm.com SOURCE: The Schall Law Firm PR-Inside.com: 2024-09-26 17:31:41 Press Information Published by ACCESSWIRE News Network 888.952.4446 e-mail http://www.accesswire.com # 1043 Words ACCESSWIRE News Network888.952.4446 ST. JOHN'S, NL / ACCESSWIRE / September 26, 2024 / Sokoman Minerals Corp. (TSXV:SIC)(OTCQB:SICNF) ("Sokoman" or the "Company") is pleased to provide the following updates from the 100%-owned Moosehead Gold Project in central Newfoundland. The current focus at Moosehead is on plans to extract bulk samples. The first sample is a conventional bulk sample on the Western Trend using drill and blast methods (see Plan Map 1 for proposed locations). The second bulk sample is with Novamera Inc. at the Footwall Splay in the Eastern Trend, utilizing Novamera's proprietary surgical mining technique. Due to lengthy lab turnaround times, the Company is waiting for the gold assay results from 28 holes.Timothy Froude, P. Geo., President and CEO, states, "We are thrilled with the advances we've made on both bulk-sample projects and eagerly anticipate the completion of the Western Trend bulk sample this year. The exposed quartz veining is reminiscent of some of the best drill holes on the Moosehead property. This pivotal step will yield critical insights into the metallurgy and gold recoveries at Moosehead, marking a significant milestone in our project's development." Conventional Bulk Sample - Western TrendThree areas (labelled A, B and C on Plan Map 2) within the Western Trend were drill tested with a series of short holes to determine the best location to extract a conventional bulk sample of 1,000 cubic metres (approximately 2,700 tonnes). Area C (see Plan Map 2) was chosen, and the excavation is underway. A zone of quartz veining with associated altered and mineralized mafic dyke has been exposed in the center of the trench (see Image 1), which is believed to be linked to a 1.5 m wide quartz vein intersected in drill hole MH-24-618, which contained 25 specks of visible gold. MH-24-618 is located approximately 10 m south of the end of the exposed vein. The trench has yet to be fully excavated, with mapping and sampling to commence immediately upon completion. Preliminary examination of the exposed quartz veining has identified locally abundant boulangerite and arsenopyrite mineralization with random specks of visible gold noted in multiple locations. The final layout of the bulk sample dimensions will be completed in about two weeks once all sampling of the exposed mineralization has been done. All assays are pending.Novamera Partnered Bulk Sample - Footwall SplayTo date, two sets of historical and Novamera drilled holes, six in total, have been surveyed by Novamera in the Footwall Splay area, and final modelling is ongoing. The objective is to define a similar-sized area to the conventional bulk sample to be extracted utilizing Novamera's surgical mining technique. Meanwhile, the Company has been informed by Novamera that the rig that will be taking the potential sample is under contract until June 2025, at which time it will be available for Sokoman's program. It is the Company's intention to use leftover material from the conventional bulk sample as ballast for the Novamera rig, saving time and cost on that program. The Company will provide further updates from Novamera as they become available.Plan Map 1: Proposed bulk-sample areas Image 1: Western Trend trench with exposed quartz veining Plan Map 2: Recent drilling and test sites for Western Trend bulk sample (A, B, C) Diamond DrillingRecent diamond drilling has focused on outlining an area suitable for a conventional (drill and blast) bulk sample in the Western Trend. Three areas were tested with a series of short holes; to date, all assays are outstanding. The Company also anticipates results from recent drillings at the 552 Zone and several reconnaissance holes north of the Eastern Trend. Currently, gold assay turnaround times exceed six weeks, with full and partial (metallics) results pending for 28 holes shown on the drill hole plan (see Plan Map 2). Diamond-drilling operations are on hold, pending guidance from Novamera and insights from Dr. David Coller's structural report for the deep-drilling program. Dr. Coller is producing a project-scale and regional-scale structural model on which to base a deeper drilling program at Moosehead. He is integrating regional structural data from the Valentine Lake and Queensway mineralized trends and areas northeast of Moosehead, recognizing its position within a larger, complex structural domain that extends beyond our property borders. This comprehensive understanding of the regional structural history is crucial for interpreting Moosehead's structural context. We anticipate Dr. Coller's final report by late Q4 2024 or early Q1 2025.QPThis news release has been reviewed and approved by Timothy Froude, P.Geo., a "Qualified Person" under National Instrument 43-101 and President and CEO of Sokoman Minerals Corp.Analytical Techniques / QA/QCSamples, including duplicates, blanks, and standards, are submitted to Eastern Analytical Ltd. in Springdale, Newfoundland for gold analysis. All core samples submitted for assay are saw cut by Sokoman personnel with one-half submitted for assay and one-half retained for reference. Samples are delivered in sealed bags directly to the lab by Sokoman personnel. Eastern Analytical Ltd. is an accredited assay lab that conforms to the requirements of ISO/IEC 17025. Samples with visible gold are submitted for total pulp metallics with a gravimetric finish. All other samples are analyzed by standard fire assay methods. Total pulp metallic analysis includes: the entire sample being crushed to -10 mesh; and then pulverized to 95% -150 mesh. The total sample is weighed and screened to 150 mesh; the +150-mesh fraction is fire-assayed for Au, and a 30 g subsample of the -150-mesh fraction is fire-assayed for Au; with a calculated weighted average of total Au in the sample reported as well. One blank and one industry-approved standard for every twenty samples submitted is included in the sample stream. Random duplicates of selected samples are analyzed in addition to the in-house standard and duplicate policies of Eastern Analytical Ltd. All reported assays are uncut.About Sokoman Minerals Corp.Sokoman Minerals Corp. is a discovery-oriented company and one of the largest landholders in the province of Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada's emerging gold district. The Company's primary focus is its portfolio of gold projects; the 100%-owned flagship, advanced-stage Moosehead, Crippleback Lake, and the district-scale Fleur de Lys project near Baie Verte in northwestern Newfoundland, targeting Dalradian-type orogenic gold mineralization similar to the Curraghinalt and Cavanacaw deposits in Northern Ireland. The Company entered a strategic alliance with Benton Resources Inc. through three, large-scale, joint-venture properties including Grey River, Golden Hop PR-Inside.com: 2024-09-26 17:28:26 Press Information Published by ACCESSWIRE News Network 888.952.4446 e-mail http://www.accesswire.com # 1027 Words ACCESSWIRE News Network888.952.4446 Includes 21.9 m @ 4.0 g/t AuEq and 7.8 m @ 7.5 g/t AuEqVANCOUVER, BC / ACCESSWIRE / September 26, 2024 / Mawson Gold Limited("Mawson" or the "Company") (TSXV:MAW)(Frankfurt:MXR)(PINKSHEETS:MWSNF) announces Southern Cross Gold Ltd. ("Southern Cross Gold" or "SXG") has released results from three diamond drill holes (SDDSC124, SDDSC127 and SDDSC128 - Figures 1 and 2) from the Apollo prospect at the 100%-owned Sunday Creek Gold-Antimony Project in Victoria, Australia (Figure 5).All holes successfully intersected mineralisation in targets generated through VRIFY's ("Artificial Intelligence") AI-assisted mineral discovery platform ("VRIFY AI"). Apollo East, a target identified by both the SXG exploration team and VRIFY AI, is a new zone of potential high-grade mineralisation located approximately 200 m east of the main Apollo drill area. With these new holes, the zone has become a priority for SXG due to AI generated targets that show the possible extension of this zone approximately 400 m to the east (Figure 3).Highlights:SDDSC128 drilled a large gap and confirmed eleven vein sets from Apollo East to Apollo Deeps. The hole extended two high-grade vein zones 20 m to 60 m down-dip and included 11 intercepts of Au > 20 g/t (up to 167 g/t Au) and 11 intercepts of Sb > 5% (up to 16.4% Sb) . Selected highlights include:21.9 m @ 4.0 g/t AuEq (2.6 g/t Au, 0.8% Sb) from 505.4 m, including:2.5 m @ 15.5 g/t AuEq (9.6 g/t Au, 3.1% Sb) from 512.4 m7.8 m @ 7.5 g/t AuEq (6.8 g/t Au, 0.4% Sb) from 547.7 m, including:0.6 m @ 81.9 g/t AuEq (74.7 g/t Au, 3.8% Sb) from 547.7 mSDDSC124 is the deepest hole drilled east-west at Apollo . The hole intercepted eight vein sets across Apollo East and Apollo Deeps, extending vein domains 95 m to 105 m down-dip. Selected highlights include:6.3 m @ 6.6 g/t AuEq (2.9 g/t Au, 2.0% Sb) from 427.3 m, including:0.5 m @ 62.2 g/t AuEq (18.2 g/t Au, 23.4% Sb) from 427.5 m0.7 m @ 19.3 g/t AuEq (19.3 g/t Au, 0.0% Sb) from 795.8 m, including:0.2 m @ 54.4 g/t AuEq (54.4 g/t Au, 0.0% Sb) from 796.3 mSDDSC127 drilled four vein sets (with two new vein sets identified) at Apollo East. Selected highlights include:3.5 m @ 6.2 g/t AuEq (4.0 g/t Au, 1.2% Sb) from 423.2 m, including:1.0 m @ 19.4 g/t AuEq (11.7 g/t Au, 4.1% Sb) from 425.8 mEighteen holes are currently being processed and analysed with an additional five holes in progress.Mawson owns 96,590,910 shares of SXG (48.7%), valuing its stake at A$299.4 million (C$275.4 million) based on SXG's closing price on September 25, 2024 AEST.Michael Hudson, Mawson Interim CEO and Executive Chairman, states: "We are back at Apollo with these three drill holes, that continue to show Apollo is improving with further drilling, especially at depth."Each hole delivers a unique outcome: SDDSC128 demonstrates continuity of high-grade zones with 20 m to 60 m extensions, while SDDSC124 expands mineralisation 100 m down dip in the deepest hole drilled east-west at Apollo. Not to be outdone, SDDSC127 drilled four vein sets (with two new vein sets identified ) at Apollo East."The common thread linking all drill holes at Apollo East is the confirmation of the geological target by VRIFY AI. Using an unbiased approach to mineral exploration, VRIFY AI identified mineralisation patterns within multiple layers of data from Sunday Creek to successfully delineate the potential for additional mineralisation at the Apollo East target. Working alongside the SXG exploration team, Apollo East has demonstrated the effectiveness of VRIFY AI in confirming new targets at Sunday Creek while enhancing the precision and execution of geological targeting by the team."Intersecting high grade mineralisation in our initial AI generated targets gets us very excited about testing the other AI targets that we have identified, both at Apollo East and beyond. It's fascinating to plug these early results into VRIFY's AI model and watch the targets evolve in real-time, further refining where we look next across our 12 km of mineralised strike extensions (Figure 4). No doubt we're witnessing a step-change in how mineral exploration is conducted, where AI-assisted mineral discovery platforms like VRIFY will become a standard additional tool for all geological teams."These exciting gold-antimony drill results that demonstrate high-grades and continued growth of the project, the Company has already drilled and is planning a significant number of further holes under and to the east of Apollo." Drill Hole DiscussionThe successful drill results announced today demonstrate how AI generated targets can complement SXG's geological targeting program at Sunday Creek through an innovative approach to mineral exploration. Additional drilling at Apollo East and at the Christina Target, both of which have been identified as high-priority targets by VRIFY AI and the Company's technical team, is either currently underway or expected to commence in the near term (Figure 3).SDDSC124 is the deepest east to west drill hole (parallel to the ladder "rails") drilled at the Apollo prospect. The hole intercepted eight high-grade vein sets across Apollo East and Apollo Deeps (Figures 1 to 3). This hole extended three vein set shapes by 95 m to 105 m down dip at Apollo Deeps and was drilled ~100 m below and parallel to SDDSC108A ( February 28, 2024 ). The hole included three intervals of > 20 g/t Au (up to 54.4 g/t Au) and two intervals > 5% Sb (up to 23.4% Sb) .SDDSC123 was abandoned at 127 m due to the hole deviating from its original plan and was successfully redrilled as SDDSC124.Extended highlights from SDDSC124 include:0.3 m @ 33.9 g/t AuEq (28.7 g/t Au, 2.8% Sb) from 364.4 m0.4 m @ 29.9 g/t AuEq (10.0 g/t Au, 10.6% Sb) from 375.8 m1.0 m @ 7.9 g/t AuEq (7.9 g/t Au, 0.0% Sb) from 404.0 m6.3 m @ 6.6 g/t AuEq (2.9 g/t Au, 2.0% Sb) from 427.3 m, including:0.5 m @ 62.2 g/t AuEq (18.2 g/t Au, 23.4% Sb) from 427.5 m1.0 m @ 8.0 g/t AuEq (7.4 g/t Au, 0.3% Sb) from 430.4 m2.0 m @ 1.4 g/t AuEq (0.7 g/t Au, 0.4% Sb) from 438.0 m1.0 m @ 2.1 g/t AuEq (2.0 g/t Au, 0.0% Sb) from 443.0 m0.3 m @ 31.0 g/t AuEq (25.1 g/t Au, 3.2% Sb) from 447.1 m0.7 m @ 19.3 g/t AuEq (19.3 g/t Au, 0.0% Sb) from 795.8 m, including:0.2 m @ 54.4 g/t AuEq (54.4 g/t Au, 0.0% Sb) from 796.3 m3.8 m @ 3.4 g/t AuEq (0.4 g/t Au, 1.6% Sb) from 833.2 m3.9 m @ 0.7 g/t AuEq (0.7 g/t Au, 0.0% Sb) from 897.1 m2.2 m @ 1.2 g/t AuEq (1.2 g/t Au, 0.0% Sb) from 904.5 m1.0 m @ 4.8 g%2 PR-Inside.com: 2024-09-26 01:15:33 Press Information Published by ACCESSWIRE News Network 888.952.4446 e-mail http://www.accesswire.com # 307 Words ACCESSWIRE News Network888.952.4446 LOS ANGELES, CA / ACCESSWIRE / September 25, 2024 / The Schall Law Firm, a national shareholder rights litigation firm, announces that it is investigating claims on behalf of investors of Winnebago Industries, Inc. ("Winnebago" or "the Company") (NYSE:WGO) for violations of the securities laws.The investigation focuses on whether the Company issued false and/or misleading statements and/or failed to disclose information pertinent to investors. Winnebago is the subject of an article published by Hunterbrook Media on September 23, 2024. The article, titled: "Grand Deception - Winnebago Muzzles Outcry Over Major Problem That Owners Say Makes RVs Dangerous, Untowable, Worthless," claims that the Company's "best-selling Grand Design RVs" suffer from problems and defects that hinder their value and usefulness. The article claims that the RVs are "experiencing frame failure, potentially affecting thousands of units sold for more than a billion dollars. This defect has led to costly damage and potential safety hazards, and rendered some RVs unroadworthy." The article further claims that "Winnebago has used NDAs, buybacks, and online censorship to silence complaints about frame failure." If you are a shareholder who suffered a loss, click here to participate.We also encourage you to contact Brian Schall of the Schall Law Firm, 2049 Century Park East, Suite 2460, Los Angeles, CA 90067, at 310-301-3335, to discuss your rights free of charge. You can also reach us through the firm's website at www.schallfirm.com , or by email at bschall@ schallfirm.com The Schall Law Firm represents investors around the world and specializes in securities class action lawsuits and shareholder rights litigation.This press release may be considered Attorney Advertising in some jurisdictions under the applicable law and rules of ethics.CONTACT: The Schall Law FirmBrian Schall, Esq. www.schallfirm.com Office: 310-301-3335 info@ schallfirm.com SOURCE: The Schall Law Firm The Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation has pledged $600,000 (about N900 million) to support flood victims in Borno State and for the resuscitation of health and agriculture initiatives in Nigeria. The Foundation announced the donation while meeting with Nigerias Vice President Kashim Shettima on the sidelines of the 79th United Nations General Assembly in New York, a statement issued Thursday by Stanley Nkwocha, a Senior Special Assistant to President Bola Tinubu, noted. To hasten relief efforts for victims of the devastating floods, as well as for health and agricultural sectors reforms, the Nigerian government has secured a $600,000 relief fund and commitments from the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, the statement said. The statement disclosed that during the meeting led by the Foundations Head of Global Development Programme, Christopher Elias, an additional $5 million grant was also approved for Lagos Business School and partners to develop the agricultural economics of industrial cassava. Background In recent years, flood incidents across Nigeria have caused dire humanitarian crises. This year, several communities and cities in at least 13 of Nigerias 36 states have been affected by overflowing water, largely due to heavy rainfall, dam bursts, regulatory failures and ineffective dissemination of early warning systems across major communities in the country. Maiduguri, Borno State capital, is one of the worst hit by floods this year so far, after more than half of the city was submerged by overflowing water following the collapse of the Alau dam due to heavy rainfall. At least 37 people have died from the disaster, according to government figures. However, residents said that number is higher as some deaths were not documented. The devastating flood has also displaced more than 400,000 people and affected over one million 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 PREMIUM TIMES observed that many residents in Maiduguri are seeking shelter in public schools and uncompleted buildings under dire human conditions. Also, while houses and major infrastructures ( roads, bridges, etc) were swept away to the very last brick in the Fori, Gwange and Gamboru areas of the state, expansive farmlands around river banks were destroyed. Although the water has receded, federal and state authorities are still scrambling to rescue people, and sometimes bodies, trapped in buildings. Additionally, the health sector in the state was one of the worst-hit as crucial medical equipment and infrastructures in both private and public hospitals were significantly destroyed by the flood. Facilities at the University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital (UMTH) sustained significant water damage and the hospital was forced to suspend its operations for two weeks. Major flooding incidents experienced in Nigeria over the past three years have been highly catastrophic. It has killed a significant number of people, crippled businesses, destroyed homes and cultivated farms, infrastructures, schools and hospitals among others. The aftermath of the flood incidents in the country has further strained the food supply chain across the nation amidst a shortfall in supply and skyrocketed food prices. Health, nutrition top priorities On Thursday, Mr Shettima informed the Gates Foundation delegates that health and nutrition are top priorities of the government development agenda. The Vice President reaffirmed the commitment of the administration of President Tinubu to placing health, nutrition, and agricultural development at the forefront of the nations national agenda. We are deeply committed to addressing the pressing developmental challenges facing our nation, particularly the significant malnutrition crisis, he said. Mr Shettima emphasised the Nigerian governments dedication to integrity and effective leadership in tackling these issues, pointing out that there is an urgency in securing locations for maize production under the Telemaze programme While promising swift action on import permits for certified seeds, the Vice President said, We recognise the critical importance of food security and industrial agricultural development. The Cassava Accelerator programme, in particular, holds immense potential for our economy. Mr Shettima said the government is pursuing a whole-of-government approach to digitisation and data exchange systems, which it believes will revolutionise the countrys public services. Additionally, he expressed firm belief that with the expertise of Nigerias ministers, and the continued support of partners like the Gates Foundation, the nation remains confident in its ability to drive meaningful change and improve the lives of all Nigerians. On his part, Mr Elias said the Foundation is deeply worried about the severe flooding in Borno, and is committed to supporting Nigeria in times of crisis. According to the statement, the Foundation also pledged support for Nigerias health sector reforms, particularly in the fight against polio. Were impressed by the national task forces efforts to eliminate variant polioviruses by year-end, Mr Elias was quoted as saying. Scaling up cassava, maize production Rodger Voorhies, the President of the Global Growth & Opportunity Division at the Gates Foundation, detailed plans for scaling up drought-tolerant maize production and advancing the Nigeria Cassava Investment Accelerator programme. He said a $5 million grant has been approved for Lagos Business School and partners to develop the agricultural economics of industrial cassava. Industrial cassava presents a multi-billion-dollar opportunity for Nigeria, Mr Voorhees explained. He requested import permits for 5,000 metric tons of certified maize seed to build a foundation seed system in the country. In his reaction, Uche Amaonwu, Director of the Nigeria Country Office at the Gates Foundation, expressed appreciation for the ongoing partnership, particularly highlighting a $60 million investment in sector-wide programmes and collaborations on reproductive health issues. Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print BAKU, Azerbaijan, September 26. In recent years, the production of oil within the framework of projects being implemented by foreign oil companies has been declining year after year, which has naturally had a negative impact on our overall economic development rates, and we made up for this decline with the development of the non-oil sector, said President Ilham Aliyev as he addressed the meeting on economic issues, Trend reports. However, as a result of negotiations with foreign oil companies, the drawbacks in oil production were brought to their attention, we demanded that they eliminate these drawbacks and ensure the stability of oil production. Very hard work has been done in this direction in the last few months. As a result of this work, reasonable hopes have arisen that there will be no further unfounded declines in oil production, the head of state added. The Nigerian government said it is not intervening in the controversy between the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC Ltd) and the Dangote Petroleum Refinery. The Special Adviser to President Bola Tinubu on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, disclosed this while briefing State House correspondents in Abuja on Wednesday. Mr Onanuga explained that since petrol has been deregulated, both companies are expected to work independently in a deregulated market. The Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) regime has been deregulated. Dangote is a private company. NNPC should not forget its a limited liability company. Whatever controversy both of them are having is their problem. They are operating, even if you go by the terms of the Petroleum Industry Act. NNPC is on its own, even though its owned by the federal government, the state government and local councils and everything, but its operating as a limited liability company. You can see what the private market has said that I think they find the NNPC or Dangote price too much for them. They will resolve to import fuel because they clear the market at the end of the day. Its the consumer who benefits if a price war starts, if NNPC fuel is too much, the public market can go to the market and bring in their fuel and sell at the price that they think is very reasonable and profitable for them. So my answer is that, as far as this is concerned, the government is not dabbling into this controversy, Mr Onanuga was quoted by Vanguard as saying. He said Dangote, as a private company, is working on its own, NNPC is a limited liability company, and it has the right to fix the price. 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 Speaking further, Mr Onanuga said the federal government is promoting alternative energy solutions like Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) by subsidising conversion costs for vehicles. He said the government wants to make sure that Nigerians have a choice. If you dont want to use PMS, you can use CNG, and you can see whats going on in some of our cities, Lagos, Ibadan, Benin and some other places where transporters are already embracing CNG. And the whole idea that CNG, the equivalent of gas to PMS, the gap is very wide. If you want to buy a litre of petrol, if they sell it, lets say N850, what they are going to get by the equivalent of CNG is about N230 and you can see the gap, he said. According to him, some of the transporters are already converting their vehicles to CNG, noting that the government has a plan to make sure that about a million of those vehicles run on CNG. The whole idea is that if they run on CNG, the cost of transportation will go down, he added. He noted that the government also has a plan to make sure that private car owners can convert to CNG at a reduced cost. For transporters, it is almost free for them, but for private vehicle owners, the government has a plan to subsidise, I mean, the cost of converting the vehicle from petrol to CNG, he said. Mr Onanuga added that the administration is encouraging states to develop urban transportation systems to reduce overall transportation costs. Dangote Refinery-NNPC Tango Earlier in the month, Devakumar Edwin, vice president at Dangote Industries Limited, said the 650,000 barrels per day Dangote Refinery has begun the processing of petrol. Mr Edwin explained that NNPC Limited would buy its product exclusively. On 13 September, the Nigerian government announced that petrol loading from the Dangote Refinery would begin on Sunday, 15 September. The government said petrol from the Dangote refinery would only be sold to NNPC Ltd, which would then be sold to various marketers in the short term. ALSO READ: NNPC insists it bought petrol from Dangote Refinery at N898 per litre On 15 September, Mr Soneye told this newspaper that the refinery bought petrol from Dangote refinery at N898 per litre. He said market forces now determine domestic pump prices. For instance, now Brent is $70. Lets say tomorrow, Brent goes to $80. You should note that the price will also rise because those are the market forces. But today, for this initial 16.8 million litre that was given to us, it was at the rate of N898, Mr Soneye said. In its reaction, the Dangote Refinery described the claim as misleading and mischievous, aimed at undermining the refinerys achievement in addressing Nigerias energy insufficiency. However, the refinery failed to disclose the price it sold the product to NNPC Ltd. In a counter-statement, the NNPC insisted it bought the product for N898 per litre and would be grateful for any discount from the Dangote refinery that could be passed 100 per cent to the general public. Let them tell you their price. I stand by my earlier comment. Will you allow customers to carry your product without a price agreement? Mr Soneye told PREMIUM TIMES at the time. NNPC Ltd said apart from landing costs from refineries, suppliers must pay statutory and regulatory charges for each litre of petrol. Those charges include the NMDPRA fee, N8.99; inspection fee, N0.97; distribution cost (Lagos), N15.00; and profit margin, N26.48. The state oil company said that once freight and other statutory costs are added; the product would cost more at the pumpN950.22 per litre in Lagos, N980.22 in Rivers, and N992.22 in Abuja. The selling price in Maiduguri was N1,019. Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print The Africa Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) has raised concerns over the low testing rate for Mpox in Africa, as cases are steadily increasing across all affected countries. As of 22 September, a total of 32,407 confirmed cases and 840 deaths have been reported in 15 countries, according to the situation report released Thursday after the weekly press briefing on the multi-country mpox outbreak in Africa. Signed by the Director General of Africa CDC, Jean Kaseya, the report shows that the Central Africa region accounts for 90 per cent of all cases reported with 28,822 cases and 836 deaths. The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) accounts for the majority of cases, with over 26,267 cases, followed by Burundi, Central Africa Republic (CAR), Congo, Uganda, Cote DIvoire, Liberia, Kenya, Nigeria and Gabon. The report noted that cumulatively, there is over a 194 per cent increase in cases recorded this year when compared to the same time in 2023. Key concerns The Africa CDC raised concerns about gaps and challenges in surveillance, contact tracing and follow-up; and data quality. It noted that contact tracing is less than 4 per cent with over 68 per cent of cases with an unknown epidemiological link. 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 Overall laboratory testing is 49.5 per cent with much variability across countries and low in highly affected countries against our target of 80 per cent, it noted. It also said the testing rate remains less than 80 per cent in DRC, Burundi, Congo, Liberia, and Kenya, emphasising the need for enhanced surveillance, contact tracing, lab testing and expansion. Situation in Nigeria According to the Africa CDC situation report, Nigeria ranks 9th out of the 15 countries affected by the current outbreak. As of 15 September, Nigeria has recorded a total of 1,100 detected cases with no fatalities across 51 local government areas (LGAs) in 23 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT). While Africa CDC noted that there is ongoing distribution of vaccine doses to Rwanda, South Africa, CAR, Burundi and Cameroon, NIgeria also received a donation of 10,000 doses of Jynneos, a Mpox vaccine, from the United States government. Africa CDC added that there is ongoing planning for the research response for the planned roll of the MVA vaccines. Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print The Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, has constituted a special investigative panel to probe allegations of bribery within the Nigerian Correctional Service (NCOS). The ministers spokesperson, Babatunde Alao, disclosed this in a statement on Wednesday in Abuja. Mr Ajao said the panel is headed by the Permanent Secretary of the ministry, Magdalene Ajani, while Uju Agomuoh of Prisoners Rehabilitation And Welfare Action (PRAWA) will serve as the secretary. Other members are the Director of Legal Ministry of Interior; Eva Omatese, Director of Joint Services, Usman Nasiru, and Ikechukwu Ezeugo (Consultant lyke) of The Brekete Family Show. The statement said Mr Tunji-Ojo reassured the public that the investigation would be rigorous, transparent, and impartial, and that appropriate disciplinary actions will be taken against any personnel found guilty. The development comes amid allegations that the controversial Nigerian crossdresser Idris Okuneye, also known as Bobrisky, paid a bribe to some persons to have the money laundering charges against him dropped and to also transferred to a private apartment instead of staying in prison. 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 allegations On 24 September, PREMIUM TIMES reported how a social media influencer, Martins Otse, popularly known as VeryDarkMan leaked an audio recording of Bobrisky, insinuating that he paid a bribe of N15 million to have the charges against him dropped and also transferred to a private apartment instead of prison. Bobrisky was sentenced on 12 April to six months in jail without the option of a fine after he was arraigned by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) for abusing the Naira on his last birthday. Just a month after his release, VeryDarkMan posted on social media an alleged audio recording of Bobrisky narrating how his jail term at Kirikiri was diverted to a private apartment with the help of an unknown individual whom he called his godfather and others. He listed the popular lawyer and activist Femi Falana and his son Folarin Falana, also a popular musician known as Falz, as some of those who helped Bobrisky in the matter. However, in a post by Falz on Instagram on Wednesday, Mr Falana threatened to press charges against the influencer, demanding withdrawal and retraction of his statement within 24 hours. Zero tolerance for corruption Mr Alao said Mr Tunji-Ojo unequivocally condemned the alleged reprehensible behaviour, emphasising that any form of indiscipline, unprofessionalism, and corruption will be met with zero tolerance and severe consequences within the paramilitary services under the ministrys purview. The ministry will not tolerate any compromise on its core values of integrity, transparency, and accountability. We will leave no stone unturned in rooting out corruption and ensuring that those found culpable face the full wrath of the law, the minister said without making particular reference to Bobriskys case. Read the statement by the ministers aide: MINISTRY OF INTERIOR 25TH SEPTEMBER 2024 PRESS STATEMENT MINISTER OF INTERIOR ORDERS IMMEDIATE AND THOROUGH INVESTIGATION INTO ALLEGED BRIBERY IN THE NIGERIAN CORRECTIONAL SERVICE The Minister of Interior, Hon. (Dr.) Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo has directed an unconditional and comprehensive investigation into the allegations of bribery and corruption within the Nigerian Correctional Service (NCOS). Dr Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo unequivocally condemned the alleged reprehensible behaviour, emphasizing that any form of indiscipline, unprofessionalism, and corruption will be met with zero tolerance and severe consequences within the paramilitary services under the Ministrys purview. The Ministry will not tolerate any compromise on its core values of integrity, transparency, and accountability. We will leave no stone unturned in rooting out corruption and ensuring that those found culpable face the full wrath of the law, Dr Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo said. The Minister has set up a special investigative panel headed by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Interior, Dr Magdalene Ajani, to probe these allegations and submit a comprehensive report. Other members of the committee include Dr Uju Agomuoh of Prisoners Rehabilitation And Welfare Action (PRAWA) who will serve as the Secretary; Mrs Eva Omatese, Director of Legal Ministry of Interior; Mr Usman Nasiru, Director of Joint Services Ministry of Interior; and Dr. Ikechukwu Ezeugo (Consultant lyke) of The Brekete Family Show. The Minister reassures the public that the investigation will be rigorous, transparent, and impartial, and that appropriate disciplinary actions will be taken against any personnel found guilty. Signed: Babatunde Alao SA Media and Publicity to the Minister of Interior Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print The Senate on Thursday passed a bill to establish the South West Development Commission (SWDC). The upper chamber passed the bill after considering the report of its Committee on Special Duties, presented by Kaka Shehu, its chairman. It also considered the bill clause by clause at the Committee of the Whole. The Deputy Senate President, Barau Jibrin, who presided over the plenary, then announced the bills passage after most lawmakers supported it through a voice vote. The bill was sponsored by Gbenga Daniel (APC, Ogun East). The South-west zone comprises Lagos, Ogun, Oyo, Osun, Ondo and Ekiti States. According to its synopsis, the bill will allow the zone to receive and manage funds allocated from the federation account, including donations and gifts, for the reconstruction and rehabilitation of infrastructural damages and the tackling of ecological, environmental, and developmental challenges. 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 bill will be transmitted to President Bola Tinubu for assent after harmonisation by the House of Representatives. Report of the committee While presenting the report of his committee, Mr Shehu said the bill meets the requirements and that the purpose of establishing the commission is to enhance the socio-economic development of the South-west region. He also said the commission would bring the federal government closer to the people. Mr Shehu stated, That the contemplation, as well as the drafting of the bill, aligns with the required (and acceptable drafting standards. That the intent and purpose of the bill are well-structured and strategically streamlined for the socio-economic development of the southwest geopolitical zone of this country. That the establishment of the commission will bring the federal government closer to the south-west states as well as meet the yearnings and aspirations of the people. Mr Shehu, therefore, recommended considering and approving the bill for the regions development. Development After passing the bill, the deputy senate president said the commission would help to develop the South-west region. Its a bill that, when passed into law, will help to really deal with the challenges being faced by the south-western part of this country social challenges, ecological challenges, etc. And it will help to put that region in the best place to have an environment that will be conducive for those people in that region. And it will, once that region is well developed, also affect the entire nation. Because whatever is done positively to any part of Nigeria is something that is done to the entire country. We thank Mr President for his foresight by giving assent to similar bills, which is something that was in tandem with his disposition of making sure that the entire country is well developed. Kudos to him. Its something that should be commended. And I hope he will give his assent to this bill as soon as it gets to his table. If signed into law by the president, it will bring the number of such commissions in the country to five. The North East Development Commission (NEDC), North West Development Commission (NWDC), South East Development Commission (SEDC), and the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), comprising states in the South-south, South-west and South-east, are already in existence. The bill seeking the establishment of the North Central Development Commission (NCDC) is before the National Assembly. It has already scaled the second reading. Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print The Nigerian government on Thursday said ExxonMobil has proposed a $10 billion investment in Nigerias deep-water oil operation. The investment was announced during a high-level meeting between Nigerias Vice President Kashim Shettima and the ExxonMobil executives on the sidelines of the ongoing 79th session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in New York on Wednesday, Stanley Nkwocha, senior special assistant to the president on media and communications, said in a statement on Thursday. This potential investment by ExxonMobil aligns perfectly with the President Bola Tinubu administrations vision for a more investment-friendly Nigeria. We are committed to creating an enabling environment for such transformative projects, Mr Shettima was quoted as saying in the statement. According to the statement, Mr Shettima elaborated on Mr Tinubu administrations efforts in ensuring ease of doing business in Nigeria. The Renewed Hope Agenda prioritises ease of doing business. We have launched comprehensive reforms to streamline bureaucratic processes, enhance transparency, and offer fiscal incentives that make Nigeria an attractive destination for global investors, he said. He highlighted recent policy changes by the administration, saying, Our administration has taken bold steps to unify the exchange rate, remove fuel subsidies, and implement tax reforms. These decisions, while challenging in the short term, are designed to create a more stable and predictable business environment in the long run, he added. Addressing the specific concerns of the oil and gas sector, according to the statement, Mr Shettima said: We are actively working on revising the fiscal framework for deep-water operations. Our goal is to strike a balance between attracting investments and ensuring fair returns for the Nigerian 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 The potential ExxonMobil investment is a clear indication that we are moving in the right direction. As we welcome ExxonMobils renewed commitment, we see this as just the beginning. Our doors are open to all investors across various sectors. The message is clear, Nigeria is open for business, and the President Tinubu administration is your partner in progress, he said. Earlier, Chairman and Managing Director of ExxonMobil Affiliates in Nigeria, Shane Harris, reaffirmed the companys commitment to investing in Nigeria. Our commitment to Nigeria remains unwavering. As we celebrate 70 years of oil production and 8 billion barrels produced, were not retreating but refocusing our investments on deep-water opportunities. The statement noted that the centrepiece of ExxonMobils new strategy is the Owo project, a substantial subsea tie-back that could represent a $10bn investment. Were working closely with the Presidents office and the Special Adviser to the President to secure favourable fiscal arrangements that will make this significant investment possible, Mr Harris said. The statement added that despite the planned divestment of its onshore assets to Seplat Energy, ExxonMobil aims to inject $1 billion annually into maintenance operations and an additional $1.5 billion to boost production by 50,000 barrels per day over the next few years. In February 2022, Seplat announced it had closed a deal with ExxonMobil to fully purchase its 40 per cent interest in a shallow-water joint venture with the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC Ltd) Worth $1.3 billion, the acquisition was originally planned to be consummated by mid-2022 but has been slowed by delays. Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print Two Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) candidates in last Saturdays local council elections in Kwara have accused the state government of manipulating the poll through the state Independent Electoral Commission (KWSIEC). The two, Musbau Esinrogunjo and Ismail Muhammed, were the opposition partys chairmanship candidates for the Ilorin West and Ilorin East local governments, respectively. Addressing journalists on Wednesday in Ilorin, Mr Esinrogunjo described the election as a charade with enough mockery to last the entire term of any successful candidate in office. He said it was a broad daylight robbery where the government of Kwara was in connivance with the Kwara State Independent Electoral Commission (KWASIEC). They fraudulently took away the mandate that was freely given to me by the good people of Ilorin West Local Government, Mr Esinrogunjo alleged. He said the polls were characterised by irregularities ranging from voter intimidation and harassment by security agencies, voter manipulation by officials, and vote-buying by government officials. Yet, the people of Ilorin West LGA, who are known for their integrity and gallantry, stood their ground and voted for us massively across all the polling units and electoral wards. 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 end, however, Mr Esinrogunjo said, The unpopular government of Kwara overturned the results of the election. The will of the people was subverted. Election results were announced at unknown places against all odds. To make matters worse, they hurriedly swore in the candidates of their party who lost woefully in the field. This is a democratic coup that is not acceptable and will not stand the test of time. Even in most of the places where there was no election, they also announced winners. In most cases, they did not even allow our agents to sign the result they announced. The results of the councillors election were supposed to be announced at the ward collations centre, while the result of the chairman was supposed to be announced at the local government secretariat, which is the collation centre. But very unfortunately, the result was announced at an unknown place, Mr Esinrogunjo said. However, he appealed for calm, vowing, We shall do everything legally possible to defend the mandate you gave to me and reclaim it in due course. Speaking also, Mr Mohammed said all PDP candidates would explore legal means to recover their mandate. (NAN) Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print Clinical lecturers at the College of Medicine, Nnamdi Azikiwe University (NAU), Awka, have embarked on an indefinite strike over the exclusion of co-lecturers from contesting for the position of vice-chancellor in the institution. A statement jointly signed by Victor Modekwe, the chairperson, and Sunday Oriji, the secretary of the NAU chapter of the Medical and Dental Consultants Association of Nigeria, announced the commencement of the strike on Wednesday in Awka. The association said the industrial action entailed the withdrawal of services of all the medical and clinical lecturers from the faculties of medicine, basic clinical sciences and basic medical sciences, from all academic functions. It said that the strike was to protest the alleged deliberate exclusion of its members from contesting for the position of vice-chancellor at Nnamdi Azikiwe University. The vacancy advert indicated that an applicant for the position of vice-chancellor must possess a first degree, masters degree, and a PhD. The association said that the academic pathway of clinical lecturers in NAU and globally did not fit into the criteria laid down in the vacancy advert. Recall that we specifically asked for the withdrawal of the obnoxious vacancy advert for the position of the Vice-Chancellor of NAU to guarantee industrial harmony. 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 observed that up till now, the vacancy advert still stands, and our members remained excluded from the contest of Vice-Chancellor for two weeks now. READ ALSO: Nigerian lecturers win scholarships for doctoral Studies in France The congress therefore, resolved to proceed on an indefinite withdrawal of services by all the clinical lecturers of NAU until this advert is withdrawn, the association said. The News Agency of Nigeria reports that many consultants, who lecture in teaching hospitals, obtain fellowships of different medical colleges after undergoing advanced and specialised training for not less than four years in their chosen fields. The fellowships are considered to be equivalent of postgraduate degrees of universities. (NAN) Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print Governor Umo Eno of Akwa Ibom State has set up a monitoring committee for petroleum products in the state after the dispute between the Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN), Akwa Ibom State Council, and Joint Task Force on Security triggered a petrol price hike to N2500 per litre. In a statement on Wednesday, the Secretary to the State Government, Enobong Uwah, named Godwin Ekpo, a former lawmaker, as the chairperson of the committee. The 13-member committee has Peggy Edoho (a representative of the Ministry of Transport) as the secretary. Other members include the commissioners for Environment and Mineral Resources, Internal Security, and Waterways, the chairperson of the Nigeria Labour Congress in the state, and Victor Etefia, an aide to the governor on petroleum matters. The committee was announced hours after the governor met with members of the IPMAN, whose withdrawal of services pushed the price of petrol to N2500 a litre in the state. The petroleum marketers had directed their members to shut down their filling stations over the alleged confiscation of trucks belonging to their members by the Joint Task Force, Operation Delta Safe. The directives, which commenced on Tuesday, triggered a rise in petrol and tripled the cost of transportation, prompting the NLC to issue a statement directing workers in the state to withdraw services beginning on Wednesday. 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 statement, Sunday James, chairperson of NLC in the state, said the actions of the petrol marketers have worsened the plights of the impoverished workers in the state. He had called on the state government to intervene, a plea the government honoured hours after the statement surfaced on social media. Security Trust Fund Board of Trustees Mr Eno has also constituted the Security Trust Fund Board of Trustees, with Pual Usoro, a former President of the Nigerian Bar Association, as its chairperson. The committees vice chairperson is Uwem Okoko, a civil engineer and managing director of Hensek Integrated Service. READ ALSO: Akwa Ibom journalists hold media stakeholders summit The committees other members are Kingsley Umoh, a retired colonel who serves as secretary, Raymond Abia, and Asuquo Ita. The two newly constituted committees would be inaugurated on Friday, the secretary to the state government said. Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print The police on Thursday arraigned Usman Abubakar, a cattle breeder, in an Iyaganku Magistrates Court in Ibadan, Oyo State, for allegedly damaging a maize farm worth N15 million. Mr Abubakar was charged with forcible entry and malicious damage, to which he pleaded not guilty. The prosecutor, Anthony Igori, told the court that the defendant committed the offences on 20 September, at about 8 p.m., at Sublime Agro Business Farm in Ido Local Government of Oyo State. Mr Igori, an assistant superintendent of police, said the defendant damaged 50 acres of the maize farm with his cattle, belonging to the Sublime Agro Business Farm. He said the offences contravened Sections 81 and 451 of the Criminal Laws of Oyo State, 2000. The Magistrate, Olaolu Olanipekun, granted the defendant bail in the sum of N5 million with two sureties in like sum. He adjourned the case until 28 November for a hearing. 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) Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print The Senate on Thursday at plenary confirmed the appointment of Olukemi Iyantan as a commissioner in the National Population Commission (NPC), representing Ondo State. Mrs Iyantans confirmation is sequel to adoption of recommendation of the report of Committee on National Identity Card and National Population. The Chairman of the Committee, Abdul Ningi (PDP, Bauchi Central) said that the recommendation for her appointment was based on her credentials made available to the committee. Mr Ningi said that the nominee deserved the appointment and should be confirmed by the Senate, given her pedigree and public service record. The Senate accordingly dissolved into Committee of the Whole for clause by clause consideration and confirmation of appointment of Mrs Iyantan as commissioner of the National Population Commission from Ondo State. The Deputy President of the Senate, Barau Jibrin (APC-Kano), who presided over the plenary, urged her to join other commissioners and chairman of NPC to advance the commission. (NAN) 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 BAKU, Azerbaijan, September 26. Cooperation between Israel and Azerbaijan continues to grow, also in the field of defense industries, Israeli Ambassador to Azerbaijan George Deek shared in a post on his X page, Trend reports. "AS Holdings and its subsidiary, Ari Armsan international company specializing in the manufacturing and development of NATO-standard light armssigned a strategic Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) today with Azersilah, a state-owned company under Azerbaijans Ministry of Defense Industry. This invaluable partnership brings the countries closer, fostering co-development and joint efforts to enhance independence and national security. The signing ceremony was attended by representatives from various ministries, agencies, and officials," the publication says. The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has threatened to use 10 per cent Internally Generated Revenue due to the six Area Councils of the FCT to settle striking teachers entitlements. Mr Wike issued the threat in Abuja on Thursday, while responding to journalists on the FCT Administrations intervention on the impasse between the primary school teachers and the six area councils of the FCT. The FCT Wing of the Nigerian Union of Teachers (NUT) on 18 September resumed industrial action over unresolved welfare issues between it and the six area councils of the territory. The strike is a continuation of earlier ones suspended by the union in October 2023 and in January 2024. Reacting to the development, the minister said he had invited the chairmen of the area councils and the NUT leaders to find a way out. We have tried to do what we could to see the system was moving well. It is, however, unfortunate that the teachers are still on strike. It is very unfortunate. Article Page with Financial Support Promotion Nigerians need credible journalism. Help us report it. Support journalism driven by facts, created by Nigerians for Nigerians. Our thorough, researched reporting relies on the support of readers like you. Help us maintain free and accessible news for all with a small donation. Every contribution guarantees that we can keep delivering important stories no paywalls, just quality journalism. SUPPORT NOW x Do this later If the teachers are not paid, I will use the 10 per cent of IGR which we normally pay to the area councils to pay the teachers. I will not fold my hands and allow that to happen. No serious government will see their teachers stay at home and their children are suffering. I will not tolerate that; I wont, the minister said Some of the unresolved issues are non-payment of 60 per cent of the 25 months old minimum wage arrears, and non-implementation and payment of 25 per cent and 35 per cent salary increase. Others are non-implementation and payment of 40 per cent peculiar allowance, non-payment of the N35,000 wage award arrears and the non-implementation of the template on outstanding entitlements of teachers as agreed in 2022. The union said that the FCT Minister had earlier intervened and promised to pay 40 per cent of the outstanding 25 months minimum wage arrears. As part of the resolution for suspending the strike, the six area councils were expected to pay the remaining 60 per cent of the minimum wage arrears. The teachers acknowledged that Mr Wike had redeemed the 40 per cent pledge, while the area councils chairmen have not fulfilled their part of the agreement. (NAN) Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print President Bola Tinubu has saluted David Oyedepo, founder of the Living Faith Church Worldwide and presiding bishop of Faith Tabernacle, on his 70th birthday on 27 September.. In a tribute signed by him, President Tinubu rejoiced with the entire Body of Christ, members of the Winners Chapel, home and abroad, and the family of the charismatic and visionary leader on the milestone, which deserves all the recognition and honour. The president affirmed the septuagenarians worthy legacies in grooming leaders across all sectors of the economy who are inspired by the wisdom of the scriptures. He noted Mr Oyedepos and his churchs remarkable impact on millions through educational and health institutions. President Tinubu praised the influence of the highly resourceful and respected religious leader by teaching the Word of Faith, which has stimulated the entrepreneurial spirit and reawakened a new movement for growth in Nigeria, Africa and beyond. The president believes Bishop Oyedepo has consistently brought glory to the country with his teachings, publications, and World-Wide Missionary service and sought the betterment of the people by counselling leaders in the private and public sectors. President Tinubu shared the joy of celebrations with the presiding bishop, his wife, Faith Abiola, and all the biological and spiritual children. He prayed to God for greater heights in the ministry. 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 president also prayed for the renowned preachers physical, mental, and spiritual well-being as he continues to serve the nation and humanity. Bayo Onanuga Special Adviser to the President (Information and Strategy) September 26, 2024 Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has filed fresh corruption charges against former Kogi State governor, Yahaya Bello, who is still being wanted for an earlier money laundering case. EFCC accuses Mr Bello in the fresh case of dishonestly diverting more than N110 billion from the Kogi State Governments treasury while he was governor for eight years. The fresh case was filed at the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) High Court in Abuja on Tuesday. It adds to the legal troubles of Mr Bello, who has been elusive, shunning summons regarding an earlier money laundering case involving alleged diversion of more than N80 billion pending against him at the Federal High Court in Abuja. The new case has 16 counts, with two other persons Umar Shuaibu Oricha and Abdulsalami Hudu charged as co-defendants. The charges include criminal breach of trust involving alleged diversion of more than N110 billion entrusted in Mr Bellos care as Kogi State governor. The anti-graft agency said Mr Bello and his co-defendants diverted this fund in 2016, his first year in office. It also alleged in various counts that Mr Bello dishonestly acquired for himself properties located in choice areas of Abuja and one in Dubai, the United Arab Emirates (UAE), with funds he allegedly diverted from the state governments treasury. For instance, the commission said the former Kogi State governor took N100 million from the governments treasury to buy himself a property at 1160 Cadastral Zone C03, Gwarimpa II, Abuja, in 2021. 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 alleged he bought another property at 35, Danubi Street, Maitama, Abuja, for himself with N950 million belonging to the state in 2023. He allegedly bought another one at 2, Justice Chukwudifu Oputa Street, Asokoro, Abuja, with N920 million belonging to the state in 2020. In another count, the commission alleged that Mr took N100 million from the Kogi State Government to buy himself a property known as Block D, Manzini Street, Wuse Zone 4, Abuja. The amounts alleged in the case are significant for a poor state like Kogi. The fresh case significantly raises the stakes in EFCCs efforts to bring Mr Bello to court, with the former governor continuing fighting hard to stave off trial. Trial enmeshed in dramas EFCCs move to prosecute Mr Bello has been marked by dramas both within and outside the courtroom. This includes a recent controversial surrender by Mr Bello, which the EFCC curiously rejected, followed by a shootout during a failed arrest attempt by the agencys operatives at the Kogi State Government Lodge in Asokoro, Abuja. In April, a similar spectacle unfolded when EFCC operatives attempted to apprehend him at his residence in Abuja. At the time, police officers attached to the house obstructed the EFCC operatives bid to arrest him based on a court order. The standoff between the two sides had continued until Mr Bellos successor, Governor Usman Ododo, suddenly emerged in his official convoy, aiding his escape. Mr Bello snubbed the trial court the following day, prompting the EFCC to declare him wanted. He has skipped subsequent scheduled arraignment sittings at the Federal High Court in Abuja. Wednesday marked the seventh occasion he snubbed the court since the EFCCs initial attempt to arraign him on the N80 billion money laundering charges in April. To halt the trial, Mr Bello has pursued various legal avenues. He wrote to the Chief Judge of the Federal High Court to transfer the case from Abuja to Lokoja, the Kogi State capital. He filed a series of applications, urging the trial judge, Emeka Nwite, to stop the trial. He filed a fundamental human rights case and a contempt case at the Kogi State High Court. He also filed appeals at the Court of Appeal in Abuja to stop the trial. All of these efforts failed, with the Court of Appeal in Abuja affirming the EFCCs authority to prosecute him and ordering him to surrender to the Federal High Court for arraignment in its judgements delivered in July and August. Despite these rulings, Mr Bello once again failed to appear in court for his re-scheduled arraignment on Wednesday, with his lawyer citing a new appeal filed at the Supreme Court challenging the Court of Appeals judgement. Properties he allegedly bought dishonestly with Kogi States funds and amount are as alleged in the new case are as follows: 1. Block 18 (337) flat B Gwelo Street, Wuse Zone 4, Abuja Acquired in 2016: N60 million 2. No 9, Benghazi Street, Wuse Zone 4, Abuja Renovated in 2017: N310,443,450. 3. No 739, Aminu Kano Crescent, Wuse 2 at No. 13 Citiscape Sharriff Plaza, Abuja Acquired in 2020: N66 million 4. No 2934A, Cadastral Zone A06, also known as No 1, Ikogosi Spring Close, Maitama District, Abuja. Acquired in 2020: N550 million 5. No 2, Justice Chukwudifu Oputa Street, Asokoro, Abuja Acquired in 2020: N100 million 6. Property known as No 1058, measuring about 1450.77sqm in Cadastral Zone A08, Wuse 2, also known as No 2, Durban Street, Abuja Acquired in 2021: N650 million 7. No 1160, Cadastral Zone CO3, Gwarimpa II District, Abuja Acquired in 2021: N100 million in 2021 8. Property located at Hotel Apartment Community, Burj Khalifa, located at Plot 160, Municipality No 345 7562, Sky View Building No. 401, Floor4, Dubai UAE Acquired in 2022: Dhs 5,698,888 (UAE dirham) 9. Block D, Manzini Street, Wuse Zone 4, Abuja Acquired in 2022: N170 million 10. No A02/176 Block 488B, Lome Street, Wuse 1, Abuja Acquired in 2020: N100 million 11. No. 1773, Guzape District, Abuja Acquired in 2018: N100 million 12. No: 35 Danube Street, Maitama District, Abuja Acquired in 2023: N950 million The fresh 16 counts that were filed against Mr Bello and his two co-defendants below. In 2016 in Abuja, within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court agreed amongst yourselves to cause to be done an illegal act to wit: criminal breach of trust in respect of the total sum of N110, 446, 470, 089.00 (One Hundred and Ten Billion, Four Hundred and Forty six Million, Four Hundred and Seventy Thousand, Eighty Nine Naira) entrusted to you. In 2023, in Abuja, within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court, whilst having dominion over the states treasury, dishonestly used the total sum of N950,000,000.00 (Nine Hundred and Fifty Million Naira) for the acquisition of a property known as No: 35 Danube Street, Maitama District, Abuja. In 2021, in Abuja, within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court, whilst having dominion over the states treasury, dishonestly used the total sum of N100,000,000.00 (One Hundred Million Naira) for the acquisition of a property known as No: 1160 Cadastral Zone CO3,Gwarimpa II District, Abuja. In 2020, in Abuja, within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court, whilst having dominion over the states treasury, dishonestly used the total sum of N920,000,000.00 (Nine Hundred and Twenty Million Naira) for the acquisition of a property known as No: 2 Justice Chukwudifu Oputa Street, Asokoro, Abuja. In 2022, in Abuja, within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court, whilst having dominion over the states treasury, dishonestly used the total sum of N170,000,000.00 (One Hundred and Seventy Million Naira) for the acquisition of a property known as Block D Manzini Street, Wuse Zone 4, Abuja. In 2018 , in Abuja, within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court, whilst having dominion over the states treasury, dishonestly used the total sum of N100,000,000.00 (One Hundred Million Naira) for the acquisition of a property known as No: 1773 Guzape District, Abuja. In 2020, in Abuja, within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court, whilst having dominion over the states treasury, dishonestly used the total sum of N100,000,000.00 (One Hundred Million Naira) for the acquisition of a property known as No: A02/176 Block 488B, Lome Street, Wuse 1, Abuja. In 2020, in Abuja, within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court, whilst having dominion over the states treasury, dishonestly used the total sum of N66,000,000.00 (Sixty Six Million Naira) for the acquisition of a property known as No: 739 Aminu Kano Crescent, wuse 2 at No. 13 Citiscape Sharriff Plaza, Abuja. In 2020, in Abuja, within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court, whilst having dominion over the states treasury, dishonestly used the total sum of N550,000,000.00 (Five Hundred and Fifty Million Naira) for the acquisition of a property known as No: 2934A Cadastral Zone A06 also known as No.1 Ikogosi Spring Close, Maitama District, Abuja. In 2021, in Abuja, within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court, whilst having dominion over the states treasury, dishonestly used the total sum of N650,000,000.00 (Six Hundred and Fifty Million Naira) for the acquisition of a property known as No: 1058, Measuring about 1450.77sqm in Cadastral Zone A08, Wuse 2 also Known as NO.2 Durban Street Abuja. In 2022, in Abuja, within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court, whilst having dominion over the states treasury, dishonestly used the total sum of Five Million, Six Hundred and Ninety Eight Thousand, Eight Hundred and Eighty Eight Dirhams for the acquisition of a property located at Hotel Apartment Community: Burj Khalifa, lying, being and situate at Plot 160, Municipality NO 345 7562, Sky View Building No.401, Floor4, Dubai U.A.E. In 2016, in Abuja, within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court, whilst having dominion over the states treasury, dishonestly used the total sum of N60,000,000.00 (Sixty Million Naira) for the acquisition of a property known as Block 18 (337) flat B Gwelo Street, Wuse Zone 4, Abuja. In 2017, in Abuja, within the jurisdiction of this Honorable Court, whilst having dominion over the states treasury, dishonestly used the total sum of N310,443,450.00 (Three Hundred and Ten Million, Four Hundred and Forty Three Thousand, four Hundred and fifty Naira) to tastefully renovate a property known as No: 9 Benghazi Street, Wuse Zone 4, Abuja. In 2021, in Abuja, within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court, whilst having dominion over the states treasury, dishonestly sent the total sum of $570,330.00 (Five Hundred and Seventy Thousand, Three Hundred and Thirty United State Dollars) to account No. 4266644272 Domiciled with TD Bank, United State of America. In 2021, in Abuja, within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court, whilst having dominion over the states treasury, dishonestly sent the total sum of $556,265.00 (Five Hundred and Fifty Six Thousand, Two Hundred and Sixty Five United State Dollars) to account No. 4266644272 Domiciled with TD Bank, United State of America. Between 2017 and 2018, in Abuja, within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court, had under your control the total sum of N677, 848,000 (Six Hundred and Seventy Seven Million, Eight Hundred and Forty Eight Thousand Naira) unlawfully obtained from BESPOQUE BUSINESS SOLUTION LIMITED. Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print The United States ambassador to the United Nations, Linda Thomas-Greenfield, has joined the clamour for the release of Tigran Gambaryan, an executive of Binance, the worlds largest cryptocurrency exchange. Mr Gambaryan has been in detention in Nigeria since February. Ms Thomas-Greenfield made the request during a conversation with Nigerias Minister of Foreign Affairs, Yusuf Tugar, at the ongoing 79th Session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York. The US envoy remarked that the issue is of utmost importance for US diplomatic efforts. While further details regarding Gambaryans detention were not provided in the official readout, this issue underscores the complexities of international relations and the role that diplomacy plays in protecting U.S. citizens abroad, the envoy added. Mr Gambaryan, his colleague Nadeem Anjarwalla and Binance have been accused in Nigeria of laundering more than $35 million after authorities said the transactions conducted via their cryptocurrency platform contributed largely to the slump of the naira. Mr Anjarwalla, who was seized alongside the former US Federal agent, escaped detention earlier in the year. 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 A couple of illustrious US diplomats, including Secretary of State Anthony Blinken, have sought Mr Gambaryans release in private chats with top Nigerian Government officials, according to the New York Times. They include President Bola Tinubu, Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy Wale Edun and Minister of Justice and Attorney General of the Federation Lateef Fagbemi. Mr Gambaryan has been experiencing failing health in custody; his wife said in August, when she raised the alarm, that the deteriorating state of the herniated disc in his back could cause irreparable harm that could render her husband lame for life. As he is bed-bound, he is taking blood thinners to avoid blood clots, and the prison doctor has said that his muscles have atrophied, the family stated last month. Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print The National Chairperson of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), Edozie Njoku, on Wednesday, threatened to suspend Governor Charles Soludo of Anambra State over alleged anti-party activities. Mr Njoku made the remarks after attending a proceeding at the Federal High Court in Abuja in a suit filed by some persons allegedly sponsored by Mr Soludo against the party. He said that 80 per cent of the APGA hierarchy had agreed to suspend the governor and others for alleged anti-party activities. He said the party would announce others names to sanitise and instil discipline, decorum, and orderliness in the party. Remember what the Chairman of the APGA BoT said, that we, the National Working Committee (NWC) of the party, should take action so that we dont look like toothless bulldogs. One of those people to be suspended is the governor, and Im saying, are we going to suspend the only governor we have? But if the only governor we have is pretending or playing to the gallery, making these honest people go in and commit anti-party activities, we must nip this in the bud, he said. Article Page with Financial Support Promotion Nigerians need credible journalism. Help us report it. Support journalism driven by facts, created by Nigerians for Nigerians. Our thorough, researched reporting relies on the support of readers like you. Help us maintain free and accessible news for all with a small donation. Every contribution guarantees that we can keep delivering important stories no paywalls, just quality journalism. SUPPORT NOW x Do this later According to Mr Njoku, the suit filed was aimed at securing an interim injunction for INEC to stop recognising him (Njoku) as the authentic national chairperson of APGA. Unfortunately for them, the court presided over by Justice James Omotosho had refused to grant the application, insisting that they must put the national chairman of APGA and others on notice, he said. He alleged that Mr Soludo had thwarted every move by the Supreme Court and INEC to recognise the NWC to restore peace in the party. If you remember, just about a week ago or two weeks ago, we just left the Court of Appeal, where a stay was applied at the Court of Appeal to stop me from being recognised by INEC. Despite the fact that the Supreme Court said in their own words that the removal of Chief Edozie Njoku as national chairman of APGA is not justiciable, they still came to court. They went to Awka and filed a suit. Suddenly, the judge in Awka was very smart, and he pulled out of it. They came to the Federal High Court again. They filed another one behind our back. They were applying for an interim injunction behind the back of the national chairman of the party, behind the back of APGA, behind the back of the orders of the Court of Appeal. They went forward behind the back of APGA and INEC, and INEC has written that everything they said is not true, he said. He said if a suit would be filed in court, it must be backed by the authority of the party. Background APGA has been facing a leadership crisis, which has split the party into two factionsone led by Mr Njoku and the other, which Governor Soludo backs, led by Sly Ezeokenwa. The Anambra State Government last month sealed the state office of the faction led by Mr Njoku. The building in Udoka Housing Estate, Awka, also houses the campaign office of the 2023 Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi. (NAN) Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print A group within the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Abia State has accused the PDP National Working Committee (NWC) of deliberately sabotaging and neglecting the party in the state. The group, the Rebranded Abia PDP Forum, said the alleged sabotage and negligence was part of a grand plot with an unnamed opposition party in Abia and a member of the PDPs Board of Trustees to destroy the party. The group, on Monday, submitted a protest letter to the Acting National Chairperson of the PDP, Umaru Damagun, and other members of the NWC. This is contained in a statement forwarded to PREMIUM TIMES by a former Commissioner for Information in Abia State, John Kalu, on Wednesday. Our grouse The PDP group said they were shocked that the national leadership of the party had not done anything to address an existing leadership vacuum in the state chapter of the party. It specifically said the partys national leadership had not constituted a caretaker committee to supervise the partys affairs in the state more than two months after a court injunction was issued against the partys State Working Committee (SWC). The court injunction, according to the statement, was also against the conduct of PDPs state congress. 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 argued that the PDP national leadership ought to have constituted a caretaker committee for the party in the state pending the exhaustion of the court processes. Meanwhile, the PDP has announced the constitution of a caretaker committee for the party in Abia State. The announcement came on Monday, shortly after the Abia PDP Forum submitted the protest letter to the partys national leadership. PDP national leaders not supporting Abia chapter of the party Speaking to reporters after submitting the protest letter on Monday, Mr Kalu alleged that the PDP national leadership has not been supporting the state chapter of the party. The PDP chieftain said the PDP national leadership appears to be playing a script aimed at polarising and paralysing the party in the state. He gave an instance of the alleged negligence by saying the PDP national leadership did not intervene during an over 10-month battle to get party member Aaron Uzodike inaugurated as a lawmaker in Abia State. Despite this long battle, we did not receive any support from the NWC of our party even after repeatedly briefing them on the matter. Not even a single press statement came from the NWC to condemn the (state) governors action and join us to pressure him to do the right thing, Mr Kalu said. Continuing, he said: As If that was not enough, it is now more than two months since some fifth columnists were sponsored to obtain a court injunction against the partys congress in Abia. READ ALSO: PDP constitutes caretaker committee for Abia chapter No effort to vacate the court injunction Mr Kalu expressed worry that local elections in the state had been scheduled for November, but the PDP members had yet to buy nomination forms. At the moment, there is even no known effort by the NWC to vacate the obnoxious court injunction and also punish the infiltrators who took the party to court for not first utilising the internal conflict resolution mechanisms of the party, in line with our constitution, he said. Instead, all we hear from the rumour mill is that there are members of the NWC and Board of Trustees involved in the destabilisation agenda. PDP silent The national spokesperson of the PDP, Debo Oluganagba, did not respond to calls seeking his comments. Mr Ologunagba was yet to respond to a WhatsApp message seeking his comments as of the time of filing this report. Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has launched an initiative to curb drug abuse in schools nationwide. NAFDAC disclosed this on its X handle on Wednesday. The Catch Them Young initiative. aims to educate secondary school students about the dangers of drug abuse and substandard products, empowering them to make informed decisions. The programme aims to raise awareness and equip students to resist peer pressure, avoid illicit drugs, and focus on their education for a better future, NAFDAC said. According to the agency, the launch event was held at Government Secondary School, Tudun Wada in Abuja, adding that it also inaugurated its Consumer Safety Club (NCSC). The NAFDAC Director-General, Mojisola Adeyeye, a pharmacist was represented by her Special Adviser, Gbenga Fajemirokun. Mrs Adeyeye stressed that educating students about the risks associated with drug abuse is crucial. 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 principal of Government Secondary School, Tudun Wada, Joseph Akoh, and NAFDAC officials urged students to speak up if theyre pressured to use drugs. They also shed light on the devastating health and life consequences of drug abuse. Drug abuse in Nigeria Drug abuse, also known as substance abuse, refers to the harmful or excessive use of drugs, including illicit drugs, prescription medications, over-the-counter medications, alcohol, and tobacco. This harmful use can lead to physical dependence, addiction, and severe health consequences. Drug abuse takes various forms, including experimental use, recreational use, medicinal misuse, and addiction. Experimental use involves trying drugs out of curiosity, while recreational use involves using drugs for pleasure or social purposes. Medicinal misuse occurs when individuals take prescription medications for non-medical reasons. In 2022, the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crimes (UNODC) reported that 14.4 per cent of Nigerians are involved in drug abuse. The report revealed that the age group involved in the practice are the people between the ages of 15 and 64. It further revealed that the percentage accounts for approximately 14.3 million individuals, grappling with drug abuse. This alarming statistic underscores the urgent need for comprehensive measures to address the countrys burgeoning substance abuse problem. Health implication of drug abuse The National Institute of Drug Abuse (NIDA) stated that drug abuse could have a number of health implications on its users. NIDA said drug addiction can have far-reaching and debilitating consequences on an individuals physical and mental health adding that long-term substance abuse can lead to a multitude of health issues, including chronic diseases, mental health conditions, and neurological damage. These health implications can significantly impact an individuals quality of life and, if left untreated, can be life-threatening. It further explained that specific substances can cause distinct health issues. For example, tobacco smoke is a well-established cause of various cancers, while methamphetamine use can lead to severe dental problems, commonly known as meth mouth. Inhalants can damage or destroy nerve cells in the brain and peripheral nervous system, causing long-term neurological damage. Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print Russia reserves the right to use nuclear weapons in the event of aggression, Russian President Vladimir Putin said. Such conditions include if the enemy, using conventional weapons, poses a critical threat to Russias sovereignty, Mr Putin said at a Security Council meeting on nuclear deterrence. At the meeting, Mr Putin called for updating the foundations of Russias state policy on nuclear deterrence, adding that it must be adapted to the current realities. Mr Putin noted that aggression against Russia by any non-nuclear state, but with the participation or support of a nuclear state, is proposed to be considered as a joint attack on the country. He added that Russia would consider using nuclear weapons upon receiving reliable information about the massive launch of aerospace attack weapons. This would include strategic or tactical aircraft, cruise missiles, drones, hypersonic and other aircraft across Russias border, he said. Mr Putin noted that all clarifications on the current deterrence policy are carefully calibrated and proportionate to modern military threats and risks against Russia. 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 country has also taken a highly responsible approach to the use of nuclear forces. (Xinhua/NAN) Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) says the troops of Operation Delta Safe destroyed 897 illegal refining sites across the Niger Delta region in the third quarter of the year. The Director of Defence Media Operations, Edward Buba, made this known on Thursday in Abuja while briefing reporters on the armed forces operations. Mr Buba, a major-general, said the troops also destroyed 370 wooden boats and recovered 48 assorted weapons and 672 assorted ammunitions during the period. He said the troops also apprehended 447 people involved in crude oil theft and rescued 48 kidnapped victims, as well as recovered 12.1 million litres of stolen crude oil, 2.6 million litres of AGO, 6,970 litres of DPK, and 31,450 litres of PMS. According to him, troops of Operation Delta Safe maintained momentum against crude oil theft during the third quarter of the year. The air component conducted air interdictions on several illegal crude oil refining sites during the period, destroying over 100 of such sites, boats, vehicles, among other equipment, he said. In the South-east, Mr Buba said troops of Operation UDO , killed 180 combatants, apprehended 354 IPOB/ESN fighters and rescued 148 kidnapped hostages. 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 said the troops recovered 28 AK-47 rifles, 44 pump action guns, 58 assorted arms, and 3,456 rounds of 7.62mm special, among others. According to him, troops apprehended high-profile members of IPOB/ESN at Agwu Local Government Area of Enugu State and several others who he said were assisting in the ongoing investigation. Mr Buba said the ongoing counter-terrorism and counter-insurgency operations across the country had prioritised the killing of terrorist leadership and the destruction of terror infrastructure. Accordingly, troops are effectively attacking terrorist leaders, commanders, combatants, as well as their rank and file operatives. All through the stretch of the third quarter of the year, synchronised bombardment by air and ground forces, significantly diminished terrorist military capabilities and network. On the whole, troops are keeping pressure on terrorists until they are totally defeated. We are focused on destroying both their military capability as well as their will to fight. Lastly, we are attacking any threat we identify, and removing it, he said. (NAN) Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print The House of Representatives has resolved to investigate the alleged payment of a N15 million bribe to EFCC officials by controversial crossdresser Idris Okuneye, known as Bobrisky. The lower chamber mandated its committees on Financial Crimes and Reformatory Institutions to probe the allegation. This resolution followed a motion of urgent public importance moved on Thursday by Patrick Umoh. The Allegation PREMIUM TIMES reported that the EFCC arrested Bobrisky on six counts of money laundering and Naira mutilation in April. During his trial at the Federal High Court in Lagos, the judge, Abimbola Awogboro, dismissed the money laundering charges (counts five and six) but sentenced Bobrisky to six months in prison for Naira abuse. However, a little over a month after his release, Martins Otse, also known as VeryDarkMan, posted on his Instagram page Tuesday a leaked audio of the crossdresser narrating what transpired during his six-month jail term. In the audio, Bobrisky can be heard discussing with a friend how some EFCC officials collected N15 million from him to drop the money laundering charges. 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 VeryDarkMan said he released the audio after Bobrisky refused to repay N4 million to one of the persons he approached for the N15 million. On Tuesday night, the EFCC Chairman, Ola Olukoyede, in a statement obtained by this newspaper, ordered an immediate investigation into the bribery allegations. Mr Olukoyede further asked Bobrisky and VeryDarkMan to make themselves available at its Lagos Directorate to assist investigators in unearthing the alleged bribery. PREMIUM TIMES also reported that the interior minister ordered a separate investigation into Bobriskys allegation that he bribed prison officials so he could stay out of prison during his incarceration. The Motion In the motion, Mr Umoh (APC, Akwa Ibom) recounted the bribery saga to his colleagues, stating that if the allegation against the EFCC were true, it could tarnish the governments anti-corruption efforts. Mr Umoh said Bobrisky was also heard boasting in an audio clip about bribing prison officials. He said he was worried about the negative image and portrayal of Nigeria as a corrupt nation, and Nigerias struggle to redeem itself from such a perception. When the Speaker, Abbas Tajudeen, put the motion to a vote, the lawmakers voted in support of it. Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print BAKU, Azerbaijan, September 26. Azerbaijani Foreign Minister Jeyhun Bayramov met with Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Angola Tete Antonio within the framework of participation in the high-level week of the 79th session of the United Nations General Assembly on September 25, 2024, Trend reports. According to information, during the meeting, the prospects of bilateral and multilateral cooperation between the two countries, as well as preparations for the 29th session of the Conference of the Parties to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP29), were discussed. Noting that cooperation with African countries is an integral part of our country's foreign policy, Jeyhun Bayramov mentioned that during Azerbaijan's chairmanship of the Non-Aligned Movement, opportunities for cooperation with many African countries, including Angola, have emerged. The importance of using the mechanism of political consultations between Azerbaijan and Angola was emphasized in terms of discussing the prospects of the development of bilateral and multilateral ties in economic, trade, and humanitarian spheres. The meeting also featured an exchange of views on other issues of mutual interest. A foundation focused on women empowerment, Adinya Arise Foundation (AAF), has called for urgent action to close the menstrual health gap, especially in the Borno flood crisis. The groups Executive Director, Mabel Ade, made this known in a statement on Wednesday. The group said the flood in Maiduguri, Bornos capital, has left countless families stranded, with many cut off from basic necessities. She said: Among the hardest hit are women and girls, whose menstrual health and hygiene needs are often overlooked in emergency situations, With food supplies dwindling, access to clean water limited, and sanitation facilities damaged, many of these women face unimaginable challenges. Pregnant women, trapped in waterlogged areas for days, have delivered in unsanitary conditions, and others have suffered miscarriages due to the harsh and dehumanising circumstances. Borno floods The severe flooding that occurred in Maiduguri, the Borno State capital, on 10 September has killed over 30 people and affected more than one million others, according to the authorities. 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 Multiple sources confirmed that the incident was caused by the collapse of the Alau Dam on the Ngadda River in the state. It has been described as the worst flood disaster the state has ever experienced since the dam collapsed three decades ago. Menstrual health gap Ms Ade noted that the flood exacerbated the plight of menstruating women and girls who have no access to sanitary pads, clean underwear, or water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) facilities. She said: For these women, the lack of menstrual hygiene products adds a layer of indignity and discomfort to an already dire situation. Periods do not stop in emergencies, and yet, in times of crisis, the specific needs of women and girls are often deprioritised. The absence of adequate menstrual health management in these affected areas increases the risk of infection, physical discomfort, and emotional distress, leaving many to manage their periods with improvised, unhygienic materials. Call to action According to the foundation, due to the magnitude of the flood, there is a need for broader support and coordinated action. It urged individuals, organisations, and the government to address the unique gender-specific challenges that menstruating women and girls face in the aftermath of this disaster. The group noted it is prepared to donate sanitary pads, detergents, sanitisers, and other hygiene products to the vulnerable persons, adding that such intervention can restore dignity to thousands of women and girls in Maiduguri. This is not just about meeting a basic need; it is about ensuring that womens health and rights are protected even in times of crisis. We cannot afford to let menstrual hygiene fall through the cracks of disaster response, she said. Rising cost of menstrual products Statistics show that about 37 million Nigerian women and girls cannot afford essential menstrual hygiene products. Though the Finance Bill signed by former President Muhammadu Buhari in 2020 exempted sanitary pads from Value Added Tax (VAT), it has hardly affected the products prices, increasing from an average of N450 in 2021 to N1,500 in 2024. Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print Ten elite Nigerian Navy warships have been deployed to take part in a special sea exercise aimed at tackling oil theft and other maritime crimes in the nations territorial waters. Saheed Akinwande, the flag officer commanding Eastern Naval Command, disclosed this to reporters during the flag-off of the operation, tagged Exercise Sea Guard 2024, on Thursday in Onne, Rivers State. He explained that the federal government has been fighting oil theft, sea robbery, sea piracy, and illegal foreign fishing, among others, for years, with several successes recorded. The flag officer noted that despite concerted efforts to curb maritime threats, they had persisted and significantly undermined economic activities in the country. The consequences of this prevailing insecurity prompted the Central Naval Command (CNC) and Eastern Naval Command (ENC) to initiate a joint, coordinated, and decisive action. This operation, tagged: Exercise Sea Guard 2024, aimed to deny criminals and economic saboteurs the freedom of action, thereby securing our maritime environment. Although maritime insecurity persists on a low scale, the Nigerian Navy believes it could escalate if not deliberately addressed with a resolute stance, he said. Article Page with Financial Support Promotion Nigerians need credible journalism. Help us report it. Support journalism driven by facts, created by Nigerians for Nigerians. Our thorough, researched reporting relies on the support of readers like you. Help us maintain free and accessible news for all with a small donation. Every contribution guarantees that we can keep delivering important stories no paywalls, just quality journalism. SUPPORT NOW x Do this later Mr Akinwande, a rear admiral, stated that 10 warships, two helicopters, Maritime Domain Awareness assets, and naval special forces drawn from the CNC and ENC would participate in the three-day exercise. This sea exercise, scheduled from 26 to 28 September, aims to secure the nations maritime environment through a sustained credible presence at sea for national prosperity. It will be used to assess the operational readiness of assigned ships in conducting evolutions such as anti-piracy and anti-crude oil theft operations, emergency drills, and fleet manoeuvres, he added. He explained that the Nigerian Navy would conduct the drill within Nigerias territorial waters under the CNC and ENC coverage areas. The officer expressed confidence that the naval expedition would directly or indirectly contribute to the much-needed economic recovery of the country. According to him, the nations maritime space, with its vast oil and gas reserves, aquatic resources, and the Blue Economy initiative, remained a critical avenue for national prosperity. As such, the Nigerian Navy is doing everything within its mandate to eliminate all forms of threats within Nigerias maritime space, he said. (NAN) Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print The United Nations has pointed out the inadequacy of measures to end torture and ill-treatment and enhance the conditions of detention in Nigeria, especially in police stations and other facilities of security forces. Shujune Muhammad, the head of delegation of the UN Subcommittee on Prevention of Torture (SPT), mave this call this when the team visited the country on 18 September. Facilities assessed included various detention facilities, including those for men, women, and children, police stations, criminal investigation departments, and facilities addressing drug and human trafficking. In a statement shared with PREMIUM TIMES, the delegation explained that the purpose of the visit is to determine the treatment of individuals in police custody and correctional facilities, including the nations progress in safeguarding human rights for those deprived of their liberty. The situation in most places of detention is abysmal. Legal safeguards must be immediately implemented, and the current impunity of perpetrators for acts of torture must end, he said. The delegation also regretted the lack of cooperation from Nigerian authorities, during and prior to the visit. We were confronted with a climate of hostility and faced access issues in several places of detention. But, the team argued that the visit and allowing it to exercise its mandate without obstruction is an international obligation under the Optional Protocol to the Convention against Torture (OPCAT), which the Nigerian authorities ratified in 2009. 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 anti-torture committee also expressed displeasure about the inability of the Nigerian government to establish a functional national preventive mechanism on dentention issues in the countrys criminal justice system. This, unfortunately, shows that the prevention of torture and ill-treatment is not taken seriously by the State party, and the horrific situation we have documented speaks to this, it said. Paper-tiger laws on torture In 2018, the United States Department of State observed that the failure of the Nigerian government to investigate and punish both state and non-state actors accused of human rights violations in the country has led to the entrenchment of abuses such as torture, illegal detention, human trafficking and sexual exploitations. The observation which covered various instances of human rights violation excoriated the Nigerian government for the political will to identify and prosecute perpetrators of rights abuses despite passing laws and other legislation to check these violations. Meanwhile, the situation keeps deteriorating. For instance, Amnesty International recorded a widespread police brutality during the 2020 EndSars protest and the just-concluded #EndBadGovernance protests in Nigeria. This impunity festers not because of lack of appropriate laws to prosecute perpetrators but in most cases, the laws are rendered redundant due to lack of a political will to enforce them. Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print A bill seeking to establish the Nigeria Mines Rangers Service (NMRS) has passed the second reading at the Senate. The outfit will be empowered to secure mining sites, curb illegal mining activities and enforce environmental compliance. The bill was sponsored by Onawo Ogoshi (PDP, Nasarawa South). It was read the second time in the Senate and was referred to the Committee on Solid Minerals. The Deputy Senate President, Barau Jibrin, who presided over the plenary directed the committee to report back to the Senate in one week. The motion Mr Ogoshi, while leading a debate on the bill, stressed the need to establish a specialised security agency charged to secure the mining sector. He said the objectives of the bill include monitoring and enforcing compliance with mining regulations, and collaborating with other government agencies to combat illegal mining. 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 senator noted that the bill would stimulate economic growth through job creation, boost revenue generation, and ensure sustainable mining practices. The proposed piece of legislation has been painstakingly developed and streamlined to curb illegal mining, thereby providing avenues for harnessing the vast mineral resources in Nigeria. The bill is a bold legislative step geared towards the diversification of our economy by de-emphasising monolithic focus on oil as the main source of the countrys revenue, he said. Majority of the senators supported the bill. Debate Orji Kalu (APC, Abia North) said Nigeria loses approximately $15.9 billion annually to illegal mining, stressing that the NMRS could help curb these losses. Mr Kalu also suggested that the agency be armed to ensure effective enforcement. Binos Yaroe (PDP, Adamawa South) noted that the bill would enable the security outfit to patrol in mining areas to curb insecurity and protect mining sites from exploitation. The Senate Chief Whip, Tahir Monguno, stressed the need to diversify the economy, noting that the mining sector has long been neglected and needs revitalisation. The mining sector has degenerated, the establishment of this agency will go a long way of nipping in the bud illegal mining, he said. Responding, Mr Jibrin, said there is a need to stop the mining sites from exploitation. READ ALSO: Senate approves 2024 FCT supplementary budget of N288bn He said it would also fight against banditry and other forms of terrorism. We need special security arrangements in the mining sector which this bill is proposing. It will also help to combat banditry because one of the recently killed notorious bandits, was just a security guard to miners, later turned to miner himself and added banditry to it. He had a lot of mining sites where he carried out illegal mining. The proposed law for a special security outfit for the mining sector is very apt because it will also help to identify criminals, the deputy senate president said. Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print The Initiative Against Human Rights Abuse and Torture, a civil society organisation, has called for the release of all detainees arrested in connection with the August #EndBadGovernance protests. In a statement shared with PREMIUM TIMES on Thursday, the coordinator of the group, Gerald Katchy, said the police are only struggling to find crimes to charge the protesters with. Mr Katchy noted that waving Russian flags for which some of the protesters were arrested was not a crime. The charges are even more flimsy for the hundred or so people who are still being held at the Inspector General of Polices IRT offices and Kuje prison. The police case is even weaker for the approximately 104 detainees still held at their Intelligence Response Team (IR) offices and Kuje prison in Abuja in connection with EndBadGovernance protests, he said. The detainees were accused of other serious crimes including terrorism and treason, a development many have condemned as an extreme step to criminalise exercise of constitutionally guaranteed right to protest. The group, therefore, asked the police to release all the protesters detained over the August protests. 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 said the detainees include at least 17 underage persons who have spent some days in police custody before securing a court order to detain them for an additional 60 days. Curiously, the Federal High Court in Abuja granted an order remanding the underage persons along with the adults for 60 days. The rights group also called on other organisations to join the campaign to call on the police and other security agencies to respect the right of the people to freely express their rejection of the obnoxious policies of President Tinubu. Govt prosecuting EndBadGovernance protesters Nigerians across different cities took to the streets demanding an end to bad governance and high cost of living in the first 10 days of August. The nationwide protests turned violent in some cities where police tear-gassed protesters and hundreds of others in connection with the protest. Security operatives also clamped down on journalists who covered the demonstration. The Nigerian government is currently prosecuting 10 protesters arrested in connection with last months demonstrations on charges of war plotting and an attempt to topple President Bola Tinubu. The trial court granted them bail but not all of them have met the bail conditions to be released. Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print The Ekiti State Governor, Biodun Oyebanji, on Thursday, pledged to guarantee press freedom, saying that his administration would not gag or intimidate media practitioners in the state. The governor noted that the role of free media in the development of the nations democracy is unquantifiable, adding that journalists have been critical to his administration in the last twenty-three months in his shared prosperity agenda for the state. Mr Oyebanji spoke in Ado-Ekiti, during the annual public lecture organised by the Correspondents Chapel of the Nigeria Union of Journalists in Ekiti State. The governor, represented by the Commissioner for Information, Taiwo Olatunbosun, said his administration, since inception in 2022, has invested in key sectors of the economy, including infrastructure, human capital development, agriculture and industrialization. He said an enabling environment has been provided for private investors to operate and contribute to the development of the state, saying this necessitated the coming to the agriculture and hospital sectors by Cavista Holdings. He said: We will continue to promote the principle of inclusiveness which has been the hallmark of our administration since 2022. We have been committed to our six-point agenda which has seen us meeting the needs and aspirations of the people. We are trying to make an Ekiti destination of investment and that is the reason we are calling on private individuals and organizations to partner with the state government towards achieving economic prosperity in the state. 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 will continue to encourage free speech in Ekiti and let me say that since the inception of this administration, we have not recorded any case of gagging or intimidation of the media; we believe in the role of the media in our society and democracy. The Correspondent Chapel has been supporting our administration, and I can say this everywhere. We know the value they are adding to us and will continue to support the media to be able to discharge their duties in Ekiti. Senator speaks On his part, the chairman of the event and Senator representing Ekiti Central, Opeyemi Bamidele, commended journalists for their support, noting that he would continue to support the media in the interest of society. Mr Bamidele, the Senate Leader for Nigerias 10th National Assembly, was represented at the event by his Senior Legislative Aide, Gbenga Banji. He urged the people to keep faith with the administration of President Bola Tinubu in his efforts to actualise his renewed hope agenda for the country. Delivering his keynote speech, the CEO of Cavista Holdings Limited, John Olajide, said his organisation has committed huge resources to the agriculture and hospitality sectors to achieve sustainable growth and development. According to him, the investments should have positive impacts on the communities where the company operates and the entire state as a whole. Thats why we have chosen Ekiti as a key location for our agribusiness and hospitality ventures. He said: Our investments in Agbeyewa Farm and Glocient Hospitality, owners of the Ikogosi Warm Spring Resort and Conference Centre, are designed to create jobs, stimulate economic growth, and showcase the beauty and potential of Ekiti. Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) had barely finished announcing the result of last Saturdays Edo governorship poll when I got a call to eat the humble pie. Senator Adams Oshiomhole, the man I called a product vendor in my last article, had pulled off another big one! Why? I had no dog in the fight. But I got the drift. I had warned that given Oshiomholes reputation for campaigning for candidates for whom he often ended up apologising, voters could hardly ignore the warning label on his candidate, Monday Okpebholo, and that, at any rate, if it wasnt that in politics, crime multiplies grace, Comrades factory should have been sealed or closed long ago. But he got this one, right? Okpebholo, who Oshiomhole carried on his back throughout the campaign, is now governor-elect. The Comrade is entitled to ask his critics to eat the humble pie. Fair enough. While I shop for the sugar-free variety, lets review the poll, starting with issues we might agree on. Powershift Rotation or zoning is still a crucial factor in politics. The two leading parties in the contest the All Progressives Congress (APC) and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) put forward candidates from Edo Central, which had not produced a governor before, except for the brief spell of Oserheimen Osunbor. The governor-elect, Okpebholo (APC), and his rival, Asue Ighodalo (PDP), are from this senatorial district. But the Labour Party thought differently: the party put forward Olumide Akpata from Edo South, which, apart from being the home of Governor Godwin Obaseki, had also produced more governors than any other. Akpata invited the fight to his crowded backyard. The first thing Saturdays election taught was that Edo people wanted power to shift elsewhere. Ighodalo may not have reaped the full benefit, but the result showed that he defeated Okpebholo in Edo Central, even though he currently represents this zone in the Senate. That lesson that zoning matters was lost on Labour, and it paid dearly for it. 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 Godfather Never Sleeps Godfathers matter, too. In elite circles and on TV discussion programmes, we can criticise godfathers and call them names, like I called Oshiomhole, a decorated vendor of lousy products. It doesnt matter, as the results of the poll have shown. The election was a contest of godfathers: Oshiomhole vs. Obaseki, each with a hefty trail of other godfathers lurking in the shadows. If godfathers didnt matter, Obaseki wouldnt go, like a thief in the night, accompanied by Ighodalo, to the Abuja private residence of the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, his interim godfather four years ago in a desperate attempt to curry favour. Complaining about the role of godfathers in our elections wont change anything. Party members or their sympathisers must be prepared to put their money and energy where their mouth is. Its a waste of time to disregard party funding and involvement in party organisation, only to complain at elections that Piper Godfathers are playing a disgusting tune. They will. Oshiomhole has redeemed himself as a preeminent product vendor and godfather of Edo politics. He has also retired Obaseki to Afrinvest or whatever may be left of his investment company. Theres a life lesson here, too: choose your fight. The question was not who Obaseki was fighting but who he was not fighting. He fought Oshiomhole, fought those who sheltered him from vagrancy four years ago, fought his deputy, fought relations of his deputy in the civil service, fought anyone remotely connected to Oshiomhole, fought the Palace, and fought anyone who advised him to stop fighting. Ultimately, hell have to deal with the echoes of what might have been alone. Over their Dead Body The poll tells us yet another thing something the PDP may learn over its dead body: that the division in the party that snatched its cap in 2023 may behead it sooner than later. The ruling APC has had problems, especially concerning the chairmans home troubles and the power tussle in the North Central. However, the gold for internal chaos must go to the PDP and the Labour Party. Even though PDP governors converged on Benin during the election to present a common front, the partys core the governors and its National Working Committee has been wracked by divisions. The same problem has split the Labour Party down the middle, with each partys faction claiming to be the authentic one. On Saturday, the candidates of both parties were, strictly speaking, political orphans struggling to get to shore from the parties sinking boats. Broken Saturday also cleared any doubts that voter apathy is an increasingly severe problem. In a state with a population of about 4.4 million and over half registered voters, voter turnout was 24.49 per cent. We have seen this trend in virtually every election. All that happens the day after is the parties and INEC trading blame. Until politicians restore trust and people begin to see elections as a viable means of making politicians accountable, the voter numbers will continue to drop. To make matters worse, elections have become warfare. For example, the ratio of voters to security personnel in the Edo election was 1:11. Ultimately, voters are either overwhelmed by indifference or lethargy or discouraged by fear. But who cares? Once the results are announced and the winner is declared, those who are displeased and have the money go to court. Voters go home until the next cycle. Adding Up Discrepancies between the figures on the election result viewer portal (iREV), the number of accredited voters, and what INEC finally announces remain a severe headache. The bimodal accreditation systems whole point was to reduce significant disputes over figures and make the process more transparent. Some progress has been made since Mike Tyson was on the voter roll, and palm kernel shells were improvised as thumbprints. Yet, its a considerable irony that the same system, which seemed to work well in 2020 and was praised by the PDP and independent monitors as a contributory factor for the polls success that year, was perhaps one of the most contentious in Saturdays vote. INEC must get its act together. Never Say, Never And finally, we saw again on Saturday that interests are the only thing permanent in politics. And Im not talking here about Philip Shaibu changing parties like underwear, although you would be right to cite that as a good example. Im talking about Ighodalo and what might have been. In case you missed it, Senator Babafemi Ojudu shared a viral message last week: Asue Ighodalo was a member of the Bola Ahmed Tinubu transition committee after he was elected Lagos State governor in 1999. In another life, Ighodalo, a dyed-in-the-wool Lagos Boy, might have been on Tinubus side, as Obaseki once was. What politics cannot divide does not exist. But who knows? Never say never. If lousy product vendors can get a second even a third life, you never know what the future holds. As they wrote on the tail of that famous mammy wagon to Eastern Nigeria many years ago: No condition is permanent! Azu Ishiekwene is the Editor-in-Chief of LEADERSHIP and author of the new book, Writing for Media and Monetising It. Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print He has been detained in the SSS facility for over two years now, and it cannot be predicted how long he will be kept there without trial. At this point, it is appropriate to call on the federal government and the new DG of SSS to either subject him to fair and accelerated trial or withdraw the charges against him and set him free. Mamu deserves no less. Since the arrest of the publisher of Desert Herald newspapers, Tukur Mamu, in September 2022, there was eerie silence in unexpected quarters. The Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ), Nigerian Guild of Editors (NUJ), International Press Centre (IPC), civil society organisation, among others, have all kept mum over his prolonged trial and detention, perhaps because of the weight of the allegations leveled against him. But why should we blink over advocacy for a fair trial as espoused in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UNHR)? Even if Mamu was not a journalist, it is our responsibility as journalists to advocate for a fair trial. Mamu was arrested alongside his two wives and one other person while in transit in Cairo enroute to Saudi Arabia for lesser hajj. Although nothing incriminating was found on him, the Interpol extradited him back to Nigeria. Apparently, the security agents had been working with their Nigerian counterparts because, in less than 24 hours after his arrest, Mamu was bundled back to Nigeria, straight into the waiting arms of State Security Service (SSS) operatives who had already taken positions at the Aminu Kano International Airport, Kano. From Kano, he was taken straight to Abuja. For the then Director General of SSS, Yusuf Magaji Bichi, it was time to demand a pound of flesh from someone whose newspaper, Desert Herald, was critical of him. Mamus Desert Herald has been critical of Bichis repression of critical voices, the opposition politicians, as well as involvement of his family in the affairs of the service. Since his arrest, Mamus tribulations have taken a turn for the worse. He is being held in the SSS underground bunker in Abuja, from where he is moved to court at intervals to answer some strange charges of terrorism financing and other related crimes slapped on him by the federal government. Unfortunately, Nigerian Sanctions Committee, the national body responsible for the implementation of United Nations Security Council Resolutions (UNSCRs), had listed Mamu among 15 individuals and bureau de change operators funneling funds to terrorists operating in Nigeria. Of the lot, Mamu happens to be the only known name. In response to queries as to what could have prompted his arrest, the SSS said in a statement that Mamu was a person of interest who was picked up following a request by Nigerias military, law enforcement and intelligence community to their foreign partners to bring back Mamu to the country to answer critical questions on ongoing investigations relating to some security matters in parts of the country. The question is why was Mamu not arrested or invited at the point of leaving Nigeria for the lesser hajj in Saudi Arabia? Meanwhile, at the time he was held in Cairo, the SSS stormed his residence and office in Kaduna to conduct searches. Nothing incriminating was found during the searches, except a set of military uniform belonging to his nephew (who is a serving military officer). In justifying the tag of terrorism financing hung on Mamus neck, the Nigerian Financial Intelligence Unit (NFIU) said he received and delivered ransom payments to the tune of $200,000 to ISWAP terrorists for the release of hostages of the Abuja-Kaduna train attack, which occurred in March 2022. 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 Determined to make sure that the unwholesome and unseemly label of terrorist financier sticks, the government accused Mamu of exchanging voice notes relating to the Abuja-Kaduna train hostages with one Baba Adamu, who is said to be a Boko Haram spokesperson. Mamu has vehemently denied all the allegations associating him with any allegiance to elements terrorising Nigeria. To bolster a point regarding Mamus patriotism, he was part of the Sheikh Ahmad Gumi-led team that traversed the forests and enclaves of kidnappers, bandits and other criminal elements to persuade them to lay down their arms and stop terrorising the people. The top Islamic cleric, who Mamu served as media consultant, has also been compelled to defend a man he claims to know too well. Gumi rightly believes that the Kaduna-based publisher does not in any way support acts of terrorism, and that the problem the Nigerian government currently has with Mamu was the outcome of a misunderstanding between both parties. And the cleric is not far from being correct. Mamu is a genuine patriot who will do nothing to undermine the peace and security of his country. This is the reality that his tormentors in government are yet to come to terms with. The misunderstanding that has resulted in his current travails stems from his role as a negotiator for the release of the hostages of the train attack held by the terrorists. This does not in any way qualify him as an agent of terrorists. Mamu is a media professional with strong views on issues that he is passionate about. A couple of times in the past he may have had a run-in with governmental authorities with regard to his media work, which is normal, especially when the individual in question is driven by principles. True, Mamu was the main man in the bid to get the hostages released, but his intention should not be misunderstood. His involvement in the negotiation for the release of the hostages was propelled by nothing but an undiluted sense of humanity. And he did that with the consent of the Nigerian authorities. His was an act of selfless service rendered by a citizen deeply troubled by the intense anxiety that had enveloped the country at the time as a result of the palpable danger in which some fellow compatriots found themselves in the forest, surrounded by a contingent of well-armed, ruthless terrorists. Moreover, even Western countries that abhor every facet of terrorism had, on some occasions, paid ransom and engaged local negotiators to secure the release of their citizens abducted by terrorists. It is also a trite fact that the Nigerian government paid ransom to secure the release of hostages. Mamu was honest and forthright in his engagement with the families of the hostages, and he dealt with the terrorists with the same evenhanded temperament in his effort to secure freedom for the hostages. Money exchanged hands in the process, no doubt from the families to Mamu, and on to the abductors. But it would be incorrect to conclude that because of his role as the link between the families of the hostages and their captors, Mamu is a collaborator or promoter of terrorism in Nigeria or elsewhere. It only takes a man of profound influence to play the role Mamu played in the unfortunate hostage drama. What he did was to parlay his connections to mediate between the parties involved to end the abduction. And instead of being made to face prosecution for this, he should rather be commended. He has been detained in the SSS facility for over two years now, and it cannot be predicted how long he will be kept there without trial. At this point, it is appropriate to call on the federal government and the new DG of SSS to either subject him to fair and accelerated trial or withdraw the charges against him and set him free. Mamu deserves no less. Jaafar Jaafar is a UK-based Nigerian journalist. Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print If youre now trying your hands on a new market, a newbie on the investment scene, or just dont have the time to go through so many strategies, then copy trading may be just what you need. With this strategic move, you can just shove all the hassles and complexities of trading to the corner and be on your way to achieving your financial goals. But what is copy trading and how can you get the return on investment you need with it? Stay with us as we give you the answers and more. The Basics of Copy Trading Explained When you hear of copy trading, this should come to mind an investment strategy where you can replicate the same trades that more experienced and successful traders make. True to its name, its simply copy and paste, which means that whatever results they get, you will get too. You should also know that three parties make copy trading possible: The provider: this is the trader/investor whose trades you and others will copy. The copier: if youre replicating the exact trades of another investor, then youre the copier. The broker: this is simply the platform where the provider and copier will connect. You should also note that theres no limit to what you can copy trade, whether commodities, stocks, crypto, forex, indices, or contracts for difference (CFD). Understanding How You Can Meet Your Investment Goals With Copy Trading Since youll not be entering the investment scene blindly, youll likely be on course with your investment goals. But lets see how copy trading does this specifically. More Room for a Diverse Portfolio The trick to making your investment profitable is to have a little bit of everything in your portfolio in other words, you should put your money in various asset classes so that you can escape the risks unharmed or enjoy the returns of many successful investments. And what better way to do this than by following the same trail as an experienced trader or investor? With copy trading, you can invest in the same assets as many successful traders, which makes your portfolio diverse and increases your rewards. For instance, you can stay behind investors who understand cryptocurrencies, stocks, real estate, and commodities and put your money on all their decisions and trades. Moreover, you get to benefit from markets that you dont even know anything about. Youre Not Dealing With Your Emotions Want to know what doesnt go well together? Well, its emotions and investment. You really dont want to be making decisions on your hard-earned money just because of how you feel. But then, youre human and the feelings could creep in at any time, especially when many asset markets like crypto, and volatility are like the total package. But then, impulsive investment is hit-or-miss, and you cant be too sure what youll get. So why dont you just avoid the stress by copy-trading? After all, youll be using the same strategies and skills of someone successful, which means you get to keep your objectivity and rationality. 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 You Get To Learn More About Investment Sure, youre copying someones trades, but who says you cant make the process a learning experience to improve your investment skills? You have all the time to look at how your providers go about their trades and why they are so good at what they do. The good thing is that you can find trading platforms where you can see your providers performance data (win/loss ratios, historical returns, and preferred markets). If you can make the time to study these well, youll soon understand why they are topping their niches, and youll soon be on your way to becoming a top investor or even a provider yourself. Investment Is More Accessible for You The nuances and complex aspects of investment can scare newbies, and its understandable. After all, it wouldnt be prudent to put your money into something you dont understand. But copy trading makes investment more accessible for those making their debut. Theres no need to worry about making rookie mistakes because youre copying the same trades as an investment guru. How To Use Copy Trading to Your Advantage Now that you understand how copy trading can help your investment goals, knowing how to use it becomes the next step on your investment journey. You can automate the process, where you can follow a provider on a trading platform, choose your risk level, and just wait for the results. Or you can do everything yourself, although this can take your time, and the market would have changed before you got the heads-up to invest. Regardless, you should understand how copy trading works before you start. Youll need a good trading platform that supports copy trading. Once thats done, try testing it with a demo account, and proceed to real trading on a real account. Hold on though you dont want to just follow any trader. Instead, check their track records to be sure they know what theyre doing before following them. Deposit your capital, choose your risk level (if possible), and then connect your account to your provider. If you are going fully automated, the platform will copy the traders moves into your account. The Conclusion If youre new to investment or a niche, copy trading can be a life-saver. Getting good returns by just following and copying a traders moves is a big win. No stress, rookie mistakes or time waste to stop you from hitting all your investment goals. Besides these, copy trading is as easy as getting a good trading platform and following your choice traders. But then, you still need to do your research, especially when choosing a platform or trader, so you dont end up losing your money. Always check for their profiles and success rates so that you can make an informed decision. Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print The Jigawa State Government has announced its intention to enter a partnership with Safa and Fresh International Limited, an indigenous energy company, to establish Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) conversion centres across all 27 local government areas in the state. This was revealed during the commissioning ceremony of a new petrol filling station owned by the company held on Wednesday in Dutse, the state capital. Speaking at the event, the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Safa and Fresh International Limited, Ibrahim Yusuf Ibrahim, expressed the companys commitment to investing in Jigawa State through the establishment of CNG conversion stations. He also announced plans to train 100 youths as technicians in each local government area, thereby creating job opportunities and enhancing technical skills among the youth. The state governor, Umar Namadi, who was present at the ceremony, hailed the investment initiative, stating that it aligns with the state governments 12-point agenda, which pays more attention to job creation and economic development. He further highlighted the states progressive policies on public-private partnerships (PPP) and urged Safa and Fresh Limited to explore the JigawaInvest platform for more insights on these policies. Your intention to establish CNG stations in all 27 local government areas is a welcome development. You might be aware that the Jigawa State Executive Council has already resolved to set up CNG stations to alleviate the hardship caused by the rising cost of petroleum products. We are ready to partner with you in this initiative and offer you the majority shareholding for the company. Our goal is to ensure that the right things are done for our people, and we will support you in every way. Governor Namadi further expressed hope that the establishment of CNG stations would reduce fuel costs by 60%, adding that such would represent a significant relief for Jigawa State residents. He also lauded the companys chief executive officer for his commitment to the development and growth of the state and reiterated his administrations dedication to fostering private investment. 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 Jigawa State ranks second in ease of doing business in Nigeria, and we aim to become number one, inshaAllah. This partnership is another step towards achieving that goal. We believe that with the current price of petroleum products and our shared commitment, this initiative will reduce poverty and create more opportunities for our people, Governor Namadi said. Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print BAKU, Azerbaijan, September 26. We honor the memory of all martyrs who gave their lives for the independence and territorial integrity of Azerbaijan and express our gratitude to our heroic veterans on the occasion of the fourth anniversary of the Second Karabakh War, initiated by the Azerbaijani Army to liberate the occupied lands, and September 27 Remembrance Day, the Ministry of National Defense of Turkiye said in its statement, Trend reports. We once again congratulate our Azerbaijani brothers, with whom we are united by the motto One nation, two states, on September 20 Sovereignty Day, the statement emphasized. The Second Karabakh War, which lasted 44 days and ended with a brilliant victory for Azerbaijan over Armenia, began on September 27, 2020. Azerbaijan annually marks Remembrance Day on September 27 as a sign of deep respect to Azerbaijani soldiers and officers who heroically fought in the Second Karabakh war and gave their lives for the territorial integrity of Azerbaijan. Stay up-to-date with more news at Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel Infinix, a trendy tech brand crafted for young consumers, has launched its first flippable smartphone and latest flagship device, the ZERO Flip. This flip phone is the only device in its class to feature 4K ProStable video capabilities on both the front and rear cameras, along with seamless GoPro connectivity and impressive battery life. It offers interactive, customizable features and introduces a signature color from WGSNs 2025 Smartphone Color Trends Report. As Infinixs first entry into the flippable segment, the ZERO Flip delivers a refined experience by blending creativity, cutting-edge technology, and style. It meets the evolving needs of Gen Z with its durable display, long-lasting battery, and 4K ProStable cameras. The interactive, customizable Dynamic MultiView Display and the use of WGSNs 2025 smartphone trend color, Blossom Glow, further enhance its appeal, embodying Infinixs commitment to staying ahead of trends and resonating with young, dynamic lifestyles through the slogan Get In Now. As Weiqi Nie, Product Director at Infinix, explains: The ZERO Flip embodies our belief that its never too late to embrace change and discover your Blossom moment. We want to inspire users to tap into their inner potential, seize every opportunity, and express their individuality. In todays fast-paced world, the flip phone becomes more than a technological deviceits a symbol of self-expression and personal evolution. Unmatched Vlogging Capabilities: The Ultimate Creators Companion Small but mighty, the ZERO Flip is the ultimate tool for content creators and vloggers. As the only compact flip phone in its class with 4K ProStable video capabilities on both the front and rear cameras, it delivers professional-grade video quality that allows users to document their lives in vivid detail. In its flipped state, the ZERO Flip transforms into a mini DV (Digital Video), offering an easy grip to capture lifes best moments anytime. With a variety of video templates, users can pick up this DV anytime, anywhere and create their own vibe-filled retro vlog. The built-in AI Vlog Mode provides step-by-step guidance, making the process effortless. Users can turn raw footage into polished vlogs with just a few taps. As a flip phone, the ZERO Flip allows free-hovering (30-150) at multiple angles for users to enjoy hands-free vlogging. With just a simple fold, the phone can be stably positioned on any flat surface, removing the limitations of arm length and giving users the freedom to choose the ideal distance for shooting with either the front or rear camera. The front cameras PDAF (Phase Detection AutoFocus) ensures that the subject remains in perfect focus while self-recording. Additionally, the dual-screen preview function enables users to see themselves on the external display during rear camera shots or when a friend is assisting with photography, allowing for real-time adjustments to the shot. The 50MP Ultra-Wide lens captures expansive scenes effortlessly, while also providing flexibility for cropping in post-production. With ProStable video capabilities, the ZERO Flip ensures stable image capture for both photos and videos. Moreover, the phones integration with GoPro ensures simple operations and seamless connectivity with GoPro devices through the Works with GoPro program. The Infinix ZERO Flip offers a GoPro Mode that allows users to directly adjust GoPro device parameters. The phone can also serve as a monitor, enabling real-time observation and adjustment of GoPro footage. 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 Snap, Zoom, Fold: Professional-Grade Photos in the Palm of Your Hand Beyond video, the ZERO Flip delivers exceptional photography capabilities. Equipped with In-Sensor Zoom technology, users can achieve 2x lossless zoom, ensuring stunning portrait shots with professional clarity at classic focal lengths; Its gesture and voice control features make capturing group photos or selfies effortless, allowing users to control the camera with a simple wave or command. The AI Shutter further enhances the experience by automatically adjusting shutter speed in motion-heavy scenes, ensuring sharp, vibrant images. For those with an artistic flair, the ZERO Flip offers creative preset modes for long exposure shots, encouraging users to experiment with photography techniques. Its AI-powered RAW HDR solution ensures rich colors and detailed images, even in challenging backlit conditions. When shooting in low-light scenes, the Super Night mode guarantees vivid night shots by balancing highlights and shadows with stunning clarity. A Phone Built for Durability and Modern Sleekness A key concern for flip phone users is durability, and the ZERO Flip delivers with its 400,000-fold hinge designed for longevity. The devices exterior is made from scratch-resistant Corning glass, ensuring resilience against daily wear and tear, while the 4720mAh battery and MTK D8020 6nm chipset ensure long-lasting performance and smooth operation. Despite its robust build, the ZERO Flip remains stylish and lightweight, weighing only 195g and unfolding to a sleek 7.64mm thickness. At the core of the ZERO Flip is to open up a world in the foldable market with a trendsetting aesthetic. Inspired by WGSN, a global leader in trend forecasting, Infinix has chosen Blossom Glow as the signature color for this model. Drawing inspiration from the gentle yet vibrant hue of cherry blossoms, Blossom Glow symbolizes hope, growth, and boundless possibilities. This fresh hue featured in WGSNs 2025 Smartphone Color Trend Report reflects the dynamic and ever-changing world of youth culture. Meeting the Needs for Unlimited Creativity and Customization The 3.64-inch external screen on the ZERO Flip delivers an immersive visual experience while featuring the Dynamic MultiView Display, which offers customizable 3D animated pets and quick shortcuts to popular apps like TikTok, YouTube, and WhatsApp. Users can interact with a variety of dynamic pets, including an alpaca, dachshund, penguin, brown bear, and Siamese cat, with the option to engage in pet-themed mini-games and compete in rankings for added fun. In addition, the Dynamic MultiView Display provides extensive personalization options, such as custom images, external screen animations, and photo frames to match individual styles. It also allows users to present multi-functional cards for commonly used features like the camera, music, phone, weather, and alarm. These cards can be easily customized and added, giving users efficient access to key functions without needing to open the phone. AI-Powered Life: Smarter, Faster, and More Intuitive The ZERO Flip is powered by a comprehensive AI interaction system, designed to enhance every aspect of the user experience. Beyond its AI-assisted photography and video capabilities, the phone features AI noise reduction for superior audio quality and JBL Joint Tuning for optimized sound performance. Infinix has also integrated Google Gemini, offering an AI Assistant that handles tasks like translation, search, and content summarization, transforming the ZERO Flip into a compact personal assistant. With additional features like the AI-driven NFC wallet and AOD (Always On Display), it elevates convenience, making day-to-day routines smoother and more efficient. Pricing & Availability: Starting at $600, the Infinix ZERO Flip will be available in Blossom Glow and Rock Black. Pricing will vary by region, with details to be announced at regional launches. Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print Eleven persons have been confirmed killed, and more than 118,692 farmlands were washed away in this years flood that has affected 19 of the 25 local government areas of Niger State. The flood incidents also affected 246 schools and 529 communities, state officials said on Thursday in Minna, the state capital. In the latest incidents, about 82 farming communities were reported ravaged following hours of torrential downpours on Monday and Tuesday in Mokwa Local Government Area of the state Crops valued at millions of naira were reported washed away by the floods. In Muregi Ward, 51 communities were affected, while 31 others were affected in Gbara Ward. Also submerged were 47 primary schools and 43 primary healthcare centres in Muregi, Gbara and Jaagi wards, all of Mokwa LGA of the state. The affected communities in Muregi Ward include Egbagi-Majin Manna, Lugwa, Kpachita Wadata Edolusa, Esungi, Gbafu, Sanchiya, Kuchitagi, Badaifu, Tswasha, Jiffu, Nku kpata, and Muregi. 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 Others are Gbogifu, Edota-kuta, Lenfa-kuso, Giragi, Dako, Sunlati, Dakani, Twako, yabagi, Guga, Gunji-yekogi. Gbachi, Magi-bukun among others. In Gbara Ward, Kpata-kacha Epogi, Edogi, Suragi Gudungo Wunangi, Kipo Fofo, Tayi, Banzhi, Chewuya, Dutsun and several other communities were submerged. Confirming the incident to PREMIUM TIMES via telephone, the spokesperson of the state Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Disaster Management, Habibu Wushishi, said no life was lost in this weeks incidents, adding that the affected farmers had moved to safer places. The commissioner and permanent secretary received reports of flooding which occurred in various communities of Mokwa Local Government Area due to the heavy rainfall. Communities, properties and farmlands were submerged and destroyed, Mr Wushishi said. He said the state government commiserated with the affected communities while urging them to relocate to safer grounds in compliance with NiMets prediction. He named the local government areas affected as Mokwa, Katcha, Lavun, Lapai, Agaie, Shiroro, Munya, Gbako, Kontagora, and Bosso. The others are the Edati, Agwara, Bida, Magama, Mashegu, Borgu, Gurara, Suleja, and Rijau local government areas, respectively. In a statement on Thursday, the Director General of the state Emergency Management Agency (NSEMA), Abdullahi Baba-Arah, said 34 communities and 41,192 persons have been affected by the devastating effects of the flood. It was also gathered that 6,865 households were affected, and 18 bridges and 80 culverts were cut as a result of the flood. It could be recalled that on 17 April, the federal government warned that 148 LGAs in 31 states, including Niger, were at risk of severe flooding from April to November. Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print The Senate on Thursday at plenary passed the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) 2024 Supplementary Appropriation Bill of N288 billion. This followed the adoption of the harmonised report of the Joint Committees on the FCTA and FCT Area Councils. The report was presented by the Joint Committee Chairman, Mohammed Bomai (APC-Yobe). The FCT Supplementary Budget proposal was presented during plenary on Tuesday. Mr Bomai, while presenting the report of the committee, said the committee critically examined the sources of the revenue of the proposed supplementary budget. According to him, the committee also critically examined the proposed expenditures, which includes overhead and capital and agreed with the proposed amendment. Mr Bomai said the capital component of the proposed supplementary revenue amounts to 89.21 per cent, while that of the overhead was only 10 per cent. 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 urged the Senate to consider and pass the recommendations of the committee on the 2024 FCT supplementary appropriation bill. The Senate referred it to the committee of supply to do clause by clause consideration of the FCT supplementary appropriation bill, and thereafter approved the supplementary budget. READ ALSO: Senate passes bill to establish South West Development Commission The Deputy President of the Senate, Barau Jibrin (APC-Kano), who presided over Thursdays plenary after the approval, commended the joint committee for expeditious processing of the bill. He also commended the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, for his frantic efforts at internal revenue generation and infrastructure development in the FCT. He urged other appointees of government to emulate the efforts of the FCT minister on revenue generation for development of the FCT and the nation in general. (NAN) Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print A Federal High Court in Kano has refused an application by the All Progressives Congress (APC), seeking to stop the Kano State Independent Electoral Commission (KANSIEC) from conducting the 26 October local government elections in the state. The applicants, Aminu Aliyu-Tiga and APC, through their counsel, Mustapha Idris, filed a motion exparte dated 18 September and filed 20 September. The applicants asked the court to restrain KANSIEC from conducting the elections and also grant an injunction order directing all parties to maintain the status quo. The respondents are KANSIEC, Kano State House of Assembly, Attorney General of Kano State, INEC, DSS, Commissioner of Police Kano and NSCDC state commandant. Others are Anas Muhammad-Mustapha, Sani Lawal-Malumfashi, Mukhtar Garba-Dandago, Isyaku Kunya, Shehu Kura, Kabiru Zakirai and Aminu Inuwa-Fagge. Justice Simon Amobeda refused the applicants prayers stating that the respondents shall be put on notice to show cause why the prayers shall not be granted. The court also approved an accelerated hearing of this case. 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 judge ordered parties to ensure that necessary processes were promptly filed to expedite the quick hearing and resolution of this matter. The judge also ordered that no party shall do any act that will prejudice the hearing and quick determination of this matter. Mr Amobeda adjourned the matter until 4 October for a hearing. A Kano State High Court on 24 September restrained 19 political parties from taking any action that could scuttle or frustrate the forthcoming local government elections in the state. (NAN) Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print Edo Governor-elect Monday Okpebholo, on Thursday, said his election as governor signalled a new dawn for the state. Mr Okpebholo made the remarks while briefing State House correspondents after presenting his certificate of return to President Bola Tinubu at the Presidential Villa. He promised to work with the opposition if they had good ideas. I think Edo people have spoken with their votes. For me, Im coming as a servant to serve the Edo people. That is what is required of me, and that is exactly what I am going to do. So, very soon we will see a lot of developments coming to Edo. We are going to employ teachers, we are going to integrate our schools, a lot will be happening over time, he said. Mr Okpebholo promised to run an open-door administration. 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 If I had lost, I would have to bear it and I would have by now congratulated the winner. So, Im expecting them to congratulate me, he said. Oshiomhole speaks on APCs victory The senator representing Edo North District, Adams Oshiomhole, who accompanied the governor-elect, said God made Mr Okpebholos victory possible. God confers power. Man can make all the efforts, but if God chooses not to crown it, it will be in vain. I am excited that we have reclaimed a new state almost in the same manner that we reclaimed it from PDP in 2007 before Obaseki took it away. My joy is the fact that Edo people will now have a governor that they can hug, they can touch, they can feel. And a governor that will open the doors, he said. According to Mr Oshiomhole, the governor-elect is at home with the ordinary people and understands the challenges of the rural poor. So, they are all excited now that they are back again with a governor that they can say, this is my governor. Incidentally, his name translated in English means the rescuer. And so God has brought him to rescue the Edo people, to restore integrity, to rebuild our schools, to employ teachers so that parents dont need to contribute money to pay teachers. Edo people cannot wait to see a new approach to governance; government of the people, by the people, and for Edo people, said Mr Oshiomhole. He appealed to those who lost the election to accept it in good faith. That you have lost doesnt mean its all over for you. You cant win until the time that God has appointed. So my advice to them is to accept the result, he said. (NAN) Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has presented Certificates of Return to the Edo State governor-elect, Monday Okpebholo, and his deputy, Dennis Idahosa. The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the certificates were presented by the INEC National Commissioner in charge of Edo State, Rhoda Gumus, at the commissions national headquarters on Thursday in Abuja. INEC, on Sunday, declared Mr Okpebholo of APC winner of the Edo governorship election having secured 291,667 votes, defeating his closest rival, Asue Ighodalo of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), who had 247,274 votes and Olumide Akpata of the Labour Party (LP) with 22,763 votes. Speaking shortly to journalists after the event, Mr Okpebholo appreciated the people of Edo for giving him the mandate to serve. He pledged to work for the people of the state. Also speaking to journalists, the National Chairperson of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), Abdullahi Ganduje, said Mr Okpebholo had the experience and blueprint to develop the state. Edo State was an APC state. Later on, the governor as a nomadic politician, cross carpeted to PDP, but today, we fought for it and we have recovered our state for the APC. 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 am so happy because essentially, our governor-elect and experienced politician, a distinguished senator has a blueprint for the development of Edo State and we assure you, you will see great changes, Mr Ganduje said. Also speaking, a former governor of the state, Adams Oshiomhole, said that the people of Edo were happy to have a governor who would not fight people and institutions, but would respect them. The important thing that I am happy about is that Edo people now have a new governor who will not disrespect them. We now have a governor who will respect our traditional institutions, the heart of our culture. We now have a governor who will not be fighting about artefacts. We now have a governor who will not demolish a hospital and replace it with a museum. We now have a governor who understands the value of education and will not destroy a library and replace it with a market. For me, this is what excites Edo people, he said. Other dignitaries at the event were members of the APC National Working Committee (NWC), the Edo State Deputy Governor, Philip Shaibu, among others. (NAN) Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print At least 10 people have died in a fresh cholera outbreak in Ebonyi State, South-east of Nigeria. The deaths were recorded in Ndibokote village in Ezza-Inyimagu, Agbaja Autonomous Community, Izzi Local Government Area of the state. Commissioner for Health in the state, Moses Ekuma confirmed the outbreak and the deaths in an interview with PREMIUM TIMES on Thursday. Mr Ekuma, a medical doctor, also revealed that over 20 others from the area have been hospitalised for suspected cholera infection. He said the Ebonyi State Government, in collaboration with the local government and health partners, had rushed the infected people to three hospitals in the area. The patients are receiving treatment at Sudan United Mission Hospital, Onuenyim Agbaja; Sudan United Mission Hospital, Izziogo; and Izziogo Health Centre. The commissioner, Mr Ekuma, blamed the outbreak on poor hygienic practices by the 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 He urged Ebonyi residents to stop open defecation and adopt good hygiene practices, such as washing their hands regularly, covering their food, and drinking clean water. Mr Ekuma appealed to the people to report to the nearest hospital once they started having symptoms like diarrhoea, vomiting and dehydration. He said the Ministry of Health received the information on Wednesday morning and quickly scrambled a team of medical professionals, in conjunction with the World Health Organisation and UNICEF, to the area. We have enough drugs to treat infected persons, the commissioner said. We plan to open another health centre in the affected community for easy access to curtail the outbreak and we have made available cars and motorcycles for easy evacuation of suspected infected persons to the hospitals, he added. The Chairperson of Izzi Area Council, Stephen Nwankpa, thanked the state government for the swift response, which he said helped to save the lives of many infected persons. A member of the community, Stephen Nwankpuma, linked the death to the burial of a woman in the community last weekend. He said: There was a burial there last week and also there were others who went and ate dog killed in the area. People who went to the burial and those who ate the dog were the main people who first got sick. Those who went to the burial ate a cow that was killed and prepared in a very dirty environment. Their community is located in the remotest part of the state. It shares a boundary with Benue State. There is no good source of water in the area. The only borehole in the area is no longer functional. The only source of water there now is a pond or stream and it is very dirty. The situation is worsened by the heavy rain falling this period which flowed into the stream, carrying all the wastes with it and probably contaminating the pond, he said. Cholera, caused by ingestion of food or water contaminated with the bacterium Vibrio cholera, has been ravaging Ebonyi State for decades. Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print Nenadi Usman-led National Caretaker Committee of the Labour Party (LP), has thrown its weight behind the partys withdrawal from Saturdays local elections in Anambra State. This is contained in a statement signed by Ms Usman and made available to reporters in Onitsha on Wednesday. According to her, the national body has endorsed the executives position on staying away from the forthcoming local elections in the state as the process violates the Electoral Act. The party (LP) never sponsored any candidates to contest the questioned Anambra State Local Government election, she said. Ms Usman also said the LP national leadership endorsed Ugochukwu Emeh and Okoli Akrika-led state executive in Anambra. The National Leadership of the Labour Party is aware and is in total support of the position of Labour Party Anambra State led by Mr Ugochukwu Emeh, Chairman, and Okoli Akirika as Secretary. She said the LP national leadership also knew the party was in court in Suit No A/265/2024 LP vs Anambra State House of Assembly. 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 aware of suit No FHC/CV/AWK/223/2024 Labour Party vs ANSIEC and 14 others, challenging the procedure for the proposed Local Government Area election. (NAN) Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print Governor Charles Soludo of Anambra State, on Thursday, announced free education for students of senior secondary in public schools in the state. Mr Soludo made the announcement in Awka, while meeting with principals and head teachers in public primary and secondary schools. The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that on 21 September, 2023, the governor announced free and compulsory education from nursery to junior secondary in public schools in line with his administrations free education policy. He said that students of senior secondary in public schools would pay N5, 000 only as tuition fee. Against this backdrop, the governor, while meeting with principals and head teachers in public schools, stated that from next week, the free education policy would be available to students of senior secondary in public schools. He said this would further increase childrens access to education and ensure effective development of their personality, talents, mental and physical abilities. I want to assure you that even with the resource constraint, our administration will continue to work very hard to deliver on its mandate. 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 Im giving a directive that students in senior classes, who have already paid their N5,000 tuition fees for this term should be refunded, he said. He reiterated his administrations dedication to human capital development and promised to continue making strides in this area. Mr Soludo also said that the government would commence payment of the N70, 000 minimum wage in October. We remain committed to investing in our people and this new minimum wage and free education initiative are testaments to our resolve. This move is expected to have a significant impact on the lives of workers and students in Anambra, improving their standard of living and access to quality education, he said. (NAN) Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print A State High Court in Ilorin, Kwara State, on Thursday, sentenced five men charged with the Offa bank robbery incident to death by hanging. The court convicted Ayoade Akinnibosun, Azeez Salahudeen, Niyi Ogundiran, Ibikunle Ogunleye and Adeola Abraham. Delivering judgment, Justice Haleema Saliman held that the five defendants were found guilty of conspiracy, armed robbery, culpable homicide and illegal possession of fire arms. Justice Saliman said that the defendants caused the death of people, including police officers and civilians during the April 2018 armed robbery in Offa, which is punishable by death. Earlier, the lead prosecuting counsel, Rotimi Jacob (SAN) said that the prosecution was able to prove its case beyond reasonable doubt. Mr Jacob said that the six years spent on the case was worth it, as evidence clearly showed that the convicts were involved in the robbery and killings. He said that the trials had been concluded and the prosecutors had proved their case beyond reasonable doubt for the suspects to be convicted. 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 lead defence counsel, Nathaniel Emeribe, represented by Abdullahi Jimba, said that the judgment was not surprising, considering the evidence presented in court, it had been envisaged that it would end that way. He, however, said that they would appeal the judgment. The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the prime suspect, a police operative, Michael Adikwu died in police custody during the trial while the remaining five pleaded for mercy but were convicted. (NAN) Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print BAKU, Azerbaijan, September 26. Azerbaijani Foreign Minister Jeyhun Bayramov met with the High Representative of the UN Alliance of Civilizations (UNAOC) Miguel Angel Moratinos within the framework of participation in the High-Level Week of the 79th session of the UN General Assembly on September 25, 2024, Trend reports. The meeting discussed issues on the agenda of the current cooperation between Azerbaijan and UNAOC, plans and joint projects, as well as the current situation in the region in the post-conflict period. It was brought to attention that Azerbaijan successfully and fruitfully cooperates with UNAOC, and the activity of the High Representative, who personally contributed to the development of the dynamics of our cooperation, was emphasized. The significance of cooperative projects carried out in this area was also emphasized, as was Azerbaijan's participation in the inter-civilizational discourse. The other side was informed in detail about the current situation and realities in the region, as well as the normalization and peace process between Azerbaijan and Armenia in the post-conflict period. Furthermore, during the nearly 30-year occupation of its territories, Azerbaijan was observed to have suffered widespread and devastating consequences in both the humanitarian and cultural domains; its cultural heritage had been illegally altered, destroyed, and intentionally looted. Meanwhile, it was mentioned that despite the severe humanitarian consequences of the period of occupation, immediately after the end of the conflict, Azerbaijan initiated a peace agenda and was the most active party in promoting the process of normalization of relations with Armenia. The existence of a number of unresolved concerns that are impeding the signing of the peace deal was brought to light, most notably the ongoing territorial claims made by Armenia in a number of its legislative acts, including its Constitution. In the course of the meeting, the sides also exchanged views on other bilateral and multilateral issues of mutual interest. Luck ran out on suspected kidnappers in Ondo State on Wednesday, after the states security network (Amotekun) invaded their camp in the forest and rescued their victims. Two of the suspected kidnappers were also arrested in the process, which is the second arrest of suspects in connection with kidnapping by the agency in one week. The agency said the suspects had abducted four travellers along the Owo/Ose highway earlier in the week, prompting the action from the agency. The Commander of the corps, Adetunji Adeleye, while speaking on the arrest, said the rescue operation was done in collaboration with some local hunters in the affected area. Mr Adeleye stated that the suspects had been terrorising farmers and commuters plying the Elegbeka/Ifon road and had collected a ransom of N1.2 million from some victims in August. Arrest The commander revealed that the suspects engaged the operatives of Amotekun in a gun battle before they were captured alive. He said: A day before the rescue, there was a reported kidnapping along a well-known route. Our team swiftly mobilised and, in collaboration with local hunters, we combed the forest where the victims were believed to be held. By the end of the day, we successfully rescued four 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 What made this operation particularly significant was the identification of two of the arrested suspects. These are no longer suspected kidnappersthey are confirmed kidnappers. He said the victims identified the suspects as the same individuals responsible for previous abductions in the area. These criminals had been arrested before but somehow managed to return to the same locality. Now, we have them again, he added. Suspects The suspects also gave insights into the mode of their operation used, saying they blocked a portion of the road with a vehicle, forcing commuters to slow down and making them vulnerable to an ambush. Another suspect was identified as the individual who extorted N1.2 million in ransom from a family in August. The same individual had demanded N20 million this time but was apprehended at the scene before the ransom could be paid, Mr Adeleye said. This arrest sends a strong message: there is no hiding place for kidnappers in Ondo State anymore. We will continue to work tirelessly to ensure that these criminals are brought to justice and that our communities remain safe. Cases of kidnapping in Ondo The increased activities of kidnappers in the northern senatorial district of the state had forced the state government to create a new arm of Amotekun Rangers designed to tackle kidnapping within the forest areas. READ ALSO: Nigerian Navy establishes new base to tackle oil theft in Ondo The successes recorded so far have been attributed to the agencys collaboration with local hunters and vigilantes within the communities. Despite a series of arrests and parade of suspects, the incidents of kidnapping have remained on the rise. According to Amotekun, the rescued victims are receiving medical attention and psychological support as they recover from their ordeal, while the arrested suspects are currently in custody and will face legal proceedings in the coming days. Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print In the lead-up to the Payments Summit in California, U.S., Joao Del Valle discusses the three trends to watch in digital commerce transactions CURITIBA, Brazil and NAPA VALLEY, Calif. , Sept. 26, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- The growth of new payment methods has indicated significant changes in digital commerce worldwide. For Joao Del Valle, CEO and Co-founder of EBANX , a global technology company specializing in payment services, the popularity of real-time payments like Pix in Brazil, UPI in India, PSE in Colombia, and mobile money in Kenya signifies a cultural shift in the digital payments market. "Local payments are no longer exotic: they are mainstream for the global growth of global companies", Joao Del Valle Post this EBANX's CEO, Joao Del Valle, discusses the three payment trends to watch in digital commerce, leading up to the Payments Summit in California, U.S. "A2A [account to account] transactions growth is changing the way people consume online across the globe," says Del Valle in the lead-up at the EBANX Payments Summit 2024 in Napa Valley, California. The event started in Barcelona, in Spain, on the 18th and will continue in the U.S. from September 30th to October 2nd, with keynote presentations by Stripe, Nubank, Banorte, and National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI), besides EBANX. The Payments Summit 2024 will also include chapters in Bangkok, Thailand, and Sao Paulo, Brazil. The CEO of EBANX, who will discuss the future of the digital payments market at the event in Napa Valley, highlights three trends in the digital economy that global companies need to pay attention to. Aside from the cultural shift driven by the popularity of A2A transactions, he points out the transformation of payments into digital channels due to consumer behavior and the rise of innovative services that combine credit and debit cards with alternative payment methods (APMs). Still regarding A2A transactions, Del Valle shares that, in Brazil, the fintech's merchants saw a 16% increase in revenue after integrating Pix solution with EBANX, and a 25% increase in their client base. According to data from Payments and Commerce Market Intelligence (PCMI) , by 2025, 44% of digital commerce volume in Brazil will be paid with Pix, surpassing credit cards' volume, which will account for a 41% share. "The popularity of Pix is a sign of the future of APMs across the globe," states the CEO of EBANX. In Colombia, PSE already dominates digital commerce, with a 31% share of all volume transacted online in the country, per PCMI. "And it's not only about offering more options. It is also about bringing people in," says Del Valle. He reveals PSE brought more than half of all new customers for two online retail companies that process payments with EBANX over a three-year period. Another success story is mobile money in Kenya, which accounts for 48% of all digital commerce in the country. "A mobile-native method, for a mobile-savvy population. At EBANX, this is the first choice of payment method for all merchants starting in Kenya," adds the CEO of the global fintech. The A2A transactions, the executive comments, are playing an important role in digital inclusion worldwide. Customer behavior changing digital commerce In India, the growth of UPI since it launched in 2016 has sparked a revolution, transforming the former cash-based economy into a digital payments powerhouse, with 55% share of digital commerce, per PCMI, and the potential for 80% penetration, according to India's Ministry of Information and Broadcasting. In another cash-based country, Egypt, consumer habits are transforming the payments market and the digital economy. There, 64% of the volume in digital commerce is paid with cash, cash-based vouchers or QR code, available for both banked and unbanked consumers. "They are literally digitizing cash, making the global digital economy available for everyone - including the majority of the population who does not have access to financial accounts or cards," explains the CEO of EBANX. Hybrid payment methods Del Valle also talks about the balance between cards and APMs across rising markets when it comes to digital commerce, and how they complement each other both where cards prevail, and where APMs are kings. Another change pointed out by Del Valle is the innovative combination of APMs and cards into hybrid payment methods in emerging markets. In Tanzania, he adds, mobile money is enabling card payments in digital commerce, with M-Pesa partnering with Visa for a virtual card. Meanwhile, in India, credit cards are seamlessly integrated with UPI, enabling credit card payments through the instant payments app, in a wellknown UX and flow. A report from PwC published last August indicated that the number of credit cards in the country is expected to double by 2029. According to the CEO of EBANX, the focus of the EBANX Payments Summit is to demonstrate how companies can achieve global growth in digital commerce by adding rising markets into their global expansion plans, and navigating the complexities and nuances of local payments. "Local payments are no longer exotic: they are mainstream for the global growth of global companies," says Del Valle. ABOUT EBANX EBANX is the leading payment platform connecting global companies with customers from one of the fastest-growing digital markets in the world. The company was founded in 2012 in Brazil with the mission of giving people access to buy in international digital commerce. With powerful proprietary technology and infrastructure, combined with in-depth knowledge of the markets where it operates, EBANX enables global businesses to connect with hundreds of payment methods in different countries in Latin America, Africa, and Asia. EBANX goes beyond payments, increasing sales, and fostering seamless purchase experiences for businesses and clients. For more information: Website: https://www.ebanx.com/en/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/ebanx Media Contact: Leonardo Stamillo [email protected] Content CO SOURCE EBANX SAN DIEGO, Sept. 26, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Abzena, the leading end-to-end integrated CDMO for complex biologics and bioconjugates, has announced that its mammalian cell line development platform, AbZelectPRO, has significantly reduced its timelines by >30% and improved its overall protein production levels. The platform now offers biopharma customers the ability to bridge from DNA to research cell bank (RCB) in 10 weeks, producing up to 8g/L of high-performing titres before process development. As of today, AbZelectPRO will be Abzena's standard platform offering for all its customers. The AbZelectPRO platform combines ProteoNic's 2G UNic vector technology with Abzena's host CHO cell line to deliver a higher frequency of high-producing clones for therapeutic protein and recombinant vaccine production. The 2G UNic vector technology uses the combined effect of novel genetic elements to exert a positive effect on recombinant protein production levels and boosts the performance of other expression-enhancing technologies. This integration not only increases product development efficiency and capacity but also reduces the cost of goods for biopharma customers. Simon Keen, VP of Cell Line Development at Abzena, states: "Our goal with AbZelectPRO was to offer our customers a strong cell line development platform with shorter timelines, higher production levels and lower production costs. When we launched the platform in January 2024, we were utilizing data from initial research and development projects. Over the past 10 months we've been fine-tuning the platform, generating more data from real-world projects, which has allowed us to showcase its full potential and benefits to our customers. We are thrilled that AbZelectPRO has been able to consistently demonstrate improved cycle times and productivity, giving our customers more shots on goal in achieving success in the clinic." The AbZelectPRO platform utilizes an optimized expression cassette to generate highly stable clones that maintain productivity beyond 60 generations. The platform's integration with the 2G UNic vector technology has been proven to boost the expression levels for difficult-to-express proteins, including bispecifics, fusion proteins and other novel modalities. The 2G UNic vector technology enhances various facets of protein production, including increased transcription, improved mRNA stability and transport, and more efficient translation. These enhancements work synergistically to achieve significantly higher production levels with Abzena's high-performing cell line. "Integrating our 2G UNic technology into AbZelectPRO enhances the platform's ability to boost yields, especially for challenging modalities such as bispecifics and fusion proteins," said Frank Pieper, CEO of ProteoNic. "This collaboration provides biopharma customers with a more efficient path to higher productivity, addressing their toughest expression challenges" About Abzena Abzena is the leading end-to-end bioconjugate and complex biologics CDMO + CRO. From discovery through commercial launch, we support customers with fully integrated programs or individual services designed to de-risk and streamline the development of new treatments for patients in need. With the ability to tailor its strategy and customer experience to each project, Abzena develops and implements innovative solutions that enable biotech and biopharma companies to realize the full potential of their molecule and move medicines forward faster. The company has research, development, and cGMP facilities across locations in San Diego, CA, Bristol, PA, and Cambridge, UK. Abzena is owned by Welsh, Carson, Anderson & Stowe, one of the world's leading private equity investors. Learn more at abzena.com. About ProteoNic ProteoNic is a privately held biotechnology company with offices in Leiden, The Netherlands. The company specializes in advanced cell line generation and viral vector production, with a focus on improving the yield and efficiency of protein production using its proprietary 2G UNic vector technology. ProteoNic collaborates with partners across the biopharmaceutical industry to bring innovative biologics as well as cell and gene therapies to market faster and more efficiently. For more information, visit proteonic.nl. SOURCE Abzena NEW YORK, Sept. 26, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- ACEN, the Ayala group's listed energy platform, joined this year's Climate Week NYC, the biggest annual climate event of its kind, with leaders from the world of business, tech, politics, academia and civil society. The company's participation reinforces its pioneering role in the coal-to-clean energy transition through the use of transition credits. ACEN president and CEO Eric Francia joined Climate Week NYC to highlight crucial role of transition credits in early coal retirement. Co-organized by the The Rockefeller Foundation and Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS), the panel, moderated by Gillian Tan from MAS, also included Scott Morris of the Asian Development Bank (ADB), Nat Keohane from the Center for Climate and Energy Solutions and Demetrios Papathanasiou from the World Bank Group. ACEN president and CEO Eric Francia joined key figures in a panel discussion entitled "Harnessing Transition Credits to Drive a Coal to Clean Transition in Emerging Markets" that explored how transition credits can catalyze the early retirement of coal plants, particularly in Southeast Asia, replacing them with renewable energy, while ensuring a just transition for affected communities. Co-organized by the The Rockefeller Foundation and Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS), the panel, moderated by Gillian Tan from MAS, also included Scott Morris of the Asian Development Bank (ADB), Nat Keohane from the Center for Climate and Energy Solutions and Demetrios Papathanasiou from the World Bank Group. Elizabeth Yee, executive vice president of programs, Rockefeller Foundation and Singapore's Ambassador for Climate Action, Ravi Menon delivered the opening remarks, emphasizing the critical need for a swift transition from coal to clean energy. Elizabeth highlighted the role of transition credits in helping coal plant owners retire their facilities early, replacing them with renewable energy while supporting workers and communities. She discussed partnerships with the Coal to Clean Credits Initiative and the Energy Transition Accelerator to advance pilot projects, as well as The Rockefeller Foundation's commitment to high standards and community engagement. Ambassador Menon built on this by stressing that coal-fired power plants in Asia account for one-seventh of global greenhouse gas emissions and highlighted the challenges of shutting them down. He advocated for investment in the early phase-out of coal, ensuring a just transition that protects communities and maintains energy reliability. Overcoming challenges in the energy transition During the panel, Francia emphasized the significant role transition credits can play in overcoming the challenges of energy transitions in emerging markets, including resource constraints, land and infrastructure issues and the need for costly renewable energy replacements. The panelists not only emphasized the need for blended finance and a just transition but also covered the challenges and opportunities in implementing transition credits in Southeast Asia. "One of the challenges that we need to overcome is the global south mindset that we did not cause this global problem of climate change. It is a challenge to overcome that mindset because that leads to inaction or a passive mindset. But we think different. We rise to the challenge, thanks to transition credits. We believe that this is a huge opportunity to show the world that it can be done. That's why this pilot project is extremely important," Francia said. He also underscored the importance of a just transition that protects vulnerable communities during the shift from coal to clean energy. The panel discussion wrapped up with a strong call for action, urging global stakeholders to work collaboratively in developing and implementing transition credits as a catalyst for a cleaner and more sustainable future. A global call for action On the sidelines of Climate Week NYC, ACEN also joined over 100 international organizations in supporting the Global Renewables Alliance's open letter to world leaders, urging them to set ambitious, specific and actionable targets to meet the world's 1.5 C target. The letter was published at the opening of Climate Week NYC. "This letter sends a clear message to governments: Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) are not just a United Nations requirement but a commitment to our children and grandchildren. They signify the global community's roadmap to securing a sustainable future and fostering a prosperous economy for future generations," it said. ACEN's participation in Climate Week NYC highlights the company's leadership in advancing sustainable finance mechanisms and transitioning Southeast Asia towards a low-carbon future. About ACEN ACEN is the listed energy platform of the Ayala Group with a fast-growing presence in the Philippines, Australia, Vietnam, India, Indonesia, Lao PDR and the U.S.A. The company currently accounts for 4.8 GW of attributable renewables capacity in operation and under construction. ACEN aims to provide clean, reliable and affordable energy in the Asia Pacific and grow its renewables capacity to 20 GW by 2030. The company has been pioneering initiatives in early coal retirement and committed to becoming a Net Zero greenhouse gas emissions company by 2050. www.acenrenewables.com DISCLAIMER: This disclosure may contain forward-looking statements that are subject to risk factors and opportunities that may affect ACEN's plans to complete the transaction/s subject of this disclosure. Each forward-looking statement is made only as of the date of this disclosure. Outcomes of the subject transaction may differ materially from those expressed in the forward-looking statements included in this disclosure. SOURCE ACEN BANGALORE, India, Sept. 26, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Adaptive Learning Software Market is Segmented by Type (Cloud Based, On-Premises), by Application (K-12, Higher Ed/College, Corporate): Global Opportunity Analysis and Industry Forecast, 2024-2030. The Global Adaptive Learning Software market is projected to grow from USD 629.9 Million in 2024 to USD 1456.9 Million by 2030, at a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 15.0% during the forecast period. Get Free Sample: https://reports.valuates.com/request/sample/QYRE-Auto-0Y2692/Global_Adaptive_Learning_Software_Market Major Factors Driving the Growth of Adaptive Learning Software Market: The Adaptive Learning Software Market is experiencing significant growth, driven by increasing demand for personalized learning experiences across various educational sectors. Schools, universities, and corporate training environments are adopting adaptive learning tools to enhance individual learning outcomes by tailoring educational content to learners' specific needs. The rise of online learning platforms and e-learning initiatives further fuels market expansion, as adaptive software proves effective in providing real-time analytics, improving engagement, and promoting efficient knowledge retention. View Full Report: https://reports.valuates.com/market-reports/QYRE-Auto-0Y2692/global-adaptive-learning-software TRENDS INFLUENCING THE GROWTH OF THE ADAPTIVE LEARNING SOFTWARE MARKET: Cloud-based solutions are significantly driving the growth of the adaptive learning software market by offering flexibility, scalability, and accessibility. These solutions allow educational institutions and organizations to deploy adaptive learning tools without the need for extensive infrastructure, making it cost-effective and easy to implement. With cloud-based platforms, users can access personalized learning experiences from any location, enhancing the global reach of adaptive learning software. This technology also supports seamless updates and integrations, ensuring that learners always have access to the latest learning resources. The widespread adoption of cloud-based learning solutions is a key factor pushing the market forward. The K-12 education sector is a significant driver of the adaptive learning software market, as schools increasingly adopt digital tools to enhance student learning outcomes. Adaptive learning software provides personalized learning experiences tailored to the individual needs of students, helping them to master subjects at their own pace. As educators seek to close learning gaps and address diverse student needs, adaptive technologies have become indispensable. The shift towards remote and blended learning models has also accelerated the adoption of these tools in the K-12 segment. This trend is expected to continue as more schools recognize the benefits of personalized education through adaptive learning platforms. The higher education sector is another key driver of the adaptive learning software market, particularly as colleges and universities embrace technology-driven learning environments. Adaptive learning platforms help students in higher education by providing personalized content that aligns with their academic goals and learning styles. These tools offer colleges the ability to enhance student engagement, improve retention rates, and support personalized feedback. In addition, the growing need for scalable solutions in large academic institutions has increased the demand for adaptive learning software, which can cater to diverse student populations. This trend is shaping the future of education and driving the growth of the market. The growing demand for personalized learning experiences is one of the primary factors driving the adaptive learning software market. Students and educators alike are seeking more tailored educational experiences that address individual learning needs and preferences. Adaptive learning software uses data-driven insights to adjust content delivery based on each learner's progress, strengths, and weaknesses. This personalized approach improves learning outcomes and engagement, making it a preferred choice in both academic and corporate training environments. As more institutions and organizations focus on student-centric learning models, the demand for adaptive learning platforms is expected to rise, fueling market growth. Adaptive learning software is gaining traction in the corporate training sector as businesses recognize the value of personalized employee development programs. These platforms enable companies to deliver customized training modules that address specific skill gaps and enhance overall performance. The ability of adaptive learning tools to track employee progress and provide real-time feedback makes them a valuable resource for organizations aiming to optimize workforce productivity. With the increasing focus on upskilling and reskilling employees to meet evolving industry demands, the adoption of adaptive learning software in corporate training is expected to accelerate, driving significant market growth. The rise of remote and hybrid learning models has been a major driver of the adaptive learning software market. As educational institutions and corporate organizations continue to adapt to new learning environments, the need for flexible and scalable solutions has increased. Adaptive learning platforms offer the ability to deliver personalized learning experiences remotely, making them ideal for students and employees who are unable to attend in-person sessions. The shift towards digital learning has been accelerated by global events such as the COVID-19 pandemic, and this trend is expected to persist, driving further adoption of adaptive learning tools. Buy Now: https://reports.valuates.com/api/directpaytoken?rcode=QYRE-Auto-0Y2692&lic=single-user ADAPTIVE LEARNING SOFTWARE MARKET SHARE ANALYSIS: The adaptive learning software market exhibits regional variations, with North America leading due to its advanced educational infrastructure and high adoption of digital learning tools. The United States, in particular, is a major player in the market, driven by investments in educational technology and the increasing demand for personalized learning experiences. Europe follows closely, with a focus on integrating adaptive learning in both academic and corporate sectors. Meanwhile, the Asia-Pacific region is expected to witness significant growth due to rising investments in educational technology and increasing demand for innovative learning solutions. Latin America and the Middle East are emerging regions, where adaptive learning tools are gaining traction due to growing awareness and improving digital infrastructure. The United States is the largest Adaptive Learning Software market with about 53% market share. Europe is a follower, accounting for about 19% market share. The key players are SAS, D2L, DreamBox Learning, Wiley (Knewton), Smart Sparrow, Cogbooks, Docebo, ScootPad, Imagine Learning, Fishtree, McGraw-Hill, Paradiso, IBM etc. Top 3 companies occupied about 27% market share. Key Companies: SAS D2L Dreambox Learning Wiley (Knewton) Smart Sparrow Cogbooks Docebo ScootPad Imagine Learning Fishtree McGraw-Hill Paradiso IBM World Health Organization Purchase Regional Report: https://reports.valuates.com/request/regional/QYRE-Auto-0Y2692/Global_Adaptive_Learning_Software_Market SUBSCRIPTION We have introduced a tailor-made subscription for our customers. Please leave a note in the Comment Section to know about our subscription plans. DISCOVER MORE INSIGHTS: EXPLORE SIMILAR REPORTS! - Learning Management System Software Market - Smart Learning Software Market - Online Learning Software and Platform market was valued at USD 6801 Million in 2023 and is anticipated to reach USD 19090 Million by 2030, witnessing a CAGR of 15.7% during the forecast period 2024-2030. - Corporate Learning Management System (LMS) Market - Active Learning Tools Software Market - Academic E-Learning Market - Learning Management System (LMS) market size is expected to reach USD 40360 Million by 2029, growing at a CAGR of 17.1% from 2023 to 2029. - Online Language Learning Software Market - IELTS Learning Software Market DISCOVER OUR VISION: VISIT ABOUT US! Valuates offers in-depth market insights into various industries. Our extensive report repository is constantly updated to meet your changing industry analysis needs. Our team of market analysts can help you select the best report covering your industry. We understand your niche region-specific requirements and that's why we offer customization of reports. With our customization in place, you can request for any particular information from a report that meets your market analysis needs. To achieve a consistent view of the market, data is gathered from various primary and secondary sources, at each step, data triangulation methodologies are applied to reduce deviance and find a consistent view of the market. Each sample we share contains a detailed research methodology employed to generate the report. Please also reach our sales team to get the complete list of our data sources. YOUR FEEDBACK MATTERS: REACH OUT TO US! Valuates Reports [email protected] For U.S. Toll-Free Call 1-(315)-215-3225 WhatsApp: +91-9945648335 Website: https://reports.valuates.com Blog: https://valuatestrends.blogspot.com/ Pinterest: https://in.pinterest.com/valuatesreports/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/valuatesreports Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/valuatesreports/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@valuatesreports6753 https://www.facebook.com/valuateskorean https://www.facebook.com/valuatesspanish https://www.facebook.com/valuatesjapanese https://valuatesreportspanish.blogspot.com/ https://valuateskorean.blogspot.com/ https://valuatesgerman.blogspot.com/ https://valuatesreportjapanese.blogspot.com/ Logo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1082232/Valuates_Reports_Logo.jpg SOURCE Valuates Reports SAMARKAND, Uzbekistan, Sept. 26, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- The Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB) has grown to 110 approved Members after its Board of Governors voted in support of the application of the Republic of Nauru during the Bank's 2024 Annual Meeting. "The addition of Nauru as a regional Member strengthens the AIIB community and supports our collective mission to finance Infrastructure for Tomorrow," said Jin Liqun, AIIB President and Chair of the Board of Directors. "AIIB is committed to supporting our Members' sustainable development and together we will work on priority projects within our clearly defined thematic priorities to drive long-term sustainable growth." About AIIB The Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB) is a multilateral development bank whose mission is Financing Infrastructure for Tomorrow in Asia and beyondinfrastructure with sustainability at its core. We began operations in Beijing in 2016 and have since grown to 110 approved Members worldwide. We are capitalized at USD100 billion and AAA-rated by the major international credit rating agencies. Collaborating with partners, AIIB meets clients' needs by unlocking new capital and investing in infrastructure that is green, technology-enabled and promotes regional connectivity. SOURCE AIIB BAKU, Azerbaijan, September 26. Unmanned aerial vehicle ALPIN produced by Turkish company Titra is demonstrated for the first time at the 5th anniversary Azerbaijan International Defense Exhibition ADEX-2024, the representative of the company told Trend. Meanwhile, it was noted that the ALPIN drone is a multifunctional platform based on modern technologies. This device has excellent technical characteristics that can be used in various missions. ALPIN drone has EO/IR cameras (electronic optical/infrared), it is also high visibility for night and day missions, SAR radara radar system for accurate imaging and target detection in all weather conditions; the drone can be equipped with various cargo transportation systems; there is a mechanical auxiliary system for lifting the cargo when transporting special equipment; and a cargo system for transporting enclosed cargo. These systems can carry a maximum payload of up to 200 kilograms, the representatives of the company note. Furthermore, it is noted that the UAV has a length of 6.27 meters and a height of 2.47 meters. The airborne time is nine hours or more, and the fuel type is gasoline. This UAV is an ideal choice for military, humanitarian, and commercial missions as it has high performance and wide transportation capabilities. On September 24-26, the Baku Expo Center is hosting the 5th Anniversary Azerbaijan International Defense Exhibition ADEX, the largest event dedicated to the defense industry in the region. The 14th International Exhibition of Equipment for Internal Security, Safety, and Rescue "Securex Caspian" is organized in parallel. The first ADEX exhibition was organized in 2014. The list of exhibitors and the sectors it covers expands from year to year. The exhibition has brought together many companies representing more than 50 countries and about 200 official delegations over 10 years of successful activity. The exhibition has been visited by more than 30,000 guests over the years. Initial collaborators in the new program to focus on molecular diagnostic development and decentralized testing to identify and track diseases in developing countries ALAMEDA, Calif. and DURBAN, South Africa, Sept. 26, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Alveo Technologies, Inc. (Alveo), a leader in molecular sensing and diagnostics with its proprietary IntelliSense molecular detection technology platform, today announced the launch of an academic arm of its partner program in collaboration with the Global Virus Network (GVN), along with faculty at the Johns Hopkins University's School of Public Health. The program now includes two new partnering approaches: a research use only (RUO) program focused on enabling innovative research through universities and academic partners and a deeper collaboration with Alveo that has the shared aim of commercializing tests in countries where there is a significant unmet need. Global Virus Network (GVN) and faculty at John's Hopkins University's Bloomberg School of Public Health are initially focused on equipping their network with access to Alveo's highly sensitive and easy-to-use platform to support the research and development of "in region, for region" testing. The primary goal of this effort is to enable institutions and developing countries with a highly sensitive and easy-to-use platform to proactively detect and track illness at the local level and, ultimately, in the regional populations at large. Enabling testing at the point of need is paramount given the challenges of collecting and transporting samples to laboratories to provide results. GVN was instrumental in helping to conceive the academic partner program, and its participation was announced at the GVN's Annual Scientific Meeting in Durban, South Africa. "The world desperately needs accessible molecular tests for pathogens that afflict developing countries," said Dr. Sten Vermund, President of the GVN. "This partnership will enable accessible 'in-region, for-region' test development, manufacturing, and deployment for devastating, yet neglected infectious diseases. The ability to identify hotspots before they spread will help us as a global community to avoid future pandemics." The GVN and its 80+ scientific sites, which include Johns Hopkins School of Public Health, will help countries develop tests on Alveo's open platform, which is well suited for challenging environments thanks to the devices' ruggedness and portability. The platform provides precise results comparable to polymerase chain reaction (PCR) in terms of accuracy and sensitivity without requiring shipment of samples to a lab for processing. Alveo provides on-location results within 30-45 minutes or less. Alveo's rugged device continues to complete tests and produce accurate results despite extreme temperatures, high humidity, shaken, or even dropped. The platform can upload geotagged results to the cloud, providing researchers and authorities with near real-time information on a pathogens' spread, regardless of where in the world the test is run. Researchers can proactively collect, detect and track outcomes in Alveo's cloud-based software solution, so test results can be accessed and aggregated from anywhere in the world. "Many molecular testing platforms fall short in meeting the needs of remote and under-resourced regions worldwide, relying on expensive equipment, skilled and highly trained technicians and cumbersome sample transportation," said Erik Tyrrell-Knott, Chief Business and Strategy Officer at Alveo Technologies. "Alveo is focused on helping the molecular testing world catch up with the modern world making testing fast, sensitive, easy to use, and affordable. This partner program, with GVN's member institutions, will enable scientists to take their cutting-edge research out of the lab and deliver it effectively to impacted populations." "I reached out to Alveo Technologies in our search for a diagnostics company that is open to rich, disruptive collaboration," observed Dr. Maggie Linn Bartlett, program director for the Global Virus Network and faculty at the John Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health. "Together, Alveo and GVN have created a Partner Development Kit that enables GVN members to independently develop tests on Alveo's be.well platform. Initial collaboration units have been placed with Professor Deborah Williamson of the MRC University of Glasgow Centre for Virus Research, Dr. Al Ozonoff of Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard and my lab at Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health. I'm excited to finally solve a problem that has been unaddressed for far too long." For more information on the program visit: https://www.alveotechnologies.com/partner . About Alveo Technologies Alveo Technologies is the first company to make molecular detection and diagnostics universally accessible on the farm, in the field, in the clinic, or in the manufacturing plant helping prevent or significantly limit the destructive impact of viruses, fungi, bacteria, and other pathogens by detecting earlier at the Point of Need. Alveo's rugged and portable, multiplex-capable diagnostic platform employs IntelliSense, it's patented method of direct electrical sensing of nucleic acid amplification to provide affordable, rapid, and accurate results. By enabling early pathogen detection, Alveo helps manage global health, food security, and supply chain resiliency by providing actionable insights at lightspeed. Know Sooner, Act Faster with Alveo. For more, visit: https://www.alveotechnologies.com/ About the Global Virus Network GVN works to raise awareness and mobilize resources to meet critical needs in medical virology. To this end, GVN works with governments, multilateral institutions, private-sector groups, and non-profit organizations to improve virology worldwide, call attention to critical research and training needs, and provide science-driven information and perspectives related to preparing forand responding toviral threats, outbreaks, epidemics, and pandemics. Contact: Jeff Miller [email protected] 541-207-6413 SOURCE Alveo Technologies Revolutionizing Haircare with Cutting-Edge Swiss Biotechnology for Unmatched Results NEW YORK, Sept. 26, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- ANATOMY Haircare is thrilled to announce its official brand debut alongside its first product launch the breakthrough Reconstructive Leave-In Conditioner. This introduction is set to bring forth a new era of hair bond reconstruction, by leveraging the unique power of NextGen Swiss Biotechnology. ANATOMY Launches Game-Changing Reconstructive Leave-In Conditioner Priced at $55, the Leave-In Formula is powered by novel biotechnology that was developed in state-of-the-art laboratory in Switzerland by leading chemists. This groundbreaking, ultra-lightweight formula leverages advanced thiol recombination chemistry to deliver exceptional hair repair and reconstruction results. ANATOMY's first product features the world's first organic hair bond-building molecules, Aminalyl-S and Pro-Amino-X. These patent-protected molecules work synergistically at molecular and atomic levels to repair and protect hair fibers from within, delivering unprecedented results without needing an acidic environment or heat for activation. "We're thrilled to introduce ANATOMY Haircare with a product that reflects our focus on innovation and quality," said Nawaf Arhamah, Founder of ANATOMY Haircare. "Our Reconstructive Leave-In Conditioner is powered by advanced molecular science and carefully selected ingredients to support hair health and resilience." "The lightweight formula provides immediate and lasting benefits, helping to make each strand thicker, smoother, and more resistant to breakage. Scientifically formulated to address hair damage, this leave-in conditioner acts primarily as a rebuilder, but also as a hydrator, offering protection while working to strengthen compromised hair fibers. The product is fast-absorbing, and silicone-free, making it suitable for various hair care needs." The brand is also excited to announce its partnership with celebrity hairstylist, Kylee Heath, a standout artist in the Hollywood scene best known for her work with Nicole Kidman, Maya Rudolph, Awkwafina and more. "I'm thrilled to partner with ANATOMY Haircare and introduce their innovative approach to hair bond repair," said celebrity hairstylist Kylee Heath. "Their commitment to cutting-edge technology and high-quality ingredients aligns perfectly with my passion for healthy, beautiful hair. I can't wait to share this incredible product with my clients and fans!" The Reconstructive Leave-In Conditioner is now available exclusively available on anatomyhaircare.com. For more information, please visit the brand's website and follow @anatomyhaircare on Instagram. About ANATOMY Haircare A pioneering hair care company that applies advanced biochemistry developed in Switzerland to molecular hair bond reconstruction. The company has developed 3 families comprising 18 molecules designed to reconstruct damaged hair fibers across all hair types. These innovative organic compounds "click" the loose ends of broken bonds at the molecular level, forming multiple new bonds to reverse damage and resist future damage. With this cutting-edge technology, ANATOMY Haircare offers consumers access to genuine hair repair, setting a new standard in the industry. MEDIA CONTACT 5WPR [email protected] SOURCE ANATOMY Haircare Fortify your following season with ANNKE's exclusive fall sale: up to 60% off on security cameras and 15% off on surveillance systems for a safer home and business. LOS ANGELES, Sept. 26, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- ANNKE, a leading brand in the home & business security solution industry, has announced its exciting Autumn Prime Deals. Available solely through the official website , the Autumn Prime Deals present a prime chance for customers to upgrade their homes, properties, and businesses with the latest security technology at significantly discounted rates. ANNKE Unveils Autumn Prime Deals: Snag Up to 60% Off Top-Tier Security Tech! Kicking off today, customers can enjoy up to 60% off on selected security cameras and 15% off with the discount code AutumnPD on security systems, showcasing ANNKE's commitment to bringing cutting-edge technology to a wider audience. The sale features some of ANNKE's most popular security cameras are now available at ANNKE Official Store . They include: NightChroma Collection Newest NCBR800 4K Red Blue Light PoE Security Camera The NCBR800 features red & blue flashing lights and a siren, effectively deter intruders, preventing incidents before they occur. Boasting 4K Ultra HD resolution and Acme color & IR night vision, it delivers unparalleled clarity and coverage, day or night. NCT400 2-in-1 Dual Lens Security Camera The NCT400 features a dual lens system, 25X optical zoom, and a full 360 pan & 90 tilt range, providing comprehensive coverage with precision. Its Acme color night vision delivers stunningly clear images even at 0.001 lux, making it the ideal choice for those seeking sophisticated and wide-area surveillance. POE Series ACZ800 4K 4X Optical Zoom PoE Outdoor Security Camera The ACZ800 excels in outdoor surveillance, boasting a 4X optical zoom that captures a small target with stunning clarity or zoom out to monitor a broader area, ensuring maximum coverage and peace of mind. C1200 4K 12MP Outdoor Dual Light PoE Security Camera The C1200 offers a breathtaking 4K 12MP visual experience, ensuring that every detail is captured with remarkable clarity. Featuring smart dual-light and advanced human & vehicle detection, this camera is the perfect choice for environments where accurate detection and high-resolution evidence are crucial. Smart Home Security Solutions Whiffle Wireless Doorbell Camera The Whiffle is a smart doorbell camera, offering 1080P full HD video for clear visibility of your doorstep. With motion detection and two-way audio, you can see, hear, and speak to visitors right from your smartphone. Custos 2K/3MP WiFi Battery Camera Powered by battery and solar energy, the Custos is 100% wire-free. With its siren, strobe alarm and two-way audio, it provides enhanced smart home protection. Its compact size makes it easy to fit in any spots without taking up space. Outdoor Surveillance Systems AH500 3K 8 Channel 4 Cameras PoE Security System This system stands out with its dual night vision capabilities, offering both color and IR vision, ensuring vibrant details during the day and sharp visibility even in total darkness. EL200 1080p 8 Channel Outdoor Wired Security CCTV System The EL200 offers smart surveillance with human & vehicle detection, providing top-notch security at a high cost-performance ratio. Its 1080p clarity and 66 ft infrared night vision make it a suitable security option for automated threat awareness. About ANNKE Established in 2014, ANNKE has been at the forefront of the home and business security solution industry. With a diverse product range, including IP security cameras, all-in-one WiFi/PoE security camera systems, and versatile DVR surveillance systems, ANNKE is committed to exploring new frontiers in the security industry. Press Contact: Wency Zhan, https://www.annke.com/ SOURCE ANNKE CAMBRIDGE, Mass., Sept. 26, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Apnimed, Inc., a pharmaceutical company focused on discovery, development, and commercialization of first-in-class oral therapies that address the neuromuscular dysfunction of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) and other sleep-related breathing diseases, today announced that the company will be participating in the 4th Annual Needham Private Biotech Company Virtual 1x1 Forum taking place on October 8-9, 2024. Apnimed will be virtually hosting investor meetings on Tuesday, October 8th. About AD109 AD109 could be the first pharmacological treatment to improve oxygenation during sleep by directly addressing the underlying neuromuscular cause of upper airway collapse in people with obstructive sleep apnea. It is a first-in-class combination of aroxybutynin, a novel antimuscarinic, and atomoxetine, a selective noradrenaline reuptake inhibitor (NRI). Their combined pharmacological synergy targets the root neuromuscular cause of OSA. AD109 is a once-nightly oral pill that is designed to lower the complexity of intervention and may help more people benefit from effective, restorative sleep. In a disease characterized by complex and invasive treatment options, AD109 may be a simple solution to help improve oxygenation and health wellbeing for people living with OSA. About Obstructive Sleep Apnea Obstructive sleep apnea is a serious chronic sleep-related breathing disease where the upper airway repeatedly collapses during sleep, causing intermittent oxygen deprivation. It is caused by two overlapping mechanisms: neuromuscular dysfunction during sleep and predisposing anatomic abnormalities. The impact of OSA spans age, sex, and body typethere is no single face of the disease. Every night, greater than 54 million people in the U.S. and 1 billion people worldwide with OSA stop breathing, exposing them to serious, long-term health risks. An individual with OSA can experience hundreds of sleep apnea events in a single night. Each sleep apnea event reduces blood oxygen levels and deprives cells of the energy they need to perform vital functions. Ultimately, failure to effectively treat OSA increases the risk of long-term health consequences and quality of life impacts, including daytime fatigue, impaired judgement, premature death, and severe and potentially life-threatening health complications, such as high blood pressure, cardiovascular disease, and type 2 diabetes. Yet, even after being diagnosed, the majority of people with OSA either refuse, abandon, or underutilize treatment. In addition, no currently available treatments address the underlying neuromuscular dysfunction present in all OSA cases. About Apnimed Apnimed is a pharmaceutical company dedicated to breathing new life into the sleep-related breathing disease treatment landscape. The company envisions a new era where novel oral therapies simplify intervention, expand the reach of diagnosis and treatment, and elevate the health and expectations of everyone in the sleep-related breathing disease community. Based in Cambridge, Mass., Apnimed is advancing a focused pipeline of oral pharmaceutical product candidates designed to help improve oxygenation for people living with obstructive sleep apnea and beyond, to other sleep-related breathing diseases, including several that are part of our joint venture with Shionogi & Co., Ltd, Shionogi Apnimed Sleep Science (SASS). Learn more at apnimed.com or follow us on X and LinkedIn. Media Contact: [email protected] Investor Contact: Brian Ritchie [email protected] SOURCE Apnimed, Inc. CHARLES TOWN, W.Va., Sept. 26, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- The BCTCares Foundation, a nonprofit founded and operated by employees of BCT-Bank of Charles Town (OTC:PTBS), also known as The Community's Bank, announced Wednesday, September 25, 2024, that it raised a record $90,000 through its annual Pack The 'Pack program. Since its inception, the BCTCares Foundation has donated $405,000 targeting local food-insecurity. The program's mission is to support four in-market backpack food charities focused on providing nourishing food to food-insecure children, individuals, and families. The donation equaled $22,500 for each of the partner charities and will provide crucial funding for food purchases that will result in over 15,000 backpacks being filled with enough food for two days (weekend) per child. The fundraising effort was from July 1, 2024 through August 31, 2024. Contributions were solicited and received from the bank's clients, vendors, employees, and Board of Directors along with citizens from the communities surrounding BCT's branches and offices in Maryland, Virginia, and West Virginia. BCTCares Foundation presents record $90,000 proceeds from its 2024 Pack the 'Pack campaign to four local backpack food charities fighting childhood food-insecurity. "I am bursting with pride for our team, clients, and communities," remarked Alice P. Frazier, President and CEO of BCT. "We far exceeded our goal this year, which demonstrates a special generosity on the part of our clients and communities, and a unified focus from our employees. Thank you to everyone who contributed financially or with your time and talent. Because of you, more children are less food-insecure." For the Pack The 'Pack campaign, BCTCares has partnered with local backpack program charities who will purchase and distribute food using the funds donated. The local backpack program partners are: Berkeley County Backpack Program ( Berkeley County, WV ) - http://feedbcwvkids.org/ ) - http://feedbcwvkids.org/ Community Combined Ministries Kidz Power Pacs (Berkeley & Jefferson Counties, WV) - https://communitycombined.org/ HARC/Micah's Backpack ( Washington County, MD ) - https://harccoalition.org/programs/micahs-backpack/ ) - https://harccoalition.org/programs/micahs-backpack/ Fueled (formerly known as Loudoun Backpack Coalition) ( Loudoun County, VA ) - https://www.loudouneducationfoundation.org/fueled To learn more about the BCTCares Foundation and the Pack The 'Pack program, visit BCT's website at www.mybct.bank/about/bctcares/. About the Foundation The BCTCares Foundation is a 501(c)(3) organization formed in 2021 with a mission to provide direct support to food-insecure children, families, and individuals in the four primary counties served by BCT-Bank of Charles Town, also known as The Community's Bank. The Foundation is located at 111 E. Washington Street, Charles Town, WV, 25414. Visit its informational webpage at https://www.mybct.bank/about/bctcares/. BCTCares Foundation, Inc., EIN 87-1550562. Consult your tax adviser regarding possible tax benefits for donations. About BCT-Bank of Charles Town Founded in 1871, BCT - Bank of Charles Town, also known as The Community's Bank, is a wholly owned subsidiary of Potomac Bancshares, Inc. (OTC:PTBS). With approximately $832 million in assets as of June 30, 2024, the Company conducts operations through its main office, an additional eight branch offices, and two loan production offices. BCT's offices are located in Jefferson and Berkeley Counties (WV), Washington County (MD), and Loudoun and Stafford Counties (VA). The Bank provides various banking products and services including free access to over 55,000 ATMs through the Allpoint network plus another approximately 675 free access ATMs through another partnership. The Bank provides convenient online and mobile banking for individuals, businesses, and local governments. The Bank also offers commercial lines and term loans, residential and commercial construction loans, commercial real estate loans, agricultural loans, and government contractor loans. The Bank is also a Small Business Administration (SBA) Preferred Lender. The Residential Lending division offers secondary market and portfolio mortgage loans, one-time close construction to perm loans, as well as home equity loans and lines of credit. For over 70 years, BCT Wealth Advisors has provided trust services, growing into a premier financial management, investments, and estate services provider. BCT was voted the winner in the LoudounNow 2024 Loudoun's Favorites readers' poll in four categories: Bank, Mortgage Company, Banker, and Financial Planner. In 2023, American Banker selected BCT as a "Top 200 Community Bank," an annual listing of the best performing banks in the United States with assets under $2 billion. BCT was voted a "Best of the Best" winner in the 2023 Journal-News Readers' Choice Awards in four categories: Bank, Mortgage Company, Loan Services, and Financial Planning. In 2023, 2021, 2020, and 2019 the Bank was named a "Best Bank To Work For" by American Banker. The Company's shares are quoted on the OTC Pink Sheet marketplace under the symbol "PTBS." For more information about Potomac Bancshares, Inc., and the Bank, please visit our website at www.mybct.bank. SOURCE BCT - Bank of Charles Town PHILADELPHIA, Sept. 25, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- On September 23, 2024, a federal judge tapped a team of lawyers from Berger Montague PC, Susman Godfrey LLP, and Edelson PC to take the lead for the class action plaintiffs in consolidated multidistrict litigation ("MDL") accusing MultiPlan and many large insurers of colluding to systematically underpay out-of-network healthcare providers. The Berger Montague Shareholders leading this MDL on a day-to-day basis will be Eric Cramer, Zachary Caplan, and Patrick Madden. They are joined by Associate Hope Brinn, as well as Shareholders David Sorensen and Daniel Walker, who will also play important roles in this matter. U.S. District Judge Matthew Kennelly chose Berger Montague, Susman Godfrey, and Edelson as co-lead counsel from among several competing bids stating that the team is well-qualified and their proposal "made the most sense." Berger Montague Chairman Eric Cramer remarked, "We look forward to litigating this important case alongside our co-lead counsel. This diverse team brings together three renowned law firms that will best represent the plaintiffs and the proposed class." The MDL stems from a flurry of federal cases filed after investigations and reporting by The New York Times and others on MultiPlan and potential collusion in health care pricing. All such actions were centralized by the U.S. Judicial Panel on Multidistrict Litigation before Judge Kennelly in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Illinois. Now that Judge Kennelly has ruled on plaintiffs' leadership, this case will shift into substantive pretrial matters. The case is In re: MultiPlan Health Insurance Provider Litigation, 1:24-cv-06795, in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Illinois. If you are a healthcare provider that provided out-of-network medical services since July 2017 and would like to discuss your legal options, please contact Susan Leo at [email protected] or (215) 875-3081. Berger Montague is one of the nation's preeminent law firms focusing on complex civil litigation, class actions, and mass torts in federal and state courts throughout the United States. The firm is active in the fields of antitrust, commercial litigation, consumer protection, defective products, environmental law, employment law, securities, and whistleblower cases, among many other practice areas. For more than 50 years, Berger Montague has played lead roles in precedent-setting cases and has recovered over $60 billion for its clients and the classes they have represented. Berger Montague is headquartered in Philadelphia and has offices in Chicago, Minneapolis, San Diego, San Francisco, Toronto, Washington, D.C., and Wilmington, DE. Edelson PC is a nationally recognized leader in high-stakes plaintiff's litigation, including class actions, mass torts, government enforcement and antitrust actions. As lead counsel, the firm has recovered over $5 billion in settlements and judgments, with its overall settlements and judgments surpassing $45 billion. Edelson PC has offices in Chicago, San Francisco, Boulder, Washington, D.C., and Ann Arbor, Michigan. Susman Godfrey is a nationwide law firm of 170 trial lawyers. The firm handles high-stakes litigation for both plaintiffs and defendants in a broad range of practice areas and industries. Susman Godfrey's attorneys are known for finding a fee arrangementcontingent, flat, hourly, or hybridthat best suits a client's case. With a relentless focus on winning at trial, Susman Godfrey is recognized as American Lawyer's National Boutique Litigation Firm of the Year and for thirteen consecutive years has been named by Vault as the nation's leading litigation boutique. Press Contact: Amy Wall-Monte 215.875.3021 [email protected] SOURCE Berger Montague NEW YORK, Sept. 26, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Burford Capital, the leading global finance and asset management firm focused on law, today releases its latest Burford Quarterly, a journal of legal finance that explores the top trends at the nexus of law and finance. Coinciding with Burford's 15th anniversary, this Burford Quarterly examines the evolution of the legal finance industry over the last decade-and-a-half and highlights the benefits of legal finance for businesses. Articles in the Burford Quarterly 4 2024 include: Burford at 15: Charting the next chapter Since its founding by Chief Executive Officer Christopher Bogart and Chief Investment Officer Jonathan Molot 15 years ago, Burford has invested in research to track awareness and understanding of legal finance. David Perla and Aviva Will delve into what past research on legal finance tells us about its ongoing evolution. Legal finance: A strategic solution for modern business challenges Businesses with varying financial needs and a range of experience with affirmative litigation use legal finance. Jorn Eschment and Alyx Pattison provide an overview of use scenarios for businesses across the spectrum. The IP monetization revolution: Current trends and future directions Increasingly, leading businesses with significant patent portfolios are monetizing assets to drive revenue and innovation. Patent experts Katharine Wolanyk and Christopher Freeman explore how businesses are rethinking IP monetization strategies to maximize value. Championing change: Equity Project leaders on diversity in law As Burford launches phase three of its award-winning Equity Project, a group of corporate and law firm leaders who serve as Equity Project Champions discuss with Liz Bigham the current state of diversity in the legal industry, particularly in the leadership of commercial litigation and arbitration, and share insights on driving meaningful change within the profession. In conversation with Jonathan Hamilton : Arbitration in Latin America In this Spanish-language video interview (with a corresponding English-language transcript), Florencia Villaggi speaks with Paul Hastings Partner Jonathan Hamilton about the latest arbitration trends in Latin America and the emerging challenges and opportunities in the region. Spanish experts discuss new proposed collective redress bill Legal experts discuss the implications of a newly proposed bill on collective redress in Spain with Philipp Leibfried and Charlie Rooke , examining its potential impact on litigation strategies, its influence on the future of consumer protection and the role of legal finance in relation to the bill. Aviva Will, President of Burford Capital, says: "Since our founding, Burford has been committed to publishing insightful thought leadership and research about commercial legal finance, and the latest edition of The Burford Quarterly honors that 15-year tradition. In 2009, when Chris Bogart and Jon Molot founded Burford, they knew that legal finance could transform the business of law and that educating business and legal leaders about our industry would be key. This Quarterly brings together a diverse range of expert viewpoints, including perspective on 15 years of legal finance research, the transformation in how large corporations monetize patents, trends in Spain and Latin America, and how to improve the lack of diversity in the business of law. At Burford, we remain just as committed today as we were 15 years ago in leading the charge on the industry's most pressing issues." About Burford Capital Burford Capital is the leading global finance and asset management firm focused on law. Its businesses include litigation finance and risk management, asset recovery and a wide range of legal finance and advisory activities. Burford is publicly traded on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE: BUR) and the London Stock Exchange (LSE: BUR), and it works with companies and law firms around the world from its offices in New York, London, Chicago, Washington, DC, Singapore, Dubai and Hong Kong. For more information, please visit www.burfordcapital.com. This announcement does not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy any ordinary shares or other securities of Burford. SOURCE Burford Capital Development 104-Acre Meadowville Site Will Start Immediately to Deliver 300 MW of AI-ready Hyperscale Data Center Capacity RICHMOND, Va., Sept. 26, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- In a bold move to strengthen the digital infrastructure landscape in Virginia, PowerHouse Data Centers , a leading real estate developer for next-generation hyperscale data centers and division of American Real Estate Partners ( AREP ), and strategic joint venture partner, Chirisa Technology Parks ( CTP ), the wholesale and hyperscale data center development platform of Chirisa Investments, have announced the acquisition of 104 acres in Chesterfield County, directly adjacent to CTP's existing technology campus. Chirisa Technology Parks Development at the newly acquired Meadowville site, which will be introduced to market as Digital Drive, will include five turn-key AI-ready facilities totaling over 600,000 square feet of space. The campus is designed to provide AI-optimized infrastructure supported by 300 MW of secured power from the adjacent Meadowville substation. This substation, currently under construction in partnership with Dominion Energy, is part of a broader initiative to reinforce the grid at the Meadowville Technology Park with an eventual goal of adding over 1 GW of power capacity. Digital Drive's first facility is expected to be delivered by 2026, with full campus completion projected by 2028. This speed to market timeline defines the partners' dedication to delivering high-quality, scalable data center infrastructure on a rapid schedule. The phased approach ensures that hyperscale and AI customers will have access to flexible infrastructure that can adapt to evolving market needs. "Digital Drive is another incredible project for CTP and PowerHouse as we continue our expansion into Chesterfield County together," said Doug Fleit, Founder and CEO of PowerHouse. "When completed, the campus will provide scalable, flexible infrastructure that accelerates time-to-market for hyperscalers and enterprises alike. As the market continues to shift towards higher-density, AI-ready workloads, Richmond is becoming a central hub for these types of developments, and we are proud to play a key role in that growth." Richmond has emerged as a rapidly growing market for hyperscale data centers due to its strategic location and robust infrastructure. Situated along the I-95 corridor, with direct access to long-haul fiber routes, the region offers exceptional connectivity to major population centers on the East Coast, from New York and Washington, D.C. to Charlotte and Atlanta. Digital Drive will leverage this connectivity, strategically positioning Chesterfield County as a critical node for hyperscalers needing low-latency, high-capacity data infrastructure to serve cloud computing and AI workloads. Meg Davis, Head of Design, Development & Delivery for CTP, stated, "Speaking both personally and on behalf of my CTP and PowerHouse colleagues, I am thrilled we have closed on this exciting acquisition; this was a true team effort. Digital Drive is a game changer for Richmond and Chesterfield County. We're excited to start construction immediately and leverage our proprietary high-density AI-Ready design, to deliver a prime hyperscale campus that meets demand for turnkey hyperscale facilities". CTP and PowerHouse are committed to delivering high-performance infrastructure that also aligns with sustainability goals. The Digital Drive campus will integrate CTP's proprietary 'direct-on-chip' liquid cooling design, which is nearly twice as power-efficient as traditional air-cooled systems. This innovative cooling solution will reduce energy consumption and provide an environmentally responsible option for hyperscalers as they scale operations. In addition to advanced cooling technologies, the campus is collaborating with Chesterfield County to source water for the site from a local reclaimed water system. This will further reduce the environmental footprint of the development by minimizing the use of natural resources and leveraging local sustainability initiatives. These steps reflect both companies' commitment to responsible development, ensuring that hyperscale growth can be achieved in a way that benefits both customers and the surrounding community. The economic impact of Digital Drive will extend far beyond its technological innovations. The campus is expected to create 800 to 1,200 jobs over the next five to seven years. These roles will span design, construction, safety, operations, and administration, contributing significantly to the local economy. The influx of skilled jobs in the region will also position Chesterfield County as a focal point for technical expertise in hyperscale data center development. The partnership between PowerHouse and CTP ensures that the region will benefit from cutting-edge technology and investment, further solidifying Richmond's reputation as a destination for hyperscale infrastructure This latest campus project is the second joint venture collaboration between PowerHouse and CTP, following the recent announcement of the CTP-02 and CTP-03 developments for Coreweave. The Digital Drive Campus reinforces the strength of their partnership and combined expertise to create a new benchmark in data center delivery. About PowerHouse Data Centers PowerHouse Data Centers, a wholly owned division of American Real Estate Partners (AREP), is a developer and owner of next-generation data centers and provides technical real estate solutions for hyperscalers across the country. Starting in Northern Virginia's Data Center Alley, the world's largest data center market, before strategically expanding to key markets across the United States, PowerHouse owns its land sites, offering unparalleled fast-track approvals and zoning approvals in its full suite of development services. As an industry disruptor, PowerHouse provides flexible next-generation data center models with the quickest speed to market of any data center while meeting hyperscalers' growing market, data, utility, and space demands. The company has 57 buildings currently in planning, underway or completed, representing over 4.1 GW of power in six major US markets. Operating as the data center division of AREP, PowerHouse is uniquely positioned as a leader in world-class data center development. With some of the industry's deepest real estate relationships, PowerHouse leverages its strategic joint venture partnerships, proven leadership, and best-in-class technical expertise to deliver innovative real estate solutions nationwide. Visit our newsroom for more information, and follow us on LinkedIn , YouTube , and X . About CTP Chirisa Technology Parks (CTP) is focused on developing highly connected data center campuses with ample power availability in high-demand growth markets in the United States and Europe. CTP's existing data centers are located in Richmond, VA; Chicago, IL; Piscataway, NJ; Pittsburgh, PA and Seattle, WA. CTP currently has over 1,000,000 square feet of purpose-built data center capacity under development, with a pipeline in excess of 1GW under development in the USA and Europe. CTP's designs and rapid delivery process are focused on high-efficiency, leading-edge deployments. CTP has broad capability to partner and/or operate critical facilities, offering solutions for powered shell, build-to-suit, and turnkey delivery of assets for large and sophisticated customers. SOURCE American Real Estate Partners (AREP) Scientists investigated a drug namely IU1 for mitigating age-related problems in protein quality control systems SEOUL, South Korea, Sept. 26, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Aging is an inevitable phenomenon and is accompanied by several comorbidities. To this end, research into the effects of aging has become paramount, and scientists are looking for ways to slow down aging and its detrimental impact on the human body. While aging ultimately causes deterioration in all body systems, the disruption of protein homeostasis or 'proteostasis' is one of the major underlying reasons. Using fruit flies as an animal model, researchers shed light on the synergistic effects of two different mechanisms by which cells destroy faulty proteins that lead to aging. Moreover, by administering a modern drug, IU1, they could prevent age-related decline, leading to longer and healthier lifespans in fruit flies. These findings could be key to developing anti-aging medicine and treatments for challenging diseases that are more common in old age. Our cells have several mechanisms that help detect damaged or misfolded proteins and break them down. These 'protein quality control' systems prevent faulty proteins from aggregating and accumulating, causing cellular stress and long-lasting issues. As a person ages, these systems decline in function, which sets the stage for many age-related degenerative diseases and chronic conditions. Thus, preventing the disruption of proteostasis mechanisms could be the key to increasing longevity and improving the quality of life among older adults. In this vein, a research team from Korea set out to investigate the relationship between two essential protein quality control systems, namely proteasomes and autophagy. The researchers led by Professor Seogang Hyun from Chung-Ang University, Korea, identified a drug that could preserve the performance of these systems, demonstrating interesting anti-aging effects. This study made available online on August 15, 2024 in the journal Autophagy. Proteasomes are protein complexes that break down faulty proteins into smaller peptides. On the other hand, autophagy is a process by which cells degrade and recycle larger structures, including protein aggregates, through the formation of specialized vesicles. Both systems work in concert to maintain proteostasis, but the mechanism of their synergistic activation to mitigate the effects of aging is not well understood. Fortunately, an interesting compound ended up catching Prof. Hyun's attention. "A few years ago, I learned from an academic conference that a certain drug called IU1 can enhance proteasomal activity, which encouraged our group to test its anti-aging effects," he explains. The researchers employed an animal model for studying the aging process: fruit flies from the genus Drosophila. Since fruit flies have a short lifespan and their age-related muscle deterioration is quite similar to that in humans, Drosophila constitutes a valuable model for studying aging. They treated flies with the drug IU1 and measured various behavioral- and proteostasis-related parameters. The results were quite promising, as Prof. Hyun remarks: "Inhibiting the activity of ubiquitin specific peptidase 14 (USP14), a component of the proteasome complex, with IU1 enhanced not only proteasome activity but also autophagy activity simultaneously. We demonstrated that this synergistic mechanism could improve age-related muscle weakness in fruit flies and extend their lifespan." Worth noting that similar results were obtained in human cells. These findings have important ramifications, especially regarding advances in anti-aging therapy. "Reduced protein homeostasis is a major characteristic of degenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's and Parkinson's disease. The results of our study might lay the groundwork for the development of treatments for various age-related diseases," highlights Prof. Hyun. We hope that these newfound insights pave the way for therapeutics that improve quality of life and extend lifespans. Reference Title of original paper: Pharmacological inhibition of USP14 delays proteostasis-associated aging in a proteasome-dependent but foxo-independent manner Journal: Autophagy DOI: 10.1080/15548627.2024.2389607 About Chung-Ang University Website: https://neweng.cau.ac.kr/index.do Contact: Sungki Shin 02-820-6614 [email protected] SOURCE Chung-Ang University NEW YORK, Sept. 26, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Highlighting that Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) should be seen as an opportunity to deliver socioeconomic growth, COP28 President Dr. Sultan Al Jaber today called on Parties to issue a third round of NDCs that "meet the urgency of the moment" and represent a "comprehensive response plan" to the UAE Consensus. Parties should view their NDCs "not as a burden but as platforms for new streams of growth, green jobs and a clean future," the COP28 President said at a high-level COP Presidencies Troika event, held on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly in New York. "The UAE Consensus gave us a blueprint for transformation: we must now act on it," Dr. Al Jaber said at the COP Presidencies Troika's 'Roadmap to Mission 1.5: NDC 3.0' event. The COP Presidencies Troika, an unprecedented collaboration between the COP presidencies of the UAE, Azerbaijan and Brazil, is primarily focused on stimulating the "highest level of ambition" in the next round of NDCs, Dr. Al Jaber said. While Parties must submit their next round of NDCs by February 2025, submitting them earlier would help build momentum, Dr. Al Jaber said, announcing that the UAE will submit its third NDC ahead of COP29, due to be held in Azerbaijan from 11-22 November. "Let me take this opportunity to call on all Parties to be early movers and to provide concrete signals on their NDCs by or before COP29 to build momentum during this critical decade of action," the COP28 President said. "Let's deliver transformational NDCs backed by serious investment to deliver on the mandate of the UAE Consensus, and let's drive a new era of sustainable socioeconomic growth that keeps 1.5C within reach, advances prosperity and leaves no one behind." The UAE's NDC will "cover all greenhouse gases and every sector of the economy, including energy, industry, transportation and waste," he said. "It will leverage the latest technologies, including AI, to drive decarbonization and enhance adaptive resilience by transforming food, health and early warning systems. And it will back all efforts with a robust legal framework that holds every sector accountable to specific, timebound goals." In a call to all Parties, Dr. Al Jaber said that if the next round of NDCs is done right, they can "leverage" the three global megatrends of the energy transition, the rise of AI and the expansion of emerging markets and the Global South. Dr. Al Jaber said that the UAE has been a leader in diversifying its energy mix, having already more than doubled its renewable energy capacity since 2019 and being on track to more than triple it by 2030. Dr. Al Jaber also highlighted the progress made by the Oil & Gas Decarbonization Charter (OGDC) since COP28, which now has 54 members, covering 43 percent of global oil production. For nations looking to incentivize industry sectors in their NDCs, the OGDC demonstrates how "inclusive engagement" can lead to "meaningful results," he said. The COP28 President emphasized the importance of finding consensus on a New Collective Quantified Goal (NCQG) on finance at COP29 to ensure that finance goes to where it is needed the most. As part of the Troika's mission to raise ambition for the next round of NDCs, the COP Presidencies Troika launched an Action and Ambition Majlis series, bringing countries together at events like the Petersberg Climate Dialogue in Germany and the Ministerial on Climate Action in Wuhan, China. SOURCE COP28 Photo: Ministry of Defense of the Republic of Azerbaijan BAKU, Azerbaijan, September 26. On the final day of the 5th Anniversary Azerbaijan International Defense Exhibition "ADEX", Azerbaijani Defense Ministry officials visited the Baku Expo Center, Trend reports via the ministry. The Azerbaijani Minister of Defense, Colonel General Zakir Hasanov, met with the leadership of the China National Precision Machinery Import and Export Corporation (CPMIEC). The meeting featured an in-depth exchange of views on joint military-technical cooperation and various other matters of mutual interest. National Transportation Safety Board advises homeowners to install natural gas alarms as the US continues to lose too many lives and homes to catastrophic explosions that are preventable tragedies. LISLE, Ill., Sept. 26, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- DeNova Detect, created by New Cosmos USA Inc., one of the world's leading manufacturer of natural gas alarms, is using Fire Prevention Week October 6th-12th as an opportunity to educate Americans about natural gas safety. With natural gas explosions on the rise due to aging infrastructure, aging appliances and loose gas connections, there is a growing awareness that a trifecta of safety alarms, smoke, carbon monoxide and natural gas alarms is needed to keep homes, families and business safe. The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) is now advising Americans with natural gas appliances to install natural gas alarms which detect gas leaks before they ignite and cause explosions. New York City began requiring natural gas alarms this year as does the state of Maine. Seven other states including Connecticut, Illinois, Massachusetts, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, and Tennessee have legislation pending to require these important life-safety alarms. DeNova Detect produces the only residential battery-operated 10 year natural gas alarm tested to UL1484 Standard by ETL. Post this DeNova Detect produces the only residential fully battery-operated 10 year natural gas alarm in the world, tested to UL1484 Standard by ETL. In addition to detecting natural gas on average 11 minutes sooner than traditional gas sensors, it also operates for ten years without any need to change the battery and all DeNova Detect alarms have a virtually zero rate of false alarms. Voice alerts in English and Spanish announce the type of hazard and instructions to evacuate and then call 911. DeNova Detect also offers a 10 year 2-in-1 combination natural gas and carbon monoxide alarm. DeNova Detects cordless design means it can be placed closer to the ceiling where natural gas rises and accumulates first. This is one of several reasons it provides earlier detection than the traditional plug-in alarms. Voice alerts in English and Spanish announce the type of hazard and instructions to evacuate and then call 911. Natural gas alarms should be installed near every gas appliance. "We are very pleased that the NTSB, the nation's leading public safety agency is advising people to install natural gas alarms and that many lawmakers and fire safety professionals are taking this issue seriously. Although natural gas alarms are proven to prevent gas explosions with early detection, many consumers are still not aware this life-saving technology exists even though 60 percent of homes in the U.S. use natural gas," said Ron Lazarus, COO of DeNova Detect/New Cosmos USA. "During the month of October, DeNova Detect will participate in community education and media events across the United States. It is the perfect time to raise awareness about natural gas safety since there is an increased focus on fire prevention." A natural gas incident or explosion occurs approximately every 40 hours in the United States. Local fire departments respond to thousands of home fires each year that start with the ignition of natural gas. During the past several decades, natural gas leaks have led to explosions claiming many American lives, injuring many more and destroying apartment buildings and single and multi-family housing with millions of dollars in property damage. Oftentimes, it is difficult to recognize the presence of a gas leak or there is little warning before an explosion occurs. Kansas City, Kansas Fire Chief Dennis Rubin remembers the first fatality he ever responded to it was from a natural gas explosion. "It is etched in my mind and always will be. It happened in 1972, leveling two homes, seriously damaged a third and killing two small children and their mother. If there had been a natural gas alarm in the home to alert them, they could have gotten out and lived," said Kansas City Fire Chief Dennis Rubin. "Today more than half a century later, we continue to lose too many lives and homes and we are putting firefighters at risk from catastrophic natural gas explosions. Natural gas alarms are a simple and very effective step consumers can take now to protect their families and homes." New York City became the first major American city to require natural gas alarms earlier this year. In the past decade, New York City has experienced several devastating natural gas explosions where residents were killed and injured, buildings were destroyed, and families lost their homes. Consolidated Edison launched a pilot program in New York in 2018 featuring natural gas alarms aimed at preventing future gas explosions. Con Ed chose to use DeNova Detect natural gas alarms and has installed more than 250,000 of them in buildings and homes across Manhattan and Westchester County. "We are proud that New York City is leading the nation in this important public safety issue and we hope others will soon follow our lead. Natural gas alarms and the early detection and warnings they provide are essential for public safety," said Assemblywoman Alicia L. Hyndman from Queens, New York. "As the most densely populated major city in the U.S., gas related incidents that occur here often impact entire neighborhoods. That's why it is crucial to detect gas leaks before there is an explosions and lives are irretrievably broken." DeNova Detect produces the only residential fully battery-operated 10 year natural gas alarm in the world, tested to UL1484 Standard by ETL. In addition to detecting natural gas on average 11 minutes sooner than traditional gas sensors, it also operates for ten years without any need to change the battery and has a virtually zero rate of false alarms. DeNova Detect also offers a 2-in-1 combination natural gas and carbon monoxide alarm. DeNova Detect's cordless design means it can be placed closer to the ceiling where natural gas rises and accumulates first. This is one of several reasons it provides earlier detection than the traditional plug-in alarms. Voice alerts in English and Spanish announce the type of hazard and instructions to evacuate and then call 911. Natural gas alarms should be installed near every gas appliance, including cooking appliances, clothes dryers, water heaters, furnaces, and gas fireplaces. Look for alarms in Lowe's stores, on lowes.com and DeNovaDetect.com. About New Cosmos USA, Inc/DeNova Detect. New Cosmos Electric, a leading global supplier of natural gas alarms for more than 60 years, formed a wholly owned subsidiary, New Cosmos USA, Inc., in 2018. New Cosmos USA is headquartered in the Chicago area and has developed the DeNova Detect brand to provide gas alarms to some of the largest utility companies in the U.S. as well as commercial and residential customers. With more than 70 million residential gas alarms sold worldwide, and the developer of the first-ever residential natural gas alarm, New Cosmos remains committed to delivering cutting-edge safety solutions to customers globally to protect what matters most. SOURCE DeNova Detect ATLANTA, Sept. 26, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- A group of Israeli women, displaced from their homes due to ongoing rocket fire and drone attacks from Hezbollah, are in Atlanta this week thanks to Jewish National Fund-USA to raise awareness about the ongoing crisis in northern Israel. The delegation of Israeli women spoke to school students in Atlanta Jewish National Fund-USA volunteers help rebuild communities in Israel Over the past 11 months, over 70,000 Israelis have been forced to evacuate their homes, however, these women refuse to see themselves as victims. Instead, they are determined to return to their towns and villages and rebuild stronger, more resilient communities. With the help of Atlanta's philanthropic community and Jewish National Fund-USA, they aim to reimagine northern Israel's future. Among the women leading this effort are Efrat Eldan Schechter, Linoy Madar, and Eti Madar Itzhak, all of whom have been personally affected by the attacks but remain steadfast in their mission to create a brighter future for their children and their communities. These inspiring women are available for media interviews during their time in Atlanta to share their powerful stories and discuss their vision for the future of northern Israel. Jewish National Fund-USA's Atlanta Board President, Mark Kopkin, stressed the importance of raising awareness about the situation. "Our brothers and sisters in Israel's north have faced unimaginable challenges. It's critical that we drive visibility and understanding of their plight here in Atlanta and across the U.S. Now, more than ever, we must rally behind them to provide the resources needed to rebuild and reimagine their communities." The delegation of displaced women has been meeting with local philanthropists and community leaders throughout the week, sharing their stories of resilience and determination. They aim to forge new partnerships and gather support for Jewish National Fund-USA's "Reimagine" plan for Israel's north, a comprehensive plan to rebuild and rejuvenate the region. For interviews with Efrat, Linoy, and Eti, please contact: Stefan Oberman: [email protected] / 212.879.9305 x222 About Jewish National Fund-USA Jewish National Fund-USA builds a strong, vibrant future for the land and people of Israel through bold initiatives and Zionist education. As a leading philanthropic movement, the organization supports critical environmental and nation-building activities in Israel's north and south as it develops new communities in the Negev and Galilee, connects the next generation to Israel, and creates infrastructure and programs that support ecology, people with disabilities, and heritage site preservation, all while running a fully accredited study abroad experience through its Alexander Muss High School in Israel. Learn more at jnf.org. SOURCE Jewish National Fund-USA Awards $50,000 to the American Red Cross as Hurricane Helene makes landfall in Florida later today ST. PETERSBURG, Fla., Sept. 26, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- As Hurricane Helene makes landfall in Florida later today, Duke Energy Florida is reminding customers that the company has 8,000 workers, including nearly 4,000 in The Villages in Central Florida, ready to respond to widespread power outages as soon as conditions allow. The company is also encouraging customers to remain informed and vigilant while prioritizing safety above all else before, during and after the storm. "Hurricane Helene poses a significant threat to Florida's Big Bend and other communities along the state's west coast. The potential of a category four storm can cause widespread damage to our equipment resulting in extended outage durations for our customers," said Todd Fountain, Duke Energy Florida storm director. "We can't overstate how critical it is for our customers in these areas to keep safety top of mind in the hours and days ahead." In anticipation of the Hurricane Helene, the Duke Energy Foundation has awarded $50,000 to the American Red Cross to support disaster response and relief efforts. This is in addition to the $3.5 million the Foundation has donated specifically to the American Red Cross' emergency response work in Florida over the last five years, as well as a previous $100,000 grant to upgrade the organization's Emergency app. "The American Red Cross offers life-saving services in the aftermath of hurricanes and other disasters," said Melissa Seixas, Duke Energy Florida state president. "It's our privilege to contribute to this important mission and help ensure our fellow Floridians can get back on their feet as quickly as possible post-Helene." Customers are advised to practice the safety protocols below: Have a portable radio, TV or NOAA Weather Radio on hand to monitor the storm's latest developments. In case of strong winds, stay away from windows and doors, even if they are covered. Seek shelter in a small interior room, closet or hallway on the lowest floor. Disconnect or turn off any nonessential electrical equipment that may start automatically when power is restored to avoid overloading circuits. Do not open freezers or refrigerators more than necessary. Opening these appliances will allow food to thaw quicker. For more information, see the FDA's food safety guidelines. To report a power outage, text OUT to 57801, call 800.228.8485 or report online or through the mobile app. For more safety tips, please visit duke-energy.com/StormTips. Duke Energy Florida Duke Energy Florida, a subsidiary of Duke Energy, owns 12,300 megawatts of energy capacity, supplying electricity to 2 million residential, commercial and industrial customers across a 13,000-square-mile service area in Florida. Duke Energy Duke Energy (NYSE: DUK), a Fortune 150 company headquartered in Charlotte, N.C., is one of America's largest energy holding companies. The company's electric utilities serve 8.4 million customers in North Carolina, South Carolina, Florida, Indiana, Ohio and Kentucky, and collectively own 54,800 megawatts of energy capacity. Its natural gas utilities serve 1.7 million customers in North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Ohio and Kentucky. Duke Energy is executing an ambitious clean energy transition, keeping reliability, affordability and accessibility at the forefront as the company works toward net-zero methane emissions from its natural gas business by 2030 and net-zero carbon emissions from electricity generation by 2050. The company is investing in major electric grid upgrades and cleaner generation, including expanded energy storage, renewables, natural gas and nuclear. More information is available at duke-energy.com and the Duke Energy News Center. Follow Duke Energy on X, LinkedIn, Instagram and Facebook, and visit illumination for stories about the people and innovations powering our energy transition. Contact: Ana Gibbs 24-Hour: 800.559.3853 SOURCE Duke Energy Kay Properties & Investments, known for its top-tier educational events and publications, introduces a new webinar theme focused on tackling the debt replacement challenge for 1031 exchange investors. TORRANCE, Calif., Sept. 26, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Dwight Kay, Founder and CEO of Kay Properties & Investments, one of the nation's most active 1031 investment firms specializing in Delaware Statutory Trusts, announced the release of the latest installment in the firm's weekly webinar series, titled "How to Replace Debt in a 1031 Exchange." This new webinar presentation explores how Delaware Statutory Trusts can potentially offer a streamlined and convenient solution for investors facing the debt-replacement challenge in a 1031 exchange. Dwight Kay, founder and CEO of Kay Properties & Investments announced a new Webinar topic titled, "How to Replace Debt in a 1031 Exchange". Kay Properties hosts a weekly webinar series held every Wednesday at 11 a.m. PST and 2 p.m. EST. According to Kay, understanding the concept of debt replacement in a 1031 can be one of the most confusing topics for even experienced real estate investors. In many cases, investors may not be aware that Delaware Statutory Trusts can provide an efficient 1031 Exchange Strategy that can potentially simplify the exchange process as outlined in Internal Revenue Code Section 1031 while also potentially eliminating the burden of personal guarantees and extensive financial disclosures typically required with acquiring a loan on a property. "I am very excited to announce the latest Kay Properties webinar theme now being presented during our weekly webinar series held every Wednesday at 11 a.m. PST and 2 p.m. EST. We are also presenting this new presentation to thousands of investment property owners nationwide. This new presentation is designed to instruct 1031 investors how the Delaware Statutory Trust can be used as a strategic debt-replacement tool for investment property owners. We believe investors will be excited to view this presentation as we created it to be both easily understood and thoroughly detailed for a full picture of debt-replacement strategies including providing specific examples of various leverage scenarios with respective 1031 exchange case studies," said Kay. Kay explained the newest presentation begins by outlining the basic 1031 requirements required for a full tax deferral including the 1031 Value Replacement Rule which states that the value of the replacement property in a 1031 must be equal to or greater than the value of the relinquished property, and that any cash or debt not reinvested is known as a "boot", and is subject to capital gains taxes. "While these basic rules may seem very straightforward on paper, it is remarkable how complicated this concept can get when investors face real life, complicated debt replacement scenarios. That's why we believe this presentation will be both very popular and valuable because it carefully breaks down how Delaware Statutory Trusts can potentially make the debt-replacement challenge remarkably straightforward and efficient," said Kay. Kay points out that the latest debt-replacement presentation also highlights some often-missed advantages of using Delaware Statutory Trusts for 1031 investors such as: Pre-Arranged Debt With Delaware Statutory Trusts, the debt component is already structured and in place to satisfy value replacement requirements of the 1031 investor. Because DSTs allow investors to purchase a fractional interest in the DST and because DSTs have a variety of financing ratios in place, investors don't need to personally secure new financing, undergo personal credit checks, or provide extensive financial documentation to a lender. Non-Recourse Debt A non-recourse loan is a type of debt that is secured by collateral, but limits the lender's recourse to that collateral if the borrower defaults. In other words, the lender can't pursue other assets of the borrower to collect the debt. For example, if a borrower defaults on a non-recourse apartment loan, the lender can only foreclose on the apartment and can't take other legal action against the owners to collect the debt. Finally, the latest Kay Properties & Investments webinar covers three types of Delaware Statutory Trust (DST) properties that are available on the www.kpi1031.com online marketplace, featuring case studies that demonstrate how 1031 investors can utilize DSTs to address various debt leverage scenarios. "Since DST properties can support a range of debt replacement needs, this presentation also presents specific examples of three different scenarios," said Kay. "These include DST properties with a 30% - 55% loan-to-value (LTV), highly leveraged properties with 70% - 90% LTV, known as Zero Coupon DSTs, and DSTs that are completely debt-free these are all cash DSTs that have no risk of a lender foreclosure, cash flow sweep or balloon mortgage maturity." For investors interested in learning more about how Delaware Statutory Trust properties can help solve the debt-replacement challenge for 1031 s, please visit www.kpi1031.com . About Kay Properties and www.kpi1031.com : Kay Properties helps investors choose 1031 exchange investments that help them focus on what they truly love in life, whether that be their children, grandkids, travel, hobbies, or other endeavors (NO MORE 3 T's - Tenants, Toilets and Trash!). We have helped 1031 exchange investors for nearly two decades exchange into over 9,100 - 1031 exchange investments. Please visit www.kpi1031.com for access to our team's experience, educational library and our full 1031 exchange investment menu. This material is not tax or legal advice. Please consult your CPA/attorney for guidance. Past performance does not guarantee or indicate the likelihood of future results. Diversification does not guarantee returns and does not protect against loss. Potential cash flow, potential returns and potential appreciation are not guaranteed. There is a risk of loss of the entire investment principal. Please read the Private Placement Memorandum (PPM) for the offerings business plan and risk factors before investing. Securities offered through FNEX Capital LLC member FINRA, SIPC. SOURCE Kay Properties and Investments New Infographic Illustrates EVQ-218's Novel Approach to Combatting the World's Worst Superbugs Without Triggering Antimicrobial Resistance SALT LAKE CITY, Sept. 26, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- As the United Nations (UN) prepares to address the escalating threat of antimicrobial resistance, EVOQ Nano is helping raise awareness through an educational infographic depicting a common trigger of antimicrobial resistance and highlighting EVQ-218's novel mechanism of action. EVOQ Nano AMR Infographic Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) considered a top 10 global health threat1 occurs when bacteria mutate to outsmart antibacterial agents, including antibiotics, leading to more severe infections and higher mortality rates. The UN General Assembly high-level meeting on AMR presents a critical opportunity for global stakeholders to address the growing threat. Combatting Pulmonary Bacterial Infections Bacteria's ability to form biofilms is a key factor in their resistance to antibiotics. Biofilms are protective layers that shield bacteria from therapeutic interventions and the body's immune system, especially in conditions like cystic fibrosis where infections become entrenched deep within the lungs. Pulmonary therapeutics face hurdles in reaching the lower respiratory passages due to the lungs' complex structure, mucus production, and natural clearance mechanism, which expels foreign particles. Recent preclinical trials of EVQ-218 show promise in addressing these challenges. In rodent studies, EVQ-218's uniform, sub-10 nm nanoparticles effectively penetrated the distal regions of the lungs, overcoming typical delivery barriers. This deep lung penetration, combined with data showing efficacy against biofilm formation, positions EVQ-218 as a promising candidate for tackling difficult-to-treat infections. Serial passage assays, a critical test to assess the development of drug resistance over time, have also been conducted on EVQ-218. The results showed no development of resistance in 28-day and 35-day testing. Resistance to other antibiotics typically occurs in 4-5 days.2-6 "The rising challenge of antimicrobial resistance calls for innovative solutions," said EVOQ Nano CEO, Shaun Rothwell. "EVQ-218 represents a promising approach that could significantly impact this global health threat. We're all in this fight together, and the more information we can share, the better equipped we'll be to develop effective solutions." Advancing Toward Clinical Trials EVOQ Bio, a wholly-owned subsidiary of EVOQ Nano, received two grants from the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation to develop an inhaled therapeutic using EVQ-218 to combat pulmonary bacterial infections associated with cystic fibrosis. The company recently completed a successful Pre-Investigational New Drug (pre-IND) meeting with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration and is confidently advancing toward Phase I clinical trials. EVQ-218 has been characterized as a new form of silver by the Journal of the American Chemical Society, ACS Omega. Unlike conventional antibacterial agents that often trigger AMR by rupturing bacterial cell walls, EVQ-218 employs a novel mechanism of action that kills bacteria from the inside.7 EVQ-218 infiltrates the bacterial cell and begins sequestering sulfur. This neutralizes the cell's energy source, disabling metabolic pathways and destroying the cell from the inside. 7 With death of the bacteria and no cell wall damage, warning signals are not sent to sibling bacteria, preventing bacterial proliferation and AMR.7 In vitro studies found EVQ-218 demonstrated efficacy against a range of pathogens, including the top six antibiotic-resistant strains identified by The World Health Organization.8 Acinetobacter baumannii, CR Pseudomonas aeruginosa, CR Escherichia coli, 3GCR Klebsiella spp., 3GCR Klebsiella spp., CR Enterobacter spp., SGCR About EVOQ Bio EVOQ Bio is a preclinical-stage nanotherapeutics company pioneering a nanomedicine platform with demonstrated antimicrobial efficacy. The company's first therapeutic in development is for the treatment of pulmonary bacterial infections in patients with cystic fibrosis. The inhaled therapeutic utilizes EVQ-218, a groundbreaking nanoparticle that has demonstrated efficacy against a wide range of pathogens, including the top six antibiotic-resistant strains identified by the World Health Organization. Characterized as a new form of silver,7 EVQ-218 is the first and only non-ionic silver nanoparticle with effective antimicrobial action devoid of cytotoxicity. EVOQ Bio is a wholly-owned subsidiary of EVOQ Nano. To learn more, visit evoqbio.com. About EVOQ Nano EVOQ Nano is a nanoscience company that engineers novel nanoparticles for the life, materials, and textile science industries. The company's multi-patented, high-volume laser nanofabrication process creates uniform, sub-10 nm nanoparticles with distinct surface chemistry. These properties represent a significant advancement in nanoscience with the potential for a wide range of applications. To learn more, visit evoqnano.com. Media Contact Capwell Communications [email protected] References "Antimicrobial Resistance." World Health Organization, https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/antimicrobial-resistance#:~:text=Key%20facts,of%20modern%20medicine%20at%20risk. Accessed 4 Sept. 2024 . Cakic M, Glisic S, Nikolic G. Synthesis, characterization and antimicrobial activity of dextran sulphate stabilized silver nanoparticles. J Mol Struct. 2016;1110:156161. doi: 10.1016/j.molstruc.2016.01.040 Yan X, He B, Liu L, Qu G, Shi J, Hu L, Jiang G. Antibacterial mechanism of silver nanoparticles in Pseudomonas aeruginosa: Proteomics approach. Metallomics. 2018;10:557564. doi: 10.1039/C7MT00328E Gamboa SM, Rojas ER, Martinez VV, Vega-Baudrit J. Synthesis and characterization of silver nanoparticles and their application as an antibacterial agent. Int J Biosen Bioelectron. 2019;5(5):166-173. doi: 10.15406/ijbsbe.2019.05.00172 Rajeshkumar S, Bharath LV. Mechanism of plant-mediated synthesis of silver nanoparticlesA review on biomolecules involved, characterisation and antibacterial activity. Chem Biol Interact. 2017;273:219227. doi: 10.1016/j.cbi.2017.06.019 Mikhailova EO. Silver nanoparticles: mechanism of action and probable bio-Application. J Funct Biomater. 2020 Dec; 11(4): 84. Published online 2020 Nov 26. doi: 10.3390/jfb11040084 Kennon BS, Niedermeyer WH. EVQ-218: Characterization of high-energy nanoparticles that measure up to NIST standards. ACS Omega. 2024;9(7):7891-7903. doi: 10.1021/acsomega.3c07745 World Health Organization. Prioritization of Pathogens to Guide Discovery, Research and Development of New Antibiotics for Drug-Resistant Bacterial Infections, including Tuberculosis. 2017;77. (Survey of world health experts) SOURCE EVOQ Nano CALGARY, AB, Sept. 26, 2024 /PRNewswire/ - Exro Technologies Inc. (TSX: EXRO) (OTCQB: EXROF) (the "Company" or "Exro"), a leading clean-technology company that provides proprietary motor-control and complete electric propulsion system technology for e-mobility, is pleased to announce its automotive OEM partner, Stellantis N.V. ("Stellantis"), with whom it had previously signed a Non-Disclosure Agreement ("NDA"). The announcement follows approximately 14 months of work completing the first phase focused on integrating the Exro Coil Driver technology into Stellantis' next-generation electric powertrains. Additionally, Exro is pleased to announce its recognition as a finalist for Best Supplier in the Innovation Category in the prestigious Stellantis Supplier Awards 2024. Leading Global Automotive Innovation Program Partner: Stellantis N.V. For the past 14 months, Exro and Stellantis have collaborated in a confidential innovation program to demonstrate the capabilities of Exro's Coil Driver technology for potential applications within Stellantis' passenger vehicles. The lifting of the NDA marks a milestone for the innovation program as the partners successfully progressed the partnership through multiple technical, performance, and cost study milestones. "Stellantis pushed us to evolve the Exro Coil Driver technology and prove the need to disrupt the passenger EV propulsion systems as they exist today", said Exro Chief Technology Officer Eric Hustedt. "They challenged us to demonstrate how our coil-switching inverter technology holds the potential to enhance system efficiency and power, while also holding the potential to significantly reduce cost and accelerate the adoption of EVs globally." Finalist for Supplier of the Year in Innovation Exro is proud to announce its recognition as a finalist in the Stellantis Global Automotive Supplier Awards, held at the Lingotto Conference Hall in Turin, Italy, on September 24, 2024. Exro was nominated as one of three finalists for the Best Supplier Award in the Innovation category. Teresa Thiele, Stellantis' Senior Vice President of Global Purchasing Programs said, "The innovation award honors suppliers that have created a feature with the potential of being a brand identifier or a market changer an innovation that fulfills the needs of the customer and positively impacts the brand or market position of our Stellantis vehicles, and is safe, affordable and sustainable. Exro was nominated for its expertise in innovative motor control technology, which significantly enhanced our electrified motor design, improved performance, and reduced costs, demonstrating the commitment to accelerate electric vehicle adoption in the passenger car market." The ceremony, attended by over 200 global suppliers and Stellantis' top executives, honored 68 finalists across 21 categories, recognizing their role in propelling Stellantis to the forefront of the global automotive industry. The event celebrated the excellence and collaboration of Stellantis' top-performing suppliers from around the globe, and Exro's recognition by Stellantis highlights its dedication to setting industry standards for quality, performance, and customer satisfaction. Exro remains committed to supporting Stellantis' vision of a transformative future. ABOUT STELLANTIS Stellantis N.V. (NYSE: STLA) (Euronext Milan: STLAM) (Euronext Paris: STLAP) is one of the world's leading automakers and a mobility provider. Its storied and iconic brands embody the passion of their visionary founders and today's customers in their innovative products and services, including Abarth, Alfa Romeo, Chrysler, Citroen, Dodge, DS Automobiles, Fiat, Jeep, Lancia, Maserati, Opel, Peugeot, Ram, Vauxhall, Free2move and Leasys. Powered by our diversity, we lead the way the world moves aspiring to become the greatest sustainable mobility tech company, not the biggest, while creating added value for all stakeholders as well as the communities in which it operates. For more information, visit www.stellantis.com. ABOUT EXRO TECHNOLOGIES INC. Exro Technologies Inc., now expanded through the strategic acquisition of SEA Electric, is a leading clean technology company that has developed new generation power control electronics. Its innovative suite of solutions, including the Exro Coil Driver, Exro Cell Driver, and SEA-Drive, expand the capabilities of electric motors and batteries and offer OEMs a comprehensive e-propulsion solution with unmatched performance and efficiency. Exro is reshaping global energy consumption, accelerating adoption towards a circular electrified economy by delivering more with less minimum energy for maximum results. For more information visit our website at www.exro.com. To view our Corporate Presentation visit us at www.exro.com/investors Visit us on social media @exrotech. CAUTIONARY STATEMENT REGARDING FORWARD LOOKING STATEMENTS This news release contains forward-looking statements and forward-looking information (together, "forward-looking statements") within the meaning of applicable securities laws. All statements, other than statements of historical facts, are forward-looking statements. Generally, forward-looking statements can be identified using terminology such as "plans", "expects", "estimates", "intends", "anticipates", "believes" or variations of such words, or statements that certain actions, events or results "may", "could", "would", "might", "will be taken", "occur" or "be achieved". Forward looking statements involve risks, uncertainties and other factors disclosed under the heading "Risk Factors" and elsewhere in the Company's filings with Canadian securities regulators, which could cause actual results, performance, prospects, and opportunities to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Although the Company believes that the assumptions and factors used in preparing these forward-looking statements are reasonable based upon the information currently available to management as of the date hereof, actual results and developments may differ materially from those contemplated by these statements. Readers are therefore cautioned not to place undue reliance on these statements, which only apply as of the date of this news release, and no assurance can be given that such events will occur in the disclosed times frames or at all. Except where required by applicable law, the Company disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. This information is qualified in its entirety by cautionary statements and risk factor disclosure contained in filings made by the Company with the Canadian securities regulators, including the Company's annual information form for the financial year ended December 31, 2023, and financial statements and related MD&A for the financial year ended December 31, 2023, filed with the securities regulatory authorities in certain provinces of Canada and available at www.sedar.com . Should one or more of these risks or uncertainties materialize, or should assumptions underlying the forward-looking information prove incorrect, actual results may vary materially from those described herein as intended, planned, anticipated, believed, estimated or expected. Although the Company has attempted to identify important risks, uncertainties and factors which could cause actual results to differ materially, there may be others that cause results not to be as anticipated, estimated or intended. The Company does not intend, and does not assume any obligation, to update this forward-looking information except as otherwise required by applicable law. Neither the Toronto Stock Exchange nor the Investment Industry Regulatory Organization of Canada accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this press release. SOURCE Exro Technologies Inc. Newest MDT product aims to meet growing demand for retirement products PITTSBURGH, Sept. 26, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Federated Hermes, Inc. (NYSE: FHI), a global leader in active investment management, today announced the launch of the Federated Hermes MDT Mid Cap Growth Collective Investment Fund, a strategy for qualified retirement plan investors. The fund pursues capital appreciation by investing in a diversified portfolio of US mid-cap growth companies. The Federated Hermes MDT stock-selection process utilizes cutting-edge research, technology and daily data from multiple market cyclesconferring the advantages of discipline, testability and repeatability. Through a bottom-up, systematic approach, it seeks to remove subjective and emotional influences from the stock-selection process. The fund is trusteed by Great Gray Trust Company, LLC (Great Gray), a leading provider of collective investment trusts (CITs) to the retirement plan market. Through the new CIT, Great Gray will offer retirement plan investors Federated Hermes MDT's experience in seeking alpha from multiple sourcesdifferentiating the fund from many other growth strategies. "Our MDT strategies have seen continued interest in the retirement market, and we are pleased to offer another vehicle in which clients can access our investment team's capabilities," said Paul Uhlman, President of Federated Securities Corp. "The new mid-cap growth CIT builds upon our relationship with Great Gray and is another step in growing Federated Hermes' global investment platform capabilities and bringing our diverse range of investment solutions to institutional investors." The fund is managed by a veteran portfolio management team: Daniel Mahr, CFA, who serves as Head of the MDT Group and has 22 years of experience; Damien Zhang, CFA, who is Head of MDT Research and has 15 years of experience; Frederick Konopka, CFA, who is Portfolio and Trading Manager and has 27 years of experience; and John Paul Lewicke, who serves as Research Manager and has 17 years of experience. The investment team behind the collective investment fund also manages more than $10 billion in several Federated Hermes MDT mutual funds, ETFs, institutional separate accounts and separately managed accounts (SMAs). The new fund is Federated Hermes' first equity CIT, complementing four fixed-income CITs with Great Gray: Federated Hermes Total Return Bond Collective Investment Fund, Federated Hermes High Yield Bond Collective Investment Fund, Federated Hermes Prime Cash Collective Investment Fund and Federated Hermes Unconstrained Credit Collective Investment Fund. Since 1986, Federated Hermes also has offered a stable value CITthe Federated Hermes Capital Preservation Fundwhich is trusteed by Federated Investors Trust Company. Federated Hermes, Inc. is a global leader in active, responsible investment management, with $782.7 billion in assets under management, as of June 30, 2024. We deliver investment solutions that help investors target a broad range of outcomes and provide equity, fixed-income, alternative/private markets, multi-asset and liquidity management strategies to more than 10,000 institutions and intermediaries worldwide. Our clients include corporations, government entities, insurance companies, foundations and endowments, banks and broker/dealers. Headquartered in Pittsburgh, Federated Hermes has more than 2,000 employees in London, New York, Boston and offices worldwide. For more information, visit FederatedHermes.com/us. ### Collective funds are subject to risks and fluctuate in value. The quantitative models and analysis used by MDT may perform differently than expected and may affect fund performance. Diversification does not assure a profit nor protect against loss. Past performance is no guarantee of future results. Alpha is a measure of how much or how little return is generated, given the risk a portfolio takes. SOURCE Federated Hermes, Inc. Amendment Will Ensure All Shareholders Are Treated Equally Under the Offer Regardless of Numbers of Shares Held No Additional Changes to Offer Terms or Timing Only Shareholders Holding Less Than 100 Shares Will be Affected by Amendment CALGARY, AB, Sept. 25, 2024 /PRNewswire/ - Frontera Energy Corporation (TSX: FEC) ("Frontera" or the "Company") announced today that it will amend its previously announced substantial issuer bid (the "Offer") to remove the preferential acceptance of "odd lot" tenders, which are tenders from holders ("Shareholders") of common shares of the Company (the "Shares") who beneficially own fewer than 100 Shares. There will be no additional changes to the terms or timing of the Offer. The Offer will remain subject to the terms and conditions set forth in the offer to purchase and issuer bid circular (the "Issuer Bid Circular") dated September 11, 2024, as amended by a notice of variation to be dated and mailed to shareholders on or about September 27, 2024 (the "Notice of Variation"). The Company continues to offer to purchase from Shareholders up to 3,375,000 Shares for cancellation at a purchase price of CAD$12.00 per Share. The Offer remains open for acceptance until 5:00 p.m. (Eastern Time) on October 17, 2024, unless the Offer is extended, withdrawn or varied by the Company. The amendment will ensure that all Shareholders are treated equally under the Offer regardless of the number of Shares held. Prior to the amendment, if more than 3,375,000 Shares were tendered for purchase through the Offer, the tendered Shares would be purchased on a pro rata basis according to the number of Shares tendered by the tendering Shareholders, except that tenders by Shareholders who own "odd lots" would not be subject to proration. The Company intends to remove this preference and therefore all tenders will be subject to proration if more than 3,375,000 Shares are tendered. If a Shareholder has previously made an "odd lot" tender (an "Odd Lot Tendering Shareholder"), such tender is no longer valid, and the Odd Lot Tendering Shareholder will be required to properly retender their Shares to accept the Offer. Any and all "odd lot" tenders will be deemed to be withdrawn, and Odd Lot Tendering Shareholders must take additional steps if they wish to participate in the Offer. Registered Odd Lot Tendering Shareholders who had previously submitted a letter of transmittal (in its previous form) (the "Original Letter of Transmittal") with their share certificate who wish to tender their Shares will be required to submit an amended letter of transmittal that will accompany the Notice of Variation (the "Amended Letter of Transmittal") to the depositary, which for the purpose of the Offer, will be deemed to be submitted with the share certificate currently held by the depositary. Odd Lot Tendering Shareholders who previously submitted a notice of guaranteed delivery (in its previous form) (the "Original Notice of Guaranteed Delivery") will be required to submit an amended notice of guaranteed delivery that will accompany the Notice of Variation (the "Amended Notice of Guaranteed Delivery"). Shareholders who are not Odd Lot Tendering Shareholders may use either the current letter of transmittal or notice of guaranteed delivery or the amended forms that will accompany the Notice of Variation. For more information about the Offer, please see the Company's September 4, 2024 press release. The terms and conditions of the Offer, including instructions for tendering Shares, have been included in the Issuer Bid Circular, Original Letter of Transmittal and Original Notice of Guaranteed Delivery (which have been filed on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca), as amended by the Notice of Variation, Amended Letter of Transmittal and Amended Notice of Guaranteed Delivery (which will be filed on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca on or about September 27, 2024). The Company will mail the Notice of Variation to all Shareholders to whom the Offer materials were required to be sent on or about September 27, 2024. Any questions or requests for assistance in tendering Shares to the Offer may be directed to Computershare Investor Services Inc., the depositary for the Offer. About Frontera Frontera Energy Corporation is a Canadian public company involved in the exploration, development, production, transportation, storage and sale of oil and natural gas in South America, including related investments in both upstream and midstream facilities. The Company has a diversified portfolio of assets with interests in 22 exploration and production blocks in Colombia, Ecuador and Guyana, and pipeline and port facilities in Colombia. Frontera is committed to conducting business safely and in a socially, environmentally and ethically responsible manner. If you would like to receive News Releases via email as soon as they are published, please subscribe here: http://fronteraenergy.mediaroom.com/subscribe . Social Media Follow Frontera Energy social media channels at the following links: Twitter: https://twitter.com/fronteraenergy?lang=en Facebook: https://es-la.facebook.com/FronteraEnergy/ LinkedIn: https://co.linkedin.com/company/frontera-energy-corp . Forward-Looking Statements This news release contains forward-looking information or forward-looking statements (collectively, "forward-looking statements") within the meaning of applicable securities laws, including statements as to the Company's current intentions regarding the Offer and the amendment thereto, the timing, terms and conditions of the Offer, the mailing and filing of the Notice of Variation, Amended Letter of Transmittal and Amended Notice of Guaranteed Delivery, and the number of Shares to be purchased. Any such forward-looking statements are based on information currently available to us and are based on assumptions and analyses made by us in light of our experience and our perception of historical trends and current market and other conditions. Readers should also refer to the risk factors set forth in the Company's annual information form and management's discussion and analysis for the year ended December 31, 2023, each dated March 7, 2024, available on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca. There can be no assurance that the plans, intentions, or expectations upon which forward-looking statements are based will be realized. Actual results may differ, and the difference may be material and adverse to the Company and its Shareholders. SOURCE Frontera Energy Corporation The integration drives more strategic AI-powered document review for legal teams. CHICAGO, Sept. 26, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- HaystackID today announced the integration of Relativity aiR for Review into its Core Intelligence AI , further enhancing its cutting-edge generative AI (GenAI) eDiscovery solution. By incorporating aiR for Review's advanced analytical capabilities, HaystackID offers a more efficient and accurate approach to managing the growing complexity of document review. This collaboration provides legal professionals with a faster, more cost-effective, and defensible solution to tackle the challenges posed by increasing data volumes and stringent legal requirements. "Core Intelligence AI represents a critical leap for legal professionals in managing electronically stored information (ESI) with maximum precision and speed," said Hal Brooks, CEO of HaystackID. "By incorporating advanced GenAI workflows and working with partners like Relativity, we are empowering our clients to eliminate arduous, time-consuming processes and focus instead on strategic, high-impact decision-making." "HaystackID's Core Intelligence AI represents the industry's commitment to advancing how legal professionals respond to complex data management. The integration of aiR for Review into this solution brings with it a new chapter of speed-to-insights, natural language reasoning and consistency," said Phil Saunders, CEO of Relativity. "This partnership embodies the industry's commitment to harnessing next-generation AI to empower legal professionals with fit-for-purpose tools that achieve real results." HaystackID's integration of aiR for Review into Core Intelligence AI is the latest development in the company's ongoing efforts to create more sophisticated analysis and review workflows by applying the principles of cutting-edge data science. Core Intelligence is a key part of the HaystackID's Discovery Intelligence suite, which combines advanced AI, data science precision, and machine learning to deliver deep insights and intelligence throughout the discovery lifecycle, from early data assessment to final review. Through machine learning models, predictive analytics, and natural language processing (NLP), HaystackID helps organizations extract deeper insights from vast datasets, automate complex classification tasks, and significantly improve the accuracy of document identification and relevance determination. "One evaluation criterion in selecting a provider is to look not just at the technology but the services around that technology," said John Brewer, Chief Artificial Intelligence Officer and Chief Data Scientist at HaystackID. "Because our Data Science Services team has extensive practical experience spanning cybersecurity, information governance, and, of course, eDiscovery, they excel in extracting relevant data from complex systems and integrating it effectively for our clients. With our experts and technology, HaystackID clients get a practical and efficient solution while leveraging GenAI in a responsible and practical manner." aiR for Review is a component of Relativity aiR, Relativity's suite of fit-for-purpose generative AI solutions built within the security of RelativityOne. Designed with privacy, security, and transparency at its core, aiR for Review leverages advanced AI capabilities to accelerate and enhance the quality of document review, providing legal professionals with more efficient, consistent, and accurate results. Learn More About Core Intelligence AI and Relativity aiR for Review at Relativity Fest HaystackID is participating in Relativity Fest, an annual conference designed to educate and connect the legal data community. This year, HaystackID will contribute through expert presentations, sponsorships, and participation in the Relativity Innovation Awards. At the event, HaystackID experts will present how its Mobile Elite Discovery and Analysis Lab (MEDAL) Suite and ReviewRight Success Analytics solutions help legal teams navigate and solve complex data challenges effectively. For more information on how HaystackID can enhance your discovery workflows with Core Intelligence AI and Relativity aiR for Review, visit HaystackID.com or connect with our experts at Relativity Fest in Chicago from September 25-27, 2024. About HaystackID HaystackID specializes in solving complex data challenges related to legal, compliance, regulatory, and cyber events. Core offerings include Global Advisory, Data Discovery Intelligence, the HaystackID Core Platform, and AI-enhanced Global Managed Review powered by ReviewRight. Recognized globally by industry leaders like Chambers, Gartner, IDC, and Legaltech News, HaystackID prioritizes security, privacy, and integrity in its innovative solutions for leading companies and legal practices worldwide. About Relativity Relativity makes software to help users organize data, discover the truth and act on it. Its SaaS product, RelativityOne, manages large volumes of data and quickly identifies key issues during litigation and internal investigations. Relativity has more than 300,000 users in approximately 40 countries serving thousands of organizations globally primarily in legal, financial services and government sectors, including the U.S. Department of Justice and 198 of the Am Law 200. Please contact Relativity at [email protected] or visit www.relativity.com for more information. Contact Details HaystackID Media Contacts: Carolyn Depko [email protected] 908-565-3709 Rob Robinson [email protected] 512-934-7531 Relativity Media Contact: [email protected] HaystackID on Social Media + X (@HaystackID) + LinkedIn SOURCE HaystackID JACKSONVILLE, Fla., Sept. 26, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Heritage Capital Group, Inc. (Heritage), an investment banking and financial advisory firm serving middle-market and emerging growth companies in the U.S. and worldwide, is pleased to announce that its client, AQUAfin Swim Schools (AQUAfin), has been acquired by Emler Swim School (Emler). Heritage Capital Group advised AQUAfin in its acquisition by Emler Swim School. AQUAfin is a swim school that provides individual and group swimming lessons for infants through adults. The Company uses a proprietary progress-based curriculum model that places students in classes based on their level of proficiency, not just their age. AQUAfin was founded by two-time Olympic swimmer and the Bolles School alumnus, Nim Shapira. It is the largest privately held swim school chain in Florida, with eight locations across the state. Emler, established in 1975, specializes in teaching children how to swim through a fun, safe, and effective approach. It offers a structured curriculum across 11 levels that focus on both swimming skills and water safety. With over 60 locations throughout 15 states, Emler provides state-of-the-art facilities, including UV-purified pools and advanced air filtration systems, to ensure a comfortable and healthy environment for children and their families. "It was a pleasure working with the Heritage team, led by Bill Prescott, to guide AQUAfin Swim School through this transaction," commented Nim. "Their deep understanding of service-oriented businesses opened up several valuable opportunities for us. Their expertise and attention to detail throughout the entire process were invaluable in helping us navigate each step. We could not have successfully completed this transaction without the Heritage team's support." Heritage served as the exclusive financial advisor to AQUAfin. The deal team was led by Bill Prescott and included Joe Hawkins, Howard Serkin, Chuck West, Robert Cilek, and Bobby Ward. The terms of the transaction were not disclosed. Heritage Capital Group provides objective advice to private companies in the areas of mergers, acquisitions and divestitures, business valuations, debt and equity capital raises, corporate restructurings, and financial and strategic advisory services focused on enhancing the value of business enterprises. Heritage Capital Group is a FINRA registered broker-dealer, and a member of Oaklins, the world's most experienced mid-market M&A advisor, with 850 professionals globally and dedicated industry teams in 45 countries worldwide. Media Contact: Katie Quackenbush 904-354-9600 [email protected] SOURCE Heritage Capital Group Photo: Ministry of Defense of the Republic of Azerbaijan BAKU, Azerbaijan, September 26. On September 26, at about 16:10, Armenian armed forces units from the positions located in the direction of Aravus settlement of Garakilsa region using large caliber machine guns subjected to fire the Azerbaijan Army positions stationed in the direction of Lakatagh settlement of Julfa region of Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic, Trend reports. Azerbaijan Army Units took retaliatory measures in the mentioned direction. Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel Infosys Topaz will deliver accelerated business value from AI and future-proof the business BENGALURU, India and DENTON, Texas, Sept. 26, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Infosys (NSE: INFY), (BSE: INFY), (NYSE: INFY), a global leader in next-generation digital services and consulting, today announced its strategic collaboration with Sally Beauty Holdings, Inc. (SBH), an American international specialty beauty retailer and distributor of professional beauty supplies. Driving enterprise-scale IT transformation, Infosys will implement best practices in IT operations to bring efficiencies through the optimization of IT service delivery. Scott Lindblom, CIO, Sally Beauty, said, "We are excited to be collaborating with Infosys as we take SBH into the future by modernizing our IT service delivery and meeting the goals set by our 'Fuel for Growth' initiative. Embracing AI-amplified IT is a significant step forward for us in enabling us to, in turn, deliver exceptional experiences for our customers." The collaboration will also help SBH standardize and simplify their IT systems and services by implementing AI-driven hyper-automation. The transformation will enable SBH to activate enhanced IT services with 24/7 predictive and proactive monitoring. Karmesh Vaswani, EVP and Global Head of Consumer, Retail and Logistics, Infosys, said, "We are delighted to partner with Sally Beauty Holdings in their journey to embrace industry leadership and excellence in customer experience. Our assembly of Infosys Topaz applied AI assets, shaped from years of our global experience in the retail and consumer goods world, will help SBH to leapfrog ahead with an AI-first enterprise stack. Our collaboration exemplifies the commitment Infosys has to empowering businesses to accelerate their AI-led transformation while amplifying customer delight and operational efficiency." The project will consolidate numerous support services, drive process improvements and optimize costs over a five-year window. About Sally Beauty Holdings, Inc. Sally Beauty Holdings, Inc. (NYSE: SBH), as the leader in professional hair color, sells and distributes professional beauty supplies globally through its Sally Beauty Supply and Beauty Systems Group businesses. Sally Beauty Supply stores offer up to 7,000 products for hair color, hair care, nails, and skin care through proprietary brands such as Ion, Bondbar, Strawberry Leopard, Generic Value Products, Inspired by Nature and Silk Elements as well as professional lines such as Wella, Clairol, OPI, L'Oreal, Wahl and Babyliss Pro. Beauty Systems Group stores, branded as CosmoProf or Armstrong McCall stores, along with its outside sales consultants, sell up to 8,000 professionally branded products including Paul Mitchell, Wella, Matrix, Schwarzkopf, Kenra, Goldwell, Joico, Amika and Moroccannoil, intended for use in salons and for resale by salons to retail consumers. For more information about Sally Beauty Holdings, Inc., please visit https://www.sallybeautyholdings.com/. About Infosys Infosys is a global leader in next-generation digital services and consulting. Over 300,000 of our people work to amplify human potential and create the next opportunity for people, businesses and communities. We enable clients in more than 56 countries to navigate their digital transformation. With over four decades of experience in managing the systems and workings of global enterprises, we expertly steer clients, as they navigate their digital transformation powered by cloud and AI. We enable them with an AI-first core, empower the business with agile digital at scale and drive continuous improvement with always-on learning through the transfer of digital skills, expertise, and ideas from our innovation ecosystem. We are deeply committed to being a well-governed, environmentally sustainable organization where diverse talent thrives in an inclusive workplace. Visit www.infosys.com to see how Infosys (NYSE: INFY) can help your enterprise navigate your next. Safe Harbor Certain statements in this release concerning our future growth prospects, or our future financial or operating performance, are forward-looking statements intended to qualify for the 'safe harbor' under the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, which involve a number of risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results or outcomes to differ materially from those in such forward-looking statements. The risks and uncertainties relating to these statements include, but are not limited to, risks and uncertainties regarding the execution of our business strategy, increased competition for talent, our ability to attract and retain personnel, increase in wages, investments to reskill our employees, our ability to effectively implement a hybrid work model, economic uncertainties and geo-political situations, technological disruptions and innovations such as Generative AI, the complex and evolving regulatory landscape including immigration regulation changes, our ESG vision, our capital allocation policy and expectations concerning our market position, future operations, margins, profitability, liquidity, capital resources, our corporate actions including acquisitions, and cybersecurity matters. Important factors that may cause actual results or outcomes to differ from those implied by the forward-looking statements are discussed in more detail in our US Securities and Exchange Commission filings including our Annual Report on Form 20-F for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2024. These filings are available at www.sec.gov. Infosys may, from time to time, make additional written and oral forward-looking statements, including statements contained in the Company's filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission and our reports to shareholders. The Company does not undertake to update any forward-looking statements that may be made from time to time by or on behalf of the Company unless it is required by law. Logo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/633365/4364085/Infosys_Logo.jpg SOURCE Infosys Ishan Bhabha to succeed Katya Jestin as co-managing partner effective January 1, 2025, and serve alongside Randy Mehrberg CHICAGO, Sept. 26, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Jenner & Block is pleased to announce that Washington, DC, partner Ishan Bhabha has been selected to serve as the firm's next co-managing partner, effective January 1, 2025. Ishan will succeed Katya Jestin, who has held the role since January 2020 alongside Chicago partner Randy Mehrberg. Katya, based in New York, will remain a senior member of firm leadership as she shifts her focus to leading and growing the firm's Investigations, Compliance, and Defense Practice. Randy will remain as co-managing partner, while continuing to co-chair Jenner's widely recognized Energy practice. This transition follows a strategic succession planning process designed to continue the firm's historic success and ensure leadership continuity. "It has been an incredible privilege to serve in this leadership role for the last five years and I am thrilled that Ishan has agreed to be our next co-managing partner," Katya said. "Ishan is an extraordinary practitioner and leader and will further the firm's continued, record-breaking success and unique culture. I'm not going anywhere and I look forward to supporting him in his new role." Ishan is a first-chair litigator with extensive experience in both trial and appellate courts. He joined the firm as an associate in 2012 and became a partner in 2017. He has been a dedicated leader within the firm for many years. In addition to co-chairing the firm's Education and Technology practices, as well as its DEI Protection Task Force, he serves on Jenner & Block's Management Committee. Regarded as one of the nation's preeminent lawyers for institutions of higher education, as well as for large corporations facing complex legal, ethical, and reputational issues, Ishan has argued cases in numerous state and federal courts, and has also appeared before the US Supreme Court. Ishan is known as a trusted advisor who is able to anticipate major economic, political, and technological trends and prepare clients for the legal and regulatory risks that may ensue. Before joining Jenner & Block, he served as an appellate lawyer at the US Department of Justice. He also clerked for then-Judge Merrick Garland on the US Court of Appeals for the DC Circuit and Justice Anthony Kennedy on the US Supreme Court. Prior to attending law school, Ishan worked as a management consultant with the Boston Consulting Group. Ishan graduated, magna cum laude, from Harvard Law School. "Jenner & Block is my professional home. I am honored to have earned my colleagues' trust to serve in this leadership role and take very seriously the responsibility that comes with it," Ishan said. "This is an exciting time for our firm. The legal industry is rapidly evolving, and we are shaping our future by leveraging our collective strengths to benefit our clients." "Ishan has a proven track record of driving innovation and growth, and his leadership will ensure that we continue to evolve and thrive in this ever-changing and competitive market," said Randy. "Ishan represents the exciting future of Jenner & Block and I'm excited to serve alongside him." The leadership transition follows a period of transformational growth at Jenner & Block. Katya and Randy assumed their co-managing partner roles as the legal industry faced unprecedented challengesfrom navigating the pandemic, to shifting market dynamics and client demands, to a growing need for accountability on social issues. Despite these challenges, during Katya and Randy's joint tenure, the firm has significantly grown its revenueprojected to be up over 2020 by more than 48 percent by the end of the yearwhile also significantly expanding its values-driven initiatives. For example, in 2021 the firm launched a five-year $250 million pro bono service commitment. Since then, it has averaged more than 75,000 pro bono hours each year, surpassing its commitment 18 months early and earning recent recognitions as the leading pro bono law firm in the United States and internationally. The firm is also recognized as a destination firm for mentorship and diversity. This well-rounded approach to growth recently earned the firm a spot on The American Lawyer's prestigious A-List, which recognizes high performance across a combination of factors including revenue, pro bono, associate satisfaction, and diversity. "As Ishan steps into his new role, Jenner & Block is well-positioned to continue our legacy of growth, innovation, and values-driven leadership, building on the successes Katya and Randy have guided over the past five years," said firm chair Tom Perrelli. "The firm is firing on all cylinders today, and this transition positions us for continued success tomorrow." ABOUT JENNER & BLOCK Founded in 1914, Jenner & Block is now an internationally recognized powerhouse with more than 500 lawyers in offices in Chicago, Century City, London, Los Angeles, New York, San Francisco and Washington, DC. We shape what's next through experience, vision, and judgment. In the most sensitive and consequential matters our clients face, we are known for finding a clear path forward. We are the litigators behind some of the most significant victories from the trial level to the US Supreme Court; the dealmakers behind landmark corporate transactions transforming industries and markets; the investigators and compliance monitors restoring public confidence following high-profile legal, economic, and reputational threats; and the advocates advancing clients' interests and shaping policy. We stand out through bold action, intent, and impact. ABOUT ISHAN BHABHA Ishan Bhabha is a partner in Jenner & Block's Washington, DC, office, where he serves as a co-chair of the firm's Education and Technology practices, as well as its DEI Protection Task Force, and as a member of its Management Committee. He specializes in commercial, constitutional, and regulatory law, and frequently represents clients in arbitrations, before administrative agencies, and in government investigations. Ishan also advises public company boards on critical issues of ethical and regulatory risk. He is a member of the Legal Advisory Council for the McArthur Justice Initiative and the Legal Council for the President's Alliance for Immigration and Education. Before joining Jenner & Block, Ishan served as a law clerk for Justice Anthony Kennedy on the US Supreme Court and then-Judge Merrick Garland on the US Court of Appeals for the DC Circuit, and as an appellate lawyer at the US Department of Justice. Prior to law school, he worked as a management consultant with the Boston Consulting Group. Ishan received his law degree, magna cum laude, from Harvard Law School and his undergraduate degree, magna cum laude, from Harvard College. ABOUT RANDY MEHRBERG Randy Mehrberg serves as Jenner & Block's co-managing partner and co-chair of the firm's Energy Practice. He is based in the firm's Chicago office. Randy helps clients navigate the full range of challenges and pressures his clients face. He has more than 40 years of experience in private practice and as a chief legal officer and strategic business leader for multibillion-dollar public companies. His broad experience includes high-stakes litigation, mergers and acquisitions, financings, securities, corporate governance, compliance, regulatory affairs, risk management, government relations, restructuring, real estate, tax, environmental, and labor and employment matters. Because he has walked miles in their shoes, clients look to Randy for business-oriented solutions on a wide range of important issues. As a senior advisor to the Mayor of Chicago and the general counsel of a large city agency, Randy understands how government works and excels at achieving positive outcomes. A magna cum laude graduate of the University of Pennsylvania's Wharton School of Business, he received his law degree from the University of Michigan. ABOUT KATYA JESTIN Based in Jenner & Block's New York office, Katya Jestin serves Jenner & Block's outgoing co-managing partner and as co-chair of the firm's Investigations, Compliance and Defense Practice. She counsels clients in high-stakes criminal, regulatory, and congressional investigations, including representing clients before the US Department of Justice, the Securities and Exchange Commission, the New York State Attorney General's Office, and the Senate Permanent Subcommittee on Investigations. She also helps companies, executives, and boards conduct sensitive internal investigations on matters ranging from global compliance to culture risk. Katya currently serves as the DOJ-appointed monitor of Glencore Ltd. Prior to joining Jenner & Block, Katya was an Assistant United States Attorney and a supervisor in the Criminal Division of the Eastern District of New York. While a federal prosecutor, she tried multiple high-profile cases involving fraud, money laundering and other violations, and she convicted the leadership of three La Cosa Nostra organized crime families. A graduate of the University of Texas, she received her law degree, cum laude, from Georgetown University Law Center. SOURCE Jenner & Block BOSTON, MA, Sept. 26, 2024 /PRNewswire/ - The nine John Hancock closed-end funds listed below announced today that each fund's Annual Meeting of Shareholders ("Annual Meeting") will be held on February 18, 2025, at 2:00 p.m., Eastern Time, at the offices of the funds, 200 Berkeley Street, Boston, Massachusetts 02116: John Hancock Financial Opportunities Fund (NYSE: BTO) John Hancock Hedged Equity & Income Fund (NYSE: HEQ) John Hancock Income Securities Trust (NYSE: JHS) John Hancock Investors Trust (NYSE: JHI) John Hancock Preferred Income Fund (NYSE: HPI) John Hancock Preferred Income Fund II (NYSE: HPF) John Hancock Preferred Income Fund III (NYSE: HPS) John Hancock Premium Dividend Fund (NYSE: PDT) John Hancock Tax-Advantaged Dividend Income Fund (NYSE: HTD) Shareholders of record of each fund as of the close of business on November 25, 2024 are entitled to notice of, and to vote at, the Annual Meeting and at any adjournment thereof. The notice for the Annual Meeting will be mailed to shareholders on or about December 27, 2024. At the Annual Meeting, shareholders of the funds will be asked to elect Trustees of the funds. Statements in this press release that are not historical facts are forward-looking statements as defined by the United States securities laws. You should exercise caution in interpreting and relying on forward-looking statements because they are subject to uncertainties and other factors which are, in some cases, beyond the Fund's control and could cause actual results to differ materially from those set forth in the forward-looking statements. An investor should consider a Fund's investment objectives, risks, charges and expenses carefully before investing. About John Hancock Investment Management A company of Manulife Investment Management, we serve investors through a unique multimanager approach, complementing our extensive in-house capabilities with an unrivaled network of specialized asset managers, backed by some of the most rigorous investment oversight in the industry. The result is a diverse lineup of time-tested investments from a premier asset manager with a heritage of financial stewardship. About Manulife Investment Management Manulife Investment Management is the global brand for the global wealth and asset management segment of Manulife Financial Corporation. We draw on more than a century of financial stewardship and the full resources of our parent company to serve individuals, institutions, and retirement plan members worldwide. Headquartered in Toronto, our leading capabilities in public and private markets are strengthened by an investment footprint that spans 18 geographies. We complement these capabilities by providing access to a network of unaffiliated asset managers from around the world. We're committed to investing responsibly across our businesses. We develop innovative global frameworks for sustainable investing, collaboratively engage with companies in our securities portfolios, and maintain a high standard of stewardship where we own and operate assets, and we believe in supporting financial well-being through our workplace retirement plans. Today, plan sponsors around the world rely on our retirement plan administration and investment expertise to help their employees plan for, save for, and live a better retirement. Not all offerings are available in all jurisdictions. For additional information, please visit manulifeim.com. SOURCE John Hancock Investment Management Premier pre-settlement funding firm is able to offer non-recourse lawsuit loans in 24-48 hours with new streamlined website focused on Texas residents. AUSTIN, Texas, Sept. 26, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Legal-Bay, the leading pre settlement funding source, is happy to announce a newly-redesigned website for their Texas customers. For any existing plaintiffs looking for a way to access their anticipated settlement money without having to wait out the endless months until their case sees the inside of a court room, a lawsuit loan might be the answer. What is a lawsuit loan? In short, it's a risk-free cash advance of the damages one would normally be awarded at the conclusion of a trial. However, with the sluggish pace of the court system, it could be monthssometimes yearsbefore a particular case ever makes it to the docket. That's why a lawsuit loan is such a great option. It gets you your money now, without having to wait. It's as simple as: Fill out an application here: Texas Lawsuit Loans Have your lawyer forward documentation about your case Get approved, usually within 24-48 hours Obviously, you probably have questions about the process. That's why Legal Bay has compiled a comprehensive website and a stellar staff of helpful, knowledgeable people to help you get all the answers. Chris Janish, CEO of Legal-Bay, commented, "Legal Bay has always strived to offer low rates and quick turnaround. Not only that, but we always lend our money risk-free, meaning the lawsuit loan only gets paid back if you win your case. If you lose, you owe Legal Bay nothing. We've always done things big here at Legal Bay, and if anyone can appreciate that, we figure it's the fine people of Texas." If you're a lawyer or plaintiff involved in an active lawsuit of any kind and need an immediate cash advance lawsuit loan against an impending lawsuit settlement, please visit Legal-Bay here: Texas Lawsuit Loans Legal-Bay offers cash settlement funding and lawsuit loans for all types of cases including wrongful incarceration, police brutality, personal injury, dog bite, construction accident, medical malpractice, motor vehicle collision, and more in places like Dallas / Ft. Worth, San Antonio, Houston, Odessa, Lubbock, Corpus Christi, Amarillo, and everywhere in between. To apply right now for a loan settlement program, please visit the company's website at Texas Lawsuit Loans or call toll-free at: 877.571.0405 where agents are standing by to answer any questions. SOURCE Legal-Bay, LLC BOSTON, Sept. 26, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Liberty Mutual Insurance President and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Tim Sweeney today announced that Jeff Dailey, formerly Chairman, President and CEO of Farmers Group, Inc., and Linda Mantia, formerly Senior Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer (COO) of Manulife Financial Corporation, have been elected to the company's board of directors. Liberty Mutual Insurance Elects (L-R) Jeff Dailey and Linda Mantia to the Companys Board of Directors "We've always been committed to having a strong board of directors that represents a diverse array of professional and leadership experiences, and deep industry and cross-sector knowledge all aligning to our company's identity and values," said Sweeney. "Both Jeff and Linda are welcome additions to our board, bringing tremendous value and understanding around the challenges and opportunities we face as a top global insurer." Jeff Dailey Elected to Board of Directors Dailey is a senior executive with over four decades of extensive insurance industry experience. He most recently served as Chairman, President and CEO of Farmers Group, Inc., a subsidiary of Zurich Insurance Group, from 2011 to 2023. He led the company's transformation to a customer-centric, innovation-focused organization and notably oversaw Farmers' acquisition of MetLife's property and casualty business in 2021. Dailey was also Farmers' Executive Vice President and President of Personal Lines from 2008 to 2011 and prior to this held roles of increasing responsibility, including President and CEO, at Bristol West Holdings, Inc., which was acquired by Farmers in 2007. Previously, Dailey worked in leadership roles at The Progressive Corporation and began his career at Mutual Service Insurance. He also serves on the board of directors for Verisk Analytics, Inc. Dailey earned his master of business administration from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee and bachelor of science in economics from the University of Wisconsin-Madison. "I'm honored to join the Liberty Mutual Board of Directors. I look forward to working with the Board and Management team and hope my passion and experience will help to drive lasting stakeholder value and contribute to Liberty's continued success," said Dailey. Linda Mantia Elected to Board of Directors Mantia held various senior executive roles across the financial services sector, most recently serving as Senior Executive Vice President and COO of Manulife Financial Corporation (operating as John Hancock in the US) from 2016 to 2019. She played a critical role in defining Manulife's corporate strategy and oversaw its innovation portfolio and other corporate functions including Global Operations, Technology, Advanced Analytics, and HR. Prior to this, Mantia held leadership roles of increasing responsibility at Royal Bank of Canada from 2004 to 2016, including Executive Vice President of Digital Banking, Payments and Cards. Earlier in her career, she worked at the global management consulting firm McKinsey & Company and practiced law at Davies Ward Phillips & Vineberg, LLP. Mantia also serves on the board of directors for Maple Leaf Foods, Inc., Dayforce, Inc., and, until recently, McKesson Corporation. In the community, Linda serves on the board of Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre and Queen's University. She earned her bachelor of laws from Queen's University and studied commerce at the University of Western Ontario. "Insurance plays a vital role in helping people feel secure. I am excited to join the board of Liberty Mutual and to support the management team as they pursue their purpose of helping people embrace today and confidently pursue tomorrow," said Mantia. Liberty Mutual's board of directors is comprised of highly skilled independent members with a breadth of backgrounds and experiences to help guide the company's overall strategy. About Liberty Mutual Insurance At Liberty Mutual, we believe progress happens when people feel secure. By providing protection for the unexpected and delivering it with care, we help people embrace today and confidently pursue tomorrow. In business since 1912, and headquartered in Boston, today we are the eighth largest global property and casualty insurer based on 2023 gross written premium. We also rank 87 on the Fortune 100 list of largest corporations in the US based on 2023 revenue. As of December 31, 2023, we had $49.4 billion in annual consolidated revenue. We employ over 45,000 people in 29 countries and economies around the world. We offer a wide range of insurance products and services, including personal automobile, homeowners, specialty lines, reinsurance, commercial multiple-peril, workers compensation, commercial automobile, general liability, surety, and commercial property. For more information, visit www.libertymutualinsurance.com. Contact: Liberty Mutual Insurance Public & Media Relations [email protected] SOURCE Liberty Mutual Insurance Download PDF Brochure: https://www.marketsandmarkets.com/pdfdownloadNew.asp?id=217979261 Browse in-depth TOC on "Medical Gas and Equipment Market" 394 - Tables 60 - Figures 380 - Pages By type, the medical gas and equipment market is segmented into medical gases and medical gas equipment. In 2023, the medical gas segment accounted for the largest share in the medical gas and equipment market due to the essential role of gases in various medical applications, including anesthesia, respiratory therapy, and medical imaging. The demand for medical gases like oxygen, nitrous oxide, and carbon dioxide has increased with the increasing prevalence of chronic respiratory diseases, expansion of healthcare infrastructure, and the growing need for emergency care and surgical procedures. Additionally, the rising geriatric population and the growing demand for home healthcare services have further contributed to the segment's growth. By application, the medical gas and equipment market is segmented into therapeutic applications, pharmaceutical manufacturing & research, diagnostic applications, and other applications. Therapeutic applications segment dominates the medical gas and equipment market due to the increasing incidence rates of chronic diseases as COPD, asthma or other respiratory conditions that require constant oxygen therapy among other medical gaseous for patient treatment. An aging population that is more vulnerable to such diseases additionally contributes to an increased demand for therapeutic gases including oxygen, nitrous oxide and medical air. Additionally, the advancement of transportable gas delivery devices and home healthcare to facilitate patient treatment outside hospitals has further contributed its growth. By end user, the medical gas and equipment market is segmented into hospitals & clinics, home healthcare, pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies, academic & research institutions, and other end users. In 2023, the hospitals & clinics segment has emerged as the dominant force in the medical gas and equipment market owing to the rise in demand for their medical gases such as oxygen and nitrous oxide which play an important role in various therapies and diagnostic processes within these health care settings. This is because of the increasing number of surgical procedures being performed, the increasing prevalence of chronic respiratory diseases that require long term respiratory support as well as the rising number of hospitals and clinics around the world. Additionally, hospitals and clinics are the larger consumers of cutting-edge medical devices including gas dispensing systems due to the fact that they need dependable large-scale solutions for different patient care activities ranging from emergency cases to regular treatments. In 2023, North American region accounted for the largest share of the medical gas and equipment market due to several factors, such as the region's advanced healthcare infrastructure with high healthcare expenditure leads to significant demand for medical gases and related equipment. Moreover, the need for oxygen therapy, anesthesia and other medical gases has increased due to the aging population with a high prevalence of chronic respiratory diseases. Also, this region is aided by stringent regulatory standards, robust research and development programs, and presence of key market players in United States and Canada. All these factors combine to make North America a major player in the medicine gas and equipment market. Additionally, the Asia-Pacific region is projected to witness the highest CAGR in the medical gas and equipment market due to an increase in the number of people who are getting old at a faster rate than ever before as well as chronic diseases like respiratory problems or heart problems becoming more common, medical gases and related devices are gaining acceptance hence driving their demand within this region. Furthermore, emerging economies such as China and India have been expanding their healthcare infrastructure thereby increasing their expenditure on healthcare services. Moreover, there has been rising awareness about advanced medical technologies which has made tourists traveling for medical reasons more frequent all of which combine to fuel the market growth in this region. Request Sample Pages: https://www.marketsandmarkets.com/requestsampleNew.asp?id=217979261 The prominent players in the medical gas and equipment market are Air Liquide (France), Linde Plc (Germany), Taiyo Nippon Sanso Corporation (Japan), Air Products and Chemicals Inc. (US), Atlas Copco AB (Sweden), GCE Group (Sweden), Messer SE & Co. KGaA (Germany), SOL Spa (Italy), Rotarex (Europe), Norco Inc. (US), Genstar Technologies (US), Southern Gas Limited (India), Calox Inc. (US), Ellenbarrie Industrial Gases (India), Steelman Gases Pvt. Ltd. (India), Butler Gas Products Company (US), SCI Analytical (US), Amico Group of Companies (US), Oxygen & Argon Works Ltd. (Israel), AOPL (India), Apex Medical Gas Inc. (US), Chengdu Taiyo Industrial Gases Co., Ltd. (China), Carbide and Chemicals (India), Holston Gases (US), and MEC Medical Ltd. (UK). These players have adopted various growth strategies such as product launches, acquisition, collaboration, agreements, and expansion to increase their presence and reach in the medical gas and equipment market. Air Liquide: Air Liquide is one of the leading supplier of industrial, medical, and specialty gases, technologies, and services. The company operates through three segments, namely, Gas & Services, Engineering & Construction, and Global Markets & Technologies. Air Liquide's Gas & Services business unit is further classified into different geographical areas of Europe, the Americas, the Asia Pacific, and the Middle East & Africa and into business areas, namely, Large Industries, Industrial Merchant, Healthcare, Electronics, and Engineering. The company offers medical gas products under its healthcare business. It provides pure gases, specialty gases, and research gases, which include cryobiology and hyperbaric oxygen solutions. Moreover, the company is present in 73 countries and serves more than 3.9 million customers and patients. Linde Plc: Linde Group is a gas and engineering company that consists of two major product lines, namely, Industrial Gases and Engineering. Linde organizes its industrial gas operations based on geography, comprising three reportable segments, namely, Americas, EMEA (Europe/Middle East/Africa), and APAC (Asia/South Pacific). The company's Engineering business operates globally and manufactures equipment for air separation and other industrial gas applications tailored for end customers across all geographic segments. The company's medical gases business is operated through the Industrial Gases division. The company produces, sells, and distributes atmospheric, process, and specialty gases to a different group of industries, including aerospace, chemicals, food, and beverage. The company's healthcare sector serves a variety of end users, including hospital care, home care, gas therapies, and care concepts. The Linde Group operates across the Americas, the Asia Pacific, the Middle East, and Africa. Taiyo Nippon Sanso Corporation: Taiyo Nippon is one of the leading companies in the medical gas and equipment operating through its Matheson Tri-Gas Inc. subsidiary. The company has three business segments, namely, Industrial Gases, Electronics, and Thermos, which are operated & promoted by five reportable segments, namely, Japan, United States, Europe, Asia & Oceania, and Thermos. The company addresses the bulk requirements for gases, for a variety of end users across the aerospace, agriculture, aquaculture, automotive, biofuels, chemical processing, energy, food and beverage, manufacturing, medical and healthcare, metal processing, oil and gas, pharmaceutical and biotechnology, power generation and transmission, semiconductor, universities and research institutes, and welding and fabrication industries. Some of Taiyo Nippon's major subsidiaries include Matheson Tri-Gas Belgium (SPRL) (Belgium), Continental Carbonic Products, Inc. (US), Taiyo Nippon Sanso Clark, Inc. (Philippines), and Nippon Cutting & Welding Equipment Co., Ltd. (Thailand). For more information, Inquire Now! Related Reports: Home Healthcare Market Respiratory Care Devices Market Respiratory Diagnostics Market Molecular Diagnostics Market Top 10 Medical Device Technologies Market Get access to the latest updates on Medical Gases and Equipment Companies and Medical Gas and Equipment Market Share About MarketsandMarkets: MarketsandMarkets has been recognized as one of America's best management consulting firms by Forbes, as per their recent report. MarketsandMarkets is a blue ocean alternative in growth consulting and program management, leveraging a man-machine offering to drive supernormal growth for progressive organizations in the B2B space. We have the widest lens on emerging technologies, making us proficient in co-creating supernormal growth for clients. Earlier this year, we made a formal transformation into one of America's best management consulting firms as per a survey conducted by Forbes. The B2B economy is witnessing the emergence of $25 trillion of new revenue streams that are substituting existing revenue streams in this decade alone. We work with clients on growth programs, helping them monetize this $25 trillion opportunity through our service lines - TAM Expansion, Go-to-Market (GTM) Strategy to Execution, Market Share Gain, Account Enablement, and Thought Leadership Marketing. Built on the 'GIVE Growth' principle, we work with several Forbes Global 2000 B2B companies - helping them stay relevant in a disruptive ecosystem. Our insights and strategies are molded by our industry experts, cutting-edge AI-powered Market Intelligence Cloud, and years of research. The KnowledgeStore (our Market Intelligence Cloud) integrates our research, facilitates an analysis of interconnections through a set of applications, helping clients look at the entire ecosystem and understand the revenue shifts happening in their industry. To find out more, visit www.MarketsandMarkets.com or follow us on Twitter, LinkedIn and Facebook. Contact: Mr. Rohan Salgarkar MarketsandMarkets INC. 1615 South Congress Ave. Suite 103, Delray Beach, FL 33445 USA: +1-888-600-6441 Email: [email protected] Visit Our Website: https://www.marketsandmarkets.com/ Logo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1951202/4609423/MarketsandMarkets.jpg SOURCE MarketsandMarkets BALTIMORE, Sept. 26, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Attorneys for Milberg Coleman Bryson Phillips Grossman ("Milberg") have filed a class action lawsuit on behalf of all companies that either did business directly at the Port of Baltimore, are part of the shipping/trucking business that relies on the Port, or were economically impacted by the destruction of the Francis Scott Key Bridge. The Class Representatives named in the lawsuit are R.E. West, Inc., E. Marine Motor Yacht Sales Pty Ltd., Captain C Logistics, LLC, American Publishing LLC, B&R Construction Services, Inc., and International Trading Solutions, Inc. Each of these claimants allegedly suffered, and continues to suffer, extraordinary business losses and costs as a result of the container ship Dali destroying the Key Bridge on March 26, 2024. Milberg was the first firm to file a claim in this maritime action and has been actively engaged in the investigation of the catastrophic bridge collapse. The firm's class action accuses Grace Ocean Private, the owner of the Dali, and the ship's operator, Synergy Marine Group, of recklessly leaving the dock that day with a ship they knew could not safely navigate the narrow passage through the Patapsco River Channel. Milberg also alleges that Grace Ocean Private and Synergy Marine Group knowingly interfered with the contractual and business relationships of Milberg's clients in the Baltimore Harbor business community by sailing an unseaworthy ship into the Patapsco River Channel, aware that a blockage of the Channel would risk a major disruption to the many profitable Port-based business relationships. "Thousands of businesses have unfairly paid the financial price for the Dali's destruction of the Key Bridge," said Milberg Senior Partner Marc Grossman. "With this lawsuit we seek to shift those costs back to the entities that bear ultimate responsibility for them." The collapse of the Key Bridge stopped transportation on Interstate 695 and closed the Port of Baltimore for 78 days. This disruption affected businesses nationally to the tune of billions of dollars in damages. Nonetheless, the owners of the Dali seek to limit their liability to a paltry $44 million. This limitation will cover about 1% of the total damages caused by the bridge's destruction. The Milberg Baltimore Bridge Taskforce hosted a virtual town hall on April 25 to assist businesses affected financially by the Key Bridge collapse. A recording of the event is available on Facebook. The Taskforce will host a second virtual town hall next month. The moderator for the event will be Dan Ronan, a long-time broadcast anchor, reporter, and current SiriusXM radio host on the trucking business. Milberg has retained notable Maryland maritime counsel Todd Lochner of Lochner Law Firm, P.C. as class action co-counsel. Business representatives can call Roy Mason, Milberg's local counsel in Annapolis, at 410-269-6620 for further information. Media Contact: Karine Lim [email protected] SOURCE Milberg Coleman Bryson Phillips Grossman PLLC New free online tool designed to help administrators, educators and advocates find evidence-based programs that strengthen family-school partnerships and improve student outcomes ALEXANDRIA, Va., Sept. 26, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- National PTA and the Center for Research and Reform in Education (CRRE) at Johns Hopkins University have teamed up to launch Family Engagement Solutions, a free online tool to help district and school leaders, educators and advocates find evidence-based programs that strengthen family-school partnerships and improve student outcomes. Family Engagement Solutions is spearheaded by National PTA's Center for Family Engagement, in collaboration with CRRE's Evidence for ESSA initiative. As part of the launch of Family Engagement Solutions, National PTA is co-hosting a webinar with AASA, The School Superintendents Association and Education Week Thursday, Sept. 26 at 2 p.m. EDT on the importance of using family engagement strategically for a strong school year. The webinar will feature leaders and practitioners from districts and schools that have used family engagement as a tool to achieve dramatic improvements in student outcomes. To register to participate in the webinar, visit Family Engagement: The Foundation for a Strong School Year (edweek.org). "Every strategy to accelerate learning should include families as decades of research shows family engagement is just as essential as a rigorous curriculum and effective leaders and teachers," said Yvonne Johnson, president of National PTA. "National PTA and the Center for Research and Reform in Education at Johns Hopkins University share a sense of urgency around supporting schools and districts in engaging families in ways that are proven to drive better outcomes for students, families and schools, and we are proud to launch Family Engagement Solutions." Through FamilyEngagementSolutions.org, district and school leaders, educators and advocates can find programs that will contribute to learning and improvement goals, what it takes to implement the programs, where they are being used across the country, and which student populations benefit from them. Programs featured in Family Engagement Solutions meet federal standards demonstrating that they are at least promising/Tier 3 in their impact and have been vetted and curated by: Family engagement experts who track innovations and best practices to uncover programs that are successfully being used by schools in a diversity of contexts. Parent and community leaders who identify whether a program has a sufficient focus on family engagement, and if so, assess how the program aligns to the National Standards for Family-School Partnerships. Education researchers who conduct a thorough review of every evaluation that has been conducted for a program and determine the strength of its evidence in relationship to federal requirements in the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA). "We have heard from school and district leaders that they want ideas for more impactful ways to use their limited budgets on strategies to engage families," said Nathan R. Monell, CAE, National PTA executive director. "With Family Engagement Solutions, school and district leaders can find family engagement programs that are proven to work somewhere else to help them make informed decisions around what would be the best fit for their students, families and schools." Family Engagement Solutions is made possible by the philanthropic foundation Carnegie Corporation of New York as well as Overdeck Family Foundation. About National PTA National PTA comprises millions of families, students, teachers, administrators, and business and community leaders devoted to the educational success of children and the promotion of family engagement in schools. PTA is a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit association that prides itself on being a powerful voice for all children, a relevant resource for families and communities, and a strong advocate for public education. Membership in PTA is open to anyone who wants to be involved and make a difference for the education, health and welfare of children and youth. For more information, visit PTA.org. Evidence for ESSA The goal of Evidence for ESSA is to provide clear and authoritative information on programs that meet the ESSA evidence standards and enable educators and communities to select effective educational tools to improve student success. For more information, visit EvidenceforESSA.org. SOURCE National PTA LONDON, Sept. 26, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- On September 19th, the catalogue "War and Peace in Russian Porcelain. From the collection of Elena Baturina" was presented at the conference dedicated to the issues of cataloguing art collections. Art historians, critics, experts, museum directors and curators discussed their vision and experience of working with private and museum collections of porcelain and other art objects.. War and Peace in Russian Porcelain, the Catalogue cover (PRNewsfoto/Press Office for Elena Baturina) The scientific section of the event featured presentations by Khazar Zeynalov, Deputy Director of the Institute of Architecture and Art of the Azerbaijan National Academy of Sciences; Igor Dukhan, Member of the European Society of Culture and the Academy of Architecture, Professor and Head of the Art Department at the Belarusian State University; Iraida Bott, Deputy Director for Scientific and Educational Work of the Tsarskoye Selo Museum-Reserve; and Pierre-Christian Brochet, curator of the Contemporary Art department at the School of Design HSE. All of the experts unanimously spoke of the grandeur of both the collection and the catalogue, as well as of their importance for art history in general, and the study of porcelain art in particular. John Bowlt, founder and Director of the Institute of Contemporary Russian Culture at the University of South Carolina and Nicoletta Misler, professor at the L'Orientale, art historian, head of the Center for the Study of Russian Art at L'Orientale prepared a joint address to the conference: "The care, patience, enthusiasm and determination with which Elena Baturina assembled the collection, whether its individual pieces or entire services, are truly admirable. As for the catalogue raisonne: what a magnificent example of scholarship and a monumental effort! Congratulations to all the editors and authors on completing such a pharaonic task - an example of persistent comparative research, a new intellectual perspective." Natalia Sipovskaya, Director of the Institute of Art Studies and the scientific editor of the publication spoke about the production of "War and Peace in Russian Porcelain" in greater detail. Developing the catalogue took seven years and involved more than 100 specialists. Its 1,500 pages contain unique photographs and texts: the analysis of exceptionally important works from the time of Catherine the Great to the last years of the reign of Nicholas II enabled the authors to truly create an encyclopedia of imperial porcelain. Their findings are illustrated and supported by more than 1,200 graphic sources, 800 archival documents, 300 names of commissioners and initial owners, and about 50 projects of forms and original sketches published for the first time. Three volumes, entitled in accordance with the items included "GLORY. Russian Imperial Porcelain: Presentation Pieces", "WAR. Items Painted with Military Figures" and "PEACE. Ceremonial Porcelain of Russian Dinnerware" contain detailed descriptions of 1,500 items out of the 2,000 in the collection overall, and cover all significant events in the history of Russian porcelain, also reflecting the historical and artistic context, dates of creation, names of commissioners and recipients of porcelain gifts, history of their existence reconstructed from hundreds of archival sources. Another achievement of the authors is the scientific apparatus, which contains the study of forms and decorative elements of imperial porcelain - for example, the first complete albums with samples of uniforms of Nicholas' I Russian Guard and Army, an Atlas of Porcelain Flora, an extensive study of Imperial porcelain factory marks are published for the first time. This became possible thanks to the painstaking collecting work of the owner, the experts concluded. Moreover, the analysis of the collection showed that it contains about 500 unique works that have no representation in any other collections. According to the experts, the cost of such a collection is very difficult to estimate with any proximity: "Elena Baturina's collection of Russian and European porcelain is not just large-scale and grandiose in its quantitative and qualitative composition, it is surprisingly cohesive. It is this integrity, consistency and structure of the collection that makes it extremely valuable. And I am not talking about the material value, although it is doubtless and impressive - only by rough estimates we are talking about a quarter of a billion dollars - but, first of all, about the historical, artistic, cultural and scientific value," said Natalia Sipovskaya. English-language copies of the catalogue "War and Peace in Russian Porcelain. From the collection of Elena Baturina" have been submitted to all the major art and art history museums, academies and libraries all over the world. The authors are confident that the publication can facilitate not only new art history discoveries, but overall development of porcelain art. Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2516779/Press_Office_for_Elena_Baturina.jpg SOURCE Press Office for Elena Baturina SHENZHEN, China, Sept. 26, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- China's first digital-native bank, WeBank, and global management consulting firm Oliver Wyman have jointly launched a new report titled "Global Digital Banking: Development and Innovation Trends". The report offers an in-depth analysis of the development of global digital banks and insights into the future trajectory and competitive landscape of the industry. Exhibit 1: Number of licensed digital banks worldwide According to the report, the number of digital banks has significantly increased over the past decade, driven by technological advancements and the need for financial inclusion. By the end of 2023, the global count of licensed digital banks had reached 235, while the number of players offering broader digital banking services had already exceeded 300. Among them, many leading global players have achieved commercial success in terms of business scale and profitability, thereby driving innovation and fostering a more dynamic financial services industry. Exhibit 1: Number of licensed digital banks worldwide 2014 - 2023 Note: Only includes institutions that have obtained banking licenses from national regulatory authorities or have special "virtual bank" licenses Source: The respective financial regulators of various countries and regions THE DEVELOPMENT OF GLOBAL DIGITAL BANKS REVEALS COMMONALITIES Digital banks started to emerge worldwide between 2009 and 2014. With fintech advancements and regulatory support, digital banking initially developed in Europe and North America, but it has also developed rapidly in Asia and South America thanks to strong demand from unserved and underserved populations. The development of digital banks worldwide varies significantly due to the different circumstances of their home markets, resource endowments, and business choices. The report highlights that in recent years, global digital banks have been exploring sustainable business models, diversified business lines, unique ecosystem resources, multi-market operations, and innovation in technological and data infrastructure. According to the report, these five themes are key factors that will widen the gap between industry leaders and followers. Global digital banks strive to establish sustainable business models and diversify their revenue streams to meet the unique needs of their customers. Currently, there are two types of business models that have proven to be commercially effective. In markets with large populations, digital banks typically adopt a retail-driven model, focusing on serving a broad customer base. As digital banks acquire a significant user base, they can leverage technology to enhance operational efficiency and thus increase profitability. In markets with smaller populations, digital banks tend to concentrate on specific niche customer groups or sectors with high potential returns, such as small and medium enterprises (SMEs) and the auto financing sector. These models enable digital banks to navigate diverse market environments, enhance customer experience, and improve operational efficiency through innovation and technology. Furthermore, many digital banks have been exploring diversified revenue streams. They offer Banking-as-a-Service solutions, monetize their in-house technological capabilities, and provide non-financial services to SMEs. These initiatives have contributed to improved profitability and enhanced valuation for digital banks in the capital markets. Global digital banks have been capitalizing on the unique resources within their ecosystems and expanding their operations across multiple markets. By embedding their services within a specific ecosystem, digital banks can offer customers seamless user experience. Additionally, they can leverage alternative data within the ecosystem to enhance customer acquisition, product pricing, and risk management while ensuring compliance. Digital banks, with diverse backgrounds and available resources, employ different strategies when leveraging their respective ecosystems. Some digital banks develop their own super applications that integrate their financial services, creating an ecosystem that offers comprehensive solutions for customers. On the other hand, digital banks that have transformed from traditional banks aim to capitalize on the resources accumulated by the incumbents. They collaborate with external partners and share ecosystem resources to enhance their offerings. Global digital banks are dedicated to facilitating the development of data infrastructure and driving industry innovation. They not only play a crucial role in the circulation of data but also act as facilitators and promoters, driving the circulation and sharing of data elements to build a robust data ecosystem. By actively participating in the circulation and sharing of data, digital banks can fuel their own growth and have a broader positive impact on the development of financial infrastructure. DIGITAL BANKS WILL CONTINUE TO DRIVE INNOVATION AND COMPETITION IN THE FINANCIAL SERVICES INDUSTRY When digital banks first emerged, they were often perceived as "challengers" or "disruptors" in the banking industry. However, as their business models prove to be effective and regulations mature, digital banks are now being seen as "catfish" for healthy competition instead. They are being introduced into the local banking system to motivate incumbents and improve the overall performance of the industry. Leading digital banks have already reached economies of scale and strong profitability, according to the report. In the coming years, gaps between leaders and followers are expected to widen in terms of profitability, market coverage, and influence over industry standards, which may be gradually established. The technical standards and risk management models of leading players could be adopted as common industry standards, promoting the consistency and overall development of the digital banking sector. As a result, there will be different challenges for digital banks worldwide. For Chinese digital banks, they will face increasing challenges as global peers accelerate their own growth. The next focus for Chinese digital banks will be addressing the challenges posed by new technologies, new standards, and new models from digital banks in other regions, as well as expanding their services to a broader market. Arthur Wang, Chief Financial Officer and Secretary of the Board of Directors of WeBank, said: "As the first digital bank in China, WeBank has always been committed to serving the public and MSMEs. We offer differentiated digital financial services and continuously explore new models to promote financial inclusion and support the real economy. We have pioneered a path of digital financial inclusion that is 'controllable in risk, affordable in cost, and sustainable in business.'" Looking forward to the future of digital banking, Wang added, "WeBank will continue to leverage its innovative fintech capabilities, collaborate with various industries, and contribute to high-quality development." Hang Qian, Partner and the Head of Oliver Wyman's Financial Services Greater China added: "As technologies such as artificial intelligence, Web 3.0, the Internet of Things, and the metaverse continue to advance, the digital banking industry will witness ongoing innovation in applications, products, and services. The emergence of new technologies will further drive the evolution of digital banks' structure and operations, ultimately increasing the industry's overall value. The boundaries between traditional and digital banks will gradually blur as these innovations reshape the global banking industry, bringing new momentum to its development and transformation." About WeBank Launched in 2014, WeBank Co., Ltd. ("WeBank") is the first digital bank in China. WeBank provides convenient financial services to micro-, small- and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) and the public, and continuously improves the quality of services in response to customers' specific needs. WeBank now ranks 255 in the Top 1000 World Banks by The Banker. WeBank focuses on innovation and technology. WeBank has maintained its proportion of technical personnel above 50% since its establishment, while its research and development expenses of accounted for around 10% of its revenue. WeBank is now at the top of the industry in core technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI), blockchain, cloud computing and big data. About Oliver Wyman Oliver Wyman, a business of Marsh McLennan (NYSE: MMC), is a management consulting firm combining deep industry knowledge with specialized expertise to help clients optimize their business, improve operations and accelerate performance. Marsh McLennan is a global leader in risk, strategy and people, advising clients in 130 countries across four businesses: Marsh, Guy Carpenter, Mercer and Oliver Wyman. With annual revenue of $23 billion and more than 85,000 colleagues, Marsh McLennan helps build the confidence to thrive through the power of perspective. For more information, visit oliverwyman.com, or follow on LinkedIn and X. SOURCE WeBank Co. Ltd. BAKU, Azerbaijan, September 26. The Western Azerbaijan Community strongly condemns and rejects the statement made by Armenian Foreign Minister Ararat Mirzoyan at the Forum of Ancient Civilizations. At this event, Minister Mirzoyan, claiming that the "Armenian cultural heritage" in Azerbaijan is allegedly under threat, made a provocative statement, the community said in a statement, Trend reports. "This completely defamatory statement simultaneously highlights the ongoing territorial claims of Armenia against Azerbaijan. The use of the term 'Nagorno-Karabakh' by the Armenian Foreign Minister indicates that his country only nominally recognizes Azerbaijan's territorial integrity. Considering the systematic destruction of Azerbaijani cultural heritage by Armenia, both within its own borders and in previously occupied Azerbaijani territories, the country's current speculation around cultural heritage by Armenia is a manifestation of hypocrisy. As for the call of the head of the Armenian MFA to send a UNESCO mission, it should be emphasized that such a mission should be sent not to Azerbaijan, but to Armenia. Unfortunately, the mission has yet to take place due to Armenia's refusal. We demand that Armenia respect Azerbaijan's territorial integrity, agree to send a UNESCO mission to assess the state of Azerbaijani cultural heritage in that country, and take necessary measures to restore, protect, and preserve the damaged Azerbaijani monuments," the statement said. Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel Nuspire Recognized for Employee Development, Inclusive Culture and Innovative Workplace Practices COMMERCE, Mich., Sept. 26, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Nuspire, a leading managed security services provider (MSSP) and PDI Technologies company, announced today that the National Association for Business Resources (NABR) has named it one of the Best and Brightest Companies to Work For in the Nation for 2024. The Best and Brightest Companies to Work For award recognizes organizations that excel in human resource practices and employee enrichment. It marks the eighth time Nuspire has received this national recognition, highlighting its ongoing commitment to fostering a thriving and supportive culture. "As we celebrate Nuspire's 25th anniversary, being recognized nationally as a Best and Brightest company validates our commitment to creating an environment where our employees can flourish," said Lewie Dunsworth, CEO of Nuspire. "We've cultivated a workplace where well-being, career development and inclusivity are not just priorities but core values. This accolade underscores that our people are the heartbeat of our success, and together, we're driving Nuspire forward with passion, innovation and excellence." The winning companies were assessed by an independent research firm that reviewed various criteria, including Compensation, Benefits and Employee Solutions; Creative Wellness and Wellbeing Solutions; Employee Enrichment, Engagement and Retention; Employee Education and Development; Recruitment and Selection; Employee Achievement and Recognition; Communication and Shared Vision; Diversity, Equity and Inclusion; Work-Life Blend; Community Initiatives and Corporate Responsibility; and Leadership, Strategy and Company Performance. Nuspire's focus on professional growth, work-life balance and an inclusive environment sets it apart in the competitive cybersecurity industry. This recognition reaffirms the company's commitment to being an employer of choice, continuously investing in its team members' health and success. To explore career opportunities at Nuspire and join an award-winning workplace, visit https://www.nuspire.com/careers. About Nuspire With over 25 years of expertise, Nuspire, a PDI Technologies company, is redefining cybersecurity through intelligent unification and unparalleled protection. Our company delivers innovative managed security services (MSS), managed detection and response (MDR), endpoint detection and response (EDR) and consulting solutions tailored to clients' needs. Our technology-agnostic platform provides holistic visibility across entire security tech stacks, seamlessly integrating human expertise, advanced AI and cutting-edge technologies. This comprehensive approach offers unprecedented control and predictive intelligence across clients' cybersecurity infrastructure. With features like an AI-powered assistant for streamlined operations and a mobile application for on-the-go threat management, we empower organizations to confidently navigate the evolving threat landscape. Driven by uncompromising excellence, our experts and 24x7 SOCs enable clients to stay ahead of emerging threats while optimizing their security investments. For more information, visit https://www.nuspire.com/. For more information, visit https://www.nuspire.com/ and follow the company on LinkedIn @Nuspire. SOURCE Nuspire These tips from Blue Shield's chief medical officer can help you conquer the anxiety of shots and stay protected. OAKLAND, Calif., Sept. 26, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Respiratory virus season is here time to think about protecting yourself, loved ones and your community. Getting this year's vaccines is still your best bet for staying safe. The flu, COVID-19 and other respiratory viruses can have serious complications, especially for children under age 2, adults over age 65, and anyone with a compromised immune system. If the thought of needles makes you uneasy, you are not alone. According to the Centers for Disease Control, as many as 2 in 3 children and 1 in 4 adults have strong fears around getting vaccinated with needles. Whether you're an adult with a long-standing fear or a parent trying to ease your child's anxiety, it's important to address these fears and get your recommended vaccinations. Blue Shield of California Chief Medical Officer Dr. Ravi Kavasery shares five tips to help both children and adults overcome fear of needles and vaccinations. Education and understanding Dr. Kavasery emphasizes that understanding the process and benefits of vaccinations can help reduce concern. "Knowledge can be a powerful tool in combating fear," he said. "Discuss how vaccines work to protect against diseases, minimize symptoms and add to the collective benefits of herd immunity." For children, Dr. Kavasery suggests using age-appropriate books or videos, which can make vaccinations more relatable and less intimidating. For adults, reading reputable sources and discussing concerns with a healthcare provider can provide reassurance and clarity. Distraction Distraction is a tried-and-true method for managing fear of needles, particularly in children. Dr. Kavasery recommends bringing a favorite toy, book or electronic device to keep the mind occupied. "During the vaccination, engaging in conversation, watching a video or listening to music can help shift focus away from the needle," he said. "For adults, bringing a friend or family member for support, or listening to calming music or a podcast, can provide similar distraction." Pain management Managing the physical pain associated with needles can significantly reduce fear and panic. Dr. Kavasery suggests discussing pain management options with your healthcare provider. "Ask your doctor about using numbing creams or sprays to minimize the pain of the injection," he advised. "Some clinics also offer vibration and cooling devices that can distract from and reduce the sensation of pain. By managing the physical discomfort, you can help lessen the overall anxiety related to needles." Rewards and after-care Many pediatrician offices offer a "prize" like a sticker, special band-aid or toy after a vaccination to make it a positive event. Check with your healthcare provider before your visit. If they do not provide anything, bring a small reward. For an adult, "treat yourself" to a special coffee, book or lunch. Care for mild needle-site reactions with a cool, damp cloth or a fun, reusable ice pack. This will help ease the discomfort. Pay extra attention to your child for a few days, swaddle them or offer extra hugs and cuddles. Offer breast milk or formula more often to keep babies hydrated. Adults should listen to their body and rest if they feel tired. Staying well fed and hydrated is important for adults, too. Professional support For those with severe needle phobia, seeking professional support can be beneficial. Dr. Kavasery highlights the importance of not hesitating to ask for help if the fear is overwhelming. Working with a therapist can help individuals develop coping strategies and gradually overcome their fear. "Facing a fear of needles can be daunting, but with the right strategies, it's possible to overcome this anxiety and avoid passing it to your child," said Dr. Kavasery. "Remember, the benefits of vaccination far outweigh the momentary discomfort of a needle, and taking these steps can help ensure that you and your loved ones remain healthy and protected." Additional vaccine resources Recommended vaccine schedule for birth to 6 years old Recommended vaccine schedule for 7 to 18 years old Vaccinations for adults Your helpful guide to COVID-19 vaccines for little kids Important information about COVID-19 My Turn: California's vaccine appointment site CDC: Vaccines and immunizations VaccineInformation.org About Blue Shield of California Blue Shield of California strives to create a healthcare system worthy of its family and friends that is sustainably affordable. The health plan is a tax paying, nonprofit, independent member of the Blue Shield Association with more than 4.8 million members, over 7,100 employees and more than $25 billion in annual revenue. Founded in 1939 in San Francisco and now headquartered in Oakland, Blue Shield of California and its affiliates provide health, dental, vision, Medicaid and Medicare healthcare service plans in California. The company has contributed more than $77 million to Blue Shield of California Foundation in the last three years to have an impact on California communities. For more news about Blue Shield of California, please visit news.blueshieldca.com. Or follow us on LinkedIn or Facebook. CONTACT: Mark Seelig Blue Shield of California 510-607-2359 [email protected] SOURCE Blue Shield of California Strategic expansion to provide health and safety solutions to military, government, and police personnel Opens significant new addressable market for the Company Inturai's discrete technology and unique ability to capture information and events are core reasons for Spicy Works' engagement VANCOUVER, BC, Sept. 26, 2024 /PRNewswire/ - P2P Group Limited ("P2P Group" or the "Company") (CSE: PPB) (FSE: 3QG) is pleased to announce that Inturai has entered into a strategic partnership with Spicy Corp., a boutique North American defence solutions provider, to advance its entry into the military segment. This collaboration reinforces Inturai's scalable intelligence strategy, and its capability of enhancing the health and safety of personnel in operational situations with next-generation spatial intelligence. As part of this agreement, Spicy Corp. will leverage its extensive network to introduce P2P Group's Inturai technology, with its cutting-edge spatial intelligence product 'StealthWave', to key defence organisations. This partnership aligns with Inturai's goal to enter the defence industry by providing innovative solutions that improve situational awareness and operational efficiency, ultimately safeguarding military personnel. Nathan Fry, President of Spicy Corp. and a strategic leader in defence solutions, commented on the decision to partner with P2P Group: "We enjoy solving difficult problems. Inturai's StealthWave technology has unmatched potential to deliver critical insights where conventional methods fall short. This partnership will equip defence organisations with the tools they need to operate safely and effectively." Ed Clarke, CEO of P2P Group, emphasised the importance of this partnership: "Our collaboration with Spicy Corp. represents a significant milestone in our mission to bring advanced spatial intelligence to the defence sector. We are excited about the potential this partnership holds as we work to deliver impactful solutions that prioritise the health and safety of officers in challenging tactical environments." Under the terms of the Partner Programme Agreement, Spicy Corp. will act as a non-exclusive partner, working alongside P2P Group to drive sales of StealthWave and related services to defence organisations. This shared revenue model will enable both parties to meet the growing demand for sophisticated spatial intelligence technologies designed to protect military personnel in the field and in tactical operations. The project operates on a profit-sharing model with revenue currently not material due to partnership being at initiation phase. About Spicy Corp. Spicy Corp. is a North American company accelerating the adoption of cutting-edge solutions by Five Eyes defence, government, and police organisations. They leverage state-of-the-art technology to ensure mission success for the Gov/Mil sector. With deep subject matter expertise, Spicy Corp. brings innovation to the forefront, empowering defence organisations to stay ahead in a rapidly evolving threat landscape. Visit www.spicycorp.com for details. About P2P Group P2P Group is at the forefront of transforming health and safety with advanced technology solutions that create smarter, safer spaces. Serving industries such as healthcare, smart homes, and industrial facilities, P2P Group is dedicated to bringing peace of mind to everyone, everywhere. For more information, please visit www.P2P-Group.com . The CSE has neither approved nor disapproved the contents of this news release. Neither the CSE nor its Market Regulator (as that term is defined in the policies of the CSE) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. CAUTIONARY STATEMENT REGARDING "FORWARD-LOOKING" INFORMATION This news release contains certain forward-looking statements that are based on assumptions as of the date of this news release. Forward-looking statements are frequently characterized by words such as "anticipates", "plan", "continue", "expect", "project", "intend", "believe", "anticipate", "estimate", "may", "will", "potential", "proposed", "positioned" and other similar words, or statements that certain events or conditions "may" or "will" occur. All such forward-looking statements involve substantial known and unknown risks and uncertainties, certain of which are beyond the Company's control. The reader is cautioned that the assumptions used in the preparation of the forward-looking statements may prove to be incorrect and the actual results, performance or achievements could differ materially from those expressed in, or implied by, these forward-looking statements. Accordingly, no assurances can be given that any of the events anticipated by the forward-looking statements will transpire or occur, or if any of them do, what benefits, including the amount of proceeds, the Company will derive therefrom. Readers are cautioned that the foregoing list of factors is not exhaustive. The Company is under no obligation, and expressly disclaims any intention or obligation, to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as expressly required by applicable law. SOURCE P2P Group Limited The Six-Week Program Provides Networking and Mentorship for Veteran-Owned Companies TYSONS, Va., Sept. 26, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- The PenFed Foundation, a national 501(c)3 founded by PenFed Credit Union, is proud to continue supporting veteran-owned businesses with the announcement of the Veteran Entrepreneur Program Fall 2024 cohort. Building on the success of the Spring 2024 cohort, the accelerator program for veteran-owned businesses begins with a three day in-person seminar in Bentonville, Arkansas, followed by a six-week virtual program. Members of the PenFed Foundation Veteran Entrepreneur Programs Fall 2024 Cohort attend an in-person seminar in Bentonville, Arkansas The program brings veteran-owned companies from across the country together to participate in networking events, roundtables and mentorship opportunities. Seminars with prominent business leaders cover topics ranging from business development, marketing and branding, sales, communications, strategic planning, pitching investors, scaling and exiting. "The PenFed Foundation is proud to continue propelling veteran-led companies to new heights with the Fall 2024 cohort," said PenFed Foundation Director of Veteran Entrepreneur Program and retired U.S. Marine Corps Brig. Gen. Terry Williams. "Members of the military community are well-suited to entrepreneurship, and we will continue empowering them and building a network of military founders." The accelerator program is free of charge to military founders and the PenFed Foundation does not take equity in the businesses. Veteran and military-spouse owned and led companies who are interested in the Spring 2025 cohort, are encouraged to apply here. This cohort brings together military veteran entrepreneurs from a variety of industries. The Fall 2024 cohort includes: MyHome Co-founded by U.S. Army veterans Gabe and Lindsey Chrismon . The MyHome app is an all-in-one platform designed to simplify home maintenance and management. The app connects homeowners with a network of vetted service providers, allowing for easy booking, scheduling and communication. Co-founded by U.S. Army veterans . The MyHome app is an all-in-one platform designed to simplify home maintenance and management. The app connects homeowners with a network of vetted service providers, allowing for easy booking, scheduling and communication. Autoket Founded by U.S. Army veteran Charles Masters Rodriguez . Autoket is an AI-powered B2B marketplace that connects purchasing managers at auto repair shops with a vast network of reputable auto-parts suppliers. The platform is designed to streamline the purchasing process, making it more efficient and cost-effective for businesses. Founded by U.S. Army veteran . Autoket is an AI-powered B2B marketplace that connects purchasing managers at auto repair shops with a vast network of reputable auto-parts suppliers. The platform is designed to streamline the purchasing process, making it more efficient and cost-effective for businesses. Silent Crown U.S. Air Force veteran Ted Slusher is the founder and CEO. Silent Crown is a Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business (SDVOSB) that provides immersive training solutions, including mixed reality flight simulators. The company focuses on enhancing the operational capabilities of military and commercial aviation clients by integrating state-of-the-art technology with real-world experience. U.S. Air Force veteran is the founder and CEO. Silent Crown is a Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business (SDVOSB) that provides immersive training solutions, including mixed reality flight simulators. The company focuses on enhancing the operational capabilities of military and commercial aviation clients by integrating state-of-the-art technology with real-world experience. Torch Warrior Wear Founded by U.S. Air Force veteran Haley McClain Hill in June 2021 , Torch Warrior Wear is a direct-to-consumer military apparel brand that empowers and celebrates modern-day women warriors. The company offers a range of bodysuits that are known for their durability, comfort and style. Founded by U.S. Air Force veteran in , Torch Warrior Wear is a direct-to-consumer military apparel brand that empowers and celebrates modern-day women warriors. The company offers a range of bodysuits that are known for their durability, comfort and style. StarCube U.S. Navy veteran Chris Ricks is the founder and CEO. StarCube is a technology-driven company based in New York dedicated to developing Small Modular Reactors (SMRs) that provide robust energy solutions for critical infrastructure. StarCube leverages innovative nuclear technology to create portable, factory-built microreactors. U.S. Navy veteran is the founder and CEO. StarCube is a technology-driven company based in dedicated to developing Small Modular Reactors (SMRs) that provide robust energy solutions for critical infrastructure. StarCube leverages innovative nuclear technology to create portable, factory-built microreactors. Miles for Military Founded by the mother of a U.S. Marine, Miles for Military is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization based in Boston that helps active-duty military personnel return home for important family events. The organization offers flights in exchange for volunteer work, embodying the values of duty, honor, and community. Since 2018, the Veteran Entrepreneur Program has accelerated over 100 military founders. Through The PenFed Foundation and its investor partnerships, alumni founders have accessed several million dollars in startup capital. About PenFed Foundation Founded in 2001, The PenFed Foundation is a national nonprofit organization that supports veterans in their transition from service to success. Affiliated with PenFed Credit Union, the Foundation has provided more than $55 million in financial support to veterans, active-duty service members and military families. The credit union funds the Foundation's personnel and most operational costs, allowing 99% of incoming donations to go directly to our programs. To learn more, please visit www.penfedfoundation.org. SOURCE PenFed Foundation PHILADELPHIA, Sept. 26, 2024 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ -- Pep Boys, a leading U.S. automotive service provider, today announced that Joe Auriemma, the company's Chief Marketing Officer, has been appointed as interim Chief Executive Officer. Joe brings over 30 years of experience, having held senior marketing and sales roles at companies like Procter & Gamble, The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company and Rentokil-Terminix. He has a proven track record of building profit, expanding business footprints and driving continued sales growth. Under Joe's leadership, the company is well-positioned to focus on operational excellence, enhancing the customer experience and building a strong future for Pep Boys. Joe and his Team will prioritize executing the company's strategic growth goals and continuing to focus on talent development and fostering a strong workplace culture. With a network of over 850 locations across the United States and Puerto Rico, Pep Boys specializes in automotive service. Each Pep Boys location offers individual customers and fleet businesses preventative maintenance, tire installations, and both routine and major repairs. Pep Boys is equipped with the technology needed to service today's complex vehicles, which helps ensure efficient and reliable care for every customer. About Pep Boys Founded in 1921 by military veterans, generations of drivers have counted on Pep Boys ASE-certified Pros to care for their cars. With a national network of Service and Tire Centers, millions of consumer and fleet vehicles pass through Pep Boys bays each year. Our commitment to being the one our communities count on is demonstrated through our exceptional customer experience and technical expertise. For more information, visit www.pepboys.com/corporate. Logo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2164254/The_Pep_Boys___Manny_Moe_and_Jack_LLC_Logo.jpg SOURCE The Pep Boys - Manny, Moe and Jack LLC INDIANAPOLIS, Sept. 26, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Remodel Health , the #1 Individual Coverage Health Reimbursement Arrangement (ICHRA) provider for brokers, is proud to announce the launch of ICHRA+ Enterprise , a cutting-edge solution designed to give employers unparalleled control and flexibility in managing their health benefits while delivering a superior employee experience for groups with over 500 employees this open enrollment. ICHRA+ Enterprise empowers employers to allocate untaxed dollars to employees, allowing them to choose individual health plans that best suit their personal needs. This model grants employees greater autonomy and provides employers with a flexible, cost-effective solution to manage health benefits. "As businesses face increasing pressure to offer flexible, cost-effective health benefits, ICHRA+ Enterprise stands out by combining advanced technology with personalized service," said Remodel Health CEO Austin Lehman. "We've designed ICHRA+ Enterprise to address the real-world challenges employers face today, offering them a comprehensive, scalable solution that adapts to their unique needs." ICHRA+ Enterprise Key Differentiators: Unmatched Service Excellence: ICHRA+ Enterprise is supported by a robust service team, including dedicated Account Managers who provide white-glove service and tailored guidance to ensure employers and employees receive expert support throughout the benefits process. ICHRA+ Enterprise is supported by a robust service team, including dedicated Account Managers who provide white-glove service and tailored guidance to ensure employers and employees receive expert support throughout the benefits process. Seamless Integration Capabilities: ICHRA+ Enterprise is compatible with over-200 payroll and HRIS systems, simplifying the integration process and enabling HR teams to manage benefits efficiently while enhancing data accuracy and reducing administrative workload. ICHRA+ Enterprise is compatible with over-200 payroll and HRIS systems, simplifying the integration process and enabling HR teams to manage benefits efficiently while enhancing data accuracy and reducing administrative workload. Integrated Shopping and Payment Solutions: Employees can easily shop for and select health plans through an intuitive, in-app experience with personalized plan selection support. The integrated payment solutions, featuring AutoPay, streamline the process, allowing HR teams to focus on strategic tasks rather than manual processing. Employees can easily shop for and select health plans through an intuitive, in-app experience with personalized plan selection support. The integrated payment solutions, featuring AutoPay, streamline the process, allowing HR teams to focus on strategic tasks rather than manual processing. Enhanced Administrative Features: ICHRA+ Enterprise provides advanced tools for employers, including customizable budget strategies by employee class, in-app advisement scheduling, and more. With this product, we can effectively utilize a company's current HR system to seamlessly input data and generate the necessary reports for creating 1095-Cs. These features give HR teams the insights and control needed to manage benefits with precision and ease. ICHRA+ Enterprise provides advanced tools for employers, including customizable budget strategies by employee class, in-app advisement scheduling, and more. With this product, we can effectively utilize a company's current HR system to seamlessly input data and generate the necessary reports for creating 1095-Cs. These features give HR teams the insights and control needed to manage benefits with precision and ease. Superior Compliance and Reporting: The platform's sophisticated compliance and reporting features offer immediate access to critical information, helping CFOs and finance teams control costs and forecast future expenses. "ICHRA+ Enterprise is not just a productit's a comprehensive solution designed to meet the evolving demands of today's workforce," added Lehman. "By integrating advanced technology with our white-glove service, we're able to provide a truly superior option for employers that want to enhance their health benefits offerings and improve employee satisfaction." As employers navigate the complexities of the modern health benefits landscape, ICHRA+ Enterprise from Remodel Health offers a powerful, adaptable solution that sets a new standard in the industry. About Remodel Health: Remodel Health is the expert guide for employers and brokers navigating the complexities of transitioning to ICHRA (Individual Coverage Health Reimbursement Arrangement). With nearly a decade of experience in the individual health benefits space, our proprietary software and licensed health benefits experts deliver tailored solutions for businesses with 100 to 10,000 employees. Committed to best-in-class customer service, we provide hands-on support throughout the process, ensuring successful implementation and long-term success. Learn more about how we transform health benefits at remodelhealth.com . SOURCE Remodel Health MANHATTAN BEACH, Calif., Sept. 26, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Renewable Land is pleased to announce the acquisition of a 435-acre property in Putnam County, Ohio leased to the Blue Harvest Solar Park. The property hosts a 50-megawatt solar power plant operated by EDP Renewables, which supplies clean energy to Amazon as part of the company's initiative to power AWS data centers, corporate offices, and fulfillment centers with renewable energy. "We are excited to play a vital role in another premier renewable energy project, reinforcing our position as of one of the country's most active investors in land for solar, wind and battery storage facilities," said Alex Stone, President of Renewable Land. "This acquisition aligns with our mission to support the long-term growth of renewable infrastructure across the United States." About Renewable Land Renewable Land Advisers, LLC is a real estate investment firm based in Manhattan Beach, California specializing in acquiring land leased to renewable energy projects. It was founded by Alex Stone, J.C. Frey and P.J. Fielding, who have managed over $15 billion of energy and infrastructure investments. The firm transacts with renewable energy developers and private landowners throughout the United States. For additional information please contact us at [email protected] or visit www.renewableland.com. SOURCE Renewable Land Advisers, LLC Study marks the first time these side effects were reported in children PHILADELPHIA, Sept. 26, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Researchers at Children's Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP) revealed for the first time that children, adolescents and young adults may experience very rare neurological issues of paraparesis and quadriparesis following chimeric antigen receptor T-cell (CAR-T) therapy, a type of immunotherapy used to treat B-cell Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (B-ALL). Additionally, these complications occurred without the type of inflammation typically seen in adults. The findings were published today in the journal Blood. Dr. Caroline Diorio Researchers previously reported that CAR-T may lead to complications known as immune effector cell-associated neurotoxicity syndrome (ICANS), which can present with a range of neurological symptoms from mild confusion to severe issues such as brain swelling, seizures and coma. However, as CAR-T therapy becomes a more prevalent cancer treatment, new patterns are emerging, revealing complex side effects in younger patients. "Our findings suggest CAR-T induced neurological side effects, while rare, can impact a spectrum of age ranges, from children to young adults. The causes of these complications in young people could be more complex than the exclusive T-cell activation and excessive cytokine production that typically leads to inflammation in adults," said Caroline Diorio, MD, FRCPC, FAAP, an attending physician with CHOP's Cancer Center. "The lack of inflammation points to a host of other underlying culprits, such as metabolic profiles, that require extensive additional research to understand." In this study, Diorio and her team analyzed two children, two teenagers and one young adult who developed severe muscle weakness, either in all four limbs (quadriparesis) or the lower half of their body (paraparesis) after receiving an infusion of either CD19- or CD22-directed CAR-T therapy to treat B-ALL. All but one of the five patients died during the study due to their cancer. The researchers performed detailed examinations on all five patients, such as tests on spinal fluid, and protein analysis to understand the response. They also later performed full autopsies on two of the deceased patients. Overall, they found chronic damage to white matter in the brain, but without the usual inflammatory responses. The children also had lower levels of certain inflammatory chemicals compared to those who did not have severe symptoms. "I can't emphasize enough that for most patients, immunotherapy, such as CAR-T, is a lifesaver," said Diorio, who is also an Assistant Professor of Pediatrics at the University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine. "However, these study findings empower us to understand the rare instances when it's not effective and take prompt action to address that." The study was supported by the ACC K12 Award, a CIHR Fellowship Award and a CHOP Cell and Gene Therapy Award. The authors would like to gratefully acknowledge the assistance of the Translational and Correlative Studies Laboratory at the University of Pennsylvania. Diorio et al. "Quadriparesis and paraparesis following chimeric antigen receptor T-cell (CAR-T) therapy in children and adolescents." Online September 26, 2024. Blood. DOI: 10.1182/blood.2024023933. About Children's Hospital of Philadelphia: A non-profit, charitable organization, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia was founded in 1855 as the nation's first pediatric hospital. Through its long-standing commitment to providing exceptional patient care, training new generations of pediatric healthcare professionals, and pioneering major research initiatives, the hospital has fostered many discoveries that have benefited children worldwide. Its pediatric research program is among the largest in the country. The institution has a well-established history of providing advanced pediatric care close to home through its CHOP Care Network , which includes more than 50 primary care practices, specialty care and surgical centers, urgent care centers, and community hospital alliances throughout Pennsylvania and New Jersey, as well as the Middleman Family Pavilion and its dedicated pediatric emergency department in King of Prussia. In addition, its unique family-centered care and public service programs have brought Children's Hospital of Philadelphia recognition as a leading advocate for children and adolescents. For more information, visit https://www.chop.edu . Contact: Jennifer Lee Children's Hospital of Philadelphia (267) 426-6084 [email protected] SOURCE Children's Hospital of Philadelphia Beloved physician and researcher also continues limited patient care in Lansing DETROIT, Sept. 26, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- The Barbara Ann Karmanos Cancer Institute welcomes Craig Cole, M.D., a well-known malignant hematologist in the Lansing community. Dr. Cole is now seeing patients at the Karmanos Cancer Center in Detroit. He also sees patients at Karmanos Cancer Institute at McLaren Greater Lansing. Dr. Cole is a member of the Hematology Oncology and the Multiple Myeloma and Amyloidosis Multidisciplinary Teams at Karmanos, actively participating while in Lansing. Craig Cole, M.D., joins the Barbara Ann Karmanos Cancer Institute in Detroit, as well as still treating patients at the Karmanos Cancer Institute at McLaren Greater Lansing. "Empowering patients is very important to me, and I am excited to contribute to Detroit communities and help patients and community members understand blood cancers, especially multiple myeloma," said Dr. Cole. "There have been so many advancements in treatment that allow us to treat these diseases, and we're investigating more options for patients. Here in Detroit, I can work on these advancements in care with my colleagues and bring these treatments to the bedside for my patients to benefit." Dr. Cole is also a member of the Molecular Therapeutics Research Program at Karmanos and actively leads clinical trials. His research interests include the clinical application of novel biologic therapeutics in multiple myeloma, pathobiology of myelomagenesis and smoldering myeloma, measurements of psychosocial distress in malignant and non-malignant hematology disorders, and ethnic and racial disparities in multiple myeloma education, diagnosis and treatments. He specializes in treating multiple myeloma, a disease that is more than two times more common in African Americans than White Americans. He's been very active in the Lansing and Detroit areas in educating the community, including participating in countless community webinars, community event panels with the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, and Karmanos' Office of Cancer Health Equity and Community Engagement educational events. He also has actively participated with many Karmanos hematologists in physician educational panels and continuing medical education events, providing insight, clinical trials, and research findings and presentations. Dr. Cole has authored hundreds of published articles, abstracts and presentations. "Dr. Cole has a wealth of knowledge in the field of multiple myeloma and reflects the type of care our MDT teams provide to our patients," said George Yoo, chief medical officer at Karmanos Cancer Hospital. "He has a gift of being able to speak with patients, the community and physicians about multiple myeloma and has dedicated himself to this type of advocacy work, on top of treating his patients and conducting clinical research. We are excited to have him join us in Detroit, and we're fortunate to give him the platform through the Karmanos Cancer Network to continue to provide quality care to his patients in Lansing." Dr. Cole is also an associate professor in the Department of Oncology at the Wayne State University School of Medicine and clinical associate professor at the Michigan State University (MSU) College of Human Medicine. He practiced at McLaren Greater Lansing for three years. During that time, he served as the director of Clinical Cancer Research at Karmanos Cancer Institute at McLaren Greater Lansing and MSU's College of Human Medicine, an assistant professor at the College of Human Medicine, and associate director of the MSU Center for Bleeding and Clotting Disorders. Dr. Cole is a Michiganander at heart. He began as a Spartan, receiving his Bachelor of Science in Physiology from MSU and the Lyman Briggs College. He obtained his doctorate in medicine at the Ohio State University College of Medicine in Columbus, Ohio, but returned to the state as a Wolverine to complete his internal medicine internship, residency and fellowship at the University of Michigan. He has done post-fellowship laboratory research at the Jerome Lipper Multiple Myeloma Center of Medicine at the Dana Farber Cancer Institute and Harvard Medical School in Boston, Massachusetts. He became an attending hematologist at Gundersen Health System in La Crosse, Wisconsin, located on the western campus of the University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health. Later, he returned to the University of Michigan as a clinical assistant professor in the Division of Hematology/Oncology, where he focused on clinical research in multiple myeloma. He is an active member of the American Society of Hematology, Multiple Myeloma Research Consortium, International Myeloma Working Group, and International Myeloma Society. Dr. Cole has been recognized for his care, research and mentorship, including receiving the MSU-Karmanos Cancer Institute at McLaren Greater Lansing's Hematology/Oncology Fellowship Program's 2023 Educator of the Year award, ABPAFS of the University of Michigan Award for Outstanding Performance and Leadership award, Cancer Support Community Signature Program Support Award from the Gilda's Club, Multiple Myeloma Research Foundation Collaborator Award, and the Top Blacks in Healthcare Award by the BlackDoctor.org and The George Washington University Milken Institute School of Public Health. He also serves as the diversity officer for the Multiple Myeloma Research Foundation Horizon Trial. He is on the Big Ten Cancer Research Consortium Steering Committee and he is the organization's co-founder of the Committee on Diversity. Dr. Cole also serves on the Multiple Myeloma Research Consortia through the Multiple Myeloma Research Foundation. View Dr. Cole's physician profile here. To request an appointment, visit karmanos.org or call 1-800-KARMANOS. About the Barbara Ann Karmanos Cancer Institute Karmanos Cancer Institute is a leader in transformative cancer care, research and education through courage, commitment and compassion. The Karmanos vision is a world free of cancer. As part of McLaren Health Care, Karmanos is the largest provider of cancer care and research in Michigan. For more than 75 years, the administrative and research headquarters, along with the premier specialty cancer hospital, have been located in downtown Detroit. With 16 network sites, Karmanos delivers world-renowned care and access to clinical trials throughout Michigan and northern Ohio. The National Cancer Institute recognizes Karmanos as one of the best cancer centers in the nation with a comprehensive cancer center designation. Its academic partnership with the Wayne State University School of Medicine provides the framework for cancer research and education defining new standards of care and improving survivorship. For more information, call 1-800-KARMANOS (800-527-6266) or visit www.karmanos.org. Follow Karmanos on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn and YouTube. SOURCE Karmanos Cancer Institute ROUND ROCK, Texas, Sept. 26, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- RB Residential, Inc. ("Restoration Builders," "RB Residential" or "the Company"), a leader in residential and commercial roofing services, announces that its subsidiary, Massey Construction Group, Inc., ("Massey," "Massey Construction" or "The Company") has been voted "Best Roofing Contractor Fort Myers 2024" in the acclaimed Community Choice Awards. This accolade celebrates the unparalleled commitment, craftsmanship, and customer service that Massey Construction Group has consistently demonstrated in the roofing industry. The Community Choice Awards, which honor top local businesses for outstanding service and quality, conducted a detailed selection process. This included nominations from the community, customer reviews, and a careful examination of each candidate's qualifications. Massey Construction stood out, showcasing its exceptional dedication to high-quality service in the competitive roofing industry. "We are truly honored to receive this prestigious award from the Community Choice Awards," stated John Lorenz, CEO of Restoration Builders. "Mark Massey and his team deliver top-quality roofing services, and we are achieving the highest standard of customer satisfaction. Congratulations on earning this well-deserved recognition from our Florida community." This recognition marks a milestone in Massey Construction Group, Inc.'s journey and adds to a growing list of accolades that the company and its parent, Restoration Builders, have received over the years. It is a testament to the company's unwavering dedication to excellence, innovation, and customer satisfaction in the dynamic roofing industry. About Restoration Builders Restoration Builders was founded in 2017 to build a nationwide network of licensed contractors and service providers for the residential and commercial restoration industry. The company's mission is to protect and restore properties while delivering the highest level of service and standard of quality. For more information about Restoration Builders and its family of companies, please visit https://restorbuilders.com/. About Massey Construction Group Massey Construction Group, operated by industry leader Mark Massey, has made a significant mark in the construction and roofing sector. Massey is known for its commitment to outstanding customer service and quality craftsmanship, as well as its loyal customer base and reputation for excellence. For further details on Massey's legacy and service offerings, please visit https://masseyroofingservices.com/. Contact: Media Contact: Janet Carnell Lorenz (425) 620-1800 SOURCE Restoration Builders BAKU, Azerbaijan, September 27. On September 27, 2020, in response to a large-scale provocation by Armenian armed forces along the front line, the Azerbaijani Army launched a counteroffensive operation later named "Iron Fist" .The 44-day Patriotic War resulted in the end of nearly 30 years of occupation and the restoration of Azerbaijan's territorial integrity. Trend presents the Chronicles of Victory for September 27, 2020: - Armenian armed forces shelled the Azerbaijani human settlements located in the frontline zone - Azerbaijani armys troops launched counter-offensive operation along entire front line - President Ilham Aliyev appealed to Azerbaijani people - Defense Ministry reports about Units of the Azerbaijan Army fighting for important heights - Ombudsman makes statement on Armenia's gross violation of ceasefire with Azerbaijan - Azerbaijan's MFA makes statement - President Ilham Aliyev chairs meeting of Security Council - Defense ministry discloses villages liberated by Azerbaijani army - Azerbaijan's Defense Ministry reports about liberation of 7 villages - Azerbaijani Defense Ministry shared video footage from battlefield - Azerbaijani defense minister reports about Armenian armed forces' suffering big losses - Azerbaijani military command proposes Armenian garrison in Agdere to surrender - Azerbaijani Defense Ministry reports about liberation of Murovdag peak of Murov mountain system - President Ilham Aliyev signs Decree declaring martial law -Azerbaijani Defense Ministry shares footage of destroyed ammunition depot of Armenian armed forces NEW YORK, Sept. 26, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Ms. Juliet Guo, founder of the Chinese art cashmere brand sandriver, was invited to attend the 2024 Fashion4Development (F4D) 4th Annual Sustainable Development Goals Banquet and the 12th Annual First Ladies Luncheon held in New York on September 24. She also showcased sandriver's new products at the opening day of the 79th session of the United Nations General Assembly. Following their stunning debut in Shigatse, Golok, and Paris' Maison & Objet (M&O), sandriver's new pieces made from Gangtse pulu fabric and Qinghai yak wool once again went global, representing Chinese fashion trends. Alongside Ralph & Russo and Elie Saab, sandriver walked the international runway. As the 2024 "Fashion Industry Change Maker," Ms. Guo received on-site recognition from F4D, with other awardees including entrepreneur and philanthropist Yue-Sai Kan and Oscar- and Emmy-winning filmmaker and director Eva Orner. "As a woman, I am gratified to be able to care for the women in the Himalayan snow regions and help them achieve economic independence and live dignified lives," said Ms. Guo. "I am very willing to teach them based on my more than 30 years of craftsmanship experience and feel proud of the innovative inheritance of the ethnic intangible cultural heritage craft of pulu." In 2022, under Guo's leadership, sandriver launched the "10-Year Pulu Revival Plan." She visited family workshops in the high-altitude areas of the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau, established the Shanghai Pulu Research and Development Center, and partnered with Tibet aid teams to build local industrial chains. This included guiding herders in scientific breeding practices, improving the survival and quality rates of local livestock, with survival rates increasing from 60% to 100% and livestock numbers growing from over 1,000 to more than 30,000. Over a 3,000 km range, seven village handcraft workshops were gradually established in the Tibetan region. This effort has trained nearly 100 local female artisans, including disabled and unemployed housewives, empowering them to earn respectable incomes "at their doorstep" and realize their social value. The innovative pulu creations, made by Tibetan women, have been showcased at Paris Fashion Week and sold worldwide, bringing these women onto the global stage. "sandriver's influence extends beyond fashion. It presents a model of community development. By empowering women and people with disabilities, Ms. Guo is quietly changing the lives of marginalized groups. The transformation of Gesang, an ordinary woman into a mentor of others in craftsmanship, and the life changes of disabled artisan Pianduo through her learned skills, exemplify the fruits of empowerment. She teaches others, nourishing local communities," summarized F4D founder Evie Evangelou, outlining the vision of sustainable fashion development. "Fashion has the power to transcend borders, connecting us all. By showcasing these exquisite works at the UN General Assembly, we not only amplify their voices to the world but also ignite global discussions on sustainability and empowerment." Since 2022, sandriver has been the first Chinese cashmere brand to join the United Nations Global Compact (UNGC). In alignment with UN sustainable development goals such as Responsible Consumption and Production (SDG 12), Gender Equality (SDG 5), and Decent Work and Economic Growth (SDG 8), sandriver continues to contribute to rural revitalization, empower women, revive traditional craftsmanship, and fulfill its social responsibilities. The fashion show at the UN and the 2024 "Fashion Industry Change Maker" award not only affirm sandriver's role in representing Chinese fashion on the international stage, showcasing Chinese cultural soft power and new production capabilities, but also highlight Ms. Guo as a representative of Chinese women, ensuring the world hears their voices. Moreover, it serves as recognition and encouragement for China's commitment to advancing a sustainable global fashion ecosystem. "Next, we will expand into the western border markets of China, with the flagship store in Nyingchi, Tibet, about to open. Tibet, Qinghai, Xinjiang, and Yunnan will be our primary show venues in the future. This show is an introduction to the U.S. market, and with the support of various sectors of society, we will further explore the U.S. market. In December, we will be preparing for the Maison & Objet Paris and the VIP artisan workshop at Le Bon Marche, part of LVMH Group. I look forward to more people witnessing the new story of traditional Chinese craftsmanship," Ms. Guo shared after receiving the award. CONTACT: Jane Wu, jane_wuqian@163.com SOURCE SAND RIVER FASHION CO.,LTD. Scott's inauguration marks a new era for the College in today's changing educational landscape MINNEAPOLIS, Sept. 26, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Dunwoody College of Technology , a leader in hands-on technical education, officially welcomed Scott Stallman, Ph.D., as the College's eleventh President with an inauguration ceremony today. Stallman was first announced as the incoming President in January and has replaced former President Rich Wagner, who retired at the end of June. Dunwoody College of Technology is a leader in hands-on technical education. Scott Stallman, Ph.D. is the College's eleventh President. "Since joining the leadership here almost four years ago as Provost, Scott has been an impactful change agent at Dunwoody because of his belief in the school's mission and how it can meet the needs of students and the future during these dynamic times. He believes in what Dunwoody can do for the community, industry, and most importantly, the students," said Dunwoody Board Chair Nancy M. Dahl. "That belief is what will make Scott a great President, because it will guide his decisions in the years ahead. It will allow him to lead with the past in mind, the present in focus, and the future always on the horizon." During the ceremony, several representatives of Dunwoody College of Technology testified to the strength of Stallman's leadership. Bridget Reynolds, an Academic Dean, shared, "As someone who cares deeply about equity, Scott will continue to advance Dunwoody's mission, continue to tear down the stereotypes of who should be a construction worker, an engineer, a technician; and continue to help Minnesota and this nation build a talented workforce that is representative of its people." Stallman, who earned his Bachelor's degree at the University of MissouriColumbia, his Master's degree in Adult and Higher Education Administration at the University of MissouriSt. Louis, and his Doctorate in Higher Education Administration at Illinois State University, previously served as the College's Provost for three years. He began his role as President of the College in July. "I appreciate the responsibility this role entails," shared Stallman as he rounded out his inauguration address. "I look forward to working with all of you to connect on new ideas, build partnerships and work together to deliver for a future that will expect more of us than our past. I look forward to continuing to strive toward our mission to change lives by building a community of leaders, entrepreneurs, and innovators who were 'Born to Do'." A New Era in Education Dunwoody College of Technology was founded in 1914 with a vision of providing hands-on, technical education to students from all backgrounds during a period of exponential industrial growth across the nation. Now, 110 years later, technical fields are experiencing a similar trajectory of change as industry looks to adapt to today's rapidly evolving world. Within this environment, Dunwoody remains committed to preparing the next generation of skilled professionals by embracing agility and disruption to drive innovation. Stallman is stepping into his new role during an exciting time for technical education, as the demand for qualified graduates in the dynamic fields of engineering, design, and high-skilled trades continues to evolve and expand. Enrollment at Dunwoody College of Technology grew by nearly 8 percent this fall, reflecting a rising interest in technical and skilled trades fields amongst today's students. As President, Stallman will focus on delivering on the college's mission in new and innovative ways, furthering the institution's commitment to ensuring relevant academic programs, creating a culture of equity, and providing opportunities for engagement with industry and the community. Media assets HERE . About Dunwoody College of Technology Founded in 1914, Dunwoody College of Technology is the only private, non-profit technical college in the Upper Midwest. Having provided hands-on, applied technical education to more than 250,000 individuals, Dunwoody is the college for experimenters and makers, a place where the curious and the confident learn by doing. Located in Minneapolis, Dunwoody offers a unique campus experience in dedicated labs, studios, and shops that treats students like future professionals from day one. With certificates, associate's, and bachelor's degrees in more than 40 majors including engineering, robotics, design, and other STEM-related fields Dunwoody challenges students to come determined and graduate destined. SOURCE Dunwoody College of Technology Raising the Alarm on Foster Youth Crisis: National Blue Out Day on September 26th WASHINGTON, Sept. 26, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- See Us Now, a student-led advocacy group, is proud to join forces with Safe House Project to launch "Team Protectors," a National Awareness Campaign that unites youth, foster care, and anti-trafficking organizations to spotlight the critical shortage of safe housing for foster children in the U.S. The lack of stable housing forces thousands of foster children into precarious living situationssleeping in cars, hotels, and even officespreventing them from accessing education, mental health care, or medical services. Worse, this instability puts them at significant risk of becoming victims of human trafficking. See Us Now, a student-led advocacy group, advocate on Capitol Hill to address foster care housing shortage; help pass the Find and Protect Foster Youth Act See Us Now and Safe House Project Unite to Launch "Team Protectors" National Awareness Campaign Addressing Critical Foster Care Housing Shortage An alarming 60% of all children trafficked in the U.S. have had some involvement with the foster care system. More than 20,000 foster children go missing each year, and shockingly, over 33,000 foster children have disappeared without ever being reported missing. The staggering figures highlight an urgent need for systemic reform and better oversight to ensure the safety and well-being of vulnerable foster children. The students of See Us Now (SUN) have been tirelessly advocating on Capitol Hill to address this issue. They recently helped pass the Find and Protect Foster Youth Act through the House and Senate, ensuring that states are held accountable for the health and welfare of children in their care. The students congratulate Senators Chuck Grassley (R-IA), John Cornyn (R-TX), and Congressman Tony Gonzalez (R-TX) for their leadership in sponsoring this vital legislation. To further raise awareness, SUN has declared September 22-28th as National Missing and Trafficked Foster Children Awareness Week. As part of this initiative, cities, organizations, and individuals can participate in National Blue Out Day on September 26th by wearing blue and sharing their support on social media using the hashtags #SeeUsNow, #SafeHouseProject, #BlueOut, and #TeamProtectors. These efforts will unite the country in shining a light on the foster care crisis and the dangers posed to vulnerable youth. The campaign has garnered widespread attention and support, with notable partners including Tiffany Haddish's She Ready Foundation, Jewel's Inspiring Children Foundation, the United Nations Foundation, and the National Boys and Girls Clubs of America. These organizations are collaborating with SUN and Safe House Project on upcoming initiatives to provide safer housing solutions, advocacy, and resources for foster youth. In honor of Blue Out Day, iconic landmarks, businesses, and communities across the nation will be lighting up blue, including various city landmarks in Tampa, FL; Niagara Falls in NY; Gillette Stadium in Foxborough, MA; Dover Motor Speedway in Delaware; JL Tower in Anchorage, Alaska; James S. McDonnell Planetarium in St. Louis, MO; Union Street Railroad Bridge in Salem, Oregon; Kia Spire Convention Center in Orlando, FL; State Capitol buildings across the country; and many other locations. Each will turn blue to symbolize solidarity with foster children who have gone missing or fallen victim to trafficking. Together, these efforts aim to drive change and compel states to take immediate action to protect these children. Join Us and Blue Out America Communities, schools, businesses, and public figures are encouraged to join the fight by participating in National Blue Out Day on September 26th. Simply wear blue, share your message of support online, and help amplify the conversation about the urgent need for safe housing for foster youth. For more information about the campaign or to get involved, visit www.teamprotectors.org . Media Contacts: SOURCE See Us Now NEW YORK, Sept. 25, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Levi & Korsinsky announces that it has commenced an investigation of Zeta Global Holdings Corp (NYSE: ZETA) concerning possible breaches of fiduciary duty. If you have been a shareholder of ZETA since at least February 23, 2022, and currently hold shares, you can obtain additional information here: https://zlk.com/compensation2/zeta-global-holdings-corp-lawsuit-submission-form or contact Joseph E. Levi, Esq. either via email at [email protected] or by telephone at (212) 363-7500. There is no cost or obligation to you. Levi & Korsinsky is a nationally recognized firm with offices in New York, Connecticut, California, and Washington, D.C. The firm's attorneys have extensive expertise in prosecuting securities litigation involving financial fraud, representing investors throughout the nation in securities lawsuits and have recovered hundreds of millions of dollars for aggrieved shareholders. For more information, please feel free to contact the firm. Attorney advertising. Prior results do not guarantee similar outcomes. Levi & Korsinsky, LLP Joseph E. Levi, Esq. 33 Whitehall Street, 17th Floor New York, NY 10004 [email protected] Tel: (212) 363-7500 Fax: (212) 363-7171 www.zlk.com SOURCE Levi & Korsinsky, LLP The company plans to supply the highest-performing, highest-capacity 12-layer HBM3E to customers by the end of the year DRAM chips made 40% thinner to increase capacity by 50% at the same thickness as the previous 8-layer product The company to continue HBM's success with outstanding product performance and competitiveness SEOUL, South Korea, Sept. 25, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- SK hynix Inc. (or 'the company', www.skhynix.com) announced today that it has begun mass production of the world's first 12-layer HBM3E product with 36GB[1], the largest capacity of existing HBM[2] to date. HBM3E HBM3E [1] Previously, the maximum capacity of HBM3E was 24GB from eight vertically stacked 3GB DRAM chips. [2] HBM (High Bandwidth Memory): This high-value, high-performance memory vertically interconnects multiple DRAM chips and dramatically increases data processing speed in comparison to traditional DRAM products. HBM3E is the extended version of HBM3, the fourth generation product that succeeds the previous generations of HBM, HBM2 and HBM2E. The company plans to supply mass-produced products to customers within the year, proving its overwhelming technology once again six months after delivering the HBM3E 8-layer product to customers for the first time in the industry in March this year. SK hynix is the only company in the world that has developed and supplied the entire HBM lineup from the first generation (HBM1) to the fifth generation (HBM3E), since releasing the world's first HBM in 2013. The company plans to continue its leadership in the AI memory market, addressing the growing needs of AI companies by being the first in the industry to mass-produce the 12-layer HBM3E. According to the company, the 12-layer HBM3E product meets the world's highest standards in all areas that are essential for AI memory including speed, capacity and stability. SK hynix has increased the speed of memory operations to 9.6 Gbps, the highest memory speed available today. If 'Llama 3 70B'[3], a Large Language Model (LLM), is driven by a single GPU equipped with four HBM3E products, it can read 70 billion total parameters 35 times within a second. [3] Llama 3: Open-source LLM released by Meta in April 2024, with 3 sizes in total: 8B (Billion), 70B, and 400B. SK hynix has increased the capacity by 50% by stacking 12 layers of 3GB DRAM chips at the same thickness as the previous eight-layer product. To achieve this, the company made each DRAM chip 40% thinner than before and stacked vertically using TSV[4] technology. The company also solved structural issues that arise from stacking thinner chips higher by applying its core technology, the Advanced MR-MUF[5] process. This allows to provide 10% higher heat dissipation performance compared to the previous generation, and secure the stability and reliability of the product through enhanced warpage controlling. [4] TSV (Through Silicon Via): This advanced packaging technology links upper and lower chips with an electrode that vertically passes through thousands of fine holes on DRAM chips. [5] MR-MUF (Mass Reflow Molded Underfill): The process of stacking semiconductor chips, injecting liquid protective materials between them to protect the circuit between chips, and hardening them. The process has proved to be more efficient and effective for heat dissipation, compared with the method of laying film-type materials for each chip stack. SK hynix's advanced MR-MUF technology is critical to securing a stable HBM mass production as it provides good warpage control and reduces the pressure on the chips being stacked. "SK hynix has once again broken through technological limits demonstrating our industry leadership in AI memory," said Justin Kim, President (Head of AI Infra) at SK hynix. "We will continue our position as the No.1 global AI memory provider as we steadily prepare next-generation memory products to overcome the challenges of the AI era." About SK hynix Inc. SK hynix Inc., headquartered in Korea, is the world's top-tier semiconductor supplier offering Dynamic Random Access Memory chips ("DRAM"), flash memory chips ("NAND flash"), and CMOS Image Sensors ("CIS") for a wide range of distinguished customers globally. The Company's shares are traded on the Korea Exchange, and the Global Depository shares are listed on the Luxemburg Stock Exchange. Further information about SK hynix is available at www.skhynix.com, news.skhynix.com. SOURCE SK hynix Inc. DALLAS, Sept. 26, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Southwest Airlines Co. (NYSE: LUV) (the "Company") has appointed Robert "Bob" Fornaro as a member of the Board, effective immediately. Fornaro is an accomplished airline executive with four decades of experience in the industry. He previously served on the Board of Directors of Spirit Airlines beginning in May 2014 until September 2019 and as President and Chief Executive Officer from January 2016 until December 2018, during which time he led the low-cost carrier through a period of substantial growth and transformation. Previously, he was President and Chief Executive Officer of AirTran Holdings Inc. from November 2007 until May 2011. Fornaro served as a consultant to Southwest Airlines from 2011 to 2014 following its acquisition of AirTran in 2011, and again from 2020 to 2024 following his resignation as President and CEO of Spirit Airlines. Prior to his role as CEO of AirTran, he served as President and Chief Operating Officer from March 2001 until November 2007 and President and Chief Financial Officer from March 1999 until August 2000. He also previously served as Chairman of both AirTran Airways Inc. and AirTran Holdings Inc. Before joining AirTran, Fornaro operated a successful aviation consulting practice and served in senior marketing and planning positions at US Airways and Northwest Airlines. "Bob is an exceptional leader and brings a wealth of industry experience to our Board," said Gary Kelly, Executive Chairman of the Board. "As a former consultant to Southwest, Bob has provided an objective review and important perspective on Southwest's transformation plan, and he has a strong appreciation for Southwest's unique business model and strategic advantages. His deep experience leading multiple airlines will be instrumental as we continue with our Board refreshment plan to add best-in-class Directors who will bring complementary skills and hold our Leadership Team accountable for delivering results." "Southwest Airlines has both a storied history and tremendous potential," said Fornaro. "I look forward to further collaborating with members of the Board as we guide the Company's Leadership Team in implementing its strategy. I am confident in Bob Jordan and the Leadership Team's ability to execute its transformation plan and deliver improved performance and Shareholder returns." With Fornaro's appointment, the Company has added ten new highly qualified Directors over the past three years, including the recent appointments of Rakesh Gangwal, co-founder of India's largest airline, InterGlobe Aviation (IndiGo) and previous executive at US Airways Group and United Airlines, and Lisa Atherton, president and CEO of Bell. Fornaro's appointment follows Southwest Airlines' recent announcement of its next phase of comprehensive Board refreshment, which includes six retirements in November and Executive Chairman Gary Kelly's retirement at the 2025 Annual Meeting, the anticipated appointment of three new independent Directors, and the naming of new Committee Chairs and a new Lead Independent Director. Fornaro currently serves on the boards of Avianca, Colombia's largest airline, and WestJet, Canada's second-largest carrier. Fornaro earned a master's degree in city and regional planning from Harvard University and a bachelor's degree in economics from Rutgers College. Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Statements This news release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (the "Exchange Act"). Specific forward-looking statements include, without limitation, statements related to the Company's focus areas, goals, strategies, and initiatives, including with respect to transforming the business, improving performance, and Shareholder returns. These forward-looking statements are based on the Company's current estimates, intentions, beliefs, expectations, goals, strategies, and projections for the future and are not guarantees of future performance. Forward-looking statements involve risks, uncertainties, assumptions, and other factors that are difficult to predict and that could cause actual results to vary materially from those expressed in or indicated by them. Factors include, among others, (i) the impact of fears or actual outbreaks of diseases, extreme or severe weather and natural disasters, actions of competitors, consumer perception, economic conditions, fuel prices, banking conditions, fears or actual acts of terrorism or war, sociodemographic trends, and other factors beyond the Company's control, on consumer behavior and the Company's results of operations and business decisions, plans, strategies, and results; (ii) the Company's ability to timely and effectively implement, transition, operate, and maintain the necessary information technology systems and infrastructure to support its operations and initiatives, including with respect to revenue management; (iii) the cost and effects of the actions of activist shareholders; (iv) the Company's ability to obtain and maintain adequate infrastructure and equipment to support its operations and initiatives; (v) the Company's dependence on The Boeing Company ("Boeing") and Boeing suppliers with respect to the Company's aircraft deliveries, fleet and capacity plans, operations, maintenance, strategies, and goals; (vi) the Company's dependence on the Federal Aviation Administration with respect to safety approvals for the Company's new cabin layout and the certification of the Boeing MAX 7 aircraft; (vii) the Company's dependence on other third parties, in particular with respect to its technology plans, its plans and expectations related to revenue management, operational reliability, fuel supply, maintenance, Global Distribution Systems, and the impact on the Company's operations and results of operations of any third party delays or non-performance; (viii) the Company's ability to timely and effectively prioritize its initiatives and focus areas and related expenditures; (ix) the impact of governmental regulations and other governmental actions on the Company's business plans, results, and operations; and (x) other factors, as described in the Company's filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (the "SEC"), including the detailed factors discussed under the heading "Risk Factors" in the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2023, and in the Company's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the fiscal quarter ended June 30, 2024. About Southwest Airlines Co. Southwest Airlines Co. operates one of the world's most admired and awarded airlines, offering its one-of-a-kind value and Hospitality at 117 airports across 11 countries. Southwest took flight in 1971 to democratize the sky through friendly, reliable, and low-cost air travel and now carries more air travelers flying nonstop within the United States than any other airline1. Based in Dallas and famous for an Employee-first corporate Culture, Southwest maintains an unprecedented record of no involuntary furloughs or layoffs in its history. By empowering its more than 74,0002 People to deliver unparalleled Hospitality, the maverick airline cherishes a passionate loyalty among more than 137 million Customers carried in 2023. That formula for success has brought industry-leading prosperity and 47 consecutive years3 of profitability for Southwest Shareholders (NYSE: LUV). Southwest leverages a unique legacy and mission to serve communities around the world including harnessing the power of its People and Purpose to put communities at the Heart of its success. Learn more by visiting Southwest.com/citizenship. As the airline with Heart, Southwest has set a goal to work toward achieving net zero carbon emissions by 20504. Southwest has also set near-term targets and a three-pillar strategy to achieve its environmental goals. Learn more by visiting Southwest.com/planet. 1 Based on U.S. Dept. of Transportation quarterly Airline Origin & Destination Survey since Q1 2021 2 Fulltime-equivalent active Employees 3 1973-2019 annual profitability 4 Southwest's net zero by 2050 goal includes Scope 1, Scope 2, and Scope 3 Category 3 emissions only and excludes any emissions associated with non-fuel products and services, such as inflight service items. Important Additional Information The Company intends to file a proxy statement and a WHITE proxy card with the SEC in connection with the solicitation of proxies for the Company's next meeting of Shareholders (whether an Annual or Special Meeting of Shareholders (the "Shareholder Meeting")). SHAREHOLDERS OF THE COMPANY ARE STRONGLY ENCOURAGED TO READ SUCH PROXY STATEMENT, ACCOMPANYING WHITE PROXY CARD AND ALL OTHER DOCUMENTS FILED WITH, OR FURNISHED TO, THE SEC CAREFULLY AND IN THEIR ENTIRETY WHEN THEY BECOME AVAILABLE AS THEY WILL CONTAIN IMPORTANT INFORMATION ABOUT THE SHAREHOLDER MEETING. Shareholders will be able to obtain the Company's proxy statement, any amendments or supplements to the proxy statement and other documents filed by the Company with the SEC at no charge at the SEC's website at www.sec.gov. Copies will also be available at no charge at the Company's website at https://www.southwestairlinesinvestorrelations.com/financials/sec-filings. Participant Information For participant information, see the Company's soliciting material filed as "DEFA14A" with the SEC on September 10, 2024 and available here. SOURCE Southwest Airlines Co. "We're now ushering in a new era at Southwest, moving swiftly and deliberately to transform the Company by elevating the Customer Experience, improving financial performance, and driving sustainable Shareholder value," said Bob Jordan, President, Chief Executive Officer, and Vice Chairman of the Board. Key themes and new initiatives to be detailed at Investor Day include: Transforming Our Product to Meet Customer Preferences Southwest's transformation is guided by data-driven research of travelers' changing needs and expectations. Southwest's evolution will provide even more choices for its Customers and preserve aspects of the business that make the airline unique among its competitors: Assigned Seating: Southwest will broaden its consumer appeal and boost demand through an assigned seating model. Airline passengers now have a clear preference for seat assignments: 80 percent of Southwest Customers and 86 percent of passengers who choose other airlines want assigned seats. Southwest flies farther than ever, and seat assignments are a higher priority on long-haul flights. The Company expects to begin selling assigned seats in the second half of 2025, with its first flights operating with the new model in the first half of 2026. Southwest will broaden its consumer appeal and boost demand through an assigned seating model. Airline passengers now have a clear preference for seat assignments: 80 percent of Southwest Customers and 86 percent of passengers who choose other airlines want assigned seats. Southwest flies farther than ever, and seat assignments are a higher priority on long-haul flights. The Company expects to begin selling assigned seats in the second half of 2025, with its first flights operating with the new model in the first half of 2026. Premium Seating: Market research shows that the preference for an assigned seat with extra legroom offers broad appeal for both business and leisure travelers. Southwest will offer extra legroom options with up to five additional inches of pitch for approximately a third of its seats while maintaining a standard economy seat pitch among the best in the industry. New seating product options will drive demand and are expected to generate more revenue per passenger. Market research shows that the preference for an assigned seat with extra legroom offers broad appeal for both business and leisure travelers. Southwest will offer extra legroom options with up to five additional inches of pitch for approximately a third of its seats while maintaining a standard economy seat pitch among the best in the industry. New seating product options will drive demand and are expected to generate more revenue per passenger. Southwest Boarding with Upgrades: Southwest will evolve its boarding process with seat assignments while focusing on operational efficiency and improving the Customer Experience. The updated boarding process will maintain Southwest's unique and popular approach in boarding through position numbers and signage displayed on stanchions within the gate area. The carrier's most loyal Customers and those who purchase premium seating will continue to be among the first to board. Southwest will evolve its boarding process with seat assignments while focusing on operational efficiency and improving the Customer Experience. The updated boarding process will maintain Southwest's unique and popular approach in boarding through position numbers and signage displayed on stanchions within the gate area. The carrier's most loyal Customers and those who purchase premium seating will continue to be among the first to board. Bags Continue to Fly Free: Extensive research reinforces Southwest's bags fly free policy1 remains the most important feature by far in setting Southwest apart from other airlines. Based on Southwest's research, the Company believes that any change in the current policy that provides every Customer two free checked bags1 would drive down demand and far outweigh any revenue gains created by imposing and collecting bag fees. "We've spent the past few years laying a foundation that serves as the base of our transformation," said Ryan Green, Executive Vice President Commercial Transformation. "We've already started rolling out modernized cabins with improved WiFi, in-seat power, larger overhead bins, enhanced operational efficiencies, and optimized flight schedules. We will continue to build upon our unique competitive advantages, while adapting to consumer priorities in today's dynamic environment." New Offerings to Broaden Appeal and Strengthen Revenue In addition to offering more Customer choice, Southwest will launch new capabilities and products designed to add value and revenue potential: Global Airline Partnerships: Southwest is formalizing partnerships with international carriers to expand its network and connect Customers with more global destinations to generate additional demand for travel across the Southwest network. Icelandair will become Southwest's initial partner with an expected launch in 2025 through Baltimore-Washington International Airport, which will serve as its first U.S. gateway for the carriers. The Icelandair partnership will expand gateways throughout 2025, and Southwest intends to add at least one additional partner carrier next year. Southwest is formalizing partnerships with international carriers to expand its network and connect Customers with more global destinations to generate additional demand for travel across the Southwest network. Icelandair will become Southwest's initial partner with an expected launch in 2025 through Baltimore-Washington International Airport, which will serve as its first U.S. gateway for the carriers. The Icelandair partnership will expand gateways throughout 2025, and Southwest intends to add at least one additional partner carrier next year. Getaways by Southwest: In 2025, the Company intends to launch a new product, Getaways by Southwest, offering vacation packages that are unique to the industry and come with friendly policies that Customers expect from a Southwest-operated venture. These customizable vacation bundles will feature Southwest's generous cancellation policy and flexibility with its no change fees for flights extending to hotels and other elements of packaged vacations. In 2025, the Company intends to launch a new product, Getaways by Southwest, offering vacation packages that are unique to the industry and come with friendly policies that Customers expect from a Southwest-operated venture. These customizable vacation bundles will feature Southwest's generous cancellation policy and flexibility with its no change fees for flights extending to hotels and other elements of packaged vacations. Rapid Rewards3 Enhancements: Throughout the transformation, all Members will earn and redeem points at the same rate that they do today, and Southwest will continue to offer no blackout dates, uncapped reward seat availability, and points that don't expire. The airline will update its Tier Benefits with the transformation giving A-List and A-List Preferred Members even better benefits. The airline also soon will share updates to its credit card program, including how assigned seats and premium seating will offer Cardmembers even more value. Until then, Cardmembers will continue to take advantage of their current card benefits. Eventually, Rapid Rewards Members also will have more opportunities to earn and redeem points for longer-haul international destinations with development of its airline partnerships and the evolution of its Getaways by Southwest product. Optimizing Operational Efficiencies Southwest is focusing on operational efficiencies to mitigate cost pressures and modernize processes. These efforts are designed to fund nearly all new capacity growth over the next three years without incremental aircraft capital deployment: 24-Hour Operations: In February 2025 , Southwest expects to begin offering redeye flying in key markets to maximize aircraft utilization. In , Southwest expects to begin offering redeye flying in key markets to maximize aircraft utilization. Turn Times Between Flights: The airline is aiming to further reduce the time it takes to turn an aircraft, which is intended to increase its aircraft productivity, while making day-to-day processes easier for Employees. Delivering a Financial Plan to Drive Sustainable Profitability and Shareholder Returns "The strategic vision announced today is designed to return us to financial prosperity and drive value creation," said Tammy Romo, Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer. "We have a clear and measurable path that we expect will enable us to cover our WACC in 2026 and achieve after-tax ROIC of at least 15 percent in 2027." Key elements of Southwest's financial plan include: Cost Discipline: The Company's multi-year plan is expected to deliver an estimated $500 million run rate of cost savings in 2027, by minimizing hiring, optimizing scheduling efficiency, capitalizing on supply chain opportunities, and improving corporate efficiency. The Company's multi-year plan is expected to deliver an estimated run rate of cost savings in 2027, by minimizing hiring, optimizing scheduling efficiency, capitalizing on supply chain opportunities, and improving corporate efficiency. Strategic Fleet Management: Southwest is pursuing opportunities to monetize the value of its fleet order book and drive a significant fleet modernization, with the goal of achieving an average fleet age of just five years in 2031. The Company's fleet strategy is expected to reduce average aircraft capital expenditures to approximately $500 million through 2027. Southwest is pursuing opportunities to monetize the value of its fleet order book and drive a significant fleet modernization, with the goal of achieving an average fleet age of just five years in 2031. The Company's fleet strategy is expected to reduce average aircraft capital expenditures to approximately through 2027. Prudent Capital Deployment: Southwest is balancing its capital allocation priorities to minimize capital expenditures on aircraft, continue investing in infrastructure that optimizes operations, and manage debt to preserve the airline's investment-grade balance sheet, all while returning capital to Shareholders through dividends and share repurchases. The Board of Directors today approved a $2.5 billion share repurchase program, reflecting the Board's confidence in the strategic plan and new revenue-generating initiatives, and in management's ability to execute. Financial Targets The Company's three-year financial plan is expected to support its long-term targets for sustainable profitability: Approximately $4 billion 2 in cumulative incremental run rate EBIT contribution in 2027 in cumulative incremental run rate EBIT contribution in 2027 ROIC of 15 percent or greater, well above WACC in 2027 Investor Day Webcast Details Southwest Airlines' Investor Day begins at 10:30 a.m. Eastern Daylight Time, 9:30 a.m. Central Daylight Time, and will be webcast live through a link available on the Investor Relations page at Southwest.com. 1 First and second checked bags. Weight and size limits apply. 2 Estimated cumulative run rate EBIT contribution to the Company's 2027 base business financial performance from its portfolio of initiatives included in its comprehensive three-year financial plan. 3 All Rapid Rewards rules and regulations apply and can be found at Southwest.com/rrterms. Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Statements This news release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (the "Exchange Act"). Specific forward-looking statements include, without limitation, statements related to (i) the Company's initiatives, strategic priorities and focus areas, plans, goals, and opportunities, including with respect to (a) increasing revenue opportunities, (b) enhancing the Customer experience, (c) building value drivers, (d) driving revenue growth, (e) improving financial performance and returning to industry-leading profitability, (f) driving sustainable profitability and Shareholder value, (g) Shareholder returns, (h) financial prosperity, (i) value creation, (j) operational efficiency, (k) managing and mitigating cost pressures and removing costs, (l) capital deployment and allocation, and (m) extracting value from the fleet and the fleet order book; (ii) the Company's financial and operational outlook, expectations, goals, plans, strategies, and projected results of operations, including with respect to its initiatives, and including factors and assumptions underlying the Company's expectations and projections; (iv) the Company's expectations with respect to the U.S. airline industry, Passenger demand, and backdrop trends; (iii) the Company's plans and expectations with respect to assigned and premium seating, including expected benefits, Customer demand, timing of implementation and bookings, retrofits, cabin layout, and FAA certification; (iv) the Company's plans and expectations with respect to the boarding model; (v) the Company's plans and expectations with respect to airline partnerships and enhanced vacation products, including Getaways by Southwest; (vi) the Company's plans and expectations with respect to its Rapid Rewards Program, including planned enhancements, and loyalty revenue performance; (vii) the Company's fleet plans and expectations, including with respect to fleet utilization, fleet modernization, fleet management, flexibility, expected fleet deliveries and retirements, refreshed cabin design, in-seat power, larger overhead bins, increased WiFi, and new seats, and including factors and assumptions underlying the Company's plans and expectations; and (viii) the Company's plans, estimates, and assumptions related to repayment of debt obligations, leverage, credit ratings, interest expense, effective tax rate, capital spending, infrastructure spending, capital allocation, and shareholder returns, including factors and assumptions underlying the Company's expectations and projections. These forward-looking statements are based on the Company's current estimates, intentions, beliefs, expectations, goals, strategies, and projections for the future and are not guarantees of future performance. Forward-looking statements involve risks, uncertainties, assumptions, and other factors that are difficult to predict and that could cause actual results to vary materially from those expressed in or indicated by them. Factors include, among others, (i) the impact of fears or actual outbreaks of diseases, extreme or severe weather and natural disasters, actions of competitors (including, without limitation, pricing, scheduling, capacity, and network decisions, and consolidation and alliance activities), consumer perception, economic conditions, fuel prices, banking conditions, fears or actual acts of terrorism or war, sociodemographic trends, and other factors beyond the Company's control, on consumer behavior and the Company's results of operations and business decisions, plans, strategies, and results; (ii) the Company's ability to timely and effectively implement, transition, operate, and maintain the necessary information technology systems and infrastructure to support its operations and initiatives, including with respect to revenue management and assigned and premium seating; (iii) the cost and effects of the actions of activist shareholders; (iv) the Company's ability to obtain and maintain adequate infrastructure and equipment to support its operations and initiatives; (v) the Company's dependence on The Boeing Company ("Boeing") and Boeing suppliers with respect to the Company's aircraft deliveries, Boeing MAX 7 aircraft certifications, fleet and capacity plans, operations, maintenance, strategies, and goals; (vi) the Company's dependence on the Federal Aviation Administration with respect to safety approvals for the new cabin layout and the certification of the Boeing MAX 7 aircraft; (vii) the Company's dependence on other third parties, in particular with respect to its technology plans, its plans and expectations related to revenue management, operational reliability, fuel supply, maintenance, and Global Distribution Systems, and the impact on the Company's operations and results of operations of any third party delays or nonperformance; (viii) the Company's ability to timely and effectively prioritize its initiatives and focus areas and related expenditures; (ix) the impact of labor matters on the Company's business decisions, plans, strategies, and results; (x) the impact of governmental regulations and other governmental actions on the Company's business plans, results, and operations; (xi) the Company's dependence on its workforce, including its ability to employ and retain sufficient numbers of qualified Employees with appropriate skills and expertise to effectively and efficiently maintain its operations and execute the Company's plans, strategies, and initiatives; (xii) the emergence of additional costs or effects associated with the cancelled flights in December 2022, including litigation, government investigation and actions, and internal actions; and (xiii) other factors, as described in the Company's filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC"), including the detailed factors discussed under the heading "Risk Factors" in the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2023, and in the Company's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the fiscal quarter ended June 30, 2024. ABOUT SOUTHWEST AIRLINES CO. Southwest Airlines Co. operates one of the world's most admired and awarded airlines, offering its one-of-a-kind value and Hospitality at 117 airports across 11 countries. Southwest took flight in 1971 to democratize the sky through friendly, reliable, and low-cost air travel and now carries more air travelers flying nonstop within the United States than any other airline4. Based in Dallas and famous for an Employee-first corporate Culture, Southwest maintains an unprecedented record of no involuntary furloughs or layoffs in its history. By empowering its more than 74,0005 People to deliver unparalleled Hospitality, the maverick airline cherishes a passionate loyalty among more than 137 million Customers carried in 2023. That formula for success brought industry-leading prosperity and 47 consecutive years6 of profitability for Southwest Shareholders (NYSE: LUV). Southwest leverages a unique legacy and mission to serve communities around the world including harnessing the power of its People and Purpose to put communities at the Heart of its success. Learn more by visiting Southwest.com/citizenship. As the airline with Heart, Southwest has set a goal to work toward achieving net zero carbon emissions by 20507. Southwest has also set near-term targets and a three-pillar strategy to achieve its environmental goals. Learn more by visiting Southwest.com/planet. 4 Based on U.S. Dept. of Transportation quarterly Airline Origin & Destination Survey since Q1 2021 5 Fulltime-equivalent active Employees 6 1973-2019 annual profitability 7 Our net zero by 2050 goal includes Scope 1, Scope 2, and Scope 3 Category 3 emissions only and excludes any emissions associated with non-fuel products and services, such as inflight service items. Important Additional Information The Company intends to file a proxy statement and a WHITE proxy card with the SEC in connection with the solicitation of proxies for the Company's next meeting of Shareholders (whether an Annual or Special Meeting of Shareholders (the "Shareholder Meeting")). SHAREHOLDERS OF THE COMPANY ARE STRONGLY ENCOURAGED TO READ SUCH PROXY STATEMENT, ACCOMPANYING WHITE PROXY CARD AND ALL OTHER DOCUMENTS FILED WITH, OR FURNISHED TO, THE SEC CAREFULLY AND IN THEIR ENTIRETY WHEN THEY BECOME AVAILABLE AS THEY WILL CONTAIN IMPORTANT INFORMATION ABOUT THE SHAREHOLDER MEETING. Shareholders will be able to obtain the Company's proxy statement, any amendments or supplements to the proxy statement and other documents filed by the Company with the SEC at no charge at the SEC's website at www.sec.gov. Copies will also be available at no charge at the Company's website at https://www.southwestairlinesinvestorrelations.com/financials/sec-filings. Participant Information For participant information, see the Company's soliciting material filed as "DEFA14A" with the SEC on Sept. 10, 2024, and available here. SOURCE Southwest Airlines Co. VICTORIA, Seychelles, Sept. 26, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Industry-leading fintech firm SquaredFinancial hires renowned market analyst Renato Campos to further broaden its expertise and confirm its commitment to offering quality education. This significant hire is a key milestone in the company's plans to expand and root its presence in Latin America. SquaredFinancials new addition to the team of analysts (PRNewsfoto/SquaredFinancial) Campos brings over 11 years of experience in the equities, currencies, and commodities markets. With a specialization in financial derivatives and extensive knowledge in market analysis, he delivers fact-based information on market movements. He has built a solid reputation for translating complex market dynamics into effective strategies and is recognized as a leading expert in the industry, namely in Latin America. Campos is regularly hosted on major financial media outlets such as CNN Chile, Diario Financiero, and Bloomberg, to share his views and opinions on global financial advancements. Campos will offer SquaredFinancial's clients daily market analyses, webinars, and podcasts in the local language, enabling them to stay up to date on market movements and events and empowering them with the right facts to trade the markets with confidence. His appointment aligns with the company's commitment to delivering high-quality education by onboarding top talent. Investors eager to benefit from his extensive market knowledge are invited to explore SquaredFinancial's website or social media platforms for details on upcoming webinars and interviews. Founder and CEO Philippe Ghanem said: "We are committed more than ever to extend our expertise to investors around the world and provide them with quality service and high-end trading solutions. I am thrilled to welcome Renato Campos to our team of experts. His extensive experience will be an invaluable addition to SquaredFinancial's team of analysts and will further catalyze our growth in Latin America." Renato Campos commented: "I'm excited to join SquaredFinancial's team of market analysts at such an exciting in the company's growth journey. Its commitment to delivering top-tier education and empowering investors aligns with my passion for financial markets and dedication to extending and sharing my knowledge and expertise. I look forward to providing insightful analysis and helping traders across Latin America make informed decisions with confidence." About SquaredFinancial SquaredFinancial is a well-capitalized FinTech firm founded in 2005. It aims at becoming a one-stop shop that meets investors' financial needs. With around two decades of experience in financial technology and trading, it offers global solutions to traders of different generations and backgrounds, who are looking for an intuitive and sophisticated investment gateway. It is led by market experts and leadership veterans who share a passion for trading and a vision to reshape the industry landscape. As a regulated firm, it provides investors with an online platform backed by cutting-edge technology that offers the opportunity to trade a wide range of instruments from different asset classes. Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2516479/SquaredFinancial_Renato_Campos.jpg Logo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2466085/SquaredFinancial_Logo.jpg SOURCE SquaredFinancial Award Winning Shorts including Grand-Prix, Specially invited works of Rinko Kikuchi, Neo Sora and Takumi Kitamura and Swiss & Korean Features: more than 60 works will be showcased "Craft Stories Around Japan" will be streamed globally from today TOKYO, Sept. 26, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Academy Awards accredited and one of Asia's largest international short film festivals, Short Shorts Film Festival (SSFF & ASIA) starts annual "Screening in Autumn" today from Online Grand Theater. This year, in addition to the screening of 2024 award winning shorts, specially invited short films "Haunted by the Sound of the Wind" starring globally recognized actress who became the ambassador of Tokyo International Film Festival, Rinko Kikuchi and "The Chicken" by Neo Sora whose feature film was nominated Venice Film Festival will be showcased. including 2024 Grand-Prix, more than 60 short films will be showcased at the Screening in Autumn event. CRAFT STORIES AROUND JAPAN program will be streamed globally online : 6 short films which depicts tradition, crafts, and artisan culture of Japan. Furthermore, "Women in Focus program", commemorating the 160th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Japan and Switzerland "Swiss Eyes on Japan" program, and "Korean Shorts" program are also screened. As the Online Grand Theater limited program, "Craft Stories Around Japan" starts global streaming today. 6 short films which depict drama of craftsman and their surroundings in Japan. URL: https://www.shortshorts.org/2024autumn/en/ Screening in Autumn's topics are: "Women in Focus" program and Special short "Haunted by the Sound of the Wind" starring Rinko Kikuchi, directed by Xavier Tera, and "The Chicken" by up and coming filmmaker Neo Sora, whose documentary on his father's final performance "Ryuichi Sakamoto | Opus" attracted attention from film festivals around the world. Starting today! Online Grand Theater will screen original programs including "CRAFT STORIES AROUND JAPAN", Comedy, Animation, and Award Winning shorts. Swiss Shorts: Swiss Eyes on Japan will screen 3 shorts. "Johan, l'epreuve du feu" a documentary set in Hiroshima following Johan, a Swiss man who fell in love with Japanese swords and became a swordsmith. "THIRD WHEEL" offers a comedic take on a love triangle, unveiled through psychic powers in the Edo period and "TOKYO RAIN" presents a mysterious story of Tokyo in the near future, where rain continues to fall. This year, which marks the 160th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Switzerland and Japan, we invite you to rediscover the fascinating Japan depicted in these three short films by Swiss directors. After the screening, Johan LeutwilerJapan's first foreign swordsmith and director Romain Guelat will make appearance. In Korean Shorts Program, Global Spotlight Award winner "Stray Kids -STAR(ROCK-STAR) and Korean up and coming directors' shorts which were nominated at the 2024 Competition will be specially featured. Contact: Fuyumi Tanaka 81-354748201 [email protected] SOURCE Short Shorts Film Festival & Asia Sultan bin Ahmed listened to a detailed explanation from Dr. Ahmed Mohammed Al Kamali, a pediatric heart surgery specialist, about the cases that have undergone surgery, as well as those that will be examined and diagnosed to determine the appropriate type of treatment, whether through catheterization or heart surgery for the sick children. The Chairman of the Sharjah Media Council, learned about the procedures followed in diagnosing medical cases and determining the treatment plans for patients. He observed the preparation methods for patients undergoing catheterization and various surgical operations, such as heart hole and atrial septal defect surgeries at the hospital. The Deputy Ruler of Sharjah also met with a number of children benefiting from the medical support donated by the Sharjah Broadcasting Authority, reassuring himself about their health and the progress of their treatment plans. The Deputy Ruler of Sharjah wished them continued health and well-being, praising the significant cooperation from Dr. Ahmed Al Kamali and the local medical team at the National Hospital in Kyrgyzstan for performing surgeries on the patients. The Chairman of the Sharjah Media Council moved to the Eye Diseases Building at the National Hospital, listening to the medical staff about the process of receiving patients for eye surgeries, diagnosing medical conditions, and the surgical operations supported by the campaign, such as those for vision impairment and cataract removal. Sheikh Sultan bin Ahmed talked with eye patients who had undergone surgeries, expressing their immense joy and extending their gratitude and appreciation for the charitable efforts of the United Arab Emirates and Sharjah in covering the treatment costs. This support has helped them regain their sight after a long period of loss and allowed them to resume their normal lives. They prayed that God would reward Sheikh Sultan bin Ahmed and all generous individuals for the humanitarian services provided by the institutions of the Emirate of Sharjah in treating patients around the world. The Chairman of the Sharjah Media Council, directed the specialists to expedite the provision of the latest medical devices and equipment necessary for diagnosing medical conditions and offering full support to patients at the hospital. This directive followed Sultan bin Ahmed's visit to the examination rooms and medical laboratories, which contained outdated traditional equipment. This effort is part of the patient support campaign funded by the Sharjah Broadcasting Authority through its charitable television and radio programs. The campaign to treat heart and eye patients, launched by the Sharjah Broadcasting Authority through its charitable program "Pain and Hope," aims to collect donations from generous individuals and provide the necessary care and treatment to approximately 1,000 underprivileged children suffering from heart conditions and eye diseases. The Sheikh Sultan bin Ahmed was accompanied with Sheikh Saqr bin Muhammad Al Qasimi, Chairman of the Sharjah Charity International (SCI) ; Muhammad Hassan Khalaf, Director General of the Sharjah Broadcasting Authority; Tariq Saeed Allay, the Director General of the Sharjah Government Media Bureau; Hassan Yaqoub Al Mansouri, Secretary-General of the Sharjah Media Council; Rashid Abdullah Al Obeid, Director of Sharjah Media City "Shams"; Salem Ali Al Ghaithi, Director of the Sharjah Broadcasting Authority; Abdullah Sultan bin Khadim, Executive Director of the Sharjah Charity International ; and several directors and officials from the October Village in the Kyrgyz Republic. Photo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2516531/Small_Hearts_and_Eyes_Campaign_1.jpg Photo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2516533/Small_Hearts_and_Eyes_Campaign_2.jpg Photo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2516534/Small_Hearts_and_Eyes_Campaign_3.jpg Photo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2516530/Small_Hearts_and_Eyes_Campaign_4.jpg Photo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2516532/Small_Hearts_and_Eyes_Campaign_5.jpg SOURCE Sharjah Government Media Bureau WANT YOUR COMPANY'S NEWS FEATURED ON PRNEWSWIRE.COM? 440k+ Newsrooms & Influencers 9k+ Digital Media Outlets 270k+ Journalists Opted In GET STARTED BAKU, Azerbaijan, September 26. Azerbaijan and Armenia agreed to put additional efforts towards the conclusion of the Agreement on Peace and Establishment of Interstate Relations in the shortest possible period, the Azerbaijani Foreign Ministry said, Trend reports. "On 26 September 2024 under the initiative and with participation of the U.S. Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken, the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Azerbaijan Jeyhun Bayramov and Minister of Foreign Affairs of Armenia Ararat Mirzoyan met in New York, on the sidelines of the 79th session of the UN General Assembly. The parties agreed to put additional efforts towards the conclusion of the Agreement on Peace and Establishment of Interstate Relations in the shortest possible period. The Azerbaijani and Armenian sides expressed their gratitude to the Secretary of State for organizing the meeting," the statement said. ST. PETERSBURG, Fla., Sept. 26, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- This summer marked an exciting travel season filled with unique international events , a rise in solo travel and updated DOT travel regulations . From changing traveler habits to popular destinations, leading travel insurance marketplace, Squaremouth.com, recaps the top trends that came to light this past summer travel season. International Travel is Down Rising trip costs , frequent travel disruptions and inclement weather this summer led to a decrease in international travel interest for the first summer since the pandemic. International travel is down 10% over last summer. Americans opted to stick closer to home this summer, with stateside travel up 7% compared to last summer. United Kingdom Becomes Top International Destination The United Kingdom overtook Italy as the top international vacation spot for the first time ever this summer. 7% of travelers opted to travel to the UK this summer, making it the number one international destination status for Americans. Interest in UK travel is up an average of 12% compared to previous summers. The next most popular summer destinations are Italy , Mexico , Canada , Spain , and France . Travelers are Planning Ahead With travelers reporting increased anxiety around taking trips in 2024, Squaremouth is seeing more travelers planning and insuring trips far in advance. This summer, Squaremouth reports travelers purchasing travel insurance an average of 72 days prior to departure, 25% earlier than last year. Purchases for International trips this summer occurred 32% earlier than last year, while domestics trip purchases were made an average of 17% earlier. Animal Tourism is Gaining Popularity While hiking remains the most popular activity for travelers insuring their trips, animal tourism activities gained in popularity this summer. Interest in Safaris this summer was up over 30%, and horseback riding excursions were up 21%. Water activities saw a surprising decrease in interest this summer, with snorkeling, scuba diving and surfing down an average of 15% overall. Methodology: Squaremouth identified trends amongst travel insurance policy sales purchased with travel dates between 6/01/24 9/01/24. About Squaremouth: Squaremouth.com has insured over 3 million travelers. Using Squaremouth's intuitive quoting and comparison engine, award-winning support team, and veried customer reviews, travelers can save time and money to nd the best travel insurance policy for their trip. Available Topic Expert: Jenna Hummer is available for comment and interview. [email protected] SOURCE Squaremouth ATLANTA, Sept. 26, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- TaxClosure, a pioneering tax debt resolution platform, is shaking up the tax debt industry with its patent-pending, same-day tax resolution service. This revolutionary low-cost process offers taxpayers relief from IRS debt without the need for exorbitant fees. TaxClosure.org Everything You Need to Know if You Tax Debt to the IRS. The tax debt industry has long been dominated by companies charging thousands of dollars for results many taxpayers have found less than satisfactory. TaxClosure seeks to level the playing field by offering an affordable, effective solution backed by the expertise of Charles T. Almond III, a leading IRS tax debt attorney with over 40 years of experience. TaxClosure's approach stands out by guiding users through a simple series of questions that help determine eligibility for the IRS's Currently Not Collectible (CNC) status. CNC status allows qualifying taxpayers to be placed in a government-authorized zero-payment plan while still remaining in good standing with the IRS. Approximately 90% of users who go through the TaxClosure process secure a no-pay resolution in as little as one day, with the remaining approximately 10% receiving affordable payment plans should they not qualify for CNC. "Many people who owe the IRS back taxes feel like they're stuck in a hole with no way out. Now, there's a simple solution," said Charles T. Almond III, founder and CEO of TaxClosure. "With TaxClosure, we've built a moving sidewalk that handholds taxpayers to achieve good standing without the stress of IRS' ongoing collection efforts or the fear of losing their income and assets. It's a win-win for both the IRS and the taxpayer." TaxClosure's innovative approach has earned it an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau and numerous five-star reviews. Its simplified process, which "translates IRS speak into layperson speak," makes tax resolution now accessible to all Americans. With its refit and relaunch, TaxClosure continues its mission to provide taxpayers with relief from IRS debt, all while keeping the cost and complexity of tax resolution to a minimum. For more information, visit TaxClosure.org. Media Contact: Benjamin Cooke Email: [email protected] Phone: 310-720-1214 SOURCE TaxClosure MEXICO CITY, Sept. 26, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Solving together the major global and regional challenges, such as the use of water, new technologies, artificial intelligence, and even the relocation of manufacturing, are part of the mission of the next global cluster conference, TCI Network President Merete Daniel Nielsen said Wednesday. In an interview with EFE, the co-founder and CEO of Cluster Excellence Denmark said collaboration is the only way to face the current challenges in the world, for this reason, the 2024 TCI Network Global Conference, to be held from October 8 to 10 in Chihuahua, Mexico, has as its central themes collaboration and artificial intelligence. "The theme of collaboration is very important and spreading in many societies. This concept forms the basic idea behind (the global conference), the focus on driving the mission that we need to collaborate to solve bigger challenges," she said. Nielsen considered that clusters also open opportunities to promote the relocation of companies in a region, as has happened in North America and Latin America, due to the 'nearshoring' phenomenon and the United StatesMexicoCanada Agreement. She also explained that clusters enable the development of various specific sectors, as well as small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) that struggle for exposure and are considered for value chains. The TCI Network president pointed out that, although the global cluster network conference travels to a different country each year, Mexico was chosen for 2024 because of its extensive experience in this type of initiative. Nielsen considered that it is difficult to define which country in the region leads in these matters, but admitted that there are good practices in Mexico, Colombia, and Costa Rica, among other members of the cluster network. Between the different sectors, she pointed out the opportunity for semiconductors and recognized the value for the organization of agricultural and food clusters, as well as some traditional ones such as aerospace, finance, and information technologies, including artificial intelligence. She emphasized the importance of the annual meeting in Mexico, with more than 30 guest speakers, 20 registered countries, and almost 300 participants from clusters around the world. Finally, Nielsen mentioned that the next host country for the next global conference will be announced as a surprise during the Chihuahua meeting. https://tciglobalconference.com/2024/ https://desec.mx/ SOURCE TCI Network CINCINNATI, Sept. 25, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- The Directions Group (formerly Aimpoint Research) has released a comprehensive report on the upcoming U.S. election, detailing multiple policy scenarios and associated impacts for agriculture. The 2024 U.S. Election Analysis for Agriculture Report is an impartial and balanced evaluation intended to help businesses and producers identify where positive returns can be earned no matter who controls the White House and Congress. Along with the report, The Directions Group will host a public webinar on October 1 to share results of the analysis. "It is always important to monitor ag policy as a producer or business owner, but especially in an election year and the year following. In 2025, we are facing three hallmark pieces of legislation that will have a very real impact on our industry. The new Congress with the incoming administration will need to pass a new tax bill, approve a federal budget, and address the expiring Farm Bill," said Mark Purdy, The Directions Group Executive Vice President of Agri-Food. "Our goal with this analysis is to provide a deep line of sight into multiple scenarios and outcomes that could unfold after this election cycle. Armed with this information, businesses can put strategies in place that will allow them to maintain success no matter what unfolds." The report outlines the likely policy positions for each party and subsequent scenarios for priority areas of agriculture, including regulatory agendas, budget and fiscal policies, tax reform, trade and tariffs, sustainability, energy, anti-trust, labor, as well as Farm Bill and food policy. A new tax bill is a must do piece of legislation in 2025, as the current bill expires at the end of the year. Regardless of party control, a new tax code will require budgetary offsets to pay for new or different tax provisions. Analysts identified how a new tax bill could impact agriculture in key areas, including tariffs and estate tax. Tariffs . Increasing tariffs as a budgetary offset will increase input costs, hurting gross margins. This will also position ag exports for retaliatory tariffs, hurting U.S. export competitiveness and softening domestic commodity prices. . Increasing tariffs as a budgetary offset will increase input costs, hurting gross margins. This will also position ag exports for retaliatory tariffs, hurting U.S. export competitiveness and softening domestic commodity prices. Estate Tax. The current rate is 40 percent with an exemption of $13.6 million ; after expiration, the rate would stay at 40 percent, but the exemption would drop to $5 million . For context, the $5 million exemption is equivalent in value to an inherited 422 acres in Iowa . Any more would be subject to the 40 percent tax rate. "Regardless of election outcomes, we expect to see tariffs continue to play a role in trade policy. Paired with likely retaliatory tariffs, the trade outlook for agriculture will continue to feel pressure," said Dave Juday, executive advisor to The Directions Group and lead economist for the report. "We do see party positions differing on tax reform details, including estate tax and capital gains. Individually, each of these issues has the potential to impact ag businesses and producers significantly, and it's critical for producers and ag organizations to be prepared. 2025 is shaping up to be a pivotal year for ag policy." The Directions Group will host a public webinar on October 1 at 1 p.m. EST/12 p.m. CST to dive deeper into the results of the 2024 U.S. Election Analysis for Agriculture Report. Purdy will moderate a discussion with veteran ag economist, Juday and retired multi-national executive, Mark Schweitzer on the factors shaping the ag policy agenda for 2025, including potential impacts from midnight regulations and Presidential Executive Orders, as well as the recent Supreme Court ruling that overturned the so-called "Chevron deference". Juday is an executive advisor for The Directions Groups in economics and trade, having served as an agriculture and trade policy advisor in the U.S. Senate and White House. Schweitzer is the retired vice president, Global Economic Research, and previous vice president of Investor Relations, at ADM. Visit AimpointResearch.com to register for the October 1 webinar and for more information on purchasing the full report. About Aimpoint Research Now known as The Directions Group, Aimpoint Research has worked extensively with agri-food clients for decades to provide a competitive advantage through a unique blend of military intelligence techniques and innovative research methodologies. Led by former military intelligence officers, agricultural experts, and research professionals, The Directions Group agri- food team is driven by the core belief that food security is essential to national security. About The Directions Group The Directions Group is a strategic insights firm helping businesses grow, innovate, and differentiate themselves in the marketplace through integrated intelligence. Their team of expert advisors partner with clients to design custom solutions that uncover the dynamic, human-centric insights that drive business outcomes and offers expertise across a range of industries, including restaurant, agriculture, health and wellness, technology, financial services, and consumer-packaged goods. The Directions Group is a privately held firm based in Cincinnati, Ohio conducting work globally. Media Contact: Laura Hahn 414-331-3503 [email protected] SOURCE The Directions Group Long-term results show Altius delivers significant and lasting pain reduction, decreases in opioid use, and improvements in quality of life for amputees suffering from debilitating chronic post-amputation pain ALISO VIEJO, Calif., Sept. 26, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Neuros Medical, Inc. announced today publication of the 12-month results from the landmark QUEST study. These long-term results demonstrated treatment with the FDA approved Altius Direct Electrical Nerve Stimulation System results in clinically significant and lasting pain reduction, decreased opioid use, and improved quality of life in amputees suffering with chronic post-amputation pain.1 The study enrolled 180 patients with a unilateral lower limb amputation across 35 sites in the U.S. and is the largest prospective, double-blinded, randomized study ever conducted for treatment of chronic post-amputation pain. Highlights from the 12-Month Results1 Patients receiving treatment with the Altius System reported the following results: 30% and 50% reduction in pain 30 minutes and 120 minutes after initiating therapy, respectively (both clinically meaningful and significant per expert consensus (IMMPACT)) Continued reduction in daily pain levels through 12 months 50% reduction in days with pain 81% of patients taking opioids decreased or eliminated opioid use 45% improvement in quality of life The study authors concluded the Altius System delivered sustained, on-demand pain relief, reduced opioid utilization, and improved quality of life for lower limb amputees suffering with chronic post-amputation pain. Click the link to read the full results: https://authors.elsevier.com/sd/article/S1094-7159(24)00675-5 "Chronic post-amputation pain is a debilitating condition affecting a large majority of lower limb amputees and persists over long periods of their lifetime," said Dr. John Eidt, MD, Chief of Vascular Surgery at Baylor Scott and White Heart and Vascular Hospital in Dallas, Texas, and QUEST investigator. "An ideal treatment needs to be on-demand, patient-controlled and provide lasting reduction in pain without the risk of addiction associated with opioids. QUEST demonstrated a clinically significant reduction in pain sustained through 12 months, allowing patients to reduce or eliminate the use of opioids. The Altius System has the potential to be the gold standard for treatment of chronic post-amputation pain." "The 12-month results of the QUEST study demonstrate the Altius System delivers long-term, lasting results and significant quality of life improvements for patients suffering from chronic post-amputation pain," said David Veino, President & CEO, Neuros Medical. "We look forward to working with health care providers to make the Altius System available to their patients." Neuros plans to begin commercialization of the Altius System later this year. Please visit www.neurosmedical.com for more information. Click here for important safety information. About the QUEST Study The QUEST Study is a multicenter, double-blinded, randomized, active-sham controlled pivotal study designed to assess the efficacy and safety of the Altius Direct Electrical Nerve Stimulation System in patients with chronic post-amputation lower limb pain. The Investigational Device Exemption (IDE) study enrolled 180 patients with a unilateral lower limb amputation across 35 sites in the U.S. Patients were randomized 1:1 to active treatment or active sham groups with a single arm cross-over to active treatment at 3 months and follow-up to 12 months. The primary efficacy endpoint was at least a 50% pain reduction in at least 50% of treatment sessions 30 minutes after initiating treatment. Secondary efficacy endpoints included at least a 50% pain reduction in at least 50% of treatment sessions after 120 minutes, change in opioid medication use, and improvement in quality of life. The primary safety endpoint was incidence of all serious adverse events. About the Altius Direct Electrical Nerve Stimulation System The Altius System is a patient-controlled, on-demand system that uses Neuros' patented technology to address the underlying cause of post-amputation pain by inhibiting pain signal transmission from the damaged peripheral nerves near the site of amputation to the central nervous system. The system consists of a nerve cuff electrode placed around an affected nerve and an implantable pulse generator (IPG). Patients initiate an on-demand 30-minute treatment session as needed for targeted pain relief. The Altius System is indicated as an aid in the management of chronic intractable phantom and residual lower limb post-amputation pain in adult amputees. About Neuros Medical, Inc. There are nearly two million amputees in the U.S., with 185,000 new amputations occurring every year.2,3 Post-amputation pain includes both phantom limb pain and residual limb pain and impacts nearly one million Americans, representing a significant unmet medical need, as existing treatment options are limited and consist primarily of opioids and gabapentinoids. Neuros Medical is a privately held company and the maker of the Altius Direct Electrical Nerve Stimulation System designed for the treatment of chronic post-amputation pain. Our mission is to reduce pain and restore life for people suffering with post-amputation pain. We are a passionate team guided by our core values and committed to our patients and the healthcare professionals who care for them. Our Core Values: Patients First, Deliver Excellence, Responsible Ambition, Inspire and Empower. References 1 Kapural L., Kim B., Eidt J., Petersen E.A., Schwalb J.M., Slavin K.V., Mekhail N. 2024. Long-Term Treatment of Chronic Postamputation Pain With Bioelectric Nerve Block: Twelve-Month Results of the Randomized, Double Blinded, Cross-Over QUEST Study. Neuromodulation 2024;-: 110. 2 ZieglerGraham K, MacKenzie EJ, Ephraim PL, et al., Estimating the prevalence of limb loss in the United States: 2005 to 2050. Arch Phys Med Rehabil. 2008;89:42242. 3 Owings MF, Kozak LJ. Ambulatory and inpatient procedures in the United States, 1996. National Center for Health Statistics. Vital Health Stat 13(139). 1998. For additional information regarding Neuros Medical, please contact: Steve Bosrock, Vice President, Marketing sbosrock@neurosmedical.com www.neurosmedical.com Tel: 440-951-2565 SOURCE Neuros Medical BIRMINGHAM, Ala., Sept. 26, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Vulcan Materials Company (NYSE: VMC), the nation's largest producer of construction aggregates, today announced that it has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire Wake Stone Corporation, a leading pure-play aggregates supplier in the Carolinas. This value-enhancing acquisition is expected to provide more than 60 years of quality hard rock reserves to serve attractive high-growth geographies, most notably Raleigh, North Carolina. Tom Hill, Vulcan's Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, said, "We look forward to welcoming Wake Stone to the Vulcan family. Established in 1970, Wake Stone has successfully built a leading aggregates franchise that shares many of the same values as Vulcan. Our people are at the heart of our business, and we are excited to work with the talented Wake Stone team. "This acquisition is consistent with our aggregates-led growth strategy of continuing to expand our reach to better serve more high-growth regions in the United States. Our Vulcan Way of Selling and Vulcan Way of Operating disciplines remain fundamental to consistently compounding profitability across our franchise and successfully integrating new operations. With the financial strength and flexibility to continue to grow, we are well-positioned to continue to deliver value for our shareholders and our customers." The transaction is expected to close later this year, subject to satisfaction of customary closing conditions. About Vulcan Materials Company Vulcan Materials Company, a member of the S&P 500 Index with headquarters in Birmingham, Alabama, is the nation's largest supplier of construction aggregates primarily crushed stone, sand and gravel and a major producer of aggregates-based construction materials, including asphalt and ready-mixed concrete. For additional information about Vulcan, go to www.vulcanmaterials.com. FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENT DISCLAIMER This communication contains "forward-looking statements" as that term is defined under the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 and other securities laws, regarding Vulcan, including, but not limited to, statements about the benefits of the proposed transaction between Vulcan and Wake Stone Corporation, including Vulcan's plans, objectives, expectations and intentions and the expected timing of completion of the proposed transaction. You can generally identify forward-looking statements by the use of forward-looking terminology such as "anticipate," "believe," "continue," "could," "estimate," "expect," "explore," "evaluate," "intend," "may," "might," "plan," "potential," "predict," "project," "seek," "should," or "will," or the negative thereof or other variations thereon or comparable terminology. These forward-looking statements are based on Vulcan's current plans, objectives, estimates, expectations and intentions and inherently involve significant risks and uncertainties, many of which are beyond Vulcan's control. Actual results and the timing of events could differ materially from those anticipated in such forward-looking statements as a result of these risks and uncertainties, which include, without limitation, risks and uncertainties associated with: Vulcan's ability to complete the transaction on the proposed terms or on the anticipated timeline, or at all, including risks and uncertainties related to securing the necessary approvals and the satisfaction of other closing conditions to consummate the proposed transaction; the occurrence of any event, change or other circumstance that could give rise to the termination of the definitive merger agreement relating to the proposed transaction; failure to realize the expected benefits of the proposed transaction; significant transaction costs and/or unknown or inestimable liabilities; the risk that Wake Stone Corporation's business will not be integrated successfully or that such integration may be more difficult, time-consuming or costly than expected; risks related to future opportunities and plans for the combined company; disruption from the proposed transaction, making it more difficult to conduct business as usual or maintain relationships with customers, employees or suppliers; effects relating to the announcement of the proposed transaction on the market price of Vulcan's common stock; the possibility that, if Vulcan does not achieve the perceived benefits of the proposed transaction as rapidly or to the extent anticipated by financial analysts or investors, the market price of Vulcan's common stock could decline; regulatory initiatives and changes in tax laws; general economic conditions; and other risks and uncertainties, including those described from time to time under the caption "Risk Factors" in reports and filings made by Vulcan with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including Vulcan's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2023, Vulcan's Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2024 and the quarter ended June 30, 2024 and future filings and reports made by Vulcan. Moreover, other risks and uncertainties of which Vulcan is not currently aware may also affect Vulcan's forward-looking statements and may cause actual results and the timing of events to differ materially from those anticipated. Vulcan cautions investors that such forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance and that undue reliance should not be placed on such forward-looking statements. The forward-looking statements made in this communication are made only as of the date hereof or as of the dates indicated in the forward-looking statements and reflect the views stated therein with respect to future events as at such dates, even if they are subsequently made available by Vulcan on its website or otherwise. Vulcan does not undertake any obligation to update or supplement any forward-looking statements to reflect actual results, new information, future events, changes in its expectations or other circumstances that exist after the date as of which the forward-looking statements were made, except as required by law. Investor Contact: Mark Warren (205) 298-3220 Media Contact: Jack Bonnikson (205) 298-3220 SOURCE Vulcan Materials Company Bipartisan Teamsters-Backed Legislation Gains Momentum in Congress WASHINGTON, Sept. 25, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- The Teamsters commend Senators Ed Markey (D-MA), Josh Hawley (R-MO), Tina Smith (D-MN), and Bob Casey (D-PA) for reintroducing the Warehouse Worker Protection Act in the U.S. Senate. This crucial legislation aims to hold corporations like Amazon accountable for unsafe working conditions and abusive production quotas. First introduced in the Senate in May, this reintroduction includes Senator Hawley as a new cosponsor, highlighting growing bipartisan support for the bill. "Warehouse workers, particularly those at Amazon, have been subjected to grueling production quotas, resulting in some of the highest injury rates in the industry, all while struggling with low pay," said Teamsters General President Sean M. O'Brien. "Thankfully, putting a stop to these exploitative practices has begun to gain bipartisan momentum in both chambers of Congress. We are grateful to lawmakers from both sides of the aisle for their leadership in supporting this critical piece of legislation. It's time to pass the Warehouse Worker Protection Act and ensure workers' safety comes before corporate greed." The bill has also garnered bipartisan support in the House of Representatives, where it was introduced in June by Representatives Haley Stevens (D-MI), Donald Norcross (D-NJ), Chris Smith (R-NJ), and Mike Lawler (R-NY). This federal legislation follows years of action by the Teamsters to advance the Warehouse Worker Protection Act in state legislatures. It is now law in California, New York, Oregon, Washington, and Minnesota, and has been introduced in more than a dozen states. Founded in 1903, the International Brotherhood of Teamsters represents 1.3 million hardworking people in the U.S., Canada, and Puerto Rico. Visit Teamster.org for more information. Follow us on Twitter @Teamsters and "like" us on Facebook at Facebook.com/teamsters. Contact: Matt McQuaid, (202) 624-6877 [email protected] SOURCE International Brotherhood of Teamsters NEWARK, N.J., Sept. 26, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- WebMD today announced the recipients of the 2024 WebMD Health Hero Awards, recognizing individuals who are leveraging Artificial Intelligence (AI) to transform healthcare. This year's theme, "AI in Medicine" highlights how AI is being used to address critical health challenges, offering innovative solutions for diagnosing, treating, and preventing serious conditions. The 2024 WebMD Health Hero Award recipients exemplify how AI is reshaping the future of medicine, offering hope and saving lives in ways previously unimaginable. They are: WebMD Health Hero Award logo David Fajgenbaum , MD, MBA, MSc Finding Existing Drugs to Treat Rare Diseases With AI A physician-scientist at the University of Pennsylvania and co-founder of EveryCure.org, Fajgenbaum used AI to identify an existing kidney transplant drug that treated his own rare condition, saving his life. His groundbreaking AI-driven research has also identified 16 other treatments for diseases that these drugs weren't originally intended for. His personal journey, research, and discoveries have been widely published in scientific journals, as well as in his best-selling book. A physician-scientist at the and co-founder of EveryCure.org, Fajgenbaum used AI to identify an existing kidney transplant drug that treated his own rare condition, saving his life. His groundbreaking AI-driven research has also identified 16 other treatments for diseases that these drugs weren't originally intended for. His personal journey, research, and discoveries have been widely published in scientific journals, as well as in his best-selling book. Suchi Saria , PhD New AI Tool to Help Prevent Sepsis Deaths in Hospitals Saria, the founding research director at the Malone Center for Engineering in Healthcare at Johns Hopkins , developed an AI tool that has reduced the risk of sepsis-related deaths in hospitals by 20 percent. After losing her nephew to sepsis, Saria committed to creating this life-saving technology, which can detect sepsis nearly 6 hours earlier than traditional methods. Her work is already saving lives in hospitals across the country. Saria, the founding research director at the Malone Center for Engineering in Healthcare at , developed an AI tool that has reduced the risk of sepsis-related deaths in hospitals by 20 percent. After losing her nephew to sepsis, Saria committed to creating this life-saving technology, which can detect sepsis nearly 6 hours earlier than traditional methods. Her work is already saving lives in hospitals across the country. Regina Barzilay, PhD MIRAI: Predicting Breast Cancer Risk Years in Advance Barzilay, a Distinguished Professor at MIT , developed MIRAI, an AI tool that predicts breast cancer risk years before the disease appears on mammograms. MIRAI analyzes mammograms to assess future risk, especially in aggressive cancers that affect younger women. Validated on data from over 200,000 exams, MIRAI has proven more accurate than previous methods in predicting cancer risk across diverse groups. Prospective trials are underway to showcase its potential benefits in tailored screenings. "Artificial Intelligence is reshaping healthcare in profound ways, saving lives and improving patient outcomes," said Dr. John Whyte, Chief Medical Officer of WebMD. "This year's Health Heroes are leading the way in AI innovation, and we are honored to recognize their achievements." To learn more about the inspiring work of this year's honorees, visit: https://www.webmd.com/healthheroes/default.htm About the WebMD Health Hero Awards Now in its 17th year, the WebMD Health Hero Awards honor individuals and organizations making a lasting impact on health and wellness. WebMD celebrates those advancing healthcare through innovation, leadership, and courage. The recipients are chosen by WebMD's editorial team, which includes board-certified healthcare professionals and award-winning journalists. Join Tonight's Medscape Masters Event: Revolutionizing Healthcare with AI As part of the WebMD Health Hero Awards celebration, healthcare professionals are invited to attend tonight's Medscape Masters event: Revolutionizing Healthcare: AI-Driven Solutions. This session will feature WebMD Health Hero honoree, Dr. Fajgenbaum, who will discuss his pioneering work in using AI to repurpose existing drugs for rare diseases, as well as his broader insights into the evolving role of AI in clinical practice. Attendees will gain valuable perspectives on how AI is transforming treatment approaches. To register, click here . Medscape is a subsidiary of WebMD Health Corp. About WebMD Health Corp. WebMD Health Corp., an Internet Brands company, is at the heart of the digital health revolution that is transforming the healthcare experience for consumers, patients, healthcare professionals, employers, health plans and health systems. Through public and private online portals, mobile platforms, and health-focused publications, WebMD delivers leading-edge content and digital services that enable and improve decision-making, support and motivate health actions, streamline and simplify the healthcare journey, and improve patient care. The WebMD Health Network includes WebMD Health, Medscape, WebMD Ignite (encompassing Krames, The Wellness Network and Mercury Healthcare), Jobson Healthcare Information, MediQuality, Frontline, Vitals Consumer Services, Aptus Health, PulsePoint, The Wellness Network, SanovaWorks, MNG Health, MedicineNet, eMedicineHealth, RxList, OnHealth, Medscape Education, and other owned WebMD sites. WebMD, Medscape, CME Circle, Medpulse, eMedicine, MedicineNet, theheart.org and RxList are among the trademarks of WebMD Health Corp. or its subsidiaries. About Internet Brands Internet Brands, headquartered in El Segundo, Calif, is a fully integrated online media and software services company focused on four high-value vertical categories: Health, Automotive, Legal, and Home/Travel. The company's properties and platforms include the WebMD, Medscape, and Henry Schein ONE networks, which are the global leaders in their markets; Nolo, Avvo, and Martindale, which form the largest consumer information provider in the legal market; and CarsDirect, Fodor's Travel, and many others which are leaders in their key verticals such as auto, travel, and home. For more information, please visit www.internetbrands.com. SOURCE WebMD Health Corp. Representatives from WEPACK attended the VPA dinner banquet Representatives from WEPACK attended the VPA dinner banquet Representatives from WEPACK attended the VPA dinner banquet Following the opening remarks, Will Sandman, Business Development Director of MPG GLOBAL, MGIH Vietnam, shared Global Paper Packaging Trends and Opportunities in the Vietnamese Market. Sandman stated that Vietnam's strategic location, low labor costs, and robust manufacturing base position the country as an emerging global hub in the packaging sector, with a packaging market scale expected to reach 6.5 billion US dollars by 2024. Furthermore, the Vietnamese government and enterprises are committed to obtaining green certifications by actively investing in environment-friendly technologies and equipment, adopting renewable energy and sustainable raw materials, and enhancing automation and digitized production, to ensure that international environment-friendly standards are met. Will Sandman recommended that the Vietnamese packaging industry continue investing in R&D, quality control, and automation, while strengthening sustainable development initiatives to maintain a leading position in the global market. Wang Jianjun, Chairman of Lap Thinh Packaging Company Limited, Vietnam, shared Trends and Experiences in China's Paper Packaging Development. He pointed out that Vietnam's packaging industry is experiencing rapid growth, similar to China's situation a decade ago but with more advantages. Investments from Chinese enterprises in Vietnam, particularly the introduction of high-end equipment and technologies, are driving the industry to grow towards efficiency and environmental friendliness. He emphasized that Vietnam's packaging industry will develop towards digital technologies and intelligent manufacturing, while facing a profound impact from environment-friendly policies and green economy. He urged Vietnamese packaging enterprises to learn from China's experiences, strengthen international cooperation, and jointly address industry challenges to achieve win-win development. Huang Jianhui, Sales Manager of Guangdong SUNYl Intelligent Technology Co., Ltd., shared Intelligence Leading, Efficient Production; Liu Zhongliang, Export Manager of Dongteng Machinery Co., Ltd., presented Professional Partners for Paper Mills and Packaging Manufacturers; the sales manager of Nantong Jiabao Machinery Co., Ltd. shared Efficient Waste Management Solution Suitable for the Paper Packaging Industry; the sales manager of JCCORRUGATED MACHINERY CO. LTD. shared New Perspectives on Printing: Corrugated Printing Equipment Overview, etc. They offered in-depth insights and unique analyses on the Vietnamese market and international development trends, and shared experiences and insights on how to improve production efficiency via intelligent technologies in both the Chinese and Vietnamese markets. It is believed that intelligent manufacturing will bring infinite possibilities to the future of the paper packaging industry. Subsequently, Mr. Adward Lu, Project Manager of RX, during an interview with local Vietnamese television media, shared the current development updates and trends of Vietnam's paper packaging industry. He noted that Vietnam's paper packaging industry is experiencing a boom in green and sustainable development, with an average annual growth rate of 15%, drawing over 300 enterprises to participate, such as Tetra Pak Binh Duong factory, which has an annual production capacity of 12 billion cartons and plans to expand to 20 billion. The growth of industries such as e-commerce, food and beverage further propel the demand for paper packaging. Adopting a circular economy model, enterprises use recyclable materials, conserve energy and water, reduce carbon emissions, and actively participate in international exhibitions like WEPACK to showcase innovative packaging solutions. It is expected that the demand for Vietnam's paper packaging market will grow at a rate of 14-18% in the upcoming five to ten years. Following the paper packaging forum, the organizer arranged a factory tour for the participants to Lap Thinh Packaging Company Limited, Vietnam. An appreciation banquet was held at the end of the event, where representatives from WEPACK, SANSIN, VINPAS and VPA delivered speeches to express gratitude to all industry peers for their support and participation. WEPACK representatives cordially invited all industry peers to join WEPACK ASEAN 2024 (November 14-16, 2024, Malaysia International Trade and Exhibition Centre) and WEPACK 2025 (April 8-10, 2025, Shanghai New International Expo Center) to facilitate technical exchange and cooperation, as well as drive innovation and development in the packaging industry. Contact us Booth reservation Mr. Adward Lu 021-2231 7103 [email protected] Visit consulting Mr. Alan Lee +86-21-2231 7155 [email protected] SOURCE RX (China) Investment Co., Ltd. WANT YOUR COMPANY'S NEWS FEATURED ON PRNEWSWIRE.COM? 440k+ Newsrooms & Influencers 9k+ Digital Media Outlets 270k+ Journalists Opted In GET STARTED Webcast and conference call on October 25 at 7 a.m. PT (10 a.m. ET) SEATTLE, Sept. 26, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Weyerhaeuser Company (NYSE: WY) will release third quarter 2024 results on Thursday, October 24, after the market closes. The company will then hold a live webcast and conference call the following day, on Friday, October 25, at 7 a.m. Pacific (10 a.m. Eastern), to discuss the results. To access the news release, live webcast and presentation online, visit the Investor Relations section on www.weyerhaeuser.com. To join the conference call from within North America, dial 877-407-0792 (access code: 13742029) at least 15 minutes prior to the call. Those calling from outside North America should dial 201-689-8263 (access code: 13742029). Replays will be available for two weeks at 844-512-2921 (access code: 13742029) from within North America, and at 412-317-6671 (access code: 13742029) from outside North America. ABOUT WEYERHAEUSER Weyerhaeuser Company, one of the world's largest private owners of timberlands, began operations in 1900 and today owns or controls approximately 10.5 million acres of timberlands in the U.S., as well as 14 million acres of timberlands managed under long-term licenses in Canada. Weyerhaeuser has been a global leader in sustainability for more than a century and manages 100 percent of its timberlands on a fully sustainable basis in compliance with internationally recognized sustainable forestry standards. Weyerhaeuser is also one of the largest manufacturers of wood products in North America and operates additional business lines around real estate, climate solutions, energy and natural resources, among others. In 2023, the company generated $7.7 billion in net sales and employed approximately 9,300 people who serve customers worldwide. Operated as a real estate investment trust, Weyerhaeuser's common stock trades on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol WY. Learn more at www.weyerhaeuser.com. For more information contact: Analysts - Andy Taylor, 206-539-3907 Media Nancy Thompson, 919-861-0342 SOURCE Weyerhaeuser Company BAKU, Azerbaijan, September 26. Jeyhun Bayramov, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Azerbaijan took part in an official reception hosted by U.S. President Joe Biden, Trend reports. "In the margins of the high-level week of UNGA79, I had a pleasure to join an official reception organized by U.S. President Joe Biden for the heads of delegations attending the 79th session of the UN General Assembly in New York," Jeyhun Bayramov wrote on his page on X. BEIJING, Sept. 25, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- The 2024 Dehua International Ceramic Culture Week kicked off on September 19 in Dehua County, Quanzhou City of southeast China's Fujian Province. This year's Ceramic Culture Week attracted numerous domestic and foreign merchants, with an exhibition area of 10,000 square meters, featuring several renowned ceramic brands from Russia, the UK, Germany, and other countries. Photo shows the Halloween-themed craft ceramics displayed in the exhibition hall of Quanzhou Kaideli Ceramics Co., Ltd. (Provided by Li Hao) Fang Junqin, head of Dehua County, delivered a speech at the opening ceremony of the event, encouraging merchants to leverage the event to expand cooperation and seek common development. Dehua has a ceramic-making history of over 3,700 years, making it one of the earliest export ceramic regions and currently the largest producer and exporter of ceramic crafts in China, with products sold to over 190 countries and regions. The international recognition of Dehua ceramics is steadily increasing, drawing more and more visitors to experience the charm of this "porcelain capital". In recent years, Dehua ceramics have frequently appeared on the international stage. The "Blanc de Chine -- Dehua Porcelain" international exhibition tour which started from August 2023, has brought Dehua ceramics to Southeast Asia, Europe and America. Since 2023, Dehua has signed 26 projects related to porcelain and cultural tourism through overseas associations and chambers of commerce, with a total investment of 19.192 billion yuan. Dehua has promoted innovation and brand building through policy support and investment in research and development, enhancing product value. From January to July of this year, Dehua's export reached 2.035 billion yuan, with a year-on-year increase of 18.42 percent, demonstrating strong development momentum. Original link: https://en.imsilkroad.com/p/342301.html SOURCE Xinhua Silk Road WASHINGTON, Sept. 26, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Yvette Cabrera, senior reporter at the Center for Public Integrity and a dedicated environmental justice journalist, will receive the National Press Club Journalism Institute's 2024 Neil and Susan Sheehan Award for Investigative Journalism. Cabrera covers inequality in economic and social well-being with a focus on climate justice issues. Throughout her career, Cabrera has reported at the intersection of justice and equity, examining the impact of systemic disparities, such as environmental pollution and contamination, on marginalized communities throughout the United States. "Yvette's work exemplifies the commitment of the Sheehan family to promote the practice of investigative journalism exemplifying compassion, courage, and integrity," said Gil Klein, president of the National Press Club Journalism Institute. "Her thoughtful approach shines light on the long-term impacts that systemic environmental practices have on vulnerable communities. She balances care with accountability - a terrific combination of values to model for investigative journalists everywhere." Cabrera's recent notable work includes highlighting a decades-long fight in a community treated as a dumping ground for hazardous environmental waste, how communities of color bear the brunt of U.S. pollution, and a story on the devastating effects of uranium mining on the Navajo Nation. Her Ghosts of Polluters Past series, published by Grist, was honored with a 2023 international Sigma Award for Data Journalism, and a 2023 Eric and Wendy Schmidt Award for Excellence in Science Communications from the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering and Medicine. "I'm deeply touched by this recognition and would like to thank the National Press Club Journalism Institute board for this wonderful acknowledgment of my work," said Yvette Cabrera. "It's humbling to receive this recognition given in honor of two trailblazing journalists, and particularly meaningful that it's bestowed by my peers at an organization that I greatly respect for its commitment to upholding and defending the values of a free press." Cabrera's commitment to journalism extends to building community and opportunity among her peers. She is the immediate past president of the National Association of Hispanic Journalists; a founding member of The Uproot Project, a network for environmental journalists of color; and for two decades served as a board member of CCNMA: Latino Journalists of California, the oldest regional organization of journalists of color in the country. In 2022, Cabrera was selected as a Rockefeller Foundation Bellagio Center practitioner to create a journalist's guide for reporting on soil lead contamination, and in 2024 she presented a Ted Talk on solutions to this problem. Cabrera was a 2021 recipient of a Kozik Grant for Climate Justice Reporting, administered jointly by the Institute and the National Press Foundation. Each year, the Neil and Susan Sheehan Award for Investigative Journalism recognizes work that best reflects the Sheehans' extraordinary commitment to the principle that a vibrant democracy depends on an informed citizenry and a free press. The award promotes the practice of investigative journalism exemplifying compassion, courage, and integrity. The Sheehan Award was given in 2023 to Kat Stafford, equity and global race and justice editor with Reuters, and in 2022 to PBS FRONTLINE's Local Journalism Initiative. The National Press Club will confer the 2024 Sheehan award, along with the John Aubuchon Press Freedom Awards, during its annual Fourth Estate Award Gala honoring Axios' Jim VandeHei and Mike Allen on Nov. 21 in Washington, D.C. The gala dinner is a fundraiser for the Club's nonprofit affiliate, the National Press Club Journalism Institute, which produces training to equip journalists with skills and standards to inform the public in ways that inspire civic engagement. Tickets and more information for the event can be found here. The National Press Club Journalism Institute promotes an engaged global citizenry through an independent and free press, and equips journalists with skills and standards to inform the public in ways that inspire a more representative democracy. As the nonprofit affiliate of the National Press Club, the Institute powers journalism in the public interest. Press contact: Beth Francesco, National Press Club Journalism Institute executive director, [email protected] SOURCE National Press Club Journalism Institute BAKU, Azerbaijan, September 26. US State Secretary Antony Blinken commended the progress Armenia and Azerbaijan have made toward a durable and dignified peace, said the US State Department Spokesperson Matthew Miller taking the stock of Blinken's New York meeting with Azerbaijani and Armenian foreign ministers, Trend reports. "Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken held a trilateral meeting with Armenian Foreign Minister Ararat Mirzoyan and Azerbaijani Foreign Minister Jeyhun Bayramov today in New York during the UN General Assembly High-Level Week. Secretary Blinken commended both ministers on the progress Armenia and Azerbaijan have made toward a durable and dignified peace and encouraged continued progress by both countries to finalize an agreement as soon as possible. The Secretary underscored that a peace agreement would bring increased stability and prosperity to the region," reads the statement. Following today's meeting, Azerbaijan and Armenia agreed to put additional efforts towards the conclusion of the Agreement on Peace and Establishment of Interstate Relations in the shortest possible period. Both sides expressed their gratitude to the Secretary of State for organizing the meeting. 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 Baghdad, Sep 26 : Iraqi Shia militia Kata'ib Hezbollah has threatened to attack the presence of US forces if Israel assaults Iraq. Abu Ali al-Askar, security leader of the Iranian-backed Shia militia, said on Wednesday in a statement that the Iraqi airspace is witnessing intense activity by the US and Israel, indicating "the possibility of a Zionist (Israeli) aggression against Iraq". "Accordingly, the Kata'ib Hezbollah renews its warning that its response will not be limited to Israel only, but will include the entire US presence," the statement added as reported by Xinhua news agency. Al-Askar also called on the Islamic Resistance in Iraq, a Shia militia group, to increase the number and scale of their operations and the level of threat to Israel. Earlier on Wednesday, the Islamic Resistance in Iraq claimed responsibility for multiple drone and missile attacks on Israeli targets "in solidarity with our people in Palestine and Lebanon," without specifying the affected sites or reporting any casualties. Since the onset of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict in Gaza on October 7, 2023, the Islamic Resistance in Iraq has conducted multiple attacks on Israeli and US targets in the region in support of Palestinians in Gaza. New York, Sep 26 : Amid a flurry of diplomacy to end the Ukraine war, India's External Affairs Minister (EAM) S. Jaishankar met with Russia's Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov on Wednesday following Prime Minister Narendra Modi's talks with Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelensky. EAM Jaishankar wrote on X after their meeting at the Russian Mission, "Discussed our bilateral cooperation and regional issues." On Tuesday evening, EAM Jaishankar had indicated that India is trying to see if it could involve the two countries in a peace effort. He said at the Asia Society, "We have been engaging both the Russian government and the Ukrainian government -- in Moscow and in Kyiv and in other places -- to see whether there is something we can do which would hasten the end of the conflict and initiate some kind of serious negotiation." He added that India was "sharing" with both countries the conversations it had with them and his sense was that "both sides appreciate it". New Delhi, which has historically had close diplomatic and strategic ties with Moscow, is forging an independent path open to the West giving it room to be a conduit between the two countries for peace diplomacy. In his Wednesday morning address to the General Assembly, Zelensky mentioned his meeting with PM Modi, and on Tuesday at the Security Council he said that he had invited India to a "second peace summit to end the war". At Monday's PM Modi's meeting with Zelensky, their second within a month, the Ministry of External Affairs said in a statement that "the way forward on pursuing a path to peace" came up "prominently in their discussions". PM Modi reiterated "India's clear, consistent, and constructive approach" to resolving the conflict with Russia through diplomacy and dialogue," the Ministry said. When he visited Ukraine last month, PM Modi said, "Personally, as a friend, if there is any role that I can play, I would very much like to play that role toward peace." After his return home, PM Modi spoke via phone with Russian President Vladimir Putin and he wrote on X that they "exchanged perspectives on the Russia-Ukraine conflict and my insights from the recent visit to Ukraine". India followed that up with a trip earlier this month by National Security Adviser Ajit Doval to meet Putin and, according to reports, brief him on Prime Minister Modi's visit to Kyiv. In the month before his Ukraine trip, PM Modi had visited Moscow to meet Putin. While India, which is heavily dependent on Moscow for defence materials, continues to buy oil and petroleum products from Russia, an investigation by the news agency Reuters said that munitions made by Indian companies were finding their way to Ukraine through third countries in Europe. United Nations, Sep 26 : The latest surge of attacks in Lebanon extends into regions not previously hit, inflicting civilian casualties and causing widespread destruction, including to essential infrastructure, UN humanitarians said. The UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) said on Wednesday that on the third consecutive day of the large-scale military escalation, the Bekaa and Southern Governorate's water supply was severely damaged, leaving 30,000 people without access to clean water, fresh on the heels of severe damage to 16 water stations previously. "The strikes also have driven tens of thousands of people from their homes in southern Lebanon," OCHA added. "Since September 23 (Monday), the International Organisation for Migration reports more than 90,000 people as being newly displaced, including 40,000 people in more than 200 collective shelters." The UN relief agency for Palestinians, known as UNRWA, announced opening two of its Designated Emergency Shelters (DESs) for displaced individuals. The agency has pre-positioned food and non-food supplies to support the displaced, Xinhua news agency reported. While UNRWA said it prioritises Palestinian refugees in these shelters, it remains committed to assisting individuals of other nationalities in need during escalation, depending on resource availability. The agency added that it has activated its emergency response plan, which includes providing hospitalisation for wounded registered Palestine refugee civilians at contracted hospitals, per its policy for each hospital. The World Health Organisation said it is providing health supplies to overstretched Lebanese health facilities following last week's explosions of communications devices. The levels of health supplies remain insufficient as the crisis worsens, and the UN Children's Fund (Unicef) expects 25 tons of lifesaving medication and medical commodities to arrive in the country in the coming days. The humanitarians are mobilising food, water and essential supplies, including mattresses and hygiene kits. "Our partners are calling for more sites for displaced people," OCHA said. "Nearly 300 schools across the country are being repurposed to shelter people who have fled their homes. Up to 100,000 students could be affected as a result." The UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR) said it is preparing for the growing number of displaced Lebanese and Syrians fleeing Lebanon for Syria in desperation as Israeli airstrikes continue. "Hundreds of vehicles are backed up in queues at the Syrian border. Many people are also arriving on foot, carrying what they can," UNHCR reported. "Large crowds, including women, young children and babies are waiting in line after spending the night outdoors in falling temperatures. Some bear fresh injuries from the recent bombardments." The agency and partners provide food, water, blankets and mattresses to those crossing the border, guiding them to support available in Syria. UN High Commissioner for Refugees Filippo Grandi said the Middle East cannot afford a new displacement crisis. UNHCR said it responds to the needs of forcibly displaced people across Lebanon, coordinating closely with the authorities and other humanitarian organisations. As for Syria, where some of the displaced in Lebanon flee, humanitarians said needs remain dire; the 2023 earthquake and the drawn-out conflict there have left critical infrastructure in tatters and millions in need of assistance. Lebanon hosts an estimated 1.5 million Syrian refugees and more than 11,000 refugees from other countries. BAKU, Azerbaijan, September 27. Today marks the fourth anniversary of the start of the 44-day Patriotic War. September 27 is remembered as the beginning of Azerbaijans road to victory. It is also a Remembrance Day, when millions of Azerbaijanis, both at home and abroad, honor the martyrs whose sacrifices paved the way for this victory. On that fateful day, Armenian forces once again launched attacks on residential areas and military positions of Azerbaijan, using heavy artillery and other weapons. This provocation led to casualties and injuries among civilians and military personnel of Azerbaijan. For Azerbaijan, this marked the breaking point after 30 years of striving for peace. In response, the Azerbaijani Army launched a decisive counteroffensive to neutralize immediate and potential threats to the nation's security. Azerbaijani youth, long awaiting this moment, eagerly joined the fight to liberate Karabakh. Under the leadership of President Ilham Aliyev, the Supreme Commander-in-Chief, and thanks to the valor of the Azerbaijani Armed Forces and the unity of its people, Armenian forces were decisively defeated in just 44 days, and Azerbaijans territorial integrity was restored. This victory not only reclaimed lands that had been under occupation for nearly 30 years but also reshaped the geopolitical landscape of the region. The restoration of Azerbaijans territorial integrity shifted the balance of power and ushered in significant political and economic changes. The war showcased the strength of Azerbaijans military to the world and solidified the nations position as a regional power. Following the war, President Ilham Aliyev proposed Armenia a peace agreement based on the mutual recognition of sovereignty and territorial integrity. He urged Yerevan to seize this historic opportunity, emphasizing that a peace agreement was the only path to lasting stability in the region. However, Armenia rejected the offer and continued its provocations. On September 9, 2023, it held so-called "presidential elections" in territories under the temporary control of Russian peacekeeping forces. During this time, Armenia refused to withdraw its illegal armed formations from Azerbaijani lands, instead continuing to send military reinforcements and supplies. Armenian forces also fortified their positions and laid mines across the region. On September 19, 2023, Armenian armed forces and separatist groups escalated their provocations, committing terrorist acts in Azerbaijan. In response, Azerbaijan was compelled to take firm action to defend its sovereignty. In less than 24 hours, the Azerbaijani Armys local anti-terrorist measures brought Armenian separatists to surrender. Armenian military units and illegal armed formations laid down their weapons, vacated their positions, and were fully disarmed. The unlawful separatist regime in Karabakh was dismantled, its leaders arrested, and Azerbaijan restored its full sovereignty over the entire region. The 44-day Patriotic War and subsequent anti-terrorist measures have redefined the political dynamics of the South Caucasus. Armenias influence waned, leading to a profound economic and political crisis, while Azerbaijan emerged stronger, enhancing its political influence and economic power to become the dominant force in the region. Today, millions of Azerbaijanis, both in the country and abroad, come together to honor the memory of the martyrs of the 44-day Patriotic War. This pivotal event holds a sacred place in the nations history. Prayers for the martyrs souls resonate in mosques, churches, and synagogues alike, a testament to the unity of the Azerbaijani people and their unwavering resolve to stand together against any future threats. Beirut, Sep 26 : The Indian Embassy in Beirut has issued an advisory strongly urging Indian citizens against travelling to Lebanon till further notice following the recent incident of airstrikes and blasts in communication devices. They have also advised the Indian nationals residing in Lebanon to leave the country as soon as possible and further advised the people to exercise "extreme cautions" and remain in contact with the Embassy, who have to remain here amid the escalating situation. "As a reiteration of the advisory issued on August 1, 2024, and in view of the recent developments and escalations in the region, Indian nationals are strongly advised against travelling to Lebanon till further notice," the Embassy said on Wednesday in their notice. "All Indian nationals already in Lebanon are also strongly advised to leave Lebanon. Those who remain for any reason are advised to exercise extreme caution, restrict their movements, and remain in contact with the Embassy of India in Beirut through our email ID: cons.beirut@mea.gov.in or the emergency phone number +96176860128," the Embassy said. Earlier on September 24, the Lebanese Health Ministry confirmed that Israel's recent military strikes on Lebanon have resulted in at least 558 fatalities, according to a report by Al Jazeera. Of 558 people who have died from IDF strikes, 50 are children, the Lebanese Health Ministry said, adding that 1,835 people have been injured. Notably, Israel continued striking Hezbollah positions in Lebanon while the Iran-backed terror group fired volleys of rockets at Haifa, Nahariya, the Galilee, and the Jezreel Valley overnight and Tuesday morning. The Israel Defense Forces said the Air Force struck more than 1,600 targets in southern Lebanon and the Beqaa Valley, including missile launchers, command posts, and other terror infrastructure, including those located inside civilian homes. Israeli artillery and tanks hit other Hezbollah targets in the areas of Ayta ash Shab and Ramyeh near the border. The IDF said 210 rockets were fired into Israel on Monday. Several Israelis were treated for shrapnel, hurting themselves while making their way to shelter, or panic attacks. Tokyo, Sep 26 : Japan has for the first time ever sent a Maritime Self-Defense Force vessel through the Taiwan Strait, local media reported on Thursday, in an apparent challenge to China's growing military assertiveness in the region. The destroyer Sazanami, along with Australian and New Zealand vessels, conducted the transit on Wednesday in the narrow waterway between China and Taiwan, a self-ruled island that China claims as its own territory, according to sources as quoted by Japanese media outlet Kyodo News. The ships were believed to be heading to the South China Sea for exercises. The transit, which came only a few days before Fumio Kishida steps down as Prime Minister, comes as China has ramped up military pressure in the waters and airspace around Japan. China has been increasing its military activities around Japan, with a spy plane violating Japanese airspace near islands in Nagasaki Prefecture in late August. Earlier this month, a Chinese aircraft carrier entered the contiguous zone just outside Japan's territorial waters for the first time when it sailed between remote islands in southern Japan from the East China Sea. The US regularly sends warships through the Taiwan Strait to assert freedom of navigation, while allies including Britain and Australia have also made such transits in recent years, drawing China's ire. This move came just days after a Chinese military spy plane entered Japanese airspace for the first time. Japan called the Chinese move "utterly unacceptable" and said it considered the flight a threat to the country's safety. In July, the MSDF destroyer Suzutsuki sailed into Chinese territorial waters, media reports said, angering Beijing. The Defence Ministry in Tokyo has not formally acknowledged that incident, but Defence Chief Minoru Kihara said on Tuesday that the shipas captain had been removed the same month it occurred. Taiwan is viewed as a potential military flashpoint in US-China relations, with Beijing regarding the island as a renegade province to be reunified with the mainland, by force if necessary. China and Taiwan have been governed separately since they split in 1949 as the result of a civil war. United Nations, Sep 26 : India has signed an international agreement to protect marine biodiversity on the high seas. External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar signed the pact formally known as the Biodiversity Beyond National Jurisdiction (BBNJ) Agreement on Wednesday here. He said on X, "India is proud to join the BBNJ Agreement, an important step towards ensuring that our oceans remain healthy and resilient." The agreement under the Law of the Seas Treaty seeks to ensure that marine life is conserved and used in a sustainable manner on the high seas, which is beyond nations' territorial waters and the exclusive economic zone that could extend up to 200 nautical miles or 370 km from the shores. The area the agreement covers is about two-thirds of all the oceans. The agreement was about 20 years in the making before it was adopted internationally last year and it bans destructive fishing and pollution. Under the agreement, countries cannot claim sovereign rights over marine resources on the high seas and it ensures equitable sharing of benefits from those resources. The Cabinet approved India's participation in the agreement in July. Jitendra Singh, the Minister of State for Earth Sciences, said at that time, "India remains committed and proactive to the global cause of environmental conservation and sustainable development." Earth Sciences Secretary M. Ravichandran said, "The BBNJ Agreement allows us to enhance our strategic presence in areas beyond our EEZ (Exclusive Economic Zone), which is very promising" and further strengthens our marine conservation efforts. Chennai, Sep 26 : In a tragic incident, a man was trampled to death by a wild elephant during the early hours of Thursday in Cherambady village of the Nilgiri district in Tamil Nadu. The deceased was identified as Kunhimoideen of the same village. Forest department officials told IANS that the incident occurred at 2 a.m Officials said that Kunhimoideen had come out of his house on hearing the sound of a tree branch falling only to find a wild tusker standing in front of him. Even before he could react, the elephant attacked him, Agitated local people blocked the Ooty-Batheri state highway. Abdul Gafoor, a local farmer told IANS that they were regularly facing attacks from wild animals, including elephants and wild bores, destroying the agricultural farms. He said that they had complained to the forest department officials about the regular attacks but the officials did not take any action. It may be noted that this area is a border of Wayanad in Kerala and the Nilgiris in Tamil Nadu. There have been several instances of wild elephants entering human habitats leading to human and animal conflicts. A farmer Raju was trampled to death by a wild elephant in July 2024 in Sulthan Bathery in Wayanad. The tusker attacked him from behind while he was walking back home from his farm. He was rushed to a private hospital in Kozhikode where he succumbed to death. Tamil Nadu has also witnessed several human-elephant conflicts and the Coimbatore forest division, which includes the Nilgiri region, accounted for a maximum number of human deaths in wild elephant attacks. The Coimbatore forest division recorded, as per the data available, 147 deaths between 2011-2022. The forest department officials attribute these deaths to the rise in the elephant population, disturbances in migration paths, changes in land use patterns and agricultural practices and linear infrastructure developments. As per a study, on average, 12 human deaths and 13 elephant deaths occur in the division in a year. According to the department, over 85 villages and small towns are severely affected due to the conflicts, and incidents of elephants straying out of forests are constantly increasing. New Delhi, Sep 26 : Less than 10 days after the desecration of a temple in New York, the BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir in California in the US was desecrated with a "Hindus go back" message. The BAPS Public Affairs said in a post on X that their temple in California's Sacramento was desecrated with anti-Hindu messages. "Our Mandir in the Sacramento, CA area was desecrated last night with anti-Hindu hate: "Hindus go back!" We stand united against hate with prayers for peace." The Sacramento Police said that they were investigating the case and termed it a hate crime The police in a post on X said, "...investigating a vandalism being classified as a hate crime at the BAPS Hindu Temple in Mather. Detectives and CSI are on scene." There were reports that the accused had also cut water lines at the property. On September 16, BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir in Melville, New York, was vandalised with hate messages inscribed on the driveway and the sign of the temple outside the gate. The Indian Consulate in New York condemned the vandalism of the BAPS Swaminarayan Temple, saying it has raised the matter with the US law enforcement authorities for prompt action against perpetrators of the "heinous act". "The vandalism of the BAPS Swaminarayan Temple in Melville, New York, is unacceptable," the Indian Consulate had said in a post on X then. It added that the Consulate was in touch with the community and has raised the matter with the US law enforcement authorities for prompt action against the perpetrators of this heinous act. The Hindu American Foundation had said that the Justice Department and Department of Homeland Security "must investigate" the attack on the temple. The Foundation had raised concerns saying that it was hard to comprehend the absolute cowardice of those who would attack a Hindu temple to air hatred for an elected leader. In July, the BAPS Swaminarayan Mandir was vandalised in Canada's Edmonton. Canadian MP Chandra Arya had then voiced deep concern over the escalating incidents of hate-fuelled violence directed at Hindu-Canadian communities. Raipur, Sep 26 : Veteran Congress leader and former Deputy Chief Minister of Chhattisgarh, T. S. Singh Deo, has hit out at Kangana Ranaut, the BJP MP from Himachal Pradesh, over her remarks on the three farm laws. In an exclusive interview with IANS, T.S. Singh Deo said on Wednesday that Kangana's statement proves that "she is in such a situation that her words no longer hold any weight as well as lack seriousness". The Congress leader further added: "People say that she is a good actress, on that basis she got a platform to move forward. But, now her statement proved that she lacks seriousness and depth. Her personality is not yet moulded enough to work as a good public representative." Kangana Ranaut, a BJP MP from Himachal Pradesh's Mandi Lok Sabha seat, had given a statement a few days ago regarding the farmer laws, but later expressed regret over it. Regarding a huge controversy over adulterated ghee and animal fat mixed with the prasadam served to people in the Tirupati temple in Andhra Pradesh, T.S. Singh Deo said, "As far as I know, the tender for the ghee that was purchased was floated after every six months despite whichever tanker of ghee used to come in the temple. Earlier its sample was sent for testing and only after it was found pure then only it was used." He further added: "The big question is whether the adulteration found during the sample testing of laddus was made from adulterated ghee? From the Tirupati temple, 10 lakh laddus were also sent to Ayodhya during the Ram temple consecration ceremony in January 22 this year." Asked about Prime Minister Narendra Modi's comment regarding Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah's name embroiled in the Mysuru Urban Development Authority (MUDA) land scam, TS Singh Deo said that there is no problem with the investigation, adding that "this is just an allegation". Can BJP's membership drive harm Congress' political prospects in the upcoming by-elections and municipal elections in Chhattisgarh, the Congress leader said: "I do not think that the BJP's membership drive will cause any harm to the Congress' prospects. Because they have received money from Mahtari Vandhan Yojana, they (BJP leaders) are inducting women into their party. Congress councillors also visit door-to-door for its party membership drive and will also attract women voters towards them." Asked about Congress's launching a scathing attack on the BJP regarding law and order in Chhattisgarh, the former Deputy Chief Minister said that the current administration needs to work with more activeness and awareness. Seoul, Sep 26 : South Korea plans to launch an antidumping investigation into stainless steel plates imported from China after a local company claimed that cheap imports have damaged the domestic market, the industry ministry said on Thursday. The move came after DK Corp filed a complaint with the Korea Trade Commission in June, claiming that stainless steel plates from four Chinese companies were imported at below reasonable market prices, according to the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy. The plates are widely used in various industries, including the petrochemical, shipbuilding, and semiconductor sectors, reports Yonhap news agency. The commission said it plans to carry out investigations on products imported in 2023. Last month, the government said that Children's bicycles, skates and sunglasses sold in South Korea by Chinese online platform AliExpress have been found to contain a hazardous substance exceeding the countryas standard by about 260 times. The government conducted a safety examination on 16 kinds of children's products sold on AliExpress, such as inline skates, kickboards, bicycles, glasses, and sunglasses, and half of them were found to contain hazardous substances exceeding domestic standards or were not durable enough. The number of complaints by South Korean users about the products and services on the Chinese platforms has soared recently. Given this, the South Korean antitrust regulator Fair Trade Commission (FTC) in May signed agreements with the Chinese retail platforms AliExpress and Temu meant to prevent them from selling harmful products and to better protect consumers. The move came as the customs agency found that some of the products sold on AliExpress, owned by Alibaba, and Temu contained high levels of carcinogens and other harmful substances, the FTC said. New York, Sep 26 : Mayor Eric Adams, 64, has been indicted on federal criminal charges, marking the first time in modern New York City history that a sitting mayor has faced such charges, local media reported. While the indictment remains sealed, details of the charges are expected to be announced by federal prosecutors on Thursday. It is unclear what specific charges Adams, a Democrat, will face or when he will surrender to authorities, according to The New York Times report. In a videotaped statement, Adams expressed his belief that the federal government intended to bring charges against him, stating, "These charges will be entirely false, based on lies." "It is no surprise, as I always knew standing my ground for the people would make me a target," he added. This indictment follows a federal investigation that came to light nearly a year ago when agents searched the home of Adams's chief fundraiser and seized electronic devices belonging to the mayor after a public event in Manhattan. Despite the ongoing investigation, Adams and his team have maintained that he is cooperating fully with authorities and continues to assert his innocence. Adams, a retired NYPD captain, was elected as New York City's 110th mayor in 2021, with his campaign focused on reducing crime, improving city governance, and showcasing his unique personal style, or "swagger." He is the second Black mayor in the city's history. The indictment comes as Adams faces a competitive primary in his bid for re-election next year, likely prompting more challengers to join the race. Despite the charges, Adams indicated he has no plans to resign. Should he decide to step down, the city's public advocate, Jumaane Williams, would assume the role of acting mayor. New Delhi, Sep 26 : Leading professional networking platform LinkedIn on Thursday announced it has added 10 new language options, including four Indian regional languages. The new language options are Vietnamese, Greek, Persian, Finnish, Hebrew, Hungarian, along with four Indian regional languages Bengali, Marathi, Telugu and Punjabi. The new additions bring LinkedIn's support to five Indian languages, including Hindi, it said in a statement. "We're excited to announce that LinkedIn is now more inclusive and accessible than ever. We've expanded our language support to include 10 new languages, each representing a vibrant part of our global community," said Chief Product Officer Tomer Cohen. LinkedIn's member base in India has surpassed 135 million, with engagement rates growing at 20 per cent year-over-year. India stands as LinkedIn's second-largest and fastest-growing market. By adding these languages, LinkedIn aims to bridge language barriers on the platform, allowing more people to establish deeper professional identities and engage more meaningfully with their networks. "With these additions, our platform now supports a total of 36 languages, helping professionals around the world connect, communicate, and collaborate more effectively," said Cohen. Last month, the Microsoft-owned platform appointed Kumaresh Pattabiraman as new Country Manager and Product Head in India. According to Pattabiraman, LinkedIn has evolved from being just a jobs platform to becoming a dynamic global community where professionals connect for jobs, learning, networking, and knowledge sharing. India is among the top five countries with the fastest-growing AI talent and has the highest AI skill penetration globally, and LinkedIn members are using AI skills three times more frequently than the global average. LinkedIn recently launched a new video experience in India, in a bid to tap into one of the fastest-growing markets with uploads growing 60 per cent year-on-year in the country. New Delhi, Sep 26 : The share of out-of-pocket expenditure out of total health expenditure has come down from 64.2 per cent in 2013-14 to 39.4 per cent in 2021-22, said Dr. V K Paul, Member (Health), NITI Aayog. This decline in out-of-pocket expenditure "reflects a very positive indicator," said Paul, while releasing the Union Health Ministry's National Health Account (NHA) estimates for India 2020-21 and 2021-22. "More than Rs 1 lakh crore savings have accrued from the Ayushman Bharat PMJAY and this has had a positive impact on the recent NHA estimates," he added. He also stated that other schemes "like the free dialysis scheme, launched in 2015-16 have benefited 25 lakh people". While calling the decline in out-of-pocket cost of health, "a good sign", Union Health Secretary Apurva Chandra said that "a substantial increase has been noticed in the health expenditure of the government". This, he said, "reflects the emphasis of the government towards health". Further, the NHA estimates for 2021-22 highlight the efforts of the government to increase public investments in the health sector. The share of Government Health Expenditure (GHE) in the overall GDP of the country has increased from 1.13 per cent in 2014-15 to 1.84 per cent in 2021-22. In terms of share in the General Government Expenditure (GGE), it has increased from 3.94 per cent in 2014-15 to 6.12 per cent in 2021-22, the estimates showed. "In per capita terms, GHE has tripled, from Rs. 1,108 to Rs. 3,169 between 2014-15 to 2021-22. The government spending on health between 2019-20 and 2020-21 increased by 16.6 per cent, while between 2020-21 and 2021-22, it grew by an unprecedented rate of 37 per cent," the estimates showed. The increase in Government spending on health has an important implication for the reduction of financial hardship endured by households. In the Total Health Expenditure (THE) of the country between 2014-15 and 2021-22, the share of GHE has increased from 29 per cent to 48 per cent. During the same period, the share of Out-of-Pocket Expenditure (OOPE) in THE declined from 62.6 per cent to 39.4 per cent, the estimates showed. Further, the Social Security Expenditure (SSE) on healthcare also increased during this period. This has a direct impact on reducing out-of-pocket payments, the health ministry said. "The share of SSE on health, which includes Government-funded health insurance, medical reimbursement to Government employees, and social health insurance programs, in THE, has increased from 5.7 per cent in 2014-15 to 8.7 per cent in 2021-22," as per the estimates. The current NHA estimate is the eighth and ninth in the series of reports released annually by the Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare. BAKU, Azerbaijan, September 26. On September 26, the first group of former internally displaced persons (IDPs) are returning back to Jabrayil from the Garadagh district of Baku, Trend reports. At this stage, 36 families, comprising 117 people, made the move to Jabrayil. The residents of Jabrayil expressed deep gratitude to President Ilham Aliyev and First Lady Mehriban Aliyeva for their ongoing support. They also thanked the brave Azerbaijani Army for liberating their lands from occupation, allowing them to return home after years of displacement. Thiruvananthapuram, Sep 26 : K.P. Kunhikannan, a former Congress legislator, who was injured in an accident on September 4, died in a hospital in Kerala's Kasargod on Thursday Kunhikannan's car had met with an accident while returning to his home in the district and had been in hospital since. On Thursday morning he breathed his last, said his family members. The 75-year-old Congress leader represented the Udma Assembly constituency in Kasargod district in 1987. The veteran leader was the popular Congress face in Kasargod and was the first district party president when Kasargod district was formed in 1984. He was known for his soft demeanour and was known for his closeness to Late four-time Kerala Chief Minister K. Karunakaran. Kunhikannan was Karunakaranas aide in the northern district of the state. Kunhikannan was one of Karunakaranas most loyal followers and stood with the veteran when he took cudgels with the Congress Party High Command, starting in the late nineties. When Karunakaran in early 2000 decided to float his own party -- Democratic Indira Congress -- he stood with Karunakaran. Kunhikannan rose in the party through the ranks of student politics and made a mark for himself while in the Youth Congress. After becoming a full-fledged party member, he held important posts in state-run Corporations, including the Kerala State Electricity Board. He also became the general secretary of the party. Incidentally, in the 2021 Assembly polls, his daughter-in-law, Veena S. Nair contested the Vattiyoorkavu Assembly constituency in the state capital city but lost the polls. Veena today is a popular leader in the party in the state capital while her husband Thilakan works in the office of the Leader of Opposition in Kerala Assembly, V.D. Satheesan. Satheesan while condoling the death of his senior party colleague said the party has lost one of its tallest leaders in the erstwhile Malabar region of the state and was known for his soft demeanour. Chennai, Sep 26 : Heavy rains that lashed Chennai city on Wednesday night have led to waterlogging in many areas. The downpour commenced after 6 P.M. on Wednesday and many areas of the city experienced rain on Thursday also. Many areas including Anna Nagar (East), Anna Nagar (West), Purushuwalkam, T-Nagar, Mount Road, Virugambakkam, Vadapalani, Nungambakkam, Tambaram, Pammal received more than 100 mm of rain that led to flooding of the streets. Greater Chennai Corporation cleared garbage from the drains and used pumps to remove water from low-lying areas. Perambur railway underpass was closed as it was filled with water. Chennai Corporation Mayor Priya told IANS that water from most of the underpass has been cleared and now it has been opened for traffic. It may be recalled that the Regional Meteorological Centre (RMC) had on Tuesday predicted heavy rains in many districts of Tamil Nadu for the next two days. The weather department in a statement on Tuesday said that low pressure has formed over West Central Bay of Bengal and adjoining Bay of North Andhra-South Odisha coast and due to this many districts of the state are expected to receive heavy rains. Weather department officials told IANS that the heavy rains in Chennai since Wednesday night were mainly due to the low pressure. The RMC has also indicated that strong surface winds with speeds reaching 30 to 40 kmph will blow in the state for two days. Fishermen are advised not to venture out into the sea as squally winds with wind speed of 45 kmph to 55 kmph are likely to hit the Gulf of Mannar, south Tamil Nadu coast and also the adjoining Cameron area. The heavy rains have affected Tiruvallur, Vellore and Cuddalore districts as well as some areas in Puducherry. Weather stations in Nungambakkam and Meenambakkam recorded 7.42 cm rainfall and 7.12 cm rainfall respectively from 8.30 A.M. on Wednesday till 5.30 A.M. on Thursday. Bhopal, Sep 26 : Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Mohan Yadav will be campaigning for the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in poll-bound Haryana on Thursday. In his day-long campaign schedule, CM Yadav will address public rallies in three Assembly seats -- Charkhi Dadri, Bhivani and Bawani Khera. First, two of these three Assembly seats -- Charkhi Dadri and Bhivani -- fall under the Mahendragarh-Bhivani Lok Sabha constituency where there is a sizable population of the Yadav community. This particular area of Haryana, which also falls under the (expanded) National Capital Region (NCR), is known for its strong bonding and mutual support within the Yadav community. Bawani Khera -- the Assembly seat reserved for the Schedule Case (SC) candidate -- falls under the Hisar Lok Sabha constituency. Hisar district has a sizable OBC and Dalit voters and therefore, both BJP and Congress have deployed multiple leaders to seek their support in the election. Besides addressing public rallies, CM Yadav will also meet the BJP workers to review the party's preparations for the Assembly elections, according to details shared by the Madhya Pradesh unit of the BJP. The election in Haraya will be held on October 5 for the 90-member Assembly. The results will be declared on October 8. High voltage campaign has been going in poll-bound states -- Haryana and Jammu & Kashmir. On Tuesday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi while addressing a public rally in Gohana of Haryana launched a blistering attack on the Congress saying if it comes to power in Haryana even by mistake, stability and development will be at stake because of its "infighting" and this will ruin the state. The current Haryana Legislative Assembly will end its tenure on November 3, 2024. In the 2019 elections, BJP won 40 seats and formed a coalition with JJP, which had won 10 seats, while Congress won 31 seats. BJP and JJP broke their alliance, but the BJP remained safe in government. This year, BJP, Congress, JJP, and AAP parties will contest against each other. New York, Sep 26 : The US, France and other allies have jointly called for an immediate 21-day ceasefire to facilitate negotiations in the intensifying conflict between Israel and Hezbollah, which has claimed over 600 lives in Lebanon in recent days. The appeal was made on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly in New York on Wednesday by the US, Australia, Canada, European Union, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, the UK and Qatar. "The situation between Lebanon and Israel since October 8, 2023, is intolerable and presents an unacceptable risk of broader regional escalation. This is in no one's interest, neither the people of Israel nor Lebanon," according to a joint statement of the countries. The allies emphasised that diplomacy cannot succeed amid continued conflict. "It is time to conclude a diplomatic settlement that allows civilians on both sides of the border to return to safety," the statement added. The joint call urged for the 21-day ceasefire to provide space for diplomatic negotiations, in line with UN Security Council Resolution (UNSCR) 1701, which ended the 2006 Israel-Hezbollah war, and the implementation of UNSCR 2735 regarding a ceasefire in Gaza. "We call on all parties, including the governments of Israel and Lebanon, to immediately endorse the ceasefire and give diplomacy a real chance to resolve the crisis," the statement urged. The countries also expressed readiness to support diplomatic efforts to secure a final agreement between Lebanon and Israel within the ceasefire period. While there has been no immediate response from Israel, Lebanon, or Hezbollah, senior US officials confirmed that all parties were aware of the ceasefire call. Representatives from Israel and Lebanon had earlier reaffirmed their commitment to the UN resolution that ended the 2006 conflict between Israel and Hezbollah. US Secretary of State Antony Blinken is expected to meet with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's top strategic adviser in New York on Thursday ahead of the prime minister's arrival. Netanyahu has signalled openness to pursuing a deal, provided it includes the return of Israeli civilians to their homes, according to some media reports. This conflict follows the deadly October 7, 2023 Hamas attack on southern Israel, which killed about 1,200 people and resulted in hostages being taken. Israel's military response has since led to over 41,000 Palestinian deaths, according to Gaza health officials. Moscow, Sep 26 : Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov declared that Russia will achieve victory in the conflict with Ukraine, which he claims has been provoked by the West. In an interview with TASS news agency, Lavrov stressed that the West only responds to force, and Russia is unified in the face of this proxy war. "The victory is necessary. They do not understand any other language. This victory will be ours, there is no doubt. We have truly united against the war the West has unleashed through Ukraine," Lavrov stated. Lavrov also criticised the United States, accusing it of worsening global conflicts, including in Ukraine and Gaza. "The US, as a so-called 'problem solver,' has only exacerbated crises worldwide. Wherever the West gets involved as the main 'fix-it man,' pardon my slang, the situation deteriorates -- hundreds of thousands of victims, devastation, and socio-economic issues. This is what we see in Ukraine and the Palestinian-Israeli conflict," he said. He further lambasted the United Nations for its silence on attacks against Russian civilians in the Kursk Region, where Ukrainian forces have reportedly targeted residential areas using Western-supplied weapons. "Terrorist groups are attacking the Kursk Region daily with modern Western weapons. Yet, I've heard nothing from the UN's human rights representatives, including the secretary-general," Lavrov remarked. In addition, Lavrov took aim at Eastern European countries aligned with NATO and the European Union, asserting that they are not fully trusted by their Western allies. "Eastern European countries must understand that their 'masters' in NATO and the EU do not trust them. They will never be allowed significant international roles," Lavrov concluded. Mumbai, Sep 26 : Prime Minister Narendra Modi's scheduled visit to Pune in Maharashtra on Thursday to inaugurate a new corridor of the metro and launch several development projects valued at over Rs 22,600 crore has been cancelled due to heavy rain in the city. Mumbai, Sep 26 (IANS) Prime Minister Narendra ModiasA scheduled visit toA Pune in Maharashtra on Thursday to inaugurate a new corridor of the metro and launch several development projects valued at over Rs 22,600 crore has been cancelled due to heavy rain in the city. The Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) on Wednesday issued a rain alert for Mumbai and Pune. Heavy rain on Wednesday evening flooded several roads in Pune city. Vehicles moved slowly, leading to traffic jams in many parts. The Pune district administration has also issued orders to keep schools and colleges shut on Thursday not only in Pune but also in the neighbouring Pimpri Chinchwad area. In Mumbai, the torrential downpour claimed at least four lives. More rain has been predicted on Thursday with the authorities declaring schools and colleges shut as a precautionary measure. Wednesday's sudden downpour, which caught lakhs of Mumbaikars hurrying home totally by surprise, saw three casualties, including a 45-year-old woman, Vimal A. Gaikwad, who drowned in an open drain in Andheri east MIDC area. Another woman drowned near the Zenith Waterfalls in the Khopoli area of Raigad and two persons were killed in a lightning strike at Varap village in Kalyan town of Thane. Some parts of eastern Mumbai were pounded with heavy rain -- Mankhurd 275 mm, Powai 260 mm, Vikhroli 230 mm, and many other areas notching over 150 mm and more than 200 mm till this morning. The Prime Minister was to inaugurate the Pune Metro section from District Court to Swargate. The cost of the underground section is estimated at around Rs 1,810 crore. Further, the Prime Minister was also to lay the foundation stone for the Swargate-Katraj Extension of Pune Metro Phase-1 to be developed at the cost of around Rs 2,950 crore. This southern extension of around 5.46 km is completely underground with three stations namely Market Yard, Padmavati and Katraj. Apart from this, PM Modi was to lay the foundation stone for the Memorial of the Krantijyoti Savitribai Phuleas First Girlsa School at Bhidewada. He was later scheduled to address a rally at the SP College ground in Pune. Mumbai, Sep 26 : In a fascinating throwback video, acclaimed filmmaker Shyam Benegal, a pioneer of parallel cinema in India, revealed that actress Shabana Azmi was not initially his first choice for the lead role in 'Ankur', instead, the legendary Waheeda Rehman was considered for the part. A throwback video shared by Prasar Bharati Archives features clips from 'Ankur,' directed by Shyam Benegal. In the footage, Benegal reflects on the casting process, stating, "As far as the main part is concerned, Shabana's part was very interesting because the first person I asked was Waheeda Rehman. I could see Waheeda in my mind for that particular part. She said yes in the beginning, but later on, she wasn't sure she could do it. So she said no." This candid insight highlights the complexities of casting and the pivotal moments that shape cinematic history. 'Ankur' also marked the debut of actor Anant Nag. Like many of Shyam Benegal's films, 'Ankur' falls within the genre of Indian art films, specifically known as Indian parallel cinema, a genre known for its realistic portrayal of social issues and human emotions. The storyline is inspired by a true event that took place in Hyderabad, reportedly in the 1950s, and was predominantly filmed on location. It showcased the struggles of its characters against the backdrop of a rural setting, reflecting the complexities of caste, gender, and personal relationships. Its narrative, inspired by true events, deviates from mainstream Bollywood norms, focusing instead on character-driven storytelling and nuanced performances. It revolved around social issues like -- alcoholism, casteism, rich vs poor, sexual drive, religious differences and dowry. Benegal is the pioneer of parallel cinema, and he is considered as one of the greatest filmmakers post 1970s. His work includes movies like - aManthana, aBhumikaa, aKalyuga, aHari Bharia, and most recently aMujiba. Thiruvananthapuram, Sep 26 : Justice Nitin Madhukar Jamdar was sworn in as the Chief Justice of Kerala High Court at Raj Bhawan here on Thursday. Governor Arif Mohammed Khan administered the oath of office to Justice Jamdar in the presence of Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, his cabinet colleagues, Leader of Opposition V. D. Satheesan and high-ranking officials. Justice Jamdar was appointed as a judge of the Bombay High Court on January 23, 2012. Passionate about photography, Jamdar is known for computerising the Bombay High Court and is considered an expert in the Constitution. In July, the Supreme Court Collegium cleared his name for the post, and on September 21, the Union government gave the nod for his appointment. The Kerala High Court has a sanctioned strength of 35 permanent judges including the Chief Justice and 12 judges, but at the moment, there are 29 permanent and 10 additional judges. Justice Jamdar's immediate concern will be the calls made by President Droupadi Murmu and Prime Minister Narendra Modi early this month at the National Conference of the District Judiciary about the huge pendency of cases. President Murmu at the meeting had pointed out that around 62,000 cases were pending in the various High Courts in the country, some of which are more than 30 years old. In May, Kerala High Court's Justice Devan Ramachandran, who heads the Arrears Committee, asked the Kerala High Court Advocates' Association (KHCAA) for suggestions to tackle the pendency of cases. The Judge has written to the KHCAA to come up with their recommendations and suggestions on how best the pendency of cases in the High Court can be reduced and has also asked them to list out the details of infructuous cases so these can be disposed of on a particular day. So, Justice Jamdar will have a task to see how best he can intervene to bring down the pendency. Hyderabad, Sep 26 : Authorities on Thursday launched a survey of illegal houses and other structures that came up all along the Musi River in Hyderabad and adjoining districts in preparation for the Musi Riverfront Development Project. Several teams of officials along with the police were visiting residential areas that had encroached upon the river bed and the buffer zone in Hyderabad, Rangareddy and Medchal Malkajgiri districts. The team members were seen marking the structures which will be removed to clear the river bed and buffer zone of all encroachments. The officials were seen surveying Langar Houz, Chaderghat, Musa Nagar, Shankar Nagar and other areas. The officials were collecting details of the residents and checking their documents. Police personnel were seen accompanying the officials to prevent any untoward incident. A total of 16 teams were conducting a survey in Hyderabad district, four teams in Rangareddy district and five teams in Medchal Malkajgiri district. At a few places, residents raised objection to the survey and raised slogans against the government. They showed their property registration documents and said they have been living in the area for decades and paying property tax, electricity and water bills. A woman criticised the Telangana government for removing the encroachments and planning to shift them to other places. "Will the two-bedroom house be sufficient for us," she asked regarding the government's decision to allot double-bedroom houses to those being removed from the river bed and buffer zone. One of the residents questioned the government for calling their houses illegal. He appealed to Congress leader Rahul Gandhi to intervene and direct Chief Minister Revanth Reddy to stop this action against poor families. The survey began a day after the state government issued orders allotting approximately 15,000 double bedroom housing units for rehabilitation of the eligible economically poor families that will be moved for the Musi Riverfront Development project. According to the Government Order, these families may be allotted 2BHK housing in Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation (GHMC) area, subject to eligibility. The officials said they would soon begin the removal of 10,000-odd illegal dwellings and commercial structures. A preliminary survey conducted by the revenue department revealed that there are 2,116 structures on the river bed and another 7,850 in the buffer zone. The Municipal administration and Urban Development Principal Secretary Dana Kishore, who is also the Managing Director of the Musi Riverfront Development Corporation, said that the government has prepared an action plan to clear the constructions that came up along the river course. "We will ensure rehabilitation of the evacuees of the Musi riverfront in double-bedroom houses. The government has allotted nearly 16,000 double-bedroom houses in different parts of the city to provide accommodation for the people who will be evacuated from the dwellings along the river," Kishore said. Those living in the buffer zone will receive compensation for their structures in accordance with the Right to Fair Compensation and Transparency in Land Acquisition, Rehabilitation, and Resettlement Act, 2013. Hyderabad Disaster Response and Asset protection Agency (HYDRAA) is gearing up to demolish the illegal structures. Chief Minister Revanth Reddy on September 24 discussed with officials the modalities for carrying out demolition of structures along the Musi river and rehabilitating the people from there. He announced the allocation of 16,000 double-bedroom homes for such families. A brainchild of CM Reddy, the Musi Riverfront Development Project is aimed to conserve the river, promote tourism and prevent flooding. The world-class project is proposed to be taken up on a public private partnership basis. The government claimed many private players are evincing keen interest in the project. The Opposition Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS) has questioned the need for the project. It questioned the 'dramatic' increase in the cost of the project. According to BRS Working President K.T. Rama Rao, it was initially estimated at Rs 50,000 crore. The project's cost was later revised to Rs 70,000 crore, and now it is a staggering Rs 1.5 lakh crore, he said. The former minister claimed that the erstwhile BRS government had already completed 100 per cent sewerage treatment at a cost of Rs. 3,866 crore and planned the rejuvenation, beautification, and development of the Musi River at an estimated cost of Rs 16,634 crore. This includes an expressway from ORR West (Manchirevula) to ORR East (Pratapa Singaram). He questioned the significant increase in project costs, raising doubts about the current government's calculations and intentions. Chennai, Sep 26 : Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin will meet Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday in Delhi to press for the release of funds due to the state to implement various Central government schemes. The Chief Minister will reach Delhi on Thursday evening. In a statement on Thursday, the Tamil Nadu Chief Minister's office said that the DMK government has been consistently fighting for the rights of the people of the state. The statement said that "the struggle was the strength of the DMK" and the party continued to fight for the rights of the people of Tamil Nadu even while holding power. The Chief Minister will be submitting a memorandum to the Prime Minister on various demands of the state in many sectors. The delay in the allocation of Central funds will be a main point of discussion taken up by the Chief Minister during the meeting with the Prime Minister. The funding for the phase 2 development of the Chennai Metro rail network will be one of the main agendas during the Chief Ministeras meeting. Another contentious issue that the Chief Minister will take up is the Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan (SSA) relating to the school education department. It may be recalled that the state government has opposed linking the PM SHRI schools to the release of SSA funds. The Tamil Nadu government has not signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU )with the Central government to establish PM SHRI schools leading to the Centre's delay in releasing the funds. The Union Education Ministry has withheld the first instalment of Rs 573 crore for Tamil Nadu due to noncompliance with the National Education Policy. The Tamil Nadu CM had earlier written to the Prime Minister seeking the release of SSA funds and the State School Education Minister Anbil Mahesh Poyyamozhi has also come out against the Centre for penalising the state for not implementing the National Education Policy (NEP). CM Stalin during his visit to Delhi will also call on the leaders of the Congress and other INDIA bloc members. It may be recalled that the DMK is holding a major public meeting on September 28 at Kancheepuram in which INDIA bloc leaders will participate. BAKU, Azerbaijan, September 26. The Ecology Institute of the National Aerospace Agency under Azerbaijan's Ministry of Defense Industry is researching environmental problems in territories liberated from occupation, director of the Institute Bahram Aliyev told Trend. He noted that maps were drawn up based on data received from satellites. The analysis of the maps shows that in 1989 the area of vegetation cover on the territory of Fuzuli district was 12,454 hectares, and by 2021 this figure has decreased to 8,644 hectares. That is, 3,800 hectares of vegetation were lost during the occupation period. A similar situation was encountered during the assessment of vegetation cover on the territory of Aghdam district. Thus, on the territory of Aghdam district in 1989, the area of vegetation cover on the territory of 115,000 hectares decreased to 12,110 hectares by 2021, he added. Kolkata, Sep 26 : West Bengal Junior Doctors' Forum (WBJDF), the umbrella body of doctors spearheading the movement against the rape and murder of a junior doctor of R.G. Kar Medical College & Hospital, sent a fresh email to Chief Secretary Manoj Pant on Thursday, highlighting their unfulfilled demands. Kolkata, Sep 26 (IANS) West Bengal Junior Doctorsa Forum (WBJDF), the umbrella body of doctors spearheading the movement against the rape and murder of a junior doctor of R.G. Kar Medical College & Hospital, sent a fresh email to Chief Secretary Manoj Pant on Thursday, highlighting their unfulfilled demands. In the communique, a hard copy of which is available with IANS, the WBJDF has highlighted seven demands which they raised in the previous communique on September 19, which are yet to be fulfilled. In the fresh note to the Chief Secretary on Thursday morning, the forum has accused the state government of taking no action as regards to the formation of the Central Enquiry Committee for disciplinary proceedings against the perpetrators of the athreat culturea in medical colleges. Second, the forum has claimed that the no directive has been given by the state government to individual colleges to form college-level enquiry committees consisting of undergraduate students and resident doctors for disciplinary proceedings against perpetrators of the "threat culture" in medical colleges. The third unfulfilled demand is regarding a directive to authorities of various colleges to conduct college council meetings with immediate effect for holding elections to form resident doctors' associations and students' unions with polls to be held within two months. The fourth demand, according to WBJDF, is the formation of an enquiry committee by the state against West Bengal Medical Council and West Bengal Health Recruitment Board members who are under scrutiny for promoting threat culture and running health syndicates. The fifth point is regarding a directive for the formation of college-level task force or monitoring committee in every medical college and hospital constituting representatives of junior doctors, senior doctors, students, nursing and healthcare staff in accordance with the Supreme Court order on September 9. The sixth point is formation of decision-making bodies such as college council, internal complaints committee, patients' welfare committee, anti-ragging squads and committee, hospital committee, house staff selection committee and senior resident counselling committee, besides allocating funds for the same. The seventh and final point is the directive for implementation of proper and transparent transfer policy for all recruited medical personnel as per West Bengal Service Rules. Kolkata, Sep 26 : Former SHO of Tala Police Station Abhijit Mondal, who was remanded to judicial custody till September 30 by a special court in Kolkata in connection with the investigation of the R.G. Kar rape-murder case, was admitted to the prison hospital, said sources on Thursday. Sources said Mondal complained of uneasiness as he was being taken from the special court at Sealdah in central Kolkata to Presidency Central Correctional Home in South Kolkata on Wednesday. He also tripped while getting into the prison van and started complaining of acute uneasiness since then. Later in the night, he was shifted to the prison hospital where he is under treatment now. On Wednesday, the counsel of the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), which is conducting a court-directed and court-monitored investigation into the rape and murder case, informed the special court that the exhibits and evidence in connection with the case were changed and tampered with at the Tala Police Station. R G Kar Medical College and Hospital falls under the jurisdiction of the police station and Mondal was in charge of the police station then. The CBI also made a mention of the explosive claim in the remand letter for Sandip Ghosh, the former principal of R.G. Kar. Mondal and Ghosh were presented at the special court on Wednesday. aDuring the custodial interrogation of both the accused persons, new additional facts have emerged to the effect that some false records pertaining to the case were created/altered in Tala Police Station," the remand letter read. The CBI counsel also informed the court that the investigating team members have already procured the DVR and hard disc containing the CCTV footage of Tala Police Station and the same has been forwarded to the Central Forensic Science Laboratory (CFSL) for examination. The CBI counsel claimed that after the report from CSFL comes, it might reveal fresh clues about the rape and murder case. He also said that after the CFSL report comes, the investigation officials might seek fresh remand of Ghosh and Mondal for further questioning in the matter. Bengaluru, Sep 26 : The Karnataka BJP staged a massive protest opposite the Mahatma Gandhi statue in the premises of the Vidhana Soudha on Thursday demanding the resignation of Chief Minister Siddaramaiah against whom the court has ordered a probe. The BJP leaders vehemently demanded that the Mysuru Urban Development Authority (MUDA) case allegedly involving CM Siddaramaiah be handed over to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI). The BJP MPs, MLAs and MLCs gathered in front of the Mahatma Gandhi statue holding placards urging the CM to resign. They raised slogans against CM Siddaramaiah and chided him for sticking to the chair even as the court had ordered an investigation against him. The protest was led by Leader of Opposition (LoP) in the Assembly, R. Ashoka and Leader of Opposition in the Council Chalavadi Narayanaswamy. As the BJP leaders attempted to lay siege to the Vidhana Soudha they were forcibly removed by the police and put into waiting police vehicles and whisked away. Karnataka BJP President and MLA B.Y. Vijayendra did not participate in the protest due to health reasons. Protesters at the Vidhana Soudha chanted slogans like "Down with the corrupt Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, who looted the MUDA sites, resign immediately," and "Down with the corrupt government led by CM Siddaramaiah, who raises prices and taxes." Legislative Council member N. Ravikumar led the slogans and the protest. BJP has intensified its protest in the backdrop of the Special Court for MLAs/MPs ordering an investigation against CM Siddaramaiah in the MUDA case. The Lokayukta is most likely to lodge an FIR against CM Siddaramaiah on Thursday or Friday. The saffron party is likely to intensify its protests against CM Siddaramaiah once the FIR is lodged. Meanwhile, sources confirmed that the petitioners in the case are all set to approach the High Court demanding a CBI probe in the case as the Lokayukta comes under the state government. Shimla, Sep 26 : Himachal Pradesh Cabinet Minister Anirudh Singh has defended the state government's new regulation requiring eatery owners to prominently display their names outside their establishments. Echoing the sentiments of Urban Development Minister Vikramaditya Singh, Anirudh Singh emphasised that Himachal Pradesh is fully capable of making its own laws, independent of any other state. Anirudh Singh told IANS, "Himachal Pradesh is capable of making its own laws. We do not need to follow any state. There is nothing wrong in shops having nameplates. Even prominent businesses display their boards." He further stressed on the importance of proper food vending zones across the state, ensuring that all vendors, local or from outside, have to undergo full verification. He said, "Also we want that there should be proper food vending zones in entire Himachal Pradesh, where any person, whether he is from Himachal or from outside, works after full verification." Anirudh Singh's statement came after an order on Wednesday by the Congress-led Himachal Pradesh government, which directed street vendors and food establishments to display the names of their owners, managers, and staff members in a visible manner. This decision closely follows a similar move in Uttar Pradesh, where Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath also mandated name displays at eateries, along with the installation of CCTVs in hotels and restaurants. Anirudh Singh, however, reiterated that the new rule is in line with Himachal Pradesh's vision for creating organised and regulated food vending zones, ensuring safety and hygiene for all. The Congress party has consistently criticised the BJP for its Hindutva ideology, accusing it of excluding minorities. However, recent statements from Congress leaders in Himachal Pradesh have raised questions about whether the party itself is shifting towards a softer version of Hindutva in the state. Mumbai, Sep 26 : Actress Preeti Amin, who recently joined the cast of 'Kaise Mujhe Tum Mil Gaye,' has shared her thoughts on her character Vandana, describing her as a distinctly hoity-toity lady. Preeti made her debut in Hindi television with Zee TVas popular show 'Kasamh Se' in 2006 and is excited to be back on the channel. Talking about the same, Preeti said: "My debut was with the show 'Kasamh Se' in 2006, and the last show I did with the channel was 'Mrs. Kaushik Ki Paanch Bahuein' in 2013. So, coming back on the channel after 11 years, with a show like 'Kaise Mujhe Tum Mil Gaye', really feels like a homecoming." Further delving details about her role, Preeti added: "My character, Vandana aka Vandy, is a very hoity-toity lady, who has returned from Dubai. I genuinely feel this role is for me because I think she has her own quirks. I have just started shooting for the show, and the whole team has been really welcoming, I already feel like Iam a part of their family." "Vandana is going to create a lot of issues in Viratas life because he married her niece, Amruta forcefully. I'm sure the upcoming track will keep the audience hooked to the storyline," concluded Preeti. Preeti plays the role of Vandana, Bhavanias (Hemangi Kavi) sister, who has just returned from Dubai. She does not like Virat (Arjit Taneja) because he forcefully married her niece Amruta (Sriti Jha), hence she will create havoc in their lives by being a typical mother-in-law to Virat. 'Kaise Mujhe Tum Mil Gaye' airs on Zee TV. Meanwhile, Preeti has been a part of shows like-- 'Jhoome Jiiya Re', 'Dill Mill Gayye', 'Lapataganj', 'Dil Ki Nazar Se Khoobsurat', and 'Yeh Rishta Kya Kehlata Hai'. New York, Sep 26 : French President Emmanuel Macron has voiced strong support for India's inclusion as a permanent member of a reformed United Nations Security Council (UNSC), along with Germany, Japan, Brazil, and two African nations. "Germany, Japan, India and Brazil should be permanent members, as well as two countries that Africa would designate to represent it. New elected members should also be admitted," Macron said while addressing the general debate at the 79th session of the UN General Assembly in New York early Thursday, India time. The French President stressed the need for reforms within the UN to make it more effective and representative, particularly in light of the challenges posed by the current structure of the Security Council. "The United Nations should not be discarded, but rather reformed to reflect today's realities," he said. He said that the current Security Council, often blocked by conflicting interests, needs to evolve. "Is there a better system? I don't think so. So let's just make these United Nations more effective, first by perhaps making them more representative. That is why France and I repeat here, is in favour of the Security Council being expanded," Macron said. The French President said that he hopes that "this reform will also make it possible to change working methods, to limit the right of veto in the event of mass crime and to focus on operational decisions that are necessary to maintain international peace and security. This is what we must have the courage and audacity to do and that we must carry forward with the current permanent members." Earlier, Chilean President Gabriel Boric Font also advocated for India's inclusion, proposing a deadline for the reform to align the UNSC with modern geopolitical realities by the UN's 80th anniversary. The call for India's permanent membership has also been echoed by other global leaders, including US President Joe Biden, who reiterated Washington's full support for India's bid during his recent bilateral meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Russia, too, continues to back India's aspiration for a permanent seat, with the country's Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov emphasising the need for greater representation of developing countries in the council during the ongoing annual UN event. The growing consensus among world leaders highlights the urgency of reforming the UNSC to reflect the contemporary global order and ensure more inclusive and effective international governance. Mumbai, Sep 26 : Actress Karisma Kapoor, who was last seen in the streaming movie 'Murder Mubarak', soaking in the London sun. On Thursday, the actress took to her Instagram, and shared a series of pictures and videos in which she can be seen roaming around the streets of London.The actress also shared pictures of flowers and apparel in her photo dump. In one of the pictures, the actress can be seen strutting around Oxford street in the British capital. She wrote in the caption, "In a world full of roses, be a wildflower". Oxford Street is a major road in the City of Westminster in the West End of London, running from Tottenham Court Road to Marble Arch via Oxford Circus. It is Europe's busiest shopping street, and registers half a million daily visitors. It is designated as part of the A40, a major road between London and Fishguard, though it is not signed as such, and traffic is regularly restricted to buses and taxis. Karisma Kapoor belongs to the first film dynasty of Hindi cinema, the Kapoor family. She is the daughter of actors Babita and Randhir Kapoor, and is the elder sister of actress Kareena Kapoor. Karisma used to be one of the highest-paid actresses of her time, she is the recipient of several accolades, including a National Film Award. Her younger sister Kareena Kapoor Khan was recently seen in the theatrical movie 'The Buckingham Murders' . The film was directed by Hansal Mehta of 'Aligarh' and 'Scam 1992: The Harshad Mehta Story' fame. The film tells the story of a cop who is assigned to investigate the murder of a child in the Buckingham neighbourhood as she battles personal conflict. Chandigarh, Sep 26 : Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann has been admitted to a private hospital in Mohali, sources said. Mann was admitted to the hospital late Wednesday night after he fainted thrice, the sources said. "The Chief Minister has been hospitalized as he's undergoing a thorough examination," a senior AAP leader said. He refused to reveal Mann's ailment, adding the Chief Minister's health is "fine", and that, he will be discharged from the hospital "after a few more necessary tests". The Fortis Hospital, where he is undergoing treatment, refused to comment. Further details are awaited. Chief Minister Mann was admitted to Delhi's Apollo Hospital last week for observation, according to hospital sources. Hospital sources told IANS that CM Mann came for a routine checkup and was doing fine. There was no official statement either by the AAP or the Punjab government about CM Mann's condition. Opposition parties, like the Akali Dal and the Congress, had fired salvos at CM Mann and the AAP over the incident, demanding that they reveal his whereabouts and ailments/ They also took a jibe over the tall claims of the AAP governments in Punjab and Delhi for the best state-run hospitals and clinics. "Yet when it comes to their own health, CM Mann opts for a private hospital in Delhi! The hypocrisy is staggering. It's clear now that these so-called 'champions of the common man' have been misleading the public with their tall claims," Congress leader Partap Singh Bajwa wrote on X. Chennai, Sep 26 : Tamil Nadu Chief Minister, M.K. Stalin has welcomed his former Cabinet colleague and senior DMK leader, Senthil Balaji after he was granted bail by the Supreme Court of India on Thursday. It may be noted that Senthil Balaji who was a transport and excise minister in the Tamil Nadu government was arrested on June 14, 2023 from his residence under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) for graft that he committed in his tenure with the previous AIADMK government. He was lodged in Puzhal central prison for 471 days. Stalin in a post on social media platform, X said, "Dear brother Senthil Balaji has secured bail after 471 days owing to the Supreme Court. I welcome brother Senthil Balaji who is coming out of prison with a renewed vigour. Your sacrifice is great, your resolve is even greater." The Chief Minister also indirectly took a dig at the Union government and alleged that they were using the ED as a weapon against Opposition leaders and described the 15-month incarceration of Balaji as a move to break his (Senthil Balaji's) resolve. Stalin in the post said, "In a situation where the Enforcement Directorate has been converted into a department suppressing political enemies, the apex court is the only solace." The Chief Minister also drew a parallel with the incarceration of political opponents during the Emergency days. He said, "Jail life was not so long during the Emergency days", but these political conspiracies today went up to 15 months. The Supreme Court had on Thursday granted bail to Senthil Balaji. Justice Abhay Oka of the Supreme Court while pronouncing the judgment observed that stringent bail provisions and delay in trial cannot go together. It may be noted that Balaji, a sitting MLA from Karur Assembly constituency was accused in a money laundering case linked to allegations of his involvement in a cash-for-jobs scam during his tenure as the state transport minister between 2011 and 2016 in the previous AIADMK government. Senthil Balaji was then with the AIADMK and has since left that party and joined the DMK. The former minister was accused of carrying out a scheme with his close aides to collect money from job aspirants in exchange for employment in the Tamil Nadu Transport Department. Many job aspirants who were allegedly duped filed complaints against Senthil Balaji who they accused of accepting cash but not offering the promised jobs. The ED had filed an Enforcement Case Information Report (ECIR) and arrested Balaji in June 2023. IANS aal/rad Rania : , Sep 26 (IANS) Infighting within the family of one of the country's famous Jat leaders, Chaudhary Devi Lal, known by the surname of Chautalas -- has spilled out into the battlefield of Haryana with members contesting against each other. It's an uncle versus his nephew primarily with the uncle's other estranged nephew backing him this time to make his first cousin bite the dust. The Jat-dominated Rania Assembly seat falls in Sirsa district from where former cabinet minister Ranjit Singh Chautala, who held Cabinet portfolios in the outgoing BJP government, is on the ballot for the second time to retain his seat, one of the state's hot seats. He has been contesting as an Independent candidate as the state ruling denied re-nomination. Bharatiya Janata Party's (BJP) Sheeshpal Kamboj, Congress' Sarv Mitter and INLD's Arjun Chautala are the main candidates, besides sitting legislator Ranjit Chautala. INLD's breakaway faction the Jannayak Janta Party (JJP), led by Dushyant Chautala, who in 2014 was the county's youngest MP at the age of 26 and was the Deputy Chief Minister in the state government led by Manohar Lal Khattar, is in an alliance with the Azad Samaj Party (Kanshi Ram), while the INLD has tied up with the Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP). The JJP has not fielded its candidate. It has extended support to Independent candidate Ranjit Chautala, the estranged brother of Om Prakash Chautala. Ranjit, a Congress and BJP turncoat, and Om Prakash are sons of patriarch the Late Chaudhary Devi Lal, who was the Deputy Prime Minister. Om Prakash has two sons Ajay and Abhay Chautala, both estranged grandsons of Chaudhary Devi Lal, who parted ways ahead of the 2019 Lok Sabha polls. The JJP's move not to field the candidate is being seen as a bid to cut to size Abhay Chautala's candidate son Arjun Chautala, who is making his debut in the Assembly polls. The Chaudhary Devi Lal clan has ruled the state seven times, with Devi Lal being the Chief Minister twice and his son Om Prakash Chautala, who is now heading the Indian National Lok Dal (INLD), five times beginning December 1989. The INLD had won the Rania seat for two consecutive terms -- 2009 and 2014. Political observers believe the ballot battle is largely between the Chautalas -- Devi Lal's second generation versus the fourth generation. Veteran Ranjit Chautala, while facing jibes for not retiring from public life even at the age of 79, is banking on the development and personal rapport up to the grassroots in the constituency that is largely rural with predominantly Jat voters. The Jats constitute nearly 35 per cent of electorates, with a sizeable presence of Dalits. He won the seat with a margin of 19,431 votes. His nephew Arjun, 32, is banking on the performance of the INLD from March 2000 to March 2005, the longest term of his grandfather Om Prakash Chautala. After that, the party emerged as the principal opposition party in the 2014 polls with 19 legislators. In the outgoing Assembly, the party has a lone legislator, Abhay Chautala. "Our government had set up a sugar mill in Sirsa with the sole objective of benefiting the sugarcane growers as the region that lies along the catchment of the Ghaggar River is fertile. When the Congress government came in 2005, it closed the sugar mill. Locals know that it is the INLD that worked for the development of the entire Sirsa district and they will vote for the party," Arjun, an alumnus of the prestigious Bishop Cotton School in Shimla, told IANS. Establishing a link in the local dialect, he never misses an opportunity to touch the feet of the elderly and greet them with folded hands. Slamming the BJP government for not providing adequate job opportunities to the youth, Arjun, national president of the Indian Students Organisation (ISO) youth wing of INLD, claims that the problem of drug abuse in youth of Sirsa is a matter of serious concern as every third person is hooked to drugs other than alcohol and tobacco. Why have the rural people fallen into the grip of drug abuse? He explains, "Unemployment is the biggest issue confronting voters. Of course, corruption in the government is also an issue, but a drug epidemic is sweeping the state." The family says the six-feet-three-inches-tall Arjun gets his height from his great-grandfather. His supporter, Ashok Chojjar, says, "Our elders see the 'chhavi' (image) of Chaudhary Devi Lal in Arjun." A confidant Arjun sees no challenge from his uncle Ranjit Chautala and the Congress nominee. The INLD has fielded 51 candidates for elections to the 90-member Assembly with its ally Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) contesting 38 seats. Addressing a public meeting, Arjun's father Abhay, who is in the fray to retain his Ellenabad seat in Sirsa district, said, "Jananayak Chaudhary Devi Lal-ji started old-age pension to honour the elderly, which was increased by Om Prakash Chautala as per the demand of the time. Now, after the formation of the INLD-BSP government, we pledge to increase this pension to Rs 7,500 so that the elderly can get better help." He questioned the Congress and the BJP why they did not implement these promises in their 10-year tenure. The Indian National Lok Dal (INLD), now headed by O.P. Chautala, has fielded Devi Lal's grandson Abhay Singh Chautala from Ellenabad in Sirsa and Sunaina Chautala from Fatehabad. The Assembly elections for 90 seats in Haryana will take place on October 5. The counting of ballots will be held on October 8. (Vishal Gulati can be reached at vishal.g@ians.in) BAKU, Azerbaijan, September 26. The Day of Azerbaijani Culture was held in Estonia within the framework of the Days of National Cultures-2024, Trend reports via Azerbaijan's State Committee for Work with Diaspora. According to the information, the event was held on the initiative of the head of Buta Art Studio Creative Center, artist Rovshan Guliyev (Rovshan Nur). The event was attended by compatriots and representatives of the local community, as well as guests from Germany and Finland. Guest of honor, chairwoman of the parliamentary group Riina Solman expressed gratitude for friendly relations and support of cultural dialog. The performances of musicologist Mubariz Aliyev, invited from Baku, on saz, as well as harmonist Elnur Imanov, Grace and Leesikad groups were welcomed with enthusiasm. The participants were presented with a variety of dishes of national cuisine, sweets, as well as food products of Azerbaijani production. Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel Mumbai, Sep 26 : Maharashtra BJP on Thursday said that the party will work hard for the victory of MahaYuti (grand alliance) in the upcoming Assembly election. "The party functionaries are charged up after the interactive meetings held by Union Home Minister Amit Shah during his two-day Maharashtra visit. The party organisation will work vigorously for the victory of the MahaYuti in the upcoming election," said Maharashtra BJP chief Chandrashekhar Bawankule. He added that the BJP workers will go door to door to further step up outreach with the voters and make all efforts to remove confusion created by the Maha Vikas Aghadi due to its "false propaganda". "The party workers will provide the information with regard to the performance of the Centre and the state government while flagging off a slew of development and welfare schemes launched by both governments,' he said. Bawankule said that the Home Minister held organisational meetings in Vidarbha, Marathwada, West and North Maharashtra and asked the party workers to further strengthen the organisational network up to booth level and work hard to increase the voters' turnout on the polling day. "The Home Minister asked the party workers to be active at the booth level and contact the general public. They were also told to honour the beneficiaries of various schemes implemented by the Centre and the state government," he said. Bawankule said that the Union Home minister exhorted the party workers to work hard so that the MahaYuti government would come back to power based on its strength and performance. "We will follow the basic mantra given by the Union Home Minister to strengthen the organisational power and project the performance of the double engine government to the common people. Our effort will be to retain the MahaYuti government in the state," he said. The Home Minister has set an ambitious target of winning 45 of the 62 seats in Vidarbha and 30 out of 46 seats in Marathwada. He also warned that the rebellion and intra-party bickering will not be tolerated during the upcoming Maharashtra Assembly election and asked the party functionaries to work with unity not only for the victory of BJP nominees but also of the allies Shiv Sena and NCP. "BJP will come back to power by winning maximum seats from the Vidarbha region," the Home Minister said. New Delhi, Sep 26 : As India's defence production surged to Rs 1.27 lakh crore in FY23-24, the exports have also soared from Rs 1,000 crore to Rs 21,000 crore, spanning across over 90 nations, further giving a push to the country's 'Make in India' programme towards achieving 'Atmanirbharta' in the defence sector. According to Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, the government under Prime Minister Narendra Modi's astute leadership introduced 'Make in India' programme with a vision to make India self-reliant in every domain. "Ten years since then, many reforms have been made in every sector including the defence sector. India is rising on the defence industrial landscape of the world," said Defence Minister. Indian Armed Forces are using weapons and platforms, which are manufactured on our own soil and we also exporting defence items to more than 90 friendly foreign countries, he informed in a post on X social media platform. Last month, Rajnath Singh invited US defence companies to work with India, asserting that together, they will co-develop and co-produce for the world. India is continuously moving towards self-reliance in the manufacturing of weapons, cannons, tanks, fighter ships, helicopters, missile systems, and more for the armed forces. The Union Budget for 2024-25 has allocated Rs 6.22 lakh crore for the Ministry of Defence, the highest among all ministries. According to Defence Minister, our forces are becoming more capable and self-reliant, with defence procurement receiving a larger share. In the past decade, around Rs 6 lakh crore worth of defence equipment has been procured from Indian companies, doubling the country's defence production. As per reports, India's defence export is estimated to grow at 18 per cent CAGR (compound annual growth rate) from FY24-FY30, driven by the 'Make in India' initiative and thrust on local manufacturing. Global investment firm Jefferies said this month that the government is also building bilateral relations to promote exports in the global market. Between FY24 to FY30 (estimated), the potential market opportunity for Indian defence companies is expected to rise at 14 per cent CAGR, the report said. Defence companies will get opportunities worth $90 billion to $100 billion in the Indian market in the next 5 to 6 years. In 2022, India's defence expenditure was 10 per cent of the US expenditure and 27 percent of China's expenditure. Bhiwani : , Sep 26 (IANS) BJP Rajya Sabha MP Kiran Choudhry on Thursday revealed that she has been working to convince reportedly disgruntled Congress leader Kumari Selja to switch over to the BJP. "Discussions are ongoing. I have a very good relationship with Selja. We worked together in Congress, but (two-time Chief Minister Bhupinder Singh) Hooda has taken over the entire system. In Haryana, Hooda has destroyed the Congress. Leaders like Randeep Singh Surjewala and Selja were sidelined," Choudhry told reporters in Bhiwani. She expressed her dismay over remarks made against Selja. "As a woman, I am ashamed of the comments made about her. The Hooda father-son duo is systematically eliminating every senior leader in Congress. They did the same with me, but I always gave them a fitting reply. They are not only anti-Dalit but also anti-women. Everyone should boycott them." Asked whether she is still trying to convince Selja, Choudhry remained tight-lipped, stating, "Not everything can be made public." She reiterated the demand for boycotting the Hooda family. Reports suggest that when Choudhry was still in the Congress, she worked closely with Selja and tried to persuade her to switch sides. During this time, Choudhry was reportedly in touch with senior BJP leaders including Home Minister Amit Shah, party President J.P. Nadda, and Defence Minister Rajnath Singh. She even paused her daughteras election campaign to spend three to four days in Delhi and Chandigarh working on this effort. Even Union Minister and former Haryana CM Manohar Lal Khattar had invited Selja to join the BJP. Though Choudhry has not divulged all details, she hinted at her continued efforts to bring Selja into the BJP fold. Factionalism within the Congress unit in Haryana is not a new thing. Seljaas discontent over ticket distribution for the Assembly elections has been well-known and she had been conspicuous by her absence from campaigning. However, Selja had told IANS that there were some "issues" and she had held discussions with party chief Mallikarujna Kharge. On the election atmosphere in Haryana, Choudhry accused the Hooda father-son duo of breaking promises, leading their own party members to contest as independents. She also alleged that their Assembly candidates are openly discussing unethical practices, including bribery and corruption. She also accused them of grabbing farmers' land at low prices and selling it to builders for huge profits. Seoul, Sep 26 : South Korea and Japan will hold working-level talks in Tokyo later this week to discuss the joint development of an underwater continental shelf believed to hold mass deposits of oil and other natural resources, officials said Thursday. The talks, scheduled for Friday, mark the resumption of long-suspended negotiations on the joint exploitation of the 'Block 7' continental shelf in the East China Sea, under a 1978 bilateral agreement, nearly four decades after the last meeting in 1985. The sixth round of negotiations on the Agreement on the Joint Development Zone (JDZ) will be led by Hwang Jun-shik, director general for international legal affairs of the South Korean foreign ministry, and Akihiro Okochi, deputy director general for Asian and Oceanian affairs at Japan's foreign ministry. Officials from the two countries' industry ministries will also join the talks, Yonhap news agency reported. South Korea and Japan signed the JDZ agreement in 1974 to pursue the joint exploration and development of the block and adjacent waters south of Jeju Island, covering an area of 82,557 square kilometers, based on geological analyses suggesting the continental shelf may hold significant reserves of oil, gas and other minerals. The agreement came into effect four years later. The two countries held five rounds of talks, but Japan became lukewarm about moving forward with the agreement after a new international treaty on maritime activities, which came into force in 1994, adopted criteria for determining continental shelf boundaries in Japan's favor. The precedents since then suggest Japan could claim all of the joint development area as part of its exclusive economic zone. The issue drew fresh attention earlier this year after Japanese Foreign Minister Yoko Kamikawa hinted during a parliamentary session in February at the possibility of Tokyo initiating a renegotiation with Seoul when the agreement expires. The JDZ agreement is valid until June 2028, but either side can notify the other of an intent to terminate it three years before the expiration date. Friday's talks will focus on exchanging positions on the issue and discussing efforts to implement the agreement at the working level, a foreign ministry official in Seoul said, adding that the termination or extension of the agreement will not be on the agenda. "We believe that the two countries will continue to be able to address the issue amicably, and we have been preparing for every possible scenario to best serve our national interests," the official said. Jammu, Sep 26 : Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath said on Thursday that Congress, National Conference (NC) & Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) are 'private limited companies' that thrived by disempowering the people of J&K. "Congress, NC and PDP are private limited companies that thrived in J&K by disempowering the people. When the country became free in 1947, Congress ruled for a long time. They did not find any solution to the Ayodhya problem. PM Modi came to power and the BJP solved this 500-year-old problem. Ram Lalla is back in Ayodhya," said Yogi Adityanath while addressing a BJP campaign rally in Chhamb Assembly constituency of Jammu district. He added that the Congress means problem and the BJP means solution, alleging that Congress always looks for excuses. "They are the reason for terrorism, naxalism, casteism and regionalism. All seeds of division are nurtured by Congress in free India. Hindus were disempowered. The result is terrorism," the Chief Minister said. He said that Congress in the Centre and its allies in J&K "created" stone pelters and other "incidents of terrorism" which all of you know, adding that after Narendra Modi became the PM and Amit Shah the Home Minister, terrorism started breathing its last. He said that in 1953, Dr Sayama Prasad Mukherjee sacrificed his life for one PM, one flag and one constitution. "Each Indian fought for this, but that dream was realised by Modiji when 370 was finished and the nursery of terrorism was uprooted. "Congress, NC and PDP made J&K a warehouse of terrorism and youth were killed to keep this warehouse working. These three families destroyed Kashmir and its history and heritage. PM Modi converted Kashmir of terrorism into Kashmir of tourism within 5 years," he said. He claimed that these parties disrespected Maharaja Hari Singh while the BJP restored his honour. "You bring BJP to power in J&K and we promise you the J&K of Maharaja Hari Singh's dream. Remember, Brigadier, Rajinder Singh who fought the invaders in 1947 said that he would fight the invaders till the last man and till the last bullet. Time has come to teach the enemies of India a lesson," he said. He said that PM Modi opened the Kartarpur corridor and started Baal Diwas in memory of Guru Gobind Singhji. "Historic G-20 meetings were held in Kashmir that attracted the world. In the past, the Yatris of Amarnathji Yatra were threatened. Now entire country comes to perform this Yatra with pride and enthusiasm. Devotees come from all over the world to Mata Vaishno Devi shrine," he said. He said that Congress has exposed its anti-reservation face by supporting NC which wants to review reservations to Gujjar, Paharis and the OBCs. "They never stood by the Kashmiri Pandits who suffered heavily because of terrorism. During the worst suffering of Kashmiri Pandits, these people (Farooq Abdullah) would spend 8 months holidaying in Europe. Today people of PoK want to be part of J&K and I assure you they will soon be part of J&K. Pakistan is unable to save its democracy. It is difficult to get a wheat flour. Balochistan is telling today they cannot be part of Pakistan," he said. "Does Congress support dialogue with Pakistan so that our youth continue to get killed? Does Congress like NC want cross-LoC trade resumed so that terrorism gets support and strength from across the LoC," the Chief Minister said. He also appealed to voters to cast their vote in favour of BJP candidates in the third and final phase of J&K elections on October 1. The counting of votes will take place on October 8. --IANS sq/dan Jerusalem, Sep 26 : Israel denied on Thursday that it has agreed to a ceasefire with the Lebanese armed group Hezbollah and Lebanese political parties. In a statement, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's office said that "the report on a ceasefire is untrue." The office said that Netanyahu "didn't even respond to" the ceasefire proposal, which was brokered by the United States and France. Also on Thursday, Israeli Foreign Minister Israel Katz said Israel would not consider a truce, Xinhua news agency reported. "There won't be a ceasefire," he wrote on social media platform X. He said the country would continue its fight against Hezbollah "until victory and until residents could return to their homes in the north." Khartoum, Sep 26 : The Karari locality of Omdurman city, north of the Sudanese capital Khartoum, has regained some vibrancy after a fierce battle in March that expelled the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) from the old neighbourhoods, expanding the control of the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) to the south. Overcrowded markets and therapeutic activities such as masquerade parties and puppet theaters - the routines of life - have started to reemerge in the locality, which hosts more than 160 shelter centres packed with displaced Sudanese. However, the returnees have never felt rest assured amid the hustle-bustle, as they are still subjected to random artillery shelling from time to time. On Monday, at least 15 people were killed and 61 others injured in an artillery attack by the RSF on the crowded Sabreen civilian market in Karari. The death toll could be higher as the local rescue team was unable to reach some victims. "This is the reality now. We are trying to live with the situation, but we are afraid to give up and flee again," said Mahmoud Satti, a teacher who returned to Omdurman after a year-long displacement journey in central Sudan. "What happened in Sabreen market was very tragic. People here are dying because of random shelling," Satti told Xinhua news agency. He urged government authorities to protect the returnees, address the security gap, and provide necessary services to Omdurman's residents. "There are no food shops amid a great shortage of goods, while prices for what is available are very high," said Saadan Omer, a citizen from Omdurman. Most people live on aid from their relatives abroad, and Takias -- sanctuaries for the impoverished and needy set up by Sudanese activists and volunteers -- remain as the primary source of food supply for Omdurman's residents, he said. "There is a significant spread of diseases amid a great shortage in medicines, while there are no nearby hospitals, and even those operational have been bombed and looted," said Saeed Al-Zubair, a 49-year-old man from Omdurman. Since the fighting between the SAF and RSF began in April last year, epidemic diseases have plagued the country, including Omdurman, leading to hundreds of deaths. The conflict has resulted in at least 20,000 deaths and displaced millions of people, according to a press release published Tuesday on the website of the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA). The United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) said last week that an estimated 3.4 million children under five are at high risk of the deadly epidemic diseases in the country. According to UNICEF, more than 70 percent of hospitals in conflict-affected areas are non-operational. On Wednesday, the OCHA warned that Sudan is now facing the world's most severe hunger crisis, with over half of its population, nearly 26 million people, suffering high levels of acute hunger. Famine has been confirmed in North Darfur State's Zamzam camp, with many other areas at risk, it said, adding that nearly 5 million children and pregnant and breastfeeding women have been acutely malnourished. Meanwhile, Doctors Without Borders, an aid group, said Tuesday that 30,000 children under two were screened for malnutrition in South Darfur State in August, and 32.5 per cent of them were acutely malnourished. In response to the dire humanitarian situation, Omdurman's government authorities pledged to provide food for local residents and support community initiatives. "Both official and popular efforts are ongoing to restore electricity and water services, remove war remnants, reopen roads, clean neighborhoods, and launch initiatives to bring life back to markets and shops," Acting Minister of Social Development of Khartoum State Siddiq Hassan Freini told Xinhua. Amaravati, Sep 26 : The Andhra Pradesh government has issued a show cause notice to the Andhra Pradesh Secretariat Employees Association (APSEA) for alleged violations of the election code during the Assembly and Lok Sabha polls held in May. The General Administration Department (GAD) issued the notice, asking why APSEAas recognition should not be cancelled. It has sought clarification on APSEA President K. Venkatarami Reddy's participation in the election campaign while serving as a government employee. It said the APSEA should have taken action against him for violating the model code of conduct. Responding to the governmentas notice, APSA Secretary Krishna and other office bearers clarified that Venkatarami Reddyas involvement in the election campaign was purely in a personal capacity. They made it clear that this does not reflect the associationas official stance or action. Krishna and other office bearers also urged the government not to cancel the recognition of an organisation for the mistake of an individual. They responded to the notice as Venkatarami Reddy was not available. The GAD has stated that it was not consulted about activities taking place outside the Secretariat. The government may cancel the recognition of APSEA if it does not find satisfactory the explanation given by the Association. The state government had suspended Venkatarami Reddy in April following a directive from the Election Commission of India. Reddy, serving as Assistant Secretary in the Panchayat Raj department, had participated in the campaigning by then ruling party YSR Congress at Badvel bus depot in Kadapa district. Then opposition Telugu Desam Party (TDP) had lodged a complaint with the Election Commission of India. It had also submitted to the poll panel videos purportedly showing Reddy seeking support for the ruling party. Acting on the TDP complaint, the Election Commission had sought a report from Kadapa district Collector and subsequently recommended disciplinary action against him. Bengaluru, Sep 26 : In a major development, the Karnataka Cabinet on Thursday decided not to provide information to the Governor's office directly and also decided to withdraw the provision allowing the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) to investigate freely in the state. "The decisions were made to strengthen the federal structure in the country," Karnataka Minister for Law H. K. Patil told reporters at Vidhana Soudha after the Cabinet meeting. He added that the Governor is writing letters to the government in an "intolerant manner" and is asking to provide information immediately or in a day's time. "Therefore, the Cabinet has decided to instruct the Chief Secretary of the government of Karnataka not to provide information directly to the Governor," the Law Minister said. He added that the Chief Secretary will be directed to proceed in the matter of providing information to the queries of the Governor only after bringing them to the knowledge of the state cabinet. "The Chief Secretary can't provide any direct information to the Governor," the Law Minister said. He said that the investigation and inquiry have been conducted regarding the matter of information leak between the government and the Governor's office. "The Cabinet had discussed leaking of the letter dated September 6. The letters are leaked by the Raj Bhavan. People need to be informed about the existing situation and truth. The Raj Bhavan is unnecessarily blaming the Congress government," he said. The Law Minister further said that the Cabinet has decided to withdraw the act which empowered the CBI to conduct investigation in the state freely. "The provision was enabled by the government under the Delhi Special Police Establishment Act, 1946. The Cabinet has decided to take back the bill," the minister informed. He said that there are serious allegations against the Central government for following the procedure and law. "In this background, the decision was taken to withdraw the free hand given to the CBI in the state," the Law Minister said. He added that there is an allegation that the CBI is being misused and that is why the decision was taken to withdraw freehand to the CBI operations in the state. "We have seen the CBI working in a biased manner. Few are investigated during the election time while the Governor keeps on blaming the state government unnecessarily. The Supreme Court has also mentioned the developments," Minister Patil stated. Jaipur, Sep 26 : With the aim to bring in investments from different parts of the world, the Rajasthan government announced the 'Rising Rajasthan Investment Summit' in its first year of government formation and has been going across nations to invite investors to the state. Jaipur, Sep 26 (IANS) With the aim to bring in investments from different parts of the world, the Rajasthan government announced the aRising Rajasthan Investment Summita in its first year of government formation and has been going across nations to invite investors to the state. Ensuring that things donat die down and get implemented on the ground, the Rajasthan government is inviting investors to this landlocked state, which is well-connected by rail, road and air. IANS spoke exclusively to Rajasthan Industries Minister, Rajyavardhan Singh Rathore to learn how the government plans to turn things around via this summit when the state ranks second in unemployment on the CMIEas index and is battling with problems like power crisis, water crisis and so on. Some excerpts from the interview: IANS: You have announced aRising Rajasthana in the first year after coming to power when the state government is facing teething challenges. How do you plan to take it forward? Rathore: The Rajasthan government seriously wants a turnaround in the state and hence we have decided to organise aRising Rajasthana in our first year. The idea is to ensure that we deliver on all the promises we made to the public during the elections. Also, we need time to settle things. Once we organise this event in our first year, we can continue pitching Rajasthan as an ideal state for investment in coming years too. Further, we decided to hold the investment summit in our first year while learning from mistakes made by the previous government. They announced the summit in their last year. MoUs were signed and investors were brought in but things did not materialise. So it was imperative for us to do it in our first year. IANS: After announcing the summit, how do you plan to take it forward? Rathore: We have set our vision and mission to take Rajasthan global. We see that the state is in competition with many Asian countries. This is because it is as big as many Asian countries and we are aiming to bring in businesses here which were going to Bangladesh or Vietnam. We are a much better state for investments. We are going global in this investment summit. Earlier during the Congressa rule, one or two nations were touched by the previous governments, however touring nine nations and making a global pitch was never done before. Further, we are holding pre-summit events to ensure serious work happens before the Rising Rajasthan summit. Also, we are holding the Pravasi Rajasthani Conclave on December 10 to cash in on their strength as they have built big businesses outside Rajasthan. IANS: You, too, toured different countries like Switzerland, UAE and Qatar? What has been the response? Rathore: The response is superb. The UAE and Qatar with sovereign funds, Switzerland with its rail, and Japan with its automobile and technology companies, have expressed interest in Rising Rajasthan. Also a senior person from the UAE will be coming soon and we might be able to resolve the ongoing power crisis soon. This is the kind of discussion we are undergoing. IANS: Rajasthan stands second in unemployment on the CMIE index. Do you think this summit will be able to bring unemployment down like Haryana? Rathore: Yes, definitely, there will be employment generation via this summit. We are working and creating an economically-viable Rajasthan. We are inviting companies from different sectors like hospitality, engineering, manufacturing, IT, renewable energy and so on, which will be creating multiple employment opportunities. In fact, both direct and indirect jobs will be produced which will create new opportunities in supply chain, hospitality and tourism and other segments bringing in economic vibrancy. This is for the private segment. Also, we have already committed to giving four lakh jobs in the next four years in the government sector. So this position on the unemployment index is sure to come down. We will focus on education and skill as well. Each business wants trained youth, so we are simultaneously arranging skill training. IANS: How do you plan to ease business for investors? Rathore: We understand the needs of investors. Their first question is what next after we reach Rajasthan. Therefore, for ease of doing business with each country, we have earmarked an IAS officer. In fact, we have identified 25 IAS officers who will be responsible for 25 countries. We took them on international tours along with us so there is immediate confidence among investors. We have also identified senior RAS officers who will be responsible for the state so that they have a single point of contact for their queries. IANS: Did you do any special planning before announcing this summit? Rathore: We have done a lot of homework to ensure the success of the summit. To improve governance and clearances in the state was our first task and hence we ensured 21 new policies were made, these include textile and apparel park policies, fintech park policies, logistics park policies and others. Also seven old policies were modified and simplified. The core message was that there should be clarity in each of these policies. We are focussing on textile, tourism, agro products, logistics, infrastructure, renewable energy, chemicals, green hydrogen, IT and renewable energy and hence we chalked out different policies. Also, we have identified officers for single window clearance aiming at ease of doing business and lowering the cost of businesses. IANS: How will aRising Rajasthana be different from the Investors Summit organised under the Congressa rule? Rathore: The previous government did it in the last year of its tenure, so implementation failed on the ground. It simply earned money by auctioning land. That was not a very good idea. The cost of land went up, so it was not viable for entrepreneurs to set up business, and hence they held up businesses and waited for land prices to escalate and moved out of business. No environment was created for economic vibrancy and there was no employment generated. That penny was a dead penny. Looking at this scenario, we preferred doing our homework so that things take shape on the ground. IANS: We have seen neighbouring Haryana branding Gurugram as an IT hub and Bengaluru is also on top of the investorsa list. How do you plan to lure investors to Rajasthan which is known as a landlocked state? Rathore: Rajasthan is aptly located and is best for businesses. We have two expressways passing through Rajasthan which are Delhi-Mumbai Expressway and Jamnagar-Amritsar Expressway. We have huge swathes of land available here. Also we have a strong rail, road and air network. Further, we offer energy which is green, we have huge human resources and there is ease of supply chain. Further, we offer country-specific zones. A lot of countries have got excited on hearing of this. Our Japanese industrial corridor is a rare example in this context. So we offered it to them with an idea that they would be comfortable. We have dry ports, all work related to customs is done here; further ports are just five to six hoursa drive. A well-defined market is around us which is North India. And look at prices. Our location next to Delhi makes us quite viable for greenfield projects and we are not saturated like Gurugram and Bengaluru. The land prices in Hyderabad, Gurugram and Bengaluru are high; the price of skilled manpower is high and the cost of living has gone up. Rajasthan, especially Jaipur is peaceful and beautiful, with the least labour problems and the quality of life is high. We are two hoursa drive from Delhi and international airports here and we will push for more airports. We are looking forward to Jaipur being an IT city. BAKU, Azerbaijan, September 26. The ministries of agriculture of Azerbaijan and Turkiye have signed a Declaration of Intentions to enhance collaboration in the field of animal husbandry and animal health, Trend reports citing the ministrys press service. The agreement follows a meeting between Azerbaijani Agriculture Minister Majnun Mammadov and Turkish Minister of Agriculture and Forestry Ibrahim Yumakli, who is on a working visit to Azerbaijan. Minister Mamedov emphasized that the friendly and brotherly relations between Azerbaijan and Turkiye continue to flourish in various sectors, including agriculture, agrarian research, education, cotton cultivation, seed production, veterinary medicine, and agricultural insurance. Minister Yumakli expressed Turkiyes keen interest in collaborating with Azerbaijan in the agricultural field, expressing confidence in the ongoing expansion of cooperation between the two countries. The discussions covered future collaboration in agriculture, agricultural research, livestock management, enhancing animal health cooperation, and training specialists in veterinary medicine. Within the framework of the meeting between the Ministry of Agriculture of Azerbaijan and the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry of Turkiye, a Declaration of Intentions to strengthen cooperation in the field of animal husbandry and animal health was signed. The signed agreement outlines plans for experience exchange in animal disease control, joint training sessions, research initiatives, health assessments, investment attraction in livestock, and strengthening connections between businesspeople in this sector, as noted in the ministry's statement. New York/Mumbai, Sep 26 : High-level dialogues exploring India's growing role as a leader in the Global South marked discussions during 'India Day @ UNGA week' in New York. Organised by Reliance Foundation in partnership with the Observer Research Foundation (ORF) and the United Nations in India office, the events provided insights and learnings along with pathways for sustainable development beyond 2030. Delivering the opening address at the high-level event, Isha Ambani, Director, of Reliance Foundation, focused on what she coined as the 'Pancha Tantra' or five key pathways for sustainable development. These included unleashing the power of women, unlocking the power of youth, partnerships as multipliers of innovation, the transformational power of technology and crafting a bold vision for the future. "This week, as leaders from around the world gather in New York to discuss equitable development, it is clear that our world is changing rapidly. India in particular, is stepping into its rightful place, shaping the new global order. But this moment is more than just about change - it's about creating a better future together, especially for our youth. The challenges we face are many, but by working together, we can make real progress," said Isha Ambani. The dialogue, Tiger's Tale: Crafting a New Development Paradigm, was a high-level dialogue exploring India's growing role as a leader in the Global South and its potential to set new benchmarks in global development. S Jaishankar, Minister of External Affairs, spoke of how leadership from the Global South is now a reality. He added that at the UN there is acknowledgement of India's role as a nation with a heart and a country that has brought the Global South back into the conversation. He also added that it was crucial to look at how we democratize technologies, democratise the global workplace and do it in an orderly, acceptable way. Sultan Ahmed bin Sulayem, Group Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, of DP World, stressed the resilience inherent in international trade, though, the current linkages are weak, and we need to build connectivity that benefits all. Hugh Hilton Todd, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Guyana, said the Summit of the Future reflects on the SDGs we only achieved 17 per cent success. Something is definitely wrong. While problems have been identified, we need to have the political will to leave no one behind and depend on the leadership of countries like India. P Harish, Permanent Representative of India to the United Nations, spoke of how India with the largest cohort of youth has a huge role to play. Those who turned 18 are an important part of the political process and youth will emerge as a key issue. "When the tale of the tiger is told, it will be told by the cubs and the young tigers," he said. Earlier in the day, the India Day @ UNGA panel discussions explored Pathways to the Rising South, Technology as an enabler, the Power of Women-Led Development and the LiFE Economy. These sessions featured experts on the themes of discussion, proposed solutions and opportunities for the world ahead. The audience included key sector stakeholders, including government, multilateral, philanthropic foundations, academia, think tanks, private sector and other organisations. A special publication, jointly developed by Reliance Foundation, Observer Research Foundation and the United Nations in India office, "The Next Frontier: Charting the Contours of the Post-2030 Development Agenda", was released during the events. A curation of 27 essays from global experts, the publication explores the strategies, innovations, and leadership required for a new global development agenda beyond 2030. The essays are by a range of authors from the development, philanthropy, think tank, as well policy and thought leaders with voices from both the Global North and the Global South. Kohima, Sep 26 : The Centre has invited the leaders of the National Socialist Council of Nagaland-Isak-Muivah (NSCN-IM) to Delhi to resume talks on the Naga political issue during the first week of October, group sources said on Thursday. An NSCN-IM leader said that the Union government requested the Naga outfit leaders to visit New Delhi to resume talks which stalled for quite some time. "The ball is currently in the court of the Centre. The NSCN-I-M leadership is waiting for the Centre's decision about our demands," the leading Naga outfit's leader said. On September 12, an all-important consultative meeting, convened by the state Home Department, in Kohima, discussed the long pending Naga political issue and demanded the appointment of a new ministerial-level interlocutor to take forward the talks with all the Naga groups. Regarding the demand for a new ministerial-level interlocutor, the NSCN-IM leader declined to comment and said that the matter remained under discussion. Nagaland Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio chaired the September 12 meeting, where both Deputy Chief Ministers T.R Zeliang and Yanthungo Patton, Assembly Speaker Sharingain Longkumer, all the Ministers, the state's Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha members, all MLAs, all the state Advisors, the Chief Secretary, along with other senior officials of the state government attended. A Home Department official said that more than 45 NGOs, civil society organisations, including the influential Eastern Nagaland Peoples' Organisation, Konyak Union, Lotha Hoho, Naga Mothers's Association, Eastern Nagaland women organisations, various Gazetted Officers' Association, Naga Students' Federation, Gaon Bura (village head) Federation, and the All Nagaland College Students Union participated in the crucial meeting. Participants in the meeting urged the Naga groups having parallel talks with the Centre to unite and approach it with a "single document" for an early solution. During the consultative meeting, the stakeholders held the view that the two groups holding dialogue with the Centre the NSCN-IM and the Working Committee of Naga National Political Groups (WC-NNPGs) should try to have a single document so that there is no confusion over the solution. According to the official, the state's Political Affairs Committee (PAC) earlier this month decided to hold consultative meetings with apex and influential tribal bodies and civil society organisations on taking forward the Naga political issue. The Union government signed the vital Framework Agreement with the NSCN-IM, in 2015 and also signed the Agreed Position with the Working Committee of Naga National Political Groups in 2017. More than 90 rounds of meetings were held between the government and the Naga groups over the decades-old unresolved Naga political issue. The NSCN-IM has remained unyielding on its demand for a separate flag and constitution for the Nagas as well as integration of Naga-inhabited areas spread over four northeastern states -- Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Manipur and Nagaland, besides Myanmar. Chennai, Sep 26 : Tamil Nadu Congress President K. Selvaperunthagai and Dravidar Kazhagam (DK) President K. Veeramani welcomed the bail granted by the Supreme Court to former Tamil Nadu Minister Senthil Balaji on Thursday. "This is a victory for truth and the downfall of autocracy. The bail order brings happiness to those who have faith in democracy and to everyone who was watching the authoritarian and vindictive approach of those in power at the Centre," said Selvaperunthagai. Dravidar Kazhagam president K. Veeramani said that though the judgment was delayed, but it 'is a special one'. "The order is important from the human rights perspective, and our Constitution is safeguarded through this," said Veeramani. Congress leader and MP from Karur Lok Sabha seat S. Jothimani said the Supreme Court's order was a testament to the strong fight put up by Senthil Balaji with his unwavering determination. "Not everyone will submit to authority. The INDIA bloc leaders have proved that they can stand against it and win," said Jothimani. Meanwhile, celebrations erupted at Senthil Balaji's hometown in Karur after the Supreme Court granted bail to the former Minister. Supporters of the minister and Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) workers burst crackers at vantage points in Karur, including the roads leading up to the bus stand and Jawahar Bazaar. The former minister's supporters, who had stocked up on crackers in anticipation of a favourable judicial decision, also distributed sweets to passersby and passengers in buses. Celebrations that began after television channels flashed the SC's bail order are continuing in various parts of Karur, with his supporters gathering in the streets, as per the latest reports. The Supreme Court on Thursday granted bail to Senthil Balaji, who was arrested last year in connection with a money laundering case linked to an alleged cash-for-jobs scam. Allowing the appeal, a bench presided over by Justice Abhay S. Oka said that onerous bail conditions had been put on the former TN minister in the order granting bail. It is highly anticipated that Balaji will be reinstated to the state cabinet led by Chief Minister M.K. Stalin in the soon happening shuffle. It may be recalled that the top court had earlier declined to pass any interim order staying the February 28 order of the Madras High Court, which had dismissed Balaji's bail petition. However, it issued a notice to the ED and sought the response of the Central agency within four weeks. In its order, a bench of Justice N. Anand Venkatesh of the Madras High Court observed that even if Balaji had resigned from his position as a Minister, he continues as an MLA belonging to the ruling party in Tamil Nadu and continues to wield a lot of influence on the state government. The high court had asked the trial court to complete the trial within three months by conducting the proceedings on a day-to-day basis. Balaji was arrested by the ED in June last year and has remained in judicial custody since then. In November last year, the Supreme Court had declined to entertain Balaji's plea seeking bail on medical condition remarking that it was not satisfied with his plea and that his medical condition could be cured with medicines. Mysuru, Sep 26 : RTI activist Snehamayi Krisha, one of the petitioners in the Mysuru Urban Development Authority (MUDA) case against Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, said on Thursday that he does not think Lokayukta can ensure a transparent probe and hence will seek a CBI inquiry. Addressing media persons in Mysuru, Snehamayi Krishna said that the Lokayukta institution comes under the state government, therefore, he was not confident of a transparent and unbiased investigation into the case. "Once the FIR is filed, I will approach the High Court seeking a CBI probe. After getting the orders for the Lokayukta investigation on Wednesday, I came to the Lokayukta SP office in Mysuru to hand over the judgement. However, there was no response," he alleged. Krishna said after waiting from morning till 3 p.m., he submitted a complaint to Devraja Police station that the Lokayukta SP Udesh was missing. "However, after the police refused to receive the complaint, I have decided to approach the ACP," Krishna said. "The Lokayukta officers did not have the courtesy to look into the matter and get information from me regarding the case," he charged. "CM Siddaramaiah has developed a love for money and property. Let him resign and face the investigation. No one is trying to cast aspersion on him anymore, he is causing damage to himself," he claimed. Meanwhile, sources confirmed that a meeting of officers was being held at the Karnataka Lokayukta Headquarters in Bengaluru in connection with the lodging of an FIR and taking up legal procedures against CM Siddaramaiah. Lokayukta IGP A. Subramanyeswara Rao, ADGP Manish Kharbikar, Mysuru Lokayukta SP Udesh and other senior officers are discussing the future course of action, the sources said. On Wednesday, a special court in Karnataka directed Lokayukta to conduct an investigation against CM Siddaramaiah over alleged irregularities in the MUDA. The court asked the Lokayukta to submit a report in three months and directed the competent authorities to file an FIR. Kolkata, Sep 26 : The Indian Army Headquarters' Recruiting Zone, Kolkata, said that recruitment of Agniveers from West Bengal in 2024 is highly unlikely as the state government has failed to provide support for organising physical and medical tests for candidates who cleared the online Common Entrance Examination (CEE). "The first rounds of physical and medical screenings for the successful candidates were to be conducted in July and August at Barrackpore and Siliguri. Despite requests to the Department of Home Affairs, Government of West Bengal, no administrative support was forthcoming for these screenings which are loosely referred to as 'recruitment rallies'," said a senior official of Headquarters Recruiting Zone, Kolkata. He added that the administrative support includes maintenance of law and order at the venues and traffic control. "As a result, the screenings could not be conducted," he said. The official added that the screenings scheduled for September and November in Kolkata and Murshidabad have also been put on hold as the first two could not be conducted. "This effectively means that there will be no recruitment to the Army from West Bengal in 2024," he said. The state Home Department has yet to respond to these allegations. However, sources at the Recruitment Zone, Kolkata, said that immediate steps need to be taken to prevent West Bengal's quota from moving to other states. "The most structured and formal policy toward equitable representation in the Armed Forces across states took shape after 1999 with the introduction of the Zonal Recruitment Policy. This policy was designed to ensure a balanced recruitment process and adequate representation from all states in the Indian Armed Forces. Such incidents will affect the whole process," the official added. In 2023, nearly 3,900 youngsters from West Bengal had joined the Army as Agniveers. Of them, about 1,000 have the chance of being permanently absorbed by the Army, while the remaining will be returning after four years and can then apply for recruitment in the Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs). The CAPFs, including the BSF, SSB, CRPF, and CISF, have announced relaxations in the recruitment process for Agniveers who return after serving in the Indian armed forces for four years. According to the, nearly 37,500 candidates from West Bengal registered themselves for the recruitment process in 2024. About 16,000 of them cleared the CEE that was conducted between April 22 and May 3, 2024. Adequate support was provided by the state home department during the online CEE. Mumbai, Sep 26 : Actor Jackie Shroff, who was last seen in the streaming movie 'Mast Mein Rehne Ka', is celebrating the birth anniversary of the late actor Dev Anand. On Thursday, Jackie Shroff took to the Stories section of his Instagram, and shared a video remembering the cinema legend. He wrote on the video, "With the blessings of Dev sahab, I walked into film duniya". For the unversed, Jackie Shroff made his acting debut in Dev Anand's 1982 film 'Swami Dada'. In his first meeting with Dev Anand, he was offered the second lead role but after 15 days, Dev Anand changed his mind and gave the role to Mithun Chakraborty. Jackie was cast as one of the henchmen of Shakti Kapoor in an uncredited role. Prior to this, Jackie used to work as a travel agent, and also worked in an advertising company. His stint in advertising led to modelling assignment, and before he knew it, he was cast in 'Swami Dada'. However, it was the Subhash Ghai directorial 'Hero' in which Jackie Shroff garnered critical and commercial acclaim, and went on to become a huge star in the 1980s. He starred in films like 'Teri Meherbaniyan', 'Tridev', 'Parinda', 'Karma' and others. Earlier, on Thursday, actress and politician Hema Malini also remembered the late actor as she took to her Instagram, and dropped several throwback pictures from the sets of the movies that the two worked together in. She also penned a note in the caption, and spoke about the fond memories of hers with the late actor. She wrote, "I have such lovely memories of Dev sahab who was in fact the hero of my 2nd big release with a top actor. I was raw, and in awe but he quickly put me at ease and behaved as if he was a good friend. This attitude continued till the end, always exuding energy that would stimulate everyone". New Delhi, Sep 26 : The share of engineering goods in India's total merchandise exports increased to 27.20 per cent in August, from 26.60 per cent in July, a report showed on Thursday. The cumulative share stood at 25.97 per cent during the April-August period. According to the Engineering Export Promotion Council (EEPC), the growth was due to a decent rise in shipments of product groups such as 'aircraft and spacecraft parts', 'ships, boats and floating structures', 'automobile and auto components/parts', and 'medical and scientific instrumentsa. After a decline in April, engineering goods exports from India started showing an increasing trend and registered positive growth in subsequent months. In August, engineering exports rose to $9.44 billion from $9.05 billion in the same month last fiscal year, securing 4.36 per cent growth. As per EEPC, cumulative engineering exports during April-August 2024-25 were recorded at $46.41 billion as against $44.53 billion during the same period of the last fiscal, registering an increase of 4.21 per cent. Arun Kumar Garodia, Chairman of EEPC India, said that global trade data has been positive for Indian exports and as per the latest UN data, India, China, and the US are driving the global trade recovery. "Globally trade within the developing countries or South-South trade is also on the rise. However, the major trade institutions across the world caution that the outlook for 2024 is tempered by potential geopolitical issues and industrial policy impacts," he mentioned. As many as 20 out of 34 engineering panels witnessed positive year-on-year growth last month, while 14 remaining engineering panels experienced a decline. Notably, shipment of 'aircraft and spacecraft parts and productsa jumped nearly four times to $436.9 million from $114.6 million in the corresponding month last year. Also, automobile and auto component segment exports registered 6 per cent (year-on-year) growth to $1.97 billion. The US, the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Turkey, Singapore, the UK, and Mexico experienced positive growth in the April-August period. New Delhi, Sep 26 : AAP national convenor and former Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal on Thursday launched a scathing attack on the BJP, accusing them of deliberately halting development work in the national capital during his absence. Speaking in the Delhi Assembly, Kejriwal, who recently secured bail from the Supreme Court, accused Prime Minister Narendra Modi of using his power to derail Delhi's progress. "With the blessings of God and the support of the people of Delhi, I stand here today after being released from jail. The opposition may be disheartened to see both me and (former Deputy Chief Minister) Manish Sisodia here today," he said. Acknowledging the Prime Minister's political influence, Kejriwal remarked: "PM Modi is very powerful, with vast resources. But he is not God. There is a higher power that stood with us, which is why the Supreme Court granted me bail today." He claimed that the BJP had intentionally sabotaged Delhi's infrastructure during his absence, citing the deterioration of roads around Delhi University as an example. "When I got out of jail, people told me the roads in Delhi University had worsened. I inspected them with the Chief Minister (Atishi) and requested her to order repairs, which she promptly did," he said. Kejriwal further revealed that during a conversation with a senior BJP leader, he was told that his arrest was intended to halt Delhi's development. "I was shocked. How can anyone take pleasure in ruining the lives of 2 crore people in the capital? How can politics stoop so low?" he questioned. Kejriwal accused the BJP of focusing on tarnishing AAP's image instead of working for the people. He pointed out that the BJP had failed to win Delhi's elections for 27 years and was now resorting to obstruction tactics. "You are the Union government with immense resources. If I built 500 Mohalla clinics, what's stopping you from building 5,000? If Manish Sisodia built 700 schools, why canat you build 7,000? The public will notice that," he added. Kejriwal also criticised the BJP for suspending key public services in his absence, including bus marshals, pensions for the elderly, and pilgrimage trips for senior citizens. He argued that these actions would only hurt the BJP's standing with the public. "The public isn't foolish. They watch everything silently, and on election day, they will express their discontent through their votes. Stopping work won't get you votes; delivering better work will," he stressed. Kejriwal also defended his integrity, asserting that the people of Delhi believe he is "absolutely honest" and committed to their welfare. He challenged the BJP, stating, "They jailed five of our top leaders, but our party remains strong. I challenge them to jail just two of their own leaders, and their party will collapse." Reflecting on his jail experience, Kejriwal mentioned that despite being charged under a law that typically denies bail, the Supreme Court granted him bail. He reaffirmed his commitment to the people of Delhi, promising to resume all halted development work. He sarcastically urged the BJP to restart pilgrimage trips for senior citizens, even suggesting that they embark on a pilgrimage themselves. Mumbai, Sep 26 : A Mumbai court has found Shiv Sena (UBT) MP, Sanjay Raut, guilty in a 2022 defamation case filed by Medha K. Somaiya wife of ex-BJP MP Kirit Somaiya, and awarded him 15 days' jail plus a fine of Rs 25,000, here on Thursday. Shortly afterwards, Raut moved an application before the court which suspended his jail sentence for 30 days to enable him to file an appeal and also granted him bail. "Raut has been convicted by the Metropolitan Magistrate, 25th Court, Mazgaon, in a defamation case filed by Medha Somaiya to 15 days in jail under IPC Section 500, and a fine of Rs 25,000 as compensation," said her lawyer Vivekanand Gupta in a statement. The order came in the two-year-old libel suit filed by Medha Somaiya against Raut, who had alleged a Rs 100-crore toilet construction scam in Mira Road (Thane), linked to a NGO run by the Somaiyas. Reacting, Raut said that he had merely raised pertinent questions based on certain official records which had raised doubts on the toilet construction issue, which was also endorsed by the ruling Mahayuti alliance leaders, plus it came up in the Assembly. "So, where have I committed any defamation This is merely a ploy to throw me in jail," said a grim Raut after the court ruling, as the Maha Vikas Aghadi allies backed him. Nationalist Congress Party (SP) Working President Supriya Sule and SS (UBT) Deputy Leader Sushma Andhare slammed the case as politically-motivated. Among other things, Raut had claimed that Medha Somaiya was involved in the scam after which she had lodged the libel case. An elated Medha Somaiya and her husband Kirit Somaiya expressed their happiness over the verdict and said that their faith in the judiciary had been vindicated. "I am an ordinary housewife, engaged in social service and educational activities, but will fight anyone who tries to harm my family members. I am satisfied by the court's verdict. It will prevent others from making such absurd allegation," Medha Somaiya told mediapersons. In 2022, Raut had accused Medha Somaiya and her family members of the alleged scam and claimed he had documentary evidence to back it up, but failed to produce the same. The Somaiyas first lodged a complaint with the Mulund Police Station and then filed a defamation suit in the Mazagaon Metropolitan Magistrate Court, challenging Raut's allegations and emphatically declared that "not even a single rupee scam has been committed". The Mahayuti allies Shiv Sena-BJP-Nationalist Congress Party have welcomed the court verdict, while the Opposition MVA partners Congress-NCP (SP)-SS (UBT) have flayed the developments, terming it as politically-motivated ahead of the forthcoming Maharashtra Assembly elections. BAKU, Azerbaijan, September 26. Azerconnect Group supported the region's first International Conference on Cyber Diplomacy held in Azerbaijan. This landmark event brought together state institutions, private companies and business representatives, as well as diplomats and experts to discuss the role of diplomacy in enhancing information security in Azerbaijan. The conference was organized by the Special Communication and Information Security State Service of The Republic of Azerbaijan, in collaboration with the Presidential Administration of Azerbaijan, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Center of Analysis of International Relations, and ADA University, with Azerconnect Group and other private organizations playing a pivotal role in its support. At the event, discussions focused on the crucial role of the private sector in global cyber diplomacy and the significance of international cooperation in advancing cybersecurity. Additionally, the conference also highlighted the significance of the Digital Silk Way project aimed at connecting Europe and Asia. This strategically vital digital corridor is expected to drive economic growth and enhance communication across the region. The International Conference on Cyber Diplomacy saw the participation of around 120 representatives from over 30 countries, including diplomats, experts, and officials. About Azerconnect Group As a company operating in the dynamically developing ICT and high technologies fields of our country, Azerconnect Group delivers advanced solutions, including Mobile, Internet, and International leased lines provisioning, alongside cutting-edge digital services in FinTech, AdTech, and Media/TV. Azerconnect Group is part of NEQSOL Holding, an international group of companies operating in various countries across the energy, telecommunications, hi-tech, and construction industries. New Delhi, Sep 26 : Rajya Sabha member Swati Maliwal on Thursday sharply criticised Aam Aadmi Party supremo Arvind Kejriwal for calling his aide Bibhav Kumar a prominent party leader. Maliwal took to social media to express her outrage accusing former Delhi Chief Minister Kejriwal of defending and promoting individuals involved in questionable activities Without mincing words, Maliwal accused Kejriwal of crossing all boundaries of "shamelessness." "The goon who attacked me in your presence at your residence was sent to jail. While he was in jail, you hired the country's most expensive army of lawyers to save him," she wrote on X on Thursday. Maliwal further criticised Kejriwal for allegedly using his position to protect people who follow him without question. She suggested that the former Chief Minister surrounds himself with sycophants. "If these statements of yours do not boost the spirits of goons like Bibhav, then what else will? Not every person who is a partner in all your wrongdoings is a great leader. You have a hobby of keeping people who say "Wah Sir, Wah Sir" around you, that is why the world has started looking blurry to you," she said. In a pointed remark, Maliwal also questioned Kejriwal's constant comparisons to Lord Ram, often referred to as "Maryada Purushottam Ram," symbolising righteousness and virtue. "So much arrogance is not good. If someone cannot take a stand for his party's woman MP, how will he take a stand for the women of Delhi?" she asked. With her post, Maliwal also attached a video clip of Kejriwal in which he is criticising the BJP for putting prominent AAP leaders in jail in fake cases. Earlier this month, the Supreme Court granted bail to Bibhav Kumar in the Swati Maliwal assault case. Swati Maliwal had claimed that Bibhav Kumar assaulted her when she visited Arvind Kejriwal's residence on May 13 to meet him. On her complaint, the police filed a case and arrested Bibhav Kumar. Bhubaneswar, Sep 26 : Union Minister and BJP President J. P. Nadda on Thursday said that Congress has become the "spokesperson" of Urban Naxalism and is "encouraging" the disintegrating forces in the country today. Bhubaneswar, Sep 26 (IANS) Union Minister and BJP President J. P. Nadda on Thursday said that Congress has become the "spokesperson" of Urban Naxalism and is "encouraging" the disintegrating forces in the country today. "The Congress has become the spokesperson of Urban Naxalism (Maoist). Congress is encouraging the disintegrative forces in the country," alleged Nadda during his speech at a 'Sadasyata Abhiyan' (Membership drive) meeting programme here. He alleged that Marxist parties and Congress have no ideology. Nadda further stated that the Marxists and Congress are fighting in Kerala while forming friendships and conducting photo sessions in New Delhi. He noted that the Congress is "shaking hands" with those who are saying to repeal the decision regarding the revoking of Article 370 in Kashmir. He added that the Bharatiya Jana Sangha said in 1952 that in one nation, there couldn't be two Constitutions, two PMs and two symbols, adding that this is a long journey which started in 1952-53. Shyama Prasad Mukherjee sacrificed his life for it. "In 2019, under the dynamic leadership of PM Modi and the able skills of Amit Shah, we could see in Parliament on August 5th of 2019 that Article 370 was abrogated from the constitution. As a result, Jammu and Kashmir now became a part of India constitutionally." He further added that earlier around 200 laws of India couldn't be implemented in J&K. "Congress leader Manmohan Singh and veteran BJP leader LK Advani who came from West Pakistan during the partition became the Prime Minister and deputy PM of India but the refugees from Pakistan in Kashmir couldn't cast their vote in the Assembly election. However, this is the first time they are giving their vote in the Assembly elections after the abrogation of Article 370," added Nadda. The BJP national president asserted that the Triple Talaq system does not exist in Islamic countries such as Bangladesh, Pakistan, Afghanistan, Iran, Syria and Indonesia. But, the triple talaq system was in force in India in the name of secularism. He said that PM Modi by enacting the law against the triple talaq system gave Muslim women their rights. Nadda urged the people to join the BJP to strengthen the party for making India 'Viksit Bharat' by 2047 under the leadership of PM Modi. He also claimed that the membership of the BJP had reached 18 crores during the last membership drive conducted six years back. Every six years, the membership expires and it has to be renewed by all. Srinagar, Sep 26 : A delegation of 15 members from the Kargil district of Ladakh region on Thursday started their journey to Chandigarh where they will meet another delegation from Leh district to begin the 'Caravan for restoration of democracy in Ladakh' march to New Delhi. Members of the delegation said that they would try to persuade the Union government to accept their four demands including statehood for Ladakh, inclusion in the 6th schedule of the constitution, setting up a public service commission and separate representation for Kargil and Leh in the country's Parliament. Members of the delegation said it includes political, social, and religious leaders committed to preserving the region's cultural and linguistic identity and ensuring fair opportunities for employment. "From Chandigarh, we will march to Delhi. On October 2, we will hold a protest at Raj Ghat and on the next day another protest will be held at Jantar Mantar New Delhi," the members said. They added that they won't meet any politician or government official during the protest. "We appeal to the government to resume talks and address our demands without further delay," they said. In the recent Lok Sabha elections, a rebel from the National Conference, Haji Mohmad Haneefa Jan won the lone Lok Sabha seat from Ladakh defeating both BJP and Congress candidates. --IANS sq/dan Kolkata, Sep 26 : The Calcutta High Court on Thursday directed the West Bengal government to file an affidavit to the court on the alleged "threat culture" in different medical colleges & hospitals in the state. A division bench of Chief Justice T.S. Sivagnanam and Justice Bivas Pattanayak also observed that if the allegations of such a "threat culture" going on in medical colleges, where the junior doctors are becoming the victims, is true, then, the matter is quite serious. The direction came on a public interest litigation where the petitioner requested the court for a direction for investigation in the matter by a committee headed by any retired judge of the Calcutta High Court. The next hearing in the matter will be in November and the state government will have to file its affidavit in the matter before that. Incidentally, the Calcutta High Court direction comes on a day when the West Bengal Junior Doctorsa Forum (WBJDF), which is spearheading the movement against the ghastly rape and murder of a lady junior doctor at R.G. Kar Medical College & Hospital, had sent a fresh message to Chief Secretary Manoj Pant highlighting their unfulfilled demands in the matter. A major part of the missive dealt with the grievances of the junior doctors relating to the state governmentas inaction as regards the formation of the Central Enquiry Committee for disciplinary proceedings against the perpetrators of the athreat culturea in medical colleges. The forum also pointed out that no directive has been given by the state government to individual colleges to form college-level enquiry committees consisting of undergraduate students and resident doctors for disciplinary proceedings against perpetrators of the "threat culture". New Delhi, Sep 26 : The Delhi High Court on Thursday deferred hearing on a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) moved by senior BJP leader Subramanian Swamy seeking direction to the Union Home Ministry to cancel the Indian citizenship of Rahul Gandhi when the Congress leader has "declared himself a British citizen". New Delhi, Sep 26 (IANS) The Delhi High Court on Thursday deferred hearing on a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) moved by senior BJP leader Subramanian Swamy seeking direction to the Union Home Ministry to cancel the Indian citizenship of Rahul Gandhi when the Congress leader has "declared himself a British citizen". Noting that a similar petition is pending before the Allahabad High Court, a Bench headed by Acting Chief Justice (ACJ) Manmohan remarked that the same issue should not be agitated simultaneously before two different forums in the interest of justice. The Bench, also comprising Justice Tushar Rao Gedela, asked the Union government's standing counsel to obtain a copy of the petition, along with the case status, pending before the Allahabad HC. Posting the matter for further hearing on October 9, the Delhi HC said that it intended to doubly make sure that it does not usurp the other High Court's jurisdiction. The plea filed by Swamy before the Delhi High Court sought direction to the Union Home Ministry to furnish a status report on the complaint/representation filed by him against Gandhi and decide it at the earliest. The BJP leader, in 2019, wrote a letter to the Union Home Ministry on violations made by Rahul Gandhi in voluntarily disclosing to the UK government that he is a citizen of British nationality, holding a British passport. Swamy said that with this declaration, the Congress leader ceases to be an Indian Citizen in terms of Article 9 of the Constitution read with the Indian Citizenship Act, 1955. "A Company named Backops Limited was registered in the United Kingdom in the year 2003, with address 51 Southgate Street, Winchester, Hampshire SO23 9EH, where Gandhi was one of the Directors and Secretary of the said company. In the Company's Annual Returns filed on 10/10/2005 and 31/10/2006, your (Gandhi) date of birth has been given as 19/06/1970 and you had declared your nationality as British. Further, in the Dissolution application dated 17/02/2009 of the above referred company, your nationality has been mentioned as British," said the Union Home Ministry in correspondence to Rahul Gandhi on Swamy's complaint. In his petition, Swamy said that he sent many representations to the Home Ministry asking for an update and the status of his complaint, but no action has been taken or intimated to him about the same. "Hence, this petition for direction to Respondent No. 1 (Home Ministry) to furnish a status report on the complaint/representation filed by the petitioner against Respondent No.2 (Rahul Gandhi) and to decide the complaint/representation filed by the petitioner at the earliest and to furnish the conclusion / final order of the complaint/representation filed," the plea said. Galle, Sep 26 : Dinesh Chandimal's century coupled with half-centuries from Angelo Mathews (78*) and Kamindu Mendis (51 not out) stamped Sri Lanka's dominance on the opening day of the second Test against New Zealand at Galle International Stadium on Thursday. Opting to bat first, the hosts had a poor start as they lost opener Pathum Nissanka (1) cheaply to Tim Southee in the first over of the match. However, a 122-run partnership between Dimuth Karunaratne and Chadimal set the tone for a strong show as Sri Lanka ended the first day on 306/3 in 90 overs. The Kiwi bowlers didn't have much success on the day as they only managed to snap one wicket each in the remaining sessions. They also had a sloppy day in the field as well as they dropped three catches off William O'Rourke's bowling while Tom Blundell missed a stumping of Karunaratne in the first session. Karunaratne missed out on a half-century after a horrible mix-up before Tom Latham's under-arm throw gave them their second wicket of the day. Angelo Mathews joined Chadimal in the middle and stitched another big partnership for the third wicket. Chandimal continued playing his shots with ease and scored his 16th Test century in the second session. The duo accumulated a 97-run stand to take the hosts over the 200-run mark after the Tea break. Off-spinner Glenn Phillips finally cleaned up the centurion to take the final wicket of the day. The in-form Kamindu Mendis came in to bat at No.5 and welcomed Southee with two boundaries to get his innings going. New Zealand took the second new ball, but Sri Lanka remained aggressive, finding the boundaries at regular intervals. Daryl Mitchell dropped his second catch of the day, letting Mendis off the hook at slip. Things worsened for the visitors when Latham dropped Matthews just two overs later. Meanwhile, left-hander Kamindu attacked Ajaz Patel, hitting two boundaries and a six across two overs before reverse-sweeping Mitchell Santner for four to reach his half-century. Brief scores: Sri Lanka 306/3 in 90 overs (Dinesh Chandimal 116, Angelo Matthews 78; Glenn Phillips 1-33) vs New Zealand. New Delhi, Sep 26 : The Congress, which is in power in Himachal Pradesh, seems to be grappling with internal rift and discord mainly due to Cabinet Minister Vikramaditya Singh's controversial order to food stall/ eatery owners to prominently display their names -- an instruction that has ruffled many feathers in the Congress high command, as the decision bears an uncanny resemblance to the one taken by Yogi Adityanath-led government in Uttar Pradesh. Also, even as the Congress has been firmly opposing the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, with its members during the JPC meetings vociferously placing their views, Himachal Cabinet Minister Vikramaditya Singh seems to be having a different viewpoint. Vikramaditya Singh, in a social media post, stressing the need to introduce necessary improvements in the Waqf Boards, said: "With changing times, there is a need to bring improvements to the Waqf Boards too. Changes should be made to every law with the passage of time." According to political observers, what caught the attention of many is Vikramaditya Singh -- son of late former Himachal Chief Minister and Congress veteran Virbhadra Singh -- following the path of Yogi Adityanath-led government in Uttar Pradesh in the matter of displaying names of owners/ staff members of the food stalls, eateries and establishments. And these fresh developments have prompted many to ponder if an attempt is being made to gradually adopt a 'Soft Hindutva' stance by the Congress in the hill. The decision took the Congress by an unexpected wave of storm, with the party facing a backlash and one senior leader -- former Chhattisgarh Deputy Chief Minister T.S. Singh Deo -- criticising Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu-led Himachal Pradesh government, while warning that its right to be in power could be questioned over its stance against minorities. Most importantly, the Congress High Command has expressed dissatisfaction over the name-plate display order which was issued by Vikramaditya Singh -- the Urban Development Minister of Himachal Pradesh. Vikramaditya Singh, briefing the media on Wednesday, said that the state government has made a decision similar to that of Uttar Pradesh to ensure that people have access to clean and hygienic food. The instructions, however, have made the top brass of the Congress, including party president Mallikarjun Kharge, upset. According to sources, Vikramaditya Singh had been summoned to Delhi where the Congress high command gave him an earful. Meanwhile, Himachal Pradesh unit Congress president Pratibha Singh -- mother of Vikramaditya Singh -- during an interaction with IANS, said: "The government has taken the decision for proper identification of food stall/ eatery owners... so that they can be identified, and their origins can be learnt. The decision has been taken to ensure the purity of the food products that are being sold." "It's the responsibility of the government to take care of what people are eating. We don't want tourists or others to come to our state and fall ill by consuming food in our state," she told IANS. Responding to a question if the decision was taken on the lines of the Yogi Adityanath-led Uttar Pradesh government, Pratibha Singh said: "Why should we follow Uttar Pradesh? We (can) have our own rules and regulations." Earlier, a day after Vikramaditya Singh courted a controversy by saying the government had decided to make it mandatory for all street vendors in Shimla to display their name, photograph and identification as per their ID cards, the government on Thursday clarified no decision to mandatorily display nameplates by the vendors has been taken. A spokesperson for the government said numerous suggestions have been received from different sections of society regarding the street vendor's policy. So far, the government has not taken any decision to mandatorily display nameplates or other identification by the vendors on their stalls. He said the government was committed to address the concerns of street vendors of the state and would consider all suggestions carefully before taking any decision. The spokesperson said a committee, comprising both Congress and BJP MLAs, has already been constituted to address the matter. The committee was chaired by Parliamentary Affairs Minister Harshwardhan Chauhan and includes Rural Development and Panchayati Raj Minister Anirudh Singh, Public Works Minister Vikramaditya Singh and MLAs Anil Sharma, Satpal Satti, Randhir Sharma and Harish Janartha. The committee would review suggestions of various stakeholders, before submitting its recommendations to the state government. He said that once their detailed recommendations are submitted, the Cabinet would carefully evaluate them before making any final decisions on the matter. "A lot of eatables like momos and noodles are being sold by foodstallsa so the Food and Civil Supplies Department will ensure that the food being sold is hygienic," Vikramaditya Singh said on Wednesday. Kolkata, Sep 26 : The authorities of state-run R.G. Kar Medical College & Hospital in Kolkata announced on Thursday evening that they have decided to conduct a probe against 13 faculty members on the basis of complaints from medical students and junior doctors. R.G. Kar Medical College & Hospital has been in the eye of a storm ever since a junior doctor became a victim of a ghastly rape and murder last month. Sources aware of the development said that there were complaints against all these faculty members about fostering a 'threat culture' within the hospital premises. "It is for your kind information, that the undersigned have received complaints from both students and junior doctors regarding the following faculty members (Medical) of RG Kar Medical College," read the letter signed jointly by the current Principal Dr Manas Kumar Bandyopadhyay and Medical Superintendent and Vice-Principal Dr Saptarshi Chatterjee. The letter was addressed to the chairperson of the enquiry committee of the same hospital, a copy of which is available with IANS. Of these 13 faculty members, three are women. "The enquiry committee is requested to provide their expert assessment of the aforementioned doctors based on the complaints received during the enquiry process. Kindly submit your findings to the undersigned at the earliest," the letter read. In the letter, the probe committee has also been asked to present any pertinent documents and individuals they have identified as significant to the investigation. On Thursday afternoon only, a Division Bench of the Calcutta High Court directed the West Bengal government, to file an affidavit in court on the alleged 'threat culture' in different medical colleges and hospitals in the state. Earlier in the day, West Bengal Junior Doctors' Forum (WBJDF), which is spearheading the movement against the rape and murder had sent a fresh communique to Chief Secretary Manoj Pant highlighting their unfulfilled demands in the matter. A major part of the demands dealt with the grievances of the junior doctors relating to the state government's inaction with regard to the formation of the Central Enquiry Committee for disciplinary proceedings against the perpetrators of the 'threat culture' in medical colleges. London, Sep 26 : Network Rail in the United Kingdom (UK) said Thursday it is investigating a "cybersecurity incident" that disrupted public Wi-Fi networks at some of the country's largest railway stations. Passengers attempting to connect to Wi-Fi at stations including Manchester Piccadilly, Birmingham New Street, Edinburgh Waverley, Glasgow Central, and 11 London terminuses on Wednesday evening were met with a page reading "We love you, Europe," followed by an anti-Islam message listing a series of terror attacks in Europe, according to reports from local media. Network Rail, which operates these stations, said in a statement that the Wi-Fi, provided by a third-party company, has been suspended. The Wi-Fi service is "self-contained and is a simple 'click & connect' service that doesn't collect any personal data," the statement added. The company said a full investigation is underway, Xinhua news agency reported. The incident follows a similar cyberattack in early September that targeted Transport for London, comprising personal details of some 5,000 customers. Jaipur, Sep 26 : Former Rajasthan minister Pratap Singh Khachariyavas on Thursday said that the ex-OSD to former Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot, Lokesh Sharma, is a coward and will land up in jail soon for changing his statement in the phone tapping case. "Cowards like Lokesh Sharma were enjoying the benefits till yesterday and today he is talking nonsense. He is no celebrity and no one knows him. He is only known after he takes the name of Ashok Gehlot four times a day," said Khachariyavas. He said that the former OSD keeps on changing his statements due to which he can land up in jail soon. "The police will definitely catch him as he keeps on changing the statement," he said. On Wednesday, Sharma told Delhi Police officials that Ashok Gehlot was indulging in phone tapping along with his MLAs and they all should be investigated. Lokesh Sharma that during the political crisis, Ashok Gehlot had put phones of MLAs of his party, including those who went to Manesar with Sachin Pilot, under surveillance. "The then DGP, Chief Secretary, Home Secretary and his Principal Secretary Kuldeep Ranka were also included in it," Sharma alleged. He said that the Crime Branch should question Ashok Gehlot and take up for further investigation into the case. In the phone tapping case, Union Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat lodged an FIR against Lokesh Sharma in the Delhi Crime Branch in March 2021, against which Sharma has filed a petition in the Delhi High Court. BAKU, Azerbaijan, September 26. The Ministry of Health of Azerbaijan held a meeting dedicated to anti-tuberculosis measures, Trend reports. The session, chaired by Health Minister Teymur Musayev, included notable participants such as Portfolio Manager at the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis, and Malaria, Olga Avdeyeva, chairman of the board of the State Agency for Compulsory Health Insurance Zaur Aliyev, the executive director of the Association for the Management of Medical Territorial Units (TBIB) Vugar Gurbanov, the deputy head of the Main Medical Department of the Ministry of Justice Iftikhar Gurbanov, and other heads of subordinate institutions of the Ministry of Health and TBIB. Minister Musayev emphasized that targeted healthcare reforms under President of the Republic of Azerbaijan President Ilham Aliyev have ushered in a new phase in the health sector. "Successful healthcare reform is based on three key principles: human capital development, the digitalization of healthcare as a fundamental driver of change, and the new economy of the healthcare system. Strengthening the healthcare system also includes strengthening measures to combat tuberculosis," he stated. According to the minister, since 2012, the Azerbaijani government has begun procuring drugs for non-resistant tuberculosis and fully covering relevant costs through state programs. Additionally, a new mandatory health insurance financing mechanism has been introduced since 2021. "Despite the successes achieved in this area, there is a need to develop a long-term strategy and roadmap for the Tuberculosis Action Plan. Combating tuberculosis is a global challenge. Only by collaborating and sharing knowledge can we achieve positive results," the minister noted. Olga Avdeeva and mission members acknowledged that since 2005, the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis, and Malaria has been actively involved in financing tuberculosis control activities in Azerbaijan. Stressing the shared goal of eradicating tuberculosis by 2030, the mission representatives positively assessed Azerbaijan's efforts to achieve this goal and combat tuberculosis. Chairman of the State Agency for Mandatory Health Insurance Zaur Aliyev and Executive Director of TBIB Vugar Gurbanov highlighted the construction of specialized medical facilities for tuberculosis treatment, employing modern approaches in patient care. Irada Akhundova, Director of the Research Institute of Lung Diseases of the Ministry of Health, made an extensive report at the meeting. Akhundova reported that within the framework of the National Tuberculosis Control Program of the Ministry of Health, positive changes have been observed in the dynamics of morbidity, as well as in the reduction of mortality from tuberculosis over the past 10 years. The meeting concluded with productive discussions on further strategies for tackling tuberculosis in Azerbaijan. Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel Bhopal, Sep 26 : The locals in Madhya Pradesh's Shajapur on Thursday claimed that the violence which claimed one life and injured ten others could have been averted had the local area police acted swiftly. "Sameer Khan and Mahendra Patel along with several others outside my home started abusing Aneesh Khan (brother-in-law of Tabassum). They fired several shots and left the place threatening to teach a lesson to Aneesh," said Tabassum Arif Khan, a local in her complaint which was filed in the Maxi police station on September 23. She said that the locals had alerted local area police at least three days before the violence occurred on Wednesday night. Tabassum had filed two complaints at Maxi police station between September 22 and 24. A complaint copy available with IANS revealed that in her repeated complaints, Tabassum had informed police that Sameer Khan and Mahendra Patel along with several others were hurling abusive language outside her home. Having found no action from Maxi police station, Tabassum filed a complaint to Shajapur SP Yashpal Rajput on September 24. She also informed that she had gone to file her complaint at Maxi police station but the police did not file the case, which made her meet SP. Locals told IANS that Aneesh Khan (Tabassum's brother-in-law) Mahendra Patel had an old enmity. Mahendra along with Sameer Khan and others arrived again outside Tabassum's home and fired gunshots. However, the opposite group objected to Patel and Sameer Khan's repeated abusive words, which led to a clash between the two groups. The clash escalated and they pelted stones at each other. Amjad Khan, brother of Aneesh Khan received a bullet injury and fell down. He was rushed to a nearby hospital and was declared dead on arrival. One minor boy - Junaid Khan (Tabassum's son) also received a bullet injury and he was referred to a private hospital in Indore. "Tension had been simmering between the two sides in Maxi town of the district for the last two days. On Wednesday evening, they had a face-off resulting in the violence," Inspector General (IG) Ujjain Range, Santosh Singh told the press on Thursday. One of the family members told IANS that the police had arrested Aneesh Khan, however, Shajapur Police was yet to make any confirmation about his arrest on Thursday. He also said that some people were trying to make it a conflict between Hindu-Muslim, which is not the truth. New Delhi, Sep 26 : Amid the heated controversy over display of nameplates outside food outlets and restaurants in Himachal Pradesh, state Congress-in charge Rajeev Shukla on Thursday sought to set records straight and dispel the 'needless' row, emanating from the statement of Urban development minister Vikramaditya Singh. New Delhi, Sep 26 (IANS) Amid the heated controversy over display of nameplates outside food outlets and restaurants in Himachal Pradesh, state Congress-in charge Rajeev Shukla on Thursday sought to set records straight and dispel the aneedlessa row, emanating from the statement of Urban development minister Vikramaditya Singh. Rajeev Shukla, while speaking to the press, rubbished reports that Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu government has ordered all the eateries and street vendors to display the names of their owners and staff. "No street vendor or eatery owner is mandated to display the names of owners or proprietors," he said. The controversy broke out over Himachal Urban Development Minister Vikramaditya Singh's statement to the media wherein he said that street vendors will have to keep their nameplates and ID cards on display to ensure that cleanliness and hygiene is maintained and consumers have also 'enough flexibility' to make their preferred choices. Himachal Congress in-charge though justified move to collect ID and Aadhaar cards of street vendors. He said that the verification details of the vendors will help regulate their businesses and also facilitate easy disbursal of licences. Rejecting reports of an umbrella order to all street vendors, he said that the Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister has not passed any order to this effect. "A committee was formed to give recommendations for regulating the street vendors and for allocating a common place to them," he pointed out. Earlier in the day, a spokesperson of Himachal Pradesh government also informed that the committee, comprising both Congress and BJP MLAs, received suggestions from various stakeholders and after reviewing them, it will submit the recommendations to the state administration. On Wednesday, Vikramaditya Singh said that all the street vendors particularly those selling eatables will have to display their identity. "This has been done in Uttar Pradesh. We shall also implement it in Shimla," he said. Gaza, Sep 26 : The Palestinian death toll from an Israeli attack on a school housing displaced persons in the northern Gaza Strip has risen to 15, including children and women, the Civil Defence in Gaza said Thursday. Palestinian security sources told Xinhua news agency earlier on Thursday that Israeli aircraft bombed the al-Faluja school west of the Jabalia refugee camp with at least one missile. Medical sources said 10 people were injured in the attack, all of whom have been taken to the hospital. Meanwhile, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) said in a statement on Thursday that the Israeli Air Force conducted a precise strike on militants operating in a command and control center inside a compound that previously served as the al-Faluja school in northern Gaza. Israel launched a large-scale offensive against Hamas in the Gaza Strip to retaliate against a Hamas rampage through the southern Israeli border on October 7, 2023, during which about 1,200 people were killed and about 250 taken hostage. The Palestinian death toll from ongoing Israeli attacks in Gaza has risen to 41,534, Gaza-based health authorities said in a statement on Thursday. Kolkata, Sep 26 : West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, on Thursday evening, announced the new structure of the patients' welfare committees in all medical colleges & hospitals in the state which are created after dismantling of the previous committee amid the rape and murder of a junior doctor of R.G. Kar Medical College & Hospital in Kolkata last month. She made this announcement at the state secretariat Nabanna after a meeting to review the functioning of all medical colleges and hospitals in the state which was attended by senior administrative and police officials as well as the principals and MSVPs. "The new patients' welfare committee in each medical college will be headed by the principal there. The other members of the committee will be the MSVP, one senior doctor, one junior doctor, one from the nursing section and one public representative," she said. The Chief Minister also said that biometric attendance systems will be introduced at medical colleges and hospitals. "The hospital medical college and authorities have been advised to maintain detailed records of the people coming there for doing contractual works," the Chief Minister said. The decision to reconstruct the patients' welfare committee is very crucial since in the past there had been several complaints of such committees being influenced by local political leaders from the ruling dispensation. The Chief Minister announced the reconstruction of the patient's welfare committees on September 14 after arriving at the protest venue of the junior doctors in front of Swastha Bhavan, the state health department headquarters at Salt Lake in the northern outskirts of Kolkata. Meanwhile, West Bengal Junior Doctors' Forum, the umbrella body of junior doctors in the state spearheading the movement against the ghastly rape and murder will announce its next course of movement in the matter at a mass convention to be organised on Friday. Kolkata, Sep 26 : The West Bengal Junior Doctors' Forum, the umbrella body of junior doctors in the state spearheading the movement against the ghastly rape and murder of a woman junior doctor at R.G. Kar Medical College & Hospital, will announce its next course of action in the matter at a mass convention to be organised here on Friday afternoon. The forum has decided to invite selected senior doctors, like-minded people from the silver screen and theatre world, and select representatives from civil society to the convention to be organised at the auditorium of state-run S.S.K.M. Medical College & Hospital in Kolkata at 4 p.m. on Friday. "At the convention, we will also be discussing how far the commitments given by the state government to strengthen the security arrangements at the medical colleges and hospitals have been fulfilled so far," a WBJDF representative said. It is learnt that the auditorium at S.S.K.M. was chosen as the venue after the state government refused to provide them the space at a state-owned auditorium in Kolkata. The junior doctors have also alleged that the auditorium also did not give them permission to organise a mass interaction programme on the matter at a shopping mall in Kolkata. Currently, the junior doctors are attending only the "emergency services" duties and participating in the medical camps opened in the district against the backdrop of the flood situation in the state. They called off their cease-work movement on the issue earlier this month after the state government assured them of fulfilling their demands after the ghastly rape and murder. On Thursday only the forum forwarded a fresh email missive to Chief Secretary Manoj Pant highlighting seven of their demands which are yet to be fulfilled by the state government. Istanbul, Sep 26 : When Murat Uludag was a teenager about 40 years ago, there was so much water in central Turkey's Lake Kulu that it was dangerous to swim in it. "This region used to be a sanctuary for 186 species of birds. Compared to the past, we only have a handful of birds left," lamented Uludag, a man in his mid-50s who now heads a local wildlife conservation group. "If there's no water, there's no life," the ex-farmer told Xinhua news agency, pointing at a small flock of flamingos and ducks stubbornly packed together in the middle of a tight shoal in the lake. Lake Kulu, by which Uludag grew up, is located some five km east of Konya Province's Kulu district. Once a haven for rose flamingos and other migratory birds on their way to Africa, it has already dried up due to groundwater overuse and climate change. In the past, farmers in Kulu used to grow traditional crops like wheat and barley, but they later shifted to water-intensive crops like maize or beetroot, leading to aggressive use of groundwater which gradually dried up the creeks feeding the lake, Uludag said. Lake Kulu is not alone in facing an uncertain future. According to figures released by the Turkey Nature Conservation Association on September 18, 186 out of 240 lakes in Turkey have entirely dried up over the past 60 years, while the remaining ones are at risk of drought and pollution. Besides, authorities have reported hundreds of sinkholes in Konya Province, which are weakening the bedrock and threatening agriculture and human safety. "One of the main issues in central Anatolia and the vast Konya plain is the proliferation of illegal wells drilled by farmers to irrigate water-intensive crops," Melih Ozbek, an Ankara-based scholar and a wildlife activist, told Xinhua. Another reason is the change in agriculture in recent years, exacerbated by climate change that has resulted in erratic weather conditions and drought, Ozbek said. There is an urgent need to create a plan involving all relevant parties and implement it with a shift in mindset, he said. "People are unwilling to make sacrifices for something they cannot see. They will suffer more in the coming decades," he added. Echoing Ozbek, Erol Kesici, a leading Turkish expert on water issues, warned that "there is not a single lake left in Turkey that we can point to as being in good condition." "The problems are dire, with water levels, surface areas, pollution and oxygen depletion worsened; unfortunately, many of our natural lakes, formed millions of years ago, have suffered from severe drying in the past few decades," Kesici said. United Nations, Sep 26 : As some nations are increasingly choosing unilateralism and militarization over dialogue and diplomacy, the "them versus us" mentality has escalated tensions and eroded trust in the global multilateral system, said Kenya President William Ruto on Thursday at the 79th session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA). "These challenges are complex, interconnected, and escalating at an alarming pace," said the president. From Gaza to Darfur, Ukraine to Yemen, the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo to Sudan, the Sahel region, and Haiti, conflicts are leaving a devastating trail of destruction, according to Ruto. "Climate change is increasingly fueling instability and conflict around the world," he added, Xinhua news agency reported. Additionally, the President said cybersecurity breaches and sophisticated cyberattacks on critical infrastructure threaten national security and global stability. "We must rise to the occasion, summon the political will, and strengthen our diplomatic efforts to address security threats through comprehensive, coordinated and context-specific solutions," he said. Ruto made these remarks at the General Debate of the 79th UNGA, which began on Wednesday. New Delhi, Sep 26 : Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday met the leadership team of Tata Sons and Taiwan's Powerchip Semiconductor Manufacturing Corporation (PSMC), which are building a Rs 91,000 crore mega semiconductor fabrication facility in Gujarat's Dholera. In a post on X, PM Modi said he had "a great meeting with the leadership team of Tata Sons and PSMC". "They shared updates on their semiconductor manufacturing projects. PSMC expressed enthusiasm to further expand its footprint in India," said the Prime Minister. Railways and Electronics and IT Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw said a detailed technology agreement has been inked between Tata Electronics and PSMC for the semiconductor fab in Dholera. "Holistic semiconductor ecosystem is taking shape," said the minister after meeting the leadership team, including N. Chandrasekaran, Chairman, Tata Sons. In March, PM Modi laid the foundation stone of the Tata-PSMC chip plant in Gujarat. The fab construction will generate over 20,000 direct and indirect skilled jobs in the region. This fab will have a manufacturing capacity of up to 50,000 wafers per month and will include next-generation factory automation capabilities deploying data analytics and machine learning to achieve industry-best factory efficiency. According to the companies, the new semiconductor fab will manufacture chips for applications such as power management IC, display drivers, microcontrollers (MCU) and high-performance computing logic, addressing the growing demand in markets such as automotive, computing and data storage, wireless communication and artificial intelligence. According to Chandrasekaran, Tata Group has a tradition of pioneering many sectors in the country, and "we are confident that our entry in semiconductor fabrication will add to this legacy". PM Modi said recently that this is the right time and place to be in India when it comes to semiconductor manufacturing, as the country provides an integrated ecosystem for the global players, along with ease of doing business and a large talent pool. New Delhi: Vanvasi Kalyan Ashram, a Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) inspired organisation recently organised its triennial workers' conference at Samalkha, Haryana. This three-day event witnessed the participation of around 2,000 VKA functionaries and workers from all over the country. New Delhi: Vanvasi Kalyan Ashram, a Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) inspired organisation recently organised its triennial workersa conference at Samalkha, Haryana. This three-day event witnessed the participation of around 2,000 VKA functionaries and workers from all over the country. The RSSa Sarsanghchalak Mohan Bhagwat also attended the event and guided the organisation encouraging them to spread the work of VKA rapidly. The gathering aimed to bring together volunteers working across India in remote tribal areas as well as urban centres, emphasising cultural preservation, national unity, and the empowerment of the tribal population. Bharat has over 120 million tribal population, often referred to as Adivasis, Janjatis, or Scheduled Tribes. These communities have contributed significantly to India's cultural and historical legacy. The connection between Indian culture and the natural landscapes of forests and mountains is profound, as sages and saints have traditionally drawn spiritual and social inspiration from these environments. The Akhil Bharatiya Vanvasi Kalyan Ashram (ABVKA) was founded on December 26, 1952, by Shri Ramakant Keshav (Balasaheb) Deshpande, inspired by the renowned social worker Pujya Thakkar Bappa. Since its inception, ABVKA has been committed to the holistic development of Vanvasis, addressing their socio-economic and cultural needs while preserving their faith and traditions. ABVKAas primary aim is to reaffirm the inseparable bond between Vanvasi society and Indiaas broader cultural traditions. Over time, Vanvasi communities have experienced neglect, and the organisation seeks to counter this by promoting their comprehensive development. It strives to meet their essential needs, such as education and healthcare while emphasising the preservation of their rich cultural heritage. A crucial aspect of the Ashram's mission is to bring the lesser-known history of Vanvasi's contributions to the forefront. Many Vanvasis played pivotal roles in India's freedom movement, yet their contributions remain largely unrecognized. By illuminating this forgotten history, ABVKA instils a sense of pride and unity within these communities. The organisation believes that Vanvasi society's strength lies in its cultural and spiritual identity, which, when nurtured, empowers them to overcome adversities and thrive. ABVKA's concept of development encompasses more than economic upliftmenta"it focuses on holistic progress. This includes fostering national unity, promoting good leadership, and encouraging organic development led by the Vanvasi communities themselves. The organisation acknowledges that the challenges faced by these communities are deep-rooted, and as such, it works patiently and diligently to bring about sustainable progress. While ABVKA primarily operates in remote tribal areas, its influence extends to urban centres as well. The Ashram has units in over 400 cities and towns across Bharat, where volunteers gather resources and raise funds for Vanvasi welfare. This urban outreach has been essential to the organizationas success, as volunteers from all walks of life contribute to various causes, ranging from education and healthcare to protecting the constitutional and legal rights of Vanvasis. ABVKA adopts an integrated approach that addresses the unique needs of tribal communities, focusing on their overall well-being through: Education: Providing access to quality education while preserving tribal languages, traditions, and knowledge. Healthcare: Ensuring access to medical care, including traditional healing practices alongside modern medicine. Economic Empowerment: Promoting sustainable livelihoods through skill development, agriculture, and small-scale industries that respect the environment and tribal ways of life. Cultural Preservation: Protecting and promoting Vanvasi cultural heritage, arts, and rituals, ensuring they remain vibrant and respected within the broader national identity. Social and Spiritual Development: Building community solidarity, leadership, and spiritual practices rooted in tribal traditions while promoting harmonious integration into mainstream society. Celebrating forest culture A defining feature of the triennial conference was the ritual performances by 70 tribes. On the second day of the event, September 21, they demonstrate their diverse worship traditions. Some tribes worship the Saakar (the visible form), while others revere the Nirakar (the formless). This wide variety of worship traditions, which include nature, fire, water, and deities like Shiva and Ganesh, are integral to both Hindu Dharma and tribal and forest culture. These rituals, which often include bhajans, kirtans, and dances, highlight the collective spirit of worshipa"an essential characteristic of Vanvasi communities. Through this cultural display, the tribals showcased the unity in diversity of Bharat's rich heritage. At a time when the nation is engaged in debates on faith, identity, and culture, this event sent a powerful message: the loss of faith leads to the erosion of culture, and with that, the loss of identity. (The writer is an author and columnist. Her latest book is Blood in the Sea: The Dark History of Hindu Oppression in Goa) --IANS Mumbai, Sep 26 : Actress Bipasha Basu, best known for praiseworthy performances in 'Raaz' and 'Aakrosh' once revealed that she once became a pure vegetarian for her boyfriend. In a throwback video, Bipasha said, "So I came back from school and I told my mom, I have fallen in love and my mom was standing there, sitting on the bed and fainting and I told my mom, you won't say anything, I want two salwar kurtas." The 'Dhoom 2' actress continued, "Because I wore shorts before that I said, give me two salwar kurtas because he is a Marwari and his family wants me to wear a salwar kurta and from today I am a vegetarian and before that, I was a hardcore non-vegetarian girl." Suddenly I said, from now on I will become a vegetarian and wear a salwar kurta and I will only marry him. So my poor mother had no choice. But she gave me a salwar kurta. So see, I am a very loving girl. So when I fall in love, I fall in love fully. But that didn't last long because I came to Bombay after that." She concluded. On the personal front, Bipasha Basu was in a relationship with actor Dino Morea from 1996 to 2002. During the filming of 'Jism' in 2002, Bipasha came back into a dating phase with her co-star John Abraham, and they maintained it from 2002 to 2011. Later, the 'No-Entry' fame actress dated actor Harman Baweja, but they broke up in 2014. After a while, Bipasha Basu met her 'Alon' co-star actor Karan Singh Grover on the set and they fell in love. The couple tied the sacred knot on April 30, 2016 and on November 12, 2022 the duo became the parents of their adorable daughter, Devi Basu Singh Grover. In 2015, Bipasha, actress Malaika Arora, and Hrithik Roshan's ex-wife Sussanne Khan launched their shopping portal 'The Label Life'. In 2020, she made her OTT debut with the crime thriller series 'Dangerous' opposite her husband Karan Singh Grover. IANS ays/ SAMARKAND, Uzbekistan, September 26. Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB) may welcome another member, said Jin Liqun, AIIB President, Chairman of the Board of Directors, at a press conference, Trend reports. "Since its inception, the AIIB has grown from 57 founding members to 109 approved members across six continents. On September 26, the Board of Governors will evaluate a recommendation from the Board of Directors to consider a new prospective member, which could increase our membership to 110. Our members currently represent 81 percent of the world's population and 65 percent of global GDP," he said. AIIB president pointed out that the bank has become an integral part of the global financial landscape during almost nine years into operations. "Through nearly 300 of approved projects, our bank has committed over $50 billion to infrastructure development across Asia and beyond, focusing on sustainability, innovation, connectivity, and private capital mobilization". "With more than 30 partnerships across international and regional entities, we have made significant strides in promoting economic growth and addressing pressing socio-economic challenges. Together, we strive to finance the infrastructure of tomorrow to achieve a better future through sustainable development," added Jin Liqun. AIIB is hosting its first annual meeting of the Board of Governors in Central Asia on themed "Building Resilient Infrastructure for All" on September 25-26, 2024, in Samarkand. Over two days, more than 25 panel discussions will take place, focusing on innovations in infrastructure financing, climate resilience, sustainable development, and the digital transformation of infrastructure projects. Itanagar, Sep 26 : A special Pocso court in Arunachal Pradesh on Thursday handed down a death sentence to death former hostel warden Yumken Bagra for sexually assaulting 21 minor students at a state-run residential school in Shi-Yomi district between 2019 and 2022. A senior police official said that the special judge, Pocso cases, of west sessions court, Yupia also sentenced two others -- former headmaster Singtung Yorpen, and Hindi reached Marbom Ngomdir -- to 20 years rigorous imprisonment for their involvement in the case under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (Pocso) Act and Indian Penal Code (IPC). Prime accused Bagra, 33, sexually assaulted 21 children, including 15 girls and six boys, aged between 6 and 15 years, between 2019 and 2022. The police official said that Bagra was convicted under various sections of the IPC as well as the POCSO Act, and sentenced to death due to the severity of his crimes. The ruling of the court not only addresses the immediate serious issue but also serves as a significant turning point for the broader social awareness in the protection of children, underlining the collective responsibility to safeguard the rights and welfare of minors. According to the official, sexual abuse at the government-run residential school came to light after two students, both sisters, informed their parents about the crime in November 2022. On November 4, 2022, an FIR was lodged at Monigong police station in the Shi-Yomi district. Then hostel warden Bagra, a native of Tadin village near Aalo in West Siang district, was on the run and police arrested him on December 13, 2022, in Itanagar. A Special Investigation Team (SIT) at the Crime Branch Police Station after investigating the case found that Bagra sexually assaulted 21 children during his tenure as hostel warden at the Karo Government Residential school. An official statement said that the initial investigation of this pivotal case received momentum under the leadership of Irak Bagra, Superintendent of Police of Shi-Yomi district, along with his dedicated team, and Abhimanyu Poswal, SP of West Siang, and his staff, before it was entrusted to the SIT. The Itanagar bench of the Gauhati High Court on July 21 took suo-motu action and cancelled a bail granted to Bagra by a lower court. Chennai, Sep 26 : BJP leader and former Lt Governor of Puducherry and Telangana, Tamilisai Soundararajan on Thursday slammed the INDIA bloc for celebrating the bail granted by the Supreme Court to Senthil Balaji, former minister and DMK leader. She said that the apex court had granted bail only in the job for a cash scam case registered by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) against Senthil Balaji. Soundarajan said that Balaji was not acquitted by the court and instead, he was only granted bail in the case. She said that it was surprising that the INDIA bloc leaders were celebrating the bail of Senthil Balaji and charged Chief Minister M.K. Stalin for openly supporting Balaji. The senior BJP leader said that the former minister was behind bars for 471 days as he was not granted bail by the courts and not because of any actions by the Union government. Soundarrajan said that when Senthil Balaji was with the AIADMK, Stalin had addressed him as a 'traitor' and now after joining DMK the same Balaji has become a 'martyr'. Tamil Nadu Chief Minister, M.K. Stalin has welcomed the decision of SC to grant bail to Senthil Balaji. Senthil Balaji who was a transport and excise minister in the Tamil Nadu government was arrested on June 14, 2023, from his residence under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act by the Enforcement Directorate (ED). He was lodged in Puzhal Central Prison for 471 days. "Dear brother Senthil Balaji has secured bail after 471 days owing to the Supreme Court. I welcome brother Senthil Balaji who is coming out of prison with a renewed vigour. Your sacrifice is great, your resolve is even greater," the Chief Minister wrote on X. The Chief Minister also indirectly took a dig at the Union government and alleged that they were using the ED as a weapon against opposition leaders and described the 15-month incarceration of Balaji as a move to break his (Senthil Balaji's) resolve. Stalin in the post said, "In a situation where the Enforcement Directorate has been converted into a department suppressing political enemies, the apex court is the only solace." The Chief Minister also drew a parallel with the incarceration of political opponents during the Emergency. He said, "Jail life was not so long during the Emergency days while now political conspiracies went for 15 months." Earlier, SC granted bail to Senthil Balaji as Justice Abhay Oka while pronouncing the judgment observed that stringent bail provisions and delay in trial cannot go together. Mumbai, Sep 26 : Ahead of the upcoming Maharashtra Assembly elections, Shiv Sena led by Chief Minister Eknath Shinde on Thursday announced the launch of the 'Mahavijay Samvad Abhiyan', a statewide campaign aimed at taking the achievements of the MahaYuti government directly to the people. Starting on September 27, the campaign will be conducted across the state by three wings of the party comprising Yuva Sena, Mahila Aghadi, and Shiv Sena Social Media. An announcement in this regard was made by Shiv Sena MP Shrikant Shinde -- son of Chief Minister Eknath Shinde -- at a press conference. The Shiv Sena MP said that through the programme, the party aims to communicate the work done by the MahaYuti government under CM Eknath Shinde's leadership over the last two and a half years. Shrikant Shinde said that 'Mahavijay Samvad' is designed to further this outreach. "One leader or deputy leader will visit an Assembly constituency every day, covering five areas and holding meetings to directly engage with the public," he added. The campaign's first phase will last five days, beginning on Friday. Led by Yuva Sena Working President Purvesh Sarnaik, the youth wing will commence its campaign from Bhiwandi on September 27, covering six Vidhan Sabha segments every day. Branch visits and public gatherings will be held to galvanise support. The Yuva Sena's statewide tour, which includes Marathwada, Western Maharashtra, and Konkan, will start on October 13. Shiv Sena leader Meenatai Kambli outlined the role of Mahila Aghadi in the campaign, focusing on reviewing key government welfare schemes such as the Mukhyamantri Majhi Ladki Bahin Yojana, Lek Ladki Yojana, and free education for girls. "We will ensure that these schemes reach the last beneficiary. The Shiv Sena Ladki Bahin Sampark Abhiyan will launch across 18 Vidhan Sabhas, from Konkan to Vidarbha, on the same day," said Kambli. Shiv Sena Yuva Sena General Secretary and Shiv Sena Social Media State Head Rahul Kanal will lead a team of 'Social Soldiers' on a tour of Nashik, Nandurbar, Dhule, Shirdi, and Nagar starting Friday. Their mission is to further amplify the government's achievements across social media platforms and engage with the electorate online. Shrikant Shinde further said that 50 Vidhan Sabhas across North Maharashtra, West Maharashtra, and Mumbai have already been covered under the 'Jan Samvad Yatra', and the next phase will commence soon. He challenged the opposition to outline their accomplishments over the past two and a half years, accusing them of inaction. "They sat idle for two and a half years, while we worked for the people," he said. Shinde took a dig at the opposition for targeting the MahaYuti government despite their alleged involvement in corruption during the Covid phase. He further stressed the government's focus on development, noting the revival of crucial infrastructure projects. "They (Maha Vikas Aghadi) halted the Metro car shed project, but we have brought it back. Metro Line 3 will start soon, the coastal road project has gained momentum, and MTHL is already launched. Our government is working to make Mumbai pothole-free," he added. --IANS sj/pgha Hyderabad, Sep 26 : Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS) working president K. T. Rama Rao on Thursday alleged that there is a big land scam involving thousands of crores behind the proposed cancellation of the Hyderabad Pharma City project. He told media persons in Sircilla that the Congress government deceived both the public and the High Court. He questioned the governmentas stance, claiming that it is misleading both the public and the judiciary by stating different positions on the Pharma City project. "There is thousands of crores land scam behind the Pharma City cancellation. We will soon reveal all the details," KTR stated, adding that the move is "a conspiracy to benefit the Chief Minister's brothers with billions of rupees." The BRS leader pointed out the contradictory stances of the government, saying, "On one hand, they claim Pharma City is cancelled, but in the High Court, they state it hasn't been cancelled. How can they mislead the judiciary like this?" KTR questioned the feasibility of the government's alternative proposals. "They talk about Future City, AI City, and Fourth City. Have they acquired even an acre of land for these? How can they repurpose Pharma City lands without acquiring any new land?" Highlighting the scale of the original project, KTR said, "We proposed Pharma City with 14,000 acres and an investment of a64,000 crores. The land was acquired under conditional acquisition and cannot be repurposed for other projects." KTR warned of severe consequences if the government continues its alleged deception. "This attempt to mislead the High Court will face consequences both in court and in the people's court," he cautioned. The former minister demanded clarity from the government. "Is Pharma City still operational or not? The government must clarify this tomorrow in the High Court," he insisted. Expressing concern over the project's potential cancellation, KTR stated, "Cancelling Pharma City will not only harm industrial progress but also result in the loss of thousands of job opportunities in Telangana." He urged the government to abandon what he termed as "corrupt schemes" and continue with the original Pharma City project. "The land given by farmers for industrial development should not be used for corrupt land deals," KTR emphasised. Amaravati, Sep 26 : Former Andhra Pradesh minister Balineni Srinivasa Reddy and former MLAs Samineni Udaya Bhanu and K. Rosaiah, who quit the YSR Congress Party (YSRCP) recently, joined the ruling Jana Sena Party on Thursday. Deputy Chief Minister and Jana Sena President Pawan Kalyan welcomed them into the party at a programme held at the party headquarters at Mangalagiri. Several supporters of the three leaders also joined the Jana Sena. Pawan Kalyan urged the leaders to work to strengthen the party and take its policies to villages. Srinivas Reddy, who resigned from the YSRCP on September 18, had earlier said that decided to join the JSP at the invitation of Pawan Kalyan without any expectations. A key leader from the Prakasam district, he said he was never after power but only keen to have self-dignity and respect from others. The former minister said he quit the YSRCP after suffering insults and allegations. He claimed that he never asked former Chief Minister Y.S. Jagan Mohan Reddy for any favour for his personal gain. He said despite being close to the YSR family, he opposed the wrong decisions of Jagan Mohan Reddy. Following his defeat in Ongole in recent Assembly elections, Srinivasa Reddy had demanded a thorough examination of EVMs and cross-checking of VVPAT slips. He was unhappy after Jagan Mohan Reddy dropped him from the Cabinet in 2022 and was reported to be even planning to quit as an MLA. Srinivasa Reddy, who had served as a minister in the cabinet of Y.S. Rajasekhara Reddy in the undivided Andhra Pradesh, was miffed over Jagan Mohan Reddy dropping him while retaining many others who were junior to him. He was particularly sore over the CM retaining Adimulapu Suresh, who also hails from the same district, in the Cabinet. Jagan Mohan Reddy, however, had pacified him and appointed him the regional coordinator of the party. Uday Bhanu said they left the YSRCP to join the Jana Sena as they wanted to work in the ruling coalition. He vowed to work to strengthen the party. He said they would work to serve people and for the development of the state. Rosaiah said he joined the Jana Sena as he wanted to be a partner in the stateas development. He said he would strive to strengthen Jana Sena at the grassroots level. He claimed that several leaders from the YSRCP were ready to join the Jana Sena. Ballary, : Sep 26 (IANS) Jailed Kannada superstar Darshan was grilled by Income Tax sleuths in connection with money transactions between the accused linked to the brutal murder of his fan Renukaswamy. The IT sleuths grilled Darshan in the visitorsa room for more than three hours in the presence of Jail Superintendent R. Latha. The entire session was video recorded. The sleuths questioned him about the seizure of Rs 70.4 lakh from his house and his aides and other accused in the Renukaswamy murder case. According to police, the investigators had seized Rs 37.4 lakh from Darshanas residence and Rs 3 lakh from his wife Vijayalaxmias house in Bengaluru. Darshan had allegedly given the money to his wife after the murder of Renukaswamy. Further, the actor has allegedly given Rs 5 lakh each to four accused persons to surrender before the police claiming responsibility for Renukaswamy's murder through his aides. He had also given Rs 30 lakh for his aides to manage the disposal of the body and for other expenses to hush up the case. The IT sleuths had grilled him over the transactions and recorded his statement. The Karnataka High Court will take up the hearing of bail plea on Darshan on Friday. On June 9, Renukaswamy was abducted from Chitradurga and brought to Bengaluru, where he was confined in a shed at Pattanagere and brutally assaulted. Renukaswamy was murdered, and his body was dumped in a drain at Sumanahalli. In connection with this case, 17 people, including Darshan and his partner Pavithra Gowda, were arrested on the morning of June 11. All the accused are currently in jail and are under judicial custody. After 102 days of arrest, Darshan had, on last Saturday, submitted a bail petition through his counsel at the sessions court. His counsel had also pleaded for an emergency hearing on the matter. New Delhi, Sep 26 : Amid the escalating Tirupati "laddu controversy," the call to free temples from government control is growing stronger. Following the Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP), numerous religious leaders are joining the push for temple liberation. Is this the onset of a movement aimed at removing state regulation of temples across the country? The discourse surrounding this issue has intensified due to allegations of animal fat adulteration in the ghee used for prasadam (holy offerings) at the Sri Venkateswara temple in Tirupati, Andhra Pradesh. The momentum for freeing temples from government control has been building, with various organisations, civil society, and political figures rallying behind this cause. Debates are emerging in public forums, especially in light of the laddu scandal, and the call for reform is becoming increasingly vocal. Proponents argue that removing state oversight could reduce corruption within temple management boards. Many assert that the "Free Hindu Temples" movement is essential for reforming the temple management system. Observers note that while the state has liberalised its control over assets, businesses, and various economic sectors, temples remain under stringent state regulation. Analysts point out that Hindu temples flourished for centuries under local governance, long before Indiaas democratic and secular state was established in 1947. The push to liberate temples from government oversight has even reached the Supreme Court, where concerns have been raised about state involvement in temple management. Those supporting temple freedom argue that government control contradicts the principle of secularism and intrudes into religious affairs. They also accuse state officials of misappropriating temple resources, noting that the Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments (HR&CE) Department collects substantial funds, despite court disapproval of such practices. In Tamil Nadu, temples are reportedly unable to perform rituals due to depleted incomes, with no external audits being conducted since 1986, resulting in 1.5 million unresolved audit objections. The VHP has recently asserted that government control over temples reflects a mindset rooted in the legacy of "Muslim invaders" and colonial rule. According to a VHP spokesperson, "Governments are using temples to plunder their wealth and to provide positions for politicians who cannot find a place in the government." Colombo, Sep 26 : Sri Lanka's new President Anura Kumara Dissanayake announced late Thursday that his government has reinstated the previous visa issuance system, effective midnight. "The government has officially reinstated the previous visa issuance system, effective from 12.00 midnight today," Dissanayake posted on X. Last month, Sri Lanka's Immigration Department reverted to issuing on-arrival visas at the points of entry, and airports after the Supreme Court suspended a controversial deal outsourcing online visa issuing to a tripartite joint venture. The government led by Ranil Wickremesinghe was accused by the opposition parties of amassing $10 million from the controversial deal. The petitioners had charged that the procedural violations and abuse of public trust had been caused by officials in the procurement of private entities to handle the Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) system for issuing visas to tourists visiting Sri Lanka. They claimed the deal had affected the tourism industry, national economy and national security. While suspending the operation of foreign companies from issuing online visas, the Lankan Supreme Court had ordered the Immigration Department to return to the ETA system that was there before April 2024 and run by a local company which provided the service at a cost of one dollar while VFS Global was charging different prices from $10 to much more depending on the category of visa. However, the Public Security Minister in Wickremesinghe's Cabinet, Tiran Alles asserted that the ETA system run by Mobitel cannot be restored as many changes have been introduced and there were changes in laws which were passed in Parliament. Minutes after Dissanayake announced the decision late Thursday evening, Vijitha Herath, the new Minister of Public Security, said that all foreigners will now be able to apply for visas under the previous system. "The visa facility provided by VFS Global has caused significant difficulties for many. Foreigners arriving in Sri Lanka experienced considerable challenges in obtaining their visas. In response, and following a court decision, the Ministry of Public Security has intervened to resume the issuing of visas under the previous system," Herath was quoted as saying by Daily Mirror. "From 12.00 midnight today, foreigners can easily apply for visas online, which will be processed within 24 hours. This marks a significant improvement. Furthermore, we have initiated an immediate forensic audit to investigate the irregularities associated with the VFS Global. Any discrepancies found will be subject to legal action in the future. As a result, those in business and investment sectors will now have access to the same visa facilities," he added. Agartala, Sep 26 : The Assam Rifles in a major drug haul, have seized large quantities of drugs worth over Rs 52 crore and seized a mini-truck in West Tripura on Thursday, officials said. Assam Rifles sources said that the para-military troops acting on secret information intercepted a mini truck at Khayerpur in west Tripura district and recovered 2,60,000 Yaba (Methamphetamine) tablets valued at Rs 52 crores. Though the Assam Rifles seized the vehicle, the driver of the mini truck managed to escape. The seized drugs have been handed over to the Customs Department, Agartala for further legal proceedings. An Assam Rifles statement said that the anti-drug operation would go a long way in contributing towards the 'Nasha Mukt Bharat' call given by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the anti-drug campaign being spearheaded by Tripura Chief Minister Manik Saha. "Series of consecutive successful operations by Assam Rifles leading to recovery of drugs worth crores of rupees highlighting the force's unwavering commitment in the fight against drug trafficking and illegal smuggling activities in the northeastern region," the statement said. A police official said that the truck, which was carrying the drugs, was coming from neighbouring Mizoram, which has 510 km of unfenced border with Myanmar. The drugs have been smuggled from Myanmar and then ferried to southern Assam to supply them in other parts of the country or abroad, the official said, adding that Tripura has become an easy corridor of drug smuggling as the state has an 856 km international border with Bangladesh. Popular among the drug addicts, the highly addictive Methamphetamine tablets, also known as party tablets, were often smuggled from Myanmar and were being ferried to other parts of India and abroad. Jaipur, Sep 26 : BJP National General Secretary Organisation B.L. Santosh on Thursday held a review meeting of the party's membership campaign in the state. Addressing the meeting, he said that the party workers should get together with pre-planned and complete planning to attain set goals and called upon the district presidents to make Pravas Plans at the Mandal and booth level and give impetus to the membership campaign by joining hands with the local workers there. He asked the party workers to develop leadership qualities in their fellow workers. "Your stature will automatically increase when they become leaders," he said. Santosh further said that BJP is an ideology-based party, where workers play a significant role. "Membership campaign is the first step towards increasing the workers' strength, so there is a need to work seriously on it." Giving a three-point mantra for the success of the campaign, he said that members should be made every day, activity should be increased at every booth of the Mandal and the number of personal referrals should be increased in the membership campaign. BJP State President Madan Rathod, while addressing the review meeting, said that the opposition in the country is creating an atmosphere of anarchy by spreading confusion. "Opposition leader Rahul Gandhi is tarnishing the country's reputation in foreign countries, in Parliament and the audacity is being shown to call Hindus violent. Not only this, an atmosphere is being created to break mutual goodwill in the country. On the other hand, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who considers 140 crore countrymen of the country as his family, is working for the unity, integrity and culture of the country. In such a situation, enthusiasm is being seen across the country to join the membership campaign of BJP." BJP State President Madan Rathore said that BJP is committed to the protection of the reserved class. "Steps have always been taken for the welfare of these classes when the party gets a majority in the centre and state. However, Congress and other parties consider them only vote banks. Congress, which was negligent in implementing reservation earlier, today goes to foreign soil and talks about ending reservation. PM Modi has said that as long as BJP is there, he will not let any harm come to the reservation. On the other hand, the opposition is announcing to create of Bangladesh-like conditions in the country. Their thinking can be gauged by looking at the manifesto of Congress in J&K Assembly elections. The leaders of the political party which announces to restore the old system in Kashmir again can never do good to the country. In such a situation, we need to increase membership to reach the idea of BJP to the public." BJP State Incharge Radha Mohan Das Aggarwal called upon the workers to engage in the work of the organisation with a strong mind and not with a weak mind, because the strength of BJP is its workers. State in-charge of BJP membership campaign Rituraj Sinha said that in the next 18 days, three Maha Abhiyans will be run to speed up the membership. He said that a positive trend has emerged regarding membership across the country. People are coming forward to strengthen the national idea in the political field by joining the BJP. State convener of the membership campaign Arun Chaturvedi, while presenting the introduction of the review meeting, said that the first phase of the membership campaign ended on Wednesday. SAMARKAND, Uzbekistan, September 26. Uzbekistan plays pivotal role in the establishment and success of the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB), said Jin Liqun, AIIB President and Chairman of the Board of Directors, at a press conference, Trend reports. "As one of the founding members of the AIIB, Uzbekistan has been instrumental in shaping the banks growth, a contribution recognized on the global stage. Our collaboration with the government and people of Uzbekistan has been critical in driving positive change and unlocking the countrys immense potential," Jin Liqun stated. He underscored that the long-standing partnership between AIIB and Uzbekistan exemplifies the transformative impact of close cooperation in fostering sustainable development and boosting regional stability. AIIB president emphasized that the relationship with Uzbekistan is more than just financial; it is a powerful testament to how multilateral institutions and national governments can work together to achieve shared goals. "The partnership between the AIIB and Uzbekistan is a shining example of how close cooperation can yield tangible and lasting benefits," he remarked, noting that the countrys development trajectory has been significantly bolstered by joint initiatives in infrastructure, energy, and transportation. Jin Liqun also highlighted the active participation of neighboring Central Asian countries in the banks efforts to promote regional connectivity and cooperation. "It has been humbling to see the active participation of neighboring countries, including Kazakhstan, Tajikistan, and Kyrgyzstan, underscoring their commitment to regional stability and collective efforts towards a more interconnected and collaborative future for all," he added. The AIIBs ongoing projects in Uzbekistan and the wider region have focused on modernizing infrastructure, boosting renewable energy, and creating more inclusive economies. Jin Liqun expressed optimism about the future of these partnerships and the broader regional efforts to create a more sustainable and interconnected Central Asia. AIIB is hosting its first annual meeting of the Board of Governors in Central Asia on themed "Building Resilient Infrastructure for All" on September 25-26, 2024, in Samarkand. Over two days, more than 25 panel discussions will take place, focusing on innovations in infrastructure financing, climate resilience, sustainable development, and the digital transformation of infrastructure projects. United Nations, Sep 26 : Two groups advocating UN Security Council reforms on Thursday held, for the first time, a joint meeting to press for time-bound action to increase permanent and elected seats on the world body's highest decision-making platform. United Nations, Sep 26 (IANS) Two groups advocating UN Security Council reforms on Thursday held, for the first time, a joint meeting to press for time-bound action to increase permanent and elected seats on the world bodyas highest decision-making platform. Ministers from the L.69, a group of over 30 countries from across Asia, Latin America, and Africa, and C10, an influential group of African nations, were of the view that delaying Security Council reform "directly impacts the credibility and legitimacy" of the UN, according to a press release from Indiaas Ministry of External Affairs (MEA). External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar posted on X: "Encouraged by the first-ever Joint Ministerial Meeting of L-69 and C-10 groupings of nations", which "called for text-based negotiations" in order to "achieve concrete outcomes in a fixed timeframe". The joint meeting highlights the urgent push mounted at the UN with Africa as the focus for reforms because of the historical injustice done to it by excluding it from a permanent member of the Council as a vestige of colonialism. "The ministers reiterated the urgent need to make the Security Council more representative, transparent, efficient, effective, democratic, and accountable," the MEA said. They recognised that the Summit of the Future meeting of world leaders this week "provided an opportunity for renewed commitment to Security Council reform", it said. The Pact for the Future adopted at the Summit reiterated the global demand for reforms, especially to give the African continent its due representation on the Council. The ministers reaffirmed their support for the Common African Position, calling it "a manifestation of the principle of African Solutions for African Challenges". The common position demands two permanent seats and two additional elected seats for Africa "as the only way to sufficiently redress the historical injustices" done to the continent. The MEA release said: "They underscored that, for reform to be transformative, there must be greater representation of the Global South, especially for underrepresented and unrepresented regions and groups, such as Africa, Asia-Pacific and Latin America and the Caribbean, in both the permanent and non-permanent categories of membership". The meeting was chaired by Saint Vincent and the Grenadines Prime Minister Ralph Gonsalves, who heads the L.69. Kohima, Sep 26 : All 45 Naga youth, who had been arrested in Chandigarh on May 15, as they were reportedly accused of duping American citizens by posing as agents of major companies, were granted interim bail on Thursday by the Punjab and Haryana High Court, officials here said. Nagaland Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio in a post on the X said: "The 45 Naga youths who were in custody in Punjab have been granted bail. The Govt is making arrangements and facilitating their smooth return home. I congratulate the Advocate General Nagaland, Shri K N Balgopal and his team, and appreciate his efforts in ensuring their release." A Nagaland government official said that these 45 youths, including 10 women, were arrested on May 15 in Chandigarh under various sections of the Information Technology Act, 2000, and the Indian Penal Code. He said that Punjab and Haryana High Court Justice Rajesh Bharadwaj after three separate hearings granted the interim bail on Thursday. During the proceedings, it was argued that none of the accused youth were beneficiaries of the alleged fraudulent schemes. According to the official, the individuals had been employed at call centres operated by individuals from Gujarat and Maharashtra and were accused of sending fraudulent messages to foreigners and extracting money under various schemes. The youths had been imprisoned for the last four months, with both the Chief Judicial Magistrate (CJM) and the District Judge rejecting their bail pleas. With their prolonged detention, the Nagaland Chief Minister intervened taking into account the hardship faced by the Naga youths. The official said that the Chief Minister earlier instructed the state's Advocate General to take swift legal action to secure their release. Instead, the actual beneficiaries were businessmen from Gujarat and Maharashtra, none of whom had been arrested yet, the official said. The prosecution, which claimed there were over one lakh victims, failed to produce any witnesses or conduct a thorough investigation, despite the availability of the Mutual Legal Assistance Treaty (MLAT) between India and the US. Representing the Naga youths, the legal team led by state's Advocate General Balgopal, along with Advocates Paramjeet Singh Brar and Nitya Nambiar, argued for their interim bail. The High Court acknowledged the lack of evidence against the accused and granted relief to all 45 individuals. Throughout the case, the Chief Minister closely monitored developments to ensure the swift release of the Naga youths, highlighting the government's commitment to justice for its citizens. The parents and relatives of the Naga youths have been requested to contact the Nagaland government to provide all information and cooperation for getting the Naga youth released, the official said. According to media reports, these arrests occurred after the Punjab Police busted two fake call centres in Chandigarh. --IANS sc/dan United Nations, Sept 26 : Ministers of the IBSA group made up of India, Brazil, and South Africa met here on Thursday and consulted on Security Council reforms as it acquire greater urgency. After the meeting attended by him and Brazil's Foreign Minister Mauro Vieira, and South Africa's International Relations Minister Ronald Lamola, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar wrote on X, "We share convergent views on reforms of UN system and of its Security Council. Our consultations should intensify as these debates acquire greater urgency." Lamola said in his X post, "It was great pleasure meeting my counterpart from India Dr SJaishankar at the IBSA Ministerial Meeting." FM Jaishankar noted in his post that "IBSA nations participate in and shape ongoing global discourses on development, SDGs [UN's Sustainable Development Goals], poverty eradication, multilateralism, and South-South cooperation." IBSA, which brings together three major multi-ethnic democracies on three continents was established in 2024, to cooperate on climate change, terrorism, international governance, and development issues. It has also established an IBSA Fund to provide development aid to other Global South countries. The fund has supported 42 projects in 35 countries with allocations of $46.7 million. Ahmedabad, Sep 25 : A Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC) formed to assess the necessity of the Waqf Amendment Bill will visit Gujarat. During their visit, the Gujarat State Waqf Board and the Gujarat government will present detailed findings and proposals to the committee in Ahmedabad. The Waqf Amendment Bill, proposing changes to existing Waqf regulations, was introduced in the Lok Sabha on August 8, 2024. The opposition parties opposed the bill, raising concerns that it was introduced without sufficient discussion. In response, the government established a JPC to examine the bill's necessity and gather input from various stakeholders. The JPC, comprising 31 members - 21 from the Lok Sabha and 10 from the Rajya Sabha - will conduct a series of reviews, starting with Gujarat. The Gujarat government and the Waqf Board will deliver a presentation outlining their perspectives on the bill, its potential impact, and any necessary modifications. The Waqf Act 1995, which aims to ensure better administration of waqfs (religious endowments) and related matters, became applicable to Gujarat on January 1, 1996. Following the enactment, the Gujarat State Wakf Board was constituted by the Government's Legal Department through a notification dated November 30, 1996. The Board was later reconstituted on May 19, 2000. Before applying the Waqf Act, Muslim waqfs in Gujarat were governed under the Bombay Public Trusts Act, of 1950. However, with the introduction of the Waqf Act, these properties now fall under its jurisdiction. The Board handles various proposals under sections 42, 51, 53, and 56 of the Act, following the legal procedures outlined within it. To date, 12,663 waqfs have been registered under the Act in Gujarat. The Boardas administrative functions are funded by Waqf Contributions collected from registered Wakfs, as mandated under section 72 of the Act. In addition, via a notification on September 25, 1998, the government established Tribunals across Gujarat, appointing a Civil Judge (Senior Division) in each district to resolve disputes and questions related to wakfs and wakf properties. Bhopal, Sep 26 : A five-year-old girl whose body was found in a water tank at a multi-story residential colony in Bhopal on Thursday, was allegedly raped and killed, an official said. He said that the preliminary investigation indicated that the victim was raped and murdered. He added that a Special Investigation Team (SIT) would be formed to investigate the case, adding that further investigation was still underway. He also said that some more suspect persons will be arrested soon. Police have also arrested two persons, including a woman known to the victim's family. The girl was missing since Tuesday and her body was recovered by police on Thursday. Several police teams carried search operation in the building and adjoining areas for over 40 hours after a missing complaint was registered at Shahjahanabad police station on Tuesday. As her parents were out at work, she was with her grandmother on the second floor of the building in a different block. She had told her grandmother that she would go to a bookshop located on the premises, but she hadn't returned home since then. The girl's family members along with locals staged a protest, claiming they had asked police to get the locked flat opened after filing the missing complaint but the police did not pay heed to their demand. After the body was found, angry locals blocked the road and gheraoed Shahjahanabad police station while demanding the death penalty for the killers. Kochi, Sep 26 : Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan on Thursday inaugurated the state's flagship event 'Kerala Travel Mart' (KTM), saying that steps are being taken to the state a hub of wellness tourism. "We envisage a care economy, which will cater to the comforts of the young and the aged alike. That will bring us more investment as well," said the Chief Minister in his inaugural address to the 12th edition of KTM, Asia's biggest tourism sector event that attracts stakeholders from around the world. He added that Kerala is committed to reviving tourism in the aftermath of the Wayanad tragedy during this monsoon by going ahead with its special marketing campaigns that seek to instil confidence among travellers in the state. "Tourism in other parts of the district and the state remain unaffected. We should put out responsible dissemination of correct and updated information," said the Chief Minister. State Tourism Minister Mohammed Riyas said Kerala Tourism has witnessed a remarkable and resilient journey after the travel and hospitality industry suffered a terrible downturn during the COVID-19 pandemic. "Bouncing back from the crisis, tourism has not only reached pre-pandemic level buoyancy but even surpassed it with a record 2.18 crore domestic tourist arrivals in 2023, registering an increase of 15.92 per cent over 2022. There was also a surge in foreign tourist arrivals with their number touching 6.49 lakh, representing an impressive growth of 87.83 per cent as compared to 2022," said Riyas. The buyers at this edition of KTM clocked the highest-ever total of 2,839 (vis-a-vis the standing record of 1,305 in 2018), while the domestic category adds up to 2,035. Of the 808 foreign buyers from 76 countries at KTM 2024, 67 are from the UK, 60 from the Gulf and 55 from the US. While the buyers from Russia total 34, those from the rest of Europe total 245. There are 41 buyers from Africa; others are from East Asia. Maharashtra (578) tops the domestic buyers, followed by Delhi (340) and Gujarat (263). Riyas further pointed out that Kerala has drawn up ambitious plans to promote the state as a "leading choice" for MICE Tourism and Destination Weddings. "The state's connectivity is set to leap forward with the completion of the national highway by next year along with greenfield, coastal and hilly highways. No major destination of the state is more than a few hours away for the visitors - be it serene beaches, backwaters or stunning hill stations," said Riyas. Emphasising that investment and innovations are the two pillars of Kerala Tourism, he said the state has set an ambitious target of netting 30 per cent of the State's GDP from the sector. For the next three days, there will be numerous business sessions and then from September 30, there will also be a five-day post-mart tour across Kerala for select buyers who attended the event. The 12th KTM accords special focus to Kerala as a wedding destination. Tirupati, Sep 26 : Amid the ongoing row over adulteration of Tirupati laddu, police have enforced Section 30 of the Police Act in Tirupati district for a month. District Superintendent of Police Subbarayudu on Thursday issued orders which will remain in force till October 24. Under Section 30 of the Police Act 1861, meetings, rallies and processions canat be organised without permission from the police. The SP has warned that stringent action will be taken against those violating the orders. The police action came in the wake of protests held at Tirupati and Tirumala during the last few days over the alleged presence of animal fat in the ghee used for making laddu of Tirumala temple. The orders to regulate public meetings and rallies were also enforced a day ahead of the arrival of former chief minister Y. S. Jagan Mohan Reddy in Tirumala to offer prayers. The YSR Congress Party chief will reach Tirumala on the night of September 27. The next morning, he will worship at Sri Venkateswara Swamy temple. The BJP and Jana Sena, partners in the TDP-led coalition government, have demanded that Jagan Mohan Reddy sign a declaration of faith before entering the temple. The YSRCP has also called for puja in temples across the state on September 28 to restore the sanctity of Tirumala temple, which it says was tarnished by the false allegations of Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu. Chief Minister Naidu last week alleged that adulterated ghee was used for making laddu prasadam when the YSR Congress Party was in power. The YSRCP has denied the allegations and accused Naidu of hurting the sentiments of millions of devotees. Deputy Chief Minister Pawan Kalyan is also scheduled to visit Tirumala temple after the end of his 11-day aPraschit Deekshaa (penance) over the desecration. The state government has also announced a probe into the allegations of adulteration of ghee by the Special Investigation Team (SIT). Sarvashrestha Tripathi, Inspector General of Police (IG), Guntur range, is heading the SIT. Gopinath Jetty, Deputy Inspector General (DIG), Visakhapatnam range, and Harshavardhana Raju, Superintendent of Police, Kadapa, are the members of the SIT. Agartala, Sep 26 : Rallies and demonstrations against the atrocities on minorities in Bangladesh continued in the northeastern states with Tipra Motha Party (TMP), an ally of ruling BJP, on Thursday organised a massive rally in southern Tripura's Sabroom sub-division. Sabroom sub-division, 135 km south of Agartala, adjoining Khagrachari district, one of the three districts of Chittagong Hill tracts of southeast Bangladesh. The TMP protest rally was led by party supremo and former royal scion Pradyot Bikram Manikya Debbarma. Debbarma in a post on the X said, "Think about it, if we can speak about Israel, Palestine, Russia and Ukraine then why are we silent when we have to speak about our minority plight in Bangladesh? After all, it was a part of our history." Addressing the gathering in Sabroom, he urged the Centre to expose the ongoing assaults in Bangladesh at the United Nations. "Since the Sheikh Hasina-led (Awami League) government fell in neighbouring Bangladesh (on August 5), there have been regular attacks on our temples, churches, prayer houses and properties. This is a rally to show solidarity to our Hindu Bengali, Buddhist, Christian, tribals and other brethren suffering in Bangladesh," he said. Debbarma also stated that the TMP and all stakeholders stand with the minorities of Bangladesh saying: "We want to tell the minorities in Bangladesh that they are not alone. We are with them. We also urge the government of India to take this issue to the international forum including the UN and expose Bangladesh before the world." Thousands of tribals, mostly Buddhist Chakmas, during the past two weeks, organised a series of massive demonstrations and rallies in Mizoram, Tripura and Assam 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." A group of Chakma leaders last week urged Prime Minister Narendra Modi in a memorandum demanding the 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, more than 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. Bhopal, Sep 26 : A scuffle broke out between the Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP), Bajrang Dal members and police personnel when the right-wing activists were protesting against a mosque in Jabalpur on Thursday. Bhopal, Sep 26 (IANS) A scuffle broke out between the Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP), Bajrang Dal members and police personnel when the right-wing activists were protesting against a mosque in Jabalpur on Thursday. A large number of right-wing members assembled at the Madhai area of Jabalpur's Ranjhi locality alleging the mosque was built "illegally" on land allotted for a temple. Reports suggested that the protesters allegedly marched to demolish the mosque, however, police swung into action and put up barricades to stop them. The road connecting the mosque was closed and the area surrounding was cornered off by the police. The protesters, however, resisted police barricades and tried to enter prohibited areas, which resulted in heated arguments and even thrashing between police and activists. A video surfaced on social media also suggested the same. However, prompt action from the Jabalpur district administration and police managed to control the situation without any untoward incident. Heavy security has been deployed to maintain the peaceful situation in the city. "Forces from several police stations were deployed, and access to the mosque was sealed off. The situation was brought under control after prompt police action. Anyone trying to disrupt peace in the city will be punished," a senior police official said. Initially, the district administration and police were on alert as the protest was announced two days back by VHP leaders. Earlier, the activists had presented documents to the district administration, raising questions about the mosque's construction. A discussion on the issue has been going on for the past few months and the administration has assured of a fresh investigation into the mosque's construction and a review of the documents. The Hindu groups were upset as they alleged that the mosque was built on land belonging to the Gayatri Bal Mandir. The VHP and Bajrang Dal leaders warned that if the administration does not take action to demolish the mosque soon, they will take matters into their own hands. Gurugram, Sep 26 : A wanted criminal was arrested by a joint team of crime branch and police team after an exchange of fire on Southern Peripheral Road (SPR) in Gurugram, officials said on Thursday. The criminal identified as Subhash alias Bhasha, was stopped by the police during a checking on the intervening night of Wednesday and Thursday. He was arrested after a gunfire exchange in which he was injured, they said. The police have recovered illicit arms, pistol, live cartridges, a motorcycle and three fake arms licenses from Subhash. He was wanted in a dozen cases of attempt to murder, extortion and Arms Acts lodged in Haryana and Delhi. The accused is undergoing treatment in a hospital where his condition is said to be stable, the officials said. According to the police, the police team received information through reliable sources that a notorious criminal with arms on a bike was coming from Naurangpur-Shikohpur road to commit a crime in Gurugram. Following the information, the police teams of Crime Branch Sector-31, Crime Branch Manesar, Gurugram, took joint action and formed special teams and were deployed at different places to nab the accused from SPR. During this, an accused came on a bike, and the police teams deployed at the spot signalled the bike rider to stop the bike; when he refused to stop and hit the police team's vehicle, he fell and ran away from the spot. "When the police team chased him and warned him to surrender, the accused kept firing on the police. The police team retaliated and fired a bullet, which hit his leg, and he fell on the ground and was captured by the police team. During retaliation, one bullet hit Sub-Inspector Neeraj's bulletproof as well," Sandeep Kumar, Gurugram Police Spokesperson, said. The accused was then admitted to a general hospital for treatment. A total of 11 rounds of bullets were fired, of which seven were by the accused and four by the police. "One bike, one pistol, one revolver, two magazines, seven live cartridges, one bag and 11 empty shell cartridges used by the accused in the crime were recovered from him," Kumar added. The initial police investigation also revealed that the accused was staying in different areas of Gurugram for the last several days and was stalking a person to kill him. however, before committing the crime he was caught and his intention was foiled. "After observing the criminal record of the accused, it was found that a total of 12 criminal cases of serious nature was registered against the accused in Delhi and Haryana," Kumar said. SAMARKAND, Uzbekistan, September 26. Uzbekistan has handed over its Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB) chairmanship to China, Trend reports. As such, Beijing will be hosting 10th AIIB annual meeting in 2025. Addressing the participants of the ceremony, AIIB President Jin Liqun has expressed his gratitude to Uzbekistan for the countrys hospitality. "As governors, directors, management, and staff, we are deeply moved by the spirit of openness, generosity, and friendship demonstrated by your government and people during our time as guests in your beautiful country. The success of this event would not have been possible without your exceptional leadership," he said. Uzbekistan's Investment Minister Laziz Kudratov highlighted the fruitful collaboration the country and the bank have experienced during this annual meeting. "This is yet another testament to the growing strength of our partnership. The discussions over the past few days have reaffirmed our shared commitment to developing resilient and sustainable infrastructure, capable of addressing todays challenges and paving the way for a brighter future. As we conclude this chapter, it is with great pleasure that I announce the handover of the next AIIB Annual Meeting to China. We are confident it will be a must-attend event, marking the 10th anniversary in Beijing. With its rich cultural heritage, global leadership in finance and trade, and welcoming spirit, Beijing will undoubtedly serve as an excellent host for this milestone occasion," the minister said. China's Finance Minister and incoming AIIB annual meeting host Lan Fo'an added that 2025 marks the 10th anniversary of the founding of AIIB. "We look forward to summarizing our achievements and experiences over the past decade with all parties and crafting a blueprint for the next 10 years. The year 2025 also concludes Chinas 14th Five-Year Plan. We will seize this opportunity to share the experience of Chinese modernization and explore opportunities for global common development," he noted. Damascus, Sep 27 : An Israeli airstrike targeted a bridge near the Matrabah crossing on the Syria-Lebanon border, injuring eight people and an unknown number of civilians, media reported. Four of the injured were border-control policemen, while the other four were customs officers, the report said on Thursday, adding that the airstrike also damaged the bridge. It is the first Israeli raid on the Syrian border region since Israel escalated its military operations in Lebanon on Monday, Xinhua news agency reported. The Matrabah crossing, linking the al-Qusayr region in the central Syrian province of Homs to Lebanon, has recently been used by displaced Lebanese seeking refuge in Syria. Lebanese military sources, speaking on condition of anonymity, told Xinhua that "Israeli warplanes fired eight air-to-ground missiles at four border crossings in the Bekaa region, destroying a bridge and several ferries linking the Lebanese side to the Syrian side," without specifying the casualties. The targeted crossings are mainly used by Lebanese and Syrian residents in the overlapping border villages, the sources said. This marks the first Israeli raid on the Syrian border region since Israel escalated its military operations in Lebanon on Monday. Washington, Sep 27 : An inmate of a prison in the Alabama state of the US who is scheduled to be sentenced to death later on Thursday will become the fifth execution in the country this week and the 18th this year. Alan Eugene Miller, 59, will be executed with nitrogen gas, which is only the second time this method will have been used in the US ever. Miller is on death row for killing three men in a workplace shooting in 1999. Earlier on Thursday, an inmate of a prison in Oklahoma State was put to death with a lethal injection. Emmanuel Littlejohn, 52, was executed for the murder of a man during a convenience store robbery in 1992. He had maintained his innocence to the last claiming he was present during the robbery but did not shoot the victim. Miller will enter an execution chamber for the second time on Thursday evening. The first time was in September 2022. A lethal injection was to be used then but the staff called it off after failing to find a vein for more than an hour. In January, Alabama became the first state in the country, and the first anywhere in the world, to use nitrogen gas to execute an inmate sentenced to death. The prisoner, Kenneth Smith, shook violently as the nitrogen gas was administered and then writhed before his body eventually stopped moving, the New York Times reported citing witnesses. Advocates of the nitrogen hypoxia method, which replaces oxygen inhaled by an inmate with pure nitrogen through a mask, have argued that a person would likely lose consciousness shortly into the procedure, making it more humane than other execution methods. "Clearly it was not the instant, painless death that they promised," Jonathan Groner, a professor of surgery at The Ohio State University College of Medicine, told CNN last about Smith's execution. "There's a lot of suggestions that it wasn't good, or that it wasn't pleasant." Publishers for Palestine, an international coalition of more than 500 publishers, issued an open letter on Tuesday demanding that organizers of the Frankfurt Book Fair cut ties with Israel. In the letter, the coalition, which formed last November, called for Frankfurt to publicly denounce Israels regime of genocide and setter-colonial apartheid against the Palestinian people, among other demands. The members presses in Publishers for Palestine hail from 50 countries, including Brazil, Canada, Colombia, France, India, Indonesia, Ireland, Japan, Kenya, Mexico, Morocco, Norway, Nigeria, the Philippines, Spain, Tanzania, Turkey, Wales, and others. The U.S.based member presses, which include several regular exhibitors at Frankfurt, are Haymarket Books, Interlink Publishing, Microcosm Publishing, OR Books, Other Press, Seven Stories Press, Sublunary Editions, and Verso Books. The open letter comes shortly before this years Frankfurt Book Fair, which is slated for October 1620. Ahead of last years fair, held just weeks after the October 7 attack on Israel, Frankfurt director Juergen Boos expressed support for Israel with a statement saying that the fair "stands with complete solidarity on the side of Israel" and intended to highlight Israeli voices at that years show. Additional programming featuring Israeli speakers crashed into last years Frankfurt program including an event called "Out of Concern for Israel," organized by PEN Berlin, which took place on the first day of the fair. (The majority of Israeli publishers canceled their appearances at the 2023 fair following the attack.) Last year, fair organizers also canceled a ceremony for Palestinian author Adania Shibli, who was to be awarded the LiBeraturpreis for her novel Minor Detail, about the 1948 ArabIsraeli War. The cancelation prompted a number of major Arab publishing organizations to pull out of last years fair, although some are expected to return this year. This years programming highlights, sent to press earlier this week, include Occupied, Destroyed, Fought over, in Turmoil: Quo Vadis Palestine?, an Oct. 19 conversation with Palestinian novelist and former culture minister Atef Abu Saif moderated by German journalist Kristin Helberg, and a talk from Palestinian author Abdalrahman Alqalaq on writing in exile scheduled for the new Center for Words on Oct. 17. Every year, people from more than 100 countries attend Frankfurter Buchmesse, a Frankfurt Book Fair representative said in a statement to PW. The book fair is a platform for democratic discourse and peaceful encounters between publishers, authors, translators, illustrators, and readers from all over the world. Our program reflects this, featuring voices from every corner of the globe. This article has been updated with further information. The International Publishers Association (IPA) confirmed new leadership and expanded its membership today following its annual virtual general assembly. Gvantsa Jobava of Intelekti Publishing in Georgia has been elected as the next president, with Giovanni Hoepli of Hoepli Publishing House in Italy taking on the role of vice president. The elections were conducted online in September, with participation from all IPA full members. Outgoing president Karine Pansa expressed confidence in her successor. "Gvantsa Jobava is going to be a great president for IPA, and I can't wait to see how she will drive the IPA forward," she said. Reflecting on her own tenure, Pansa added: "Publishing is so important for our societies, for our economies, and for our cultures. What an honor it has been to represent this wonderful industry." At the assembly, Jobava outlined her vision for the IPA, expressing eagerness to collaborate with IPA members while emphasizing the challenges facing the industry and acknowledging the significant responsibility the publishing business has to society. "As IPA's new president, I will be asking our members: what more can we do to safeguard our courageous colleagues and authors, whose freedom is limited in many parts of the world and whose lives are in danger?" Jobava said. "What more can we do to see that copyright is respected by the technology giants and enforced by our legislators?" In his own comments, Hoepli emphasized the importance of unity within the organization. "Looking ahead, our future challenges will also require us to work together," he said. "Collaboration is key, and I invite everyone to be ready to continue this journey as a team." The general assembly also voted in new members. As of January 1, 2025, the IPA will welcome one new full member, three new provisional members, and one new associate member, bringing its total membership to 105 organizations across 84 countries. The new additions include the Asociacion Gremial de Editores de Guatemala as a full member, and three new provisional members: the Association of Publishers and Booksellers of the Croatian Chamber of the Economy, the Asociacion de Industrias Editoriales de la Republica Dominicana, and the Polish Chamber of Books. The Asociacion de Editoriales Universitarias de America Latina y el Caribe was named an associate member. The assembly also announced appointments for various IPA committees. The executive committee will welcome Fernando Benzo of Spain, Simon De Jocas of Canada, Christie Henry of the United States, Renaud Lefebvre of France, and Manami Tamaoki of Japan. The IPA expressed gratitude to outgoing executive committee members YS Chi of the U.S., Yumiko Hoshiba of Japan, and Patrici Tixis of Spain for their service. Elections for the Freedom to Publish committee resulted in the reelection of Zeynep Atiker of Turkey, Sherif Bakr of Egypt, Sarah Crozier of the U.S., Simon De Jocas, and Jaeho Kang of South Korea. The membership committee will see Halldor Birgisson of Iceland and Christie Henry join its ranks. The IPA acknowledged the contributions of Maria Pallante, president of the Association of American Publishers, and Anna Baijars of Finland, who are stepping down from the membership committee after years of service. SAMARKAND, Uzbekistan, September 26. Uzbekistan aims to achieve upper-middle-income status by 2030, said Uzbek Investment Minister Laziz Kudratov as he addressed a public seminar "New Uzbekistan - Big Country with Big Opportunities" within AIIB annual meeting, Trend reports. "As part of the governments 2030 strategy, Uzbekistan aims to achieve upper-middle-income status by 2030, with 85 percent of the economy driven by the private sector and 40 percent of energy sourced from renewables. We are laying the foundation for a sustainable and prosperous future," Kudratov stated. "Our aim is equally ambitious in productivity. By 2030, we plan to double our labor productivity and exports". Minister Kudratov emphasized that Uzbekistans financial fundamentals remain robust, providing a solid foundation for future growth. In 2023, Uzbekistans GDP grew by 6 percent, and in the first half of 2024, growth accelerated to 6.4 percent. These figures were driven by major economic reforms and strategic investments in key industries. "Our greatest asset lies in our people," Kudratov added, noting that 60 percent of Uzbekistans population is under the age of 30, creating a young, dynamic, and educated workforce ready to lead the industries of the future. In addition to its human capital, Uzbekistan is rich in natural resources, including natural gas, copper, and essential metals crucial to the global transition towards sustainable economies. Uzbekistans geographic location, bridging the vibrant markets of Asia, the established economies of Europe, and the capital-rich Gulf, further enhances its role as a vital hub for international trade. This strategic positioning, coupled with targeted economic reforms, has led to unprecedented growth in foreign direct investment (FDI). "FDI has soared from $3.3 billion in 2018 to $22.4 billion in 2023, largely concentrated in the energy, infrastructure, and technology sectors," Kudratov said. "This influx of investment has had a transformative impact on our industrial production, which has nearly doubled to reach $56 billion". Uzbekistans reform agenda has also seen a notable reduction in policy rates, which have fallen from 17 percent in 2021 to 11 percent in 2023. These targeted measures have created an environment conducive to sustained economic growth and increased productivity across sectors. "Uzbekistan stands at the threshold of a new era of growth," Kudratov concluded. "We invite the global community to partner with us in this transformative journey, leveraging our human capital, resources, and strategic location to unlock immense opportunities for all". SAMARKAND, Uzbekistan, September 26. There is tremendous potential in infrastructure development and investment in Uzbekistan, said Konstantin Limitovskiy, AIIB Vice President for Investment Clients Region, at a public seminar "New Uzbekistan - Big Country with Big Opportunities" held at the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank's (AIIB) annual meeting, Trend reports. In his address, Limitovskiy highlighted AIIBs active involvement in Uzbekistans infrastructure projects, with particular emphasis on smaller wind power initiatives, smart green transmission projects, and other renewable energy ventures. The AIIB has partnered with leading international firms, including ACWA Power, China Power, and Masdar, to drive these projects forward. "Earlier this year, in close collaboration with the Ministry of Investment and Trade and other key infrastructure stakeholders, we developed a three-year program worth $2.6 billion covering 12 projects," Limitovskiy announced. "I met with the president, and just a few days ago, we renewed the program, reviewed it, and agreed to expand the total investment to exceed $4 billion for the coming year." The expanded program aims to finance a wide range of sectors, including education, roads and highways, health services, renewable energy, urban infrastructure, and industrial water supply. The programs scope reflects Uzbekistans ambitions to address its infrastructure gap and foster long-term sustainable growth. Limitovskiy lauded Uzbekistan as a "success story" for investors, emphasizing the country's progress in attracting private sector interest. "So far, AIIB has raised over $11 billion from private sector investors for green infrastructure projects globally," he noted, adding that for every dollar invested by AIIB, an additional 20 cents of private capital is mobilized. Looking ahead, Limitovskiy expressed confidence that AIIB, in partnership with private investors and development organizations, can further increase its contributions to tackling infrastructure challenges in Uzbekistan and the broader region. "If we are serious about addressing climate change and the infrastructure gap in this beautiful region, we can ensure that our investments continue to grow," he said. The University of Georgia main campus will be closed Thursday, Sept. 26, and Friday, Sept. 27, due to Hurricane Helene. UGA announced the closure in an email release at 5:42 p.m. on Wednesday. All in-person classes, campus events and activities are canceled. However, the university encourages faculty to consider alternative ways to maintain continuity of instruction at their discretion. The Athens-Clarke County Fire Department saw a historic milestone come to fruition this past summer after more than half a century. They successfully lobbied for ACCGov to pass an ordinance enacting Georgia state Title 25-5, which created the local Firefighters Mediation Act. The ordinance gives firefighters the right to collectively bargain with their employer and therefore unionize. Georgia Power reported 98 power outages as of 9:45 a.m. on Friday, Sept. 27, in Athens-Clarke County in the aftermath of Hurricane Helenes sweep through Georgia. This impacted more than 10,000 customers. Helene was downgraded from a hurricane to a tropical storm as of 5:28 a.m., according to a National Weather Service alert, but the tropical storm warning and flood watch are still in effect. Facing sluggish deposit growth, banks turned to issuing certificates of deposit (CDs) in September to mobilise funds. Banks have issued Rs 1.35 trillion worth of CDs so far this month, marking a 65 per cent increase compared to the amount raised in August, despite a rise in rates, according to data from the Clearing Corporation of India. The amount raised through CDs in September was the second-highest monthly figure in the current financial year (2024-25), following Rs 1.45 trillion raised in June, according to data from PRIME Database. Banks have issued Rs 7.78 trillion worth of CDs in the current calendar year until August 2024, compared to Rs 4.9 trillion in the same period of 2023, registering a 59 per cent growth. Market participants noted that banks are likely to remain under pressure to raise deposits in the October-December quarter (Q3). Additionally, upcoming Reserve Bank of India (RBI) guidelines on the liquidity coverage ratio (LCR) could increase demand for high-quality liquid assets (HQLA), specifically statutory liquidity ratio (SLR) investments. The funding for these is expected to come from a combination of borrowings and deposits. There is a deposit crunch as all banks are competing for deposits, driving up costs. Banks can also use borrowings as a funding source, but the RBI is pressuring banks to reduce the credit-deposit ratio (CDR), said a treasury head at a private bank. In Q3, pressure on deposits will persist, whether through CDs, higher rates for bulk deposits, or retail deposits. While liquidity doesn t appear to be very negative in Q3, we also have to consider the RBI s LCR circular. If it takes effect from April 1, 2025, we will need to buy more HQLA, which essentially means SLR. Funding for SLR will come from a mix of borrowings and deposits, he added. So far this financial year, banks have raised Rs 5.4 trillion through CDs, compared to Rs 3.2 trillion during the same period last year a 67 per cent increase. Canara Bank raised the highest amount, Rs 68,250 crore, followed by Bank of Baroda at Rs 63,325 crore, and HDFC Bank at Rs 60,230 crore. The top five banks, including four state-owned banks and HDFC Bank, contributed 61 per cent of total issuances. State-owned banks accounted for 68 per cent of the total amount raised. Issuances in the three-month segment comprised 72 per cent of total issuances, amounting to Rs 3.8 trillion. Banks aim to maintain a prudent CDR, as advised by the RBI, and fund assets through retail and sustainable resources. While higher rates on term deposits are attracting retail deposits, CDs allow banks to quickly raise larger amounts within a day or two. To maintain the LCR, banks are issuing CDs with three-month tenors, anticipating an easing rate cycle, said V R C Reddy, head of treasury at Karur Vysya Bank. Credit is growing faster than reserve money creation, so we can expect higher rates to persist for some time, until credit growth moderates. This is evident from the latest RBI data, which shows that year-to-date deposit growth outpaced credit growth as of September 6, Reddy added. A treasury head at a state-owned bank also said that pressure will continue into the next quarter, as funds are still flowing into equities and mutual funds. He noted that the crunch will persist until retail investors shift away from these asset classes. Rates on three-month and six-month CDs have risen by 2 basis points so far in September. Labour Minister Mansukh Mandaviya urges state government 'to intervene for an early and amicable resolution for maintaining a positive manufacturing sector ecosystem'. IMAGE: Samsung workers strike in Sriperumbudur. Photograph: ANI Union Labour Minister Mansukh Mandaviya has written to Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M K Stalin on Wednesday and urged swift resolution of the ongoing workers' strike at Samsung Electronics' Sriperumbudur plant, sources said. In the letter, Mandaviya has urged the state government 'to intervene for an early and amicable resolution for maintaining a positive manufacturing sector ecosystem', while assuring full support from the Centre in resolving the matter efficiently. Nearly 1,500 workers went on a strike at the South Korean group's plant on the outskirts of Chennai on September 9, demanding higher wages, recognition for their union and better amenities, among other demands. On the 17th day of the strike, Samsung urged its workers to return to work, expressing its willingness to talk with the employees and not to the Centre of Indian Trade Unions (CITU), the union leading the protests. According to sources, one of the major bottlenecks is the fact that Samsung India Workers' Union (SIWU) president E Muthukumar is a veteran CITU leader and not an employee of the company. 'We are committed to resolving all issues, including wages, benefits and working conditions by negotiating with our workers directly, and urge them to return back to work at the earliest,' a company statement said. 'At Samsung India, the welfare of our employees is our top priority. The average monthly salary of our full-time manufacturing workers at the Chennai plant is 1.8 times the average salary of similar workers employed at other companies in the region,' Samsung stated. 'Our workers are also eligible for overtime pay and other allowances and we provide a workplace environment that assures the highest standards of health, safety and welfare, including free shuttle bus and meals,' it added. In addition, it added that the majority of workers in its Chennai unit are full-time employees, which is probably the highest level compared with other manufacturers in the region. 'Moreover, the average tenure of our manufacturing workforce is more than 10 years, which underscores the satisfaction our workers have in working for the company,' Samsung added. Meanwhile, CITU said that workers faced long working hours, torturous intensity of work pressure to finish each product like refrigerator, washing machine or TV within 10 to 15 seconds, non-stop work for 4 to 5 hours at stretch and unsafe working conditions. Delhi-based think-tank Global Trade Research Initiative on Monday said: "India risks losing significant ground in its quest to become a global manufacturing powerhouse if the labour strike at the Sriperumbudur plant is not resolved soon." Feature Presentation: Ashish Narsale/Rediff.com SAMARKAND, Uzbekistan, September 26. Uzbekistan has made significant strides in recent years through ambitious policy reforms aimed at enhancing the private sector's role in economic growth, said Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB) President Jin Liqun as he addressed a public seminar "New Uzbekistan - Big Country with Big Opportunities" within AIIB annual meeting, Trend reports. He emphasized that these reforms have not only unlocked new business opportunities but have also fostered increased competition, positioning Uzbekistan as a crucial component of AIIBs investment portfolio. Since the AIIB began its engagement with Uzbekistan in 2016, the bank has successfully supported 15 projects totaling $3.1 billion, placing Uzbekistan among its top eight member countries by performance size. President Jin Liqun expressed optimism about ongoing expansion, predicting even greater growth over the next five to ten years. The president further noted that the recent introduction of a three-year investment program is designed to guide development efforts in three pivotal sectors: energy, water, and transport. In the energy sector, the AIIB is backing Uzbekistan's ambitious diversification goals, which include the expansion of renewable energy sources and the enhancement of efficiency in power generation. In water management, the bank is focused on addressing access challenges, aiming to improve water services and reduce losses through innovative infrastructure initiatives. Transport infrastructure development is another priority, with the AIIB committed to leveraging Uzbekistan's strategic geographical position to enhance the safety, efficiency, and sustainability of its transport network. As an active member of the global community, Uzbekistan continues to seek collaboration with international institutions to mobilize resources and provide tailored technical assistance. President Jin noted that the AIIBs co-financing of policy-based programs with other multilateral development banks (MDBs) has fostered a favorable policy environment for resource mobilization. "This progress is just a glimpse of what we have achieved in Uzbekistan over the past few years," President Jin Liqun stated. "We are deeply involved in various projects and are dedicated to advancing our investment program further. We take pride in having Uzbekistan as our partner and are confident in the sustained progress this nation will continue to make." The Group of Ministers (GoM) on goods and services tax (GST) rate rationalisation, which convened in Goa on Wednesday, reviewed the GST rates for over 100 items, including textiles, handloom goods, agricultural products, fertilisers, and educational materials. However, no consensus was reached on any of the items, with further discussions scheduled for next month in Delhi. There are certain goods that require further study, which will be carried out by the officers. "For ready-made garments, the current proposal is to maintain a 5 per cent GST for items priced at Rs 1,000 and below, while increasing the rate for those above Rs 1,000 from 12 per cent to 18 per cent. "However, we argued against this increase, stressing that our thriving market for ready-made garments should not be disrupted, said West Bengal Finance Minister Chandrima Bhattacharya in a telephonic interview after the GoM meeting. In addition to Bhattacharya, the GoM, chaired by Bihar Deputy Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary, includes Uttar Pradesh Finance Minister Suresh Kumar Khanna, Rajasthan Health Services Minister Gajendra Singh Khimsar, and Kerala Finance Minister K N Balagopal. We should not tax or raise taxes on items that affect common people. "This is one side of the issue. We have proposed reductions on many essential items, such as educational materials, which are important for the general public. "So, while rationalising rates, we must also ensure revenue is enhanced, Bhattacharya added, noting that this point had general agreement. The discussion on GST rates for health insurance premiums was deferred to the next meeting, which will take place in Delhi in October. On October 19 and 20, there will be two days of meetings for various GoMs in Delhi to address pending issues like health insurance and other topics, Bhattacharya said. The outcome of the rate rationalisation discussions will be crucial in shaping the agenda for the upcoming 55th GST Council meeting, expected in November. During the 54th GST Council meeting, held in New Delhi on September 9, the GoM was tasked with returning after more thorough deliberations. A key item on the agenda was the potential exemption or reduction of GST rates on health and life insurance premiums. Currently, the GST operates under a four-tier structure with slabs of 5 per cent, 12 per cent, 18 per cent, and 28 per cent. Essential items are either exempt or taxed at the lowest slab, while luxury and demerit goods are subject to the highest slab. Luxury and sin goods also incur an additional cess on top of the 28 per cent rate. At present, the average GST rate is around 12.2 per cent, which is below the revenue-neutral rate of 15.3 per cent, spurring the need for discussions on rate rationalisation. A GoM meeting on real estate, also held in Goa on Tuesday, could not reach a consensus on most proposals. The real estate GoM, convened by Goa Chief Minister Pramod Sawant, deferred the proposal to exempt GST on long-term leases granted to the tourism sector, instead suggesting that states declaring tourism as an infrastructure sector would be better positioned to receive such exemptions. After Sheikh Hasina was toppled from power, a finger of suspicion was pointed at the Biden administration, which was known to be very unhappy with the then Bangladesh prime minister. The subsequent elevation of Nobel Laureate Dr Muhammad Yunus -- who is perceived to be close to the Americans -- as leader of the interim government in Dhaka was interpreted in some quarters as confirmation of the fact that the United States was the puppeteer behind Hasina's ouster. Professor Yunus is in New York, accompanied by young Bangladeshis who led the student uprising against Hasina, and the bon homie he shared with two US presidents, current and past, will add masala to the conspiracy theorists. IMAGE: US President Joe Biden hugs Bangladesh Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus on the margin of the UN General Assembly meeting in New York, September 25, 2024. Photograph: ANI Photo IMAGE: Biden expressed his administration's support to the Bangladesh government. Photograph: ANI Photo 'Both leaders affirmed the close partnership between the United States and Bangladesh, which is rooted in shared democratic values and strong people-to-people ties. IMAGE: 'President Joseph R. Biden, Jr. met today with Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus of Bangladesh to congratulate him on his recent appointment as the head of the interim government,' read the White House statement.'Both leaders affirmed the close partnership between the United States and Bangladesh, which is rooted in shared democratic values and strong people-to-people ties. 'President Biden welcomed further engagement between the two governments and offered continued US= support as Bangladesh implements its new reform agenda.' Photograph: ANI Photo IMAGE: Professor Yunus speaks at the 2024 Clinton Global Initiative meeting in New York, September 24, 2024. 'You're the only old guy I know who was ever drafted for his eminent position by the young people of his country," Mr Clinton quipped about Mr Yunus's elevation to interim leader,' AFP reported. Photograph: Kind courtesy Muhammad Yunus/X IMAGE: Former US president Bill Clinton, AFP reported, 'hailed their 40 year-long friendship and the global impact of the Bangladeshi's pioneering microfinance loans.' Photograph: Kind courtesy Muhammad Yunus/X IMAGE: 'Their friendship dates back to the 1980s,' AFP reported, 'when Mr Clinton, then governor of Arkansas, invited Mr Yunus to visit and share his approach to alleviating poverty through small loans, which had successfully empowered impoverished Bangladeshi women without access to traditional banking services.' Photograph: Kind courtesy Muhammad Yunus/X Photographs curated by Anant Salvi/Rediff.com and Manisha Kotian/Rediff.com Feature Presentation: Aslam Hunani/Rediff.com Union Home Minister Amit Shah asked terrorists in Jammu and Kashmir on Thursday to give up arms and come forward for talks with the government, while reiterating that there will be no dialogue or cross-border trade with Pakistan. IMAGE: Amit Shah waves to supporters during an election rally for the Jammu and Kashmir elections, at Chenani, Udhampur, September 26, 2024. Photograph: ANI Photo Ahead of the third and final phase of polling in the Jammu and Kashmir assembly election next week, Shah addressed five rallies in poll-bound assembly segments on Thursday and launched a scathing attack on the Congress, National Conference and Peoples Democratic Party, accusing these parties of providing protection to terrorism over the last three decades. Promising a terror-free Jammu and Kashmir under the Bharatiya Janata Party's regime, Shah, who is spearheading the saffron party's poll campaign, alleged that the National Conference-Congress alliance would implement Pakistan's agenda if it comes to power in the Union territory. At his back-to-back rallies in the Chenani and Udhampur assembly segments in Udhampur district, Bani and Jasrotia in Kathua district and Marh in Jammu district, the home minister said terrorism has been buried by the BJP under the ground after the abrogation of Article 370 of the Constitution and it will not be allowed to stage a comeback. The first phase of polling was held on September 18, followed by the second phase on September 25. The third phase, covering 40 seats in Jammu, Udhampur, Samba, Kathua and the north Kashmir districts of Kupwara, Baramulla and Bandipora, is scheduled to be held on October 1. Extending an olive branch to the terrorists active in Jammu and Kashmir, Shah asked them to give up arms and come forward for talks with the government or be prepared to get neutralised at the hands of security forces. "For vote-bank politics, they (opposition parties) are asking for talks with terrorists. If they (terrorists) want to talk, let them come forward after giving up arms. In the northeast, 10,000 people have surrendered," Shah told the gathering at Jasrotia. "Give up arms and come for talks or our forces will hunt you down," the home minister said. At Marh, he said the NC, Congress and PDP are advocating talks with Pakistan and resumption of cross-border trade. "They want to do 'ILU ILU' (I love you) with Pakistan.... We will not talk to Pakistan and Prime Minister Narendra Modi has closed the trade that will not be resumed," Shah said. He said Jammu and Kashmir bled for 35 years due to terrorism but when Modi took oath as the prime minister in 2014, Pakistan was given a fitting reply for terror acts. "We finished terrorism by carrying out surgical strikes inside Pakistan in the aftermath of the Uri and Pulwama attacks," the home minister said. At Bani, he said the BJP-led Centre will not even allow the "shadow of terrorism" over the hills of the Jammu region as it has taken concrete measures and strengthened the village defence guards to counter the threat. Shah's remarks came as several hill areas of the Jammu region, including Doda, Kishtwar, Kathua, Udhampur and Reasi districts, have recorded a spurt in terror-related incidents since April. "Let Pakistan do whatever it wants, we will not allow the shadow of terrorism in the hills of the Jammu region. We have strengthened the VDGs and youngsters in villages and given them INSAS rifles to fight terrorism," the home minister said. Slamming the Congress, NC and PDP over their poll promises, he said these parties are talking about releasing stone-pelters and terrorists from imprisonment, but "I want to tell them that the right place for terrorists is in jails and we cannot allow anyone to set them free." Seeking votes for the BJP candidates in the Jammu and Kashmir polls, Shah said if the saffron party registers an electoral victory in the Union Territory, it will be celebrated across the country. "If the NC-Congress alliance wins, there will be fireworks in Pakistan. Do you want Pakistan to celebrate?" he asked the gathering. The home minister said the opposition parties are talking about restoration of Article 370 of the Constitution and revival of terrorism, but "we will not allow this to happen, let their five generations come to fulfil this promise." He said the BJP has strengthened grassroot-level democracy in Jammu and Kashmir, which is now moving forward on the path of development after suffering immensely due to terrorism for more than three decades. "The NC and the Congress provided protection to terrorism for 40 years.... We have finished terrorism and opened new avenues of development for Jammu and Kashmir, which is marching ahead with the other parts of the country. We will not rest till terrorism is buried in 'pataal' (under the ground)," Shah said. At Chenani and Udhampur, he said the world has its eyes on the Jammu and Kashmir election, which is taking place for the first time after the provisions of Article 370 of the Constitution were abrogated. The home minister said whoever spreads terror in Jammu and Kashmir will get his answer at the gallows. "I want to ask you, whether (Parliament attack convict) Afzal Guru should have been hanged or not? The NC and the Congress are now saying he should not have been hanged...," he said. "They want to release stone-pelters and terrorists. Omar Abdullah gave up these dreams because you cannot do it. It is the duty of courts and we have enforced such laws that nobody will dare to hurl a stone anymore," Shah said at the first rally at Chenani. "This election is very important as Jammu and Kashmir was under the shadow of terrorism for nearly 40 years. If they (NC-Congress alliance) win this election, it means the success of the Pakistan agenda," he said. The home minister asserted that statehood will be restored in Jammu and Kashmir and it will be done by the Modi government. Targeting the Gandhis, Abdullahs and Muftis, Shah said the three families ruled Jammu and Kashmir for 75 years but failed to strengthen democracy at the grassroots level in the region. At the Udhampur rally, Shah said Article 370 was the biggest cause behind terrorism not only in Kashmir but in the Jammu region as well. He said Modi has provided justice to the Jammu region, which faced discrimination for 70 years, and ensured the inclusion of the Dogri language in the list of official languages. Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah reiterated on Thursday he will not resign as he again denied any wrongdoing in the allotment of 14 sites to his wife by the Mysuru Urban Development Authority (MUDA). IMAGE: Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah. Photograph: Siddaramaiah on Facebook Terming the charges against him a "BJP conspiracy", Siddaramaiah said he would wage a legal fight. A special court in Bengaluru on Wednesday ordered a probe by the Lokayukta police in Mysuru against the Chief Minister in the MUDA site allotment 'scam', setting the stage for registering an FIR against him. Deputy Chief Minister and state Congress President D K Shivakumar also ruled out the possibility of Siddaramaiah stepping down. Opposition BJP in Karnataka on Thursday staged a protest in front of Mahatma Gandhi statue at Vidhana Soudha, the seat of state legislature and secretariat here, demanding his resignation. "There is no question of resigning, because I have done no wrong. This (charges against him) is a BJP (conspiracy)," Siddaramaiah told reporters in Bengaluru. "....did the Prime Minister (Narendra Modi as the then Gujarat CM) resign in the Godhra incident as FIR was done (then)? (H D) Kumaraswamy (JDS leader) is in Narendra Modi's government, he is on bail, has he given resignation?" the Chief Minister asked. "Have they given resignation? Are they not embarrassed? I will not resign. I will fight legally." "I won't resign, let them get Kumaraswamy's resignation, he is on bail. He is in whose Cabinet, in which government? He should give (resignation first). Did Narendra Modi resign? Despite hundreds of people dying, he did not resign. I have done no wrong, there is no need for me to resign," he added. Shivakumar said: "I'm saying that the proposal for the Chief Minister to resign won't come. This is a political conspiracy by BJP and JD(S). They are unable to digest the benefits of our five guarantee schemes reaching people." The order of the Special Court Judge, Santhosh Gajanan Bhat, came a day after the High Court upheld the sanction granted by the Governor Thaawarchand Gehlot to conduct an investigation against Siddaramaiah on the allegations of illegalities in the allotment of 14 sites to his wife B M Parvathi by MUDA. The Special Court exclusively to deal with criminal cases related to former and elected MPs/MLAs issued the order directing the Lokayukta police in Mysuru to initiate an investigation on the complaint filed by RTI activist Snehamayi Krishna of Mysuru. In the MUDA site allotment case, it is alleged that compensatory sites were allotted to Siddaramaiah's wife in an upmarket area in Mysuru, which had higher property value as compared to the location of her land which had been "acquired" by the MUDA. The MUDA had allotted plots to Parvathi under a 50:50 ratio scheme in lieu of 3.16 acres of her land, where it developed a residential layout. Under the controversial scheme, MUDA allotted 50 per cent of developed land to the land losers in lieu of undeveloped land acquired from them for forming residential layouts. It is alleged that Parvathi had no legal title over this 3.16 acres of land at survey number 464 of Kasare village, Kasaba hobli of Mysuru taluk. Unknown miscreants have vandalised the BAPS Hindu temple in California's Sacramento, desecrating it with expletive-laden graffiti saying "Hindus go back!", the BAPS Public Affairs said. IMAGE: The temple community gathered for a prayer ceremony in response to the vandalism at the BAPS Hindu temple in California's Sacramento. Photograph: Courtesy BAPS Swaminarayan Sanstha "Less than 10 days after the desecration of the @BAPS Mandir in New York, our Mandir in the Sacramento, CA area was desecrated last night with anti-Hindu hate: "Hindus go back!" We stand united against hate with prayers for peace," the BAPS Public Affairs said in a post on X. Wednesday night's incident comes after the desecration of the BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir in Melville, New York, on September 17. "Our condemnation of hate remains resolute; our sadness has only deepened; and our prayers for all, including those with hate in their heart, have grown stronger," the organisation said in a statement. "BAPS is working with law enforcement authorities on this hate crime," the statement said. "The BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir in Sacramento is home to a vibrant Hindu community engaged in numerous activities and projects to support the larger community. We are and shall remain an integral part of this community's fabric," the statement added. The temple community in response to the incident gathered for a prayer ceremony and called for peace and unity, remembering His Holiness Mahant Swami Maharaj's ideal of harmony and respect. This was the second incident of desecration at a BAPS temple in less than a month in the US amidst the growing trend of temple vandalism as part of a systematic hate crime against the Hindu community in the country. Amerish Babulal or "Ami" Bera, an American physician and politician serving as a member of the US House of Representatives from California, said on X: "There is no place for religious bigotry and hatred in Sacramento County. I strongly condemn this apparent act of vandalism in our community." "All of us must stand against intolerance and ensure that everyone in our community, regardless of faith, feels safe and respected," Bera said in a post on X. "This type of hate against Hindu Americans and vandalism is appalling and morally wrong. The Department of Justice must investigate these hate crimes, and those responsible should be held fully accountable under the law," Congressman Ro Khanna said on X. Indian-American entrepreneur Ajay Jain Bhutoria, urging the FBI to investigate and hold accountable those spreading hate and fear, said: "No place for hate in our communities or country." "All Temples must also enhance security and utilise available grants. We stand united against hate and will continue to pray for peace," he said on X. Headquartered in Gujarat, BAPS has more than 100 temples and centres in North America. Last year, it opened the Akshardham temple in New Jersey, the largest Hindu temple outside India. BAPS is a non-political organisation and has its support base across the political and ideological spectrum. The Indian Embassy in Beirut has urged its nationals to avoid travel to Lebanon due to escalating violence and "strongly advised" those present there to exercise extreme caution and leave the country as soon as possible. IMAGE: A man stands on the rubble of a damaged building in the southern Lebanese village of Akbiyeh amid ongoing cross-border hostilities between Hezbollah and Israeli forces. Photograph: Reuters The United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs on Wednesday said that 200,00 people have been displaced in Lebanon since Hezbollah began firing rockets into northern Israel nearly a year ago, drawing Israeli retaliation. According to Lebanon's health minister, 51 people were killed and 223 wounded Wednesday in Israeli strikes. In an advisory posted on social media platform X on Wednesday, the Indian embassy said, "As a reiteration of the advisory issued on 1 August 2024 and in view of the recent developments and escalations in the region, Indian nationals are strongly advised against travelling to Lebanon till further notice. All Indian nationals already in Lebanon are also strongly advised to leave Lebanon. Those who remain for any reason are advised to exercise extreme caution, restrict their movements, and remain in contact with the Embassy of India in Beirut through our email ID: cons.beirut@mea.gov.in or the emergency phone number +96176860128, it said. Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to Pune in Maharashtra on Thursday was cancelled following heavy rains in the city, sources said. IMAGE: Overnight rains battered Pune, Mumbai and Thane on September 25, 2024. Photograph: ANI Photo Modi was to flag off a Metro train in Pune and launch various development projects, ahead of the state assembly elections. BJP sources confirmed that the PM's visit to Pune was cancelled. The new date for his visit will be announced later. After heavy rains on Wednesday evening, the SP College ground, the venue of PM Modi's programme, had muddy pools. Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar on Wednesday visited the college ground and said arrangements were being made to ensure nobody is inconvenienced. The meteorological department has also issued a warning of heavy showers in Pune and Mumbai for Thursday. After the third judge's decision, the Bombay high court on Thursday formally struck down the amended Information Technology Rules aimed at identifying and regulating fake and false content on social media against the government, and termed them as "unconstitutional". On September 20, a single bench of Justice A S Chandurkar held that the amended rules being vague and broad had the potential of causing a chilling effect not only on an individual, but also on the social media intermediary. Justice Chandurkar had served as the tie-breaker judge after a division bench issued a split verdict on the matter earlier this year. Following the third judge's decision, a division bench of Justices A S Gadkari and Neela Gokhale on Thursday formally pronounced the verdict on a bunch of petitions filed by stand-up comedian Kunal Kamra, Editors Guild of India, News Broadcast and Digital Association and Association of Indian Magazines challenging the new regulations. "In view of the majority opinion, the Rule 3 (1) (V) is declared unconstitutional and is struck down. The petitions are accordingly allowed," the court said. The case had initially been reviewed by a division bench of Justices Gautam Patel (now retired) and Neela Gokhale, who delivered a split verdict in January. Justice Patel had argued that the rules constituted censorship, while Justice Gokhale maintained that they did not significantly impact free speech. Justice Chandurkar aligned his opinion with Justice Patel's, emphasising the need to protect citizens' rights to free expression. Central to the controversy was the establishment of a Fact Checking Unit (FCU), which was designed to flag online content deemed misleading or false concerning the government. The court agreed with the petitioners' claim that the Rules had a chilling effect on fundamental rights. The contentious amendments to the IT Rules were introduced by the Union government on April 6, 2023, as part of the Information Technology (Intermediary Guidelines and Digital Media Ethics Code) Rules, 2021. The regulations mandated the FCU to monitor and flag any content perceived as fake or misleading related to government activities. If flagged, social media intermediaries could either remove the content or post a disclaimer, risking legal repercussions if they opted for the latter. On Thursday, September 26, 2024, President Droupadi Murmu visited the Siachen base camp and paid tributes at the Siachen War Memorial. The memorial is a symbol of the sacrifice of soldiers and officers who have been martyred since the Indian Army began Operation Meghdoot on the Siachen Glacier on April 13, 1984. President Murmu addressed the soldiers posted there. IMAGE: The supreme commander of India's defence services pays tribute at the Siachen War Memorial, here and below. All Photographs: Kind courtesy Rashtrapati Bhavan IMAGE: President Murmu interacts with the soldiers at the base camp. IMAGE: President Murmu feeds sweets to a lady soldier. IMAGE: President Murmu speaks at the base camp. IMAGE: President Murmu in the group photograph. IMAGE: Ladakh Lieutenant Governor Brigadier B D Mishra (retd) receives President Murmu on her arrival at the Thoise airfield. Photographs curated by Manisha Kotian/Rediff.com Feature Presentation: Aslam Hunani/Rediff.com Maharashtra deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Thursday said the contract for Dharavi redevelopment will be "taken back" from the Adani group if it fails to follow instructions of the state government. IMAGE: A view of Dharavi in Mumbai. Photograph: ANI Photo Speaking at the India Today conclave, he refuted allegations of the opposition parties on the project and asserted the tender was given to the Adani group as it was the highest bidder. On Wednesday, Mumbai Congress chief and Lok Sabha MP Varsha Gaikwad had claimed 80 percent of shares of Dharavi Redevelopment Project Private Limited, which is helming the ambitious makeover, were held by Adani group, while the state government had the remaining 20 percent. Gaikwad, who was Dharavi MLA before being elected to the Lok Sabha in the 2024 general polls, also alleged the redevelopment project was real estate's biggest scam. Queried on Gaikwad's claims, Fadnavis said, "The Dharavi redevelopment plan is under the state government's control. A principal secretary rank officer will be the chief of DRP. It will draft development control rules. Based on these rules, the actual development will occur. Unless these rules are approved by the state Urban Development Department, the company cannot start work." "Adani (group) will have to do whatever the government wants. If they do not do it, we will take back the contract from them," said Fadnavis, who was state housing minister when billionaire Gautam Adani's group won the bid for redeveloping Dharavi, one of the world's densest urban sprawls. The opposition parties are either not studying the issue properly or are more interested in politicising it, the senior BJP leader said. He said the previous Uddhav Thackeray-led MVA government failed to cap Transferable Development Rights. This omission would have granted the redeveloping entity in Dharavi unrestricted authority to stockpile these rights and realise excessive profits through their sale to other real estate developers in the city, Fadnavis alleged. "It was our government which put a cap on TDR pricing. It cannot exceed 90 percent of the ready reckoner rates. We also provided a facility called digital platform where details of the available TDR will be displayed. We have made the process transparent," Fadnavis asserted. Photo: Ministry of Energy of the Republic of Azerbaijan BAKU, Azerbaijan, September 26. Azerbaijan's Minister of Energy Parviz Shahbazov held several meetings in Serbia, Trend reports. During a meeting with Serbian Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Environmental Protection Irena Vujovic, the current state of energy cooperation between the two countries was positively evaluated. The discussions included a recently signed agreement on environmental cooperation between Azerbaijan and Serbia. It was stated that collaboration in green energy would support the energy transition and help achieve climate goals. The meeting addressed carbon emission reductions, the adoption of new technologies in this area, and cooperation within the framework of COP29, including global initiatives for its presidency. In a separate meeting with Serbian Minister of Economy Adriana Mesarovic, the development of bilateral cooperation was discussed. It was noted that over January-August of this year, Azerbaijan supplied 32.3 million cubic meters of gas to Serbia, with a new agreement expanding cooperation in the gas sector. Serbia's opportunities to join the Caspian-Black Sea-Europe "green" energy corridor, cooperation in the construction of a gas power plant, crude oil supplies, and gas transit were also discussed. An exchange of views took place regarding the business forum planned to be held in December in Azerbaijan. Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel 'My son was not killed because he was a Hindu.' Photographs: Syed Firdaus Ashraf/ Rediff.com IMAGE: Ramesh Kumar Mehra behind the cash counter at the Krishna Vaishno Bhojanalaya. On February 17, 2021, terrorists murdered Akash Mehra, 22, when he was seated at the cash counter at his Srinagar restaurant Krishna Vaishno Bhojanalaya. It was the day when a 24-member European delegation was in the Kashmir Valley on a visit. Three days later, the Jammu and Kashmir police arrested the terrorists -- Vilayat Aziz Mir from Pulwama; Owais Manzoor Sofi and Suhail Ahmad Mir from Anantnag. The police also recovered the bike and ammunition used to kill Akash. The motive, according to the terrorists, was to send a message against the abrogation of Article 370 so that no outsider would settle down in Kashmir. If you are a vegetarian and a tourist in Srinagar, then you must eat at the Krishna Vaishno Bhojanalaya because it serves delicious vegetarian food. Syed Firdaus Ashraf/Rediff.com spoke to Akash's father Ramesh Kumar Mehra, 65, who continues to run his restaurant. For me, my life has stopped after my son's death. I cannot sleep at night as I see his face all the time. I close my eyes to get sleep, but then my son's face appears and I lose my sleep. I was once a believer in God, but now I have stopped believing in God. I have not visited a temple after my son's death. Bhagwan hai kahan? (Where's God?) I don't know. Why did this happen to me? I did no wrong to anybody and yet I am suffering. On that fateful day militants had warned shopkeepers and restaurant owners to shut their business to protest the abrogation of Article 370. These militants wanted to send a message to the visiting European delegation that Kashmiris are against the abrogation of Article 370, but then we got message from the authorities that we should not shut our establishment as it will send a wrong message to the foreign dignitaries. I was perplexed, 'Government ki suney ya militant ki suney? (Who should I listen to? The government or the militants?) The situation was like dono taraf se musibat (I was caught in a bind). IMAGE: Krishna Vaishno Bhojanalaya is located close to the iconic Dal Lake. I decided to go by the government's diktat without realising that my life would forever change for the worse, by keeping my restaurant open that day. I stepped out of the restaurant in the evening for some work, and my son sat at this very counter from where I am speaking to you. I had hardly reached some distance from my restaurant when I heard the sound of firing. Everybody started running helter-skelter. I saw from a distance that the firing was at my restaurant. When I reached my restaurant I saw my son lying in a pool of blood. We rushed him to the hospital and hoped he would survive. He battled for his life for 12 days, but then he passed away, leaving me all alone at this age. When I look back at the failure of the security forces to protect my son's life, I think of a dialogue from the film Singham. 'If the police has the will, then not a single slipper can be stolen from the temple, but then the police needs to have that kind of will' -- the dialogue is very apt in my situation. If the police had been alert that day my son would have been alive. Today, you see they have surrounded my restaurant with police. They are here 24 hours, but what is the point? My son is dead and he is never going to come back. Every day, I get up and cook food only to kill time. I have lost interest in life. Kiskey liye kamaana, kiskey liye jeena? (For whom do I earn and for whom do I live?). I only hope that someday some militant will come and shoot me. I just want to die. I cannot commit suicide so I am hoping for this kind of death. My son was not killed because he was a Hindu. Article 370 killed my son, zindagi barbad kar di (Article 370 ruined my life). I have been running this restaurant in Srinagar from 1985. I have seen the worst of the times of militancy in the 1990s, but at that time no one harmed me or my family. Muslims of Kashmir are like my brothers. 90 percent of weddings in Srinagar and other areas order vegetarian food from my restaurant for their wedding. I supply vegetarian wedding food till Baramulla, which is 50 km away from Srinagar. IMAGE: 'No politician has come to meet me and ask how I am and what I am going through after my son's death,' says Ramesh Kumar Mehra. I have been to court for hearings and saw those three militants who killed my son, but then I feel they should be set free. I don't want to go there and see their faces. Every time I see those militants the memory of my son causes me more pain. Sarkar sirf paal rahi hai unko jail mein (the government is only feeding them in jail). Till date no politician has come to meet me and ask how I am and what I am going through after my son's death. I realised our system is like, Aam aadmi ki koi aukaat nahi hai, kaun saath dega uska? (There is no value for the life of a common man and nobody comes to support him). After my son's death I can only say that Kashmir politics and militancy is very uncertain. Nobody knows who is doing what and what is going to happen next. All I can say is, meri kismet kharab hai (my fate is bad). You and your family should consider yourself lucky if they go scratch free in Kashmir. In underlining the role of border villages as custodians of India's frontiers, New Delhi is following China's example in Tibet. IMAGE: Army Chief General Upendra Dwivedi presents a memento to Defence Minister Rajnath Singh at the 'Border Area Development Conclave' in New Delhi, September 11, 2024. Photograph: ANI Photo Echoing Prime Minister Narendra D Modi's stated commitment to holistic development of villages located close to the India-China border, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh has described these villages as not just remote habitations but also the country's first line of defence. Addressing a Border Area Development Conclave in New Delhi, Singh said the best way of dealing with the multiple challenges posed by India's geo-strategic location was to ensure border area development. In underlining the role of border villages as custodians of India's frontiers, New Delhi is following the example of China in Tibet, where President Xi Jinping has personally directed a new border village policy since 2017. China in Tibet China's new border village policy, which is aimed at setting up Tibetan villages in disputed border areas, was announced with great fanfare at the 19th congress of the Chinese Communist party in 2017. In May 2021, noted Tibetologist Robert Barnett described the working of Xi Jinping's resettlement policy in an article in Foreign Policy magazine. Barnett's article details the experience of four Tibetan nomads from the remote Beyul Khenpajong region, which remains disputed between Bhutan and China. Until 1995, like other yak graziers living along the border, the four spent their summer grazing their herds in the Beyul, before returning to their village in Tibet ahead of the winter snows. In 1995, however, the local Communist officials told them Beyul was Chinese territory and it was their duty to guard it for China by physically remaining there through winter. For the decades that followed, the four graziers spent the bitter winters alone in the Beyul, in harsh and primitive conditions, with no contact with the outside world. Once the Chinese completed a road to their tiny settlement, over the Himalayan crest line, a larger village was rapidly built up. In April 2020, the Communist party secretary of Tibet, Wu Yingjie, trekked all the way to the new grazier village, now named Gyalphug, to hail the graziers as heroes of China. Each summer, Communist officials organise the herders to carry out small tasks to reassert China's claims. Barnett writes: 'These included driving yak herds over land grazed by Bhutanese herders in the Beyul, demanding tax payments from the Bhutanese herders, planting Chinese flags on peaks and painting the word 'China' on rocks throughout the area.' An estimated 250,000 Tibetans have been resettled thus along the border. In effect, this has transformed local Tibetan histories of border grazing and monastic claims into state-level territorial claims by China. In July 2021, Xi Jinping visited Tibet for three days, with his focus squarely on the Tibetan town of Nyingtri (Nyingchi in Chinese). Beijing regards Arunachal Pradesh as a southward extension of Nyingtri prefecture. IMAGE: A view of the Atal Tunnel during snowfall in Manali. Photograph: ANI Photo Development work India's defence minister, speaking at the Border Area Development Conclave, pointed to the development work carried out in India's border areas during the last decade. Singh cited the construction of 8,500 kms of roads, 400 permanent bridges, and three major tunnels: Atal Tunnel, Sela Tunnel, and Shikun-La Tunnel, with the third currently the world's highest road tunnel. The defence minister also cited the connection of border areas in Ladakh with the National Electricity Grid, and the provision of high-speed internet to over 1,500 villages, mainly in Ladakh and Arunachal Pradesh, through the Bharat-Net broadband project. Singh said the government's special emphasis on border area tourism was catalysing the development of the region. 'Tourism has immense potential in border areas, but it could not reach the desired heights due to lack of infrastructure. Things have changed since this government came to power... From 2020 to 2023, the footfall of tourists in Ladakh, Sikkim and Arunachal Pradesh increased by 30 per cent... We are taking consistent steps to make J&K a tourist hotspot,' he said. Economic development of the border areas, he said, was triggering 'reverse migration', such as in Huri village in Arunachal Pradesh, where villagers who had migrated to the hinterland were returning to their original homes. Speaking at the same conclave, army chief General Upendra Dwivedi described border area development as 'a core component of national security'. IMAGE: The Colonel Chewang Rinchen Bridge built between Durbuk and Daulat Beg Oldie. Photograph: ANI Photo New flashpoint Like New Delhi, Beijing supports its graziers with incentives, including financial ones, to equip them for spending long periods in high-altitude pastures along the McMahon Line border. Unlike New Delhi, however, Beijing has not shrunk from using armed force in the form of border guards and frontline soldiers to intimidate and bully Indian graziers. Indian military commanders believe Beijing covets Beyul Khenpajong as a bargaining chip to offer Bhutan in exchange for Doklam, a disputed pocket of land at the tri-junction of Bhutan, China and India. India regards Doklam as militarily vital, being located less than 100 kilometres from the strategic Siliguri corridor, a narrow, 25 kilometre-wide strip of land that connects India's seven north-eastern states to the Indo-Gangetic heartland. Bhutan has always been careful of India's concerns vis-a-vis Doklam. 'China doesn't need the land it is settling in Bhutan: Its aim is to force the Bhutanese government to cede territory that China wants elsewhere in Bhutan to give Beijing a military advantage in its struggle with New Delhi,' wrote Barnett in Foreign Policy. Since 1990, Beijing has been offering to give up its claim to 495 square kilometres in the north of Bhutan, provided Thimphu yields 269 square kilometres in the west. The territory in north Bhutan that China is offering to give up includes the Beyul Khenpajong. The creation of border infrastructure is the new flashpoint between China and India. Among the causes cited for intrusions by the People's Liberation Army into Eastern Ladakh in the summer of 2020, the construction of the 255 kilometre-long Darbuk-Shyok-Daulat Beg Oldi (DSDBO) road by India's Border Roads Organisation is possibly the most convincing. Following clashes between the PLA and Indian troops in the Galwan river valley in June 2020, China's foreign ministry identified the creation of the DSDBO road as a trigger for the clash. Clearly, New Delhi will have to walk a fine line between developing India's border infrastructure on the one hand and assuaging Beijing's border sensibilities on the other. Feature Presentation: Aslam Hunani/Rediff.com BRATTLEBORO In connection with the exhibition The In Between, which features artwork by Susan Brearey and Duane Slick, the Brattleboro Museum & Art Center (BMAC) presents Pumpkintown: Songs, Stories, and Magic Lantern Projections from an Imaginary New England Village, at 7 p.m. Oct. 12 at Next Stage Arts Project in Putney. A unique and multi-faceted show that has been performed around the world, "Pumpkintown" is a long-running collaboration by acclaimed American folk musicians Tim Eriksen and Peter Irvine, with paintings and magic lantern projections by Brearey. Eriksen, a vocalist and instrumentalist, is a Grammy-nominated musical pioneer known for his distinctive interpretations of old ballads, love songs, shape-note gospel, and dance tunes from New England and Southern Appalachia. A musicologist and a professor, Eriksen was a consultant for the award-winning soundtrack of the film Cold Mountain. He and Irvine, a percussionist and vocalist, formed Cordelias Dad, a folk punk band from Northampton, Mass. "Pumpkintown" originated about a dozen years ago after Eriksen visited Breareys classes at the Putney School, where she taught art for 32 years before recently retiring. "Pumpkintown" evolved from their shared interest in blending visual elements with folk music and storytelling. The result is a collaborative show that has been performed from the West Coast to Boston, and worldwide, including Great Britain, France, Sweden, and the Czech Republic. Brearey said, In 'Pumpkintown,' we target the real, imaginary, humorous, and often unexpected in the backwoods of everyday life through songs, stories, and magic lantern projections. Every "Pumpkintown" performance is a little bit different, Eriksen said. After all these years, its still a work in progress because it has a large element of improvisation. Its a formal experimentation in shadows and light and plays with the balance between abstraction and legibility. In "Pumpkintown," Breareys use of a magic lantern, a 19th century version of a projector, on her artwork creates a unique multimedia performance. The theatrical backdrop for "Pumpkintown" is one of Breareys paintings, which, she says, shows the intersection of nature and culture in rural New England. Breareys artwork in "Pumpkintown" is part of the BMAC exhibit The In Between, which is on view until Oct. 19. The In Between is the first collaborative exhibit of Brearey and her longtime friend, artist Duane Slick, who has taught printmaking and painting at the Rhode Island School of Design (RISD) since 1995. Both Brearey and Slick have exhibited their artwork in galleries throughout the United States and internationally. "Pumpkintown" offers a fresh take on history and American music, from a region rarely associated with a regional sound: New England. Audiences will experience both a funny and strange experience in "Pumpkintown," Eriksen said, adding that its particularly special to see the show in New England in October. 'Pumpkintown' is an imaginary New England village, but its also a narrative about a shared connection to a place, Eriksen said. Pumpkintown is a story, but it is presented sideways, through imagery and sounds. Admission is $25, $20 for BMAC members. Next Stage Arts Project is at 15 Kimball Hill in Putney. Founded in 1972, the Brattleboro Museum & Art Center presents rotating exhibits of contemporary art, complemented by lectures, artist talks, film screenings, and other public programs. The museum is open Wednesday through Sunday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Admission is free, courtesy of M&T Bank. The museum, in historic Union Station in downtown Brattleboro at the intersection of Main Street and routes 119 and 142, is wheelchair accessible. For more information, call 802-257-0124 or visit brattleboromuseum.org. The museum is supported in part by the Vermont Arts Council and the National Endowment for the Arts. Additional support is provided by Brattleboro Savings & Loan, C&S Wholesale Grocers, and Sams Outdoor Outfitters. A screenshot from the video for the Rusty Belle song "Change My Heart" shows Kate Lorenz, foreground, and Matt Lorenz. MANCHESTER Now on display at Helmholz Fine Art are works of Techspressionism by North Bennington artist Colin Goldberg. Goldberg invented the term Techspressionism in 2011 to describe his technology-fueled paintings. Since then, Techspressionism has developed into an international movement of artists from over 45 countries. It has also become a widely used hashtag on social media, with over 75K Instagram posts by artists around the globe using the hashtag #techspressionism. Its good for people to be able to see something that is very cutting edge here in Manchester, Vt., said Lisa Helmholz-Adams, owner and curator of the gallery at 442 Depot St., Manchester Center. Its been so well received. Its really, really exciting for people to be able to see this. Gallery hours are Friday, Saturday and Sunday, from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Wednesday and Thursday by appointment only. Dened as an artistic approach in which technology is utilized as a means to express emotional experience, Techspressionism has been described as Expressionism for the 21st Century. The artist groups adviser, art historian Helen Harrison, was the longtime director of the Pollock-Krasner House and Study Center, the former home and studio of the Abstract Expressionist artists Jackson Pollock and Lee Krasner in East Hampton, New York. This August, the rst museum exhibition of Techspressionist artworks opened at the Kingsborough Art Museum in Brooklyn. The show featured paintings, sculptures, and digital art by artists from more than 20 countries who use technology in their practices. Circuit, Goldbergs submission to the exhibition, is a dynamic 6x8-foot augmented reality (AR) artwork that animates on the wall when viewed through a mobile app. An earlier AR work from this series, Kneeling Icon, was purchased by the Hearst Corporation in New York City last year. It is now permanently installed in the companys corporate headquarters in Manhattans Hearst Tower. Goldberg, who is represented by Helmholz Fine Art (HFA) in Manchester Center, will bring Circuit from Brooklyn to HFA in Vermont for an exhibition of his works this fall. Circuit is also one of a series of 23 works featured in Metagraphs: Augmented Reality Art, a book in which the artists works animate directly on the books pages. Born in the Bronx, Goldberg moved to Southern Vermont three years ago. He lives and works in North Bennington and is the father of a 10-year-old daughter, Aya. Goldbergs works have been featured on PBS and NPR, and published in WIRED and the New York Times. You are the owner of this article. PUTNEY School Board members are grappling with what steps to take after a controversy involving banners for presidential candidates Donald Trump and Kamala Harris at Dummerston School. "My concern has always been for the safety of everyone in that building, students and adults," Windham Southeast School District Board Chairwoman Deborah Stanford said at the board meeting held Tuesday at Putney Central School. "This has never been about curriculum, never about the banners as a teaching tool, never about the removal of said banners. Those issues are out of my lane as an elected board director." Stanford said she had followed protocol by communicating directly with the superintendent about moving the flags out of sight from the window after it had come to her attention. Acting "in any other way would have been a dereliction of my duty," she said. At a meeting last week, the Dummerston Leadership Council determined there was evidence of policy and procedure violations that caused harm to the school community. The council had discussed concerns with the meeting agenda not informing the public about specific topics to be discussed, appropriate reporting relationships, the complaint process for instructional materials and how public participation is conducted at board meetings. The council requested the board undertake "a similar examination internally, and create a plan of accountability and to restore trust." "This will allow us to move forward together to continue the important work on behalf of our students," the council said in a letter to the board. Describing the letter as vague, Stanford said she was "speechless" and not sure how to respond. Following the meeting, the council sent a document with an overview of specific policies it had discussed at its meeting. Stanford said she spoke with the school district's attorney and realized her statement at the Sept. 10 meeting hadn't been consistent with the spirit of Open Meeting Law but had not violated the law. Her intent, she said, "was to establish context and timeframes. No action was planned." A motion Stanford made for the superintendent to look into the matter, report back to the board and take any action necessary to resolve the issue was tabled Tuesday. Board member Kim Price worried the motion was too vague. Board member Ruby McAdoo said she doesn't believe the superintendent should be responsible for the task. She suggested the issue be taken up by the district's Policy and Amendments Committee; however, an amendment to the motion was not seconded after board members said the project fell outside the committee's purview. McAdoo said she thinks the board can acknowledge harm done to those who could see the flags while driving past the school and teachers who were shocked by the response to the flags at the last board meeting. "I feel like we're getting a little bit stuck," she said. "I believe we have work we can do around ... how are we doing? This is true all of the time." The flags were moved to a wall away from the window on Sept. 11, a day after the topic was discussed at the School Board meeting. The issue had come up under public comment, starting with a statement from Stanford speaking about her request to move the flags out of sight from the windows due to the optics and perceived safety risk. Before public comment began Tuesday, Stanford called it "a time for the board to listen and to take notes." "It is not a time for the board to respond to comments or to engage in dialogue with the public. If appropriate, the board and administration will work on next steps," Stanford said. "This message became muddied on the occasion of the Sept. 10 board meeting. That inconsistency will not occur again." Tom Ehrenberg of Putney said political flags should be hung in schools only if racist and sexist viewpoints espoused by candidates are discussed. Ellen Rago, library media specialist at Dummerston School, previously told the Reformer she has called out such things but felt she needed to be fair and inclusive when holding a mock election in her classroom. Teacher opens up about Trump, Harris flag controversy at Dummerston School DUMMERSTON Donald Trump and Kamala Harris banners were seen by Ellen Rago, library media s Spoon Agave of Brattleboro, who chairs the Windham County Progressive Party, described politics as "an incendiary topic." "Because by definition, politics are pretty inflammatory and ever more so in this particular day and age," he said. Wichie Artu, president of the Windham County Branch of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People, thanked the board for its "swift response to our concerns over the public display of political campaign flags." "Your efficacy involving this issue will not go unnoticed to us or to those families in solidarity with families of color in Windham County," he said in a statement read at the meeting. Mary Gannon, who has hosted local trainings on diversity and equity, called for the district to use its ongoing commitment to social justice and anti-racism as guideposts to addressing the issue. Superintendent Mark Speno noted that students are exposed to current events outside of the classroom. They also are "very curious and have questions about why things are happening and why somebody said something so outlandish," he said. "I believe it is our goal to help our children and students become critical thinkers, to teach them what is currently happening so that they can learn to make decisions for themselves and for what they believe in," he said. "I also believe we need to give the educators, our educators, the grace to do this work on a day in and day out basis. It's not easy, and it's not easy when there's misunderstandings, when there's conflict or disagreements." Speno called for developing communities where children and adults feel safe to ask questions and have discussions with each other. Mikaela Simms, diversity coordinator at Windham Southeast Supervisory Union, said she believes educators should "show the world as it exists" but also provide tools to change it for the better. "As this conversation continues," she said, "I just want to highlight that in addition to our small corner of the world that it is very easy for us to attract national attention. And with that national attention comes more danger, especially for people who are marginalized." Rago is hoping for a restorative process "because we're going to have to work together going forward," she said at the Leadership Council meeting. Principal Julianne Eagan said she promoted the idea of having a dialogue since she knows "how much we embrace that here at Dummerston School. Knowing Ellen so well I would encourage anyone to reach out to Ellen, including any board member." "I feel there's good intentions all around," Artu said at the council meeting. "I'm appreciating grace and a restorative process in addressing those concerns." At the board meeting, board member Shaun Murphy agreed with Speno that it was time to move on. BAKU, Azerbaijan, September 26. The Trans Adriatic Pipeline (TAP) is ready to integrate biomethane into pipeline, Luca Schieppati, TAP's Managing Director, said at the Italian Energy Summit, Trend reports. We are testing the materials of the pipes to verify their resistance to the transport of hydrogen. Furthermore, we are evaluating the compatibility of equipment and systems for the transport of hydrogen in a mixture. As for biomethane, we are ready to welcome it into our pipeline and we aim to accompany and promote the development of its regulation, he said. Schieppati noted that as part of the Carbon Management Plan (2022-2025), TAP has already reduced its CO emissions by 30 percent, methane by 53 percent and fugitive emissions by 70 percent. TAP transports natural gas from the giant Shah Deniz field in the Azerbaijani sector of the Caspian Sea to Europe. The 877 km long pipeline connects with the Trans Anatolian Pipeline (TANAP) at the Turkish-Greek border in Kipoi, crosses Greece and Albania and the Adriatic Sea, before coming ashore in Southern Italy. TAP facilitates gas supplies to Southeastern European countries through existing and prospective interconnectors. TAP is connected to Interconnector Greece Bulgaria (IGB) which started its commercial operations in October 2022, providing Caspian gas to Bulgaria. TAPs shareholding is comprised of bp (20%), SOCAR (20%), Snam (20%), Fluxys (20%), Enagas (20%). Follow the author on X: @Lyaman_Zeyn Don't miss the big stories. Like us on Facebook. Anne N. Sosin is a public health practitioner and researcher at Dartmouth College in Hanover, N.H. The opinions expressed by columnists do not necessarily reflect the views of Vermont News & Media. Vermonts black bear population is estimated at roughly 6,300 to 7,600 based on 2023 data, the most recent available, according to the Vermont Fish and Wildlife Department. Photo: Ministry of Energy of the Republic of Azerbaijan BAKU, Azerbaijan, September 26. Azerbaijan and Serbia have signed an agreement on additional gas supply, Azerbaijans Energy Minister Parviz Shahbazov wrote on X, Trend reports. We had a fruitful meeting in Belgrade with Serbian Minister of Mining and Energy Dubravka Djedovic Handanovic on expanding our energy cooperation. SOCAR and Srbijagas signed a Purchase and Sale Agreement on additional daily gas supply of 1 million cubic meters, which will cover the period from 1 November 2024 to 1 April 2025, the minister wrote. Moreover, Shahbazov noted that the Ministry of Energy of the Republic of Azerbaijan and the Ministry of Mining and Energy of the Republic of Serbia signed a Memorandum of Understanding on green energy cooperation. On November 15, 2023, the State Oil Company of Azerbaijan (SOCAR) and Serbia's Srbijagas signed an agreement for the supply of Azerbaijani gas to Serbia. Under the agreement, up to 400 million cubic meters of gas will be delivered annually from Azerbaijan to Serbia between 2024 and 2026, with the option to increase volumes starting in 2027. The delivery of Azerbaijani gas to Serbia began in February 2024. Follow the author on X: @Lyaman_Zeyn I was open to whatever happened, but my gut feeling was it was probably a 60 per cent chance wed go in that direction. Infor, however, impressed the Sealord team with its product, people and industry focus. Its been their story for a while, but we really felt that coming through, that when it got into the nitty gritty pieces of our business around that supply chain piece, around quality control, around exporting, theres a whole lot of layers of sophistication and maturity and understanding that was relevant for food and beverage and food exporting. The people Infor brought in knew the language and the challenges and brought industry-specific expertise. Could evergreen really be forever? That was important because cloud potentially offered an evergreen platform. With a regular cadence of improvement, this could be the last time Sealord had to make such a change to its systems. Artificial intelligence may be the hot-button topic of 2024, but was not a key feature of the procurement. Indirectly, I guess, what we were looking to do was to try and be able to leverage somebody elses investment, Dodd said. We could see that they put a bunch of money into their products over a number of years. In that evergreen environment where youre looking at a regular cadence of updates to the product, it doesnt have to be us thinking of whats needed. For Sealord, sustainability was also a huge issue, especially when its capital investment in plant and fleet were very long-term. ERP is long, but fishing boats are even longer, Dodd said. We are deeply committed to the fact that weve got to plan for the future. Weve got to treat the planet and environment in a way that works for our shareholders, works for our staff, but it also actually feeds into a business that still runs successfully in 40 years time. In the past, the industry wasnt doing a good job of explaining its thinking and its actions leading to a misunderstanding of fishing and its impact, Dodd said. The reality is that fishing is a good news story in New Zealand, more than people sometimes recognise. Whatever we eat as humans has an impact on the environment theres no getting around that. The measure shouldnt be, does this way of feeding the population have zero impact because thats not achievable. The test should be whether this method of feeding the population has less impact than the alternatives. On that measure, wild caught fish was hugely carbon positive in comparison to most other proteins, Dodd said. Trawlers have impact, but they use the same allotted areas and continue to catch fish in them every year. ERP: it aint ever easy The rollout of Infor was not without its challenges, but was achieved just one month later than originally planned in late 2023. Infor itself was the main implementation partner with a specialist testing company also contributing. Sealord also built its own internal project team, taking on a role akin to that of a systems integrator with the help of a very good programme manager. I guess we felt that we were the ones that cared the most and knew the most and about our industry and needs, Dodd said. One factor was totally out of Sealords control, however: while investment was close to budget, a change in international accounting standards for the treatment of cloud-based software meant most of that cost could not be capitalised and had to be expensed, dragging down the companys bottom line. As a result, Sealord reported a $4.1 million loss for the year to 30 September, 2023, down from a $6.7 million profit in 2022. Sealord was far from alone in seeing its profitability dented. In 2022, Kiwifruit coop Zespri opted to pay its New Zealand growers five cents more per tray for three years to compensate for the impact of the a change. So, is Sealords rollout finished? My answer to that is well never be finished, Dodd said. In a way, part of the journey of cloud ERP is that we can now continue that journey of growth and change and improvement. Smoothing and work on data continues While the project was delivered last November, there was still some smoothing going on. Work on data, with the help of Capgemini, continues to enable automation and reporting as does change management, mostly around people understanding and embracing Sealords new systems. Theres more accuracy and controls within this new ERP than we had, Dodd said. Probably our old environment was a little bit more forgiving. Infor also provided continuity of people, understanding and expertise throughout the roll-out and that had contributed to the success. ERP replacements were a challenging thing, but there was no point in fighting with your vendor, Dodd said. Weve chosen them to be our partner for multiple years. Were going to succeed or fail together, and we might as well get on and be friends and help each other out. On other fronts, Sealord is also working on a new Azure-based data lake and Microsoft Synapse business intelligence. Israel on October 7 marked the somber anniversary of the Hamas attack on the Jewish state that killed more than 1,200 people and took some 250 hostages as the Israeli military continued its massive air strikes on Beirut and its incursion in southern Lebanon that aims to destroy the Iran-allied Hezbollah militant group. Israeli President Isaac Herzog led a national moment of silence at 6:29 a.m., the time the attack started, at Kibbutz Reim, the site of the Nova music festival where hundreds of mostly young revelers were killed by gunmen from Hamas, which has been designated a terrorist organization by both the United States and the European Union. In Washington, President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris condemned Hamas on the anniversary, while also stating again the U.S. administration's commitment to reaching cease-fire agreements to end fighting in both Gaza and Lebanon. "On this solemn anniversary, let us bear witness to the unspeakable brutality of the October 7 attacks but also to the beauty of the lives that were stolen that day," Biden said in a statement. The Israeli military said that during the ceremony led by Herzog, four projectiles were launched from Gaza toward the same Israeli communities targeted at the start of last year's attack. The military said the ceremony was not disrupted. In Jerusalem, relatives of the some 100 hostages still in Hamas captivity, many of whom are believed dead, gathered outside the residence of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, and stood in silence as a siren wailed in a gesture of protest against what relatives say is the failure of the government to secure their loved ones' release. Following the October 7 attack, Israel launched a military assault on Gaza that has killed nearly 42,000 Palestinians, according to Gaza's Health Ministry, which is run by Hamas. The Israeli military said on October 7 that over the past year, it has bombed more than 40,000 targets in Gaza, found 4,700 tunnel shafts and destroyed 1,000 rocket launcher sites. The conflict in Gaza is still raging while Israel is now fighting on a second front in southern Lebanon against Hezbollah. Early on October 7, Hezbollah, designated a terrorist organization by the United States, fired rockets into the north Israeli cities of Haifa and Tiberias, causing damage and some minor injuries, Israeli police said. The European Union has blacklisted Hezbollah's armed wing but not its political unit, which holds seats in the Lebanese parliament. Amid the military activity at the individual level, the private lives of civilians throughout the region have been disrupted. In the ancient city of Beersheba in southern Israel, Irena Stein, who left Albania in 1991 to resettle in the country, told RFE/RL's Kosovo Service that life in recent times had been filled with "sadness and pain." "We had several months of rockets. Then, the number of rockets decreased, and we continued with daily life, like someone who goes on with their life after the seven days of mourning with a great pain in the heart," said Stein, who is in her late 60s. "There's this feeling like something might happen, that we should be cautious. But I believe you can't live with fear, so we've continued our lives, always praying to God that nothing happens to us." She said that in Beersheba -- where human activity can be traced to the fourth millennium BC -- things have been calm since rockets were last heard on September 29. But she lamented that throughout Israel, "We suffer from this situation, and the Palestinian people suffer from it, too." "The Lebanese people also suffer...everyone suffers. But as they say, peace must be decided at the highest level." Meanwhile, in a Lebanese mountain village southeast of Beirut, local resident Hadi Zahwe told reporters an Israeli strike on October 6 was "terrifying." "There were children killed, there were children's body parts. This enemy is targeting civilian women and children," he said. Netanyahu has insisted that Israeli forces are targeting terrorist strongholds and that civilian fatalities have been extremely low in the recent military actions. Israel in recent weeks has been bombing Beirut's southern suburbs and has staged a ground incursion into south Lebanon in its drive to wipe out Hezbollah's capabilities and leadership. The Israeli campaign on Hezbollah prompted the group's patron, Iran, to respond by attacking the Jewish state with a large wave of rockets that were largely shot down by Israeli air defenses without causing substantial damage, but the attack renewed fears of a a larger regional conflict. 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." Israel earlier said it conducted a series of "targeted strikes" on "weapons storage facilities" and infrastructure sites that belong to Iran-backed Hezbollah. 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. Beiruts Skyline Lit Up Amid New Israeli Airstrikes No media source currently available 0:00 0:00:59 0:00 Israel has bombed Beirut's 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 Beirut's 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. 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 a 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. 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. With reporting by RFE/RL's Kosovo Service and AP U.S. President Joe Biden welcomed Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy to the White House on September 26 after announcing billions in military aid for Kyiv, insisting again that Russia "will not prevail" in its invasion of Ukraine. Zelenskiy presented Biden with what he has referred to as his "victory plan" and again requested that the United States lift restrictions on the use of long-range weapons it has provided to strike deep inside Russia at military targets. "Russia will not prevail. Ukraine will prevail, and we'll continue to stand by you every step of the way," Biden said as he hosted Zelenskiy in the Oval Office after thanking him for presenting his plan. "We deeply appreciate that Ukraine and America have stood side by side," said Zelenskiy, dressed in a dark green military-style outfit. Biden, Zelenskiy Meet, Discuss New Aid Package For Ukraine No media source currently available 0:00 0:02:06 0:00 Zelenskiy also met with Vice President Kamala Harris, the Democratic Party's nominee for president, later at the White House and shared his "victory plan" with her. Harris told Zelenskiy that her support for the people of Ukraine was unwavering. "The Ukrainian people are bravely defending their homes and their homeland, their freedom and their democracy against a brutal dictator," Harris told Zelenskiy at the White House. She also said that calls for Ukraine to cede territory to Russia were "dangerous and unacceptable." She added that suggestions from Republican candidate Donald Trump and his running mate, Senator J.D. Vance (Republican-Ohio), that Ukraine should cut a deal to end the war were not proposals for peace but "proposals for surrender." Trump has said Ukraine should have made concessions to Putin in the months before Russia's invasion. At a campaign rally in North Carolina on September 25 he said, "Any deal -- the worst deal -- wouldve been better than what we have now." Biden earlier on September 26 announced more than $8 billion in military aid for Kyiv and repeated in a statement that the United States will "provide Ukraine with the support it needs to win this war." Live Briefing: Russia's Invasion Of Ukraine RFE/RL's Live Briefing gives you all of the latest developments on Russia's full-scale invasion, Kyiv's counteroffensive, Western military aid, global reaction, and the plight of civilians. For all of RFE/RL's coverage of the war in Ukraine, click here. The package includes for the first time a system called Joint Standoff Weapon -- a precision-guided glide bomb with a range of up to 130 kilometers launched from fighter aircraft -- as well as an additional Patriot air-defense battery and hundreds more Patriot missiles and AMRAAMs (advanced medium-range air-to-air missiles). Biden, who is leaving office in January, said the training for Ukrainian F-16 pilots in the United States will also be expanded, including the training of an additional 18 pilots next year. He said Washington and its partners were taking steps to disrupt a global cryptocurrency network used by Russia to evade sanctions and launder money, without elaborating. Biden added he has called a top-level meeting of the 50 or so members of the Ukraine Defense Contact Group in Germany next month to better coordinate efforts to back Ukraine's defense against Russian aggression. Zelenskiy thanked Biden in a message on X. "I am grateful to [U.S. President] Joe Biden, U.S. Congress and its both parties, Republicans and Democrats, as well as the entire American people for today's announcement," he wrote. Zelenskiy is looking to shore up support for his war effort ahead of the U.S. presidential election pitting Harris against Trump, who announced he would meet Zelenskiy on September 27 in New York after a separate meeting with British Prime Minister Keir Starmer. The United States, Ukraine's main supporter, and Western allies have given Kyiv billions of dollars in military aid and other assistance while also slapping several rounds of sanctions on Moscow. Few details are known about the "so-called victory plan" put together by Zelenskiy, who has been on an intensive diplomatic mission since he arrived for the annual UN General Assembly earlier this week. Zelenskiy has said the plan will be a "bridge" toward ending the conflict, while media reports said it would ask for stepped-up U.S. military and financial backing and security guarantees, as well as further sanctions on Russia. People close to Zelenskiy have said the main security guarantee that Kyiv is pursuing is NATO membership, a longtime demand that has been met with skepticism by the United States and its allies. Zelenskiy has also indicated he will again seek permission to use long-range missiles to strike military targets deep inside Russia to prevent attacks on its cities and infrastructure, a move Ukraine's allies are divided upon. The White House played down Ukraine's hopes that Zelensky's visit would achieve that goal. "I'm not expecting there to be any new announcements on this particular action or a decision coming out of this meeting," White House spokeswoman Karine Jean-Pierre told reporters. Senator Lindsey Graham (Republican-South Carolina) said earlier that failing to allow the change in strategy would be a mistake. After meeting with Zelenskiy at the U.S. Capitol on September 26, Graham said the Ukrainian president asked for only one thing: permission to use U.S. weapons to strike "legitimate military targets" inside Russia. Graham said he believes that actions taken this week likely will determine the outcome of the war and that outcome will be "dire" for Ukraine if there is no change in the military strategy. "If you continue the policy of holding Ukraine back because you are worried about escalation, you will doom them to lose," Graham told reporters after meeting Zelenskiy. The Ukrainians "don't need just nice statements anymore. They need the capability to get [Russian President Vladimir] Putin to the table. And that will only come when you can hurt Putin militarily." If Biden really wants Ukraine to prevail, he must allow Zelenskiy to execute his plan, he added. Zelenskiy told senators the plan is to hit specific targets, including air bases, that the Russian military uses in its attacks on Ukraine. Zelenskiy believes that attacking those targets would give him leverage to get Putin to negotiate, and Graham said he believes that too. As the diplomatic efforts took place, Ukraine felt the brunt of Russian attacks on September 25 and 26. At least eight people were killed and 44 wounded, regional officials reported. A child was wounded in Kyiv as the Ukrainian capital and more than 10 other regions came under a wave of Russian strikes early on September 26. Vadym Filashkin, the governor of Donetsk, said four people were killed and 19 were wounded across the region whose civilian areas were shelled 28 times. In Kherson, Governor Oleksandr Prokudin said, two people were killed and 14 were wounded. A 62-year-old woman was killed in a rocket attack in the Odesa region, according to Governor Oleh Kiper, while one person died in Russian shelling of the Sumy region. Overnight shelling of the southern Zaporizhzhya region wounded eight people, one seriously, Governor Ivan Fedorov reported. Separately, Russia's Defense Ministry said its forces had captured Ukrayinsk, a town in Donetsk some 30 kilometers south of Pokrovsk, a key hub that has been in Moscow's crosshairs for the past few months. 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 "For the first time since the Cuban missile crisis, we have a direct threat to the use of nuclear weapons. We have not faced the prospect of Armageddon since Kennedy and the Cuban missile crisis," U.S. President Joe Biden said in 2022. The stark warning came after Russia's Vladimir Putin, suffering major setbacks in his full-scale invasion of Ukraine and forced to draft hundreds of thousands of civilians to bolster the military, said his government would "use all the means at our disposal" if Russia's territorial integrity was threatened. It was not the first time he had invoked the possibility of using nuclear weapons in connection with the war in Ukraine. "This is not a bluff," he said in a September 21, 2022, speech announcing a partial military mobilization. Despite Putin's rhetoric, Western officials have indicated they have seen no material preparations for a nuclear strike by Russia, and some experts have pointed out that the weapons "are not that useful to achieve military objectives." While a Russian nuclear strike on Ukraine seems unlikely, the risk of a new nuclear arms race continues to grow. Russia and the United States have withdrawn from several key arms control treaties over the past years, with only one -- the New START treaty -- still in force and due to expire in 2026. Russia says its participation in the treaty, which limits the numbers of nuclear warheads, launchers, and bombers the two signatories can deploy, is suspended, although it has promised to abide by the limits for now. If New START expires without a replacement, the two major nuclear powers -- for the first time since the START I treaty entered force 30 years ago, in 1994 -- will have no restrictions on how many nuclear warheads and delivery vehicles they can deploy. The erosion of nuclear arms control treaties began in the early 2000s, when the United States withdrew from the Anti-Ballistic Missile Treaty. Signed in 1972, this was one of the first treaties -- along with the interim agreement that resulted from the first Strategic Arms Limitation Talks, or SALT I, limiting deployed warheads, from the same year -- that aimed to avoid an arms race by maintaining parity between the Soviet Union and the United States. The ABM Treaty was designed to eliminate one of the reasons that the United States or Soviet Union would require a large arsenal: With only a limited capability to shoot down incoming missiles, there would be less need for overwhelming numbers of warheads. With the U.S. withdrawal, Russia immediately declared it would no longer abide by the limits agreed to in the START II treaty, which both powers had decided to adhere to even though the treaty had not formally entered into force. The next major bilateral treaty to fall was the Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces (INF) Treaty, which banned ground-launched missiles with ranges between 500 and 5,500 kilometers. The United States had long accused Russia of noncompliance with the treaty, with the Obama administration finding that a cruise missile tested by Russia in 2014 violated the treaty's range limits. The Trump administration announced that it would withdraw from the treaty in October 2018, with Russia responding in kind. These bilateral arms control treaties brought down the number of warheads from a peak of over 60,000 when the INF treaty was signed in 1987 to less than 10,000 when New START was signed in 2011. New Adversaries In addition to Russia's alleged violations of the INF treaty, the Trump administration cited China's nonparticipation and the need to prepare for a potential conflict in the Southern Pacific. China's expansion of its nuclear arsenal poses an obstacle to nuclear negotiations that did not exist during the Cold War, when non-American and Soviet arsenals -- and ambitions -- were small enough to ignore. Under U.S. President Donald Trump, the United States linked the prospects of a new nuclear agreement with Russia to the idea that China should join New START or another trilateral nuclear treaty. Last year, the Congressional Commission on the Strategic Posture of the United States found that the United States "will no longer be able to treat the Chinese nuclear threat as a 'lesser included case' of the Russian nuclear threat." According to Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI), China is significantly expanding its nuclear forces and may have deployed "a small number of its warheads" in 2023. It is expected to continue growing its forces over the next decade and could match American or Russian numbers of deployed intercontinental ballistic missiles in that time, although its overall number of warheads would remain lower. Whether the world sees a massive expansion of the number of warheads stockpiled and deployed if New START is allowed to expire without a replacement remains unclear. According to Daryl Kimball, head of the Arms Control Association, the United States and Russia have more efficient ways to increase the size of their deployed arsenals. After the treaty expires, "they will both have the capacity to double the number of deployed warheads by 'uploading'," meaning increasing the number of nuclear warheads present on delivery systems that are already deployed. Pranay Vaddi, the U.S. National Security Council's senior director for arms control, disarmament, and nonproliferation, says that while the United States must be prepared for the constraints set out in New START to "disappear without replacement," the United States does not "need to increase [its] nuclear forces to match or outnumber the combined total of [its] competitors." Considering the United States' existing second-strike capability, it makes sense that more is not necessarily better. Just one submarine out of between eight and 10 at sea at any time carries some 100 warheads, enough to "obliterate a large country and kill many tens of millions of people," according to Kimball. Despite the impossibility of even Russia's and China's combined nuclear forces launching a successful first strike -- one that would knock out the United States' ability to cause catastrophic damage in response -- the United States might be headed for increases in its nuclear forces. The Strategic Posture Commission's report on preparing for threats from 2027 through 2035 states that the U.S. nuclear force must be "either larger in size, different in composition, or both" if it is to address both a revisionist Russia and a China that the report claims are "pursuing a nuclear force buildup on a scale and pace unseen since the U.S.-Soviet nuclear arms race that ended in the late 1980s." More, More, More The commission's report goes on to recommend that the United States urgently upload more warheads to its deployed carriers, deploy, or base nuclear forces to the Asia-Pacific theater, increase planned numbers of nuclear-capable bombers, look into fielding road-mobile nuclear missile carriers, which are not currently in the U.S. arsenal, and prepare to deploy the future Sentinel ICBM in a configuration that carries multiple independent re-entry vehicles (currently, each Minuteman III ICBM only carries one warhead, as a result of limits imposed by New START). At the same time, Russia is also pouring resources into upgrading its arsenal, with a recent test of a new type of heavy ICBM, the RS-28 Sarmat, apparently having failed. The Sarmat is one of six weapons that Putin unveiled at his 2018 annual address, where a video animation showed Russian missiles flying toward a target resembling Florida. Two U.S. analysts recently claimed to have found a likely deployment site for another one of Russia's nuclear-capable "invincible weapons" heralded by Putin in 2018, the Burevestnik. Russia has also raised the specter of resuming nuclear testing, preparing facilities on the island of Novaya Zemlya, where the Soviet Union tested the largest nuclear bomb ever detonated. BAKU, Azerbaijan, September 26. On September 24, 2024, the Green Finance Conference, organized by AmCham Azerbaijan in partnership with Yelo Bank, successfully concluded. Held on the eve of COP29 and within the framework of the Year of Solidarity for the Green World, the conference brought together local and international experts to discuss key topics on the financial sector's sustainability agenda. The primary goal of the conference was to connect local perspectives with global expertise, fostering the exchange of ideas on sustainable finance and green investments. In their opening remarks, Dayanat Sadullayev, President of AmCham Azerbaijan, Shahin Mahmudzadeh, Director General of the Central Bank of Azerbaijan, Gunay Jalilova, Head of AmCham's Banking, Finance and Insurance Committee, and the Deputy Chairman of Yelo Bank, emphasized the importance of integrating sustainable financial principles into Azerbaijan's economic and financial sectors. They also highlighted the pivotal role of the conference in advancing this mission. The event featured three panels covering the topics: Sustainable Market Opportunities, Sustainable Financial Products, and Green Finance Investments and Infrastructure. The first panel, moderated by Stephanie Stallmeister, Country Manager of the World Bank in Azerbaijan, featured speakers such as Murad Sadigov, Director of Masdar in Azerbaijan, Khayala Naghiyeva, CFO and Board Member of Azerbaijan Green Energy Company, Taciano Custodio, Head of Sustainability at Rabobank Brazil, and Irem Barzilay, Head of Sustainability at Garanti BBVA. In her presentation, Stephanie Stallmeister introduced Azerbaijan's Climate and Development Report, emphasizing the country's progress toward its climate goals. The second panel, moderated by Leyla Huseynli, Sustainable Finance Specialist at the International Finance Corporation (IFC), included discussions from Kirilo Mukhomedzyanov, Operations Specialist at IFC, Nurlan Hajiyev, General Director and Regional Manager at Visa Azerbaijan, Ana Osadze, Head of ESG & Sustainability at the Bank of Georgia, and Farid Abushov, Chairman of the Executive Board at Unibank. The panelists shared insights on green portfolio development, green and blue bonds, and innovative green computing methods. The third panel, moderated by Vugar Namazov, CEO of Unicapital, focused on Green Finance Investments and Infrastructure. Panelists addressed important issues, from the effective use of technology to preventing greenwashing. Speakers included Manas Gizhduaniyev, Chairman of the Astana Green Finance Center (AIFC), Samra Talishinskaya-Abbasova, Sustainability Manager at Unibank, Boris Janjalia, Team Lead of IFCs ESG Advisory Group, and Ruslan Khalilov, Chairman of the Board of the Baku Stock Exchange. Through its active participation in such initiatives, Yelo Bank continues to support Azerbaijans transition to a low-carbon, sustainable economy. As part of the Bank's ongoing Green Savings campaign, a tree will be planted in the name of every customer who opens a savings account with Yelo by October 31. Join us in making Baku greener while earning income by placing your deposit with Yelo Bank: https://bit.ly/3AZlic7. Need more information about our banking services? Then call 981 or visit our Facebook, Instagram, Whatsapp, or yelo.az accounts. Yelo Bank Brighter Banking! BUCHAREST -- The pain was unbearable, says Ion Andrei when describing the 13 days he spent in the intensive care unit (ICU). It was so excruciating, he says, that he couldn't even move. The 72-year-old had gone for a routine checkup at the hospital after complaining of abdominal pain. The news wasn't good: Andrei was diagnosed with cancer and the recommended course of action was palliative care -- the branch of medicine that focuses on symptom relief rather than the treatment of the underlying disease. After recovering from surgery, Andrei was admitted to a different facility, Casa Sperantei, a private palliative-care unit in Romania's capital. It was a night-and-day difference between the care at Casa Sperantei and in the state ICU, Andrei says from the lakeside facility, which is surrounded by weeping willow trees. At the state hospital, there simply weren't enough staff, he explained: "It wasn't that they didn't want to [help], they just couldn't." At Casa Sperantei, he added, "there is almost a nurse for every patient." Dying well is not easy in Romania, and facilities like Casa Sperantei --which also offers subsidized and pro bono care -- are rare. With insufficient state funding and a lack of trained staff, most Romanians spend their final days in the ICU or on regular hospital wards. And with an aging population and increasing rates of chronic diseases, the need for high-quality palliative care in Romania has never been more urgent. Hospital Scandal The state of critical and palliative care has recently been thrust into the public spotlight following a scandal at the St. Pantelimon Emergency Hospital in Bucharest, where two doctors have been accused by prosecutors of causing the death of a critically ill 54-year-old patient by deliberately reducing their medication. "Palliative care in Romania is like a preschool child," said Aurelia Feraru, the head of the Oncology Department at Bucharest's St. Luke's Hospital for Chronic Disease. While working as a doctor in Ireland for several years, Feraru got firsthand experience of how other countries approach palliative care. "There is a lot of emphasis on [patients'] independence. In Romania, when we talk about a terminally ill patient, we think of a patient in bed, who is in a lot of pain and is permanently dependent on someone. The end for Romanian patients is not exactly dignified," she said, carefully choosing her words. Romania is not alone in having inadequate palliative care. According to the World Health Organization, 56.8 million people -- including 25.7 million in their last year of life -- need palliative care. But only about 14 percent of people get it. In a recent study in the Journal Of Pain And Symptom Management, Romania ranked 41st out of 81 countries in palliative-care provision. According to a 2019 government report, Romania could provide hospital beds for only 36 percent of the 5,530 patients in need of end-of-life care. Of the 176,156 people who needed palliative care annually, only 19 percent of patients received it. Twelve out of Romania's 41 counties don't have any palliative facilities at all. The Health Ministry disputes these numbers and says that the situation is not so dire. In a September 4 statement, Health Minister Alexandru Rafila, who declined an interview with RFE/RL, said that the situation had since improved and that Romania needs approximately 4,000 palliative-care beds. "We currently have 3,300," Rafila said. Not Enough Drugs But speaking to Romanian doctors, the extent of the problem is clear: palliative care is severely underfunded and understaffed. Daiana Jianu, the medical director at St. Luke's Hospital in the capital, says her hospital with 311 beds has a total of 14 nurses, working in shifts on both regular and palliative-care wards. That's totally insufficient, she adds. It isn't just the number of staff but their training, says a senior manager at a hospital in Barlad in northeastern Romania "The problem is that there is a lack of specialized doctors," said the manager, who did not want to be identified. According to the government's 2019 report, there were only 610 doctors in Romania with an additional qualification in palliative care, just over half the required amount. Drugs commonly used in end-of-life care are also in short supply. Oncology head Feraru notes that while Romania only has two types of opioids available -- fentanyl patches and morphine -- Ireland has nine varieties of morphine alone. This has all meant that an increasing number of patients and relatives are choosing to pay for private care. But facilities such as Casa Sperantei -- which can cost up to 2,000 lei ($420) a day -- are unaffordable for the vast majority of Romanians. On September 4, Prime Minister Marcel Ciolacu announced a plan to make improvements in the field, covering inpatient, home, and outpatient services, but the details remain scarce. Conversations No One Wants To Have As medical staff are keen to point out, there is more to good palliative care than drugs, equipment, and staff. It is also about providing emotional support to patients and their families. Cristina Ion, a clinical psychologist, has been working at Casa Sperantei for almost two years now. "Patients want to feel close to someone. They need acceptance, because sometimes it is difficult for them to come to terms with the past and especially the future," Ion said. "We take the time to talk to patients," said Dan Malciolu, a doctor at Casa Sperantei, and "ask them what is troubling them both in body and soul. And then we try to draw up an intervention plan to [help them]." For medical staff, sometimes the hardest part is having to explain to concerned relatives that their loved ones are nearing the end. "Family members come and ask us what we are going to do to cure the patient," Malciolu said. "The answer is usually a few seconds of silence, and [then we say] that we will do everything possible to alleviate the patient's suffering." There is a peaceful silence down near the lake at Casa Sperantei, and the air seems cleaner and fresher than in the rest of the capital. Patient Andrei is in a good mood. Apart from numerous doctors and nurses, he has seen a physiotherapist and a psychologist, he says. He's even been doing some gymnastics. When asked why he is so happy, he smiles and says he was remembering his younger days, when he was working at the Interior Ministry, liaising with the rescue and emergency services. "That's just how I've always been," he said. "My colleagues...called me 'The Joker.' Because if I'm glum, do I gain anything?" Five days before President Vladimir Putin announced that he would loosen the conditions under which Russia might use a nuclear weapon against an adversary, one of those very same nuclear weapons had a spectacularly explosive mishap. The Sarmat, Russia's newest intercontinental ballistic missile, a next-generation projectile that Putin has bragged about, erupted in an unexplained blast on September 20, leveling trees, buildings, and scorching the earth around the test silo at the Plesetsk launch facility, according to commercial satellite imagery. In his September 25 remarks to his Security Council, televised to maximize attention beyond the Kremlin's walls, Putin made no mention of the accident. But he made sure that the world -- NATO and the United States, above all -- heard what he wanted them to hear: He was updating Russia's nuclear doctrine. "The updated version of the document proposes that aggression against Russia by any nonnuclear-weapon state, but with the participation or support of a nuclear-weapon state, should be considered as a joint attack on the Russian Federation," he said. Since February 2022, when he sent tens of thousands of troops across the border to invade Ukraine, Putin has repeatedly hinted, signaled, blustered, and threatened that Russia was ready to tap into its nuclear arsenal -- the world's largest -- to defend itself. He hasn't done it yet. But he and other officials have kept up a drumbeat of threats, some veiled and some direct. And that keeps arms-control experts, military analysts, and policymakers awake at night. Until Moscow actually releases the specifies that show the doctrine -- last updated in 2020 -- has changed, it's hard to figure out what, if anything, has, says Nikolai Sokov, a former Russian diplomat and arms-control negotiator now with the Vienna Center for Disarmament and Nonproliferation. But it is certainly a signal, he said. "I did not see anything fundamentally new, everything Putin said was there for a long time," Sokov told RFE/RL. "He went much more specific on the existing policy, but he added new details, tailored to the current situation." "It represents a signal, a warning to NATO, as NATO continues to contemplate whether Western weapons should be used for long-range strikes," he said, referring to an ongoing push by Ukraine to get permission to hit more targets inside Russia. In comments to reporters the following day, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said that was exactly what it was intended to be. "It must be considered a specific signal; a signal that warns these countries of the consequences if they participate in an attack on our country by various means, not necessarily nuclear," Peskov said. 'This Doctrine Is A Living Instrument' For generations, Soviet and now Russian policymakers have relied on the tool of strategic deterrence in their policy toolbox -- trying to make another country do what Moscow wants by signaling, or threatening, the possible use of atomic weapons. Over the past decade, Putin has markedly increased funding for Russia's armed forces, including its nuclear arsenal. That includes new models like the Sarmat ICBM, which has been put into use despite suffering at least three previous mishaps, as well as hypersonic weapons and nuclear-powered cruise missiles. Russia's arsenal -- both strategic weapons, like long-range missiles, and less-powerful tactical weapons, like nuclear-tipped artillery shells -- is now the largest in the world; the United States is a close second. Western planners -- particularly those who stay awake at night wondering when Moscow might decide to launch its missiles -- look closely at public statements not only by the Kremlin, but also the Defense Ministry and top foreign policy officials. The Basic Principles Of State Policy On Nuclear Deterrence is the formal doctrine that spells out when the weapons will be used, and under what conditions. In 2020, officials released an updated version of the doctrine, though there were no major shifts. Moscow could use its nuclear arsenal "in response to the use of nuclear and other types of weapons of mass destruction against it and/or its allies, as well as in the event of aggression against the Russian Federation with the use of conventional weapons when the very existence of the state is in jeopardy," it says. Many experts have focused on what might constitute an existential threat; one interpretation speculated that a popular uprising against Putin and his government might be considered to merit a nuclear response. During a business forum in St. Petersburg in June, one prominent Russian commentator called on Putin to lower the threshold for nuclear use. Putin demurred, but said he was open to revising the policy. "This doctrine is a living instrument, we are carefully watching what's going on in the world around us, and we don't exclude making changes in the doctrine," he said. Russian threats of the potential use of tactical nuclear weapons in Ukraine were serious enough in the months after the February 2022 invasion, according to CIA Director William Burns, who said he warned his Russian counterpart against it. But several events during the conflict have seemed to blur or even erase some of those red lines, adding more ambiguity into Western perceptions about Moscow's planning. Ukraine's use of drones to attack early-distant-warning radars, used to detect far-off missile launches, spooked Western policymakers, since that might be considered a threat to Russia's strategic defenses as spelled out in the doctrine. Putin has suggested that Ukrainian territories that the Kremlin has claimed to have annexed -- though no other country has recognized them as Russian -- would fall under the nuclear doctrine. Ukraine has continued to hit Russian forces, including with Western-supplied weapons, in many of those occupied territories, and Kyiv's stated goal is to take back all the land Russia has occupied. In August, Ukrainian forces pulled of an audacious cross-border incursion into Russia's Kursk region. It was the largest invasion of Russian territory by foreign forces since World War II, and may have arguably met the conditions laid out in the doctrine. NATO and the United States are now considering Ukraine's pleas to be allowed to hit targets deep inside Russia using long-range Western missiles -- something that Moscow has warned against. The Kremlin's decision to televise Putin's comments before his national Security Council was indicative that they wanted to send a message. And it came one day before Zelenskiy was to travel to the White House, where he was expected to request long-range strike permission, among other things. But Putin didn't in fact specify whether the doctrine had been formally updated, nor whether the proposal -- that a conventional attack on Russia by one country that is supported by another, nuclear-armed country -- would in fact merit a nuclear response. Putin's remarks do not mean the doctrine has changed substantially, says Pavel Podvig, senior research fellow at the United Nations Institute for Disarmament Research in Geneva. "In fact, if you look closely and look at the history of the issue, there really aren't that many changes," Podvig said in an interview with Current Time. "For now, everything remains just at the level of statements, and we also haven't seen any real steps toward escalation," he said. "For now, I think, we need to be on guard, but on the other hand, we shouldn't react too strongly." "There is definitely more specificity," said Xiaodon Liang, senior policy analyst for the Arms Control Association. "We should be thinking of this kind of separate from the more casual nuclear threats that Russia has been making." Luke Coffey, a former British Defense Ministry adviser and now a senior fellow at the Hudson Institute in Washington, says Putin's comments were aimed in part at Americans, with the U.S. presidential election just weeks away. He "is a very astute politician, and he understands how the issue of nuclear weapons plays out in the domestic debate in the United States," Coffey said. "He's a master at this propaganda and information warfare." "What was announced by Putin today wasn't really a huge departure from what Russian doctrine has been, maybe he put a finer point on the issue of a nuclear state supporting a nonnuclear state attacking Russia," he said. Todd Prince reported from Washington A resident of Zaporizhzhya told RFE/RL it was a "miracle" that he survived a Russian strike on his home in the southern Ukrainian city. At least nine people were wounded on September 26 after the city was targeted for a fourth day in a row with glide bombs. The attack came before Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy was due to meet with U.S. President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris in Washington. BAKU, Azerbaijan, September 26. COP29 Presidency's active support is needed to fulfill commitments to protect labor rights, Deputy General Secretary of the International Trade Union Confederation (ITUC) Eric Mwezi Manzi said at an international conference on Climate Change and Just Transition: The Role and Actions of Trade Unions in Baku today, Trend reports. "At last years COP28 Climate Conference, countries adopted the Just Transition Program. This is an important step forward, placing labor at the center of climate policy. For us, this program is not just a document for climate negotiators from the countries that signed the Paris Agreement. It's the result of social dialogues that involved social partners, including trade unions, in discussing climate measures. Social protection has become a key element of the just transition, including measures such as unemployment benefits and health insurance for all those affected by climate change or climate measures themselves," he explained. According to him, the issue of recognizing labor rights is equally important. "They guarantee workers' freedom of association in trade unions, the right to collective bargaining, and other fundamental labor rights established by the International Labour Organization (ILO). For the first time, fundamental labor rights were mentioned in UN climate negotiations - this is a milestone for everyone interested in protecting workers' rights. We must build on this achievement, implement it in practice, and remind countries of their obligations to protect labor rights. We need new social partners, and I hope to contribute to this process. It was encouraging that the COP29 President mentioned labor rights in his video message at the opening of the conference. We need active support from the COP29 Presidency to fulfill these commitments. We aim for all countries to integrate the principles and measures of a just transition into their Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs). Next year, when countries are expected to update their NDCs, governments must consult with trade unions to assess the social impact of climate policies, address job losses, skill development, and other important aspects," he added. This November, Azerbaijan will host COP29. This decision was made at the COP28 plenary meeting held in Dubai on December 11 last year. Baku will become the center of the world and will receive about 7080,000 foreign guests. The United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change is an agreement signed at the Earth Summit in Rio de Janeiro in June 1992 to prevent dangerous human interference with the climate system. COPthe Conference of the Partiesis the highest legislative body overseeing the implementation of the Framework Convention on Climate Change. There are 198 countries that are parties to the Convention. Unless the parties agree otherwise, the COP is held annually. The first COP event took place in March 1995 in Germany's Berlin, with its secretariat in Bonn. Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel When talking about Kamala Harris, the U.S. Vice President and the Democratic Party candidate in the November elections, Donald Trump Jr didnt hold back, calling her a radical leftist, pointing out her upbringing and her political career. According to Trump Jr., the media and big tech are painting her as a moderate, but her far-left ideology is clear to those paying attention. Niels Schnecker: Your name is Trump, there is no way that i will not talk about some issues of elections, so i m trying to understand, it s been a very hard fought campaign, your father has worked very hard the last two years to fight against Joe biden, now all of a sudden we have Kamala Harris. Now with the appearance of Kamala Harris for me at least its been a question of how much is she an experiment of neomarxism, how much is she that hard left Trump Jr : She is the daughter of a Marxist professor, just to be clear The apple doesnt fall far from the tree. If youre the daughter of a Marxist professor, if youre rated the most leftist person in the United States Senate, which she was, if youre a career politician from San Francisco, there is a solid chance that youre a radical leftist. She is a leftist, this is what she is. The media and the US, big tech, the Democrats are trying to paint her as a moderate. Donald Trump Jr, about his fathers shooter: Very active Democrat donor When asked about the fact that about 50% of the American public, according to polls, seems to support Harris, Trump Jr. that taking a conservative stance in America often has consequences, making it harder for people to openly align with the right. He also touches on the medias influence in shaping narratives. Niels Schnecker: Agree. Yet, you have about 50% of the American public that is, according to the polls, leaning to Kamala Harris. How did the home of the brave get to the point where 50% of the people are supporting, actually, a communist. Trump Jr : Propaganda. The reality is that its hard to take a conservative stance in America, there are consequences to that. My father understands it better, theyre actually just shooting at him, that didnt just happen by accident, it happened because for the last 9 years they said he is worse than Hitler, they say this everyday and far worse. Some radicals within the movement, do that, that story was a week ago and its like it never happened, its just gone. If that was done to a Democrat by a red hat MAGA republican that would be the only thing we hear about. The shooter the other day, very active Democrat donor, sometime featured multiple times in NY Times and other left wing propaganda. Its an amazing thing, its almost like a setup and unless youre stupid, of course it was. Trump Jr. recounts the moment of his fathers shooting addressing the normalization of violence against political figures, particularly those on the conservative side. Niels Schnecker: The shooting, which was a tragic moment not only for democracy, but i imagine what it was for the family. How did you go through that moment, having your father shot through his face in public. Trump Jr : We got used to some of this stuff. If it didnt work taking my father out politically they try to impeach him twice, if that doesnt work theyll try to take his businesses, if that doesnt work theyll try to jail him and now theyre shooting at him. Unfortunately, that seems to have become the norm, created by the left wing apparatus. I was on a boat to my daughter and i get a call your father has been shot. And what happened? No one knew. So we got back home, trying to get in as quickly as possible, but they shut down all communication and got my father in a safe location, in a hospital so i didnt know anything for 90 minutes, only that he has been shot. After we knew everything is good i said By the way, that was the most badass thing i have ever seen someone do. They have a trillion dollars of free publicity from the mainstream media, which is the marketing arm of the Democrat Party On the role of influential figures like George Soros having great influence in politics, especially in eastern Europe, Donald Trump Jr points to the powerful fundraising capabilities of the Democrat machine, which receives enormous support not only from billionaires like Soros but also from the mainstream media, which he describes as the marketing arm of the Democratic Party. Niels Schnecker: Lets talk about the strength of your father opponent, we have Kamala Harris that is supported by the Soros family, that has a lot of influence in Romania, Moldova, Ukraine. We havent seen a conservative family actually creating the same type of influence as the Neomarxists have done. Trump Jr : The democrat machine are very good at fundraising, theres a long history of failure in this administration. This is an election where both parties have been in power, so people can see what they vote. Its a simple question : when were you better off? There are not people in the world that feel that they are in a prosperous place. The media will tell you whatever they need to tell you in order for them to win. They dont just have the billions come in from Soros but they have a trillion dollars of free publicity from the mainstream media, which is the marketing arm of the Democrat Party. The real people, the people of America, they get it, they see it. BAKU, Azerbaijan, September 26. Azerbaijan actively participates in international agreements aimed at combating climate change, the country's Deputy Minister of Economy Sahib Alakbarov said at an international conference on Climate Change and Just Transition: The Role and Actions of Trade Unions in Baku today, Trend reports. "In the last decade, climate change has become one of the major challenges facing the world, and to address it, global leaders, experts, and specialists gather at international conferences to find solutions. Azerbaijan is actively involved in these processes, as evidenced by a number of international events such as the International Forum on Carbon Pricing, which is currently being held in Baku. The forum is attended by representatives from the tax administrations of 40 countries, as well as officials from the European Union, the International Monetary Fund, and leading universities, including Harvard. The agenda includes discussions on important aspects of carbon policy aimed at reducing industrial sector emissions and supporting the use of environmentally friendly technologies," he said. According to him, Azerbaijan is actively participating in international agreements aimed at combating climate change. "In 1991, the country joined the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change, and in 2016, it ratified the Paris Agreement. According to Azerbaijans National Contribution, by 2030, the country is committed to reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 35 percent compared to 1990 levels, and by 2050, it aims to create zero-emission zones in the liberated territories. One of the key directions of Azerbaijan's policy is the support of the 'green' economy, which includes the introduction of hybrid vehicles, the disposal of old vehicles, and the development of alternative energy sources. Several large projects for the construction of solar and wind power plants are already underway in the country, such as the solar power plant project, financed by private investments, in Jabrayil," he added. Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel Only one candidate will be ratified at the Fianna Fail selection convention for Roscommon-Galway to be held next week, a party spokesperson confirmed this evening, Thursday. P. Burke, a member of the party's National Executive, confirmed to the Herald that instructions issued this evening, Thursday, from Fianna Fail Headquarters and the National Constituencies Committee is that only one candidate will be selected at the convention. Mr Burke said that Roscommon-Galway delegates would now be informed of that decision. However, it's not known at this stage if the party will add another candidate to the ticket. Senator Eugene Murphy and Dr. Martin Daly are two of the five nominees who have officially confirmed their intention to contest the convention for a place on the partys General Election ticket. Earlier today, Castlerea councillor Paschal Fitzmaurice, who was also nominated, withdrew his name from the race. Another nominee, Malachy Hand, told the Roscommon Herald this evening that he would be discussing whether to contest the convention with party members, family members and indeed supporters over the coming days. Mr Hand, a 2019 Local Election candidate, said he wished to thank all those party members in the constituency for nominating him to contest the convention. Its not clear yet if the other nominee, Cllr John Keogh, has made a decision to put his name forward for the convention, which takes place on Thursday, October 3rd, in the Abbey Hotel, Roscommon Town. Its expected that a ballot of members to select the candidate will take place first at the convention between 6 and 8 p.m., before the rest of the proceedings gets underway at 8 p.m.. Over 3,750 schools across Ireland are celebrating the inaugural SNA Appreciation Day today (Thursday), with the community invited to share their gratitude using the hashtag #ThankOurSNAs. This is the first year that Forsa trade union, which represents 14,000 Special Needs Assistants (SNAs) has run the initiative, highlighting the vital role SNAs play in supporting students with additional needs and the school communities in which they work. We have worked closely with SNAs, schools and the Department of Education to build and develop the SNA role to where it is today, and we see further opportunities ahead to professionalise this crucial school role, explained Forsas Head of Education, Andy Pike. The enthusiastic participation of schools today underscores the strong community spirit among educators, with teachers, principals, and school secretaries coming together to recognise the invaluable contributions of SNAs, he added. Mr Pike added that negotiations with the Department of Education, on a new national contract for SNAs, are ongoing. The unions membership accounts for around two thirds of all SNAs currently working in Irish schools. Noreen O'Mahony, Chair of Forsa's Munster SNA branch, expressed her excitement about the initiative. The response to SNA Appreciation Day has been overwhelmingly positive. Schools have shown incredible support, and our colleagues in the school secretaries' branch have been instrumental in distributing materials to facilitate this celebration, she said. With four active SNA branches nationally, Forsa is committed to advocating for the recognition of SNAs as essential members of the school community. Ms OMahony emphasises the importance of valuing every staff member. The best-run schools are those where everyone, from the principal to the caretaker, feels appreciated and involved. A key objective of SNA Appreciation Day is to enhance awareness among parents regarding the essential work that SNAs do, especially in larger schools. We want parents to understand the incredible support these dedicated professionals provide in our schools. Awareness is key, and we believe parents truly appreciate the role of SNAs, concluded Ms OMahony. Punjab '95 Movie Real Story: Who was Jaswant Singh Khalra? What Happened in Punjab in 1995? The movie, centered on the life of human rights activist Jaswant Singh Khalra, has faced numerous obstacles since it was announced. Punjab '95 Movie Real Story: Who was Jaswant Singh Khalra? What Happened in Punjab in 1995? There have been a lot of questions ever since the film Punjab'95 was announced. However, the much-anticipated film Punjab 95, starring Diljit Dosanjh, has been facing a lot of issues ahead of its release as the film remains under scrutiny by the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC). The movie, centered on the life of human rights activist Jaswant Singh Khalra, has faced numerous obstacles since it was announced. Earlier, TIFF initially described the film as uncovering murderous corruption during Punjabs period of insurgency. Advertisement Who was Jaswant Singh Khalra? The Man Behind the Story Jaswant Singh Khalra was a brave human rights activist who exposed the alleged extrajudicial killings of thousands of Sikh youth during the insurgency in Punjab. Khalra, hailing from a family of activists, led investigations that revealed the Punjab police had abducted, killed, and cremated over 25,000 Sikhs without maintaining any records. He also claimed that around 2,000 police officers were killed for refusing to cooperate with the states actions. Khalra mysteriously disappeared in 1995 and was last seen in Amritsar. Almost a decade later, after a prolonged CBI investigation, six police officers were convicted for his murder. Challenges for Punjab 95 Directed by Honey Trehan, Punjab 95 initially faced opposition from the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC). The film, originally titled Ghallughara, underwent multiple cuts and modifications, with the CBFC citing concerns about the potential to incite violence and damage India's foreign relations. Advertisement The filmmakers petitioned the Bombay High Court, but the verdict remains pending. Despite the controversy, the film was issued an A-certificate with 21 cuts. The story, which shines a light on Khalras efforts to expose injustices, continues to face delays in its release. However, the CBFC has once again asked the makers to make 120 cuts to get a green flag. (For more news apart from Punjab '95 Movie Real Story, Who was Jaswant Singh Khalra, What Happened in Punjab in 1995, stay tuned to Rozana Spokesman) Canada PM Justin Trudeau Successfully Survives No-Confidence Vote in Parliament Other opposition parties have resisted Poilievre's right-wing policies, preventing the governments downfall. Canada PM Justin Trudeau no-confidence vote in Parliament Latest News: Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau successfully navigated a no-confidence vote on Wednesday, surviving the first significant challenge to his minority Liberal government, which has seen its popularity wane after nearly a decade in power. Despite this victory, Trudeau's government is set to face more hurdles in the coming weeks. The main opposition party, the Conservatives, has pledged to try again to oust the Liberals, potentially as early as Tuesday. Advertisement The vote followed an intense debate in Parliament, during which members exchanged sharp insults and thumped their desks. In the end, the Liberals secured a 211 to 120 victory over the Conservative motion to unseat the government. Conservative leader Pierre Poilievre, buoyed by favorable public opinion polls, has been pushing for a snap election. His calls have grown louder since the left-wing New Democratic Party (NDP) ended its coalition with the Liberals earlier this month, leaving Trudeaus government more vulnerable. Advertisement Poilievre criticized Trudeau for failing to address pressing issues like the rising cost of living, a housing shortage, and increased crime, while also doubling the national debt. "After nine years of Liberal government, the promise of Canada is broken," he stated during the Commons debate. However, other opposition parties have resisted Poilievre's right-wing policies, preventing the governments downfall. After the vote, Liberal House Leader Karina Gould accused the Conservatives of "playing games" with parliamentary procedure. Advertisement (For more news apart from Canada PM Justin Trudeau no-confidence vote in Parliament Latest News, stay tuned to Rozana Spokesman) Speleological tourism in Romanias Anina Mountains Romania's breathtakingly beautiful caves Speleological tourism in Romanias Anina Mountains Eugen Nasta, 26.09.2024, 14:00 Romania is home to roughly 12,000 caves, actually being one of Europes top countries in terms of the number and the diversity of the caves. Being of a very special beauty, the caves stand out thanks to the uniqueness of their karstic formations and the great length of the galleries, with some of them even being longer than ten kilometres. Actually, in the early 20th century, Romanian explorer Emil Racovita laid the foundation of the worlds first biospeleology institute. At that, Racovita began the mapping of the subterranean universe. If we look again at the most beautiful caves, one of Europes most beautiful such caves can be found in western Romania, in Anina Mountains. It is called the Comarnic Cave. The Comarnic Cave is one of Romanias most beautiful and wildest caves. It is 6,203 meters long, lying at an altitude of 100 meters, with a three-level development. Of them, tourists can only see the upper level, stretching along 1,750 meters. The lower level is crossed by Ponicova rivulets subterranean segment. Bogdan Badescu is the president of the Resita-based Explorers Speleological Association. At national level, Bogdan is a well-known speleologist and a former president of the Romanian Speleology Federation. Bogdan Badescu is our guide today and it is from him we found out that, in order for a cave to be formed, a soluble rock is needed. Were speaking about limestone. As for the Caras-Severin County, there are many calcareous areas there. The limestones are formed at the bottom of the seas or at the bottom of lagoons, there where there are many sea creatures, which, after they die, they remain at the bottom of the seas, while all those shells of snails and bones make a bed which gets thicker in millions of years. And thats how we get to have the present-day situation, where we have the Anina Mountains, which are more than 1,000 high, all of them being formed of limestone. Three elements are required for a cave to be formed. We need a soluble rock. We also need water, I mean water that can flow through the soluble rock, thereby dissolving it so the space can thus be formed. Then we also need the course the water can flow through. Having the rock is not enough, unless a couple of seeps exists, for the water to flow through. In a very long period of time, the water, as it flows, dissolves the limestone, more and more. If, initially, a gallery had a one-centimetre-wide seep, now it is 10 to 20 meters wide and high. Interesting to note is the fact that there are no stalactites in the Comarnic Cave, yet there are deposits of calcium carbonate, the caves earliest such deposits. With details on that, here is the president of the Resita-based Explorers Speleological Association, Bogdan Badescu: As we advance into the cave, we notice many more such calcium carbonate formations in various stages and shapes, all of them very beautiful. And, towards the middle of the cave, there where it is around 200 meters deep, as against the surface of the ground there are some huge basins which right now are even full of water. In popular terms, they are known as the Chinese walls. Their charm is very special. Another strong point of the cave is made of its silex formations. On the walls, we can see some stripes of a darker, black-brownish colour. Those are the silex interlayers. Of them, in the past, tools were manufactured, by the primitive men. It is the staple rock used for the manufacturing of the first tools. Unfriendly as it may seem, and with life circumstances being very difficult, the environment of the cave is home to adapted forms of life. A true subterranean universe. With details on that, here is the president of the Resita-based Explorers Speleological Association, Bogdan Badescu: There is a series of invertebrates which, as a rule, are one, two millimetre-long, or even less than one millimetre. Those invertebrates permanently live in the deep environment of the cave and they feed on one another, or on the trophic resources sometimes brought by the water from the surface. Apart from those invertebrate species in the cave, around one hundred, there are also the species that reach the cave accidentally. The Ponicova rivulet, especially when the river flow is high, can mostly bring crabs or frogs in the cave. Those species, for a while they live as long as they can find food and the time comes for them to die, yet they manage to survive for quite a long period of time. There also are the butterflies and the spiders who youre most likely to come across in the first dozens of meters, at the entrance of the Comarnic Cave. The symbol-species everybody knows are the bat species. They are mammals entering the cave permanently, there they have both the birth habitat but also the hibernation and sheltering habitat. Especially in winter they form quite large colonies in the Comarnic Cave . Practical info on how to visit, providing it is the director of the Semenic-Caras Gorges National Park, Nicolae Ifca, who is also the administrator of the Comarnic Cave. I recommend tourists to access the official site of the park, at www.pnscc.ro, where they can get all the info on the visiting hours for absolutely any objective that can be found in the park. In the cave we come across several halls, bigger or smaller, a great many stalactite-type formations, stalagmites, columns, but for each and every one of them we have a name given by the administration, thats for sure. Our daily timetable begins at 10:30 am with the first admission, while the last admission is at 15:30. From Monday to Friday we provide a guide to the visit, with a request to be made in advance, yet on Saturdays and Sundays we provide a guide on a permanent basis. In the Semenic-Caras Gorges National Park we find eleven nature reserves, but also 65,000 hectares of virgin and old-growth beech forests, included, in 2016, in the UNESCO world heritage list. And it is also here that we can find a rare specimen of Sequoia, whose circumference is 5.7 meters and whose estimate age is 200 years. The giant tree has been included in a route starting off right from the Comarnic Cave. Actually, the Semenic-Caras Gorges National Park Administration provides guiding services for seven tourist programs, in the protected area. The guides are the park rangers who know the area, they can offer numerous pieces of info on the local history and culture, flora a and fauna species, or ecosystems. The fee per persons for a guided programs is 70 Lei (14 Euros). The Romanian president speaks at the United Nations Organisation At the 79th session of the UN General Assembly in New York, the head of the Romanian state spoke about the security challenges nowadays Photo: presidency.ro Daniela Budu, 26.09.2024, 14:00 In the speech he delivered before the UN General Assembly in New York, president Klaus Iohannis pleaded for maintaining dialogue as an essential element for regional and global security. Iohannis also highlighted Romanias contribution to solving the present global issues from security crises, such as the war in Ukraine or the Middle East conflict, to major challenges for mankind like climate change, the erosion of human rights or cyber threats. Speaking before the world leaders in New York, Klaus Iohannis said that Romania would always support the international world order with the UNO at its core. According to Iohannis, the main challenge of the world organization is to find the much needed solutions for reestablishing and protecting peace. Otherwise, the international order and law are wasted. Romania is fully backing the peace initiative of Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelensky as being the only alternative for obtaining a just and durable peace perfectly in accordance with the UN charter and international law, Iohannis said in New York. He underlined that security isnt regional but global and the war Russia is waging on Ukraine has affected nations and people the world over. This war has caused the biggest security crisis in Europes recent history, violating the international law and having implications far beyond Europe. In this context, Romania has provided a staunch multidimensional support to Ukraine and its people and pledged to keep it as long as needed Iohannis went on to say mentioning the essential role played by Romania in easing the export of Ukrainian grain through its Danube and Black Sea ports. If we want to find solutions, we must have a more responsible outlook over the world and understand its challenges. We regrettably notice that insecurity, violence, conflicts and even war have conquered our world, Iohannis also said. The Romanian official also pleaded for more cooperation and solidarity, which would always represent a response to the world issues. Klaus Iohannis also referred to the conflict in Gaza calling for the cessation of violence and standing for the two-state solution. We are backing all the efforts of resuming the political process based on the two-state solution, coexisting in peace and security within recognized and safe borders, the Romanian president underlined. And protecting all the civilians must remain our common objective, Iohannis said in front of the UN General Assembly. (bill) BAKU, Azerbaijan, September 26. Global action and cooperation will be discussed at COP29, the director of the International Labor Organization's Office for Workers Maria Helena Andre said at an international conference on Climate Change and Just Transition: The Role and Actions of Trade Unions in Baku today, Trend reports. It is critical to address the region's environmental challenges, from nuclear testing in Kazakhstan and the aftermath of the Chornobyl disaster to the environmental challenges in the Caspian Sea from years of oil extraction. In addition, geopolitical instability driven by interests in the region's natural resources exacerbates its fragility and jeopardizes environmental sustainability. In the upcoming discussions, we will discuss the trade unions' contribution to the preparations for COP29, as well as their involvement in the implementation of the nationally defined contributions under the Paris Agreement due next year, she said. Andre emphasized that the Minister of Ecology and Natural Resources of Azerbaijan, COP29 President Mukhtar Babayev, has already expressed his position in his welcome letter, and his remarks underline the importance of the common cause. The COP29 conference will discuss global action and cooperation. As the Minister noted, referring to the final tests, he emphasized the urgency with which issues of just transition and combating climate change need to be addressed. Ensuring that a just transition becomes an integral part of all Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) becomes a major challenge. At the same time, it is important that trade union organizations are not just involved in the discussions but also make commitments at the national level. One of the key aspects is the sharing of ideas, knowledge, and experiences so that all participants can benefit from such interactions, she noted. She mentioned that it has been previously mentioned that trade unions are uniquely positioned to advocate for climate justice and influence both national and global climate policies. Trade unions are at the forefront of many of today's challenges, and above all, they have a key role to play in ensuring that the impacts of climate change on workers - their lives, incomes, labor rights, and skills development - are taken into account. It is important that unions take an active role in creating the new sectors of activity that need to be developed to adapt to climate change and diversify the economy, she added. Loan for modernizing the Army Romania signed a loan agreement with the United States of almost 1 billion dollars for the modernization of the Army. Eurofighter Typhoon aircraft of the British Royal Forces at the Mihail Kogalniceanu base / (Photo: fb.com / Fortele Aeriene Romane) Roxana Vasile, 26.09.2024, 13:50 Romania signed a loan agreement with the United States for the modernization of the Army. The signing ceremony took place on Wednesday at the Government headquarters, in the presence of the Prime Minister Marcel Ciolacu and the US ambassador to Bucharest, Kathleen Kavalec, as well as the director of the Defense Security Cooperation Agency, Michael Miller. 920 million dollars will allow both the strengthening of the defense capacity, by equipping the army with modern technology, and the development of the relevant national industry, said Prime Minister Ciolacu, underlining that this significant loan shows, at the same time, the trust and the status that Romania enjoys in the relationship with its strategic partner, the United States. Marcel Ciolacu: Today Romania joins a very small group of key partner states of the United States that have so far benefited from this program developed through the US Fund for financing and I am glad that we will use this money both to strengthen Romanias defense capacity by equipping it with modern technology, and to develop the local defense industry. We will develop new production capacities in Romania, we will create jobs for Romanians and we will become relevant again in terms of the production of military equipment at the regional level. At the same time, we will have access to state-of-the-art military equipment, which will help us work together with the United States and our NATO allies to strengthen collective defense and deter threats to Romania and the countries on the Eastern flank of the Alliance. In turn, Ambassador Kathleen Kavalec believes that the signed agreement is more than a financial one, it represents the strength and resilience of the bilateral partnership, as well as the joint commitment of the United States and Romania to ensuring peace, stability and security in the region. According to Mrs. Kavalec, in the 20 years of NATO membership, Romania has demonstrated countless times that it is a reliable ally and a pillar of stability along the eastern flank of the Alliance and in the Black Sea region. By offering American funds, Washingtons goal is to ensure that Romania remains at the forefront of innovation and military equipment for many years to come, which will equally strengthen bilateral economic relations, Kathleen Kavalec added. She also mentioned, in the context of Russias aggression against Ukraine, Romanias exemplary response, from hosting thousands of Ukrainian refugees to facilitating grain transit and training the Ukrainian pilots on F-16s. (LS) The California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA) has reported that 34 dairy farms in the Central Valley have confirmed cases of the highly pathogenic H5-N1 avian influenza, commonly known as bird flu, among their herds. A CDFA representative has indicated that ongoing testing suggests that more infections are likely to be reported soon. All affected farms have been placed under quarantine, while those not impacted are actively investigating and implementing biosecurity measures to prevent the spread of the virus across the state. Anja Raudabaugh, CEO of Western United Dairies, has stated that farmers are deeply concerned about the situation and feel that it is not yet fully under control. The dairy industry is hopeful for the development of a vaccine specifically for cows that would also meet trade regulations. Although the risk to humans remains low, experts have expressed concerns that the prolonged presence of the virus on dairy farms could potentially allow it to combine with human viruses, increasing the potential threat to public . The impact of the disease on milk production is currently unknown, but Raudabaugh has reassured that it will not lead to price increases, noting that dairy products often serve as loss leaders in grocery stores. California leads the nation in milk production, with 1.7 million dairy cows generating 3.37 billion pounds of milk in August, accounting for nearly 19% of the national output for that month, as reported by the USDA. The bird flu was first detected in dairy cattle in late March, causing symptoms such as fever, reduced appetite, and significant drops in milk production, though most cows recover in about two weeks. While there is currently no evidence of human-to-human transmission, experts caution that inadequate testing may be hiding further spread. As the virus infects different mammalian species, it may adapt to humans, heightening concerns about its potential for a pandemic. California ranks second among states affected, following Colorado, which has 64 infected herds. Idaho and Michigan follow with 32 and 29 herds, respectively. For comments and feedback contact: editorial@rttnews.com Business News The British Journal of Ophthalmology recently published a study highlighting a concerning rise in myopia among children, with one in three now being affected by this condition. Myopia, also known as short-sightedness, is becoming a growing global issue, and predictions suggest that millions more children will be impacted by 2050. This new research, conducted by Sun Yat-Sen University in Guangzhou, China, offers updated projections across six continents to assess the severity of the issue. The study encompassed 311 research studies involving over 5.4 million participants from 50 countries. The data revealed the highest rates of myopia in Asia, with 85% of children in Japan and 73% in South Korea affected. Furthermore, more than 40% of children in China and Russia are short-sighted. In contrast, Paraguay and Uganda report some of the lowest rates at around 1%, while the UK, Ireland, and the United States average about 15%. The researchers highlighted the correlation between rapid economic growth in East and South Asia and the significant increase in myopia cases. This trend was particularly pronounced among young children in the region. The study also found a link between the duration of education and myopia, suggesting that early formal education in some East Asian countries might contribute to this issue. Conversely, African populations tend to have lower myopia rates, which may be related to lower literacy levels and a later initiation of formal education, typically starting between ages 6 and 8. Looking ahead, the study forecasts a 9% increase in global myopia prevalence from 2023 to 2050, with a higher incidence expected in adolescents aged 13 to 19 compared to children aged 6 to 12. By 2050, it is anticipated that over half of adolescents and more than a quarter of younger children in these age groups will be myopic. The researchers also acknowledged limitations in their findings, including variations in study quality and differences in research design and methodology among the studies analyzed. For comments and feedback contact: editorial@rttnews.com Business News OpenAI has released a new advanced voice mode feature exclusively for premium members of its popular chatbot ChatGPT. "Advanced Voice is rolling out to all Plus and Team users in the ChatGPT app over the course of the week," according to the company's post on X/Twitter. OpenAI further clarified that the rollout is not happening in the EU, the UK, Switzerland, Iceland, Norway, and Liechtenstein yet, possibly due to their regulations. The feature was launched in July for select Plus subscribers. Since then, the AI company has added features such as "Custom Instructions, Memory, five new voices, and improved accents", and also made some changes in conversational speed. The new feature was initially introduced in May with a voice called Sky which was similar to that of Scarlett Johansson in the 2013 movie "Her." The incident landed the company in legal dispute with the actress for using her voice without permission. For comments and feedback contact: editorial@rttnews.com Business News Within Kei segment, Honda N-Box Joy rivals Suzuki Spacia Gear and Hustler Tough Wild, Daihatsu Tanto FunCross, and Mitsubishi Delica Mini Appeal for adventure-oriented Kei cars seems to be growing in Japan. More OEMs are exploring this segment and coming up with unique designs and Honda has just unveiled their N-Box Joy with a few distinct design elements and can be turned into a small camper on wheels that you can take to most places as it gets 4WD as well. Honda N-Box Joy MPV N-Box Joy is a quirky MPV with a tiny footprint. Currently in its 3rd Generation, Honda N-Box measures 3,395 mm in length, 1,475 mm in width, up to 1,815 mm in height and has a large 2,520 mm long wheelbase. This makes it about the same size as Maruti WagonR on sale in India. As the name suggests, it looks like a box on wheels and gets vast space on the inside. Honda N-Box Joy MPV was just launched for JPY 1,844,700, which roughly translates to around Rs 10.7 lakh. The main rivals are Suzuki Spacia Gear, Suzuki Hustler Tough Wild, Daihatsu Tanto FunCross, and Mitsubishi Delica Mini. Joy-specific elements After launching the 3rd Gen N-Box last year, Honda has just introduced Joy version of N-Box with unique design trims. For starters, N-Box Joy gets a dedicated bumper with a black grill. There are more body claddings on Joy version and it gets retro-style wheels too, for that rugged appeal. Prospective buyers can explore accessories to personalise their N-Box Joy like auxiliary LEDs on bumper, decals, roof rack, spoiler and wheels options. On the inside, N-Box Joy gets dedicated water-repellant upholstery and flat-folding rear seats to liberate enough space for a small bed area as well. N-Box Joy is camper-friendly too, allowing buyers to incorporate elements like hooks, nets, awnings, foldable tables and chairs for a proper camping setup. Sliding doors allow for easy ingress and egress. Apart from these, rest of the cabin remains identical to that of regular N-Box, including the same 9-inch infotainment screen. What does it get? Under the bonnet, Honda N-Box Joy comes with either a naturally-aspirated or turbocharged 658cc 3-cylinder engine. Former has 58 bhp and the latter has 64 bhp, both mated to a CVT gearbox. Honda offers both 2WD and 4WD options with N-Box Joy, unlocking more versatility of this Kei car. While 90% of vehicles marketed as an SUV in India get FWD layout, things are different in Japan. Here, tiny Kei cars with tiny engines also get 4WD capability, making them more capable when going off the road. Many of these vehicles are lifestyle-oriented too. From Honda, N-Box is such vehicle, especially in the new Joy version. BAKU, Azerbaijan, September 26. The Gulf Cooperation Council's Support and Monitoring Manager Talal Al Shaikh believes that the upcoming COP29 in Baku will give the world's countries a chance to discuss and make fundamental decisions on decarbonization, Trend reports. He made this statement in Baku during a panel discussion on Cooperation on Renewable Energy Sources (RES), Clean Energy, Electricity, and Water Projects within the framework of the second Azerbaijan-Persian Gulf Economic Forum. The Gulf countries have a great experience on the issues of reducing greenhouse gas emissions, construction of renewable energy sources (RES), integration of electricity from RES into the general power grid of a country, and green hydrogen. All of the above issues are on the COP29 agenda, and this climate summit will be a chance to achieve important world results in this, Al-Shaikh said. He added that most of the Gulf countries are oil and gas-producing countries. However, our mission is to develop technologies to minimize harm to the environment and share our accumulated experience, including with Azerbaijan, he said. Baku is hosting the second Azerbaijan-Persian Gulf Economic Forum (the first one was held in 2017). To note, the 29th session of the Conference of the Parties to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP29) will be held in Azerbaijan in November this year. The decision was made at the plenary meeting of COP28 held in Dubai on December 11 last year. Within two weeks, Baku, having become the center of the world, will host about 70,000-80,000 foreign guests. The UN Framework Convention on Climate Change is an agreement signed at the Rio Earth Summit in June 1992 to prevent dangerous human interference in the climate system. The acronym COP (Conference of Parties) stands for Conference of Parties, which is the highest legislative body overseeing the implementation of the Framework Convention on Climate Change. A total of 198 countries are parties to the convention. Unless the parties have decided otherwise, COP is held annually. The first COP event was held in March 1995 in Berlin, and its secretariat is located in Bonn. Subscription to paid content Gain access to all that Trend has to offer, as well as to premium, licensed content via subscription or direct purchase through a credit card. BISHKEK, Kyrgyzstan, September 26. The Chairman of the Cabinet of the Ministers of Kyrgyzstan Akylbek Japarov and Sachiko Imoto, Vice President of the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), have discussed key projects in Kyrgyzstan requiring substantial financial investment, Trend reports. According to the cabinet, during the meeting, Japarov highlighted several significant initiatives, including the construction of the Kambarata-1 hydropower plant, which has a capacity of 1,860 megawatts and an annual energy output of 5.6 billion kilowatt hours. The project is estimated to require around $5 billion. The chairman also emphasized the importance of developing water supply and sewage systems in Kyrgyzstan, which includes building irrigation channels and providing social housing through the state mortgage company. Japarov reiterated the government's commitment to accelerating the country's socio-economic development, aiming to transition from an export-based model to an industrial and innovative economy. He noted that over the past three years, the economy has grown by an average of 7 percent, and the consolidated state budget has more than doubled. "We are open to new ideas and solutions that will help us achieve sustainable development and prosperity for our country," Japarov concluded. JICA is the biggest bilateral development aid organization in the world, with an annual operating budget of over $15 billion. JICA plays a significant role as official development assistance for Japan. JICA serves as Japan's ODA's "one-stop shop," offering a variety of services such as grants, financing and investment, volunteers, technical cooperation, and private sector partnerships. As one of the world's largest bilateral aid agencies, JICA operates in more than 150 countries and regions and has approximately 90 overseas offices. ASHGABAT, Turkmenistan, September 26. Turkmenistan's Demiryollary (Turkmen Railways) OJSC is rolling up its sleeves and striking while the iron is hot, chatting with foreign companies to give the country's railway infrastructure a much-needed facelift at the international transport and mobility exhibition InnoTrans 2024 in Berlin, Trend reports via the OJSC's statement. The event brought together the cream of the crop, with company representatives rubbing elbows with top-notch railway equipment manufacturers like Spains Talgo, Frances Alstom, Switzerlands Stadler Rail, the Czech Republics Skoda Transportation, and Croatias TZV Gredelj. According to the statement, the meetings aim to cast a wide net on delving into cutting-edge technologies and sharing know-how, paving the way for innovative solutions in Turkmenistan's transport infrastructure. The InnoTrans 2024 exhibition features 2,940 companies from 59 countries offering cutting-edge solutions in the fields of railway technology, infrastructure, and public transport. Demiryollary OJSC is part of the Ministry of Industry and Communications of Turkmenistan and plays a key role in developing the country's transport infrastructure, providing passenger and freight railway services. The company serves approximately six million passengers annually and actively participates in international transport, offering competitive rates for export, import, and transit cargo through Turkmenistan and to the CIS countries, the Baltic, Europe, and Asia. Stay up-to-date with more news at Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel TASHKENT, Uzbekistan, September 25. On the margins of the 79th session of the UN General Assembly, the necessary documents were submitted to the UN Secretariat for the registration and publication of the Treaty between the Republic of Uzbekistan and the Republic of Kazakhstan on the demarcation of the Uzbek-Kazakh state border in accordance with Article 102 of the Charter of the Organization, Trend reports. The Treaty was signed by the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev and the President of the Republic of Kazakhstan Kassym-Jomart Tokayev on December 22, 2022, during the state visit of the Head of Kazakhstan to Tashkent and entered into force on July 4, 2023. This document is the result of many years of joint collaboration on the international legal registration of the Uzbek-Kazakh state border. During the meeting, which took place on September 25, 2024 on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly session in New York, the heads of the Foreign Ministries of Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan noted that the registration of the Treaty on the Demarcation of the State Border in the UN Secretariat is an unprecedented experience for the countries of the Central Asian region. The historical significance of the document was emphasized and it was noted that this event is another confirmation of the commitment of the two countries to the principles of good-neighborliness and eternal friendship, the spirit of allied relations, their readiness for mutually beneficial cooperation for the benefit of common prosperity, and also contributes to the further strengthening of security and stability in Central Asia. SAMARKAND, Uzbekistan, September 26. Uzbekistan and Tajikistan have held discussions regarding the construction of a hydroelectric power plant on the Zarafshan River, Trend reports. The meeting took place between Uzbekistan's Minister of Investments, Industry, and Trade Laziz Kudratov, and Tajikistans Chairman of the State Committee for Investment and State Property Management Sulton Rahimzoda during the ninth annual AIIB (Asian Development Bank) governors' meeting in Samarkand. During the talks, the parties reviewed the progress of agreements made during the state visit of Uzbekistan's President Shavkat Mirziyoyev to Tajikistan in April this year. They also addressed ways to enhance the activities of the joint Uzbek-Tajik investment company and agreed on several priority areas for collaborative project implementation with the involvement of the funds resources. As a result of the negotiations, a framework for close cooperation was established to accelerate the implementation of the discussed projects and initiatives. To note, the AIIB is holding its first-ever Central Asia Annual Meeting of the Board of Governors under the theme "Building Resilient Infrastructure for All" on September 25-26, 2024, in the city of Samarkand. The two-day event will feature more than 25 panel discussions on innovations in infrastructure financing, climate resilience and sustainable development, and digital transformation of infrastructure projects. SAMARKAND, Uzbekistan, September 26. Trade turnover between Uzbekistan and Iran has increased by 18 percent to $503 million over the past five years, Trend reports. This became known during the meeting between Minister of Investment, Industry, and Trade of Uzbekistan Laziz Kudratov and Minister of Economy and Finance of Iran Abdolnaser Hemmati on the margins of the 9th Annual Meeting of the Board of Governors of the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB) taking place in Samarkand. The sides noted that the number of joint ventures has tripled in the last five years and now stands at 254 units. The meeting also reviewed the current state and prospective areas of further development of Uzbek-Iranian trade, economic, and investment cooperation. The parties agreed on several measures to intensify mutual trade, concerning the creation of a favorable trade regime and the development of cooperation in the field of e-commerce. The dates of the 16th session of the Intergovernmental Joint Commission between Uzbekistan and Iran and a joint business forum, which will attract major Iranian companies to strengthen cooperation between representatives of business circles of the two countries, have also been set. Following the meeting, the sides also reached agreements to speed up the development of bilateral documents in the field of insurance and the creation of mechanisms for joint financing of major projects. To note, the volume of trade turnover between Uzbekistan and Iran reached $255.8 million from January through July. This indicator decreased by 17.2 percent compared to the same period last year ($299.9 million). SAMARKAND, Uzbekistan, September 26. On September 26, the Minister of Investment, Industry and Trade of the Republic of Uzbekistan Laziz Kudratov held a meeting in Samarkand with the Minister in the Prime Minister's Office, Second Minister of Finance and National Development of Singapore Indranee Rajah, Trend reports. During the conversation, the role of the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank, which is an important platform for promoting regional cooperation and economic growth, was emphasized. The interest of the Uzbek side in deepening cooperation with the AIIB and with Singapore, as one of the founding members of the Bank and a country demonstrating a commitment to strengthening international economic ties and developing sustainable infrastructure in Asia, was expressed. Prospects for expanding trade, economic and investment cooperation with Singapore were discussed. Over the past seven years, trade turnover has doubled, and the volume of Singaporean investments has reached almost $ 1 billion. Systematic work has been established to timely implement investment agreements worth $ 3.9 billion, reached during high-level visits in 2023. These are major projects in the chemical industry, strategic asset management, construction of logistics centers, agriculture and education. MIPT provides targeted support for each project. Following the meeting, the parties agreed on the dates for the next Uzbek-Singapore business forum and identified promising areas for cooperation: infrastructure development, smart agriculture, information technology, production of electrical products, and healthcare. SAMARKAND, Uzbekistan, September 27. The 9th meeting of the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank has ended in Samarkand, Trend reports. It was attended by heads of the ministries of investment and finance of more than 100 countries - members of the AIIB, about 2 thousand representatives of governments, multilateral banks, experts, heads of large companies and investment funds, and the media. One of the final meetings on the sidelines of the event between the Minister of Investment, Industry and Trade of Uzbekistan Laziz Kudratov was the talks with the Secretary of Economic Relations of the Ministry of Finance of the People's Republic of Bangladesh Shahriyar Kader Siddiqui. Since the beginning of the year, mutual trade between the two countries has grown by 43%. 45 new enterprises have been opened. In this context, the parties outlined a number of comprehensive measures to increase the volume of cooperation. Among the main ones: signing a roadmap to increase agricultural exports to $ 100 million in the coming years, developing a draft agreement on the prevention of double taxation and opening exhibitions of national products of the two countries on a reciprocal basis. Following the meeting, the parties agreed on the organizational aspects of holding the next 4th meeting of the Intergovernmental Commission for the timely implementation of all discussed issues and a business forum with the participation of business circles of the two countries. Al Jones Von Washington Jr. makes comments during the Tuesday, Sept. 24, 2024 launch of Kalamazoo Forward Ventures. Al Jones Eric Cunningham has a moment with his baby daughter during the Tuesday, Sept. 24, 2024 launch of Kalamazoo Forward Ventures. Al Jones An audience of about 120 people gathered on Tuesday, Sept. 24, 2024 for the launch of Kalamazoo Forward Ventures. Al Jones An audience of about 120 people gathered on Tuesday, Sept. 24, 2024 for the launch of Kalamazoo Forward Ventures. Al Jones An audience of about 120 people gathered on Tuesday, Sept. 24, 2024 for the launch of Kalamazoo Forward Ventures. Al Jones From left, former Kalamazoo Mayor Bobby Hopewell introduces partners in the new Kalamazoo Forward Ventures. They include Jamauri Bogan, Eric Wimbley, Von Washington Jr., and Dwayne Powell Jr. This story is part of Southwest Michigan's Second Wave's On the Ground Kalamazoo series KALAMAZOO, MI Enterprising entrepreneurs, innovative creators, and overlooked small business operators have a new source of venture capital, Southwest Michigans first Black-owned investment fund.The new $50 million Kalamazoo Forward Ventures was launched Tuesday by a group of professionals who have established themselves in real estate development, finance, business management, area government, and technology.Kalamazoo Forward Ventures is a fund that will be investing in under-represented business founders, driven innovators, and unique start-ups, says Jamauri Bogan, a general partner in KZFV and chief executive officer of Bogan Developments.Its mission is to provide early-stage investments to growth-oriented but often under-represented businesses. Partner Dwayne Powell Jr. says those include businesses owned by minorities, women, the handicapped, the LGBTQ community, and anyone who is not at the table.We understand that traditional businesses are oftentimes being funded and started by traditional white males, says Powell, who is CEO and Co-founder of UAE Workforce Solutions. He said the new fund is an answer to the question: So how do we support people outside of that group?The fund, which was officially launched with a reception on Tuesday, Sept. 24, 2024, at the Kalamazoo Country Club, is not a philanthropic venture. Former KalamazooMayor Bobby Hopewell, who is a general partner in Kalamazoo Forward Ventures, says it is a for-profit organization. So were going to work and invest and look at how we grow. And were going to try to build profits for this organization as well so that we can do this again and again and again.He says the fund will make some mistakes as it gets started but it will strive to empower individuals who refuse to be defined by traditional limits. Thats the space that we want to see in our community grow, build, and gain opportunities to change this place; to create a generation of entrepreneurs that look different than what we see today.The fund plans to invest in three focus areas: Venture Capital making investments in technology and high-growth start-up companies; Real Estate providing funding to lead residential and mixed-use property development projects; and Mainstreet Projects providing capital and connections to support the economic vitality and growth of mainstreet businesses.This is a day of opportunity for visionary entrepreneurs struggling to find start-up capital and assistance, says Eric Wimbley, CEO and Founder of First Line Risk Management and a managing partner of KZFV.Bogan says, Our real estate side will focus on affordable housing here in Kalamazoo, And our Mainstreet fund will work on improving our ecosystem and investing in the growth of our businesses here.Mainstreet includes such things as barber shops, restaurants, retailers, and manufacturers.I think its a great idea because were investing in people who have been disenfranchised for a long time, says Kalamazoo County Housing Director Mary Balkema, one of about 120 people to gather on Tuesday evening. If we can invest in their businesses and their ideas and have it revolving and give them the tools they need to succeed right along the way, its a great day.Twala Lockett-Jones and Kenneth Jones, owners of Lockett-Jones Realty in Kalamazoo, say theyre excited about the possibilities.I think it is amazing, especially for under-represented people of color and women, says Lockett-Jones. I think this is going to be a game-changer for us.Along with Bogan, Hopewell, Powell, and Wimbley, the Kalamazoo Forward Ventures partners include: Eric Cunningham, former member of the Kalamazoo City Commission; Daniel Jefferies, founder of Newmind Group; and Von Washington Jr., executive director of community relations for The Kalamazoo Promise.We all have done similar types of work investing and taking a look at it, says Washington, who is also a former associate vice president at Southwest Michigan First. And every time you look at it, you realize there are gaps for individuals who just havent had the access and the opportunity. So we just got talking about it and said hey its time to do something. What can we do to try to help our community? And it looked like the best way to do it is to invest in people and their ideas.Powell says, All of us have been working in the community for 10-plus years and weve seen that there is a gap in our funding where we know that we needed something for us, by us that created opportunities for the under-represented.He says the $50 million was acquired from several limited partners.Our goal is for this to be the first round and then we come out with a second round, Powell says. Our goal is to have this ongoing and make this extremely profitable so we can have more investors in the future. Its our goal to grow this and to create more impact and to have it ongoing.Speaking of the citys role in supporting economic growth, Kalamazoo Mayor David Anderson says, Our whole intent is addressing intergenerational poverty. And youre not going to do that with an expanded social welfare system. You have to give people an opportunity to build a life of their dreams. And this is another piece of the puzzle to do that.Pamela Roland, director of Kalamazoo Junior Girls Organization, says she is excited about the initiative and the people behind it. But she wants to know more.Im just waiting to see in which ways we, as a community, can come together to help out the businesses and the various partners, Roland says.Washington says KZFV really wants to invest in human capital to change the human condition. People with plans will be invited to pitch them for funding. But their plans have to be vetted and the idea has to have some merit and be ready to go.We hope that it provides access for individuals who have great ideas but just havent been able to put those ideas together with the process and with the funds that they need to be able to dream big, says Washington, who is and will continue to serve as executive director of community relations for The Kalamazoo Promise.So we hope that someone will see us tonight and go Wow, I can dream. We want to be a part of that process and that journey for many individuals who are at home stuck on 1 (the first step) because they cant think about what it might cost. John Grap Sylas and Joy Leger attended the Village Networks Rice and Flavor event at Kellogg Arena. John Grap Attendees sample rice during the Village Networks Rice and Flavor event at Kellogg Arena. John Grap Samples of some of the rice at the Village Networks Rice and Flavor event at Kellogg Arena John Grap Samples of some of the rice at the Village Networks Rice and Flavor event at Kellogg Arena John Grap Franklin Ballard, left, and Mildred Mallard attended the Village Networks Rice and Flavor event at Kellogg Arena. John Grap Attending the Village Networks Rice and Flavor event at Kellogg Arena, are from left, Ahixa Diaz, Celia Diaz, and Elvia Diaz. London stocks were set to rise at the open on Thursday following strong gains in Asia. The FTSE 100 was called to open around 45 points higher. Naeem Aslam, chief investment officer at Zaye Capital Markets, said: "US and European futures are trading higher as traders and investors pick up the momentum from Asia, where the sentiment has been positive. "The recent economic measures taken by the central bank in China have given much confidence to traders over in Asia, and this has resulted in strong gains for stock indices such as the CSI - the index has recorded its seventh consecutive day in a row of being in positive territory." On home shores, a survey showed that consumer confidence fell in September as people waited anxiously for next months Budget. According to the British Retail Consortiums latest consumer sentiment monitor - which asks about expectations for the coming three months - concerns about both the economy and personal finances have worsened. The personal financial situation fell to -6 from 1 in August, while the state of the economy slumped to -21 in September from -8. Personal spending on retail edged up one point to -8. But personal spending overall was a point lower at 10. The BRC attributed the shaken consumer confidence to the upcoming Budget, with new chancellor Rachel Reeves due to address Parliament on 30 October. The government has repeatedly warned of a 22bn "black hole" in the public finances. In August, shortly after taking office, prime minister Kier Starmer said the Budget was going to be "painful". Helen Dickinson, chief executive of the BRC, said: "Retailers could face a turbulent few months. Negative publicity surrounding the state of the UKs finances appears to have damaged confidence in the economic outlook, particularly among older generations. "The Budget is a key opportunity to inject some confidence back into the economy, boosting spending and helping to foster much needed investment in businesses." In corporate news, drinks maker Diageo maintained guidance amid a "challenging" global environment for the industry. In a brief trading statement ahead of its annual general meeting, chief executive Debra Crew said consumers continued to be "cautious". Diageo in July reported a drop in full-year organic operating profit as it pointed to a weaker performance in Latin America and the Caribbean Elsewhere, Halma backed its guidance for the full year as it said further progress was made in the first half in trading conditions "which remain varied across our end markets". Consumer confidence fell in September, a well-regarded survey showed on Thursday, as people waited anxiously for next months Budget. According to the British Retail Consortiums latest consumer sentiment monitor - which asks about expectations for the coming three months - concerns about both the economy and personal finances have worsened. The personal financial situation fell to -6 from 1 in August, while the state of the economy slumped to -21 in September from -8. Personal spending on retail edged up one point to -8. But personal spending overall was a point lower at 10. The BRC attributed the shaken consumer confidence to the upcoming Budget, with new chancellor Rachel Reeves due to address Parliament on 30 October. The government has repeatedly warned of a 22bn "black hole" in the public finances. In August, shortly after taking office, prime minister Kier Starmer said the Budget was going to be "painful". Helen Dickinson, chief executive of the BRC, said: "Retailers could face a turbulent few months. Negative publicity surrounding the state of the UKs finances appears to have damaged confidence in the economic outlook, particularly among older generations. "The Budget is a key opportunity to inject some confidence back into the economy, boosting spending and helping to foster much needed investment in businesses." The Opinium survey of 2,000 UK adults was carried between 10 and 13 September. Both Reeves and Starmer looked to adopt a more positive tone at conference this week, after the survey was carried out. Videndum , an international provider of premium branded hardware products and software solutions to the content creation market, reported a 7% decline in revenue from continuing operations to 153.3m for its first half on Thursday, down from 165m a year earlier, as it warned that the full year would be below its previous expectations. The London-listed firm said adjusted operating profit fell to 11m, compared to 16.2m in the first six months of 2023, reflecting ongoing challenges in the consumer and independent content creator (ICC) segments, as well as a slower-than-expected recovery in the cine and scripted television markets. Despite the decrease in revenue and profit, Videndum said it achieved significant improvements in free cash flow, which reached 15.1m, up from a negative 3.5m in the first half of last year. Net debt was also substantially reduced to 117.3m, down from 216.1m a year earlier, and 128.5m at the end of 2023. That reduction was achieved through disciplined cost control and strategic management of capital expenditure and working capital. The company reported an operating loss of 9.2m for the period, compared to a loss of 44.3m in the first half of 2023, with losses before tax narrowing to 13.4m from 50m. Basic losses per share totalled 13.6p, compared to 100p a year earlier. Videndum renegotiated its committed revolving credit facility (RCF), which was extended with improved lending covenants, reflecting its efforts to strengthen its financial position amid depressed EBITDA levels and ongoing macroeconomic challenges. The groups leverage ratio stood at 3.3x at the end of June. Looking ahead, the company said it saw continued signs of improvement in the cine and scripted television markets, although the recovery was progressing more slowly than anticipated. The broadcast television segment is expected to benefit from major events such as the summer 2024 Olympic Games and the upcoming US presidential election. However, Videndum said it had lowered its expectations for the full 2024 financial year, due to slower-than-expected recovery in those key markets. To address ongoing challenges, the company was implementing a strategic cost-saving programme aimed at delivering at least 10m in additional permanent savings in the 2025 period. The board said it remained cautiously optimistic that the cine and scripted television markets would return to higher demand levels in 2025, and that the ICC segment would benefit from increasing sales of premium compact system cameras. Although market conditions in the first half remained challenging for Videndum, we saw signs of improvement with some post-strike recovery in the cine and scripted television market, said group chief executive officer Stephen Bird. There was continued strong demand for new premium compact system cameras; however, the macroeconomic environment affecting the consumer and ICC segments remained challenging. Given this backdrop, the group maintained its relentless focus on managing costs tightly as well as controlling capex and working capital. Bird said the company had returned to being cash-generative, with a continued reduction in net debt. Despite signs of a pickup in cine and scripted television productions, and growth in the premium camera market, the group, along with other companies in our sectors, has yet to see the anticipated improvement in orders. As a result, we now expect 2024 to be below our previous expectations. The firm was implementing a strategic cost-saving programme, Stephen Bird said, which was projected to deliver at least 10m in additional permanent savings in the 2025 financial year. The board expects the group to benefit from increased revenue as the cine and scripted television market returns to a more normalised level during 2025, and our ICC segment starts to see the pickup from the attachment of our products to recently sold cameras. Videndum remains well positioned in attractive markets with good medium-term prospects. At 0847 BST, shares in Videndum were down 18.39% at 228.5p. Reporting by Josh White for Sharecast.com. Rachel Reeves is pushing for the UKs tax and spending watchdog to upgrade its national growth forecasts to reflect the economic boost Labour says can be achieved from its blitz of planning reforms. In a development that could open up additional spending headroom for the chancellor before next months budget, the Treasury has held talks with the Office for Budget Responsibility to try to persuade its officials that unblocking the planning system could drive up growth. Guardian Jaguar Land Rover has said it will spend half a billion pounds to upgrade a Merseyside factory to build hybrid cars and prepare for electric vehicle production. Britains largest automotive employer officially known as JLR said it has already spent 250m on new car production lines, machinery, people and digital technology at the Halewood plant, with plans for 250m more over the coming years. Guardian Labour ministers have sought legal advice about a 1.6bn Royal Navy shipbuilding contract as the struggling British company hired for the work faces a Spanish takeover. Belfast-based Harland & Wolff, which built the Titanic, was hired alongside Navantia, a Spanish state-owned shipbuilding giant, to build three Navy vessels but Harlands decision to call in administrators last week has plunged the project into crisis. Telegraph The production of electric cars including hybrids fell by 25.9 per cent last month as demand waned, new figures show. This led to a decline in their share of overall car output to 29.6 per cent, according to the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders, the car industry body. The Times The chairman of Royal Mails parent company has criticised the slow timetable of Ofcoms consultation on reform of the struggling postal operators universal service obligation. Keith Williams, 68, told International Distribution Services shareholders at Wednesdays annual meeting, that while the loss-making Royal Mail welcomed Ofcoms plans to consult, the process is frustratingly slow, with no decision due until next summer. The Times BAKU, Azerbaijan, September 26. The commencement of trade in crude oil and oil products between Tajikistan and Iran may double the trade turnover between the two countries, Tajikistan's Minister of Energy and Water Resources Daler Juma said at a meeting with Iranian Oil Minister Mohsen Paknejad in Tehran on September 25, Trend reports. According to him, the trade turnover between Tajikistan and Iran amounted to $300 million last year (2023). That number is expected to increase by 60 percent this year. Juma noted that within the framework of the Iranian president's visit to Tajikistan, necessary preliminary preparations will be made to develop trade with Iran in the oil and gas sector. At present, most of Tajikistan's daily demand for crude oil and oil products is met by imports. Tajikistan has two oil refineries with a refining capacity of 500,000 tons per year to ensure its energy security, he said. Tajikistan's minister expressed interest in the active participation of Iranian companies in the Tajik market. Iranian Oil Minister Mohsen Paknejad also stated at the meeting that the development of economic relations between Iran and Tajikistan, especially in the energy sector, is of special importance to Iran. Effective steps have been taken in recent years to develop relations between the two countries in the economic sphere and this process will be further strengthened. The Iranian minister stated that Iranian companies can operate internationally in the field of oil and gas. Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel photo: Ulj Anderson Richard Flanagan was born in 1961 in Tasmania, where he lives still. His journalism has appeared in the New York Times, the New Yorker, Le Monde and The Daily Telegraph, and he is the author of six novels, including The Sound of One Hand Clapping (1997), Gould's Book of Fish: A Novel in Twelve Fish (2001) and Wanting (2008). His newest novel, The Narrow Road to the Deep North (see our review below) is the story of Dorrigo Evans, an Australian Army colonel and surgeon captured by the Japanese during World War II and forced to work on the Burma-Thailand "Death Railway." The book was published last year in Australia, the U.K. and the Commonwealth to great critical acclaim. It was shortlisted for the 2014 Miles Franklin Literary Award--Australia's most prestigious literary prize--and has been longlisted for the 2014 Man Booker Prize. This book is dedicated to your father, who was a prisoner of war during World War II. Is Dorrigo Evans based on your father? Built in 1943 by 250,000 POW and Asian slaves of the Japanese through the then wilderness of Thailand and Burma, the Death Railway claimed 150,000 lives. More people died building that railway than there are words in my book. My father was a very different man than Dorrigo Evans, but it was my father's experience as a POW on the Death Railway that shaped my life growing up. I am a child of the Death Railway; The Narrow Road to the Deep North is a soul history; and Dorrigo Evans is me. You've written elsewhere that this book took you more than a decade to write and that it went through many forms. What made this process so difficult for you? After he famously walked the tightrope between the Twin Towers in 1973, Philippe Petit was arrested. As he was about to be driven away in a police car, a journalist thrust his microphone in through the police car rear window and asked Petit why. "There is no why," Petit replied. There is no why as to why I wrote this book, nor why it took it so long, nor why it is the way it is. It just is. What were some of the novel's earlier incarnations like? What made you decide on the novel's final form? A novel of linked haiku. A haibun, a Japanese travel journal form combining poetry and prose. A family epic spanning a century and a vertiginous cast. A counterfactual history in which Japan occupies Australia. An Odyssean journey narrated in the first person plural by the POWs. All were burnt. To be a writer is to be defeated by ever-greater things, but it is in the defeats that you discover all that matters. And I discovered my novel had to be a love story, and it had to be about hope. For a great love story demonstrates the great truth about love: that we discover eternity in a moment that dies immediately after. And a war story because war is the great story of death. Death illuminates love; love and hope grant the futility of life meaning. What was your research process like for The Narrow Road to the Deep North? I lived. The rest is irrelevant detail. Mostly I got up, sat down, and made it up. For the pleasure of writing is writing. If I wanted to work in research, I'd join the NSA. Having said that, I did go to Japan and tracked down some men who had been guards on the Death Railway, including one--the Ivan the Terrible of my father's camp--who had been sentenced to death for war crimes, but whose sentence was later commuted. I met him in an office at a Tokyo taxi company. I asked him to slap me as the prison guards had the POWs, and as he did, the room began to shake and toss. A 7.3 Richter scale earthquake had hit Tokyo. Realising realism never adequately conveys reality, I went back home, sat down, and started making it up again. What works of art, fiction or otherwise, influenced the novel's construction? Too many to mention, yet without them I am a compass with no north. Why did you choose The Narrow Road to the Deep North as the novel's title? Did you decide to do this early on? The haiku poet Basho's great book, the travel journal The Narrow Road to the Deep North (1689), is one of the high points of Japanese culture. The Death Railway is one of its low points. I wanted to use the forms and influences of Japanese literature, so beautiful, so profound, in the hope of divining, if only a little, a story so terrible, so inexplicable. I wanted to come to understand love and death, evil and goodness. And when I finished the novel, I realised I understood nothing. You've called this "the book I had to write if I was to keep on writing." Now that you've completed it, what will you work on next? Perhaps a novelist really only ever writes one book. Each new novel is just another chapter of that book, in search of one word that will finally divine and define their soul. And not knowing what that word is, they keep writing. And so too me. --Alex Mutter Bewilderment by Pulitzer Prize-winner Richard Powers (The Echo Maker; Orfeo; The Overstory) is a novel of great pain and empathy. Focusing on a nuclear family but also concerned with ecological collapse and the possibilities of distant space, this is a heart-wrenching story with an important message to convey. Theo Byrne is an astrobiologist: he writes programs to explore, hypothetically, distant planets that may host life. His work is at the nexus of science, coding and imagination. But readers meet him first in a still more important role: that of single parent to Robin, who is just turning nine. Robin is a special child: artistic, caring, intelligent. "So far the votes are two Asperger's, one probable OCD, and one possible ADHD," but Theo resolutely resists the push to medicate him. Bewilderment begins with father and son in the Smoky Mountains on a camping trip, intended as alternative therapy following yet another outburst at school. It helps Robin immensely, but the larger world awaits. "The cars, the asphalt, the sign listing all the regulations: after a night in the woods, the trailhead parking lot felt like death. I did my best not to show Robin. He was probably protecting me, too." Robin will not tolerate lies. But how can Theo tell the truth about just how vicious our world really is? Theo's wife, Robin's mother, is absent. Aly was a tireless animal rights lawyer-activist, fierce and indomitable and loving; both man and boy are daily devastated by her loss, which readers slowly piece together: a car accident, swerving to avoid an opossum. "I didn't know how to be a parent. Most of what I did, I remembered from what she used to do." The novel is told in Theo's first-person voice, in constant interaction with Robin; but Aly is ever present, too, as a voice in Theo's head and to whom he turns for advice. On leaving the Smokies, he appeals to her: "We're fine together, in the woods. But I'm afraid to take him home." Indeed, back in Madison, Wisc., Robin struggles at school and Theo, trying to care for him, falls behind at work. Planetary exploration and the sciences in general are underfunded and under attack by a government administration that blusters and crows on social media. Theo's research partner refers to Robin as "the boy." The school pushes harder to medicate him. Many evenings, Theo and Robin travel together in imagination to distant, dreamed-up planets that just might support life. These interludes are gorgeously rendered demonstrations of love and inventiveness. But the real world continues to rattle. Another colleague makes an unusual offer. Decoded Neurofeedback, or DecNef, allows patients, or "trainees," to mimic the moods of "target" subjects using real-time, AI-mediated feedback: emotional training via carefully monitored neural states. At nine, Robin is an unusually young subject, but he also has a unique opportunity. Before her death, his mother Aly allowed her own neural activity to be recorded. Now the precocious, troubled, earnest Robin has access to her mental state. Theo and Robin share an appreciation for the Daniel Keyes story "Flowers for Algernon," and its implications are not lost in Robin's own unprecedented experience. Theo continues to agonize over his parenting, life on Earth and life in the beyond: "Decoded Neurofeedback was changing [Robin], as surely as Ritalin would have. But then, everything on Earth was changing him." Robin sees enormous improvement in his ability to handle his rages and his blues, enjoying learning widely about the natural world, with a switch to home-schooling. He shows an uncanny harmony with and knowledge of his mother's mind, enough to unnerve his father. But there will come a reckoning. Theo and Robin live in a recognizable version of the contemporary United States, beset by climate disasters, political upheaval and hate, wildfires, ignorance. Even as Robin makes his way as an increasingly well-adjusted young activist, bad news bombards their family from all sides, until disaster strikes. Bewilderment circles back to the Smoky Mountains for a gut-wrenching finish in the same place where it began. "From behind us, upstream, the future flowed over our backs into the sun-spattered past." Powers deserves his reputation as a consummately talented writer. His careful, lyrical prose conveys precisely the intended emotion and tone at the right time, and weaves meanings and significances in complex layers. This superlative novel invites readers to meditate on the natural world, human and animal rights, the potentialities of deep space, the role of science and technology in human societies, the challenges of modern childhood and more. "Maybe humanity was a nine-year-old, not yet grown up, not a little kid anymore. Seemingly in control, but always on the verge of rage." Robin is a delightful character, a bright, sincere, intense child, lovable and challenging. Theo is deeply sympathetic in his dual tendencies toward far-thinking astrobiology and the care of his child ("They share a lot, astronomy and childhood"), and in his fear that he will fail his son. Powers pulls no punches: he portrays a brutal world that will damage Robin, Theo and all humanity in profound and irreparable ways. Bewilderment is a beautifully told story, but one that hurts, too. --Julia Kastner Lauren Appelbaum (photo: Kiersten Marie) In Rachel Weiss's Group Chat (Forever, $17.99; reviewed in this issue), Lauren Appelbaum explores the delights and travails of being an American millennial. When Rachel Weiss's circle of friends find significant others and meaningful careers, she is forced to consider her own lifestyle and what she truly wants. Appelbaum lives in Seattle with her family. The Pride and Prejudice/Bridget Jones's Diary connections in your book are done so well. Did you begin planning Rachel's story knowing that you wanted to give a nod to those classic novels? The first spark of an idea I had for this book was, "What if it was an homage to Bridget Jones's Diary, but with a group chat instead of a diary?" Then the characters and plot points came to me from there. So it was definitely intentional, and I had a blast with it, because I've always been a big fan of both. Pride and Prejudice was the original enemies-to-lovers story, right? I just love how Elizabeth and Mr. Darcy's relationship forces them to reckon with parts of themselves that might need some work. I tried to capture that dynamic with Rachel and Christopher. And I always loved the character of Bridget Jones, because it was such fun to watch her try her best and yet make so many mistakes. The other thing I've always loved about that story is the friend group, the way they are always there to rehash everything that is going on in each other's lives. My mom once told me that friends can come and go, but your spouse is with you forever--but when you're young and single it's very much the opposite. Your friends are there through every relationship and breakup. With Rachel Weiss, I wanted to explore the awkwardness that happens within a friend group when that starts to shift. The Seattle insider references are great fun. Do you think the story could have been set elsewhere, New York or Los Angeles, for example, without impacting the story? I love this question! Rachel's worldview, sense of self, and social circle are all shaped by the culture she lives in, which is Seattle. Anyone who lives around here can tell you we're a bit weird and quirky. I've heard other cities have started doing naked bike rides, but one of my favorite scenes in the book is set on the river in the Bavarian town of Leavenworth, which I don't think you could quite replicate anywhere else in the country. The river float scene was inspired by true events that happened during my bachelorette party. The absurd hilarity of a group of possibly drunken women trying to rescue one another from the river's current is burned into my memory. Regarding the naked bike ride, I have never participated, being more inclined to watch from the sidelines, but one of my sisters has! I would love to be that bold. The main reason it had to be Seattle is that it's the place I know best, having lived in the area since I was a tween, so I might not have done another city justice in the same way. Rachel's evolvement from carefree single person to a more thoughtful, emotionally mature woman who contemplates her place in the wider world seems on point for contemporary 20-somethings. Did you base her journey on observation of friends or your own experiences? It's human nature to be entirely focused on yourself when you're younger, and everyone has to evolve past that in their own way, which is harder for some people than others. Rachel is sort of my exact opposite (I'm a classic introvert), but her flaws might (might!) be amplifications of my own flaws. It feels to me like it's not unusual for millennials and younger generations to be more self-centered, because we are often told to tune into our feelings (not to mention that we often have to self-advocate in so many ways), and that's not always a bad thing. But Rachel learns, like we all have to at some point, that the world doesn't revolve around her, and that her actions and words impact other people. Learning these lessons at the ripe age of 30, Rachel is in a kind of arrested development, but that's pretty typical in my experience. A lot of us don't even think about settling down in the traditional sense until our 30s. There's an interesting divide between those who have settled down and those who are still dating or single. It may cause rifts or changes in friendships, but it's always fun to hear the stories from the other side. So I wanted to write about that time in a person's life, when things start changing around Rachel but she's not sure if she's ready to change yet. Rachel's relationships with her chat group friends, her sister Jane, her mother, and younger sisters are an important part of her life, and the theme of "sisterhood" and what that means in a woman's life runs through the plot. Did you intentionally create that theme or did it evolve as the plot unfolded for you? The theme of sisterhood unfolded naturally and inevitably. Rachel's friends are incredibly important to her, and she grew up in a family full of women. Having other women around is so important at every life stage--people to make sense of the world with. At various points, Rachel looks up to her older sister, wants to differentiate herself from her mother, learns from her friends, and gains a new sense of who she is based on how they all see her. I've always felt that we have a kind of primal need for Girl Talk, so it makes sense that Rachel's group chat is like a lifeline to her. Your bio says you're a tech editor. Did being an editor, although in a field separate from fiction writing, help while writing a novel? Definitely! My editing background helps me ask, why is this here? What is the reader gaining from this part? Actually, when I first submitted the book to my editor, it was about 10,000 words too short. So I had to put my writer's hat back on and fill it out a bit more. I got to add more scenes with certain friends and with the love interest, Christopher, so that was really fun, getting to dive back in and write new stuff. Can you tell us a bit about your writing process? I have one superstition that I think a lot of writers probably share, which is that I won't talk about a book idea until it's pretty solidified. It feels like Ideas with a capital I are flighty creatures that get scared away easily, so I try to keep my mouth shut. Other than that, I follow a pretty basic trajectory that involves outlining on index cards, then drafting linearly in Scrivener, preferably while sitting in a cafe and listening to moody music. --Lois Faye Dyer, writer and reviewer External Affairs Minister (EAM) S. Jaishankar and British Foreign Secretary David Lammy held discussions on enhancing the strategic partnership between their countries. This meeting was part of India's top diplomat's ongoing engagements with leaders during the General Assembly's high-level session. EAM Jaishankar wrote on X after their meeting, "Carried forward our conversations on strengthening the India-Britain Comprehensive Strategic Partnership (CSP)" and "also discussed the conflict in Ukraine". The Comprehensive Strategic Partnership (CSP) spans various sectors, such as trade and investment, defence and security, technology, science, innovation, and people-to-people connections. It is further supported by a 2030 roadmap aimed at achieving key objectives, including enhanced security in the Indian Ocean Region and the Indo-Pacific. EAM Jaishankar held formal sit-down meetings with some leaders and brief interactions with others in the busy halls of the UN building, filled with leaders from different levels. He shared on X that he and Belgium's Prime Minister, Alexander De Croo, discussed collaboration in manufacturing and technology, as well as exchanged views on the situation in Ukraine. He also met with Foreign Ministers Giorgos Gerapetritis of Greece and Ahmed Fiqi of Somalia, both from nations set to join the Security Council as elected members. The Indian External Affairs Minister posted on X that with Giorgos, "our conversation was focused on shipping, energy, mobility, connectivity, and defence". His talks with Fiqi focused on enhancing our cooperation in health, education, training and capacity building, EAM Jaishankar said on X. He also had a brief interaction with Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, the Director-General of the World Trade Organisation, which had faced criticism during his remarks at the G20 Foreign Ministers meeting. Cuba's Foreign Minister, Bruno Rodriguez Parrilla, described his meeting with EAM Jaishankar as 'fruitful' on X, stating that they reviewed "the excellent state of bilateral relations". "I reiterated Cuba's interest in continuing to expand economic-commercial and cooperation ties", he added. EAM Jaishankar was more specific, writing on X, "Discussed our cooperation in health and food security, as well as in training and capacity development". He described his meeting with Switzerland Foreign Minister Ignazio Cassis as a "good to follow-up" to their recent meeting in Geneva. French President Emmanuel Macron has voiced strong support for India's inclusion as a permanent member of a reformed United Nations Security Council (UNSC), along with Germany, Japan, Brazil, and two African nations. 'Germany, Japan, India and Brazil should be permanent members, as well as two countries that Africa would designate to represent it. New elected members should also be admitted', Macron said while addressing the general debate at the 79th session of the UN General Assembly in New York. The French President stressed the need for reforms within the UN to make it more effective and representative, particularly in light of the challenges posed by the current structure of the Security Council. "The United Nations should not be discarded, but rather reformed to reflect today's realities," he said. He said that the current Security Council, often blocked by conflicting interests, needs to evolve. 'Is there a better system? I don't think so. So let's just make these United Nations more effective, first by perhaps making them more representative. That is why France and I repeat here, is in favour of the Security Council being expanded', Macron said. The French President said that he hopes that 'this reform will also make it possible to change working methods, to limit the right of veto in the event of mass crime and to focus on operational decisions that are necessary to maintain international peace and security. This is what we must have the courage and audacity to do and that we must carry forward with the current permanent members.' Earlier, Chilean President Gabriel Boric Font also advocated for India's inclusion, proposing a deadline for the reform to align the UNSC with modern geopolitical realities by the UN's 80th anniversary. The call for India's permanent membership has also been echoed by other global leaders, including US President Joe Biden, who reiterated Washington's full support for India's bid during his recent bilateral meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Russia, too, continues to back India's aspiration for a permanent seat, with the country's Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov emphasising the need for greater representation of developing countries in the council during the ongoing annual UN event. The growing consensus among world leaders highlights the urgency of reforming the UNSC to reflect the contemporary global order and ensure more inclusive and effective international governance. BAKU, Azerbaijan, September 27. If the Constitutional Court of Armenia decides that the peace treaty with Azerbaijan contradicts the country's basic law, then constitutional changes will be necessary for the sake of peace, Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan said at the 79th session of the UN General Assembly in the United States, Trend reports "The peace treaty with Azerbaijan, if signed, will be sent to the country's Constitutional Court to check its compliance with the basic law. If the Constitutional Court decides that the treaty contradicts the Constitution of Armenia, then we will find ourselves in a situation where constitutional changes will be necessary for the sake of achieving peace," Pashinyan said. Hoping to elevate your accounting career? Imagine having a certification that takes your career to an entirely new level. That is exactly what the Certified Public Accountant (CPA) program accomplishes! It is an effective instrument that opens doors to countless chances in the financial industry. A CPA course builds you a prosperous career in the Indian and global markets by serving as a badge of expertise in the accounting services industry. A CPA certificate gives you recognition in the most number of countries 180, to be exact when compared to other finance credentials. The CPA course could redefine your career and amplify your professional value. So, if you're someone hoping to walk this path of financial mastery, here's all you need to know! Navigating the Path to CPA Eligibility State-by-state variations may occur in CPA eligibility requirements, established by the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA). But first, let's examine the fundamental requirements. Educational Requirements First, you must have a bachelor's degree to enrol in the CPA course. In addition, the majority of states in the United States require more academic credits, usually ranging from 120 to 150 credit hours. Applicants, hence, are required to obtain additional degrees like an MBA, M.Com or any other professional certifications. For Indian applicants, this may also include the CA title. Work Experience In selective states, gaining hands-on accounting experience under the supervision of a licensed CPA is a prerequisite for applying for this course. Therefore, post-degree work experience is essential for anyone pursuing the CPA course. Practical experience shows that a candidate can translate their academic learning into real-world application, proving their readiness for the prestigious CPA title. Financial Investment in Your CPA Journey How much will it cost to appear for the CPA exam? Investing in the CPA credential involves a commitment of both time and money. So, let us help you get familiar with these costs. Expenditure Amount Application Fee INR 4,100 to INR 16,500 Exam Fee INR 15,900 to INR 63,000 Ethics Fee INR 12,300 to INR 16,500 Fortunately, the CPA exam is now available in major Indian cities like Mumbai, Delhi and Bangalore. It is more accessible for Indian students with reduced travel expenses. Decoding the Four-part CPA Exam The CPA exam is a comprehensive test segmented into four distinct sections. Each part evaluates different aspects of accounting expertise. These four sections include: Auditing and Attestation (AUD): This section explores compliance, ethical practices and audit procedures. You must become an expert in assessing internal controls and financial statements if you want to become a CPA. Business Environment and Concepts (BEC): This section addresses corporate governance, business structures and IT systems. This part also delves deeper into the intersections between accounting principles and business operations. Financial Accounting and Reporting (FAR): The FAR segment of CPA course focuses on financial accounting standards, including the preparation and analysis of financial statements. It assesses how well you can comprehend and apply complex accounting concepts to real-world use cases. Regulation (REG): This section addresses ethical concerns, corporate rules, and tax laws. You need to be well-versed in corporate law and tax laws to excel in this. Each section is a four-hour test, and appearing candidates get 18 months to complete all four parts. The CPA exam includes multiple-choice questions, task-based simulations and written communication tasks. Therefore, a tailored preparation across all sections is needed to pass this examination successfully. Exploring CPA Career Opportunities Holding a CPA title opens a wide array of career opportunities for you. Here are some of the roles you can explore after completing your CPA. Public Accountant: The role of a public accountant requires them to extend services such as auditing, tax preparation and consulting to a diverse client base. These services can be offered to businesses and individuals alike. Corporate Accountant: In a business organisation, internal financial activities are managed by a corporate accountant. They also make sure that the financial operations they are in charge of adhere to rules and standards for accounting. Tax Specialist: A tax specialist places emphasis on tax planning and compliance. They also assist clients with navigating complex tax laws and optimising strategies. Financial Analyst: In order to offer data-supported insights and suggestions for strategic company decisions, financial analysts are in charge of analysing financial data. Internal Auditor: The job role of an internal auditor requires them to assess and enhance an organisation's internal controls. They must also ensure accuracy and compliance with financial regulations. With a CPA credential, your expertise is recognised in over 180 countries, providing opportunities for international career advancement. CPA Salary in India Since becoming a Certified Public Accountant is a complex and demanding credential, they are rewarded with high-paying positions. Here's what you can expect from a CPA salary in India: Experience Average Annual Salary Entry-Level INR 6 Lakhs Mid-Level INR 11 Lakhs Senior Level INR 24 Lakhs The CPA credential boosts your earning potential and enhances job security and career growth prospects, making it an exceptional career choice. Embark on Your CPA Journey Today The road to becoming a CPA comprises many challenges. But the rewards? They're extraordinary. By earning your CPA degree, you're investing in a future full of potential. Your marketability skyrockets, job security strengthens and earning potential soars, bringing you to the centre of industry recognition and professional growth. At Imarticus Learning, we understand what it takes to achieve this challenging certification, and therefore, we recommend applying for the US CPA Certification! Our CPA preparation program, tailored under the guidance of industry experts, equips you with the tools and knowledge to achieve success. Plus, we also offer strategic career support to help you navigate the path ahead. Dive into your CPA journey with Imarticus Learning and unfold an epic career transformation that awaits you! STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. The NYPD is once again asking the publics help to locate an individual who is sought for questioning in connection with an incident of antisemitic graffiti in August in St. George. This incident is being investigated by the NYPDs Hate Crimes Task Force, according to a statement from the NYPDs Deputy Commissioner of Public Information. The NYPD is repeating its request for the publics help to solve the incident that occurred on Aug. 23 at about 8:15 a.m., according to the police statement. An unidentified individual allegedly drew a swastika on a wall at 15B Richmond Terrace, according to the police statement. Empire Outlets is located at the address supplied by police. The individual most recently was seen boarding the Staten Island Ferry at the St. George Terminal, according to the police statement. No injuries were reported to police in the incident of aggravated harassment. The NYPD supplied photos of an individual sought for questioning to the media. Police described the individual as a male with light complexion who stands about 5 feet, 9 inches tall and weighs about 140 pounds. Anyone with information in regard to this incident is asked to call the NYPDs Crime Stoppers Hotline at 1-800-577-TIPS (8477) or for Spanish, 1-888-57-PISTA (74782). The public can also submit their tips by logging onto the Crime Stoppers website at https://crimestoppers.nypdonline.org/, on X @NYPDTips. The Muscogee Creek Nation on Wednesday argued for its right to repatriate the remains of ancestors and protect a sacred site in Alabama that is now home to the Wind Creek Casino. Hickory Ground is sacred as the final resting place for some of the nations most significant military leaders, tribal leaders and spiritual leaders, attorney for the Muscogee Creek Nation, Mary Kathryn Nagle, said in her opening argument in federal appeals court in Atlanta. She said the Muscogee tribe occupied the land in Alabama before being forcibly removed to Oklahoma during the Trail of Tears. But the Poarch Creek attorney, Mark Reeves, argued that Poarch Band of Creek Indians have tribal sovereignty over the Alabama site and can make decisions about its development. He defended the tribes historical claim to the site. We absolutely do have a longstanding attachment, he told the court. We have a shared history of that property with the Muscogee Nation. The lawsuit demands that the casino on the site be torn down and that remains be returned to the Muscogee Creek Nation. It also alleges Auburn University, which was involved in excavating the remains, violated the Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act by failing to return ancestors remains to their descendants. Judges in the 11th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals asked questions about sovereign immunity, ownership of the land, preservation requirements and each tribes historic claim to the site. Chief Judge William Pryor stated that he was sympathetic to many of the Muscogee Creek concerns and that the lower court erred in not parsing out sovereign immunity claims on a claim-by-claim basis. RaeLynn Butler, Secretary of Culture and Humanities at the Muscogee Nation, said loopholes in federal laws allowed the remains to be mishandled. We want to seek justice, we want healing, we want to see those remains be returned, that everything be reburied, The lawsuit is an attack on tribal sovereignty, said Stephanie Bryan, Tribal Chair and CEO for the Poarch Creek Band of Indians. She compared it to Georgia telling Alabama what to do with its land. She said her tribe has followed every regulation and the Muscogee Creeks repatriation guidelines in handling remains that she said were relocated and reburied on the site. We are Creek people from that area, and we have respected our ancestors, she said, adding that the Poarch tribe has tried to work with the Muscogee Creek for a resolution. The demand to tear the building down and put the ancestors back in place is unreasonable. She said back in the 80s when her tribe bought the land, they asked the Muscogee Creeks in Oklahoma to join them in the purchase and the tribe said no. The appeals judges will rule on whether to send the case back to the district court. The case also alleges workers moved 57 peoples remains and other artifacts and left them in storage without adequate temperature control, according to the original lawsuit filed in 2019. Although the Trail of Tears separated Mekko Thompson and the members of Hickory Ground Tribal Town from the final resting place of their relatives, the protection and preservation of the original Hickory Ground site remains of paramount importance to their spirituality, religion, and general mental health and well-being, the appeal said. Muscogee Creek Nation Mekko, or Chief, George Thompson is the plaintiff in the suit. Both tribes claim to have a historical connection to the Hickory Ground site. The Muscogee Creek claim that the Poarch Creek, distant relatives, are instead from an area farther South in Atmore, Alabama. Butler said repatriation is a human rights issue. She said their ancestors did not get the respect they deserved. They have been disrupted on their journey and they have also been held hostage. Much of the argument on Wednesday centered around whether the Poarch Creeks tribal sovereignty gave them authority to make decisions to develop or further build on the land or whether the constraints of the federal protections restrict their ability to make changes to the site without the approval of the Muscogee Creek and other preservation officials. The Muscogee Creek allege that the Poarch Creek failed to meet their obligation to preserve the site when they built the casino. The Muscogee tribe appealed its lawsuit against the Poarch Band of Creek Indians, Auburn University and federal officials after a lower court ruled against its claims in 2021. Auburn University declined to comment due to ongoing litigation. Hickory Ground in Wetumpka was the sacred site and capital of the Muscogee Creek before federal troops forced the tribe to walk 800 miles to Oklahoma as part of the Trail of Tears. The conflict between the two tribes over the site has been ongoing for many years. In 1980, the site was listed on the National Register of Historic Places and the Poarch Band of Creek Indians purchased the land. The National Park Service delegated preservation responsibilities to the Poarch Creek in 1999 and the tribe began constructing a bingo hall. Since then, it has expanded the building to be the Wind Creek Casino. Muscogee Nation originally filed a lawsuit in 2012 which was not successful. STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. As calls grow for Mayor Eric Adams resignation, the embattled city executive appears to have found friends in the forgotten borough. Most of the Islands elected officials didnt respond to requests for comment about Adams federal indictment, and only Rep. Nicole Malliotakis (R-Staten Island/South Brooklyn), called for him to be removed from office. CITY HALL Federal prosecutors unsealed a 57-page grand jury indictment against Mayor Eric Adams Thursday making him the first New York City executive charged with crimes in the modern era. United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York Damian Williams announced five charges against Adams in relation to his Turkish connections before and after he became mayor. Year after year after year he kept the public in the dark, Williams said. This was a multi-year scheme to buy favor with a New York City politician who was on the rise. Williams alleged that starting in 2015 the Turkish entities engaged Adams, who was then Brooklyn Borough President, during a trip to the nation. In the following years, federal prosecutors allege that Adams took a series of bribes from Turkish nationals in the form of lavish travel accommodations to nations including Turkey, Hungary, India and Ghana. The gifts included flight upgrades valued at tens of thousands of dollars, and luxurious hotel stays in suites across the globe, which Adams was often undercharged for in an attempt to hide the improprieties, Williams alleged. Turkish nationals also allegedly filled Adams campaign coffers ahead of the 2021 collection, so much so that it resulted in the mayors campaign receiving more than $10 million in public matching funds. In exchange, Adams leaned on the FDNY starting in Sept. 2021 to permit a Manhattan building, known as Turkish House, to open. Williams said the approving FDNY officials made their decision with their jobs threatened, but would not have approved the building otherwise. The pressure from Adams came when it was clear he would be the next mayor, and was brought at the behest of a wealthy Turkish national, who told him it was time to help Turkey, according to the indictment. Some of the people at FDNY thought the building had so many issues and defects that the building was not safe to occupy, Williams said. Adams delivered and pressured the fire department to let the building open. The FDNY professionals were convinced that they would lose their job in they didnt back down. Williams alleged the schemes continued in the leadup to the 2025 mayoral election. The investigation was a joint effort among the prosecutors office, FBI, and city Department of Investigation, which operates independent of the mayors office. FBI Assistant Director in Charge James Dennehy said he hoped the mayors indictment served as a warning to other public servants who intend to use their office for personal gain. The indictment of a sitting mayor is not just another headline, it is a stinging reminder that no one is above the law or beyond reproach, he said. Its up to us to demand more from our leaders, to hold them to the highest standards, and to remind them that the power of public office should never be abused. The federal probe into Adams and members of his administration has been ongoing for over a year, and investigators seized the mayors electronic devices in November following a raid on a top fundraiser, Brianna Suggs, earlier that month . Adams held a press conference outside Gracie Mansion about a half hour before Williams announcement decrying the prosecution as a witch hunt. This is not surprising to us at all. The actions that have unfolded over the last 10 months, the leaks, the commentary, the demonizing, Adams said. This did not a surprise us that we reached this day, and I asked New Yorkers to wait to hear our defense before making any judgments. While Adams has made no indication that he plans to resign, there are some mechanisms in the City Charter by which he could be removed. Gov. Kathy Hochul has the easiest path to remove the mayor, but she has not said what her plans are regarding Thursdays indictment. The City Charter also contains a mechanism by which a host of city officials, including the council speaker, public advocate, and comptroller, can form a commission to declare the mayor unable to fulfill his duties. None of those three city officials have offered any indication they plan to take that step. If a jury finds Adams guilty, he could face decades in prison. STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. New York City Mayor Eric Adams has been indicted by a grand jury in the wake of a federal corruption investigation, according to a published report. While the indictment remains sealed, it is still unknown what charges Hizzoner will be facing, the report in the New York Times said Wednesday night, quoting unnamed sources. The indictment is expected to be unsealed on Thursday by U.S. Attorney Damian Williams of the Southern District of New York, according to multiple media reports. The mayor is expected to surrender next week, those reports indicate. Adams would be the first sitting New York City mayor to face criminal charges while in office. Adams and members of his administration have been the subject of a federal investigation regarding donations related to his 2021 campaign. The phones of multiple members of Adams inner circle were seized by federal investigators during raids. Several individuals in top positions have already resigned their posts. My fellow New Yorkers, it is now my belief that the federal government intends to charge me with crimes, Adams said in a statement Wednesday night. If so, these charges will be entirely false, based on lies. But they would not be surprising. I always knew that if I stood my ground for all of you, that I would be a target. A target I became. For months, leaks and rumors have been aimed at me in an attempt to undermine my credibility and paint me as guilty, Adams added. I will fight these injustices with every ounce of my strength and my spirit. Adams, a former NYPD police captain, was elected to office in 2021. This is a developing story and more information will be posted when it becomes available. New York City Mayor Eric Adams was indicted Thursday on federal charges alleging that he took bribes and illegal campaign contributions from foreign sources. The U.S. attorneys office in Manhattan alleges in the indictment that Adams compounded his gains from the illegal contributions by gaming the citys matching funds program, which provides a generous match for small dollar donations. FBI agents entered the mayors official residence and seized his phone early Thursday, hours before the indictment was made public. The indictment caps off an extraordinary few weeks in New York City, as federal investigators have homed in on members of Adams inner circle, producing a drum-beat of raids, subpoenas and high-level resignations that have thrust City Hall into crisis. The White House pushed back against claims by the New York City mayor that he was targeted because of his objections to the administrations efforts to address immigration and border crossings, saying the actions by the Justice Department were independent of politics. The president was clear, even when he was running in 2020, that he was going to make sure that DOJ is independent and the DOJ is handling this case independently, White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre told reporters at Thursdays briefing. Adams administration has been bogged down with attempts to house tens of thousands of international migrants who overwhelmed the citys homeless shelters, with Adams at odds with President Joe Biden over funding and a strategy to handle the influx of new residents. NEW YORK -- Mayor Eric Adams may have thought deleting text messages surrounding alleged wrongdoing -- for which he faces federal charges of solicitation, bribery and fraud -- would keep him out of trouble. Or at least thats what the 57-page grand jury inditement, unsealed on Thursday by United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York Damian Williams, seems to indicate. Adams has been accused of taking bribes from foreign nationals, which resulted in lavish trips, including swank hotel stays, to Turkey, Hungary, India and Ghana. On page 19, section 27 of the inditement, it says Adams continued to conceal the benefits he received from foreign nationals seeking to gain influence over him. Adams did not report any of the 2019 gifts he received from the airline manager or the promoter on his annual disclosure form. The inditement also cites an alleged Adams text message exchange with one of his staffers. In addition, in March 2019 while exchanging text messages to plan another possible trip to Turkey in which the airline manager would arrange travel for Adams, the Adams staffer texted Adams to be on the safe side. Please delete all messages you send me, Adams responded, always do, says the inditement. Page 19, Section 27 of the federal grand jury inditement against Mayor Eric Adams.screenshot Adams is the first NYC mayor charged with crimes in the modern era. Year after year after year he kept the public in the dark, Williams said once the inditement was unsealed. This was a multi-year scheme to buy favor with a New York City politician who was on the rise. The grand jury document also details Adams alleged leaning on the FDNY starting in Sept. 2021, when it became clear he would become mayor, to permit a building to open that would not have been approved without the pressure. Williams said the approving FDNY officials made their decision with their jobs threatened. Adams delivered and pressured the Fire Department to let the building open, Williams said. The federal probe into Adams and members of his administration has been ongoing for over a year, and investigators seized the mayors electronic devices in November following a raid on a top fundraiser, Brianna Suggs, earlier that month . Adams held a press conference outside Gracie Mansion about a half hour before Williams announcement decrying the prosecution as a witch hunt. This is not surprising to us at all. The actions that have unfolded over the last 10 months, the leaks, the commentary, the demonizing. This did not surprise us that we reached this day, and I asked New Yorkers to wait to hear our defense before making any judgments, said Adams at the press conference. UPDATE: The charges against Mayor Eric Adams have been unsealed. They are: conspiracy to commit wire fraud; wire fraud, bribery; and solicitation of a contribution by a foreign national. STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. -- The Federal Department of Justice is expected to announce the charges against Mayor Eric Adams, after he was indicted by a grand jury on Wednesday amid a flurry of searches, resignations of top city officials and subpoenas. The indictment is expected to be unsealed on Thursday morning by U.S. Attorney Damian Williams of the Southern District of New York, according to multiple media reports. Adams and members of his administration have been the subject of a federal investigation regarding donations related to his 2021 campaign. The phones of multiple members of Adams inner circle were seized by federal investigators during raids. Several individuals in top positions have already resigned their posts. My fellow New Yorkers, it is now my belief that the federal government intends to charge me with crimes, Adams said in a statement Wednesday night. If so, these charges will be entirely false, based on lies. But they would not be surprising. I always knew that if I stood my ground for all of you, that I would be a target. A target I became. According to published reports, the focus of Adams indictment is: Alleged inappropriate dealings with the Turkish government Alleged illegal donations to the Adams campaign Alleged favors exchanged for political support and/or donations Devices seized from key Adams aides and top city officials A larger probe into misconduct in the Adams administration Associated Press Information was used in this report. STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. -- Shortly after Mayor Eric Adams was indicted on federal charges, calls for his resignation began pouring in, leaving many to wonder who would take his place leading New York City if he were to step down. Adams was indicted by a grand jury on Wednesday amid a flurry of searches, resignations of top city officials and subpoenas, with the indictment unsealed on Thursday morning by U.S. Attorney Damian Williams of the Southern District of New York. The mayor, along with several members of his administration, have been the subject of a federal investigation regarding donations related to his 2021 campaign, with the phones of multiple members of Adams inner circle seized by federal investigators and several individuals in top positions having already resigned their posts. Adams unsealed indictment revealed that he is facing five federal charges related to campaign corruption, according to NBC News: Conspiracy to commit wire fraud, federal program bribery, and to receive campaign contributions by foreign nationals: One count Wire fraud: One count Solicitation of a contribution by a foreign national: Two counts Bribery: One count Adams said Thursday that he has no intention of stepping down and asked New Yorkers to withhold judgement until theyve heard his side of the story. This is not surprising to us at all. The actions that have unfolded over the last 10 months, the leaks, the commentary, the demonizing. This did not a surprise us that we reached this day, and I asked New Yorkers to wait to hear our defense before making any judgments, said Adams. From here, my attorneys will take care of the case so I can take care of the city, my day to day will not change. I will continue to do the job for 8.3 million New Yorkers that I was elected to do and the 300,000 plus employees of our city government will continue to do their jobs, because this is what we do as New Yorkers, he added. But if Adams were to resign, or be removed from office by Gov. Kathy Hochul, who would replace him? In the short term, it would be Public Advocate Jumaane Williams, a Democrat who has served in his role since 2019. Williams, a former member of the New York City Council who has advocated for better policing and safer streets, affordable housing, and transparency and accountability in city government, would take over as acting mayor and be tasked with setting the date for a special election. That special election, which would be nonpartisan and utilize New Yorks ranked choice system, would be held on the first Tuesday at least 80 days from when Williams assumed mayoral control. However, if Adams were to resign within 90 days of the June 2025 primaries, there would be no special election and Williams would remain mayor until a new one is elected in November of next year. Famous Italian actress and model Monica Bellucci appeared at the 72nd San Sebastian International Film Festival accompanied by her partner, American film director Tim Burton. The stars went out in public in stylish pair looks. ADVERTISIMENT The celebrities posed for the cameras dressed in monochromatic suits. The 59-year-old model preferred a trendy oversized outfit, while her 66-year-old gentleman chose a more classic style. Monica Bellucci attended the gala event in a glamorous look that combined classic and modern. The actress wore loose-fitting pants, which she successfully combined with an oversized jacket. An interesting detail of the outfit was a bold corset with an open neckline, which was visible from under the neckline of the jacket. High leather platform heels added a special extravagance to the star's look. The actress's makeup was done in nude shades. ADVERTISIMENT For his part, Tim Burton preferred a classic look. At the Spanish Film Festival, he appeared in a black suit and matching shirt. The accent detail of the director's look was a stylish hat. In addition to matching suits, the star partners went out in public wearing similar jewelry. Monica Bellucci chose black sunglasses in the style of the 90s, while her beau preferred an accessory with blue lenses. Recall that the star couple first officially confirmed their relationship in the summer of 2023. During one of her interviews, the Italian actress admitted that after meeting the director, a new adventure began in her life. Monica Bellucci has publicly declared that she loves Tim Burton. ADVERTISIMENT Only verified information is available on the OBOZ.UA Telegram channel and Viber. Do not fall for fakes! Some strong recent polls have caused former GOP President Donald Trump to surge against Democratic Vice President Kamala Harris in the 2024 race for the White House, according to one widely respected predictor website. The closely watched 538 forecasting site said that Trump has seen a bump in support over the last week or so, giving him a boost when it comes to the sites latest prediction of who will win the Electoral College. Harris is still in the lead, the website said, with a 55% chance of winning the election. But Trump now has a 45% chance of taking the presidency, up from 39% on Sept. 17, eight days ago. 538 predicts that Harris will win 278 electoral votes to Trumps 260. A total of 270 votes in the Electoral College is needed to win the presidency. 538s G. Elliott Morris said Trumps surge in their forecast is due to a recent tightening in national and state polls. A national Quinnipiac University poll this week showed Trump one point ahead of Harris, while a New York Times/Siena College Poll showed the former president leading in the crucial states of Arizona, North Carolina and Georgia. Thats barely better than a coin flip! Morris said of the poll numbers. He said that slim margins in critical swing states make this cycles presidential race the closest in decades the outcome could be closer than in any election in nearly 150 years. 538 uses polling, economic and demographic data to predict likely election outcomes. The website shows that the closest races are in these seven states: Nevada, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, Georgia, Arizona, Wisconsin and Michigan. The eclipse season is always a challenging period, bringing profound transformations and difficult trials. The eclipse of the Moon in Libra on October 3 will open a new page in the lives of some zodiac signs, so October will be a rather dramatic month. ADVERTISIMENT You will have to make fateful choices, giving up all the negativity that has been holding back growth and development. Astrologers say that four dates will be key: October 3 - an eclipse in Libra, October 9 - Jupiter retrograde in Gemini, October 17 - the full moon in Aries, and October 23, when the Sun moves into Scorpio. Aries The eclipse in Libra will be a defining reset that will have a long-term impact. The decisions you make during this period will determine your life for the next six months. New acquaintances can play a significant role in your career. The Full Moon in Aries will be a time of emotional fulfillment and inner strength. Taurus With all the personal changes you made last month, you'll finally be able to realize where you want to go next. Jupiter retrograde descends into your house of resources and values, helping you focus on making money in creative and imaginative ways. On October 17, Venus in Scorpio opposes Uranus in Taurus, potentially adding courage to your decision-making. ADVERTISIMENT Gemini The eclipse in Libra will add fresh energy. October will be a time of inspiration, meetings, and romance. You may even find the courage to start a conversation. As Jupiter is now in your sign, a retrograde journey could lead you on a trajectory of development, healing, and new horizons. Cancer Your quest could lead to a new and very promising project as the eclipse of the New Moon in Libra occurs in your house of unconscious emotions and connections. New friends can instantly become family, and cooperation will be very successful. You've been working hard to achieve success in your career. This is a time of achievement and change. Pay attention to the Full Moon in Aries as it may shed some light on where to go next. Leo It's time to live more slowly and purposefully. Cleansing and healing is the best option for a reboot. As the Scorpio season presides over your zone of home and belonging, it's a great time to invest your precious love in a select few. Heal your wounds without giving up the support of your loved ones. ADVERTISIMENT Virgo Last month you may have been in an endless loop of existential questions, but now you can see the light through the illusions and return to reality. With Jupiter retrograde in Gemini in your house of social standing and vocation, you may receive a lot of outside feedback on how the world is receiving your talents. Libra As the last eclipse of the year occurs in your zodiac sign, it's worth analyzing past events to see where you need to go from here. The eclipse will help you regain some perspective and get back to finding your purpose. You should channel this renewed energy into your deepest desires and wildest dreams. Scorpio You will soon see how quickly the world responds to your requests. The eclipse in Libra can help you close old chapters of the past so you can truly enjoy the moment. This is a time for healing, development, and finding answers to important questions. ADVERTISIMENT Sagittarius You could get a number of new clients and contracts. Just make sure you don't play a role, but rather be yourself when Jupiter in Gemini goes retrograde. Venus moves into your sign on the 18th, blessing you with potential new chances for travel, creativity, romance, and new financial opportunities. Capricorn The eclipse in Libra is a great time to reset your career aspirations. All old dreams may seem irrelevant now, so give yourself and your imagination permission to experiment. Eclipses don't require realism - the only contribution this astrological transit needs is that you don't betray your values. Aquarius The days are getting shorter and the crisp air signals a time for reflection. Since last month, Pluto in Capricorn has been showing you that you need emotional healing to build a stable and fruitful foundation for a new life. The Scorpio season helps you to be even deeper and more honest. You'll be able to overcome any obstacles or challenges that are slowing you down. ADVERTISIMENT Pisces October is an invitation for you to get off the grid, take a break from your responsibilities, and just get lost in your hobbies. It's time for creativity and self-expression. The eclipse in Libra is your golden ticket to get answers to important questions. Subscribe to OBOZ.UA channels on Telegram and Viber to keep up with the latest events. On the night of September 26, during a massive attack on Ukraine, some Russian kamikaze drones flew into the airspace of Belarus. It is worth noting that one of the "Shaheds" flew into Belarus not from Ukraine, but from the Russian Federation. ADVERTISIMENT In total, at least 4 UAVs were spotted in Belarusian airspace. This was reported by the Telegram channel "Belarusian Gayun". The first kamikaze drone crossed the border with Belarus at around 00:13 near the village of Lyubech. The same UAV returned to Ukraine 30 minutes later. The next Shaheds flew into Belarus at 02:29, 03:05, and 03:52. According to monitoring channels, one kamikaze drone entered Belarusian airspace directly from Russia. The attack drone was heading toward Gomel, after which it disappeared from the radar. Once again, Belarusian troops sent up fighter jets. Two sides were on duty over the southeast of the country the first took off from Baranovichi airfield at around 00:30, and the second at 02:50. ADVERTISIMENT On the night of September 26, the Russian terrorist army attacked Mykolaiv region. The invaders targeted an energy infrastructure facility. Earlier it was reported that Russia attacked the Ukrainian capital Kyiv with Shahed-type kamikaze drones all night and morning, and a child was injured as a result of the enemy's actions. As a result of the falling wreckage of the downed targets, a gas pipe was depressurized and a fire broke out in a high-rise building, damaging dozens of cars. Only verified information is available on our Telegram channel OBOZ.UA and Viber . Do not fall for fakes! Former journalist Peter Greste spent 400 days in an Egyptian jail on terrorism charges while working for news outlet Al Jazeera. Now, he has co-founded Journalism Australia, a body he hopes can define professional journalism, journalistic standards and press freedom in Australia. The move goes hand in hand with a proposed bill by the Alliance for Journalists Freedom, where he is the executive director, alongside chair Peter Wilkinson, a lobbyist and former journalist. The media reform bill proposes enshrining press freedoms in Australias constitution. Journalism Australia co-founder Peter Greste says the member-based group would recognise quality reporting. Credit: Marija Ercegovac Journalism Australia aims to become a professional association that recognises ethics, standards and processes to address public trust and confidence in media, Greste says. Under his plan, member journalists would pay to register and become part of Journalism Australia if they met certain standards. In return, they would gain the protections offered under the bill. Defining member journalists would help law enforcement agencies and courts identify who is producing trusted journalism to a particular standard, according to documentation seen by this masthead. Hardly a day goes by without Donald Trump and Kamala Harris announcing new proposals that would increase spending or reduce US government revenues in what appears to be, particularly on the Trump side, one of the most profligate election campaigns in US history. At almost every campaign stop Trump has thrown out a new tax proposal, most of which seem to have caught his advisers by surprise. Whether its the abolition of taxes on tips, overtime and social welfare payments, the cap on deductions for state taxes (which would cost about $US1.2 trillion ($1.8 trillion) over a decade), a $US2 trillion sovereign wealth fund or incentives for US manufacturers, Trump is adding almost daily to his core pledge of extending and increasing the tax cuts he gave companies and, mainly, wealthy households during his last term. All would be paid for or at least partly paid for by his planned 10 to 20 per cent baseline tariff on all imports, and his 60 per cent tariff on imports from China. This week, he threatened yet another tranche of tariffs a 200 per cent duty on imports from companies that move their plants from the US to Mexico. Harris provided her most detailed economic plan yet in a speech in Pittsburgh on Wednesday. Simple mistakes include failing to install a software update in a timely manner, putting a computer in sleep mode instead of shutting it down, and sharing passwords with team members. Locking your digital doors A big part of the issue stems from a limited understanding of the frequency and impact of cyber attacks, which is ultimately holding small businesses back from protecting themselves. Artificial intelligence, for example, is enabling scammers to mimic the language, tone and cadence of authorities, including the Australian Taxation Office, making it even more difficult to spot a scam. Ive never met a small business owner who isnt competent and capable of protecting their physical assets, such as their premises, their cars and other physical securities. But cyber security is often the last thing on the list and after a long day at work, its forgotten about, Achterstraat says. In todays challenging economic environment, it can be even harder for a small business to allocate resources to areas such as cyber security. Cyber safety culture The need for a cultural shift and national thinking has led to the development of Cyber Wardens, which is a behavioural change program designed to embed a culture of cyber safety in every small business in Australia. Launched in 2023, the national initiative from COSBOA is supported by the Federal Government and an industry alliance led by Telstra, CommBank and the Australian Cyber Security Centre to help protect SMBs from online threats. Its critical that small business owners acknowledge the acute threat cyber crime poses, and lock their digital doors in the same way they would lock up their homes and businesses. The Cyber Wardens program gives small business owners and their staff the skills and understanding to protect themselves from cyber crime. Cyber Wardens is working to ensure Australias 2.5 million small businesses operate in a cyber-safe environment, as online scams and fraud continues to rise. Just like workplace safety officers help to keep their small business safe from physical hazards, Cyber Wardens will use the same skills to prevent and protect against digital threats, Achterstraat says. The fast, free online Cyber Wardens training course helps protect small businesses and their staff from cyber threats, and provides them with tips like upgrading passwords, implementing multi-factor authentication, backing up data and regularly updating software. Stop scams, dont get hacked. Help protect your small business from cyber threats with the quick and easy Cyber Wardens program, so you can get back to the business of doing business. Visit cyberwardens.com.au for free small business cyber security online training. 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 It wasnt until I found myself with a restless newborn who needed endless hours being pushed in a pram that I overcame my fear of commercial art galleries. Intimidated by the white walls, clean lines and hushed silence, I hadnt previously understood the rules of engagement and certainly didnt think I could afford to purchase the art that lined their elegant walls. Why enter a retail gallery if I couldnt buy? Turns out there are countless reasons. Art gallerists know it is a rare occurrence for somebody to walk in off the street and leave with a freshly purchased artwork. Theirs is the craft of the long sell, a lifetimes education and a vast network of connections. If you know nothing, art gallerists can tell you everything; if you know a little, they tend to be energised by the opportunity to go deeper. It goes both ways. When the renowned Australian surrealist sculptor Patricia Piccinini was starting out, she worked the door on a Melbourne art co-op, an experience she says gave her an invaluable education in how people interact with art. My breakthrough came while pushing my firstborn through Surry Hills, where, behind the big glass windows of Ray Hughes Gallery, a series of brightly painted chooks forged from corrugated iron caught my eye. Above them hung paintings of country show prize-winning handicrafts and cakes. Jeff Thomsons Rooster, 2005 caught the writers eye. I wasnt pressed for time; the baby was finally settled, and the exhibitions promise of unpretentious fun powerfully beckoned me through the dark industrial entry. I hoicked the pram up a few stairs and into the converted warehouse showroom. Advertisement There were the mandatory white walls, but the soaring unfinished ceilings and uneven timber flooring placed the gallery in a middle ground between shabby and chic; unpredictable baby sounds were lost amid the drafts. If I hadnt found Hughes exhibition of paintings by Lucy Culliton and chooks by Jeff Thomson so joyful, I would have fled in fear when I spotted the eponymous owner at a desk just inside the entry. Hughes was a gruff giant who I came to learn could be found each morning in that spot drinking coffee and reading the papers. It was from Hughes and later his son, Evan, that I came to understand that art galleries and their owners love tyre kickers like me. Legendary art dealer Ray Hughes. Credit: Damian Bennett Conveniently for us, commercial galleries tend to cluster in geographical locations; among the densest is around Trumper Park, Paddington, where, at any time, it is possible to see more than half a dozen bespoke exhibitions. Unlike Australias public institutions, the exhibitions are refreshed every few weeks, theyre free, and generally, theyre not crowded. Go at the right time, and you might even receive a free glass of wine. Plus, youre bound to encounter fresh and inventive work from mostly local artists. While our government-funded galleries have often been slow to discover the charms of art by women, contemporary commercial galleries no longer have this problem. Martin Browne Contemporary, opened in 1991, is a case in point with both of its current exhibitions by women. Advertisement Sally Ross big tropical blue-green pointillist landscapes in scale, tone and price ($8,000 to $19,000) each seem destined for a wall in a large modern Australian home. Sally Ross oil on board Tropical Berry Plants (2024) is on sale for $14,000. Brownes back gallery features a series by Linde Ivimey, one of the countrys most captivating sculptors, known for her humanlike figures rendered from fabrics, resin and other materials, including trademark tiny bird bones. Ivimey has inhabited the upper echelons of Australian art for three decades. Her pieces are in the collections of the National Gallery of Victoria and the National Gallery of Australia (although, shockingly, she has not been acquired by her hometowns Art Gallery of NSW), and if you do not see them now, you may never have another chance because once acquired it could be years before they are again shown publicly, if ever. Having said that, the exhibitions sales success is indicative of the sluggish art market of the past 18 months as few items (priced $15,000 to $30,000) have found buyers. Vicki Varvaressos Woman with Just Joey, 2018. A minutes walk away, the long-established Australian Galleries is also platforming a female artist, with the veteran Sydney expressionist Vicki Varvaressos showing glazed ceramic sculptures, acrylic portraits and still lifes distinguished by heavy black lines evocative of Charles Blackmans art. Varvaressos has been one of our most prolific painters, exhibiting nearly every year since 1975, however at 75, this is her first exhibition of new work since 2017. Advertisement Upstairs, Angus Fisher is, as with Varvaressos, a graduate of the National Art School, albeit 37 years later, and his exhibition is a collection of large landscape sketches in charcoal and a series of small zoological studies ink pen and watercolour. Unfortunately for me, a little toadfish, beautiful in its ugliness and priced at $1,250, is marked with a tiny red sticker indicating it has been sold. Both exhibitions close on Saturday, so best see them while you have the chance. Angus Fishers Toadfish was priced at $1,250 at Australian Galleries. Assuming approximately half that price will go back to the artist, where it will cover his materials and other costs, and the other half to the gallery, which has three people working there when I visit, its a modest sum flowing back into our citys creative economy. Back on Hampden St, Wagner Contemporary upstairs is showing a collection by Christopher Orchard, the former head of drawing at Adelaide Central School of Art. If you like William Kentridges art, you will enjoy Orchards meditations, which are dominated by suited bald men and occasionally a Pulcinello. Christopher Orchards Proxy at Wagner Contemporary. Advertisement In addition to some large oil paintings, there are many simple charcoal renderings on paper, and seeing the collection together reveals how the artist uses drawing to express the gamut of human emotions. Annette Larkin Fine Art also has a single-artist exhibition of new works, except her artist, Australian modernist painter Carl Plate (pronounced Plaa-ter), died in 1977. Moving into Abstraction is Larkins fourth exhibition since 2017 of items from the Plate estate, which has a healthy following in Sydneys legal circles. Carl Plates Ladys Fingers (1954) at Annette Larkin Fine Art. Next door, Roslyn Oxley9 Gallery is exhibiting a showstopping collection of luxe Hollywood golden-era style staged photography by Sir Isaac Julien, a British filmmaker and installation artist who interrogates racism and the legacy of American slavery (and will also show at the Museum of Contemporary Art in an exhibition opening this weekend). Isaac Juliens Dream Deferred (Once Again... Statues Never Die), 2022, Credit: Courtesy of the artist Oxley is one of just a few Australian galleries that can make a commercial success of exhibiting international artists but with the top price tag in this collection, 66,000 (why bother with AUD?), it remains to be seen if the works will sell in this market. Advertisement Advertisement Eating outJust open Prawn toast goes fancy as lobster, truffle and foie gras spins hit Sydney menus Luxury spins on the popular toasty treat have become the plats du jour at restaurants across town. Scott Bolles September 27, 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 The humble prawn toast may not be humble for much longer if the latest menus around Sydney are any guide. On plates across town, the popular toasty treat made with Cantonese prawn mousse is receiving an upgrade, courtesy of the fresh seafood tank and luxury ingredients. In Darlinghurst, fresh arrival Wans Cantonese restaurant has upped the stakes with an opening volley of lobster toast. Song Birds prawn toast uses Spencer Gulf king prawns and Baker Bleu sourdough. Supplied Other opulent spins on the crunchy snack have become the plat du jour at Sydney restaurants. At Mr. Wong in the CBD, prawn toast is accessorised with foie gras, while at Dan Dan restaurant in Pyrmont, the kitchen marries prawn and black truffle. Promenade Bondi Beach went off script, substituting prawn for bug meat. But fresh lobster? Thats quite the step up for the suburban Chinese restaurant staple that used to taste like it had journeyed straight from the freezer to the deep fryer. Advertisement Classic dishes retold with premium fresh Australian produce is the menu blueprint, Wans Cantonese co-founder Steve Wan says. With its ultra-slick dining room of timber and marble on Victoria Street, the 120-seat Wans Cantonese isnt the only new arrival in Sydney championing Cantonese food in luxe surroundings. Neil Perrys new $10 million Song Bird restaurant in Double Bay also fixed its gaze on Cantonese after the celebrity chef initially toyed with a wider cuisine brief. Perry, who explored other regions of Chinese cuisine at his previous CBD venue Spice Temple, argues Cantonese suits our climate and Sydneysiders love of lighter cooking. Lobster toast (right, rear) is on the opening menu at Wans Cantonese in Darlinghurst. Supplied Theres a lot of steaming and roasting with Cantonese, Perry says. He points to Cantonese techniques and staples such as ginger and shallot as the perfect companions to let great fish shine. Theres a lightness, the moisture content is great, its a celebration of great produce, Perry says. The president of the Chinese Precinct Chamber of Commerce, Wayne Tseng, says the immigration wave that populated Australia with Cantonese restaurants has played a part in its popularity. The revival is due to nostalgia, familiar palate and the variety, Tseng says. Advertisement While some dishes can hide less premium produce, Perry points to Song Birds version of prawn toast as a platform to show off the quality of Spencer Gulf king prawns used in the dish. Built on a base of Baker Bleu sourdough, Song Birds version includes chunks of prawn meat to highlight the ingredients. The lobster toast at Wans Cantonese has become an early hit since the venue opened earlier this month. It doesnt matter what nationality, female or male, its popular with everyone, Wan says. We use rock lobsters from Tasmania and South Australia. Its a little taster of fresh local seafood rather than imported, and thats what were all about. Wans Cantonese is open for dinner Thu-Sat (hours to be extended from mid-October). 298 Victoria Street, Darlinghurst Good Food hat 15.5 / 20 Review Does Neil Perrys new Chinese restaurant Song Bird hit all the right notes? Restaurant reviews, news and the hottest openings served to your inbox. Sign up Warning: Graphic content The murder of 16-year-old Mahmoud Hrouk, whereby household implements were fashioned into weapons, involved a level of violence that a judge has categorised as too brutal to describe. But after the shock of death and the evidence of cruelty to which he had been subjected, the trial of his murderer, the finding of guilt and the vindication of a lengthy sentence, for Mahmoud's family the most inexplicable element of his death remains unresolved: a motive. The house where Mahmoud Hrouk was killed in May, 2015. Credit: Daniel Munoz Aymen Terkmani, 24, was sentenced to a maximum 45 years in the NSW Supreme Court on Friday, with a non-parole period of 33 years, for the aggravated sexual assault and murder of his one-time friend in a dilapidated house in Fairfield East in 2015. The NSW upper house will hold a wide-ranging inquiry into the risks of cancer-linked forever chemicals in the states drinking water. The inquiry will examine testing and monitoring practices for per- and polyfluoroalkyl chemicals, also known as PFAS, as well as public disclosure of contamination levels and which communities are affected by tainted water. A sediment sample containing PFAS chemicals from a waterway near Medlow Dam in the Blue Mountains. Credit: Wolter Peeters It follows a series of reports in the Herald that established that there was no widespread testing for PFAS in drinking water, and revelations the chemicals were present in a creek flowing into a Blue Mountains dam at over 50 times the level considered safe for drinking water. Medlow Dam and neighbouring Greaves Creek Dam in the Blue Mountains have now been disconnected from the drinking water supply network while an investigation into the pollution is under way, and the NSW government is helping all water utilities across the state screen for PFAS. The large Honda Accord sedan is a well-known rival to the equally well-known Toyota Camry. The inexpensive car was shown in a photo in Ukraine. This is the new generation of the Accord. ADVERTISIMENT Officially, the Honda Accord model has not been sold in Ukraine for many years large sedans of non-premium brands have almost completely lost their popularity in our market. But someone brought one of these cars to the country. This is reported by Focus. Recently, the Honda Accord sedan was shown for the 2025 model year the Japanese car has undergone a neat modernization. The update is small the model has received revised equipment and equipment. The base price of the Honda Accord is $29,390. Earlier, Car and Driver decided to hold a competition between inexpensive sedans of the mass segment. Premium expensive cars did not participate. They chose between the Toyota Camry, Subaru Legacy, Honda Accord, and Hyundai Sonata. ADVERTISIMENT Through thorough testing and head-to-head comparisons, the winner was determined the Honda Accord. The authors liked its smooth ride and low fuel consumption. Among the disadvantages, they noted a limited list of equipment and cheap finishing materials. A NSW school teacher has been accused of sexually touching a number of students over a nine-month period. Thomas McKeown has been charged with 30 counts of sexually touching several school students between February and September at a Catholic school in the states west. Thomas McKeown is accused of sexually touching several school students. Credit: Facebook Court documents show all charges relate to students at the school and are dated between February and September. The 36-year-old was arrested on Tuesday, September 10 and refused police bail, before he was granted bail at a local court. Passengers arriving at Sydney International Airport have flocked to Ubers new kerbside pickup zone since its opening on Tuesday, as the states peak taxi body projects the scheme will wipe $5 million from cab fares over the next year. Up to 70 per cent of passengers at Sydneys T1 international terminal kerbside pickup have opted for an Uber over nearby taxis since its rank and hail zone was rolled out on Tuesday morning, airport staff said, despite several passengers having trouble navigating the new system. The queue for Ubers at Sydney airports international terminal. Credit: Nick Moir The pickup zone, which is operating under a 12-month trial commissioned by the state government, allows travellers to book a vacant kerbside Uber using a PIN code on their phones rather than requesting a ride as they leave the airport. Staff from Uber and the airport were busy instructing passengers arriving in Sydney on Thursday morning as many grappled with the new technology and the procedures. The man who allegedly stabbed a gifted rugby league player to death in Sydneys inner west has been identified as a 31-year-old rapper who created music from jail. Jacob Tammer-Spence has been charged with one count of murder over the stabbing of Sitaleki Filihiahekava in front his family and diners on a bustling Marrickville Road on Monday night. Rapper Snoee Badman, also known as Jacob Tammer-Spence, has been charged with murder. Credit: Youtube Tammer-Spence was previously jailed for 10 years, from the age of 18, for different offences. While in prison he began rapping under the name Snoee Badman and uploading music videos to TikTok after being encouraged by his cellmate. I have not had any personal contact with my mother in over a week and a half, her lawyer is the only one that has been in contact with her. My family is deeply concerned about her current mental health and overall welfare. Loading I urge the Australian government to take immediate action to facilitate the safe return of my mother. Her plea came as NSW Greens senator David Shoebridge wrote to ASIO director-general Mike Burgess asking him to investigate allegations of foreign interference, including Turkish media reports that Aslan was tracked by the countrys intelligence in the months leading up to her arrest. A trained nurse who also goes by Lenna Aslan, she was detained on suspicion of conducting activities for the Kurdistan Workers Party known as the PKK which is listed as a terrorist organisation in Turkey and Australia. Shoebridge said her arrest had sparked deep fears in the wider Kurdish community in Australia, amid concerns she may have been arrested for her role as a co-chair of a local community centre in Melbourne. Loading Given the continued reports of direct interference, I ask that you take urgent steps to investigate this and provide the Kurdish Australian diaspora around Australia with reassurance that you will be working to keep them safe, Shoebridge wrote in a letter seen by The Age. Moore-Gilbert, a political scientist specialising in the Middle East, criticised the federal governments lack of strategy in dealing with the wrongful detention of its citizens abroad, describing the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) as ill-equipped to oversee such cases. There is a crucial window of time, it could be a few days or weeks before the persons formally charged and thrown into the judicial system of that country, and then it becomes so much more difficult to negotiate their release, Moore-Gilbert said. A Senate inquiry probing the way DFAT manages cases of citizens wrongfully held in government prisons or as hostages began on Thursday. Aslan has not been in contact with her family since her arrest in Istanbul. Moore-Gilbert, a founding member of Australians Wrongfully Detained Abroad alongside fellow released detainees, journalist Cheng Lei and economist Sean Turnell said she would raise Aslans case when giving evidence at the inquiry in the coming weeks. In her case theres a real risk of physical torture in Turkish prisons, she said. Many people, especially associated with the PKK, rightfully or wrongfully, have been arrested and tortured in Turkish prisons so we also need to be very high level in our diplomacy to ensure that she is protected and not being tortured right now as we speak. Moore-Gilbert said once a person is charged in a foreign country, DFAT is unable to do much more than provide visits and check on prison conditions. Loading We have no definition of a wrongful detention or an unjust detention in Australia, she said. When a case like this happens, we dont have a way of saying, That smells bad, lets immediately escalate that up to a decision-maker who has the power to actually influence things. There are too many examples of people who have been arrested abroad, and their cases should have been escalated immediately, but theyve been left languishing in prison, and then they are charged, and its too late. Turkish pro-government newspaper The Daily Sabah also reported claims that Aslan had Australian-based links to the PKK. The newspaper alleged she had been tracked by Turkish intelligence for a long time and had been in contact with high-level members of the terror group. Turkish media said Aslan co-chaired a Kurdish organisation linked to the PKK and alleged she had participated in Australian protests against Turkish raids on Kurdish forces in Iraq. Aslans friends said her arrest was politically motivated, previously telling The Age: She is a human rights activist. She is not a terrorist. Her daughter said her mother, a bilingual health educator at a womens health centre, migrated to Australia on a refugee visa in 1996. As a single mother, she has made countless sacrifices [she] is not only an advocate for Kurdish rights, but for all human and womens rights. The PKK has fought a long-running insurgency against Turkey in which about 40,000 people have been killed. The federal government said it was closely monitoring the case and had conveyed to Turkish authorities its strong interest in the matter. A Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade spokesman said the government continued to provide consular assistance to Aslan. The Australian Government works tirelessly to support and advocate for Australians detained overseas, he said. We acknowledge this situation remains distressing for her family. Thats all from our blog today, folks. Thank you for joining us. Looking back on some of the bigger headlines from today, opposition leader Peter Dutton has used a visit to Perths Royal Show to savage the Albanese government for the impending live sheep export ban and potential changes to negative gearing. A fresh review by consumer advocacy group Choice has found West Aussies are paying more for their groceries than our east coast counterparts, and German multinational Aldi remains the cheapest place to shop. A District Court jury has just found a Perth father-of-two guilty of 97 charges relating to drugging and raping 12 women and girls. Two men have been taken into custody and a 43-year-old man remains in hospital as police continue to investigate an incident in Geraldton overnight. And WA Greens candidate Sophie McNeill has voiced her support for medical imaging technologists striking for better pay and conditions. Thank you again for joining us, tune in again tomorrow as we bring you the days news. Gosford is entering an exciting new chapter as a $375 million residential development begins the final phase of its construction. Once known as a sleepy coastal town on Sydneys Central Coast, Gosford is undergoing a radical transformation as it emerges as one of the most affordable and liveable cities in New South Wales. Capital expenditure projects have proved a powerful magnet for savvy developers in search of a project that will make a substantial difference to the local community. Credit: ALAND In recent years, Gosfords city centre has been undergoing an extensive revitalisation program as the Central Coast region maps out a long-term vision for the continued development of the area. Located between Sydney and Newcastle, this vibrant coastal city is cementing itself as a residential hotspot thanks to new infrastructure planned for the area. With endless stretches of beach, pristine waterways ideal for kayaking or swimming and stylish coastal townships on its doorstep, Gosford is giving other coastal cities a run for their money. As a result, the MRC agreed to their demands to defer the hearing until October 16, allowing all three to attend Thursday nights annual general meeting. In their campaign statements, both Mills and Fisher supported the Save Sandown movement, and opposed a plan to replace the glass-fronted Rupert Clarke grandstand at Caulfield. Mills owns Sheamus Mills Bloodstock and is a member of Australian Federation of Bloodstock Agents, while Fisher has had a career in real estate and is president of the Thoroughbred Club of Australia. It now means a majority of the MRC board members are in favour of retaining racing at Sandown. By postponing the disciplinary hearing and avoiding any threat of suspension, Kanga, Saville and Kelly are free to vote for new office bearers at next Tuesdays meeting. Kanga, who joined the MRC executive committee less than two years ago, will nominate for the chairmans role. Two sources with knowledge of the process, but not qualified to speak publicly, said other possible candidates to nominate for the chairmans role would be current vice chairman Nick Hassett and board member Scott Davidson. Kanga filed a motion last month to spill six members of the board at a special general meeting, including removing Hassett, Davidson, Monk and Brooke Dawson. Kanga also called for action on three key issues: moving Caulfields new mounting yard back to its original position, scrapping plans to build a $250 million grandstand at Caulfield and retaining racing at Sandown Racecourse. But the MRC ruled out holding an SGM, saying Kangas motion was not legally valid. It means Hassett, Monk, Dawson and Davidson will all be part of voting in a new chairman. In a statement released on Thursday morning Kanga accused the MRC board of being tone-deaf and in denial about the reality that the MRC members want them gone. They have wasted hundreds of thousands of the clubs money trying to prevent members voting on removing them at the special general meeting we requisitioned and have been seen to be using desperate tactics to keep their positions, Kanga said. Going forward, if the new board members vote with us and support me as chairman, we can then stop the delay of the special general meeting and move to remove the remaining board members that the MRC members want gone. If there are any shenanigans, I will have no hesitation in taking Supreme Court action and am confident we will again prevail. The MRC also released a statement on Thursday saying the clubs committee has made every effort to resolve the issues raised amicably between the parties having regard to the best interests of members. It is unfortunate that some parties are more interested in scoring points through the media than ensuring the success of the MRC and the upcoming racing carnival, the club statement said. The parties agreed at the Supreme Court yesterday [Wednesday] for the disciplinary process to be delayed until October 16 to allow the three members under investigation more time to respond to the concerns raised. The committee remains concerned that a series of actions from the three executive committee members may have breached the code of conduct. The code of conduct has been accepted by all committee members and was established to ensure the highest standards and proper conduct at the committee level are followed. No determination has been made at this stage and the relevant individuals have been invited to respond to those concerns, as is appropriate. No further comment can be made at this stage while the proper process is ongoing. We look forward to a successful annual general meeting and the resolution of all the outstanding issues. Cain, who will chair the AGM before stepping down, claimed Kangas push for an SGM was an attempt to take control of the club. In a letter to members earlier this month, Cain said Kanga was using three controversial issues as a way of pushing MRC members to vote for a rule change that will put all power in his hands and those who back him. Loading Racing launches jumps review In an ominous warning for the future of jumps racing, the head of Racing Victoria has declared that no outcome is off the table as part of a widespread review into the viability of the sport. Racing Victoria announced on Thursday that it was launching a detailed examination of jumps racing that would be presented to the board by the end of the year. Racing Victoria chairman Tim Eddy said the sports safety record across the past season was unacceptable, following a bleak season in which nine horses died in races and trials. Three horses were euthanised during the final jumps meeting of the year at Ballarat last month, which Eddy described as heartbreaking for the Victorian jumps racing community. The review will be headed by Racing Victorias head of integrity, Jamie Stier, and former Supreme Court judge, Justice Jack Forrest, who is also a former chair of the Victorian racing integrity board. Horses clear the jumps at Warrnambool. Credit: Getty Images A copy of the report, and its recommendations, will be handed to the RV executive by the end of November and then presented to the RV board by the end of December. Racing integrity commissioner Sean Carroll will also review the report. Loading Many people have worked incredibly hard to make the sport as safe as it can be and had achieved marked improvement across the 14 years prior to this season when we took a backwards step, Eddy said. The jumps review group has been asked to consider, among other things, participation rates, industry support, community attitudes, financial returns, the safety record of the sport and the measures in place to promote safe racing. This thorough review has commenced this week, and its outcomes will be informed by the process with no outcome off the table at this time. While jumps racing has been an integral part of the popular three-day Warrnambool carnival, the sport has long been on the demise, with South Australia holding its last jumps race in 2022 and Tasmania abandoning it in 2007. An average of 74 jumps races have been staged across the past three years (2021-2023), with an average of 8.10 starters. Eight of these races are held at Warrnambool. Before this year, fatalities in jumps races had fallen to 2.33 deaths a season, while wagering turnover has averaged $60 million across the past two years - about half of what equivalent flat races would turn over. Kahs Caulfield bonus Star jockey Jamie Kah has been given the chance to become the first woman to ride a Caulfield Cup winner this year after the Victorian racing tribunal agreed to change the start date of her three-week suspension. Kah was suspended by the tribunal for failing to give her horse, Letsfacethemusic, every chance to win or run a place in the McNeil Stakes at Caulfield on August 31. The suspension was to start at midnight this Saturday and continue on until Sunday, October 20, ruling her out of the running of this years Caulfield Cup. But Kah successfully applied to the tribunal to bring the start date of her suspension forward by a day. Star jockey Jamie Kah. Credit: Getty Images The 777-9 does, however, have some snazzy design features. To improve fuel efficiency and help to combat turbulence, which many analysts say is getting more frequent and more severe, the wings are the longest on any commercial jet, with a span of 235 feet (72 metres). The 777-9 has the widest wingspan of any commercial airliner. Credit: Getty Images They are so long that in order to park at the gates in most airports, the tips will fold up after the plane has landed, like on a fighter jet, which will allow First Officer Hayward to indulge his Top Gun fantasies. The fuselage is the longest of any commercial jet, more than 250 feet (76 metres), allowing airlines to carry up to 426 passengers, depending on how many classes they offer. New lean-burn engines mean it can fly for more than 13,500 kilometres in one hop, making non-stop flights from London to Hawaii possible. This is a shorter range than the 777-8 variant, with capacity for 395 passengers, which was considered by Qantas for its long-awaited Project Sunrise, aimed at launching non-stop from Australias east coast to destinations such as New York and London. The airline opted to go with Airbus A350-1000 instead. Boeing already has 481 orders for the new jet, which has a list price of $651 million. Qatar Airways and Emirates, which will be among the first carriers to fly it, will use the 777-9 to install brand new first-class cabins, just as they used the A380 to introduce halo products, such as suites, bars and showers. British Airways and Singapore Airlines will follow suit. The jet is so large that most airlines will go for a four-class configuration: economy, premium economy, business and first. The width of the fuselage means that there will be 10 seats across in economy, arranged three-four-three across the cabin. Boeing already has 481 orders for the new 777-9 jet, including from BA, Qatar Airways and Emirates. Credit: Boeing Most passengers would prefer nine but Boeing insists the seats will still be roomier than most economy seats. Passengers in every cabin will have something of a view because the windows will be the largest on a jet of this size. Boeing says the 777-9 will boast the most advanced air filtration systems to keep the air cleaner and less dry than on rival jets. The cabin will be pressurised at an altitude of 6000 feet (1800 metres), the lowest pressure possible, which will prevent passengers legs and ankles swelling. LED lighting systems will enable airlines to change the brightness and tone from sunrise to sunset, and even show a starry night sky, to try to nudge travellers on to the time zone of their destination and reduce jet lag. The 777-9s long wing span and GE9X engines mean it will be more efficient than competing aircraft, such as the Airbus A350-1000, and will have 10 per cent lower operating costs, Boeing claims. Boeing hopes its 777-9s will be approved to go into service next year. Credit: Getty Images Brad Till, the firms managing director of commercial aeroplanes product marketing and analysis, says: This aircraft will have the lowest CO2 emissions per seat of any wide-body flying. The new engine technology also delivers lower NOx [nitrogen oxides] emissions and less noise, both in the cabin for the passengers and for our airport communities, compared to the aeroplanes that this will replace. Its not only the width and efficiency of the 777-9 that surpass its competitors: it has been more delayed than any new aircraft. Loading It was announced in 2014 but its development has been set back by the pandemic, supply chain snarl-ups, troublesome testing programmes and the distraction posed by the FAAs investigation into the corner-cutting which was responsible for the botched development of the short-haul 737 Max 8 model. Some 346 people died in two separate crashes in 2018 and 2019 when first an Indonesian Lion Air Boeing 737 Max 8 short-haul jet and then an Ethiopian Airlines Max 8 plummeted to the ground shortly after take-off. Boeing ended production of its 747 jumbo jet in 2023, more than half a century after its first flight in 1969. Boeings woes deepened earlier this year when a door panel on a 737 Max blew out at 16,000 feet (4800 metres) and reports emerged that some of the companys long-haul 787 Dreamliner jets had not been assembled and maintained correctly. Loading Boeing has agreed to plead guilty to criminal fraud in the development of the Max and to pay hundreds of millions of dollars in fines in a proposed settlement with the FAA. Boeing built a handful of 777-9s for Emirates but they were never delivered because the aircraft had not been certified as safe to fly in time. The interiors had to be scrapped since they would have been out of date by the time the jets finally came into service. Now that the 777-9 is undergoing certification flights, Boeing hopes it will be approved to go into service next year. But in yet another setback, last month the company was forced to ground its test fleet temporarily due to the discovery of cracks in an engine component. Washington: Chinas newest nuclear-powered attack submarine sank earlier this year, a senior US defence official has revealed, a potential embarrassment for Beijing as it seeks to expand its military capabilities. China already has the largest navy in the world, with more than 370 ships, and it has embarked on production of a new generation of nuclear-armed submarines. China has been pushing to expand its navy to compete with the US, including its fleet of nuclear-powered submarines. Credit: File/Bloomberg A senior US defence official, speaking on condition of anonymity, said Beijings new first-in-class nuclear-powered attack submarine sank at a pier sometime between May and June. A Chinese embassy spokesperson in Washington said: We are not familiar with the situation you mentioned and currently have no information to provide. The Russian army will not be able to liberate the Kursk region of the Russian Federation in the "near future" - by the end of October, as ordered by its command. Over the past 24 hours, there have been no tangible changes in the advance of either Russian or Ukrainian forces. ADVERTISIMENT This is stated in the report of the Institute for the Study of War (ISW) for September 25. According to the report, the Ukrainian Armed Forces continued offensive operations in the Hlushkiv area, while the Russians allegedly repelled their attacks south and southwest of Hlushkiv near Novyi Shlyakh and Vesele. "Ukrainian forces continued offensive operations on the edges of the Ukrainian advance in the Kursk region, but made no confirmed advances," the analysts wrote. Russian sources claimed that fighting continued in the area of Chervonozhovtneve (southwest of Koreneve); near Lyubymivka, Daryino and Mykolaivo-Daryino (southeast of Koreneve); near Olgivka (east of Koreneve) and near Plekhove (southeast of Sudzha). ADVERTISIMENT "Russian troops continued counterattacks along the Ukrainian line in the Kursk region on September 25, but also made no confirmed advances," the ISW report said. It noted that the day before, the Russian dictator's aide Alexei Dyumin had publicly expressed doubts that the Russian Armed Forces would "completely liberate" the entire Kursk region in the "near future" in accordance with the Russian General Staff's plan. Ukrainian military observer Kostyantyn Mashovets reported that today, along with other Russian units, units of the 6th Army of the Russian Air Force and Air Defense, including its 105th Mixed Aviation Division, 899th Assault Aviation Regiment, 15th Army Aviation Brigade, 332nd and 440th separate helicopter regiments, are operating in the Kursk region. Elements of the 2nd and 32nd Air Defense Divisions were also spotted there. And propagandists admitted that Russian border guards are also operating in the area. ADVERTISIMENT As reported by OBOZ.UA, military expert Ihor Levchenko said that the information disseminated by the Western media about the number of Russian troops in the Kursk region may reflect a certain reality, but it is difficult to confirm the accuracy of these data. He emphasized that Ukrainian actions in the Kursk region are also aimed at forcing the Russian command to redeploy troops from other fronts, and this is dispersing their resources. Only verified information is available on our Telegram channel OBOZ.UA and Viber. Do not fall for fakes! Beijing: Chinas top leaders have pledged to spend more to steady its free-falling property sector as alarm grows at the countrys flagging economy, as Treasurer Jim Chalmers arrives in Beijing for talks on how it will impact Australia. Chalmerss arrival in Beijing on Thursday for two days of meetings, the first visit by an Australian treasurer in seven years, coincided with a flurry of economic activity in China. Residents walk by a luxury housing construction site in Beijing. Credit: AP Chinese President Xi Jinping chaired a meeting of the Politburo on Thursday, the countrys highest decision-making body, which vowed to complete the countrys annual economic goals, the official Xinhua News Agency reported. China will also push for the real estate market to stop declining, in what appeared to be the most forceful vow yet to try and stabilise the property market, raising expectations of further stimulus measures which have so far been piecemeal. Gisele is at the centre of the most significant rape trial France has seen in decades. Her husband of 50 years, Dominique Pelicot, has pleaded guilty to putting drugs in her food and drinks for almost a decade and inviting men into their bedroom to join him in raping her while she was drugged. Dominique Pelicot and most of the other men on trial are charged with the aggravated rape of Gisele. More than a dozen of the men have pleaded guilty. Most of the rest do not dispute that they had sex with her, but they say they did not think it was rape. Instead, they say they were tricked into it, lured by her husband for playful three-way encounters, and told that she was pretending to be asleep or some variation of that. Gisele Pelicot, left, and her ex-husband Dominique Pelicot, right, during his rape trial, at the Avignon courthouse, in Avignon, southern France. Credit: AP Before her husbands arrest, Gisele, 71, led a quiet life: a retired manager at a big company, a mother of three and a grandmother of seven who had moved with her husband of 50 years to a small town in Provence to enjoy hiking in the hills and swimming in the backyard pool. Now, she arrives at court each day, dressed impeccably for battle, embodying the phrase her lawyers coined at the beginning of the trial that has become a mantra among her supporters that shame must change sides, from the victim to the accused. This photograph shows a mural created by Maca_dessine depicting Gisele Pelicot and a sentence reading So that shame changes sides in Gentilly, south of Paris. Credit: AFP Her head held high, she sweeps past the defendants who fill the rooms many benches. They range in age from 26 to 74. They are thin, fat, bearded, smooth-faced. Many are married and have children. They work as truck drivers, construction workers, tradesmen, salesmen. There is a journalist, a nurse, a prison guard and a tech specialist among them. By opening the doors to the public, Gisele has opened up the view not only onto her own collapsing life and the legal process around rape but also onto the regular, mundane, normal profiles of the accused men. And many women credit her with skewering the myth of the monster rapist. Friend of the family, stranger at a bar or the street, brother or cousin, friend, colleague, professor, neighbour: all women can sadly find a face that brings them back to a traumatic memory among the multitudes of accused, said an open letter published in the French daily Liberation that was signed by more than 260 artists, writers, politicians, activists and historians mostly women. More than 40 defence lawyers fill the room in their black capes. Last week, many began to cross-examine Gisele and to reveal their strategies. Some tried to raise doubt about her position that she had been completely unconscious and oblivious. They questioned her credibility and her self-portrayal as someone who enjoyed sex with her husband but was never interested in experimenting with other partners. Loading At their request, two series of pictures 27 in total, selected from among the 20,000 photographs and videos that police found on her husbands electronic devices were displayed on screens in court while the audience uncomfortably held its breath. Most showed a womans intimate body parts, at times with a protruding sex toy. Some showed Giseles face, her eyes open. She remained defiant. If this is an attempt to trap me, its difficult to bear, she said. What is it that youre looking for here in this room, to make me look guilty? One lawyer asked her causing an uproar in the courtroom Would you not have a secret inclination for exhibitionism? Another suggested: These photos are very explicit. Not all women would accept this type of photo, even with a loving husband. Loading Men receiving pictures of this kind could have easily been fooled into thinking she wanted to have sex with them, they implied. Whether she looked welcoming in these photos, she replied, if a man came to have intercourse with me, he still should have asked for my consent. For the first time in the trial, Giseles calm composure cracked. She raised her voice. I find it insulting, she said. And I understand why rape victims dont press charges. The defence strategies are typical for rape trials, experts say. But now they are being aired before journalists posting updates on social media to an increasingly shocked public. People gather in Paris in support of Gisele Pelicot who was allegedly drugged by her ex-husband and raped by dozens of men while unconscious. Credit: AP Many women say Gisele has provided a public and brave - demonstration about the treatment of rape victims. Its a victims obstacle course, said Audrey Darsonville, a professor of criminal law at the University of Nanterre. Their whole life is scrutinised, starting with police officers asking how they were dressed, what is their sexuality, et cetera. All these questions that have nothing to do with the violence that is rape. With everything she represents a family woman, a grandmother even she ends up being extremely mistreated by defence lawyers, Darsonville added. Can you imagine if she were a young woman who had consumed alcohol? The same lawyers who showed the photographs later argued against showing the footage Dominique Pelicot took of the mens sexual interactions with his drugged wife. That, one said, would impugn the dignity of the men involved. The prosecutors argued that the edited clips were essential evidence preciously rare in sexual assault cases. The head judge ruled that the clips would not be viewed publicly given their indecent and shocking nature. Christelle Taraud, a feminist historian in Paris who edited the book Femicides: A World History, said that revealed a double standard. Its only the reputation of men that counts, Taraud said. The reversal of responsibility, transforming the victims into guilty and the guilty into victims is a constant in rape trials. The trial has inspired soul-searching in France about the relationship between men and women. Some men have begun to speak about rape culture and toxic masculinity. New York: Dimming hopes for a ceasefire, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said that Israel will continue striking Hezbollah with full force and will not stop until all of its goals are achieved. Netanyahu spoke as he landed in New York to attend the annual UN General Assembly meeting. At the gathering earlier, Australia joined US and European officials to put heavy pressure on both sides to accept a proposed 21-day halt in the fighting to give time for diplomacy to avert a potential all-out war. Palestinian supporters march with a cutout depicting Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu near the United Nations headquarters during the annual General assembly which Netanyahu also will address. Credit: AP Just before his comments, the Israeli military said it killed a Hezbollah drone commander, Mohammed Hussein Surour, in an airstrike in the suburbs of Beirut. The Lebanese Health Ministry said two people were killed and 15 wounded in the strike. Israels policy is clear, Netanyahu said. We are continuing to strike Hezbollah with full force. And we will not stop until we reach all our goals, chief among them the return of the residents of the north securely to their homes. PHILIPSBURG:--- The House of Parliament will sit in a Public meeting on September 26, 2024. The Public meeting which was adjourned on September 6, 2024 will be reconvened on Thursday at 10.00 hrs. in the Legislative Hall at Wilhelminastraat #1 in Philipsburg. The Minister of Finance will be present. The agenda points are: 2. Approval of the Outline Agreement ENNIA, including Annexes A, B, and C (IS/621/2023-2024 dated April 19, 2024) 3. Ratification of the decision list of the Interparliamentary Kingdom Consultation (IPKO) held from June 7-10, 2024, in the Hague, the Netherlands (IS/798/2023-2024 dated June 11, 2024) The meeting will resume with the Minister providing answers to the clarification questions posed by Members of Parliament in the first round. Members of the public are invited to the House of Parliament to attend parliamentary deliberations. All persons visiting the House of Parliament must adhere to the house rules. The House of Parliament is located across from the Court House in Philipsburg. The parliamentary sessions will be carried live on TV 15, Soualiga Headlines, via SXM GOV radio FM 107.9, via Pearl Radio FM 98.1, the audio via the internet www.sxmparliament.org, www.pearlfmradio.sx and www.youtube.com/c/SintMaartenParliament New York, NY:--- Prime Minister Dr. Luc Mercelina of Sint Maarten is making a strong case for the islands future during his active participation in the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) and the Summit of the Future. Representing Sint Maarten as part of the Kingdom of the Netherlands delegation, Prime Minister Dr. Mercelina has been a vocal advocate for addressing critical global issues that directly impact Sint Maarten, including climate change, economic resilience, and sustainable development. During high-level meetings and discussions, Prime Minister Dr. Mercelina consistently emphasized the urgent needs of small island states like Sint Maarten. His message to world leaders focused on the island's vulnerability to climate change, the need for equitable access to global resources, and building a resilient economy. "These meetings are essential for Sint Maarten. They give us the platform to ensure our specific challenges are recognized and addressed on the world stage," said Prime Minister Dr. Mercelina. "Global action is needed, and Sint Maarten is committed to being part of the solution." In collaboration with regional leaders, Dr. Mercelina, on behalf of the Kingdom, co-hosted The Declaration on Future Generations: From Words to Action, alongside Prime Ministers Andrew Holness of Jamaica and Evelyn Wever-Croes of Aruba. This event focused on ensuring that today's decisions will secure a brighter, sustainable future for future generations to come. Prime Minister Dr. Mercelina also hosted the Good Ancestors: Art and Culture for Future Generations exhibition at the United Nations Headquarters, together with Jamaica, highlighting the importance of cultural practices and traditions in promoting global solidarity and sustainable development. A local Sint Maarten artist, Lisandro Suriel, was also showcased during the exhibition with his project Ghost Island, further strengthening the voice Sint Maarten. "Art allows us to express our shared responsibility for the future. This exhibition calls on us to take action now to protect what matters mostour planet and our people," said Dr. Mercelina. The Prime Minister also held key bilateral discussions with regional counterparts, including the Prime Minister of Aruba, the President of Suriname and the Prime Minister of Antigua & Barbuda, focusing on the challenges and vulnerabilities faced by Small Island Developing States as well as on regional cooperation in areas such as food security, economic diversification, and climate resilience. "For Sint Maarten, collaboration with our Caribbean neighbors is critical. Together, we can create a stronger, more sustainable future," noted Prime Minister Dr. Mercelina. As Prime Minister Dr. Mercelinas presence at the UNGA continues, his advocacy ensures that Sint Maarten remains at the forefront of international discussions that shape the future. His leadership and commitment to global solutions reinforce the islands role in tackling some of the worlds most pressing issues. Sint Maartens delegation also consisted of Patrice Gumbs, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of VROMI, Mr. Stuart Johnson, Chief of Staff at the Cabinet of the Prime Minister, Cameron Wathey, Director of the Directorate of Foreign Relations, and Rogelio Voges, Senior Policy Officer at the Directorate of Foreign Relations, currently seconded to the Permanent Mission of the Kingdom of the Netherlands to the United Nations. "Sint Maarten must be a part of these conversations. Our future depends on it," concluded Prime Minister Dr. Mercelina. Fellow St. Martiners, Distinguished visitors, Ladies and Gentlemen, Today is more than just another World Tourism Day. Since its inception in 1980, this daycelebrated on September 27serves as a global call to action. For over half a century, tourism has been the lifeblood of St. Martins economy, contributing to 70% of our financial stability. It is, in fact, our bread and butter. Tourism is not only crucial to our island but also the largest industry in the world. As we celebrate World Tourism Day, we join the rest of the world in focusing on this vital industry. This years theme, Tourism and Peace, highlights the significant role that tourism can and should play in fostering global peace. It challenges all stakeholders to make peace a core part of their mission. Peace is not a given in todays world of uncertainty and turmoil. Yet, it is essentialnot just for the survival of humanity but also for tourism to thrive. Tourists naturally avoid areas of conflict for their own safety and security. The very essence of tourism calls for peace, as it brings together people of different nationalities, languages, cultures, and economic backgrounds. Theres a Moorish proverb that says, He who does not travel does not know the value of men. Travel indeed offers a unique opportunity to understand and appreciate others. St. Martin earned the title of the "Friendly Island" because we place immense value on our visitors. This aspect of our collective character has been a key factor in developing our island into a leading tourism destination in the Caribbean. The future of tourism rests in the hands of our youth. What steps are we taking to ensure they understand the significance of tourism and how it fosters mutual understanding and respect? This years celebration focuses on engaging the younger generation. Randomly selected public elementary school students, particularly those in grades 5 and 6, will have the chance to participate in an aerial tour with WINAIR, our national carrier. They will also visit a cruise ship, a hotel, an airport, and a harbor, giving them a firsthand experience of what tourism means for our island. The long-term goal is to make Tourism studies an integral part of the school curriculum, ensuring the sustainability of this industry, which requires continuous innovation, creativity, and entrepreneurial spiritqualities that we, as a people, are blessed with on St. Martin. Tourism on our island is not just a means of earning a livelihood; it is a way of life. But we must continuously reinvent ourselves, upgrade our facilities and infrastructure, and, most importantly, adopt a mindset that positions us as part of a global community seeking lasting peace. This journey begins with our children. Happy World Tourism Day! Swiss prosecutor asks one person be held over suicide pod use Geneva, Sept 26 (AFP) Sep 26, 2024 A Swiss prosecutor said Thursday he had requested one person be remanded in custody after a 64-year-old US woman took her life inside a controversial suicide capsule in Switzerland this week. The space-age looking Sarco capsule, which fills with nitrogen and causes death by hypoxia, was used on Monday outside a village near the German border. The portable human-sized pod, self-operated by a button inside, has raised a host of legal and ethical questions in Switzerland. Active euthanasia is banned in the country but assisted dying has been legal for decades. Police in the northern Schaffhausen canton said Tuesday that several people had been taken into custody and were facing criminal proceedings. Peter Sticher, Schaffhausen's public prosecutor, confirmed to AFP on Thursday that he had requested the preventative detention of one of those arrested. A court will need to rule on the issue within 48 hours, Switzerland's Keystone-ATS news agency reported. Without divulging the identities or total number of people arrested Monday, the prosecutor confirmed that the others had been released from custody. The Dutch newspaper de Volkskrant said one of its photographers had been arrested on site. The others arrested were reportedly two lawyers and Florian Willet, the co-president of The Last Resort assisted dying organisation. The public prosecutor's office had been informed by a law firm on Monday that an assisted suicide had taken place at a forest hut in Merishausen. Along with police and emergency workers, prosecutors had gone "to the crime scene" and had discovered the "capsule with the lifeless person inside", Sticher said Tuesday. He told the Blick newspaper that the operators had been warned in writing ahead of time that "if they came to Schaffhausen and used Sarco, they would face criminal consequences". The Last Resort presented the Sarco pod in Zurich in July, saying they expected it to be used for the first time within months, and saw no legal obstacle to its use in Switzerland. Willet at the time said Switzerland was "by far the best place" to use the Sarco due to its "wonderful liberal system". Swiss law generally allows assisted suicide if the person commits the lethal act themselves. But on the same day the Sarco was used, Switzerland's Interior Minister Elisabeth Baume-Schneider told lawmakers that the capsule was "not legal". "Firstly, it does not meet the requirements of product safety law and therefore cannot be placed on the market," she said, adding that the use of nitrogen was also "not compatible with the purpose article of the Chemicals Act". September 26 is an important date not only for Ukraine but for the whole world. This day is full of both religious and secular holidays that reflect various aspects of our lives. ADVERTISIMENT September 26 is also a memorable date in world history due to the important events that took place on this day. OBOZ.UA tells about it in more detail. Day of the Holy Apostle and Evangelist John the Theologian On September 26, Ukraine celebrates the Day of the Holy Apostle and Evangelist John the Theologian, the youngest and one of the closest disciples of Jesus Christ. He is known as the author of one of the four Gospels and several epistles that are an integral part of the New Testament. Before his death, the Lord entrusted John to take care of the Mother of God, whom the apostle served until the Assumption. After that, the saint went to preach. John the Theologian died at the age of over 100. Thus, he became one of the few apostles who died of natural causes in old age, living to a ripe old age. ADVERTISIMENT World Maritime Day World Maritime Day is an international holiday celebrated under the auspices of the International Maritime Organization. This day is dedicated to drawing attention to the importance of protecting the world's oceans and their resources, as well as to maritime safety and environmental responsibility. European Day of Languages The European Day of Languages is celebrated to support the cultural and linguistic diversity of Europe. This holiday reminds us of the importance of learning languages and supporting the multicultural identity of European countries. On this day, educational activities are held to help understand how languages contribute to the development of national cultures and mutual respect between peoples. Stanislav Petrov Day September 26 also marks the Day of Stanislav Petrov, a Soviet officer who averted nuclear war during the Cold War in 1983. He was in charge of the Soviet nuclear early warning system and decided not to inform his command of a false alarm that could have led to catastrophic consequences. ADVERTISIMENT Significant events on September 26 2021 - Ukrainian boxer Oleksandr Usyk defeats Anthony Joshua. 2012 - murder at the Karavan shopping center in Kyiv: a man killed four security guards over a stolen flash drive. 1995 - Ukraine is admitted to the Council of Europe. 1977 - the Chernobyl Nuclear Power Plant starts operating. 1969 - The Beatles' last studio album Abbey Road is released. 1960 - Kennedy and Nixon held the first televised debate during the US presidential election. 1951 - The German Bundestag voted to pay postwar reparations to Jews. Subscribe to OBOZ.UA channels in Telegram and Viber to keep up with the latest events. Zelensky alleges Russian plot on nuclear plants in defiant UN address United Nations, United States, Sept 25 (AFP) Sep 25, 2024 President Volodymyr Zelensky accused Russia on Wednesday of plotting potentially catastrophic attacks on Ukrainian nuclear plants, in a defiant UN address ahead of US elections that could sharply shift the stance of Kyiv's main backer. Zelensky addressed the annual gathering of world leaders to rally support before a high-profile visit Thursday to the White House, where President Joe Biden's administration promised new military aid. Speaking from the UN rostrum in a black polo jacket, Zelensky said that Russian President Vladimir Putin "does seem to be planning attacks on our nuclear power plants and the infrastructure, aiming to disconnect the plants from the power grid." "Any critical incident in the energy system could lead to a nuclear disaster. A day like that must never come," Zelensky said. "Moscow needs to understand this, and this depends in part on your determination to put pressure on the aggressor," he told the General Assembly. Shortly after his remarks, Putin made his most explicit threat yet to use nuclear weapons, saying Russia would consider such a response to a "massive" air attack on its soil. Ukraine has been pushing the United States and its allies to ease restrictions on weapons that can strike deeper into Russia. Russia captured the giant Zaporizhzhia nuclear plant soon after its invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. In recent weeks it has been pounding Ukraine's electricity grid, in what Western and Ukrainian officials describe as an attempt to leave the country shivering during the winter. - 'Never accept' deal from outside - In his UN address, Zelensky singled out China and Brazil as he questioned the "true interest" of countries that have been pressing Ukraine to negotiate with Russia. Employing the language of the Global South, Zelensky said: "The world has already been through colonial wars and conspiracies of great powers at the expense of those who are small." "Ukrainians will never accept -- will never accept -- why anyone in the world believes that such a brutal colonial past, which suits no one today, can be imposed on Ukraine now," Zelensky said. In response, Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva said Wednesday that a peace deal is the only way for Ukraine to "survive" the war. "Only peace will guarantee that Ukraine survives as a sovereign country and Russia survives," he said at a press conference in New York. Zelensky last year flew to the General Assembly in a dramatic first wartime appearance. But while he still maintains star power, the political landscape has changed. Donald Trump, running again for president in a close race against Kamala Harris, called Zelensky "probably the greatest salesman on Earth." "We continue to give billions of dollars to a man who refuses to make a deal, Zelensky," the Republican candidate told a campaign rally in North Carolina. Republicans were livid after Zelensky told The New Yorker magazine that Trump and his running mate J.D. Vance did not understand the war's complexity. The United States has provided around $175 billion in both military and economic assistance to Ukraine during the war. The Biden administration has ruled out sending troops. The Biden administration announced another $375 million on Wednesday including munitions for HIMARS precision rocket launchers, cluster munitions and light tactical vehicles. Trump in the past has voiced admiration for Putin and, during his 2017-2021 presidency, was impeached over delaying aid to Ukraine to press Zelensky to dig up dirt on Biden. In Germany, the second-largest contributor of military aid to Ukraine, Chancellor Olaf Scholz is also facing pressure from parties opposed to support for Kyiv. Prime Minister Keir Starmer, of Kyiv ally Britain, told the Security Council on Wednesday that Putin has been sending its citizens into a meat grinder and asked how Russia "can show its face" at the UN headquarters. - Lebanon crisis - The annual UN General Assembly extravaganza marks a swansong for Biden, 81, who has passed the torch to Vice President Kamala Harris to face Trump in the November 5 election. The summit comes against a backdrop of chaos in the Middle East as Israel ramps up attacks on the Iran-backed Lebanese militia Hezbollah, killing hundreds and prompting a mass exodus of people. Biden and French President Emmanuel Macron met to discuss a push for a ceasefire in Lebanon. Wednesday also saw talks at the UN on two other hotspots -- Sudan and Haiti. The United States announced millions in new assistance both for war-ravaged Sudan's humanitarian crisis and for stabilization efforts in violence-wracked Haiti. Japan warship asserts right to sail through Taiwan Strait: media Tokyo, Sept 26 (AFP) Sep 26, 2024 A Japanese warship cruised through the Taiwan Strait for the first time to assert its freedom of navigation, local media said Thursday, just a week after a Chinese aircraft carrier sailed between two Japanese islands near Taiwan. Washington and its allies are increasingly crossing the 180-kilometre (112-mile) Taiwan Strait to reinforce its status as an international waterway, angering Beijing. The Sazanami destroyer made the passage on Wednesday at the same time as navy vessels from Australia and New Zealand, several Japanese media outlets said. The three nations planned to conduct military drills in the South China Sea, the reports said. There was no immediate confirmation from the defence ministry. Last week, China's Liaoning aircraft carrier sailed between two Japanese islands near Taiwan for the first time, accompanied by two destroyers. Tokyo said the ships entered its contiguous zone -- an area up to 24 nautical miles from the Japanese coast -- and called the incident "totally unacceptable", while China said it had complied with international law. It followed the first confirmed incursion into Japanese airspace by a Chinese surveillance aircraft in August. On Thursday, the Yomiuri Shimbun daily cited unnamed government sources as saying Prime Minister Fumio Kishida had instructed the Taiwan Strait journey over concern that doing nothing following China's intrusion into Japanese territory could encourage Beijing to take more assertive actions. Beijing views Taiwan as a renegade province and claims jurisdiction over the body of water that separates the island from China. But the United States and many other countries argue their voyages are usual, citing freedom of navigation. China this month accused Berlin of heightening security risks in the Taiwan Strait, a day after two German military vessels sailed through the waters. The reported sailing comes as Kishida's ruling party holds a leadership election on Friday that will be a de facto vote to decide Japan's next prime minister, with candidates debating issues including regional security. On Wednesday, China test-launched an intercontinental ballistic missile into the Pacific Ocean in its first such exercise in decades. Japan said it had not been given advance notice of the missile test, expressing "serious concern" about China's military build-up. Beijing has said it would never renounce the use of force to bring Taiwan under its control, with Chinese leader Xi Jinping in recent years upping the rhetoric of "unification" being "inevitable". In response, Taiwan has strengthened economic and political ties with its allies -- most notably the United States, its biggest weapons provider -- while increasing its defence budget. Taiwan detects 43 Chinese military aircraft, 8 navy ships around island Taipei, Sept 26 (AFP) Sep 26, 2024 Taiwan said Thursday that 43 Chinese aircraft and eight naval vessels were detected around the democratic island within a 24-hour period, movements that came as a Japanese warship cruised through the sensitive Taiwan Strait. China, which claims democratic Taiwan as part of its territory, sends warplanes, drones and naval vessels around the island nearly every day. The latest incursions came as Japanese media reported that a Japanese warship sailed through the sensitive Taiwan Strait for the first time to assert its freedom of navigation. There was no immediate confirmation from Tokyo of the passage, which media reports said took place on Wednesday following similar journeys by US and European navies in recent years. On Thursday, Taiwan's defence ministry said the 43 Chinese military aircraft and eight naval vessels were detected in a 24-hour period ending at 6:00 am (2200 GMT Wednesday). In a statement, it said: "34 of the aircraft crossed the median line and entered Taiwan's southwestern and eastern ADIZ (air defence identification zone)." "We have monitored the situation and responded accordingly." An illustration released by the ministry showed the aircraft surrounding the island except for the northeastern coast. The record this year came on July 11 when Taipei said it detected 66 Chinese military aircraft in a 24-hour window. China has said it would never renounce the use of force to bring Taiwan under its control, and has ramped up military pressures on the island in recent years. On the night of September 26, air defense forces were operatingin Ivano-Frankivsk region. As a result of the enemy attack, a critical infrastructure facility was damaged, leaving part of the city without electricity. ADVERTISIMENT This was reported by the head of the Ivano-Frankivsk Regional State Administration, Svitlana Onyshchuk. "Power engineers are already working to restore power supply. All the necessary services arrived at the scene promptly to eliminate the consequences. The fire that broke out at the impact site was successfully extinguished. Fortunately, there were no casualties. "Once again, I urge all residents of the region not to ignore air raid alerts, as the enemy continues to try to destroy our infrastructure. Take care of yourself and your families! ADVERTISIMENT We thank the air defense forces, employees of the State Emergency Service, all the defenders who are standing up for Ukraine, words of gratitude to those who are working for our Victory!" Onyshchuk writes. The mayor of Ivano-Frankivsk, Ruslan Martsinkiv, also reported on the work of air defense. "Our air defense was working at night, thanks to the defenders! The most important thing is that people were not injured. We see that the enemy is striking across Ukraine, targeting civilian infrastructure. ADVERTISIMENT I am grateful to the emergency responders and everyone who worked. We thank God and our defenders and continue to help the military," the mayor said. Prykarpattyaoblenergo reported that a nighttime attack by Russian drones damaged power grids in Ivano-Frankivsk community . As a result, the central part of Ivano-Frankivsk, including Nezalezhnosti, Konovalets, Sichovykh Striltsiv, Stepan Bandera streets and the surrounding areas, was left without electricity. "The power company ' s teams have already started repairing the damage, but it will take time to restore power supply. Therefore, consumers are asked to take this into account," the company said. ADVERTISIMENT Earlier it was reported that on the night of September 26, the Russian terrorist army attacked Mykolaiv region. The invaders targeted an energy infrastructure facility. As a result of the shelling, there were problems with electricity supply in the region. As reported by OBOZ.UA, Russia attacked the Ukrainian capital Kyiv with Shahed-type kamikaze drones all night and into the morning, and a child was injured as a result of the enemy's actions. As a result of the fall of the wreckage of the downed targets, a gas pipe was depressurized and a fire broke out in a high-rise building, damaging dozens of cars. Only verified information is available on our Telegram channel OBOZ.UA and Viber. Do not fall for fakes! China notified France about missile launch in Pacific: French authorities Papeete, Sept 26 (AFP) Sep 26, 2024 China notified France before test-firing a long-range ballistic missile into the Pacific on Wednesday, authorities in French Polynesia said, adding that the weapon had landed within its exclusive economic zone. The missile test, which China's defence ministry said was carrying a dummy warhead, was its first such exercise in decades. "The Chinese authorities previously notified their French counterparts of this test," the French High Commission said in a statement, adding that France would make its position on the test known. French Polynesia President Moetai Brotherson earlier told AFP that "the missile fell not far from... the Marquesas Islands", within the territory's exclusive economic zone. Beijing has stepped up its nuclear development and boosted defence spending in recent years, with the Pentagon warning last October that China was developing its arsenal more quickly than the United States had anticipated. China held more than 500 operational nuclear warheads as of May 2023 and is likely to have more than 1,000 by 2030, the Pentagon said. Beijing's defence ministry said the intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) had carried "a dummy warhead... and the missile fell into expected sea areas" on Wednesday. It also said that the firing was a "routine arrangement in our annual training plan" and "not directed against any country or target". The United States said it received "some advanced notification of this ICBM test," describing this as "a step in the right direction" that helps prevent "misperception or miscalculation." But the launch sparked protests from countries in the region, with China's neighbour Japan saying it had not been given advance notice. Australia said it was seeking "an explanation", while New Zealand calling the launch "an unwelcome and concerning development". New Zealand navy sailed Taiwan Strait for first time in years Wellington, Sept 26 (AFP) Sep 26, 2024 New Zealand's navy said on Thursday that it had sailed a military vessel through the Taiwan Strait for the first time in seven years, a rare challenge to China's claim on the fiercely contested waterway. A defence official told AFP that the HMNZS Aotearoa a relief ship sailed through the strait on Wednesday with an Australian guided missile destroyer, the HMAS Sydney. "This was a routine activity, consistent with international law, including the right of freedom of navigation," a defence spokesperson said. The United States and allied militaries regularly sail through the Taiwan Strait to assert their freedom of navigation. Beijing views self-governing Taiwan as a renegade province and claims jurisdiction over the body of water that separates the island from China. New Zealand -- which has deep trade ties with China -- has carried out military operations in the South China Sea but generally shies away from exercises in the Taiwan Strait. The last time a New Zealand navy vessel passed through the strait was while sailing to the Chinese port of Qingdao in 2017, the defence official said. Wednesday's mission was not conducted with Japan, which reportedly also sailed a warship through the strait for the first time. "It was not done with a Japanese ship," the defence official said. Since coming to office last year, New Zealand's centre-right government has pivoted hard toward "traditional allies" like the United States, Britain and Australia, and become much more vocal in its criticism of Beijing. On Wednesday New Zealand issued an unusually strong condemnation of China's decision to launch an intercontinental ballistic missile that terminated in the South Pacific. Wellington said that test, the first of its kind in decades, was "unwelcome and concerning". In March, Wellington said a Chinese "state-sponsored group" was behind a 2021 malicious cyber attack that infiltrated sensitive government computer systems. New Zealand is currently carrying out plans to shake up its defence forces and "reset" its foreign policy. New Zealand is also mulling participation in AUKUS efforts to develop advanced military technology such as artificial intelligence, undersea drones, and hypersonic missiles. AUKUS currently groups Australia, the United Kingdom and the United States. High-profile New Zealanders such as former prime minister Helen Clark have warned against irking China and an increasing dependence on the United States. Japan warship asserts right to sail through Taiwan Strait: media Tokyo, Sept 26 (AFP) Sep 26, 2024 A Japanese warship cruised through the Taiwan Strait for the first time to assert its freedom of navigation, local media said Thursday, a week after a Chinese aircraft carrier sailed between two Japanese islands near Taiwan. Japan's top government spokesman Yoshimasa Hayashi declined to comment on the reports at a regular briefing because they concern military operations. The United States and its allies are increasingly crossing the 180-kilometre (112-mile) Taiwan Strait to reinforce its status as an international waterway, angering China. The Sazanami destroyer made the unprecedented passage on Wednesday, several Japanese media outlets said. Military vessels from New Zealand and Australia also sailed through the fiercely contested waterway on the same day, Wellington's defence ministry said on Thursday. A defence official told AFP that one of its ships made its first passage through the Taiwan Strait in seven years, alongside an Australian guided missile destroyer to assert the "right of freedom of navigation". The official added the mission was not conducted with Japan. Japanese media said the three nations planned to conduct military drills in the contested South China Sea. Last week, China's Liaoning aircraft carrier sailed between two Japanese islands near Taiwan for the first time, accompanied by two destroyers. The ships entered Japan's contiguous zone -- an area up to 24 nautical miles from the country's coast -- Tokyo said, calling the incident "totally unacceptable". China said it had complied with international law. It followed the first confirmed incursion into Japanese airspace by a Chinese surveillance aircraft in August. The Yomiuri Shimbun daily cited unnamed government sources as saying Prime Minister Fumio Kishida had instructed Wednesday's Taiwan Strait journey over concern that doing nothing following China's intrusions could encourage Beijing to take more assertive actions. - 'Serious concern' - Beijing views Taiwan as a renegade province and claims jurisdiction over the body of water that separates the island from China. But the United States and many other countries argue their voyages are usual, citing freedom of navigation. China this month accused Berlin of heightening security risks in the Taiwan Strait, a day after two German navy ships sailed through the waters. On Wednesday, China test-launched an intercontinental ballistic missile into the Pacific Ocean in its first such exercise in decades. Japan said it had not been given advance notice of the test, with Hayashi expressing "serious concern" about China's military build-up in comments he reiterated on Thursday. "China's military intrusion into our territorial airspace and other incidents have been happening one after another in a short period of time," Hayashi said. Japan will do its "utmost in patrolling and monitoring" the situation, he added. Taiwan's defence ministry said Thursday that 43 Chinese military aircraft and eight naval vessels were detected around the democratic island within a 24-hour period. Beijing has said it will never renounce the use of force to bring Taiwan under its control, with Chinese leader Xi Jinping in recent years upping the rhetoric of "unification" being "inevitable". In response, Taiwan has strengthened economic and political ties -- most notably with the United States, its biggest weapons provider -- while increasing its defence budget. Bec Strating, professor of international relations at La Trobe University, said Japan's reported Taiwan Strait transit "is part of a broader pattern of greater naval presence by countries in and beyond Asia that are concerned about China's maritime assertions". "Japan in particular has been dealing with China's 'grey zone' tactics in the East China Sea," including an increasing number of coastguard vessels sailing close to disputed islands, she told AFP. Grey-zone tactics are actions that serve to exhaust a country's armed forces, military experts say. Kishida's ruling party will hold a leadership election on Friday that will be a de facto vote to decide Japan's next prime minister, with candidates debating issues including regional security. France Polynesia says Chinese missile landed 'not far' from its EEZ in Pacific Papeete, Sept 26 (AFP) Sep 26, 2024 French Polynesia said a Chinese intercontinental ballistic missile launched into the Pacific landed near its exclusive economic zone, as Beijing's first such tests in four decades drew a chorus of protests. China had announced the rare trial on Wednesday, saying that the missile was carrying a dummy warhead. The launch sparked protests from countries in the region, with China's neighbour Japan saying it had not been given advance notice and Taiwan expressing "solemn condemnation". Australia said it was seeking "an explanation", while New Zealand called the launch "an unwelcome and concerning development". French Polynesia President Moetai Brotherson earlier told AFP that "the missile fell not far from... the Marquesas Islands", an archipelago that is part of its exclusive economic zone. "The Chinese authorities previously notified their French counterparts of this test," the French High Commission said in a statement, adding that France would make its position on the test known. The Pentagon also said the United States received "some advanced notification of this ICBM test," describing this as "a step in the right direction" that would help prevent "misperception or miscalculation." China's military on Thursday released imagery of the missile, showing the projectile soaring into the air in a plum of smoke from an undisclosed location. Analysts said the imagery suggested the launch could be of a Dongfeng-31 AG intercontinental ballistic missile, unveiled during a military parade in 2017. Beijing has stepped up its nuclear development and boosted defence spending in recent years, with the Pentagon warning last October that China was developing its arsenal more quickly than the United States had anticipated. China held more than 500 operational nuclear warheads as of May 2023 and is likely to have more than 1,000 by 2030, the Pentagon said. Beijing's defence ministry said the firing was a "routine arrangement in our annual training plan" and "not directed against any country or target". But one analyst told AFP Beijing was "clearly trying to... signal that 'we are strong'." "It sends a signal to the US and its allies... that China has the military ability to react in the event of any escalation of tensions between the United States and China," said Benjamin Ho, assistant professor at Singapore's S. Rajaratnam School of International Studies' China Programme. burs-oho/hmn CORRECTED: French Polynesia says Chinese missile landed 'not far' from its EEZ in Pacific Papeete, Sept 26 (AFP) Sep 26, 2024 French Polynesia said a Chinese intercontinental ballistic missile launched into the Pacific landed near its exclusive economic zone, as Beijing's first such tests in four decades drew a chorus of protests. China had announced the rare trial on Wednesday, saying that the missile was carrying a dummy warhead. The launch sparked protests from countries in the region, with China's neighbour Japan saying it had not been given advance notice and Taiwan expressing "solemn condemnation". Australia said it was seeking "an explanation", while New Zealand called the launch "an unwelcome and concerning development". French Polynesia President Moetai Brotherson earlier told AFP that "the missile fell not far from... the Marquesas Islands", an archipelago that is part of its exclusive economic zone. "The Chinese authorities previously notified their French counterparts of this test," the French High Commission said in a statement, adding that France would make its position on the test known. The Pentagon also said the United States received "some advanced notification of this ICBM test," describing this as "a step in the right direction" that would help prevent "misperception or miscalculation." China's military on Thursday released imagery of the missile, showing the projectile soaring into the air in a plume of smoke from an undisclosed location. Analysts said the imagery suggested the launch could be of a Dongfeng-31 AG intercontinental ballistic missile, unveiled during a military parade in 2017. Beijing has stepped up its nuclear development and boosted defence spending in recent years, with the Pentagon warning last October that China was developing its arsenal more quickly than the United States had anticipated. China held more than 500 operational nuclear warheads as of May 2023 and is likely to have more than 1,000 by 2030, the Pentagon said. Beijing's defence ministry said the firing was a "routine arrangement in our annual training plan" and "not directed against any country or target". But one analyst told AFP Beijing was "clearly trying to... signal that 'we are strong'." "It sends a signal to the US and its allies... that China has the military ability to react in the event of any escalation of tensions between the United States and China," said Benjamin Ho, assistant professor at Singapore's S. Rajaratnam School of International Studies' China Programme. burs-oho/hmn/ssy China says ICBM launch 'routine', no change in nuclear policy Beijing, Sept 26 (AFP) Sep 26, 2024 China said on Thursday its test of an intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) was "legitimate and routine", and that it had not changed its nuclear policy, after the launch prompted an outcry from regional powers. "The ICBM launch is to test our weapon and training performance. It is a legitimate and routine arrangement for military training," defence ministry spokesperson Zhang Xiaogang told a news conference in Beijing. "China's nuclear policy is very stable, consistent and predictable. We strictly follow a nuclear policy of no first use of nuclear weapons and pursue a nuclear strategy of self-defence," Zhang said. He said China does not seek an "arms race" and had "promised not to use or threaten to use nuclear weapons against non-nuclear weapons states or weapon-free zones". "China will continue to keep its nuclear capabilities at the minimum level required for national security," Zhang said. China announced the rare trial on Wednesday -- its first in four decades -- saying that the missile was carrying a dummy warhead. French Polynesia said the missile landed near its exclusive economic zone and the French High Commission said Beijing had notified Paris of the launch. However, Japan said it had not been given advance warning. Australia said it was seeking "an explanation", while New Zealand called the launch "an unwelcome and concerning development". China 'highly vigilant' after Japan warship sails through Taiwan Strait Beijing, Sept 26 (AFP) Sep 26, 2024 China said Thursday it was "highly vigilant" and had lodged a complaint with Tokyo after a Japanese warship sailed through the Taiwan Strait for the first time. Japan's top government spokesman Yoshimasa Hayashi declined to comment on the reports at a regular briefing because they concerned military operations. But Beijing confirmed its military had responded to "the activities of a Japanese Self-Defence Force ship entering the Taiwan Strait". "China is highly vigilant about the political intentions of Japan's actions and has lodged stern representations with Japan," foreign ministry spokesman Lin Jian said. The United States and its allies are increasingly crossing through the 180-kilometre (112-mile) Taiwan Strait to reinforce its status as an international waterway, angering China. The Sazanami destroyer made the unprecedented passage on Wednesday, several Japanese media outlets said. Military vessels from New Zealand and Australia also sailed through the fiercely contested waterway on the same day, Wellington's defence ministry said on Thursday. A defence official told AFP that one of its ships made its first passage through the Taiwan Strait in seven years, alongside an Australian guided missile destroyer to assert the "right of freedom of navigation". The official added the mission was not conducted with Japan. Japanese media said the three nations planned to conduct military drills in the contested South China Sea. - 'Threaten' China - In response to "foreign warships transiting the Taiwan Strait", Beijing on Thursday said it "consistently handles such matters in accordance with laws and regulations". The foreign ministry said it remained: "highly vigilant against any actions that may threaten China's sovereignty and security". Last week, China's Liaoning aircraft carrier sailed between two Japanese islands near Taiwan for the first time, accompanied by two destroyers. The ships entered Japan's contiguous zone -- an area up to 24 nautical miles from the country's coast -- Tokyo said, calling the incident "totally unacceptable". China said it had complied with international law. It followed the first confirmed incursion into Japanese airspace by a Chinese surveillance aircraft in August. The Yomiuri Shimbun daily cited unnamed government sources as saying Prime Minister Fumio Kishida had ordered Wednesday's Taiwan Strait journey out of concern that doing nothing following China's intrusions could encourage Beijing to take more assertive actions. - 'Serious concern' - Beijing, which says democratic Taiwan is part of its territory, claims jurisdiction over the body of water that separates the island from China. But the United States and many other countries argue their voyages through the strait are routine, citing freedom of navigation. China this month accused Berlin of heightening security risks in the Taiwan Strait, a day after two German navy ships sailed through the waters. On Wednesday, China test-launched an intercontinental ballistic missile into the Pacific Ocean in its first such exercise in decades. Japan said it had not been given advance notice of the test, with Hayashi expressing "serious concern" about China's military build-up in comments he reiterated on Thursday. "China's military intrusion into our territorial airspace and other incidents have been happening one after another in a short period of time," Hayashi said. Japan will do its "utmost in patrolling and monitoring" the situation, he added. Taiwan's defence ministry also said Thursday that 43 Chinese military aircraft and eight naval vessels were detected around the island within a 24-hour period. Beijing has said it will never renounce the use of force to bring Taiwan under its control, with Chinese leader Xi Jinping in recent years upping the rhetoric of "unification" being "inevitable". Bec Strating, professor of international relations at La Trobe University, said Japan's reported Taiwan Strait transit "is part of a broader pattern of greater naval presence by countries in and beyond Asia that are concerned about China's maritime assertions". "Japan in particular has been dealing with China's 'grey zone' tactics in the East China Sea," including an increasing number of coast guard vessels sailing close to disputed islands, she told AFP. Grey-zone tactics are actions that serve to exhaust a country's armed forces, military experts say. burs-oho/je/smw Kremlin says new nuclear doctrine is 'warning' to West Moscow, Sept 26 (AFP) Sep 26, 2024 The Kremlin said Thursday that an updated nuclear doctrine that will allow Moscow to use nuclear weapons against non-nuclear states should be seen as a warning to the West. Russian President Vladimir Putin on Wednesday announced plans to broaden Russia's rules on the use of its nuclear weaponry, allowing it to unleash a nuclear response in the event of a "massive" air attack. The proposals would also permit Moscow to respond with nuclear weapons against non-nuclear states, where they were being supported by nuclear powers -- a clear reference to Ukraine and its Western backers. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said the planned changes "must be considered a specific signal". "A signal that warns these countries of the consequences if they participate in an attack on our country by various means, not necessarily nuclear," Peskov told reporters. Without mentioning Ukraine by name, Peskov said Russia's "nuclear deterrence is being adjusted on account of elements of tension that are developing along the perimeter of our borders". He also said there was "no question" of Russia boosting its nuclear arsenal. The proposed changes to Russia's nuclear doctrine, which Putin himself has the power to approve, come as Ukraine is seeking permission from Western allies to use long-range precision weaponry to strike targets deep inside Russia -- so far to no avail. Kyiv says it is necessary to target Russia's airfields and military infrastructure that it uses to launch attacks on Ukraine, though the White House is cautious about enabling further escalation. The West has accused Putin of irresponsible nuclear sabre-rattling throughout the Ukraine conflict, with the Kremlin leader having issued multiple apparent threats about Moscow's willingness to deploy its nuclear weapons. Air strikes in Khartoum as Sudan army attacks paramilitary positions Port Sudan, Sudan, Sept 26 (AFP) Sep 26, 2024 Air strikes and shelling rocked Khartoum on Thursday as the army attacked paramilitary positions throughout the Sudanese capital, eyewitnesses and a military source told AFP. The clashes began at dawn, several residents reported, in what appeared to be the army's first major offensive in months to regain parts of the capital controlled by its rival paramilitary Rapid Support Forces. It comes with Sudan high on the agenda of the United Nations centrepiece meetings in New York this week. On the sidelines of the talks, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres voiced concern to army chief Abdel-Fattah al-Burhan "about the escalation of the conflict in the Sudan", the UN said Wednesday. Sudanese army forces were "waging fierce fighting against the rebel militia inside Khartoum", a source in the military told AFP, referring to the RSF. The source, requesting anonymity because they were not authorised to speak to the media, said army forces had crossed three key bridges over the Nile River -- which had separated parts of the capital held by the army from those under RSF control. Since April 2023, when war broke out between Burhan's Sudanese Armed Forces and his former deputy, RSF commander Mohamed Hamdan Daglo, the paramilitaries had pushed the army nearly all the way out of Khartoum. Following its last major offensive in February, the army regained much of Omdurman, the capital's twin city just across the river, and part of greater Khartoum. - 'Intense' shelling - Several residents of Omdurman reported "intense artillery shelling" which started early on Thursday, with shells falling on residential buildings while military warplanes flew overhead. Since the war began, much of its worst fighting has been in densely populated areas, and both sides have been accused of indiscriminately bombing residential areas. The war has already killed tens of thousands of people, with estimates ranging widely from 20,000 to 150,000, according to medics. It has also created the world's largest displacement crisis, the UN says. More than 10 million people -- around a fifth of Sudan's population -- have been forced from their homes inside the country and another two million have fled to neighbouring states, according to the United Nations. Famine has been declared in Zamzam refugee camp in Darfur near the city of El-Fasher, where the RSF last weekend launched a large-scale offensive after months of siege. El-Fasher is the only one of five state capitals in the vast Darfur region not yet in RSF hands. In his meeting with Burhan, Guterres said the war "risks a regional spillover," the UN said. "People in Sudan have endured 17 months of hell, and the suffering continues to grow," the UN's top relief official Joyce Msuya said separately. Two jailed in Poland for spying for Russia Warsaw, Sept 26 (AFP) Sep 26, 2024 A Polish court on Thursday jailed a Ukrainian and a Belarusian convicted of spying for Russia and gathering information on military equipment deliveries to Kyiv. Since Moscow's invasion of Ukraine, Warsaw has frequently accused Russia of carrying out acts of espionage inside its territory. A NATO member and key Kyiv ally, much Western aid to Ukraine passes through its neighbour Poland. The two men in the dock were part of a ring of 16 Ukrainian, Belarusian and Russian nationals arrested by Warsaw in March 2023, accused of preparing acts of sabotage and information-gathering for Moscow. Ukrainian citizen Maksym L., 23, was jailed for six years by the court in the eastern Lublin region, while 30-year-old Belarusian Uladyslau P. was handed 34 months. Polish law prohibits the publication of their full names. Both were convicted of espionage and participation in an organised criminal group seeking to undermine Poland's interests. "This was an organised criminal group... whose objective was to collect intelligence to determine the type and volume of aid transferred to Ukraine," said Judge Miroslaw Brzozowski, Polish news agency PAP reported. The court ruled that the two men had worked for the spy ring between January and March 2023, motivated by financial gain. They installed surveillance devices along vital cross-border rail routes used for the transportation of military and humanitarian aid to Kyiv, it added. The group was also responsible for monitoring major points of passage of Western military aid to Ukraine. These included the northern seaports of Gdynia and Gdansk, and the Jasionka airport and the Rzeszow train station near the Ukrainian border. They communicated with their backers via the social media network Telegram, said the court. Senior Pentagon officials have recommended providing Ukraine with white phosphorus ammunition for use on the battlefield. However, the White House has repeatedly rejected this idea. ADVERTISIMENT This was reported by NBC News. The US military believes that white phosphorus shells can be useful for camouflaging military units due to the smoke and light they create when used. If approved, the ammunition would not be listed as military aid, as was the case with previous arms shipments to Ukraine, which were not publicly reported. Two officials indicated that concerns about possible civilian casualties prevented President Joe Biden's administration from supporting the proposal. White phosphorus is a substance that ignites instantly in the presence of oxygen, burns at very high temperatures, and is difficult to extinguish. It can stick to surfaces, including skin and clothing, causing serious burns. The smoke produced during its use can be harmful to the respiratory system and eyes. In the past, during major conflicts such as World War II and the Vietnam War, the United States used white phosphorus against enemy forces, but its role has changed in today's environment. ADVERTISIMENT It is worth noting that white phosphorus munitions are not banned and are not classified as chemical weapons under international standards. However, the military using them is obliged to adhere to the principle of distinction between military targets and civilian areas. As a reminder, Ukraine will soon receive Joint Standoff Weapon (JSOW) long-range cruise missiles from the United States. These munitions can strike at a distance of up to 150 km and weigh up to 500 kg. It is worth noting that President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said that the United States has decided to provide Ukraine with significant defense assistance totaling $7.9 billion. Additional sanctions will also be imposed against the aggressor country of Russia. Only verified information on our Telegram channel OBOZ.UA and Viber. Do not fall for fakes! ADVERTISIMENT Kremlin says new nuclear doctrine is 'warning' to West Moscow, Sept 26 (AFP) Sep 26, 2024 The Kremlin said Thursday that an updated nuclear doctrine that will allow Moscow to use nuclear weapons against non-nuclear states should be seen as a warning to the West. Russian President Vladimir Putin on Wednesday announced plans to broaden Russia's rules on the use of its nuclear weaponry, allowing it to unleash a nuclear response in the event of a "massive" air attack. The proposals would also permit Moscow to respond with nuclear weapons against non-nuclear states if they are supported by nuclear powers -- a clear reference to Ukraine and its Western backers. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said the planned changes "must be considered a specific signal". "A signal that warns these countries of the consequences if they participate in an attack on our country by various means, not necessarily nuclear," Peskov told reporters. Without mentioning Ukraine by name, Peskov said Russia's "nuclear deterrence is being adjusted on account of elements of tension that are developing along the perimeter of our borders". He also said there was "no question" of Russia boosting its nuclear arsenal. Moscow residents on Thursday told AFP they were worried by the announcement. "Using the threat of nuclear weapons is always bad. We don't need another Cuban missile crisis," said Dimitri, a 21-year-old student who declined to give his surname. Vadim, a 43-year-old artist who also only gave his first name, said: "An escalation is underway, of course, it is alarming." For others, like 60-year-old pensioner Vladimir, the new doctrine could be beneficial and "bring pretentious Europeans to reason". The move "can reinforce security and force people in Ukraine and the United States to think", said Igor Diakov, also a retiree in Moscow. "Europe will tremble because all the red lines have been crossed and they think they cannot be punished for it. But we won't let them get away with it." Tatiana Nikiforova, a 49-year-old Russian teacher, deferred to her country's leadership. "We must have faith in our leaders, there is no other way," she said. The proposed changes to Russia's nuclear doctrine, which Putin himself has the power to approve, come as Ukraine is seeking permission from Western allies to use long-range precision weaponry to strike targets deep inside Russia -- so far to no avail. Kyiv says it is necessary to target Russia's airfields and military infrastructure that it uses to launch attacks on Ukraine, though the White House is cautious about enabling further escalation. The West has accused Putin of irresponsible nuclear sabre-rattling throughout the Ukraine conflict, with the Kremlin leader having issued multiple apparent threats about Moscow's willingness to deploy its nuclear weapons. Israel vows to keep fighting Hezbollah 'until victory' Beirut, Lebanon, Sept 26 (AFP) Sep 26, 2024 Israel flatly rejected on Thursday a push led by key backer the United States for a 21-day ceasefire in Lebanon, vowing to keep fighting Hezbollah militants "until victory". Israeli bombing of Iran-backed Hezbollah strongholds around Lebanon has killed hundreds of people this week, while the militant group has retaliated with rocket barrages. "There will be no ceasefire in the north. We will continue to fight against the Hezbollah terrorist organisation with all our strength until victory and the safe return of the residents of the north to their homes," Foreign Minister Israel Katz said in a post on X. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's office said he had "not even responded" to the truce proposal, and that he had ordered the military "to continue the fighting with full force". The United States, France and other allies called for a 21-day halt, after President Joe Biden and his French counterpart, Emmanuel Macron, met on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly in New York. The situation in Lebanon has become "intolerable" and "is in nobody's interest, neither of the people of Israel nor of the people of Lebanon", their joint statement said. Despite the comments from Israeli officials, White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre told reporters on Thursday that "the statement was indeed coordinated with the Israeli side." The violence showed little signs of abating, with the Israeli military announcing more strikes on southern Lebanon and Hezbollah saying its fighters had launched dozens of rockets at northern Israel late Thursday. The Israeli defence ministry announced that it had secured a new $8.7-billion aid package from the United States to support the country's ongoing military efforts, underlining Washington's unwillingness to use its military aid as leverage for a ceasefire. - Drones and rockets - The Israeli military said it struck about 75 targets in the eastern Bekaa valley and southern Lebanon, Hezbollah bastions that have seen a huge exodus of civilians fleeing their homes in recent days. According to the International Organization for Migration, about 118,000 people have been displaced by the fighting in Lebanon over the past week alone. A strike on the town of Yunin near Baalbek killed at least 20 people, Lebanon's health ministry said. "It was one of the worst nights we've lived through," said Fadia Rafic Yaghi, 70, who owns a shop in Baalbek. For the fourth time this week, Israel carried out a strike on Hezbollah's south Beirut stronghold, which it said killed the head of the group's drone unit. The Lebanese health ministry said two people were killed in the strike. It said 60 people had been killed nationwide over the previous 24 hours, among 1,540 killed since hostilities between Israel and Hezbollah began last October. A source close to Hezbollah told AFP a drone strike targeted a group member in a car east of Beirut, and the official National News Agency reported two more "enemy drone" strikes that killed at least four people. The Israeli military said two barrages of 40 to 45 rockets each had been fired from Lebanon into Israel earlier on Thursday, with many of them intercepted. One man was taken to hospital in moderate condition with shrapnel injuries. Hezbollah said the first barrage targeted defence industry complexes near the port city of Haifa, while the second targeted the northern town of Safed. - 'Have to flee' - Israel said earlier this month it was shifting its focus from the Gaza Strip, where it has been fighting a war with Hamas since the October 7 attack, to its border with Lebanon. Hamas ally Hezbollah has been trading fire with Israeli troops since October, forcing tens of thousands of people on both sides to flee their homes. Netanyahu, who is due to address the UN General Assembly on Friday, has said that ensuring the safe return of Israelis to their homes was a priority. Israel's military chief, Lieutenant General Herzi Halevi, has told soldiers to prepare for a possible ground offensive, according to an army statement. Israeli air force chief Major General Tomer Bar said strikes were aiming to cut off Hezbollah from its arms supplier Iran. Israeli strikes killed at least 558 people on Monday -- the deadliest day of violence in Lebanon since the 1975-1990 civil war. For many on both sides of the border, the violence has sparked bitter memories of the 2006 war between Hezbollah and Israel that killed 1,200 people in Lebanon, most of them civilians, and 160 Israelis, most of them soldiers. Hassan Slim, who left his southern Lebanon home seeking safety in war-battered Syria, said: "We didn't think the situation would degenerate so quickly. "Now war is at our doorstep and we have to flee." In Israel, some like 67-year-old David Lander, believe war is the only way to restore calm. "I'm against a temporary ceasefire," said the retired resident of the northern city of Haifa. "I want the citizens of the north to be able to go back to their homes." - Gaza school strike - Diplomats have said efforts to end the war in Gaza were key to halting the fighting in Lebanon. But despite months of mediation efforts involving the United States, a ceasefire is as elusive as ever. Civil defence workers in Gaza said an Israeli strike on a school-turned-shelter killed at least 15 people, with the Israeli military saying it had targeted Hamas. The war in Gaza began with Hamas's October 7 attack on Israel, which 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 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 41,534 people in Gaza, most of them civilians, according to figures provided by the Hamas-run territory's health ministry. The UN has described the figures as reliable. burs/ser/kir/ami Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov has complained about the operation of the Ukrainian Armed Forces in the Kursk region. According to him, the Ukrainian military is allegedly committing "outrages" and the UN is "closing their eyes." ADVERTISIMENT Lavrov also lied about the Ukrainian Armed Forces allegedly carrying out non-electoral acts in Kursk, he told Kremlin propagandists on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly in New York, Reuters reports. The Russian foreign minister called Ukrainian soldiers "terrorist groups" and complained about the use of Western weapons by the Ukrainian Armed Forces to carry out the attack in the Kursk region. Lavrov cynically lied that Ukrainian troops were allegedly shelling civilian infrastructure and not allowing civilians to evacuate. "It is there that they are bombing houses every day, bombing social institutions, civilians who are moving in their cars to safer places," Lavrov said. In addition, he complained that he had not heard any voices from UN representatives responsible for human rights, including Secretary-General Antonio Guterres. According to Lavrov, the UN has prepared a standard response to questions about the situation in the Kursk region, and said that the organization is ready to speak out "for everything good and against everything bad." ADVERTISIMENT Earlier it was reported that the Russian army will not be able to liberate the Kursk region of the Russian Federation in the "near future" - by the end of October, as ordered by its command. Recently, there have been no tangible changes in the progress of either Russian or Ukrainian forces there. As reported by OBOZ.UA, military expert Ihor Levchenko said that the information disseminated by the Western media about the number of Russian troops in Kursk region may reflect a certain reality, but it is difficult to confirm the accuracy of these data. He emphasized that Ukrainian actions in the Kursk region are also aimed at forcing the Russian command to redeploy troops from other fronts, and this is dispersing their resources. ADVERTISIMENT Only verified information is available on our Telegram channel OBOZ.UA and Viber. Do not fall for fakes! * 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. Urging the court to take into account the fact the boy had been groomed and exploited by older youths and young men in the wider community, Ms Brand added: We say the evidence shows that his involvement was with his fists and feet and the co-defendant wielded the machete. Czech President Petr Pavel is a great friend of Ukraine, but he made a mistake by assuming a "peace in the middle" at the expense of "dividing" the Ukrainian state. In any case, such peace is impossible, because the Kremlin dictator Vladimir Putin will not go for it. ADVERTISIMENT This opinion was expressed in an exclusive interview with OBOZ.UA by Russian opposition politician and journalist Igor Yakovenko. According to him, one should not "immediately try to classify" Pavel as an enemy of Ukraine and enroll him in the camp of Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban or Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico. "This is a man who fully supports Ukraine. Remember his recent initiative to collect a million shells for Ukraine around the world. Undoubtedly, he is a great friend of Ukraine. But in this case, I think it's about him trying to be realistic, to proceed from what is available today because there are big problems associated with American support for Ukraine, associated with European unity. And all this affects the frontline. Indeed, the situation at ground zero is difficult," Yakovenko said. ADVERTISIMENT At the same time, he pointed out that a politician of such a level as Piotr Pawel should have thought carefully before making such statements. "It seems to me that the mistake of Petr Pavel is not that he makes such a forecast based on some objective analysis, but that any word of a politician, especially a well-known one with such a biography as Czech President Petr Pavel, affects the situation. He is not some scientist who studies the life of spiders or butterflies. The statements of an entomologist do not affect the lives of spiders or butterflies. But a politician's statements about the real situation do affect the course of events," the Russian oppositionist said. He added that, perhaps, the analysis of the situation "really prompts" Pavel to make such a conclusion, "but it is wrong to say such things publicly", as in this way he changes the situation towards such a forecast. ADVERTISIMENT "There is a concept of 'self-fulfilling predictions'. If you publicly express the belief that a bank will go bankrupt, it will happen, even though it had a chance to be saved. Because depositors will run to withdraw their money, the massive outflow of funds from this bank will indeed make this prediction come true. It seems to me that such statements by the politician make it possible that the forecast may come true," Yakovenko said. According to him, the spread of such opinions could lead to a decrease in support for Ukraine. "If most Western politicians believe that Ukraine cannot win, what is the point of giving it money? What is the point of giving it weapons? You need to negotiate with Putin, but it is impossible to negotiate with Putin that is the main problem. And the main mistake of this forecast is that there will be no such "peace in the middle. " Even if Ukraine suddenly decides to go for such a peace in the middle, when neither yours nor ours is acceptable, Putin will not do it. This is not a situation that can be predicted from the point of view of common sense. The Russian dictator is not guided by common sense," the politician said. ADVERTISIMENT He added that Pavel probably has good intentions, but he is making a mistake not as a military expert, not as an analyst, but as a politician, because, in politics, such statements change the situation. "And this statement by the Czech president changes the circumstances for the worse," Yakovenko stated. But I think the strongest message that came across for me was that this is an investment, when you invest in the arts you invest in people, you invest in society, you invest in the economy and thats the message that I have been taking to Executive colleagues and will continue to take to Executive colleagues in the time ahead because I believe it can make a real difference. US Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump has criticized Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. The American politician accused him of "dirty attacks" against him. ADVERTISIMENT Trump said this during a campaign event in North Carolina. He devoted a significant part of his speech to Ukraine. "The president of Ukraine is in our country. He's making dirty little attacks on your favorite president, me," the Republican said. In addition, Trump made accusations against President Joe Biden and his opponent in the election, Kamala Harris. According to him, they allocate billions of dollars to Zelensky, who "refuses" to make a "deal." "And we continue to give billions of dollars to a man who refuses to make a deal - Zelensky," the presidential candidate said. Earlier, the media reported that Donald Trump said he might meet with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. This could have happened during the Ukrainian president's visit to New York to address the UN Security Council. ADVERTISIMENT However, Trump's campaign later said that he had no plans to meet with Zelensky this week. No such meetings were scheduled, they said. As reported by OBOZ.UA: - US presidential candidate Donald Trump is convinced that the United States should "get out" of the war in Ukraine. And in case of his victory, he plans to provide such a "way out" because he does not rule out the possibility of a Russian victory. - And President Volodymyr Zelensky believes that US presidential candidate Donald Trump, who promised to end the war in Ukraine in 24 hours, does not really know how to do it. The Head of State emphasized that a repetition of Minsk cannot be a way out of the situation and that peace at the expense of losing territories, as Trump's team is saying, is unacceptable for Ukraine. Only verified information is available on our Telegram channel OBOZ.UA and Viber. Do not fall for fakes! ADVERTISIMENT Colistin is one of very few antibiotics that can still treat certain drug-resistant infections. Opinion articles written in the style of their author." These texts are to be based on verified facts and must be respectful towards people, even though their actions may be criticized. shall feature, along with the author's name (regardless of their greater or lesser renown), a footer stating their office, academic title, political affiliation (if any) and main occupation, or the occupation related to the topic being assessed At the United Nation General Assembly in New York, all countries approved a major new political declaration to radically scale-up efforts to combat antimicrobial resistance (AMR) a major threat to modern medicine. AMR threatens to unwind a century of medical progress, and could return us to the pre-antibiotic era, where infections that are treatable today could become much harder to treat and potentially deadly tomorrow. AMR is caused largely by the misuse and overuse of antimicrobial medicines such as antibiotics making microbes resistant to them, and diseases more dangerous and deadly. Its an issue with implications for health-at-large. Health facilities are often where the most stubbornly treatment-resistant infections emerge and spread. AMR makes all manner of routine medical procedures riskier; in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), approximately 11% of people who undergo surgery are infected in the process. Naveed Khan is a 25-year-old civil servant in Peshawar, Pakistan. His life was changed forever when he contracted tetanus from a cut and needed a section of his windpipe removed. But while he was in hospital, he caught infections caused by different types of bacteria. TBIJ/BSAC/Saiyna Bashir The burden of treatment-resistant infections falls heaviest on LMICs, where AMR is worsened by a lack of access to clean water, stretched health systems, limited budgets, poor access to diagnosis and appropriate treatment, and a lack of enforcement of legislation. Sepsis in newborns that spreads in hospitals is a particularly dramatic illustration of how tough the situation is in LMICs. The crisis in equitable access to new and existing antimicrobial medicines is also felt most acutely in LMICs, where a lack of availability is a much bigger problem than misuse and overuse the tools arent there in the first place. A lack of access to vaccines increases the risk of drug-resistant infections and a lack of access to diagnostics means it harder to detect drug-resistant infections and prescribe the right treatments. AMR also compounds challenges in some of the worlds most difficult circumstances. From Gaza to Sudan to Ukraine, AMR makes wartime injuries harder to treat. Even before the current conflict, AMR was found to be significantly increasing in Gaza, with a 300% rise in resistance to specific antibiotics in injured patients after the 2018-19 demonstrations. The drug-resistant infections that start in conflict zones rarely stay within them, as people flee, medical evacuations are arranged, and soldiers are cared for alongside civilians in hospitals, leading AMR to spread. Yet another reason why the best medicine is peace. AMR is associated with over a million deaths a year, with an escalating death toll projected over the coming decades. Across the road from a refugee settlement, six-year-old Ariba, who is Afghan, visits a charity clinic in Peshawar (Pakistan) for a rash on the back of her head caused by sandworm disease. The rash developed into a wound, which became infected. The doctors tried a number of antibiotics but none of them seemed to work. TBIJ/BSAC/Abdul Majeed Addressing AMR is not easy. What we do know is that plans that span health, environmental, animal and agrifood systems lead to progress, but so far, they have only been pursued in high income countries. This needs to change. But while alarms on AMR have been blaring ever louder, solutions have not been developed fast enough, especially in the research and development of antibiotics. Since mid-2017, only 13 new antibiotics have been authorized, with only two representing a new chemical class and considered innovative. The political declaration just approved in New York includes commitments and targets across human health, animal health, agriculture and the environment. Headline commitments include reducing the global deaths associated with drug-resistant bacteria by 10% by 2030 and ensuring that at least 70% of antibiotics used for human health globally should belong to the safer WHO Access group, which have the lowest potential to cause AMR. Projections show that many of these deaths are avoidable, including by ensuring access to life-saving antimicrobial medicines in LMICs. This meetings biggest opportunity is for it to become a springboard to bring in more funding, to turn the targets and commitments in its declaration into reality. The investment case for AMR is clear, in light of the huge cost of inaction. Quadripartite and OECD estimates show that globally AMR could lead to additional health care expenditures reaching as high as $412 billion annually in the next decade if a stronger AMR response isnt mounted. It would also impose workforce participation and productivity losses of $443 billion. But this study also shows that implementing critical AMR interventions is a best buy, with $7 to $13 expected in return on every $1 invested. To help ground these important, albeit technical, discussions of mortality projections and catalytic funding, the meetings opening and closing segments will feature statements from AMR survivors, Ella and John. Ella lives with cystic fibrosis and has had to rely on an experimental treatment to get better after no viable antibiotic options were left after she contracted the most severe drug-resistant infection shed ever had. For John, surgery for a simple hip fracture turned into a year of hospital stays after the incision site became infected, spread to his bloodstream and became resistant to multiple drugs. His kidneys nearly stopped working. A successful response to AMR relies on political commitment, sustainable financing, measuring progress with accountability and most importantly, placing Ella, John and all those affected at the center of the response. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus is the director-general of the World Health Organization. Sign up for our weekly newsletter to get more English-language news coverage from EL PAIS USA Edition 28 migrants from Syria, Iraq and Guinea were caught by border police on Thursday while trying to leave the country hidden in two trucks, informs Agerpres. The two trucks were checked at the Nadlac II and Varsand Border Crossing Points, informs the Arad Border Police. The truck stopped at Nadlac II was driven by a Turkish citizen and was loaded with car parts that were to be transported to Germany. "Following the detailed control of the means of transport, 27 foreign citizens were discovered, hidden in the semi-trailer, among the transported goods. The persons were picked up and transported to the headquarters of the research sector where, following the checks, the border police established that they are citizens from Syria and Iraq who intended to fraudulently cross the state border," the press release reads. In Varsand, inside a truck registered in Bulgaria, driven by a Bulgarian who was transporting toilet lids and porcelain to Germany, a man from Guinea was also discovered. The two drivers are being investigated for migrant trafficking, while the foreigners hidden in the truck are being investigated for attempting to fraudulently cross the state border. Banca Transilvania (BT) sold bonds of 700 million euros on Wednesday, through a new issue in which the demand from investors was over 2.5 billion euros, informs a press release from the bank. It is the second time in a row that BT launches a bond issue under the umbrella of the Sustainable Financing Framework. According to the quoted source, the orders placed came from almost 170 institutional investors, mainly international ones, i.e. 95%. "The offer was subscribed by 131 investment funds, pension funds, commercial banks, insurance companies and commercial companies from 28 countries from Europe, the USA, Asia, the Middle East, etc. More than 64% of the investors who subscribed to the sustainable bonds of BT, in turn, have ESG objectives in their investment policy", states the press release sent to AGERPRES. BT specifies that the attracted funds will contribute to the financing of sustainable projects, according to the eligibility criteria of the Sustainable Financing Framework: supporting SMEs from less developed regions of Romania; the population's access to medical assistance and education; initiatives supporting the green transition - green buildings, renewable energy projects, transport, ecological agriculture. "We are delighted by the investors' interest in this issue, which once again shows both the attractiveness of Banca Transilvania and the potential of our country. The yield mix, the number of investors, the volume of the transaction and the total volume of demand set new benchmarks for BT", said Omer Tetik, general manager of Banca Transilvania, in the quoted press release. In the first hour after the launch of the transaction, the orders placed by investors reached the level of over 1 billion euros, BT also benefiting from the vote of confidence of two international financial institutions. The favorable context of the financial markets and the dynamics of orders placed by investors led to a final coupon of 5,125/year, the yield being reduced by about 40 basis points compared to initial expectations. The whole sale process was completed in a few hours, and due to the high interest in the market, which persisted even after the price reduction, Banca Transilvania decided to increase the amount raised up to 700 million euros. The bonds mature in 2030, are listed on the Dublin Stock Exchange and are eligible for the minimum requirement of own funds and eligible liabilities (MREL), contributing to the permanent assurance of an optimal level of funds, distinct from customer deposits that are guaranteed by the Guarantee Fund of Bank Deposits, according to European standards regarding banks. The sale of bonds was coordinated by J.P. Morgan, Morgan Stanley, Nomura and ING Bank, (this also having the role of ESG consultant). BT Capital Partners, the brokerage company of the Banca Transilvania Group, was Co-manager for this issue. The legal consultants were Filip&Company, Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer LLP, Clifford Chance Badea and Clifford Chance LLP. Deloitte Audit SRL was the financial auditor, and KPMG Tax SRL was the tax consultant. The first issue of ESG bonds, also oversubscribed in a few hours, was announced by Banca Transilvania in November 2023, on which occasion it attracted 500 million euros. Banca Transilvania is the largest bank in Romania and in Southeast Europe. As a universal bank, it covers all customer segments and business lines in the financial sector. It has over 20% market share, 4.3 million customers, over 10,000 employees, online banking solutions and 500 offices in 180 locations. Hundreds of people are protesting on Thursday, in front of the Ministry of Labour, in a demonstration initiated by the Federation of Railway Transporters' Unions of Romania, against the background of dissatisfaction with the new pension law, informs Agerpres. Protesters shout "Resign", "Shame on you" and "Thieves!" and display messages such as "Oltenii and Valea have lost their patience", "PSD and PNL the same mess", "We put an end to national betrayal, the destruction of the economy, corruption", "PNL and PSD, where is our work?", "Pension is not a privilege, it is a right", "We saved the economy, you trampled on us", "Our hard-earned right, you destroyed it with a pen". The rally scheduled between 9:45 and 12:00 is to be attended by other organizations from the structure of the Meridian Trade Union Confederation, as well as civil society organizations representing current and future retirees, affected by the current form of Law no. 360/2023 on the public pension system, which also had an impact on the "Forestry Staff Statute", but also on Law no. 223/2015 on state military pensions. According to a press release of the confederation, the current law has come with some obvious benefits for certain categories of pensioners, especially for those who have carried out their activity under normal working conditions, for as long periods as possible until retirement and with contributions that have been withheld and transferred to the social security budget. On the other hand, the same law disadvantaged persons who worked in hard working conditions' groups, persons with disabilities and with various degrees of disability, but also pensioners with low pensions who, after recalculation, received a lower pension, which will be indexed to the recalculated value, which will have the effect of reducing or even stagnating the indexation of the pension in payment for a period of several years, depending on the value of the difference between the pension in payment and the pension resulting from the recalculation. Basically, the new Law on Pensions abolishes the hard working conditions' groups regarding hard and special working conditions because pensioners who worked under these conditions do not benefit from stability points although they have contributed additionally and, thus, in a discriminatory manner, stability points are offered only to those who have worked under normal working conditions and who have not paid additional contributions, Meridian says. The applicant's guide for the National Program for Investments in the Infrastructure of Hospital Units, approved by Emergency Ordinance 29/2024, will be in public debate until October 10, 2024, the Minister of Investments and European Projects Adrian Caciu wrote on Facebook on Thursday evening. "Investments of 2.7 billion euros in hospital infrastructure through the National Program of Investments in the Infrastructure of Hospital Units. The Applicant's Guide for the National Program of Investments in the Infrastructure of Hospital Units, approved by Emergency Ordinance 29/2024, was put into public debate. Proposals and observations can be sent to the email address consultare.pniius@mfe.gov.ro until 10.10.2024, the date of the end of the public consultation process", emphasized Caciu. He mentioned that the value of the program carried out by the Ministry of Investments and European Projects (MIPE) in the period 2024-2031 is 13.25 billion RON. Also, an amount of 3.25 billion RON will be allocated for investments in public health units that have been approved for financing from the National Recovery and Resilience Plan by the Ministry of Health. The maximum amount related to a project financed from the Program is two billion RON for county/county emergency hospitals, specialized hospitals and clinical hospitals and emergency clinics, 350.5 million RON for municipal/municipal emergency hospitals and 250 million of RON for city hospitals AGERPRES special correspondent Florin Stefan, reports: Romanian president Klaus Iohannis had a meeting in New York on Wednesday with Armenian prime minister Nikol Vovayi Pashinyan, on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly, with whom he discussed, among other things, regional stability and security, as well as the development of bilateral relations and cooperation. Klaus Iohannis posted about his discussion with Armenian PM on his X account. On Wednesday, Klaus Iohannis delivered a speech at the UN General Assembly in which he pleaded for the support of Ukraine as long as needed in its war with Russia and for the cessation of hostilities in the Gaza Strip, by concluding a peace agreement that would allow the release of the Hamas hostages and the transportation of humanitarian aid for civilians in Gaza. At the same time, he pleaded for more cooperation and solidarity, which he said will always be the answer to the world's problems. "Our main challenge is to find the much-needed solutions to restore and protect peace. Otherwise, international order and international law are wasted. When diplomacy is the most difficult tool to use, that is exactly when we must use it the most," the Romanian president said in his speech at the UN. The number of children in Romania left in the care of relatives or in the special protection system, due to parents going to work abroad, decreased significantly in the last year, by 17%, according to public data analyzed by ParentED in a statement sent to AGERPRES on Thursday. This decrease of almost 17% indicates a gratifying trend, but although more and more parents return or assume the role of financial support without leaving the country, thousands of children continue to live far from those who provide them with the most important emotional base - the family, reveals ParentED. According to the official data of the National Authority for the Protection of Children's Rights and Adoption (ANPDCA), in March 2024, 61,007 children from over 50,000 families were in this situation, a decrease compared to the same period last year, when 72,902 cases were registered from almost 57,000 families. An alarming aspect is the fact that some of these children end up in the special protection system such as foster care or placement centers, facing additional challenges related to adapting to new environments and the lack of constant contact with their parents. "The emotional and psychological impact that these children feel can be profound and long-lasting, especially in the context where their emotional and social development depends directly on the presence of a stable parental figure," Diana Balan, representative of ParentED, quoted in the said release, said. The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Luminita Odobescu, participated, on Wednesday, in the high-level segment of the 79th session of the General Assembly of the United Nations (UN), as a member of the delegation led by president Klaus Iohannis. According to a press release from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MAE) sent to AGERPRES on Thursday, in this context, Odobescu participated in the event hosted by the German Minister of Foreign Affairs, Annalena Baerbock, on the topic of the rights of women and girls in Afghanistan. On this occasion, Romania joined Germany, the Netherlands, Canada, Australia and other international partners in launching an initiative aimed at holding accountable those responsible for violating the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women (CEDAW) in Afghanistan. Minister Odobescu also participated in the second meeting of the Compact for Ukraine, hosted by US President Joe Biden, with the participation of President Volodimir Zelenski and the President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen. On this occasion, the representatives of the participating states adopted a declaration reconfirming the support of the international community for Ukraine, primarily from the perspective of support for the process of economic recovery and reconstruction. Also on Wednesday, the Romanian official participated in the meeting of the General Assembly at a high level on the topic of sea level rise and associated existential threats. During the address, he called for cooperation and solidarity for the management of this phenomenon, with direct implications on the humanitarian dimension, security and well-being, according to MAE. Luminita Odobescu highlighted Romania's commitment, including from the perspective of the Coalition's champion quality for addressing sea level rise and its existential threats. The minister's program also included a series of bilateral meetings. During the discussions with the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the United Arab Emirates, Sheikh Abdullah Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Odobescu reconfirmed Romania's support for a stronger commitment of the EU in relation to the states of the Gulf Cooperation Council. She also had a bilateral meeting with the Palestinian Prime Minister, Mohammad Mustafa, Minister of Foreign Affairs. The two officials evoked the traditional Romanian-Palestinian relations, the Romanian official assuring that support for the consolidation of Palestinian institutions will continue in the future, including as part of international efforts in support of the Palestinian Authority. At the same time, Minister Odobescu highlighted the humanitarian support given to Palestinian civilians in the context of the crisis in the Gaza Strip, Mohammad Mustafa expressing his appreciation for the efforts of the Romanian side. Minister Odobescu also had a meeting with Qatar's Minister of State for International Cooperation, Lolwah Al-Khater. The two dignitaries assessed the state of bilateral relations, underlining the need to boost the economic and sectoral dialogue in established cooperation formats. Luminita Odobescu also had a short discussion with the Minister of Foreign Affairs from the State of Kuwait, Abdullah Ali Al-Yahya, on topics of common interest, from the perspective of strengthening bilateral relations. Security issues in the vicinity of the two states were also discussed. Israel has one of the most powerful and sophisticated armies in the world, and an arsenal including nuclear weapons. It also has one of the largest militaries relative to its population, which is slightly less than 10 million inhabitants: almost 170,000 active-duty soldiers. By contrast Spain, with a population of almost 49 million, had fewer than 117,000 regular troops in 2022, according to official data. Added to Israels standing army are 465,000 reservists who can be called up in the event of war, of whom 360,000 have already been mobilized in the almost 12 months of the Gaza conflict. The military capacity of the Lebanese Shia party-militia Hezbollah cannot even remotely compare with that of the Israel Defense Forces (IDF). It is not an insignificant enemy, however. The data on its arsenal are partial and, in many cases, come from calculations based on information from Israel and its main ally, the United States, so they may not be precise. They do though provide an idea of why many experts consider Hezbollah to be the best-armed non-state actor in the world, with the backing of Iran, but also of Syria. It even stocks medium- and long-range missiles in its warehouses, capable of hitting the entirety of Israels territory and its vital infrastructure, if they manage to get past Israels Iron Dome anti-aircraft defences. On Wednesday, Hezbollah targeted the headquarters of the Mossad intelligence services in the Tel Aviv region with a ballistic missile, which was intercepted. Fighters Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah recently reportedly increased his number of fighters to 100,000, a figure that Western foreign ministries reduced to less than half. According to a report by the bipartisan U.S. think tank Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS), Hezbollah has about 30,000 active fighters and up to 20,000 reserves, and its forces consist primarily of light infantry, which have historically been trained and built for stealth, mobility and autonomy. The CSIS cites an example, referring to the last major Israeli invasion of Lebanon in 2006. Then, [the militias] rocket units were designed to establish a launch point, fire, and disperse in less than 28 seconds, using pre-positioned equipment, underground shelters, and mountain bikes. The militia has extensive experience in guerrilla warfare and urban combat. In addition, CSIS stresses, the groups experience fighting in support of Bashar al-Assad in Syria over the past decade has given it access to capabilities and skills used by conventional armies. Haizam Amirah Fernandez, an analyst specializing in international relations in the Middle East, recently highlighted another advantage to this newspaper: motivation. In the case of a hypothetical Israeli invasion, Hezbollah members would be fighting to defend their land from an attack by another state. Despite its not inconsiderable military capacity, since October 2023, when it began its low-intensity war with Israel, Hezbollah has lost commanders and hundreds of combatants. Last week, some 1,500 militiamen were wounded, according to a militia source cited by Reuters, by the detonations of more than 5,000 pagers and walkie-talkies. Even so, in the event of a total war, this militia would be a formidable enemy, the American think tank stresses. Rockets, missiles and tanks Hezbollah has, according to estimates from various sources, between 120,000 and 200,000 rockets and missiles, most of them small, unguided, easily transported surface-to-surface artillery rockets, most notably the Katyusha rocket launchers, used extensively in the 2006 war and supplied mainly by Iran. Since then, Hezbollah has dramatically increased its access to long-range missiles with ranges of up to 500 kilometers (310 miles), that is, capable of hitting targets from the north to the south of Israel CSIS notes, meaning that much of Israel will feel the threat of Hezbollah attacks if the conflict escalates. Only a few hundred at most of these missiles are guided, but the precision of these weapons provides Hezbollah with the ability to strike high-value targets, vital economic centers, and critical infrastructure. Hezbollah has also had access to Russian-made tanks, such as T-72s, through its involvement in the Syrian war. However, it is not clear whether the militants are trained to use or repair them. The tanks would also be easy targets for sophisticated Israeli fighter jets and drones. Drones Iran, Hezbollahs main arms supplier, has provided the bulk of the unmanned aircraft it uses, including the Ayoub (Shahed-129), Mirsad 1 and 2, and Karrar models. It stocks commercial quadcopters and surveillance and attack drones, CSIS notes. The operators of these drones have been trained by the elite Quds Force, the regional arm of Irans parallel army, the Revolutionary Guard. Anti-tank missiles and anti-aircraft defense Hezbollah uses anti-tank missiles, dubbed Thar Allah, specifically designed to overcome the protection system of Israeli Merkava tanks, the Lebanese satellite television channel Al Mayadeen confirmed last October, although it is not known whether they are effective. The militia also installs Kornet anti-tank missiles on all-terrain vehicles, the CSIS report said. Since 2006, Hezbollah has received anti-aircraft guns, portable air defense systems and short- and medium-range surface-to-air missile systems manufactured in Iran and Russia. None of these weapons are capable of countering Israels overwhelming air superiority, which includes around 30 state-of-the-art F-35 fighter jets. But this hegemony is no longer absolute, as it was in the past. Geography and tunnels Hezbollah militants are familiar with the rocky hills of southern Lebanon. In that terrain, any heavy Israeli ground military force attempting to move through the region would likely be restricted to the main, compact roads due to the mountainous terrain and therefore vulnerable to harassment with anti-tank weapons, explosive devices, and ambushes, CSIS warns. Like Hamas in Gaza, Hezbollah has built a network of tunnels and bunkers in those hills, which it is believed are used to launch rocket attacks and hide ballistic missiles. Iran and North Korea helped build the tunnel network after Israels 2006 invasion, according to a report by Alma, an Israeli think tank specializing in the Lebanese Shia militia, as cited by Reuters. Sign up for our weekly newsletter to get more English-language news coverage from EL PAIS USA Edition JEFFERSON CITY A long-running conflict between a Hindu religious group and its Jefferson County neighbor made its way to the Missouri Supreme Court on Wednesday. The dispute involves a Hindu temple constructed in the House Springs area of Jefferson County. Faithful consider it a sacred site due to a religious ceremony Swamiji, a Hindu religious figure, performed there years ago, according to a brief filed by the group Nithyananda Dhyanapeetam of St. Louis, which says it provides Hindu teachings. Since 2008 it has owned three of lots in the area which had been originally platted as a residential subdivision in 2004 including the lot where the temple is located. But Fogarty Farms, the current owner of adjacent properties, has sought to enforce restrictions dating back to when the area was originally platted. The residential restrictions were duly recorded and applied (to) these lots, attorney Benjamin Wesselschmidt, representing Fogarty Farms, told the Supreme Court on Wednesday. He said the restrictions required single-family residential use for all of the lots. Bill and Lauren Fogarty are the members of Fogarty Farms, according to court records. But Nithyananda Dhyanapeetam of St. Louis says they owned property first and that Fogarty Farms was well aware of the intended purpose and use of the property when it purchased the land. Nithyananda Dhyanapeetam also says both parties have planned to use the land in a way that is inconsistent with the original vision for a subdivision. Their attorney says Fogarty has hosted huge corporate events on the land including stages, fireworks, bands, monster trucks, and drones. It adds Fogarty has never intended to develop the land for single-family dwellings. Fogartys position that the practice of religion cannot be consistent with single family dwellings, while a monster truck event is, shows the incredible audacity of his position, attorneys for the Hindu group told the Supreme Court in a trial brief. Ananda, the original buyer of the land from the developer, purchased the entire subdivision in 2007 and moved to build a Hindu worship center there. But the county eventually rejected the plans after a citizens group voiced opposition. The Hindu group said Fogarty helped organize the citizens group. Ananda then sold three lots to Nithyananda Dhyanapeetam in 2008; Fogarty Farms acquired the remaining 21 subdivision lots in 2015. Fogarty formed the Millstone Property Owners Association. The association, led by Bill Fogarty, then fined Nithyananda for violating subdivision restrictions. The group has not paid. Nithyananda argues Fogarty never had the authority to form the association because it was never granted developer rights to the land. The Hindu group argues Ananda and Fogarty both took actions to abandon/waive the restrictive covenants to the point they were unenforceable. In 2007, Ananda built a warehouse for religious statues called deities. The warehouse was considered a temple and individuals arranged for Swamiji to come to the Temple and perform prana pratishtha, described as a rare and sacred event that energized the deities. Though referred to as Swamiji, the brief says the religious leaders actual name is Supreme Pontiff of Hinduism Jagatguru Mahasanndhanam His Divine Holiness Bhagavan Nithyananda Paramashivam. He also goes by Nithyananda, and has been wanted on charges in India including sexual assault. Nithyananda is also the leader of fictional country Kailasa, described as the revival of the ancient enlightened Hindu civilizational nation which is being revived by displaced Hindus from around the world. And he has been accused of being a cult leader, featured in the 2022 documentary series My Daughter Joined a Cult. The brief says that after becoming energized by Swamiji, the deities must be appropriately cared for through daily religious ritual. The deities have been placed on sacred hallowed ground and cannot be relocated, the brief says, going on to say it is necessary for the faithful to have proper access to the deities so that the daily ritual can properly be performed. At the Supreme Court on Wednesday, Allison Sweeney, attorney for Nithyananda, also made a religious freedom case on behalf of her clients. Religious freedom should be broadly granted, she told the Supreme Court. And so when youve got a close call, like is this a restrictive covenant case or is this a religious freedom case? The religious freedom has to win out over these restrictive covenants, she said. The Associated Press contributed to this report. NEW YORK The U.S., France and other allies jointly called Wednesday for an immediate 21-day cease-fire to allow for negotiations in the escalating conflict between Israel and Hezbollah that has killed more than 600 people in Lebanon in recent days. The joint statement, negotiated on the sidelines of the U.N. General Assembly in New York, says the recent fighting is intolerable and presents an unacceptable risk of a broader regional escalation. We call for an immediate 21-day cease-fire across the Lebanon-Israel border to provide space for diplomacy, the statement said. We call on all parties, including the governments of Israel and Lebanon, to endorse the temporary cease-fire immediately." There was no immediate reaction from the Israeli or Lebanese governments or Hezbollah but senior U.S. officials said all parties were aware of the call for a cease-fire. Earlier, representatives for Israel and Lebanon reiterated their support for a U.N. resolution that ended the 2006 war between Israel and the Iranian-backed militant group. The U.S. hopes the new deal could lead to longer-term stability along the border between Israel and Lebanon. Months of Israeli and Hezbollah exchanges of fire have driven tens of thousands of people from their homes, and escalated attacks over the past week have rekindled fears of a broader war in the Middle East. The U.S. officials said Hezbollah would not be a signatory to the cease-fire but believed the Lebanese government would coordinate its acceptance with the group. They said they expected Israel to welcome the proposal and perhaps formally accept it when Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu speaks at the General Assembly on Friday. While the deal applies only to the Israel-Lebanon border, the U.S. officials said they were looking to use a three-week pause in fighting to restart stalled negotiations for a cease-fire and hostage release deal between Israel and Hamas, another Iranian-backed militant group, after nearly a year of war in Gaza. Netanyahus Office said that the ceasefire put forward from the United States and France was only a proposal and the Prime Minister, who is currently on a flight en route to the United States for the United Nations General Assembly, has not responded to the proposal. The U.S., France and other allies jointly called Wednesday for an immediate 21-day cease-fire to allow for negotiations in the escalating conflict between Israel and Hezbollah that has killed more than 600 people in Lebanon in recent days. Israels Foreign Minister Israel Katz, who is the acting prime minister during Netanyahus trip abroad, said that there will be no ceasefire in the north, vowing to continue the fighting in the north with full force until victory and returning the tens of thousands of Israeli citizens evacuated from their homes in the north. The Prime Ministers Office added that the Israeli military was continuing to strike Hezbollah targets in Lebanon and the war in Gaza. The allies calling for a halt to the Israel-Hezbollah conflict are the United States, Australia, Canada, the European Union, France, the U.K., Germany, Italy, Japan, Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates and Qatar. Work on the proposal came together quickly this week with President Joe Bidens national security team, led by Secretary of State Antony Blinken and national security adviser Jake Sullivan, meeting with world leaders in New York and lobbying other countries to support the plan, according to U.S. officials who spoke on condition of anonymity to discuss sensitive diplomatic conversations. Blinken first raised the proposal with the French foreign minister Monday and then broadened his outreach that evening at a dinner with the foreign ministers of all the Group of Seven industrialized democracies. During a meeting Wednesday morning with Gulf Cooperation Council foreign ministers, Blinken approached Qatari Prime Minister Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani and Saudi Foreign Minister Faisal bin Farhan to ask their approval and got it. Blinken and senior White House adviser Amos Hochstein then met with Lebanese Prime Minister Najib Mikati, who signed off on the deal. Sullivan, Hochstein and senior adviser Brett McGurk were also in touch with Israeli officials about the proposal, one of the U.S. officials said. McGurk and Hochstein have been the White Houses chief interlocutors with Israel and Lebanon since the Oct. 7 attack on Israel by Hamas launched the war in Gaza. The officials said the deal crystallized by late Wednesday afternoon during a conversation on the sidelines of the U.N. General Assembly between Biden and French President Emmanuel Macron. Blinken expects to meet Netanyahus top strategic adviser in New York on Thursday ahead of the prime ministers arrival. An Israeli official said Netanyahu has given the green light to pursue a possible deal, but only if it includes the return of Israeli civilians to their homes. The official spoke on condition of anonymity because they were discussing behind-the-scenes diplomacy. French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot told the U.N. Security Council during a special meeting that we are counting on both parties to accept it without delay and added that war is not unavoidable. At the meeting, Mikati, the Lebanese prime minister, publicly threw his support behind the French-U.S. plan that enjoys international support and which would put an end to this dirty war. He called on the Security Council to guarantee the withdrawal of Israel from all the occupied Lebanese territories and the violations that are repeated on a daily basis. Israels U.N. Ambassador, Danny Danon, told journalists that Israel would like to see a cease-fire and the return of people to their homes near the border: It will happen, either after a war or before a war. We hope it will be before. Addressing the Security Council later, he made no mention of a temporary cease-fire but said Israel does not seek a full-scale war. Both Danon and Mikati reaffirmed their governments commitment to a Security Council resolution that ended the 2006 Israeli-Hezbollah war. Never fully implemented, it called for a cessation of hostilities between Israel and Hezbollah, the withdrawal of Israeli forces from Lebanon to be replaced by Lebanese forces and U.N. peacekeepers, and the disarmament of all armed groups including Hezbollah. Earlier Wednesday, Biden warned in an appearance on ABCs The View that an all-out war is possible but said he thinks the opportunity also exists to have a settlement that can fundamentally change the whole region. Biden suggested that getting Israel and Hezbollah to agree to a cease-fire could help achieve a cessation of hostilities between Israel and Hamas in Gaza. That war is approaching the one-year mark after Hamas attacked southern Israel on Oct. 7, killing about 1,200 people and taking hostages. Israel responded with an offensive that has since killed more than 41,000 Palestinians, according to Gaza health officials, who do not provide a breakdown of civilians and fighters in their count. It's possible and I'm using every bit of energy I have with my team to get this done, Biden said. There's a desire to see change in the region. The U.S. government also raised the pressure with additional sanctions targeting more than a dozen ships and other entities it says were involved in illicit shipments of Iranian petroleum for the financial benefit of Irans Revolutionary Guard and Hezbollah. AP reporters Zeke Miller and Darlene Superville in Washington, Josef Federman in Jerusalem, Edith M. Lederer at the United Nations and Bassem Mroue in Beirut contributed. Updated at 4:45 a.m. Israel is pushing back against calls for a truce with Hezbollah after pressure in recent hours following its threat to launch a ground invasion of Lebanon, which led a coalition of countries to propose at least a temporary cessation of hostilities between the Jewish state and the Shia party-militia. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who on Thursday traveled to New York to attend the United Nations General Assembly, has not offered any cause for optimism regarding this negotiation, an initiative led by Washington and Paris. Furthermore, Netanyahu has issued orders for his army to continue the fighting with full force. The increase in border tension and the risk of an all-out war with Lebanon is one of the issues that world leaders are addressing at the U.N. headquarters a few days before the first anniversary of the Gaza conflict on October 7. Even before Netanyahu had discarded the diplomatic route, members of his government had taken it upon themselves to describe a ceasefire as unviable. Foreign Minister Israel Katz responded categorically to the proposal: There will be no ceasefire in the north. Opening the door to a truce would, according to these political representatives, not only embolden the Lebanese militia backed by Iran and allow it to regroup, but would amount to surrender. Meanwhile, in recent hours, both the bombing of Lebanese territory by Israeli warplanes and the launching of missiles by Hezbollah toward Israel have continued. The prime minister has instructed the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) to continue the fighting with full force, and according to the plans presented to him, said a statement from Netanyahus office, which insisted that a possible agreement to silence the guns was not on the table, at least not on his part. The report about a ceasefire is incorrect. This is an American-French proposal that the prime minister has not even responded to, it added. The report about the purported directive to ease up on the fighting in the north is the opposite of the truth, it added. Netanyahus office also issued a reminder, in case anyone had forgotten, about the situation on the southern front, in the Gaza Strip. The fighting in Gaza will also continue until all the objectives of the war have been achieved, the statement concluded. In addition to rejecting any possible ceasefire, the Israeli foreign minister insisted that the IDF will continue to attack the Shia militia with all our strength until victory and the safe return of the residents of the north to their homes, referring to the 60,000 people displaced from the immediate vicinity of the border. Katz is acting in the name of the prime minister, who is due to return to Israel on Saturday, although, according to local media, the foreign minister will not make any essential decisions for the outcome of the war on his own initiative in this time frame. The Paris-Washington initiative provides for a three-week ceasefire. U.S. President Joe Biden said his proposal is capable of attracting support from European and Arab countries. Lebanese Prime Minister Najib Mikati says there is still time to stop the escalation and expressed optimism in statements to Reuters. But the main barrier faced by the American and French proposal is the refusal of the Israeli authorities to withdraw. Israeli opposition leader Yair Lapid appears to be adopting the middle ground, calling for his country to accept a seven-day truce so as not to give Hezbollah the opportunity to regain strength and restore its command and control systems, he said on X. We will not accept any proposal that does not include removing Hezbollah from our northern border, he clarified. The idea is to allow Israeli evacuees from that area to return to their homes, something that Netanyahu has been insisting on for days as an essential objective. The ultra-nationalist Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich, on the other hand, is firmly opposed to this. He sees only one scenario for the current military pressure in the north: crushing Hezbollah. The enemy must not be given time to recover from the heavy blows it has suffered and reorganize itself to continue the war after 21 days, Smotrich said. Minister Orit Strock, a party colleague of Smotrich in charge of illegal Jewish settlements in occupied Palestine, called on Israel not to repeat the mistakes of the past and to close the door on a ceasefire in the north. While the political negotiations go on, Israeli attacks continue. At least 23 Syrians, almost all women and children, were killed in the bombing of a building in the town of Younine, eastern Lebanon, on Wednesday night, according to Reuters, citing information from the mayor. Meanwhile, in northern Israel, air raid sirens continue to sound, warning residents of the possibility of attacks from Lebanon. Some 30 rockets have been intercepted in the vicinity of the city of Acre, less than 10 miles from the border between the two countries. Dozens of other projectiles have been launched towards Haifa Bay, further south, without causing any fatalities. The authorities continue to warn residents in the northernmost areas of Israel not to leave their shelters. Meanwhile, the 100,000 residents who had already fled the area around the southern Lebanese border in recent months have been joined by more than half a million people who have been forcibly displaced in recent days, driven from their homes by strikes by the Israeli air force. Sign up for our weekly newsletter to get more English-language news coverage from EL PAIS USA Edition While driving recently, I saw a lawn sign that grabbed my attention. It simply said: Harris obviously. To millions of Americans concerned about former President Donald Trumps potential return to the White House, their decision on Nov. 5 has never been more apparent. For others, though, its not so simple. In 2020, 74 million people voted for Trump. Within that number were quite a few Jewish and Muslim Americans. The upcoming one-year anniversary of the Hamas attack on Israel on Oct. 7 significant to so many Jewish and Muslim Americans and coming less than a month before the presidential election presents an excellent opportunity to revisit the candidates positions on this subject. Think back to that day. Without warning, Hamas launched a series of coordinated attacks on Israel, resulting in the deaths of more than 1,100 Israelis. In addition, they abducted another 251, including children, women, and older adults. This assault, which encompassed the slaughter of babies and the rape of women, was the deadliest attack on the Jewish people since the Holocaust. For some Jewish Americans, the violence of that day legitimized any Israeli response, regardless of its severity. Consequently, while the Biden Administration has exerted diplomatic pressure on the Israeli government to agree to a ceasefire in its ongoing conflict in Gaza, Trump has repeatedly claimed that he fought for Israel like no president ever before. This may lead many Jewish Americans to vote for Trump without hesitation. Israels subsequent invasion has resulted in more than 40,000 Palestinian deaths, as reported by the Hamas-controlled health ministry. Additionally, 1.9 million of Gazas 2.1 million residents have been displaced. Most of them are currently living in unsanitary and overcrowded conditions, facing severe shortages of food, water, medical care, and other necessities. Israels response, along with the Biden Administrations ongoing support, has sparked pro-Palestinian protests throughout the United States. Many Muslim Americans have also grown weary of the Biden Administrations reluctance to strongarm Israel into an immediate ceasefire. This could have significant political implications, particularly in swing states like Michigan. In light of recent developments, which candidate is best suited to handle the situation in the Middle East? For starters, Jewish Americans should not rush to condemn Vice President Kamala Harris. At the Democratic National Convention, she said, Let me be clear: I will always stand up for Israels right to defend itself, and I will always ensure Israel has the ability to defend itself. Addressing the other side, Vice President Harris added, What has happened in Gaza in the past ten months is devastating. So many innocent lives lost. The scale of suffering is heartbreaking. She promised to work for a cease-fire so Palestinian people can realize their right to dignity, security, freedom, and self-determination. In her own words, Harris aims to be fair to both sides. Donald Trump, on the other hand, recently spoke to Jewish audiences like they were petulant children, saying that any Jewish person who votes for Kamala Harris is a fool who should have their head examined. He added: If I dont win this election ... Jewish people would have a lot to do with that. Its ironic that when Trump spoke these words, he was putatively addressing the rise in antisemitism in America. When he proclaimed that I wasnt treated properly by the voters who happen to be Jewish, his implied threat should remind us that as president, Trump also responded to the violence by neo-Nazi protesters in Charlottesville, Virginia, by saying there were very fine people on both sides. Time and again, Trump has said whatever would gain him the most votes. So perhaps it is Jewish Americans who still believe the former president is their friend who, to paraphrase Trump, should have their heads examined. Muslim Americans should also carefully consider their some factors before supporting Trump. In addition to pledging unwavering support for Israel, he has vowed to reinstate his travel ban on residents of several Muslim-majority nations. The situation in the Middle East is highly intricate, and the recent hostility between Israel and Hezbollah has only exacerbated the issue. Ultimately, all Americans must consider who is best equipped to handle this diplomatic Gordian Knot: the 78-year-old self-proclaimed stable genius who would say anything to regain the White House, or the 59-year-old vice president who simply wants to heal a divided nation. After several years of controversy over her management of St. Louis downtown jail, city Corrections Commissioner Jennifer Clemons-Abdullah is now on leave and has been, it turns out, since late last week. Is this part of the reform that we and others have clamored for in the jails operation? Who knows? In what has become the most predictable aspect of the citys otherwise chaotically unpredictable detention system, Mayor Tishaura Jones administration is refusing to reveal even the most basic information about Clemons-Abdullahs absence. This familiar, knee-jerk secrecy surrounding such an important city function is insulting to the taxpayers and anathema to reform. Jones made jail reform a centerpiece of her 2021 mayoral campaign, but that system has instead become arguably her heaviest albatross in office. Her early decision to close the controversial medium-security jail known as the workhouse a decision driven by politics with apparently little regard for its practical impact set the stage for problems that followed in the downtown jail: Overcrowding, inmate deaths, medical issues, rioting, security malfunctions, a hostage situation involving a guard, and more have created a sense of continuing crisis at the facility. The administrations consistent aversion to transparency has consistently made things worse. Even members of the civilian oversight board that Jones created and appointed a key element of her reform promises have resigned in protest to the secrecy surrounding various incidents at the jail. An especially egregious example of the jails intersection of mismanagement and secrecy arose in January. A defense attorney documented his jailed clients untreated medical condition with a cellphone photo that was published in the Post-Dispatch and elsewhere. Instead of addressing the issue of medical neglect, the administration cracked down on lawyers cellphones in the jail while claiming, improbably, that it wasnt in reaction to the media exposure. Though those and other decisions to keep secret from (or even mislead) the public about jail issues have come from Clemons-Abdullahs office, she serves at the pleasure of the mayor. Yet, as we wrote back in January, the mayors reaction when these controversies arise has been to act as if it has nothing to do with her. In fact, it does. Transparency (or the lack of it) starts at the top. Critics on the Board of Aldermen and elsewhere have previously called for Clemons-Abdullahs ouster over both the jail incidents and the lack of transparency around them. Which makes the lack of information regarding her current status all the more unacceptable. As the Post-Dispatchs Austin Huguelet reports, Clemons-Abdullah has been on leave since late last week, though city officials didnt confirm her absence until Wednesday. And thats about all theyve confirmed. The mayors office, vaguely citing personnel privacy rules, has refused to answer virtually any fundamental questions about the issue. Among the unanswered ones: Was Clemons-Abdullah placed on leave involuntarily, or did she take it upon herself? Is this a medical or personal issue, or has there been some new incident involving management at the jail that the public doesnt yet know about? Is she being paid while on leave? Will she be back? If so, when? There is no question this obstinate official silence violates the spirit of Missouris Sunshine Law; whether it violates the letter of that law is less clear. That would likely depend on whether Clemons-Abdullahs leave is related to personal or professional issues. And the mayors office wont even divulge that much. Unfortunately, thats not surprising. We have pointed out, multiple times before, this administrations distressing instinct toward secrecy regarding public issues. Whether its hiding the purpose of city grants handed out to politically connected businesses, or stonewalling on details of police cruisers destroying private property, or the destruction of city records that have been demanded in litigation, the current city leadership appears to think the public isnt entitled to any public information that might prove politically embarrassing. That in itself should be politically embarrassing. But given recent history, were not expecting this mayor to have an unprompted epiphany about the importance of government transparency. Only if and when St. Louis residents begin demanding such transparency will it happen. Regarding Rabbi Jeffrey Abrahams op-ed St. Louis Jews, allies must stand together as Oct. 7 approaches (Sept. 19): Im stunned that anyone could write such a tone-deaf, insensitive article almost a year into the Gaza genocide, but here we are. Abraham makes so many inflammatory and untrue statements its hard to even know where to begin. He disparages and insults non- and anti-Zionist Jews. He invokes social justice and community activism while centering American Jewish Zionist discomfort over tens of thousands of Palestinian lives being actively exterminated by Israel. He accuses Rep. Cori Bush of hateful rhetoric for accurately stating that what is happening in Gaza is genocide. He brags about helping achieve the election of Wesley Bell, an opportunist who failed Michael Browns family and whose campaign was funded by Republican mega-donors. But the most egregious part of all is how Abraham openly denies the Gaza genocide, even going so far as to put genocide in quotes. By any measure of the definition, what is happening in Gaza is genocide. St. Louis is home to a large population of Bosnians who were displaced after the 1995 Srebrenica massacre in which roughly 8,000 Bosnian men and boys were murdered in what is internationally recognized as genocide. The American government and media acknowledge that at least 41,000 Palestinians, mostly women and children, have been killed by Israel. In 2024, there is absolutely no excuse for genocide denial. I call upon Rabbi Abraham to publicly apologize immediately. Nicole Fields St. Louis Smith Barracks climbs the hill above Baumholder, Germany. The U.S. military presence in the town is set to grow, as ground was broken Sept. 19, 2024, for new annexes at the installation, part of an ongoing $500 million construction program. (Stars and Stripes) Work is underway on new annex facilities at the U.S. Armys garrison in Baumholder, Germany, where $500 million worth of construction is taking place in anticipation of the transfer of special operations troops from Stuttgart. Last week, Army officials held a groundbreaking ceremony for the annexes at the installation. The development program entails creation of new buildings and restoration of operational ones, U.S. Special Operations Command Europe said in a statement Sept. 19. Four annexes are slated to be built as part of Baumholders expansion, but the statement didnt say how many are under construction in the wake of the groundbreaking. Two of the annexes are scheduled to be completed by 2027, and the two others will come online the following year. About 1,000 special operations troops, family members and support staff are expected to make the move from Stuttgart to Baumholder by 2026. The projects will improve the quality of life in Baumholder and also put the incoming personnel closer to Ramstein Air Base, the premier power projection platform in Germany, according to the statement. Col. Stephen Murphy, command engineer for U.S. Special Operations Command, speaks at a groundbreaking ceremony in Baumholder, Germany, on Sept. 19, 2024. Construction is underway on a set of annexes, which are part of a $500 million building program as Baumholder gets set for the transfer of special operations forces. (Xzavier Marte/U.S. Army National Guard) Part of U.S. Army Garrison Rheinland-Pfalz, the Baumholder base is about a 40-minute drive from Ramstein. By contrast, the garrison in Stuttgart is over two hours away from the Kaiserslautern-area air base. The facilities are part of more than 60 projects intended to redevelop the Baumholder garrison, which at one time was scheduled for closure as part of the Armys post-Cold War drawdown in Europe. But the service reversed course on that decision years ago and has since been pouring in resources to improve living conditions at the base. Hundreds of new family housing units are being built. More than one-third of the projects have already been completed, military officials said in the statement. For special operations forces, the shift to Baumholder will offer access to larger ranges for shooting and maneuvers than what is available in Stuttgart, a major metro area that hosts U.S. European and Africa Command headquarters. While the Baumholder move will affect special operators, the commands headquarters will remain in Stuttgart. U.S. Army Maj. Gen. Christopher Norrie, commanding general of 3rd Infantry Division, listens to a presentation before a multinational live-fire exercise at Bemowo Piskie Training Area in Poland on April 17, 2024. (Sgt. Cecil Elliott II/U.S. Army) Fake command posts, electromagnetic decoys and fast-moving mission control hubs are some of the ways the war in Ukraine has transformed U.S. Army training in Europe, according to a top American general in the wake of a rotation on NATOs eastern flank. The new focus is on getting troops to adapt faster to a more complex battlefield, the 3rd Infantry Divisions Maj. Gen. Christopher Norrie said in an Army statement Wednesday. His team wrapped up a nine-month deployment this spring overseeing Army units across Poland and the Baltics. The Armys approach to training has evolved over the past couple of years with an emphasis on so-called transforming in contact, which involves drawing lessons learned by troops in the field that are rapidly tested by the larger Army. Were observing the world, and then were transforming in contact, Norrie said. U.S. Army Cpl. Austin Douglas, front, and Pvt. Thomas Bryd, both with 2nd Armored Brigade, 3rd Infantry Division, maintain a defensive position during a NATO drill at Bemowo Piskie Training Area in Poland on March 11, 2024. (Anthony Ford/U.S. Army) In the past, ensuring the mobility of a brigade command post wasnt a major priority for the Army, which during two decades of conflict in Iraq and Afghanistan didnt face adversaries with long-range strike capabilities. However, the war in Ukraine and the widespread use of drones and precision strikes have revealed how exposed command posts can become. During the 3rd Infantry Divisions deployment, which concluded in May, soldiers coordinated with the U.S. European Commands Security Assistance Group Ukraine team and learned about how Ukrainian forces carried out combat operations against Russian counterparts. That information was delivered to other units preparing in the United States for their own deployments to Europe. The arrangement resulted in combat scenarios that incorporated technology such as tethered drones and electromagnetic decoys to assist in protecting U.S. forces from becoming targets, the Army said. Soldiers assigned to 2nd Armored Brigade, 3rd Infantry Division run toward a defensive position during an exercise at Bemowo Piskie Training Area in Poland on March 11, 2024. (Anthony Ford/U.S. Army) The deception tactics included creating fake command posts to lure in the simulated enemy. This allowed them to destroy the adversaries assets while preserving the real command post, the Army statement said. Before his time in command of the 3rd Infantry Division, Norrie did multiple stints in Europe that included leading the 7th Army Training Command in Grafenwoehr. That has given him an up-close look at how the Armys mission on the Continent has changed. In just a few short years, we have command posts that move in minutes, Norrie said, adding that the Army also has gotten faster at issuing mission-style battlefield orders. In 2017, he convoyed a full armored brigade of soldiers from a port in Germany to locations in Poland, marking the beginning of the Armys effort to establish a continuous rotation of tank power in central and Eastern Europe. Since then, Army operations along NATOs eastern flank have steadily evolved. Sailors launch an F-35C Lightning II from Strike Fighter Squadron 125 on Nimitz-class carrier USS George Washington on Jan. 17, 2024. The first F-35C of Marine Fighter Attack Squadron 251, based in Cherry Point, N.C., arrived Sept. 17, and the squadron will be reactivated after more are delivered. (August Clawson/U.S. Navy) A Marine Corps aviation units return to action is waiting in the wings, pending delivery of enough additional F-35C Lighting II jets to allow it to get going. The first of Marine Fighter Attack Squadron 251s planes arrived on Sept. 17 in Cherry Point, N.C., the new home of the squadron nicknamed the Thunderbolts. It was formerly based at Marine Corps Air Station Beaufort in South Carolina. A fully staffed Marine Corps F-35 squadron consists of 10 aircraft, according to the service. Marine Corps officials did not provide a timeline for the arrival of the remaining jets. The Thunderbolts could still restart without their full inventory of F-35s, 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing spokesman 2nd Lt. John Graham said Wednesday. The squadrons official reactivation is dependent on the arrival of more aircraft, he said. However, achieving full operational capability is not a prerequisite. The fifth-generation fighter jet is the first model of its kind to reach the Corps East Coast air wing. The squadron is set to support the Navys Carrier Air Wing 8. For 34 years, the unit was an F/A-18 Hornet squadron, but the Marine Corps is replacing its aging fleet of Hornets with the state-of-the-art F-35C. F-35C Lightning IIs and F/A-18E/F Super Hornets fly over Naval Air Station Fallon in Nevada. Marine Fighter Attack Squadron 251 is preparing to reactivate as an F-35 squadron based in Cherry Point, N.C. (Darin Russell/U.S. Navy) The squadron was deactivated in 2020 after returning from a deployment in support of Operation Inherent Resolve, the U.S.-led fight against the Islamic State in Iraq and Syria. In addition, the services transition to the F-35 will eventually spell the end for the AV-8B Harrier jets in its fleet. They will give way to the F-35B, a short-takeoff-and-vertical-landing aircraft. According to the services 2022 aviation plan, the Harrier will remain in operations until 2027 but is slowly being phased out. Marine Fighter Attack Squadron 542, which is the Thunderbolts sister squadron at Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point, will fly the B variant of the F-35. Their activation in April marked the completion of their transition from the Harrier, Graham said. The F-35 is more stealthy, maneuverable and has better sensor network and fuel capacity, according to the service. The one-two punch provided by the F-35Cs increased range and the F-35Bs (short takeoff and vertical-landing) capability will give ... a significant advantage in the future fight, Col. Benjamin Grant, commander of Marine Aircraft Group 14, the squadrons parent command, said in the Sept. 17 statement. Zushi, a popular beach near Yokosuka Naval Base, Japan, is pictured on March 22, 2024. (Akifumi Ishikawa/Stars and Strip) YOKOSUKA, Japan The U.S. sailor accused of running into and injuring several people near a popular Japanese beach in 2022 was found guilty on all counts Friday but avoids jail time with a suspended sentence. Petty Officer 2nd Class Daniel Krieger, 31, a logistics specialist aboard the guided-missile destroyer USS Milius, was sentenced to two years and four months of prison with hard labor, suspended for four years by the Yokohama District Court Yokosuka Branch. Krieger hasnt decided whether he will appeal the sentence, lead defense attorney Takashi Takano told Stars and Stripes after the sentencing. I think the decision was wrong, Takano told reporters after the hearing. At a prior hearing, Krieger admitted to charging into five people and knocking them down near Zushi Beach on July 9, 2022. However, he pleaded not guilty on March 8 to four counts of bodily injury. His attorneys argued that he suffers from a pre-existing brain injury and was severely intoxicated at the time of the incident. All five people were injured, the most severely a man, 33 at the time, with multiple sprained vertebrae and a woman, 58, with a broken upper jaw, broken nasal bone and other facial injuries. The woman, now 60, said she was happy with the verdict, but disappointed by the suspended sentence. I hope he recognizes his crime after this decision, because he hasnt apologized or shown any remorse, she told reporters after the sentencing. She declined to provide her name. In a summary, the three-judge panel led by Judge Yasushi Katada said they noted the two most injured parties required two months of medical treatment or recovery, and the remaining two required between one and two weeks. Prosecutors ultimately indicted Krieger on four counts of causing bodily injury. Kriegers wife, Rina Krieger, testified April 25 that the sailor had consumed at least 11 alcoholic beverages over the course of several hours that day. She said her husband struggles with memory lapses and has problems with balance, the result of a 2015 brain injury he suffered while breaking up a fight. The judges said Kriegers health and intoxication played a part in the case, but they didnt believe it excused his actions or absolved him of responsibility. The incident, during which Krieger kicked one of the injured parties, constituted dangerous brutality, according to the summary. They also described it as indiscriminate violence committed in public against people who were not at fault. Katada in the summary said the judges felt Krieger was unable to control himself because he was drunk and his actions were a way to relieve his stress about the overall situation and his ongoing health issues. The judges found Krieger intentionally injured the 33-year-old man and a second man, and by negligence injured the other two people, Katada told the court. Japanese police interviewed Krieger after the incident; afterward he was restricted to the naval base throughout the trial. Krieger testified that he consumed between 10 and 20 drinks that day and remembers very little of the incident. It was like a dream, when a monster chases you, but you dont know why, he said. Krieger also faces a civil lawsuit, with the injured parties asking for about $153,000. A Navy contractor inspects a water pipe that connects to a granular activated carbon system at the Red Hill well near Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam, Hawaii, in April 2022. (MarQueon A. D. Tramble/U.S. Navy) The University of Hawaii is poised to renew a controversial contract to conduct research for the U.S. military worth up to $285 million over 10 years, in what administrators call a major source of federal funding for the university. While supporters say the Applied Research Laboratory creates well-paying jobs conducting research with important civilian applications, critics say the university shouldnt be engaged in a partnership that includes work for the military, some of which is classified. Of particular concern is the laboratorys sponsor, the U.S. Navy, which has been embroiled in controversy after back-to-back spills of jet fuel into the Pearl Harbor drinking water system, which serves some 93,000 people, in 2021. Highlighting the fault line between university administrators and their critics, the University of Hawaii Board of Regents on Friday unanimously passed a motion effectively allowing administrators to finalize the contract, despite a resolution by the UH student senate demanding the university sever its ties to the military. Vassilis Syrmos, UHs vice president for research and innovation, said the outcry reprises one that started when the university began its partnership with the Navy in the early 2000s. The catastrophic event at Red Hill brought all those feelings up again, he said. There is no way to sugar coat this thing. Native Hawaiian students and residents are leading the push against the Department of Defense, he said. Its a movement, Syrmos said. Its a Native Hawaiian renaissance against the DOD presence. Its real, and I dont think its going away. Momi Bachiller, a fourth-year student of molecular cell biology and Hawaiian language, said its disheartening to students that the administration is moving ahead with the contract renewal despite vocal opposition. We are stakeholders, but they dont respect us, said Bachiller, who also serves as a senator for the Associated Students of the University of Hawaii. When the center was founded in 2008, the University of Hawaii became the nations fifth U.S. Navy University-Affiliated Research Center. The other so-called UARCs are located at Johns Hopkins University, the University of Washington, Pennsylvania State University and the University of Texas at Austin. A U.S. Navy E-2D Advanced Hawkeye launches from the USS Carl Vinson during RIMPAC exercises in Hawaii on July 15, 2024. (Jerreht Harris/U.S. Air Force) Navy and defense technology research The UARCs are meant to serve as centers for research into critical Navy and national defense technology, focusing on core competencies of university researchers. In the case of UH, they include ocean science, astronomy, optics and renewable energy. The official name of Hawaiis UARC is the Applied Research Laboratory at the University of Hawaii. In a presentation to the Board of Regents earlier this month, Syrmos alluded to early criticisms of the center, noting that Denise Konan, then UH Manoas Interim Chancellor, initially recommended against going forward based on campus consultations. But the Board of Regents later approved the center after learning that dozens of UHs most productive researchers supported it, Syrmos presentation said. The presentation also quoted UHs then-president, David McClain, who recognized the controversy but said researchers should be able to pursue their interests, even if some people didnt like it. Because of the inherent diversity and need for freedom of inquiry which in my view does and should characterize the academy, I tend to be biased in favor of measures to support the individual scholar no matter how popular or even more importantly, how unpopular his or her research interests, McClain is quoted as saying. Nearly two decades later, the center and its Applied Research Laboratory, is a major source of funding for UH. In the past fiscal year, the Department of Defense provided about $65 million of some $615 million in so-called extramural funding the university brought in for research, Syrmos said. The research lab alone accounted for $15 million to $20 million he said. Supporters include high-profile academics like Chip Fletcher, interim dean of UHs School of Ocean and Earth Science and Technology. He cited ARLs support of diversity, equity and inclusion in written testimony to the Board of Regents supporting the contract. By engaging with underrepresented groups and providing opportunities for students from diverse backgrounds to participate in high-impact research, the ARL is helping to build a more inclusive and equitable academic environment, Fletcher wrote. Among the Applied Research Laboratorys projects related to ocean science is the Rapid Resilient Reefs for Coastal Defense, a $27 million, five-year project conducted in partnership with the University of California San Diego/Scripps Institution of Oceanography, Florida Atlantic University and the Ohio State University. The purpose is to create artificial reefs of fast-growing coral that mimic the biodiversity of natural reefs, said Joshua Levy, the projects technical program manager. The hope is that such reefs can protect coastal communities in a time of rising sea levels, defending not against warships but the effects of climate change, Levy said. These are things that affect coastal communities around the world, he said. Other projects focus on information technology. On Maui, a 52-member team at the Vanguard Center of High Performance Computing is doing research into creating computers capable of complex tasks like engineering, weather forecasting and cybersecurity, says Tiare Martin, the centers director. The vision is to have labs across the state, Martin said. A Navy contractor collects water samples Jan. 31, 2024, as part of the Navys long-term monitoring program at Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam, Hawaii. (Krystal Diaz/U.S. Navy) Mistrust in the military Despite its economic benefits, the military has fostered animosity and mistrust in Hawaii for generations. The use of Koohalawe as a bombing target starting in World War II prompted protests in the 1970s. The herbicide Agent Orange was tested under a U.S. Army contract at the University of Hawaiis Kauai Agricultural Research Station in the 1960s. Verdant Makua Valley in West Oahu was taken over by the military for live-fire military exercises for generations, from around 1930 to early 2004; the Armys lease of Makua continues until 2029. Against this backdrop, critics point to an overarching concern about Hawaii being a center for military research. You have to put it in the context of a genocidal settler colonialism, Bachiller, the student government senator, said in an interview. She was one of six students senators who testified against the research contract at Fridays Board of Regents meeting. Punia Pale, the student government treasurer, testified that UH deepens the wounds of colonialization and exploitation by using Native Hawaiian land without consent. These lands should be returned to the Hawaiian people, and they should not be used for research that serves the U.S. military interests especially when such interests have historically oppressed Indigenous people around the world, currently now Palestine, he said. Kawai Kupuni, another student government senator, noted that academic research should advance human knowledge, not be locked up as top secret. Free inquiry will never be compatible with classified research, she said. Among those on the other side of the debate is former Hawaii Gov. Neil Abercombie, a current university regent who also served nine terms a U.S. representative from Hawaii. Its not uncommon for military information to be classified, Abercrombie said in an interview. That includes parts of the Pentagon budget, which he was responsible for passing as a member of the House Armed Services Committee. But, Abercrombie said, simply because some UH research is classified doesnt mean professors are developing weapons there. Syrmos and others insist thats not happening at the laboratory. They kind of set positions, Abercrombie said of the protesters. And no one talks to each other about what it is and is not because that might interfere with their ideological perceptions. And I understand that. But to suggest university professors are surreptitiously developing weapons under a cloak of military secrecy is offensive to the integrity of the researchers, Abercrombie said. Joining Abercombie and the other regents who unanimously supported the military contract were long-time members of the UH community. Dr. Bill Haning is an emeritus professor of psychiatry at UHs John A. Burns School of Medicine, where hes been a clinician, educator and researcher with UH since 1989. Lori Tochiki served more than a decade as associate dean for student services at UHs William S. Richardson School of Law. Joshua Faumuina, a law student who serves as the Board of Regents interim student regent, said he shared the concerns of critics. But, he said, I would rather have that money with us than with a weapons developer. This story was originally published by Honolulu Civil Beat and distributed through a partnership with The Associated Press. The only known privately-held, official, signed ratification copy of the U.S. Constitution will be auctioned on Sept. 28, 2024. (Brunk Auctions) To some people, the contents of a decades-old folder found in a North Carolina mansions filing cabinet might just look like a stack of old papers, appraiser Ken Farmer said. But when Farmer opened the folder last year, he believed he mightve found the rarest artifact of his career. Inside the folder he found a copy of the U.S. Constitution that was dated 1787. On the final page, Farmer inspected the signature of Charles Thomson, the secretary of the Continental Congress at the time, with a magnifying glass and said it looked authentic. The document, Farmer said, was one of the first copies of the Constitution that Congress sent to the original 13 colonies for ratification. Farmer suggested the owners send the document to Brunk Auctions in Asheville, N.C., where the document will be auctioned Saturday. The opening bid is $1 million, but auctioneers said they expect it to sell for millions more. Every time I have it in my hands, I still get goose bumps, Andrew Brunk, president of Brunk Auctions, told The Washington Post. This is far and away the most exciting thing that weve ever come upon. A rare signed ratification copy of the U.S. Constitution dated 1787. (Brunk Auctions) Farmer discovered the document on the property of the Hayes Farm in Edenton, N.C., which Samuel Johnston, a North Carolina governor and state senator in the late 1700s, was believed to have owned. The property included a plantation where enslaved people worked, according to the Society of Architectural Historians, a nonprofit that studies and conserves architecture. The Johnston family gave the property to a friend, Edward Wood, in the 1800s, according to the Society of Architectural Historians. The Wood family owned the property until December 2022, when they sold it to the state of North Carolina for $6.1 million, the Chowan Herald reported. While cleaning out the house, Farmer said, the Wood family hired him to appraise 18th- and 19th-century furniture, books, maps and weapons in the house. On a visit to the mansion in February 2023, Farmer said he inspected a folder that had been sitting in a dusty file cabinet. Inside, there was a 1776 draft of the Articles of Confederation, a 1785 ordinance defining Thomsons duties as secretary of Congress and a 1787 foreign affairs letter. Farmer also found the Constitution copy on four sheets of 11-by-16-inch paper. Farmer wondered which copy of the Constitution it was. He saw Thomsons signature was written with ink that bled into the fibers of the paper and then confirmed Thomson was the secretary of the Continental Congress in 1787. A few days later at his Charlottesville home, Farmer said he compared the document to photos of the 1787 Constitution from archival websites. Oh my God, this is a dead ringer, Farmer, who has appraised items for more than four decades, recalled thinking. The draft of the Constitution was finalized after the Constitutional Convention in Philadelphia in September 1787. Later that month, Congress sent copies of the Constitution to the colonies for ratification along with a letter from the eventual first president, George Washington, encouraging delegates to agree to the terms. At least nine colonies needed to accept the Constitution to make it binding. About 100 copies were printed, but only nine have been accounted for, according to Brunk Auctions. The copy being auctioned is lightly stained and folded horizontally but is in good condition, Brunk Auctions said. New Hampshire became the ninth state to ratify the Constitution in June 1788. The following year, Americas founders proposed amendments in the Bill of Rights, and 10 were ratified in 1791. Chris Edelson, an assistant government professor at American University, said old copies of the Constitution are novelties and reminders of the long process required to create and ratify Americas laws in the 18th century. We think this just kind of magically happened, Edelson said. It wasnt a miracle. It was people; White men, some of them were slave owners, who were faced with a problem, and they confronted it creatively and courageously, and they worked out a solution. Another rare copy of the Constitution that was printed for Constitutional Convention delegates sold for $43.2 million in November 2021. Seth Kaller, a historical documents expert Brunk Auctions hired to authenticate its copy of the Constitution, said the document on auction Saturday is rarer than the one sold three years ago. The chance of another one of these being discovered is very close to zero, Kaller said. But Jack Rakove, an emeritus political science professor at Stanford University, questioned if the document offered anything new to our knowledge of the Constitution and its history. Its just another copy, Rakove said. It may or may not add something new to the historical record. Brunk, 56, said a few elements make the copy stand out. There are dashes next to many of the paragraphs, which he said Thomson or a North Carolina delegate mightve marked. A column on the third page appears to read: Adopted it must be & shall be in faded ink, a message Brunk said mightve been related to North Carolina refusing to ratify the Constitution until amendments were proposed. On Saturday, the 237th anniversary of Congresss decision to send the Constitution to the colonies, Brunk said he expects the document to sell for at least $10 million. A piece of paper that is so light and ephemeral can at the same time embody so much weight metaphorically, Brunk said. I mean, this is a cornerstone of modern democracy. China firmly opposes U.S. proposed ban on Chinese connected vehicles Xinhua) 08:07, September 26, 2024 BEIJING, Sept. 25 (Xinhua) -- China strongly objects to the U.S. proposal to restrict the use of Chinese connected vehicles, as well as their software and hardware, in the United States, the Ministry of Commerce said on Wednesday. A ministry spokesperson made the remarks in response to a media inquiry, emphasizing that the U.S. proposal smears Chinese connected vehicles under the pretext of national security. The proposal is one of the U.S. actions that targeted Chinese automobiles in recent years, also including tariff hikes, procurement restrictions and discriminatory subsidy policies, said the spokesperson. The proposal has no factual basis, violates the principles of the market economy and fair competition, and is a typical act of protectionism, the spokesperson said, adding that it will severely impact China-U.S. cooperation on connected vehicles, disrupt and distort global automotive industrial and supply chains, and harm the interests of U.S. consumers. It is also a non-market practice that uses government power to interfere with economic and commercial cooperation between enterprises, constituting economic coercion, said the spokesperson. "China urges the United States to cease its wrong practice of generalizing national security, immediately lift the relevant restrictions, and end its unreasonable suppression of Chinese companies," said the spokesperson. China will take necessary measures to resolutely safeguard the legitimate rights and interests of its companies, the spokesperson added. (Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Zhong Wenxing) Openly defending ones decision not to have children will be prosecuted in Russia. The State Duma, the lower house of the Russian parliament, is preparing a bill under which authorities will impose fines of up to 50,000 ($55,580) for supporting the refusal to have children. The measure affects all areas of life from casual conversation to films and books and is a serious threat to the Russian feminist movement. The crackdown on what the Kremlin calls the childfree movement will result in fines of up to 400,000 rubles for individuals (around $4,300), 800,000 rubles for civil servants ($8,600), and up to five million rubles ($55,580) for companies or other legal entities. Foreigners will also be deported. There are thousands of reasons why a person may decide not to have children, but the Cabinet of ministers has asked the State Duma to make only three exceptions to the law: religious reasons, medical reasons or in the case of rape. It also alleges that there is a mass-organized childfree movement, even though the websites on this subject are little more than a curiosity; Russian newspapers cite the existence of groups on VKontakte, the Russian Facebook, which barely have 5,000 members. We have started considering a bill banning propaganda of a conscious refusal to have children, parliament speaker Vyacheslav Volodin wrote on his Telegram channel. Groups and communities on social networks often show disrespect for motherhood and fatherhood and aggression towards pregnant women and children and members of large families, added the politician, a staunch defender of a war in Ukraine, which has left tens of thousands of Russian households without fathers and sons. Everything that needs to be done to increase the birth rate must be done. And everything that hinders this should disappear from our lives, said Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov. The politician, however, does not envisage Moscow joining the peace talks promoted by Ukraine. For us, there is absolutely no alternative to achieving our set goals. As soon as these goals have been achieved in one way or another, the special military operation will be completed. Russian President Vladimir Putin said in early September that his government must create the conditions so that having many children becomes fashionable again, as it used to be seven or 10 people in a family. Even though Putin is about to celebrate 25 years in power, Russia with 146 million inhabitants has been suffering from demographic decline since the 20th century. This has been aggravated by the war in Ukraine, the inverted age pyramid and internal policies. Last year, 1.3 million people died and 1.26 million children were born, the lowest figure since the fall of the USSR, with the exception of 1999 due to the Russian financial crisis. Whats more, the tightening of immigration policies has prompted many foreigners to leave: the number of registered immigrants has fallen from 8.5 million to 6.1 million in the last year. In 2007, Putin approved a maternity support program that pays mothers 466,617 rubles (around $5,000) for their first child, and 150,000 rubles ($1,600) for their second. However, this project has not boosted pregnancies in Russia, where only a tenth of the population earns more than $1,000 and a man can earn 10 times more a year at the front. Meanwhile, the State Duma is also considering a bill which was introduced at the end of last year to ban abortions in private clinics. At least 11 regions have taken this step individually, but the government has called for a significant review of the reform because it believes that it will increase public spending and may increase maternal mortality by encouraging clandestine abortions. In addition, lawmakers are also discussing banning abortion after nine weeks, instead of 12. First it was the LGBTQ+ community, then feminism, then Volodin said that Russian authorities will ban childfree propaganda on the internet and in the media, films and advertising. However, the precedent set by other Kremlin laws against freedom of expression such as the law against the discrediting of the armed forces or the law against LGBTQ+ propaganda leaves open the possibility that private conversations could be recorded and subsequently reported. These [measures] have been taken before against LGBTQ+ propaganda and gender reassignment, Volodin said. Last year, Russia banned sex reassignment surgery for trans people, against World Health Organization guidelines, and also banned changing the gender markers on passports. The proposed law to ban the choice no to have children is one more step in the Kremlins campaign to defend traditional values. Russian authorities accuse the West of being behind any liberal thought, even when it comes to universal human rights, and on these grounds, they repress any internal dissent that advocates for a different vision of Russia. I once said that we should ban the childless movement by law because this is a foreign project, it is a hostile project, Valentina Matviyenko, the chairwoman of the Federation Council, Russias upper house, said last week. They are instilling in womens brains, using the most modern technologies, that they should give up motherhood, she added. In the debate on the law, no lawmaker is likely to argue that the decision not to have children is a personal choice. Deputy Justice Minister Vsevolod Vukolov said in June that the government would promote initiatives to protect the values of the Russian people, while the Chairman of the Human Rights Council, Valery Fadeyev, said last year that LGBTQ people, radical feminism, radical environmentalism and the child-free movement dominate in the West. Those who do not accept this ideology are declared enemies of freedom and supporters of tyranny, said Fadeyev, who accused the West of distorting universal rights in order to interfere in the internal affairs of states. He added: I call this ideology the ideology of death, the destruction of the family. Indeed, the space for debate in Russia is shrinking. Any citizen or foreigner who does not follow the dictates of the state are sent to prison or blacklisted. On Tuesday, the State Duma announced another legal reform to crackdown on comments online and in the media that disrespect the honor or dignity of a government employee in terms of his personal or professional qualities. Defendants who are found guilty of this crime face up to two years in prison. These latest moves are unlikely to be the last of the Kremlins campaign to protect traditional values. The government fiercely defends these ideals, despite being hit by constant scandals. In September alone, two scandals have come to light: a lawmaker was recorded with a prostitute inside the Duma last weekend and at the start of the month, Russian childrens rights ombudsman Maria Lvova-Belova married Konstantin Malofeyev, the owner of the ultra-Orthodox television channel Tsargrad. Until just a few months ago, the couple both ardent defenders of traditional values were married to other people. Sign up for our weekly newsletter to get more English-language news coverage from EL PAIS USA Edition Adrian Paige-Mitchell, a worker at the Center for Computing History in Cambridge, England, shows as part of a tour on Aug. 31, 2024, what an office in the 1990s looked like. The museum seeks to present different periods of computer technology history using innovative means such as virtual reality. (Loretto Morris/Stars and Stripes) Not many places that preserve the past can boast of a giant video game collection to draw interest, but a museum in the world-renowned English city of Cambridge has that and much more. The Center for Computing History, a 30-minute drive from RAF Mildenhall, contains more than 40,000 items, according to its website. It offers an assortment of hands-on exhibits, vintage computers and nearly 15,000 video games. And thats just scratching the surface. The fast-paced nature of the computing industry, along with its tendency to discard irrelevant technology as soon as it becomes outdated, means that the heritage around its origins and subsequent developments is at risk of being lost, the museum website states. Technology and its history fascinate me; the various presentations at the museum do a lot to facilitate learning for those who are new to it . The museum is situated in an industrial area, so there is plenty of parking. My visit lasted about two hours, which was enough time for me to take a guided tour and interact with the computers and game systems. For visitors with military interests, there are early drafts of naval missile detection systems, language decoders and other wartime relics. The Center for Computing History in Cambridge, England, is home to the MegaProcessor, which is touted as the world's largest microprocessor. The museum's interactive exhibits make learning about the history of technology a hands-on experience. (Loretto Morris/Stars and Stripes) Another highlight is the MegaProcessor, which is billed as the worlds largest working model of a microprocessor. The contraption is about 33 feet long and 6.5 feet tall and weighs approximately half a ton. Roughly 10,000 LEDs show how the microprocessor works, helping to teach computing basics. The guided tour option is included in the admission price, so I gladly decided to avail myself of the added knowledge. My guide, Adrian Paige-Mitchell, covered topics ranging from the earliest calculators to sophisticated mobile phones and home computers. I saw how a computer dating from 1949 read physical code and translated it into a singular command called the Electronic Delay Storage Automatic Calculator. A patron at the Center for Computing History on Aug. 31, 2024, plays "Bomb Jack" on a Sinclair ZX Spectrum built in 1982. The museum in Cambridge, England, has a collection of nearly 15,000 video games to go along with its range of vintage and modern equipment. (Loretto Morris/Stars and Stripes) To wind down this part of the tour, my guide and the calculator played a neck-and-neck game of tic-tac-toe, or noughts and crosses as the British call it. This led us to the next room, which showed the path computers took to becoming an integral part of daily society. A key driver of that process was J. Lyons & Co., a conglomerate that created a chain of popular teashops in the early 1900s. The company was seeking ways to innovate production and distribution, a quest that resulted in the creation of the Lyons Electronic Office, commonly referred to as the first office computer. Adrian Paige-Mitchell of the Center for Computing History in Cambridge, England, talks about the museum display showing the first model of at-home computer. The exhibits there highlight the lineage and progression of the everyday electronic technology we use today. (Loretto Morris/Stars and Stripes) The museum has an interactive virtual tour filled to the brim with facts and animations that show what these facilities looked like. If youre more of a hands-on learner, the 70s room is a physical set designed to mimic offices of that time. It has a computer with a coding challenge for those who would like to try their hand at programming the way people did back in the day. Another exhibit shows the sea change in storage, from entire rooms that hold only eight Harry Potter movies, according to Paige-Mitchell, to media that fits in a pocket and has the capacity for over 16 million copies of the whole franchise. It provides an excellent understanding of how the devices we see and use every day without a second thought came into being. The museum also contains a section dedicated to the history of video gaming, from arcade booths to home consoles. Everything is in working condition, so visitors can experience the whole gamut of electronic gameplay. The Center for Computing History, a museum in the English city of Cambridge, hosts rows of computers of various ages that patrons can use to play games or learn how to code. (Loretto Morris/Stars and Stripes) Adrian Paige-Mitchell talks about the history of the gaming console race from the 1990s to the current day as part of a presentation to a visitor at the Center for Computing History on Aug. 31, 2024. The museum in Cambridge, England, has an array of vintage and modern video game consoles, which patrons can use during their visit. (Loretto Morris/Stars and Stripes) Vintage systems from such old-school names as Atari, Commodore and Sega combine with a vast array of Nintendo products as well as a lineup of PlayStations and XBoxes. Visitors who want to take a bit of computing history back home with them will find a plethora of quirky items for sale in the gift shop. Its not as if anyone needs an excuse to visit Cambridge. The Center for Computing History just gives the city one more standout attraction to consider. On the QT Address: Rene Court, Coldhams Road, Cambridge, England Hours: Wednesday-Sunday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.; closed Monday and Tuesday Cost: 12 pounds for admission Information: Phone: 01223214446, Online: www.computinghistory.org.uk Models hanging from the ceiling of the Zeppelin Museum in Neu-Isenburg, Germany, show several variations of the famous airships. The LZ 10 Schwaben, which debuted in 1911, was used as a commercial airship by DELAG, the world's first airline. Behind it is the L59, a military airship used in World War I. (David Edwards/Stars and Stripes) Radio broadcaster Herbert Morrisons oh, the humanity! exclamation amid the 1937 Hindenburg disaster sounded in my mind recently as I gazed at an exhibit near the German ground where the airships ill-fated voyage had begun. One of my earliest introductions to the news medias impact came when a TV program I saw as a kid showed newsreel footage of that zeppelin inferno in Lakehurst, N.J. Despite the enduring recollection, I had never really delved into the prelude that saw German airships help usher in the age of global aviation. Hence my visit to the Zeppelin Museum in what is today Neu-Isenberg but before a 1977 merger was Zeppelinheim. The Zeppelin Museum building in Neu-Isenburg, Germany, was designed to correspond to one-fourth of a cross section of the first commercial Zeppelin model, the LZ 10 Schwaben. Its construction calls to mind the building of the airship's skeleton. (David Edwards/Stars and Stripes) A rendering from 1938 on display at the Zeppelin Museum shows the company town of Zeppelinheim. It was built to house employees of of the new Rhein-Main airship base. The houses were occupied by 90 families toward the end of 1937. (David Edwards/Stars and Stripes) Meaning zeppelin home, it was originally a company town built to house employees of the Rhein-Main airship base, now part of the Frankfurt Airport territory. Less than 25 minutes from Clay Kaserne in Wiesbaden and about an hour and 15 minutes from Kaiserslautern, the museum is tucked into a leafy, bucolic neighborhood and has a bike path running next to it. The sunny tranquility on the day of my visit was unexpected, given that Zeppelenheim is on the doorstep of one of the worlds busiest air hubs. Just past the museum entrance is a bust of the namesake airships creator, Count Ferdinand von Zeppelin. On either side of the sculpture and the information counter behind it are exhibit spaces, with models of the Hindenburg, the Graf Zeppelin and others hanging overhead. The explosion of the Hindenburg in Lakehurst, N.J., on May 6, 1937, is shown in an exhibit at the Zeppelin Museum in Neu-Isenberg, Germany. The disaster left 36 people dead and marked the end of the airship era. A piece of the mooring tower and a bow lamp from the Hindenburg are displayed at the museum. (David Edwards/Stars and Stripes) An engine from the Graf Zeppelin is among the items in the collection of the Zeppelin Museum in Neu-Isenberg, Germany. The 12-cylinder engine was one of five that powered the airship. During flights, the engines were operated around the clock by a trio of machine operators alternating in two-hour shifts. (David Edwards/Stars and Stripes) Among them is the LZ 126, a passenger dirigible that was delivered to the United States in 1924 as part of Germanys World War I reparations. After arriving to great fanfare, the craft became the naval airship USS Los Angeles, which was in service until 1932. The upstairs and downstairs floor space is covered with cool memorabilia from the days when the zeppelins of Deutsche Luftschiffahrts-Aktiengesellschaft, or DELAG, the worlds first airline, plied the skies and created the commercial aviation industry. Following the transfer of the LZ 126 to the U.S., the boss of DELAG, Hugo Eckener, charted a new course of becoming an overseas air carrier of passengers. That task fell to the LZ 127, or Graf Zeppelin. A set of miniature rotating pictures at the Zeppelin Museum in Neu-Isenburg, Germany, shows assorted elements of the legendary airships. The image in the lower left depicts the wall covering of the smoking salon in the short-lived Graf Zeppelin II. (David Edwards/Stars and Stripes) A postcard from Rhein-Main Airport, the predecessor of today's Frankfurt Airport, is part of the collection at the Zeppelin Museum in Neu-Isenberg, Germany. The Zeppelins transported mail as well as passengers. In the peak delivery year of 1936, the Graf Zeppelin and the Hindenburg combined took 20,400 pounds of mail to South America and 18,300 pounds to North America. (David Edwards/Stars and Stripes) Between 1928 and 1937, this airship made 590 journeys, including one around the world in 21 days, and carried more than 13,000 passengers without ever having an accident. The circumnavigation spawned a board game introduced in 1929 called Banzai Zeppelin. Players tried to figuratively complete the journey faster than Eckener did. It came with a route map and broke up the trip into four destinations: New York, Los Angeles, Tokyo and the departure point of Friedrichshafen, Germany. Memorabilia at the Zeppelin Museum in Neu-Isenberg, Germany, includes this image painted on wood and the board game Banzai Zeppelin, which was inspired by the Graf Zeppelin's round-the-world journey in 1929. (David Edwards/Stars and Stripes) The Zeppelin Musuem in Neu-Isenberg has this world map tracing the route of the Graf Zeppelin on its 1929 trip around the world. The map was part of the materials in the boxed set for the game Banzai Zeppelin. (David Edwards/Stars and Stripes) In 1936, the Hindenburg entered service. Its trans-Atlantic flights from Frankfurt served North and South America. The museum has a mockup of the passenger deck with two seats and a view out the windows of Rio de Janeiro. Only 3,059 passengers were transported aboard the airship during its 63 total trips, the last of which ended in tragedy on May 6, 1937. The Nazis had used both aircraft for propaganda purposes, but the explosion of the Hindenburg brought about the demise of the airship age. The exhibit on the Hindenburg disaster features pictures of the burning dirigible, a fragment of the mooring tower and a bow lamp. A Goodyear promotional poster on display Sept. 1, 2024, at the Zeppelin Museum in Neu-Isenberg, Germany. In 1924, the American tire manufacturer paired with Luftschiffbau Zeppelin to produce dirigibles for the U.S. military. The partnership lasted until World War II. (David Edwards/Stars and Stripes) A metal re-creation of a Goodyear-Zeppelin airship is exhibited along with USS Akron memorabilia on Sept. 1, 2024, at the Zeppelin Museum in Neu-Isenberg, Germany. The Akron, which operated between 1931 and 1933, shares the world record with its sister aircraft, the USS Macon, as the largest helium-filled airship in history. (David Edwards/Stars and Stripes) All the text in the museum is in German, but an explanatory booklet in English is available at the counter. Theres no charge to use it during a tour. Keeping it costs 5 euros, which I thought was a fair price. Another revelation awaited in the basement, where a collection of Americana introduced me to the partnership that resulted in the Goodyear Zeppelin Corp. This venture, which lasted from 1924 to 1941, led to the creation of rigid airships like the zeppelins and non-rigid airships, or blimps, for the U.S. military. I read in the museum booklet that Goodyear also had a hand in the revival of zeppelins in the 1990s by a Friedrichshafen maker of semi-rigid airships known as the Zeppelin NT. Of the five such aircraft in service worldwide in 2019, three belonged to Goodyear and operated in America. The exhibit evoked memories of another airship that I had seen on TV many times as a kid watching sporting events: the Goodyear blimp. I was amazed to learn of both the military forebears and German lineage of this American branding icon. An exhibit at the Zeppelin Museum in Neu-Isenburg, Germany, shows a scaled-down version of the Hindenburg's passenger deck. Looking through the windows gives museum visitors a simulated view of what airship passengers over Rio de Janeiro saw. (David Edwards/Stars and Stripes) On the QT Address: Kapitan-Lehmannstrasse 2, Neu-Isenburg, Germany Hours: Tuesday through Friday, 2-5 p.m.; Saturday and Sunday, 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Closed Monday Costs: No fixed admission price. Free-will offerings accepted. Informational booklets are free to rent, 5 euros to keep. Information: Phone: +49 69 69595978 Online: zeppelin-museum-zeppelinheim.de/html/en_museum.html The Bookshelf Theatre at Kadokawa Culture Museum in Tokorozawa, Japan. (Kelly Agee/Stars and Stripes) The Kadokawa Cultural Museum, in Tokorozawa city north of Tokyo, fuses museums of art, anime and oddities with a huge, reader-friendly library. The five-story building itself resembles a huge boulder and the inside is full of wood and other natural elements. Kadokawa Corp., one of Japans largest publishers of books, magazines and anime, owns the museum and library. The foyer boasts some interesting items, including a model made for the 70th anniversary of the landmark 1950 film Rashomon, directed by Akira Kurosawa and starring Toshiro Mifune. A model made for the 70th anniversary of Rashomon, directed by Akira Kurosawa and starring Toshiro Mifune, at Kadokawa Culture Museum in Tokorozawa, Japan. (Kelly Agee/Stars and Stripes) An excerpt from Ryunosuke Akutagawas novel is projected in the models background, along with the works symbolic rain. Elsewhere youll find a statue of the bald, one-eyed boy, or Hitotsume-kozo, a supernatural apparition of Japan. On the fourth floor, visitors will find Edit Town and 25,000 books from around the world. Various zones in the library hold selections of poetry, music, theater, fashion, photography, film, design, science fiction, horror and magic book sections. There are books in multiple languages, including English. The books are for in-museum reading only, but visitors can take them inside Edit Town to read, on any of the seats, including beanbags. The Aramata Wunderkammer Museum is a bizarre space filled with oddities like skeletal specimens, mammoth hair and pieces of UFOs. The shelves dont really have a rhythm or rhyme to them. Also on this floor is the stunning Bookshelf Theatre, complete with 26-foot-tall bookshelves that contain 50,000 books. A projection mapping work called Books Want to Communicate creates a light show on the bookshelf throughout the day, displaying words from Japanese novels. A print of "Woman With a Parasol - Madame Monet and Her Son" by Claude Monet at the Kadokawa Culture Museum in Tokorozawa, Japan. (Kelly Agee/Stars and Stripes) Bookshelf Theater is home until Jan. 19 to Monet: I Can See the Lights, An Immersive Journey, for 3,100 yen, or $22, for a day ticket. The ticket includes the exhibit and the libraries on the fourth and fifth floors. The exhibit is a digital journey through Monets life, including Impressionistic re-creations of the people and places that defined his life. This exhibition is displayed in Japanese and English and explains Monets painting techniques and his influence from Japonisme, due to its vivid sense of color, bold composition and use of contour lines. Examples of Japanese prints are displayed with which Monet, an admirer of Japanese art, decorated his home in Giverny, France. The fifth-floor Musashino Corridor holds books, including manga, related to the city in which the museum is located, again with a large space where guests can sit on beanbags and read. There is also a spot a real bridge with a large print of Bridge Over a Pond of Waterlilies where guests may photograph themselves. Props, including a parasol and a fan, are available. Kadokawa Culture Museum in Tokorozawa, Japan. (Kelly Agee/Stars and Stripes) On the QT Directions: Address: 3-31-3 Higashi-Tokorozawa Wada, Tokorozawa-shi, Saitama, Japan 359-0023. An 11-minute walk from Higashi-Tokorozawa Station. Times: Open 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Closed Tuesdays. Costs: Admission from 1,800 yen, or $12.81, for children to 3,100 yen for adult one-day ticket that includes the Bookshelf Theater and Monet: I Can See the Lights. Food: There are cafes on the second and fifth floors. Information: Online: kadcul.com Using a whole cucumber as bait, a child tries his luck at catching a kappa at Kappabuchi Pool in Tono, Japan. (Aaron Kidd/Stars and Stripes) North America has the Sasquatch. Scotland has the Loch Ness Monster. Japan has the kappa. Youll be able to spot this elusive, water-dwelling creature by its turtle-like shell and webbed hands and feet, according to Japanese folklore. A distinctive indentation atop its head comes in handy for carrying water, which kappas apparently need for energy. Kappas are usually green, about the height of a small child and consider cucumbers a special treat. This is what youll use for bait when fishing for these mythical critters at the aptly named Kappabuchi Pool in Tono, a city in Iwate prefecture. Youll find the pool also known as Kappa Pond behind Joken-ji, a Buddhist temple of the Soto sect, founded in 1490. Japanese signs point the way to a tranquil, tree-shaded grove where mischievous kappas are said to relax, munch on cucumbers and play tricks on visitors. A statue of a kappa, Japans most elusive mythical creature, sits near Kappabuchi Pool in Tono, a city in Iwate prefecture. (Aaron Kidd/Stars and Stripes) Kappas, according to Japanese folklore, are usually green, about the height of a small child and consider cucumbers a special treat. (Aaron Kidd/Stars and Stripes) A kind man in a wide-brimmed hat sells kappa fishing permits for 220 yen about $1.55 and will hook you up with a bamboo pole outfitted with the appropriate bait. The permits, which list seven rules for catching a kappa, can also be purchased a Densheon, a small folk museum a short walk away that offers free parking to pool visitors. If you catch a kappa and deliver it to the folks at the Tono Tourism Association, they say theyll reward you with 10 million yen more than $70,000. Bamboo poles baited with cucumber are what you'll use to catch the mythical kappa at Kappabuchi Pool in Tono, Japan. (Aaron Kidd/Stars and Stripes) Bamboo poles baited with cucumber are what you'll use to catch the mythical kappa at Kappabuchi Pool in Tono, Japan. (Aaron Kidd/Stars and Stripes) No one managed to hook one during Stars and Stripes recent visit, though a small child somehow managed to smack his mother in the face with a cucumber. Youll also find statues of kappa and a small shrine thats said to help pregnant women produce plenty of milk for their newborns. After working up an appetite from fishing, stroll over to Kappa no Chaya or Kappas Teahouse for soft serve ice cream, coffee, sodas and other beverages. Youll find Kappabuchi Pool behind Joken-ji, a Buddhist temple in Tono, Japan. Japanese signs point the way to a tranquil, tree-shaded grove where mischievous kappas are said to relax, munch on cucumbers and play tricks on visitors. (Aaron Kidd/Stars and Stripes) On the QT Directions: About a 10-minute drive from downtown Tono, Iwate prefecture. Tsuchibuchi, Tsuchibuchi-cho, Tono city, Iwate, 028-0555 Times: The temple grounds are typically open daily, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Costs: A kappa fishing permit is 220 yen. Pick one up at Densheon, a nearby folklore museum that also offers free parking to Kappa Pond visitors. We got ours directly at the fishing site. Food: Kappas Teahouse, adjacent to the temple, offers a variety of items, including a popular soft-serve ice cream with a cone that looks like a kimono. Information: Phone: 0198-62-1333; Online: www.tonojikan.jp/ml This screen grab from video shows smoke rising over Khartoum, Sudan, on Thursday Sept. 26, 2024, after Sudans military started an operation to take areas of the capital from its rival, the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces. (Rashed Ahmed/AP) CAIRO New fighting rocked Sudans capital on Thursday with airstrikes and drone attacks in and around Khartoum amid a worsening cholera outbreak, officials said. Sudans military launched an operation in the early hours of Thursday aimed at taking control of areas in the capital that had been in the hands of its enemy, the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces, or RSF. Sudanese media reported increased military movements and airstrikes in the districts of Khartoum and Omdurman, the heaviest in the capital area in months. Mohamed Ibrahim, the health ministrys spokesperson in Khartoum, said in a statement that four civilians were killed and 14 others wounded in the latest fighting in the Karrari district of Omdurman, a city next to the Sudanese capital, Khartoum. A military spokesman confirmed the operation was underway, but declined to comment further. A military spokesman confirmed the operation was underway, but declined to comment further. The head of Sudans military, Gen. Abdel-Fattah Burhan, addressed the U.N. General Assembly in New York, saying that weve done everything we could to put an end to this war and to steer our country from the destruction being waged by the militia. He maintained that position when he spoke to reporters at the Sudanese Mission to the United Nations on Thursday evening. The operation going on in Khartoum is meant to preserve the integrity of our country, the safety of our people and our armed forces, he said. The military solution is the last one, Burhan continued. We crave a peaceful solution that spares out people more suffering, more hunger, more displacement. Burhan, who led a military takeover of Sudan in 2021, is a close ally of neighboring Egypt and its president, former army chief Abdel-Fattah el-Sissi. His country plunged into chaos in April 2023, when long-simmering tensions between its military led by Burhan and the Rapid Support Forces paramilitary commanded by Mohammed Hamdan Dagalo broke out into street battles in Khartoum. Fighting has spread to other parts of the country, especially urban areas and the western Darfur region. At a General Assembly whose doomsday feeling was fueled by three major wars along with inaction on global warming, the fighting and humanitarian catastrophe in Sudan took third place after the killing in the Middle East and Ukraine. The lack of focus on Sudan was bemoaned by many. The brutal power struggle between Sudans warring generals has unleashed horrific violence, including widespread rape, and a humanitarian catastrophe is unfolding as famine spreads, U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres told the annual high-level gathering of the 193 member nations on Tuesday. Saudi Arabia, the United States, the European Union, and the United Nations met without measurable results Wednesday to urge Sudans warring parties in Sudan to hold breaks in the fighting and allow aid to reach civilians. More than 25 million Sudanese face acute hunger, U.S. Ambassador to the U.N. Ambassador Linda Thomas-Greenfield said in a statement Wednesday. Some 11 million have fled their homes in what has become the worst humanitarian crisis on the planet ... We must compel the warring parties to accept humanitarian pauses. Jeremy Laurence, a spokesman for the U.N. human rights office in Geneva, said in a statement to The Associated Press on Thursday that at least 78 civilians were killed because of artillery shelling and airstrikes since the beginning of September in the Khartoum area. Our immediate concern is for the welfare of civilians, and the likelihood of further displacement and damage to civilian infrastructure, he said. For months, some of the worst fighting has been in the city of El Fasher, the capital of the North Darfur state. RSF forces have laid siege to the city since May. On Thursday, U.N. Human Rights Chief Volker Turk said that artillery shelling on a market there had killed at least 20 civilians on Sep. 20 and 21. Meanwhile, the death toll from Sudans cholera outbreak jumped by nearly 100 or nearly 20% in only two days, Sudans health ministry said Wednesday, in a worrying sign that the disease is spreading more rapidly. A total of 473 people have died from cholera since the countrys rainy season began two months ago, health officials said. Sudans Federal Ministry of Health in a Wednesday update reported on Facebook 14,944 cholera cases across 10 states, with 386 new cases. It said that six people died on Tuesday alone in six states. The majority of cases were reported in Kassala, where UNICEF is collaborating with the ministry and the World Health Organization to carry out a second round of the oral cholera vaccination campaign that kicked off last week. UNICEF delivered 404,000 doses of the vaccine to Sudan on Sep. 9. More vaccination campaigns are expected to be rolled out in other affected states. Cholera was officially declared an outbreak on August 12 by the health ministry after a new wave of cases was reported starting July 22. The disease is spreading in areas devastated by recent heavy rainfalls and floods, especially in eastern Sudan which sheltered millions of people displaced by the conflict between the Sudanese military and the RSF. Cholera is a highly contagious disease that causes diarrhea, leading to severe dehydration and could be fatal if not immediately treated, according to WHO. Its transmitted through the ingestion of contaminated food or water. UNICEF said in a statement last week that an estimated 3.4 million children under the age of 5 are at high risk of epidemic diseases. The war in Sudan created environments prone to disease outbreaks, impacting millions of people already experiencing food insecurity and displacement. The country plunged into war in April 2023 after tensions increased between the military and the RSF. Michael Weissenstein contributed to this report from New York and Jamey Keaten contributed from Geneva. The Lowy Institutes Asia Power Index still rates the U.S. as the regions most powerful nation, leading China on six out of eight measures. However, Americas military advantage is eroding, according to the Sydney-based think tank. (Pixabay) For the first time, China enjoys a slight edge over the United States should war break out in Asia, according to an Australian think tanks annual report on regional military power. The Lowy Institutes Asia Power Index still rates the U.S. as the regions most powerful nation, leading China on six out of eight measures. However, Americas military advantage is eroding, according to the report released Tuesday by the Sydney-based think tank. For the first time, experts surveyed for the Asia Power Index judged that China is better able to deploy rapidly and for a sustained period in the event of an interstate conflict in Asia, researchers wrote in the report. The index rates 27 countries in the region on military alliances and capability, economic resources, diplomatic and cultural influence, trade, resilience and future trends. China has continually improved its Military Capability and has closed more than a quarter of the lead that the United States held in this measure in 2018, the report states. It falls short in terms of long-range power projection and lacks Americas network of regional alliances, according to the report. China will not exceed the U.S. in terms of overall military capability for the foreseeable future, the report states, adding: That may not be needed to achieve its strategic objectives in East Asia, including with respect to Taiwan and the South China Sea. Chinese President Xi Jinping has said he wants his military ready to invade Taiwan by 2027. However, New Zealand-based security expert Paul Buchanan said Beijing has a limited advantage in regional force projection. The [Peoples Republic of China] would have difficulty projecting and maintaining a dominant military presence in places like Indonesia, or the [southwest] Pacific Rim should the US and its allies decide to seriously contest it, he told Stars and Stripes by email Wednesday. Plus, the sea lanes to and from the PRC mainland would become obvious choke points for adversaries to focus on, assorted intelligence capabilities would be deployed against them. Beijing would struggle to extend forces beyond Taiwan and other small island chains close to the Chinese mainland, Buchanan wrote. This is especially true if the US is joined by allies like those in the Quad [U.S., Australia, India, Japan] and smaller states such as the Philippines, Malaysia and Singapore and Indonesia, should any of these allies perceive the PRC power projection as inimical to their national interests, he said. China has built extensive bases on its territory and offshore in the South China sea, said Brad Glosserman, deputy director and visiting professor at the Center for Rule-Making Strategies at Tama University in Tokyo. However, the U.S. has more modern, sophisticated and battle-tested forces, as well as allies, and has been deploying new assets to the region, such as Typhoon missiles, that could have a significant impact, he said by email Wednesday. Camp Blaz, activated in 2020 as the first new Marine Corps installation since 1952, is scheduled to reach full operational capacity by 2028. (Joseph Ditzler/Stars and Stripes) A joint venture between a California construction company and a Japanese developer acquired another contract for more facilities at Marine Corps Base Camp Blaz as the Guam installation inches closer to full operation. For $113 million, Granite Construction Inc., of Watsonville, Calif., and Obayashi Corp., of Tokyo, will build an auto organization shop, an organic storage facility, an electrical and communications maintenance shop, a vehicle wash rack and a vehicle laydown area, according to a news release Tuesday from Granite. This contract with Naval Facilities Systems Command Pacific falls under a multiple award contract that, so far, has yielded at least $404 million in work at Blaz for the joint venture since 2017, according to a Sept. 9 news release from NAVFAC Pacific. The project supports III Marine Expeditionary Forces 9th Engineer Support Battalion. Construction is expected to begin in October and finish in January 2027. We are honored to continue our partnership with NAVFAC Pacific on this critical mission, Curt Haldeman, Granites vice president of regional operations, said in the release. This contract not only strengthens our relationship with NAVFAC Pacific but also reinforces our role as a key contributor to the successful realignment of Marines from Okinawa to Guam. The project was one of several announced Sept. 9 by NAVFAC Pacific. The command awarded a second, $14.5 million contract to the Guam-based company Pacific Federal Management to build a training complex, also for the 9th Engineer Support Battalion. It is expected to be completed in March 2026. A spokesperson for NAVFAC Pacific did not respond to phone and email requests for additional details as of Thursday afternoon. Granite could not be reached by phone after business hours in California on Thursday. Blaz, activated in 2020 as the first new Marine Corps installation since 1952, is an approximately 4,000-acre facility on the northwest edge of Guam. Its expected to house 1,300 members of III MEF and another 3,700 Marines as a rotational force. Blaz is scheduled to reach full operational capacity by 2028, base spokeswoman Maj. Diann Rosenfeld told Stars and Stripes in December. As of July 2024, there are 23 completed projects and more than 50 projects under construction, she told Stars and Stripes by email Thursday. The construction is part of the Defense Policy Review Initiative, an agreement by the United States and Japan to relocate some Marine assets from Okinawa to Guam. The deal includes Japan paying $3 billion of the estimated $8.6 billion cost to build Blaz and its surrounding infrastructure. The latest project is at least the third at Blaz for the joint venture. In 2017, NAVFAC Pacific awarded Granite and Obayashi $165 million to prepare 400 acres of the bases main cantonment for future construction. In March 2023, Granite and Obayashi secured $126 million to build an auto shop, electrical and communications building, a vehicle wash facility, a vehicle laydown area and infrastructure work. That project is expected to wrap next year. The Japanese destroyer JS Sazanami arrives in Diego Garcia for a scheduled port visit, July 17, 2024. (Jordan Steis/U.S. Navy) A Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force warship sailed through the Taiwan Strait for the first time on Wednesday, according to a local media report. The destroyer JS Sazanami, along with Australian and New Zealand vessels, sailed south from the East China Sea and through the 110-mile-wide channel separating the island from mainland China, Kyodo News reported, citing an unnamed source who was familiar with the matter. The ships were believed to be headed to the South China Sea to participate in exercises, the report said. Japans Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshimasa Hayashi declined to comment on the transit during a news conference Thursday. In recent years, Chinas military activities around our country have been expanding and becoming more active, he said. We will continue closely monitoring with strong interest and exert all efforts to ensure surveillance and monitoring activities can be carried out properly. A Ministry of Defense spokesman acknowledged but did not immediately respond to questions emailed by Stars and Stripes on Thursday afternoon. Beijing views trips through the strait as provocative and regularly condemns them as support for Taiwan. China does not consider the strait an international waterway and holds that Taiwan itself is a breakaway province that must be reunified with the mainland. China has sovereignty, sovereign rights and jurisdiction over the waterway, former Foreign Ministry spokesman Wang Wenbin said in June 2022. He is now Chinas ambassador to Cambodia. Referring to the strait as international waters is an attempt to manipulate Chinas claim over Taiwan, he said at the time. The U.S. Navy routinely sends warships through the strait and describes those transits as a routine means of traveling between the South China and East China seas. Last week, a U.S. Navy P-8A Poseidon flew through international airspace over the strait, the U.S. 7th Fleet said. On Sept. 13, the German navy said its frigate Baden-Wuerttemberg and support ship Frankfurt am Main transited the strait north to south. It was the first such trip by German ships in more than two decades, The Associated Press reported. Chinese vessels frequently intrude into Japanese waters near the Senkakus, islets about 105 miles east of Taiwan that are administered by Tokyo but claimed by Beijing and Taipei. Earlier this month, a Chinese aircraft carrier sailed between Japans westernmost island of Yonaguni and nearby Iriomote, entering the countrys contiguous zone, according to the Defense Ministry. In July, the Maritime Self-Defense Force destroyer JS Suzutsuki reportedly sailed into Chinese territorial waters within 12 nautical miles of the coast of Zhejiang province. The ships captain was replaced that month, Defense Minister Minoru Kihara said at a news conference Tuesday. The city hall building in Nago, Okinawa, is pictured on Sept. 26, 2024. (Keishi Koja/Stars and Stripes) CAMP FOSTER, Okinawa The third indictment of a U.S. service member on sexual assault charges this year prompted fresh complaints from an Okinawa city this week. Nago City Assembly approved a protest letter and petition Wednesday in response to Marine Lance Cpl. Michael Hofmasters recent indictment on charges of sexually assaulting and injuring a woman in the city in June. Charges leveled against two other service members this year had already elevated popular discontent before Hofmasters indictment. Senior Airman Brennon R.E. Washington pleaded not guilty July 12 in Naha District Court to charges of kidnapping and sexually assaulting a minor in December. Marine Lance Cpl. Jamel Clayton was charged in May with attempting to sexually assault a woman in Yomitan. Although U.S. military authorities suggested changes to the liberty policy across Japan in July, so far only a crackdown on off-base alcohol consumption, courtesy patrols in nightlife districts and universal sobriety checks at military gates have materialized. There may be little else the U.S. military can do to restrict troops in Japan, said Marc Gallicchio, the Mary M. Birle Chair in American history at Villanova University in Pennsylvania and a former Fulbright lecturer at the University of the Ryukyus in 2004 and 2005. The armed forces, from everything I can tell as far as reading and talking to people, makes a pretty concerted effort to educate people on the proper conduct thats expected of them this sort of cultural awareness training, Gallicchio said in a video call Aug. 20. I dont know that anything else can be done other than restricting the movement of people off base. The Nago letter and petition is the latest in a series of formal complaints, petitions, letters and personal visits by Okinawa government members to the U.S. Embassy, military commanders and Japanese government officials since July. The Nago documents, copies of which were provided to Stars and Stripes on Thursday, ask the U.S. military to provide a sincere response to the women in each case, educate troops on the island about human rights, enforce discipline and take effective preventative measures. It also asks for drastic changes to the status of forces agreement governing the U.S. military community in Japan. We are feeling strong indignation because the situation does not improve despite the Japanese government and U.S. military stating they will prevent reoccurrences, the letter and petition state. The city plans to present the petition next week to Japanese officials, including Prime Minister Fumio Kishida and Defense Minister Minoru Kihara, a spokeswoman for the city assembly said Thursday. The protest letter will be sent to U.S. Ambassador to Japan Rahm Emanuel and U.S. Forces Japan commander Lt. Gen. Ricky Rupp, among other U.S. officials, she added. Some Japanese government officials are required to speak to the media only on condition of anonymity. Rupp, who is set to relinquish his command Oct. 8 to Air Force Lt. Gen. Stephen Jost, announced in July a new forum of cooperation with the Japanese and Okinawan governments and community members. He has also called for consistent liberty policies for all U.S. troops in Japan. USFJ in an unsigned email Thursday acknowledged questions emailed by Stars and Stripes on Wednesday about liberty rules and the forum but has not provided responses. Kihara in a news conference Tuesday also said he had no update on the proposed measures. The III Marine Expeditionary Force on Okinawa reminded its Marines of the penalty for drunken driving on the island, along with reiterating its ongoing measures to reduce the risk of sexual assault and other bad behavior, according to a statement Wednesday from spokesman 1st Lt. Owen Hitchcock. A worker walks through a burned-out control room at a power plant of energy provider DTEK, destroyed after an attack, in an undisclosed location in Ukraine on April 19, 2024. (Genya Savilov, AFP via Getty Images/TNS) KYIV, Ukraine As Ukraine scrambles to repair the damage that Russian missiles are inflicting on the countrys power stations, the weary population is facing what is shaping up to be one of the worst winters of the war so far. Power outages are a given because Ukraines energy system is already working at a deficit after receiving heavy blows from Russian strikes this year but the estimates vary on just how bad it will be. The best-case scenario is just four hours of power cuts a day, but it could also end up being 20 hours of darkness or more a day in the depths of Ukraines frigid winter. In his speech before the U.N. General Assembly on Wednesday, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said his Russian counterpart, Vladimir Putin, was trying to break Ukrainians spirit by attacking the power infrastructure. This is how Putin is preparing for winter: hoping to torment millions of Ukrainians, ordinary families, women, children, ordinary towns, ordinary villages. Putin wants to leave them in the dark and cold this winter, forcing Ukraine to suffer and surrender, he said. The knock-on effects from extended power outages would be many from cutoffs of water and heating, to delivering further blows to the countrys already limping economy. But the biggest victim of all could be Ukrainians already battered psyches. After some 2 years of war, with little prospect of a complete victory on the horizon and a string of battlefield setbacks in recent months, people are reaching their limit. The exhaustion of the population has direct military implications because many fighting units are heavily supported by civilian donations to purchase needed equipment backing that is likely to fall off as people run out of resources. This winter we could be in deep, deep trouble, a senior Ukrainian official said, speaking on the condition of anonymity because of the sensitivity of the subject. As the winter progresses, people may grow worn down, depressed and angry. Ultimately, this could affect public morale. My biggest fear is that people go through this kind of winter, there will be zero way to find consensus among the population, he said. Public opinion surveys bear him out, said Anton Grushetsky, executive director of the Kyiv International Institute of Sociology. He described a growing tiredness, and this causes more conflict, because people are more psychologically unstable. For the moment, with temperatures in the 70s, the public is giving little thought to what may lay ahead, Grushetsky said. He gave an example of his apartment building in Kyiv, where residents are struggling to collect money for an extra generator. At the moment, only a tiny share of apartments has given money, because a lot of people are thinking, Its quite nice weather right now, there are no electricity cutoffs perhaps we will manage, he said. But the frigid days and darkness will eventually come, and with this could come a shift in Ukrainians attitude toward the war. Grushetsky said the population is overwhelmingly against a peace with Russia at any cost and most likely will remain so. But opinion polls indicate an increase in the number of people willing to make difficult compromises to bring the war to an end. His surveys show readiness for territorial concessions among the population rising from just 10 percent in May 2023 to 32 percent one year later. That number rose to 57 percent if a potential deal included membership in NATO as well as leaving just the east and Crimea under Russian control. Dissatisfaction with Ukraines Western partners could also grow if they do not provide the country with extra air defenses and continue to deny Kyiv forces permission to carry out deep strikes on Russian territory, said Victoria Voytsitska, a civil society leader and former parliament deputy. If we see that were not left alone and were given the tools to fight back on the battlefield, then here it will be painful but survivable, she said, and people will keep up their spirits. But if Western allies dont provide Ukraine with needed weapons, then its going to be a different story. She pointed to a situation earlier in the year, when a $61 billion military aid package was blocked in the U.S. Congress, allowing Russian forces to advance in the east and pummel Ukrainian cities with missiles. We were promised, promised, promised and there were delays, delays, delays, she said. And because of the Russian missile attacks in the spring, we lost nine gigawatts of power around half of Ukraines energy capacity. Some of this loss is being restored. This year, Ukraines largest private energy company, DTEK, said some 90 percent of its coal-fired power plants had been damaged or destroyed. Today, the company is on track to repair 70 percent of these plants before the winter begins, CEO Maxim Timchenko said. Ukraines allies are also mobilizing massive amounts of equipment to repair the electrical grid after Russian air attacks, with the European Union pledging nearly $300 million to bolster the energy sector. As Ukraines friends and partners, we must do all we can to keep the lights on, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said last week, announcing a winter plan for Ukraine that will contribute more than a quarter of its winter energy requirements, This includes a full thermal power plant that is being dismantled in Lithuania and shipped, piece by piece, to Ukraine, she said. The E.U. is also planning to increase electricity exports to Ukraine. Some of Ukraines electricity production will become less centralized with smaller equipment like gas turbines and renewables rather than the enormous plants currently used. Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal said this month that more than 80 percent of Ukrainian schools and all hospitals had their own generators. But the bulk of Ukraines energy production this winter will still be concentrated in large power plants, allowing Russia to inflict maximum damage with targeted missile strikes as was demonstrated clearly last month when Moscows forces carried out one of the biggest bombardments since the war began. Two days after Ukraines Aug. 24 Independence Day, Russia launched 127 missiles and 109 one-way drones, pummeling 15 regions and causing power outages throughout the country. Two nuclear power plants were also disconnected from the electrical grid because of safety concerns, Ukrainian officials said in a letter to the International Atomic Energy Agency last month. Ukrainian officials are warning that the countrys nuclear power plants, which supply over half of the nations power needs, are being targeted or at least the substations that connect them to the grid are being hit. Russia is preparing strikes on critical facilities of Ukraines nuclear energy system on the eve of winter, Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha said in statement Saturday, citing Ukrainian intelligence reports. The attacks will target open distribution devices of nuclear power plants and transmission substations, which created a high risk of a nuclear incident that will have global consequences, he said. Last week, the U.N. Human Rights Monitoring Mission in Ukraine said there were reasonable grounds to believe Russias missile campaign against Ukraines energy system violated foundational principles of international humanitarian law. This winter will be bad enough with people likely having to cope with scheduled blackouts across the country, Danielle Bell, head of the mission, said in a press release. Any additional attacks leading to prolonged electricity blackouts could have catastrophic consequences. Ellen Francis in Brussels contributed to this report. Cristina Bautista Salvador Mother of Benjamin Asencio Bautista Cristina Bautista arrives at the Angel of Independence roundabout and lays a blanket on the ground. She displays her handmade earrings, made from palm leaves. They cost 50 Mexican pesos, or a little more than $2.00. She tries to sell what she can, until shes told that its time to stand in front of the marchers and begin the protest. Cristina has been demanding the same thing since September 26, 2014: to be told what exactly happened to her son. Perhaps the image that best reflects what has happened to the parents of the 43 students from the Ayotzinapa Rural Teachers' College is that of Cristina Bautista setting up her improvised stand, before taking her place in the first line of the march. She was born and lived her entire life in Alpuyecancingo, a small community in the municipality of Ahuacoutzingo. Its located in the highlands of Guerrero, one of the most impoverished areas in Mexico. Thats where she gave birth to her three children. On the morning of September 29, 2014, her youngest daughter told her that a teacher at school had asked about her brother. The teacher knew that Benjamin had enrolled in the Raul Isidro Burgos Rural Normal School commonly known as the Ayotzinapa Rural Teachers' College because he had encouraged his former student to become a teacher. Cristina thought that the polite inquiry was simply a kind gesture. But later that morning, Cruz Bautista Benjamins uncle told her that a newspaper had reported that there were students missing after a confrontation with the police. The newspaper published a list that included the name of Benjamin Asencio Bautista. Cristina immediately left for the college. The three-and-a-half hour drive from Alpuyecancingo to Ayotzinapa seemed eternal to her. She was not used to leaving her community, and this was the second time in a month that she had visited Ayotzinapa. The first time had been 10 days earlier, for an event organized for the parents of new students. Her arrival at the Teachers College coincided with the arrival of a bus filled with students, who had returned to campus after searching for their classmates. She looked around, trying to recognize her son's face, but she couldn't find him. She felt ashamed to ask about Benjamins whereabouts: she decided to stay standing in the street. I was hoping that, if I stayed still, Benjamin would see me from inside [the bus or the school] and come out to be with me, she recalls, as if the events happened 10 hours ago, not 10 years ago. When night fell, she had no choice but to approach the college to ask about her son. A young man asked Cristian for her sons name: he looked for it in a notebook. Unable to find it, he confirmed that her son was missing. But don't worry, tia. Little by little, the kids are appearing. Yesterday, a large group arrived. And today, they went looking for more. Theyll show up soon, he explained, trying to reassure her. Then, he invited her to join the other parents who were waiting in the main courtyard of the school. Cristina didnt return home that night, or the following nights. The school gave the parents a space where they could put mats on the floor and stay there. She ended up spending 19 months living in a room at the Teachers College. She didnt want to leave the school. Today, shes still certain that she did the right thing by not leaving. I knew that, if Benjamin returned, he would turn up there, she sighs. After more than a year-and-a-half, one morning, she woke up and couldnt see: her eyes were very swollen. A physician from Doctors Without Borders diagnosed her with high blood pressure and explained that she couldnt continue sleeping on the floor. The residents in the area took pity on her and let her live for a while in a house very close to the Teachers College. Since then, she has been offered similar generosity on several occasions. She has lived in five different houses in recent years all borrowed and all less than 1,000 feet from the school. We have to be here on the lookout for any information that may arise, she says, with conviction in her voice. Cristina doesnt fully understand the legal terms that surround the case, nor has anyone sat down to explain them to her. Her mother tongue is Nahuatl, which is why she has a hard time reading all the Spanish-language information thats published about the Ayotzinapa case. When asked what has worn her down the most in these 10 years, she answers without any hesitation: Not being able to sleep. Because you come home tired from a meeting or a march, you go to bed to rest and think about your son and then, its another sleepless night. Bernabe Abraham Gaspar Father of Adan Abraham de la Cruz Don Berna which is what everybody calls him remembers the day he began to walk through the town of Filo de Caballos, asking about the boys from the Teachers College. He knew that he was walking through one of the most violent areas in the state of Guerrero. Deep in the mountains, its famous for being the main region that produces the poppy plant, from which opium gum is scraped. Hours earlier, he had decided to start looking for his son alone. He couldnt resign himself to being stuck at home, missing him. Don Berna went to the most dangerous area of the mountain region with a backpack, carrying food and some flowers that he grew with the help of Adan, his son. I spent three days there, until a man approached me and said: Dont ask any more [questions] out here. It was already getting late, and it was very risky, he says, reflecting on those days after the night in Iguala. Ten years later, hes sitting in the living room of his house in Tixtla, in front of a photo of Adan that rests on an altar honoring Saint Martin Caballero. Don Berna is now 60-years-old. He says hes tired, but he isnt going to stop searching. He just shared this sentiment with President-elect Claudia Sheinbaum, in a meeting the parents had with her on July 29. Over the past decade, Don Berna has fallen ill: his legs hurt and he cannot sit for very long. He was recently diagnosed with hemorrhagic dengue and spent 15 days in the hospital because his platelet count dropped. The after-effects include back pain, arm pain and headaches. Before Iguala, he planted crops corn or beans on his six or seven acres of farmland. He tilled the soil with Adan. What he misses most is talking with him, out in the field, while they worked side-by-side. After his sons disappearance, Don Berna stopped farming. I missed him a lot when I was there all by myself, so I stopped going. The searches, meetings and marches also take up a lot of time. I left the countryside. He tells EL PAIS this story in a slow, soft voice. From 2014 onwards, he remembers conducting searches with the Federal Police. Parents were asked to join, but women werent allowed: only men. Mothers who didnt have a partner sent a brother, a brother-in-law, or another close male relative. Don Berna recalls the night of September 26, but particularly the morning, when he took Adan to the Teachers College. His son had the flu and had spent the night at home, but in the morning, he asked his father to take him to campus: there was an activity scheduled the famous march in Iguala that he couldnt miss. Don Berna took Adan to the school in a truck and never saw him again. Thats why its harder for him to forget the morning rather than the night of September 26. During a meeting in 2015, the lawyers from the Tlachinollan Mountain Human Rights Center explained to the parents that they had an invitation to go to Geneva, Switzerland, so that they could present their case to the United Nations Committee on Enforced Disappearances. But they the parents had to go. Nobody raised their hand: they didnt understand how attending would benefit them. In the end, Don Berna volunteered. I thought about going because, maybe there, they would tell me where my son is, or where the boys are. But everything turned out differently than he imagined. What he remembers most about that trip is that the people who approached him had a warped understanding about what was happening in Mexico. I told them that the bad guys or the police had disappeared [the boys] which was the same thing and they responded by saying that they couldnt imagine how that could happen. He says that hearing this made him sad: he realized that the reality of what was happening to the parents wasnt being comprehended. Today, in a cruel irony, Don Berna grows cempasuchil the flowers of the dead. He only does this during the season closest to the holidays, because its easy to grow crops and it helps him earn a living. He wont go back to planting corn until Adan returns, or until hes told what happened to him. And he wont take down the photograph that he always stares at before leaving his house. An altar inside Cristiana Bautistas house. A photograph of Adan Abraham, displayed on an altar in his house in Tixtla, in the Mexican state of Guerrero. Hilda Legideno Vargas Mother of Jorge Antonio Tizapa Legideno In 2020, Hilda Legideno saw a photo on Facebook of a young man lying on a street in Mexicali, in the state of Baja California. A homeless shelter would share photos of homeless people on social media, in case a family member recognized them. In the post, the young man was sleeping on the floor and part of his face could be seen; the rest was covered by his jacket. Hilda looked at the image and saw the resemblance to Jorge Antonio. She couldn't be sure, as the photo only showed half of his face. But his mouth looked like Jorge's. Hilda started making calls, until Alejandro Encinas then the undersecretary of Human Rights in Mexico answered the phone. She still doesn't know exactly how, but she managed to get herself on a plane to Baja California. The lawyers and people closest to her were upset. You must understand that your son is dead, not in Tijuana, someone told Hilda. She doesnt want to mention the person by name, because the comment hurt her greatly. When she arrived at the shelter, the staff told her that they didnt have much information about the young man in the photo. Hes a homeless man who cleans cars and lives between Tijuana and Mexicali, was the only thing they could tell her. She began to walk along the border wall with the photo of the young man lying on the ground, asking people about him, telling them that he was her son. I would tell them: hes my son, hes a student in Guerrero, hes one of those who are missing. She begins to cry very slowly as she recounts this, without making a sound. She has to remain silent for a moment and swallow heavily before continuing her story. Finally, in Tijuana, in another shelter, someone showed her a video of the young man washing cars and she was able to confirm that it wasnt her son after all. She returned to Mexico City for a meeting, where she received more criticism. How could you go all the way there? people asked her. Hilda is no longer affected by such criticism. In the last decade, shes been accused of all kinds of things. I always think that they dont understand, because they dont have a missing person [in their lives], she reflects. Theyve told us everything, but as a mother, youre not going to fail your son. If theyre so sure that [our kids] are dead, let them prove it to us. Imagine if wed been satisfied with that version, when they told us that our children were in the river. Its 4 p.m. in Ayotzinapa. Hilda closes her small shop, which is located a few feet from the entrance to the Teachers College. Before the night of September 26, she had her house and a grocery store in Tixtla. Then, everything changed. Today, she sells t-shirts and bracelets at the doors of the school: all of her items refer to the 43. Hilda finds it difficult for her to speak and give interviews she doesnt like it. She remembers when her son enrolled at school. He came home and told her: Youre going to have to accompany me to the march: they ask us to march and for our parents to accompany us. She didnt like any of those things: the parties, the protests, speaking in public in front of so many people. Thats why she doesnt watch the documentaries or newscasts that shes appeared in. Shes tired of everything of people telling her that her son is dead, of people asking her if she gets emotional when she meets with the president. But what tires me the most are the lies. It cannot be that they lie to us so much, right to our faces. Israeli reservists on their tanks at a IDF staging area near the border of Gaza in southern Israel on May 21, 2024. (Heidi Levine for The Washington Post) TEL AVIV, Israel Shelly Lotans food-tech startup in northern Israel was just a year old when Hezbollah started firing missiles across the border last October and the government advised everyone in the area to evacuate. Two of her five employees were called up to serve in the military. Those that remained moved the companys office to one of her employees parents basement. Investments slowed to a trickle. As Israel nears the anniversary of the Hamas-led assault, with no Gaza cease-fire in sight and a possible invasion of Lebanon looming, Lotans business is barely hanging on. And her frustration with the government for its handling of the war, and the downstream effects on the economy is mounting. The human cost of Oct. 7 on this small country has been immense. Nearly everyone knew someone who was killed, injured or kidnapped that day, or deployed to the front lines in the months that followed. Often lost in the turmoil and tragedy of the past year is the toll of the conflict on the Israeli economy. The country has seen its credit score downgraded and its gross domestic product shrink sharply. Tens of thousands of businesses have closed, and a growing number of jobs are being moved offshore. Israeli reservists have put careers on hold or struggled to juggle them with military service. While Israels massive high-tech industry has remained resilient, construction and agriculture which relied heavily on Palestinians whose work permits were canceled by Israel after Oct. 7 have been hit hard. Tourism has plunged by more than 75%, the Central Bureau of Statistics said in June, leaving many shop fronts shuttered in the usually bustling thoroughfares of Jerusalems Old City. Defense spending, meanwhile, has at least doubled, with the Central Bank warning that the war could cost $67 billion through 2025 a prediction made before Israels recent escalation in Lebanon and the mobilization of two reserve brigades to the northern front on Wednesday. The economy is in serious danger unless the government wakes up, said Dan Ben-David, who heads the Shoresh Institution for Socioeconomic Research. Right now they are completely disconnected from anything that is not war and there is no end in sight. The mother of all wars Lotan, who balanced running her business with raising three kids while her husband served for five months in the military, said she has struggled to raise money from venture capital firms wary of investing in Israel because of the risk. She is still dealing with expenses related to the transfer of equipment from her old headquarters in Kiryat Shmona, just a few miles from the border with Lebanon. And the cost of living keeps increasing. When she and a friend, a fellow startup founder, got coffee the other day in Tel Aviv, Lotan said, they agreed that the most responsible thing to do is to start planning a way out. It feels like if a significant change doesnt happen soon, the economy will crash, she said. International customers began voicing concerns about Israel in the months before Oct. 7, business owners said, when Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu tried to weaken the Supreme Court, leading to mass protests and concerns about the strength of Israels democracy. Sagi Eliyahu, the chief executive of software company KMS lighthouse, said that on Oct. 7, customers expressed sympathy. The day after, he said, they started asking about procedures and backup plans. And those were fair questions. Part of his 200-person companys response has been to accelerate hiring outside the country, Eliyahu said, adding 30 employees over the past year in Portugal and Serbia. Among his 80 Israel-based employees, one was so upset by the governments handling of the war that they emigrated to Canada, and two others are thinking about leaving. Israels economy is generally resilient in the face of conflict, said Dany Bahar, a senior fellow at the Center for Global Development. He said Israels outsize contributions to innovation and technology have created a massive startup culture, making the country a destination for international research and development. But this war seems like the mother of all wars, he added. That means it is expensive and the money has to come from somewhere. Part of the challenge, he said, is that the government has been unwilling to make cuts to coalition funds, used to fund social programs, including religious studies for Israels ultra-Orthodox community. The subsidies are widely unpopular among secular Israelis, but ultra-Orthodox parties are a key pillar of Netanyahus ruling coalition. Ben-David, the economist, said professionals in the finance ministry, now led by far-right settler activist Bezalel Smotrich, are frustrated with a government they feel is more focused on appeasing its supporters than shoring up the economy. He said he has pleaded with them to stay in their roles. They are the last public dam we have, he said. The politicians are in la la land. We cant go backwards About 287,000 Israelis were called up to serve after Oct. 7, a massive number in a country of less than 10 million. Many were integral to their companies, and have struggled to balance career goals with front line duties. Idan Ben-David, a 28 year-old who reported at 8 a.m. on Oct. 7, still spends four nights a week serving with Israels Air Force; during the day, he runs Tauga AI, a startup focused on using artificial intelligence to personalize learning. The 10-person company has been able to stay afloat, said Ben-David, who has become accustomed to skipping nights of sleep. But it has not grown in the way he had planned. The economy should be one of the things that leads Israel to want the war to finish sooner rather than later, he said. Fay Goldstein, an American-Israeli who served as a spokeswoman for the Israel Defense Forces after Oct. 7, recalled driving to the kibbutzim that were attacked by Hamas while messaging her team on Slack about their startup, which uses AI to boost manufacturing sales. She would try to make it back to Tel Aviv by 10 p.m., she said, so she could take business calls before the end of the U.S. work day. She took a meeting in November with the person who turned out to be her first angel investor in her IDF uniform, in an army car as she waited for news about a potential hostage release deal in Gaza. All around her, she said, fellow reservists were doing the same taking Zoom meetings with colleagues or studying for degrees. When she was released from service after four months, she doubled down on building her company. We cant go backwards, she said. A lot of Israels future relies on its economic prowess. The tourists are gone In calmer times, Ayman Shawars family bakery in Jerusalems Old City was full of tourists. On Saturdays, there would be lines out the door and shelves filled with pastries. But since Oct. 7, there has been only a trickle of customers, said Shawar, a Palestinian citizen of Israel who said his family has run the bakery for centuries. It feels like nighttime, and we dont know when morning will come, he said, sitting in an empty shop with empty shelves. The only person whod come by was Abdul Qader Alami, 70, who runs an ice cream and juice stand across the street. Alami said it had been months since he sold anything. He spends his days chatting with fellow Palestinian business owners many of whom have shuttered their stalls entirely and trying not to think too much about the future. Without a retirement check from decades of work as a wastewater operator in the United States, he said, Id starve. The economy was tourists and the tourists are gone, he said. There is no economy. Smoke rises from Israeli airstrikes in the southern village of Kfar Rouman, seen from Marjayoun, south Lebanon, Wednesday, Sept. 25, 2024. (Hussein Malla/AP) Israel and Hezbollah each have strong incentives to heed international calls for a cease-fire that could avert all-out war but that doesnt mean they will. Hezbollah is reeling after a sophisticated attack on personal devices killed and wounded hundreds of its members. Israeli airstrikes have killed two top commanders in Beirut in less than a week, and warplanes have pounded what Israel says are Hezbollah sites across large parts of Lebanon, killing over 600 people. So far, Israel clearly has the upper hand militarily, which could make it less willing to compromise. But its unlikely to achieve its goal of halting Hezbollah rocket fire with air power alone, and a threatened ground invasion of Lebanon poses major risks. After nearly a year of war, Israeli troops are still fighting Hamas in Gaza. And Hezbollah is a much more formidable force. Hezbollah has yet to employ 10% of its capabilities, military affairs correspondent Yossi Yehoshua wrote in Yediot Ahronot, Israels largest daily newspaper. The euphoria that is evident among the decision-makers and some of the public should be placed back in the attic: the situation is still complex and flammable. The United States and its allies, including Gulf Arab countries, have tried to offer a way out, proposing an immediate 21-day cease-fire to provide space for diplomacy. But any deal would require both sides to back away from their core demands, and they may decide the price is too high. Hezbollah wants a truce in Gaza, too Hezbollah began launching rockets, drones and missiles into northern Israel after Hamas Oct. 7 attack in the south triggered the war in Gaza. Hezbollah and Hamas are both allies of Iran, and the Lebanese militant group says it is acting in solidarity with Palestinians. Israel has responded with waves of airstrikes. Overall, the fighting has killed dozens of people in Israel, more than 1,000 in Lebanon and forced the evacuation of tens of thousands of people from communities on both sides of the border. Hezbollah has said it will halt the attacks if there is a cease-fire in Gaza. But months of negotiations over Gaza led by the United States, Qatar and Egypt have repeatedly stalled, and Hamas might be less motivated to reach a deal if it thinks Hezbollah and Iran will join a wider war against Israel. For Hezbollah, halting its rocket fire without securing any tangible gains for the Palestinians would be seen as a capitulation to Israeli pressure, with all of its recent casualties suffered in vain. Any deal involving a cease-fire in Gaza would be a hard sell for Israel, which would view it as a reward for Hezbollah rocket attacks that have displaced tens of thousands of its citizens for nearly a year. For Israel, a cease-fire might not be enough Israels goals in Lebanon are far narrower than in Gaza, where Prime Minister Benjmain Netanyahu has vowed total victory over Hamas and the return of scores of hostages. Israel wants the tens of thousands of people who were evacuated from northern communities nearly a year ago to return safely to their homes. And it wants to ensure that Hezbollah never carries out an Oct. 7-style attack. A weekslong cease-fire which would give Hezbollah a chance to reset after major attacks on its chain of command and communications might not be enough. Few Israelis are likely to return if they know its only temporary, and even an agreement for a lasting cease-fire would face skepticism. The U.N. Security Council resolution that ended the 2006 war between Israel and Hezbollah called for the militants to withdraw north of the Litani River, some 30 kilometers (18 miles) from the border, and for the area between to be patrolled by Lebanese forces and U.N. peacekeepers. Israel says that provision was never implemented and is likely to demand additional guarantees in any new cease-fire. But Hezbollah is far stronger than Lebanons regular armed forces and the U.N. detachment, neither of which would be able to impose any agreement by force. Netanyahus partners want him to fight on Netanyahu leads the most religious and nationalist government in Israels history. His far-right coalition partners have threatened to bring down his government if he makes too many concessions to Hamas, and they are also likely to oppose any deal with Hezbollah. Bezalel Smotrich, Netanyahus hardline finance minister, said Thursday that Israels campaign in the north should only end in one scenario crushing Hezbollah and denying its ability to harm residents of the north. Itamar Ben-Gvir, the far-right National Security Minister, said he would not support a temporary cease-fire and would leave the government if it becomes permanent. Although opposition parties would likely support the cease-fire, the defection of his partners would eventually bring down Netanyahus government and force early elections, potentially leaving him even more exposed to investigations into the security failures of Oct. 7 and corruption charges that predate the war. It could even mean the end of his long political career. Iran has sent mixed signals In Lebanon, Prime Minister Najib Mikati has welcomed the cease-fire proposal, but he has little power to impose an agreement on Hezbollah. Iran, which helped establish Hezbollah in the 1980s and is the source of its advanced weapons, has more sway over the group, but it has yet to express a position on any cease-fire. It likely fears a wider war that could bring it into direct conflict with the United States, but cant stand by indefinitely while its most powerful proxy force is dismantled. Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian, a relative moderate elected over the summer, struck a more conciliatory tone toward the West than his predecessors when he addressed the U.N. General Assembly on Tuesday. But he had sharp words for Israel and said its heavy bombardment of Lebanon in recent days cannot go unanswered. A man reacts surveys a damaged apartment in Saksakieh, Lebanon, after an Israeli airstrike on Sept. 26, 2024. (Mohammed Zaatari/AP) NEW YORK Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Thursday vowed to carry out full force strikes against Hezbollah until it ceases firing rockets across the border, dimming hopes for a cease-fire proposal put forth by U.S. and European officials. Israel carried out a new strike in the Lebanese capital, which killed a senior Hezbollah commander, and the militant group launched dozens of rockets into Israel. Tens of thousands of Israeli and Lebanese people living near their countries border have been displaced by the fighting. Netanyahu spoke as he arrived in New York to attend the annual gathering of world leaders at the U.N. General Assembly, where U.S. and European officials were putting heavy pressure on both sides of the conflict to accept a proposed 21-day halt in the fighting to give time for diplomacy and avert all-out war. Nearly 700 people have been killed in Lebanon this week as Israel dramatically escalated strikes, saying it is targeting the military capacity of Hezbollah the Iranian-backed Shiite group that is the strongest armed force in Lebanon. Israeli leaders say they are determined to stop the groups cross-border attacks, which began after the Hamas militant groups Oct. 7 attack that ignited the war in Gaza. Israels policy is clear, Netanyahu said. We are continuing to strike Hezbollah with full force. And we will not stop until we reach all our goals, chief among them the return of the residents of the north securely to their homes. Later, the prime ministers office said in a statement that Israel and U.S. officials met Thursday to discuss the cease-fire proposal and would continue talks in coming days. One of Israels latest airstrikes killed a Hezbollah drone commander, Mohammed Hussein Surour, in the suburbs of Beirut. Israels military announced the death, which Hezbollah later confirmed. The Health Ministry said two people were killed and 15 wounded in the strike. Associated Press photos of the scene showed a gutted apartment in a residential building in Dahiyeh, the mainly Shiite suburb where Hezbollah has a strong presence. Until recently, Israel had rarely targeted sites in Beirut during the low-level conflict with Hezbollah that began in October. But it has struck Beiruts southern suburbs several times this week. Several strikes in Beirut targeted senior Hezbollah commanders. One strike in eastern Lebanon on Thursday killed 20 people, most of them Syrian migrants, according to Lebanese health officials. Israel hit 75 sites early Thursday across southern and eastern Lebanon and launched a new wave of strikes in the evening, the military said. Throughout the day, Hezbollah fired some 175 projectiles into Israel, the Israeli military said. Most were intercepted or fell in open areas, sparking some wildfires, though one rocket hit a street in a town near the northern city of Safed. Israel has talked of a possible ground invasion into Lebanon to drive Hezbollah away from the border. It has moved thousands of troops to the north in preparation. Some 100,000 Lebanese have fled their homes in the past week, streaming into Beirut and points further north. Israeli military vehicles transported tanks and armored vehicles toward the countrys northern border with Lebanon a day after commanders issued a call-up of reservists. Several tanks arrived in Kiryat Shmona, a hard-hit town just several miles from the border. Lebanons foreign minister called for an immediate cease-fire on all fronts, warning that continued violence at his nations border will transform into a black hole that will engulf international and regional peace and security. Abdallah Bouhabib, speaking before the U.N. General Assembly, decried Israels systematic destruction of Lebanese border villages. The crisis in Lebanon threatens the entire Middle East, Bouhabib said. We wish today to reiterate our call for a cease-fire on all fronts. He said Lebanon welcomes efforts by the United States and France to move urgently toward a cease-fire before things spin out of control. Hezbollah has not yet responded to the proposal. Israels military on Friday also said it intercepted a missile fired from Yemen that set off air raid sirens across the countrys center. Sirens rang out across Israels populous central area, including the seaside metropolis of Tel Aviv. Another missile from Yemen landed in central Israel about two weeks ago. The escalation has raised fears of a repeat or worse of the 2006 war between Israel and Hezbollah that wreaked destruction across southern Lebanon and other parts of the country and saw heavy Hezbollah rocket fire on Israeli cities. Another full-scale war could be devastating for both Israel and Lebanon, U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin said after talks with his British and Australian counterparts in London. One of Netanyahus far-right governing partners threatened to suspend cooperation with his government if it signs onto a temporary cease-fire with Hezbollah and to quit completely if a permanent deal is reached. It was the latest sign of displeasure from Netanyahus allies toward international cease-fire efforts. If a temporary cease-fire becomes permanent, we will resign from the government, said National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir, head of the Jewish Power party. If Ben-Gvir leaves the coalition, Netanyahu would lose his parliamentary majority. That could topple his government, though opposition leaders have said they would offer support for a cease-fire deal. Hezbollah has insisted it would halt its strikes only if there is a cease-fire in Gaza, where Israel has battled Hamas for nearly a year. That appears out of reach. One day after Hamas Oct 7 attack, Hezbollah began firing rockets into northern Israel, bringing Israeli counterfire and a cycle of reprisals since. Hezbollah says its barrages are a show of support for Palestinians and that it is targeting Israeli military facilities, though rockets have also hit civilian areas. Before this week, the cross-border exchanges had killed about 600 people in Lebanon, mostly militants but including more than 100 civilians, and about four dozen people in Israel, roughly half of them soldiers and the rest civilians. The fighting also forced tens of thousands to flee homes on both sides of the border. Israel says its escalated strikes across Lebanon the past week are targeting Hezbollah rocket launchers and other military infrastructure. Since Monday, strikes have killed more than 690 people in Lebanon, around a quarter of them women and children, according to local health authorities. The campaign opened with what is widely believed to be an Israeli attack on Sept. 18 and 19 detonating thousands of pagers and walkie-talkies used by Hezbollah, killing at least 39 people and maiming thousands more, including civilians. Hezbollah in turn has fired hundreds of rockets into Israel. Several people in Israel have been wounded. On Wednesday, the group fired on Tel Aviv for the first time with a longer-range missile that was intercepted. Early Thursday, an Israeli airstrike hit a building housing Syrian workers and their families near the ancient city of Baalbek in Lebanons eastern Bekaa Valley. The Lebanese Health Ministry said 19 Syrians and a Lebanese were killed, one of the deadliest single strikes in Israels intensified air campaign. Hussein Salloum, a local official in Younine, said most of the dead were women and children. The state news agency had initially reported that 23 people were dead. Lebanon, with a population of around 6 million, hosts nearly 780,000 registered Syrian refugees and hundreds of thousands who are unregistered the worlds highest refugee population per capita. Mroue reported from Beirut, and Lidman reported from Tel Aviv. Associated Press journalist Sam McNeil in Kiryat Shmona, Israel, contributed to this report. A Joint Base Lewis-McChord soldier pleaded not guilty Wednesday, Sept. 25, 2024, to charges that he deserted to avoid a court-martial and killed a taxi driver while trying to flee from the Seattle area. (Gary Warner/Stars and Stripes) A soldier convicted of child rape pleaded not guilty Wednesday to charges that he deserted to avoid the rape trial and killed a taxi driver while trying to flee from the Seattle area. Pvt. Jonathan Kang Lee, 25, was arraigned at Joint Base Lewis-McChord on charges of premeditated murder, murder while perpetrating a robbery, desertion, resisting arrest, wrongful use of a controlled substance, and failure to obey a lawful order, according to the online case docket. Lee pleaded not guilty to all the charges and asked for a court-martial panel of enlisted personnel. Under reforms approved by Congress in late 2023, the newly created Army Office of Special Trial Counsel handles murder, kidnapping, rape and most sex crime prosecutions. Previously, the cases were handled by senior commanders. The Army is not seeking the death penalty for Lee, according to Michelle McCaskill, spokeswoman for the special trial counsel. The maximum penalty that Lee faces is life in prison without the chance of parole. Though the death penalty for the charge of premeditated murder remains a possible sentence under the Uniformation Code of Military Justice, no soldier has been executed since 1961. The Army said pre-trial motions will be heard Nov. 5 and Jan. 3. Lees court-martial is scheduled for March 3-14. Pvt. Jonathan Kang Lee was an Army specialist in an intelligence unit when he was charged with child rape. He was due to go to trial in January. When Lee did not report on Jan. 14, 2024, the Army Criminal Investigation Division issued a Be On The Lookout alert with photos of Lee and a vehicle that investigators believed the soldier was driving. (Army Criminal Investigative Division) Lee is already serving a 64-year sentence for rape and sexual assault against two family members one younger than 16 and the other younger 11 between 2020 and 2022. He is confined at the Northwest Joint Regional Correctional Facility, a medium-security military jail at Lewis-McChord. Lee was an Army specialist in an intelligence unit when he was charged with child rape. He was due to go to trial in January. As with most defendants without prior criminal records, Lee was not in pre-trial detention at the jail. He was confined to the base and required to check in daily with an officer. When Lee did not report on Jan. 14, the Army Criminal Investigation Division issued a Be On The Lookout alert with photos of Lee and a vehicle that CID believed the soldier was driving. Lee either flagged down or contacted a RediCab taxi, according to authorities. The company is based in Olympia but serves the Lewis-McChord area. Prosecutors said the taxi went to the sprawling parking lot of Westfield Southcenter Mall in Tukwila, just east of Sea-Tac International Airport. The body of the driver, Nicholas Hokema, 34, was found the next morning of Jan. 15 amid the mostly empty 6,700-space lot. He had been stabbed several times. The red Toyota taxi was gone. On Jan. 19, a court-martial at Lewis McChord found Lee guilty in absentia of the child sex charges. He was sentenced to 64 years confinement, reduction to lowest rank - private, and a dishonorable discharge. Authorities found Hokemas RediCab on Jan. 26 parked near a residential area in Redmond, Wash., about 50 miles north of Lewis-McChord. Tukwila police and Army investigators located Lee at a nearby apartment complex, where he was apprehended the new court-martial charges Lee with resisting arrest. Hundreds gather for a rally in support of Lebanon in light of recent Israeli strikes that killed hundreds, on Wednesday, Sept. 25, 2024 in front of the Henry Ford Centennial Library in Dearborn. (Katy Kildee/The Detroit News) Dearborn (Tribune News Service) Hundreds of Lebanese flags waved and voices shouted support for Lebanon and Palestine during a rally Wednesday in Dearborn amid escalating conflict in the Middle East. Speakers at the Veterans Park War Memorial outside the Henry Ford Centennial Library on Michigan Avenue criticized the Israeli army for what they said were attacks against not just military targets but civilians, including children. Speakers were sharply critical of the Biden administration, Democratic presidential candidate Kamala Harris as well as the Republican candidate, Donald Trump, for their support for Israel. Biden, Harris and Trump no difference, said Osama Siblani, publisher of the Arab American News who led the event. Dearborn Mayor Abdullah Hammoud took specific aim at what he perceived to be the hypocrisy of Democrats. You want to expand access to health care, he said. Then why is it that you uplift and condone the bombing of every health care facility from Gaza to Beirut? The rally took place as thousands of people in southern Lebanon sought refuge following a two-day aerial barrage that left more than 600 people dead, the Associated Press reported Wednesday. As part of the shelling, the Israeli military said it killed Tuesday a top commander of Hezbollah, a militant group backed by Iran. Israel has said it has mounted the attacks to undercut Hezbollah. Families that fled southern Lebanon flocked to Beirut and the coastal city of Sidon, sleeping in schools turned into shelters, as well as in cars and parks, and along the beach, the AP reported. Some sought to leave the country, causing a traffic jam at the border with Syria. At the rally, Wayne County Commissioner Sam Baydoun said he spoke with his family, including his 88-year-old father, in Beirut by phone earlier in the day, and he fears for their safety. During my childhood, I lived through the Israeli invasion of 1978, he said. I witnessed the F-15s terrorize the civilian population. I know all too well what the people of south Lebanon and Beirut are going through right now and it puts me at a loss for words. In 1978, Israel invaded and occupied southern Lebanon after Palestine Liberation Organization militants entered Israel Israel from Lebanon by sea, the Israeli military said, and attacked a bus, killing 35 people. The United Nations coordinated an Israeli withdrawal. The militant group Hezbollah was founded in 1982 after Israels occupation of southern Lebanon. Israel has said its objective is to secure its northern border so that tens of thousands of people who fled under Hezbollah fire nearly a year ago can return to their homes, the AP said. Israel said it hit only military targets, but some fleeing the area say Israel was targeting and attacking citizens. But many in Lebanon fear Israels military operations there would follow the same Gaza playbook: Evacuation orders, mass displacement and overwhelming, deadly airstrikes it says target weapons, according to the AP. Israel has so far largely targeted the militant group. But in Lebanon, fear and anxiety prevail. Israel Defense Force military spokesperson Rear Adm. Daniel Hagari told reporters Israel aims to keep its operations as short as possible, thats why were attacking with great force. At the same time, we must be prepared for it to take longer. David Kurzmann, senior director of community affairs for the Jewish Federation of Metropolitan Detroit, declined to comment before and after the rally, saying it would be inappropriate with local residents showing support for their community. Wednesdays rally drew many residents from in and around Dearborn, including Lebanese Americans like Tyser Charara. Many Dearborn and Dearborn-area residents hail from Lebanese immigrant families. Dearborn is Lebanon, he said. When they hurt in Lebanon, we feel it in Dearborn. 2024 The Detroit News. Visit detroitnews.com. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC. Vice President Kamala Harris meets with Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in Washington on Sept. 26, 2024. (Jacquelyn Martin/AP) WASHINGTON With American support for Ukraine at a partisan crossroads, Vice President Kamala Harris on Thursday slammed suggestions that Kyiv should cede territory for the sake of peace with Moscow as dangerous and unacceptable. The Democratic presidential nominee spoke alongside Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy as she unleashed the veiled criticism of Republican candidate Donald Trumps push for Ukraine to quickly cut a deal to end the war. They are not proposals for peace, Harris said. Instead they are proposals for surrender. Her comments were a reminder of the high stakes for the war effort in this years election. Trump, for his part, has criticized U.S. assistance for Ukraine, praised Russian President Vladimir Putin and faulted Zelenskyy for the ongoing bloodshed. Trump said he will meet with Zelenskyy in New York on Friday after days of questions over whether the two leaders will sit down together. He rejected Harris criticisms and insisted that he only wants to stop the horror show thats gone on. Asked if Ukraine should give up territory, Trump said well see what happens and we need peace. Before announcing the meeting with Zelenskyy, Trump posted on social media a purported message from the Ukrainian leader asking to see him. The message, which was not confirmed by Ukrainian officials, said we have to strive to understand each other. The decision to publicly disclose what appeared to be private communications, however benign their contents, was a reminder of the tension thats been brewing between Trump and Zelenskyy. It was a far different impression than Harris delivered on Thursday as she embraced Ukraines defense and outlined a broader foreign policy vision rooted in international order, rules and norms. Harris rejected calls for the U.S. to walk away from its global role and warned that potential aggressors could be emboldened if Putin emerges victorious. The United States supports Ukraine not out of charity, but because its in our strategic interest, Harris said. Zelenskyy was in Washington to present the White House and Congress with his plans for reaching an endgame in the war by improving Ukraines chances on the battlefield and its eventual leverage at the negotiating table. Hes pushing to lift restrictions on using long-range Western weapons to strike targets deeper in Russian territory. No movement on this issue was evident during Zelenskyys visit. However, Biden announced billions of dollars more in missiles, drones, ammunition and other supplies. The weapons include an additional Patriot missile defense battery and a new shipment of glide bombs that can be deployed from Western fighter jets, increasing their strike range. Biden pledged to ensure that all approved funding is disbursed before he leaves office, and he said he plans to convene a meeting with other world leaders focused on Ukraines defense during a visit to Germany next month. We stand with Ukraine, now and in the future, Biden said alongside Zelenskyy in the Oval Office. Russia will not prevail. Ukraine will prevail. Ukrainian officials are anxious to maintain good relations with whomever becomes the next president of the United States, which is its biggest and most important provider of arms, money and other support. But the effort risks slipping into the political blender of the presidential campaign, polarizing the discussion around a war that used to be a bipartisan cause celebre in Washington. About two thirds of Democrats and Democratic-leaning independents said the U.S. has a responsibility to help Ukraine, compared with one third of Republicans and Republican-leaning independents, according to a Pew Research Center poll conducted in July. Americans are also split on which presidential candidate would do a better job handling the war. An AP-NORC poll from August found that about one-third of Americans said they trusted Harris more, while a similar share said the same about Trump. On Thursday, Zelenskyy found some bipartisan support as he visited Capitol Hill, where he was greeted by Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer and Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell. Sen. Lindsay Graham, a South Carolina Republican, said Zelenskyy asked to use long-range weapons, such as British-supplied Storm Shadow missiles or U.S.-made ATACMS, for maximum benefit to bring Putin to the table and increase Ukraines negotiating position. If we dont make that fundamental choice this week, I think the outcome for Ukraine is dire, Graham said. Administration officials have been skeptical of Zelenskyys request, believing the weapons could have limited benefits but increase the risk of escalating the conflict. Sen. Richard Blumenthal, a Connecticut Democrat, said senators gave Zelenskyy advice on how to persuade Biden to loosen restrictions. Rep. Jim Himes, another Connecticut Democrat and the ranking member of the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence, said Zelenskyy wanted more, faster. He was politely frustrated, Himes said, and specifically requested more Patriot missile defenses as Russia escalates strikes on Ukraines cities and energy grid before the winter. Zelenskyy faces a much more tense situation with Trump. The latest round of sniping started on Sunday, when The New Yorker published an interview with Zelenskyy in which he criticized JD Vance, Trumps running mate, as too radical for suggesting that Ukraine needs to give up some territory to end the war. Zelenskyy also dismissed Trumps boasts that he could quickly negotiate a solution, saying my feeling is that Trump doesnt really know how to stop the war even if he might think he knows how. On the same day, Zelenskyy toured a Pennsylvania factory producing munitions for the war. He was joined by Democratic Gov. Josh Shapiro, a top surrogate for Harris, and Republicans criticized the visit as a political stunt in a political battleground state. House Speaker Mike Johnson demanded that Zelenskyy fire the Ukrainian ambassador to the U.S., alleging that the tour was designed to help Democrats and is clearly election interference. The Louisiana Republican didnt attend any of lawmakers meetings with Zelenskyy on Thursday. Trump complained this week that Zelenskyy is making little nasty aspersions toward your favorite president, me. He also described the Ukrainian leader as the greatest salesman on Earth for securing U.S. support, and he complained that we continue to give billions of dollars to a man who refuses to make a deal to end the war. Trumps message dovetails with Russian propaganda that claims intransigence by Kyiv not aggression from Moscow has prolonged the bloodshed. Max Bergmann, director of the Europe, Russia and Eurasia program at the Center for Strategic and International Studies, said Zelenskyy is in a no-win situation where he cant even visit a U.S. weapons manufacturer to say thank you without being attacked. Trump was impeached during his first term over asking Zelenskyy for help investigating Biden, then a candidate for the Democratic presidential nomination, at a time when the Ukrainian leader was seeking support from Washington. Now there are fears that Trump would cut off or add strings to U.S. military assistance if he returned to the White House. Charles Kupchan, a senior fellow at the Council on Foreign Relations, said Trump is not wrong to want a negotiated end to the war. However, he said, Trump risks undermining Ukraine by enabling Putin to make more gains on the battlefield. Neither Ukraine nor Russia is going to win this war, and the sooner that the parties try to end this, the better, Kupchan said. Where Trump goes off course, and where Biden and Harris have a much stronger argument, is that we get to that point not by throwing Ukraine under the bus but by giving them sufficient support so they can block further Russian aggression. Associated Press writers Aamer Madhani and Michelle Price in New York and Ellen Knickmeyer, Lisa Mascaro, Mary Clare Jalonick, Kevin Freking, Steven Groves and Amelia Thomson-Deveaux in Washington contributed to this report. Melvin Juarbe, right, attempts to assist an unidentified driver whose car stalled in floodwaters from Hurricane Helene on Thursday, Sept. 26, 2024, in Madeira Beach, Fla. The men tried to pull the car to dry land with their pickup truck but have opted to call AAA after several failed attempts. (Max Chesnes/Tampa Bay Times via AP) WASHINGTON The Department of Veterans Affairs has closed dozens of clinics in Florida through Friday and is taking steps to ensure hospital patients are safe ahead of Hurricane Helene, which is forecasted to make landfall Thursday night along the states Gulf Coast. The agency is preparing for Hurricane Helene in the Tampa Bay region and across the Florida Panhandle, which is in the northwest corner of the state, VA Secretary Denis McDonough said Thursday morning at a news conference. Veterans who are in the path of the storm should take it seriously and heed the advice of local authorities, he said. The Category 2 hurricane was about 320 miles southwest of Tampa, Fla., Thursday morning with maximum wind strength of about 100 mph. Coastal communities already were reporting strong winds and heavy rain. The hurricane is forecast to strengthen to a Category 4 storm with winds of 120 to 156 mph before making landfall. Our teams have been reaching out to veterans with high-risk needs and to our employees, McDonough said. Direct communication with veterans in affected areas will continue. In-person appointments are canceled Thursday and Friday at the following VA health care centers Bay Pines VA Health Care System in the St. Petersburg-Tampa Bay region, James A. Haley Veterans Hospital and Clinics in Tampa and the North Florida/South Georgia Veterans Health System. McDonough said the VA has sent information on disaster resources to 810,000 Florida veterans who might be affected and will reach out to veterans in other states in the path of the storm. VA hospitals and clinics are reporting they are well-supplied to handle the storm, he said. An estimated 1.3 million veterans live in Florida, which has the third-highest veteran population in the United States. Florida veterans can call 1-800-698-2411 if they did not receive information on disaster resources or go to www.va.gov/vetresources. The VA also is alerting staff at facilities in other states to take precautions because they might be in the hurricanes path. VA hospitals and clinics in the following states were notified: Alabama, Georgia, Louisiana, Mississippi, South Carolina, North Carolina and Virginia, McDonough said. Lawmakers questioned why the Department of Veterans Affairs is dropping some non-VA regional medical centers in New York, Connecticut and Michigan from its scheduling system for community care. The VA said it was not getting the level of participation from doctors that it anticipated from the medical centers in those areas. (Statrs and Stripes) WASHINGTON A recent decision by the Department of Veterans Affairs to reduce non-VA medical appointments at regional medical centers in three states came under harsh questioning Thursday from House lawmakers. Rep. Matt Rosendale, R-Mont., asked VA leaders why an online scheduling platform for making non-VA appointments is being turned off at some regional medical centers in Michigan, New York and Connecticut. This seems like a shortsighted decision that will have lasting damage, he said during a House hearing to look at VAs efforts to modernize its online appointment system. The VA plans to drop its scheduling platform at medical centers in Ann Arbor and Iron Mountain in Michigan, Hudson Valley in New York and West Haven in Connecticut. Rosendale, chairman of the House Veterans Affairs Committees subpanel on technology modernization, questioned whether the decision to drop the scheduling platform is related to opposition by some VA leaders to expanding non-VA medical care for veterans. Some VA leaders have raised concerns that medical services provided by non-VA doctors are shifting resources from VA health care. I have serious concerns that VA leaders intentionally are undermining this project to make veterans health care slower and more difficult out of political hostility toward community care. I hope that is not the case, Rosendale said. Rep. Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick, D-Fla., added: Appointment scheduling is at the foundation of veteran access to care. The VA chose to drop certain regional medical centers as community providers because they lacked a high participation of doctors, said Mark Hausman, executive director for integrated access at the Veterans Health Administration. The decision was around not having adequate numbers of providers participating, Hausman said. We would prefer to focus efforts on adding medical centers with markets of higher potential. He said the VA will continue with community referrals for veterans at 12 other non-VA regional medical centers. There are plans to add at least five more high-volume non-VA medical practices in fiscal 2025, Hausman said. He did not identify the locations of those medical centers. The strategy we are working on next year will allow us to focus on key areas of markets that we think offer the highest potential for provider participation, Hausman said. But Rosendale said he did not hear that participation was a problem. For example, he said there are 300 doctors in Hudson Valley, N.Y., that have joined the VA network, which requires VA access to a physicians online schedule. Veterans can use non-VA health care for military service-connected illnesses and injuries when appointments are not readily available at a VA clinic or hospital in their community. Based on the veterans preferences and the health care providers schedule, a VA staff member makes the appointment for the veteran. Doctors and medical facilities also must be integrated into the VAs scheduling system to participate. Cherri Waters, executive director for health portfolio in the VA Office of Information and Technology, said the VAs goal is to develop an integrated appointment platform that allows schedulers to move with ease between the VA and the community network of non-VA doctors. Waters said the VA is hoping to have an updated scheduling system fully operational by February 2025. Under the new system, schedulers will more easily see appointment availability across multiple VA sites for telehealth and in-person visits. Plans also are to layer the scheduling system across veterans electronic health records. Cherfilus-McCormick said it is important for the VA to implement an updated scheduling system that lets veterans access the care that they need in a timely manner. VA has a long history of IT modernization efforts that suffer from a lack of effective VA management, she said. Cherfilus-McCormick asked how upgrades will be different as the scheduling system is modernized. Waters said the VA is taking an incremental approach that allows the agency to more easily identify and fix bugs than when applying several changes at once. This is how we can assure success at every step along the way, she said. The injunction is being sought by Professor Brian Lenehan, chief clinical director for the University of Limerick Hospital Group The High Court will next month consider an application from a hospital consultant for an injunction restraining the HSE from suspending him pending a disciplinary process relating to the death of 16-year-old Aoife Johnston. The injunction is being sought by Professor Brian Lenehan, chief clinical director for the University of Limerick Hospital Group, the court heard today. The sixth-year student from Shannon, Co Clare, died on December 19, 2022, after contracting meningitis and later developing sepsis. She was left waiting for 13 hours in University Hospital Limericks severely overcrowded emergency department and was not treated for sepsis until it was too late. An independent report on the circumstances surrounding her death by former Chief Justice Frank Clarke found it was almost certainly avoidable. Aoife Johnston Prof Lenehan is thought to be one of six people facing disciplinary proceedings arising from the tragedy, four of whom have been placed on administrative leave. His counsel Lorna Lynch SC told Mr Justice Liam Kennedy her client was seeking injunctive relief against the HSE in connection with its decision to suspend him. The judge agreed to issue directions, which had already been agreed between Prof Lenehans lawyers and those representing the HSE, for the progression of the case. There will be an exchange of affidavits in the coming weeks, with the matter due back before the court for mention on October 17. Ms Lynch said no orders were in place and none were required in the intervening period. Mairead McKenna SC, for the HSE, said some GDPR issues had arisen in Prof Lenehans pleadings. She said there would be discussions between both sides to resolve these issues, but flagged that it may be necessary for an application to be made to the court for directions on that issue. Following Ms Johnstons death, Prof Lenehan commissioned a review by a HSE team external to the hospital group under the HSE incident management framework. Prof Brian Lenehan, chief clinical director of University of Limerick Hospitals Group At the time he commissioned the review, he said: Im the chief clinical director. I'm ultimately responsible for patient safety, quality and patient safety. Prof Lenehan is a consultant orthopaedic surgeon with a special interest in spinal surgery. He took up a position with University Hospital Limerick in 2009 and became chief clinical director in 2020, combining the managerial role with his clinical practice. Following the review he commissioned, the HSE apologised to Ms Johnstons family for "serious failings her care. But the family said a lot of unanswered questions remained. Mr Justice Clarke was commissioned by the HSE to further investigate the matter. His report, published last week, found that doctors and nurses at the emergency department were unaware of Ms Johnstons sepsis risk. Due to overcrowding she was sent to the wrong section of the emergency department, where sepsis forms were not kept or filled out. Mr Justice Clarke said there were serious conflicts of evidence among staff about patient flow protocols to alleviate overcrowding. These protocols did not operate on the night of Ms Johnstons admission, resulting in overcrowding being more severe than it should have been. In the war in the Middle East, which will have been ongoing for a year on October 7, up to 71% of the troops that make up the Israeli army among the 20 most powerful in the world are reservists. This means that, faced with the enormous military deployment that the invasion of Gaza has entailed, the regular army could not cope with the operation with full-time personnel only and was forced to call up some 360,000 reservists who before the offensive in the Strip were engaged in other tasks and were mobilized in haste. Despite these difficulties, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) are attempting to close ranks, without displaying outward signs of fatigue or ebbing morale. Israel has seven open fronts: Gaza, Lebanon, the West Bank, Iran, Iraq, Syria, and Yemen, according to the assessment of Minister of Defense Yoav Gallant. In recent weeks, the main theater of war has shifted from the Strip where the IDF is fighting Hamas and where Israeli operations have killed more than 41,000 people, according to local health sources to the northern border with Lebanon, where Hezbollah militias are better prepared and armed than many regular armies and considerably stronger than than the Palestinian resistance in Gaza. Thousands of Israeli soldiers, many transferred from the Strip, are awaiting the order for a ground invasion of Lebanon. There is no expectation that a ceasefire agreement will be reached in the near future. Nor does anyone know how long a conflict that few imagined would last so long a year ago can continue. Can the IDF withstand the pressure? Does Israel possess enough soldiers, weapons, and a budget to fight for an indeterminate time? Will they limit their pressure on Hezbollah to air strikes and artillery bombardments, or will they end up launching a ground invasion? Israeli military sources insist that they are prepared morally, materially and in terms of personnel. The IDF does not want to give an impression of weakness or fatigue. If we have to be in this situation for 10 years, we will be in this situation for 10 years, says Roni Kaplan, a military spokesman and reservist, without offering details or figures beyond stating that there are hundreds of thousands of people currently engaged in the Armed Forces. Israel, he explains, has invested heavily in defense and its secret services. We are ready for whatever is necessary, and for as long as necessary, he stresses. There is, in any case, a key to maintaining the army and defending the country: the direct support of the United States, Israels main ally, which is measured not only in political and diplomatic support, but in billions of dollars in aid every year. The Americans are helping them with money, as well as with ammunition and materiel, says retired Lebanese army general Elias Hanna, who does not believe that the problem facing the Israeli army is financial. However, with seven open fronts, Israel has no choice but to fight, he points out in a telephone conversation. The retired general adds that fighting Hamas or Hezbollah on their doorstep is not the same as fighting the Houthi rebels in Yemen, over 1,200 miles away. Washingtons refusal this year to send 1,800 1,000-kilogram bombs and 1,700 500-kilogram bombs for fear that they might be used against civilians in Gaza was, in fact, a gesture to the gallery. Despite the differences that have arisen during the conflict, the close cooperation between the two partners has not been damaged, even under the shadow of the upcoming U.S. elections in November. Hanna, a professor at several institutions and an expert in security and defense, is in no doubt that the Israeli army is now weaker than when the war in Gaza began a year ago. He alludes to the number of dead soldiers, over 700, the wounded, some permanently out of combat, and the psychological damage. He estimates that Israel may eventually have six to seven divisions deployed on the border with Lebanon, comprising between 15,000 and 30,000 troops each, awaiting a possible invasion. In any case, it would be an operation that the former general considers extremely risky, and he doubts if Israel will take the step given the high price it will pay. Israeli soldiers training in the Golan Heights on September 19. ATEF SAFADI (EFE) Technological dependence If Israel wants to achieve its goals, it must wage a ground war in Lebanon, something that is dividing the military establishment of the Jewish state, says Wasef Erekat, an analyst and former Palestinian soldier, referring to the inability of the army to fight on several fronts at the same time. His opinion is that Israel is overly dependent on its weapons and technology, which does not translate into effective soldiers on the ground. This has been demonstrated, Erekat believes, by the fact that the IDF has been unable to end the Palestinian resistance in Gaza, where Hamas is fighting with much more modest weapons. Meanwhile, the Israeli parliament is currently debating whether to increase the state budget by 3.4 billion shekels (about $915 million), with the burden of maintaining hundreds of thousands of reservists who have left their jobs, and the cost of supporting tens of thousands of displaced people from towns attacked by Hamas near Gaza and approximately 60,000 people evacuated from the border with Lebanon. The vast majority of reservists who have joined the Armed Forces were called up after the massacre led by Hamas on October 7, 2023, when around 1,200 people were killed in Israeli territory and 250 taken hostage, according to the Israeli authorities. In just a few hours, Israel spent between four and five billion shekels (between $1.07 billion and $1.34 billion) when in the early hours of April 13 Iran launched some 300 missiles and drone against its territory, according to an estimate by a military officer interviewed by the Yediot Ahronot newspaper. Although Israel had the help of allies such as the United States, the United Kingdom, and Jordan, a large part of the arsenal was intercepted by the Iron Dome anti-aircraft system, a sophisticated apparatus made up of a triple shield at different heights above Israeli airspace. The same system on Tuesday prevented Hezbollah from hitting the Mossad headquarters in the Tel Aviv area. Is the Israeli army strong enough to do almost anything it wants in Lebanon and Gaza and wherever else? Yes, argues Dan Schueftan, director of the Center for National Security Studies at the University of Haifa. He bases his argument on the power of deterrence, instilling fear in the enemy so that it refrains from attacking Israel, which claims to have used only a small part of its available weaponry. Surrounded by the damage still visible after a missile strike from Lebanon on Sunday in Kiryat Bialik, on the outskirts of Haifa, one of the most populated and protected areas of the country, Kaplan acknowledges that Hezbollah is expanding the radius of its launches, but insists that this will not alter the Israeli armys plans. We are witnessing an attempt by Hezbollah to reach longer-range targets and a huge effort by Israel to prevent it, he said, referring to the more than 1,300 Hezbollah strikes over the previous few hours. The site of a missile strike allegedly launched by Hezbollah from Lebanon in Kiryat Bialik, on the outskirts of Haifa in northwestern Israel. Luis de Vega Under the pressure of the current conflict, Israel will try to mobilize the whole of society, says retired Lebanese general Hanna. In this regard, some within Israel have been warning for months about the need to swell the ranks of the IDF in an unprecedented way as the conflict has spread. To this end, touching on a highly sensitive issue, a law has been passed requiring ultra-Orthodox Jews, who until now had been exempt, to join the army. It is a measure that has been imposed in a low-profile manner so as not to incite a community that represents almost 15% of the population of 10 million inhabitants. Nor are Israeli Arabs, who make up around 20%, obliged to do so, although that can of worms has not yet been opened. Sign up for our weekly newsletter to get more English-language news coverage from EL PAIS USA Edition McLoughlin is a serious criminal who was jailed for 14 years and four months earlier this year Thomas 'Bomber' Kavanagh (right) admitted the firearms charges but Daniel McLoughlin (right) had his charges dropped A criminal cleared of supplying guns to senior members of the Kinahan cartel ran a 'Deliveroo for drugs' service using the Encrochat phone system. Daniel McLoughlin, 37, was in court this week where charges linking him to a firearms conspiracy involving Thomas Bomber Kavanagh were dropped. McLoughlin was accused of providing firearms to Bomber and his brother-in-law Dublin gang boss Liam Byrne. McLoughlin denied two counts of conspiracy to possess a prohibited weapon between 29 April 2020 and 28 May 2020. On Wednesday, prosecutor Tom Forster, KC, offered no evidence against McLoughlin and Judge Philip Katz, KC, cleared him of the two offences. Daniel McLoughlin However, McLoughlin is a serious criminal who was jailed for 14 years and four months earlier this year after admitting conspiracy to supply Class A and B drugs and exporting Class B drugs to Australia. Evidence showed that McLoughlin along with associate Elliot Garrity, 44, ran a Deliveroo for drugs service across Liverpool making 15,000 a week during the COVID-19 lockdown. Their phone line was spread through word of mouth as well as through Instagram stories. Customers placed their orders which were delivered by Garrity in his black cab and could even pay using the cabbie's card machine. Using the EncroChat handles 'Tabooky' and 'Wearyspear' McLoughlin sent messages on the encrypted platform boasting he was earning 15,000 a week. After the national lockdown was announced by then Prime Minister Boris Johnson in March 2020 McLoughlin exported a quarter of a kilo of ketamine to Australia, disguised in vacuum sealed Starbucks coffee bags. He and licenced taxi driver Garrity planned to expand the supply to Australia where they could sell the drugs for more money. They also planned to run their local criminal enterprise around-the-clock, employing two drivers for 12-hour shifts. When the Encro server was taken down in June 2020, McLoughlin and Garrity recruited other dealers to keep their operation running. McLoughlin was jailed for 14 years and four months in March this year at Liverpool Crown Court while Garrity, who used the handle 'Keptcreek', was jailed for eight years. Detective Inspector Mike Robinson from the North West Regional Organised Crime Unit said: This criminal enterprise has been described as a 'Deliveroo service for drugs' where they would make thousands of pounds a week, profiting from the country being in the middle of a pandemic. We uncovered messages from McLoughlin to other Encro users, bragging about making 15,000 during one week alone in lockdown. Liam Byrne (left) and Thomas 'Bomber' Kavanagh (right) When the encro server was brought down in June 2020, the group didn't stop. They continued their business using burner phones. It was during this time they recruited Luke Bolan, a friend of McLoughlins partner Charlotte Smith, and provided him with a burner phone to assist with deliveries. When we arrested McLoughlin, we discovered an office at his address set up with a map of Merseyside and overlay postcodes, which we believe he used to direct Garrity and his cab to transport his drugs more efficiently. We know the destruction that drug supply causes and the NWROCU remains relentless in our pursuit of these criminals and to bring down serious and organised criminal groups. The Encrochat handle Tabooky was mentioned in court this week in relation to the guns plot when it was heard McLoughlin admitted he sometimes used the handle which arranged to pass firearms onto Byrne but claimed he did not have sole use of that account. Mr Forster said there was no evidence McLoughlin was not telling the truth and the crown could not rule out that someone else had arranged the firearms sale. Kavanagh and Byrne, along with Shaun Kent, 38, admitted their role in the plot last week, which aimed to get Kavanagh a reduced sentence for drug smuggling by revealing the location of the guns to the National Crime Agency. Kavanagh is currently serving a 21-year sentence for masterminding a different 36m drug smuggling operation. While in custody awaiting sentence at Ipswich Crown Court he masterminded a plot together with Kent, Byrne and others to amass firearms from the UK, the Netherlands, the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland. They then intended to tell the NCA where the firearms were in order for Kavanagh to receive a reduced sentence. Kavanagh spoke to the NCA and told them weapons had been brought to the UK from Holland. He produced a map which led police to a farm in Northern Ireland and after digging they found two holdalls containing eleven submachine guns. The NCA had been passed information on the gang after French authorities hacked the encrypted chat EncroChat in April 2020. The NCA used this information to determine that Kavanagh was lying. Kavanagh, Kent and Byrne have admitted two counts of conspiracy to possesses a prohibited weapon and two counts of conspiracy to possess ammunition for a firearm without a certificate between 9 January 2020 and 3 June 2021. Kavanagh and Kent admitted perverting the course of justice. Crumlin native Byrne was charged after being extradited from Spain after being arrested as he holidayed in Majorca. The three men are due to be sentenced on 21 and 22 October. Liju John (37) kissed the young nurses neck and tried to get her to remove her face mask while they were in a room with a non-verbal elderly patient at the height of the Covid pandemic. A male nurse at a care home falsely imprisoned and sexually assaulted a co-worker by cornering her, wrapping his arms around her and kissing her against her will. Liju John (37) kissed the young nurses neck and tried to get her to remove her face mask while they were in a room with a non-verbal elderly patient at the height of the Covid pandemic. The victim wept in court as she said her life had been destroyed and told John: No man should ever touch a woman without consent, you should be ashamed of yourself. John, who had denied the charges at Dublin District Court, was found guilty and given a six-month suspended sentence. Judge John Hughes said it was a breach of trust by the accused. The married father of two from Woodside, Riverforest, Leixlip, Co Kildare, had pleaded not guilty to false imprisonment and sexual assault at a nursing home in the east of the country in 2021. The court heard that in the lead-up to the assault, John asked the victim why do you not look me in the eye?, and she felt uncomfortable. When they brought the resident to her room, he locked the door, which the victim thought was strange. He said he was sorry for making her feel uncomfortable and went to give her a hug, but put his hands around her waist. She said please let me go, but he tried to kiss her and she felt his lips on the left side of her neck. He was asking me to take my mask down so he could kiss me on the lips, she said. I was telling him to stop and he wouldnt. She put her hands on his chest and pushed him away. I had to push him off me, he was refusing to let go of me, she said. The accused had then warned her: Be careful who you tell stories to because your words can get twisted. The victim finished her work in the room, then opened the door, ran to the toilets and locked herself in. John followed her and she could hear him banging on the door when she phoned her mother, who contacted staff at the facility. In cross-examination, defence barrister Simon Crowley put it to the victim his client rejected her account. He said she had thrown a dirty pillow at John, he shouted at her and she got upset. He said there was no way the accused could have kissed the victim if he was wearing a mask and the victim had not mentioned John pulling down his mask before. If he was able to kiss me, he wouldnt be able to do it with a mask on, she said. He must have had it down already. John did not give evidence, but the court heard that in a garda interview, he contradicted much of what the victim said and maintained she was making up stories. In victim-impact evidence, the woman said the assault destroyed my mental health completely and had affected her career and her relationship . I hope you realise the damage youve done. To lay a hand on a woman without consent is just horrendous, its horrible, she said. John, from India and resident in Ireland on a visa, had since been dismissed from his job and the convictions would be a big stumbling block for his future employment prospects, Mr Crowley said. Judge Hughes said it was not simply a case of a co-worker trying to steal a kiss. John was in a position of trust and respect and the victim found herself in a weird situation with a male who was acting odd before he suddenly wrapped his arms around her. The victim was a diligent and caring worker who was entirely blameless and just doing her job, and she was shattered by what happened, he said. Suspending the six months for two years, the judge said John must undergo a course to educate him on the concept of consent. He is to stay away from the victim and pay her 5,000 in compensation, or donate it to charity if she does not accept it. He was also fined 1,000. As Max Hollingsbee stood in the dock of Craigavon Crown Court today, defence Eugene Grant KC asked for 28 of the 32 charges to be put to the defendant again A Co Armagh man has confessed to a catalogue of sex offences committed against eight young girls during a so-called catfishing crime spree. As Max Hollingsbee stood in the dock of Craigavon Crown Court today, defence Eugene Grant KC asked for 28 of the 32 charges to be put to the defendant again. The 20-year-old admitted the raft of offences, which included blackmail and inciting the victim to send sexually explicit images of themselves. On an indictment with offending covering an overall time span between June 10, 2021, and April 7, 2023, Hollingsbee, with an address at Orient Circle in Lurgan, entered guilty pleas to 18 charges of having indecent images of children, including category A, B and C images of each victim. He also pleaded guilty to four charges of inciting or causing children to engage in sexual activity with children aged 13-16, four counts of unauthorised computer access and single offences of blackmail, sexual communication with a child and inciting a child to distribute an indecent image. Following Hollingsbees confessions, prosecuting counsel Joseph Murphy asked for four other charges, including two of inciting child sexual activity, inciting a child to take an indecent image and unauthorised computer access, to be marked as left on the books. None of the facts surrounding the charges were opened today but during an earlier bail application, a police officer recounted how Hollingsbee, who was previously a student at Belfast Met, had been coercing children into sending him explicit images and then blackmailing them. She told the court the PSNI were first contacted about the defendant due to an investigation by Surrey Police on October 13, 2022 when they were investigating a child protection complaint regarding a 15-year-old girl. She told police she had an online conversation with someone called Matt, claiming to be 16 and from Scotland via Whiz, Snapchat and eventually iMessage. The officer said the defendant created a connection with the girl and asked her to send indecent photos of herself adding that according to the police case, Hollingsbee had also created fake social media accounts pretending to be both male and female asking children to send them indecent photos of themselves. The PSNI officer said they were first notified of an investigation by Police Scotland in March last year following similar allegations and there had been a UK-wide investigation into at least 30 potential victims with between 100 and 200 photographs being analysed for even more potential victims. The detective revealed: The defendant has been operating a sophisticated scheme which is aided by the use of social media. He connects with young female children between the ages of 14-16 years old by Whizz, Snapchat and Instagram and begins the conversation. He uses a number of aliases varying between trying to be a male and a female. Throughout the conversation, he flatters and compliments the victims and asks them to send indecent images which the defendant then saves. She said that some victims were unaware he had their images but reported unusual activity on their accounts which suggests he hacked into them. Once he has the images he adds them to his collection and these are then advertised online via social media accounts that the defendant operates pretending to be a young female child. Messages linked to these accounts show that the defendant is communicating with other users negotiating payment for content and boasting about the large collection of indecent images and videos he has to offer, said the officer. Once payment is received the defendant provides the user for Dropbox or Megabox. Following this, the defendant has then tried to blackmail some of the users. The defendant then informs them they have access to child pornography and threatens if they do not send more money the defendant will report them to police. In court today, Mr Grant asked for sentencing to be adjourned to allow time for the probation board to compile a pre-sentence report while Mr Murphy suggested the victims may also wish to make victim impact statements. Remanding Hollingsbee back into custody and ordering that he must now sign the police sex offenders register, Judge Donna McColgan KC said she would deal with the case on November 21. Shane Cannon, The Greenlands, Rosses Point, Co Sligo is charged with assaulting Emma Garvey causing her harm at The Greenlands on December 19 2022 A 32-year-old man is before the district court in Sligo charged with assault causing harm and also a threat to kill. Shane Cannon, The Greenlands, Rosses Point, Co Sligo is charged with assaulting Emma Garvey causing her harm at The Greenlands on December 19 2022. He is also charged on the same date and at the same location that he made to Emma Garvey a threat intending her to believe it would be carried out, to kill or cause her serious harm. Sergeant Derek Butler told the court that the Director of Public Prosecutions had indicated summary disposal on two counts, assault causing harm and a threat to kill. Judge Michael Connellan had previously accepted jurisdiction, the court heard. Mr Tom MacSharry (solicitor) told Judge Sandra Murphy his client was pleading guilty to both. He said a Probation Report would be beneficial and there will be certain medical evidence. Judge Murphy adjourned to December 12. Philip Grendon (49) was served with the book of evidence when he appeared on bail before Blanchardstown District Court. A Dublin man accused of burglary at a motor parts distributor and possessing stolen motor oil worth over 12,000 has been sent forward for trial. Philip Grendon (49) was served with the book of evidence when he appeared on bail before Blanchardstown District Court. The accused, with an address at Spiddal Park in Ballyfermot, is charged with two counts of burglary at a business premises at Knockmitten Business Park in Clondalkin on January 20, 2024, and again on January 21. Mr Grendon is further accused of damaging the lock on a gate to the car parts business premises on January 20 this year. It is also alleged that Mr Grendon was found by gardai in possession of stolen motor oil, valued at 12,039, at his home in Ballyfermot on January 24. He is facing trial in the Circuit Court, after the allegations were ruled to be too serious for the District Court. A state solicitor said that the book of evidence was ready and had been served on the accused, who goes forward to the next sittings of Dublin Circuit Criminal Court. Judge David McHugh gave Mr Grendon the formal alibi caution. The judge also assigned defence solicitor Wayne Kenny and one junior counsel on free legal aid. Mr Grendon has not yet indicated how he intends to plead to the charges. The accused was remanded on the same bail terms to appear before a court in the Criminal Courts of Justice in November. Bobi Covaci (31) was caught as part of Operation Cartwheel, which was set up to look into the activities of five individuals who were sitting theory tests for others. A motorist looking to obtain an Irish drivers licence paid 2,000 for another individual to sit the theory test for him, a court has heard. Bobi Covaci (31) was caught as part of Operation Cartwheel, which was set up to look into the activities of five individuals who were sitting theory tests for others. Judge David McHugh imposed a three-month sentence, which he suspended for a period of one year. The defendant, with an address at Archerswood, Clonee, Dublin 15, admitted making a false online application to the National Driver Licence Service on June 23, 2021. Sergeant Maria Callaghan told Blanchardstown District Court that this incident was part of a garda investigation called Operation Cartwheel, which is a long-running probe into the activities of five individuals. It is alleged that these individuals were attending driver theory test centres under other names on numerous dates between 2018 and 2021, sitting the theory test and obtaining test certificates. These certificates were then used by those people to obtain learner driving permits. Sgt Callaghan said it is alleged that Covaci paid a third party to sit the theory test, and he obtained a fraudulent theory test certificate. Sgt Callaghan said Covaci then used this test certificate to obtain a drivers licence. The sergeant said that gardai later searched Covacis house and found the driving licence. Covaci was interviewed by gardai, and he co-operated fully with them, Sgt Callaghan said. The court heard that Covaci had seven previous convictions, though none for this kind of offence. Defence solicitor Stephen OMahony said a garda national unit was looking into organised crime in relation to many matters similar to this one. Mr OMahony said Covaci was not involved in organising or in any way involved in obtaining test certificates for other individuals. Mr OMahony said the defendant was approached by other individuals and was offered a shortcut to getting a driver theory test. Mr OMahony said that Covaci, who was originally from Romania, paid someone 2,000, which was a lot of money for him. The solicitor said he had dealt with a number of these cases, and vulnerable individuals looking to get a driving licence had paid these people between 1,500 and 2,000 for others to sit the test for them. Chinese nationals Kwok Kai Chen, 30, and his female co-accused Li Qiao, 23, were arrested during an operation at Virginia Way on Tuesday A man and woman charged over the seizure of 225,000 worth of cannabis in south Belfast are to be referred to a police team which deals with victims of human trafficking, a court has heard. Chinese nationals Kwok Kai Chen, 30, and his female co-accused Li Qiao, 23, were arrested during an operation at Virginia Way on Tuesday. Officers from the PSNIs Organised Crime Unit recovered up to 13 kilos of cannabis from a property on the street. The drugs haul has an estimated street value of 225,000. It is understood that around 10,000 in cash was also recovered at the scene. Chen, of Virginia Way, and Qiao, from Elm Street in the city, appeared together at Belfast Magistrates Court on Thursday. They are jointly charged with possessing cannabis with intent to supply, being concerned in the supply of Class B drugs, and having criminal property. Chen faces a further count of illegal entry to the United Kingdom in breach of a deportation order. Both accused confirmed they understood the charges against them during the brief hearing. Questioned by defence solicitor Ciaran Steele, an investigating officer confirmed that both of the Chinese nationals have been referred to the PSNIs human trafficking branch. No further details were disclosed and neither of the accused applied for bail at this stage. District Judge Francis Rafferty remanded them in custody until next month. Neil Clarke Beckett who is currently suspended from his position has been accused by nine pupils of sexual offences The principal of Lagan College was called to give evidence at a trial concerning the alleged conduct of the south Belfast school's health and welfare officer. Neil Clarke Beckett who is currently suspended from his position has been accused by nine pupils of sexual offences. All nine complainants have now given evidence at the trial, which is being held at Belfast Crown Court. Today, the jury of six men and six women heard evidence from the school principal regarding what steps were taken in the aftermath of the allegations made against Beckett. The 43-year-old defendant, from Kilmore Village in Downpatrick, has been charged with, and denies, 29 sexual offences spanning a period from 2013 to 2023. These allegations concern nine pupils at the school as well as two Army Cadets who claim they were abused by Beckett whilst he occupied a role as their leader. Lagan College Principal Amanda McNamee confirmed Beckett commenced his position as the school's health and welfare officer in August 2021. Questioned about the first time she became aware of allegations concerning Beckett, Mrs McNamee said that in October 2022 two pupils spoke to members of staff. She said one girl reported that Beckett had given her a hug and kissed her on the cheek whilst another girl told a teacher Beckett had given her a hug under her blazer. Mrs McNamee said she advised that the parents of the girls should be informed and that she wanted to await their reactions before deciding the best course of action to take as per the Child Protection Policy. The principal said that after the parents of both pupils were spoken to, she was told that whilst the parents were concerned that Beckett's "behaviour was perceived as being inappropriate... both parties understood at that time the context possibly was a response to children becoming upset." She added: "It was not presented as an allegation of being sexually inappropriate at that time." An immediate meeting was then held with Beckett and when asked about this by the Crown barrister, Mrs McNamee said she made the health and welfare officer aware that "parents had raised concerns about their children". Mrs McNamee said she told Beckett the nature of the concerns regarding the hugs which he denied doing. She confirmed that she reminded Beckett of the need to ensure "a platinum standard of boundaries", the school's safeguarding policy regarding children and his role within the school. The role, she said, included First Aid but did not amount to counselling and that Beckett told her he felt "overwhelmed... he said he sometimes felt a little bit uncertain as to what his role was". Mrs McNamee told Mr MacCreanor that she went over Beckett's role and job description at the meeting, which was also attended by an HR manager. When asked if she discussed "the appropriateness of hugs" with him, Mrs McNamee said: "I did. I said to him that in a school setting it wasn't appropriate and that, as per our training, if something does happen we are trained to report it to the designated teacher of child protection." She was then questioned about what happened in January 2023 and Mrs McNamee confirmed a pupil attended a meeting at the school with her mother. The pupil's mother alleged Beckett had touched her daughter inappropriately in the school's hygiene room and that she wanted the matter referred to the PSNI. When asked at that point if Beckett was "withdrawn from any role in the College that would give him direct access to students", the principal said "yes, that was the action I took immediately". She also confirmed she told Beckett the nature of the allegation and that he denied it and said the only time he touched her was to hand her a plaster. The jury heard that following this, the matter was referred to the Chairman of the Board of Governors and the Education Authority and that Beckett was placed on precautionary suspension. When asked if Beckett was upset, Mrs McNamee said "yes, he was very upset". A strategy meeting was then held and the matter was referred to the PSNI. The Crown barrister then asked what happened at the start of February 2023 and she said she was informed of further allegations made by other pupils regarding Beckett which were also forwarded to the PSNI "as soon as they were received". Mrs McNamee was also questioned by defence barrister Laura Ievers KC, who suggested that after concerns were raised in October 2022 Beckett wasn't told who the two pupils were but he requested they were not sent to him in the future. The principal replied, "I don't recall that". She also said she couldn't recall requests made by Beckett to have the medical bed removed from his office and to have his office door kept open at all times. Samuel Walker (41) used his mobile phone to stream the Dublin District Court hearing A PROLIFIC UK criminal and self-described charity worker arrested for driving offences in Dublin has been spared jail after he was caught live-streaming his court case to his 400,000 TikTok followers. Samuel Walker (41) used his mobile phone to stream the Dublin District Court hearing where he was banned from driving for two years and fined 500 for driving uninsured and with a fake licence. Judge Gerard Jones gave him a one-month suspended sentence for contempt of court by breaching the ban on recording or broadcasting Irish court proceedings without permission. "This is not a public bar, its a court of law and we can't have this carry on," Judge Jones said. Walker, from Liverpool but with an address at the Plaza Hotel in Tallaght, Dublin had pleaded guilty to driving without insurance and in possession of false UK and Irish licences. The offences happened at Aston Quay in central Dublin on September 21. Walker first came before the court on Monday when he entered his plea and was granted bail. The case had been put back to today for gardai to enquire if he had previous convictions from the UK. Detective Garda Paul Cummins said he had still not received this information from the UK authorities. Defence solicitor Brian Keenan asked Judge Jones to finalise the case today as it was unlikely that he would receive a sentence. On the false document charges, it was not a case where he sought to rely on them and he immediately gave the gardai his correct details, Mr Keenan said. Walker had no prior convictions in this jurisdiction, the court heard. The accused was due to travel back to Sierra Leone, where he was living, Mr Keenan said. His business is there, hes engaged in charity work which is something hes very proud of, Mr Keenan said. Judge Jones imposed fines of 400 and 100 on the insurance and licence charges, with the other charge taken into consideration. However, at the end of his case, a garda sergeant seized Walker's phone. The sergeant said while Gda Cummins had been giving evidence, it transpired that Walker's phone had been "broadcasting events" to his TikTok account, which had 400,000 followers. The live stream was being viewed by 2,500 people at the time. A garda unconnected to the case said she had been outside in the foyer at the Criminal Courts of Justice when she saw a man viewing TikTok on his phone. This was shown to her and she could see it was live and comments were coming through, though the picture was not visible. The stream was from Sam Walker's account Walker said in evidence he had been streaming outside the courtroom and when his case was called, he put his phone in his pocket and went in. "I thought the live stream had ended, it was a genuine mistake," he said."If the officer says it was (still) streaming, then I apologise, it wasn't my intention. I'm not going to dispute it." Mr Keenan said the accused had a following on social media from documenting his charity work. The sergeant said the state "wouldn't accept that is the reason for his following." Walker said he had been in Sierra Leone for six months and installed water in villages for 25,000 people where charities had failed and he had documented that online. "I could see with my own two eyes what was going on in this court and it wasn't accidental in my view," Judge Jones said. "It was deliberate." He held Walker in contempt and sentenced him to a month in prison, suspended for two years. Alex Bridgeman (24) was caught with cannabis twice in a week, at a time when he was in a cannabis-induced psychosis, his lawyer said. A business student turned to cannabis to help him cope after he failed his final exams, a court has heard. Alex Bridgeman (24) was caught with cannabis twice in a week, at a time when he was in a cannabis-induced psychosis, his lawyer said. Judge Gerard Jones fined Bridgeman 400. The defendant, of Seabury Orchard in Malahide, admitted possession of cannabis. Sergeant Shane Griffin told Swords District Court that gardai stopped and searched Bridgeman at Estuary Road in Malahide on March 14, 2021, and again at Seabury estate in Malahide on March 20, 2021. The value of the cannabis was 45. Defence lawyer Kelly Richardson said Bridgeman was a young man with a bright future. He completed his Leaving Certificate and then studied for a year in DCU, before studying business at the National College of Ireland. Ms Richardson said Bridgeman failed his last exam, and in 2021 he developed problems with cannabis and cocaine. At the time of these incidents, Bridgeman was in a cannabis-induced psychosis, the lawyer said. Bridgeman was now doing much better, had the support of his family and was hoping to get back to work, the court was told. The ingredients are chopped, the oven is heating up, everything is simple, every surface is clean. The result: a meal that you can almost smell and taste. Cooking is Instagrammable content par excellence. A reel (a video designed to engage the viewer and make them want to share it) is quick and enjoyable, a little capsule of escapism. Ana Sofia Fehn, 25, has managed to stand out from the hundreds of thousands of Instagram chefs from a small kitchen in Los Angeles, California. Among the crop of cooking influencers who now dominate Instagram, the speed of Fehns success has been remarkable. She reached a million followers in a year and a half by cooking a little bit of everything, she says via video call from the apartment where she has lived for just under a decade. She moved to California to pursue an acting career she hasnt given up on that dream yet but now balances it with her work as a content creator. Ana Sofia Fehn in the kitchen that a million people see every day. Dan Balilty The influencers offering doesnt follow a specific gastronomic line, but is rather a kind of catch-all. From a traditional American cheeseburger to Brazilian coxinhas, Galician octopus or different varieties of Italian pasta (her favorites, along with Italian agnolotti and Costa Rican casado). Fehn speaks fluent Spanish, but with a distinct Anglo-Saxon flavor. She says that in her Ohio home there was a Latin family kitchen. My mom is a great cook. When I was little and I went to play at my friends houses, I didnt like the food they ate. I always wanted to eat my moms food. Her family did not usually go to restaurants as there were seven children and eating at home was always the easiest thing to do. Growing up in Cleveland, she explains, it was uncommon to see Asian or European restaurants, so moving to Los Angeles was a revelation. It was the first time I had eaten in restaurants of any kind. Chinese or Thai food. Things like duck. I liked understanding more about how different cultures prepared their food and learning what ingredients they used, she says. Fehn preparing basil leaves. Dan Balilty Fehn studied Dramatic Arts at the University of Southern California and landed some small roles, such as on Modern Family in 2017. After completing her studies, everything came to a standstill when the coronavirus pandemic struck. During the lockdown, Fehn decided to upload recipe videos to social media: both the recipes she had known since she was a child and those she had been learning in recent years. It started as a hobby. I had a camera that I used to record myself for auditions and I started making cooking content. Four years later, that hobby has become a profession to which she devotes, on average, 12 hours a day, time that requires her to do the research, buy the ingredients, prepare the kitchen, record, and edit. Everything is always very planned, with my shot list to know exactly what Im going to do. Its almost like making a film, she says. On TikTok, where she has 442,000 followers, she uses practically the same formula as in her reels, but on YouTube (184,000 followers at the time of writing) she makes longer videos, not just about cooking, but also about her lifestyle, showing viewers her maternal grandmothers house in Costa Rica, for example, or her summer vacations in the Italian Mediterranean. Ana Sofia Fehn at her home in Los Angeles. Dan Balilty There is, however, a lot of work that is not reflected in the videos. Often, I dont have time to record videos or cook. Sometimes they call me at 9 a.m. for an audition that I have to be at in two hours, and I have to drop everything else, she explains. Any kind of rush to get everything done could never be intuited from watching her work. Fehn maintains the pace of production required to keep a million people hooked. I do everything myself. Its a lot of work, but here I have everything I need: my lights, my camera, my tripod, and my kitchen. Sign up for our weekly newsletter to get more English-language news coverage from EL PAIS USA Edition CRIME WORLD | Episode 697: Parental Abduction - Mandy Kellys fight to get her sons back from Egypt Irish mum Mandy Kelly hasnt seen her young children in nearly three years since they were abducted by their Egyptian father during a family holiday. Mandy Kelly with photos of her children Zayn (5) and Kareem (3) Nicola Tallant Thu 26 Sep 2024 at 11:37 Lynch was once a key player in the Kinahan cartels drug distribution network in Dublins south inner city. 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 has emerged as a target for gardai investigating the hacked encrypted phone network, Ghost. Lynch was once a key player in the Kinahan cartels drug distribution network in Dublins south inner city. However, he cut ties with the cartel after narrowly surviving being shot in the face outside a pub in Cabra. Niall Donald is joined by Eamon Dillon to discuss how Lynchs gang has been left exposed by the phone hack. MORE EPISODES Suspect is key figure in Irish cell of international fraud organisation A 50-year-old woman suspected of playing a major role in the activities of the Black Axe crime gang has been arrested under organised crime legislation. The woman, who is based in Tallaght, Dublin, is associated with a cell of the gang that has laundered over 10m in fraud funds. She was taken into custody on Monday and is being questioned about directing the activities of a criminal organisation. The investigation into this particular cell of Black Axe is a joint operation involving officers from the Garda National Economic Crime Bureau (GNECB) and detectives in Tallaght. Investigations have established that she is the owner of a top-of-the range Range Rover believed to have been bought for 100,000. Gardai seized the vehicle during a raid of her home in August of last year. It has emerged that the womans passport was among many items seized in last years search operation It is suspected that the vehicle was bought with the proceeds of crime. Detectives established that so much cash from organised fraud scams was being handled at the Tallaght property that steel doors were installed for protection. It has emerged that the womans passport was among many items seized in last years search operation, but she later reported it lost and obtained a new passport. This led to her being arrested at Dublin Airport earlier this year as she had made a false statement to obtain new travel documents. Black Axe is a major international fraud gang. Photo: Stock image While the Black Axe cell that the woman is suspected of being a key member of has laundered over 10m in complex financial transactions, the wider criminal organisation in Ireland has laundered well over 80m. A close male associate of the 50-year-old is considered one of the main Black Axe operatives in Ireland. However, he left the country after last years raid, which he was the primary garda focus of. It is alleged that she has been directing people on how to transfer six-figure funds which have been obtained by numerous different types of organised frauds, a source said. These include invoice redirection scams in Ireland and Scandinavian countries, as well as romance frauds in the United States. It is suspected the woman has played an active role in trade-based money laundering for Black Axe. This involves the manipulation of international trade transactions, such as invoicing, to disguise the true source of funds and make them appear legitimate. Individuals from several international police forces have visited Ireland to study An Garda Siochanas proactive approach to following the money trail A number of male associates of the woman have been arrested in the past year as part of the GNECBs investigation into the Black Axe cell. This weeks arrest is the 10th to be made in this strand of the garda operation. A number of those arrested are suspected of being involved in the recruitment of money mules under her direction. The Black Axe mafia syndicate first emerged in Nigeria in the 1970s when it was involved in ritual murders. It has evolved into one of the biggest fraud gangs operating across the world, often recruiting members with high-level computer skills. Individuals from several international police forces have visited Ireland to study An Garda Siochanas proactive approach to following the money trail, called Operation Skein. The operation has led to over 100 arrests under organised crime legislation, while over 400 people have been arrested for money-laundering offences. Brady (44) was fatally shot during a confrontation with a group at the back of the Irish restaurant he co-owned in Kansas Citys Brookside neighbourhood The father of one of the Kansas City teens charged with the murder of Irish chef Shaun Brady has said the juvenile system overlooked his son. A US court judge has set hearing dates to determine if both teenage boys charged in the killing will be tried as adults. Both teens have been detained in Jackson County juvenile detention since the night of the fatal shooting at the Brady & Fox restaurant on Thursday, August 29, in Kansas City. Brady (44) was fatally shot during a confrontation with a group at the back of the Irish restaurant he co-owned in Kansas Citys Brookside neighbourhood. Yesterday, a Jackson County Family Court judge ordered both boys to stay in lock-up until they face December hearings on whether they will face trials as adults. However, the 15-year-old boy K.H who is believed to be the driver of the car stolen during the Brady shooting, suffers from mental problems brought on by chemotherapy and was failed by the juvenile justice system, his father said. According to KCUR Radio, the boys father said his son was diagnosed with Langerhans cell histiocytosis, a rare cancer-like disorder that causes lesions in the body, when he was five years old. Irish chef Shaun Brady He underwent three years of chemo, the father said, which severely affected his mental and cognitive functions. His father, who had custody from the age of one to seven, said he had the boy in a developmental educational system, kept him on medications and made sure he attended doctors appointments. KHs father also blamed the juvenile criminal justice system, which he said failed to give the boy the right discipline after his run-ins with the law and failed to treat his mental illness. They overlook the youth, he said. They dont think mental health is significant The second teen, identified in court documents as L.M has been charged with second-degree murder and attempted stealing, both felonies. Attorneys for L.M who was enrolled in 10th grade before the shooting have said that while he was a passenger in the allegedly stolen vehicle connected to Bradys death, he is not the one alleged to have actually shot Brady. The death of Brady, who is survived by his wife Kate, a Wichita native, and their two young children, sparked widespread grief and outrage, particularly within the Kansas City Irish community, the Kansas City News reports. A memorial fund set up after Bradys death has raised just over $184,000 toward a trust supporting his family. Earlier this month a celebration of life was held for the murdered chef who was due to turn 45 this month. Such was his popularity that a large amount of flowers and cards have been dropped off to Bradys KC, the restaurant that Shaun co owned. Bradys KC, at the request of the Brady family, delivered all of the flowers to the Shawnee Missionary Unitarian Church in the city. Cards and other gifts have been handed over to Mr Bradys mother in law to hold on to until the right time comes to pass them on to her daughter Kate and the couples young children Seamus and Mary. A remembrance ceremony for the talented chef who was born in Limerick, but grew up in Nenagh, Co Tipperary, was held at Drexel Hall in Kansas City. The family of Mr Brady later thanked the people of Ireland and the US for all their support and messages during this harrowing time. In a notice on RIP.ie the loved ones of Shaun of Lenexa, Kansas City and formerly of Summerhill in Nenagh say that he was taken tragically from them on August 28th. The doting father is survived by his wife and children. He is also mourned by his mother Mary and his siblings Vivian, Sandra and Damien. The notice reads that Shaun is sadly missed by his heartbroken family, mother, sisters and brother, nieces and nephews, extended family relatives and friends. Bradys KC restaurant said in a recent statement that their hearts are broken following his death. There are no words to express our sadness, anger and frustration. Our community is with Shaun's family - forever. We cannot express how much we appreciate the outpouring of support, offers to help, and your love. Together we are united. Together we will grieve. Together we will heal. We ask that you show compassion and aid in our healing by respecting the privacy of Shaun's family. Shaun was well known and respected in Kansas City both for his culinary skills and his generosity of spirit. He frequently appeared on local television doing cookery demonstrations and played a huge part in the Kansas City Irish Fest. Mary Kate Gliedt, Executive Director of the Kansas City Irish Centre, previously said that they were heartbroken at the news of the death of their stalwart supporter and true friend Shaun. His restaurant Bradys was an extension of himself warm, open and welcoming to everyone. His excellent creations in the kitchen were no match for his innate hospitality and generosity. Angelo Pandeli had forged ties with Daniel Kinahan in Dubai where they have been working together to smuggle cocaine from South America Australian drugs kingpin Angelo Pandeli has been living it up in a five-star hotel in the heart of Sydney since his deportation from Dubai, reports have claimed. Pandeli, a key ally of Daniel Kinahan, checked into the luxury accommodation two weeks ago after he was booted out of the Emirates. The Hells Angel biker boss has been living openly in the plush hotel despite being previously described as one of Australias most wanted men Located just walking distance from Federal Police headquarters, he is free to come and go as he pleases from his new pad, the Daily Telegraph reports. Photographs of the alleged drug trafficker have emerged showing Pandeli looking relaxed as he strolls through the hotel in Sydneys business district. Even though he is wanted in Australia over his alleged links to large scale drug supply, the police were caught off guard when he was deported, according to the Telegraph and had no warrant ready for his arrest on arrival at Sydney Airport. Pandeli has been declared an Australian Prioritised Organisation Target (APOT) by the Crime Intelligence Commission (ACIC) which officially makes him one of the countrys most wanted men. Despite being named an APOT reserved for serious and organised crime targets that pose the greatest threat to Australias interests, according to the ACIC, Pandeli is in Sydney and currently a free man. Raffaele Imperiale Considered to be one of Australias biggest cocaine and methamphetamine importers Pandeli was recently identified as an ally of the Kinahan cartel. According to a recent investigation in Australian media, Pandeli has forged ties with Daniel Kinahan in Dubai where they have been working together to smuggle cocaine from South America. It alleged that Pandeli and the Kinahans are under investigation for attempting to smuggle tens of millions of euros worth of cocaine from Colombia to Europe via Ireland. Like Pandeli, Kinahan also previously had an address on the Palm Jumeirah island, regarded as one of the most expensive real-estate locations in the world. Pandelis deportation came after he was detained by UAE authorities a week ago. The Hells Angel biker boss had been living in Dubai since 2018 where he owned a 10 million home in the Gulf state's exclusive Palm Jumeirah island. A spokesperson for the Australian Federal Police confirmed Pandeli was back after arriving on a flight to Sydney. A spokesman said: An Australian man, 53, has been deported by Dubai authorities. No further comment will be made at this time. Pandeli is just the latest Kinahan ally to be booted out of Dubai. Previously, Italian gangster Raffaele Imperiale, Dutch mobster Ridouan Taghi and Belgian trafficker Nordin El Hajjioui have all been extradited to face justice in their home countries. Pandeli left Australia in 2018 but he has remained a key target for Australian law officials. The Australian Criminal Intelligence Commission (ACIC) announcing in 2021 that he was a member of a syndicate responsible for bringing $1.5 billion worth of drugs into Australia every year. Pandelis arrest came days before Pandeli was due to travel to Cancun, Mexico for a major Hells Angels meeting. He was due to meet with senior members of the biker group based internationally, which is expected to attract leaders from other motorcycle gangs interested in working with Hells Angels. Pandeli, who joined the Hells Angels biker group in the 2000s, was first linked to the Kinahan Organised Crime Group in June this year following a joint investigation by True Crime Australia, The Times, and The Sunday Times on the Cocaine Inc podcast. The podcast, which is based on investigative reporting across six countries, alleges that Pandeli has formed an alliance with the Irish cartel in Dubai. It claims Pandeli has graduated from simply supplying cocaine to Australia and has now become a global player in the drugs trade, collaborating with the Kinahans to saturate the market both in Australia and beyond According to the ACIC, the supply of cocaine is at its highest level in three decades despite soaring prices. ACIC Deputy CEO of Intelligence, Matt Rippon, said: "The profits are immense and organised crime gangs are here and they are focused. In almost 30 years of being in law enforcement and intelligence, I haven't seen the scale of cocaine that we've seen consistently hitting our shores in the last 12 to 24 months." Cocaine sells for more than $350 a gram in Australia and the countrys profit margins give Pandeli major influence in the global supply chain. Reports from 2012 note that Pandeli had an "extensive criminal history" while president of the Sydney Hells Angels chapter. His movements were on the radar of the AFP and local police units in New South Wales, the Northern Territory, and South Australia. The Australian Tax Office previously took the 52-year-old to court for failing to file a tax return in 2014/15, although this charge was thrown out at Sydneys Downing Centre Local Court in 2017 after Pandelis accountant took the blame for paperwork error. Pandeli relocated to Dubai and is believed to have met the Kinahans shortly afterwards, selling his Sydney harbour apartment for $8.6 million. The actor said that an immediate resignation is required from Donohue (with) no explanations, no excuses, no ifs ands or buts. Goodbye. The Game of Thrones star Liam Cunningham has demanded the immediate resignation of Minister Paschal Donohoe over an alleged secret phone call to the Israeli government. Taking to X the TV and film actor posted that an immediate resignation is required from Donohue (with) no explanations, no excuses, no ifs ands or buts. Goodbye. He added a link to an article by the online website, The Ditch, claiming that while he was Finance Minister, Paschal Donohoe had a phone call with his Israeli counterpart to discuss 'blocking' the bill in 2019. Donohoe didnt record the call, which the Israeli side called confidential, in his ministerial diary, The Ditch claims. The publication quotes documents leaked from the Israeli Ministry of Justice. The Occupied Territories Bill would ban the import and sale of goods produced in settlements that are illegal under international law - including Gaza and the West Bank. However, the Dail has been told this afternoon that Minister for Public Expenditure Pascal Donohoe had no phone call with his Israeli counterpart in 2019 regarding the government's intention to block the Occupied Territories Bill. According to RTE, Tanaiste Micheal Martin said he had spoken to Minister Donohoe this morning, who informed him that he did not make such a call and his diary records no such engagement. The Department of Public Expenditure also told Newstalk "a call of this nature never took place". It follows a call by Sinn Fein's Matt Carthy on all Ministers to clarify if they had any such engagements with their Israeli counterparts. Deputy Carthy said that Israel was flagrantly breaching international law in both Gaza and Lebanon and said they will continue to do so because they have never faced consequences for their actions, including genocide against the Palestinian people. The Tanaiste replied that Israel's slaughter of innocent children, women and men should be condemned, as well as the Hamas attack of October 7.. He accused the Israeli government of deploying disproportionate force against Hamas, that resulted in the levelling of Gaza and a high civilian death toll. Referring to the Occupied Territories Bill, he said that advice from previous attorneys general suggested that it would be contrary to EU law. Speaking earlier in New York, the Tanaiste said the Bill is currently being reviewed. "In any event my understanding with the Occupied Territories Bill is that the Attorney-General's advice was that EU competency governs trade and that's why this Government anyway couldn't approve of it, he explained. "That is being reviewed and we've asked the Attorney-General to look at that." On Tuesday afternoon a demonstration calling on the Government to enact the Occupied Territories Bill was staged outside Leinster House. It marked the arrival of South Kerry Friends of Palestine at the Dail who had completed an 11-day relay walk from Co Kerry, during which they collected 40,000 signatures in support of enacting the bill. The demonstration was addressed by a number of speakers including independent Senator Frances Black, who authored the bill. The future of Eastern Bay economic development agency Toi-EDA appears to be in jeopardy as the sub-region's three district councils reconsider their contributions. Whakatane, Kawerau and Opotiki district councils have weighed up their contributions as a means of cutting costs this year. Toi-EDA was formed in 2005 by Whakatane, Kawerau and Opotiki district councils, Bay of Plenty Regional Council and Mataatua iwi leaders to promote a co-ordinated approach to regional economic development throughout the Eastern Bay. Its most recent annual report, from 2022-2023, shows it receives around $211,000 a year from Whakatane District Council, $78,000 a year from Opotiki District Council, $25,000 a year from Kawerau District Council and $20,000 a year from Bay of Plenty Regional Council. It receives even greater amounts from fundraising and donations from several central government ministries and industry for such projects as cyclone relief, housing, workforce development, driver training and licensing. Kawerau Mayor Faylene Tunui said a formal resolution to withdraw funding, representation and participation for the organisation would be made at an upcoming meeting due to tough times. "We need to manage the rates collected from ratepayers wisely, and ensure were getting maximum benefit from every investment we make on their behalf, she said. Councils elected members and the Toi-EDA board met recently and we look forward to finding alternative ways to work together in the future. Kawerau Mayor Faylene Tunui says Kawerau would look at finding alternative ways to work together with ToiEDA. As part of cost cutting measures put forward in its long-term plan consultation, Opotiki council asked for feedback on plans to reduce its involvement with the agency, meaning the council would no longer be involved in the economic development planning and activities led or supported by Toi EDA. Opotiki Districts capacity for economic growth may be affected by the lack of involvement in this strategic planning, the consultation document said. At a submission hearing to Opotiki councils long-term plan, Toi-EDA trustee Justin Ford-Robinson said the agency had helped bring a lot of investment into the district in the past few years. If nothing else, Covid showed us the importance of strong relationships as part of community resilience, to provide cohesion and support to enable recovery to happen more quickly. To my mind, Toi-EDA is one of those organisations that has very strong relationships through business, through government, through social organisations and it has proved that it has enabled a lot of investment in the region in the last few years, both in business and in social areas. "It has enabled business growth as well as drawn in investment. "Toi-EDA may cost you $60,000 a year but if its bringing in, maybe a million dollars a year, well, the benefits perhaps outweigh the costs. Sometimes we have to think about not just can we afford to do things, but can we afford not to do them. With climate change, a warming world, a number of other pressures that are happening, we are going to see massive change. With Toi-EDA, it is a matter of put in some money and gain some collective outcomes. Whakatane Mayor Vicor Luca, picture below, and Opotiki Mayor David Moore, picured above, are still considering their councils' involvement with Toi-EDA. Whakatane Mayor Victor Luca said Whakatane District Council had not decided yet about its contribution to Toi-EDA. Were in the process of reviewing where we stand on the matter, he said. Mr Ford-Robertson told Local Democracy Reporting that if two of the three councils were not interested, Toi-EDA would have to question whether it had a role. While much of its funding came from sources other than local councils, that funding was conditional on it being a council-led agency. Our kaupapa has been designed on that subregional development so if we didnt have that core funding from councils, where does our mandate come from, really," Mr Ford-Robertson said. "Otherwise, the ministries arent going to put money into us because were not connected to the community. LDR is local body journalism co-funded by RNZ and NZ On Air. New Zealands Kakapo population has declined to 244 after three birds, Ranger, Madeline and Otepoti, died this month. The Kakapo Recovery team said the deaths were unrelated. Five-year-old male Otepoti was a former Waikato resident and trailblazer as he was one of the first kakapo to live on the mainland in almost four decades when he was transferred to Sanctuary Mountain Maungatautari. He did well at the sanctuary and took part in a climbing trial that revealed how the clever birds escape the sanctuary. However, in June, the team made the decision to return Otepoti to one of the offshore islands on the South Island after he breached the sanctuarys fence twice. At his scheduled health check earlier last week, Otepoti was found underweight and unwell. He was immediately transferred to Dunedin Wildlife Hospital for care. He had initially appeared stable but was found dead on Friday morning. His cause of death is unknown. We hope to know more once we have results back from samples that have been sent for testing, the Kakapo Recovery team said on social media. Sanctuary Mountain Maungatautari general manager Helen Hughes said the team at the maunga was very sad to hear about Otepotis passing. Its just devastating, Hughes said. You see, hes the little man thats on all our videos and photos... He was very adventurous... and - as all kakapo - highly treasured. The team is really invested [in the kakapo] and even though he has gone back to the island down south in June, there is a deep connection and relationship with the team here at the maunga. Hughes said the team was currently working through details on how they would pay tribute to Otepoti and give him a little send-off. Meanwhile, 2-year-old female Madeline had been in care at Dunedin Wildlife Hospital since she was found with a severe beak injury in July. Over 10 weeks, Madeline underwent scans and tests while being monitored closely. With support from international avian vets, it was determined that the damage to her beak was permanent and beyond repair. This, coupled with overall health decline, meant euthanasia was the only option, the Kakapo Recovery team said on social media. Madeline was the result of artificial insemination with Sinbad and Margaret-Maree in the 2022 breeding season. Her grandfather was Richard Henry, the last surviving Fiordland kakapo, so she was a bird of high genetic value. At the start of this month, the Kakapo Recovery team received a mortality signal for a male bird named Ranger on Pukenui Anchor Island. He was found amongst a fallen tree, seemingly killed in a large windfall. Ranger was 5 years old and known for his distinctive narrow face with endearing, deep-set eyes. Ngai Tahu Representative on the Kakapo Recovery Group Tane Davis said it was tremendously sad to lose three kakapo in such a short space of time. Unfortunately, injuries and illnesses are some of the forces of nature that we are up against when working with these manu, he said. As per tikanga, we had a Ngai Tahu representative attend the [Dunedin Wildlife] hospital to perform karakia following the passing of Madeline and Otepoti. I would like to acknowledge the ... hospital staff who tried their best to repair Madelines beak and cared for Otepoti when he was discovered to be unwell. Department of Conservation kakapo operations manager Deidre Vercoe said with less than 250 birds, the kakapo population was critically endangered. While a level of mortality is to be expected in any population, the recent loss of three birds... over the last month is a reminder of their vulnerability, Vercoe said. The next kakapo breeding season is predicted to be in 2026 and we look forward to this opportunity to support the growth of the population. Until then we will continue to monitor the population with remote technologies and via annual health checks. Danielle Zollickhofer is a multimedia journalist and assistant news director at the Waikato Herald. She joined NZME in 2021 and is based in Hamilton. With the granting of long-awaited resource consents for a marina and industrial park, developer Chris Peterson is excited to start work on what he describes as the final piece of the puzzle for Opotikis aquaculture and marine industry. The Environment Court ordered the granting of resource consent for the development last week after a mediation process saw Opotiki Marina and Industrial Park (OMAI) come to an agreement with Whakatohea hapu groups that had contested the consents. This is really exciting news for the Opotiki community. For Whakatohea as well, Mr Peterson said. The agreement between OMAI and hapu groups included the formation of a tangata whenua liason group, Nga Hapu o te Whakatohea Engagement Group, to provide ongoing feedback on the development. Theres a lot of goodwill there and theres going to be some good co-operation within the hapu engagement group, so were pretty positive about that going forward," he said. All six hapu of Whakatohea will be involved with the group. It was great that we achieved this through a mediation with all parties and everybody agreed and signed off on it. So it hasnt come through as a court order. He feels confident work will begin next year. The focus will be on getting the harbour basin open and functional for the aquaculture industry so we will have a place for the boats to berth safely out of the river. All going well, we are looking at a build time for the first stage of nearly 12 months. The project initially received $7 million equity funding through the Provincial Growth Fund and a loan of $1.8 million, but because of the resource consent delays, costs had increased. He said he was in the process of securing more funding to cover that. We are the last piece in the jigsaw. Youve got the sea farm. Youve got the mussel factory. Youve got the boats. Youve got the harbour entrance. What we will supply is the interface between the deep water and the land, so that the connection right through from the sea to the mussel factory is now one continuous Opotiki operation. At the seawall opening last week, former chairman of the Whakatohea pre-settlement board Robert Edwards named the project as one of the next challenges for the district. Opotiki Marina and Industrial Park director Chris Peterson is hoping to begin work on the development in early 2025. Photo supplied. Mr Peterson said while the main focus for the development was to support the aquaculture industry, there would be other benefits. Other spinoffs that are going to come from this are a marina for pleasure craft, but also opportunities for fishing and dive charters and other entrepreneurial endeavors that can make use of having out port facility. We will have the hard stand and the travel lift and a whole industry based around boat maintenance and boat building. There is a lack of facilities throughout New Zealand, so there are some good opportunities for some good industry to develop in Opotiki. Theyll be high paying jobs. They are going to bring a whole lot of economic prosperity to the town. LDR is local body journalism co-funded by RNZ and NZ On Air. A contract for a new Police boat, Deodar IV, has been inked, and construction is due to begin in January 2025. The new boat will feature improvements to make it more fit for purpose, including an extended wheelhouse which provides more space and better visibility, Office in Charge of Auckland Maritime Unit, Senior Sergeant Garry Larsen, said. Once the new boat undergoes sea trials in December 2026, it will replace Deodar III in assisting in several tasks, including attending crime scenes, apprehending offenders, and medical emergencies to search and rescue. The medical bay and prisoner transport area have also been modified to suit the needs of those spaces, and we are pleased there will be carbon emission reduction features, Larsen said. Deodar III saw action during the 2019 Whakaari eruption, assisting with inter-agency operations and acting as a platform for the Police National Dive Squad. Deodar IV will be a like-for-like replacement the same overall size at 18.7m long and with the same sleek marine-grade aluminium catamaran design as Deodar III. Its vital that we get the design of the boat right and ensure that its fit for the diverse and demanding job it will be doing. Deodar III has patrolled the Hauraki Gulf and coastline since 2007, and at nearly 17 years old, it requires increasing maintenance and repairs to keep it seaworthy. Like Deodar III, the new vessel will be designed for stability, reliability and flexibility in various tasks. Funding for the new Deodar IV was approved in December 2022, and was confirmed in the 2024 Budget. The successful tenderer, announced last year, was Whanganui-based Q-West which built Deodar III, the Wellington Police launch Lady Liz IV, and Customs boat Hawk V. Teknicraft Design Ltd, of Beachlands, Auckland, is designing the boat. This fall will mark six months since the death of Paul Auster, who had a fixation on games of chance. In fact, he said that a wrong telephone number inspired his famous novel City of Glass. Apparently, he received a call at night in which he was urgently asked about the Pinkerton detective agency. After clarifying that they had made a mistake, there was another call the following night. The American writer and screenwriter gave the same answer, but began to entertain an idea: if the same mistake occurred on the third night, he would say that he was a detective and begin the investigation. That call did not happen, but in the field of fiction it did, giving rise to the first novel of The New York Trilogy. The lottery of destiny would continue to feature in his books, with novels such as The Music of Chance. In fact, Austers fascination with coincidences led him to write about all the ones he had experienced in The Red Notebook. Among the many he compiles, he tells of a friend who spent months trying to locate a certain book that was as exceptional as it was difficult to find. Anxious to read it, he went to dozens of bookstores and searched through catalogs, all without success. After finally giving up, one afternoon he took a shortcut through the Grand Central train station and went up the stairs that lead to New Yorks Vanderbilt Avenue. And it was there, suddenly, that he saw a girl leaning on the railing with a book in her hand: the same one he had spent months desperately looking for. Austers friend did not usually talk to strangers, but he was so amazed that he confessed to the young woman that he had been looking for that book for a long time. Its great, she said. I just finished reading it. Another coincidence. If it was already unlikely for the book which was impossible to find in bookstores containing thousands of novels to appear in the hands of a stranger, the fact that she had just finished reading it at the moment he had discovered her was even more unusual. The protagonist of this story asked the girl where he could buy the book, emphasizing that it meant a lot to him. She gave it to him, but Austers friend initially resisted accepting it, telling the girl that it was hers. It was mine, she replied, but Ive already finished it, and Ive come here today to give it to you. In the resolution of this tale, perhaps the reader recreated the situation to give it an enigmatic ending, but that does not take away the magic of this coincidence. Among the millions of books that exist, what was the probability that the girl on the stairs had finished reading the exact novel that the other was looking for? We tend to think in terms of cause and effect, but in cases like this, theres no rational cause to explain what happened. Is it chance? Coincidence? A causality of hidden origin? The Swiss psychiatrist, psychologist and essayist Carl Gustav Jung called it synchronicity, which he defined as the simultaneity of two events linked by meaning, but in a non-causal way. Everyone experiences these meaningful coincidences on a daily basis. You think of an old friend for the first time in a long time, and just then they get in touch with you. Or an even more common synchronicity: you think of a song and the person in front of you starts humming it. For Jung who published the book Synchronicity: An Acausal Connecting Principle at the end of his life, there is an undiscovered causality beneath many of these coincidences. Perhaps they fascinate us precisely because they point to a hidden order within our chaotic world. Although a large part of the population has stopped believing in a higher power, we like to think that everything happens for a reason, that in the end what we experience has meaning. It is mans search for meaning, like the work of the Austrian psychiatrist Viktor Frankl. From this point of view, synchronicities are clues that reveal the secret course of our lives. And the more alert we are to them, the more we will find. Returning to Paul Auster, in his book I Thought My Father Was God, he selected true stories that listeners sent to a public radio program he hosted. Many of them deal with this kind of occurrence. One man in Oregon claimed that every time he saw a tire rolling down the road, which happened several times, he had a job opportunity. We may think its just chance, but Carl Gustav Jung suggested that, like dreams, synchronicities guide us on decisions we need to make or prepare us for a change that is about to happen. Jung's Birds In his book on synchronicity, the Swiss psychiatrist describes it as the simultaneous occurrence of a certain psychic state with one or more external events which appear as meaningful parallels to the momentary subjective state. As an example, he writes that the wife of a patient told him that when her mother and died grandmother, she had observed the same phenomenon: a flock of birds had gathered at the windows of the mortuary chamber, as if they were there to say goodbye to the deceased. Some time later, Jungs patient, who was in his fifties, went to have some heart tests done after noticing some discomfort. The specialist found no cause for alarm. However, the patient collapsed as soon as he left the office and was brought home in a critical state. His wife was anxiously waiting for him because shortly after he left for the doctor, a flock of birds had alighted on their house. Francesc Miralles is a writer and journalist specializing in psychology. Sign up for our weekly newsletter to get more English-language news coverage from EL PAIS USA Edition Pumpkin beer, whether you love it or hate it, is a fall essential for many, and one Upstate NY beer maker brews one of the best pumpkin-spiced ales in the country. Southern Tier Brewing Companys Pumking Imperial Ale was ranked number six on USA Todays list of best fall beers to enjoy before theyre gone. The autumnal brew moved up the list this year after being ranked ninth in 2023. Pumking Imperial Ale from the Southern Tier Brewing Company has been named one of the top 10 fall beers in the United States by USA Today's 10Best.SYR USA Today describes the Munich malt as basically pumpkin pie in a glass with its notes of cinnamon, nutmeg, vanilla, and allspice. Southern Tier Brewing Co., based in Chautauqua Countys village of Lakewood, has a whole family of Pumking beers to choose from, including their Warlock Imperial Pumpkin Stout and Caramel Pumking Imperial Pumpkin Ale. Southern Tier Brewery tap house in Lakewood, NY on June 29, 2024. Sunny Hernandez | ahernandez@nyup.comSunny Hernandez | ahernandez@nyup.com If pumpkin beer is not your thing, the Western NY brewery also offers a seasonal Harvest Autumn IPA, which they describe on their website as having a spicy pine flavor with overtones of grapefruit and fresh hops. You can find Southern Tiers Pumking available from August to October. Southern Tier Brewery tap house in Lakewood, NY on June 29, 2024. Sunny Hernandez | ahernandez@nyup.comSunny Hernandez | ahernandez@nyup.com Southern Tier runs tap houses in Lakewood and Buffalo in New York as well as out-of-state locations in Pittsburgh, Cleveland and Charlotte, North Carolina. A Rock and Roll Hall of Fame guitarist is facing a manslaughter charge over a fatal crash. Josh Klinghoffer, whos played guitar for the Red Hot Chili Peppers, Pearl Jam and Janes Addiction, is scheduled to be arraigned on a misdemeanor charge of vehicular manslaughter without gross negligence Thursday. Klinghoffer, 44, is accused of hitting and killing a man in an auto-pedestrian crash on March 18. According to KTLA, 47-year-old Israel Sanchez was walking in a crosswalk in in Alhambra, California, when he was struck by a GMC Yukon driven by Klinghoffer. Video from a nearby security camera reportedly showed Klinghoffer immediately got out of his car and called 911. Sanchez was pronounced dead later that day at a nearby hospital. Deadline reports Sanchezs family claims Klinghoffer was likely driving while distracted and made no efforts to brake or slow down until after he fatally struck Mr. Sanchez. In a civil lawsuit, attorneys for Sanchezs family say video taken seconds before the crash shows Klinghoffer appeared to be on his phone. A lawyer for Klinghoffer denied that he was on his phone. This was a tragic accident. There was no criminal intent, nor is any alleged, Klinghoffers attorney Andrew B. Brettler told KTLA. Klinghoffer played guitar for the Red Hot Chili Peppers from 2009 to 2019, recording two albums with RHCP (Im With You in 2011 and The Getaway in 2016). Klinghoffer became the youngest member of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame when he was inducted with the band at age 32 in 2012. According to Blabbermouth, Klinghoffer was fired by the Red Hot Chili Peppers in 2019, before guitarist John Frusciante returned to the group. Klinghoffer toured with Pearl Jam this year and has also performed with Janes Addiction, Gnarls Barkley, Iggy Pop, Morrissey and as the solo act Pluralone. To the Editor: As People of Faith, we believe that everyone is created in Gods image and we are commanded to love one another. As Americans, we value our system of government and the good that can be accomplished in our constitutional democracy. Today, we are concerned about a persistent threat to both our religious communities and our democracy Christian nationalism. Christian nationalism seeks to merge Christian and American identities, distorting both the Christian faith and Americas constitutional democracy. Christian nationalism demands Christianity be privileged by the State and implies that to be a good American, one must be Christian. It often overlaps with and provides cover for white supremacy and racial subjugation. We reject this damaging political ideology and invite our brothers and sisters to join us in opposing this threat to our faith communities and to our nation. As People of Faith & Conscience, we are bound to our faith traditions which respect the dignity of all persons as equals in the eyes of the divine. We believe that: People of all faiths or none have the right and responsibility to engage constructively in the public square. Patriotism does not require us to minimize our religious convictions. Ones religious affiliation, or lack thereof, should be irrelevant to ones standing in the civic community. Government should not prefer one religion over another or religion over nonreligion. Religious instruction is best left to our houses of worship, other religious institutions and families. Americas historic commitment to religious pluralism enables faith communities to live in civic harmony with one another without sacrificing our theological convictions. Conflating religious authority with political authority is idolatrous and often leads to oppression of minority and other marginalized groups as well as the spiritual impoverishment of religion. We must stand up to and speak out against Christian nationalism, especially when it inspires acts of violence and intimidationincluding vandalism, bomb threats, arson, hate crimes, and attacks on houses of worshipagainst religious communities at home and abroad. Whether we worship at a church, mosque, synagogue or temple, America has no second-class faiths. People of faith and those of non-religious conscience are equal under the U.S. Constitution. As People of Faith & Conscience, we must speak in one voice condemning the ideology of Christian nationalism as a threat to American democracy. Signed by: Interfaith Racial Equity Network of CNY Affiliations are noted for personal identification only, not as endorsements by those entities. Rev. Craig French | Plymouth Congregational Church [UCC], Syracuse Peter Sarver | St. Lucys Catholic Church, Syracuse Thomas Boll | University United Methodist Church, Syracuse Peter Lotto | Trinity Episcopal Church, Fayetteville David Babcock St. Augustines Catholic Church, Baldwinsville Rev. Julie Calhoun-Bryant | St. Albans Episcopal Church, Syracuse Rev. Fred Daley | All Saints Catholic Church, Syracuse JoAnn Ottman | Pebble Hill Presbyterian Church, DeWitt Judy Holmes | St. James Episcopal Church, Skaneateles Rev. Gary Smith | Center for Racial Justice [UCC], Homer Arnold Hook | Plymouth Congregational Church, Syracuse Rev. Andrea Abbott | Plymouth Church, Syracuse Howard Arden Blair | Syracuse University, Syracuse Nelson Price | University United Methodist Church, Syracuse This statement also is endorsed by 78 individuals and organizations available for viewing at this link: ENDORSERS IREN is sponsoring the free viewing of God & Country, the Rob Reiner-produced documentary on Christian nationalism, at 6:30 p.m. Oct. 7 at University United Methodist Church, 1085 E. Genesee St., Syracuse. New York Mayor Eric Adams was officially indicted on Thursday with five charges related to bribery, wire fraud and soliciting contributions from foreign businesspeople and at least one Turkish government official to fund his mayoral campaign in 2021. That same year, the FBI opened an investigation into these campaign contributions. In exchange for these funds, the Democrat allegedly expedited the permits for the new headquarters of the Turkish consulate in New York, and granted other requests. For a decade, Adams sought and accepted valuable improper benefits, including luxury international travel, from foreign businesspeople and a senior Turkish official who sought to gain influence over him, states the indictment, which was unsealed Thursday morning. Indeed, Adams pressure on the citys Fire Department expedited the occupancy permit for the consulate, a brand-new skyscraper that was suspected of several security breaches, the indictment says. The indictment alleges that Adams accepted illegal contributions to his campaign in 2018, when he announced his plans to run for mayor. These contributions were made by straw donors including an unknown Turkish university with a campus in Washington and foreign agents, according to the investigation led by the Manhattan District Attorneys Office, and carried out by the FBI. The indictment is similar to the case against veteran Democratic Senator Robert Menendez, who was convicted in July of 16 crimes, including receiving bribes from Egypt in exchange for preferential treatment. The indictment was unsealed by the Southern District Court of New York, in Manhattan, just a few steps from City Hall and the mayors official residence, which FBI agents searched Thursday morning, seizing his cell phone. Adams who before becoming mayor was a New York State senator and police captain is now the first mayor of New York to be charged while in office. Adams has denied the charges, and asked New Yorkers to wait to hear his version of events before judging him. The indictment comes just a few months before the municipal elections on November 4, when Adams is hoping to win a second term. The Democrat who took office in January 2022 on a platform of law and order said he has no intention of resigning, and his lawyer confirmed that he is cooperating with the justice system. After The New York Times reported Wednesday night that Adams was set to face federal charges, without providing more details, the mayor released a video in which he maintained his innocence and said that defending New Yorkers would always make him a target. Adams called the charges entirely false and based on lies. The charges were filed shortly after federal prosecutors demanded that the city reveal all communications maintained by the Adams administration with Turkey and five other countries. The indictment caps a tumultuous few weeks in the city government, after several senior officials all of them close to Adams, including members of the police department resigned after being investigated for corruption. At a press conference after the charges were filed, prosecutor Damian Williams described Adams conduct as a grave breach of the publics trust. The scandal also threatens to hurt the Democratic Party, and if only to distance herself from the affair fellow Democrat Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez came forward to call for his immediate resignation on Wednesday. Ocasio-Cortez who is from the progressive wing of the party and Adams a centrist Democrat with a strong personal profile have never hidden their differences, but the indictment has forced New York Democrats to try to erect a firewall in the final stretch of the campaign for the November elections. Adams has been a kind of loose cannon in the Democratic Party, prone to bombastic initiatives that never got off the ground, such as his security plans for the citys subway or hiring friendly robots as urban patrols. When he was elected mayor, he faced the challenge of revitalizing the citys economy, which had been hit by the coronavirus pandemic. But his ambitious plans have been slowed by issues such as public insecurity, which he once claimed to be able to defeat, and the immigration crisis, with tens of thousands of migrants arriving in the city. His administration has been criticized for militarizing the subway, locking up homeless people with mental problems in psychiatric hospitals against their will and increasing the citys budget deficit. But none of these setbacks compare with being the first mayor of New York to be indicted. Sign up for our weekly newsletter to get more English-language news coverage from EL PAIS USA Edition In celebration of National Hunting and Fishing Day, the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation is hosting its 25th annual Salmon River Fish Hatchery Open House and Family Day on Saturday, Sept. 28, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Admission is free. The Salmon River Fish Hatchery is located at 2133 County Route 22 in Altmar. Hatchery staff will take guests on a rare behind-the-scenes tour of the facility, which each year stocks more than 100 public waters, including Lake Ontario, with 3.5 million trout and salmon. Even regular visitors to the hatchery will appreciate the redesigned fish observation decks, which are accessible to wheelchairs and strollers, and offer better-than-ever views of migrating salmon. Visitors can also check out the indoor aquaria and learn about rare and threatened fish species in New York State. Kids can learn how to cast a fishing rod on the grounds outside. The rectangular fish tanks will be replaced with circular tanks that allow for a more efficient use of water. Several conservation organizations, fishing and hunting clubs, and outdoor recreation groups will also be there sharing information about their roles in the Salmon River corridor and the Lake Ontario ecosystem. Thanks to the hatchery, the Salmon River is a world-class fishery for migrating Lake Ontario trout and salmon, and the fish are running strong right now. The Salmon River has nearly 12 miles of public access anchored in the village of Pulaski. After you tour the hatchery, go to the Route 11 bridge in Pulaski to watch anglers jostle on the riverbank for a chance to land a big king salmon, coho, or brown trout. Or head to nearby Salmon River Falls Unique Area, located about six miles from the hatchery. The area offers hiking trails, including a short quarter-mile accessible crushed stone trail leading to two observation points for a 110-foot waterfall that offer views of spectacular scenery. Visit DECs website for more information about the Salmon River Fish Hatchery, Salmon River Falls Unique Area. For specific questions about the open house, please contact Betsy Ukeritis, DEC Environmental Educator, at (315) 314-0768. The hatchery is open to the public for self-guided tours 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., every day, April through November. Sign up for the CNY Outdoors Newsletter Enter your email address to get weekly updates on CNY outdoors news delivered to your inbox: READ MORE Carpenters Brook hosts annual Sportsmens Days event this weekend - newyorkupstate.com Steve Featherstone covers the outdoors for The Post-Standard, syracuse.com and NYUP.com. Contact him at sfeatherstone@syracuse.com or on Twitter @featheroutdoors. You can also follow along with all of our outdoors content at newyorkupstate.com/outdoors/ or follow us on Facebook at facebook.com/upstatenyoutdoors. Washington Two Republican members of Congress from Central New York split on a House vote Wednesday for a short-term spending bill that would avert a federal government shutdown next week. Rep. Brandon Williams, R-Sennett, voted with the majority of both parties for a bill that would extend funding for federal programs through Dec. 20. Albany, N.Y. Three county officials from upstate New York accused of conspiring to commit ballot fraud in 2021 local elections were found not guilty of all charges by a federal jury Wednesday. The three Rensselaer County officials were charged by federal prosecutors last year of conspiring to use their positions to obtain absentee ballots in voters names through fraud and intimidation. The trio, who were involved in strategy for Republican candidates, then allegedly conspired to cast false and illegal votes in those voters names. The conspirators were trying to prevent Democratic candidates from appearing on the Working Families Party line in the general election, according to prosecutors. A jury began deliberating Monday after a two-week trial in federal court in Albany. The jury on Wednesday acquitted Richard W. Crist, James R. Gordon and Leslie A. Wallace of conspiring to violate the rights of county voters in connection with the 2021 elections. The jury additionally found Gordon not guilty of witness tampering and found Wallace not guilty of making false statements. We thank the jury for their careful and fair consideration, Crist said outside the courthouse, according to the Times Union of Albany. We want to thank all our supporters, our friends and family, for tremendous support when many walked away. There were lonely days, but you stood by us, and this is your victory, too. Last year Jason Schofield, a former Republican Rensselaer County elections commissioner, pleaded guilty to applying for absentee ballots in the names of other registered voters. What just happened? It's hard to find a company these days that isn't going all in on generative AI. Despite the pushback and job losses, we're seeing more video game giants embracing the technology with gusto. Nintendo, however, isn't one of them, with Shigeru Miyamoto revealing that when it comes to AI, his company would "rather go in a different direction." Miyamoto, the creator of some of Nintendo's most successful franchises (Mario, The Legend of Zelda, Donkey Kong, etc.), still serves as one of the company's representative directors and an executive. In an interview with The New York Times that was part of the celebrations of the just-opened Nintendo Museum, Miyamoto talked about what makes the Japanese gaming giant different. He cited AI as an example of how the company is taking a different approach to its competitors. "It might seem like we are just going the opposite direction for the sake of going in the opposite direction, but it really is trying to find what makes Nintendo special," Miyamoto said. "There is a lot of talk about AI, for example," he continued. "When that happens, everyone starts to go in the same direction, but that is where Nintendo would rather go in a different direction." Going in a different direction doesn't necessarily mean Nintendo isn't going to touch artificial intelligence at all. Company president Shuntaro Furukawa said in July that generative AI can be used "in creative ways," though he added the caveat that it "also raises issues with intellectual property rights." "We have decades of know-how in creating the best gaming experiences for our players," Furukawa added. "While we are open to utilizing technological developments, we will work to continue delivering value that is unique to Nintendo and cannot be created by technology alone." It appears that one area of AI that Nintendo might be using is a detection tool that can identify copyrighted images and serve takedown notices. A company called Tracer issued DMCA complaints to X users who had posted non-family friendly images of Mario, many of which were created by xAI's Grok, which doesn't have guardrails as strict as those found in ChatGPT and similar chatbots. Generative AI continues to propagate within the gaming industry. Electronic Arts CEO Andrew Wilson praised the technology this year, claiming it is set to make EA 30% more efficient while boosting monetization by 20% over the next five years. He also thinks it will convince players to spend 10-20% more money on its games. There's also Embracer a company that has laid off 1,500 people over the last year which unveiled its "human-centric" AI-powered game development ambitions in June. Nvidia is pushing generative AI into games harder than anyone, which isn't a surprise, given that it makes most of the advanced chips powering the tech. Its Avatar Cloud Engine (ACE) for Games is said to allow players to have natural language conversations with NPCs like they were talking to a real person. It will debut in mech fighting game Mecha BREAK next year. More recently, CEO Jensen Huang said "We can't do computer graphics anymore without artificial intelligence," referring to upscaling tech like DLSS. The big picture: Intel has finally identified all the underlying culprits behind the instability issues plaguing its 13th- and 14th-gen processors. While the company previously recognized the root cause, it did not provide a comprehensive analysis. Now, alongside the results of its lengthy investigation, Intel is also rolling out a second microcode update to hopefully put these issues to bed once and for all. The root of the problem, as Intel explains, lies in a clock tree circuit within the IA core itself that becomes prone to failure when subjected to high voltage and temperature conditions. This failure causes a shift in the clock duty cycle, which then manifests as system instability. Intel zeroed in on four key operating scenarios that were triggering this. First is the motherboard power delivery exceeding Intel's guidance, providing the chips with too much voltage. The solution for this is applying Intel's Default Settings, which the company recommended back in June. There's also an issue with the eTVB microcode algorithm that allows the CPUs to boost into high-performance states even at high temperatures. The SVID microcode algorithm requesting higher voltages at certain frequencies/durations than the silicon could handle was also singled out as a trigger. The final culprit is the microcode and BIOS requesting elevated voltages during idle/light workloads. The mitigations are being rolled into a new 0x12B microcode update that encompasses previous 0x125 and 0x129 patches. 0x125 addressed the eTVB algorithm issue, while 0x129 tackled the high voltage requests. 0x12B builds on those by enforcing stricter voltage control during idle and/or light activity periods. Motherboard makers are now working to integrate 0x12B via upcoming BIOS updates, according to Intel. The rollout could take weeks. It's important to note that this microcode can only prevent the Vmin shift instability from occurring and cannot fix CPUs that are already affected by the issue. Those will need to be replaced by Intel under the warranty extension program (let us know if they refuse). Once swapped for a fresh chip, installing the latest microcode update becomes crucial to avoid a repeat situation. Intel assures that there will be no significant performance impact from the 0x12B patch. The company also reiterated that its mobile CPUs and upcoming Lunar Lake and Arrow Lake desktop parts are unaffected by this flaw. Facepalm: Mozilla recently introduced a controversial technology designed to help advertisers while preserving users' privacy. However, a European privacy watchdog says that while it's "less invasive" than tracking cookies, it is still tracking without consent. It has asked regulators to open a GDRP investigation. Mozilla introduced the Privacy-Preserving Attribution API with Firefox 128, stating that it would measure ad "performance" without employing third-party servers to track what Firefox users were doing online. The European Center for Digital Rights, also known as Noyb (none of your business), has now filed a complaint against the US company, lamenting that the new API is just switching control of the tracking process to the browser instead of eliminating it. Nyob claims that Firefox is tracking users now instead of individual websites. Privacy-conscious users could consider this an improvement over traditional behavioral profiling with invasive cookies. However, Mozilla doesn't ask users for permission and enables the feature by default. The opt-out feature is similar to Google's Privacy Sandbox initiative, which promised to kill third-party cookies using browser-based tracking but failed. While PPA is considered a less invasive tracking alternative in the US, Nyob stated, it still violates Europe's General Data Protection Regulation. "Mozilla has just bought into the narrative that the advertising industry has a right to track users by turning Firefox into an ad measurement tool," said Nyob data protection lawyer Felix Mikolasch. Users have not been informed or asked for consent about the new tracking API, and Mozilla doesn't even mention the feature in its policies. Users should always have the right to choose, and Firefox should turn off PPA tracking by default. "It's a shame that an organization like Mozilla believes that users are too dumb to say yes or no," Mikolasch said. Nyob is now asking the Austrian data protection authority (DSB) to investigate Mozilla and request that the company delete all "unlawfully" processed data. Mozilla recently explained that Privacy-Preserving Attribution was an attempt to usher in a "new era" for privacy and digital advertising a prototype it would have proposed become a new standard approved by the World Wide Web Consortium. As the DSB considers Nyob's complaint, Mozilla is in the earliest phase of PPA implementation. The organization confirmed that Firefox 128 included the feature's initial code. However, it remains unactivated and hasn't begun collecting, recording, or sending end-user data. Mozilla has already started limited testing of the PPA API on its Developer Network website, and the company still thinks this is the right approach to improve advertising and privacy online. In brief: Makers of AI PCs and processors will be happy with the news that people are buying these products, which feature NPUs designed to accelerate AI tasks. The less welcome caveat is that according to a new report, many people are purchasing them simply because they want or need a new PC not because of the AI features. The latest IDC Research report shows that shipments of personal computing devices are expected to grow 2.6% year over year in 2024 to 398.9 million units. The report notes how pretty much every PC company these days pushes the benefits of their machines' NPUs and AI smarts, but most people buy them because they want a new or upgraded PC, as opposed to specifically requiring an AI PC. "While AI has been a buzzword of late, it has yet to be a purchase driver among PC buyers," said Jitesh Ubrani, research manager, Worldwide Mobile Device Trackers. "Businesses certainly recognize the importance of AI though many struggle to see the immediate use case and instead are opting for AI PCs as a means to futureproofing." Ubrani adds that manufacturers should explain better to consumers what an NPU is, why it's important, and why they might need one. The fact that all new processors have built-in NPUs means AI PC sales will continue to grow, even if people don't care about their headline capabilities. Ubrani also points out that the inclusion of an NPU and the early hardware requirements for AI tasks mean premium laptops are coming with more storage and memory, which is increasing the average selling price. In July, a survey of 22,000 people found that 84% were not willing to pay extra for a PC or hardware just because it offered enhanced AI capabilities. Looking at PCs overall (excluding tablets), IDC writes that the traditional PC market will remain flat in 2024 with 261 million units shipped as growth stagnates at just 0.3%. That figure would be 2.8% when excluding China, which is experiencing several economic challenges that are impacting the PC market. Next year should be better, though, as the end of Windows 10 support is expected to spur commercial buyers to upgrade, pushing growth to 4.3%. The tablet industry is a bright spot in the report. Slate sales are up 7.2% compared to last year as shipments reach 137.9 million, as manufacturers release more powerful models with larger screens. We're used to seeing Apple dominate this area, but growth has been driven by Android tablets in emerging regions. Unfortunately for OEMs, tablet growth is expected to hit 0% by 2028 as smartphones become larger and more powerful (and more foldables arrive) and tablets struggle in the face of touch-capable laptops. KYODO NEWS - Sep 26, 2024 - 17:39 | World North Korea may conduct a nuclear test after the Nov. 5 U.S. presidential election, a South Korean lawmaker said Thursday, citing South Korea's spy agency. Though the possibility of a nuclear test to be held ahead of the election cannot be ruled out, it is more likely to be afterward, Lee Sung Kwon, a member of the National Assembly's intelligence committee, told reporters following a briefing by the National Intelligence Service. If North Korea carries out a nuclear test, it would be its first since September 2017 and the seventh such test. The NIS told the intelligence committee that a nuclear test could be accompanied by an array of other provocative acts such as a satellite launch and the test-firing of missiles, according to Lee. North Korean leader Kim Jong Un visited a uranium enrichment base earlier this month where he stressed the need for Pyongyang to bolster its self-defense as well as its ability to launch a preemptive attack. The official Korean Central News Agency published images of Kim inspecting the base on Sept. 13, the first time state media had detailed the leader's in-person inspection of such a facility. While the location of the base was not revealed, South Korea's NIS assumes it was likely the one in Kangson, rather than Yongbyon, according to Park Sun Won, another member of the intelligence committee. Related coverage: North Korea's Kim tours uranium enrichment site, KCNA reports North Korea fires missiles toward Sea of Japan, no damage reported Japanese firm referred to prosecutors for importing North Korean clams The Samsung Galaxy S25 has created much buzz. Now, it is the turn of the Galaxy S25 Plus since its processor has been seen on benchmark platforms. Though North American and European variants of the Galaxy S25 Ultra had already wooed everybody, the S25 Plus, running on Qualcomm's latest Snapdragon 8 Gen 4 processor, sets higher performance benchmarks. Galaxy S25 Plus Vs S25 Ultra The US variant of Galaxy S25 Plus has also appeared on Geekbench, showing support for Qualcomm's advanced Snapdragon 8 Gen 4 chip. In the European model of S25 Ultra, a non-customized Snapdragon 8 Gen 4 chipset keeps clocking at 4.47 GHz, while the former hosts two performance cores clocked at a different speed of 4.19 GHz. That makes up for a small performance gap between the two variants regarding multicore scores. But compare the US models, and the Galaxy S25 Plus beats the S25 Ultra in multicore benchmarks, considering that both devices are capped at 4.19 GHz. Such a slight lead hints at Samsung having optimized the S25 Plus for better performance, maybe because its slightly smaller display and lower pixel count relieve it of stressful GPU loads. Read Also: Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra Leak: New Camera Lens, Upgrades Coming Soon? Custom Snapdragon for Galaxy: The Unique Association from Samsung and Qualcomm The custom-tailored version of the Snapdragon 8 Gen 4 processor by Qualcomm, led by Samsung, will power the S25 series. Branding it "Snapdragon for Galaxy" will ensure performance makes giant leaps forward while sipping on minimum power. Work on the final iteration of the chipset may still be in progress with Qualcomm fine-tuning the final engineering prototypes to balance out the power draw with performance. Typically, Samsung's custom Snapdragon processors are graded a bit higher than the standard versions, which is how the European version of the Galaxy S25 Ultra can be expected to function with two performance cores at 4.47 GHz and six midrange efficiency cores at 3.53 GHz. All these new improvements promise the power of the Galaxy S25 Ultra; still, the S25 Plus holds all the benchmarking cards for now. Display Contrasts: Samsung Galaxy S25 Plus of Advantage One reason the Galaxy S25 Plus is better at benchmarking than the Ultra is its display, Phone Arena reports. The former has a smaller screen size and less number of pixels. This means the GPU has to do relatively less work regarding refreshing the display, which is rendered graphically. That tiny graphical load increase is why, sometimes, depending on the question test, the S25 Plus can outrun the Ultra, as both sport the same processor architecture. The War Against the iPhone 16 Pro With the internal battle raging for Samsung's Galaxy S25 Plus and S25 Ultra, preliminary benchmarks already suggest that the new flagship series by Samsung will beat Apple's line for the iPhone 16 Pro. Qualcomm's Snapdragon 8 Gen 4 and what it combines with Samsung's custom optimizations bring a level of power in a package well ahead of even Apple's services in AI-driven work and overall performance. Related Article: New Samsung Galaxy S25 Lineup Will Boast Snapdragon 8 Gen 4 Processors Worldwide, Kuo Says The Walt Disney Company on Wednesday officially launched a new paid sharing program for its subscribers. The aim is to crack down on password and account sharing on its Disney+ streaming service and increase profitability. This means subscribers sharing their Disney+ account with family members or friends outside their household will no longer be able to share it with them. They will be required to pay extra to add that person to their Disney+ account subscription. Disney+ paid sharing features and capabilities are now available in the United States (U.S.), Canada, Costa Rica, Guatemala, Europe, and the Asia-Pacific region after being launched in select markets over the summer. Your Disney+ subscription is meant to be used within your Household, which is a collection of devices associated with your primary personal residence that are used by the individuals who reside there, the company wrote in a blog post on Wednesday. But what about people outside of your Household? They will need to sign up and pay for their own subscription or be added as an Extra Member to your account for an additional monthly fee to continue enjoying Disney+. Account holders who want to add someone outside their Household to their Disney+ subscription can do so by paying extra for that Extra Member. For instance, an Extra Member profile will cost an additional $6.99 monthly for Disney+ Basic subscriptions and $9.99 for Disney+ Premium subscriptions in the U.S. It is important to note that only one Extra Member can be added per primary account. Currently, the Extra Member option is unavailable for Disney Bundle subscribers (which can include Hulu or Hulu and ESPN+) or subscribers billed through third-party partners. As an alternative to Extra Member, anyone outside the Household can sign up for their own subscription to watch Disney+. As the account holder, they can transfer an eligible profile to a new subscription or Extra Member to keep that profiles Disney+ watch history and settings. However, certain profiles, such as primary profiles (account holders), minors profiles, and those set to Junior Mode, cannot be transferred. Additionally, the company said that Disney+ users who are away from home or traveling can still watch Disney+ on their supported devices as the account holder or members of their Household. According to Disney, If youre on the go and you see the message This TV doesnt seem to be part of the Household for this account, you can mark yourself as IM AWAY FROM HOME, or select UPDATE HOUSEHOLD if youve recently moved and need to reset the Household location for your Disney+ subscription. These selections will require a one-time passcode thats sent to the email address associated with the account. Disney is increasing prices on most of its plans effective October 17th. For instance, the Disney+ Basic (with ads) plan will cost $9.99/month from its previous $7.99, while the Disney+ Premium (no ads) plan will go up from $13.99 to $15.99/month. Similarly, Hulu (with ads) will cost $9.99/month, up by $2, and Hulu (no ads) will be raised to $18.99/month from its previous $17.99/month. This move from Disney follows Netflixs successful move to curb password sharing, which has seen the popular video-streaming giant add millions of new subscribers since the crackdown began last year. For instance, Netflix added 13.1 new million subscribers in the three months ending in December 2023 and over 9 million subscribers in the first quarter of 2024. Storms, heavy rains kill four in Mumbai region Mumbai, Sept 26 (AFP) Sep 26, 2024 Storms and heavy rains have killed at least four people in India's financial capital Mumbai and the surrounding region, forcing schools to close and disrupting train services, officials and local reports said Thursday. Some parts of the city had received over 230 millimetres (nine inches) of rain during a five-hour period on Wednesday evening, according to the Times of India newspaper, which cited data from local weather stations. Local television broadcast images of harried commuters making their way through knee-deep water that partially submerged vehicles in different parts of Mumbai on Wednesday night. One 45-year-old woman drowned in the suburb of Andheri, a municipal official told AFP. Two labourers were also killed after being struck by lightning in the city of Kalyan, around 40 kilometres outside Mumbai, while another woman drowned near a waterfall in Khopoli, according to local media reports. Schools were ordered shut on Thursday and municipal authorities called on residents to avoid leaving their homes if possible. Water on local railway tracks caused trains to be delayed and run at "cautious speeds" on Wednesday night. "As the water recedes, the train will continue its journey to your destination," India's central railway said in a post on X. Australia to offer debt relief for climate-hit nations Sydney, Sept 26 (AFP) Sep 26, 2024 From next year Australia will start offering natural-disaster-hit countries the chance to pause debt repayments in a bid to help stabilise climate-vulnerable Pacific neighbours. Australia's Foreign Affairs Department told AFP that "climate resilient debt clauses" would be offered on sovereign loan deals "by the end of 2025". "These clauses will help small and vulnerable countries build economic resilience, allowing them to pause debt repayments in the event of disasters," a spokesperson said. "Australia is committed to addressing climate change by taking action to support climate-vulnerable countries in our region." These types of clauses have become popular in recent years, with bilateral and multilateral lenders seeking to reduce the stress on smaller countries that are often already struggling to repay their debt. Last year, several bilateral and multilateral lenders -- including the World Bank and Inter-American Development Bank -- announced they would roll out the clause in their loans. There are 44 countries eligible for the World Bank's clause in the case of natural disasters, and many are Australia's neighbours, including Vanuatu, Nauru, Kiribati and Fiji. Australia is one of the largest donors and lenders to the climate-vulnerable South Pacific, where many nations also face dire fiscal pressures. In recent years China has been offering more loans and investment into the region. Last year, Britain announced its first climate-related debt clause with Senegal and Guyana, and is working to extend the offer to a further 10 countries. Floods threaten Niger's historic 'gateway to the desert' Agadez, Niger, Sept 26 (AFP) Sep 26, 2024 Its winding allies, ancient mosque and ochre earthen houses helped bestow on Agadez its UNESCO World Heritage status, but the town in Niger is now under threat from flooding. Overflowing rivers are no longer a rarity in the vast arid nation on the edge of the Sahara Desert. But the rainy season this year has been particularly devastating, killing at least 270 people and affecting hundreds of thousands. In Agadez -- known as the gateway to the desert -- forecasters say it's "regularly" raining, even in areas where normally "rain never falls". Former mayor Abdourahamane Tourawa called the downpours "particularly aggressive". "The old town in Agadez is suffering a lot of damage. Ponds are overflowing, many houses collapsed. Even the Grand Mosque wasn't spared," he told AFP. - Collapsing - The town, nearly 1,000 kilometres (620 miles) northeast of the capital, Niamey, was an important crossroads on the trans-Saharan caravan trade. Atop the 16th-century mosque stands an imposing mud-brick minaret 27 metres (89 feet) tall. The Sultan's Palace from a century earlier is testament to the past glory of the Tuaregs, known as the Blue Men due to the indigo dye of their robes and turbans. Agadez means "to visit" in the Tuareg language, Tamashek. Once a tourist magnet and legendary staging post on the Paris-Dakar rally when the race crossed the Sahara, jihadist attacks plaguing the region have scared visitors away. Other gems include the house where influential German explorer Heinrich Barth stayed in 1850. The baker's house, richly decorated with shells and arabesques, provided the backdrop for the 1990 film "The Sheltering Sky" by Bernardo Bertolucci. "Climate change causing heavy rains represents a danger for the old town... Around a hundred houses and walls have already collapsed," town curator Ali Salifou warned. Scientists have long warned that climate change driven by manmade fossil fuel emissions is increasing the likelihood, intensity and length of extreme weather events such as torrential rains. - 'Under attack' - Symbolic monuments are still "in an acceptable state" but "homes and other monuments of historic and religious value are under threat", Salifou said. Agadez governor General Ibra Boulama Issa saw flooding for himself early this month in the grounds of the mosque, which he said would require the "reinforcement" of the building. Recent photographs received by AFP showed its pillars eaten away by the water and houses gutted or reduced to piles of rubble. The military-led Sahelian nation is one of several Central and West African countries hit by heavy flooding during the unusually intense rainy season. The European Union this week released 5.4 million euros ($6 million) to help six countries affected by this year's heavy rains, of which 1.35 million euros was for Niger. Mahamat Souleymane, the muezzin at the mosque, said the old town was at risk from the lack, or poor maintenance of, "runoff water drainage systems". "All the jewels of our heritage are under attack from the onslaught of more violent and abundant rainy seasons," another former mayor, Rhissa Feltou, told AFP. - Loss of authenticity - Agadez has 20,000 residents and many hoped the 2013 UNESCO World Heritage designation would bring tourists back. But regular upkeep and conservation requires money and the town's coffers depend on tourism revenue. "With the little money you get here and there, you can't maintain the buildings and leave your family with empty stomachs," said Alhassane Manou, who used to sell souvenirs. Former mayor Tourawa said Agadez's UNESCO recognition had not had "the desired effect". "The population must benefit from projects allowing them to safeguard and maintain this architectural jewel," he said. Beyond the climate, Agadez also faces overcrowding as a key transit hub for migrants trying to reach Europe. Architect Abdel Rachid Idrissa Massi said overpopulation caused "exponential waste production". He was involved in rehabilitating scores of houses and the mosque with European Union funding. But some owners demolish the old houses to build concrete ones instead, which "distorts" the town's originality, Massi said. The United Nations' cultural agency has also noted the trend. Residents complain, however, that they need practical solutions. "Those who don't want us to use modern materials in the old town must commit to come and save the town," implored Akanfaya district leader Abou Said Ahmed. "The sealing on the houses is no longer good enough." KYODO NEWS - Sep 26, 2024 - 20:06 | All, Japan A Japanese court sentenced a member of the U.S. Navy to 28 months in prison on Thursday, suspended for four years, for randomly attacking and injuring four people near Tokyo in July 2022. The Yokosuka branch of the Yokohama District Court said Daniel Krieger, 31, charged into four passersby, aged in their 20s to 60s, on the night of July 9, 2022 in Zushi, Kanagawa Prefecture. Krieger, who is stationed at the U.S. naval base in the prefecture's Yokosuka, kicked two of the four, resulting in injuries including a facial fracture and cervical sprain, the ruling said. His lawyers pleaded not guilty on his behalf, saying Krieger was under acute alcohol intoxication and in a state of delirium at the time of the incident. Prosecutors had demanded 30 months in prison. Related coverage: U.S. Marine in Okinawa referred to prosecutors over sexual assault U.S. airman pleads not guilty to sexual assault of minor in Okinawa Quito fires coming under control after choking capital Quito, Sept 26 (AFP) Sep 26, 2024 Firefighters in Ecuador's capital were battling the remnants of major forest fires on Thursday that had sent massive plumes of smoke above Quito earlier this week, amid a record drought. Helicopters dumped water to extinguish the flames at two burning sites that remained from about 30 fires, which had devastated 140 hectares of forest on the outskirts of the Andean capital since Tuesday. "Normality is beginning to be restored in the capital city," Mayor Pabel Munoz told local media, adding that he was confident the remaining fires would be extinguished by Friday morning. However, he warned there was always the risk of the flames rekindling as hot summer winds in the capital can reach up to 60 kilometers (37 miles) per hour. The blazes injured six people, including a baby and two firefighters. They also destroyed at least seven homes in the humble neighborhood Bolanos, whose residents scrambled to save their pigs, chickens and sheep. Authorities said they believed the fires were started by arsonists, and on Wednesday a 19-year-old man was arrested for starting one of the fires after being found with a gallon of fuel. After declaring a state of emergency in Quito, the mayor is seeking to negotiate loans of $500,000 for the reconstruction of affected properties and the recovery of flora. "We have lost many trees, a lot of vegetation," said Munoz. 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. The Ecuadoran government is considering a nationwide state of emergency due to its worst drought in six decades which has also devastated crop production. Due to the dry spell, the country, which depends on hydroelectric power, is facing severe energy shortages and has implemented rolling blackouts. "The phenomena of climate change are more aggressive and this is what we are experiencing at the moment," Environment Minister Inez Manzano told a local broadcaster. KYODO NEWS - Sep 26, 2024 - 18:35 | All, Japan An H2A liquid-fuel rocket sent an information-gathering satellite into orbit Thursday following its launch from a southwestern Japan island, Mitsubishi Heavy Industries Ltd. said. Rocket No. 49's successful mission from the space center on Tanegashima Island, Kagoshima Prefecture, followed two postponements due to unfavorable weather. The government reconnaissance satellite will monitor ground conditions from space. It will be used for national security and to assess damage following large-scale disasters. Japan plans to launch one more H2A before the series is replaced by the next-generation H3 rocket, developed by the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency and Mitsubishi Heavy. Related coverage: Japan successfully launches new H3 rocket with observation satellite Japan startup reveals "world's first" close-up space debris image KYODO NEWS - Sep 26, 2024 - 18:12 | World, All The Chinese military released images of an intercontinental ballistic missile on Thursday that it test-fired the previous day, with observers saying it was likely a Dongfeng-31 AG capable of reaching the U.S. mainland. China's second publicized ICBM launch into the Pacific Ocean Wednesday morning since a successful test-firing in May 1980 has sparked speculation that it may be sending a signal to the United States and its allies amid rising tensions in the Taiwan Strait and South China Sea. Taiwan on Thursday condemned the launch, with Presidential Office spokeswoman Karen Kuo saying it was intended to "destroy regional peace and stability." Kuo urged Beijing to exercise self-restraint and respect the rules-based international order. "Taiwan will continue to stand together with the global democratic camp to jointly maintain the status quo of peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait and the region," she added. The Dongfeng-31 AG ICBM was unveiled to the public during a military parade in July 2017 in Inner Mongolia to commemorate the 90th anniversary of the foundation of the People's Liberation Army. It is a road-mobile missile, and its launch vehicle can traverse unpaved terrain, making it harder to destroy. Related coverage: Japan defense force ship sails through Taiwan Strait for 1st time Japan destroyer inadvertently entered China waters, captain sacked KYODO NEWS - Sep 27, 2024 - 07:04 | All, Japan A Japanese court acquitted Thursday an 88-year-old former professional boxer in a high-profile retrial decades after he was sentenced to death over a 1966 quadruple murder, saying investigators had fabricated evidence. Iwao Hakamata spent nearly half a century on death row before new evidence led to his release from incarceration in 2014, leading to his being recognized that year as the world's longest-serving death row prisoner. Hakamata's case marks the fifth time in postwar Japan that retrials have resulted in acquittals after the death penalty was given, with the four previous rulings finalized without an appeal by prosecutors. The focus now shifts to whether prosecutors, who again demanded the death penalty in the retrial, will appeal Thursday's ruling. The defense team has urged prosecutors not to challenge an acquittal. In the ruling, the Shizuoka District Court said "there were three instances of fabrication of evidence," including five pieces of clothing that Hakamata was alleged to have worn during the incident and his confession, which the court said was forced. The clothing evidence played a key role in his conviction. On the clothing items, which were found in a miso tank near the site of the murders 14 months later, the court backed the defense's claim that the reddish color could not have been bloodstains from the time of the incident as bloodstains on clothing would not remain red when immersed in miso for more than year. While prosecutors argued the clothing were worn by Hakamata during the incident, Presiding Judge Koshi Kunii said investigators put the bloodstains and hid them at a time close to their discovery. The ruling pointed out that it is presumable that investigators resorted to fabrication of the key evidence "to ensure his conviction," as Hakamata pleaded not guilty at the start of the trial although he had confessed to the killings during his questioning. Regarding his statements of confession, the judge said they were "effectively fabricated," as they were "forced by inflicting physical and mental pain," calling his interrogation "inhumane." "Over the years, different conclusions and opinions have been presented by each court," Kunii said in concluding the ruling. "He cannot be identified as the culprit," based on the cardinal rule in criminal trials that giving a defendant the benefit of the doubt, he said. Hakamata's mental state deteriorated due to his long incarceration, with signs of psychological strain manifesting from around 1980, when his death sentence was finalized. His 91-year-old sister had appeared in court hearings on behalf of her brother since the retrial began last October. "We've won an acquittal," Hideko told their supporters in front of the district court. "Thank you for all your support over the years." After handing down the ruling, Kunii apologized to Hideko on behalf of the court, saying "we really feel sorry that the trial took so much time." The ruling came after the Tokyo High Court ordered a retrial in March last year, saying there was a strong possibility that the five pieces of clothing had been planted by investigators. The high court in 2018 had initially decided not to reopen the case but reversed course after the Supreme Court in 2020 ordered it to reexamine its ruling. "The ruling was enough for prosecutors to give up appealing," Hakamata's lead lawyer Hideyo Ogawa said. Meanwhile, Kenshi Konagamitsu, deputy chief prosecutor at the Shizuoka District Public Prosecutors Office, said, "We will closely examine the ruling and deal with it appropriately." It took more than nine years to reopen the case after the Shizuoka District Court granted him a retrial in 2014, as prosecutors filed an objection against the decision. Hakamata first appealed for a retrial in 1981, and the decades that elapsed before his retrial finally started last year have led legal experts to call for revising the retrial system, which sets a high hurdle for the convicted to reopen a case. Some are also hoping that the debate over abolishing the death penalty will gain momentum in Japan, given that Hakamata still suffers from post-incarceration syndrome, worsened by decades of not knowing when he might be executed and severely limited restricted contact with anyone outside his cell. On Thursday, Hakamata, who was exempted from attending court proceedings, spent his time as usual in Hamamatsu, Shizuoka Prefecture, where he lives. He went out for a routine walk, visiting a temple and eating at a noodle restaurant. The former boxer was a live-in employee at a miso maker when he was arrested in 1966 for allegedly killing the firm's senior managing director, his wife and two of their children. They were found dead from stab wounds at their house in Shizuoka Prefecture, which had been burned down. Indicted for murder, robbery and arson, his death sentence was finalized based on a ruling that blood marks on the five clothing items found in the miso tank matched the blood types of the victims and Hakamata. The following is a chronology of major events related to the 1966 murder of four people in Shizuoka Prefecture. June 30, 1966 -- Four members of family, including two children, found murdered in ruins of miso processing company executive's burned-down house in Shizuoka Prefecture. August -- Former professional boxer Iwao Hakamata arrested on suspicion of murder-robbery. August 1967 -- Bloodstained clothing discovered in factory's miso tank. September 1968 -- Hakamata sentenced to death. December 1980 -- Supreme Court finalizes capital punishment. April 1981 -- Hakamata files first appeal for retrial. August 1994 -- Shizuoka District Court turns down appeal, prompting defense team to appeal to Tokyo High Court. August 2004 -- Tokyo High Court turns down appeal, prompting defense team to file special appeal the next month. March 2008 -- Supreme Court turns down special appeal. April -- Hakamata's sister Hideko files second appeal. March 27, 2014 -- Shizuoka District Court decides to reopen Hakamata case, Hakamata freed. March 31 -- Prosecutors appeal decision to reopen case. June 11, 2018 -- Tokyo High Court rules against reopening case. June 18 -- Defense team files special appeal to Supreme Court. Dec. 22, 2020 -- Supreme Court sends case back to Tokyo High Court. March 13, 2023 -- Tokyo High Court rules in favor of reopening case. March 20 -- Prosecutors give up filing special appeal, ruling for retrial finalized. October 27 -- Shizuoka District Court holds first hearing in retrial of Hakamata. May 22, 2024 -- Prosecutors demand death penalty in final hearing. Sept. 26 -- Hakamata acquitted by Shizuoka District Court. Related coverage: FOCUS: 1966 murder case spurs calls for revising Japan's retrial system Verdict due in retrial of 88-yr-old man over 1966 quadruple murder Sister of man on 1966 murder retrial raps "ridiculously long" process 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 I cannot feel sorry for Chirayu Shah and his poor, hard-done-by sons (Property investors fear forced sales under negative gearing changes, September 26). He and others like him who are rich enough to put their spare cash into investment properties have been enjoying massive tax concessions for years. Other taxpayers have to pay higher taxes or public services have to be cut to help out. Perhaps the Herald could interview those young home buyers who are excited about the price falls from the resulting sales or the patients at public hospitals who will see better public services as a result of a fairer tax system. Peter Hull, Katoomba Chirayu Shah and his two boys, Vivaan, 13, and Aarin, 9 at their Baulkham Hills home. Credit: Wolter Peeters Whilst increasing numbers of children live in families experiencing homelessness, Chirayu Shah worries that his sons wont be able to experience the benefits of the familys second property. It is precisely this sort of intergenerational inequity that the Albanese government needs to tackle by ending negative gearing. Louise Sorbello, West Ryde I have no argument with people who want to help their children get a leg-up in life. But I dont believe for a moment that a professional person with children a couple of decades away from needing independent housing is unable to imagine ways it might be achieved other than by owning a negatively geared investment property. Being in a position to help ones children into the housing market is a privilege. Its not the place of government policy to provide ways it can be done. Prue Nelson, Cremorne Point My understanding was that negative gearing meant lower rents as landlords were not expecting to recoup all their costs from the rental income. If this tax break is lost, what will that mean for renters already struggling with high prices? Philip Cooney, Wentworth Falls While I welcome the intensifying discourse about Australias housing policy settings, I am frustrated by political, journalistic and commentator assessments of whether individual reform proposals will fix the problem. One or two reforms alone whether its reducing housing-related tax privileges, build-to-rent, planning reform, residential tenancy reform, managing immigration volatility or helping first home buyers will not be a magic bullet. We need a nationally co-ordinated package of housing policy initiatives designed to improve the fundamentals of our housing system. What is our nations comprehensive and integrated housing plan? Vivienne Milligan, Glebe Steven Hamiltons support for negatively geared properties just explains the law and not the social impact of the unfair tax advantage enjoyed by investors (Misunderstood tax rule is no rort, September 26). The difference that abolishing negative gearing will make is this: it gets investors and the banks, the main beneficiaries, out of the market, and instead of a sellers market, we may get a buyers market. John Macintosh, Merewether Advertisement I think Stephen Hamilton is wrong. All investments shouldnt be treated equally because we live in a society. It is right to encourage investments that help society as a whole and discourage those that dont. Policies that encourage people to accumulate property help them and their families thats it. This is distinct from, say, investments in new technology that reduce climate change, or countless other examples of prosocial investing. Jim Filshie, Kingsgrove For each residential property investor who exits the market, space is made for an owner-occupier. This has to be a good outcome for our young people desperate to own their own home. Property prices wont crash, despite the cries of the sky is falling potential owner-occupiers are there but have been consistently outbid by investors many times in recent years. Penny Ransby Smith, Lane Cove There are frequent reports about the high cost of rent, particularly in Sydney, but so many landlords are managing to lose money on their investment properties. This seems to be either incompetent financial management or deliberate manipulation at the expense of the ATO. I cannot believe that people buy houses to rent out as some kind of altruistic contribution to the housing shortage. The responsibility to generate housing supply rests with government, not with the market. Eric Scott, Bondi Junction The main problem with housing supply is economic interest. A builder can make significantly more profit from a high-specification house than from an ordinary house. Instead of subsidising first home buyers or allowing people to raid their super, the government would do better to subsidise builders to build low-specification houses as the housing commission used to do. Such houses could be sold at lower prices, increasing the stock available to lower income buyers. Alan Stanley, Upper Corindi Your correspondent suggests the government is finally growing a backbone in relation to negative gearing. Not really this is a classic fly it up the flagpole distraction with no real intent on taking it to the election. The scars from the 2019 defeat are still raw and as the governments inept campaign for the Yes vote on the Voice referendum demonstrated, it lacks the ability, especially with Albanese as chief advocate, to counter what will most certainly be a concerted scare campaign from the opposition. It will be consigned to the dust bin before Cup day, unfortunately. Mike Kenneally, Manly Labor loves coal Every Labor voter I know has installed solar panels, is purchasing green energy and changing over to electric vehicles. So what does Labor do as a reward? It gives a dirty green light to coal miners to produce possibly 1.3 billion tonnes of destructive greenhouse gases (Plibersek approves 1.3b tonnes of coal mine emissions, September 26). The otherwise gutless Labor party is not timid when it comes to protecting a few votes in mining electorates. But the opposition is also to blame. Only because Dutton is in cloudcuckooland fantasising about nuclear can Labor create the illusion of being a responsible government. Philip Bell, Bronte Advertisement The Mt Pleasant mine, far left, and New Hopes Bengalla mine, right, in the NSW Hunter region. Credit: Janie Barrett In August 2022, barely three months after the last federal election, the Albanese government approved hugely expanded offshore areas for oil and gas exploration, angering the teals and many in the electorate who had believed Labors claims to bring an end to the climate wars. Since then, Australia-wide subsidies given to the fossil fuel industries have increased ($14.5 billion in 2023- 2024). This weeks three massive approvals of expanded coal mining constitute a further betrayal of intentions to behave responsibly, keep our global commitments, respect our Pacific neighbours and work towards re-establishing a potentially benign climate. The government may have forgotten that the seats lost by the Coalition in the 2022 election were mostly won by the teals and the Greens, who had a clearer commitment to honouring our international obligations regarding global warming. They may also have forgotten the importance of trust in politics. Penny Rosier, North Epping School history link Two letters in defence of public education printed in succession in todays Herald share an interesting link (Letters, September 26). The first was by a former Randwick Boys High School history teacher, and the second by the father of an old boy and former Olympian, from the same school. This says much about values and public schooling. Nick Benson, Newtown Dollars and disrespect According to Peter Vlandys, the Australian jumper is sacrosanct, you cant disrespect it (Roo Blue: Vlandys wont let players disrespect jersey, September 26). Unless, of course, you want to plaster a sponsors name and logo, in this case Gallagher (whoever Gallagher is), over the front of it. What is now sacrosanct in professional sport is making a buck. John Campbell, South Golden Beach Advertisement Hold bullies, parents to account Congratulations Jenna Price for your excellent opinion piece (Bullying must be called out for what it is - violence, September 26). Having spent almost 60 years in the school education system, I wholeheartedly agree that its time to call out bullying as violent behaviour perpetrated by an aggressor. Only then might we move past yesterdays excuse-ridden cliches that its just kids being kids or you need to toughen up. The incidence and sophistication of bullying have obviously expanded exponentially with the normalisation of social media. Those previous lame excuses for bullying are no longer relevant or acceptable. The perpetrators of bullying and their families need to be held accountable for violent and aggressive behaviour. Society has to stop minimising this issue by using outmoded and outdated excuses. This applies to adult as well as child interactions. Warren Marks, Hill Top After 25 years of teaching in public schools, I can assert that bullying is alive and well in the right conditions and that children can be isolated socially if nothing is done about it. As for the values of inclusion, most schools try hard to meet the needs of students, but it takes years of strong leadership and parental support for these problems to be sorted. I have taught in underprivileged and middle-class schools and havent found any noticeable difference between them regarding the values of respect and cooperation, which are often put on classroom walls but dont always translate to behaviour and attitudes in the playground. These values must be taught at home. Vivienne Parsons, Thornleigh Endearing diplomat I loved having Caroline Kennedy as US ambassador to Australia, what a lovely warm and endearing diplomat (Kennedy to leave US ambassadors post, September 26). We watched her grow through the media linked to JFK, her father, and we also shared her tragedies. I will miss her warm and endearing smiles. Susan Chan, St Ives US Ambassador to Australia, Caroline Kennedy, addresses the media at a doorstop interview after attending a sausage sizzle to raise funds for the Cancer Council, ahead of her participation in the Shitbox Rally. Credit: Alex Ellinghausen Advertisement Naked ambition Clearly this theatre company is portraying raw emotion and perhaps it should relocate its whole kit and caboodle and flesh out the audience in a new locality, maybe Buff Point (Griffin seeks naked truth in teasing new season, September 26)? Allan Gibson, Cherrybrook Respect real Kokoda I respect, feel for and sincerely commemorate the largely untrained and badly equipped militia troops that an unprepared Australia sent to oppose the Japanese on the Kokoda Track (Weve stuffed it: Kokoda Track shut indefinitely, leaving tourists high and dry, smh.com.au, September 26). They certainly fought with the determination that came from their belief that they were fighting to keep Australia from being invaded. However, this is 2024 and we have long since known better. Can we please stop with statements like played a crucial role? The Kokoda operation was strategically irrelevant, confirmed when Imperial General Headquarters in Tokyo ordered their forces to retreat from the heights overlooking Port Moresby because of the situation at Guadalcanal. The Pacific War was decided not by small groups of foot soldiers but by enormous aircraft carrier forces. Please, let us respect and commemorate our troops without continuously imposing some present-day triumphalist view. Michael McMullan, Avoca Beach Supermarket sweep-up Andrew Caro, competition is one thing, co-operation in one market niche is quite another (Letters, September 25). Ill see your Coles, Woolworths, IGA and Aldi and raise you Carrefour, Casino, Aldi, U Express, Intermarche, Lidl, Franprix and Monoprix. Tom McGinness, Randwick Advertisement Independent MPs are pressing for tax changes to help young Australians who feel shut out of the housing market, naming negative gearing as a key issue even though voters in their electorates take advantage of the tax breaks. The teal independents and other crossbench MPs have called for negative gearing to be on the agenda in a total rethink of tax and housing policy, as federal officials consider ways to change the rules on investment properties. Independent MPs Allegra Spender, Zali Steggall, Sophie Scamps, Zoe Daniel and Monique Ryan all back tax reform, including changes to negative gearing. Credit: Alex Ellinghausen The calls come after Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said he was not considering taking changes to negative gearing and capital gains tax to the next election, although some Labor MPs have gone public with their support for reform. While the crossbench MPs have not adopted a unified position on negative gearing, several declared that they wanted everything on the table in stronger policy action on tax and housing. Faraday Future Leadership Change LOS ANGELES--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Faraday Future Intelligent Electric Inc. (FF, Faraday Future, or Company), a California-based global shared intelligent electric mobility ecosystem company, today announced personnel changes to help further the Companys short- and long-term business goals. On September 17, 2024, the Board of Directors of the Company appointed Koti Meka as the Companys Chief Financial Officer and principal financial officer, effective September 23, 2024. In his new position, Mr. Meka will oversee FFs Accounting and Finance business units and report directly to Matthias Aydt, FFs Global CEO. In addition, the Company recently announced that Aaron Ma has been appointed as the Acting Head of EV R&D, effective August 20, 2024. In this new role, Mr. Ma will oversee the FF Global EV R&D business and will also report directly to Mr. Aydt. On September 19, the Company officially kicked off its dual-brand strategy by announcing its second brand, Faraday X (FX), and its launch plan for the first batch of planned products, including innovative ways in creating AIEV (Artificial Intelligence Electric Vehicle) products with twice the performance at half the price for our future users. Both Meka and Ma in their new roles will drive forward the strategic goals for the FF and FX brands including the R&D and maintaining cost efficiencies throughout the development and launch of FX. Meka, age 55, served as the Companys Acting Head of Finance Operations since November 2023, managing finance operations, heading financial planning and analysis, and supporting process improvement, target setting and cost-reduction efforts. Meka replaces Jonathan Maroko, Interim Chief Financial Officer of the Company, who resigned effective September 20, 2024. Maroko will continue to work with the Company as a consultant. Previously, Meka served as the Companys Director of Finance (FP&A) from July 2017 to November 2023, Operations Controller from August 2016 to July 2017, and Senior Manager, Cost Estimating from February 2016 to August 2016. Prior to joining the Company in February 2016, Meka worked at Ford Motor Company from July 2002 to February 2016 in cost optimization, product development finance and corporate finance, including leading financial analysis at Ford Business Services Center in Chennai, India from December 2009 to July 2013. Meka holds an MBA from the University of Michigan-Dearborn, an M.S. in Mechanical Engineering from Wayne State University and a B.Tech. in Mechanical Engineering from Jawaharlal Nehru Technological University, India. Mas current position as the Global Vice President of the IAI software R&D will remain unchanged, reporting to Rao Hong. In this role, he has demonstrated exceptional strategic vision and leadership. He has successfully led the IAI product, UI, and core application development teams, significantly enhancing product performance and user experience through innovative solutions and strategic initiatives. Before joining FF, Ma spent five years at LeEco, driving product innovation and market expansion through strategic leadership, and seven years serving as vice president of R&D at Meizu where he significantly contributed to research and development management by spearheading the launch of groundbreaking products crucial to the company's growth and competitive success in the tech industry. Mas over 20 years extensive experience and proven leadership capabilities make him exceptionally well-suited to lead FFs EV R&D business as it enters the next phase of growth and innovation. The Company believes that with Mas leadership and Aydts direction, the FF R&D platform will accelerate innovation, drive transformative advancements, and solidify FFs position at the forefront of the electric vehicle industry. "We are excited to welcome Koti and Aaron to their new roles within FF. Both bring many years of experience gained at both FF as well as at their previous roles outside of FF. They have made significant contributions to our organization and have been reliable partners in all my various roles here," said Aydt. "I look forward to Koti leveraging his experience to drive necessary changes in our finance operations. And with Aaron, we are confident that under his guidance, the EV R&D team will continue to achieve new milestones and advance our strategic objectives. Aydt also expressed gratitude to Maroko for his ongoing contributions to FF, stating, "I am thankful that Jonathan will continue to support us in a consulting capacity. His insights have been instrumental in developing our cost optimization and reduction strategies, ensuring our continued success." ABOUT FARADAY FUTURE Faraday Future is the pioneer of the Ultimate AI TechLuxury ultra spire market in the intelligent EV era, and the disruptor of the traditional ultra-luxury car civilization epitomized by Ferrari and Maybach. FF is not just an EV Company, but also a software-driven intelligent internet Company. Ultimately FF aims to become a User Company by offering a shared intelligent mobility ecosystem. FF remains dedicated to advancing electric vehicle technology to meet the evolving needs and preferences of users worldwide, driven by a pursuit of intelligent and AI-driven mobility. KYODO NEWS - Sep 26, 2024 - 08:00 | All, Japan, World United States Steel Corp. said Wednesday that an arbitration board has ruled in favor of Nippon Steel Corp.'s plan to acquire the Pittsburgh company, a deal opposed by its union. The nonbinding decision was made by the Board of Arbitration whose members were selected by U.S. Steel and the United Steelworkers, a powerful union that called in January for scrutiny of the acquisition deal, citing financial and other concerns. David Burritt, CEO of the company, said, "With the arbitration process now behind us, we look forward to moving ahead with our pending transaction with Nippon Steel." The labor union, however, said in a statement it did not agree with the board's decision. The planned acquisition of the world's 24th-largest producer by Nippon Steel, the fourth largest, has sparked controversy in the run-up to the Nov. 5 U.S. presidential election, with both the company and the union headquartered in Pennsylvania, a key battleground state. President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris, the Democratic presidential nominee, have said U.S. Steel should remain in domestic hands. Former President Donald Trump, Harris' Republican rival for the White House, has also said he will block the deal if elected. Related coverage: Nippon Steel reapplies for U.S. Steel review amid Biden opposition U.S. panel allows Nippon Steel to resubmit buyout review request Biden decision on U.S. Steel buyout unlikely before election: report KYODO NEWS - Sep 26, 2024 - 07:03 | All, Japan, World A Japanese academic team has newly discovered more than 300 geoglyphs in a desert in Peru's Nazca utilizing artificial intelligence in analyses of aerial photos. The average length of the etchings is some 9 meters, smaller than the well-known figures of the Nazca Lines, the team from Yamagata University said, noting it assumes ancient people in less populated groups drew them to share information about rites and livestock. The finding was introduced in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America earlier this week. In the Nazca Pampa, a total of 430 geoglyphs had been discovered in explorations that began in the 1940s. The university's team, in collaboration with the Japanese arm of International Business Machines Corp., had AI-aided systems learn geoglyph patterns to speed up the search for previously undiscovered ones. The team led by professor Masato Sakai examined 1,309 locations in Nazca for potential geoglyphs, believed to have been created some two thousand years ago by removing stones and gravel to be piled up along the edges of the patterns. Lines were newly discovered in 303 places through the research, which included fieldwork in the desert from September 2022 to February 2023. The relatively small geoglyphs feature humans and animals, including an orca holding a knife, and were found near winding paths, according to the team. Sakai, an anthropologist, said the team hopes the latest discovery will help conserve the area by leading to measures such as designating the area a park. By Keita Nakamura, KYODO NEWS - Sep 26, 2024 - 08:28 | All, Japan, World Some candidates in Japan's upcoming ruling party leadership election have suggested they would visit the war-linked Yasukuni shrine in Tokyo if they win and become prime minister, stirring concerns it may reignite diplomatic friction with China and South Korea. Among three leading candidates in polls by major Japanese media outlets, economic security minister Sanae Takaichi, known as a security hawk, has voiced her intention to continue visiting Yasukuni on Aug. 15, the anniversary of Japan's surrender in World War II. Former Environment Minister Shinjiro Koizumi has also visited Yasukuni every year on Aug. 15, though he did not clarifying his stance on future visits during the campaign for Friday's Liberal Democratic Party election, which has a record nine candidates. Former Defense Minister Shigeru Ishiba has remained silent on whether he would visit the shrine if he becomes premier. As past visits by Japanese prime ministers have drawn a harsh backlash from Asian neighbors, which see the shrine as a symbol of Japan's past militarism, a repeat by the next leader could further strain Japan's ties with China and reverse its recently improving relationship with South Korea, experts say. Madoka Fukuda, a Hosei University professor with expertise in diplomacy, said it is "impossible that China would not protest an incumbent Japanese prime minister's visit to Yasukuni," adding the extent of the negative effects depends on when and how it occurs. Even now, tensions remain over several issues, such as the recent stabbing death of a 10-year-old Japanese boy in China and their conflicting claims over the uninhabited Senkaku Islands, which are controlled by Japan. Regarding ties with South Korea, Kohtaro Ito, a senior research fellow at the Tokyo-based think tank Canon Institute for Global Studies, said a Japanese premier's visit to Yasukuni could "make a great impact," citing the case by Koizumi's father Junichiro in August 2001. While Tokyo and Seoul had maintained a "trust relationship" to promote cooperation until then, bilateral ties "began to deteriorate" after Junichiro Koizumi made first of the six visits during his 2001-2006 tenure as Japan's leader, said Ito, an expert in diplomacy. If the next prime minister visits Yasukuni, the move could rekindle strong opposition from South Korea, in turn worsening relations between Tokyo and Seoul even under President Yoon Suk Yeol, who has made efforts to repair ties with Japan, he added. Political pundits say, however, it is uncertain whether whoever wins the LDP election would actually visit Yasukuni as prime minister, since some candidates might be raising the idea as part of a campaign strategy to gain support from conservative voters. Takaichi, a conservative lawmaker, has expressed her belief in "showing respect for those who sacrificed their lives for national policies." Koizumi said only that he would "make a proper decision" although he believes it is "natural to express gratitude" toward the war dead. He has not traveled to mainland China since becoming a lawmaker in 2009, he added. Ishiba has argued that it is "our duty" to facilitate the Japanese emperor's visit to the shrine, saying he personally does not intend to go to a place where the emperor has shied away from. The last visit by an incumbent Japanese premier was in December 2013 by the late Shinzo Abe. He angered China and South Korea, and the United States, Tokyo's key security ally, criticized Abe, saying his actions "exacerbate tensions with Japan's neighbors." The controversial shrine is a source of diplomatic friction as Japan's wartime leaders, some of whom were convicted as war criminals by an international tribunal after World War II, are among the more than 2.4 million war dead honored there. Yasukuni added 14 Class-A war criminals, including wartime Prime Minister Gen. Hideki Tojo, to the enshrined deities in 1978, stirring controversy at home and abroad. Tojo was executed by hanging for crimes against peace. In China and South Korea, memories of Japan's wartime actions run deep. Japan invaded a vast swath of China before the end of World War II and ruled the Korean Peninsula from 1910 to 1945. Various wartime issues between Japan and the two nations remain unresolved. Yoon, who took office in May 2022 with a pledge to take a future-oriented approach toward Japan, has been improving Tokyo-Seoul relations that had sunk to their lowest point in decades under the left-leaning government of his predecessor, Moon Jae In. The LDP presidential election comes after Prime Minister Fumio Kishida decided not to seek reelection to take responsibility for a slush fund scandal that was revealed late last year. Related coverage: FOCUS: Japan's fiscal health put on backburner in race to choose next PM FOCUS: Japan's main opposition bets on "experience" for possible election FOCUS: Next Japan PM's possible no-show at ASEAN summits may favor China KYODO NEWS - Sep 26, 2024 - 18:56 | All, Japan, World A Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force vessel has sailed through the Taiwan Strait for the first time at Prime Minister Fumio Kishida's direction, sources familiar with the matter said Thursday, triggering an immediate backlash from China. On Wednesday, the destroyer Sazanami, along with Australian and New Zealand vessels, headed southward from the East China Sea and through the narrow waterway between China and Taiwan, a self-ruled island that China claims as its own territory, the sources said. The ships were believed to be heading to the South China Sea for an exercise apparently aimed at challenging Beijing's growing military assertiveness in the region. Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshimasa Hayashi declined to comment on the issue, saying it is "a matter related to the Self-Defense Forces' operations." A government source said Tokyo does not intend to unnecessarily provoke Beijing by referring to the passage. Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Lin Jian said Thursday that Beijing has protested to Tokyo over the passage of the Japanese ship, adding China is "highly vigilant about the political intentions" of the neighboring country's move. "We urge Japan to honor its promises on the Taiwan issue, be cautious in words and deeds, and not disrupt Sino-Japanese relations as well as peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait," Lin said. The Chinese military dealt with the passage "in accordance with laws," he added. Gen. Yoshihide Yoshida, chief of the Defense Ministry's Joint Staff, told a press conference that increased Chinese military activities in the Indo-Pacific region is a "deep concern" not only for Japan but also for the international community. "We will continue to monitor (China's) activities, gather information and analyze it for the enhancement of surveillance," Yoshida said without directly referring to the MSDF ship's passage through the Taiwan Strait. The United States regularly sends warships through the Taiwan Strait to assert freedom of navigation in international waters. Allies including Britain have also made such transits, with the German navy recently sending its first warship through the Taiwan Strait in 22 years, drawing China's ire. Based in Kure in Hiroshima Prefecture, the Sazanami is about 150 meters long and 17 meters wide, and can reportedly accommodate a crew of 170. China has been increasing its military activities around Japan, with a spy plane violating Japanese airspace near islands in Nagasaki Prefecture in late August. On Sept. 18, the Liaoning became the first Chinese aircraft carrier to enter the contiguous zone just outside Japanese territorial waters, sailing between remote islands in southern Japan from the East China Sea. Taiwan is viewed as a potential military flashpoint in U.S.-China relations, with Beijing regarding the island as a renegade province to be reunified with the mainland, by force if necessary. China and Taiwan have been governed separately since they split in 1949 as the result of a civil war. Tensions have been rising in recent years, with Chinese military planes frequently crossing the median line in the Taiwan Strait, a boundary Beijing and Taipei had tacitly respected for decades. Related coverage: Japan says strongly alarmed by airspace breaches by Russia, China Japan destroyer inadvertently entered China waters, captain sacked Act together, jointhe peace process UNITED NATIONS : UKRAINIAN President Volodymyr Zelenskyy told the UN Security Council that we have to prepare the second peace summit to end the Russia-Ukraine war altogether and he has invited India and other countries to join the peace process. We all know what needs to be done if we honestly look at the situation and truly want to stop Russias war. Most importantly, act together, of course in unity, without creating new and unnecessary divisions of the world into blocks or regional groups, Zelenskyy here on Tuesday told a Security Council meeting on Ukraine conflict. Zelenskyy said that unity always works for peace andwe have to prepare the second peace summit to end the war altogether. And I invite all of you, all principle nations to join us in this process, all who truly respect the UN Charter. We invite China. We invite Brazil. I have already invited India. We are working with African nations, all of Latin America, the Middle East, Central Asia, Europe, the Pacific region, and North America.All. Zelenskyy said all areequally important for peace, all without exceptions. Just as the UN Charter must work without exceptions. The Ukrainian President said this process will lead us to peace, to a just peace, a real peace, a peace that will last. All of us already know how to achieve it. We have the peace formula, we have the UNCharter and we have all thestrength needed to make it happen. Whats needed is determination. Zelenskyy on Monday metPrime Minister Narendra Modi in New York before the Indianleader wrapped up his threeday visit to the US. Modis meeting withZelenskyy, requested by theUkrainian side, came at sidelines of his other engagements. UNPRECEDENTED feedback on Waqf Bill Panel member suspects role ofChina, ISI; demands MHA probe NEW DELHI : RAISING concern over the staggering number of feedback -- nearly 1.25 crore submissions -- received by parliamentary committee scrutinising Waqf (Amendment) Bill, BJP member Nishikant Dubey has called for a Home Ministry probe, including into possible role of Pakistans ISI and China. In a letter to the committees Chairperson Jagdambika Pal, he said, the investigation must also cover the possible roles of fundamentalist organisations, individuals like radical Islamic preacher Zakir Naik, and foreign powers such as the ISI and China besides their proxies. Dubey, a committee member and a fourth-term Lok Sabha MP, said, the geographical origins of these submissions need immediate attention, claiming that it is statistically improbable that such an overwhelming volume response could emerge organically from within India alone. He described the volume of feedback as unprecedented which, he said, has set a global record for legislative submissions and deserves scrutiny over the motivations and sources behind these communications. He said it signals a disturbing trend that cannot be ignored. I believe it is vital that the committee addresses these concerns head-on to ensure the integrity and independence of our legislative process, he added. The committee examining the contentious bill, which has been opposed stridently by Opposition parties and several Muslim groups for its alleged attempt to interfere in their religious affairs, had come out with an advertisement, seeking peoples feedback on its provisions. As his letter sparked a debate, Minority Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju said, the consultation process undertaken by the committee is the most extensive in the history of the countrys parliamentary democracy. He, however, declined to comment on Dubeys suspicions. I cant comment on the functioning of the joint parliamentary committee. It has been empowered, how mails have come in and in what circumstances, that is for the JPC to look into, he said. Dubey told Pal that it is essential to ask whether foreign entities, organisations, and individuals may be deliberately orchestrating this flood of responses to manipulate the democratic process. Urging him to ask the Ministry of Home Affairs to conduct a thorough investigation, he said the probe finding should be circulated to all members of the committee to ensure complete transparency. India has a robust parliamentary system, and any attempt to influence it through coordinated foreign intervention represent a direct threat to national sovereignty, he asserted. Citing media reports, he said the content of a large portion of these submissions is identical or contains minor variations, signalling that many of these communications may be part of an organised campaign. Use AI-based mitigation options to reduce man-animal conflict in Ramtek, Parseoni Forest Minister Sudhir Mungantiwar addressing senior officials of various departments at the Collectorate. Shomita Biswas, HoFF; Adv Ashish Jaiswal and Dr Vipin Itankar, District Collector, look on. Staff Reporter : Seek expertise of Indian Army and Police to install early alert system, ensure chain-link fencing around villages near forest areas, said Forest Minister Sudhir Mungantiwar Forest Minister of Maharashtra Sudhir Mungantiwar, on Tuesday, asked Forest Department to use Artificial Intelligence (AI) based mitigation options to reduce man-animal conflict in Ramtek and Parseoni talukas. In last one year, both the talukas witnessed many incidents of man-animal conflict due to which many human lives were lost. In a recent incident, a tigress killed a tribal woman working in an agriculture field in Jhinjeria village of Deolapar range of Pench Tiger Reserve (PTR). In a separate incident, another tiger attacked a man in Parseoni taluka. The victim was lucky to have survived with some injuries. Due to frequent attacks on humans, villagers were in panic in both talukas. Following the death of a tribal woman, angry villagers resorted to attack forest teams. Also, the irked agitators vandalised many forest vehicles. Since the incident, Deolapar village remains tense with a large number of villagers agitating for last three days. Taking cognisance of the sentiment of villagers and seriousness of the incident, Forest Minister Mungantiwar, during his visit to Nagpur on Tuesday, directed the forest officials to use technology to reduce man-animal conflict in the State. Mungantiwar also asked the forest officials to ensure chain-link fencing around the villages situated very close to the forest area to reduce incidents of wild animals venturing near human habitat and agriculture farms. Initially, the Forest Minister advised concerning department including Forest, Revenue, Tribal, and Police to implement the fencing on a one village. He also advised to translocate excess tigers from Pench to other places if the department find any big cat causing problem for the villagers. He also give permission to capture tigers those are repeatedly killing villagers in Ramtek and Parsheoni talukas. He also directed to send such tigers to Gorewada Rescue Centre. The forest minister also asked forest department to form first response team at village level with the help of young villagers who can help the villagers at such man-animal conflict situations. Forest department will provide shock sticks, torch, and other essential equipment to such youth to avoid man-animal conflict in the region. While talking about adoption of AI, Mungantiwar said, Forest department should think about utilisation of AI as early alert system to villagers at the situation of venturing of wild animals near forest. Department should take help of expertise of Indian Army and Police Department for adoption of such technology. The meeting was attended by Adv Ashish Jaiswal, MLA; Shomita Biswas, PCCF (HoFF); Dr Vipin Itankar, district collector; Vinayak Mahamuni, Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Nagpur Zilla Parishad; Harsh Poddar, Superintendent of Police; Vivek Khandekar; Dr Prabhunath Shukla, Deputy Director, PTR; and D Mallikarjun Reddy, ex MLA. Badlapur sexual assault case: HC raps Mah Govt for not forming child safety panel MUMBAI : THE Bombay High Court on Wednesday expressed its displeasure with the Maharashtra Government for not constituting a Child Safety Committee despite directions in the wake of the Badlapur school sexual assault incident. A division bench of Justices Revati Mohite Dere and Prithviraj Chavan said the Governments assurances do not match its actions. This reflects on your (Governments) bonafide. Your actions contradict your words, the court said. The bench said the Child Safety Committee (CSC) was supposed to meet, discuss, and submit a report in eight weeks with recommendations on the safety and security of children in schools. The High Court had last month taken suo motu cognisance of the alleged sexual assault of two minor girls inside the toilet of a school in Badlapur by a male attendant. The accused, Akshay Shinde, was killed in retaliatory firing in police custody on September 23. The bench had directed the formation of a committee comprising Justices Sadhana Jadhav and Shalini Phansalkar-Joshi (retired), retired IPS officer Meeran Borwankar, education professionals Sucheta Bhawalkar and Jaywanti Baban Sawant, psychiatrist Dr Harish Shetty, and Brian Seymour, President of ICSE and ISC preschools in Maharashtra and Goa and submission of a report by October 29. None of the committee members was contacted by the Government to date, the court told public prosecutor Hiten Venegaonkar on Wednesday. None of the committee members has heard from the State Government. You (Government) say one thing but your actions speak otherwise, the court said. The bench questioned how the Government expects the committee to prepare and submit its report. How do you expect the committee to function? The committee is not supposed to be only on paper. You agreed to everything we had said that day, the court said. Venegaonkar informed the bench that he would take instructions from Advocate General Birendra Saraf and get back to the court. The bench is likely to take up the matter for a hearing on October 1. China tests ICBM that can strike US By K J M Varma : BEIJING, CHINA on Wednesday successfully test-fired an intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) that could hit the US cities, in a rare publicised launch to display its strategic deterrence capability. The launch tested weaponry performance and military training effectiveness and achieved desired goals, the Chinese Defence Ministry said in a statement. China had notified relevant nations about the test in advance, according to the PLA Rocket Force. This is the first time in decades that China has made its flight test of an intercontinental ballistic missile public in an apparent show of strategic deterrence, state-run China Daily reported. According to the Hong Kong-based South China Morning Post, the new missile could reach the US mainland, though the Defence Ministry has not specified its range. As per the information published previously by the Chinese military, the PLA Rocket Force now has multiple types of ballistic missiles with intercontinental ranges, including the DF-31AG, DF-5B and DF-41. Also, the Peoples Liberation Army (PLA) Navy has the JL-2 submarine-launched intercontinental ballistic missile, according to the China Daily report. The missile, launched into the Pacific Ocean, fell into expected sea areas, the defence ministry statement said, adding that this test launch is a routine arrangement in our annual training plan. In May 1980, a DF-5 -- Chinas first ICBM -- flew more than 9,000 kilometres, according to the Post report. In Haryana, bulldozers are symbol of State power, politics NUH : ONCE just an innocuous piece of construction equipment and today a symbol of State power and politics, bulldozers are visible everywhere as campaigning hots up in Nuh. Not as a demolition tool but festooned, prettied up and embraced by all parties. Young people sitting on dozer blades, dancing and showering petals on crowds gathered on the narrow streets below are a common sight. Bulldozers may have earned a bad name but clearly not in this Haryana constituency, counted among the most backward in the country, where they are being used to further the festive election mood. The scene was very different just over a year ago when five people were killed in communal violence in the Muslim dominated constituency. The violence later spread to adjoining Gurugram where a cleric was killed in an attack on a mosque. Following the violence, the BJP-led Haryana Government went on a demolition drive in Nuh, drawing allegations of ethnic cleansing. Then Chief Minister M L Khattar stoutly denied the charges. As terms like bulldozer justice, bulldozer politics or simply bulldozing your way through find their way into the discourse, both the Congress and the BJP are using the machine on wheels extensively this election. The use of bulldozers in the poll campaign is to signify that any unscrupulous elements that try to disturb communal harmony in the district will face action. We believe outsiders were behind the violence which took place last year and then local residents are painted in bad light, a Congress worker told PTI on condition of anonymity. His party colleague added that the use of bulldozers does not mean the party, fighting to wrest power from the BJP, stands for the action that destroyed houses or livelihoods of many during the demolition drive last year but just for a message of harmony. Plus bulldozers are crowd pullers, he said. A BJP worker agreed. Also requesting anonymity, he said the BJP is deploying the large, lumbering machines in its campaign. The bulldozer action happened last year only on illegal buildings and their usage in poll campaigns should not be seen in negative light. Just like other means of transport are used in poll campaigns, bulldozers are also being used. They attract more crowds, he said. Its an all male show though with women watching the bulldozer acts from the confines of their homes, their faces often veiled as they watch the campaigning through half shuttered windows. Sultana, who was watching a poll rally in Kanwarsika village here from behind the grills of a window, said, It is still not very common for women to attend poll rallies. The only way we would know about the campaign is through the loudspeakers. So if there is something interesting happening like this (bulldozers), we watch from the window. Nuh, which was established as a separate district in 2005, from parts of Gurgaon and Faridabad has three Assembly constituencies---Nuh, Fereozepur Jhirka and Punhana. Congress Aftab Ahmed is seeking re-election as MLA from Nuh constituency. He is also Deputy Leader of Opposition in the outgoing Haryana Assembly. He is pitted against BJPs Sanjay Singh and INLDs Tahir Hussain. President Murmu visits Siachen base camp, tells soldiers all citizens salute their bravery New Delhi, Sep 26 (PTI) President Droupadi Murmu on Thursday visited the Siachen base camp and told soldiers posted at the world's highest battlefield that all citizens salute their bravery. Addressing the troops, she said in difficult situations like heavy snowfall and minus 50 degrees temperature, they present extraordinary examples of sacrifice and tolerance in protecting the motherland. The President said that as the supreme commander of the armed forces, she felt very proud of them and that "all citizens salute their bravery". "They face severe weather conditions. In difficult situations like heavy snowfall and minus 50 degrees temperature, they remain deployed at their front with full devotion and vigilance. They present extraordinary examples of sacrifice and tolerance in protecting the motherland," Murmu said. She told soldiers that all Indians are aware of their sacrifice and bravery and "we respect them", according to a statement issued by the Rashtrapati Bhavan. Dressed in Indian military uniform, Murmu also paid tributes at the Siachen War Memorial. The Memorial, she said, is a symbol of the sacrifice of soldiers and officers who have been martyred since the Indian Army began Operation Meghdoot on the Siachen Glacier on April 13, 1984. Under Operation Meghdoot, the Indian Army established its full control over the glacier. The President said since the commencement of Operation Meghdoot, "the brave soldiers and officers of the Indian armed forces have ensured the security of this region". Lt Governor of Ladakh Brigadier B D Mishra had received President Murmu on her arrival at Thoise airfield. Murmu is the country's third president to have visited Siachen base camp, located in the Union Territory of Ladakh, the others being A P J Abdul Kalam and Ram Nath Kovind. While Kalam visited in April 2004, Kovind went to the base camp in May 2018. The Siachen glacier is at a height of around 20,000 feet in the Karakoram mountain range. It is known as the highest militarised zone in the world where soldiers have to battle extreme cold, high winds and frostbite among other severe weather conditions. No part of India can be called Pakistan: SC Cautions courts against misogynistic comments NEW DELHI : THE Supreme Court on Wednesday cautioned courts against making comments that may be construed asmisogynistic or directed towards a particular gender or community and said no part of Indian territory can be called Pakistan. The apex courts strong observations came as it closed the suo motu proceedings over Karnataka High Court judge Justice V Srishanandas alleged objectionable comments during court proceedings. The Supreme Court also noted that he had apologised for his observations during open court proceedings on September 21. A five-judge bench headed by Chief Justice D Y Chandrachud observed that since Justice Srishananda was not a party to proceedings before it, we desist from making any further observations save and except to express our serious concern about both the reference to gender and to a segment of the community. The top court on September 20 took suo motu cognisance of the judges comments against a woman lawyer during court proceedings in a case and his reference to a Muslim-majority area in Bengaluru as Pakistan in another. Casual observations may well reflect a certain degree of individual bias particularly when they are likely to be perceived as being directed to a particular gender or community, the bench, also comprising Justices Sanjiv Khanna, B R Gavai, Surya Kant and Hrishikesh Roy, said on Wednesday. Courts, therefore, have to be careful not to make comments in the course of judicial proceedings which may be construed as being misogynistic or for that matter prejudicial to any segment of our society, it said. Referring to the text of a report submitted before it by the Registrar General of the Karnataka High Court, the bench said it amply indicated that observations made in the course of proceedings there were unrelated to the course of proceedings and should have best been eschewed. The perception of justice to every segment of society is as important as the rendition of justice as an objective fact, it said. Such observations are liable to be construed in a negative light, thereby impacting not only the court of the judge who express them but the wider judicial system, it said. After the bench dictated the order in the court room, Attorney General R Venkataramani referred to some messages on X about the observations and termed them absolutely vitriolic. Now you have seen the nature of the observations. We cant call any part of the territory of India as Pakistan. Because that fundamentally is contrary to the territorial integrity of the nation, the CJI observed. Solicitor General Tushar Mehta said social media cant be controlled and the anonymity attached with it makes it very dangerous. But should I tell you, the answer to sunlight is more sunlight. Not to suppress what happens in the courts, Justice Chandrachud observed, adding that the answer was not to close doors and shut everything down. The bench said the prevalence and reach of social media has included wide reporting of court proceedings and most High Courts in the country have now adopted rules for live streaming or for conduct of video-conferencing. Emerging as a necessity in the course of the COVID-19 pandemic, video-conferencing and live streaming of proceedings has emerged as an important outreach facility of courts to promote access to justice, it said. Pact of future ! THE response Good beginning by India to the passage of a consensus document titled Pact of future agreeing to bring about reforms in the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) in near future has the background of strenuous and tenuous diplomacy stretching over years. That this Pact of future has come following Prime Minister Mr. Narendra Modis reforms-is-key-to-relevance speech at the United Nations also suggests a paradigm shift. There is a reason to believe that some of the world leaders and their countries now have come around to agreeing that UNSC reforms are not just necessary platonically but also unavoidable. This should be treated as a vindication of the Indian stand of years. The Pact of future, thus, is a positive step promising change in not just the operational manner of the United Nations but also a transformation in the global thought-process on how the global apex body should conduct itself and how it should restructure its processes to make it future-ready. India must pat its own back for this step intended to make the United Nations a better, more relevant body. True, a few other countries, too, joined hands in the endeavour, but Indian emphasis on this issue was of an altogether different level. Patiently and persistently, India pursued its UN goal through years of serious diplomacy that started changing the approach of various world leaders in favour of UN reforms at the earliest. There was no doubt that India was pushing for its own inclusion in the top body -- basing the claim on the enhancement of its own multi-dimensional prowess. Yet, it built the case on a very broad-based agenda whose integrity could not be questioned by anybody (including China). We are truly a power to reckon with and need the legitimacy to be among the UNSCs permanent members, India said in effect. Though it took several years for the world to start understanding the importance of Indian claim, antagonism to the idea waned reasonably. The Pact of future is the outcome of that long-drawn process which India followed most zealously and religiously for years. Of course, this one consensus document does not guarantee a direct restructuring of the United Nations Security Council at the snap of fingers. Finer diplomacy will have to follow on Indias part, and much more convincing may be needed to win over more friends. This mopping up of support would, of course, not go waste -- in the sense India will endorse its global leadership position when it promotes the idea expressed in Pact of future. This broader support-base will take India into an altogether different league. The Pact of future also has in the background of a possibility -- though truly rare -- that came up in hush-hush discussions in diplomatic circles about a partnership between India, Russia and China to dare the existing UN top-level arrangement. In that alliance, India and Russia were natural and traditional partners and China was expected to be on their side only to dare the Western (led by the United States of America) dominance. Innumerable nuances, thus, played their role in the intervening time building appropriate pressure on prominent world leaders to agree upon the Pact of future. Knowing the possible complexities blocking the process, India has welcomed the development in a cautious but positive manner. Much distance will still have to be traversed by UN member-nations for the UNSC reforms to take place finally. But the fact that a concrete step has come about in the right direction should make developing nations feel more integrally aligned to the changing world order. Ram Jhula hit-and-run case Sessions Court allows State CID to arrest Ritika Maloo Special Correspondent : PARTLY allowing the application filed by the prosecution to cancel the bail of Ram Jhula hit-and-run case accused Ritika alias Ritu Maloo, Additional Sessions Judge R S Patil-Bhosale, on Wednesday, permitted the State CID to arrest her. The prosecution had urged the court to amend the plea of Tehsil Police to cancel the bail of Maloo and arrest her as the probe was now entrusted to the State CID by the Nagpur Bench of Bombay High Court. Considering the application, the court stated that the collective interest of the near and dear of the two victims -- Mohd Hussain Gulam Mustafa and Mohd Ateef Mohd Zia -- and the community at large was also required to be seen. The Sessions Court quashed the bail order of the JMFC Court No 4 and set it aside. As far as the prayer of the prosecution for granting police custody remand to accused Maloo for 10 days was concerned, the court stated that it will arise only after her arrest. It may be recalled that the State CID, too, had filed its reply on the application filed by Adv Chandrashekhar Jaltare, the counsel of prime accused Maloo, seeking disposal of the plea filed by Tehsil police seeking cancellation of her bail under cognisable and non-bailable sections. The defence counsels contention was that the Tehsil Polices plea had become infructuous after the investigation was taken over by the State CID. The court, however, considered the prosecutions plea for cancellation of Maloos bail and allowed the State CID to arrest her. Earlier, the High Courts division bench of Justice Vinay Joshi and Justice Vrushali V Joshi had categorically stated in its order while entrusting the investigation to the State CID that the case be probed thoroughly, properly, and expeditiously and take it to its logical end. The High Court had also directed the State CID to ensure the progress of the case was reviewed on a weekly basis by an officer not below the rank of an Assistant Commissioner of Police or Superintendent of Police. The Division Bench had also stated in its order that one of the reasons for transferring the probe to the State CID was to do justice between the parties and to instill confidence in the society. In conclusion, we are not satisfied about the mode and manner in which the investigating agency (Tehsil Police) had worked, and therefore, as an exceptional situation we are inclined to transfer the investigation to State agency with a hope and trust for an impartial, fair and truthful investigation, the Division Bench added. Earlier, the court of Judicial Magistrate First Class had thrice rejected the pleas of the prosecution for allowing Tehsil Police to re-arrest Maloo who, allegedly under the influence of alcohol, drove her Mercedes car in a rash and negligent manner and collided with an Activa scooter killing two young men -- Mohd Hussain Gulam Mustafa and Mohd Ateef Mohd Zia -- at Ram Jhula on February 25. Li Hongzhong, a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, also vice chairman of the National People's Congress Standing Committee, attends a reception to celebrate the 75th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic ties between China and Russia, in Beijing, capital of China, Sept. 25, 2024. (Xinhua/Liu Bin) BEIJING, Sept. 25 (Xinhua) -- China held a reception in Beijing on Wednesday to celebrate the 75th anniversary of the establishment of its diplomatic ties with Russia. Li Hongzhong, vice chairman of the National People's Congress Standing Committee, attended and addressed the reception. Li, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, noted that over the 75 years since the establishment of diplomatic ties between China and Russia, bilateral relations have withstood the test of time and remained steadfast. China-Russia relations have been moving forward at a high level in the new era, which is attributed to the leadership and guidance of the heads of state of the two countries, he said. China is willing to work with Russia, guided by the important consensus reached by the two heads of state, to consolidate strategic mutual trust, actively build a new pattern of mutually beneficial cooperation, enhance mutual understanding and connectivity between the two peoples, and safeguard global prosperity and stability, Li added. Russian Ambassador to China Igor Morgulov said that Russia is willing to work with China to effectively implement the important consensus reached by the two heads of state and promote the continuous development of bilateral ties. The reception was co-hosted by the Chinese People's Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries and the China-Russia Friendship Association. About 300 representatives from all walks of life in both China and Russia attended the reception. What happened to wayside amenities onSamruddhi Expressway? HC asks MSRDC Staff Reporter : The Nagpur Bench of the Bombay High Court questioned the Maharashtra State Road Development Corporation (MSRDC) over the absence of adequate wayside amenities on the Balasaheb Thackeray Samruddhi Expressway. The courts scrutiny came after the MSRDC submitted an affidavit claiming that tenders were being invited for the development of such amenities. A Division Bench comprising Justice Bharati Dangre and Justice Abhay Mantri heard the Public Interest Litigation (PIL) filed by social activist Anil Wadpalliwar. The PIL raised the issue of the lack of basic facilities for motorists on the expressway, which has seen surge in traffic since its launch. The judges expressed dissatisfaction over the MSRDCs slow pace in addressing these critical infrastructure issues and ordered the petitioner to personally inspect the expressway and review the current status of passenger amenities. 25,000 vehicles commute daily; 86 police personnel deployed for 24x7 surveillance In a related affidavit, the Highway Police informed the court about the efforts being made to ensure safety along the expressway. On average, around 25,000 vehicles commute daily on the expressway. A dedicated team of 12 police officers, along with 74 personnel, is deployed to maintain order. These officers work in two shifts to ensure round-the-clock surveillance. The Highway Police also revealed that cars are randomly checked to assess quality of the tyres using machines designed to measure thickness of tyres. The checks are part of broader efforts to curb accidents. The Police also reported that quick medical interventions have saved 597 lives following accidents on the expressway. A foreign merchant consults about a small intelligent translation device at the third Global Digital Trade Expo in Hangzhou, east China's Zhejiang Province, Sept. 25, 2024. (Xinhua/Xu Yu) HANGZHOU, Sept. 25 (Xinhua) -- The third Global Digital Trade Expo opened in Hangzhou, capital of east China's Zhejiang Province, on Wednesday, showcasing the latest technological innovations and business development of the digital economy sector. Themed "Digital Trade, Global Access," this year's edition has attracted more than 1,500 enterprises from home and abroad, among which over 300 are international companies. Over 30,000 purchasers have signed up for the event, with more than 6,000 of them from foreign countries and regions. A total of 446 new products and technologies are scheduled to be showcased at the five-day expo. Notably, this year's expo has set up special exhibition areas for robots equipped with artificial intelligence (AI) innovations and the smart traffic solutions of the low-altitude economy. The size of China's low-altitude economy is estimated to have exceeded 500 billion yuan (about 70.1 billion U.S. dollars) in 2023, with its scale expected to rise to 2 trillion yuan by 2030, according to the Civil Aviation Administration of China (CAAC). Co-hosted by the Zhejiang provincial government and China's Ministry of Commerce, the event is currently China's only digital trade themed expo at the national level. China's digital industry has seen robust growth in recent years, reporting a total revenue of 32.5 trillion yuan in 2023. Equity Residential (NYSE:EQR Get Free Report) was downgraded by research analysts at Bank of America from a buy rating to a neutral rating in a note issued to investors on Tuesday, Marketbeat.com reports. They currently have a $82.00 target price on the real estate investment trusts stock, up from their prior target price of $78.00. Bank of Americas target price would indicate a potential upside of 9.04% from the companys current price. Other research analysts have also recently issued research reports about the stock. Mizuho raised their price target on shares of Equity Residential from $61.00 to $64.00 and gave the stock a neutral rating in a report on Thursday, May 30th. The Goldman Sachs Group initiated coverage on shares of Equity Residential in a report on Wednesday, September 4th. They set a neutral rating and a $81.00 target price for the company. UBS Group boosted their price objective on Equity Residential from $75.00 to $82.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a research note on Thursday, July 18th. JPMorgan Chase & Co. increased their price target on shares of Equity Residential from $68.00 to $80.00 and gave the company a neutral rating in a research note on Monday, September 16th. Finally, Royal Bank of Canada increased their price target on Equity Residential from $74.00 to $75.00 and gave the stock an outperform rating in a report on Wednesday, July 31st. Thirteen analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and seven have assigned a buy rating to the company. According to MarketBeat, the stock has a consensus rating of Hold and a consensus price target of $75.97. Get Equity Residential alerts: View Our Latest Report on EQR Equity Residential Price Performance Shares of Equity Residential stock opened at $75.20 on Tuesday. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.64, a quick ratio of 0.21 and a current ratio of 0.21. Equity Residential has a one year low of $52.57 and a one year high of $78.83. The stock has a market cap of $28.54 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 31.20, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 5.60 and a beta of 0.89. The stock has a 50 day moving average price of $73.03 and a 200-day moving average price of $67.87. Equity Residential (NYSE:EQR Get Free Report) last released its quarterly earnings data on Monday, July 29th. The real estate investment trust reported $0.47 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, missing the consensus estimate of $0.96 by ($0.49). Equity Residential had a net margin of 32.83% and a return on equity of 8.53%. The company had revenue of $734.20 million during the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $735.26 million. During the same period last year, the firm earned $0.94 earnings per share. Equity Residentials quarterly revenue was up 2.4% on a year-over-year basis. Equities analysts expect that Equity Residential will post 3.89 EPS for the current year. Hedge Funds Weigh In On Equity Residential A number of institutional investors and hedge funds have recently added to or reduced their stakes in the business. Sanctuary Advisors LLC acquired a new position in Equity Residential in the 2nd quarter worth approximately $796,000. Coronation Fund Managers Ltd. lifted its holdings in Equity Residential by 12.3% during the 2nd quarter. Coronation Fund Managers Ltd. now owns 146,775 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock worth $10,177,000 after buying an additional 16,063 shares in the last quarter. Cetera Investment Advisers boosted its holdings in Equity Residential by 3.0% in the second quarter. Cetera Investment Advisers now owns 46,353 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock valued at $3,214,000 after acquiring an additional 1,344 shares during the last quarter. Truist Financial Corp grew its position in shares of Equity Residential by 2.3% during the 2nd quarter. Truist Financial Corp now owns 12,768 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock worth $885,000 after buying an additional 289 shares during the period. Finally, Chase Investment Counsel Corp bought a new stake in Equity Residential in the second quarter valued at about $341,000. 92.68% of the stock is owned by institutional investors. Equity Residential Company Profile (Get Free Report) Equity Residential is committed to creating communities where people thrive. The Company, a member of the S&P 500, is focused on the acquisition, development and management of residential properties located in and around dynamic cities that attract affluent long-term renters. Equity Residential owns or has investments in 305 properties consisting of 80,683 apartment units, with an established presence in Boston, New York, Washington, DC, Seattle, San Francisco and Southern California, and an expanding presence in Denver, Atlanta, Dallas/Ft. See Also Receive News & Ratings for Equity Residential Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Equity Residential and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. First Horizon Co. (NYSE:FHN Get Free Report) has been assigned a consensus rating of Moderate Buy from the thirteen ratings firms that are covering the stock, MarketBeat reports. Five analysts have rated the stock with a hold recommendation and eight have assigned a buy recommendation to the company. The average 12-month price objective among brokers that have updated their coverage on the stock in the last year is $17.38. FHN has been the subject of a number of recent research reports. Keefe, Bruyette & Woods restated a market perform rating and issued a $18.00 price objective on shares of First Horizon in a report on Wednesday, July 17th. Robert W. Baird restated a neutral rating and issued a $16.00 price objective on shares of First Horizon in a report on Tuesday, August 6th. Royal Bank of Canada increased their price objective on First Horizon from $18.00 to $19.00 and gave the company an outperform rating in a report on Thursday, July 18th. Barclays increased their price objective on First Horizon from $18.00 to $19.00 and gave the company an overweight rating in a report on Monday, June 24th. Finally, Evercore ISI decreased their price target on First Horizon from $19.50 to $18.50 and set an outperform rating for the company in a report on Tuesday, September 17th. Get First Horizon alerts: Check Out Our Latest Report on FHN Hedge Funds Weigh In On First Horizon First Horizon Stock Down 0.2 % A number of institutional investors and hedge funds have recently made changes to their positions in the stock. Access Investment Management LLC boosted its position in shares of First Horizon by 0.8% during the 2nd quarter. Access Investment Management LLC now owns 87,655 shares of the financial services providers stock worth $1,382,000 after purchasing an additional 715 shares in the last quarter. First Trust Direct Indexing L.P. lifted its position in First Horizon by 6.5% in the 1st quarter. First Trust Direct Indexing L.P. now owns 12,623 shares of the financial services providers stock valued at $194,000 after acquiring an additional 765 shares in the last quarter. Simplicity Wealth LLC lifted its position in First Horizon by 2.8% in the 2nd quarter. Simplicity Wealth LLC now owns 29,282 shares of the financial services providers stock valued at $462,000 after acquiring an additional 786 shares in the last quarter. Perigon Wealth Management LLC lifted its position in First Horizon by 7.5% in the 1st quarter. Perigon Wealth Management LLC now owns 11,520 shares of the financial services providers stock valued at $177,000 after acquiring an additional 804 shares in the last quarter. Finally, CIBC Asset Management Inc lifted its position in First Horizon by 7.5% in the 2nd quarter. CIBC Asset Management Inc now owns 15,771 shares of the financial services providers stock valued at $249,000 after acquiring an additional 1,094 shares in the last quarter. Institutional investors own 80.28% of the companys stock. Shares of NYSE:FHN opened at $15.25 on Thursday. The company has a fifty day moving average of $15.88 and a 200-day moving average of $15.46. The company has a market capitalization of $8.34 billion, a PE ratio of 10.66, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 3.17 and a beta of 0.88. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.14, a quick ratio of 0.95 and a current ratio of 0.95. First Horizon has a 52-week low of $10.08 and a 52-week high of $17.46. First Horizon (NYSE:FHN Get Free Report) last announced its quarterly earnings results on Wednesday, July 17th. The financial services provider reported $0.36 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, missing the consensus estimate of $0.37 by ($0.01). The company had revenue of $1.28 billion for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $819.82 million. First Horizon had a return on equity of 8.84% and a net margin of 14.03%. During the same quarter last year, the company posted $0.39 earnings per share. On average, equities analysts predict that First Horizon will post 1.46 EPS for the current fiscal year. First Horizon Announces Dividend The business also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Tuesday, October 1st. Stockholders of record on Friday, September 13th will be given a dividend of $0.15 per share. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Friday, September 13th. This represents a $0.60 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 3.93%. First Horizons dividend payout ratio (DPR) is presently 41.96%. About First Horizon (Get Free Report First Horizon Corporation operates as the bank holding company for First Horizon Bank that provides various financial services. The company operates through Regional Banking and Specialty Banking segments. It offers general banking services for consumers, businesses, financial institutions, and governments. Featured Stories Receive News & Ratings for First Horizon Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for First Horizon and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Lennar (NYSE:LEN Free Report) had its price target hoisted by JPMorgan Chase & Co. from $154.00 to $173.00 in a research report sent to investors on Monday, Benzinga reports. The firm currently has a neutral rating on the construction companys stock. Several other brokerages have also commented on LEN. Zelman & Associates upgraded Lennar from a neutral rating to an outperform rating in a report on Monday. Wells Fargo & Company increased their price target on Lennar from $195.00 to $205.00 and gave the company an overweight rating in a research note on Monday, September 9th. Keefe, Bruyette & Woods boosted their price target on Lennar from $183.00 to $230.00 and gave the stock an outperform rating in a research note on Wednesday, September 4th. Barclays lifted their target price on shares of Lennar from $177.00 to $210.00 and gave the stock an overweight rating in a research note on Monday. Finally, JMP Securities restated a market outperform rating and set a $170.00 price target on shares of Lennar in a research note on Thursday, June 20th. Two analysts have rated the stock with a sell rating, nine have issued a hold rating and ten have given a buy rating to the stock. According to MarketBeat.com, the stock has a consensus rating of Hold and a consensus target price of $181.94. Get Lennar alerts: Read Our Latest Stock Analysis on Lennar Lennar Trading Down 1.3 % LEN opened at $181.86 on Monday. The company has a current ratio of 4.90, a quick ratio of 0.98 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.08. The firm has a market cap of $49.94 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 12.36, a PEG ratio of 1.71 and a beta of 1.61. Lennar has a 12 month low of $102.90 and a 12 month high of $193.80. The stock has a fifty day moving average price of $177.36 and a 200-day moving average price of $164.30. Lennar (NYSE:LEN Get Free Report) last released its quarterly earnings results on Thursday, September 19th. The construction company reported $3.90 EPS for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $3.62 by $0.28. The business had revenue of $9.42 billion during the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $9.14 billion. Lennar had a net margin of 11.51% and a return on equity of 15.47%. The companys quarterly revenue was up 7.9% on a year-over-year basis. During the same period in the prior year, the firm posted $3.91 earnings per share. As a group, equities research analysts anticipate that Lennar will post 14.13 earnings per share for the current fiscal year. Institutional Inflows and Outflows A number of institutional investors and hedge funds have recently added to or reduced their stakes in LEN. Rise Advisors LLC grew its position in shares of Lennar by 484.0% during the 1st quarter. Rise Advisors LLC now owns 146 shares of the construction companys stock valued at $25,000 after acquiring an additional 121 shares during the period. J.Safra Asset Management Corp purchased a new position in Lennar during the first quarter worth approximately $30,000. New Covenant Trust Company N.A. acquired a new stake in Lennar in the first quarter valued at approximately $32,000. Redmont Wealth Advisors LLC purchased a new stake in shares of Lennar in the first quarter valued at approximately $35,000. Finally, Fortitude Family Office LLC lifted its position in shares of Lennar by 223.6% during the 2nd quarter. Fortitude Family Office LLC now owns 233 shares of the construction companys stock valued at $35,000 after buying an additional 161 shares in the last quarter. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 81.10% of the companys stock. About Lennar (Get Free Report) Lennar Corporation, together with its subsidiaries, operates as a homebuilder primarily under the Lennar brand in the United States. It operates through Homebuilding East, Homebuilding Central, Homebuilding Texas, Homebuilding West, Financial Services, Multifamily, and Lennar Other segments. The company's homebuilding operations include the construction and sale of single-family attached and detached homes, as well as the purchase, development, and sale of residential land; and development, construction, and management of multifamily rental properties. Featured Stories Receive News & Ratings for Lennar Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Lennar and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Five Point Holdings, LLC (NYSE:FPH Get Free Report) major shareholder Luxor Capital Group, Lp sold 8,990,369 shares of the firms stock in a transaction dated Tuesday, September 24th. The shares were sold at an average price of $3.13, for a total transaction of $28,139,854.97. Following the completion of the sale, the insider now owns 4,248 shares in the company, valued at $13,296.24. The transaction was disclosed in a document filed with the SEC, which is accessible through this link. Major shareholders that own 10% or more of a companys shares are required to disclose their transactions with the SEC. Luxor Capital Group, Lp also recently made the following trade(s): Get Five Point alerts: On Thursday, September 19th, Luxor Capital Group, Lp sold 67,189 shares of Five Point stock. The shares were sold at an average price of $3.41, for a total transaction of $229,114.49. On Tuesday, September 17th, Luxor Capital Group, Lp sold 47,011 shares of Five Point stock. The shares were sold at an average price of $3.42, for a total transaction of $160,777.62. On Wednesday, July 24th, Luxor Capital Group, Lp sold 2,600 shares of Five Point stock. The stock was sold at an average price of $3.23, for a total value of $8,398.00. On Friday, July 19th, Luxor Capital Group, Lp sold 106,984 shares of Five Point stock. The stock was sold at an average price of $3.12, for a total value of $333,790.08. Five Point Trading Up 8.0 % Shares of Five Point stock opened at $3.51 on Thursday. Five Point Holdings, LLC has a 12-month low of $2.13 and a 12-month high of $3.60. The firms 50 day simple moving average is $3.19 and its two-hundred day simple moving average is $3.12. The firm has a market capitalization of $520.50 million, a price-to-earnings ratio of 4.13 and a beta of 1.45. Institutional Investors Weigh In On Five Point Five Point ( NYSE:FPH Get Free Report ) last issued its earnings results on Thursday, July 18th. The company reported $0.21 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter. The company had revenue of $51.19 million during the quarter. Five Point had a return on equity of 2.70% and a net margin of 21.73%. A number of institutional investors and hedge funds have recently modified their holdings of FPH. Hillsdale Investment Management Inc. increased its holdings in Five Point by 12.6% in the 1st quarter. Hillsdale Investment Management Inc. now owns 44,700 shares of the companys stock worth $140,000 after buying an additional 5,000 shares during the period. TCW Group Inc. increased its stake in shares of Five Point by 0.4% in the second quarter. TCW Group Inc. now owns 1,133,537 shares of the companys stock worth $3,321,000 after acquiring an additional 5,000 shares during the period. Choreo LLC acquired a new stake in shares of Five Point in the second quarter worth $293,000. ACR Alpine Capital Research LLC raised its holdings in shares of Five Point by 19.3% during the first quarter. ACR Alpine Capital Research LLC now owns 828,123 shares of the companys stock worth $2,592,000 after purchasing an additional 133,898 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Private Management Group Inc. lifted its position in Five Point by 2.5% during the second quarter. Private Management Group Inc. now owns 5,023,874 shares of the companys stock valued at $14,720,000 after purchasing an additional 124,806 shares during the period. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 38.09% of the companys stock. About Five Point (Get Free Report) Five Point Holdings, LLC, through its subsidiary, Five Point Operating Company, LP, owns and develops mixed-use and planned communities in Orange County, Los Angeles County, and San Francisco County. The company operates in four segments: Valencia, San Francisco, Great Park, and Commercial. It sells residential and commercial land sites to homebuilders, commercial developers, and commercial buyers; operates and owns a commercial office, research and development, medical campus, and other properties; and provides development and property management services. Further Reading Receive News & Ratings for Five Point Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Five Point and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. StockNews.com started coverage on shares of Natuzzi (NYSE:NTZ Free Report) in a research report report published on Monday. The brokerage issued a hold rating on the stock. Natuzzi Stock Down 0.9 % NYSE NTZ opened at $4.37 on Monday. Natuzzi has a one year low of $3.90 and a one year high of $7.60. The company has a 50-day simple moving average of $4.30 and a 200-day simple moving average of $5.12. Get Natuzzi alerts: Institutional Trading of Natuzzi An institutional investor recently raised its position in Natuzzi stock. Benjamin F. Edwards & Company Inc. raised its stake in Natuzzi S.p.A. (NYSE:NTZ Free Report) by 2.1% during the second quarter, according to its most recent disclosure with the SEC. The fund owned 121,262 shares of the companys stock after buying an additional 2,450 shares during the quarter. Benjamin F. Edwards & Company Inc. owned approximately 1.10% of Natuzzi worth $594,000 as of its most recent SEC filing. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 6.07% of the companys stock. Natuzzi Company Profile Natuzzi S.p.A. engages in the design, manufacture, and marketing of leather and fabric upholstered furniture through its own and franchised stores in the United States, Italy, China, Brazil, Spain, Mexico, Canada, Australia, Belgium, the United Arab Emirates, South Korea, Israel, Taiwan, the United Kingdom, and internationally. Recommended Stories Receive News & Ratings for Natuzzi Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Natuzzi and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. BEIJING, Sept. 26 (Xinhua) -- China will keep working to bring home more of its cultural artifacts lost overseas, according to the National Cultural Heritage Administration (NCHA). Deputy director Guan Qiang has said that experts will further research the origins of these cultural relics to gather more evidence to support their return. Deeper, more flexible international cooperation is needed and the use of various platforms and mechanisms will be encouraged to facilitate this process, said the official at a press conference in Beijing on Wednesday. Guan also highlighted China's commitment to its international obligations in this field. The country will encourage dialogue between countries of origin and those currently holding displaced artifacts, said the official. Since the Opium War in the 1840s, more than 10 million Chinese cultural relics have been displaced due to war and illicit trade, according to the Chinese Society of Cultural Relics, a domestic non-profit organization. The Chinese government set out to recover these artifacts since the founding of the People's Republic of China in 1949. The country now has government-to-government agreements with 27 countries, including Peru, Italy, Greece, Turkiye, the United States and Australia, to combat the theft, looting, and illegal export of cultural relics. Thanks to these frameworks, China has successfully recovered more than 1,900 cultural relics in 43 batches, Guan noted. This year alone, the country has reclaimed the stolen "Feng Xingshu Gui," a bronze ritual vessel from the Western Zhou Dynasty (1046-771 BC), along with 38 ancient artworks from the United States and 14 artifacts from Argentina. As China and ASEAN countries enhanced connectivity in recent years, vocational education cooperation has been strengthened to meet the surging demand for technical talents. Irabot remembered | IMPHAL, Sep 26 : Recounting historical accounts which led Kangleipak to undergo a period of chaos due to disunity among royal families, Protection and Preservation Committee Manipur (PPCM) convenor Ph Nando Luwang has asked the leaders of the State to learn from the mistake of the past events and work unitedly to safeguard Manipur and her people. He made the statement during the 73rd death anniversary of Lamyanba Hijam Irabot which was organised by Lamyanba Hijam Irabot Ningshing Thouram Observation Committee (LINTOC) under the aegis of PPCM at Kiyamba Shanglen in Bishnupur, today. The observation began by offering floral tributes to the photo of the Lamyanba and observing silence for two minutes in memory of those who lost their lives in the unrest engulfing Manipur. Speaking at the function, Nando Luwang who is also the president of All Manipur United Clubs' Organisation (AMUCO) continued that it was the disunity among the royal families and vying for power which led Kangleipak to suffer defeat in the hand of the British in Anglo-Manipur War of 1891 and Burmese annexation of the erstwhile kingdom for seven years from 1819-1826 (Chahi Taret Khuntakpa). Saying that Manipur existed today because of the contribution of Lamyanba Hijam Irabot, Nando Luwang added that Irabot was a bold leader who opposed formation of Purvanchal Pradesh despite being an MLA. The underlying motive behind observing the death anniversary of Irabot is to instil a sense of patriotism which the Lamyanba possessed to the current generation of Manipuris, he added. Continuing that there is a constant threat to the unity and integrity of Manipur, he maintained that Manipur needs a leader like Irabot who will work selflessly for the cause of the State and her people. Manipur has been going through a period of unprecedented crisis because the State doesn't have a leader like the Lamyanba, Nando Luwang added. Both the Centre and the State Government are still unable to resolve the crisis in Manipur which has been going on for nearly 17 months after Kuki militants and their associates started attacking innocent Meetei people, he said. Claiming that Security Advisor and chairman of the Unified Command Kuldiep Singh has been working with vested interest instead of exercising his authority to resolve the crisis, Nando Luwang urged the Centre to appoint another capable person as the Security Advisor and Chairman of the Unified Command. LINTOC convenor K Thoiba Meitei, on the other hand, said that Irabot went underground in 1948 to protect the identity and integrity of Manipur. Saying that the Lamyanba breathed his last at Tangbo in Burma on September 26, 1951, he appealed to all Manipuris to trace the footprints of Irabot and carry on his legacy. LINTOC co-convenors L Shyam Khuman, Kh Gopen Luwang, Y Tiken, PPCM advisors L Nganbi, Y Leirik Leima, S Memcha and M Purnimashi also attended the programme among others. Scripting a farce of a story Pressing false alarm ! | It is scary. Is this the Government which the people should trust with their lives and properties ? Forget about the Manipur from May 3, 2023 to September 26, 2024, but take a look at the place from September 17, 2024 to September 20, 2024 and from there to September 25, 2024 and things should be clear. A little jog down the last 8 days is necessitated by the unfolding reality, a situation which is not just comical but also dangerous. On September 17 an official communication from the Secretary of the Chief Minister to the Security Advisor and the DGP went viral on the social media with the message that intelligence inputs have been received of well trained and armed Kuki militants set to enter Manipur from across the border. Back then many dismissed it as fake news, for no one was inclined to believe that a classified information such as an intimation from the Chief Ministers Office to the Security Advisor and the DGP would come out in the public forum. A few enterprising folks went to the extent to comparing the signature of the CMs Secretary and the language used in the communication. The matter was left as it was and The Sangai Express had expected a sort of a clarification from the CMs office on the fake circular doing the round on the social media. No such clarification came and after three full days of the said official intimation doing the round on the social media, Security Advisor Kuldiep Singh convened a media conference on September 20 wherein he sort of dropped a bombshell in announcing that intelligence reports have been received of at least 900 well trained and armed Kuki militants having entered Manipur from Myanmar side. The Security Advisor topped this off with the announcement that attacks on Meitei settlements could be expected around September 28. Fast forward to the late evening of September 25 and another circular from the office of the Secretary of the Chief Minister did the round, which negated the report of 900 Kuki armed militants entering Manipur. The quixotic development is what has taken Manipur by surprise and hours before the circular from the Secretary of the Chief Minister did the round, news channel News18 had come out with a report which stated, The Central Government is upset with the State for issuing an intelligence alert on 900 Kuki militants without verifying and creating an atmosphere of panic. A case of the Government not able to tell what its left hand is doing from its right or a case of putting the cart before the horse ? Either way this is hard to digest and to think that it is this Government on which the people have reposed their trust and faith to protect their lives and properties is simply astounding. If the past is any indication, Imphal will not bat an eyelid much less hang its head in shame over this mother of a blunder, but it should acknowledge that it is this ham handed manner of tackling the issue at hand which can be said to be a major reason for the crisis to continue for over 16 months. It is this approach which has emboldened Delhi to remain indifferent to the crisis here. One also wonders how the circular from the Secretary to the Security Advisor and the DGP on the intelligence report of Kuki militants having sneaked into Manipur went viral on the social media ? A question which only those in the position of influence and power can answer, but the blunder that has followed has necessitated this poser. And on what basis did Security Advisor Kuldiep Singh deem it fit to address the media that 900 Kuki militants have sneaked into Manipur ? As the Good Governance Party asked in a social media post, to whom does the Intelligence Department report-the Chief Ministers Office or the DGP ? Again a question which only those in position of power and influence can answer, but this should more than say how the administrative apparatus of the State Government has been turned upside down. Top to bottom governance with too many at the top that those coming down the pecking order do not know who to report to ? A mechanism worked out deliberately by Delhi to keep the people confused ? The way the 900 Kuki militants story has been reduced to a joke is not at all funny but has that ring of tragedy. BEIJING -- Tian'anmen Square and Chang'an Avenue in Beijing have been decorated with flower displays ahead of the upcoming National Day holiday. A festive 18-meter-high flower basket has been installed in Tian'anmen Square and 10 flower beds of various styles have been set up along Chang'an Avenue, according to Liu Mingxing with the Beijing Municipal Forestry and Parks Bureau. Other floral decorations, including over 20,000 flower boxes, have been installed across the city to celebrate the holiday that starts on Oct 1. Adorning Tian'anmen Square and Chang'an Avenue is a prominent highlight of the annual National Day celebrations and a tradition that has been carried on for 40 years. DAMASCUS, Sept. 26 (Xinhua) -- An Israeli airstrike targeted a bridge near the Matrabah crossing on the Syria-Lebanon border early Thursday, injuring eight people and an unknown number of civilians, Syria's state TV reported. Four of the injured were border-control policemen, while the other four were customs officers, the report said, adding that the airstrike also damaged the bridge. It is the first Israeli raid on the Syrian border region since Israel escalated its military operations in Lebanon on Monday. The Matrabah crossing, linking the al-Qusayr region in the central Syrian province of Homs to Lebanon, has recently been used by displaced Lebanese seeking refuge in Syria. The interim government in Bangladesh on Wednesday approved 49 agencies in the country to export 2420 tonnes (2,420,000 Kg) hilsa to India. The first consignment of the freshwater fish of the Padma is expected to hit markets in Kolkata and districts in West Bengal from Thursday. The commerce ministry of Bangladesh issued a notification today, hardly four days after it announced on 21 August to export 3000 tonnes hilsa to neighbouring India ahead of the Durga Puja festival withdrawing its earlier decision to stop export of the most coveted fish of Bengalis in West Bengal. Advertisement Today, the commerce ministry decided to bring down the quantity to 2,420 tonnes from 3,000 tonnes. With gradual increase supply of Padmar ilish to West Bengal its prices will also come down before the Puja in the city and districts, felt hilsa importers. Trinamul Congress MP from Basirhat Haji Sheikh Nurul Islam passed away this morning. He is survived by his wife and children. He was 61 and suffering from an incurable disease for quite some time. He was sick when he was given the Lok Sabha ticket and assured the party chairperson that he was fine and would contest in the poll. Condoling his death Trinamul Congress chairperson Miss Mamata Banerjee wrote in her X-handle: Sad to know of the demise of my valued colleague, our MP from Basirhat, Haji Sk Nurul Islam. He was a dedicated social worker in a remote Sundarbans area, and he worked hard for the upliftment of poor people in a backward region. People of Basirhat will miss his leadership. I convey my condolences to his family, friends and colleagues. Advertisement Trinamul Congress national general secretary Abhishek Banerjeee in his X-handle wrote: It deeply saddens me to hear about the passing of our Lok Sabha MP from Basirhat, Haji Sk Nurul Islam. He was a true champion of the Ma, Mati, Manush philosophy, dedicating his life to serving the people and safeguarding their well being, even in his final days. My heartfelt condolences go out to his family and I pray for his soul to rest in peace. The Basirhat Lok Sabha seat became a hotbed of politics during the election after the BJP fielded Rekha Patra, a resident of Sandeshkhali, who had alleged that Trinamul Congress was involved in land grabbing and abuse of local women. Nurul Islam won the seat by over 3.33 lakh votes. The Sandeshkhali issue of BJP died a natural death after the election. When the Border Security Force (BSF) implemented a strict zero firing policy during patrolling along the Indo-Bangladesh border, a troubling incident occurred yesterday, where a group of Bangladeshi miscreants allegedly abducted an Indian jawan. The BSF lodged a strong protest with the Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB), denouncing the illegal crossing by Bangladeshi miscreants and the abduction of one of its personnel. According to a senior BSF official, the incident took place near the Biral border in Dinajpur, India, where a BSF jawan was abducted during a routine patrol. The miscreants, a group of 15 to 20 individuals, crossed into the Indian territory, forcibly took the BSF personnel into Bangladesh, and handed him over to the BGB. In response to this alarming breach of border security, inspector general Sooryakant Sharma of BSF North Bengal immediately contacted the region commander of BGBs North West Region, demanding the safe and swift return of the abducted jawan. Advertisement Following high-level talks between the sector commanders of both forces, the BSF jawan was returned to Indian custody by the BGB. The BSF strongly condemned the incident, characterising it as an act of aggression, and formally protested against the actions of the Bangladeshi miscreants. Emphasising its adherence to the Zero Firing policy, the BSF called for closer cooperation with the BGB to ensure the safety and security of both sides along the international border. Meanwhile, the BSF has uncovered a new cross-border smuggling operation involving Indian nationals working in collaboration with Bangladeshis. The operation involves Indian touts collecting blood samples from Bangladeshi nationals, conducting medical tests in Indian pathology centers, and then sending the reports back to Bangladesh. Acting on a tip-off, the BSF apprehended five Indian nationals yesterday from the Teenbigha Corridor area in Cooch Behar district. During interrogation, it was revealed that the group was involved in the illegal transport of blood samples across the border for testing. The individuals have been identified as Ali Hossain, Depen Debnath, Shahajahan Hossain, Partha Debnath, and Swapan Basak, all residents of Kuchlibari in Cooch Behar. The Centre on Wednesday said the total number of new contributing subscribers under the National Pension Scheme (NPS) stood at 62,880 in the month of July. In June, 64,799 new contributing subscribers joined the NPS in June. The newly registered employees and paying contribution under the Employees State Insurance (ESI) scheme in July stood at 16,61,836 which was 16,33,848 during the month of June, informed Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation. Advertisement The Cabinet last month approved the Unified Pension Scheme (UPS) for government employees, which will provide an assured minimum pension and a family pension. Around 23 lakh Central government employees will benefit from the Unified Pension Scheme. These employees will now have the option to choose between the NPS and the UPS. In UPS, the government has offered several advantages of the previous Old Pension Scheme (OPS) like assured pension, family pension and indexation benefits. This pension scheme is only for government employees unlike NPS which is offered to both government and private employees. In a key move to secure the financial future of young children in India, the government has also launched the NPS Vatsalya pension scheme, which offers flexible contributions and investment options for parents or guardians. The Vatsalya scheme is a saving-cum-pension scheme, which will be regulated and administered by the Pension Fund Regulatory Authority of India (PFRDA). Under the NPS Vatsalya scheme, parents can invest a minimum of Rs 1,000 per month with no upper limit. The scheme will be operated by parents until the child reaches 18. At the age of 18, the account will transition into the childs name. Meanwhile, the Employees Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO) has added 19.94 lakh net members in the month of July, marking the highest recorded increase since payroll data tracking began in April 2018. EPFO added 10.52 lakh new members in July, a 2.66 per cent increase over June and a 2.43 per cent rise compared to the same month last year. FAIZABAD, Afghanistan, Sept. 26 (Xinhua) -- Units of counter-narcotics police have discovered and destroyed a heroin-producing factory in northern Afghanistan's Badakhshan province, provincial police spokesman Ehsanullah Kamgar said on Thursday. After spotting the heroin lab in the Qawat Ali village of Darayim district, police raided the area late Wednesday night, smashed the plant, and arrested five persons on the spot, the official asserted. Without providing more details, the official warned of dire consequences if anyone violates the law to produce or smuggle illicit drugs. In a similar drive against illegal drugs, personnel of counter-narcotics police destroyed 137 acres of hashish farm in Baghlan province a couple of days ago. The Afghan caretaker government banned the cultivation of illegal crops, including poppy and hashish, drug processing and drug trafficking in April 2022. Since then, the administration has been fighting to get the once-poppy growing Afghanistan rid of the drug menace. Steel Authority of India Limited (SAIL) conducted its 52nd Annual General Meeting (AGM) on Thursday at its headquarters in New Delhi. It was informed that the countrys largest steel producer achieved the best sales turnover of Rs 1,04,545 crore during FY 24. SAIL Chairman Amarendu Prakash addressed the shareholders in the meeting, held through a virtual platform. He summarised the performance of the Maharatna during FY 23-24. He said that SAIL created new benchmarks by producing 20.5 Million Tonnes (MT), 19.24 MT and 18.44 MT of Hot Metal, Crude Steel and Saleable Steel respectively during FY24, registering growth of 5.6 per cent, 5.2 per cent and 6.9 per cent respectively over the previous year. Advertisement He mentioned that the Company achieved the best Sales Turnover of Rs 1,04,545 Crore during FY24. Addressing the Companys shareholders, he said, Reflecting on the performance of the previous year and looking forward to the future reinforces my belief that as an organisation, we can aspire to be Number One, i.e the best in our industry. He added that the Indian Governments continuous push to transform the social, digital and physical infrastructure of the country with a vision of Viksit Bharat by 2047 has fueled steel demand in the Country across all sectors. SAIL is on track to excel in two focus areas which are to maximise capacity utilisation and provide best value to customers, he added. He said, SAIL would continue to engage with stakeholders, improve the asset utilisation and proactively be ahead of the curve. Pulitzer Prize-winning author Jhumpa Lahiri has made headlines by rejecting an award from New York Citys Noguchi Museum. Lahiris decision follows the museums controversial dismissal of three employees who wore keffiyeh headscarves, a symbol of Palestinian solidarity, in protest against the ongoing conflict in Gaza. These employees were let go after the museum updated its dress code, prohibiting such symbols. In a statement, the Noguchi Museum acknowledged Lahiris withdrawal: Jhumpa Lahiri has chosen to withdraw her acceptance of the 2024 Isamu Noguchi Award in response to our updated dress code policy. We respect her perspective and understand that this policy may or may not align with everyones views. The keffiyeh has long been associated with Palestinian identity and resistance, and more recently, it has been worn globally by protesters advocating for an end to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Advertisement Jhumpa Lahiri, known for her profound explorations of identity, immigration, and cultural displacement, won the Pulitzer Prize in 2000 for her debut short story collection, Interpreter of Maladies. Over the years, she has become a significant literary figure, with her works often delving into the complexities of the immigrant experience, particularly from an Indian-American perspective. Her first novel, The Namesake (2003), was also met with critical acclaim and adapted into a popular film. Unaccustomed Earth (2008) won the Frank OConnor International Short Story Award, and her novel The Lowland (2013) was a finalist for prestigious awards like the Man Booker Prize and the National Book Award for Fiction. Promising a terror-free region under the BJP regime, Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Thursday said that the National Conference-Congress alliance would impose Pakistans agenda if it comes to power. Shah was addressing a series of poll rallies in the Jammu region, including Udhampur and Chenani, where elections will be held in the third phase on 1 October. Launching a scathing attack on the NC-Congress alliance, Shah said, Since independence, it is for the first time that an election is being held here without a separate flag or Article 370 in force. NC and Rahul Baba claim that we will restore Article 370, but I want to tell them that neither they nor their three generations will be able to bring it back. Advertisement The Narendra Modi-led government has fulfilled the dream of the partys patriarch, Shyama Prasad Mukherjee, by abrogating Article 370, he said. Shah was referring to the Assembly polls in Jammu and Kashmir that are being conducted after 10 years and for the first after the abrogation of Article 370 in August 2019. The Union Home Minister said that terrorism has been buried and will not be allowed to stage a comeback. He said the world is closely watching the J&K elections, where two vastly different ideologies are at play. On one hand, the NC, Congress, and PDP, which perpetuated terrorism, are vying for power, on the other hand, the BJP, committed to rooting out terrorism, offers a contrasting picture. Whoever spreads terror in Jammu and Kashmir will face the gallows. I want to ask you whether the Parliament attack convict Afzal Guru should have been hanged or not. The NC and Congress are now saying he should not have been hanged, Shah said. They want to release stone pelters and terrorists. Omar Abdullah has given up these dreams because they cannot be fulfilled. It is the duty of courts, and we have enforced such laws that no one will dare to hurl a stone again, he said. He added, Since 2014, we have been working tirelessly to empower the SCs, STs, Dalits, poor, and women, while the Congress and Abdullahs never cared for them. Shah said the Abdullahs and Nehrus are accountable for the killing of 40,000 people in J&K. He added that while innocent people were being killed in J&K, Farooq Abdullah was holidaying in London. It is the BJP, he asserted, that has eradicated terrorism from Jammu and Kashmir. He said that the BJP will bring out a white paper on terrorism and place it on the table of the Assembly. Referring to Rahul Gandhis statement about the Lt Governor and outsiders ruling J&K, the Union Home Minister said that Rahul Baba should know that the longest period of Presidents rule in J&K occurred during the tenures of his grandmother, Indira Gandhi, and father, Rajiv Gandhi. The Supreme Court, on Thursday, dismissed the Gujarat governments review petition seeking to expunge adverse remarks made against it on the January 8, 2024 judgment on its conduct in the premature release of 11 convicts in Bilkis Bano gangrape and murder of nine members of her family including her three-year-old daughter during 2002 Gujarat. Dismissing the review petition, a bench of Justices B V Nagarathna and Justice Ujjal Bhuyan, in an order, said, We are satisfied that there is no error apparent on the face of the record or any merit in the review petitions, warranting reconsideration of the order impugned. The review petitions are, accordingly, dismissed. The review petition was considered by the judges by circulation in their chambers. Advertisement The Gujarat government, in its review petition, had said the adverse remarks made against it in the January 8, 2024 judgment quashing the premature release of 11 convicts has caused great prejudice to the state government. It had further contended that the state government only acted in pursuance to the mandamus issued by the Supreme Court by its May 2022 judgment directing it to consider the remission application of one of the convicts. Holding that the May 13, 2022 judgment by the top court to be a nullity and non-est in the eye of the law, the Supreme Court by its January 8, 2024 judgment had indicted the Gujarat government stating Consequently, the exercise of discretion by the State of Gujarat is nothing but an instance of usurpation of jurisdiction and an instance of abuse of discretion. If really State of Gujarat had in mind the provisions of law and the judgments of this Court and had adhered to the rule of law, it would have filed a review petition before this Court by contending that it was not the appropriate Government for the grant of remission of sentence to convicts involved in the heinous and brutal crime. The judgment had further said, By failing to do so (the Gujarat government filing a petition seeking the review of the May 13, 2022 judgment and order of the top court) not only are the earlier orders of this Court (May 13, 2022) in the matter have been vindicated but more importantly, rule of law has been breached in usurping power not vested in it and thereby aiding respondent Nos. 3 to 13. The January 8 judgment had said that the May 13, 2022 judgment of the top court that formed the basis for the grant of remission to 11 convicts by the Gujarat government was obtained by one of the convicts Radhedshyam Bhegwandas Shah @ Lala Vakil by scrumptiously approaching the top court in a writ jurisdiction and committed fraud on this Court by misrepresenting August 5, 2013, Bombay High Court judgment/order. ,we also hold that the judgment dated 13.05.2022 passed by this Court is a nullity and is non-est in law since the said order was sought by suppression of material facts as well as by misrepresentation of facts (suppressio veri, suggestio falsi) and therefore, fraudulently obtained at the hands of this Court, the judgment said. A bench of Justice Ajay Rastogi (since retired) and Justice Vikram Nath by the May 13, 2022 judgment had directed the Gujarat government to consider the application of Radhedshyam Bhegwandas Shah for pre-mature release in terms of July 9, 1992 remission policy which was applicable on the date of conviction and may be decided within two months. The Gujarat government in its review petition seeking to delete adverse observations against it had said that it cannot be held to have usurped the jurisdiction of the State of Maharashtra when it was acting as per a direction of the Supreme Court. By its January 8, 2024 judgment, the Supreme Court had struck down the Gujarat governments order granting remission of sentence to 11 convicts who had gang-raped Bilkis Bano and murdered members of her family including her three-year-old daughter. The Gujarat government in its review petition had said, The Supreme Courts observation holding Gujarat guilty of usurpation of power and abuse of discretion for complying with the order of apex court, whereby another co-ordinate bench of this Court held the State of Gujarat to be the appropriate government under section 432(7) of CrPC, and issued a mandamus to the State of Gujarat to decide the remission Application of a convict in accordance with the Remission Policy of 1992 which was in existence at the time of conviction in the State of Gujarat, is an error apparent on the face of the record primarily. The state government released the 11 convicts, who were sentenced to life imprisonment, on August 15, 2022. All 11 convicts were released in pursuance of the remission policy prevailing in Gujarat at the time of their conviction in 2008. In March 2002 during the post-Godhra riots, Bilkis Bano was gangraped and nine members of her family including her three-year-old daughter were killed. She was five months pregnant when rioters attacked her and her family in Vadodara. The Central government on Thursday issued a fresh advisory to the states and Union Territories (UTs) over the Mpox (monkeypox), calling upon them to undertake appropriate activities to make people aware about the viral disease. In an advisory issued to Chief Secretary of all the states and UTs, a copy of which was shared by the Health Ministry, Health Secretary Apurva Chandra wrote, The World Health Organization on 14th August announced that the current outbreak of Mpox (previously known as Monkeypox) disease is a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC). This is the second time such Mpox disease associated PHEIC that has been declared by WHO under the International Health Regulations, 2005, to which India is a signatory. Informing that the previous Mpox outbreak that started in 2022 was caused by Mpox virus clade II, he said, The 2024 PHEIC is related to Mpox virus clade I which is more virulent and more transmissible than Mpox clade II. Advertisement This clade has been found outside Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) only during the current outbreak. Outside Africa, one case each of Mpox clade Ib has been recently reported from Sweden and Thailand. India is thus the third non-African country to report a case of clade Ib Mpox infection recently, the Health Secretary said. Highlighting actions that are required to be undertaken to prevent/minimise the risk of further spread of Mpox in India, he advised all states/UTs to undertake appropriate activities to make communities aware about the disease, its modes of spread, need/importance of timely reporting and preventive measures besides review of public health preparedness particularly at health facility level at the state and districts by senior officials. Chandra emphasised on identification of isolation facilities in hospitals for taking care of both suspect and confirmed cases, availability of required logistics and trained human resources in such facilities and augmentation plan. He said all suspected Mpox cases should be isolated and strict infection prevention and control measures should be put in place. Samples from skin lesions of any patient with suspected symptoms of Mpox should be sent to the designated labs immediately, and for those that test positive a sample should be sent to ICMR-NIV for genome sequencing to determine the clade. Robust diagnostic testing capability is already available; 36 labs supported by ICMR across the country and three commercial PCR kits validated by ICMR that are now approved by CDSCO, Chandra said. He further said the Health Ministry shall continue to monitor the situation closely and will extend all requisite support in this regard to states and UTs. On the occasion of World Tourism Day, the East Coast Railway (ECoR) emphasized its significant role in promoting tourism across India. The ECoR zone, headquartered in Bhubaneswar, has been a crucial contributor to Indias tourism landscape by offering seamless connectivity to a range of cultural, historical, and natural attractions. Covering key regions of Odisha, Andhra Pradesh, and Chhattisgarh, the East Coast Railway facilitates travel to some of the most iconic tourist spots in eastern India. Advertisement These include Odishas renowned beaches, temples, wildlife sanctuaries, and vibrant cultural festivals. The Jagannath Temple in Puri, the annual Rath Yatra, and Chilika Lake are just a few of the major destinations serviced by the ECoR zone, drawing millions of tourists every year. Ashoka Kumar Mishra, Chief Public Relations Officer of East Coast Railway, highlighted the railways contributions to tourism at a press conference. He noted that ECoR operates several special trains to pilgrimage centers, particularly during festivals like Rath Yatra, to accommodate the large number of devotees and tourists. ECoRs efforts to modernize travel were also spotlighted with the introduction of six Vande Bharat Express trains in the region. These high-speed, semi-luxury trains offer reduced travel times, world-class facilities, and comfort, making them popular among tourists seeking both convenience and style. The Vande Bharat trains connect major cities and tourist destinations, giving a boost to the regions tourism industry by making travel more accessible. The railway zone has also made strides in promoting eco-tourism and sustainable travel. ECoR has implemented a range of green initiatives, including electrification of rail routes, plastic-free stations, and bio-toilets, aligning with Indian Railways broader goal of eco-friendly travel. In addition to providing connectivity, the East Coast Railway has embraced its role in preserving railway heritage. The Waltair Division, for example, holds historical significance in Indian Railways development, and the Rail Museum in Bhubaneswar showcases the regions railway history. Through its extensive network and eco-friendly initiatives, the East Coast Railway continues to play a pivotal role in supporting tourism in eastern India while promoting sustainable travel practices. Chhattisgarh Forest Department officials faced a vicious assault by alleged sand mafia members in Kawardha district, leaving four injured and underscoring concerns over the growing influence of illegal mining syndicates. The assault, carried out by suspected members of the sand mafia, occurred late Tuesday night as the officers attempted to prevent illegal sand mining in the Kudoor Jhori nala near Dalmauha village. The officials, led by Circle In-Charge Ganesh Chandravanshi, had received intelligence regarding illegal sand extraction in the Kudoor Jhori nala near Dalmauha village. Upon arrival, they discovered a tractor-trolley laden with sand stuck in the mud, with two more tractors nearby. As the officers moved in, a mob of local residents descended on them, hurling abuses and issuing death threats. Advertisement The attackers, armed with sticks and rods, pursued the officers, assaulting them viciously and tearing their uniforms. Despite efforts by some team members to escape to the nearby village, the violence escalated further when a group of 20 assailants caught up with them around midnight. The sand mafias brutality didnt stop there. The two officers, covered in blood, were tossed into a JCB machines bucket and transported 6 km away to Kamthi, where they were dumped. In Kamthi, the injured officers pleaded for water, but the mafia callously threatened to kill them, even recording a video of the horrific incident. Before unleashing a second wave of vicious assaults, the attackers ominously warned, You seize our sand carts, now we will kill you. Officers Ganesh Chandravanshi and Anil Kurre suffered severe injuries in the assault, but managed to escape. Other officials targeted in the operation were Vinayak Manav Maravi, Dinesh Kumar Verma, and watchman Laman Baiga. The injured officers have lodged an official complaint, prompting the police to register a case against 20 individuals under charges of attempted murder and assault on public servants. The accused remain at large, but law enforcement officials have assured that they will be apprehended soon. Sub-Divisional Officer of Police (SDOP) Pankaj Patel confirmed that the Forest Development Corporation team was targeted while trying to stop illegal sand mining activities. This is an attack on government servants performing their duty. We have registered a case, and strict action will be taken against those involved, he stated. As authorities intensify their crackdown on illegal sand mining operations, the attack has sparked outrage among local government bodies, with demands for heightened security and swift legal action against those responsible for the violence. The sand mafia has long been a menace in Chhattisgarh, where illegal mining operations have flourished in many districts, often under the protection of local criminal networks. The administration is now under pressure to ensure that such incidents do not continue unchecked, threatening not just the environment but also the safety of law enforcement and forest officials. The government has advised Indian nationals against travelling to Lebanon till further notice in the wake of an escalation in the conflict between Israel and Hezbollah. As a reiteration of the advisory issued on 1 August 2024 and in view of recent developments and escalations in the region, Indian nationals are strongly advised against travelling to Lebanon till further notice, an advisory issued by the Embassy of India in Lebanon said. All Indian nationals already in Lebanon have also been advised to leave Lebanon. Those who remain for any reason, are advised to exercise extreme caution, restrict their movements and remain in contact with the Embassy of India in Beirut. Advertisement The advisory came after the recent Israeli airstrikes in Lebanon which killed more than 500 people, including children, and left more than 1000 people injured. Hezbollah retaliated with rocket attacks on Israel. Attacking YSRCP chief YS Jagan Mohan Reddy over his decision to visit Tirumala on 28 September, the TDP and BJP have demanded that he must sign the mandatory declaration for people belonging to other faiths before they visit the temple, otherwise he would not be allowed inside. They accused Reddy of skipping the protocol during his tenure as chief minister. The former chief minister has given a call to hold pujas on Saturday in temples across the state to atone the alleged sins of Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu for insinuating adulterated ghee was used to prepare the laddus. Telangana BJP MLA T Raja Singh in an oblique reference to Reddy, who is a practicing Christian, questioned his visit to Tirumala. He said, Why are you going to Hindu temples when you dont believe? Why do people who have defiled prasadam say they are going to Tirumala is this okay? He also urged Chief Minister Naidu to constitute a task force committee to identify those from other communities working in Hindu temples to remove them immediately. Advertisement AP BJP chief Daggubati Purandeswari also iterated that YS Jagan Mohan Reddy must declare his faith before visiting the Venkateswara Swamy temple according to the norms of visiting the temple. Reddy had previously not declared his faith in Lord Balaji before visiting Tirumala during his tenure as chief minister, his detractors alleged. BJP strongly demands that even before Jagan Mohan Reddy begins mounting Tirumala he should give the declaration of his faith at the Garuda statue itself at Alipiri, said Daggubati Purandeswari. TDP also slammed Reddy saying he was shamelessly doing politics over Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanam (TTD). We would like to ask Jagan Mohan Reddy, would you be signing the declaration at least this time which you did not do anytime during your tenure. You never had belief in Lord Balaji, you never respected the customs and traditions of TTD, said Jyothsna Tirunagari, TDP spokesperson. According to existing regulations, non Hindu visitors inform the administration about their religion and declare faith in Lord Venkateswara and seek special permission to enter the temple. However, Reddy took part in various rituals in the temple but desisted from signing the declaration when he was the chief minister. Other organisations joined in such as Sanatana Dharma Parirakshana JAC, which demanded that Reddy sign the declaration and tonsure his hair before mounting the steps on foot. In a blistering attack on Congress ahead of the Haryana assembly elections on October 5, Prime Minister Narendra Modi alleged that most of the time of the grand old party is spent on factionalism, infighting, and settling scores with each other. Modi exuded confidence that the people of Haryana would give the BJP an opportunity to serve them for a third consecutive term. National interest is paramount for every BJP worker, and the people of Haryana have decided to give BJP a chance to serve once again, he said in an interaction with BJP booth workers of the state through the NaMo App. Advertisement Slamming the Opposition party, he said, The entire focus of those contesting against us is based on lies. Spreading lies and canards, talking nonsense, and vitiating the atmosphere has been their strategy. The party that has remained indifferent to public issues for 10 years, which lives for its own family or its own group, can never win the trust of the people of Haryana, the prime minister contended. Stating that Congress has failed as an Opposition in the past ten years, Modi added that the party, despite its big boasts, is not making an impact on the people. Highlighting the achievements of the BJP government in Haryana in the past decade, he said the corruption-free dispensation ensured that employment was given without any slip or expenditure for the first time in the state. Therefore, the people of Haryana are with us, their blessings are with us, hence our victory is certain, he asserted. Congress people live only for their own families. Congress is not concerned about anyone elses children, PM Modi said. The prime minister also took potshots at Congress over its aversion to any person from a backward caste taking up the highest offices of the country. They (Congress) are worried about how the countrys PM came from a backward community, how the Haryana chief minister came from a backward community. That is why these people spread lies because they think if the power of the backward communities increases, what will happen to them? I would also like to tell my brothers to ask Congress for an account of how many lies it dished out regarding MSP, Modi said. Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, meets with Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha on the sidelines of the 79th Session of the UN General Assembly, in New York, Sept. 25, 2024. (Xinhua/Li Rui) NEW YORK, Sept. 25 (Xinhua) -- Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi said here on Wednesday that China is willing to work together with Ukraine to maintain the momentum of stable development in bilateral relations. During his meeting with Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha on the sidelines of the 79th Session of the UN General Assembly, Wang, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, emphasized that China has always advocated for peaceful resolution of conflicts, and this remains true for the Ukraine issue. China has been closely monitoring the humanitarian situation in Ukraine, and has provided four batches of humanitarian aid so far, and is ready to offer additional assistance based on Ukraine's needs, Wang said. China is also willing to maintain communication with all parties including Ukraine, in an effort to achieve peace at an early date, he added. Sybiha reiterated Ukraine's adherence to the one-China policy and expressed the willingness to build a strong partnership with China, adding that Ukraine highly values China's stance on the crisis and its efforts for peace. Union Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal on Thursday concluded his productive 3-day visit to Australia. The engagement imparted further momentum to the enhanced economic and commercial engagement between the two countries. During his visit, the Minister co-chaired the 19th Joint Ministerial Commission meeting with Senator Don Farrell, Minister for Trade and Tourism of Australia at Government House in Adelaide on September 25. Discussions focussed on areas of cooperation and economic priorities for India and Australia; implementation of Economic Cooperation and Trade Agreement (ECTA) initiatives; progress on Comprehensive Economic Cooperation Agreement (CECA) negotiations etc, the Commerce Ministry said. Advertisement The Ministers reiterated the target of achieving AUD 100 billion bilateral trade by 2030, and also discussed enhancement of cooperation at multilateral and other regional forums- G20, Indo-Pacific Economic Framework (IPEF) and WTO, including the Domestic Services Regulation issue. At the Joint Press Conference after the meeting, Minister Farrell announced a new grant of AUD 10 million for Australian businesses, organisations and universities to boost cooperation with India. Under the new grant, AUD 5 million will be extended to Australian organisations working on projects that boost trade and innovation, cultural ties and community leaders, and a further AUD 5 million for scholars and fellowships to support Australian universities to host Indian students in their research, on shared challenges. Both sides also agreed that the Make in India and Future Made in Australia initiatives are complementary and present opportunities to both sides to work together. The Governor of South Australia, Frances Adamson AC, hosted a lunch for the visiting Minister and the accompanying delegation at the Government House. Later in the day, Piyush Goyal accompanied by Minister Farrell visited the Australian Space Agency at Lot Fourteen Innovation precinct where they interacted with Australian space companies, including, Space Machine Company, which is working with New Space India Limited (NSIL) to launch the largest satellite built in Australia onboard an Indian Small Satellite Launch Vehicle. This Mission, named MAITRI exemplifies the close friendship between the two countries and marks a significant milestone in the bilateral Comprehensive Strategic Partnership. The measures announced included the opening of an Investment, Trade, Technology and Tourism (ITTT) office in Sydney which will have representatives of Invest India, National Industrial Corridor Development Corporation (NICDC), Export Credit Guarantee Corporation and DGFT, including industry bodies like CII and FICCI. The Supreme Court on Thursday granted bail to former Tamil Nadu Minister and a lawmaker in State assembly V Senthil Balaji in an alleged money laundering case relating to cash for job case noting that with more than 2,000 accused and over 600 prosecution witnesses, the trial in the case is unlikely to conclude in next three to four years or take even more time and the incarceration of accused for an unreasonable period would infringe on fundamental right to speedy trial under Article 21 of the Constitution of India. Granting bail to Senthil Balaji, a bench of Justices Abhay S Oka and Augustine George Masih noted that he has already been in custody for 15 months and under Section 4 of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act, 2002, under which he has been charged, the minimum sentence is three years and maximum being seven years. Ordering enlarging Senthil Balaji on bail, Justice Abhay S Oka speaking for the bench also comprising Justice Masih, said, the appellant (Senthil Balagi) has been incarcerated for 15 months or more for the offences punishable under the PMLA. In the fact of the case, the trial of the scheduled offences, and consequently the PMLA offences is not likely to be completed in three to four years or even more. If the appellants detention is continued, it will amount to an infringement of his fundamental right under Article 21 oof the Constitution of India of speedy trial. Advertisement While granting bail to Senthil Balaji, the court said that he would furnish a bail bond of Rs 25,00,000 with two sureties of like amount, shall not directly or indirectly contact or communicate with prosecution witnesses and the victims of the offences alleged against him, will mark his attendance at the office of the Deputy Director, ED, Chennai, every Monday and Friday between 11 am and 12 noon, appear before the investigating officer on the first Saturday of a Calendar month, surrender his passport to the special PMLA court, regularly and punctually be present before the court dealing with scheduled offences as well as the PMLA court and cooperate with the court in the early competition of the trial. The court further said that if Senthil Balaji seeks adjournment on non-existing or frivolous grounds or creates hurdles in the early disposal of cases, the bail granted to him shall be liable to be cancelled. Senthil Balaji had approached the top court challenging the February 28, 2024, Madras High Court order rejecting his bail plea in the PMLA case. Senthil Balaji was arrested on June 14, 2023 in an alleged cash for job case. He was transport minister between 2011-2016 in the AIADMK government headed by the late Chief Minister J Jayalalithaa. It is alleged that as transport minister, money was collected from the aspirants who were promised jobs in the transport department as drivers, conductors, junior tradesmen, junior engineers and assistant engineers. Entire racket, allegations say, was channelised through his private secretary. Three FIRs have been registered against Senthil Balaji and others and now the cases are before the trial court. SJVN Limited has signed two historic Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) with the Government of Maharashtra for development of Pumped Storage Projects (PSPs) and Floating Solar Projects (FSPs) in Maharashtra. The MoUs were signed in the presence of Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister and Energy Minister Devendra Fadnavis. The first one was inked between SJVN and the Water Resources Department, Government of Maharashtra for development of five pumped storage projects with a total capacity of 8100 MW. It was signed by SJVN, Chairman and Managing Director (CMD) Sushil Sharma and Maharashtra Water Resources Department, Additional Chief Secretary, Deepak Kapoor. Advertisement The second MoU was signed between SJVN and Maharashtra State Power Generation Company (MAHAGENCO) for development of the 505 MW Floating Solar Project at Lower Wardha Dam in Maharashtra. It was signed by SJVN CMD Sushil Sharma and MAHAGENCO, CMD Dr. P. Anbalagan. Maharashtra Deputy CM congratulated SJVN , MAHAGENCO and Water Resources Department on achieving this major milestone and assured full support from the Government of Maharashtra for timely execution and completion of these projects. He stated that these MoUs mark a new chapter in the energy infrastructure of Maharashtra. The 505 MW floating solar project will be developed in two phases. The first phase will be of 100 MW and the second phase will be of 405 MW. The phased development will ensure optimal utilisation of the existing power evacuation infrastructure and will provide a sustainable and reliable energy source to the region. The 8100 MW Pumped Storage Projects include 800 MW Kolmondapada , 1500 MW Sidgad , 2000 MW Chornai , 1800 MW Baitarni and 2000 MW Jalwara Pumped Storage Projects. This MoU enables SJVN to complete the Pumped Storage Projects in a time bound manner in accordance with the extant rules/policies/schemes of Central/State Government. The PSPs will facilitate the survey and exploration , DPR preparation and subsequent installation of the above projects in Maharashtra in a systematic manner .These PSPs will play a vital role in energy storage, grid stabilization and meeting peak demand of electricity, thereby providing reliable and clean energy to the state of Maharashtra. Total estimated investment on these projects is Rs 48,000 crore and will generate around 8400 direct and indirect employment opportunities. These projects will support eco-tourism and skill development initiatives, benefiting the local community. The Tamil Nadu Police and State Forest Department have now directed the villagers of the Jawadhu hills to surrender all unlicensed and country-made guns till set September 30. The move comes after three persons were electrocuted to death due to illegal fencing and the recovery of a country-made gun in Yelagiri hills near Jolarpet in Tamil Nadus Tirupattur district. The recovery of the firearm indicated that the trio was poaching at the time of the incident. Advertisement The Forest Department said that if the firearms and country-made guns are surrendered before Sep 30, no cases would be filed for possessing unlicensed arms and there wont be any penalty. If unlicensed arms are found in possession of anyone after the deadline ends, police will register a case and heavy fines will be levied. Forest Department officials have already met the village elders and asked them to coordinate with the farmers as well as those involved in poaching to surrender their firearms -mostly illegal and locally made. On the Tirupattur side of the Jawadhu hills, Pudur Nadu, Nellivasal Nadu, Pungampattu Nadu, and 32 remote hamlets are present. The message was conveyed to a group of heads of three panchayaths. A senior official of the Tamil Nadu Forest Department told IANS that the Tirupattur Police officials along with the village and taluk officers were telling village elders to communicate to those holding these firearms to surrender these country-made guns at public places like temples so that they need not appear before the police and that their identities wont be revealed. Forest Department Officials said at present, there was no data on the number of illegal arms in the Jawadhu hill area. However, the district has 177 licensed guns which were surrendered before the LokSabha elections. Police officers said that the tribals of this region have been possessing these country-made guns since Independence. They use these guns for hunting purposes. and to guard themselves from wild animals and theft. However, due to better roads and transport systems in the areas, there is no need to possess illegal arms today, the police added. Chinas test-firing of an intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) into the Pacific Ocean is a significant move that signals its growing military assertiveness in an already tense geopolitical landscape. This marks the first time since 1980 that Beijing has launched an ICBM into international waters, a development that has drawn global attention. Though Chinas defence ministry described the test as part of routine annual training, experts and geopolitical analysts suggest the timing and nature of the launch are anything but routine. For decades, Chinas ICBM tests have typically been confined to domestic ranges, such as the Taklamakan Desert. The decision to fire a missile into the Pacific, reminiscent of its 1980 test, suggests that Beijing is attempting to send a broader message of deterrence and strategic reach. While China claims the launch was not aimed at any specific country, tensions in East Asia provide ample context for interpreting the missile test as a calculated signal to its neighbours and to the United States. Japans response to the test has been particularly telling. Despite Chinas assertion that it notified relevant countries, Japan stated it had received no advance notice, fuelling apprehension about Chinas increasing military unpredictability. Relations between China and Japan have been strained in recent months, exacerbated by Chinese spy planes breaching Japanese airspace and continuing disputes in the East China Sea. Japans defence ministry made it clear that it would continue to monitor Chinese military movements closely, highlighting the growing concerns within the region. Beyond Japan, Chinas relations with Taiwan and the Philippines have also become flashpoints. Chinas aggressive tactics in the South China Sea and its repeated incursions into Taiwanese airspace are seen as attempts to assert dominance in disputed areas. The ICBM test comes amid reports of intensified missile drills by China around Taiwan, adding another layer to the grey zone tactics Beijing has been using to wear down the islands defences. With each manoeuvre, China appears to be inching closer to normalising its presence in areas that are contested by its neighbours. From a broader perspective, the missile test could also be viewed as a signal to the United States. Relations between Washington and Beijing have been rocky, particularly after China suspended nuclear arms control talks in response to US arms sales to Taiwan. With the Pentagons latest reports indicating that China could double its nuclear warhead stockpile by 2030, Beijing seems intent on showcasing its growing capabilities. However, Chinas nuclear arsenal, estimated at over 500 warheads, remains a fraction of the more than 5,000 possessed by both the US and Russia, leaving Beijing still trailing behind the worlds foremost nuclear powers. While Beijing may insist that the launch was a routine part of its annual exercises, the geopolitical undercurrents suggest a much more strategic motive ~ one aimed at asserting dominance in its immediate sphere of influence and signalling its rising global military ambitions. Advertisement The heinous crime in the rape and murder of a doctor of the R.G.Kar Medical College and Hospital, Kolkata, in the late hours of 8 August, has led to widespread protests not only all over West Bengal, but throughout the country, as well as in various other countries. An unprecedented mass response occurred in the form of an an appeal to women citizens to reclaim the night by capturing the streets throughout West Bengal at midnight on 14 August, 2024, in protest against the administrations announcement that women should stay at home at night and should not be given night duties at workplaces. People from all walks of life, particularly women, came out of their homes to the streets at midnight and demonstrated through the night by lighting candles, blowing conch shells and demanding, through slogans, impartial investigation of that horrible crime. The movement continues, to demand proper justice. As the movement gained momentum, it was discovered that R.G. Kar Medical College and Hospital is actually a den of corrupt and anti-social activities. The one-and-a-half-month old movement reveals three unique features. Firstly, such overwhelming participation of women of all ages is unprecedented in the history of popular resistance in India. Secondly, the movement has been launched and is being carried on predominantly by non-party civil society organizations by using the national flag instead of any party flag. This shows that citizens, in general, are alienated from established political parties. And, finally, political parties have realized that their fellow beings are alienated from them and, therefore, when they request people to join processions organized by them, they announce that they will not carry any party flag. These non-party civil society organizations which have sprung up in different places can be called demand groups or pressure groups. In that sense, they are non-political in structure. But, functionally they are political since any movement against a government department (in this case, the health department) and/or against a government institution (in this case, a state-run hospital) is nothing but a political activity. Advertisement While political parties are also launching campaigns against the government on the same issues, there is a fundamental difference between them and the pressure groups. In fact, the basic difference between a political party and a pressure group is that while the ultimate aim of the former is to oust an existing government from power and to seize power for itself through election or otherwise, the goal of a pressure group is simply to force the government to react to an injustice and to redress a particular grievance. What, then, will happen when the government withdraws or steps back from a proposed policy or action which a pressure group regards as wrongful? Will the group then wither away, its demands having been fulfilled? This is a vital question today for all the non-party groups which are fighting for justice. The direction in which the CBI investigation is moving in the RG Kar case, people are becoming hopeful that ultimately justice shall prevail and all wrong-doers shall be identified and punished. What will happen then? Will the innumerable protest groups, not affiliated to any political party, meet their natural death? Or, will a new political party emerge from these pressure groups? Both these possibilities are there and in both cases, if they occur, people will remain under the domination of party politics. The time has come, therefore, to think of a third alternative. These pressure groups, in different places of Bengal, may unite to form a Statewide non-party civil society organization with local branches. The objective of this broad organisation would be to keep a vigil on governmental activities, cooperate and help the government in implementing good policies and fighting against the government whenever it commits or supports wrongful actions. It may fight against, for example, corruption in the higher echelons of the administration, against mismanagement of the rationing system, against the syndicate raj in various sectors (particularly real estate), against soaring prices of essential items, against exorbitantly high power tariffs, against extortion for services rendered by government departments and municipalities, against extortion by the police from poor rickshaw pullers, vegetable vendors, and others. But such movements must be conducted in non-violent ways as otherwise the Government will be justified in using coercive apparatus to deal with them. Moreover, movements on popular issues are likely to gain mass support and, thereby, social legitimacy, if they are nonviolent. There is enough historical evidence to show that for any government, anywhere in the world, it is easier to suppress a violent movement than a mass non-violent movement. The fact, however, is that the multi-party parliamentary system has come to stay and, admittedly, it is superior to totalitarianism or a oneparty system. Given this situation, the task of non-party civil society organizations is not only to fight against wrongs done by the government, but to do, at the same time, constructive work at the grassroots level in order to help people to solve their local problems through popular initiatives. Such constructive work will awaken the people from their deep slumber and will make them realize that power springs neither from any political party nor from the State machinery, but from the people. Finally, such a civil society organization should regard itself not as a commander but as a Servant of the People. It should not regard the government as an eternal foe but should cooperate with the government when it makes policies aimed at the wellbeing of people in general and, particularly, at the amelioration of the poor. (The writer is a retired Professor of Political Science, Calcutta University.) From the historical, archaeological, lithographic and literary evidences and the Odissi dance and music traditions, it is fairly established that Jayadeva belonged to Odisha and was born in a Brahmin family in village Kenduli Sasan (formerly Kendu Bilva) in Prachi valley near the famous temple city of Puri. The poets parents were Bhojadeva and Vamadevi initiated in Vaishnavism. After childhood education at Kenduli Sasan, Jayadeva moved to Kurmapataka near Konark for further studies in Sanskrit literature and the Shastras. Soon he became a member of the teaching faculty in the school at Kurmapataka where he composed Gita Govinda around the age of 20, which is supported by the fact that the earliest commentary on Gita-Govinda appeared in 1190 CE by Udayanacharya. Later, he became an integral part of the Jagannath temple at Puri. He introduced a new dance and music form based on his Gita Govinda (which evolved into classical Odissi dance and music) and himself performed in the temple on a regular basis along with his Devadasi wife, Padmavati who herself was an accomplished dancer. Jayadeva also institutionalized the system of Devadasi, a system of being offered to the Deity. This system was abolished during the British Raj. While recent research throws considerable light on Jayadevas early life and his umbilical association with the Jagannath temple, nothing is known about this great poets post-temple life ~ his inheritors if any, date and place of his death and his final resting place. Some people believe that after he finished his duties in Puri, he must have returned to his village, Kenduli Sasan where he finally settled down. Advertisement There are others who believe that he migrated to Vrindavan, the mecca of all the Vaishnava sects and died there. According to folklore, at the invitation of the Raja and Queen of Kashi (Varanasi), Jayadeva along with his wife, Padmavati went to Kashi where they spent the last few years of their lives. In the absence of any contemporary memorial, any plaque or written document, this still remains a mystery. The world knows Jayadeva as a solitary-literary-work celebrity for his Gita-Govinda epic poem. But for a genius like Jayadeva, to rest with only one creation is simply unthinkable; he must have composed many more poems and songs, which might have been lost in an age when there was no paper, pen or printing technology and everything was generally written with great dexterity on materials like the palm leaves, bird-feather pens and charcoal ink, preservation of which for generations had been a herculean task. That Jayadeva created many more things is proved by the fact that a few poems written by him in archaic Odissi language have been published by the Odisha government. Moreover, Jayadeva was instrumental in popularising the Hindu concept of Dasavatara, the ten incarnations of Lord Vishnu in another composition, Dasakritikrike. In his version of Dasavatara, Jayadeva has made Buddha an avatar of Vishnu (ninth avatar) while Krishna is not incorporated because Krishna (Keshava) is the source of all incarnations and he incarnated himself as Buddha. Jayadeva also wrote Piyusha Larari, a Sanskrit Goshti Rupaka based on the romantic love of Radha and Krishna, very similar to Gita Govinda. While many Western scholars and a number Indias Sanskrit Pundits including Ishwar Chandra Vidyasagar and Bankim Chandra Chatto padhyay criticized Gita Govinda for its profanities, others are enchanted with the beauty of the poems and interpreted the love songs as expressions of divine love. Kabiguru Rabindranath Tagore was also influenced by Jayadevas poems as much as he admired Kalidasa, Bhavabhuti Vidyapati and Chandidas. Irrespective of conflicting appreciations, it is universally accepted that Gita Govinda is one of the great masterpieces in world literature. Gita Govinda became an instant success at the Jagannath temple where Jayadeva himself performed creating his own music with different ragas and new talas and a dance form which later evolved into the famous Odissi classical dance. The Maharis or Devadasis were meticulously trained to perform along with him and one of the accomplished Devadasi danseuses became his wife. Both of them devoted their lives to the service of Lord Jagannath. The musical poetry of Gita Govinda and the cult of Vaishnavism practiced by him swept Odisha and soon spread to Ben gal, South In dia, Maharashtra and all over the sub-continent. The structure of Gita Govinda is unique ~ it is divided into 12 Cantos (chapters) depicting twelve moods of Krishna. Each chapter is further sub-divided into 24 divisions called Prabandhas. The Prabandhas contain couplets grouped into sets of eight known as Ashtapadis depicting eight moods of the heroine Radha, the Ashta Nayika. The lyrics (still in manus cripts of palm leaves) became so popular that they were translated in many Indian and Western languages. It is not known when the original Sanskrit version saw the light in a printed book form although the first printing press in India was installed in 1556 in Saint Pauls College, Old Goa. In 1806-07 one Babu Ram started a printing press in Kolkata for publication of Sanskrit books in Devnagari script and only thereafter, Gita Govinda could be published in Sanskrit in a book form. Till then, Jayadevas Gita Govinda was confined to manuscripts written on palm leaves, paintings (patachitras) and later in handmade paper. Interestingly, Odisha has a long tradition of writing manuscripts of Gita Govinda in different forms and shapes and illustrated using palm leaves, bamboo leaves, ivory and handmade paper. In the archives of Odissa State Museum exists an astonishing number of various versions of Gita Govinda manuscripts numbering two hundred and ten ~ twenty-one illustrated, one hundred and eighty non-illustrated and nine manuscripts of different shapes like garland, fish and dagger. Eighteen different commentaries authored by medieval writers have also been preserved in the museum. Jayadevas Gita Govinda is considered to be one the finest examples of Sanskrit poetry and contains some of the sweetest lyrics ever written in any language. Within two-three centuries of the Jayadeva era, this masterpiece became highly popular throughout the sub-continent. It has been translated in all the major Indian and many European languages. It was Sir Williams Jones, the great connoisseur of Indian culture and literature, who translated Kalidasas Abhijnana Sakuntalam, who also translated Gita Govinda into English in 1792 followed by a German version by F. H. van Dalberg (which Goethe read) based on Jones translation. German poet, Friedrich Ruckart completed a verse version during 1829-1837 based on the edited Sanskrit and Latin translations of C. Lassen. Guimet museum in Paris houses a manuscript in Devanagari script, in superbly decorated folios, telling the love story of Krishna and Radha. In addition to a large number of commentaries on it, Gita Govinda has been translated into English by a number of eminent people. Notable among the translators are Edwin Arnold, George Keyl, Harold Peiris, S. Lakshminarasimha Sastri, Barbara Stoler Miller, and Lee Siegel. The genius of Jayadeva should not be judged only by his beautiful epic of Gita Govinda. He had a lasting contribution to Indian culture and society. He is the creator and originator of what is known as the classical Odissi dance and music. He was an integral part of the Jagannath temple and his efforts made it the fountain head of Odissi culture. His cult of Vaishnavism based on the divine love of RadhaKrishna swept Orissa, Bengal, Andhra, Maharashtra and the whole of the subcontinent. Sri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu was himself greatly influenced by him. In away, he is the precursor of the great Bhakti movement spearheaded by Guru Nanak, Sant Kabir and Sri Chaitanya three hundred years later ~ a kind of renaissance of love. (The writer is a former Dy. Comptroller & Auditor General of India and a former Ombudsman of Reserve Bank of India. He is also a writer of several books and can be reached at brahmas@gmail.com) The Muslim League ministry in Bengal should be able to control the outbreak of disorders in East Bengal, said Mahatma Gandhi on 21 October 1946 in an interview to Preston Grover of Associated Press of America. The Mahatma expressed his sadness on the turn of events in which thousands had been driven from their homes and an undetermined number killed or kidnapped. He said, if the Muslim League wanted to control it, I should think that it could. The Muslim League has the overwhelming percentage of Muslim voters on their side. Mahatma Gandhi described the Bengal outbreak as heartbreaking. His comments on the outbreak of robbing, burning and looting in East Bengal (from Volume 86 of the Collected Works of Mahatma Gandhi) were made in his small room in the Harijan colony in New Delhi where he had lived since the arrival of the British Cabinet Mission in March that year. The Mahatma announced his intention of visiting troubled areas in Bengal after his meeting on October 23 with Pandit Nehru and the Working Committee where they would discuss problems created by the entry of the Muslim Group into the Central Ministry, stating: The fact that I go there will satisfy the soul and may be of some use. Preston questioned him, Will the Muslims listen to you? Replied Gandhiji, I dont know. I dont go with any expectation, but I have the right to expect it. A man who goes to do his duty only expects to be given strength by God to do his duty. You may be certain these disturbances will end. If the British influence were withdrawn, they would end much quicker. While the British influence is here, both parties, I am sorry to confess, look to the British power for assistance. Turning to the affairs of the Interim Government, Mahatma Gandhi regretted the statement of Raja Ghazanfar Ali Khan of the Muslim League that the League was going into the Interim Government to fight for Pakistan. Gandhiji said, That is an extraordinary and inconsistent attitude. The Interim Government is for the interim period only and may not last long. While it is in office, it is there to deal with the problems that face the country ~ starvation, nakedness, disease, bad communications, corruption, illiteracy. Any one of these problems would be enough to tax the best minds of India. On these there is no question of Hindu or Muslim. Both are naked. Advertisement Both are starving. Both wish to drive out the demon of illiteracy and unIndian education. There is not much time to elapse between this Government and that to be set up by the Constituent Assembly. The time will be shortened if both apply their will to the completion of the work of the Constituent Assembly. The Constituent Assembly is based on the State Paper. That Paper has put in cold storage the idea of Pakistan. Despite his despondency, Gandhijis political and legal insights were as sharp as ever. Asked for his reaction to the decision of the Madras Ministry which had decided against any expansion of the cotton mills industry in the Province in order to promote the Gandhian plan for home spinning and weaving, the Mahatma said, I think it is the finest thing going. If you want to follow this logically, then you must follow it through. Would that mean that mills in the Province would be stop ped? He replied if in time, through the progressive programme, the mills came to have no customers, then they would quit ~ unless they chose to sell outside India. He assailed the Natal Sugar Mills industry as responsible for bringing indentured Indians there to work and thus creating the segregation problem. When asked if he had any message for America, the Mahatma said, Dislodge the money God called Mammon from the throne and find a corner for poor God. I think America has a very big future but in spite of what is said to the contrary, it has a dismal future if it swears by Mammon. Mammon has never been known to be a friend of any of us to the last. He is always a false friend. At the prayer meeting the same evening, Gandhiji pointed out that the coming Diwali could not be an occasion for feasting. How could there be feasting in a house where there were any number of the starving and the naked? On top of that they were quarrelling amongst themselves. To burn oil or ghee today when there was not enough to eat was unthinkable. Real India did not reside in cities like Delhi. It resided in the seven lakhs of villages. For the hungry and naked villagers there could be no Diwali illuminations or any other kind of festivity. It was their duty to abstain and save all the ghee, oil and money they could. On 23 October, Andrew Freeman of The New York Post asked the Mahatma whether the spinning-wheel had a message for America. Can it serve as a counter weapon to the atom bomb?, he questioned. Gandhiji replied, I do feel that it has a message for the USA and the whole world. But it cannot be until India has demonstrated to the world that it has made the spinning-wheel its own, which it has not done today. The fault is not of the wheel. I have not the slightest doubt that the saving of India and of the world lies in the wheel. If India becomes the slave of the machine, then, I say, heaven save the world. India has a far nobler mission, viz., to establish friendship and peace in the world. Freeman said, it seems so tragic. India must lead the way and India is in turmoil. If any country can really take up the wheel, it is India. Do you think it will?, he asked. Gandhiji replied, It is doing so, but I confess the process is very slow. Pandit Nehru called khadi the livery of our freedom. Freemans questions veered towards spirituality and religion. He asked Gandhiji, Something has to be found that would save civilization from destruction. Life must be simplified. Gandhiji re plied, Human personality cannot be sustained in any other way. I stand by what is implied in the phrase Unto This Last (referring to the work of John Ruskin). That book marked the turning point in my life. We must do even unto this last as we would have the world do by us. All must have equal opportunity. Given the opportunity every human being has the same possibility for spiritual growth. That is what the spinning-wheel symbolizes. Gandhiji posed a counterquestion: Has America with all its Mammon-worship abolished unemployment, poverty, corruption, Tammany Hall (a political organisation)? Has England? Has it not still to grapple with the problems that baffle her? It is a very curious commentary on the West that although it professes Christianity, there is no Christianity or Christ in the West or there should have been no war. That is how I understand the message of Jesus. There is much ignorance and superstition in India. But deep down in us is that faith in God ~ the instinct for religion. Gandhiji said, I have said so openly. Where is Mohammed and his message which is peace? I said recently at a public gathering that if Mohammed came to India today, he would disown many of his so-called followers and own me as a true Muslim, as Jesus would own me as a true Christian I might give the answer that Jesus gave to one of his followers: Do the will of my Father who is in Heaven, not merely say Lord, Lord. That holds true of you, me and everybody. If we have faith in the living God, all will be well with us. I hope not to lose that faith even to my dying day. For Mahatma Gandhi, as he concluded the interview with Freeman, the charkha was playing the role of a therapeutic agent. He said, I have read some literature on the subject sent to me by a Glasgow professor. A retired superintendent of a jail in Bengal wrote to me describing the use of the spinning-wheel for curing lunatics, particularly by virtue of the soothing effect of its rhythmic motion. Seventy-seven years after Independence, issues which were agonizing Mahatma Gandhi continue to fester, deepen and worsen while nation-building exercises are underway. (The writer is an author-researcher on history and heritage issues and a former deputy curator of Pradhanmantri Sangrahalaya) Few topics in mental health create as much attention and misunderstanding as the rise of vaping. The mainstream media has painted a grim picture of these devices as a looming crisis, particularly for young folks, often referring to vaping products as gateway devices. While undoubtedly born of genuine concern, this narrative fails to acknowledge the reality of the role of vaping in tobacco harm reduction. This can unintentionally risk pushing smokers away from what can be a lifesaving alternative. When one directly examines the scientific literature on vaping, a completely different story emerges from the ones most public commentators speak of. Several studies conducted by authoritative sources such as Public Health England suggest that e-cigarettes are about 95 per cent less harmful than ordinary cigarettes. The effectiveness of e-cigarettes as a smoking cessation tool is another area where public perception often trails behind scientific evidence. For instance, a study published in the New England Journal of Medicine found that e-cigarettes were twice as effective at aiding smokers to quit compared to traditional nicotine replacement therapies. This finding, backed up by real-world data from countries like the United Kingdom, emphasizes the strong potential of vaping as a formidable weapon in the battle against smoking and smokingrelated diseases. As such, policy approaches that incorrectly treat vaping as equivalent to smoking or, worse, seek to ban it entirely do more harm than good. Once celebrated as visionary, Bhutans attempted comprehensive tobacco ban ultimately led to a sharp growth in smoking rates and fostered a thriving black market, forcing a repeal of the policy. Similarly, South Africas temporary ban during the Covid-19 pandemic barely made a dent in smoking, with analyses after the fact showing that 93 per cent of South African smokers continued to practice the habit despite the ban. Moreover, rates returned to their prior values once the policy was repealed, leaving no hint of any lingering benefit. At the same time, the ban significantly increased prices of cigarettes by 240 per cent, a burden that fell disproportionately on lower-income individuals. Advertisement The unintended consequences of overly rigid policies are, thus, not mere speculation. Flavour bans, often proposed to supposedly reduce youth appeal, represent another well-intentioned but counterproductive policy. Evidence suggests that curiosity, not flavours, is the primary driver of experimentation. Furthermore, vaping flavours are key players in assisting smokers to move away from cigarettes. Hence, eliminating this option could push former smokers back to more harmful tobacco products. But by far the most pernicious myth surrounding vaping, one that has captured the minds of many policymakers (here in India included), is the gateway effect, which fears that young people who take up vaping will eventually end up smoking cigarettes instead. In reality, multiple studies, like a comprehensive review of fifteen articles, fail to demonstrate any causal link between vaping and subsequent smoking initiation. Indeed, the evidence is in population numbers. Until 2016, India was the second largest tobacco consumer in the world, second only to China. However, since the advent of vaping, youth smoking rates have been at an all-time low, with a substantial 6 per cent decline in smoking rates among teens in India when vaping rates have been going up. Far from a gateway effect, these figures indicate that vapes are used as a safer alternative for cigarettes. As we navigate the intricate landscape of tobacco control in the 21st century, its imperative to embrace a comprehensive harm reduction approach, one that recognizes the potential of e-cigarettes as a less harmful alternative to smoking. Such an approach calls for nuanced policies that balance youth protection with the needs of adult smokers seeking to quit. The stakes measured in lives saved and improved are simply too high to let misinformation guide our approach to what could be one of the most significant public health innovations of our time. (The writer is an Indian Policy Associate at the Consumer Choice Center.) The recent remarks by Frances new interior minister, Bruno Retailleau, signal a profound shift in the countrys immigration policy, reflecting not only his partys agenda but also the broader socio-political landscape. With the ascendance of Ms Marine Le Pens far-right National Rally (RN) following the recent legislative elections, the French government appears poised to adopt increasingly stringent immigration measures, catering to a public that has clearly expressed its desire for tougher policies. Mr Retailleaus intentions to bolster asylum restrictions, enhance deportations, and modify outdated EU immigration laws are more than just political posturing; they represent a response to a public sentiment that has grown weary of perceived immigration challenges. The fact that the RN has gained such influence and power in shaping government policy is indicative of a significant shift in the French electorates views. This aligns with a broader trend across Europe, where populist and far-right parties have gained traction by capitalising on fears surrounding immigration, national identity, and security. The new interior ministers assertion that France must stop illegal entries and increase exits resonates with a populace that is increasingly supportive of harsher immigration controls. Mr Retailleaus focus on regional prefects to expedite deportations and reduce regularisation efforts reveals prioritisation of punitive measures over compassionate solutions. Advertisement This approach risks exacerbating societal divisions and fostering an environment of mistrust among communities, particularly against migrants who are often scapegoated for broader socioeconomic challenges. Moreover, the ministers call for collaboration with other European nations to enforce stricter immigration laws highlights a troubling willingness to sacrifice the principles of humanitarianism for political expediency. By aligning with countries that have already tightened their immigration policies, France risks undermining its historical commitment to being a sanctuary for those seeking refuge. The conversation around migration needs to shift from one of fear and exclusion to one that recognises the complexities of global displacement and the importance of shared responsibility among nations. Mr Retailleaus declaration that the French too have given us their roadmap implies a government willing to bend to the whims of populist sentiment, even if it contradicts Frances foundational values of liberty, equality, and fraternity. The acknowledgment of the RNs pivotal role in the new coalition raises concerns about the normalisation of far-right ideologies within mainstream politics. This situation calls for vigilance, as it may further embolden extremist rhetoric and actions. As France embarks on this new chapter in its immigration policy, it is crucial for its leaders to remember the lessons of history. The path of exclusion and division has only led to greater societal turmoil and strife. Instead, a commitment to inclusive dialogue, mutual understanding, and comprehensive immigration reform must take precedence over mere populist appeasement. Only by doing so can France assert its legacy as a beacon of hope and tolerance in an increasingly polarised world. An aerial photo taken on Sept. 25, 2024 shows a part of Lake Kulu in Konya, Turkiye. Lake Kulu, by which Uludag grew up, is located some 5 km east of Konya Province's Kulu district. Once a haven for rose flamingos and other migratory birds on their way to Africa, it has already dried up due to groundwater overuse and climate change. (Mustafa Kaya/Handout via Xinhua) by Burak Akinci KONYA, Turkiye, Sept. 26 (Xinhua) -- When Murat Uludag was a teenager about 40 years ago, there was so much water in central Turkiye's Lake Kulu that it was dangerous to swim in it. "This region used to be a sanctuary for 186 species of birds. Compared to the past, we only have a handful of birds left," lamented Uludag, a man in his mid-50s who now heads a local wildlife conservation group. "If there's no water, there's no life," the ex-farmer told Xinhua, pointing at a small flock of flamingos and ducks stubbornly packed together in the middle of a tight shoal in the lake. Lake Kulu, by which Uludag grew up, is located some 5 km east of Konya Province's Kulu district. Once a haven for rose flamingos and other migratory birds on their way to Africa, it has already dried up due to groundwater overuse and climate change. In the past, farmers in Kulu used to grow traditional crops like wheat and barley, but they later shifted to water-intensive crops like maize or beetroot, leading to aggressive use of groundwater which gradually dried up the creeks feeding the lake, Uludag said. Lake Kulu is not alone in facing an uncertain future. According to figures released by the Turkiye Nature Conservation Association on September 18, 186 out of 240 lakes in Turkiye have entirely dried up over the past 60 years, while the remaining ones are at risk of drought and pollution. Besides, authorities have reported hundreds of sinkholes in Konya Province, which are weakening the bedrock and threatening agriculture and human safety. "One of the main issues in central Anatolia and the vast Konya plain is the proliferation of illegal wells drilled by farmers to irrigate water-intensive crops," Melih Ozbek, an Ankara-based scholar and a wildlife activist, told Xinhua. Another reason is the change in agriculture in recent years, exacerbated by climate change that has resulted in erratic weather conditions and drought, Ozbek said. There is an urgent need to create a plan involving all relevant parties and implement it with a shift in mindset, he said. "People are unwilling to make sacrifices for something they cannot see. They will suffer more in the coming decades," he added. Echoing Ozbek, Erol Kesici, a leading Turkish expert on water issues, warned that "there is not a single lake left in Turkiye that we can point to as being in good condition." "The problems are dire, with water levels, surface areas, pollution and oxygen depletion worsened; unfortunately, many of our natural lakes, formed millions of years ago, have suffered from severe drying in the past few decades," Kesici said. An aerial photo taken on Sept. 25, 2024 shows a part of Lake Kulu in Konya, Turkiye. Lake Kulu, by which Uludag grew up, is located some 5 km east of Konya Province's Kulu district. Once a haven for rose flamingos and other migratory birds on their way to Africa, it has already dried up due to groundwater overuse and climate change. (Mustafa Kaya/Handout via Xinhua) An aerial photo taken on Sept. 25, 2024 shows a part of Lake Kulu in Konya, Turkiye. Lake Kulu, by which Uludag grew up, is located some 5 km east of Konya Province's Kulu district. Once a haven for rose flamingos and other migratory birds on their way to Africa, it has already dried up due to groundwater overuse and climate change. (Mustafa Kaya/Handout via Xinhua) An aerial photo taken on Sept. 25, 2024 shows a part of Lake Kulu in Konya, Turkiye. Lake Kulu, by which Uludag grew up, is located some 5 km east of Konya Province's Kulu district. Once a haven for rose flamingos and other migratory birds on their way to Africa, it has already dried up due to groundwater overuse and climate change. (Mustafa Kaya/Handout via Xinhua) An aerial photo taken on Sept. 25, 2024 shows a part of Lake Kulu in Konya, Turkiye. Lake Kulu, by which Uludag grew up, is located some 5 km east of Konya Province's Kulu district. Once a haven for rose flamingos and other migratory birds on their way to Africa, it has already dried up due to groundwater overuse and climate change. (Mustafa Kaya/Handout via Xinhua) An aerial photo taken on Sept. 25, 2024 shows a part of Lake Kulu in Konya, Turkiye. Lake Kulu, by which Uludag grew up, is located some 5 km east of Konya Province's Kulu district. Once a haven for rose flamingos and other migratory birds on their way to Africa, it has already dried up due to groundwater overuse and climate change. (Mustafa Kaya/Handout via Xinhua) An aerial photo taken on Sept. 25, 2024 shows a part of Lake Kulu in Konya, Turkiye. Lake Kulu, by which Uludag grew up, is located some 5 km east of Konya Province's Kulu district. Once a haven for rose flamingos and other migratory birds on their way to Africa, it has already dried up due to groundwater overuse and climate change. (Mustafa Kaya/Handout via Xinhua) An aerial photo taken on Sept. 25, 2024 shows a part of Lake Kulu in Konya, Turkiye. Lake Kulu, by which Uludag grew up, is located some 5 km east of Konya Province's Kulu district. Once a haven for rose flamingos and other migratory birds on their way to Africa, it has already dried up due to groundwater overuse and climate change. (Mustafa Kaya/Handout via Xinhua) An aerial photo taken on Sept. 25, 2024 shows a part of Lake Kulu in Konya, Turkiye. Lake Kulu, by which Uludag grew up, is located some 5 km east of Konya Province's Kulu district. Once a haven for rose flamingos and other migratory birds on their way to Africa, it has already dried up due to groundwater overuse and climate change. (Mustafa Kaya/Handout via Xinhua) An aerial photo taken on Sept. 25, 2024 shows a part of Lake Kulu in Konya, Turkiye. Lake Kulu, by which Uludag grew up, is located some 5 km east of Konya Province's Kulu district. Once a haven for rose flamingos and other migratory birds on their way to Africa, it has already dried up due to groundwater overuse and climate change. (Mustafa Kaya/Handout via Xinhua) Assam, a state rich in history and culture, is no stranger to civil unrest and protests rooted in deep-seated issues of identity, governance, and development. The recent protests in Sivasagar, one of Assams historically significant districts, have once again highlighted the states simmering socio-political tensions. These protests have been sparked by demands for better governance, protection of indigenous rights, and frustration over the slow pace of development. The protests in Siva sagar revolve around long-standing grievances of the Assamese people concerning issues such as land ownership, illegal immigration, and the perceived neglect by the Central and state governments in addressing the regions unique needs. This unrest has brought back memories of past movements, like the agitation from 1979-85, which sought to protect the cultural and demographic integrity of Assam. Decades later, the fact that similar concerns still ignite protests suggests that these issues have not been adequately resolved. At the heart of the Sivasagar protests is the fear of demographic change, exacerbated by the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) and the National Register of Citizens (NRC). For many, these policies seem to threaten the ethnic composition of the region, stoking fears that the Assamese identity could be overwhelmed by an influx of migrants, particularly from neighbouring Bangladesh. The protesters in Sivasagar, much like elsewhere in Assam, demand assurances that their identity, culture, and land rights will be protected. While these concerns are valid, it is crucial to approach the situation with sensitivity and a commitment to inclusivity. The government must strike a balance between national policies and local realities. One way to address the issue is by ensuring that policies like the NRC and CAA are implemented in a way that respects the historical and cultural context of Assam. Meaningful dialogue with local stakeholders and transparent governance are essential in preventing the alienation of indigenous communities. Another important aspect of the protests in Sivasagar is the call for economic development and infrastructure improvements. Advertisement Sivasagar, despite its rich cultural and his t o rical heritage ~ being the ancient capital of the Ahom Kingdom ~ has not seen the level of economic growth it deserves. This lack of development has left many people feeling marginalised and left behind. Investment in infrastructure, education, and healthcare, as well as job creation, could help alleviate some of the socio-economic pressures contributing to the unrest. Moreover, the states natural wealth, particularly its oil and tea industries, has not been fully utilised to benefit local communities. Protesters are rightfully demanding that resources extracted from their land contribute more directly to their prosperity. The government must prioritise revenue-sharing models that ensure local populations see tangible benefits from these industries. For example, greater investment in local educational institutions and skill development centres could empower the youth of Assam and provide them with opportunities to participate in the modern economy. For peace to prevail, the government must listen to the voices of the protesters and work towards an inclusive development model ~ one that respects Assams unique cultural identity and addresses economic disparities. Representatives from the member states of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) met here to discuss finalizing the ASEAN Socio-Cultural Community (ASCC) Post-2025 Strategic Plan. They gathered in Lao capital Vientiane from Monday to Tuesday for the seventh meeting of the Ad-Hoc Working Group to develop the ASCC Post-2025 Strategic Plan, Lao News Agency reported on Wednesday. The meeting aimed to advance the development of the ASCC Post-2025 Strategic Plan, with a focus on completing outstanding tasks such as promoting and protecting human rights and formulating ASEANs perspectives on the Indo-Pacific. Advertisement The meeting concluded with a consensus on the strategic plans progress, Xinhua news agency reported. The draft ASCC Post-2025 Strategic Plan is expected to be submitted to the High-Level Task Force on the ASEAN Community Vision 2025 in November 2024. Thousands of Lebanese and Syrian families fled Lebanon for Syria as Israeli airstrikes continued, said the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) on Wednesday. According to a statement issued by the UN Refugee Agency, hundreds of vehicles were backed up in queues at the Syrian border, with many people arriving on foot, carrying whatever belongings they can. Large crowds, including women, children and babies, reportedly waited in line after spending the night outdoors in falling temperatures. Some carry fresh injuries from the recent bombardments, the statement added. Filippo Grandi, the UN High Commissioner for Refugees, expressed deep concern over the ongoing violence, stating that the bloodshed was taking a heavy toll, displacing tens of thousands of people from their homes, Xinhua news agency reported. Advertisement He highlighted the plight of families who had previously fled the war in Syria, only to now face bombings in the country where they had sought refuge. Grandi urged the international community to prevent further scenes of despair and devastation, warning that the Middle East could not endure another displacement crisis. He emphasized that protecting civilian lives must be the top priority. Israel has carried out its most extensive bombardment of Lebanon since 2006, starting on Monday, resulting in over 550 deaths and more than 1,800 injuries nationwide. The attacks have also forced thousands of residents in Lebanon to flee their homes. The UNHCR, along with its partners, has been present at border crossings, offering essential supplies such as food, water, blankets, and mattresses to incoming refugees, said the statement. An Israeli tank is transported by a truck near Kiryat Shmona, northern Israel, on Sept. 26, 2024. (Ayal Margolin/JINI via Xinhua) JERUSALEM/BEIRUT, Sept. 26 (Xinhua) -- The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) announced Thursday afternoon that it launched three missiles in a "targeted attack" on the commander of Hezbollah's drone unit in Beirut. The IDF did not provide further details on the strikes in Beirut. However, Lebanese TV channel al-Jadeed reported that an Israeli airstrike hit a residential building near al-Qaem mosque in Dahieh, Beirut's southern suburbs, injuring at least three civilians. Also on Thursday, the IDF said its 7th Armored Brigade has concluded a military drill a few km away from the Lebanese border, simulating a ground operation in Lebanon. The drill trained the troops in "maneuvering and combat in thicketed, mountainous terrain," the IDF said in a statement, adding that the troops "enhanced their operational and logistical readiness for various combat scenarios in enemy territory on the northern front." The drill came a day after France proposed at a United Nations Security Council emergency meeting a 21-day ceasefire in Lebanon in UN diplomacy with the United States "to allow for negotiations." Lebanese Prime Minister Najib Mikati has welcomed the proposal. However, Israel denied earlier on Thursday that it had agreed to a ceasefire with Hezbollah or Lebanese political parties. On Monday and Tuesday, Israel conducted its most extensive attacks on Lebanon since 2006, resulting in more than 550 deaths and over 1,800 injuries across the country. It resumed intensive airstrikes on eastern and southern Lebanon on Wednesday evening, carrying out about 70 raids on the areas of Baalbek, Hermel, and Western Bekaa in eastern Lebanon. Figures released by the Israeli military showed that it has attacked more than 2,000 locations in Lebanon since Monday, whereas Lebanese Environment Minister Nasser Yassin said Wednesday that Israel's bombardment had displaced over 150,000 residents over the past 72 hours. The sharp escalation has raised concerns about a potential full-scale conflict between Israel and Lebanon, with fears that other regional powers could also be sucked in. An Israeli tank is transported by a truck near Kiryat Shmona, northern Israel, on Sept. 26, 2024. (Ayal Margolin/JINI via Xinhua) An Israeli tank is transported by a truck near Kiryat Shmona, northern Israel, on Sept. 26, 2024. (Ayal Margolin/JINI via Xinhua) Job Title: Chief of Party Organisation: ActionAid International Uganda (AAIU) Duty Station: Kampala, Uganda About Organisation: ActionAid International Uganda (AAIU) is a Ugandan national development organization, affiliated with ActionAid International- a global federation of independent members and national programs working in 47 countries across Africa, Asia, Europe, and the Americas for a just and sustainable world. We have worked in Uganda since 1982. In Uganda, we have a physical presence in 15 districts, in addition to collaborative work with our partners, reaching out to 39 districts, with a deliberate focus on districts where the poor and vulnerable persons are concentrated. About the Citizens Action Against Corruption Activity: The high levels of corruption, permeating all sectors of Ugandan society is driven by growing impunity, citizen apathy and permissive social norms that promote, facilitate, and even justify corruption. While Uganda has the basic policies and institutional framework necessary to address corruption in place, the efforts have neither stopped, nor reduced the leakage of public resources, or enjoyed the confidence of majority of citizens. A multipronged approach of strengthening accountability systems, as well as strengthening citizens action against corruption, as well as promoting positive norms is needed to make sustainable impact in the fight against corruption. Citizens Action Against Corruption is conceived to empower citizens to lead the anticorruption efforts and promote accountability. To this end, AAIU would like announce vacancies for the following four (4) Key personnel positions on a USAID funded activity. Job Summary: Under the supervision of the Country Director, the Chief of Party will provide leadership and operational direction for the implementation of the Citizens Action Against Corruption activity; lead a dynamic team of experts, oversee activity coordination and management of sub-awardee, including planning, implementation, budget monitoring, facilitate learning and stakeholder engagement, risk assessment and mitigation. The Chief of Party will serve as the Activitys primary representative to USAID/Uganda, Government of Uganda (GOU), other donors, and key stakeholders and will be responsible for timely and accurate delivery of all reports and other program products under the activity. Qualifications, Skills and Experience: A Masters degree (or equivalent) in any of the following fields: Political Science, Public Administration, Political Economy, Law, Development Studies, Public Policy, Governance, Philosophy, or any other related field. At least eight (8) years experience in the management of a governance, accountability, or civic engagement program. Demonstrated experience of leading a programme working with diverse stakeholders including state agencies, NGOs, formal and informal groups, networks and associations. Strong verbal and written communication skills. Superior understanding of human rights-based approach (HRBA), power analysis, or any other participatory programming approaches and methodologies Ability to work in a demanding environment, managing competing priorities, tight deadlines and fragile operating environment. Excellent leadership, organizational, interpersonal, time and people management skills. Must be a self-starter and fast learner with demonstrable abilities of a team player. Experience implementing a USAID funded project is an added advantage Ability to monitor and provide oversight over financial controls Familiarity with the Development aid system and understanding of donor and governmental requirements. Demonstrate success in managing and leading technical and administrative teams. Strong organizational and interpersonal skills and ability to work in a team-oriented setting. Strong oral and written communication skills and ability to coordinate activities with officials from host country government, US Government, NGOs, and other agencies. Strong computer skills: Microsoft Office Applications, Willingness to travel to the field offices when required How to Apply: Applications (Cover letter, CV, and certified academic documents as one document) addressed to the Finance and Operations Manager should be sent by email to Vacancies.Uganda@actionaid.org NB: We will respond to ONLY shortlisted candidates. Whilst all applications will be assessed strictly on their individual merits, qualified WOMEN are especially encouraged to apply. ActionAid International Uganda is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Deadline: 8th October 2024 by 5:00pm For more of the latest jobs, please visit https://www.theugandanjobline.com or find us on our facebook page https://www.facebook.com/UgandanJobline Date Posted 2024-09-26T15:56 Valid Through 2024-10-08T17:00 Employment Type FULL_TIME Hiring Organization ActionAid Job Location Kampala, Kampala, Kampala , 0256, Uganda Related Jobs Job Title: HR Intern Internship Paid (No Experience Jobs) Organisation: Uganda Christian University (UCU) Duty Station: Mukono, Uganda About the Company: Uganda Christian University (UCU) is an authentic Christian institution established by the Church of Uganda in 1997 in response to a call for quality university education with a Christian perspective. Uganda Christian University replaced the historic Bishop Tucker Theological College which trained clergy and educators during its 84-year history from 1913-1997. The local chief, Hamu Mukasa, granted land for the college to operate in Mukono. Key Duties and Responsibilities: Assist in keeping safe custody and filing of staff personnel files and documents. Assist in updating staff files and data and opening new staff files. Receiving job applications, processing and filing them accordingly. Assist in updating the Human Resource Database. Assist the Staff Welfare Officer in organizing and planning for staff events, functions, and activities. Receiving and reconciling payment projections and actuals for Casual workers across the University. Assist in organizing meetings within the Directorate of Human Resource & Administration. Attending to immediate inquiries and queries made by staff, visitors, and students. Receiving mail/documents in the Directorate of Human Resource Administration. Issuing various HR related forms to Support & Group staff. Any other official duties as may be assigned by the supervisor. Qualifications, Skills and Experience: Must have a Bachelors degree in Human Resource Management from Uganda Christian University. Must have graduated with a First Class or Second Class Upper not later than 2022. Applicants graduating in October 2024 must attach provisional results to the application. Must be conversant with Uganda Labour Laws Must have excellent computer skills (Word, Excel, Access, PowerPoint and Internet) Must have strong verbal and written communication skills Must have good interpersonal skills especially when dealing with students, staff, and visitors Must be a person of high integrity with excellent working ethic Must be a committed and practicing Christian How to Apply: All candidates should apply online at the link below Click Here Deadline: 30th September 2024 For more of the latest jobs, please visit https://www.theugandanjobline.com or find us on our facebook page https://www.facebook.com/UgandanJobline Date Posted 2024-09-26T06:02 Valid Through 2024-10-01T00:00 Employment Type FULL_TIME Hiring Organization Uganda Christian University Job Location Kampala, Kampala, Kampala , 0256, Uganda Related Jobs Job Title: Technical Lead USAID BHA Uganda Resilience and Food Security Organization: Action Against Hunger (ACF) Duty Station: Kampala, Uganda About US: Action Against Hunger-ACF, worldwide is recognized as a leader in the fight against malnutrition, with a purpose to save the lives of undernourished children while providing communities with access to safe water and sustainable solutions to hunger. ACF implements innovative and life-saving programs in the sectors of Nutrition, Food Security & Livelihoods (FSL), and Water, Sanitation, & Hygiene (WASH) through capacity building projects in collaboration with government structures. Over the past 30 years of ACF has been delivering robust operations in Uganda and has gained significant knowledge and expertise using a multi-sectoral approach to design and implement program intervention based on the context, geared towards long-term solutions to hunger both in refugee and Host communities. Since 2013, the organization has been worked in the refugee settlements of Northern and Western Uganda providing emergency response as well as long-term development interventions. About USAID BHA Project: Action Against Hunger is preparing a prime application submission for the USAID BHA Uganda Resilience and Food Security Activity (RFSA). The project aims to enhance and sustain food and nutrition security among vulnerable populations through resilience-building activities. The Technical Lead will be responsible for guiding the overall project design and ensuring alignment with USAIDs objectives and donor requirements. Job Summary: The Technical Lead will guide the proposal development process, ensuring that the project design, strategic approach, and interventions are aligned with the RFSAs objectives. The Technical Lead will coordinate with the proposal team lead, cost lead, global technical lead, country teams, other ACF network member teams, partners, and other stakeholders to create a cohesive and compliant technical narrative. The Technical Lead may also contribute as appropriate and feasible to the cost application development by reviewing budgeted activities and costs. The Technical Lead will work closely with the Action Against Hungers Monitoring, Evaluation, Accountability, and Learning Lead to ensure project design is cohesively and coherently represented in the MEAL Plan. The Technical Lead will contribute to the design of the Management and Staffing Plan to ensure proper implementation of the project design. Key Duties and Responsibilities: Project Design Leadership: Lead the development of the technical approach to ensure it aligns with USAID RFSAs priorities and donor requirements. Conduct background research and identify necessary information to strengthen the project design, integrating lessons learned from past RFSA projects. Facilitate design workshops, theory of change discussions, and stakeholder consultations, engaging country, regional, and global technical teams, partners, local NGOs, and government actors as needed. Lead the design process, ensuring all stakeholders contribute to a cohesive and strategic approach that reflects the opportunity details. Collaboration and Coordination: Work closely with the Proposal Team Lead to define partner roles, budget allocations, and project timelines. Contribute to negotiations of partner roles and ensure feedback on missing partners is provided, fostering a collaborative teamwork approach. Ensure strategic alignment with resilience, food security, and livelihoods interventions, while coordinating with the MEAL Lead to ensure that the project design is fully captured in the MEAL Plan and budget. Provide feedback on the proposal development calendar and validate budget marks for different sections. Participate in preparatory calls, workshops, meetings, and technical discussions as needed. Technical Narrative Development: Lead the development of the technical narrative in collaboration with technical team members and the Technical Writer, ensuring clarity, cohesion, and alignment with project/program objectives. Coordinate inputs from team members, partners, and other stakeholders, delegating writing assignments where appropriate. Ensure the technical design is fully captured in the logical framework and MEAL plan, and work closely with the Cost Lead to align the detailed budget with the technical narrative. Complete writing assignments as needed. Delegate writing assignments to Technical Team members, including partners. Support drafts to the Proposal Team Lead to coordinate the review and support the Proposal Team Lead in assigning technical team members for draft reviews. Review and incorporate inputs and subsequent revisions with the Technical Writer and Technical Team members. Final Review and Submission: Together with the Proposal Team Lead, review the full draft proposal and make final revisions to ensure alignment across all sections and with donor requirements. Make final approvals on technical content in coordination with country and global technical leads, ensuring compliance with donor requirements before submission. Assist with post-submission revisions, BAFO responses, and any additional revisions requested by USAID, as needed. Location of Assignment: Remote, with potential travel to Uganda for design workshops with Action Against Hunger staff and partners. Qualifications, Skills and Experience: Extensive experience designing programs for USAID, preferably in RFSA or Economic Growth (Feed the Future). Strong understanding of food security, livelihoods, cash and voucher assistance, and resilience approaches, including the Graduation Model. Familiarity with United States government rules, regulations, and policies. Experience working cross-culturally, with demonstrated effectiveness as a team leader. Excellent leadership, verbal, and written communication skills. Familiarity with the operational context of Uganda or similar regions is preferred. How to Apply: All candidates should apply online at the link below. Click Here For more of the latest jobs, please visit https://www.theugandanjobline.com or find us on our facebook page https://www.facebook.com/UgandanJobline Date Posted 2024-09-26T05:59 Valid Through 2024-10-18T00:00 Employment Type FULL_TIME Hiring Organization Action Against Hunger Job Location Kampala, Kampala, Kampala , 0256, Uganda Related Jobs When CP Kukreja stepped into the world of architecture, little did he realise he would leave a lasting impact and his humane vision in architecture would pave the way for modern India. At 32, he won the first National Architectural Competition to be held in post-Independent India selected as the best from 68 entries submitted by the nations top architects at the time and went on to design Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU). Decades later, his son is carrying forward his vision of defining India through its architecture, having added sustainability and inclusivity in his core values. Dikshu Kukreja, managing principal at CP Kukreja Architects, and the Honorary Consul General for Albania in New Delhi, calls India a transformative space on the verge of being a developed nation. Their projects are futuristic, modern, sustainable yet borrow from Indias rich architectural history. From the new Yashobhoomi Complex in Delhi to Gurugrams Pathways School, their designs are inclusive of nature. Their 2012 project Greater Noidas Gautam Buddha University won the award for Innovation in Institutional Architecture India & Best Eco-friendly Indian Institutional project by BUILD 2016 Architecture Awards. At the upcoming Re-imagining Architectural Transformations in Post-Independent India exhibition, CP Kukreja Architects will be outlining India's post-independence architectural journey, tracing the evolution of the nations-built environment over the past 50 yearsfrom the modernist designs of the 1970s to todays sustainable innovations. The exhibition is supported by the ICCR and the Indian High Commission, running from September 30 to October 4 at the Nehru Centre in London. Through sketches, concept notes, and photographs, the exhibition challenges western perceptions of Indian architecture, highlighting a dynamic landscape that reflects the aspirations of a post-independent India. THE WEEK caught up with the architect to discuss the exhibition, his fathers legacy and his own vision for India. Excerpts: Q/ How does the exhibition plan to present Indian architecture to the world? A/ India is in a transformative stage where we are moving towards being a developed nation. With such enormous changes taking place, theres advancement in every sphere, including that of architecture. While people around the world appreciate Taj Mahal, Qutub Minar, they also need to realise that post-independence India is making iconic architectural buildings that are unique from the point of view of scale, technology and how they imbibe and interpret our history and culture in a contemporary manner. Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR) that falls under the ministry of external affairs and the Indian High Commission in London have chosen to showcase this aspect of contemporary Indian architecture through the works of CP Kukreja Architects. Our firm has a legacy of over half a century, and we have been able to represent and participate in the transformation in India in the last five decades. The exhibition will also be an eye-opener for the western world. We are celebrating our own identity, yet are modern, future ready and fast paced, no longer tied down to the shackles of history. Q/ How do you view contemporary Indian architecture? A/ In any part of the country, one would see that even an uneducated man has a practical and environmental approach towards architecture, whether it is own hutments or small buildings in rural areas, vernacular architecture has always been very sustainable and used local materials like the brick works in Bengal. The world is talking about sustainability only today but we have had our own ethos of sustainable design. With the British coming in and with the sway of modernism and modernist architecture, we started looking at the west while imbibing glass buildings. We want to showcase that contemporary Indian architecture is inspired by our own approach traditionally towards the publicness of spaces, be it the stepwells where women would discuss marriage proposals or the streets of old Delhi, Jaisalmer or Jodhpur where the elders gather to chat. The jaali (net) design found in many ancient architectures helps control heat, the chhatri (umbrella shade), tall ceilings in palaces, homes, has been contemporised and given new meaning. Q/ In India, we see most urban cities aping the west when it comes to office building designs the glass-walled buildings are not conducive to the Indian summer. What is your solution to this? A/ The Ambadeep Tower in Janpath, Delhi is the best example of a high rise that has been Indianised with its design. Completed in 1993, it was the first built structure in the city to use glass elevators and was the tallest in Delhi at one point. But, rather than designing a skyscraper, we got inspiration from our traditional Indian art motifs composed entirely of 1 inch by 1 inch glass mosaic which creates artistic patterns on buildings. The mosaic tiles which we have used were found in Isfahan and Mughal architecture. We have designed a high rise building but given it an Indian context rather than importing a skyscraper design from New York. Q/ How are your design sensibilities different from that of your fathers? A/ There are similarities and differences but our real core and values are very similar thats creating very humane architecture. Architectural buildings last beyond our lifetime and we have to therefore demonstrate that amount of responsibility when designing a building. It has a huge impact on the environment. We believe that buildings must get absorbed into the natural environment and not vice versa. This is my core philosophy derived from humane architecture that my father spoke about. While he talked about humane architecture, I talk on the lines of sustainability and contextualism which means the architecture should refer to the climatic, cultural and historic context of the place. Q/ A number of brands in the hospitality sector and real estate are designing sustainable properties whats your take on this? A/ In the coming time, we will start looking down at buildings not responsibly designed people are proud they are designing sustainable buildings now. Designing should also be universally inclusive we cannot exclude ramps or toilets meant for the disabled, which many architects and engineers forget about. Pathways World School in Gurugram (designed by them in 2003) is Indias first Platinum rated institutional project for its environment friendly design (It is the worlds first school serving all grades K-12 in the world to achieve LEED-EB Platinum certification from US Green Building Council). Delhis Yashobhoomi Complex designed by us in 2023 has also received the Indian Green Building Council (IGBC) platinum rating. Q/ The urban cities today look like concrete jungles often unplanned and chaotic. Will bringing back traditional Indian designs also make our cities more aesthetic? A/ Theres concretisation, disharmony and sporadic, unplanned development in every Indian city, deeper than we can accept. It is a cultural issue wherein we are selfish and dont think about our neighbours and future. Encroachment, covering of drains, parking illegally, points to lack of citizen awareness and corruption. If we have a zero tolerance policy, there will be effective consequences. In February, Mahindra & Mahindra (M&M) signed an agreement with German giant Volkswagen for supply of components for M&M's INGLO electric vehicle platform. Now, reportedly the two sides are exploring plans to expand the agreement whereby the home-grown maker of the XUV700 and Scorpio SUVs may acquire a stake in Skoda Auto Volkswagen India. Skoda is the Czeck arm of Volkswagen and leads the car maker's push in the Indian market through Skoda Auto Volkswagen India. If the talks between the two sides go through, as per a report by Autocar India, Mahindra could get a stake in Skoda Auto Volkswagen India. With that, it will also get access to the European company's technology ecosystem, including vehicle architectures. The agreement in February 2024 covered the supply of certain electric components as well as unified cells. Both Skoda and Volkswagen have struggled to gain a large share in India's automotive market. A key reason has been the limited product portfolio. Skoda currently makes the Kushaq mid-size SUV and the Slavia sedan here, under the India2.0 strategy. It will also launch a compact SUV Kylaq early next year. That apart, the Kodiaq and Superb are also sold here, but are fully imported. Volkswagen also only has three products in IndiaTaigun, Tiguan and Virtus. With a limited portfolio, their market share too is limited, despite decent sales for the likes of Kushaq and Taigun. In August, the Skoda Auto Volkswagen Group had 1.91 per cent share of the passenger vehicle market, as per Federation of Auto Dealers Association. M&M's share stood at 12.46 per cent. India is a highly price-competitive market. High costs of localisation of global platforms for the Indian market has been a pain point for many global automakers, especially with limited volumes and share. Should the deal with Mahindra happen, a key advantage for Skoda Auto Volkswagen India is that it will get access to M&M's lower-cost vehicle architecture for future product launches as well as sourcing benefits. Skoda Auto Volkswagen India's sales and marketing organisation could remain a separate entity, outside of the venture with M&M. Mahindra and VW Group continue to explore multiple opportunities to expand the collaboration potential, and in case there is any concrete outcome to the discussions, appropriate disclosures will be made, said M&M. Skoda Auto Volkswagen hasn't commented on these latest reports so far. But, in the past, Skoda Auto's global CEO Klaus Zellmer said India is the most important market for the brand outside Europe and they were in discussions with various prospective partners. Should an agreement be reached, this will not be the first such joint venture by Mahindra with a global company. In 2019, Mahindra and US automaker Ford announced plans for a JV in India. But, in the wake of Covid-19, those discussions were called off in December 2020. Back in 2010, French car maker Renault had ended its JV with Mahindra for the Logan sedan. In 2012, Mahindra's JV with Navistar ended when it bought out the US-based partner's stake in their commercial vehicle venture. Separately in 2017, Tata Motors and Skoda had called off talks for a potential alliance. NEW YORK, Sept. 25 (Xinhua) -- Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi said here on Wednesday the political manipulation of human rights issues by a few countries, such as the United States, is becoming increasingly unpopular across the world. Wang, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, made the remarks when meeting with United Nations (UN) High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Turk and multiple countries' foreign ministers on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly in New York. Over 100 countries have voiced their support for China's position and opposed the politicization of human rights at the 57th session of the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC) held in Geneva on Tuesday, said Wang. During the session, nearly 80 countries, including many Muslim nations, delivered a joint statement supporting China, and more than 20 other countries expressed their support in various ways, backing China's just position when a few countries, including the United States, used Xinjiang-related issues to attack and smear China's human rights situation. The vast majority of Muslim countries have long seen through the tricks of the United States and understand that it is merely using human rights as a pretext to interfere in the internal affairs of China and other developing countries, he added. Wang said that the clear support from over 100 developing countries at the UNHRC is not only to defend China's legitimate rights but also to uphold international fairness and justice, safeguard the common interests of developing countries, and protect the fundamental principle of non-interference in internal affairs in international relations, said Wang. Wang pointed out that such action of the United States and its followers once again exposed their double standards on human rights issues to the world. People cannot help but ask: if the United States is so concerned about the human rights of Muslims, why does it continuously provoke or support wars in regions like the Middle East, causing numerous innocent Muslim casualties? Why does it turn a blind eye to the historical injustices faced by the Arab people and not support Palestine in becoming a full member of the United Nations? Why does it fail to play its due role in achieving a permanent ceasefire and full military withdrawal from Gaza? The top Chinese diplomat emphasized that this year marks the 75th anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China, and China's achievements in protecting and promoting human rights are widely recognized, and the development and progress in the Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region are evident to all. Wang said China is willing to engage in dialogue with all countries on human rights issues on the basis of equality. China's doors are open to the world, and it welcomes friends from all nations to visit China and see for themselves, he added. In what is being hailed as a "major leap for Indias defence sector", Small Arms Factory (SAF) in Kanpur, a unit of the Ordnance Factory Organisation under the Department of Defence Production, Ministry of Defence, will export advanced modified medium machine guns (MMGs) to European countries. This is the first time such an order will be delivered by SAF. According to a News18 report, SAF received a major order for 2,000 MMGs, which will be delivered in the next three years. The order was reportedly received a few months ago. ALSO READ: Understanding 'Project 33', the US Navy's ambitious plan to outpace China by 2027 "The gun is being customised in accordance with the requirement of the buyer and the agreement, which was signed in December last year," the report quoted a SAF official as saying. Designed for sustained fire in military operations, MMGs can fire upto 1,000 rounds per minute. The guns typically fire 7.62mm or .50 caliber ammunition and could be used in various platforms like vehicles, tanks, and aircraft. The guns deliver sustained high rate of fire in bursts and fires from an open breech, preventing the risk of cook-off after prolonged use, and can also be used on a bipod or handheld for shoulder and hip firing in emergency situations, said an official, according to News18. READ MORE: All you need to know about ABHED, the lightweight bulletproof jackets developed by DRDO and IIT Delhi Their ability to offer continuous fire over long periods makes them effective in both offensive and defensive operations. Indian Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri met US Deputy Secretary of Defence Kathleen Hicks to discuss ways of strengthening the US-India defence ties through industrial and operational cooperation, and technology innovation. Today I met with Indian Foreign Secretary Misri to discuss the significant momentum in the U.S.-India defense relationship and our increased cooperation to support a free and open Indo-Pacific. pic.twitter.com/lXJ7HuxGCe Deputy Secretary of Defense Kathleen Hicks (@DepSecDef) September 25, 2024 Hicks said both countries continue to break new ground in defence cooperation which will boost the security of the two countries, and the Indo-Pacific region in general. ALSO READ: Understanding 'Project 33', the US Navy's ambitious plan to outpace China by 2027 Misri and Hicks discussed issues regarding regional security and the various operational cooperation initiatives that are aimed at enhancing stability and security in the region. The two also talked about the ongoing efforts to co-produce jet engines, land mobility systems, and munitions, as well as the continued progress through the India-US Defense Acceleration Ecosystem (INDUS-X) to foster joint innovation among defense industry stakeholders in both countries, a DoD readout stated. During the meeting, Hicks pointed out how the recent INDUS-X Summit resulted in a new joint innovation challenge for space domain technologies and highlighted the MoU signed between the Defense Innovation Unit (DIU) and the Indian defense ministry's Innovations for Defense Excellence (iDEX) office. READ MORE: US falling behind in defence systems? Commission calls for major military revamp to counter China, Russia "Deputy Secretary Hicks expressed the importance of continuing to advance progress across all areas of the Major Defense Partnership, and pledged to deepen cooperation to promote a shared vision for a free and open Indo-Pacific," Pentagon spokesman Eric Pahon said in the readout. In what is being seen as a show of strength by the US and its allies amid increasing tensions in the Indo-Pacific region, the guided-missile destroyer USS Preble has departed for Yokosuka naval base in Japan. ... NAS North Island (CA)USS Preble (DDG 88)(2024) FDNF-J NAVBASE San Diego (CA)DESRON 21DDG 889FDNF-JCFAYDESRON 15 pic.twitter.com/hTCCKDJm2T akaumigame (@acaumigame) September 25, 2024 While the deployment of the Arleigh Burke-class missile destroyer is part of a scheduled rotation as it will replace USS Benfold (DDG 65), the US Navy said the forward presence of Preble directly supports the commitment of the US to aid Japan while improving its ability to protect strategic interests. US Navy destroyer USS Preble (DDG-88), equipped with latest laser weapon, departed San Diego in California for Yokosuka in Japan on Sept. 22.https://t.co/c7a6wZfFhh https://t.co/gBuZO96vph pic.twitter.com/heYKeSa6B5 Ryan Chan (@ryankakiuchan) September 24, 2024 USS Preble is equipped with a high-energy laser weapon that can be used to shoot down drones and missiles. A few months ago, the US Navy, in an official statement, had said, The Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Preble (DDG 88) will move to Yokosuka, Japan, as part of a scheduled rotation of forces in the Pacific. ALSO READ: Decoding China's rare missile test: A show of force to intimidate US and its allies or a routine drill? On Wednesday, the US Navy said, Preble will directly support the Defense Strategic Guidance to posture the most capable units forward in the Indo-Pacific Region. The US Navy said it values the contributions of Japan to the peace and stability of the Indo-Pacific and its long-term commitment and hospitality in hosting the US forces forward deployed there. Although the development may be routine, it is indeed a major development in the Indo-Pacific region, as it could be seen as part of the attempts by the US to outpace and outwit an increasingly assertive China in the region. The US Navy said this move allows it to have the greatest amount of striking power and operational capability in the region. The security environment in the Indo-Pacific requires that the U.S. Navy positions the most capable ships forward. This posture allows the most rapid response times for maritime and joint forces and brings our most capable ships with the greatest amount of striking power and operational capability to bear in the timeliest manner, the Navy said. READ MORE: Understanding 'Project 33', the US Navy's ambitious plan to outpace China by 2027 The deployment coincides with the release of 'Project 33', a strategic initiative by the US to boost the readiness and capabilities of its Navy to counter potential threats, especially those emanating from China. The project intends to end maintenance delays, scale up robotic and autonomous systems, create command centres, recruit and retain talent, and invest in watertight competency among others. It is obvious that the US is placing strong priority on the Indo-Pacific region and making sure that it has the best assets in the right areas for the contingencies it might face. Put simply, the US wants its best weapons systems right on the front line, defence security expert Ryo Hinata-Yamaguchi has been quoted as saying. With Laapataa Ladies being chosen as Indias official entry for the Oscars and Cannes Grand Prix winner All we Imagine as Light shortlisted by France, it seems that Hindi films are on top of their game right now. ALSO READ: Interview with Kani Kusruti of 'All we Imagine As Light' fame Recently, the United Kingdom announced that the country was going to send Hindi film Santosh as their official submission for the Academy Awards 2025. They will be competing for a spot in the Best International Feature Film category. Why was it selected by the UK? Santosh is directed by British-Indian director and documentarian Sandhya Suri, who bagged a British Academy of Film and Television Arts (BAFTA) nomination for her short film The Field in 2018. Santosh is an international co-production, with British producers -- Alan McAlex, Mike Goodridge, James Bowsher -- playing the larger role. French producer Balthazar de Ganay, who has previously worked with Suri for The Field, too, is associated with it. As are India and Germany. The film has not yet been released in India, which is a criterion to be fulfilled for Oscar submission. The film had its world premiere at Cannes 2024, at the Un Certain Regard section, which translates to a certain look, primarily aimed at viewing films that offer a different perspective to the audience. The thriller drama film details the story of a Hindu widow who inherits her husbands job as a police constable in a rural town in north India. She is tasked with the duty to investigate the rape and murder of a low-caste girl while being caught up in institutional corruption. The film stars Shahana Goswami, Sunita Rajwar, Kushal Dubey and Sanjay Bishnoi. The final nominations for the 97th Academy Awards will be announced on January 17, 2025. ALSO READ: Explained: How 'Laapataa Ladies' was picked as India's official entry to Oscars The Supreme Court on Thursday granted bail to former DMK minister Senthil Balaji in a money laundering case registered by the Enforcement Directorate. The former minister was arrested by the central agency in June last year in connection with a cash-for-job scam while he was transport minister in erstwhile Jayalalithaa regime. Hearing Balajis bail plea, a bench comprising of Justices Abhay Oka and Augustine George Masih granted relief to the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam leader, after imposing onerous bail conditions. The bench observed stringent bail conditions and delay in trial cannot go together, Live Law reported. #WATCH | Karur: Supporters of former Tamil Nadu minister V Senthil Balaji celebrate and burst crackers after the Supreme Court granted bail to former Tamil Nadu minister V Senthil Balaji. He was granted bail in connection with a money laundering case linked to the cash-for-jobs pic.twitter.com/0UivTgX4Fk ANI (@ANI) September 26, 2024 Senthil Balaji, DMKs strongman from Karur, was arrested by ED on June 14 last year on charges of money laundering, allegedly for accepting bribe for providing jobs for aspirants in the transport department while he was handling the portfolio in the erstwhile AIADMK regime. The ED had raided his residence and office premises before the arrest. Balaji, who was the minister for electricity, prohibition and excise in the Tamil Nadu government was retained in the cabinet even after arrest, as minister without portfolio, by Chief Minister M.K. Stalin hoping he might get released from prison on bail soon. Balaji had to tender resignation in February this year after Courts dismissed his multiple bail pleas. Balajis continuance as minister was one of the flashpoints between Chief Minister Stalin and Governor R.N. Ravi. The Governor had on June 29 last year unilaterally dismissed Senthil Balaji with immediate effect from the cabinet. However, he had to reverse the action later. The ED filed 3,000-page charge-sheet against Balaji in August last year. A local court has dismissed his bail petitions thrice. On October 19, the high court had dismissed Balaji's earlier bail plea, PTI reported. Aam Aadmi Party leader and former Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal said he was shocked when a senior BJP leader told him the motive behind arresting him in connection with liquor policy cases. Kejriwal said works stalled due to his absence will be resumed immediately. The AAP leader on Tuesday accompanied Chief Minister Atishi while inspecting road repair works in the Delhi University area on Tuesday. Former deputy CM Manish Sisodia and local MLA Dilip Pandey were present. Kejriwal said problems of Delhites will be addressed and damaged roads will be repaired. #WATCH | Delhi CM Atishi, AAP national convenor Arvind Kejriwal and former Deputy CM Manish Sisodia arrive at Delhi University's north campus to inspect the conditions of the road. pic.twitter.com/ZpmQI2aFkY ANI (@ANI) September 26, 2024 Addressing presspersons, Kejriwal charged the BJP wanted to defame the AAP by derailing development works in the national capital, hence he was jailed. A few days ago I met their (BJP) big leader. I asked what did you get with my arrest? I was shocked and felt sad to hear him say that at least the Delhi government got derailed and the city was stalled," Kejriwal alleged. Their aim was to defame the AAP government by stalling work in Delhi, the former CM charged, PTI reported. The former CM asserted that the AAP government in the national capital would not let people's work get stalled. Kejriwal said he was in action mode even while he was jailed in Tihar prison and added, "I want to assure the people of Delhi that I have come back and the stalled works will be resumed. All their problems will be solved." The AAP chief was recently released from Tihar jail after the Supreme Court granted him bail in cases registered in connection with alleged scam in scrapped Delhi liquor policy. However, the bail conditions restricted him from visiting CMO or signing official files. Kejriwal resigned from the CM post on September 17 and proposed Atishi as his successor. Kejriwal said he would return to the post only after getting a "certificate of honesty" from Delhi people in the upcoming assembly polls. The Supreme Court on Thursday dismissed a plea filed by the Gujarat government seeking a review of the court's verdict related to the release of the 11 convicts in the Bilkis Bano case. A bench of Justices B.V. Nagarathna and Ujjal Bhuyan rejected the plea and stated that there was no error apparent on the face of the record or any merit in the petition. "Having carefully gone through the Review Petition, the order under challenge and the papers annexed therewith, we are satisfied that there is no error apparent on the face of the record or any merit in the Review Petition, warranting reconsideration of the order impugned. The Review Petition is, accordingly, dismissed," the bench said. The bench also rejected the application for a listing review petition in open court. The Gujarat government in its review petition plea said the apex court's observation in the January 8 judgment, holding the state guilty of "usurpation of power" and "abuse of discretion", was an "error apparent on the face of the record". The SC in its January 8 verdict, quashed the remission granted to the 11 convicts in the Bilkis Bano case and ordered they be sent back to jail within two weeks. Criticising the Gujarat government, the SC pointed out that the state usurped the power of the Maharashtra government to grant remission to the convicts. "No adverse inference of 'usurpation of power' can be drawn against the state of Gujarat for not filing a review petition against the judgment dated May 13, 2022 (of the coordinate bench)," the review plea said. In 2002, Bilkis Bano was raped by men while fleeing during the communal riots that broke out in Gujarat after the Godhra train-burning incident. Bilkis Bano was five-month pregnant when she was raped. In the riots, along with her three-year-old daughter, seven other family members were killed. All 11 convicts were granted remission by the Gujarat government and released on August 15, 2022. "This is a classic case where the order of this court dated May 13, 2022, has been used for violating the rule of law while passing orders of remission in favour of respondent nos. 3 to 13 (convicts) in the absence of any jurisdiction by the state of Gujarat," a bench of justices B. V. Nagarathna and Ujjal Bhuyan had said. "Therefore, without going into the manner in which the power of remission has been exercised, we strike down the orders of remission on the ground of usurpation of powers by the state of Gujarat not vested in it. The orders of remission are hence quashed," it had said. Kolkata, a city known for sticking to its glorious past and currently in an emotionally fragile state, is not ready to bid adieu to her beloved trams. Trams, which have been a timeless symbol of the City of Joy, began the journey in Kolkata, then known as Calcutta, on February 24, 1873, with their quaint horse-drawn carriages. Over time, the eco-friendly trams emerged as the most convenient and widely accessible mode of transportation in Kolkata. By the 1940s, the total length of the tram network crisscrossing Kolkata and Howrah had extended to more than 65 kilometres. However, between the mid-1950s and mid-1960s, tram routes in cities like Chennai, Delhi and Mumbai were gradually shut down. Globally, trams were starting to be viewed as an outdated technology. In Kolkata as well, as the citys population grew and the number of faster vehicles like buses and cars increased, trams started becoming irrelevant. By 1990, the closure of the tram service gathered pace as the Left Front government decided to replace the tram network with buses run by CTC. Tram lovers believe that was the first nail in the coffin of Kolkatas tram network. This trend persisted under the Trinamool Congress (TMC) government post-2011, although they did initiate some heritage tram services. Additionally, the construction of metro lines and flyovers and the introduction of faster and more convenient transportation have led to the shutdown of multiple tram networks. Passionate tram enthusiasts protesting to 'safe trams' in Kolkata | Salil Bera Passionate tram enthusiasts, organised under the banner of the Calcutta Tram Users Association (CTUA), have long urged the government to safeguard Kolkatas cherished mode of transport. From staging protests at various tram depots around the city to seeking intervention from the Calcutta High Court, CTUA has been persistently striving to ensure the continuation of the citys tram services. We cannot lose our very own asset of public transport like this in a time when the rest of the world is aspiring even for a single stretch of tramway, Debasish Bhattacharya of CTUA told THE WEEK. The gradual decline of trams in Kolkata has drawn attention from around the world. Roberto D'Andrea, a tram conductor from Melbourne, has been visiting the city since 1994, often bringing along friends and colleagues as part of an initiative called Kolkata-Melbourne Tramjatra. A tram in Kolkata | Salil Bera This project fosters a cultural exchange where trams play a central role. Participants share their experiences of maintaining Melbourne's tram system, hoping Kolkata can take inspiration. However, while Melbourne has made significant progress in modernising its trams, Kolkata seems to be falling behind. At present, trams operate on just three routes in Kolkata: Ballygunj-Tollygunj; Gariahat-Esplanade; and Shyambazar-Esplanade. However, recent comments by West Bengal Transport Minister Snehasis Chakraborty about potentially halting the iconic tram services have sparked significant public outcry. The city is not willing to sing the swan song of trams. Currently, the matter is pending in the Calcutta High Court where the West Bengal government is likely to inform about its decision in the next hearing. In June last year, the high court had asked the West Bengal government to form a committee to examine how trams can be restored, maintained and preserved. In another hearing in December, the court had also suggested a PPP model to revive Kolkatas tram services. During a press interaction on Monday, Chakraborty mentioned that slow-moving trams contribute to traffic jams and congestion during peak hours in Kolkata, where roads make up only six per cent of the surface area. Kolkata has the highest vehicular density with 2,448 vehicles per kilometre and the lowest road space among Indian metropolitan cities. The allegations against tramways fabricated by the Kolkata Traffic Police and Kolkata Municipal Corporation and Kolkata Police are baseless and fake. The authorities could not support a single complaint against the tramway with valid scientific data, said Bhattacharya. The government's failure to take action to preserve Kolkata's iconic tram services has been highlighted repeatedly. After Cyclone Amphan in 2020, part of the picturesque route between Esplanade and Kidderpore, passing through Victoria Memorial and the Maidan, was damaged, causing its suspension. Rather than restoring the entire route, the government has decided to convert a portion of it into a heritage service. Today, Kolkata is looking forward to the next Calcutta High Court hearing with the hope that her beloved trams would receive a fresh lease of life. The people of Jammu and Kashmir must ensure BJPs victory in assembly elections to bring back Pakistan-Occupied Kashmir (POK) into the Indian Union, said Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Wednesday at an election rally in Jammus Ramnagar, Vijaypur. You have to make sure BJP wins the ongoing assembly polls with a huge majority, he said. If we win, POK will soon become part of India." ALSO READ | Jammu and Kashmir polls: Over 56% voter turnout in second phase #WATCH | Ramgarh, J&K: Uttar Pradesh CM Yogi Adityanath says, "...After BJPs return (to power) here, Pakistan-occupied Kashmir is also going to be a part of Jammu and Kashmir. And this is the commotion in Pakistan, they are struggling to save their democracy...On one side there pic.twitter.com/LdVBMHdeC3 ANI (@ANI) September 26, 2024 Yogi also said the election results would rebuke the National Conference (NC), Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and Congress. In the 90s, these parties supported Pakistan and terrorism, he added. ALSO READ | INDIA bloc will hit the road if J-K statehood not restored after polls: Rahul Gandhi Now, after Prime Minister Modi has eliminated terrorism in J&K, they are again advocating for its revival," he said. Taking a dig at Pakistan, Yogi said, Pakistan is falling apart. A kilogram of flour there costs Rs 500, he said. ALSO READ | J&K phase-II polls: How BJP and NC-Congress front are engaged in high-stake battle for Pir Panjal He said Prime Minister Narendra Modi provides free rations to 80 crore people in India and free medical treatment up to Rs 5 lakh, increased to Rs 7 lakh, for 60 crore people. Pakistan is a sinking ship, he said. While addressing the rally, Yogi highlighted Modi's achievements, mentioning the opening of the Kartarpur Corridor. J&K is now recognised as the "tourism capital" rather than the "terrorism capital," he said. He said Amarnath Yatra once faced threats, but now devotees are coming from all over India with the slogan 'Bam Bam Bhole,' spreading the spirit of Lord Shiva across the country. Lakhs of people are also visiting the Mata Vaishno Devi shrine, he said. He also accused the Congress, NC and PDP of ruining J&K for 70 years. He credited the Modi government for granting voting rights to West Pakistan Refugees and Valmikis, which they had been denied under previous governments. "These parties supported terrorism in 1990 and vacationed in Europe and England while Kashmir was burning," he said, referring to NCs Farooq Abdullah and his son Omar Abdullah. A Mumbai court on Thursday sentenced Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Sanjay Raut to 15 days simple imprisonment in a defamation complaint filed against him by BJP leader Kirit Somaiya's wife Medha Somaiya. The metropolitan magistrate (Sewree court) convicted the Rajya Sabha member under Indian Penal Code Section 500 (punishment for defamation) and also imposed a fine of Rs 25,000 on him. Medha Somaiya, in her complaint filed through advocate Vivekanand Gupta, had alleged that Raut made baseless and completely defamatory allegations against her and her husband. She said Raut had accused them of being involved in a Rs 100 crore scam over the construction and maintenance of some public toilets under the jurisdiction of the Mira Bhayander Municipal Corporation. "The statements made by the accused to the media are per se defamatory. The statements have been made to malign my character in the eyes of the general public," the complaint had stated. UNITED NATIONS, Sept. 25 (Xinhua) -- Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi said here on Wednesday that artificial intelligence (AI) should not be used as a tool to maintain hegemony. Wang, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, made the remarks at the High-Level Meeting on International Cooperation on Capacity-building on Artificial Intelligence at UN headquarters in New York. He said that China adheres to the development of AI for the good of the people and avoids the ill-use and abuse of AI technology. Wang stressed that China commits to the development of safe and controllable AI, building AI technology that can be supervised, traceable, and trusted, and ensuring that AI is always under human control. China also adheres to the development of green and low-carbon AI, and promotes the green transformation of AI to enable economic and social development, he added. Noting that AI is both a major opportunity and a global challenge for the world, Wang put forward several principles to promote AI global governance: Firstly, it is necessary to adhere to a comprehensive and balanced approach and build a framework for AI global governance. Second, it is necessary to foster an open, inclusive, and non-discriminatory development environment that is fair and beneficial to all, Wang said. Third, it is necessary to uphold multilateralism and ensure equal participation and benefits for all countries, he added. Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Thursday warned that promoters of terrorism will meet the fate of Parliament attack convict Afzal Guru. Guru was hanged in Tihar Jail in 2019, a decade after the Supreme Court convicted him in Parliament attack case. Addressing an election rally in Udhampur, Shah lashed out at the National Conference (NC) vice president Omar Abdullah for saying that Afzal Guru should not have been hanged. Phir kya, usko biryani khilani thi? (Was I supposed to serve him biryani instead?)" Shah asked. He attacked Congress leader Rahul Gandhi for his claim to restore Article 370. ALSO READ: Can NC-Congress alliance reshape the future of Jammu and Kashmir? "I want to make it clear that even Rahuls future generations wont be able to bring it back," he said. He credited the end of holding elections in Jammu and Kashmir under a separate flag before the abrogation of Article 370, to Prime Minister Narendra Modi. He blamed Congress, PDP and NC for terrorism in the last four decades. He said it led to the killing of 40,000 people and also 3,000 days of curfew. Shah said after Modi took over, stone pelting and bullets have ended. The three parties want to revive terrorism in J&K, he said. But I want to tell Omar Abdullah that whatever be your wish, terrorism will be eradicated from the soil of Kashmir forever. He said nobody has the power to revive terrorism in J&K as there is Modis government at the Centre. He said he heard Rahul Gandhi and Omar Abdullah claiming they would restore statehood. Let me make it clear that after the abrogation of Article 370, I had promised the restoration of statehood soon after the elections in J&K, he said. PM Modi too has made it clear that it will be restored. He said for the past 75 years, the three families created a situation that led to the closure of cinemas. He said he wanted to ask Farooq Abdullah where he was when 40,000 people were killed. You were enjoying your holidays in London, he said. You can do anything, but the terrorism will never get revived. Referring to the development in Udhampur, he said that the good roads there is the outcome of Modis rule. He said that in Lal Chowk in Srinagar, which is now accessible to all, the tri-colour is hoisted and Muharram is observed, along with Ganpati and Janmashtami festivals. In the latest development, the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) probing the RG Kar Hospital rape-murder case told a local court in Kolkata that "false records were created at the Tala Police Station, relating to the case". In its remand note the agency stated that the "custodial interrogation of both the accused persons, new/additional facts have emerged to the effect that some false records pertaining to the instant case were created/altered in PS Tala." The Kolkata court on Wednesday extended the CBI custody of former RG Kar Medical College and Hospital principal Sandip Ghosh and suspended police officer Abhijit Mondal till September 30. ALSO READ | Kolkata rape-murder: Agitating junior doctors march to CBI office before ending strike, to wait a week for govt to fulfill promises The two had been arrested in connection with the rape and murder of a trainee doctor at RG Kar Hospital last month. Both accused were arrested on September 14 in connection with the case. The officer-in-charge of the Tala Police Station then Abhijit Mondal is accused of tampering with evidence and delaying FIR registration. The CBI is probing in detail the nexus between Ghosh and Mondal. The remand note also pointed out that the Digital Video Recorder (DVR) and hard disk containing CCTV footage inside the police station and mobile phones of Ghosh and Mondal have been sent to the forensics lab in Kolkata for data extraction. ALSO READ | Kolkata doctor rape-murder: Why RG Kar medics decided to 'partially' resume work There was evidence of both accused exchanging a number of calls, the remand note said. "Both the accused facilitated cremation (of the victim's body) hurriedly while family members specifically demanded a second autopsy," it stated. Also, on Sunday the CBI questioned another doctor, Birupaksha Biswas, allegedly close to Ghosh, in connection with the rape and murder. The rape and murder of a 31-year-old trainee doctor at RG Kar Hospital on August 9 sparked a nationwide protest. Junior doctors remind Bengal chief secretary of unfulfilled promises After partially resuming duties at government-run hospitals in West Bengal, junior doctors sent an email to Chief Secretary Manoj Pant on Thursday reminding him of their unmet demands discussed during the September 18 meeting. The junior doctors protested with a 42-day cease work demanding justice for the victim. "We would like to mention that no action has been taken/no order has been passed in regard to some of the important demands placed and agreed upon by both the parties," representatives of the West Bengal Junior Doctors' Forum (WBJDF) wrote in the letter. The doctors emphasised the formation of a central inquiry committee to address the alleged "threat culture" in all medical colleges across the state. The WBJDF reminded Pant of their demand for the state government to form an inquiry committee against the West Bengal Medical Council (WBMC) and West Bengal Health Recruitment Board (WBHRB) members accused of promoting the threat culture and running health syndicates. They had given a time frame of seven working days to complete their demand. Tamil Nadu Chief Minister and DMK leader M.K. Stalin welcomed the Supreme Courts decision to grant bail to party leader V. Senthil Balaji and noted he languished in prison for 471 days in connection with a money laundering case. In a post on X, Stalin said the former minister has been granted bail after 471 days and in the current situation, the Supreme Court seems to be the last resort for relief. In the current situation where the Enforcement Directorate has been turned into an agency to oppress political opponents, the Supreme Court alone has been the dawn, he said. #WATCH | Karur: Supporters of former Tamil Nadu minister V Senthil Balaji celebrate and burst crackers after the Supreme Court granted bail to former Tamil Nadu minister V Senthil Balaji. He was granted bail in connection with a money laundering case linked to the cash-for-jobs pic.twitter.com/0UivTgX4Fk ANI (@ANI) September 26, 2024 "The prison life did not extend for so many days even during the Emergency. The political conspiracies continued for 15 months (against Balaji). (They) tried to break Senthil Balaji's resolve by keeping him inside the prison," Stalin charged. "I welcome brother Senthil Balaji, who is walking out of the prison with more vigour. Your sacrifice is big. Your resolve is bigger," he added. The apex court granted bail to former minister and DMK leader V. Senthil Balaji in a money laundering case registered in connection with alleged cash-for-job scam on Thursday. The former minister was arrested by the Enforcement Directorate in June last year in connection with a cash-for-job scam while he was transport minister in erstwhile Jayalalithaa regime. Balaji, who was the minister for electricity, prohibition and excise in the Stalin cabinet was retained even after arrest, as minister without portfolio, by the CM hoping he might get released from prison on bail soon. Balaji had to tender resignation in February this year after Courts dismissed his multiple bail pleas. Balajis continuance as minister was one of the flashpoints between Stalin and Governor R.N. Ravi. Following Balajis arrest, the governor expressed displeasure and unilaterally dismissed him from the cabinet in June last year. However, he had to reverse the action later. In a significant move ahead of the upcoming Maharashtra assembly elections, Shiv Sena has announced the launch of the Mahavijay Samvad Abhiyan, a statewide campaign aimed at taking the achievements of the Mahayuti government directly to the people. Starting from Friday, September 27, 2024, the campaign will be conducted across the state by three wings of the party: Yuva Sena, Mahila Aghadi, and Shiv Sena Social Media. The announcement was made by Shiv Sena MP Dr Shrikant Shinde during a press conference at Balasaheb Bhavan. Taking government work to every household Dr Shinde emphasised the partys commitment over the past two and a half years to communicate the work done by the government under the leadership of Chief Minister Eknath Shinde. He explained that Mahavijay Samvad is designed to further this outreach. One leader or deputy leader will visit an assembly constituency every day, covering five areas and holding meetings to directly engage with the public, said Dr Shinde. The campaign's first phase will last five days, beginning tomorrow. Yuva Sena's role in the campaign Led by Yuva Sena Working President Purvesh Sarnaik, the youth wing will kick off its campaign from Bhiwandi on 27th September, covering six Vidhan Sabhas each day. Branch visits and public gatherings will be held to galvanize support. The Yuva Sena's statewide tour, which includes Marathwada, Western Maharashtra, and Konkan, will start on October 13. Focus on women's empowerment and welfare schemes Shiv Sena leader Meenatai Kambli outlined the role of Mahila Aghadi in the campaign, focusing on reviewing key government welfare schemes such as the Chief Minister's Majhi Ladki Bahin Yojana, Lek Ladki Yojana, and free education for girls. We will ensure that these schemes reach the last beneficiary. The Shiv Sena Ladki Bahin Sampark Abhiyan will launch across 18 Vidhan Sabhas, from Konkan to Vidarbha, on the same day, said Kambli. Social soldiers to amplify the campaign online Shiv Sena Yuva Sena general secretary and Shiv Sena Social Media state head Rahul Kanal will lead a team of Social Soldiers on a tour of Nashik, Nandurbar, Dhule, Shirdi, and Nagar starting tomorrow. Their mission is to further amplify the governments achievements across social media platforms and engage with the electorate online. Continuing Jan Samswad Yatra Dr Shrikant Shinde further informed that 50 Vidhan Sabhas across North Maharashtra, West Maharashtra, and Mumbai have already been covered under the Jan Samswad Yatra, and the next phase will commence soon. He challenged the opposition to outline their accomplishments over the past two and a half years, accusing them of inaction. They sat idle for two and a half years, while we worked for the people, said Dr. Shinde. Highlighting development over scandals Taking a dig at the opposition, Dr Shinde criticized those who allegedly indulged in corruption during the COVID-19 pandemic, stating, Those responsible for scams like the Bodybag, Kovid Centers, and Khichdi have no right to accuse the current government. He further stressed the governments focus on development, noting the revival of crucial infrastructure projects. They halted the Metro car shed project, but weve brought it back. Metro Line 3 will start soon, the coastal road project has gained momentum, and MTHL is underway. Our government is working to make Mumbai pothole-free, he added. Addressing recent Mumbai rains Touching on the unfortunate incident during heavy rains on Wednesday evening, where a woman tragically lost her life, Dr Shinde confirmed that the Municipal Corporation has ordered an inquiry. We are taking this matter seriously, he said, expressing the government's commitment to the safety and well-being of citizens. Art is still an effective means to deliver a political message. With this aim in mind, a BJP inclined organisation is holding a theatre festival to fight misconceptions among the Dalits about the work done by the Modi government for them and in upholding the legacy of Dr BR Ambedkar. The theatre festival competition will held in Delhi, ahead of the state elections, to woo the Dalits in the national capital as they comprise over 14 per cent of the population and hold sway in at least 12 assembly constituencies. Entries are being invited for this festival on the theme - 'Ambedkar ke Vichar ko Poorn Karti Modi Sarkar' (Ambedkars ideals being fulfilled by Modi government). The selected entries will then be screened in Delhi around November 26, Constitution Day. The choice of theme is important as the Modi government had been accused of wanting to change the Constitution and end the reservation policy. These accusations by the Opposition parties had gained traction during the Lok Sabha polls which then led to the ruling party suffering losses in Uttar Pradesh and other states. So, BJP-inclined organisations are trying to counter these allegations as the next round of polls ensues. The festival will be organised by Gyan an organisation which was set up to connect youth with the saffron partys ideology. Initially, a group, Youth for BJP, was set up in 2009 to engage with the younger population, which then transformed into Gyan. Dr. Sumeet Bhasin, founding member of the GYAN Foundation, said after the initial presentation of selected plays in Delhi, some of the best ones could be taken to other parts of the country. What is significant about the event is that the organisations with political intent are getting back to the traditional methods to engage with the younger population in the age of social media. Street theatre has been used by cadre-based parties particularly the Left to take their message to the people. Bhasin who also helms, Public Policy Research Centre, a think tank formally started by the BJP in 2013, said it was the first time such a festival was being organised by any party in the country. There are many misconceptions spread against the Modi government. Our aim is to provide a correct picture to the people. What is a better way than a theatre festival, Bhasin said. Bhasin said the theatre festival titled, Antyodaya Theatre Festival 2024, aims to highlight the various initiatives and policies of the Narendra Modi-led NDA government that resonate with Dr. B.R. Ambedkars core ideals of social justice, equality, and upliftment of the marginalized. Through this theatre festival, the foundation is showcasing how these efforts have positively impacted societys most vulnerable communities, emphasizing B.R Ambedkars dream of an inclusive India. The selected themes for the theatre festival include empowerment of marginalized communities, educational reforms, infrastructural development, digital India, social welfare schemes of the Centre. A start is being made in Delhi to address the concerns of the Dalit community, if successful the experiment will be replicated in other states. Amid the ongoing Israel-Lebanon border strikes, Tel Aviv on Thursday ruled out the ceasefire proposal put forward by France and the United States. Israel Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's office ruled out the proposal by saying, "The news about a ceasefire- not true. This is an American-French proposal, to which the prime minister did not even respond." Hezbollah doesnt want you to watch this video. And they really dont want you to share it. pic.twitter.com/aN9kE42a2L Israel Defense Forces (@IDF) September 26, 2024 ALSO READ | Truce? Amid IDF's ground invasion threat, a ceasefire proposal in the making Netanyahu had directed the Israel Defence Forces to "continue the fighting with full force." IAF fighter jets struck infrastructure along the Syria-Lebanon border used by Hezbollah to transfer weapons from Syria to Hezbollah in Lebanon, which the terrorist army used against Israeli civilians. The IDF will continue to strike and act against the Hezbollah terrorist pic.twitter.com/rZ9JaueH4I Israel Defense Forces (@IDF) September 26, 2024 Earlier in the day, the US and France had said they had proposed a 21-day ceasefire across the border. Reportedly, the ceasefire would apply to the Israel-Lebanon 'Blue Line' - the demarcation line between Lebanon and Israel. Joining Netanyahu's statement, Israel's foreign minister Israel Katz said there will be no ceasefire in the north. "We will continue to fight against the terrorist organisation Hezbollah with all our might until victory and the safe return of the residents of the north to their homes," said Katz. Over 600 people have been killed so far since Israel began its intense airstrikes targeting Hezbollah groups on Monday. Aiming for a ceasefire, the joint statement issued by US President Joe Biden and French counterpart Emmanuel Macron said, "It is time for a settlement on the Israel-Lebanon border that ensures safety and security to enable civilians to return to their homes." Israel launched its heaviest strikes against Lebanon since 2006 Last week, Israel launched its heaviest air strikes against Lebanon since a 2006 war. Hezbollah has fired hundreds of missiles at targets in Israel including, Tel Aviv. Thousands of civilians fled from southern Lebanon in the wake of the intensified attacks. Israel's army chief had hinted at the possibility of a ground assault on Lebanon. According to Lebanon's transport minister Ali Hamieh, at least 23 Syrians were killed in an Israeli strike along its border. Israel's military had claimed that it has targeted "infrastructure along the Syria-Lebanon border used by Hezbollah to transfer weapons from Syria to Hezbollah in Lebanon, which the terrorist organisation used against Israeli civilians." As Israel Defence Forces (IDF) threatens to launch a ground invasion in Lebanon after two days of airstrikes, France and the US have said that they have mooted a 21-day ceasefire across the Israel-Lebanon border. Though no significant progress has been made so far, a senior US official has said that both Israel and Lebanon will "decide within hours" whether to accept the proposal. The official told Reuters that the ceasefire would apply to the Israel-Lebanon "Blue Line," the demarcation line between Lebanon and Israel. He added that US President Joe Biden had been discussing ceasefire "in almost every conversation he had with world leaders" at the United Nations General Assembly this week. "Based on discussions with Israelis and Lebanese, the U.S. and its allies felt this was the right time for a call for a ceasefire," the official added. Secondary Explosions = Stored Munitions It's basic. Secondary explosions occur because we are precisely targeting the munitions of Hezbollah that are aimed at killing our civilians. pic.twitter.com/HvgbEkps2L Israel Defense Forces (@IDF) September 25, 2024 Though the specifics of the proposal were not complete, Biden's national security adviser Jake Sullivan and senior advisers Brett McGurk and Amos Hochstein are engaged in discussions with Middle East allies in this regard. France's foreign minister Jean-Nol Barrot told the UN Security Council on Wednesday that the proposal would be released shortly. "We are counting on both parties to accept it without delay," he said. The US official added that both countries will decide within hours whether to join the proposal but reports quoting an Israeli official said Israel Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has already given the green light to pursue the deal. While Lebanese Prime Minister Najib Mikati welcomed the call for a ceasefire, Iran's Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi told reporters that his country supported Hezbollah and would not remain indifferent if the conflict in Lebanon spiralled. A Lebanese official too claimed that a deal was not wishful thinking and hinted that the deal, if reached, would start with a four-week ceasefire. The ceasefire call comes amid the statement by IDF chief Lt Gen Herzi Halevi that a ground invasion in Lebanon is in the offing. "You hear the jets overhead; we have been striking all day. This is both to prepare the ground for your possible entry and to continue degrading Hezbollah," Halevi said. Though there is no other confirmation in this regard, the IDF has called up two reserve brigades to the Northern border. "We keep striking and hitting them everywhere," Halevi told soldiers - in a statement quoted by the IDF. "The goal is very clear - to safely return the residents of the north. To achieve that, we are preparing the process of a manoeuvre, which means your military boots... will enter enemy territory." After a woman died by suicide using the Sarco pod, a euthanasia capsule, in a Swiss forest, the local authorities have arrested several people in connection with the death. The deceased was identified as a 64-year-old American woman who had been suffering from a compromised immune system. Assisted suicide is legal in Switzerland. However, Swiss minister Elisabeth Baume-Schneider said the suicide pod failed to meet the requirements of product safety law and the using nitrogen for euthanasia is not legally compliant. Who invented Sarco pod? The Sarco pod, which is short for sarcophagus, is commonly referred to as suicide pod. It was invented by Australian euthanasia advocate Philip Nitschke in 2017. He designed it with the help of Dutch industrial designer Alexander Bannink. How Sarco pod works? The self-operated machine delivers 'a peaceful, quick and dignified death'. Once a person enters the pod, they have to answer a few questions. Following this, the person has to push a button. This reduces the oxygen level and releases nitrogen gas into the sealed chamber. This causes the person to fall asleep and die by suffocation within minutes. Sarco had earlier consulted legal expert Daniel Huerlimann, who is an assistant professor at the University of St Gallen, over legality of the suicide pod in Switzerland. According to him, the Sarco was not a medical device and hence it does not come under the purview of the Swiss Therapeutic Products Act. Nitschke had earlier hinted that use of nitrogen may not be acceptable in Europe due to negative connotations of the Holocaust, adding that some have called it a "glorified gas chamber". When the militant group Hezbollah shot a ballistic missile at the Mossad headquarters in Tel Aviv on Wednesday for the first time since the war began, it was aiming to send a message. According to a statement from the group, the missile was sent to retaliate for the pager explosions that shook Lebanon last week. Though Israel's air defence system intercepted the missile, it did send panic waves across Tel Aviv and Central Israel. "Its only one missile, so its more than likely to be a message from Hezbollah that they still have ballistic missile capability," according to Al Jazeera. The residents of Netanya, a city in Central Israel, were startled by sirens echoing through the city, which sent them fleeing to shelters. "I woke up in a panic and ran with the kids to the shelter," Michal Nechmani, a resident, told Ynet. "Since the war started, we havent had a siren, so we were calm, thinking it wouldnt reach us. People always joked that Hamas and Hezbollah are afraid of people in Netanya. This morning we realised thats not the case. There were moments of fear, but we quickly understood there were no casualties, and they were holding school so we returned to our routine," he added. Why Qader-1? Qader-1 had a range of 190 kilometres and a warhead weighing 500 kilograms, the militant group claimed. In a short video boasting about its capabilities, Hezbollah said the group employed a "new hypersonic ballistic missile" in a "specific military operation" targeting the Tel Aviv area, in a statement from the group's military spokesperson. Though the group claims that the missile struck Tel Aviv, Israel claims it was intercepted by Israels medium-range Arrow air defence system, and no damage or injuries were caused. Hezbollah shows its Qader-1 ballistic missile fired on Tel Aviv. Range: 190 km. Diameter: 620 mm Length: 7,665 mm Total weight: 2,870 kg Total weight of the warhead: 500 kg Simply, downgraded variant of Iran's Fateh-110 ballistic missile. pic.twitter.com/T2NU1rhXIW Clash Report (@clashreport) September 25, 2024 The ballistic missile reportedly carried a 500-kilogram warhead, according to the terror group. "It crossed a distance of 2,040 km in 11 and a half minutes and caused a state of fear and panic among the Zionists, as more than two million Zionists headed to shelters for the first time in the history of the Israeli enemy," the military spokesperson added. Qader-1 is a tactical short-range surface-to-surface ballistic missile equipped with a manoeuvrable reentry vehicle (MaRV), weighing 2,870 kg. These weapons are equipped with guidance systems and other electronics, which sets them apart from unguided rocket artillery like Katyusha and Fadi. It is also difficult to intercept considering on Wednesday, Israel's Arrow system failed to bring the missile down before entering Israeli airspace. It however intercepted it later. The Iron Dome's Tamir interceptors would be futile in a possible face-off. LJUBLJANA, Sept. 26 (Xinhua) -- China holds the "most reasonable and promising views" on the international situation, global relations and the state of international community, Slovenia's former President Danilo Turk said. "China is one of the most important states in all aspects, not only politically, but also in terms of economy, technology, science and more," Turk said in a recent telephone interview with Xinhua. Turk, a professor of international law, served as Slovenia's president from 2007 to 2012. He mentioned his upcoming participation in the China International Friendship Conference next month, where he looks forward to engaging in interesting discussions and exploring new ideas. China has launched three significant global initiatives focused on development, security, and global civilization, Turk noted. However, he emphasized that some of China's ideas are not fully understood in all parts of the world, underscoring the need for further discussion and dialogue to enhance understanding of these initiatives. China is at the center of global developments in many ways, as it introduces "constructive, interesting, and potentially successful" ideas, he said. China's initiative to build a community with a shared future for mankind is one of the cornerstone principles of Chinese foreign policy and a key pillar for the future organization of the international community, he added. He described the initiative as offering an alternative to the numerous conflicts currently affecting the world, presenting instead "a world of shared future" and reflecting the idea that "the future is something that is being built together." The 75th anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China demonstrates that the Chinese population has an unbelievable power, which has enabled it to grasp the circumstances and the need for development over the past decades, allowing reforms to yield rapid results, he said. Following a phase of widespread industrialization that established China as "the main factory of the world," the country is now entering another stage of development where quality takes precedence over quantity, he added. "Quality demands technological advancement and innovation in all areas, including environmental protection, where China is now leading the way," Turk said, adding that the results demonstrate the success of Chinese leadership. He said China is capable of establishing clear and well-considered priorities. "The Communist Party of China has demonstrated an ability to recognize new realities, understand the New Era, and guide development from intensive production towards a more technological, innovative, and environmentally sustainable path," Turk said. Based on observations from abroad, "China's orientation is clear and promises further results," he added. According to Turk, China's initiative of rejuvenation of the Chinese nation to the world demonstrates its openness. Supporting China's idea of opening up to international tourism, he said people need to see and have contacts with China,by visiting the country, participating in its education programs, setting up business connections and attending professional conferences -- essentially anything that encourages communication. American and Filipino security officials have agreed to keep a U.S. mid-range missile system in the northern Philippines indefinitely to boost deterrence despite Chinas expressions of alarm, two Philippine officials said Wednesday. The U.S. Army transported the Typhon missile system, a land-based weapon that can fire the Standard Missile-6 and the Tomahawk Land Attack Missile, to the northern Philippines as part of combat exercises in April with Philippine troops and to test its deployability aboard an Air Force aircraft. Tomahawk missiles can travel over 1,000 miles (1,600 kilometers), which places China within their target range. Officials are considering keeping the missile system in the northern Philippines up to April next year, when U.S. and Philippine forces are scheduled to hold their annual Balikatan Tagalog for shoulder-to-shoulder large-scale combat exercises, he said. The two officials spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to discuss the sensitive U.S. missile deployment publicly. There was no immediate immediate comment from U.S. officials. Chinese diplomats have repeatedly conveyed their alarm to the Philippine government, warning that the deployment of the missile system could destabilize the region. A Philippine army spokesperson said earlier that the system was scheduled to be removed from the country by the end of this month. Philippine Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. refused to confirm or deny the extension. But Teodoro rejected Chinas demands as interference in the Philippines internal affairs, speaking to reporters Tuesday on the sidelines of an Asian defense industry exhibition in Manila. China is saying that they are alarmed but that is interference into our internal affairs. They are using reverse psychology in order to deter us from building up our defensive capabilities, Teodoro said. Before they start talking, why dont they lead by example? Destroy their nuclear arsenal, remove all their ballistic missile capabilities, get out of the West Philippines Sea and get out of Mischief Reef, Teodoro said. I mean, dont throw stones when you live in a glass house. Teodoro used the Philippine name for the disputed South China Sea and for a contested reef off the western Philippines that Chinese forces seized in 1995 and is now one of seven missile-protected island bases China maintains in the disputed waters. Philippine military chief Gen. Romeo Brawner Jr. said he has asked U.S. military officials to keep the missile system in the Philippines, but declined to say what was their response. If I were given the choice, I would like to have the Typhon here in the Philippines forever because we need it for our defense, Brawner told reporters. Last month, Philippine Foreign Secretary Enrique Manalo said his Chinese counterpart Wang Yi expressed Chinas very dramatic concern over the U.S. mid-range missile deployment to the Philippines during their recent talks in Laos on the sidelines of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations meetings with Asian and Western countries. Manalo said Wang warned the presence of the U.S. missile system could be destabilizing, but he said that he disagreed. Theyre not destabilizing and the missile system was only in the Philippines temporarily, Manalo said he told Wang. Although the missile system was transported to the Philippines for joint combat exercises in April, it was not fired during the joint drills by the longtime treaty allies, according to Philippine and U.S. military officials. China has strongly opposed increased U.S. military deployments to the region, including to the Philippines, saying they could endanger regional stability and peace. The U.S. and the Philippines have repeatedly condemned Chinas increasingly assertive actions to fortify its territorial claims in the South China Sea, where hostilities have flared since last year with repeated clashes between Chinese and Philippine coast guard forces and accompanying vessels. Aside from China and the Philippines, Vietnam, Malaysia, Brunei and Taiwan also have overlapping claims in the busy waterway, a key global and security route which is also believed to be sitting atop vast undersea deposits of gas and oil. (AP) Coca-Cola Co. is discontinuing its newest permanent flavor a little more than seven months after putting it on the market. The beverage giant said Wednesday that Coca-Cola Spiced and Coca-Cola Spiced Zero Sugar will be phased out and replaced with a new flavor that will be introduced next year. Were always looking at what our consumers like and adjusting our range of products, the Atlanta-based company said in a statement. Coca-Cola Spiced went on sale in the U.S. and Canada on Feb. 19. At the time, the company said it would be the first new permanent addition to its North American portfolio in three years. Coca-Cola didnt elaborate Wednesday on what went wrong, but it might have been the name. Coca-Cola Spiced doesnt have much heat; it mostly tastes like raspberry. Or it may have gone to market too quickly. Coca-Colas North American marketing chief Shakir Moin told The Associated Press in February that Coca-Cola Spiced was developed in just seven weeks. It usually takes a year for Coke to come up with a new beverage. Consumers are moving faster. The market is moving forward faster. Weve got to be faster than the speed of the market, Moin said. Coke has been exploring ways to get younger drinkers excited about its signature cola. In 2022, it launched Coca-Cola Creations, a series of eight limited-edition Coke flavors in colorful cans and bottles. Hints of coconut, strawberry, watermelon and other flavors were added to the drinks. Last month, it launched a limited-edition Oreo-flavored Coke with special black-and-white packaging. Atlanta-based Coke is also leaning more heavily into alcoholic drinks. The companys first U.S. alcoholic beverage, Topo Chico Hard Seltzer, came out in 2021. Earlier this month, Coke and Bacardi Limited announced an agreement to bring a premixed rum-and-Coke cocktail to Europe and Mexico next year. (AP) House Speaker Mike Johnson is calling on Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy to fire his countrys ambassador to the U.S. as Republicans criticize the war-torn leaders visit to a swing-state Pennsylvania site producing munitions for the Russia-Ukraine war as a political stunt. The Republican Johnsons demand Wednesday came as Zelenskyy addressed the United Nations in New York on the eve of his visit to Washington, D.C., where he has plans Thursday to brief lawmakers on Capitol Hill about the war effort before meeting with President Joe Biden at the White House. The tour was clearly a partisan campaign event designed to help Democrats and is clearly election interference, Johnson wrote in a letter to Zelenskyy. Johnson, who is close to Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump, said no Republicans were invited to the plant tour arranged by Ambassador Oksana Markarova to Scranton, Pennsylvania, which is Bidens hometown. Johnson called the visit an intentionally political move and said it has caused Republicans to lose trust in Ambassador Markarovas ability to fairly and effectively serve as a diplomat in this country. She should be removed from her post immediately. The speakers stern demand for the swift removal of Markarova, a well-received diplomat in Washington who has been a fixture on Capitol Hill since the outset of the war even sitting as a guest in the House visitors gallery during pivotal speeches comes at a daunting time for Ukraine as Zelenskyy works to ensure U.S. support for the war effort in an election year. While Biden and Democrats in Congress have largely stood with Ukraine since the outset of the Russian invasion in 2022, sending billions in U.S. aid to buy weaponry and support services, Republicans have split deeply. Trump has turned the GOP toward a new America First movement that generally prefers to limit U.S. involvement overseas, and he often speaks admirably of Russia and its president, Vladmir Putin. Johnson said that support for ending Russias war against Ukraine continues to be bipartisan, but our relationship is unnecessarily tested, noting comments from the Ukraine government about the top of the Trump-Vance presidential ticket. Trump in his own speech Wednesday lashed out at Zelenskyy and said the people of Ukraine are dead and the country itself demolished, raising fresh questions about the level of U.S. support the former president would provide to help Ukraine fight Russia if he returns to the White House. Later Johnson, who said he wont be meeting Thursday with Zelenskyy at the Capitol, said the ambassador crossed the line and the situation requires immediate attention and action. Zelenskyy on Sunday visited the Pennsylvania ammunition factory to thank the workers who are producing one of the most critically needed munitions for his countrys fight to fend off Russian ground forces. 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. Ukraine has already received more than 3 million of them from the U.S. Joining for the visit were the states leading Democrats, Gov. Josh Shapiro, Sen. Bob Casey and the areas Rep. Matt Cartwright, but it is not clear if any Republicans were invited. It is in places like this where you can truly feel that the democratic world can prevail, Zelenskyy wrote on X. Thanks to people like these in Ukraine, in America, and in all partner countries who work tirelessly to ensure that life is protected. The visit sparked swift reprisals from the Republicans. Rep. James Comer, the Republican chairman of the House Oversight Committee, announced Wednesday he was opening an investigation into whether the Biden-Harris administration used taxpayer-funded resources to fly Zelenskyy to Pennsylvania as a campaign event for Vice President Kamala Harris, who is the Democratic nominee for president. The Committee seeks to determine whether the Biden-Harris Administration attempted to use a foreign leader to benefit Vice President Harriss presidential campaign and, if so, necessarily committed an abuse of power, he wrote in letters to Biden, the White House counsel and others in the administration. Senate Republicans, even those who had supported aid for Ukraine, roundly criticized Zelenskyy on Wednesday. He really messed up, said Sen. Markwayne Mullin, an Oklahoma Republican. However, Sen. Roger Wicker, the top Republican on the Senate Armed Services Committee and a firm backer of Ukraine, suggested that Zelenskyys visit was not as partisan as it appeared. Wicker was also planning to meet with the Ukrainian president at the Capitol Thursday. If President Zelenskyy came to Mississippi, he would be accompanied by Republican officials because thats who the people in their wisdom elected, he said. (AP) A man set off an explosive device in the lobby of a California courthouse on Wednesday, injuring five people and prompting the shutdown of the court complex and other city buildings, officials said. A suspect was detained following the explosion that was reported shortly after 8:45 a.m. at the Santa Maria Courthouse in Santa Maria, sheriffs officials said. The small city of about 110,000 people is in Santa Barbara County, in Californias central coast region. Scene remains active. Please continue to avoid the area, county sheriffs spokesperson Raquel Zick posted on the social platform X. Zick later said the person detained was a man and that the blast came from an intentionally set explosive device. She said investigators dont believe there are any other suspects. The bomb team is processing the scene and the suspect is still being interviewed, Zick later said on X. The sheriffs department initially said two people sustained non-life-threatening injuries, but Sandy Doucette, a spokesperson for Marian Regional Medical Center, said the hospital was treating five patients in connection with the explosion. Two were in good condition and three in fair condition on Wednesday morning, Doucette said, without providing details of their injuries. Darrel Parker, court executive officer in Santa Barbara County, said the explosion occurred in the first-floor lobby of the criminal court building, which serves as the entryway and weapons screening point for the broader court campus. Anyone who wants to go to criminal, civil or other courts must pass through there to do so, Parker said. I am not certain that the suspect made it past weapons screening, Parker said. Shane Mellon told KSBY-TV that he was at the courthouse when he heard what sounded like chairs falling over. It was a loud bang, he said, adding the bailiff escorted him and others out. Mellon said he saw what looked like a sweater smoldering and a man screaming while four or five people got on top of him, trying to keep him restrained. I think this could have been way worse than it was if not for the deputies just jumping on top of that guy, Mellon said. The office of California Gov. Gavin Newsom said it was monitoring the situation and coordinating with local law enforcement. The courts were closed on Wednesday and filing extensions will be offered for those affected by the shutdown. Parker said he expects the court to resume operations on Thursday. Patrols were stepped up at courthouses in neighboring Los Angeles County, the sheriffs department there said. Santa Maria City Hall, which is near the courthouse, was also closed Wednesday due to the ongoing investigation, said Mark van de Kamp, a spokesperson for the city. So were other nearby city offices in addition to branch libraries that depend on the citys main library for support, he said. The courthouse holds state and county courts in the city of Santa Maria, which is about 150 miles (240 kilometers) northwest of Los Angeles. (AP) New York City Mayor Eric Adams has been indicted by a grand jury on federal criminal charges, according to two people familiar with the matter. The indictment detailing the charges against Adams, a Democrat, was still sealed late Wednesday, according to the people, who spoke with The Associated Press on condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to discuss the matter publicly. The U.S. attorneys office in Manhattan declined to comment. The indictment was first reported by The New York Times. I always knew that If I stood my ground for New Yorkers that I would be a target and a target I became, Adams said in a statement that implied he hadnt been informed of the indictment. If I am charged, I am innocent and I will fight this with every ounce of my strength and spirit. In a speech recorded at his official residence, Adams acknowledged that some New Yorkers would question his ability to manage the city while he fights the charges, but he vowed to stay in office. I have been facing these lies for months yet the city has continued to improve, Adams said. Make no mistake. You elected me to lead this city and lead it I will. It was not immediately clear when the charges would be made public or when Adams might have to appear in court. If Eric Adams were to leave office or unilaterally ousted by Gov. Kathy Hochul, who holds that power he would be succeeded by the citys public advocate, Jumaane Williams, with a special election to follow for a new mayor. Williams, known for his activism, has been arrested numerous times during protests. The indictment marks a stunning turn for Adams, a former police captain who won election nearly three years ago to become the second Black mayor of the nations largest city on a platform that promised a law-and-order approach to reducing crime. For much of the last year, Adams has faced growing legal peril, with multiple federal investigations into top advisers producing a drumbeat of subpoenas, searches and high-level departures that has thrust City Hall into crisis. He had repeatedly said he wasnt aware of any wrongdoing and vowed as recently as Wednesday afternoon to stay in office. Adams is the first mayor in New York City history to be indicted while in office. If he were to resign, he would be replaced by the citys public advocate, Jumaane Williams, who would then schedule a special election. Gov. Kathy Hochul has the power to remove Adams from office. Hochuls office did not immediately return a request for comment Wednesday night. Hours before the charges were announced, U.S. Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez called on Adams to resign, the first nationally prominent Democrat to do so. She cited the federal criminal investigations into the mayors administration and a string of unexpected departures of top city officials. I do not see how Mayor Adams can continue governing New York City, Ocasio-Cortez wrote on the social platform X. Adams reacted with scorn, dismissing Ocasio-Cortez as self-righteous. The federal investigations into Adams administration first emerged publicly on Nov. 2, 2023, when FBI agents conducted an early morning raid on the Brooklyn home of Adams chief fundraiser, Brianna Suggs. At the time, Adams insisted he followed the law and said he would be shocked if anyone on his campaign had acted illegally. I cannot tell you how much I start the day with telling my team weve got to follow the law, he told reporters at the time. Days later, FBI agents seized the mayors phones and iPad as he was leaving an event in Manhattan. The interaction was disclosed several days later by the mayors attorney. Then on Sept. 4, federal investigators seized electronic devices from the citys police commissioner, schools chancellor, deputy mayor of public safety, first deputy mayor and other trusted confidantes of Adams both in and out of City Hall. Federal prosecutors declined to discuss the investigations but people familiar with elements of the cases described multiple, separate inquiries involving senior Adams aides, relatives of those aides, campaign fundraising and possible influence peddling of the police and fire departments. A week after the searches, Police Commissioner Edward Caban announced his resignation, telling officers that he didnt want the investigations to create a distraction. About two weeks later, Schools Chancellor David Banks announced that he would retire at the end of the year. Adams himself insisted he would keep doing the citys business and allow the investigations to run their course. Over the summer, federal prosecutors subpoenaed Adams, his campaign arm and City Hall, requesting information about the mayors schedule, his overseas travel and potential connections to the Turkish government. Adams spent 22 years in New York Citys police department before going into politics, first as a state senator and then as Brooklyn borough president, a largely ceremonial position. He was elected mayor in 2021, defeating a diverse field of Democrats in the primary and then easily beating Guardian Angels founder Curtis Sliwa, a Republican, in the general election. After more than two years in office, Adams popularity has declined. While the city has seen an increase in jobs and a drop in certain categories of crime, the administration has been preoccupied with efforts to find housing for tens of thousands of international migrants who overwhelmed the citys homeless shelters. There has also been a steady drip of accusations and a swirl of suspicion around people close to the mayor. The Manhattan District Attorney brought charges against six people including a former police captain long close with Adams over an alleged scheme to funnel tens of thousands of dollars to the mayors campaign by manipulating the public matching funds programs in the hopes of receiving preferential treatment from the city. Adams was not accused of wrongdoing in that case. Adams former top building-safety official, Eric Ulrich, was charged last year with accepting $150,000 in bribes and improper gifts in exchange for political favors, including providing access to the mayor. Ulrich pleaded not guilty and is fighting the charges. In February, federal investigators searched two properties owned by one of Adams close aides, Winnie Greco, who had raised thousands of dollars in campaign donations from the citys Chinese American communities and later became his director of Asian affairs. Greco hasnt commented publicly on the FBI searches of her properties and continues to work for the city. When agents seized electronic devices from Caban, the former police commissioner, in early September, they also visited his twin brother, James Caban, a former police officer who runs a nightlife consulting business. Agents also took devices from the schools chancellor; his brother Philip Banks, formerly a top NYPD chief who is now deputy mayor for public safety; their brother Terence Banks, who ran a consulting firm that promised to connect businesses to government stakeholders; and from First Deputy Mayor Sheena Wright, who is David Banks domestic partner. All denied any wrongdoing. While those investigations swirled, federal authorities also searched the homes of newly named interim police commissioner, Thomas Donlan, and seized materials unrelated to his police work. Donlon confirmed the search and said it involved materials that had been in his possession for 20 years. He did not address what the investigation was about, but a person familiar with the investigation said it had to do with classified documents dating from the years when Donlon worked for the FBI. The person spoke with The Associated Press on condition of anonymity because they werent authorized to speak publicly about that investigation. by Rabbi Yair Hoffman for the Sefas Tamim Foundation To subscribe to a weekly newsletter on Emes please email the author at [email protected] with the word subscribe in the subject line. The height of the golden era of the healing baths of Marienbad was in the late 1800s until the Second World War. Many famous people used to visit this resort town including King Edward VII of England, Emperor Franz Josef I of the Astro-Hungarian empire, Russias last Czar Nicholas II, Alfred Nobel, Rudyard Kipling, and lehavdil, the great Mashgiach of the Mir Yeshiva, Rav Yeruchem Levovitz ztl among other Gedolim. Rav Levovitz ztl, who in all probability suffered from an undiagnosed brain tumor, used to visit Marienbad to provide relief from his intense pain and headaches, would visit during the off-season. At the same time, there was an observant British headmaster of a school who attended the baths probably to relieve the extraordinary stress and tension involved in his position. Aside from the baths, Marienbad was noted for its remarkable and picturesque parks, and the two quickly developed a close relationship. The British headmaster decided to open up to the great Mashgiach and told him of all of his intense pressures. He left nothing unexplored, likely explaining how he must answer to an unrelenting board of trustees and a tough parent body, the emphasis not only on imbuing his students with knowledge but also following the new trend of understanding the meaning of knowledge, the difficulties of creating an intellectual environment in a changing era and numerous personal issues. Throughout the headmasters entire discussion, Rav Yeruchem listened attentively. He paid careful attention to every word and nuance that the headmaster expressed. Finally, Rab Yeruchem gave him his advice. His words of guidance were succinctly compacted into two Yiddish words, Zarget nisht Dont worry. As if by some magical force, the headmaster, who also suffered from intense headaches, was suddenly cured. Elated, the headmaster returned to England and made his mark in his stressful but highly important position. But how did Rav Yeruchem accomplish this remarkable change which even the famous baths and parks of Marienbad could not accomplish? Rav Shlomo Freifeld zatzal, the founder and Rosh Yeshiva of Yeshiva Shor Yoshiv in Far Rockaway, explained, This was no magic or charmed luck. Rather, it was something else entirely. It demonstrates the power of an ish emes a person so imbued with the qualities of integrity and truth. The headmaster detected this remarkable characteristic of Klal Yisroels most famous Mashgiach and knew that he spoke truth. The carefully formed loving words of Zarget nisht penetrated into the inner recesses of the headmasters psyche and he knew that he had to entirely reformulate his approach to his problems. With the knew direction, the headmaster had finally received the guidance and direction that he needed. We see from here the incredible power of emes, of taking a hard look in the mirror and realizing that we ourselves are the only ones that can change our circumstances by changing our approaches. Sometimes this can only be accomplished by hearing it from an ish emes a person of absolute integrity that we need to stop worrying about things or blaming others, but just taking responsibility for what needs to be done. To subscribe to a weekly newsletter on Emes please email the author at [email protected] with the word subscribe in the subject line. On Sunday, Israeli President Isaac Herzog and Jerusalem Mayor Moshe Lion unveiled the Swords of Iron memorial on Ruppin Street in Jerusalem, opposite the National Library. This is the first monument in the city dedicated to both the victims of Hamass October 7 massacre and the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) soldiers who have fallen in the war that followed. These are difficult, painful, and bloody days, in which our enemies are doing everything they can to prevent Israeli citizens from living normal lives, Herzog said, opening the ceremony. He emphasized Israels determination to protect its people, stating, We will not rest and we will not stop until all Israeli citizens return to their homes and are safe and secure. The event was attended by senior government officials, Jerusalem City Council members, ambassadors, and bereaved families. Mayor Moshe Lion highlighted the significance of the monument, saying, This monument highlights the magnitude of the loss Jerusalem has experienced, while also conveying hope for better days This shared commemoration sends a message of hope and unity. A kapittel Tehillim was recited by Rabbi Shmuel Slotki, who lost his sons Noam and Yishai in the war against Hamas, and a prayer for the return of the hostages was led by Jon Polin, whose son Hersh Goldberg-Polin was among six hostages executed by Palestinian terrorists in Gaza. The iron monument stands 14 meters in diameter and 5.5 meters tall. It bears the names of soldiers, security forces, rescue personnel, and civilians from Jerusalem who lost their lives since October 7. Inside the structure is a verse from the Nachem prayer, recited on Tisha BAv: Therefore Zion will weep bitterly, and Jerusalem will give forth its voice. My heart, my heart grieves for their fallen; my bowels, my bowels grieve for their fallen. A private space within the monument allows families to reflect in quiet remembrance of their loved ones. (YWN World Headquarters NYC) All hospitals south of Haifa in central Israel received a request from security forces on Wednesday afternoon to raise their alert level in preparation for developments that may require emergency admissions, Kikar HShabbat reported. It should be noted that the Health Ministry clarified that there has been no change in the alert level at the hospitals, saying that the alert level is in the same state since the outbreak of the war on October 8. The report comes as Operation Northern Arrow continues. Earlier in the day, Hezbollah fired on Tel Aviv for the first time, and later in the morning fired on Zichron Yaakov and Chof HaCarmel for the first time. A nursing home in Tzfas was hit by a rocket and two people were seriously injured from rocket shrapnel on a kibbutz near Nahariya. On Wednesday afternoon, the IDF deployed two additional reserve units to the north. Rambam Hospital in Haifa moved all its operations underground on Sunday and all hospitals in the north are operating only in protected spaces. (YWN Israel Desk Jerusalem) Xinhua, China's state news agency, holds a news photo exhibition to commemorate the country's decades-long transformation. Let's approach these outstanding photojournalists and explore the stories behind their masterpieces on display. The IDF is concerned about 40,000 mercenaries and militia volunteers from Yemen, Iraq, and other countries who have gathered in Syria near Ramat HaGolan, Haaretz reported on Tuesday evening. The militants are awaiting the call of Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah to join the fighting in Lebanon. Theyre not elite fighters but Hamass Nukhba terrorists werent professional and we saw what thousands of armed men can do when they raid a yishuv, a senior security official told Haaretz. Its a risk we cant tolerate and if necessary, well act in Syria to make it clearer to Assad that we wont accept their presence there. (YWN Israel Desk Jerusalem) Senior Biden administration officials claimed early Thursday morning that Israel and Hezbollah are on the verge of a three-week truce negotiated by the US and France, Sky News reported on Thursday morning The officials told Sky News that a 21-day truce, negotiated mainly by the US and France, is expected to begin in the coming hours. The ceasefire will be for 21 days along the blue line, the officials said. During that time, the parties will negotiate towards a potential resolution of the conflict that has been ongoing since Hezbollah launched an attack on October 8, to reach a comprehensive agreement along the blue line that will allow residents to return to their homes in both Lebanon and Israel. According to the report, Hezbollah would not even be a signatory to the agreement. Instead, the Lebanese government would coordinate the signing with the terror group. The report was met with fury by members of the coalition and even the opposition, along with the heads of northern cities and communities. Even opposition leader Yair Lapid expressed his opposition to a 21-day ceasefire, saying: Israel needs to announce this morning that it accepts the Biden-Macron proposal for a ceasefire but only for 7 days to prevent Hezbollah from restoring its command and control systems. We wont accept any proposal that doesnt include pushing Hezbollah away from our northern border. The head of the Metula Regional Council, Dovid Azulai, said a ceasefire would ensure the next October 7 and that the government must do its job to remove the threat of Hezbollah and allow northern residents to return to their homes. Hezbollah wants to do exactly what Hamas did in the south on October 7, Azulai emphasized. Members of the Likud party, headed by Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu who is currently on the way to New York to speak at the UN, expressed their opposition as well. MK Chanoch Milwidsky said: Im convinced that reports of a ceasefire within hours are just empty spins. Its doubtful there will be another opportunity to decisively deal with Hezbollah like the current one. I cant imagine the Israeli government agreeing to that. Theres no deal with terrorism. Its a matter of victory or defeat. The Otzma Yehudit party stated: In light of reports about negotiations for a ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hezbollah, the Otzma Yehudit party will convene for an urgent meeting in the coming hours. Settlement Minister Orit Struck said: Theres no moral mandate for a ceasefire. Not for 21 days. And not for 21 hours. Hezbollah has turned Lebanon into a powder keg. [UN Resolution] 1701 has turned the residents of the north into hostages and exiles in their own land. Were not repeating past mistakes. We wont stop until we fix this. MK Gideon Saar wrote: The decrease in air force strikes in Lebanon in recent days and the avoidance of strikes to diminish Hezbollahs capabilities in the Beirut area, similar to what was done in southern Lebanon and the Bekaa Valley are mistakes. The continuity and systematic nature of the operations are essential to destroy Hezbollahs primary capabilities to threaten the Israeli home front. Avoiding this allows Hezbollah to take actions that will hinder the mission moving forward. MK Almog Cohen said: A 21-day surrender agreement that ends amid the elections in the U.S. is a national disaster and is a transfer of the containment equation from Gaza to Lebanon. There is no mandate other than bringing Hezbollah to its knees and pushing it back to the Litani line. Residents of the north will not return to their homes waiting for Radwan Force terrorists to come and slaughter their children. Hezbollah made a mistake, Hezbollah needs to pay. Hours later, the Prime Ministers Office denied the validity of the report, saying that this is a US-French proposal that the Prime Minister has not even responded to yet. The statement also denied a recent Channel 12 report that Netanyahu has instructed the IDF to moderate strikes in Lebanon. (YWN Israel Desk Jerusalem) Dozens of US troops were deployed to Cyprus amid the conflict between Israel and Hezbollah, four US officials told CNN on Wednesday. The troops are preparing for a range of possible scenarios including a possible evacuation of US citizens from Lebanon in the case of an all-out war breaking out. Cyprus was heavily involved in aiding the evacuation of foreign nationals from Lebanon during the Second Lebanon War in 2006. Last month, Cypruss deputy government spokesperson Yiannis Antoniou told Reuters that the island nation is ready to assist again if needed. The UK announced on Tuesday that it is sending 700 troops to Cyprus to prepare for the possibility of an emergency evacuation of British citizens from Lebanon. The most important message from me this evening is to British nationals in Lebanon, to leave immediately and I just want to reinforce that, said British Prime Minister Keir Starmer. (YWN Israel Desk Jerusalem) The number of global terrorist attacks planned by Iran against Jews and Israelis since October 7 has more than doubled compared to the previous year, according to sources from the Mossad, Israels intelligence agency. The Jerusalem Post reports that Mossad has prevented more than 50 attempted attacks worldwide in recent months, significantly up from the 27 incidents thwarted in 2023. Many of these foiled attacks have not been made public, demonstrating Irans heightened efforts to target Jews and Israelis across the globe. Tehran has been increasingly motivated, pouring extensive resources into planning such attacks. Mossad has often worked in collaboration with foreign intelligence agencies, sometimes even in countries that do not maintain diplomatic relations with Israel. In other instances, the Mossad has acted independently. Some of the countries where these efforts have taken place include Cyprus, Germany, Denmark, and Turkey. In May, Mossad also revealed it had helped prevent attacks in Sweden and Belgium. (YWN World Headquarters NYC) Most business eyes this autumn are focused on October 30 and Labours first Budget. At Anglo Americans headquarters on the fringes of the City and in Pretoria, South Africa, the month of November is sharply in view. By then half-a-year will have elapsed since May when Sydney-quoted mining behemoth BHP tried to win control of Anglo and in particular its copper assets, with a 34billion opportunistic bid. Under City takeover rules BHP will be free to have another go. Anglo showed nerves of steel and fought off BHP with a self-help plan. Diamond cutting: Anglo American has pledged to demerge its most high profile asset - the diamond miner De Beers That involved easing the financing burden of the Woodsmith polyhalite fertiliser scheme in north Yorkshire, demerging De Beers, selling down its stakes in South African-quoted mining interests and disposing of coking coal assets for steel. Chinese co-investors have been found for the fertiliser scheme and the group has been selling down its stake in Anglo American platinum. It has been a tense ride for shareholders but worthwhile in that the stock is up 23.8 per cent year to date, although there was a nervy moment in August when the shares briefly dropped below 2000p (20) before zipping up again. Speculation about a return bid by BHP boss Mike Henry is wide of the mark. Various ideas for pressing home BHPs advantage have been looked at by advisers, such as removing preconditions regarding the sale of the quoted South African assets. There should be relief at Anglo that the BHP threat is receding for the time being. That should be no excuse for Anglo failing to execute the plan which chief executive Duncan Wanblad pledged to investors. A big part is disposing of high-profile asset De Beers with a potential split and listing to existing shareholders. Mined diamonds have come under threat from almost indistinguishable lab copies. That shouldnt be a problem. After all, cultured pearls have proved no substitute for the real thing. Nuclear winter Government is all about process and when it comes to nuclear power, given the industrys history, it is understandable that there is a degree of caution. Nevertheless, the time it is taking to launch a fleet of British-engineered small modular reactors (SMRs), using technology pioneered by Rolls-Royce in nuclear powered submarines, is shameful. The word nuclear has barely emitted from Energy Secretary Ed Milibands lips even though it gets a desultory mention in the launch document for Great British Energy. It is terrific that, finally, the Government has picked four companies to advance to the next stage of negotiations, including Rolls. The difficulty is that with every passing day the first mover advantage which Rolls has in terms of regulation and design is eroded an advantage to competitors. When Rolls first unveiled the designs there was nobody else in the race. Now a joint venture between GE and Hitachi is snapping at its heels. Westinghouse, one of the other candidates, previously enjoyed UK ownership, but was sold to Toshiba for 3.4billion by Gordon Brown in 2006. That looks to have been another bit of industrial sabotage. Rolls has ploughed 280million into the enterprise alongside partners including Qatar. It also received 210million of Government support from the Tories. Keir Starmer and Rachel Reeves should bulldoze through the auction process and license it for the job. SMRs represent the best opportunity for creating those new, greener UK jobs Labour talks about. Going low As the West recovered from Covid and confronted Russia after Ukraine, Saudi Arabia sought to maximise its oil revenues by limiting supply in the belief it would keep prices high. It hasnt quite worked. Diminishing Chinese demand and Americas fracking energy surpluses have turned the market upside down. Even major conflagration in the Middle East failed to stem the tide of sliding prices, currently at $70 a barrel. The Kingdom needs income to fund its transformational mega projects. It now plans to pump more oil, to encourage overseas demand and bolster revenues. Thats encouraging for motorists and industrial users if not terribly green. Ed Miliband is under pressure to accelerate the roll out of mini-nukes in the UK after the Government whittled down a shortlist of firms in contention to press ahead with the project. The Energy Secretary was urged to move faster to approve small modular reactors (SMRs), which are cheaper and faster to build than full-sized nuclear power stations, amid fears Britain is being left behind. The calls come after Rolls-Royce was named alongside three rivals for the next stage of the competition to develop mini-nukes in the UK. American firm NuScale was knocked out of the running this week while French giant EDF has withdrawn. Energy security: Energy Secretary Ed Miliband (pictured) has been urged to move faster to approve small modular nuclear reactors Companies were initially told the shortlist would be reduced to four by late August, but the election delayed this. The hold-up has fuelled fears Britain is dragging its heels. Rolls-Royce last week was chosen by the Czech Republic as a preferred supplier of SMRs to state-owned power group CEZ. The Mail on Sunday then revealed Rolls was also in talks with Sweden and the Netherlands. Shadow energy minister Claire Coutinho said: Its clear that Labour are not putting the same emphasis on nuclear energy as the Conservatives. You cant build an energy policy based on wind and solar alone as Ed Miliband seems to want to do, so he must move faster to make sure other countries dont steal a march on Britain when it comes to the next generation of nuclear. Tom Greatrex, chief executive of the Nuclear Industry Association, said: Other countries are getting on with choosing their technologies and we need to be moving at pace too, and that includes selecting the sites and the number of units so we can provide certainty to the supply chain and to host communities. We look forward to seeing swift progress being made over the next few months on SMRs as well as large-scale projects. Rolls-Royce communications spokesman Dan Gould last week urged Labour to move faster. Wed like to see the Government make a decision by the end of the year, he said. The company has been shortlisted by Vattenfall, the Swedish multinational power company, to meet rising demand for electricity. In the Netherlands, Rolls-Royce has signed an exclusive agreement with Dutch development firm ULC-Energy to work together to deploy SMRs. Rolls is awaiting government approval from both countries. US-Japanese alliance GE-Hitachi and American firms Westinghouse and Holtec are still in the running in the UKs design competition, which was first announced in 2015 by then chancellor George Osborne. It was not until 2023 that Government agency Great British Nuclear launched the official design competition. Six contenders were announced in October 2023, with bids submitted in July. It is hoped a winner will be selected later this year or early 2025. A Department for Energy Security and Net Zero spokesman said: We are reversing a legacy of no new nuclear power being delivered, ensuring the long-term security of the nuclear sector. SMRs will play an important role in helping the UK achieve energy security and clean power while securing thousands of good, skilled jobs. Four companies, confirmed by Great British Nuclear, will move to the next stage of the small modular reactor competition and will be invited to enter negotiations. A visitor looks at the exhibits during the preview of "West Meets East: Retrospective Exhibition of Marc Riboud's Photography" at the Hunan Museum in Changsha, capital of central China's Hunan Province, Sept. 25, 2024. (Xinhua/Lin Jianjie) CHANGSHA, Sept. 26 (Xinhua) -- From a wedding held in a textile factory in the 1950s to a man in a suit speaking on a brick phone in the 1990s, a new exhibition featuring the works of French photographer Marc Riboud offers precious glimpses of a fast-changing China over a period of half a century. The exhibition named, "West Meets East: Retrospective Exhibition of Marc Riboud's Photography," opened on Thursday at the Hunan Museum in Changsha, capital of central China's Hunan Province, and features 148 photos taken by Riboud -- 67 of which he shot in China between 1957 and 2010. About 10 works are being exhibited in China for the first time, including a color photo showing a couple carrying a television on a street in Beijing in 1980, shortly after the country launched its reform and opening-up drive. The late photographer was best known for his extensive reports on China and Asia. "Marc Riboud had a keen eye for Chinese society. His works, which have a unique visual rhythm and are deeply humanistic, show different sides of the changing life in China," said Huang Lei, curator of the exhibition, noting that Riboud held a special place in cultural exchanges between China and France. Co-organized by the Hunan Museum and France's Guimet National Museum of Asian Arts, the exhibition is part of this year's Croisements Festival, which marks 60 years of diplomatic ties between China and France. The exhibition will last until Dec. 10. A visitor looks at the exhibits during the preview of "West Meets East: Retrospective Exhibition of Marc Riboud's Photography" at the Hunan Museum in Changsha, capital of central China's Hunan Province, Sept. 25, 2024. (Xinhua/Lin Jianjie) Boyd Gaming Co. (NYSE:BYD Get Free Report) has been assigned an average recommendation of Moderate Buy from the fourteen brokerages that are presently covering the stock, MarketBeat Ratings reports. Seven research analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and seven have issued a buy rating on the company. The average 1-year price objective among brokers that have issued a report on the stock in the last year is $89.31. Several equities research analysts have recently weighed in on the stock. Stifel Nicolaus upped their target price on shares of Boyd Gaming from $65.00 to $67.00 and gave the stock a hold rating in a report on Friday, July 26th. Macquarie decreased their price objective on shares of Boyd Gaming from $72.00 to $68.00 and set a neutral rating on the stock in a research note on Friday, July 26th. Morgan Stanley raised shares of Boyd Gaming from an equal weight rating to an overweight rating and raised their price objective for the stock from $66.00 to $74.00 in a report on Wednesday, September 4th. Bank of America boosted their target price on Boyd Gaming from $68.00 to $72.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a report on Tuesday, September 17th. Finally, StockNews.com raised Boyd Gaming from a hold rating to a buy rating in a report on Monday, July 22nd. Get Boyd Gaming alerts: Read Our Latest Research Report on Boyd Gaming Boyd Gaming Trading Down 0.2 % BYD stock opened at $63.96 on Monday. Boyd Gaming has a 1-year low of $49.34 and a 1-year high of $68.46. The company has a current ratio of 0.83, a quick ratio of 0.79 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.70. The businesss 50 day moving average is $59.47 and its 200-day moving average is $58.44. The firm has a market cap of $5.87 billion, a P/E ratio of 11.48 and a beta of 1.57. Boyd Gaming (NYSE:BYD Get Free Report) last announced its quarterly earnings results on Thursday, July 25th. The company reported $1.58 EPS for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $1.49 by $0.09. Boyd Gaming had a return on equity of 34.29% and a net margin of 13.32%. The business had revenue of $967.50 million for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $909.49 million. During the same quarter in the previous year, the firm earned $1.58 EPS. Boyd Gamings quarterly revenue was up 5.5% on a year-over-year basis. Equities analysts anticipate that Boyd Gaming will post 6.25 earnings per share for the current fiscal year. Boyd Gaming Announces Dividend The firm also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Tuesday, October 15th. Shareholders of record on Sunday, September 15th will be given a dividend of $0.17 per share. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Friday, September 13th. This represents a $0.68 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 1.06%. Boyd Gamings payout ratio is presently 12.21%. Insider Activity In other Boyd Gaming news, Chairman Marianne Boyd Johnson sold 73,130 shares of Boyd Gaming stock in a transaction on Thursday, August 29th. The shares were sold at an average price of $60.23, for a total transaction of $4,404,619.90. Following the completion of the sale, the chairman now owns 1,423,498 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $85,737,284.54. The transaction was disclosed in a document filed with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available through this hyperlink. In other news, Director Christine J. Spadafor sold 1,242 shares of Boyd Gaming stock in a transaction on Monday, August 26th. The shares were sold at an average price of $60.36, for a total transaction of $74,967.12. Following the transaction, the director now directly owns 1,096 shares of the companys stock, valued at $66,154.56. The sale was disclosed in a legal filing with the SEC, which is available at the SEC website. Also, Chairman Marianne Boyd Johnson sold 73,130 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction dated Thursday, August 29th. The shares were sold at an average price of $60.23, for a total value of $4,404,619.90. Following the completion of the transaction, the chairman now directly owns 1,423,498 shares of the companys stock, valued at $85,737,284.54. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. Insiders own 27.94% of the companys stock. Institutional Inflows and Outflows A number of institutional investors have recently bought and sold shares of the stock. Allspring Global Investments Holdings LLC lifted its holdings in shares of Boyd Gaming by 57.4% in the first quarter. Allspring Global Investments Holdings LLC now owns 518 shares of the companys stock valued at $35,000 after purchasing an additional 189 shares in the last quarter. Altshuler Shaham Ltd bought a new stake in Boyd Gaming in the 2nd quarter valued at approximately $29,000. Blue Trust Inc. boosted its position in Boyd Gaming by 58.2% during the 2nd quarter. Blue Trust Inc. now owns 783 shares of the companys stock worth $43,000 after acquiring an additional 288 shares during the last quarter. EntryPoint Capital LLC acquired a new position in Boyd Gaming during the 1st quarter worth approximately $90,000. Finally, Covestor Ltd raised its holdings in shares of Boyd Gaming by 132.6% in the first quarter. Covestor Ltd now owns 1,742 shares of the companys stock valued at $117,000 after purchasing an additional 993 shares during the last quarter. Institutional investors own 76.81% of the companys stock. About Boyd Gaming (Get Free Report Boyd Gaming Corporation, together with its subsidiaries, operates as a multi-jurisdictional gaming company in Nevada, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Missouri, Ohio, and Pennsylvania. The company operates through Las Vegas Locals, Downtown Las Vegas, Midwest & South, and Online segments. Featured Articles Receive News & Ratings for Boyd Gaming Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Boyd Gaming and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. China has established the world's largest, most comprehensive, and technologically advanced environmental monitoring network, according to Dong Baotong, vice-minister of ecology and environment. The number of monitoring stations directly overseen by the ministry has reached over 33,000, the official said in a news conference organized by the State Council Information Office on Tuesday. While about two-thirds of these stations are for soil monitoring, 1,734 are for air quality and 3,646 for ground water, he added. "The system has covered all cities at and above the prefecture-level, key river basins and sea areas under China's jurisdiction," he noted. In addition to the traditionally prioritized areas such as water, air and soil, China in recent years has also built monitoring stations for ecological quality, biodiversity, greenhouse gases and new pollutants, meaning that the country has essentially achieved full coverage in terms of monitoring elements, Dong said. Previously, the monitoring system was dominated by manual facilities. "Now, however, automatic monitoring has become the primary method, with drones, mobile monitoring vehicles, and laser radar being standard fixtures at monitoring stations across the country," he said. Dong said his ministry is now the primary user of seven monitoring satellites, which provide robust scientific support for its monitoring work. Guests visit a Dunhuang culture exhibition during a reception marking the 75th anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China, held in Wellington, New Zealand, Sept. 26, 2024. (Photo by Meng Tao/Xinhua) WELLINGTON, Sept. 26 (Xinhua) -- The Chinese Embassy in New Zealand on Thursday evening held a reception in Wellington, the country's capital, to mark the 75th anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China. The event, held at the National Museum of New Zealand, was attended by over 300 guests, including New Zealand Minister for Ethnic Communities Melissa Lee, members of the New Zealand Parliament, diplomats, and representatives of the Chinese community. This year marks the 10th anniversary of the comprehensive strategic partnership between China and New Zealand. In his opening remarks, Chinese Ambassador to New Zealand Wang Xiaolong said this partnership has experienced historic growth over the past decade and achieved unprecedented breadth and depth across various sectors, creating many "firsts" in China's engagement with developed Western countries, and delivering tangible benefits to both nations and peoples. "China has consistently been New Zealand's largest export market and import source. In 2023, bilateral trade reached nearly 38 billion NZ dollars. Our two countries are actively seeking new heights of collaboration in areas like technological innovation, infrastructure, green development, digital economy, and climate change, while continuing to build on the foundation of traditional cooperation," he said. On people-to-people exchanges, more than 250,000 people of Chinese heritage in New Zealand are actively integrating into the local community, contributing significantly to the nation's economic and social development. They serve as vital links in cultural exchanges, fostering personal connections between the two countries and deepening the much-needed mutual understanding between the two peoples, the Chinese ambassador said. The ambassador believed that China's unilateral visa waiver policy for New Zealanders will further facilitate the movement of people and enhance the warmth of interactions, while China has been the largest source of international students and a key contributor of tourists to New Zealand for years. "Despite changes in the global landscape, the complementary nature of our interests remains steadfast, and our commonalities far outweigh our differences. As the world becomes increasingly complex, it is all the more important for our two countries to enhance understanding and trust and build on our shared interests," he added. For her part, Deborah Geels, deputy secretary of the New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade, extended congratulations to China, expressing wishes for peace, happiness and prosperity for its people. "As our largest trading partner, China continues to play a vital part in New Zealand's trade prosperity story," she stressed. A Dunhuang culture exhibition and a Lingnan-style "Tea For Harmony-Yaji Cultural Salon" were also held during the reception, which attracted people to visit. (1 NZ dollar equals 0.62 U.S. dollar) Guests visit a Dunhuang culture exhibition during a reception marking the 75th anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China, held in Wellington, New Zealand, Sept. 26, 2024. (Photo by Meng Tao/Xinhua) Guests visit a Dunhuang culture exhibition during a reception marking the 75th anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China, held in Wellington, New Zealand, Sept. 26, 2024. (Photo by Meng Tao/Xinhua) Guests visit a Dunhuang culture exhibition during a reception marking the 75th anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China, held in Wellington, New Zealand, Sept. 26, 2024. (Photo by Meng Tao/Xinhua) Guests visit a Dunhuang culture exhibition during a reception marking the 75th anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China, held in Wellington, New Zealand, Sept. 26, 2024. (Photo by Meng Tao/Xinhua) StockNews.com lowered shares of Mueller Water Products (NYSE:MWA Free Report) from a strong-buy rating to a buy rating in a research report released on Wednesday. A number of other research analysts have also recently issued reports on the stock. TD Cowen cut shares of Mueller Water Products from a buy rating to a hold rating and increased their target price for the company from $19.00 to $20.00 in a report on Friday, August 9th. Oppenheimer upped their target price on Mueller Water Products from $22.00 to $24.00 and gave the company an outperform rating in a report on Wednesday, August 7th. Finally, Royal Bank of Canada increased their price objective on shares of Mueller Water Products from $20.00 to $23.00 and gave the company a sector perform rating in a research note on Wednesday, August 7th. Five research analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and two have given a buy rating to the stock. According to data from MarketBeat, the company has an average rating of Hold and a consensus price target of $21.60. Get Mueller Water Products alerts: Check Out Our Latest Stock Report on MWA Mueller Water Products Stock Down 0.1 % MWA opened at $21.07 on Wednesday. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.57, a current ratio of 3.70 and a quick ratio of 2.31. Mueller Water Products has a 12 month low of $12.13 and a 12 month high of $21.51. The stock has a market capitalization of $3.28 billion, a P/E ratio of 32.92, a P/E/G ratio of 1.52 and a beta of 1.34. The business has a 50 day simple moving average of $20.38 and a 200-day simple moving average of $18.31. Mueller Water Products (NYSE:MWA Get Free Report) last issued its earnings results on Monday, August 5th. The industrial products company reported $0.32 EPS for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of $0.22 by $0.10. Mueller Water Products had a net margin of 9.71% and a return on equity of 19.46%. The company had revenue of $356.70 million for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $329.67 million. During the same period in the previous year, the firm earned $0.18 EPS. The businesss revenue was up 9.2% on a year-over-year basis. On average, equities analysts anticipate that Mueller Water Products will post 0.93 earnings per share for the current fiscal year. Mueller Water Products Announces Dividend The business also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Tuesday, August 20th. Investors of record on Friday, August 9th were paid a dividend of $0.064 per share. This represents a $0.26 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 1.21%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Friday, August 9th. Mueller Water Productss payout ratio is currently 39.06%. Insider Buying and Selling In other Mueller Water Products news, insider J Scott Hall sold 135,253 shares of the firms stock in a transaction dated Thursday, August 8th. The shares were sold at an average price of $20.34, for a total transaction of $2,751,046.02. Following the sale, the insider now directly owns 544,029 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $11,065,549.86. The transaction was disclosed in a filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available through the SEC website. In related news, Director Thomas J. Hansen sold 10,791 shares of the stock in a transaction dated Monday, August 19th. The stock was sold at an average price of $20.55, for a total transaction of $221,755.05. Following the transaction, the director now directly owns 102,792 shares in the company, valued at $2,112,375.60. The transaction was disclosed in a document filed with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is accessible through this link. Also, insider J Scott Hall sold 135,253 shares of the firms stock in a transaction dated Thursday, August 8th. The stock was sold at an average price of $20.34, for a total value of $2,751,046.02. Following the completion of the sale, the insider now directly owns 544,029 shares in the company, valued at $11,065,549.86. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. In the last quarter, insiders sold 256,869 shares of company stock worth $5,141,842. 1.40% of the stock is owned by corporate insiders. Institutional Inflows and Outflows Large investors have recently modified their holdings of the stock. Healthcare of Ontario Pension Plan Trust Fund acquired a new position in Mueller Water Products during the second quarter worth approximately $1,649,000. Aristides Capital LLC acquired a new stake in shares of Mueller Water Products during the 2nd quarter worth $1,217,000. Quarry LP raised its position in shares of Mueller Water Products by 341.0% in the 2nd quarter. Quarry LP now owns 5,632 shares of the industrial products companys stock worth $101,000 after buying an additional 4,355 shares during the period. Algert Global LLC purchased a new stake in Mueller Water Products during the second quarter valued at about $1,999,000. Finally, Susquehanna International Group LLP increased its stake in Mueller Water Products by 48.4% during the second quarter. Susquehanna International Group LLP now owns 199,172 shares of the industrial products companys stock worth $3,569,000 after acquiring an additional 64,975 shares during the last quarter. 91.68% of the stock is currently owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors. About Mueller Water Products (Get Free Report) Mueller Water Products, Inc manufactures and markets products and services for the transmission, distribution, and measurement of water used by municipalities, and the residential and non-residential construction industries in the United States, Israel, and internationally. It operates in two segments, Water Flow Solutions and Water Management Solutions. Further Reading Receive News & Ratings for Mueller Water Products Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Mueller Water Products and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Federated Hermes Inc. boosted its stake in Huntington Ingalls Industries, Inc. (NYSE:HII Free Report) by 48.7% in the 2nd quarter, according to the company in its most recent 13F filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission. The firm owned 406 shares of the aerospace companys stock after purchasing an additional 133 shares during the quarter. Federated Hermes Inc.s holdings in Huntington Ingalls Industries were worth $100,000 as of its most recent filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission. A number of other hedge funds have also added to or reduced their stakes in HII. DekaBank Deutsche Girozentrale boosted its position in shares of Huntington Ingalls Industries by 4.7% in the second quarter. DekaBank Deutsche Girozentrale now owns 2,308 shares of the aerospace companys stock valued at $552,000 after acquiring an additional 103 shares during the period. Meeder Asset Management Inc. grew its position in shares of Huntington Ingalls Industries by 664.4% during the 2nd quarter. Meeder Asset Management Inc. now owns 18,322 shares of the aerospace companys stock valued at $4,513,000 after purchasing an additional 15,925 shares in the last quarter. BOKF NA increased its holdings in shares of Huntington Ingalls Industries by 0.8% in the second quarter. BOKF NA now owns 15,415 shares of the aerospace companys stock worth $3,797,000 after purchasing an additional 123 shares during the period. American Century Companies Inc. raised its position in shares of Huntington Ingalls Industries by 42.1% in the second quarter. American Century Companies Inc. now owns 473,778 shares of the aerospace companys stock worth $116,706,000 after buying an additional 140,338 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Daiwa Securities Group Inc. boosted its stake in Huntington Ingalls Industries by 12.3% during the second quarter. Daiwa Securities Group Inc. now owns 4,393 shares of the aerospace companys stock valued at $1,082,000 after buying an additional 482 shares during the period. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 90.46% of the companys stock. Get Huntington Ingalls Industries alerts: Analysts Set New Price Targets Separately, JPMorgan Chase & Co. lowered Huntington Ingalls Industries from an overweight rating to a neutral rating and upped their target price for the stock from $280.00 to $285.00 in a research note on Monday, September 9th. Three research analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and two have issued a buy rating to the companys stock. Based on data from MarketBeat, Huntington Ingalls Industries has an average rating of Hold and a consensus price target of $275.50. Huntington Ingalls Industries Stock Performance Huntington Ingalls Industries stock opened at $257.02 on Thursday. The stock has a market cap of $10.08 billion, a P/E ratio of 14.49, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 2.33 and a beta of 0.52. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.41, a quick ratio of 0.76 and a current ratio of 0.82. Huntington Ingalls Industries, Inc. has a fifty-two week low of $199.11 and a fifty-two week high of $299.50. The firms fifty day moving average price is $268.43 and its 200-day moving average price is $265.11. Huntington Ingalls Industries (NYSE:HII Get Free Report) last posted its quarterly earnings data on Thursday, August 1st. The aerospace company reported $4.38 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of $3.61 by $0.77. The firm had revenue of $2.98 billion during the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $2.84 billion. Huntington Ingalls Industries had a return on equity of 18.55% and a net margin of 6.35%. The companys revenue for the quarter was up 6.8% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same period in the prior year, the business earned $3.27 EPS. On average, equities research analysts expect that Huntington Ingalls Industries, Inc. will post 16.57 earnings per share for the current fiscal year. Huntington Ingalls Industries Announces Dividend The firm also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Friday, September 13th. Shareholders of record on Friday, August 30th were paid a dividend of $1.30 per share. This represents a $5.20 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 2.02%. The ex-dividend date was Friday, August 30th. Huntington Ingalls Industriess dividend payout ratio (DPR) is presently 29.31%. About Huntington Ingalls Industries (Free Report) Huntington Ingalls Industries, Inc designs, builds, overhauls, and repairs military ships in the United States. It operates through three segments: Ingalls, Newport News, and Mission Technologies. The company is involved in the design and construction of non-nuclear ships comprising amphibious assault ships; expeditionary warfare ships; surface combatants; and national security cutters for the U.S. Featured Stories Want to see what other hedge funds are holding HII? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Huntington Ingalls Industries, Inc. (NYSE:HII Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for Huntington Ingalls Industries Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Huntington Ingalls Industries and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Ameriprise Financial Inc. decreased its stake in shares of Bristol-Myers Squibb (NYSE:BMY Free Report) by 10.6% in the second quarter, according to the company in its most recent Form 13F filing with the SEC. The fund owned 17,663,295 shares of the biopharmaceutical companys stock after selling 2,100,379 shares during the quarter. Ameriprise Financial Inc.s holdings in Bristol-Myers Squibb were worth $733,552,000 at the end of the most recent quarter. Several other institutional investors also recently bought and sold shares of BMY. Global Assets Advisory LLC purchased a new position in shares of Bristol-Myers Squibb during the first quarter valued at about $5,161,000. Lincoln National Corp grew its holdings in Bristol-Myers Squibb by 7.7% during the 1st quarter. Lincoln National Corp now owns 42,894 shares of the biopharmaceutical companys stock valued at $2,326,000 after buying an additional 3,052 shares in the last quarter. Chapin Davis Inc. increased its stake in Bristol-Myers Squibb by 22.6% in the 1st quarter. Chapin Davis Inc. now owns 22,544 shares of the biopharmaceutical companys stock worth $1,223,000 after acquiring an additional 4,159 shares during the last quarter. Sierra Summit Advisors LLC purchased a new stake in shares of Bristol-Myers Squibb during the 4th quarter worth approximately $755,000. Finally, Scotia Capital Inc. boosted its position in shares of Bristol-Myers Squibb by 48.6% during the 4th quarter. Scotia Capital Inc. now owns 236,724 shares of the biopharmaceutical companys stock valued at $12,146,000 after acquiring an additional 77,471 shares during the last quarter. 76.41% of the stock is owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors. Get Bristol-Myers Squibb alerts: Bristol-Myers Squibb Stock Down 1.9 % Shares of BMY opened at $49.95 on Thursday. The firm has a fifty day moving average price of $48.07 and a 200-day moving average price of $46.36. The company has a current ratio of 1.16, a quick ratio of 1.02 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 2.86. The firm has a market capitalization of $101.25 billion, a P/E ratio of -16.11, a P/E/G ratio of 12.96 and a beta of 0.46. Bristol-Myers Squibb has a 12-month low of $39.35 and a 12-month high of $59.25. Bristol-Myers Squibb Dividend Announcement Bristol-Myers Squibb ( NYSE:BMY Get Free Report ) last released its quarterly earnings data on Friday, July 26th. The biopharmaceutical company reported $2.07 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $1.64 by $0.43. The company had revenue of $12.20 billion during the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $11.54 billion. Bristol-Myers Squibb had a negative net margin of 14.06% and a positive return on equity of 12.51%. The firms quarterly revenue was up 8.7% on a year-over-year basis. During the same period in the previous year, the company earned $1.75 EPS. Equities research analysts expect that Bristol-Myers Squibb will post 0.77 earnings per share for the current year. The company also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Friday, November 1st. Shareholders of record on Friday, October 4th will be issued a dividend of $0.60 per share. The ex-dividend date is Friday, October 4th. This represents a $2.40 annualized dividend and a yield of 4.80%. Bristol-Myers Squibbs payout ratio is currently -77.42%. Wall Street Analyst Weigh In A number of research firms recently issued reports on BMY. StockNews.com raised shares of Bristol-Myers Squibb from a buy rating to a strong-buy rating in a research note on Monday, July 29th. TD Cowen upped their target price on shares of Bristol-Myers Squibb from $45.00 to $53.00 and gave the company a hold rating in a research report on Monday, August 12th. Barclays increased their price target on shares of Bristol-Myers Squibb from $41.00 to $42.00 and gave the company an underweight rating in a report on Thursday, August 22nd. Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft reduced their price objective on Bristol-Myers Squibb from $53.00 to $45.00 and set a hold rating on the stock in a research note on Tuesday, July 23rd. Finally, Cantor Fitzgerald reaffirmed a neutral rating and issued a $50.00 price objective on shares of Bristol-Myers Squibb in a research note on Monday, September 16th. Two investment analysts have rated the stock with a sell rating, thirteen have assigned a hold rating, two have given a buy rating and one has given a strong buy rating to the stock. According to data from MarketBeat.com, Bristol-Myers Squibb has a consensus rating of Hold and an average target price of $55.00. Read Our Latest Analysis on BMY Bristol-Myers Squibb Company Profile (Free Report) Bristol-Myers Squibb Company discovers, develops, licenses, manufactures, markets, distributes, and sells biopharmaceutical products worldwide. It offers products for hematology, oncology, cardiovascular, immunology, fibrotic, and neuroscience diseases. The company's products include Eliquis for reduction in risk of stroke/systemic embolism in non-valvular atrial fibrillation, and for the treatment of DVT/PE; Opdivo for various anti-cancer indications, including bladder, blood, CRC, head and neck, RCC, HCC, lung, melanoma, MPM, stomach and esophageal cancer; Pomalyst/Imnovid for multiple myeloma; Orencia for active rheumatoid arthritis and psoriatic arthritis; and Sprycel for the treatment of Philadelphia chromosome-positive chronic myeloid leukemia. Read More Want to see what other hedge funds are holding BMY? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Bristol-Myers Squibb (NYSE:BMY Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for Bristol-Myers Squibb Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Bristol-Myers Squibb and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Ameriprise Financial Inc. boosted its position in iShares MSCI USA Quality Factor ETF (BATS:QUAL Free Report) by 21.9% in the 2nd quarter, according to the company in its most recent Form 13F filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission. The fund owned 4,808,994 shares of the companys stock after buying an additional 863,219 shares during the quarter. Ameriprise Financial Inc.s holdings in iShares MSCI USA Quality Factor ETF were worth $821,412,000 at the end of the most recent quarter. Other institutional investors and hedge funds have also recently bought and sold shares of the company. Envestnet Asset Management Inc. increased its holdings in shares of iShares MSCI USA Quality Factor ETF by 3.7% in the 2nd quarter. Envestnet Asset Management Inc. now owns 28,038,014 shares of the companys stock valued at $4,787,771,000 after acquiring an additional 999,735 shares during the last quarter. Cetera Investment Advisers lifted its position in shares of iShares MSCI USA Quality Factor ETF by 141.3% in the 1st quarter. Cetera Investment Advisers now owns 1,677,664 shares of the companys stock worth $275,724,000 after buying an additional 982,323 shares during the last quarter. Scarborough Advisors LLC grew its position in shares of iShares MSCI USA Quality Factor ETF by 1,460.0% during the 4th quarter. Scarborough Advisors LLC now owns 973,510 shares of the companys stock valued at $143,242,000 after buying an additional 911,104 shares during the last quarter. LPL Financial LLC raised its stake in iShares MSCI USA Quality Factor ETF by 5.6% during the second quarter. LPL Financial LLC now owns 13,774,967 shares of the companys stock worth $2,352,213,000 after acquiring an additional 727,760 shares during the period. Finally, Liberty Wealth Management LLC boosted its stake in iShares MSCI USA Quality Factor ETF by 738.8% in the second quarter. Liberty Wealth Management LLC now owns 779,144 shares of the companys stock valued at $133,047,000 after acquiring an additional 686,255 shares during the period. Get iShares MSCI USA Quality Factor ETF alerts: iShares MSCI USA Quality Factor ETF Trading Down 0.5 % Shares of BATS QUAL opened at $178.25 on Thursday. The company has a market cap of $47.04 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 23.03 and a beta of 1.03. The stocks 50 day simple moving average is $173.20 and its 200 day simple moving average is $168.18. iShares MSCI USA Quality Factor ETF has a 12-month low of $71.96 and a 12-month high of $88.63. iShares MSCI USA Quality Factor ETF Profile The iShares MSCI USA Quality Factor ETF (QUAL) is an exchange-traded fund that is based on the MSCI USA Sector Neutral Quality index. The fund tracks an index of US large- and mid-cap stocks, selected and weighted by high ROE, stable earnings growth and low debt\u002Fequity, relative to peers in each sector. Recommended Stories Want to see what other hedge funds are holding QUAL? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for iShares MSCI USA Quality Factor ETF (BATS:QUAL Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for iShares MSCI USA Quality Factor ETF Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for iShares MSCI USA Quality Factor ETF and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. XTX Topco Ltd bought a new position in Terreno Realty Co. (NYSE:TRNO Free Report) during the second quarter, according to its most recent disclosure with the SEC. The firm bought 7,000 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock, valued at approximately $414,000. Several other institutional investors and hedge funds also recently bought and sold shares of TRNO. Mather Group LLC. purchased a new stake in shares of Terreno Realty in the first quarter worth $31,000. Whittier Trust Co. boosted its holdings in Terreno Realty by 123.4% in the 1st quarter. Whittier Trust Co. now owns 610 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock worth $40,000 after buying an additional 337 shares during the period. Ashton Thomas Private Wealth LLC purchased a new stake in Terreno Realty in the 2nd quarter worth $48,000. EntryPoint Capital LLC raised its holdings in Terreno Realty by 80.3% during the first quarter. EntryPoint Capital LLC now owns 941 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock valued at $62,000 after acquiring an additional 419 shares during the period. Finally, CWM LLC lifted its position in shares of Terreno Realty by 58.2% in the second quarter. CWM LLC now owns 1,191 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock valued at $70,000 after acquiring an additional 438 shares in the last quarter. Get Terreno Realty alerts: Terreno Realty Stock Down 1.7 % Shares of NYSE:TRNO opened at $67.56 on Thursday. The company has a market cap of $6.55 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 35.18, a PEG ratio of 3.18 and a beta of 0.90. Terreno Realty Co. has a 12 month low of $50.42 and a 12 month high of $71.63. The company has a current ratio of 2.34, a quick ratio of 2.34 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.24. The company has a 50-day moving average price of $68.31 and a 200 day moving average price of $62.45. Terreno Realty Increases Dividend Terreno Realty ( NYSE:TRNO Get Free Report ) last posted its quarterly earnings data on Wednesday, August 7th. The real estate investment trust reported $0.37 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, missing the consensus estimate of $0.54 by ($0.17). Terreno Realty had a net margin of 45.69% and a return on equity of 5.08%. The company had revenue of $94.25 million during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $89.07 million. As a group, equities research analysts predict that Terreno Realty Co. will post 2.42 earnings per share for the current year. The company also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Friday, October 11th. Stockholders of record on Monday, September 30th will be paid a $0.49 dividend. The ex-dividend date is Monday, September 30th. This represents a $1.96 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 2.90%. This is an increase from Terreno Realtys previous quarterly dividend of $0.45. Terreno Realtys dividend payout ratio is currently 93.75%. Insider Transactions at Terreno Realty In related news, CFO Jaime Jackson Cannon sold 4,998 shares of the stock in a transaction dated Friday, August 9th. The shares were sold at an average price of $68.39, for a total value of $341,813.22. Following the sale, the chief financial officer now directly owns 101,927 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $6,970,787.53. The transaction was disclosed in a filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is accessible through the SEC website. In related news, EVP John Tull Meyer sold 6,145 shares of the firms stock in a transaction dated Friday, August 9th. The shares were sold at an average price of $68.64, for a total value of $421,792.80. Following the transaction, the executive vice president now owns 110,988 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $7,618,216.32. The transaction was disclosed in a legal filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available at this link. Also, CFO Jaime Jackson Cannon sold 4,998 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction dated Friday, August 9th. The shares were sold at an average price of $68.39, for a total transaction of $341,813.22. Following the completion of the sale, the chief financial officer now directly owns 101,927 shares of the companys stock, valued at $6,970,787.53. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. In the last quarter, insiders sold 18,643 shares of company stock worth $1,277,581. 2.40% of the stock is currently owned by insiders. Analyst Ratings Changes Several analysts recently issued reports on the company. Wolfe Research upgraded Terreno Realty to a hold rating in a research report on Sunday. BNP Paribas initiated coverage on shares of Terreno Realty in a research report on Tuesday, June 4th. They set an outperform rating and a $68.00 price objective on the stock. The Goldman Sachs Group upped their target price on shares of Terreno Realty from $60.00 to $68.00 and gave the stock a neutral rating in a research report on Monday, August 12th. StockNews.com downgraded shares of Terreno Realty from a hold rating to a sell rating in a report on Thursday, August 29th. Finally, Mizuho reissued an underperform rating and set a $62.00 price objective on shares of Terreno Realty in a report on Thursday, September 5th. Two research analysts have rated the stock with a sell rating, five have issued a hold rating and four have issued a buy rating to the company. According to data from MarketBeat.com, the company currently has an average rating of Hold and an average price target of $69.56. Get Our Latest Stock Report on TRNO Terreno Realty Profile (Free Report) Terreno Realty Corporation (Terreno, and together with its subsidiaries, the Company) acquires, owns and operates industrial real estate in six major coastal U.S. markets: Los Angeles, Northern New Jersey/New York City, San Francisco Bay Area, Seattle, Miami, and Washington, DC All square feet, acres, occupancy and number of properties disclosed in these notes to the consolidated financial statements are unaudited. Featured Articles Want to see what other hedge funds are holding TRNO? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Terreno Realty Co. (NYSE:TRNO Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for Terreno Realty Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Terreno Realty and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Eaton Vance Limited Duration Income Fund (NYSEAMERICAN:EVV Get Free Report) declared a monthly dividend on Wednesday, September 25th, Wall Street Journal reports. Investors of record on Wednesday, September 25th will be paid a dividend of 0.1323 per share on Wednesday, October 2nd. This represents a $1.59 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 15.33%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Wednesday, September 25th. This is a boost from Eaton Vance Limited Duration Income Funds previous monthly dividend of $0.08. Eaton Vance Limited Duration Income Fund Price Performance Shares of EVV stock opened at $10.36 on Thursday. Eaton Vance Limited Duration Income Fund has a fifty-two week low of $8.52 and a fifty-two week high of $10.50. Get Eaton Vance Limited Duration Income Fund alerts: About Eaton Vance Limited Duration Income Fund (Get Free Report) Recommended Stories Eaton Vance Limited Duration Income Fund is a closed-ended fixed income mutual fund launched and managed by Eaton Vance Management. The fund invests in the fixed income markets of the United States. It primarily invests in senior, secured floating-rate loans, government agency mortgage-backed securities, and corporate bonds that are rated below investment grade. Receive News & Ratings for Eaton Vance Limited Duration Income Fund Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Eaton Vance Limited Duration Income Fund and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Tritax Big Box REIT plc (OTCMKTS:TTBXF Get Free Report) was the target of a significant decrease in short interest during the month of September. As of September 15th, there was short interest totalling 39,500 shares, a decrease of 97.9% from the August 31st total of 1,864,400 shares. Based on an average trading volume of 100 shares, the days-to-cover ratio is presently 395.0 days. Tritax Big Box REIT Price Performance Shares of OTCMKTS:TTBXF traded down $0.02 during midday trading on Thursday, hitting $2.13. The company had a trading volume of 1,483 shares, compared to its average volume of 2,188. The businesss 50-day simple moving average is $2.05 and its 200-day simple moving average is $1.93. Tritax Big Box REIT has a twelve month low of $1.49 and a twelve month high of $2.20. Get Tritax Big Box REIT alerts: About Tritax Big Box REIT (Get Free Report) Read More Tritax Big Box REIT plc (ticker: BBOX) is the largest listed investor in high-quality logistics warehouse assets and controls the largest logistics-focused land platform in the UK. BBOX is committed to delivering attractive and sustainable returns for Shareholders by investing in and actively managing existing built investments and land suitable for logistics development. Receive News & Ratings for Tritax Big Box REIT Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Tritax Big Box REIT and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Sei Investments Co. lowered its position in Chemed Co. (NYSE:CHE Free Report) by 10.1% during the second quarter, according to its most recent Form 13F filing with the SEC. The fund owned 37,179 shares of the companys stock after selling 4,157 shares during the period. Sei Investments Co. owned 0.25% of Chemed worth $20,175,000 at the end of the most recent reporting period. Several other hedge funds and other institutional investors have also recently added to or reduced their stakes in CHE. Pacer Advisors Inc. increased its stake in shares of Chemed by 4.4% during the 2nd quarter. Pacer Advisors Inc. now owns 3,407 shares of the companys stock worth $1,849,000 after purchasing an additional 144 shares during the last quarter. Bridges Investment Management Inc. increased its position in Chemed by 110.7% during the second quarter. Bridges Investment Management Inc. now owns 70,080 shares of the companys stock worth $38,024,000 after buying an additional 36,813 shares during the last quarter. Canada Pension Plan Investment Board acquired a new position in Chemed during the second quarter worth $2,116,000. Intech Investment Management LLC lifted its position in shares of Chemed by 62.7% in the second quarter. Intech Investment Management LLC now owns 610 shares of the companys stock worth $331,000 after buying an additional 235 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Inspire Investing LLC boosted its stake in shares of Chemed by 0.9% during the 2nd quarter. Inspire Investing LLC now owns 5,121 shares of the companys stock worth $2,778,000 after acquiring an additional 48 shares in the last quarter. Institutional investors own 95.85% of the companys stock. Get Chemed alerts: Chemed Stock Performance Shares of CHE stock opened at $595.51 on Thursday. The stocks 50 day simple moving average is $572.25 and its 200 day simple moving average is $576.61. Chemed Co. has a twelve month low of $497.36 and a twelve month high of $654.62. The company has a market capitalization of $9.02 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 32.05, a PEG ratio of 2.40 and a beta of 0.44. Chemed Increases Dividend Chemed ( NYSE:CHE Get Free Report ) last issued its quarterly earnings data on Wednesday, July 24th. The company reported $5.47 earnings per share for the quarter, missing analysts consensus estimates of $5.59 by ($0.12). Chemed had a return on equity of 29.21% and a net margin of 12.88%. The firm had revenue of $595.88 million during the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $599.20 million. During the same quarter in the previous year, the firm posted $4.71 earnings per share. Chemeds quarterly revenue was up 7.6% compared to the same quarter last year. On average, analysts forecast that Chemed Co. will post 21.77 EPS for the current fiscal year. The firm also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Friday, August 30th. Stockholders of record on Monday, August 12th were given a $0.50 dividend. This is an increase from Chemeds previous quarterly dividend of $0.40. This represents a $2.00 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 0.34%. The ex-dividend date was Monday, August 12th. Chemeds dividend payout ratio (DPR) is currently 10.76%. Insider Transactions at Chemed In related news, EVP Nicholas Michael Westfall sold 2,000 shares of the stock in a transaction that occurred on Tuesday, July 30th. The stock was sold at an average price of $561.58, for a total transaction of $1,123,160.00. Following the completion of the sale, the executive vice president now owns 5,990 shares in the company, valued at approximately $3,363,864.20. The sale was disclosed in a filing with the SEC, which is available through the SEC website. In other news, Director Andrea R. Lindell sold 831 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction dated Friday, August 16th. The shares were sold at an average price of $571.51, for a total transaction of $474,924.81. Following the transaction, the director now owns 5,725 shares in the company, valued at approximately $3,271,894.75. The transaction was disclosed in a legal filing with the SEC, which is accessible through the SEC website. Also, EVP Nicholas Michael Westfall sold 2,000 shares of the stock in a transaction dated Tuesday, July 30th. The shares were sold at an average price of $561.58, for a total transaction of $1,123,160.00. Following the completion of the sale, the executive vice president now owns 5,990 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $3,363,864.20. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. Over the last ninety days, insiders have sold 6,744 shares of company stock worth $3,828,231. Company insiders own 3.32% of the companys stock. Chemed Profile (Free Report) Chemed Corporation provides hospice and palliative care services to patients through a network of physicians, registered nurses, home health aides, social workers, clergy, and volunteers primarily in the United States. The company operates in VITAS and Roto-Rooter segments. It offers plumbing, drain cleaning, excavation, water restoration, and other related services to residential and commercial customers through company-owned branches, independent contractors, and franchisees. See Also Receive News & Ratings for Chemed Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Chemed and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Profund Advisors LLC boosted its position in shares of AvalonBay Communities, Inc. (NYSE:AVB Free Report) by 2.9% in the second quarter, Holdings Channel reports. The fund owned 2,202 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock after acquiring an additional 63 shares during the period. Profund Advisors LLCs holdings in AvalonBay Communities were worth $456,000 as of its most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). Other hedge funds also recently bought and sold shares of the company. Principal Financial Group Inc. lifted its position in shares of AvalonBay Communities by 2.4% during the 1st quarter. Principal Financial Group Inc. now owns 4,759,095 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock worth $883,098,000 after purchasing an additional 109,585 shares during the last quarter. Dimensional Fund Advisors LP lifted its holdings in shares of AvalonBay Communities by 0.7% during the second quarter. Dimensional Fund Advisors LP now owns 2,074,269 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock worth $429,145,000 after buying an additional 13,631 shares during the last quarter. Canada Pension Plan Investment Board boosted its position in shares of AvalonBay Communities by 14.4% in the first quarter. Canada Pension Plan Investment Board now owns 1,980,675 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock valued at $367,534,000 after acquiring an additional 249,400 shares during the period. Clearbridge Investments LLC grew its stake in shares of AvalonBay Communities by 0.5% in the first quarter. Clearbridge Investments LLC now owns 1,847,511 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock worth $342,824,000 after acquiring an additional 8,809 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Bank of New York Mellon Corp increased its position in AvalonBay Communities by 11.9% during the second quarter. Bank of New York Mellon Corp now owns 1,183,121 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock worth $244,776,000 after acquiring an additional 126,055 shares during the period. 92.61% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors. Get AvalonBay Communities alerts: AvalonBay Communities Trading Down 0.2 % Shares of AvalonBay Communities stock opened at $229.65 on Thursday. AvalonBay Communities, Inc. has a 12-month low of $160.45 and a 12-month high of $236.26. The stock has a market capitalization of $32.66 billion, a P/E ratio of 34.17, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 3.55 and a beta of 0.97. The company has a 50-day simple moving average of $218.11 and a 200 day simple moving average of $201.94. The company has a quick ratio of 2.03, a current ratio of 2.03 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.71. AvalonBay Communities Announces Dividend AvalonBay Communities ( NYSE:AVB Get Free Report ) last posted its earnings results on Wednesday, July 31st. The real estate investment trust reported $1.78 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, missing analysts consensus estimates of $2.71 by ($0.93). The firm had revenue of $726.04 million during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $718.49 million. AvalonBay Communities had a net margin of 29.61% and a return on equity of 7.16%. During the same quarter last year, the firm posted $2.66 EPS. Research analysts expect that AvalonBay Communities, Inc. will post 11.01 earnings per share for the current fiscal year. The firm also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Tuesday, October 15th. Stockholders of record on Monday, September 30th will be issued a dividend of $1.70 per share. This represents a $6.80 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 2.96%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Monday, September 30th. AvalonBay Communitiess payout ratio is presently 101.19%. Analysts Set New Price Targets AVB has been the subject of a number of research reports. BNP Paribas began coverage on shares of AvalonBay Communities in a report on Wednesday, September 11th. They issued an outperform rating and a $250.00 price target for the company. Royal Bank of Canada increased their target price on shares of AvalonBay Communities from $207.00 to $214.00 and gave the company a sector perform rating in a research note on Friday, August 2nd. Zelman & Associates upgraded AvalonBay Communities to a hold rating in a research note on Thursday, September 5th. Piper Sandler raised their price objective on AvalonBay Communities from $230.00 to $255.00 and gave the stock an overweight rating in a research report on Friday, August 2nd. Finally, Wells Fargo & Company boosted their price objective on AvalonBay Communities from $222.00 to $244.00 and gave the company an overweight rating in a research report on Monday, August 26th. Thirteen equities research analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and seven have assigned a buy rating to the company. According to data from MarketBeat.com, the stock presently has a consensus rating of Hold and a consensus price target of $223.12. View Our Latest Stock Analysis on AVB Insider Activity In related news, CIO Matthew H. Birenbaum sold 5,000 shares of the companys stock in a transaction dated Monday, August 5th. The shares were sold at an average price of $208.90, for a total transaction of $1,044,500.00. Following the transaction, the executive now owns 65,967 shares in the company, valued at approximately $13,780,506.30. The sale was disclosed in a filing with the SEC, which can be accessed through this link. In other news, SVP Keri A. Shea sold 2,000 shares of AvalonBay Communities stock in a transaction on Tuesday, August 6th. The stock was sold at an average price of $207.17, for a total value of $414,340.00. Following the completion of the sale, the senior vice president now directly owns 4,383 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $908,026.11. The transaction was disclosed in a legal filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which can be accessed through this link. Also, CIO Matthew H. Birenbaum sold 5,000 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction on Monday, August 5th. The stock was sold at an average price of $208.90, for a total value of $1,044,500.00. Following the sale, the executive now owns 65,967 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $13,780,506.30. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. 0.42% of the stock is currently owned by corporate insiders. AvalonBay Communities Company Profile (Free Report) As of December 31, 2023, the Company owned or held a direct or indirect ownership interest in 299 apartment communities containing 90,669 apartment homes in 12 states and the District of Columbia, of which 18 communities were under development. The Company is an equity REIT in the business of developing, redeveloping, acquiring and managing apartment communities in leading metropolitan areas in New England, the New York/New Jersey Metro area, the Mid-Atlantic, the Pacific Northwest, and Northern and Southern California, as well as in the Company's expansion regions of Raleigh-Durham and Charlotte, North Carolina, Southeast Florida, Dallas and Austin, Texas, and Denver, Colorado. Read More Want to see what other hedge funds are holding AVB? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for AvalonBay Communities, Inc. (NYSE:AVB Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for AvalonBay Communities Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for AvalonBay Communities and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Profund Advisors LLC grew its position in Nokia Oyj (NYSE:NOK Free Report) by 3.0% during the second quarter, according to its most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The institutional investor owned 115,950 shares of the technology companys stock after purchasing an additional 3,349 shares during the quarter. Profund Advisors LLCs holdings in Nokia Oyj were worth $438,000 at the end of the most recent reporting period. Several other institutional investors have also modified their holdings of NOK. Pzena Investment Management LLC lifted its holdings in Nokia Oyj by 22.3% during the 2nd quarter. Pzena Investment Management LLC now owns 82,524,553 shares of the technology companys stock worth $311,943,000 after buying an additional 15,035,360 shares during the last quarter. Sei Investments Co. increased its stake in Nokia Oyj by 1.5% in the first quarter. Sei Investments Co. now owns 2,674,435 shares of the technology companys stock valued at $9,467,000 after purchasing an additional 40,264 shares during the last quarter. TSP Capital Management Group LLC raised its holdings in Nokia Oyj by 89.2% during the first quarter. TSP Capital Management Group LLC now owns 2,179,467 shares of the technology companys stock worth $7,715,000 after purchasing an additional 1,027,600 shares in the last quarter. Russell Investments Group Ltd. lifted its position in shares of Nokia Oyj by 98.3% during the 1st quarter. Russell Investments Group Ltd. now owns 1,749,327 shares of the technology companys stock worth $6,193,000 after buying an additional 867,297 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Susquehanna International Securities Ltd. boosted its holdings in shares of Nokia Oyj by 13.9% in the 1st quarter. Susquehanna International Securities Ltd. now owns 1,636,996 shares of the technology companys stock valued at $5,795,000 after buying an additional 199,590 shares in the last quarter. 5.28% of the stock is owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors. Get Nokia Oyj alerts: Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth Several research firms have issued reports on NOK. StockNews.com downgraded shares of Nokia Oyj from a strong-buy rating to a buy rating in a research note on Thursday, September 19th. Northland Securities restated an outperform rating and set a $6.50 price target (up previously from $6.00) on shares of Nokia Oyj in a research note on Wednesday, September 4th. Two investment analysts have rated the stock with a sell rating, four have issued a hold rating and four have assigned a buy rating to the stock. According to MarketBeat, Nokia Oyj presently has an average rating of Hold and an average target price of $4.54. Nokia Oyj Stock Performance Shares of NOK stock opened at $4.36 on Thursday. The stock has a market capitalization of $23.97 billion, a PE ratio of 27.25, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 5.27 and a beta of 1.12. The company has a quick ratio of 1.57, a current ratio of 1.82 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.13. The stocks 50-day moving average price is $4.06 and its 200 day moving average price is $3.83. Nokia Oyj has a 52-week low of $2.94 and a 52-week high of $4.52. Nokia Oyj (NYSE:NOK Get Free Report) last announced its quarterly earnings data on Thursday, July 18th. The technology company reported $0.06 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $0.05 by $0.01. Nokia Oyj had a net margin of 1.95% and a return on equity of 7.98%. The company had revenue of $4.81 billion for the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $5.12 billion. As a group, equities research analysts forecast that Nokia Oyj will post 0.36 EPS for the current year. About Nokia Oyj (Free Report) Nokia Oyj provides mobile, fixed, and cloud network solutions worldwide. The company operates through four segments: Network Infrastructure, Mobile Networks, Cloud and Network Services, and Nokia Technologies. The company provides fixed networking solutions, such as fiber and copper-based access infrastructure, in-home Wi-Fi solutions, and cloud and virtualization services; IP networking solutions, including IP access, aggregation, and edge and core routing for residential, mobile, enterprise and cloud applications; optical networks solutions that provides optical transport networks for metro, regional, and long-haul applications, and subsea applications; and submarine networks for undersea cable transmission. See Also Receive News & Ratings for Nokia Oyj Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Nokia Oyj and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. MEXICO CITY, Sept. 26 (Xinhua) -- Mexican President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador on Wednesday defended the recent designation of a nature reserve in the southeast Quintana Roo state, despite the presence of a U.S.-owned company on the land. "This is not an expropriation, it is a declaration of a protected natural area," the president told reporters at the National Palace in Mexico City. The declaration of a 53,227-hectare nature reserve in the municipalities of Solidaridad, Tulum and Cozumel was officially declared in Monday's Government Gazette. The company Calica, a subsidiary of the U.S. construction firm Vulcan Materials, was called out by the president for causing environmental destruction in the Mexican Caribbean under permits granted by prior administrations. According to the president, the decree aims to conserve the region by protecting its flora and fauna. "Imagine, they are taking gravel from paradise because it is one of the most beautiful areas in Mexico and the world, the Caribbean Sea, to build roads in the United States," he said. Lopez Obrador said the company could take its case to court, and Mexico is right in protecting its territory and natural resources. Frank Rimerman Advisors LLC lifted its holdings in shares of The Hartford Financial Services Group, Inc. (NYSE:HIG Free Report) by 3,754.7% during the 2nd quarter, according to the company in its most recent filing with the SEC. The fund owned 2,467 shares of the insurance providers stock after purchasing an additional 2,403 shares during the period. Frank Rimerman Advisors LLCs holdings in The Hartford Financial Services Group were worth $248,000 as of its most recent filing with the SEC. Other large investors also recently added to or reduced their stakes in the company. New Covenant Trust Company N.A. purchased a new position in shares of The Hartford Financial Services Group in the first quarter worth about $26,000. Quest Partners LLC increased its stake in The Hartford Financial Services Group by 2,750.0% in the 2nd quarter. Quest Partners LLC now owns 285 shares of the insurance providers stock worth $29,000 after purchasing an additional 275 shares during the period. Bank & Trust Co bought a new stake in The Hartford Financial Services Group in the second quarter valued at approximately $30,000. Family Firm Inc. purchased a new stake in shares of The Hartford Financial Services Group during the second quarter valued at approximately $31,000. Finally, Benjamin Edwards Inc. bought a new position in shares of The Hartford Financial Services Group in the first quarter worth approximately $35,000. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 93.42% of the companys stock. Get The Hartford Financial Services Group alerts: Wall Street Analyst Weigh In A number of equities research analysts recently commented on HIG shares. Bank of America lowered their price target on shares of The Hartford Financial Services Group from $113.00 to $111.00 and set a buy rating for the company in a report on Thursday, July 11th. Argus upgraded shares of The Hartford Financial Services Group to a strong-buy rating in a report on Friday, August 2nd. Barclays started coverage on The Hartford Financial Services Group in a report on Wednesday, September 4th. They set an equal weight rating and a $130.00 price target on the stock. Keefe, Bruyette & Woods increased their price objective on The Hartford Financial Services Group from $120.00 to $133.00 and gave the stock an outperform rating in a report on Thursday, August 1st. Finally, The Goldman Sachs Group boosted their target price on The Hartford Financial Services Group from $105.00 to $111.00 and gave the company a buy rating in a research note on Thursday, June 13th. Nine research analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating, nine have assigned a buy rating and one has assigned a strong buy rating to the company. According to MarketBeat, the company presently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus price target of $113.22. The Hartford Financial Services Group Trading Up 0.1 % Shares of NYSE HIG opened at $116.64 on Thursday. The Hartford Financial Services Group, Inc. has a 1 year low of $68.82 and a 1 year high of $117.84. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.28, a current ratio of 0.32 and a quick ratio of 0.32. The firm has a 50-day moving average of $111.18 and a 200 day moving average of $104.21. The stock has a market cap of $34.50 billion, a P/E ratio of 13.25, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 0.94 and a beta of 0.93. The Hartford Financial Services Group (NYSE:HIG Get Free Report) last released its earnings results on Thursday, July 25th. The insurance provider reported $2.50 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $2.24 by $0.26. The Hartford Financial Services Group had a net margin of 11.44% and a return on equity of 21.20%. The firm had revenue of $6.49 billion during the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $6.02 billion. During the same period last year, the business earned $1.88 earnings per share. The businesss revenue was up 7.2% on a year-over-year basis. As a group, sell-side analysts expect that The Hartford Financial Services Group, Inc. will post 10.09 EPS for the current fiscal year. The Hartford Financial Services Group Announces Dividend The business also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Wednesday, October 2nd. Stockholders of record on Tuesday, September 3rd will be paid a $0.47 dividend. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Tuesday, September 3rd. This represents a $1.88 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 1.61%. The Hartford Financial Services Groups dividend payout ratio is currently 21.36%. The Hartford Financial Services Group announced that its board has approved a share buyback plan on Thursday, July 25th that permits the company to buyback $3.30 billion in outstanding shares. This buyback authorization permits the insurance provider to reacquire up to 10.9% of its stock through open market purchases. Stock buyback plans are typically an indication that the companys leadership believes its stock is undervalued. Insider Activity In related news, EVP Michael R. Fisher sold 4,088 shares of the companys stock in a transaction dated Monday, July 1st. The shares were sold at an average price of $101.47, for a total value of $414,809.36. Following the transaction, the executive vice president now owns 14,818 shares in the company, valued at approximately $1,503,582.46. The sale was disclosed in a document filed with the SEC, which is accessible through the SEC website. Corporate insiders own 1.60% of the companys stock. The Hartford Financial Services Group Profile (Free Report) The Hartford Financial Services Group, Inc, together with its subsidiaries, provides insurance and financial services to individual and business customers in the United States, the United Kingdom, and internationally. Its Commercial Lines segment offers insurance coverages, including workers' compensation, property, automobile, general and professional liability, package business, umbrella, fidelity and surety, marine, livestock, accident, health, and reinsurance through regional offices, branches, sales and policyholder service centers, independent retail agents and brokers, wholesale agents, and reinsurance brokers. Recommended Stories Receive News & Ratings for The Hartford Financial Services Group Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for The Hartford Financial Services Group and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Azul S.A. (NYSE:AZUL Get Free Report) gapped up before the market opened on Thursday . The stock had previously closed at $2.76, but opened at $3.03. Azul shares last traded at $3.15, with a volume of 612,730 shares. Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades A number of analysts have commented on the stock. Barclays cut their price target on shares of Azul from $10.00 to $4.50 and set an equal weight rating on the stock in a research report on Monday, August 19th. JPMorgan Chase & Co. cut Azul from an overweight rating to a neutral rating in a research note on Wednesday, July 10th. Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft dropped their price target on Azul from $8.00 to $6.00 and set a buy rating on the stock in a research note on Tuesday, August 13th. The Goldman Sachs Group downgraded shares of Azul from a buy rating to a neutral rating and reduced their price objective for the stock from $6.70 to $4.00 in a research report on Monday. Finally, HSBC downgraded shares of Azul from a buy rating to a hold rating and set a $2.70 target price on the stock. in a research report on Thursday, September 5th. One equities research analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, six have assigned a hold rating and two have assigned a buy rating to the companys stock. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, the company presently has a consensus rating of Hold and a consensus target price of $6.59. Get Azul alerts: Read Our Latest Research Report on Azul Azul Stock Performance The stocks 50 day simple moving average is $3.58 and its 200 day simple moving average is $5.16. The firm has a market cap of $1.32 billion, a P/E ratio of -1.27 and a beta of 1.97. Azul (NYSE:AZUL Get Free Report) last announced its quarterly earnings results on Monday, August 12th. The company reported ($1.23) earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, missing the consensus estimate of ($0.60) by ($0.63). The company had revenue of $800.65 million during the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $791.43 million. During the same period in the prior year, the business earned ($0.81) EPS. As a group, analysts forecast that Azul S.A. will post -1.39 EPS for the current fiscal year. Institutional Trading of Azul A number of hedge funds have recently bought and sold shares of AZUL. Quantbot Technologies LP increased its holdings in Azul by 310.0% in the 1st quarter. Quantbot Technologies LP now owns 31,813 shares of the companys stock worth $247,000 after acquiring an additional 24,054 shares during the last quarter. Coronation Fund Managers Ltd. increased its stake in shares of Azul by 16.0% in the first quarter. Coronation Fund Managers Ltd. now owns 24,961 shares of the companys stock worth $194,000 after purchasing an additional 3,450 shares in the last quarter. Inspire Advisors LLC raised its position in shares of Azul by 20.1% in the second quarter. Inspire Advisors LLC now owns 22,463 shares of the companys stock valued at $90,000 after purchasing an additional 3,764 shares during the period. Sanctuary Advisors LLC purchased a new stake in shares of Azul during the 2nd quarter valued at approximately $51,000. Finally, Marshall Wace LLP boosted its holdings in Azul by 2,466.5% in the 2nd quarter. Marshall Wace LLP now owns 598,670 shares of the companys stock worth $2,395,000 after buying an additional 575,344 shares during the period. 0.82% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors. Azul Company Profile (Get Free Report) Azul SA, together with its subsidiaries, provides air transportation services in Brazil and internationally. As of December 31, 2023, the company operated approximately 1,000 daily departures to 160 destinations through a network of 300 non-stop routes with an operating fleet of 183 aircraft and a passenger contractual fleet of 189 aircraft. Featured Articles Receive News & Ratings for Azul Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Azul and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Decade Renewable Partners LP decreased its holdings in shares of PPL Co. (NYSE:PPL Free Report) by 27.6% in the 2nd quarter, according to the company in its most recent Form 13F filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission. The fund owned 194,115 shares of the utilities providers stock after selling 74,084 shares during the quarter. PPL comprises 2.6% of Decade Renewable Partners LPs holdings, making the stock its 19th largest holding. Decade Renewable Partners LPs holdings in PPL were worth $5,367,000 as of its most recent SEC filing. Several other hedge funds and other institutional investors also recently added to or reduced their stakes in the business. Whittier Trust Co. of Nevada Inc. purchased a new position in shares of PPL during the 2nd quarter worth $29,000. Redwood Wealth Management Group LLC purchased a new position in PPL during the second quarter worth about $29,000. Lynx Investment Advisory acquired a new stake in shares of PPL during the second quarter valued at about $38,000. Family Firm Inc. purchased a new stake in shares of PPL in the 2nd quarter valued at approximately $38,000. Finally, EverSource Wealth Advisors LLC lifted its holdings in shares of PPL by 46.7% in the 4th quarter. EverSource Wealth Advisors LLC now owns 1,507 shares of the utilities providers stock worth $41,000 after acquiring an additional 480 shares during the last quarter. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 76.99% of the companys stock. Get PPL alerts: Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades A number of equities analysts recently weighed in on PPL shares. Jefferies Financial Group assumed coverage on shares of PPL in a research report on Thursday, September 19th. They set a buy rating and a $38.00 price objective for the company. Wells Fargo & Company raised their price target on PPL from $35.00 to $37.00 and gave the stock an overweight rating in a research report on Monday, September 16th. Bank of America boosted their price objective on PPL from $33.00 to $34.00 and gave the company a buy rating in a report on Thursday, August 29th. Finally, Morgan Stanley increased their target price on PPL from $31.00 to $33.00 and gave the stock an overweight rating in a research note on Friday, August 23rd. Five investment analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and seven have issued a buy rating to the company. According to data from MarketBeat, the company has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus price target of $33.75. PPL Stock Performance Shares of PPL opened at $32.74 on Thursday. The stock has a 50-day simple moving average of $31.08 and a 200-day simple moving average of $28.99. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.12, a quick ratio of 0.91 and a current ratio of 1.11. PPL Co. has a 1 year low of $22.20 and a 1 year high of $33.01. The stock has a market capitalization of $24.15 billion, a PE ratio of 31.79, a PEG ratio of 2.80 and a beta of 0.82. PPL (NYSE:PPL Get Free Report) last posted its quarterly earnings results on Friday, August 2nd. The utilities provider reported $0.38 EPS for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of $0.33 by $0.05. PPL had a net margin of 10.17% and a return on equity of 9.26%. The company had revenue of $1.88 billion during the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $1.92 billion. During the same quarter in the previous year, the business posted $0.29 EPS. The firms revenue was up 3.2% on a year-over-year basis. On average, analysts predict that PPL Co. will post 1.72 earnings per share for the current fiscal year. PPL Announces Dividend The firm also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Tuesday, October 1st. Shareholders of record on Tuesday, September 10th will be paid a $0.2575 dividend. This represents a $1.03 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 3.15%. The ex-dividend date is Tuesday, September 10th. PPLs dividend payout ratio is presently 100.00%. PPL Company Profile (Free Report) PPL Corporation, an energy company, focuses on providing electricity and natural gas to approximately 3.6 million customers in the United States. It operates through three segments: Kentucky Regulated, Pennsylvania Regulated, and Rhode Island Regulated. The company delivers electricity to customers in Pennsylvania, Kentucky, Virginia, and Rhode Island; delivers natural gas to customers in Kentucky and Rhode Island; and generates electricity from power plants in Kentucky. Featured Articles Want to see what other hedge funds are holding PPL? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for PPL Co. (NYSE:PPL Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for PPL Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for PPL and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. AQR Capital Management LLC lifted its holdings in The Travelers Companies, Inc. (NYSE:TRV Free Report) by 8.0% during the 2nd quarter, according to its most recent disclosure with the SEC. The institutional investor owned 1,150,213 shares of the insurance providers stock after acquiring an additional 85,619 shares during the period. AQR Capital Management LLC owned approximately 0.50% of Travelers Companies worth $233,769,000 as of its most recent filing with the SEC. Several other hedge funds and other institutional investors have also bought and sold shares of TRV. Y.D. More Investments Ltd acquired a new stake in shares of Travelers Companies during the 2nd quarter worth $25,000. Pathway Financial Advisers LLC acquired a new stake in Travelers Companies during the first quarter worth about $35,000. Beacon Capital Management LLC grew its stake in Travelers Companies by 74.2% during the first quarter. Beacon Capital Management LLC now owns 155 shares of the insurance providers stock worth $36,000 after buying an additional 66 shares in the last quarter. Opal Wealth Advisors LLC bought a new position in Travelers Companies in the 1st quarter valued at about $42,000. Finally, Tributary Capital Management LLC acquired a new position in shares of Travelers Companies in the 1st quarter valued at approximately $45,000. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 82.45% of the companys stock. Get Travelers Companies alerts: Wall Street Analyst Weigh In Several research analysts have commented on the stock. Royal Bank of Canada restated a sector perform rating and set a $225.00 price objective on shares of Travelers Companies in a research report on Monday, July 22nd. Bank of America upped their price objective on Travelers Companies from $202.00 to $223.00 and gave the stock an underperform rating in a research report on Monday, July 22nd. Citigroup lifted their target price on Travelers Companies from $200.00 to $203.00 and gave the company a sell rating in a research report on Tuesday, July 30th. Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft boosted their target price on Travelers Companies from $221.00 to $234.00 and gave the stock a hold rating in a research note on Wednesday, August 7th. Finally, Morgan Stanley decreased their price target on shares of Travelers Companies from $220.00 to $210.00 and set an equal weight rating on the stock in a report on Friday, July 19th. Four research analysts have rated the stock with a sell rating, thirteen have given a hold rating, five have given a buy rating and one has given a strong buy rating to the stock. According to MarketBeat.com, Travelers Companies currently has a consensus rating of Hold and an average target price of $227.05. Insider Activity In other Travelers Companies news, EVP Michael Frederick Klein sold 10,000 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction on Thursday, July 25th. The shares were sold at an average price of $211.44, for a total transaction of $2,114,400.00. Following the completion of the sale, the executive vice president now owns 22,798 shares in the company, valued at approximately $4,820,409.12. The sale was disclosed in a document filed with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is accessible through the SEC website. Corporate insiders own 1.33% of the companys stock. Travelers Companies Stock Performance Shares of TRV stock opened at $236.31 on Thursday. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.32, a current ratio of 0.33 and a quick ratio of 0.33. The Travelers Companies, Inc. has a one year low of $157.33 and a one year high of $243.48. The businesss 50 day simple moving average is $222.34 and its 200 day simple moving average is $217.81. The stock has a market capitalization of $53.86 billion, a PE ratio of 17.56, a PEG ratio of 1.24 and a beta of 0.62. Travelers Companies (NYSE:TRV Get Free Report) last posted its quarterly earnings data on Friday, July 19th. The insurance provider reported $2.51 earnings per share for the quarter, missing the consensus estimate of $3.23 by ($0.72). The firm had revenue of $11.28 billion for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $11.35 billion. Travelers Companies had a return on equity of 15.90% and a net margin of 8.37%. The companys quarterly revenue was up 11.7% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same quarter last year, the company earned $0.06 earnings per share. As a group, research analysts forecast that The Travelers Companies, Inc. will post 17.19 earnings per share for the current year. Travelers Companies Dividend Announcement The company also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Monday, September 30th. Shareholders of record on Tuesday, September 10th will be paid a $1.05 dividend. The ex-dividend date is Tuesday, September 10th. This represents a $4.20 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 1.78%. Travelers Companiess dividend payout ratio (DPR) is presently 31.20%. About Travelers Companies (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 Want to see what other hedge funds are holding TRV? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for The Travelers Companies, Inc. (NYSE:TRV Free Report). 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. APG Asset Management US Inc. cut its holdings in Terreno Realty Co. (NYSE:TRNO Free Report) by 23.2% during the 2nd quarter, according to the company in its most recent disclosure with the SEC. The firm owned 495,205 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock after selling 150,000 shares during the quarter. APG Asset Management US Inc.s holdings in Terreno Realty were worth $29,430,000 as of its most recent SEC filing. Other institutional investors and hedge funds have also recently modified their holdings of the company. Mather Group LLC. bought a new position in shares of Terreno Realty in the 1st quarter worth $31,000. Whittier Trust Co. grew its holdings in shares of Terreno Realty by 123.4% during the first quarter. Whittier Trust Co. now owns 610 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock valued at $40,000 after buying an additional 337 shares during the last quarter. Ashton Thomas Private Wealth LLC bought a new stake in shares of Terreno Realty during the second quarter worth about $48,000. EntryPoint Capital LLC raised its holdings in shares of Terreno Realty by 80.3% in the 1st quarter. EntryPoint Capital LLC now owns 941 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock worth $62,000 after acquiring an additional 419 shares during the last quarter. Finally, CWM LLC lifted its holdings in Terreno Realty by 58.2% during the second quarter. CWM LLC now owns 1,191 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock worth $70,000 after acquiring an additional 438 shares during the period. Get Terreno Realty alerts: Insider Buying and Selling at Terreno Realty In other news, EVP John Tull Meyer sold 6,145 shares of the stock in a transaction dated Friday, August 9th. The shares were sold at an average price of $68.64, for a total value of $421,792.80. Following the sale, the executive vice president now directly owns 110,988 shares of the companys stock, valued at $7,618,216.32. The sale was disclosed in a legal filing with the SEC, which is available at this link. In related news, President Michael A. Coke sold 7,500 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction dated Friday, August 9th. The stock was sold at an average price of $68.53, for a total transaction of $513,975.00. Following the completion of the transaction, the president now directly owns 402,164 shares in the company, valued at $27,560,298.92. The transaction was disclosed in a document filed with the SEC, which is available through this link. Also, EVP John Tull Meyer sold 6,145 shares of the firms stock in a transaction dated Friday, August 9th. The shares were sold at an average price of $68.64, for a total value of $421,792.80. Following the completion of the sale, the executive vice president now directly owns 110,988 shares in the company, valued at approximately $7,618,216.32. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. Insiders sold 18,643 shares of company stock valued at $1,277,581 in the last quarter. 2.40% of the stock is currently owned by corporate insiders. Terreno Realty Stock Performance Shares of TRNO stock opened at $67.56 on Thursday. The firms 50 day moving average is $68.31 and its 200 day moving average is $62.45. The stock has a market capitalization of $6.55 billion, a P/E ratio of 35.18, a PEG ratio of 3.18 and a beta of 0.90. Terreno Realty Co. has a 12 month low of $50.42 and a 12 month high of $71.63. The company has a current ratio of 2.34, a quick ratio of 2.34 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.24. Terreno Realty (NYSE:TRNO Get Free Report) last posted its earnings results on Wednesday, August 7th. The real estate investment trust reported $0.37 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, missing the consensus estimate of $0.54 by ($0.17). Terreno Realty had a return on equity of 5.08% and a net margin of 45.69%. The company had revenue of $94.25 million for the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $89.07 million. On average, sell-side analysts anticipate that Terreno Realty Co. will post 2.42 earnings per share for the current year. Terreno Realty Increases Dividend The business also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Friday, October 11th. Shareholders of record on Monday, September 30th will be paid a $0.49 dividend. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Monday, September 30th. This represents a $1.96 annualized dividend and a yield of 2.90%. This is an increase from Terreno Realtys previous quarterly dividend of $0.45. Terreno Realtys dividend payout ratio (DPR) is currently 93.75%. Analysts Set New Price Targets Several brokerages have recently issued reports on TRNO. Mizuho reaffirmed an underperform rating and set a $62.00 target price on shares of Terreno Realty in a research report on Thursday, September 5th. BNP Paribas assumed coverage on shares of Terreno Realty in a report on Tuesday, June 4th. They set an outperform rating and a $68.00 price objective for the company. Wolfe Research upgraded shares of Terreno Realty to a hold rating in a research note on Sunday. Wells Fargo & Company lowered shares of Terreno Realty from an overweight rating to an equal weight rating and raised their price target for the stock from $71.00 to $75.00 in a research note on Wednesday, August 28th. Finally, JMP Securities lifted their price target on shares of Terreno Realty from $65.00 to $72.00 and gave the stock a market outperform rating in a report on Tuesday, August 13th. Two equities research analysts have rated the stock with a sell rating, five have given a hold rating and four have issued a buy rating to the company. According to data from MarketBeat.com, Terreno Realty currently has a consensus rating of Hold and an average target price of $69.56. Read Our Latest Stock Report on TRNO Terreno Realty Profile (Free Report) Terreno Realty Corporation (Terreno, and together with its subsidiaries, the Company) acquires, owns and operates industrial real estate in six major coastal U.S. markets: Los Angeles, Northern New Jersey/New York City, San Francisco Bay Area, Seattle, Miami, and Washington, DC All square feet, acres, occupancy and number of properties disclosed in these notes to the consolidated financial statements are unaudited. Featured Articles Want to see what other hedge funds are holding TRNO? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Terreno Realty Co. (NYSE:TRNO Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for Terreno Realty Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Terreno Realty and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. APG Asset Management US Inc. trimmed its holdings in shares of Extra Space Storage Inc. (NYSE:EXR Free Report) by 3.1% during the 2nd quarter, according to the company in its most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The fund owned 2,554,515 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock after selling 83,000 shares during the period. Extra Space Storage makes up about 2.2% of APG Asset Management US Inc.s investment portfolio, making the stock its 14th largest holding. APG Asset Management US Inc. owned 1.21% of Extra Space Storage worth $388,082,000 at the end of the most recent quarter. Several other institutional investors have also added to or reduced their stakes in the business. Squarepoint Ops LLC boosted its stake in Extra Space Storage by 382.2% during the 2nd quarter. Squarepoint Ops LLC now owns 27,630 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock valued at $4,294,000 after purchasing an additional 21,900 shares during the last quarter. BRITISH COLUMBIA INVESTMENT MANAGEMENT Corp boosted its stake in Extra Space Storage by 60.6% during the 2nd quarter. BRITISH COLUMBIA INVESTMENT MANAGEMENT Corp now owns 40,520 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock valued at $6,297,000 after purchasing an additional 15,295 shares during the last quarter. Marshall Wace LLP purchased a new stake in Extra Space Storage during the 2nd quarter valued at $25,602,000. Bank of Montreal Can boosted its stake in Extra Space Storage by 15.6% during the 2nd quarter. Bank of Montreal Can now owns 232,018 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock valued at $37,072,000 after purchasing an additional 31,331 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Public Sector Pension Investment Board lifted its holdings in shares of Extra Space Storage by 17.5% during the 2nd quarter. Public Sector Pension Investment Board now owns 29,372 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock valued at $4,565,000 after buying an additional 4,378 shares during the period. 99.11% of the stock is currently owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors. Get Extra Space Storage alerts: Extra Space Storage Stock Performance Extra Space Storage stock opened at $181.34 on Thursday. The firms 50 day simple moving average is $171.06 and its 200-day simple moving average is $155.51. The company has a market cap of $38.39 billion, a P/E ratio of 40.39, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 2.67 and a beta of 0.86. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.76, a current ratio of 0.20 and a quick ratio of 0.20. Extra Space Storage Inc. has a fifty-two week low of $101.19 and a fifty-two week high of $184.87. Extra Space Storage Announces Dividend Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth The business also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Monday, September 30th. Investors of record on Monday, September 16th will be issued a dividend of $1.62 per share. This represents a $6.48 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 3.57%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Monday, September 16th. Extra Space Storages dividend payout ratio is currently 144.32%. A number of equities analysts recently commented on EXR shares. Citigroup decreased their target price on Extra Space Storage from $168.00 to $160.00 and set a neutral rating on the stock in a report on Friday, June 7th. Bank of America lowered Extra Space Storage from a neutral rating to an underperform rating and cut their price objective for the company from $172.00 to $155.00 in a research report on Monday, August 5th. Raymond James lifted their price target on Extra Space Storage from $160.00 to $175.00 and gave the stock an outperform rating in a research report on Tuesday, July 23rd. Royal Bank of Canada started coverage on Extra Space Storage in a research note on Tuesday, September 10th. They set a sector perform rating and a $180.00 price objective on the stock. Finally, Truist Financial boosted their price target on Extra Space Storage from $152.00 to $167.00 and gave the company a hold rating in a report on Friday, August 16th. Two investment analysts have rated the stock with a sell rating, seven have given a hold rating and seven have assigned a buy rating to the companys stock. According to MarketBeat.com, the company presently has a consensus rating of Hold and a consensus target price of $170.93. Get Our Latest Stock Report on EXR Insider Buying and Selling In related news, EVP William N. Springer sold 2,000 shares of the firms stock in a transaction that occurred on Wednesday, August 28th. The shares were sold at an average price of $175.33, for a total transaction of $350,660.00. Following the completion of the sale, the executive vice president now directly owns 11,919 shares in the company, valued at $2,089,758.27. The transaction was disclosed in a filing with the SEC, which is accessible through the SEC website. In related news, EVP William N. Springer sold 2,000 shares of the firms stock in a transaction that occurred on Wednesday, August 28th. The shares were sold at an average price of $175.33, for a total transaction of $350,660.00. Following the completion of the sale, the executive vice president now directly owns 11,919 shares in the company, valued at $2,089,758.27. The transaction was disclosed in a filing with the SEC, which is accessible through the SEC website. Also, CEO Joseph D. Margolis sold 7,500 shares of the firms stock in a transaction that occurred on Monday, July 1st. The stock was sold at an average price of $152.58, for a total transaction of $1,144,350.00. Following the sale, the chief executive officer now owns 31,690 shares of the companys stock, valued at $4,835,260.20. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. Over the last three months, insiders sold 18,970 shares of company stock worth $3,172,757. 1.36% of the stock is owned by company insiders. About Extra Space Storage (Free Report) Extra Space Storage Inc, headquartered in Salt Lake City, Utah, is a self-administered and self-managed REIT and a member of the S&P 500. As of December 31, 2023, the Company owned and/or operated 3,714 self-storage stores in 42 states and Washington, DC The Company's stores comprise approximately 2.6 million units and approximately 283.0 million square feet of rentable space operating under the Extra Space, Life Storage and Storage Express brands. Featured Articles Want to see what other hedge funds are holding EXR? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Extra Space Storage Inc. (NYSE:EXR Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for Extra Space Storage Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Extra Space Storage and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. A staff member arranges granite samples at a lab of a construction-purpose granite aggregate project in Jiudingling Mine in Anding County, south China's Hainan Province, Sept. 25, 2024. An intelligent mine management system has been built for the construction-purpose granite aggregate project in Jiudingling Mine, enabling full-process digital production. Operators can monitor various real-time indicator data of the mine and remotely operate automated equipment in the central control room. (Xinhua/Zhang Liyun) Staff members operate equipment remotely at the central control room of a construction-purpose granite aggregate project in Jiudingling Mine in Anding County, south China's Hainan Province, Sept. 25, 2024. An intelligent mine management system has been built for the construction-purpose granite aggregate project in Jiudingling Mine, enabling full-process digital production. Operators can monitor various real-time indicator data of the mine and remotely operate automated equipment in the central control room. (Xinhua/Zhang Liyun) An aerial drone photo taken on Sept. 25, 2024 shows a construction-purpose granite aggregate project in Jiudingling Mine in Anding County, south China's Hainan Province. An intelligent mine management system has been built for the construction-purpose granite aggregate project in Jiudingling Mine, enabling full-process digital production. Operators can monitor various real-time indicator data of the mine and remotely operate automated equipment in the central control room. (Xinhua/Zhang Liyun) This photo taken on Sept. 25, 2024 shows a construction-purpose granite aggregate project in Jiudingling Mine in Anding County, south China's Hainan Province. An intelligent mine management system has been built for the construction-purpose granite aggregate project in Jiudingling Mine, enabling full-process digital production. Operators can monitor various real-time indicator data of the mine and remotely operate automated equipment in the central control room. (Xinhua/Zhang Liyun) Staff members operate equipment remotely at the central control room of a construction-purpose granite aggregate project in Jiudingling Mine in Anding County, south China's Hainan Province, Sept. 25, 2024. An intelligent mine management system has been built for the construction-purpose granite aggregate project in Jiudingling Mine, enabling full-process digital production. Operators can monitor various real-time indicator data of the mine and remotely operate automated equipment in the central control room. (Xinhua/Zhang Liyun) A fully-loaded truck leaves a construction-purpose granite aggregate project in Jiudingling Mine in Anding County, south China's Hainan Province, Sept. 25, 2024. An intelligent mine management system has been built for the construction-purpose granite aggregate project in Jiudingling Mine, enabling full-process digital production. Operators can monitor various real-time indicator data of the mine and remotely operate automated equipment in the central control room. (Xinhua/Zhang Liyun) A driver checks truck loading progress on a smart phone at a construction-purpose granite aggregate project in Jiudingling Mine in Anding County, south China's Hainan Province, Sept. 25, 2024. An intelligent mine management system has been built for the construction-purpose granite aggregate project in Jiudingling Mine, enabling full-process digital production. Operators can monitor various real-time indicator data of the mine and remotely operate automated equipment in the central control room. (Xinhua/Zhang Liyun) A staff member makes a pressure test of a granite sample at a construction-purpose granite aggregate project in Jiudingling Mine in Anding County, south China's Hainan Province, Sept. 25, 2024. An intelligent mine management system has been built for the construction-purpose granite aggregate project in Jiudingling Mine, enabling full-process digital production. Operators can monitor various real-time indicator data of the mine and remotely operate automated equipment in the central control room. (Xinhua/Zhang Liyun) BEIJING, Sept. 26 (Xinhua) -- China's commerce ministry on Thursday announced an anti-discrimination investigation into Canada's restrictive measures targeting certain imports from China. Former Irish premier Leo Varadkar has proposed a two-stage referendum process for a potential future vote on the reunification of Ireland. Mr Varadkar suggested an initial vote where people on both sides of the border would decide whether they agree in principle with constitutional change, and then a final confirmatory ballot once the structures and constitution of the new political entity were designed and presented to the public. Under the terms of Good Friday peace agreement of 1998, the UK Government is obliged to call a referendum in Northern Ireland if there is evidence of a shift in public opinion in favour of unity. In that event, there would be a simultaneous vote in the Republic of Ireland. The peace accord does not currently envisage a two-stage process as suggested by former Fine Gael leader Mr Varadkar. The ex-taoiseach, who stepped down earlier this year, outlined that idea and a series of other proposals as he addressed schoolchildren at an event in Londonderry hosted as part of the SDLPs New Ireland Commission initiative. Mr Varadkar also urged all parties contesting the forthcoming general election in the Republic of Ireland to make unification an objective rather than just an aspiration. The TD, who is not seeking re-election, said he would like to see all parties dedicate a section of their manifestos to the issue. He said the next Irish government should boost funding in the states existing Shared Island initiative and also set up its own commission to examine reunification. He also insisted that a new Ireland would have to be co-designed along with those of a British identity. Mr Varadkar suggested the Irish parliament could sit at Stormont in Belfast for parts of the year in the event of unification. He also proposed that the unified state could have a president and vice-president, one of whom would be from the unionist/British tradition. The former premier said a unified Ireland would also need to strike international defence agreements and partnerships in order to protect its seas and airspace. In regard to his proposed two-stage referendum, Mr Varadkar acknowledged that it could prove controversial. One idea that Ive suggested, and it might be a terrible idea, but I think its worth thinking about is a two-stage process, one where people vote on the idea in principle, then we have a convention that works out the details and the new constitution, and people get to do a confirmatory vote, he said. A lot of people think thats a bad idea, because they want the clear question first, but its not one that I think should be thrown out. Its something I think should be thought about. And Im conscious that the new prime minister, Keir Starmer, actually advocated this approach in relation to Brexit, called for a second vote on the deal. So its not an entirely crazy idea, and one thats been suggested before. While schools from across Derry were invited to Thursdays event at the citys Playhouse, only schools from the Catholic education sector attended. Mr Varadkar acknowledged that many unionists and loyalists do not wish to engage in discussions about Irish unification. He said he would take a similar stance if asked to consider the Republic of Ireland re-joining the UK. But he said a yes vote in the initial in principle ballot might persuade sceptics to get involved in the process of designing the new state. There are people who are very strong and avowed unionists who will never want to have this conversation, just as I wouldnt want to engage in a conversation about the Republic of Ireland joining the United Kingdom, I wouldnt be interested in that, so that is a real difficulty for us, he said. But I do think there are people who come from a Protestant background, or come from a Protestant/unionist/loyalist background who dont necessarily vote for the unionist parties anymore, who might be interested in engaging. They might vote Alliance, they might vote SDLP or Green, or they might not vote at all. So I do think there are people, and Ive met them, who are interested in having this conversation, and theyre coming from a background that traditionally would be Protestant or unionist, but it is one of the ideas why I think there is some merit in considering a two-stage referendum, because if we had the first stage and people north and south voted for unification in principle, I think you might then get a larger number who would accept the democratic outcome, and then might be willing to engage in the co-design of what that new Ireland looks like. Mr Varadkar said the concept of accommodating people from a British identity in a new Ireland did not go far enough. Its really important that we dont just try to accommodate them in a new Ireland, but that we try and design the new Ireland with them, so thats their home too, he said. Somebody said to me once that they really dont like the word accommodation, because accommodation, its like a hotel, or its a B&B, its somewhere where you get to stay, but its not really your home. And what we have to do to make sure a united Ireland works is to make sure that we co-design this, at least with those who are willing to talk to us about it, and we make accommodations or make changes and concessions that I think would work. Mr Varadkar said while he felt that unity would be achieved in the coming decades, he cautioned it was by no means certain. He said that was why preparation was vital, as he warned that a no vote in any referenda would knock the issue off the agenda for a long time. The ex-Fine Gael leader said unification was becoming a more attractive prospect for a variety of factors. He said the opportunity of Northern Ireland re-joining the EU through unification was one pull factor. Mr Varadkar also said the economy, health service, childcare support and welfare system were all in a better state in the Republic of Ireland than in Northern Ireland. So I think were in a very different place than we were 100 years ago, or 50 years ago, or even 20 years ago, he said. The case for unification and the arguments for unification are a lot stronger than they were then, because of the things that have changed. MOSCOW, Sept. 26 (Xinhua) -- Russia will continue cooperation with the United Nations (UN) to ensure access to Russian food products on global markets, Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergey Vershinin said on Wednesday. Speaking to RIA Novosti, a Russian news agency, on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly High-Level Week 2024 in New York, Vershinin reaffirmed Moscow's commitment to global food security, particularly for developing countries in Asia, Africa, and Latin America. As a key player in ensuring global food security, Russia will continue its dialogue with the UN on this issue, said Vershinin. However, he noted that the collaboration between Russia and the UN over the past two years has not yielded significant results. "Regrettably, we have to acknowledge that despite two years of joint efforts, no meaningful progress has been achieved," he said. The high-level week gathers hundreds of heads of state and foreign ministers. Throughout the five-day session, delegates from around the world discuss a range of global issues, including international security, conflict prevention, climate change, and socio-economic challenges. UNITED NATIONS, Sept. 26 (Xinhua) -- As some nations are increasingly choosing unilateralism and militarization over dialogue and diplomacy, the "them versus us" mentality has escalated tensions and eroded trust in the global multilateral system, said Kenya President William Ruto on Thursday at the 79th session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA). "These challenges are complex, interconnected, and escalating at an alarming pace," said the president. From Gaza to Darfur, Ukraine to Yemen, the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo to Sudan, the Sahel region, and Haiti, conflicts are leaving a devastating trail of destruction, according to Ruto. "Climate change is increasingly fueling instability and conflict around the world," he added. Additionally, the president said cybersecurity breaches and sophisticated cyberattacks on critical infrastructure threaten national security and global stability. "We must rise to the occasion, summon the political will, and strengthen our diplomatic efforts to address security threats through comprehensive, coordinated and context-specific solutions," he said. Ruto made these remarks at the General Debate of the 79th UNGA, which began on Wednesday. BEIRUT, Sept. 26 (Xinhua) -- Lebanese Prime Minister Najib Mikati has welcomed a temporary ceasefire proposal in Lebanon unveiled during a United Nations Security Council (UNSC) emergency meeting, and has urged compelling Israel to restore regional security, said a statement released Thursday by the Lebanese Council of Ministers. "The key to its (the proposal's) implementation is through Israel's commitment to enforcing international resolutions," Mikati said at the UNSC emergency meeting on Lebanon Wednesday, the second UNSC meeting on the country's deteriorating situation in less than a week. "My presence here aims to come out of this session with a serious solution based on the combined efforts of all members of the Security Council to pressure Israel to immediately cease fire on all fronts and restore security and stability to our region," Mikati said. Mikati reaffirmed Lebanon's commitment to UN Resolution 1701 issued in 2006, calling on the UNSC to work seriously and immediately to ensure Israel's withdrawal from all occupied Lebanese territories and to stop its daily violations. He also called for an immediate halt to "Israeli aggression on Gaza," stating that its repercussions directly affect Lebanon and the region, warning that the situation could escalate throughout the Middle East if not addressed quickly. "Lebanon is witnessing today an unprecedented escalation, with the enemy resorting to new means, especially electronic ones, to harm people," he said, refuting Israel's claim that its attacks targeted only Hezbollah members and militants. During the UNSC emergency meeting on Wednesday, France proposed a 21-day ceasefire in Lebanon in UN diplomacy with the United States "to allow for negotiations." On Thursday, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's office denied in a statement that the country has agreed to a ceasefire with Lebanese armed group Hezbollah and Lebanese political parties. Meanwhile, Israeli Foreign Minister Israel Katz said on social media platform X that Israel would not consider a truce. On Monday and Tuesday, Israel conducted its most extensive attacks on Lebanon since 2006, resulting in more than 550 deaths and over 1,800 injuries across the country. It resumed intensive airstrikes on eastern and southern Lebanon on Wednesday evening, carrying out about 70 raids on the areas of Baalbek, Hermel, and Western Bekaa in eastern Lebanon. Lebanese Environment Minister Nasser Yassin said Wednesday that Israel's bombardment had displaced over 150,000 residents over the past 72 hours. The sharp escalation has raised concerns about a potential full-scale conflict between Israel and Lebanon, with fears that other regional powers could also be sucked in. NAIROBI, Sept. 26 (Xinhua) -- Kenya is reintroducing abandoned broad bean farming in a bid to boost food and nutritional security for communities and their livestock, senior officials said Thursday. Benson Muturi, a fodder crops researcher and livestock nutritionist at Kenya Agricultural and Livestock Research Organization (KALRO), said the government has partnered with private researchers to sell the seedlings to farmers for propagation. The composite seeds are sold at KALRO centers, according to Muturi, adding that researchers have been disseminating information on broad bean growing to farmers while offering guidance on its proper husbandry for maximum yield. "We sensitize farmers on the bean's benefits during Agricultural Society of Kenya shows alongside farmers' field days and through visits to farmers during their Self Help Groups and cooperative society meetings all over Kenya," Muturi told Xinhua in an interview. Social media platforms are among other platforms being used to reach out to growers, especially the young farmers, Muturi said. The exotic leguminous plant, whose botanical name is Vicia faba, had been introduced by European settlers before the 1960s but was later abandoned by Kenyan farmers despite its high nutritional value. According to Muturi, the broad beans have undergone field trials and have been confirmed to do well across different altitudes in the country, with researchers saying they have performed well in almost all regions in the country. The leguminous plant, a good source of fiber and plant proteins, is planted with one seed per hole and gets to the flowering stage in three months, the best stage for fodder harvesting. It can give a herbage yield of six metric tons per hectare. The protein-rich herbage is mixed with energy crops like maize silage and Napier grass and fed to dairy cows or dairy goats to boost milk production. While the herbage has a crude protein of between 24 percent to 26 percent, the seeds' is even higher, standing at 32 percent to 36 percent, making it ideal for making animal feeds. Due to its richness in protein, calcium, phosphorus, magnesium and zinc, the plant also improves milk quality and enhances animals' fertility and heart signs as well as conception, according to the nutritionist. Magnesium and zinc boost immunity and memory in humans. Broad beans regenerate after harvesting and so can be harvested for fodder severally per year. The plant is for dual purpose and can also be consumed by human beings, Muturi said, noting that pods can be harvested while green in early stages and eaten raw as salads. While dry, the beans can be milled and mixed with wheat flour at a ratio of 1:3 to make wheat products like cakes and buns. It can also be mixed in the same ration with maize flour to increase protein levels in the food. On environmental matters, the broad bean plant is essential in nitrogen-fixing in the soil, just like other leguminous plants. The plant, however, has its downsides as it is prone to attacks by aphids, which can easily be controlled by insecticide spraying. BEIJING, Sept. 26 (Xinhua) -- Li Xiangang, former vice chairman of the Standing Committee of the Heilongjiang Provincial People's Congress, has been arrested on suspicion of bribery and embezzlement, the Supreme People's Procuratorate (SPP) said in a statement on Thursday. The case was handed over to prosecutors for examination and prosecution following the conclusion of an investigation by the National Commission of Supervision, the SPP said. Li is also a former member of the leading Party members group of the Standing Committee of the Heilongjiang Provincial People's Congress. The investigation continues. GUANGZHOU, Sept. 26 (Xinhua) -- A low-altitude air route connecting Guangzhou, the capital city of south China's Guangdong Province, to the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (SAR), was launched on Thursday. On Thursday morning, a helicopter departed from Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport and arrived at Hong Kong International Airport in just 40 minutes, marking a significant advance in the low-altitude economy of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area. Operated by China Southern Airlines General Aviation Co., Ltd., the route's inaugural flight utilized a Sikorsky S-92 helicopter, which can accommodate 19 passengers and two crew members. Li Erbao, chairman of China Southern Airlines General Aviation, said the route will offer charter flights during its trial phase, allowing customers to book custom travel. Li added that the company plans to introduce regular short-haul flights with two departure and arrival points in Hong Kong, enhancing travel options further for passengers. People are seen in a building after an Israeli airstrike in Dahieh, southern Beirut, Lebanon, on Sept. 26, 2024. In an airstrike on Beirut's southern suburbs earlier Thursday, at least two people were killed and 15 others injured when a residential building near al-Qaem mosque in Dahieh was hit, according to the Lebanese Health Ministry. (Xinhua/Bilal Jawich) BEIRUT/JERUSALEM, Sept. 26 (Xinhua) -- At least two people were killed, and 15 others injured on Thursday in an Israeli airstrike that hit a residential building near al-Qaem mosque in Dahieh, Beirut's southern suburbs, the Lebanese Health Ministry reported. Footage from Lebanese TV channel al-Jadeed showed rescue teams and ambulances rushing to the densely populated area to transport casualties to the hospital and remove victims from beneath the rubble. Meanwhile, the Israeli military said Thursday it launched three missiles in "an intelligence-guided attack" on Mohammed Hussein Sarour, commander of Hezbollah's air unit, in Beirut, and claimed that he was killed in the attack. According to the military, Sarour was in charge of multiple drone and missile attacks against Israel. So far Hezbollah has not commented on the attack, nor confirmed Sarour's death. Also on Thursday, the IDF said its 7th Armored Brigade has concluded a military drill a few km away from the Lebanese border, simulating a ground operation in Lebanon. The drill trained the troops in "maneuvering and combat in thicketed, mountainous terrain," the IDF said in a statement, adding that the troops "enhanced their operational and logistical readiness for various combat scenarios in enemy territory on the northern front." The drill came a day after France proposed at a United Nations Security Council emergency meeting a 21-day ceasefire in Lebanon in UN diplomacy with the United States "to allow for negotiations." Lebanese Prime Minister Najib Mikati has welcomed the proposal. However, Israel denied earlier on Thursday that it had agreed to a ceasefire with Hezbollah or Lebanese political parties. On Monday and Tuesday, Israel conducted its most extensive attacks on Lebanon since 2006, resulting in more than 550 deaths and over 1,800 injuries across the country. It resumed intensive airstrikes on eastern and southern Lebanon on Wednesday evening, carrying out about 70 raids on the areas of Baalbek, Hermel, and Western Bekaa in eastern Lebanon. Figures released by the Israeli military showed that it has attacked more than 2,000 locations in Lebanon since Monday, whereas Lebanese Environment Minister Nasser Yassin said Wednesday that Israel's bombardment had displaced over 150,000 residents over the past 72 hours. The sharp escalation has raised concerns about a potential full-scale conflict between Israel and Lebanon, with fears that other regional powers could also be sucked in. Lebanese soldiers are seen at the site of an Israeli airstrike in Dahieh, southern Beirut, Lebanon, on Sept. 26, 2024. In an airstrike on Beirut's southern suburbs earlier Thursday, at least two people were killed and 15 others injured when a residential building near al-Qaem mosque in Dahieh was hit, according to the Lebanese Health Ministry. (Xinhua/Bilal Jawich) Rescuers work at the site of an Israeli airstrike in Dahieh, southern Beirut, Lebanon, on Sept. 26, 2024. In an airstrike on Beirut's southern suburbs earlier Thursday, at least two people were killed and 15 others injured when a residential building near al-Qaem mosque in Dahieh was hit, according to the Lebanese Health Ministry. (Xinhua/Bilal Jawich) A man is seen in a building after an Israeli airstrike in Dahieh, southern Beirut, Lebanon, on Sept. 26, 2024. In an airstrike on Beirut's southern suburbs earlier Thursday, at least two people were killed and 15 others injured when a residential building near al-Qaem mosque in Dahieh was hit, according to the Lebanese Health Ministry. (Xinhua/Bilal Jawich) Rescuers work at the site of an Israeli airstrike in Dahieh, southern Beirut, Lebanon, on Sept. 26, 2024. In an airstrike on Beirut's southern suburbs earlier Thursday, at least two people were killed and 15 others injured when a residential building near al-Qaem mosque in Dahieh was hit, according to the Lebanese Health Ministry. (Xinhua/Bilal Jawich) TOKYO, Sept. 26 (Xinhua) -- Japan launched an H2A rocket carrying an information-gathering satellite on Thursday after two postponements due to bad weather. Mitsubishi Heavy Industries Ltd. said the rocket lifted off from the Tanegashima Space Center in the southwestern prefecture of Kagoshima at 02:24 p.m. local time, and the satellite was placed into its planned orbit. The satellite is tasked to gather information concerning national security and assess damage during disasters. The rocket carrying the Japanese government's eighth information-gathering radar satellite was initially planned to depart earlier this month but was postponed two times due to bad weather. The operation of the H2A is expected to end in fiscal 2024 through next March with the launch of rocket No. 50. The next-generation H3 rocket is then set to replace it. GAZA, Sept. 26 (Xinhua) -- At least seven Palestinians were killed and 10 others wounded on Thursday in an Israeli attack on a school housing displaced persons in the northern Gaza Strip, Palestinian security and medical sources said. Israeli aircraft bombed the al-Faluja school west of the Jabalia refugee camp with at least one missile, Palestinian security sources told Xinhua. Medical sources said all the injured people have been taken to the hospital. Meanwhile, the Israel Defense Forces said in a statement on Thursday that the Israeli Air Force conducted a precise strike on militants operating in a command and control center inside a compound that previously served as the al-Faluja school in northern Gaza. 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 41,534, Gaza-based health authorities said in a statement on Thursday. Lawsuits targeting politicos are always an uphill battle . . . However, this one is important because it might allow a bit more message board "freedom" and misinformation amid politically charged debate. Here's the word . . . A federal judge in the district of Kansas accepted a motion to dismiss filed by attorneys representing Tennessee Rep. Tim Burchett. The motion claimed the court lacked personal jurisdiction to hear the case. Loudermill also filed a lawsuit against three Missouri senators who also wrongly identified him. The lawsuit named Missouri Sens. Rick Brattin, Denny Hoskins and Nick Schroer, all Republicans. Missouri Attorney General Andrew Bailey since announced his office would represent the three senators. At the same time, Missouri Gov. Mike Parson condemned the behavior of the Brattin, Hoskins and Schroer. He also defended Loudermill. Read more via www.TonysKansasCity.com link . . . Our tradition and a hope that we'll have more for the next update . . . For late night and early morning readers we share even more of our reading by way of pop culture, community reporting and top headlines. Check TKC news gathering . . . Three Now Magic Number Suburban Signs Of Life New fertility clinic opens in Merriam as infertility providers expect increase in demand for services Dr. Dan Gehlbach at Advent Health in Shawnee Mission says infertility services are expected to be more utilized and in demand. Return Trip To Solider Veteran in Virginia reunites with hat lost in Kansas City area You may remember last month, FOX4 reported about a hat that was found in an Independence parking lot by a young man getting off work. Epic Designation In The Dotte Kansas City, Kansas Mexican restaurant ranked one of best in the US Kansas City, Kansas, restaurant called GG's Birria Barbacoa Cafe made Yelp's 'Top 25 Mexican Food Spots in the US' list. Advert But Still Plenty Amazing The California Closets Experience - IN Kansas City Magazine Sponsored Content Before Drew Le Lieu was a customer liaison and designer-in-training at California Closets Kansas City, he just wanted a dream closet of his own. "My husband and I were building a home, and, of course, I always wanted a dream closet for my dream home," says Le Lieu. Diva Shares Hotness Despite Hard Luck Past Jessica Simpson flashes her thigh in racy dress for 'rockabilly' collection as she touches on poor childhood where she 'didn't have much of anything' Jessica Simpson has a hot new look for the cool months of fall. The 44-year-old siren was seen in an all denim outfit with red platform heels. And she also had on spiky gold boots. Prez Contemplates Timeline Biden insists he would have beaten "loser" Trump The president said he didn't "fully" believe "there was this overwhelming reluctance of my running again." MAGA Shares La Migra Plan Trump warns he'll expel migrants under key Biden immigration programs Former President Donald Trump is warning that he would kick out hundreds of thousands of people who entered the country under two key Biden administration programs if he's reelected. Veep Disputed Amid Campaign Fact check: Harris makes false claim about Trump's record on manufacturing jobs | CNN Politics Vice President Kamala Harris made a false claim about the jobs record of her Republican opponent, former President Donald Trump, in an interview on MSNBC on Wednesday evening. Big Trouble In Big Apple Eric Adams, New York City mayor, indicted in federal probe Adams, 64, is the first mayor in city history to be criminally charged while in office. World Against Holy Land War France and US push for 21-day Hezbollah-Israel ceasefire in Lebanon as UN chief warns 'hell is breaking loose' Fresh initiative comes amid tensions between US and Europe on how to press Israel to end offensive on Hezbollah Vlad Talks Nuke Reaction Putin issues nuclear warning to the West over strikes on Russia from Ukraine Putin said that proposals had been made to change Russia's nuclear doctrine. Signs Of Intelligent Life Or Not New photo shows UFO hovering over Canada before it was shot down by US fighter jet A newly released image showing the UFO that was shot down by a US fighter jet over Canada in 2023 has added more questions and uncertainty to the object floating over the Yukon. Dead-Tree Doggie Style Who is the cutest dog in the Kansas City area? Help us decide in Round 2 of voting See adorable dog photos and help choose Kansas City's best pet among golden doodles, Corgis, mutts and more. Poll runs until September 29. Round World Weather Report FIRST WARN FORECAST: Stunning fall weather before Hurricane Helene impacts the metro Stunning fall weather, and updates on how Hurricane Helene could impact us locally. And this is the OPEN THREAD for right now. Right now we pay tribute to diva hottie Dua as her body of work inspires our glimpse at pop culture, community reporting and top headlines. Check TKC news gathering . . . Comeback Kick-Off?!? Kareem Hunt speaks days ahead of Chiefs' re-debut Kansas City Chiefs running back Kareem Hunt is expected to suit up on Sunday, six years after his last appearance. The Chiefs take on the Los Angeles Chargers on Sunday in the late game. Golden Ghetto Hack Exposed An Overland Park pharmacist quit the drug insurance game. He says it could save you money The prescription insurance industry - and particularly PBMs, the powerful middlemen at its heart - get blamed for pharmacies closing down and patients often paying too much for medicine. Regulators are looking at what to do about it. Local Good Deeds Go National Veterans Community Project expands locally and nationally, offers more permanent housing for vets The Veterans Community Project is expanding its programs locally and nationally in an effort to offer more permanent housing for veterans. End Game For Fancy Enclave Brookside's Flying horse is calling it quits East Brookside's Flying Horse Taproom, specializing in craft beer, is closing after more than six years. The last day is Oct. 6. Home Team Merch Celebrated Olathe Royals fan has close to 1,000 bobbleheads; man has no plans to stop collecting Dave Felshaw got his first Kansas City Royals bobblehead in 2004 when he took his family to a game. It was Mr. Royal that started it all for Felshaw. Diva Offers Sneak Peek Amid Concert Tour Dua Lipa In Skimpy Bikini Shows A 'Good Time' At Pool Party Dua Lipa is flaunting her impossibly toned bikini body as she shows off her "good time" at a pool party in the sun. Prez Slams MAGA Biden says Trump has no 'redeeming value,' pretends to squash him like a bug amid Iranian assassination threat President Biden had some fun at the expense of former President Trump by pretending to squash him like a bug during Wednesday's appearance on "The View." More High Praise For Veep MSNBC panel reacts to Kamala Harris exclusive interview: 'Keeps getting better' Chris Hayes, Michelle Goldberg, Tim O'Brien, and Michael Steele discuss Stephanie Ruhle's MSNBC interview with Kamala Harris. ECONOMY STUPID!!! In dueling speeches, Harris is to make her capitalist pitch while Trump pushes deeper into populism Vice President Kamala Harris is playing up her street cred as a capitalist. Republican Donald Trump is leaning into his raw populism. Today's Social Media Outrage CBC calls for GOP lawmaker to be censured for post attacking Haitians as 'thugs' The Congressional Black Caucus (CBC) on Wednesday called for Rep. Clay Higgins to be censured for a since-deleted social media post in which the Louisiana Republican criticized Haitian migrants. CBC Chair Steven Horsford (D-Nev.) and other Democrats took to the House floor to call for a censure in an extensive and at times heated back-and-forth... Holy Land Ready For War Redux Israel "fully prepared for maneuvers" against Hezbollah in Lebanon as deaths from airstrikes top 600 The Israeli commander in charge of operations against Hezbollah says his troops "must be fully prepared for maneuvers and action." MAGA Against European Leader Trump lashes out at Zelenskyy after Ukraine's leader questioned his claim he could end war Trump painted a picture of an "obliterated" Ukraine as its leader is in the U.S. to present what he calls his "victory plan" to Biden, Trump and Harris. Vlad Nuke Threat Warning Zelensky warns U.N. that Russia is preparing to attack nuclear plants The Ukrainian president addressed world leaders ahead of a pivotal White House meeting, where is he expected to outline a "victory plan" for President Joe Biden. Slick Excuse Offered?!? Diddy's Lawyer Explains Baby Oil Volume Connected to 'Freak Offs' People are buzzing about the massive quantity of baby oil found when the feds raided Diddy's homes in Beverly Hills and Miami, and his lawyer is offering up an explanation. Old-School Well-Remembered Philomene Bennett, a founding mother of Kansas City's contemporary art scene, dies at 89 The Kansas City artist co-founded the Kansas City Artists Coalition in the mid-1970s and was known for her known for her large-scale colorful, abstract paintings and prints. She died on Wednesday. Rock Chalk Swamp Comeback Forty Alligator Snapping Turtles Reintroduced to Kansas After about three decades without one being captured in the state, the Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks released alligator snapping turtles to Kansas. Spirit Of Aloha In Kansas City Lei Away staycation: Festival celebrates shared language of Aloha, tiki culture and creativity in KC What began as a celebration of tiki vibes and tropical aesthetics has danced into an all-out luau that showcases authentic Polynesian traditions, culture and makers alongside local businesses and island enthusiasts, said Johnny Dawbarn. Hip-Hop Blaze Of Glory Rap stars host pot-friendly comedy show in KC, as attitudes toward marijuana shift | Opinion Grammy-award winning rap group behind Smokes and Jokes, which aims to bring cannabis users together with live comedy. The show made its first appearance in Kansas City. From Toriano Porter: Going Deutsch In Cowtown Grunauer: Austrian-German Cooking in an Upscale Setting My mother recently celebrated her 90th birthday, so my siblings and I decided to treat her to a birthday dinner at the Grunauer, a German-Austrian restaurant in the Freight House building. The Grunauer has been on my "to try" restaurant list for some time. Local Wildlife Sneak Peek GloWild Legends & Lore Festival transforms the Kansas City Zoo Third annual GloWild Lantern Festival at the Kansas City Zoo, featuring handcrafted lanterns and interactive displays. Autumn Weather Ahead Pleasant fall conditions before rain returns Friday Kansas City has mostly clear skies that will prevail for the next few days Rod Wave - Passport Junkie is the song of the day and this is the OPEN THREAD for right now. Context . . . Today's move is actually a state level response to a national non-endorsement . . . And overall, Labor leadership moving away from a strict alliance with the Democratic Party . . . "The most notable shift in union support for Republicans came last week when the International Brotherhood of Teamsters declined to endorse a candidate in the presidential election, marking the first non-endorsement by the union since 1996. The last time the Teamsters supported a Republican candidate for president was 1988, but like other unions, the Teamsters had widely been seen as a shoo-in endorsement for Democrats in recent decades. Accordingly . . . The response has been state level groups offering their support . . . Here's our 2nd favorite prog blog dutifully carrying the message . . . The Missouri-Kansas-Nebraska Conference of Teamsters endorsed Vice President Kamala Harris and Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz days after the International Brotherhood of Teamsters declined to endorse a presidential candidate in the November election. The conference cited Harris Senate voting record, Walz commitment to working families and the middle class and the pairs strong support of the labor movement as reasons to join hundreds of thousands of other union members in endorsing their campaign. The conference is made up of more than 15 locals and two joint councils one based in St. Louis and another in Kansas City, Missouri that voted along with the conferences executive board in favor of endorsing the Democratic ticket. Read more via www.TonysKansasCity.com link . . . Today we notice more advocacy from progressive local media despite public outcry in the aftermath of a tragic shooting that left a beloved local chef dead following a confrontation with suspected teen crooks. The basics of the case . . . Two minors were arrested not long after the incident in Midtown Kansas City, Missouri. A 15-year-old boy is charged with second-degree murder, attempted stealing of a motor vehicle, and armed criminal action. A second teen is also charged with second-degree murder and armed criminal action. Both teens have certification hearings in December. And now, tragically, MSM defense is already starting to emerge with help from KCUR . . . SUSPECT'S Father also blamed the juvenile criminal justice system, which he said failed to give the boy the right discipline after his run-ins with the law and failed to treat his mental illness. They overlook the youth, he said. They dont think mental health is significant. Read more via www.TonysKansasCity.com link . . . Father of Kansas City teen charged with killing chef says the juvenile system 'overlooked' his son Two teens charged with second-degree murder in the fatal shooting of Shaun Brady will face December hearings on whether they will face trials as adults. A Jackson County Family Court judge Wednesday ordered both boys to stay in lock-up. Related and much better coverage . . . Kansas City teenagers may be tried as adults for Shaun Brady's homicide Two Kansas City teenagers charged in connection with the shooting death of chef Shaun Brady may be tried as adults. Judge to decide if 2 minors charged in Shaun Brady's death will be tried as adults in December A judge will decide whether two minors charged in the shooting death of Shaun Brady will be charged as adults in December. Minors remain in custody in Shaun Brady murder case Two teens charged with murder in killing of popular restaurant owner, Irish chef Shaun Brady will remain in custody as courts decide whether to charge them as adults. Developing . . . A working theory amongst Democratic Party leaders and newspaper scribes is that more "people of color" will bring about a progressive renaissance in the Sunflower State. In reality . . . Most of the recent wins have come by way of the voting power and timely donations of upwardly mobile white ladies. Nevertheless . . . Here's more prog blog insight . . . "Continued population growth in Lawrence and emergence of young immigrant-family voters in portions of southwest Kansas could within eight years or so make the 1st District competitive for a Democrat." Read more via www.TonysKansasCity.com link . . . Kansas gerrymandering may eventually imperil Republicans' firm grip on 1st District * Kansas Reflector A Kansas political scientist and a D.C. reporter examine the state's four congressional districts, and factors at play in the November 2024 campaigns. Related . . . Several items have been recalled by Health Canada over the past week due to a number of health and safety concerns. A number of the products were sold through Amazon. "We closely monitor public recall alert websites and receive notifications from vendors and sellers," Amazon says on its product recall page. "Upon discovering a product recall, we immediately halt the affected product offerings and promptly inform both the customers and sellers involved about the recall." Anker batteries This recall involves Anker 334 MagGo Battery (PowerCore 10K), Model: A1642 powerbanks, which have been sold through Best Buy, as well as Amazon. "Certain units of the recalled powerbank may overheat due to a manufacturing defect of the lithium-ion battery, posing a potential fire hazard," the recall notice states. There have been no reports of incidents in Canada as of Sept. 17, Health Canada says. For more information, consumers can contact Anker Innovations Limited by email at support@anker.com or visit the company website. Alltrade Kilimanjaro e-bike racks Alltrade Kilimanjaro e-bike rack hitch mounted platform carriers have been recalled due to concerns of the racks failing at the hitch post, vertical support, or carrying platforms. These products were sold through Costco. "Additionally, the E-Bike Rack failure can allow a bicycle to detach and become a road hazard, increasing the risk of a crash. Stress at critical connection points within the E-Bike Rack may cause cracks to form," says the recall notice. "These cracks may worsen due to cyclic fatigue, where repeated loading and unloading progressively weaken the material. Over time, this weakening may lead to structural failures, compromising the integrity of the rack and increasing the risk of detachment during transport." There have been 16 reports of incidents, but no injuries reported as of Sept. 19. The products can be returned to a Costco warehouse for a full refund. The company can also be contacted for support. Lucid beds Lucid upholstered square tufted platform beds have been recalled due to injury concerns. The beds were sold through Amazon. The recalled beds can break, sag or collapse during use, posing fall and injury hazards to consumers," states the recall notice. "As of Sept. 17, 2024, the company has received 11 reports of bed failures in Canada, and no reports of injury. In the United States, the company has received 246 reports of the beds breaking, sagging or collapsing during use, with 18 reports of injury including contusions and bruises." Consumers can contact Lucid for a free replacement product. Consumers must send a photo of the bed, as well as a photo of the support rails on the underside of the bed or a photo of the law label to recall@lucidmattress.com to receive their replacement product. Caframo cabinet heaters Caframo cabinet heaters have been recalled due to a possible detached wire. These products were sold through Amazon. "The recalled heaters may have a loose wire connecting to the heater which poses an electrical shock hazard to consumers," Health Canada says. There have been no reports of incidents or injuries in Canada as of Sept. 10. Consumers can visit the company's website for more information on the recall. Bocetex two-piece girls' toddler shorts Bocetex shorts sold through Giant Tiger have been recalled due to the buttons failing lead testing and posing a potential hazard. The products can be returned to a Giant Tiger location for a full refund. The notice says the recall will be displayed in Giant Tiger stores until Oct. 20. Tummy Time Galleries Wee Gallery's Tummy Time Galleries have been recalled due to an abundance of phthalates. "The recalled product contains phthalates (DEHP) above the allowable limits," Health Canada says. "Studies suggest that certain phthalates, including DEHP, may cause reproductive and developmental abnormalities in young children when soft vinyl products containing phthalates are sucked or chewed for extended periods." There have been no reports of injuries or incidents in Canada or the United States as of Sept. 11. Consumers can contact the company by telephone at 1-800-282-5149 or by email at tummytimerecall@weegallery.com for more information on the recall. They are asked to provide the company with photographic evidence of the product destroyed by cutting it in half to register for a refund. Health Canada says consumers of these or any other products, can report any health or safety incidents related to the use of products by filling out the consumer product incident report form. "This is the reality now. We are trying to live with the situation, but we are afraid to give up and flee again," Mahmoud Satti, a teacher who returned to Omdurman after a year-long displacement journey in central Sudan, told Xinhua. KHARTOUM, Sept. 26 (Xinhua) -- The Karari locality of Omdurman city, north of the Sudanese capital Khartoum, has regained some vibrancy after a fierce battle in March that expelled the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) from the old neighborhoods, expanding the control of the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) to the south. Overcrowded markets and therapeutic activities such as masquerade parties and puppet theaters -- the routines of life -- have started to reemerge in the locality, which hosts more than 160 shelter centers packed with displaced Sudanese. However, the returnees have never felt rest assured amid the hustle-bustle, as they are still subjected to random artillery shelling from time to time. On Monday, at least 15 people were killed and 61 others injured in an artillery attack by the RSF on the crowded Sabreen civilian market in Karari. The death toll could be higher as the local rescue team was unable to reach some victims. "This is the reality now. We are trying to live with the situation, but we are afraid to give up and flee again," said Mahmoud Satti, a teacher who returned to Omdurman after a year-long displacement journey in central Sudan. "What happened in Sabreen market was very tragic. People here are dying because of random shelling," Satti told Xinhua. He urged government authorities to protect the returnees, address the security gap, and provide necessary services to Omdurman's residents. "There are no food shops amid a great shortage of goods, while prices for what is available are very high," said Saadan Omer, a citizen from Omdurman. Most people live on aid from their relatives abroad, and Takias -- sanctuaries for the impoverished and needy set up by Sudanese activists and volunteers -- remain as the primary source of food supply for Omdurman's residents, he said. "There is a significant spread of diseases amid a great shortage in medicines, while there are no nearby hospitals, and even those operational have been bombed and looted," said Saeed Al-Zubair, a 49-year-old man from Omdurman. Electricity workers change a transformer at a residential area in Omdurman city, Sudan, Aug. 3, 2024. (Xinhua/Mohamed Khidir) Since the fighting between the SAF and RSF began in April last year, epidemic diseases have plagued the country, including Omdurman, leading to hundreds of deaths. The conflict has resulted in at least 20,000 deaths and displaced millions of people, according to a press release published Tuesday on the website of the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA). The United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) said last week that an estimated 3.4 million children under five are at high risk of the deadly epidemic diseases in the country. According to UNICEF, more than 70 percent of hospitals in conflict-affected areas are non-operational. On Wednesday, the OCHA warned that Sudan is now facing the world's most severe hunger crisis, with over half of its population, nearly 26 million people, suffering high levels of acute hunger. Famine has been confirmed in North Darfur State's Zamzam camp, with many other areas at risk, it said, adding that nearly 5 million children and pregnant and breastfeeding women have been acutely malnourished. Meanwhile, Doctors Without Borders, an aid group, said Tuesday that 30,000 children under two were screened for malnutrition in South Darfur State in August, and 32.5 percent of them were acutely malnourished. In response to the dire humanitarian situation, Omdurman's government authorities pledged to provide food for local residents and support community initiatives. Displaced people gather to receive free breakfast meals at a neighborhood in Omdurman city, Sudan, on Aug. 1, 2024. (Xinhua/Mohamed Khidir) "Both official and popular efforts are ongoing to restore electricity and water services, remove war remnants, reopen roads, clean neighborhoods, and launch initiatives to bring life back to markets and shops," Acting Minister of Social Development of Khartoum State Siddiq Hassan Freini told Xinhua. (Video reporters: Lv Yingxu; Video editors: Wang Houyuan, Roger Lott, Luo Hui.) The latest Google Doodle may turn out to be quite pop-ular. Through Wednesday, Sept. 25 and Thursday, Sept. 26, the interactive animated graphic on Googles home page is titled Celebrating Popcorn, and will lead visitors who click on it to a game where theyll be able to move around as a kernel with the goal of not getting popped. You butter believe that todays interactive Doodle is celebrating your go-to movie companion and classic late-night snack: popcorn, Google says on the Google Doodle website. This game is making Doodles history by allowing the highest number of players to compete in a match at the same time ever! Play solo or invite friends to play with you in squad mode. According to Google, popcorns origins date back to the early 16th century, when many cultures used it to decorate their ceremonial garb. It evolved into a popular snack in the United States in the 1800s and the first-ever popcorn maker was invented in the 1890s. According to Google, it was on this day in 2020 that the largest popcorn machine ever created was awarded a world record in Thailand. Click the play button the Google Doodle where you can play solo as a kernel or as a squad and compete with other kernels around the world. NANJING, Sept. 26 (Xinhua) -- This year's harvest season for China's highly sought-after freshwater crabs began on Wednesday in the Yangcheng Lake in Suzhou, east China's Jiangsu Province. The tasty and pricey mitten crabs are expected to hit the market around China's National Day holiday in early October, according to the Suzhou municipal agriculture and rural affairs bureau. A total of 9,900 tonnes of crabs are expected to be harvested this year from a breeding area spanning around 5,426 hectares, the bureau said. Due to the impact of prolonged high temperatures and influenced by typhoons, crabs have grown slightly slower than in previous years. However, their quality remains excellent, the bureau said. Chinese people have a custom of eating crabs in autumn when the meat is at its best. The tradition can be traced back to the Han Dynasty (202 B.C. to 220 A.D.). The crab is considered to be auspicious as the Chinese word for crab is "xie," which has the same pronunciation as the Chinese word for "thanks." TASHKENT, Sept. 26 (Xinhua) -- Uzbekistan imported natural gas totaling 1.15 billion U.S. dollars from January to August this year, local media reported on Thursday, citing data from the state statistics agency. The report said that during the first eight months of this year, Uzbekistan's gas imports represented a nearly six-fold increase compared to last year when the gas import volume was 201.8 million dollars. Uzbek media noted that Uzbekistan purchased natural gas valued at 168.3 million dollars in August alone. According to the data, Uzbekistan has also increased its gas exports compared to last year. Its gas exports reached 404.8 million dollars, which is 7.1 percent more than the same period last year. Falling fragments of enemy strike drones have caused a fire in a residential building in Kyiv's Pecherskyi district. The Kyiv City Military Administration announced this on the Telegram messaging app, Ukrinform reports. "Due to the aerial attack of strike drones on Kyiv, a fire broke out on the first floor of a five-story residential building in the Pecherskyi district," the post said. Emergency services are on their way to the scene, Serhii Popko, head of the Kyiv City Military Administration, said. Kyiv Mayor Vitali Klitschko, in turn, said: "Emergency services were called to the Pecherskyi district. According to preliminary information, a fire broke out on the first floor of a residential building due to falling debris." The military administration clarified several minutes later: "According to preliminary information, a gas pipe was depressurized due to a Russian drone attack. Kyivgas [workers] urgently arrived at the scene." The military administration later added that about 20 cars had been damaged. Debris fell on the territory of a kindergarten. Reports of casualties are being clarified. The enemy attacked Odesa region, launching missiles and kamikaze drones. A woman, 62, was killed in the attack. Thats according to Oleh Kiper, chief of the Odesa Regional Military Administration, Ukrinform reports. "This night, the enemy attacked Odesa with missiles and drones. The air defense units worked extremely hard, destroying most of the enemy targets. A 62-year-old woman died as a result of the missile attack in Odesa region," the report says. Buildings and cars sustained damage. Dry grass caught fire but rescuers promptly put out the fire. "Regarding the drone attack, which the terrorists carried out later this morning: there were no casualties and no significant damage to infrastructure," Kiper said. Law enforcement are documenting the consequences of yet another crime committed by the Russians against the civilian population of Odesa. As Ukrinform reported earlier, the death toll of an overnight airstrike targeting Zaporizhzhia has increased to eight. Photo: Getty Images The U.S. government has added to the sanctions list Russias online financial platforms PM2BTC, Cryptex, and a number of Russian nationals for cybercrimes and money laundering. Thats according to a statement by the U.S. Treasury, reports Ukrinform. "Today, the U.S. Department of the Treasury is undertaking actions as part of a coordinated international effort to disrupt Russian cybercrime services," the press release reads. In particular, the Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN) is imposing restrictions against Russian virtual currency exchange PM2BTC involved in money laundering in Russia. In addition, the Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) is sanctioning Russian citizen Sergey Ivanov, who plays a significant role in money laundering, and the virtual currency exchange Cryptex, registered in St. Vincent and the Grenadines. At the same time, it is noted that FinCEN and OFAC sanctions are coordinated with the actions of other US government agencies and international law enforcement partners. It is also reported that the U.S. State Department has offered a reward offer of up to $10 million for information leading to Ivanov's arrest and/or conviction. In addition, the U.S. Secret Service and Attorney's Office for the Eastern District of Virginia announced formal charges against Ivanov and another Russian national, Timur Shakhmametov, in connection with the same case. As Ukrinform reported earlier, on Thursday, U.S. President Joe Biden announced a large-scale defense aid package for Ukraine and new sanctions against Russia. The leaders of the Group of Seven and partner countries have adopted a Joint Declaration of Support for the Recovery and Reconstruction of Ukraine, which provides for further military, economic, and humanitarian assistance to the country both in the short term and in the post-war period. U.S. President Joe Biden announced this in New York during a meeting of the signatory countries, according to an Ukrinform correspondent. "Today, we are launching a Joint Declaration of Support for Ukraine's Recovery and Reconstruction to make it clear that we stand with Ukraine now and in the future," he said. Biden stressed that more than 30 countries, as well as the European Union, had joined the historic declaration. The document, in particular, reaffirms unwavering international support for Ukraine today and in the future, "in war and in peace." At the same time, the G7+ countries are strongly committed to helping Ukraine meet its urgent short-term financing needs and to assisting with Ukraine's long-term recovery and reconstruction "We dispel any false notion that time is on Russia's side or that Russia can prevail by causing Ukraine to fail economically," the document reads. At the same time, the document notes that Russia's responsibility under international law to pay for the damage it is causing is clear. To this end, Russia's sovereign assets in Western jurisdictions will remain immobilized until Russia ends its aggression and pays for the damage it has caused to Ukraine. In addition, international partners committed to use their economic assistance to ensure Ukraine maintains macro-financial stability, to repair and build critical infrastructure including in the energy sector, to boost economic growth, to support social resilience as well as the implementation of priority reforms. These include improving the business climate, strengthening anti-corruption efforts, implementing the justice system reform and promoting of the rule of law within the context of the EU accession process. Ukraine's partners are also continuing their joint work to implement the decision made at the G7 Summit in Apulia to launch Extraordinary Revenue Acceleration (ERA) Loans for Ukraine by the end of the year, in order to make available approximately $50 billion in additional funding to Ukraine. The loans will be serviced and repaid by the future flows of extraordinary revenues stemming from the immobilization of Russian sovereign assets held in the European Union and other relevant jurisdictions. International partners will continue to pursue their vision also by strategizing, coordinating and steering their support for Ukraine's economic recovery and reconstruction through the Ukraine Donor Platform. "In order to implement the above-mentioned commitments, we will each work to provide Ukraine with specific, bilateral support aligned with this joint declaration and with the bilateral security agreements and arrangements that have been negotiated and signed with Ukraine," the document reads. For its part, Ukraine is committed to implementing its economic, judiciary, anti-corruption, corporate governance, defense, public administration, public investment management and law enforcement reforms. "These reforms are necessary and will be vital to enabling long-term support for Ukrainian reconstruction and recovery," the declaration reads. Earlier reports said that the Group of Seven had decided to provide Ukraine with a $50 billion loan by the end of 2024, using frozen Russian assets. | By Lorri Angelloz In their first visit to Baltimore since the city was named one of the nations 31 Tech Hubs, representatives from the U.S. Economic Development Administration (EDA) toured innovation labs and tech sites across the area, including the University of Maryland BioPark. The EDAs late-August visit came after the Baltimore consortium, led by the Greater Baltimore Committee (GBC) with support from University of Maryland, Baltimore (UMB) and 37 additional partners missed out on federal grants capped at $51 million during the second phase of the Tech Hub initiative. Though the Baltimore regions application wasnt selected, the site visit was seen as an important step forward in securing tech grants during the programs next round of funding. Jane Shaab (left) discusses the history of the BioPark and the construction of 4MLK with members of the EDA delegation, including Amanda Kostry (center) and Eric Smith (right). Eric Smith, director of the EDA Tech Hubs Program, praised Baltimores wealth of assets in a video shared by GBC after the event, saying, There is a culture here and a desire to make the community better. This is asset-rich territory, and that has been on abundant display. During the daylong visit, Smith and other members of the EDA delegation met with consortium members representing tech firms, government entities, economic development corporations, and academic institutions. In addition to their stop at the BioPark, the agenda included industry roundtables focused on biomanufacturing and the biotech workforce and a tour of labs at Morgan State University. The meeting at the BioPark centered on a discussion about economic development initiatives and the growing integration of academic research with private industry. Jane M. Shaab, MBA, BioPark executive director and associate vice president of economic development at UMB, opened the conversation by introducing two of the research parks tenants Marco A. Chacon, PhD, founder and president of IRAZU BIO, and Paul Boyce, senior director at Illumina who shared their experiences in the citys tech ecosystem. Chacon outlined his journey as an entrepreneur, starting his first company after graduate school in Maryland, and spoke to the importance of support from government entities to universities such as UMB as keys to success. Boyce emphasized Illuminas decision to build an East Coast facility at the BioPark, saying its lab facilities along with the regions commercial and transportation infrastructure made it an ideal location. Greg Herlong, vice president of development at Wexford Science & Technology, also was on hand to discuss 4MLK, the companys latest commercial project at the BioPark. In his remarks about the 250,000-square-foot building at the corner of Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard and Baltimore Street, Herlong stressed the facilitys ability to fill a growing need for wet lab space required by regional researchers and entrepreneurs launching biotech and life sciences companies. He also highlighted a floor in the new building, called Connect Labs, which will provide early-stage companies with shared equipment and infrastructure valued at around $2 million, easing the financial burden for startups that often lack the capital to build their own labs. Including 24 labs, private offices, co-working areas, and more, the spaces goal is to give such companies the opportunity to fail faster. As Herlong explained, Instead of a zombie company sticking around and just scraping by for 10 years, we want to give them the opportunity to accelerate their science in a manner that within 12 to 24 months, they can either go on to raise that next funding round, or say, Hey, this isnt going anywhere, and move on to the next thing. During the conversation, the EDA delegation, representatives from the BioPark and UMB, and members of the GBC-led consortium delved into a number of related subjects, including the need to attract and retain top scientific and entrepreneurial talent to the area. Participants from the Baltimore region noted that continued efforts to recruit faculty and students and provide pathways to start and grow companies is a key focus of their work. They also stressed that the collaboration among higher education institutions such as UMB, Johns Hopkins University, and Morgan State University is crucial to the regions growth in life sciences. James L. Hughes, MBA, chief enterprise and economic development officer and senior vice president at UMB, pointed to another key partnership between academic institutions that will benefit from space in 4MLK. Our sister university within the University System of Maryland is the University of Maryland, College Park. They have a top-20 engineering program, he said. And our medical school and their engineering are teaming up to take biomedical research space focusing on translational research on the fourth floor. Both universities are currently recruiting entrepreneurial faculty from around the country, and a big part of the pitch is that you can bring your startup company here, grow it here, and we have all these other resources. Hughes also stressed the collaborative nature of the BioPark ecosystem beyond university partnerships. "Were very, very open, he said. If you look at the companies here, youll see that our view is you don't need a connection with the University to move into the BioPark invariably we find a connection. The Tech Hubs Program, authorized for $10 billion in the bipartisan federal CHIPS and Science Act, is designed to increase the capacity and pace with which Americans make, deliver, and deploy innovative technologies, creating new, growing companies such as those seen during the Baltimore site visit. Its next round of funding, which has yet to be announced, is expected in 2025. People are seen at the al-Faluja school after it was attacked by Israeli aircraft in west of the Jabalia refugee camp, northern Gaza Strip, on Sept. 26, 2024. The Palestinian death toll from an Israeli attack on a school housing displaced persons in the northern Gaza Strip has risen to 15, including children and women, the Civil Defense in Gaza said Thursday. (Photo by Mahmoud Zaki/Xinhua) GAZA, Sept. 26 (Xinhua) -- The Palestinian death toll from an Israeli attack on a school housing displaced persons in the northern Gaza Strip has risen to 15, including children and women, the Civil Defense in Gaza said Thursday. Palestinian security sources told Xinhua earlier on Thursday that Israeli aircraft bombed the al-Faluja school west of the Jabalia refugee camp with at least one missile. Medical sources said 10 people were injured in the attack, all of whom have been taken to the hospital. Meanwhile, the Israel Defense Forces said in a statement on Thursday that the Israeli Air Force conducted a precise strike on militants operating in a command and control center inside a compound that previously served as the al-Faluja school in northern Gaza. 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 41,534, Gaza-based health authorities said in a statement on Thursday. People are seen at the al-Faluja school after it was attacked by Israeli aircraft in west of the Jabalia refugee camp, northern Gaza Strip, on Sept. 26, 2024. The Palestinian death toll from an Israeli attack on a school housing displaced persons in the northern Gaza Strip has risen to 15, including children and women, the Civil Defense in Gaza said Thursday. (Photo by Mahmoud Zaki/Xinhua) People are seen at the al-Faluja school after it was attacked by Israeli aircraft in west of the Jabalia refugee camp, northern Gaza Strip, on Sept. 26, 2024. The Palestinian death toll from an Israeli attack on a school housing displaced persons in the northern Gaza Strip has risen to 15, including children and women, the Civil Defense in Gaza said Thursday. (Photo by Mahmoud Zaki/Xinhua) People mourn victims at the al-Faluja school after it was attacked by Israeli aircraft in west of the Jabalia refugee camp, northern Gaza Strip, on Sept. 26, 2024. The Palestinian death toll from an Israeli attack on a school housing displaced persons in the northern Gaza Strip has risen to 15, including children and women, the Civil Defense in Gaza said Thursday. (Photo by Mahmoud Zaki/Xinhua) People are seen at the al-Faluja school after it was attacked by Israeli aircraft in west of the Jabalia refugee camp, northern Gaza Strip, on Sept. 26, 2024. The Palestinian death toll from an Israeli attack on a school housing displaced persons in the northern Gaza Strip has risen to 15, including children and women, the Civil Defense in Gaza said Thursday. (Photo by Mahmoud Zaki/Xinhua) People are seen at the al-Faluja school after it was attacked by Israeli aircraft in west of the Jabalia refugee camp, northern Gaza Strip, on Sept. 26, 2024. The Palestinian death toll from an Israeli attack on a school housing displaced persons in the northern Gaza Strip has risen to 15, including children and women, the Civil Defense in Gaza said Thursday. (Photo by Mahmoud Zaki/Xinhua) People work at the al-Faluja school after it was attacked by Israeli aircraft in west of the Jabalia refugee camp, northern Gaza Strip, on Sept. 26, 2024. The Palestinian death toll from an Israeli attack on a school housing displaced persons in the northern Gaza Strip has risen to 15, including children and women, the Civil Defense in Gaza said Thursday. (Photo by Mahmoud Zaki/Xinhua) Wang Huning, chairman of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC) National Committee, meets with Tanzila Narbayeva, chairperson of the Senate of Uzbekistan, in Beijing, capital of China, Sept. 26, 2024. (Xinhua/Yin Bogu) BEIJING, Sept. 26 (Xinhua) -- China's top political advisor Wang Huning met with Tanzila Narbayeva, chairperson of the Senate of Uzbekistan, on Thursday in Beijing. Wang, chairman of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC) National Committee, said that under the guidance of the two heads of state, the development of China-Uzbekistan relations has entered a new stage with fruitful cooperation in various fields. Following the important consensus reached by the two heads of state, China is ready to work with Uzbekistan to push for steady and long-term growth of the bilateral ties, Wang said. Wang noted that the CPPCC National Committee is willing to strengthen exchanges and cooperation with Uzbekistan to better serve the construction of their respective countries and the development of bilateral relations. Narbayeva congratulated China on the 75th anniversary of the founding of the CPPCC and hailed China's remarkable achievements in development. Noting that Uzbekistan adheres to the one-China principle, Narbayeva said the country is willing to strengthen mutual support and synergize its development strategies with China, as well as jointly build the Belt and Road with high quality. Uzbekistan stands ready to learn from China's successful experience in poverty alleviation, and push for greater development of bilateral relations for the benefit of the two peoples, Narbayeva added. Wang Huning, chairman of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC) National Committee, meets with Tanzila Narbayeva, chairperson of the Senate of Uzbekistan, in Beijing, capital of China, Sept. 26, 2024. (Xinhua/Yin Bogu) GAZA, Sept. 26 (Xinhua) -- At least seven Palestinians were killed and dozens of others wounded on Thursday in an Israeli attack on a school housing displaced persons in the Jabalia refugee camp in northern Gaza Strip, Palestinian security and medical sources said. Undocumented students in California will remain ineligible to work on public university campuses after Governor Gavin Newsom vetoed a bill that would have changed that scenario. The legislation, the first of its kind in the U.S., sought to provide campus job opportunities to students who were brought to the country as children and lack work authorization. Newsom's decision, announced on Sunday, is a significant blow to immigrant rights advocates who had rallied behind the measure. In his veto message, the governor pointed to potential legal risks, including civil and criminal liabilities for state employees. "Given the gravity of the potential consequences of this bill... it is critical that the courts address the legality of such a policy before proceeding," he wrote. Progressive legal scholars identified an alleged loophole in a federal ban on employing undocumented people, saying such does not apply to state-run institutions, like public universities. However, university leaders and state officials pushed back, warning of the legal uncertainties and potential risks involved. The Biden administration also reportedly pressured university leaders to refrain from advancing the policy in private, especially during an election year where immigration is a contentious issue. According to POLITICO, federal officials expressed concerns that the proposal could fuel criticism of the president's handling of immigration and hurt his reelection campaign. This quiet pressure contributed to the University of California system's decision to delay any formal discussion on hiring undocumented students until 2025. Jeffry Umana Munoz, a Cal State L.A. graduate interviewed by Los Angeles Times, released a statement on behalf of all California undocumented students saying, "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." Munoz said students would continue to fight for the opportunity to work. Students without DACA protections now outnumber those with it. Out of the estimated 86,800 undocumented students in California, only 37% are recipients of DACA or are eligible for it, according to the Higher Ed Immigration Portal. Every year, approximately 14,000 more undocumented students graduate from California high schools, further straining the system. A recent UCLA study found that the number of newly enrolled low-income undocumented students at UC and CSU campuses dropped by half between the 2015-16 and 2022-23 academic years. The report attributes this decline to the increasing difficulty of obtaining DACA status. The veto means tens of thousands of undocumented students at California's public universities will continue to face limited employment options. Though many receive financial aid, the closure of new DACA applications in 2021 has further restricted their ability to work on campus. Originally published on Latin Times. Wake Forest University has canceled a lecture set to be delivered by Palestinian-American activist Rabab Abdulhadi, scheduled for the first anniversary of the Oct. 7 attacks in Israel, in which 1,139 people were killed, and an additional 251 were taken hostage. In an email addressed to the Wake Forest community, University President Susan R. Wente and Provost Michele Gillespie indicated that Abdulhadi's lecture, scheduled for Oct. 7, "cannot take place." "We have also made the conscious decision not to host events on this day that are inherently contentious and stand to stoke division in our campus community," they wrote. "We are living in complex times, and yet we remain hopeful about the future because of this caring community and our shared mission to serve humanity." On Sunday, an online petition was started by the executive boards of Jewish student organizations Hillel and Chabad in order to protest the event featuring Abdulhadi. As of Thursday, the petition has received over 8,000 signatures. The university's undergraduate student enrollment stands at 5,471. Wake Forest's student-run newspaper, The Old Gold & Black, could not confirm what percentage of Wake Forest University students made up the signatories. "We support free speech, we encourage the university to host people with a variety of different viewpoints, to share different perspectives, encourage and foster dialogue on our campus. However, about a week ago, they put up posters for this event with antisemitic and pro-terrorist language," Isabelle Laxer, president of the WFU Chabad student organization, told Fox 8. "It's incredibly disheartening to see this happening on a day that saw the greatest loss of Jewish life since the Holocaust." The petition refers to Abdulhadi as a "self-proclaimed Hamas sympathizer." Abdulhadi, director of San Francisco State University's Arab and Muslim Ethnicities and Diasporas Initiative, has aimed to strengthen ties between SFSU and Palestinian universities An-Najah and Bir Zeit, which have been described by Campus Watch as "Hamas-dominated." "Over the last 12 months we've heard the claim repeatedly that this was the worst of violence that Jews have suffered since the Holocaust, and I get that I'm a scholar of the Holocaust; I am Jewish. Oct. 7 was an incredibly horrible day," Rubin Presidential Chair of Jewish History Barry Trachtenberg told the Old Gold & Black. "We also must recognize that, since then, at least 42,000 Palestinians have been murdered, the vast majority of them being noncombatants. It is the largest loss of life in Palestinian history ever, and I believe that makes it worthwhile for us to be able to talk about it." Five on-campus academic departments were sponsoring the event, which had been titled "One Year Since al-Aqsa Flood: Reflections on a Year of Genocide and Resistance," --- Wake Forest University's Humanities Institute, the department of history, the department of politics and international affairs, the Middle East South Asian studies program and the National Endowment for the Humanities. Over 40,000 Palestinians have been killed in the Gaza strip in the onslaught following the events of Oct. 7. September 26 2024 Partick Housing Association have taken possession of 46 affordable homes at Bearsden Road in Anniesland, following their handover by contractor CCG. A range of one and two-bedroom flats for social and mid-market rent have been designed by Mast Architects to evoke the memory of a sawmill that once occupied the site, the last surviving element of which was demolished to make way for the build. In a statement, Mast Architects wrote: "Were delighted to see the Bearsden Road project complete in a time when providing warm and healthy homes is more important than ever. The main architectural moves, from the serrated roof forms to the material palette, draw on an understanding of the sites former industrial uses, with the completed scheme offering a robust response to a very public setting." Overlooking the Forth & Clyde Canal, the properties are arranged over two five-storey blocks, establishing an urban frontage to Bearsden Road and Crow Road on approach to Anniesland. The 10m development includes associated amenity space and public art. PESHAWAR, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 26th Sep, 2024) To counter the terror incidents and crimes, police have installed 52 state-of-the-art HD CCTV cameras on Warsak Road that have been linked with the Command-and-Control System of the Sharqi Police. SSP Operations, Kashif Zulfiqar told media persons on Thursday that due to the sensitivity of the area, 52 modern HD cameras have been installed at different points of the Warsak Road that would constantly be monitored through the Command-and-Control System. Giving more details, SSP Operations said these cameras have been installed from Kababyan to Mithra and Shagai areas. These modern monitoring gadgets, he said, have also been installed at other sensitive areas including Babu Garhi, the main road, crossings and populated localities of Warsak Road. The CCTV cameras have been connected with the Command-and-Control system, working at Sharqi police station for round the clock monitoring through a modern technology to counter crimes. He said on Warsak Road, incidents of terrorism have been reported in the recent past as last month a police van was also targeted with a roadside explosive device there. These cameras will help identify criminals involved in subversive and anti-state activities. APP/vak ISLAMABAD, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 26th Sep, 2024) Minister for Interior Mohsin Naqvi has praised the security forces for their successful operation in North Waziristan's Razmak area, resulting in the elimination of 8 Fitna-al-Khawarij terrorists. The Interior Minister appreciated the security forces for their timely action, which led to the killing of 8 terrorists. He saluted the brave soldiers of the security forces, stating that they are our pride and their professional expertise are commendable. Minister reiterated the nation's resolve to eradicate terrorism, saying that terrorists are a burden and will be eliminated with the support of the nation. He emphasized that the entire nation stands with the security forces in their efforts to crush Fitna-al-Khawarij terrorists. KARACHI, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 26th Sep, 2024) Pakistan Navy celebrated World Maritime Day (WMD) 2024, with this year's theme 'Navigating the Future: Safety First'. The year 2024 marks 50 years since the adoption of the 1974 International Convention for Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS) Convention, the key IMO treaty regulating maritime safety, a Pakistan Navy news release said. This day is observed annually to highlight the maritime sector's contribution to economic development and to raise awareness about the importance of shipping safety, maritime security, and marine environmental protection. The theme is closely linked with the UN 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG-7, which focuses on ensuring access to affordable, reliable, sustainable, and modern energy by facilitating access to clean energy research. Safety has always been a core value for the Pakistan Navy. PN has instituted measures to uphold the "safety first" principle onboard all seagoing platforms as well as ashore. In his message on World Maritime Day, Chief of the Naval Staff Admiral Naveed Ashraf emphasized the need to align national objectives with the ongoing global shift towards sustainable and green maritime practices, demonstrating determination, commitment, and resolve. He underscored PNs efforts toward maritime safety, which remain a testament to its unwavering dedication, and reiterated Pakistan Navys commitment to ensuring maritime safety and upholding environmental mandates. On this occasion, Pakistan Navy organized a series of activities to emphasize the significance of maritime sector. Major events included seminars at Pakistan Navy War College, Lahore, under the auspices of the Maritime Centre of Excellence (MCE) and the National Institute of Maritime Affairs (NIMA). Other activities across PN units included Maritime Gala at Pakistan Maritime Museum, awareness walks, showcasing banners/ panaflexes, maritime awareness lectures at Bahria Colleges/Universities, and essay competitions at Field Commands. These events play an important role in enhancing maritime awareness among the public. KARACHI, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 26th Sep, 2024) United States Consul General, Scott Urbom, on Thursday called on the Mayor of Karachi, Barrister Murtaza Wahab, at the head office of the Karachi Metropolitan Corporation. The US Consul General congratulated Barrister Murtaza Wahab on becoming the Mayor of Karachi and expressed his best wishes regarding the city's development and progress. During the meeting, they had detailed discussions on matters of mutual interest. Mayor Karachi Barrister Murtaza Wahab stated that Houston has been designated as a twin city of Karachi. He emphasized that Karachi is Pakistans economic hub and the largest city, home to several industrial zones, an international airport, and two major ports, the continuous increase in Karachi's population and the attractive opportunities for business and investment have significantly enhanced the citys industrial and commercial activities. However, he acknowledged that, like all major metropolitan cities, Karachi faces political and administrative challenges. He pointed out the lack of a master plan for the city and the immense pressure from its growing population. Key issues include water supply and drainage, health and sanitation, transportation, education, and infrastructure development, all of which the current government is focusing on, with various development projects underway across different districts of Karachi, he said. He highlighted that Karachis water pipeline system is over 50 years old, yet the city's expansion and population growth have been enormous. Work is ongoing on the Hub Canal project to address water shortages, and a desalination process has also been initiated to meet the needs of industrial zones, he said. The Mayor Karachi mentioned that 80 to 90 percent of the Karachi Metropolitan Corporation's budget is spent on salaries and allowances. He emphasized that the payment of municipal taxes by the public helps facilitate developmental work. He is making efforts to stabilize the Karachi Metropolitan Corporation to provide better and quality municipal services to citizens. He noted that due to a strong working relationship with the Sindh government, provincial assistance is being provided for several development projects in Karachi. The Pakistan People's Party holds a majority in the elected council of the Karachi Metropolitan Corporation, which consists of 365 members, and for the first time, transgender individuals have been granted representation in the city council. The Mayor reiterated that the Pakistan People's Party aims for economic improvement and is a liberal-minded political party that enjoys strong public support. He stated that minorities in Karachi are granted complete rights and treated equally. The US Consul General Scott Urbom, mentioned that this is his first assignment in Pakistan and that he is pleased to be in Karachi. He highlighted the longstanding friendly relations between Pakistan and the US, noting that the US provides substantial support to Pakistan across various sectors. He expressed optimism that the relations between the two countries will strengthen in the coming days, paving the way for new avenues of mutual cooperation. The Mayor Karachi thanked the US Consul General for his visit to the Karachi Metropolitan Corporation and expressed hope for continued contact and collaboration with the US consulate in the future. Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, attends a meeting of the Group of 20 (G20) foreign ministers held on the sidelines of the United Nations (UN) General Assembly in New York, Sept. 25, 2024. (Xinhua/Wu Xiaoling) UNITED NATIONS, Sept. 25 (Xinhua) -- Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi said here Wednesday that the Group of 20 (G20) members should take on the responsibilities of major powers and, with a spirit of partnership, advance and improve global governance. Wang, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, made the remarks during a meeting of G20 foreign ministers held on the sidelines of the 79th session of the United Nations (UN) General Assembly in New York. Wang pointed out that the G20 should act as a supporter of UN reform, uphold genuine multilateralism and avoid selective multilateralism. The G20 should act as a promoter of global economic and financial governance reform. It should strengthen macroeconomic policy coordination, and advance global financial architecture reform to give developing countries greater representation and voice, said Wang. Meanwhile, the G20 should act as a promoter of global trade governance reform, work to create a just, fair, and non-discriminatory trade and investment environment, and oppose all forms of protectionism, he said. The G20 should also act as a practitioner of reforms in global development, accelerating the implementation of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, added Wang. Patna, (APP - UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 26th Sep, 2024) At least 46 people, including 37 children, have drowned while celebrating a Hindu festival in eastern India, a local government official told AFP on Thursday. The victims drowned in separate incidents in Bihar state while ritually bathing in rivers and ponds swollen by recent flooding, an official from the Bihar Disaster Management Department told AFP. "People ignored danger water levels in rivers as well as ponds while bathing to celebrate this festival," said the official, who requested anonymity because he was not authorised to speak to the media. The drownings occurred from Tuesday across 15 districts of Bihar state as devotees marked the Jitiya Parv Hindu festival, observed by mothers for the wellbeing of their children. Authorities were working to recover three other bodies, the official said. The state government has announced compensation to each of the victim's families, he said. Deadly incidents are common at places of worship during major religious festivals in India, the biggest of which prompt millions of devotees to make pilgrimages to holy sites. At least 116 people were crushed to death in July at an overcrowded Hindu religious gathering in Uttar Pradesh state, the worst such tragedy in more than a decade. India is hit by torrential rains and flash floods each year during the monsoon season. The monsoon is vital for agriculture and therefore for the livelihoods of millions of farmers. But it is also responsible for widespread destruction each year in the form of landslides and floods that kill hundreds of people across South Asia. More than 200 people were killed in the southern Indian state of Kerala in July when torrential monsoon downpours caused landslides that buried tea plantations under tonnes of rock and soil. Experts say climate change is increasing the number of extreme weather events around the world, with damming, deforestation and development projects in India exacerbating the human toll. A 2021 study by the Potsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research tracking monsoon shifts from the mid-20th century suggested that it was becoming stronger and more erratic. (@FahadShabbir) UNITED NATIONS, (APP - UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 27th Sep, 2024) A new humanitarian crisis is unfolding at Lebanons border with Syria as thousands of people flee Israeli shelling linked to the war in Gaza, United Nations officials saids Thursday, just as Israel Premier Benyamin Netanyahu arrived in New York for the 79th session of the UN General Assembly. Only hours earlier, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres warned the Security Council that hell is breaking loose in Lebanon along the UN-patrolled line of separation, with exchanges of fire greater in scope, depth and intensity than previously. That warning came as US President Joe Biden told the worlds leaders gathered at UN headquarters on Wednesday that an all-out war was possible between Hezbollah and Israel, while the UN refugee agency, UNHCR, reported people fleeing from Israeli strikes on Hezbollah targets in the early hours of Thursday morning, in response to attacks on Israel which included a first attempted missile strike on Tel Aviv. In a video message issued on Thursday in New York, the head of UN Peacekeeping Jean-Pierre Lacroix said: I am deeply concerned by the sharp escalation along the blue line. As the Secretary General said last night in the Security Council, 'Hell is breaking loose in Lebanon' and we should all be alarmed by the escalation. He stressed that both the Lebanese and Israeli populations "are in extreme danger, with hundreds dead and thousands injured in recent days alone. Regional security and stability is at risk. Literally thousands of families of Syrian and also Lebanese are crossing into Syriathey are women, children, men, said UNHCR Representative in Syria, Gonzalo Vargas Llosa, as the Israeli military announced strikes on more than 70 targets overnight in eastern Lebanons Bekaa Valley and in southern Lebanon. Both areas are believed to be Hezbollah strongholds. Standing amid vehicles laden with belongings strapped to the roof and countless people queuing in long lines on the Syrian side of the border, Vargas Lllosa said that UNHCR was working with the Syrian Arab Red Crescent to provide water, food, blankets and mattresses - because many of them will be spending the night here at the border while they are processed. According to media reports, a 21-day ceasefire proposal by the US, European allies including France and several Arab nations has been rejected by members of Netanyahus government. Latest data from Lebanons interior ministry indicates that 70,100 internally displaced people are now registered inside 533 government-run centres. Some 500,000 people have been displaced following months of hostilities between Hezbollah and Israel, the Lebanese authorities said. UNHCR said that it was continuing to coordinate closely with the authorities and other humanitarian organizations to provide relief to people uprooted from their homes inside Lebanon. Our teams are on standby to help more civilians who have fled the air-strikes, providing shelter, health care and psychosocial support, the UN agency said Thursday. Echoing solidarity with those impacted by the strikes, the UN Childrens Fund, UNICEF, appealed for more shelters and more funds to provide critical support to those in need. We are on the ground distributing emergency hygiene kits, blankets, sleeping bags, and dignity kits in displacement shelters. Our team is working tirelessly to support displaced families. Citing the Lebanese authorities, UNHCR said that more than 90,000 people have been displaced since 23 September and more are abandoning their homes by the minute. The latest hostilities have killed more than 600 people and injured 1,835. (@ChaudhryMAli88) Nairobi, (APP - UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 26th Sep, 2024) As Kenya mourns 21 children killed in a boarding school fire this month, anxious parents are left wondering why the country suffers so many similar tragedies. A mass is planned Thursday for the boys, aged nine to 13, killed in an overnight fire in their dormitory at Hillside Endarasha academy in central Kenya on September 6. It was a particularly horrific incident -- the victims burnt beyond recognition, requiring DNA to be identified. But school fires are far from rare in Kenya -- there have been more than a dozen this year alone. There were 63 arson cases at schools recorded in 2018, and no less than 117 in just a three-month period in 2016. Most seem to target boarding schools, of which Kenya has thousands as a colonial legacy of missionaries and the British. Many parents still see boarding schools as prestigious and practical. Silvana Wachira, a 47-year-old receptionist, put her three children in a boarding school near Nairobi to spare them from the city's infernal traffic. "But it is not worth the lives of my babies," she said, adding that the accounts from Hillside "broke my heart into pieces". Phineas Ojwang', whose 11-year-old attends a Primary school 400 kilometres (250 miles) away from his home in western Kenya, told AFP he will likewise pull his daughter out at the end of the year. "I sleep a worried man. I have the matron on speed dial to check on my daughter," he told AFP. Investigators have yet to say what caused the Hillside fire, but the power company has ruled out an electrical fault. In many cases, the children are to blame. In 2017, 10 children died in a fire at a prestigious Nairobi school. A 14-year-old with a history of clashes with the school was eventually found guilty of manslaughter and sentenced to five years in prison. Pupils were also accused after a 2001 dormitory fire in the southern county of Machakos killed 67. A 2017 report by Kenya's National Crime Research Centre blamed exam stress and long terms, and said students in different schools were communicating via smuggled phones, leading to copycat acts. In the two days after the Hillside tragedy, there were at least two more fires at boarding schools in other counties. "Fires are contagious," said Pius Masai Mwachi, a former acting director of Kenya's national disaster management unit. He said students often shared their frustrations with each other, encouraging what he called "young criminals" to vent them through arson. But "school staff and outsiders" were also sometimes responsible, Mwachi added. The government has promised a safety audit of all schools and to prosecute violators. But critics say they hear the same promises after every tragedy. Most schools lack access to experts who could help prevent such incidents, said Mwachi. "Institutions must periodically conduct emergency training and drills," he told AFP, calling for "100 percent enforcement" of safety guidelines. There have also been repeated calls to ban boarding schools, especially at primary level, with suggestions that abandonment issues could be partly to blame. Whatever the causes, Ojwang' said he will no longer take the risk with his daughter. "I am counting the days to the end of term. It will be her last day in boarding school," he said. Moscow, (APP - UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 26th Sep, 2024) Russia's army said Thursday it had captured the Ukrainian town of Ukrainsk in the eastern Donetsk region, the latest in a series of territorial gains for Moscow's advancing forces. In a daily briefing posted on Telegram, the defence ministry said its troops had "liberated" Ukrainsk, home to more than 10,000 before Russia launched its full-scale military offensive in February 2022. The town is one of the more significant conquests in recent weeks for Russia, whose troops have claimed control of a string of small villages and settlements as they push forward. Ukrainsk lies around 30 kilometres (18 miles) west of the city of Donetsk, the capital of the region Moscow claims to have annexed. Moscow's forces are seeking to gain control of the entire Donetsk region and have demanded Kyiv withdraw its troops from there, as well as from the Lugansk, Kherson and Zaporizhzhia regions, as a precondition to opening peace talks. Since graduating, he has also traveled to Paraguay to complete an internship with Fundacion Para La Tierra, a nonprofit organization studying, conserving and teaching about the biodiversity of the region. Kane Sandoval will serve as a Fulbright English teaching assistant in Cambodia. Additionally, Sandoval has continued to stay connected to UTSA, working as a laboratory assistant in The Smith Wildlife lab at UTSA, which was previouly led by Jennifer Smith, a former assistant professor in the UTSA Department of Integrative Biology. He also served as a counselor for entomology and hydrology-themed summer camps at UTSA this summer. Sandoval submitted his Fulbright application through the UTSA Office of Nationally Competitive Awards. The office supported him through the application process by interviewing him, helping him select a country that matched his interests, brainstorming with him on how to tell his story, and reviewing essay drafts. Fulbright winners receive a monthly stipend along with travel benefits, health benefits and free training. Recipients of Fulbright grants are selected based on their academic or professional achievement, as well as demonstrated leadership potential in their fields. In Cambodia, Sandoval will work with local instructors to help teach the English language, while also serving as a grassroots cultural ambassador of the United States. I want to help Cambodia because I believe it is a country mostly ignored by the Western world, and I could help show that the U.S. does care about the people there, Kane said. I cherish helping people born without the opportunities I had and encountering new cultures to expand ideas and compassion. After completing the 10-month position, Sandoval plans to apply for an international master's program in environmental science or related fields. Two other UTSA graduates, Jaci Finch 23 and Danny Vidaurri 23, received Fulbright awards this year. Finch is a current graduate student at The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley and will be traveling to Viljandi, Estonia, to work at the Viljandi Library American Center. She originally applied to the program as an undergraduate through UTSA and was a semi-finalist; this year she applied again through UTRGV. Vidaurri, who applied as an at-large candidate, will travel to Spain under the Fulbright English Teaching Assistant program. In fall 2023, the U.S. Department of States Bureau of Education and Cultural Affairs named UTSA a Fulbright HSI Leader, recognizing the universitys noteworthy participation across Fulbright programs for students, faculty and administrators for the second year in a row. Since 2020, 17 UTSA students have received Fulbright scholarships. The UTSA Office of Nationally Competitive Awardsactively promotes Fulbright program opportunities for students and works with them to enhance their eligibility. In April, UTSA welcomed a Fulbright delegation to campus, which included Director of U.S. student programs Dan Kramer, as well as Fulbright alumni. The visit was part of an initiative to grow Fulbrights presence at UTSA. Last year, a record 18 Roadrunners applied for the student program. Artists from China's Yunnan Province perform during the inauguration ceremony in Los Angeles, the United States, Sept. 24, 2024. A series of cultural exchange events designed to promote the lifestyle of China's Yunnan Province -- by fusing traditional and modern arts, local cuisines, and nature narratives -- kicked off here on Tuesday. The 10-day events, titled "Yunnan: A Many-Splendored Life -- Shangri-La in Focus 2024," include a song and dance show, an art exhibition on Shangri-La, an exhibition of Zeng Xiaolian's nature history drawings, a wine tasting and promotion party, and a seminar on Flying Tigers culture. (Photo by Zeng Hui/Xinhua) A woman visits an exhibition of Zeng Xiaolian's nature history drawings in Los Angeles, the United States, Sept. 24, 2024. A series of cultural exchange events designed to promote the lifestyle of China's Yunnan Province -- by fusing traditional and modern arts, local cuisines, and nature narratives -- kicked off here on Tuesday. The 10-day events, titled "Yunnan: A Many-Splendored Life -- Shangri-La in Focus 2024," include a song and dance show, an art exhibition on Shangri-La, an exhibition of Zeng Xiaolian's nature history drawings, a wine tasting and promotion party, and a seminar on Flying Tigers culture. (Photo by Zeng Hui/Xinhua) Vietnam Briefing has developed into a premium source for insight on doing business in Vietnam. It publishes business news concerning foreign direct investment into Vietnam, including the most important tax, legal and accounting issues. The Vietnam Briefing Magazine was first published in 2009, and is contributed to by investment professionals based in Vietnam. Transcript: The Inside Story: USA Votes 2024 Episode 163 September 26, 2024 Show Open: Unidentified Narrator: This week on The Inside Story Bidens final address to world leaders at the 79th session of The United Nations General Assembly Plus, foreign policy, and what it might look like after novembers presidential election Now on The Inside Story: USA VOTES 2024 The Inside Story: ELIZABETH LEE, VOA Correspondent: Hello and welcome to The Inside Story, Im Elizabeth Lee. The first sentence of the United Nations Charter lays out a simple goal: to save succeeding generations from the scourge of war. The extent to which that vision is attainable is on display this week as the UN General Assembly meets... and as fighting between Israel and Hezbollah ramps up to levels United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres calls alarming. Linda Gradstein has more from Jerusalem LINDA GRADSTEIN, VOA Correspondent: Tens of thousands of residents of southern Lebanon have fled their homes since Israel began its airstrikes on Hezbollah targets in the past week. Israel has accused Hezbollah of storing rockets and missiles in civilian areas and has been warning residents to flee. Fatma Ibrahim Shehab, Displaced From Lebanese Village: They struck right next to our house and our building was shaking. We got very stressed, this is why we had to leave, and we came here. We were told it is safe here. The situation is very tragic. LINDA GRADSTEIN: Israel also struck Beirut for the fourth time since the fighting began almost a year ago. The Israel Defense Forces claimed the target was the head of Hezbollahs missile unit. News reports said he was killed. Lebanese officials said among the dead in the past two days were at least 94 women and 50 children. Israeli officials say Hezbollah has suffered a serious blow in the past week, since thousands of pagers belonging to Hezbollah members exploded simultaneously. Yaakov Amidror, Jewish Institute for National Security of America: All in all its a huge success eliminating the commanders and the leadership of Hezbollah, hitting very important targets inside Lebanon. But still, we have to be modest. It is only the beginning; it will take a long time to eliminate the capabilities of Hezbollah. LINDA GRADSTEIN: Hezbollah also continued to fire rockets at northern Israel. More than 100 missiles injured a number of Israelis and sent residents running to bomb shelters. Despite the heavy fighting, both sides seem to stop short of a full-scale war. Israel has not sent ground forces into Lebanon, and Hezbollah has not fired on central Israel. But Amidror notes that Israel wants a buffer zone from the Lebanese border to the Litani River. Yakov Amidror, Jewish Institute for National Security of America: If someone from the outside Americans, the French, whoever -- would not have the ability to bring an agreement within which Hezbollah will remain north of the Litani, probably we have to send the ground forces to clear the area of the launching pads of Hezbollah, to build kind of a security zone in which we will not let Hezbollah members to go in. LINDA GRADSTEIN: International concern is growing that the conflict between Israel and Hezbollah may deteriorate into a full-scale regional war that could force other nations to intervene. Josep Borrell, EU Foreign Affairs Chief: We need to continue asking for this immediate cease-fire across the line, as well as the situation in Gaza. They are not different. They are interlinked. They are strongly interlinked. What's happening in Gaza is triggering other war scenarios. LINDA GRADSTEIN: Speaking at the United Nations today, President Joe Biden said he is determined to prevent regional war and called for a diplomatic solution between Israel and Hezbollah as well as between Israel and Hamas in Gaza. Linda Gradstein, VOA News, Jerusalem. ELIZABETH LEE: The 79th United Nations General Assembly marks the last time U.S. President Joe Biden will address his counterparts. Biden spoke of the worlds collective accomplishments, short comings, and the future of the body as a whole. From New York, VOAs Anita Powell has the story. ANITA POWELL, VOA White House Correspondent: Hope, unity and service: President Joe Bidens parting message to world leaders in his final speech to the United Nations General Assembly on Tuesday. The U.S. leader covered a lot of ground in his valedictory address before world leaders. As expected, he urged the world to work together to end conflicts in Gaza, Ukraine and Sudan. And he touted his administrations work in health and climate mitigation. But it was this line about his decision not to seek reelection that garnered the most applause from the audience, which included leaders from the bodys 193 member states. President Joe Biden: My fellow leaders, let us never forget some things are more important than staying in power. It's your people. ANITA POWELL: But his call for a peace deal to end spreading conflict in the Middle East shows how deeply divided this international body is. President Joe Biden: Even as the situation has escalated, a diplomatic solution is still possible. In fact, it remains the only path to lasting security to allow the residents from both countries to return to their homes in the border safely. And that's what we're working tirelessly to achieve. ANITA POWELL: But the conflict in Gaza, like the one in Ukraine, will likely not end with Biden's presidency, analysts say. John Fortier, American Enterprise Institute: I think the president is trying to toe the line that he's always toed, support for Israel, but really indicating also some sympathy and understanding of the plight in Gaza, and some hope that it will be resolved, but not really being able to control the situation very directly. ANITA POWELL: Washingtons strong support of Israel has tested its standing at the U.N., where many members are critical of Israels actions, both in Gaza and now in Lebanon. On Tuesday, the head of the international body warned of what he called politically indefensible and morally intolerable impunity. Antonio Guterres, UN Secretary-General: Nothing can justify the abhorrent acts of terror committed by Hamas on October 7th, or the taking of hostages both of which I have repeatedly condemned. And nothing can justify the collective punishment of the Palestinian people. ANITA POWELL: This annual event is a chance for the worlds governments to discuss shared challenges and shared visions. The big question now, from Gaza to Ukraine to Sudan: What are they going to do about it? Anita Powell, VOA News, New York. ELIZABETH LEE: Iran has long been a thorn in the side of U.S. foreign policy in the Middle East and beyond. Now, the Islamic Republic threatens the United States through its ally Israel. Iran backs the Lebanese Hezbollah militias to Israels north and the Houthi rebels in Yemen. With both groups attacking Israel for what they describe as payback for its invasion of Gaza and the tens of thousands of Palestinians killed in the conflict. Michael Lipin examines how both candidates Harris and Trump differ and overlap on their approaches to Iran and its proxies. MICHAEL LIPIN, VOA Correspondent: Democratic presidential nominee and Vice President Kamala Harris has focused her relatively brief remarks about Iran on one concept: defense. Kamala Harris, Democratic Presidential Nominee: And know this: I will never hesitate to take whatever action is necessary to defend our forces and our interests against Iran and Iran-backed terrorists. MICHAEL LIPIN: In her debate with her Republican rival, former President Donald Trump, she pledged to extend that defensive approach to Israel, saying: Voice of Kamala Harris, Democratic Presidential Nominee: I will always give Israel the ability to defend itself, in particular as it relates to Iran and any threat that Iran and its proxies pose to Israel. MICHAEL LIPIN: The Biden-Harris administration helped Israel defend itself against an unprecedented aerial assault by Iran in April. It also sent warships to the region last month to deter Iran from doing so again. Emphasizing that approach could endear Harris to some Americans. Michael OHanlon, Brookings Institution: I think that she knows Americans are tired of war and certainly doesnt want to sound like shes looking for another. And so, who can be against defense, right? But Americans are wary about offense. So, perhaps that can be part of it, especially given the history of the last quarter century. MICHAEL LIPIN: But the Biden-Harris administration also saw Irans proxies escalate their aggression in August, striking U.S. bases in Iraq and Syria and executing a U.S. hostage in Gaza. Victoria Coates, Heritage Foundation: There has been zero retaliation from the United States. They've retained that defensive posture. My worry is that Iran is getting the message that that they can continue to provoke and to escalate on their terms, and all the United States will do is respond, not take the initiative. MICHAEL LIPIN: Trump is emphasizing his record of sanctioning Iran for its malign behavior when he was president. Donald Trump, Republican Presidential Nominee: I told China and other countries, If you buy from Iran, we will not let you do any business in this country, and we will put tariffs on every product you do send in of 100 percent or more. MICHAEL LIPIN: In the debate, he accused the Biden-Harris administration of enriching Iran and its proxies by easing that pressure. He also promised to resolve the Iran threat but did not elaborate, saying: Donald Trump, Republican Presidential Nominee: Look at whats going on in the Middle East ... I will get that settled and fast. MICHAEL LIPIN: During his term, Trump engaged in a two-year-long maximum pressure campaign against Iran. MICHAEL LIPIN: Trumps avoidance of recommitting to that strategy gives him the option of pursuing a new policy that pressures Iran more quickly. One similarity between Harris and Trump is that neither of them says what they will do if Iran makes a nuclear bomb, a prospect that Iranian officials have hinted at. Michael Lipin, VOA News, Washington. ELIZABETH LEE: Ask Ukrainians what they think about the upcoming U.S. presidential election, and youre likely to hear the same thing: hope for a quick end to Russias invasion. But both candidates Harris and Trump give Ukrainians cause for concern. For more on this story, we go to Kyiv where Anna Chernikova has this report. ANNA CHERNIKOVA, Reporting for VOA: In the capital, Kyiv, and elsewhere in Ukraine, people wonder and worry about the outcome of U.S. elections and how it will affect their war-battered homeland. Some residents, like Anhelina, express hope. Anhelina, Kyiv Resident: I have expectations that the future president will support us. Our politics, our military actions. ANNA CHERNIKOVA: Other residents, like Dmytro, are worried. Dmytro, Kyiv citizen: I wonder who will win and in general what will be the policy towards our country. This is what Im interested in. And God grant that both of them will support us. ANNA CHERNIKOVA: The biggest fear is that the new U.S. administration will end its support and abandon Ukraine in its fight against Russia, says political analyst Mykola Davydiuk. Mykola Davydiuk, Think Tank Politics: Turning a once democratic country into an autocracy costs millions of deaths. And this is what the country is afraid of. ANNA CHERNIKOVA: After two and a-half years of war, a key factor affecting morale in Ukraine is the uncertainty of what is to come under a new White House administration. Trump promises to end the war quickly, and many fear that means Ukraine would be forced to make too many concessions if he returns to office. At the same time, Ukrainians remember that Trump as president approved the sale of Javelin anti-tank systems that helped Ukraine fight Russia at the start of the full-scale invasion. The Obama-Biden administration had rejected Ukraines request for those weapons in 2014, when Russia invaded Crimea and took over much of eastern Ukraine's Donetsk region. But feelings among Ukrainians are mixed with some, like Svitlana, fearing a Trump victory. Svitlana, Kyiv Resident: Trump is such a strange man, and he has quite strange thoughts. ANNA CHERNIKOVA: And others, like Ivan, find reassurance based on past experience. Ivan, Kyiv Resident: Trump was already the president, his methods are known and there is nothing to be afraid of, I think. ANNA CHERNIKOVA: The U.S. under the Biden administration has been generous with Ukraine, spending $175 billion dollars to support it since the start of the full-scale invasion. But there's frustration among Ukraine's leaders who say the aid has been slow to arrive. Volodymyr Zelenskyy, Ukrainian President: The Russian army is now trying to take advantage of a situation when we are waiting for supplies from our partners, especially from the United States of America. And that is exactly why the speed of deliveries means stabilizing the front. ANNA CHERNIKOVA: Analysts say if elected, Kamala Harris' policies would likely be like Biden's, and the prospect of continuity is reassuring to some. But it makes others nervous that the war could drag on. A poll by the Razumkov Centre in Kyiv finds 44% of Ukrainians surveyed think Ukraine and Russia should start peace negotiations soon, but most respondents see Putins conditions as unacceptable. With fatigue building among Ukraine's top supporters in Europe, many here see the U.S. elections as more of a lifeline than ever, albeit one that is not entirely certain. Anna Chernikova, Voa News, Kyiv. ELIZABETH LEE: Ukraine faces wildly different prospects under a President Harris or a President Trump. But as both campaigns sprint toward the finish line, neither candidate has yet explicitly outlined a plan to deal with Russias war on Ukraine. Experts say that in the months ahead until the election, Ukraines battlefield victories put it in the drivers seat of its own destiny. Again, VOAs Anita Powell has more. ANITA POWELL: Ukraines ancient capital knows well what its like to be tossed about by the waves and whims of powerful forces and so analysts there seem ambivalent on a possible second term for former President Donald Trump. Oleksiy Melnyk, Razumkov Centre Analyst: There is a prevailing opinion that the return of Trump to the White House is not the best scenario for Ukraine, although there are also cautious opinions that everything may not be that bad. ANITA POWELL: Trump has said he will swiftly end the war though his running mate, JD Vance, once said he doesnt really care about Ukraine leaving Ukrainians unsure what to think. This makes a potential Kamala Harris presidency more of a wild card to this nation that knows Trump and President Joe Biden so well. Harris has met with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and represented Biden at major transatlantic security summits. But on the trail, Harris has only briefly spotlighted Ukraine and how she differs from Trump: Kamala Harris, Democratic Presidential Nominee: He encouraged ((Russian President Vladimir)) Putin to invade our allies, said Russia could, quote, do whatever the hell they want. Five days before Russia attacked Ukraine, I met with President Zelenskyy to warn him about Russia's plan to invade. I helped mobilize a global response [of] over 50 countries to defend against Putin's aggression. And as president, I will stand strong with Ukraine and our NATO allies. ANITA POWELL: Analysts say Harris is likely to follow Bidens Support-Ukraine playbook, and Trumps broad foreign-policy pronouncements remain as vague as ever. Take Trumps promise that he will end the war in one day: Andrew Payne, City St George's, University of London: It's not entirely clear how he'll do that. The fear, of course, is that he'll do it by simply abandoning Ukraine, cutting off funds, and pressuring Zelenskyy into negotiations at a time when Putin would enjoy all of the bargaining leverage. ANITA POWELL: But, he says, the battlefield has shifted with Ukrainian forces recent decision to strike across the border and take a bite of Russian territory. While analysts widely predict that Ukraine will neither seek nor succeed in holding this land, its a bargaining chip that will help Kyiv whoever wins. And, he said, Biden could also put his hand on the scale at a pivotal stage. Andrew Payne, City St George's, University of London: I wouldn't be expecting any shift in the US position vis-a-vis Ukraine's military operations before November, but I would be watching between November and January whatever the outcome, to see if there is a little bit more of a leash given to Kyiv. ANITA POWELL: And he notes, Ukraines leader has bolstered his relationships with European leaders and broadened his support. And so, as these two race to the end of this story, what could end up happening in Ukraine ultimately may not be up to the American president whoever she or he is. Anita Powell, VOA News, Washington. ELIZABETH LEE: The Biden and Trump administrations both accuse China of unfair trade practices and flooding international markets with artificially cheap goods. Analysts say both Kamala Harris and Donald Trump could use tariffs to counter China and boost U.S. manufacturing jobs. Heres my report on how this trade war may impact consumers. This $6, made in China bicycle bell could cost $9.60if additional tariffs proposed by Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump becomes reality. Donald Trump, Republican Presidential Nominee: Were doing tariffs on other countries. Other countries are going to finally, after 75 years, pay us back for all that weve done for the world. And the tariff will be substantial in some cases. ELIZABETH LEE: meaning Chinese made products will be hit with as much as a 60% tariff under Trumps plan. He also says he will implement blanket tariffs of up to 20% on all other countries. Both Trump and the Democratic presidential nominee, Kamala Harris say they want to bring jobs back to the U.S. Kamala Harris, Democratic Presidential Nominee: A policy about China should be in making sure the United States of America wins the competition for the 21st century. ELIZABETH LEE: The Biden administration kept most of the import taxes put in place during Trumps presidency. In May, Biden announced further tariff increases on $18 billion worth of Chinese imports, including a 100% import tax on Chinese electric vehicles. The Biden administration says its tariffs are more strategic aimed at specific industries and that Trumps import tax takes on a broader approach that will cost a middle-class American household $4,000 more a year. Other estimates are in the range of around $2,000. Trump says consumers wont be impacted. Donald Trump, Republican Presidential Nominee: Whos going to have higher prices is China and all of the countries who have been ripping us off for years. ELIZABETH LEE: But Chinese businesses are not the ones paying the import taxes, explains supply chain expert Christopher Tang. Christopher Tang, UCLA Anderson School of Management: During the election years, everyone is promising the moon. But the truth of the matter is that the import tariffs are paid by the U.S. firms. ELIZABETH LEE: So, for an imported Chinese-made TV purchased at Costco, its Costco that pays the import tax. Christopher Tang, UCLA Anderson School of Management: When companies is (are) facing high import tariffs, there are two buttons to push. One is pass the high import cost to the consumers, the other one is squeeze the Chinese factories to lower the price. ELIZABETH LEE: Tang says the risk of pushing Chinese companies to lower the price is poor product quality. Import taxes may mean fewer made in China labels printed, but that doesnt mean there are fewer imports coming from Chinatheyll just have a label from a different country says Tang. Christopher Tang, UCLA Anderson School of Management: China actually shipped a lot of components and parts to Vietnam, to India for final assembly. And those end products actually is (are) importing into the U.S. as well. So therefore the total effect on China, they still actually export more, but they're not exporting to U.S. directly. ELIZABETH LEE: The World Trade Organization finds tariffs disproportionately effect low-income households, which means a $9.60 bike bell and other everyday products may be out of reach for some consumersif a 60% import tax is slapped on to Chinese-made products. Elizabeth Lee, VOA News Washington. ELIZABETH LEE: In our press freedom segment this week we go back to a story weve been following with you.. Pro-democracy publisher Jimmy Lai remains jailed in Hong Kong facing widely condemned charges. His son and an international team of attorneys are pushing the United States and other countries to call for Lais immediate release. Liam Scott has this story. LIAM SCOTT, VOA Correspondent: The son of imprisoned Hong Kong publisher Jimmy Lai was in Washington this month. Sebastien Lai made his fathers case to U.S. lawmakers. Sebastien Lai, Son of Jailed Publisher: The first time I realized I was taller than my dad, I was 13. But I always knew that I wasnt stronger than him. LIAM SCOTT: Years of unjust imprisonment have taken their toll on his father, Sebastien Lai says. Sebastien Lai, Son of Jailed Publisher: Given his age, given the fact that he is in the conditions that hes in, theres a danger to his life, and he could, you know, it breaks my heart say this, but he could pass away at any moment. LIAM SCOTT: Held in solitary confinement since late 2020, the 76-year-old Lai is on trial under Hong Kongs national security law. The founder of the now-shuttered Apple Daily newspaper denies the charges of collusion with foreign forces and sedition. The United States, Britain and international observers have condemned the trial. Sebastien Lai and his fathers international legal team say Washingtons words matter. Sebastien Lai, Son of Jailed Publisher: I think there is a period before the end of this trial where we could put a lot more pressure on the Hong Kong government and eventually see my father released before he passes away in prison. LIAM SCOTT: International pressure is the only way to secure Lais release, says Caoilfhionn Gallagher. The head of Lais legal team says theres no more rule of law in Hong Kong. Caoilfhionn Gallagher KC, Doughty Street Chambers Barrister: Hes someone who could have left Hong Kong at any time, could be having a lovely life living in Washington or living in London or living in Paris, and he chose to stay and stand up for what was right in Hong Kong, and now its time we stand up for him. LIAM SCOTT: Analysts point to Lais case as emblematic of the rapid decline of media freedoms in Hong Kong since it enacted the national security law in 2020. The country has fallen from 73 to 135 out of 180 countries and territories in the World Press Freedom Index. Caoilfhionn Gallagher KC, Doughty Street Chambers Barrister: Its horrifying to see that happen so quickly, and weve just seen freedoms and liberties which Hong Kongers have taken for granted for a very long time just be decimated. LIAM SCOTT: Despite international criticism, Hong Kong officials say Lai will receive a fair trial. In a statement to VOA, Chinas Washington embassy claimed the publisher tried to destabilize Hong Kong. Lais international legal team rejects that claim. Members of Congress, including former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, have joined calls for Lais release. Rep. Nancy Pelosi, Former House of Representatives Speaker: Not only do we remember, we exalt, we lift up the sacrifice of Jimmy Lai. LIAM SCOTT: Sebastien says he welcomes the support and tries to stay optimistic. Sebastien Lai, Son of Jailed Publisher: Im sure Ill see my father again, and I wont stop until he is free. LIAM SCOTT: Lais trial is set to resume in November. Liam Scott, VOA News. ELIZABETH LEE: Thats all for now. Thanks for watching. For the latest news you can log on to VOA news dot com. Follow us on Instagram and Facebook at VOA News. To get more content from VOA, follow me on X at XXX. Catch up on past episodes at our free streaming service, VOA Plus. Im Elizabeth Lee. We will see you next week, for The Inside Story. ### Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, meets with Slovenian Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign and European Affairs Tanja Fajon on the sidelines of the 79th Session of the UN General Assembly in New York, Sept. 25, 2024. (Xinhua/Li Rui) NEW YORK, Sept. 25 (Xinhua) -- China has decided to grant visa-free entry to the people of Slovenia, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi told his Slovenian counterpart as they met Wednesday in New York. "I now notify the Slovenian side with great excitement that the Chinese government has decided to grant visa-free entry to Slovenian citizens," said Wang, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, adding that the measure is "good news" for both the Slovenian and the Chinese people as it will forcefully promote friendly exchanges between the two countries and deepen their friendship and mutual trust. Wang was meeting Slovenian Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign and European Affairs Tanja Fajon. Noting that Slovenia is an important member of the European Union, Wang said China supports Slovenia assuming the rotating chair of the United Nations Security Council this month, is willing to work with the Slovenian side to implement true multilateralism, uphold the authority of the United Nations and the Security Council, and promote international peace and security. For her part, Fajon expressed the Slovenian side's gratitude for the visa-free entry treatment by China, hailing the policy as a "big positive" that will make exchanges between the two peoples easier and facilitate economic and trade cooperation between the two countries. Fajon said that as the rotating chair of the UN Security Council, Slovenian looks forward to maintaining close coordination with China and making effort to resolve the Ukraine crisis, the conflict in Gaza, as well as other hotspot issues. The two also exchanged views on the Ukraine crisis and the conflict in Gaza, agreeing that in pursuing political resolution of related issues, the Security Council should shoulder its due responsibility and play its due role. U.S. Africa Command, or AFRICOM, is working with southern African countries to combat gender-based violence in the military. This week, AFRICOM and regional military officials are holding a series of workshops in Zambia to strengthen regional collaboration in the fight against workplace harassment. AFRICOM and its component, the U.S. Air Forces in Europe and Air Forces Africa, or USAFE-AFAFRICA, have united with the Zambia Defense Force to foster strategies to tackle gender-based violence in the region. Botswana and Zambia are participating in efforts to strengthen regional initiatives against sexual assault. Lieutenant Colonel Linda Jones, USAFE-AFAFRICA chief for African health engagements, said it is imperative to come up with strategies to fight gender-based violence in the armed forces. "It is the responsibility of leaders that all of us set the tone, including an environment where everyone is valued and empowered to speak up against misconduct, she said. This involves not only enforcing policies but also modeling respect for behavior and actively supporting those who report incidents." In 2021, U.S. Defense Department officials reported sexual violence had reached the highest level ever reported, with 8.4% of women assaulted on duty. U.S. Air Force Tech Sergeant Samara Brown said if left unchecked, gender-based violence can affect execution of military tasks. "Gender-based violence undermines the core values of any military organization, Brown said. It erodes trust, disrupts unity, cohesion and ultimately compromises mission readiness. We must take a firm stand against it, not just as a matter of policy but a commitment to uphold the principles of honor, integrity and respect that define our service." Retired U.S. Air Force official and workplace development consultant Keith Castille facilitated the Lusaka workshop. He said such collaborations with the Zambia Defense Force can ensure gender-based violence is addressed within regional militaries. "No military can tackle this issue alone, he said. By sharing knowledge and collaborating across branches and communities, we can develop more effective strategies to combat gender-based violence. Engaging in open dialogue, facilitating workshops and creating joint initiatives will enable us to learn from one another and strengthen our collective efforts." Attending the workshop in Lusaka, Zambian Defense Force Major Stephen Muleya said the military workplace must be free of gender-based harassment. "When individuals know that they can perform their duties without the threat of harassment or violence, they are more likely to focus fully on their missions, he said. We must actively cultivate an atmosphere where everyone can thrive free from fear and intimidation." Zambian officials said theyre planning to open a regional office for innovative gender-based violence solutions. Zambian air force legal adviser Major Glory Musonda said collaboration with U.S. partners should result in solutions to gender-based violence within the force. "We all have a responsibility to build military environments where respect and dignity are upheld, Musonda said. Its not enough to simply acknowledge the issue, we must actively work toward solutions that ensure the safety and well-being of every service member." Meanwhile, officials representing the U.S. Army War College are in Lusaka for discussions on women, peace and security, which aligns with efforts to address gender-based violence in the region. President Joe Biden is turning to Africa in the sunset of his presidency. In the space of one day, in front of world leaders, he elevated Sudan's conflict to a priority, announced he would travel to Angola and endorsed adding two seats for African countries to the U.N. Security Council. In his valedictory speech to the U.N. General Assembly on Tuesday, Biden made several brief overtures to the African continent reminding world leaders of the evils of South Africas apartheid regime, calling for an end to Sudans grueling conflict and citing urgency in combating an mpox outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. But these two short lines may have the most weight: The U.N. needs to adapt to bring in new voices and new perspectives, he said. Thats why we support reforming and expanding the membership of the U.N. Security Council. For years, African leaders have called for a seat at this table. But critics point out that Washington does not support a critical privilege enjoyed by the current permanent members of the Security Council: veto power. Cameron Hudson, a senior fellow in the Africa Program at the Center for Strategic and International Studies, says African nations are puzzled by Bidens position. This is really, I think, an unfinished project of his, probably more words than reality, he told VOA. The fact that Biden supported council membership for them but not veto power "has left Africans scratching their heads." John Fortier, a senior fellow at the American Enterprise Institute, said it mattered that Biden used this platform to call for an end to Sudans raging 17-month conflict, but he doubted whether that call would provoke action. Trying to elevate issue This is one of the conflicts that is serious but has not been getting world attention, and I think his pointing to it is really to elevate it in world consciousness but not yet to really know how we're going to see an end to this, Fortier said. This conflict has displaced millions of people and sparked a near-famine. And so, analysts say, it matters that the American president is putting pressure on the warring parties. I think Biden genuinely wants to alleviate the humanitarian crisis and resolve the conflict in Sudan, said Daniel Volman, director of the African Security Research Project, in an email to VOA. But I think he is reluctant to press countries like Egypt and the [United Arab] Emirates that are arming the generals, because they are key allies during the Gaza war. Also, Biden is being driven by pressure from some members of Congress to take stronger and more effective action. I think he will take some limited action, like the new funds for humanitarian aid just announced, but I don't think this will yield significant results. And finally, Bidens off-camera announcement that he will visit Angola next month allows him to keep his promise to visit the continent. But again, Hudson wondered how this long-delayed visit would land. Coming, as it does, at the very tail end of his administration, without much to, I think, really celebrate in terms of his involvement in Africa, I think the visit will ring rather hollow, Hudson said. Biden has four months left in his presidency. The severe and prolonged flooding that has deluged Thailand is devastating hundreds of thousands of residents and prompting calls for long-term solutions, including measures to mitigate the long-term impact of climate change. Thailand suffers from an annual monsoon season from July to October. Although floods are common nationwide, authorities say this year has been the worst in decades. Thanapon Piman, senior research fellow, SEI Asia Center, says climate change has contributed to the flooding. Climate change and La Nina ... cause heavy rainfall over the region more than normal condition. For example, the monthly rainfall in Chiang Rai in August is higher [than] normal [by] 40% to 50%. Mae Sai has faced flooding six times in a month, which never happened before, he told VOA. The La Nina phenomenon is the natural cooling of the water in the central and eastern Pacific Ocean. It occurs every few years and affects weather worldwide. Thanapon said authorities knew La Nina would make this season wetter than normal, but not that it would be so extreme. This is certainly caused by climate changes. The floods were exacerbated by Typhoon Yagi, which rampaged through Thailand and other Southeast Asian countries in mid-September. Upwards of 150,000 families have been affected by the floods in Thailand, with 46 killed, according to Disaster Prevention and Mitigation Department. It triggered severe flash floods and mudslides over the north region. As the result of heavy rainfall since August, land turned into saturated soil. Thus, when the heavy rainfall from the Yagi Typhoon hit the region, it caused the extreme flooding, Thanapon said. "Flooding and extreme events happen [not] only [in] Thailand but also happen in Vietnam, the Philippines, Laos and Myanmar. In Chiang Mai, the second largest city in Thailand, floods have intensified in recent days. Direct daily train service between Bangkok and Chiang Mai was temporarily affected by a landslide, while roads were flooded. In Chiang Rai itself, the flooding has been a problem for weeks, with at least 1,268 families affected. Residents told VOA that the floods were waist-deep and even though they have subsided, foot-deep water remains in the streets while buildings are clogged with sludgy mud. Chalermpon Por Thungkham owns a congee restaurant in Chiang Rai with his mother and father. He says the floods have ruined his home and business. The stuff for the food to prepare got damaged, the electricity got cut, everything is ruined inside. It was like this for three days until it got back to normal, but then there was the mud. We wanted to clean the mud, but we didnt have the water supply, he told VOA. He said his breakfast shop usually brings in around $30 per day, but the damage to his facilities is equal to a years worth of income. His family has been relying on aid trucks to bring everyday supplies. The flooding has caused more than maybe 300,000 THB ($9,168) of damage. The car, the furniture we need to fix. It will take one month to clean and re-open the restaurant, he added. Fifty miles north in Mae Sai, on the border with Myanmar, relatives of the citys residents have come from around the country to help repair and clean up ruined homes. One of those is Sky, a hairdresser who works in Bangkok. I came back to Chiang Rai because I was worried about my mother and child who were trapped in our house for three days during the flooding, she told VOA. We still have mud on both sides of the house, and there is still mud in the kitchen and bathroom that needs to be cleaned. We have to wait for clean water. The Wat Tham Pha Chom Buddhist Temple has become a makeshift shelter for hundreds of residents in Mae Sai. Situated on a hill, the religious sanctuary has been largely unaffected by the floods. After the big flooding, the people came to stay here, said Phra Manatcha Pothisam, a monk and acting director of Wat Tham Pha Chom, who spoke to VOA amid stacked water containers and piles of second-hand clothes for those in need. There was around 300 people, men and women are separated, but we provide food for meals, drinking water, and some clothes. This is from donations and government subsidies. Right now there are 150 people live here, he said. Many of the villagers were very scared. This temple is the place for meditation [and] has been supported by the people, so we need to give back. Paetongtarn Shinawatra, who became Thailands 31st prime minister in August, has said the governments top priority is addressing the flooding, and called for the mud to be cleared in Chiang Rai promptly. Economically, the floods could cause Thailand up to $176 million in damages, Thailands Chamber of Commerce has estimated. But Arisara Lekkham, a lecturer at the School of Law at the Mae Fah Luang University in Chiang Rai insists Thailand needs a long-term plan to combat the flooding. Flood management should become a regular, year-round effort rather than a reactive, seasonal approach, she told VOA. Many houses are damaged, and it will take months before people can return to their homes. It is proposed that the government implement additional relief measures for the affected people. The lessons learned from the Chiang Rai floods should be applied to other areas currently facing flood problems, especially regarding early warning systems," she added. Lebanon's Hezbollah militia has largely refrained from firing rockets at central Israel after a week of suffering the worst blows in its 11-month conflict with the nation, some observers say, as the group grapples with external pressures and its desire to keep the fighting at a low level. In the eight days since Hezbollah began seeing thousands of its communications devices explode in attacks it blamed on Israel, followed by Israeli airstrikes that eliminated more of its senior commanders, the group has fired only one of its most powerful weapons at Israel's heavily populated center. Hezbollah fired what it said was a ballistic missile toward Tel Aviv early Wednesday, in what the Israeli military described as the first such attack by the U.S.-designated terror group. Israel said that it had successfully intercepted the missile and that no damage had been done. Since its last war with Israel in 2006, the Iran-backed militia has built an arsenal of about 150,000 rockets and other projectiles, some capable of hitting anywhere in Israel, said Matthew Levitt, counterterrorism program director at the Washington Institute for Near East Policy, citing Israeli estimates. In an interview for the Wednesday edition of VOA's "Flashpoint" program, Levitt said one factor mitigating Hezbollah's use of its longest-range and most powerful missiles was the impact of the recent unprecedented Israeli strikes and suspected Israeli attacks on the group's communications devices, commanders and rocket stockpiles. "Israel has prepared the battlefield with a series of stunning tactical masterstrokes that have diminished Hezbollah's capacity to fight a prolonged, coordinated, full-fledged war," Levitt said. Brian Carter, Middle East portfolio manager at the American Enterprise Institute's Critical Threats Project, told VOA that Hezbollah has had to spontaneously reshuffle its command structures. "There has been significant disruption to those command systems, but the disruptions are temporary, and Hezbollah will try to fix them speedily with a potential Israeli ground offensive looming," Carter said. In a video posted online by the Israeli military, chief of staff Herzi Halevi told a group of soldiers on Wednesday near the border with Lebanon to prepare to enter enemy territory to destroy Hezbollah infrastructure. It was not clear when such a ground offensive may begin. Speaking to VOA, Middle East Forum Research Director Jonathan Spyer said Israel has largely deterred Hezbollah from using precision weapons against central Israel. "Israel has contained Hezbollah within a certain level of behavior. If Hezbollah goes beyond that, they know they will get the all-out war with Israel that they don't want," Spyer said. Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah repeatedly has said he would stop his 11 months of near-daily strikes on northern Israel in solidarity with Hamas if Israel accepts the Palestinian terror group's terms for a cease-fire in Gaza. Iran-backed Hamas started a war with Israel by invading from Gaza last October. Levitt said Hezbollah does not want an all-out war with Israel because Lebanon, where the Iranian proxy is the dominant political and military force, is in a dire economic situation. "The Lebanese people are going to be very angry at Hezbollah for dragging the country into a war when that is not what they want or need right now," Levitt said. Hezbollah's patron Iran also does not want it to fight an all-out war with Israel now, Levitt said, as that would involve expending a significant number of rockets. "Iran wants Hezbollah to keep the powder dry on its precision-guided and long-range missiles, which Tehran sees as the best deterrent against Israel or anyone else attacking the Iranian nuclear program that has ratcheted up for the past year," he added. Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian, speaking to the U.N. General Assembly on Tuesday, said Israel's "massive aggression" in Lebanon "cannot go unanswered," but he did not elaborate on how Tehran will respond. "The responsibility for all consequences will be borne by those who have thwarted all global efforts to end this horrific catastrophe," Pezeshkian said. Hezbollah and Iran also want to preserve the group's rocket arsenal because they see the conflict as a war of attrition that they want to last a long time, according to retired Israeli Lieutenant Colonel Sarit Zehavi, president of Alma Research and Education Center, which specializes in security challenges on Israel's northern border. "They don't want to use up all of Hezbollah's cards early in this conflict," Zehavi told VOA. "They want Israel to get drawn into the Lebanese mud." Spyer said Hezbollah also wants to maintain a low-level conflict with Israel because the alternative, besides all-out war, would be a cease-fire that enables Israel to keep fighting Hamas in Gaza while returning Israelis to northern communities that they fled last year due to Hezbollah's attacks. "If Iran and Hezbollah concede to such a cease-fire, it would be a strategic setback, because it would undermine the credibility of Iran's 'Axis of Resistance,'" Spyer said. "Israel would demonstrate that this axis is a bunch of components that try to work together until sufficient pressure is applied, and then they stop working together, so there would be no more axis." Besides Hezbollah, other Iranian proxies also have attacked Israel in support of Hamas since last year. Yemen's Houthis and militias based in Iraq and Syria have sporadically fired missiles, rockets and drones at the Jewish state. Voter turnout of just over 56% was reported Wednesday in Jammu and Kashmir, the disputed, Indian-controlled territory holding its first legislative elections in ten years. Two hundred thirty-nine candidates ran for 26 assembly constituencies in Wednesdays voting, part two of the three-phase elections. More than 2.5 million adults were eligible to cast ballots. The elections took place under tight security arrangements to ensure smooth conduct of the polls. The polls ended peacefully in all the six districts. However, some stray incidents like arguments et cetera occurred at a few places but there is no need for re-poll anywhere, Pandurang Kondbarao Pole, J&K Chief Electoral Officer, told reporters in a press conference. Jammu and Kashmir is experiencing its first elections since the government of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his ruling Bharatiya Janata Party revoked its limited autonomy in 2019, downgrading its status to that of a union territory. Some locals see the elections as a battle between the BJP and the people of Kashmir, saying the government has systematically snatched away their rights over the last decade. Desperate times call for desperate measures. I have boycotted elections ever since I became eligible to vote. Today I feel its necessary to cast a vote and send a message to New Delhi, Ikhlaq Shah, a resident of Qamarwari, told VOA. If we fail to act now, I believe the BJP government will impose its hazardous agenda against us. India, he said, is more interested in exploiting Jammu and Kashmirs resources than caring for its people. Shah expressed disappointment that regional political parties, particularly the National Conference and Peoples Democratic Party, are competing against each other in the elections despite sharing the common goal of throwing BJP out of J&K. Muzamil Maqbool, a political analyst, told VOA that the parties have fragmented because their leaders are prioritizing personal interests. Most of these mainstream parties were once colleagues of each other in the past. Now they have sprouted and formed their own separated parties to fight under different names and banners, Maqbool said. The result, he predicted, is that none of them will win a majority in the J&K legislature. Its too early to say, but J&K may see a large coalition formed to govern after the October 2024 elections, he said. Shameem Ahmad Baba, a resident of old Srinagar, said voters are confused about the parties, who are accusing each other of being hidden allies of the BJP. There is a mass confusion among the people about who supports us and who stands with the government, as so many candidates are running this time, Baba told VOA. I wish the regional political parties had agreed on seat-sharing, as this would have helped keep New Delhis influence at bay. Muzaffar Shah, vice president of the Awami National Conference, or ANC, said that if all regional parties worked together under the banner of the now-dissolved Peoples Alliance for Gupkar Declaration, PAGD, it would have strengthened the movement of the local population. PAGD was a coalition of major parties created to press the demand that India revive J&Ks special status. PAGD was recognized almost throughout diaspora of Kashmir and throughout the world, Shah said. Unfortunately, political parties in the alliance, they gave much more weightage to their organizational matters and power politics than the interests of people of region. That fact unfortunately led to the breakup. Meanwhile, a 16-member delegation of foreign diplomats from countries like the U.S., Mexico, Singapore and Norway visited Kashmir at the invitation of the Indian government. Former Chief Minister of J&K, Omar Abdullah, lashed out at the central government for inviting foreign diplomats to observe the elections. If these diplomats comment on J&K the Government of India immediately says its an internal matter and they dont want outside interference. If thats the case, why are they inviting them now? Abdullah said. The third phase of the J&K elections takes place October 1. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Thursday that Israel is planning to continue striking Hezbollah in Lebanon with full force until residents in northern Israel can go back to their homes safely. We will not stop until we reach all our goals, chief among them the return of the residents of the north securely to their homes, Netanyahu told reporters after landing in the United States ahead of his speech before the United Nations General Assembly Friday. Shortly before his statement, the Israeli military said it killed a Hezbollah drone commander in an airstrike on an apartment building in the suburbs of Lebanons capital, Beirut. Two people were killed, and 15 others were injured in the attack, Lebanons health ministry said. Netanyahus confirmation that Israel will continue conducting strikes in Lebanon come as U.S. and European officials push for a 21-day pause in fighting between Israel and Lebanon-based Hezbollah for negotiations to take place. But earlier on Thursday, Israeli Foreign Minister Israel Katz rejected a proposed cease-fire along the Israel-Lebanon border, hours after the European Union, the United States, France and eight other nations called for the three-week halt in fighting. We will continue to fight against the Hezbollah terrorist organization with all our strength until victory and the safe return of the residents of the north to their homes," Katz said on social media platform X. The cease-fire proposal came late Wednesday in a statement saying the conflict between Israel and the Hezbollah militant group is intolerable and presents an unacceptable risk of a broader regional escalation. The multination statement said a cease-fire would allow for negotiations toward a diplomatic settlement consistent with U.N. Security Council resolutions that call for a halt to the clashes between Israel and Hezbollah, as well as a cease-fire between Israel and Hamas militants in the Gaza Strip. U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin cautioned Thursday that all-out war" would be devastating for Israel and Lebanon. A full-scale war between Hezbollah and Israel could be devastating for both parties, Austin said in London. He added that a cease-fire can also be used to conclude and implement a deal to secure a cease-fire in Gaza. Australia, Canada, Germany, Italy, Japan, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates also joined the cease-fire call, which said a broader regional conflict is in nobodys interest, neither of the people of Israel nor of the people of Lebanon. Hezbollah has not yet responded to the proposal for a halt in fighting. Lebanese Prime Minister Najib Mikati supports it, but his government has no influence over Hezbollah. French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot told the Security Council earlier Wednesday he would head to Beirut later this week to work with local stakeholders on a diplomatic resolution to the conflict. The developments come after some of the deadliest days in Lebanon since its civil war ended in the early 1990s. Israels military said Thursday it had already carried out airstrikes on 75 Hezbollah targets in southern and eastern Lebanon and was continuing to conduct new attacks. Israel also detected about 45 projectiles crossing into its territory from Lebanon, the military said. Lebanons state-run news agency said an Israeli attack near the city of Baalbek hit a building housing Syrian workers, killing 23 people and wounding eight others. Lebanese health officials said Israeli strikes killed 50 people on Wednesday, bringing the death toll since Monday to more than 630 people, with more than 2,000 wounded. To all sides, let us say in one clear voice: Stop the killing and destruction. Tone down the rhetoric and threats. Step back from the brink, U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres told the Security Council on Wednesday. An all-out war must be avoided at all costs. It would surely be an all-out catastrophe. Ground invasion? Israels army chief said Wednesday his troops should be prepared for a possible ground invasion of Lebanon, as Israeli fighter jets bombarded Hezbollah militant targets for a third straight day and the militants launched a ballistic missile targeting the headquarters of Israels Mossad intelligence agency near Tel Aviv. Israel shot down the missile. Hezbollah broke a relative calm along the border after Hamas October 7, 2023, terror attack on Israel triggered the war in Gaza. Israel says Hezbollah has fired nearly 9,000 rockets at communities in northern Israel since then. The militant group says it is acting in solidarity with Palestinians and its fellow Iran-backed ally Hamas. The fighting has killed 49 people in Israel, along with hundreds in Lebanon, and displaced tens of thousands on both sides of the border. Israel also said it has activated reserve troops in response to the fight against the Hezbollah militants. The war in Gaza began with Hamas' October 2023 attack on southern Israel, in which Palestinian militants killed about 1,200 people and took about 250 hostages. They are still holding around 100 captives, one-third of whom are believed to be dead. Israeli airstrikes and ground attacks have killed more than 41,400 Palestinians, mostly women and children, according to Gaza's health ministry, with the Israeli military saying the death toll includes thousands of Hamas fighters. Hamas has been designated a terror group by the United States, the United Kingdom, the European Union and others. Hezbollah also is a U.S.-designated terror group. VOA U.N. Correspondent Margaret Besheer and National Security Correspondent Jeff Seldin contributed to this report. Some information for this story was provided by The Associated Press, Agence France-Presse and Reuters. Paris-based press watchdog Reporters Without Borders has teamed up with more than 500 community radio stations across the Sahel in calling for the protection and support of local radio broadcasters, which in some places are under increasing attack. The organization wants governments to protect radio stations' right to inform freely across the region and is also calling for shedding light on the fate of journalists who have been attacked in recent months. Our fear is if we dont organize ourselves, if we dont appeal and call on local political authorities, there will be no ... community radio stations in the Sahel, said Sadibou Marong, RSFs sub-Saharan Africa bureau director. He spoke from Bamako, Mali, where this appeal was launched. Mali, Niger, Burkina Faso and Chad are countries where community radios are especially vulnerable. The stations "have always played ... a crucial role to inform and sensitize populations. They have also been using local languages, and local languages are extremely important," Marong said. Many of the Sahels local radio stations were launched in the 1990s. They cover issues like farming, health and the environment that are key for local populations. But in several Sahel countries where terrorists and other armed groups are active, RSF says the stations and their journalists are increasingly under attack. Over the past year, for example, two journalists were killed in Chad and Mali. Two others were kidnapped. Assailants also have destroyed radio stations or pressured them to broadcast their propaganda. Anne Bocambe, RSFs editorial head in Paris, says the Sahels community radio stations are critical for other reasons. Many international media have been forced to leave the Sahel. Disinformation is spreading, including by foreign groups like Russian mercenaries. Theres a danger that parts of the Sahel may become a black hole in terms of information. Israel rejects proposals for a ceasefire with Hezbollah, defying allies including the United States which called for an immediate end to the fighting. President Biden and Vice President Harris will meet with Ukraines president as the White House announces billions more in military aid for Kyivs fight against Russias continued invasion. And Florida braces for a potentially catastrophic hurricane. Pope Francis is traveling to once-strong bastions of Christianity in the heart of Europe to try to reinvigorate a Catholic flock that is dwindling in the face of secular trends and abuse scandals that have largely emptied the continent's magnificent cathedrals and village churches. Francis stops first Thursday in Luxembourg, the European Union's second-smallest country, with a population of some 650,000 people, and its richest per capita. Torrential downpours are expected, days after the 87-year-old pope canceled his audiences because of a slight flu. He seemed in fine form at the Vatican on Wednesday, during his general audience on the eve of the trip, but his respiratory health is a constant concern and his medical team will be on hand. After meeting with Luxembourg's political leaders, Francis will speak to the country's Catholic priests and nuns. The venue is the late-Gothic Cathedral of Notre Dame, which was built in the early 1600s by Francis' own Jesuit order and stands as a monument to Christianity's long and central place in European history. Francis is likely to dwell on Europe's role past, present and future particularly as war rages on European soil during his visits to Luxembourg and Belgium, where he arrives later Thursday and stays through the weekend. The trip is a much-truncated version of the 10-day, 1985 tour St. John Paul II made through Luxembourg, Belgium and the Netherlands, during which the Polish pope delivered 59 speeches or homilies and was greeted by hundreds of thousands of adoring faithful. In Luxembourg alone, John Paul drew a crowd of some 45,000 people to his Mass, or some 10% of the then-population, and officials had predicted a million people would welcome him in Belgium, according to news reports at the time. But then as now, the head of the Catholic Church faced indifference and even hostility to core Vatican teachings on contraception and sexual morals, opposition that has only increased in the ensuing generation. Those secular trends and the crisis over clergy abuse have helped lead to the decline of the church in the region, with monthly Mass attendance in the single digits and plummeting ordinations of new priests. Vatican spokesman Matteo Bruni said that by traveling to the two countries, Francis will likely want to offer "a word to the heart of Europe, of its history, the role it wants to play in the world in the future." Immigration, climate change and peace are likely to be themes during the four-day visit, which was organized primarily to mark the 600th anniversary of the founding of Belgium's two main Catholic universities. In Luxembourg, Francis has a top ally and friend in the lone cardinal from the country, Jean-Claude Hollerich, a Jesuit like the Argentine pope. Hollerich, whom Francis made a cardinal in 2019, has taken on a leading role in the pope's multi-year church reform effort as the "general rapporteur" of his big synod, or meeting, on the future of the Catholic Church. In that capacity, Hollerich has helped oversee local, national and continental-wide consultations of rank-and-file Catholics and synthesized their views into working papers for bishops and other delegates to discuss at their Vatican meetings, the second session of which opens next week. Last year, in another sign of his esteem for the progressive cardinal, Francis appointed Hollerich to serve on his kitchen cabinet, known as the Council of Cardinals. The group of nine prelates from around the globe meet several times a year at the Vatican to help Francis govern. Sudan's former autocratic President Omar al-Bashir, who ruled for 30 years before he was toppled in a popular uprising and then jailed by the country's military rulers, has been transferred to a medical facility in northern Sudan, his lawyer said Wednesday. Since war broke out in April last year between the Sudanese military and its rival, the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF), the 80-year-old al-Bashir has been held at a military facility on the outskirts of the Sudanese capital, Khartoum. His lawyer, Mohamed al-Hassan al-Amin, told The Associated Press that al-Bashir was transferred on Tuesday and would get proper care at a better-equipped hospital in the town of Merowe, about 330 kilometers north of Khartoum. Al-Bashir's health had deteriorated recently, the lawyer said, adding that the former strongman suffers from age-related complications and high blood pressure. "He needs regular checks and follow-ups," al-Amin said over the phone, "but his condition is not critical." Al-Amin said that Sudan's former Defense Minister Abdel-Rahim Muhammad Hussein who was also arrested soon after al-Bashir also was transferred to the same facility. He suffers from heart-related problems, the lawyer said. The office of Sudan's military spokesman declined to comment when contacted by the AP. Al-Bashir ruled Sudan for three decades, despite wars and sanctions, before he was overthrown during a popular uprising in 2019. He is wanted by the International Criminal Court (ICC) for genocide and other crimes committed during the conflict in Sudan's western Darfur region in the 2000s. The ICC has indicted both al-Bashir and Hussein on charges of genocide, crimes against humanity and war crimes committed in Darfur, where the government's campaign was marked by mass killings, rape, torture and persecution. Some 300,000 people were killed and 2.7 million were driven from their homes. Sudan's military rulers now themselves fighting to stay in power in a bitter conflict with the rival RSF declined ICC requests that al-Bashir and others wanted by the world court be handed over for trial. Al-Bashir, Hussein and others were held in a Khartoum prison before being taken to a fortified military base after the prison was attacked by the RSF in April last year. Another former official, Ahmed Harun, who is also wanted by the ICC, walked away after the prison was attacked. His whereabouts are unknown. The latest war in Sudan has devastated Khartoum and many other urban areas and also has been marked by atrocities, such as mass rape and ethnically motivated killings. The United Nations and international rights groups say these acts also amount to war crimes and crimes against humanity, especially in Darfur, which has been facing a bitter onslaught by the RSF. The war has killed at least 20,000 people and left tens of thousands wounded, according to the United Nations. Rights groups and activists say the toll is much higher. The conflict has also forced some 10 million people to flee their homes in Sudan about a quarter of the country's population, according to the International Organization for Migration. Of them, more than 2 million have been driven abroad, mostly to neighboring Chad, South Sudan and Egypt, the IOM said. BEIJING, Sept. 26 (Xinhua) -- Military communication between China and the United States could help enhance mutual understanding, avoid miscalculations and manage risks, said a Chinese defense spokesperson on Thursday. Zhang Xiaogang, a spokesperson for the Ministry of National Defense, made the remarks in response to a query concerning the current China-U.S. military relations and the future interaction between the two sides. The overall defense relations between China and the United States show a more stable momentum at present, Zhang said, noting that the two militaries maintain high-level strategic communication, policy communication, institutionalized dialogue, and exchanges in specialized fields. Zhang emphasized that the United States should recalibrate its strategic perception of China, return to a sensible and practical China policy, and respect China's major concerns. The two sides should make concerted efforts on the principle of mutual respect, peaceful coexistence and win-win cooperation to stabilize and improve bilateral military relations through candid, effective and constructive dialogue and cooperation, said Zhang. Sudan's army on Thursday launched an early morning offensive in the capital, Khartoum, against the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces in what appeared to be the army's biggest operation since the conflict began, sources within the Sudanese military and witnesses at the scene said. The army hit RSF positions in the capital with artillery and airstrikes, according to the reports. The rebel group has controlled much of the capital since fighting erupted in April 2023 between Sudan's army chief, General Abdel-Fattah Burhan, and RSF commander Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo. The two generals were once allies in Sudan's transitional government after a 2021 coup but became rivals for power. Thursday's military offensive was launched before Burhan's address to the United Nations General Assembly in New York, where he said any peace efforts would have to include RSF giving up its arms. He also accused unnamed countries of backing RSF's efforts by supplying the rebel group with men, money and weapons. The general said, however, that the army is "proceeding to defeat and dislodge these aggressors, no matter how much assistance and support they find." A recorded speech by RSF commander Dagalo was heard by the General Assembly after Burhan's speech. Dagalo said, as he has many times before, that RSF is open to a nationwide cease-fire that would permit aid distribution. Reports from Khartoum said army troops crossed two key bridges over the River Nile that separate government-controlled areas in Omdurman from Khartoum proper, which is controlled by the RSF. Agence France-Presse reposted Sudanese army footage of troops celebrating the recapture of territory within the capital. The army's offensive coincided with a ministerial meeting on the conflict at the General Assembly, where U.N. agencies and member states called for immediate action to protect civilians, scale up humanitarian assistance, and end fighting. Millions face acute hunger U.N. reports state that an estimated 20,000 people have been killed and thousands injured since the conflict erupted in April 2023. The fighting has also created the world's worst hunger crisis, with nearly 26 million people more than half the country's population facing acute hunger. The civil conflict also has created a regional refugee crisis, with an estimated 8.1 million internally displaced persons and another 2.2 million driven across the border. Guterres shares concerns U.S. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres met with General Abdel-Fattah Burhan head of Sudan's transitional government on the sidelines of the General Assembly Wednesday. A readout from that meeting said Guterres expressed deep concern about the escalation of the conflict and the risks of regional spillover. The statement said they also discussed the need for an immediate, lasting cease-fire and the importance of genuine dialogue leading to an inclusive negotiated peace settlement. The conflict has spread to Sudan's Darfur region where, the U.N. human rights office reports, fighting has intensified for control of the northern city of El Fasher. The office said the RSF, with the support of local tribal militia, besieged the city in May. The heaviest recent fighting took place September 20 and 21, when artillery claimed at least 20 civilians and destroyed shops in the city's main market. In a video statement Thursday, U.N. Human Rights spokesperson Jeremy Laurence said his office has documented incidents of civilians being killed as a result of shelling and airstrikes by both RSF and Sudanese Armed Forces. They also have documented cases of summary executions, sexual and gender-based violence, and reported abductions by the RSF and allied militias. Laurence said the office is calling on the international community, including the U.N. Security Council, to take action to protect civilians in Sudan and ensure respect for international law by all parties. Some information for this report was provided by The Associated Press, Reuters and Agence France-Presse. Thousands of Syrian refugees are among those fleeing the escalating violence in Lebanon between Israel and the Hezbollah militant group. With most of the violence taking place in southern Lebanon, thousands of civilians are seeking safety elsewhere in the tiny Middle Eastern country. Mustafa Rashid, a Syrian refugee living in southern Lebanon, said his family and three other Syrian families were stranded at a house as they anxiously waited for a way out. Everyone is trying to leave. We are trying to reach Beirut, he told VOA via a messaging app. In the capital, Beirut, many churches and schools were quickly turned into temporary shelters to receive thousands of people from southern Lebanon, including hundreds of Syrian families. Nihad, a pastor at an evangelical Christian church near Beirut who gave only his first name for security reasons, said his church alone has received about 150 fleeing Syrian families. Some of them were sheltered in the church itself, while others were taken to some Syrian families who live around here, he told VOA on Thursday in a phone interview. The pastor said the church was overwhelmed with the influx of displaced people, having received limited financial donations from a local relief group and a private American citizen. According to the United Nations, Lebanon hosts an estimated 1.5 million Syrian refugees who have been there since the beginning of Syrias conflict in 2011. The U.N. refugee agency, UNHCR, said it was increasing its support for the growing number of displaced Lebanese and Syrian nationals. The U.N. said Wednesday that upwards of 90,000 people in Lebanon had been displaced during the previous five days. Lebanese officials said more than 600 people have been killed by Israeli airstrikes that are targeting Hezbollah fighters and weapons. The Lebanese militant group is considered a terrorist organization by the United States. This bloodshed is extracting a terrible toll, driving tens of thousands from their homes, Filippo Grandi, U.N. high commissioner for refugees, said in a statement on Wednesday. It is yet another ordeal for families who previously fled war in Syria, only now to be bombed in the country where they sought shelter. The UNHCR said thousands of Lebanese and Syrian people were fleeing to Syria. According to the Saudi-funded Al Arabiya news channel, more than 20,000 Syrian and Lebanese citizens so far have crossed the border into Syria, with hundreds of vehicles lining up at a border crossing between the two countries. Bassam Alahmad, executive director of the Paris-based advocacy group Syrians for Truth and Justice, however, said returning to Syria isnt an option for all the Lebanon-based Syrian refugees. While some Syrian refugees have already returned to Syria, it is a big risk for the majority of those living in Lebanon, he told VOA. There are many refugees who are wanted by the Syrian regime. They fear to go back and face potential arrest or forced disappearance. Alahmad said one of his groups researchers who lives in Lebanon is among those who cannot go back. He fled Syria a few years ago because he opposed the regime, so it is not possible for him to return safely, Alahmad said. Horan Hem, a Syrian Kurdish refugee in Lebanon, said he would rather live in an uncertain situation in Lebanon than return to face persecution in Syria. With everything going on here, it is still safer for me to stay in Lebanon than going back to Syria, he told VOA. Syrian President Bashar Assad on Wednesday directed his government to provide assistance for fleeing Lebanese citizens, without any mention of Syrian refugees. Lebanons health ministry announced Thursday that 23 people were killed in an Israeli airstrike on a village in the Bekaa Valley region, including 19 Syrian nationals. The Britain-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said Thursday that at least 103 Syrians have been killed in Lebanon since the beginning of the latest escalation. This story originated in VOAs Kurdish Service. A Tunisian court sentenced presidential candidate Ayachi Zammel to six months in prison on Wednesday on charges of falsifying documents, his lawyer told Reuters, the second prison sentence against him in a week, days before the presidential election. The verdict highlights rising tensions ahead of the election, amid opposition and civil society groups' fears of a rigged election aimed at keeping President Kais Saied in power. Zammel was sentenced to 20 months in prison last week on charges of falsifying popular endorsements. "It is another unjust ruling and a farce that clearly aims to weaken him in the election race, but we will defend his right to the last minute," Zammel attorney Abdessattar Massoudi told Reuters. Zammel was among only three admitted candidates competing for the position of president alongside incumbent Saied and Zouhair Magzhaoui. Political tensions in the North African country have risen ahead of the October 6 election since an electoral commission named by Saied disqualified three prominent candidates this month amid protests by opposition and civil society groups. Among the issues on the agenda for world leaders who gathered this week for the United Nations General Assembly is Russias war against Ukraine. In an interview in New York with VOAs Ukrainian Service, U.K. Foreign Secretary David Lammy said his nation stands "shoulder-to-shoulder with the Ukrainians" and will provide Ukraine with military aid for "as long as it takes" to help it "stand off this aggression." He also cited intelligence findings that Russian President Vladimir Putin is facing mounting problems, with a deteriorating economy and mounting battlefield losses. The following has been edited for length and clarity. VOA: Have you had the chance to discuss with your counterparts in other countries, including U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken, the issue of lifting restrictions on Ukraine using long-range Western missiles against targets inside Russia? U.K. Foreign Secretary David Lammy: It was very important for me to be with Secretary Blinken in Ukraine just two weeks ago to see for ourselves, to discuss with [Ukrainian] President [Volodymyr] Zelenskyy ... also to discuss Ukraines needs as they head out of the autumn into the winter, and that we continue as allies to put Ukraine in the strongest possible position to stand off this aggression that we're seeing from Vladimir Putin. That was why I also went to the White House with [U.K.] Prime Minister [Keir] Starmer. We remain in the U.K. absolutely clear that we stand shoulder to shoulder with the Ukrainians. It's important that Ukraine has the finances and the money, the military aid, as well as the political, diplomatic and humanitarian aid, to get through 2025. And of course, here at the U.N. General Assembly, I will meet with Zelenskyy once again today. But, also, it's hugely important that we rally the Global South to ensure that they're not falling into the trap of Russian propaganda and efforts to destabilize [and distract] the international community when in fact what they are doing is taking ballistic missiles from Iran to use against [Ukrainian] men, women and children. VOA: Youve already mentioned this meeting between Prime Minister Keir Starmer and U.S. President Joe Biden in Washington. Can you share the details of the conversation? Lammy: I do think it is very important for us in the U.K. and Europe, and of course in the United States, to understand more the details of President Zelenskyys "victory plan." And over the coming days, he will present that in detail to close allies. And of course, Im not going to speculate whats in the papers because I dont want to give any advantage to Vladimir Putin. But I am really clear that this is a time for Western allies to show nerve and guts, because Vladimir Putin thinks that well get distracted. He thinks that we havent got the attention span to stand with our Ukrainian friends. Thats why we in the U.K. have found 3 billion pounds for Ukraine to buy and have the military equipment it needs, not just this year, [but] for every year as long as it takes. And thats what I said to my G7 allies last night when I met with them. Thats the position weve got to ensure Ukraine is in. VOA: When do you think this crucial decision could be made? Lammy: We meet here in the U.N. General Assembly. I know that President Zelenskyy is meeting with President Biden a little bit later in the week also in Washington. We will head on to the G20 [summit in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, November 18-19, 2024] as well. So, over the coming days and weeks, I expect us to be in a very strong position to ensure that Ukraine is in the best position it can be as we head into that tough winter in 2025. And let's just be clear about what I mean by that. All of our intelligence actually suggests things are going to get a lot tougher for Vladimir Putin as he comes out of next year. His economy is in trouble. He's going to find it very problematic with the amount of losses and casualties that he's taking. And actually, when you look at what Ukraine is doing their ability to take back half the ground that's been lost, their ability to repel him from the Black Sea, their ability to advance in Kursk and hopefully keep the ground this is a time for Western countries to show their nerve and to be absolutely committed as we head out of the autumn into the winter period. VOA: What do you say to people, including leaders, who warn that allowing Ukraine to use long-range weapons to strike inside Russia could lead to a third world war? Lammy: Well, were really clear that under the U.N. Charter and under Article 51, Ukraine has the right to defend itself, to defend itself against the horrendous attacks that are coming from Russia, and we will do all we can within international law and the rules of engagement to support Ukraine to defend itself. VOA: You said that the war between Russia and Ukraine is likely to continue for at least another two years. Will Ukraine and the West will have enough to stand so long? Lammy: Lets be clear: The war could end tomorrow if Putin left. Thats how it ends: Leave Ukraine. But in the absence of Putin showing any desire to negotiate, we have to continue to stand with Ukraine, because the cost of not standing with Ukraine would actually be financially far greater. You know, defense spending would rise substantially across all Western allies, and indeed, there will be a very vulnerable Baltic frontier in relation to Putin's threats. So, that is why we stand with Ukraine for as long as it takes. And I'm quite sure that ... this war will only be settled in the end politically, of course. That also gets into the security guarantees that Ukraine needs. And we've always believed in the U.K. that that path to Ukraine joining NATO is a very important dimension of that security guarantee. Ukraines military said Thursday it shot down 66 of 78 Russian drones launched in overnight attacks, along with all four guided missiles fired by Russian forces. The intercepts took place over the Cherkasy, Dnipropetrovsk, Ivano-Frankivsk, Kharkiv, Kherson, Khmelnytskyi, Kirovohrad, Kyiv, Mykolaiv, Odesa, Poltava, Sumy and Vinnytsia regions, the military said. Officials in Kyiv said Thursday that Ukrainian air defenses shot down about a dozen Russian drones overnight, with falling debris causing a fire at a residential building and damaging a gas pipeline. Russias Defense Ministry said Thursday it shot down four Ukrainian drones over the Belgorod region, two drones over the Kursk region and another drone over Bryansk. Vyacheslav Gladkov, the regional governor of Belgorod, said one person was killed in a drone attack that struck a car. Some information for this story came from The Associated Press and Reuters. Partisan politics ahead of Americas November presidential election intruded Thursday on Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyys meeting with President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris to discuss U.S. support for the war in Ukraine. From the White House, Biden insisted that Russia would not succeed in its war that began when it invaded Ukraine in February 2022. Ukraine will prevail, and we'll continue to stand by you every step of the way, Biden said. Meeting separately with Zelenskyy, Harris, the Democratic presidential nominee, reiterated the administrations support for Kyivs war efforts and underscored that its up to Ukraine to decide how the war will end. Without mentioning his name, Harris criticized Republican vice presidential nominee JD Vance, whose proposal to end the war would leave Ukraine with less territory and no NATO membership. These proposals are the same of those of [Russian President Vladimir] Putin. And let us be clear: They are not proposals for peace, Harris said. Instead, they are proposals for surrender, which is dangerous and unacceptable. Vance suggested in a recent interview that Ukraine and Russia halt fighting and create a demilitarized zone at the current battle lines. Kyiv would need to adhere to a neutral status and stop its bid to join NATO. On Wednesday, congressional Republicans loyal to former President Donald Trump demanded that the Ukrainian leader fire his ambassador to the U.S., Oksana Markarova, over Zelenskyy's Monday visit to an ammunition factory in Pennsylvania, a hotly contested battleground state in the November U.S. presidential election. Zelenskyy met with the Democratic governor of the state, Josh Shapiro. In a letter to Zelenskyy, Republican House Speaker Mike Johnson said the visit to the factory that made munitions for Ukraine was a partisan campaign event designed to help Democrats that amounted to election interference. Support for ending Russias war against Ukraine continues to be bipartisan, but our relationship is unnecessarily tested and needlessly tarnished when the candidates at the top of the Republican presidential ticket are targeted in the media by officials in your government, Johnson said. The White House called Johnsons letter a political stunt and pointed out that Zelenskyy recently met the Republican governor of Utah, Spencer Cox, in a similar event. Johnsons reaction reflects Republican anxiety over the prospect of a Harris victory in Pennsylvania, home to many Ukrainian Americans, said Sergiy Kudelia, an associate professor of political science at Baylor University. "It's a key blue-wall state. Without it, Trump would have a hard time winning the election, he told VOA. Given the number of Ukrainians living in Pennsylvania, close to 150,000, Ukrainian Americans could become a key voting bloc capable of swinging the race to one or the other side." Meeting with Trump Later on Thursday, Trump said he would meet with Zelenskyy on Friday at Trump Tower in New York. The Republican presidential nominee has in recent days increased his criticism that the U.S. continues to "give billions of dollars to a man who refuses to make a deal" to end the war. On Wednesday, Trump suggested that Biden and Harris were at fault for prolonging the war that followed Russias invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. Biden and Kamala allowed this to happen by feeding Zelenskyy money and munitions like no country has ever seen before, Trump said. He argued that Kyiv should have made concessions to Moscow before Russian troops attacked, asserting that Ukraine was now in rubble and in no position to negotiate the wars end. Any deal the worst deal wouldve been better than what we have now, Trump said. Trumps comments created anxiety not only in Ukraine but also in some European capitals that have been supporting Kyivs war efforts, said Ian Lesser, distinguished fellow at the German Marshall Fund of the United States. To turn that around and suddenly give Moscow a great deal more leverage by calling into question the flow of arms to Ukraine, political support for Ukraine, et cetera, is handing a victory to Moscow, he told VOA. Deeper strikes The topics that leaders discussed Thursday included Ukraines request for weapons donors to allow Ukrainian forces to use the weapons to strike targets deeper inside Russia. I raised with President Biden [our] plan of victory today. We are preparing to discuss the details to strengthen the plan [and] coordinate our positions, use and approach, Zelenskyy said. Ukrainian leaders say such strikes are needed to degrade Russias ability to carry out its daily missile and drone attacks. But the Biden administration has been reluctant to agree because of concerns about escalation. Russia, a nuclear power, has warned that arming Kyiv with long-range weapons would escalate the conflict beyond Ukraine. It will mean that NATO countries, the United States, European countries, are at war with Russia, Putin said earlier this month. Kyivs request has bipartisan support, including from Republican Senator Lindsay Graham. If you allow Ukraine to start hitting legitimate military targets to put pressure on Putin, you're doing the next president a great service, whether it's Trump or Harris. They'll have some leverage to end this war, he told reporters Thursday. He has specific military targets, Graham said of Zelenskyys plan for victory. If he could start executing that plan, that gives us the best hope of ending this war in 2025. Ahead of Zelenskyys visit, the U.S. administration announced $8 billion in new aid for Ukraine. In a statement, Biden said the aid included a Patriot missile battery and missiles, as well as air-to-ground munitions and a precision-guided glide bomb with a range of up to 130 kilometers. The administration is also expanding training for Ukrainian F-16 pilots to include an additional 18 pilots next year. Zelenskyy thanked the U.S., saying the new aid included the items that are most critical to protecting our people. We will use this assistance in the most efficient and transparent manner to achieve our major common goal: victory for Ukraine, just and lasting peace, and transatlantic security, Zelenskyy said on social media platform X. VOA's Tatiana Vorozhko, Katherine Gypson and Chris Hannas contributed to this report. The United States announced more than $8 billion worth of military assistance for Ukraine on Thursday during Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy's visit to Washington, two U.S. officials said on Wednesday. Former US president Donald Trump on Wednesday accused Ukraine's leader of refusing to "make a deal" to end his country's war with Russia. The Israeli army chief says the military is preparing for a possible ground operation in Lebanon. And meet the Bicycle Mayor of Cape Town. The U.S. decision to pull the aircraft carrier USS Theodore Roosevelt out of the Middle East, amid Israels escalating wars in Gaza and Lebanon, is seen by analysts as a reflection of Americas competing security interests there and in Asia. Pentagon press secretary Major General Pat Ryder announced on September 12 that the Roosevelt had left the region en route to the Indo-Pacific, after three weeks of simultaneous coverage in the region by the Roosevelt and a second carrier strike group led by the USS Abraham Lincoln. The dual coverage was widely seen, at least in part, as a response to the threat of a massive Iranian aerial assault on Israel in response to the July assassination of Hamas political leader in Tehran. The fear has receded as Iran has failed to respond, saying it does not want to upset the prospects for a cease-fire in Gaza. But Yasmin Omar, director of the Democracy Matters Initiative at the Middle East Democracy Center in Washington, noted that the United States also has pressing security concerns elsewhere. The deployment of the USS Theodore Roosevelt was initially a show of force aimed at deterring U.S. adversaries in the region. Its withdrawal signals a noteworthy shift in U.S. military posture, she told VOA. Omar said the move suggests a reallocation of priorities, particularly as Washington addresses security threats in the Indo-Pacific, where China and Russia have been expanding their influence through major naval exercises. It is important to interpret this as part of a broader recalibration of military resources, rather than a reduction in U.S. engagement, Omar said. An Iran specialist based in Washington, Sina Toossi, agreed that Tehran and Washington are signaling a desire to avoid war. But, he said, some U.S. allies in the region may interpret the U.S. restraint as indicating a lack of resolve. He noted that the United States chose not to go to war with Iran over provocations such as its September 2019 drone and missile attacks on Saudi Aramco or the January 2020 missile strike on a U.S. base in Iraq. This restraint is likely a key reason why countries like the UAE and Saudi Arabia have pivoted away from supporting the U.S.'s 'maximum pressure' campaign and instead have normalized relations with Tehran in recent years, he said. They fear a costly conflict with Iran in which they would be left to face the consequences alone. Omar, similarly, cited recent military collaboration between Egypt and Turkey as an example of how Middle Eastern nations are adjusting their defense strategies in response to shifting geopolitical dynamics and uncertainties surrounding U.S. commitments. However, Brian Katulis, senior fellow for U.S. foreign policy at the Middle East Institute in Washington, told VOA that it is important not to overinterpret every movement of U.S. military assets in and out of the Middle East. The United States remains the strongest and most capable military actor from outside the region, and this movement is just part of the normal rotations of personnel and hardware that occur regularly, Katulis said. While Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates are close security partners, Katulis cautioned against calling them allies in the same sense as NATO partners in Europe. America does not have formal treaty allies in the Middle East. This move signals that the United States remains committed to maintaining its overall military readiness globally while continuing to work in close partnership with key countries in the region, Katulis said. When asked whether the departure of the Roosevelt might embolden adversaries such as Iran, Katulis responded, No, because the United States still maintains significant military firepower in the region, and more importantly, it is working closely with partners to help them defend themselves against threats. Katulis said, Iran remains significantly weaker in conventional military power than the United States and its regional security partners. Iran will likely continue to use asymmetric attacks, terrorist strikes and cyberattacks as key parts of its tools to undermine regional security. Nancy Okail, president and CEO of the Washington-based Center for International Policy, told VOA that the departure of the Roosevelt from the Middle East had already been scheduled with the arrival of the USS Abraham Lincoln three weeks ago to replace it. The Roosevelt's presence was only briefly extended after Hezbollah launched strikes on Israel. The decision to end the dual-carrier presence is more of a Navy fleet management issue than an indication of diminished concern over strikes from the Houthis or Iran, Okail said. Employers negotiating a labor contract at U.S. East Coast and Gulf Coast ports on Thursday filed an unfair labor practice complaint against the longshoremen's union, saying its leaders refuse to resume talks ahead of a threatened Tuesday strike. The United States Maritime Alliance said it filed the complaint with the National Labor Relations Board because of the repeated refusal of the International Longshoremen's Association to return to the bargaining table. The six-year master contract between USMX and the ILA expires Monday, and the two sides appear to be deadlocked on wage issues. The employer group said it requested immediate injunctive relief requiring the union to resume bargaining so a deal could be finalized. It is uncommon, but not unheard of, for employers to make such complaints to the NLRB, an independent agency of the federal government that enforces U.S. labor law, particularly with regard to collective bargaining and unfair labor practices. In rare cases, the NLRB will go to court and ask for an injunction pending the outcome of a board case, but that can take weeks to play out. The ILA on Thursday responded, calling the USMX a poor negotiating partner. Earlier this week, ILA leader and chief negotiator Harold Daggett said he had rebuffed USMX approaches. "They call me several times each week trying to get the ILA to accept a lowball wage package," Daggett said. Sources close to the talks said the ILA asked for a wage increase of 77%, a percentage the union called exaggerated. Industry experts predict that the increase will be higher than the 32% raise won by the West Coast longshoremen's union last year. Companies that rely on ocean shipping are increasingly worried that the ILA's 45,000 members will strike and close 36 ports that handle more than half of U.S. ocean trade of products such as bananas, meat, prescription drugs, auto parts, construction materials and apparel. If that happens, delays and costs could quickly cascade, threatening the U.S. economy in the weeks ahead of the U.S. presidential election, burdening already taxed global ocean shipping networks and over time foisting higher prices on consumers. Economists at Oxford Economics estimated that the impending strike would reduce U.S. gross domestic product by $4.5 billion to $7.5 billion, or 0.1% annualized, for every week it continues. A strike has the potential to weigh on the October employment report at a time when the Federal Reserve is highly attuned to signs of weakness in the labor market, they said. The timing is politically sensitive because Democratic Vice President Kamala Harris is facing former Republican President Donald Trump in the U.S. presidential election on November 5. A White House official on Thursday reiterated that President Joe Biden does not intend to invoke a federal law known as the Taft-Hartley Act to prevent a strike. "We encourage all parties to come to the bargaining table and negotiate in good faith," the official said. "Senior officials from the White House, Labor Department and Department of Transportation are in touch with the parties and delivering the message to them directly." U.S. President Joe Biden says Washington is committed to a strong, prosperous, resilient, and independent Vietnam and discussed a broad range of ways the two countries can cooperate during a meeting with this Vietnamese counterpart, To Lam. Since coming to office in May, Vietnams new president has been actively reaching out, meeting with the leaders of China and Russia. Washington is seeking to counter those advances and strengthen ties with Hanoi as well. Lam, who is also head of the ruling Communist Party, met with Biden on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly in New York Wednesday. According to a White House statement, the two talked about building secure and resilient semiconductor supply chains and strengthening their tech relationship as well as progress in cybersecurity cooperation and Vietnams efforts to increase its digital connectivity. Vietnam is looking to the United States and China to triple its number of subsea cables by 2030. Biden and Lam also focused on ways the two could deepen a comprehensive strategic partnership they entered last year. Biden said Washington wants to cooperate with Vietnam to uphold a free and open Indo-Pacific and discussed the importance of maintaining peace and stability especially in the South China Sea, according to the White House statement. During the meeting, which lasted a little more than an hour, Lam assured Biden that the United States is a partner of strategic importance, while Biden told Lam that Vietnam is a top partner of the U.S. in the region, Vietnam News Agency reported. Analysts say that while the meeting did not take place in the White House, it did highlight the high level of trust between Hanoi and Washington and the growing importance of bilateral ties. Nguyen Hong Hai, a lecturer of international relations at Hanoi-based VinUni, told VOA in an email that the way Washington and Hanoi are talking about one another and the high importance they attach to bilateral relations is significant. It is also a sign of deepening trust, Hai added. Vietnam falls short of a U.S. ally. But as a partner, it is a top of its kind, Hai said. Hai said that Hanoi fits perfectly into Washingtons Free and Open Indo-Pacific strategy since it supports the rules-based order and is playing an increasingly bigger role in the U.S.-led global supply chain. On the other hand, Hanoi needs Washington as a regional security guarantor while its goal of becoming a developed economy with high income by 2045 is contingent on access to the U.S. market as well as its capital and technology. Ha Hoang Hop, chair of the Hanoi-based Think Tank Viet Know, said it was significant that both leaders reaffirmed the importance of their comprehensive strategic partnership. So, too, was Bidens commitment to support Vietnams tech-driven growth and encouragement for Hanoi to play an active role in regional security. The momentum of U.S.-Vietnam comprehensive strategic partnership will be maintained far beyond Bidens and To Lams presidencies no matter who will succeed Biden next year or who will take the helm of the Vietnamese Communist Party in 2026, Hop told VOA in an email. The two countries recently marked the first anniversary of the comprehensive strategic partnership Biden signed with Nguyen Phu Trong, Lams predecessor, during a visit to Hanoi last year. At that time, Lam was the countrys security czar. He became president following the forced resignation of President Vo Van Thuong in March and replaced Nguyen Phu Trong as party chief after Trong unexpectedly died in late July. Lams first foreign trip after becoming Vietnams top leader took him to Beijing in August, when he and Chinese President Xi Jinping reaffirmed their commitment to bilateral ties. He also hosted Russias Vladimir Putin in Hanoi in late June. Although readouts of Wednesdays meeting gave no indication that China was discussed, Beijing was watching the meeting closely, Hai said. China became Vietnams first comprehensive strategic partner in 2008, and the two countries agreed late last year to build what they call a community of shared future following the upgrade in U.S.-Vietnam ties. Any progress in U.S.-Vietnam ties is unwelcome in Beijing. However, Bejing should understand that Hanois deepening ties with the U.S. is not targeted at any country but just serves its own security, Hai said. Think Tank Viet Knows Ha Hoang Hop said that Beijing is fully aware of Hanois strategic position in the Free and Open Indo-Pacific strategy and is trying to capitalize on this to serve its interests. For its part, Hanoi is proactively navigating between the two superpowers, he said. JERUSALEM, Sept. 26 (Xinhua) -- Israel denied on Thursday that it has agreed to a ceasefire with the Lebanese armed group Hezbollah and Lebanese political parties. In a statement, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's office said that "the report on a ceasefire is untrue." The office said that Netanyahu "didn't even respond to" the ceasefire proposal, which was brokered by the United States and France. Also on Thursday, Israeli Foreign Minister Israel Katz said Israel would not consider a truce. "There won't be a ceasefire," he wrote on social media platform X. He said the country would continue its fight against Hezbollah "until victory and until residents could return to their homes in the north." Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy is set to discuss his plans for winning the war against Russia as he meets Thursday with U.S. President Joe Biden at the White House. Among the expected topics is Ukraines request for weapons donors to allow Ukrainian forces to use the weapons to strike targets deeper inside Russia. Ukrainian leaders say such strikes are needed to degrade Russias ability to carry out its daily missile and drone attacks. Zelenskyy said he and Biden talked Wednesday on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly in New York, during which Zelenskyy thanked Biden for U.S. support for Ukraine and gave an update on the situation on the front lines. Meanwhile, former U.S. president Donald Trump suggested Wednesday that the situation in Ukraine is the fault of Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris for pledging military assistance to Ukraine instead of pushing Ukrainian leaders to cede territory to Russia. Biden and Kamala allowed this to happen by feeding Zelenskyy money and munitions like no country has ever seen before, Trump said. Trump argued that Ukraine should have made concessions to Moscow before Russian forces launched their full-scale invasion of the country in February 2022. Any deal the worst deal wouldve been better than what we have now, Trump said. The former U.S. leader questioned what position Ukraine has now to negotiate an end to the war. What deal can we make? Its demolished, Trump said. The people are dead. The country is in rubble. Ukraines military said Thursday it shot down 66 of 78 Russian drones launched in overnight attacks, along with all four guided missiles fired by Russian forces. The intercepts took place over the Cherkasy, Dnipropetrovsk, Ivano-Frankivsk, Kharkiv, Kherson, Khmelnytskyi, Kirovohrad, Kyiv, Mykolaiv, Odesa, Poltava, Sumy and Vinnytsia regions, the military said. Officials in Kyiv said Thursday that Ukrainian air defenses shot down about a dozen Russian drones overnight, with falling debris causing a fire at a residential building and damaging a gas pipeline. Russias Defense Ministry said Thursday it shot down four Ukrainian drones over the Belgorod region, two drones over the Kursk region and another drone over Bryansk. Vyacheslav Gladkov, the regional governor of Belgorod, said one person was killed in a drone attack that struck a car. Some information for this story came from The Associated Press Photo-Illustration: Vulture; Photos: Getty This article was featured in One Great Story, New Yorks reading recommendation newsletter. Sign up here to get it nightly. I knew that Fall Out Boy was here to stay when I woke up in Athens, thousands of miles from home, with the same line repeating in my head. The night before, my boyfriend had proposed to me in the hot tub of our rental apartment with a lovely opal ring. It was one of the happiest moments of my life, and we celebrated with breakfast on the terrace and an afternoon drive to the Temple of Poseidon. And yet, amid that joyousness, there it was, rolling between my ears like a loose marble: Ive got the red carpet blues, baby. Fellow emo babies may recognize that line from Its Hard to Say I Do When I Dont, a forgettable Japanese bonus cut from 2007s Infinity on High. It wasnt close to my favorite Fall Out Boy song, much less one that I wanted following me everywhere I went. For nearly 14 years, it barely factored into my day-to-day life. Then, without warning, it became central to my day-to-day life. I spent years being driven to near derangement by a track I never really liked in the first place. It was not unusual that I would have a song stuck in my head. My mind has always been prone to fixation: I was diagnosed with obsessive-compulsive disorder at 17, which left me with obsessions that prompted me to perform time-consuming rituals and tasks. Earworms were not uncommon for me, though theyd eventually get forced out by something else. Its Hard to Say was different. It wouldnt leave. By the time of my engagement, it had been wedged in my mind for months, a chorus joining me the second I got out of bed and popping back up as I went about my morning errands. After our trip to Greece, Id hoped an unrelated move from London to Brighton would shake it free. But when I awoke on an air mattress 150 miles away, there it was, different lyrics but always the same track: Everyone shakes to the beat with a barrel down their throat. It followed me for the next two years, on trips around the world and during my normal daily routine, in a way that seemed like a taunt: My brain was taking the mechanical now press repeat directive at the end of the song a little too literally. In the mornings, when the song would start looping, I thought about the Seinfeld episode where George has Master of the House stuck in his head and Jerry tells him about the composer Robert Schumann, who went insane due to a persistent A-note ringing in his ears. George naturally assumes Master could finally be the thing that does him in. Not wanting to end up like either Schumann or Costanza, I set out to find an explanation and hopefully a cure. Even after I managed to gain control over my clinical OCD in my early 20s, I assumed it was normal to have a song stuck in your head for months at a time. But the more I read about people complaining of having one rattling around for just a single day, the more I realized I was in the minority. Early in my research, I came across the term stuck song syndrome, which refers to when a track is persistent enough to be debilitating or disruptive. According to a paper in the National Library of Medicine, up to 98 percent of people have experienced an earworm, but only 30 percent of people like myself described it as disturbing. In other words, while recurring tunes that refuse to leave are common (its what pop music is supposed to do!), stuck song syndrome happens far less frequently. When a song does get stuck, it forms a cognitive itch, which basically means you arent satisfied unless you repeat it. The brain itches back, resulting in a loop. The more you try to suppress it, the worse it gets. This tracked to my experience. The closest nonscientific description I could find to what was happening to me came from the writer John Laughton, who once described having songs stuck in his head as musical hallucinations. In the end, Laughton went on SSRIs to control the associated anxiety. Every morning, when I wake up with Patrick Stump wailing in my head, I get on with my day, hoping that therell be a pocket of quiet. I was determined to find relief, ideally without having to resort to medication and in the process, I wanted to learn how the song got embedded in the first place. My first call was to Kelly Jakubowski, an associate professor in music psychology at Durham University who specializes in earworms. She told me that while having the same song in your head for years is extreme, it is common during times of extreme stress. External stimuli can set it off but so can internal states like our mood and biological rhythms. Waking is a common time to experience earworms, because it is a time of day when weve got a bit of spare cognitive resources for daydreaming and mind wandering, which earworms are a subcategory of, she explained. That made sense to me, but it didnt give me an idea of how to shake it. I wasnt feeling extreme stress, so I could rule that out. And while Ive mostly recovered from OCD, I cant change the reality of my brains wiring any more than I can avoid waking up every day. When I asked Jakubowski how to get out of this mess, she pointed me to a paper she had published that outlined three strategies: ignoring the song and letting it go away, listening to other music to see if it takes its place, or intentionally listening to the song in full rather than trying to avoid it. I tried, and failed, at all of the above, before attempting Dr. Jakubowskis other suggestion: chewing gum vigorously, in order to tie up the articulatory muscles needed to mentally rehearse sounds. It didnt work and, fearing TMJ, I abandoned it. Wondering if my predicament might relate to the song itself, I reached out to musicology professor and Vultures own Switched on Pop co-host Nate Sloan, hoping his insight could lead to a miracle. He first told me that while any song can outstay its welcome, there are some qualities that make one more earworm-ready. For one, tempo. Faster songs tend to be more sticky than slower songs, said Sloan. Its Hard to Say I Do When I Dont fit the bill: Its repetitive with a looping melody that never reaches closure. The BPM is fast, too: 164, along the lines of High Hopes by Panic! At the Disco. Sloan also invoked phonological loops, which can force a song to linger longer than expected. In a phonological loop, you repeat something over and over again, which creates short-term memories. However, when you get music stuck in your head, the phonological loop breaks. Rather than being used temporarily and discarded, the loop calcifies. Its a neurological failure, said Sloan. As a solution, he suggested I learn to perform Its Hard to Say I Do When I Dont, which can make a song lose its power. An absence of musical talent rendered that sort of performance by me a nonstarter, but it got me wondering whether musicians contend with earworms. If just listening to music can lead to these kinds of broken phonological loops, what is it like for people who spend every day writing and performing it? I asked my friend Will, frontman of glam-goth band Creeper, whether he ever gets his own songs stuck in his head when hes working on them. The answer was no: If anything, I could do with learning them more. But he was not immune to others music. Its a different song every four months, he said. I once had the piano ending of Layla by Derek and the Dominos stuck in my head for a full year. Will was able to get rid of it eventually through hypnotherapy, which hed once used to break a different cognitive pattern. I was worried a hypnotherapist might glom onto the songs theme of relationship dissatisfaction and the way it melded into my subconscious around the time I got engaged. But I was also out of options, so I reached out to hypnotherapist Sara Loiperdinger. On our first call, we tried to get to the bottom of whether there might be a more emotional reason for this particular loop, though that was a dead end. In a session a few days later, Sara guided me through relaxation techniques to drag my busy brain toward hypnagogia, a state of consciousness between wakefulness and sleep the same space I occupy when the song appears in the morning. I told Loiperdinger that, despite the use of noise-canceling headphones and her soothing voice, I was still affected by outside noises: buses, people chatting as they walked past, my neighbor playing the recorder for the fourth hour in a row. That I couldnt tune out these noises ended up guiding my session. We identified times when I was a toddler and first aware that I found the world overstimulating, like in a restaurant. I remembered that I would hide under the table or walk away, self-regulating my own sensory input, but that I would then be punished. So we created a scenario wherein someone steps in and allows me to find that same quiet. As a person whose brain is always full of thoughts and neuroses, and images, and bits of songs, and plans, and fears the morning is the only time its empty. Sara thought I might fill that space with the first thing that entered my head in a way of not being alone with that emptiness. For me, the only way to break that cycle is by finding a way to go easy on myself to lead that small child, overwhelmed by a noisy world, away from the table. Maybe then I could wake up to silence. My session with Loiperdinger didnt completely shake the song out of my head, but she helped me feel I might be able to eventually find some quiet. Understanding that I have always been overwhelmed by the sounds both inside and outside of my head doesnt help me to escape them, but it did help me have some empathy for myself. Every morning when I wake up with Patrick Stump wailing Youre appealing to emotions that I simply do not have, I get on with my day, hoping that therell be a pocket of quiet. Loiperdinger also tapped into something that felt integral to the way I respond to aural stimuli. Like most teenagers in the mid-2000s, when new CDs came out, I would sit on the floor of my room listening to them over and over again. In 2007, Infinity on Highs release date was circled in my diary. I had big plans to be alone in my room, but I was 14 years old and had been kicked out of the house following an argument with my mom. I ended up staying with a friend for a few weeks, and following my return home, I never again found my childhood bedroom a safe place to simply be, let alone to listen to records on repeat. Maybe, despite my insistence to the contrary, unresolved trauma was to blame. Then a couple of months after my sessions with Loiperdinger, something strange happened: I woke up and the song was gone. At the time, I was on vacation in Tokyo, where I was more stimulated than Id ever been: animated billboards, Gachapon machines, Hello Kitty at every turn. I was having the time of my life, but I was constantly overwhelmed. Jakubowski had told me that waking was a time when we might be more susceptible to stuck songs because we were free of other stimuli. In Tokyo, that wasnt true. I could see a giant figure of Godzilla from my window. Every day I walked ten miles, seeking every sensation I could, soaking up the sensory overload. There was no room in my brain for anything other than the jingle of a camera store I had walked into on the first day. It turns out that one way to clear songs from my mind is by bombarding myself with sensory inputs. Does that mean Ill need to visit Tokyo every time this happens? That depends on the songs that get stuck. One Great Story: A Nightly Newsletter for the Best of New York The one story you shouldnt miss today, selected by New Yorks editors. Email This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply. Vox Media, LLC Terms and Privacy Notice By submitting your email, you agree to our Terms and Privacy Notice and to receive email correspondence from us. Weve all been there: the Shame Spiral. One minor thing happens, or one person says something just a little bit cutting, and you go in hard on yourself and spiral into a place full of anxiety and self-loathing and full sleeves of cookies until you arrive at one conclusion: Im the absolute worst. Being human is fun, isnt it? In Either Aura, both members of our main couple have their individual shame spirals following a historically great TV kiss. But only one includes a shitty booty call with Ryan Hansen! Find out which, below! Its not Noah. No, Noah spends the rest of the evening post-kiss in a hospital waiting room full to the brim with awful vending-machine snacks and devastating levels of Jewish guilt. That call from Rebecca at the end of the previous episode was actually Rebeccas mother trying to get hold of him to tell him Rebecca was in a car accident. Well, actually, she says Rebecca is almost in a coma, which not even Sasha can begin to decipher the meaning of, but once Noah gets to the hospital, he learns Rebecca drove into the back of a parked bus and needs surgery on her wrist. Shes fine. Or its in Gods hands now, depending on whom you ask. The majority of the waiting room, including Bina, Esther, and Rebeccas parents, blames Noah. Rebecca has been heartbroken, and it led to her being distracted and caused her accident. Its a shame she had to have an accident to get you to pay attention to her! Rebeccas mom yells at Noah upon his arrival. And once Rebeccas parents find out about the little blonde hes been hanging out with, chaos erupts. Even after he leaves the room, he doesnt fully escape the wrath of Team Rebecca: Esther follows him to make sure that he knows hes being an idiot, that her best friend Rebecca is too good for him, and that shes still in love with him. Hes breaking up the entire family, she heaps on top of all this. Listen, Im into Esthers brand of mean (shes played by Jackie Tohn, so good in GLOW), but this is such a low blow. The guilt trip works, though: Later, Ilan finds his son sitting alone wondering if hes a terrible person, wondering if trying something different with Joanne is selfish. Ilans kind of the best. He tells his son its not selfish and hes not a terrible person; he is the only person who will have to live with either the regret or the joy of his decision, so he doesnt need to listen to anyone else. But dont tell Bina that she would honestly flip. Remember when Esther said shed run Sasha over with her car? Yeah, Bina would do that. Elsewhere, Joanne is having her own meltdown. Still floating after that kiss, she texts Noah, That was a great kiss. I think I might be pregnant, and begins to spiral when he doesnt respond. It certainly doesnt help that at that moment shes walking into a recording session with Morgan (and their mom), and their guest, a doctor who believes auras can reveal your personality, cannot find Joannes. Even that guy has judgments about Joanne dating a rabbi. Morgan is very intrigued by the good rabbi telling Joanne to put down her ice cream before smashing faces, but mostly she has doubts that this budding relationship has legs. Its not that Joanne is a bad person per se, yet she is a bad person relative to a man of God. But hey, she could totally see Joanne with a cult leader. That pairing makes sense. She says it like a compliment, but its definitely an insult. When Joanne shows Morgan and Lynn the I think Im pregnant text, the ghosting from Noah begins to make sense to them. Hes a rabbi, he has a different brain than you, Morgan tells her sister. It sends Joanne deeper down her spiral. Why is she an idiot? Why does she always have to make jokes out of everything? Morgan tries to fluff her up by reminding her that, hey, at least she isnt boring, even though men actually do seem to like boring. Okay, so she doesnt fluff her up; she just makes things worse. Joanne heads home in a real mood, which is probably why when her usual booty call, Kyle, texts her, she calls him back. Dont worry, its not to hook up with him; its actually so that he, a trash bag of a human, can make her feel better about herself because surely he a grown man playing video games in a beanbag chair and getting hard over someone considering him the worst person they know must think shes a good person. Like, relatively speaking. But even Kyle catches on to what Joannes trying to do. Hes not going to make her feel better. But he does make us feel better because, hey, we get a little Veronica Mars pseudo-reunion, and thats fun! Also not going to make her feel better at least not in the long run Joanne almost hits a stray dog and decides to rescue him off the street and keep him for the night until she can take him to her friends shelter the next morning. Puppy snuggles are nice, but is she not at all concerned about fleas? This is the state Joannes in when she finally makes it home, covered in dirt and leaves from her rescue, snuggling that puppy, and so unbelievably sad about Noah. Except she has no reason to be sad about Noah because she finds him sitting on her stoop. He tells her he had a rough night and suddenly found himself driving to her house because he wanted to see her. He congratulates her on her pregnancy he had no idea he was such a good kisser and Joanne feels immediate relief. She knew hed get it. And the reason he didnt text her back right away is because he left his phone in his car; he only just got the message. Joanne needs to trust herself more, she needs to trust that shes worthy of being loved as she is right now, and she needs to trust that if a dude doesnt get a pretty standard joke, that means he sucks and it has nothing to do with her. Joanne has a lot of work to do when it comes to remembering she is an equal in this relationship, but that work is for another day. For now, Joanne and Noah say how glad they are to see each other after some very emotionally taxing, introspective evenings, and if being the one person someone wants to see after theyve been at their lowest isnt a sign of something real happening between them, I dont know what is. The rom-com gods have heard my pleas and bestowed upon us an episode of Nobody Wants This with a Sasha subplot. Its a fun little thing, but it definitely confirms my suspicions that Timothy Simons is stealing the show at every turn. An A+ doofus brother performance if there ever was one. In Obliterated, Sasha is thrilled to discover that with Esther heading out to wing woman for Rebecca and their daughter, Miriam, at a sleepover, hell have the house to himself. We havent known Sasha that long, but I think this might be the greatest night of his life. He has lost count of how many edibles hes taken, hes cued up a little Mission: Impossible for his viewing pleasure (on Tom Cruise: You are a problematic weirdo, but goddamn it, youre a movie star!), and he even has a little song to celebrate the evening: I got chicken parm / And my familys gone / And Im gonna eat some weed / Everything is better when my familys gone / And Im gonna watch TV. An absolute banger. His perfect night is interrupted, though, when Miriam comes busting through the door with a boy problem. Now, neither Miriam nor Sasha want him to be the one to help her through this, but hes all shes got. Hes honestly not that bad. Sure, hes high off his gourd and he definitely catfishes a 12-year-old boy in the process, but in the end, he helps Miriam find out that the boy shes crushing on likes her back and saves his daughter from deep embarrassment. Hes a national hero in his house. The story line ends on a nice little button, too. When Esther comes home, quite buzzed, and hears what her husband did for Miriam, she cant wait to take him to bed. Its very cute, and its nice to see a different side to their relationship. With all the insults and digs they throw at each other (in this episode: Have you met Esther? Shes not fun, thats why I married her), we get a reminder that they do actually love each other, you know? This Sasha story line, of course, is not the headliner of the episode. The headliner is that we get another reunion between Kristen Bell and a former co-star when The Good Places DArcy Carden pops in as one of Joannes friends. Okay, fine, thats very cool and fun, but the actual headliner of this episode is that Joanne and Noah finally go on an official first date. The conflict is brewing even before Noah picks her up at her house because we know that these two are coming into this date with very different goals. In a conversation with Sasha and Noahs condom guy, Noah realizes that to everyone else, this Joanne thing seems like a clear-cut rebound situation. Okay, first, I have so many questions about this Condom Guy: Does Noah just not want to be seen buying condoms because hes a rabbi? Did Noah just text his friend the eggplant emoji like some sort of safe-sex bat signal? Does this grown man have any other job other than friendly condom supplier? Please tell me more! Regardless, Noah tries to explain that, yes, Joanne is fun, and shes definitely the opposite of Rebecca, but its actually more than just a rebound. This could be a serious relationship theres something bigger going on here. Sasha and Condom Guy remain unconvinced. Noah is headed into this date to prove to them, and to himself, really, that he and Joanne have a deeper connection. Joanne is headed into this date with the exact opposite desire. Is Morgan actively sabotaging her sisters relationship or subconsciously doing it? Because when it comes to advice, wow, Morgans couldnt be worse or, perhaps, shes just never met a decent guy and therefore has no idea how to read Noah? As Joanne gets ready for her date and talks about things like how this could be the last time I have sex with somebody for the first time, Morgan is alarmed. Joanne is already talking about Noah as if hes the one, but she barely knows him. She gives her sister some tough love: Shes acting like a psychopath. They both know that their mom can be overly emotional and obsessive and it drives men away Morgan tells Joanne that she is just like their mom. If she wants to keep Noah around, she needs to be chill, casual, fun. You see where the problem may lie once Joanne and Noah meet up? This date goes off the rails immediately. Joanne might be trying to have some real chill here, but Noah can see the stress all over her face when Morgan calls her (again, this has to be conscious subterfuge, right?) and tells her that she tried but she cannot find the vibrator they need to test out before their big sex therapist guest comes (not that way) on their show the next day, and now she has something to do so its up to Joanne. Listen, Im rooting for Morgan, who clearly feels left behind, but also she is a real dick. Anyway, Noah insists that they go run whatever errand Joanne needs to before dinner they have the time and its important to her. Hes the best. He does not know, however, that the errand is to head into a sex shop and peruse the vibrators for the Obliterator. A perfect vibrator name, to be honest. The sales clerk warns Joanne and Noah to be careful with it because his friend dialed it all the way up to the highest setting on the first go and she cant fly now because the shaking is so triggering. This is not an in-and-out (not that way) sex shop visit, though. While trying to locate the Obliterator, Joannes trying to keep things flirty and fun and pretend what is happening right now isnt awkward. Noahs trying to forge a deeper connection. This means that right around the time Joanne is fastening a studded dog collar around Noahs neck, hes asking Joanne what her biggest fear is. She says a bad face-lift because shes trying to be cool and low-key, but the whole thing is chaos. And thats before Mr. Goldberg, a board member at Noahs temple, bumps into him while he and his wife are buying a bondage set. Its awkward for all parties involved, and Noah heads out to have himself a little panic attack on the street. This is not a good look for the rabbi, especially if his boss finds out. Never fear! Joanne and her stalking skills are here to save the day. Shes initially looking for some contact info for the guy so Noah can talk to him and try to explain, but she winds up stumbling on some much more interesting information: That woman he was buying the bondage set with? That was not Mrs. Goldberg. Mr. Goldberg will want to keep this little meeting just as much a secret as Noah does. Its a bummer for the real Mrs. Goldberg, but our guy is very relieved. He has every reason to be: Later, Noahs boss, Rabbi Cohen, informs him that Mr. Goldberg just made the biggest donation hes ever made to the temple, and he said he was inspired by Noah. Keep up the good work, Rabbi Cohen tells him. With dinner plans ruined, Noah takes Joanne back to his place and whips something up for them. She is very impressed. Again: Are our bars too low? Even more impressive: Noah isnt scared to be upfront about his feelings. He noticed that Joanne got a little weird when he asked about her fears. I felt that, she responds. I mean, when you asked me my biggest fear in the sex shop, that felt weird. But what Noah means, of course, is that she didnt seem interested in connecting. Hes very clear: He wants this to be something real, but if shes just looking for fun, its totally fine he just wants to know. Now its Joanne whos relieved. Shes relieved not to feel like a psycho for taking this new relationship so seriously. And then shes ready to open up about her biggest fear. Well, sort of ready. She does need to turn around so she isnt looking Noah in the face when she says it. What shes really afraid of besides a bad face-lift, which is a legitimate concern is that shell push him away. Shes impulsive and obsessive and, yes, does some really weird shit. Shes afraid that she will become emotionally dependent on a guy who will one day realize that Im too much and break my heart. When he turns her around, shes wiping a tear away and wonders if this is the most unattractive thing [hes] ever seen. His response? No. The most attractive. I want this. All of this. Friends, I gasped. What a fucking line!! I mean, I think hes quite sincere, but holy shit, I had to stand up. When Joanne asks him if hes going to break her heart, he tells her, It would truly kill me to break your heart. I dont know; Im sweating. Im also so grateful these two finally take this show to the bedroom. It was about time they got laid. They needed it. We all needed it! And even better, Joanne gets to call up her sister and tell her she showed Noah all of her crazy and then had incredible sex with him. It didnt scare him off. Im actually really into it, he adds. And isnt that what everyone wants? Someone who is down with your brand of crazy? After last weeks premiere laid the groundwork for renewed drama and new alliances (Angie K. and Marys beautiful braindead union), our ladies are hoping for some form of unity. Lisa is still irate at Whitney for the podcast comments and mad at Angie for taking Whitneys side. Meredith is still a bit upset at Whitney because of the bath bombs, which nobody but Meredith cares about. We see more newcomers Bronwyn and Britani, who do not like each other but are both still establishing their roles in this group of friends. We begin with Lisa asking Bronwyn how she felt about the previous nights disastrous Valentines Day party. Bronwyn, being reasonable, agrees that Lisa has a right to be upset, and as they are discussing this in Lisas car, Angie calls and says to Lisa, Lets talk! I do think Lisa might have overreacted to Angies role in all of this, but that is par for the course. We get a pan of everyones current state. Mary is talking to her son Robert, who is living at home and has no job and isnt in school, about how upset she was with Britani. Dont ever call me poor because thats like being ungrateful to God, she tells him. He is the only person who can tell Mary that it is actually a bit crazy! But go off, Mary. Meanwhile, Bronwyn and Lisa, once again, are in a car. This time, theyre picking up Heather for no other reason than to go through a Wendys drive-thru. Lisa has a partnership with Wendys, and so far, we are two for two, seeing Lisa getting Wendys. (In the premiere, we get a glimpse of Lisa and her family eating Wendys). I am already sick of this Wendys shit it does not make me want Wendys. Anyway, in the car, Bronwyn does not have great things to say about Whitneys outburst, calling it fake and trite. This raises major alarms for Heather, who is still burned by Monicas betrayal, which is understandable. She finds it odd for her to have such strong opinions on women she just met. Heather keeps her mouth shut while eating her Wendys in the back seat. Clearly, she is banking this information for later. Then we get a Meredith and Seth scene. My God, I forgot how much I hate Seth. He, quite frankly, disgusts me. Everything he says is overly sexual and just so slimy. Theyre going to a cooking class because Seth is returning to Ohio again for work, and Meredith needs him to learn how to cook. Their chef teaches them how to make shakshuka, which isnt so practical for someone who does not know anything about cooking. Of course, this has nothing to do with cooking. Meredith uses this opportunity to talk about how Shakshuka reminds her that with all the hate and antisemitism in the world right now, she wants to connect to her Jewish roots. How better to do that than have a bat mitzvah! They are both very emotional about this but this very forced scene is obviously so that we know there will be a party that is VERY personal to Meredith and will clearly cause some rift in how seriously her group of friends take it. I fear Meredith just does not have a lot going on this season because even by Housewives standards, the entire scene is stretched out for no reason other than for us to see their marriage is stronger than ever. Finally, Angie and Lisa have lunch and its clear Lisa expects to wear Angie down in hopes of a heartfelt apology, but Angie is NOT giving that. She is firm on her stance she only told Whitney that Lisa was upset because she wanted Whitney to know that Lisa was owed an apology. Again, that is pretty normal-friend behavior. Lisa is so interesting to me when it comes to conflict. She latches onto being upset about one thing (Angies betrayal) when it is so clear her fear is losing Angies loyalty and friendship for Whitneys. Angie stands her ground and expresses that sometimes Lisa is scary to be honest with because of her outbursts, and Lisa predictably disagrees. They dont come to a resolution but hope to continue the conversation later. Honestly, good on Angie for not taking the easy way out and bowing to Lisas anger. Now, we get a real glimpse into Brownwyns life and home. Bronwyns home my God. I can only describe it as the home youd expect from someone who got rich quickly off NFTs. Its full of kooky, clearly expensive, and very impractical furniture. As we know, Bronwyn, like Whitney, is married to an older rich man. Her husband, Todd, is a fascinating character; he looks like any 60-something-year-old dad but he is wearing a very trendy Gucci snake knit sweater, like something a young guy would wear. He is not really trying to look young in any other way, so to quote Britani, it looks like a costume. We learn Todd got rich from being the PalmPilot CEO. They met at a bar ten years ago when she was working in finance in San Francisco. He emailed her, and the rest was history. Honestly, Bronwyn seems pretty normal and happy with her life. She is proving why she belongs on this show (being rich) but also not trying to come out swinging. She can talk shit but clearly hopes to be a voice of reason. We later see her at Angies salon talking to her about the Angie/Lisa situation and how she hopes they can patch it up, but she is NOT a fan of Britanis yet. Whitney and Heather meet at a crystal store to heal. These two have gone through a lot of shit and have had explosive disagreements, but their friendship is deeper than anyone else on this show because theyre vaguely related and share religious trauma. As they patch things up from the previous weeks drama, Whitney mentions she wants all the girls to go to Milwaukee to Trixie Mattels new bar and that, so far, the only people she doesnt have beef with would be Angie, Heather, and Bronwyn. Whitney is immediately struck by the Bronwyn addition because of her words during their Wendys run. Whitney tells Heather they met up the previous day and got along great Whitney once again says nothing, but this only builds her case against Bronwyn. Heather, thank you for saving your confrontations for a better moment, but just say something now, or it will look shady! She has an idea for some unity, a team-building exercise with all the girls to try and have some fun. We then see the girls get together on an outdoor excursion, where they have to go up very high on a giant jungle-gym-like thing while harnessed and balance on some ropes to get to the other side. This is great only because I love any time we get to see Mary be physically active, something that is not natural to her. She is someone who is born to sit and be catered to, but I like it when she steps out of her comfort zone this way. More proof she is actually giving it her all this season. Once this outdoor excursion is done, the ladies sit around eating tacos when Britani decides to make a toast. While Bronwyn is more or less seamlessly fitting into this group, Britani is struggling. She doesnt know these women significantly, so naturally, youd expect her to toast to new friendships or something. Instead, she makes a toast to herself because she and her on-again-off-again boyfriend, Jared (nephew to Donny and Marie Osmond), have made it official kind of? She starts by saying how Jared took her out to buy matching jewelry at Louis Vuitton last night and asked her to be his girlfriend. This grown-ass woman announcing this to a group of women who are barely her friends gave me secondhand embarrassment. But it gets worse. She then says that he also made Instagram official by posting her in his story. Bronwyn brings up that in the post, where there is a photo of them in Costco with her in the shopping cart, he actually calls her his best friend. The girls are then gently telling her this is not official. Mary, who has been silent this entire time says what I know in my heart everyone was thinking, Im just trying to figure out: Why do we care? Britani calls Mary rude, to which Mary says, Like you were the other night? referring to their first meeting when Britani said all the wrong things to Mary and Bronwyn. Mary is adamant that she does not care about Britani, does not want to know shit about Britanis life, and has no friendship with her. Britani tells her to shut up at one point, and Mary yells, Shut me up! Returning to the Britani/Jared situation, the women gently try to tell Britani that she is being played by Jared, who is still hesitant to claim her as a girlfriend. This is when we learn that Britani has some deep abandonment and family issues; her children do not talk to her, and its too personal to elaborate on that. The women do not press further, but Mary is relentless in telling Britani that she is difficult, needs soul searching, and is not a kind person because she cant make amends with her children. During a confessional, we get much more personal information from Mary than we are used to. Britani triggers her because her mother was neglectful, and she and her five siblings felt no love and had no guidance from their mother. This explains so much about why Mary is not pressed that her son just lives at home doing seemingly nothing. Shes clearly happy just caring for him. This devolves further into Bronwyn telling Britani she wants to know one not unhinged thing about her and that her way of speaking is not thoughtful. Girl, get your words tight, she tells Britani. She says that like it is a common saying, but it isnt, nor will it be something quotable in the future, but good try. Of course, this gives Heather the opening to bring up how Bronwyn should get her own words tight because was she not talking shit about Whitney only to suck up to her later? Heather was waiting for the right moment to strike, and it fell flat because Bronwyn expressed the same thing to Whitney in private as she did with Heather and Lisa. Though I would argue it was tonally different, Bronwyn wins this round when she brings up a counterpoint: If it was so bad, why were you silent? This activates a lot of cross talk and arguing, and finally, Whitney apologizes to Lisa. This is followed by inviting everyone to Milwaukee to Trixies bar, where Whitney will host a drag competition. This satisfies the ladies but not Meredith, who says she might not be able to go nobody really cares. Poor Meredith, so far, she has been somewhat on the sidelines and in her own world of pain over a nonissue. The women leave more or less satisfied with their bonding activity, excited to get together in Milwaukee. Great! In the next episode, we get them on a trip, and in the previews, Meredith does end up joining, likely to stoke hatred against Whitney. Im actually pretty into these new dynamics, these women are putting in the work to prove they do not need a huge central controversy to make this franchise worth watching. QUITO, Sept. 25 (Xinhua) -- A state of emergency was declared on Wednesday in Ecuador's capital Quito as wildfires continue to devastate parts of the city, said Mayor Pabel Munoz. The decision was made by Quito's Emergency Operations Committee after assessing damage from a massive fire in the Guapulo area in the eastern part of the city. The fire, which began on Tuesday, has been the most destructive one the city has faced in recent years, scorching large swathes of vegetation, destroying six homes in central-northern Quito, and engulfing the city in thick smoke. "This declaration may help us secure at least half a million dollars from international cooperation agencies, which will be critical for the reconstruction and recovery of damaged ecosystems," Munoz said. Emergency response efforts are underway as authorities work to contain the remaining fire hotspots. BEIJING, Sept. 26 (Xinhua) -- The sunlight streaming in the exhibition hall on the 39th floor of a high-rise building in Beijing illuminates an array of around 500 photographs captured by generations of Chinese journalists. Towering over the cityscape, the exhibition hall embodies a blend of historical tradition and modern achievements, reflecting the nation's transformation over decades and the profound stories of its people. China's national news agency, Xinhua, on Thursday opened a photo exhibition at the National Financial Information Center just days before the People's Republic of China celebrates its 75th founding anniversary on Oct. 1. Stepping into the first section of the tour, audiences were enveloped by an array of black and white photographs. A standout photograph showcasing Dr. Henry Norman Bethune (1890-1939) performing surgery on a Chinese patient in a little temple attracted visitors to stop by and take pictures. "The use of lighting in this picture is perfect, and it is a textbook in the Chinese photography industry," said Lan Hongguang, who recently retired from a four-decade career as a photojournalist at Xinhua, pointing to the photograph hung on a long wall displaying dozens of pictures showing the arduous struggle of the Chinese people led by the Communist Party of China. "It was not easy for Chinese reporters to take pictures with cameras back in the day, because Western journalists were armed with automatic rifles, while we were holding spears with red tassels," he said. "But today we have the photography equipment leading the world," Lan, who is also a China Journalism Award winner smiled. As the audiences walked deeper into the gallery, the color contrast of the photos became more vivid. A notable contrast is a photo that focuses on a celebrating crowd, with young women in colorful dresses and men in plain white shirts. On the picture, the crowd is celebrating the first batch of "Jiefang" trucks produced by FAW Group rolling off the assembly line in Changchun, Jilin on July 14, 1956. Starting from this photo, this section, "having ample supplies of food and clothing," shows changes in social life. Through enormous efforts, China is capable of feeding one fifth of the global population with nine percent of the world's arable land and six percent of the freshwater resources. In 2020, China realized its goal of eradicating absolute poverty nationwide, contributing significantly to the global poverty reduction cause. In building a moderately prosperous society, China takes it as the primary goal to secure adequate food and clothing and protect the right to subsistence, and takes further steps to meet the growing material and cultural needs of the people. From 1949 to 2023, China's residents have seen their income grow by an average of 6 percent annually, resulting in a staggering 75.8-fold increase in real terms, according to official data. As the tour went on and audiences moved along the corridor, more pictures bathed in the sunlight filtering through the sleek glass facade of the skyscraper, were unfolded in front of them. These include pictures featuring FAW Group's seventh-generation Jiefang truck product J7 coming off production line on April 18, 2018, and new energy vehicles developed by Hongqi, an FAW Group car brand at the 20th Shanghai International Automobile Industry Exhibition on April 18, 2023. "China's automotive industry is evolving rapidly, and Chinese brands are developing vigorously," Zhang Qiang, a visitor and branding manager of a local Chinese car company said. "Local automobile market players have shifted from followers to leaders over the past decades, and I'm very excited to be part of the fast development of an unprecedented era," he added. Starting from scratch, China has completed in a few decades the industrialization process that took developed countries hundreds of years to achieve. China has remained the world's top manufacturing hub for 14 consecutive years, and boasts all the industrial sectors included in the United Nations' International Standard Industrial Classification of All Economic Activities. G7 agriculture ministers meet in Sicily from 26-27 September. Italy's agriculture minister Francesco Lollobrigida will host the Group of Seven (G7) Agriculture Summit in the Sicilian city of Syracuse on Thursday and Friday. The ministerial talks will be held at the 13th-century Castello Maniace on the island of Ortigia, the oldest part of Siracusa, which is linked to the mainland by three bridges. The high-level summit, organised as part of Italy's G7 presidency, will bring together agriculture ministers from Canada, France, Germany, Japan, the UK and the US, along with the European Commissioner for Agriculture and the African Union Commissioner for Agriculture. On 26-27-28 September Siracusa will host the #G7 Meeting on Agriculture. The city embodies a journey through Mediterranean history and has been designated a UNESCO World Heritage site alongside the Rocky Necropolis of Pantalica. #G7Italy pic.twitter.com/cJTcxsy9nm G7 Italy (@G7) September 25, 2024 Also participating in the talks will be the heads of the three Rome-based United Nations agencies (FAO, IFAD, WFP), the OECD and CGIAR. The discussions will focus on themes including food security, investments in agriculture in Africa, sustainable farming and fishing, and climate change. By Cillian Sherlock, PA Gardai will purchase two water cannons for policing riots and other public disorder incidents. It comes amid a dramatic rise in protests across the country, some of which have resulted in violence and arson. On Thursday, Garda Commissioner Drew Harris said he had signed off on the procurement of two anti-riot vehicles, each with the capacity to carry 5,200 litres of water. Meanwhile, Assistant Commissioner Paula Hilman said that 3.7 million had been spent on public-order equipment over the last 2.5 years. Two Somati Water Cannon at Santry Garda Station, Dublin, which were on loan from the Police Service of Northern Ireland (Haydn West/PA) She said the public order unit was expanding its fleet of 27 vehicles, adding: Weve just spent 1.4 million and are at the minute delivering another 15 vehicles across the country. Commissioner Harris said gardai buy the best equipment, adding that he hoped hard hats would be approved for members within weeks following complaints from representative bodies. Asst Commissioner Hilman said there had been a 56 per cent increase in protest activity this year. There have been 862 protests in the first eight months of the year, up from 553 in the same period last year and 285 in 2022. She said the vast majority conclude peacefully. An example of the PSNI using a water cannon in west Belfast (Paul Faith/PA) The senior gardai were speaking during a meeting of the Policing Authority in Dublin on Thursday. The Authority was meeting to discuss the as-of-yet unpublished report into public order policing during the November 2023 riots in Dublin, which was submitted to Justice Minister Helen McEntee in August. Mr Harris said gardais response to public order has evolved very considerably since the last report in 2019, adding that command structures are more slick since the November riots. He said gardai have additional tactics and equipment available to them, including increased strength pepper spray. He said: Well never have the exact thing happen again, so well always need to make sure that our response is sufficiently agile to deal with the problem of any particular day. Authority chairwoman Dr Elaine Byrne said it was her understanding that Ms McEntee would publish the public order policing report. The community of Ballybricken in Waterford city came together recently to celebrate the area's thriving community through the Playful Streets initiative. Seed sowing class with Coleman Power from Organic Fitness. Children, parents, local gardai and politicians all came out for a day of fun and community on Ballybricken Hill on Thursday, September 19. Playful Streets is a nationwide initiative that shuts down traffic in a particular neighbourhood for a couple of hours so that everybody can come out of their houses and play together. Sgt. Maureen Neary, Ollie Doyle, Jenny Loughrane, Waterford Libraries, May Doyle, Noreen McGrath, Cliona Doyle, Eoin Morrissey, Waterford Healthy City & County Coordinator and Emer Quigley, Waterford Childcare Committee. During Playful Streets, members of the community spanning all ages came outside together to play and socialise safely. This project was piloted last year in Waterford by the Healthy Waterford team and a plethora of other partners, and theyre going again in 2024. Cllr Frank Quinlan at Playful Streets. Neighbourhoods across the county have embraced the initaitive, transforming their areas into community spaces for people to come together and chat or play. The Playful Streets initiative ran from May to September 2024 and included 29 events in different locations around County Waterford. Over 2,000 adults and children participated in the 29 events. Tug of War on Ballybricken Green during the Playful Streets event. The initiative was run in partnership with the Community Department of Waterford City and County Council, as well as a number of other organisations. Sgt. Maureen Neary giving her all during the Tug of War at Playful Streets on Ballybricken Green. Two penultimate events ran to finish up the 2024 project, in Walton Park, Dungarvan and Ballybricken Green. Limbo dancing on Ballybricken Green. A spokesperson said, "Playful Streets are a great way to get out, get active and meet your neighbours, and we really enjoyed meeting everyone along the way." A Waterford family has been left devastated over the news that their cherished baby girl was buried without her brain. Bonnie Fox was less than a year old when she tragically passed away in her sleep on New Year's Day, January 1, 2021. At 11 months, Bonnie was already walking, talking, singing and dancing. She had beautiful blue eyes and was adored by everyone she met. At the time of her death, Covid-19 restrictions were still in place, meaning that her family had to grieve by themselves at her funeral. Three years later, her family were informed that a HSE audit had revealed that Bonnie's brain was retained at Children's Health Ireland (CHI) Crumlin. CHI Crumlin Bonnie's mother Jenny told the Waterford News and Star: "We were horrified to find out after three years that our baby wasn't buried whole. To have the trauma of a second funeral, no parents should ever have to go through that." The revelation, and subsequent letter of apology, has shattered the family. Now, Jenny is calling for answers in the terrible aftermath of the news. Through social media, she described her shock and horror upon learning that CHI Crumlin had kept her daughter's organ. She has directly called on Taoiseach Simon Harris and Minister for Health Stephen Donnelly for action. She wrote: "They did all of this without our permission as parents and without the coroner's permission." The hashtag #justiceforbonnie is being shared to raise awareness. Devastation Bonnie's death left her parents Jenny and Mark, and her siblings, family, extended family and community in complete devastation. The Fox and Halley families buried their daughter and granddaughter, following a Mass of The Angels at The Sacred Heart Church, the Folly, in Waterford city on January 6, 2021, in St. Marys Cemetery, Ballygunner. Bonnie Fox passed away on New Years' Day, 2021. Since Bonnie's passing, the family have raised money for charity through fundraisers in her memory, supporting Feilacain, the organisation which offers support to those who experience still-birth and neonatal death. CHI audit In September this year, Bonnie's mother Jenny revealed through social media that her child's remains were held inside Crumlin Hospital without her knowledge. She stated that An Garda Siochana contacted her a few days before Christmas last year to inform her that an audit showed that her child's brain was retained by the hospital. She also said that she received a letter of apology from CHI Crumlin, but the apology has done little to temper the family's turmoil. Jenny wrote on the post: "You're sorry you kept part of my baby in a jar? For three years? Or you're sorry there was an audit and you got caught?" The ordeal has raised questions for the family over why and how the information was held for so long after Bonnie's death. Jenny wrote: "In the year of 2024 they are doing this? You know why they are doing this? Because they get away with it!" Crumlin response CHI Crumlin were contacted for a statement. A spokesperson replied: "Children's Health Ireland cannot comment on individual cases. Even if a family decides to make their story public, we are still bound by patient confidentiality." The matter of organ retention at CHI Crumlin was discussed at a HSE board meeting in September 2023. Attending the meeting were Minister for Children Roderic O'Gorman and Minister Anne Rabbitte. The minutes stated that an audit was carried out in December 2021, which identified that organs had been retained at post mortem in CHI at Crumlin and remained, securely stored, in the department. It read: "These organs were from post mortems performed pre-2020. The retention of organs from the children was the result of a breakdown (or non-commencement) of communication with families or an inadequate capture of information about the familys wishes regarding organ retention." Huge crowds congregated recently to remember Trina Ryan of Springmount, Tramore, formerly of Kennedy Park, Tramore, Co. Waterford. Trina passed away peacefully at University Hospital Waterford surrounded by her loving family on Thursday, September 12, 2024. The Ryan and Devitt family would like to thank with great appreciation all the members of staff in The Oak Ward at University Hospital Waterford for the exceptional and loving care Trina received throughout her illness. Trina was born on August 22, 1979. She spent her youth in Kennedy Park, Tramore, a place she cherished. She worked in various jobs throughout her life, however, her defining role was in Boots pharmacy, Tramore. Funeral mass At Trinas funeral mass, friends and relatives recalled her as a kind, caring person, who remained positive even throughout her battle with cancer. Fr. Richard OHalloran said: Was there a more popular and admired woman in Tramore? Im not too sure. I think everyone in some way knew Trina and everyone in some way benefitted from being in her company or simply coming across her. She kept a tremendous spirit, an upbeat attitude, and always humorous. She always remained true to herself, and nothing, not even illness could take that from her." Trina will be remembered as a loving mother, who always put her kids first and who loved to spend time with family. She was a wonderful mother, very proud of all of her children and the fine people that they are. Despite illness, there is only beauty and gratitude for the memories, the laughs and the good times that they all had together, Fr. OHalloran said. Trina had been battling stage four cancer for five years, during which time she fundraised for countless other cancer patients in the community. The late Trina Ryan. Fr. OHalloran said: Her fundraising was not for herself, but for others coping like her with cancer in our own community. I know that many have been the recipients of Trinas fundraising, and the only expectation was that those who received it would do something for themselves with the money, that they would treat themselves just to make themselves feel normal, if even for a short time. During the funeral mass, Trinas husband Michael provided a touching eulogy, which remembered her as a family driven, respectful person, who was cherished by the community. It was the simple things in life, Michael said, family holidays abroad, dinner time, where we all sat together, chatted and laughed. Chronicling her years in Boots pharmacy, he said: If ever a job was a perfect fit for Trina that was it, as she loved people and interaction with the public. She had a gift where you would go in looking for one item and come out with numerous items and happier for seeing Trina as a result. Fr. OHalloran added: Trina will probably be best remembered for her many years working in Boots pharmacy here in Tramore. She was a popular member of staff and I think a favourite of the customers. She had the right personality and disposition for the job. She was able to cheer up any persons day regardless of how they were feeling. Trina remained strong throughout her illness and approached every day with resilience. Trina fought an incredible battle, Michael said, and while there was a lot of tough moments, she never complained and still worried about everyone else bar herself. Her respect and love to all the doctors and nurses is hard to explain as she was more of a friend rather than a patient to all of these wonderful people. On July 8, 2024, Trina and Michael got married at Waterford Hospice. Michael said during his eulogy, We now know shes at peace and looking down on all of us. Thanks for all the memories, kindness, laughter and love youve given me, the kids and the people of Tramore. You will never be forgotten. We will fight on for you like you did for us. Trina will be sadly missed by her loving husband Michael Devitt, her adoring children Amy, Harry and Maisie, her heartbroken parents Billy and Margaret, her sisters Carly and Mary; her brothers Thomas and William; her sister-in-law and her brothers-in-law, all her aunts and uncles and all her nieces and nephews. She will be forever missed by all her relatives, extended family, wonderful neighbours and many, many friends. Condolences Condolences have been extended from far and wide, with heartfelt messages of sympathy coming in from members of the community, friends and loved ones. A Tramore GAA spokesperson said: Tramore lost one of her favourite daughters when news of the death of Trina Ryan, who died peacefully in UHW, filtered through. Trina was such a loving, kind and caring person, together with her lovely smile, and these are some of the attributes that made her so loved by so many. It is an immeasurable loss to her grieving family, but Trina sure lived life to the full and enjoyed every single day of it. What an inspiration for us all. Simply amazing. You were a very special person who enhanced all our lives. We were very lucky. A message of condolence from RIP reads: Trina was such a fun person and always a delight to meet. Another said: Sleep easy Trina, you were a neighbour in the Oak Ward for only a few days but you showed such kindness to me and my children in our darkest days." Trina's Boots colleagues and regulars of the store have also expressed their heartfelt condolences. One person said: Sincere sympathies to you all. Trina will be very deeply missed by all her colleagues in Boots Pharmacy. Trina was the face of Boots Pharmacy in Tramore. She stood behind the pharmacy counter with great pride and love of her community. Trina was deeply loved by the whole of Tramore and Waterford and she absolutely loved her county, especially Tramore, another said. Poem for their beloved mum The following poem was read by Trina's daughter Amy at her mother's funeral, on behalf of Trina's children Amy, Harry and Maisie: It's been the hardest thing to lose you You meant so much to me But you are in my heart Mum And thats where youll always be I know that heaven called you But I wish you could have stayed At least the memories I have of you They will never fade I did not want to lose you But you did not go alone Because a part of me went with you When heaven called you home So just remember one thing We are not apart Youre with me in my memories And in my broken heart. The talented, artistic youth of Waterford gathered at Central Library to 'Make Racism History' on Tuesday, September 24. Mayor of Waterford City & County Cllr Jason Murphy presented Sophia of St Saviour's NS with her award. All Photos: Joe Evans Students from local primary and secondary schools were honoured for the art and poetry they made with the commitment to ending discrimination and hatred. Mayor of Waterford City and County Council, Cllr Jason Murphy was on hand to present awards to the kids. Mayor Cllr Jason Murphy presented Dominic of St Saviour's NS with his award. Mayor Cllr Murphy said: "As Mayor of Waterford, I am delighted to welcome you all to Central Library this morning to celebrate the wonderful art of the students here before us today. "We're here for the award ceremony of the 'Make Racism History' schools competition, run as part of Anti-Racism Month 2024, and to launch the exhibition of work created by you young people here today." Mayor Cllr Jason Murphy presented Kristian of De La Salle College with his award, also included are Sinead Cummins, Librarian, John McCarren (father) and Ann Nolan, Waterford Integration Services. To mark the International Day for Elimination of Racial Discrimination, March 21, Waterford Anti-Racism Month invited primary and secondary school students from across the world to engage artistically with the theme of making racism history. The event was supported by Waterford Integration Services, Waterford City and County Council, Waterford Libraries and Europe Direct, and The Book Centre, who sponsored the prizes. Mayor of Waterford City & County Cllr Jason Murphy presented Emma of St Angela's Secondary with her award, with Sinead Cummins, Librarian and Ann Nolan, Waterford Integration Services. Mayor Murphy said: "I hope this exhibition is an inspiration for others to imagine a Waterford free of bias, stereotypes and discrimination, a Waterford that is diverse, equitable and inclusive, a Waterford where difference is valued and indeed celebrated." Mayor of Waterford City & County Cllr Jason Murphy presented Paula of St Saviour's NS with her award. Ann Nolan of Waterford Integration Services said: "I'd like to thank the Library Services, as well as Waterford City and County Council, without which this work would not happen." Mayor Cllr Jason Murphy presented Emily of St Saviour's NS with her award, at the Awards Ceremony for the Making Racism History schools competition. Photo: Joe Evans Students from St Saviour's NS and De La Salle College in Waterford city happily accepted their awards from Mayor Murphy, captured by photographer Joe Evans. After 30 years of teaching at Waterpark College, the school is saying goodbye to beloved art teacher Ms. Brid Kenneally. The school estimated that Ms. Kenneally had taught thousands of students during her career! Teacher Brid Kenneally pictured at the surprise farewell party for her at Waterpark College. To celebrate Ms. Kenneallys retirement, the school organised a surprise party to thank her for her tireless care of the students. She was presented with a card, signed by all the staff and students at Waterpark College, by three students, Hanh, Zoe, and Lucy. Sudents, Hanh, Zoe and Lucy presented Ms Kenneally with a card signed by all the staff and students at Waterpark College. The students also made a touching piece of art for their art teacher to remember them by, each student painting their fingerprint onto a canvas, which was given to Ms. Kenneally by first-year students Smithbert and Mila. Anna, Ms Kenneally and Aoife, at Waterpark College for the surprise farewell. As well as a celebratory cake, Ms. Kenneally was presented with flowers from two former students, Kristine and Rebecca. On the day, speakers gave tributes to the teacher. Sixth year students with Ms Kenneally at Waterpark College for the surprise farewell. Mr. Hagan, Principal of Waterpark College, praised the retiring Ms. Kenneallys tireless care of her students, and amusingly recalled tales of her endless creativity in accounting, finding ways to convince the school to enhance the art supplies by showing up with the receipts of her purchases. Fellow teacher Mr Wheatley said she had three main principles, "work hard, show respect and have fun", while her pupils spoke of their teachers motivational spirit and the impact she had on students. Past students Kristine and Rebecca presented flowers to Ms Kenneally. The results of her work could be found not just in the fondness her students have for her, by also the inundation of local, national, and international art competitions that her students work appeared in and won. Pictured at Waterpark College for the surprise farewell for longest serving art teacher, Ms. Brid Kenneally, who retired after 30 years service. The school said they had celebrated many prestigious wins in art competitions, including the Texaco Art Competition, Waterford Credit Union, Iverk Show, Waterford City - 40 years from now, European Union Environmental competitions, and the Purple Flag Mascot. Ms. Kenneally will be succeeded by Ms. Lannigan who will take over the art classes in the school. The announcement last week of a new veterinary school for SETU at Kildalton, Piltown, coupled with the construction start on a new UHW surgical hub in Maypark Lane, made people sit up. Its as if we had been at some great dinner party over the past five years with this government, where the main courses were continually served up to guests all around us while we waited, hungry, at the bottom table. Suddenly, with an election looming, two announcements burst on the scene, like dessert after the main meal, tasty but really not nutritious. Context is everything of course. The veterinary medicine course is very prestigious and sends a clear signal to the middle classes that SETU means business. With an enrolment of 40 students annually on a five-year course it makes a tiny dent in the brain drain from the South East to other regions of the country. Remember, 13,000 students leave this region every year for university and rarely return when qualified. The economic cost to the region is enormous. It is unclear what physical infrastructure will be needed or built to support the new vet course or indeed when anything might be built. Practical work will probably be in Kildalton, with academic work in Waterford. However, huge congratulations are due to Prof Veronica Campbell and her team at SETU for obtaining this course. It clearly sets out SETUs ambition. Remember these announcements are in the closing months/ weeks of this government. SETU has a strategic development ask of 350 million. The vet course at approximately 20 million is a small dent in that sum. Course development has to include teaching and pharmacy. A medical school with UHW simply has to be on the cards. In the past five years, SETU has missed the main courses, the heavyweight investment in physical infrastructure, new buildings and new student accommodation that have gone to colleges in other cities. We know that in 2008 a PPP to provide new WIT engineering and business schools was ready, that this was cancelled by Enda Kennys government in 2011, that Enda Kenny promised a full university to Waterford before the 2011 election, following the disastrous closure of Waterford Glass and Talk Talk, knowing the competitive difficulties this city faced. He used the word pledge if remembered correctly. Two Fine Gael TDs were elected on that pledge in 2011, but nothing happened. We know the engineering building project was revived in 2017, that planning was granted in 2019, that the work has been tendered. We know it could have gone to construction in 2020, as college buildings in Cork, Dublin and elsewhere did, but was stalled. We know that new courses were arriving every few years in WIT up to 2006. We know that stopped and course numbers were capped. We know that planning permission for the new engineering building will lapse this December and must be reapplied for because no work has been carried out on site to justify an extension to the existing planning. We know that the last thing built on the WIT Cork Road site was the Humanities Building, which started in 1998, was suspended in 2001, and finished in 2006; that nothing has been built there since. We know that this did not happen in any other city in the country, that 645,924,766.23 was spent on building 100 higher education projects from 2016 to 2023, that Carlow IT has built five new buildings in that time with the assistance of the HEA, that the tooth fairy arrived and that Carlow did all this from their own resources. Even now, a new corporate services building has just been completed in SETU Carlow. We know that Fine Gael has not laid a brick on the Cork Road WIT site in almost 14 years, that this has hurt WIT/ SETU. We know that the Department of Public Expenditure Minister Paschal Donohoe has the engineering building file on his desk for 12 months. We know that a disgraceful amount of time was spent dithering over the Waterford Glass site purchase for approximately 4 million. We know that WIT was prevented from buying it much earlier, much cheaper. Talk about due diligence and procurement policies was blather. We know that GMIT in Galway bought 10 acres for 9 million from Galwegians RFC in case they might need it in a city with an existing huge university. We know they leased it back immediately to the rugby club. The new elective surgical hub at UHW is a very welcome, heavyweight piece of new infrastructure, which cheered up UHW staff no end, albeit in the closing weeks/ months of this government. We know that UHW as a Model 4 hospital, with the lowest staff, lowest budget and lowest capital expenditure of the nine such Model 4s, that it has not had a fair share of capital spending, that in 2023 its acute capital allocation was zero. We know that projects, which were being priced with existing contractors on site and ready to go in February 2022, did not proceed. We know that the pathology lab extension was shovel ready at the time but was delayed until last month. We know that a proper new OPD on top of the main hospital was pulled in 2022. We also know that UHW has some of the best outcomes, some of the best clinicians and staff and that their performance has not been rewarded with capital investment. We know that UHW has modular pre-fabs as temporary OPD units. We know that UHW had a tent outside its ED for nine months of 2023 without complaint from the Health minister. We know that there has been an uptick in staff and budget at UHW, comparable to that in every hospital in the land. We know that the Tanaiste Micheal Martin and Minister Mary Butler of Fianna Fail stood outside UHW in 2020 and promised 24/7 cardiology there and that it has not been delivered. The list is long. We know our airport has been almost done to death by the Green Party over a matter of pennies. Most of all we know that these things are about the future of Waterford city rather than the ambitions of any single politician. More next week. BEIRUT/JERUSALEM, Sept. 26 (Xinhua) -- At least three civilians were injured on Thursday in an Israeli airstrike that hit a residential building near al-Qaem mosque in Dahieh, Beirut's southern suburbs, Lebanese TV channel al-Jadeed reported. The Israeli army confirmed that it launched three missiles to attack the commander of Hezbollah's drone unit. TV footage showed rescue teams and ambulances rushing to the densely populated area to transport casualties to the hospital and remove victims from beneath the rubble. The tech sector was up by 0.4 per cent, while consumer staples rose 0.9 per cent. A2 Milk shares rose 8.7 per cent before being put in a trading halt so the Kiwi milk company could announce an acquisition. The laggards The Star (down 44.4 per cent) plunged almost in half in the companys first trading day since last month. The ailing casino operator finally delivered its full-year results on Thursday, after snagging a last-ditch $200 million loan from its banks. Star chief executive Steve McCann flagged hundreds of job cuts and the sale of assets such as hotels in Sydney, Brisbane and the Gold Coast as part of a complicated cost-saving plan following a $1.69 billion loss. Supermarkets were mixed, with Woolworths up slightly (0.2 per cent) and Coles shed 0.5 per cent after a week of intense scrutiny. Loading In an ASX announcement, Woolworths Group chief executive Amanda Bardwell said the company believed the grocery sector was competitive and customers had more choice than ever, after a competition watchdog probe found the two biggest retailers, Coles and Woolworths acted as an oligopoly with limited incentive to compete on price. A Coles spokesperson said the company would examine the report, and it supported a diverse supermarket industry that offers choice and competitive prices. Australias biggest alcohol retailer, Endeavour Group, was down 2.5 per cent on news its chief executive Steve Donohue was leaving. Donohue said it was the right time to leave the underperforming Dan Murphys and parent company BWS. Endeavour Group faces a dwindling stock value and its 2023/24 financial year results showed that although sales increased, profits had been slashed to service its $1.9 billion debt. The heavyweight financial sector meanwhile finished 0.6 per cent lower, with all big four banks losing ground. NAB fell 1.8 per cent, Westpac retreated 1.7 per cent, ANZ dropped 1 per cent, and CBA slid 0.1 per cent. Oil prices sank after The Financial Times reported through sources that Saudi Arabia was preparing to abandon its unofficial price target of $US100 a barrel for crude. The price of a barrel of benchmark US crude fell 2.9 per cent to settle at $US67.67, while the international standard of Brent Crude fell 2.5 per cent to $US71.60. Woodside Energy was 1.4 per cent lower while Santos slid by 1.2 per cent. The lowdown AMP Capital chief economist and head of investment strategy Shane Oliver said that despite this weeks performance on the markets, he thought the risk of a correction in shares remained high. He pointed to a range of risks including stretched valuations, investor optimism, the coming US election and conflict in the Middle East. At the same time, he said the trend towards stimulus globally including interest rate cuts overseas was positive for shares. The risk of a near-term pullback remains high for shares, but increasing policy stimulus globally as we move into a more positive seasonal period for shares is very supportive, Oliver said. Global markets rallied overnight. Credit: AP Overnight, the S&P 500 added 0.4 per cent to set an all-time high for the third time this week and the 42nd time this year. The Dow Jones gained 260 points, or 0.6 per cent, to finish just shy of its record, while the Nasdaq Composite rose 0.6 per cent. But drops for Exxon Mobil and other oil-and-gas companies kept the markets gains in check. The fall in oil prices overnight dragged Exxon Mobils stock down 1.7 per cent, and it was one of the heaviest weights on the S&P 500. ConocoPhillips sank 3.2 per cent. In other sharemarkets overseas, indexes were more buoyant on hopes for more moves by China to prop up the worlds second-largest economy. The countrys powerful Politburo on Thursday called for intensified efforts as China tries to meet its goals for economic growth, according to the official Xinhua News Agency. That follows a raft of announcements earlier in the week by the countrys central bank that had also sent global markets jumping. Chinas economic growth has been flagging, and officials appear to be making a more coordinated effort following earlier piecemeal attempts to boost it. Loading In the United States, meanwhile, more encouraging news came after a round of reports on Thursday suggested the worlds largest economy may be doing better than expected. Fewer US workers applied for unemployment benefits last week in the latest signal that layoffs remain relatively low across the economy. A separate report said the overall US economy grew at a 3 per cent annual rate during the spring, as previously estimated. Thats a solid rate. The hope on Wall Street is for a form of financial nirvana where the US economys growth can hold steady and keep profits for companies humming while the Federal Reserve continues to lower interest rates. Quote of the day Australia is already at about $1 trillion [in trade] and that will grow to about $1.5 trillion ... Im talking of around 2030. So collectively we will be at about $5.5 trillion, and we should aim for 10 per cent of that to come from Australia and India. Lets aim big given the huge trust between the two countries, I would think we should go for it, says Indias Commerce and Industry Minister, Piyush Goyal. You may have missed Australians are paying 20 per cent more for groceries than they were five years ago, with fresh fruit and vegie suppliers squeezed the most by the major supermarket chains, the competition watchdog said in a new report that described the supermarket sector as an oligopoly. With AP Advertisement Review Eating outMargaret River East meets South West: This kitchens singular, thrilling style of Japanese cooking could only exist in Margaret River Hiding in plain sight on bustling Bussell Highway, this bijou specialist tempura restaurant is one of regional WAs most essential dining experiences. Max Veenhuyzen September 27, 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 1 / 4 Soy-glazed lamb sholder, miso corn puree, vanilla-cured shallot; soy-braised pork croquette, Japanese barbecue sauce and pork skin cracker; masago arare cracker pink snapper, blueberry powder and tofu aioli. Supplied 2 / 4 Yuzu ice cream with mandarin puree. Yuzu ricotta cream, peach soup, and gyoza crisp. Supplied 3 / 4 Blow-torched shimeji mushroom and ocean trout, tofu surinagashi and local seaweed. Supplied 4 / 4 Cold plate entree (from left): Baby turnip with sakekasu powder; Hiramasa kingfish zuke, wasabi oil, spring onion; Murasaki daikon pickled in white miso; Shark Bay blue swimmer crab Puree with French breakfast radish, avocado and local seaweed. Supplied Previous Slide Next Slide Good Food hat 15 / 20 How we score Japanese$$$$ 15/20 If theres one chef that should be cooking in full view of the dining public, its Mikihito Nagai. The owner, kitchen talisman and namesake behind specialist Margaret River tempura restaurant Mikis Open Kitchen, Nagai is someone who seems to have a firm grasp of this whole work-life balance thing. Advertisement He jokes with guests and his fellow chefs. He talks to staff in measured tones. He beams a megawatt smile that lights up the room like the bat-signal. He is cool, calm, collected and seemingly very content: understandable, I think, for a surf-obsessed Japanese chef that came to the South West 20 years ago in search of waves. Mikis is a specialist tempura restaurant in Margaret River that serves tasting menus that celebrate southwest ingredients through a Japanese lens (and vice-versa). Supplied He is the antithesis of the played-out angry chef character that was once so common in restaurants. Or at least in 2013, anyway: the year that Nagai and wife Mai took over a former beauty salon and made magic happen. (Encouragingly, the last decade has seen hospitality begin changing its ways and address some of the industrys less admirable aspects.) When Mikis opened, one could order a la carte. Today, the food is set-menu only with guests opting for either the Mikis Trust option ($88) or the longer Mikis Complete ($107): a procession of 20-ish bites served over eight courses and two hours. If finances allow, the extended directors cut is the way to go and best illustrates Nagais mission to unify east and South West. Advertisement If I didnt go the Complete, I would have missed out on local water chestnut coated in a delicate batter and precision-fried to retain its juicy crunch. (Why is Mikis tempura so good, you ask? Frying in cold-pressed canola oil doctored with some sesame oil for flavour and heat control helps, as does changing the oil in each of the restaurants two pots between each evenings sittings.) The nut is grown by a small Rosa Brook farmer in microscopic quantities and is only available fresh for a month, so Nagai cant serve it to everyone. (You get half a nut as part of the opening, five-snack salvo). Its teamed with a dab of hatcho miso, a long-fermented red miso synonymous with Okazaki: a city close to Nagais hometown of Nagoya in Japans Aichi prefecture. The vivid Manjimup-grown crimson pearl potato enlivened with a sharp mayo spiked with yuzukosho is another Complete menu exclusive. (The yuzukosho a popular Japanese condiment made by fermenting chilli and fragrant peel from the Japanese citrus, yuzu is made using fruit grown by the same water chestnut farmer.) Small sake cups filled with a comforting potato, white miso and truffle soup ran across both menus and showcased local Margaret River black truffle. But enough about tubers. Its impossible to talk about tempura and Japanese food generally without talking about seafood. Which makes the otsukuri add-on ($19; an additional plate that imitates traditional Japanese sashimi) an attractive prospect. Intimate 25-seat restaurant from the Astral Weeks crew opens in Perths Chinatown Advertisement Two bricks of Fremantle bigeye tuna thrilled with their firm chew and savour, but ceviche-style farmed Tassie salmon and sweet Japanese scallops felt ho-hum after such interesting local ingredients, especially considering that many fish taste their best and fattiest during the cooler months. As it turns out, ocean swells at this time of year stop small local fishing boats from heading out, so Nagai and long-serving head chef Solomon Yates dont have access to the winter fish that theyd like. All the more reason to return in summer. For now, better to enjoy WA goodies like fried Shark Bay scallop accompanied by a verdant matcha salt (Nagai says the drier, denser local scallop is better for cooking while juicier, Japanese scallops are best raw). Or sweet cooked crab meat immortalised via the pressed sushi, oshizushi. And who knew that the bubbly, tapioca-like rice pearls masago were the spring-summer accessory that pink snapper didnt know it needed? Despite Nagais jovial demeanour, hes clearly someone that sweats the details and appreciates the handmade. Mikis jet-black charcoal ramen noodles are custom-made in Sydney. The restaurants wavy blue plates are supplied by renowned Aichi potter Tetsuo Nagae using clay offcuts. The amazake (fermented rice) that sous chef Habib Pinter mixes with mandarin to dress a lush chocolate and hazelnut cream is made in-house. 14.5 / 20 Review Bet on black: Mount Hawthorn wine bar a precious addition to Perths Italian food and drink scene Nagais eponymous open kitchen and charisma are undoubtedly part of Mikis appeal. But as I reflect on the restaurants 11-year journey, it strikes me that theres another openness at play: an openness to reimagining South West ingredients and Japanese food culture through the lens of the other. The result is an imaginative cuisine that was born in Asia, grew up in Australia, but has come of age on Bussell Highway. Advertisement Mikis remains one of WAs more unexpected, yet deeply gratifying dining prospects. It is also along with the hatted desendent one of Margaret Rivers few whole-package restaurants youd celebrate a special occasion at. I couldnt imagine the 6285 without it. The low-down Vibe: a charming counter restaurant that celebrates Japan, Margaret River and the life story of its cheery owner. Go-to dish: Mikis Complete menu. Drinks: a thoughtful, personal edit of southwest wines and Japanese sakes rounded off by cocktails, Japanese spirits and non-alcoholic options. Matching options also available. Cost: about $214 for two, excluding drinks. Israel and Hezbollah continued to exchange fire across the Lebanese border on Friday, killing dozens. An Israeli strike killed nine members of a family, including four children, in the Lebanese border town of Shebaa, mayor Mohammad Saab told Reuters. Israeli attacks have killed more than 600 people in Lebanon since Monday, the Health Ministry says. The dead include at least 150 women and children. The Israeli military said four drones crossed the border on Friday, all of which were intercepted. The Israeli military said another 10 projectiles came into Israel from Lebanon, with some intercepted and others falling into open fields. Hezbollah claimed it had targeted the Israeli city of Tiberias with missiles. Loading Speaking on ABC News on Friday evening, Israel Defence Forces (IDF) spokesman Lieutenant Colonel Peter Lerner insisted it was effectively evacuating parts of Lebanon. Tens of thousands of Lebanese and Syrians have fled across the border from Lebanon into Syria since the beginning of the week amid intense Israeli bombardment that Israel says is targeting Hezbollah militants and weapons. Lerner claimed the IDF was taking extensive steps to limit civilian casualties. The activity of calling people to evacuate, broadcasting it, distributing it on media and social media, is effective. Weve seen the traffic jams coming out of southern Lebanon, Lerner said. Of course, it is a huge challenge. Were committed to limiting civilian casualties on one hand, but on the other hand, taking out where Hezbollah have positioned those capabilities. Dont take it up with Israel why we are conducting the strikes against their weapons and tools of terror Hezbollah has accumulated as the most significant terrorist army in the world. Take it up with Hezbollah. Loading They need to evacuate. They shouldnt have even been in these areas in southern Lebanon. A 21-day hiatus could give Hezbollah the chance to regroup, Lerner said. It was up to the government to dictate their terms for a ceasefire, and it needed to result in Israelis being able to return home along the border of Lebanon after a year, he suggested. With Reuters, AP Australian National University international law professor Donald Rothwell said Victoria Police would still be required to present its case to Italian authorities, but Kouroumblis consent had paved the way for an expedited return to Australia. It will mean that the processes before the Italian courts and with the Italian authorities have become quite simplified and theres some prospect that he could possibly be returned to Australia in six to eight weeks, Rothwell said. Serena Tucci, the public defender representing Perry Kouroumblis. Credit: Josephine McKenna The Australian government has 45 days from Kouroumblis arrest to make its case, which will likely require Victorian homicide detectives to travel to Rome to present their evidence. That process could be fast-tracked or delayed depending on how long it takes to arrange the necessary paperwork. Italian courts and the Italian authorities will still want to ensure that all of the appropriate requirements are met for the extradition, so that requirement is not obviated as a result of consenting to extradition, Rothwell said. Any case put forward by Victoria Police will need to meet the requirements of the extradition agreement between Italy and Australia, and present enough evidence for the Italian courts to be confident of Kouroumblis prosecution. Loading The 65-year-old dual Australian-Greek citizen this week appeared before a magistrate via video link from a jail cell in Romes Regina Coeli prison, indicating he would not fight a Victoria Police request for him to be flown back to Australia for questioning. Kouroumblis court-appointed public defender in Italy, Serena Tucci, said he had otherwise exercised his right to refuse to answer questions from authorities. Tucci expressed surprise at Kouroumblis decision not to fight Australias extradition request and said she did not know the reason behind the decision. I said: Are you sure that you want to go back to Australia? and he said: Yes, I want to come back, Tucci told ABC Radio Melbourne on Thursday. I saw him this morning hes fine, hes in good health, hes proclaimed himself innocent, she said. Meanwhile, riots erupted at Regina Coeli prison on Wednesday night. Penitentiary police called for reinforcements as firefighters fought to control flames that could be seen from the street. Gennarino De Fazio, secretary general of the UILPA Penitentiary Police, said prisoners had used camping cooking canisters to set fire to mattresses in their cells. We trust that the penitentiary police department, whose professionalism and dedication is widely acknowledged, will be able to control these umpteenth disturbances without irreparable consequences, he told Italian media. All this is unacceptable for a country that wants to call itself civilised. We need urgent measures capable to establishing minimum living conditions and security in prisons. About 100 inmates were reportedly involved in the riots, but no injuries were reported. Its the second uprising in the past three months at the notoriously overcrowded and understaffed prison in Romes Trastevere residential district. Tucci said she believed Kouroumblis had not been not affected by the prison riots. On Thursday morning, she brushed off any concerns about the state of the penal facility but suggested Kouroumblis might be able to arrange a transfer. Its a normal prison. In Rome, we have two very big prisons, Tucci told the ABC. I dont know if [Kouroumblis will be there] all the time or a few days. He can probably change prisons. It depends. Kouroumblis is wanted over the deaths of Suzanne Armstrong, 27, and Susan Bartlett, 28, in a house in Collingwood in 1977. No charges have been laid and, if they are, they will need to be proven in an Australian court. Tucci previously told The Age that Kouroumblis was distressed, surprised and worried about his arrest, and had not understood why he had not been previously arrested in Athens, where he had been living since leaving Australia in 2017 shortly after being asked by cold-case homicide detectives to provide a DNA sample. The 65-year-old had been working as a welder and living with his brother, Andreas, in a family home in Athens until his arrest under an Interpol red notice at Romes Fiumicino Airport last week. Reforms to negative gearing and capital gains tax concessions could help persuade voters the Albanese government is serious about tackling Australias housing crisis, according to senior Labor MPs. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese repeatedly insisted on Thursday the government had no plans to alter the pair of tax concessions and warned doing so could slow the supply of new houses into the market, but he repeatedly refused to rule out a change in the future. At war: Peter Dutton says Anthony Albanese and Jim Chalmers are at odds over Labors thoughts on negative gearing. Credit: Marija Ercegovac Opposition Leader Peter Dutton claimed Albanese and his treasurer, Jim Chalmers, were at war after Albanese distanced himself from revelations in this masthead that Treasury had been asked to model the impact of the tax changes. Dutton vowed to oppose any changes. Greens housing spokesman Max Chandler-Mather MP said Labor had opened the door to changes after years of pressure and that his party was willing to negotiate in good faith, realising we wont get everything we want. UNITED NATIONS, Sept. 25 (Xinhua) -- Requested by France, the UN Security Council on Wednesday convened an emergency meeting on Lebanon, the second meeting on the country's deteriorating situation in less than a week, with UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres saying that "hell is breaking loose in Lebanon." In his remarks, Guterres urged the Security Council "to work in lock-step" to end the escalating violence between Israeli forces and Hezbollah militants across the Blue Line, a buffer zone in southern Lebanon. Hezbollah and Israel must pull back from the brink of a potentially catastrophic regional war, he insisted, adding that there was now massive civilian displacement from southern and eastern Lebanon towards the Lebanese capital of Beirut, while the Israelis have endured repeated attacks from Hezbollah with more than 8,300 rockets, drones and increasingly high caliber missile attacks on military targets and residential areas. With an appeal for both sides to respect Lebanese sovereignty, Guterres said that Lebanon "must have full control of its weapons" throughout the country. "We support all efforts to strengthen the Lebanese Armed Forces," he added. "We say it very clearly and honestly: what we have been witnessing over the past year in Gaza and what we are witnessing now in Lebanon is likely to expand to other areas in the region if the international community does not shoulder its responsibility to put an end to the machine of death and destruction," Badr Ahmed Mohamed Abdelatty, Minister for Foreign Affairs, Emigration and Egyptian Expatriates of Egypt, told the meeting. "They are spreading terror and fear among Lebanese citizens ... We cannot bear to lose another generation because of the war," said Lebanese Prime Minister Najib Mikati. "The ongoing aggression against Lebanon is fueled by the failure of the international community, and in particular by the UN Security Council, to hold Israel accountable for war crimes and genocide in Gaza," said Seyyed Abbas Araghchi, Iranian foreign minister. France on Wednesday unveiled a proposal for a 21-day ceasefire in Lebanon in UN diplomacy with the United States as the death toll mounted in deadly strikes by Israel. French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot said that the two Western powers were proposing a "temporary ceasefire" of 21 days "to allow for negotiations." The Arab League Council has at the level of foreign ministers warned of the repercussions of escalating "the Israeli aggression" against Lebanon in light of recent developments, which could lead to the outbreak of a large-scale regional war and threaten the security and stability of the entire region. Israel said on Wednesday it was readying troops for a potential ground incursion into Lebanon, telling soldiers to prepare to "enter enemy territory" as it called up more reservists and sent world leaders scrambling to prevent a full-scale war with Hezbollah militants. "We are preparing the process of a maneuver," Israeli Military Chief Herzi Halevi told troops at an exercise along the northern border. Israeli warplanes resumed intensive airstrikes on eastern and southern Lebanon on Wednesday evening, carrying out about 70 raids on the areas of Baalbek, Hermel, and Western Bekaa in eastern Lebanon. On Monday and Tuesday, Israel conducted its most extensive attacks on Lebanon since 2006, resulting in more than 550 deaths and over 1,800 injuries across the country. Lebanese Environment Minister Nasser Yassin said Israel's bombardment has displaced over 150,000 residents over the past 72 hours. The sharp escalation has raised concerns about a potential full-scale conflict between Israel and Lebanon, with fears that other regional powers could also be sucked in. On Wednesday, 11 September 2024, the Zimbabwe Revenue Authority (ZIMRA) achieved a significant milestone in its journey to professionalize its staff when it launched an innovative approach to leverage the WCO CLIKC! tenant solution, with a dedicated learning space on the platform exclusively accessible to officers from the Administration. To commemorate the milestone event, the WCO Secretary General, Mr. Ian Saunders, conveyed a recorded video message to congratulate the Commissioner General and staff of ZIMRA. He emphasized that by creating this learning management system, ZIMRA was creating a path to success for aspiring and current public servants through a shared vision with the WCO to transform modern online training. The CLiKC! tenant solution is not just a new feature but a game-changer that represents a vital stepping-stone to support Members efforts to pursue online capacity building and increased access to the WCO distance learning offer. This ZIMRA initiative is the first time the WCO has set up a tenant solution on CLiKC! for a Member Administration. With this solution, ZIMRA is able to offer customized online training to its Officers on CLiKC! without the need to host and maintain its own learning management system. The tenant solution is designed to enhance learning experiences, making them more engaging, accessible, and effective. It represents a significant step forward in the journey to support continuous learning and professional growth in WCO Member Administrations. This achievement will also boost Zimbabwes role as host of a WCO Regional Training Centre. This new tool for online training is the pilot product of a collaborative effort between ZIMRA, the WCO E-Learning Team, and the Sida-WCO TFCM Programme with funding from the government of Sweden. It is a testament to the relevance of engaging traditional and new partners with purpose. For more information on the WCO E-Learning, please contact capacity.building@wcoomd.org. Yao Tandong (L) and Lonnie Thompson pose for photos inside a tent at No. 10 glacier of the Purog Kangri Glacier in southwest China's Xizang Autonomous Region, Sept. 12, 2024. (Xinhua/Jiang Fan) LHASA, Sept. 26 (Xinhua) -- Describing his relationship with Chinese scientists as "like brothers", Lonnie Thompson, a member of the American Academy of Sciences and a foreign academician of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, has returned to the highest county in China 24 years after his last visit. In the Shuanghu County of southwest China's Xizang Autonomous Region, where the average altitude exceeds 5,000 meters, he is working with Chinese scientists to uncover the secrets of Earth. Located roughly 90 km northeast of the county seat, the Purog Kangri Glacier stands as the largest accumulation of ice outside the polar regions. In September, Thompson and academician Yao Tandong of the Chinese Academy of Sciences arrived there to conduct the second scientific expedition on the Qinghai-Xizang Plateau. Their research primarily focused on crucial ice core drilling. "It's really striking to go back and see these places that we drilled early in my career. I want to continue documenting the changes we observe in these glaciers." At 76 and having undergone heart transplant surgery, Thompson expressed his excitement despite facing harsh environmental conditions and physical discomfort. This visit is part of a scientific expedition to investigate the Qinghai-Xizang Plateau, known as Asia's "water tower". The target region encompasses "one glacier, two lakes and three rivers" and is part of the second scientific expedition and research of the Qinghai-Xizang Plateau, which was initiated by China in August 2017. The goal is to understand the mechanism of environmental change and provide scientific support for the ecological security of the plateau. The region is home to Purog Kangri Glacier, as well as Siling Lake and Namtso Lake, the largest and second-largest lakes in Xizang. It is also the birthplace of three big rivers in China, namely the Yangtze River, Nujiang River and Yarlung Zangbo River. Noting that this expedition is significantly in larger scale and more comprehensive, Thompson reflected on his first visit to Purog Kangri in September 2000. "Getting here was not easy back then. The road was muddy. Because the trucks were heavily laden with gear, and then we actually had to bring a road that we could lay down in front of the truck, so they wouldn't sink in the mud," he recalled. "We worked hard to push and pull trying to just get to the site. But this year's experience is totally different. Paved road all the way here, brand-new hotel and the research base is fully equipped." In October that year, the research team successfully drilled their first ice core, reaching a depth of 118.55 meters, followed by two additional cores at the depths of 213 meters and 154 meters. "Ice cores are crucial for understanding climate and environmental changes. Glaciers worldwide are retreating, and once they melt, the historical records they hold will disappear. Therefore, preserving these ice cores is vital. They serve as archives, allowing us to extract historical information even as new technologies emerge," Thompson emphasized, hoping this drilling will yield the longest and oldest ice cores from mid-latitude regions. The Purog Kangri Glacier occupies a unique position in glaciology. "The conditions of these glaciers are much different than we find in the polar regions or deeper in the tropics, and they are so important for the water resources, for the people who live downstream," he said. "Understanding what the climate history was in this region and then how it fits into the global picture is extremely important. I think the international collaboration is the only way we can do this." Thompson first visited China in 1984, where he began a scientific collaboration with Yao Tandong and other Chinese scholars. Over the past four decades, they have drilled ice cores in various glaciers across China and published their findings in prestigious journals like Science, while also advancing the Third Pole Environment (TPE) program. "We have built a solid scientific foundation over our 40 years of collaboration, establishing trust and viewing each other as brothers. This relationship is our most valuable asset in scientific research and cooperation," Thompson said. He also expressed optimism about the future of glaciology in China. He recalled that 40 years ago when he first arrived in China, there was only one glacial station, and the quality, the level of scientific research were very low. "But over the last 40 years, the investments that the Chinese governments made into glaciology have been tremendous." "The achievements of the past 40 years in China are remarkable," he continued. "For me, the best scenario is when the world achieves a win-win situation, where we all benefit from cooperation, explore new fields, and deepen our understanding of climate science. This is how we make progress." "China plays a very important role in the future. And I really appreciate the amount of investment the governments made in science here in China over the last 40 years. I wish I saw that in every country around the world," he concluded. "In the future, I want to continue documenting the changes we observe in these glaciers." Lonnie Thompson (R) and Yao Tandong (L) discuss on the drilling of ice core in Purog Kangri Glacier at a camp site in southwest China's Xizang Autonomous Region, Sept. 7, 2024. (Xinhua/Liu Shiping) Yao Tandong (L, back) and Lonnie Thompson (2nd R) check ice cores drilled at a work site in Purog Kangri Glacier in southwest China's Xizang Autonomous Region, Sept. 12, 2024. (Xinhua/Jiang Fan) Team members of the second scientific expedition on the Qinghai-Xizang Plateau pose for a group photo at the base camp in southwest China's Xizang Autonomous Region, Sept. 7, 2024. (Xinhua/Liu Shiping) BEIJING, Sept. 26 (Xinhua) -- Beijing has entered a moderate aging society, with the permanent elderly population in the city reaching 4.95 million by the end of 2023, a civil affairs official said Thursday. Guo Hanqiao, deputy chief of the municipal civil affairs bureau, told a press conference that the elderly accounted for 22.6 percent of the city's total permanent population. Guo, also a bureau spokesman, said the city has developed a community-based nursing service model and plans to establish 100 elderly care service centers at subdistrict and township levels. As of Sept. 20, 60 of them had been completed. In addition, the city has stepped up professional home care to serve the bedridden elderly at home. He Jingtao, deputy director of the city's commission of housing and urban-rural development, said other measures included elderly-oriented housing modifications, such as installing elevators at outdated residential communities. By the end of August, more than 4,200 elevators had been installed for such communities in the city, benefiting approximately 50,000 households, He said. ADDIS ABABA, Sept. 26 (Xinhua) -- A total of 28 people were killed and 19 others injured in a traffic accident in southern Ethiopia, local media reported on Wednesday. The deadly accident happened when a bus traveling from Wolaita Sodo to Dawro Zone overturned on Wednesday afternoon, local media reported, citing officials. The injured are currently receiving intensive medical treatment in nearby healthcare institutions, said the police, warning that the death toll may increase. Despite a low per capita car ownership rate, deadly traffic accidents are relatively common in Ethiopia due to poor road conditions, reckless driving, a flawed driving license issuance system, and lax enforcement of safety regulations. If you have an event you'd like to list on the site, submit it now! Submit By Jonathan McCambridge, PA Former US senator George Mitchell, who helped broker the Good Friday Agreement, has challenged Northern Irelands current leaders to fulfil the potential of the historic peace deal. Mr Mitchell, who returned to Belfast as plans were unveiled to build a new home for a peace institute in his name at Queens University, said while Northern Ireland had enjoyed 26 years of peace, there has not been 26 years of full reconciliation and progress. The veteran diplomat, 91, also had an emotional meeting with Erin McArdle, one of the first babies born after the 1998 agreement which largely ended decades of violence in Northern Ireland. Mr Mitchell, who chaired the Good Friday Agreement negotiations to a successful conclusion, was making his first visit to Belfast since he attended events at Queens last year to mark the 25th anniversary of the peace deal. George Mitchell met with Erin McArdle, one of the first babies born after the Good Friday Agreement was signed (Kelvin Boyes/PA) The event on Wednesday night was held to mark a dedication of the new home for the Senator George J Mitchell Institute for Global Peace, Security and Justice at the university. Among those in attendance at the recently opened Seamus Heaney Centre, beside which the new institute will be developed, were former taioseach Bertie Ahern, secretary of state Hilary Benn and the First and deputy First Ministers Michelle ONeill and Emma Little-Pengelly as well as a host of political leaders, past and present. Television presenter Donna Traynor then facilitated a conversation between Mr Mitchell and Ms McArdle and her mother Caroline in the Whitla Hall. Reflecting on the challenges of negotiating the agreement, Mr Mitchell said he believed Northern Ireland can be and will be a lesson to the world. He added: The challenge you have is to take advantage of this opportunity. There have been 26 years of peace; there has not been 26 years of full reconciliation and progress. The restoration of the Assembly, the election of two credible, responsible women Michelle (ONeill) and Emma (Little-Pengelly), the fact that you dont have an election coming up right away, means that there is an enormous opportunity now for Northern Ireland to experience a period of growth, increased prosperity, opportunity, education, healthcare for children. A place where people not only want to live but people want to come to. I believe that with all my heart and soul. I hope that is going to happen, that springing from this moment, out of crisis comes opportunity that Northern Ireland can move forward together. Left to right, Sir Ian Greer with Mr Mitchell and Michelle ONeill and Emma Little-Pengelly (Kelvin Boyes/PA) Declan Kelly, a former US Envoy, is leading the fundraising campaign to rebuild the Senator George J Mitchell Institute for Global Peace, Security and Justice. Originally established in 2016, it is an interdisciplinary research institute providing a response to the global challenge of building a peaceful, inclusive and secure world. Mr Kelly said: I was honoured to be approached to lead the capital committee for the Mitchell Centre. We owe it to future generations to pass on all we can of George Mitchells towering accomplishment here through the long years that led to the Good Friday Agreement. Queens president and vice-chancellor, Professor Sir Ian Greer, added: It is an honour to welcome our former chancellor and close friend of the University, Senator George Mitchell, back to Queens for this special event. Senator Mitchell was a key architect of the Belfast Good Friday Agreement, chairing the talks in 1998 that brought peace to this island. The continuing work that takes place at the Queens Institute that bears his name solidifies the Senators and Queens unwavering commitment to lasting peace for this island and its people. This event was a celebration of how far we have come in terms of peace, and we look forward to continuing the work on global peace, security and justice when the new institute building opens in the next few years. Ms ONeill said the institute showcases the positive change that has taken place in the north since the Belfast Good Friday Agreement. She added: This building and the research institute that bears his name, pay tribute to the commitment and dedication of Senator George Mitchell to bringing peace here and I want to acknowledge the extraordinary efforts of Senator Mitchell throughout the peace process. Ms Little-Pengelly said it was an honour to be part of the event. She added: The progress that has been made over the course of the last 26 years has been remarkable and Senator Mitchells commitment to Northern Ireland and his deep understanding of here has been an important part of that journey. This initiative will reflect the importance of peace but it will also remind us of the frailty and how we all must continue to work at maintaining it. An appeal has been made to An Bord Pleanala over Mayo County Councils refusal to grant planning permission for the installation of a shipping container underground to store fireworks. The Council refused planning permission to Rocket Pyrotechnics last month for the installation of a shipping container underground for the storage of pyrotechnics and all associated site works at Rathoma, Killala. The applicant wished to install a 40f foot metal shipping container with 3.2m high earth mounding for the safe and secure storage of pyrotechnics along with a timber shed for the packing and unpacking of the pyrotechnics. Rocket Pyrotechnics wanted to construct the storage facility as they import their pyrotechnics from Britain and Brexit is significantly impacting their supply chain. This facility will provide them with a safe and secure storage facility to store and retrieve their pyrotechnics without interruption to the companys supply. The owner is a native of the area. Council planners considered the proposed development would not be in accordance with the proper planning and sustainable development of the area and refused planning permission. An appeal has been made to An Bord Pleanala regarding this decision. The case is due to be decided by January 23, 2025. A Ballina councillor has said the consultants behind the towns Local Transport Plan (LTP) had a lot to answer for with regards to the delivery of its proposals. Cllr Mark Duffy expressed his frustration at the delivery of projects proposed in the Ballina LTP following a response to a motion raised by Cllr Annie May Reape. Cllr Reape called on the Council and Transport Infrastructure Ireland to revert traffic on the towns Lower Bridge to a two-way system. In response, area engineer Orla Bourke said this had been proposed in the Ballina LTP. Proposal 3 of the Ballina Local Transport Plan (LTP) recommends two-way traffic on the lower bridge. The LTP will be finalised once the Local Area Plan has been adopted. Mayo County Council will seek funding in Quarter 4 of 2024 for proposals resultant from the Ballina LTP under the Active Travel Investment Programme 2025, she said. Cllr Reape welcomed this but said it was disappointing that this process could take some time. Cllr Duffy said that traffic was quickly reversed on the bridge during last years visit of US President Joe Biden and questioned the process behind the LTP. I thought the whole idea of the LTP was to have all the analysis and studies and not just be lines on maps. Consultants were paid hundreds of thousands of euro to do all of this, set it up. We were told this would be the Bible and we could tick projects off when funding became available, he said. How are we allowing consultants to do a sub-standard plan that means we have to go off and do more studies to understand what will be the outcome? These consultants have a lot to answer for, he added. Ms Bourke explained that the LTP was a high-level plan but it was just a plan and that funding and detailed design works such as surveys and analysis were still required. She said it was up to the National Transport Authority (NTA) to deliver on funding for these projects. She added that all of the projects were ultimately tied into planning for Active Travel. The Western Development Commission (WDC) has announced the highly anticipated return of the popular series Moving West for its third season on TG4, coinciding with the WDCs 25th anniversary celebration. The new season, airing from October 15th at 7:30 pm on TG4, will feature six weekly episodes, each focusing on a different county, beginning with County Mayo. Produced by Dundara Television & Media in collaboration with the WDC, and hosted by beloved Irish television presenter Mary Kennedy, Moving West continues to capture the heart and soul of life in the West and Northwest of Ireland. Through heartfelt, real-life stories, the series highlights individuals and families who have relocated to this beautiful region to embrace a new way of life. The first series of Moving West was produced in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, capturing the surge in remote working and showcasing how the West of Ireland became an ideal destination for those seeking a new way of living. Initially focused on the rise of flexible working, the series highlighted the region as a perfect escape from the fast-paced urban lifestyle. Now, with its third season, Moving West has developed into a deeper exploration of the many reasons people move to or return to the West. This season not only features stunning shots of the breathtaking landscapes but also introduces viewers to people from all walks of life and from many parts of the world who have made the West their home. The series delves into the rich variety of storiesfrom families seeking a better quality of life, to entrepreneurs, artists, and professionals drawn by the regions opportunities in technology, tourism, and the creative industries. Its a celebration of the community, culture, and natural beauty that make the West of Ireland so unique. Heather Humphreys TD, Minister for Rural and Community Development, welcomed the new season, saying: "The return of Moving West showcases the unique stories and experiences of the people who call this region home. This year's series will focus on the individuals who make the West so special, highlighting their journeys and the vibrant communities they've built. It's a testament to the enduring appeal and potential of rural Ireland." Allan Mulrooney, CEO of WDC, commented: "Our communities are defined by a rich mosaic of people and experiences that give the West of Ireland its unique character. Season Three of Moving West has been an incredible opportunity to showcase individuals working across some of the region's largest employers, from indigenous businesses to foreign direct investments, as well as the remarkable stories of cheese farmers, emergency consultants, and even those in the space industry. The people we've met arent just drawn to the beauty of the landscape, but to the welcoming communities and the careers that push them to thrive. The support weve received from both local communities and our partners over the years has made all of this possible, and we look forward to continuing our journey of promoting this vibrant region." Mary Kennedy, presenter of Moving West, added: I am delighted to see the way Moving West has developed over three seasons, appealing to growing audiences, different age groups: those contemplating a change of lifestyle and those who are simply interested in hearing about other peoples lives of innovation, possibility and a can do attitude. Its always a joy for me to spend time in our beloved west of Ireland and to showcase this part of the country, rich in community, landscape and progression. Im very proud to be part of the Moving West team and to be working with TG4 on this important and timely programme. Producer and director Enda Grace of Dundara Television and Media commented: "Im thrilled to see how this season captures the beauty and essence of the West of Ireland in a way that is both authentic and inspiring. This series continues to explore not just the landscapes, but the stories of those who have embraced life in this unique region. This season is all about stories but its also about the warm and authentic welcome each mover received upon arrival to the west. We meet wonderful people over the six weeks including a flying doctor, a goat farmer, a lighthouse guide and a professional rock climber! With each episode, we've delved deeper into the rich cultural fabric and diverse experiences that make the West such a vibrant place to live. The response to the first two seasons has been incredible, and I believe this series will resonate even more with viewers. Its a true celebration of community, resilience, and the unmatched natural beauty of the west." Have you noticed that, despite continuing to plummet in the polls, Sinn Feiners are smiling again. Probably, I suspect, for two reasons. One is all that delicious money that fell from the Apple tree and arrived unexpectedly on our shores as if from Santa Claus. Some years ago, we thought that the sumptuous sum of 13 billion was going to swell even more the bulging coffers of the state. Then the Irish government said, 'No thank you very much, its not our money'. Then the EU authorities insisted on us taking it, whether we wanted it or not. And not just 13 billion, an impossibly unimaginable figure, which meant we had even more coming in interest, an accumulative wind-fall of more than 14.1 billion in all which were told will arrive in the public purse in a matter of months. (Has Apple not heard of bank transfers?) The other reason for the Sinn Fein smiles is that the housing crisis seems now to be accepted if the opinion polls are accurate as the number one priority of the electorate as a general election looms. The extra Apple money solves a difficulty Sinn Fein has had for years when they promised everything to everyone but often seemed to have no idea how much all their populist generosity would cost or where the money was going to come from. Now with 14.1 billion extra available, the populist conundrum has been solved: how much will thousands of new homes actually cost? 14 billion, stupid! Where will Sinn Fein (if in government) get all that money? Under the Apple tree, stupid! Heres a question. If you won the Lotto what would you do with, say, a 4 million euro prize? Its a question with multiple possible answers falling somewhere between twin possible extremes spend the lot on a party or put some away for the rainy day. In other words, the short view or the long view. The answer depends on where youre coming from between the extremes of someone who needs a house for their family and an investment banker in thrall to one particular form of economic wisdom. Two realities impinge on deciding what to do with the Apple money. One is that there are now polls of every description almost every few days depicting the latest popular preference of the every-increasing demands of a fussy electorate. There is now a constant wealth of information on voters intentions with clear indications about what they want, expect or demand the new government to do. At least for today or this week! Its the price we pay for our modern communications and media networks, internet, social media, radio and television and, of course, the mass opinion-polling we take for granted today. Now everyones opinion regardless of common sense (or other mitigating factors) receives attention (sometimes, maybe often) beyond its due. When Abraham Lincoln memorably proposed government of the people, by the people, for the people, communications and media networks were basic and ineffective with no facility for the mass opinion-polling we take for granted today. The difficult truth now is that while of the people and for the people seem to make democratic sense, the notion of direct government by the people makes no sense at all because the obvious truth is that the public is notoriously fickle, changing their minds and, with respect, many are incapable of even understanding some of the choices that government financial experts are faced with. What do the people want from the upcoming budget announcement on October 1? Some want lower taxes. Others want better services. And some want lower taxes and better services, even when its clear that you cant have both. Some want a stringent response to climate change but believe that farmers, for example, shouldnt have to change their practices. Others want more housing but would be unhappy if they were pressurised into selling land or even if a new housing estate was proposed near them. And there are some who want everything and some who clearly dont know what they want. There is a point at which governments have to make decisions, not based on the often contradictory demands of a volatile electorate because, as Matthew Parris wrote recently in the London Times, public demand is evanescent, often unrealistic, even contradictory, and frequently plain daft. An example of this daft madness is the often vacuous outpourings of self-styled leaders of the anti-immigrant movement who spout the greatest nonsense and imagine that the louder they shout and the more obnoxious they are in confronting politicians the more people will cheer them. What they dont seem to understand is that spouting political simplicities and presuming they can speak for the people Ballydehob says NO to immigrants (even though the people of Ballydehob said no such thing) simply convinces those they are trying to impress that such self-appointed leaders need to be given as wide a possible berth as possible. Politicians who try to bring such extremists with them are effectively giving a public platform and an undue status to malcontents who will never be satisfied no matter how politicians twist and turn to appease them. And while politicians will instinctively always try to run with the hare and hunt with the hound in the interests of maximising their vote, appeasing discontents is, what a Northern politician once controversially described as, the dangerous practice of feeding the crocodile. What is needed is an adult response to the present windfall of the Apple tax with a responsible allocation based on need, not least the long-term implications that the mixed benefit the windfall brings with it including the inevitable damage to the countrys reputation (deserved or undeserved) for dodgy forms of tax relief. Strident populist voices encouraging the equivalent of a booze-up need to be stoutly resisted. With the Apple 14 billion dangling before political parties now framing their election manifestos, we need sensible and responsible leadership in our prosperous times. Chinese Vice Premier Ding Xuexiang, also a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, meets with Nepal's Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Bishnu Prasad Paudel in Beijing, capital of China, Sept. 26, 2024. (Xinhua/Li Tao) BEIJING, Sept. 26 (Xinhua) -- Chinese Vice Premier Ding Xuexiang met with Nepal's Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Bishnu Prasad Paudel in Beijing on Thursday. Ding, also a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, said that China and Nepal -- two nations linked by mountains and rivers -- have enjoyed lasting friendship, setting a fine example of equality and mutual benefits between countries of different sizes. He said that under the strategic guidance of the leaders of the two countries, China is ready to work with Nepal to deepen exchange and cooperation in various fields, build a high-quality Belt and Road, consolidate popular support for the bilateral friendship, and push China-Nepal relations to a higher level. Paudel said that Nepal abides firmly by the one-China principle, supports China steadfastly in safeguarding its core interests, and hopes to strengthen its exchange of governance experience with China and deepen practical cooperation in various fields. This image taken from video released by New York City Office of the Mayor, Wednesday, Sept. 25, 2024, shows mayor Eric Adams speaking during a videotaped statement. (New York City Office of the Mayor via AP) This photo shows ice cream products at the Ice Cream China 2024 in north China's Tianjin Municipality, Sept. 26, 2024. Ice Cream China 2024 opened Thursday in Tianjin, attracting more than 450 companies from home and abroad. (Xinhua/Sun Fanyue) TIANJIN, Sept. 26 (Xinhua) -- The Ice Cream China 2024 exhibition kicked off in north China's Tianjin Municipality on Thursday, showcasing new products and technologies in the ice cream industry. The three-day exhibition has attracted more than 450 domestic and international companies and over 1,000 business people from over 50 countries, with activities including new product releases, professional seminars and business matchmaking. With an exhibition area of over 45,000 square meters, the event displays ice cream and its ingredients, as well as refrigeration facilities and other machinery. Zhang Xiaohong, head of the organizing committee of Ice Cream China, said the fair shows the vitality of China's ice cream industry and the new trends in the huge market, such as rising health and environmental protection consciousness. Albert Vega Duran with IBK Tropic, a Spanish ice cream ingredients supplier who has exhibited in the fair for over 10 years, said that China is a big producer and consumer of ice cream and still has growth potential. "We visit this exhibition to meet clients and see more orders. We try to improve our product," said Duran. Held since 1998, the exhibition facilitates international exchanges within the ice cream industry. People visit the Ice Cream China 2024 in north China's Tianjin Municipality, Sept. 26, 2024. Ice Cream China 2024 opened Thursday in Tianjin, attracting more than 450 companies from home and abroad. (Xinhua/Sun Fanyue) People visit the Ice Cream China 2024 in north China's Tianjin Municipality, Sept. 26, 2024. Ice Cream China 2024 opened Thursday in Tianjin, attracting more than 450 companies from home and abroad. (Xinhua/Sun Fanyue) Foreign customers seek cooperation opportunities at the Ice Cream China 2024 in north China's Tianjin Municipality, Sept. 26, 2024. Ice Cream China 2024 opened Thursday in Tianjin, attracting more than 450 companies from home and abroad. (Xinhua/Sun Fanyue) An exhibitor shows ice cream products at the Ice Cream China 2024 in north China's Tianjin Municipality, Sept. 26, 2024. Ice Cream China 2024 opened Thursday in Tianjin, attracting more than 450 companies from home and abroad. (Xinhua/Sun Fanyue) People visit the Ice Cream China 2024 in north China's Tianjin Municipality, Sept. 26, 2024. Ice Cream China 2024 opened Thursday in Tianjin, attracting more than 450 companies from home and abroad. (Xinhua/Sun Fanyue) This photo shows ice cream products at the Ice Cream China 2024 in north China's Tianjin Municipality, Sept. 26, 2024. Ice Cream China 2024 opened Thursday in Tianjin, attracting more than 450 companies from home and abroad. (Xinhua/Sun Fanyue) KABUL, Sept. 26 (Xinhua) -- The Afghan caretaker government's Ministry of Refugees and Repatriation has inked four memorandums of understanding (MoUs) with leading aid agencies to assist thousands of displaced and returnees in Afghanistan, the ministry said in a statement on Wednesday. The total budget for the signed MoUs reaches 8.97 million U.S. dollars, benefiting over 2,760 families and 13,500 people, the statement added. About 1.8 million Afghan refugees have returned to their homeland from Pakistan, Iran, and other countries over the past year, official data showed in August. Wits chemists win prestigious chemistry awards Two Wits chemists have been rewarded for their research by the South African Chemical Institute (SACI). Professors Kenneth Ozoemena and Maya Makatini have respectively been awarded with the Gold Medal and the Raikes Medal for their dedication and research. The Gold Medal for Chemistry is awarded each year to the SACI member in the field of chemistry or chemical technology whose contributions to the field are judged as outstanding. The Raikes Medal is awarded to members under the age of 40, and whose original research shows outstanding promise. This research must also have been done in South Africa. Both Wits researchers have been nominated for their respective prizes by their Head of School, Professor Charles de Koning. Ozoemenas research is geared towards weaving electrochemistry research into real-world solutions, such as advanced battery technologies (notably lithium-ion batteries and rechargeable zinc-air batteries) for stationary (home and industry) and mobile (electric vehicles and portable electronics) applications, and electrochemical sensors for the detection of diseases, such as (HPV) or cervical cancers and tuberculosis (TB). Makatinis research is focussed on designing peptides (short strings of amino acids) to target bacteria such as TB and to aid in wound healing. Her work research is also aimed at diagnostic purposes, where she works closely with the Chris Hani Baragwanath Hospital and the National Institute for Occupational Health and Safety, using Mass Spectrometry to design diagnostic kits to diagnose arsenic poisoning in miners, and to create early warning diagnosis kits for kidney disease in diabetic patients. This award is a validation of the work we have been doing over the years, strongly competing with the rest of the world despite our limited access to some of the most critical research facilities, says Ozoemena. Wits is one of the three universities in the country (and in Africa) engaged in this type of research. At Wits, we have focused on creating a strong foundation for research in materials electrochemistry and electrochemical energy technologies. Ozoemena says he is motivated by what Africa offers to the world. Africa represents the most important environment to develop affordable and clean energy (SDG #7). It is richly endowed with the necessary natural resources: huge raw minerals waiting to be beneficiated and deployed for energy; inexhaustible sunshine that is the envy of the world; huge population of human beings (approximately 1.5 billion, recognised as the continent with the world's youngest population, most of whom are under the age of 25) who are hungry to participate in the energy and economic development of the continent. Makatini has always been motivated, and influenced by her grandparents especially her grandfather, who as a herbalist, always collected herbs, searching for their natural healing powers. This also influenced, and inspired her Masters research was also aimed at finding the healing properties of natural substances. Growing up, I was always grinding leaves. My grandfather and grandmother have all this time been influencing and motivating me, without even realising it. Makatini, who won the Wits Female Academic Leaders Followship Fund (FALF) award for academic excellence last year, says the Raikes Award tells her that she is heading in the right direction, and that long hours of hard work is paying off. It means other people are seeing, and recognising that you are doing useful work, and it gives you a bit more energy to push further with your work, she says. It also means that her dream of one day opening up a full Mass Spectrometry laboratory is not as far-fetched as she always thought. I am dreaming of opening a facility where we can employ students, and deliver a service to the country in designing and creating peptides, as, during Covid, we learnt that we cant keep on relying on other countries to supply us, she says. Ozoemena is optimistic for the future of his research field in electrochemical technologies in South Africa, and Africa in general. It is heartwarming to see that the electrochemical community has continued to grow in the last two decades. Several global events show promise for an exciting future for electrochemistry as a subject. Some of these include the global thirst for clean and affordable energy for everyone on earth; the continued rise in the adoption of electric vehicles; the emergence of the energy-thirsty AI technologies and portable electronics; and portable diagnostic devices for drugs and diseases. With the support of the government and industry, I strong believe that the future of electrochemistry as a research field can only get better in South Africa. Shares of Equinor ASA (NYSE:EQNR Get Free Report) have been given a consensus rating of Reduce by the eight brokerages that are presently covering the firm, MarketBeat reports. Three research analysts have rated the stock with a sell rating, four have assigned a hold rating and one has assigned a buy rating to the company. The average 12-month price target among brokers that have updated their coverage on the stock in the last year is $26.90. EQNR has been the topic of a number of research reports. Morgan Stanley cut shares of Equinor ASA from an equal weight rating to an underweight rating and lowered their price objective for the company from $30.50 to $25.80 in a research note on Thursday, August 29th. UBS Group upgraded shares of Equinor ASA from a sell rating to a neutral rating in a research report on Thursday, August 8th. StockNews.com downgraded Equinor ASA from a strong-buy rating to a buy rating in a research report on Thursday, August 29th. Finally, TD Cowen lowered their target price on Equinor ASA from $30.00 to $28.00 and set a hold rating on the stock in a report on Wednesday, July 10th. Get Equinor ASA alerts: Check Out Our Latest Stock Report on EQNR Institutional Inflows and Outflows Equinor ASA Price Performance Institutional investors have recently bought and sold shares of the business. Clearbridge Investments LLC purchased a new stake in shares of Equinor ASA in the second quarter valued at $205,000. Teachers Retirement System of The State of Kentucky grew its holdings in Equinor ASA by 1.4% in the 2nd quarter. Teachers Retirement System of The State of Kentucky now owns 862,570 shares of the companys stock valued at $24,635,000 after buying an additional 11,500 shares during the period. Cetera Investment Advisers increased its stake in shares of Equinor ASA by 52.7% during the 2nd quarter. Cetera Investment Advisers now owns 69,718 shares of the companys stock valued at $1,991,000 after acquiring an additional 24,052 shares during the last quarter. Truist Financial Corp lifted its holdings in shares of Equinor ASA by 9.2% during the 2nd quarter. Truist Financial Corp now owns 13,900 shares of the companys stock worth $397,000 after acquiring an additional 1,167 shares during the period. Finally, Chase Investment Counsel Corp acquired a new stake in shares of Equinor ASA in the second quarter worth approximately $1,085,000. 5.51% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors and hedge funds. EQNR stock opened at $24.80 on Thursday. The firm has a 50 day moving average of $26.25 and a 200-day moving average of $27.17. The company has a market cap of $69.25 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 7.68, a PEG ratio of 3.48 and a beta of 0.83. The company has a current ratio of 1.53, a quick ratio of 1.43 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.53. Equinor ASA has a 12-month low of $24.08 and a 12-month high of $34.73. Equinor ASA (NYSE:EQNR Get Free Report) last issued its quarterly earnings data on Wednesday, July 24th. The company reported $0.84 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of $0.81 by $0.03. The firm had revenue of $25.54 billion during the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $25.93 billion. Equinor ASA had a return on equity of 20.65% and a net margin of 9.11%. During the same period in the previous year, the firm posted $0.74 earnings per share. As a group, equities analysts expect that Equinor ASA will post 3.3 EPS for the current fiscal year. Equinor ASA Cuts Dividend The company also recently disclosed a dividend, which was paid on Wednesday, August 28th. Investors of record on Monday, August 19th were paid a dividend of $0.35 per share. This represents a dividend yield of 4.1%. The ex-dividend date was Monday, August 19th. Equinor ASAs payout ratio is 36.84%. Equinor ASA Company Profile (Get Free Report Equinor ASA, an energy company, engages in the exploration, production, transportation, refining, and marketing of petroleum and other forms of energy in Norway and internationally. It operates through Exploration & Production Norway; Exploration & Production International; Exploration & Production USA; Marketing, Midstream & Processing; Renewables; and Other segments. Further Reading Receive News & Ratings for Equinor ASA Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Equinor ASA and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Fortune Brands Innovations, Inc. (NYSE:FBIN Get Free Report) announced a quarterly dividend on Tuesday, September 24th, Wall Street Journal reports. Stockholders of record on Friday, November 22nd will be paid a dividend of 0.24 per share on Wednesday, December 11th. This represents a $0.96 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 1.11%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Friday, November 22nd. Fortune Brands Innovations has decreased its dividend by an average of 1.4% annually over the last three years. Fortune Brands Innovations has a dividend payout ratio of 20.2% meaning its dividend is sufficiently covered by earnings. Research analysts expect Fortune Brands Innovations to earn $4.72 per share next year, which means the company should continue to be able to cover its $0.96 annual dividend with an expected future payout ratio of 20.3%. Get Fortune Brands Innovations alerts: Fortune Brands Innovations Price Performance NYSE:FBIN opened at $86.47 on Thursday. The stocks 50-day simple moving average is $78.32 and its 200 day simple moving average is $74.80. Fortune Brands Innovations has a 52-week low of $54.10 and a 52-week high of $88.22. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.03, a quick ratio of 0.71 and a current ratio of 1.34. The company has a market cap of $10.82 billion, a P/E ratio of 26.44, a P/E/G ratio of 2.74 and a beta of 1.51. Wall Street Analyst Weigh In Fortune Brands Innovations ( NYSE:FBIN Get Free Report ) last announced its quarterly earnings results on Thursday, July 25th. The company reported $1.16 earnings per share for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of $1.12 by $0.04. Fortune Brands Innovations had a return on equity of 22.93% and a net margin of 9.39%. The firm had revenue of $1.24 billion for the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $1.28 billion. During the same quarter in the previous year, the business earned $1.07 earnings per share. The businesss revenue was up 6.6% compared to the same quarter last year. As a group, sell-side analysts forecast that Fortune Brands Innovations will post 4.29 EPS for the current fiscal year. A number of equities analysts have commented on FBIN shares. JPMorgan Chase & Co. raised their price objective on Fortune Brands Innovations from $82.00 to $84.00 and gave the stock a neutral rating in a research note on Tuesday, July 30th. Royal Bank of Canada upped their price objective on shares of Fortune Brands Innovations from $79.00 to $81.00 and gave the stock a sector perform rating in a research report on Friday, July 26th. Truist Financial raised their target price on shares of Fortune Brands Innovations from $75.00 to $82.00 and gave the company a buy rating in a report on Friday, July 26th. The Goldman Sachs Group raised their price objective on Fortune Brands Innovations from $75.00 to $86.00 and gave the company a buy rating in a research note on Friday, July 26th. Finally, Barclays raised their target price on shares of Fortune Brands Innovations from $84.00 to $86.00 and gave the company an overweight rating in a research report on Friday, July 26th. Seven research analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and three have given a buy rating to the companys stock. Based on data from MarketBeat, the stock has an average rating of Hold and a consensus target price of $83.20. Get Our Latest Analysis on Fortune Brands Innovations Fortune Brands Innovations Company Profile (Get Free Report) Fortune Brands Innovations, Inc provides home and security products for residential home repair, remodeling, new construction, and security applications in the United States and internationally. The company operates through three segments: Water, Outdoors, and Security. The Water segment manufactures or assembles, and sells faucets, accessories, kitchen sinks, and waste disposals under the Moen, ROHL, Riobel, Victoria+Albert, Perrin & Rowe, Aqualisa, Shaws, Emtek, and Schaub brands. Further Reading Receive News & Ratings for Fortune Brands Innovations Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Fortune Brands Innovations and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Visitors view a photo exhibition on China's historic transformation held by Xinhua News Agency in Beijing, capital of China, Sept. 26, 2024. (Xinhua/Du Xiaoyi) by Xinhua writers Wu Qiong, Wang Hongjiang BEIJING, Sept. 26 (Xinhua) -- The sunlight streaming in the exhibition hall on the 39th floor of a high-rise building in Beijing illuminates an array of around 500 photographs captured by generations of Chinese journalists. Towering over the cityscape, the exhibition hall embodies a blend of historical tradition and modern achievements, reflecting the nation's transformation over decades and the profound stories of its people. China's national news agency, Xinhua, on Thursday opened a photo exhibition at the National Financial Information Center just days before the People's Republic of China celebrates its 75th founding anniversary on Oct. 1. Stepping into the first section of the tour, audiences were enveloped by an array of black and white photographs. A standout photograph showcasing Dr. Henry Norman Bethune (1890-1939) performing surgery on a Chinese patient in a little temple attracted visitors to stop by and take pictures. "The use of lighting in this picture is perfect, and it is a textbook in the Chinese photography industry," said Lan Hongguang, who recently retired from a four-decade career as a photojournalist at Xinhua, pointing to the photograph hung on a long wall displaying dozens of pictures showing the arduous struggle of the Chinese people led by the Communist Party of China. "It was not easy for Chinese reporters to take pictures with cameras back in the day, because Western journalists were armed with automatic rifles, while we were holding spears with red tassels," he said. "But today we have the photography equipment leading the world," Lan, who is also a China Journalism Award winner smiled. As the audiences walked deeper into the gallery, the color contrast of the photos became more vivid. A notable contrast is a photo that focuses on a celebrating crowd, with young women in colorful dresses and men in plain white shirts. On the picture, the crowd is celebrating the first batch of "Jiefang" trucks produced by FAW Group rolling off the assembly line in Changchun, Jilin on July 14, 1956. Starting from this photo, this section, "having ample supplies of food and clothing," shows changes in social life. Through enormous efforts, China is capable of feeding one fifth of the global population with nine percent of the world's arable land and six percent of the freshwater resources. In 2020, China realized its goal of eradicating absolute poverty nationwide, contributing significantly to the global poverty reduction cause. In building a moderately prosperous society, China takes it as the primary goal to secure adequate food and clothing and protect the right to subsistence, and takes further steps to meet the growing material and cultural needs of the people. From 1949 to 2023, China's residents have seen their income grow by an average of 6 percent annually, resulting in a staggering 75.8-fold increase in real terms, according to official data. As the tour went on and audiences moved along the corridor, more pictures bathed in the sunlight filtering through the sleek glass facade of the skyscraper, were unfolded in front of them. These include pictures featuring FAW Group's seventh-generation Jiefang truck product J7 coming off production line on April 18, 2018, and new energy vehicles developed by Hongqi, an FAW Group car brand at the 20th Shanghai International Automobile Industry Exhibition on April 18, 2023. "China's automotive industry is evolving rapidly, and Chinese brands are developing vigorously," Zhang Qiang, a visitor and branding manager of a local Chinese car company said. "Local automobile market players have shifted from followers to leaders over the past decades, and I'm very excited to be part of the fast development of an unprecedented era," he added. Starting from scratch, China has completed in a few decades the industrialization process that took developed countries hundreds of years to achieve. China has remained the world's top manufacturing hub for 14 consecutive years, and boasts all the industrial sectors included in the United Nations' International Standard Industrial Classification of All Economic Activities. Chinese Ambassador to Cambodia Wang Wenbin (C) and Cambodian Health Minister Chheang Ra (1st R) attend the handover ceremony of ambulances in Phnom Penh, Cambodia on Sept. 25, 2024. Chinese charitable organization Future Smile Charitable Foundation on Wednesday donated four ambulances to Cambodia and provided free surgical operations to Cambodian children with cleft lip, cleft palate and other facial deformities. [Photo by Phearum/Xinhua] PHNOM PENH, Sept. 25 (Xinhua) Chinese charitable organization Future Smile Charitable Foundation on Wednesday donated four ambulances to Cambodia and provided free surgical operations to Cambodian children with cleft lip, cleft palate and other facial deformities. The event was attended by Chinese Ambassador to Cambodia Wang Wenbin and Cambodian Health Minister Chheang Ra at a ceremony held at the Khmer-Soviet Friendship Hospital in the capital Phnom Penh. Ra expressed his heartfelt thanks to the charitable organization for the generosity and kindness towards Cambodia, saying that the donation would help Cambodia's Ministry of Health to provide high-quality first aid to patients. China is a major contributor to the development of Cambodia's health sector, the minister said, adding that China has provided a great deal of assistance to Cambodia for the construction of the Cambodia-China Friendship Preah Kossamak Hospital in Phnom Penh and the Cambodia-China Friendship Tboung Khmum Hospital in Tboung Khmum province. In addition, China has so far donated more than 200 ambulances and 40 mobile clinics as well as a lot of medical equipment to Cambodia, and currently, Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) experts have also been assisting Cambodia in developing the TCM sector, he said. Ambassador Wang was confident that the donated ambulances would contribute to providing better healthcare services to Cambodian patients, while the Cambodia-China friendship surgical mission would bring beautiful smiles and hope to cleft lip and cleft palate children in the Southeast Asian country. "China and Cambodia are unbreakable iron-clad friends," he said. "We hope in the future, more Chinese charitable people and organizations will come to Cambodia to help the country develop society and economy, and improve the people's health and livelihoods." Chan Kok Choy, executive director of Smile Cambodia, said the surgical mission has conducted 35 operations in the last two days, and is expected to do another 15 operations on Wednesday. Mok Theavy, undersecretary of state at Cambodia's Ministry of Health, said the donated ambulances will be very beneficial to Cambodian patients, adding that this donation reflects the longstanding friendship between the peoples of Cambodia and China. Chinese Ambassador to Cambodia Wang Wenbin (1st R) holds a child with facial deformity in Phnom Penh, Cambodia on Sept. 25, 2024. Chinese charitable organization Future Smile Charitable Foundation on Wednesday donated four ambulances to Cambodia and provided free surgical operations to Cambodian children with cleft lip, cleft palate and other facial deformities. [Photo by Phearum/Xinhua] (Source: Xinhua) Editor: Wang Shasha 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. US and allies call for an immediate 21-day cease-fire between Israel and Hezbollah The U.S., France and other allies are jointly calling for an immediate 21-day cease-fire to allow for negotiations in the escalating conflict between Israel and Hezbollah that has killed more than 600 people in Lebanon Zimbabwean welder Ngwarayi Mushaurwa works at home using a diesel generator in Harare, Zimbabwe, on Sept. 25, 2024. (Photo by Shaun Jusa/Xinhua) HARARE, Sept. 25 (Xinhua) -- Each time power cuts disrupt his work, Ngwarayi Mushaurwa resorts to cranking up a diesel generator to keep his welding business running. Making ends meet in Ruwa, a town southeast of Zimbabwe's capital Harare, Mushaurwa is not alone in facing rising operational costs due to frequent electricity outages. A prolonged drought has lowered water levels at Lake Kariba, home to the Kariba South Power Station, significantly impacting electricity generation at the country's main hydropower facility. Meanwhile, aging equipment at the Hwange Power Station, the country's primary thermal plant, has worsened the rolling blackouts that can last up to 15 hours in some regions. On average, Zimbabwe produces less than 1,300 MW of electricity, falling short of its peak national demand of about 1,950 MW. For Mushaurwa, this shortage translates into higher costs of using alternative power sources, a burden also felt by consumers. "We use generators, but it becomes difficult to convince the clients to accept increased charges to cover fuel costs. It then becomes difficult for small businesses to be sustainable, so we are appealing to authorities to address the power deficiency so that we can sustain our families," Mushaurwa told Xinhua on Wednesday. While generators help the 60-year-old Zimbabwean keep his business afloat, they are insufficient to drive growth. "There are some heavy-duty machines that cannot be operated with generators, so power cuts are a huge challenge," Mushaurwa said. Unlike major corporations, small and medium enterprises (SMEs) and informal businesses lack the financial means to invest in generators or other alternative energy sources during the blackouts. "Right now a lot of businesses are grappling with power issues because of the power outages," said Delight Makotose, director of the SMEs International Expo, an annual exhibition that seeks to create synergies and a networking platform for small and medium businesses. "SMEs need reliable power. Procuring generators is not cost-effective, so we urge the government and energy providers to step up and ensure enough power supply," he said. Makotose expressed his concern that frequent power cuts are hampering the competitiveness of local businesses. According to a 2023 World Bank report, Zimbabwe's power shortages are estimated to cost the country a total of 6.1 percent of its gross domestic product annually. Medium-term World Bank projections indicated that electricity demand will grow from 1,950 MW in 2022 to 5,177 MW by 2030, driven primarily by increasing demand from the mining sector. In response, Centragrid, a local independent power producer, is tapping into solar energy to help bridge the gap. Chief Executive Officer of Centragrid Victor Utedzi said solar is expected to play a major role in Zimbabwe's power generation to feed the increasing energy demand. "As Centragrid ourselves right now we have got a portfolio of the large commercial and industrial clients in the mining sector -- ferrochrome, iron and steel -- we are developing large-scale solar power projects to the tune of 100-200 MW to be able to give them power during the day," Utedzi said. Over the past few years, Zimbabwe has made strides to increase power generation capacity. In 2018, China's Sinohydro completed the expansion project of the Kariba South Power Station, increasing its capacity from 750 MW to 1,050 MW. Last year, the same contractor completed the expansion of the Hwange Thermal Power station, adding 600 MW to the coal-fired power station. Looking ahead, Mushaurwa remains hopeful that the power shortages will be resolved, allowing his business to thrive once more. New York City Mayor Eric Adams is seen in on March 1, in New York City. Drakeford optimistic ahead of Welsh budget improving NHS efficiency via new equipment & buildings will be priority Wales new finance secretary Mark Drakeford expressed optimism about the Welsh Governments draft budget but warned public spending will not suddenly start flowing. Prof Drakeford said he is planning for 1% growth in day-to-day revenue spending and a flat settlement for longer-term capital expenditure. Appearing before the finance commission for scrutiny, the former first minister said: I have some optimism that things will be a little bit better. He cautioned: I dont think its going to be a sudden turning on of public expenditure but I think that things wont be quite as tight. Pressed by Labours Rhianon Passmore about areas that could be deprioritised in Wales, he said it is too early to say ahead of the UK Governments budget on October 30. And pressed to reassure people that the in-year budget is secure, in light of 500m cuts in Scotland, he said: It looks to me more like what I would have thought of as a normal year. Jumbo jet Prof Drakeford stressed that stresses and strains persist but the previous budget was extraordinarily more difficult, leading to very, very painful cuts this time last year. He said the first ministers statement on her governments priorities will shape the Welsh Governments draft 2025/26 spending plans that will be published on December 10. The former first minister compared his overriding responsibility as finance secretary with landing a jumbo jet of a budget on a postage stamp. He stressed the importance of getting maximum value from expenditure and not overspending which takes you into very difficult territory. Prof Drakeford suggested negotiating relationships with the UK Government on matters such as freeports and investment zones will be near the top of his agenda. He said his focus will also be on legacy issues like the shared prosperity fund, replacement EU funding one of the sorrier examples of spending by the previous UK Government. Micromanagement He said: I will wish to have conversations with my UK colleagues about the longer-term transfer of post-EU funding back to where it belongs: here in the hands of the Senedd. Prof Drakeford suggested the Welsh Government will seek powers that have already been devolved to Scotland and Northern Ireland. He said talks would focus on freeing up the micromanagement of our affairs by the UK Treasury, giving more scope to deploy money in an efficient and effective way. At the moment, our hands are tied and we dont get the best value, he warned. Prof Drakeford told the committee the Welsh Government has identified 65m to make coaltips in Wales safe as he urged the Labour UK Government to contribute. The finance secretary said talks with UK ministers about rail funding are also ongoing. Big if He said if Wales receives additional capital expenditure next year and its a big if improving NHS efficiency through new equipment and buildings will be a priority. Prof Drakeford agreed the current fiscal framework which determines how Welsh public services are funded while he was finance secretary between 2016 and 2018. He said: The problem from our point of view has been that the numbers that were struck the amount you can borrow, the amount you can put in the Welsh reserve, the amount you can draw down are still the figures that we agreed as the right figures for 2016. Prof Drakeford told the committee meeting on September 25 that he expects the cabinet to debate Welsh rates of income tax but he would need quite a lot of persuasion. The only way you can raise significant amounts of money from income tax in Wales is by increasing the basic rate, he cautioned. The finance secretary said hiking additional and higher rates, which raises untested issues around tax migration, would not bring in a substantial sum. By Chris Haines, ICNN Senedd reporter Flintshire Council rejects controversial inappropriate relationships with pupils teacher oath proposal A proposal which would have seen Flintshire teachers required to swear an oath against inappropriate relationships with pupils has been rejected following a strong backlash. The controversial motion calling for anyone employed in education in the county to make a specific commitment not to form intimate relationships with students was discussed at a meeting of Flintshire County Council this week. It was put forward following the court case of Gwynedd headteacher Neil Foden, who was jailed for 17 years in July after being found guilty of sexually abusing four girls. Education union NASUWT said before the meeting that introducing the oath, which would need to have been made in front of a manager, would show a shocking contempt for teachers. Meanwhile, Laura Doel, national secretary at NAHT Cymru, described it as an insult to the thousands of dedicated teachers and leaders who go above and beyond for their learners. However, Hope councillor Gladys Healey, who proposed the motion, said she felt stronger measures were needed to protect children from abuse by education workers. The Labour politician told the full council meeting held in Mold that she stood by her belief despite the opposition. She said: There has been a lot said on social media and by the unions, but I still stand by what I say. We have to protect our children. When parents take children to school, they hand them over. They cant protect those children. They are there in school, and they need to be protected. Other professions like doctors, nurses and the fire service all take an oath so what is different when you say a teacher cant take an oath? The motion was seconded by Cllr Healeys husband, David, who worked as a teacher for more than four decades. The councils cabinet member for climate change and economy said he would have had no objection to swearing the oath. He said: I was a teacher for some 40 years across two authorities, and Ive certainly seen things that make me feel that taking an oath is appropriate. I know theres been a backlash against this notice of motion by some teaching unions, but as a former teacher for that length of time, I would not have been the least bit offended if Id been required to do that. However, the councils chief education officer condemned the motion and warned it could see teachers in Flintshire quitting their jobs or taking strike action. Claire Homard said the authority already had strong safeguarding procedures in place and an oath would not deter would-be offenders. She said: I am very concerned that this notice of motion is calling into question the professionalism of the education workforce here in Flintshire because of the behaviour of an individual outside of this authority. I am concerned that staff in our schools may be feeling insulted by the insinuation from this notice of motion that they cannot be trusted because of the actions of one individual, and the impact this will have on their morale. I am concerned that this notice of motion could drive staff out of our schools in Flintshire, and that will have devastating impacts on our learners and make recruitment and retention of staff even more challenging than it is already. Im even more concerned that if this notice of motion is supported today, the council will be subject to large scale industrial action by the education workforce unions, who are already publicly expressing their concern in relation to this motion. Ms Homard said pupils in Flintshire had already faced significant disruption to their education because of the Covid pandemic. She said any further interruptions caused by strikes would be catastrophic for learners. She added: We have all been appalled by the actions of the individual referred to in this notice of motion, and indeed by any case of abuse of a learner by staff members who they should be able to trust. But rather than cast a shadow over the professionalism of our entire workforce, I would urge you to celebrate the dedication and the commitment of all of our workforce here in Flintshire. Liberal Democrat councillor David Coggins Cogan said while he could not support the motion, he felt the chief officers rebuke was slightly too firm. He said: I think Cllr Healeys heart is very obviously in the right place, and shes very passionate about this position. Meanwhile, Sean Bibby, cabinet member for housing, said: There may be the odd individual that causes problems and does incredibly evil things. But we have to remember that nearly every single person that walks out the door in the morning and goes into our schools and our education facilities is dedicated to our children. The majority of councillors voted not to adopt the oath at the end of the debate. They instead put on record that the council abhors any abuse of children and young people, including the formation of inappropriate relationships between teachers and those they are responsible for. By Liam Randall Local Democracy Reporter I cannot vote with the Labour Group. I have to vote with my constituents who have collectively been appalled by this decision A Labour councillor has spoken out against the Winter Fuel cut by the UK Labour Government, stating ..having a more professional bunch of people implementing austerity is not what was elected in the UK Labour government. It was elected for change. The comments came in a sometimes frosty debate in the Guildhall chamber where a motion put forward by Plaid Cymru called on the council to condemn the recent decision by the UK Labour Government to cut the Winter Fuel Allowance and to halt the proposed cuts with a view to ensuring the most vulnerable in our society are not put at risk due to the loss of this critical payment. Plaid Cymrus Cllr Carrie Harper presented the motion, Over 9 million pensioners across the UK are going to be impacted by these cuts. Over 16,000 of those will be right here in Wrexham in our borough, and with energy price rises on the way as well. There are people that are pensioners in our communities this winter who are going to be forced to turn the heating down. We know that cold homes are directly linked to higher rates of strokes, heart attacks and respiratory diseases. So this cut is literally going to be a matter of life and death for some people in our area. I know in my ward, Ive got people who are missing out by one or two pounds a month. Its absolutely appalling. Means testing in the way that its being done means that many people living below the poverty line are being hit by this. Even worse, there are 1600 pensioners in Wrexham who are eligible but dont claim so whatever you think about the principle of universality, it means that nobody is left behind. I think how we treat the most vulnerable in our society is a real test of our values. There are many, many people locally who are going to feel really let down by this cut. Cllr Harper rounded off her long speech by reiterating the motion, These cuts are cruel and they are completely avoidable. Im very happy to move this motion that the council condemns the recent decision by the UK Labour Government to cut the winter fuel allowance, and calls on the UK Labour Government to halt proposed cuts with a view to ensuring the most vulnerable in our society are not put at risk due to the loss of this critical payment. Labour Group Leader Cllr Dana Davies spoke next, I understand the general sentiment behind the motion and why its important for it to be debated today. Where we as a Labour Group disagree is where all pensioners receive the winter fuel allowance, as not all are financially vulnerable, and in that context, many pensioners in this room this evening are telling me they dont need it so. As we are acutely aware as local government, the pressure on public finances, because we are working through a budget process where weve got a shortfall of 28 million over the next two years. So there is that question of where we should be focusing and distributing and supporting people who were in need. Cllr Davies tabled an amendment to the motion, copied to councillors and officers, We note the decision made by central government to only give winter fuel payments to those in receipt of pension credit. We ask that: 1. this council resolves to write to the Chancellor to seek reassurance that A. those pensioners who income falls close to the threshold for pension credit, but are not eligible, will receive support as needed through the coming winter period. B. the current threshold for low income households is reviewed and operated to enable those wider groups currently not eligible to access the financial support they desperately need. 2. This council welcomes the retention of the triple lock on pensions, which will see the basic state pension rise by 900 pounds this year and 460 pound next year 3. this council recognises that the pension credit is an underclaimed benefit, and that we commit to a local effort to encourage Wrexham residents to apply for this benefit and increase uptake. Claims can be made by the UK Government website, http://www.gov.uk or by telephone in the direct number or 0800 991234 Cllr Davies explained why that was being put forward as an alternative, There are those that are only a few pounds out with the threshold to be able to claim pension credit and pointed to a recent councillor workshop that linked household income to child poverty, and noted, the current thresholds around low income are too low, and thats because over the past 14 years that threshold for what is deemed to be the financial level of low income thats recognised, that threshold over the last 14 years has only been inflated four times, so for 10 years, its been frozen, and thats why weve got a number of disabled groups in Wrexham, our families, our single parents and our pensioners who are struggling with the cost of living crisis and more kids as a result, moving into poverty. Council Leader Mark Pritchard then spoke rejecting the Labour amendment, I wont support the alternative motion, because I think everybody in this room and across Wrexham and across the country must be unhappy with whats happened. It is all about decision making, I understand that, and can agree with Cllr Davies on that subject. But, its all about making the right decision at the right time, and in my humble opinion, this is not the right decision to make. I think that when you get things wrong you have to hold your hands up and move away from it, and you cant defend the undefendable. Cllr David A Bithell echoed the view, asking that Labour raised the points in their alternative motion at the next Cost of Living Working Group. Cllr Robert Ian Williams voiced support for the amendment, criticising Cllr Harpers speech, I was very unhappy how Carrie spoke and used expressions such as filthy rich. I dont think thats helpful, and its just politicking in this chamber. Cllr Ronnie Prince cited some research he had found noting seven out of ten disabled pensioners will lose their winter fuel payments under cuts planned by Keir Starmer and Rachel Reeves. People in my area have made me aware that they did vote Labour, a large number of them, and they feel let down by Labour because they believe Keir Starmer urged the opposition to rule out scrapping winter fuel payments before the election, and theyve also seen him state on other occasions he was against cutting that. Alot of people feel let down by Labour. Several councillors mentioned or queried around declaring an interest due to the topic of debate, with Cllr Stella Matthews adding, People are worrying about declaring an interest on this? I dont think wed find anyone in this council chamber with income at a level that youd have to declare an interest on this particular debate. 12 voted in favour for the amendment, and 29 against. The debate then reverted back to the original motion. Cllr Mark Pritchard requested that the word condemned was reworked, so councillors would disagree with the UK Government decision instead. That was adopted. Cllr Paul Roberts I think we need to concentrate on a local level, not a national level. This decision was made at national government level, and whether people agree with it or not, I personally dont agree with it because Ive got constituents in my ward that are bitterly upset that they might not be able to keep warm during the winter months. But, like I say, everybodys got their own perspective on this, and I think we need to construct our Wrexham Council and keep national decisions unless they directly affect the council out of the council chamber. At this point news of the non-binding vote at the Labour conference filtered through to the chamber, where unions called on the UK Government to reverse its cuts to winter fuel payments. Coedpoeths Councillor Anthony Wedlake broke ranks and said he had to vote with my constituents who have collectively been appalled by this decision, adding I didnt want to have to speak today, but I do so with the confidence that my own constituency Labour Party is opposed to the implementation of this cut, and that the highest policy making body of the Labour Party opposed it this morning. I also make the point that I might end up voting with people who have no right to condemn any decision that affect poor people because their parties implemented the bedroom tax, have taxed the poor more than they tax the rich, have taken 40% in real terms from public sector workers wages over the last 14 years. And, of course, I could go on with their friends who sold dodgy PPE during the pandemic. I also make the point to Cllr Harper, that I am assuming from the point that she made that Plaid Cymru MPs wont be taking their heating allowance on their second homes either? I also have to say that we were told as a party that it was country first and party second, and its not in the interest of this country to take away the winter fuel allowance from pensioners. We collectively as a country, or as a consensus within this country, that over the last 10, if not 14 years austerity was a political choice, and having a more professional bunch of people implementing austerity too, is not what was elected in the UK Labour Government. It was elected for change. Universality means exactly that. If we champion free meals in primary schools because we want everybody to have the same opportunity, then it has to be the same with pensioners. If were going to make difficult decisions, we need to make those difficult decisions by looking at the 450 billion pound profit utility companies have made in the last five years, and take a small portion of that to pay for the approximate one and a half billion pounds that this allowance costs. We can look at the ten people in this country who own 500 billion, more than a quarter of the population of this country, and a simple wealth tax will pay for that and many more. On this basis, I cannot vote with the Labour Group. I have to vote with my constituents who have collectively been appalled by this decision. His speech got a round of applause in the chamber. A vote was held on the motion, which passed, with the Mayor announcing We have 33 for, and 12 abstentions, and nobody against so the motion is passed. MS formally censured over use of blanket term for 20MPH policy A Conservative refused to back down despite being given a ticking off by the Senedd in a row over depicting 20mph as a blanket policy. Natasha Asghar was formally censured which amounts to a slap on the wrist with the Senedd endorsing the findings of a standards commissioner investigation. The Tory shadow transport secretary said: I cant quite believe that were standing here today debating the use of the word blanket when there are much bigger issues at hand. Ms Asghar, who represents South Wales East, disputed the finding that she breached three rules in the Senedds code of conduct. To say that I brought the Senedd into disrepute by using the word blanket is purely absurd, she said. I make no apology whatsoever for standing up for my constituents and residents across Wales when it comes to the Welsh Governments 20mph scheme. I am the Llywydd Ms Asghar pointed out that 97% of former 30mph roads dropped to 20mph, saying it remains her opinion that this is a blanket approach. Elin Jones, the Senedds speaker or Llywydd, intervened to stress that the standards committee found the use of the term was imprecise and inaccurate. She said she changed her mind on the use of the word due to the ruling after allowing the term to be used for months. She said: It is not correct to use it in that context, in this chamber any more that is my view and I am the Llywydd I ask you all to respect my view. Ms Asghar acknowledged the report but vowed to continue campaigning tirelessly against the policy despite desperate attempts to stop me. Moral turpitude Douglas Bain, the standards commissioner, found that Ms Asghar broke rules on acting untruthfully and bringing the Senedd into disrepute. The complaint was submitted by Lee Waters, the former minister who introduced 20mph. Ms Asghar was part of the committee which considered a complaint about her group leader Andrew RT Davies, who similarly described 20mph as a blanket policy. Mr Davies was cleared of breaching the rules in January. Mr Bain was satisfied the blanket depiction was inaccurate but said it is not synonymous with untruthfulness, which requires an element of deceit, fraud or moral turpitude. In the 21-page report, he argued there was a degree of moral turpitude in Ms Asghars case because she knew similar statements had been found to be false. No objection He accused Ms Asghar of saying one thing and doing the opposite, concluding: I have no doubt that such conduct is unacceptable and that it brings the Senedd into disrepute. Peredur Owen Griffiths, a member of the standards committee, urged fellow politicians to pay close attention to the committees recommendations on the standards expected. He said: I would also like to remind members of their personal responsibility regarding consideration of any potential interests before participating in committee business. The Plaid Cymru MS for South Wales East told the Senedd it is incumbent on members to declare interests and recuse themselves from relevant proceedings. The motion agreeing to censure Ms Asghar was agreed, with no objection from Tory benches which would have forced a vote following the September 25 debate. By Chris Haines, ICNN Senedd reporter Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, meets with Estonian Foreign Minister Margus Tsahkna on the sidelines of the 79th session of the UN General Assembly, in New York, Sept. 26, 2024. (Xinhua/Li Rui) NEW YORK, Sept. 26 (Xinhua) -- Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi on Thursday met with Estonian Foreign Minister Margus Tsahkna on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly session in New York. Estonia is an important cooperation partner for China in the Baltic region. Friendly cooperation is the main theme of bilateral relations, which aligns with the shared expectations of both peoples and represents the direction that both sides should continue to pursue, said Wang, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee. While China and Estonia have different histories, cultures, environments, and face different challenges, this does not hinder the two countries from strengthening mutually beneficial cooperation to serve the well-being of their people, Wang said, adding it also does not affect their joint efforts to safeguard international peace and security based on respect for the purposes and principles of the UN Charter. China is willing to continuously enhance mutual trust with Estonia, continue to respect each other's legitimate concerns on core interests, and lay a solid political foundation and inject vitality in improving bilateral relations, said Wang. Estonia, as an important member of the European Union, is expected to promote the EU institutions' adherence to free trade, resolve differences through dialogue and consultation, and promote the healthy and stable development of China-EU relations, he said. Tsahkna said Estonia has a long history of exchanges with China and has maintained pragmatic cooperation, clearly upholding the One-China policy. Estonia appreciates China's emphasis on respecting the purposes and principles of the United Nations Charter. For a small country like Estonia, international law and international order are as important as nuclear weapons. Estonia pays close attention to the Ukraine crisis, values China's position, and hopes that China will play a constructive role, said Tsahkna. Wang pointed out that China is not a party to the Ukraine crisis, but has always been committed to peace, actively mediating and promoting negotiations to facilitate a political resolution. China's diplomacy is guided by the principles of upholding justice, maintaining fairness, and pursuing peace. For all hotspot issues, China advocates seeking political solutions through dialogue and consultation. The immediate priority in the Ukraine crisis is to de-escalate the situation and prevent the conflict from further expanding, which aligns with the interests of European countries. China will faithfully fulfill its responsibilities as a permanent member of the UN Security Council and continue to contribute to peace, said Wang. According to opinion polls, the far-right Freedom Party (FPO) could emerge as the strongest party in this Sundays elections to the National Council, Austrias parliament. The entire election campaign has made clear that the countrys main parties have strengthened the FPO with their right-wing policies and are intent on continuing and intensifying these policieswith or without the FPO in government. Austrian Chancellor Karl Nehammer (OVP) [AP Photo/Jordan Pettitt] According to the latest polls, the FPO is expected to receive between 27 and 29 percent of the vote, an increase of 10 to 12 percent compared to the last election. The ruling conservative OVP (Austrian Peoples Party) of Chancellor Karl Nehammer is losing just as many percentage points but is still expected to receive between 22 and 24 percent. The coalition partner in the government, the Greens, are losing about half their votes and are now expected to receive about 7 percent. The opposition Social Democratic Party (SPO) would repeat its result of the last parliamentary elections, with around 20 percent, as would the right-wing liberal NEOS, with around 10 percent. Mathematically, an alliance of the FPO with both the OVP and the Social Democrats would be possible. Without the inclusion of the FPO, a coalition of the OVP and SPO would remain, together in each case with either with the inclusion of the Greens or the NEOS. Despite occasional protestations to the contrary by the OVP and SPO, all these options are politically possible. Apart from the fact that both parties have already made pacts with the far right at a federal and state level, it is particularly evident in the refugee issue that there are no fundamental differences between the parties. The FPO and its top candidate Herbert Kickl set the tone with fascist tirades against refugees. We need remigration, Kickl declared publicly at the presentation of his partys election programme, titled Fortress Austria, Fortress of Freedom. At meetings he reiterated the demand to immediately reject every asylum application in Austria, regardless of legal regulations, and seal the countrys borders against refugees. During the election campaign, Kickl referred to himself as the Peoples Chancellor, a deliberate allusion to Hitler, who also used this title. The ruling OVP-Green government has also made the baiting of refugees the centrepiece of its election campaign. After the government in Germany announced that it would set up border controls and rigorously turn away refugees, the government in Vienna declared that it would not take back people who had been turned away at the German border. There is no leeway here, said Austrian Interior Minister Gerhard Karner (OVP). He had instructed the head of the Austrian Federal Police not to carry out any handovers. Nehammer reiterated that Austria would do the same in the event that Germany invoked the emergency clause to seal its borders. We will quite clearly protect our borders against rejections from the neighbouring country, said the chancellor. Minister of Constitutional Affairs Karoline Edtstadler (OVP) wants to convene a constitutional convention in the next legislative period and make access to Austrian citizenship virtually impossible for refugees. According to Edtstadler, the Geneva Refugee Convention dates from pre-globalised times and needs to be further developeda euphemism for the FPOs demand to abolish the convention. The SPO is no different. In terms of asylum policy, the two notoriously right-wing state politicians Hans Peter Doskozil and Peter Kaiser set the tone. Their document on the issue differs only in nuances from the demands of the FPO. In a summer interview with the Austrian Broadcasting Corporation (ORF), leading candidate and SPO leader Andreas Babler declared that he wanted to sue Hungary for sending tens of thousands of people to Austria. He attacked the OVP and FPO from the right, accusing them of maintaining relations with Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban, although he is responsible for the increasing number of refugees in Austria. In this climate, it is not surprising that the number of far-right crimes in Austria rose sharply in the first half of 2024, from 386 in the first half of 2023 to 556. Additional grist to the FPOs mill is the unreserved support for the war policy by the OVP, SPO, Greens and NEOS. All parties fully support the NATO war against Russia and the escalation of war and genocide in the Middle East by Israel. Although Austria is formally constitutionally obliged to maintain military neutrality, it authorises the transit of arms shipments and supports Kiev with military infrastructure. Among other assistance, Austria has supplied Ukraine with 10,000 protective helmets and 9,000 flak jackets. It also contributes to the costs of the European Union Military Assistance Mission Ukraine (EUMAM), which trains Ukrainian soldiers. At a political level, representatives of all parties in the EU Parliament support resolutions for rearmament and warfare. In the UN General Assembly, Austria repeatedly voted against an immediate ceasefire in Gaza and the condemnation of the actions of the Israeli military. Military rearmament has increased massively in the Alpine Republic in recent years. Since 2022, around 17 billion have been earmarked for the rearmament of the Austrian Armed Forces. Austria also joined the Sky Shield initiative, a German-European missile defence shield in which 21 other states are participating alongside Austria. With the exception of the NEOS, which openly call for an end to the countrys military neutrality and the establishment of an EU army, all parties declare that they do not want to touch neutrality. In fact, such demands are repeatedly made behind closed doors by all parties. This is in stark contrast to the mood among the population. Despite the media drumbeat for war and rearmament, according to a survey conducted at the beginning of 2024, 80 percent of Austrians want to maintain neutrality; 50 percent would definitely not defend their country with weapons. The potential electoral success of the FPO is the result of the shift to the right of the entire bourgeoisie. Refugees are being made the scapegoat for the social crisis that the parties themselves have caused. The ruling class is consciously strengthening the most right-wing forces in order to suppress the growing opposition among the population. The war drive requires ever more severe social attacks to finance rearmament. Added to this is an economic downturn, involving an increase in plant closures and job cuts. For the first time since the end of World War II, Austrias economy has been shrinking for two consecutive years. As in Germany and other European countries, companies are closing and/or preparing mass layoffs. These are just a few current examples: The Austrian subsidiary of the US electric automaker Fisker has recently filed for bankruptcy. Four hundred fifty employees have already had to leave the company, and now another 500 jobs are on the verge of being cut. Hammerer Aluminium Industries (HAI), based in Ranshofen, plans to cut 250 of 2,100 jobs across the group in the course of the year, including 100 of the 750 jobs in the Innviertel region of Upper Austria. The group operates eight sites in Austria, Germany, Romania and Poland. Demand has collapsed since the second half of 2023. The Upper Austrian technology group Fronius is also cutting jobs. In June, 350 employees in the solar division were laid off, and now the group is cutting a further 450 jobs in Austria and 200 in subsidiaries in Germany and the Czech Republic. A report leaked to the Guardian has been widely understood as the first public indication that former Labour Party leader Jeremy Corbyn is amenable to the formation of a new left party. Just over two months ago Corbyn told the Guardian that he would focus his own efforts as an Independent MP on building community-based initiatives in his Islington constituency and insisted that to create a new, centralised party, based around the personality of one person, is to put the cart before the horse. But on September 15, the Observer Sunday sister paper of the Guardian reported his attendance at a secretive meeting aimed at starting a party named Collective. The newspaper reported that Key figures in the group said they hoped the party would act as an incubator for future leaders who could replace Corbyn as a figurehead of the left, and aim to contest seats at the next general election. It wrote that Corbyn gave the opening speech and that founders said they would begin drawing up democratic structures for a new party to launch. But this was followed by a source close to Corbyn stating that his attendance was not an official endorsement and that he had attended the meeting to listen to and share a variety of views about the way forward for the left. It also noted that others in attendance such as the former North of Tyne mayor Jamie Driscoll, Lutfur Rahman, the mayor of Tower Hamlets, and Andrew Feinstein, the anti-apartheid activist who stood against Keir Starmer in Holborn and St Pancras constituency and who is a leading light in the group Collective leading the initiative, as well as the four independent candidates who won seats at the last general election on a pro-Palestinian platform and who have subsequently formed a parliamentary alliance with Corbyn are all opposed to such a move. Jeremy Corbyn and other general election independent candidates are paraded on the stage during the rally. From left: Michael Lavalette; Leanne Mohamed; Corbyn; Andrew Feinstein, and Iqbal Mohamed, July 6, 2024 Subsequent comment from some of those invited, above all the Trade Unionist and Socialist Coalition (TUSC), the electoral front dominated by the Socialist Party, made clear that such sentiments are widespread. This partially accounts for the secrecy surrounding the event, Corbyn still maintaining his distance/deniability and the extraordinary absence of political discussion on just what the new party will stand for. The only political comment cited publicly was from Pamela Fitzpatrick, the relatively unknown director of Corbyns Peace and Justice project and spokesperson for Collective, who insisted that now is the time to become an established party We have seen the rise of the far right and already people are feeling politically homeless because they were so desperate for change but support for Labour is dropping so quickly. We need a real movement that can fill that gap. Even she said the movement would take time to launch as a political party because We dont want to make the same mistakes as the past. What Collective is and what it proposes Feinstein was the second most prominent general election candidate after Corbyn to be backed by Collective. The group was set up late 2023 by supporters urging Corbyn to come to the head of a new party. It was publicly launched in May 2024 after he declared he would be standing against Labour in Islington North. But Feinstein has since urged Corbyn to concentrate on local grassroots organising of his Peoples Forum in Islington North, which held its first meeting last weekend, and is himself involved in a similar venture in Holborn and St Pancras. The day before the secret Collective meeting, the Peace and Justice Project, launched in December 2020 by Corbyn, had held a one-day conference in London at which no mention of a new party had been made. Those invited to take part in the Collective discussion, including Fiona Lali of the Revolutionary Communist Party, had all agreed not to talk publicly about the strategy document issued August 12, Beyond GE24: Rebuilding A Mass Socialist Movement As A Foundation For A New Left Political Party, because, according to TUSC, it could become the subject of a public debate over details at this early stage. A report by the TUSC steering committee is therefore the most comprehensive presentation publicly available of this document, which TUSC representatives Dave Nellist and Clive Heemskirk of the Socialist Party had access to. The summary drawn up September 4 and published in The Socialist September 11 reads like an Initial Public Offering designed to reassure potential political partners that investing in the new venture will pay dividends. The objective of a new party states only that there is a need for a new class based and mass membership political party of the left in the UK, requiring a new organised mass movement capable of mobilising the disaffected and disenfranchised millions The required components of such a party are: a strong grassroot community organising model; unity within the left; an inspirational leadership team; a national democratic structure; and a solid relationship with organised labourfor which read the trade unions. The partys ultimate object is to gain representation at national parliamentary, regional and local government levels that will properly serve the aims and demands of the labour movement and the millions left disaffected and disenfranchised by Oligarch Britain. For the new party to be the credible, sustainable and pre-eminent party of the left, the go-to choice for members and affiliates, left candidates and voters requires a growing base of party elected representatives across the UK, beginning with the 2025 local elections. The plan proposed is to register 100,000 members by 2025, to establish a policy programme clearly differentiated from Labour, Greens and [George Galloways] the Workers Party, to identify and stand candidates in all UK elections and to have a minimum of 150 elected councillors in 2025 and a dozen MPs from the 2029 general election. This wish-list-cum-promissory note is followed by a section, Founding Principles, centred on a repetition of Labours old claim to have a broad church philosophy, democratic structures and a governance constitution with an emphasis on tolerance, inclusivity and solidarity. The principles also include a commitment to support electoral alliances with other alternative left parties or groupings that share our core values so as to not compete or split the vote. The timeframe for establishment was laid down as registering a party with the Electoral Commission in early 2025, a public launch early in 2025 with the ability of individuals to join the party and its principles and/or brief policy commitments both to be in place and visible on the day of the launch, preparing a local elections strategy for candidates to be announced by mid-March and a founding and annual conference in late 2025, by the end of which the party should have its policies, party structure, constitution, internal democracy and disciplinary and governance all democratically decided upon. The Socialist Party for one was not convinced, insisting that a new party must have the support of trade unions, which Collective does not, and complaining that Corbyn, who must play the catalyst role in the formation of a new party, had not attended Collective meetings, nor given any other indication of his commitment to the strategy and timeframe proposed. The SP then lists other failed projects for a new party in the UK before concluding that TUSCs proposal was that Beyond GE24 should be presented as a discussion document to be taken into the movement to see what the response is, rather than as definitive proposalsparticularly the timeframe action-pointsto set up a new party in the next few months. Placating such concerns indicates why Corbyn chose to attend his first Collective meeting on September 15, but also why he has still not nailed his colours to a new party project. Yvonne Ridley, a member of Galloways populist and anti-migration Workers Party, who was also in attendance, wrote in the Middle East Monitor that Describing the private gathering of The Collective and calling it the launch of a new political party was probably a little premature of the uninvited Guardian newspaper. Corbyn and his supporters were testing the water and had invited probably no more than 60 people, comrades from around the UK who are appalled by Labours current trajectory. Significantly, Corbyn himself sat in the front row of the audience and not on the platform, making it clear that this was not his conference, but a gathering of like-minded people who are desperate for the emergence of a new political movement If the Collective meeting is seen in future as the initial launchpad for a new party, which is entirely possible, then this only confirms the politically rotten character of such a formation. It will be an unprincipled amalgam of various bankrupt Labourite and pseudo-left groups, which only weeks ago were all campaigning for a Labour victory and based on a minimal programme of reforms that has yet to be agreed. And it will be led by someone so wedded to the Labour Party that he still hesitates to completely break from it after being witch-hunted for years as an antisemite, then expelled from its ranks. Corbynism and the crisis of working-class leadership What are Corbyns qualifications for leading a new party for working people? He was handed leadership of the Labour Party with a massive mandate to drive out the Blairite right and fight for socialist and anti-war policies. His victory was proclaimed by Britains pseudo-left as the basis for Labour to become a new workers party (Socialist Party) and the rebirth of social democracy (Socialist Workers Party). Corbyn himself declared that his mission was to oppose the Pasokification of Labour, the collapse in support suffered by the Greek and other European Social Democrats, pledging himself to maintaining a broad church with the right wing. His constant capitulations handed them a victory in less than five years, while his own supporters were slandered and driven out, or left in disgust. From being in charge of the party with the largest membership in Europe, he presided over the biggest rout in British political history and is now one of just five Independent MPs who agree on nothing outside of opposing the ethnic cleansing and mass murder of the Palestinians. The working class has, moreover, already had bitter experiences with the type of supposedly alternative broad left party Corbyns pseudo-left supporters advocate: not the failed projects they cite in the UK such as Respect and Left Unity, but formations that succeeded in forming governmentsSyriza in Greece and Podemos in Spain. Championed by the same social forces and built by Stalinist and pseudo-left tendencies, their betrayals in imposing austerity on the working class and waging war on behalf of NATO imperialism ended in disaster and collapse. The timid manoeuvres of the Corbynites take place under conditions where Labour under Keir Starmer has formed a right-wing government proud to be the most business friendly in British history, which is intent on imposing austerity on the working class and whipping up anti-migrant sentiment, is openly Zionist and supports the genocide of the Palestinians, and which is in the front rank of those urging that the proxy NATO war in Ukraine is escalated to the direct use of cruise missiles against Russia. This makes the formation of a new workers party the most urgent question. But the right-wing evolution of Labour into a such a naked party of big business and imperialist war was not reversed by Corbyns leadership and cannot be answered by the formation of what would essentially be a Labour Party Mark II. The essential motivation of those involved in the new party discussions is to police the inevitable confrontation developing between the Starmer government and the working class, to prevent a social explosion and confine workers to a parliamentary struggle for the election of a few candidates of protestpositioned, as they declare, between the Greens and the Workers Party and drawn when possible from the Labour and trade union bureaucracy. During the general election, in a June 28 polemic against Feinstein and Collective, the Socialist Equality Party (SEP) explained that the fundamental reason for the failure of the Corbyn project was not ultimately the milquetoast character of his leadership, but fundamental shifts in the very organisation of world capitalism. The development of transnational production and the global integration of finance and manufacturing has dramatically undermined the viability of the old trade unions and Stalinist and social democratic parties that were embedded in the nation-state system, to which they all responded by junking their former reformist programmes. The Labour left shares the right-wings nationalist and pro-capitalist programme, differing only in their advocacy of a few of the reforms the Blairites have abandoned. Today, only a socialist and internationalist programme offers a way forward for the working class. This appraisal holds equally true for the trade unions which the pseudo-left groups hail as the essential organisations of the working class and the bedrock of any new party venture. They are dominated by a bureaucracy whose nationalist programme of support for British capitalism and collusion with the corporations and the state in policing and betraying the struggles of their members finds finished expression in their corporatist alliance with Starmers Labour Party. The building of a socialist and internationalist party is what now confronts the working class in Britain and all over the world. Only in an alliance with their class brothers and sisters in a globally organised struggle can workers combat the drive of transnational corporations and banks and their parties and governments for austerity, the rise of the far right that feeds off the despair produced by capitalism and the vile nationalism of the official parties, including Labour, and the escalation of war and all its horrors in Europe, the Middle East and throughout the world. The SEP urges the formation of rank-and-file committees in every workplace to lead a fight against the employers and in a rebellion against the union bureaucracy. We call on young people and workers to join the International Youth and Students for Social Equality and to become members of our party to take forward the necessary fight for the socialist political reorientation of the working class. The SEP is the British section of the International Committee of the Fourth International, the world party of socialist revolution founded by Leon Trotsky in 1938. Its entire existence is one of political struggle against Stalinism, reformism and imperialism and all those tendencies that tried to confine the working class to the leadership of bureaucracies that betrayed again and again to devastating effect, and which have now suffered political collapse. The most advanced workers and youth assimilating the lessons these decades of struggle is the necessary political foundation for resolving the crisis of working-class leadership. On September 27, the General Confederation of Workers (CGT) union has called a national one-day strike in Spain against the Israeli genocide in Gaza. Student strikes across Spain are also planned, with protests in multiple cities. Podemos and allied parties like Sumar have endorsed this action, though their affiliated unions, the social-democratic Union General de Trabajadores (UGT) and the Podemos-linked Comisiones Obreras (CCOO), refused to join. People march during a protest in support of Palestinians and calling for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza, in Barcelona, Saturday, Jan. 20, 2024. [AP Photo/Emilio Morenatti] These demonstrations, coming amid calls for an October 1 nationwide protest in France and an October 3 anti-war demonstration in Berlin, point to explosive opposition among workers and youth to genocide and imperialist war. However, these protests raise urgent questions of perspective and class orientation. Since the Zionist genocide began a year ago, there have been many mass demonstrations in Spain against it. But they have not kept Spains Socialist Party (PSOE)-Sumar government, like the previous PSOE-Podemos government, from arming and supporting the Israeli state as it massacres Palestinians and now assaults Lebanon. Spain remains on the front line of Israels genocidal aggression in the Middle East and NATOs war with Russia in Ukraine. Protests against the genocide have up to now appealed to the capitalist state to stop collaborating with Israel. Workers joined individually in protests controlled by parties of the capitalist government, like Podemos and Sumar in Spain, not in collective strike action. This did not challenge the deadening grip of the CCOO and UGT bureaucracies over the class struggle, or link workers to their class brothers and sisters opposing the genocide internationally. For workers and youth to stop the genocide, they must take events like tomorrows protest as the point of departure for building an independent movement of rank-and-file workers against genocide and war. Continuing meetings and protests of workers and youth must be organized, and rank-and-file organizations built to prepare actions independently of the pro-government bureaucracies. This is the only way for workers to bring forward the opposition to genocide and war of the vast majority of the people against parties that are hardened defenders of imperialism. The CGT bureaucracy, a split-off from the anarcho-syndicalist National Confederation of Labour, is not calling the protest to oppose CCOO and UGT inaction on the genocide. It aims to corral growing working class anger and opposition behind the larger union federations and the PSOE-Podemos or PSOE-Sumar governments. The CGT bureaucracy and the pseudo-left satellites of Podemos promote illusions that moral appeals to the PSOE-Sumar government will change its policy. The CGT states: We at CGT demand that the Spanish government immediately break diplomatic, commercial and military relations with Israel, recognise and protect the right of return for all Palestinian refugees and implement all necessary measures to end the occupation by the Zionist State of Israel. Revolutionary Left, the former Spanish affiliate of the International Marxist Tendency (IMT), has called for a student strike through its youth organisation, the Students Union. After stating that it has no confidence in governments or in rotten diplomacy, its call ends by appealing to these governments and this diplomacy, demanding the immediate breaking of all relations with the genocidal State of Israel. The Morenoite Revolutionary Workers Current (CRT) claims it is necessary to demand that the leadership of CCOO and UGT mobilize and break with their passivity and support for the progressive [social-democratic and Sumar] government. After a year of genocide, fundamental political conclusions must be drawn on the bankruptcy of this perspective. The UGT and CCOO bureaucracies will not lead a struggle to halt the genocide. No matter how many moral appeals the PSOE-Sumar government receives, it presses ahead, like Spains other NATO allies. This is because Podemos and Sumar advance not a struggle against capitalism, but the interests of Spanish imperialism. Podemos, Sumar and their pseudo-left defenders crossed every red line as the NATO powers normalized genocide and war crimes. The International Court of Justice (ICJ) is prosecuting Israel on genocide charges, and arrest warrants were issued for top Israeli officials. But the PSOE-Sumar and PSOE-Podemos governments continued Spains arms trade with Israel, as well as other commercial and diplomatic relations with the Zionist regime. Although Madrid claimed it would not join NATO naval missions in the Middle East, in August Iran reported that the Spanish Navys flagship, the aircraft carrier Juan Carlos I, was in the Strait of Hormuz along with several US ships. In August, it was announced that a Spanish frigate would join a NATO naval group in the Mediterranean supporting Israel. Moreover, the PSOE, with its allies Podemos and Sumar, have kept arming Ukraine, even as Washington now announces plans for long-distance bombing across Russia. In May, Madrid pledged to supply Ukraine with Spains largest-ever, 1.129 billion package of military aid. Thousands of Ukrainians received military training in Spain before being sent to die at the front as cannon fodder for NATO. The Spanish supporters of the International Committee of the Fourth International (ICFI), the leadership of the Trotskyist movement and publisher of the World Socialist Web Site, explain that stopping the genocide means breaking the pseudo-lefts political grip over the class struggle. It advances the following necessary demands, whose implementation requires a revolutionary break by workers and youth with parties of the affluent middle class like Podemos. Stop the Gaza genocide, mobilize workers internationally to block arms shipments to Israel! Workers in Spain and internationally must struggle to block the production and delivery of arms to the Israeli regime. Israeli officials charged with genocide by international tribunals, as well as NATO officials implicated in the genocide, must be prosecuted. Workers must oppose political parties, whether overtly fascistic, supposedly democratic or left populist, complicit in genocide or planning aggressive warthe crime for which Nazi leaders were executed after the Nuremburg Trials. Stop war with Russia, dismantle the NATO alliance, no to NATO bases in Spain! NATOs war escalation against Russia, which threatens to provoke a bloodbath and a nuclear conflagration across all of Europe, must be stopped. NATO bases in Spain in Rota and Moron, agreed between Washington and Spains fascist Francoite regime after World War II, must be dismantled. Spain must leave the NATO alliance, in the course of a struggle by workers internationally to dissolve NATO and halt Europes plunge into a Third World War. Rescind military spending increases and pension cuts, impound EU bank bailout funds! The PSOE-Podemos government approved Spains largest-ever increase in military spending, which now reaches 2.17 percent of GDP. It paid for this by cuts to pensions and wages and other austerity measures targeting workers, even as Podemos handed tens of billions of euros of EU bailout funds to Spanish corporations. These military spending increases and social cuts must be rescinded, and EU public funds impounded to serve the social needs of the population. The struggle for such demands is inseparable from the building of a political movement in the European and international working class to take power out of the hands of the capitalist aristocracy and build workers governments pursuing socialist policies. This struggle cannot be pursued under the control of Podemos and its middle-class political satellites. It requires the building of sections of the ICFI as the revolutionary political leadership of the working class in Spain and internationally. After six years in office, Quebecs national-autonomist Coalition Avenir Quebec (CAQ) government faces mounting popular anger and disaffection. Under Premier Francois Legault, the CAQ has slashed social spending, aggressively cut taxes for the rich and plied big business with massive subsidies, while attacking workers rights and pushing through chauvinist laws targeting minorities. To date, the fall in CAQ support has almost exclusively benefited the big business, pro-independence Parti Quebecois (PQ). For the past 10 months, the PQ has led the opinion polls, and with 30 percent support, currently leads the CAQ by six percentage-points. This commanding lead is all the more notable given that the PQ nearly fell off the political map in the 2022 election, winning just 3 of the 125 seats in the National Assembly. This debacle marked a new low point for the PQ in a protracted political decline that began with the 2003 election, when it was ousted from power after carrying out a zero deficit campaign under Premiers Lucien Bouchard and Bernard Landry that ravaged education, health care and social services. The PQ responded to the shattering of its base of electoral support within the working class by lurching still further to the right. Over the course of the past two decades it has shredded all progressive pretensions about its independence programabove all the fraudulent claim that a capitalist Republique du Quebec would bring social reformsand has based its separatist appeals ever more openly on Quebec chauvinism and national exclusivism. This PQ poster promoting its independence program shows a photo of its leader, Paul St-Pierre Plamondon, superimposed on a map of Quebec. [Photo: St. Pierre Plamondon/Facebook] Since Paul St.-Pierre Plamondons election as party leader in October 2020, the PQ no longer feels the slightest embarrassment about advocating ultra-nationalist politics, historically associated with the far right. Benefiting from the support of large sections of the ruling class and favorable coverage in the mass media, particularly the tabloids of the Quebecor Group owned by billionaire and former PQ leader Pierre-Karl Peladeau, the PQ sets the tone for bourgeois politics in Quebec with a constant and virulent agitation against immigrants and immigration. Attacking the CAQ from the right, the PQ blames immigrants for myriad social ills, from the housing crisis to the collapse of public services, and has promised to soon announce a plan to drastically reduce immigration. Adapting to a Quebec context the fascist theory of the Great Replacement promoted by the likes of Donald Trump in the US and Eric Zemmour and Marine Le Pen in France, St.-Pierre Plamondon accuses Justin Trudeaus federal Liberal government of plotting to wipe out the Quebec nation by drowning French-speaking Quebec in a sea of English-speaking or would-be English-speaking immigrants. In keeping with this far-right orientation, the PQ is promising to restore law and order in Quebec by hiring a huge number of new police officers. It also advocates adopting McCarthyist-style measures to promote Quebec pride and values, such as requiring every teacher to display a Quebec flag in the classroom under threat of being reported to inspectors. Despite its incessant denunciations of the Canadian federal state as the oppressor of the Quebec people, the PQ is a diehard defender of Canadian and American imperialism. In an interview with Radio-Canada in October 2023, St.-Pierre Plamondon reiterated that an independent Quebec would be a member of NATO and NORAD (the North American Aerospace Defense Command), and would always remain loyal to the geopolitical interests of North America in terms of resources and defense. Of course, the PQ leaderlike the entire Quebec ruling elite, both its sovereignist and federalist wingsunreservedly supports Ottawa and Washington in their funding and arming of the genocidal Israeli state against the Palestinians, in their dangerous escalation of NATOs war against Russia in Ukraine and in their economic and military-strategic offensive against China. The fact that an ultra-nationalist and increasingly far-right party like the PQ is benefiting from growing opposition to the CAQ government is not a unique Quebec phenomenon. It parallels the strengthening of far-right forces across Canada and internationally. At the federal level, where Justin Trudeaus trade union and NDP-supported minority Liberal government is discredited by its capitalist austerity measures, its numerous interventions to illegalize strikes (most recently against railway workers) and its bellicose foreign policy (notably its open support for the genocide of the Palestinians), it is the official opposition Conservative Party that has seized the political initiative and is currently dominating in voting intentions. The Conservatives are led by the far-right demagogue Pierre Poilievre, who wholeheartedly supported the Freedom Convoy, a fascist-led, extra-parliamentary movement backed by key sections of the ruling class that menacingly occupied downtown Ottawa in January and February 2022 to press for an immediate end to the limited health measures that had been put in place to combat the COVID-19 pandemic. Poilievre and his Conservatives have the support of large sections of the ruling class who consider them better positioned than the Trudeau Liberals to impose intensified austerity and war policies and, if necessary, brutally repress any working class opposition. In the United States, the Republican Party, which has increasingly morphed into a fascist party under Trump, is exploiting the fact that the Democrats have nothing to offer working people but austerity, war and mass poverty to falsely cast itself as the voice of the forgotten. In Germany, the neo-Nazi Alternative for Germany (AfD), which recently emerged as the largest and second-largest party in elections in two German federal states, an unprecedented feat since the collapse of Hitlers Third Reich, is benefiting from the rightward march of all the traditional bourgeois parties, which have largely adopted its anti-refugee program. Both the current national coalition government led by the Social Democrats and its traditional conservative rival, the Christian Democrats, are entirely focused on diverting hundreds of billions of dollars from social spending to funding the war in Ukraine and a vast rearmament program. Similarly, the rise in the PQs support is not due to the popularity of its chauvinist and xenophobic policies, but to the rightward turn of the entire ruling class. In Quebec, as elsewhere, it is the inability of the ruling elites traditional parties to respond to the needs and aspirations of working people that makes a section of the population vulnerable to the clarion call of far-right populism. Union leaders paraded Parti Quebecois leader Paul St-Pierre Plamondon and prominent Quebec Liberal legislator Marwa Rizqyrepresentatives of big business parties that have imposed drastic cuts on the public sector, notably through emergency anti-strike legislationbefore a Nov. 23 rally of striking public sector workers outside the National Assembly. In this picture, St-Pierre Plamondon is second from the left in the back row, and Rizqy is in the front on the extreme right. [Photo: Conseil Central de Quebec Chaudiere-Appalaches (CSN)/Facebook] But first and foremost, the PQ owes its revival to the trade union bureaucracy which, with the political support of Quebec Solidaire, (QS) the ostensible left party of the upper-middle classes, has systematically stifled the class struggle while assiduously promoting Quebec nationalism. The provinces major labour organizations advocate social dialogue with the Legault government and big business. Under the banner of national unity, they rallied to the support of the Legault government at the start of the COVID-19 and fully supported its profits before lives policy under which workers were prematurely forced back to work so as to churn out profits for big business. They then prevented the outrage aroused by the CAQ and Trudeau governments anti-worker policies from taking a progressive course by sabotaging all workers strugglesin particular the vast strike movement by public sector workers at the end of 2023. This has created a social climate in which the ultra-nationalist demagogues of the PQ can exploit mounting popular anger for their own ends. If the PQ, a big business party responsible for implementing the biggest social cuts in Quebecs history, can still claim to make a pretense of speaking for ordinary Quebecers, it is because it can count on the unions and QS continuing to provide it with political cover. Sharing the PQs reactionary pro-independence program and allied it with it in Oui Quebec and other non-partisan pro-sovereignty forums, Quebec Solidaire goes so far as to defend the PQs turn towards openly xenophobic Quebec nationalism. It has repeatedly insisted that the PQs discourse on immigration is not intolerant or racist, and rooted in legitimate concerns. The danger posed by the PQ and its virulent Quebec chauvinism cannot be fought without a conscious rejection by the working class and youth of the entire program of Quebec nationalismand its equally reactionary counterpart, Canadian nationalism. Only a unified struggle by all workersFrench-speaking, English-speaking and immigrantin close solidarity with the international working class for workers power and socialism can defeat the far-right threat. The World Socialist Web Site invites workers and other readers to contribute to this regular feature. Europe Greek rail workers hold nationwide strike for safety measures Rail workers in Greece held a 24-hour strike Thursday. They called for increased staffing levels, the replacement of old rolling stock, and for safety to be improved across the network. Workers at Hellenic Rail, privatised under the pseudo-left SYRIZA government in 2017, called attention to the disaster at Tempe in February 2023, where 57 people were killed in a train crash. ef.syn reported that a similar disaster was narrowly averted two weeks ago. The driver of a commuter train noticed another train on the same line, heading for a head-on collision, but promptly contacted the other driver and stopped both trains. The deputy minister of transport of the right-wing New Democracy government reportedly denied the incident happened and attacked drivers for citing the danger of another deadly crash. French government sends riot police against cost-of-living protests in Martinique Workers in Martinique, a French overseas department in the Caribbean, have been holding protests against the high cost of living since the start of September. This week, lorry drivers stopped work on Tuesday and drove slowly in a snail operation in protest, Le Figaro reported. Health workers begin a strike tomorrow. According to Reuters, workers at state-owned energy company EDF in neighbouring Guadeloupe stopped work last week in linked protests. Also last week, the Martinique authorities imposed curfews and a ban on protests, citing violence, including gunfire injuring several police officers. This week, the French government dispatched CRS riot police to Martinique, after protestors defied the ban on demonstrations. According to Euronews, the Martinican government requested the deployment of the CRS, banned in Martinique since 1959 when its agents killed three young Martinicans in a brutal intervention. Strikes at schools in Navarre and Madrid, Spain over pay and class sizes Teachers in Navarre, Spain, held a stoppage Thursday, demanding reduction of class sizes and real terms pay increases. The unions representing teachers walked out of a negotiation meeting with the PSOE Minister of Education Carlos Gimeno on Tuesday. They accused the Navarrese government of calling the meeting to take a photo and put out a press release saying it had negotiated. Gimeno refused to meet teachers demands, claiming the quantification of their cost makes their realisation impossible and that reducing class sizes would cost 131 million euros. This is around 0.6 percent of Navarres GDP. On Wednesday, teachers in Madrid schools joined a pair of two-hour partial strikes, calling for a reduction in teaching hours. The right-wing Peoples Party government imposed a high minimum service requirement, requiring one teacher for every 50 pupils in primary schools and one teacher for every 90 secondary school pupils, according to Europa Press. Vehicle inspectors strike in Andalusia, Spain Workers at the ITV vehicle inspection service in the Spanish autonomous community of Andalusia have been holding strikes since September 19 for a new collective agreement. The Workers Commissions and General Workers Union said 98 percent of workers who could join the strike did so on its first day. The strikes last a total of eight days in September. The Andalusian government imposed a minimum service requirement that 15 percent of inspectors and 45 percent of administrative staff work during the strike, Europa Press reported. Private fire safety workers in Italy strike for new collective agreement On September 16, workers at Gruppo Servizi Associati (GSA), a company providing fire safety services to hospitals, motorways, ports and many other areas, began a four-hour strike to call for a new collective agreement. A press release by the CGIL union said workers at GSA find themselves bound to a collective labour agreement that offers an hourly wage of 6 euros, and can work 20 consecutive days with no day off. CGIL accused GSA of signing the current contract with a trade union of convenience, i.e., one chosen by the company rather than the workers. According to Firenze Today, the unions are calling for GSA to apply the same contract governing conditions for firefighters in ports, in which the monthly pay is 500 euros higher. GSA claimed the strike is illegitimate in law, as it is for demands totally dissociated from the logic and functioning of the public and private procurement market in the sector and would even put at risk the existence of the business, ADN reported. GSA threatened that any workers who joined the strike could face possible consequences on a disciplinary level and beyond. Disability assistants in Norway strike for equal pay Around 10 in-home care workers in Norway, who provide care and assistance to disabled people, have been on strike since September 12. They will be joined by 19 more colleagues from Friday. According to FriFagbevegelse, personal care assistants employed by the NHO Geneo association do not have a collective agreement with the unions, while the Virke association does. The Fagforbundet union, which has 271 members in NHO Geneo companies, said we could do nothing but go on strike when NHO Geneo refused to give our members equal pay for equal work. Tine, a user of the service, and her mother joined a rally to support the care workers, telling Fagbladet, They ensure that users get a quality of life that others do not come close to We want the assistants who work for Tine to be paid as well as those who work for companies organised in Virke. Further strikes by UKs Royal Fleet Auxiliary workers over pay and conditions UK seafarers on the Royal Fleet Auxiliary (RFA) took further strike action from Monday over low pay and conditions. The Rail, Maritime and Transport (RMT) union members already held five days of stoppages. The RMT divided the current action on a sectional basis. On Monday, all deck department seafarers walked out, on Tuesday it was catering and supply staff, while Wednesday involved engine room and communication information workers. On Sunday, the RMT staged a protest outside the UK Labour Party conference in Liverpool, calling for pay justice for RFA seafarers. The rally was addressed by RMT General Secretary Mick Lynch. The union refuses to link attacks on living standards with the Gaza genocide and escalating wars in the Middle East and Ukraine, financed by NATO, including the UK Labour government. The RFA, owned by the Ministry of Defence, provides operational and logistical aid to the Royal Marines and Royal Navy, including in the Middle East supporting Israel. The RMT, with other unions, ignored an appeal for solidarity action in October 2023. The Palestinian General Federation of Trade Unions Gaza and 31 other unions and professional associations had issued their global counterparts An Urgent Call from Palestinian Trade Unions: End All Complicity, Stop Arming Israel. Rail workers on UK Heathrow Express service hold 48-hour stoppage over pay On Monday, rail workers on the UK Heathrow Express between central London and Heathrow airport began a 48-hour stoppage. The RMT union members overwhelmingly rejected a pay offer and voted to strike for improved pay and conditions. More stoppages by job centre security guards in England over pay Around 600 security guards at job centres in England began a week-long strike Monday. The 600 Public and Commercial Services (PCS) union members are employed by outsourced company G4S on the minimum wage of 11.44 an hour. They turned down an offer of an extra 23p an hour. Picket lines were mounted at Birkenhead, Bradford, Grimsby, Middleton, Oldham, St Helens, Sheffield and Walsall. Around 1,500 GMB union members working as security guards have also taken action over pay and held a joint strike with PCS members at the end of August. GMB began stoppages in May, while PCS members began in June. The GMB union suspended action by its members while they vote on an improved offer from G4S. PCS members are also balloting on the offer and on holding any further pay stoppages. The walkouts by security guards have led to the closure of some job centres over safety concerns. School support staff in Birmingham, UK strike over equal pay Around 1,500 school support staff in the UK city of Birmingham went on strike Monday. Those taking part included administrative, catering, ground maintenance staff and teaching assistants at 35 schools across the city. The GMB union members are pursuing an outstanding claim for equal pay. The mainly women workers argue they should be paid the same rates as workers in male-dominated roles. They last walked out over the issue in May. Around 800 of the strikers held a rally in Birminghams Victoria Square. GMB states further action could take place, and another 15 schools are balloting over the issue. BirminghamLive quoted a Birmingham council spokesperson saying, The council has been engaging with GMB and UNISON for many years on equal pay. A new approach to job evaluation to settle Birminghams equal pay issues once and for all was agreed with the Trades Unions in October 2023. The council is keen to work together with our recognised unions to explore solutions, as it remains committed to resolving historic equal pay issues and settling all legitimate claims from our employees. Birmingham city council, Europes largest local authority, serving 1.1 million people, is one of several councils declared effectively bankrupt since 2017. In March, the Labour-run council approved a further 300 million cuts to key servicesthe largest cut ever imposed in the history of local government. Teachers at two UK Thames Learning Trust schools strike over medical appointments policy Teachers and support staff at Reading Girls School and Baylis Court in Slough, part of Thames Learning Trust in England, walked out Tuesday and Wednesday. The National Education Union (NEU) members oppose to the trusts policy on attending medical appointments in school hours. The trust, which runs six schools in the area, says teachers must take this as unpaid leave. The NEU members held a stoppage on September 19 over the issue, and a further walkout is planned October 1-3. Hospital nursing staff at London hospital trust strike over pay grading Health care assistants (HCAs) working for Lewisham and Greenwich NHS Trust in the UK capital began a three-day stoppage Tuesday. The Unison union members are pushing for HCAs, on Agenda for Change band 2 but performing clinical tasks, to be paid the higher band 3 level. They are also calling for the upgraded pay to be backdated. The striking HCAs set up picket lines at University Hospital Lewisham and Queen Elizabeth Hospital in Greenwich. The HCAs previously held a 48-hour stoppage, begun September 4. Refuse workers on strike in Sheffield, UK hold protests as dispute continues UK refuse collection workers in Sheffield, who are continuing their all-out strike begun August 20, have mounted protests against employer Veolia, which contracts with the city. The stoppage by around 100 Unite union members at the Lumley Street depot follows a week-long strike begun July 29. They are protesting the companys refusal to recognise Unite for collective bargaining, despite the union representing 80 percent of the workforce. Veolia, under contract to Sheffield City Council for refuse collection, recognises the GMB union. It disputes Unites 80 percent figure, saying it is only 47 percent. Veolia reaches this figure by including depots outside Sheffield in its count. On Thursday, some of the striking workers supported by other Unite members lobbied a meeting of the Leeds and York NHS Foundation in Leeds. The trust has a financial relationship with Veolia through a funding collaboration scheme. On September 20, some strikers and Unite officials protested outside Veolias headquarters in Paris. Veolia, a French transnational, is involved in energy services, waste management and water management, services normally managed by public authorities. Unite has a national bargaining agreement with Veolia across numerous depots throughout the UK. Veolia is attempting to break the strike by using workers normally based in Barnsley. The GMB union is not opposing this. Food production workers in Spalding, UK set to walk out over pay Around 700 UK food production workers employed by Bakkavor at their plant in Spalding in Lincolnshire, are due to begin a continuous stoppage on Friday. The walkout comes after the Unite union members overwhelmingly rejected a 6 percent pay rise offer made in May, with over 92 percent voting to strike. Unite represents about half the workforce at the site and the action is expected to impact supplies of food products and cause nationwide shortages. Bakkavor produces food products such as bread, desserts, pizzas and salads for UK supermarket chains including Marks & Spencer, Tesco and Waitrose. Ten-day strike set for Nottingham trams Around 300 workers on the Nottingham Express Transit (NET) tram system in England are due to begin a 10-day stoppage on Friday. The GMB union members including drivers, maintenance and ticketing staff overwhelmingly rejected a 3.5 percent pay offer and want a 10 percent rise. The 10-day stoppage will coincide with the prestigious Nottingham Goose Fair taking place over the same period. Middle East Ongoing protests in Iran over deteriorating living conditions Protests took place Sunday across Iran, including by retired coal miners in Kerman protesting the dwindling value of pensions failing to keep up with the cost of living. In Zahedan, heavy goods vehicle drivers demonstrated outside the governors office against not being able to obtain fuel cards needed to carry on working. People with disabilities held rallies in Kermanshah, Mashhad, Qom and the capital Tehran. They were protesting the failure of the state to implement Article 27 of the Disability Law, guaranteeing disabled people the right to employment. Other protests included one in Kahnuj. Around 70 students protested the poor state of the infrastructure of their village school in Sharikabad by boycotting lessons. Monday saw the fifth day of protests by around 350 workers at the Mahshahr Petrochemical Terminals and Oil Reservoirs Company who unload chemicals from ships tanks. They were demanding parity of conditions with workers in neighbouring companies and arrears of wages. Oil workers on permanent contracts at various centres, including the South Pars Complex, the Fajr Jam Gas Refining Company and the Pars Kangan Oil and Gas Company (site 2) held protests. Their demands included removal of salary caps, removal of the limitation of retirement years and payment of wage arrears. Protests and strikes are ongoing against Irans authoritarian regime and collapsing living standards, exacerbated by US sanctions. The Israeli bombing and imminent invasion of Lebanon on the pretext of targeting Iranian-backed Hezbollah are a prelude to NATO military action against Iran, which it accuses of arming Russia. Africa Teachers in Nigerian capital territory walk out over pay arrears Primary school teachers in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) around Abuja, Nigeria went on indefinite strike September 22, demanding payment of arrears of their N35,000 wage award and other entitlements. Previously, the unions collaborated with the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, to obtain 40 percent of the total sum of 25 months minimum wage arrears repaid to get teachers back to work. Strikers are determined that public primary schools in FCT will remain closed until they are paid what they are owed. Residents in Oyo State, Nigeria protest to stop mass evictions Thousands of residents of Oyo State, Nigeria held a protest in Ibadan, the state capita,l on September 23, against the requisition and demolition of their homes to make way for a corridor road. Victims of the evictions and African Action Congress members held up the demolition, which will displace up to 300,000 people and has already cost dozens of lives, according to local news reports. Protesters pushed through the main entrance of the Oyo state government secretariat in Agodi, shouting, No more corridor to prevent government plans. Residents also blocked some of Ibadans major roads last week and stormed the state secretariat to prevent the demolition proceeding. Kenya university staff on pay strike in defiance of union-backed court order Kenya university staff began strike action on September 18. They are demanding a pay rise of 7-10 percent in line with the 2021-2025 Collective Bargaining Agreement, after years of the government refusing to abide by its own agreement. Acting in the interests of the government, Justice Jacob Gakeri ordered the suspension of the strike by the University Academic Staff Union and the Kenya Universities Staff Union members. The unions responded by instructing the university staff to return to work. The workers, however, held a strike and peaceful protest September 24 in the Nairobi Central Business District. Police responded by throwing teargas canisters to disperse them. On Tuesday evening, the newly elected president of Sri Lanka, Anura Kumara Dissanayake, issued a special gazette notification dissolving the parliament, effective from midnight, and calling snap general elections on November 14. Dissanayake, the leader of the Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna (JVP) and its electoral front, the National Peoples Power (NPP), was elected as executive president in elections held Saturday and sworn in on Monday. Sri Lankan President Dissanayake meets with military chiefs in Colombo, September 24, 2024 [Photo: Sri Lankan Presidents' Media Division] Dissanayake had repeatedly insisted his intention to call new elections which were due by mid-next year. He wants to establish a stable government with a clear parliamentary majority for the JVP/NPP, in order to implement the harsh austerity measures dictated by the International Monetary Fund (IMF). Dissanayake and his JVP/NPP are well aware that the IMF agenda, which involves sweeping privatisation, the destruction of hundreds of thousands of public sector jobs, and deep cuts into essential services, will provoke widespread hostility and opposition. Just two years ago in 2022, President Gotabhaya Rajapakse was forced to flee the country and resign in the face of a mass uprising after the country defaulted on its debts. Millions of workers, youth and rural poor came onto the streets in strikes and protests over the acute scarcity and skyrocketing prices of food, fuel and medicine and lengthy daily power outages. Ranil Wickremesinghe, who was undemocratically installed via parliament as president, provoked further mass strikes and protests after he signed a deal with the IMF for a $3 billion bailout loan and began to implement its harsh measures. The trade unions, particularly those led by the JVP, played a critical role in limiting and selling out industrial action that repeatedly erupted. The JVP finally shut down all strikes and protests prior to the election, claiming a win by Dissanayake would resolve the problems facing working people. At the same time, during the election campaign, Dissanayake reassured big business and foreign investors that the JVP/NPP, while seeking to renegotiate terms with the IMF, would implement its harsh measures. Currently the JVP/NPP has only three members in a 225-member parliament. The JVP, which is falsely presented in the media as leftist and Marxist, has never held power before. It was established in 1966 on the basis of Maoism/Castroism and divisive Sinhala populism and led two disastrous armed uprisings of Sinhala youth, before integrating itself into the Colombo political establishment from the 1990s. In last Saturdays poll, Dissanayake received 42 percent of first-preference votes by trading on the JVPs anti-establishment posturing, as compared to just 3.8 percent in the 2019 presidential election. Dissanayake has called the snap election in a desperate bid to cash in on the groundswell of support, before the realization sets in that the JVP is another political instrument of big business and international finance capital. He has declared that the JVP/NPP wants to achieve a two-thirds parliamentary majority and thus the ability to change the countrys constitution. Before dissolving parliament, Dissanayake appointed Harini Amarasuriya, a national list MP from the NPP, as prime minister. She is already being hailed in the local and international media as the countrys third female prime minister. President Dissanayake with Dr Harini Amarasuriya (left), who was sworn in as new prime minister of Sri Lanka, at the Presidential Secretariat on September 25, 2024 [Photo: Sri Lankan President's Media Division] Amarasuriya, a former academic, does not have a long history with the JVP and is not known to be a member. She is a member of its NPP front organisation, through which it has gathered groups of academics and business layers as well as former police and military officers, and participated in Dissanayakes 2019 presidential campaign. Amarasuriya was elected to parliament in the 2020 general elections from the NPP national list, which allocates seats for each party proportional to its total national vote. Her class background is symptomatic of layers of the upper-middle class that the JVP has drawn around it via the NPP. She is the daughter of a tea plantation owner and through her family background has intimate ties to the countrys ruling elites. Through her appointment as prime minister, Dissanayake is sending a very clear message to the ruling class and big business, as well as to the US and India, that his government is committed to serving their interests. Amarasuriya has also been appointed as minister for Justice, Education, Health and Trade, as well as to several other portfolios. With the dissolution of parliament, the Sri Lankan government now consists of three membersDissanayake, Amarasuriya and Vijitha Herathuntil the results of the November 14 election are known and the new parliament is sworn in. Dissananyake has appointed himself to the powerful ministerial posts of Defence and Finance, as well as Energy and Agriculture and Fisheries. The third member of the ruling troika, Herath, is a longstanding JVP member who, like Dissanayake, served as a minister in 20045 in the Sri Lanka Freedom Party coalition government of Prime Minister Chandrika Kumaratunga, in which the JVP was a junior partner. Herath was the Minister for Cultural Affairs and National Heritage. As such, both Dissanayake and Herath bear political responsibility for imposing the governments harsh economic measures. In the current three-person government, Herath holds the important portfolios of Foreign Affairs and Public Security as well as Buddhist Affairs, Religious and Cultural Affairs, National Integration, Social Security, Media, Transport, Highways, Ports and Civil Aviation. In line with the sweeping powers of the executive presidency, Dissanayake has also made new appointments to key government bodies, including the government-owned media. These include top administrative posts in the state apparatusthe secretaries to a number of ministries. His re-appointment of Mahinda Siriwardana as Treasury Secretary is significant. A former deputy governor of the Central Bank, Siriwardana has previously been an alternative executive director of the IMF for Sri Lanka, India, Bangladesh and Bhutan. As Treasury Secretary, he played a key role in negotiations with the IMF on terms of the bailout loan agreed by former president Wickremesinghe, who even granted Siriwardana a one-year extension in the post. By reappointing Siriwardana, Dissanayake is giving a clear signal to the IMF, foreign creditors and big business that his government will toe the line and implement the IMFs austerity agenda. A day earlier, the IMF declared that it was looking forward to working with Dissanayake and his team towards building on the hard-won gains that have helped put Sri Lanka on the path to economic recovery since entering on one of its worst economic crises in 2022. The IMF also said it was seeking talks with the government on the timing of the third review of its program in Sri Lanka as soon as practicable. The steps carried out by Wickremesinghe that have already provoked opposition are just the beginning of what the IMF is demanding. The IMF will insist that Dissanayake get on with the job of selling off or restructuring more than 400 state enterprises, further increase taxes and make massive cuts to public spending. A statement by global ratings agency Moodys expressed its confidence that the Dissanayake government would adhere to the IMF reform agenda. While Dissanayakes election constitutes a major shift in Sri Lankas political landscape, we believe the broad appetite for reforms will remain intact. We do not expect significant disruption to the countrys reform agenda or macroeconomic policies, which include the ongoing debt restructuring and structural adjustments. The working class is going to come into conflict with the new JVP/NPP government as it tears up its promises of improved living conditions, implements the IMFs demands and resorts to police state measures against any opposition or criticism. In opposition to all the parties of the Colombo political establishment, including the JVP, the Socialist Equality Party (SEP) and its candidate Pani Wijesiriwardena campaigned for a socialist and international program as the only means for halting the drive to world war, the relentless austerity measures and moves towards dictatorial forms of rule. In opposition to the chorus of congratulations for Dissanayake, running from the US State Department and India to political leaders and the media in Colombo and the various fake lefts, the SEP has warned that this government will only deepen the assault on the working class. As the WSWS perspective published on September 23 stated, The SEP will now develop the struggle to unite and mobilise the working class as an independent political power, rallying the rural masses and other oppressed behind it, to meet the blows of the incoming JVP government and advance the fight against war, IMF austerity and for social equalitythat is, revolutionary socialism. Amid ongoing high-level meetings between NATO leaders and Ukrainian officials at the United Nations over plans to allow Kiev to strike Russian cities with NATO weapons, Russian President Vladimir Putin outlined Wednesday a proposed update to Russias nuclear policy document that would expand the conditions under which Moscow would use nuclear weapons. A Yars intercontinental ballistic missile is test-fired as part of Russia's nuclear drills from a launch site in Plesetsk, northwestern Russia on Oct. 26, 2022. [AP Photo/Russian Defense Ministry Press Service] Speaking before a meeting of the Russian Security Council, Putin said, The updated version of the document proposes that aggression against Russia by any non-nuclear-weapon state, but with the participation or support of a nuclear-weapon state, should be considered as a joint attack on the Russian Federation. Putin said that the conditions for launching a nuclear strike would include reliable information about a massive launch of aerospace attack means their crossing of our state border. He added, We reserve the right to use nuclear weapons in the event of aggression against Russia and Belarus. The proposal is the most blunt and concrete threat to date by Putin to use Russias nuclear arsenal, one of the two largest in the world, to respond to far-advanced plans by the NATO powers to allow Ukraine to use NATO weapons to strike deep inside Russia. Putins proposal follows a series of demands from high-ranking figures within the Russian political establishment that the president respond to increasingly regular incursions over the Russian border using NATO missiles, bombs, tanks and armored vehicles. In September, former Kremlin adviser Sergey Karaganov declared, We have allowed the situation to deteriorate to a point when our adversaries believe we will not use nuclear weapons under any circumstances. ... Its high time we stated that any massive strikes against our territory give us a right to respond with a nuclear strike. Earlier this month, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken visited Kiev, together with UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy, where he opened the door to allowing Ukraine to use NATO weapons to strike deep inside Russia. From day one, as you heard me say, we have adjusted and adapted as needs have changed, as the battlefield has changed, and I have no doubt that we will continue to do so as this evolves, Blinken said. Reporting on the discussions, the Guardian reported, British government sources indicated that a decision had already been made to allow Ukraine to use Storm Shadow cruise missiles on targets inside Russia. Ultimately, no public announcement was made that week, and US officials decided to wait until a series of meetings around the UN General Assembly, which is now ongoing. On Thursday, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky is expected to announce a victory plan for Ukraine, which, according to US and European news reports, will include a public call for allowing Ukraine to attack Russia with long-range NATO weapons, as well as a call for Ukraine to join NATO. Central to the plan is likely to be the demand that the Biden administration remove limits on Ukraines use of Army Tactical Missile Systems (ATACMS) to strike deep into Russia, reported the Financial Times. The expected proposal by Zelensky has been accompanied by a full-court press in the US and European media and political establishment in support of the proposal. Biden should okay long-range missiles for Ukraine, declared the Washington Post. Former UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson declared in the Spectator, Its time to let Ukraine join NATO. Johnson declared, We could invite Ukraine to join before the war is even over, asserting an Article 5 security guarantee and the absolute right of the Ukrainians to the whole of their 1991 nation. Such an action would, in fact, be a declaration of war by NATO against Russia in the first full-scale conflict between two nuclear powers in history. The chorus was joined by Democratic Congressman Steve Cohen, the House ranking member of the Commission on Security and Cooperation in Europe, who declared, I think they need to go forward with offensive weapons and strike into Russia and bring the war home to the Russian people. ... This war would have been much closer to endingon Ukraines terms, but endingif wed have given them those weapons earlier. In remarks Wednesday, US President Joe Biden declared, We stand with Ukraine now and in the future and that starts on the battlefield. Im determined to ensure that Ukraine has what it needs to prevail in its fight for survival. Tomorrow, I will announce a series of actions to accelerate support for Ukraines military. These will include an additional $8 billion in weapons shipments to Ukraine, including munitions, weapons ... combat drones, and material to support munitions production in Ukraine, Reuters reported. To date, the United States has provided more than $175 billion for the war in Ukraine since early 2022. At the ongoing UN General Assembly, leaders of the major NATO powers have delivered a series of unhinged and warmongering speeches, rivalling only that given by US President Joe Biden on Tuesday. Vladimir Putin, when you fire missiles into Ukraine hospitals, we know who you are, screamed British Foreign Secretary David Lammy on Tuesday. Imperialism, I know it when I see it. German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock accused Putin of hiding, declaring, The strongest man in your country can hide behind teenage girls who he kidnapped. But you cannot fool the world. Despite the warmongering speeches at the United Nations, the New York Times struck a note of concern in describing the response among developing nations: Yet a yawning gap between Western capitals and the rest of the world over the wars in Ukraine and elsewhere has been starkly evident throughout the annual United Nations gathering. Leaders from the Global South nations have taken little note of Ukraine, while devoting far more attention to the humanitarian crises in the Gaza Strip and Sudan. Many of them noted that the death toll of Palestinians in the nearly year-old war in Gaza has soared past 41,000, according to the health ministry there. In that light, the United States and other Western powers have been accused of hypocrisy by seeking broad condemnation of Russia for killing civilians in Ukraine while continuing to supply Israel with weapons. Regardless, the Biden administration is absolutely committed to escalating war throughout the world. In his remarks Wednesday, Biden declared that military action is the only way to resolve the crisis in Ukraine, and he fully backed Israels genocide in Gaza. HAIKOU, Sept. 26 (Xinhua) -- A catalog listing 105 tropical crop germplasm banks in China was released on Thursday, underscoring the country's efforts to preserve and utilize its tropical crop resources. The banks are spread across eight provinces and autonomous regions, including Hainan, Guangdong and Xizang, according to the catalog issued by the economic development center of China State Farms during an exchange event in Haikou, the capital of the southern island province of Hainan. To date, the germplasm banks contain more than 90,000 resources, with 73 dedicated to single crops such as rubber trees, lychees and mangoes, said Huang Hui, deputy director of the center. Tropical crop germplasm resources play an important role in China's biodiversity and serve as the foundation for the sustainable development of the country's tropical crop industry. In 2008, the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs launched a project to protect these resources. Huang noted that the release of the catalog aims to improve the germplasm banks and facilitate the transformation and application of scientific and technological achievements in the seed industry, providing significant guidance for the future of China's tropical crop seed sector. A man is seen in a building after an Israeli airstrike in Dahieh, southern Beirut, Lebanon, on Sept. 26, 2024. (Xinhua/Bilal Jawich) JERUSALEM/BEIRUT, Sept. 26 (Xinhua) -- Israeli warplanes continued their deadly airstrikes across Lebanon for the fourth consecutive day on Thursday, as Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu issued a clear rejection of a ceasefire proposal advanced by the United States and France. The Israeli military stated that its drones targeted rocket launchers in southern Lebanon responsible for attacks on Israeli targets. Fighter jets struck "dozens" of Hezbollah targets, including militant cells, launchers, and weapons storage facilities in various areas of southern Lebanon. The Lebanese Health Ministry reported that at least 60 people were killed and 81 others injured in Israeli airstrikes on Thursday across various regions in Lebanon. Lebanese soldiers are seen at the site of an Israeli airstrike in Dahieh, southern Beirut, Lebanon, on Sept. 26, 2024. (Xinhua/Bilal Jawich) Israel conducted 115 attacks on Thursday, the ministry noted, adding that the large-scale airstrikes, which began on Monday and have previously focused on the south and east of Lebanon, have now spread to include regions in the Mount Lebanon Governorate. According to the Israeli military, Hezbollah forces launched approximately 150 rockets toward northern Israel. Israel's Magen David Adom rescue service stated that no casualties resulted from the rocket attacks. Some rockets were intercepted, but others struck communities in northern Israel, where most residents have been displaced due to ongoing cross-border fire. In Rosh Pina, located in the Upper Galilee, a rocket hit a residential home, causing extensive damage. Fires broke out in Rosh Pina, Safed, and Birya as a result of the strikes. An Israeli anti-missile system intercepts rockets fired from Lebanon, as seen from Safed, northern Israel, on Sept. 26, 2024. (Xinhua/Chen Junqing) Hezbollah confirmed the rocket attacks, stating that the bombings and raids were "in defense of Lebanon and its people, and in response to the barbaric Israeli invasion of cities, villages, and civilians." During a situational assessment, Israel's military chief, Hertzi Halevi, rejected the U.S.-led ceasefire call at a UN Security Council emergency meeting. "We must continue to attack Hezbollah," Halevi said. "We have waited for this opportunity for years." Netanyahu echoed this sentiment, stating that Israel "will continue to strike Hezbollah with full force" until all objectives are achieved, including the safe return of northern residents to their homes. Rescuers work at the site of an Israeli airstrike in Dahieh, southern Beirut, Lebanon, on Sept. 26, 2024.(Xinhua/Bilal Jawich) Also on Thursday, Israel's Defense Ministry announced an 8.7-billion-U.S.-dollar aid package from the United States to support Israel's military efforts. The package includes 3.5 billion dollars for "urgent wartime procurement," which has already been transferred to Israel, and an additional 5.2 billion dollars earmarked for air defense systems, including the Iron Dome, David's Sling, and an advanced laser defense system. "This substantial investment will significantly strengthen critical systems like Iron Dome and David's Sling while supporting the continued development of an advanced high-powered laser defense system, currently in its later stages of development," the ministry stated. The United States has been supporting Israel since the beginning of the conflict with Hamas on Oct. 7 last year, sending at least 700 cargo planes with weapons, bombs, and ammunition, according to official Israeli sources. Israel and Hezbollah, a Lebanese armed group and political party, have been trading fire across the border since Oct. 8, 2023, when Hezbollah launched rockets in solidarity with Hamas' deadly attack on communities in southern Israel the previous day. A displaced baby sleeps in a temporary shelter at a school in Beirut, Lebanon on Sept. 26, 2024. Lebanese Environment Minister Nasser Yassin said Wednesday that Israel's bombardment had displaced over 150,000 residents over the past 72 hours. (Xinhua/Bilal Jawich) As of Thursday, the total death toll from the Israel-Hezbollah clashes since last October has reached 1,540, with injuries totaling 5,410, according to the Lebanese health ministry. Since Monday, Israel has conducted extensive airstrikes across Lebanon, resulting in over 650 deaths and more than 2,000 injuries. The Israeli military reported that it has targeted over 2,000 locations during this period. Lebanese Environment Minister Nasser Yassin noted on Wednesday that the bombardment has displaced more than 150,000 residents this week. This sharp escalation has raised concerns about a potential full-scale conflict between Israel and Lebanon, with fears that other regional powers could also become involved. Elon Musk made it clear theres nothing romantic about his fondness for Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni after praising her beauty during a posh political gala in New York on Monday night. Musk gave Meloni a very warm introduction as she was honored by the Atlantic Council think tank with its Global Citizens Award earlier this week. In his remarks, he called the head of the right-wing populist party, Fratelli dItalia, someone who is even more beautiful on the inside than she is on the outside and authentic. That cant always be said about politicians, the tech billionaire said of the prime minister, who campaigned as a staunch defender of God, fatherland, and family. Meloni was equally affable at the event, praising Musks precious genius when she took the stage. When people on X, Musks social media site, started speculating about starry-eyed photos of the pair, Musk stepped in with a firm denial. Elon Musk presents Giorgia Meloni with an award during the Global Citizen Awards dinner in New York on Monday. The duo had very nice things to say about one another during the event. via Associated Press I was there with my Mom, he posted to X, formerly Twitter. There is no romantic relationship whatsoever with PM Meloni. Nevertheless, Meloni and Musk do appear to have forged a friendship. Last year, she invited him to her home in Rome to discuss declining birth rates in the West and the upsides of artificial intelligence. Musk was a guest speaker at a political festival organized by Fratelli dItalia last December. While Musk swiftly shut down the romance rumors, he has openly flirted with at least the politics of European far-right leaders. In one example earlier this week, the Tesla CEO posted approvingly about an interview of Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban vilifying immigrants. Do we give Brussels the right to decide who can stay in Hungary or do we reject it and defend our sovereignty? Orban asked in Hungarian, referring to the home of the European Parliament. The Hungarian people have made it clear: no way! In a reply, Musk simply wrote back, Yes. Related... General Hospital spoilers: could this one person return to Port Charles to make this whole John Cates chaos go away? When you buy through links on our articles, Future and its syndication partners may earn a commission. Credit: Disney/Christine Bartolucci We couldnt have predicted that when John Cates (Adam J. Harrington) rejoined the General Hospital canvas he would have ushered in so much drama. It turned out he was the reason Jason (Steve Burton) was away for two plus years, he almost sent Carly (Laura Wright) to prison for racketeering charges, he managed to get under Annas (Finola Hughes) skin, he weaponized Ava (Maura West) against Sonny (Maurice Benard) and he disgustingly arrested Kristina (Kate Mansi) for a crime she didnt commit, even as she was grieving the death of her baby. Lets just say that in his last few weeks alive in Port Charles, he racked up a lot of enemies. Then came the fateful night when Sonny shot John on the Quatermaine estate. Viewers saw Sonny kill him and Michael (Chad Duell) leap into action to cover his fathers tracks. However, as in life, John is causing a number of problems in death. For starters, Carly now has to run around town pretending that shes rekindling things with Sonny, and for now, that cant be further from the truth. However, since she provided him with an alibi the night of the murder, alluding to them having a night of passion, the exes have to play up a fake romance for appearance's sake. Maurice Benard and Laura Wright as Sonny and Carly in a cozy position in General Hospital Poor Alexis (Nancy Lee Grahn) has found herself to be the prime suspect in Johns murder. While a number of people in town believe Sonny is the guilty party, the evidence points to the lawyer, and Sonny and Michael are trying to figure out a way to free Alexis from police custody without shifting the murder investigation in Sonnys direction, or that of Kristinas. With Alexis in deep trouble, Kristina, Molly (Kristen Vaganos) and Sam (Kelly Monaco) are worried sick. The sisters are desperately trying to prove their mother is innocent. Sam even recently vowed to dive into the choppy waters where Alexis threw Sonnys unused gun, hoping the gun would prove Alexis didnt kill anyone. Now given the danger thats been played up about Sam going into the water, we tend to believe that may bring about Sams death with Monacos tenure with the show coming to an end. However, this last bit is more of a theory at the moment. Having said all of this, it just seems like the John Cates problem is spiraling out of control. Although we previously proposed that a fall guy be used to pin the murder on to keep the main players of Port Charles out of prison, were beginning to believe that theres a better solution here. John Cates needs to return. Adam J. Harrington as John Cates in the rain in General Hospital Yes, viewers saw Sonny kill him in cold blood. However, what if John didnt actually die? What if the FBI agent met with Sonny that night with the intention of provoking Sonny to shoot him so authorities would have a solid case against the kingpin that could land him in prison? In this hypothetical, John knew Sonny would shoot him, but was prepared to fake his death in an effort to see Sonny get charged with murder. You should remember that John was desperate to take down Sonny, so the idea isnt out of the realm of possibility. But with Alexis taking the fall, John could return to town and work in the shadows to get the police to redirect their attention back to Sonny. Is it possible that John could slip an audio clip to authorities of Sonny shooting him? We rewatched the scene of the murder, and we noticed John loudly proclaiming obvious things like hes a "federal agent" and hes on the "Quatermaine estate." It was as if he wanted someone or something (a phone or another recording device perhaps) to capture what was happening. We also couldnt help but notice how John was baiting Sonny. Take a look at the clip for yourself. Lets say our theory proves right here. If authorities anonymously receive an audio clip of events, they could shift their attention back to Sonny. However, Sonny, Jason and his team would likely go searching for who recorded the file. That could lead to Sonnys team tracking down a rogue John. If Jason finds John, we could picture the two men struggling until Jason kills John in self-defense. Jason could have his name cleared of wrongdoing in an investigation led by Anna. Additionally, the FBI, so distraught by the number of problems John caused them (including going rogue after Kristina and Sonny), the organization chooses to drop any charges against Sonny, fearful the audio wont be admissible in court anyway. If this were to happen, Alexis and Sonny go free, Carly and Brennan (Charles Mesure) could kick off a romance without her having to keep up appearances with Sonny and the residents of Port Charles could start to put the John Cates chaos behind them. New episodes of General Hospital air on weekdays on ABC. If you miss an episode, you can catch up on Hulu . Maryland Woman Accused of Urging 13-Year-Old Daughter to Lie After Shooting Her in Neck A 32-year-old woman accused of shooting her own daughter, then allegedly instructing her to lie about the circumstances of that shooting, remains in custody in Maryland . In an initial statement on Tuesday, the Seat Pleasant Police Department announced that the woman in question, Talecka Brown, had been charged with first-degree attempted murder in connection with a shooting that took place one day prior. Per police, officers arrived at the womans residence at around 4:50 p.m. local time, at which point they found an injured 13-year-old. The individual, Browns daughter, was suffering from a gunshot wound to the upper body. A report from NBC4 Washington gets more specific , stating that the teen had a gunshot wound to the neck. The teen is reported to be in critical but stable condition at a local hospital. Online court records from Prince Georges County District Court show that Brown has been charged with first-degree assault, second-degree assault, first-degree murder, and firearm use in a felony. Shes listed as currently being held without bond, with a preliminary scheduled for Oct. 25. It is always tragic when we have acts of violence within our community, but it is heart-wrenching when the perpetrator is supposed to be your protector, Cedric Heyward, Acting Chief of the Seat Pleasant Police Department, said in a news release. I am glad to hear that the victim is recovering at a local hospital, but the emotional trauma will remain for some time. Per a regional NBC report, the alleged victim in the shooting said she and her mother started fighting when she returned home after school that day. The argument is alleged to have eventually taken a physical direction, with the teen telling law enforcement that she heard gunfire while she was walking down the stairs, at which point she fell. Allegedly, Brown then instructed her 13-year-old daughter to lie by blaming the shooting on an intruder at the residence. Later, Brown is said to have placed the blame on an unidentified unhoused person. In the hours since Browns arrest, prosecutors have pointed to a call they say she made from jail, adding that there is concern about the mother having an influence on the alleged teen victim as the case continues. Complex has reached out to the Seat Pleasant Police Department and the Prince Georges County Police Department for further comment. This story may be updated. Related Georgia High School Shooting: 4 Confirmed Dead, Several Injured Gun Jams as Man Tries to Shoot Pastor During Livestream, Deceased Relative Found at Shooter's Home 10-Year-Old Texas Boy Confesses to Shooting and Killing Man in His RV KHARTOUM, Sept. 26 (Xinhua) -- The Karari locality of Omdurman city, north of the Sudanese capital Khartoum, has regained some vibrancy after a fierce battle in March that expelled the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) from the old neighborhoods, expanding the control of the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) to the south. Overcrowded markets and therapeutic activities such as masquerade parties and puppet theaters -- the routines of life -- have started to reemerge in the locality, which hosts more than 160 shelter centers packed with displaced Sudanese. However, the returnees have never felt rest assured amid the hustle-bustle, as they are still subjected to random artillery shelling from time to time. On Monday, at least 15 people were killed and 61 others injured in an artillery attack by the RSF on the crowded Sabreen civilian market in Karari. The death toll could be higher as the local rescue team was unable to reach some victims. "This is the reality now. We are trying to live with the situation, but we are afraid to give up and flee again," said Mahmoud Satti, a teacher who returned to Omdurman after a year-long displacement journey in central Sudan. "What happened in Sabreen market was very tragic. People here are dying because of random shelling," Satti told Xinhua. He urged government authorities to protect the returnees, address the security gap, and provide necessary services to Omdurman's residents. "There are no food shops amid a great shortage of goods, while prices for what is available are very high," said Saadan Omer, a citizen from Omdurman. Most people live on aid from their relatives abroad, and Takias -- sanctuaries for the impoverished and needy set up by Sudanese activists and volunteers -- remain as the primary source of food supply for Omdurman's residents, he said. "There is a significant spread of diseases amid a great shortage in medicines, while there are no nearby hospitals, and even those operational have been bombed and looted," said Saeed Al-Zubair, a 49-year-old man from Omdurman. Since the fighting between the SAF and RSF began in April last year, epidemic diseases have plagued the country, including Omdurman, leading to hundreds of deaths. The conflict has resulted in at least 20,000 deaths and displaced millions of people, according to a press release published Tuesday on the website of the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA). The United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) said last week that an estimated 3.4 million children under five are at high risk of the deadly epidemic diseases in the country. According to UNICEF, more than 70 percent of hospitals in conflict-affected areas are non-operational. On Wednesday, the OCHA warned that Sudan is now facing the world's most severe hunger crisis, with over half of its population, nearly 26 million people, suffering high levels of acute hunger. Famine has been confirmed in North Darfur State's Zamzam camp, with many other areas at risk, it said, adding that nearly 5 million children and pregnant and breastfeeding women have been acutely malnourished. Meanwhile, Doctors Without Borders, an aid group, said Tuesday that 30,000 children under two were screened for malnutrition in South Darfur State in August, and 32.5 percent of them were acutely malnourished. In response to the dire humanitarian situation, Omdurman's government authorities pledged to provide food for local residents and support community initiatives. "Both official and popular efforts are ongoing to restore electricity and water services, remove war remnants, reopen roads, clean neighborhoods, and launch initiatives to bring life back to markets and shops," Acting Minister of Social Development of Khartoum State Siddiq Hassan Freini told Xinhua. Person Realizes Miami to Bahamas Jet Ski Trip Only Takes 3 Hours, Miles Of Jokes and Hypotheticals Roll In People ride on a jet-ski ahead of the July 4th holiday weekend in Miami Beach, Miami, on July 3, 2020. - Florida and other so-called "Sun Belt" states have been forced to re-shut restaurants, bars and beaches as the nation braces for the July 4 weekend. People ride on a jet-ski ahead of the July 4th holiday weekend in Miami Beach, Miami, on July 3, 2020. - Florida and other so-called "Sun Belt" states have been forced to re-shut restaurants, bars and beaches as the nation braces for the July 4 weekend. You should always follow your dreams. For one X user, that means riding a jetski from Miami to the Bahamas for some reason. On Tuesday, X user Symone B. Beez tweeted that she learned that such a trip was even possible and made her feel disinterested in other readily available travel options. Once I found out you can ride a jet ski from Miami to Bimini, Bahamas in 3 hours I've been even more unimpressed with cruises lol, Beez wrote in a tweet that has since garnered 9.5 million views. As outrageous as it might sound for some people none the wiser, the 65 mile voyage to the small island has actually been done before, as documented by other YouTubers. Who is gonna come with me to vlog our jet ski trip from Miami to Bimini, Bahamas? We can recreate this I don't think 3 hours is that bad lol pic.twitter.com/vxMimEHjbX Symone B. Beez (@SymoneBeez) September 24, 2024 Who is gonna come with me to vlog our jet ski trip from Miami to Bimini, Bahamas? We can recreate this I don't think 3 hours is that bad lol, wrote Beez in a separate tweet. Needless to say, X users couldnt help but weigh in with their thoughts on the matter with everything raging from hilarious memes to genuine concern. GPS telling you to make a sharp left at the coral reef. Sharks tailgating ya bumper like a BMW. God bless. https://t.co/6NB5Av9ioa Hercules (@kNo_Mercy) September 24, 2024 yall half way into your 3 hour jet ski ride to the Bahamas from Miami: pic.twitter.com/wrBozzYKdP Kitty Parker (@heyjoydoe) September 24, 2024 how shorty look on that Jetski for 3 hours trynna get from Miami to the Bahamas pic.twitter.com/9JcpBndR0O Ky (@NotKweenKy) September 24, 2024 Who wants to be ona jet ski for three hours https://t.co/1sbi9txyDT Ms.Criminister (@Curryfidat) September 24, 2024 girl not even considering the massive amount of sharks ready to tear that ass up at the slightest feeling of hunger, and then also all of the potential storms that you might run into. the gas you gotta bring to keep that tank full, the massive waves and current Thats_Wilddd (@Thats_wildddd) September 24, 2024 That tweet about riding a jet ski from Miami to the Bahamas still cracking me up. No consideration of bad weather, or freak accidents, or not knowing how to navigate. The ocean dont scare yall enough for me nope (@PrinceHAK33M) September 24, 2024 Related Bodycam Footage Shows Instagram Model Allegedly on 'Pink Cocaine' Claiming She's 'From the Future' After Miami Crash Logan Paul Once Again Denies Pushing Dog Off Boat in Resurfaced Video: 'I Would Never' Woman Dead After Double-Decker Ferry Sinks in Bahamas Shailene Woodley Describes Herself as a 'Very Sexual Person,' Says Former Partner 'Helped Me Discover Myself' "I always call it a dance it's a dance, we're exchanging energy," Shailene Woodley said of sex Stefanie Keenan/Getty Shailene Woodley on June 9, 2024 Shailene Woodley often likens sex to dancing! While promoting her new Starz series, Three Women, and her charity, All It Takes, on the Tuesday, Sept. 24th episode of the SHE MD podcast, Woodley, 32, described herself as "a very sexual person" during a larger conversation revolving around women's health matters and societal expectations around sex with co-hosts Dr. Thais Aliabadi and Mary Alice Haney. "I always have been. I was very lucky in my life as a young person, discovering myself and my body, to have a partner at the time who loved to dance," she said. "I always call it a dance it's a dance, we're exchanging energy. Sometimes the dance is like a really fast tango, and sometimes the dance is a really slow groove, and sometimes it's loud and sometimes really soft." Related: Joseph Gordon-Levitt Is 'So Happy' His 'Good Friend' Shailene Woodley Agreed to Go to Greece for New Movie (Exclusive) Dave Kotinsky/Getty Images Shailene Woodley on Sept. 9, 2024 The actress recalled that she "had somebody that helped me discover myself because there was a sense of comfortability together" during a relationship in her adolescence, though she took care not to name the former partner in question. "I think that I probably did the same for him," she added. Woodley has largely kept her own love life private since she split from ex-fiance Aaron Rodgers in February 2022. Prior to that relationship, she was romantically linked to rugby player Ben Volavola, whom she reportedly met in Fiji while she was filming the movie Adrift. Woodley later revealed that she and Volavola had split in an April 2020 interview with the The New York Times. While speaking further about people's relationships with sex on the podcast, Woodley likened porn to "junk food." Related: Shailene Woodley Was 'All Smiles' While Out on a Date with a Mystery Man in N.Y.C. (Exclusive Source) Stefanie Keenan/Getty Shailene Woodley on March 5, 2024 "This is what we're being sold when all of these other things are possible with my body because I'm like a magic machine?" she said. "Pleasure is so important and we just rip each other off of it because I think we don't necessarily even know what's possible, and that's my big beef with porn. You're selling everybody McDonald's when you could have, like, woah much better quality!" 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. New episodes of Three Women debut Friday on Starz. Woodley also has a new movie, Killer Heat, now streaming on Prime Video. For more People news, make sure to sign up for our newsletter! Read the original article on People. Jeff Clark once said, It's a culmination of your life of surfing when you turn and paddle in at Mavericks. Thats also true of maxing Dungeons, South Africas premiere big wave. Those two venues are where Grant Twiggy Baker, Jojo Roper and Alo Slebir paddled into the tallest waves of the year. Its a daunting task to turn and go when waves like this come through the lineup, but thats just how these guys roll. Their efforts secured them into the 2024 SURFER Big Wave Challenge for the Mens Biggest Paddle award. Find out who the winner is at the BWC award ceremony in Nazare on October 19. For now, lets review the three nominees. This is a very Twiggy wave. By that, I mean that he looks so in control making a ludicrous drop at Dungeons, one of the heaviest, nastiest rights on the planet. Dont believe me? Take it from Twig himself: "It was big. About 25-foot plus, with 50 to 60-foot faces, so when I paddled out there, I knew there was an opportunity to catch a winning/world record wave out there in the 60-foot realm. And that's what I went out there to do," Twiggy said SURFER's correspondent in South Africa, Craig Jarvis. "As for heaviness, Dungeons at that size is as heavy as it gets. For me, Dungeons at that size is the scariest big wave in the world," continued Twig. "There's the shark factor, and Seal Island is something that you can smell offshore. The wave runs into deep water, and there's that deep water channel between the island and those inside waves that you get washed into. There's a lot going on when you're out there." Related: Navigating South Africas Scariest Big Wave, with Grant Twiggy Baker Jojo Roper dropped into this Mavericks bowl on about three hours of sleep. Heading from Fiji to Los Angeles to San Diego to San Francisco in less than 48 hours, Roper got out to the lineup at first light with his sparring partner Luca Padua. With the morning rays washing over the peak, the right looks a shade of green as Roper stroked in. The wave earned him a check for the biggest paddle wave at the 2024 Mavericks Awards. And with this BWC entry, there could be more cash on the way. Related: Watch Jojo Ropers Biggest Paddle Wave at Mavericks in 2024 While were on the subject of Mavericks, lest we forget Alo Slebir, the 23-year-old Santa Cruz surfer who has been not so silently killing it up north for the last few seasons. Hes one of the few capable of towing the place at its ugliest and getting the chip shot into a sucking cylinder. The latter is underscored here. Often described as the worlds biggest slab, Mavs throws Slebir a curveball midway through the drop. Check out how hard the wave spits as Slebir commits. A lump of whitewater lurches into his path, but he plows right through it. And that was just the start of his season. Related: This 23-Year-Old Is A 2X Performer of the Year at Mavericks A piece created by Mary Rose Nichols. She will be one of the featured artists at Mary Rose Collective in Perry during the Art Harvest Tour on Sept. 28-29. Art Harvest Tour 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. Sept. 28-29 along Des Moines River Valley. The Art Harvest Tour is a free studio tour of central Iowa artists held annually the last full weekend in September. Enjoy the beautiful fall weather and scenery as you visit the studios and galleries of the area's best artists. In addition to enjoying the studios, you'll see a much wider selection of the artists work, and great prices and specials too. A number of artists will be demoing their work as well. There will be around a dozen stops on the approximately 90-mile loop around the beautiful Des Moines River Valley. Several locations will be hosting multiple artists. Visit artontheprairie.org/art-harvest-tour for more information and a tour map. Cruise Into Bouton Car Show 11 a.m. - 4 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 28 at Bouton Park. Cruise Into Bouton Car Show is a free family-friendly fundraiser event to enjoy beautiful cars, trucks, motorcycles, semitrucks and tractors! Car show registration is $15 and motorcycles are welcome. Bring a lawn chair and enjoy the live music by Jake Schrodt. The local bar Drifters will be offering drinks and Crisis Intervention Advocacy Center will have food available. A live auction will be held to raise funds for local survivors of crime. Van Meter Visitor Festival 12-6 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 28 at 910 Main St., Van Meter. Come discover the legend of the Van Meter Visitor! This paranormal festival celebrates an unexplained event in Van Meter's history and brings many professionals from the paranormal field together for a fun and informative day. Join us for food, guest speakers, to stock up on paranormal merchandise and meet investigators and authors in this unique field. A limited number of VIP tickets are available for $20, which includes front row seating for speaker area, early entrance to vendor area at 11 a.m. and 1 walking tour ticket. General admission to the festival is $10 per person over 13 years, 12 and under free. Admission paid at the door on festival day. Vendors and guest speakers will be at the Veterans Reception Center from 12-6 p.m. Walking tours will be at 3 p.m. and 6:45 p.m. in downtown Van Meter. Please meet in front of the Van Meter Public Library, 505 Grant St., 15 minutes prior to tour time. Tours cost $3 per person over 13 years, 12 and under free. Find more information, including a list of speakers, on the Van Meter Visitor Festival Facebook page. Free-Will Dinner 5-7 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 28 at 1502 Walnut St., Dallas Center. Come join the Dallas Center Fire Department for a free-will donation dinner on Saturday, Sept. 28. Hamburgers, brats, hot dogs, chips and baked beans will be served. The 12th annual Dallas Center Homebrewers Fest will also be held from 5-9 p.m. at Memorial Hall, which helps support other local charities. DC Homebrewers Fest 5-9 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 28 at Dallas Center Memorial Hall. The 12th Annual DCHOMEBREWERS FEST will be held on Saturday, Sept. 28. You are invited to join them for an evening of fun for a great cause. DC Homebrewers & Smokers are hosting a benefit for Shop with a Cop, SAILDC and the DC Food Pantry. Once again, the DC Smokers will have tasty treats, and the DC Fire & Rescue will be grilling burgers, brats, and hotdogs. There will be a silent auction and drawings for great prizes. Admission is free but they ask that you consider a monetary donation to help families in need during the holidays. Donations can be in the form of cash, personal checks or Venmo. Hot Beef Sandwich Lunch 11:30 a.m. Sunday, Sept. 29 at Dexter Methodist Church. Join Dexter Methodist Church for a hot beef sandwich lunch on Sunday, Sept. 29. The menu will include beef sandwiches, potatoes, gravy along with green beans and a variety of crisps for dessert. All for a free-will offering. Eat in, carry out and curbside pickup options are available. Call 515-250-9012 for curbside pickup. The church service starts at 9 a.m. and all are welcome. Wall of Witnesses Induction Ceremony 5 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 2 at Soumas Court. Hometown Heritage invites the community to honor the new 2024 inductee to the Wall of Witnesses during a ceremony on Oct. 2. Through an open nomination process, this person was nominated and met the following criteria: had a tie with Perry, has had an impact on the area and has an interesting story. Hometown Heritage will unveil this addition to the Perry Wall of Witnesses during a ceremony at 5 p.m. on Wednesday, Oct. 2 in the Hotel Pattee ballroom and Soumas Court. Light refreshments will be served after the program. For more information, call Hometown Heritage at the Carnegie Library Museum: 515-465-7713. Paint-a-Pumpkin and Movie in the Park 5 p.m. Friday, Oct. 4 at Centennial Park, Waukee. Mark your calendars for Waukee Parks and Rec's annual Paint-a-Pumpkin event and one last Movie in the Park on Friday, Oct. 4. Follow these steps to have the perfect spooky fall evening: pre-order a pumpkin at Waukee.org/Registration by Sept. 30, join the parks and rec department from 5-6:30 p.m. at Centennial Park to pick out your pumpkin, paint it and enjoy some snacks. Stick around for a free showing of "Hocus Pocus" starting at dusk. Pork Loin Supper 5-7 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 5 at Washington Township School, corner of P58 and F31 south of Perry. The Washington Township School Annual Pork Loin Supper will be held on Saturday, Oct. 5. The menu includes pork loin, cheesy potatoes, fancy green beans, rolls, bars and drink. Carryout available. A free-will donation will be taken with all proceeds going toward maintenance and utilities. This former school turned community/history center is located at the corner of P58 and F31 south of Perry. Please join us! Bouton's Haunted Church 7-10 p.m. Oct. 4-5 at 109 South St., Bouton. Join the members of the Bouton Fire & Rescue on Friday and Saturday nights in October for its annual Haunted Church. Admission is $10 for adults and $5 for kids 12 and under. All of the proceeds will go to the department to help with the purchase of gear and the addition of a third bay. PerryDice Cruizers Car Show 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 5 on Second Street and Willis Avenue, Perry. Bring the entire family to downtown Perry on Saturday, Oct. 5 for the PerryDice Cruizers Car Show. All cars, trucks and motorcycles are welcome and there is no entry fee. Dash plaques will be available for the first 100 participants. A free-will donation will be taken with proceeds going to benefit Raccoon River Pet Rescue. For more information, contact Dean Berkland at 515-491-7228. Wauktoberfest 3-9 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 5 at Waukee Downtown Triangle. The Waukee Area Historical Society will host the 3rd Annual Wauktoberfest on Saturday, Oct. 5. Get ready to immerse yourself in an afternoon filled with the lively sounds of German music, the joy of traditional dancing and the thrill of festival competitions. Wauktoberfest is the society's annual nonprofit fundraiser, with all proceeds supporting its mission to educate, share experiences and provide free workshops to the community to better understand the roots of the Waukee area. Find more information on the Waukee Wauktoberfest Facebook page. Wreath Class 1:30 p.m. Friday, Oct. 11 at Woodward Public Library. A wreath class with Bouquets by Beth will be held on Friday, Oct. 11 at the Woodward Public Library. There will be a fee for supplies. Register at the Woodward Public Library, 515-438-2636. Seats are limited. Dallas County Coat Giveaway 9-11 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 12 at Adel First Christian Church, corner of Highway 169 and Rapids Street. The Dallas County Coat Giveaway will be held on Saturday, Oct. 12 at Adel First Christian Church. Over 300 new coats, and 100 gently used coats, in sizes infant through adult, will be available. In addition, the Clothes Closet will be open. The Coat Giveaway focuses on coats for residents of Dallas County and rural surrounding communities, though everyone is welcome. It is sponsored by the Adel Rotary, the Adel Women's Club, the Knights of Columbus from St. John's Church, and the Adel Christian Church. Everything is free! Fall Market 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 12 at McCreary Community Building, 1800 Pattee St., Perry. Join the Perry Farmers Market for the 2024 Fall Market pop-up at the Rec Center. Reconnect with summer vendors and new local vendors offering seasonal goodies and more. Contact the Perry Chamber for more information and to participate as a vendor: info@PerryIAChamber.org or (515)465-4601. To submit events to be included in the Around the County round-up, email news@adelnews.com or news@theperrychief.com. This article originally appeared on Dallas County News: Check out Art Harvest Tour, a car show in Dallas County this weekend Mary Wilds examines Storm Clouds over the Arbuckle, one of many quilts and textiles the Chickasaw artists plans to show at the Southeastern Art Show and Market (SEASAM) scheduled Oct 4-5 in Tishomingo, Oklahoma. (Photo/Chickasaw Nation Media) SULPHUR, Okla. Mary Wilds temporarily moved a 35-inch portable weaving loom to her living room after a tornado hit the ARTesian Art Gallery. Theres a much larger one tucked away in her garage. This is normal for an award-winning quilter, weaver and traditionalist who is preparing to welcome thousands of art lovers to the 2024 Southeastern Art Show and Market (SEASAM) Oct. 4-5 in Tishomingo. 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. SEASAM is one of the best art shows for me and the art I produce, she said. Thousands of Chickasaws will be attending the Chickasaw Annual Meeting and Festival. I have discovered the Chickasaw people are interested in purchasing art with meaning and a link to our Mississippi ancestors, said the Chickasaw citizen and artist. Wilds quilts, woven textiles, baskets and other sundries have been a mainstay at SEASAM since 2019 when she retired after more than 30 years of teaching and made her dream of returning to the Chickasaw Nation a reality. She worked mostly in Virginia and around the Washington, D.C., area instructing graduate school students how to assist students with disabilities. She is recognized for her unique quilts, a highly valued item with a centuries-old tradition with the Chickasaw people. I love making them. I usually decide on a theme, and it will speak to me. Im not sure I would call it spiritual, but a story develops that I attempt to follow throughout the manufacturing process, Wilds said. The amusing thing about it is I have won more awards for my woven fabrics than quilts, she said. Her grandmother taught her to quilt at an early age. Her mother and aunt were expert seamstresses and also passed on their expertise and knowledge. Her creations are a mixture of those lessons and exploration of Chickasaw heritage and culture. During removal from Mississippi, if an ancestor (died) before arriving in Oklahoma the family would lay a cherished family quilt on the grave. You see it today, too, as quilts that have been passed down for generations will be draped over the coffin. The emotions of possessing such an artifact and honoring the deceased is very much Chickasaw. Wilds believes her quilts are more contemporary than traditional. I dont use typical designs. My quilts are more contemporary because I dont use the old patterns you would normally see. I use designs based upon the stories the quilt tells me as I start a project. I do incorporate Chickasaw stories and history. For SEASAM competition, Wilds is preparing a quilt and a woven shawl. The quilt I am preparing is an amazing image of an eagle that is staring intently. It is basically his eyes and his front. It mesmerizes me. I choose different designs and fabrics to go with it, like mountains and trees along with various aspects of how they live in the wilderness. I have put those designs in the quilt. The shawl will be unique and colorful using a variety of yarns. I am attempting to decide what it will be, Wilds said. It might be a shawl or a tunic. While those two will be Wilds SEASAM competition items each artist can submit two items to be judged Wilds will bring a host of items available for purchase. Basketry, traditional Chickasaw ribbon skirts, quilted childrens books, tote bags and a little bit of everything will be available at her booth. SEASAM gets underway 9 a.m., Oct. 4, west of the Chickasaw Nation Historic Capitol Building. It resumes 11 a.m., Oct. 5. I have items that cost as little as $10 upward to $1,000. I want to make as much of my art available as possible and within a price range that can accommodate anyone, Wilds said. She spends approximately six hours per day working on her crafts. On Saturdays, she stomp dances at the Chickasaw Cultural Center and demonstrates basket weaving for those who venture to the world-class facility in Sulphur. As a member of the Chickasaw Nation Dance Troupe, Wilds is constantly introduced to quilting ideas inspired by Chickasaw history and culture. We do a four corners stomp dance, so that was the first quilt, Wilds said. And then I did the Chickasaw shakers, and they were six women with actual braids on the quilt, and they had the yolk and the ruffle and all the regalia. Created using what is called the applique technique, Wilds noted this quilt won several ribbons and spectators favor at quilt shows. Both were sold several years ago. I remember my grandfather taking me to visit my cousin Ken Lance at his rodeo in Stonewall, Oklahoma, when I was a child. I remember him also taking me to my first stomp dance, Wilds said. I told him, Someday I will dance, grandpa. Memories such as these are the reason Wilds returned to Oklahoma after a successful career in the eastern United States. The Chickasaw Nation continues to call to my heart, she said. So many Chickasaws have imparted their wisdom and techniques to me, particularly Margaret Wheeler, she said. Wheeler is a world-renowned textile expert and Chickasaw citizen. Margaret taught me how to weave. I also make use of modern technology not available to our ancestors who made quilts from old scraps of clothing, tea towels, suits and fabrics passed down through generations. I own 11 sewing machines. Each one does a specific job. One cant do all the jobs you want it to do so you must have many, she said. My mother made my clothes. My ancestors could not have believed you could go to Hobby Lobby or jump on the internet to choose thousands of bolts of colorful fabrics or that you could see all the amazing colors just bursting out at you. That is the beauty now. You are given so many options, and your creative flare is infinite. For more information concerning SEASAM, visit SEASAM.net. A complete list of events, locations and schedules for the Chickasaw Annual Meeting and Festival is available online at AnnualMeeting. Chickasaw.net. The event schedule is subject to change. What is a liquid BBL and why is the procedure dangerous? The perceived benefits of a liquid BBL may seem tempting, but experts are warning against the procedure. (Getty Images) Plastic and cosmetic surgeons are calling on the government to urgently ban dangerous non-surgical Brazilian Butt Lift (BBL) and breast augmentation procedures, after a woman died following complications from the procedure. Alice Webb, 33, died on Tuesday 24 September at Gloucestershire Royal Hospital after becoming unwell. It is believed that she underwent a non-surgical BBL, also known as a liquid BBL. According to Save Face, a national register of accredited non-surgical cosmetic practitioners, this was the "first case of a death caused by BBL in the UK". Gloucestershire Polices Major Crime Investigation Team is leading an ongoing investigation into Alices death. Save Face said it has supported 500 women who have suffered complications from the procedure, with director Ashton Collins telling the BBC that liquid BBLs are "a crisis waiting to happen". But what is a liquid BBL, and why is it so dangerous? What is a liquid BBL? A liquid BBL involves injecting a type of filler to enhance the shape and volume of the buttocks. (Getty Images) A liquid BBL is a non-surgical procedure that enhances the volume and shape of the buttock by injecting a cosmetic dermal filler called Sculptra or Lanluma (Poly-L-lactic acid). According to the London Medical and Aesthetic Clinic, the procedure aims to "give a natural lift and leaves no scarring". The filler used in liquid BBLs works by increasing the volume of depressed areas of skin. It is also used to reduce signs of cellulite and wrinkles. What are risks of liquid BBLs? Clinics that offer liquid BBL procedures claim that the benefits range from patients getting a fuller, shapelier buttock without the need for surgery or hospitalisation, to virtually no recovery time. It is also claimed that patients can achieve up to 60% size and definition increase in their buttocks, and that results can be seen immediately. These claims make the non-surgical procedure highly popular among people seeking to enhance their buttocks without having to undergo surgery. However, Save Face pointed to a study that revealed 99% of medical professionals do not perform non-surgical BBLs as they are deemed to be too dangerous. The organisation says laypeople, hairdressers and beauticians with no healthcare experience are offering the treatment, despite not being able to manage potential complications. (Statista) The organisation says that the treatments are being advertised on social media as "risk-free, cheaper alternatives to their surgical counterparts", but warned this "could not be further from the truth". Last year, a company was banned from carrying out the procedure by Wolverhampton City Council after it found risks associated with the treatment, including blood clots and sepsis. According to Save Face, 153 patient-reported complaints were submitted between December 2023 to March 2024. The complication with the highest number of reports was infection (68%), followed by sepsis (53%), filler migration (39%), and the development of abscesses (32%). Other complications that were reported include necrosis (the death of body tissue, reported by 1% of patients), cellulitis (4%), and nodules (11%). Save Face added that it has received complaints from patients suffering from life-threatening complications that have left them "permanently disfigured and in excruciating pain". Collins said in a statement: "We need an urgent ban on these treatments to prevent people from being able to inflict the types of life-threatening complications that these treatments can cause. "Without it, these practitioners will continue to take risks with peoples lives. No practitioner should be offering a treatment that they have to rely on the NHS to manage potential complications." Watch: Women speak out about adverse reactions to liquid BBLs Read more about cosmetic procedures: An Oklahoman woman began to confront and process grief stemming from the experiences of her past and now she's looking forward to using newfound coping skills once she's released from prison. The inmate's story is one of many that made its way back to Calm Waters, a nonprofit that offers grief support for children and adults who have experienced loss through death, divorce and other significant loss and trauma. In April, the Oklahoma City-based organization expanded to Mabel Bassett Correctional Center in McLoud, where the grief support program is so popular that there is a waiting list for the 10-week sessions. Bailey Maxey, Calm Water's program director, and Abby Dimond, the nonprofit's director of development and communication, said the program for inmates initially began in the Oklahoma County jail. Maxey said the idea to extend programming to Mabel Bassett was the result of the success of the program at the jail. Dimond said the program has been offered at the jail since December 2022 and it was initially funded by a United Way Wayfinder Innovation Grant. She said the Arnall Family Foundation has provided funding for the program at the detention center this year. Dimond said Calm Waters is grateful to the Kimmell Foundation, led by Amy Mason, for providing monies for the program's expansion into Mabel Bassett. More: His life was transformed through faith and education. Now he aims to give back to others Maxey said an important part of the expanded services is Calm Waters' partnership with the nonprofit TEEM. The two organizations work together for the programs at the jail and Mabel Bassett. Through TEEM, the programs for the incarcerated are led by people who have previously been incarcerated. Maxey said Calm Waters collects pre- and post-survey data from women enrolled in the Mabel Bassett program and that's how they are learning how the sessions are working for the inmates. She said Calm Waters' program curriculum is created in house so the feedback from the inmates is important, plus it provides important information for donors. "There is no like standard on collecting data in this population, which is wild, but I just think that speaks to how underserved it is," Maxey said. Coping with a 'great deal of loss' Like Calm Waters' leaders, Kay Thompson, public relations chief for the Department of Corrections, said the grief support program at the women's correctional facility has been popular. "The incarcerated population, and especially female offenders, have often experienced a great deal of loss in their lives," Thompson said. "Programs like Calm Waters that help them process that loss and support them through the grief process can have a tremendous, positive impact. Dealing with these issues can also open the door to rehabilitation and positive life change in other areas, ultimately reducing recidivism." Start your day smart: Sign up for The Oklahoman's Daily Briefing newsletter Thompson said the corrections department is grateful for all volunteers, like those who lead the Calm Waters program, because the prison system couldn't such programs without them. "The class feedback is very positive, with many women indicating that completing the course helped them tremendously," Thompson said. To learn more For more information about Calm Waters, go to https://www.calmwaters.org/. This article originally appeared on Oklahoman: Oklahoma women's prison inmates connect through grief support Getty Images; iStock; Natalie Ammari/BI Sherry Howard was eating at an Italian restaurant in Ohio last year when her 28-year-old daughter called asking for some food from the restaurant. Howard was stunned not at the request but at the fact that her daughter knew where she was. It turned out she was being tracked and had been for two years. Ever since Howard went on a solo trip to the Caribbean and her children activated Find My People on her phone, without her knowledge, they had been able to keep tabs on her location. "It was laughable, but I was shocked," Howard, 53, told me. "To be honest, I didn't know how I felt about it." It's a reversal from when Howard's children were young before the age of smartphones and she was the one keeping close tabs on them. "If 15 minutes went by and they weren't at home, then that's when the panic mode set in," she said. "Then I'm peeking out the window looking for them or I'm calling their friends." She added: "They knew, 'Mom's going to freak out if I come home a little late.'" Her kids were rarely late. Still, she was taken aback by being tracked unknowingly, so she took to TikTok to jokingly express her grievances. "This message is for all the grown kids out there," she said in the video. "Stop stalking your parents!" Her post racked up millions of views and comments claiming to be from adult children who keep tabs on their parents' whereabouts poured in. While parents have used location-tracking apps to keep an eye on their kids since the tech was invented, millennials and Gen Zers are now turning the all-seeing eye onto their parents. Among some families, tracking one another with apps like Apple's Find My and Life360 has become the norm. They see it as a fun way to stay connected and keep aging relatives safe. But when relationships turn awry or people start tracking others in secret, location sharing can easily turn into an invasion of privacy that family members come to resent. These days, monitoring goes both ways. The kids who grew up with extra watchful parents are now carefully eyeing their parents' every move. The trackers have become the tracked. Most of the people I spoke with felt that tracking their family members afforded some relief about their safety. A 2022 poll by The Harris Poll and The New York Times found that one in six respondents reported always having location sharing turned on, and 37% of those who said they used location-sharing apps (like Find My) said doing so made them feel safer. Just last year, Life360, one of the most prominent tracking apps, reported 50 million monthly active users, with downloads in the US doubling since 2021 as it gained popularity among Gen Zers. And increasingly, safety concerns are extending up a generation kids are now concerned about their parents rather than just the other way around. Growing up in West Virginia, Kacy Shafer had "pretty protective" parents, she said. She was an only child and her dad served in the military, so it was mostly her mother who laid down the rules. "I wasn't allowed to just go have playdates wherever I wanted she had to call the parents, make sure they would be there," Shafer, who is 29, said. While phones lacked tracking technology when Shafer was younger, her parents set hard limits on which hours she could use her first cellphone and whom she could contact. The roles are kind of reversed now in a way that I am kind of the parent. Now as an adult, Shafer tracks her mom's phone. "It's kind of funny how the tables have turned," she said. As her 61-year-old mom has gotten older, checking where she is at least once a day offers some "peace of mind," Shafer says. Her mother doesn't mind the tracking. In fact, they check in on each other and joke about it a lot. "Sometimes, I just check to see where she's at, and I'm like: 'Hey, are you at the store? Can you grab me this?'" Shafer said. Stephiney Foley, 37, also had strict parents. Her family immigrated to New York from Shanghai when she was 8. She described her mom and dad's parenting style as "very typical of overbearing parents, especially immigrant parents." Tracking technology wasn't around when Foley was a teen, but her parents still kept a close eye. "My mom is constantly on my back looking over my shoulders doing things, even when I was in high school," Foley told me. Like Shafer, Foley now tracks her parents, who are in their 60s and 70s. It's typically a safety precaution when they travel. One time her mother got lost driving her RV in the Great Smoky Mountains in Tennessee and Foley was able to help her navigate out of the park. "The roles are kind of reversed now in a way that I am kind of the parent," she said. Tracking allows Foley, who lives in Seattle, to feel more connected to her Florida-based parents and feel empowered to help in emergencies. Kelley Roebuck, a 46-year-old living in Illinois, installed a tracking app on her son's phone when he was in junior high school to know his whereabouts after he lost his phone twice. At first, it was just a way to keep track of his phone, but it's since morphed into a more central part of their lives. Her son, now 20, tracks her back. "One day, I didn't come straight home and he called me, 'Mom, what are you doing at Cousin Erica's house?'" Roebuck told me. She described her son, who is also her only child, as "very protective of his friends and family." When she used to go out of town often, he would check in when he didn't see her at the hotel or her friend's house. Roebuck and her son now track each other "evenly." When he is out late, she wants to make sure he's in a safe place. Even her son's best friend, whom Roebuck considers her "bonus son," wanted to share locations with her, so he was added to their Life360 plan in high school. Years later, her son's friend called Roebuck when she was out late to check in on her. When she asked how he knew where she was, he reminded her he had the tracker. "I was like, 'Oh, I forget y'all still had it," Roebuck said. Not all adult children had neutral views on being tracked by their parents when they were younger. Gabrielle Lask, a 25-year-old only child, has been tracked by her mother since she got an iPhone at age 13. Though she said her mom was acting out of love and concern, she also described being tracked as "incredibly annoying and, at times, a total invasion of privacy." "I was a very good kid, very trustworthy," Lask told me. "She just has really bad anxiety." Lask described her mom as very overprotective; she would often text her about her whereabouts and what she was doing even though she was also tracking her location. Now that she is older and living independently, Lask has started to push back. "You're not using this as a safety mechanism anymore," she recalled telling her mom a few years ago when she was really upset. "You're using it as an invasion of privacy." Lask temporarily blocked her mom from seeing her location, which she said made her mom "freak out." "I basically said, 'I will put you back, but this cannot continue,'" Lask said. "'You have to use it as what it's meant to be used for.'" The excessive concern didn't get passed down to Lask. She doesn't track her mom's location and she doesn't have much interest in knowing it. "She doesn't go out much, and if she does, trust and believe, she is texting and calling me nonstop," she said. "I don't worry about her because she worries about me." Dr. Kanchi Wijesekera, a clinical psychologist in California, said helicopter parenting through methods like intensive tracking makes kids feel "suffocating and that parents do not trust them." She said it could ultimately add strain to the relationship as kids grow older and start setting boundaries. If kids and parents don't feel listened to, it can drive a wedge between them. If they have a really close bond, it's easier to see those behaviors from a well-intentioned place. Sometimes, though, those conversations can be transformative in a positive way. When Julianne Goldfinger was 15, her mom ordered paper copies of her texts from their cell provider. Her mom had been worried about how little she knew about Goldfinger's life now that she silently texted her friends but it still felt like an invasion of privacy. "I was old enough when she did that to kind of push back at her and say, 'You really broke my trust here,'" Goldfinger, now 35, told me. "That was a turning point my mom realizing that I was growing up and needed some space." Goldfinger and her parents now track each other's locations when they respectively travel, which doesn't bother her since she's been able to have open conversations with her mom. "I've really come to find my mom to be more of my friend," Goldfinger said. Increasingly, parents and their adult kids are staying in closer contact than generations past. One Pew Research study published in January found that over 70% of respondents with children ages 18 to 34 reported speaking with their kids at least a few times a week on the phone. And more parents are tracking their kids in college to help quell their anxiety about the separation. It's a big shift from the weekly or monthly check-in phone calls that ruled parent-child relationships in the past. But many families like the extra interaction. For more people, location sharing is simply a way to stay connected. After Howard got over the initial shock of being tracked without her consent, she started to understand the appeal of the tech and began following her children's locations, too. "My one daughter, she went out of town just a couple of weeks ago, and I'm watching her come down I-75, and I'm thinking in my mind, 'She's driving awfully fast,'" Howard said. She added that the mutual tracking gives her peace of mind that her kids aren't in danger. Wijesekera said that attitudes around tracking are shaped by trust and communication. "If they have a really close bond, it's easier to see those behaviors from a well-intentioned place versus a sign of their lack of trust and wanting to hover and force their decisions on us." Kids who grew up being accountable for their whereabouts don't necessarily look back on the memory negatively, so long as they feel their parents trusted them. That's certainly true for Joy Loverde. The 72-year-old shares and tracks locations with both her 49-year-old daughter and her two adult grandchildren. "We jumped on it early on," Loverde, who lives in Illinois, told me. "It was just a matter of wanting to remain even closer." Loverde raised her only daughter on her own, and they've stayed very close now Loverde, her daughter, and her daughter's daughter all track one another. They do it partly to check in, and partly just to know more about one another's lives. "We laugh we think it's really funny," Loverde said. "We're poking in and out all the time." For families like theirs, it's simply a new kind of love language. Julia Pugachevsky is a senior health reporter at Business Insider. Read the original article on Business Insider The Duke of Sussex spoke from the heart about the new way of thinking during his New York City trip Riccardo Savi/Getty Prince Harry speaks onstage at the 2024 Concordia Annual Summit in New York City on Sept. 23, 2024. Prince Harry is using a new phrase to usher in a fresh perspective on mental health. The Duke of Sussex, 40, underscored the importance of mental health while speaking at the United Nations during his solo visit to New York City. Prince Harry joined Queen Masenate Mohato Seeiso of Lesotho on Sept. 24 for an event organized during the U.N. General Assembly High-level Week, where he advocated for "mental fitness" in his remarks during the intimate presentation. "Much of the work I undertake comes under the umbrella of mental health and our collective well-being. And the rising rate of suicide among young people in Lesotho, and around the world, weighs heavily on my heart, as I'm sure it does on yours too," Prince Harry said in part. "Good mental health, mental fitness, is not a luxury it is a necessity for every single one of us. More so, perhaps, for our decision makers and those sitting in positions of power and influence," he said. "Addressing this issue requires not only global action, but also the courage to break the stigma, to talk openly about our mental health without fear of judgment." Prince Harry said the beautiful mountain kingdom of Lesotho feels like a home away from home, recalling how he and Prince Seeiso founded their charity, Sentebale, in honor of our mothers, and symbolizes our pledge to always advocate for the most vulnerable among us. pic.twitter.com/m7UYRW2YzE Janine Henni (@JP_Henni) September 24, 2024 Related: Prince Harry Celebrates Relationship with Beloved African Country That Began 20 Years Ago: 'Home Away from Home' Prince Harry's sussex.com bio describes him as a "mental health advocate," and he brings that focus to his charity Sentebale, which he co-founded with Prince Seeiso of Lesotho (who is Queen Masenate's brother-in-law) in 2006 to help children and young people in Lesotho and Botswana. The organization works to support youth living with HIV/AIDS who are navigating mental health challenges, connecting back to what Harry said at the U.N. The phrase "mental fitness" was first attributed to King Charles' son during the first event of his New York City trip on Sept. 23. On Monday, Harry appeared on the panel "The Global Mental Health Crisis Among Young People: A Conversation with Prince Harry, The Duke of Sussex and Dr Tessy Ojo CBE, CEO of the Diana Award" at the 2024 Concordia Annual Summit, where Ojo said that Prince Harry suggested that society should reframe "mental health" as "mental fitness." "He actually said to me, as we came in, that actually, 'We should no longer talk about mental health, we should talk about mental fitness,' " Ojo said in her opening remarks. "His dedication to this cause strengthens our mission." Selcuk Acar/Anadolu via Getty Prince Harry and Dr. Tessy Ojo CBE on stage at the 2024 Concordia Annual Summit in New York City on Sept. 23, 2024. Related: Princess Diana Went Where the Pain Was, Says The Diana Award CEO and Now Her Sons Are Doing the Same (Exclusive) Prince Harry and his brother Prince William both support The Diana Award, the only charity established in memory of their late mother, Princess Diana, and firmly rooted in her belief that young people have the power to change the world. The late Princess of Wales' sons each appeared (Harry virtually, and William in person) at a London event celebrating the Diana Award's 25th anniversary in March, where they connected with the 20 Legacy Award winners from around the world. Jamaica's Christina Williams, 27, and Indonesia's Chiara Riyanti Hutapea Zhang, 18, were among that cohort, and spoke alongside Prince Harry and Ojo on stage at the Concordia Summit. Speaking to PEOPLE after the panel discussion concluded, Williams said that it was a pleasure to meet Prince Harry, and further referenced the idea of "mental fitness." I know that my mum would be incredibly proud of you guys. Not just you, but all of the award winnersYour activism, your compassion, those two things are so true to how my mum led her live, and what she believed in, and the way you do it is incredible. So thank you, Duke says pic.twitter.com/90OFkSEc75 Janine Henni (@JP_Henni) September 23, 2024 Can't get enough of PEOPLE's Royals coverage? Sign up for our free Royals newsletter to get the latest updates on Kate Middleton, Meghan Markle and more! "I think he was very encouraging of us, saying that we're going to go out there, we're going to do a great job. He also spoke about the things that he was very passionate about, like the climate, trying to destigmatize mental health, bringing it down to a level of everybody's business," Williams told PEOPLE about what it was like to spend time with Prince Harry. "It's about mental health, but also about mental fitness and mental wellbeing. So I think that was really good to warm us up for the stage and just put us in a place where we just spoke from the heart," she said. Sipa via AP Images (From left) Chiara Riyanti Hutapea Zhang, Christina Williams, Prince Harry and Dr. Tessy Ojo CBE at the 2024 Concordia Annual Summit in New York City on Sept. 23, 2024. The Duke of Sussex packed a busy schedule into his working trip to New York City, which was previously announced in August. His spokesperson said that he would visit New York "to advance a number of his patronages and philanthropic initiatives," as well as his work with the Archewell Foundation, which runs with his wife Meghan Markle, during High-level Week and Climate Week in September. Prince Harry did just that, with outings around The Diana Award, The HALO Trust, African Parks and more. If you or someone you know needs mental health help, text "STRENGTH" to the Crisis Text Line at 741-741 to be connected to a certified crisis counselor. For more People news, make sure to sign up for our newsletter! Read the original article on People. Rock art in southern Africa might depict long-extinct animals that walked the Earth 260 million years ago. A new paper argues that we should consider these images a form of Indigenous paleontology. The horned serpent The paintings of La Belle France in the Free State Province of South Africa show a long, thin, tusked animal. Called the horned serpent, researcher Julien Benoit argues that it is not an image of a fictional creature. Instead, he thinks the 200-year-old drawing illustrates a long-extinct animal that existed 260 million years ago. Benoit also thinks that the horned serpent is a misleading name. The painting features four stubby legs on the tusked animal. Benoit suggests it might be a painting of a dicynodont (an extinct branch of herbivores that typically bore tusks). Speaking to the New York Times, Benoit says he first thought the picture might depict a dicynodont when he saw the similarities between rock art and drawings in a book from the 1930s. He then went to South Africa to see the paintings. Seeing the artwork in person, combined with multiple dicynodont fossils nearby, convinced him his theory was correct. We know that dicynodonts roamed the area millions of years ago, and there are countless fossils of these mammal ancestors across the Karoo Basin. Image: Julien Benoit A geomyth But dicynodonts went extinct long before the indigenous San created the rock paintings, and they depict an animal that Western archaeologists had not yet discovered. Benoit says they are an example of a geomyth. A geomyth involves stories or descriptions of fossils passed from generation to generation, eventually resulting in paintings on the walls of La Belle France. This work supports that the first inhabitants of southern Africadiscovered fossils, interpreted them, and integrated them in their rock art and belief system, Benoit says. For years, Benoit and other researchers have argued that the Indigenous people were well aware of fossils and geological events. There is evidence that they transported fossils over long distances. The San in southern Africa collected fossils, [for example] the Bolahla rock shelter, in which they carried a dinosaur phalanx. This may bethe first time a dinosaur bone was ever discovered, Benoit told IFL Science. His paper adds more weight to the theory that they were well aware of prehistoric animals. Hard to prove San indigenous tales tell of creatures that are bigger than hippos and elephants. This may be what they were talking about. There is not a single animal in Africa that has downturned tusks, but the paintings and dicynodonts do. The rock art also shows dots on the skin of the horned serpent, something that is consistent with the warty mummified skin preserved in some dicynodont fossils in the area. Benoit knows that people will question his study. They will argue that there is no evidence that the San interpreted fossils to create the painting and that it shows a mythical creature. Even if that is the case, Benoit thinks the two could be linked, believing that most myths stem from actual animals. Even if one considers that the horned serpent panel has a purely spiritual meaning, it does not invalidate the hypothesis that the San may have imagined the tusked animal based on a dicynodont fossil, he commented. The post Rock Art Shows 260-Million-Year-Old Extinct Animal appeared first on Explorersweb. WELLINGTON, Sept. 26 (Xinhua) -- New Zealand's concentrations of air pollutants decreased at many air quality monitoring sites between 2016 and 2023, according to the statistics department Stats NZ on Thursday. PM10 trends decreased at 30 out of 41 local government monitoring sites, while trends for PM2.5 decreased at 12 out of 16 sites, Stats NZ said, adding PM10 and PM2.5 are particles that can be suspended in the air and are less than 10 micrometers and 2.5 micrometers in diameter, respectively. PM10 and PM2.5 are primarily formed by residential wood burning, dust from unsealed roads, and industrial and construction activities. Nitrogen dioxide (NO2) trends decreased at 99 out of 114 New Zealand Transport Agency monitoring sites between 2014 and 2023, it said, adding NO2 is a gas primarily formed through burning fossil fuels. "PM10 can be breathed into lungs and PM2.5 is small enough to enter the bloodstream," Stats NZ environment and agricultural statistics senior manager Stuart Jones said. Concentrations of particles, gas, and liquid in air can be harmful to human health and contribute to health issues such as cardiovascular and respiratory health problems and increased mortality, Jones said. The fever for records and competition between commercial expeditions on 8,000ers are often criticized, but high-difficulty challenges on virgin faces are also subject to fierce (though often more subtle) competition. U.S. climbers Sam Hennessey and Michael Gardner are currently attempting a route on the north face of the formidable Jannu East. Its their third attempt. Before departure, they confirmed the goal but did not share details of the route they had in mind. A few days after the Americans left for the Kangchenjunga region, French star Benjamin Vedrines revealed he was climbing the same face of the same mountain, together with regular mates Leo Billon and Nicolas Jean. Yesterday, Nepals Department of Tourism updated its Royalty Report. The report lists the number of teams on each peak. There was at least one major surprise: there is a third team with a permit for Jannu. However, it is not specified if this team will aim for the Eastern or the Main (7,710m) summit point, or from which side they will climb. List of climbing permits issued by the Department of Tourism of Nepal on September 24, 2024 Quiet Holecek Marek Holecek of the Czech Republic is back in Nepal, with another virgin face in mind. On Sept. 24, Im flying to Nepal to a beautiful mountain with an intact wall, he told ExplorersWeb. I saw her for the first time in 2004 and since then she has been coming back to me in my dreams. So this fall Im ending my courtship and going for it. That is all the Czech climber, also busy writing his fifth book, was ready to share. His target peak and the number of members in his team may appear on the next list from Nepals Department of Tourism. Bitter controversy The Jannu issue brings back memories of a bitter controversy that followed the first ascent of Tengkampoches northeastern pillar by British climbers Tom Livingstone and Matt Glenn. In the fall of 2021, the Brits climbed the same route attempted by Quentin Roberts and Jesse Huey of the U.S. in the spring. They did not mind that Roberts and Huey had publicly announced that they would return for another try the following year. Livingstone even admitted he ate power bars left by the American team among some gear cached on the wall. After a bitter exchange of messages and a heated debate in the climbing community spinning around freedom and ethics, Roberts chose to drop the subject. But climbers around the world took note. These days, climbers rarely share much information about their climbing plans before an expedition finishes, and only if they succeed. We only know of some of the most interesting climbs this year because the climbers were supported by projects like cutting-edge grants (this is the case for Hennessey on Jannu East). Even then, we only get the names of the climbers and their targetted peak. Guessing game The weekly climbing permits update from Nepals Department of Tourism provides some interesting tidbits. The latest update shows the large number of Manaslu teams, the Russian expeditions on Dhaulagiri and the south side of Cho Oyu, and, interestingly, one permit granted to two lonely climbers aiming for Makalu. Dhaulagiri this week has only one team on the mountain. Photo: Russian Dhaulagiri Expedition On lower, but often highly difficult peaks, there are several listed that are often offered for guided expeditions. These include Putha Hiunchuli (Dhaulagiri VII) and Thorong Peak in the Annapurna circuit. There is a three-member team going to Ama Dablam which could be the first of many expeditions that will line up on the normal route in the next few weeks. But who knows? Perhaps it is something more exciting. Another potentially interesting permit refers to a three-person team, two of them women, who will try Araniko Chuli. This is a 6,039m peak whose value is not so much the technical difficulty as its location near Dolpo, on the border with Tibet. It was first climbed in 2001 by Tamotsu Ohnishi from Japan and Nepalese Sherpas Ang Purba and his wife Pasang Diki. A six-member team will attempt Mount Api, the highest peak in the northwestern corner of Nepal. The rarely visited peak is 7,132m but has a remarkable prominence of 2,040m. Its south face is 3,300m long! After two failed attempts, with one ending in tragedy when two members died, the peak was first summited in 1960 by a Japanese team from the Doshisha Alpine Society. The southwest face was climbed by an all-star Slovenian team in 1996. The Himalayan Index lists two more ascents of the peak, in 1978 and 2001. Pungi. Photo: Kisuke Goto/Japanese Alpine Club Rarely visited peaks Pungi (6,524m) is also on the list. It was attempted by Kisuke Goto and a team from Japans Himalayan Camp in 2022. Their summit push was aborted some 400m below the summit when some team members fell ill. Upon retreating, the Japanese said they would return to try again. Nepal has granted a permit to a five-member team for the unclimbed mountain. Also interesting is Nilgiri North, the highest peak of the Nilgiri Himal, in the Annapurna region. It is an impressive peak. Its first ascent was completed in 1962 by legendary climber Lionel Terray of France. Terray was one of the first climbers of Annapurna. Terray summited Nilgiri North guiding a Dutch team. Nilgiri North. Photo: Wikipedia Finally, there is a permit for Chandi Himal, in the far west of Nepal. The USs Matt Powell described his climb on this mountain last year, highlighting the isolation, and the feeling of adventure. You can read that story here. The post Secret Alpine Style Teams in Nepal; Holecek Returns appeared first on Explorersweb. Why is Utah so obsessed with dirty sodas? It may be traced back to LDS health guidelines SALT LAKE CITY (ABC4) If youre new to Utah (or visiting), you might notice shops like Swig, Thirst, Fiiz, Quench It, and Sodalicious. Why does it feel like these shops outnumber shops like Starbucks or Beans and Brews? What are these shops anyway? Swig, Fiiz, Quench It, and Sodalicious all sell whats known as dirty soda, a craze that started around 2010, according to Utah Tourism. Utah is home to dirty soda but the original shop is still up for debate. The beverage is made by starting with a base of a regular soda (think of all your favorite brands) and adding flavored syrups, juices, or fruit purees. Another way to think of it is homemade soda flavors. Why are there so many soda shops? Due to the stance of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (also known as the LDS Church) on hot drinks and strong drinks, members are called to abstain from these beverages. These types of drinks include coffee, tea, and alcohol, and members are discouraged from drinking them under the Churchs doctrine called the Word of Wisdom. Utah has one of the largest LDS populations in the U.S., with members making up roughly 42% of the states population according to a 2023 study. Utah, California, Idaho, and Arizona are the top four states in LDS Church population according to the Churchs website, which is where many of these soda shops are located. Contrary to the popular belief that members of the LDS church were not allowed to have caffeine, the Word of Wisdom never mentions caffeine. The Church offered additional clarification on the Word of Wisdom in a 2012 article from the Church Newsroom. What is the leadership structure of the LDS Church? The Church revelation spelling out health practices (D&C 89) does not mention the use of caffeine. The Churchs health guidelines prohibit alcoholic drinks, smoking or chewing of tobacco, and hot drinks taught by Church leaders to refer specifically to tea and coffee, the article said. Now, the teaching was clear, members of the LDS Church can have caffeine. The craze of dirty soda has even seeped outside of the I-15 corridor, with dirty soda shops popping up in Oklahoma, Texas, and several other states. What is the Word of Wisdom? According to one of the Churchs books of scripture (called the Doctrine and Covenants) the founder of the Latter-day Saint movement, Joseph Smith, was in Kirtland, Ohio, in 1833 when he received what members say to be a revelation from God. In Section 89 of D&C, the use of wine, strong drinks (also known as alcoholic beverages), tobacco, and hot drinks (tea and coffee) became restricted by God. Also within section 89, the use of herbs, meats, fruits, and grains is ordained of use for all of Gods children. This health code for members of the Church became known as the Word of Wisdom. The name was drawn from the first words of the first verse. Pop culture picks up dirty soda While the popularity of dirty soda soared in Utah, the dirty soda craze stayed relatively quiet nationwide until December 2021 when Olivia Rodrigo posted an Instagram photo holding a dirty soda from a local Utah shop, Swig. Rodrigo was one of the leads of High School Musical: The Musical: The Series, a redux of the High School Musical movie series. The #dirtysoda hashtag got millions of views on TikTok and other social media platforms and Utahs secret was out. A short time later, Swig expanded to several states. Now, Swig has several hundred stores nationwide, including stores to be built in Kentucky, Florida, Georgia, and Indiana. Fiiz has also enjoyed a nice rise to dirty soda stardom as they have gone nationwide with stores in Texas, Mississippi, Arkansas, Ohio, and North Carolina. In recent years, Coffee Mate joined the dirty soda craze by releasing a dirty soda coconut lime flavored creamer. More recently, Allrecipes called dirty soda the it drink of The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. Woman Doesn't Know How to Pronounce Her Rare Last Name Shared by Only 20 Known Relatives (Exclusive) Katie Garapic made a TikTok looking for advice about how to accurately say her Croatian surname Katie Garapic Katie Garapic; family photo of Katie Garapic's great-grandfather and grandfather Katie Garapic realized she may be mispronouncing her Croatian last name while watching the Olympics. Athletes from the neighboring Serbia spelled their names "-ic," which implies a "-ch" sound at the end Since few people share the name, Garapic took to TikTok to see if anyone could offer some expertise about the Croatian language, though the pronunciation of her surname largely remains a mystery She tells PEOPLE she has no plans to change her name, despite the confusion. Garapic and her new wife plan to continue her European family legacy by hyphenating their last names when they're married Katie Garapic is having an identity crisis that spans generations and continents: she isn't sure how to actually pronounce her last name. Garapic, 27, took to TikTok to share how the dilemma occurred to her while she was watching the Olympics, though she tells PEOPLE her family has discussed the pronunciation since she was a child. She saw that many of the athletes from Serbia which neighbors her family's country of origi@sarkodie you're quite oooo man the nation is full of surprises no nyinaa? pic.twitter.com/ZDMCi8WejS
MAYEBI (@Mayebi688707) September 26, 2024